Starting chemo Sept 05

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  • txred9876
    txred9876 Member Posts: 392
    edited February 2007
    Maxine,

    Good idea...I am sure thats what happened as I was at work and went away for a bit and came back!
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  • Liezel
    Liezel Member Posts: 192
    edited February 2007
    Hi Everybody,

    Sandra, hang in there! Hope you enjoy your holiday in France.

    Linny, welcome back and good luck for the op. It is so painfull to see them suffer when they are so small! They had to take me out of the room everytime they tried to look for a vein for IV for my son!!

    Peg, be carefull of that arm. And make sure the doc you see have some experience of LE. Even though it is not full blown LE, it can develop into that if they do not handle you correctly. I saw my LE therapist again today. Some swelling, mostly pain syndrome, which is caused my the Lymph not draining well. This is magnified by the scars. Like my therapist say, you have to "teach" your lymph to drain to the "right" arm, and go "around" the scarring. Very soft massage, in the direction of the affected shoulder, and across to the non affected shoulder normally works miracles. But please let it seen to. LE is scary!

    I have been going to meditation classes for a few weeks now. It's like going to gym!! 1 hour of stretch exercises, and 1/2 hour of meditation. Hard work, but it does wonders for the noise in my head!! It is so empowering.

    My GP/homeopath put me on the South Beach diet last week. After exactly 1 week, I have lost a total of 3kg! Let's hope it lasts! All I have done is cut out most carb, fats and sugars. And I am now eating 5 x a day. A lot of protein, certain veg and salads. Even some pudding!! What encourages me, is that the author of this diet is a cardiologist, and the diet was written for heart patients - the weight loss is an added bonus. Hold thumbs - hoping to lose another 5kg before April when I am hoping to have my reconstruction!!

    Only 3 more herceptin to go!! Can't wait, but also very scared.

    I like the idea of meeting up in NY and doing the Avon walk. Shall we start saving?

    I hope you are all well. Thinking of you often.

    Keep well!

    Liezel
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  • linny
    linny Member Posts: 204
    edited February 2007
    Isaac had his surgery at 9 a.m. this morning at NYU, finished at 11.30. he is now out of the recovery room, in a pediatric room - Michelle says he is very "out of it" right now. They hope to bring him home tomorrow. the surgeon felt it went well and they hope for good results when they "turn it on" in a month, after the implant has healed.

    Liezel, glad you are feeling well. A therapist at the cancer centre I was treated at, recommended an 8 week meditation course called "mindfulness based stress reduction". Unfortunately, I could not face going back to the hospital every week.

    Linda
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  • txred9876
    txred9876 Member Posts: 392
    edited February 2007
    Liezel,
    I did atkins diet in the past and it worked quite well for me.

    Peg,
    We are going to start saving our money and walking so we can get ready for a future avon walk! See what you have started!

    Linda,

    I hope all is well with Isacc and is doing ok he will be in my prayers.
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  • susan_02143
    susan_02143 Member Posts: 7,209
    edited February 2007
    I am sorry to have been absent lately. Been odd here... I read all of your posts eagerly, can't seem to find the right words to respond and by the time I think my post is okay... it has gone *poof*

    Sandra, I do hope that your vacation goes well and gives you back some of your spunk. It must have been so hard to decide to leave your classroom. So many years invested. I think keeping all your materials was a good idea. Who knows better than us that tomorrow could bring something new and different!

    lynny, I have been following the surgery, and hope the young boy is no longer in pain. Please keep posting progress reports. We are all rooting for him.

    Liezel, your life seems full. How is the house sale going? Any nibbles? Congratulations on the weight loss! how are you feeling these days?

    So we all meeting in NYCity? When? Not sure about the walk, but if you guys are in the city, I know how to take the train!

    Next post will have more...

    *susan*
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  • susan_02143
    susan_02143 Member Posts: 7,209
    edited February 2007
    Tina, I hated loosing Molly. I knew of her years ago... she was a close friend of one of my mother's close friends. The three of them were fairly involved in some early feminist stuff. I wish that the slew of articles had not said "a more aggressive" breast cancer, but had spelled out the actual dx. I find I am more sensitive to that stuff these days.

    I have my 6 month follow up on Monday. No reason to be scared but I am nervous. More nervous than I should be. I hate the thought of going to the oncology center, having people feel up my poor breast and a half, and having my usual slew of tests. Maybe hating going back is a sign of moving on?

    Does anyone else have nightmares about this? I do, about three a month or so. Guess that means my false pretense of moving on while I am awake doesn't fool my brain, eh?

    Nicole, glad Jack likes big boy school. How are you enjoying the 'me' time? It can be a good thing, once you find the rhythm.

    Okay... signing off now... take care all.

    *susan*
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  • txred9876
    txred9876 Member Posts: 392
    edited February 2007
    Susan,

    Yes there is some interest to do the Avon walk with peg (not this year but next) and I think it would be fun to meet up with anyone who just wants to root us on!

    I find that the suggestion to copy my post before posting has helped so that I don't lose my posts due to timing out.

    I go today back to the pain specialist for my neurapathy in my legs/feet (I just walk right on thru the pain because its not going to go away,...LOL)

    I want off the methadone (even though it is a small dose it is just way to dangerous in my opinion). Although my alternative is not looking so good either....DS Contin (a moraphine derivitive). I hate going to the doctor. I hate taking all the pills but I have to function somehow. I am NOT going to sit by and let life slip on past! Ok...enough complaining but I know all of you will listen and be there for me...and most of all understand my frustration!

    Susan,
    There has not been a day goes by since treatment began that I could sleep without the assistance of either pain medication (because thats the main problem other then sometimes my brain just wont shut itself down) or sleeping pills. Some weeks I just take my regualr pain meds and such all week then others when I will not sleep without the ambien. I told my mom when I first got sick....if I can get my rest I can make it through anything and this still holds true. I will do whatever I have to.

    boy I got long winded...must be because its Friday!

    Tina
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  • sholroyd
    sholroyd Member Posts: 288
    edited February 2007
    I am so glad the implant went well for Isaac, hopefully with him being so young he will be able to forget some of the pain.

    Susan – I think we all understand where you are coming from with the worry – I find I am not thinking about ‘it’ then it seems to hit me hard – like a sledge hammer. I am trying hard not to take sleeping tablets and so far I am avoiding anything for depression – trying the self-help stuff as I am sure you have realised – drastic stuff I know.

    Liezel I remember by daughter’s 1st day at school – seems like only yesterday – I remember the tears (from me) when I got back home after dropping her off – she now has 2 children of her own.

    Well I am checking the BMIbaby site on a regular basis – flights from Birmingham have been cancelled today – I am supposed to fly to Bordeaux in the morning – rather wish I was staying put now. I have been looking at some photographs of when I last visited these friends – I was very large – hope they notice the difference!

    I am feeling much better depression wise – a few doors are opening (earning money wise). I have been contacted by my ex-team and they are organising a get-together in honour of my leaving (next Friday) – have to say I just want to put this behind me now and move on but I am too polite to say ‘no’ and wouldn’t want to offend.

    I had a mole removed from my left foot on Wednesday – I am 99.9% sure there is nothing to worry about, however better off than on with my family health history – couple of stitches which are slightly uncomfortable.

    Went to a Spa on Thursday – had a manicure, facial, pedicure (well on one foot), massage and I attended a meditation session – all for £10.95 which was only the cost of my coffee etc – my daughter arranged this for me through a friend – I couldn’t believe it - Had a great time. So far my ‘Sandra’ time is going well.

    I wonder how Leanne is enjoying her trip to Egypt – I too hope she is careful with the water and some of the food.

    Well I am up to start a saving fund – a friend and I have been looking for something to do like a walk or something – this could be it!

    Thoughts to our sisters and their families who are suffering so.

    Speak soon.

    Sandra from the UK
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  • tinkermax
    tinkermax Member Posts: 269
    edited February 2007
    Hi my september sisters.

    I have an appointment tomorrow with my plastic surgeon, so I have to travel to Winchester in England for the day.

    Hopefully he will give me a date for surgery.

    I am hoping to have Becker expanders, which are permanent implants, so no exchange surgery, unless I decide I want to change them for the gummy bears. I will wait and see what they look like.

    I cant wait to get started now. Roll on surgery number 6 in the last 2 years....lol

    image

    hugs
    Maxine
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  • linny
    linny Member Posts: 204
    edited February 2007
    Hi everyone, thank you for your kind wishes for Isaac. He is feeling better. The day of surgery (Wed) and the two days after were quite bad, he had a temperature, would not eat or drink, and was very unhappy. On Thursday, he was discharged in the morning and by evening, he was not well, the surgeon said bring him back by 11 p.m. if things don't settle. Thankfully, his fever went down. Yesterday and today he is more himself.

    So many of our posters on these boards are being treated for mets, it did not seem as prevalent when I started following in June 2005. There was an article in the Toronto paper today about a 32 year old mother of 2 very young kids who died this week of BC. I sat there reading the article and crying - they reprinted some emails she had sent over the months to friends and family - too sad for words.

    Linda
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  • txred9876
    txred9876 Member Posts: 392
    edited February 2007
    Linda,

    I have a hard time on my other list for IBC. We lost yet another long term survivor over the weekend. She had been fighting this deadly disease since 99. Even though we have these sad time there is so much to be thankful for in our own lives and it just reminds us....to live each day to its fullest!
    I am glad the little one is doing better ...

    Tina
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  • susan_02143
    susan_02143 Member Posts: 7,209
    edited February 2007

    Just a quick note.... onc appointment was as expected: no good news, no bad news. Now just waiting for the blood work to get back from the lab.

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  • foxxf
    foxxf Member Posts: 171
    edited February 2007
    Maxine, good luck with the surgery sending positive thoughts your way....

    Linda.. So glad Isaac is doing well, what an amazing age we live in.

    Susan, I'm off for my check soon hope it's as boring as yours...well done

    Sandra, things really seem to be panning out for you, go with your instincts and you can't go wrong.

    when are we meeting in NY? 2009? I'll see what I can do to get there. Don't know about walking but I'm sure we would make a great cheer squad....

    I am doing well

    chat soon
    Nicole
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  • txred9876
    txred9876 Member Posts: 392
    edited February 2007

    2009 sounds like a great goal! I think it would be a great thing to either cheer/or walk. 2008 is going to be way to busy and not enough time for me to get it all together! I have at least one daughter who should graduate in 08 and maybe both.

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  • leannem
    leannem Member Posts: 137
    edited February 2007
    Hi all

    I am back!! Egypt was great and I didn't go near the local water- bottled only!! The food was pretty good though so different it gave me a slight upset tummy but nothing major. We did lots of tours of the pyramids, sphinx and various temples so were flat out the whole time. I ended up taking time out twice and staying in bed the whole day as I did a bit too much once I arrived! I have lots of photos so will post some once I figure out how to do it...

    I had the second part of my 'boob job' on Monday so am now rather sore. All went well though there was some drama in the recovery room where I stopped breathing and had to be "bagged" to get me going again but only for about 10 secs. I am looking forward to keeping away from the OR now!

    Still doing my herceptin- entering year 2 of it now, I am very undecided whether to stop now or keep going. My onc says it is up to me. Basically I am doing the second year for my own mental well being not because of any other reason. I think I need to get out of cancerland and perhaps this is the best way to do it?? But dont want to jeporadise myself either. Advice??

    I met a young lad in the onc ward about 6 weeks ago. 24yrs old, strong healthy sporty and was dx'd with what they thought was lung cancer (non smoker). Within 4 weeks he had died. It turns out it was a very rare cancer that is usually only found in kids. Only 18 adults in the world have had it (all fatal) and he was only the 2nd in Australia. So very sad. It has really affected me for some reason and is the motivation behind me wanting OUT of the onc ward for a while.

    Anyway, I am generally doing really well. Scott is home until next Wed then he is back overseas til mid April. The kids are loving having him home!

    Love
    Leanne
    xo
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  • foxxf
    foxxf Member Posts: 171
    edited February 2007
    Leanne - congrats on the well deserved break, sounds wonderful. I think that if the dr thinks it's o.k to stop herceptin now and you feel the way you do then do it. No one has had as much prevention meds as you (9mths of chemo + herceptin) you have done everything ( and then some) to make sure this doesn't come back. Time to get on with it.

    So sad about your young friend, but another sign to live life while we can. I'm sure you will make the decision that is best for you.

    2009 in NY city for a september sisters conference. Any one got ideas on time of year (mid to late best for saving up to get there)Any other ideas? What do you all think?

    I am on a pretty tight budget but will be putting a little money aside each week to get there if I can.

    best wishes to all
    Nicole
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  • susan_02143
    susan_02143 Member Posts: 7,209
    edited February 2007
    Leanne,

    I am so pleased that your trip to Egypt was wonderful. This is a country I have always wanted to visit, but just haven't made it there yet. If you share pictures, well, that would be excellent.

    Cancerland is a word I hear from friends that are involved with the YSC group, and I assume that you have been receiving support over there as well. The second year of herceptin is a hard call I think, but I don't think it keeps you in cancerland, anymore than my taking aromasin does.

    Cancerland is being too present, and too identified with your FORMER cancer. My only friend who is younger and her2+ has chosen to do that second year, but stop posting on YSC and one other site. Aggressive treatment coupled with recreating her life without cancer.

    Boy this is getting long. And all boils down to... this is your decision to make. I can see both sides and they both are valid. Come back anytime to knock around your thoughts.

    How are the boys???

    Good to have you back...

    *susan*

    p.s. for the first time ever, my blood markers are NORMAL!!!!
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  • txred9876
    txred9876 Member Posts: 392
    edited February 2007
    Leanne,
    I am with you on the treatment thing...you just want to walk away...I wish I had that choice but in my case I have that unpredictalbe agreessive kind so I will be taking at least a year of herceptin (I started late due to heart issues from AC and won't finish until nov.) As I get to go in a few hours to another treatment (not wanting to go since it is our first "married" Valentines day....) I have to force myself to continue treatment. A few days before treatment I start getting apprehensive about going...but know there is actually no other choice....so...I just DO IT!
    You are young..I would try to see if there was any documented proof that more then one year is better. I know there has been some discussion on my IBC board and they seem to think so, but I am not sure it is specific to IBC or all BC.

    susan...thats wondrful news...ironically mine were never out of the normal range!

    I hope everyones Valentine's day is a happy one. (Joe and I are taking a rain check until this weekend since I sleep away the day/night after treatment due to IV meds!)

    What month is the avon walk in?
    tina
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  • Pegk
    Pegk Member Posts: 389
    edited February 2007
    Happy Valentine's Day!
    I hope you are all enjoying your day surrounded by loved ones.
    We, on the East coast of the US, are experiencing our first major winter storm. Snow, sleet, ice, frezing rain, yuck. Luckily, I had a scheduled day off, so my daughter and I are having a relaxing day at home.
    My husband just started back at work this week after being off for more than a year with back problems. He's a stagehand on a Broadway show, so he spent the night in the city to get to his matinee on time.

    Susan, Lynnell, how are you doing? Calico, you're probably thinking, so what!

    Welcome back, Leanne! I'm looking forward to seeing your photos. I'm glad your surgery is done. Have a quick recovery.

    Linny, I hope Isaac continues to heal. Kassie sends her best wishes too. She says make sure he gets plenty of therapy to adapt to the implant. I know he's in good hands. How exciting that he will be experiencing a new way of communicating.

    Wow! Everybody's coming to NY! I would be a proud tour guide from the beautiful Hudson Valley to the sights of New York City. October is a beautiful month, but I would be happy to welcome each and every one of you whenever you're passing through.
    (I've been trying to imagine a trip to Australia, myself). Meanwhile I'm planning a trip with my younger daughter for her HS graduation in June. My sister has invited us to her time share in Hawaii. Last time I went with my older daughter right after my diagnosis and before my surgery.

    Be well everyone!
    Peggy
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  • Calico
    Calico Member Posts: 1,108
    edited February 2007
    Happy Valentine's Day my September sisters!!

    Peggy,
    enjoy the snow we got some again but if I see pictures of upstate NY OMG....
    We actually thought about going away (Mexico or Dominican Republic) last week of March but everything is pretty much booked flight wise and I like non-stop if any with my fear of flying (should I say "thank God"?)

    Linny,
    glad Issac is doing better, those post op fevers have it in them!

    Susan,
    hope your blood will be "boring"

    Tinker,
    how did the appointment go? How far did you have to travel??

    Leanne,
    glad you had fun and you're back safe and sound. As with the Herceptin, if it doesn't cause you problems, I'd stay on I think. I would take all the insurance I could get.

    Sandra,
    glad you had your Spa day, I want one too

    Tina,
    hope you are okay.

    My mom finished 2nd chemo, tired but doing good. No other news.

    I had some "argueing" with the insurance to see another PS to get an opinion on my B and C cup reconstruction. Even in a bra I am uneven.
    I was told I can then I can't see a "good" PS...games...I hate it...we'll see what happens. I might just sue that radiologist who misdiagnosed me in the first place and pay out of pocket, how about that?

    Hope somebody is spoiling you out there and you have a romantic day.

    God Bless
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  • Liezel
    Liezel Member Posts: 192
    edited February 2007
    Hello everybody,

    So much to catch up on!! I hope you are all doing well and had a nice day yesterday.

    Susan, glad to hear your markers were normal!!!

    Leanne, welcome back! Enjoy the time with Scott and the kids!!! When is he coming home for good? When are you guys getting married?

    Tina, hope you enjoyed your first "married" Valentines.

    Calico, good luck with the insurance. You go girl!!

    Sandra, a spa day.... how wonderfull!!!

    Linny, glad Isaac doing well. Can just imagine the excitement when he hears for the first time. When do they switch him on?

    Been very busy on this side. Still no bites on the house, but we appointed another agent as well, and is having an open house this sunday. Hope it goes well.

    Can't remember if I mentioned that I am going to meditation classes. It is amazing!! Very hard work, but it has enabled me to focus better. Before the actual meditation we do some stretch excersises to release pent up stress and bad energy. I am feeling better than I have in years. More supple, more in control, more energy. I am still extremely tired by the end of the day, but it is probably just from my hectic days!!

    Counting the weeks to my final Herceptin and my reconstruction which I am hoping to do end April....

    What are your ideas on Vit C supplements? My GP wants me to do Vit C IV's once a week. She gave me some research on it, which I'll try to get through tonight, but apparently she has had very good results with post chemo patients.

    Keep well all!!

    Liezel
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  • Calico
    Calico Member Posts: 1,108
    edited February 2007
    Liezel,
    I read in on of Dr. Weil's (drweil.com) books about Vit. C IV's during surgery, I think he is for Vit. C....I think I would take them, you have a nice doc I think. If you have any links, I'd love to read about them too.
    Refresh my chemo brain, what kind of recon are you doing? Implants, right?

    God Bless
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  • txred9876
    txred9876 Member Posts: 392
    edited February 2007
    I am doing ok this am but was up most of the night due to steroids and not sure if I have a slight fever or not (I sure feel very cold...which is never the issue with as many hot flashes as I have...).

    I will be glad for the weekend. I had a nice quiet evening at home with my husband and daughter. We watched "flika" and spent the evening together.

    Tina
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  • sholroyd
    sholroyd Member Posts: 288
    edited February 2007
    Hey Susan – bog standard normal – brilliant!

    Leanne welcome back – I called it ‘tombed out’ – if I can remember how to make the photographs smaller I may try and find some photos of me in that Egyptian gown thing – any advice on the piccie reduction? I didn’t know I had a choice with how many Herceptin treatments I could have – I have 3 more left and will have received a total of 18 – think I will be ready to stop visiting the ‘cancerland’ by that time – you do what you feel right with Leanne.

    I am thinking about how Isaac will feel when he hears – I guess it may be a little scary at first.

    Well things are hotting up with the Avon Walk – what have you started Peg??

    Maxine – yet another lovely piccie, thank you – how did the visit to Winchester go then?

    Tina you never cease to amaze me with your strength.

    Well I am going back to lie-down – picked up a silly bug and am currently on antibiotics – need to get myself up to speed as I start this new job on Monday.

    Speak soon.

    Sandra from the UK
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  • foxxf
    foxxf Member Posts: 171
    edited February 2007
    Hi all,

    remember when I had the bleeding issue, well it's back.

    Got a Dr's appt on Monday again, Onc assured me (quite insisting that it's not the Arimidex) but when i first had the bleed they said to stop taking it and see my Onc. I had one other smaller bleed approx 3wks after the first and then nothing. I hadn't been taking the Arimidex over Xmas and not had any trouble.

    started taking it again on 22nd Jan and yesterday started bleeding again. Light at first but now heavier (just in time for the weekend) I have spoken to the breast care nurse and have an appointment with Gyno on Monday. The barrage of test they did last time found no cause for the bleeding.

    Last time the bleeding lasted around 4 days after I stoped taking Arimidex so this time i will keep taking it and see if it stops or it doesnt'. Onc might take some notice that I think it's the meds.???

    so we wait and see??

    huge pain though....thought I was done with this stuff...aaaahhhhhhh!

    best wishes
    Nicole
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  • txred9876
    txred9876 Member Posts: 392
    edited February 2007
    I did much better last night and took good ol ambien cr (what a life saver) and slept from around 8pm to 6am! I have just been in a great mood today at work and so thankful for the WEEKEND!Amazing what a little sleep will do!
    Sandra,
    sometimes you just keep on going for there is nothing else one can do!

    I found out yesterday that I really need to get my gall bladder out and it may happen sooner rather then later. I see the surgeon on the 21st. She tends to move fast ....I only went in on a monday and had my mastectomy surgery on a thursday! Same surgeon...she is GREAT!

    nicole,
    sorry to hear you are having such troubles with bleeding..I am sure glad I had my parts out long ago (almost 7 years now).

    take care and everyone have a safe and fun weekend!
    Tina
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  • tinkermax
    tinkermax Member Posts: 269
    edited February 2007
    hi everyone

    surgery is set for 11 april

    sorry for short post...hands are hurting..darn carpal tunnel

    maxine
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  • lynellb123
    lynellb123 Member Posts: 69
    edited February 2007
    Hi my september sisters. I'm sorry that I haven't been posting as often, school is keeping me very busy. I also missed a NY gathering today and I feel really badly about it. My daughter came home & we decided to spend some quality time together. I also fear that I'm developing a touch of LE. My effected arm is swollen & really hurts. I can't make an appointment with a PT because of the holiday weekend. Monday is my follow up mammo, keep your fingers crossed for "much ado about nothing"

    Be well my sisters & know that I have you all in my thoughts & prayers! Hugs from Lynell
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  • sholroyd
    sholroyd Member Posts: 288
    edited February 2007
    I will be thinking of you on the 11th then Maxine and sending you good vibes - uhhhhh I will be 50 then !!!

    Nicole, hope they sort out the bleeding - this was the only positive that I could see (apart from living of course) from having the treatment - no monthly mess and pain.

    Tina - keep us informed of your surgery date also - you have so much on your plate and always seem so cheery, you put me to shame.

    Speak soon.

    Sandra from the UK.
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  • Pegk
    Pegk Member Posts: 389
    edited February 2007
    We missed you in NY yesterday, Lynnell, but we all had a very nice time. We'll be meeting again and ,of course, I'll let you know (and anybody else who might be in the area). It's amazing to me that such a varied and random group of women who have nothing in common except breast cancer get along so well.
    I posted a picture on the "Put a Face to the Name" thread in the Moving Beyond Forum.

    Small world: I finally met Julia Dash, who I've been e-mailing for awhile. She used to vacation in my town as a child and many of her childhood friends are my friends now. She went on sleep overs with my neighbor, Randi, but they haven't seen each other for 30 years. I'll make sure they get together in the next couple of months!
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