Starting Chemo in December 2013

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  • RobinLK
    RobinLK Member Posts: 840
    edited May 2014

    Michelle I am beyond happy for you!!!!!! I know how nervous you were and I am ecstatic that your trip went sooooo well!!!!

    I know rads can aggravate LE. My question is about the tattoos....I have truncal swelling besides the arm issue. If no needles in arm, doesn't that seem to mean no needles on that side? I will definitely be asking the RO about that. 

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  • Crazywabbit
    Crazywabbit Member Posts: 563
    edited May 2014

    First off, my MRI was clean. Rt side bright spot is probably just blood vessels since it is unchanged..  I reviewed it with the radiologist who felt it was benign and over read on first MRI.  Bad breast shows no new  areas post chemo. LN under arm look OK. Concerning is that the internal mammary LN still looks a bit prominent but slightly smaller then 6 months ago. That means a bigger RT field to include it.  I see the BS next week to FU.  RT  simulation on the 15th. Not sure when actually starting yet. RO said sim at 3 weeks but it is only 2 weeks as scheduled now.   Next MO visit early June when he will start AIs. 

    Rosie, I go round and round in my head about further surgery. Of course my BS said clean margins and lumpectomy + RT = mastectomy in long term. But she said it was up to me if I wanted more surgery done. She did not push for it. She said 5-6 years ago they would push more but not so much now.   I am trying to get a second option but my insurance has refused my request for referral to Sloan Kettering, or any other major center. I need to do an appeal. They refuse to go outside the "network" and offered me BS in Scranton and Leigh Valley. None who would even be as good as my current BS. I worry about the ILC part of my mixed tumor.

    Robin. Congratulations on your daughter's graduation.  Very interesting field of study and hopefully she will find work in NC.  Enjoy your time with her.  You sound like you will have a busy week. Wishing for no hot flushes for you. 

    Chicopeach. I went to a lymph PT specialist and she reassured me I have no edema now but I really wanted preventive exercises and strategies  for RT.  She taught me how to massage the lymph nodes that were bothering me and "empty them". They were much softer afterwards.  Of course I worry about massaging out any bad little cells that could be hiding in them.  I think I will be paranoid forever now about every little ache and pain.  

    Mikesgrl,  lucky you, having hair grow in with color.  You have a very nice shaped head. LOL

    Missy - so happy your trip was fun. You deserved it being a top seller while going through all this crud. Your look lovely on the beach.  Small world I found that abstract by your doc.  

    Barbara

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  • Crazywabbit
    Crazywabbit Member Posts: 563
    edited May 2014

    our local Macy's sponsored a free makeup session for any cancer survivor today.  Some nice food  and drawings for gift baskets.  I met another member of my BC support groups there and we got all dolled up. 

    Before 

    imageAfter

    image

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  • jbokland
    jbokland Member Posts: 890
    edited May 2014

    Ladies,

    I have not been on this board for a while, but I am also a Dec. 2013 chemo girl.

    My local news did a story on me, thought I would share:

    http://www.myfoxorlando.com/video?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=10103831#.U1_XSj1FrrY.facebook

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  • RHGSR
    RHGSR Member Posts: 774
    edited May 2014

    missy- so happy your trip went well!! 

    Great pics Barbara!

    I get "mapped" next week for rads then start the week after. 

    It's a gorgeous day here. Planted a little more in the garden. We have lots of green tomatoes, baby squash, and cilantro coming on so far. There's more weeds in it than I'd like but it may just have to be a little weedy this year. Hoping to be able to start digging up potatoes in another week or two. 

    I bought 2 milk weed plants. Hoping it will attract some monarchs. Me and my girls "hatched" several butterfly's last summer - black swallow tail and variegated fruitillary. Maybe we will get to "hatch" a monarch this year. 

    I'm rambling.... Sorry. 

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  • RHGSR
    RHGSR Member Posts: 774
    edited May 2014

    Kim- any news on the genetic testing and your insurance? Mine denied it again for the third time even though we went to an in network lab which is what they said to do in order to get it approved. My MOs nurse is livid. She is really fighting for me. She told them to figure it out. Hoping to know more next week. 

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  • Jodi040812
    Jodi040812 Member Posts: 383
    edited May 2014

    2 cool things to share;)

    First-  I got an app for my phone called Slide X.  I put all my pics in order I want to appear like a slideshow.  It transitions between all the pics and all.  Then, you can add your own music to play during the slideshow movie you made.  I LOVE IT!  I have been playing on it all day working on a slideshow for my FB and blog page after my last chemo.  Y'all- talk about cool and very emotional!  When I put all the pics in with the music even my husband was like that was so good and emotional.  It is not finished because my last chemo is the 14th, but what a tribute to what I have been through since late October.  Really check it out, you won't be disappointed with what you can make!  

    Second-  last night I was up from 1-5 am worrying about stuff none of us can control you know!  I got a message at 3 am from  parent who I have known for 13 years.  Taught her youngest kindergarten, then coached her in cheerleading.  She is loaded first off!  So, she tells me how she won this trip to Cabo at this resort Espap something which is so so fancy.  Well, she can't go and her husband and her want my DH and I to take it!  They said they would even pay for our flight.  She said everything was included and the room could have up to 8 guests but no kids because they are not allowed. We invited our best friends (wife and DH set). The wife has driven my girls to school everyday since I got sick.  They have helped us more than anyone even family.  This was an awesome way to thank them.  So- I am going to Cabo the last week in August which is one month after rads.  So blessed!!  I have never been out if the country!!  Can you believe?! What a gift!

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  • Crazywabbit
    Crazywabbit Member Posts: 563
    edited May 2014

    Jodi, so cool, better get your passport quick. 

    Barbara

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  • Jodi040812
    Jodi040812 Member Posts: 383
    edited May 2014

    she said the same thing!  Is there a time limit?  

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  • RHGSR
    RHGSR Member Posts: 774
    edited May 2014

    how awesome Jodi!!  I love it when Blessings pop up in the midst of all of this chaos. 

    Jbokland- loved your video. You did an amazing job. So articulate. 

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  • Lisaj514
    Lisaj514 Member Posts: 719
    edited May 2014

    kj and mikesgirl, I will definitely try the coconut oil and castor oil for stimulating hair growth. Still very bald here.

    Congrats missy on your wonderful trip!

    Robink, my daughter is graduating from college this year too on 5/17. She will continue on to graduate school in Rochester (ny) for a masters in speech therapy. Looking forward to graduation but will be a tiring weekend. Staying over night and then moving her out of her house the day after graduation and moving her stuff into a storage unit. She will be home for the summer though which will be nice.

    Jodi, that's great about the trip, how wonderful!

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  • kjfromca
    kjfromca Member Posts: 283
    edited May 2014

    Michelle - I am so glad to hear that you had a wonderful time in Punta Cana.  Thanks for sharing the pics.

    Robin - My tattoos are tiny.  They used a syringe with a needle, so it was like a shot.  Three little pokes, that was it.

    jbokland - Thanks for sending us the link to the newscast.  Medical use marijuana is legal in CA.  Never took it during chemo, but know that it helps a lot of people.  I am glad it helped you.

    Holli - Your gardening sounds therapeutic.  I have been thinking about starting one.  Sounds like you had a wonderful day.  I will contact my insurance co. on Monday.  I got too busy on Friday.  I won't hold my breath.  

    Holli & Jodi - I have not checked out this website, but it is referenced at the back of one of my bc books.  www.kidsconnected.org.  It is supposed to be an online community for kids whose parents are battling any type of cancer.

    Jodi - I am so happy to hear about all the wonderful things your friends and parents of the kids you taught and coached are doing for you.  When you get that slide show finished please post a link.  Re passports, just got ours renewed.  I had them within 4 weeks.  However, the closer to summer, the busier they get.   Cabo will be a blast, been there a few times.  We usually go to Mexico once a year.  I love Mexico.  

    Kim

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  • Jodi040812
    Jodi040812 Member Posts: 383
    edited May 2014

    random question;)

    Did your legs stop growing hair during chemo?

    Mine slowed down, but I have stubble as we speak.  The one SE I was looking forward too lol!  I also never lost be hair on my arms.   I normally have to shave my legs everyday, so maybe my legs are resistant.  Just wondering if I was the only one that had to shave once a week during chemo.  

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  • oranje_mama
    oranje_mama Member Posts: 260
    edited May 2014

    A lot happened here in the past couple of days!  

    Missy, so glad your trip was awesome!

    Mikesgirl, you do have sparkly eyes.  You look more "healthy" than your old avatar (somehow):)

    Jodi, so awesome about the vacation!

    I have a question for those of you who have started rads: are you allowed to swim in a chlorinated pool?  Swimming is the one and only exercise that I've been able to keep doing (even walking is a problem for me - still have problems with my "burning" feet).  Our summer swim club offers early morning swim 3 days a week, and a masters practice the other two days.  I love it, and have done it the past couple of years.  It's one of my favorite parts of summer to get up early and into the outdoor pool at 7am :).  I read somewhere that you can't swim in chlorinated water during rads . . . please tell me it ain't so!

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  • Mikesgirl17
    Mikesgirl17 Member Posts: 260
    edited May 2014

    Thanks Oranje.  No chlorine.  It would be too drying for the skin.  The first 2 weeks you probably can.  Just ask your doctor.  I know my skin wouldn't have been able to handle chlorine.  Jodi, sorry about your leg hair.  Mine did stop growing after my second a/c.  It just started again.  I shaved for the first time since January last week.  Facial hair stayed put.  Lucky me :(  It's peach fuzz, but I was so looking forward to having it go.

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  • Carol99
    Carol99 Member Posts: 116
    edited May 2014

    Mikesgirl, you look beautiful!  I think you'll be surprised how quickly your hair will fill in now.  I swear mine is growing daily. It took forever to look like I had a short buzz cut.  I'm going to try the oil, thanks.

    Robin, great accomplishment for your daughter, proud day for sure!  My oldest is coming home next week, she finished her freshmen year.

    What a gift Jodi!  Wow!  My leg hair also stopped.  You can pay extra to get your passport quicker.

    I have noticed peach fuzz on my face recently, has anyone ever waxed their face?

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  • missy6758703
    missy6758703 Member Posts: 218
    edited May 2014

    the peach fuzz on my face is horrible!! I'm ready to try one of those NoNo's! My leg hair never fell out either, but underarm hair did.  I have officially just now (after almost being done with chemo for 2 weeks) lost all my eyebrows and eyelashes.  I just hope and pray those come back in a big hurry.....I hate it!!!!! 

    Question for those which I have read but just wondering, how many of you that are starting radiation have expanders put in? I have had mine in since after surgery but just wondering if that will have any effect on how they do radiation? RO doesn't seem to think its an issue but I am just wondering.  Also I have no intention of getting my port out until after everything is done but i'm wondering about that as well! It's on the right side and my cancer was on the left side so i guess it should be ok.  Guess I will find out on Wednesday when i go in for the mapping and scanning.....which is what? I have no idea...............

    I also made a decision before I went back down to Mayo Clinic 2 weeks ago that I am going to have my other breast removed.....how the hell do I know if i'm doing the right thing or not???? ugh.....I hate all of this.  

    Michelle

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  • Jodi040812
    Jodi040812 Member Posts: 383
    edited May 2014

    Missy- I have TE in and mine have to be reduced ton150cc's for rads.  Going the last Thursday in May to get them reduced.  I am so happy about it lol!  I HATE how big they are now!!!  It will be nice to have a small chest for the summer.  And then they will fill them back up for 6 months before replacing.

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  • Mikesgirl17
    Mikesgirl17 Member Posts: 260
    edited May 2014

    Missy, I have an expander.  Every plastic surgeon and RO do things dofferently.  I only have 4 more RADS to go and haven't had any complaints about the expander.  Your skin gets tighter after a couple of weeks, and the expander keeps the pocket from closing better than an implant would.  My eyebrows disappeared after chemo too. (It was very disturbing.)  The good news is, when they come back, it happens fairly quickly.  I noticed a 5 o'clock shadow where they used to be on April 23.  Now they are starting to fill in nicely.  Not from the middle towards the corners, but the rest are looking good.  When they first start coming in, they are invisible just like on your head, then, seems like over night, you see some color. This too will pass.  When you're in the middle of it, it seems like it never will.

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  • kimie06
    kimie06 Member Posts: 215
    edited May 2014

    Hello Ladies

    Ive been on hiatus trying to absorb leaving my little family for 6 weeks while I head to Toronto for 6 weeks I just found out on Friday that I am doing my rads there and this is what they are doing.(see link).I fly out on Tuesday, hubby is coming with me for a few days we are going to do some sight seeing and take in a couple blue jays games.  Then he has to leave and I will be on my own. booooo, could be so much worse I know, I just feel as though I can never catch a break.

    http://www.hectv.org/video/11809/heart-sparing-radiotherapy-for-left-sided-breast-cancer/    This is a technology that is not offered anywhere in Atlantic Canada so I am heading to one of the best cancer centers in the world will probably wish I was treated the whole time there.

    Everyone is looking so great in their new avatars ... my hair is starting to grow I have lost the end of my right eyebrow and all lower lashes, I can see some new ones kicking around and growing just not fast enough for me... I too have noticed a lot of new leg hair growth, and underarms.

    big hugs to all

      

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  • keepthefaith
    keepthefaith Member Posts: 2,156
    edited May 2014

    Hi ladies,

    I have noticed peach fuzz on my face also...and lost some lower lashes recently, but others are hanging on. Seems as though my fingernails are unusually tough right now. I hope they don't go, too!

    missy, good luck with your rads. The mapping/planning is just where they mark you and decide where you will get your zaps! It just takes a little while, but after that is done, it is very short for TX's. I think we all have to make decisions that are right for us and just follow our gut. It seems as though that's what you're doing!

    kimie, so glad you found a good place for your rads...even though it is not close. Hopefully, it will go by quickly for you.

    Jodi, what a blessing for you! You deserve a vacation for sure!

    Still trying to be patient with hair growth. I am so ready to toss the bandanas and wig.

    I have 8 boosts and then I am done! Countdown....I am going to plan a little overnight getaway when I am done.

     

     


     

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  • RHGSR
    RHGSR Member Posts: 774
    edited May 2014

    missy - I had a BMX with the DIEP. I do not regret the decision at all. It is a personal decision and everyone's situation is different. I'm 37 and didn't want to be worrying about every lump and bump I felt in the breast that I left. For me it was a good decision because I ended up with my "good / clear" breast bring full of LCIS. 

    Missy - I'm getting mapped on Wednesday too. Sounds interesting... Although I'm also not really sure what it entails. 

    I'm think going to leave my port in too until it's all over. I'm a hard stick and with having only one "good" arm to draw from it's been nice having the port.  It's on the opposite side of where I'll have rads. 

    Kimie - sorry you are having to go so far for rads. I hate that you have to be away from your family. 

    I shaved my head today. All the white fuzz. Hoping it will help in grow in better. I lost all my hair except for a little on my arms. Most of my eyebrows and eyelashes are gone.  

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  • Mikesgirl17
    Mikesgirl17 Member Posts: 260
    edited May 2014

    Kimie, you will be in my thoughts and prayers.  Sorry you have to be away from home.  I wanted to mention that I have been using MODEL SUPPLIES rapid brow growth on my brows.  I don't know if it's working or not because I don't know how they would have "naturally" come in after chemo.  I think it is worth a try.  I just looked and I have a lot of hair on the corners which I never had before.  they are blond right now, but I'm hoping they darken up.  You can get it on Amazon. 

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  • Jodi040812
    Jodi040812 Member Posts: 383
    edited May 2014

    Holli- I am leaving my port in until after as well!  Same reason;)

    Ok!  So hair talk ;). It seems that most of your hair started growing week 5 PFC.  Glad to know, so I won't be disappointed come week 4;). 

    Waiting for this last chemo is dragging on soooooooo slow!  I am being very impatient about it.  

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  • J4DC
    J4DC Member Posts: 80
    edited May 2014

    Be catching up and our board is busy! I love all the pictures! You ladies sure rock in those, 

    Jackie and Barbara, congrats of being done with chemo!

    Jodi, what an awesome trip you will have! You deserve it! So happy for you!

    Kimie, sorry you have to travel far and away from your family. 

    For the rest of the ladies, hope everything goes smoothly whatever you are dealing with.

    Had my last chemo on Friday. I was so excited, went to dinner with DH, shopping afterward and got myself a nice handbag. A lot of activities during the weekend, now chemo somehow seems to be a distant memory, a little weird. I am going to meet with mo in two weeks and probably go on to rad after. I have quite a lot peach fuzz on the back of my head, but not too much on the top. Can't wait to get rid of the wig and hat. Thanks for all the tips! 

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  • jackieak
    jackieak Member Posts: 169
    edited May 2014

    Oh Boy, tough day with fatigue and body aches, and feet hurting....I can only look forward to knowing NO more chemo side effects after this.  

    Hair on head growing, left brow has really jumped ship, right brow hanging on.  The lashes seem to have new, prickly pin growth coming....and yes I have the white fuzz facial hair all over....what next?  

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  • kjfromca
    kjfromca Member Posts: 283
    edited May 2014

    oranje_mama - I was told no swimming in chlorinated pools.  Let us know what your RO says.  

    Michelle - I lost the rest of my brows and lashes a couple of weeks after Taxol.  The good news is, they are growing back.   I have a TE and it was reduced a little for rads.  I also had a port at the start of rads and it wasn't an issue.    Sometimes I want my right breast removed, I have mixed feelings about it.  I don't know that my insurance would cover it, as there is no cancer there and I am not BRCA positive.  That is a hard decision.  I will be getting it reduced and lifted to match the left breast.

    Kimie - It is great that you will be getting such good medical care during rads.  I hope you are blessed with meeting great people over there and making new friends.

    J4DC - Congratulations on finishing chemo.  

    Well today I find out if I have 8 or 13 more TXs.  

    Have a great day ladies.

    Kim

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  • Mikesgirl17
    Mikesgirl17 Member Posts: 260
    edited May 2014

    J4DC Congrats on no more chemo!!!!  KJ, you're in my thoughts.  Hoping it's just 8 more.

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  • RHGSR
    RHGSR Member Posts: 774
    edited May 2014

    congrats J4DC!!

    Someone mentioned now that chemo is over it seems like a distant memory. I feel the same way. Reminds me of childbirth. If I wasn't bald, nipple less, and exhausted id wonder if it really happened. 

    Trying to start walking. Went with DH and all kiddos on Sat. and walked around the college campus (actually had to sell back my abnormal psych book). Hilly campus - so walked up hill to the student center. Was really tough. Once we got to student center bookstore DH asked if I wanted him to get the car and pick me up... Well no, the walk back was down hill. I could do that. Ha ha. 

    Walked about .25 mile today with my two littles. 

    Enjoy the day ladies!!

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  • oranje_mama
    oranje_mama Member Posts: 260
    edited May 2014

    Holli, I know what you mean about the short walks being so tiring.  Last Friday at lunchtime I walked about a 1/2 mile to a park to eat lunch, rested, then 1/2 mile back to my office.  I was exhausted!  And very swollen ankles/feet with my feet "burning."  So, tried to keep my feet up a lot over the weekend.  I'm going to try same walk again today.  My MO just said to regain energy "keep walking".  (She also said to stay off my feet for the burning/Hand & Foot Syndrome, though . . .)

    My surgery is Thursday (lumpectomy & sentinel node biopsy).  Won't have an RO consult for a couple of weeks (need my pathology report first).  I'm just pre-worrying about chlorinated pools!  Seriously, I'm going to get RO to tell me a way I can do it.  Maybe if I smear myself with aquaphor before & after?!!  I do not want to miss half of the summer not being able to swim.  I can take the continuing baldness (sadly, no real signs of growth on my head) but don't tell me I can't swim!

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