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

I see some of you have have setup appointments for cancer plans for survival. My oncology group actually requires this as a mandatory appt. It is an hour long with the PA and a social worker. Everything is reviewed from the diagnosis, treatment you have had, medications to continue, tests to expect in the future, along with social, personal, employment and sexual concerns. A specific unique plan was outlined and provided in writing for me and also sent to any primary care doctors I requested. I hope all of you have the opportunity for this. Some things were disappointing to realize that lab work for cancer will not be done or really anything special for testing unless you have symptoms. That is the way of our health system, unfortunately. Treat after instead of vigilant preventive, even after we have had cancer. Still I learned what I should not ignore and should be aware of as post chemo and rads complications. Worth doing and making this plan with your oncologist.

On another topic Katy turned me onto ewg.org. I have been researching many of the products I have been using for years that I thought were mild and safe. I have very sensitive skin and prone to eczema. I am finding so many things upsetting about the ingredients. Vanicream has moderate cancer causing ingredients. The brand Simple facial cleanser not so great either. Even Dove products. Am starting to use a few things from honest company that have a 1 rating as safe. Have found inexpensive physicians formula brand has decent mascara. drs remedy for nail polish has nice shades. Anyone else getting on this bandwagon? Share what products makeup skincare you like.

Gingerchi: I'm also having frequent hot flashes since starting Tamoxifen. Hoping this means it is working effectively and thinking positive. Having always been cold before it is odd to now be peeling layers off. These, luckily, are short lived with just feeling hot all over and sometimes night sweating. Let's hope they ease up as our bodies adjust.

Littleblue I have noticed more sinus runny nose with those hot flashes too.

Lynne: good luck with return to work! Be gentle on yourself juggling. I hope you get the plan worked with the family and hold your boundaries for house help.

Steph and Addie good luck with the surgeries. I think your Drs are giving you good advice. Addie happy, happy birthday.

Kbeee have a wonderful time in Vegas!!! You deserve it!!!

Scarlett, thanks for the info, do you have SE from Gabapentin?

Steph: What dosages are you taking of the supplements? Will your MO be checking labs and adjust if needed? The reason I ask, my MO is not very into supplements....for the most part doesn't mind that I take them but at the same time doesn't recommend dosages and wouldn't be monitoring me for any effects. I definitely would like to take something to support my heart tho!

Lynne, good luck tomorrow, hope all goes well!! I found the book you suggested on amazon, I'll look into it.

Kbee, CONGRATS on the run, that's fantastic!! Enjoy your trip to Vegas!!

Good to see you mamajen! I cant help with your question since I had a hyster years ago...hope that resolves soon tho!

Renee: My flashes don't last long, but are intense. Then the next thing I know, I'm freezing. lol

I filled out survivorship paperwork and thought I checked that I wanted to be contacted, but nobody's contacted me.

littleblue: I would definitely call the nurse of your MO and see if he/she can aak your Dr to do a cancer consult survivor plan appt. This is becoming more common and expected at bigger oncology centers. My treatment facility is actually part of the national oncology pilot program. The appt should be a review of your diagnosis, treatment so far, medications and how often you will have regular appointments and what to expect at those appts. You should also be asked questions about your fatigue, any ongoing symptoms, mood, depression screening, work life, social and sex life issues. All of this is to treat the whole patient mind, body and spirit. Betttr quality of life hopefully equals a better outcome. I hope this helps. Sorry if I got too wordy.

GingerChi - I have not had any side effects from Gabapentin. Only thing I would note is that if I take it later than 10 pm, I'm a little groggy in the morning. Otherwise, great for neuropathy, hot flashes and sleep. Does not help with my foot pain though!

Gingerchi, Yay! NO RADS! So glad for you. Sorry to hear about the neuropathy persisting and the hot flashes. Are you keeping up with the B6, Vit. E, and L-Glutamine? I am hoping that they continue to improve my neuropathy symtoms as much as possible. I did try the gabapentin. I only lasted 3 days...for me, it made me too groggy the next day. The hot flashes/cold flashes is something that bothers me too. For that, I am trying to get 2 tbsp of flax seeds a day and 1500mg of fish oil. It is better than during chemo, but has gotten a little worse since surgery.

I have been home now a week....the nerves in my new 'belly boobs' are driving me crazy. It's like the worst sunburn feeling ever, but I am still 80% numb from my neck to my groin. The incisions are starting to look not so scary and I am feeling less afraid of my 'new' body. I just wish I could sleep in any other position but my back. When I try to turn on my side, I wake up in pain. 2 more weeks until my MO/SO/PS follow-up. I have had 1 meeting with survivorship, but since my other appointments always go long, I have missed 2 more. I am hoping to get more time scheduled with them when I have less time 'under re-construction'.

thank you ladies for the birthday wishes. Here's to hoping that 30 is far better than 29 was. Also tomorrow is the big day for tube and ovary removal. I will post how I am doing/feeling once I am able:

Good luck, Addie!

Jen, I'm not asking about the underpants.

Good luck tomorrow Addie. I know you'll be nervous, but hang in there.....& 🎂 Happy Birthday 🎉. They do say that a woman's 30's are supposed to be the years where you feel mature enough to feel truly 'grown up', but also young enough not to feel too damn old. I hope they are magical, healthy years!!!

Started rads yesterday, only 29 left! YAY?

Anyone that did rads, did it upset your stomach? I can't figure out why mine is so bad - I feel fine otherwise and the fam all ate the same food for dinner?

well surgery went well. I'm home resting. The shoulder pain from the gasses have already started- time to start walk walk walking. Thank you everyone for the well wishes it means a lot:)

What is with this month? I just found out a friend of mine has breast cancer. She's only 31. Yeesh. This sucks!

Prayers and good thoughts to everyone on this stupid "journey". All of us survivors and those just beginning.

ADDIE!!!! SO GLAD YOU ARE HOME AND SAFE!!!!! REST WELL, LADY AND HEAL QUICK!

Renee, Dizz- I'm so sorry to hear about your friends. Good thoughts and prayers.

Yup, smartwool undies. It's merino wool so it doesn't itch, but they are like 24$ a pop. I like them for work because they wick and stay dry and are antibacterial...and my elbow is much better!

Rest well, Addie.

little blue, I understand your feelings. When I did genetic testing, I was looking for that 'reason' that my brain needed in order to understand my diagnosis of triple negative. If it wasn't my hormones, it must have been my genetics...RIGHT? When it came back negative, I was left feeling lost. If not hormones or genetics, then WTH. I feel like a victim whose asailant is still out there, only the police have no clue who to look for. I definately am happy it was negative, just confused.

Jen that's good news. I know you wanted answers to why you got this cancer but with you it was just chance.

I always seem to have weird reactions to anti Nausea patches. I had one behind my left ear and now my left pupil is dilated- again. This is the 3rd time it's done this. And I am always very careful when I take it off to wash behind my ear and my fingers after. Go figure last time this happened doc said it's rare. Well go figure. My vision is just a little fuzzy but not bad. Hope everyone is Feeling well.