October 2013 Chemotherapy

Wren I don't think it means the chemo is less effective, just a different side effect.



Jaybird - good luck with your MRI and your port placement. I have a port as well but because we knew before surgery I would need chemo I asked for mine to be placed during surgery and my BS agreed.

ML40 - I had an insider helping me.  One of our cousins is a chemo nurse and she told me to ask about the port being done at the same time is surgery. Good Luck with your port placement.

And the rollercoaster started again - I got a call today and I have an ultrasound on Thursday to check out something suspicious they found on my right ovary in the CT Scan they did last week. They saw a small fibroid and some ovarian cysts but thought those were fine. I will see the MO, BS and have a pelvic ultrasound on Thursday.

ML40 - I hope the website Jaybird mentioned works well for you. I bet someone would be willing to travel there to be supportive since it's so beautiful! I understand a little what it's like to be somewhere you don't know many people and yet have to deal with this big issue of cancer. When my husband retired from the military we moved and less than a year later I was diagnosed with cancer. Not breast cancer that time but it required surgery and 33 sessions of radiation. During that time my husband was working out of state 2 weeks a month. I was lucky that we were living with his parents while building our house. But I sure missed my friends and family 1/2 way cross the country. Still miss them this time too but have a little more support this time. Are there any support groups in the area? You've probably already checked with the FRG leader to see if s/he knows of anyone you could chat with - that network can be good support when it's an active group.

I found out yesterday my chemo is scheduled to start October 9th. Everyone thinks it's awful because it's the week of my birthday but if what I've been reading about feeling better the second week comes true for me then I have a good shot at enjoying Thankgiving and Christmas. It's way easier to move a birthday dinner than it is to move Christmas!

I was excited to find out there were no other signs of cancer in my CT Scan.  My MO said he wasn't concerned about the area in my ovary that the Radiologist was concerned about so I've let go of some of that anxiety too but will get rid of the rest of it after I hear the results of the pelvic ultrasound.  That was a huge relief. 

There were a few other things that showed up on the CTScan not related to the cancer (ie a small kidney stone, disc issues, etc) and typically they would be things to be concerned about but in light of breast cancer it seems like no big deal. Just things to keep an eye on - I'm not going to look for trouble.

BS thought everything looked good, released me for chemo, sent a referral to PT and I won't see her again until I get my port out in the spring.

ML40 - Glad to hear the support group was helpful. I wish FRG groups weren't so hit and miss.  But maybe at least the leader might know of other resources or some others who have been in a similar situation. It will be nice to have your Mom there for your first treatment. As for a visit from "The Queen" - that is such a difficult situation. I don't know about you, but since my diagnosis I feel a bit more emotional and vulnerable than I usually do. That is not my preferred state of mind for a visit from a queen, I would want to be more on top of my game.  Are you having a couple of different chemotherapy drugs - If a visit is inevitable maybe you can say you might not feel as well after several sessions and you might need her more later - the fireworks on New Years Eve on the Hale Koa beach are great. I think for me the beginning is most scary and more emotionally time consuming - and quite honestly difficult to focus on anything else. The bottom line is THIS time it's about YOU!  The kids are old enough to take care of themselves on a day to day basis. You have probably coped with deployments, exercises, moves, events and last minute changes with grace and flexibility.  (not to mention the kids stuff) This time is different, you come first! It's your turn!

lgkgde - Welcome, Sorry you have to join us, but so glad you found us. Good Luck with your PET Scan Monday. Yes, the waiting is frustrating and there seems to be a lot of it. 

ML 40 - sorry to hear about your cold, like you needed one more thing to deal with! You're right it is better now than during chemo! Hopefully it will disappear soon.  I feel like we should all start wearing masks around other people and refuse to shake hands. 

Jaybird - we actually share the same birthdate, the 11th, I'm just 12 years ahead of you.  Your Disney trip is way more important than the other holidays. That will be a special time for you and your son.  You can do it!! Good Luck with the port placement on Tuesday. Let us know how it goes.

I'm glad there are a group of 40 year olds gathering, I think you have some extra issues to deal with so I'm happy you have found each other. Wrenn and I will hold down the upper end .  I trust others of all ages will also join us as we get closer to October.