March 2011 chemo-lounge
Comments
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Hello all,
Sounds like most of us are doing pretty well at this point. I'm like Kymn, I remember early on when we were all terrified. I can see why they call cancer survivors warriors, you really have to be tough to get through some fo the stuff that gets thrown our way. Have a great day everyone!
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Lily I lost a section of hair at my temple where the cap did not cover well. I am 13 weeks pfc and the hair is coming in like crazy there....gray of course so I used a temp color. My hair started really gtowing there a few weeks ago.. I hope your hair grows quickly too.
Do you all realize we started all of this 6 months ago????? How much has changed in 6 months.....most of us are done and on to surgeries or rads. I have noticed no more fear in our posts either...I see a group of strong, confident women! We have all come so far.0 -
OK -definite hair envy - 8 weeks PFC and I have only about 2mm and patchy, but hey - here we are 6 months on and I the only thing I have to moan about is hair - can't be bad!
Friends - even if you move on mentally - we should come back to this site regularly just to checkup on what everyone is doing
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Maria - I missed your post until lilylady mentioned it. Welcome back from vaca. Happy, happy moving day!
My hair on head has slowly started. Mine is also very thin on top and I'm getting self conscious... Had to tweeze whiskers the other day on my chin - unbelievable!!!
Kymn - Have a lovely time in Victoria - I love it there!
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mdg your right we do all sound so much stronger and confident, even though i am sure we all have some fears in the background we strive forward.
Silia I KNOW what is with the frgiggin facial hair, mine is fine and light but good lord its all over my face should I wax??? Will it come back more I just dont know.
Penny I agree I always want to know where everyone is at and how they are doing. You all have meant so much to me getting through this and knowing my fears and SE were all part of it and in our world normal.
I am starting a support group in a couple of weeks. I dont know anyone who has been through this here where I live and I think it would be nice to have someone to go for coffee with that gets it you know I just hope its not a lot of whining and that we are really there to support each other I hope that didnt sound bad I am just really looking for some positives now.
Ok have to get some work done then off to Rads have a great Tuesday all
Hugs Kymn
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Another step closer to done. Had my drains pulled yesterday-day 8 post-op. Got finally take off the compression stuff. They pulled all the steri strips and everything loks great. BS is extemely pleased.I am not crazy about these bad darts in the middle of my chest but she said let everything heal and then we will evaluate. They look like mouse ears.
I am doing exercises several times a day. They were hugely impressed with my range of motion. I cut the grass and weed-eater and edged last night. Getting my strength back-even had no nap yesterday.
Kay-thinking of you today.
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I just wanted to congratulate all of you on finishing your treatments, it gives us going through it so much more hope that there's a light at the end of the tunnel!
hugs to all of you
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lilylady: are you having rads? My ps commented to me early on that it does "wonders" for scars (i.e., diminshes them). Sorry you are having trouble adjusting. There is just so much to deal with. But I am glad you got your drains removed. Those things are torture!
mdg: I hope the move goes well!
on hair: mine is coming in pretty well. It is not as long/thick in front, but I think I am close to losing the scarves. My dh and kids keep asking when I will go without and I keep responding "maybe two weeks" (which I have said for about a month). The scarves are starting to itch because of all the hair. So, maybe Monday I'll go for it?? Now that I have eyelashes again, I can put on some makeup and maybe look a little more feminine.
kymn: I had a lot of peach fuzz come back at once on my face. It isn't as noticeable now, though. and Silia: What's up with the chin hairs coming back?!?!
I think I my body is trying to have a period right now. Just spotting, but possible? Has anyone else had their period come back yet? I am almost 9 weeks pfc.
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Maxine - no period for me since my hyster three years ago, can't comment on that. I, like you, kept saying I just wasn't ready, then one day I just bailed on the scarves, hats, etc. when DH and I went out to dinner. It helped that the next day I had two people compliment me on my short hair, I just said thanks, didn't explain to either. Also, we have been on such a hot streak it was miserable. I'm still hot, but at least I don't have a wet, sweaty scarf on my head! I have seen a lot of women with pixie-ish cuts, I'm really on the watch for short hair now to validate my decision.
Penny - hang in there, it won't be long till your hair is coming in. It seems to pick up speed. I'm at 13 weeks PFC today.
Lily - wow, I'm impressed with you all the time! I can't believe you cut the grass, etc. Your range of motion sounds great. Just don't overdo it, that will ultimately slow down the healing process. Big WOOHOO on getting rid of the drains!
Kymn & Silia - I also have those awkward hairs. I looked at my armpit today and had a random like 3 inch hair there! Apparently I missed it in my weekly run by with the razor. My legs have this peachy down on them too. I'm in denial that I need to start shaving them again.
Maria - best wishes on the move. It won't be easy or fun, but you will be settled and having new adventures before you know it.
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Mdg - Your vac photos are beautiful.
Kymn - Good luck with your support group! I'm sure you will see to it that the group keeps it up beat and positive.
Lilylady - WOW..sounds like you are getting your strength back..THAT'S FANTASTIC ! Once you get used to looking at your new appearance it want be so bad. The good thing about it is you are breast cancer free and looking good. I get my drains out tomorrow 9 days post-op..YAY !
Silia -My hair on my head has grown back rather thick and I have enough where I decided to trash the wigs. I'm wearing a low cut. I've already had it trimmed once. Unfortunately it is growing in with a lot of gray. Has anyone dyed their hair yet? I'm not sure how long PFC we should wait. I really want to dye mine. My nails are horrible still afraid they will fall off soon. But i'm not complaining. If i knew how to post pix i would...LOL
Rabbit -There is light at the end of the tunnell...I can see it :-)
School starts Monday so i spent most of y'day doing last minute school shopping. Since my drains are still in it was a little uncomfortable, but it had to be done. I usually have school supplies & uniforms purchased by the beginning of August, but since bc reared it's ugly head i'm a little behind this year.
I remember when i found this site around the end of March I was so excited to know there were others going through the same thing I was going through and my SEs were not in my head. I remember how scared you all were and so was i, even though i started commenting on this thread late I was with you all from the beginning and I am so glad we are all moving forward and getting better day by day. I agree with PennyCookson we should all visit this site regularly and keep everyone posted on our progress.
WE KICKED breast cancer's A$$
Hugs
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Yep, I've got a lot of facial hair too! I just told a friend that I need a lip wax. Why can't the hair on my head grow that fast?
I am doing rads, and yes, it does a lot to the scar. My DH just commented last night that it seems like it is really fading. Rads are making me tired. I am going to be done next Friday. Then in 3 weeks the second mastectomy. I am so ready to get it over.
It's good to hear everyone is doing well!
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Forgot to add that I picked up the prescription for Tamoxifen today to start after rads. Anyone else on it yet?
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24 hrs after the drains are out am I am making a sloshing sound. No swelling though and I feel great. I know most of you have had your surgery a while ago but does anybody remember this? I am going to call the BS tomorrow to make sure it is ok. Really really wierd. I freaked my brothers out with it while they were here today-they are grossed out by the whole thing anyway.
I have grown used enough to my chest that I think it will be OK. I think a little anti-anxiety meds would have probably been a big help. Keeping that in mind for the next surgery. Exercising and getting my energy back has made my mental state way better. Like any stage of this you have to OWN it and just get on to the next thing.
The well wishes and support are as always so welcome and appreciated.
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Rabbit - You are kicking the chemo, just a little behind most of us! We will continue to be here for you.
lilylady - so great to hear that your heads in a better place now. Sorry about the sloshing - will be interesting to hear what your bs says tomorrow.
Can't wait to have Kay chime in and let us know how she's faring. Re: facial hair, besides my random whiskers(!), I have had some fuzziness show up but have noticed it less lately. What very weird side effects we have to deal with...
FOR THOSE THAT HAD BILAT MX WITH TEs and no odd complications, how long were you kept in the hospital? Just wondering... Had my MRI today and on Tues the bs will let me know how it looks and I expect we'll pick the surgery date. Hope everyone's having a nice week. I'm getting a lot done and getting revved up for vaca next week!!
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Maria - You look fabulous and you have a great looking family! Hope all is going smoothly with the big move...
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Hey gals! It's official. I am in Chicago now. We are at a hotel tonight and move into our place tomorrow afternoon. Boy has this been a good distraction for me...I have not had time to fixate on BC in the past few weeks. I guess life is going on after BC for me (which is a good thing!).
Silia: I was in the hospital 2 nights but that is only because I was throwing up. I can't handle the anesthesia. They would have let me go home after 1 night if I was able to stop throwing up. Post OP was painful, but not anything near as bad as I imagined. I felt way better than I anticipated. Let us know when you pick a surgery date....
Kay - thinking of you. HOpe all went well.
Colodisney: I started dear old "tammi" in late June. I have noticed I still have hot flashes (I had them during chemo too). I have still not had a period since March (the first week of chemo). The only other thing I notice is that it was making me super tired. It seems to have gotten a bit better though. The mornings were rough - I would wake up feeling like I was drugged or something. I don't have that every day anymore.
Lily: glad you are recovering well and keeping active! That's great!
I just wanted to say a quick "hello" since I have been MIA. Oh and about the strange hair growth...I have lots of peachy fuzzy hair on my upper arms. Where the hell did that come from???? I never had hair there before. It's grossing me out. It is light colored so other's probably don't notice it, but I do. Gross. Just thought I would share
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Silia - I spent 2 nights in the hospital as well. It's kind of a druggy haze for me now. I was not throwing up, but I always tell any anasthesiologist that I have in the past (true) and so they give me something to help in advance.
Lily - I don't remember any sloshing noise, but maybe I was too out of it to notice? I wasn't near as active as you have been immediately after.
Colodisney - I started Tammi in early July. The hot flashes are the worst, and night sweats. We have been having a hot streak here in DFW (right, DeeDee?) so that seems to be making it worse.
Have a great day ladies!
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Rabbit thank you!
And deedee yes we kicked cancers a$$! I am so happy for all of us!
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Rabbit-thinking of you-count those days until PFC...then we'll all celebrate with you!!!
Felt so good to NOT have chemo today....had a Reiki session instead...very positive experience and the Reiki practitioner is a breast cancer survivor so she understands what we're all going through..she had her radiation at Mayo and the radiation oncologist was amazed how well she did..in particular her skin condition...she was getting Reiki herself at the time which she believes helped significantly with her healing...
Also trying to digest
a lot of nutritional info I got yesterday...will share the recommendations when I have more time...hope you all have a good week... 0 -
Lilylady - what did you find out about the swishing sound in your chest? Hoping it's no big deal...
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Rabbit - When is you last chemo? Like Silia said we will all be here to celebrate with you.
Stilts - I am looking forward to hearing what the nutritionist told you. I really need to change my eating habits but it is so hard and I am terrible about eating green vegetables.
Mdg - I guess you got all your belongings moved to your new place yesterday, now comes the grueling job of getting things situated. Best of luck and congratulations on the move.
Maxine - I haven't had a period yet and i am 12 weeks PFC. I too have had a lot of light spotting but that's about it. I'm sure as hell am not rushing to have one either :-)
Yes Supersally the heat in Dallas is brutal. I got in my car this afternoon the temp read 117.
Have a good weekend ladies.
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I went to the BS today and they drained off 95cc on each side. It went well but I will be going back Tuesday. It didn't hurt but was kind of gross. She expects it will take 3-4 visits before it stops. She said it isn't anything I have done-maybe I fudged on my drain amounts a little ...but she says overuse didn't cause it. I have been going like a crazy women since I got those drains out.
Waiting to hear from Kay-hope she is doing well.
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Lilylady - I'm glad you found out what that sloshing sound was, good the BS will have it taken care of in the next few visits. Maybe you going a lot is a good sign that you are getting rid of the toxicans in your body from the surgery..huh?
I hope Kay is doing well.
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Thanks for thinking of me everyone! I am doing well. Getting out of the hospital on Sunday. Just can't stand up straight and some pain getting up and down, but otherwise doing great. Looked at the foob for the first time today. I was afraid it would freak me out without having a nipple there, but I didn't pass out which is an accomplishment for me. And most of the breast skin us still there, but the skin they used from the abdomen is a different color so that looks a little frankinsteinish. And of course the gross drains- yuck! They say that will change though and I can get nipples tattooed. Sorry, hope that isn't tmi. Have to go back and catch up on all the posts when I get home. Hope theove goes portly Maria. And of course we are here for you rabbit. When is your last chemo?
Plaing monster mash on the jukebox. Lol. Have a great weekend everyone!0 -
hi everyone, I have 5 more to go..one more FEC on the 31st then start the taxatore (docetaxel I think) for 4 tx...last one being the day before Thanksgiving, I will have a lot to be thankful for that day but eating may not be one of them LOL
Hope you all have a great weekend, I'm feeling fantastic the last few days!
xoxoxoxoxoxo to all
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Kay - so glad to hear you are doing OK. What type of reconstruction did you do? I hope you heal quickly and feel stronger and better each day. Sending hugs from Chicago!
We are all moved in...I was on a box unpacking marathon. No more boxes! Everything is unpacked
That's a good feeling.0 -
Girls,
Have been MIA for awhile, sorry! Just got caught up on the posts. School started last week. I have two more rad treatments and will be done Tuesday. Can't believe it! Have been working half-days. Hard to drive back and forth 90 minutes for a (maybe) 10 minute procedure, but have had a rider or driver several times and that has really helped. Have really had some friends step up and that has been so touching.
The puppy (Gracie) is adapting well and mostly sleeping through the night; however, principal nixed the idea of maternity leave-darn! LOL She is so adorable and has been a good thing for me to get my spark and drive back.
Will try to check in more often again. Can't believe how far we've come. Together!
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Great to hear updates from folks. Kay, so glad you're home from the hospital by now! lilylady, glad the sloshing is being addressed. I've made myself a mental note to NOT fudge on my drain output! rabbit, agree that you'll have a lot to be thankful for come Thanksgiving - it will be here before you know it. husker, thanks for the update on your rads (the finish line is in sight...) and on Gracie. I meet with the bs tomorrow afternoon and hope to walk out with a surgery date. Will send an update then.
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Top Dietary Supplements recommended by nutritionist Mark Norman (you can google him):
(for breast cancer patients)
1) Mega Food Women's multivitamin (100% Whole Food) 1 daily
2) Proteolytic enzymes (Infaquell or Wobenzym) 3 to 7 caps 3 x daily (depending on brand)
3) Transfer Factor Multi Immune 3 caps 2 x daily
4) Oncoplex 1 cap 2X daily (this is concentrated broccoli seed extract that John Hopkins is
doing clinical trials on)
5) Probiotic powder concentrate 1/4 tsp in morning protein smoothie
6) Core-Immunoviva (Omegas 3-6-9) 1 tsp in morning protein smoothie
7) Vitamin D3 (Nutradyn)...water soluble liquid...will try this to get my level up to 50/60 minimum
Sounds like a lot of stuff to take...maybe it will fill me up and I won't be hungry and lose weight !
...plan to try adding these one at a time. He also is sending a large packet of information on additional supplements like Melatonin for BC patients and also on diet....will be happy to share via email with anyone who is interested in reading the studies...Dietary recommendations:
1) Protein breakfast smoothie
2) Anti-inflammatory diet...no oranges, corn, wheat,soy, peanuts, beef, pork, margarine,soft drinks, alcohol, caffeine, refined sugar, candy
3) Control sugar, gluten, dairy
4) Control acid/alkaline balance
5) Water consumption...body weight divided by 2-drink in ounces
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I didn't realize wheat was bad...I am alredy trying to follow most of the diet you have listed above. It is hard...I feel like there is hardly anything I can eat these days. It is a big effort to eat this way.
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