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Chemo in Sept 08

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Comments

  • SingaporeChris
    SingaporeChris Member Posts: 460
    edited October 2009

    Hi Girls,

    Juli have a wonderful time!

    Jane, I know this kind of thing makes you think of death, but hopefully you won't be going anywhere for a very long time :)

    My son keeps asking me to join farmville, but I am afraid if I get hooked I won't get anything else done. Glad it is keeping mina and a few freinds busy though.

    Lisa, glad you are feeling a bit better.

    Collen how are things with you?

    Spring, I was gaining weight without reason and then had a thickening of the lining of the womb, and cloudy eyes, so I asked to be switched, My hormone levels were also showing I was in menopause for the third time, you know what I mean ;) once is enough.

    I am feeling great and full of energy, but my right eye is still very cloudy and that is the eye I had a cateract removed from 2 years agon. That tamox has a lot to answer for, but hey I am still alive thankfully.

    Have a great weekend girls, Singapore Chris x

  • Genia
    Genia Member Posts: 1,055
    edited October 2009

    Chris....do you take the Lupron shots too?

  • bar62
    bar62 Member Posts: 221
    edited October 2009

    Brandonsmom,

    Thanks for welcoming me to Farmville...could you pm me with your name over there..I take  biotin  and wish I could take some of the ballyhooed supplements  but I  get sick everytime. My doc says my hyper-immune state??makes my body respond  in an unpredictable manner to all supplements..so I take Biotin, drink pomegranate juice green tea and will ask when I can take zinc+magnesium. Halloween madness is taking over.

    enjoy yourself,

    mina

  • SingaporeChris
    SingaporeChris Member Posts: 460
    edited November 2009

    Hi Girls,

    I had a wonderful halloween party last night, all the people did fit into my place, thank goodness.  45 out of 55 were breast cancer survivors, check out my facebook.

    Hope you are all well.

    Singapore Chris x

  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 3,372
    edited November 2009

    I saw Chris' Halloween party photos, looks like a great time was had by all!!! :)

    The eye doc does not see any cateract, he thinks it's just "floaters".

    Chris, the "cloudy" you had with your cateract, was it always there, or did it come and go at all?

    Chris, are you getting Lupron shots with the AI? What Gena said... 

  • SingaporeChris
    SingaporeChris Member Posts: 460
    edited November 2009

    Hi girls,

    Spring, glad to hear that you don't have cateracts.  I had a cateract removed about 2 years ago and afterwards it was fine.  After starting tamox I got cloudy eye, in the samd eye.  I had it checked and they said I had a cateract starting in the other eye about 40%, it seems fine to me. The tamox eye only had floaters in it, which do come and go, Sometimes it is worse than others, I also get the occassional black dot. Nothing I can't live with, most of the time I am not even aware of it.  My eye dr said it is a sign of age! I have my next appointment in December. If you have an pain at all, or any bright flashes, you must seek attention immediately!  Hope you don't.

    I am running a vision board workshop tomorrow so am busy preparing for that now, should be fun.

    Take care girls, glad you like the party photos, I had an amazing time.

    Singapore Chris x

  • SingaporeChris
    SingaporeChris Member Posts: 460
    edited November 2009

    Hi Spring, I forgot to say, no I am not having lupron shots, as I am already in memopause and have been consistently for a year post chemo now. My dr thinks as my hormone levels are so low, I don't need them.  How about you, what is your plan?

  • Genia
    Genia Member Posts: 1,055
    edited November 2009

    Hey Chris.....

    I haven't had a period since Oct of last year......but he is still putting me on the Lupron shots.  I think he should check my hormone levels before he puts me on them.  I don't want to take them if it isn't necessary.  I see him on Weds to discuss this with him.....so I think I will mention the hormone check.

    You're pics of your party were great.........you look so good and healthy!!!

  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 3,372
    edited November 2009

    My Onc seemed to think that b/c I was "regular" with my period prior to chemo, that I should get the Lupron shots if I was on an AI. Apparently, she felt there could be "swings" of hormones and the Lupron shots prevent this. If there are "swings" then the AI is ineffective. You really really really need to be in menopause. 

    I am on Tamox now, but I am sure they will switch me at some point. I think she was thinking if I stay on Tamox for 2-3 years and have no period, maybe I AM really in menopause and then we would not need Lupron? She also felt I would need the shot *every month* not every 3 months. Just to make sure.

    One more thing - I was reading over on another thread  where a woman was incorrectly put on an AI without Lupron, and she had a recurrance. She changed ONCs and the new ONC said she was not "really" in menopause.

    Anyway, let's all just be careful!!!!!

    Love you all!

    Spring. 

  • Genia
    Genia Member Posts: 1,055
    edited November 2009

    I understand now Bev.......makes sense to me.  Sure don't need or want a recurrence!

  • bar62
    bar62 Member Posts: 221
    edited November 2009

    Chris,

    I'm not sure I told you on FB but I enjoyed your Halloween pics...looks like everyone had a wonderful time. I don't understand all that is involved with taking Tamoxifen but  know we all don't need  or want a recurrence.

    hugs and more hugs

    Mina

  • bar62
    bar62 Member Posts: 221
    edited November 2009

    Chris,

    I'm not sure I told you on FB but I enjoyed your Halloween pics...looks like everyone had a wonderful time. I don't understand all that is involved with taking Tamoxifen but I  know we all don't need  or want a recurrence.

    hugs and more hugs

    Mina

  • Juli50
    Juli50 Member Posts: 652
    edited November 2009

    Mina - I just read on FB that you are a hero! You are amazing!

    Chris - Loved your Halloween pics! You are so adorable... you devil you!

    Genia - my previous onc was going to put me on an AI because my periods stopped when I started Chemo, my other previous onc (in the same office) said he wanted me on Tamox in case I wasn't really in menopause, but my new onc actually tested my hormone levels to see which one I should be on. What a concept!

    Thanks for all the good wishes for my cruise! We had the best time and ate too much yummy food. Laughing

    hugs! Kiss

  • Genia
    Genia Member Posts: 1,055
    edited November 2009

    Hey all!!!

    I get my first Lupron shot tomorrow.....and have the Aromasin to take starting tomorrow after the shot.  I can't tell you how much better I feel being off the Tamoxifen.  I have so much more energy and the bone pain is almost gone.  He said today the Tamox is not for everyone.  I AGREE.....sure didn't work for me.  But then I've been the odd lot all along......lol.

    Hey Mina....bless your heart for helping the lady with her baby.

    Juli....glad you had a good time.  Never been on a cruise before...always wanted to go on one.

    love you ladies

  • SingaporeChris
    SingaporeChris Member Posts: 460
    edited November 2009

    Hi Girls,

    Genia, great news that you feel better and are now on Aromasin.  I feel great on it and have no side effects at all. Hope it will be the same for you too.

    My oncol tested my hormone levels three times over the last 6 months and says that I am definately in menopause. I haven't had a period for a year and a half and I am 48, so not that likely to come back.  If you are younger there is a strong change that your hormone levels could still go up. There is a special test so you can see exactly what your hormone levels are, but you do have to keep checking.

    I am going to a dinner at the weekend with some friends, we are going to an Indian restaurant and all dressing in Saries, one of our friends is indian, should be good fun.  We have to go to someone's house first to help wrap us up in our saries as we have no ideal how to do it, should be fun.

    I am off to England on Monday to see my lovely boys, so will only check in now and then after Sunday.

    Take care everyone. Singapore Chris x

  • bettysgirl
    bettysgirl Member Posts: 645
    edited November 2009

    glad everyone is doing well and genia i am glad you are feeling better. Sorry i haven't checked in here...with the computer at work being all my contact i've been farming...LOL

    Feeling okay now, the cough is better but the itching is a lasting effect....comes and goes and there is not a common factor that we can find- no common food, meds or contact- sometimes it happens at work sometimes at home...we are beginning to believe (and the theory is gaining ground that stress seems to tick it off....????? can't take benadryl at work so I found out that a xanex will stop it...which is why we also thing stress is a contributing factor....

    Hubby and I are going to hometown tonight for his 30th class reunion...hoping to touch base with some folks we haven't seen in a while...I will have to rely on HIS memory not mine LOL

    Have a great weekend.

  • bar62
    bar62 Member Posts: 221
    edited November 2009

    Genia, you have no idea how happy I am to hear you are no longer miserable with pain and TM SEs.

    We have a Yankee parade starting here at 11:00...the town is overjoyed especially since it's been so long since we won a World Series. 

    Everyone have a fantastic weekend!

    xoxo

    mina

  • SingaporeChris
    SingaporeChris Member Posts: 460
    edited November 2009

    Hi Girls,

    We are leaving Singapore in about 10 weeks it's official.  Bad news for me as I love it here and have such a wonderful support all around me.  I will miss everything about living in Singapore, and so many people. 

    I will however make the best of it in Holland again, there are lots of advantages, like being closer to my boys.  I go to England tomorrow and am now also going to Holland the week after to try and find a house, it's going to be pretty busy.

    Glad to hear that everyone is doing alright. One good thing is that I don't loose you girls, the advantage of cyber friends!

    Take Care girls, Singapore Chris

  • bar62
    bar62 Member Posts: 221
    edited November 2009

    Chris,

    You're not ever going to lose us. You're on my wall as are all of the Sept girls, thanks to you:). We've helped each other for over a year now and I know carry everyone on the Sept board  with me in my heart wherever  I go.Thank God we have the Internet. I know you'll be  visiting your boys and having fun with them ASAP after the move.

    When you have a moment, I'd love to know what it's like live in Holland.

    I'm deep in Cafe world and loving it; please don't mention FV...Smile

    I have to have a mammogram and US Wednesday afternoon, to make sure everything is AOK. My Onc thinks my weird feeling lumpy breast is a result of radiation. I did have 34 treatments with 8  given as boosts.. I sustained a burn which healed during the boost period but I always felt the burn might  cause problems in the future. She  told me Friday that radiation  sometimes causes changes for months  after treatment is completed...arrr

    Hope everyone had a great weekend....love you all

    mina

  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 3,372
    edited November 2009

    Genia, Glad you are feeling better already! It sounds like the Tamoxifen was poisoning you!!! Not agreeable to your system. Let us know how things go on the AI.

    Chris, you will never be far from us no matter where in the world you move!!! :)  That is the good thing about this group!  I think you are very brave to have your "chin up" about going back to Holland. I hope it turns out to be a good experience for you....

    Mina, how goes the farm? Mine is humming along. I have started doing 4 day crops now so I can get a break from it!!! :) 

    Lisa, How was the reunion? Did you have a good time?

    Jules, What is Mina a hero about? Other than just being her wonderful self? he he??

    I just got back from a beach weekend with girlfriends, it was really nice! We had an ocean front house and it was sunny and warn the entire wkend. I walked on the beach and did yoga out on the deck! Now back to reality. sigh... :)

    Spring. 

  • Jane_M
    Jane_M Member Posts: 932
    edited November 2009

    My lymphadema specialist says that radiation does more damage than we think.  She is working very hard to get me some range of motion.  She said there is a lot of scar tissue caused by the radiation.  When I saw the PS about reconstruction after my 2nd mast, he said that reconstruction on a radiated side was difficult as well due to the amount of damage radiation causes.  Since I've had radiation my asthma has been not well controlled.  I never had to use a rescue inhaler before rads and now I have to use it a few times a month.  My doctor also had to put me on Advair Discus twice a day. Now I've had a cough for a couple of weeks.  I think this is all due to the radiation.  I also have an abnormal EKG that I never had before.  That could be due to the adriamycin or the radiation.  My doctor is trying to get some older test results on me so he can figure out what that's all about.

  • Genia
    Genia Member Posts: 1,055
    edited November 2009

    Jane I hope nothing serious turns up.....hugs.  It's amazing the very drugs and treatments used to save our lives have left some of us with side effects that could last a lifetime.

    Mina....we will think good thoughts and say prayers that you are in good shape.  I worry about all of you......can't imagine what I would have done without you!!!

    Started my Aromasin 3 days ago.......got my fingers crossed!  He said if this one didn't work we would try another one......there were many........but I don't wanna keep trying new ones.

    love you all

  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 3,372
    edited November 2009

    Genia, I think there are three AIs.  Let us know how it goes! Hopefully you will be like Chris with no symptoms at all!!

    Jane, i am with you. Radiation is the pits! I guess I would do it over again, but I know I have damage that may be permanent in terms of range of motion and tightness on that side. I had a huge wad of scar tissue that the surgeon has tried to correct (it does feel much better). But I agree, It's not just the sunbrun part. That is like nothing compared to the permanent effects. Ugh.

    Also, My White counts an d Red counts are BOTH still sub "normal" range. I finished chemo a year ago and rads 8 months ago. My poor system is hammered! Is anyone else like this?? I am fed up! I am getting the H1N1 shot tomorrow. I am *not* wanting to get the flu in this condition!  

  • Juli50
    Juli50 Member Posts: 652
    edited November 2009

    Spring - This was on Mina's FB...

    "I helped a mom rescue her baby whose stroller was trapped in an wide opening at trains entrance when the train stopped. I didn't know I could move so fast. I quickly grabbed her baby out of the stroller while she took about 30 seconds to free her stroller. After when I looked around and took a breath two people standing next to me ready to help. Thank God we saved the baby"

    Yay Mina!!!

     hugs Kiss

  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 3,372
    edited November 2009

    Yay Mina!!! Mina = heroine!!!

    : )

  • Genia
    Genia Member Posts: 1,055
    edited November 2009

    Our Mina....a HERO!!!

    Can 3 days on a drug already be causing SE's???  I am MAJORLY depressed today.  To the point I could cry my eyes out.  I'm trying to find things to laugh about and stay upbeat.....but it's hard to do.  My hubby is about ready to hear my wrath and he's just sitting there not doing anything except being on his computer.

    God I HOPE soooooo much I can take this medicine!!!!!

    Bev....I have so much tightness it hurts.  And no matter now much excersise I do......it doesn't help.  I also have lots of hard scar tissue in there.  Once again......the JOYS of cancer just keep on giving!!!

  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 3,372
    edited November 2009

    Genia, I bet all that tightness is the Rads. It causes a lot of scar tissue, according to Jane's LE specialist! 

    Oh Genia. Is depression a SE of this drug? I can't stand this for you!!!!  How are you joints? 

  • bettysgirl
    bettysgirl Member Posts: 645
    edited November 2009

    i have a lot of tightness too. My rads cause some of it i think

    the reunion was okay- small crowd...

    Genia- HUGS I hope you feel better soon. I do so long for a day when all of us feel like the cancer is through "giving"

    I am crossing fingers and toes but we have been through a stressful day at work and no itching....

    Have a great evening ladies.

  • bettysgirl
    bettysgirl Member Posts: 645
    edited November 2009

    chris- i know that having to leave singapore will be a big change and a new challenge- i hope that all goes well with your trip and that you find an amazing house..I just know that there is someone there in holland who needs your smiles and kind words and that you will make a great connection with new friends.

    Love ya

  • Genia
    Genia Member Posts: 1,055
    edited November 2009

    Joints are hurting again........and I looked this evening and depression is one of the se's.  I wouldn't have ever thought that......but it is.   Girls I HAVE to be able to take something!  I'm hoping as I get used to these pills it will get easier instead of harder.

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