June 2007 Chemo

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  • Barbeqrn
    Barbeqrn Member Posts: 200
    edited November 2007

    Happy belated Thanksgiving to everyone...I too give thanks to everyone on this board who helped me get though the toughest six months of my life.



    Dawn, I too get started on Rads this coming week. What is the simulation part? I had the mapping already and I see them again on Monday for I guess the simulation...do you need to do anything special to prepare because I forgot to ask!



    barb

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  • mikeysmom
    mikeysmom Member Posts: 137
    edited November 2007

    My friends are throwing me an end of chemo party next Saturday!! I am so grateful for their support during this. It's just going to be girls and we're going to have dinner and grown-up drinksWink. I'll be sure to toast all of you as well!

    Cyndi

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  • honeygirl
    honeygirl Member Posts: 1,718
    edited November 2007

    Congrats Cyndi! Have a great time. We will be toasting you next Sat.!

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  • DebbieK
    DebbieK Member Posts: 116
    edited November 2007

    So nice to see a few folks on tonight!  Congratulations, Cyndi!  So nice that everyone is finishing the evil chemo!  I too would have suffered sorely had it not been for all you girls this summer.  I will never forget this experience; the only real positive was being able to come on this board and communicate with you all and know we were all in the same boat.  I have been on the Nov Rads board and don't have the same warm feeling there.  For some reason there are some gals on it that really are having trouble with their radiation doctors, and many of the posts are talking about that and a more negative vein.  It always feels so good to come back here and read your posts and feel the comradery and support.

    Take care,

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  • lastminuteD
    lastminuteD Member Posts: 333
    edited November 2007

    I sure hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!! 

    Barb - I think we just have to show up for the second appt, just like the first one.  My tech said xrays, at least one final tattoo and then a simulation for the next days first tx.  I had an mri this past week, so I'm hoping it's clear and I'll hear the results on Tuesday as well.  I had a muga scan this past week - planning to call on Monday to see what my EF is.  First one was 66%................   Is your first tx on Tuesday since your sim is Monday?

    Cyndi - that is awesome!! I know you will have a wonderful time!

    DebbieK - I've been reading the Nov rads thread to get an idea of what's going to happen and I totally agree with you - us Junies seem to be much more supportive and in tune.  I guess I'll be on the Nov and Dec thread since I start on the 28th and will only have 3 tx in Nov.  I'll still be here of course - feels like home.  Smile

    Have a wonderful Sunday everyone!

    Dawn

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  • acrzynativ
    acrzynativ Member Posts: 7
    edited November 2007

    hello, is there room for one more? I was diagnosed in june, had bilateral mastectomy in july and just completed chemo. I will be having 25 doses of radiation starting in a couple of weeks. I still have new issues coming up and still tons of questions. audrey

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  • mikeysmom
    mikeysmom Member Posts: 137
    edited November 2007

    Hi Audrey and welcome to our group! Of course there is room for more! I'm glad you found this group--as you can see from the previous posts it is a great group and very supportive.

    A friend and survivor told me something the other day that really hit home. I was talking about how I want my life to get back to whatever "normal" will be and saying that my life has changed so much and she said that life changes whether you get diagnosed with bc or not. It's just different kinds of changes. I really liked that because it made me feel like so what if I had bc--there could have been better changes and there certainly could have been worse. It's just life and I'll make the best of it!

    Cyndi

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  • Barbeqrn
    Barbeqrn Member Posts: 200
    edited November 2007

    Cindi, Congratulations on your chemo finish!

    Dawn, I have no idea when they start the treatment part...hopefully it will be on Tuesday! I just want to get this stuff over with! The December rads seem like a nice bunch!!!!!

    Audrey, welcome! I am glad you are done with your chemo! I think it will be the worse part when we all look back!



    Barb

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  • TerryNY
    TerryNY Member Posts: 603
    edited November 2007

    Hi, my fellow Junies!  Hope everyone had a joyous Thanksgiving.  We had a small group but fun nonetheless.  I am so thankful I felt up to cooking, that was a real treat for me and better yet, the eating part.  :-)

    Cyndi, woohoo, you go girl and have a drink for me, please.  Your friends are wonderful to help you celebrate the end of chemo milestone.    How is the new job going?   I hope my chemo brain is working right and I have the correct Junie....

    To all of you starting rads, good luck!  I'm glad you're still checking in here from time to time.  

    It's turned considerably colder here in Western NY but no snowfall as of yet!  Dh put up our outside Christmas decorations on Friday but we won't decorate inside for two more weeks yet.  

    Hope everyone has a great week ahead and minimal SE from rads!

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  • b445
    b445 Member Posts: 1,325
    edited November 2007

    Terry, you should connect with Purple MB she is also from Western NY, Ischua I believe. She is a fantasitic lady!

    Normal, Is life ever Normal? I found life always changing the kids growing up and moving out, Job changes, Life cycle changes. MIL developing Dementia, BC. Menopause. Life is always changing around us. There are new challanges all the time. It's what you do with the changes that make life normal for you.

    I think that's one way the Wagon Circle has helped me with the new Normal. It's part of why I menttion it all the time. The gals there try to be supportive and yes occasional have a minor spat. That's life that's Normal! Normal is my checking up on you ladies and glad to see that a bond has developed.

    Normal is when the chemo is done and the rads are done you feel a little lost. (That's because we've had so much attention during active treatment) Normal is learning to Move Beyond and still maintain the friendships developed along the way. Some folks will say "Why do you obsess with that site?" It'sd not an obession it's a way to deal with the new Normal. How do I know? Well you see my journery, and that's what this is started 2 years ago. I went through 22 weeks of chemo. I went through 36 days of Rads. I went through the I'm done I'm Free, now what do I do? I went to the Moving Beyond: Time To Circle The Wagons thread and I found many that had gone through what I did. I found some that had the dreaded Beast return or spread, or a new Beast appear. I met gals that were just trying to cope with the daily life we all faced but were'nt ready to give up the community that gave so much Hope and Love when they needed someone to "Get It" like no one else other than a survivor can. All I can say is I'm glad I have them to be there as I go through this again. They get it and I'm really grateful to have them to call friends. Try it out!

    Don't lose the friendships that have developed. Feed them and be a support for each other.

    Rads are really pretty easy. They mark up all over like a roap map them take xrays and simulate how the rads bean will go. once all this mapping is done you go in lay on the table with your arms above your had they set the machine up they leave the room the machine comes one they may move they machine for another angle then it zaps, (you don't feel it) you again and your done for the day. They may take xrays once or twice a week and you see the rad onc once a week. Pretty simple you in and out in no time. the biggest hassel is it's 5 days a week for about 6 weeks. Be sure to use aloe of something like it to keep the skin moisturized as you go through treatment. Most get through without any problems some burn a little. like a mild sunburn.

    I'm so happy to hear most everyone is done with their chemo and will get to move on to the next steps.

    Well I've really just gone on rambling tonight, must be the pain meds.

    Hugs and Prayers

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  • mikeysmom
    mikeysmom Member Posts: 137
    edited November 2007

    Thanks Terry! It is me with the new job--no more chemo brain for you! It's great because so far I'm just doing research and monitoring some websites. Basically reading and being on the computer--could be the perfect job! I will have to start going to some meetings soon though. And you're right about my friends.They ARE wonderful and have been so great through all of this. I do have some friends that pretty much disappeared during this. And then some that I hardly saw or talked to very much that really made a point of calling and asking how I was. So my criteria for the party was I didn't want anyone there that couldn't even manage a phone call! I know some people don't know what to say but still!

    Barb, I think you are right about chemo being the worst of it--I'd hate to think there could be something worse!

    We finally have fall temps here after being in the high 70's up until the day before Thanksgiving. Now it's freezing to me--that's 60's. I can't seem to warm up without hair. Even with a knit cap on I feel cold because my neck is exposed so I'm keeping a scarf around my neck even inside! I'm enjoying the occasional hot flash:-)

    Cyndi

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  • acrzynativ
    acrzynativ Member Posts: 7
    edited November 2007

    hello ladies, thanx for the warm welcome. Congrats on finishing chemo cyndi. Im glad I found this place. I finished my chemo bout a week and half ago.  Im waiting to start radiation now.  It seems that my family thinks that since i am done with chemo that everything should go back to 'their' normal i guess.  It seems to me that they want to act like nothing has happened to me, idk, maybe Im just crazy? hey someone was talking about mapping and simulation? for radiation? what does that mean?

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  • dville
    dville Member Posts: 55
    edited November 2007

    I can't believe all I've missed. Kathleen, your trip sounds wonderful and the LAX bathroom story was very touching. Cyndi, congradulations! Debbie K., you are our leader and I can't wait until I can go out in public without my hat or hair. It's coming in, but I've still got bald spots and a receding hairline. Yikes! It is cold without hair. Terry, maybe you could try a hormone drug and see how you do on it. B45, I hope December goes better for you. Scans can be scary. I try not to think about them until I have to. I know that's not easy to do, but hang in there. Scans can bring good news. Shrink, I'm so happy you've shrunk. One thing I recommend is button-up shirts. That's all you will want to wear for a month or more. The surgery is over before you know it, literally. The first night is kind of rough. The first week when you have to deal with drains is not much fun. After that it gets easier. I miss my breast, but not much. I don't think I'll do reconstruction because I've heard that if you have a lot of nodes removed the reconstruction just collapses after a while. Too strange and not worth another surgery to me at this point. My silicone prosthesis is great, but I also have a light one I got from the cancer society catalog that I'm using a lot right now due to soreness from rads. It was also great right after surgery. Since you're have a bi-lateral you won't have to worry about lopsidedness. I am often cockeyed when I am wearing the light prosthesis, but oh well. When I wear the silicone one, you can't tell the difference. Rads will be over in 2 weeks. Hurray!



    Take care all. We finally got some rain here yesterday and we are all so happy. I would like to recomend a book on CD titled The Will to Live and Other Mysteries by Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D.

    It's not at all corny like much of that sort of stuff is. She's got me looking for small miracles and I've found 2 recently. There is a tiny plant growing out of the side of my aluminum siding garage and there was a volunteer cantalope in my wood burning pile where we burn fallen limbs. I think these both qualify as minor miracles because we've had a horrendous drought this year--more than 17 inches behind and officials for a while thought nearby Athens would be out of water by Christmas. The 2 cantaloupes we got from the volunteer vine were juicy and delicious. They were a very nice surprise.



    Debbie M.

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  • shrink
    shrink Member Posts: 936
    edited November 2007

    Debbie - Thanks for the tips.  Can't wait for next Monday and maybe Tuesday to be over.  I'm mad at God right now.  I should be aware of small miracles. I think I'll grab that book. That mother of a tumor did shrink a lot.  Strange what we become grateful for.  My almost 3 year old granddaughter called last night and yelled, "Grandmom, I pooped on the toilet!"  Another miracle.

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  • honeygirl
    honeygirl Member Posts: 1,718
    edited November 2007

    Shrink , your granddaughter is precious. The first "poop" is so exciting!lol Good luck to you with your surgery. You are in my prayers.xxx Melody

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  • shrink
    shrink Member Posts: 936
    edited November 2007

    Another miracle - I just posted this on the other June thread - My pre-op MRI done yesterday shows "no residual evidence of disease" after chemo.  Now I'm really grateful. Your prayers and warm wishes helped I'm sure.  Can I get out of Monday's surgery now?  I don't think so.  I wish you all some very good news.

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  • mikeysmom
    mikeysmom Member Posts: 137
    edited November 2007

    Yay Shrink!!! That is such great news! I'll be thinking of you on Monday. I hope it all goes extremely well and easy!

    Cyndi

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  • Barbeqrn
    Barbeqrn Member Posts: 200
    edited November 2007

    Dawn,



    Are we on the same rad schedule? I have had 2 treatments so far...

    Ojibajo, come to the Dec rad group! Everyone is just starting rads and are going through mapping etc...

    How is the hair regrowth going...I am just wondering how long until I look half way normal without a hat on!

    Everyone take care! Barb

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  • DebbieK
    DebbieK Member Posts: 116
    edited November 2007

    Shrink, you have already done all the hard stuff.  The surgery will be over before you know it, and a few days later you will be feeling better.  Even right after surgery is sooooooo much better than chemo.  I will be thinking and praying for you!

    Debbie M, it was so good to hear from you.  I am also in the middle of rads.  It hasn't been too bad.  I am shying away from reconstruction because I hear the chances of lymphedema go up with having the surgery.  Have you heard anything about that?  I really need to have something done because the surgeon left that side looking like a sharpei with lots of extra skin and folds and it is uncomfortable under my arm.  I guess I will wait and see and talk to the ps about the pros and cons next spring.

    I have to say even after a couple weeks of going "commando" on my head, I never get tired of feeling my hair and seeing myself in the mirror without a head cover!  I can't wait until you guys catch up!

    Take care all,

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  • TerryNY
    TerryNY Member Posts: 603
    edited November 2007

    B445, I'm not familiar with Purple MB.   Ischua is further south than I am, in an area called the Southern Tier, she's getting snow tonight, I think!  

    Cyndi, I too suffer from the cold neck syndrome.  LOL   I don't see how men stand having nekked necks during the winter!  Tonight the wind is howling and it's been raining/hailing/snowing all day...take your pick. 

    DebbieM, wish I could send you some wet weather!  I've heard about GA's drought, hope winter brings your area some relief.  I love the cantaloupe story, I might have to go on my own small miracle search. 

    Shrink, fantastic news!!  I'm thrilled for you, an honest to goodness miracle with help from science.  :-)  Too funny about your granddaughter, hope she continues to be excited about the potty!  LOL    I wish you well come Monday, please update as soon as you're able. 

    Keeping you all in my thoughts this week and wishing you minimal SE from rads. 

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  • kath11
    kath11 Member Posts: 102
    edited December 2007

    Hi Everyone!

    It's been a while since I posted, but I've been reading the posts and catching up on all of you.  I'm back to work full time, helping my mom move from a house she's lived in for 45 years and getting ready for Christmas.  As I can tell from the few posts in recent days you all are just as busy as I am.  My joints have been extremely achey, which is funny since during Taxol I had no aches or pains as so many have.  I hope it subsides soon.  I hope all of you going through rads are having an easy time of it.  I'm not doing radiation and although I guess that's a good thing, I do have the feeling "Have I done enough????"

    Shrink, my thoughts and prayers will be with you this coming week as you get through your surgery.  You sound like a strong, intelligent woman and you are an inspiration to me.   I'm so glad that tumor is gone!

    I'm on my way to my mom's house now, but I wanted to wish you  all a great weekend before I go.  Every one of you has touched me in some way and I love you for that!

    xoxo

    Kathleen

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  • b445
    b445 Member Posts: 1,325
    edited December 2007

    Terry, we had PINKSTOCK '07 at MB's last summer and my do it again next summer it was a blast to meet so many from the boards. I think there were 16 of us plus families.

    We had a light snow last night but they say it will really hit later today. I hope not since I have to be out there for a concert.

    Chemo is going well and I can tell I'm back into it. I had an MRI for the brain yesterday and was told I have 5 new spots that need to be treated. I see the neuroseurgon on Monday.

    Does the fun ever end?

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  • shrink
    shrink Member Posts: 936
    edited December 2007

    b445 - sorry about the new spots.  I don't think the fun ever does end.

    Thank you, everyone for your good wishes and prayers for my upcoming surgery.  I happened to watch a segment on Good Morning America (I think) today about people waking up in the middle of surgery.  I had thought about never waking up and that would be sad but this would be terrible.  Oh, well, something else to obsess about until Monday.

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  • TerryNY
    TerryNY Member Posts: 603
    edited December 2007

    Shrink, get that thought out of your head right now and turn off that tv!!  Concentrate on getting better and knowing you're doing all you can to keep this from coming back.  

    I'm keeping you in my thoughts and know the doctors are all on your team to fight the good fight! 

    Is there anyway you can have someone post here on how you're doing?  We're an impatient group and need to know.

    Is your surgery an outpatient or are you staying in? 

    Good luck, Shrink, I'm thinking of you, my dear sister!

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  • shrink
    shrink Member Posts: 936
    edited December 2007

    Thanks, Terry, for your good wishes.  I'll be in the hospital overnight and will return to this board asap.  It's been a great help to me.  Maybe I'll have Bob send a message to you all.

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  • honeygirl
    honeygirl Member Posts: 1,718
    edited December 2007

    Good luck to you Shrink!xxxx I will be praying for a sucessful surgery and a speedy recovery for you. Let us know as soon as you can how it went. Melody

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  • lastminuteD
    lastminuteD Member Posts: 333
    edited December 2007

    Saying a prayer Shrink!!  I had 4 surgeries last year and 2 this year - don't remember much about any of them so don't worry about that movie.

    Let us know how you are doing - we'll all be waiting and worrying!

    Dawn

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  • lastminuteD
    lastminuteD Member Posts: 333
    edited December 2007

    b445 - saying a prayer for you too!  Please let us know what happens tomorrow.  You know we're all behind you and worrying about you.

    Dawn

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  • Charlie451
    Charlie451 Member Posts: 69
    edited December 2007

    Hi group!

    Someone , I believe Debbiek, posted here that she had returned to this group from the Nov rad group for the positive vibes and upbeat support. So true. Even though I don't post much anymore I pray for all of you. I will be especially thinking/praying about Shrink in her surgery today and B445 and her new "spots".

    I really like Dville's comment about seeking out tiny miracles. It is a very good exercise.  That would make a good theme for some art work. Of course I have to find time for that in between my part time job, keeping grandson, and another additional activity. Like Kathleen, I am starting the process of helping my 93 year old Dad move from his house to assisted living. He has been independent for so long. Still amazingly healthy for his age, too.

    Rads are gong well for me - I think it is due in part to a prescription cream the rad onc insists that I use twice a day along with a moisturizer they gave me to use with the cream.

    I flipped my chemo port in my sleep again. The best news is that they will take it out!!! I will call today to make arrangements with the surgeon.

    Christmas decorations are still in the attic but hopefully will be out soon. I will enlist DH and grandaughter to help.

    You all have a lovely week,

    Linda

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  • mikeysmom
    mikeysmom Member Posts: 137
    edited December 2007

    I'm going to start rads next week after all. My radiation onc said she would prefer not to wait and I'll only miss 2 days with Christmas and New Years. But I can't have any extra days off during tx. I'm actually glad to be getting it over with. I feel so much better now that I'm done with chemo.

    I had the most wonderful party Saturday night! My friends helped me celebrate the end of chemo and it was just a perfect night. I made a toast to all of you too:-)

    B445 and shrink--I'm praying for you!! And I know all of us in this group are thinking of you today and hoping everything goes extremely well!!

    Cyndi

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