Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin
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I hope everyone had a good Christmas! I did. We went to my mom's house for Christmas Eve. She wanted all her kids and grandkids there this year for sure,, it was really emotional for her. She said this year was a celebration of ME because I had made it through everything so well. And last year having just been diagnosed and had my first surgery just days before Christmas, it was a depressing holiday. This year she had pink bows all over her Christmas tree!!!!!! I gave her a crystal angel ornament holding a pink bow. My mom has gone to every chemo with me and every surgery. I told her the day of my mastectomy last February, that she was my angel. Now I go alone just for my Herceptin, but she is always a phone call away if I ever need her.
Christy....How are you doing?
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Hi Wendy! I am so glad that you had a great Christmas and it is so nice that your Mom made it a celebration of you. You are so lucky to have her in your life. I lost mine to lung cancer 19 years ago and I miss her so much. I am doing very well and just trying to take it easy after my surgery less than 2 weeks ago. It hasn't even seemed like Christmas for me this year with everything going on. I will have my 14th Herceptin treatment tomorrow. I am just tired of always having to do something. At least I am off work for a few more weeks because of the surgery. I will be glad to get rid of this drain that is attached to my hip in a few weeks. I had forgotten how much of a pain they are, lol.
Amy...We have been through So much, so you are so entitled to cry. I cry all of the time, even at stupid little things.
I look forward to the New Year and new beginnings!
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Happy Holidays everyone!
I hope everyone had a great Christmas, Hannakaa, Qwaunsa (bad spelling, sorry), and an other holiday celebration. I know the holidays are rough when you are gopig thru treatment, but remember, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
For my TCH friends that started this path around the same time I did. I love you guys!!!! We have had a long 18 months or so, but we have made it. Happy hair re-growth, happy weight management, happy new fitness routine, happy reconstruction, happy putting cancer behind you, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
Gramma, Bold, Blue, I think we are the only "oldtimers" that still come on and give support. I know there are more of you too. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Praise God, A Cancer free Life!!!
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I agree with the Happy and hoping the next year will be great. I think maybe some pop in to check on everyone some but some just want to put all this behind them and I really can't blame them for that. Everyone to their own way but I feel I need to encourage the new ones. I can go on with my life and still be here for others. I am forgetting how it was at times but sometimes it comes back to me to help out a little. I know it seems like it will never get over but it will. the surgeries, the chemo, rad and all the other things.
ccbaby I know what you mean about the drains. Such a drag but it will be finished soon and you will be great again. hang in there!
I love all of you too and hope for the best and few side effects.
Carolyn
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So I sat here alone opening a couple presents from my son and DIL. There was one left that I thought might be a tee shirt, but the plastic mailing bag was too lumpy for that... hummm what could it be?
A pink teddy bear!! I cried like a child.
Back story... Back in the early 90's an online (GEnie chat) friend of mine announced that her daughter had a rare blood cancer. It involved many bone marrow transplants, heartache, worry and family separation for months at a time. I mailed her daughter a Gund teddy bear along with prayers for her full recovery. I lost touch with my frined over the years, but she got word of my Caring Bridge blog and overnight mailed me "Life", my new pink teddy friend! Her daughter is in remission, now married and a mother. God is good!
What an awesome reminder on Christmas day of how little acts of kindness can come back to lift you in your loneliest hours. The love expressed by my family and friends (both real and virtual) has sustained me through this time in my life. Thank you all for being here and may you have a joyful New Year.
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Swampy, it is funny how the small things we do come back to us in our lifetime. What a wonderful present.
I have a question for all you who switched from weekly herceptin to 3-week herceptin treatments when the chemo was done. I'm not sure if my onc messed up or if I misunderstood her. I had my last weekly herceptin on the Friday before Christmas. Since this was still a weekly dose, and hence a single dose, I thought I should have gotten my first 3-week (triple dosage) treatment this week (well, actually the week would have fallen on Christmas Day, so it would have been pushed off till today) However, my onc told me to come back on Jan 8 (3 weeks from my last single dose) for the first of my 3-week treatments. I'm confused. If I had a single dose last Friday, wouldn't that only last one week and then I would have to replenish and start the triple doses to last me the next 3 weeks?
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Hi stastahs!!!!!
I think you should call your onc for the answer weety! Some times there are mistakes made never assume anyone knows what their doing.
Happy new year my angels. This is the end of the decade can you believe it!!! I pray that it is the end of the cancer chapter as well. I spend a great deal of precious time worrying about a recurrence. I have to discipline myself not too. It works a great deal of the time. It would be not human, I guess not too. I have to see my onc every 2 months now that I finished Herceptin. My breast is very sore still. I guess from the radiation. Even my unaffected breast hurts. My BS told me to take primrose. I still get tired, my thumb is spit at the tip from herceptin. My mouth still feels funny at times. I have bad heartburn still. My eyebrows are scant. My hair is short short. My feet hurt, skin is dry. My lower back feels on the verge of going out all the time. BUTTTTTTTT! I am still in the fight. I am so grateful everyday that I had the chance to fight this insidious disease. I love my short hair and the other side effects will start to subside more and more. What a year huh?
God bless all of you!!!!! I have been following everyday on my iphone. I just can not post with it. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart for all you care and support.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!
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Bold Are you sure we are not siamese twins?! I finished herceptin in Oct. I still have the split fingers (thumbs are bad) dry skin, funky mouth sores, nasal ulcers.... and lets talk achy joints! I am currently horse camping in north/central fla and it is COLD (low tonight of 26) and the bed in the trailer is in the nose - which means I have to climb two very steep steps. Sweet Jesus! After driving for 4 hours, riding for 3 hours and then the cold, my poor knees can barely pull me up to the bed. Okay I have complained enough.
I am alive. I have beat cancer's ass and I am enjoying my favorite hobby - horse camping in the hill country with my best girlfreind ( and I get to do a repeat with hubby in 3 weeks). Life cannot possibly get any better than this!
Bold I love the new avatar!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You ARE rockin on sistah!
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Happy Holidays to us all!
You ladies are the greatest! I, too, cannot, do not, want to imagine what these past 11 months would have been like without this wonderful site. And I sincerely thank Gramma, Lisa, BlueDasher, and Bold for continuing to guide us even though your cancer therapy is over.
I haven't been online in a few days and it was wonderful to pop in and read so many wonderful Christmas stories--really beautiful stories of love, blessings, and gratitude.
If I had endless sums of money, I would start a foundation for cancer survivors and their families. There would be no special qualifying profile--it would be open to everyone. The purpose would be to give, give back, or make up for one thing that was derailed because of cancer. Unfortunately, I do not have endless sums of money, but nevertheless, it is my Christmas and New Year wish for us all that some how, some way, we will find that the derailed portion of our lives are back on track or on an even better track.
Here's wishing us all more love, joy, laughter, prosperity, and good health than my words could ever express.
Cheers!
Cloud
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Hi Ladies!
Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and are looking forward to starting a new year as much as I am! 2009 can kiss my butt! I am ready for a new beginning!
I have final surgery for my reconstruction on new years eve. Talk about starting a new year with no more surgeries (aside from removing my port in june after herceptin is over)!
BOLD you look like a ROCK STAR! I am inspired to go back to Blonde because of you! And girl, i am with you, i worry more than i should about recurrance as well, I am trying to distract myself and move on, but as I am cutting myself some slack as we all should. We have all gone through somehting that is life altering and devistating and it is totally normal for us to process, grieve, andobsess about it! It is scary stuff! I just cant wait to have an entire day that i didnt think about cancer once! Right now i am working on just having "non cancer hours". Days are next...
LISA- so jealous of your fun horse trip! I havnt horse camped since i was a teenager! I rode my big girl for the first time in months on Sunday and it was GLORIOUS! She took good care of me and was quiet as a bed bug.
CHRISTY- so glad you are doing well. I knwo the drains are the WORST! once they are out it is so much easier! hang in there!
CLOUD- you have a huge heart and i like how you think!
EVERYONE is looking wonderful and I am so glad that cancer cant take away our sprit, beauty, and love!
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WOW! I think I will bookmark this page. I could read it when I get down. You allll rock!!!! the inspiration is heartfelt and beautiful. God bless us one and all.
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Just had my 7th herceptin only. Now just 4 more to go. It went fine. I can't believe how used to it I have become. Sat next to a woman with colon cancer and lesions on her liver. She had to receive tx and then go home with a fanny pack thing attached to her that dripped into her port for 48 hours. She was very upbeat, but I felt LUCKY by comparison.
We are really moving through this process. And I, for one, am READY for 2010.
I was just noticing all the beautiful new avatars - we are mostly all a beautiful short-haired bunch these days. Swampy - where's your new pic?
Happy New Year everyone.
Amy
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Thanks for your encouragement. I just now found your post! I've decided to take charge of my health and have started some stretching exercises and strengthening exercises, even though I can't do many. We must stay positive through these trials; otherwise, what is the alternative? Every day is a blessing and I have decided to make the most of them and not feel sorry for myself. That doesn't get anyone anywhere. Anyway, I just have one more chemo to go, so that's a plus. I have an awesome support group through my family and my church, so I am thankful for that. This too shall pass.
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Hello All My Beautiful Ladies I had to read 5 pages I was that far behind,Lisa,Bold AmylsStrong all of you look so Beautiful!! I got a camera for Christmas I will try to get a pic posted. I am glad the Shopping season is over I am tired ,I got "Deported" on the 18th then worked the 19th did not realize how sore it was going to be,but I survived.Looking forward to A Brand New Year 2009 has not been good My sons real mom died Christmas Eve at 48 She was a long time drug abuser her heart gave out. He has been my son since he was 9 . Then his Gramma had a heart attack on the 27th she has been in medically induced coma Tomorrow they take her off life support,she isnt expected to survive, So I am saying PISS OFF 2009 Heres to 2010 I kicked Cancers ass!! I am moving on no looking back!!! I love you all and your amazing support and love, I want to post just have trouble finding time, I usually do it at work( SHHH Dont tell my boss) I miss you all!! Newbies You found a wonderful Place 0 -
Bold.....you ROCK in that blonde hair!!! I am going to put some highlights in mine, but probably not go back to all blonde like I was before.
Trish....Thanks! Are you feeling better? I know you were suppose to get your surgery last week. Good luck on Thursday!!
It's been 2 weeks since my flap surgery. I feel great, but still hatin' the drain. I just scheduled my stage 2 for my reconstruction in NOLA for March 10. I can't wait to get it done. I had Herceptin #14 yesterday. Only 3 left! YAY! Oh, and my WBC is finally starting to go up...it is at 3.2 now...it took almost 6 months after chemo to get this far.
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What a fantastic page!! I just sat and cried like a baby - but they where happy tears!
Trish, CCbaby,Amy, Paula, Bold, and our new girl!
Trich when I read that you got to ride your horse, that is when the tear dam caved, I am still crying. Yea!!!!
While riding roday, I managed to get out ahead of the group for while for a bit of quiet. I thanked God that I made it to the other side of this ordeal and was actually out on a beautiful winter day what I love the most. I then thanked him for all the wonderful people I have met on the way. Without this horrible phase in my life I would have missed getting to know all of you.
You know me, I have to post a picture! I am in the middle. We were on what is known as The Land Bridge. It is a earthen bridge of Interstate 75 in Ocala Fl. If you look in the background you can see the traffic on the freeway below.
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Lisa~ I know where that bridge is
We pass it going down to Sarasota everytime on 75 I always wondered what the other side looked like and now thanks to you I know 
I always drive that part of our 1000 mile trip. As far as treatment goes I have 3 more Herceptin treatments with one coming up on Monday. I will then start the 2010 off with Flap surgery in NOLA (January 26). I'm not exactly sure where my donor area will be but I will find out at my pre-op. So in the mean time I will be running around from appt. to appt. trying to get ready. Then after stage 1 I come back and finish Herceptin on February 15 which I am sure is going to be a tough one for me. I will then head back to NOLA for stage 2 of my reconstruction (I am guessing in April) followed by Stage 3 in July or August. Then I just want to dance with NED for the rest of my life............ Not too much to ask....... I am still taking clodronate daily with the occasional puke happening. It's unpredicitable.....but I just keep on going.....trying to keep the beast away. I am still working on living life and not worrying about recurrance but I will just keep trying my best. My energy level is slowly coming back but I think some of that is due to Aunt Flo's return on Christmas eve....
Anyhow here is to 2010 getting better and better for each and everyone of us....
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I hate it when I'm right! My onc called me back and told me "You're right, you need to get your triple dose of herceptin before we take the 3 week break." I think she had forgotten I was only doing the single, weekly doses during chemo. I was due for the treatment on Christmas Day--that would have been the one week. I'm going tomorrow to get it. It will be 5 days late. Do you think that will make a difference in anything? I sure hope not.
I had a weird experience today when I took my baby in for her 1-year check up. Her pediatrician knew I was going through the whole breast cancer ordeal and asked me if I was now in remission. REMISSION--I thought and was hoping for a CURE! I guess they can't really say we're cured because they don't know if it will come back until it either does or it doesn't. Darn it--This little incident really put a damper on my day. I was feeling so good about finally being done with chemo and all. Do your doctors use the word "cure" with you? My doctor did the at my very first consultation, but after today, I'm starting to feel like crapola again. This whole thing just sucks.
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Weety, don't stress out about the doctor's choice of words. Remission--bah. You beat it!!!
I haven't been on in a few days--lots of company and running around. What a year 2009 has been. It's so nice to be able to get back on this site and see how everyone is doing. Bold, I love your blond hair, you look wonderful. But, I also miss your old avatar--that fierce, amazon looking woman--she looked so strong--like she was conquering cancer!
Here's to good health in 2010!
Becky
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BTW,
Bold totally jealous of your blonde hair. My hairdresser tried to dye my hair on 12/17 and it turned orange the first time and bright yellow the second time followed by putting a toner on it that at least has it brown with a little bit of blonde highlights in it. My hairdresser has dyed other people after chemo but never had the coloring not take at all. I knew it was bad when she was telling me that I was not leaving while looking like that.0 -
Becky did you know that amazon in the picture was a shot of me? Yep I wanted to do the Conan movies and that was an audition shot. Funny huh? Thank you all for your compliments. I gave away for christmas most all of my beautiful hair clips. I had a very extensive collection. It was a little sad.
Forget about it Weety!!! (Insert Italian accent). No matter what word is used remission or cure it is not growing and threatening our existence. No Evidence of Disease!!!! NED!!!!!! It all works. More reason to celebrate than get depressed right?
Jemieh: You can see the finish line. I know that it's not over yet but the worst is far behind you. I pray that your stages of recon. are smooth and you love the results!!!
Lisa I am so jealous. You deserve these kick booty times. Your living the dream. I am getting a dog!! Whoo Hoo (can't ride em thought) A King Charles Cavalier tri color. It was my big present from DH. Because we are going to Paris in April I am thinking of waiting till then to bring her home. I worry so much that my beautiful black cat will be upset. But what are you going to do?
CC I think its easier at this length to single process. I have always just highlighted but now I am all for the easy upkeep. Its still slow growing so every 5 weeks is OK. You look all revolutionary in your hat. I too am digin all the new pics.
Man my breast hurts. Any other lumpectomy gals experiencing this? My cat walks on me at night and it is searing pain. I wish it would stop as it is a reminder. Funny it hurts more now than it has since initial surgery. (GULP) I hoping it is just healing from radiation. Thats my story and I'm sticking to it!!!
Carolyn! I so hope that this next year you get back some peace and happiness in your life this last year has sucked for all of us. We are going to break the bad cycle and start the good one!!!
Swampy I love the pink teddy bear story. Who would'nt. Good to see that kindness still has a reward.
Paula rock on sistah!!!!!
I would like to propose a toast......... To a wonderful group of strong, beautiful woman who have killed the beastie! May next year be filled with the gifts of love and health, peace and happiness
Cheers. (hic)
HAPPY NEW YEAR
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CC- Yes I am feeling better, that stomach flu killed me for most of the week and now i am fine and eating again. It hit my office like wildfire and many of us were all suffereing together. I recovered fast and that made me feel good. I worried about getting sick after chemo and wondered if it woudl be worse, but it was normal as stomach flu can be, came and left quickly!
LISA: awwwwe! dont cry! but i totally understand what you mean! It felt so good to just be up on her and ride. I remember just a few short months ago when i couldnt imagine pulling myself up on her back and now look! : )
I will let you know how my stage 3 surgery goes tomorrow. they say it only will take 1 1/2 hours! nice! i should be home and comfy to watch the ball drop on tv with no problem.
HEY QUESTION: have any of you noticed a weird kind of chest sensation with the herception? My scans all come up fine, but me and another lady at my office has the same thing. It feels like a heavy heart as if i was sad or upset but im not. Kind of in my throat or upper chest feeling. So weird but the doc says it is nothing . Feels like i have to swollow something but i dont. anyways, if any of you have a clue what i am talking about let meknow! I get obsessed with it and when my doc checks me he says nothing is wrong. I have normal heart function, energy, not out of breath, etc all the things they tell you to look out for i dont have. Just this bizarre heaviness! ugh! I think i am becoming a hypocondriac!!!
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Sounds like acid reflux. It is a strang and weird feeling similar to what you have discribed. I have it also and take prescriptive antacids. It helps. It is worse when I drink wine. So tomorrow will be a dooosie! hope this helps. Your pic is precious. Your beautiful.
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Thanks Bold! I had a feeling it was something like that. I notice i have had it when i was in chemo and i lived on tums and rolaids! thanks for your kind words!
Since i wont talk to you gals for a few days, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!
2010 here we come!
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So strange to me how I am getting MORE emotional rather than less as I move further away from active treatment. Didn't expect this at all. Maybe my emotions are waking up after so many months of soldiering forward one foot in front of the other, day by day.
I am ready for 2010. Better days lie ahead and the worst lies behind. Can't beat that!I love you all - I truly don't believe I would have gotten through this without my TCH sisters!
Happy New Year to all of us!
Love
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It's been a long time since I have posted, but I keep up with all of you almost every day. I had my next to the last Herceptin treatment today, and it's really great to see the end in site. I have told so many people about this site and all of the wonderful people I have met here in the last year. I just want to wish everyone an especially Happy New Year. Thanks to everyone for all of the support.
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I often wonder how Cinrae...the member who started this thread almost 3 years ago...is doing?? Does anyone know her or is in touch with her? When I first came to this thread, I learned a lot reading all about her journey with the TC beast and then on with her Herceptin.0
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Christy, Cinrea used to pop in some but have not seen anything from her in a while. She was a great inspiration. I remember so many who used to be here and I really hope all is well with them. I love hearing from so many lately to say they are doing good and wishing a Happy New Year.
Bold, I had a lumpectomy and my breast and under arm are really painful lately but I think it could be the nerves growing back. It seemed numb in places and now very tender. I have a puppy I am training and he does not help things any pushing against me but even the bra can hurt at times. My onc and rad doc both said it will take time and eventually just be better. I hope they are correct. My med onc does stress to keep the side moving where I had the lymph nodes removed. I do try but at times I feel like I have not been doing very good. It being my left side and I am right handed can help me forget I guess.
I hope this is a safe and very Good New Year for all. We do not do anything special for it but I used to clean every New Years Day because they said whatever you are doing on New Years Day you will do all year long. Has not worked in my life time. ha! Well I must get started on cleaning anyway. This puppy is a mess. He brings out everything he can find. I did not know I had so many dryer sheets under my bed! That is where I fold my clothes and I guess they go under before I notice but I think I am dryer sheet clean now.He also has lost his interest in them too!
Carolyn
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I love that Carolyn the puppy the funny thing is that the puppy will help you smile every day the things they do is cute. Now that my kids are grown and off on thier own somewhat its lonesome at times but I thank god for her every day and every time I go to the store I pick her up something either a toy or bone thing she will give you some happiness... I think my patience is paying off my hair is not thck by no mean but it is getting length god has tried to teach me patience and its happening I get it cut every 5 weeks and that has helped this might be the year my head can go naked summer time ...its very black too so I will want to frost it later every one have a healthy New Year if its healthy it will be happy..
Maura
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ccbaby, I have wondered about cinrae, too. When I was first diagnosed and found out I'd be on TCH, I read this whole thread from the beginning--it took me a couple weeks because it was so intense. I've often wondered how the women from 2006 are doing. I just looked at cinrae's profile and she hasn't logged on since the end of July. I sent her a PM and asked her to visit the thread next time she's on.
Bold, I remember reading that your former avatar picture was you--wow!
Happy new year to all--looking forward to saying goodbye to 2009!
Becky
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