Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

Jenn51 · April 2008

Good Evening Jewels,

We had some sunshine today but didn't get very warm. It warms up tomorrow & starts to rain again. I've had enough!

Paula, I think I will mention the boob pain to my onc next week. It it's normal I can live with it but....

Carol, I double checked all faucets, lights etc. b4 I left for work today. Felt pretty good about myself till I got there & found out I sent an email to the wrong customer. Undecided The recipient was pretty upset, not understanding why I was changing the quantity & pricing on her order. I'm beginning to think that I can't be trusted with much.

You are so lucky with your dog sitter. We don't have one & I'm afraid my older boy would grieve too much if we left them at a kennel. And one that comes with fresh flowers, WOW!

I have been a Colts fan since I was in 1^st grade & Johnny Unitas was quarterback. I would watch with my dad & hope for a TD because they would ride this beautiful white horse around the stadium. When they were the ones to come to Indy I was in 7^th Heaven. Yeah, I'm quite a fan. You should see my office at work.

I'll be anxious to hear all about your retreat. Reggie is adorable! I could just pick him up & cuddle.

SisKimberly, Congrats for being invited to the thank you luncheon. I'm sure your boss appreciates your being there as much as you can.

I was planning on mopping the floor this weekend but I usually don't put that much water down.

I'm glad to hear your thoughts on the boob pain. Makes sense. With the chemo & all the tests it's kinda hard to believe that surgery was only 3 months ago.

It doesn't seem like we have been very active in the last 24 hrs. Only 4 posts since my last night. I hope it's not because some of are really suffering se. Tomorrow will be a long day. Herceptin at 9:00, then the chest x-ray at 11:00 and the CT w/contrast at 1:00. And nothing to eat or drink after 9:00 because of the dye. If there is a very long wait between xray & ct I may have to find somewhere to shop. I know I'll be hungry& thirsty, I better be in a store that doesn't allow food. I don't remember being told not to eat before a ct b4. Maybe they were early in the AM & it didn't seem so bad.

TTYL

Determined1 · April 2008

First the good news. My bil's med team is saying they expect him to survive. They will check for brain damage in about 48 hours. Thanks for all your good thoughts and prayers, I know they are helping.

So I saw my legu today, who felt my fluid was building up a little on my side. We brainstormed what could be the problem and came up with 3 ideas--1) the tattoos are near the fluidy area and bled excessively, maybe trauma?, 2) I was not wearing kinesio tape on my side in case it would be in the way of what the rad techs needed to do, maybe my lymph system has become dependent on the road map it offers?, or 3) the pain in my arm from lifting over my head could be causing some swelling. We may never know the true culprit, but we're redoubling our efforts to get it down again. I really hope none of you develops le to this point. It's really a PITA. Luckily, the odds should be in your favor as only 5% of lymph node surgery patients develop it and I'm happy to take the bullet for the Jewels--as long as you let me complain about it!

Learned something new today--they shoot rads at me from 2 angles, one directly on my breast and the other from under my arm area. I noticed that the shot to my armpit is a lot longer, so I asked why. Seems that it takes longer for the rays to penetrate muscle mass (I wouldn't describe myself that way, but whatever), so the machine has to be on longer when directed at areas with muscle. Made sense to me. Sorta. I warned them that I would ask a lot of questions, and they were receptive (course I took cookies in today...). I'll share with you guys.

Jenn--OMG and LOL at your flooding story!! Good thing it was only a few gallons! And YAY on the nap.

Not sure what you mean by needle placement. Is that the procedure where they inserted the guide wire into my boob? That was BY FAR the worst procedure I've endured. Getting a tattoo is NOWHERE near that! The tats probably compare to a novocaine injection before you get a big needle. It doesn't penetrate the skin deeply at all, lasts a few secs and burns for a sec. Really, the first one I got was the worst, because I didn't know what to expect. You'll have a leg-up (I hope) from all my long-winded descriptions (apologies to those not doing rads).

Hey Paula, thanks for the testimonial from your friend, Pam, on applying the lotion. It encourages me to keep slathering it on. I'm so glad you're finding the se pain more tolerable on Taxol. You really deserve a break.

Carol--You'll have to fill me in on the retreat. There was an article recently in The Post about one in the area and it sounded intriguing, but maybe too touchy feely for me. Plus, it's a week-long deal. But tell us about your experience, I'm curious about it. (I don't think I could EVER leave that dog for more than 5 minutes--he's just darling!!)

Boy, SIS Kimberly, you're sounding awfully lucid for one expecting a fog bank. Hope it's mighty thin this time and lifts quickly. (My dh won't watch DWTS with me, either, so I TIVO and view on my own time, too. He loves Gossip Girl, though, go figure.)

Big day at the bar tomorrow--it'll be sparkling with all our Jewels! AZDonna, Deb, Tinalee and Sunshine (last one--YIPPEE), go kick some cancer butt!!! FUBC!

For you sapphires in the fog--turn on your foglights and follow our voices outta there! We're all pulling for ya!

Off to watch the boob tube (hmmm, maybe a different slang term will be more appropriate, given the current circumstances).

TTFN,

D1

Cathy-CA · April 2008

I signed up today for the Komen 3-day in San Diego this November. I have dithered back and forth about doing it (I'm the one who wants base camp to be at the Hilton), but I have joined a team.

Kimberly -- I would be interested in the research you found on radiation vs. no radiation following chemo. I am meeting with the radiation onc next week to discuss what we are going to do and am thinking doing nothing may be a valid option.

D1 -- Thanks for the details of your rads treatment. I don't know what it is about rads that has me freaked out, because everyone says it's easier than chemo, but your reports are helping. I'm glad to hear BIL is doing okay. This must be so scary for your family.

Jenn -- good luck with your tests and I hope everything comes back negative. I was told I couldn't have anything to eat for my CT. They gave me a box lunch afterwards with a sandwich, fruit and yogurt.

Good thoughts for the Jewels getting treatment tomorrow!

Jenn51 · April 2008

D1, Just refreshed my screen & saw your post.

Sending prayers of thanksgiving for the news on your bil. Now let's pray that they don't find any brain damage.

Yes, what I called needle placement you called guide wire. That wasn't fun & it took him about 5-6 tries to get it in the right place. I lost count. I tried to take myself to my beach on Anna Maria Island, FL but kept feeling like I had stepped on a stingray or something. If it's better than that then I'm set.

I guess my dh is feeling sorry for me ‘cause he has watched all of the DWTS with me so far. And he has stayed awake thru them. That's the real miracle.

I am sorry you are having so much trouble with your arm. Thanks for biting the bullet for all of us. I've been a little lax on my exercises. I will get back on track & hopefully get full motion out of it b4 I start rads. Are you going every day? For how many? We are all watching you for fatigue or any other se. You are our leader, where you go we will follow.

Love & Hugs,

tinalee123 · April 2008

Hi Jewels,

Sunshine, AZ Donna, Deb102307 -- I'll be picking up the tab tomorrow at the bar! Hope all goes well for you. Sunshine, double "YAY" for the last one!

Jenn -- Holy cow...your flooding story...I can only imagine what you must have thought walking back into your house!!

Paula -- Glad to hear your bad body aches have ceased. A world of difference between this and AC, huh?

CathyCA -- Thanks for the FMLA link. I'm going to forward it to my friend from work.

Carol -- That little Reggie is the cutest darn thing. I keep checking back online at a breeder in northern Iowa for puppies...a very dangerous thing to do. I just love those little buggers.

D1 -- I am so relieved that your bil has been given some good news. Good thoughts and wishes continue to him for positive progress! I'm sorry your family is going through this. NUTS on the le! Complain away, it's what we're here for.

Kimberly -- How nice to be invited to the luncheon with your colleagues. You are obviously very valued.

I echo the comments made earlier (by Jenn, I think) about the posts being pretty light the last few days. Hope everyone is okay, just know we're thinking of you...until we take our turn. Hugs to all!

Sleep well everyone,

Tina

golfer779 · April 2008

Good Eve Gems,

Had a great day at Harmony Hill, walked in a little nervous, and was greeted by a very nice facilitator. The setting was in a "Yurt", never even heard of a Yurt before today. It was very cozy, with chairs all in a circle. Blankets were placed on each chair, many took there shoes off to get comfy. There we're 8 of us undergoing txts at this time and three spouses in attendance. A very personable sized group. I was the only one with bc, four women had non-hodgkins lymphoma, and I thought bc was the popular cancer. Unfortunately two of the attendees we're dealing with stage 4 cancers. It was pretty hard to hear their stories and then share my own, quite a few tears we're shed by all in the first hour.

Things lightened up with some breathing exercises, and then some basic yoga stretches. All new to me, never knew I was supposed to be doing deep breathing through my nose and not my mouth. I did have to ask how the heck you can do that when your nose is stuffed up like mine is half the time.

Lunch was interesting but good, very organic and free of just about everything that is supposed to be "bad" for you. It was served in the main building dining room. The grounds are quite large, with accomodations for there 3 day retreats as well, there was a nurses retreat taking place on the grounds for these 3 days. Thats probably why we were in the "Yurt". There is a scheduled 3 day retreat for bc patients, but unfortunately they scheduled it the same weekend as the Komen 3 Day, which I plan on being a cheerleader at this year.

Had time to just visit with one another for about an hour after lunch, I spoke in length to a gal with lymphoma, who was also diagnosed with thyroid cancer within the last 6 months. She had a great fighting spirit but was just tired of not feeling "normal". I had very little to complain about after hearing her story.

We returned to the Yurt, and learned about some self facial massage, and then listened to a tape on Relaxation and Wellness, by Belleruth Naparstek. We we're each asked to get as comfortable as possible, many took blankets and pillows to the floor, I noticed the sun coming through the window and decided to pull my chair into the warmth. About 10 min into the tape my head was bobbing, and I literally missed the last half of the tape. I'd say it put me into relaxation mode with no problem.

I thoroughly enjoyed my day, it was definitely not something that I would have ever thought I'd be a part of, but then again I still have a hard time believing that this isn't all a dream.

Need to see who's off to the lounge tomorrow, will post this before I hit the disappear button.

Carol

golfer779 · April 2008

A great big shout out for Sunshine, "another one bites the dust" on this chemo gig! Hope your last is uneventful.

Donna, Deb and Tina, we'll be thinking of you all tomorrow, boy the stools have been busy the last couple days. May your txt day fly by and the se's stay minimal.

Kimberly, I was pretty surprised at your decision to forgo HT. I understood that you had decided against rads, but no HT as well caught me off guard. Any enlightning on the subject you wish to share?

Lorazepam is a anti-anxiety drug, and is also used for nausea. After my initial biopsy in Oct, which was excrutiating, the dh insisted that I get something to calm me down after that procedure, been using a half a tablet almost everynight to shut my pea brain down ever since. I've never had a problem sleeping a good 8 hours my adult life until that fateful day in Oct., hoping some day I'll be back to my old self.

And as for the boss inviting you to the thank you get together, I'm sure your deserving and also would be the life of the party (well maybe not on a foggy day!)

Jenn, wouldn't it be nice if we could call chemo brain to each of our screw ups and have everyone realize that its a reality. I hoping by the time I do 3 more months of this I even have a brain.

Kenneling our two "special needs" dogs would be out of the question. It would be hard on them and even harder on the dh and I.

And I count myself lucky the dh and fil both like to watch DWTS.

D1, glad to hear the promising news of the bil, will continue to send positive vibes to the east!

I'd like to thank you for being the rad guinea pig for us all. I was under the impression that rads in itself can increase the risk of le. Gal if somebody is going to have an se, you have runneth' over with them. Lets hope things start to mellow out for you in the se dept.

Cathy, yeah for the commitment to the 3 day. Maybe you can pretend the pink tent is the old pink hotel on Waikiki Beach!

I just received a call tonight from a gf who has just commited to the Seattle walk. My other friend Ginny Douglas, 3 day website has been capturing my adventure. I had know idea when she asked if she could honor me while walking this year that it would be documented along the way on a website. I feel very touched by her tribute to me and others that she is walking for. I would so much like to join them both, but just have this gut feeling that I could not train like would be needed with rads probably not being completed until the end of Aug. I'll have to be happy with cheerleading this year.

Taking the day off tomorrow, hoping some r&r might help with the WBC and typically 48 hrs after txt is my puney day.

Night to all,

Carol

RN2teach · April 2008

I went to bed early (10pm) feeling pretty good. My aches were so minor that I decided to forego even the tylenol. I guess lying around kinda cranked up the pain a notch and woke me up about an hour ago... couldn't get back to sleep so I got up to take a tylenol pm and thought I'd check in here while I'm waiting on Mr. Sandman to return.

My ds has had ballgames the last 2 evenings. He's hitting the ball really well this year. He fielded the ball well and had some good plays. I can still remember those T-ball days when he'd spend as much time chasing butterflies as chasing the ball!

I'm lucky that dh enjoys DWTS, too. Still can't decid on the fav. Kristi , Marli, and Shannon are great. But there are a coupla fellas who are easy on the eyes and can dance as well... Jason dances really well for a big fella (I think he's 6'6"). And the guy who dances w/ Cheryl is good.

Carol- Reggie is just too adorable for words!

Sounds like the retreat was fun. I'm glad you enjoyed it. (I had to google the "yurt"... that was a new one for me)

Kimberly- thinking of you as the fog starts to roll in... take care SIS!

I'm glad your boss included you in his thank you luncheon. You deserve it!

D1- I'm glad to hear good news about your bil. Will be praying that the MRI shows no damage from his ordeal.

I'm sorry that you've had worsening of your le. I hope you and the legu can keep it under control while you're doing rads.

The guide wire thing sounds painful! I didn't have that. The worst thing for me was the dye injection in the boob for the sentinel node biopsy.

Jenn- hope everything goes well today with your herceptin and scans today!

Deb1023- hope the extra week helped you to recover and get ready for T round 2. I'll be thinking of you!

Tinalee and Donna- you're a week ahead of me on T # 3. Best wishes for a smooth treatment and few se's!

Sunshine- Happy last day of chemo!!

Oh, and I wanted to mention some other Taxol se's I've noticed. Unfortunately, I've got some swelling. My weight had been steady thruout all these weeks until now... I'm up about 5 lb. My rings are tight. Even my loosest head garb leaves big dents in my scalp. I'm leaving my headgear off more and more as the weather warms up. My students and co-workers are tolerating my baldness just fine!

And my fingers look really weird. I remember someone asking about this some time ago. The pads of my fingers look wrinkled--like I've stayed in the bath too long. I'm also having some skin peeling on the tips of my fingers. Fortunately, I only had a tiny bit of neuropathy around day 2-3.

OK, all caught up... not feeling the least bit sleepy, but I've been up for an hour so I'm going to try to catch some zzzz.

Paula

Diana63 · April 2008

Paula, my hands & feet have been taking taxol pretty hard too, I use exfoliator on them then a lot of lotion. I also got a small bottle of tea tree oil and it helps my hands and feet. My hands got so bad they cracked and bleed for the first two treatments, they are getting better now. Tomorrow makes my 5th treatment, its getting harder to drag myself in their every week. Frown

vettegal · April 2008

Hi Jewels,

Been lurking. Sorry. Finally left the house yesterday. Feeling ok. Got an appt with the rads dr. this early am. Need to leave here at 6:30am. Vettesis has been checking out the website..I am working on her!

Will give you rad update when I come home!

Patty

Wing · April 2008

Good Morning Jewels,

Went for T#2 yesterday, I was surpised when I went in for my infusion and had a "new" nurse she told me my reg. one took the day off Cry . She brought all my premeds and instead of starting my benedryl she gave me a bag of saline solution which she didn't even notice until I told her the benedryl wes still full so you can imagine how the rest of my day went from there, even the other nurses were rolling their eyes at her when she wasn't looking as they had to constantly help her with everything. Anyway I asked for a copy of my bloodwork as I always get one, after she gave it to me I noticed a big drop in both wbc and rbc especially hemicrits (sp) and she said oh ya I didn't even notice that and went on with unhooking the tubes from the port. So I was stewing on the way home and secided to call my NP It was after 4pm so I knew Onc was home having tea already. So she looked on the computer and decided I could use a blood transfusion to call her back Thus or Fri if I was really tired or having shortnes of breath. So hear is my question anyone had the transfusion yet I am little ok a lot nervous about having one any advice?

Carol, don't feel lonely here just yet I'm having infusions every Wed until the end of June and rads after so don't think I'll be going anywhere soon. Love the weiner dog pic my sister has 3 of em they are so cute and lovable.

D1, thoughts and prayers to the bil hope the tests come out with no brain damage.

Paula, Triple neg sista are you doing the Avastin clinical too? I thought someone else here is. Thanks on th T update i'm listeningyour 1 ahead of me. Hope the se's aren't to bad for you.

Jenn, I think you should put a note on the inside of your front door that says "STOP LOOK and LISTEN!" lol

Deb,Tina and Donna, Don't drink to much at the bar today! Hope all goes well.

SIS Kimberly, Don't fight the fog its a losing battle. Hope your weekend getaway went well.

Well fingers arn't listening to me anymore enough for for now and the dryer is beeping for me.

Have a nice day all may the se's be few and far between.

Wendy

KathyL · April 2008

Yesty I was out all day-busy day! I was pooped by dinnertime though. Tried to catch up on posts, but you know how that is. Trying to finish up this morning, but I have an eye doctor appointment. I'm almost out of contacts. Should be interesting how he's going to do an exam with all of my eye twitching!

OK, back from the eye appointment... and now I can get all caught up! I picked out a great new pair of glasses by JLo that should be done in a week. I'll be stylin' now! I take my contacts' RX to Costco (much cheaper there), gotta add that on the to-do list. The eye doc said drinking about a half cup of tonic water daily will help with the eye twitching. Anyone else heard of this? I guess I'll try it-how bad can tonic water taste?

Guess another thing to add to my to-do list will be checking out spa resorts in AZ! I'll report back later on my finds.

Pulled a "Carol" yesty while driving-completely went past an exit and was driving another whole route before I realized it. A little scary how the brain works-or should I say DOESN'T! I asked the eye doc not to dilate me today- God knows where I'd end up then.

Looks like the chemo bar is full today-GL to Donna, Deb, Tina, and Sunshine! Special congrats to Sunshine on her last round!!

Carol: Watch that low WBC count lady. Handwash, handwash, handwash!

Thanks for the report on your retreat. Glad the sharts stayed away. What the h#!! is a "yurt"? Guess I could google it like Paula. I have some of Belleruth Naparstek's relaxation CDs-it always knocks me out listening to her.

OMG-Reggie is adorable!! I HAVE to get a weiner dog someday. dh is getting tired of me ooh-ing over your dog (our big chocolate dummy is his).

And how touching that your friend has honored you in such a way. Is there a website we can check out?

D1: Glad rads has gone well for you so far. It sounds like you need a break.

I hope your bil pulls through OK. Meningitis is such a nasty little bacteria.

Glad the brownies were a hit. I plan on making another batch to take to my old PT group to thank them.

Waaaah! The swelling is still around for you 5 weeks after??? I'm blowing up again this week-eyes, "cankles", and I can't get my rings off and on very easily. Will be bringing it up with the onc next week when I see him. That and the eye twitching are all I really notice (oh yeah, and being frickin' tired all the time!), so I guess I shouldn't complain. But I don't like looking like a bald sausage!

D*&n that LE! Hope your legu can get it under control for you with rads. Like Carol, I was under the impression that rads could exacerbate LE also.

I think it's the aluminum in deodorant/anti-perspirant can interfere with rads, so that's why you glad can't wear it during tx. (Carol asked, I believe).

SIS Kimberly: Please reiterate what kinds of likes/dislikes we should included on our SP cards-- food, things we like to do? I'll get them out soon.

Hope the fog doesn't roll in for long for you these next few days.

Jenn51: LOL over the chemo-brain story of yours (laughing with you of course, not at you as we've all been there to some degree). I agree with Kimberly-I'll bet your floor is sparkling!

I love reading about how many of us are involved in Relays and Races. Awesome girls!

Did not realize/remember that you were doing herceptin also. Do you notice anything with it? I start herceptin alone next week.

CT with contrast they make you NPO (no food or drink), just in case there is a problem/reaction to the dye I think. I can't remember much these days... Maybe your previous CTs were without contrast.

Paula: Good to hear you're perking up.

I must be lucky, too. My dh watches DWTS-of course, he'd watch the grass grow some days...

Wing: How low did your RBCs go?? I know of people that have had transfusions, but I don't think any of us here have had one yet. That sucks! You nurse sounds like she needed a major boot in her butt. Hope your regular one is back next week for you.

I'll try to stay up on things better so my posts aren't so long.

SISKimberly · April 2008

Morning Jewels,
I slept fairly well last night. Up to pee several times, hot and cold bouts, but didn’t get out of bed until 8:30.

I’m pretty slow this morning. I wanted to make sure that Donna1955, Deb102307, Tinalee, and Sunshine know I’m thinking about them today.

If I can’t make to the ‘puter tomorrow, LJ13 and Dana, kick some cancer booty, OK!!!!

Jenn- Thinking of you as you go through your day. Here’s to a clear chest xray and CT scan. That’s a long haul between 9 and 1pm, I hope you ate a big breakfast.

D1- WhooHoo on the good news about your bil. Thanks for taking the le bullet for the Jewels. I think it’s totally a fair trade that we let you vent as much as you want about it’s inconvenience. I told my twin that I would take the Cancer bullet for the twins, so she wasn’t allowed to even think about getting cancer.

My fog bank doesn’t normally hit until today, as Decadron keeps it at bay on Wednesday, the day after infusion. Thanks for the light se’s wish…I’m going to hang onto that one with all my strength.

Gossip Girls,eh? That is interesting. Maybe he’s trying to get an understanding of what we gals talk about…not that a show like that is a good representation of most women, but have heard it’s a popular show.

LOL on renaming the boob-tube. Chemo-brain sitter might work.

CathyCa- I have no doubt you’ll be in tip top shape to do the 3 Day Walk. I like the Hilton camp idea…but I heard you must camp.

If you go to the American Cancer Society site, create an account, you can use their Treatment Tools section, plug in information based on your path report, and it will then allow you to search articles and studies that fit your dx. You can also Google the topic, which I did as well. If you had a lumpectomy though, I would say rads is needed.

Hey Tina- Thinking of you today. Thanks for your comment about being valued. I didn’t eat anything at our get together, but did manage to drink a 7-Up and enjoy everyone’s company.

Carol- I’m so glad you had such a good time at the retreat. It’s always a good thing to step out of our comfort zones and expose ourselves to new things. I enjoy yoga and meditation and need to do it more than I do. It will need to become part of my routine once I’m in a more ‘normal’ state.

All the research I’ve done on HT doesn’t convince me that the side effects are worth it. Being pre-menopausal, an oopherectomy has been found to be just as effective without all of the side effects.

Pharmaceutical drugs report their successes in relative terms not absolute terms. A simple example is if 100 women took Tamoxifin, 2 would be expected to have negative results as far as treating cancer. When one of the 2 is benefited, they report a 50% reduction rate. I had a doctor through Dr. Susan Love’s Foundation help me out by looking up info on adjuventonline.com, which is a medical professional site that uses absolute values.
She sent me a report that showed HT therapy benefited only 12 of 100 women based on my path report. That means 88 women did not benefit, but experienced the side effects.
Any medical professional who has a copy of your path report can run this report for you.

Also, Tamox can actually stimulate estrogen in women, which supports the study that was released just this past March stating that women who experience recurrences have twice as much estrogen in their systems than other women. Tamox also causes weight gain in the gut, which is an estrogen producer. I’d rather not put anymore toxins into my body.

Glad you are taking the day off today to rest.

Paula- Hope you got back to sleep and are rested for the day. Thanks for you well wishes as the fog rolls in.

I’m having issues with my cuticles being so dry as well as my hands and feet. I too use lots of lotion and exfoliate, so I’m thinking it would be worse without those interventions.

Diana- Good luck with #5. You’re almost done, right?

Welcome back out of the fog, Patty. So glad to hear you’re feeling a bit more energetic, and I’m so glad that Vettesis has been checking our the site. Good luck with your rads appt.

Wendy- I can’t believe that this new nurse was so unaware of what she was doing. I hope that you will talk to your onc today about your experience as that is sooo not OK. Good thing the other nurses were watchful of her.

I haven’t needed a transfusion yet. My WBC count is good, but my RBC hasn’t fallen below 10 yet. I’ve been hovering at 10.8. I was told I’d get a Procrit shot if it fell below 10. Yours must be really low. The nurse is checking my iron again since my hemoglobin has been on the low side.

Keep us posted.

OK, that only took me about two hours to do. Geez.

Take care Jewels. If I don’t get back to you tomorrow, no I’m in the fog. I’ll be listening for your supportive voices and looking for your flashlights.

Love to all,
SIS Kimberly

golfer779 · April 2008

Hey Kathy, was just posting on my other two sites that I frequent, had to sneak a quick peak here before starting my to do list for the day.

I'm hanging on by a thread with the contacts, still can wear them but definitely my vision is not what is used to be. I typically just wear my glasses at night in bed (gotta love those bent temples from falling asleep with them on). I hate the thought of seeing the eye doc to update anything if I might have a turnaround in the near future. Probably wishful thinking on my part. You'll have to post a pic with your new JLo's!!!

I'm not to sure on the official definition of a Yurt, but it pretty much was like a big round tent with skylights! They had it well heated and very tastefully decorated inside. The outside had a little to be desired!

I'll be looking forward to seeing what you find for resort/spa's in AZ. Although we go each year, we've been in a comfortable rut. We've stayed at the Hilton at Squaw Peak with the kids quite a few times, its definitely oriented towards a more family "cation", not necessarily a quiet relaxing atmosphere. I'm sure there will be numerous options, sounds like fun to snoop!

And yep, it was me wondering about the deo bit, thanks!

I would love to share Ginny's website for the 3 Day in Seattle, I'm not sure if I add the url it will work. I'll try ... http://08.the3day.org/site/TR/Walk/SeattleEvent?px=1500741&pg=personal&fr_id=1189

Took the day off to do a few errands, so far havn't made it past paying bills, and trying to figure out all of the EOB's I've received the past couple of weeks from insurance.

Off to motivate ...

Carol

golfer779 · April 2008

Kimberly, I see the address list finally was a bingo ... was about to put it in the horse drawn mail!

Understand the scoops on the HT's. I had e-mailed the onc I saw at Seattle Cancer Care this morning, requesting from her when would be the best time to make an appt in regards to talking about having an ooph as well. My doc whom I see locally for my txt did not seem overly ready to even bring up the topic with me. I'm a planner, so sitting and just waiting for the next 3+ months to plug by isn't working so well for me, I'd like a game plan!

Take care of yourself over the next couple days, hoping that your weather is warm enough to get some sun on your bones ... !

Carol

Determined1 · April 2008

Hey gang! Some good news today. I saw my dentist, whom I hadn't seen since about a month before chemo started, and he said my teeth and gums looked better after chemo than they did before! All that brushing and rinsing paid off!!! Of course, I'm already back to my old bad habits...

The bil is being taken off the ventilator today. His docs are prepping us for him to take a bit of a dive as a result. I'm just hoping he's able to pull himself back up and not get into a free-fall. Just sitting here, biting my nails, waiting for a report...

Jenn--I'm still having nightmares from my guide wire procedure--getting tats doesn't even begin to compare! I go for rads M-F for 6 weeks (total of 30 zaps). I can already see that it will get old fast. Right now I have more energy than I've had in months! I'm hoping that my exercise regimen will allow me to avoid rad fatigue for a little longer than most...

Carol--Sounds like quite a day at Harmony Hill. I guess it was a good thing that you weren't the one with the saddest story, but it must've been hard to comfort others when you went for a little TLC for you. When you started writing that you were supposed to get comfy for the tape, all I could think was, "Doh! The recliner's at home!!" Glad you found the sunshine and got your catnap.

Yeah, rads do aggravate le. I thnk that's why it upset me when babydoc told me that. After I got over feeling sorry for myself, I put on my warrior armor, screamed FUBC at the top of my lungs, and started getting aggressive about my le tx. That's why I wear the damn torture garment everyday and wear my sleeve to work out. I'm gonna do the best I can and hope I can catch a break.

Paula--Yeah, I THOUGHT the dye injection was the worst till they did the guide wire procedure! If I ever need that again, they'll have to knock me out, first!

Take your rings off (I had to) so they don't have to be cut off. And elevate swollen body parts as appropriate (I've found it helps temporarily). Keep telling yourself, "this, too, shall pass."

Vettegal--good to hear from you!!! Looking forward to the rads report.

Wendy--A transfusion???! Make sure you talk to your onc before they do anything. (Stupid nurse.)

KathyL--LOL at the "vision" of you with dialated eyes and driving! Good news for you is that at 6 weeks, my energy level is the best its been since before chemo started. I feel great!! (Try not to focus on the swelling--or other se's that are still around--there's much good to being done.)

SIS Kimberly--Chemo-brain sitter--I like that! Oh, and I'll get out my gigantic lantern to lead you out of the fog, girlfriend. Be on the lookout!

Big ol' FUBC thoughts to LJ13 and LWDana for tomorrow! Go get 'em, girls!!!

Gonna go watch my tivo'd American Idols--haven't been able to read the paper today because they always spill the beans! I should be able to surprise myself this week!

D1

tinalee123 · April 2008

Good afternoon Jewels,

Thanks everyone for the thoughtful shout outs for today. Just returned from the bar. Seriously. My clinic’s treatment rooms were so busy today – seems everyone wants to get a piece of chemo action. Waited almost an hour for a room. It was worth it, got one of the suites…okay, not really, just a larger room with a view. Onco reduced the amount of taxol today due to my complaints about the neuropathy going on in my fingers. Nothing in my toes…yet. More lights at the end of the tunnel…onco gave me the green light for sushi two weeks after last tx. I asked dh to plz make reservations for May 1. Yummy!

KathyL – All I know about tonic water is that it tastes waaaay better with gin and a lime in it!! They also make a diet tonic that is quite refreshing. You’ll have to decide for yourself about the taste when it’s straight…I don’t think they meant for people to drink it that way. But, heck, it’s only a half cup. You could slam it!!

A note about AZ resorts…we stayed at one where all the baseball players stay, in Tempe, which is close to the airport. I wouldn’t call it a spa, although it was really nice with a great pool, several hot tubs and I believe they had spa-type services you could arrange. However, there was another one I was trying to get us in when we traveled there a few years ago, but, it was booked. I think adjacent to the Superstition Mtns. I’ll look around, too. CarolCA – maybe with all your travels, you may have some ideas?

Patty – Glad to hear you’re feeling a little better. Remind vettesis we’re thinking of her.

Carol – Your retreat sounds very cool. It’s neat that you took the time to participate. What a thoughtful friend you have, honoring you this way. It’s very special and I’m sure means a lot to you. Get some r&r girl.

Paula – Sorry you’re getting swelling now, too. Where are you noticing it? Like you, my fingers and finger tips look weird. My nails are sensitive too, they don’t hurt, but aren’t feeling normal. I generally keep them painted and short, I give myself a manicure just before tx, every two weeks. That’s one weird thing – got no hair growing, but, nails are growing quite well. Go figure.

Kimberly – Thank you for your good thoughts. I read your comments about Carol’s retreat. You wrote just what I was thinking. In person, I’m pretty shy, especially in new surroundings and with new people. You might say I prefer to stay in my comfort zone of things I know and people I know. Believe it or not, I have felt that recently with the “C”, it’s allowed me to venture out/expose a little more. I am planning on attending a seminar given at my clinic in May, whose lecture series addresses what happens after chemo is completed. Very interesting topic, and timely for me. I too, need to get on the yoga wagon, I did a few years ago and liked it very much. Get some rest. We’ll be here.

D1 – Good news on the choppers! That’s what my great Uncle Lloyd called ‘em, his were of the removable variety. He stored them in his shirt pocket, would pop them in when people wished to speak to him. He was the last of his generation (my grandma’s) to pass away last year. Old goat. He was an amazing person though. Flew bombing missions with Air America (a secretly CIA-aligned organization) over Laos and other areas during the Korean war. What a man. Boy, did he have stories…Hoping your bil straddles his next hurdle, and lands okay on the other side.

LJ and Dana – Thinking of you tomorrow, as you head in to the bar. Hoping things go well for you!!

Hope all of our sapphires are okay and doing as well as can be expected. Good thoughts are heading to each and every one of you.

Will check in later –
Tina

Diana63 · April 2008

Oppps, big time chemo brain, today was my 4th taxol not my 5th, I have 4 more to go , I see an oncologist on Monday. I don't know who I will see because, I go to a clinic but I will finally find out why I'm getting taxol every week instead of every two weeks.

http://www.herballuxuries.com/greentea-lotion.htm

For those of you having feet & hand problems, I am not promoting the web site. A friend of mine sent this to me, I have not used any of their products. I just bought some green tea oil, green tea lotion & foot scrub at CVS last week. It really seems to be helping, the bruises on the bed of my toe nails is clearing up nicely. I am also keeping nail polish on my finger nails & toe nails, maybe it will help to protect them until taxol is over.

RN2teach · April 2008

Evening Gems,

I did get back to sleep after my early AM post and slept until the alarm went off. Had a nice, productive day at work--I've been helping my seniors put together scholarships that are due tomorrow. They've done really well-now I hope all their hard work pays off with some $$ for college!

Diana63- thanks for the tip on the tea tree oil-I recall reading about that before, but wasn't on Taxol at the time...

As for your T being weekly instead of every 2-3 weeks, I believe it is preferred for some types of BC. There are several Jewels on the "weekly plan."

Vettegal- good to see your post. I'm glad Denise is visiting the website-there's a lot of good info here. Keep us posted on your journey toward rads and Denise's treatment plan.

Wendy- wow! Glad you made it safely through your treatment yesterday! I'm glad you called your onco and talked to the NP about it.

Hopefully, your blood levels will recover w/o a transfusion... A few weeks ago I had fever and chills and had to go in for bloodwork. WBC was low 3.8 (norm 4.8-10.8, but 3.8 is good for chemo patients). RBC was 2.8 (should be 4.2 - 5.4) and my Hgb was 8.1 (norm 12 - 15). My onco suggested a transfusion if I dropped any lower. Fortunately, I had blood drawn again just 3 days later to evaluate and my levels were much better (WBC was 8.9, RBC was up to 3.15 and Hgb was 9.3). Hoping you have a similar recovery and can forego the transfusion. I've never had one, but have given many pints of blood through the years. If you have to get blood, rest assured that it should be a piece of cake compared to chemo!

KathyL- tonic water... well, I'd be game (how bad can it taste?) if it stopped the eye twitching. I don't remember you mentioning that (can I blame that on chemo brain?). That would be tres annoying!

Kimberly- I'm keeping good batteries in my flashlight! Rest well....

Carol- just checked out Ginny's website. Very nice! The donations ticker was cool- she's almost met her goal for this year!

D1- yippee on the good dental check-up. ‘Bout time you get some good news, girlfriend!

If the guidewire is worse than the dye injection, I'll just be very thankful that I was spared the agony...

Tina- I've noticed swelling in my head (maybe my brain is growing? Hahaha)-I think I mentioned that everything I wear leaves marks on my scalp. Also, in my hands and ankles. I've quit wearing my rings for now and am trying to prop the legs up as much as possible. My nails are growing, too... Haven't lost any more hair since AC, but it isn't growing, either.

Well, well, the dd is fighting with her dad. She does her own laundry, but for some reason dh will just randomly decide to wash her clothes from time to time and (of course) he doesn't do them to suit her. So, this is an ongoing issue that I can't seem to bring to a resolution... neither of them is going to give and I'm stuck right in the middle of this frigging argument every time. Time to go negotiate a peace treaty... or barring that, does anyone have a peace pipe? I could use a hit about now! Laughing

Wishing LJ and Dana a "good" day in the lounge tomorrow.

Nite all...

Paula

golfer779 · April 2008

Just a quickie before hitting the hay ...

LJ and Dana, we'll be thinking of you as you belly up to the bar tomorrow, hoping that you are both going into tomorrow feeling well, havn't seen/heard much from either of you this week.

Tina, YEAH on the May sushi, hopefully they won't still be ice fishing in Minnesota in May!!!

My chemotini bar is going to be full next week, I guess the docs have been taking time off (spring break time), and many patients have moved around appts to see the docs, I have to wait until 3:00pm next Tuesday for my cocktail, (thats almost true happy hour time) YUCK! I'd rather get it over with in the AM.

Did you go to spring training while in Tempe? We watched the Ladies Pro Golfers play at the base of the Superstition Mtn. What a beautiful setting.

Cracked up with your Uncle Lloyd story!

Paula, glad to hear that you could fall back asleep and had a great sounding day helping your students. Our oldest was lucky enough to receive a couple of small scholarships (anything helps). It did take alot of work/effort on her part to apply for them. Thank god she didn't need our mindless brains to help her!!!

Sorry no peace pipe here, hope the dh and dd mellowed out!

D1, was happy to hear that your energy level has improved so much in just a short time. Gotta like the dental appt as well, I figured that the chemo would be hard on the chompers, must be something about teeth thats different than nails/hair, oh yeah they aren't continuing to grow out. Thank god or we'd all look like a bunch of beavers.

Continued thoughts for your bil and family.

Wendy, sounds like your nurse situation should be brought to a "higher ups" attention. It would be unfortunate to have that experience be repeated on anyone else. Yeah for us to still be at the chemo bar in June (not!). We'll probably be on our rad journey about the same time, can't wait for the war stories!!!

Vettegal, glad you popped in, and hoping that the Vettesis can get the support we all have shared within the site somewhere.

Looking forward to your rad report as well, as I recall from way back when, you we're having a heck of a time with your arm, are you mobile enough to get it in the proper position for rads?

Had an uneventful 2 days after txt day. Took the day off anticipating my usual bout of the "sharts", got lucky and felt great. The sun was shining, and after doing "bookwork" all morning, went out in the PM and cut the grass. Decided to do it before I have a disagreement with the dh about his wanting my ds to do the yard. It felt great to be out in the fresh PacNW air.

Saw my dad who winter's in Florida tonight (in fact he just left my house tonight). He flew home to celebrate his mom's 98th birthday this weekend. My bro and family are getting grandma out of the "home" on Sat and having a celebration at their home. I give them alot of credit, its not going to be that easy to pull this one off.

Off to bed, havn't worked much this week, so Friday sounds like a good day to go in ...

Pleasant dreams to all, and good morning to those in the East!

Carol

KathyL · April 2008

Hi Jewels! Had to check in before I head out to do some shopping. Those kids grow too fast-I'm going to be getting some spring/summer stuff for them at Carter's. Not much to catch up on here-we've been quiet. I hope that doesn't mean a lot of us are down and out with SEs.

Carol: I found some nice places online in AZ-- a place called the Boulders and also some places in Sedona (can't remember the names offhand). I have a wonderfully travel agent who always hooks us up (did our honeymoon, which was fantastic)-she's sending me info specifically on golf/spa resorts in AZ. I want to see what she can do before I delve further. AZ looks beautiful and relaxing!

D1: Glad you got a good bill of health from the dentist. I've heard people say the same thing-that their teeth look great after chemo b/c of all the extra mouth care we do. I saw my dentist in Jan. right before I started chemo, so I won't see him again until July.

Hope your bil does well off the vent.

I've stopped wearing my rings for fear I won't be able to get them off. So sad b/c I love my engagement diamond. But you're right-this too, shall pass (just not fast enough for me!). Last night my "cankles" reappeared again (in the morning it's my eyes, by evening it's all migrated South). Major sock lines-eeewww. Glad to hear that the energy level improves better than the swelling.

Tina: Will have to remember that I can mix the tonic water with a little something extra! Maybe I'll just start off that way... no sense in trying to choke it down plain if it can be jazzed up.

Paula: My eye twitching started with round one, but that time it went away after just a few days. Each round after it got worse and more frequent until it was happening all the time and then both eyes. It's more annoying than anything else. It is better now that I'm done, but lingering enough that I still notice it daily.

I'll check in later. Have a good day fellow gems!

texrn · April 2008

Wow! AZ sounds nice - I don't golf but I do 'spa'. Count me in.

I'm 5 weeks past my last chemo & feeling pretty good - indigestion & muscle pain have finally subsided. I go back to work tomorrow, so just in time for the se's to start fading away. I can be a wimp sometimes , so not sure how I'm going to handle back-to-back 12 hour shifts, but I'm very motivated to get back in the saddle & get on w/ my life, so maybe the adrenaline will help.

Good news on the hair front! I have new stubble all over my head, & even some eyelash stubble ! The hairs on my head that have remained throughout tx ( my stubborn white ones ) have grown to about 1/4 inch, but my stubble is coming in very dark brwn/blk. I know everyone's hair re-growth will be different - but I wanted to offer some hope as to when to start looking for new hairs.

KathyL, Paula, & D1 - I too am still battling some swelling, but it is less & less everyday. I've dropped 3 lbs & I'm hoping it's some of the fluid but I still feel like a sausage & my hats/scarves still leave a ring.

I have been working out at home during all of this ( albeit not as often as pre-bc ) but since my energy has come back I think I am going to hit the gym next week,( I have also been trying to avoid the gym during cold/flu season ),...of course, I have to survive my 1st weekend back at work....we'll see.

I see my ps next Thurs. to schedule my exchange surgery - I am excited about this phase, plus I really like my ps - she is a little younger than me but has a very good reputation - and being female makes her more empathetic to my needs/wants. At least, that's the impression I have gotten so far.

Carol - Happy Birthday to your grandma - WOW! 98 yrs old. From my vantage point these days, I feel it is definitely a privilege to grow old. I hope we all follow in her footsteps...

D1 - Hope your bil turns all the corners he needs to, to start recovering. The 'watchful waiting' that families of ICU patients have to go through can be extremely draining & stressful. You and your family have been in my prayers.

Lj & Dana - Hope your tx's are going as well as can be expected today - if there are any se's, hope they are quick & painless.

Wendy - I agree with Carol - your nurse situation should be brought to the attention of her nurse manager. Not having a 'comfortable' confidence in your healthcare provider can be unnecessarily worrisome and stressful.

Good vibes out to everyone today!

Therese

JulieK_11_30_07 · April 2008

Hi Jewels - Well, I'm behind again! Had another "passing out" issue on Tuesday before my fluids/anti-nausea appt. Did two days of fluids and the migraine hit yesterday. I'm really getting tired of this pattern -- at least no puking again this time. Nothing tastes good -- no energy - uuggh! FUBC!!!!

Oh well - thinking of everyone - I'll check in once I'm past all this cr*p!! {{{HUGS}}} to all!!!!

Julie

Anonymous · April 2008

Ladies, thanks for all the well wishes.

Actually I had Taxol/Herc. Tx#7 yesterday. All went well ... all my blood counts were still a hair low but they have been increasing slightly for the past 4 weeks. Hematocrit was up to 32, hasn't been there in a long time.

Feet/ankles/legs continue to swell during the day, and recede at night with elevation. I'll probably end up with stretch marks on them Wink .

I started getting some head fuzz about 2 weeks ago, so faint you couldn't even feel it, it just looked like a faint aura in the mirror. Well now I can feel it. Looks like it's mostly white and appears fairly straight so far (I was about 60% gray before). I don't know if it will stay ... neighbor who just completed tx said it would probably break off ... onco. nurse pondered a moment and said it very well could stay. Well, it's hard to not hope it will stick around, but it certainly won't be the worst thing in the world to lose a little fuzz and start over again in 5 weeks. Being the all natural girl I am, I never colored or did anything to my hair other than wash, lightly condition, and let it air dry, so I think I have good strong roots and little of the hair loss that happens with longterm coloring.

Determined1 · April 2008

Good to hear from you, LJ13. You sound like you're still managing quite well. It's so funny to read us talking about hair coming in when just a few short months ago we were all fixated on it falling out! Goes to show you how quickly it changes (and gets better).

Tinalee--I'm glad your onc is working with you on the amount of Taxol. Anything that can be done to make this tolerable and effective they should be doing. Luckily I don't have to keep my choppers in my pocket like Uncle Lloyd, but that would make those dental cleanings a whole lot easier!

Oh yeah, Carol, hairless beavers!!! (Hmmm, I think there's a double entendre buried in that one...)

You sound good, Therese. It seems we're both moving at about the same pace post chemo. I'll be interested to see if/when I start to fade off a bit from the rad se's. Oh, and it sounds as though your hair is doing better than mine. In my eternal optimism, I have a hair appointment that I keep moving back--eventually I'll keep it!

Oh Julie, you've really had a tough go with the migraines. I hope this one has cleared up by the time I make this post.

Rad Report. I have finished my first week without incident and without being late for my appointment! Woohoo! (Where's SIS Kimberly when you need her?) The surprise today was that they took xrays at the end of my zapping for babydoc's review. Apparently this is SOP at my shop. So plan a few extra minutes on the end of that Friday rad appointment for those pix. Fortunately for me, the xrays are taken right while I'm on the rad table, so no moving or getting into position (ow, that hurts my arm!) a second time. I meet with babydoc every Tuesday, so I'll know what's up with the xrays after that appointment. Still hanging in.

Thanks everyone, for the good thoughts for my bil. They tried to get him off the ventilator yesty, but he was unresponsive and so they put him back on. They tried again today and lo and behold, he opened his eyes and smiled!!!! Then he started in on the complaining--the bed's too short (we're tall people), the tubes bug him, etc. We all take this as a VERY good sign. Not sure when they're going to do the MRI to check on his brain, but I'll take this happy news for now and be content (besides, my dh's family is Scandinavian and don't get into details or emotions very well, so I've learned over the years to take what I can get and hope for more later!). Thanks again for including him in your thoughts.

Guess I should get on my laundry pile now. Dh returns home from a road trip tonight and I like to have things tidied up around here for him.

Later.

D1

Jenn51 · April 2008

Hello Jewels,

I'm hiding out again today. I can't get enough sleep this week. Yesty was a long day. Tx started at 9:00 & I finished the CT at 2:30. Lots of waiting time which seem to make me more tired than if I'd been doing something. Go figure!?! So I took dh to work this am & came back & slept for 4 more hours. DS is bringing dgs over & has agreed to pick dh up from work. Perfect, I don't have to go out again.

Carol, Your retreat sounds wonderful. I wish I could find something similar around here. I'm totally with you in the chair with a blankie & sunshine.

I too was touched by the daughter of a school friend. She called from Miami to ask if she could walk in my honor in the Relay for Life. Katy & I have always been close, I told her she was the daughter I never had. But her folks moved to TX & I haven't seen her as often as I would like. But when we are together it is like being with a child of my own. Somehow an inexplicable but very special bond exists between us, maybe inherited from the close friendship with her mom.

Is it chemobrain or didn't you clobber yourself in the head last time you tried to mow the yard? I hope this time you steered clear of hanging bird houses.

Happy, Happy Birthday to Grandma. And good luck to db & fam on the celebration. One of my dg lived to 96 & the other to 92. Hope their longevity is inherited.

Therese, Good to hear from you. You sound great! Good luck returning to work. The way my brain is working lately I'm afraid to do much. Already got 1 customer upset b/c I sent her the wrong email.

Paula, I remember the days will all of the ds were involved in b-ball. I really miss those days, sitting in the bleachers, chatting with other moms. It really goes by too fast. Cherish the time while it's here.

It's nice to hear dh helps with the laundry. My dh does it every week. I do have to remind him of the things that don't go in the dryer but usually he does a pretty good job. How about if dd keeps her own hamper in her room? Would that stop dh from doing her clothes?

Patty, Good to hear from you. And welcome to your sis if she is reading this. Will be anxious to hear about your rad appt.

Wendy, Sorry to hear about your day. That was a bummer. I've never had a transfusion so can't offer any advise there, but if onc agrees with np I think I would do it. You don't want the counts to get so low they postpone your txs.

The last time I left the house I made 3 trips around checking faucets, lights, tvs, locked doors, anything that I could have screwed up.

KathyL, I must have missed your post about twitching eyes. Mine have been going crazy too. I don't know , I think tonic water tastes pretty bad, unless it's doctored up with vodka & lime. Think that would work the same? I'm envious that you can still wear your contacts. My eyes are so dry they feel like they are made of sandpaper. And I tried them the other day & couldn't see as I should have with them in. Seems I heard our eyes might change during chemo & it could take as long as 6 months to straighten out.

I get Herceptin every week. Since I'm also getting TC every3 it's hard to say which side effects are from which. I don't notice anything on the H only weeks. But now I've read that it can cause the water retention. The 1^st week after my onc gave me water pills I noticed a big improvement. But it's back now. Wk. #1 I lost 6 lbs, wk. #2 I gained 7 back again & my hands & feet are swollen again. I know my eating habits aren't varying that much from week to week. I see him next week so will mention it again.

D1, You sure sound chipper today. Glad to hear it. Yeah, I really don't want to have another guide wire procedure. At least I'm going to ask for the cold spray they use on my port. I don't remember too much about the dye but it came after the wire so I was probably in a stupor by then.

Glad to hear I'm not the only one screaming to the empty house. My precious critters really think I've lost it. They run for cover even though they haven't done anything.

Tina, Something in AZ near the mountains would been fantastic. During my 1 & only stay in Palm Springs, CA we took a horseback ride into the foothills of the Santa Anna mts. One of the most amazing days of my life.

My nails are still growing too. I hadn't really thought too much about it. My onc said it was OK to continue prof. manicures unless I noticed a problem developing. Really glad I didn't have to give up that treat.

Julie, Not another migraine! No this isn't fair. Just lay low until it passes. I'll be thinking of you.

OK, time for another nap. Have to rest up for Peyton tonight. He's the 3 y/o & full of energy. I hope everyone has a great weekend, full of mild se, energy & happy thoughts. Sending lots of love & hugs.

SISKimberly · April 2008

Hey gang,

Just a quick check in as I'm feeling a little like death warmed over. My stomach is NOT happy and the sleeping I'd be doing right now is on hold as I've had to strip the bed due to major bouts of sweating.

I've read and would love to say totally comprehended everything, but know I'll be going back once I'm really myself to reread.

SIS Kimberly

PAlady · April 2008

Hello Jewels!

I only have to go back 3 pages to get caught up! I have had a pretty busy week.

I went for my dry run on Monday for the rads and all seemed to have gone well and was all set to start on Tuesday. I got a call at 5:00 asking me to come in first thing on Tuesday. They said from the films they took on Monday, they were not happy with how much of my lung was in the field. If they changed the angle of the rays, they were hitting the other breast. So, I went in Tuesday morning and started over with the simulation. They are making a cast to lift the right side of my body, which will allow them to adjust the angle without hitting the left breast. They had me lie on the c/t bed again, but there was a "bag" of little white balls that look like what is inside stuffed animals on it. . They had me lie on that. It went from above my head to just the top of my hips. Then the dosimitrist (sp?) lifted my right side and they let the air out of the bag - that left my impression in the bag. They said they would put a rush on the cast, so I can hopefully get back in for another dry run sooner than the week it took previously. They called Wednesday morning about 9:15 and asked if I could get in there at 11:45. (It's a good thing I don't work!). Went through the dry run again with the cast. My arm was fast asleep and I couldn't lift it by the time we were done. I am sure this must be uncomfortable for you, D1. They gave me different markings on my body and I now have four different sets of markings (from the sims and the dry runs) in four different colors. It looks like a kid drew all over my body!

I did get to finally start the actual rads yesterday. It took them quite a while to line me up. I think there is too much "give" in the cast and my body is not always exactly in the same location. I am glad they do a lot of different measurements. The two techs keep rattling off numbers to each other and go down to the centimeter. It was a bit emotional when it all started as I could see my reflection on the ceiling with different beams of light lining up on my body and everyone leaving the room as the machine made its noises. I felt like a science experiment...

Today I went and had number 2 done. They seemed to have an easier time lining me up today. I also got my tattoos. Had to get 6 of them. They are pretty small. It stung a bit - on some more than others - but not too bad. I am set to get 25 rounds and do not have to get any boosts, so I am hoping to have few side effects as with the chemo. My shoulder already hurts from having it raised and I just kept thinking of D1 and how uncomfortable that must be for you as I don't have any issues with my arm.

I am going to try and catch up on the posts this weekend. Hope you all are doing well in the mean time. It's great to see everyone getting to the end of this part of the journey (and the rest getting closer)!

d326 · April 2008

Hi Jewels,

I'm going with the TAC every 3 weeks-start 4/8 and anxious to get going and get through it. Thank you for your help and good wishes.

Kathy L - Thanks for visiting the April group-I'm sure that was helpful for everyone just starting. I don't know how you stay so organized with all you have going on. Preschoolers are a major handful even when you're feeling energetic, but they are incredibly cute.

Kimberly - Thanks for the tips on what to have on hand. I added yours to the ones from "chemo class" and now have a lovely little basket full of antidotes, including the $320 per chemo Emend. I debated getting that after I saw the cost but I'm more fearful of nausea than any other side effect and supposedly insurance will help with the next round.

CarolC - wow - how about a little more stress! I wish you the best with your ordeal and that it leads to a better situation.

Sunshine99 · April 2008

Hi Jewels:

I did it! Finished my last session of TC yesterday. Will go back and see the onc. in one month and then she'll start me on the Tamoxifen. I forget what comes after that. I want to say Taxol, but I can't remember if that's a chemo IV drug or not.

Stomach feels a little icky today, but I took some Pepcid, so maybe that will help.

It's kind of weird being "done" with chemo. It's like, OK, what now? I know they'll follow me closely, especially since I'm part of the TAILORx trial, but I'm wondering if everyone will expect me to me "over it" now. Does that make sense to anyone?

I'm feeling a little loopy today - feel like I need a nap, but can't sleep. One more dose of the Dexamethasone tonight and then I'll be done with that.

Thanks to everyone for all the good wishes. I can't believe how thorough some of you are at responding to all of us! Makes me feel like a lazy bum!

I'll stick to this conversation for a while just to keep up with the latest. Wishing all of you SE free days and nights.

Sunshine

Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

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