C130sunshine

Hello to all,

I can also feel mine.  It does not hurt, but I feel it alot more when I am laughing really hard. 

I am glad that I (more importantly the nurses) can see the outline of the port.  I look at it this way....at least they can see it well enough that they have no problems accessing it (they don't miss).

I was told they will not remove my port until a year after I finish chemo....I finished 29 Sep 08.

kim

Kathi...I know just how you feel......we all need a little "whine" time......just make sure it does not overwhelm you.  That is why this group has been great for me....it reminds me that I am not a lone.

kim

Hello to all,

Thanks for starting this group!!!!  I have learned a lot.

I started my rad treatments on the 4th of Nov.  I will be getting a total of 33 treatments (last five will be boosts).  I have two tattoos, but like most of you I feel like I can play connect the dots on my chest with all the sharpie marks.  I have my treatment first thing in the morning....this way I don;t have to worry about leaving work and then having to return.

For cream....I was given Sween 24....it is very thick.  I have not seen it in stores, but I know you can get it on line.  This biggest thing about cream is to make sure it does not have any alcohol or metals in it.  I have had only three treatments so far but I am applying the cream at least twice a day.

I opted no to wear a bra....instead I am wearing a 100% cotton shirt. I am actually wearing a men's sleeveless undershirt.  I bought them in various sizes....depending how sore I get.  They tend to be lighter (I wanted something light due to the hot flashes) and cheaper (so I don't care if they get ruined) than a women's camisole.  My radiology nurses said to wear 100% cotton....it is more comfortable.

I did not realize how many soaps have metals in them.  I was told to use baby shampoo (with nothing added...like lavender, etc) as a body wash.

Sherri - I am being followed in the lymphedema clinic.  I have very slight symptoms....like you.  I did not have noticeable swelling in my arm...just soreness.  I really did not think too much of it (I only had 4 nodes removed) until I noticed the cording and I could not lift my arm too high without pain.  My LE therapist gave me four exercises to do...they have really helped.  I also got two compression sleeves to wear when I fly.  She said the changed in pressure can cause fluid retention in the arm.

 The only problem I have had so far is that the treatment room is sooooo cold.  It is hard to be still when I have shivering. 

My heart and prayers go out to those that have to travel so far.

kim

I am sorry to hear about your daughter.  I know what has helped me the most is that my mom has just been there for me and for making me laugh.  I can never imagine what you are going through. 

Here is what my mom wrote to another mother with a daughter with BC.

 "I know exactly what you are going through.  My 39 year old daughter was diagnosed with barest cancer in April while stationed in Korea.  it was so hard not being with her while she was going through the testing and not being there when she got the news.  After having the lump and some tissue removed she ended up in Hawaii.  My husband and I met her there the 14th of April.  She had additional surgery but because of some problems (with her original oncologist) she and I were transferred to Travis AFB (my husband went home for a months and shipped her car to us).  He as wace again joined us in CA.

The most important thing you can do is for you to be OK, that is the only way you can really help her.  She has to know that you are OK, she has to much on her plate to worry about how you are doing.  This first step did not come easy for me.

I made a practice of getting up before everyone, take my coffee and Bible and sit on the front porch.  The beauty of the lush trees, flowers and the ocean gave me the peace and quite I so desperately needed.  The trouble reality always reared its ugly head.  One morning I flipped open the Bible and came to:

Isaiah 12:2 and 3.  God is my Savior, I will trust Him and not be afraid.  The Lord gives me power and strength,  He is my Savior.  As fresh water brings joy to the thirsty, so God's people rejoice when He saves them.

I wrote this on a card and took it everywhere with me.  When those terrible thoughts entered my mind I would pull out the card and read those tow passages until calm and peace once again cane upon me.  This is the kind of peace that only God can give.

I am now in the position to be able to be there for her.  Laughter is so important, I make a practice to kiss her bald head everyday (she would not let me or my husband shave our heads).

Our daughter has just finished chemo and will start radiation in four weeks.  Since coming to CA we realized that having a doctor who is not to busy to take the time to listen, and is upbeat is so very important.  After her first treatment I took her back to the clinic 4 times just to make sure everything was still OK.  She took it all in stride and never once made me feel like I was going out of my mind but that I was doing a good job watching her.  If you daughter is not comfortable with her oncologist urger her to find another one.

Ursula"

I hope this helps.  Since the 14th of April, my mom has gone to every appointment...she says she will not leave until I am totally done with my treatments.  If you ever want to talk to my mom just let me know.......They live in Fort Walton Beach FL.

AnneW - I am active duty and flew from 2000 - 2004.  I loved it.  I was stationed at Osan AB Korea when I found the lump.....I was hoping after that assignment I could get back into flying. Well that is not going to happen.  After I am totally done with treatment I will go through a Medical Evaluation Board (MEB....the military loves their acronyms).  An MEB will decided if I am able to stay in the military or if they are going to medically retire me.  I am taking the mind set that I will be allowed to stay in.....I am still able to do my job.  After the board I have to wait about a year before I can try to fly again.

Mina....I am so sorry.  Don't give up!!!!!  Tell us what happens when you call NY-Presbyterian Cornell.  Are there any other Cancer Centers in NY you can call? 

Genia I hope you are feeling better.......Hang in there you WILL get through this.  Whether you are on Zyrtic or Claritin, make sure you take it everyday.

I had the opposite problem.....chemo gave me constipation.  Just make sure you keep your nurses and provder updateed on how you are feeling.

kim

Had my first appointment on Oct 1.  The therapist said that I have the starting of lymphedma and  banding.  She ordered me a compression sleeve (thank you Brinney about asking about the glove) to be worn if I fly or the LE gets worse.  I have a follow up on Oct 17th. 

She gave me three exercises to do.  I have noticed the slight swelling has gone down and now I can lift my arm higher before the "tightness" occurs.  It is just hard to remember not to carry anything in my left arm or lift anything slightly heavy (I am still in the process of moving). 

Shrink....I am glad that your arm doing better.

kim

Hello to all,

Just found this discussion.  Thank you Binney. I have had 4 nodes removed on the left side back on May the 1st.  I noticed last week that my arm felt "tight" especially when I straighten out my arm.  I did not notice any swelling, but my oncologist said that I may have internal swelling.  I have an appointment in the lymphedema clinic this Wednesday.

Shrink....make sure you keep taking your antibiotics until you have your appointment.  Cellulitis is not something you want to mess with.  I agree with Binney it sound like possible cellulitis.  Has you arm gotten any better?.......if you see any red streaking that is getting worse or suddenly appears make sure you get yourself in to see someone immediately.

Thanks for the web site....I will be checking it out.

kim

kim

I had the same problem......I have noticed that I since starting Chemo I tend to burp a lot more.  I also felt like I had  "hair ball" in my stomach for a couple of days.  According to my Nurse Practitioner, she said I was experiencing nausea type symptoms.

Just remember you can get through this!  Usually on my "bad days" I would just sit on the couch and veg (but I would still go outside every so often and walk across the street).  Like Sue I usually returned to work (for short periods of time) by day 5 post chemo.  The two weeks between I would return to work (just make sure you don't over do it).  You have to listen to your body.

I would call your nurses and ask what you can do for the mouth sores (especially the one who had the same drugs you are on).  They are there to help you.

 kim