Has anyone started a Dec 2011 group?

Lori - Sorry you've been so down and knocked out by #5. I'm with you (though avoiding the ER so far...). And at least you did figure out your 'down' day for next time. If we can at least stay a half step ahead, it makes the next pothole that much less of an ankle-buster, even if we still twist it a bit. It must be very hard going through this with kids. As frustrating as it is, ask for the help when you need it - someday you'll find a way to pay it forward. {{hugs}}

kelly - that trip must have been so wonderful. I'm glad you got to enjoy it with your girls.

Wrongchick - welcome. I can imagine it must be hard to have to start again. But you've got us here to help you along the way. I hope you have an easy time with the T.

Mardibra - I love the blooming hair image! 

FLIslander - Surgery will bring some closure, though maybe not complete (I'm not sure any of us expect the full, 'we're done' sort of closure we'd like), but it will be a huge step forward in moving on. I remember one of the first things I thought after waking up following surgery was "it's gone!!!" and even though I knew chemo was probably in the cards, and I had no way to know for sure, it was a huge relief to know that the THING was out of me. You're getting there - and we're glad we've had you along the way for company and support.

I'm emerging from my #5 funk. Saturday was sluggish but okay; Sunday I was really out of energy and motivation; and yesterday I didn't even try to make it to work. I did manage to take walks on Sat and yesterday, which I really think helped. Now I'm easing through hot flashes and trying to get my mind around getting dressed and spending at least a little time at work. Porch coffee sounds great, but as I'm out, I'll have to settle for some tea. But I love the thought! Maybe I'll grab some Dunkin on my way in to the office. Have a good day all. 

Bailey....just from the chemo. (I hope)



The weather has been perfect here in central PA!! I just hope I can get out and enjoy it. It will be a great day....no matter what!!!

Victorious - I kept taking my multi, along with B/C, calcium w/D and then D3. There are some supplements that can interfere, but they're usually things other than the basics. Here's one article I found interesting:

http://www.curetoday.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/article.show/id/2/article_id/1748

They mention Vit C possibly interfering with Adriamycin, but my MO was okay with me continuing mine. They're mostly concerned with mega doses. But definitely ask your doctor if you have any particular questions.

Glad to hear you're doing well. My butt's been kicked, but I'd rather be knocked down by exhaustion than puking my guts out and running to the ER. That light is a beautiful thing when you start to see it!

Yep, Franklin co. I am basically right on the state line between MD and PA. Harrisburg is about an hour from me straight up 81.

Naan I'm sorry they had to delay!

I just wanted to check in and let everyone know that I'm thinking of all of you.  Had a lot of catching up to do.  I've been feeling pretty good this week but now my eye is bothering me again.  I guess I should call onc but it's just weird that it's happening again around the same time after this tx.  I haven't worn any makeup or anything! ugh. 

Victorious, no I don't get Neulasta shots, but I insisted that I want something to boost my counts since this is the second time I missed treatment. I don't know y they didn't offer it to me from the beginning of Taxol like when I got AC. I got Lukaine shots before and will hopefully get them again following my next Taxol, crossing my fingers!

Mardibra!!!!! How exciting is that! I am so happy for you. What made them decide not to give you the final treatment. Wow! I have a smile on my face for you. Congrats!!

Mardibra

I too am moving on toward surgery Apr 4 mx

I am going to give you all a good laugh!!!!! I took my sock off and found a splinter sticking out of my toe!!! I guess that was the pain I was feeling!!!! I am so laughing at myself!!!!!

OMG. A splinter. That is the funniest freaking thing!

Lori - you crack me up!

Congrats Mardibra on being done....YAY!!!!!!

Okay so the bloody nose is gone, the aches and pains have vanished, the roof of the top of my mouth no longer feels scorched.....guess what time it is?? It is time to go back for my 6th and final treatment. I must say I have always thought I would gracefully skip into the infusion room for my final treatment, but I have a variety of emotions. I know what the weekend will be like for one, scared because....well you know, and excited to not have to do another treatment and my friend the picc line should come out if everybody is of agreement.



I had a teary session yesterday as I think about what I have been through so far and what lies ahead. The first mammogram, the ultrasound, the scary radiologist who spoke his thoughts aloud that we need to have that image biopsied, when the surgeon just told me she didn't think it was anything to worry about. Than the MRI and the biopsy and finally the constant calls to the BS office to see if I could get test results over the phone to put me out of my misery. I was doing this while going to meetings and having all these crazy thoughts in my head but I have to "look" like a professional.



Than the BS's secretary tells me I have to go in for the results. Oh, oh this isn't a good sign. When those words were spoken I was in shock and my husband was in tears. Holy crap! Next came the decision making. Not alot of info available at this point but you still have to tell them how you want to proceed. The recommendation. Was a lumpectomy but after a discussion with my family doctor I elected for a mastectomy. The BS tells when going over the path results that it was a good decision as I had dcis in the breast as well. This I had found out from my family dr not the BS. Decisions are better made when there is information forthcoming to make them.



Well the rest is in the history books and come the 21st I should have completed this chemo journey. For those just starting I would say it is entirely possible to do it. It isn't slot of fun mind you but I exercised and drank fluids so I think that helped. I exercised most days about 30-45 minutes.



I found friends I didn't know I had. This is an amazing feeling. I was disappointed by the support I did not get from a sister I was close to. Not sure we can mend that fence, and I realized that my DH and two boys are the most special people in my life. My DH is an amazing man and I am blessed to have him. My 14 year old son was the one to shave my head on Christmas day and he did it because my DH just couldn't and my son knew I just couldn't reach. The insight, his spirit and empathy has also been very important to me. My youngest son gave me diversion from what was going on through his many hockey activities and his quite company and great hugs and kisses.



As you can see I am truly blessed and this disease I "had" has taught me lessons I may not have learned. With the grace of God behind me I pray everyday for everyone currently going through it and I pray for those that already have. I also pray for myself and my family that we won't have to deal with it again.



I look at it all as a bump in the road in a long journey and I will do whatever it is I can do to stay healthy for the rest of the journey.



After the 21st I start rads on the 16th of April to be completed on the 11th of May. So as you can see from my story I shot the kitchen sink at it. Damn thing better not come back!!



God bless everyone. May peace, happiness and health follow you going forward.

Whata - I understand just how you feel.  I will have my final (6th) TCH on Thursday.  I thought I'd be thrilled....but the SE's have been cumulative and now I just dread it like any other treatment.  I am tired all the time and I have been so stiff and my muscles in my legs and arms burn.  I feel like an 80 year old woman and I am only 45.  I want the chemo to be over but I don't even want to think about how I am going to feel this weekend.

This disease completely blindsided me as I'm sure it does everyone.  I put on my brave face everyday and go to work.  I don't show how I am really feeling to my children, parents or co-workers.  The only one who really knows and is there when I cry is my DH.  He has been so wonderful....and I am pissed that this damn disease has robbed us of our newleywed year.  May 14th we will celebrate our first anniversay and most of this year has been spent dealing with BC.

I know there are others who will be going to the chair this week for the last time...Markat I remember you are one of them.  All I can say is may God bless us for getting this far.  I hope the last treatments are kind to us.  You are so right, Whata...this is just a bump in the road and I for one intend to reclaim my life when this journey is over!

Yes Kelly tomorrow is my 6th and final chemo! I can relate. I wish I was excited about going tomorrow but it just feels like any other one. I know I'm going to feel like crap til Tuesday and then move on to setting up surgery. My onc is recommending a BMX and I have a feeling they are going to take quite a few lymphnodes. She said they were leaning towards a stage III diagnosis but wont know until surgery.



Good luck this week ladies! We have all been through socmuch and you all are amazing!

Ladies, it does seem impossible that we are heading to our last tx.  The journey has beeen made so much more tolerable for me by all of you.  It has been wonderful to know that even though we've never met, I have friends who understand what I'm going through. 

Markat and Rachel - I wish you too the best of luck on your last treatments too.  Markat, hopefully surgery will be a breeze compared to all of this!

Rachel - yes, I definitely have the right person by my side and I know how blessed I am.  We decided that we are having a big anniversary party and will "redo" our newleywed year!  I was alone as a single mom for 12 years before I found him again (we dated in 1983 in high school)!  I know that God put us together and I thank Him everyday for it!

On a lighter note.....Happy Spring everyone!  I love you all!