October 2011 Chemo group

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  • TAPPY
    TAPPY Member Posts: 283
    edited March 2012

    I still have neurapthy in my hands and feet...but I am off the happy drugs and finally sleeping better.

    Melatonin is a big help..hair is coming back...I am very tired still...but yesterday I cleaned my closet out...wore me out - but I felt good after.

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  • barbyjean
    barbyjean Member Posts: 108
    edited March 2012

    Nancy - thanks for info. about Femara. I had a bone scan done but havent seen how the results compare to my previous bone scan. I hope I don't need another medication! I'm so tired of doctors and appointments, I just want to be left alone! But grateful for the medical advances that allow me to have a high probability of success.

    It's great to hear from everyone. Have a good week.

    Barb 

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

    arrgghh the check outlady at grocery store asked if I needed help loading my groceries. yes I am tired today. yes everything seems to hurt with nerve pain. But I don't think I look that bad. geez. of course that set off crying spell in car.

    please someone tell me this nerve pain will get better.  so tired today. all my muscles ache so bad.

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  • barbyjean
    barbyjean Member Posts: 108
    edited March 2012

    Hi Fran, so sorry you are feeling rotten. I had severe muscle pain for weeks after chemo was done, and the only thing that seemed to help was getting lots of sleep. It finally subsided, now at almost eight weeks out it only bothers me a little. And I'm starting to feel pretty good most days!

    Take your time, get more rest, baby yourself and let others baby you too. It will get better! 

    Barb 

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

    thanks, I can be so impatient sometimes.

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  • stjude10
    stjude10 Member Posts: 390
    edited March 2012

    Getting ready to go in for surgery. Getting the port out...Yay! Feel as though I'm finishing a rotten chapter in the bc story.

    Fran, sorry you're having it so rough. Barb's right, baby yourself when you need to and know that you're moving in the right direction.

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

    I guess I'm due. Had it pretty easy during chemo. I came week early for my port removal. Not till next thursday. I think I do have chemo brain

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  • stjude10
    stjude10 Member Posts: 390
    edited March 2012

    I've also got the chemo brain. I had to call hospital to make sure surgery was for today and not next week. I feel like such a space cadet!

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  • Carla9112
    Carla9112 Member Posts: 162
    edited March 2012

    Hi ladies - just 18 more radiation treatments left.  So far - easy breezy!  My skin does look a little bit darker where I'm getting the radiation.  I sure hope it doesn't end up burning. 

    Today I wore just a hat to work and actually took it off to show my team my new hair (what little there is-I'm still pretty bald).  I'm feeling so much braver these days.  I just don't really care much what people think anymore.  That used to be so important to me.  I used to try really hard to make people like me - yeah I was super insecure - but now I just don't waste my time on them.  I refuse to spend time doing or being with people that I really just don't want to be around.  I used to be so worried about my appearance too.  After looking at this old body after going through the last eight months I had to get over that realy quick!!  Cancer has sure changed me in a lot of ways - a lot of them good.

    I got my port out a couple of weeks ago.  I feel like I can actually see a little bit of a light at the end of the tunnel.  How about you?

    I hope you all have a great weekend.  My sweet daughter is coming home from college for spring break.  I'm so glad I'll actually feel like doing something.

    Take care and talk to you soon!

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  • barbyjean
    barbyjean Member Posts: 108
    edited March 2012

    Carla - I like the new you! Real beauty comes from the inside out and we are getting more beautiful every day. 

    Barb 

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  • NancyJill
    NancyJill Member Posts: 218
    edited March 2012

    Carla: I also think the new you is great and healthier, mentally! Stjude: Congrats on port out! Fran--you don't deserve this and are not due; so sorry about nerve pain. Congrats to you, also, about getting your port out soon. I fear my doctor is going to ask me to wait until a year or two or three after Herceptin is done.

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

    I came week early for port removal. Its not till this thursdsy

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  • TAPPY
    TAPPY Member Posts: 283
    edited March 2012

    Congrats on getting your ports out...I hope I can get mine out next month.

    Going to the cardio doc today to check out the ole heart to make sure the chemo did not kick it around.   I feel pretty good these days...working full time for a while - I just really know when to rest.

    I am glad to see so many of you still posting.

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

    I think I'm feeling better. no I am feeling better. my energy is going back up. my leg/feet are less achy tingly feeling. my hair is growing.

    Its getting hot some days and I think I'm also having hot flashes. I feel naked without my scarf. but I think the time is coming shortly. have started not wearing it at home around my girls. How many others are ditching head gear. absolutely hate the wigs-think its time to turn them in. 

    port coming out tomorrow. I was exactly a week early for its removal last week.

    have stopped eating fast food-I was craving sonic hotdogs/cheeseburgers. they smell so good, but then its disappointing when your done with it.

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  • Carla9112
    Carla9112 Member Posts: 162
    edited March 2012

    Hi everyone - hope you are doing fantastic.  I am doing good - 14 more radiation treatments.   My skin is starting to look sunburned but I think I'm going to make it through without any burns. 

    Fran - I'm almost to the point of going out in public without the head gear.  I've told my co-workers that April 2 is the magic date.  I'm coming in without a hat and scarf.  Not sure how long my hair will be at that point but I'm going to do it.  I'm just so sick of wearing hats and scarves.  Can't imagine doing this during the summer.

    I hope everyone has a good week.  I'm so ready for the weekend!

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  • stjude10
    stjude10 Member Posts: 390
    edited March 2012

    Fran, I've been going topless around my house the whole time. I used to put a hat on when my kids' friends would come by. Now I don't even do that. I'm over the whole wig thing. it's too hot here. I wear a bandana when I leave the house. You can get them at Wal Mart for $1. I have lots of designs and I like to think I look like a biker chick instead of a cancer patient.

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  • Seabrook
    Seabrook Member Posts: 13
    edited March 2012

    Hi! Just wondering If any of you are experiencing severe muscle and joints aches? I still need to take pain meds in order to walk. It much worse then when I finished chemo 2/14/12.

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  • Carla9112
    Carla9112 Member Posts: 162
    edited March 2012

    Hi there - just checking in.  Lori - I love the whole idea of being a biker chick - much more glamorous than being a cancer patient.  I'm going to check out the ones at Walmart this weekend. 

    Seabrook - I've noticed that my joints are sore too.  Sometimes when I get up from sitting down I can hardly move.  My back also has been killing me.  I mentioned it to my radiation oncologist and he said that he wasn't concerned since my x-rays during radiation indicate NED.  Of course, I thought I had bone cancer.  He told me to remember that they put some horrible stuff into my body.  It takes a while to get back to normal (if that's even possible after cancer).

    For the last couple of days I've been sick at my stomach on and off.  It was so bad last night that I stayed home today.  I'm wondering if it's the radiation?  I have a rash all over my chest now where I get the radiation.  Anybody else going through radiation and having something similar? 

    Hope everybody has a great weekend.

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  • sherrybaby
    sherrybaby Member Posts: 80
    edited March 2012

    Carla9112 - I just finished radiation and the first reaction I had was a pimply looking rash. When it really started itching the RO gave me a prescription for a 2.5% hydrocortisone cream (the strongest you can usually get OTC is 1%). 

    I finished my last rads tx today so for right now I am done except for follow up appointments. I go back to my BS on Monday and will talk to him about my port removal. I go back to see the RO in a month and my MO in two. So long as the joint pain from the Arimidex doesn't get much worse and the sleeping pill my MO gave me works well I am hoping things will start to get back to 'normal'. I hope everyone is still doing okay and continuing to heal.

    Sherry 

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  • WIMusicMaker
    WIMusicMaker Member Posts: 78
    edited March 2012

    Hi Ladies

    Sherry and Carla-I had a rash on my chest from radiation too. I used the creme and it really helped. I am 11 days from my last tx and the rash cleared up during my boosts. The area is still a bit sensitive and just a little itchy.

    Seabrook-I am achy but only when I start walking after I have been sitting. I walk it out after a minute or so. It is getting better each week. My MO said this is to be expected and it should get better with time and yoga/stretching would help. My aches got worse-about a month or so after chemo-before they started to get better.

    I have been going "topless" on my head since my last day of radiation. My hair is starting to grow very fast and is about an inch long on top. It is very straight so far. My last chemo was on 12/27. I have taken 4 doses of tamoxifen and am doing fine. I hope that continues.

    Last fall my husband and I planted over 300 bulbs. I wanted to have something to look forward to in the spring. With our unseasonably warm weather in WI we have a massive amount of flowers in our yard. Ladies-we made it!!!!! 

    Today is my birthday. I am looking forward to a much better year! I wish the same for all of you too! Mary

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  • Seabrook
    Seabrook Member Posts: 13
    edited March 2012

    WImusicMaker - Happy Birthday!! What a wonderful way to start your new year with all those flowers!! Thanks Sharing your experience about the body aches! I keep plugging away!

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  • stjude10
    stjude10 Member Posts: 390
    edited March 2012

    Seabrook, I didn't do rads but still have some aches and pains in my lower half. Started walking a bit. Not at record speeds or anything. It's hard to get going some days, but always feel better when I'm done. Seems to work out the kinks.

    Carla, I still have bouts of nausea sometimes. I can usually predict it...when I'm overtired or have over eaten. I have some of my meds leftover and have to take one atleast once a week. Hope you get to feeling better and yes, we made it!

    WI, congrats on going topless! I am so excited for you and hope to join you soon!

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  • barbyjean
    barbyjean Member Posts: 108
    edited March 2012

    Hi Ladies!

    Seabrook - About 3 weeks after my last chemo, my muscles were so tight and painful, and nothing helped very much. Now I am 9 weeks out, and the pain is at a very low level. If I get good sleep I feel much better. Hope yours doesn't last long!

    How long does it take for hair to start? I have really fine mostly white stuff growing, but I don't think it's real hair. I've been going topless at home and with friends the whole time, and with the warm weather I am ready to go out in the yard without a hat. When I have hot flashes my whole head gets soaked and I want to just rip the scarf off!

    I just started anastrozole yesterday. I'm worried I will turn into a man and start spitting on the sidewalk! The list of side effects was very long and depressing. I hope mine are very few!

    Have a great weekend.      Barb

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  • stjude10
    stjude10 Member Posts: 390
    edited March 2012

    Barb,, here's hoping for minimal se's for you! I have been on Tami for almost 2 months now, and the hot flashes are starting to be less frequent. I had the white fluff too, and last week the dark started coming in, and pretty fast too. It's still quite uneven and patchy, but it's a start. I even have a shadow of where my eyebrow is gonna be on the right. Hang in there!

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  • TAPPY
    TAPPY Member Posts: 283
    edited March 2012

    I am still hot flashing - but it is getting better and I am sleeping better.

    My eyebrows are coming in all crooked...ugh need to go get them shaped.

    by the end of theweek when I am tired I get achy and nauseated...I can tell when my energy is zapped and I need to lay low. 

    My hair is coming in fast...I to wear the bandanas from Walmart..just to hot for hats and wigs...

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  • leslie612
    leslie612 Member Posts: 17
    edited March 2012

    Have anyone else's eyebrows come back in a different color?  I am 9 weeks PFC and the brows are reappearing but they are coming in a dark brown or black.  Before chemo they were blonde/lt brown.  It doesn't really matter to me, just took me by surprise. 

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  • Carla9112
    Carla9112 Member Posts: 162
    edited March 2012

    Wow it's so great to hear from everyone.  I'll see the RO tomorrow and will get some of the creme for the itchy rash.  My eyebrowns are coming back too and are growing in all directions too.  That's okay - I'll take whatever I can get.  My eyelashes are coming back too.  I can actually see them when I put my mascara on now.  WooHoo!! 

    Happy Birthday WImusicmaker!! I hope you had a wonderful day and enjoyed every moment of it. 

    Mary - enjoy those flowers.  This spring has really been special to me.  It's kind of like I'm seeing spring in a whole new way now.  I appreciate how beautiful everything is and how each day is such a blessing - especially when it is so pretty outside.  

    I hope that you ladies have a wonderful week!  Talk to you soon.

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  • Moonflower83
    Moonflower83 Member Posts: 92
    edited March 2012

    Hey everyone,

    I finished radiation yesterday and can not believe that I am done! My hair is growing, not very fast, but its there and I´m very happy about it. But I still wear my wig outside, although I could go without it...I think, my hair is to short.

    My lashes are still falling out and growing back at the same time, this looks really funny ;-) I´m now 10 weeks and 2 days PFC and feeling good. I go for a walk every day ( with our dog) and I started to run. 

    I´m happy to here from everyone!

    Barb, my hair started to come in after nearly 7 weeks and it came very slowly.  I´m now on Tamoxifen and Zoladex for 2 months and it doable. Sometimes (often in the morning) my legs hurt a little bit and i still have hot flashes at night, but it getting lesser.

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  • stjude10
    stjude10 Member Posts: 390
    edited March 2012

    So good to hear from all the Oct. gals!

    I had my last fill yesterday and last pt today. Yay! Exchange is gonna be around the first week of May. Surgery #6, and hopefully the last.

    Had to shave my legs for the first time and not gonna complain about it either! Hair on head is growing and quite patchy still. I can also see where my eyebrows are gonna be when they come in...weird.

    Sounds like we're all moving forward, as we should. Hope everyone keeps in touch!

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  • barbyjean
    barbyjean Member Posts: 108
    edited March 2012

    Hi ladies.

    Leslie, my eyebrows are coming in very dark also. I'm hoping my new hair on my head will be dark as well. Before cancer, it was at least half white. I'd love curls also, even if it's temporary.

    I had a lumpectomy (they took a lot) and a reduction on the other side, so I went from a DD to a      C+ or D bra size, and my breasts are lopsided and full of scars and scar tissue - so still a challenge. Although I am looking forward to buying clothes off the rack for the first time.

    Nice to hear updates about everyone. We are moving forward!!

    Barb 

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