April 2015 Chemo Crew... Starting in April? Please join us!

Hi April Ladies,

Just checking in, I have been reading, but haven't had time to respond. I've been thinking of everyone, wishing all positive thoughts.

Ankledolphin, my surgeon did a really good job of explaining everything, and I didn't have any questions. Once I read the pathology report, though, I saw that she noted that there was a "hot" node, and it haunts me - why didn't she take that node out? I'm glad she didn't take multiple nodes out, and I get why they just take the one, but I wonder why if she saw one that looked "hot" why wouldn't she remove it. So, I guess my suggested question would be - if you see another lymph node that looks like it might be unhealthy, will your surgeon take it out? And if not, why?

I don't think I ever was able to respond to your question about the process - I had my tumor guide wire placed in a regular mamography room. They put your breast in the machine, then place the tube, wire, while checking the pictures for placement. The only difference was that I was in a chair (probably because a lot of women would pass out if they had to stand). Then, they called down for the radioactive material, and that was shot into my nipple area for the sentinel node tracer. It did sting (they warned me), but it was bearable. The nurse and doctor kept up a constant chatter and distraction from what was going on.

Best of luck on your appointment.

Lynne

Better late than never

Aloha, everyone! I started chemo (Taxotere/Cytoxan x 4) on 15 Apr 15. I did not really utilize this site until I had bad hives about a week after my third round + Neulasta shot.

I found out we are the experts on SE When I asked my Nurse Practitioner if the hives were normal, her only response was, "Any abnormality is not normal..." Well, that and her "what a stupid question" look!

I am a 43 year old Air Force Reserve pilot. I found my 1.2 cm lump on my right breast while I was deployed in Dec 2014. Diagnosed in Jan. (ER+, PR+, HER2- IDC) Sentinel Node Biopsy in Feb: 0/7 involved I had already decided on BMx/chemo/Hysterectomy before finding out I am BRCA2+.

Bilateral NSMx was accomplished 16 Mar, with right nipple removal one week later due to pathology report showing DCIS in areola area. My unaffected breast tissue showed three additional <1mm IDC. PET Scan on 9 Apr was clear.

I just finished 4/4 rounds of TC on 18 Jun. I meet with my Gyno Onco on Weds and have my post chemo blood test/MO appt on Thursday.

I have tissue expanders in and was planning on expanding during chemo, followed by implant swap out, but an incision on my right breast became an open wound after my 1st round...will need a DIEP flap. I have a bilateral DIEP flap surgery scheduled for 24 Aug.

Since I started chemo, I began walking with my female Doberman Pinscher. I keep pretty active with my three little boys, 3, 4, and 6.

I often pray for patience. I get frustrated sometimes because it takes so much effort to do nothing...I was so used to being healthy.

I wish I would have joined this page sooner, instead of dealing with everything on my own. My rehab people were very supportive, but I finished last week.

I am here to gain/give insight and share positive energy. I am happy, yet anxious about my next few steps. I'm blessed and very happy to be alive!

What a perfect weekend to come across this group...celebrating Independence Day, especially with KSusan's inappropriate picture!!! LOL!!!

so beyond mad right now. Got a sitter for my 3 kids to attend the look good feel better program. Drove 30 minutes away with squeaky van rotors and the program director never showed up for the program. I'm so mad! What a waste of gas and resources.

Welcome Samaileko, glad you found us, and happy that you are finished with chemo!

KSusan, that picture is great. It's wonderful news that having your port out is as good as I imagine. lol

Lynne, your vacation sounded perfect! How old is your DD2? My son is 11, and I've noticed how defiant he's become. It's like he's found his voice, and he's gonna use it! Argues about everything!

KBee, hope chemo treats you well, glad they saved you a copay.

Littleblue...how you feeling today? I laugh at you for complaining about letting your upper body go....hello!? You hike 3-5 miles with a pack! Girl, give yourself some credit. I've never really been hiking, but I can't imagine its light work!

Had a great 4th of July. Was feeling so bad Friday....crying, hurting, exhausted.........then woke up Saturday still a little weak and light headed, but it's like the fog lifted by midday. I imagine that my counts were low Friday thru Saturday morning, and then Boom! they were up, cause I felt like a million bucks Saturday night. Went to 2 bbq's and watched Fireworks and even danced with my kids under the stars. I was so grateful to have felt good. And still am! Those moments of feeling so good, when you've felt so damn bad, really stand out. That's just me feeling happy to be alive.

Happy Monday, ladies!

Littleblue and Gingeel - Awww... sending you both a hug! The emotional reactions to all the meds, cancer, etc..are huge.

Addie - Oh, that sucks about the program director. What an idiot to not show up for something like Look good, Feel good. UGH! Hope the day turns out better

Alibeth and Ksusan - nice photos

Lovlilynn - you inspired me with your vacation talk to get ourselves out of town. It did wonders for us!

My best friend of 26 yrs drove down from Canada to visit and another friend is coming on Thursday. Feeling loved and giving love back. Yeah for tried and true friends. Wishing everyone going through chemo or rads this week an uneventful session.

last chemo tomorrow. So very happy about that.!. The SE have been really getting to me lately. Really bad numbness/tingling in my right hand and both feet. And starting to feel the same on my upper back too. I'm hoping to get back to my regular work schedule in Aug but I just don't know what to expect from rads. Anyone have any help in that area? I have all my appointments set up already for after chemo and would love to Know what to expect

Kbee: hooray for counts being up! Hope your week is good when working.

Addie: WOW I can't believe they didn't show. That is such a great program and a full class, well at least over by me. I hope they can make it up to you somehow.

Lynne has inspired all of us to get away for a bit! Hooray!

Gingeel: glad you are better too. Yeah it changes how we look at those good days and really appreciate them. I try to take a few minutes to be grateful each day for little things to stay positive.

Starting 2nd week of disability and starting to relax and forget and forgive the work drama I was going thru. Much better for me. Taking this time to really go thru some drawers and cleaning when I can as that will make me feel like I'm accomplishing something. And I'm getting involved with the cancer wellness center for yoga and other programs available. Hoping to also volunteer as I can too. Back to the chemo spa on Friday for me.

Everyone praying for a good week for all!

Renee

gkodad, could you try weeklly taxols instead of DD?

Good morning all!

Not sure if I should still be here, having finished chemo...but I love you guys! And I am just 3 days post chemo so am still having SE's. So far not bad...just the usual steroid crash and a tingly tongue...waiting for the sores to start popping up. I gave myself the Neulasta this morning, I can expect leg pain tomorrow.

Samaleiko, welcome! It's so awful you have to be here but this is a great support and wonderful women here. (And the occasional husband!)

Addie, that sucks about the program being cancelled, and your car issues. Sheesh...about time you caught a break!

Kbeee...re co-pay - it is a totally foreign concept to me. In Canada our health care is free...well, we do pay for it but it's on a sliding scale so if someone can't afford it it is free. For those of us working stiffs, it's taken off our pay but it's inexpensive and we don't even notice it. It is actually illegal in Canada to be without health insurance, and there is no reason to not have it. But I don't want to get into a political discussion. Suffice to say that it's nice going to hospitals and doctor's offices without ever worrying about bills.

We have been having such a hot dry spring/summer and there are forest fires all over. Our sky has gone from brilliant blue to orange/grey thanks to the smoke. The fires aren't anywhere near us but there is a huge smoke cloud hovering over southern Vancouver Island.

However...I am off to a big music festival up island on Wednesday. My husband is coordinating the volunteer performer shuttle this year. We both volunteer at it every year, but this year I'm opting out due to chemo. But as a coordinator he gets a ticket for me including a backstage pass! Lyle Lovett, Buddy Guy, and Graham Nash are the headliners. Looking forward to it! We are camping on site so if I get tired I can go lie down in the van.

Have a great week everyone

Andrea

littleblue - I think you're triple neg - research says Taxol is exactly right for you.   I'm ER+, post menopausal - research says taxol after A/C doesn't add much in the way of benefit unless you're Her+, which I'm not.    So I'm in the gray area - it's still the "gold standard" but the ER+ piece is now looking like it should be a big factor in the decision. Also I'm older, so the age factor is there as well.  I asked him straight out for the numbers - 50/50 chance it has NO benefit.  Now - don't everyone start questioning your Taxol decision - we're all different and both age and ER/PR/HER are big variables in what works and what doesn't.

I want to get through at least 2 - maybe there's SOME benefit.  We'll see what he says next week - I suspect I'll do 2, but he's already said we stop if neuropathy becomes a problem.  

Glad you are feeling good, Gingeel! And thanks for the pep talk about my Mom. You are so right- she has no filter. Guess its her old lady street cred LOL.

GKO, I hope you can find whats right for your system. You are awesome, and you give great advice and write really well.

Andrea, DON'T LEAVE US!!!!!! Just kidding, but you are such a great voice here, please never question your place! And the music festival sounds so fun..I love me some Lyle Lovett! He's got such a sexy voice..

I'm a snot factory

and I'm ok

I snurff all night

and I blow all day...

Thanks for the writing compliment, littleblue...this is a great group.  I have no one locally who is going through this and my family, while concerned, do not really grasp the situation.  My mother also has no filter....but let's don't get started on that!   I enjoy my MO and nurses, but if I don't ask the question they may not provide the information, so you guys help with the right questions..  And while I'm an oldster here, in my chemo setting I'm younger than most, so it's nice to get the perspective of people who are young and active. 

As for Taxol, I'll hang in there until my gut tells me the risks outweigh the benefits, especially at my age.  I'm a watercolor artist and I don't want to learn to hold the brush with my mouth!   Those of us who are ER+ will move on to possible radiation and  5 or 10 years of hormone therapy, so it's not like chemotherapy is the end of treatment. 

ugh Addie the same thing happened to me the first time I went to attend the feel better program I was almost there when they called and cancelled it although my story isn't as bad as yours I was still pissed! I went last month got some cool stuff only had 2 other older women there and one kept talking about how lucky she was that she didn't have to do chemo although I don't understand why she didn't she said she had a tumor that doubled to the size if a golf all in a couple weeks! Anyways I hope everyone is well I haven't been on here too much I started Exeffor I think it's helping on my 2nd week with it I had a very rough time last week I read in one of my reports that my lymph node looked suspicious on anultrasound loss of hilium fat my pet scan was negative and my mo is still saying stage 1 but I'm afraid it's spread further than I originally thought I hate neoadjuvant chemo because I don't know my full status and it's very difficult for me

KSusan - love that pic!!!

KBeee don't get a cold!!!! Wishing the germs away!!!!