June 2007 Chemo

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  • shrink
    shrink Member Posts: 936
    edited December 2007

    Thanks for your prayers, everyone.  I have not heard back from the onc about the tumor board's recommendations and it is 7:45 PM.  What are the chances?  I'll put up some stink tomorrow to hear from someone on my team!  I have this feeling that when treatment doesn't go as the doctors expect, they avoid you.   I'm probably being paranoid.

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  • ellie123
    ellie123 Member Posts: 47
    edited December 2007

    Hey Everyone-

    I'm a Junie but somehow missed this whole support page.  I tried the chat room a couple of times and was overwhelmed with the banter so I kind of dropped out.  Hope you don't mind if I ask a couple of questions even though I'm almost on the rads page!

    I'm 4 weeks past my last taxotere and I'm still having nasty leg pain and swelling.  Anyone else have these symptoms?   Thanks.

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  • shrink
    shrink Member Posts: 936
    edited December 2007

    Hi Ellie - Welcome to the June group.  I am just 4 weeks past Taxol also.  My feet and legs have recovered but I have lots numbness in my left hand.  I've read other posts from folks who have ongoing back and leg pain but I don't recall reading about swelling.  I'm sure you'll hear from someone who did.

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  • ellie123
    ellie123 Member Posts: 47
    edited December 2007

    Thanks Shrink-

    I was reading other past posts and I think I'm going to bug my onc for a "water pill" and see if that helps.  I had some numbness but that's mostly gone (except for one spot on the bottom of my foot!).  Hope your hand feels better!

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  • lastminuteD
    lastminuteD Member Posts: 333
    edited December 2007

    Shrink - that is so aggravating!!  Take a deep breath (and a glass of wine!!) and call them in the morning! 

    Welcome ellie123!

    Cy - when will you have the gamma knife procedure?  Will you be hospitalized for it or outpatient?

    Had #10 radiation today and met with the doctor.  She is planning to reassess at #25 to see how my skin is and whether she can do more whole breast rads.  Since I've had two cancers in there now, she would prefer  to do that instead of boosts.  Also told me that I will get pretty "toasty" since I receive the bolus everyday....... she seemed surprised that I'm not having any problems yet. 

    Hope everyone is having a wonderful week!

    14 days till Christmas!  woo hoo!!

    Dawn

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  • DebbieK
    DebbieK Member Posts: 116
    edited December 2007

    Welcome Ellie!  I tried to switch to a rad group but it just didn't feel right.  This is a wonderful group, and we just keep on going in spite of all the ways our treatments are leading us.  I don't know about the swelling but your onc should be able to figure it out.

    I had my 23rd tx today.  5 more of the big ones and then 8 boosts.  One of the techs always asks me if the skin on my neck is sore; I never think about it much until he asks.  It feels like he thinks it should be very sore.  It is pretty red, but feels more like a sunburn which really isn't much to worry about.  I put sweencream on it when I remember, and that makes it feel good.

    We are having my son and his sweetie over for spaghetti tomorrow night for his 25th birthday.  He is the youngest of our three; can't believe he is 25!

    Terry, thanks for telling about your grandson.  Christmas is so great when there are little ones around.

    Shrink, it is so hard to wait for that phone to ring!  Our minds work overtime when that happens.  The glass of wine sounds like a good idea.

    Hope you all have a good week!

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  • mikeysmom
    mikeysmom Member Posts: 137
    edited December 2007

    Hi Ellie (and everyone else too!),

    I am almost 4 wks from my last taxol and I still have a LOT of joint pain and some numbness in my feet and fingers. The numbness I think will go away but I'm afraid the joint pain won't. I never had any swelling and hadn't heard of anyone else that did either...DebbieK is right--this group is great and I don't feel the need to switch to a rads group (don't start till next week anyway). Shrink, I feel your anxiety! Call first thing tomorrow! I've got to get some work done before bed but just wanted to touch base with everyone. Take care!!

    Cyndi

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  • TerryNY
    TerryNY Member Posts: 603
    edited December 2007

    Shrink, how frustrating for you!  I hope you can get ahold of your onc first thing this morning.

    Welcome, Ellie!  My last taxol was 9/26 and I still have lingering numbness and pain especially after a marathon shopping spree.  My hands are much better and I only notice it there if they get cold.   But, overall, the SE are much better than they were while I was still undergoing active treatment.  

    I would ask your doctor about the swelling though.  I sometimes feel as if my ankles swell but just a tad and after I prop my feet up, it goes away. 

    Dawn, it's great you're not having a difficult time with your rads!

    DebbieK, happy birthday to your son.   My son is 25 too, although he's the oldest.

    Cy, thanks for the explanations.  I hope the procedure works, we know it did, we are strong and we are WOMEN! 

    Hope everyone is staying safe and warm and not getting hit by the massive storms.   We had rain and more rain yesterday and woke up to a few inches of snow this morning.   Very odd weather!

    Shrink, check in soon!  I'm thinking of you. 

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  • shrink
    shrink Member Posts: 936
    edited December 2007

    I finally heard from the onc. He was waiting to talk to the radiologist who is at a conference in San Antonio.  The tumor meeting was a small one.  Anyway the recommendation is for more chemo(Xeloda) for 4-6 months concurrent with 2 months of radiation.  Needless to say, I'm upset since I thought the chemo phase was over.  They also recommended upper body CT/PET scans for "baseline." Surprises on this cancer trail seem to be mostly unpleasant.

    Thank you all for your interest and support during what seemed to be an interminable wait.

    Best wishes for a happy holiday season.  I'm pretty much in the "Hum Bug" mood myself at this minute but it will change.

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  • TerryNY
    TerryNY Member Posts: 603
    edited December 2007

    {{{Shrink}}}   Is the xeloda a new chemo?  Is it infused?  I know we were all hoping for a different outcome and route for you.   But now that you have a plan offered to you, hopefully your spirits will rise once again and you'll be able to head off this monster.  

    We will be here to support you in any way possible.   {{{Shrink}}}

    I'm glad the rad is attending the San Antonio symposium.  I can't wait to hear of this year's new research.  I asked my surgeon's nurse today if he was attending and he couldn't even find a hotel room in the area!  It's supposedly THE cancer seminar to attend.  I think one of the presentations taking place is the affect of antihormone therapy on ER neg/PR pos tumors - this is of great interest to me and I'm glad someone is finally addressing this issue. 

    I signed up for daily email alerts about the studies/research being presented.

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  • shrink
    shrink Member Posts: 936
    edited December 2007

    I think Xeloda's been around for 10 years or so.  It's an oral med - no infusions but potentially the same se's as the other stuff - nausea, hair loss, memory problems, etc.  The onc said, "We want to do everything possible."  To me that means "everything possible to save you."  I feel very vulnerable and not too optimistic at the moment.  I know myself and it will pass.  Thanks for asking.

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  • ellie123
    ellie123 Member Posts: 47
    edited December 2007

    Hi all-

    Thanks for a great welcome!  My onc wanted me to try some "natural" remedies for a couple of days before he saw me for a RX and they are actually working well.  It was a comfort to hear that other Junies are still working through the aches of Taxo.

    Shrink- I'll be keeping you in my prayers for strength as you go down another chemo road.  We can all walk with you and hold your handSmile!

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  • kath11
    kath11 Member Posts: 102
    edited December 2007

    Hi to Everyone,

    I haven't posted in quite some time, but I am reading every night before bed and have you all in my thoughts and prayers.

    Welcome Ellie.  These are the women that got me through since last June.  There is so much amazing strength and wisdom here, and it always feels like home when I come back to catch up on how everyone is doing.  I'm curious as to the "natural" remedies you tried.  I'm having quite a bit of joint and muscle pain, and a little swelling.  I'd love to try anything "natural" for a change!

    Cy and Shrink, I have been keeping up with all that's been going on with both of you.  I'm so sorry that things couldn't be a little brighter.   As hard as it will be, I know you'll both push forward and do what needs to be done.   You both give the rest of us inspiration and strength and we are all pulling for you.

    Happy Holidays to everyone.  I can't wait for 2008.  I pray it's going to be a better year for all of us!

    xoxo

    Kathleen

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  • ellie123
    ellie123 Member Posts: 47
    edited December 2007

    Hi Kathleen-

    The main things he recommended were to drink cranberry juice and try to eat foods full of potassium like bananas and prunes.  Citrus is also supposed to help and of course dring water constantly.  He added that as much exercise as I could tolerate would help as well.  Then I went on line and found something about laying with your legs up against a wall for about 5 minutes.  I remembered my son doing this after he ran sprints in track to drain the lactic acid.  I swear after my first upside down session I felt a difference (I also looked like a loon doing it but my kids are used to anything at this point!)  I'm still sore but it is getting better and the swelling is down.  Hope it helps!  I'm calling onc again tomorrow and I think I will keep this going for at least a few more days.  I'm so sick of meds!

    Laura

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  • Charlie451
    Charlie451 Member Posts: 69
    edited December 2007

    Welcome ellie123. You found the best place for continued support with this group. I didn't have taxol but I took vitamin B6, a natural diuretic, all through chemo and I think it worked to keep swelling away.

    Shrink, I have been praying for your healing. I know some one up there is hearing us. Hang in there with the new treatment plan. We are here for you.

    Cy, I have been doing the very same for you. Claim the miracles (great and small) that are promised us. My daughter's boyfriend's aunt was treated for brain cancer and is going strong now.

    I keep up with what's happening with all of you but don't get to post often enough.

    Still going thropugh rads. The machines will be down for programming tomorrow so I start again on Monday. Should be finished by next Friday barring an ice storm or something. So far so good with the rads.

    I, too, will be very interested to know the outcome of research presented at the San Antonio conference regarding hormone therapy for ER-PR-Her- cells. That would be the next step for me but I couldn't see the logic in it.

    Have a good weekend all. Take care if you are in the ice storm...

    Linda

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  • DebbieK
    DebbieK Member Posts: 116
    edited December 2007

    Hi All, so nice to find some conversation going on.

    Shrink, I am keeping you in my prayers.  So very sorry you are having a rough time.  Just know you are in our thoughts.

    Cy, hope you are feeling well after your treatment and hope you enjoying your family and loved ones around you.

    It was nice to hear from you, Kathleen and Linda; it's been a while.

    Today I went over to a chinese restaurant close to where I work for lunch.  One of the waitors there is always very stern looking, but today after he took my order and started to walk away, he turned with a big smile on his face and said, "Velly pretty.....your hair style!"  I had to laugh and thanked him.  I don't know if he recognized me from when I was wearing the head covers or if he just likes extremely short haircuts on women.  He certainly brightened my day!

    I only have 10 rad treatments left.  I am looking forward to being released from treatment finally.

    Take care all,

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  • mikeysmom
    mikeysmom Member Posts: 137
    edited December 2007

    Debbie, I loved that story about the waiter! I can't wait till I have enough hair to go "topless"!! It reminded me of when I shaved my head at the beginning of chemo. My mom did it but couldn't get it really close so I had like a crew cut at first. My son (10yrs old) looked at it and said "I've seen that hair style on girls before--it looks good."

    Linda, I was told to take B6 for the numbness. I haven't been as diligent about taking it as I should but there is very little left in my feet. I am going to try putting my legs up too, Laura.

    Kathleen, I just said the same thing about 2008 last night! 2007 was just not my year! But I'm trying to remember some of the good things that happened--like my stepdaughter moving in with us. She has been a joy to have around and a big help too.

    Shrink and Cy, you know we are all pulling for you...you're in our thoughts and prayers as you continue to fight this monster.

    I hope everyone is getting ready for Christmas because it's just around the corner!! So happy holidays to you all!!

    Cyndi

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  • shrink
    shrink Member Posts: 936
    edited December 2007

    Once again, everyone, I appreciate your thoughts and prayers.  My surgery was last Monday (12/3) and I'm still having quite a bit of discomfort. I thought I'd be feeling better by now.  I resisted taking the opiates (Darvocet) but had to give in to popping them about 3x per day.  I had one drain removed today and it wasn't as horrible as I'd anticipated.  I'll be seeing the onc after the first of the year to go over treatment plans.  I think it will be post-op scans, Xeloda for 4-6 months and rads daily for 6 weeks.  Anti-depressants might be on the menu as well.

    Hope you all have your shopping done and are set to enjoy the holidays.

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  • mikeysmom
    mikeysmom Member Posts: 137
    edited December 2007

    Hi everyone, a friend just sent this to me and it is a great message. I apologize if it's too religious for anyone.

    Cyndi

    Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me" (Psalm 23:4 NKJV).

    Today's Word from Joel and Victoria:

     Do you ever feel like you are walking through the valley of the shadow of death? During the tough times, it's easy to get to discouraged. I love what it says in the verse, "though I walk through..." No matter what you are facing today, know this: you are not alone, and you are just walking through. You don't have to stop and live in the tough times. They are only temporary. I encourage you today; don't allow fear to paralyze you in the middle of "the valley of the shadow of death." Remember, God is with you. He is walking beside you. He is strengthening you. He is making a way of escape for you. He is lining up people and situations to bring you out of that tough place into a place of strength and victory. Don't give up! Press on and walk through! Begin to get a vision of your life on the other side. See yourself more loving, more faithful, stronger and more blessed than ever before. As you keep moving forward and walking through, you will get to the other side and experience the victory God has in store for you!

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  • lastminuteD
    lastminuteD Member Posts: 333
    edited December 2007

    Cyndi - that is awesome!  thanks for sharing with us.

    shrink - you will feel a little better every day as you heal from surgery and it sounds like you have a couple weeks before you have to start the new drugs and radiation.  Please try to enjoy each day of this holiday season so you can go into the next stage of treatment relaxed and uplifted.  We are here if you need ears and a shoulder.

    It is good to see everyone checking in on our group.

    Have a wonderful weekend!

    Dawn

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

    Hello ladies. Welcome Ellie 123. Cy , Shrink and Gracie , I am praying for you all , Gracie , your mom too. My heart aches cause I want us all to move through this journey together and all get better at the same pace. But no matter where we all are on our own personal part of the journey , we can still do it together. I hope each and everyone of you have good moments everyday. No matter how small or big.

    Cyndi , thanks soooo much for sharing that with us. It is so beautiful. I hope you don't mind if I copy it. I know someone that could use it right now. Thanks.

    I am in Ohio , and they are calling for a foot of snow Sunday! So I guess I better get my shopping and running around done Saturday.

    Take care all , I am sending you all positive , healing vibes. xxxx

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  • kath11
    kath11 Member Posts: 102
    edited December 2007

    Hi Everyone,

    Laura, thank you for the "natural" tips.  I've got the cranberry juice and bananas covered.  I've been a little negligent on the water since I finished chemo.  I still get Herceptin so I should be drinking just as much as before but frankly I'm sick of drinking so much water!  I'm going to try the legs up against a wall trick.  I had to do that a few years ago when I pulled my hamstring.  You do look and feel a little ridiculous but when you're done it feels pretty good!

    Cyndi, thank you for the message you sent.  I will be sending it on to a friend as well.  She is also going through treatment for bc, a recurrence, but she is also dealing with her 20 year old daughter who has anorexia.  Another difficult situation to be in, when you only want to help your child but they don't want your help.   Words of encouragement can help every one of us.

    I hope everyone stays safe and warm with the harsh weather out there.  I feel a little guilty as I'm complaining that it is getting a little cold at night, into the 30's, but it is in the 60's and sunny in the daytime.   I sure would love some snow at Christmas though.  Here in Central California that would be a miracle.

    Take care.  I think of you all every single day. 

    xoxo

    Kathleen

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  • mikeysmom
    mikeysmom Member Posts: 137
    edited December 2007

    I should have put in that post that Joel Osteen wrote that...

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  • ellie123
    ellie123 Member Posts: 47
    edited December 2007

    Kathleen-  I know what you mean about the water....I feel like inground pool most of the time ( I also live in a bathroom most of the time!)  I have to say I am feeling significantly better at this point so I guess it is all working.  Hope you feel a difference too!

    Shrink-You got through the first chemo and you will do it again.  Keep looking forward and know that this time WILL make the difference your doctors are looking for.  I'm amazed at all the findings that have happened since I was diagnosed just a few months ago.  Strides are being made....WE CAN DO THIS!

    To everyone else..thanks for a great welcome!

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  • TerryNY
    TerryNY Member Posts: 603
    edited December 2007

    Shrink, I think taking an antidepressent at this news would not be uncommon.   In fact, I remember asking at my very first onc appt for something.  I like my little bottle of xanax.  It helps me to get on planes too for my fear of flying.   :-)  It's a multi-use drug!  I'm being a bit facetious but really, at this time of our lives, I think a little chemical help is called for.  I'm keeping you in my thoughts.  Are you having family come for the holidays? 

    Cy, give us an update when you're able.   Hope things are going well for you.

    Honeygirl, we too are expected to get blasted with this storm...up to 20 inches of snow starting tonight and lasting till Monday AM.   We're supposed to go to oldest son's for family dinner tomorrow night.  I think we might have to postpone it. 

    I am baking Christmas cookies today and wrapping presents.  Husband is taking his mom shopping, daughter has a final exam at school and youngest is working.  Perfect opportunity for me to get some Christmas spirit going! 

    Hope that all of you doing rads are coming along nicely. 

     I wish everyone a peaceful holiday season. 

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  • shrink
    shrink Member Posts: 936
    edited December 2007

    Terry, I have lots of Ativan which I use for sleeping (similar to xanax).  Anti-depressants like Zoloft, Paxil, Lexapro would be my next stop on the train.

    Loads of people have offered to help with whatever I need and I find that what I need most is company.  My SO works part time and I'm on LT Disability so I have too much time to think about this.  I'm going to call in a few favors from those who offered.

    We have no specific holiday plans.  What about you?

    Thanks for the ears and shoulders.  Hope all of you are enjoying the season and staying warm.

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  • TerryNY
    TerryNY Member Posts: 603
    edited December 2007

    Hi, Shrink, we aren't really making special plans for the holidays.   My son and his wife both have to work.  He is an EMT and she's a CNA at a nursing home so they are open 24/7.

    They had us over for dinner Sunday night, turkey with all the trimmings.  It was delicious!

    I'm done with shopping, now to wrap up everything!  I don't like wrapping very much though...hm, isn't that what decorative bags are for?  LOL 

    Shrink, I hope some of your friends have been able to keep you company and entertained.   Have you been able to see some of the sights and sounds of the season?  We still pile the "kids" in the car and go out to view Christmas lights then come home and make hot chocolate.    It's been a tradition for years.  

    We got a lot of snow over the weekend but not nearly as bad as they predicted.  Schools were open yesterday, I'm sure there were a lot of disappointed kids! 

    Hope this finds all of you doing well and finishing up rads, some of you?  

    Cy, how are you?   I'm holding you in my thoughts. 

    Take care everyone!

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  • shrink
    shrink Member Posts: 936
    edited December 2007

    I am happy to report that I feel 100% better.  Stitches and drains were removed.  I had an infection in one of those drain openings which the bs cleaned out and packed.  I'm supposed to unpack it tomorrow (eew) and I'm taking Keflex.  I think the infection is what was giving me so much pain.  The depression had a lot to do with not getting any better after 2 weeks.  I drove for the first time since surgery and didn't have any problems but I had to estimate the weight of each bag.  To be safe, I made 2 trips.  Anyway, I guess I'm back on track although there are a few unanticipated stops along the way to the destination.

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  • lastminuteD
    lastminuteD Member Posts: 333
    edited December 2007

    shrink - sounds like things are looking up!  I know getting those drains out and driving again feels wonderful.  The keflex will take care of the infection and you will heal quickly before the next round begins.  We are here for you!

    I can't believe Christmas is here.  I've been trying for years to be done shopping/wrapping/baking early..................................... Of course, these last two years I've been side swiped with all this cancer business so I'm trying to give myself a break! Very hard for me!

    2008 will be my organization year.  That's my goal at least!  Not just Christmas but my filing, crafts, closets - everything!!  Laughing

    For inspiration in 2008:  www.organizedchristmas.com (hint:  not just about Christmas..............................)

    Wishing everyone well with their treatments this week (#15 of rads was today for me - doctor says she's going to push the envelope with me since this is a recurrence - just starting to look pink!) and with their holiday preparations!

    Dawn

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  • DebbieK
    DebbieK Member Posts: 116
    edited December 2007

    Shrink, so glad to hear you are feeling better and getting out and about.  I remember how happy I was to get rid of the drains.  Too bad it got infected, but that should clear up fast.  I hope you can enjoy the season and your loved ones now that you are feeling better.

    Well, yesterday I finished the 28 regular rad treatments so now I only have the boosts left; after today 7 more.  The boosts are only on the scar.  My skin has been very sore and weepy the last few days and I have had to use the burn cream the dr. prescribed.  It is not too bad, though, and I am fortunate to have gotten through so much of it with no problem.

    I too have a lot of wrapping to do, Terry.  My daughter said she would come over and help and I may let her.  We made cookies together last Sunday and she was a great help.  I never realize until I try to do something big that I do not have all my strength back.

    Nice to read the posts this evening.  Hugs to all,

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