April/May 2012 Chemo hang out

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  • nofear2012
    nofear2012 Member Posts: 160
    edited July 2012

    I am not sure why my stats do not show up on the screen they did at one time. I was diagnosed on 1/27/12 2 tumors 1 cm and 2cm grade 3 er/pr + her2 neg a micro foci of cancer in 1 of 16 nodes. I am going to do more research on this but I feel like you all do to use everything I have to ensure as best as possible that I have no reoccurance. I am just so tired of treatments and feeling like crap, I want this to be done and over with. thank you for everyone's input

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  • dancetrancer
    dancetrancer Member Posts: 4,039
    edited July 2012

    vjm - love what you said:  "Chemical warfare is hard..... so is dying of cancer. Keep the faith and wishing everyone a day of gratitude and a reminder of all the gifts this journey brings."

    This morning I woke up ahead of DH and the sleeping cat and looked around the room and thought, wow, I am so thankful.  It occurred to me that I'm really lucky my cancer was caught when it was, as the calcifications were just a few little specks on the mammogram.   What if I had done the mammo just  a few months earlier?  It might not have picked it up.  I would have gone a year with an aggressive cancer in my breast, giving it tons of time to grow before my next mammo.  I never thought of it like that until this morning...made me realize again how lucky I am.  So many who haven't had cancer will never understand why I say I am lucky.  I know you all will, though.   We all have a second chance to re-appreciate our lives and those we love.  

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  • lsharvey822
    lsharvey822 Member Posts: 257
    edited July 2012

    omgosh ladies - to me this is this group.

    When you're weak, I'll be strong
    When you let go, I'll hold on
    When you need to cry, I swear that I'll be there to dry your eyes
    When you feel lost and scared to death,
    Like you can't take one more step
    Just take my hand, together we can do it
    I'm gonna love you through it.

    I am SO thankful for you all!

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  • dancetrancer
    dancetrancer Member Posts: 4,039
    edited July 2012

    Pauletta - I'm so glad!!!!  Enjoy the 4th to the fullest! 

    lsharvey - just got chills reading your post!  I am extremely thankful for this group, too!  

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  • lsharvey822
    lsharvey822 Member Posts: 257
    edited July 2012

    I'm with you Dance.  We are SO fortunate to have all the opportunities we have.

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited July 2012

    dancetrancer- I am there with you..... 

    Sometimes I look at other women and wonder if they even have a clue how fortunate they are not to be on this journey we are on.   I see them with full heads of hair, wearing wonderful looking summer clothes and what appears to be without a care in the world.  However, I know there is more to each of them than I know since I am only seeing the public side of them.  I realize that no one really knows for sure if she is heading to meet up with us on this path and just doesn't know it yet.   So I am truly thankful for the time I live in, to be blessed for finding the silver lining in what has come my way and knowing that I continue to evolve and know I am more than a disease that happened to me. 

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  • kjiberty
    kjiberty Member Posts: 1,385
    edited July 2012

    Dance, Melrose, and Isharvey:  All well said.  Thanks for making me appreciate what I have instead of lying her feeling sorry for myself.  

    Again, I can't say this enough, I love this group of gals.  I don't know what I would do without you all! 

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited July 2012

    Not sure who is sitting in the Big Girl Chair this week....

    GOOD LUCK & CALM TIME TO ALL THOSE HAVING CHEMO THIS WEEK!!!

    Wishing minimal side effects and many hugs, calming and healing prayers, thoughts and energy to all!!!!

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  • IndigoMont11
    IndigoMont11 Member Posts: 1,095
    edited July 2012

    Hi Nofear! Check your profile and see if your BC info says public or private.



    Hugs to everyone struggling with the blues. I think I've hated that worst of all. Hoping you all feel better really soon!

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  • SadeSurvivor25
    SadeSurvivor25 Member Posts: 119
    edited July 2012

    Karen, I agree!!!



    Before I found this group i kept EVERYTHING bottled up and I would lay in bed for days crying...trying to figure out what I did so wrong to deserve this. But then I found you WONDERFUL, COURAGEOUS women. Ya’ll have truly impacted my life in a great way. It feels good to be able to come talk with someone that can relate to what we’re going through. I’ve since realized that I, (We) didnt do anything wrong. God just knew we were strong enough to bear this TEMPORARY burden and He’s giving us a test before our testimonies. We will all be able to pay our knowledge and experiences forward to help someone else.



    Dance we are all truly blessed!!!



    Isharvey that explains our Sisterhood to a T!

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  • lsharvey822
    lsharvey822 Member Posts: 257
    edited July 2012

    I love "Sisterhood" Sade!  so it's no Sister left behind! :) 

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  • Fierro6
    Fierro6 Member Posts: 224
    edited July 2012

    I'm here, lsharvey. Yesterday was the big nose-dive, err, I mean, crash.  I had spaghetti limbs and oatmeal-for-brains so I wasn't online much.  I went to bed early, since I was practically a drooling vegetable in my chair, and the result is me being up at 2:00.  I'm hoping to make it 8 hours at work today, so here's hopin' the worst of the crash is over.

    In good news, I'm finding more things to eat during the first week, which I was unable to do last time.  I just sat around thinking, "What is bland?" and made a list.  Most of it tastes good.  Yesterday, I had grilled chicken and mashed potatoes.  That was the first notable protein I'd been able to eat, so I have to work on that some.

    Anyway, I've been here.  Reading, crying, laughing, and most imporatantly, feeling loved and supported by a group of women I'll likely never meet.  Thanks to all who choose to share their wisdom, mistakes, and lessons here.  I can cry at 2:30 in the morning, when the rest of the family is asleep, and know that I'm not alone.

    ::edited to add:: My hair is coming out in droves.  Glad I did the pixie cut when I did.  Time to plunk on a hat for shed control.  I may have DH shave it soon, but if I keep enough fringe around the hat, I'll hold off.  We'll see.   

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited July 2012
    Fierro6-Hope you take it easy at work today.... not too much too soon.  Gald you made a food list and you figured out there are things for you to eat.  Yay.... that should help make you feel better.  The hair---- I'm glad I still have what little hair I have left and didn't shave it all off.  Having those wispy ( like that word?) bangs and hair fringe just makes me feel better when I'm out and about wearing a hat.  It makes me feel that like I'm on the way back to having hair again (even though I know that it still may go and I have 2 more rounds to go).  Have a great day!!!!!
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  • chapter4
    chapter4 Member Posts: 155
    edited July 2012

    Nofear2012. I too have numbing on my face....around my lips and chin...I never said anything,.not even to my dr cause I never heard anyone say anything about it...thought I was crazy...

    Our situations are very similar...I need to be convinced I need radiation...had 3 nodes removed....one positive....

    Emotion wise....basically I'm on an emotional roller coaster. It comes on without warning.



    This is a difficult journey fall all of us...we WILL prevail!



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  • vballmom
    vballmom Member Posts: 426
    edited July 2012

    Fierro - I kinda figured you weren't having a good time. We missed you and I'm sorry you are feeling like a mess.  There will be good days ahead. At least we know they cycle through.  I remember week one when you wonder if you will ever have a good day again!  I am here a few weeks ahead of you to remind you that you will.

    Melrose - I wish I left some wispy bangs.  I still have my sparse 3/8" buzz cut but I'm basically bald under hats and scarves.

    chapter4 and nofear, I too have had numbing around my face and lips.  I assumed it's just another stupid SE. It actually went away and hope it stays gone.   We have nearly exactly the same pathology except I am Her2+++. (yay me, sigh).

    Ladies, I have an announcement to make.  I have decided that enough is enough and this afternoon I am breaking up with the Red Devil and ending this relationship.  While I pray that the positive effects of seeing each other so intimately ever other week will last long term, I am done with him and ready to move onto someone new.  So...hopefully you will hear my happy scream this afternoon when I am done with A/C!!!!

    Off to the big girl chair in an hour?  Anyone else going today?  Hugs to all and I pray each and every one of you has a good day.

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  • Marcia1111
    Marcia1111 Member Posts: 368
    edited July 2012

    I feel the need to chime in on this awesome group.  You have helped me more than you know.  I also feel fortunate in many ways.  I look around and see many people who have struggles on a daily basis.  Some of my students, a neighbor in a wheelchair, a friend whose son committed suicide come to mind quickly.  When I'm done fighting BC, my life wil go back to normal.  I will not have daily struggles like other people do.  I'm sure I used to think I had struggles.  My hair didn't look good, I had a pimple, my kids were fighting, my students were being difficult.  But now I get it.  Those things are trivial, not really struggles.  My whole outlook on life has changed.  I'm not glad to have had BC, but I do feel like there have been some positive outcomes, such as this sisterhood.

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  • vballmom
    vballmom Member Posts: 426
    edited July 2012

    Coolbreeze is starting her own Blog Talk Radio for breast cancer ladies!

    Lots of you know how I agonized over leaving my job. My last day was Wednesday and it was super sad. I have been trying to think of ways to occupy myself, and I came up with this idea - an internet talk show for breast cancer patients!

    It is not a money making thing but I thought it would be a fun way to communicate via voice rather than just in forums. I am matching it to my blog, so the talk shows name is Breast Cancer? But Doctor...I Hate Pink.

    We will discuss all things breast cancer.

    http://www.blogtalkradio.com/butdoctorihatepink

    You can like me on facebook for updates:     https://www.facebook.com/ButdoctorIhatepink

    The first show is planned for July 2nd, at 2:00 pm CA time.

    Not sure if I will be able to listen, but I hope I can.  

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  • Marcia1111
    Marcia1111 Member Posts: 368
    edited July 2012

    vballmom - I found her website/blog a few months ago.  I read almost all of her posts and found great information and inspiration.  She is so funny,  Thanks for the info!

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited July 2012

    vballmom- Sounds like we should have something decadent to eat (like ice cream, expensive chocolates perhaps) to celebrate your official breakup with A/C.   Can't wait to hear that scream all the way down here in Texas!!!!  Wishing you a peaceful time in the chair and minimal side effects as always. 

    Thanks for the heads up on Coolbreeze's new internet talk radio show. 

    Ladies- Numbing = Neuropathy= Tell your onco about that side effect.  Dancetrancer had posted some supplements that one can take to help that..... but clear that from your oncos before you take supplements.  I'm going to find the list she made and edit this post later.

    (FOUND Dancetrancer's earlier post - pg 131)

    neuropathy supplement options:

    B6 - 100 mg/day (or 50 mg like me if you are sensitive to it)

    acetyl-l-carnitine:  1000 mg 3 x daily (total 3000 mg/day)

    l-glutamine: 10 g (don't buy capsules - instead get it in powder form) stirred into a non-heated drink 3 x day) for total of 30 g/day

    If you already have sx, IMO (humble), it is NOT too late.  I read some studies that showed ALC taken by diabetics helped reduce their neuropathy.  So if it were me, I'd try it.  Also, if you are having a loss of sensation and balance issues (1) make sure you wear shoes at all times so you don't cut your foot and don't know b/c you can't feel it (2) tell your onc just in case your dose needs modified.   Most of the time neuropathy improves after chemo but in some cases it becomes chronic, so don't dismiss it - discuss with your onc.  

    MINIMAL SIDE EFFECTS TO ALL AND CALM TIMES IN THE BGC THIS WEEK!!! 

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  • lsharvey822
    lsharvey822 Member Posts: 257
    edited July 2012

    @Fierro - glad you're ok!  Good luck at work today. You know what else tastes good?  Gelati!  :)

    @Vball - Woohoo!!  last date with the Red Devil!  Congrats!

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  • mistym
    mistym Member Posts: 58
    edited July 2012

    Good morning lovely ladies,

    Good luck to you in the BGC this week and big hugs.  To those of you not feeling well, I hope the SE's get better soon.

    I have been feeling so down lately as well and am trying so hard to get out of this funk!  It's not easy.  I suffered a major breakdown about 12 years ago that lasted about two years and was hospitalized many times for it.  I can't go through that again that's for sure.  Being here with you all does help and thank you so much for your ongoing support.

    @vballmom - thank you for the info about Coolbreeze.  I have added the link to my facebook Smile

    Congrats to all of you that are nearing the end of your treatment!

    Thank you all for the well wishes to me with the shingles.  They aren't getting better yet with the Valtrex but they seem to have stopped spreading.  Does anyone know how long I can expect to suffer with this outbreak?  Have any of you gotten shingles? My outbreak is on my right upper leg and so makes it very painful to get around. The scary thing is I was told the chances are high that I will get outbreaks with each treatment now.  I did have a fever of 38.7 for the past two days and just stayed in bed.  It is okay now though.  I know I am supposed to go to the hospital with a fever of 38.5 or higher but I just couldn't bring myself to go so just kept hoping it wouldn't get higher and told myself if it went to 39 I would give in.

    Hugs

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  • kjiberty
    kjiberty Member Posts: 1,385
    edited July 2012

    Vballmom:  Congrats on the "breakup" and thanks for the link on the blog talk show.  Wishing you minimal S/E's as you complete this portion of your journey

    Fierro:  I hear ya:  I felt exact the same way.  I really, really wanted mashed potatoes yesterday--something bland, but we didn't have any.  My DH did make chicken kabobs on the grill.  I was glad to get some protein in me, even though I only ate two small pieces.  I am going to work from home today.  I am so sorry you have to drive to far.  I hope you have the stamina to make it through the day.

    Sade:  YOu remind me of my daughter as well.  Hugs to you!  Again, we are here for you!

    Marcia:  I totally agree with what you are saying, but our lives will never be the same again.  What a different outlook we all now have!  

    Good luck to everyone in the BGC today! 

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  • vballmom
    vballmom Member Posts: 426
    edited July 2012

    Misty - have you searched for it here?  I know there are several threads discussing it. Here's one:

    http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/6/topic/785881?page=1#post_2975545

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  • dancetrancer
    dancetrancer Member Posts: 4,039
    edited July 2012

    vballmom - I am so relieved to hear you are leaving the Red Devil and moving on to something new.  I was trying not to say anything bad about him while you were with him...it was hard to hold back! 

    LOL

    Hope all goes well for your LAST encounter with him today!  

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  • Stacie
    Stacie Member Posts: 607
    edited July 2012

    Vball congrats on getting that #@$hole out if your life.



    Thanks for sharing about Coolbreezes show. She responded to my 1st post on bc.org in Feb "Lump and dimple found". Seems so long ago now.

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  • mistym
    mistym Member Posts: 58
    edited July 2012

    Thanks vballmom - I actually did check there and I guess because I am not over 50, the doctors did not even think to discuss shingles with me at all Frown I was told that now I cannot get the vaccine until at least two months after all of my treatment is completed - so sometime next year.

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  • nofear2012
    nofear2012 Member Posts: 160
    edited July 2012

    Good luck to everyone in the BGC chair this week. I go tomorrw for my 7 of 8 of taxol. So cannot wait to be done w this. Hoping all better days & minimal se's.

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  • lsharvey822
    lsharvey822 Member Posts: 257
    edited July 2012

    Hey Stacie - can you edit the title of this thread?  I thought it would be cool to add each person's name as they finished their chemo?

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  • Stacie
    Stacie Member Posts: 607
    edited July 2012

    I SURE CAN lsharvey. If everyone can post their "name and BGC completion date" I can copy and paste easily. I will add them as they occur. Be glad to.

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  • sandik
    sandik Member Posts: 482
    edited July 2012

    Fierro, mashed potatoes were my go to food when I felt crappy. Mixed in some green beans and I was good to go.

    Vball, yay for the last ac! Woohoo! Dump that loser!! What's next for you? Taxol has been good to me so far.

    Im in the BGC now. Dr said I was doing really well. I think the benadryl is going in next, so it looks like nap time coming my way. See you on the flip side!

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