African American Women & Triple Negative Status
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Just wanted to post an update. I had my second chemo treatment and doctor visit yesterday (11/30). Good news! My lymph nodes (which were swollen and how I presented to doctor) are no longer palpable. My tumor has shrunk and is now only 2/3 of the size.
The chemo session went fine. I did wake up very naseous. Not sure if it was anticipatory or from dexamethasone I had taken, the previous day and morning of chemo. Other than nausea I am feeling fine. Still a little woozy from IV Ativan, but I can manage! I go this afternoon for a shot of Neulasta, to boost my WBC's. Hopefully this will help with the severe neutropenia I suffered from last go round (mucositis, throat sores, which lead to oral and vaginal thrush--ouch!!)
Well I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and are getting that last minute Xmas shopping done. I am off to have my 2nd wig styled and 1st one re-styled(it is too long!). I finally broke down Saturday night and had my mom's friend shave my head. Surprisingly I have a nice shaped head and everyone has been very positive and tellig me that I look beautiful!! My 3 year old doesn't seem to notice, and my 7 year old likes it also!!
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Oh yeah!! Thanks for the welcome and your prayers, indomitable!!
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Amldoneyet - that's good news about the nodes - prayer does work! I'm thrilled you are having positive vibes about your head; makes this journey easier for you to travel. Kids are so much more accepting of stuff than we who should know better, aren't they!
Keep us posted on your treatments.
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Patoo- so true!! Kids are very resilient. Thanks for the good wishes!
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Indomitable,
Your Thanksgiving sounded Wonderful!!
My daughter and her 2 daughters came from Texas, and a niece and her daughter came from Denver, we had a good time.
Tuesday, it was back to treatment, all is going good.
I am letting ya know my computer is "cutting up" again, this is a different one, and I know this happened the same time last year--so if you don't hear from me, just know I am Ok-- will post long as I can(could not get on it at all earlier in the evening)---I sure miss hearing from ya when I can't get on here. Ya know I am a night owl, so I have had to read and I did find a nice Jazz station on the TV so this helps me when I can't go to sleep.
OK--Hello to All---Everyone stay Blessed!!
Linda C.
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Checking in to say HI to all. Linda, always good to hear from you cause we do worry when someone goes missing.
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So true, Patoo!
Linda-glad you had a great Thanksgiving. Listening to jazz station on the radio on my way home is my "me time". Trying to alter my life to have more significant "me time." Glad to hear that things are going well. You remain in my prayers.
amIdoneyet: Glad to hear that you're responding so well! Praise God for our children who love us for just being us! Will continue to keep you in my prayers.
Well, back to my 11 yo ( turning 12 tomorrow) b-day party! A house full of screaming pre-teen girls was not my idea. Tried to talk her out of having a party at home, but .....here we are. DH thought we could handle it. He's upstairs on the computer. Thought I'd catch up with you all while they're playing balloon volleyball. Despite my misgivings (proven correct-although nothing has broken yet), sure am glad to be here.
God Bless you all ladies!
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Happy birthday near-12 yo! Enjoy her now Indomitable - anything broken or not. Far too soon you'll be planning a wedding and giving the evil eye to that young man who stole her heart.
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Hello Ladies,
I am still able to get on, I need a new computer!!
Thanks patoo!!
Thanks Indomitable---I remember the older folks saying, "Children will be on your toes when they are little, they will be on your hearts later". Now I am the "old folks" and they did not lie. We have had some "losers' for son-inlaws, and to have to stand by and say nothing as these are adults, and we can't fix it for them---Wheee!! I bet the kids had a ball, was it a slumber party too?? We did that--8 giggling girls that ate and giggled all nite--looking back, I said "looking back" that was easy,--- that nite---Oh my gosh!! We have a basement and that is where they were camped out--I can laugh now!!
amIdoneyet--hang on in there!!! Wishing you all good!!
Ya have a good weekend.
Stay Blessed.
Linda C.
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Patoo, Linda--Thanks for the words of wisdom. I survived! Knowing that the enemy wanted me to miss b-days with my kids made it more tolerable. Only 3 of the girls slept over. Thank God, they were 3 of the more quiet ones. Will heed your words and make a conscious effort to enjoy each & almost every moment. Miss the days of our (fully finished by husband when we had Baby Girl #3) basement in Maryland. No such luxury for us here in Florida.
I pray at least weekly about (and for) the men my young ladies will choose. You both made me laugh about the loser aka son-in-law and the evil eye comments. (I pray almost daily about the woman my son will choose!)
Start rads on Monday.
Peace, Health, and Prosperity
H
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Indomitable- "Prayers" going with you for your Radiation--Get lots of rest--it can make you very tired. I hope the time goes fast for you.
I shoulda prayed for my childrens' mates--Wheee!!! I got it on my mind now--both of my daughters (42 & 41) both would like to marry again, so yeah I pray that who they find will be worthy.
My son is 32 and got engaged Thanksgiving Day, we really like the young lady(she is 33) and hope life goes well for them.
I have a 21 year old grandson and he has a girlfriend, they decided to go on to college, I hope they wait to get married and finish school. It is "As the World Turns" in this life---so we stand and watch!!! I like you, feel Blessed to be able to watch.
Stay Blessed.
Linda C.
Linda C.
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It is nice to watch now. I look back at all the really, really stupid things I did and praise God that He brought me through. Lord knows I didn't deserve the grace and mercy I've been blessed with. Someone wise helped me to come up out of my doldrums and realize that it was all in God's plan for me. So now I go on, walking the straight and narrow as best I can and depend on God to help when I falter.
Our kids will make it, just as we did. Just keep praying. I do.
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Hello Everyone,
((((HUGS)))
Just checking in. All is well..have started a new position within the same company without a break and feel exhausted already. I guess it takes time to get back to full energy, but I'm so wiped out. Glad for the Holiday Season, so some of the spotty days off will be beneficial for resting.
I Pray for those going through their journey, NO PAIN, NO HEARTACHE and put on your whole armour of God and know This Too Shall Pass.
Love to all!
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Hello everyone! Thanks for the well wishes. I go for the 2nd part of my 2nd cycle tomorrow-infusion of Gemzar. I wanted to know if anyone had experience w/ Neulasta. I had my shot last week Tuesday. It decreased my mucositis somewhat. I still had a minor case and now have some thrush on my tongue. But anyway, back to the Neulasta, I woke up last night with sharp shooting back pain. Could this be bone pain from Neulasta? I'm still having the pains on and off. Just wondering......Thanks!
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Hi amldoneyet - I took nuelasta as well and yes, it causes bone pain. I know it may sound weird but, I took claritin, the morning of the shot and a few days after and had minimal pain if any. If you haven't already I would check on the Chemo thread for people starting Chemo in November. I learned so much from my group. But, of course check with your onc before taking in extra meds.
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Hey Ladies!
Amidoneyet- I agree with Nasharayne, try the claritin with Alleve as recommended on the Chemo tips thread. It helps with the back pain from Neulasta (which my insurance didn't cover) and Neupogen (which I actually gave myself). I still got the aching pain on the Neupogen and found the claritin helpful even without the anti-inflammatory which I couldn't take more often than not because of low platelet counts.
Linda, Patoo- yes, we are blessed and I will continue to pray. BTW, as you know already, I continue to keep each of us on my prayer list as well. God does answer prayers or as Stephanie would have said, God Is Able. And Patoo-you're right...His undeserved mercy and Grace are amazing. He upholds us with His right hand of righteousness. No, we can't do it in our efforts.
I'm about to look back to see what creams you all recommended for radiation tx skin care. I saw on another thread that Alaina finished her rad tx and has had some skin issues. I was told by the tech today not to use the Vitamin E oil (or any other oil)/aloe vera gel that the PA recommended. So I'm wondering if that means that Bag balm is a no-go, too......So much education we get on this journey......
Linda-congrats to your son! I'll agree in prayer that your daughters find worthy suitors and won't settle for less.
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Hello Ladies,
Indomitalbe--Thanks!!
I hope all are doing well and getting in the Christmas Spirit and what ever else people do to celebrate the Holidays. Me, I am struggling right now, as I caught a horrendous cold, thought I was out running them germs, but I did'nt--wind up canceling my chemo on Tues. and asking my Dr. for and antibiotic, he did send me meds. I got Laryngitis--for talkers like me that is a mean curse!! I normally put up decorations by the 5th and this is late and I keep thinking, will I put them up, because the day after Christmas, I want them down. For 32 years I put them lil candles in my windows(Kansas, OK, still a lil country, OK!!) and it would be weird for them not to be up this year--well maybe I will do it tomorrow. Each Christmas since 1998, when I was 1st diagnosed with cancer, I will put them Christmas decorations away and tell them "I will see ya next year", and "be glad to get them out and put them up", (so when I thought about it, that was my motivation, really, for this year. Get busy sistergirl) It is one of those "mind things" I will do to keep, keeping on. So tomorrow!!!!
OK ya, here is Linda rambling on (can't talk on the phone) too hoarse!! Just feeling thats all. Thank ya for listening.
Everyone stay Blessed!!
Linda C.
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Linda- Feel Better! And keep sharing tips and ways that help you remain Victorious in this journey. I know it has not been easy and that there have been days.....but yet, here you are still inspiring.....
Journey NC- Forgot to congratulate you on your new position!! Hope you're loving it. Prayers much appreciated.
Anybody change their diets, or anything else for that matter, as a result of their diagnosis?
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Indomitable1--Thanks, I do have a voice today!! I feel better than I did.
Yep it has been a journey and I hope, always to help someone else along the way. Some days are weary, but one just keeps on plugging away---No, no Christmas decorations got put up as of yet---Wheee!!!
For your question of changes since diagnosis--I try to eat less and keep my weight down, I have never been a small person--I can wear a size 16, but at one time I was a size 22, I am 5:4. Somewhere along this line I have been diagnosed with Diabetes (type 2) this came from the Navelbine Chemo(it was called(Chemical Diabetes), so I deal with that. So far it has gone well for the 5 years I have had it. I walk when I can, I know if my weight is down so is the "Sugar Betis".
I take lots of supplements to counter act any side effects of the meds--for that I am my own Dr. I see what I believe will work for me and go for it. I go to the Health food store and read, read, read!! So far I am pleased as to think, what it may have been like if I did'nt have some things on board. I am thankful to have been shown to go there--it is one more of those Blessings, "cause I sure did'nt know. I have Asthma too, however when on the Chemo, the Asthma does not bother me--for this I am grateful.
Stay Blessed.
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I haven't posted for a while because basically I've been exhausted. They warned me that the "after-effects" of radiation would whoop my butt and by golly if it didn't!
My skin is healing, but that was an ugly process. Thanks to everyone who gave me home-remedies and suggestions. I finally found a way to wear my bra/prosthetic without it irritating my skin too badly, but for the last week, I've simply gone without both. It's just more comfortable right now.
I'm moving at the end of the month, and am taking on the arduous task of packing. This is the part I hate, but I am so looking forward to moving into my new place! I'm throwing tons of stuff out so it's kinda hurting my heart as an unrepentant pack-rat, but its getting done.
I'm absolutely in LOVE with the crochet projects I've taken on this holiday season! They are keeping me sane! I look forward to formalizing a crafting ministry in my church next year and teaching others who wish to learn how to crochet/knit in the coming year.
I've decided I have 3 major goals for 2010:
1. Learn Spanish (Rosetta Stone here I come!)
2. Take harp lessons (I've always wanted to learn how to play the harp)
3. Live in joy and not fear#3 is especially important and I'm going to need your help. For the most part, all of my "formal" treatment for breast cancer is completed. Yes, I have Herceptin-only treatments through 4/2/2010, but those are easy. The tough stuff, chemo, surgery, radiation, are done, and I have responded remarkably well to all 3! Thank God, I can truly say I'm "cancer-free!"
But now, I have to think about recurrence and doing everything I can to prevent the cancer from returning. The fear can be all-consuming if you let it. But I refuse to let it, but admittedly, I've had some sleepless nights thinking about a future I don't want to imagine.
Whatever happens, I know I'll get through it. After this year, there is nothing I figure I can't accomplish!
I don't believe in resolutions, but what are your Goals for 2010?
Share them with me!
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Alaina,
I am glad all of your treatments are behind you---for all that it was, it is one long journey. Yep--"Straight Ahead", and cross the bridges when you get to them, as you already know and you seemed to have done it well.
My older Sister taught me to Crochet at the age of 58--I have a dishcloth that I am so proud of, need to get back into it. it was one of those things, I can be shown to do, for the love of me, I can not read those books or I would be too tough. May you be Blessed doing your Ministry teaching people to do this craft.
Enjoy your new home. Thats a nice start for the New Year.
My Goals: To Walk 3 times a week--just go!!
I need to get 30 hours of Continuing Education, to renew my License for a Mental Health Technician, so I will do classes for this. I have til Dec.31st 2010 to get this done.
Stay as healthy as I can.
I like your word of Goals instead of Resolutions and I don't ever recall carrying out none!!
Linda C.
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I really try not to think about recurrence but, every now and then it will sneak up on me and then the thought passes. I try to always stay positive.
In the next year I really want to lose the 20 pounds I gained during chemo. I've never had to diet or work out before so, this will be a real challenge but, I've got to do something. I can't stand this figure that keeps looking back at me in the mirror.
Happy Holidays!!!
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Hi Ladies. Hope your preparation for the Holidays is going well.
Goals for 2010-Read the Bible through cover to cover by 2011.
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I don't know what I hit to submit so quickly.....but I also want to get my goal weight (just think Biggest Loser) and eat veg/fruits/whole grains as 2/3 - 3/4 of my diet; go back to Haiti and/or Dominica on a missions trip; ENJOY and count my blessings each day. Oh! and exercise 4-5 times per week.
BTW-saw the massage therapist who works with my PT for the lymphedema. She's a BC survivor x 10 years....I asked whether her life had changed...she said yes for the better- became a massage therapist and got rid of her stress (divorced her husband)! She also said while sitting in the hospital being tx'd for her MRSA infection of her reconstruction, she realized "I could be a queen of some country." We are so STRONG. As Whitney would say, We're not made to break.
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Actress Alaina Reed Hall ~ Dead @ 63
My heart is breaking at this news. Some of you may remember her best as Rose from the sitcom "227"
Mrs. Hall battled breast cancer for several years and even appeared in the TVOne special done on Breast Cancer in the African-American community.
Article @ her can be found HERE
I always considered her my "nametwin" because it's so rare to see our name spelled exactly that way. She will be missed.
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Thanks for sharing that Alaina. Only 63 - so young!
Indomitable1 - I also want to do another missions trip and would love to go back to Nicaragua. That was my very first one and it just left such an impression. I've also been do Paraguay, Appalachia (W VA) but Nicaragua has my heart. Hope I can convince my church to do another in 2010.
Nash - that's another goal - lose, and keep off, weight. It's not the losing but the keeping it off that is so difficult.
Blessings.
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Alaina- I had missed that. She was such a brave, strong lady. I recall an article many years ago detailing her support and caring for her HIV+ husband. Thanks for sharing.
Patoo-I bet Nicaragua was quite a trip. Any problems related to the politics of the region? I try to practice my Spanish with friends here but would probably need to get the Rosetta Stone like Alaina! We have a trip going to Apalachia again this summer. Of course, I missed that and the trips to Dominica and Haiti this past summer 'cause of chemo.
Hope you all enjoyed a marvelous Christmas!!! Merry Christmas!
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I hope everyone had a happy holiday. I am battling a cold and the beginnings of mucositis and thrush (throat). I had chemo Monday and have one more cycle of gemzar, avastin, and taxotere. I begin the "red devil" and cyclophosphamide next. Anyone had this combo and can give me some idea of what to expect?
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Hello Ladies: This is my first visit to this site. Interesting reports and courageous hearts. I write on behalf of my sister who was diagnosed Dec 2005 with breast cancer, sought chemo and radiation treatments to have it to return 4 times attacking other areas. Two month ago, scan/lab report showed no sign of recurrence by onc. A week ago we were hit with the news @ 42 yrs old and two young kids, diagnosed with metastic breast cancer with mets to the liver, brain, lymph nodes, bones and pleural space. How could this be we ask; an aggressive cancer was the response. She was immediately recommended & assigned to hospice by doctor. Dr say she dying & no treatment will help but she is in no pain, healthy appetite and mind is strong. Hospice cut out lifeline to therapy and care assistance except for pain meds & laxatives. What is your input on this and how should we proceed? She does not look nor act like someone that is near death. Is anyone at this point or know someone who is faced with this situation? Thanks Daffie
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Daffife- So sorry that you all have to deal with this kind of news & these kind of decisions at the holidays-not that any time would be good. Have you posted on the "Just diagnosed with metastasis or recurrence" thread. I think that you may get some info from some of the ladies with Stage IV who stop by. Also check out asking for more info/experiences with Hospice on the "Palliative Therapy/Hospice Care" Thread.
In addition, I'll just emphasize the need for 2nd opinion (ask for copies of all the scans/imaging) and make sure that she gets or signs for release of the medical records from the oncologist who has been treating her (including those from 2 months ago!!!!).
God Bless and strengthen your sister, you and your family. Indi
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