October 2011 Chemo group

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  • perts1
    perts1 Member Posts: 62
    edited March 2012

    Fredntan - I know you're in VA but has your BIL tried the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL?  It's a great facility and they draw donors from a very wide area - which increases the opportunities for a new liver.  I went with friends there 6 years ago when he got a liver transplant.  He received a liver really quickly.

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  • Carla9112
    Carla9112 Member Posts: 162
    edited March 2012

    Hi everyone - just stopping by to say hello.  It is great to see that you guys are doing great.  I started radiation this week and it's a breeze.  It's just a pain to get there in the morning.  I'm just like the rest of you - sitting here watching my hair NOT grow.  I wonder how long it's going to take?  I'm soooooooo ready!!!

    Take care everyone and have a great weekend!

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  • stjude10
    stjude10 Member Posts: 390
    edited March 2012

    I'm with you Carla. Nothing but random hairs on my head. And short ones at that! Getting anxious and want some eyebrows and lashes while I'm at it! Good news about rads!

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  • TAPPY
    TAPPY Member Posts: 283
    edited March 2012

    Getting lots of hair on my head...but no brows or lashes....

    So far (knock on wood) - no really bad side effects from Tamox...except not sleeping well at night.  I went cold turkey of Xanax this week...I hate to say it - but I miss it.

    Skin is getting super dry...

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  • fredntan
    fredntan Member Posts: 1,821
    edited March 2012

    Thanks Perts1 my BIL is actually in miami fla. I think hes probably in a big hosp system there. Hes at top of list. Me and him been climbing with our dx since lsst sumner.



    I got my last TE fill last monday. I thought I was done. RO wanted it ove filled. My ve arm is still sore ..feel very tired now. I'm going back to work tuesday. But I have to go be by employee health to get cleared. Does anyone else s TE /arm still uncomfortable? Ive got all my range if motion back, except for a couple of degrees. Gues s it just feels like there is rock in my breast.

    Arggh.

    It s just agrovating

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  • fredntan
    fredntan Member Posts: 1,821
    edited March 2012

    Why dont I feel like celebrating? I'm feeling more better today. I thought I would feel more happy. Is this what you'll are feeling? I cried this morning. I don't know why.



    Its a beautiful spring day. I'm dressed, have my makeup on. Guess I need to try and find my new normal.I guess I'm scared.

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  • sherrybaby
    sherrybaby Member Posts: 80
    edited March 2012

    Fran,

    I cried when leaving the chemo room for the last time. I have heard other women say they did the same thing. I still have times when I start crying for no particular reason. I have decided to just let myself do it. I usually feel better once I have. I am hoping that once I finish my radiation I will be able to find my 'new normal' because it just isn't here yet. Wishing the best for you and for everyone else here.

    Sherry 

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  • barbyjean
    barbyjean Member Posts: 108
    edited March 2012

    Yesterday was my last day of radiation, and I am done with my active treatment. Hooray!!!! I am really happy that I made it through all these hard months. Now, I have to see my MO to get started on an aromatase inhibitor. 

    I'm starting to feel better little by little and don't want anything to get in the way of that. I have had enough of doctors, tests, scans, etc. to last my lifetime. I know you all feel the same way. So far, I haven't felt anxious or depressed, but I know this is common after treatment.

    I'll be cheering all the rest of you on as we continue down this road. I know it has been so much easier having all of you to share everything and support each other. 

    I hope everyone is having a good week!

    Barb 

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  • auntienance
    auntienance Member Posts: 4,216
    edited March 2012

    Congratulations barb, it's definitely a good feeling to get that part behind you!

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  • auntienance
    auntienance Member Posts: 4,216
    edited March 2012

    Lori, my eyebrows came back really fast. Faster than the hair. The lashes are slower, but seem to be coming in alright. Mine are blonde and straight unfortunately, so therefore invisible.

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  • cfdr
    cfdr Member Posts: 549
    edited March 2012

    I cried on my last chemo day becuse I felt like the doctors had done all they could...and now it's up to my body to keep the cancer away.

     How are y'all feeling as far as fatigue? I was so proud of myself...did the couch-to-5k workout for two weeks, and did a 3-hour hike last Sunday. And I've been feeling out of gas the last 3 days. It's like a chemo flashback...all I've done the last two evening is lie on the sofa and read or watch videos. I'm wondering if I overdid and actually ended up setting myself back.

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  • Carla9112
    Carla9112 Member Posts: 162
    edited March 2012

    Hi everyone - it sure is nice to read how well everyone is doing.  I just saw the "Chemo March 2012" thread and it just seems hard to believe that we have that behind us now.  Remember when we first started posting on the "October 2011 Chemo" board?  Some days it seems like it has gone by so fast.

    Barb - congratulations on finishing up your treatments.  I'm down to 24 radiation treatments left - not that I'm counting or anything! :)

    I find that I'm not crying as much these days as I did on chemo.  Man that stuff just made me depressed and weepy all the time.  Some days though it just makes you feel better to have a good cry.

    cfdr - I'm actually doing the couch-to-5k too.  I have commited to a 5K in June with some friends at work.  I am bound and determined to do it.  I figure after going through chemo - a 5K will be a walk in the park.  I don't have the energy I used to have yet but I'm getting there - one day at a time.

    Are any of you actually not wearing wigs/scarves anymore?   I'm telling you - as soon as my little bit of hair is about 1/4 inch long - I'm ditching my hats.  I'm so sick of wearing them.  Looks like I'll have to color my hair though - it's coming back grey.  That's okay though - just as long as it comes back.  I just haven't been brave enough to go out in public being bald or with what little bit of peach fuzz I have right now.

    Well, gonna run.  Hope you all have a good day tomorrow.

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  • stjude10
    stjude10 Member Posts: 390
    edited March 2012

    Carla, I too am gonna ditch everything w/the shortest of hair. I am "naked" around the house so much, and comfortable w/it that I jumped in van and backed out of the driveway before I noticed I didn't have my hat on. Yes, I pulled back in and got the hat. Not quite ready for public viewing.

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  • fredntan
    fredntan Member Posts: 1,821
    edited March 2012

    How long before you'll felt better? I'm one week out from chemo and have never felt so bad.I'm tired, the my toes and finger s feeel really sensitive, my right arm/the one that had the last TE over a week ago feels tight nervy pain. It feels like there is a tightening from under my arm to inner arm.

    I went for rad simulation today. Of course I've been busier than ever. No time to rest.maybe I just need to put myself in bed and rest. Went to work for first time since sept.almost made it five hours as nurse.I'm schedule d to work eight hrs friday. Theres no way I will make it to end of day



    Gues s I will put in some calls to my docs tomirrow.

    How long before everyone else felt bette r? This nervy pain down arm is annoying

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  • stjude10
    stjude10 Member Posts: 390
    edited March 2012

    Fran, I'm 4 wks out and I felt the same as you at first. I had and still have some numbness in my fingers and toes. My biggest thing is fatigue. My MO says it can take 6 mos to get energy back. I still nap a lot and feel nauseated when I overdo it. Good luck to you on Fri.!

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  • fredntan
    fredntan Member Posts: 1,821
    edited March 2012

    I went by my plastic sx office.saw NP everything looks well.I just need to be patient



    I went to one of those mastectomy bra places. I'm balanced now. Insurance paid. My new bra feels so nice. Theres even such thing as rads bra. I dont have off balnce boob any more. Also got silicon filler for TE boob. So excited.



    Had my rads simulation. Got one tiny tatoo. Yikes it was just one pinch. No more tats for me

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  • perts1
    perts1 Member Posts: 62
    edited March 2012

    Finished chemo in Feb. and started rads this week.  I've noticed that the breast I had the lumpectomy and the snb has changed.  The aureola & nipple have become hard and leathery at the slightest touch - or even when water touches it in the shower.  Has anyone else had this problem?  One doc said maybe it's lymphedema (I don't think so).  Anyone have any ideas?

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  • auntienance
    auntienance Member Posts: 4,216
    edited March 2012

    perts, I have the same issue. When I went for my 6 month Mamm a month ago the radiologist noted that this was normal for someone at this stage of my treatment. I assumed it was due to radiation, but since you are just starting, perhaps this is not the case and it's the result of the surgery itself.

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  • cfdr
    cfdr Member Posts: 549
    edited March 2012

    Stjude, that's what they told me..6 months to a year. I think it would be easier if the road back were even. But to have a GREAT week followed by days of feeling exhausted is so frustrating. After my 3 hour hike I declared that my fatigue was in the past...and now my body's taking revent on me for that statement.

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  • WIMusicMaker
    WIMusicMaker Member Posts: 78
    edited March 2012

    Hi Everyone,

    I have just TWO more rads!!! I can't wait to be done!

    I am now 9 weeks pfc. I was tired and my joints were very sore since chemo. This week, I have been feeling WONDERFUL!! The aches are gone and even though I am getting my rad boosts that hazy, overwhelming fatigue has lifted. I am still holding my breath in case this won't last, but I am going on four days in a row of feeling almost "normal". Fran it did take me a long time to recover from my last chemo-3-4 weeks.

    It is so good hear from all of you and I'm so happy many of you are finishing chemo. I am impressed with the ladies working on the 5K. I have walked throughout most of my treatment and I am so thankful we have had a very mild winter in WI but I don't know if I would be up for running! 

    You ladies are always in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you so much for support! You made this so much easier for me.   Mary

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  • barbyjean
    barbyjean Member Posts: 108
    edited March 2012

    Fran, and everyone - be patient with our recovery. Remember, we were injected with poison over and over. I felt like my last chemo nearly killed me and it took me weeks to get off the couch. Now,  7 weeks later, I have mostly good days, but still need extra sleep and rest breaks. 

    Our recovery will go quicker if we listen to what our bodies need. We deserve extra good self care right now!

    Barb 

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  • barbyjean
    barbyjean Member Posts: 108
    edited March 2012

    Nancy, how is it going on the aromatase inhibitor? Did your doctor put you on osteoporosis medication? I start later this month and want to know what to expect.

    Thanks.   Barb 

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  • auntienance
    auntienance Member Posts: 4,216
    edited March 2012

    Barb, yes I've been on femara for about 5 Weeks. I guess it's ok. I've been struggling with some depression but not sure the drug is to blame, although that is somewhat out of character for me. But I also know that it's not uncommon to experience depression after treatment. The hot flashes have been manageable. I'm still having some stomach issues, which again, may or may not be attributable to the femara. I'm going to talk to my mo about it all when I see him in april.

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  • auntienance
    auntienance Member Posts: 4,216
    edited March 2012

    Oh, my bone scan was very good so no osteoporosis meds, and so far, no joint pain, knock on wood!

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  • Lady-di
    Lady-di Member Posts: 150
    edited March 2012

    Hi everyone,

    It's been awhile since I've posted. I'm 5 weeks PFC now and am on the hair watch. Eyebrows are also starting to grow back in too. On Herceptin and tamoxifen now and am hot flashing a lot. Still very tired but am pacing myself. Still have neropathy in hands and feet.

    Does anyone else still have neropathy?

    It's good to here from everyone and glad we were all able to go through this together.



    Diane

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  • stjude10
    stjude10 Member Posts: 390
    edited March 2012

    Diane, I am a little over 4 wks out and I still have a bit of neuropathy. It sorta comes and goes. I will say it's better this week than last, but still rears its ugly head. I feel the same as you, this was a lifeline for me during tx and I hope we all continue to check in with each other. We made it! Now on to the hair watch!

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  • NancyJill
    NancyJill Member Posts: 218
    edited March 2012

    Hi, ladies. My 6-month post-diagnosis MRI came back looking good, just a bit weird from radiation. I am getting some hair and colored it, and had the fuzzies trimmed off and some trimming around back of neck and ears. It's coming in nice and thick. I have about 3/4 inch. I have started wearing it revealed without the wig to my Rads appointments, doctors, and other places like that. When I have a social occasion I still choose to wear the wig for now. I am on Tamoxifen and ham having no problems with it so far. Only 7 Rads targeted boosts are left to go--whole breast Rads is done! Good luck to everyone.

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  • fredntan
    fredntan Member Posts: 1,821
    edited March 2012

    I called my MO yest about my nerve pain. they put me on neurontin and recommended a B complex. I think it may be feeling little better some.

    felt so good to go back to work. they just had me doing little cases, they are babying me! love it! got tagged and only worked from 12-3:30 yest-perfect for me right now

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  • cfdr
    cfdr Member Posts: 549
    edited March 2012

    It's wonderful to hear that everyone is doing well. We got through this!

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  • perts1
    perts1 Member Posts: 62
    edited March 2012

    Autienance - thank you for answering me.  I really don't know what is going on with this breast but it's really scaring me.  It's like the leathery, hard nipple is empty - just an empty little cup,.  It started about a month into chemo treatments.  I haven't had my port taken out until I find out this is not some new cancer.  After all the chemo, I'd doubt it could be, though.  Again, thank you for answering me and congrats to all on surviving chemo.  Now I'll just get through rads, which seems like a cake walk this first week!  Nice.  Oh - I've started using Nivea cream and it seems to work really well. 

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