June 2007 Chemo

Bonnie, ring that bell LOUD, LONG and STRONG today, you're there, friend!! 

Cyndi, the Hope Coach sounds like a wonderful program.  Hopefully it will encourage more women to get mammograms.   I wish I was there with you too! 

Shrink, how very encouraging to hear those words from your doctor, hooray!!   I'm so glad to hear the regimen is working for you.  

I usually get what I call restless legs during Taxol, like I can't just sit still, never equated it with the benadryl!  I thought it was the Taxol.  I usually just got up and walked a bit and it seemed to help.   Glad to hear you're doing well! 

Denise, good luck today.   10th of 12, almost to the end!  I'll be thinking of you. 

I'm off to my last Reiki treatment than a MUGA test this afternoon.  My holter monitor results were normal albeit it showed a fast heart rate there wasn't any arrythmia (sp?) so that is good.    I still wonder why my heart acts funny sometimes...sigh.  

The wound is still draining but closing up!  The PA said it looked great and no infection...whew.  

Now to fight the onc to get this port removed.  :-)

This is really irking me the more I think about it.   I've been seeing my oncologist or his PA for what now....5 months, more or less?  Everytime I see him or her, I feel like I have to update them on my tumor status.   She once again said yesterday to something I asked about to my ER positive status and I had to correct her...AGAIN, that my tumor was ER negative and she flipped through my chart to double check.   This is the second time it's happened with her and I just saw her two weeks ago.

I realize they see a lot of patients but I wish they would at least refamiliaerize (sp) themselves with my stats before they walk into the exam room....am I being too picky??

OK rant over....

DebbieM, it seems breast cancer is an epidemic where I live, I know four people personally who've had it within the last 5-6 years not to mention my sister and cousins in my family.   I've had three friends say they got mammograms after my dx, if it gets them moving because of me, I'm all for it.  

Garnetann,

I think you and I are in about the same place. I met 5 women yesterday at a yoga class and they all said rads were no sweat. I know the rad thread doesn't always make it sound that way, but hopefully if we got this far through chemo we should be able to handle rads and the tamoxifen. Sometimes this all seems like some nightmarish video game with possible problems popping out all over the place, but then I stop and check myself and I am actually feeling OK. A little sore 2nd day after neulasta, but in general--OK.



We can do it. We will succeed.



Debbie M.

Hi Everyone,

Shrink, it was so great to hear that your tumor is getting smaller.  My prayers are with you that this treatment continues to do its magic.

Cyndi, I will also be getting Herceptin until next August.  From what I hear, it's a great drug for us her2 postive gals.

I'm really scared right now.  This morning I saw blood in my urine.  Or was it vaginal bleeding?  I'm not even sure.  First I noticed it on the toilet paper, a light pink color.  Then I noticed a drop in the toilet.  Then there were a few very small clots.  And now, six hours later, there is nothing.  I called my onc's office and I went for a urine test and he prescribed some antibiotics.  Of course I am praying for a bladder infection, but why the clots?  It couldn't be my period.  I haven't had one in a year.  I hate this.   Thanks for letting me vent.

xoxo

Kathleen

Doing the HAPPY DANCE!!! I AM DONE WITH CHEMO!!!! No problems with the port, everything went smoothly! So glad to be done with this part of the journey. My hubby took a pic with my phone of the "ringing  out"........ could you hear it girls? I rang for all of us! I am going to try and upload it...... it's not the best quality......but you get the idea.

Just wanted to also share what my kids did; my 20 yr old and his girlfriend, and my 17 yr old son, made chicken parm for dinner and a special "end of chemo cake" for me...... I just had to share a pic of the cake. That really made my day! They are such good kids..... my whole world!

Hope everyone is well!!

Bonnie

Bonnie, what a great cake!  Thank you so much sharing it with all of us.  So nice to be done, huh?

I don't see my radiologist until Oct. 18th.  I am savoring every day without a doctor or other medical appointment.  I have to be travelling for work each of the next two weeks.  I am feeling good so really looking forward to it.

I also had restless legs during Taxol.  The nurse said it was the benadryl and gradually it was less with each tx.  I mainly minded it because it kept me from sleeping during part of the treatment.

Kathleen, I know how freaky it is to see something like blood.  I hope it is just the bladder infection.  Sometimes I think the doctors kind of forget or are immune to how upsetting these things are for us.

TerryNY and Bonnie I hope your last set of SEs goes by quickly and uneventfully!

Hello, everyone.



Well five days out from the last Taxol. Finally starting to feel a little human again, YEA!!!!



Debbie K...I haven't told you this yet, but I SO admire the fact that you have kept working and traveling. I don't think I could have done it. You are ONE strong woman.



Terry, am so glad you are done too Hang tight, you will feel better in no time.



Bonnie...LOVED the pics...glad you rang that bell long and loud. I got a baloon



Kathleen, I hope everything turns out all right and that it's just your period trying to start again.



Denise, that Ativan is a lifesaver sometimes. I have worried though that I was leaning on it too much during treatment and now that treatment is over, I worry that I wont' be able to sleep without it. Time will tell I guess.



Next Wednesday I have my bone scan, then pet scan the monday after that, then doc's appointment that Wednesday 10/10, to get the results. I have to admit, I'm getting more and more nervous as I get closer. I hope and pray that there's nothing. Then, port out on 10/15..and that's going to be done in the doc's office and I'm scared about that....I wonder if there will ever be a time when i won't be scared? I'm starting to think not.



I'm still trying to decide what my future holds. You know, I've heard so much about women going through all of this and it changing their lives. Yes, it's changed my life...but I have NO idea what to do with it. I wasn't working before the cancer, due to the lupus, so I doubt I'll work after, although it would be good to have something to do....so what do I do? I have no idea. NO answer to that question.



Hope this finds everyone well and safe. You girls have helped keep me going through these awful weeks of chemo, even though I've not posted as much as some. Just knowing you all werer here and going through the same thing and I could come and ask questions, and read and have others who were sympathetic has meant the world to me. I can't express how much all of you ladies mean to me.



Blessings and love to each and every one of you,



Gracie

Bonnie, awesome pictures!! You know, I think I might have heard that bell all the way here in Las Vegas! And great cake (great kids too). I know I'm extra emotional now but your pictures made me cry--happy for you, can't wait till it's the rest of us.

Kathleen, a friend of a friend that is also a BC patient had the same thing happen. Her onc told her to go see her OB/GYN. No answer yet. Let us know what's up with you.

Terry, I would have been upset too. I realize they see a lot of patients but really it would be so easy to just look at your chart before coming in. It might just be their job to them but it's our LIFE and they should remember that. I think you will be having so much fun at the wedding you will forget you are wearing your wig. It happens to me once in a while!

DebbieM, I think I only knew one person with BC before my dx and since then I've either been called from friends I haven't seen in a long time that have had it or I'll just be talking to someone new and they'll say they had it or their mother, sister, aunt, etc. It feels like an epidemic sometimes. Did someone already say that?

Gracie, I'm sure you will find something meaningful after tx is done. Maybe volunteering at a cancer center? Ours has a lot of cancer survivors that volunteer and it's really nice to have people around that understand what you are dealing with. Also, your fear seems normal to me. My friend (finished tx about the time I started) still fears every ache, test, etc. But it's got to get easier, right? I'll say a prayer that  your scans and port removal go well.

Denise, have you found it harder to think clearly on Taxol? I have. I joked about chemo brain while on AC but now it's all too real. I sometimes can't remember words or things that happened and I feel really scared that my brain will stay this way. Also, my herceptin is also 30 minutes with no side effects. I don't have any benadryl with it since the first one so I'm not tired after either.

Shrink, I'm so glad things are going well.

Mel, it's good to hear from you again. I hope you and everyone else has a great weekend! And I hope I didn't miss anyone--if I did, it's not intentional!

Cyndi

Wow, It seems like ages since I last posted and SO much has happened to everyone in our group. I am glad for all who are done with chemo, agonize with those dealing with treatment issues, and pray for all of us to find peace with a "new normal" in our lives.

I have become so aware of others in our area who are dealing with breast cancer or other forms of the beast. In fact I am very worried about my own cousin (more like a sister) who had implants years ago. Recently, and maybe on more than one occassion, she has been told after having a mammogram to get a biopsy. She refuses to do it. Even after my experience and her own mother dying of cancer, she will not get the biopsy. Talk about stubborn. Or denial. Got any ideas on how I can break through this wall and convince her to get the biopsy?

I am done with my last chemo, thankfully.  I am tired most of the time but done with it. Facing rads in a few weeks. So blessed to have two daughters who are with me every step of the way through.

Linda 

Hi Everybody, Sounds like we are all doing pretty well. Kathleen, I hoepe it's just a period. It sounds like one of those perimenopause ones. Let us know. Welcome Teach. The oxycodone will really, really dehydrate you. Try to double your water if you can. It sounds like your cancer started showing suddenly. I have heard about that on other threads in people who have it in the nodes. I have lots of positive nodes also. There are some great success stories on the success story thread. You might want to visit there when you are feeling worried.



Linda, congradulations for being done. Bonnie, I love the pictures and you are right. The kids are the best help through this whole thing, though my DH has been pretty great most of the time too.



Have a great weekend everybody. My pool is still open and I've got one last slice of watermelon. Bliss.



Debbie M.

   Well, I have some time to post more today as I have my almost one year old grandson and he is settling for a nap (hopefully). He sure keeps your mind off SEs.

   I did want to really congratulate Terry and Bonnie for being DONE with chemo. The picture of that big choicolate cake looked really good. It hasn't really sunk in with me yet that I am actually finished as I'm so freakin tired - more than ever while on chemo.

   I have been told different things about when the port comes out. First, I was told I'd have to keep it for a year and a half. Then the surgeon at the recent post chemo visit told me that she'd take it out after treatment ends. I assume after rads. It's really a nuisance to me as I am thin on top and that is clearly visible under the skin. Plus I am always hitting it on things. I guess I need to stand up for myself and demand they get the thing out asap.

   Terry and Dville I have become so aware of all the others around here with bc. I know they say it starts in the cell dna with some kind of inherited predisposition to it but, wow, it seems like it's in our well water or something.

   Garnetann, I read an old post of yours about how even a bc survivor can't make someone get a mammogram. It helped me understand why my nagging won't influence my cousin to get her biopsy as instructed by the mammogram she had. I do appreciate Terry's wisdom on that point, too. 

   Kathleen, I hope the problem is easily resolved wth antibiotics - like a bladder infection perhaps. We are all pretty emotionally fragile at this point regarding anything else wierd going on with our bodies.

   Gracie, about what to do after all this treatment ends - I don't know about you but I feel complelled to do somehting to raise awareness of bc or enable more women to get a mammogram. Don't know yet how that will work into my life but I feel I need to do something.

   Mainly I want to thanks all of you for being here and venting and giving advice during this ordeal. It is much appreciated. Hugs.

Linda

Good Morning all

Getting ready for #7 on Thursday, Taxol.  I am not crazy about the SE, but they are not bad. They give  me neulasta every time I get chemo but I am on DD.  The only one I did not get was when there was a 3 week gap instead of 2 weeks and my blood was low, but not low enough to skip a treatment.  I have my last chemo on October 18th and I assume there will be no neulasta shot after that one either. I go for my planning session for radiation next week, and start radiation on November 1st. I told them there was no reason for me to wait since I am doing will on the chemo and all.  They were OK with that.  But they said I had to wait 2 weeks after chemo to start.  On the upside, I will be done befor the yearend, which is good both for insurance reasons and weather reasons, I have to travel 75 miles one way for radiation, every day for 7 weeks.  sigh...

Kathleen, isn't it weird funny how cancer puts all other medical issues in a different light?  Any other time we'd be upset about a UTI but it's great news!   Well, sort of....you know what I mean.     I'm glad it's taken care of by antibiotics.  

I'm sorry you have to delay treatment if only by a few days, BTDT, and was not happy about it.  

GarnetAnn, I had the neulasta shot after my last chemo, didn't question it but it does make me wonder why I had it.   Will you be making that daily run to rads by yourself?  Maybe get some books on CD and listen as you drive.

Bonnie, Saturday was my worse day too but I'm feeling better today.  Will that tingling in the toes and hands EVER go away?  I'm beginning to wonder.    I'm so glad we're done and yes, we're waiting at the finish line for all our other Junies!! 

Terry,

I will be riding with my husband part of the time, but I want to try to drive myself too so he does not have to miss as much work.  Depends on how tired I get I guess.

Wow!  I go away for a few days and come back to a gazillion posts!!  Actually took a day off from work that didn't involve chemo - spent the weekend at my sister-in-laws bayhouse, went out on their boat, visited friends in VA Beach, saw the sand sculptures at the Neptune Festival and did a little relaxing.  Nice long weekend.  NEED to do this more often!

Cyndi - I did not have herceptin with my first dx.  All of my doctors were amazed that the .2cm IDC was even found during pathology since it was so small.  The Hope Coach sounds awesome - hopefully they will expand across the country soon.

Terry - I am surprised the tests are so soon after treatment.  Congrats on finishing!  I know you are doing the happy dance!  I can't wait to get my port out - next FALL!   Hope you're feeling better by now from your last treatment - sorry you missed the wedding.  Cancer sure makes us miss out on some fun for awhile but we need to focus on the future!

Shrink - Are you receiving decadron or another steriod with your taxol?  Your symptoms sound more like a reaction to those than the benedryl according to the explanations my nurses have given me.

Denise - For my 2nd dx - the tumor was in the scar area and my surgeon said he had no doubt it was a local recurrence.  I used to have both of my dx in my signature line but since the board has changed and has the questionaire, I haven't figured out how to add the first one back in!  There is always the possibility of a new primary either in the same breast or the other even w/a mastectomy.  Scary huh?  The longer the time between diagnosis, the more likely it is a new one I've read and they can tell from the pathology report also.

Debbie M - losing my typing happens to me A LOT!!  I'll bet that watermelon was yummy!!  My nurse said the herceptin takes 10 minutes for weekly infusion, 20 minutes for bi-weekly and 30 minutes for every three weeks after the first few infusioins which take longer so they can make sure you don't have any reactions and there are no pre-meds!  I think every 3 weeks till next August will work out okay, it just seems so far away!  I will be doing radiation too - 6 1/2 weeks but fortunately the office is a lot closer than Garnetann's!!  One good thing about both of my dx's is no lymph node involvement - I had an axillary dissection w/the first and the pet scan was clear except for my reconstructed breast with the second.

Kathleen - I know you are breathing a sigh of relief that it's "just" a UTI.  Heal quickly girly.  Hope your counts are jumping back up with the Neupogen.

Bonnie - YEAH!!!  You did it!! Love the pictures!  So sweet of your kids to make dinner & dessert in celebration.

Garnetann - the 18th will be here before you know it and you'll be doing the Happy Dance!  I can't imagine driving 75 miles to radiation, but you will handle it and the time will fly.  You should bring a recorder to record your thoughts because you will be doing a lot of thinking and planning during the drive.

Gracie - Congrats on finishing the Taxol!  You have tests right away too?  I guess I just thought there would be a break..........port out too!!  I am so jealous!!   I know you will find a way to give back - we all will.  Saying a prayer that your scans are clear.

Teach - Welcome to our awesome little group!  Good luck with your cousin - hopefully she'll listen soon but I know you'll be there for her when she's ready.  I think you should be assertive about getting your port out - don't let them be wishy washy!! I'll bet your grandson is adorable. 

What a book!  Hope I didn't miss anybody.  Wishing everyone a wonderful week!  I feel like I'm on the down side of my taxol/herceptin since this Friday will be #7 of 12!  woo hoo!!

Dawn