Starting Chemo March 2015

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  • Jackbirdie
    Jackbirdie Member Posts: 4,693
    edited March 2016

    Great news, T! Doing the happy dance ! ๐Ÿ’ƒ๐Ÿ’ƒ๐Ÿ’ƒ๐Ÿ’ƒ๐Ÿ’ƒ๐Ÿ’ƒ๐ŸŽ‰๐ŸŽ‰๐Ÿ’ƒ๐ŸŽ‰๐Ÿ’ƒ๐Ÿ’ƒ

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  • IndyGal35
    IndyGal35 Member Posts: 340
    edited March 2016

    Great news, T! So glad you didn't have to wait all weekend!

    I hate the hair comments too. When it first grew back, it was very straight, but I see more and more curls now as it grows. It's still baby soft though. Isn't chemo hair so weird?

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited March 2016

    Great news T!!!

    I get those comments on the hair too. I know that to others our hair does look nice...just like when I see pictures of all of you, your hair looks nice. People don't understand though, that we just want to look in the mirror and catch a glimpse of our former selves! Oh well. I have graduated to the 3/4 inch flat iron, from the 1/2 inch one. Progress!

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  • Trvler
    Trvler Member Posts: 3,159
    edited March 2016

    Awesome, Theresa!! So happy. I forget why you did the brain MRI? Did you think something was wrong?


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  • pboi
    pboi Member Posts: 663
    edited March 2016

    Great news, T!

    That's exactly it Karen, it's not that our short hair doesn't look nice...it's that we don't look like our former selves!

    My hair is now soft, thin, and baby fine. I thought it was the result of the AI. Or is that what chemo hair is? If that's the case is there hope my hair will get thicker?

    PB

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  • Italychick
    Italychick Member Posts: 2,343
    edited March 2016

    I had a lot of pressure behind my left eye (cancer side) that radiated to my left ear, and my MO said she has a very low threshold for ordering a brain scan with negative receptors and Her2 positive breast cancer since both Her2 and triple negative (still not convinced which type I really am) like to metastasize to the brain. I went back and forth with doing additional scanning, but given all the recent deaths of parental figures in my daughter's life, I wanted piece of mind, and I wanted to give her some piece of mind. I have seen reports of women with Her2 cancer who show nothing in their bodies, but have it show up in the brain since Herceptin does not appear to cross the brain blood barrier. And really, what's an MRI after all the other crap I've gone through

    The breast MRI on Friday has the potential to be more problematic since I couldn't do radiation, but if any activity shows up, then I guess it will be mastectomy time. But I'm hoping I won't need to go there.

    I hate this disease and the worry it brings.

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  • BBwithBC45
    BBwithBC45 Member Posts: 727
    edited March 2016

    I'm happy for your good news regarding MRI, Theresa. Such a relief.

    I also want your insurance. Mine wouldn't approve a breast MRI for months, and yours is OK with two MRIs.

    Has anybody heard anything about Sharon? I hope she's OK.



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  • Italychick
    Italychick Member Posts: 2,343
    edited March 2016

    BB, my mo had to do a phone peer to peer call and fought to get them approved. Brain MRI was no issue, but at first they declined the breast MRI, but I was willing to pay for it if I had to. I think cost would have been about $850 at my scanning facility.

    Celebrated with a 32 mile bike ride, now going to do a four mile beach walk

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  • rleepac
    rleepac Member Posts: 755
    edited March 2016

    Great news Theresa!

    I'm actually starting to like my hair. I feel like I have an intentional style and it does look ok on me. I miss my long hair but I'm kind of enjoying the short style too. I think it's because I sort of have bangs now. I guess I'll just keep growing it and I may decide to cut it short again but at least I'll have options

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  • DavisD
    DavisD Member Posts: 338
    edited March 2016

    I found a site you can go to, find the procedure or test you need done, your location and it will give you the best cash price. You do have to schedule the appointment and pay just like securing a hotel room. Sounds like it would help those underinsured or with large deductibles. I'm going to try it for my breast MRIย  saveonmedical.com

    Good news Theresa!

    Karen-I think that you're right. I want to see something of my old self when I look in the mirror..if I have short hair I want it to be by choice.

    Feeling very sad and alone lately..doesn't make sense with Spring coming on and treatment finally ending next week..I think with all the craziness of the past year with BC tx, it has pushed aside the pre existing relationship/life issues. No hiding anymore so putting my big gir pants on!

    Have a great Sunday all!

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  • SueH58
    SueH58 Member Posts: 632
    edited March 2016

    T - So happy for you!!!

    Well, I'm ready to send the traveling bracelet on its way. I added a sun, to symbolize the sun does come out, eventually. KSusan, it will be on its way to you shortly. It came to me at such a pivital time--I'm so blessed to have been surrounded by all of you over the past year.

    image


    image

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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited March 2016

    Sue, that's a beautiful charm! I'm looking forward to receiving it. You have my name and address?

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  • SueH58
    SueH58 Member Posts: 632
    edited March 2016

    Yes I do. I'll let you know when I mail it.

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  • Jackbirdie
    Jackbirdie Member Posts: 4,693
    edited March 2016

    Sue- the bracelet looks beautiful! And your sun is a wonderful addition. Thank you for your generous contribution to putting some strength into the bones. I'm so glad it helped you and came at a good time.

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  • Jackbirdie
    Jackbirdie Member Posts: 4,693
    edited March 2016

    Sue- what is the stone in your charm?

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  • jumbledbamboo
    jumbledbamboo Member Posts: 158
    edited March 2016

    hi ladies. It's got me crying to see the journey the bracelet has made. It's so beautiful got me that all all themes women on completely different paths created this. It's really moving. I wanted to update. The ostenecrosis was stage II. He did a decompression and graft. It hurts so bad. About a 70% chance it worked. So. I'm just staying off it as much as I can.I have had crutches for weeks now and have a wheelchair now too. I am supposed to get a scooter.the manual wheelchair is not ok for just me as my shoulder is weak from the stroke. Plus it balls up so badly and the pain is awful. I hurt all the time and I hate it. I go for an X-Ray of the left hip to see if it worked next.Monday. I had the MRI of my right hip today. My joints hurt so bad and so do my hips and now my left knee. I just hurt. Medications doesn't do shit. If I move up I go to pain management and they make it sound like a dirty word. I walked around with a fractured hip because I didn't want to complain and now I'm back in the same spot.

    I got my eyes checked and the right eye is still bad and now the left is drying up. Insurance denied restasis but I don't give a shit. I'm getting more plasma drops made. That's not cheap but whatever. Next is the Prokera surgery. I am kind of just ready for that.

    Meanwhile everyone else just gets to live their life and have no clue. I am happy for them.and terrified for me.how do I come back from this?truth is I could be wheelchair bound and half blind . I just reread that and the fact is I am wheelchair bound and half blind.my burning feeling from the stroke is so bad now even the wrong clothes are really awful and I maxed out my gabapentin.

    Now for the good. My church came to help clean my house, is bringing a meal once a week and is building a wheelchair ramp. In the end I am grateful for every breath. And my really awesome oncologist who has had enough of my symptoms being ignored lol I am going to read posts now. I think you are all amazing and I just feel so lucky I found you all

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  • eheinrich
    eheinrich Member Posts: 792
    edited March 2016

    Oh Amber. I'm so sorry. It's really good to see you back here. Take strength from us, let us sit in your pocket awhile.


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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited March 2016

    So sorry, Amber. How terrible! Do you have local resources for non-opiate pain management? There are clinics the specialize in other medical approaches. Or acupuncture?

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  • Italychick
    Italychick Member Posts: 2,343
    edited March 2016

    Amber, my heart goes out to you. One of the options that is mentioned often by a woman on the forums is seeking out palliative care pain management. I don't know how you find out about palliative care, but a good team can work to manage your pain, while at the same time allowing you to be more alert and function on a day to day basis. Don't be afraid of pain management or palliative care, whatever works is my motto.

    My hope is that once the surgery inflammation dies down that you can get more mobile and then we can burn the damn wheelchair in a bonfire!

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  • slothabouttown
    slothabouttown Member Posts: 449
    edited March 2016

    Amber, it's so good to hear from you but sad to read all you've been going through. We missed you on this thread, I know I speak for all of us when I say you've been in our thoughts.

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  • Jackbirdie
    Jackbirdie Member Posts: 4,693
    edited March 2016

    Amber- I'm so glad you came in from the storm. Many warm and gentle hugs for you. I hope things improve a bit for you starting today little by little. You have been through so much. In your pocket with the others. Please stay close.

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  • pboi
    pboi Member Posts: 663
    edited March 2016

    Amber...I'm so sorry to hear about all you have been going through. Please do seek out resources for pain management...and if you have to complain do so, you deserve to be as pain free as possible. Praying that little by little you will feel better. We're in your pocket and always here for you

    PB

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited March 2016

    Amber, sorry to hear about all you're goign through. I hope you get some relief!

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  • Trvler
    Trvler Member Posts: 3,159
    edited March 2016

    Amber: I am sorry you are still suffering and going through so much. I wish I knew how to help.

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  • Carrie37
    Carrie37 Member Posts: 331
    edited March 2016

    Popping in to say hello. Sorry to read about all your troubles Amber. I wish we could help more. I'm so happy to read about good news and clean scans! I read very quickly through the last few pages. Someone mentioned the suicide of a teen in their neighborhood. It is so sad that someone can feel that is the only option to end their pain. That being said; depression is a tricky MFer and does horrible things to our thoughts.

    I've been thinking of you all. I'm so jealous of that get together!!

    Question for any of my fellow BMX gals: any pain in your sternum? I'm almost seven months out from surgery (still have TE's) and I still have pain/tenderness there. I remember waking from surgery and being pretty positive that someone hit me with a hammer. It comes and goes and some days (like today) are worse than others. I suppose I could ask my MO but I don't feel like I have time when I'm there for Herceptin. Last round there was an issue with my blood draw and I was being a brat about getting poked a fourth time. I'm so over all this crap. So, needless to say, I didn't really get to chat with her as she was convincing me to allow another draw.

    Anyone have anything similar or any idea what it could be?

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited March 2016

    Carrie - dollars to doughnuts the pain is from your TE and will subside when you exchange. I had this, as well as pain between my shoulder blades. I have a bony chest and the TE seemed to dig in at a couple of locations, especially sternum and ribs. Also because I have a new PS, and now a new TE, when she measured me she said that my original TE were too big for my anatomy. I'm sure that contributed, but they are just uncomfortable things

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  • phaila
    phaila Member Posts: 279
    edited March 2016

    I'm starting in 2 days and terrified:(

    Does anyone know when the best time to take the 2 steroids the day before is? I'm on TC and my treatment starts at 10 am...

    And do we start the anti naseau the night before of day of

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  • Lovemylab
    Lovemylab Member Posts: 80
    edited March 2016

    I'm so far behind. Have been out trying to live life. Bladder under control. Just got back from trip to the ER. Fell outside at 5 am on my walk and landed face first in the road. Not pretty. Thought I was ok but got headache at work and I'm on Coumadin so I went in for head ct. Looked ok. Doc gave me Percocet and said I have so much arthritis in my neck he expects that my neck will hurt! Great! I sure hate being the patient but didn't want to have bleeding in head. Thinking of you all!


    Maureen. AKA. Mo

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  • Jackbirdie
    Jackbirdie Member Posts: 4,693
    edited March 2016

    Phalia- I'm not sure if you meant to post here or in the March 2016 group, but we are veterans here now and happy to help.

    Please be assured you will be ok. We were all terrified and somehow we all made it through. Every one of us. Come here anytime you need support or a question answered.

    I did TC also. I took the steroids at like 7pm and 7am. The important thing is to space them apart 12 hrs I think.

    I received anti nausea meds in my chemo bags, and the steroids also work against nausea. So I would first ask if you are getting Emend or Aloxi in the bag. If so, wait until day 3 or 4 and then take your home meds at first sign of nausea. I really didn't have much nausea, but I always liked to stay ahead of it. If you are not getting any anti emetics as part of the infusion, watch for signs of nausea and dealwith it earlier. Your chemo nurses will be able to answer these questions too, but it's nice to have a plan in advance.

    Good luck! You've got this!

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  • jumbledbamboo
    jumbledbamboo Member Posts: 158
    edited March 2016

    thank you all.for the well wishes ! I wish you were here. I need hugs lol. My son is 10 now and wiggle s away and my husband says he is scared to touch me lol. Oh he got big points today busting his ass cleaning the house though! I saw the posts about trigger finger. I need to get that the checked out. My fingers just lock up.

    Love my lab, I am so sorry you fell. That is really scary. I'm thinking of you and hope you're not topainful right now.k

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