Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?
Comments
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Vettegal, I saw my surgeon on my 6 wk after surgery anniversary and he was surprised that I hadn't been using a heating pad (he hadn't told me about it). He told me to perch it on a pillow, put a dishcloth folded in half on it to keep from getting too warm, and put it under my arm/on my boob. He said it would soften my incisions. It has really helped me. Since then, (this was around Thanksgiving time) I've used the heating pad at least once a day. Sometimes I get up in the morning and use it while I read the paper, then I always use it at night. At 6 weeks my surgeon also told me to start rubbing cortisone cream on my scars before I use the heat. Not sure the cortisone cream is doing much. But I wouldn't put anything on your scars till you get the okay from your doc. And your surgeon may have something better to suggest (I'm not totally happy with my surgeon--nice guy, but not a great communicator, plus he gave me Frankenboob--can't help but think I could have had a better cosmetic outcome). I know the women here have used stuff like Mederma (I checked it out, but it has mixed reviews), bio-oil (I think that was the name--it seemed to be well-liked), and plain old Vaseline. When I was researching how to deal with scars it did say that once you're able to put something on them, keeping them moist helps them go away faster. (See, those of you who saw plastic surgeons got better post surgery care than us lumpectomy gals!) Just be careful not to let the heating pad get too hot, Vettegal. You're still all tender. Oh, and if your heating pad isn't too old, my surgeon recommended dampening the dishtowel that you put between you and the heating pad to deliver moist heat. My heating pad is REALLY old (I stole it from my parents house when I went to college in the 70's) and would surely short circuit if I put any water near it! (Don't tell my mom I have the heating pad--she has mentioned several times over the years that she's not sure where she lost it...and they're not that expensive, you'd think she'd buy herself another one!)
D1
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D1 thanks..they told me i don't have to go back to the surgeon unless i have some pain...duh! I am still swollen beside my breast under ther scar..sorta fuller figure boobs..(lol) and the sports bra really agitated it today all day at work..took the bra off going in the house, couldn't take it anymore. couldn't do it in my truck (rental) till mine comes back...i didn't want to cause an accident or anything...LOL the heating pad is going on tonight with some advil..should do the trick..
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Kimberly, still have some pain in my neck & back but its getting better, I think I will feel like myself by tomorrow.
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Vettegal--I was told to put an ice-pack under my arm for relief and found it helpful. I used one of those blue gel packs wrapped in a kitchen towel.
Maz -
Back to work today after having first treatment Friday.
It was a very stressful day
A co worker was mad at the world to day she snapped at everyone including me..Then I had a customer come to my desk coughing the who time..
I was pretty tired buy the end of the day. But at least I was had no nausea from chemo or bone pain from Nuelasta shot on Saturday. Thank God.
Let me know about the look good feel better class. I am planning on going to one the first part of Feb.
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Lady Jewels, just a quick note to say I came home from work feeling ultra crappy, decided to pick up the cold going around my work. I'm planning on staying home from work tomorrow, and will do some ground work on those T-shirts.
Kimberly and Deb, be strong tomorrow, we'll be thinking of you both. Remember, this is just one more little step towards that final goal. We can all do this!!!
I'm crawling into bed, 6:00 my time, I need this cold to go away asap!!!
Carol
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JJ
Dense dose means every 2 weeks chemo, I am getting ac every 2 weeks for 4 xs then 3 week break then taxol every 2 weeks for 4 xs, I believe triple negative and being stage 3 is the main reason, hit it hard. Just wanted to let everyone know I feel alot better tonight, getting ready to go to bed.
Az Donna
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Hi Carol,
I've been down with a bad cold so haven't been writing much this past weekend. Just wanted you to know that I'd love a shirt - I love the idea of FUBC on the back! Or maybe small on the front at the breast instead of a polo pony...lol
Any color is good - does anyone like black w/maybe pink writing- or is that too gaudy?
I would probably take a large - or whatever size 10/12 fits.
I've been really getting apprehensive about starting my chemo - I'm so nervous about all the side effects and still totally traumautized about losing my hair with my XT treatment. I had asked for Avastin instead of the Taxol but my doc insists my insurance won't cover it for adjuvant treatment. I wanted it because there's so much evidence that it's good for triple neg; but also I wouldn't have lost my hair. I know that's an immature reason, but there you have it. I'm a much bigger baby about the chemo than I was before my bilateral mast.
Well, please know that while I've not been posting much - I'm reading all of your experiences and learning so much. The one thing we all seem to share is a sense of irony and humor. Sometimes I believe that's the best medicine there is- too bad it can't cure cancer, eh?
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Hey, Hey - its me......
Okay its offical I will see the Onco on Friday at 9am. I cant wait, I cant wait! I am getting so excited to turn the next page of this BC. The Dr I am seeing is a young Dr - so I am going to make sure he has lots of experience with Chemo and their side effects - hope he is cute - that doesnt hurt as well - he ha. I heard from a BC survivor that if you put a cap and ice on your head after Chemo you will not lose your hair - has anyone ever heard of this?? I am not afraid to lose my hair because hair doesnt make make me who i am, but if I can prevent it maybe its worth the try.
Carol, how long has it been since your surgery? The third day I was determined to start using my arm and doing range of motion but again i have learned that in Nursing school to get right on your surgeries because it helps you moblize your body part and healing as well. I am 95% back to normal and its been three weeks and I do feel a pull here and there when I stretch my arm out but I refuse not to be back to normal. My wound is healing well too - I have been applying Vitamin E and Cocoa butter (pure). I am just blessed - its all comes from the Lord! All Glory to him.
Kathy, Yes I am in better spirits I cant help but think positive now because I am working with patients that are doing much worse then me. Not to be a downer but working in the Nursing field you see so many people passing away from Cancer and I make sure I attend to them with laughter, jokes and smiles. I even dance for them, and they just laugh and laugh! Its nice to have the same dis-ease and experience what they are feeling because I know hands on what they are going thru and I really try to inspire them. TO ME IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE WHEN YOU HAVE A PLEASANT NURSE OR DOCTOR.
I cant wait tomorrow I get my stitches out and I will be back into the gym! I am so excited it feels like a little of me my life is coming back together.
Remember everyone the book of Job - continue to have faith and you will be blessed with 10 times more! Dont let this get you down, God wants the best for you and me! Spread his love and pray for one another.
God bless you and Hugs and Kisses sent to ya,
Gods child,
Dana
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Carol,
try taking a lot of Vitamin C and the airborne product. its works so well for me when I feel a cold coming on and I hope you feel better sweetie.
WVGirl, dont let anyone be mean to you - its bad enough that you are going thru all this sweetie! I always tell people that are being rude or mean - I dont deserve this and you are not being nice and that puts them into shock! I wish I was there to put them in there place -
CarolC, dont worry about Chemo - be strong and have faith - BELIEVE THAT YOU WILL BE FINE and most likely you will be fine. I was worried about it also but I believe we will be just fine. I used to think about it over and over what if this happens, and what if I cant make school but now I believe I will be just fine I am in Gods hands and he will walk me thru this. Trust in him at all times. I will keep you in my prayers that you will find peace and ease with this! And a sense of humor and laughter can cure Cancer - if you worry it stresses out your body and it breaks it down - be happy, laugh and enjoy life! We are all just being tested and going thru our trials to make us a stronger believer!
God bless,
Dana
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Urgh. I tried putting some shirt ideas together in Word, but I can't get them to reproduce in this text box!
Anyway, I was messing with something like this:
FUBC (instead of the polo pony--I liked that!) on the breast pocket area on the front
January Jewels (in an upward arc)
bc ribbon
Sisters in Survival (in a downward arc) on the back
I'm trying to create a visual where January Jewels and Sisters in Survival make a circle around the ribbon--sort of. Does it make any sense? Seems there's a groundswell for black shirt w/bright pink lettering. I'm okay with that. I'm also okay with switching the sides, but I guess if we go with FUBC on the back it'll have to be centered? Oh, Oh, just had an idea! What about FUBC on a sleeve? Put the other stuff on the front and FUBC on the left sleeve! I know, everyone hates an idea girl. Anyway, just trying to keep the conversation going.
Thinking of Kimberly and Deb starting tomorrow...go f some cancer ladies!
Off to bed.
D1
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Hey WVgirl--tell that snappy snap face to muzzle it! We can all assure her, she was NOT having a bad day, we've had bad days and hers was not one--not by a long shot. Hope work didn't tire you out too much. Glad you're doing okay with the se's. Keep it up!
Did the heating pad help, Vettegal? Where is your lump incision? Mine is on top of my nipple in a 3" long arc from about 10 o'clock to 3 o'clock, so the heating pad resting on the top of Frankenboob and then folding under my arm to catch the node incision works. I've never figured out if the heating pad or the glass of wine is doing the trick!
Would everyone please feel better? Reading about so many colds makes me think I might have one...
D1
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D1 - Thanks for the encouragement today. I am ready. Will check in later with everyone. I really like the idea of the FUBC on the sleeve and I can kinda see where you are going trying to arc the titles. It will give me something to think about today.
Kimberly - We can do it! I'll be thinking about you and hope it goes well for you.
Both of the Carols - Hope the colds clear up quickly. That cannot be fun on top of everything else.
Hope all of the Jewels have a great day. Catch ya later!
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Good morning Jewels-after D1 told me to use a heating pad...a couple advil and heat later, i passed out in bed and woke up at 6:30am which is late for me...5:30am is mu usual wake up time..flew to work and here now reading the posts before i jump into the fire at work...lol
D1-my lumpectomy scar is almost a straight line under my nippleabout 6" long going from right to left. my AND is what really hurts right now is where they did the SNB and connected it all like astraight line about 6-7"long and the swelling is still under the armpit..can't wait to shave and i try to hard to get rid of that god awful smell....i have like a hole and that is where i wash and try to scrub..you know what i mean...soaps/body wash/ I HATE BODY ODOR...sorry venting again...
gotta go back to work...check later on.....Hugs to everyone
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Vettegal, I usually post on Nov, but check out you ladies when I can. After my SNB, I too was so sore, and had really bad b.o., and very swollen. I finally figured out the smell was coming from my bandages/surgi-strips.......so I soaked them once my incision looked pretty well healed, and they easily came off, and VOILA, no more nasty b.o !!! It takes me longer than the average bear to figure things out......I kept thinking, " how can I reek so badly when I just showered an hour ago ?"" Also, I ended up having the bs drain the fluid from my armpit while in his office ( easy and painless). Swelling was then gone, and I felt much better !
D1, love the Frankenboob comment, I am lucky enough to be sporting one too!
I am so impressed with your posts, and how strong you girls are, and some working ! You ladies Rock ! Sending wishes for a good day.
xo Cindy
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Good Morning Jewels,
Carol-Thanks once again for taking on the t-shirt thing. There is a Create Your Own type tab that takes you to where you can create you own t-shirts...yeah, it will take some looking around to see how it works exactly....not easy to do while at work.
Welcome Licorice- Yes and Yes, both are possible- answers to your questions. You've come to the right place...we are a FABULOUS,,,if I should say so myself...group of women to be hanging with while on this journey.
LJ13-I'm so sorry you got "crappy' news...ARDeb, CathyCa, and our fearless D1/OLE have all given you some great facts about the possible triple neg. thing. I hope that helped a little to ease your mind.
Glad your port wasn't as bad as you anticipated.
Vettagal-I can so picture it now..."Watch out...she's coming in for a crash landing!!!" the boss yells as customers and plumbers run to take cover behind displays. :-) I've hear that either heat or ice can help...but that extreme heat and cold can trigger lymphodema symptoms...have you taken Advil or something like that for the inflammation and pain?
KathyL-Can't wait to hear about your class. I handles the Decadron well. It did make me feel like I had too much caffeine for awhile, but not too bad...just didn't add to it by having coffee. I took it after I ate breakfast and dinner as suggested by my pharmacist. I took a valium with it after dinner to help me sleep as I 'd heard it can keep you up. I slept fine.
D1/OLE - Thank you for your cheery Go For It...We're Here With Ya...shout out for Deb and myself.
I'm sure you read my response to KathyL regarding Decadron, so I won't repeat myself. I totally understand your anxiety about your appt. today. You've been with this doctor for 30 years...he's not just a doctor, but a friend...he called you to check on you several times for goodness sake. It's like showing your little Frankenboob to the male half of really good couple friends...which I am not seeing you doing..."Hey, want to see my Frankenboob, George, I'm sure Shirley won't mind" :-0 LOL If I know you, you'll both be cracking up during your exam and the people in the hall are going to be wondering what the heck is going on in there.
Off topic....sort of....my mom- she passed of Pancreatic Cancer almost 15 years ago… has been on my mind a lot since I was diagnosed...I keep thinking of how she just did what she had to do...kept up the positive attitude for as long as she could. I miss her!!!! My poetry-she was quite a writer- is in part a piece of her...her legacy continuing.
As I anticipated my first chemotini yesterday, this poem formed…and I dedicate it to all of us on this journey.
1/7/08 Club Survivor
I imagine my cancer cells
impeccably dressed in
don’t care
how much it costs
dramatic designer black.
I picture them,
analogous
to the rich hip twenty-somethings,
the ones who have no sense
of responsibility,
only feelings of entitlement;
the won’t happen to me indestructible crowd,
all gathering at the newest club in town…
Club Survival.
It is one of those
red-velvet-roped-
can’t-get-in-
unless-
you’re-one-of-them-
kind of places.
Club Survival is
where everyone,
who thinks they are anyone,
is drinking copious amounts
of the newest martini craze,
introduced by me,
the club’s owner
and bartender.
This can’t get enough of it drink-
The Black Cat Chemotini.
And not wanting to be
on the outside
of the in-crowd,
they all drink up.
The Black Cat Chemotini,
so named
for the superstitious belief
it is bad luck
for a black cat to
cross your path,
strongly appeals to
this fate tempting defiant crowd.
The Black Cat has a splash of Decadron,
which has a stimulant affect
and keeps the in-crowd wired,
like those energy drinks
they are addicted to,
allowing them to stay up all night
drinking more than they might otherwise
as they mingle
superficially
with one another.
To that splash is added equal parts
of a few secret ingredients,
hard to pronounce, so
I just call it adding the CAT,
and viola!
The fact that they go home,
and don’t feel the effects at first
is the beauty of it.
It lulls them into
a false sense of security
convinces them
they really are in charge.
But,by the time they realize
what’s really happening,
it is too late…
they are completely addicted
to the lure of the Black Cat.
These impetuous youth
sell their souls
to get their next fix,
which I gladly serve
shaken, not stirred,
with a twist of lemon
and a smile
before sending them
on their way…
Ta, Ta, dahlings.
Kiss. Kiss
I've got my Super Girl cape...my martini glass...and my sisters...so I'm ready to head on over to Club Survival...in just over 2 hours, I'll be bartending and serving those cocky little cancer cells a Black Cat Martini.
Your SIS,
KImberly -
Morning All,
I'm heading out this morning to see about ordering the "T-shirts".
I hate to say it but being not to savvy on the puter, I find it easier to stop by the print shop with an idea, and ordering from them. I have access to shipping supplies and would be happy to send them out. I'm assuming addresses can be sent via Private Mail on line.
Figure I best get on it while we're all into it!!!!
The ideas have been great, hoping you all will like something about what is ordered!
Going with a women's cut T-shirt, black, hot pink lettering.
On the back in pretty large type "JANUARY JEWELS" (arched upwards) and "SISTERS IN SURVIVAL" (arched downwards) with the Ribbon in the middle. I'm hoping that the ribbon is not some copy righted thing.
On the front in smaller lettering the "FUBC" to one side.
I'll report back with what I find out. Out the door... Carol
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Hey Cindy from December, thanks for checking in. I read you guys a lot over on the December thread--gives me the head's up. Anyway, appreciate your high spirits. Drop by anytime.
SIS Kimberly--OMG I LOVE that poem! Honestly, girl, I think you may have a new calling. I hope today is going okay for you and that the Black Cat is working it's magic.
I had my visit today with my gyn. All my hesitations were for naught. He chose to just chat with me this time, catching my file up with everything that's been going on. I laid out my chemo decision for him and he told me that if I'd called him for an opinion he said he would have told me to do the chemo. Made me feel good about my choice.
Despite the fact that I was feeling strange about flashing Frankenboob about, I asked him to feel a lump I'd noticed. It was all very discreet--I didn't even disrobe, just hiked up my shirt and pulled my bra away just enough. Anyway, back to the lump--I found it the day before my chemo started and figured it was scar tissue. I asked my case nurse about it on chemo day and she told me to go ahead with chemo and have my gyn or surgeon look at it later. (She did not see/feel it at that time.) Since I had this gyn appointment, I decided I'd have my main man take a look. (Besides, it takes a while to get in to see my surgeon--this was faster.) My gyn was not happy about the lump and said I need to see the surgeon again. How can this be? My path reports were clear! I just don't understand...
Since my surgeon is in the same complex as my gyn, I walked over to the next building to make an appointment. I told the receptionist what was going on and the first available is Jan. 17--the day after my next chemo. So I took it. I'm going to have my onc take a look at it when I see him on chemo day. I'm also thinking that if my surgeon and onc don't like it, then I'm going to get an opinion from another surgeon. As uneasy as it makes me to change horses, I think I need to find another surgeon. And I'll probably have to get the damn thing cut off after all.
Okay, wait, I'm getting ahead of myself here. But I'm pissed/confused/etc. and my mind is just racing. Maybe it's nothing...
Sorry, ladies, I hate to be such a downer, but I gotta let this out. (So unfair--everything was going so well! Hear me whine???)
I think the FUBC needs to be in VERY large lettering!
D1
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D1-cheer up
we on this board so love you...don't forget that....we need you, i know i need you!!!and here i was going to ask you a dumb question..how long from the AND did the hole in your arm pit come back? and the goofy odor i seem to be venting about, i cleaned it with everything and it's killing me....
I am leaving work now...i over did yesterday and i am out the door at 3pm.. imay have to rework my schedule.... FUBC
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Hi,
Just came across this post..I am starting treatment
tomorrow , avastin and taxol....3 weeks on 1 week off for two rounds then a pet/ct
scan....then??? I guess we will see from there....
Debbie
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D1: Hang in there girl. Another bump in the road and we're all here to help you with it. You KNOW you can vent, rant, cry... whatever with us!
Carol: the t-shirt sounds great! It can't be easy trying to blend all our ideas. And I am a total loser when it comes to being creative anyway... so I'm just glad you took this on
Hope everyone who started chemo is doing OK. Please check in and let how know what SEs you all have and how it's going. I personally feel like you are all doing pretty well and it's encouraging to me since i have to face this next week and get more nervous as it approaches. I swear I'm gonna ask my onc for some Xanax to take that morning.
So, last night was my Look Good, Feel Better class. It was very informative. Learned how to draw eyebrows on! So cool. And basically just relearned make-up application (which was good since I don't wear much). She also showed us how to tie scarves and wraps on our heads-- I think this was the best thing to learn for me. Oh, and how to clean your wigs-- real important. And to be careful about any heat when wearing a wig b/c it will ruin it (think oven, toasters, dishwasher heat, etc.) Anyway, if you can go... I would go. It was a nice evening of info, and FREE makeup! I gotta run, I'm still at work. I'll check in on all the JJs tonight.
Kathy
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Good, Vettegal, give me something positive on which to focus. I never had a hole in my armpit. I developed a VERY nasty seroma that made my armpit look as though there was one of those Nerf footballs (kid-sized--don't let your imagination get away with you!) was lodged under my skin. I had to have it drained every few days for 6 weeks. Probably shoulda had drains, but this was my cross to bear. After a few drainages, I had a hole in my pit and I fully expected to have one when the seroma issue resolved itself, but I don't (although I don't think my pit is totally normal, yet, so we'll see).
Goofy odor--started going away shortly after resuming use of deoderant. I use a stick and swiped it under my good arm first to soften it up (still do) and then swiped it around my pit area and then VERY carefully around the incision line. Your incision is different from mine, though. It sounds like yours are connected. I have a 3 incher for my AND, which is fairly straight, and then a 3" arc above my nipple for all the lumpectomy action. My incision is kinda high up under my arm and I have to apply deoderant to both sides--if that makes sense.
You know, maybe you have some dead skin in your pit that is causing the odor. (I'm not trying to be gross, sorry.) Try squirting some anti-bacterial soap on a washcloth or one of those fluffy shower ball thingys (something that will gently exfoliate) and rub in your pithole to dislodge dead skin. Be so very, very careful around your incision, though. See if that helps.
Glad you're going home early, you should not push too hard. Besides, we have to have clear heads to send good vibes to SIS Kimberly and Deb.
D1
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Hey Ladies, okay, its the T'shirt thing again, but while this is fresh in my mind, here's the scoop ... and I'll need to get sizes if your interested. The best way to do this is to have you go to www.tunagraphics.com .
At the bottom left, it will say "click here" - you'll want to do this.
At the upper right side it will say search - enter S10C
A Hanes Silver for Her - Classic Fit Rib T should come up. Click on it.
For sizing, click on download Spec Sheet
As far as pricing, its quite reasonable, $11.74 for small - xlarge ,
$13.24 for xxlarge and $14.52 for xxxlarge.
The set up for the screening is $35.00, I'd like to absorb that myself, its the least I can do for you gals being there!!!
If you did not see my posting earlier, the front will have "FUBC" on the left side, and the back will be JANUARY JEWELS (arched up) and SISTERS IN SURVIVAL (arched down) with the ribbon symbol in the middle. Color ordered will be black with hot pink lettering.
The sooner we could place the order the better, it will take between 2-3 weeks to get them printed.
If you would like Private Mail (PM) me with your sizing, I'll start a list, hopefully we could place the order by the end of the week or Monday at the latest. I'm hoping that you all will feel comfortable enough with disclosing your mailing address.
Questions/concerns, let me know either via this post or by PM.
Thanks, Carol
I'll be on line later to check out the days events ... !
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Carol--you are awesome. Thanks ever so much!! I'm going to take a look at the sizing later, but I have one comment, we need to add enough in to the amount we send you to cover postage and envelope costs. I don't do a lot of shipping, so if someone has ballpark figures (I'd rather send too much), that would be helpful.
Gotta get dins for my kid, who has a game tonight.
Later.
D1
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Back from the onc and have a treatment plan. My HER2 had originally been negative (based on first biopsy). After the surgery it came out indeterminant. The onc had the lab run additional testing and has determined it is positive. So, I'm starting AC on 1/21 for four rounds, every two weeks. That will be followed by Taxol plus Herceptin every week for 12 weeks and then an additional nine months of just Herceptin.
I have an echo scheduled for the end of the week to get a baseline and the CT/Pet scan next Monday just to make sure there are no signs of cancer lurking anywhere else. Guess I might as well get used to spending lots of time at doctors' offices.
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Hey Gals,
Can I join in? I had a lumpectomy & SNB on 12/20. Margins were neg. but 4/29 nodes were pos. Met w/the radiologist today to learn I'm stage 3A, Grade 3 tumor. Est slightly pos, prog neg & HER2/neu positive. She said it was an agressive cancer. See the Chemo doc tomorrow. Guess I will be starting yet this month. My best friend is a 16-year survivor & a great support to me, but meds & treatments have changed so much I'm going to need help from you guys to get through this.
I'm trying to figure out the initials on the shirt & if "FU" stands for what I think it does I WANT ONE! Carol, I'll try to figure out the PM thing to get more specifics.
I just started to read posts here when I found out the biopsy was positive. Everything I have read so far has helped alot. I can sympathize with you guys who are scared & hope to draw strength from those who go before us. God Bless us all!
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Welcome, Jennifer. After spending two months researching triple negative, I found out today that I'm HER2/neu positive, so am now trying to learn more on it. Based on what my oncologist said today, it sounds like even though HER2/neu+ is an agressive cancer, Herceptin works so well that it actually ends up being better than having it be negative. I'm definitely glad a port was put in last week since it will mean a total of 14 months of treatment.
I'm glad you have a survivor friend for support. I know so many survivors and it helps me keep a positive attitude. Several are women that I never knew had bc until after mine was discovered and they told me. Just realizing that they've made it this long is so reassuring.
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Ladies-i am calling it an evening..i think i have a cold/flu...i had chills since 1pm and i came home and took some advil and a clariton-d and i am going to bed..i have a cough and feel my sinus draining in my throat....Ladies stay positive..will check in morning..not sure if i am going to make it in..can't be sick going to the eco dr on monday want to get this chemo crap started....
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Good evening JJ's, this is definitely a chatty group. Peaked through a few of the lastest posts...
D1 - I'm not sure quite what to say in regards to your appt today, having just been through all of your ordeals the last couple months I would think that a lump could be many things, but not "FBC". Your one tough cookie, and you know that we'll all be thinking the most positive thoughts for you. I must say that your sense of humor is an inspiration to us all. You hang in there gal. Hope your daughter gets some time on the hard wood tonight.
wvgirl, hope your work day did not include anybody having a bad day. I have to sit back and laugh a bit when I here someone complaining about a little ache or pain. I'm sure I was just as bad about 3 months ago. Boy how far we've come!!!!
CarolC, got your post last night for t-shirt, hopefully you see the post earlier today with a website for sizes. I added you to my list for a shirt. I checked with my onc today to see if a nasty head cold is criteria to cancel my appt Thurs. They said as long as my nasal discharge is clear and no temp I'm to come on in and they check my bloodwork to see if I'm worthy. Staying home from work again tomorrow, I really want to get started Thurs. You mentioned being shaky, have you been prescribed anything for anxiety? I take a little bit of Lorazepam if I need it, usually just for sleep, but it has helped on a day of surg, results days, etc. Hoping that something can help you out,
Hitting submit before I lose anything, my fingers tend to hit something and poof, everything gone, Carol
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Hi JJs!
Carol hope you got my PM. I don't use it much so I'm never sure if I did it right.
Welcome Jenn51-- I added you to my list (I'm the unofficial JJ secretary/recorder), D1 will surely add you to the list at the start of the thread. Sorry you have had to join the BC sisterhood-- but as you will discover we have a great group here. read on...
Jenn51 and CathyCA-- I too am HER2 +, and I think I might have been the only one in our very large group until you 2 appeared. I have researched ad nauseaum (no pun intended to our sisters who have started chemo already). I'm doing the herceptin for a year also (that's a given if you are HER2+ and doing chemo). I'm starting it with 4 rounds of T/C next week, and I get my port Monday. It truly seems to be the miracle drug for us HER2+ girls. Make sure to get MUGA scans or some cardiac function test done before starting and rountinely while on Herceptin. HER2+ BC scared the s*** out of me when I first started reading about it, and I'm still not too happy it took up residence in me... but one thing to cling to is that WHEN we are 5 years out as a survivor, we're considered statistically almost like the rest of the population that never had BC. Pretty nice stat!
Girls, I gotta run to get the kids to bed soon. I'll check in tomorrow and add more if anyone's interested.
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