Anyone starting Chemo in Feb?
Comments
-
Hello, all...
Nothing new to report here. Other than a general aggravation that I have time off for the first time in like 4 years, and I can't DO anything. Really a pain. I have taken the boot off to drive, but I pay for it. And I want it to HEAL, so I really shouldn't...
PET/CT scans next Tuesday. I am expecting as good news as Melanie! Then the holidays, which I am determined to actually have this year, not like the last two.
SammieKay, glad you had a good time at your reunion. I avoid those things like the plague!
Carynn- how's IT land? I might be leaving it and going back to a line position (purchasing mostly). I did that once upon a time!!!!
Catherine, hope you and the DH are great!
Love to all the rest, you are in my thoughts. Please let us know what's happening!
0 -
Terry, SammieKay, Carynn, Melanie, Leah, so glad to see your posts... looks like we are a heck of a bunch... cracked, cropped or sprained... wishing all less pain and speedy healing... Happy for you, Melanie, with your good scans. We want no other.
We are enjoying incredibly nice weather (in the 70's tomorrow...), but I am back to serious work, and can't play outside too much... can't even knit that much, and yet I have dozens of projects in my head. Not that we are getting obsessive about it, but DH got us the final piece of the "fitness" basement... the machine with the weights... will have it next Friday... We are ready for a nasty, snowy winter... great physical therapy ahead for both of us... I am so glad DH decided to do that (he knows that it may help him reprogram his brain to fight parkinsonian symptoms, as for me, I'll be back to what I had to do from age 5 through 25 to stay up on my feet, can't hurt... are we going to look like body-builders?! stay tuned).
The 10th of December, I am taking 6 good friends (ladies only... my first BNO, Marsha!!) to an Irish pub not far where the Gypsy Swing Revue (see link posted a few pages back) plays every Wed. night... This will be my way to thank them for having been so supportive and caring all of 2007 and 2008. No husbands!!... The band is great and the musicians are very friendly and talented... It will be an English/French/Russian evening to relax and chat. I am looking forward to it. We all live in the same neighborhood. One of them lived in Houston, too, and that's where we met, years ago. She has been living in Denver for over 10 years, visited us in France several times... it's nice to keep friendships over the years.
Apart from that, nothing new... getting my 2000 IU of vitamin D3 in the hope to improve the odds against recurrence, and strengthen my bones...
Life is gentle here, and I wish you all the same... Looking forward to reading Marsha's news, and Twilah's and Pat's, Alyson's, Hillary's (in the finals almost, right?? Hope you're not exhausting yourself)... Forgive me if I am forgetting names... Thinking of you all everyday, Love, Catherine
0 -
Hi all....just back from my gyn appt. Have to have a sonogram of right ovary on Thurs along with a diagnostic mammo. I can feel a lump in my "bad" breast....hopefully just scar tissue, but need to be sure it isn't anything else. Had terrific pain in my right side when he examined me...hence the sonogram.
Something new to worry about.
Then the foot doc on Friday for xray and hopefully the pin removal.
Can you get mets in your ovary??
Thinking of all of you, especially Twilah and Pat....where are you??
0 -
Well, I just lost a long post. Darn it. I knew I should copy and past as I go.
I don't know the answer about the ovary, Terry. I don't think the bc mets to the ovaries but not sure. Hopefully it is just a cyst. Are you scheduled for a hysterectomy? I thought they did the hyst on everyone that was beyond childbearing age. Or where you planning more children. LOL. Please let us know what yu find out.{{{{{{{{{Terry}}}}}}}} Always something huh?
Catherine, what a nice thing to have a gym at home. That is great. Hey, maybe you and dh can enter some bodybuilding competitions. LOL. You are such an inspiration. I went to the gym today to check out some classes. I think I will try BodyFlow. It is a combo of TaiChi,Yoga and Pilates. Supposed to be good for flexability and core strength. I wanted to start BodyPump, but need to wait until I heal from revision of recon. I am scheduled for that Dec.11. I also need to have cataract surgery sometime soon. Geeze I sound old. LOL
Melanie congrats on the clear scans. That is great. I found the cutest pig Christmas ornament. I mailed it to Twink today. Hope she gets a chuckle. It has very fancy high heels on all 4 feet. And lots of feathers around the neck. I hope she gets a chuckle out of that. I know what you mean about sensible eating. I want a jump start. I had all veggies tonight at Furrs and I had pinto beans for protein. It was quite good. I am trying not to eat after 7 pm.
I am having problems with swelling on the top underside of my right arm. I think it is lymphedema, but not sure. I am scheduled to see the local onc and will see what he thinks. I was at MDA about 3 weeks ago and it wasn't bothering me then and the onc there didn't feel anything unusual. Will keep you posted.
Leah, how is that foot? That is so hard to heal. Do take care. I am so glad you will have a real Christmas Holiday this year. What a treat. Is the tech job market slow right now? My daughter went to work for a hospital as a Project Manager. She was contract, but they hired her full time. I hope her job holds out. She makes really good money. She was laid off about 3 years ago from a software company based in London. Then she didn't work for 2 years and applied for a few non tech jobs. The pay was quite a bit less. She was happy to learn the hospital business. They were implementing Meditech. Her husband is a RN and figured they could move if they decided to and he could go to nursing and she could go into the IT Dept if she knew hospital IT "stuff". As you can see I am techno challenged. Don't even know the correct terminology. Please excuse my ignorance. LOL.
Well need to go to bed. Gotta work tomorrow. Love and hugs to all. Sammie Kay
0 -
Sorry I hadn't posted lately. I will be starting chemo again either next week or the week after due to mets to the skin now. The post radiation scan showed no problems to organs, but picked up nodules to my abdomen just under the skin that I can feel---and I thought they were just bug bites or something like that--. Biopsy confirmed cancer. As far as the chest mass goes, the radiologist notes said its "somewhat smaller" so it's still there. We knew it wouldn't be likely that radiation would eradicate such a big mass, but of course we hoped.
My application for social sec. disability was approved and starting Feb I'll be getting payments. Of course it's only a fraction of what I make but this will be a safety net in the event I can't.
Love, Pat
0 -
{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{PAT}}}}}}}}}}}}}
Thank you for posting, this is so tough. Wishing you a chemo that will not be too hard, yet efficient. Love,
Catherine
0 -
Oh Pat, I am so sorry to hear that. I echo Catherine's wish for a not- too -tough regimen. If there is anything we can do, please ask.
Love and hugs.
0 -
Pat; I am so sorry to hear this. I wish I knew what to say to comfort you. Please take care of yourself and let us know what we can do to help.
0 -
Pat, I am so sorry to her your battle continues. God bless you. I wish for you few side effects. We all so appreciate your posts. I am so glad you were able to get SS. I am sure that will help. If there is anything I can do please let me know. {{{{{{{{{{{{{Pat}}}}}}}}}}}}}}. You are always on my mind. Love, Sammie Kay
0 -
Pat --
Thank you so much for posting your news. It sounds as if you have a plan, which is half the battle, and are facing this new hiccup with grace. You know that we all here for you whenever you need it.
To all -
I'm sorry that I've been out of touch. I needed to step away from the boards - not our February thread - but the other threads. I arranged to have our February chemo thread posts sent to my e-mail, so I've been able to keep up without having to log onto the website. Pat's post made me realize that I needed to touch base with everyone.
This time of year might be rough for our little group. It's coming on the second anniversary of our diagnoses, which was difficult enough besides having to deal with all of the holidays. We've got three of our group (Twilah, Pat, and Tink) who are dealing with recurrences. Please realize that even those that don't post regularly anymore are still caring and reading and wishing the best for all.
Hugs,
Hillary
P.S. I'm going to log off now, but I hope that you will all realize that you just need to give me a shoutout and I'll come and post.
0 -
((((((((((PAT)))))))))) You are in my thoughts and prayers. Thanks for letting us all know. I wish there was something I could do for you. LIke Hillary, I've tried to take a step back although I do read the Feb Chemo Cruisers thread on a regular basis.
I finally heard from Twilah via e-mail. In case she didn't have all of your addresses, her PET/CT has shown signs of shrinking the cancer in her body but she has mets to the brain and will be treated for that. I am so sad, coming on our 2 year anniversary.
Apparently I have a pinched sciatica nerve causing radiating pain in my leg/thigh which has reduced me to walking with a cane for the time being. Oh Joy, does it ever end? Love to all. Marsha
0 -
Oh Pat....I am so sorry, but I echo Catherine....hope they find a treatment that won't tax your body too much, but works well.
Marsha...so good to hear about Twilah, even though she is fighting a major battle. And good to hear from you too! Better get thee off to a chiropractor.
Keeping all of you in my prayers.
Love
0 -
Hillary; Your words were perfect. I understand completely about stepping back a bit as there is so much here that is difficult to read. DH can tell if something is bothering me when he sees me reading on this board. It's just hard to not be affected, but I do continue to read (I have not ever posted much, except here) as I feel I need to keep connected, but not so much that it weighs on me. It is very important to me in touch with our February group. There is a bond here.
Marsha; So glad to see you! Yes, this new development with Twilah is quite difficult, but she is such a strong lady and I expect her to be with us for a long time. Please do get to the chiro. I have had the exact same thing happen to me and I know you are going through some serious pain. I have dealt with that issue for years and I keep it at bay with regular chiro visits. If you go and do not see significant results after 3 adjustments...go somewhere else. I have wasted time with a couple of chiropractors.
Catherine; I am hoping the best for you and DH. And how nice to get together with girlfriends. I wish I could be there! I love Irish pubs. There is a great one in Wailea with nightly live music...mostly celtic. A great atmosphere, but a bit strange to be watching palm trees moving in the ocean breeze while sitting in a very authentic pub. What is the name of the pub that you will be enjoying?
I wrote a really long post a couple of days ago and I don't know why it didn't post????
0 -
Pat, I'm so sorry to hear your news. Please check in and let us know how you're doing on the chemo. Thank goodness your scans picked up the skin mets - hope it's easily taken care of, if chemo can ever be easy.
So sorry to hear about Twink - I think about her so often. I know she's a strong lady, though, and expect her to make it through this.
Seems like there are a lot of you Cruisers with injuries and ailments of one kind or another - wishing everyone quick healing and a healthy holiday season.
0 -
Melanie,
I have been to the chiropractor. XRay showed a narrowing of the space between the discs in the lumbar region. Around L2 which, I guess, would explain the thigh pain I am having. I questioned him about the sciatica since I thought that usually is pain in the butt and back of the leg. My pain moves around some. Somtimes the inside of the thigh (where the leg meets the woo woo LOL), sometimes the top of the thigh at the crease and sometimes the outside area of the top of the thigh. I am so frustrated and in tremendous pain when I walk. I can stand comfortably with my weight evenly distributed but if I try to use that leg, on it's own, it is painful. If I use my hand to raise that leg I'm fine. ALSO I am scaring myself to death by going to the Mets threads. No one seems to think it is cancer related but....... Well you all know how that goes. Who can help but think like that with our histories? Nothing seems to help, massage, chiro, ice, Tylenol, Motrin. My GP gave me steroids to take for a week. I'm really tired of this. I feel like an old lady!
0 -
Marsha I'm sorry you're feeling so bad but please tell us your oncologist knows about this and says it's nothing serious. Then you can relax, stay off the mets board and let your body heal.
I had Exactly the same pain you describe down to the WOO WOO part, that would radiate down the front or side of my thigh. Any lying down at night was so painful that I had to put pillows between my knees when on my side, or pillows under my knees if on my back. Long story short this was about 2 yrs ago and stopped only after I started stretching the leg. I would lie on my back or a little towards the side that didn't hurt, and with my knees bent, bring the painful leg up over the knee of the non hurting leg (sort of like rest the affected ankle on the unaffected knee and for a BIG gal like me that was some trick). Well then you sort of push the ankle against the knee while pushing back with your bad hip so that you create a stretch along the thigh and all the way to the woo woo if you do it strong enough, but don't hurt yourself, just hold a good stretch for several seconds, relax and do it again.
This is the only thing that helped me and I tried all the over the counter anti inflammatories, heat, ice, you name it I tried it. But the stretching did the trick and here's hoping you feel well enough to try it and see.
I'll be starting Avastin and Abraxane on 11-26-08.
pat
0 -
Pat; I hope the AA does the trick. I will be thinking of you.
Marsha; Pat is right about the stretching. I also used a tennis ball and put it under my the sciatic joint while laying down on top of it and moved around in small motions. That helped. My massage therapist taught me that little trick. When she massages the area, she has me face down, turns my knee to the outside so she can get deep to the joint...ouch...but it works...along with the chiro adjustments. Speaking of...that is where I am headed shortly! I really do have it under control now. I feel fortunate to have found what works for me. This is bringing back all the pain memories...and how difficult it was to do simple things...even getting dressed was an ordeal. Do try to stay away from the mets boards!
Sammie; How is the swelling? I do hope that it is not lymphedema.
Just in case I do not get back to post before Thursday, I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving. It is DH's favorite holiday...all about friends, family and...food! I did my shopping today as I prepare the entire meal. I don't want anyone messin' with my traditions...lol.
0 -
Hi all,
Marsha, so sorry you have joined the back pain club. Yeow! I have had back pain almost daily for at least 5 or 6 years now. Aleve helps some, but I also take hydrocodone daily. But about you, that is perfectly normal pain pathways for what is going on in your spine. Google 'Dermatones'. Those are the nerve pathways from the spine and see how they wrap around the leg.
Happy Thanksgiving to all.
Melanie, my arm is feeling better. I do think it has to do with the implant. I have canceled my revision surgery and will at least get a second opinion about my reconstruction.
I have going to have cataract surgery Dec.16 and Dec. 30. How is that for getting in under the insurance wire for deductible. My vision is much worse than a year ago. The good news is the new lens he implants will correct my astigmatism and I won't have to wear my glasses .
I better go get ready to go out to eat. DH has been working all day cleaning the garage and he's hungry. Pat, keeping my fingers crossed and praying for a good result with the A & A.
Love to all, Sammie Kay
0 -
Pat, I will be thinking of you with your new regimen (which I went through last year, Abraxane and Avastine together, every other week, 4 times, then Avastine alone every 3 weeks through Dec. 12). Abraxane is the best there is out there from what we are told. Your dosage and schedule will probably be different (mine were for a study applying to early stage bc as "preventive" approach... although, if I decipher properly, that was mostly to study side effects: abraxane gives the neuropathy of taxol, but goes through in 30 minutes without any meds, and avastin is a non event, but expect to experience a bit of runny nose and some nose bleeding, and be extra careful not to hurt yourself since avastin prevents healing as it prevents angiogenesis to starve tumors... rubber gloves while cooking, good gloves for gardening... etc... you get the idea). I am glad to know you are getting this tx, very hopeful... we will be with you in the infusion room (send us your protocol and schedule). I did not have any shot of Neulasta the day after, but my white cells dropped, although not enough to prevent tx. My everyday walks saved me from aches and pains, making tx quite bearable (I had 2-3 achy days following the infusion of abraxane). Everything came back ok in no time after tx ended.
Marsha, hope you'll get better soon... what about a good osteopath rather than a chiropractor: no manipulation, but they do amazing things, usually after 3 to 4 sessions pain is gone never to return (my experience...). In fact I decided I am going to try the local osteopathy doctor as my primary GP... a global approach...
I keep having dreams that I am told "it" is back... and last night that I had new breasts, and I was horrified to have a "risk factor" again... I must be influenced by all the pictures I am getting from my nephew of his son being breast fed (lovely pictures, the baby is gorgeous)... go figure... the subconscious part of me is hyperactive looks like...
Wishing you all a gentle Thanks Giving... we are invited, but I'll bring the chocolate mousse (special request!) in which I add the dark Lindt Essence of orange+almond slivers...
Still sunny and mild, and so dry... we need moisture!!!
(((((((((((((((Twink)))))))))))))))), ((((((((((((((Pat))))))))))))
and warm hugs to all of you (Mel, how do you feel? Is the aftermath of the hurricane getting less painful to see?). Alyson, how is granny doing with the new baby? Hillary, how are the finals looking? in early December?? Tell us a little about your experience at university as a grownup?
Love to all,
Catherine (under pressure again, tons of work)
0 -
Hello, all!
Much news... most important first: TOTALLY CLEAN PET/CT SCAN. Woo-hoo! I am psyched. I think the learning here is that there is a wide range of Stage IV, from one tunor on an organ which was eliminated, to widespread tumors in lots of places in the body. I am starting to understand that range, and why stats are so hard to read about any of this!
Other news is that the snowbrush has made it into the car. We have had ice and below freezing temps. And snow is predicted, though Portland ME (a scan hour from me in Eastern MA) got buried this past weekend. Guess it is winter.
Thinking about you, Pat. Your treatment is what my onc and I have planned should I ever need to go back into treatment, so I will be interested in your experience with it.
Alyson- how is that darling baby? and the retirement plans?
Marsha, you have all my sympathy. I had that kind of pain when I had Lauren, and i thought i was going to die. Sciatica is the worst. I quizzed a ton of my friends who have had a recurrence in their bones, and they said they just "had pain". So I am afraid I can't help. But I bet you it is just normal back pain, which you would have had regardless. But PLEASE get it checked out.
Carynn, Twilah, Hilary, Mel, Catherine, and all the cruisers: i echo the wish for a peaceful day, with your loved ones! I am so grateful I have you!
Much love.
0 -
Leah; I am so sorry that I had forgotten that yesterday was scan day...and so happy to hear to that all is good. What wonderful news! Brrrrrrr....I almost hate to tell you that we will be in the 60's here today.
Catherine; I can imagine that you are a most welcomed guest on Thanksgiving...with or without your mousse. I will be making pies tonight and I am actually looking forward to it. I feel quite comfortable with my pie recipes...no anxiety about how they will turn out as they are tried and true. My dressing is another story. I have never found a recipe like grandma's. Everyone says it is really good, but it just doesn't quite hit the spot for me. I will brine my turkey tonight, so the roasting will be the easy part tomorrow.
It looks like we will have a small group tomorrow, which is certainly fine. Friends and family have gotten a bit scattered this year. On Friday we will take the entire office and their spouses to Memphis for the weekend. We are even visiting Graceland, which is something none of us have ever experienced. Then we will go to Tunica for a bit of gambling. I love to play texas hold 'em, so I will be mostly confined to the poker room.
I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!
0 -
hey Estrogen positive people!
Both Target and Walmart list Tamoxifen 10 mg and 20 mg for $9 for 30 day supply and $24 for a 90 day supply. Please check these out if you are on these dosages! I do the walmart program for my thyroid meds. I don't even file a claim for them... happy to pay $4!!!
0 -
Thanks, Leah... not on Tamox anymore... I upgraded to Aromasin at $300/month (not on anybody's program
)... paid entirely after I reach my 3000$ deductible...Melanie, your employees are lucky ones... and with more luck, you may all end up hitting the jackpot!! Enjoy your TG Holiday and be safe...
The door is open so the doggies can come and go... sunny and mild, a dream... mid 60's
Back to work...
Hugs all around
0 -
Evening all!
Came by to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving.
Leah - I am so happy to hear your news! Congrats, congrats, congrats! I think of you so often and I'm so glad to hear that you are doing well; with the exception of the ice scraper, of course!
How is your foot doing? Are you still wearing the boot? Believe it or not, IT land is still pretty darn busy. I will be taking some much deserved time off in Dec.
Catherine - How's the planning on your BNO coming? It sounds like a lot of fun. Good for you on the new exercise program. DH and I have only gotten as far as talking about one. I saw your later post and your mention of DO's. I will only see a DO, no MD's. It's just a personal preference I developed after learning more about their practice. And Marsha, if you're reading here, their adjustments are fabulous! They don't crack anything, they manipulate differently. I've had great luck with them.
Terry - Do you have the results form your appointment yet? Thinking of you and hope all is well. Keep us posted.
SammiKay - I'm glad to hear that your arm is better. That's pretty cool that your surgery will correct astigmatism. I have it bad too. I'm so used to my contacts and glasses tho, that unless I ever developed some under-lying problem, I'd never have it corrected. Will be thinking of you on the 16th & 30th, please let us know how you're doing. Where the heck did you fine a high heeled pig???
Pat - I'm so sorry to hear that you have to do chemo again. I'm glad to hear that there are no other problems. Please know that you're in my thoughts and prayers. Our group has become a little less lively, but there's no doubt that we're all still here for hand holding as needed. I will be thinking of you on the 26th and wishing you no side effects. (((Pat)))
Hillary - It's so nice to see you. I've been away as well, but really not intentionally. We've been crazy busy at work, busy at home and getting ready for the holidays. My MIL had her 101st birthday yesterday. We will have our annual celebration for her at our house Thanksgiving Day. Like you, I don't always have time to post, but I sure do think of everyone everyday.
Marsha - Big (((hugs))) to you. I'm sorry to hear that you are in pain. I hope that your Chiropractor can give you some relief. Have you thought of calling your acupuncturist friend? Please take care of you and keep us posted as to how you are doing.
Thank you for sharing Twink's news. I'm so very sad to hear that she's dealing with mets, of course while being happy that the PET/CT has shown some good news. Twink if you are reading, catch a hug from me. I think of you and your family so often and hope that your move went smooth, and the new place feels like home. I am counting the days ‘til you come post and tell us about dancing with Ned. (((Twink)))
Melanie - Hope things are well with you and yours. Did you make it to Texas for the race? We went (in Phoenix) for 5 days. A good time was had by all, but DH & I agree that next year we will probably cut that time in half. Your Memphis trip sounds great! I didn't know you played Hold Em. DH and I are fiends! If we ever get a chance to get together, we'll definitely have to get a game going. Any trips to Disney in your future?
Waving at Mel -
I think of you all everyday & I'm so thankful for your friendship. Have a Happy Thanksgiving all!0 -
Hi all
Firstly I hope you have a very happy Thanksgiving. I remembered earllier this week but just haven't been on the computer.
Pat big hugs and my prayers are with you and with Twilah. Also with the others who seem to be able to injure themselves!!
Sammie Kay I am having some problems with lympheodema but it is a lot better this week. Was really bad when I have an RA flare.
I am very busy trying to sort things out at school, just two week to go.
Our little Bea is absolutely beautiful. I often take a detour on the way home so that I can see her. She is now really focussing on faces and looks intently at you. Smiles are not far off.
DH and I went for long walk tonight and I am feeling very sleepy so must away to bed. I think about you all daily especially as that 2 year anniversary approaches. It seems light years away but then just yesterday. Like Mel I really value the friendship we all share.
Happy cooking and don't eat too much.
Alyson
0 -
Ok so I had my first Avastin and Abraxane infusions on the 26th, felt great until this morning 3 days later with now little pains to arms, legs, back etc. Nothing real bad, just nagging. Thank goodness no stomach upset at all but they did give me compazine tablets just in case. Here's hoping that's the worst it will be but hey Catherine were the bone pains part of your side effects? My daughter and I spent the day out shopping--walking which I think will help better than lying around. The schedule is Abraxane every Wed for 3 weeks--one week off. And Avastin every other week and nothing the off week. Its' supposed to continue thru March 26th.
Pat
0 -
Pat, glad to know the tx started... you are right: moving around helps a lot... My dogs kept me going (not taking them for their walk was not an option...). And yes, I was achy for a few days after the Abraxane infusion (the side effects were more tiring for me than the 4 A/C prior to the 4 Abraxane, and it was only every other week. I think I was taking ibuprofene if too incomfortable, not too much though). Get plenty of rest, drink good plain water, and don't get infections (my wbc went down because they would not give the Neulasta with Abraxane, the day after, as they did for A/C... ).
I keep you in my thoughts and send you big big hugs. Please continue to post so we can accompany you during this new journey. We all remember how fast 4 months can go... still, I wish you did not have to go through this again. At least, being in San Antonio, your winter will be mild and nice, not too hot. Don't forget to listen to music that you enjoy... it does wonders on the brain and distract you from the pain and discomfort (I believe)...
(((((((((((((((Pat))))))))))))))))) and (((((((((((((((((Twink)))))))))))))))...
Love,
Catherine
0 -
Pat, so glad you have started your treatment and you are tolerating it without nausea or vomiting. I am sure the aches and pains are hard to endure. Good to hear you felt like going shopping wiht your daughter. Does this chemo you are on cause a drop in WBCs or RBCs? You are in my thoughts and prayers along with Twyla and Tink. {{{{{{{{{{{{{{Pat}}}}}}}}}}}}}} {{{{{{{{{{{{{{Twyla}}}}}}}}}}}}}} and {{{{{{{{{{{Tink}}}}}}}}}}}}.
Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday. We ate our way through the all American turkey dinner and alternated that with brisket and the trimmings. We had DGD on Wed. night, just us on Thurs. and DD and 14 mo. old grandson for Fri,Sat and Sun. Her daughters were with their dad for the weekend. We had a great time. Wasn't very cold here, so kinda miss that. I like it to be cold on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Not always guaranteed in So. Texas.
Love to all, Sammie Kay
0 -
Pat; I hope the pains are subsiding and that you are feeling better. You are certainly in my thoughts.
Twink; I doubt there are many days that you are not on my mind. I always hope that "today is a good day" for you. I hope you are not in too much pain...physical or emotional.
Catherine; The "girls night out" is soon! I know you will have a wonderful evening.
Sammie; We had the gd last night, then the youngest gd today. The two of them totally wrecked my house this morning! But it is always so much fun. Alyson will enjoy that kind of fun soon!
I know this is a short post, but I must get to bed.
Thinking of you all...
0 -
Hello everyone happy Friday. Glad to read everyone is doing well and wishing the best for Twink, our piggy pal. My prayers are headed your way.
It's often hard to post here when your news isn't as upbeat as they are for everyone else, sort of like interjecting a dark cloud on your friends sunny days. So I will make this my last detailed update until end of chemo unless something really drastic changes. I mean after all, we all already know all the side effects so no need for me to rehash it for you veterans. I look forward to March 25 which is last planned chemo day then I'm sure rescans and stuff like that.
Yesterday was Abraxane only day but turned out a little different. I had fevers of 101 and 102 on days 3 and 5 after first treatment last week as well as awful bone aches and I relayed this to dr. who ordered infusions of Vancomycin, Rocephin and Gentamycin--all antibiotics, in addition to the abraxane. the premed benadryl kept me real sleepy and the abraxane, rocephine and gentamycin went in no problems. Then the Vancomycin began and after about 15 minutes I started having intense itching to my scalp, so bad I had both hands up there scratching like crazy, half asleep. Then the nurse sees me and comes over and exclaims "Pat, you're face is totally flushed! Let me get you more benadryl." I needed to pee before another IV benadryl so I went and looked in the mirror and wow....it looked like a paintbrush with red paint was swiped across my forehead, across nose and down both cheeks past my jaw line. Not a raised rash, just bright red color and it didn't itch, only my scalp where I didn't see any redness or rash.
So I told the nurse "it's called red-man syndrome so just slow the Vanc and bring the benadryl". It took care of the symptoms but I was in the clinic from 8am until 2:45!
I feel great today so I think retail therapy is in order. Oh yea, you know the skin mets nodules on my abdomen are TOTALLY gone! I used to be able to see and feel them very easily but even before yesterdays treatment I couldn't find them. Awesome what chemo does.
love, pat
0
