CaseyDoodle

TJW,

I agree that it is a shame that you have to fight your principal and CANCER.  Here is a little known fact about FMLA - you get 12 weeks per year which means that unless your benefits department has specified what a YEAR is, it is the calendar year.  So, if you took 12 weeks of FMLA in 2008, when January 1st rolls around you are entitled to another 12 weeks. 

It does sound like you will have to educate your benefits office - what a bummer.  The government website (U. S. Department of Labor, I believe) that covers FMLA has a lot of information that you can look up and forward to your benefits department. 

I also agree with Hattie - some continue to work and some don't - it is such a personal decision.  You have to do what is best for you.  We all react to our treatments differently.  I don't work any longer, but if I had been working during chemo, there is no way I could have continued.

Good luck and you will be in my prayers.

I had my hair cut very, very short before chemo started.  On day 19, I woke up and hair was all over my pillow, so I shaved it off. 

susiered - you are in good hands.  Dr. Simpson did my surgery on May 1, 2008 at Northside.  My Dad kept telling everyone "Kay's surgeon must be 19 years old!" because she looks so young.  I could not have been happier with that group of doctors.  Dr. Galleshaw is my onco and she is great too.  I have always felt like I have gotten excellent care.  Good luck on your surgery! 

Traci,

 We are at opposite ends of Georgia.  My husband and I lived in Tifton when we were first married.  Are you driving to Atlanta for treatment, or getting them closer to home?

I have been on Arimidex for one month and have no side effects.  Is it too early?  I'm a little concerned after reading otter's post.

Thanks everyone for your input.  I am having my final TCH treatment tomorrow - WHOOO HOOO!!!!   I plan to see the PS as soon as I am over the side effects of the TX and talk to him about it.  I really don't want to wait until June of '09 to have the expanders put in.  I HATE wearing the fake boobs and can't imagine dealing with them for many more months. 

Hello all!  I haven't posted in quite a while - been really sick - and depressed.  I am sick for 2-1/2 weeks between treatments, then have a couple of good days and WHAM! back again.  I have TX #5 tomorrow and feel as if things are starting to look up.  I can finally see light at the end of this tunnel. 

I have been fortunate that Neulasta hasn't caused me any pain after TX#1, then it was only mild.  Herceptin doesn't seem to bother me at all, which I am grateful for, given the length of treatment. 

Also, my hair has started to grow back.  Is that unusual?  I didn't expect it to even start coming back in until TC was over.  Right now it is just the tiniest little spikes - looks kinda like splinters all over my head along with some very, very fine growth that is about 1/2" long.  I hope I am able to stop wearing my scarves around Christmas.  I don't know why I've got that milestone in my head, but that's what I'm hoping. 

Another question - anyone's fingernails start growing in darker?  Does this mean they are coming loose?  Just trying to figure out what to expect.  Guess I can ask my onc tomorrow.

Best wishes to everyone, especially those just starting the journey.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.  Good night...

Cupcake, I don't think you are over the top AT ALL!!  If a doctor is not listening to you or giving you all the information they have they are simply not doing their job.  I am glad you are going for a second opinion.  I believe it will ease your mind and put you on a track to truly know that you are doing the right thing, whatever treatment you choose.  Good luck.

Had my second treatment today.  Onco changed up the meds a bit - started with Emend for nausea.  She believes this will make the difference.  If not she will call in Marinol (a marijuana derivitave) to see if that works.  I suppose I'll know in a couple of days.  I have to go back tomorrow (2 hour drive - one way) for my Neulasta shot and had the Procrit today.  I am hoping and praying for an easier time.  Onco assured me it would be, so here's hoping.

 Also got the low down on yogurt - since I had an autoimmune disease (MS) prior to getting cancer and because it affected my bladder and bowel, they are not recommending yogurt FOR ME!  Not for everyone.  Sorry for the confusion, I suppose I didn't listen well.

Glad you are feeling better Shel.  I am going to send hubby out for HEAD-ON if nausea or headache shows up this go-round.  Maybe I'll get some help too.

Aly, what did you decide about Chemo this week - waiting until Monday?  Are you feeling any better? 

Aly, I was told NOT to eat ANY yogurt during chemo - don't really get it, but that's what the onco said.  Also, I take Zofran with Ativan daily and the combination works for my nausea.  Each drug by itself doesn't work so well.  Are you feeling any better???

 Cupcake - I got sick beginning day 2 and it gradually got worse through day 5, then it started improving after I got IV fluids.  I continue to feel sick every day, but am taking Zofran and Ativan every day and it works to combat the nausea.  Now I have to battle my insurance company to make sure I can get the Zofran I need.

AlyMarie, I have no idea what made me so sick.  I am hoping the Onc can shed some light on it when I see her Tuesday before tx #2.  The problem is, I am still nauseous.  I am taking Zofran and Ativan each morning and it helps, which is great, but as far as the nausea being gone - NOPE!!!  I have been keeping a calendar of my symptoms with the severity and will show it to her.  Maybe she can figure out what to do.  I still plan to ask her to pull out the arsenal of medications.  Since I don't have little ones at home to care for, I'll sleep all day if that is what it takes to get through those first 6 to 8 terrible days. 

 I did not get Neulasta, but I will with tx #2 along with Procrit, which makes me even more nervous because I am afraid they will just add to my problems. 

 Shelbaroni, I will be really interested to see how the Emend works for you.  It is one of the drugs I have been researching and will ask the Onc about on Tuesday.  I hope you'll post and let us know how it is working. 

 On top of all of this, I am now battling my insurance company.  They have decided that they will cover 24 Zofran tablets in a 25 day period.  I'm not sure how they figured that out, but I've got to get it straightened out prior to Tuesday.  Although it wasn't a great help, it did offer me a little relief with the vomiting and I continue to take it every day, as I still experience nausea every day.  Anyone have any advice on this front??  Eacch Zofran tablet costs around $25, so I really need insurance to help me pick up the tab. 

 Cupcake7, I agree with both AlyMarie and Shelbaroni.  I have met two people at the infusion center where I take my medications and they are on the exact same regimen as I am and the medications they are using are working well, leaving them with virtually NO problems.  Best of Luck - I'm hoping for the best for you. 

On another note, my hair started letting go yesterday - right on schedule.  At this point, I don't care.  I'm ready with scarves and a wig.

Good luck all.