April/May 2012 Chemo hang out

Have you tried taking your vitamins and meds after eating something? That makes all the difference for me. If I take them, any of them, on an empty stomach I can get an off or nauseous feeling that can hang on all day.

Sorry, Lisa.  How are you, BTW?

Rgina:  Ugh!  I go for another checkup (diagnostic on both breasts) in a month. Friday will be my one year anniversary of my last chemo. I have those dreams occasionally too.  I am doing well.  Radiation was a walk in the park for me compared to chemo.  

Hi Kj and others- been having a nice summer. Great weather here in Santa Cruz, a little trip to Colorado and to Dallas. My insurance wouldn't pay for compression sleeves since I don't HAVE lymphedema but want to PREVENT it. So I just bought them and felt safer flying that way.

I have my one year since end of chemo/start of aromasin doc visit in 10 days. A little edgy. First blood test in 6 mos, and it still baffles me that a manual exam of my chest/implants and a blood test is the high tech way they screen for recurrence. Is that what you guys do in your various locations?

I am blanking out of various experiences during my 1.5 yrs of diagnosis/surgeries/treatment. Feels kind of like how I began to forget parts of labor as time went on. Like I don't want it in my memory bank.

Lexapro has really helped me, on my low dose now almost 4 mos. Some low moments but no real anxiety and mostly much calmer and more positive. Me and my pills in the morning... stupid aromasin. I grunt like I'm 110 if I have to pick anything up, I dread getting out of bed. BUT i bike ride, go to exercise class, and we'll see how I can "tolerate" it as my onc said.  hugs to all!!!!!!

Yes, I am considering yoga, if I can modify as desired- no downward dog. I've been meditating and doing some yoga stretches, also a qi gong DVD from my  Mindfulness Meditation class (Kabat-Zinn style.) It helps.

KJ, you look just gorgeous. Your hair looks fabulous and your face too! I need to learn how to do better makeup as I  am looking washed out, still very few eyelashes on type and thin eyebrows. Maybe I'll get a lesson- I timidly dab eyeshadow, eyeliner, and undereye shadow... some light skin makeup and blush... and it's mostly gone by lunch!

Thanks rgina for updating - Hard to believe it's been almost two years since my dx. I had a severe reaction to my treatments: anaphylaxis to 3rd chemo, had to go off Herceptin r/t decreased heart function, and off Tamoxifen for severe osteoarthritis and chemopause - absolutely debilitating. I am just getting well enough to consider a return to work. Quite a journey. I still get panic attacks when I think of the shortness of breath I experienced with chemo. I also suffered severe radiation burns to my breast!!! That may never heal. I wish I could say things are on the up and up, but during my recovery I found out my husband was unfaithful to me - I am so struggling with his lies and betrayal. As my acupuncturist says - cancer can be illuminating... so the journey continues:( Wishing all the April/May 2012 group wellness and joy in their journey. xoxo

Hi Lisa - so hard isn't it? I had to stop treatment related to side effects - felt like a 90 year old woman. My naturopath has given me some balancing remedies and I feel 100% better... libido and energy returned, s & s of crippling osteoarthritis stopped after one week of being off Tamoxifen! I know 5 years of tamox recommended but I just couldn't live like that. Now finally sleeping, enjoying sex (although in a crisis in my 20 year relationship), and feeling like myself again. We sure face some tough choice on this journey don't we? Sending you lots of healing thoughts! vjm

Oh Dear Dancetrancer - what a gift you are! So supportive and willing to share your journey as a friend, a teacher, a shoulder to cry on! You are an inspiration to me and I so appreciate your wisdom and compassion. Thank you, vjm xoxo

Two months later: Tamoxifen is much better. My hands feel fine, my hips and thighs don't hurt. Just regular stuff now.I hope it is strong enough to do its preventative thing.

Thanks, kj.

Well... all is still pretty decent except for lower back/hip pain, seems to be increasing. Almost 3 mos on Tamoxifen.

Been walking, trying back stretches, Jazzercise... paying attention to posture. I have had lower back pain before many years ago. This is not as bad as Aromasin because my hands don't hurt and I'm not as stiff. But it sure hurt getting out of bed today. Grrrrr. Will ask onc when I see him next week.

Why in god's name am I the only person I know who has these strong reactions to hormone therapy??? I'm trying to approach it from a "my back is stiff in a  normal way" perspective. But I have a suspicion. I wish I could drink a small glass of estrogen every day to help my joints etc!!! JK. Went for a bike ride yesterday. Trying to keep exercising though it doesn't seem to help, but I know it's good in other ways. Hope the holidays are fun for all!

Hi dancetrancer!

Good idea, Dancetrancer. I've decided to walk every day, do my yoga DVD, and assume it is stiff 58 yr old back instead of mets. My doctor said it was probably not that but if it gets worse he'll do a  bonescan if I want. Grrr.

72 degrees in Santa Cruz, spectacular day for Christmas! I am Jewish but my DH is not and he is busy making a feast. He cooks, I clean up. Good deal for me!