Illinois ladies facing bc
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Good morning! Wow...it's really foggy out there. I'm hoping it will dry up a bit...I can practically hear the slugs marching toward my garden. Yuck...they are so creepy, slimey! lol
Linda - Glad you "found" us. Some of us are finished with treatment, some are just starting and others are currently in treatment. But we all understand the journey and are ready to help others through it. Best wishes to you tomorrow with your FINAL treatment! The end of treatment was scary for me too. I felt "naked" and vulnerable. And then after a few months, a sense of security set in and my fear turned to confidence. Confidence...by realizing I had adequate and proper treatment. The journey truly is a myriad of emotions, fears, tears, ETC!
Susan - That was so nice of that man!
Carolyn - Have you started chemo yet? Hope the healing is going well.
Hope you all have a nice day!
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Linda, we are so glad you found us. How great as well to be getting last Taxol tomorrow. Always a relief to be done with "that part". Sometimes I still think --- wow, it never occurred to me that some day I'd sit down in a special chair and willingly -- almost eagerly let someone drip some really harsh medication in my vein. Hope it is not long and you will be through those old se's and onto your next plateau. Many good wishes for you and hope you will come back often.
Starting out really overcast today -- who knows what that means for sure. Will be hot and sticky though -- they know that much for sure. A continuation so far of the strange summer we had last year. Oh well -- I am complaining....and sometimes that is a pleasure all it's own.
Hope you all have a good day. I hope to finish early today and have the late afternoon and evening to myself to do with as I wish. I'll be checking in through the day.
Hugs, Jackie
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It's FLAG DAY! If you're so inclined...put yours out.0
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Welcome Linda! We're glad to welcome you to this thread. You are now officially one of the awesome women who comes here to get and offer support. Come back often and tell us a little more about yourself. It appears like you're about done with the chemicals! YEA!
Hugs to you.
Rita
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YEA Linda... YOU found us...lolol!!Now your journey is complete!!!!LOVE the fact you are almost done and this site will help reinforce any questions or issues you may have. They are great here and have so much wisdom and info as they have been thru this and then some!! I am know as the laundry fairy..that is a sad role, but that is what i do here...ok.
For now just stay in the moment and where you are in the jounrey and the rest will unfold!!!
Hope all is well. Had a half hour massage for back and shoulders and got some serious knots out of my upper back!!! Getting ready to leave for Michigan end of week and looking forward to some downtime and it best be SUNNY soon!!!!
Hugs TO ALL and be back soon!!Linda.. love it!!! YOU are here!
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A day without Wendrew...is like a day without sunshine!0
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One more chemo treatment for me - this week Friday. And then radiation for 6.5 weeks. Can't wait to have this done with.
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I wanted to say hello to our new friends. I am so glad you found us. It sounds like are all in good spirits..
Donna my laundry is stacking up................
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Laura - Chemo starts this week Thursday. Healing is going very well. I'm very excited can finally shave and wear deodarent, Yeah!
Anyway.... Hopefully my chemo will be a "non-event". I plan on taking all my meds as directed regardless of whether I'm feeling sick or not.
Take care!
Carolyn
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Good idea Carolyn to take meds as a pre caution.. good thoughts going!
Wendrew...is missed for sure!!!
Yeah Char...on last chemo TX... you did it and YES it is awesome when it is completed!!!
Sun is coming thru.. we need it. Rain still coming though later.. what the heck?
Have a chiro appt this morning and try not to get in any trouble by days end.. feel my inner child trying to appear for some mischief. MY DH.. is still not able to get the final longetiitivy increase for his retriement.. lots of emotions goin on here.
Be well and ALL those in TX or appts, tests etc... be well !!!
Donna
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For Char & Carolyn
"The difference between try and triumph is just a
little umph!"
-- Marvin Phillips0 -
Morning everyone,
Seems to me there is all good news here today. Charit really will be wonderful to be done with chemo. I'm so glad for you. It is difficult as the end draws near to get that one foot in front of the other, but such a huge relief to complete this part of tx. Rads are for most people a real walk in the park in comparison.
Carolyn, you are smart to take the meds and just "not is" the symptoms pretty much. I wish I would have been smart enough to do the " this is just not going to be allowed " to happen to me approach. Yay for you.
Saying hi to Linda this morning along with all the other beautiful women here. Hope you are all banking on a great day. Steamy here still -- what's new. See you all later. Glorious to have some time to myself. Not doing much but enjoying the solitude and eating strange food combo's since I don't have to consider my other half. Later then.
Hugs, Jackie
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Morning my pets....another beautiful sunny June morning....not.
Carolyn.....yep, take everything! Much easier to prevent side effects than to try and treat them later. Hoping for a non-event for you as well.
Char....I loved knowing that when I got the icky dirty penny taste in my mouth, it would be the LAST time I would get it! I didn't feel lost after my last chemo as I had the full year of Herceptin to look forward to, and then arimidex. Not too sure how I will feel in two more years when I am out of that protocol. Going "commando" is a bit scary, even with all the aches and pains from that dreaded little white pill. But for us Her2+ gals it seems that Herceptin is the important part so I am hopeful!
Laura....thought of you on Sunday...we drove up to Lindy's Landing even tho it was so cloudy as we knew their Tiki Deck/Bar is under a roof. Turns out that they have live music starting at 2pm and we had gotten there around 1:15 so even tho it started to rain, it was fine for us. You should check it out....
Hi Linda and welcome....and almost done! Yay! NoMoChemo!!!!!!
Off to the hand doc this am and wouldn't you know it? Doesn't hurt much (but I will "ouch" away anyway!)
Have a great day all!
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Hey Wendrew...what type of pet am I? lol
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Okay - I'm worried - where is everyone? Did you girls party together all day and not invite me? lol
Wendrew - Am I a puppy, a kitten, a parakeet, a beautiful Flamingo. Okay, okay, Flamingos aren't pets! lol And...I love Lindy's! If you go to their website, they have a calendar of who's playing and when. I didn't see Nicki's hubby on the list though.
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Hope you all had a nice day. Speaking of pets...my Mom is dog sitting not far from me. I met her for dinner at a great restaurant.
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smerf - I think it's not far from you - have you ever been to Johnnie's? Great shrimp de johne!
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Sweet dreams to all!
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Hi Everyone
It's definitely a time of celebration (finished last treatment today) but a little scarry. Need help and suggestions from you guys on how to you cope now. I had a long visit with my dr. today and basically told me to try to put the last 9 months out of my mind and just get on with my life. I've done everything to beat the cancer that we can do and now I need to get healthy and start living life again. I will see him again in Sept. after I have PET scan, Echo on my heart, and full blood work up. I figured I'd see him more often at first but not his plan. Is this pretty normal? Looking to see how other drs. work with their patients so any help is appreciated. Thanks to all and hopefully will wake up to some sun tomorrow.
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Linda,
I think your Dr. had some really good words for you. I'm not so sure it is as easy as it sounds though. So many here felt I think.....a little un-protected. You spend all this time "fighting" for your health, with much care and a fair amt. of attention from your medical/ocological teams and suddenly -- your cut loose. You can now go live your life !!!!!
Do celebrate -- this is a good time if somewhat off-putting. You won't put the last 9 months out of your life. It seems to me --- especially after going through all this myself and listening to so many others -- it will be a shadow on your shoulder for a long time. I do however feel you can learn to co-exist -- and get to a place that seems normal. Probably for sure not like your normal of before -- but the resemblance is certainly close enough to give you reason to rejoice that you have made the circle and are back on track.
As well, I think most had 3 month ( that sounds like what you have ) appts. at first....for at least the first year.....then going to 6 mos. etc. If I could say anything and I know it will be a cliche' -- just take one day at a time and don't worry about right and wrong. I think you will go through so many feelings as you progress into a healthier life -- just let it flow.
Here's hoping that your new beginnings gentle you into a splendid life.
Hugs, Jackie
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Linda, when I read your post I thought perhaps you had my own onc as he too bid me farewell once my treatments were over. Most people here still see their onc every three months. My doctor told me to stay away, get my life back and call if I have symptoms, So I will be four years out but have not seen the oncologist for three-plus . I once worried it was because I was on an HMO and that explained why he cut me off. I find now that has nothing to do with it. It is just an approach some oncs have. I do see my BC surgeon every six months. I have to admit that it was a bad feeling to not see the oncologist post treament, but he felt our work together was over and that I should move on.
Susan]
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Linda....Your Dr is totally right in saying WE LIVE OUR LIVES.. and take each day as it comes and for me, was doin what i could in simply building my body, immune system, muscle tone back and it is ALL a process. YOU know this already as you have the right Drs in place, including your Chiro DR and the natural DR i gave you to call. The emotional part, i got away from trying to figure it all out and the what if's.. it is a faith based deciison and not staying in the fear.NONE of us knows anything for sure. YOU have DONE everything possible for cancer to be kept abay for now and in the future. I also do beleive good nutrtion can genetically change alot within us and thru that process heal ourselves more than any medicine/ Your shakely products !!That will do alot as you kmow too!!
Try to work on getting grateful and that will change your daily thinkings if you should feeel vulnerble or insecure. CELEBRATE what you just went thru and know that you are A STRONG and COURAGOUS and not alone in this journey.Stay here with the winners and you will always be affiirmed and validated and most of all understood. Proud of you!!!
We may need a southside Lunch date again for Linda!!!
Have alot to do as we are taking our RV to Michigan. Without our Daisy is goin to be very emoitonal as she use to run in and sit on the couch telling us she was ready. Have her favorite blanket there too. Liberty and Lacy are packed though!
Be well and know that all that are in tx or appts.. you are one step closer to getting it all done!!!! Stay strong and live well!!!
Donna
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Linda....Your Dr is totally right in saying WE LIVE OUR LIVES.. and take each day as it comes and for me, was doin what i could in simply building my body, immune system, muscle tone back and it is ALL a process. YOU know this already as you have the right Drs in place, including your Chiro DR and the natural DR i gave you to call. The emotional part, i got away from trying to figure it all out and the what if's.. it is a faith based deciison and not staying in the fear.NONE of us knows anything for sure. YOU have DONE everything possible for cancer to be kept abay for now and in the future. I also do beleive good nutrtion can genetically change alot within us and thru that process heal ourselves more than any medicine/ Your shakely products !!That will do alot as you kmow too!!
Try to work on getting grateful and that will change your daily thinkings if you should feeel vulnerble or insecure. CELEBRATE what you just went thru and know that you are A STRONG and COURAGOUS and not alone in this journey.Stay here with the winners and you will always be affiirmed and validated and most of all understood. Proud of you!!!
We may need a southside Lunch date again for Linda!!!
Have alot to do as we are taking our RV to Michigan. Without our Daisy is goin to be very emoitonal as she use to run in and sit on the couch telling us she was ready. Have her favorite blanket there too. Liberty and Lacy are packed though!
Be well and know that all that are in tx or appts.. you are one step closer to getting it all done!!!! Stay strong and live well!!!
Donna
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Good Morning Neighbors!
Linda - Congrats! And yes...I echo the others...spend the next 3 months whipping your life back into shape...try not to think about chemo...
Donna - I have thought about you often these past days...Daisy will be missed for some time. Broken hearts heal, but not fast enough. Have a safe trip to MI. Their economy needs visitors very badly.
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It's supposed to be sunny today! YAY! Although...lots of errands to run...but will try to visit my friends pool.
Have a great day girls!
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Hey Linda..........it's such a vulnerable feeling when the treatments are first over and you're on your own to go on with your life. It's like a security blanket is stolen from us. There is a good life after BC, though and you will find it. It just takes time but, believe it or not, you do get a place where you can go a whole day without thinking about BC. As for the check-ups, I see my surgeon every 6 months and my onc every 6 months. I'm always nervous when these times roll around and don't really think I'll get over the pre-visit anxieties. I'm facing the mammo and breast surgeon July 2nd again and I'm already thinking about it. Congrats on getting through the chemo! NO MO' CHEMO!!!!YEA!! Now just continue to take one day at a time, gradually weaning yourself back into the activities that you love or trying out some new ones that you've always wanted to try! Life is good!
Rita
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Hi all,
Haven't popped in for a while, but have lurked often and kept up on everyone. Life is busy and crazier than usual as we have moved into summer mode and camps, birthdays, family gatherings. I'm pretty much Harried Crazy Lady these days. Oh- and it's Bun Season (I work in the bakery division at Sara Lee-- that's how we refer to the summer. All interpretations welcome.)
I do have a question. Seems my Freak Out sessions come about every three months or so. For the past 3 months now I've had an ongoing right shoulder /bicep problem. Lots of pain if I reach behind me, put pressure on it (as in cutting vegetablesor pressing anything), and often a deep deep ache in the bicep. Sometimes when using the computer, sometimes for no reason at all. Every once in a while, I get a "palsied" feeling in my right fourth, fifth fingers- as if they will not respond quite correctly. I've researched frozen shoulder, arthritis, tendonitis and have been to chiropractor numerous times. Tried massage, NSaids- nothing really seems to help. So finally went to primary doc and have an MRI scheduled for Monday. Arm-- (and repeat of the breast- fibroadenoma they want to look at again after 6 months- it's time again. argh) So here's my question---- I had a bone scan back in early month when there was concern about what's going in my hip area. Nothing was identified in the arm (other than "normal"uptake in the joints felt to be arthritis), but that's not where we were really looking? Does anyone know how sensitive/accurate bone scans are? Is is common for anything to be missed? I can't figure out what this is and am getting myself in a snit--again. Shut up it about around family and friends-- but voicing my worry here ...again sorry!!
Ok- have to get kiddos to camp. My son's third day and already has he lost his swimsuit, towel and lunchbox. I am super-gluing all of the above to him today. Lunchbox is canvas- so don't worry- won't drag him to the pool bottom.
-julie
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To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter... to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird's nest or a wildflower in spring - these are some of the rewards of the simple life. ~John Burroughs
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Julie - Your complaints sound identical to right shoulder/arm/hand probs I had a couple of years ago. I finally went to my Ortho Doc. He said he had exactly the same problem. (It's called Cumulative Trauma? I think.) What worked for him was lowering his computer mouse below the desktop level. He told me to try it. So...I put a tray table by my desk (right side). The tray table was lower than my desk. I used my mouse on the tray table for about 4 days. It totally worked. My dh had the same complaints. He tried it, and it worked for him too.
Is your keyboard in a pull out tray or is it on your desktop?
For your work office - check out this ergonomic mouse tray that can be mounted under your desktop: http://www.ergostoreonline.com/sld-300.html
But you may want to not order it because there's several other things you can change to possibly help. There's a woman at The ErgoStore, Patty, who suggests you start by having a photo taken of you sitting at your work station and e-mail it to her, she can evaluate possible ergonomic solutions. Her e-mail is patty@ergostore.com You could also call her at 1 877 971 0151 - she has 20 years experience helping people with this type of problem. She is very well knowledgeable and well worth a conversation. Hope this helps. Wouldn't it be great if this worked for you too! No tests, no meds, no Dr appts!
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joint pain
I, too am going through orthopeadic hoops... knees checked out, xrays, 99 percent sure arthritis, spine/lumba rxrays, and yesterday with mri they .found some things, from car accident? dont know (dec 2006 rear ended, dx was jan 2007)...next they'll xray the ring finger left.....and my "flexible" tailbone, which when i lose a lot of weight hurts a lot (my mom's too when she got down to 90 lbs).
radiation dr. said to go to rule out infection of the ring finger which is the lymph denoded arm.that was december so i'm finally getting it done.
btw i had my 6 month oncology apptmt and the bloodwork was good ca 2729 was 30, last time 29. he doesnt do ca 125 i guess i'm due to get that done (ovarian cancer marker).
I have pain all the time while awake, in fingers (rubber band something, hurts, typing here, hurts here and there, etc.) right elbow really sharp pains, i wonder if that is from computer use, laura...i use laptop on my laptop...and the mouse on thelaptop........considering changing that around...knee hurts now for 4 weeks....esp when i go upstairs....so i'm going to finally play wallyball tomorrow night...it's carrying heavy things down steps where i notice pain the most..could this all be arthritis? I'm on arimidex since 2007........i havent been taking any supplements due to mom being the first concern here, i am juicing daily so at least i'm keeping my cholesterol at bay....veggies and fruit...celery always for mom's cancer...apples oranges...then i vary the green food...i've lost weight again, not much appetite...still moving stuff from house and trying to get ready to sell it.
eating very little meat..... taking vit d but they prescribed the d2 kind, which i cant believe block center AND the endocrinologist prescribed the d2 50,000 units....for both my Mom and I...after checking our blood for that...
as it is i better get back on calcium, d something...maybe some magnesium and some glucosamine, i mostly worried about the dogs, i guess it's time to take it myself....
the block center pharmacist said you only lose 2 percent of vitamins with the pills if you dont eat with it....
my joints are popping at ankles, knees, elbows, neck, wrists,....this past 6 to 8 months.
both knees arent feeling right...right elbow sharp pains and fingers have sharp pains and left wrist has sharp pain occasionally, they checked that out in 2007. i know i repeated some. bye
used car, for sure!
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Just wanted to pop in and say hi.. On my way to Tx in an hr... 4 to go after this!! Just want to say despite all this crap I'm going through.. this has been the best summer so far ever.. I just came back from a walk in the park with ALL 3 kids.. and I got to see my baby take a walk in her walker around her toy today!! Now hopefully my bloodwork cooperates and I get treated.. and all will be good.. I have started really bad tingling in my hands and some in feet despite all my supplements.. ugh.. I am wondering if some of it is joint pain.. but I have no idea.. no fun.. and don't want my dose lowered.. as I want to finish all 6 cycles and then get scanned and get some good news!!
Julie - from someone who reads many many posts about scans.. I have read about CT/PET scans being inaccurate, but not the Bone scans... crossing my fingers that you're just fine..
Marina
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SOunds like Laura ..answered all questions on the pain aspect for you Julie...and it is somethingto get info on and dealt with asap soit does not progress!!!I was thinking physical therpy but i am not informed enough obviously to give advice!!For you too Kater!!!
Mak...good everything for your chemo tx#3/!!! GLAD all is well in other areas of your life and for summer with the kids.. too awesome!!IT is tough stuff you are in and yet all is fallin intoplace and that is everrything during this time!
Will check in as i can and will be thinking of everyone !
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Hello you gorgeous Illinois ladies!
Haven't been around for awhile, but SE have had me side lined. It seems that my SE are very different from everyone else I've read about. While everyone complains about constipation, I've had diarrhea for 7 DAYS! And to add insult to injury, I developed "thrush". MD put me on Lomotil and Diflucan and it has helped (at least my tongue is getting back to a normal color again!). So tired of eating only bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. But I'm also getting PIMPLES! Egad! 58 years old and I'm breaking out. I even have a pimple on my eye lid - OUCH!
Everyone says that your skin will dry out from treatment and I can't wait! I'm so very oily skinned that I would welcome some dryness. Even my hair is extrememly oily these days. I did buy some witch hazel and Seabreeze to keep my skin clean and pores unclogged, but I feel like an oil slick!
Went to the Look Good, Feel Great seminar and received a huge bag of cosmetics to use. I probably won't use many of them as I'm just a mascara and blush kind of gal, but IF my hairs start falling out, I'll probably use some of the stuff. And, can I ask a question? Exactly when can I expect my hair to start falling out? It's been 8 days since my first treatment and everything seems fine.
I go for a wig fitting on Saturday and am really hesitant to have my hair shaved off if it's not going to fall out. Or am I being too optimistic? Has anyone NOT had their hair fall out?
My work has not been very nice/understanding about being off work due to the SE (missed the last 5 days due to the diarrhea/thrush). I'm receiving all sorts of conflicting information from our work RN, Human Resources Benefits Manager and my immediate Supervisor. One says I won't be paid for any time off (due to being off in December for hip surgery - not enough time accrued), another says I have to apply for temporary FMLA and receive 1/2 pay and another says "you have to protect yourself to save your job". SAVE MY JOB????? My boss is irrate that I'm being treated this way. I'm not so happy either. I have told my supervisor that now that I know how treatment is going to affect me, they can give me meds ahead of time to alleviate the SE. The only day I should have to miss is the day of treatment. And if they are going to be that way about everything, I'll come in early, leave for treatment and if there is enough time left in the day, I'll come back to work and stay late. It shouldn't have to be this difficult!
Enough of this raving! I'm going to go eat a banana (again!).
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It just seems such a familiar tune we hear. Work is supportive until they are inconvenienced. It truly is a scary world when we get sick. I also had awful diarrhea and no constipation which makes it very difficult to be away from the house. I also had thrush and I think Jackie did as well. I took pills for both. I think it will get better for you. Part of my problem was that so many people get constipation so they gave me meds to prevent that. I was taking so many meds that I did not realize one was to prevent constipation, when in fact I had just the opposite problem. It is always so good to bring matters to the attention of the doctors/nurses as they can trouble-shoot what may be the problem.I was teaching at the time and I had a signal for my colleague to step in QUICK into the classroom so I could care for myself. YIKES! It is so hard. I never relied on the administration to help me......just my buddies I teach with and they always were watching my back. The hair just dropped on the 14th day. For me it was all over and out in ten hours. Weird. Good luck!
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