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

Oooops have missed a lot the last week or so. Busy, busy, busy in a good way. Spring is here! Yard work has begun.

Dizz sorry about the Chicago cold. It changes here fast! Sunshine and almost 70 today but cold rain and frost threat the next couple days. Bring the sun and warmth!

Saw my radiation oncologist for a 6 month post rads checkup. All good so far. He stressed exercise and lots of movement. He will continue to see me once a year for 5 years.

Speaking of hot flashes, aches and pains! Hot flashes are a bit better on effexor. My right foot still having pain on the ball and my second toe starting to roll under my big toe, frustrated. It has been 8 months since last chemo. Not sure if I should see a podiatrist yet but thinking I might. Scared I could be ignoring something that needs attention. But so tired of appointments too! :-(

Hey y'all. Once again at airport on the way home. This was my first solo trip...Boy was I lonely. Good reports from all. Colonoscopy all clear....if you don't count the little hemorrhoids the GI dr. found. Guess all the constipation during chemo has it's lingering effects. Comingbback in a month for nipples tattoos and to meet with psychologist to discuss some short term treatment that might help with all the lingering effects and anxiety. Hope all is well with everyone. Off to board.

Hello All- I know it's been quite a while since I last checked in but know that I would "drop in" to view posts from time to time to see how everyone was doing (and often to get a quick chuckle-you gals can be a very funny bunch of women!). Anyway, after truly giving it deep thought and prayers, I decided to that you women are strong, funny and truly loving, compassionate people so I hope you will forgive me for not keeping in touch for the last several months. Unfortunately, I have hit another "bump in the road" on my journey. I was back to work, finished the Herceptin/Perjeta at the end of December. All looked good on the Dec. PET and the port and "cyst" removal (small little booger in the middle of my new boobs) was scheduled for early April. PS goes to take everything out and thinks it looks suspicious so he removes it and two tiny growths adjacent to it IN my skin (he choses not to remove the port- Thank Goodness). Well, as you can guess-sucks for me. Her2+ rears its ugly head once again. I have to say, this time it hit me hard as I was approaching the damn "finish line" once again. PLEASE, PLEASE don't let this scare you as I know so many of you are doing so well and I could not be happier for you all!!!!!!! You know me-I'll take this one day at time and keep plugging along. Good news-It has stayed "contained" so that's a huge plus for me. It is in the skin embedded within my new boobs (yep, even the new pair sucks!) and in some lymph nodes under my chest wall. Starting Herceptin/Perjeta again on Thursday and then I think Proton Radiation sometime next month (all I keep picturing is the Drs. will all be wearing Superman costumes!!). I'm also waiting to see if I'm going to be accepted into a clinical trial- a Basket Trial which targets my specific DNA (sounds pretty scientific). Anyway, I hope you will not mind if I stick around a bit b/c you all make me laugh and quite honestly, that's what I need right now. SO MANY of my friends and family have been giving or sending me their "recommendations" of treatments/doctors/holistic/"essential oils"/foods to eat/foods to avoid- it's driving me nuts!! You gals have been there I'm sure. I know everyone is trying to help but DAMN let them walk a day in our shoes! Again, so sorry to be such a bummer and know that I do care and think of you often and it makes me smile to know that our April Chemo club is a year old and thriving!! Love to you all, Fran

Hello everyone,

April has been a tough month. My mom (53) starts her chemo Wednesday April 27th with neulasta on Friday. She has 4 rounds of AC (every 2 weeks) then 4 rounds of taxol followed by surgery, radiation and a year of Perception mixed in there.

I am a nurse and I am trying to get her prepared and prep everything for possible side effects... I am beyond overwhelmed. I'm hoping her healthy life style and good immune system helps her during this time. I am so scared but I have to have faith in this treatment plan.

I have been doing acupuncture once a week since chemo. My practitioner is also really good with herbs and supplements, which has been ever changing since new symptoms keep coming and going. I find the acupuncture really helps with hot flashes and joint pain.

Is anyone on Prolia? My insurance has denied it I think because I am not yet on an AI. They have approved Zometa. Anyone in that? Finding out that I have osteoporosis in my lumbar spine likely due to the Zoladex was a blow I'm still recovering from mentally. It seems that every treatment intended to protect us comes at a cost!

Here's a chuckle for you - I found a hard pea sized lump at the edge of my reconstructed breast the other day and immediately started freaking out. I already had an appointment scheduled for a 6 month check up next week, so I decided to hold my breath a wait. So two days later I wake up and guess what? The hard lump has morphed into a giant zit! Likely due to our hot weather and sunscreen! The worry never ends!

Still have a fairly large open wound from my March 3rd stage 2 reconstruction that I have to pack with gauze 3 times a day. My PS thinks it will eventually heal on its own, but this is getting old. Ready to move on as much as possible

Hey Fran! Sisters forever. We got your back, lady. Sending giant prayers, and I am so so so sorry you have to go through this. Again.

Fran, so sorry to hear this. We are here for you as you navigate this.

Thank you all so much!!! Doing a bit better now that the initial shock has worn off and we have told the kids. I will keep plugging away at this-taking it one day at a time. I truly appreciate the support, humor, compassion and camaraderie this group brings to each of us. Thank you for "welcoming" me in with such warmth and understanding.

Bummer. Should I assume white willow has salicylic acid?

Sending hugs and prayers your way Fran!

Dizz, glad you got good reports! I've never tried acupuncture, but have been interested since I've read it can help neuropathy, is that why you had it?

Scarlett, glad its helping you! Joint pain, hot flashes, all driving me bonkers!

Thank you Positive! Ok, going in for fat grafting at 0930 tomorrow! It will be fine. It will be fine. It will be fine.