Chemo May 2013

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  • Ukkate
    Ukkate Member Posts: 292
    edited November 2013


    Lori - YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYYAYAY on being done!!! It seemed like you had so many treatments but it seemed to go quickly (at least from my side of the fence)....


    That's really sweet what your sister posted...


    So I got the new job! WOOHOO. I start on November 19th. I think it's going to be a good opportunity for me. Now I have to figure out what to do with the whole "cancer" situation. I wore my wig to the interview because I didn't want to give them any chance to not hire me. But I don't want to be stuck wearing a wig again, or to be dishonest. How can I handle this??? It's been a tough road with the company I"m working at so it'll be good to get away and have a fresh start.


    I forgot to mention that my Onco did a very minor breast exam at my last appointment but that was the first time since diagnosis. I think I have my Mammo in March or April. Gosh - what a year huh??

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  • Pattysmiles
    Pattysmiles Member Posts: 954
    edited November 2013


    Lori, so sweet!


    Kate, is there a "probationary period"? I hate to say you might be better off wearing the wig for a while. If it isn't comfortable consider getting one that is? Wishing you the best with the new job.


    I am drinking all my fluids so they can hopefully find my veins when I go for my testing. I have to stop fluids 2 hours prior. Now I don't know if I am more concerned about a good stick or the dam MRI!


    Pat

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  • Pattysmiles
    Pattysmiles Member Posts: 954
    edited November 2013


    scans are done.


    CT of lungs was easy.


    Nurse hit the vein on the first try for my IV line. (Yeah!)


    MRI people were awesome...I guess word for around I was in tears from anticipation of the test. Took my Ativan...I guess it worked? They let hubby stay in the room (honestly didnt mean anything to me, but I didn't want to then send him out!). I had the stupid earplugs adding to my feeling of claustrophobia but managed it. The testers kept talking to me, "this done" "THIS is what's next". That is exactly what I needed. With my eyes closed I didn't care where I was, I just needed comfort and to knowIt was coming to an end.


    So now we wait.


    I have my suspicions based on a comment I heard today...praying I am wrong.


    Pat

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  • Teresa_G
    Teresa_G Member Posts: 259
    edited November 2013


    Pat I hope that you get results quick, waiting out the weekend would be horrible.


    Kate not sure what to tell you on the wig.....I wouldn't want to wear one everyday either.


    Lorrie it does seem like it went fast on this end to me too, but I am sure it was extremely slow for you. I am sorry you had to go through it but you are done and move on to the next step.

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  • carla53
    carla53 Member Posts: 264
    edited November 2013


    lorrie wow. what a feeling it must be to be done. Ugh about your hubby. Are you going to let him know how you feel? Let's have a cyber toast to Lorrie. :)))


    Pat good luck for tomorrow. I think the ativan will help. Hoping for another phew moment. Deep breathes.


    Teresa :)


    well I have to say it's been there's never a dull moment when it comes to my hubby's health. The night b4 last he started having big pain. around 5 am yesterday morng he had enough and we went to e.r. He was admitted bec of a bad u.t.i. and 2 large stones. One was blocking him. His urologist did a lythrotypsy (?) Lazor the two stones and found a big amount of puss. When he was in his room, his blood pressure dropped to 70/28 he went sepsis. They got one good vein and was already on antibiotics but needed another veins for dopemine to bring his numbers up. Anyway long story short, he was stabilized and I went home at 5 a.m. This morning a pic line. They are trying to ween him off dopemine. He's miserable but being very well taken care of. But he is alive :))


    Blessings and peace to all of us. - carls

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  • ItIsWhatItIs2013
    ItIsWhatItIs2013 Member Posts: 541
    edited November 2013

    Omg..... Carla... im sending goitpd thiughts your way for you and your hubby... what a double whammy you are going through!

    Hooray, Kate!!!!! Congrats! Can you wear the wig for a few weeks and just work in the fact that you had cancer (in casual conversation)..... feel it out fir a bit.... they may be more accepting than u think.... I hope!

    Pat... I hope the results come quickly & happy-positive thinking until then!!!!! We all fret tooooo much unnecessarily. 

    Lorrie

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  • Pattysmiles
    Pattysmiles Member Posts: 954
    edited November 2013


    Carla, I hope your hubby feels better quickly. It sure must suck having to deal with all the medical stuff.

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  • carla53
    carla53 Member Posts: 264
    edited November 2013


    whoops...carla

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  • carla53
    carla53 Member Posts: 264
    edited November 2013


    thanks Pat. I know. Enough of this medical stuff. Between Greg and myself I know of too many doctors, labs and hospitals. We all do really. ...I will just think back on N.Y. and how wonderful it was. :)


    Carla

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  • Jtrosesav
    Jtrosesav Member Posts: 50
    edited November 2013


    Good to read all the recent posts. All of us are sister warriors! Question for those of you who have finished chemo! Are there any restrictions on travel after chemo? I'm getting married on Feb. 23 and want to honeymoon in Israel. My last chemo is Dec. 13. I've completed 2 of 4!!!!!!!!!!! Also, how soon after completion of chemo can you have breast implant exchange? I'd like to have my new boobs before my wedding!!!!! All replies will be GREATLY appreciated!

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  • Pattysmiles
    Pattysmiles Member Posts: 954
    edited November 2013


    Carla, glad you were able to have a nice time in NY. The holidays are right around the corner, should bring more cheer.


    As hubby drove me today I said "you mean you've never been to this medical building?"....turns out it was a place I took my mom for multiple tests when she broke her back. It was also where I went for my lab work prior to chemo. So he has learned about one more building in my life! Lol


    Pat

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  • Pattysmiles
    Pattysmiles Member Posts: 954
    edited November 2013


    10:15 this am the nurse calls...so it's gotta be good, otherwise it would be the doctor. The liver is consistent with benign cyst.


    So the nurse seemed happy...and then I asked, what about my lungs? "What?" The CT scan I did yesterday? "Oh, I don't see it, oh, here it is, the doctor hasn't reviewed it yet, will get back to you".


    And so I wait...half relieved...world still at a stand still.


    Pat

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  • ItIsWhatItIs2013
    ItIsWhatItIs2013 Member Posts: 541
    edited November 2013


    Yay Pat... !

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  • carla53
    carla53 Member Posts: 264
    edited November 2013


    Hope you get your answer today so you don't have to wait over the weekend.


    Jacquire there has been no restrictions on traveling for me after chemo. An arm compression while flying if there is a problem w lymphoma. You may want to get w onc just in case. I don't know how long after chemo for the implant. Good luck on your chemo and hang in there. Having your wedding after all of this is done with is a wonderful.


    Carla

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  • Pattysmiles
    Pattysmiles Member Posts: 954
    edited November 2013


    jacquie, I missed your post.


    I would ask your oncologist as well as your breast surgeon regarding the exchange surgery. It can be difficult to set a date as you never know if something might delay chemo by a week or so? (Low white blood count, illness). I would ask the general question...how soon after chemo can I do this exchange.


    Congrats on the upcoming wedding! Nice there will be a light at the end of the tunnel!


    Pat

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  • Jtrosesav
    Jtrosesav Member Posts: 50
    edited November 2013


    Thank you, Carla and Patty. I will see my onc on Monday and will ask her. I don't anticipate a problem because I don't have lymph edema but I'd rather ask first than book first.


    As far as exchange surgery, I'll ask my plastic surgeon when I see him next.


    I'm just so excited about long-awaited wedding that it made my quest for information "more urgent". You're right! I am very lucky to have something so terrific to look forward to!


    I'm feeling very positive because my post-chemo #2 is so much better than post chemo #1.


    I hope all of you have a terrific weekend!

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  • Pattysmiles
    Pattysmiles Member Posts: 954
    edited November 2013


    finally got through to my oncologist office, at 4:45 after waiting to hear from them since 10:30 this am. Geez!


    Spoke with the nurse (you know they won't deliver the bad news!) and she said the doc thinks it is highly unlikely the 4 minuscule nodules in my lungs are anything. Too small to biopsy. I am to make an appointment with a pulminologist and have a follow up scan in 3 months. I will pray that these nodules are due to inflammation?


    Ok, feel like I have the elephant off my back for now. Will lose the pictures in my head of my children having to grow up without their mom and my NICE sister being stuck caring for my elderly mom. Will move onto positive thoughts.


    Drinks on me!


    Pat


    PS. Lorrie, anytime you "have that feeling" for lotto numbers you let me know!

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  • Gully
    Gully Member Posts: 268
    edited November 2013


    Cheers to you Patty! Soooo happy for you! Have a great weekend!

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  • ItIsWhatItIs2013
    ItIsWhatItIs2013 Member Posts: 541
    edited November 2013


    I'm so happy for you, pat!!!!!


    It's weird how I've come to care about all of you. You have all been here for me....


    We are out celebrating with a couple who .. The wife is a cancer graduate.. Both breast removed... etc...


    what a treat to see how wonderful she is doing... back to a normal life.


    She.. and all of you are such an inspiration. ..

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  • Annie54
    Annie54 Member Posts: 247
    edited November 2013


    So happy for you Pat....what a relief! I'm sure we will all have scares along the way - just need to keep moving and jump over them!


    Annie

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  • ItIsWhatItIs2013
    ItIsWhatItIs2013 Member Posts: 541
    edited November 2013

    Feeling a little foggy today.... haha

    Drank too much, ate too much & danced too much last night celebrating... what a release!  Havent done that, or even felt like doing that for srveral months....

    Life is good!

    Hugs,  Lorrie

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  • Ukkate
    Ukkate Member Posts: 292
    edited November 2013


    I'm so glad you had a night like that Lorie - it is SOOO good for the soul.


    I sang at Temple last night and it was good to be wigless and among people that care about me. I sang with my friend Toby who had Ovarian cancer the year before me and just recently had to go back into chemo. We said we should call ourselves the "Cancer Cantors"


    So my last week at my job - WOOHOO!!!! Too bad it's going to be a long tough week as my co-Admin is on vacation :( Oh well....


    Patty - YAY for your good news. I'm sure that was a massive relief for you....


    My son has his FINAL bowl game today at NC Central Uni and I"m excited that I've free to go watch it...and then we'll be done with football for another year...

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  • carla53
    carla53 Member Posts: 264
    edited November 2013

    Kate yay on yiur last week at work.  Did you get the job you interviewed for? If you mentioned it here, then I missed it.

    Lorrie it's been a long journey and you did it. The grand finale...a great release. Glad you had so much fun last night.

    Pat No more elephants for awhile.  I like that.  Have yourself a great weekend with your family.

    Thank you Jaquire. Hope you have a goodweekend too. 

    Annie yes we will have our scares along the way.  Which leads to...

    My hubby made a turn for the better yesterday.   He is now off the dopamine.  They took some blood to see about his infection. Won't know until Sunday or Monday.  But I think since he is off the dopamine that mwybe he isn't septic anymore.

    Have a great weekend all. - Carla


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  • Pattysmiles
    Pattysmiles Member Posts: 954
    edited November 2013


    Kate you better patent, trademark, or whatever the word is for Cancer Cantors! So glad OU are able to go and enjoy. I am sure it is very uplifting. When the week hits Wednesday it will be very quick...so enjoy that last week and many good wishes for a joyous new job.


    Lorrie...party hardy girl!


    Carla, glad hubby is on the up. Continued prayers for him.


    Forgot to take my meds today (tamoxifen and vitamins)...so took them at 4:00. Wondering how the side effects will be this late in the day. I have been EXHAUSTED all week (stress or tamoxifen?) and the nightly hot flashes seem to have gone away, or is it I was so darn tired I slept through it all! Lol


    Has anyone been told to loose weight if ER+? I was going through my notes and saw I had written down "lose weight"....found a thread on this site for what appears to be "extreme" people...no carbs, etc...surely there is a happy medium?


    Pat

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  • ItIsWhatItIs2013
    ItIsWhatItIs2013 Member Posts: 541
    edited November 2013

    Pat, 

    My scale and the mirror are the only ones that yell at me to lose weight. I think I read that Tam can cause weight gain, so ill try to only eat half of the bag of doritos instead of the whole bag from now on!

    About the hot flashes with Tam... my surgeon said there was "another" pill if they are too bothersom.  It has 'flex' in the name... cant remember.... still recovering from our celebration last night, ha.

    I truly feel old at the age of 45 kniwing ill have to take pills every day from now on..

    Isn't that what old people do? Up until my DX last march..... I maybe took 3 advil a year..,,, haha

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  • ItIsWhatItIs2013
    ItIsWhatItIs2013 Member Posts: 541
    edited November 2013

    Kate...

    You are right about it being good for the soul.... I suffered a mild hangover today.. haha...just really tired is all, but im so happy.  Just genuinely happy! Even though I still have pain from rads, my sspirit is so high!  It was really nice to be congradulated & show others that you can have a good time.... that your not diing.

    One of the bar tenders came up to me and said "I didnt want to make u uncomfortable,  but ive noticed your hair is growing under your hat...."

    I said "yep! Im done" & he high fived me.........  little moments like that are huge for me now!

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  • Annie54
    Annie54 Member Posts: 247
    edited November 2013


    Carla - So glad your husband is doing better! Good news all around.


    Pat - I was told by my MO that since body fat produces estrogen, we need to keep our weight down to a healthy level - meaning BMI below 25. Apparently this decreases re-occurrence rate by a significant amount. Who knew! This was in response to my question to him about what estrogen was still in my body since I was post-menopausal. Answer - estrogen still produced by body fat and adrenal gland. So....I'm out for a long walk today!


    Lorrie - glad you got to let loose. It sure helps to release some of the pressure all this produces, especially since we are starting to feel much better.


    Ukkate - Love the Cancer Cantors! Congrats on new job - a fresh start in more ways than one!


    Annie

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  • Gully
    Gully Member Posts: 268
    edited November 2013


    Pat,


    My MO said he wanted me "lean and Mean" LOL Got the mean part down! Working on the lean part. I am highly ER pos. Supposedly lower recurrence rates with lower BMI below 25 is what they say. As far as Tamoxifien weight gain....I have read that you can go either way. Personally, I have lost weight on it, but I have altered my diet and have been melting off weight., or it could be all the night sweats!!.... but unfortuately have lost enough weight that my MO wants to see me, I think I was ratted out by my PCP! Down by about 15 pounds. But I actually do feel much better, just think they are being cautious.

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  • ItIsWhatItIs2013
    ItIsWhatItIs2013 Member Posts: 541
    edited November 2013

    Ugh.. howcome none of my docs tell me about bmi... losing weight... getting in better shape.. I learn this stuff here? Thank goodness......

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  • ItIsWhatItIs2013
    ItIsWhatItIs2013 Member Posts: 541
    edited November 2013

    I think I have ptsd.., hahaha... had a nightmare of being at the hospital and evil looking drs and nurses wanting to give me a picc line & other treatments.. I kept hiding and telling them i was done and just there for a follow up &running away and no matter how many times I woke up, id fall right back into the same nightmare. I finally just got out of bed about 4am to avoid any more..., 

    When I told my hubby this morning, he said, "sounds like you got some unresolved issues with your treatments"...... haha..... ya think?!

    Hope everyone is doing well.....

    Lorrie

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