Starting Chemo in May 07
Comments
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Hi everyone! It's so good to hear from you!
CindyKS - cutest grandbaby ever, congrats! And whew, what a relief to hear the mets are shrinking, woohoo!!
Cindy SC - good for you on the kitchen remodel! It's such an odd experience after cancer really looking at where I live, all of a sudden I'm hyper about maintenance and so many things need replacing.
Lorain - you brave soul you, doing the implants.
lizyeh - I hear you on the weight, I'm up THIRTY lbs since chemo. 3.0. I've never gained that much weight in that short a period in my life. I'm in shock. I breathe and I gain weight. Does Jenny Craig work? I'm thinking it's time for outside support, clearly something has changed and I need help.
Good news, went for my first hair cut!! So now hopefully it will grow out well
The hairdresser wants me to go red, I'm a little scared. She's younger and I agree it'd look more current but I think I want to go back to the tried and true Nordie's type blonde highlights - you know the look. and not taking tamoxifen, but femara isn't bad so far. it seems to help with sleep, PLUS my hot fashes went away, for which I am very, very grateful.
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Amanda, I do think that JC works. It is good for portion control and it is a balanced diet. The foods are edible. You really have to add plenty of vegetables, some fruit and dairy to make it work. They stress healthy eating habits. But it is definitely a short term fix in my opinion. Not the healthiest food for the long haul, but it is a good way to get back to a healthy weight. We can focus on healthier food choices later when we are at a sustainable weight and can do some exercise. I be happy to answer any questions and you can email me at [deleted ] anytime. Let me know what you decide!
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Congrats on grannyhood, CindyKS!! I know what you mean about overdoing excitement during chemo. My college roommate came for a weekend visit during my 2005 chemo and we sat up gabbing and I didn't eat or drink enough, and I ended up at the ER with dehydration! How dumb is that? I got terribly dizzy, etc.
I had my exchange surgery early this morning, and I recovered so well they let me come home this afternoon. (April 1) I'm not really hurting, but I *am* itching! (So badly, that I can't go to sleep!) I forgot to tell them I'm allergic to the adhesive on some types of medical tape. So I'm living on benedryl.
The stupid thing is that the tape isn't even there. It's like I can see the tracks of where it was. So they must have used it for something and then took it off. I see the PS this afternoon (I guess it is Wednesday now <grin>), so I'll ask her what type of tape it was, because I must be *really* allergic to it since I'm reacting so strongly to it when it's not even there anymore. Sheesh!
--CindyMN
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CindyCA - I'm taking 37.5 mg also...one a day. I feel much better now that the hot flashes are under control.
Liz - Thanks for the info about your implants. I'm very excited and very tired of the tissue expanders. I'll just be nice to have it over. I think the tank top deal will be nice...bras are so hot in the summer! I'm so glad radiation didn't make many changes. Thank you, Lord for little blessings!
CindyMN - Your exchange must have gone well. Congratulations!!!! That was just one side because the other was a few years ago. Am I correct? It wasn't too bad? I'm a bit nervous as my radiation onc said he thought my implant surgery would be painful! I wanted to say "thanks!"
One of my closest friends was diagnosed with gall bladder cancer a month or so ago. She had surgery and is having a tough time with chemo. There don't seem to be any group forums or anything for gall bladder cancer people...she said she hope that doesn't mean they are all dead! Wow, it's tough helping...I try to just encourage. Then my mother-in-law has been diagnosed with acute leukemia, although not all of the test results are in. Wow! It just seems sad.
Gotta go...Lorain
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Lorain - so sorry to hear about your friend and mom - hoping for miracles for them.
and let us know how the whole PS deal goes - excited for you!
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Hi everyone,
I have a question..I have an appointment with my oncologist on May7th and the radiologist on the 9th. What is the normal treatment schedule. Will I have chemo 1st or radiation. Just trying to figure out how long I have to start looking at wigs. Good Luck to all of you who are just starting your treatments. I am anxious to get going myself but also very scared.
Deb
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Hey Deb, welcome - are you starting chemo in May 08? This thread is for a group of women who went through chemo last year. We're happy to answer questions though. Normally chemo comes first. Wigs - some of us wore ours, some didn't. Take care and hope things go well.
BTW - everyone - I have a small mass on my liver and have to have a biopsy. EEKS. Wish me well...and have you had to do this?
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Hey Amanda, that really sucks that you're going through this scare. A friend of mine had a liver biopsy after a mass showed up on her CT scan and it turned out b9, just scarring from the chemo (Cindy knows all about those scared mets
). So try not to get too spun up (yea right) and remember that knowledge is power. Also try to remember that thinking about it doesn't change the outcome, so just try for full on distraction for now. I really feel for you {{{Hugs}}} -
Welcome, Deb! As Amanda said we are all passing our 1 year cancerverary now but will be happy to help. Here's a thread of ladies starting chemo this month: http://community.breastcancer.org/topic/69/conversation/702904?page=2#idx_31
You could also start a May 08 thread and I'm sure you'll have joiners in no time (unfortunately this cancer club isn't very exclusive
)Best wishes to you!
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Amanda - Sorry about the liver mass. It's easy to say, but don't be too concerned until you know. Our prayers will be for you.
Deb - Sorry you are starting on this journey...but I have to say, it hasn't been too bad for me. There were moments, of course, but April 19th is one year since my bilateral mastectomy...and I feel great! I had chemo for 16 weeks, then radiation for 6 weeks...now I'm waiting for my plastic surgery (implant exchange). Do join a group going through the same thing you are...it's a real help...or was for me. Gives you a chance to share with others.
How are you doing, Lar? That was sure nice of you to send things to CindyKS's son and family. All my baby stuff is long gone! Never saved a thing.
Wondering how you're doing, CindyKS...so glad about your good news about the mets!!!
Hope all is well with everyone. We had a blizzard 2 days ago, no school...then today it was almost 70 degrees! Most of the snow is gone! I LOVE SPRING!!!!
Love to you all...Lorain
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Lorain, if you've already got your expanders filled, the exchange to implants is a piece of cake! You're right, I just had one done this time, since I'd done the other in 2005.
I took one Percoset the first night, and haven't needed any pain meds since then. They put the incision in the mastectomy scar, so the skin is numb there and doesn't hurt. The part that hurt the worst is where they removed my port, but even that wasn't bad.
And I'm certainly no hero when it comes to pain! Now, I didn't have rads, so that may make a difference. But I'd think if your expanders don't hurt, then your implants won't either. And they're SOFT!! LOL
--CindyMN
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CindyMN,
I'm happy to hear you are o.k.!!! I've been asking about you on the yahoo email but I think mine is broken because I never get emails on that hardly.
Amanda, how did they find that? Did you have a scan?
Hi Loraine, it's hard to imagine a blizzard right now. I had a garage sale on Saturday and it was miserably hot.
Hugs everybody,
Traci
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Dear Ladies,
I haven't been on these boards for a few months but they were my Lifeline in 2006 when I went through bc. I remember especially needing everyone while going thru chemo and my prayers are going out to all of you. Summer of 2006 was the longest of my life; my chemo, like Lou's, was every 3 weeks, same combo of drugs. For me, the first two rounds were okay. It works cumulatively so it should not surprise you if the rounds become increasingly difficult. Make sure your doc gives you prescriptions for plenty of anti nausea meds. Don't be surprised if you suddenly lose your sense of taste; I lived on orange popsickles that summer as it was the only thing that I could taste; the ice felt good in my mouth as I did get a few sores. My hair fell out exactly 14 days after my first chemo and my friends had a head shaving party for me; they all gave me cute little scarves for my head. It helped me keep a happy face when inside I was just miserable! I didn't buy a wig as the summer was particularly hot and I could not stand the idea of it on my head; had lots of cotton scarves and wore dangly earrings and lipstick every day. I don't know why, but I feel a real connection with you ladies and will check back in and please feel free to PM me as well.
Love, hugs and kisses,
Brigitte
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CindyMN - Thanks for the encouragement! Yes, mine are filled, but the ps says the left side (rad side) seems much harder and thicker skin than the other side. That can cause some problems. Do you have saline or silicone? I'm getting silicone. I also have a bit of that capsular whatever??? Tightning of the skin around the tissue expanders. Looks like 2 hamburger buns! Oh well, whatever happens, I'm ready! It has to be better than these te's!
My hair's getting much longer and I trimmed off the ends of the curls which made it straighter! Yeah!! I hate curls! I grew up in the hippie sixties and I prefer straight hair on me!
Gotta get to bed...Lorain
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Lorraine, you got your hair cut???????? How much?
Traci
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Hi Girls-
I miss you guys... No one posts on Yahoo... I post regularly on a Tamoxifen thread...but I do miss you guys... I still feel like this is a place where I can moan and you all understand what I'm going through.
Not much to report. My hair is getting really long. I have not taken a scissor to my curls yet. I actually like them...I'm hysterical with how curly my hair is (since it was pin straight before). I put hair goop in my hair in the AM and squish it and that's it... I don't care if I look like Bozo or Grandpa Munster...I'm just grateful to have hair.
CindyMN- I wrote a whole note to you on April 1st commending you on how great you were and how upbeat and amazing --- posting on the same day as your exchange...and poof, it disappeared into cyber space. I was then too lazy to re-type the whole thing...
Lorain- sounds like you are doing well... Glad to hear it.
Traci- you are a bright spot in everything as always... Been thinking of PM-ing you b/c I miss you...
Amanda- hope you are ok too...the convertable sounds awesome!! I am ready for the wind to blow back my hair as well!! Actually, it kinda did the other day....I opened my sunroof...
Lar,Liz, CindyCA, LeeAnn and everyone else I am forgetting- hello to you guys as well... Guess life is good if everyone is too busy to post. Can't complain about that at all.
CindyKS- thinking of you often and hope you are hanging in there... Your granddaughter is gorgeous... I love the picture you made as your avatar...
Things are still a struggle with my Dad. I go to his house every night after work and make his dinner and clean up... It's exhausting. Come the weekend, I am there all day both days. It's been very trying, but I am trying to savor every minute I have with him b/c I honestly thought he was going to die back in February. It's been so emotional... I've been sick since January with fevers, colds, and allergies. I don't know if it's b/c I'm just so run down or b/c my immune system is compromised from the chemo. Still doing my Herceptin infusions every 3 weeks 'til July. Will be happy when they are over... See now that there is new research for a vaccine against Her2+ cancer, but it's just in the preliminary research... Not sure if I will ever reap the benefit if and when it's approved...
Ok, hope all is well with you guys... Again, I do miss catching up and hearing what everyone is doing...
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AUNT GINNY!!!!!!!!
SO HAPPY TO SEE YOU POST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I wanna see KS's avatar!!!!
Define "so long"..........why is your pic a red x??
Sorry 'bout your daddy girl.
LOVE YA TONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Traci
ps I'm going to the Tamoxifen thread!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Where's the Tamoxifen thread????
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Lorain, my implants are silicone so they are pretty soft. The newer side is still a little swollen but it's only been two weeks.
It feels kind of heavy, so I wear a sports bra if I'm going to the store or something. My PS said I only had to wear that tube top thing for a week, but I can tell that the new boob needs support sometimes.
I hadn't worn a bra since my second mastectomy a year ago. As soon as I get unswollen, I figure I'll ditch the bras again!
When is your surgery?
Virginia, it's good to hear from you. This is an extremely stressful time for you, both physically and emotionally. No wonder you've been sick! Are you taking any vitamins? I'd push the vitamin C and echinacea. Try to eat healthy foods and get lots of sleep.
Your body does its repair work while you sleep, so view that time as important as medicine from a bottle. And don't take on anything extra. Your plate is FULL!
Traci, it's always good to catch up with you, too. Is it terribly hot in Florida yet? I think spring finally arrived in Minnesota. It got to 67 today and I sat out on the deck in my bare feet! Woo-hoo! LOL
CindyKS, I think about you often. Hope you're hanging in there!
--CindyMN
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Cindy- LOL, you have promted me to pop my multi vitamins again! My onc doesn't believe in vitamins, but I know they can't hurt, and I have a Costco sized bottle of multi's in my desk, so I'm going to pop those babies....
I'm an insomniac, so no sleep for me, even under the best of circumstances. I am even immune to Ambien CR...drats... My mind also goes a mile a minute once I wake up which is bad.... It's frustrating b/c I know how important the sleep is.... UGH.
Oh well....some day I'll sleep...
Hugs Traci---thanks for the PM...I sent you one back...
V
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hi ladies,
It's been a busy couple of weeks. I'm doing chemo every 2 weeks then 1 week off. The weekend of the off week I work at the big lakes house as a sorta house mom. Its fun and gives me a little extra money and I get paid to eat food and watch movies or put puzzles together or whatever the girls want to do. It's a pretty easy job.
I've been feeling pretty good, as long as I take the nausea meds after chemo I'm fine. I did have to have another blood transfusion but I'm glad i did because I felt much better afterwards. I get really tired and sleep all the time without the transfusions. So Virginia I'm sleeping for you too, LOL. HMMM does that work?
Anyway just wanted to check in and let you know how I'm doing. I'll have another CT scan on May 7th to find out if the mets are still shrinking. I'll let you know.
Hugs to all and thanks for all the encouragement. I always feel so much better after coming here and reading what you all write to me.
Sounds like everyone is doing well.
Well time to go sleep,
CindyKS
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(((((((((((((((((((Cindys)))))))))))))))))))
So happy to see ya'll. What a beautiful baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hugs girls....''
Ttaci
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(((((((((((((((((((Cindys)))))))))))))))))))
So happy to see ya'll. What a beautiful baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hugs girls....''
Ttaci
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CindyKS - so happy to see you! So glad that baby is doing well, and sounds like you're doing reasonably well as well - hope those scared mets are shrinking away!!!!
Ginny, how's your dad? And you? And whats this about you not sleeping? Are you depressed? That happens a lot with depression - and if so have you found something for it that helps? Big big hugs to you.
Pls pls do post and keep us updated on your life - I miss it when you don't post, but I just hope no news is good news and that people are having full and wonderful lives.
For me, I was off wellbutrin and taking femara and very happy - no side effects, lots of energy, and then it turns out that I'm not post-menopausal afterall, so no more femara. Switch to tamoxifen. Hot flashes start to come back a bit. And THEN, my liver labs are off. So here goes the roller coaster again - u/s, c/t, 2.8 cm mass in my liver, they can't tell what it is, many doctors calls, biopsy on 4/17 and now - the BIG WAIT. Which I hate. Lots of good life lived in between, but I am one heck of a grumpmonster. Enough already you know! I'm not Jewish, and not sure I understand the concept of "dayenu" completely, but the sentiment I understand....
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Hi girls, just thought I'd drop in. Amanda, when do you expect to get your biopsy results back? The waiting really does suck, and I'm so sorry you have to go through it again. I'm hoping those results are going to come back all clear and you'll be singing happy tunes again soon.
CindyKS, I've got another package about to go out to you for your son. It's just a couple things this time, I'll have more soon though. I'm also visiting my nephew's family next week and I'll see if they have any girl clothes they'd like to let go (their daugter is now 2, and I think they're done with 3 kids). Did you get the note I sent about those cloth diapers? Sorry about the mix up on that. It was kind of impolite of me to give away other people's stuff
Glad to hear that implants are going smoothly for most of y'all. I have a stretch ahead of me where I don't have a doctor's appointment for 2-1/2 months! I just had six of them within six weeks. I feel like I've got my life back!
Take care everyone.
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HUGS KS!!! Sooooooooo glad to see your post. I do think of you often... It's nice to see your post... Agreed, please do keep us in the proverbial loop!
I hope all is going great with the baby...Amanda- I am so sorry that you are having to have more tests... Please do keep us informed on what is going on... Will be sending you all the good karma I possibly can!!!!! HUGS!!
Thanks girls for the kind words RE me and my Dad. He's actually been pretty good lately... Had a horrible experience with depression/PMS about 6 weeks ago. It was on a day that I saw my onc. Was practically having a nervious breakdown. She gave me Xanax that I haven't really used that much, but it's a nice security blanket.
As far as the sleeping goes, I am a chronic insomniac. Have been for many many years. I try my best not to take sleep meds, but do on occasion to get a decent sleep... Although, sleep meds don't even help me sleep.
Dad has had some great days lately. I swear to you guys, I thought he was going to die in Feb... I cannot believe how he has rallied. And, he's even a bit more clear (and not talking crazy). We all wait on him hand and foot....we are like his personal slaves. But, what are you going to do? Yesterday I made him turkey meatballs and a chicken curry dish. It passed the time and I got to eat the food!! LOL
Not much else to report. Yesterday (the 20th) was the 25th (!!!!!) anniversary of my mother's death. I cannot believe it... Today, is my 10 month chemoversary... I will hopefully have a new avatar in the next couple of days. I STILL haven't cut my hair... Just can't bring myself to do it...
Hugs girls...I miss you all. I still hope we haven't abandoned a get-together some time in the future. I would really like to meet you gals in the flesh!!
Virginia
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Hi, everyone! I haven't been on for a few days, but I see many of you have! It's fun catching up!
Lar - What kind of appointments have you been having? I haven't had much lately. Is your hip OK? My implants exchange is scheduled for May 30th in Denver. I can't wait although I am a bit disappointed with the size. I only have 410 cc's in my te's and they seem smaller than I was...and I was considered small-chested. Oh, well...my ps said after radiation, no more fills.
CindyMN - I'm getting silicone also and I'm glad to hear they are soft. These tissue expanders are hard! I can't believe you've recovered so quickly. How many cc's do you have (or how large are they?) I hope I'm not disappointed. My sister had breast reduction surgery about 6 mos before I had breast elimination surgery! She said it's better with smaller...clothes look better. I hope I feel that way after surgery!
Vir - Glad your dad is doing better, but you can't all take care of him indefinitely, can you? My folks live about 5 minutes from me, but in an independent living place. They have meals and friends...it sure makes life easier for the family. I still sleep about 8-10 hrs a night...I don't know how you get by???
Traci - Yes...I cut my hair constantly...a little here and a little there! I also dye and highlight it myself. It's actually kinda fun! But I trimmed about a quarter inch off the front and it doesn't curl as much now....makes it actually look longer! The back was shabby looking, so I've had it trimmed real short just in the back several times. But now I'm going to let it grow for the summer since I don't have school. Have you cut yours? Mine covers half of my ears now and it's been trimmed a few times over the ear. Are you still selling real estate?
April 19th was one year since my bilats! Sure glad that year is past!
CindyCA - Hey! We're waiting for some pics of your remodeled kitchen!!! I've been painting and redecorating parts of my house...it sure feels good! I'm getting a new sofa and love seat in a plushy mink color delivered for our family room tomorrow. Can't wait to see what it looks like!
Yes, spring is here! Yeah! I've been in the flower beds already...what fun!
Thinking of you CindyKS! And many of you others also! I'd love to go to Las Vegas as I've never been there but have heard lots! I'd come with my hubbie who is a lot of fun!
Gotta get to bed! School tomorrow! I'll try to get a new pic soon!
Lorain
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Hey all, great news: benign! The 2.8 cm liver tumor is benign!!! Gotta love that.
I was so relieved. Cloud 9.
And then I realized that tamoxifen makes me feel like cr*) and I'm depressed. Tired even when I'm resting, not sleeping deeply, etc. Blah blah blah. So, I quit. I was on my way to being quite happy off of wellbutrin, off of tamoxifen and having a nice life, and now - hot flashes and biopsy-fear-of-cancer grumpiness has sunk me into depression. And I don't want to go on meds to counteract another med for the moment. Tamoxifen and I just don't like each other. Crap.
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Great news!!!!! Sorry about the tamoxifen...I'm on Arimidex...no se's!
Lorain
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Hey Lorain, that's wild 'bout your hair!! I'm with Ginny....I wouldn't cut mine at his point....you go girl.
Hugs everybody!
: - )
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