CMF Question
Comments
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Hi everyone...saw these little guys on the way to have my eyes checked out..
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Good afternoon, gals!
Yea! Annie's back and doing well! I've been wondering about you, gal! Glad things could be taken care of the "easy way!" Take care of yourself now and don't over-do! Hugs!
Lisa, another outstanding picture! Wow, you are good! You caught this one in motion!
Carol, hope you're not quite so achy today!
Well, I need to pick up some clutter for my cleaning lady tomorrow. Then I'm taking a book out on my deck, crawling into the lounge chair and soaking up some sun! It's a lovely day in Central Illinis today!
Rita
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Annie: I am so happy that your surgery went well and you are feeling pretty good. Remember to get plenty of rest and don't over do. I will keep you in my prayers for good news from the Drs.
Lisa - your pictures are great. Keep sharing they bright up my day.
Hope all are doing well. I am a little disappointed, I usually march in the St. Patrick's Day parade in NYC, but just didn't feel up to it today and the weather here in NY is pretty nice. Well there is always next year.
Hugs,
Colleen
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Hello dears, just checking in to say no news yet...Mandy has shared with me a very good thought, that since it was elective surgery (and i "elect" to live cancer free) they put my pathology on the back burner. This makes the most sense of anything else we can come up with, so for today, sounds good.
Colleen, how are you today? You will of course march in the St. Paddy'd day parade next year, this year, you have to celebrate your health!
Carol, got your sweet note, and yes, I have had enough now.
. I think we've all had enough for this year, correct ladies? Glad you liked the gift, I am a candle junkie myself.Rita, loving that photo of you, beautiful tan, beautiful you!
Lisa, wow, your talent continues to astound!!!!!!!! Hope you have a collection to publish one day!
Well, I'm getting around a bit, still allowed stairs only twice a day (and my house is ALL stairs) but at least that gets me out of laundry duty. Two itty bitty incisions 1/4" or so on either side of bikini line and one invisible one in my belly button. Not that this lady would be sporting any bikinis any conceivable time soon.
Tired, so shall sign off, harder than the exchange for the new foob, but easier by far than any other surgery to date. In all, (excepting the wait for results) not bad at all. No menopausal symptoms either, but after 7 months on lupron, didn't really expect any.
thank you all for the good thoughts and prayers, please keep me in them til I get results. I have to get a card off to Jill, I missed last week! Hope she is doing well.
love
annie
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Hey everyone! I had a lot of catching up to do.
Lisa - awesome pictures, thanks!
Annie - Happy the surgery went well. Hoping for a speedy recovery.
Carol- Happy belated b-day.
Colleen - good luck with the surgery. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.
Mand- We are almost done - I know you are a litttle behind me but we're close, thankfully!
My daughter was in her school play and somehow or another I signed up for way too many things. The fatigue has gotten to me. Just so tired of being tired. It doesn't helpmuch that I have a chronic fatigue syndrom (from epstein barr) It was good cuz it kept me busy and my mind off my last treatment (next tues). Just hoping that I do not have any reaction again. Hoping they eliminate the "m" this time. Have rads all scheduled for after vacation. go in to see the BS next week as a follow-up. the week after a CT of my breast for rads. I'm sure time will fly by in the next couple weeks and before I know it my toes will be in that warm sand. Ugh! I just can't wait!
Hope all is well. NE girls - what a great day today, huh?
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Welll 29 rads down, 3 to go. And two more CMF---I think I finish the last week in April. And without you gals cheering me on, it would have been a lonely road.
To put everything in perspective. We are adults and we are having a rough time of it with our cancer. But the rads center I go to is close to a major children's hospital and some of the kids come in for radiation. Most seem very resourceful and you can only hope the rads are going to do what they should for them. But the past two days this tiny girl, about 10 years old, all dressed in pink and in a wheel chair decorated in pink has been there. Her pain is so apparant that you can feel it. . If she likes pink, she should be taking ballet lessons and not sitting in a wheel chair at my rads center. It does make me realize how lucky I was that I had a childhood that was relatively carefree. It also makes me want to ask you to put this little girl in your prayers.
Have a good evening all.
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Oh Mandy. How sad about that little girl! I will put that child in my prayers and hope that she can beat this disease. It seems that no matter how down we get, there is always somebody who has it worse. I'm so glad that you're getting down to the end of this. It sounds pretty manageable now, doesn't it? You've done pretty well with this journey, gal! Hang in there for the last few rounds. You've about got it made now!
Rita
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Good Sunday Morning
Unfortunately this morning my dh has come down with the crud. In the 12 years we've been together I don't believe he has ever had a flu type bug (yep the ugly tummy thing). Hoping that he keeps it to himself (I know rather selfish on my part), but with vacation just 5 days away I'd like to pass on the crud.
On the acupucture front ... had treatment #3 last Tuesday. She targeted my left arm with needles in my hand, elbow and shoulder. The usual others in my feet, legs and head we're also part of the mix. I definitely felt a bit of discomfort from a couple of the pins in my hand, and when she removed them all about 20-30 later my hand was quite stiff/sore feeling. I layed there trying to move my fingers to loosen things up which they did. By the time I left their office, my left elbow felt pretty darn good. Too weird huh? I seemed to have some relief to that side for a good couple of days.
As of this morning I'd say its still not as bad as it had been, and we went and hit golf balls yesterday. Thinking I'll be packing some ibuprofen for our golf vacation but all in all I'll be going into it feeling better than I did say about a month or two ago. My feet are definitely not quite so stiff after I sit/sleep for a period of time.
Anyhow ... with some insight from Rita and Mandy I do believe I'll be going to my next onc appt with some questions in hand. Questioning the tamoxifan vs. AI's and also the use of Zometa (and if it may be the culprit for the excessive joint stiffness in my arms). He actually already told me that I could switch to tamo if the AI we're just too much. As I'm becoming a bit more educated (thanks Mandy), I think I feel more confident in a decision to switch.
Annie, no news is good news, right ??? Assuming your moving around pretty good this week.
Scarp, just keep thinking about that warm sand between your toes. I can't imagine having to deal with the tiredness from treatments on top of already having a issue with fatigue. Hang in there.
Colleen, as I read your note about not feeling up to heading out the parade, I did think back to last year. There was definitely a time or two when I wanted to go and do, but my body just wasn't going to cooperate. Usually my common sense kicked in and I told myself there will other times of fun. Its hard isn't it ???
Mandy, seeing young ones having to deal with any type of illness is heart wrenching. I cannot imagine what the parents of these kids go through. What a tough way to put things in perspective.
Rita ... hoping the roll gets longer each day .... Can we say bring on Spring !!!
Susan, got your PM ... we'll be in touch ... you just keep plowing through your treatment don't you ???
Harley, have we unburied from "cation" ?
Lisa, OMG ... more awesome pics ... those two tall lanky orange birds are gorgeous.
Okay, off to see if the dh could use a cup of ginger or peppermint tea ... hmmmm, wonder why we'd have that in the cupboard .... Memories away !!!!!
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Ah Carol, you're such a nice wife to fix hubby that tea! So glad you're getting a little relief from the acupunture. You're too young to be suffering with "old people arithritic type problems." Hang in there. You will find the combination that works for you. Just keep asking questions and looking for different answers. Hugs!
Rita
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I'm so glad to find a post for CMF chemo. It seems like everyone is on Taxotere or AC. i am having a fairly easy time on this regime. Side effects are diarrhea and constipation, burning eyes, loss of 50% hair, fatigue, stomach pain, but really nothing to complain about. i am given a shot for nausea at time of treatment, and then take a daily pill for back up. I am starting my third round of 6 (2wks on and 2 wks off) this Friday. Would like to hear from same!
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SusieQue - Glad that you found us. I had rt. mast in Oct started treatments in Dec and finished in Feb. I had 8 tx of CMF every 10 days. SE's were mostly fatigue and nausea some mouth sores. I started taking the Tamoxifen two wks. ago but had to stop last week because of my reconstruction surgery which I will have this Thursday. Then I will restart the Tamoxifen for at least the next 2 years. This is a great place for information and also for venting. Everyone here has some valuable information and they also have give great advice. So come and ask away or just come to complain that is what we are hear for. I wish you all the best of luck in your treatments And remember there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I can't believe I began this journey back in Sept. and I am going in for my surgery this wk. I never thought I this time would actually come so soon.
Carol - I hope your dh is feeling better.
Annie - I hope you are doing well also!!!
Hugs To Everyone Enjoy your week,
Colleen
Colleen
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Welcome Susie Que....I think you'll find that the gals on this site are helpful and very well informed on CMF treatment and side effects. We are glad that you found us. It sounds like you have a good start on the treatments and have been doing pretty well. Tell us a little more about yourself. Are you still working while doing treatments? Kids? Come back often. There's always somebody around to answer questions and send you a cyber hug if you need it!
Rita
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Hi girls, thanks for answering, i am 53 years old, had a bilateral mastectomy in jan 2009, glad i made that decision, have no plans at this time for reconstrucion, it's still cold out, though. don't know if i will change my mind in the summertime during tank top season. i am a changed person due to this illness, i take time for things now, and enjoy them, instead of hurrying thru things. i am working part time, 6-7 hours a day, due to fatigue, but i think i will keep that up after chemo. during all my time at home, i came alot closer to God, and give Him the glory for coming thru with a positive attitude. i am doing a fund raiser for Amer Can Society, and plan on volunteering at the hospital where i got such good care, and giving back to my sisters who are and will be struggling with this disease. i remember at Christmas thinking this could be my last Christmas, but now i think i will live a long life. what about you guys?
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SusieQue...What a great positive attitude you have! Unortunately this illness changes us all. I've gone through such an emotional roller coaster as I went through my journey and then tackled getting my life back to its "new normal." I've found that I am much more compassionate now and more cognizant of others in need and thus try to step up and help others more. I had a strong faith when everything hit. At times it wavered a bit, but like you, I think it's become stronger with each passing week. Although minor aches and pains always scare me into the "what if" mode now, I do plan on staying around for many more Christmas seasons. SoCalLisa on this site is a long term survivor and she's my inspiration...along with Annie who's got evnough determination for all of us!
I try to walk in the Susan G. Komen walks and a friend and I worked on a benefit for our local cancer center this past November. We need that cure!
I admire you for working through your treatment. I am now 61 and I was retired when it hit me. I can't imagine working and doing treatments at the same time. That proves you're tough!!!! LOL
I'm hoping that the rest of your treatments will be pretty uneventful, too. The side effects of CMF are much different from those with AC. Another good thing about your diagnosis....you are ER and PR positive so you will be able to take some type of preventative drug like Femara or Arimidex when you're done.
Rita
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Hi everyone:
Carol, how's the DH doing? Hope you missed that curve ball! I hope those elbows are still good.
Rita, sending lots of love..........nice to e chat with you, I had no idea facebook could do that! Very cool.
Colleen, you sound good, hon, how are you feeling and how is your mom? I am so excited for you to get your "girls" going, remember, when you wake up to say "my boobs are on the way!" and to pace yourself....you'll be a beautiful work in progress for a bit yet, but you'll get there. Special prayers for you on thursday for sweet dreams and a happy awakening. (and naturally a great surgery and a safe one too!) But all will be well for you.
SusieQ, welcome! I'm 53 too, and I am thinking this is the "second half" of my new life here.
New foob, (I'll be doing a prophy, wish I'd done one in the first place!!!! on the remaining girl) just finished up a hysterectomy/oopharectomy (my choice and elective surgery and I "elect" to live a long life) to get rid of those little cancer causing demons, my ovaries, that heck, I'm too old to use anyway, and when the dust settles from this, to go get that prophy. Brave lady to go without, but when you think about it, who sees our bare boobs anyway? It's not National Geographic, I just did it for myself. Vain, I know, but everybody has a different take on it, recon, recon free, prosthetic, etc., we're all on here and you can find someone to help you thru most anything you need to.
These threads are my "cause" right now, where I try to help anyone I can, and I am on the recon sites also, to learn and help. Good for you for giving back! It feels great, doesn't it?
You've come to a wonderful thread, the most wonderful, supportive, kind ladies there are out there are right here....there are angels here.
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Hi all. Welcome SusieQ!
I got CMF #2 (of 6) today. My onco was disappointed that I'd had any nausea last time, so she switched up my drugs. I didn't think it was unreasonable to have a bit of nausea after getting poison dripped into your veins, but my onco disagreed. Today I got IV Emend with an increased dose of Decadron, and so far, am feeling absolutely no nausea or stomach upset. If this holds, it would be amazing. Also, I haven't lost any hair yet, nor have I suffered from any signiicant fatigue. Needless to say, I'm feeling pretty lucky right now.
For those of you that lost hair, did it start right away, or do I have that to look forward to?
Annie, good luck with your recovery.
Carol, hope the flu has come and gone from your house. I had a 24 hour bug about a week ago and it was no fun.
Colleen, it must feel great to be done. I have the day of what will hopefully be my last treatment (June 15) marked on my calendar with a big star.
Ritajean, always good to see your smiling avatar.
Take care all,
Stacy (Samiam40)0 -
SusieQue, hello from another Washingtonian, I'm over here in Poulsbo. As you can see from my diagnosis line, we'd be fellow ILC sisters !!!! I had a right side mastectomy in Nov 07, did 6 months of CMF (on the two weeks on/off schedule). Took the cytoxan portion orally. I found the txt to be quite tolerable (amazing how easy that is to say now that I'm done !!!!) Actually other than a bit of GI distress (which I finally seemed to get regulated by the last few txt), I lost minimal amount of hair and didn't have any other real issue. I was able to work full time. Sounds to me like your handling your txt pretty well. Just remember to try and stay a step ahead of any side effects.
So are you slated for any radiation? I ended up having 35 txts, on my "non" reconstructed side. I chosen to wear a prothesis, which I actually find sits in its box more than in my bra. Thankfully I'm small busted to with loose fitting clothing it no real big deal. FYI ... most insurance co will pay for both mast bras and prothesis. I had a lovely gal at Nordstrom do my fittings for both.
And I too plan on being around for many-many more Christmas' !!!!!!
Carol
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My hair starting falling out after my 1st round (2 treatments). i am going to start round 3, and i have not lost any more hair, maybe 50% at the most. i cut it pretty short, and i think it looks really cute, hubby likes long hair ha ha, but anyway, i am noticing more SE after more treatments. went in for a blood test today and found out i need neuprogen shots because of low white cell counts. i knew something was wrong because the fatigue was pretty heavy. Keep on being positive! although this is a good site to vent!!
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Samian .... yeah for your onc's decision to curb the nausea !!!! I can't remember exactly what they put in my drip for nausea but it work, and one Zofran a day while taking the cytoxan did the trick as well. Never once did I have what I'd call nausea. That is great that your feeling so good ... it should stay that way if you stay on top of it.
As far as the hair thing ... after txt #2 I started to notice some considerable thinning. It kinda ticked me off as I was told I would probably not lose my hair. Well after panicking for about a day or two, I noticed that it wasn't coming out in clumps, just thinning. Seemed to almost stop during months 3 and 4 and then again some thinning months 5 and 6. Basically, I knew it was thin but it definitely was not totally obvious to others (atleast I think) !!!!
Hang in there gal .... Carol
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Wow - lots of posts and a new addition - I had houseguests this weekend, so wasn't online much.
SuzieQue - welcome - my husband was flyfishing on the Skagit yesterday! I am on Bainbridge Island. I am about 1/2 way thru my CMF which is weekly for 6 months. So far I have had minimal se's.
Samiam - I also get a zofran tablet at my infusion and compazine to take at home which I do for the first few days after the infusion. This has helped prevent nausea or is supposed to. About the hair, I don't think I have lost much, but can't tell. I have very thick hair that has always shedded like a pet, so it's hard to tell if it is more than normal or not. Probably a bit more.
Carol - sounds like the acupunture is making a difference and you have a few things to talk over with your onc. That is why I love this site - I have learned so much from all of you.
Annie - congratulations on sailing thru your recent surgery and recovery. It must be great to have that behind you.
A neighbor of mine was just diagnosed with BC and I have encouraged her to check out BC.org. She just got her biopsy results so I have no idea what chemo if any she will be dealing with. On the other hand, a good friend who is 47, very active and healthy started having chest pains and needed a stent put in to an artery that wa 95% blocked.
It is so crazy to me that so many people have these health issues come up, but we just have to roll with it, do all we can and get on with our lives. At this point I am trying to stay focused on feeling lucky that my cancer was found.
Happy Spring everybody!
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Hi there all: Hi Carol! Nice to e see you!!
I had massive hair shedding, but I have a ton of hair, and no one noticed it but me. My hairdresser did, but it ended up not being an issue at all. Of course, I freaked, bought a wig, bandannas, etc., only to have them still in the box. It started after #3, peaked at #5, then quit. I shed like a dog, anyway, always have. But truly, that was not an issue.
Neither was nausea, decadron kept it completely at bay, never had to take a Zofran or the other one they gave me, I forget the name. I made sure I had a lite yoghurt before I went to each chemo, and nibbled on pretzel and drank tons of water during it. Never had it.
Everyone, since she is not one to "toot her own horn" at all, Mandy has just finished her rads!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A big ol WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
TO HER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i got this characteristically low key little note from her blackberry saying done with rads. So I hope she gets the big WAHHHOOOO from hubby and beautiful daughters that she well deserves! Mandy, proud of you, gal!!
OB/GYN visit tomorrow post op, where I devoutly hope that I wll get the "all clear" on the path report. Also an OK to go up and down stairs more than once a day. This afghan I'm knitting to keep my sanity looks like a mess with all my dropped stitches! Pls. send some good vibes all, for the all clear tomorrow at 12:45 so I can get back on here and support all my sisters!
Everyone feel well! All the new girls, stay tough, you can do this!!
love to all
annie
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Annie: Thanks for tooting my horn.
I did finish rads today I never could have done it without your support. Now two more tx of CMF and I am done.
Have a nice day all.
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YEA Mandy! You're a rad grad!!!! Now you've only got those last two chemos to go and this part is all behind you! I knew you could do it! You're one tough gal!
Annie...sending prayers and good vibes your way for that ALL CLEAR message tomorrow. I sincerely think they would have had you back in there by now if something had shown up so I think you're good to go. Still it will be nice to put closure to those thoughts with the ALL CLEAR news. Please let us know as soon as you get back. I will be thinking about you!
Gotta get moving. I'm taking the Yoga and Pilates Class for BC Survivors tonight and I've got lots to do before I go. My neighbor Wendy and I are going to provide the entertainment for the night I'm sure. We went to the orientation on Saturday and I never felt so uncoordinated! LOL
Catch you all later.
Rita
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Mandy
ALMOST THERE---- top of the mountain in sight. I echo Annie's WOO HOO!!! (or was that WAH HOO!?)
-julieb
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We are home from a jaunt to Palm Desert to watch the Indian Wells Tennis...
We go over this mountain..
You can see the Coachella valley below..Indian Wells is to the right down there..
Holding hands with our CMFers...
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Mandy - Congrats on beng done with RADS!!!!
I'm patting myself on the back as well! I'm done with CMF!!!!! Once again I had an allergic reaction to the "M" . They gave me extra decadron/aloxi. Had the "C" thru the drip then pushed the 5FU.
They decided that they would place about 1/15 of the "M" in a syringe diluted with saline and once she as done the "sensations" statred coming back so the "M" was cut short. Gave me a drip of benadryl and and more saline. In my onc's 30 years in practice he never saw anyone react to "M" before. So maybe I'm a case study? The anxiety I've had the last few days were out of contriol. having my period, I think added to it.Rads start on April 14th (dry run) and I'll be done on June 3rd.
SuzieQ - Welcome to the thread. Everyone is so helpful
Colleen - Good luck on Thurs.
Samiam - Happy to hear you are doing so well.
Annie - How ar eyou feeling?
My son is home with the stomach virus. I've tried to stay at opposite ends of the house but he is calling so gotta run!
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Yea scarp! No Mo' Chemo!!!!! Most of us found the rads to be much easier! Hugs and congrats on finishing the chemo regiment! You did it and things are certainly looking up now.
Rita
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Wow Scarp, you did it!!!! And with the M allergy to boot. You are really mostly done....outside of the invasion of privacy, rads is alot easier than chemo.....really no side effects to speak of.
Annie, you know I am here cyber holding your hand. If there is anything I can do, give me a holler. You are one brave lady and I just feel you are getting good news.
Lisa, your photos are just what these tired eyes needed. Thanks for posting.
Cyber hugs to everyone.
Mandy
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Hello all - I am feeling much better, but still a little conjested. I am hoping that will all be done by Thursday. Still waiting for my time!!!!
Mandy - Congratulations on finishing your rads. You must be very happy. Only two more tx and then it is on to the finish line.
Scarp - Congratulations on finishing your chemo tx. You must be very happy. You are getting there and I hope that the rads are not difficult for you. I wish you the best of luck.
Annie - I have you in my prayers for some good news. Let us know when you can.
Hug to All,
Colleen
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Mandy and Scarp..good for you two!!
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