Topic: Any May 2009 Chemo Starters?
- Posted on: Apr 16, 2009 03:23 am
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 33
Hi everyone,
Does anyone know if there is a support group already started for us May Chemo Starters? If so, can you let me know and if not lets start one up. 
I could use the friendly feedback and any advice. I am a bit nervous of the unknown. Let's go through this journey together as a group full of Strength, Hope and Courage. We can get through this temporary road block together.
Live - Love - Laugh
Dx 2/26/2009, IDC, 2cm, Stage II, Grade 3, 1/9 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
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blondie45 Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 138 |
Oct 28, 2009 05:13 pm
blondie45 wrote:
lassie11, I am so glad that I still may get relieve from my blurry/watery eyes. I am only 4 weeks out and they are still driving me nuts. Hopefully it will only take a little bit longer and they will be better. Texas Rose, I am glad it went okay for you, I am not looking forward to that day at all. As of right now because I get herceptin that is a long way off but so far for me mine has never bothered me at all since it was put in in April. I wonder if where they put it has something to do with if it is painful/bothersome. Diagnosis: 4/2009, IDC, Stage IIa, Grade 3, 6/18 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2+ |
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luvtheocean… Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 85 |
Oct 29, 2009 12:18 am
luvtheocean wrote:
Just wanted to say good night to all.............stressed, movers will be here at 9 am tomorrow. What was I thinking? I really thought by now I would be able to handle this! Mary- so glad you have been "deported" and hope you are recovering well from that. I am soooooooo exhausted from all the stupid packing, I have only been in this condo for 6 years and Skip has been here for 2 and it looks like we have lived here for 50 based on the amount of boxes we have packed! My mom will be here Friday to help us unpack and Skips Mom on Sunday and then both are leaving on Tuesday. I'm thinking at that point, I will be either on xanax overdose or heading to the liquor store! LOL. They are both awesome and I love them dearly and am very thankful for the help, it would be fantastic if all our boxes were unpacked by Tuesday! I am leaving on Thursday (a week from tomorrow) to go back to FL for an all girls trip with my besties.....looking forward to just sitting on the beach and watching the water..........I CAN'T WAIT TO JUST RELAX! LOVE AND HUGS TO YOU ALL! Becky
Diagnosis: 4/6/2009, IDC, 1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/8 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- |
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cs34 Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 76 |
Oct 30, 2009 03:54 pm
cs34 wrote:
hi all, i don't post too much but i wanted to share a few things that helped me just incase it can help someone else. with taxol, we're all done with it but wearing a clear or colored nail polish is supposed to help. with neuropathy, i found drinking a ton of water and keeping hydrated made a world of difference AND a fuzzy blanket, not your sheet for sleeping. i've been wearing only sneakers for the past two months. the podiatrist also ripped off my toe nail last night because it was half off/half on... for the hair, there's a vitamin for hair and nails called Biotin. Cheaper than the name brand. my hair is coming back but it's salt and pepper. also more prominent in the back than the front. i also have peach fuzz on my eye lids this morning! i also couldn't believe when i read about blurry vision...i thought it was just me! texasrose, glad the port removal went well!! i hope something i mentioned could help someone. have as peaceful a day as possible!!! big hugs. Diagnosis: 1/2/2009, IDC, 5cm, Stage IIa, Grade 2, 3/8 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- |
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LoriR Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 111 |
Oct 30, 2009 09:07 pm
LoriR wrote:
hey all - headed out on our "post cancer" cruise tomorrow morning to Bermuda and I am so looking forward to it. It has been a LONG 8 months since diagnosis - UGH! Still have to do herceptin until May but I don't really mind that too much and the SE are minimal... I wish I had more of a hair do for the trip and when I booked it I thought I would but I was a bit too optimistic with regards to the how fast it would come back/ Today is day 100 pfc and I still look like I have a crew cut but it is thick so I guess that is a good thing. Looking back it was most definately a long road to hoe and so so glad it is all behind me. Hope it is the end of BC for me but sometimes all I think about is worry that it will come back and that I will have to go thru all of this again! I hope I can enjoy the cruise without the worry - signing off for a week till I get back take care Lori Lori R
Diagnosis: 2/26/2009, IDC, 1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/2 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2+ |
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lassie11 Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 346 |
Oct 30, 2009 10:28 pm
lassie11 wrote:
wow - that Bermuda cruise sounds excellent - well deserved too Lori! Leslie
Diagnosis: 3/11/2009, IDC, 2cm, Stage II, Grade 3, 1/21 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2+ |
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Hemen Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 33 |
Oct 31, 2009 07:49 pm
Hemen wrote:
Hi everyone I've been so busy at work that I've not had time to post but I've been reading along and I am so glad to see that so many more of us are done with chemo and with radiation-- I am a month out from rads and all of a sudden, I feel my energy coming back. I've about 3/4 of an inch of very tight curls on my head. Hair was blonde and is now coming in darker and grey (last chemo 7/20)--feels like it is taking forever-- I can't wait to ditch the wig, but it has become such a crutch... a disguise. The mirror is a constant reminder of what we are going through--I still don't really recognize myself?. This month has been tough with all the advertising but a fellow BC friend sent me this link which I have to share with you all--it made me laugh out loud a couple of times..and I hope it does the same for you. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marika-holmgren/in-honor-of-breast-cancer_b_329091.html Happy vacation to Lori, happy port removal to Mary, happy end of rads to Abuelabourica, happy florida to becky, congrats on promotion titch, congrats to zuzee for finishing-- big hugs to everyone Helen Diagnosis: 3/13/2009, IDC, 1cm, Stage Ib, Grade 1, 0/4 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- |
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TexasRose Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 537 |
Nov 1, 2009 12:28 am
TexasRose wrote:
blondie- I do think the location of my port is what made it so uncomfortable. I was told that I have no fat on my chest (I have plenty in other places...maybe they should have put the port in my thighs!) and it was pressed up against the skin with no buffer. They said that is why it probably was so irritating. I just know that I hated it and I am so glad it's gone! I was sore for a couple of days but it's feeling much better now. Becky- Are you all moved in? And when the heck are you just going to up and move to Florida anyway? cs34- Thanks for the good wishes. My port is gone. Yay!! Lori- Hope you are having a blast on your cruise! We leave 12/4 for San Juan and the Southern Caribbean. I cannot wait!! I was hoping I would have more hair by then too, but I don't think so. I'm only almost 4 weeks PFC. It's coming but not fast enough. Oh well, I intend to have a great time no matter how much hair I have!! Helen- Thanks for sharing that! Loved it! And yes, I did laugh out loud too!! My favorite part was knowing that I'm cured when I die of something else. Hugs May Marvels!! Mary~~ Left mastectomy/ no recon, SNB and port placement- 4/3/2009; Starting DD AC x 4 and Taxol x 12 plus Clinical Trial E5103 on 5/26/2009
Diagnosis: 3/4/2009, IDC, 2cm, Stage IIa, Grade 3, 0/5 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2- |
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lassie11 Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 346 |
Nov 1, 2009 08:50 am
lassie11 wrote:
OK- that's twice now I have had dreams about my hair suddenly and within minutes growing out to post wig proportions - and in my dreams it comes out dark - like it was maybe thirty years ago! I think I am thin in these dreams too. Dreams are wish fulfillment. Leslie
Diagnosis: 3/11/2009, IDC, 2cm, Stage II, Grade 3, 1/21 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2+ |
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luvtheocean… Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 85 |
Nov 1, 2009 11:11 pm
luvtheocean wrote:
Mary- If my son wasn't a Jr in HS we would have probably just gone ahead and moved to FL instead of into a house. Now, we will most likely be here for SEVERAL years, at least until the market rebounds anyway. We have all boxes moved but goooooood LORD, I can't even find my shorts to pack for the trip Thursday. WHAT WAS I THINKING planning a trip within a week of moving?! Oh yeah, and both my Mom and Skip's Mom are here to help us get unpacked.....again, what was i thinking?! Hope everyone is doing great........my hair is doing the curl, YEAH I was afraid that I wasn't going to get my curls back, but looks like I am, right now it is a cross between some kind of spike and a super short afro...I am wigless as I have been thru the entire process, it is just not me to wear the wig. Sure wish I had the $1000+ I spent on it to decorate the new home instead of my head. LOL Type to you all soon. Hugs! Becky Becky
Diagnosis: 4/6/2009, IDC, 1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/8 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- |
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lassie11 Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 346 |
Nov 2, 2009 09:13 am
lassie11 wrote:
$1000 on your wig, Becky ?!?!? Wow - that seems a lot. What did others spend? Leslie
Diagnosis: 3/11/2009, IDC, 2cm, Stage II, Grade 3, 1/21 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2+ |
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TexasRose Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 537 |
Nov 2, 2009 09:39 am
TexasRose wrote:
Well, at least you can easily hop on a plane and fly to Florida when you need a fix! I absolutely detest moving, so I don't envy you there. We've been in our house 10 years and say this is the house we are going to die in. LOL Don't stress too much! It will all get done and if it doesn't....it will all be there when you get home from Florida!! Leslie- I have three wigs and I paid $45 a piece for them from the ACS. I couldn't imagine spending a lot of money on them. I wanted variety. I change them out periodically. I am quite a ways from going without and thinking about ordering another one. I'll stick to cheap. Mary~~ Left mastectomy/ no recon, SNB and port placement- 4/3/2009; Starting DD AC x 4 and Taxol x 12 plus Clinical Trial E5103 on 5/26/2009
Diagnosis: 3/4/2009, IDC, 2cm, Stage IIa, Grade 3, 0/5 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2- |
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lassie11 Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 346 |
Nov 2, 2009 10:01 am
lassie11 wrote:
That makes more sense to me, Mary. I chose my wig at a wig shop - chose the colour and shape, and it was ordered. Then the nice woman styled it as I chose. She also cut my hair really short just before it was going anyway. The whole thing cost less than $300 Cdn - 80% of which was reimbursed by my extended health care. Good grief - that was six months ago and I think it is at least a month or two before I can toss the wig. For now I have enough hair that it is visible without my glasses on! Leslie
Diagnosis: 3/11/2009, IDC, 2cm, Stage II, Grade 3, 1/21 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2+ |
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jabl1252 Joined: May 2009 Posts: 32 |
Nov 2, 2009 06:42 pm
jabl1252 wrote:
Hi everyone,Just popped in to tell you that I am done with rads as of today. It's a great feeling!!!! I don't have much hair yet either and what is coming in is white fuzzy stuff.Looks a little strange but hey it's hair and I can't wait till it fills in some more so I can go wigless. I am greatful to have had you all on my journey,not sure how I would have coped with everything without you. Take care all. Julie Diagnosis: 4/3/2009, IDC, 2cm, Stage IIa, 0/2 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2+ |
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luvtheocean… Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 85 |
Nov 2, 2009 10:02 pm
luvtheocean wrote:
Leslie- It was a RIDICULOUS amount of money for a stupid wig. Here is what happened, we went to the mall to a wig store, that was well, basically horsetails! I left the store crying. I could only find one other place that sold wigs here that did fittings, etc and that is where I went. My insurance didn't pay a penny and guess what? I wore the wig MAYBE 3 times. My husband insisted that we go ahead and order it the day we went in for the fitting. I wanted to wait and see if I really wanted one. I wore scarves and jersey knit caps the entire time! I have been about 2 weeks or so not wearing anything except for need....if I get cold! Mary- You are absolutely right, it will be here when I get back and I will be rested and destressed from the hell that we went thru selling our condo and buying this house! Since it is an all girls trip I am thinking that I will have no worries, just beach, ocean and sunshine. Looks like the 80's in FL. I am really lucky to have friends down there. It would be outrageous to go otherwise and we could never afford it! The more I think about the wig the madder it makes me. Having just moved into our house, that would have been a really nice stove and dishwasher!!!!!! Hope everyone is doing well. Recall how we were talking several weeks ago about always wondering if something else was wrong or if it was back somewhere? I definately have felt that way lately. I went to the dermotologist (sp?) today and had EVERY mole on my body checked. I noticed a couple that looked different after radiation so I had them checked. Do you suppose that we are going to run to the dr every time something looks or feels a little off? I am hoping that with time this too will pass. Well, I'm sooo tired from unpacking crap all day, I'm gonna lay down. I hope everyone has a great night! Becky
Diagnosis: 4/6/2009, IDC, 1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/8 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- |
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TexasRose Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 537 |
Nov 2, 2009 11:55 pm
TexasRose wrote:
Julie- Yeah!!! Congratulations!!!!! I live for the day I can leave the house without a wig or a hat. I hear ya Becky. I wonder when this fear will go away or does it ever? If I have a headache, I'm afraid it's brain mets. If I have a pain, I think it must be bone mets. Every little thing makes me nervous and scared. My mental state has been a lot worse since I finished chemo. Sure didn't see that coming!! I started the bisphosphonates trial last Friday and I was achy and flu-ish feeling over the weekend. They told me to expect that, but man I am sick and tired of feeling sick and tired. I am told these side effects only happen for the first treatment, maybe the second. I go back the day after Thanksgiving for the next one. The fun never stops. Hugs to all! Mary~~ Left mastectomy/ no recon, SNB and port placement- 4/3/2009; Starting DD AC x 4 and Taxol x 12 plus Clinical Trial E5103 on 5/26/2009
Diagnosis: 3/4/2009, IDC, 2cm, Stage IIa, Grade 3, 0/5 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2- |
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luvtheocean… Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 85 |
Nov 4, 2009 10:14 pm
luvtheocean wrote:
Just thought I'd check in before my trip. We land in Tampa at noon tomorrow! Here's hoping for good weather and destressing. I really hope I don't have any weird aches or pains while I'm there, I may loose it! I took a break from the unpacking boxes today and went and had a pedicure and my nails done. I can't tell you how awesome that was! I forgot how fabulous a pedicure is!! It was the most relaxed I have been in longer than I can remember. Marvels, treat yourself to one if you are at a point in treatment where you are allowed. I almost didn't go because I didn't want to spend the money. It was about 30 and was the best 30 I can say I have spent in months!!! I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend and I will check back in on Tuesday. Becky Becky
Diagnosis: 4/6/2009, IDC, 1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/8 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- |
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TexasRose Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 537 |
Nov 5, 2009 12:17 am
TexasRose wrote:
I miss pedicures!! That was a sad day back before I started chemo when they told me that I couldn't have pedicures. I still haven't had one. I'm a little nervous to because my nails still feel a bit odd. Soon. I will definitely get one before the cruise. I will get a little pampering on Monday though. My mom has found a PT at our hospital who does massages and she has made me an appt with her. Have a great time Becky! I am so angry today. I saw a story on the news earlier about a lady here that had a lump in February. She had an US and mammo at my hospital around the same time that I did, but hers was benign. So this lady decides to tell everybody- including her husband- that she has breast cancer and has to do chemo. She went so far as to shave her head even to convince them. Her friends and family did benefits for her and raised like $10,000 which she used to get breast implants! Somehow the plastic surgeon figured out she had scammed everybody. They arrested her today. The whole thing just really pissed me off. There I was in February getting the same tests at the same hospital that led to the news that I had breast cancer and this woman who was lucky enough to get a benign diagnosis uses the situation to get breast implants and scam people! I can't even put into words how it made me feel to hear what she had done. When I think about what I've been through in the last 8 months...what we have all been through...it makes me furious that someone could use this to scam people. Disgusting. Anyway, hope everybody is doing well. Hugs! Mary Mary~~ Left mastectomy/ no recon, SNB and port placement- 4/3/2009; Starting DD AC x 4 and Taxol x 12 plus Clinical Trial E5103 on 5/26/2009
Diagnosis: 3/4/2009, IDC, 2cm, Stage IIa, Grade 3, 0/5 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2- |
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LoriR Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 111 |
Nov 6, 2009 07:13 am, edited Nov 6, 2009 07:19 AM
by LoriR
LoriR wrote:
Hey all - back from Bermuda and it was great! absolutely loved it and was the celebration I needed! I saw at least 4 othe chemo do's while onboard so I knew others were there to celebrate to. Funny how easy it is now to pick out the chemo "do". I am however, like all of you feeling the emotional turmoil of every time a have an ache or pain being worried that it is bone mets or some new cancer popping up in my liver or ankle or were ever. I try so hard to not have negative thoughts but they just pop in my head. Mary - Enjoy your cruise! It was my first one - have you ever been on one before - if not you will love it. Becky - hope your trip to Florida was destressing for you! and yes the boxes will wait. Julie - Congrats on finishing rad - one more "step" in this journey is behind you now. Hope your skin is holding up. Heman - loved the link to the huffingtonpost - and I agree with ALL of them! made me laugh too thx lassie and everyone - hope your hair is coming in - I can't stand how slow it is and hate that it is taking soooooo long! I keep thinkging omg I am going to be one of those people where the hair "malfunctions" and this is all I am going to get. It feels like it hasn't grown a micromilmeter for the last month - and yet the hair on my d&%( face and neck is coming in JUST fine - makes me feel real pretty. I just keep wondering how much more my self esteem and handle. and it wasn't great to begin with. The herceptin is causing swollen ankles and acne and a dripping nose and crappy nails and the tamox - weight gain. Put that on being "bald" and the pretty factor SUCKS. If one more person tells me that I can "pull off this hair do" I WILL punch them - sometimes I do feel a bit of a rage tendency...LOL Really Bermuda was very relaxing but after reading what I jsut wrote I guess I still needed to vent... Lori R
Diagnosis: 2/26/2009, IDC, 1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/2 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2+ |
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TexasRose Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 537 |
Nov 17, 2009 05:10 pm
TexasRose wrote:
Hey May Marvels! We have gotten too quiet!! Lori- Glad you enjoyed your cruise. We leave in 16 days or something like that. Soon anyway!! We love to cruise. This will be our 7th I think. Or 8th. I don't remember. Our first was to Alaska and we have been hooked ever since. We did one Princess and the rest have been Royal Caribbean. I am starting to gather clothes together. Of course none of the clothes that I used to take work anymore now that I'm a unaboober. I did get some mastectomy swimsuits from Land's End and I bought a swimform during the summer. Mostly I am worried about my bald head. I wear a wig when I leave the house here at home, but no way in hell am I wearing one in the Caribbean or to the beach. I guess it will be hats for me. What did you wear on your head? Just hats? I am taking my wig for dinners in the main dining room. I bought us new snorkle equipment this week because our old was getting worn out. Then I realized that to snorkle, I will have to take my hat off! Oh well. I don't know anybody on this cruise except my DH, my mom and our friend so I don't care. I'll never see anybody on that ship again! The hair is beginning to come in but I still have a lot of bare scalp. I am 6 weeks PFC today. I feel great. I am doing the bisphosphonates trial. I'm on the Zometa arm and have had one infusion. My next one is the day after Thanksgiving. I get them once a month to start. I still get tired sometimes. Not nearly as often as before. My big toes are sometimes a little numb but not always. My taste buds are back and my bloody nose is gone. My body aches are pretty much gone too except for rainy days. I still feel bloated and want to diet and lose weight, but I'm not doing very well at it. I don't want to give up food now that I can taste it again!! How is everybody doing? Very well I hope! Hugs to all! Mary~~ Left mastectomy/ no recon, SNB and port placement- 4/3/2009; DD AC x 4 and Taxol x 12 plus Clinical Trial E5103 from 5/26/2009 until October 6, 2009; Beginning Clinical trial S0307 Zometa arm on October 30, 2009
Diagnosis: 3/4/2009, IDC, 2cm, Stage IIa, Grade 3, 0/5 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2- |
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LoriR Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 111 |
Nov 17, 2009 07:31 pm
LoriR wrote:
Hey Mary - good to hear from you and so glad you are starting to feel better once again - the hair growth is so painfully slow - I don't understand how it can come out all at once but take FOREVER to come back. I was on Royal carribean for my cruise too - and we loved it! It was my first one so I am hoping there will be more in our future! My daughter is on the swim team at school so I used her swim cap - you could do that for snorkeling! they are only about $10 - I have enough hair to "cover" my head (looks like a crew cut) so I didn't even take my wigs - I wore hats around the ship and ship went commando at the dinners - I even bought one of the pictures! I would just wear hats - you will never see anyone from there again and I am sure you will see other "chemo" dos on the boat - like I said they are easy to pick out when you are sporting one yourself. It is something I haven't quite figured out how to handle even around town here! When I see another bald or "wig" ed women - we always look at each other and kinda nod as if to say - I am right there with ya! I am still doing herceptin infusions every 3 weeks until May but other than tha I am pretty much done with treatment. My last IV was the 6th and I have apparently developed phlebitis in my arm. I have had upwards of 12+ needle sticks in my left arm since Feb since I didn't get a port so I guess my arm is started to give way! UGH. my next one is the day before thanksgiving so I am not looking forward to that or feeling the steroid bloat the day before turkey day. Have a great time on your cruise! You deserve it! hope evryone else is doing well! were have all the May marvels gone! Lori R
Diagnosis: 2/26/2009, IDC, 1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/2 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2+ |
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lassie11 Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 346 |
Nov 17, 2009 07:59 pm
lassie11 wrote:
Where have we all gone? I think many of us are just about to reclaim our lives! I too am done chemo and radiation. Still on Herceptin til June or July and Femara for five years. I love to hear about your cruises - they sound wonderful but I would be seasick. Instead, a day trip on train with my five year old grandson to the Big City was a great delight. Isn't it great that we can think about something besides our pillows now?! Leslie
Diagnosis: 3/11/2009, IDC, 2cm, Stage II, Grade 3, 1/21 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2+ |
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luvtheocean… Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 85 |
Nov 17, 2009 08:37 pm
luvtheocean wrote:
Hi girls! I kinda peek in every now and again..... Today I AM INFURIATED!!! This whole bull &^@! about not needing a mamo until 50 has me so angry I can't even think straight. I think becoz I am 41!!! Sorry, thought I was gonna be able to pop in and contribute but I am madder than I thought as I begin to type. I don't want to bring us all down. I hope everyone has a fantastic night and glad cruises have been/will be enjoyed!! Becky Becky
Diagnosis: 4/6/2009, IDC, 1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/8 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- |
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jabl1252 Joined: May 2009 Posts: 32 |
Nov 18, 2009 08:35 am
jabl1252 wrote:
Becky, I agree with you there about the mammograms until 50.That's just not right,how many women are going to die with breast cancer at an early age because of this.I heard on the news that since this new report that many women have canceled their mamms. It breaks my heart to hear this. Hi everyone, yes it has gotten really quiet here,but that is a good thing.We are stronger and getting on with our lives,at least I hope we are.I still come on this site to see how you are all doing. I am doing really well, just doing herceptin until May. Trying to lead a normal life is a little tricky these day's ,but I'm going to give it a shot.You all take care.Glad everyone is doing well. Julie Diagnosis: 4/3/2009, IDC, 2cm, Stage IIa, 0/2 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2+ |