Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

  These are all the moods I felt today while hearing my regimen!!!!!!  Step by step is how I felt in each picture~

Okay Ladies I finally got the word today!  I have the worst Cancer being that its positive Her2 +  - which is so wonderful to hear, might I say.  I just laughed when he told me!  I told him I always get the worst of everything so I cant say much so I just laugh.   He stated that I will do AC 4 X every 3 weeks then Tamo 4 x every 3 weeks then Radiation then Herceptin for a year. Before I start anything I will get a Pet scan and Muga of the heart.  I am just tired from all the news I have heard today! 

I sure like to know how do they think I am going to pay the other 20% of the chemo and etc that my HMO doesnt pay for!  Does anyone have any suggestions?  Its kills you to stay alive - just kidding - I told you I am just a joker, it makes me feel better to make jokes about all this. I guess its my survivor mode either way it helps me to cope with all this being that I have no support at home!  Okay enough of my complaining and pity me. 

I am just so thank I have you women, I really dont know what I would do without you and the strange part is that I feel like you are my family and you are the ones that are really wishing the best for me.  

Anyways I did get some good news, I found out another school can take me  in case I get to sick to finish school; so I can rest a sure that I will graduate and be a Nurse.

Wow, I think today was the most positive postings we have had.  Its great to hear that most se's are on the downhill slide, atleast for the time being. 

Judy and CHJ, your going to love this group of gals, you have a question, need to vent, want to share, we are here for the full meal deal.

Thanks for the tips on the Sahara Desert mouth.  I did the Biotene swish thing in the middle of the night as well as the daily swishes, I think it may have helped a little.  God knows I'm up enough in the night to pee (the joy of 120 ounces of water), might as well swish too.  We also put a humidifier in our bedroom, who knows maybe it will help as well.

Hunkering in early with the dogs, dh is out of town, so I'm taking the heating pad to bed to keep my feet warm.   Looking forward to tomorrow, its my last day of my oral cytoxan txt for this month.  Yeah, a two week "holiday"!

Take care all, looks like there is some great info being exchanged on alot of txt's.  Vettegal, you are going to be so prepared, your going to kick this chemo in the butt!

Carol

Dear Jewles,

A friend sent this to me and I want to share this with my Sisters:

Be Strong

You and the Lord will overcome this together

Be Encouraged

You are loved,you are valuable and you have all you need

Be Confident

You are God's child and He will never let you go

Be Certain

That you are in the Lord's care and my prayers during this difficult time.

Hi Dana -- There is a separate HER2/neu+ board here and you may want to read some of the postings on that board.  I was originally going to do ACT and Herceptin and after doing some research talked with the onc and we switched to TC (taxorene carboplatin) and Herceptin.  The reason for this is that Andriamycin can cause heart problems as can Herceptin.  There is an on-going study that indicates being on ACT and Herceptin raises the risk of heart problems more than doing TCH.  This is a very personal decision because ACT and Herceptin has a bit better disease free state rate than TCH but it does come with higher risks.  I have a strong family history of heart problems, so decided I didn't want to do anything that raised that risk, but you may not have those issues.  There's a lot of information available to help you make an informed decision.  Dr. Slamon at UCLA is the lead on these studies and I noticed you are from Los Angeles.  It's possible you could get in a study and have the cost of treatment covered.  It's certainly worth a call.

Hi All,

Well, DH shaved my head this evening. It really wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Of course I haven't been out of the house yet, but I was actually surprised that it wasn't so bad. My head feels so much better. It had gotten pretty painful and the hair everywhere was annoying. The anticpation was definitely worse than the actual shaving.

PALady - you must have posted right before I did - glad it wasn't so bad - I'm anxious for mine to be gone too - the hair everywhere is driving me crazy! I actually had three co-workers on "hair patrol" today and they were picking hair off me everytime they saw me! Uuughhhh!

Julie - you are too funny - a mohawk first?  What the heck! I love it when we keep our sense of humor!!

And PALady, you said, "The anticpation was definitely worse than the actual shaving" - I think that's going to be my problem.  I think I am mentally ready to lose my hair, but not sure about emotionally ready.  I have the hats (and ordered 2 more from the tlcdirect site) and my wig should be in this week.  But am I really ready???  The one good part of it, though (I remember from before) is that having no hair cuts the get-ready-to-go-out time in HALF!  No washing, blow-drying, and I can get ready for work in NO TIME!!

Julie - I have no idea how you could work up the energy to teach high school.  But good for you!  I am extremely blessed that I only work 3 days per week doing computer stuff and I can work from home if I need to (which I'm doing this week).  But I am getting antsy to get out among people.  I'll definitely be back in the office next week.

I'm crazy about all you girls already! 

T minus about 10 days for my hair...

CHJ

Dear RN2teach - who wouldn't be needy with the challenges you are facing?  Prayers for Eddie are winging your way.

And dear Dana - I am so sorry you got the news you did - it's like a kick in the gut, isn't it? You are strong though and you will get through this along with the rest of us.  There are other her2 neu+ on this board - I'm a triple neg so I've not followed all of those challenges because I've been so nervous about my own. But we are warriors, remember?

Why don't you go to the Cancer Center's Social Work office like I had to do and ask about making arrangements for your co-pays right up front?  UNMC told me that they get these requests all the time and they totally understand. Don't avoid it until after the bills are late. I did that with one from just this past October and yesterday got a notice that they turned me over to collection for a $160 co-pay that I hadn't sent payment for! I didn't intend to let it go this long, but my lesson is that I should have contacted them right away. Now I have to call and get this one resolved. I'm learning we need to be proactive up front if we anticipate financial problems due to our cancer medical bills. Thanks to the great advice I've received from some very wise jewels - I'm speaking up rather than worrying.

To all the rest of the Jewels - hope today is better than yesterday - no one starting treatment til tomorrow, I see. Stay warm.

Dana- its great knowing someone else is starting with me..yes, we can hold hands going thru this..thank you!

KathyL-I made my dh read your post, same with D1..he finally understands everything. Yes, I am nervous. Some people breeze thru this some people don't. Maybe the waiting is worse than the treatment Who knows, i may be reading more into this then i should. But, the support on this board means the WORLD to me and has helped me tremendously and I may ramble on....venting too much. So i will apologize now for that.

But I have another cute story for you all.

I gave myself a pedicure over the weekend and painted my toes a really hot red to go with my red wig when i start wearing it. I laready had my nails done( i have acrylics) so, my dh fell asleep on the couch and he was like in that deep sleep and I painted his toes..he didn't see it for like a few hours after he woke up!!! He said he will wear it for  day for me for my support then we will take it off!! He is so funny Ijust wanted to share that goofy story with you. We  have so much fun with each other, if i didn't have him..I couldn't have gotten thru this breast cancer crap! FUBC thanks D1...

I will be getting my head buzzed this weekend. Yes, i will post pictures, maybe even the red wig you can all give me you opinion on it....lol

D1-what would I do with out you? You have taken an important role in my journey. You make me laugh and that is what we need the most in this crazy world we live in.

To all of the other wonderful women...Have a great day, chin up stay positive, attitude is everything!!!

Hugs to all the sisters!!  xxoo

Hey again,

DH is up, kinda zonked but okay.

Julie and Kathy- GMTA- my students want to get in on my head shaving (shaving is one of their nursing skills). They have promised me a mohawk b4 its all gone--I will def. take pics!

I am NOT looking forward to being bald, but as you all have said it is a small price to pay and the hair will come back. I have bought/ borrowed several wigs.  They are okay, but I wanted to look like me and I just look WEIRD! May go with more hats after all. My mom and my hairdresser both said they could see me "topless"  but I'm thinking NOT in January!! Anyway, you gals are paving the way for me to loose my hair with a smile... thanks for the great stories.

Vettegal-- gotta love a man who will wear red toes for his girl! WTG Vetteguy!

Good Morning Jewels,

I said I was going to catch up but we sure are a chatty group.  It sounds like the se's don't have too much of a hold on anyone so that is good.

Dana - your faith is so strong and inspiring.  You are strong and will get through this.  Take each day as it comes and know that we never get more than He knows we can handle.

Vettegal - I understand your apprehension.  Once you get your first one under your belt, you will be able to breathe a little easier and then deal with any se's that you may have.  The pointers given by everyone sure helped me (tho I should have listened more closely in regards to the constipation issue).  I will be thinking of you Friday as that is the day for my round #2.

Paula - You and Eddie are definitely on my prayer list.  I cannot even begin to imagine what you are going through.  Keep your faith strong.

wvgirl - That was very encouraging and is going with me on Friday.  Thanks

Sista2 - You are next up to the plate.  Know that everyone here will be hugging on you tomorrow (((((sista2)))))

KathyL and D1 - As it stands right now, my dates to finish out the AC are 1/25, 2/8 and 2/22.  That is provided my blood counts stay in range.  I'm not sure what my schedule will be for the Taxol treatment.  Thanks for keeping the schedule up to date. 

D1 - as always, thanks for being our fearless leader and paving the way for all of us.  You are so selfless in letting us know what you know so that we can all suffer less.  And sense of humor is some really good medicine.

If I forgot anyone, I'm sorry.  I hope everyone is keeping warm and feeling better.

I am prepared for friday with my pillow and "The Tudors" season 1 DVD's.  Hopefully will make time go by faster.  Also will start my anti-nausea meds tomorrow so are in my system.

Catch ya'll later!

Morning Jewels-



Wow, lots been happening while I've slept.



D1- Glad today is better...and will just keep getting better. Let us know how PT goes. I get my wig fitted and cut today...



Welcome CHJ and Judy- You have joined a great group of gals here. The Jewels are funny, inspiring, and supportive...



CHJ- It's never too late to join the group...OK, I guess if a person starts chemo in Feb. they technically wouldn't be a Jan. Jewel, but you're definately a Jewel. Welcome



Judy, I can't even imagine how frustrating that must be being in a small town where if the only specialist is out of town things stop. No one here has mets, but the treatment is the same, so we're here for you. There is also a thread dedicated to people with mets if you want to join a second group.



Dana, so glad you checked in. I can't even imagine working and going to school full-time while doing chemo, but if anyone can pull that off, it's you. You've got spunk, girl. I'd ask for a Wed. infusion like D1 so you have the weekend to recoup.



Kathy-OMG, we LOVE your advice and the fact you're sharing your knowledge. Both you and LJ13 are awesome at giving us info on drugs, effects, remedies, and facts...keep it comin' baby!!!!



Maz- Your absence is understandable with so much going on in your life. You're one of the SHEROES I mentioned earlier. I'm glad the se's aren't too bad. That's got to be a positive when you're taking care of your mom, too. Nothing wrong with just reading and speaking up only when you've got something to say. Take care, sweetie.



Hey Paula-glad you were able to work today and that it went well. I am so sorry about your husband having a bad night. I can't even imagine how you do everything...teaching, grading papers, taking care of the house, your own treatment and your husband's...a SHERO...that's what you are!!!!



OK, gotta go get ready for a walk with my neighbor...I'll catch up with the rest of the posts when I get back. I left off on Paula...yes, I take notes. ;-)



SIS KImberly

OK, I'm back from my walk.



Dana, I know you aren't thrilled with your test results, but as you've heard...you've got a lot of good research backing the success of treatment for you. CathyC gives good advice...take care of contacting the billing departments of your medical facilities and other debts now before you get behind. Put together a budget and let them know what you can afford. Get that letter Cathy did from your oncologists office to send to each creditor that isn't a medical bill. I also like the suggestion about contacting the Dr. in LA about clinical trials...doesn't hurt to see what the options are out there.



YuYu- Glad to hear from you and that you seem to be doing well. I go for my final fill up, 1/28, the day before my 2nd tx 1/29. Yeah, that really tight feeling isn't always so comfortable is it? I had the stuffy ear thing along with my soft palat(sp) feeling like it was going to rip in half when i opened my mouth too wide...like to eat a sandwich or yawn...but it only lasted 3 or 4 days...it's much better now.



PALady- WhooHoo on the balditude!!!! Good for you. Looks like Julie, Vettegal, and I are all ready to have our shaving parties sooner rather than later. I'm thinking this weekend sounds like a good time. I agree the second infusion will send those follicals screaming right off my head, so I might as well give them a head start (pun intended) ;-)



Paula, I'm sending lots of positive energy out into the universe for both you and your hubby. I'm glad he's up and around although wiped out. Again, SHERO!!!!



CHJ- Didn't I say you would love this group? I'm so glad you're here with us. I'm totally with you on the ease factor of being hairless...looking forward to that perk.



Kathy-I'm sorry about your friend. Funerals can be emotionally draining, and to have to do that and then fend for yourself tonight...be good to yourself when the kids are down for the night...light some candles, take a bubble bath, have a nice glass of wine and just unwind.



Hey ArizonaDeb- Good luck with your next treatent. I've not heard of The Tudors...is it an HBO series? Hope your tx goes by faster- in perception anyway as you can't rush those drips- having that to watch.



LJ13- I love MahiMahi...organic section of the store...I'll have to check that out...I hate farmed fish.



Hey DianaB. Sounding upbeat and perky today.



OK, if I've missed anyone, I apologize...take care gals.



SIS Kimberly

Hi again ladies,

I'm sitting here working (at least I'm trying to work!) and listening to music, and this song came on.  The artist is Sara Groves, and even though I've heard it many times before, the words really hit me today. It's called, "It Might Be Hope".  (the "it's hard to recall" part is not applicable, but work with me here. )

"You do your work the best that you can
you put one foot in front of the other
life comes in waves and makes its demands
you hold on as well as you're able

You've been here for a long long time

Hope has a way of turning its face to you
just when you least expect it
you walk in a room
you look out a window
and something there leaves you breathless
you say to yourself
it's been a while since I felt this
but it feels like it might be hope

It's hard to recall what blew out the flame
it's been dark since you can remember
you talk it all through to find it a name
as days go on by without number

You've been here for a long long time

Hope has a way of turning its face to you..."

I love thinking about hope at the end!!

CHJ
 

CHJ - Sara Groves is a great artist.  I listen to alot of her stuff.  Those lyrics are especially good right now.  Thanks for sharing.