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

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  • Rpayton
    Rpayton Member Posts: 235
    edited July 2015

    SueH58. Thanks for the info on the AI vs Tamoxifen! Now I get it.

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  • DizzParkMom
    DizzParkMom Member Posts: 316
    edited July 2015

    Heading to bed late tonight. Finally had some swat/police action on our next door neighbors house. They have lived there about 3 years and things got sketchy more and more about a year ago, but yet no reason to ever call police. Another neighbor reported that some kids at school said that was the house where they buy their drugs. This was reported, and police said it's hearsay and there is no evidence. Fast forward to this past March right before I was diagnosed, a patrol officer stopped by our garage sale to tell me their house was under surveillance and they thought there was sex and drug trafficking going on, but that they still didn't have enough for a warrant. He asked that I let other concerned neighbors know that we should call him with anything we observe going on. Just tonight, we sent him information about some weird stuff that was happening. Turns out there was an undercover car on the block who witnessed the same thing we did. So, tonight, we hear this huge explosion...then another and then the swat team announces we should all stay inside our houses away from the windows. WTF????

    Turns out the explosions were the swat team blowing in the door and then smoking the house. 4 people in custody (1 caught after trying to run), but we don't know what they finally are charged with. Their house is still being searched. DS is freaked out...understandably. I am feeling anxious but hoping this is finally a resolution to what has been a stressful few months...on top of an already stressful few months. So glad this didn't happen when DH and I were gone to Illinois and DS was here with just his grandparents. DH is sleeping with him tonight. Guess I am taking a full dose of ativan tonight!


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  • GingerChi
    GingerChi Member Posts: 252
    edited July 2015

    pegsurri, Hoping all goes well and you have a smooth recovery from your upcoming surgery! I found the first week or so was a breeze...then the nerves started regenerating, and as healing began I had more pain, I used pain meds mostly at night. I couldn't drive for a few weeks, but from week 1, friends took me to the hairdresser, out to eat, etc, and getting out lifted my spirits lots!! Here are couple of my tips:

    • I used a shower chair the first few days. My BS didn't want my incision or drains to get wet for weeks, but used a handheld shower nozzle to wash areas below that.
    • For my head/hair, I did best bent over the kitchen sink. That way I didn't have to worry about runoff dripping onto my incision.
    • I slept in the recliner for a couple of weeks. I couldn't situate myself into comfy positions in the bed due to limited arm movement.
    • I used a "drain apron" tied around my waist. Hopefully you wont have this many, but I had 5 drains to start with and that worked best at first. A friend made the apron for me (two large cloth pockets, 1 off to each side, attached to a long piece of cloth ribbon). To shower, I pinned my drains to a piece of cloth ribbon and hung it around my neck.
    • I got one of those "gopher grabber" sticks to help with things I couldn't reach or dropped. (it seemed like I was always dropping something!!)
    • I ate Raisin Bran cereal to help with constipation...that always works great for me. lol


    Rockerwife: CONGRATS on finishing rads! Hope you have a great year with your new students!! And thank heaven for helpful parents!! :)

    Positive Spirit: You are one busy lady! Its fantastic all the things you are doing to take care of yourself!!! I'm so glad you feel better!! :)

    Renee: The Yoga sounds nice and relaxing...I've never tried it!!

    DizzPark: Oh my gosh! What a stressful situation! I hope this gets rid of the problem neighbors for good! Hope you got some rest last night!

    I meant to meantion, my fingernails were splitting, and I was getting terrible hangnails. I started using tea tree essential oil on them, and its helping!

    I'm heading out for a girls day of lunch and shopping later on. Still feeling good day 3 post Taxol! I hope everyone has a good and SE free day!



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  • Addie29
    Addie29 Member Posts: 307
    edited July 2015

    wow dizzparkmom that's crazy. I would be hyped up after that too.


    Does anyone put anything on their nails? Mine are starting to change color.

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  • Rpayton
    Rpayton Member Posts: 235
    edited July 2015

    Ginger I agree with the raisin bran! Works like a charm! LOL

    DizzPark Wow crazy drama and very scary I'm sure. Hope you get some peace and quiet today.

    Addie I'm having nail discoloration too. I actually use a coat of OPI polish in a nude color and put nail oil around my cuticles. I have always had soft, peeling nails and polish would rarely last more than a day. Surprising benefit of chemo is that my nails are actually a bit harder, my cuticles a little better and, go figure, the polish stays on all week. I'll take that perk. Unfortunately, my nails also are not really growing. Being in healthcare I always kept short anyway. Could be now that I'm away from the alcohol hand sanitizer every 5mins and now washing with milder soap at home has improved this too.

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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited July 2015

    I used a scrub vest similar to this for drains (I bought it too large so it wouldn't rub my armpits). I've used the same vest for radiation instead of a gown, since my place uses backward gowns (rather than actual back-tying gowns), which rub my throat uncomfortably and don't close well.


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  • lovlilynne
    lovlilynne Member Posts: 405
    edited July 2015

    Heather, that's awful! How scary to have neighbors involved in trafficing!

    DD2 woke up feeling sick. Her throat hurts, and she has a log-grade fever (99.9). Now I'm trying to decide if I should have her seen by doctor - normally I would not, I'd wait for her to get worse (or better), but I'm paranoid about strep or some other infection - what do you think?

    Ugh, hate these decisions.

    Lynne

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  • DizzParkMom
    DizzParkMom Member Posts: 316
    edited July 2015

    Thanks to those of you sending out your post mx tips...I know there are a handful of us neo- adjuvant girls here who are nervously anticipating surgery in the coming months. Knowing we have our trusted April chemosabes around for questions is a great comfort.

    Lynne, does your daughters dr. have triage nurse to call? Maybe she would be able to advise if you need to come in...or let you know there are any viruses going around.

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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited July 2015

    Dizz, my bilateral was in many ways the easiest part of this process so far!

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  • littleblueflowers
    littleblueflowers Member Posts: 2,000
    edited July 2015

    I had a double too! No recon though. Weirdly painless procedure and recovery. My surgeon wanted me to do range of motion exercises pretty much immediately. I didn't drive for a week, or lift anything heavy. Washing my hair was pretty hard- in retrospect I should have shaved it off then since I was going to lose it to chemo anyway. Not much else to add! Good Luck!

    Wow, busy around here! Hope everyone is hanging in there. My brother dedicated the song "Bamboo Bones" by Against Me to us all today. Key phrases "Don't let them break you/ Don't let them get you down" " Push back with every word and every breath". Again, having youtube issues with posting on this site, but its there and its a good upper if you need it!

    Addie, My nails are all dead looking too. I paint my toes and fingers if I remember. Oddly enough, painting seems to help with the pain in them too. Mostly I just forget.

    Positive_spirit- its so inspiring how you are taking control of not just your physical but your emotional health. Way to be, and thanks for posting! It helps the rest of us know what options to ask for when we need them!

    Well, ladies, keep on rockin' in the free world! We are all so, so, so close!

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  • lovlilynne
    lovlilynne Member Posts: 405
    edited July 2015

    Ugh, Gwen has strep.

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  • Jackbirdie
    Jackbirdie Member Posts: 4,693
    edited July 2015

    Lynne, sorry about Gwen's strep. You watch yourself!

    Littleblue - thank your brother. A very cool song. I looked it up on YouTube and have listened several times. The lyrics do resonate. I have already shared with another bc friend. In fact, give him a hug

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  • DizzParkMom
    DizzParkMom Member Posts: 316
    edited July 2015

    ksusan, Thanks for the insight on your experience with BMX. I think that the anxiety builds over time...and with neo, I've had nearly 4 months of building anxiety about BMX. I will try to remind myself that it isn't going to be as bad as my inner voice makes it out to be. Oddly enough, with 4 months to consider all my options, I still can't decide if I want reconstruction or not. It's been very beneficial to see how you and little blue have dealt with non-reconstruction. I would have never considered it before, but the idea that I can save myself from all the extra pain involved with reconstruction (and re-reconstruction if there were complications) is very tempting. However, I had originally considered using my own tissue for reconstruction, but got confused on how they make 2. Also, not sure if I even have enough tissue for even 1 diep. I definitely have decided that I am not interested in implants. I'm obviously needing another meeting with the SO. When we first met, I think I was still in dx fog la la land. Now that I am more educated and have had all this time to let the options sink in, I hope that I will be able to come to a comfortable decision. In any case, I am praying that I can relate the same news about bmx (that it's the easiest part of the process).

    By the by, we were woken at 6am this morning with random people ringing our doorbell trying to get information from us about what went down last night. They apparently 'knew' the people arrested and were coming to pick up their 'stuff'. DH is on the HOA board and has a contact with the PD that coordinates the undercover patrols around our common areas. He called him and they sent somone out right away, but the people had already gone in the house and then left again. The patrolwoman checked the house and said it seems secure, despite the fact that the front door was blown open and doesn't shut anymore. She also told us that there was a dog left in the house and that they (PD) don't have the authority to remove it. We are to wait 2 days and then report an abandoned dog to the humane society. ??? Two more times today, a van pulled up and started packing up furniture from the house....not sure if maybe they took the dog too? DH is waiting for a call back from PD contact to find out why we are now in charge of worrying about the abandoned dog. It turns out that the explosions we heard last night were 3 different flashbang grenades the swat team tossed into the house. I really hope it's all over now and that the house will eventually be home to a nice normal family.

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  • Alibeths
    Alibeths Member Posts: 656
    edited July 2015

    poor dog

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  • Jackbirdie
    Jackbirdie Member Posts: 4,693
    edited July 2015

    Littleblue's brother's song dedicated to April girls

    Above here is a link to the song Littleblue's brother dedicated to the April group today. A good cancer fight song!

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  • lovlilynne
    lovlilynne Member Posts: 405
    edited July 2015

    Well, I don't want to jinx it, but I have to say that I did not have a half bad day today as far as day 3 SE. I had a hard time going to sleep last night - I think I still was jacked up on steroids. It was probably close to 3 AM before I fell asleep, so I thought I'd feel like a zombie this morning, but I did get up and start getting ready to take Gwen to school, but then she wasn't feeling good.

    I took some ibu prophylactically so that I could head off any pain or headache, but I've felt relatively ok. The only things I have noticed is that my taste buds are off - I usually have about a day of that, but by now my taste has returned, but today things were still tasting bland/cardboard. I hope that goes away. Also, my neuropathy in feet and fingertips is right back - I sometimes get a little reprieve with the steroids, but I'm already numb.

    I hope I feel as well tomorrow. I have to take DS (Russ) to the airport in the morning, then go directly to my RO appointment. DD1 -Tess is going to diabetes camp on Sunday, so I'll have to drive her and drop her off. Today I spent WAY too much time looking for the charger that goes to her continuous glucose monitor - we couldn't find it anywhere, so had to order a new one for $150! Grrr.

    With Tess and Russell gone all week, Gwen will be an only child, but she'll still keep Chuck and I busy. But, it certainly will be a strange week - I'll have to cook about half of what I normally do (or not cook at all!).

    Regarding nails - I have only lost the one so far, and that was during AC. It still has not even started growing back! I have 2 totally black toenails, but they have been holding on. MO said to try to keep them as long as possible (so that new nail could start growing underneath). I think those two are from walking/pressure as much as Taxol. My left big toe is definitely affected by the Taxol, and I'll probably lose that, but none of them hurt at all. That's probably going to be a gift that keeps on giving.

    Lynne

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  • littleblueflowers
    littleblueflowers Member Posts: 2,000
    edited July 2015

    Glad you are feeling not too bad, lynne! Sorry your DD is all streppy...ugh.

    Glad you like the song, Katy! Never stop fighting!

    Dizz, Geeze the neighbor situation sounds just aweful! I hope the poor dog has water!

    Well my DH left today for 14 day hitch with his helicopter on a fire. So, any of you western ladies, if you see a big kmax helicopter fighting wildfires near you, wave cause it might be him out doing his best for us! A kmax has two main rotor blades- doesn't look like anything else. Hope everyone is doing well today!

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  • Rpayton
    Rpayton Member Posts: 235
    edited July 2015

    jackbirdie thanks for posting littleblue's brother's song. It is awesome! Love the lyrics and the music. I'll consider my fight song today in my last chemo!

    Lynne hang in there with the toes. It's gotta get better soon. Takes so long for those nail beds to grow out.

    Today last chemo! Steroids kept me up all night and I expect that for the next few days. So excited my son driving from St.L to spend the weekend and celebrate my

    image

    last chemo.

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  • Rpayton
    Rpayton Member Posts: 235
    edited July 2015

    And I can't leave out my hubby of 29yrs. So supportive thru this. I'm very blessed.

    image

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  • slv58
    slv58 Member Posts: 1,216
    edited July 2015

    Beautiful pics! You go girl! So nice to have that support and I have to admit there is something special a son can give!

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  • GingerChi
    GingerChi Member Posts: 252
    edited July 2015

    Congrats Renee! 🎉🎈🎊🍪🎉 Love the sign and scarf! You've got a handsome support system there! And how nice of your son to make the trip home to help celebrate.

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  • lovlilynne
    lovlilynne Member Posts: 405
    edited July 2015

    C O N G R A T S Renee!!! I have to admit, it's a great feeling to be done.

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  • littleblueflowers
    littleblueflowers Member Posts: 2,000
    edited July 2015

    Congrats Renee!! You did it!

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  • Addie29
    Addie29 Member Posts: 307
    edited July 2015

    congrats Renee! I hope you can enjoy the weekend with minimal side effects.


    Today I feel crappy. These expanders are painful. Oye.

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  • Addie29
    Addie29 Member Posts: 307
    edited July 2015

    http://youtu.be/VgSMxY6asoEon the topic of songs- seeing as my name is Adrienne that everyone knows the movie Rocky- when it's my turn for chemo my nurse yells "yo adrienne!!" Adds some humor to the day and all I can think of is doing a parody to Eye of the Tiger. Would be absolutely epic.


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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited July 2015

    Addie, The nurses yelling that is funny; I do like when they have a sense of humor and try to lighten the mood in there. I'm respectful of people around me, but I do tend to be in a good mood and chat with others around me and I know the nurses like that. I hope your muscle soreness eases.

    Renee, I am so happy for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Little blue, I love the song. I will keep your hubby in my thoughts; hoping for a speedy and safe return.

    Lynne, Glad you are having better and better days. I hope your daughter feels better soon.

    Dizzpark, What a scary situation with your neighbors. Yikes!!!!! I hope the riff raff is done for good.

    There's a local gal who I was out in touch with through a mutual friend. She's 3 days behind me doing the same regimen. We have the same doc. We message and text all the time. I'm meeting her during her chemo today and then we're going to go have lunch. I'm so excited to get to meet her after just texting these past few months!!! If only the doc knew we totally were "comparing notes" the whole time!!! Luckily we both really like MO.


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  • gingeel
    gingeel Member Posts: 102
    edited July 2015

    Congrats Renee! Great pictures with your son and hubby.

    Lynne, sorry about the strep.....Really sucks! Hope she gets well soon, and that you stay healthy!

    Littleblue, thanks for the song. Hope your husband has a safe trip fighting fires!

    My 11 yr old had me listening to NOW by Paramore, great song, and very fitting.

    Dizz, wow......major drama! I would have been freaked out. Hope someone gets that dog.

    Kbee, that's really great that you are meeting up with your friend for the first time! Enjoy it.

    Addie, hope your boobies feel better. I cannot imagine what that feels like.

    Gingerchi, my nails look like crap....not splitting but darkening, and yeah, I just paint over them. I look freaky enough with sparse eyebrows and lashes.

    Not feeling so great, but not horrible, either. Just that icky, shaky feeling and my teeth ache. Gonna do laundry and try to entertain my 3 kids.

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  • SueH58
    SueH58 Member Posts: 632
    edited July 2015

    Addie - what a great analogy. You get knocked down and get back up. I love it!

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  • littleblueflowers
    littleblueflowers Member Posts: 2,000
    edited July 2015

    Addie, that's awesome! Sometimes when I was feeling really crappy and barfing on the way to chemo just from fear, I 'd just randomly yell "eye of the tiger, baby!!!" to try to nerve myself up. Its so cool that you got yourself a theme song! Sorry your expanders are painful. Ya'all doing recon, I can't even imagine. I'm such a weenie about pain! Tough chicks!

    Ginger and Kbeee- are you guys about DONE with the terrible T?

    Glad everyone likes "Bamboo Bones"! He put it on the radio for us this week, and on the way to my last chemo we bumped it loud and rolled in like rock stars, shades and all. It was funny. I tell everyone that my extended family, who generally go to my appointments, are my entourage. They know to practically reserve a conference room for us at this point lol- no room in the treatment rooms!

    Well, today would normally be chemo day, but instead it was port incision stitches out day. Whew. Fully human for the first time in 5 months...


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  • DizzParkMom
    DizzParkMom Member Posts: 316
    edited July 2015

    Congratulations Renee. Great pics of you and your guys. Have a wonderful weekend with your son....no SE allowed!



    So sorry about all the discomfort/pain from the TE Addie. Does it ease up eventually? I hope?



    Kbee, have a great lunch with your friend. It's unfortunate that you are both going through this, but at least you are able to connect with someone else experiencing similar things. Without this group, I would truly feel so isolated from the world.



    Gingeel, sorry you aren't feeling great. I hope every minute of today leaves you feeling less shaky and that those kiddos are easily entertained today.

    For all of you wondering about the neighbors dog...DH heard from another neighbor today that they saw someone remove 2 dogs and a couch from next door late last night. So, at least that worry is over. We had tried to call multiple agencies last light and kept getting dead ends.

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