Calling all TNs

Csmommy, we've all been there and r still there most times, hang in there!

Catwhisperer-I can't find the link for the herceptin study, I think they are just starting it, but here is a link to a vaccine study that seems very interesting for those with low her 2 expression. I don't qualify for it because of my stage and I had breast cancer before. this link is to the Seattle trial, I don't know where else they have it, but I am sure it is in other locations as well. I hope somebody here gets in this study, I think it is a good one! http://www.swedish.org/Classes-and-Resources/Research-Studies/CTU-CRC-11105--Galena?TypeOfStudyName=none%3anone&Title=&Investigator=#axzz1t7yIh8Qd

Hi to everyone, I don't post often but i do read.

Luah, I have pains and stiffness in my hips.  They think it's osteoarthritus (sp) so please go and get it checked out.

thinking of you all.

bernie 

Thanks, everyone, for the birthday wishes.  Tomorrow will be a great day - I'll take my mom out to celebrate.  She has Alzheimer's and won't really know that it's my birthday, but that's OK.  And Saturday night the whole family is meeting at a Japanese steakhouse, so it will be fun and the grandkids will get a kick out of it.

Someone mentioned this a couple pages back and I want to reiterate...when you go for radiation planning, be sure that you are in a comfortable position when you are being set up.  Don't let them put you into a position that will cause pain with every treatment.  I have pretty good range of motion, so I didn't worry about how they positioned me.  But a slight adjustment would have made every treatment a bit more comfortable.  So when they ask you if you are comfortable, don't just "suck it up."  They can probably make some minor adjustments that will not interfere with your treatment.  Also, I hated the huge hospital gowns that my center provided.  So I made my own radiation gown by cutting a t-shirt down the middle of the back and attaching two sets of ribbons for tying.  Everyone thought the idea was genius

I've had osteoarthritis in my knees for years and I take meloxicam for it. Those of you suffering may want to ask your doctor... it's one of the $4 prescription drugs at WalMart and it works extremely well, much better and cheaper than Advil or Aleve.

The best thing that will happen today is that I am going to my granddaughter's preschool with my daughter to be the parent "helper" today. These 4 and 5 year-olds are so darn cute!

Hi everybody - have been away & am now catching up on my reading...

Cat W - as someone else said, the radiation tatoos are barely noticeable...mine looks like a very tiny dark blue freckle.

Katyrnn -  The crone shuffle...I love it I was never diagnosed with sciatica before, but have had minor back problems on and off before BC....nothing that a couple of Advil couldn't handle. I think it's probably age related (I'm 58).  Also I've defnitely had more aches and pains all over the place since chemo.  Oddly (or not), my hip hasn't been bothering me much since I saw my MO and she said my symptoms "sounded nothing like cancer." Go figure...

Luah - it's just what you described ....stiffness in my hip after I've been sitting a long time. It goes away for months, then flares up for a few weeks, then goes away.

CSmommy -  I understand your fear, I'm sure we all do....it takes a while to wrap your mind around this diagnosis.  As others have said, I found it calming to have a treatment plan in place.  Just take this thing one day at a time and you will do fine.  You might want to ask your doc for an anti-anxiety med....I found it to be a huge help, especially in the early days....

Hope everyone has a great day!

Good morning everyone! I have a question about skin care. I finished my 12 taxol treatments a few weeks ago and I'm now on 4 DD A/C. I have been using aquaphor for my skin but my skin is still flaking off. Any ideas of something else that works.

Thanks

Lisa

I know the last post was long, but I didn't want to miss anyone and also want to update you on how my post-surgery, start of chemo is going.

I have healed up pretty well.  Another giant scar to add to my quiver.  It actually looks better than I imagined, so no complaints here.  Really all I wanted to do was stretch and sleep on my stomach.  After a frustrating two weeks I am now able to do anything I put my mind to.  Of course keeping the mind focused is still an issue.  Hehehe

The Erubilin (Haleven) really whacks me out.  I am manic for 3 days (the steroids help with that) and then just sort of level out.  No crashing like the other ones, just a little fatigue and then somewhat regular energy levels.  I hope it stays that way as I continue.  I did have quite a bit of nausea, but was able to "keep it in check".  Oh and it makes you dizzy and makes your heartbeat skippy.  It is really not all that bad, yet.  

The steroid mania came in handy for me over the nice long weekend.  I was able to do yard work all day on Sunday.  Of course, it took all day because I am not as fast as I normally would be, but hey, the yard looks great!  My poor husband kept checking on me.  I was like some deranged bee flitting around the yard looking for a place to land.  It was a bit comical.  I'm sure my neighbors think I'm crazy as I was sweeping my sidewalks after dark.  If they only knew how crazy I really am!

The visit with my sister was awesome.  I miss her the second she leaves.  I am so lucky to have my best friend be my sister.  This week is always hard on our family as we lost our dad (step-father) very tragically 14 years ago today.  Along with my 2 year cancerversary on Monday it has become a very reflective time.  On top of all that my step-sister was killed in 1985 and the man who did it is asking for clemency.  It was front page news here.  I guess I find it incredibly offensive for him to ask for a second chance when she does not have that opportunity.  In fact I want a second chance at a healthy, cancer free life, but I do not get that luxury.  Yes, people can change, but that does not mean they are absolved from their actions.  It just puts life into a perspective I had not really thought of.   

With all the stress on my family (and friends) I find myself feeling quilty that my cancer adds to what is already a full plate.  I know I cannot control my journey, but it just hurts to know that they have to deal with mine as well.  I try to give them as much support as I can.  It just seems that I fall short sometimes.  This is something I continue to work on every day.

Thanks for letting me vent!  Tomorrow is #2.  Wish me luck!  Love to you all!

 p.s.  to add insult to injury, yesterday my cat scratched my eyeball.  not fun at all!  woke up this morning to an angry slightly swollen eye.  can't wait to call the doc and tell him.  i sure will look fun at chemo with an eyepatch!  Argggggggggggg!

Inmate so glad you are feeling good and getting to work out in your yard.  I cannot wait to see those  pics.  Glad the chemo isn't too hard on you!  I sure hope it is kicking ass!

Inmate, so glad you are doing okay. I know what you mean about sisters - they can be a soul-mate through all this S*&T. (I tried to be one to my sister when she was Dx'ed, and then she returned the favor).

Also, how kind and thoughtful, with all that you're going through, to offer a personal comment to everyone in that long post. And listen up, lady: Never apologize for your posts - long or otherwise - we love reading them!   

Inmate - maybe this will help convince your MO:

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01310231?term=metformin+and+breast+cancer&rank=4

I hope the chemo is killing every last cancer cell while being gentle on you. 

Inmate - so good to hear from you and to know you are doing well on chemo.  Great that you are back.  I can't wait to see your pics on the tulips but could just imagine this deranged lady flitting amongst the tulips after dark with your neighbours looking on. (they are coming to take me away ha ha).   Good that you caught up with your awesome sister but sorry to hear about your sister-in-law.  I don't know if people that kill, even once, can change.  You would have to be mad in the head to do it in the first place but to ask for clemency, no way.  Like you said she hasn't got her life why should he have his.  In my opinion people that kill should rot in hell for the rest of their days. Life for a life in my book.    I'm sure your family will not think of their full plate when it comes to your illness  and will walk along side of you every step of the way just as you would for them. Hope everything continues to go well with your chemo. You say you have another scar, this means nothing but life.  My hubby has lots of scars on his body and I love every one of them because to me its means he is still here with me as aggravating as he is at times!!.  

LuvRVing - Its sad that your mum won't know its your birthday because of Alzheimer's.  That's one thing I have always been afraid to get because I would hate to lose all my memories of my family.  Have a great time at the Japanese Steakhouse.  Will remember your tips on radiation when my turn comes around.          

Have a good day ladies and enjoy being alive even if we don't feel it at times.  Annie

Lisadi1963- I've been using an organic goats milk soap that I bought from a seller on etsy.com - PM me if you're interested and I can look up the link. I also use Nivea body oil on my feet.They are peeling horribly from the Taxol.

Inmate - I second what Cocker_Spaniel said - Life for a life in my book, too. Clemency? Seriously? Not! My parents gave me tulips for Easter and I thought of you. I only got about 8 in my pot, not the 250 you have! Oh, I wish!! They are my favorite flower!

Good thing today: I had my LAST TAXOL this morning!! I got hugs from the nurses and a baseball hat with the Oncology Centers name embroidered on it. Took an hour nap during the infusin and a 3 hour nap after I came home - that Benadryl hits me hard. Now I'm watching Drake & Josh with my 11 year old and watching him dance and look at his reflection in the window - he switched to SpongeBob on a commercial. It was hysterical. I love his laughter!!

Lisadi1963:  I used Arbonne 24 hour moisturizer as well as their Gelee.  It's from their detox lne and works wonders.  Paraben free, all natural and pure.  I LOVED my products so much that I now sell them so let me know if you're interested.  They have a whole line of health and wellness.  The protein powder saved me during chemo. 

 CharB22:  CONGRATS on finishing.  Enjoy not having to ever go back there again.  A son's laugher is the best medicine xo

Thanks, Tif!  Have fun at that campout!  There's nothing more fun than camping in the rain