September 2013 Chemo Group

Thanks!  I am home, now the wait to see if things heal.  Sugery was quick, implant will be out for 60-90 days, then a TE for some period, then another implant if all goes well.  Not in too much discomfort, but about to take something for pain, feeling amped from some Decadron - shades of chemo!  Argued with the anesthesiologist about Zofran, told him it doesn't work for me, they failed to realize I had 6 rounds of TCH - and I KNOW it doesn't work, and the nurse anesthetist tried to set the IV in my LE arm - I went off - I don't think she likes me, lol! Why do they bother writing stuff down in your chart if nobody reads it? It must have rattled her because she blew the vein in my hand, so that will be a purple and green mess.  Isn't surgery a blast?

Here's to quick healing, mild discomfort,  Gentle hugs

Having total meltdown today.  Can't stop crying. Some of you have been through so much more.  How on earth do you keep it together.

I think most of us just appear that we are keeping it together!

I have good days but bad moments. That puts it in perspective for me. 

Hope you are feeling better, have a good Sunday.

Charger, sometimes we feel better after a cry, yes? and we have all been there. One day I just cried until the snot just blew! My 21 year old son was home and he said "whats wrong mom?" I said, "I just feel like such a freak today! No hair, no eyebrows or eyelashes, no boobs, no uterus, I feel like I am becoming a guy!" It was the only time I did that, and I was sorry my son was there to see it, but his response was priceless. He said said I wasn't a guy, he was, and he knew the difference! He said I was beautiful, amazing, and his rock. And he laughed and I laughed and hugged him so tight! And I felt so much better afterwards. So here is your hug from me (( 70)) and hugs to you all we can do this.

SpecialK, I'm glad you made it through your surgery okay.  I hope your healing goes smoothly and quickly this time.  

70charger, when is your test?  The waiting is the hardest part because our minds can go to terrible places.  The chances are good that your bowel problems are unrelated to cancer.  They may be an SE of the chemo that hasn't resolved.  Let us know exactly when your test is and we will be in your pocket.

I posted over on the FB page for this group that I was in the hospital for three days over the weekend with a small bowel obstruction.  I'm home now.  My tummy is still very tender, but I know from past experience that it takes about a week to get over one of these.  They are no fun!  I am almost done with rads.  I have 4 boosts to go.  My skin is holding up amazingly well.  I was in so much pain over the weekend between the NG tube and the obstruction that I didn't even think about my skin.  All the pain meds helped with that too!  Gotta love them!  They were really nice to me in the hospital.  They were super fast admitting me in the ER.  They refused to let me sit in the waiting room and admitted me right away.  I guess there is some value in having almost no hair from chemo.....extra speedy service in ER!

simple - yikes!  Glad you are doing well enough to come home!  Be sure to take it easy!  Are you prone to obstructions?  I am feeling ok - have not looked at the left side yet as it is covered in bandaging, but my drain is not doing much of anything.  The anchored the drain very nicely - the best one I have had (and I have had a few...) as there doesn't seem to be a way for it to catch on anything and pull.  I should have a post-op tomorrow so I will see it all and lose the drain, then in 60-90 days I can have a TE put back.

70charger, I hope they get to the "bottom" of this quickly for you.  Eleven pounds is a lot to lose from bowel issues.

SpecialK, I'm glad your drain hasn't been so bad this time. I'm guessing that by the time you read this, it will be gone.  I hope you have good success with healing this time around.  Just a though....have you tried vegetable juicing?  I believe it has been a huge help for me with my cancer treatments.  I'm almost done with 33 radiation treatments and other than a spot a my clavicle, I'm barely pink anywhere.  Also, doing chemo, all my blood tests came back perfect every time.  I attribute it to juicing which I think helped me get a lot of nutrients into my system.  It might help with skin healing issues.

My small bowel obstruction that I had over the weekend was my own fault.  I had major abdominal surgery 32 years ago which created a lot of adhesions.  Every once in a while, I eat too much fiber and not enough fluid and I can get an obstruction.  This is my sixth one in 32 years.  I know better....I just wasn't thinking and ate a bunch of dried figs Thursday night.  By Friday morning, I was paying for it!  I told my husband, I don't think I will EVER eat a fig again....dried or not!

Simple  Glad to see u are on the mend.

Special.  Lets hope you heal nicely.

happy belated Mother's Day to all. Hope you are all doing well.

Nat starts IMRT rads may 21.

Her allergies are really bad this year. 

We plan in doing this honeymoon thing in late August.

I have no idea if things are healing at the moment, but I appreciate the good thoughts!  I am still bandaged on the left side and still have the drain.  My first post-op is Thurs. so I will see it all then, and have the drain removed.  Until then, keeping fingers crossed!

I hear you on the BBQ; I always like my meat well done, so that charred food thing hit home.  Moderation...moderation...must repeat.  I have carpal tunnel surgery and cubital tunnel surgery coming up in July; ortho thinks it is because of residual nerve inflammation from chemo coupled with minor edema from tamoxifen, coupled with small bone structure......so I hear you on the weakness, though mine is not that bad yet.  I need to try to get ahead on my gardening.

Ladies,

Sorry I have still not gotten a facebook account as I know I am missing a lot by not being on there.  I will get to it - not sure why I haven't quite yet - Facebook just seems so full of minefields for me...

But I wanted to share with you that I got my period back today - I never thought I would be so happy (and relieved) to see it but it means that I am not in menopause at 34! While I did the fertility preservation before chemo (my fiancee and I really want more kids) I really want to have my body start working normally again. 

Otherwise I am doing well - slowly feeling more and more normal.  Kbee - I did my half marathon yesterday- yours is coming up soon right?  I was a lot slower than last year but made it and feel fine so I am putting that in the win column. 

My only lingering issues are hot flashes (getting a little better with vit E and time) and just a general sense that I am flakier than before (forgetting a lot and unable to be fully present).  And gosh 6 months ago was my last chemo.  Feels like a lot longer than that....

Hugs abd THANKS to all of you who helped me get through it... 

Wohooo Josgirl!   You make me believe I can do it too.  Mine is May 31.  My training was derailed by some complications with my nipple construction and fat grafting, but I did a 5 K last weekend and have done 5 miles.  If I can do 8-10 one day this week, I hope I should be good to go for the half......we'll see!  I hope you get a facebook account...we miss you!  It is a private group, so no one sees your posts or comments to the group.

Josgirl, Congrates on your half!  Even bigger congrats on getting your period!!!! That is so awesome.  Your body is coming back to normal.....what a wonderful thing.  (((Hugs)))