February 2014 Starting Chemo Club

Thanks ladies.....I knew I'd get some good feedback

I had my first session scheduled next week, but I'm having to put that off since I need to go back to PS. Anyway, I'm just working on staying in the moment and enjoying the day as much as I can.

((hugs))

Question..... When was the size of your tumor determined, from scans or from surgical path report?  My tumor is so diffuse the margins can't be determined on any scan. I'm getting another MRI next week to compare to the MRI prior to chemo but I really wish they had some idea of size

Ladies, help me be strong here...By the time my chemo was finished, my doctor had figured out that due to the nature of my work - i do massage and energy work - that I'm just more sensitive to my body and therefore notice more than others do.  Symptoms that I present to her or the nurses are likely to not even be noticed by other patients, but I notice them because I'm more aware of my body.  

When I see her tomorrow, she needs to do something about the heart palpitations, which are starting to really bother me.  And the more I read on line, the more I self diagnose and at this point, I'm on a slab in my head.  How do I impress upon them that I need this checked out and I need it to be resolved?  I have swollen  fingers this morning....not bad; I can still get my wedding band off, but it's TIGHT  around the nuckle.  My heart palpitations had started to subside, but REALLY kicked in last night and are still going this morning.  I get the funny heart flutter, then I feel pressure in my head and jaws.  My ankles were swollen a bit last night, so I slept with pillows under my feet, feel like throat is closing - but it doesn't.  

I'm headed to surgery for BMX August 8 and the hospital might order a 2nd EKG to see if there was any damage to the heart, but I don't want to wait until August if that is whats causing my symptoms now.  I just need pumping up to stand my ground and impress upon them I'm not having anxiety attacks - never have, during this process - and have REAL symptoms of something that's not normal.  Thanks.  

I was asking anyone . My BC type is rare and grows differently, I was just curious to see how the more common ones are sized

3doglady- can you see a cardiologist without a referral? if yes, then make an appt with one on your own. If you need a referral you can ask your PMD for one also. If you were having these symptoms without BC or chemo  your PMD would likely refer you to a cardiologist and you would likely be given a holter monitor to wear so they can see if the palpitations are from your heart. Being more aware of your body is a good thing!! You shouldn't have to suffer. Go with you gut. The EKG will be helpful but if your aren't having palpitations during it they won't know if it's really your heart. Good luck and stick to your guns!!!!!

Oh got it LOL

I had two...both "smallish" 2.5 and 1.8, but mine had already gone to my lymph nodes. I think lago is right, it's more about biology. In my way of thinking if the cancer had already spread to my lymph nodes it seems like the tumor should be larger, but that isn't how it worked. I had surgery first, chemo 2nd.

Thanks ladies. I know they look at type/quality over size. I was just curious, not a lot of solid info out there on IBC. Was just thinking in terms of my surgery which was scheduled for after chemo because they wanted to shrink it first, really hoping I won't need more chemo post surgery. All my questions will be answered next Friday by the BS. Just wanted to hear what the ladies in the front lines had to say!

Sure am getting hit hard!!! Lol 

By the time IBC becomes evident and starts to invade the skin it's already in the nodes. So yes the earliest it is diagnosed is stage 3. But for me luckily I was not misdiagnosed, which happens a lot. So guns ablazing!!!!!

Jules-keep us updated ((hugs))

Once again, my onc thinks its stress.  BUT, she ordered a holter monitor for my heart for 48 hours to make me feel better.  I get it tomorrow.  Swelling has been attributed to the taxols.  So has the pain in my joints and muscles.  Lung/breathing might be allergies.  If my heart monitor thing says normal, then I will keep my tongue.  

Finished chemo about  weeks ago.  SLOW recovery so don't think it all just goes away the next day.  Having radiation No. 7 today.   Sleep like a log at night 9 hours at least...normal?   Not much appetite....normal?   Anyone want to excharge SE at this point......Leah

hey...I am 5 weeks PFC and had 11/36 rads today...my legs are still weak especially my upper thighs...I think it's chemo related still.

I was trying to do some walking and aerobic stuff in the pool but laid off this week to see if my achy body felt better....it did so maybe I overdid it after no activity for 6 months!  I will go slowly now...started PT so that helps!  

We just want to get back to normal...but it may take lots of patience!! Rosie

thanks lago for the insight...yeah...the thighs are super tight feeling!  This too shall pass! I hope....Rosie 

Jules hang in there!  I was the same way by the end of taxol. IT WILL GET BETTER!  My strength was better 2 weeks PFC and improves every day. 

Hugs!

tangandchris no special secret. Diet and exercise. Things like portion control and getting ride of crap. Seriously I find my weight is managed when I stay away from processed foods as much as possible and keep what I call white carbs (bread, pasta, potato) to a minimum. Pasta should be thought of as a side dish. Get rid of as much processed sugar, high fructose corn syrup etc. These things pack on calories, have little to no nutritional value. and don't fill you up… actually leave you wanting more. Seems like they are as addicting as crack but are legal.

When you put your plate together try to remove a little bit each week before you start to eat. Also eating on a smaller plate might help. If eating out put aside what you are going to take home. I find most restaurant portions are like double what you should be eating. Many times my DH and I will split a main dish which will allow us to order an appetizer. 

When you're ready weight train. You don't have to use heavy weights but the more muscle the more your metabolism will burn. You need to work up to 1 hour of exercise 5-7 days a week with 2 days of weight training. I'll admit I got off the weight train wagon but ready to start again.

Seeing a nutritionist is a great idea.

Tangandchris weight loss is a challenge. This site is all about venting. Go ahead. If we don't want to listen we won't respond… and you can see we all do