Starting Chemo October 2012

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  • MrsCich
    MrsCich Member Posts: 409
    edited April 2013

    Copy and pasting this from the 2013 Survivors thread.



    Hi ladies. Been a while.



    I had my final breast surgery on April 17, an oophorectomy along with a tummy tuck. My PS had to close up the pockets the implants go in because the scar tissue gave out. I have 800cc implants and a rather flat tummy. :) After all the unwanted surgeries I've had to have, my husband agreed that I should get the one I've ALWAYS wanted. So...I'm sporting my hip to hip incision (stitches are out though so does that make it a scar now?) but it's low.



    I have my MO appt tomorrow and will most likely be given my prescription for Tamoxifen.



    I haven't read the back posts to catch up, so I hope you all are doing well.



    Kristie

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  • Poke
    Poke Member Posts: 225
    edited May 2013

    MrsCich! Sounds like things are going well for you! Happy to hear! They did the ooph at 33 year old? Everyone keeps telling me to wait - and I'm BRCA2+. What's the deal!? 

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  • Poke
    Poke Member Posts: 225
    edited May 2013

    P.S. Why would you get tamoxifen if you don't have any ovaries? 

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  • Marlene18
    Marlene18 Member Posts: 91
    edited May 2013

    I guess most everyone in this group is moving on but I am only just now finishing up chemo and moving on to radiation. I had my last taxol 10 days ago so I'm feeling the weary and bleak this week. I know it's because of just being physically depleted but it sucks that just when you want to kind of celebrate moving past this part, life feels hard. :( But I know it will pass and my hair will finally start to come back and my body will start to feel like itself again, after an entire year of being pregnant and/or doing chemo...! 

    Up next, radiation starts in a few weeks and Chloe is four months old on the the 13th! Today I put her in a "newborn" outfit that was floating on her at birth to see how she's grown - she's getting so nice and fat! :)

    I hope you are all doing well!

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  • Poke
    Poke Member Posts: 225
    edited May 2013

    Chloe is so beauitful!! What a blessing. xoxo

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  • 35_smiling
    35_smiling Member Posts: 90
    edited May 2013

    Mrs.Cich ~ Congrats to you and so glad things are at it end with your surgery.

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  • 35_smiling
    35_smiling Member Posts: 90
    edited May 2013

    Marlene18 ~ Hello to you ohh my Chole is such a beauty child and growing nicely. Congrats for finishing chemo wow that went fast didn't it.

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  • Jennie93
    Jennie93 Member Posts: 1,018
    edited May 2013

    Chloe is precious!! :-)

    Radiation is much easier than chemo. I've made it through 6 of 7 weeks now - one more week and it's done!! It's starting to get ouchy, but nothing like the miseries of chemo. You will do great!

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  • LouBar
    LouBar Member Posts: 84
    edited May 2013

    Marlene - Chloe is beautiful! You are truly amazing! The hard part of chemo is over, as Jennie mentioned radiation is so much easier, the worst part is that going there is tedious. You are nearing the end and soon will be celebrating :)



    Hope everyone else is well, Poke, how do you feel post reconstruction surgery? I hope pleased with the results. My doc didn't want to do ooph thinking there may be other benefits having ovaries?! But suggested injections if my period resumed. Fortunately mine stopped with taxotere at Xmas so I hope that's it.



    Halfcan? Hope you are well!



    For those on tamoxifan, new study out that drinking at least two cups of coffee a day aided in the benefits of tamoxifan effectiveness, I would prefer wine, but I am trying to increase coffee intake, although not a huge fan.



    I am still lacking energy, how about everyone else? I have been increasing my days at work and start 4 next week. However, I am bagged on none work days. Have difficulty sleeping, never get that deep uninterrupted sleep unless I take something. And of course all the hot flashes etc. also finding that I have joint discomfort in hands and ankles. Planning on taking lots of summer vacation time over long weekends to hopefully get more energy back.



    Have appt with medical Onc in June for blood and exam- not sure what she will be looking at, but feel like I need a good "once over" to tell me that I'm good, still feel vulnerable and scared of a reo, will see what reassurance I can get.



    Hugs to all!

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  • Poke
    Poke Member Posts: 225
    edited May 2013

    Loubar: I'm glad to hear of this coffee thing, I have been drinking more lately anyways - I wonder if decaf matters. My doc at the Cleveland Clinic also mentioned ovarian suppression as sort of an investigational option while everyone waits for the results of the SOFT trial. My onc down here in Florida seems to think maybe that's overkill. Some docs like to jump on board before results are out, some don't, I guess. Let me know what you decide if your periods resume. (Mine have not.) I'm happy with my reconstruction for now, I feel pretty much like I did before only with a little more cleavage. The implants are anatomical gummies, so they are sort of flat, but there is absolutely no rippling or any of that. They have a really nice shape. 

    xoxo

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  • Poke
    Poke Member Posts: 225
    edited May 2013

    P.S. I'm definitely still lacking energy. I feel like a lazy piece of crap but I have to take naps at least 4 days per week. My onc says to exercise which should usually increase energy, but if I do that, I pass out afterwards. I swam just 500 m today for the first time in years and I came home and slept for an hour. I'm sorry you're feeling tired too but relieved that I'm not alone. I also have trouble sleeping and not feeling restful. I think it's the tamoxifen for sure. I take mine at 8 pm, not sure if that helps. I do feel like my hot flashes have improved, FINALLY!!!!

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  • karen3231950
    karen3231950 Member Posts: 25
    edited May 2013

    35 _smiling-Please know that my prayers are with you on Wed., May 8 during your surgery and recovery.  EXPECT A MIRACLE!  We have a novena at my church on Wednesday so there will be some extra prayers coming your way.  My chemo was always on Wednesday and it made me feel protected knowing that people were simultaneously praying for me.  May you and your husband feel this peace and protection also.  Remember, you can do this!

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  • LouBar
    LouBar Member Posts: 84
    edited May 2013

    po-ke - cleavage! wow, fantastic enjoy, hopefully this means a new wardrobe is in order :) Will keep you posted about the ovarian issues - I have 10 years on you so may be greater likelihood if your period resumes but let's keep each other posted on what our Docs recommend.



    Thanks re. your energy levels, sorry yours are low too, but yes, as you said, it is still nice to know we are not alone and have the same symptoms. I am finally going out hatless so that certainly helps when the hot flashes come on!

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  • Marlene18
    Marlene18 Member Posts: 91
    edited May 2013

    Thanks ladies, Chlo-bo is a fun girl to have around. Especially now with the smiles! Smile

    Po-ke: At some point in my reading, I made a mental note to take tamox in the morning but I can't remember why. Have you tried taking it at a different time of day? I won't be starting mine for a few weeks yet, after radiation so I'm a little anxious about the hot flashes...

    LouBar: I'm totally there with the low energy. I had been doing pretty well with keeping up with my 3x-weekly exercise but have cut back after this final taxol, which has coincided with Chloe's new preference to not sleep on her back! If I do my usual workout, the recovery period is just too long right now so I'm forcing myself to just take it easy and remember that this is temporary. Walking will have to suffice for now.

    Jennie: Congrats on seeing the radiation finish line! I hope you're right and that it isn't too bad for me. The protocol is much shorter here so I only have four weeks to get through. I have my CT this week to map out the terrain or something.

    The weather is awesome here this week. We lounged outside all day yesterday, even turned the TV to face out the patio doors to watch the evening shows. Cool

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  • 35_smiling
    35_smiling Member Posts: 90
    edited May 2013

    Hello everyone! “HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY” and for those who loss their mother “May God continue to bless you and your family with wonderful memories of the times you had together”.

    As for me… I just returned from Boston last night and met with the plastic surgeon on May 8, 2013 regarding my reconstruction surgery when I receive my mastectomy on May 24, 2013.  I am still very nervous as this was not an easy decision to make.  I was given a choice to either go for another re excision with radiation (6-7.5weeks) or a mastectomy with no radiation.  After thinking about it long a hard with my husband I chose the mastectomy with reconstruction. 

    I just want this cancer fight to end fast.  I have been through so much since diagnosed last July 31/August 1, 2012.  The cancer spread from my breast to my spine which has left me with a rod replacing half my spine.   

    We decided to go with the flap reconstruction (where they use my fat tissues from my belly and move it to the breast) then they will lift my left breast to try to match it with the new right breast.  Not only am I going to have a scar on my back from my first of many surgeries but now on my belly but when I look back I will still be living and that is what’s more important in my book. 

    Once this surgery is completed I can now say “I am cancer free”! Those four words I long to say.  I pray to God that this will be the end.  I know my walk will never really be over as I now need to eat, exercise and make better healthy choices in hope there is no reoccurrence with this cancer or another other form of cancer.

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  • Jalessi92
    Jalessi92 Member Posts: 22
    edited May 2013

    Hi everyone! I just had my final breast reconstruction surgery today ... feeling tired with zero pain. Unfortunately, my PS put in the WRONG implants. GRRRRRRR!!



    Since last August, we discussed the Sientra textured 350 cc silicone implants. I even had my pre-op appt on Apr 26 with my PS, his nurse, a med student, my husband, and myself. Dr asked me if I wanted round or anatomical and I requested anatomical.



    IMAGINE MY SURPRISE when I got my discharge instructions and the medical device card that shows he inserted Natrelle Style 20 smooth round high projection implants.



    Now, I have to call his office in the morning to find out what he was thinking, why the error, who's paying for the repeat surgery, and how am I going to get more time off from work to have this fixed? I am SO irritated!

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  • Jennie93
    Jennie93 Member Posts: 1,018
    edited May 2013

    Whoa. That's quite a mistake. Hope there is some good reason for it and not just a stupid mixup! Think positive, maybe you will love the ones you ended up with, after all. If not, then prayers for a quick and painless resolution.

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  • karen3231950
    karen3231950 Member Posts: 25
    edited May 2013

    35__smiling  You definitely have ben granted a mega dose of guidance and courage; I commend you on your brave decision and will continue to keep you and your husband in my prayers, especially on May 24.

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  • MrsCich
    MrsCich Member Posts: 409
    edited May 2013

    Po-ke, sorry for the late reply. I am actually on Femara instead of Tamoxifen. I had already had a hysterectomy in 2009 but still had my ovaries. My MO wanted the ooph to stop the production of estrogen and the Femara to stop the production elsewhere in my body. Ovaries are the main producer but not the only one.

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  • 35_smiling
    35_smiling Member Posts: 90
    edited July 2013

    Repost

    I had my mastectomy with immediate reconstruction surgery (by using my belly fat to create my new right breast) was last week on Friday May 24, 2013. I was scheduled to be at Beth Israel Hospital by 9:30am. Got there on time and they gave me a buzzer and when it goes off that was time for prep. We (my hubby and I) sat in the waiting area until this thing buzzed...then I started crying and they told my husband they will let him in later.

    They got me all ready for surgery and my husband was allowed to come in. We said some prayers and I made him do a before photo with all the marker markings made from the plastic surgeon. I was still very scared and nervous. The doctor came in again and spoke to my husband and answered all his last minute questions. I was glad for that. We kissed and I was wheeled into surgery which six hours later it turned out. I woke up and my husband was the first I saw. I was super happy and very scared to look under the covers now.

    I have a follow up appointment with the plastic surgeon tomorrow so, I hope me and hubby are doing things okay. The drainage's are a bit discomforting to do but we get it done. I am still very sore but once things heal it would look better....I hope anyway. I find it hard to look at myself right now.  its really not a pretty sight to see...I thought looking at other women will help me but seeing it first hand on my own body is just a shock for me.

    I am super excited that my insurance paid 100% and I am doing good and coming along well.

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  • karen3231950
    karen3231950 Member Posts: 25
    edited June 2013

    35 smiling   Still sending you and your husband prayers daily from Pompano Beach, FL for continued courage and strength as well as healing; you are an extremely brave and beautiful woman.  I hope the American Cancer Society was able to cover some of your travel and lodging expenses.  Continue on your journey and remember we are all behind you.

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  • Poke
    Poke Member Posts: 225
    edited June 2013

    MARLENE! That picture is adorable! Sorry I haven't been around lately ... busy trying to distract myself from thinking about cancer all the time. Kind of hard to type with this stupid numbness in my hand!!!! Hope everyone is doing well!!! xoxo

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  • halfcan
    halfcan Member Posts: 253
    edited June 2013

    Hi everybody!   It has been awhile since I posted but I have been staying updated on your posts with my phone.   Today I came on the computer and was surprised by the cute pics of Chloe...she is adorable Marlene!  Po-ke ... I remember when you were worried your hair wasn't going to grow back ... your avatar is lovely!  LouBar ... Hi, thanks for inquiring about how I'm doing .... pretty good ... hope you are too.  35smiling ... How is our amazing, brave lady doing?

    I am now 4 1/2 months PFC and done with rads for 2 months too.  Only treatment now is Letrozole for five years.  Seems so far I am lucky ... no SE's to complain about really!  A few hot flashes a day is all so far.  From reading the Femara forum it seems the SE's can change constantly so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.  :-)  My hair has grown to maybe 3/4" ... still too short to do anything with it, but no more hats or scarves for me ... well, except in the sun ... do not want to sunburn my head!   No chemo curls for me either.  It is as straight as ever and a bit darker than it used to be.   I only have one major SE and worry from chemo these days.  My feet are killing me!  Feels like walking on shards of glass sometimes and they burn like crazy.   Hoping it will pass with time but a bit concerned as the months go by.   And I still have big toenail issues.  The chemo curled them up and about killed them off ... but they didn't fall off.  Needless to say, most of my shoes I can't wear right now.  All minor issues in the big scheme of life!!!   Hugs to all of you gals.  I think about you everyday!  :-)     

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  • Poke
    Poke Member Posts: 225
    edited June 2013

    Hi halfcan, glad to hear you're doing well. Sorry to hear about the problems you are having with your feet ... I am still having issues with sore hand and numbness but it doesn't seem nearly as bothersome as what you're dealing with. Glad your hair is coming back!! Mine is also straight and a little darker than before and I sure hope it continues that way. No curls for me PLEASE!

    xoxo

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  • Caitgrace
    Caitgrace Member Posts: 48
    edited July 2013

    Hello again everyone...sorry I've been away.



    Have had six month follow up to chemo and my bloodwork is "perfect" with no tumor markers. It's a year since diagnosis - tomorrow.



    So many blessings, I can't even count them anymore.



    I struggle with the changes in my body -- but don't get down very often. Am power walking 2-3 times a week (2miles); dancing once a week (2hrs); and stretching / light weights (2x a wk). Back to working full time. When I get tired at the end of the day-- I am really tired. I sweat ALOT all the time, hot flashes drive me crazy especially at night...have a towel for wiping down -- interrupted sleep keeps me from really resting the way I want. Still stiff and achy in all joints if sitting for too long, in the morning etc. but it eases with movement. Trying some treatment for vaginal dryness, but not sure I like the potential side effects.



    Was able to successfully work my week long Conference in Vegas getting 2-4 hours of sleep a night... Which was pretty miraculous. On my feet from 6 or7am til 3-4am... Had some significant swelling of my ankles/feet; and some weird memory issues. Dr. Says the memory problems may get a little better still (chemo effects) but may not (tamoxifen effects). Also that stress and interrupted sleep doesn't help.



    All in all I feel pretty amazed at how easy this experience was, and am feeling very strong moving forward. I love seeing you all come through your final treatments, grow hair, find your smiles... And that Chloe, Marlene you've been a crazy inspiration to me-- and seeing Chloe grow and be sooooo beautiful --- well it does my heart good.



    May you all have amazing summers - drinking lemonade, enjoying the sunshine, holding your loved ones close, seeing all the beauty around you, knowing you are a survivor, are strong, and are held in the universe as a very bright light.

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  • 35_smiling
    35_smiling Member Posts: 90
    edited July 2013

    Hello everyone, I haven't been much since I've return home June 20, 2013 from the surgery. I am doing pretty good with mini issues...I call it my "NEW" norm. Such as both my big toes are numb, my toenails are black still falling off, my finger nails are lightly black and feel like they are lose but I keep them very short (my right hand thumb nail is black). I guess I have a while before all the chemo is out of my system for my toenail and finger nail get back normal. My hair is very thin and curly (I had super think; bad lock like hair before chemo) so I am super excited my hair has changed a lot! I wear no wigs now as I don't need one anymore and I donated them to the P.A.L.S. cancer group here on my island. The doctor said I can move forward and start slowly to get back into things I was in before cancer, so next month I go back to the Bermuda College to finish my Accounting Program and I will gratuate December 2013. I am excited that I can finish what I started. As for work well that will be on the back burner for a while. Still having issues with my back and still taking morphine but I am in no rush to work but don't mind helping my husband now and then at the family business. Well I hope everyone is doing well. Happy 4th of July to you!

    @Karen3231950 Hello there. Thank you so much for sending daily prayers to my husband and I. I am doing ever so much better now. I am still trying to cope looking at myself but I am thankful that I am here. Unfortunatly, I've developed Cardiomyopathy and now on 20mg Atorvastatin, 3.123mg Carvedilol and 2.5mg Lisinopril. They said it one of the side effects for being on chemo mainly Herception. My doctor stopped my all treatments and had me start the Tamaxifin. There was a cancer society in Bermuda called P.A.L.S and they paid for my hotel stay for the 3weeks I was in Boston. I have been blessed and I am very thankful.

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  • karen3231950
    karen3231950 Member Posts: 25
    edited July 2013

    35_smiling  I was delighted to read your post today.  Look at where you have been since your first surgery last August; you are indeed a remarkable woman.  I finish my radiation on July 9 and see my med oncologist on July 10.  I have decided not to take tamoxifen.  I too have stopped wearing a wig but my hair is now curly gray.  My toes are numb and two big toenails are still bad but the copper glo to my fingernails has seemed to disappear.  My friend who is not a cancer patient developed a persistent cough from Lisinopril that took sometime to diagnose.  Prayers are our best weapon for this disease and I continue to keep you in mine.  Stay well and good luck with your studies.

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  • Caitgrace
    Caitgrace Member Posts: 48
    edited July 2013

    Hello ladies - just stopping in to share that I did a ritual celebration of rebirth and thanks with friends and a few strangers last night. We prayed, gave thanks, danced, did poetry, there was blood shed (cheek spears and suspension). I flew for the first time, I know this is not a familiar practice to most but all was so beautiful and strong and wonderful. In my prayers I offered up my wishes for long cancer free lives for the women in this forum and thanks to all the women who have gone before that helped test our treatments. The woman, my friend that led the ritual, lost her mother to breast cancer and so it was a perfect understanding of the joy of coming through it on a path of healing.

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  • karen3231950
    karen3231950 Member Posts: 25
    edited July 2013

    Caitgrace - your experience sounds extraordinary. You have such a positive attitude; it is contagious. Thank you for your prayers.  I always feel blessed and comforted when I think that people I do not even know are praying for me.  I have added doctors, nurses, and caregivers to my prayers of thanksgiving.  Stay happy and healthy.

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  • LouBar
    LouBar Member Posts: 84
    edited July 2013

    Caitgrace - what a great uplifting post - so glad that you are celebrating, as we all should. 

    I had the results of my scans and am so pleased that everything is good, no more cancer.  I am still feeling that this whole year has been a bit surreal so it hasn't quite sunk in yet....but I need to start getting up each day with thanks and a lot of living still in my future, as there is for all of us. 

    Hope you are all well as you continue to be in my thoughts on a regular basis and the connection between us all is unbreakable.  

    Wishing great days of happiness ahead

    louise xoxo

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