Starting Chemo in JAN 2007

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  • Rebecca
    Rebecca Member Posts: 971
    edited July 2007
    Just some pictures for everyone's enjoyment....

    My SIL came down this weekend to visit with her kids. Owen and his cousin Brooks are very close, which I guess makes sense because it is BECAUSE of Brooks that Owen exists! When he was born, SIL came to visit and placed him in my arms. In that moment I knew what was missing from my life....a son. Within 3 months, Owen was conceived. I made the matching shirts they are wearing, but they spontaneously decided to dress that way! soooo cute!

    image

    This is an updated picture of baby Bella. She is getting big now! She is a very happy kitty, and weighs in at a hefty 3 lbs now!

    image
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  • NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING
    NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING Member Posts: 778
    edited July 2007
    Hi Nancy,

    I think I pretty thoroughly researched what you can take with tamoxifen, and the only anti-depressant that was really OK was Effexor. I don't know if lexapro is OK...your doctor may know better, but not all doctors are up-to-date on their reading. (My onc wasn't, but my 2nd opinion man was).

    Here's the original article

    http://jnci.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/97/1/30?view=abstract

    Miz
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  • NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING
    NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING Member Posts: 778
    edited July 2007
    While we're on the subject, I have a few little tidbits to add.

    CHILLOW PILLOWS!! Ever heard of them? They're great! I read a few testimonials on line and then ordered two of them on eBay. A chillow pillow is a rectangular, thin cushion that fits in your pillow on top of your other pillow. The cushion contains water, and it keeps your pillow and head cool. It is really good at preventing hot flashes, in my experience the flashes start with your head. They also are supposed to stimulate more REM activity during sleep. I've had mine for about a week and I've been sleeping great (without any meds) and dreaming a lot.

    Skin: I know everybody has their favorite facial care line, but they are all so expensive!!! In the 1990s I was involved in a Retin A study. My skin at that point was very old looking; the Retin A treatment was very uncomfortable, caused my skin to peel a lot, but the results were very dramatic. All the damage from sun exposure was reversed. I learned a few things from this treatment. Exposure to sun is the worst thing for your skin; don't lie in the sun and always wear a sunblock every time you leave the house. To keep the skin regenerating, use an alpha hydroxy cream (they're lots of them) and some sort of scrub. I use Neutrogena Dermabrasion. For a moisturizer, nothing is better than plain old Eucerin, very cheap and available in every drugstore. This is the cream I was prescribed by the dermatologist during Retin A treatment. Now that I've said all, this, I have to admit I keep up with it as much as I should!!!

    Mizsissy
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  • NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING
    NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING Member Posts: 778
    edited July 2007

    GoldnMom...I'm with you on the anti-hormonals. I've been on Femara for about a month with very few side effects. It's quite tolerable. A few more hot flashes, but I don't have a lot of the bone aches I've heard about. And, I still get to take my Prozac!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2007
    Melia – That’s so frustrating about your onc not taking the edema seriously. I had a similar experience with my onc. Not as severe as yours – but I had a really nasty cough that wouldn’t go away. At first he asked a bunch of questions. But as soon as he got to the point where he realized that it wasn’t lung cancer he lost all interest. I ended up just going to my family doc to get some cough syrup so I could sleep. On the other hand, my onc seemed to take battling side effects (like nausea) as a personal challenge. Anyway, I think they have cancer tunnel vision and aren’t interested in too much beyond dealing with that. I guess they see so many people that are so much worse. OK, I’m rambling now – I do really hope you get some relief soon! I agree with Mel – go see another doc.

    Skye – no rads and creepy tech today. Hope you are enjoying that. Get out and see that HP movie. It’s so good!

    Mel – I’m glad that it turned out to be “nothing.”

    Joni – I haven’t managed to get to the book store yet to pick up Harry Potter. I’ve heard it’s really good. I’ll have to get to the book store this week. Usually my brother goes the night they go on sale and gets a copies for both of us. He is a bartender and goes to the bookstore when he gets off work. But – I forgot to put in my order with him this time. Oh, well.

    Caya – how’s your knee?

    RobbinJaye – I read somewhere recently that tamoxifen actually offers some protection for bones against bone loss/osteoporosis. I hope that’s true. I’ve started taking calcium – I should have started a long time ago. I also read that your body can only absorb 500mg of calcium at a time, so if you take supplements make sure you space them out during the day. Can’t wait to hear about the date!

    Nancy – I haven know idea about the drug question. I hope someone knows. If not, you can always find a pharmacist to talk to about it.

    Rebecca – your implant plan sounds very reasonable to me. I think the silicone for the reconstructed side will give you the best look and feel. When I initially talked to a ps about implants he certainly made the silicone sound very safe. The pics are great. Thanks for sharing them.
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  • NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING
    NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING Member Posts: 778
    edited July 2007
    Jan, thanks so much for reminding me!!! Yes, I also read that Tamo is good for you in some ways!!! In fact, that's why I wanted to take it.

    Sorry to post so much here, this is important for you, Robbin.

    Tamoxifen is a weak estrogen. It tends to act live a normal estrogen below the waist, but in breast cancer, like a fake estrogen. It fools cancer cells into thinking it is a normal estrogen, but doesn't work like one, so the cancer absorb it, but then they can't grow.

    It is good for the bones, and I think it also keeps the lining of your uterus thicker...

    Miz
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  • skyedivine
    skyedivine Member Posts: 839
    edited July 2007
    Hi Ladies,
    Lots of interesting topics, I'm waiting with interest to find out if my doc wants me to take tamo or arimidex. And yeah, no creepy rads techs today or ever again! I was so fatigued yesterday though that I just lay around and read my Harry Potter book, got over halfway through it and it IS good! Jan I do intend to get to that movie, too. Today I feel better so far and must get work done. I already fact-checked a TV show script this morning and now must get back to book.
    Nancy I'd definitely have one doc take a look at your whole list of meds. I do know I've been on synthroid for many years and never told that it would matter with anything else I've taken, which is good because I would be a lame-brained slugabed without it.
    Rebecca I LOVE the new kitty pic. It's begging for a caption, and cute as any I've ever received in an email forward of pet photos
    Have a good week everyone! - Skye
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  • skyedivine
    skyedivine Member Posts: 839
    edited July 2007

    PS Rebecca I also meant to say the kids in their matching shirts are also adorable. Love the tie-dye! - Skye

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  • luckymel
    luckymel Member Posts: 643
    edited July 2007
    Nancy, there is no reason not to take Effexor with Tamoxifen. It is also ok to take Effexor with Lexapro. The only possibly conflict is between the Lexapro and the Tamoxifen. It is remotely possible that the Lexapro could somewhat decrease the effectiveness of the Tamoxifen. I don't know how serious the possibility is, but it IS possible. You need to ask your oncologist about that. My guess is that it will be ok. You can have a pharmacist run a drug interaction check for you to verify what I just told you - that's what the docs do anyway. But I wish you'd take your Effexor! And of course, you want to be sure that Tamoxifen works, so check with your onc. about that. Don't worry about the Synthroid and the Ativan.

    Robbin, everybody is giving you good advice about the Tamoxifen/menopause issue. I won't repeat - but remember why you went through all the chemo and radiation, which was to survive! Tamoxifen is the next step, and the easiest one. Now....how was that date?

    Rebecca, the pictures are adorable. How special that the reason you had Owen was because of Brooks! And baby Bella is a beauty - I'd love to get my hands on her. As far as your implants, I think your thinking ison the right track. I wouldn't hesitate about having the silicone, if it were me. I believe they are safe - that research is pretty solid. As far as having a saline implant on the side that is likely to get squeezed with mammograms...that's kind of a no-brainer when you think of it.

    Everybody think about Ellie (goldnmom) today - she's having her DIEP! Oh, I wish it were me...but my turn will come.

    Mizsissy, I think I'm going to go order one of those chillow pillows right now! I'm getting a bit frustrated with this radiation fiasco - and am feeling like a little retail therapy is in order, anyway. Thanks for the suggestion.

    Sharon, can't wait until you get back next weekend and post some of your drawings. How about you Mizsissy - are you doing any artwork now, or are you concentrating on your new business instead?

    Well, as far as my radiation is concerned, I thought I had it all taken care of, and my BS was going to do the referral to M. D. Anderson, they would call me immediately for an appointment, and I'd be in this week. They did not call me Friday (so much for immediately) so I called this morning, and got the same runaround that I got 5-6 weeks ago when I first started this! The referral didn't help one bit. So I tried to explain my situation to the lady, in tears...and finally got her to agree to call the BS office right then to get my insurance info. (Now, why she couldn't get that from me, I have no idea.) She called me back in an hour or so, asked me for some more insurance info, and said they would call me in a couple days to make an appointment. I guess I'm out of patience. I know that everybody they see is a cancer patient, so I'm nothing special to them (it's pretty hard to play the cancer card there, in other words) - but it has been 7 weeks since my surgery. I have the phone number of the nurse who makes the appointments at M. D. Anderson - she used to work at my hospital. I'm trying to decide whether to call her or not.

    Well, everybody...have a good day and a good week. There is sunshine here for the first time in about two months. Think I'll stay in and enjoy it from here.
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  • jonimb
    jonimb Member Posts: 900
    edited July 2007
    Greetings all:

    Love the pics of those two boys Rebecca, I wish I was that young again without any cares!! They make life worth living!! Love your little kitty too!!

    Had the garden viewing in our little town this weekend. Had lots of people walking thru. I went and viewed all the other winning gardens, and a couple of ladies in my town (Carol & Wendy & I) are going to set up our own garden club.

    We are putting a notice in The Anchor, our little town paper, and we are going to try to have our first meeting towards the end of August. Also our town mayor asked us all to be on the Streetscape Committee, so that should be fun. The town is just building a Gazebo near our town hall, and we get to design the garden around it...should be fun this winter laying out our plans, and then next spring working on it.

    Hot Hot HOt here...we were going to drive to Hidden Hideaway yesterday, but we ended up just taking the boat out into the middle of our lake and jumping in. It was so nice.

    I leave on Wednesday for Vancouver, should be a nice trip. I'm taking my laptop, and yesterday my brother-in-law installed this GPS software on it. It's just like "Neverlost" if you've ever rented from Hertz. Also gives you great directions for hotels, restaurants and SHOPPING!!

    Hope everyone is well!! Big Hugs...Joni
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  • dkmaustx
    dkmaustx Member Posts: 363
    edited July 2007
    Mel, sorry to hear that you are still getting the Royal Runaround. I say if you have contacts, use them. You may not get an appointment any sooner, but you won't have to wait around for a call that may take a day or two to come.

    The sun was out here yesterday. I almost forgot what it looked like. The Camp Mabry weather station just north of downtown has had 6½ inches of rain for July, an almost unheard of occurrence. My husband has waited all weekend for the lawn to dry out enough to mow, and he's still waiting.

    Rebecca, the kids and the kitten are cute. Thanks for sharing the pics.
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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2007

    Mel - I've been thinking about Ellie all day (with a little jealousy). I hope everything went very smoothly for her and I'm anxious to hear how she's doing!

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  • mer1957
    mer1957 Member Posts: 534
    edited July 2007
    Mel, sorry you are still waiting. I know how it feels. Keep calling! My DS is 3/4 of the way through the Harry Potter book. I guess he's a fast reader. In fact in 9th grade when they tried to teach them speed reading, they thought he already had the class. Skye, I sent him your link about your books. I think he'd like them. He is suppose to come home the first weekend in August for a Tigers baseball game but is getting all kinds of trouble flying the "free" Dow shuttle. I do wish he would move closer to home.

    I am feeling very very tired today. I guess the radiation is catching up with me. I took a little nap when I got home from work but then I went for a bike ride and I feel better. Goldnmom, hope you are doing ok. Lynn, how are you?
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  • Nancyab
    Nancyab Member Posts: 276
    edited July 2007
    Ladies, thank you for your med advice, you are all right. The pharmacy said that everything would flag if it wasn't compatible. I am so tired of feeling this weird kind of fatigue, it is getting so rough to get through a day. I had radiation # 22 today, 11 more to go. My skin is holding up, just now starting to get pink, but press on the area and ouchy! My ribs actually hurt.
    I finally got sick of waiting for Dh to call about roof estimates, so I did it. Why are husbands so difficult at times. He thinks he can do it himself. "Yes, dear after you put in 80 hours a week at work you can come home and work on the roof in the pitch dark!" I swear they act like their manhood has been cut off if someone else has to work on there "stuff". Pride... that's what take them at an early age. Silly silly boys.
    Well, I will check in with everyone later, have a "cool" night. I'm going to go check out the chillow pillows, I want 2!
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  • Caya
    Caya Member Posts: 971
    edited July 2007
    Nancy - I am ROFL about your comment about the DHs and their pride, heaven forbid if someone touches their "stuff" - especially after working 80 hours a week... OY!!!
    I had something similiar happen here about 2 weeks ago - we had an old pull out couch in our 4th bedroom upstairs - I'm talking the couch is from when we were first married ( it will be 25 years this October) - so I told DH I want to get an actual bed in there, as Marla was coming to visit from Ireland, a cousin is coming from Michigan, his brother is visiting in August, you get the picture. So we go out and order the bed, but the couch has to be out of the room - before they deliver the bed (duh!!) DH knows about this for a week, says he will take care of it - Well, it's the frigging morning of the delivery day (they're coming with the new bed at 3:00 p.m.) - and DH is sleeping in - so I get up and start calling movers to take the couch down from my bedroom into my garage - I arrange for 2 guys to come at 2:00 p.m. - like are we cutting it close here? What is it with that? Like I need more stress and aggravation...
    My knee is better today, but not perfect. I am getting all sorts of joint/muscle pains in my hips, knees, back - all s/es of Tamoxifen (in the beginning) and also Herceptin. (Skye, Tina, Viddie - did any of you have these issues with Herceptin?) Lovely. It just never ends, does it?
    On a lighter note, we have plans to go see Hairspray tomorrow night - DH, me and the 2 DDs. We saw the stage play together 3 years ago when a touring company came through Toronto.
    Rebecca - Brooks and Owen are adorable.Sweet story of why you had Owen.
    Mizsissy, thanks for the tip on Chillow Pillows. I am going to google them and see if anyone carries them in Canada. They sound amazing.
    Ellie, hope you are okay with your DIEP. We all want a full report when you are up to it.
    Joni, the garden club sounds great. You are so full of energy, I wish I had more energy.
    Sharon, enjoy your last week down at the Lodge.
    I hope everyone else has a good day tomorrow.
    xoxo
    Caya
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  • TPPJ
    TPPJ Member Posts: 1,017
    edited July 2007
    Hi all,

    Back from Chicago. It was great. I'd never been. I much prefer it over NYC. It's cleaner, sunnier (more space btw. high rises), Lake Michigan looks like the water in Fort Lauderdale, shopping on Michigan Ave. blew away NYC in my opinion, felt very safe, Navy Pier was a great place to hang out and people watch. We took the "Architectural Boat Tour"...I'm not so into hearing about history and architecture, but the bldg's are all gorgeous and different. I wouldn't drive out there again...took over six hours w/traffic and if I don't see Indiana ever again, I'm good. Totally "corn fielded" out. No offense to anyone who may be from there. Drop my mother and aunt back off at the airport tonight. I am pretty tired from all my traveling, company, etc. Almost dreading the trip to Boston in two weeks. I'm only out there a week and everyone is trying to get me to commit to getting together on this day, that day.... six days isn't enough time to see both sides of the family, friends, etc. And I get tired of having to go to them. I need to tell them to all come to see me at a certain time/place, if they want to. I'm almost tired even thinking about going there. I also think some people are just curious to see what a train wreck I look like. Not to complain, but the hair sitch is just brutal right now. This in between stuff is rough.

    Caya, no s/e's at all for me on Tamoxifen. Nothing at all. Rebecca, love Owen's pic. He is a doll! His cousin too.
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  • skyedivine
    skyedivine Member Posts: 839
    edited July 2007
    Hi everyone,
    Mel, sympathies on that radiation runaround. Remember how long it took them to find me a rads onc my ins. would approve? It was at least 7 weeks before I started. I'd be on them as much as necessary, be sure to tell them you are approaching your treatment time "window!"

    Tina it sounds like you had your time pretty well arranged in Chicago, too bad we couldn't have gotten together there. I love Michigan Ave. too, got very used to it while my son was attending the School of the Art Institute. We may have to make a daytrip so dh can get his passport. I'm glad you liked the town so much. And it really is pretty safe downtown. It WOULD be a great place for a reunion!!!

    Caya I haven't started tamo yet. I have muscle soreness but I also have fibromyalgia which has come back a little since chemo ended so it's hard to say if it's from Herceptin. Otherwise I seem to have no other HERC se's. I still can barely feel my feet when I first get up but I think tht is from taxol.

    Mary thanks for sending your son the book link. I should send him the ms for my YA fantasy novel, I've been having kids read it as previewers. Now I have a gang of them bugging me for the sequel.;-)

    Goldnmom Ellie:all my thoughts and prayers for your DIEP success and recovery!
    Joni, sounds like you've got yourself a bonafide new hobby. I always have deepest appreciation for the garden clubs around here who make such beautiful areas for us to walk and drive past. It's true service! I had my coffee outdoors by my little garden this morning. It needs some watering and weeding but things are blooming pretty well right now. I always pretend I'm in Europe when I do that.

    As for me, I'm still overly tired from the rads, hoping that ends real soon. Again I didn't get much writing done yesterday but I AM 3/4 done with Harry Potter. Guess I might as well finish it and get it out of my system. Hope you are all having a good summer day - Skye
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  • Lynn12
    Lynn12 Member Posts: 1,008
    edited July 2007
    Hi ladies,

    Ellie, hope you are doing well and starting your recovery! Please let us know as soon as you can how you are doing.

    Mel, so sorry about the radiation run around, any luck since your message?

    Tina, I like Chicago too. I went there about 10 years ago on a business trip and loved it! Sounds like your trip to Boston will be too busy for us to meet…maybe next time.

    Caya, come to think of it, my body has been pretty achy lately. My back is killing me in the morning when I first wake up, the bones in my feet hurt. I wasn’t really attributing it to tamoxifen, but it just might be. I’m on high doses of ibuprophen for my infection and it doesn’t seem to be helping the back or feet at all..geesh!

    Joni, have a wonderful trip to Vancouver! You deserve it. The garden club is a wonderful idea! Gardening is such a stress reliever and gives such gratification! I’m sure you will do wonderfully!

    Harry Potter: I’ve never gotten into it, but my 15 year old daughter has been following it all along. She’s at camp and we went to visit her this past Saturday (when the new book came out). I wasn’t going to fight the crowds at 12:01, so called Barnes & Noble on Saturday morning and asked them if they have any left. They said they do. So I strolled into B&N at noon on Saturday, walked right up and bought the book, no lines at all! We brought it to her at camp, she was thilled and thought I was a hero for getting it for her that day..haha! We brought her best friend with us to see her…they saw the new HP movie that day too!

    For the past 8 months, I’ve really kept myself in my comfort zone as far as going out. DH and I used to go to venture out to clubs dancing occasionally. Last Thursday he asked if I wanted to go down to Springfield where they have an outdoor concert series. Some of our biker friends go. I first said no, but then reconsidered since I’m on vacation. Well, I am soooo glad I went. I had such a good time! We ended up in a bar that had a mechanical bull (believe it or not) and a Jon Bon Jovi cover band! Hahahahaha! I had a blast and now feel that I can start to be adventurous again!

    My infection is still there, but I do think it is starting to get better, sslllooowwwlllyy! I’m not getting the sharp pains, not sure if it’s from the ibuprophen or because it’s getting better. To my horror, I notice my right big toenail getting black! Ok, so my last TC tx was May 8th, so it’s been 2 ½ months and it’s getting black now??? ARGH! For those who have had black nails, do they eventually fall off? I am sooo bummed! Hmmm, what else? I have poison ivy! There must be some in one of my gardens that I was weeding last week. Usually I get it really really bad, but this time it seems not too bad. I went off the lasix, but am getting the swelling again. I’m going to call the onc this week to inquire.

    We got adventurous last night and bought some Maine lobsters and steamed them. This was our first time doing so. Yummy!

    Well, guess this message got pretty long! Hope everyone is having a good week!

    Love and hugs,
    Lynn
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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2007

    Mel - I'm thinking about calling Ellie. I assume we can track her down at the hospital. Want to join me? I have 3 way calling. So I can call you and then we can both call her together. Maybe on Wednesday (I'm not sure how great the pain meds will be)? Let me know what you think and PM me with a phone number and a good time if you are interested.

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  • luckymel
    luckymel Member Posts: 643
    edited July 2007
    Jan, I just sent you a PM. Great idea!

    Lynn, good to hear from you - I've been wondering how your infection was doing. I hope it has finally turned the corner. Interestingly enough, I also had a toenail suddenly turn black this week. I'm sure it's taxol related - looks just like the other ones did. I'm over three months out from taxol now. Some of my nails fell off eventually, some didn't, and just remain there looking ugly. Maybe they will come off later, when something has grown underneath them. My toenails are different than my fingernails. Toenails are discolored (dark), some missing now, some ridged. My fingernails are all still present, but 6-7 of them have lifted so that the white is about halfway down the nail. However, they seem to be firmly attached except for one which is definitely going to come off - I have begun to suspect that it has a new nail growing underneath it, as it seems to be detached at the bottom of the nail now. On another note, glad you're getting out and having fun again - the trip to Springfield sounds like just what you needed!

    Skye, I've thought of you so many times during this radiation mess, remembering the anxiety when you couldn't seem to get scheduled. I'm not sure but what I'm way past my "treatment window" by now. Surgery was 6/5, but chemo ended mid-April. Either way, I think it is way late to get started. I was so calm during the chemo and surgery phases of treatment, but with all these delays, suddenly I feel like the cancer is winning. I guess what I mean is that nothing is being done, and if I need radiation, then obviously they think there is still cancer in there, possibly...and nothing is being done. So now I am getting the idea in my head that I'm going to die from this because of the delay. I know it's just my anxiety, but that's where my head is.

    Tina, glad you're back! The Chicago trip sounds wonderful - I love that city. I very much sympathize with the dilemma of going somewhere to visit and then having everyone make demands on your time, when there is no possibly way to accommodate everyone. Happens every time I go home. On the positive side - you have certainly got to travel a lot the past month or two! I'm sure you don't look like a train wreck, but the transitional phase is difficult. It reminds me of the ugly duckling phase I went through during adolescence.

    Caya, Nancy - my dh is exactly the same! He just HAS to do it himself, no matter that he works 60 hour weeks and has karate 4 nights a week and doesn't want to do it anyway. We can't pay anyone to do it, so it doesn't get done.. I guess they're all alike. I've been waiting for my dh to replace my bathtub for over a year...and I am a bath person and hate taking showers. But he does a lot...I have to give him credit for that, he just doesn't things in the order I want them done.

    Joni, I can't think of anyone better qualified to be in charge of a garden club than you, with that beautiful yard of yours. Hope you have a wonderful trip.

    I am still waiting for my rads appointment - no movement there. I tried to call the nurse manager yesterday late afternoon, but only got voice mail. I'm so frustrated! I stayed home all day yesterday in case they called my home phone. Tried to keep myself busy by making dh a birthday cake. He wanted a lemon cake, so I did that, but forgot to add the lemon! So...threw it out and had to repeat the process. Couldn't get email all day yesterday because computer wasn't acting right, also couldn't use Word, and I needed to write a letter to ins. company that was rather urgent. Barometer was plunging which made everything in my body hurt, which didn't help my mood. Then, my hard drive crashed! And then - I think - I got a call from M. D. Anderson, and couldn't hear anything when I answered. By the time Larry got home I was in tears. Today is much better - I'm at least coping. Of course, I slept all morning. He fixed my computer last night, and I didn't lose much. So...guess I'll get dressed and get busy.
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  • Lynn12
    Lynn12 Member Posts: 1,008
    edited July 2007
    Quote:


    Skye, I've thought of you so many times during this radiation mess, remembering the anxiety when you couldn't seem to get scheduled. I'm not sure but what I'm way past my "treatment window" by now. Surgery was 6/5, but chemo ended mid-April. Either way, I think it is way late to get started. I was so calm during the chemo and surgery phases of treatment, but with all these delays, suddenly I feel like the cancer is winning. I guess what I mean is that nothing is being done, and if I need radiation, then obviously they think there is still cancer in there, possibly...and nothing is being done. So now I am getting the idea in my head that I'm going to die from this because of the delay. I know it's just my anxiety, but that's where my head is.




    Mel, I don't think they want you to have the rads because they still think there is cancer. I had mastectomy and was really upset when I found out I had to get rads anyway. The rads onc explained to me that it's all about the numbers and stats. For large tumors and/or 4+ nodes, the stats show a benefit to reduce recurrence that outweighs the risk of radiation. I think you fall into either the large tumor or 4+ nodes, right? BTW, I'm appalled at how they are treating you. My cancer center was fabulous about everything, I never had one issue with them. Hang in there sweetie...perhaps you can show up at the place and demand they act?

    big hugs!

    Lynn
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  • luckymel
    luckymel Member Posts: 643
    edited July 2007
    Thanks, Lynn - what you say makes sense. I'm just letting my fears get the upper hand too often these days, I think. The problem is I am dealing with a huge bureaucracy since M. D. Anderson deals with probably thousands of people calling them for appointments every day. Once I get started, in this little branch of it near my home (and connected to my hospital), I don't think I will have any problems. And if I don't hear anything today, I am going over there, and I will stay there until I get an appointment! Bureaucracy be damned! I'll just make a scene.

    By the way, I am 3.2 cm tumor, 4 nodes. You're right. It's just stats. Thanks for the reminder - it really helped.

    Hugs back.
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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2007

    I just heard from goldnmom - she's doing well, surgery went well, she's actually gotten out of bed today. Mel - I'll PM you more details.

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  • TPPJ
    TPPJ Member Posts: 1,017
    edited July 2007
    Lynn,

    Glad to hear you sounding so much better. The night out at Bon Jovi did you well! Who knew, huh?

    Did I tell you guys I lost ANOTHER toenail last week? So now I a missing two on one foot. I am wearing crocs all summer.....no sandals, so nobody can see my ugly feet. I find this odd, three and a half solid months after finishing taxol.

    Mel, Lynn is right. Your rads recommendation is based soley on stats....not that they are saying you still have cancer cells.

    Just got in from the airport. I am home alone! Nobody here but me. Amazing! My son went to Cleveland w/his godfather to see the Red Sox game. He is THRILLED. It's his first Sox game. Jaclyn is out w/her friends who have been on vaca. for two weeks, reconnecting. The DH gets in from NYC about 9. They had to go out there to do the first batch of "firings". Fun, fun...
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  • jonimb
    jonimb Member Posts: 900
    edited July 2007
    Hello all:

    I'm off to Vancouver tomorrow!! All packed, poor Thor & RC (my dog & cat)they know something is going on, and are not sure if they like it or not.

    There is a cougar in one of the parks I normally go for a walk in, so all the trails are closed down. Sharon, you will know it...Fish Creek Park. I'm usually down there about 3 times a week, but today when I went to take Thor for a walk there were signs all over about the cougar. Also, a young Calgary girl was killed by a black bear while biking in Panorama. Our family cabin used to be up there, and we had lots of bears around. With more and more people moving into their habitats, the animals are becoming more of a problem. It's sad all the way around.

    Mel, I sure feel for you with all your problems about rads. Hugs to you, it makes you worry when they give you the run around.

    Tina, I love Chicago too, especially the Navy Pier! Sounds like you had a great time.

    Lynn, glad to hear your infection is clearing up. Sounds like you and George had an excellent adventure. You're a doll for bringing your daughter the book...it was TERRIFIC!!

    Hugs to all....is the chat on tonite??

    Joni
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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2007

    Hey Joni - yes the chat is on - around 8:00 (ET)? I'll be there as soon as the kids are in bed.

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  • luckymel
    luckymel Member Posts: 643
    edited July 2007
    Glad to know what time chat is.

    I have good news!! M. D. Anderson just called me and I have an appointment for 8:30 Thursday for orientation and to see the dr., and if all goes well I can have my simulation that very morning at 11:00. All I have to do is to get my chemo records from my cancer center, and I'm set. I knew once I got out of the big M. D. Anderson and into my neighborhood M. D. Anderson everything would be great, and it is. I'm sure things will go smoothly from now on.
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  • skyedivine
    skyedivine Member Posts: 839
    edited July 2007
    Yikes on all the toenail losses. So far I've been very lucky. The dark marks have grown out of the fingernails and the white halves seem to have gone away too but I keep an eye on them. I remember that nurse I met said hers happened 3 months after Taxol and that is right where I am.

    Mel I don't think the rads delay will really hurt you, either. But it is unconscionable that they are getting you in there. Once they do get you set up it happens rather rapidly, though.

    Caya, Nancy, and Mel, I am also married to He-Who-Wants-To-Do-All-But-Never-Does! There is not a single room in our house that has all the floor trim replaced after the doityourself carpet and parquet floor jobs. The only reason he didn't give me any guff on getting our roof done is we have a huge roof with turns and very steep angles...for pros only! But we have a whole rec room we now call the wrecked room and it's been that way for 2 years now, with carpet half ripped off and a hole to the basement where he took out a partition. Oh well, I just close the door and ignore it best I can.

    Oops time for chat - Skye
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  • Nancyab
    Nancyab Member Posts: 276
    edited July 2007
    HA HA Skye, the "wrecked room"!! I love it. I believe I have several of those around here. I have had a window in my bedroom that DH installed 8 years ago and still needs trimmed out. I have a stupid recliner chair that is broken and has been waiting years to be "fixed". I ask him the other day "can we get rid of the broken recliner?"
    Oh no, I am still going to fix it! ARRRRGGGGGG!!!!
    I have had boxes of tile stacked in my laundry room that were suppose to be the "new laundry room floor", now I know he know's it has to come out of the boxes, But when?
    Girls I could go on and on! My DH.. I love him dearly but he is the starter of all, finisher of none.
    My favorite is this mega dollar fan for the garage attic that I had to hurry and buy one year (special because I work for an HVAC co. and only dealers can buy from the part houses) I get this "special exhaust fan and the box has never.... I tell ya.... never.... been opened! I can only shake my head in wonderment.
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  • mer1957
    mer1957 Member Posts: 534
    edited July 2007
    Joni, have fun. I hear Vancouver is wonderful. Mel, glad your simulation will be soon. Be sure to ask them how soon after that to when ou actually start. If you remember, I had a long wait ... almost 2 weeks because they were still "calculating" after my sim. I think the dr was too busy or something. I too get those fears every once in awhile even when everything seems to be going well. Lynn, glad you had a good time and are feeling a little better. I'm still waiting for my new pharmacy to call about my Tamox. I guess I'll have to call them tomorrow. Today some social worker from my insurance called to offer support. Do you think that's a little late? Duh! Skye, I'm sure my son would love to preview anything you do. He is such a reader. He always has to have something to read.

    I had an interesting adventure driving with my 18 year old son today. I came back home all stressed out. I guess I better start praying more. Why is it that they have to drive so fast and stop so suddenly? We were trying to find a place where he is going to go next week for an interview/expo and it's pretty hard trying to find something when you are going so fast. Of course he thinks I drive like an old grandma. Tina, have fun in Chicago. Let me know of any good restaurants you find. Sorry I missed the chat, I was all stressed out tonight.
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