Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?
Comments
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After I typed that msg, I felt overwhelmed with concerns and worries and when I do I open the bible, get on my knees and talk to my Almighty one. Low and behold I opened up one of my spiritual daily scriptures and it was as if God was talking to me. I hope you dont mind me sharing it with all of you.
We all face challenges and difficult times, God doesnt send these storms but its in times of diffuculty that we grow and become stronger. Its an opporunity to allow Gods word to come alive in your life and see you thru to victory. You cant run from everything thats hard in your life and expect God to deliver you immediately. God uses these challenges to stretch you and enlarge your vision.
Remain faithful during your time of adversity. Make your mind to serve God no matter what comes against you, and you God will honor you. Fight the good fight of faith. Remember God will not waste anything you go thru in life, you are growing, you are maturing. You are being prepared for promotion. Simply remain faithful and fight life thru. In due season, in Gods appointed time, he will promote you to new levels of victory and you will live that abundant life that He has promised you.
Prayer for today - Heavenly Father, thank you for making me strong thru adversity. I thank you that because are faithful to me, I can be faithful to you. Give me your wisdom to make the right decision today and the strength to stand strong no matter what life brings.
I love this it really touched and brought ease to my heart and soul. I hope I have touched someone out there and gave them strength.
May God continue to bless each and everyone of us!
Hugs
Dana -
Hi Dana,
Just wanted to say that I am starting 12 weeks out from my surgery because I insisted on getting a second opinion on treatment options and whether I really even needed chemo. (I was trying to weasel out of it). I'm now at the UNMC Breast Cancer Center with the Director of the Cancer Program as my onco. He's the best! He took the time to answer all my questions and agreed to off-protocol treatment due to my concerns about cardiotoxcity, etc.
I was concerned about the same thing you are - had I waited too long to start? Dr. C told me it's ideal to start within 8 weeks after surgery, but 12 at the outside. He wouldn't advise waiting much beyond that, especially for triple negs, which I am. So you are in good shape still and even the fact that you are ER/PR + is indicative of you having a slower growing cancer.
Hope you get that new appointment scheduled soon - it's disconcerting to not know what/when we're doing things...
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Dana -- BCRA 1 and 2 are two of the genes that have been found to have a link to breast cancer. If you are positive for either of these genes, it significantly increases the odds of getting it (or ovarian cancer) or having a recurrence. For that reason, some women who test positive choose to have a bilateral masectomy. My insurance covered the testing, but you had to meet one of the criteria to qualify for it. It is expensive testing and only done by a few labs, so definitely check first with your insurance company.
Also, if your insurance doesn't covered many oncs, you may be able to get them to make an exception. I know some insurance companies will do that if they don't have sufficient contract providers within a certain geographical distance. One time my son needed a specialist and the only covered providers were a long ways away, so they gave us the authorization to use anyone we wanted locally. Call the customer service number for your insurance and keep asking to speak to a supervisor. Also, you might check and see if they offer case workers for breast cancer. I had one assigned by the insurance company when I was diagnosed and she's available to help fight those battles for me.
Thinking about you and hoping today is a better day.
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Hey Jewels, just checking in. Alot to catch up on and I just don't have the energy today. Went home and crashed last night only getting up to take anti-nausea and eat a little dinner. Think I ate a little too much and stomach was upset but no N/V.
Trying to make it through the day at work today but not sure I can go to the end. I am so tired. I guess if I am going to have any se's, this is an ok one to have.
Sorry I am being a little selfish today. Feel like if I could sleep for a week, I would be ready to go.
Hope those that were struggling with se's are doing better.
(((((Hugs))))) to billsgirl and Amy that were starting today.
I will try to get more caught up later.
Hey Kimberly----how are you doing? You sounded like you were doing well.
I was wondering about a couple of things.....
Is there anyone else that decided against recontruction after bilateral mast, and how are people handling being so tired at work?
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OK, so you know that NO SE's plan I signed up for? Today, my stomach is in between nausea and constipation...it is miserable. Drinking Correctal tea at the moment...hoping that will help. Haven't been able to eat a lot...trying to get in at least the four food groups...carbs seem to be winning...crackers, toast, oatmeal...but I do have fruit and a vegie each day along with PB and maybe an egg. I had a little chicken last night...not great. Whine.... Moan...
OK, thanks...I'm good now.
There is a lot going on...D1/OLE- You crack me up...I wonder if anyone would notice you carrying around a small dust buster. HeeHee
Billsgirl and Amy 1971 - Good luck today. We're all sending out positive vibes for a successful day at Club Survival.
Carol-Glad it wasn't as bad as you anticipated. Bravo!
Deb102307-Working through chemo...man...you are amazing. Glad your SE's aren't too bad, either.
Dana- Congrats on the A, but wow, what a sad thing to have three members of the same family dealing with cancer all at once. A BRCA test is a genetic test for cancer. With your history, it seems there may be a genetic link. My dad and twin had the BRCA test done, still waiting for results. Dad had breast and prostate cancer and since I have breast cancer, my twin is eligible to take the test. I just helps with treatment options if you know one way or the other. For me, it will determine if I have a complete hysterectomy since I would, if positive, have a high risk of ovarian cancer. And the oncology thing...man...that's frustrating. It is really important that you are aware if your insurance covers the doctors you're being referred to...but the wait isn't going to hurt you, so don't worry. A month isn't that long, and they got the cancer out during surgery, right? So chemo is just getting any last potential stragglers. I've read many women who have waited even several months to start chemo after surgery.
LJ13-How was round #2?
SheShe-So glad you checked in. Sorry the SE's are kicking you down. Hang in there.
Vettegal-Man. like you needed to be so sick on top of everything....geez. Snuggle in tight,get lots of rest, and take care of yourself.
WVgirl- I'm with D1, let it go....everything happens for a reason. You need to focus on just taking care of yourself and getting through this. Your potential promotion could have been way layed by bc, but there is nothing you can do about it, and besides, doing a job you know how to do instead of learning the new stuff may be all you'll be able to deal with right now. Take heart...I know it's a disappointment, but your health comes first.
KathyL-So glad to hear your Dad pulled through so well. Yeah on the last day of work!!!!
OK, I know I've forgotten things....a bit fuzzy today...know you are all in my heart and in my thoughts.
Welcome new gals.
SIS Kimberly -
Dana,
Your a real gem your writing has helped me today.
I had a bad experience today when I went to have blood draw for labs.
When they put in the needle blood came back out . When they put in the saline my port swelled and it burned really bad.
They had to take out the needle and push and push around port. They then put in a larger size needle. I found out there are differant. size needles they use. Any one getting a port ask what size needle will be needed and let them know this when you go for labs to prevent the pain I had today.
At work will check in later today take care ((())) to all
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I'm just checking in with all you Jan 2008 girls. My first chemo was on December 28th and I had an unusual side effect. Several hours after my first chemo treatment I had two seizures (I'm on TC x 4). Luckily, my husband was there when it happened and he rushed me to ER. While in the ER I had another one. Apparently my sodium levels dropped too low, so they kept me in the hospital for two nights. My next chemo session is January 18th and they will hospitalize me again to watch me. So, for those of you that believe in prayer send a few up on this one! I think what the worse side effects for me were the fatigue and pain. Anyone here try acupuncture? Also, I had the Emend as well and it works great.
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Back ....
Chemo #2 went as well as #1, for the most part. Was feeling pretty tired when I got home (sometimes I think this is just my body manifesting all the stress/worry/anxiety when it's all over), so I napped a little while and had dinner. Took some Compazine before bed and set the alarm for 6 am to have some more (no one is as proactive as me about taking the antinausea meds). More at 11 am, then my next Emend at 1.
This time I actually did notice some orangy-pink pee, just a couple of times yesterday.
Got a copy of the bloodwork results -- they can be scary if you don't ask about them. That Neulasta actually spikes a couple of counts OVER the normal range. A couple of counts were low, and some were still right in range. I asked the nurse if I should still get the shot with some counts so high, and she said, yep, that the Neulasta is smart enough to wait until your counts go low again to kick in and make more WBCs.
LisaW, welcome to the group ! Sorry to have missed you yesterday, I was having my Chemo #2 (halfway through AC -- yay -- then 4 Taxols and maybe Herceptin). Yes, I am neoadjuvant too. I noticed some good shrinkage of my tumors after treatment 1, and already the second one has knocked them down even further. I seriously have to hunt for the one at my axillary node (which was 2.4 cm on the PET scan) and the primary seems to be about 1/3 its orignial size. Chemo is no joy ride, but feeling your tumors shrink literally day-by-day is enough to make your eyes well up.
In some ways I wish I had 3 weeks between treatments, 'cause it was just in the past day or 2 that I really started feeling almost normal again. But I know they developed the 2-week Dose Dense therapy to smack down those cancer cells when they are at their most vulnerable. And I guess that makes sense ... if I was starting to feel pretty much well agian, then probably the cancer was just feeling better from the last treatment too, and was fixing to start multilplying again. I can't argue with the treatment protocol, not when I can see and feel results.
Come visit us often Lisa, we have ears for both good news and bad, rejoicing and bitching, faith and cussin.
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And, I should find out my HER2/NEU results today.
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DanaC--Please do not fret over the time delay. Like CarolC, I started 12 weeks after surgery. (I was dicking around, much like CarolC, trying to get out of chemo by seeking other opinions till I found one I liked, but here I am!) Some of the other gals gave you some great suggestions re: the insurance hassle. I'm really sorry you're having that difficulty right now. As if battling bc isn't enough! I think your faith will see you through. Hang in there.
Goodness Deb, I don't know how you're staying at work. I'm tired just being home! Rest up this weekend. D1's orders!!!
I forgot about my egg cravings, SIS Kimberly! For 2-3 days there, all I wanted was fried eggs! I even dictated how to make one to my college girl, who, sadly burned the egg, but I still thought it was delicious. (Unfortunately, I tried to dictate how to clean the pan and stove afterwards, but that fell on deaf ears.) Stick with small meals. It sounds like you're trying to do all the right things. I took a Colace every night for the first 5 nights after treatment to keep the constipation junta at bay--it did seem to help. I had the worst gas EVER, but I had a bm every day. Come back and moan and whine later. We're always up for it.
Your port experience sounds just awful, WVgirl. I'm so sorry you went through that. (I would've passed out on the floor from what you described, but I'm pretty much a pussy when it comes to needles.) I guess the upside is that you know how to advocate for yourself next time, so the tech gets the right needle size for you. Are you doing okay with se's?
DianeB--that sounds like you all had quite the scare. Bet your dh wanted a strong drink after that episode. It's funny that you'd mention acupuncture. When I was at my Look Good, Feel Better seminar, the other cancer patient there was waxing eloquent about acupuncture. She said it was really helping her with the se's. If you can do the needle thing, go for it. Personally, I'd be in such a lather about the needles that it would do more harm than good. (Like I said, a real pussy.)
Finally, LJ13--what great news about your shrinkage! You gotta be dancing, girl! (Well, if the se's will let you.) And you're halfway through the first leg of tx. Even more reason to celebrate. We'll be waiting to hear your HER2/NEU results...
Thinking about billsgirl and Amy...
Left another rodent in the shower drain. My college girl says it's larger than yesterday. Then I told her to check in the wastebasket to see the hair I pulled out before my shower! It's EVERYWHERE you guys! I still managed to style it, but it's kinda like the hair you see on really old ladies--you know, you can see clear through to their scalps. I'm a little intimidated thinking about going to my kid's basketball game tonight since I have to go alone (dh doesn't get back till the morning), but I know I'll just hold my almost hairless head up and march on in to the gym. I just gotta go through all that "lack of confidence" mumbo jumbo before I get to my happy place. Most def have to get the family out to buy the wig in the morning!
Hands still itch today, but not as much. Another se that hangs out for about 3 days and then fades till next time...
Guess I should go do something on my to do list. Gotta get through that thing before tx day on Wednesday!
Later.
D1
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Dana,
I am from the Jan. 2007 thread and just popped in to your Jan. 2008 group of "January Jewels" - cute name.
Don't worry about not starting chemo right away - there was a big study done last year I believe showing that chemo can be delayed until about 12 weeks after your surgery.
BRCA is a genetics test to show if you have the 2 Breast Cancer Genes - BRCA 1 (usually appears in your 30's) and BRCA 2 ( usually appears in your 40's). These genes, if you carry them, mean you have a higher risk of getting breast cancer and ovarian cancer. You can also pass the gene onto your children, a 50% chance. It is a blood test, and usually you get genetics counselling before you take it. They usually only test you if you have a lot of BC or Ovarian C in your immediate family, are young (under 50) when diagnosed and/or of Ashkenazi Jewish background. I had the test done because of the last 2, happily I was negative for the gene.
Good luck Jewels, you can do it. Make sure you take your meds, drink alot, keep some veggie soups, applesauce, saltine crackers and popsicles on hand.
xoxo Caya - Jan. 2007 Chemo Sisters
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Dana: Don't panic about starting chemo - your surgerical incisions must be healed before you start anyway. Once you meet with your O, he/she should be able to set you up immediately.
I started my chemo on 1/7/08.....my surgery was 11/28/07 and they even asked me if I was ready being this many weeks out.
I hope you can get some rest and relax a little - this is a horror show and the more calm we can be, the better we'll get thru it.
Trina
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Good afternoon JJ's, boy don't look for a half a day and wow, the post has been chatty.
D1, happy wig shopping tomorrow. I wish I lived near you, I would pay money to accompany you in that adventure, with your sense of humor I know it will be a riot.
Dana, was glad to hear you got some good advice in re to the BRCA testing. I would like to think with your background your HMO would not have any problem covering the cost of the test. I had one done, usually takes close to a month to get results back. Hoping you also got your appts resolved, boy I know the frustration I had at times when know one would answer a phone line. I think one day I left messages on about 5 different numbers trying to get through to a human being. Good luck, and I echo the comments on getting started w/chemo. Your onc will want you well healed before you begin.
billsgirl and Amy, hoping you both had good experiences during txt today. I'll look forward to seeing how you both did, remember to keep drinking that water.
deb102307, Bravo for working when you can. I took today off, day after txt, probably could have gone in, but have that feeling of not wanting to be too far away from the tilly. No nausea, just a little "not right" in the digestive tract if you know what I mean!!!!
You asked about no reconstruction with the bilateral, I chose no recon with my mast. right side. I will eventually get fitted for a prothesis, right now I don't like anything touching the incision site, so I'll probably wait a few more months. I guess some would consider me fortunate to be small busted.
Kimberly, hey I think they spike your "tini" with the ugly se's cocktail. Hoping your yucky feeling subsides soon, I too am feeling a bit out of sorts today. Read you had oatmeal, sounded good so had some myself, was hoping to attend a local h-school b-ball game tonight, thinking I may want to stay near the tilly at home. Will see!!!
wvgirl, I shuttered hearing your port story. I don't know if you have read prior post in re to EMLA cream to numb the area. It worked well for me yesterday. I did not have even close to the ugly experience you had yesterday, but I did have a lot of discomfort last month when my port was accessed for the first time to be flushed. I told my dh that it felt like she had poked me with a garden hose. At that time I did not have any numbing cream. I now consider it high on my list of best friends along with my anti nausea pills!!!!
DianeB, hoping your round two goes a little smoother. I think I would want to be in the hospital myself when they give the next txt. Is it the cytoxan that they think caused the problem? You hang in there.
LJ13, great to hear your round 2 went well, and how cool to actually notice the results of your txt. That has to be a morale booster for all of us.
Caya, thanks for popping in, stop by anytime!
Lastly, my tip of the day, put a small bowl of pretzels on the kitchen counter, I also put a baggy of pretzels in my night stand, and car. I actually woke up last night and had a couple as I swished down even more water.
Here's to one day closer to our final goal...Carol
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Good evening girls! Man I wasn't on since yesterday PM and it took me forever to read through all I missed. I'll be away this weekend at my dad's to check in on him-- I'm gonna miss you all and will try to find computer access or it'll take me eternity to catch up on Sunday night!
Today I picked up my wigs-- I still like them, thank God. Hope they look as fab when I'm bald. It was also the dh's b-day (#38), so he had the day off. We sent the rugrats to preschool all day and just hung out-- went to lunch, got ready to go away tomorrow (to see dad), went and looked as Harleys. Funny story there. First off, I am anything but a biker babe. More the quiet, minivan type. But I guess I do have a wild streak. Anyway, we used to joke that when we turned 40, I'd get a boob job (I never really thought I'd do it, just said it for his benefit), and he'd get his Harley. He used to have a bike before we were married, but he sold it to buy me my engagement ring (which is down-right beautiful if I must say so). So along comes BC this year and I'm 36. I get my boob job (thank you mastectomy... not the way I had wanted to get boobs), and he still has no Harley (and he really wanted this much more than I wanted boobs). Maybe I'll cave in if all goes well this next year and he can get one a year early. And now I'm thinking I might get some leather pants and I bustier to show off the new rack! Hahaha!
OK, quick hellos, and then gotta get the kids to bed and finish packing...
D1: got sista2 on the list. Man, we are a huge group! Thank God there's 2 of us to keep it straight. Once chemo-brain kicks in we'll hopefully have 1 full brain, right? Also, do you think your itchy hands are a neuropathy. I know the taxanes can cause weird peripheral sensations. Just wondering...
LJ13: keep us posted on the HER2 status. There are 3 of us already (I'm one) who are positive. Herceptin will be added to your regimen for a year if you are +. Also glad to hear #2 went well for you this week.
WVgirl: I agree with SIS Kimberly on the job situation. DanaC; I'm yet another example of someone who had surgery and then chemo much later. My lumpectomy was at the end of August and my mastectomy was Oct.5-- chemo starts next week for me. Many have already commented on the BRCA test, so won't add. I'll just say that you darn well should qualify and insurance should cover. Try going trhough a genetic counselor if you have access-- it helps with insurance coverage. As for clinicals.. it really will depend on your energy level. But also consider what type of patients you'll be around. You don't want to catch anything from them!
CarolC: we start chemo the same day! You definitely were right to insist on getting info beforehand. I can't believe they thought they could tell you the day of! I'm nervous as the day gets nearer, how about you? Even despite everything I've read here I'm totally paranoid about what SEs I'll have and if I'm prepared enough for them. Wish I could have my own nurse right here...
Carol (Golfer): All Hail EMLA! Glad it worked. I can use it on round #2, but not one. I'm still gonna act dumb and ask my onc the day beforehand about it.
Sista2: I'm doing cytoxan, taxotere, herceptin. Is carboplatin the same as cytoxan? I don't think it is. Otherwise we are very similar.
Gotta run.
Kathy
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just checking in.
D1 Hi hope the game was in your favor tonight. Dealing well with the few SE's I have had. A little bone pain (Advil helps) Mouth sores(baking soda rinse and nystatin) and of course being tired alot.
Carol I had the EMLA cream I think the girl was not sure what she was doing she had to go get someone else to do it the second go around. I think next Friday when I go for lab work I will tell them to do the blood draw from my arm.
You girls are right about the job changes. I am not gonna let it bother me anymore.
Its been 1 week as from today that I have my first chemo I hear your hair starts falling out any where after 14 days ?
Gotta Run for now take care
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Hi,
I had chemo last January through July. I am doing great, hair growing back, loving life. I did work all thru chemo, but I have a desk job, so it was doable. I had a 4 cm idc, no nodes. I did three months of ac, three months of taxol. I was terrified, do not want to minimize in any way what you are all going through. I just want you to know that you can do it.
I never told anyone at work about my bc except my boss. One of the reasons I could pull it off was that I bought a great wig, which I wore everyday for 10 months. It is a Sky by Noriko, Ginger color. If any of you want it, I would be happy to mail it to you. Just know that I wore it a lot. I thought it looked great til the end. PM me and I will send it to you. I do have a big head, so if you are tiny, it is probably too big for you .... but it worked.
I am active in the Jan 07 thread. I hope you find the solace and comfort here that I have found. I am such a private person that very few people, outside my family, know of my cancer. I was never a bit ashamed, just didn't want to talk about it to outsiders. Know that there is no right or wrong way to do this journey. But my Jan 07 sisters were, and are, so key to my well-being.
Big hugs to all of you. I will help you any way I can. Just pm me with questions ... and let me know if you want the wig.
Melia
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Driving after first treatment?
I go back the day after my treatment for the neulasta shot and a flush. Did most of you feel like driving the second day or should I arrange for someone to take me? Also, how long after your first treatment was it before you felt up to driving?
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Good morning Jewels,
I haven't caught up on all I missed yesterday yet but will this afternoon. Just wanted to touch base and say thanks for the pats on the back about working and now I feel guilty that I left shortly after my post yesterday. I was wiped out. Not sick but incredibly tired. I have realized that I can be strong but have to take care of myself too. AND ask for help when I need it. That is hard for me.
Kimberly- sorry that the se's are trying to move in. I say eviction is in order.
D1- Thanks for the Ginger Ale recommendation. It is helping me drink more.
I will catch up with everyone later.
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That took awhile to catch up on...
I'm just going to do a quick update and general comments since most of you have already addressed the concerns of our sisters.
Yesterday so SUCKED!!!!! Carol-I think those whiney little cancer cells dropped me a ruffie(sp). I was down for the count so to speak. I haven't been eating much...no appetite...but trying to eat well when I do eat my small meals. Yesterday was like nausea (Compazine), constipation (caused by Comapzine and took fiber and drank Senna tea) , and gas build up (due to constipation...had nothing for that) all at one time....so miserable....and just zero energy...slept a lot...and read some.
My dh has been such a sweetheart...making me food that is more bland than he'd normally make. I craved tuna yesterday, so he made me half a tuna melt...no cheese...so technically not a melt, I guess, but it was sooooo good. He made homemade chicken noodle soup for dinner...added some poultry seasoning...just enough to give it some flavor, which tasted good.
At this moment, with my tea...a rootbeer barrel candy...I bought a small handful when I was in San Diego this summer, and never did anything with them. Saw them and thought, I wonder if this will help with the icky taste in my mouth problem? May I say, yummy!!!!
Hoping for a much better SE free day.
WVgirl-About your port....my oncology nurse specifically told me do not allow a lab tech to take blood from your port. There is a special needle that is used and not everyone has them nor is trained to use them.
DianaB-Man, are you lucky your hubby was there with you. How scary for both of you. I'm glad the are putting you in the hospital next time. I'll be thinking about you. Can they do anything to prevent the sodium depletion?
KathyL-How fun to spend the day with the dh on his b-day. Hope your visit with your dad goes well, and that he's getting himself up and around as much as possible.
OK, I need to have a little in my tummy, so off I go. Have a good weekend girls.
SIS Kimberly -
Ladies-boy do i need to catch-up. I ended up in te ER last night...coughing so much i haven't slept in 2 days..chest was hurting. I got asthma induced bronchitus and a slight touch of pnumenia..when it rain i spours..
JUst wanted to post a hello to everyone and spend a few hours catching up on the posts.
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I'm off to wig shop in a few, but wanted to check in real quick while there was a lull in the action. First of all, check with your wig shop to see if you need an appointment. The shop I'd scoped out apparently requires them. How was I to know? I've never bought a wig before. They could only work me in next Tuesday and I will most def have no hair by then, so Ima go to a different shop. Hope they're as good. The place I wanted had been recommended by several people here... Anyway, word to the wise--see if you need an appointment.
CathyCA--the driving issue. I have been able to drive the whole time except for the two days with back spasms (I was too incapacitated to do ANYTHING). And I'm confident that you'll still be feeling okay the day you go in for your nasty-lasta, so don't worry. And if all else fails, remember to call a cab (I actually used a cab one day because we've been vehicle-challenged around here with 4 drivers and 2 cars--I survived).
SIS Kimberly--I'm with Deb. EVICT the se's! Keep taking care of yourself. It WILL pass. Really.
WVgirl--hair started coming out 13 days. I'm at day 16 now and there isn't much left. I have to keep my hands off my head because it literally comes out in handfuls and it grosses everyone out. I get a sick satisfaction out of pulling it off--note to self, get professional help. To give you a visual--my hair looks like the hair on really old ladies who don't have much left and you can see to their scalp. The hair also looks suddenly unconditioned and damaged, even though I actually take very good care of my hair. Not sure what the trip to the wig store will bring...
WTF Vettegal--you were in the hospital??!! Please, please, please take care of yourself. You'll need your strength. Rest up, take your meds and get better. Stay up on fluids, too. I'm really worried about you.
Gotta motivate my kid to shower so we can get to the wig store. I'm anxious to see what personalities I can muster with different hair.
D1
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Hi, just wanted to check in. My first tx went remarkably well. Although I'm so sorry about se and troubles some of you are experiencing, I thought it was important to post some encouraging news for anyone reading and anticipating their upcoming treatment. I had a pretty good headache most of the night until I went to bed. I ate my small meals, drank gallons of water (sprouting gills, I think) and slept well too. I took my anti-nausea on schedule, got up TOO many times to pee pink, and woke up this morning rather hungry. Oatmeal and peaches seemed to worked well.
Just returned from my neupogen shot. After a brief scare at 3pm yesterday that my insurance denied the claim, I got it all taken care of with a rather stern phonecall to my case manager. Seemed it wasn't denied, still pending. They had only received the request for pre-approval yesterday (and my shot was scheduled for today? I'll have to have a word with my dr.) Anyway, she marked it urgent and it went through at 5pm last night. Whew!
Did you hear about Claritin working for bone pain after the shots? Thought that was interesting. So, of course, anticipating anything, I bought it and added it to the stash of other pharms and supplies I've stockpiled for "just in case."
Love your stories, D!, about hair loss. I'm a bit anxious about it, but I have my wigs and hats ready. You make me giggle with your stories. Thanks for making it seem bearable. After all we've been through, the lightheartedness is so uplifting.
So, I jsut wanted to add my 2 cents. Knock on wood, I feel good
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CarolC,
Cathy-Ca
Wolf
WVGirl,
D1,
Caya
Guggerty,
Golfer,
Thanks for all the information regarding Chemo and the delay. I did calm down later that night after reading my scriptures. I will get tested for the BRCA and I will insist it because my Mother did have Ovarian Cancer but just like us she was a survivor, but 13 years later she came down with Bladder Cancer and she passed from that, and Diabetes, overweight and just not taking care of herself- I sure miss her - there is NOTHING like a mother
I did go by Biotene mouthwash and paste to be ready for Chemo SE if there will be any. I have a friend that is battling Lung Cancer which spreaded to her Abdominal and three years later she is still here but the my moral of the story is that she never had a port but in - she recommended that I wait until the veins give me trouble before I get the port; but I will wait and see what the Onco recommends. Oh yea, I almost forgot they reschedulede me for the 22nd of January! I just want to get this over with because I dont have time to have Cancer if you know what I mean. The days I have off from school and studying as been filled up with Dr Appts, and healing, surgeries and etc - who has time for this??????? I dont think I do! Ha ha I am too busy living!!!!
Vettegal - I am so sorry to hear you are doing worst - I will pray harder for you today and tonight. You will get better - you just watch and see and its nice to hear from you again.
KathlyL - How is your Dad?
Wolf, I hope you feel better - dont they have stuff for constipation yet? I wish I could help you ladies more then just typing words!
I decided that I am not going to get a wig, I will wear pretty scarves and I even thought about showing everyone in class my pretty bald head. They tell me all the time I inspire them and they are so sweet they are offering to cook me food when I start chemo!
Do you always have to eat bland food when you start chemo? Or is it that your body cant handle the flavored food? I just love being here with you gals because I can bug you - he ha.
Well sorry so short but off to school clinical hours - hope I can give someone day inspiration, strength and love~
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Oh, and I forgot the best news...my BRACA came back negative. Yea! I don't have daughters or sisters, but I was concerned about my ovaries. Please, NO more surgeries for awhile. (well, except for my implant exchange, which I'm rather looking forward to
)Thanks for listening.
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Just checking in on you ladies who are going through this journey.
One thing I wanted to mention, since I see it is wig time for many. I got mine before the hair went. I got my hair cut shorter, and then went wig shopping. Also, if you have a perscription from your oc for the wig, most insurance companies will pay for it. I did this. I gave the scrip and the bill for the wig to my insurance company and they reimbursed me for the full amount. Check with your insurance company first to see how much they will allow, then you know how much you have to shop with.
I have a chin length medium brown wig with bangs, if anyone is in need...I would gladly mail it too you! It's in really good shape!
All the best!
xoxo
Lisa
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Hi all,
Just checking in - I'm on day #15 post chemo #1. My "other" hair started coming out in clumps on Thurs. while I was in the shower & I swear I didn't know whether to laugh or cry - it looked & felt so strange. The hair on my head starting coming out in handfuls, yesterday. I had heard that sometimes your scalp hurts, or feels tingley right before it starts to fall out - but I haven't felt anything.
My 6 year old son got a kick out of pulling my hair out, but my 2 daughters, ages 6 & 11, only wanted to watch. After a few laughs, I had my husband, & son, shave my head. I have several bald patches right now, so my head kind of looks like the moon. I'm glad to finally get over this last "big hump". I tried on all my hats, turbans, scarves, & my wig - so far, I prefer the scarves & turbans for comfort reasons. I ordered a skull cap/scarf pad to wear under my scarves, turbans, etc. because when I went out of the house to my daughter's basketball game this morning, my head still froze wearing a thick, warm turban. Plus the turban felt like it was going to slide off.
Deb & Kimberly - I know what you mean by being & tired & not having any energy. I'm fighting a cold right now, but way before I got a cold, I felt like someone turned the light switch "off" on my energy. I feel tired & drained, but not sleepy. After my daughter's basketball game, I felt like going straight home & curling up on the couch - which is what I did. I need to rest up - we have 2 more games this afternoon.
Hope everyone has an uneventful, "feel good" weekend.
Will check in later.........
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Thanks for the reply on driving, Determined. The onc is near by husband's work, so I'm trying to schedule afternoon appointments and have someone take me (if necessary) and then he can pick me up when he gets off.
Billsgirl -- my onc said to start the Claritin the day of the neulasta shot and take it for six days after. The theory is that for some people the bone pain is an allergic reaction and the Claritin treats the allergies. She said to use Claritin 24, so you only need to take it once a day. Since I have been allergic to several things along the way like the stuff they swab you with before surgery, I'm hedging my bets and taking it.
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Hi Jewels - it's been over a week since my last post and I don't have time right now to read everyone's, but hopefully I will later. Here's my deal - I had my first chemo last Thursday, Jan 3, and am still waiting for a "good" day! I ended up in the ER with a severe migraine the following day with constant vomiting. They sent me home with all kinds of pain killers, but nothing for the vomiting. I've since seen my oncologist and he's given me more meds for the vomiting - Reglan, Ativan, etc. but nothing is working! I haven't kept anything down for over a week now and I'm about at my wit's end. I'm trying to keep everything bland, etc. and not over do anything, but this is ridiculous!
Now I'm worried about gettng dehydrated b/c I can't keep anything down. Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. You've all been in my thoughts and I'm hoping no one else has had the week that I've had.
Huggs --
Julie
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I just have to share my wonderful NIGHT. Today I did my clinical hours on the Cancer ward, and I met some many wonderful people. They have from lung cancer, to leukemia, prostate, lymphoma Hodgkins and so on. I walked into their lifes today and I gave them so much hope and inspiration to strive for another day being that I too have Cancer. I seen so many people down and lacking faith and when I told them I have Cancer too and that I know I will beat and you can too; they were so happy. I cried with some, I prayed with some, and laughed and even danced for one. I cant tell you how rewarding this job is to be able to give back. I was driving home tonight and praying for my Jewels (you all) and my patients and I realize having BC isnt a bad thing after all because I am using this to my advantage. Its different when your Nurse/Doctor tells you what you have, and if you will be alright then a Nurse who has Cancer that is enduring and realizes what feel and the thoughts they have.
I am so blessed, I just had such a wonderful night. I was able to give back love like you Jewels give to me. We are all so rich inside and to me that is the greatest gift in life to have love and to give love.
Love ya - God bless,
Dana
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Hey Julie,
You need to call whoever is on call and let them know now. There is no reason that they can't find something that will work. Some people are getting Emend and swear by it. Zofran is working for me. They really need to know anyway so that the dose can be adjusted if this keeps up. Call - call now! They are there to help you. My onc gave me 3 different on call numbers in case I had any problems.
Hope all the other Jewels are doing well.
Kimberley- are you better today? I am not quite so tired and achy but am scared to quit taking the anti-naus meds.
Catch ya all later!
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Dana -- thanks for sharing your wonderful night. The surgeon I use is a breast cancer survivor and there's just something about talking to somewhere who has "been there" that makes it so much better.
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