Chemotherapy for Stage IV
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Kimber-wow 2 great things at once. I bet that visit is really going to lift your spirits. rest up so you can be at your best and enjoy them while they are here. great news about MDA and having a caseworker who really "works" for you.
Mema Sue -my BMX was probably the easist thing I have done since DX. Hated the drains but had no pain and just spent the 1 night in the hospital. I did not do recon-I wasn't interested at all. I had so many other things going on I didn;t want to do all the extra surgeries and doc visits. My tumor was huge but shrank down to a hollow shell after chemo--but I still wanted that thing out of there.
Marybe-there was a pancake commercial on TV last night that looked scrumptious. it had butter dripping out of every layer and the syrup streaming off the top-they were all golden brown and had the little crisp edges...uh oh-sounds like I need a pancake intervention myself!!!
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Thanks for all the advice. I am going to call for a secound oppinion. I have also made a sooner appointment with my onc.
usafmom enjoy your visit with your sister, and praise God for that case worker.
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Kimber
Double good news on the treatment and visiting front! Hope you're not going to do anything silly like start tidying up and cleaning for the visitors
I get the results of my scan on the 27th so will be hoping for a good day for both of us.
Lilylady: re: BMX. I was thinking to myself that after 6 rounds of chemo, BMX would be a (relative) walk in the park. Sounds like it wasn't too bad for you.
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Kimber glad you got in to MD and that family is coming for a visit. Your case worker sounds amazing and I am glad she is with you.
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OOOOO KIMBER - that is fabulous news!! That case worker rocks...I'll 2nd that, n 3rd... :-) AND (()) too! Go Rest....so excited for you for both the visit and the MDA...Sending the positive light and lots of prayers!!!
Camille - yeah, that's what the Onco at Cancer Treatment Centers said. Thank you for sharing. I'm still on the darn fence. :-( But I'll figure it out eventually!
Thank You Moderators, for posting to help us out. It is appreciated!!
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that is great news kim! sorry,, i'm on my laptop and hate it. Apologize for typos now.
Was admitted to hospital after my doc appointment yesterday. No huge problem, but I've been battleing this abscess around my port for awhile, and it was getting worse and getting infected; so out with the port and in with a pic line (urgh... not happy, but...). Also, for about a month, nodules coming up in my left eye ,above and below my eyeball. thinking this is more of the darned skin mets/cancer nodes ,but in my eye now. Well, MrI showed nothing significant even though I look lke a gold fish or a prize fighter, but did show some sort of massive occlusion in my sinus cavities... asymptomatic. Haven't had sinus headaches or anything. anyway, scheduled for a roto rooter on my sinuss on Monday; pic line goes in tomorow after 48 hours on antib's, and will probably do my first cycle of new chemo while in here. Fun and games and complications..... but I guess it's better than hanging out in the bars....:)) Everyone have a great weekend.....
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Hi Karen,
I have no idea what a roto rooter is but it sounds like it could be a mite uncomfortable! Hope you are being well looked after and getting plenty of rest in prep for your new chemo. Bet you'd rather be in the bar...
Big hugs and hope it all goes well
Laurie x
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Oh Karen-what an analogy-because I just had the roto rooter guy out yesterday. It made me shiver when I read that-but laugh at the same time. I hope that goes well and is one of those things you are totally knocked out for.
Sorry to hear about the port. One of the ladies in my chemo thread had a pic line aftera port failure and she did really well with it.
Putting you on my "person of the day" i think about. Keep us updatedplease.
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Yes, I was diagnosed with Stage IV HER2 + just last Oct. Quite a shock! Am doing chemo and Herceptin to shrink tumors. Hopefully ready for surgery, reduction and reconstruction in April when 6 months of chemo completed. Then Herceptin only .
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Hi all..Karen I'm so sorry to hear you've been in the hospital. I hope you are home now resting. The rotor router thing sounds very interesting and slightly painful. I will be praying for some quick relief:)
@Laurie omg girl you rock and look soooo cute! I love the hair..hehe..I'm just a little bit jealous;) lol
@marsha I will be praying that chemo goes well so you can start the next phase.
@marybe how are you doing? Been thinking of you and wondering how your legs are doing?
@lily ..mmmmmm pancakes sound so good:) my sister made chocolate fondue for everyone last nite..I couldn't eat much but it was delicious nothing like great family and yummy food:)
@memasue I hope you are doing good with treatments.
Well I'm feeling pretty good considering I should have chemo today but nice to get this two week break... Just really tired ..I slept for 12 hours straight last nite . I never do that lol enjoying my family so so much:) they leave in a couple days. Just wanted to wish everyone I great week and know that I'm praying for you all.
Hugs kimber0 -
Oh god karen.... what the heck is going on? How are you holding up, my friend?
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Hi all, I'm new to the site, supporting my Mom who was first dx in 1993 DCIS, mast. Then 1998 other side, invasive, another mast, then in Jan 2004, she lost the love of her life, my Dad and in June of same year, a chest wall tumor, another surgery with radiation. ER+ so went on aromasin till Jan of 2010 and was released. Then in June-Aug 2011 extreme joint pain attributed to arthritis, but eventually pathalogic hip fracture and pathology revealed bone mets, then recently CT, bone scan and chest xray revealed mets to liver, lung, rib, spine. First chemo with taxol last Tuesday, second scheduled for today if her blood count is ok. any advice you brave ladies can give me would be greatly appreciated, I don't know what to do to help her.
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Hello Moms daughter,
My mom is 72 and has liver and node mets. I note that your mom must be about 75. So sorry for what you are all going through. My mom is also on taxol and has had some shrinkage and stability along the way with it (about 6 months). That being said, I think it is a challenge for our moms given their age (it would be a challenge for anyone, but I think especially older people). Mom has mouth sores and neuropathy - her most frequent complaints. She is on Lyrica for the neuropathy and has a steriod cream for the mouth sores. Keep an eye on her liver and blood counts - my mom goes to Sloan and they post these counts on line, which is great. It is so difficult to say how to help. I do the best I can - going to appointments, contacting the docs, fielding her complaints and trying to find a solution. To tell you the truth, I'm so exhausted - physically and emotionally. But I love her dearly and need her to stay with me. Blessings to you and your mom. Mary
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Thanks so much for the response Mary, I know after reading through the site and many others trying to educate myself that we're not alone but it's helpful to hear from someone going through much the same. You're right, Mom will be 75 in Sept (good Lord willin and the creek don't rise) and has been such a trooper through it all, doesn't complain, we have to watch closely to pick up on changes. She was unable to take the treatment today because in just this week she's developed some kind of problem with extreme fatigue and shortness of breath and low grade fever. They did another chest x-ray but it appeared normal, so Onc said he could admit to do a work up or try an antibotic and go home and we're to let him know if no improvement in the next couple of days, of course Mom chose the later. It's so scary and I completely understand your exhaustion, I feel it too, but this is happening too fast right now to notice, it's a whirlwind. I'm going to ask about the counts, all I know is that they were good today and if not for the other issue, would have been ok for the treatment. sending well wishes to you and your Mom...Debbie
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Hi Debbie, it's always something with the bc, I think made worse by the fact that our moms are not young women. My mom got cellulitis out of the blue a few weeks ago and spent a night in the hospital. I'm sorry your mom is going through this. SHe has really been through a lot with the loss of her husband at a fairly young age. And you have also suffered such loss already. After a year of ups and downs, i am finally seeing a oncology social worker tomorrow to get my head on strait. My poor husband and kids have suffered through my rages and crying enough. I need to find a place of acceptance. Peace is a rare commodity in this. Take care of yourself also, Debbie. People tell me that but I never listen. I hope you do. Blessings, mary
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Kimber,
Congrats on the upcoming trip to MD Anderson. Hope you have a great visit with your niece and sister.
Debbie, taxol is a tough chemo but can work wonders ... Hope it is THE answer for your mom with minimal SE's.
Karen, Gigantic hugs your way!0 -
Karen - OMG....that sounds horrible...I hope and pray that it is the sinus and that the roto does it. Sorry about the port...idea of a pic-line makes me cringe...I hate needles. Will keep you in my prayers.
Marsha May - will keep you in my prayers that the treatment works for you. I have been blest with mine.
Mother's Daug - sorry to hear about your mom, it is heartbreaking, especially for her to have lost her DH while battling BC. Hopefully you will find WONDERFUL support and good information on these threads. I know I did...will keep you both in my prayers.
Thank you all again for your earlier responses. Just an update....I have decided NOT to do the BMX. At this point in my life, and knowing that this BC will rear it's ugly head again at some point, I am not willing to waste one more day on the "Stage IV with Mets patients fair better with the BMX" No one says, guaranteed another year, 2 years, etc. because no one knows. They do know though, that it will come back, but no way to tell when. The risk of infection, complications, the recovery period, the reconstruction, etc, etc, is just too much. So I choose to keep my boobs and say that it will be YEARS before it comes back and I intend to live EVERY single day to it's fullest. This decision to BMX or not has been weighing sooo heavy on me, that I have NOT been able to live each day as ‘myself'. Now that I have let it go...I'm...well...ME again.
May today find you rich in spare moments to spend, May you never be lacking a loved one or friend, May you always have purpose giving strength to your dreams, May your heart not be short of a few crazy schemes, May you look at life squarely and find it worthwhile, And may every day give you good reason to smile! Unknown author.
God Bless!!!
Sue
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Sue
Great to hear you have come to a decision about the BMX. I too hate the amount of brain space and hanging around that, that thinking takes up. Currently I'm thinking along the same lines as you. My onc mentioned that he would be happy to do radiation to my 'naughty breast' (I have 60% DCIS and a tiny invasive tumour <1cm) and to my lymph nodes and I'm wondering if that is the way to go.
I'm feeling very well at the moment, and while I wouldn't bother with the recon. it's still a big op with stuff can can go wrong, and of course the potential for lymphoedema... I think I should be enjoying this 'good time' before the whole chemo thing starts again. I have a CT today with the results on Monday so hoping that the good time lasts on hormonals for the next 3 months...
Karen, hope you are on the mend and have a bit more energy.
Kimber, sounds like you had a lovely time with the visitors. Good luck for Monday...
Big hugs to all
Laurie x
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Laurie - You do have some decisions also. I feel for you. Your dx is much more complex than mine at this time. I will have another MRI and mammo plus another scan in mid-march. Am hoping that my hormonals will save the day again and show NED. Good luck with your CT...I will keep you in my prayers.
A bit of laughter - A lady was picking through the frozen turkeys at the grocery store but she couldn't find one big enough for her family. She asked a stockboy, "Do these turkeys get any bigger?" The stockboy replied, "No ma'am, they're dead."
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Good one mema
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LOL..too cute memasue:) I'm happy for you that you made a decision. I think that is half the battle is coming to peace with what we decide. Laurie I hope your scans go good:) I also hope you have peace soon too about what to do with that "nasty breast". I know in December they really pushed for me to do surgery. I went for it had my recon removed,40 lymph nodes, the mass that was all over recon, and part of my right lung. I often think if I had to do it all over again would I now. I really don't think I would. I have horrible lymphadema now and so much pain on my right side. I had pain prior and a horrible cough from the mass,but you know what it was much more doable to some degrees.
Now I take so much pain meds do to lung sticking to my ribcage and lymphadema. So I think you ladies are very wise. I refused the thoracotomy on my left lung! My oncologist brought that up Tuesday when I saw her was I ready since I had progression on a scan done while I was in the hospital. At this point I'm not..I will pray the new chemo works and if not we will deal with it.
Well Sunday we are off to MDA..I hope they can confirm or suggest a better treatment plan. I talked her into abraxane instead of taxol with the herceptin. I skipped chemo this week..I kind of feel like a rebel lol.
Had an amazing time with my family:) To all the new gals you will be in my prayers! Your mothers are so very fortunate to have you
I can't imagine doing this in my 70s they are an inspiration.
Laurie pls keep us posted on your scan! Glenna and Klo hope you are both doing good. Karen keep up your fighting spirit!
Hugs Kimber0 -
Kimber - Thank you for your honesty. You've been through sooo much...again I will pray really hard and cyber-sail the positive vibs to you now and while you're getting checked out at MDA...((HugZ)) Am so glad you had an amazing time with your family...what would we do without them?
Another SMILE - A flight attendant was stationed at the departure gate to check tickets. As a man approached, she extended her hand for his ticket just as he opened his trench coat and flashed her. Without missing a beat, she said, "Sir, I need to see your ticket, not your stub."
Love n Prayers to all...g'nite!
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Kimber - I am so happy you enjoyed time with your family and I am sending prayers and positive vibes your way for the MDA visit.
((Moms Daughter and Mary)) Your Mom's are so lucky to have your love and support. I hope you find support here as well.
Laurie - I am praying for good results! Please keep us updated.
MemaSue - I am glad you have made a decision and I wish you MANY, MANY years of joy and happiness. Thanks for your words and putting a smile on our faces. Love n Prayers right back at you!
Have a good night all!
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Just spent a fabulous 6 days of travel feeling great, very little thought of bc other than to check here to see how my friends were doing. Went to myrtle beach with a good friend (sue) to visit another good friend, linda, who had moved to myrtle. Shopping, laughing, catching up, eating, drinking (a little red wine), and being pampered by Linda's hisband, Tom.
No chemo til next wednesday so have enjoyed feeling great!
Love to all,
Glenna0 -
Oooh Glenna
Have just googled Myrtle beach and I am soooo jealous. Haven't had any holiday sun since the year before last. Great to hear that you had a good time with your friends and (importantly) thought about that damn little BC thing that weighs so heavily on us at times.
Sue - LOL - keep 'em coming!
Vicki - thanks so much for keeping me in your thoughts.
Kimber et al - Have a great weekend. I
'm looking forward to the second part of American Idol which we don't get until the day after you so nobody tell me who got through! (Trash TV but I love it!) One day, I expect that Steve Tylers face will just up and leave to take up a life of its' own and leave that little skinny body sitting there...
Edited because I thought I would be smart and type without looking and started off with my fingers on the wrong keys - DOH!
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VickiB - Thank you for that...just love this site for all the REAL support and prayers we give to each other.
Glenna - Myrtle Beach is awesome! Really glad you had a good time and a break from the BS of this BC. I had a girlfriend in from Elko last weekend, we had a good time that included a SPA day. It was fabulous!
Alesta - LOL, can't tell you how many times that 'finger on wrong keys' has happened to me...LOL. Have a GR8 day!
A kindergarten class had a homework assignment to find something exciting at home and relate it to the class the next day. When the time came to present what they'd found, the first little boy walked up to the front of the class, and with a piece of chalk, made a small white dot on the blackboard and sat back down. Puzzled, the teacher asked him what it was. "It's a period," he replied. "I can see that," said the teacher, "but what is so exciting about a period?" "Darned if I know," he said, "but this morning my sister was missing one, my mom fainted, my dad had a heart attack, and the boy next door joined the Navy."
Love n Prayers to All!
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Memasue - I'm still laughing! Thanks for that...
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Glenna - You can't get much better than the beach, laughter and good company. I am happy to hear you had a good time. How was the weather this time of year? I have only been there during the spring and summer.
Laurie - I am a sloppy typer and almost everytime I try to spell check, I wipe out everything I have written. After all of this time, I still can't figure out how to do it on this laptop. I will not be offended if you won't!
That was cute Mema, keep 'em coming!
I do have some news to share... I found out today that the mets in my lungs are a little smaller but the mets in my hip showed no change. I am happy to have some good news but I hope sure hope my hip starts healing too. I am getting spring fever and I love to walk the dog but I am kind of scared to take him out by myself, he is a BIG dog. I feel bad for complaining but we can hope right?
Have a good weekend everyone and thanks for being there. You keep me going!
XOXO
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Vicki - good and not so good, we tend to hang on to the good though I think. And I'm with you not walking the dog alone, not with that hip. Keeping you in my prayers as always!
Kimber - I am sooo sorry, read your post on the other thread, can't find it now tho. But wanted to say I am praying extra long and hard for you and hope you still can get to MDA. Something tells me you'll do better with whatever they offer for treatment. (((Kimber))).
Treso
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Hope you and the rest of you lovely ladies get a chuckle outta this one. LOLLove n prayers,
Sue
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Hey all! I'm trying to catch up on all the posts.... been in the hospital for a week, and so glad to be home! This cancer isn't going to kill me, all the stupid complications are. My port was abscessed, so had to be removed and a picc line put in, and my recent MRI on my swollen eye showed nothing in the eye, but a massive sinus occlusion; infection (but no symptoms!) all over. So, in the hospital for 7 days of IV antibiotics, port out, picc line in, sinus surgery, and they gave me my first carboplatin/camposar chemo. Supposed to give bad diarrhea. nope.... same ol constipation with me. LOL Will see what dose 2 does on Mon. I'm just glad to be home, and am feeling better. Double vision still and look like a prize fighter from swelling/bruising of sinuses/eyes, but this too shall pass.
The good news... Did you see that the FDA is forcing companies to make methotrexate and Doxil again??? Great news. My onc wanted to put me on Doxil but couldn't get. And all the children with leukemia can get their drug now again too. Stupid pharmaceutical companies... all about $$ and not about people and saving lives.
Kimber: Did you get to MDA yet? again, I'm trying to catch up on all the posts.... my laptop died the 2nd day in the hospital so I'm really out of the loop..
HUGS to all...
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