Anyone starting Chemo in August 07?

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  • kimmie39
    kimmie39 Member Posts: 319
    edited November 2007

    Hi gals,

    Yellowtownhouse - welcome to the DONE WITH CHEMO club!!!!!!!!!

    It usually takes me about 10 days to start feeling better to.                    

    Nash - I had a lumpectomy in 1995 the first time I had BC. I stayed overnight and was on pain meds for a couple days. Hope my masectomy goes as well.

    Anyone know of anything that helps with neuropathy? my fingers and toes are really bothering me. 

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  • kimmie39
    kimmie39 Member Posts: 319
    edited November 2007

    Hi gals,

    Yellowtownhouse - welcome to the DONE WITH CHEMO club!!!!!!!!!

    It usually takes me about 10 days to start feeling better to.                    

    Nash - I had a lumpectomy in 1995 the first time I had BC. I stayed overnight and was on pain meds for a couple days. Hope my masectomy goes as well.

    Anyone know of anything that helps with neuropathy? my fingers and toes are really bothering me. 

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  • chemomom
    chemomom Member Posts: 171
    edited November 2007

    Hi ladies.  Chemomom here.  I thought I'd say hi so you know all is still well.  I keep tabs on the posts, but somehow, I seldom get to post myself these days.  I hope everyone has a nice Thanksgiving.  Among many other blessings, I am thankful to have found this wonderful group and all the boards.  You have all helped me when I was down, taught me things I needed to know, and given me the strength and courage to be heard as I go thru this.  You have made it clear that I am NOT alone.  I would not be in the same place I am today without everything I have learned from the community here. 

    I think it was Jerry Garcia that said, "What a long strange trip it's been!"

    Amen to that, sisters!  Happy Thanksgiving.  Angie

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  • kimmie39
    kimmie39 Member Posts: 319
    edited November 2007

    HELP

    HELP

    HELP

    My old oncologist from Johns Hopkins (I switched to an oncologist in my home town for the last two treatments) called me tonight to tell me the last ct scan I did for her came back with possible bone metastasis.

    This would be NEW because my original cT scan was CLEAR.

     

    The spots are all under a centimeter and she said there is no way to no if its cancer (what else can it be??????????) until it gets bigger or goes away.

    She still wants me to go thru with surgery n 11/28 and have another ct scan in 7 wks.

    She has no answer for why this would be NEW cancer. I just finished chemo!!!! How could a NEW cancer or metastasis start WHILE in treatment?

     IM SCARED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    damn I just recently was starting to come to some peace with the fact that I had cancer again!!!!!!!  How do I deal with this?????

    Cancer is so unfair!!!!!!!!

    Help

    KIm 

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

    Kim,

    I am so sorry to hear this!!  Thinking of you and praying that they are just 'blips' on the film, and all is well...


    {HUGS}

    HARLEY

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

    Oh, Kim, I'm so sorry to hear this news. 

    Just some thoughts--was this CT done on a different machine than your last CT? Is there any way to follow up the CT with a bone scan?  I know MRI is a good tool for looking at bone mets, too. Seems like they'd want to get an exact handle on this so they could start you on Zometa if the spots are indeed mets. I'm not trying to second guess the onc at a major cancer center--just speaking from experience with my mom. And trying my best to find another explanation for the spots, because I don't want you to have to go through this. Frown

    Many prayers and hugs coming your way.

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  • kimmie39
    kimmie39 Member Posts: 319
    edited November 2007

    Nash - I dont believe it was the same machine.

    I will be calling my local oncologist tomorrow and I have an appt on monday. It scares me to think that i should wait 8 wks to let it grow.

    I cant process this, dont know where Ill put it in a brain already full with cancer crap

    Ill check in  tomorrow

    Kim 

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited November 2007

    look at

    breastcancertreatment.us

    there is a bunch of info there you may find useful

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  • iodine
    iodine Member Posts: 4,289
    edited November 2007

    The troll strikes again!  Avoid him and his possibly virus ridden links.

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  • katoMato
    katoMato Member Posts: 645
    edited November 2007

    Thanks iodine.

    Dh and I saw him posting last night and reported him. 

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  • wackyjackie
    wackyjackie Member Posts: 669
    edited November 2007

    Hi Girls,

    I just finished my last treatment today and I am officially done with chemo!!! I will start radiation in about 3 weeks.  My onc told me just to chill for a while.   I just wanted to say that I could not do ANY of this without all your help and  support and information.  I trust you girls and your info. more than ANYONE.  I really mean it. 

    On that note, I want to say that while I am thankful for many things this year, I am thankful that I was guided to this website during this trying time and that I could maybe listen and help someone and all of you helped me.  May you  and your families all have a blessed, HEALTHY and Happy Thankgiving.

    Love and friendship and lots of hugs, Jackie

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  • kimmie39
    kimmie39 Member Posts: 319
    edited November 2007

    Congrads Jackie!!!!!!!!

    P.S. Whats a troll? 

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

    Yay, Jackie! Many hugs and well wishes back at you.

    Kim--a troll is a poster who is only on the site to cause problems. There's been someone or several someones coming here and posting links to sites that apparently have viruses. 

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  • chemomom
    chemomom Member Posts: 171
    edited November 2007

    Kim,  Wow.  What a load to bear.  I wouldn't be able to wait.  maybe your new onc will be open to ordering a bone scan or something.  I don't think you should have to wait and wonder without doing anything.  I hope it is nothing.  And why do they give such news on the phone?@!?  

    And congrats Jackie on finishing.  I get to start back up next Thurs.  At least I know what I am in for this time. 

    Take care all.  Angie

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  • Monkeygirl61
    Monkeygirl61 Member Posts: 49
    edited November 2007

    Hello Everyone,

    I haven't posted in awhile but I've been reading. 

    I'm not sure if I posted this before but with all the talk of implants I thought I would tell my story.  I did not want implants so when I had my lumpectomy, I had reconstructive surgery at the same time.  I told the plastic surgeon to make a boob out of whatever was left and take the left one down to match.  I told him I didn't care what size I ended up being just so they matched.  I now have new baby boobies and that's just fine with me.  I no longer have to wear a bra.  They ended up looking good and that's the concenus of all the drs and nurses who have seen them.  We all know how many people see our boobs once bc strikes.  Frankly I'm shocked when someone doesn't want to see.  I started to take my top off at the foot doctor last week.  Anyway, it may be an option for some of you as well.

    I'm also thankful for this forum and all the participants.  Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

    P.S.  After cooking for the last 18 years for the family.  My dh is steaming shrimp and I'm kicking back and watching football. 

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  • katoMato
    katoMato Member Posts: 645
    edited November 2007

    Stranded on this deserted (kitchen) island.

    Surrounded by sharp knives and deep bowls. 

    Food and water gone, leader dead.

    Lost communication with the outside world two days ago. 

    Sent Dh for help.

    Don't know how much longer i can hold on...

    (I'm joking, of course. i AM the leader.Cool!)

    Happy Thanksgiving, Ladies!

    (Gigantic hug to Kimmie.. High Five to Jackie, lol to Tami - I did the same thing when I went to my ob/gyn last month. It's been so long since anyone has wanted to see anything below my navel I forgot how to undress! They were kind.) Nash, give a Thanksgiving day hug to your mom from me, 'k?

    Every DAY is a gift and every PERSON HERE has been a gift to me also. I'm so VERY thankful for each of you.  I love you girls.

    More later - hope everyone's  feeling well, and the day is wonderful.

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  • katoMato
    katoMato Member Posts: 645
    edited November 2007

    PS...Next year how 'bout we all go to Tami's for Thanksgiving Shrimp!!! Yay!!!!!

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

    Hi Tami,

    That is funny, about the foot doctor!  lol  I wonder, too, if I go to the drs. and they don't want to see my breasts!  But, it's a good thing, I think, if we reach the point where they don't need to see our breasts...   That, I think, is part of... on to the next stage of survivorship!

    Sorry for the bold print, but I don't know how to stop it, once I turn it on!

    Happy Thanksgiving!  I would LOVE to have shrimp!  We are having ham, so that is ok.  I don't like turkey.

    Happy Thanksgiving, y'all!

    Harley

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  • kimmie39
    kimmie39 Member Posts: 319
    edited November 2007

    HI,

    Well Thanksgiving is over for another year. I found myself really thinking of the things I'm thankful for and this year you gals are in good company at the top of my list right along with my children's smiles.

    Ill be seeing my local oncologist Monday to discuss those new results and what to do now, and of course my surgery is Wednesday.

    Have any of you had trouble with neuropathy? What can you do to make it better? 

    Hope everyones Thanksgiving was great,

    Kim 

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  • wackyjackie
    wackyjackie Member Posts: 669
    edited November 2007

    Kimmie,

    I hope all goes smooth with your surgery.  Please try to keep being strong, because even though you are upset, you sound very strong to me.  Don't let your mind run away.  It could be a misreading, like the other girls said.  Enjoy your family and try to just wait and see what it really is.  I pray for you and your family and for your strength.  It's not fair and you don't deserve this on top of your pending surgery!  Hang in there and be strong!!!!

    Lots of hugs, Jackie

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  • kimmie39
    kimmie39 Member Posts: 319
    edited November 2007

    Thank You Jackie, It always helps to hear from you gals.

    Kim 

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  • DGHoff
    DGHoff Member Posts: 624
    edited November 2007

    Hi Everybody,

    Seems like I've been too busy lately to post, but I've been checking in every so often.  I met with the onc at Mayo Clinic last week. She spent an hour with me and, in that time, identified three reasons why I might have had the reaction I did to the Herceptin. First, I had a week off from the Herceptin because I was in the hosptial, so they should have treated me the next time I got it as though it was the first time and slowed it down considerably. Second, they only waited five minutes that day between my pre-meds and my infusion, which would not have given the premeds enough time to do their stuff and prevent reactions. Third, I had received the Taxol first both times before, but they switched it around on that particular day.  Bottom line is that we are going to rechallenge me with the Herceptin next week. Very good news for me as I am strongly HER2 positive. I'm a mite nervous about having another reaction, but apparently, in the initial clinical studies, only two women (out of about 2,000) had a similar reaction, and one was rechallenged successfully while the other one chose not to. So, the odds are very good. 

    Kimmie, I'll be thinking of you this week as you meet with your oncologist and have your surgery. I pray all will go well for you with both events.

    DeAnn 

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

    That is really good news, DeAnn. Praying the next infusion goes well.

    Kim--lots of prayers coming your way for Wednesday.

    Harley--how have you been feeling?

    I haven't recovered from tx #5 yet. Don't know if it's the cumulative effects of the chemo or if I have an underlying infection. I don't have a fever, but I don't always run one when sick. Last year I waltzed around with a peritonisillar abscess for a month before it got diagnosed, and never ran a temp. So I don't know. But I'm feeling worse instead of better from the chemo, and have no idea what to do.

    Hope everyone had a really nice Thanksgiving weekend! 

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  • kimmie39
    kimmie39 Member Posts: 319
    edited November 2007

    Hi all -

    I saw my Dr. today and she believes my cancer has metas. to my bone. Going to do a PET scan to make sure . So she cancelled my surgery and is putting me on anouther round of 4 to 6 months of chemo (no hair for me).  Taxol and something thats new and starts with an A????

    Well thats about it for now.

    Hugs from Va

    Kim 

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

    Oh, Kim,


    I am so sorry to hear this! 

    I'll be thinking of you, and praying that your dr. is wrong. 

    Please keep us posted.


    Hugs,

    Harley

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

    Nash,

    I am feeling great!  I am not as sore these days, and it's been almost three weeks since my surgery!  YIPPEE! 

    Sorry to hear that you have not recovered from tx #5 yet... bc is not for sissies, and I know that you will get through this, because you are strong!  I'll be praying for you, that you start feeling better soon!!

    I was SO TIRED after my last tx... well, after tx #3 and tx #4...  I thought I would NEVER get my energy or my strength back!!   Now, though, I am feeling tired again, but it may be related to my thyroid condition, so I will be going in to my primary dr. for another blood test for my thyroid.  It seems that it is always something! 

    I worry about fatigue, since that is about the only symptom I had, about 2 years before I was dx'd with bc...  I have to keep reminding myself that fatigue does not ALWAYS equal cancer.... but it's hard not to be scared!

    Hugs,

    Harley

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  • chemomom
    chemomom Member Posts: 171
    edited November 2007

    Kim,  Sorry to hear your news.  Stay strong, girl.  It's not fair for this to be happening to you.  You will be in my thoughts.  (unfortunately I am not much for "prayers" or I'd put you in those too.)  Angie

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

    Harley--I'm really glad to hear you're healing up so well! That's awesome! Thanks for the encouragement.

    Kim--Well, that just bites. Are they putting you on Avastin possibly? The only good thing is that bone mets are the easiest mets to treat. But I wish you didn't have to treat any mets. Like Angie said, it's not fair you should have to go through this. When will the PET scan be?

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  • DGHoff
    DGHoff Member Posts: 624
    edited November 2007


    Kimmie, That is so totally, absolutely not fair. Harley said it well that this BC stuff is definitely not for sissies. I'm sending out the biggest, gnarliest wave of good vibrations to you that I can muster. Hang in there, girl.

    Nash, I'm sending some your way too. I remember feeling like utter and complete crud (Basically your bottom of garbage pail variety) during the end of my AC regimen. The cumulative effects just really burned me out, so maybe that's what you've got going on. Just one to go, right? I hope you start to feel better!

    DeAnn 

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  • nash
    nash Member Posts: 2,600
    edited November 2007
    Thanks for the input, DeAnn. That makes me feel better. Not that you felt cruddy, too, but you know what I mean. Smile
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