Anyone starting Chemo in August 07?

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  • Monkeygirl61
    Monkeygirl61 Member Posts: 49
    edited November 2007

    June,

    Thanks for your last post.  It was beautiful.

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  • katoMato
    katoMato Member Posts: 645
    edited November 2007

    Angie - The clackity-clack you hear is little elves dancing their victory dance. (with castinettes..and wooden shoes? Or is that wooden prostheses?) GOOD FOR YOU. That was huge, and you DID IT. We are SO PROUD of you! See, I TOLD you you were doing a great job.

    Re the misshapen aspect, my 2nd lumpectomy was way back in July, the swelling took about a month to go down, but then in October I noticed a "settling-in", or something, so things keep changing...you might need to just hang in there and be patient before you really know what everything will look like.

     DeAnn - I'm so glad you are feeling better without the Herceptin...and the oil can't hurt - just ask some people who might know, because sometimes those oil things (Vit E, and something else - flax seed oil? not sure) can really thin your blood out. Good if your blood is thick. Not so good if it's not. Years ago I was taking Vit E for a few weeks for some reason, and picked a little scab and bled for over 30 minutes. I was glad it wasn't any bigger or I'd have needed to use a tourniquet. ON MY FACE.

    Baldmama – The link that I thought I was so clever to have been able to do, didn’t work. Sorry. It was to a result of a study for Taxotere and Cytoxan, and how it compared to the old Adriamycin, Cytoxan and Taxol regimen. If you put “Cytoxan and Taxotere” in the “Search Community Knowledge Exchange” field on the home page it should come right up. I had the same fear – this article was very reassuring.

    Another subject that is covered WELL on these boards is the sex issue. (It took me a while to remember what it was…let’s see…I remember it involves my husband in some way…and a body part – or was that two?) Do a search (in the same place, or the upper search field) for “Mojo”. Someone started a thread a LONG time ago called “I want my MOJO back” and it is hilarious. (And very helpful.)

    And on THAT subject, Nashie - you made me laugh out loud. (as usual).You may not THINK you're being "alluring", but you must still be oddly intriguing. For a while , anyway.

    G'nite ladies 

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  • nash
    nash Member Posts: 2,600
    edited November 2007

    Kaye--Sealed

    Angie--Good for you! That took major cajones. I can barely look at my poor lumpectomied boob, so I'm really impressed.

    DeAnn--Has the onc talked about giving you Tykerb off-label? 

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  • nash
    nash Member Posts: 2,600
    edited November 2007

    And, June, I really enjoyed your last post, too.

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  • nash
    nash Member Posts: 2,600
    edited November 2007

    On the subject of people and their reactions to cancer--it's really all over the place how people are. And DeAnn is right--most mean well and just need direction. And if they've never been through something similar, they really have no idea what to say or do. I feel that way about myself--I'm very empathetic with a variety of medical experiences, but I'm at a loss at what to say to someone with a special needs child, for example. Haven't been there, done that.

    And also, like Kim was talking about, some people are just useless and annoying when it comes to their reactions. You sure do learn real fast who your friends are. I've been really disappointed with some people who I thought would be there for me, and pleasantly surprised with some people who I never would have thought would be so helpful and sympathetic. And I'm very fortunate that my DH and mom are so supportive. I don't have any siblings, but I can imagine that would add a whole 'nother layer of either stress or support to the mix. 

    I have finally learned to tune people out when they say ridiculous things to me about the cancer. It really bothered me in the beginning--now I'm learning to ignore it. It gets old, though--just this weekend, a complete stranger I'd just met at a church craft show asked me, after my mom had mentioned my affliction, if I'd lost my breast. I mean, really. First off, I think it's rude to ask someone what kind of cancer s/he has, but then to comment like that just blows me away. I always wonder if men with tetesticular cancer get asked if they've been parially castrated.

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  • kimmie39
    kimmie39 Member Posts: 319
    edited November 2007

    Yea Angie,

    Im so glad your doing well. Im dreading that moment of unveiling. You make a good point. Its just me.

    Thanks

    Kim 

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  • katoMato
    katoMato Member Posts: 645
    edited November 2007

    Hey Jackie - haven't heard a peep from you for a while. You ok?

    & Harley had her reconstruction today - I wonder how that went. I hope she's ok, too. 

    Good night, girls 

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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited November 2007

    Kaye,

    Hi there...  Hey everybody!   I hope everyone is doing well.  I don't know how you keep track of everyone, Kaye!  everybody is taking such different paths in their treatment now, I can't keep track!

    Yes, I had my reconstruction surgery yesterday.  It went well.  I am kind of sore, though.  I had been told that it is best to sleep in a recliner, but I am here to tell you that is not such a great idea...  Now my arms are SO sore, from constantly lifting that lever, so I can get up and go to the bathroom, or get a drink of water, or whatever... 

    I guess I am just as good in my own bed....  I don't know what is best.  I just want to be comfortable again!  I don't sleep on my back, and after the mast, and after this surgery, I can't sleep on my back!Frown

    Oh well...  I am hoping that in about 2 weeks, I will not be as sore, and I will be able to move around more without having any problems.

    Hugs

    Harley

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  • kidsmom
    kidsmom Member Posts: 55
    edited November 2007

    Harley,

    I'm glad to hear your doing OK after your surgery!  Do you still have to have rads?

    Hope yousleep some tonight

    Kidsmom

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  • kimmie39
    kimmie39 Member Posts: 319
    edited November 2007

    Harley - Im so glad to hear your surgery went well and your feeling up to posting us! Ill remember your recliner advise when I get there in my treatment.

    Ive been having a really hard time the last two days. A VERY CLOSE friend was in an accident at his work and he died. He was only 37. He has been a friend of ours since we were around 10 yrs old. I didnt realize how long we had been friends till I was looking thru my pics so his wife could display them at the funeral. There we were all together at all the important times in our lives. It wont be the same with out him. He fell 70 ft out of a tree and the tree fell on him. Evidently the tree was hollow near the bottom and when he climbed it to cut it down the bottom broke and caused the accident. Thanks for listening, it helps to get it out.

    On a more positive note, tomorrow I have my LAST chemo!!!! Kidsmom Ill be thinking about you, Chemo sis.

    Gotta go

    Hugs to all

    Kim 

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  • nash
    nash Member Posts: 2,600
    edited November 2007

    Kim--how tragic--I am so sorry to hear about your friend. Many prayers coming your way and to his family as well.

    Congrats on the last chemo tomorrow--that's very good.

    Harley--very glad to hear surgery went well. 

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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited November 2007

    Hi kidsmom

    No rads...

    Hope you are doing ok.

    Harley

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  • yellowtownhouse
    yellowtownhouse Member Posts: 142
    edited November 2007

    Hey Everyone,

    To the oncologists for labs this morning.  I have been very ill for 8 days (Taxol #3 on 11/2).  The bone pain has been horrendous and then I have had nonstop n&v and too weak to get out of bed again. 

    After she examined me she said,"no more chemo, you are too ill and your body won't take it any more."  She was also concerned that the neuropathy in my hands has gotten so bad and appears to be moving up my arms. 

    I'm not sure how I feel about this.....part of me is honest enough to take some relieve from it but the other part says I should have been tough enough to stick it out.  It is also scary wondering how much good I would have gotten from that last tx.  I have an ultrasound and surgical consult scheduled for the 30th. and then I guess rads starting sometime in Jan.

    Hope all of you are doing well....been to sick this week to even 'lurk'!

    Kay:  How are the rads going.....still feeling good I hope.  Skin still looking good?

    Angie: You're everyones hero to know what you must do and then find the courage to do it. 

    Kim: Prayers to you and your friend's family.  What a tragedy especially at such a young age.  I know your dear friend will always live in your heart though.

    Kimmie:  So happy for you girl that you've reached the end of the chemo.  It is cause for great celebration for all.  If I ever get over the dry heaves I'll raise a glass to you lady. :>

    Harley:  One more wonderful milestone with completing your reconstruction surgery.  Congrats congrats to you!  I know you'll soon be dancing in the street......hey Kay does that too...a duet ladies?

    Hope everyone has a wonderful/well/and blessed weekend.

    love,

    June

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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited November 2007

    June,

    Hi there.  Hope you are feeling better... 
    The chemo can be SO HARD on us, so just relax and enjoy the break, before starting your rads!

    I am so glad that I won't be having rads. as part of my treatment.  I am also VERY glad to have reached this milestone!  YIPEE!  I WILL be dancing in the street!

    Harley

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  • kimmie39
    kimmie39 Member Posts: 319
    edited November 2007

    Hi all,

    Thank you for your support. Losing my friend has been REALLY hard. Its caused some dieing issues to linger in my mind. I dont want my family to have to go thru the pain that my friends family is facing.

    Had my last chemo today.YEA

    Cried to my oncologist. (shes a wonderful person)

    She gave me ativan and is going to have a counselor give me a call. Im glad because Im really overwhelmed. I need some help. To add to this my husband is NOT taking this well. His way of grieving is to get MAD. So hes snapping at us all. Sulking in the other room instead of being in the family room with us. He hurts my feelings cause I could really use the xtra support right now. Im going to talk to my councilor and get her advice. (when I see her)

    June - I can relate to your fear. Im sure you have a very qualified oncologist who has your best interest at heart. If your still feeling afraid because you missed that chemo I suggest you talk to your doc about it. They should be glad to discuse it with you. PLEASE TRY NOT TO BE SO HARD ON YOURSELF.

    Harley - Congratulations!

    hope all is well. When you heal will you  please let us know if your happy with your new puppies? Ive been cruising the Reconstruction sites and some of the pics are scary! 

    Kay - Hope rads are going well.

    Nash - Thanks for being here to listen

    Hugs

    Kim 

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  • DGHoff
    DGHoff Member Posts: 624
    edited November 2007

    Hi All,

    Oh, I am so bummed because I had this lovely, long post full of heartfelt words for all of you, and then I lost it because it took me too darned long to type it all out, and my session timed out. Egads!

    I will try to be a little faster this time!

    June, I know just how you feel. Since I can't get the Herceptin because of the allergic reaction, I'm feeling kind of the same way. Relieved to not have to do it, but yet wondering, what am I losing if I can't get it? Am I shortchanging myself?  But, I'm going with the approach that, even though our bodies are not always behaving as we want, they sometimes have inherent wisdom and maybe it is my body's way of saying "Hey, you are taken care of here. I don't have any more of those nasty cells for you to work on, so you just stop this harsh medicine now or I'm going to make you do it."   That's my theory I like, anyway!

    Kimmie, Oh, I am so sorry about your friend. Man, you should be celebrating your last chemo and then this happens. This whole rollercoaster ride we're on is not fun in normal circumstances, so it never helps to add a new loop to the ride. I'm glad you'll be able to talk to a counseler. Somebody to listen can make a huge difference. Warm hugs to you from cold Minnesota.

    Harley, Hooray for you! Congrats on this major milestone. I'm not even jealous, I'm just really glad for you. How's the lymphedema by the way? Hope that has seen a big improvement too!

    Just a note to all, that boy does all this seem easier when you feel good. I had my best week ever this week in terms of health, and I will never take good health for granted again. To be able to walk two miles without it feeling like climbing a mountain is such a great gift. I'm only finished 5 of 12 weekly Taxols, so I know they probably won't all be like this, but just having a good week makes the bad ones easier to take. So, just a ray of light to all of you who are feeling yucko right now, that EVERYTHING seems easier when you feel normal. Even thinking about the future is easier. 

    Thinking about all of you and wishing you a good weekend!

    DeAnn  

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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited November 2007

    Kim,


    HOORAY!  and Congrats on your last chemo!!

    I am doing great!  So far, I think I like 'em!  But, they really aren't much bigger than my old breasts... my dh has been joking before this, and saying that I just needed to be rounded out at bit... looks like I may be getting rounded out...  But, I am looking for a C cup, not a round B...  we'll see what happens when things settle!

    DeAnn,

    YAY!  I am just happy the surgery is over! 

    The hand is swollen again... my therapist put some tape on it and it got better.  But now it is swollen again, since I took the tape off.  I am getting a glove and a sleeve, and will be picking them up on Monday, so I will see if it helps any.  I just don't want to have to wear this glove ALL THE TIME...  we'll see...  Thanks for remembering me... 

    Take care!

    Hugs,

    Harley

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  • kidsmom
    kidsmom Member Posts: 55
    edited November 2007

    Kim - I'm so sorry to hear about your friend.  What a tragic situation.  I am glad your done with chemo though.  Everyone keeps telling me congratualations, but I am not sure what to think.  My oncologist was out of town.  The nurses hadn't even scheduled me to talk to the NP or anyone.  I was so bummed. I have all these questions about what to do now and I didn't get to ask them to anyone.  I am having the numb fingers and toes still.  It hasn't gone away since my 3rd treatment (2 weeks ago) and I have had a very sore spot behind my left shoulder blade for about a month now.  I really needed to see my onc.  They scheduled me to see him next week so I will have a chance.  Doesn't that seem weird not to meet with your doctor on your last treatmetn?

    Has anyone heard from kaye?  Hope she's doing OK.

    Ladies who had problems with your treatment and had to end early- it is out of your control and so you should just feel relieved your done.  It wasn't your choice- but I can understand your concerns.  Luckily someone made the decision for you though and they are informed about what is in your best interest longterm.  Would the extra treatment be worth it if I  made you so sick you were hospitalized?

    I hope everyone enjoys they're weekend.

    Kidsmom

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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited November 2007

    kidsmom,

    I also did not talk to my onc at my last chemo tx...  I saw his nurse.  AND, I wasn't able to see him before my reconstruction surgery, so I will be going back to see his nurse on Monday... Seems my onc will be on vacation ALL NEXT WEEK!!  I am kind of upset that I won't be seeing him next week, either...  It may be for the best.  I will have to write up questions for her, and I hope she can answer them...

    I guess I just wanted to let you know that it is not uncommon to not speak to your onc after your last treatment.


    Take care,

    Harley

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  • katoMato
    katoMato Member Posts: 645
    edited November 2007

    Hi ladies,

    Harley - I'm so glad you're doing well! I'm a "stomach sleeper" also, so i've just had to make due this year. I don't think I'll ever be able to sleep on my stomach again and it's a drag, but then...i guess it could always be worse.

    Kimmie - I'm so sorry for your loss. Makes you think, doesn't it - about life, and how short it is, and what its point is. They are good (albeit painful) thoughts to have, and they keep things in perspective. Hugs to you (and his family). Btw, Congrats on finishing chemo! Another page has been turned. (How many pages does this book HAVE???)

    June -  "Tough enough to stick it out"? Please - don't let yourself think that way. It's not going to help, and it's just not accurate. I'm sorry you've had such a nasty time. I'm sure you'll feel better soon, once this stuff is out of your system a little bit more. If it's any help, I began to feel more normal about 4 weeks after my last tx. Last week was week 5 post tx and it was GREAT. The brain worked again, (note:according to MY definition, not anyone elses.) I had thought it never would again, and was resigned to fog-status for all eternity. But not so! (I'm VERY grateful - it had been scary.) I had energy, i've been sleeping through the night...it's better than I thought. It gets easier and easier every day - keeping in mind that some things do NOT get easier...but that's due to chronology, not chemotherapy.

    Kidsmom - your last taxol was last Friday, right? What's next? Rads?

    We're making it through this, ladies. Slowly but surely. 

    Nash - I'm not going to get together with the SD ladies this month, and I know you said you'd not feel up to it until you're done in December (THAT'S NEXT MONTH! YOU'RE CLOSING IN ON IT!) But the minute you feel ready to be out and about, let me know - I'll be there.

    Rads is: quick, painless, easy, strange/hassle, I'm taking 20 minutes out of my day to do WHAT again? WHAT is it? I lay on a table for 5 minutes in the middle of the day.Why am i bothering to do this?  (Oh yeah. I forgot. They have candy in the front office.)  It would make sense if i was injected with something, or pinched or something hurt to let my body know that SOMETHING is happening. (Remind me of that when bad boob finally catches on fire and they have to call in HAZMAT.) It's literally so quick I leave my office at 10:am and return at 10:20. Kinda makes my head spin. 

    Well, two day reprieve - aaaahhhhh! Have a wonderful weekend girls. 

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  • kimmie39
    kimmie39 Member Posts: 319
    edited November 2007

    Hi

    Thanks for all the thoughts. Yes it sure does make one think and adds a new perspective. I havent yet found a good place to put all the pain and the new deep feelings I know as time goes on I will.

    Kaye once again you made me LOL. HAZMAT,  funny funny. Its to bad we think that there needs to be pain in order to get better.

    I keep wondering when the next shoe will fall Its hard or me to enjoy my last chemo when I dont know what will show up on the path report after surgery. And Im so bummed about my friend i dont feel like celebrating.

    Harley- What kind of reconstruction did you have?

    Gotta go for now 

    Kim

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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited November 2007

    Kim

    I just had implants put in... kind of like breast augmentation.  He filled them with saline, and they are now kind of 'shaping' themselves.

    Take care

    HARLEY

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  • chemomom
    chemomom Member Posts: 171
    edited November 2007

    Hi all.  There is so much going on here on this thread these days.  Ups and downs, celebrations, and tragedies.  For me, it has reminded me how we are all so much more than this cancer we are battling.  Luckily, the fabric of life keeps weaving its way around us, making sure we remain part of its patterns.  So many emotions.  It would be nice if we could all "coast" for a while though- no loss of friends, allergic reactions, lymphedema, neuropathy, etc.   My thoughts are with you all as we all struggle thru this. 

    As fior me, I seem to have it relatively easy here.  I still have 1 drain in after 2 weeks post mast.  On the other side I had the "pleasure" of having 150cc's of fluid aspirated out, since that drain wasn't working and got pulled a week ago.  I also found out I am in for 2 more rounds of chemo, since there were traces of cancer left in my post-surgery path.  I don't start back up until after Thanksgiving, but looks like I will be sick for Christmas (last tx 12/20-- ugghh !!).  Rads wil have to wait until 2008.  Finally, my onc said I will be getting triple doses of herceptin alone every 3 weeks to round out my year of treatment.  I don't know as I have heard of many folks doing herceptin every 3 weeks or even Herceptin without Taxol.  Looks like I have some poking around to do...  Luckily I trust my onc-- I kinda' have to and she hasn't let me down (knock on wood!!).

    Good wishes to all, Angie

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  • kimmie39
    kimmie39 Member Posts: 319
    edited November 2007

    Im right there with ya!!!

                             COASTING ALONG WOULD TOTALLY ROCK!!!!!!! 

    Harley - did you have rads? I need to and Ive read that you cant have implants after rads? When you choose implants what were your feelings on the other options?

    Angie - wow you really have allot to adjust to. Thank god you trust your oncologist. Thats major important!

    Ill be thinking of you gal.

    Hugs

    Kim 

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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited November 2007

    Kim,

    No, I didn't get rads.

    I didn't have any other option.  I have NO fat whatsoever, so I had to get implants.  My ps was going to use the BECKER all in one expander/implant, but I have heard that they leak over time, and I guess he heard something (I'm guessing that they were taken off the market), so he only put in the implants and filled them with saline.

    Sorry, I don't know anymore about any of the other options.

    Good Luck with your rads!

    Harley

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  • wackyjackie
    wackyjackie Member Posts: 669
    edited November 2007

    Hi Girls,

    I've been peeking in and following everyone but my brain to hand connection would not let me type.  So many wonderful things for some and sad for others.  I'm sorry I didn't respond to each of you, but now there's too much I missed to answer all. 

    My liver enzymes are back to normal, I just finished my third Taxol and have only one left to go (the day before Thanksgiving).  Taxol knocked me down.  I get anemic, low blood pressure, brain fog, bone pain and lack of energy.  Then I feel really great about 1 1/2 weeks later.    I am so looking forward to my last treatment because I know I will start to feel better.  Than it's on to 6 weeks of radiation.

    My ps is telling me I can't get my regular implant on the bad side, but that I would need a tram flap.  Any thoughts or ideas?

    On my lousy days I check in and all you ladies keep me going.  Thanks  a million times.

    Love and hugs,

    Jackie

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  • nash
    nash Member Posts: 2,600
    edited November 2007

    Hi, everybody. Am really tired, so this will be short.

    Angie--I've heard of a lot of women on Herceptin alone. Can't remember if I've mentioned the www.her2support.org board to you, but it's a realy good source of HER2 info.

    Kaye--I will definately give you a heads up when I'm planning on going to lunch with the SD gals. Don't see it happening until 2008. So glad to hear you're feeling human again.

    Hope everyone had a good weekend. 

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  • katoMato
    katoMato Member Posts: 645
    edited November 2007

    Hi Ladies,

    Chemomom - I'm so sorry you have to have 2 more rounds. What a disappointment...Well, whatever it takes though, eh? I will pray it does it's job. Period.

    Jackie - So glad you checked in. Don't worry about responding to everyone - we understand, remember? I'm just glad to hear you're not in the hospital or something. I'm also glad to hear about your liver enzymes. That's always good news. This Taxol stuff is a doozie, isn't it? Sheesh. I'm so sorry for you all.

    Eve - Been thinking about you, too. How are you doing?

    Nash -  Hope YOUR liver enzymes are behaving, and that you AND your mom are feeling allright. What was the decision on the chemo repeat. Is that what she's chosen? Hang in there, Nashie...

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  • nash
    nash Member Posts: 2,600
    edited November 2007

    Hi, girls.

    Jackie--glad your liver enzymes are back to normal!

    Kaye--my liver enzymes started going back up, after having spontaneously resolved. The onc thinks it's a chemical reaction in the liver, rather than true liver damage, so I guess I won't worry about it.

    Thanks for asking about my mom. She's repeating a chemo combo right now, and after that she'll repeat two drugs that she's had before, just not together before. It's an off-label combo. As far as clinical trials go, there are no trials available right now at UCLA or UCSD that would benefit her.

    We are arranging for a consult with UCLA. The conversation with the regular onc today danced around the subject of hospice. Her second opinion onc at UCSD had sent a letter to the regular onc saying there were no more options. So at least our crazy onc, in all her craziness, is open to creative options.

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  • katoMato
    katoMato Member Posts: 645
    edited November 2007

    Hey Nash, Repeating a chemo combo makes sense - It seems better than doing nothing, doesn't it. I hope your mom isn't too uncomfortable. She's been doing this for a long, long time. It's very sobering, isn't it? This life we live. Please tell her I'm thinking about her. She's so fortunate to have you as a daughter - and I'm sure she knows it.

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