Anyone starting Chemo in August 07?

Options
1…3233353738…99

Comments

  • nash
    nash Member Posts: 2,600
    edited January 2008

    LOL-kimmie, you're right, one wonders why the hell we stay with the woman. Unfortunately, there's no one else in the area who's any better, and for what it's worth, she's a breast specialist. We'd tried out about three other groups within reasonable driving distance, and they all were worse. The nurses and staff at our center are wonderful, it's very close to the house, and other than the fact the onc is insane, we're happy there. Plus it makes for good stories. Undecided We do get second and third opinions on everything she says, as we obviously don't trust her much.

    Kaye, I'm so excited to see you on Sunday! If you go to www.claimjumper.com, click on locations, and you can get the map for the Carlsbad location. Basically, go 15 S to 78 W to 5 S, exit Palomar Airport Road and go west. You can see the Claim Jumper from the freeway. It's on Avenida Encinas, which will be a right off of Palomar Airport. We're meeting at 1 pm.

    And speaking of the idiot onc, at least one of the girls who will be at lunch  goes to her and thinks she's terrific. Go figure. I've never told this gal my humble opinion of the onc, so we'll keep it our little secret.  Wink Although, I know my opinion is not just a result of my cranky disposition--my surgeon had actually said she thought the onc had a serious lack of clinical experience and wanted me to transfer my care to UCSD. Alas, a touch too far to travel on what is not only a daily, but often several times a day trip to the cancer center.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • katoMato
    katoMato Member Posts: 645
    edited January 2008

    Hey, Sherri (Skirk) If you're out there, how did your pet scan go today? When will you have the results?

    And Tami and Eve,  if you're still reading - how are you?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • yellowtownhouse
    yellowtownhouse Member Posts: 142
    edited January 2008

    Hey to All,

    Kaye, no I don't have the n&v problem that you have.  What I have is some slight CHF and COPD and they LOADED me up with fluids and drugs on a 104# body.  Now, this was after they told me NOT to take my daily diuretic or B/P med!  I have decided that from this point on I will listen to what they have to say but base my decisions on what I know and plain old common sense!  I hope you gals have a great time at your luncheon this weekend.

    Nash: at this point I would be 'beyond the pale' in dealing with such an egotistical/ incompetent/uncaring/ SOB!!!!  I truly don't know how you have maintained your sanity.  Is there NO other choice or options? 

    Kaye:  now that you've completed the 3 major hurdles of surgery/ chemo/ and rads, what is your oncologist plan for future care and monitoring?  I have not even discussed this with my oncologist, guess I felt like it was just too big a leap to make at that time and I'm just curious.

    Have a great day all.

    June 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • chemomom
    chemomom Member Posts: 171
    edited January 2008

    Hi all.  Misery loves company... so here I am.  I had my first tx of Herceptin on its own on Thurs.  I was fine until yesterday around 5pm.  Then I was having chills and everything ached.  I was under several blankets and still shivering when I got home.  I think by the middle of the night the chills and achiness had subsided some.  And I turned to sweating like crazy.

    And after tx7 of rads, I am already getting pink and for some reason, I am in very bad shape from the rads.  VERY sore.  Not soreness from the burn to the skin-- but it hurts to move at all.  I pointed out my "pinkness" at my rad appt, but it hadn't started hurting at that point.  I was given Aquaphor. 

    So last night I felt so crappy I was in tears.  I slept most of the day today.  I thought the hard parts were over and rads would fly by.  But I still have 30 more treatments (28 regular + 9 boosts)!! 

    I don't know if any of you have heard, but cancer SUCKS!!  Thanks for listening. 

    Now on to other topics. 

    Nash-- good luck to you and your mom.  i hope the procedure works and helps her out. 

    Nash & kaye-- have a great time at lunch. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • yellowtownhouse
    yellowtownhouse Member Posts: 142
    edited January 2008

    Hey Angie,

    Sure sorry to hear you've hit a rough patch here.  I do know it's not normal to physically hurt from rads (skin burns/fatigue/lack of appetite/ etc etc but not this!   Please see your radiologist before you have another treatment. There may be something else going on that is quickly resolvable.  I'll be thinking about you....be sure to let us know how you're doing.  And yes my sister....C sucks the big one!!!!!

    June 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • DGHoff
    DGHoff Member Posts: 624
    edited January 2008

    Hi Angie,



    I'm sorry you feel so crummy. I know Herceptin isn't "supposed" to have much in the way of side effects, but I found that when Herceptin was added back into my chemo, it definitely made it harder for me. I have my first Herceptin only tx on Friday, and I'm hoping it won't knock me too flat with the higher dose.



    I hope your radiologist can give you some insight or help for the pain you're experiencing. That just doesn't sound right.



    Although my pain today is not from rads yet (I start on Jan 21st), I'm not moving much either. I think I overdid it on Thursday and did too much. My new boob is now swollen to about twice the size of the real one. Hopefully, the swelling will go down soon. Both DH and I are moving slowly today. He went in for the vasectomy yesterday, so we make a fine pair today what with both of us having recent surgeries. Thank goodness Grandma is in town today to take our son for awhile so that we can veg out on Vicoden.



    DeAnn



    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • katoMato
    katoMato Member Posts: 645
    edited January 2008

    Hi all,

    June, my onc's plan for future monitoring is 1 mammogram six months from last tx, then every year thereafter. Dh is saying that I need to be firm and say I want an MRI every six months, period. Sooooooo we'll see how that goes. I have a followup appt with her on the 30th, so I think I'll present that to her and see her reaction.

    Angie, ooooh bummer that you're feelin so bad. What was that all about? Was it a reaction to the Herceptin or something else? Will it happen every time? (Is Herceptin an infusion?) Sorry for all the questions, I guess I should just look up the answers, but I'm WAY too lazy for that.

    I felt "sore" from the rads too...not the skin, but the muscle. He said it was to be expected, and to do some range of motion exercises. I'm still very tight and sore in that muscle, (last rad was 12/14) so it's like something happened to the muscle itself during rads - but it's ok. It doesn't interfere with my life at all, and I figure that it's just part of the whole thing. 

    The GOOD NEWS IS: I'm starting to suspect that Arimidex is helping me lose some (unwanted) pounds. I'm just suspecting it, so nothing conclusive yet, but I seem to be able to stay away from compulsive eating (it's a miracle). I actually am not certain of this, time will tell - BUT I CAN HOPE, EH???

    (Either that or I'm dehydrated and losing bone mass. Which is more than possible.) 

    OH WELL. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • katoMato
    katoMato Member Posts: 645
    edited January 2008

    Nash!! I get to meet you tomorrow!!! I'm SO excited!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • nash
    nash Member Posts: 2,600
    edited January 2008

    I'm really excited, too, Kaye! Smile Awesome that you're losing weight--means that we can eat more at Claim Jumper tomorrow. Sealed

    I'm sorry you feel so crummy, Angie. I'm surprised by the pain I'm having from rads, too. I'm going to talk to the rad onc on Monday.

    Surprising number of girls on our Jan rad thread are having the same problem with pain.

    Hey, DeAnn, for sure take it easy. Funny enough, my DH and I were just discussing vasectomies. I'm really annoyed not to be on the pill anymore, and I'm having a hard time understanding why I need to use anything if my ovaries are shut down from the chemo and will also be shut down from the tamoxifen. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • katoMato
    katoMato Member Posts: 645
    edited January 2008

    Nash - Want me to pick you up (since I'm going by San Marcos anyway?)

    I'll email you with my cell number - and hopefully you'll get it before you leave! 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kimmie39
    kimmie39 Member Posts: 319
    edited January 2008

    Chemo mom, Im so sorry to hear your having so much trouble! Its Scary!!!! I fully expect rads to be the easier part. But it just goes to show everyones different.I mean why should I expect rads to go well I have no luck!!!!If I did I wouldn't be herE again.

    Im excited for all of you who are nearing the end of treatment. I get chemo # 10 Wednesday. I do however remember feeling kind of lost when my treatment ended in 1996. I'm THINKING OF YOU ALL.

    hUGS

    kIM 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • nash
    nash Member Posts: 2,600
    edited January 2008

    Kaye--it was so wonderful to meet you in person!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We're so lucky to live in driving distance.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • nash
    nash Member Posts: 2,600
    edited January 2008

    Kimmie--we're always thinking of you, too. I'm going to PM you my e-mail so you have it when this thread isn't as active in the future.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • katoMato
    katoMato Member Posts: 645
    edited January 2008

    Well Ladies, I have met Dr. Nash, and she really is as wonderful as she seems on-line. (just taller). I wish all of us on this thread could get together, too. It was fun, but it made me wish you all could be there.

    Kimmie, I'll give you my email too. We've all been through some serious stuff, and I don't THINK I'll ever just want to "forget about it all" and disappear, I'm not sure...but the friends I've made who have made this journey with me are more than friends. We're combat buddies. I'll stay in contact with you. 

    Dh (computergeekextraordinaire) has planted the pictures for you. Here they be!

    katoMato & Dr. Nashie

    The San Diego Lunch Bunch. Nash is in the top row, 2nd from left. katoMato, bottom row, far left.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • katoMato
    katoMato Member Posts: 645
    edited January 2008
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • nash
    nash Member Posts: 2,600
    edited January 2008

    Thanks for posting the pics, Kaye! You look beautiful both in person and in the pictures. I, on the other had, resemble something along the lines of a drowned kitten. But that's OK. Undecided

    I brought that muffin the size of a Buick home, and I'm not kidding you, split it six ways for dessert with my family (BIL was over). Yum! 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • katoMato
    katoMato Member Posts: 645
    edited January 2008

    Nash, the thanks re the pics goes to dh (again), and thanks for the kind comment. It's wonderful what 6 hours in the bathroom with an arsenal of Clinique products and a well placed eyebrow can do. And you do NOT look like a drowned kitten. I've drowned plenty in my time and there wasn't ONE that you resemble. I think you look GREAT. (Especially where you "are" in regard to tx!)

    Hey Angie, how are you doing today? 

    Kim - I pm'd you with my email.

    Hi to June & DeAnn too - have a good day, ladies.

    Off to work for me. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lilith
    lilith Member Posts: 543
    edited January 2008

    Hello...

    I am so sorry I didn't see this conversation when I really needed it - and needed some new sisters. I am also glad to see that most of us are now out of the ditch, and smiling again: the pictures of the meetings are really wonderful.

    I am in europe, and have been DX' last July 4th (yeah, no kidding), right mastectomy on July 11th (full node dissection, one + out of 8), HER+, ER+. Started chemo on the 15th of August, Adriblastine and Taxol every 2 weeks, with shots of Neulasta to hold on. No rads (thanks the heavens), and now I am on Herceptin (every 3 weeks) and Tamoxifen (I am 44, premenaupausal, although the hot flushes would make me forget it). A similar story to all others...

    Hair is growing, finally... even if it looks like a 5 o'clock shadow!!!  

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • nash
    nash Member Posts: 2,600
    edited January 2008
    Hi, Lilith! Glad you joined us! Hope you're tolerating the Herceptin well. Right there with you with the hot flashes and GI Jane hairdo. Smile
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • chemomom
    chemomom Member Posts: 171
    edited January 2008

    Hey gals.  I have been getting progressively better from my horrible weekend.  My rads site looks and feels much better.  Of course-- just in time to show the doc.  Although it's still somewhat swollen.  I still have a fever off and on, accompanied by body aches.  I'll be calling my regular onc about that tomorrow morning.  i don't think it's the flu, since it comes and goes.

    And I got the day off from rads for the day due to my sad tale.  One extra day to heal and then gettin' back on the old horse.  If I have another reaction after tomorrows tx, goodness knows what I will do.  The onc is saying it may be an interaction between rads & herceptin- anyone heard of such a thing? 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • chemomom
    chemomom Member Posts: 171
    edited January 2008

    DeAnn-- I have been thinking-- since you had that reaction when they changed the order of your meds that one time, please be sure you are getting something with the Herceptin on Fri.  I had just Herceptin.  Nothing else but a bit of saline flush.  Be careful!

    Kaye and Nash, the pics are great.  And I think you both look gorgeous!  Seriously.  Kaye-- that hair style really looks nice-- and I am not just saying that.  If it were me-- I might just keep it that short (and I may) just for the simplicity of it.  How long was your hair before you shaved it in the first place?

    And Nash-- I had no idea what to picture for you.  You are so knowledgeable and have been thru so much I was always picturing you looking older... and maybe more tired Embarassed.  But you shine, you really do and you have a beautiful smile. 

    I am so happy for you both to have been able to meet.  Let's get Oprah to fly us all somewhere for a meeting.  Maybe the Caribbean.  Heck, I'd settle for Chicago in the winter! 

    And welcome, Lilith!  Sorry you didn't find us sooner.  these gals are a huge help getting thru all this!

    And kimmie-- how are things going.  You holding up OK, girl?

    Later girls... mommy-duty calls!  Angie

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • DGHoff
    DGHoff Member Posts: 624
    edited January 2008

    Thanks, Angie! The chemo nurses are all pretty paranoid about me getting the Herceptin so I don't think they will skip anything. None of them wants to be the one that made DeAnn crash again!

    Welcome, Lilith! Glad you found us!

    Nash and Kaye, you two both look awesome, and just as beautiful as I expected. That would be so fun for us all to get together.  My sister saw an Oprah episode where some woman wrote a bunch of songs and sent them off to Faith Hill. Faith liked them so much she recorded them, and they were on the show together. My sister is convinced that I should send some of my songs off to some famous person so that I could go on Oprah too. She is, obviously, delusional, but if I do ever get on Oprah, I'll ask if y'all can join me!

    Kaye, how many weeks did it take for your hair to get to that length. I think it looks terrific!

    Kimmie. Good luck with chemo on Wednesday (is that right?). Hope the Emend works for you. 

    Feeling pretty good today except I can't shake this cold I've had for the last month.

    Hi to everybody else as well! Gotta go get my bambino into bed. 

    DeAnn 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • nash
    nash Member Posts: 2,600
    edited January 2008

    Angie and DeAnn, you guys are so sweet. LOL, Angie--the "older and more tired" comment cracked me up Sealed. I attribute my vaguely youthful appearance to my hat--that's the one I had on when I got carded for the wine last month!

    It would be so great to all be able to get together one day. Lunch with the San Diego girls (and especially Kaye) was very fun and very relaxing.  

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lilith
    lilith Member Posts: 543
    edited January 2008

    thanks all for the welcome... :) I found how to add my pic, but have to say it is a pre-chemo one.

    I am going back to work this week, and am not used to sit in an office for hours anymore. Plus, it feels really a world out of my own... since 6 months. Are you girls still working? I am at 50%, and feel totally useless here.

    Are all down in California? :=)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • katoMato
    katoMato Member Posts: 645
    edited January 2008

    Then

    I don't know if this link will work, but I had to give it a try.

    That's what my hair looked like before. I'll probably have it a little shorter from now on, but not this short. Hmmnnn.

    Hi Lillith - Where in Europe are you?

    DeAnn - my last chemo was October 3rd, so what does that make it - 3 1/2 months? Something like that. 

    Angie - I'd be interested in knowing about the Herceptin interfering with rads. I read somewhere that some docs don't want anything but one thing at a time, then there was a study that said "chemo" (generic) at the same time was fine and actually beneficial. To my memory, they didn't specify which chemo, which is odd as you'd think that might make a difference. 

    Well girls, hope your day is good.

    Hey, Jackie - havent heard from you for a while. Hope you're doing well! 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • yellowtownhouse
    yellowtownhouse Member Posts: 142
    edited January 2008

    Hi All,

    This will be the HAPPIEST message I have ever written.  DH and I were back to the surgeon at 7am today for my post-op visit and path report from surgery #2 last Tuesday.  I had some fluid on the affected breast and she aspirated it and said things look good and I'm healing well.  The path report was 'CLEAN'    'CLEAN'   'CLEAN'  'CLEAN'!!!!!!!!!!!

    :> :> :> :> :> :> :>   (sorry, can't help myself).

    She gave me a referral to a radiology oncologist to start making arrangements for my rad treatments AND released me to go back to work next Tuesday.

    Next week will be a total of 5 weeks that I've been off and I've never been so relieved to go to work in my life!  LOL   Today is my daughter's 44th BD and I couldn't have gotten this news on a better day.  I know I'm not through the woods yet but I do know I have been blessed and you all have been one of the many blessings.  I just would not have gotten through the past 7 months without you.  How do I even begin to try to say thank you.....there are no words my sisters.  Forgive me for ranting, but it's just been so long with no good news that I am beside myself with joy.

    Kaye:  the pics were wonderful and it looked like so much fun!  Your link works great and so is your hair, at whatever length.  I've got brows and eyelashes back and can even wear a little mascara...yea.  

    Dr. Nash:  (sorry Kaye)  I agree with others...my God woman, you look 25 years old!  Can we hate you just a tiny bit?  

    Lilith:  so glad you have joined us and you know later is better than not at all. 

    Angie:  so glad to hear you're feeling a 'little bit' better and yes, I'll bet you're glad that you got a day off to help things along. 

    Kim:  where are you?  Is today a chemo day?

    Wishing you all the greatest of days.

    P.S.  DH is taking us out to dinner and I'm going to have a REAL drink for the first time in 7 months.

    Hell, half a glass of wine and he'll probably have to carry me out of the joint!  LOL

    June 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • nash
    nash Member Posts: 2,600
    edited January 2008

    I'm telling ya, June, it's the hat. I never was taken for younger until I started wearing the silly thing. Kiss

    I was just thinking about you a bit ago, and lo and behold, you were posting. How's that for cosmic? I'm so thrilled to hear your path results!!!!! Fantastic! Enjoy dinner out!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • wackyjackie
    wackyjackie Member Posts: 669
    edited January 2008

    Hi Kaye,

    Thanks for thinking of me!!! You look absolutely beautiful.  It's so nice to see these pictures.  I love your hair at all lengths.  Mine is starting to really grow.  My eyebrows and lashes are coming back also.  I have 8 more rads to go and I'm done.

    I've been busy going between rad onc, med onc and ps.  I finally decided to start tamoxifen with one aspirin a day(to avoid blood clots).  I'm starting next week- at the same time as radiation.  My medical onc strongly suggests it.(who knows?).  Also she said an option would be to remove ovaries and go on arimidex.  I'm still confused but trying to figure it all out.  It's so damn confusing!!!!!! I think breast cancer should come with a handbook(LOL!!!).

    I've been reading but have not been posting much.  You're about the only one who answers me anyway.  LOL. 

    Glad to hear that everyone seems to be doing well.

    Hugs, Jackie

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • nash
    nash Member Posts: 2,600
    edited January 2008

    I'm sorry if you felt left out, Jackie! Frown I think any posts that went unacknowledged can be safely chalked up to massive chemo brain.  I know my head doesn't work very well these days.

    So glad you're almost done with rads and that you worked out a solution to your platelet issue/tamoxifen!

    Hugs. Smile

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • katoMato
    katoMato Member Posts: 645
    edited January 2008

    JUNE, YOU DESERVE AN ENTIRE PARTY AFTER THAT NEWS...Drink the other half of the glass, too, and LET them carry you out. (Isn't that what waiters are for? NO??????????!!!!!!!!! Oh dear. I'm so embarrassed.) Ok, what about parking attendants? Give them a little financial "encouragement" and they SHOULD be able to drive your car right into the dining room and PICK YOU UP.

    Jackie - Thanks for posting...I miss hearing from you. I'm so glad you're going to be done soon. That puts you around the 25th or so? I hope Tamoxifen "agrees" with you. Just for the record I'm having no problem (to date - about one month) with Arimidex. Little bit more arthritis, but nothing to speak of. I don't know if it's worth having an "ooph" (or whatever the slang for oopherectomy is) but who knows. Whatever works.

    Nash is right - so often I'll miss a few posts altogether. I've noticed that it's usually when a few people post around the same time and it "flips" over to another page and I don't have the ease of re-reading the other posts I've read before (some many, many times! just to remember what's going on!) Don't feel left out! We love you!

    And anyone with the "radiator" attached (I'm thinking June & Angie - but I can't remember. Anyone else?)...how are the rad burns? 

    Ok. My dh just wanted me to ask where I could get a Nash-Hat. "If it makes you look 20 years younger....?"

    (Where DID I put that bludgeoner?) 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories