Calling all TNs
Comments
-
Remember to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate - sure helped me tons. I was really lucky, not once did I get nausea. Also I used to rinse out my mouth after meals with a mixture of cup of warm water and tsp of baking soda.
Good luck ladies. Will be thinking of you.
0 -
Jazzy & Melissa - good luck with the chemo! I promise one day it will be a faint memory !
Fighter - I am so sorry, for your great loss.
Annie - what a lovely story! I've always had my own bedroom. Hope your cold leaves soon!
Wishing everyone a great tomorrow!0 -
Hi, ladies. I have been following this thread, as well as the April/May chemo thread, off & on, and am so grateful for the support , advice, and encouragement. Will have my last FEC tx (every 3 wks) next week, then 3x Taxotere. I struggle with nausea and dizziness for about 10 days, and a crazy feeling like my body is separate from my head. Is that crazy? I am supposed to have a second lumpectomy (margins were clear, but barely--1mm). I am struggling with a decision on whether to have DMX, & not have to wait for a return occurrence. Am I being over-reactive? The whole TN thing scares me-- don't want to do this again! Anyone chose the prophylactic mastectomy? And, did you still have radiation?
0 -
Hi Everyone, a big hello to the ones who are waiting for chemo, results or coming here after a while. I just wanted to update everyone on my BS visit. I told her that it has been burning, paining deep under my arms and a few days back, there were lumps and bumps. She is a very soft touch doctor. I have to ask her to dig deep. Anyway, she told me that the burning is an after-math of rads, a very normal thing. The pain and lumps were from an inflammation of some sort. She said the bad cells died during chemo, the good cells are now thriving and not allowing the bad cells to get alive again. I did not quite understand this concept. She told me that whenever I have symptoms like this, to wait 4 weeks before going to see her. I think she is right regardig inflammation, as on my blood test, Eosinophils is high at 6.9 (up to 6 is normal) and it seems like this goes up on your blood test if you have an inflammation in your body. I have been thinking, looking back at the order of symptoms, pain, etc. and have realized that maybe this is all caused by the two biopsies I have had for thyroid. I swear I feel they are related. Even my Onc. had told me that after having a breast biopsy, the tumor markers go up. Well, maybe that is the same with thyroid biopsy. I feel there is a connection between thyroid hormones and reproductive hormones. The pain, lumps, bumps have subsided, however the burn is still there somewhat, but I am greatly relieved tonight with at least this visit. Greatly relieved that the doc doesn't think it is anything of concern. This is the first time though in 2 years that it is burning.
Luah - I always look for your wisdom on these subjects, thanks so much for writing. Thanks to all others who worried about this with me. Now I am waiting for the second result, hopefully tomorrow.
0 -
Hello LuvbngGma: My stats are similar to yours. I had excisional lumpectomy to get a biopsy. Once BC was confirmed I opted for BMX. I knew that I would be looking over my shoulder the rest of my life if I didn't opt for both brests to be removed. I have never regretted my choice. It is a very individual decision, but you must choose what is right for YOU. As far as rads, at the time I was dx, rads were not recommended unless 4 nodes were positive. So I did not have rads. But did had 6 rounds of chemo that started 6weeks after BMX. Good luck with whatever you chose.
Good morning to everyone. Another steamer here in the Midwest. Supposed to be 97 today. YIKES!
0 -
Hi Luvbnggma--whew...the choice of BMX vs lumpectomy is a big one. It is such a personal decision also. At my DX my husband looked my surgeon in the eye after he gave me the option of breast conservation (LX) or UMx or BMX and asked him if it were his wife what would he recommend? HE said bmx. I also have metaplastic tumor so that was what put us over the edge...wanted that cancer factory out. Turns out my "clean" side had LCIS which may or may not have become cancer later. I have never regretted my decision. Sometimes I look in the mirror and get very sad at my appearance as I have not had recon yet but that is happening hopefully soon. I also did 35 rads with the recommendation of my docs. It is a tough decision but take a deep breath and take some time to make your decision. You will choose what is right for you!!!
Maggie
0 -
Joyce, lumpectomy wasn't an option for me, but I did choose to have the other breast removed prophylactically for the same reason; I didn't want to be looking over my shoulder for the rest of my life. My tumor was very aggressive and I felt I'd dodged a bullet already. I didn't want to push my luck. When they told me it was up to me whether or not to have radiation, I opted for rads also, even though my nodes were negative. But that's just me; you decide what's best for you.
0 -
Thanks, all, for your input. I was at peace with my prior decision for lumpectomy, but that was before I learned it was TN. Today I am calling my MO, for a new SE that is troubling me. I have a terrible pain on left side, just below shoulder blade. I thought it was just gas but it has continued since Sunday. Sometimes hurts from lower abdomen all the way up. At its worst, hurt all way across chest and up into neck area. Really hurts if I take a deep breath. A little concerned today, since it still hurts after sleep, and is one my port side. I hate that every pain I have makes me think that I have more C everywhere, even tho I had the bone scan. What a mind game this disease has created in my head ,,
0 -
Jazzy - thinking of you today and sending you positive thoughts for your first chemo.
Lovely - I saw my BS last week, and I had a similar complaint.....not the quite the burning you described, but my BC breast sometimes feels really warm.....I've even had to ice it down. My BS also said this was an after effect of rads, and quite common. So maybe that will give you even more reassurance. I've noticed that the hot weather seems to aggravate it....I had the same thing last summer. Also went through a similar thing a year ago with a thyroid nodule/biopsy....all turned out well....hoping you get good news, too.
0 -
I choose a double-MX for the reasons stated before and also because I didn't want to go through rads. I wanted as much treatment as possible without doing too much. I hope I am making sense here. Either way it is a personal choice and you have to make the best decision for your situation.
You can always PM me if you have any further questions.
Lovelyface you are so in tuned to your body. Thyroid issues are very common for women. I hope you get some answers soon waiting and the unknown sucks.
Titan-I am trying to keep up with you. I have increased my walking, but getting up to running would be nice.
Cocker-I love to log in and read your posts. Your posts are so well thought out and constructed.
Thank you ladies for all your words of encouragement.
0 -
Joyce: Could it be you are compensating for your surgical side and placing strain on the non-surgical side? Or there's a problem with your port? It's good you're getting it checked out by your doc.. I know our minds always go to "more cancer" but I'm sure there's another, much more benign explanation. Good luck.
Edited to add: Also, try not to second-guess a decision that felt right for you. For what it's worth (quite a lot I think), leading TN docs do not consider TN status to be a consideration in surgical decision i.e. there may be circumstances would indicate a Mx for a woman, but TN status isn't one of them. If you're feeling conflicted, talk it over with your BS and see what he/she says.
Melissa and Jazz: You can be chemo pals here! Thinking of you as you embark on your treatment.... we never know how our body is going to react, and it's perfectly understandable to be afraid of that unknown, but trust me, chemo is not like how the movies depict it. You can expect a few days of feeling tired and fluish, but hopefully other side effects will be manageable. My advice? Drink lots of water - day before, day of, day after. And take the pills exactly as instructed!
Lovely: Glad to hear the doc could put your mind at ease. It's amazing what our mind can conjure up - I've had back pain, off and on, and sometimes severe... figured I'd give it 2 weeks before calling the doc, and just as that time was up, the pain has now subsided. So I can put away all my fears until the next symptom pops up - lol.
0 -
Sorry, I haven't caught up yet, but I want to jump in for LuvBngGma. I wouldn't think cancer first, I'd be thinking of the port. Please keep calling your doctor, and make them check you out immediately. It may be something very benign and simple, but get thee to the doctor!!!!!
0 -
Thanks to all for your input on the pain--apparently it is a common SE from the cytoxan. Gas pains! I take Prilosec daily for GERD so will be doubling up on my Prilosec, and adding whatever I can find that works for me. If OTC products dont work, she sd we can try Nexium. Nurse said it will likely continue thru next tx, thankfully next week is last one for FEC. Then on to new SE with the Taxotere in 3 weeks. Any suggestions for avoiding the Taxotere issues are welcomed. I remember reading about icing the nails during...is it just during the infusion?
I am so thankful that I found this thread, the support is immeasurable.0 -
Welcome Jazzy and LivBngGma
I was reading all the discussions regarding lumpectomy vs. MX. I highly recommend that you read this article from Dana Farber's magazine Turning Point. I will post the link for the whole article, but there is one section that especially caught me. (wouldn't let me copy, had to write the whole dam thing). I had wondered why so many people who had no lymph node involvement were relapsing? The following excerpt from the article gave me the answer (I thought of posting it when I read it, but it reinforced what a crap shoot this beast is, and I found it depressing). I highly recommend that you read the whole article though, because it explains why they make the recommendations they give us.
The lead in to these particular paragraphs are about how radical mastectomy used to be the standard.
"The reason for such disfiguring surgery was just an excess of caution against cancer spread, but a fundementally mistaken understanding of the nature of breast cancer, Dr. Iglehart continues.
"Back then we were taught that breast cancer begins in the breast and spreads through the lymph nodes to the rest of the body. Now we know this is not true. Tumors that arise in the breast may spread to the lymph nodes, but they may also spread through the blood stream, both routes, or not at all. The key is to determine which type of breast cancer a woman has - by looking at the genetic make up of the tumor cells and other factors - and treat it accordingly"
http://www.dana-farber.org/Newsroom/Publications/Holding-promise--Targeted-approaches-for-breast-cancer-treatment.aspx
Titan, so sorry for your friend, but I hope she will come join us.
LuvRv- that blog post was exceptional! I especially loved the gardens. Hoping you get a shot at the new "smart bomb"
Mags, Onvacation and Tazzy - hoping for something wonderful today that will lift your spirits
Lovely - wishing you good news and hoping you bring your stress level down. (stress is not good for the body). Like I told you I've had thyroid nodes since my 20's and I'm still alive and kicking.
Melissa - I hope you enjoyed your mini vacation, and really it usually isn't half as bad as your imagination. Like Tazzy said, drink, drink and then drink some more. I'm going to try and post a picture to show you what I was doing after my second A/C, but I doubt it will work ( I can't find any damn green tree to insert pics with, lol. Maybe because I'm using mobile)
http://m350.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/kathyrnn/flashmob-1.jpg.html
Well ok, at least it should take you to the picture.
Hugs to those I've missed!0 -
Hi everyone, whew you all move so fast!
Melissa and Jazzy good luck, I too remember the first time anxiety. In the blink of an eye, you'll be on your last one. I did AC and Taxotere at the same time, well the red devil dripped first, then they changed the bag. My IV premeds took me to lala land each time. I never was able to stay awake. I also was given an RX for EMEND, that was great! My MO said to never let my stomach go empty, that's when nausea sets in. If water is gross to you, find a substitute for liquids fast. My second round I hadn't been hydrating, and the constipation was crazy....I learned fast and drank Koolaid of all things after that.
Lovely~I'm still burning and hurting. I'm on a thread here called "After Rads" and funny enough we all started complaining about similar things six months to a year after treatment.
As far the lumpectomy vs mastectomy, my BS was so polite in the way he worded this - "You have AMPLE tissue to do a lumpectomy, if you were a B cup we wouldn't be discussing this." Yep, I have LOTS of tissue. Being a plus size patient created it's own set of strange things, like if I had a mx, I would have needed a reduction on the other side....because I'm large, my stomach muscles weren't good enough for the PS to take fat from the stomach....then he talked about tissue expanders and radiation and told me to expect the skin to fail....by the time that appointment was over, I was certain I was getting the lumpectomy.
You all are right about how we make the decision for ourselves. I think I had too much time to think about it. I had all 6 chemos then surgery. My BS also told me I would increase my recurrence by 1% by not having the mx. I stopped short of asking him what the % is for recurrence though!
Being TN I did start a food journey to increase my immune system and strengthen the cells to fight off cancer. I know I can't prevent it, but I fight like hell.
Sorry for the Monday blues yesterday, hope the sun found you all with smiling faces today.
0 -
Joyce - I had a lumpectomy, chemo and rads the first go round. When it returned again, I decided to have both breasts removed.
When removing the "good" boob, the surgeon caught the tail of a lymph chain, which they found positive for cancer, but didn't find a tumor as the went back through it.
I just thought since I had to have one breast removed, it would be better to have them both removed, so I could choose to go flat top.
Glad you just had gas!
Melissa - I hope you are less fearful, now that you've had your first chemo. Rest when you need to!!
Lovely - so glad you have some peace of mind. Radiation - the gift that keeps on giving!
---
It's a hot , muggy day here in NC!0 -
I have been having some breathing difficulties at night combined with moderate to severe allergies so finally went to an allergist today. I wanted to get back on allergy injections so I won't have to take so many antihistimines. My breathing test showed some obstruction so the doctor wanted me to have a chest xray today. I was so nervous but everything turned out ok- it's asthma. I'm always grateful for any ailment that isn't cancer. For you allergy sufferers, they told me that ragweed is already out this year in the southeast - usually doesn't show up until fall.
I'm considering going the BMX route myself if I get reconstruction. The plastic surgeon I am going to go to for a second opinion will not even look at patients until a year out from rads, so I should be able to see him hopefully in October.
0 -
Hello!!! I am currently hooked up to the fighter and making it through this very first scary day!! Had some problems With the port since it did not want to give blood back, but I am finally hooked up to the last bag and will be on my way home in about an hour. 5 hour day in the Chemo room, but it beats the surgery room :-). Anyway, just wanted to say "Thanks again" to the many of you who responded and gave me strength on this very scary first day. And the best part of it all...... It wasn't so scary here after all! A little dopey, so sorry for any grammar or spelling issues.
0 -
Joyce, on Taxotere= I lost part of my pinky nail after my first round. I then iced my nails and never had an issue. I since have lost both my big toenails (I did not think about toes) my last chemo was Jan 17th and lost the toenailsbeginning May. I am still dealing with the brows, but everything else is growing.
0 -
Kathyrrn... the link worked and you look like a great belly dancer - love it. I used to do Zumba before this crap hit me. And I did some gardening this afternoon which really lifted my spirits.. thanks for the thought.
Christina..hope you have something to ease the asthma.
Jazzy - glad the first one is over for you and yes, once you get there its not as scary as you think eh? Take care of yourself over the next few days and listen to what your body tells you.
The RNs put frozen gloves on my hands and feet... so far no nails lost. Fingernail beds are very tender though.
Lory... glad to hear everything is growing back.
Oh! the gas... my poor DH during that time
To those I've missed - hello and hugs to you.
0 -
Hey Jazzy...glad you posted and things went ok..don't worry about the "drugged" posts...we have all done that...and we understand...just glad you made it through number 1....
I think I have allergies or something too...no problems breathing but sneezing all day and my eyes feel watery and my nose is filled with junk..it's not a cold because I feel fine..but my eyese feel weird also...never had allergies before...
0 -
re lumpectomy vs. masectomy..I had a lumpectomy and so far so good...there are so many factors..my tumor was fairly small..1.8 and no nodes..plus I just wanted the dang thing out of there...i was diagnosed on a weds and had the tumor out on a Friday..with a mx I would have had to wait....I thought..well..let's get it out NOW and think about the masectomy later...my drs. were fine with that...It wasn't that I loved my boobs that much..but it wasn't also that I thought they were trying to kill me either...
Like Luah and others have said..it is really a personal choice...but I have had no regrets at all.
0 -
Allergies are a nightmare! I live in SW Florida so something is always blooming, but we do love the sunshine. The only issue today was with my port. They tried for over an hour to draw blood before they started the Chemo..... No luck. They could push and drip fluid in, but could not draw blood. My surgeon said this could happen, but want to better understand if this is common or if I should question it. Any input please?
0 -
Is it too early to say "I am so thrilled to have you gals in my life"?
0 -
Jazzyj...congrats on getting one under your belt. My port never gave blood back the whole time it was in there. Not sure why nor do I care...haha...now take it easy the next couple of days. tomorrow you should be ok so lots of water and rest and you will be fine!! How many tx are you getting total and did you have the Taxol or Ac first ...cannot remember...chemo brain ya know
Maggie
0 -
Glad to know nothing to worry about with the port!!! Freaked me out a bit and hurt since she just kept trying to adjust the needle until she finally gave up! I start off with A/C x4 every 2 weeks followed by Taxol weekly for 12 weeks.. 20 weeks total and then on to radiation. Still waiting for something bad to hit since I feel okay (dopey but okay). Did a load of laundry, fed the dogs.... I know, the worst is ahead :-). Thanksgiving again for the tremendous support!!
0 -
Jazzyj - that first one was the worst for me. Here's hoping you have an easy go and now you'll know what to expect for the next ones. Rest lots and take care of yourself, or better yet have someone else take care of you. 1 down!!!!! 1 step closer to being done!!!!
0 -
Just popping in to say hello! I haven't posted for awhile and this board moves so fast I just kinda skipped through.
Welcome to all the newbies, congrats to the ones with good news!
I too have pain under my left arm pit which was my cancer side. I have been told this is all normal. I do think on my next visit I am going to ask again and also see if there is something I can do to help it.
I will try to keep up with the board.
0 -
Hi Ladies
Fighter - so very sorry to hear about your news. There is nobody quite like your dad. I idolized mine because to me he was the greatest dad in the world and nobody measured up to him. He passed when he was 91 and we knew it was going to happen so for you it was would have been a terrible blow. As someone said the passage of time will make things easier but you will cry from time to time and this is very normal and it will lessen in time as you remember all the happier times with your dear dad. Now my old fellar is the only one who measures up to him and I couldn't be without him. Thinking of you and sending lots of warm hugs and Love.
Tifj - glad to hear your cousin is doing well and you were able to support her like you did. You could give her a (Plaster) to put over the left boob. Pity we can't get Plasters, Band-Aids with naked, gorgeous looking men on them. I'd go and buy some every day just to see if I could see anything different lol !!!!, and would probably have to with Chloe around!!
Tazzy/Kathrynn - I hate spiders. Just cannot stand the creepy crawly things and If I came across the one you had in your sink Kathrynn I would just die a thousand bloody deaths. I would be on the first plane out of there. No Tazzy we don't have big ones in our country thank god thats why I live here!! But your hobo spiders are really big ones, at least they are on my computer.
Mags - thanks for your hug you sent to all of us. I got it and needed it as its been a shit week really what with the boil and all the other SE's. Having your son's marriage break down is more stress for you just when you don't need it. I remember how stressed I was when my eldest girls marriage fell apart and seeing what she went through nearly tore me apart. Sending you a big hug now so hope you get it.
Lory48 - Hope all goes well for your three monthly mammo. Waiting is horrible because you imagine all sorts of things but you will be ok. Thinking of you and sending a hug to you too.
Lovelyface - hope all goes well on your thyroid biopsy result. My onco also said that tumour markers are not really accurate so don't take a high result as gospel cause it could be wrong. Can't help with thre rads as I haven't had mine yet but all the ladies on here have such good advice. Yep it is a cold wintery day here and quite miserable but as your mum lives in Auckland it is always a good few degrees warmer.
LurRVing - good advice about the popcorn but I only like the crunchy caramel ones. I like anything that is not good for me!!
Welcome to Melissa119 and Jazzyi - I too was scared stiff about chemo and dragged my feet all the way there for the treatment but I was surprised to find it went so well. Hope60 says it all. Yes you do get a flu-like feeling about three days after, just keep drinking plenty of fluids to flush it out. I also find watermelon so helpful it really freshens your mouth if you have ulcers and a funny taste. I eat it all the time because its so yummy. As for the port mine has never had a flash back yet but still works really well and the onco nurses are not at all worried out not having the flash back. I didn't get sick thank goodness and just suffered with some constipation issues. Karen OBXK said to keep the stools soft which I did and I have had very little problems since. Good luck. Will be thinking of you. It will go by in the blink of an eye.
LuvBngGma - welcome. I have said all along if I had my time again I would have had a DMX and wish I had done. Now all I think about is what if it goes to the other breast. You are not being over reactive, this is a real worry for you but it is only a decision that you alone can make. Just take your time to think about it and you will come up with the right decision for you.
Sorry Titan - a thunderstorm is a bloody lame excuse for not training. What you gonna do on Saturday if its raining. I expect you to still turn up and run you know. If you see someone carrying a NZ flag it could be me!!. So put down that wine (yes I know you have one in your hand lol) and go rattle your dags girl and get out there and show us what you can do.
On the home front. I had my 7th taxol today. No dramas as usual apart from the first one. I was hoping they said I could stop it because of the numbness in the fingers but no, as soon as I got there they bunged me in a chair and got the drip going. So all my hope went out the bloody window. So hello to swelling hands, feet and wrist, blocked up nose, tiredness and lethargy, horrible taste and all the other shit that goes with it. Oh well, I guess that life!!
Haven't heard from Inmate, Minxie and Clowngirl in a while. Hope they are all doing ok.
Heather - how is your new job going and has there been any luck in your old fellar getting a job yet?
Love to you all. Hopefully we won't have so many problems this coming week. Sunny side up girls. Annie
0 -
Missed a few days, but I'll try to keep up.
Titan - So sad to hear about your friends. Yes, 26 is ridiculously young.
Fighter - I'm sorry to hear you lost your father. I hope you can find some comfort in your memories of him.
CS - Glad to hear that boil is finally giving you a break. I hope it makes its final exit quickly.
Bernie - I was laughing so hard I was crying! I think I need to come here every day for my laugh therapy.
Jazzyj - Yay for getting through your first chemo! And to Melissa and LuvBngGma: Chemo sucks, but it's doable. There will be days when it whacks you hard, but I found that the more I tried to keep up with 'normal' activities, the better I was. For taxotere, I iced my fingers and toes; I also chewed/sucked on ice when I had adriamycin. My big advice to you - try swishing/drinking a tablespoon of olive oil twice a day. A friend who went through chemo and radiation (melanoma and uterine cancer) suggested it, after her doctor recommended it. I really think it helped save my taste buds. They did get funky a few times (and the cravings! Yes, LuvRving, I went for the mac and cheese, and just about anything that was white/orange/beige or yellow, like eggs, french toast, etc), but it usually returned after a day or so each round, and even the last time, it came back really quickly. Good luck!
0
