September 2013 Chemo Group
Comments
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I. Mastered. Radiation. Ta-da! :-)
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Impressive, LHL! ;-)
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LHL, I did a little Googling and came up with some threads about post-chemo wrist/elbow pain... there is some evidence of both here on the BC forum and the TNBC forum so it appears we are not alone. I have to say my forearms are feeling better this past week but it has been settling in my wrists and thumbs pretty badly. One thread suggested taking curcumin in pill form..a natural anti inflammatory that is better than naproxen or ibuprofen apparently. I will do some reading about that. I've heard of it for breast cancer in the past anyway. Plus it's natural so that is cool. It's bugging me because I thought I had escaped taxol neuropathy since my fingers and toes were spared numbness and for the most part tingly sensations..but I *never* expected it to attack the big nerves in my wrists and elbows.
Rad #21 today. Saw the RO yesterday and he gave me a lidocaine/aloe vera/tea trea and calendula ointment. He said it appeared I was getting a little red. I don't see it but it was right after treatment. If anything I'm just getting a tan armpit and my skin so far is holding up very well. I do have some seriously awful stabbing pains under my lumpectomy scar that are near my ribs/chest wall that come and go. I swear I feel like such a whiner when I tell the RO all my stupid aches and pains. I laughed yesterday when I told him how it really hurts when I put my arm behind my back to scratch an itch. I said "it's probably going to be one of those things, hey doctor it hurts when I do this and doctor says hey yeah, don't do that". he laughed.
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Peacockgirl - That's great that your skin is holding up so well. How many rads are you doing? I haven't googled anything to do with this pain, so thanks for mentioning that. Someone I know on another message board is about a year PFC and she said she had horrible joint pain AFTER chemo, but none during. Her doctor told her it would get better and it did. So hopefully this will get better in time. I feel like a little old lady whenever I stand up...it's awful.
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LOVE your hair you 8-10 week girls! There is HOPE! I am watching closely daily and expecting it to sprout overnight I guess...
Are you all taking Biotin? How much? I went to Walgreens today and looked and there were 3 different strengths...and they didn't say for hair/nails? What brand is best? Does it really help?
I did buy the Sally Hansen nail polish as my thumb nail has a crack going across it sideways and it was starting to snag on things...I painted it and all better for now..my other nails are yellowish tinged with normal barely coming out as new growth..looks like a month or two before that will all grow out.
I don't have the mental energy to shout out to all by name...
Have had an anxious stressful day and it's just made me weary.
I think I am being hard on myself and wanting to be strong and normal NOW also...so frustrating! I think my husband wants me to be normal too and not such an emotional wreck...which I wasn't for the last week or so...it's just hitting again now...I'm tired of it too..as I'm sure he is..
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2 down and 28 to go...
Insightful Minutes Resting on Table
;-)
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Audra,
Be easier on yourself. ;-)
You have been through so much. We can't be strong all the time. It would brittle us and eventually be our demise. The tallest building are built with enough flex to bend a little in the wind. That is not a sign of weakness, but of strength.
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kj - I Must Radiate Tomorrow (again). I also like I Might Require Tequila.
audra - I take 5000mcg of Biotin daily, and take the Sundown Naturals because it does not have soy
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I take the same as SpecialK, only I'm going to have to switch brands because the one I have has soy. I discovered ALL of my supplements have soy (because they're all the same brand...duh). Ugh. I take 5000 of biotin. My nails are normal about 2/3 of the way up but the top 1/3 of them are brittle, yellow and darker, etc. Yuck.
Imagine Michelle Rallying Troops
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I love all of the acronyms for IMRT!!!!!!!!!!!!
Looks like I have to up my Biotin dosage!
The temperature is supposed to rise to freezing tomorrow, so maybe some of the snow will melt enough that I can get out and run too. I am jealous of all of you who've made it out there. I am excited to lace up and hit the sidewalks.
Crazy busy lately. A friend of mine (wife of a firefighter from FD) who moved away a year ago was just diagnosed with BC yesterday. Mid 30s, and she is also BRCA1 positive. We've been talking a lot this week.
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hello all, I'm now 10 days post bmx and frustrated with my progress. Maybe because I had so few problems with chemo. I'm still taking Percocet, Flexiril, and 800 mg ibuprofen around the clock. I'm afraid of the pain of stopping. I'm not really doing anything but sleeping between pills. I took my on Q pump off Sat and got my drains out yesterday. My side that had node removal is still really swollen, I can't stand up and have that arm hang down straight. Any ideas to help with that? I have a feeling the answer is get off your arse, so feel free to be honest. I know the answers are out there on other boards that I don't have the energy to read...help?
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Knightzoo, Perhaps call your BS or PS and ask for a referral to a physical therapist...since it is on the side where you had the lymph nodes removed, maybe you could see someone who specializes in lymphedema, to make sure that is not an issue. My swelling did take a while to go down. My BS had specific exercises I was to do each day, starting with day 2. He added some on day 7, and some more on days 10-14. I did them religiously, which did seem to help with range of motion. Walking also helps to speed healing. I am not talking miles. I am saying walk to the end of your driveway and back several times per day (if it is not icy). You want to make sure you walk a bit to prevent blood clots in your legs, which can happen after any surgery, but particularly if you are unable to be active for days upon end afterwards. I sure hope that you feel better soon.
I am off to my yearly with my gyn doc...fun, fun, fun.
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Knightzoo. A couple of weeks after lymph node removal surgery drain removal, I went back to my surgeon and had the "new" fluid removed by syringe. I was in the same situation as you... with a lemon-sized lump of swelling under my arm. It was so uncomfortable and painful. Luckily my underarm is numb so I couldn't feel the needle at all. I think he removed 30ccs. I don't think this is an uncommon situation, so you might want to call your surgeon if the swelling doesn't start to go down.
Incisions = Many Reasons for Tenderness
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Knightzoo- I wonder if the swelling is making you have more pain? I would call the BS also or go in asap to see...
I had my surgery in Colorado and stayed with friends so I remember being up and napping twice/day the first week while we were there and walking just around their house...then to end of driveway and then I had to walk the airport at 7 days to go home. I had to stop twice through the airport...and was exhausted...
I think being exhausted is normal and it gets better daily.
The pain should be lessening...hope you get it fixed!
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thanks ladies, I really think I'm being a wimp. I'm going to cut back Percocet and make myself be more active. I should be up more for 10 days out. I saw surgeon yesterday and PS tomorrow, I will ask about exercises but BS said everything looked good yesterday.
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I am battling all the cold and ice here in Atlanta. We have been lucky so far and have not lost power yet. The South just is not used to this type of weather and it has completely shut us down. Missed my followup appointment yesterday with my PS who did my nipple tattoos last month. I was wanting to see what she thought about them. I am still really pleased and amazed at how good they look. So for those of you just beginning the reconstruction process, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Knightzoo- I am so sorry that you are having such a hard time. I know that you know this but you really do have to get moving. You need to walk as much as you possibly can. Even just to the end of the driveway and back. I had a lot of pain when I had my first lumpectomy and the 14 nodes removed. I could barely move my arm at all and kept it up against me bent like a "chicken wing." When I went to see my BS and was holding my arm like that he gave me the tough love speech. I was actually in tears when I left but he was right on the mark. Basically he said to take a pain pill right before I started the exercises to help with the discomfort. Walk your fingers up the wall as far as you can. I did a lot of this in the shower because the heat and warmth seemed to help me loosen up. I never had to see a PT but I know a lot of women do.
KJ- rads will be over before you know it!
Stay warm everybody!
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Hello, ladies and Art. Had my sentinel node biopsy Monday. The injections were not nearly as bad as I feared, though I frosted myself like an EMLA birthday cake before the injections. My surgeon took out 3 nodes, and they all came back clear. Pathology also did not see any evidence of treatment related changes. Next stop, surgery on Friday. The pain from the node biopsy is giving me just a tiny taste of what to expect after surgery, and I'm not looking forward to it. I know I will need to take it one day at a time.
Simplelife, good luck with surgery tomorrow. Let us know how it goes. Knightzoo, hope you turn the corner soon. Put on that Katy Perry song you danced to after your last chemo and you'll be moving in no time!
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Hi all! This place has been hopping. Everyone is lookin good with their short hair & radiant glows! I haven't been on much lately. Had to move our daughter & her family last weekend. 10yrs of accumulate "stuff" Kid stuff. But it is done. She can do the unpacking. lol.
I'm finding strength & stamina recovery is extremely slow ( 5weeks out from active treatment!) I seem to do a bit 1 day & it takes 2 days to recoup. Been on treadmill & bike plus outside walking, shoveling/sweeping snow. Can't wait til spring. CAR SHOWS!!! I've spent all morning looking up part numbers for some parts for the cars. Can't wait. Wish I lived in the states where the BIG shows are. The other day I was wishful thinking, looking at properties in Hawaii. lol. A girls gotta dream
We still have not heard when hubby has test
makes it hard to plan vacation. Life is on hold AGAIN! -
Knoghtzoo: hey chick get better soon we are all different I can't tell you what to do but I know what I needed to do so I got up off my butt and I move I go to the grocery store and walk I am dealing with tummy pain and is in under my left arm from node removal today I moved that left arm the wrong way and screamed like someone was after me lol. Take it slow girlie it will get better ((((hugs))))
follow up with MO today I will start rads in March she said 51/2weeks m-f I also advised if numbness in leg and foot and pain in left arm where the nodes were taken she prescribed me Gabapentin. Anyone else taking Gabapentin
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Ih I told my MO I was not taking any more pain meds or my Ativan her response to me was this is not the time to be superwoman (point well taken)
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SimpleLife - Surgery tomorrow?? Good luck to you! I hope the pain medications are plentiful, the nurses kind, and the doctors skilled at getting rid of all the F&#@ing Cancer!
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Knightzoo, You are not a wimp. Your body has been through the wringer with chemo and then surgery. Be easy on yourself!
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I might have to start Biotin, too...My big toenail has turned black and it won't be long before it falls off. I think the little one on that foot is looking a little black, too. Fingernails are good.
It's so encouraging to see the 8-10 week ladies hair pics! At 3 weeks PFC I'm feeling a little stubbly and can't wait for some actual growth. This bald look has grown really old. I must look a little more masculine than I thought--twice now someone has called me "Sir" and it's all I can do to stop from pointing at my boobs and saying,"HEY, what about these?" Too funny.
Kelly
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Kbeee - I'm sorry to hear about your friend. I'm SO SICK of hearing about this stupid disease. It's everywhere!
knightzoo - You got all your drains out at 10 days? Impressive, but maybe that's contributing to your problem on the node side? Could it be some fluid build-up? Did the hospital or your doctor give you range of motion exercises to do? Those can help. I think I was on my pain meds for 2 weeks, so don't be too frustrated. When you say you're afraid of the pain, where are you hurting? I second what Kbee said and just get up & move around. I made sure I walked around my house every hour... even if it was just to go to the bathroom, get a drink, step outside, etc.
Runningfromcancer - Haha - GREAT acronym!
Babyruth - I hear you on the weather. I'm in west TX and my kids had 3 snow days out of 4 school days last week & yesterday. We are just not equipped to handle winter weather, and people don't know how to drive in it, especially the ice we've been getting. I'm from New York so it's a little funny to me.
Betterday - LOL at being an EMLA cake... I would have done the same thing!!! Glad to hear the SNB wasn't as bad as you feared.
Simplelife - Thinking of you tomorrow.... we're in your pockets! Let us know how you are when you can. Ditto what Runningfromcancer said!
70charger - I'm sorry you're in a holding pattern. That stinks! I hear you on the stamina. I feel like I can go & go, and then I hit a wall and have to crash. <sigh>
Clickchick - I hate being without hair, too. Even though I'm 10 weeks PFC and it's growing, it's not nearly HAIR yet. I'm sorry about the "sir". Stupid cancer.
I had a busy day and I'm exhausted!!! I was off, but had a bunch of errands to run and then had a softball meeting tonight. I'm finally home on the couch watching the Olympics. I feel like I was gone all day but got nothing accomplished. <sigh> Tomorrow I go back to Dallas for another PS appointment (and hopefully another TE fill) and then to see the lymphedema specialist again. Productive appointments but I dread the 3 hour drive.
Before my appointments I'm going to visit a friend of mine who is Stage IV ovarian cancer. I'm looking forward to it but not. I've known her ever since our boys were babies (they're 12 now) and she was one of my first "mommy" friends. She's been battling this monster for 6 years and is now in hospice care. Going to be a sad visit.
I Might Read Tonight
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NO one gave me any exercises! They didn't even tell me not to use my arms or lifting restrictions. The only directions we got were how to drain the drains. I've been googling, if anyone has a good link, let me know, I will start tomorrow. I have been able to get my arms up to shoulder height for a few days, so maybe my puttering around the house has been helping. My oldest son cheered the other day (maybe 8 days after surgery) when I got the milk out of the fridge by myself.
LHL re: being afraid - I meant that I am afraid to see how much pain I am in without the pain meds because I have a lot with them. But I did try today - took 2 Percocet at 8am and not again until 5pm. I actually think my problem is I have a high tolerance for medications - which definitely helped me during chemo (I really had no symptoms other than fatique) and is hurting me now. I have chronic back pain and prior to BC could take 10mg valium or 2 vicodin without it affecting my day (I know my husband who weighs 80 pounds more than me will take a 4 hour nap on 5mg valium). My pain level increased slightly today from 12-5pm, probably just due to activity - but it wasn't out of control bad.
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knightzoo - what is your pain from? The actual BMX? The TEs? I had very little pain from the surgery itself. My chest is pretty numb for the most part. Most of my discomfort was from the drains and the TEs.
For exercises
- lay on your back with knees bent. Hold onto something light and thin (like a broom handle or wrapping paper tube) with both hands, palms up. Slowly raise your arms up as far as you can (keeping your arms straight) and hold for 5 seconds. Repeat 5-7 times.
- lay on your back with knees bent still. Clasp your hands behind your neck (if you can, if not, skip this one) with elbows pointed up toward the ceiling. Slowly lower them out as far as you can & hold. Repeat 5-7 times.
- Sit on the edge of a chair with your arms slightly bent at your sides. Push your arms backward while squeezing your shoulder blades together (don't raise your shoulders). Hold and repeat 5-7 times.
- Stand in a corner about 12" from the wall. Place your forearms on the wall on each side about shoulder height (or as high as you can if not) - gently lean into the corner. Hold for 5 seconds & repeat 5-7 times. This one KILLS me. Just putting my arms on the wall is a huge stretch for me and it's about all I can do
- Stand facing a wall about 8-12" from it. Place your palms on the wall and slowly walk your fingers up the wall as far as you can. Hold the stretch 5 seconds, then lower your arms Repeat 5-7 times.
My BS said to do these 2-3 times a day. I will say that my LOT (Lymphadema occupational therapist) isn't fond of all of them and gave me some others. One of the more helpful ones is to roll a blanket or towel length-wise so it forms a thin ridge. Place it on the floor and lay on it with your spine along the ridge (your head at one end, your behind at the other). That way your spine is more elevated than your shoulders. Spread your arms out to your sides on the floor and move them toward your shoulder level as far as you can (keeping them on the floor)... basically like you're making a snow angel. Then just let them rest there for 30 seconds. Relax them and repeat. This one does the same stretch as the one standing in the corner but doesn't hurt nearly as much.
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LHL-now I go back and see you asked where am I hurting not why am I afraid. And if I truly try to describe the pain, it's more like tightness/numbness with tingling and some shooting pain. Mostly under my arms, some under my foobs. I think I can feel the TE corner under my arms? I feel like my leg is falling asleep and sometimes like little bugs crawling on me. And from the swelling I feel my heartbeat in both armpits but it's not like screaming pain, just not normal. I hope this is not my new normal. I am kind of a control freak about my body - it took me 2 weeks to not be freaked out by my port, so hopefully I quit feeling anxious about this tingling/tightness?
LHL-have you had a fill yet? I'm afraid PS is going to want to fill tomorrow!
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Thanks for typing out all those exercises! I will print them out!
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I have the corner of my TE way up in my left armpit (side with nodes removed) and it's very uncomfortable. So I know exactly what you're talking about.
I had a fill last week - 50 in each side - and another tomorrow as long as PS says it's ok. The fill didn't bother me at all.
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I hope they made sense. I was too lazy to scan them from the book they gave me. :-)
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