Anyone starting Chemo in Feb?
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Hi all
My hair is REALLY CURLY now, it was always curly but not like this. I have had it cut twice now and will be getting it coloured next week. Have to look good for the wedding. One plus is that it is so much softer and is not as thick as it was. Friends still pat my hair!!!
Have just sat down with DD and worked out what we have to do before the 19th. Started bridesmaid 3 (DD1's) dress this morning. The other two are waiting on the girls coming for a fitting on Sunday, just the zips to go in and the hems done so we are getting there.
Had a bit of a scare with my arm yesterday. I realised while sewing that it was sore and very swollen. I had been bitten by a mosquito. Put my sleeve on which helped but it got hotter and hotter so called in to see the nurse who made me see the Dr who gave me some antihistamine tablets to take the swelling down. I thought I was being over cautious but she said no as it is so easy to get cellulitis hwen you have no lymph nodes. The area under my arm gets swollen but this was the first time my arm had. I slept with a pillow under my arm again last night which really helped.
I must go and get some more of this top cut out - it is a bodice so has several layers plus boning. thank goodness I have bought my outfit. I was going to make a top for myself but am really pleased that I don't now have to.
DD's wedding is going to be quite a day for me as it is the anniversary of my surgery!
Hugs to all
Alyson
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It was so much fun seeing Twilah again. And, her hair looks even better in person than in the photos. I'm so envious of her curls -- mine is in the same vein as Melanie's and Terry's -- sticking straight out in all directions!
I also wanted to point out that Twilah's SIL is more than lovely and unobtrusive -- she's absolutely delightful ... we had a wonderful lunch with her on the 31st.
As for lunch, Phyl -- can you make it to Philly on January 23rd?? Anyone else want to join us?
When I realized that the FCC reunion was going to coincide with seeing Marsha on stage, I got all excitied and tried to figure out if I could make it down to Florida. Then, unfortunately, I realized that it coincided with my son's birthday party ... I hope I can make the next reunion. Maybe we should consider Arizona after seeing all of Caryn's gorgeous photos. Also, Alyson will be in PA next fall -- right? And, Leah -- do your travels ever take you though the Philly area??
Alyson -- Good luck with finishing all the bridesmaids dresses. I hope that you arm holds out ... can't wait to see the pictures!!
Jan -- Are you surviving all the winter storms???
SammieKay -- I'm so glad that your surgery went well! I don't know if anyone reads the January thread, but one of the girls there had a heart problem during reconstruction that may or may not have been due to chemo. I'm now terribly anxious anytime I hear about one of us getting anesthesia.
Hugs and Happy New Year to all!
Hillary0 -
Hi all...I am up early, getting ready for work. My turn to work Saturday.
Well...I managed to get a Herceptin treatment. They put the IV in my arm and everything went well. Totally uneventful. Not used to that!
The nurses and even my onc are not convinced I am allergic to Heparin...but they seem to think there is infection in my port. Every one of the nurses said that. They said they never had anyone allergic to Heparin. So they all suggested I get the port out. But they are okay with waiting for the plastic surgeon to do it.
I also need to take 1mg of coumadin as my onc said you can get blood clots around your port that could affect the arm.
So the stupid thing can't be gone soon enough for me....think I will look up "port complications" to see what I can learn.
Looks like everyone is busy and doing well....Alyson, be careful not to prick a finger on that arm....I am sure the dresses will be beautiful.
Well...got to get ready....have a great Saturday!
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Alyson, we are gonna want pictures of the wedding!!!!
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HILLARY>we were lucky we didn't have piles of tree limbs to pick up like the neighbors. You couldn't walk in their yards without stepping on or over limbs! We still have a bunch of broken limbs in the trees that are hanging on yet. Marine son and his friends were here for a few hours cutting little trees and a few limbs down for us but there is still alot to be taken care of yet and James has already flown back to San Diego so don't expect any more help on that. I was surprised to see all the little companies in town yesterday here for tree trimming/landscaping, one of them was from Waco, TX, another from New Mexico. There's still alot of work to be done in the area.
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Hi everyone
I am suppose to start chemo in Feb. also but have a problem with one of my expanders it caused a hemotoma so Tuesday I go in for more surgery to clean it out so it sets me back some. I have had a ct scan a bone scan and was suppose to have muga scan on tues. This is so frustrating to me because I am the type of person who just wants to get things going and done. I am looking at a year from start to finish. I am a stage11b with triple positive and 5 nodes out of 27 were positive.I elected to have a double masactomy due to cystic breasts(thoought that was what this was) big surprise!!!! It does not run in my family. I am so scared for my 15 yr.old daughter that she will have this monkey on her back for the rest of her life. I hope I can join you gals in Feb. not that I want to do this but I don't have that choice I just want to get it going forward. I want the toughest chemo behind me before summer and see how I feel on the second round, my daughter shows horses so were away alot showing in the summer and I can't imagine feeling sick when we are gone. I to have a very sesitive stomach for meds and I worry this is going to hit me hard, I just don't want to worry my daughter about showing she has been so supportive and says its no big deal if I skip a year, but she going for scholorships and she only has 2 more yrs to compete before she goes off. plus the burden of paying for a show horse etc. and not show it is kind of crazy I guess I will just have to wait and see. Hopefully I will be able to chat with you all and I will be in the wonderful Feb. club. Thanks for listening to me rant and rave!!!!!!
Bridget
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Hi, Bridget... we are the February 07 chemo cruisers... so all the info you need is at the beginning of this (long) thrread... when we were all where you are now... this should give you info... you can join or create a thread to rally other women starting chemo this coming February so you feel in good company and can share "live" your feelings while going through the process. As you read more, you'll see that chemo is scary at first but goes quick and a lot of the time with not too serious side effects...
Good luck to you, hang in there, like us, you can do it...
Catherine
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ah CATHERINE is right, I just looked again at this thread's title and its going to look like we started this for Feburary 08 as it doesn't mention the year 07!
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OK, I've changed my avatar, using one of the photos that Twilah's SIL took ... (thank you, Pat and Twilah!).
Bridget ... you'll want to join a Feb 08 group, but feel free to ask any questions. Probably the most important thing that we all learned going through chemo is to drink, drink, drink lots and lots of fluids!
Catherine -- How is your dh doing? When does the semester start for him?
Marsha -- Do you know your lines yet??? Will they be doing a videotape of your performance? If so, could I buy a copy???
Terry -- So glad that you got a herceptin treatment. Only one more, right?
Hugs to all,
Hillary0 -
Ooh... you look sooo good Hillary. I wish I had such a happy smile... it lights up your face my friend.
Whata weekend...blah. 2 more boosts to go then I'm done. I start back to work tomorrow and just can't seem to get into the whole prospect of change and work and people and work and change and ... blah. I'm starting to seriously consider a career change...
Hope you're all doing well. Leah, I was going to call, but I'm not fit company for anybody right now and it's coming up on your bed time... maybe later in the week.
Twilah
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HILLARY>great avatar! Love your smile!
TWINK>sounds like the rads fatigue is hitting you!
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call tomorrow... no time is bad... I am around helping people with reports or transactions...
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Hi to all,
I decided to post and quit lurking and just reading.
I have been kind of in the dumps. Guess it is the after Christmas, after surgery low. I will be glad to go back to work on Tues. Then at least I will feel like I am accomplishing something.
Terry, good to hear you finally got your Herceptin treatment.
When will you get your port out? Are you having your reconstruction soon?
Catherine, are you home yet? I was wondering if somehow we can have '07 added to our thread name? It is confusing to folks starting chemo right now. Does anyone know about that?
How was your trip? Are you and your husband back to work?
We have really missed you. Will you be going to Florida? Sure hope so.
Hillary, I love your new Avatar. I wish I was more computer, camera savvy. I have a new digital camera, but I don't know how to download pictures to computer. I also got 2 printers for Christmas. I just haven't been in the mood for being taught. Just 10 days post-op might have something to do with that. LOL
Twink, sounds like you are really tired of everything. You have been through a lot. I understand the radiation really, really makes you tired. Be sure and allow yourself enough time to rest if you can.
I was reading your blog today and really appreciate your posting that article about "after treatment stops and what now". It was very meaningful to me and validated my feelings. Thanks for that.
Leah, don't work too hard. Be sure and take care of yourself.
Jan, so glad to hear you didn't have a lot of clean up. That is great.
Carynn, are you "football-logged" yet? I love football, but about overdosed this weekend. My Cowboys will play next weekend...Go Tony, Go Cowboys.
Well, guess I will go to bed and read my book. Tomorrow is my last day off from my leave for surgery. I get my dressings off the nipple reconstruction on Tues. I am sure they will be fine. The boobs are not exactly as I expected, but I am very happy with them. I was so flip about having them removed, saying "oh I will just get some new perky breasts". Boy, was that foolish. I would do it again, but with realistic expectations. It has been a long road and not without bumps.
Love to all, Sammie Kay
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Happy Monday...
SammieKay and Twilah....I totally am feeling the same way. I have 2 more Herceptins....then what?? I worry about every little ache in my bones, which I am attributing to Femara. I also have been down in the dumps...Can't seem to make myself put the Christmas stuff away. It is so much work.
I am having numbness in my left arm. My onc told me Friday to continue taking 1 mg of coumadin (after being told to stop it) to prevent clots from forming around my port. He said they can affect the arm on that side....so now what, is the numbness because of that? I should have said something to him, but we were just passing in the hall while I was leaving the chemo room, so I didn't think about it and my arm was fine at the time. But this has been going on for about a month now.
I am scheduled for the plastic surgeon on 1/24...will schedule my breast reduction then. He will take the port out - so I don't have to see the other "surgeon from Hell".
Hillary...you look great in your avatar.
Jan...if my DH and Ds's were there, they would be cutting up firewood. Hope you get the mess cleaned up soon. What a pain.
Well...off to work, which is also getting me down. Oh Well.
Have a good day.
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Hello everyone,
my aunty was diagnosed on friday. tomorrow she is having a masectomy. I really want to do something for her to 'commemorate' her breasts (i know that sounds odd since i'm her niece but she's more a best frined than an aunt) and to celebrate all the wonderful things they've done in the past 45 years (including raising 3 children) but i have to admit i'm totally stumped. if anyone could offer any suggestions i would greatly appreciate it. thankyou
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Good Morning!
I took a floating holiday today for my mammo and ultrasound. I usually work from home on Dr. appointment days, but what the heck; I wanted to sleep late and have a nice long weekend!
Alyson - Hope you are doing well. Cant wait to see the wedding pix! Interesting that your hair got even more curly! I am losing my curls already. I still haven't had my "first" haircut; but I'm able to do two styles with it now. I am trying to hold off on cutting it until it is long enough for a particular style that I have in mind (like one of my wigs).
Hillary - LOVE the new avatar!
Terry - glad you got that tx in.
Wild/Jan - Any progress with the tree limbs yet?
Bridget - I am sorry that you had to join us here; but in finding BCO, you have found a wonderful place for support, encouragement, and even that good swift kick you might need on a bad day.
I would encourage you to go back and read the first few pages of this thread. It will definitely give you a good idea of what to expect. Chemo isn't easy, but it is do-able. You mentioned showing horses. Many of us were able to continue to work thru chemo. You'll just need to rest when your tired and make sure you keep up with your fluid intake. They've come a long way with the anti nausea meds; and if you do get queasy, tell your Onc; it is likely they can find the right combo for you to kick it right away. If they haven't started a Feb '08 thread yet, hang with us til they do. We are all happy to answer any questions that you might have. (((Bridget)))Twink - How are you?? I know you have a lot on your plate with a possible upcoming move and the end of rads. I've been thinking about you lots and sending you warm thoughts.
Leah - Still on the road? Hope you are doing well.
SammyKay - I'm so sorry that you've been down in the dumps. I hope things are getting better. As for the adding the '07, the mods can probably do that for us. I'll drop them a note and see. No, not footballed out yet!
I just LOVE it! I'm also od-ing on the debates. As I mentioned before, DH and I watch both "flavors." We watched the ABC one the other night. All 4 hours! Big hugs to you and feel better soon!Well, off to the Dr's appointment. Hugs to anyone that I might have missed. Have a great day all!
PS...just dropped a note to the mods....I asked them if they would change our thread to Feb Chemo Cruisers '07; or just add an '07 to our current title....
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Carynn...how did mammo and ultrasound go? Any results yet?
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Good morning all,
I am still in Ohio. Going home this Thursday night. I have been on thr road the last 6 weeks out of 8, and I am not so much tired as missing people. I have such a full life of friends when I am in MA, and the shock on the road of being alone with not a lot interesting to do is hard.
The Cleveland Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is definitely worth a trip if you are ever near Cleveland, however!
I certainly understand the current mood of being in the "dumps". But mine is more a restlessness and I am trying to quiet myself to listen to my inner voice. This is really hard for me.
There has been some advice recently about having a "goal" for the next months or so that will be something to live for. He didn't put it quite that way, but I understood what he is saying- that you have to live purposefully and be moving towards something. I am trying to figure out what that can be other than another vacation!
I love you all. Hope you all sort out where these feelings are coming from. Counting the days till Florida!
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Good Morning!
Just a quick flyby to let you know that they gave me the all clear yesterday! How nice that they read everything right there and didnt make me wait.
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CARYNN>congrats on the all clear! They gave me my results right away too when I had my first mammo since after surgery. I wonder if that is something they do for all women with breast cancer to ease their fears because we all dread having that done after having BC and dealing with treatments?
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Carynn -- Congrats!
Jan -- I know that at my big teaching hospital, they have two places for mammograms -- one for run of the mill, routine visits and another one for women with previous problems, cancer (or even calcifications). The latter place has radiologists read them right away.0 -
Good morning all...
First of all, so glad for you Carynn... very good news.
Sammie Kay, hope you'll get out of the dumps soon... as the sunlight increases every day... Our very short trip to Texas did me a lot of good: even only 5 days in mild, sunny weather, plus the sight and the sound of the ocean, and I came back like new, with a very boosted moral (which never got very low, I must admit). Historic Galveston looked so much better than 10 years ago (beautifully restored wooden houses), Houston looked better, too, the trees have grown so much... but, boy, it's busy in Texas... Austin expanded a lot, too... We crossed Dallas (downtown) on Xmas day: not a soul!!! a treat (Melanie, thank you for your sweet offer by the way, if I did not mention it already).
Now, most of what we saw was from the freeway... does not give credit to Kansas and OK, since you don't go through old towns... but since we crossed those states twice, I want to read about the Prairie and everyday life there 100 years ago... the trip was very interesting, because you really get a sense of the various life styles... IHOP was a common theme, though...
The dogs behaved nicely and we are so pleased with the whole experience, we are planning the next one: Olympic Park and Vancouver Island (late May, early June??).
When we got home, we were knee deep in snow to cross the backyard from the garage to the house... beautiful, though... got some fresh white stuff last night... makes walking a bit adventurous, will need the yak-tracks...
Leah, I can relate to your feeling of loneliness on the road... Hopefully this is not your new lifestyle for months to come... Just got Ratatouille through Netflix: this is a cute movie and beautiful computer graphics, very creative... Bread and Tulips is a cute Italian movie I also recommand for Italy nostalgics...
Beeing on the road for 10 days, plus a few desapointing restaurant experiences (Gaido's in Galveston has just kept the name... the rest is industrial kitchen + very poor service), I came back more determined than ever to cook as much as I can. Started with inviting friends over for a "poule au pot" (a dish that, alleggedly, Henri the IV wanted to be in every French house on Sundays) and chocolate mousse (no butter, no cacao, no cream... just eggs, 70% dark chocolate + Lindt dark orange+almond Excellence + a shot of Cognac, Glenfiddish will do too)... great way to get your magnesium... I will try to post the detailed recipie on Gina's board...
Well, time to get dressed (10!!) to take Toby for his walk...
I read all the posts, and think of you all a lot. Have all a gentle day.
Hugs,
Catherine
ps: as I mentioned earlier, the February gathering dates are right in my check ups + tests week (date are not moveable because these are studies)... I am convinced there will be opportunities... either of FCC's going through Denver or us travelling around the States...
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Congrats Carynn on your mamm/ultrasound!! That is fabulous news and I know you must be relieved. The politics are starting to get interesting, lots of unexpected numbers coming in!
Catherine, your Texas trip sounded like fun. I've been to Dallas and that has to be the cleanest downtown I've ever seen. Please post your recipes here too as I don't visit Gina's website.
Leah, are you about done with your travels? You need to be around your friends and loved ones to keep that happy spirit of yours up! I cannot wait to meet you all.
Melanie, Saturday the 23rd of Feb we have two shows, a matinee at 2 pm and an evening performance at 8 pm. Sunday, the 24th is only a matinee at 2 pm. Since you guys are all traveling on Saturday, I think you should shoot for Sunday matinee.
Sammie Kay, I have a feeling of how you are feeling. I got that way after my last surgery in Oct. and it took me awhile to pull myself out of the blues. Having something you look forward to is a big help. Rehearsals for the show and the excitement of doing it has kept my mind busy and off the scary stuff.
Twilah, YIPPEE you are almost done. I have a feeling you, at your bluest, is still better than alot of folks' good moods. I too, was burned to a crisp during rads and wore out from the treatment and the daily grind of it!
Hi Hillary, you are so cute! I love the hair and I love the big smile on your face! I wish you could come down next month. The theatre does video the shows but we are not allowed to have a copy for copyright reasons. I'll have some still photos tho!
Jan, did you get your mess all cleared out? Glad the marine son and friends were there to help you!
Terry, LOL "surgeon from hell" I had one of those too. I loved him at first, then he refused to take off the other breast and that did it for me. Best of luck on your reduction. What a way to lose some weight LOL.
Alyson, I guess you are having summer there, right? Must be like Florida, when it is warm we get the mosquitos (sp?) After chemo I am now having a bizarre reaction to them: huge swelling, red and hot welts that last a couple of day. Luckily I haven't been bit on the arm where I had nodes removed. I keep the bug spray close at hand. ARe you ready for the wedding?
Phyl, dang it, your not coming??? Shoot. I was so looking forward to meeting you. Are you still gonna be here for Race Week?
Bridget and Mill... so sorry.... as the others have said, we are from the Feb 07 group. BUT we would be happy to help you until the Feb 08 group gets started. The anticipation is worse than the actual doing! Lots of water and take it easy on yourself and you should do fine. In no time at all you will be a year out like the Feb Chemo Cruisers 07 are! Hugs....
I feel like i left someone out.... I hope not. Hugs all, Marsha
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Carynn - wonderful news!
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Congratulations Carynn!
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Okay, here's a brief update on my situation. I fear I may have left you with the impression that I'm sliding into a deep deep depression. I don't think I am but I am going through a little attitude readjustment now that radiation is done. Actually, now that all treatment is done. I sure wish there was a daily pill I could take that would give me the sense that the fight continues. But there isn't so that's how it is. I held up pretty well through rads, all things considered. I was checking my calendar last night and calculating how many 'rest' days I had amongst the treatements. Because I was treated over Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year, I ended up with 16 days of rest interspersed over the treatment period. My current thought process has me wondering whether that much time off will have impaired the effectiveness of the radiation. All told, I spent the last 51 days in treatment or on a little break. It did seem to go on forever. My skin is red, peeling in some areas and tender to the touch in some areas. Already, though, I can see the area that didn't get subjected to boosts, starting to heal and approach normal color. The next weeks will have me watching the implant carefully... doc said there's nothing that can be done to prevent encapsulation. If it's going to happen, it will happen. I see my onc for the 3 mlonth followup on January 23, then the BS and PS two weeks later... Seems like my life will go from doc appointment to doc appointment for a little while.
I am so looking forward to a little downtime in Fl. I've read all your posts (I read daily) and am happy to hear that you're all doing well. Catherine, your trip sounded wonderful. I'm quite familiar with the Pacific NW, and Vancouver Island... let me know if you'd like any pointers or contacts. Hugs all.
t
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Evening, all!
I am home! I can't tell you how happy I am to be home. Not sure when I might have to go again, but I am luxuriating in being HOME.
Twink, save me a walk on the beach. We can talk. Downtime with people I love... Cannot wait!!!!
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Evening, all!
I am home! I can't tell you how happy I am to be home. Not sure when I might have to go again, but I am luxuriating in being HOME.
Twink, save me a walk on the beach. We can talk. Downtime with people I love... Cannot wait!!!!
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Evening, all!
I am home! I can't tell you how happy I am to be home. Not sure when I might have to go again, but I am luxuriating in being HOME.
Twink, save me a walk on the beach. We can talk. Downtime with people I love... Cannot wait!!!!
Carynn, I feel so happy for you! I can imagine how GOOD it feels!
Hitting (my own) sack tonight!!!!
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Sammy Kay:
I don't know where Victoria, TX is but will look it up. I believe I said I am in Round Rock just north of Austin.
My oncologist left MD Anderson last year, Debra Patt. I really like her and I am so glad that I'm in TX right now and not Detroit, where I live (actually Saint Clair Shores).
I and triple negative and 4.6 cm. Dr. Patt was thrilled with my PET scan, bone scan and echocardiogram. She said we're for the cure now. The spot on my lung did shine a little, but she said she is not worried about it at all. The PET scan didn't show any lymph nodes, nor did the MRI.
I see my surgeon tomorrow and surgery is set for Monday.
I found a wonderful place in Round Rock that deals with wigs, prosthesis and everything else "WE" may need. Please pass this on the owner Hilda is an angel and bends over backwards to help you and fight your insurance company, as in my case.
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Round Rock, TX 78681
1.877.550.9588 (toll free)
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Hilda Eisele cell: 1.512.748.2667
QUESTION: Real vs. Synthetic wig? I want real because I don't want to have to worry about it around the stove, etc. Please, everyone, give me pros and cons.
Thanks,
Cookie
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