CMF Question
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Hi all:
Colleen, Rita is right, as she usually is...and it's so true, you'll be over and done with it very quickly. It's wonderful that your family is so supportive and helpful. CMF is indeed, very doable, and Rita, I am now so thankful to have had the choice to do it. Now they say that research does indeed show that it is every bit as effective, long term, as the ACT one (I am not too sure of the initials there, the more intense one).
I know today is your diagnosis day, and congratulations on getting thru everything and you can now look back and see how far you've come since then. You are such an amazing, kind person, I can only believe the good lord spared you to help others. I know you sure have helped me in every way possible, and today I want to say THANK YOU to you.
Carol, I hope you are enjoying today and having a wonderful time in the sun. You sure do deserve it!
love to all!
annie
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Colleen - I know what a relief it is to ge the deciding out of the way. To me that was the hardest part. I am doing great on CMF. I've made it thru 2 treatments with little to no side effects. Tiredness is the worst part for me. The 2nd one was easier than the 1st cuz you kinda know what to do. Each time, I only needed to a take one Zofran the night of treatment. For some reason nausea hits me in the middle of the night which I don't mind.
Here is a question for all who have been on CMF...did you ever get craving like when you were pregnant? I get the stangest cravings. soft pretzels, popcorn, french fries, and chowder Luckily I have lost weight. I eat like 4 times a day but not as much as if I ate 3 times a day. Just weird...
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Oh Annie, thanks for all the kind words. Yep, today (just about this time two years ago) I learned that I had breast cancer. I had a little melt down this morning while drinking my coffee. I thought about that day and the tears started trickling down my face. Then I had several flashbacks of things that happened during my journey and the cat and I just had a pity party for a little while. Then I put on my big-girl panties and told myself that 2 years is good and I needed to get my act together and begin working on year 3. I'm O.K. now but it's strange how it just hit me.
Scarp.....I had those cravings, too. I craved maid-rites (a type of crumbly ground beef sandwich sold mainly in the midwest) and orange sherbet. Evidentally I craved them too much because I did gain weight during chemo but I have most of it off now and I'm walking with my neighbor nearly every day. It's important to eat whatever tastes good to you during your treatments. I found that eating protein (like steak) the night before a treatment helped me have less side effects.
O.K. Annie, how are you doing on the Arimidex? Any aches or pains yet or are you one of those lucky ones that never have a side effect from those tiny little pills? My feet are doing fine now....even with the walking but I'm having a little trouble with my left knee. It's not unbearable so I just keep plugging along.
I need to get back to work but wanted to check and see what's going on here. I'm sure everyone is quite busy getting ready for Thanksgiving.
Catch you tomorrow.
Rita
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Good AM beautiful ladies!
Oh Rita, you are so more than welcome. You have no idea how much you've helped me, and it's all true.
I'm sorry about the mini meltdown...last time it happened to me for the first two years, after that I too put on my big girl panties ....I decided it was like when a person dies; you don't want to remember the anniversary of it, you want to celebrate their life and remember their birthdays, etc.
We have to have a little bit of meltdown on the time of year, the day, as it's like a post traumatic stress disorder, isn't it? I do the same thing, I do have a sort of flashback, but then I take myself off and do mundane things, but I also try to go get my hair done, go to the mall, buy something for my kid; etc. to kind of defuse it. It's only natural and i think it's a healthy thing to let your body regroup. ((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( BIG HUGS))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) and a pat on your back for how beautifully you've set the example to all of us here to get up and get on with it.
I truly admire you, you've made some beautiful lemonade out of lemons.
I am doing fine on the arimidex. I take it with a sugar free pudding snack at about 11 at night and so far, it's not bad. I do have a stiff neck, I do have a tiny bit of trouble with stiff knees and oddly, I notice like kind of soreness to most of my muscles. It usually passes off at least so far.
Fingers crossed, but I hoped for a little bit of SEs as that study says that means it's working.
It seems if I just keep moving, it's kept at bay, sitting still (which I hate anyway) makes it all worse. However! It's one heck of alot better than BC!!! Thanks for asking. I've just decided I am thankful for all these options we have available to us that weren't even 5 years ago.
Scarp, I had to laugh at your words............I continually described it to my gfs and hubby as feeling as tho I was "a little bit pregnant".....those bizarre cravings, kind of weird tummy, etc.
Well, I guess we were preggo with the new us, huh? Giving birth to life
You sound great, you sound like you've got your regime and what works figured out! Good for you!
Everyone has a great day, Harley I hope you are stretching that neck a bit and lightening up that purse of yours.
love
annie
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Rita
Happy anniversary... It is natural to feel emotional at these anniversary dates. You have really helped me get through my tx and especially now, since I seem to be having MORE problems post treatment than I did during my treatment. You are ONE special lady!! Sending HUGS your way!!
Annie,See, the thing is, I stopped carrying a heavy purse back in August, but the neck pain still persists. It has gotten better, but it never goes away completely. I will see my onc on Dec 12, so I'll see what he says. I just don't want to have to pay another $12 copay for my pcp and then go for more expensive tests which probably won't give any clues to what is actually the matter.
Glad that you are doing ok so far with the Arimidex. I know that AI's cause lots of joint pains, but they claim Tamoxifen... not so much, although I've been talking to some here at bc.org who say that Tamoxifen also causes stiff neck, among other se's.
Take care,
HUGS
Harley0 -
Hi Harley, how great to e hear you!
I'm so sorry your neck is still bothering you.....tho I'm glad you lightened up the purse.
I didn't get a stiff neck from Tamoxifen, but I sure am from arimidex. I tend to get them all my life.
I finally learned meditation techniques, and to just relax my muscles (you do it in yoga, you go thru all the muscle groups and consciously relax them) and then that was the only thing that helped.
This did all seem to come on for you after you flipped that mattress....remember your back and how much it hurt you?
What does your GP say? Sometimes it's the littlest things that are doing it, tho we tend to blame it immediately on the bigger things of course, I always do. But sometimes it's posture, computer posture, a new mattress needed, a firmer chair, etc. Even a pair of new shoes will thro my mom's neck out for weeks! She stores her tension in her shoulders. I do too, I usually do six or seven shoulder shrugs during the day, if you feel your neck tighten, then that's most likely your culprit.
In any case, honey, I sure hope you feel better soon! You are so sweet a person and to hear that you are hurting makes me sad. (((((((((((( hugs))))))))))))))) for your turkey day, try to enjoy it dear.
xoxox
annie
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Hi everyone...
Well, tomorrow will be my 8 year cancerversary...I found out as we were leaving to go to my birthday party...a phone call from the radiologist...happy birthday , huh...so Rita...I know the kind of meltdown we all get occasionally...but as you said, we get over it...and go on to conquer the next milestone..
Sorry for everyone with the aches and pains of arimidex or femara....I just hate it...
I have been finished up with that now for two and a half years..but I hate to say it, I still have some of residual aches..
Well, tomorrow starts Thanksgiving week and I hope we are all getting prepared...Hugs all around to our CMF circle...
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Lisa, I won't say happy cansiversary, as I know we all get such mixed feelings on it. I wish I had your talent and a beautiful photo to send you....but a big cyber ( HUG)))))))))))))))))).
You are here to chat with us and I am very glad for it!!!!!!!!!!!! I kind of am beginning to think maybe the achies just come with the territory? I don't know, but I hope you are feeling OK.
And belated happy birthday!!!! I hope it was wonderful and that you enjoyed your party.
Jill, many many many good vibes going your way today...............please post when you can.
love to all
annie
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Oh Lisa, Happy Birthday a couple of days late! Also....8 years! Wonderful! How's if feel to be working on the second 8 year period now? LOL
I'm rushing around like a crazy person today to get the last minute "dinner" shopping preps finished. One of my good friends is having a charity event tomorrow night for the local cancer center here in town and I'm helping out. That means my shopping must be done today and tomorrow morning the "fix ahead dishes" need to be made.
I wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving! Isn't life good?
Rita
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Lisa,
A Belated Happy Birthday to you! And wishing you many more years cancer free!!
Rita,
We have an unexpected house guest visiting, so I don't have much time to think about those questions right now. But, I will give it some thought, because I think it will be good to have something to think about, and we like trivia, so maybe I would be good if there is a category for 'knowing lots of unimportant things', since I seem to have alot of knowledge about things that no one cares about. lol
Oh, the lady called me from the Reach to Recovery program, and I'm going next week, on Dec. 3rd, for my training....finally!
Happy Thanksgiving to all
Harley
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Happy Thanksgiving to all.
Mandy
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Hi again as we all are getting ready for
Thanksgiving...
Wishing everyone a good one...two of my relatives were at the first
one, so I guess I am into it a little more than alot of people....sure
glad they made it through that first winter, or I wouldn't be here ..lol
Harley good for you for doing the Reach to Recovery...I was so impressed
with the lady who came to my house...this was in 2000 and there was
not alot of on line support back then...she really helped me cope with
the initial craziness...I am so happy you will be helping our sisters...
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Great Harley! I hope your program is promoted more than ours. I think you will be amazed at the training. I'm still waiting for a phone call to use the training. I think you will be a very good person for the Reach to Recovery Program.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!
Scarp and Colleen. How are you doing?
I'll be pretty occupied over the Thanksgiving weekend with my grandkids. I can't wait to get my hands on those little guys! I'll try to pop in and see how everyone is doing. Have a great holiday.
Rita
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Rita - I am doing great! Thanks for asking. Next round is Dec 9th. My 1/2 hour afternoon nap does wonders for me. I found if I go longer than that I get that "drugged" feeling.
Everyone...Have a Happy Thanksging!
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Lisa,
Thanks! I hope to really be able to help others, who are newly dx'd. I had just moved to NC, so I didn't know anyone, and didn't know about bc.org, I was too afraid to do any online research, because it just scared me so much! I am so glad that I found this site, and you, because I found out that only those who have walked this path can TRULY understand.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Rita,
Thanks! I hope to be able to help some women who are newly dx'd.
Also, about the trivia questions, What I meant to say is that 'maybe we can create a category for stuff that is really trivia, .... for instance, I am a big FLINTSTONES fan, and my dh and I have a running list of questions, such as, What is Wilma's mother's name? And what is Betty's maiden name? Maybe there isn't really a market for this kind of stuff, though....Have a WONDERFUL, HAPPY THANKSGIVING!, and hug those grand babies!!!
Happy thanksgiving to ALL!!
Harley
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Rita: I am doing ok. I am starting my treatment on 12/2. Very scared, but I know I will get through it. It has been a little crazy, my mom is in the hosp. in NJ and we are not sure what is wrong with her. She is under going tests, she has fluid in her lung, but she is also on blood thinners so they have to wait for her count to go down before they drain the fluid. We hope she will get some relief today. Please keep her in your prayers.
I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Colleen
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Colleen, This whole trip is scary, but it's doable. I think it's the unknown that the scariest. Just remember that the actual trip to get the chemo (the chemo treatment) isn't actually that bad. It's the wondering what's going to be done to you and the worry about how you'll react. Basically, you just sit in a comfy chair while they administer the drugs. Then you go home and usually you're feeling pretty good when you leave because of all the steroids that they pump in. You can do it.
I am sorry to hear about your Mom. You certainly don't need another worry right now. You and your Mom will be in my prayers. Hang in there and enjoy Thanksgiving. Pig out on anything and everything that you want to eat! LOL
I'm glad you posted. I was wondering about you!
Rita
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OOPS! Annie...I meant to ask what you and your family are doing for Thanksgiving! Hugs to you!
Rita
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Hi all!
Rita, hi! Have such a great time with the little guys......what a wonderful family time you will have..we'll be at my mom's with the entire kit and kaboodle, crammed into her townhouse, just the way she likes it.
. Thank you for asking!Scarp, Colleen, you guys are hanging in there...Colleen, you can do it. I am a HUGE chicken and if I can do it, anyone can. Rita is right. It is so doable, everyone reacts in their own way and you'll figure out what works best for you. I send my love to you and your mom. I hope they are able to find out what the issue is for her.
Harley, you are hilarious.......I can't remember what Wilma's moms name is, and I used to watch that show all the time. Sounds like fun, and congrats on your Reach to Recovery.
I was going to take my foob to show and tell at the hospital, but to be honest, I've been just so upset by events this last week....my PS says he may not be able to do much more with it. I had been so hoping it could be fixed (ripples, scrunched hamburger bun side, etc, scarring) and now he says it may not be fixable. I have another consult on Jan. 6th, so will just resolve that I will shelve this issue for now and "think about it tomorrow". If he can do something, I know he will. I am just so downcast by this, unlike me, but I am. Might be a touch of "afteritis" we all get.
Anyway, I wish everyone a very thankful thanksgiving. This is still our lucky thread, and I am hoping to pop on here and read that Jill's pathology report was B9!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
love to all of you
annie
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Hi everyone,
Annie is right- this is my lucky thread too!
"After-itus." Perfect name. I saw my both my BS and PS yesterday. Had not seen the BS since the first surgery in Sept and he did not know about the infection and second surgery. I made a comment something to the effect of, well, it doesn't look so good right now-- and was then taken a bit aback when he replied. Oh, I agree- it doesn't look good. Ok- so I know that-- but there's something about having someone confirm it- esp. one who sees as many breasts as this guy. So I left feeling pretty low. But then had second appt with PS later in the evening and told him about it. He maintains I'm still a work in progress and detailed some revisions that could still be done. Maybe very end of December (am hoping to fit it in in 08 for insurance...). But like you, Annie, there's a limit to what can be accomplished, so I'm in a bit of funk. But in the spirit of the holiday, I'm really grateful to have the worst of this behind for the time being.
For those starting CMF-- I'm having major hair regrowth going on right now (lost about half). I have this fuzzy cushion growing underneath everything now. Looks much fuller on the scalp now. Am wondering if by Xmas, I will resemble a chia pet!
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!!
-julie b
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Happy Thanksgiving ...
We're thankful this morning to still have a roof on the our friend's house ... I think a lightning strike in the middle of the night was closer than I'd even like to think about. We "bolted" out of bed at 2am to thunder like I've never heard in my life. It took about a half hour to get our hearts out of our throats to fall back asleep.
Yes we did venture to the golf course this morning ... luckily we dodged most of the rain drops and are now back enjoying "a bit of nosh", football, and libations. Dinner tonight will be Cornish game hens.
What I'm thankful for ... hmmmmm... let me think about it "Cancer????" ... NOT, but yes to all of the positives experiences that have come my way. Reengaging with friends and family and becoming so much closer to them while appreciating them to their fullest. Realizing more often than not what really is important throughout the day and running with it.
Lastly to even think of the bonds I've felt with a group of total strangers gives me shivers. I will be forever greatful ...
A good day to all ... Carol
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Annie,
You said it perfectly.... after-itis! I have been having the worst case of after-itis, thinking about all that I've been through in the past year, since I tend to reminisce about the past year when I get to the end of the year, thinking about all that has happened in the past year.
Hey, about the Flintstones... Betty's name was Betty Jean McBricker, before she married Barney. Isn't it just pathetic that I know this stuff??!!! I don't remember Wilma's mother's name, but she re-married, and she had a very long name... I'll have to look it up. You can tell that I don't have a life!! lol
Carol,
Yes, I agree...to me, it is just so amazing, that I've met so many wonderful women here on these boards, and I am also very grateful for all the support!!
HUGS
Harley
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Julie B - So funny you mention the chia pet. I saw on this morning and thought of buying it. Thought that if my hair does come out, I'd have a contest with the chia pet. Weird how your sense humor gets?How far into the CMF did you hair begin to fall out? I've benn noticing some hair in the bathroom. Could have always had some there but now maybe its more noticable since I'm looking for it. My sister and her family was down for the holiday and noticed hair of all shapes, sizes and colors. Mine didn't seem to be more than anyone else. Thank goodness I have such a full head of hair. Hoping to have to get a wig, I hate thigs on my head, even hats.
Hope everyone had a great thanksgiving. We all have so much to be thankful for. Funny how you appreciate I day like Thanksgiving now!!!
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Scarp..Hair loss can start after the first treatment. Most really begin to notice it after the second treatment. I can remember worrying because there seemed to be so much hair that fell out, but nobody except me and my hairdresser really knew. I had thick hair, too. I'm sure that if we looked hard enough, we would find somebody who did CMF that had to invest in a wig. However, none of us on here had to have one.
We had a great Thanksgiving. My son and DIL are braving the Black Friday shopping and the boys and I are just hanging out at the house. They're napping right now so Grandma has a few computer minutes. It's so nice to have them here!
I hope that everyone had a good holiday. Keep in touch!
Rita
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Just bumping up our thread and hoping that everyone had a great Thanksgiving! My family went back home yesterday afternoon, just in time to avoid the snow that moved into Illinois last night.
Before they left the little guys helped me decorate my tree. It is done in traditional "toddler style" and I'm not changing it one bit! LOL
Harley, you could write a bonus television question (or several) on the Flintstones!
Carol...I love Cornish game hens. How do you fix yours? I usually grill them outside with a sweet BBQ sauce but grilling out isn't such a good idea here today with our snow that moved in last night! :-)
I'm off to tackle some Christmas gift wrapping.........not one of my favorite jobs!
Colleen...I'll be thinking about you on Tuesday. It will go just fine. Remember to suck on ice chips while getting the infusions to ward off those nasty mouth sores. I'm a firm believer that the "cold" helps. HUGS!
Catch you later.
Rita
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Hello Ladies
Wow, ten days of vacation just flew by. We're home safe and sound, hoping that our internal batteries are charged up by the sunshine enough to last about the next 4 months!!! My dh and I are born and bred Washingtonian's and we really don't care for gray, wet weather at all. Leaving Arizona this morning to a beautiful sunrise was painful. But life goes on, and we must do what we must do !!!
We stayed very busy, as we golfed all but one day of the trip, I was surprised that my port removal incision was not a problem with a golf swing and by a few days into our trip it had pretty much healed up, and was just a bit tender to the touch. Some aches and pains from that dog-gone Femera was a little annoying at times. It seems to come on in waves, maybe one bad day, to three decent ones. Who knows ???
We visited with my 3 Day walking partner, and went to the Botanical Gardens (I can now name atleast a few varieties of cactus).
Thanksgiving was most enjoyable, sharing the day with our friends doing what we like to do ... yep, golf and eating (Rita, my gf inserted butter under the skin of the hens and stuffed them with a great rice stuffing and baked them).
Yesterday was a bonus day as Jill and her dh took the time out of their busy weekend to stop by our friends place for a "real life" hug and a short visit. It was great to see them both, and may I say that Jill is looking fabulous. We had not seen each other since last spring while still undergoing treatments. We are sending all the positive vibes we can you way Jill for a clean biopsy report. Its time for you to be able to put an exclamation point at the end of your long journey. Thanks so much for the great cookies, they hit the spot ... and for stopping by. Hopefully someday we'll meet up here in Washington, we'd love to have you to our home.
Carol's hubby Kent, Carol, Jill's hubby Craig and Jill sitting on the patio at our friends home in Mesa.
I'll be needing to read back a bit to see where/what others have been up to, I hope life is treating you all well.
Carol
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HI Carol
Thanks for posting the wonderful photo.
Mandy
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Hi gals!
Carol, thanks for posting the pic of you and Jill with your hubbies! I must say that you ladies have very good taste in men and that BOTH of you are looking really GREAT! I'm glad you had a chance to reconnect. I still have my fingers crossed, Jill, for a good biopsy report.
Mandy..do you have your second treatment this week? Are you still feeling pretty energetic and good?
Colleen...#1 is tomorrow...Right??? I'll be thinking about you. You will be surprised how uneventful the actual treatment is and we'll all keep our fingers crossed for "no side effects."
Lisa...I'm thinking about you in sunny CA today as I look out my window at the white winter wonderland in my back yard. I still haven't figured out why I'm still living in Illinois! LOL I'm a warm weather girl! We have about 7 inches of snow and it's still coming down slightly. I have nothing that I need to do today so I think I'm spending it inside trying to wrap more Christmas presents. I also need to tackle some laundry. Gee! Today sounds real exciting, eh?
Annie, Julie, Scarp, and Harley...how was your holiday?
To those of you who pray, please say a few prayers for me this week. I have my 6 month check up (two year mark) with the surgeon on Friday and my mammo on the "bad girl." I'm a little anxious about this. I wonder if we truly get over this anxiety with time or if it's just the new norm. Hopefully the weather will clear by then as I have to drive about 40 miles to get this done.
Well, I guess I've procrastinated long enough this morning. I need to hop on the Illinois thread to check in and then get moving.
Catch you later.........
Rita
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Rita: Yes the 1st one is tomorrow. I go today for blood work. And then back tomorrow at 9:15. Still scared, but my husband will be with me. Still waiting to hear about my mom, she is out of the hosp. but is not doing to well. We will get the results of the tests hopefully some time today. You got all that snow and here in NY we got all rain. I wish i had some presents to wrap. I had to get through my daughters b-day and today is my husbands. I did get a nice surprise from my family. Since most of them live a distance away and with my mom being sick they wanted to do something nice for me and they hired someone to come in every other wk. to help clean. I was very surprised.
You will be in my thoughts and prayers this week as you go for your 6 mths. I will pray that you get a clean bill of health. I want to thank you for all the nice words you have for me and everyone else. You seem like a very loving person who deserves good things.
Be Well,
Colleen
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I just typed a LONG message, and when I was getting to the end, I pressed a key, and POOF! it disappeared! I HATE it when that happens!
Rita,
I am also a warm weather gal, and I don't care for snow, even though I love to watch it from the window ;-)
I'll be thinking of you, and praying for you, that your 6 month check up & mammo. goes well. I didn't notice it before, but your dx was Nov 06, and mine was about 4 months after yours. You always seem so together, I thought you were further ahead than me! I am having my 6 month check up with my onc on Dec 12th. I think we will always have that anxiety before our tests and check ups.
I'll work on some of those questions, and if I get around to it, I'll be finished before Christmas. Good thing I don't have a deadline! lol
Carol,
Glad you had a great holiday, and a nice visit with Jill. Thanks for posting the pic!, and you and Kent, and Jill and Craig look great!!
Jill,
I'm hoping for a clean biopsy report!!
Mandy and Colleen, and Scarp
Thinking of you, and hoping your txs go smoothly! Mandy... #2, and Colleen... #1 !! I know you will do just fine!! Sending lots of good thoughts your way! Scarp, I'm not sure when your next tx will be, but I know that you will be finished before you know it!!
Annie,
WHOO HOO!! I just know that your new boob will unwrinkle soon!!
Ginny,
Hey, how are you doing? Hope everyone is having a great day!!
HugsHarley
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