December 2012 chemo group

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  • mfml
    mfml Member Posts: 77
    edited July 2013

    Hello ladies - as I near the end of my radiation - I think of you all often.  I figured it was about time I checked in to see how everyone is doing.  Sounds like we are all on similar roads.  Boy was I happy to ditch the wig... but my hair came in so quickly it sort of scared me - hope it was only hair that was growing quickly!  My nails are still a bit detatched - its a race - hopefully they grow before one falls off.  Energy certainly getting back to normal.  My armpit is VERY raw and oozy from rads at the moment - making it difficult to sleep - but I know this too will pass after last rad on Tuesday.

    I am so happy to hear that "life is good" for so many of you!  We did this - you are all such strong women.  My doc and I decided I should have a hysterectomy - so I am going to FORCE myself to go ahead and schedule this - or else I might just get back to "normal" and blow it off...  but I think after the past year that surgery will be a breeze.

    Best wishes ladies - I was so happy to read over the past few months of posts - it gave me a great sense of accomplishment and reminded me of what great support I have had from this board.

    M

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  • Dan7
    Dan7 Member Posts: 3
    edited August 2013

    Hi,

    Just finished chemo and now on radiotherapie starting thursday. Can anyone please tell me the side effects?

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited August 2013

    Dan~~Do you mean radiation?



    Here's a great thread to help you out.



    Blessings

    Paula





    http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/70/topic/803360?page=46#idx_1359

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited August 2013

    Dan~~I don't know why the link isn't coming up, but the thread on here is SUMMER RADS 2013.

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  • Dan7
    Dan7 Member Posts: 3
    edited September 2013

    Hello,

    Had the op, nearer end of radiotherapy. Im seeing light at the end of the tunnel. Now all i have to worry about is loosing the excess weight gained during treatment. Also im so delighted with my hair growing back even though it is all white. For you all out there, do not despair there is hope and I am proof of it.

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  • momto7
    momto7 Member Posts: 225
    edited September 2013

    Hi Dan glad you  are almost done I know what you mean  about the hair lol mine is like a sliver color . I had lost 50 lbs during chemo and I do not plan on putting it back on. It has been so hot here tho i don't do long walks in the heat so I go to the mall or walmart to walk around hang in there we woll make it. I met a 10 year cancer survivor yesterday and she was very nice she said to keep a positive attitude and keep your chin up Smile

    huggs Cool

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  • capelang
    capelang Member Posts: 18
    edited October 2013

    Hi SharonS,

    Just wondering about your Klonopin taper.  Are you still tapering?  Reason I'm asking is my Dr. wants to switch me from Ativan to Klonopin.  I want to taper off the Ativan but it has been difficult.  Klonopin has a little longer half-life.  I've read about the compounding pharmacy method and was just wondering if it has worked.

     

    Thanks!


     

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  • Bren58
    Bren58 Member Posts: 1,048
    edited December 2013


    Hello December girls! Just checking in to see how everyone is doing a year after starting chemo. We have all had an incredibly trying year. Hopefully we found out we are stronger than we thought we were, found out who are tried and true friends were, and are either accepting or embracing the new normal that we have. The holidays this year should be better than they were last year for us. At least this year we should be able to enjoy the food!


    I had ALND surgery after finishing chemo and am still dealing with some pain issues from that. I finished Herceptin infusions on Oct 29th and had my port out 3 weeks later. My hair is finally growing in and yesterday I had my first real haircut since November 2012. It's a super short pixie, but at least it's growing.


    So how is everyone else doing? Please check in and stay in touch.

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  • FriendGwen
    FriendGwen Member Posts: 177
    edited December 2013


    Hi Bren! I'm doing/feeling great! Yes this holiday will be much nicer than last years for sure! Today I got a message from a friend who found a lump and is having a biopsy next week. She's very nervous. I reassured her as much as I could that yes it sucks but the whole thing is doable and most likely treatable. Nonetheless I pray she's fine and can avoid the year we all had. My hair is growing and this morning I realized I might actually be able to put it into a pony tail! Ok it's only about a half an inch ponytail but it's a start!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2013


    Yesterday was 1 year (Dec. 7) since I started chemo. I can't believe it's been a year. I would never have chosen BC.( Nobody would) but I believe the fight has made me stronger, physically, emotionally, & spiritually. God has blessed me greatly through this journey.


    Paula

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  • donster
    donster Member Posts: 39
    edited December 2013


    Hi Bren and Gwen and all you fabulous December girls,


    I also cannot believe it has been over a year since this journey started. I can never truly thank everyone enough for the support and comfort that you brought to me. I hope I was able to return that to each of you. It is great to see that everyone is doing well. We made it!!!


    I have crossed the finish line too! I had my new implants put in about 2 weeks ago and I am feeling great! So happy to finally get rid of those tissue expanders. My hair is growing back, no ponytail yet, but it's growing. So funny when a stranger tells me that they love my sassy hairdoo and they wish they had the guts to cut their hair short.


    It is nice to smile this December and just enjoy the good food, the good will, and good friends.


    Wishing you all a warm, safe holiday season and good health in the New Year :)


    Donna

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  • Sandra60
    Sandra60 Member Posts: 201
    edited December 2013

    To all my December and January chemo gals - thank you for your helpful posts and encouraging words this past year  !  I could have never made it though without you !  

    What a difference a year makes in one's life - I was "looking forward " to starting chemo on 12/28 last year - this year I am looking forward to a dinner out and movie with my hubby, son and new girlfriend !  I am so grateful for my health and pray all will be well for you ladies as well !!

    The most difficult part of my recovery this last year has been getting off the benzo's ( went from Xanax to klonipin to Valium and am almost off Valium - down to .125 mg ( 1/8 of a 2 mg pill )  and the physiological aspect  ( training my brain to stay positive and not go to those scary places in my mind ) .  My recommendation to any new chemo patients is do not stay on the Ativan or Xanax very long - it is so easy to get dependent and they are more difficult to withdraw from than heroin. 

    But I can not complain too much - I know some of you have had a more difficult journey and I am sending out big cyber ((((hugs )))) to all of you and hope and pray 2014 will be a good one for all !

    Thank you again and 

    God bless !

    Sandy

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  • beckstar18
    beckstar18 Member Posts: 253
    edited December 2013

    So good to hear from many of you and see where you are now! Praise God for healing and seeing us through it all. 

    I had my last Herceptin Dec 2, port came out Dec 5. I had a hysterectomy/oopherectomy in October, the tamoxifen already caused problems with my uterus. My endometrial lining was 4x thicker than normal and I had 2 very large ovarian cysts that did not resolve after 8 weeks of watchful waiting. My cancer was estrogen positive so losing the ovaries was therapeutic to prevent recurrence too.

    If you all could send some prayers/positive thoughts/good vibes my way I would greatly appreciate it. I was in the ER Friday night for bad abdominal pain. They did an abdominal/pelvic CT scan and unrelated to the stomach pain they found 2 lesions on my pelvic bone. One is a 4.5cm ovoid (egg-shaped) heterogenous mass. The ER doc said it was suspicious, especially considering my history of BC, so he told me to follow up with my oncologist first thing Monday for a bone scan and/or MRI. Just praying it's not mets. This is the part of being a cancer survivor I'll never get used to--finding abnormalities in my body and not instantly freaking out.

    I'm so glad we've all been able to "meet" on this journey and support one another. It truly makes me happy to hear how everyone is slowly getting back to normal and living life again! 

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  • Sandra60
    Sandra60 Member Posts: 201
    edited December 2013

    hi Steiner ,

    I am thinking good thoughts and keeping you in my prayers all will be well .

    I too am taking tamox and had an abnormal pap in October - but ultrasound proved normal .  I am hoping they will switch me to arimidex in January - but not sure about its side effects . Tamox had been ok for me although it sure does reduce the ole sex drive :( .   I may consider a hysterectomy too ....

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  • momto7
    momto7 Member Posts: 225
    edited December 2013

    Hello Ladies!!

    So happy everyone is doing a lot better My hair is growing back too but it is much thinner than before and not blond any more it is silver  can't wait to dye it lol  I hope every one keeps doing good My only problem from chemo is the tingling  in my hands and feet  not so bad in the hands any more but the feet still bother me a lot my MP said it may take another 6 months for it to go away . Just remember one day at a time and we can do it hugs to all of you!

       I hope every one had a great Christmas  &. Have a happy new year !

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  • jenjenl
    jenjenl Member Posts: 948
    edited February 2014

    My friends!  How I miss you.  Love the updates.   I decided to start the reconstruction process 2 weeks ago and already have seen changes in my opinion of my self image.   I have extreme peaks and valleys of fear but overall in a good mental place.   My son is sbout to turn 4!!  My daughter is reading,  it's so sweet.   Me and the DH are planning a adult only trip for May.  Work has been keeping me busy and my teams responsibilities continue to increase so I must be doing something right. 

    Love to all as we put this journey behind us. 

    Xo

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  • beckstar18
    beckstar18 Member Posts: 253
    edited February 2014

    Sandra, I have no sex drive but never thought about it being the tamox! I just figured it was because I had no more lady parts and my body was worn out and tired. ;) For being a 33 year old happily married woman though, I hope the sex drive returns soon.

    Jenjen, how'd your DIEP go and the recovery so far? I'm glad you are feeling better mentally about your appearance. Have fun on that adult only trip! My hubby and I are taking on in July to Vegas. I go for work and he's meeting me out there at the end of the conference so we can spend the weekend there. I can't wait!

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  • jenjenl
    jenjenl Member Posts: 948
    edited May 2014

    Anyone out there?  How is everyone? 

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited May 2014

    jenjeni....hi! I'm here. Yesterday I was 1 year post final chemo. I'm doing great except for lack of energy. Or maybe it's lack of motivation. Anyway, I really have no complaints.

    God Is Good!

    Paula

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  • Bren58
    Bren58 Member Posts: 1,048
    edited May 2014

    still here too. 15 months pfc, 1 year post surgery, still taking Arimidex and not liking the SE's. Just had foot surgery to repair a torn tendon in my foot that started  right before BC dx.  It took me a year to find a dr to properly dx it.  My energy is back and I feel pretty good. All the blood work at my 1 year Pfc appt was normal. Very glad that life is mostly back to normal. I hope that all the rest of the December 2012 ladies are doing well :)

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  • donster
    donster Member Posts: 39
    edited August 2014

    Hello ladies,

    I popped on to the board today and am so happy to see that many of you have checked in too.  

    Life is good and it feels great to have a sense of normalcy again.  Like you all, my energy is back, I am back to work, back to golfing on days off, 

    but the SE's of Tamoxifen make for many sleepless nights and overwhelming hot flashes.  Compared to how I felt a year ago...I'll take this any day!!!

    I still think about the breast cancer and the journey regularly but at least not daily as I used too.  I definitely look forward to a time when I think about it seldom.  I am not sure how far out that time is but I hope it is closer than further away.  

    I am going back to my PS for a follow up, aka a tweaking, on my reconstruction this Fall.  The radiation caused some shrinkage and I find I am suddenly a bit lopsided.  Anyone else experience that?  Did you have a tweaking?  Are you happy with the results?  I would love to hear from you :)

    Wishing all of you the very best,

    Donna 

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  • momto7
    momto7 Member Posts: 225
    edited August 2014

    Hi there I have not forgot about you ladies!! donster i am going back for some tweaking too i have not scheduled it yet but will be in the next few weeks . I am  trying to still get over the neropathy  I hate the tingling in my feet and some times my hands  other than that just trying to live some what a normal life. Looking for a new place to move  Also big enough to have a sewing room

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  • donster
    donster Member Posts: 39
    edited August 2014

    Hi Momto7,

    Yes, there is the neuropathy.  Mine is in my toe of all things and it is annoying.  Compared to last year though it's nothing so I try not to think about it.  

    How exciting to be moving and getting a fresh start and a new sewing room to create beautiful things :)  Best of luck with all of that.  

    I see we had a very similar diagnosis and treatment protocol except that I had radiation too.  Have you heard much about these follow on surgeries in terms of recovery? The first exchange was so simple and I am naively thinking that this tweaking will be easy too... have you heard?

    Donna

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  • momto7
    momto7 Member Posts: 225
    edited August 2014

    Hi Donster

    From what I watched on Dr 90210 it looks easier than first getting the implants I need my left one moved over and my PS said he would go back in and redo it. he had said i had a deep pocket in there from the BMX and he had stitched it closed. He had said it my or may not move well it never went in the right place lol so i am kinda lopsided. I never had TE's he did a direct implant behind the muscle my right one is fine  go figure . I think the tweaking will be easy and less painful I have not even thought of tat's or nipples yet

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  • ScarYola
    ScarYola Member Posts: 15
    edited December 2014

    Hello everyone, I hope someone comes and reads this message. It has been two years since this chemotherapy group and I just wanted to come back and say thank you because you were those who understood what I was going through. When husband, kids, friends, could not understand I know you all would. Where ever this roller coaster journey has taken you I wish you love, peace, happiness, and good health. Had it not been an abiding faith in my God and my joint warriors I don't know where I would have been during such a trying time. Merry Christmas and have a wonderful new year.

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  • FriendGwen
    FriendGwen Member Posts: 177
    edited December 2014

    Hi ScarYola! I haven't checked this site in months but am feeling grateful celebrating two years since chemo began. It's becoming a blur and that's fine with me! Wishing all of you another wonderful, happy, and healthy new year! Blessings to all of you!

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  • jenjenl
    jenjenl Member Posts: 948
    edited December 2014

    Whats up ladies?!?!? Good to hear happy reports. xo

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  • Bren58
    Bren58 Member Posts: 1,048
    edited December 2014

    Good to hear from you ladies! Glad to hear that you seem to be doing well and are moving forward with your lives. These boards have been such a help to me over the past 2+ years.

    I wish all of you a very happy and healthy New Year!

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  • PeggySull
    PeggySull Member Posts: 686
    edited December 2014

    It's two years out from my first chemo. I've been struggling with continuing peripheral neuropathy, primarily in my feet but also some in my fingertips. I just read a science report on regaining feeling in hands with people who have had hand transplants. In it they said it takes at least two years for peripheral nerves to regenerate. That gave me some hope that time might heal these side effects of chemo (Neurontin and acupuncture helped a little).

    Hugs to everyone as we approach the New Year!

    Peggy

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  • beckstar18
    beckstar18 Member Posts: 253
    edited December 2014

    Wow, blast from the not so distant past! :) Great to hear from everyone. I don't get on here often but did log on today to do a bit of research. I've had some wacky labs the past several months. Started with liver enzymes up. Then at my Dec appt my calcium and tumor markers were also elevated. Oncologist stopped my tamoxifen for 2 weeks hoping it would stabilize my labs then retested my blood this Monday. Liver enzymes went higher, calcium still elevated, and tumor markers dropped. ??????? What the heck! This roller coaster is too much some days. Prob going to have CT scans next week. Was supposed to be this Friday but we're holding off so my oncologist can review my labs first.

    I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas, and HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all! Much love xoxo!

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