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Anyone starting Chemo in Feb?

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Comments

  • leahrc
    leahrc Member Posts: 384
    edited June 2007
    All,
    I have been reading this blog called MyCancer by NPR journalist Leroy Sievers since January. His posts are thought provoking and often are uncannily timely. Today, his post was called, "The Toughest kids on the Block" and talked about what toughness means as a cancer patient. You might all find it interesting in view of the last few weeks.
    If you are interested in peoples' comments in response to his blog, hit the "comments" link at the bottom of today's post. You will see we are in very good company!

    Attached to this blog are others from June- you might find them interesting, too. To put it in context, Leroy spent this month finding out his cancer had returned big time, and that he has a very lousy set of options to choose from.

    http://www.npr.org/blogs/mycancer/2007/06/the_toughest_kids_on_the_block.html#commentSection
  • Primel
    Primel Member Posts: 652
    edited June 2007
    Thank you Leah... I have been reading this blog on and off, this man is really interesting.

    We are the toughest on the block...

    Hugs,
    Catherine
  • Primel
    Primel Member Posts: 652
    edited June 2007
    Well, sounds like I am in next week for port removal... glad on one hand, worried on the other, since Avastin prevents good healing... and that means 8 avastin infusion (until Dec 11) through a vein (30 minutes every 3 weeks, not a big deal). I just could not see myself with this threatening incision for another 6 months, it's uncomfortable and scary... so, on antibiotics until removal time...

    Hope the Grill meeting went OK for all of you.

    I think I lost the few eyebrows I had left... and the fuzz on my head is not getting anywhere tangible...

    Till later,
    Catherine
  • marshakb
    marshakb Member Posts: 796
    edited June 2007
    I see my med onc a week from tomorrow and am asking about the port removal also. I am SO ready to have that golf ball taken out. EVERY hair is white. Eyebrows, stubble on head, eyelashes, a few leg hairs, also white. What is with the no pigmentation??? Its not gray, no color!

    Thanks Leah for that link, I'm gonna check it out. Marsha
  • marshakb
    marshakb Member Posts: 796
    edited June 2007
    Catherine, oh oh oh salads are my new best friend! I cannot get enough. Piling up with cauliflower, broccoli, baby carrots, green and yellow squash, mushrooms and walnuts with a light raspberry vinaigrette. Crisp lettuce, a mixture of 3 different kinds.......... Toasted garlic Cuban bread......... Yep, had that for lunch and it was yummy. (I didn't eat any raw food during Chemo)

    Marsha
  • NarberthMom
    NarberthMom Member Posts: 382
    edited June 2007
    Leah -- I totally agree with you about the value of this board and specifically this group. I never really expected my friends to understand. Because I'm an "older" mom, most of my friends with kids are 10 to 15 years younger than me and don't have a lot of experience with cancer. I know that I certainly responded poorly in the past to friends with serious illness and now know better how to be a good friend.

    Marsha -- I also kept away from raw stuff during chemo, but have been binging on the fruits and veggies now!

    Catherine -- Glad you're getting your port out. If your veins are having problems with the avastin, ask the chemo nurses to soak your arm in warm water for a few minutes before finding a vein. Also, ask them to use a very tiny needle.

    Carynn -- Hope that you're still on the mend from your surgery. Fingers crossed about your margins and genetic testing results ...

    Twink -- How is your surgery recovery coming? Sorry to hear about the micronodes, but we'll be waiting for you over in the rads threads. Any word back from Hopkins yet?

    Terry -- You may be the only Her2 positive in the group ... Sorry that you're having such a hard time of it. I hope you figure out what meds to take to help. How was your socially-filled weekend?

    SammieKay -- Enjoy Las Vegas! Will you be able to see our fellow FCCer Vegas while you're there?

    OK, here's what I can piece together for this week. I have to admit, Catherine, that I've left you out as I have no idea when you get your Avastin ...

    Tuesday -- Leah (PET scan)
    Wednesday -- Pat (11 out of 12 taxol), Maisy (last taxol)
    Thursday -- Terry (last TCH!)
    Friday -- Belinda (taxol)

    Please correct as necessary ...

    Hugs to all,
    Hillary
  • steph_j
    steph_j Member Posts: 35
    edited June 2007
    Hi all,

    Sorry I've been out of touch for a bit –I just returned from a business conference held in Atlanta (or should I say “Hotlanta”). This trip has been planned for months, but I almost thought I wasn’t going to make it, as I have been suffering from the most wicked itching in my hands and feet! It is a symptom of the neuropathy due to the taxol treatments, and that last taxol really sent the itching into full gear. It really flares up when I spend too much time on my feet, such that last Saturday when I went to Target it was so bad that I could barely stand in the checkout line. By the time I got to my car, I was on the phone with DH in tears…it is an awful, awful, awful side effect. The onc said that it will subside, along with the other neuropathy symptoms over the next couple of MONTHS!!! However, I really needed this trip for my own sanity and I am glad that I went, as I had a great time. I was careful not to stay on my feet too long, and my co-workers that went with me were very helpful and understanding. The bad thing is that I caught a cold while down there and lost my voice for a few days, but I am feeling much better now.

    The other SE that has been more of a pain than anything, is the effect on my nails. Like some of you mentioned, I also have the darkened nails, but even worse many of my nail beds have lifted as much as a third of the way down my nail. My nails look absolutely dreadful, so along with my hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes, I will be happy when they return to normal.

    On Friday I had my port removed – hooray! I was so glad to get it out. My onc said there was no need to keep it in any longer if I didn’t want too and I didn’t. The incision is only slightly sore and should heal up by the end of the week.

    This morning, I had my CT scan in preparation for radiation. Next Monday at different location, they will do the rest of the setup and I will probably begin radiation shortly after Independence Day. So the next step begins…

    It took awhile to catch up on everyone’s posts. Just too keep my post from being too long – I will respond in a separate posting.

    Steph
  • NarberthMom
    NarberthMom Member Posts: 382
    edited June 2007
    Steph --

    I've got the foot neuropathy, but only in my toes! I seem to remember a story from Alison about burning her feet in bed. I worry that someone will step on my toes and I won't know that they're hurt ...

    -- Hillary
  • steph_j
    steph_j Member Posts: 35
    edited June 2007
    Some of topics you all discussed during the past week I never weighed in on, so the some of the posts I am responding to may be a couple of pages back...

    Karen – great news about your clean bone and CT scans! I know that is a great relief, as going through this can definitely make one paranoid...

    Carynn – I am glad to hear that your surgery went well. I can imagine how shocked you were regarding your tumor, but at least they knew what needed to get out. Hopefully your margins are good so that you will be done with surgery. I hope you are taking it easy and wish you an easy recovery. BTW – the kittens are adorable.

    Twink – sorry to hear about the micromets in the nodes. I am not really knowledgeable about how they deal with this, so I wish I could offer you more support and insight. Try to get as much info as you can to make the best decision possible. In the end, you just have to do what is best to keep your risk of recurrence as low as possible. Hang in there.

    Leah – I know all the is waiting stressful – along with the others I am keeping my fingers crossed for you. I definitely agree on how the calls and concern begins to dwindle; like you I am down to just a few “trueblue” friends that check on me regularly (in addition to my mom who calls me almost everyday). I agree that this board and this group is such a great source of support as we all truly understand what it is like to go through this ordeal.

    Catherine – the pictures you posted are really lovely. You are so thoughtful and caring checking in on everyone, and you always have such positive and uplifting things to say. I hope your port removal goes as smoothly as mine did, the surgeon removed it right in the office under local anesthesia. I am very happy to have it out, despite the scar or should I call it a “victory wound!” How are you doing with the tamoxifen?

    Marsha - I am also interested in whether the tangerine stimulates hair growth. Since I am now done with chemo, I too, anxiously await having my head covered with hair again. I also have several colorless “sprouts” on my head, but I also have some dark ones too. There are a lot of pores that I hope will be covered up soon, because I must say that it has been extremely hot wearing that wig, especially in Atlanta!

    Teresa, Hillary and Kim – I also need to shed a few pounds. I didn't gain any weight while on chemo, but I already needed to lose some. While on my trip, I ate whatever I wanted (and had a few drinks as well), so now it is really time to buckle down and shape up. I also need to get back to the gym, as I just couldn’t manage it while on chemo. My high school 20-year reunion is in August, so I would love to lose a few pounds before then, but I know it will take dedication. My motivation is different now, as healthy eating is a factor in decreasing the risk of recurrence.

    SammieKay – I am glad to hear that you have been feeling pretty good, and that your treatments are winding down. I totally understand not wanting to rads – once you meet with the rad-onc, I’m sure it will help you decide what is ultimately best for you. I hope you have a great time in Vegas - I love that place!

    Terry – I hear you on people commenting that “you look good.” I always take it that they mean I look good for a BC patient, as maybe some people expect us to look worn out and defeated. When I feel worn out and defeated, I stay home in my bed, so I guess the people saying this to me never really see me at my worse. The funniest thing is the compliments I get on my hair – even the surgeon said it looked good on Friday and he knows I just finished chemo! I said, “you mean this wig?” So, I am glad I have an attractive wig and can adequately apply make-up, so that when I do go out I look and feel good.

    Wow – it is really amazing to see the bar reservation list getting smaller and smaller. You all are the best, and I wish everyone a positive and productive week!

    Steph
  • SammieKB
    SammieKB Member Posts: 164
    edited June 2007
    Hi all,
    Just a quick note before I begin packing for Vegas.
    I have to work tomorrow and we leave early Wed. morning, so will pack tonight.
    I will be thinking of all of you. Leah, Twink and Carynn awaiting results.
    I haven't heard from Vegas in awhile. Has anyone else?
    I am planning on getting some quality rest in Vegas.
    I will have chemo the Tues after we return on Sat.
    My #3 FAC is July 3.
    I may have the laptop in Vegas and I will check in with everyone.
    Nice to hear from you Steph. I had my nails polished today. They have bruised looking spots on them and they are sore, both fingernails and toenails. I too will be glad to get back to normal.
    Take care Catherine,Marsha,Hillary,Alyson,Terry,Phyl,Pat,
    Twink,Carynn,Leah,Mel,hmmm, I am sure I am missing many. Please forgive my chemobrain. Love to all, Sammie Kay
  • twink
    twink Member Posts: 550
    edited June 2007
    dramatically mundane...good choice of words. It does seem that the drama is waning from an outsider's perspective. I'm sometimes torn between screaming....'IT'S NOT OVER!' and just quietly nodding my head, 'Yes, onward and upward I go...' I'm with you Leah...this group helps me so much. Sometimes, when reading a post, I just want to reach out and wrap my arms around you...we could cry and laugh together, knowing full well how scary this whole thing is. I think about each of you at different times and for different reasons during the course of my days. Leah, I'll be thinking about you this week and hoping your news is good.

    Twilah
  • Primel
    Primel Member Posts: 652
    edited June 2007
    Steph, hi!! Nice to have you back and in good spirits. Glad the trip to Hotlanta was good for your moral...
    Thank you for answering to everyone of us in detail. Tamoxifen is fine so far (3 weeks), hot flashes, that's all... but have the feeling I have to watch my waist... Tamox belly is not what I want, and yet, it is already perceptible... I got a helmet, I got a pair of padded biking shorts... I need lower temperatures now... and I'll be on my way, biking back to health...

    Enjoy the break until you join our Crispy Cruisers here, from the Bar to the Grill...
    Wishing you the very best, and mostly for all the bad SE's from Taxol to go away...
    Big hugs,
    Catherine
  • Primel
    Primel Member Posts: 652
    edited June 2007
    I wish I could send you the smell!! You'll have to settle for the pictures...

    Tomorrow is the last day of chemo (6 TAC) for this young woman I mentioned a while ago, who was pregnant at dx time and had to renounce her baby girl. She is 30, smart, articulate and fun, and I know she likes chocolate, so I gathered my "special imports" (brought or sent by family) and fixed a batch of very chocolaty -- no coco powder -- cup cakes (mostly dark chocolates, ranging from 60 to 99%, and not too sweet, very little flour, very little salt butter, quite a bit of almond meal, 7 egg yolks and hard beaten egg whites...). I'll take these with me tomorrow (Avastin at 1:30pm, Alyson will be there), I am sure the nurses won't mind having a shot of magnesium either to start their afternoon. I am just afraid it may not be quite sweet enough for them (I'll recommend a crème anglaise with a dash of rhum in it to go with the cakes, or Haagen Daas Crème brulée ice cream...)...
    Well, enjoy...
    Sweet dreams to all of you, dear friends...
    CatherineH

    [image]image[/image]

    [image]image[/image]
  • Primel
    Primel Member Posts: 652
    edited June 2007
    Hillary, thanks for the advice... I will make sure they do just that... it should not hurt nor damage anything (Avastin is an anti-body, not a chemical).

    Big hugs to you,
    Catherine
  • talbrig13
    talbrig13 Member Posts: 358
    edited June 2007
    Good morning all...
    I have to go to work, so will keep it short...I am with all of you regarding us needing each other. You are right, everyone seems to think that the trauma is over for me...I have radiation yet and Herceptin until Feb...and the ongoing worry. Will it ever end? Having all of you makes it bearable. Even when I don't post, I check in almost daily to catch up with all of you.

    Catherine....the chocolate looks wonderful...I am drooling.

    Hoping all the tests come back quickly and on a positive note...

    I was exhausted over the weekend...I even fell asleep at my son's baseball game in my lawn chair...now you know I was tired. (It wasn't a very exciting game!)

    I took compazine all weekend and felt much better Monday morning.

    Today is my last day of work this week...have to go out of town tomorrow for a compliance exam and then my last (hopefully) chemo is Thursday....

    I see the radiation onc this afternoon...not sure if he will mark me, simulate or just a consultation...last saw him in Feb. Will let you know.

    Talk to you all soon....love to all,
  • marshakb
    marshakb Member Posts: 796
    edited June 2007
    Oh my, Catherine, my tongue is hanging out and yes, please serve mine with some Haagen Daas Crème brulée ice cream!! You are so sweet to be thinking of your friend.

    Steph, SOOOOO glad to hear from you. and Terry, we all go thru the just reading to keep caught up. There were times I didn't post much but read everyday!! You guys are my sanity savers!!!

    Love you all, Marsha
  • twink
    twink Member Posts: 550
    edited June 2007
    ARGH...struck by the timeout genie (stoopid me)....

    Abbreviated recreation:

    No word from John Hopkins...expect to hear by Thursday. I realized I'd asked for a path consult now I need a treatment consult to so will be working on that today. BS says the lump I feel under the SNB incision is related to surgery and not to stress about more nodes.

    Hair update: 1/4 inch long now but alot more gray than before. I'm going to try dying it today...even if it doesn't stick for long it'll still be better that this 'look'.

    Implant update: they're lopsided...hmmm. The PS has me doing an 'exercise'...kind of like an extreme pushup bra thing. I can hear and feel something give when I do it. I see him on Monday, so we'll chat then about whether they'll start to 'hang' properly.

    Waiting...I hate it. Hugs to Leah and Carynn...waiting waiting waiting with you.

    I'm back to work tomorrow....should've been there last week but the micromets thing knocked me down for the count and I couldn't face the office.

    BIG GROUP HUG

    Twilah
  • leahrc
    leahrc Member Posts: 384
    edited June 2007
    Twink,
    I colored mine when it was all fuzz. Worked great on the "virgin" hair. Leave it on a tad longer than usual.

    Better living thru chemistry!
  • NarberthMom
    NarberthMom Member Posts: 382
    edited June 2007
    Leah -- What "product" did you use? I've never colored my hair before, but I don't think I'll be able to face all this grey and short hair!

    Catherine -- Those chocolate things look great! Recipe?

    Twink -- How have you been doing with the "low fat" thing. I'm struggling to get down to 20%, but I can easily do 25%. Most American diets are 35%!! The problem I'm having is getting enough protein while I'm doing rads (estimated need is 0.5 g protein per pound of weight) while keeping the fat down. Maybe I'll just be fine with 25% fat intake until after rads is over ... Of course, I just asked Catherine for her recipe. Oh well ... Is there any such thing as low fat chocolate????

    Pat -- Second to last taxol tomorrow -- you're almost done!!

    Hugs,
    Hillary
  • twink
    twink Member Posts: 550
    edited June 2007
    Dyed my hair today...it didn't turn out too bad although I probably should've gone for a darker color. It's blondish and makes me look bald again. Somebody said 'Annie Lennox'...

    Hillary, as for the low-fat diet (just finished Domino's Pizza for dinner), most days I get to the 20% without much effort. I don't have to watch protein intake to the same extent that you do however. I'm kind of lackadaisical... waiting for the AND to be done before I kick back into the serious diet and fitness regime. Always seems to be something...

    Party at our house tonight for my daughter who just graduated from HS. A remarkably civilized bunch of young adults... I do wish the mosquitoes weren't such a pain at this time of year; they've driven me inside to the cool AC'd family room.

    I think I'll do a little reading and hit the sack... sleep is good.

    Back to work for me tomorrow...blah...

    Sweet dreams all.
  • Primel
    Primel Member Posts: 652
    edited June 2007
    Hillary, I promiss, I'll get to the recipies (although I do everything without measuring...)
    The nice young lady was happy to go home after her last chemo with a supply of magnesium shots, and the sweet nurses liked the booster with their coffee... and we had one on the side for DH and myself... and we had it with Creme brulee ice cream... and 3 dogs staring at us, waiting for some leftovers... we have a slumber party for the dogs tonight (the 3rd is friends'dog, an adorable little rescue, dreadfully thin... does not eat his "regular" food but loves lamb chops my way... I poured some gravy on his chow, and he ate... we'll return him hopefully with a few pounds on... his mom will have to make his food more appetizing...)...
    Sweet dreams to all,
    Big hugs all around,
    CatherineH
  • NarberthMom
    NarberthMom Member Posts: 382
    edited June 2007
    Good morning all,
    I thought it was time for a hair update. I actually have fuzz on my head. You can run your hand across it and feel something other than scalp! I've also got teeny tiny nascent eyebrow hairs. Still almost nothing on the eyebrows, and legs and underarms are bare!
    Hugs,
    Hillary
  • CommandoBarbie
    CommandoBarbie Member Posts: 474
    edited June 2007
    Hi girls (& Scott if you're out there)!

    Here's whats up with me so you dont think I fell off the face of the earth.
    DH & I are utterly, totally, and completely addicted to the HBO show Deadwood. I dont know what we watched when it was on originally, but we didnt watch. So now we are renting the series. We watched the first season in a day and a half - which is why I havent posted.

    We tore ourselves away long enough yesterday to go to my Dr's appointment. Pathology was in. The 2.7 cm tumor remaining was actually dead. Clear margins. NED. I'm not comfortable saying that until after Rads, but what great news!

    Ok, time for breakfast then Deadwood. Hope you all have a great day!
  • Mtnfrog
    Mtnfrog Member Posts: 16
    edited June 2007
    HO HO HI HO IT'S OF TO MY LAST CHEMO!!!!!

    PATTI
  • NarberthMom
    NarberthMom Member Posts: 382
    edited June 2007
    Carynn -- Wonderful news!

    Maisy -- Sorry I missed you on the chemo list, but congrats on your last chemo!

    Just back from rad #6, 30 more to go!

    -- Hillary
  • Primel
    Primel Member Posts: 652
    edited June 2007
    Now... these are GREAT news... this stuff DOES kill the buggers... Wonderful Carynn, I am hopping around with joy for you... get back to your TV...
    Thinking of you both, do not forget us completely with your Deadwood (which I do not have the faintest idea of what it is...).

    Big hugs,
    CatherineH
  • marshakb
    marshakb Member Posts: 796
    edited June 2007
    DOING THE WOOHOO DANCE FOR CARYNN!!!!!

    image
  • Primel
    Primel Member Posts: 652
    edited June 2007
    Marsha, these animations are cute... where do you get those? I noticed the Time to circle the wagons thread is full of those...
    How are you doing at the Grill, girlfriend... not too itchy, tired? Hope you are enjoying the day... in the shade...
    Back to work for me...
    Till later,
    CatherineH
  • lightphoto
    lightphoto Member Posts: 60
    edited June 2007
    Hi Ladies,
    Wow so many of us are done with chemo. Praise the Lord. I want you ladies that are having radiation that I think of you and I will Pray for you. I was telling my walking friend that I have a hard time writing on this site because I am doing good and I read where some of you have rough times and that makes me feel bad. She said that maybe I could be there and encourge some of you. So here I am. I do have to have surgery on the 5th of July to finish the Reconstruction. My doc said that I should be in the hospital for a few days. He is also going to take my port out. That I can not wait for. My port does still give me pain with the expander pushing on it. Then after this surgery I only have to have the nipples done. I am trying to eat a low fat diet but it is easier said then done. I have enjoyed reading up on each of you. Have a good evening.
    Theresa
  • wayover20
    wayover20 Member Posts: 191
    edited June 2007
    Well I had my 11th taxol today.....last one will be 7/3/07 then I'm off to the coast for 4th of July family celebration!! I can hardly wait.

    I did experience more than usual swelling to my hands and feet this past week so today I brought it up to my oncol. and she gave be an RX for lasix so that will help alot. My fatigue factor has been up as well (like it could go any higher) but maybe it has to do with the extra fluid buildup, so hopefully the lasix will help that too.

    I've kept up with all your posts and keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

    Pat

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