Finally - I wish I felt more optimistic that this might actually do some good. My right upper body, including my face, is so swollen, it's embarrassing for my family to even see me, and it's uncomfortable. So ten sessions, I don't know how long for each one.
I'm to the point where I feel "iffy" about going in alone for treatments, the place is so big, and my breathing is so marginal. I bought one of those folding carts - like salespeople use - so I can pull my portable oxygen rather than carry it on my shoulder, and it's great to throw all my stuff in. I never realized how much I would stuff into my canvas bag and lug around all day, until every bit of extra weight makes me pant.
Anyway, DH convinced me last evening that I needed someone with me, so youngest DS is taking me (thank goodness for flex time). This morning I feel like I was being overindulgent. I have pretty much switched to valet parking for any time I go alone. Now that's a waste of $$, $7.00 charge, plus two bucks for a tip, even if it's only a few minutes. But the parking garage is a block of walking, even to the handicap spaces. They do provide free valet parking for radiation sessions, though.
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jeanne46 Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 1,153 |
Nov 3, 2009 01:18 pm
jeanne46 wrote:
Brenda, best of luck today - and that the rads has a positive effect on the SVC syndrome. It's really nice that you didnt have to go alone this morning. Hopefully you will have someone to accompany you for all your rad sessions. Thinking of you and sending healing vibes and gentle hugs. Handle every stressful situation like a dog - if you can't eat it or play with it, pee on it and walk away. Dx 12/2005 Stage IV, Grade 3, mets ER+ PR- Her/2 (2+)
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chainsawz Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 803 |
Nov 3, 2009 02:07 pm
chainsawz wrote:
I wish you well today, too! I am glad you are not going alone - you need support and it's always nice to have someone waiting for you when you are done....it's very stressful just going to these places. Lisa -mets to lungs & brain.....the weakest step toward the top of the hill, toward sunrise, toward hope, is stronger than the fiercest storm.
Diagnosis: 7/21/2008, IDC, 3cm, Stage IV, Grade 3, 0/2 nodes, mets, ER-/PR-, HER2+ |
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lovinmomma Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 1,328 |
Nov 3, 2009 05:11 pm
lovinmomma wrote:
Hope that it went well and does great things for you! Kimberly 42 yo fighter Double mx 5/11/09 without reconstruction
Diagnosis: 10/15/2008, ILC, 6cm+, Stage IV, Grade 3, 26/26 nodes, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2- |
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Watson Joined: May 2005 Posts: 1,739 |
Nov 3, 2009 06:50 pm
Watson wrote:
Brenda, I hope you post soon to tell us how boring it was. Watson I'd rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints. - Billy Joel
Diagnosis: 1/29/2008, Stage IV, mets, ER-/PR-, HER2+ |
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abbyglp Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 460 |
Nov 3, 2009 06:54 pm
abbyglp wrote:
I hope it went well for you today, I am having some breathing issues myself so I understand. I hope this all works for you. Hugs abby Diagnosis: 5/5/2006, IDC, 5cm, Stage IV, Grade 2, 6/15 nodes, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2+ |
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LisaSDCA Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 2,348 |
Nov 4, 2009 12:34 am
LisaSDCA wrote:
Stage IV mets to brain 11/2008 Mets are Her2 pos (!)
Diagnosis: 1/24/2007, IDC, 2cm, Stage IIa, Grade 3, 0/3 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2- |
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RobinWendy Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 1,665 |
Nov 4, 2009 12:29 pm
RobinWendy wrote:
Brenda, Hope all went well yesterday and that you are recovering comfortably. Please let us know how you're doing when you are up to it. Robin dx Stage II primary BC in Jan. 2001;dx with DCIS on other breast in Jan. 2003; dx with mets to lungs in Jan. 2004 (What's up with me and January, anyway?)
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Analemma Joined: May 2005 Posts: 1,767 |
Nov 4, 2009 12:32 pm
Analemma wrote:
Treatment was not too bad, but the sob has gotten way worse in the past couple of weeks. I'm suspicious that the left pleural effusion has filled a lot, because I feel that I can't expand my lungs. Yesterday I just couldn't do the walking - no wind. So today I discovered that at valet parking, you can borrow a wheelchair, and someone to push it to a first destination, and an oxygen tank and cannula. Yesterday I used up three little portable tanks and had to ask about borrowing one. I didn't realize that was their policy - to lend the oxygen setup while you're there on campus. I've plugged into the wall outlets, but this was great, having a wheelchair with a tank attached. I saw the rad onc today and told him I thought it was a p.e. increasing, but he want's to talk to Dr. Moore before doing anything. I hope I can get it drained tomorrow. This sucks big time. Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see. --John W. Whitehead
Diagnosis: 12/10/2007, IDC, 2cm, Stage IV, Grade 3, 5/12 nodes, mets, ER-/PR-, HER2- |
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MJLToday Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 506 |
Nov 5, 2009 12:27 pm
MJLToday wrote:
{{hug}} to you, I hope you can get the PE and SVC fixed so you can feel better! 1998 Stage II 2 positive nodes, ER+/PR-/Her2-, 4XAC, Tamoxifen 5 yrs, Sept 2008 hip fracture, bone & liver mets, Doing well on Arimidex, Faslodex & Zometa. 08/2009 CT scan: slowly shrinking liver mets. Postponing chemo for now :)
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Sue-61 Joined: May 2009 Posts: 380 |
Nov 5, 2009 02:18 pm
Sue-61 wrote:
analemma do you have a temorary handicapped parking placard? my husband had one and parking was FREE, even Valet. Call your local politician to see if he can hasten one for you. they come from the registry of motor vehicles I believe.......Sue Sue-61
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jeanne46 Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 1,153 |
Nov 9, 2009 01:38 pm
jeanne46 wrote:
Brenda so very sorry to hear about your horrible week. I wish I had adequate words to share. I can't even imagine how scary it must be to have such SOB, while all the other issues are also weighing in. Do hope that you are breathing easier since the thoracentesis procedure and that the rads are making a difference with the SVC syndrome. Hang in there, breast sister. Although it's only cyber space, do know that you are in the good, positive thoughts of your many friends here. And hope those cute grandbabies can bring a smile, too. Gentle (very gentle) hugs. Handle every stressful situation like a dog - if you can't eat it or play with it, pee on it and walk away. Dx 12/2005 Stage IV, Grade 3, mets ER+ PR- Her/2 (2+)
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LisaSDCA Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 2,348 |
Nov 10, 2009 10:56 pm
LisaSDCA wrote:
Hey Brenda ~ How're you making out, sweetie? Did last week's thoracentesis improve your breathing? What sort of get-up is your chest catheter? Do you have bulb-type drains like with a mastectomy? Oh, and did you have relief for your coughing spasms/episodes of several weeks ago? I care about you... we all do. xxxOoo Lisa Stage IV mets to brain 11/2008 Mets are Her2 pos (!)
Diagnosis: 1/24/2007, IDC, 2cm, Stage IIa, Grade 3, 0/3 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2- |
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Analemma Joined: May 2005 Posts: 1,767 |
Nov 11, 2009 09:21 pm
Analemma wrote:
I'm better. Thanks for all the posts. I've been really tired and not posting much, and just happened to see this. Last Thursday when I was at rads I told them I suspected a left pleural effusion. I was really breathless. So they sent me over for a CT and ended up admitting me on It's amazing how much difference it makes to be able to inflate your lung. Especially in my case, where I already lost my right lung, the left one's all I've got. And I'm not a small woman to operate on low lung capacity, either. The catheter has to be drained into a bottle that comes in a kit. It's got a vacuum seal, so when you snap the catheter tube into it, it sucks the fluid out. I got over a half liter on Monday, and another 360 ml yesterday. It's a lot of fluid, and I'm really happy to be able to drain it when I feel the need to. I'm still doing the rads for SVC syndrome, and I'm still swollen. The pleural effusion is totally unrelated, and I don't know that I'm going to get any additional relief from the rads. My onc nurse says it usually takes a couple of weeks, but the rad onc was pretty noncomittal. He didn't seem very optimistic at the outset, and doesn't seem too surprised that nothing has changed in the swelling. The relief to my breathing from the thorocentesis, however, is dramatic. Lisa, I think I told you that I had started on Xeloda but had progression... but my coughing episodes have subsided. I also was taking a super duper codene cough supressant at the same time. Anyway, the cough has just about disappeared. Whatever the reason, it's a great relief. I'm totally weak and fatigued, dreading what's going to be next. I've been sleeping more than I could imagine possible. Now, it's off to shower and to bed. Thank you so much for asking about me. It's a great thing to have people care, isn't it? Brenda Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see. --John W. Whitehead
Diagnosis: 12/10/2007, IDC, 2cm, Stage IV, Grade 3, 5/12 nodes, mets, ER-/PR-, HER2- |
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Watson Joined: May 2005 Posts: 1,739 |
Nov 11, 2009 09:30 pm
Watson wrote:
Brenda, I am so glad you are feeling better. I think we both had visits from the Cough Fairies! I had a bad cough for a while too (not as bad as yours, but pretty significant) I realized mine quit about four days ago. It does make such a difference! My brain rads are done and now I just hope the swelling head subsides. I am just tired of the Elephant Man look. Love ya Junester, Watson I'd rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints. - Billy Joel
Diagnosis: 1/29/2008, Stage IV, mets, ER-/PR-, HER2+ |
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konakat Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 3,352 |
Nov 11, 2009 09:32 pm
konakat wrote:
"It's amazing how much difference it makes to be able to inflate your lung". Your lung issues sound so hard to bear. I don't know anything about what you're going through right now with your lungs, etc. so I just want to say that I'm thinking of you. I'm sorry you're having such a rough time. Sure hope the catheter helps to keep the pressure off your good lung. Have a good, restful sleep. Gentle hugs, Elizabeth xox Elizabeth's Mantra: When in doubt, eat cake. When you haven't a clue, add ice cream.
Diagnosis: 5/2007, ILC, 3cm, Stage IV, Grade 3, 13/19 nodes, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2+ |
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Analemma Joined: May 2005 Posts: 1,767 |
Nov 14, 2009 11:16 am
Analemma wrote:
I am so glad they left in the Pleurx catheter so I can drain at home. The dr. said to drain every other day, but after two days there was a full bottle (600 ml) and I decided to drain every day until the volume went down a lot. Also, it HURTS to drain a lot of fluid, for about an hour after it's done. So I've been getting 300 ml plus, daily. I'm surprised to be getting so much, but what a difference in my comfort when it's drained. Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see. --John W. Whitehead
Diagnosis: 12/10/2007, IDC, 2cm, Stage IV, Grade 3, 5/12 nodes, mets, ER-/PR-, HER2- |
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konakat Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 3,352 |
Nov 14, 2009 12:49 pm
konakat wrote:
Very happy you're finally getting some relief Analemma. I can't imagine having that much fluid -- no wonder you couldn't take a breath. I just googled pleural infusions and learnt a lot -- gawd this disease sucks!! How are the rads going? Elizabeth's Mantra: When in doubt, eat cake. When you haven't a clue, add ice cream.
Diagnosis: 5/2007, ILC, 3cm, Stage IV, Grade 3, 13/19 nodes, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2+ |
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jeanne46 Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 1,153 |
Nov 14, 2009 12:56 pm
jeanne46 wrote:
Glad to see you posting and also to hear that the lung issue seems to be taken care of with the catheter. I can't imagine anything more scary than not being able to get a breath. Still keeping my fingers and toes crossed that the rads will help the SVC syndrome. I'm siding with the onc nurse. Take good care! Gentle cyber hugs to you. Handle every stressful situation like a dog - if you can't eat it or play with it, pee on it and walk away. Dx 12/2005 Stage IV, Grade 3, mets ER+ PR- Her/2 (2+)
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Nanalinda Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 533 |
Nov 14, 2009 05:56 pm
Nanalinda wrote:
Just wanted you to know I was thinking of you and I hope you are still improving. Please let us know how you are doing. Take care... Linda Diagnosis: 7/26/2006, IDC, 3cm, Stage IV, Grade 3, 0/1 nodes, mets, ER-/PR-, HER2- |
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sushanna1 Joined: Feb 2003 Posts: 792 |
Nov 14, 2009 08:45 pm, edited Nov 14, 2009 08:45 PM
by sushanna1
sushanna1 wrote:
Another one checking in to see how you are doing. Here's hoping that things settle down. Sue |
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Analemma Joined: May 2005 Posts: 1,767 |
Nov 22, 2009 11:00 pm
Analemma wrote:
I finished rads to my nodes on Monday, and about Thursday of this week I started noticing that my swelling has gone down a lot! This is such a relief, especially since the rad onc was not that optimistic at the outset that this was going to help. My hands are just about the same size now, and my eyes are not nearlly swollen shut in the morning. Add to that the relief I'm getting from having a pleural catheter (still getting about 250 ml of fluid every day!) and I'm feeling pretty good! I've even been sleeping lying flat, where for a while I was almost sitting up to sleep. If only I could just stay like this and not start chemo in a couple of weeks. Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see. --John W. Whitehead
Diagnosis: 12/10/2007, IDC, 2cm, Stage IV, Grade 3, 5/12 nodes, mets, ER-/PR-, HER2- |
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konakat Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 3,352 |
Nov 22, 2009 11:06 pm
konakat wrote:
This is fabulous news!! Big smile when I read, "I'm feeling pretty good!". Yeaaaaa!!! I scrolled back and didn't see what chemo you will be starting. Have they mentioned what they're thinking of trying? I hope it's as gentle as it can be. Elizabeth xoxoxoxo Elizabeth's Mantra: When in doubt, eat cake. When you haven't a clue, add ice cream.
Diagnosis: 5/2007, ILC, 3cm, Stage IV, Grade 3, 13/19 nodes, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2+ |
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LisaSDCA Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 2,348 |
Nov 23, 2009 01:49 am
LisaSDCA wrote:
Oh Brenda, what an enormous relief! YIPPPEEEE! BIG, though gentle, hugs to you! Lisa Stage IV mets to brain 11/2008 Mets are Her2 pos (!)
Diagnosis: 1/24/2007, IDC, 2cm, Stage IIa, Grade 3, 0/3 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2- |
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Analemma Joined: May 2005 Posts: 1,767 |
Nov 23, 2009 08:54 am
Analemma wrote:
She has talked about abraxane and avastin, so, some pretty big guns, I guess. I've had both taxol and taxotere, and didn't like either of them one little bit. I'm dreading losing my hair, and at one point we had talked about going through the "no hair loss" chemos first. At this point, it's becoming more of a non-issue, since I don't get out so much anymore, anyway. Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see. --John W. Whitehead
Diagnosis: 12/10/2007, IDC, 2cm, Stage IV, Grade 3, 5/12 nodes, mets, ER-/PR-, HER2- |
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meima Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 550 |
Nov 23, 2009 10:02 am
meima wrote:
Analema, I'm so happy to see you you are getting some relief. I will pray the chemo does the job with the least possible side effects. Meima Diagnosis: 8/31/2006, Stage IV, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2- |
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jeanne46 Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 1,153 |
Nov 23, 2009 08:13 pm
jeanne46 wrote:
Great news that the SVC syndrome seems to be responding to the rads. What a relief. I'm about to lose my hair again too. It's the pits. I hate wigs, but I hate the stares even more. When I did A/A it wasn't too bad. Really. I found I was tired a day or two after - but often was able to do stuff anyway. Enjoy your Thanksgiving. I hope you get to see your new granddaughter. Handle every stressful situation like a dog - if you can't eat it or play with it, pee on it and walk away. Dx 12/2005 Stage IV, Grade 3, mets ER+ PR- Her/2 (2+)
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Lifestoosho… Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 86 |
Nov 23, 2009 11:59 pm
Lifestooshort wrote:
Good to hear that things are starting to turn around for you and you're getting relief!!!. You've had such of a long haul - way too long. If chemo is in the forecast, at least it's hat weather/winter time....and we wouldn't want having hat hair! :) Sure hope you can hold off until after the holidays to start chemo so you can enjoy your new grandbaby! Diagnosis: 6/6/2006, IDC, 2cm, Stage IV, Grade 3, 1/22 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2- |
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