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Anyone starting Chemo in Feb?
Comments
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Twink, thank you for posting so soon... great news!!!
Mel, the best to you, too,
You both don't over do it now, OK? Wishing you the best of recovery,
Big (but not tight) hugs...
Catherine0 -
Twink glad you had good news and good to see you posting!
I am finding myself making mistakes since gong on Tamoxifin, kinda like that chemo brain stuff. I wrote a check for $275 number wise but when I wrote it out in words I wrote two hundred and 75/00!
I caught it after a few minutes that I had done that. Other goofy things like that happened today and yesterday...my brain is wandering off on me!
I had yet another errand to run by the bike dealership so took a pic today. They told me the lower part of the trike body (running boards) isn't in yet but will have the trike ready to use for the trip. Once the running boards (they call them ground effects for this kit) come in (6-8 weeks) then they will have them painted and put them on for us. Kinda disapointed because we both thought it was going to be completly done for the trip, as that part really makes the trike look cool. They said it should be done by Tuesday of next week.
Jan0 -
Hurrah, following carefully Marsha's instruction given on page 73... I managed to post a picture... this will be a bouquet of fragrant sweet-peas for you all, dear friends... these are last summer's... this year's are not there yet... but promising... [image]
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More to come, as I work my way through it...
Catherine0 -
Well, now is Zoe the black little devil, our latest adoption from the shelter.. She was found in the street and has been with us since Oct.6, 2006. Great company for Toby... Toby is my "walking pill"... very strong little rabit hunter (PBGV) turned into Mom's crying baby... We love them all... [image]
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4 taxol/herceptin down (4th one yesterday), and 8 to go..then rads. No probs at all - I'm back at work and feeling better than I have for years!
Marsha - sorry to hear you got sprung with rads. Must be a shock to find out when you think you are all about done...Well, we could add a grill program to the bar list and have our own bar and grill - I'll be there at the grill in September.
Twink - glad your op is over and good to hear you are stable. I'm sure those new headlights will be great. I am still using 2 foam ones (won't have surgery til after herceptin in about a year) - they keep riding up in my bra, and I have to keep pulling them down! Just too light, no weight. Will probably invest in proper prosthesis at some point - not covered by insurance though here - and they are Soooooo expensive.
Ann - I enjoyed your pics - as it turns out, we had surgery on the same day (Jan 10) - I had one off then and the other off 3 weeks later. I have photos of that day too, and of the day I started chemo. Not brave enough to have uncle fester shots done though - I can't abide how I look without hair. BUT the peach fuzz is still growing - too short still to tell lwhat colour it will be - it basically looks blonde-gray (I was brown- with some salt and pepper spots). Who knows? Very soft though....
Best wishes all!
Belindax0 -
Oh Jan - I'm so envious. The trike is beautiful. Looking forward to seeing the final pics.
Catherine - thank you so much for posting the pics. Your 'kids' are absolutely adorable and the family photo is great.
To all my Sisters - have a great weekend.0 -
Catherine,
The flowers took my breath away! How lovely! And the picture of your "family" just before surgery made me feel as if I 'know' you all. Thanks so much for sharing.
Love.0 -
Carynn,
The wire placement was the part of the surgery I heard the most horror stories about, so of course I was concerned. I took an attivan 2 hours before (my first ever). The procedure itself is a few minutes, standing up with your boob in the mammogram paddle thing. The wires (I had pictured like foot long things) are actually less than 2 inches, very fine, with a soft rubber end that is on the outside of your breast. THey put four in. I kidded and asked for extra novocain. I tihnk they did give me extra, because I felt absolutely nothing. Or, if I felt it, I didn't care (I don't know). But it turned out to be so much less frightening/painful than I expected. It took about 20 minutes to place all 4, as they kept taking mammos and looking to make sure that they were in the right place. I hope you have the same result. Let me know if there is anything else that occurs to you.
Love.0 -
Catherine - The pictures are great! Thanks so much for sharing!
Belinda - Isnt nice to see the end so close? I'm still a bit surprised at just how fast it all went!
Leah - Thank you so much! I think I'd mentioned before that I'd rather have chemo than to have those shots again. I dont know if it was so bad because of the reaction I had to the pre meds, or if they guy I had didnt know what he was doing, or what!
Had the MRI yesterday. It wasnt terrible, but I think it would be better if one could lay on their back. I kept telling myself to get used to it as I know it wont be my last!
The Tech wouldnt tell me anything, but based on what he did say, I dont belive that the chemo completely killed the tumor. Curious to see what the Doc will say.
Have a good day all, talk to you later.
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All,
Quick update: 85 days post last chemo, (about 6 weeks if you agree AC stays around about 40 days) hair is looking good. I think I am ready to scratch that wig and just let this be the new look! Especially for summer!
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Catherine love the pics and your two babies look so cute in all their pics!
Leah your hair looks thicker than mine but I noticed yesterdasy my hair looked darker so it is thicker than last week!
Carynn, I had two wires put in before they did the surgical biopsy/lumpectomy. They gave me a shot to numb the breast then put in about 12 inch long wires, about 4 to 6 inches inside my large breasts the rest they looped and taped on me. My wires had a little hook on the end of them to secure them inside. The mammogram has a different plate put on it so they can stick the wires into a hole in the plate while your breast is flattened. Unfortunatly for me they did about 10 mammograms before they finally found the two areas of cacification circles to stick those wires in. They they had to be sure the wire was in the right spot so did more mammograms. I had to tell the tech "you had the machine at this certian position when you first found my cacifications", she put it that way and tada finally found them! I should have spoke up sooner! I never felt the wires, just looks spooky seeing them there and the mammograms themselves were more painful to me. I told hubby I think my breasts hang lower these days thanks to so many mammograms squishing them in the past year. Jan0 -
Leah - You go girl! I think I'd go topless at that point too! It's summer, it's hot, and ya know, it's growing faster than we think!
Jan - Thank you too! I already feel that it will be a non event. 0 -
Hi, Belinda... like you, no pics of my well fed "Gulag inmate" look... can't stand it...
I have the vague feeling that something is "sprouting" on my head... but not really visible... this is going to be a long waiting... I'd like to be at least the way Leah is now for my sister's visit in Sept.
Time to go take care of roses... glorious day ahead...
You all have a wonderful week-end,
and a pain free one for the surgery girls...
You now all know why I could never cheat Toby of his walks... he is such a darling... and that certainly helped me tremendously, and still does...
Hugs to all,
Catherine0 -
Leah, your hair is definitely thicker than mine, but mine is about the same length and the same darkness. But I am with Catherine and Belinda, no Gulag photos for me! My youngest son has been living with us the entire time and I just let him see my new "do" today for the first time. (He told me I looked like one of the characters on Saturday night live - not sure if that was a compliment or not!) I even hate short hair on myself, let alone no hair.
Catherine, your "kids" are absolutely gorgeous! They have THE cutest faces!!! Love the flowers too.
Carynn, I had my MRI lying on my stomach, so I just closed my eyes and pretended I was sleeping and I actually did doze off! I had taken a valium before hand as it was my first MRI and I am VERY claustrophobic. But I found that closing my eyes before they put the tube in the hole and not opening them until I was out again made the whole thing pretty much a non event. I was actually in the MRI for an hour and a half, not the 45 minutes they originally told me. The machine broke down! But between the valium and the dozing off I didn't know the difference until they brought me out.0 -
Just re"port"ing in on the port removal process. (Groan, I know, bad pun!)
Fortunately it was much easier getting the port out than it was getting the thing put in. I was going to just do it with a local anesthesia, but I was so nervous that they offered to give me Versed (conscious sedation) through my port. They had offered me Versed before that thru an IV, but my veins are so collapsed by all the sticking I have been going through, I declined. They had even told me they would NOT give me Versed through the port, but I think once they saw how jumpy I was they figured it would be easier on THEM if I was sedated! LOL
They did give me a very low dose and I think I pretty much talked them to death thru the whole procedure. Anyway, it was not bad at all, just a couple of little pricks and it did not take more than 15 minutes total, including stitching me up again. So those of you who are going through the process soon now that you are done with chemo, it is a lot easier than doing a round of chemo, especially on good drugs. I am just a bit sore today and can't play golf for about a week. So instead, I will go shop!0 -
Vegas, ugh an hour and a half in the MRI? 45 minutes is bad enough and I'm not claustrophobic!
I hope your son wasn't referring to the ConeHeads on SNL!!!
Well getting ready for a neighbor's daughter wedding across the street, she is getting married in front of her parents house. Its a bit hot and humid today so hope nobody faints!0 -
Wildabouthorses - the coneheads was the first thing I thought of too! Great minds..... 0
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Looks like everyone slept in today.
Nothing new to report here. Going for genetic testing Wednesday. Talk to you all then, if not before.
Carynn0 -
Real quick, My NoMoCheMo starts in a bit.......PARTY
Steph, I read that same article and you can bet your booty I'll be asking about that since I'm in the grey zone anyway!
Catherine, beautiful pictures, but even better was beautiful YOU.
Jan what a trike!
Twink so relieved to hear from you. Rest Ap
Leah I swear you are the funniest thing.......LOL at Leah
Carynn, I know I know but I try not to be "all about me" with all of you!! You guys are experiencing the same thing. OK, I'll let you all, let me cry on your shoulders on occasion.
Phyl, don't worry about me, I take a lickin' and keep on tickin'. Love ya
Belinda, bar and grill haha..... you seem to know me so well.
I'm out of time, love you all, you all said such sweet things about me. (choking up)
Last nights Harvey Awards! Me and Mary
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Just had to tell you that your picture above proves that you are just as beautiful on the outside as you are on the inside.
Enjoy your party and have a beer (or two) for me.0 -
Marsha, I concur with Carynn!
Love everyone's pictures ... but, I don't have the guts to show my bare-headed, non-cute, gulag look! I promise to post one once I feel comfortable going topless, which at the rate my hair is growing should be around Xmas!
Carynn -- I've been trying to keep track of stuff for next week ... Here's what I've got:
Wednesday - Pat (taxol #9)
Thursday - Alyson (last taxol!)
Am I missing anything else?
I have a delightful week coming up with NO DOCTOR"S APPOINTMENTS! This will be my last free week for the summer ... with my 40 rads treatment starting the following week ...
-- Hillary0 -
Oh Hillary, I completely forgot. I've been a bit preoccupied with all the stuff I have going on between genetic counseling / testing and surgery.
Girls, can you cut and paste any updated info to Hillary's post? We want to celebrate your last drinks too!0 -
Marsha,
You sure clean up good!
Love.0 -
You're all beautiful...haven't seen a pic I haven't loved! Honestly. Hillary...c'mon, I know you're beautiful topless too....
Here's one of my sis and I last week (I'm the one with the 5 o'clock shadow on my head
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Twink - you look awesome! How are you feeling today?
Sending a big hug!0 -
ANOTHER beautiful bald headed woman....I am SO NOT going to post mine for sure now!
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Ahh Carynn, I've certainly felt better...but you know, I can't bring myself to complain too loudly about this. Many of you have been there (here) and, even though we each tolerate pain differently, it's not fun. I made the choice and DO feel good about that...like I've done something more to 'kick butt'...especially with the triple negative thing. It's Day 5, my daughter's high school graduation ceremony is tonight and I have my aunt, cousin and sister-in-law visiting. I'm not going to stay down today, besides three more vicodin and they're gone!!! I have a new top to wear tonight, one that will hopefully hide my bandages and drains and NOT make me look pregnant (I'll post pics tomorrow).
I am so glad to hear almost everybody has made it through chemo. (((Marsha))) Radiation too?
...when will you know whether you'll do that too? The way I look at it, anything that needs to be done, I'm going to do it...even for that few extra % points. Soon enough, this will all be behind us and we'll look back on the 'experience' stronger, wiser, more beautiful... so just do what you have to do to kick ass!
A funny story...my surgeon was late on the day of surgery. When I finally got into the OR, he was bustling around, glanced over at me, greeted me warmly (as he always does) and told me he 'would've been later but fortunately they let him play through'. Funny guy...got a laugh from me even through the pre-op meds. I was sound asleep minutes later and woke up at 7 that night. My husband and sister-in-law were there to tell me that the PS came out following surgery, a big smile on his face, and told them the SNB was clear!!!!! That's the best news I've had since the results back in January of the PET/CT scan. Such a relief! I will meet with the BS on June 19th to go over the new path report...gawd, I'd love for the results to be NOT triple negative but, that's probably hoping for too much. I meet with the PS on Wednesday -- dressings off, drains out and I get to see these new puppies for the first time. I asked how big...he said 375 ccs, whatever that means. I can't feel a thing right now so it's difficult to discern the breast from the bandage. The whole area is numb. That's probably a good thing because when the numbness fades a little, it doesn't feel so good. Every day it's a little better though...
Catherine -- I love your pics. You look so beautiful, regal almost! The dogs...adorable. Carynn, you look soooo happy at that last chemo...wonderful! Marsha, love the dress girl! Vavavavoom... Leah -- dang woman, you have wayyy more hair than me!
(((Mel, SammieKay, Leah, Jan, Pat, Hillary, Vegas, Phyl, Alyson, Steph, Melanie, Terry, Piper, Karen)))) I know I've forgotten someone ... Nana45 (Sandy)- how's it going? Pat & Hillary ...come on...post the pics! Pretty please... Mel -- how's the healing coming along?0 -
Twink,
You are such a trooper! I knew you would do good and I am praying for you, I want you to have nothing BUT positive news from now on. I am done chemo feeling a little yucky but by goodness it's done and I WILL NOT feel bad no matter what. I go to radiation oncologist on June 21st I guess it's 7 weeks of rads for me but it can't be as bad as chemo can it????????? I am like you, so wanting to have a NEAR normal life going forward. Hair, Energy, Eating, Drinking, FUN!!!!!!!! It has been a long haul hasn't it? I know we have support but I believe they get tired, and when you are trying not to worry them you act OK so they go on with their lives and you are still stuck in the BC world. I think only the faithful of this forum can understand that it NEVER goes away and it is such a journey some more than others. When I think of all that you've been through compared to me I feel selfish, but we all know, we all care, and we go on. We are survivors. Last year at this time I had a broken shoulder and was in a lot of pain and feeling sorry for myself, this year I have BC and in treatment, what will next year bring? Take care,
Sandy0 -
Twink - I wish you nothing but elation when you first see your new puppies. You look absolutely beautiful in the photo.
Marsha - likewise for you. You look awesome.
Well Ladies (and Scott) - had my first rads treatment today. In and out in 30 minutes - that was a long time because of the simulation. The actual radiation took less than 2 minutes. Not sure how your facilities handle the visits, but my center told me to go braless and wear a button down shirt - don't have to change into a gown, just take my left arm out of the sleeve and lie on the table. Takes a couple minutes to get lined up and then 3 20 second zaps from 3 angles. They also gave me a parking permit so I can park right outside the door (this is a massive hospital with thousands of parking spaces and patient shuttles and valet parking). Otherwise, it would take me longer to walk from the car to the rad onc department than for the appointment. So, all is well in radiation land. Beam me up Scotty!
Hope you're all set Leah.
Hugs to all. Back to work.
Phyl0 -
Twink, thinking of you and hoping the pain is manageable (go easy on the Vicodin and do not forget your Senokot or equivalent...). Do you have exercises prescribed to stretch as soon as you'll feel able to?
Your pic is lovely, there's nothing like the friendship of a sister...
Marsha, how did the party go? You look so nice on your picture, you could have a part in those sci-fiction/secret agent stories as the bionic beauty... your head is evenly tanned which is nice... tell us more about your party and your "no party" days... I now have to chase you down in the rads thread and the "circle the wagons" one...
Jan, even I would love to ride in the back, on your trike... My only experience sitting behind the driver of a motorbike was in the heart of Paris, years ago, to save time because of traffic jams... never ever again!! Ten times I thought we would end up killed or maimed... hated it!!! But I can understand your way of doing it, smelling the air and being right there in the lanscape...
these must be strong experiences. Hope your DH is feeling better. Take care...
Phyl, good things went so smoothly... one out of the way... You seem in an upbeat mood, which is great.
Mel, how are you feeling? Must be hot in Houston (each day of my 11 years in Houston, I was always caught by surprise when going outside, and kept repeating "boy, it's hot!", starting at the airport the first time I put a foot on Texas land... It is as hot here today, but dry...). Let us know how you are going... were you planning to go to the get together with "Playwriter"?
Well... thinking of you all, have as nice a day as possible... we are staying put in the shade, reading and not doing much...
Catherine0
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