Chemotherapy for Stage IV
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Mema Sue. Thanks so much for posting the photo, the flowers looked just fabulous.
Thanks Kimber for the card and donation for Dawn. Her passing was so unexpected to me, especially coming on top of all the other sisters who have gone.
Laurie x0 -
Kimber, thanks for including us in your donation for dawn and miema for starting the flowers for Reese. I have been so stunned by their and Angie's passing.
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Kimber - I cant believe it!!!! I did not kno about Dawn...how do I miss these things...I feel so helpless sometimes and ignorant on how to find people and threads and stuff. UGH....THANK YOU...from the bottom of my heart for the gift and note in Dawns memory. I wud be happy to post her on Wall of Angels...will do some searches, but it takes time and my computer not the fastest. If you can...when you can...pm me on where to find a pic and I will try and get her info up. BUT...take care of you 1st and foremost...Dr Sue's orders...K? Congrats on losing 10 pounds...I can't/haven't inspite of working out (swimming) 4 days a week.
Glenna...my pleasure...enjoy your nap!
Prayers...positive, healing energy and BIG HUGZ!!
Sue
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My scans are tomorrow. My nurse advocate promised she'd call me tomorrow night before she went home. She said she'd call round 5. I was really brave and absolutely certain that scans would be terrific up until about an hour ago. That's when it hit me that I'll know tomorrow. So, a little worried but hopeful right now.
Laurie, I haven't either! I'm a dope.
Glenna, 10 pounds is underestimating. But I'm fighting that. I'm trying. It just doesn't seem right to gain weight on top everything else.
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Kimber, found Dawns info...will get her on the Wall of Angels...we can post pics later...PLEASE...take care of yourself!
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Well, I have not been on here in a while but wanted to give update. I had my last TCH 4 June and had BMX 30 Jul. Tumor in breast went from 4 cm to 2 mm. Doing okay. Chemo seemed to shrink everything. Knock on wood.... That it stays that way! Good thoughts and prayers for all.
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hello i was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in 11/09, my mets spread to several lymph nodes including clavical area all together i had 7 positive nodes. I started with a Left mastectomy, with node removal. After surgery i had 8 rounds of chemo (ACT), and a second one but sorry dont remember now, then i ended up with radiation 32 days. After treatment I elected to get the right mastectomy, and my onco. put me on tamoxifen. I had a 3 mos follow up MRI which revealed mets to my spine, and acetabulum. I had to go through 20 more rounds of radiation, After those were completed I had my next 3 mos MRI, which revealed mets to my rib and my coccyx, I repeated radiation again. After all that was done i went for a second opinion at skmh, they were awesome. They informed me that my ca was estrogen fed, and i neede to have my ovaries out, or start on medication to reduce stimulation. I went on lupron, and scheduled my surgery for hysterectomy with ov removed. She also suggest i get a bone bx. and get PET scans. I went back to my oncologist with this information, he agreed witnh doing PET scans every 3 months, and hysterectomy. He swithched me to anasterzole, and zometa. He also started doing tumor marking tests with my monthly blood work. I am scheduled for my recent PET scan sept 4. My mets has continued to grow in my rib, my tumor marking number has gone up to 145. I am interested in starting chemo again, but my onc is against this. Does anyone have any opinions? Also i am interested in any form of surgery like removal of rib if possibe, and diet like gersons. Please advise me. I have alot of fight in me left.
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Why is your onc against more chemo? . Is there some reason ? I take xcheva for my bones. They have been stable for quite awhile.
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Kfontaine, congrats on shrinkage! That's what we like to hear! Such good news!
Bella, sounds like you have been through a lot. I'm not sure why your onc wouldn't want you to have chemo again. I suggest you do a cut and paste and start your own thread. I think you will get more response that way. Your post may get lost in this ongoing chemo thread. In any event, perhaps a second opinion is in order??
I've enjoyed my good weeks but chemo again next Wednesday so will have some fun these next few days. Did a lot of work around the house yesterday and though I was exhausted, it felt good to get stuff done!!
Hugs to all my chemo friends.0 -
hello i was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in 11/09, my mets spread to several lymph nodes including clavical area all together i had 7 positive nodes. I started with a Left mastectomy, with node removal. After surgery i had 8 rounds of chemo (ACT), and a second one but sorry dont remember now, then i ended up with radiation 32 days. After treatment I elected to get the right mastectomy, and my onco. put me on tamoxifen. I had a 3 mos follow up MRI which revealed mets to my spine, and acetabulum. I had to go through 20 more rounds of radiation, After those were completed I had my next 3 mos MRI, which revealed mets to my rib and my coccyx, I repeated radiation again. After all that was done i went for a second opinion at skmh, they were awesome. They informed me that my ca was estrogen fed, and i neede to have my ovaries out, or start on medication to reduce stimulation. I went on lupron, and scheduled my surgery for hysterectomy with ov removed. She also suggest i get a bone bx. and get PET scans. I went back to my oncologist with this information, he agreed witnh doing PET scans every 3 months, and hysterectomy. He swithched me to anasterzole, and zometa. He also started doing tumor marking tests with my monthly blood work. I am scheduled for my recent PET scan sept 4. My mets has continued to grow in my rib, my tumor marking number has gone up to 145. I am interested in starting chemo again, but my onc is against this. Does anyone have any opinions? Also i am interested in any form of surgery like removal of rib if possibe, and diet like gersons. Please advise me. I have alot of fight in me left
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When hormones fail, most doctors go on to recommend chemo. Not sure why yours is not doing this.
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Bella, I sent you a Private Message.
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Im worrying about Marybe. Sent her a pm, just hoping shes feeling a little better this week
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Soleil - she is in the hospital. Check out her theead between the devil and the deep red sea. Someone is posting regular updates
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Very hard news to share .... Just read Marybe's thread and Gingerbrew posted that Marybe is in a coma and is in heart failure. Can't believe this as I just read LuvRVing's post that she was in the hospital ten minutes ago. Read through the Red Devil thread and it sounded like she was improving til I got to the last page. I'm stunned and heartbroken. Marybe is our rock. I am praying for a miracle.
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Oh Glenna,
I'm so sad now. I know she was struggling with heart issues. She is so brave. Chose chemo even though it was affecting her heart. Thanks for the info, I'll look at other post. I read it the other day and realized she was in trouble. She's been a hopeful hand and heart to me. I'm praying for a miracle too
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Glena thank you for posting about marybe..I pray she has peace soon. What an amazing lady! When I logged on last night after seeing your post I had a note from marybe..she wanted to send me cookies...what a gal!
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Haven't been here but dealing with issues and I am stunned and so upset over the news of Marybe. In my year here she has been one of the most encouraging, positive, reaching out to new people that I have met. Prayers for Marybe.
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No, - we lost China too. How sad coming back to read. I am so very sorry - so much lately, so very much.
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Naniam, there has been too many losses .... Kimber said it best .. This is a wretched disease!! I want a miracle. I'm praying for a miracle. But more than anything, I want peace for Marybe.
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Glenna, I agree with Kimber - it is a wretched disease. I hate it. I have read the thread Marybe started and the updates from Barbara on Marybe now that she is at the hospital. I am not really sure of her condition - I do know she is comfortable. I just know that I feel like something has been sitting on my chest all day - looking for news on Marybe.
We still don't know the reason the bile ducts are dilated - oncologist said about twice their normal size. Liver looks stable although the ducts into the liver itself are enlarged. No stones, no tumors - no reason found. Liver enzymes ok. Lots of nausea still. Mets was stable on Abraxane - so starting another series of 3 month treatments. Having a bit of foot neuropathy starting. Any suggestions? Trying to like Abraxane - it doesn't require steroids as a premed; that is when I will be in trouble having to do the steroid premeds again. My stomach does NOT like them - we stopped the chemo first time around at the usual 4 treatments (scheduled for 6) because of the amount of pain I was in.
Just sending lots of love and prayers Marybe's way -----
Hugs to all of you and blessings too.
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Naniam,
Have you tried lyrica or a similar med for the Nueropathy? I tried two and stayed on the lyrica it has really helped with the foot and Hand Nueropathy. I also had tons of nerve from my thoracotomy. They removed half my lung and it ended up sticking to my rib cage...the lyrica has made life more tolerable. I really hope you can find some answers.
I'm so upset over marybe..I just don't know what to say. We prayed twice today for her and I read Troy some of her emails so he could understand why I'm so sad. Prayers to you all!
Hugs kimber0 -
Naniam, Sounds like you got some mixed results. I have neuropathy as well and really haven't found anything that helps. I've started having the skin peeling from the bottoms of my feet this week but it's not really painful, just ugly. Are you taking anything for the nausea? Hope your new round of abraxane doesn't cause too many problems. I go on Wednesday for my doxil infusion. I only go once a month now so sometimes I can actually forget I have cancer. I was heartened to hear that Marybe is in a morphine coma by choice. Some have posted that she could possibly pull out of this. I want that so much but have to pray for God's will .... it just seems awfully dire to me. I can't stay off her thread ... just keep looking for a thread of good news. I had to tell my husband all about Marybe, too. He doesn't quite get why I'm crying about someone I've never met in person. Oh, the connections we have here are so unique. I thank God for each of you! Hugs, Glenna
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Prayers to you all. I didn't sleep but 20 - 30 minutes last night. All I could think about was marybe! She has such grace and is so loved by all. I have to share every email she would send me it was so encouraging but real. I appreciate that so much..especially the real part. We all balance the dark thought but trying to keep in the present and stay positive. I was in a spot the last few months were I was sure each holiday or special moment was my last. Through some tough soul searching I now dare to dream for the next anniversary or holiday. Marybe played an important part in that..I would think maybe just maybe I could make it too. This disease can steal those dreams from us but like marybe I want to plan that vacation and LIVE! Sorry for the rant but I know you ladies love marybe too.
On a side note..still trying to find the right combo of chemo so I can stay on the tykerb. I'm sick all day from it but I'm going to give it a few more weeks:) if anyone else has figured a good way to take the drug..please share..lol. I'm currently trying to take it each night at midnite..I don't eat after 9 pm but I'm I'll from 2 am on..finally feel better around dinner time then we start again..the joys ..lol
Hugs to all kimber0 -
I simply cannot believe that Marybe is gone. I posted to her this morning before I left for chemo, came home and post as we have lost her. She made chemo seem easy - it has never been easy for me to handle. We all understand it just takes one thing that sometimes turns things upside down so fast.
Kimber, I don't know anything about the chemo you are taking. It sounds like a tough one though. I hope someone come along and can answer your questions. What nausea meds do you have to take with it?
Glenna, they told me to keep my feet moisturized and to keep them covered; care of the shoes that I wear. They gave me the option of missing my treatment today but I chose to go ahead and get it since I was off treatment next week. The GI doctor came by the chemo pod and my liver enzymes were good. We decided it was time I come to his office and be evaluated - I told him I was having pain on the right side and he didn't think there was any cancer in my liver and I told him yes initially there was a small lesion - the bile duct into the liver were also enlarged and when we talked before that concerned him. I think I am to see him next Tuesday. I had to get potassium today as it was low - probably because I couldn't eat and then as the potassium got lower, it made it harder to eat. Guess it could make the nausea worse. They did give me some Phenergan to add to my list of meds - use the Zofran and that. I really am getting quite the pharmacy.
I know it is hard for people that aren't on the board to understand the bond that you can form with someone that that you have never met. They look at you as if you are abnormal because you have "internet relationships".
Kimber, I've been in some dark places lately- I keep thinking my body is telling me I'm not ok, have strange test results with nothing really found wrong. Just been hard mentally, emotionally and physically lately. Glad you had Marybe to help you through some of those days - know you have had some real tough ones.
Love to Marybe - peace, strength and love to Tim and her family.
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Naniam,
Hope you will have a good day today and have few SE's from the chemo. I get mine today and have a busy week planned so hope it is good to me, too. Taking my grandson to an orioles game tomorrow night (with my DH and our son), then Friday morning I leave for a long-planned girlfriends' weekend at the beach. I can rest and be pampered if I need it and I don't have to drive but had I knownit was a chemo week would definitely NOT have planned it. I just don't want to put living on hold ... Especially after what just happened to Marybe. Things can happen so fast, and it can put you in a dark place from time to time. Just come here and vent when it happens so we can pull you up and out!!
Kimber, I hope you get some help on the tykerb. Maybe you should start a separate thread so your question doesn't get lost. Wish I co.uld help but it's one I haven't tried yet. Yeah, that means there's one in the arsenal!! Hugs to all my chemo buddies!!0 -
I am sooo very heartsick to hear of Marybe's passing. She truly was a fighter and gave so much to me and many other women on bco. May she Rest In Peace!
Love and Prayers to all of us as we continue to battle this 'insane' disease. Hopefully we can do it with the strength, courage, and selflessness that Marybe, China, Reesie and all the others who have gone before us have done!
Sue
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Amen, Sue...you said that perfectly! Glenna have a great time! I saw that BarbaraA ..who is marybe's friend said..marybe wanted a party in a month to celebrate her life. They asked in lieu of flowers we donate to BCO in marybe's memory. BCO mods have said they will keep track of the donations and do something in her honor. I think marybe would love this and she loved this place so much.
Naniam..I'm having problems with my feet and fingers too. I went to see the podiatrist two weeks ago hoping he had a magic cure but he had a cream that does help a bit. Revitaderm no prescription needed..it does have a content of urea which can also be found in eucerin professional strength products but only about half the amount. I use it one night then the steroid cream the other..isn't great but I can walk again. I hope you get feeling better:)
Hugs to all and have a good day!0 -
I did the donation ..l I think it is the perfect thing to do considering the impact Marybe has had on all of us.
my onc recommended bag balm for my feet. No sandals because of the friction. Bag
balm &socks. I asked my DH To pick some up on his way home. I'm going to nap as I know the decadron will keep me awake tonight.0 -
I am propped up in bed writing so will do the donation tomorrow when I'm up and have access to my credit card. Still hard to comprehend.
Mema, I pray that I have the strength, courage, grace and dignity of the women we have lost. I do know that I made the comment this week that I didn't know how to do this. I know I can't always be up and I don't like it when it starts to wear me down ie, when I'm nauseated and can't eat and am loosing a pound every other day or so ' I don't handle this very well at all. I feel very inadequate and feel to express my feelings is like whinning to others who handle their situation so much better.
Kimber, I'll write that name down. I haven't heard of it. Know some use the bag balm and wear socks at night. I 2nd Glenna's idea of starting a thread on the Tykerb - I certainly am not much help to anyone about chemo drugs as I've only done Faslodex and now the Abraxane.
Glenna, hope your chemo went well today. Today, a day after, I could have done the ballgame thing but honesty, most times after chemo I don't feel like doing anything for the first two days. Sometimes the 3rd day is my worst day. I keep asking myself if it is all in my head that others seem to handle chemo much better than I do. I'm older but there are other older women here and they seem to handle chemo ok too. Hope you have a wonderful "girls" weekend. We do get into our "routines" on the chemo weeks/days and it can mess with plans we had previously made. But as you said, you will be with a group that will pamper you and take care of you - and understand. That says it all.
Getting the potassium yesterday seemed to have helped. I certainly have had more energy. I took the Zofran this morning 30 minutes before I took the Oxycontin 60 mgs. and I haven't had nausea. I have taken the Zofran a bit ago and will then take the 60 mg. Oxycontin and hopefully awake without nausea in the morning. Have been waking around 4:30 in pain and having to take breakthrough meds - we just upped the Oxycontin dosage 2 weeks ago so I don't want to have to increase it again so soon. It was good to have a "good" day - what a difference it can make!
Blessings to all
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