Best Of

@cookie54 and @intolight - I sure do appreciate the positive support re starting this drug. Thank you. Cookie, yes that fear of having a reaction, and it doesn't even have to officially be chemo for me; any prescription drug (and some OTC) will do this to me. I'm terrified that I will be one that has a highly unusual and rare response. I live alone too, so I get real worried about anything really bad happening any time from any cause. I know you've done well for a good couple of years or more, and that gives me hope for sure. I love your hug and am sending one back! Intolight, you too got some fair amount of time on this drug without too much trouble, and that helps me feel better. Ahh, taking down the Christmas decorations. That's what most of the people here in my apartment complex have started doing. Since I'm alone, I don't really decorate anymore, but I sure do enjoy the ones others put up. I love to look at the ones I can see in other people's windows every year, and then I'm always sad when they take them down. I'm actually looking across the way at the last tree that I know is still up. It's lights are on and I'm enjoying it still, but every night I see it now, I assume it's probably the last. Glad that things re your chemo regimen are looking up a bit, and have my fingers crossed that this will go well for you one way or another.

@mara51506 I’m so glad you are home and already planning what meal you want to make, I sounds like you are back to your energizer bunny ol’ self🥰I’m sure your kitties are happy too, that you are back home. I am just so happy you are safe at home and having a great recovery. I was so worried about you my girl. Please don’t over do it and try to commit to resting‼️🌷🩵

@xsuzx Did your onc say why he wants a bone or marrow biopsy?. Whatever the procedure, just insist you want to be out for it. My anesthesiologist alwasys says “don’t worry I’ll mak sure. I have a heavey hand, you won’t feel a thing or be aware.” I’ll be in your pocket and sending calming vibes.💗

So tomorrow is scan day at the Cancer hospital. Ugh such a long day. NM Bone Scan & CT. I’ve been so miserable since PT on Friday. it was my first day back since my radiation ad PT for the Radiofrequency ablation to my neck cervical spine. the PT must have stirred up the 8 facet nerve lazer injections that burned my nerves. I’ve been almost immobilized from the gnawing pain down my neck and scapula bones, all night i was awake with stabbing knife like pain in my C-3 C-4 C-5 C-7 where the neurosurgeon cauterized the 8 facet nerves on each vertebrae.. I was so annoyed at myself for telling him haow wonderful I felt and the procedure had worked so well and all I was taking for pain was Motrin & voltarin which has always worked when I get bone pain. but I should have asked him for oxycodone during my followup last Monday. H renewed my PT for my neck and learning how to use a cane properly .i thing the girl PT had me over do it with the neck strengthening exerises and shoulder pulley. She didn’t even give a good massage and traction the way my normal PT does, but he was out on Friday. He’s also aware I have compression fractures in T3 vertebrae between my shoulder blades and my PT has always helped me recover from the procedures in my neck. But Ihave not been in PT since before I went for the 10 day Palliative radiation for the met in my Acetbulum bone in my hip socket.. the last day for Rad was the day after Thanksgiving, The Rad Oncologist now has me in PT for my hip

@candy-678 hey there girl. It’s always good to see you drop in. Yes I remember having to retire from your career took an emotional toll on you. But you could not have kept that pace up dealing with the fog of cancer and all the side effects of treatment. Also dealing with ignorant people who just don’t get it when they treat you like the “identified cancer patient . I remember how you were so sad about retiring.I’m glad your QOL is good and you are doing so fun things that keep up you QOL.. I kind of feel the way. You do. My QOL is ok so far, even with Stage IV for going on 3 years, I was diagnosed in 2009 Stage IIIA and NED all those years until 2022 it shows up as bon Mets. I thought my life was done and over at my age even though I’ve always been active and young at heart and in my mind, I will be 77 in April and I keep thinking I plan to stick around into my 80’s if I can manage that but I don’t know how long my current meds will keep me reasonably stable..

Hi @threetree , I’m thinking of you as you wait to get some answers from your scans. Waiting is frustrating when your mind is going crazy wondering what’s what with this rechid disease. Sending som breath prayers your way. And hello also to @eleanora and @chicagoan and everyone else. Have a blessed evening Of peace and rest, everyone, oh and. @irishlove ….love ya Laurel. Have a peaceful evening with DH,♥️

@threetree I do get some muscle cramps on occasion usually while I'm sleeping> No noticeable extremity swelling but I do feel like my week on I have a little chemo belly bloat. Fingers crossed this first week goes well for you.

@candy-678 You we all have our comfort zone and it's fine! I got the flu shot but not covid and I'm probably not as cautious as I should be sometimes. I am a big hand washer and sanitizer gal especially after touching door handle etc in public places.

a year ago I was diagnosed with Stage IV Breast cancer that metastasized to my bones. It was all over in my bones. I had just the removal of tumor in breast and they removed 6 lymph nodes (3 were cancerous and 3 weren’t). During the last year I broke my elbow which was like an eggshell and I am still doing physical therapy for that. I was able to get insurance to pay for hyperbaric chamber for healing of break on humorous. It had broken completely off and went back in place on its own. I had radiation to kill cancer in arm. I had to have hip replacement surgery 4 months ago with a pole in my left femur (bone metastases broke off and I could not walk. They had to fill it with cement and put a screw in pelvis where I had some fracturing. During all this time I have a friend who is a natural path doctor and she helped with a vitamin regimen. It took 6 months of being consistent with taking the vitamins for me to see a difference. I also took ivermectin and fenbendezole. When I was in the hospital for 2 1/2 weeks at University hospital in New Orleans (great ortho oncologist there - excellent surgeon), I asked for the oncology team to come see me and let me know what to do. They suggested Verzenio, tamoxifen (blocks bad estrogen but not all estrogen) and Zometa. So I have continued my vitamin regimen with some additions DIM, Calcium d glucarate and calcium powder. In the middle of June the CA2729 was 239. This week it was 37!!! The pet scan 3 weeks ago showed that the cancer is all gone!! Praise The Lord! I know God has healed me! I was not eating right all the time so I know I cannot take credit for my healing.

I pray that everyone that is on this site will be healed 100% of cancer on this side of heaven🙏🏻💕✝️

@threetree Forgot to respond to your questions… Yes, I experienced mild cramping on Xeloda but no noticeable fluid retention.

Thanks for all your responses to my post. Maybe I am not as social as I thought. Prior to cancer, and when I was younger, I did enjoy being in the buzz of activity. But now, with the cancer, and older, and my mobility issues with the arthritis, I don't really miss going to the "latest" activity. Maybe older and wiser? Who knows. I just do not see myself being in the large crowds that were posted in the pics on Facebook concerning that fundraiser dinner. I don't want to go to activities like that bad enough to put my health at risk. Not worth it. And I will get back to attending church when the illnesses abate. And I can call my friends and go to lunch with them when there is not as much sickness around. I will have a better time if I am not concerned as much about the person sitting at the next table. Oh, don't get me wrong, I do miss some social gatherings. But not enough to risk my health.

Hi Candy. Since I am on active chemo right now I give social interractions a miss, and am diligent with hand washing and masks at the hospital. I got the flu shot but as you said it is the wrong strain. I haven't had a Covid booster in a couple of years. My DD is an ER nurse at a children's hospital and she said the numbers of flu patients are very high. Unfortunately both she and my DGD are sick right now in spite of our best efforts so they will stay downstairs. They have a kitchen and plenty of room and light and access to outside so it is a good set-up for them. We run home air filters when one of them are sick and I think it helps. It is the most anyone can do. If I still get sick, I will deal with it.