CMF Question
Comments
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Me again, back like a bad penny
Was anybody else scared to start their arimidex? it' s still sitting on the pantry shelf looking at me accusingly every tme I open the door..........I keep on putting it off, but I have to start it soon.
Is it OK to have a glass of wine while you are on this stuff? Seems like i need some dutch courage to be able to do it.
Yikes! This is not like me, what a weinie i am.
love you all, hope everyone is great and certainly braver than me! I need to kick my own butt.
annie
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Annie, I'm heading out the door, but very quickly ... try to remember the positives of taking Arimidex. It has been proven to be an excellent drug. You know if we we're going through this years ago we would not have had these drugs. You've come so far, keep up the good fight gal !!!
Always remember that your not alone, so many of us are taking something (AI's or Tamo) and we'll get through the ups and downs of what lies ahead together.
One of my first questions to my onc was if it was okay to have alcohol while on Femara, the answer was yes. A quick call to your onc should put that question to rest for you as well. My thought is life does not stop, and most of us are probably being more health concious than we ever have been ... GTG ... I'll try to give you a call soon ... Carol
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Annie....Yep! I was worried about starting the Arimidex because I'd heard such horror stories and was so worried about the bone mass deterioration. Finally I just dug in and started. It's been a little over a year now for me. I had the bone density baseline test before I started and will have another one for comparison purposes within this next year.
As you know, I've had feet issues and now my left knee is bothering me, but I'm not quitting unless it becomes much worse. There are too many success stories to go with the Arimidex. I am er- but pr+, a strange combination, so I may not even get as much benefit from the drug as those who are both er+ and pr+, but I'm still giving it my best shot. I do drink while taking the drug, but not excessively. I still enjoy a glass of wine with a meal or an after-dinner drink when we go out with others. Sometimes I have a beer when we're bowling. I think it's O.K. as long as it's done moderatively.
You can do it, hon! We'll just all help each other get through any side effects and beat this beast together! So crack open those pills and give them a try. You can always quit (or change to Femara or a different type) if you find that you can't do the Arimidex. I think you may be surprised! Just like the CMF chemo....it's doable. We just have to look for ways to counteract the side effects and not everybody has side effects. I have a friend who is having no trouble at all with it.
Let us know when you decide to go ahead and we'll all celebrate the "christening of the pills" with you.
Sending good vibes and hugs your way.........
Rita
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Annie..I did four years on arimidex after a year on tamoxifen..
You will never know how you will do on it til you do it!!
Everyone has different experiences...many have absolutely
no side effects...like my tennis partner...
good luck with that...as they say.."just do it"
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Rita, very interesting ... I had not ever noticed your diagnosis of being ER- and PR+ , I new you we're extra special !!! At work ... GTG !!!
Carol
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Oh Rita and Carol, both of you always know just what to say....I am so surprised at myself, getting thru all of this to get to the very end and have a freak out over a relatively small thing.
I will just finish up this UTI drug (macrobid) and then get on it. Mammo next week on remng girl, so I think that's where most the anxiety is coming from. As they say, you are always the last to know...........that's a big "duh" but it took til this AM to dawn on me.
Thank you all so much, and So Cal Lisa, that rose is extra special....I had just prayed to St. Theresa for the mammo to be clear, and here is the rose to tell me that my prayer was heard and will be answered. Wow, what a beauty!!! Did you grow it? Amazing if you did.
From what I have read and from what they are highlighting on the site now, it seems as tho if we have the side effects, it works better. So I will just dig in the old heels and go for it. Tuesday is mammo day and I finish the macrobid monday, so will prob. pop one then before bed. Doesn't matter what time of day you take it does it? Or is it one that keeps you up, in which case I'll do it earlier in the day.
Rita, very intersting that you are ER- and PR+, what does the PR mean? As Carol says, you are extra special. Thanks for the info on drinking, not that I will, just like to know I could if I wanted to. In general I steer clear these days.
love to all of my beautiful warrior goddesses
annie
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Annie...I will add my prayers for a good mammo this next week. I understand your anxiety. I have the same thing looming ahead of me the last week in December.
The PR refers to progesterone. It is another female hormone that is made in our bodies.
SoCal...your rose IS lovely....just like you! We love your continued support and encouragement on this thread. Thanks for always being here when one of us needs a boost.
Annie...hang in there. If you need to talk, you have my number. Hugs to you!
Rita
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Annie
When we lived in Spain we went to Avila alot..that was home to Sta Teresa
Here she is for you I took this right next to the wall of Avila
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SoCal, my oh my, your pics you have shared are off the charts beautiful.... thanks for sharing.
Off in 9 hours for the airport, heading to Redding, CA in the morn to see my gf's and dh's beautiful baby. Wish me luck as I'm not too into flying on a little plane. Going from Seattle to San Fran in a big guy and then boarding a puddle jumper from San Fran to Redding, nothing short of a quick flight, but worthy of a bloody mary at the airport during my layover !!!!!
A great weekend to all, I'll be back on-line Tuesday ... Carol
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Just had to share one picture I took this afternoon...I did not
arrange the flowers just took the pic...
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Made it through the first CMF treatment yesterday with no problems. Nurse had a little difficulty finding a big vein, but she just wanted to stick me once for blood withdrawal and chemo drugs. Thank you Nurse Lynne for only one stick!! Other than only getting about 3 hours of sleep, I still feel like my old self. Guess it's just a waiting game. Oncologist told me yesterday that I could take Tamox at the same time as radiation, anyone else do that??
Everyone have a fantastic weekend!
Shari
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Yea Shari! One down! I'm so glad that it was uneventful for you and that Nurse Lynne did so well with the IV. That's always a plus!
I didn't do Tamox so I can't help you with the tamox/rad question. I did 4 CMF treatments, broke for 33 radiation treatments and then came back to finish the last two CMF treatments. It's amazing how many different ways the treatments can be administered.
Did they send you home with anti-nausea drugs? If so, which one? Don't hesitate to use them. It is better to ward off the nausea before it hits full force than the try to eradicate it after it hits.
Sending good vibes to you across the miles for a good week! Keep in touch. Hugs!
Rita
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Shari
Sorry, I am taking Tamoxifen, but I didn't have to do rads...
Wish I could be of more help.
Harley
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Me too Shari...I had a mastectomy and did not do rads...
Sounds like you are doing well..good
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I just finished my 7 mile walk and still feel great...................
I came home with compazine, but so far I haven't needed them. I have read so many of these threads where people say if you don't feel bad, then it seems like the chemo isn't working. I of course am so new into this treatment that I haven't had any side effects yet, but I could easily see how one might feel that way!
Thanks for all the inputs!
Everyone have a great weekend....the leaves are still changing here and it is gorgeous outside.
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Swm63 ... Great news !!! Remember your water!!!
I'm sitting on a airplane heading to CA to see my gf's new baby. Gotta luv this Blackberry!!!
Have a great weekend ... Carol0 -
Wow Shari! 7 miles....that makes my three mile walk look pretty puny! LOL You must be doing well. I hope it continues.
Carol...so glad that you have the chance to see that new baby. Enjoy your time with your friend.
O.K. Annie, have those Arimidex moved any closer to the front of the cupboard?
Harley, how's it going for you now?
Lisa...did you ever work in a photography-related field? You take such wonderful pictures. I think you have a special knack and talent!
Ginny...I think of you often and hope that all is going well for you. Any news about the job or anything new that popped up in the job area?
Well, I need to work on my trivia book. It has to be completed by the end of the month so this afternoon is a work period.
I'll catch you later.
Rita
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Hi CMFers
Rita..no never did any photo stuff other than having fun with it..
SWN..good for you...
Golfer..welcome to Caifornia..I think it is a little cool for you right now..
Annie..I am asking too..
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Hi all:
So Cal Lisa THANK YOU for the picture of St. Theresa, that send chills down my spine and I am going to print it out. You sure do have a serious talent for photography (and also kindess
).Rita, I had to laugh at your post, you know me well. Those pills are moved to the kitchen table where both I and the cat eye them warily. I'll be off this UTI med (worked, yay!!!) tomorrow and I promise to begin it. There, now if I write that to you ladies, as a promise, I am bound and determined to do it. I never break promises.
What a scaredy cat, honestly. I think I'm having pretty much the aches already and today my knees hurt of all the wild things. I am pretty sure it's the lupron and that means good things for the old estrogen level. They can't get enough of that out of me, apparently. Oh well, a lot of protection for a few acheys. Neck too. That one is a pain in the neck (ha ha)
Carol, I love your blackberry too! I am a nervous fllier and I love that you can keep in contact in the air. Lots of comfort....you have a really fun trip and enjoy that baby visit. How are you feeling, sweetie? How's that fish oil treating you?
Oh! girls an aside! I just found out that a 3/4 cup serving of total cereal has 1,000 mgs. of calcium. In all the screwing around with supplements this past three weeks, and the resulting stomach issues, all I have to do it eat that every day. Good grief. Just thought I'd pass that along for anyone else having this issue with the supps. like I was.
Shari, OMG, 7 miles? You are amazing! I can't help with the tamo/rads question as they began it after rads for me, but I wonder if you went on either the tamoxifen thread or the radiation thread someone wouldn't be along who did them at the same time to help you with the question. I hear ya on that no sleep the night of, many the late night TV nights with that one. Often I'd pop on here and post to the girls in a steroid induced buzz. Carol did laundry one night after it. You have to laugh at this or you'd go nuts, but am very happy the first one was nice and uneventlful for you.
Rita, a trivia book, you really do have the most interesting work. And thank you for the hug (right back at you ( ). I am quite a mess over the mammogram, understandable, but of course has to be done. I think the enormity of what the past year has brought has some play in that one. I am really seriously considering saying ta ta ta-ta to the other girl if it's going to freak me out like this every year.
As Christina Applegate said, I would have the best looking hoots in the nursing home.. Everyone enjoy your sunday, off to see my dad in nursing home where his nurse informed me that "he had not taken his clothes off yet today, so that's a good day."
Ah family. Well, let's hope he has them on for the visit.Take care all, love you all
xoxoxo
annie
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Rita,
I haven't been posting much. I have been looking for a job and no one seems to want to even call me to set up an interview. Oh, and the Reach to Recovery training lady told me that the person in charge at their office was in the hospital. She is hoping to speak with her next week to set up the brief training session. I am now thinking that it may NEVER happen!
Also, this Fall time change seems to have triggered my insomnia, and the night sweats are back!
Sorry for being such a downer. I just get so frustrated when people seem to just blow me off.
Rita,
Was this the questions you were referring to in one of your earlier posts? I'm intrigued about this trivia book. Please tell me more.
Harley
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Annie this is what the outside of the walled city of Avila looks like...
If you look at the top of the tower..you can see stork nests...this is one of their favorite places
It is a beautiful town...
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Lisa
That is an incredible photo of the walled city. It is just amazing. You are really talented.
Mandy
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Shari,
How's it going? Still feeling great? Don't do too much! You're body has been zapped a good one, hon! Let us know how you're feeling!
Harley,
I should have the trivia book done by Saturday. Then I will email you some question samples and show you what I do. You can try your hand at it. I can help you fine tune your questions and give you some helpful hints and then if you're interested, I'll set it up so you can send them to the young kid who bought my business and if they're what he's looking for, he'll probably give you a job. Since I have a deadline on this book....the end of the month....and Thanksgiving is coming along with a cancer benefit that my neighbor is doing (and I'm helping) for the local cancer center I need to get it completed first. I really thought I'd have it done by now but the good Fall weather kept calling me outside instead. Give me this week to get it to the proofing stage and I'll help you!
Gotta run gals....EVERYBODY have a good Monday.
Rita
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Good morning
My trip to CA is going great. The baby is preciuos (all 9lbs) of her. Boy its been along time since I've held a newborn. She seems so fragile. The weather was beautuful yesterday and we all went for a short hike.
Today "Auntie" Carol is going to babysit for a short time so my friends can go out for a bicycle ride. I'll be heading back to the airport late this afternoon, arriving back in Seattle about 8.
Lisa ... The pics are awesome, thanks for brightening our day!!!
See u all back on-line tomorrow ... Its a gov holiday for me ... Gotta like these 4 day weekends.0 -
Tomorrow is my first CMF treatment. Naturally I am scared to death. Wish me luck!
Mandy
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Mandy....You will do just fine tomorrow. The treatment itself is nothing. Do not stress about it. I'm sending prayers and good vibes your way and will be waiting to see how it goes. Remember...the actual treatment is not a big thing. You have been through much worse already. Be sure to chew or suck on some ice chips during the treatment. If they don't offer them to you, ask for them. Drink plenty of water of the next week to help the chemicals get through your body better.
You go get 'em, Mandy. You can do it.
Rita
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Hi gals, I am in the pre mammo freakout stage and just checking in.........please send me good vibes for 11/11 at 11:30....I thought that sounded lucky.
Mandy, I was so scared about my first chemo...I have a bazillion drug allergies and allergies in general. If I can do it, anyone can. Rita is so right, the worst is past you, this can be kind of relaxing, I used to bring a book. But don't be looking to sleep that night, cuz those steroids pack a jolt like java, so line up a comfy couch and the remote to watch late night. You can do this. Rita told me to think of the chemo as little pac men eating up all the bad stuff left over. It really helped. Also, the cancer is out of you already, this is the clean up detail. Everyone will be waiting to hear how you do, so let us know!
Carol, that new baby sounds so delicious. I saw my girl this past weekend and can hardly believe I grew her........goes by in a flash. I am glad you are having such a nice visit.
Harley, Rita, you guys sound great! Your book sounds very interesting Rita, and how nice of you to help Harley out. As usual, you're the answer lady for us all here.
Lisa, a special thank you. I have a teeny weeny St. Theresa statue that a good friends' grandmother sent me and told me to take to each chemo. It saw me thru and I felt very proctected. To see your amazing photos make me feel like I am there, thank you so very much.
Well, wish me luck with the squishing of the old droppy girl tomorrow. Hope it reinflates.
love to all
annie
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Hi there ladies,
Mandy and Shari glad you found this thread, this is a wonderful place of support.
You are not alone. We all have felt similar feelings, concerns and fears regarding bc and treatments. You will get through this! This is "doable" and like us, you will be on the other side of treatments----it's temporary!
Re: CMF---yes it is one of the oldest combos, but that does not make it inferior. In fact, my aunt had CMF 27 years ago! She is doing well and is now in her later 70's. That helped me feel good about my choice to do CMF.
You have gotten some great tips already---just to add a few more....take your anti-nausea meds, better to be on top of things (even though you may not need them---err on the side of caution). I also took stool softners the day before chemo and following 3 days. The meds can plug you up, so to speak. Before chemo I always made sure I had something in my tummy---usually some toast, or pasta (something blandish) After you might very well feel like eating a normal dinner, just don't overdo it and like Rita said, don't eat your favourites. I just felt tired after a treatment and relaxed when I got home. The fear of the unknown is worse than the reality. Believe me the first treatment will be uneventful during the treatment. I usually talked a lot to the nurses (poor dears) and socialized. Everyone is different. You will find your own way of getting through everything. Re: hair----all of us here still had our hair till the end. My only tip---use a good hair conditioner, chemo dries out the hair.
So sorry, I have to run now.....bless you both!
Annie, haven't heard yet about the job---hopefully in the next 2 days.
Love to all--
Ginny
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Ok. I feel guilty that I DO NOT feel bad.....I have had zero effects from Friday's chemo, even walked my 7 miles for the third day in a row. Is this going to be how I feel after every treatment or is it cumulative??? My Onc. told me how ever I feel after 1st should be how I feel after last. I'm starting to wonder what was really in that IV?? Everyone keeps saying I'm nuts, but I can't help but feel the chemicals aren't doing their job! I hate to read all the posts about these poor ladies that are suffering with nausea and other side effects... I am going to send all my positive feelings to everyone else!!!!! Seriously, though, does anyone know the answer to my question about it being cumulative????
Shari
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Shari
Glad to hear that your 1st chemo went well. Everyone is different, but usually, yes, the effects are cumulative. I had a different kind, so I can't speak to CMF. I didn't have any nausea either, so that was great! I did, however, have some problems with fatigue in the last part of my tx. I had only 4 txs of Taxotere & Cytoxan. As I said earlier, everyone is different, so you may find that you'll breeze right through!! I know that Carol seemed to get through her tx fairly easily.
Rita,
Thanks for the information about the trivia book... it sounds interesting! I would LOVE to hear more about it, and maybe I would like to try it too! I'm even MORE intrigued now, so I'll be waiting to hear from you!
Hugs
Harley
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