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Anyone starting Chemo in Feb?
Comments
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Karen - I only take B6 - I take one in the morning and one at night. I think they're 100 mg.
Theresa - there is light at the end of the tunnel. We'll have a hearty congrats waiting for you on the list when you get home!
Hugs and a great weekend to all!
Phyl0 -
Sorry Karen - chemo brain. I should have mentioned I started taking the B6 a few days prior to my first Taxol and I have not experienced any neuropathy so there may also be a dosage related to relief of symptoms as opposed to a preventative dosage.
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Just wanted to say that I have been checking in daily to see how everyone is doing with their chemo. I haven't felt like I have been able to contribute anything much, though, as I am not doing the taxotere part of the treatments. But even for as short a time as I have been on this forum, I am following everyone anxiously and hoping they are all doing well!!
I do want to encourage everyone to do their own research to see if the taxanes are really beneficial to their particular diagnosis! The oncologists really have their hands tied about recommending anything outside the published "standard of care" because of liability issues. But since my conversation with my oncologist where I pinned her down about the statistics regarding total benefits to me personally, I have talked to even more medical professionals who agreed that some women who are routinely placed on the taxanes should not be there. Though for others there is a definite benefit to the taxance regimes.
This is not medical advice! But as patients we need to be more proactive about making sure we are getting the proper medical care. We need to take responsibility for our care and not just rely on overworked doctors who can make mistakes just like the rest of us.
Now I have been researching the hormone therapies like Arimidex. Statistics definitely show that I should be on one of them, and that it is beneficial to my particular type of tumor to prevent recurrence. However it is also known to weaken bone density. I already have osteopenia so this is a major concern. My onc said she could put me on Boniva, but when I checked out the side effects of that, again I do not think the benefits are worth the risk. I am going to try and do dietary supplements of calcium and aggressive weight training instead and hope to counteract the effects naturally.
Again my point is that we have to take a proactive stance on our own health to try and make intelligent decisions. Do some research on the Internet and then write down questions to ask your doctor. If your doctor is not willing or able to explain fully and graciously, find another doctor.
Okay, I am off my soap box for today! Hope everyone has an awesome weekend!!
Oh, Marsha, I wanted to say that here in Las Vegas I just found out there is a fund raiser for women who need reconstruction who are not insured or have very little insurance. Did you already check in your local area to see if there is something similar?0 -
Hi all, Haven't posted since Tues. dose of Taxol. Didn't sleep Wed. night(to bed at 11:30, up at 1:30am til 5 am). So tired on Thurs. and having to get to physical therapy, unable to catch up on sleep. Having minor neuropathy(I guess that is what the soreness in my thumbs and forefingers is) and mild nausea today. Took a zofran a few minutes ago. Just not feeling up to par.
Karen, I am by no means an authority on B6, but I do take 60 mg daily. It is in my Calcium Citrate which I take for osteopenia. I have been taking it for quite a while, before breast cancer. My bottle says that 10 mg is 500% of the daily requirement. I am almost finished with Taxol, I only have 2 more doses of 12. And as I posted above, very little neuro reaction.
Congrats on the new addition to you family. It is nice to look forward to happy things.
Vegas, thanks for the pep talk. Not a soap box. LOL I agree with you, we need to be our own best advocate. I hadn't thought of the fact that the docs have to stick to published standard of care for liability reasons.
Phyl, check above regarding B6, that is all I know. Actually, I ask my onc and he didn't know about B6 helping. He did say I could take L-Glutamine. I bought it, but haven't been taking it. Like Carynn, I hate taking more medicine. Good luck and take care.
Steph, glad to hear from you. Hang in there, you can do this. I keep telling myself that. We are all here to cheer you on.
Alyson, I like you, was given the final choice after the onc gave me the statistics. I was somewhat in shock at that time as I was borderline for needing chemo and was thinking he was going to tell me I only needing Arimadex or tamoxiphen. He said I had a 98% chance for cure with the Taxol and FAC protocol, so I just feel like I need to do the deal. I am invasive lobular with 4.5 plus cm. ER/PR+/Her2neg. I think everyone has to get as much info as possible and make a decision they and their onc. are comfortable with and go for it. Breast cancer sucks!!!
I am going to stop this post and continue another one. I lose this things to space sometimes. BRB Sammie Kay0 -
Scott and Theresa, congratulations on one more chemo. We are with you all the way.
Leah, what great news. Hallelujah!!! I had 12 lymph nodes removed with my dissection. I don't know what constitutes a "full" dissection. My surgeon said the way he did it would greatly reduce the possibility of lymphedema. My experience has been identical to Catherine's. I did read somewhere we need to wear an elastic sleeve when flying. The pressure can induce lymphedema. My friend did so and she had no problems after flying.
Mel, I didn't remember you were from HOuston. Did you go to MD Anderson? I live in Victoria,Tx and went to Baylor Breast Center first for BX and lumpectomy, then to MD Anderson for second opinion. Congratulations on finishing chemo!!!!
Carynn, hope you are enjoying the races. Keep us posted if you see a neurologist. Will be interesting to hear their take on chemo induced neuropathy. YOu take care. Hugs you way.
Jan, like your "wig shots". I vote for the longer brown one, but they all look nice. Nice to have quick changes isn't it? That is one thing I don't miss, messing with my hair.
Marsha, wow, WBC 26. You be careful. Don't get exposed to any bugs. Take good care of yourself.
Hillary, ditto on "chemo brain". You can put me down for Taxol #11 on Tues. Almost done and then, Yikes, on to FAC. I am a little scared about that one.
Catherine, thinking of you.
Melanie, you enjoy the races too. Hope you are doing well.
Everyone take care. I am sending hugs to all. Love you guys, Sammie Kay0 -
I had first taxol 2 days ago and felt really good today. So good that my daughter and I shopped all day then I came home and I did another 4 hours of yard work, and when it got too dark outside, came in and put up new bathroom decor, vaccumed and laid out a new area rug I bought. WHEW!! I am bone tired now but can't blame it on any chemo! Anyway, a good day with just a little very light tingling feeling to my fingers. Nothing much.
Take care everyone,
Pat0 -
Greetings to all you wonderful, brave women!
This is my first post, but I've been a stow-away on this cruise since the early part of December, when I received my diagnosis.
By some stroke of luck, I found this board, and this cruise, in particular, my first trip here, and have been on board ever since. I've never been much of a poster, but I'm finally feeling the urge to tell you all just how much you've helped me get through this journey.
Your words of wisdom and encouragement, the support for each other, the show of strength throughout whatever the current situation is, the genuine bonds I've watched you form........it's all so amazing!
Oh, and let's not forget the humor! You guys are a real hoot! I've had to laugh at times that I really WANTED to cry, thinking a good cry is what I needed to get past the moment. I just couldn't do it after reading some of these posts! Thanks so much for that.
Actually, I'm not really eligible for membership here, as I'm a little behind everyone else. I just had my first Chemo last Friday the 13th. (I'm doing 6 rounds of IV CMF, every 3 weeks, followed by 33 rads.) But since this is the first lifeline I grabbed when I got here, I really needed to say how grateful I am to you all.
I'll post my pathology report tomorrow, because I'm too lazy to go upstairs to get it now, and I don't want to get it wrong. :lol0 -
Windtalker, we just took a vote and decided to make you an honorary member of the Feb Chemo Cruisers! I am so happy to hear that you have read and kept up with us and we in some way helped you on your journey across the rough seas of BC. Do let us know a little about you and your situation. Some of us here are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel but this is not a short term cruise. We are friends for I life I believe and will be around on this thread for quite awhile so any questions, concerned, scares or just funny moments please stay here and post with us. I love your winking picture!!!
SammieKay, I am a lobular gal myself and know the hormone therapy is going to benefit me more than the chemo but even a small percentage increase in survival made it worth doing for me. My concern, because of the lobular, is worrying if I should have had a bi=lat instead of single mast. but am trying to let stuff like that go and not think about it. Mine was a 5 cm in a B cup so.........Also a week after the WBC was 26 and I had my #1 taxol the count was at 6.11 Will be interested in seeing what it is Tues before taxol #2 on Wed.
Vegas you are so right about being our own advocate. I am sure my docs would be very happy if I stayed off the internet LOL. I explained to my onc that not knowing something is worse than any reality can be cause I have a HUGE imagination!! HAHA
So far no neuropathy for me or any tingling thingy. Bone aches, fatigue, heartburn at first, seem to be my SE so far. Oh and a little water retention (Yuck).
Phyl, I am not taking the b6 or glutamine. The onc just said if I needed then we would go from there. So far I haven't.
Has anyone heard from Twink??? I know there are some who read alot and post some, but Twink has been a regular. I'm a worry wart and it just hit me that we haven't heard from her in awhile. Linnie you too! Gonna be a beautiful day here in Sunny Florida, hope everyone has a nice spring day...........love and hugs, Marsha0 -
Here's what I have for bar reservations. The questions marks mean that my feeble chemo-addled brain can not remember/figure out if you are dose-dense/weekly/whatever and therefore whether you are scheduled for next week. Please correct as necessary.
Monday - Phyl, Jen (?)
Tuesday - Hillary, Catherine, Sammiekay
Wednesday - Marsha, Wendy (?)
Thursday - StephJ (1st taxol), Piper (1st taxol), Pat, Tracy (?), Kim (?)
-- Hillary0 -
Good morning my fellow cruisers:
I've been feeling a bit down lately. Now that I'm over the anxiety/excitement of the first taxol, I have a sense of dread for the next three. And then there's seven weeks of rads. I'm also thinking seriously about getting a prophylatic bi-lat and reconstruction once the rad burns heal.
I SOOOO tired ... I'm already on short-term disability, so it's not like I can quit work to feel less tired. I think that I'm just so tired of being sick. I do suspect that my RBC are too low and that an aranesp or procrit shot is in my future.
Anyways, I wanted to know if I'm alone in this or if this is symptomatic of this stage of our cruise. Could explain why this board has been so slow lately.
The weather has finally broke here in PA, and my ds has his first T-ball game of the season. I'll slather up with lots of sunscreen and wear a hat. Hope the rest of you are having a nice weekend ...
-- Hillary0 -
I have my first taxol on thursday. I see the dr on wed. he has all of his patients have the 1st taxol as an outpatient at the hosp in case they have a reaction. that is not vey encouraging but... He wants me to take b-complex vitamins and not just b6. seems I am the only one doing this. at least I have not read anywhere anyone else doing this. Wish me luck. as all of you know I am petrified of neuropathy.
Piper0 -
Piper: do not dread tx too much... the neuropathy side of it was my big scare, but turns out it has not been too bad (absolutely nothing in my toes). The "nettle-like" tingling/burning was at its worst 2-3 days (took some advil, that's all), then got very mild. This did not prevent me from throwing a heavy juice glass (empty) accross the kitchen the other night, like a drunk Russian cadet... I had not seen my doggy at my feet, and I stopped abruptly, my fingers might have been a bit wet with water... and, bang, the glass litterally flew away from my grasp... My DH ended up vacuuming and mopping carefully so there would be no glass left that could hurt the dogs... The onc had told me that if I were to start breaking the family china, I had to tell him... but this was not really from the neuropathy... does not count. Just make sure to protect your mouth (chew on ice during tx?)... my weak spot since the beginning has been my mouth (sore tongue)... although I try to rinse often... but then I forget... Next tx (on Tuesday) I will try to keep my finger tips in ice and drink ice water to see whether it makes a difference. I did not take any supplements (B complex, etc.), yet. Good luck, Piper, you'll do fine.
Marsha: hi, friend... so good to hear from you... like you, I would like to hear from Twink who got us accustomed to her nice posts... and poetry.
Twink, drop us a note, we are worried about you!
Linnie, how are you?
Leah... please come visit with us... did you get more results? Big special hugs to you...
I have not been posting much, too busy feeling completely normal and gardening with frenzy... the weather is great, and our favorite nursery had an open house with good prices so I indulged myself in a big peony with lots of buds, herbs of all kind for cooking, in a big planter not far from the kitchen: this way I know the watering/fertilizing has not been done by the dogs...:) I love fresh basil, in particular.
This second week after Abraxane #1 has been really good
(just bleeding nose from Avastin, but not too bad). I did not feel tired, so I hope my WBC is good, I won't know before Tuesday prior to tx #2. No Neulasta this time around either, so it's going to be interesting to see how low it got... The onc told me that we bottom out on day 10 after chemo with Taxol (as opposed to day 14 with AC), and we should bounce back for tx...
Hillary, I wish so much you could beat this fatigue and enjoy this beautiful season... Hope your son does well...
SammieKay, thinking of you, too... heard the story at Nasa yesterday... This is my DH previous life (long before we met), he was #400 something when he got hired by NASA in the 60's (space physics), he was in his 20's with incredible projects (and budgets) to manage (NASA was a very small joint, then, a big adventure for all involved...) The Clear Lake campus did not even exist when he started, and then was brand new... you would sit at the cafeteria at the same table as the astronauts of "the right stuff"... exciting times... and now angry contractors go waco on this historic site of human endeavors...
Carynn, how are you doing today? Thinking of you, too...
WindTalker: welcome on board... so glad our little group could help you some through this journey. All these wonderful women here were of tremendous help to me, too, and I cannot think of the coming years without keeping the "link alive" with all of them, hoping that we'll have the opportunity to meet in person. Do not hesitate to come visit and talk to us so we get to know you better.
Well, dear friends, you all have a nice Sunday... Hugs all around...
CatherineH0 -
Catherine; What an interesting life of travel and adventure you have lived! Each of the threads seems to have woven a vivid fabric to make such an intriguing lady. I would love to see your scrapbook!
Hillary; I so hate to think of you being down. This has been such a difficult journey for you. The bilat might give you some peace of mind. It did me. If you had the bilat you might not have to do rads. Hopefully, the nice weather will lift your spirits and help some of the physical symptoms also.
Windtalker; I know what you mean about just "lurking". I do that on the FORCE board. I have never posted there even though the folks there seem very nice and helpful. I think the format here is just easier. Welcome!
Pat; WOW...what a day you had! I am exhausted just thinking about it! Isn't it wonderful to have those times when you feel "normal" again...
Sammie; Your experience with your Taxol dose almost mirrors my bout with #4 TEC. I started feeling better Friday and even managed to work for awhile Saturday morning and then do a bit of shopping. Right now my arm is really sore as I am still using the veins for chemo, and it looks like the thrush is back again. My tongue is coated and sore.
Carynn and Phyl; Your guys hung in there last night! I snuck out to the hot tub during part of the race to soak my arm. It is so odd wearing a bikini with no boobs!
Today is such a pretty day! Catherine has got me thinking that maybe I should go to the Nursery today. I normally have lots of potted plants outside and right now it is just bare. I think it would do me good to be surrounded by all the beautiful plants and flowers at the nursery. I always buy a couple of huge plants called "salad bowls" that are filled with a variety of gorgeous shade plants that do wonderfully all summer on my back porch. Oh...I really need to do that today...0 -
I need an avenue to vent my anger and frustration.
I had a lot of pain, joint, muscle and foot pain on Saturday. Took my last two percocet from my surgery. It helped but did not go away completely. Still taking the advil around the clock. Called the onc today to tell them I was having pain-they have someone in the office on Sat and Sun from 8-noon. Well the response I got was "sorry we don't prescribed any pain medications on the weekend. You will have to wait until Monday when the office opens." I was floored. I said "so you are telling me to sit here in horrible pain until the damn office opens." "Yes, of course you could go to the ER." What the hell kind of dr is this. An ONCOLOGIST who doesn't do pain medications on the weekend. As if pain only occurs M-F 9-4:00. I told him I only had four percocet left from surgery and he did not give me a script. I figured if I needed it I could get it over the weekend.
I am so frustrated, crying, depressed. This same stupid dr kept blowing off my nausea and vomiting. I had to get meds from his partners, not him. I want to change drs but I am afraid it will delay my chemo schedule and I have already had it delayed. I don't feel I have the energy to call up drs and go through the whole story again.
I am in the medical field and right now I hate drs, medicine, all of it!0 -
I know exactly how you feel!!My oncologist discounted every symptom I had.He would not give me pain pills at all,said he didn't want me to get addicted lol.My legs hurt so bad I could hardly walk.I just went to my family Doc and got Oxycontin and Percocet.He came right out and told me that it wasn't his responsibility to control my pain.His damn chemo caused it!!!Then he tried to tell me not take my narcotics,yeah right,I refuse to suffer.He said Aleve is sufficient.My Mom had to make him write a script for a cane and he told me not to use it too much.The man is ignorant!!!After I finish my Herceptin I am going to file a complaint against him and find another Onc.It is the law that they not leave us in pain.Where are you?I would be glad to help you out if you are near me.Good luck,I have walked in your shoes and it sucks.I am in the medical field too.Maybe we should cut off their testicals and give em some chemo and tell THEM to take Aleve.
Hugs,
Lisa0 -
Hi everyone! Hope you are having a marvelous Sunday!
SammeKay - dont know if Im going to make that Neurologist appointment or not. Im not really having any issues right now, so Im afraid there wouldnt be much for them to look at if I went in. Well see what the Onc says next time. I will keep you posted.
Pat sounds like you had a great day! Ive been enjoying a little retail therapy myself, albeit online.
How do you feel today?
Hello Windtalker and welcome aboard! I echo Marshas & Catherines comments. This board has helped me save my sanity on more than one occasion. Please keep checking in and let us know how youre doing!
Hillary IMO you are probably just on the normal highs and lows of our journey. I know with me that Im normally very positive and truly expect nothing but good news when Im done with tx. Then on occasion, Ill read something about trip neg that really bums me out. Ive always just looked at my dx as just a way for the Onc to know how to best treat me, rather than forcing me into a statistic. I think too, that the reason that its easy to get down occasionally, is the combined fatigue and the effects of all the drugs. I just have to remind myself that nothing has changed, and that while its ok to have a down day every now and then, that I just have to acknowledge it then move on.
Piper I was pretty anxious about my first Taxol too, and it was completely anti climatic. I did tell my nurse what specifically was making me nervous and he was great! He really took a lot of time to chat and make me feel better. Now that its over, I havent had much at all in the way of neuropathy. Bone pain did start last night, while its uncomfortable, it is not serious. Tylenol and a trip to the Jacuzzi kicked it last night. Im going to try the same today. Im stocked up on the hard stuff if necessary, but hopefully will not need it.
Hi Catherine! Thanks for the shout out! Im doing ok. My best friend and her husband came by last night to watch the race. I had a good time and honestly didnt miss being there in person all that much. As I mentioned, the bone pain did start while they were here, but I just popped a couple of Tylenol, got comfy in my recliner, and enjoyed myself. My biggest complaint was that we ordered pizza and wings from our favorite place and it all tasted like sawdust. 
With A/C I always got my taste back in a week, so Im keeping my fingers crossed that Taxol will be the same.
Ok Twink I checked. Your blog is up to date, but we havent heard from you here. Miss you and hope you are having a great day. BTW
I think that same alien has visited my house too.
Take care all & enjoy your Sunday.
Carynn0 -
Hello Friends
Thanks so much for the warm welcome, and honary membership! I feel like I already know you all so well, and it's great to be accepted.
Here is my pathology:
1/10/07: IDC, Grade2, Stage 1, ER-, PR-, HER2/NEU+
3/10/05: Left Lumpectomy w/SNB; Clear margins, Neg Nodes
4/13/07: 1st Chemo-IV CMF (Cytoxan, Methotrexate, F5U)
Now for a little backgroud. I'm a "retired" Surigical Intensive Care nurse. I had a few back injuries on the job, and ended up with 3 herniated discs in my lower back. The last day I worked I was taken out by wheelchair, and had to crawl on my hands & knees into the car. Not a pretty site! My doctor said, "How many more chances are you willing to take with that back?" Bottom line is that I've been on total & permanent disability since 2001, and no stranger to pain.
I can honestly say that I loved my work, but the last 2 years of it were really hard for me. I really should have gotten out sooner, as I was only aggravating what could have been a lesser outcome. I felt that my patients, and I really needed each other, and that I could not afford to quit, financially. (You'd be surprised at the things you can do without when you're forced to do so!) And guess what else? I hear the hospital is doing just fine without me! LOL
Back on topic. I was feeling the lump, and a little soreness in my breast at least a couple of months before I did anything about it. I have always had Cystic Mastitis, so a lump here and there was nothing new to me. I wear underwire bras, so I thought the wire was just poking me in that area. So, I would just make some bra adjustments, and think nothing of it. Then I starting getting short, sharp, shooting pains in the breast, and knew it was time to get it checked out.
I had the mamogram & ultrasound on 12/05/06, and the rest is history. The radiologist told me, on that day, that she had seen enough BC to know what she was looking at, and that she was 95% certain that is was malignant. I feel that is my real dx date. Her words were good enough for me!
I broke down right there in the office, and cried the rest of the night. I didn't even tell my family right away, because of all the joy that comes with the Xmas holidays. ....after all, I still had that 5% to play with, and I didn't want to spoil the holiday cheer for everyone else. So, I came here. Or was I LED here because HE knew I needed you all, RIGHT THEN!.....that I could not have gotten through this alone.
Enough. I'm getting misty, now. But it feels good.:)
Next post won't be so long. I never meant for it to be this long. I just wanted you to get to know me, as I know so much of all of you.
Again, many thanks for you and God bless us all.:)
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Oh wow, I did it again. Wrote a long post and lost it in cyberspace.GRRRRR!!! Will try again.
Windtalker, welcome aboard (didn't know you stowed away). Please join in. We need you as much as you need us. We will be here for you. I don't plan on going anywhere. I feel like everyone on here is family. I do't want to lose contact with anyone here. You included. We are brought together by a common goal-to "slay the beast, breast cancer". Keep coming back. Sammie Kay.
Marsha, I had the discussion of bilateral mastectomy with my daughter's best friend. She is a lob girl and young like you. I think if I was your age, I would probably have had only the cancerous breast removed. With the new breast MRI's and other diagnostic tools seems we have lobular breast cancer on the run. I did bilateral because I didn't think I could handle chemo in 10 years when I was 77. Know what I mean?
I am confused about your WBC's. Is that low because of the last A/C you had? My onc told me the Taxol would not make me immunosuppressed, but would lower by RBC's and make me anemic. But maybe the dose dense is different.
I am worried about Twink, Linnie and TinkC,too. Isn't TinkC pregnant? Have you or anyone heard from TinkC?
{{{{{{{Marsha}}}}}}}}}} from your fairy godmother, SammieK0 -
Hillary, sorry to hear you are feeling down and so tired. I think that is normal You may be anemic. I was anemic after one dose of Taxol and mine wasn't dose dense. So I can't imagine how much more tired you would be on dense dose. I got procrit after dose 2,3,and 4. It took 2 or 3 weeks to get my Hgb to 11.5 from 10.3. I started at 13.0. I hope you can just rest and go with the flow. We will be done soon and feeling much better I am sure. I am sad to think of you being sad. Maybe getting out in the sunshine will lift your spirits. {{{{{Hillary}}}}}P.S. wish I was a real fairy godmother and I would wave my magic wand and color you happy and cheerful. Sammie Kay
Piper, good luck with Taxol. I take B6 about 30 mg a day. I posted yesterday that I took 60 mg a day, but I refigured and it is 30mg a day. Well, I also take a B Complex vitamin everyday. I have done that for years, knowing B vitamins are good for your nerves. Take care.
Sammie Kay0 -
Oh dear Catherine, what an experience. Good that you aren't breaking the family china. LOL. I read somewhere about taking an ICEE to chemo and sipping on it during chemo. YUM! I think I will try this. Love your posts. You are a delight. I, too, am gardening and enjoying my blooming bedding plants. About 18 months ago I had all my 20 year old plants removed and new landscaping put in. They did well through last winter, but this winter hit them hard. I have Ixora, Esperanza, Faux Bird of Paridise, viragated ginger and others. They are coming back out, but some are really slow and going to start off very small. I plan to do some watering and feeding tomorrow.
I will think of you as I garden.
That was horrible about the shooting at NASA. I just don't know what is happening to our society. Very distressing. But on the happy side, sounds like your husband had a wonderful, rewarding time at NASA. Hugs to you, Sammie Kay.0 -
Carynn, Was thinking of you and Melanie while I watched the race for awhile today. Didn't your guy win?
I don't blame you for not wanting to go to "another" doctor's office unless ABSOLUTELY necessary. Hope you had a wonderful weekend. Hugs, Sammie Kay
Melanie, thinking of you and Carynn as I watched the race. Wow, I wish the lack of boobs was my only problem with wearing a bikini LOL. My PS mentioned some of his patients that had reconstruction like I will have, also have had liposuction. Hmmm. That is a thought, however, I will need to start saving my money. LOL.
Karen and Lisa, how awful for you to have such unfeeling docs. My mom had a "cranky" oncologist. Some are just odd. I have a pain management doctor because I have chronic back pain. I decided to not have the onc manage my pain. She is awesome. So concerned that I not hurt and also very concerned that I not overload my liver with Tylenol. She uses Norco, which is 10 mg of hydrocodone and only 325 mg of Tylenol. That seems to control the chemo induced increase in my back pain. Of course that didn't help you on a weekend. But maybe others will consider a pain doctor, especially if you have underlying issues with pain.
Wow Pat, I wish I had some of your energy. I bet that was fun and bathroom beautiful. Take care and rest some.
Hugs to all. Especially Vegas,Jan,Leah,Alyson,Phyl,Wendy,Tracy, Steph,Kim,Theresa and all you MIA's..come on back. You are missed.
Goodnight and pleasant dreams to all. Love you guys, Sammie Kay0 -
Good morning all! What a fabulous weekend weather-wise! My DH stole me away for an overnight in Portland ME Friday night, and we had a great time. Went up to LLBean on Sat. a.m. and had more fun in Freeport. Bought some summer shirts and a cool skirt. It will be 85 today before it cools down the rest of the week, so I will try to get out today and catch some rays. Wish I could tan my bald head- I think it would look better if it wasn't pasty white, but haven't been in any private place yet to go "topless".
Tomorrow I meet with surgeon, and will get the CT scan of the liver results. I can wait. Holding my breath, though.
I will be getting a second opinion on the whole surgical question from Dr. Barbara Smith at Mass General Hospital. (She just happens to be treating E. Edwards! and was her doc the first time!). Have to get all the records together, which, since they are spread out among 3 hospitals, will take awhile. But I am hoping to see her by Mid- May.
I bought a professional juicer, and am going to try eating more food raw than I do now. I will start with fruit/veg juices. I have a book that tells you what to do with all the pulp that is extracted, and learn to make things with that too. We'll see how it goes.
Ah, basil plants. Me, too Catherine. Will be purchasing this week. Usually lasts me about 9 months, so I have been buying fresh basil to cook with, but I love my own!
CArynn, have you noticed all the IT women kept working thru chemo? Even some insane hours? Why do you think that was so? Also, saw you on the triple neg board. Seems like we have a lot more in common. And you have not had surgery yet either?
Speaking of surgery, a "full axillary dissection" is when they take out the whole fat pad that contains all the nodes under your arm. Of course when they do that, they get all the small interbrachial nerves and all the connective tissue. It used to be what they did all the time, but left women with some bad side effects (like lymphedema) for the rest of their lives. My onc said he has not seen one done well for a long time. Sounds like all who have responded have had partials done. I think you would know if you had a full axillary. I have now have 5 opinions not to do it, and will wait to see what Barbara Smith says.
So, off to work. Hopefully I will get in a walk at lunch! Wishing a good week for all my loved ones!0 -
I am so sorry that you have someone like this on your team. Rather than switching the whole practice, it sounds like some of his partners are more to your liking? Can you just schedule time with one of them instead of him? Makes me so mad...
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Good morning all:
Still no word from our missing travelers, so not sure if Jen is at the bar today. But, I'm pretty sure that Phyl is!
Monday - Phyl, Jen (?)
Tuesday - Hillary, Catherine, Sammiekay
Wednesday - Marsha, Wendy (?)
Thursday - StephJ (1st taxol), Piper (1st taxol), Pat, Tracy (?), Kim (?)
-- Hillary0 -
Good Monday morning!
I have been reading all of your posts, but was feeling down and tired and very busy with baseball and work etc...so I haven't posted....but I think of you all daily and pray for all of us.
Anyway...please make me a reservation for Thursday for #6 TCH!
Leah...I am soooo happy for you...what good news.
Windtalker...welcome to our voyage. We are glad to have you along.
Just an update...once again I am feeling down and having a pity party. Not sure if I am depressed or just super tired from continuing to "do it all". Or, if my blood counts are down. As you know, I have not had to have Procrit or Neulasta at all yet...but maybe I need it this round.
My DH is telling me to ask the onc about a medical leave from work if I am that tired...but I am not sure. What if I get burned from rads and need one then? If I don't work, I don't get any commissions. Just my base salary. And we can sure use the extra money now.
Catherine....my husband tilled my garden and I will be planting lettuce, spinach, onions...things that can go in before last frost...sounds like you are in an earlier zone. My tulips haven't even bloomed yet!
Well...got to get to work...Love to all of you...thanks for being here for me and all the rest.
Love,0 -
SwimmingMom how frustrating, almost sounds like he doesn't want to help you with any side effects. . My rads doc actually fussed at me for not calling her during the weekend for pain pills as I waited till Monday to say anything. I think the fatigue from rads has finally hit, I've been so tired since Friday and can't seem to shake it. I even opted out in helping with a biker thing this past weekend. I've got a biker friend going to drive me to rads all this week. I wasn't able to sleep on either side Friday and Saturday which probably didn't help with the fatigue as I usually sleep on my side. Sunday night I was able to sleep on my right side but not my left as its pretty burned yet.
I have to share this cute thing my horse chat friends sent me that arrived Friday...if you just see a red x the host site must be down this morning.
Windtalker, welcome to the group! I only did one dose of chemo but have stuck around to see how my sisters are doing. This is such a wonderful caring group I just can't leave!0 -
Thanks for all the kind words from everyone.
Terry -- You're not the only one having a pity party. I've trying to figure out why I'm so down and can attribute it to: (a) anemia, which is causing a lot of fatigue; (b) eye brows -- or rather -- loss of eye brows and eye lashes; and (c) chemopause, which is accentuating my chemo-brain! I've got to snap out of this funk before my second taxol tomorrow. Fortunately, the nice weather is helping.
Phyl -- I hope that you're doing OK today ...
We do have several folks that are lapsed in their postings, so bar reservations are still ambiguous ...
Monday - Phyl, Jen (?)
Tuesday - Hillary, Catherine, Sammiekay
Wednesday - Marsha, Wendy (?)
Thursday - StephJ (1st taxol), Piper (1st taxol), Terry, Pat, Tracy (?), Kim (?)
-- Hillary0 -
Jan; The Precious Moments Biker Girl is just adorable. How thoughtful of your friend.
Leah; Those "just drop everything and go" breaks with our loved ones are so wonderful. My DH is doing such a great job of spending more "alone" time with me. I know it's hard for him and I truly appreciate it. Our trip to the nursery yesterday was the first time he has ever done that. We have done more together these past few months (other than working) than we have since we sold our company in 2000. We were retired for 4 years and he built race cars and raced all over the country. It was fun, but when our buyers stopped paying we went back to work!
Sammie; LOL LOL LOL...I also wish no boobs were my only issue with the bikini. Mind you...I am in the privacy of my own backyard. That bikini would never ever make a public appearance. I have a long torso and a bikini is just more comfy. Tankinis work also.
Well...I had to call the onc's office yesterday and thankfully they are always able to prescribe anything I might need, even on weekends. The thrush was getting out of control again, so back on the diflucan. It is already better today. I had my wonderful weekly massage this morning and I am feeling very relaxed.
I have another "drink" suggestion as I am growing a bit tired of all the lemonade. A friend fixed a glass of cranberry juice topped with 7up...yummy! I don't know why this had not occured to me as my favorite punch is cranberry juice, pineapple juice, gingerale, sugar and almond extract. I haven't yet tried the cranberry with just gingerale, but I bet it would be great also.
Vegas; How are you doing? I am still waiting for the "green light" from Beth. She hopes to email me today with a final answer and hopefully a surgery date. I got a giggle out of your names for reconstruction on the FORCE boards...I just have to share them here.
fillabusters...(expanders)
bellybusters...(diep)
ghostbusters...(alloderm)
How clever of you!0 -
Hi everyone,
Sorry I haven't been checking in. I had problems after the first taxol with a high fever, rash, and bone pain and it brought me down both mentally and physically because it was so unexpected. I had my second taxol a week ago and had an allergic reaction during it and now the fevers are back once again. I'm trying not to complain too much since I did so well on A/C and I know others had such a rough time.
I wish I was feeling more positive. I know I'm 75% done but there's still rads after that and who knows what else. And I'm tired of having no hair as trivial as that sounds. See, this is why I haven't written. I hate complaining when I know it could be worse.
The good news is that after 2 taxol txs I still have my eyebrows (for the most part) and eyelashes and I'm happy about that.
Thanks to all those who asked when I dropped out of sight. I appreciate your thoughts and hope that you are all doing well.
I did get good news a few weeks ago that I wasn't going to have to do the Herceptin. Yeah!!!!
Set my bar reservation for Taxol #3 on May 1st.
Hugs to you all,
Linnie0 -
Good morning, ladies!
I have a little update, and correction. Here's my story, and I'm sticking to it.
My BS was very good in making sure I knew exactly what was going on. He would give me copies of my test results as soon as he got them. However, my HR status was still pending when he gave me my pathology report. Even then, as soon as he got it, he gave me a call. Here's where the misunderstanding (?) comes in.
I'm certain he told me ER-, PR-, HER2/NEU+, because I wrote it down. Well I picked up a copy of the full report today, and it turns out I'm TRIPLE NEG. No way I could have mistaken the two.
Oh well, it is what it is. Nothing I can change. I've been blessed so far on this journey. I realize that things could have turned out a lot worse for me, so I'll just continue to let Him do his work. It's not my battle anyway! It's much too big for me to handle. God said, 'if I believe, He will fight my battles'. All I have to do is show up! .......so I make sure I keep my appointments.
Anyway, bloodwork today was excellent. Please make reservations for me at the bar for next Friday, May 4th. This will be #2 CMF.
Hoping everyone is doing well, or can at least squeeze in a couple of good days here and there. Each day we all come a little closer to the end. There's light at the end of the tunnel, and ummmmmm........all that good stuff!
Virtual hugs to all.......0
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