2012 sisters
Comments
-
Tina, happy dance for you, but wait till you see the one I will do when you finish RADS! LOL
-
tina_jason, good to hear your happy news. I am reasonably new to all this even though I was diagnosed July 27. I have my lumpectomy Friday along with SNB. I note that you had two lumpectomies - is that because of margins on the second and did they get what they wanted on the second? And your wound? You have probaby explaiend all of this earlier but if you want to share again, it would be greatly appreciated.
Marian
-
Jpmomof3, so glad that you are doing so well now. About the rads, you may be pleasantly surprised. Like you, I was anticipating and waiting for the rad fatique to strike - never happened. I went to bed earlier some nights, granted, but never felt the level of fatique that I had during chemo, not even close. Hope it will be the same for you. Rads was a breeze, really.
Ramols, you sound really good too, and seem to be finding your happy every day now!
Tina, so happy for you! It's been a long struggle, but you're finally getting there.
Websister, hugs to you, and hang in there for the next few days.
Juneaubugg, you seem to be doing very well. Hugs to you and everybody else doing chemo.
-
Tina: that's fantastic. Progress...
Ramols, glad you found some happy today. Mine seemed to elude me. The fifth day after chemo is so emotionally taxing for me. I could cry all day. Im stuck in my shit and resentful and overwhelmed by keeping up with life in general. I made plans for friends to come over on Saturday and now today I don't know if I can play hostess right now. I hate looking in the mirror today and I KNOW that tomorrow the fog will lift and I'll start to feel better again. I just have to hang on and accept that Time, takes time... And I just have to wait for the days to pass and bring me closer to the end of this experience. Ahhh, patience, not my strong suit.
Good night ladies. Hope tomorrow brings us all some happy. -
Oh Juneaubugg, I know only too well that rotten feeling that you are having at the moment. Feels like you can climb out of your body and just run away from yourself, right? Like you say, fortunately it will pass, and by Saturday you may feel up to entertaining your friends. If you don't feel like it, they will certainly understand. Or just order pizzas, and let hubby pour the drinks while you just relax and take it easy. Anything to make the time pass more quickly, so that this chemo ordeal can be over. We often went away during chemo on the weekends that I felt good enough. Sometimes my DH had to drag me, but it took my mind off my misery. Hope tomorow is much better. Big hugs!
-
Liefie: thanks for taking the time to post that. So grateful to know that anyone understands the crazy in my head right now.... Suddenly I don't feel quite so alone... I mean the cat is staying away.... You know what I mean? (ok sarcasm is returning. All hope is not lost). ;-)
-
Mrscich - I met with my MO 2 days post op from my mastectomy; in my case it was in the hopes of getting the ball rolling on doing the oncotypeDX. Unfortunately, all of that planning went out the window when I came back with cancer in 1 of my sentinel nodes. But I still kept the appointment and I'm glad I did; it gave me a chance to get to know my MO and to be able to plan what was left of my daughter's summer vacation and gave us insight to the type of hurdles we would be faced with in the coming school year. Now even though I met with my MO very early after my surgery and we did discuss my treatment plan, it was with the understanding that I would be healed enough to receive treatment. And anytime I get cut on, my MO wants to see me and my incisions with her own eyes to make sure I'm healed enough. Its also my I started chemo today instead of last week, as originally planned. As is, once my final biopsy came back and my tumor was found to be of a higher grade across 40% my MO would've preferred chemo first, then surgery, then RADS. But it is what it is.
The only time I had nausea after my lumpectomy is when the anestesia was wearing off and boy was that NOT fun! Talk to your doctor, one of your pain meds may be the cause...I know i was given phenergan with my vicodin to ward off the nausea that is normally associated with taking that drug.
So far the only SEs I have going is a headache that won't go away even with 5 bags of fluids today, I still feel dehydrated. No nausea yet, but they were kind enough to give me 2 different types of anti-nausea meds...but the nausea still may show up. I do know that I feel insanely exhausted and just want to sleep all the time.
I'm a firm believe in knowledge is power...but in this situation, gain knowledge on the items that directly affect you. Known facts about YOUR particular cancer and YOUR particular treatment plan. And never be afraid to ask questions, here or with your MO. Hopefully you really like your MO (which I do) and have an amazing nurse navigator (which I feel that I do) and you'll be able to ask either of them ANY questions you might have, at any time. I don't know about your doctors, but mine prefer an inquisitive patient over one that doesn't ask any.
HTH even if its just a little...
-
Firestorm: hang in there. The headache seemed like it would never go after my first Round. I noticed yesterday that I hadn't even had one with my second round. The only difference was I took less of the steroids and I doubled my fluid intake; especially the two days before treatment. Sleeping was impossible last time, this time it's been fine (except now. I woke in the middle of the night a bit anxious.) Back to sleep for me now.
-
Hi everyone.
Had my first taxol/herceptin yesterday. Going in I was feeling that nervous nausea you can get when you're about ready to give a speech, and then of corse didn't eat or drink much. My onc could tell (geez) so I got a little lecture that I didn't drink enough water and I was slightly anemic, may WBC were good. Yay!!
They first gave me a steroid and 50 mg of Benadryl through my IV. I will say the Benadryl was the worst part. Although I didn't get any reaction during infusion from the taxol, my left leg got that really tired feeling from the Benadryl and I couldln't get comfortable. I did sleep off and on but I'm remembering why I don't like Benadryl. My head felt so apart from my whole body. Anyway, After all was done I was kept for an additional half hour for observation, but I'm not sure if it is because of the taxol or herceptin. They just spent the time giving me additional hydration through my IV. I was so ready to leave that right on the dot I rang my bell to leave. We had to go get our boys from after school care and I was so ready to leave. I will say there is absolutely no way I will be able to drive myself home, too woozy.
So I just woke up and I'm feeling really good so far. I did take some Ativan last night to make sure I slept through the night because of the steroids from yesterday.
Tomorrow I'll post how that went. My onc insisted I shouldn't have any side effects which will be great. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
Take care and wishing luck to everyone in the BGC this week and no/minimal side effects for all. -
Hi - just checking in to see how all the 2012 gals are doing. First chemo behind me now! Juneaubugg, I must say the new look is outstanding! My friend will be doing mine as soon as the first clump falls.
Hugs for all!
-
Today is Neulasta shot day and more fluids...headache is still here and there isn't any regular Claritin to had locally
Can any one recommend a pharmacy that carries it without me having to buy a 100 count bottle? Juneaubugg - thanks for the heads up! I forgot I got steroids last night and remembered they told me sleep would hit or miss, sleeping pills or not. I better get a lollipop today, that's all I'm sayin'!
Have a good day ladies!
-
Firestorm53, well put! I copy/pasted the part that really appealed to me: I'm a firm believe in knowledge is power...but in this situation, gain knowledge on the items that directly affect you. Known facts about YOUR particular cancer and YOUR particular treatment plan. And never be afraid to ask questions, here or with your MO. Hopefully you really like your MO (which I do) and have an amazing nurse navigator (which I feel that I do) and you'll be able to ask either of them ANY questions you might have, at any time. I don't know about your doctors, but mine prefer an inquisitive patient over one that doesn't ask any.
I too am totally inquisitive and maybe being an old nurse brings out the need for as much knowledge as possible. And we are all so individual.
Marian -
Firestorm - where are you in TX? I'm outside of Ft. Worth. Local grocery had it yesterday. Generic name is Loratadine. Will have to get off here shortly and go to work. Hope this helps.
-
firestorm - next time you go for your infusion, ask them to slow down the cytoxan drip. They warned me that they cytoxan might cause a bit of a headache and that if that happened - they'd slow the drip down next time to minimize it. I had a headache that stuck with me for days after my first treatment, so I'm going to ask them to slow it down next time. I think the zofran can also cause headache, so if you used that - ask if maybe they can offer up something other than zofran next time.
Feel good today everyone!!!
-
Marianeliza
I was diagnosed on the same day as you, and so far, the same diagnosis. I too am trying glean all the knowledge I can find. I even got a book at the library, " Breast Cancer for Dummies."
I'm scheduled for surgery on October 22, then we'll go from there.
Blessings
Paula -
I just got the news yesterday that there is still too much malignancy in my breast tissue and, based on my size, I'm not a candidate for the lumpectomy. Totally sucks and is a crappy way to start my vacation. Going for a consult with the plastic surgeon next Friday to figure out what my options are for immediate recon. Still trying to wrap my [bald] head around all this. I am kind of a wreck right now but trying to pull myself together. I hope everyone is feeling okay today. I'll try to check back in later to catch up. Hugs all around.
-
Firestorm, I picked up the generic equivalent of Claritin at the local Walmart and it works just as well. I must say I'm grateful that my MO gave me a waiver from my last neulasta shot and I haven't had any muscle pain AT ALL in the past 3 days. What a blessing! I was sure all those aches and pains were coming from the chemo, but now I'm not so sure.
Also, the headaches I've been getting I chalked up to coming off the steroids... so far so good with that, but tomorrow will be my icky day. (MY FINAL ICKY DAY!!)Juneau, I hope you have a wonderful time visiting with your friends. Let THEM take care of bringing goodies, they will probably be happy to do something for you besides just keeping you company!
Mrs Cich, I was naseaus when I woke up from my lumpectomy and the nurse shared a trick with me... put a little rubbing alchol on a cotton ball and inhale (like smelling salts) and it really helped cut down on the queasiness! After that, get on the phone with your surgeon and let them know you are having problems. You certainly don't want to run the risk of pulling any sutures if you are vomiting. As for the upcoming Onc appt, it is certainly not to early to think of the questions you want to ask them and write them down. They will give you so much information, you'll probably think your head will burst from it all. I hope you have someone to go with you to help absorb it all.
Blessings to everyone here.
-
Happy to hear the good reports from Scorchy re: further investigation, possibility not stage IV, from
Ramols - re: good post chemo day, I found weeks 2 and 3 were pretty good, with three the best (made it a little hard to go back to BGC this week though),
Tina Jason - news re: radiation start up - yay, there is light!
Jpmomo4 - bed head! Wow, that didn't take very long
mrscich - good advice given from Firestorm and others, it is difficult not to look ahead and try to plan for any eventuality, more will be known from you PS visit re: pathology and then, as written by others MO visit will answer many of your other questions.
Prettyinpink - not the news you were hoping for, hope your consult next week goes well and you are happy with your choices
I had a good night and I'm feeling good this a.m. Of day 3 post chemo - going to try to get some things done in anticipation of possibility/probability that days 4 and 5may be harder (from last chemo experience)
Tazzy - when is your radiation starting?
PAeaglesfan - final day tomorrow for you!
Firestorm - hope the Neulasta goes OK for you and you are able to find the Claritin
Juneaubug - I hear you re: 5th day blahs, sounds like you dealt with it OK though, hope you are back to making plans for Saturday - loved Liefies advice, thanks Liefie -
Prettyinpinkterminator,
This just sucks for you, but then again everything about bc sucks big time. Seems like you're heading for a mastectomy. I would stand in front of the mirror looking at my breasts as I had seen them all of my 57 years, trying to picture what I would look like without, and I was so sad . . . Have to tell you that as time goes on, your focus shifts to just getting the #$$% cancer out of your body. The choice is your breast, or your life, as simple and as cruel as that. Now after all my treatments are done, I don't agonize over the lost breast or even think about it any more. I am only too grateful to have my life back, and to feel part of normal society again. Still have a reconstruction surgery waiting in 2013, but I will worry about that later. Today is a lovely summer day here which I am going to enjoy to the fullest, and cancer is just not on the radar any more. Sincerely hope that you will reach this place soon. Hugs to you!
Websister,
You are an inspiration to us while you are going through this crappy thing. Always so genuine and friendly, and hardly ever complaining. Wishing you zero or mild SE's!
-
Juneaubugg,
Love the sarcasm, keep it coming! Hope the cat is back where it should be, giving you feline support - LOL! Cancer cannot take away our spirit, and you are a shining example of that. Get some sleep - you did not get much last night, did you?
-
Firestorm: I was also directed to take one aleave with the Claritan (I am using generic brand) for five days. I haven't had even a hint of bone pain following either shot.
Ramols: I totally forgot about that but they did slow my drip after I told them of the horrible headache after the first round.
Jojo: thanks- some days I'm ok with it, others I miss my long hair. Ce la vie right?
Websister: nice to "see" you. Hang on. In feeling fine again today; but damn if that fifth day isn't an emotional roller coaster!!!!
PAeagles: hoping you get through today as comfortably as possible.
Tazzy: are you back behind the shed!?
Soya & 2fried: how's life outside of BC treatment? 2fried isn't your exchange surgery drawing near?
Ok I'm going to try to get my ads out of bed today and go bake some bread! My friend and I are both going to break in our never used four year old bread makers!! Lol!
Hugs to all. -
I haven't checked in for awhile...I have had some definite struggles in the last few weeks. Juneaubugg the new do is beautiful. I had my first TCH on 08.14 and my hair started coming out in clumps 13 days later. But as a preparer, I had purchased a wig and a bang peice to go under the several scarves and hats I had bought and made. This last Sunday we had a family BBQ and head shaving party in my driveway. 3 of my sons, one of my besties, and my daughter and her boyfriend also shaved their heads in support. I have seven children between 14 and 21 years old and the neighbors have always been fascinated by the way our family plays...the head shaving had people standing in their driveways and walking their dogs past my house! THAT was absolutely hysterical.
I was worried about losing my hair and had to hold back tears while we finished the job. (I went first). Afterwards I looked in the mirror and was pleasantly surprised. I look good bald. I have a nice head and beautiful blue eyes that look just like my moms. I have not worn a single headpiece. And either I am oblivious or people are not staring.
So the bald is not bad, and I have updated my Avitar...however the steriods and Neulasta are killing me. MO refused to lower the dose of steroids...infact increased because I ran a fever and had a little trip to the hospital...infection worries. Those steroids make me feel so edgy and hungry. I told him they make me want to maim people and steal there food, which will taste like metal, but whatever. He asked if the steroids make me agressive. I asked if he will lower the dose if I say they do. He said no he would just prescribe Haldol! Haldol? That is what they use in psychiatric hospitals to subdue psychotic patients. Um No Doctor Silly, I do not need Haldol! The Neulasta shot caused excruciating long bone pain that had me pacing by day and writhing in pain at night. I know that they stop Neulasta for some who have bad SE's...Not me, I get two extra days of those crazy making steroids, and extra strong pain pills. ARG! Anyways...some of you have it much worse off than me. I am doing well all things considered. I just had TCH on Tuesday and Neulasta yesterday and am in the midst of the steroid rage....so I complain. Next week will be better. Bless you all, C
-
Pip, liefie said it all. So I won't repeat it. But, (((hugs)))
Juneaubug, until mine broke, I used to make whole wheat bread for breakfast. Fill it the nite before, set the timer and wake up to a wonderful smell. If you hardboiled eggs, breakfast is done and you can shove the kids in the car with the eggs and bread! LOL. I used a wonderful pumpkin recipe too, it was a yeast bread, so hardly any sugar, and so good. -
Glad to see there are some that are experiencing some good among all those who are experiencing the BC uglies right now.For those with good news I'm so happy for you. But for those going thru the tough times now, I'm sorry you are going through this but as hard as it may be to believe, there are better days ahead for you too.
Well my good news is that I got my squishes today! Just got home! Although I know that there is some drop and fluff time they do seem to be back to more of the fried egg status but you know what? They are so comfy I don't even care! The iron bra feeling is completely gone! I feel like I did pre DMX- I don't have any of the tightness when I breath or move that I had with the expanders and no more under arm rocks. I will just have to come to terms with another "new normal". I am no longer a busty woman- I feel like more the size I was when I was 12 lol. I had so many skin issues etc that I didn't want to mess with anymore stretching the skin etc. Infact I think she super glued me instead of using the steri-strips due to the reaction I had to them after BMX. Maybe if I was a real youngin like so many of you, size would matter more but right now the comfort is an absolute dream! My hubby said what the heck: so I changed physiques again-no biggy-variety is the spice of life-lol. Ofcourse I am still under the influence of anesthesia and pain meds; you all know how that goes-happy today but tomorrow I could be crying my eyes out- lol-High and Low Emotions : the nature of the BC beast.
Juneau yum that bread sounds yummy! Nothing like the smell of hoemade bread!(lol I just noticed my typo but since it made me laugh and knowing you have a "strange" sense of humor like mine I decided not to correct it but to highlight it instead. Remember, I'm under the influence right now so don't be tough on me) Nice to see you sarcastic though -lol-it lets us know you are having a decent day.
Tazzy what the heck- guess Juneau is right that you must be behind the shed. Like I said you need to watch out you don't get a bad reputation hanging out behind the shed and in the woods all the time.
Soya thank you for the thoughts, prayers and Happy Dance! I really appreciate it!
Donna welcome to our lil group. So sorry you are here but like the others said -You look great!
Prettyinpink- I know that your news was dissapointing but like every thing with this dang BC their are advantages and disadvantages to everything so now that you know you need the mastectomy, you can focus on the advantages of it.
Well I am going to go watch some tv, have some more coffee since I was deprived of it this am and probably fall asleep. (Yes I'm weird-unlike the norm , If I'm tired I fall asleep even after caffeine)
Hope all can find some "happy time" today
-
2fried. Congrats! I am waiting for that day. Now than my te is in, I am getting a fill next week and I am on my way! So happy you are comfortable, you are right that is what counts
-
OK - back from behind the shed to post - cant have people talking about me
So got a call yesterday that I meet with the RO on Sept 17 to go over my rad tx. Then planning session on 18th and then I guess will start rads the following Monday. So looking forward to getting this part done and dusted. I just want to recover and get bacl to some kind of 'normal'.
BRAG workshop was good. Education about cancers and why they happen, then a PT came and went through all the post op exercises. Then I met with a Nurse who specialises in LE - she measured my arm - I dont have LE yet and have a 60% chance of never getting it. Swimming is a good prevention exercise. She told me what to watch for and if I feel heaviness in the arm and notice even slight swelling to contact my GP immediately. All in all a good session.
Yay on squishies 2fried.
I am off to paint my door frame... then I will get ready to meet a friend for appies and drinks tonight.
Hoping all in tx minimal SE's.
Thinking of you all and wishing you happiness and sunshine today.
Love & hugs xxxx
-
2fried: yay!!!!!!!! So happy for you (and jealous as hell). I will console myself with hoebread! LOL!
Tazzy: paint your door frame...? Is that some sort of metaphor? ;-)
Moonflower: didn't realize you were back on the road to reconstruction, very pleased for you. -
Ckolendar,
That shaving party in the driveway must have been quite something, and your family sounds wonderfully supportive!
2Friedeggs,
I'm so jealous of your squishes because that's what I wanted and I can't have them, but so glad you are thrilled with them! Enjoy - you deserve it after this whole experience.
Moonflower and Juneaubugg,
Will each of you kindly fax me a slice of bread, please? All this talk of baking bread is making me hungry, and I just lo-o-o-ve bread. Maybe I could send each of you some homemade jam? Lol.
-
Ckolender- you made me laugh today about the haldol. Later is such a gift, thank you
-
2FriedEggs-Yayyyy!!!! So happy that you got your squishies and soon you'll have to change your name AGAIN!!!! LOL!!!!!!
juneaubugg-I'm still in treatment, although I'm not doing chemo, I'll be starting heceptin soon and I've been on tamoxifen for 6 weeks now and also ovaries suppression injection monthly. Actually my 2nd injection was Tues and it was so much better than the 1st one. The 1st one hurt like a mofo and it bruised me for 2 whole weeks. It looked like if my DH cuff me in the stomach. I took a pic and showed it to my Oncoplastic Surgeon and he was able to make it much less painful and less bruising this time. I think this cancer really sucks and wish that none of us have to go through all this crap to make sure it doesn;t come back.
Anyone finished doing chemo but still on herceptin alone? Just wondering about the SEs, I'm doing it without a port and was wondering if its the best idea.
Tazzy-Good to hear from you, miss u for a little while there!
Categories
- All Categories
- 679 Advocacy and Fund-Raising
- 289 Advocacy
- 68 I've Donated to Breastcancer.org in honor of....
- Test
- 322 Walks, Runs and Fundraising Events for Breastcancer.org
- 5.6K Community Connections
- 282 Middle Age 40-60(ish) Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 53 Australians and New Zealanders Affected by Breast Cancer
- 208 Black Women or Men With Breast Cancer
- 684 Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer
- 1.5K Caring for Someone with Breast cancer
- 455 Caring for Someone with Stage IV or Mets
- 260 High Risk of Recurrence or Second Breast Cancer
- 22 International, Non-English Speakers With Breast Cancer
- 16 Latinas/Hispanics With Breast Cancer
- 189 LGBTQA+ With Breast Cancer
- 152 May Their Memory Live On
- 85 Member Matchup & Virtual Support Meetups
- 375 Members by Location
- 291 Older Than 60 Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 177 Singles With Breast Cancer
- 869 Young With Breast Cancer
- 50.4K Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis
- 204 Breast Cancer with Another Diagnosis or Comorbidity
- 4K DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
- 79 DCIS plus HER2-positive Microinvasion
- 529 Genetic Testing
- 2.2K HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
- 1.5K IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)
- 3.4K IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
- 1.5K ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)
- 999 Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis
- 652 LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
- 193 Less Common Types of Breast Cancer
- 252 Male Breast Cancer
- 86 Mixed Type Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned
- 189 Palliative Therapy/Hospice Care
- 488 Second or Third Breast Cancer
- 1.2K Stage I Breast Cancer
- 313 Stage II Breast Cancer
- 3.8K Stage III Breast Cancer
- 2.5K Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
- 13.1K Day-to-Day Matters
- 132 All things COVID-19 or coronavirus
- 87 BCO Free-Cycle: Give or Trade Items Related to Breast Cancer
- 5.9K Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results
- 86 Coping with Holidays, Special Days and Anniversaries
- 828 Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues
- 101 Family and Family Planning Matters
- Family Issues for Those Who Have Breast Cancer
- 26 Furry friends
- 1.8K Humor and Games
- 1.6K Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts
- 706 Recipe Swap for Healthy Living
- 704 Recommend Your Resources
- 171 Sex & Relationship Matters
- 9 The Political Corner
- 874 Working on Your Fitness
- 4.5K Moving On & Finding Inspiration After Breast Cancer
- 394 Bonded by Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Life After Breast Cancer
- 806 Prayers and Spiritual Support
- 285 Who or What Inspires You?
- 28.7K Not Diagnosed But Concerned
- 1K Benign Breast Conditions
- 2.3K High Risk for Breast Cancer
- 18K Not Diagnosed But Worried
- 7.4K Waiting for Test Results
- 603 Site News and Announcements
- 560 Comments, Suggestions, Feature Requests
- 39 Mod Announcements, Breastcancer.org News, Blog Entries, Podcasts
- 4 Survey, Interview and Participant Requests: Need your Help!
- 61.9K Tests, Treatments & Side Effects
- 586 Alternative Medicine
- 255 Bone Health and Bone Loss
- 11.4K Breast Reconstruction
- 7.9K Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 2.7K Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment
- 775 Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results
- 7.8K Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 50 Immunotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 7.4K Just Diagnosed
- 1.4K Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
- 5.2K Lymphedema
- 3.6K Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
- 591 Pain
- 3.9K Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 8.4K Surgery - Before, During, and After
- 109 Welcome to Breastcancer.org
- 98 Acknowledging and honoring our Community
- 11 Info & Resources for New Patients & Members From the Team