Come join others currently navigating treatment in our weekly Zoom Meetup! Register here: Tuesdays, 1pm ET.
Join our Webinar: REAL Talk: Healthy Body and Mind After Breast Cancer Treatment - Jan 23, 2025 at 4pm ET Register here.
Anyone starting Chemo in Feb?
Comments
-
Feb. Chemo Cruisers Ports of Call List
1. Marsha is done with surgery and chemo and will move on to tamoxifen for 5 years. Will be busy with close follow-up screening for the next few months. No recon is the forseeable future.
2. Twink is done with chemo, bilateral mastectomy is set for June 6th, Trip Neg so no follow on therapy. Next appointment with the oncologist on July 19th when the pathology report from surgery will be reviewed. Here's hoping for a negative SNB result!
3. Hillary is done with surgery (lumpectomy and SNB) and chemo and will move on to radiation for 8 weeks starting in mid-June. Although triple neg, might go on to tamoxifen because of LCIS in "good" breast. Will also be closely followed. Haven't ruled out bilat and reconstruction in the future.
4. Catherine is done with surgery (bilat mast, Jan 10th), with the "hard core" chemo, and will continue Avastin alone until December (once every 3 weeks, 15mg/kg) with a heart echography (US) every 3 months and regular blood test+urine analysis (for the study). No rads, no reconstruction, will get on Tamoxifen for a year (since "peri" menopausal), then to Arimidex (once "officially" menopaused)... hopefully these treatments will not trigger long posts about bad side effects...
5. Jan (wildabouthorses) Is done with two lumpectomies (one each breast with one side SND done), did only one dose of chemo(quit AC chemo due to side effects was borderline on needing it anyway), did 33 days of radiationon both breasts at the same time with 8 of them being boosts finished May 2nd. All open sores are healed up and able to wear a bra again. Get a 4 week rest before starting Tamoxifin for 5 years on June 5th, see rads doc that day for a check up. Had check up with BS May 17th, genetic test results not in yet. See the BS August 17th for another check up then a mammogram November 20th. Things could change if I do have the cancer gene...a masectomy would be in the future for both breasts. If that happens I don't want to have reconstruction.0 -
Hey Marsha, what did you end up doing for the saff at your chemo place?
henna tattoo is me, not Hillary. I tried to get the moderators to delete the big pix so I could repost smaller but no word....
can't list my port of call yet, still one more to go one week from tomorrow.
Karen0 -
Feb. Chemo Cruisers Ports of Call List
1. Marsha is done with surgery and chemo and will move on to tamoxifen for 5 years. Will be busy with close follow-up screening for the next few months. No recon is the forseeable future.
2. Twink is done with chemo, bilateral mastectomy is set for June 6th, Trip Neg so no follow on therapy. Next appointment with the oncologist on July 19th when the pathology report from surgery will be reviewed. Here's hoping for a negative SNB result!
3. Hillary is done with surgery (lumpectomy and SNB) and chemo and will move on to radiation for 8 weeks starting in mid-June. Although triple neg, might go on to tamoxifen because of LCIS in "good" breast. Will also be closely followed. Haven't ruled out bilat and reconstruction in the future.
4. Catherine is done with surgery (bilat mast, Jan 10th), with the "hard core" chemo, and will continue Avastin alone until December (once every 3 weeks, 15mg/kg) with a heart echography (US) every 3 months and regular blood test+urine analysis (for the study). No rads, no reconstruction, will get on Tamoxifen for a year (since "peri" menopausal), then to Arimidex (once "officially" menopaused)... hopefully these treatments will not trigger long posts about bad side effects...
5. Jan (wildabouthorses) Is done with two lumpectomies (one each breast with one side SND done), did only one dose of chemo(quit AC chemo due to side effects was borderline on needing it anyway), did 33 days of radiation with 8 of them being boosts finished May 2nd. All open sores are healed up and able to wear a bra again. Get a 4 week rest before starting Tamoxifin on June 5th, see rads doc that day for a check up. Had check up with BS May 17th, genetic test results not in yet. See the BS August 17th for another check up then a mammogram November 20th. Things could change if I do have the cancer gene...a masectomy would be in the future for both breasts. If that happens I don't want to have reconstruction.
6. Terry is done with surgery (lumpectomy w/ SNB 12/28/06). Will be done with 10 TCH chemo treatments on 6/21/07. Then expect to start rads mid July. Herceptin infusions until Feb 08. Considering breast reduction on "good" breast for symmetry. See breast surgeon 6/1 for check up, rads onc on 6/6 for more info on upcoming rads. Will be taking Femara for 5 years.0 -
Marsha, I never saw a happier smile...congratulations. Did the nurses give you the balloon?
Had dress rehearsal this evening for recital of DD on Sat. Son has ballgame tomorrow. I am staying home from work tomorrow.
I mentioned before my upcoming vacations...I only have to work 6 days between now and my last treatment. Thank heavens, because this is really tiring me out. But I think I can hang in there just 6 days, although they will be busy days...answering messages and eamils from all the days I am not there. You always pay for time off at my work.
How is everyone else doing who was at the bar with me today? Mine was uneventful, but they had to lower my head back below my port to draw labs again...they think it is just my anatomy and how the port is situated. I can live with that. They were sooo busy though and not enough pumps to go around to all the women getting taxotere, so I just had to be patient.
My decadron has kicked in...think I might watch a little TV, that always makes me sleepy.
Good nite, and love to all of you0 -
Feb. Chemo Cruisers Ports of Call List
1. Marsha is done with surgery and chemo and will move on to tamoxifen for 5 years. Will be busy with close follow-up screening for the next few months. No recon is the forseeable future.
2. Twink is done with chemo, bilateral mastectomy is set for June 6th, Trip Neg so no follow on therapy. Next appointment with the oncologist on July 19th when the pathology report from surgery will be reviewed. Here's hoping for a negative SNB result!
3. Hillary is done with surgery (lumpectomy and SNB) and chemo and will move on to radiation for 8 weeks starting in mid-June. Although triple neg, might go on to tamoxifen because of LCIS in "good" breast. Will also be closely followed. Haven't ruled out bilat and reconstruction in the future.
4. Catherine is done with surgery (bilat mast, Jan 10th), with the "hard core" chemo, and will continue Avastin alone until December (once every 3 weeks, 15mg/kg) with a heart echography (US) every 3 months and regular blood test+urine analysis (for the study). No rads, no reconstruction, will get on Tamoxifen for a year (since "peri" menopausal), then to Arimidex (once "officially" menopaused)... hopefully these treatments will not trigger long posts about bad side effects...
5. Jan (wildabouthorses) Is done with two lumpectomies (one each breast with one side SND done), did only one dose of chemo(quit AC chemo due to side effects was borderline on needing it anyway), did 33 days of radiation with 8 of them being boosts finished May 2nd. All open sores are healed up and able to wear a bra again. Get a 4 week rest before starting Tamoxifin on June 5th, see rads doc that day for a check up. Had check up with BS May 17th, genetic test results not in yet. See the BS August 17th for another check up then a mammogram November 20th. Things could change if I do have the cancer gene...a masectomy would be in the future for both breasts. If that happens I don't want to have reconstruction.
6. Terry is done with surgery (lumpectomy w/ SNB 12/28/06). Will be done with 10 TCH chemo treatments on 6/21/07. Then expect to start rads mid July. Herceptin infusions until Feb 08. Considering breast reduction on "good" breast for symmetry. See breast surgeon 6/1 for check up, rads onc on 6/6 for more info on upcoming rads. Will be taking Femara for 5 years.
7. Phyl is done with surgery Jan 16 (Left mast) and chemo. On to rads - simulation May 29 - probably start early June. 5 years Femara. PS consult July 5th - Prophy right mast and reconstruction probably late fall/winter - not sure of the direction.0 -
Hi all - just checking in after my second to last visit to the bar yesterday. Uneventful taxol infusion - caught a nap due to the benadryl. My WBCs were double the the high end so I don't need to come in today for Neulasta - did get Aranesp due to low hemoglobin counts.
Hillary - glad to hear the DH is okay. Wednesday was just one those nights, as my DH came home sick with either food poisoning or stomach flu. So I told the onc that I could get sick and he said if so I will have to come in for IV fluids to keep hydrated. I hope I can avoid it - maybe all my high WBC will ward it off because that is the last thing I need!
I did get a the Efferex prescription for night sweats and it worked great last night. I asked about Ambien for insomnia, but onc was hesitant and wanted me to try Ativan first. So last night I slept okay. Now I am just waiting for the taxol aches to kick in tomorrow.
Question for those of you who have ports for chemo, how soon will you have them removed? I want mine out as soon as possible, but I am not sure when that typically is.
I wish you all a happy holiday weekend!
Steph0 -
Feb. Chemo Cruisers Ports of Call List
1. Marsha is done with surgery and chemo and will move on to tamoxifen for 5 years. Will be busy with close follow-up screening for the next few months. No recon is the forseeable future.
2. Twink is done with chemo, bilateral mastectomy is set for June 6th, Trip Neg so no follow on therapy. Next appointment with the oncologist on July 19th when the pathology report from surgery will be reviewed. Here's hoping for a negative SNB result!
3. Hillary is done with surgery (lumpectomy and SNB) and chemo and will move on to radiation for 8 weeks starting in mid-June. Although triple neg, might go on to tamoxifen because of LCIS in "good" breast. Will also be closely followed. Haven't ruled out bilat and reconstruction in the future.
4. Catherine is done with surgery (bilat mast, Jan 10th), with the "hard core" chemo, and will continue Avastin alone until December (once every 3 weeks, 15mg/kg) with a heart echography (US) every 3 months and regular blood test+urine analysis (for the study). No rads, no reconstruction, will get on Tamoxifen for a year (since "peri" menopausal), then to Arimidex (once "officially" menopaused)... hopefully these treatments will not trigger long posts about bad side effects...
5. Jan (wildabouthorses) Is done with two lumpectomies (one each breast with one side SND done), did only one dose of chemo(quit AC chemo due to side effects was borderline on needing it anyway), did 33 days of radiation with 8 of them being boosts finished May 2nd. All open sores are healed up and able to wear a bra again. Get a 4 week rest before starting Tamoxifin on June 5th, see rads doc that day for a check up. Had check up with BS May 17th, genetic test results not in yet. See the BS August 17th for another check up then a mammogram November 20th. Things could change if I do have the cancer gene...a masectomy would be in the future for both breasts. If that happens I don't want to have reconstruction.
6. Terry is done with surgery (lumpectomy w/ SNB 12/28/06). Will be done with 10 TCH chemo treatments on 6/21/07. Then expect to start rads mid July. Herceptin infusions until Feb 08. Considering breast reduction on "good" breast for symmetry. See breast surgeon 6/1 for check up, rads onc on 6/6 for more info on upcoming rads. Will be taking Femara for 5 years.
7. Phyl is done with surgery Jan 16 (Left mast) and chemo. On to rads - simulation May 29 - probably start early June. 5 years Femara. PS consult July 5th - Prophy right mast and reconstruction probably late fall/winter - not sure of the direction.
8. StephJ is done with surgery (lumpectomy and axillary node removal 1/30) and will be done with chemo on 6/7. Radiation is next - have treatment planning session on 6/25; will begin 7 weeks of radiation treatment in early July. After radiation onto tamoxifen for 5 years.0 -
Love the henna...(blaming the chemo...but I guess that excuse will run it's course pretty soon).
Hugs...0 -
Hello all! Waay too many posts for me to respond to individually, but I am caught up and hope everyone is doing well. Hillary, I'll put up next weeks schedule, the last tx for so many more of us.
Have a safe and relaxing weekend everyone!
Carynn0 -
Feb. Chemo Cruisers Ports of Call List
1. Marsha is done with surgery and chemo and will move on to tamoxifen for 5 years. Will be busy with close follow-up screening for the next few months. No recon is the forseeable future.
2. Twink is done with chemo, bilateral mastectomy is set for June 6th, Trip Neg so no follow on therapy. Next appointment with the oncologist on July 19th when the pathology report from surgery will be reviewed. Here's hoping for a negative SNB result!
3. Hillary is done with surgery (lumpectomy and SNB) and chemo and will move on to radiation for 8 weeks starting in mid-June. Although triple neg, might go on to tamoxifen because of LCIS in "good" breast. Will also be closely followed. Haven't ruled out bilat and reconstruction in the future.
4. Catherine is done with surgery (bilat mast, Jan 10th), with the "hard core" chemo, and will continue Avastin alone until December (once every 3 weeks, 15mg/kg) with a heart echography (US) every 3 months and regular blood test+urine analysis (for the study). No rads, no reconstruction, will get on Tamoxifen for a year (since "peri" menopausal), then to Arimidex (once "officially" menopaused)... hopefully these treatments will not trigger long posts about bad side effects...
5. Jan (wildabouthorses) Is done with two lumpectomies (one each breast with one side SND done), did only one dose of chemo(quit AC chemo due to side effects was borderline on needing it anyway), did 33 days of radiation with 8 of them being boosts finished May 2nd. All open sores are healed up and able to wear a bra again. Get a 4 week rest before starting Tamoxifin on June 5th, see rads doc that day for a check up. Had check up with BS May 17th, genetic test results not in yet. See the BS August 17th for another check up then a mammogram November 20th. Things could change if I do have the cancer gene...a masectomy would be in the future for both breasts. If that happens I don't want to have reconstruction.
6. Terry is done with surgery (lumpectomy w/ SNB 12/28/06). Will be done with 10 TCH chemo treatments on 6/21/07. Then expect to start rads mid July. Herceptin infusions until Feb 08. Considering breast reduction on "good" breast for symmetry. See breast surgeon 6/1 for check up, rads onc on 6/6 for more info on upcoming rads. Will be taking Femara for 5 years.
7. Phyl is done with surgery Jan 16 (Left mast) and chemo. On to rads - simulation May 29 - probably start early June. 5 years Femara. PS consult July 5th - Prophy right mast and reconstruction probably late fall/winter - not sure of the direction.
8. StephJ is done with surgery (lumpectomy and axillary node removal 1/30) and will be done with chemo on 6/7. Radiation is next - have treatment planning session on 6/25; will begin 7 weeks of radiation treatment in early July. After radiation onto tamoxifen for 5 years.
9. Carynn - Last chemo 5/31. Radiation planning session 6/1. Will learn surgery date (lumpectomy) 6/4.0 -
Hello to all you brave cruisers. Lots of graduates. Although I haven't posted in a long time, I have kept up with the crew.
Had mastectomy with tram flap repair in Dec., don't think I'll have the other breast "raised up" to match the operated one, sick of procedures.
Finished A/C 5 weeks ago, started on Tamoxifen last week, got a terrific headache and B/P a little high. Stopped it a few days and going to try it again after the weekend. I'm not sure if the Tamoxifen caused the high blood pressure or the headache. I'm sure going to give it my best try (strongly e/r positive).
Had my mediport out 3 days ago.Yea!!!!! They did it all under local, I didn't even have to have an IV. What a relief to have it out, no big deal getting it out, just a little sore. He went through the same scar to take it out, I think it will be less of a scar than the one to put it in. Now just the follow ups....
Hugs to those still chemo-ing...and congrats to the graduates.......Tracy0 -
1. Marsha is done with surgery and chemo and will move on to tamoxifen for 5 years. Will be busy with close follow-up screening for the next few months. No recon is the forseeable future.
2. Twink is done with chemo, bilateral mastectomy is set for June 6th, Trip Neg so no follow on therapy. Next appointment with the oncologist on July 19th when the pathology report from surgery will be reviewed. Here's hoping for a negative SNB result!
3. Hillary is done with surgery (lumpectomy and SNB) and chemo and will move on to radiation for 8 weeks starting in mid-June. Although triple neg, might go on to tamoxifen because of LCIS in "good" breast. Will also be closely followed. Haven't ruled out bilat and reconstruction in the future.
4. Catherine is done with surgery (bilat mast, Jan 10th), with the "hard core" chemo, and will continue Avastin alone until December (once every 3 weeks, 15mg/kg) with a heart echography (US) every 3 months and regular blood test+urine analysis (for the study). No rads, no reconstruction, will get on Tamoxifen for a year (since "peri" menopausal), then to Arimidex (once "officially" menopaused)... hopefully these treatments will not trigger long posts about bad side effects...
5. Jan (wildabouthorses) Is done with two lumpectomies (one each breast with one side SND done), did only one dose of chemo(quit AC chemo due to side effects was borderline on needing it anyway), did 33 days of radiation with 8 of them being boosts finished May 2nd. All open sores are healed up and able to wear a bra again. Get a 4 week rest before starting Tamoxifin on June 5th, see rads doc that day for a check up. Had check up with BS May 17th, genetic test results not in yet. See the BS August 17th for another check up then a mammogram November 20th. Things could change if I do have the cancer gene...a masectomy would be in the future for both breasts. If that happens I don't want to have reconstruction.
6. Terry is done with surgery (lumpectomy w/ SNB 12/28/06). Will be done with 10 TCH chemo treatments on 6/21/07. Then expect to start rads mid July. Herceptin infusions until Feb 08. Considering breast reduction on "good" breast for symmetry. See breast surgeon 6/1 for check up, rads onc on 6/6 for more info on upcoming rads. Will be taking Femara for 5 years.
7. Phyl is done with surgery Jan 16 (Left mast) and chemo. On to rads - simulation May 29 - probably start early June. 5 years Femara. PS consult July 5th - Prophy right mast and reconstruction probably late fall/winter - not sure of the direction.
8. StephJ is done with surgery (lumpectomy and axillary node removal 1/30) and will be done with chemo on 6/7. Radiation is next - have treatment planning session on 6/25; will begin 7 weeks of radiation treatment in early July. After radiation onto tamoxifen for 5 years.
9. Carynn - Last chemo 5/31. Radiation planning session 6/1. Will learn surgery date (lumpectomy) 6/4.
10. Sammie Kay - Bil. mastectomies on 12/28/06. Finished 12 doses of Taxol. #2 of 4 FAC on 6/5. Will find out after chemo if rads are necessary. Finish FAC on 7/17. Reconstruction to follow chemo and poss. rads.0 -
Steph....I said something to my infusion nurse at my last taxol on Wed about getting the freaking port out and she said I should wait a year. "just in case" CRAP. I'm gonna talk to the onc about it, I have a power port which can be used for scan dyes and the like so we will see.................Marsha
0 -
Good morning!
This last taxol has decided to give me trouble. I've got a lot of bone pain, and finally had to break down and take a pain pill. I'm also having tingling toes (which I assume is neuropathy). Fortunately, nothing in the hands. I am intensely looking forward to not feeling crappy!
My dh seems to be fully recovered and has resumed his job of taking care of me and ds. He has done all of this without complaining. I can't wait to be well enough to take on my share of house- and child-care work.
Congrats to all my fellow chemo grads: Phyl, Caterhine, Marsha, Theresa, Twink and anyone else I missed!
Marsha -- How is your friend Tina?
Karen -- Love the Henna!
Steph -- Glad that the efferex prescription is working, both for the night sweats and the insomnia. Only one more chemo for you!
Belinda and Tracy -- So nice to hear from both of you! Please post more often so we know how you are doing ...
Alyson, Terry, and SammieKay -- Hang in there ... we'll stick around to see you through to your last chemo.
SammieKay -- I hope that are drinking, drinking, drinking fluids. It's especially important given that you are probably now going through a Texas summer.
-- Hillary0 -
Hillary, I am with you with the joint-muscle-bone pain from head to ankles... I take a claritine in the morning (10mg/24h) and advil as needed, and that gets me through the day... I nevertheless walk my doggy as usual but feel a bit weak in my legs... well... as you say, comes next week, we should already feel less crappy (sp?)... I think I lost the rest of my eyelashes... my head is as bald as ever (less tanned than Marsha's...), I think the Abraxane did not help on that front... but it will soon start growing back... hopefully
A nice week-end to you all,
Catherine0 -
Hello All,
Wow.... there is certanly a lot going on these days!
Congrats to all you Ladies who have reached the end of Chemo.... Keep strong everyone who is still on the cruise.
- Leah, so sorry to hear about your friend. But glad to hear that you are doing well.
- Hillary, that was such a scare for you and your husband. I am glad they found out what was wrong with him.
- Loved the henna tattoo.
- Marsha, I hope your friend Tina is doing well?
I am over week one of the Tamoxifen (1 1/2 weeks actually) and the first week I had a lot of leg cramps and did not sleep well. I went to yoga class and found that helped ease the aches (not sure why?) Sleeping a bit better now, aches are not as constant or bad. No major hot flashes, a couple of what I would call very warm spells. I continue to take 2 tums before I take the baby aspirin, eat a piece of bread or something with it, drink water and then take the Tamoxifen. I take the tums as I find that the aspirin gives me heart burn if I don't.
My two boys are finished school for the summer, so I am looking forward to spending time with them and having a fun summer.
Best wishes to you all.........
Cheers for now.
G.I. jel.0 -
I G.I. Jel... thanks for coming here to give us some news... Tamoxifen is next for quite a few of us here... so definitely interested in the SE's...
Enjoy your summer and wishing you minimal discomfort from tamoxifen...
Take care,
CatherineH0 -
Good evening all,
Hope everyone is having a great holiday weekend.
Congrats to all of you finishing up your chemo. What an accomplisment. A friend of mine who finished chemo and rads recently says she feels so proud of herself. As if she completed a marathon. Absolutely!!
I am feeling better. I started rinsing my mouth with salt water and it is about healed after 24 hours. I am using the Biotene toothpaste and mouthwash, but still had sores on my tongue. The salt water is like a miracle. Maybe they would have subsided anyway, but I am glad however it came about.LOL
I worked about 7 hours on Fri. and it was good to feel "normal" for a few hours. Today I tired. I am tired of feeling tired if that makes sense. I want to feel like doing something. I have lots of movies to watch. I did start back on my Lexapro. I had just stopped taking it soon before my BC dx. But lately seem to not be finding any joy in anything. Decided the lymphedema thing was just the last straw.
Hillary, hope you are feeling better. You have really had to battle side effects. Maybe that means the chemo is really, really working on you. Question-I was wondering if drinking alot of water and washing the chemo out would be a good thing or a bad thing. Don't we want the chemo in our bodies to fight the chemo?
Marsha, what a cute picture. You look really pretty.
Catherine, I hope you are feeling better. Hug your puppies for me. Our cat has had 2 seizures today. She has had them before, but it has been 4 years since the last one. We are medicating her with phenobarbital and watching her closely.
Have a good weekend all. Love to all of you. Sammie Kay0 -
SammieKay, sorry to read that you've been feeling down. Feeling tired is not an uplifting thing, indeed... The painful tongue was my main complaint throughout the chemo... still now... like you, I thought the salt+baking soda water was great, soothing, and I am still doing it (this may become part of my daily routine from now on, it feels so good after the rinsing). The merit of drinking a lot was to prevent the red stuff to burn our bladder by staying there too long... by drinking a lot, you ensure you'll go to the bathroom often... I am not sure it means it is all flushed out if they say the effects remain for 50 days...???
You want to make sure you are not depleting your potassium and minerals, though, so think high potassium drinks (orange juice)...
I keep an eye on my arm, too, since I am at risk for lymphedema from the 5 axillary nodes removed (on top of the 6 SN)... I can feel the cording every once in a while and try to stretch as often as I can think of it... my left side is building fluid again, and I do not know why (I do not lift anything heavy...)... the onc did not seem concerned...
I hope your cat is OK. It is almost 10pm here, and Toby and Zoe are pooped... they play so hard all day long, comes 8 they are dead... with big smiles on their faces... I hug them hundreds of time a day, DH does too, so there is no deficit of kisses and snuggling around here. We are so glad we have them, those pooches...
It must be hot already where you are... do you go and sit by the sea, any sailing at all? This is always such a soothing sight and music...
Well, I stop my short visit here, need to go back to work for a little while, although I'd rather go read in bed...
A big hug to you, dear friend, don't let the turkeys get you down... hang in there, you'll be through soon... we'll keep you company...
Take care,
CatherineH0 -
All:
I am 9 weeks post chemo, so I thought I would show you what the hair looks like! I have not worn a wig for the past week, (home with surgery) and I love the feel. Not ready to go out without anything, but it feels so good to rub!
Of course, if I have to do more chemo later, I will lose it again, but them's the breaks.
Eyelashes and eyebrows come back like gangbusters!
Also, I found this website that another group who went before us spoke about in their posts, and it is pretty accurate and so encouraging. http://abovetheclouds.photosite.com/Album1/
the password is "bcsisters". Enjoy... you are all beautiful now, and the return of hair will make you a little more so!
Love, Leah0 -
Catherine, another good source of potassium is a banana. We usually stop and buy a banana if we are getting too hot on the bike during the summer.
Leah I think we are about at the same stage with our hair coming back but mine stands up like a crew cut and yours looks a little longer!I had my one dose of chemo on Feburary 15th Mine is mixed white and black hairs.If you look at the front of my head in the pic you can get an idea as to the length. Also found hair is growing back in the pubic area!
0 -
Yes, in the "ahem" area (as Carynn called it), definitely peach fuzzy again! Just like when we were young, but it seems to be mush faster than when we were teens!
0 -
Happy Memorial Day!
Marsha You look awesome in the picture! But I did have to laugh when I saw it, cuz - great minds, if you will. Last time I was at the Oncs DH asked if they had any issues if we brought in a camera to take pix of the last one. I do digital scrap booking and have decided that I just may need to document the year I was bald. Anyway, I will be posting my last chemo pix next week.
Jel It was really nice to hear from you! So glad you are doing well.
SammieKay As for the amount of water, Ive always been told its a good thing to drink as much as you can. I believe, as I think someone else mentioned was that aa big part of what youre doing is flushing the toxins from your kidneys. I know from my RA infusions, that the extra water also helps your liver to process out the drug as well. I hope you are feeling like yourself today and enjoy the weekend.
Catherine It sounds like you are doing way more translation work than cooking! Are you back in the kitchen yet? I mentioned before that Im back at work pretty much full time. I had a day of extreme fatigue one day last week and came home early. I almost felt guilty! Then I remembered, hey, Im going thru chemo! I think its pretty darn good how many hours Im putting in these days.
Leah I have hair envy! Im about ready to officially change the description of my hair from peach fuzz to stubble, but honestly, if someone came to the door and caught me without a head cover, they would just think I was bald. Unless this last tx knocks out the rest of my hair, mine definitely has started to return during Taxol. Ive starting wearing mascara again on my poor thin eyelashes, and while my brows are terribly thin, still there and do provide a nice line to follow for fill ins. Hopefully in the next two weeks I wont be whining that Ive lost it all. BTW
I see you in front of the computer in that pix! Hopefully you werent checking in on work.
Jan Im jealous of your crew cut too! Thought of you yesterday. We live down the street from a local Harley dealer who recently put up a bigger / better facility across the street from their original location. This place is unbelievable! It is over 47,000 sq ft and includes an awesome museum of bikes starting from (I think) 1903. Although we dont own a bike, DH had one when we first got married. Hes a big Gold Wing fan; I would own nothing short of a Harley. Anyway, cruised around the new showroom, took the museum tour, picked up two new Harley shirts, and checked out the band (yes, they have bbq, a band, a bike wash, etc at least once a month). A good time was had by all. We went to Chuys afterward for a few margaritas, and then I was done for the day!
Big ol lazy day for us today. While we remember the meaning of the day, DH and I take in the Indy 500, followed by the Coca-Cola 600. Yup, 1100 miles of racing to watch it doesnt get any better than that! Enjoy your day all!
Hugs,
Carynn0 -
Good afternoon!
Carynn -- It sounds like you have a great weekend planned! Sort of like a pre-celebration before your last chemo ...
Jan -- Your hair is coming in the same color mine will be. Right now, all I can see is white fuzz. Keep updating us, so we know what to look forward to ...
Leah -- I'm jealous of your dark hair! I'm afraid that mine is going to be more white than black ...
Catherine -- I agree with Carynn: we need you to spend more time with cooking and less with working! I can't wait until I'm feeling well enough to cook. As I'm not planning on going back to work until September, I'll actually have time to cook this summer! I'm already dreaming up some of the meals. It will also be nice to have over the friends that have helped during the chemo process.
SammieKay -- I don't think that I have more side effects than most. Instead, I think that I just complain about them more - LOL! I am actually thrilled to have gotten through chemo with as few side effects as I did get! But, I totally understand how you feel -- tired of feeling tired. I'm right there with you ...
G.I. Jel -- Why do you take the tums and aspirin with the tamoxifen? Is something your onc suggested?
Marsha -- How are you doing with your last taxol? Aren't you glad that you convinced them to do dose-dense to get it over with faster?
OK, I said that I'd let you all know. It is official, I have no eyebrows or eyelashes!
Hugs to all,
Hillary0 -
Carynn,
I was working, and unfortunately the incision under the armpit has hurt a lot more since I have been typing than when I was lazing on the deck! Darn.0 -
Wow Carynn ... sharp eyes about Leah's photo!
Leah, obviously you need to laze around more on the deck!!
-- Hillary0 -
OMG Carynn that is huge even for a Harley shop!
0 -
1. Marsha is done with surgery and chemo and will move on to tamoxifen for 5 years. Will be busy with close follow-up screening for the next few months. No recon is the forseeable future.
2. Twink is done with chemo, bilateral mastectomy is set for June 6th, Trip Neg so no follow on therapy. Next appointment with the oncologist on July 19th when the pathology report from surgery will be reviewed. Here's hoping for a negative SNB result!
3. Hillary is done with surgery (lumpectomy and SNB) and chemo and will move on to radiation for 8 weeks starting in mid-June. Although triple neg, might go on to tamoxifen because of LCIS in "good" breast. Will also be closely followed. Haven't ruled out bilat and reconstruction in the future.
4. Catherine is done with surgery (bilat mast, Jan 10th), with the "hard core" chemo, and will continue Avastin alone until December (once every 3 weeks, 15mg/kg) with a heart echography (US) every 3 months and regular blood test+urine analysis (for the study). No rads, no reconstruction, will get on Tamoxifen for a year (since "peri" menopausal), then to Arimidex (once "officially" menopaused)... hopefully these treatments will not trigger long posts about bad side effects...
5. Jan (wildabouthorses) Is done with two lumpectomies (one each breast with one side SND done), did only one dose of chemo(quit AC chemo due to side effects was borderline on needing it anyway), did 33 days of radiation with 8 of them being boosts finished May 2nd. All open sores are healed up and able to wear a bra again. Get a 4 week rest before starting Tamoxifin on June 5th, see rads doc that day for a check up. Had check up with BS May 17th, genetic test results not in yet. See the BS August 17th for another check up then a mammogram November 20th. Things could change if I do have the cancer gene...a masectomy would be in the future for both breasts. If that happens I don't want to have reconstruction.
6. Terry is done with surgery (lumpectomy w/ SNB 12/28/06). Will be done with 10 TCH chemo treatments on 6/21/07. Then expect to start rads mid July. Herceptin infusions until Feb 08. Considering breast reduction on "good" breast for symmetry. See breast surgeon 6/1 for check up, rads onc on 6/6 for more info on upcoming rads. Will be taking Femara for 5 years.
7. Phyl is done with surgery Jan 16 (Left mast) and chemo. On to rads - simulation May 29 - probably start early June. 5 years Femara. PS consult July 5th - Prophy right mast and reconstruction probably late fall/winter - not sure of the direction.
8. StephJ is done with surgery (lumpectomy and axillary node removal 1/30) and will be done with chemo on 6/7. Radiation is next - have treatment planning session on 6/25; will begin 7 weeks of radiation treatment in early July. After radiation onto tamoxifen for 5 years.
9. Carynn - Last chemo 5/31. Radiation planning session 6/1. Will learn surgery date (lumpectomy) 6/4.
10. Sammie Kay - Bil. mastectomies on 12/28/06. Finished 12 doses of Taxol. #2 of 4 FAC on 6/5. Will find out after chemo if rads are necessary. Finish FAC on 7/17. Reconstruction to follow chemo and poss. rads.
11. Vegas - Bilateral mastectomies on 12/11/2006 with one step alloderm reconstruction. Finished 4 doses of AC end of March 2007. Don't need radiation. Port coming out June 8, 2007. Started 5 years of Femara May 15th 2007. Debating whether to have nipple reconstruction and tattoo on left side - tired of "procedures" but may change my mind later.0 -
Marsha, great idea starting the "chain" post so everyone can keep up with each other!
Leah, I finished right about the same time you did, I think (March 25th) and my hair looks very similar but not quite as long and just a bit lighter. Feels like puppy dog fur and hopefully will get a bit thicker as time goes on!
Steph and Marsha - I am having my port removed on June 8th - happy dance!! They are just going to use a local, which I am kind of afraid of, but they did say it was over quickly and much easier to take out than put in. I plan on taking both valium and vicodin ahead of time, just in case!0 -
Carynn --
I'm confused about something. How can they do radiation planning before your lumpectomy? The lumpectomy will change the shape of your breast somewhat. I think that would affect the radiation calculations.
-- Hillary0
Categories
Join Us on Zoom: Upcoming virtual meetups. Read more...
Give your account some personality! Add a profile photo.