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Hi all...had my port put in yesturday and went well. Got home and I thought they had broken my shoulder.....so much pain. The nurse said it was because of the way they position you to out in the port. Didn't help that I badly dislocated my shoulder (4" separation) 10 yrs ago. Anyway my exercise anad it will be good as new.
Just got back from chemo#1 A bunch of pills before the cocktail AC and I was served a great5 lunch. Clam chowder, ham sandwich and a chocolate milkshake. YUM!!!
I've only been home about an hour but feel great...a little slow because of the avitan. hopefully I'll sail through #1. I think the biggest thing has been you gals. This chemobean cruise is fun ands you are all pretty positive. That makes a big difference. Thank you.
Freethought--- on the imagery I made it pretty simple so you could add personal things. sometimes I add and air balloon and go for a ride. other times I take a canoe now the stream and all the frogs croak at me. by adding things when i am relaxed it brings suprise and pleasure. Keep working on it and visualize the colors being very vivid and giving off an energy glow. I'm going to work on several more, as they are simple and would make wonderful children's books. Maybe I have a new career on the horizon.
Thanks again for helping me make it through #1
Maisy0 -
Jel; Hon, I am so sorry for this rollercoaster ride you are on right now. I know you just wish you had some solid answers. Hang in there girl...
Hillary; I think I may have also buzzed my hair a few days too early, but it was just such a mess falling out everywhere. Today my daughter brought my granddaughter who is 21 months old to see us. This is the hard part, as before chemo I drove 75 miles each way to pick her up, spend the the night with us and take her home the next day. This was part of my weekly routine and I just love spending time with her. She is simply amazing...was walking around furniture just as she turned 6 months old! Anyway...today she kept wanting me to take my hat off. She looked at me a bit strangely, and then hugged me...how precious! My wig was on the "head" and she pointed to it and said "baby" then went to touch it and it fell off! Oh boy...she took off running, grabbed my legs and of course I lifted her up and cuddled her. My time with her is truly priceless.
Marsha; I have been having this nagging pain like a pulled muscle in my upper right arm since the middle of November...before my dx. It quit for one week after my lumpectomy, then came back. I didn't notice any pain after the mast. Of course you could have twisted my arm off and I wouldn't have noticed as it was so numb. Well, it started hurting again about 3 weeks ago, so Onc said lets get an MRI as you might have a rotator cup out. MRI came back completely negative, which I am very thankful for. Peace of mind...ahhhh. Now, I will start back with my weekly massages as I think maybe the pain is nerve related and associated with neck/shoulder tension. My massage therapist just would not work on me until I had the onc's ok.0 -
G.I. Jel, we're all here for you and you'll have many hands holding yours during your biopsy.
Karen and Terry, hope your ports are better soon. I think you're both due for a break, don't you think? Geez, installing the port was supposed to be making our life easier not harder.
Hope all of this weeks cruisers are doing well. Catherine, glad you're feeling better. I thought of you when I went for a long walk today. It was 62 degrees here in Washington and we walked about 4 miles. I guess that's the upside to being so hyper from the decadron.
My hair is departing quickly and my scalp hurts but I'm trying not get too upset over it. I'm getting a little nervous about next Tuesday's treatment #3. I keep thinking, 'how much can my poor body take?' I think my lack of sleep over the past month is making it hard to concentrate. Who else is cruising next week? I know Pat is every week with Taxol.
I went to the pharmacy today to pick up my neupogen shots for next week and when I got home, I looked at the information sticker and couldn't believe my eyes. I paid $50 for the 16 shots which will last thru A/Cs 3 and 4. But the cost without insurance would have been $8,800. I had no idea. Certainly hope the fridge doesn't decide to break down.
Love and hugs to you all,
Linnie0 -
Name/User Name Loc Chemo Start
1 Karen swimmingmom Ohio 2/15
2 Hillary narberthmom Southeastern PA ACX4 (every 2wks), TX4 (every 2wks)
3 Marsha marshakb Florida DD Chemo 2/7
4 Melody maj01 Texas 2/5 port 2/9 Chemo 4xAC
5 Phyllis erinsgram Central PA 2/12 4xAC (2 weeks) 4 xP 2 Weeks
6 Cynthia cynthis1962 California 2/16 - surgery and port
7 Linnie was Linda #1 linnieva Virginia 2/6 Chemo 4xAC (2 weeks) 4xT
8 Pat wayover20 Texas Chemo 2/8 big birthday on 2/11 and need for hugs!
9 Catherine cahterineh Colorado Chemo 2/13
10 Leah leahrc Massachusetts BX on 1/29 Chemo on 2/1 Our first + thoughts for March Surgery
11 Linda lindasuzy Seattle 1/29 surgery Chemo late Feb
12 Kim nynurse NY Start 2/1 (first of the group)
13 Mary reggio113 South Jersey Port 2/5 Chemo 2/14 Happy Valentines!
14 Jen horsegal Ohio Chemo 2/6 - 4xAC (3 weeks)
15 laronson laronson Surgery the week of Feb 5th
16 LuLu (Linda #3) piper Port 2/12 - Chemo 2/22
17 SammieKay Port 2/5 Chemo 2/13 12 wks taxol - Then FAC
18 Terry talbrig13 Altoona, PA MUGA 2/7 Chemo 2/9
19 Sheryl49 Sheryl49 Chemo 2/7 4xAC (3 weeks)
20 Nancy Nancy053 Chemo 2/8 4xAC (2 wks) 3xT (2 wks)
21 Joey85 Boston, MA Chemo 2/9 4xAC (2 wks) - 12 Wks Taxol 12Yr Heceptin
22 Sharon Misspell Chemo 2/19 or 2/22
23 KimberlyC KimberlyC Ventura County Chemo 2/20 ACIV dose dense x4 - Taxol x4
24 Julie for Mom (jch) jch Chemo 2/6 AC
25 Tracy madoline Texas Chemo 2/8 ACx4
26 Scott and Theresa lightphoto
27 Carynn comandobarbie Arizona DD Chemo 2/22 AC + T
28 Lynn maclean
29 Steph TampaChick
30 FreeThought 2/13, Chemo 2/14
31 ronnee07 MN Start 2/27
32 Tonimad9
33 Sallyann
34 Tropicmom
35 Lorilat Eastern Ontario Chemo 2/23
36 Alyson Chemo 2/22
37 Playwriter Texas
38 WendyPetru Champaing IL. Chemo Start 2/28
39 Sybil 4Sybil 2/15
40 BelindaL Austraila Chemo Start 2/23
41 MelanieW
42 GI Jel hockeymomfl0 -
Good evening everyone! Hope all who had cocktails are feeling good.
Karen & Terry, I echo Linnies thoughts to you on the port. Hope you are both well and comfortable real soon. Karen - loved the Britney story - I bet most of us are using that joke in one form or another.
Jel - I'm so sorry to hear about what you are going thru. I updated the manifest - just like when I thought I was disembarking and the girls wouldnt let me; we're not letting you go either:) We are all sending you best wishes and lots of hugs (((((((((((Jel))))))))))
Melanie loved the grandbaby story. You know, when I was little, my Mom wore a wig pretty often. It was almost identical to her hair, and she bought so that if she and I spent the day in the pool, she could get ready for work faster. I remember that everyone thought that was so chic!
Maisy - I'm sorry your port bothered you. I was concerned about mine going in as I had heard some horror stories. They did mine during the SNB and it was fine. It is just the tinest bit tender, but luckly no issues.
Good night all:)0 -
Thanks Hillary and CatherineH,
They will not be doing a biopsy. It will be the big shabang!
I meet the OBgyn to discuss on Tuesday. But so far she said they wlll do a laproscopic removal of ovaries. Test them there and then and if (God forbid) they find something. They will do a complete hysterectomy.
I just feel like I can't catch a break. Or maybe this is God working in mysterious ways...Allergic reaction to one Chemo treatment to send me off looking for this other problem??? Who knows.
The emotional rollercoaster starts again and above all I worry for my 7 and 11 year old boys.
You are all doing so well....Keep up the good spirits.
G.I. Jel.0 -
Hang in there Jel - It really does sound like a blessing in disguise. If there is a problem, and you hadnt reacted to the chemo like you did, it may have gotten worse. When they are done, you'll know the beast you're up against and be even prepared to slay the damn thing. Cancer is no match for anyone who has G.I. in their name.
Please know you have all of us holding your hands and keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Hugs ((((Jel)))
Carynn0 -
Name/User Name Loc Chemo Start
1 Karen swimmingmom Ohio 2/15
2 Hillary narberthmom Southeastern PA ACX4 (every 2wks), TX4 (every 2wks)
3 Marsha marshakb Florida DD Chemo 2/7
4 Melody maj01 Texas 2/5 port 2/9 Chemo 4xAC
5 Phyllis erinsgram Central PA 2/12 4xAC (2 weeks) 4 xP 2 Weeks
6 Cynthia cynthis1962 California 2/16 - surgery and port
7 Linnie was Linda #1 linnieva Virginia 2/6 Chemo 4xAC (2 weeks) 4xT
8 Pat wayover20 Texas- x4 AC then x12 Taxol. Going DD after 2nd AC!!
9 Catherine cahterineh Colorado Chemo 2/13
10 Leah leahrc Massachusetts BX on 1/29 Chemo on 2/1 Our first + thoughts for March Surgery
11 Linda lindasuzy Seattle 1/29 surgery Chemo late Feb
12 Kim nynurse NY Start 2/1 (first of the group)
13 Mary reggio113 South Jersey Port 2/5 Chemo 2/14 Happy Valentines!
14 Jen horsegal Ohio Chemo 2/6 - 4xAC (3 weeks)
15 laronson laronson Surgery the week of Feb 5th
16 LuLu (Linda #3) piper Port 2/12 - Chemo 2/22
17 SammieKay Port 2/5 Chemo 2/13 12 wks taxol - Then FAC
18 Terry talbrig13 Altoona, PA MUGA 2/7 Chemo 2/9
19 Sheryl49 Sheryl49 Chemo 2/7 4xAC (3 weeks)
20 Nancy Nancy053 Chemo 2/8 4xAC (2 wks) 3xT (2 wks)
21 Joey85 Boston, MA Chemo 2/9 4xAC (2 wks) - 12 Wks Taxol 12Yr Heceptin
22 Sharon Misspell Chemo 2/19 or 2/22
23 KimberlyC KimberlyC Ventura County Chemo 2/20 ACIV dose dense x4 - Taxol x4
24 Julie for Mom (jch) jch Chemo 2/6 AC
25 Tracy madoline Texas Chemo 2/8 ACx4
26 Scott and Theresa lightphoto
27 Carynn comandobarbie Arizona DD Chemo 2/22 AC + T
28 Lynn maclean
29 Steph TampaChick
30 FreeThought 2/13, Chemo 2/14
31 ronnee07 MN Start 2/27
32 Tonimad9
33 Sallyann
34 Tropicmom
35 Lorilat Eastern Ontario Chemo 2/23
36 Alyson Chemo 2/22
37 Playwriter Texas
38 WendyPetru Champaing IL. Chemo Start 2/28
39 Sybil 4Sybil 2/15
40 BelindaL Austraila Chemo Start 2/23
41 MelanieW
42 GI Jel hockeymomfl
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I generally avoid temptation unless I can't resist it.0 -
Hope you don't mind, I updated my part of the listing to show now I am going dose dense, every 2 weeks starting 3-15-07 due to wanting to see if I can hang while I'm off work. My dr. said she would keep me off work until done with AC and at least partly into the Taxol. This way the disability pay keeps going and I won't worry about not being able to make it in 40 hrs a week to make my pay. SUCH a load off my shoulders!!
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I dont mind! I promised to start this weeks list of who's going to the bar, so it's a big help.
Might as well start now! I'll be "in the lounge" Thursday, who's with me?? 0 -
Sorry to miss you Barbie, but I'll be in the lounge on Wednesday. My lovely cocktail is navelbine and herceptin.
Actually it's two separate ones, I guess they kmew I would be a heavy imbiber! And the most fun of all is I get to do it EVERY WEEK!!! Yay.
My port worked fine. It is still huge, I feel lilke I can bump my chin on the thing, but awful redness and itchyness has finally gone away.
Hae a great weekend girls.. The weather here is nice today, so I will do my 2 mile walk again. and it will be cold again tomorrow.0 -
Lounge Reservations Week of 3/5
Mon -
Tue - Linnie
Wed - Tropicmom
Thu - Carynn, Terry, Piper, Freethought
Fri -0 -
Hi Carynn,
Reservations on Tuesday, the 6th for round #3. Thanks,
Linnie0 -
my reservation is for Thursday the 8th...#3 of 10...
Feeling better today, with no fluid around the port. They said it could come back, so I am watching and waiting.
Thanks for all the good wishes.0 -
Carynn,
I need reservations for one at the lounge on thursday 3/8 11:00 am. I start with my cocktails early.
I have been doing alot of reading on Taxol and see that neuropathy seems to be one of the major side effects. I think I am going to opt out of that part of my treatment after AC. Anyone doing Taxol right now?0 -
Sign me up for Thur the 8th as well...2nd A/C treatment, hopefully without a cold this time.
And oh yes, the deed is done. After 3 days of freaking out and nonstop crying and stress, I couldn't even wash my bod this morning 'cause the rest of my hair was coming out and sticking everywhere...gross. Called the hairdresser and went in for a quick shave-down...but I'll have to go back in a week or two and have it taken down to zero (if it doesn't fall out on it's own). She had to use the guard 'cause my head was just too sensitive. So now I have the "GI Jane" look with bald splotchies....took me a couple of hours to look in the mirror, and just stuck the fuzzy hat right back on. So my head is warm, but I look like a cross between Esther Williams (with swim cap) and the Purple People Eater. I'm headed to my favorite funky clothing store, and see if they can't make some improvement.....I don't want to scare small children, just a**hole drivers who cut me off!
Happy weekend, all!0 -
Today I finally ventured out with the wig and first stop was to a close relative who I wanted to tell me if I looked like I had a Davy Crockett on. She said it looked really good just a little high on top (a short wig). So I patted it down and used wig spray and improved it alot. The rest of the day I went shopping and no one really looked up at me as if to say "she's got fake hair". Everything was fine. I guess most of this is in our head cuz we KNOW it's not ours.
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Oh yea, I feel really good for having had #2 on 3/1 but just one thing...really jittery especially to hands. Like went I go to pay for something, hands tremble. Is it nerves or chemo? Anyone else? Although I have to say this round was pretty good compared to #1.
Pat0 -
I have a tentative reservation for Wed. all depends on this infection. I look at the darn port every 30 minutes hoping the redness is gone. My eye feels better but still feel like my sinuses are full.
Thank you everyone for well wishes. I hope I make the cruise this week.
Karen0 -
Lounge Reservations Week of 3/5
Mon -
Tue - Linnie, SammieKay
Wed - Tropicmom, Karen
Thu - Carynn, Terry, Piper, Freethought
Fri -
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Wow! Our little group is quiet tonite! I do hope its because everyone is feeling great and is out and about enjoying their Saturday. I sent DH out without me. I should have gone, but honestly just wanted to veg in front of the tv. There's a slight possiblity that I'll have to go in to work in the middle of the night tonight. We are in the middle of the largest IT project we've ever undertaken, and my boss uninvited me from the party.
Actually, I havent been benched entirely, more like batting clean up. So, if there's big issues, off I'll go.
But here's the really big news. My tumor IS shrinking! Granted at 4.5cm it's still pretty big, but there is a definite change in the size! ALMOST makes me look forward to Thursday!
Karen, I made your reservations. I hear theres a really good band that day - hehe -
Take care all.
Carynn0 -
Sammie Kay will step up to the bar on Tues.
I am having more side effects. I had my best friend buzz my head. It bothered her more than me. I was tired of handfulls of hair coming out everytime to touched my hair. Anyone that can recommend good online sites for hats,scarves or headcovers? The flu is rampant here and I don't want to go to the stores right now. My head is cold! LOL I have wigs but really prefer caps and scarves at home. My dh owns a motorcycle ATV dealership and he brought home a motorcycle scarve that is black with tiny white skulls and crossbones. He knew we were buzzing Thurs and he brought it home. Sweet of him.
I continue to have back pain and mild nausea and constipation from my chemo which is Taxol right now. Although I believe the zofran might be the cause of constipation according to what I read here.
So sorry to hear about the infections and seroma with the port. That must be frustrating.
Jel, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Like you said, this may be a blessing, but it is still hard to go through. I didn't mention it, but the week after my surgery I was running a fever and short of breath. Called doc and he sent me to ER. I thought I would get some antibiotics for possible pneumonia. Well some ER doc and a radiologist decided I had a small pulmonary embolism (not good small or not). They slapped me in ICU and started me on blood thiners. Scared me to death(PE is can be life threatening), scared my kids to death. By Monday a specialist looked at my CT scan of chest and said he didn't think it was a PE and dismissed me. I remember just feeling like it was too much, while I was in ICU. Breast cancer and now this. I cried a lot.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. It seems like we are all having more side effects and I know that is to be expected. It is cummulative and the bright side is the cancer is feeling as bad as we are.
Bright side of no hair. Sure was nice to take a shower today and not blowdry, curling iron the old hair.
My friend cried as she swept up my hair. She said it made my cancer real, seeing me bald. She was able to deny it until then. God bless our families and friends. This is so hard on them too.
Keep the faith girls. I am 1/3 through Taxol and then 4 FAC's. Progress. Love you all. Sammie Kay0 -
Carynn,
We are in the same boat. I am on call to the hospital this weekend, any emergency surgeries and off I go. I am so glad they haven't called. I worked Thurs and Friday and I was so tired today that I have slept all day. DH and I went and had a bite to eat and back home. I have really vegged all day today. I have to work Monday and then I think I am going to only work every other day. This back to back up at 6 am and off to hospital by 7:30 am is hard for me these days. Take care, hope they don't call you in tonight. We'll keep our fingers crossed. Sammie Kay0 -
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! On that shrinking tumor. Great news.
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Piper,
I am Sammie Kay and I am taking Taxol right now. I will have 12 doses, one a week. I have had 3 doses, so far no neuropathy. I have a friend who is throught with hers and the neuropathy hit her after 4 or so doses. I am taking big doses of vitamin B6. I take one Super B-Complex a day and my Calcium has 500% of the daily requirment of B6. I read on here that B6 helps with neuropathy. Only other side effects so far are back spasms and anemia.
Also, they stopped my friend's Taxol after 9 of 12 doses due to neuropathy. So far it is resolved in her hands and she has slight numbness in feet, however, it has not affected her jogging.0 -
Hillary,
I appreciated your information about nutrition. I am quite distressed about the weight gain (10 lbs so far) and all in my abdomen. YUK. I have to think it is the steroids. How much can a woman take? Lopped off both boobs, shaved head and now fat belly. Oh well, I try to think positive and love myself as I am, warts and all.
You mentioned we shouldn't be trying to lose weight while on chemo. I am gaining. I am afraid I will be so depressed when I am done and am so overweight. I was 20 lbs. overweight to start with and now another 10. I am freaking out. Is that superficial or what? I relate, buzzed head, puffy face. But I loved your trip to the store for staples like bread and chocolate. LOL Take care, it helps to be going through this with others. Sammie Kay0 -
Carynn, Sammie Kay, Melanie W, Linnie
Thanks so much for you warm wishes, hugs and prayers.
Carynn fabulous news about your tumour shrinking, that's what we like to hear. It's always good to get proof that the tx is working.
Sammie Kay, the threat of PE must have been so scary, I can't even imagine. Yes, Doing too much crying the last couple of days.
Will try to get my brave face back on.
Keep on sailing....
G.I. Jel0 -
Hey all, had #2 a/c of 4 on Thursday. Went so much better with a few changes in administration of meds and fluids. I also let them give me a flu shot, seems a little late, but ER reports lots of recent postitve flu tests.
Sammie, I've gained about 10 pounds since last chemo. I lost about 8#'s during last chemo, but this time I have found to combat nausea with eating..any time I feel the least bit nauseated, I eat a little something and it resolves...but,I just keep on eating, because for some reason food doesn't taste as weird as last time either. Water does though, metalic taste.
I had been trying to execise more, but I feel tired and not extremely motivated. So a few blocks around the neighborhood will have to do for right now. We've got cancer to beat....worry about asthetics later...
A little dizziness, but wearing my seasickness bracelets, and took meclizine once today. Much less than last time.
I started to buzz my hair, but wanted to check out what was left after shampooing off all the hair that 'gave it up'. I ended up with very light blond hair, I wasn't even aware I had any hair that color. It doesn't hurt so I left it, seems more desirable than stubble. I found a tie dyed scarf which I like. I also have a wig, but haven't tried it out, may not have the nerve. I like all the things you can do with pretty scarves and they are comfortable.
Big Hugs to everybody tonight. It's ok to cry...but then get back up and fight.....nobody can do this for us!!!
We are so lucky to have access to each other during this ordeal!!
Sail on, Tracy0 -
Have read all these posts with interest. Was to start Chemo on the 15th but it was decided that I needed a port so that was put in on the 19th - all went well. Maisey - mine was really painful as well. It is much better now.
First chemo went well. I am on 3 treatments of FEC (CEF in the US) and 3 of Taxol. First couple of days were rough. I have managed to continue teaching but I am so tired by the evening.
It is my hair that is really getting to me. It hasn't started to fall out but it feels really strange and artifical. Absolutely lifeless. I have had it cut short but now all I want is for it to go. I didn't think I would be so upset over my hair.
Its great to read how others are coping.
So from New Zealand. Keep on fighting. We will win this battle.
Alyson0 -
Good morning!
I've been having some interesting conversations with my six year old. He wants to know how the cancer drugs know to find the cancer cells and not the other cells in the body -- LOL! When I told him that the drugs affect all rapidly growing cells, like hair cells (why mommy's bald) and stomach cells (why mommy's tummy is upset) and RBCs and WBCs (why mommy's tired and easily can get sick), he wants to know why we don't have drugs that just find the cancer cells! Out of the mouths of babes ...
-- Hillary0
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