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Anyone starting Chemo in Feb?

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Comments

  • NarberthMom
    NarberthMom Member Posts: 382
    edited May 2007
    Melanie --

    Congrats on being done!

    -- Hillary
  • steph_j
    steph_j Member Posts: 35
    edited May 2007
    Hi all - just checking in after the holiday weekend. I have enjoyed catching up on the posts from the past few days, as I spent all three days primarily in bed with aches and fatigue after taxol #3 on Thursday. I can say that the aches were not as bad since I did not get Neulasta, however, the fatigue is increasing as expected. I made it into work on Tues. for half a day and I am here today, but still feeling kind of tired. Tomorrow I meet with the PA for my off-week check-up, so we’ll see how things turn out regarding my counts. Marsha – I’ll have to let you know when they say I can get rid of this port – all I know is that it is coming out if I have a say-so. There is no way that I want it in for any extended amount of time.

    Last night I went to a support group where this physician presented on "integrated therapies" which basically means holistic treatments that complement traditional treatments. He had a lot of good information about nutrition and dietary changes that will enhance the body's ability to fight cancer, as well as, help traditional treatments work more effectively. In brief the 5 key strategies he discussed were: 1) modifying the diet; 2) detoxifying the body; 3) correcting nutritional deficiencies; 4) stimulating the immune system; and 5) making lifestyle changes (exercise, stress reduction, etc). I am seriously considering looking into some complementary treatments once I am done with chemotherapy, as I want to make some proactive lifestyle changes. Minimally, I want to do some detoxification, and like Hillary, I want to really get back into exercising. I just want to do whatever it takes to get healthy and stay healthy!

    I agree that it would be great if we keep checking in even after each of us takes our final bar drinks. I especially enjoy seeing the new hair photos and hearing stories of how everyone is moving on and getting on with life.

    Steph
  • wildabouthorses
    wildabouthorses Member Posts: 458
    edited May 2007
    I think Marsha is rubbing off on me...

    I think I shocked my hubby's wound doc today. When he asked how I was doing I said "Okay" and then whipped off my head scarf to show him my head and I said "I have more hair than my hubby now!" Looks like a salt and pepper crew cut! He didn't know what to say... then I started laughing and he did too. Doesn't this sound like something Marsha would do?

    We had good news for a change, my hubby's pressure sore on his heel is healed up finally, no more seeing this doc! He's had this sore since it developed last June while waiting a week to have surgery on his broken leg. He had come very close to loosing his foot due to this sore nearly getting to the bone by the time he was sent to the wound doc!
  • tropicmom
    tropicmom Member Posts: 16
    edited May 2007
    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.

    12. Melanie finished chemo yesterday (5-29). Had my Muga also...exactly the same as when I started! No rads, no follow up drugs as I am Triple Neg. 2 lumpectomies in 2004, last one Nov 2006, blilat Jan 3rd, 2007. Now I am scheduled to do the One step alloderm reconstruction with Dr. Salzberg on July 13th! Will most likely have a bone/ct scan before that...just to make sure. Also thinking seriously about a hysterectomy now.

    13. Tropicmom: Haven't been around for a while. Lumpectomy and node dissection in Jan. After 9 weekly tx of Herceptin/Navelbine, had scans redone to find mets reduced more than 50% to less than 5mm. Happy Dance! Onc now says that "forever" chemo will be done in August! More dancing. After that will be herceptin for 3 weeks on, one week off, and tamoxifen five years.
  • lightphoto
    lightphoto Member Posts: 60
    edited May 2007
    Congrats to those that are finishing the chemo cruise. It sure is nice to know that we can finally make another step toward healing instead of getting beat down by side effects. Theresa is gaining much strength each day now, a week after last tx. It is to the point now that she even baked a delicious raspberry pie. MMMMMgood. I do need to keep after her not to try to do too much. She does not need anymore infections or injuries.
    She will not be returning to work for quite some time. She still is dealing with a wound from where the incision from last surgery tore open. Her work at the assisted living home is too risky for this situation. We will meet with ps on Friday to see what is next in the reconstruction phase.
  • talbrig13
    talbrig13 Member Posts: 358
    edited May 2007
    Hi FCCers...spent alot of time reading up today....wish I could remember everyone's posts to respond, but alas, my chemo brain cannot handle it.

    Had TCH #8 on Thursday. Was pretty queasy on Friday, Saturday and most of Sunday. I think I slept all day Saturday. But did manage to sit thru my daughter's dance recital Sat eve.

    I am on vacation this week. today was the first I really felt good...sooo, I washed all the windows. I have been feeling a little light headed too...so I have been drinking, thinking maybe I was getting dehydrated.

    Hubby helped me plant the garden on Monday...cukes, zucchini, spaghetti squash, peppers, tomatoes(red, yellow, striped, cherry, grape and yellow pear), lettuce, spinach, snow peas. I can't wait for a fresh tomato!

    Catherine, my miniature roses are covered in buds and should start blooming within the week. I cut them every Monday and take a bouquet for each of my girls at work for their desks. They last about a week there and the cutting forces more blooms. Roses are my favorite flower. Sounds like your garden is beautiful.

    Yesterday, I sat on my patio in the cool breeze for several hours and just watched & listened to the birds. Saw a red headed woodpecker, chickadees,...I am looking for an indigo bunting. haven't seen it yet though.

    Go see the breast surgeon on Friday and intend to ask about breast reduction options on my "good" breast. Will keep you posted.

    About gifts for chemo nurses....would you get them a gift at the end of official chemo, or at the end of Herceptin, which wouldn't be until February for me????

    Hope everyone is feeling well. Leah...you are my hero. Keep up your great spirits.

    Talk to you all soon,
  • vegas
    vegas Member Posts: 151
    edited May 2007
    I never know where to start answering everyone's posts! I read all of them and then my chemo brain kicks in and I forget who all I wanted to answer. Sigh.... oh well, just know I am thinking of all of you and hoping you are doing well tonight!

    Catherine, your story of the Normandy beaches made tears come to my eyes, that is the kind of thing we should be putting in the newspapers! And yes, I got your links and now have a French tape in my car for when I am driving by myself just to listen to!!

    Melanie, I am so happy for you and that you will soon be seeing Dr Salzberg in New York! Any time you want to talk about the surgery I am so happy to do so. I understand that at the FORCE conference he was surrounded in one of the hotel rooms by his adoring patients and started doing post op check ups like it was the most normal thing in the world. You are in such good hands there.

    Leah, great news about your path report being better than expected. Sorry you may have to do more chemo though. But you definitely have to work around the Italy trip - love Italy and would go back in a heart beat! Are you going to Pompeii? That was one of my favorite stops.

    Alyson, cranberries yum! I have a great recipe for cranberry muffins - I will dig it out and send it to you.

    Marsha - you should get that port out if you want to - you are in control of whether or not that happens as long as you stamp your foot and whine loud enough!! My onc originally said a year too, and I said bull-oney!

    Carynn, good luck and congrats on the LAST CHEMO tomorrow! Happy dance time!

    Hillary, can you imagine your DS reaction if your wig did blow off?!! They are so sensitive at that age to everything. He's lucky you are such an understanding mom who has such a good hat.

    Horsegal, I had this wild vision of you leaning over dangling by one leg from the saddle as you snatched your wig from the ground in a daredevil stunt act like they do in the circus! Take that Barnum and Bailey! You'll have to practice that so that when I come to Columbus next June I can watch and take pics. I saw on another post that you live in Columbus and we usually go there in June(except this one because of my chemo) for a golf tournament my DH is in with his brother at the Muirfield Country Club.

    Phyl, I have been considering doing nipple recon and then tattooing on the areolas. Does tattooing hurt a lot?

    Scott, glad Theresa is feeling better and what a wonderful husband you are to her.

    Karen, the hair definitely started in very sparse and then just kind of keeps filling in little by little. I fell like GI Jane right now. It's still so short it's hard to say if it will be straight or curly, but I am so hoping for thick!
  • vegas
    vegas Member Posts: 151
    edited May 2007
    Now that everyone is nearing this part of the journey, I want to know how many of your onc's warned you about "chemo crash." This is the depression that sets in after you finish your treatments. I was wondering why, when so much of the bad stuff is behind me, I was feeling blue and just had no enthusiasm for anything.

    That is totally unlike me - even during surgery and chemo I mostly managed to keep my sense of humor. But now I find out from some of my forum friends that this is quite common and that many of them have seen therapists to get through it. From what I gather, we are so busy surviving after our diagnosis, that we have no real time to grieve until the treatments are done. Does this sound familiar to anyone else?
  • ErinsGram
    ErinsGram Member Posts: 150
    edited May 2007
    Melanie - congrats on the final bar trip.

    Carynn - hugs to you today. Enjoy!

    Vegas - my tattoos are above the shoulder blades and it was uncomfortable but the first 10-15 minutes (of an hour and a half) was the worst, then you become mentally 'adjusted' to it. However, I believe the areola tattooing is painless as the area has little or no feeling at least at that point.

    Jan - glad the sore finally healed. Did they use the bariatric chamber thru the process? How's that bike (trike) modification coming? Can't wait to see the pics. I showed your previous photos to my DH - told him he could do that for me for my next b'day. Yeah, right!

    Terry - better guard that garden when those veggies are ready - I could be a veggie thief. Sounds like a wonderful salad. I did container veggies this year - one of my tomato plants has 6 tomatoes on - the largest is about 1 1/2 inches. Won't be long with this heat and warm nights. Can't wait.

    Hair is getting much more dense on top and back. Sides are still fuzzy and sparse. Starting to feel like I'm gonna end up with a wide mohawk. Argh!

    Hugs to all!
    Phyl
  • leahrc
    leahrc Member Posts: 384
    edited May 2007
    Vegas,
    It is pretty well documented that this depression happens... when you are in treatment, you are actively doing something to fight the disease and it is really all consuming. When you are 'done', you try to revert to your previous life, which you can never do. But you don't have a "new normal" yet. Please go easy on yourself, and know that this is the next phase.
    I did start therapy just as I was finishing the first chemo, because I knew that I hadnpt had time to deal with anything about my diagnosis and disease from the minute the tsunami started. It was the right time to do it.
    The issues are just starting to surface, so I assume it will be kind of the same for you, too.
    Much love.
  • vegas
    vegas Member Posts: 151
    edited May 2007
    Phyl, I can relate to the mohawk. I have a definite line about half way down the sides of my head! How weird.

    Leah, tsunami is an apt name for it. I can't say I am totally depressed, just the joie de vivre I usually enjoy is somewhat missing. Kind of a "why am I here and what's the point" feeling. I am sure I will work through it, but it would be nice to get through all this stuff and just get on with really living again. MY DH is somewhat confused by my apathy, poor thing. So I finally told him it was probably the Femara - he does much better relating to a physical problem than an emotional one.

    I did go ahead and book a cruise for early November (the real kind of cruise where the drinks at the bar have little umbrellas in them!) just to have something fun to look forward to. Everyone is invited to come. It's a nine day Southern Caribbean on the Norwegian Pearl setting sail on November the 4th from Miami. I figure the hair will be long enough to spike by then!

    I am going to try and also plan some short trips this summer. Again figuring if I give myself enough to look forward to, I will gradually ease out of the funk. Maybe I need some spa time too!

    Vegas - trying to retain a sense of humor about depression as well as everything else! Yikes!
  • marshakb
    marshakb Member Posts: 796
    edited May 2007
    hummmmmm, end of chemo depression. Just hard to imagine, but everything else was hard to imagine also. I find myself with a kind of melancoly (sp?) feeling. Sometimes just staring off into space, not really thinking about anything in particular. Even in a group of people I find myself doing it. My friends don't even comment on it anymore. Just continue the conversation knowing I will pop back into it eventually. Very unusual for them as they are use to me being the life of the party. Oh well. I do find myself filling up the calender like tomorrow may never come.

    Phyl.....I am not surprised to learn you have tattoos on both shoulders. I had a feeling there was a HUGE free spirit behind your posts!

    Jan, TOO FUNNY. I am so proud of you. LOL Glad to hear hubby is doing better and I too want to see pix of that trike!

    Love to all, have a great day............Marsha
  • wildabouthorses
    wildabouthorses Member Posts: 458
    edited May 2007
    Quote from Erinsgram Jan - glad the sore finally healed. Did they use the bariatric chamber thru the process? How's that bike (trike) modification coming? Can't wait to see the pics. I showed your previous photos to my DH - told him he could do that for me for my next b'day. Yeah, right!

    The doc had a chamber there at his office but never said anything about using it for his heel. What they did use was a portable wound vac device that he wore 24 hours a day for nearly a month. It sucked on the heel wound and it actually helped bring the wound up closer to the skin surface as it healed.

    We might have the trike by this weekend if everything goes right! Looking on the internet it looks like we saved around $6,000 by buying a used 05 Goldwing and triking it out with a 07 trike kit versus a brand new 07 Goldwing with 07 trike kit! Lot of the Goldwingers put a stuffed animal on their trunk's rack to get laughs and smiles. I found this cutie on ebay and am going to put it on ours! Its made with real rabbit fur...I'm sure it will bring some smiles on the road once they realize its not a real kitty that accidently jumped up on the bike and is riding down the road! Maybe I should tie a pink ribbon on it or put one between its front paws like its playing with it.

    image
  • wildabouthorses
    wildabouthorses Member Posts: 458
    edited May 2007

    I felt a bit of a let down when I finished rads. It feels like you are done but pushed back out into the real world left alone to handle the new "normal" that came with having breast cancer. At least while with the rads tech I felt like there was someone on my side helping me get rid of this monster!

  • twink
    twink Member Posts: 550
    edited May 2007
    Vegas...I definitely can relate. I'm having a terrible time this week...on the verge of tears actually most days. I've had family visiting and that just seems to magnify my melancholy (note spelling Marsha..hehe). I am nervous about my surgery next week but mostly I'm feeling so depressed at the thought of the BC coming back. I get no further treatments. Period. End of story. So....I just wait. I am hoping that the fresh pathology report resulting from the surgery will give me some good news...like receptor positive kind of news.

    As for lifestyle changes...I was already pretty fit going into this but have become sedentary this last month or so. I will get back into working out and plan to ramp it up given all the research into the positive effects of strenuous exercise on cancer (and recurrence). As well, I'm working my way to a very low-fat diet (<20% of my daily calories in fat) because that's also been shown to have a remarkably positive result on recurrence rates, especially with triple negative BC. I've taken up yoga but I think my sister talked me into pilates this weekend; I'm looking for stress relief and peace of mind. As for alchohol....I believe enjoying any quantity of drinks is in my past...maybe the odd Friday night treat but I can't imagine not feeling guilty. In fact, just looking at a menu in a restaurant the other day, I could not find a single thing that didn't make me feel guilty...blah.

    The whole damn thing is depressing....doesn't matter how I look at it....
  • CommandoBarbie
    CommandoBarbie Member Posts: 474
    edited May 2007
    Add me to that sweet list! DH took pictures. Once I see how they came out, I'll post some.

    Hugs!
  • Primel
    Primel Member Posts: 652
    edited May 2007
    Congratulations, bravo, Carynn...
    Today (9 days post last chemo), I realize that just when I start feeling less achy and more energetic (therefore upbeat) I am NOT going to be hit on the head again... now, this is a nice feeling... Welcome to the club of the "almost done"...

    I had a heart echography this afternoon, still as good as new: ejection fraction remained where it was, 70-73% out of 75 for the top of the normal range which is 55-75... not bad for a housewife above 50 ("la ménagère de plus de 50 ans", as the marketing people label us in France... for TV audience, buying habits, etc... !!!). I am glad about this...
    I'll visit more next week with pictures and recipies, but I have 10 pages left... due for tomorrow... no more grace period... 3 weeks with 8 hours at the keyboard/day with no break... is this back to new normal or old normal...hummm?

    Big hugs to all of you dear friends, especially those with a bout of chemoblues...
    CatherineH
  • CommandoBarbie
    CommandoBarbie Member Posts: 474
    edited May 2007
    I have a few more, but I wont bore you with the details:) Have a great nite all!

    image

    image
  • Primel
    Primel Member Posts: 652
    edited May 2007
    Great pics, Carynn, you sure look happy to be done with this part...
    Have a restful night,
    CatherineH
  • leahrc
    leahrc Member Posts: 384
    edited June 2007
    Carynn, You are so exquisitely beautiful! I am so happy for you!
    Love, Leah
  • NarberthMom
    NarberthMom Member Posts: 382
    edited June 2007
    Carynn -- Welcome to the club!

    Today I go to get a diagnostic mammogram, ordered by my rads onc prior to the CT scan. I'm guessing it's to map the marking pins left in by the breast surgeon. It's probably the last time in my life that I won't be worried about going to get a mammogram!

    -- Hillary
  • marshakb
    marshakb Member Posts: 796
    edited June 2007
    Congrats Carynn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wow doesn't that feel great? You are absolutely freaking beautiful girlfriend and that smile equals the one I wore just a week ago.

    I keep forgetting so many are having surgery AFTER chemo. Will be very anxious to hear from everyone as you finish up the little details. LOL

    Love to all, Marsha
  • marshakb
    marshakb Member Posts: 796
    edited June 2007

    Twink honey, try not to be obsessive with the whole bc. I have had the same type thoughts as you, but decide it's just a crapshoot anyway and I will not allow bc to control my life. All the things you mentioned did not cause your cancer cause if it did, everyone would have it. Make changes yes, but try not to go overboard. Life is to be enjoyed! Love ya, Marsha

  • NarberthMom
    NarberthMom Member Posts: 382
    edited June 2007

    Well said, Marsha!

  • wildabouthorses
    wildabouthorses Member Posts: 458
    edited June 2007

    Carynn thanks for sharing the pics, you are a pretty lady and what a beautiful smile!

  • swimmingmom
    swimmingmom Member Posts: 121
    edited June 2007
    I am done, I'm done I'm done, I'm done, I am really, really done.!!

    Yahoooooooooooooooooo!

    What a wonderful day. My benefit is tomorrow and it should be fun.

    Karen
  • swimmingmom
    swimmingmom Member Posts: 121
    edited June 2007
    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.

    12. Melanie finished chemo yesterday (5-29). Had my Muga also...exactly the same as when I started! No rads, no follow up drugs as I am Triple Neg. 2 lumpectomies in 2004, last one Nov 2006, blilat Jan 3rd, 2007. Now I am scheduled to do the One step alloderm reconstruction with Dr. Salzberg on July 13th! Will most likely have a bone/ct scan before that...just to make sure. Also thinking seriously about a hysterectomy now.

    13. Tropicmom: Haven't been around for a while. Lumpectomy and node dissection in Jan. After 9 weekly tx of Herceptin/Navelbine, had scans redone to find mets reduced more than 50% to less than 5mm. Happy Dance! Onc now says that "forever" chemo will be done in August! More dancing. After that will be herceptin for 3 weeks on, one week off, and tamoxifen five years.

    14. Swimming mom (Karen) I finished chemo today, June 1st. Dx in Dec, surgery-lumpectomy in Jan and started dose dense chemo in Feb. Had four AC, one taxol and three abraxane. Have an apt with radiation onc on June 4th. Should start rads, 6 weeks, late June or early July. Then five years of hormone treatment.
  • Primel
    Primel Member Posts: 652
    edited June 2007
    Great, Karen, enjoy...!!!
    CatherineH
  • swimmingmom
    swimmingmom Member Posts: 121
    edited June 2007
    Catherine, I forgot to mention I am going on neurontin for the numbness and pain in my hands and feet. I hope it works and I hope it will go away.
    Karen
  • NarberthMom
    NarberthMom Member Posts: 382
    edited June 2007
    Karen -- Congrats on finishing chemo! Let us know how the neurontin affects the numbness and pain.

    Tropicmom -- wonderful news about your mets! I'm doing the happy dance with you!

    For those of us who have finished chemo -- remember that our bodies are still healing from the chemical insult. We still need to gets lots of sleep and take care of ourselves. Or, so says all my docs!

    It seems like a lot of us (though not me, at least not now) have surgery in the future. We should stay together on this board so that we can keep in touch with results, etc.

    I'll try to sort out bar reservations/surgery dates for next week, but if folks could post to remind me, that would be great!

    Hugs,
    Hillary

    P.S. As expected, my mammogram this morning was perfectly normal, with only "abnormalities expected from surgery." I have my CT scan on June 5th. I've been told it's not as bad as an MRI, but you do have to lay still in uncomfortable positions. I'll also be getting my tattoos. I plan on liberal use of ativan to get me through it. My dh will take me to the appointment!