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Anyone starting Chemo in Feb?
Comments
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Karen, I sure hope that you will not have to take this strong medecine too long. As it turns out, I had almost no neuropathy issues after tx 1, very mild tingling and mild numbness (including around the mouth), I took only some advil for the aches and pains in legs and arms. Starting to feel more normal today...
Have a nice evening,
Hugs,
Catherine0 -
Hilary, Even among all of the excitement of being done with chemo, Theresa is slowly accepting the fact that it will take some time to get back to full strength. We (the kids and I)are steady reminding her that it has only been 9 days to this point.
Theresa is now preparing for the upcoming followup appts and the recon surgeries. We expect the process to take most of the summer. She is in good spirits about it all now.
Those upcoming appts are for labs and consults at oncology on the next two Mondays...June 4 and 11.
Have great weekend everyone.
Scott0 -
I have finally decided on the image, after searching many in my library, that I intend to present to our new "friends" at oncology. The intent is to encourage the staff as well as offer hope to those that follow us to their care. The image is of Manistique Harbor Lighthouse in Manistique, Michigan during a violent storm off Lake Michigan. Am I doing the right thing?
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Beautiful picture, Scott, i can't believe this is on a (very big) lake... looks as fierce as in Britanny (English Channel side)...
Standing strong in the storm... isn'it what we are all trying to do here? Whatever people see in this beautifully dynamic shot, art work is always very appreciated in those fairly sterne facilities...
A good week-end to you both (and kids),
Take care,
CatherineH0 -
What an awesome photo Scott. Very appropriate.
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Scott, a safe place in a raging storm? PERFECT it is absoltely beautiful. They will love it! Marsha
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Hi everyone - sorry - I come here too infrequently to be able to keep up with you all! But, I had the third of my 12 weekly taxol and herceptin treatments and all good so far - no serious reactions and compared to EC I am felling like a "box of birds". Even went back to work this week to burn of some excess energy! And, hair growing back - peach fuzz already bursting through, nice and soft. Worried taxol is playing tricks on me and it will all rub off in bed one night.
But is it wonderful to hear how many of you have finished or are nearing finishing. Good luck to everyone with planning for surgery and rads, and handling the post-chemo blues. With a year of herceptin I am hoping that will keep me out of the blues for a while.
warm wishes to you all (and I love the lighthouse!). Belindaxxxx0 -
Belinda-I have just had my 4th of 12 weekly taxol and herceptin. So far no really bad SE. I do feel a little drained and tired but not too bad. I also am seeing my hair slowly growing, hope it stays! I do feel down because I don't seem to have the energy/motivation that I would like. I have to keep reminding myself that it will get better when I'm done with these treatments. It's hard though. I try to just take it one day at a time.
Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend.
Michele0 -
Hi Hillary --
My bilat mastectomy and reconstruction surgery will take place on June 6th. So, please put me down for that joyous event this coming week.0 -
Hi, Twink, so June 6th will be your D-Day... I'll be thinking of you and sending positive vibes for a prompt recovery and a nice bosom you will be pleased with.
Hope the blues dissipated and you have a more upbeat outlook... enjoy this lovely Sunday and tell us how it goes.
Big hugs,
CatherineH0 -
Hi Catherine...thanks for the good wishes. D-Day...as in D cup? If so, I decided to go for the Cs although I may yet change my mind when I see the PS on Tuesday for the 'markup' job. As for blues, I don't think I could get much lower...maybe next week will be better.
Hugs to you.0 -
Twink, good luck to you next week and of course we will all be right there in the OR with you holding your hand and whispering encouragement. Please make arrangements for lots of extra chairs! Hopefully your blues will be better with anticipation of some scrumpdili-icious new boobies. I never had cleavage before and it is kind of nice. As soon as I get rid of this port on Friday the 8th, I am going to go out and buy some "boob shirts." Never could before because if I leaned over you could see all the way down to my naval!
Scott, gorgeous photo and all I can hear in my head is the song "I'm Still Standing." I am sure they will love it at the oncologists.
Tropicmom, I am dancing with Hilary for you! Wonderful wonderful news!!
Carynn, I love your photos and you look so happy! Congrats on being done with this stage and concentrate now on getting strong for your surgery.0 -
Been on Femara now for about three weeks and just two days ago I noticed a couple of aches which turned into downright pain yesterday! Unless I keep myself totally popped up on Ibuprofen I can't walk down the stairs. I was so hoping I would not have a reaction to this med! Even my toes hurt. I could not sleep at all last night, even with an Ambien, which I have not taken since my surgery in December. And suggestions? There is no way I can go thru five years of this. Any idea how much Ibuprofen I can safely take daily regardless of what the bottle says? 0
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I'm sorry you're having problems with the Femara Vegas...hopefully it will abate as you settle into a routine. I have no personal experience here but did google ibuprofen and came up with this: "Yes, you can safely take 400 mg every 4 to 6 hours as necessary for relief of pain. Do not exceed 3200 mg total daily dose. If gastrointestinal complaints occur, administer MOTRIN tablets with meals or milk. "
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Pain-Management-1322/taking-ibuprofen.htm
Also: "Ibuprofen: The usual dose of ibuprofen for adults is 1 tablet (200 mg each) every 4 to 6 hours. You should not take more than 6 tablets in 24 hours. Larger doses should only be taken if they are prescribed by your doctor."
http://www.hospicenet.org/html/nonprescription.html0 -
Tuesday - SammieKay (3rd to last FAC)
Wednesday - Pat (taxol #8), Twink (surgery)
Thursday - Steph (last taxol!), Piper (last!), Terry (2nd to last TCH)
Friday - Belinda, Vegas (port removal)0 -
I was away most of the weekend and just quickly read up on everyone's posts before heading off to work.
Wow! You already have me on Thursday's list...and yes, next to last one!! yeah!
Working 3 days this week, then chemo and then off to Myrtle Beach on Sunday for 5 days.
Will check back later when I have more time!0 -
Tried to quickly read everyones post but not feeling so hot today.
Twink-good luck with surgery. Try hard to pull a bit of yourself out of your funk before surgery if you can. It is known that the mental state effects the physical for surgery. Try some positive inspirational tapes or imagery..... We will all be there cheering you on.
Vegas-sorry to hear about the femara. I hope you can get the pain under control soon. I would talk to to our dr about the max daily dose of advil. It is hard on your liver.
OF course my last dose of abraxane could not be an easy one. I have had horrible finger and toe pain. I am waiting for the neurontin to kick in but that may be a few more days. My biggest fear in all of this is this will be permanent. Not sure I could live with that.
I had my benefit on Saturday. It was so much fun. I can't believe how many people came, the raffles and prizes that were donated. It seemed like everyone had a great time. I am so grateful to my coworkers who did all the work. I wish all of you could have a party like this to see how much people care.
I go to my first apt today with the radiation onc. I little nervous. Especially since I am still really feeling the chemo.
Take care everyone.
Karen0 -
Hi everyone, hope you had a good weekend. I went to Cedar Key to visit with Sheila. Spent Sat. night and came home Sunday. Went out Sat and maybe over did it dancing on my barstool. (bartender made me get down) Spent yesterday afternoon and evening laid up on the couch but it was so worth it!!
Twink, girl, you are going to do fine Wednesday. We are all holding your hand and thinking healing thoughts for you. Karen is right, you do need to try to find something bright and positive to concentrate on. Surgery to me has been the easiest part of this whole thing. ((((((((TWINK)))))))))
Karen, sorry to hear #4 taxol kicked some butt. Did it to me too. Usually by now (day 12) I'm doing great but still have some bone pain. At least it was our last!!!!! The benefit sounds like it went great. Your co-workers are obviously your friends too.
Vegas, that is an AI right? I think I read there are several they can try on you if the SE are just too much. Big hug to you also.
Terry I love Myrtel Beach. AND I love having something to look forward to, don't you?
Tropic, GREAT news on your mets!!
Hillary, wow you are moving to the wild side, tattoos and all. Thanks so much for keeping up with everyone this week. You are such a sweetie.
Catherine, hello earth mother, how are you? Hoping you are surrounding yourself with beautiful flowers, sunshine and happy walks with your doggy.
Hi to Belinda and happy to see you are getting your port removed!! Yippee. Having that same converasation myself with the doc tomorrow.
Everyone have a great day.........Carynn where are you? Put a fork in you, you are done!!! Love, Marsha0 -
Morning All
Have just read through all the posts so this will be a quick note.
It might take longer than I thought as small ginger cat has decided that he wants to help me.
Think I am coming right ar last after having a dose of cold/flu. Thought on Sunday that I was would have to ring the hospital as even though I was on antibiotics, my temperature went up but thankfully it didn't stay there. Feel much brighter this morning.
On Friday DH arrived home bearing more goodies - no not more cranberries - this time strawberries, beautiful, large strawberries from California. They were magnificant, what a wonderful flavour. the company is actually importing them to sell. Often the imported fruit we get is rather tasteless but these were wonderful.
Hope to have a week completing a few jobs around the place before facing taxol 3 (the last) next Thursday 14th.
Best wishes to all those at the bar this week and well done to those who will be there for the last time.
Alyson0 -
Hugs out to SammieKay tomorrow ... How are you doing? I think about you a lot. Drink, drink, drink non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages. When this is all over, we can all raise a virtual glass of wine to toast each other!
-- Hillary0 -
Hi everyone. Yes, Im still here, but its been a crazy week between Drs appointments and work stuff; so, Ive been trying to keep up with everyones posts, but havent had much time to post myself.
I met my Rad Onc on Friday; I really liked her, another straight shooter. In fact, I didnt necessarily like everything that she had to say, but I did like her. So, heres the scoop. I am not a candidate for Mammosite, or any brachytherapy. The reason being, because the tumor was so big, the area where there could be micro cells is also large. Since such a large potion of the breast needs to be radiated, any brachytherapy would be ineffective. The Rad Onc said that sometimes chemo first is a bit of a Catch-22 in her field, because it can be so effective, it can make determining the radiation process more difficult. She said in my case because of the size of the tumor she would have recommended a mastectomy over a lumpectomy. (It wasnt said like she was second guessing the Onc, just giving me her opinion from the Radiation perspective.)
We also talked about my being triple negative and she set me up for BRCA testing. I had originally decided not to be tested as I dont have children, but I guess that something like 75% of triple negs test positive for one of the genes. Because of the increase in chance of ovarian cancer, and that Im adopted, we agreed I would benefit from being tested.
The bottom line of the visit is that right now the game plan looks like this
Lumpectomy in the very near future (learn the date tomorrow), followed by Rads. We will then alternate scans and mammos every 6 months.
So, thats my news for now. Ill let you know what I learn tomorrow. Have a great night or morning!
Carynn0 -
Thursday is my last taxol. Sounds so great. I have the 2nd part of my reconstruction scheduled for sept 27th. No rads though.
Scott and Theresa, the picture is beautiful. yes it sends the right message
Piper0 -
Hi everybody, a bit tired tonight, so I'll post more the coming days... I almost forgot that I need to go back to the bar tomorrow the 5th: avastin alone until... December... just to avoid the post chemo blues...
Marsha, saw your post in Time to circle the wagon (what does that mean exactly, BTW)... entertaining the ladies who need it there... You take care of those achy bones (I was stiff today as if in my 90's...)
You all sleep well, and a nice day to Alyson...
Hugs alll around,
Catherine0 -
Hi all,
Hillary, I will be having #2 FAC tomorrow, June 5.
Just to briefly catch up, I ran a temp of 102.8 on Thurs. I knew my white counts were down on Wed. I think 3.2. I called the onc and he said to take Tylenol and come in Fri. morning. My white counts had dropped to 2.2. He gave me IV antibiotics, Neupogen shot and a script for Levaquin orally. Then Fri. night I had such severe spine pain, even my ribs hurt when I took a deep breath. My hips were bad, I couldn't hardly walk. I was really worried, thinking the cancer was in my bones. The pain pills didn't help that much, but I added ibuprofen and low and behold when I got up Sat. morning the pain was amost gone. Could that have been from the Neupogen shot that quickly or just the bug I had. Anyway, I was able to go to the coast for a two day sailing trip. We had a great time except it was quite windy on Sun and I was tossed around a bit and fell one time and my tailbone is really sore. DH took pictures of me on the boat and I will get them on here soon.
Congrats to all who are finishing chemo.
Carynn, your pictures are beautiful. You looked really, really happy.
Scott, the picture is great. I know they will appreciate it.
Twink, will be thinking of you for your surgery. I know you are glad to be moving forward.
Well, I better get to bed. Have second FAC tomorrow. Last time I was nauseous for 5 days. Hope this one is better. I will try to drink water, but last time the only thing I could drink was Sprite.
Love all of you, Sammie0 -
Catherine...circle the wagons is an old expression from the days of covered wagon trains (group of horse/cow/mule pulled wagons)going west to settle on new lands. They would pull the wagons into a circle shape to protect the people/riders inside the circle when attacked by indians!
Here's some info from the internet...
circle the wagons
to stop communicating with people not in your group to avoid their ideas or beliefs.
A group of people sharing an interest, activity, or achievement...
Etymology: based on the custom of bringing wagons (= vehicles pulled by horses) into a circle when they are being attacked
circle the wagons,
a. (in the early U.S. West) to form the wagons of a covered-wagon train into a circle for defensive purposes, as against Indian attack.
b. Slang. to prepare for an all-out, unaided defensive fight0 -
Twink, I'll be thinking of you tomorrow, as I know you will be thinking of me this afternoon. I'm sure everything will go well. Try and go in there with a smile on your face!
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Twink,
I don't know how much you believe in mind/body connection, but those telling you to concentrate on the surgery and try to get in a happier place might be right. I read this page right before surgery, and found it helpful, especially this paragraph:
"Anyone facing surgery will want to imagine him or herself in the operating room, with everything proceeding beautifully. In one's minds eye at least once daily, imagine the surgeon's operating skillfully while one's own body responds perfectly to all that is required of it. Hold a picture of rapid recovery, comfortable and without bleeding, infection or any complication. Anticipate returning to a normal routine soon afterward. This visualization practice sets the stage to speed recovery, and even reduce the risk of complication."
Here's the link: http://www.souledout.org/healing/eastmeetswest/surgery.html
Best of luck. We will be there with you. You will feel us!
Love.0 -
Happy Birthday to you , Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday dear Leah, Happy birthday to you.
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Two nurses who planned the event
My neighbors enjoying the river view
Nurses selling raffle tickets and having fun
Me and one of my nurses
Sign over the bar area
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Great pics Karen!
Saw my rads doc today. She took my case before the tumor board and said now they will have all women across the nation have a MRI to find the cancers the mammograms don't catch! So my case was one of those that helped push that decision!0
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