roach59

Thank you ALL.

I've been very busy. My parents have been here since I got out of surgery. They're very sweet, but I was in much better shape than any of us expected. So, my daughter got spoiled by her grandparents and that was just fine with her!

I've got a few more weeks before chemo begins again. This time it's Gemzar and something else. First round was monster doses of AC and Taxotere. My Onc says hair will continue to grow on these new ones, I hope so, I like the peach fuzz I'm getting back. My husband and daughter love rubbing my head!

Go Harley, I believe this is your last day CHEMO! YEAH! I'll toast to that tonight!

AnnaAnne- Where in Oregon? I grew up across the lake from Seattle and have spent many a day roaming around the great Pac NW. My step-son is now in Portland and loves it! Go Ducks!

Good Day from steamy Alabama.

Hello to all. I'm home from the hospital. I'm in no pain. I'm just taking Tylenol. The drains are a nuissance and from what I hear, I'm not looking forward to getting them out toward the end of the week. Maybe I'll save my pain meds for that!

My sentinal node was positive so she took the rest and I'll know how many more, if any tomorrow. I'll be off to radiation and back to chemoland most likely the end of this month. Reconstruction will wait until after radiation. I'm opting for the tummy tuck plus new boobs approach. Expanders sound painful.

It's positively beautiful outside right now, fall in the heart of dixie is my favorite time of year. It's going to take alot to keep me from playing outside! Last night I sat outside with a friend, with a glass of wine and watched our daughters ride bikes up and down the street with my welcome home ballons trailing behind them. A wonderful way to come home.

Elaine

Hello.

This Friday I go in for a modified radical mast. I spent the summer in chemoland. 6 cycles each, AC on Monday's and Taxotere on Tuesday's. It was a long hot summer!

I will know within a matter of days whether the tumor site holds any lingering cancer, if so I go in for radiation. The cancer had been extensive in my nodes pre chemo. The breast MRI and Pet scan both came back negative for cancer in the nodes post chemo.

But, I'm beginning to learn that pathology is the absolute answer. So we'll see in a few days. Wish me luck, but I'll let y'all know either way.

I am/was a Stage 3/ Grade 3 Neg for all that other stuff.

Bye for now.
Elaine

A Wine Festival sounds awesome.
Alabama isn't really know for their wine. I think all they do here is beer and Nascar, oh and football.
After growing up in the Pacific NW, Alabama has been quite an adjustment!! I won't complain we're heading into my favorite time of year in Dixie.

I quess this is off topic. Is there a wine thread on this board? I'm off to look.
Actually, I'm getting my ducks in order before the big surgery at the end of the week.

Be back soon.

Dear Karen,

I finished chemo just alittle over a month ago. I too was a grade 3, very aggressive. However, this cancer's aggression pails in comparison to my oncologist's level of aggression. It's Hard Rock all the way but it works.

I never got sick, never was in pain, I have irritating side effects now that it's over but all in all you'll surprise yourself once you start.

The fatigue is hard at times. I'm still waiting to get my groove back. But, it will come back.

As for the leukemia, someone else may have to answer that, I've not meet anyone with those conditions.

Don't be scared there are tons of women here to hold your hand if you want.

Good night I'll be thinking about you.

Elaine

Your not on this rollercoaster alone. We can ride it down together.
I prefer a good red, I'm originally from the state of Washington, I know how good the wine is on the west coast. However,
My cocktail was AC on Mondays and Taxotere on Tuesdays for 6 cycles. On the 28th of this month I'll have surgery (mastectomy) most likely followed by radiation and chemo again if any cancer is found in my nodes.

I started with an almost 6cm tumor, Stage 3 because of size, Grade 3, with extensive cancer in my nodes and negative on all counts for the hormone treatment that's in vogue. The treatment was extremely aggressive, but it has significantly reduced the tumor and has all but eliminated the cancer in my lymph nodes. This is truly amazing!

I'm 48, married to a southerner (they talk so cute), I have a beautiful 13 year old daughter. Last year she was pretty and pink, now she's a little rocker babe! I was just the same way.

Question: Compare the drainage tubes to the port, which is more obnoxious? And if you don't mind, are either of you planning on reconstruction down the road?

thanks,
Elaine

Hi, SUzyb855

We appear to be opposites. I did chemo first, finished a month ago, but will have a modified radical mastectomy in 2 weeks.

The chemo truly was do-able. I never got ill, never was in pain. I was pooped at times and I am not happy with the weight gain and the minor' but irritating side effects of the taxotere and steroids. However, I will not complain, the stuff worked! I had an extremely large tumor that was extremely aggressive and it's damn near vanished.

For me, walking into chemo wasn't as frightening as this upcoming surgery. How does that break down?

You'll do just fine. You'll surprise yourself. You'll learn a great deal too.

Have a good day.

roach59