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Ladies in their 30s

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  • moe0279
    moe0279 Member Posts: 100
    edited December 2010
    Also Karebear, you can get a free head wrap at franceluxe.com...i figure we are going to need all the choices we can get!  
  • coni
    coni Member Posts: 181
    edited December 2010
    moe i know from my first experience with AC i had really bad bad thrust not wanting to scare you but for me it would have been better to have the meds ready for me, i suffered two days, with it, i think if i had the meds it would not have been so bad you know, i mean when i called the pdn she was like oh is way to early for that reaction yet i did have it, i ended up the next day to the cancer center when i got there then they really saw how bad it was they gave me two days of iv at home, so from now on i ask inadvance if i dont need them they just sit at the pharmacy, but as you doc if thrush is common with taxol, and if it would benefit you to drink the med for it so you dont get it...they want as little discomfort for you....also eat yogurt!.again im doing AC first so different SE wish you all the best im sure you will do fine im praying for you all!
  • vis0121
    vis0121 Member Posts: 12
    edited December 2010

    Hi All,

    I thought I was doing well after my BMX on Monday but the final pathology results came out and my news jsut got worse.  I found out that I had 3 separate areas of invasive cancer.  My grade changed from 1 to 3.  They still say they got it all out and the lymph nodes are clear (they took 6 out) but with something aggressive like that, there might be a cell left here or there and clearly because it is aggressive, it would grow fast.  So, originally, I was told I would not need chemo but now it is likely.  My breast surgeon called me tonight but she can't comment much on that.  I will have to discuss the treatment options with the oncologist and decide about chemo.  I don't have an appointment until January 7th but will try hard to move it up.  I am still awaiting the oncotype results. 

    Why does it seem that everyone is getting worse news after bad news? 

    So many of you have such strong spirits; I am really trying to stay optimistic but it is very hard....

  • Lady_Madonna
    Lady_Madonna Member Posts: 313
    edited December 2010

    Hi vis...I'm really sorry about your news.  It really does seem like there's been a lot of bad news lately.  So much that I've been trying to limit my time here and stay busy with holiday stuff.  But I just wanted to let you know that you'll be in my thoughts.

    Hello to all the new ladies.  I'm so sorry you have to join us, but this is such an awesome place for support.  

    For those starting chemo, you can do it!!  I think I was in better spirits while I was on chemo.  Something about being pro-active.  I'm still on Herceptin, but it's scary wondering what's going on in there now.  Anyway, this isn't about me- chemo is tough but it's so worth kickin' those cancer cells to the curb!!  Go, fight, win!!  :)

    Merry Christmas everyone!

  • deenah
    deenah Member Posts: 38
    edited December 2010

    Hi ladies!  Just checking in quickly.  I have been sick and then just swamped with getting the kids through their last week of school before break.  Teacher gifts, Christmas parties at school, Christmas shopping, etc... 

    I have another positive update.  I know these kinds of posts really helped me when I was at my worst.  I have TWO more rads treatments (plus 5 boosts) and I am done!  My skin is holding up really well.  It's red, rashy and angry, but my rads doc doesn't even think I will peel.  My implants are holding up well too.  So much for the high rate of failure.  I am so glad I did immediate reconstruction.  My tip for those who haven't done rads yet:  use Aquafor daily, after radiation and overnight.  I believe this saved my skin.  I only have a couple of spots that are pretty irritated.  I have even been able to continue PT to help break the tissue up on my ribs and to help with lymphadema.  There is a light at the end of the tunnel, so hang in there ladies!  It really does get better.

    The big news for me is that I got into the vaccine trial at University of Washington in Seattle.  I start next month!  I am really hoping this will give me antibodies to help fight off any cancer cells that try to form into tumors, or even cells that are floating around in my body.  My onc is really excited for me to be in this trial too because some good talk was coming out about it at the San Antonio conference.  

    I have a PET/CT January 7th, so if that comes back NED, I really think I may have this thing beat.  I have to believe that!  I also had a brain MRI on Thursday that came back negative.  

    Bonita - I am so sorry you are having to deal with this nasty beast for a second time.  I have to say, your attitude is amazing, and you are a wonderful role model for those of us who tend to let the anxiety get the best of us.  I know I struggle with that daily.  I hope this time around is as successful as the last (since the primary hasn't come back, that means you did beat it!).  I just can't believe it happened two seperate times to you.  Cancer sucks!

    MHP - I'd love to know more about this screening for Ovarian cancer.  I am actually considering asking my doc about doing a profilactic hysterectomy because I am scared about getting ovarian cancer (I am BRCA-).  I suspect that my cancer could have been caused by taking Clomid to get pregnant (I did 4 total cycles on Clomid).  I know I will never know for sure, but since Clomid stimulates the ovaries, I am actually worried about that.  Early screening would go a long way toward keeping my worries at bay.  I didn't know there was such a test.  I will ask my onc about it next week.  

  • Lady_Madonna
    Lady_Madonna Member Posts: 313
    edited December 2010

    deenah, thanks for saying hello!  I am SO HAPPY for you!!! You are an inspiration, too and I really believe you've beat this beast. 

    Stop by once in a while and let us know how the vaccine trial is going.  

    I didn't look back to MHP's post, but I'll just mention that my PCP did a CA-125 test as part of my routine blood work.  This is the ovarian cancer test that can measure a pattern of increased cancer antigen protein in the blood. Together with trans-vaginal ultrasound it's a good tool for ovarian cancer screening.  

    Hope everything continues to go really well for you! 

  • Kouragio
    Kouragio Member Posts: 30
    edited December 2010

    Coni: I appreciate your beautiful words of encouragment. I too believe we all having healing powers within us, which we need to access. Whether it be through prayer, positive affirmations, positive visualisation or meditation. Our bodies and minds are far more complex than what we give them credit for...xox

    Yorelh: I am so sorry you have to go through this, esp. when you are postpartum. I too have 5 children, however they makes my resolve to want to get better even stronger. Not breast feeding won't harm your baby, don't worry; 80% of all antibodies are given in the first 3 weeks. Love is what counts, and I'm sure the love and cuddles you are giving your beautiful baby are just the best!  Even at Stage 4, I believe there is still a cure...xox

     Vis0121: I want to tell you that no matter what grade, stage you have...it doesn't ,matter, it is meaningless...Just stay focussed, be as healthy and happy as you can be. If you are Stage 1 or Stage 3, what's the difference? Yes, the treatments change a bit, but so what?  You are still the same person, you still have the same spirit. Walk into the hospital with courage....xox

  • coni
    coni Member Posts: 181
    edited December 2010

    did anyone have a harder time with AC 3? does 4 get better or worst? very nauseous and drowsy third time this really sucks im hoping im good for christmas eve :(

  • mommyx3
    mommyx3 Member Posts: 13
    edited December 2010

    vis0121- Hang in there, I am so sorry you have to go through all of this.  There is hope, I was dx in Oct with stage 4 with mets to the liver, brain and bones.  I have not had surgery because of the stage 4 dx but have been on chemo-taxol and on herceptin.  I started chemo on Nov 4th and have it once a week.  I just found out yesterday, that my tumor markers in my blood have dropped from 280 to 40.  This is an indicator that the chemo is working.  I know the thought of chemo is hard to grasp, but if it is an option for you I would consider how the results can be well worth the side effects.  I wish you well on your treatment.  God bless!

  • skkydiamond
    skkydiamond Member Posts: 8
    edited December 2010

    Melissa,

     We have a similar treatment plan, 12 weekes of AC, 12 weeks of Taxotere, a total of 8 treatments, then bilateral masectomies, I only have bc in one breast,  but I want the prevention benefit of the other breast being removed, then reconstruction started during the surgery. Plus they will look the same because they will be starting over. I will go in to get the extenders filled, and then one more one hour surgery to remove the extenders and put in the implants.  Good luck with your treatment plan!

    Bonita-  I believe that being agressive with the BMX was the only way, I want as little to do as possible with cancer later in my life, and I was not as attached as I thought I would be to my breasts.  because of the cancer, they feel like foreign invaders, and I have no love for them anymore.  My husband will love me no matter what, and thats what I needed to know I was making the right choice.

  • vis0121
    vis0121 Member Posts: 12
    edited December 2010

    Mommyx3 - thanks so much for the support!  If you can have strength, I should be able to as well.  I am so glad to hear that the chemo is working for you!  Such good news.  It must be good to hear something like that.  I admire your courage!  I take it you have 3 children and I do too.  They need us and we have to stay around as long as possible.  Stay in touch and keep on letting us how you are doing.  Lets hope for the best possible outcome.

  • karebear76
    karebear76 Member Posts: 150
    edited December 2010
    I have now had all my tests and today I had my port put in. I am so sore and so tired. Tomorrow chemo starts. As they wheeled me into the operating room I started crying. I think it just hit me that this is so real and is actually happening. But I am stubborn and we are going to kick this things BUTT!!!Smile
  • coni
    coni Member Posts: 181
    edited December 2010

    Karebear I'm so sorry u r going through all this, I know how u feel, but you are so right we will kick butt!! I'll be thinking about u tomorrow!! Hugs!

  • karebear76
    karebear76 Member Posts: 150
    edited December 2010

    Free headwraps! http://www.franceluxe.com/i/goodwishesscarves/GoodWishesScarves.html

  • Lady_Madonna
    Lady_Madonna Member Posts: 313
    edited December 2010

    karebear, good luck tomorrow.  we'll all be with you in spirit.  You can do this!!!  :)

  • mommichelle
    mommichelle Member Posts: 92
    edited December 2010

    Karebear,

    Sending thoughts, prayers and hugs.  I remember crying the day I got my port in (I also ended up having a low grade fever before surgery and then spent three days with a temp of 101 - unrelated to surgery).  I do remember thinking...this is really it, I am really goning to be doing chemo.  Trust me when I say the time will fly.  Before you know it, you will be saying you are finished.  I think back to August when I would say, "I don't want to wish away time, but I can't wait for Christmas because chemo will be finished".  It's here already!  The time between treatment 1 and 2 took the longest.  The first treatment was so scary, because you don't know what to expect or what your side effects will be.  After I finished the first, I was so anxious just to get them done.  The other treatments flew by.  I would always have about two weeks where I felt good, I found myself thinking, "Oh my word, I have to get another treatment next week".  Best wishes!  Let us know how it goes.

  • karebear76
    karebear76 Member Posts: 150
    edited December 2010

    Chemo went well with the exception of one hiccup. My chest got a little tight and we are not sure if it was from forgetting to take my advair or from the steriod. We are just going to watch it. I have been super hyper since I finished chemo. I am trying really hard to lay low so that I don't hurt myself!!

  • Tundra
    Tundra Member Posts: 17
    edited August 2013

     Hi lovely ladies,

     Well, I'm adding my name to the list. I was diagnosed with IBC last week, exactly 1 week after I turned 35. Yup.

    Melissa, skydiamond and karebear, it sounds like I'm just 1 week behind you!

    I did my bone scan yesterday, and CT scan today... and I start 12 weeks of Taxol next Tuesday the 28th. It's crazy how quickly it all moves eh?

     It's nice to meet some others around my age who are dealing with this (although not nice to hear that you are!). Around the hospital I feel like this weird little anomaly : way younger than everyone else (I always think they must figure I'm visiting someone else), and zipping through all the stages of diagnosis, treatment, etc like a medical Flash Gordon.

    Anyway... hope you are all doing okay.

    Sending gentle hugs from up in Canada.

  • moe0279
    moe0279 Member Posts: 100
    edited December 2010
    karebear, glad to hear chemo went well, how does your port feel?  Mine hurts like crazy..especially when they used it today...she nurse pushed down soooo hard trying to find the 3 corners and of course i got upset...I think it all set in at that point...i sort of got ticked, thinking why is this happening to me...Over all my week has been good, bone scan come back negative and the echo cardiogram came back good...  Lots of good news, but didn't think the port would be so painful...is this normal?  is there anything to numb the area before they hook up the iv next time? any suggestions on what to ask for...They are telling be that the taxol and avastian will hit about Christmas day...looks like i will have a very restful day...and i will be very moody, does this sound right?  today it all hit home...feeling sort of sad..Cry thanks all for listening...i was very ready to get back to talk to ladies who know what im going thru
  • karebear76
    karebear76 Member Posts: 150
    edited December 2010

    Melissa: My port hurts like crazy too and it itches!!! My nurse had to push down hard to get all the tape off that the surgeons put on!! Ask for lidocaine cream to put on an hour before your next bloodwork or chemo. They will give it to you!!! Or they should!  I am so glad your scans came back with good news!!! 

    I am finding that my anti nausea meds  are barely keeping me comfortable. I feel ok one minute then feel like I ate too much and am ready to yak. I am trying to drink like crazy but it is so hard when your tummy isn't happy.

     I hope we can both get some rest.

  • moe0279
    moe0279 Member Posts: 100
    edited December 2010

    karebear, are you doing t or ac...Ive started with taxol and avastin (clinical trial)..they gave me nausea meds but i haven't had to take them yet...but on the other hand im headed to the ER..running a fever this am...Next time i definitly want some lidocaine for the port...it hurts, im wondering if it is infected...hope not...did they tell you what to do "in case"  i didn't feel like i left with lots of details of what to do if something happened...so we call the nurse at UNC and asked her what to do...urrrg...im so emotional today...everything was suppose to be smooth..

  • coni
    coni Member Posts: 181
    edited December 2010

    Karebear and Moe thinking of you both, Im hoping you are both feeling better soon...

    Moe to numb areas i use emla patch, you put on an hr before and you cant feel a thing, I have picc line though, i use that for ct scans, or blood work...I know how emotional this thing is, Im just getting better, hope you feel better for tomorrow! Believe me this time i was very emotional too, just started crying and I guess that question we will always ask why us? i guess is because we are strong to take it!....

    did u have your surgery yet? or doing chemo first?

    Karebear for nausea ask to see if you take some gravol, I also got emend and zofran and something else call your nurse and ask for meds.

    WISHING EVERYONE a Good Christmas! and free of SE!!

  • Lady_Madonna
    Lady_Madonna Member Posts: 313
    edited December 2010

    Melissa, karebear, skydiamond, Tundra... you are all right in the center of the storm and it's totally normal to be very emotional.  On top of it all it's the holiday season, that's gotta be tough.  Tell yourself you just have to get thru this a day at a time... an hour at a time if necessary.  You will do this!  Take the nausea meds continuously the first few days after chemo.  Also eating lots of small, bland snacks helps a lot (like crackers.)  My port hurt like crazy for so long- it was much worse then the lumpectomy.  Just know that it's normal- I don't know that you can do anything about it, but it's nothing to worry about. 

    Sending my love and support to each and every one of you.  ((((Hugs.))))

  • Lady_Madonna
    Lady_Madonna Member Posts: 313
    edited December 2010

    vis, coni, kouragio... the same to you and all the other ladies here too!  You are all in my heart.

    Hope this is a peaceful holiday season for everyone.  

  • moe0279
    moe0279 Member Posts: 100
    edited December 2010

    thanks ladies...stressful day...had a visit to ER and to find out it was just a reaction to the taxol...i wish they would have told me what to possibly expect...also my oncon nurse didn't have the best bed side manner yesterday...maybe later on i might be able to joke about cancer but not my first time in...I think she so used to people who have been thru this time and time again and didn't think about this still being fresh, not that i think i will feel any better later on... did get a little christmas shopping finished, but still have much to do...hope im going to last the next few days...so far i haven't had to take anything except for the pain in my port...the incision is very raw and sore...is that normal...the oncon nurse put the covering directly over the incision without covering it...so today the nurse had to take it off to access the port...can you ask for specific nurses...would it be rude...she just rubbed me the wrong way or do you think i just being sensitive..i hate the thought of hurting someones feelings....

    thanks for listening...I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season.... 

  • o2bhealthy
    o2bhealthy Member Posts: 1,089
    edited December 2010

    moe - you have every right to request NOT to have a specific nurse! Chemo is hard enough without having to deal with poor care from the person who is supposed to be taking care of you.  Don't worry about hurting anyones feelings, you need to take care of you!

  • karebear76
    karebear76 Member Posts: 150
    edited December 2010

    Moe: I agree, if you aren't connecting with your nurse then get another one. This is the person that is going to be with you for all your treatments and if you don't click it is going to be a long and miserable road. I would totally call and ask to switch nurses before your next treatment.

    I am on embed, decadron, zonfran and compazine. They help. I am upped to zofran 2x a day now. Mornings seem to be the roughest on the nausea.

    I am excited to finally get my shower today!! 3 days is just way too long!!!

    I hope you all have a VERY Merry Christmas. I have decided to see the holiday thru the eyes of my little ones. So innocent of anything going on and the excitement of presents. I am also focusing on the REAL reason for Christmas. The birth of Jesus Christ. He is the one that will get us all thru this trial and if it wasn't for Him, I wouldn't have the strength and comfort to fight this battle!

    Plus I am so excited for tomorrow morning because I know what the kids are getting and the reactions are going to be priceless!!!! 

  • coni
    coni Member Posts: 181
    edited December 2010
    Karebear amen! That's the true meaning of Chritmas the birth of Jesus, who has will give us the strength we need to beat cancer. I do see a positive side to this disease and that's that it does bring us close to God and family and we get to meet others that we in other circumstances wouldn't have, this place is great cause i have met others and come to realize that I'm not the only one suffering there are lots of us...
    Moe sometimes as women is hard tk think about us first but this time u need to if u r not comfortable with her ask for a different one, maybe if u switch ur day u get a different nurse! But chemo is not easy is hard so be comfortable

    Ladies wishing everyone a merry Christmas may Lord fill all our homes with health and side effect free homes, strength to conquer everything that we will face 
    Hugs xox
  • Tundra
    Tundra Member Posts: 17
    edited December 2010

    Thanks a lot, Lady Madonna! I really appreciate the kind words.

     :-)

  • karebear76
    karebear76 Member Posts: 150
    edited December 2010

    I have a question for you ladies that have been there done that. I had my first chemo last wed. I am FINALLY off the steroids until the next chemo but I am wondering do you ever feel semi "normal" between treatments?? I feel very bloated and just off. The steroids make me shaky and I am going to talk to my nurse about that. I am just wondering if there is ever a time you feel semi normal and without all the side effects?

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