Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

Hi Ladies,

I happened upon this thread, and want to tell you that you can do it. Today is my one yr anniv of the mastectomy. I did six months of chemo, 4 ac, 12 weekly taxols. It was hard, but I worked the entire time (I have a desk job, so it was doable). I was mostly very tired, mouth sores, and of course, bald. But my hair is coming back nicely, I feel pretty much back to normal, and I honestly believe if I can do it, anyone can. I didn't have a port either, and I was glad about that. the less surgeries, the better, in my opinion. I do have good veins. Just take it in baby steps, have faith in your strength and decisions, and know that you will get through it and will get your life back. I am on the Jan 07 board, and it was (and is) an enormous source of info, encouragement, and a very safe place to vent.

God Bless. Stay strong, and know that you are loved.

Melia

Hello Ladies,

I have no idea what micromets are.  That will certainly be a question for the oncologist.  I am hoping there is a chance that they will say "hey we got it all and the nodes are clear so no chemo".  But since I have the appt with the medical oncologist it is hard to hold on to that hope.  I am trying to prepare myself emotionally for when I hear them say it.  I fell apart when I got the news that the lumpectomy was positive for cancer.

Everyone at work is telling me to just be strong and have faith, but I keep saying to myself.  They aren't the ones that has had 3 surgeries and has the battle wounds to go with it.  They aren't the ones that has to have these chemicals pumped into them and watch their bodies change.  It is hard to keep a positive outlook all the time.  You go to work with a smile on, but inside your mind is racing with questions and the ultimate "why me". 

Sorry....got to caught up in feeling sorry for myself.  All better now.  I will keep reading and checking back here.  It is good to have people to talk to that are going through the same things.  Hang in there girls, we will make it through this together.

Has anyone had or heard of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene test?  I am trying to see if it is something that is routine or something that you have to request.  What exactly does it tell you and the doctors?  I also started reading a little last night about the "Triple negative".  Does anyone have info or know of threads that deal with that.  I know I am triple negative, but what exactly does that mean?  Is it good or bad?

my first node had the .2mm on it too. but, i chose to do the next step which is surgery..i just want to make sure its all gone! Hey, bc/bs does not pay for wigs...I called the cancer society and they took my info and may send me a 75.00 voucher to a wig place...making strides.

This has been the longest week.  Tomorrow I go to the oncologist to get the scoop on my treatment plan.  I know what you mean vettegal, it is hard to keep focused on work when you are waiting.  I feel like I am not all here.  My body goes to work and I do the job, but I feel disconnected, like I am somewhere else. 

It has been a tough week.  My first day back at work after the node surgery was Monday.  Then Tuesday I developed a UTI, I guess from the pain meds and not moving around much.  I forgot how painful UTI's can be. The antibiotics are kickin in now.  The pain is getting better.  I managed to make it this far, so the rest of today and part of tomorrow should be a bit easier.

Hang tough...we can make it.

I'm from the sept group and will be done with my last chemo tx at christmas.  These threads for those starting chemo at the same time are a GODSEND.  I remember being on the brink of starting chemo (I won't go into what that feels like because you're all feeling that right now).  To have the other ladies in here to step out with gave me the strength to continue on despite the fear. 

I had 4 tx's of AC and am just finishing 4 tx's of taxol.  I was terrified the first time I went in for chemo, but going in and getting the chemo really wasn't bad.  I recommend taking an ativan or something similar before you go because your own nerves are the worst part.  I do have a port and they just hooked me up and I sat and watched tv for 2 hours.  I didn't feel weird.  I started to feel sick from AC usually later that night or the next day.  Keep up on the meds they give you and its doable.  The steroids (like decadron) will make you feel a bit wired.  I often came home from tx and did housework like crazy.  I didn't have trouble sleeping but a lot do so make arrangements for sleep aids if you want.  I found the decadron did a great job with the nausea but when I stopped taking it after the first week, I crashed hard and felt horrible so I chose to only have the decadron in my IV at chemo (personal choice).

I was just as scared going to my 1st taxol tx so being afraid is normal even after you've already been through it.  At times you'll feel numb and just keep moving forward, then you'll sit and cry.  Its all normal. 

There's a great thread on tips somewhere in here.  Here's what I can think of off the top of my head.

Keep products for constipation and diarrhea on hand.  Often the first days of tx make u constipated and later some get diarrhea.  I had diarrhea for nearly 2 months.  Eating soup with rice, bananas, toast, and apple juice will help slowly build substance. 

Make a mouthwash of water, a little salt and a little baking soda.  It will help with mouthsores.  If they get bad, the dr can prescribe "magic mouthwash." 

I also got yeast infections so I kept diflucan on hand.

I kept books on tape on hand for when I felt crappy and just wanted to lay down. 

Someone earlier mentioned writing things down.  Have a folder to keep track of everything because its overwhelming and once you start chemo u get a little fuzzy.  Especially keep a log of what meds you take the first days after chemo because its a lot of pills to keep track of and you want to keep on schedule and not overtake.

My hair got brittle and gross about 13 days after my 1st tx.  I chose to shave it off at that time.  I have a wig.  But most of the time I wear a turban with a bandana over it.  I also have a hair "fall" which is just hair that sticks out of your hat so it looks like you have hair but its not a full wig. 

Drink, drink, drink.  The more you drink, the better you'll feel.  I found it hard to drink just water.  I drank gatorade until I couldn't stand that and then moved on to those flavored waters. 

Well, Hope this isn't too overwhelming a post.  I just remember being where you are and I'm so excited to be the one coming back saying, "hey, you can do this and you will be where I am feeling obligated to talk to the next group starting." 

Good Luck ladies!!  Use the live chat, too, if you're really freaking out.  It helps a lot.

I am having a bilat mast with a tram reconstruction on 12/18. how long after surgery did you start chemo? My surgeon though I would talk to an oncologist about 2 weeks after surgery.

Hi!  I'm back. 

Sharont68:  I'm starting my chemo one month after my expander enchanger surgery.  I know that some people who have started chemo 2-3 weeks after surgery.  I guess it depends on your doc and what you're having done.

D1:  I'll sooo be reading your posts since we're doing the same stuff.  I am doing my "chemo talk" next week after surgery.  I opted for the port since I'm getting herceptin for a year-- I thought that would be way too many needles for me   I know that my onc gives decadron the day before, day of, and day after chemo.  I have an RX for Zofran to take for 2-3 days after chemo, and they'll give me something before chemo too.  I think the N/V symptoms makes me most nervous, but not too thrilled about the Taxotere bone aches either.  Who am I kidding?... the whole thing freaks me out!

Hi gals, I'm popping over from the Jan, 2007 board to lend my support and encouragement. If you read our archives at Christmas time, you will see that we were feeling just the way you are now.

I had 4 rounds of AC, 3 weeks apart and then radiation. Oh and also a lumpectomy/SNB and re-excision for clear margines.

You can do this. It is much scarier thinking about it than going through it. Someone said it's not as bad as Lifetime tv chemo but not as pretty as soap opera chemo. I think that about sums it up. Stay on top of your meds and remember that your oncologist is your friend. He/she has all kinds of tricks to use to help you get through this. And of course, the gals you  befriend on your Jan 2008 board will become like sisters. Hard to believe now, but once you've shared an experience like this, it really does make for a special bond.

Hang in there. Don't worry too much about Christmas. I just went through the motions last year and really just wanted to get the (chemo) show on the road. A year from now, you'll be cheering on the Jan 2009 gals.

XXOO Amera