Sept 2012 chemo

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  • Terri07-11
    Terri07-11 Member Posts: 32
    edited March 2013

    Denise51:  I think it is normal to have an initial response of denial.  It is too shocking, especially when you have been healthy all of your life.  This blog provides alot of support and information but you would probably benefit greatly from a support group.  I found that whenever I got a chance to talk to someone face to face that was going thru the same thing with cancer, the relief was immense that I was not allow.

    I am sure that your center or community has a support group.  You would probably be able to also look on-line.

    Chemotherapy is hard but look how many of us have come out the other end and are doing fine.  The best thing I did was read articles and books that gave helpful suggestions on how to deal with the different side effects.  And of course you can always ask here about certain things, which I found invaluable.

    The doctor that did my surgery called this experience a journey.  And as with any experience, there will be good and bad.  But you will come out the other side with a new strength.

    It's not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you get up.  Vince Lombardi 

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited March 2013

    Denise51- Sounds like you are just about ready to embark on the journey through chemoland.  These women on this thread have grown in many ways and learned that they can get through anything.  You see, I've been a welcomed visitor to their thread even though I had completed my chemo when I first to this thread and tried to give them whatever encouragement and support I could.  I have just watched them continue to make strides past the chemo and on to rads and surgery.  They have supported each other through the good and not so good times and it is clear they truly have high regards for each other.  Each one of them should be proud of their inner strength and perserverance because even though the treatments have been doable, they are nonetheless challenging. 

    You may want to also join the March 2013 chemo thread so you meet others who are going through chemo at the same time you are having chemo.  You may also want to read the very first Chemo Forum thread where the Moderators have links to help chemo newbies.  Don't be afraid to ask questions or ask where to find information on this site.  You have come to a great place to find information and support.  Please do yourself a very big favor-- Don't Dr. Google.  There are many information places on the internet but some are not current, some may be inaccurate and some of the information just may not even apply to your situation. 

    Please feel free to private message me if you have questions.  If I don't know the answer, I will try to point you in the right direction.  Again, welcome and the best of luck to you!!!

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  • jojo2373
    jojo2373 Member Posts: 662
    edited March 2013

    Melrose, ur making me cry!

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  • Amy4978
    Amy4978 Member Posts: 473
    edited March 2013

    Patricia... The one thing I used every day was a shoe lace... I bought a pair and that is what I wore.daily under my jammies to hook my drains on it even worked in the shower and when I got out I put the dry one on...

    Also my hubby bought me a new shower head the kind with a hose on it made it way easier to shower for the first few weeks.

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited March 2013

    jojo2373- Everything I said about you wonderful gals here is true!!!  No one is left behind; everyone stays together.  Because you have all made an effort to stay together,  everyone is so much stronger and the positive attitudes are infectious.

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  • jojo2373
    jojo2373 Member Posts: 662
    edited March 2013

    Ty for ur support and guidance Melrose. I will never know why all these incredible women got cancer, but I am so grateful to be a part of this group.

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  • Amy4978
    Amy4978 Member Posts: 473
    edited March 2013

    I often wonder that myself jojo. But I too am so proud to be included in a group of such amazing, strong, and courageous woman! We def kick some serious ass....

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  • Hopex3
    Hopex3 Member Posts: 397
    edited March 2013

    Melrose...Nicely said! I've always enjoyed your posts as you have been so helpful to us all. Thank you!!



    Denise..In the beginning I was the same as you. Both my husband and I just holed up in the house. Didn't answer the phone or the door. It's such shocking news and I just wanted to be left alone. But then you gradually come out of that initial stage and put on your warrior panties and are armed to fight the battle. I felt almost a calmness come over me and I then knew I could do this. No doubt, it's not fun, you feel like crap but you can do it. I worked at my job while doing chemo as did many other ladies here. Good luck to you.

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  • cgesq
    cgesq Member Posts: 319
    edited March 2013

    Denise, Welcome.  We are sorry that you find yourself here, but we will offer support and encouragement.  What you are feeling is totally normal.  It is very overwhelming, and it takes a while to digest everything.  You might want to read the threads under the "just diagnosed" heading.  You will find others in your situation and realize that everything you are feeling is ok.

    Patricia, definately make a trip to KMart and buy the cotton sports bras which open in the front ($7.99).  I found that I lived in them after my BMX.  Buy them several sizes to big....you will be swollen.

    Melrose, I am very grateful that you stuck around and blessed our group with your words of wisdom.  They were  very inspiring and motivating, and you provided a beacon of light when we were going through our dark moments. I'm sure I speak for all of us when I say a giant THANK YOU!!!

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  • Amy4978
    Amy4978 Member Posts: 473
    edited March 2013

    Hopex.... I have a sort of personal question in regard to your boob size lol 750 cc what does that translate into cup size? I was a solid C before my mx but was told they weighed 640 grams. As of right now I have 460 cc in my te's I wanted to go a lil bigger than a C so thought if your 750 was around a D I would have a better idea of where to slow with fills.... This is all so confusing lol.

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited March 2013

    THANK YOU .... THANK YOU.... THANK YOU

    You are all the best!!!!  I'm just so glad I got the chance to help you and witness the transformations and personal growth that each of you have gone through and continue to go through.   You each just need to look at where you started and where you are now.  Hope you all now understand what I meant about how important that positive attitude would be to help you move forward through everything.  No matter what, it's all good.

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  • florbo
    florbo Member Posts: 178
    edited March 2013

    Denise--please know that you are not alone and do not have to go through chemo journey alone.   I have found so much support and words of wisdom from all these warriors on this forum.  I wouldn't have made it through the last 7-8 months.

    Amy--I had cording 2 times back in 2009.  One time my breast surgeon broke down the cording for me while I was under anesthesia during one of my reconstructions.  That was the easiest.  The second time it took me around 3 weeks to get it resolved with massage.  Your upcoming trip sounds great.

    Patricia--I do the same thing Amy said with the shoelace except I use a cloth string.  I hope to get my drain out this Thursday.

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  • Hopex3
    Hopex3 Member Posts: 397
    edited March 2013

    Amy..both my breasts were different size. I knew one was a tiny bit (I thought) smaller than the other one. The cancerous one was 750cc's while the smaller one was 640cc's.

    I always wore a C cup. However, the past year and a half, I've been wearing those Genie bras which do not come in cup sizes. I would guess 700 cc's would be a D cup. I know there is a thread on here...reconstruction??....and they talk about cup sizes plus they have a private room where you can view actual sizes. I haven't done that yet. I'm a little nervous as when to stop with the fills. I thought I looked big enough already but my DH told me to look at my profile. Lol...my stomach is a double D while my boobs are an A cup. It is very confusing!

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  • Amy4978
    Amy4978 Member Posts: 473
    edited March 2013

    Thanks for the info hopex I know one size can look.so much different from person to person and your right it is confusing. Since I had a skin sparing mx if I stopped fills now I would look like a half flat tire lmao! My ps said my expanders will go up to 800cc and if I went that big then decided it was to much he could take.some out and it would end up getting me a more natural looking breast due to it adding to the look of how a natural boob hangs.... So still not sure but got time to decide...

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  • patriciahurtado
    patriciahurtado Member Posts: 489
    edited March 2013

    Denise...... Everyone is here is awsome and yes I did feel like I wanted to hide but I found it more lonely ... This group is super great please ask or just vent we love to read each others thoughts feelings and help through this journey .... Melrose we love you!!!!!!!! ...



    At first I didn't wanna talk about it now....... If anyone asks I talk away ... Some love to talk about it some like to ignore it ....



    I do believe that our families are also affected and don't know how to deal with it...... We are the warriors and we should also help them out..........



    I just picked up my DH he is so happy and was very thankful .... He said he didn't know he needed a small break.... Now is all energize lol.....



    Amy how will I hook does drains with the strings no idea!!!!





    I will get those bras!!!



    Oh it's getting closer!!!!!



    Good night my sisters!!!!!

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  • Amy4978
    Amy4978 Member Posts: 473
    edited March 2013

    Patricia my drains had safty pins on them when I woke up from surgery but I hear some have clips...



    On my way to my first pt appt... I sure hope she specializes in cordind. Cause if not guess who gets to be their own advicate yet again!



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  • Neta69
    Neta69 Member Posts: 203
    edited March 2013

    Denise - You are not alone. We have all been where you are today and we have come a long way since. There are many good forums on this site. I hope you find information and support here a I did. Hugs to you.

    Melrose - thank you! Your perspective and experience was always so helpful!

    Hugs to everyone x

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  • jojo2373
    jojo2373 Member Posts: 662
    edited March 2013

    Snowed in so missing rads today. They called and closed early anyway. One more day to add to the end, ugh.



    My hair is growing in like a mohawk! It looks so funny.



    Hugs and hoping all in the snow path are safe!



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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited March 2013

    Patricia-  FYI:  I purchased from Target some front zip dri fit athletic jackets (Champions Brand) that had inside pockets.  I put those drains in those interior pockets.  The jackets were really comfy and I could wear them anywhere.  I can't say if that style is still at Target since it was a year I ago that I had my surgery.  I also purchased a mastectomy camisole that came with fiber foobs.  I felt more comfortable wearing the jackets.  Here are some other suggestions for drain holders-- fanny pack,  id lanyard ( some lanyards have clips on them), masectomy camisole with removable velcro pockets, drain belt.  You may want to look at the TLC on line to see what products are available--http://www.tlcdirect.org/.  While you are recovering in the hospital, the drains will be pinned with large safety pins to your gown.  Make sure you leave those safety pins on your drains since you may want to use them when you are at home.   Wishing you the best with your upcoming surgery!!!

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  • Denise51
    Denise51 Member Posts: 65
    edited March 2013

    Hello again Everyone,

    Thank you all for the warm welcomes, words of wisdom, and encouragement. I am truly overwhelmed by your responses. I hope I can be as strong as all of you. CT scan today if the snow allows. I live in Rhode Island and we are expecting a bunch. This will give me time to look at a bunch of posts and be inspired by all of you. 

    Best to all,

    Denise

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  • fight4two
    fight4two Member Posts: 146
    edited March 2013

    Did not enjoy my first rads treatment yesterday. The position they had my arm in was miserable and caused my arm to fall asleep.  It felt so awful that I had visions of it being 3x its normal size or purple by the time I got to move.  Instead it was completely asleep and I couldnt even lift it.  After I did finally get it to function and move it, I couldnt control it and it just flopped off the table like dead weight.

    I can't believe I have to do this 34 more times and that wasn't even the part I was worried about.  I thought the treatment itself would be painless!!

    Patricia - I was doing a good job of making sure my drain BULBS don't get caught on anything, but watch the tubes too!  I accidentally caught my tubes within my recliner one day when closing up the chair! HAHA.  And didn't notice until I tried to get up - Ouch! Something to laugh about NOW but not so funny then.

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  • fight4two
    fight4two Member Posts: 146
    edited March 2013

    UPDATE:  Guess I was too quick to complain.  Session #2 and I was in and out in 15 minutes.  Guess the first session had hiccups, as I had my arm in that darn position for over an hour.

    Timbek, I hope your 2nd and 3rd treatment were much better than the first as well.  We can do this!!

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  • patriciahurtado
    patriciahurtado Member Posts: 489
    edited March 2013

    Fight4two glad your rad went well... And should be like that from here on.....



    Thanks for all the tips my sisters .....



    Denise ..... Everything is going to be ok...

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  • kelleyb
    kelleyb Member Posts: 94
    edited March 2013

    Had my last chemo today! It was a bit subdued as everyone was rushing to get out and home during the storm. I was the last one out. No pole dance. :)



    Now to weather the next two weeks' side effects and then yet another MRI.



    Thanks ladies for your support!

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  • allurbaddayswillend
    allurbaddayswillend Member Posts: 355
    edited March 2013

    Congratulations kelleyb! Woohoo!

    fight4two, glad to hear today's session was easier.

    Greetings, Denise. You have found a great place to help you through this.

    Timbeckie? are your rad sessions better yet?

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  • patriciahurtado
    patriciahurtado Member Posts: 489
    edited March 2013

    Kelleyb.....ohhhhh yeahhhh ohhhhh yeahhhh let's get ready to rock woooohooooo... I'm dancing for you!!!!!!!!!!!! Congratzzzzzx







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  • Hopex3
    Hopex3 Member Posts: 397
    edited March 2013

    Yeah for Kelleyb!!!



    Fight4two...so glad your 2nd one was better. What a relief for you!



    Patricia..I purchased a camisole with drain pockets in them...never wore it!

    Ended up wearing tank tops and pinned the drains,to my sides and just wore a button down shirt over it. When I went out, I wore athletic jackets with pockets in the inside. I only had my drains for a week so it was no big deal. I too got mine caught in the recliner. So be careful. When is your surgery?

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  • Timbek2
    Timbek2 Member Posts: 204
    edited March 2013

    Radiation going ok. Been tired. Every day is exhausting but ill manage. Hate going when kids off school. Big pain to figure out what to do...they gave me miaderm lotion. Also I do bolus every other treatment. Anyone else???

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  • florbo
    florbo Member Posts: 178
    edited March 2013

    KelleyB-- Woohoo!!!!  Pole dancing for you down here in TX!

    Timbek--Good to hear from you.  Hang in there.  You are going to have to give me tips when I start in a few weeks.

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  • florbo
    florbo Member Posts: 178
    edited March 2013

    This is my hair at 7 weeks post-chemo along with my surgical incision on the left side and port scar on the right.  I look like I got into a knife fight.

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