March 2011 chemo-lounge
Comments
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Karen, did your pain ever go away? Did they figure out what caused it?
I am still having arm/shoulder pain, although it is some better since I quit tamoxifen. Saw the MO's NP last week and find that I am anemic, and hypothyroid. Tomorrow, I start on thyroid replacement and have a bone scan, although I'm convinced my pain is in the muscles and caused, in part, by the thyroid problems. Wish me luck!
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Good luck Jules. I think the bone scan was the one where when they push the IV it feels like you have peed your pants. Hoping for an easy test with positive results.
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Good luck Jules! Mine is definatly muscles, the pain did go away. I have just been making sure not to over do it, and so far doing much better. Under my arm is tender, but I had my Onc and primary doctor feel of it and they feel nothing. Said that possibly is from the sentinal node biopsy ..I have mammo nxt month.
Hope and pray all is ok with you. I am sure it is nothing. Chemo is just the gift that keeps on giving.
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It is so nice to see we are talking about fun stuff like Pinterest at this point. A year ago it was all about chemo starting soon!
I am Maria on Pinterest. I have a photo with long brown/auburn hair and majenta pink shirt.
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I just checked my pinterest account...it is just listed under Maria with no photo.
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ok I found you Maria and am now a follower lol!
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Maria....we just spent dinner with the same friends as last year and had that same conversation. I tried to sign a valentines day card for her before we went in and started crying. Couldn't compose myself. Then through dinner we both cried. Tonight we were a little loud and laughing ourselves silly. What a difference.
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Now you can all see what I do with my time now that I don't work....I have a lot on Pinterest
Fluff....so glad we are talking about "normal" stuff at this point and BC is on the back burner. Yippie!
Somebody put a song in the juke box!
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Jules-I've been thinking of you. What did your bone scan results show?
This week I had to have two biopsies of moles that I have. One was on my non-BC breast, and the other was on my back. I am waiting for the results. I hate waiting.
I don't do Facebook or Pinterest, but need to learn how to do it, I suppose. I just keep putting it off. Pinterest sounds fun, though.
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Colodisney - what is going on? Why the biopsies? Did I miss something? Please tell more......thinking of you. Hugs!
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ugh...I have to have a kidney stone blasted. And then, they are going to check the tiny spot on my right side to make sure it is a kidney stone also. He thinks it is, but can't swear that it isn't a calcification. He said he has never had a case of breast cancer of the kidney. I know he just cursed me into being his first one.
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Colodisney- bone scan went well, but am still waiting for results, as well as full results of my bloodwork. Still don't know what's causing my anemia, but suspect my thyroid problem. I'm not letting any of this stop me from taking my horses any DH to Florida on Sunday. Will be gone for 2 weeks, but I'll have and internet connection and checking in with you ladies regularly.
I have an invite to Pinterest, I just don't know if I have time for one more social website.
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Checking in with you all...another Pinterest addict here !!! I am Stilts on Pinterest and Sue Hewitt on Facebook...found an idea on Pinterest that I used...bought a couple hangers for slacks with multiple bars that open and close and use it to store all my ribbon for gift wrapping...love it !!!..now I can see what I have !!! A year ago right now, I was recovering from a double mastectomy and today I am amazed that I no longer think about the BC everyday !!! Thinking of you all...
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Hi Ladies,
Just been catching up on the post and wanted to add that I too have shoulder and underarm pain on my MX side. My rotater cuff seems to ache all the time. It is not painful at all, just a nagging type ache. I had a full AX node dissection levels 1 and 2, it was a completely unnessacary operation ( do not get me started ) and still a point of anger with me. Regardless, I can't get it back. I am talking to my ONC about this discomfort and I will report back any tidbits of info I may gather.
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Hey all, I have had similar pain. The lymphedema specialist told me it was normal and recommended physical therapy (of course). I honestly thought the shoulder pain was mostly from being cold all the time, and clenching up my muscles. The underarm pain I KNOW was related to the axillary dissection...she said there is a lymph channel that runs from the armpit right down the center/back of the arm.
I'm so out of it...don't even know what pinterest is. I will try to educate myself!
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My pain is much worse on the side opposite of my Ax. node dissection. I did have pain and cording after surgery, but went to a PT and got that worked out. My pain started when I started Tamoxifen. My MO doesn't think that's what's causing it. Maybe myalgia caused by thyroid imbalance. Sure wish I could figure it out so I could do something about it.
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Timerdog, be sure to ask for a physical therapy and possible LE evaluation. At least rule that out. Hopefully they have someone associated with the onc center that specializes or has special interest in BC therapy.
Amazing how many of us have had the shoulder pain, regardless of lumpectomy/mastectomy or hormone therapy. But it does seem to be a very common side effect. Radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, previous conditions aggravated by rads or chemo or meds...who knows.
Stilts, Maria, and Karen: I found you on Pinterest. Anyone else? It's fun...non-commital, but easy to spend lots of time just browsing. I've collected a lot of recipes although I've yet to try any! Maybe this weekend. I at least made a shopping list!
Fluff, when do you have to get kidney blast? So sorry! Colo, any word yet on biopsy results? Hope they don't make you wait over the weekend. Jules, any word? Enjoy your time in Florida. Where do you take the horses? Is it all trail riding (beach riding?) time? Bring us pictures!
To the rest, hope you have a quiet, stress-free weekend. I am home with the fur-babies while DH and kids are skiing. I used to ski, but no longer. Not worth the broken bone risk! And I enjoy having the house to myself!
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Oh no! now you have made the poodle comment Lily I can only think of my hair as looking like the ass end of a poodle
Jules - good luck with the bone scan and bloodwork results. Don't let any of it stop you, We have had a brilliant time away camping, its so important to be living life, not waiting for problems that may never occur. I hope you have a great holiday. Never could get on with horses myself, my sister had them and I swear she used to train them to attack me.
I hope the shoulder pain clears up for you all - I don't have that, my only problem now is I still have lots of fluid over the wound from November - my skin is stretched tight over it like a drum.
I will be in the U.S. from 22nd Apr - 4th May, presenting at the Oracle conference in Vegas and then New Orleans for Jazz week.
I have registered for the Pinterest thing but already do Facebook and not sure I will have time. Have sent Facebook requests to those of you that provided names. I am Penny Cookson on Facebook.
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Good luck Jules! Will be sending you good thoughts. You as well Colodisney lover. And you Lily on your next set of scans. I am in a bit of the same boat. Had to see a gyn and now the fr*cking tamoxifen caused polyps on my cervix. After only 2 and a half months! Gyn says she's 99% sure they're benign, but have to get a transvaginal us and see if they're in the uterus too. Ugggghhhh!!!! This too shall pass, and much more quickly and easily than chemo. If we got through that, we can get through all these new challenges.
I am still trying to figure out pinterest. Haven't really done anything but join. Once I figure out how, i will become one of your loyal followers. Thanks to those who added me as a friend on facebook. I'll try to find you Stilts.
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Hi ladies,
It's been awhile since I've been on the site, but I couldn't let this day go by without dropping in and saying hello to the strong ladies who helped me get through one of the toughest times of my life. Today marks a year since my MX and yesterday was my last Herceptin treatment ...WOW what a year it has been. It's good to hear that so many are doing well and embracing 2012 with a new outlook.Lilylady - My heart dropped when I read about the progression in your lungs, throat and chest. I can't help but think about how strong you are and your will power is unbelievable. I truly feel in my heart that your new meds will work miracles for you. Positive thoughts and my prayers are with you.
Jules - Have a great time in Florida and good luck with the bone scan
Fluffqueen - It will be okay and you want be your doctor's first. Good luck with the kidney stone blast.
Stilts - Congrats on your one year..
Supersally - How about this Dallas weather...winter one day and spring the next...
MaxineO - I have no idea what pinterest is either. I'm on facebook but I rarely go on it. When I do login to my facebook my front page is inundated with so much from my friends and family. I can be found on facebook by Daphnee Stephenson..so if anyone want to friend me please do.
Colodisneylover - I don't have to shave my underarm or other parts as often, once every three or four weeks.
Huskerkkc - Sounds like you are going to have a nice quite weekend. The kind I cherish, I love the family but I look forward to having me time.
Kay - DAMN, this cancer treatment sucks, at times it seems like a catch 22.
Penny - I hope your trip was great.
I too have pain under my arm and sometimes the pain goes all the way to my elbow. I also have pain in the actual breast that I had the MX on.
Ok ladies remember today is the first day of the rest of our lives.....
Have a great weekend ladies.
Sorry to be so long winded.
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OK, I am going to find you ladies on facebook, using my real name, Meredith.
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My dear friends,
Yesterday, I got a call with the results of my bone scan. Seems there is a spot on the top of my humerous near the shoulder joint. They haven't determined what it is, and now want me to do a MRI. They wanted me to do it next week, but I told them, nope, I'm going to FL, and we will do it when we get back. DH asked if I wanted to cancel the trip to do the MRI, but I said no way. We are packed and ready to leave in the a.m. (We horseback ride in the forest near Ocala). My brother and his wife are going with us. My husband and I need this break so much before we face what may be coming.
Oh, and my hormone test shows I am officially post menopausal, so I'm sure I can stop worrying about tamoxifen, and start worrying about some yet un-named AI I will be taking.
Onward and upward!
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Jules: Well, that is not the good news we wanted (which was 'all clear'). Good for you for taking your two-week vacation. You need and deserve this break. I will be thinking of you and sending prayers for good findings from the future MRI. Stay positive!
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DeeDee, glad to hear from you!
Kay and Jules, gosh darn it! (I'm really thinking naughtier words in my head!) It's always something, isn't it? Jules, I am so glad you are going forward with the trip. Whatever IT is, you can deal with when you get back. Kay, are the polyps causing trouble? Would they have to be removed, regardless? Or can they be left alone, if they are benign? Sorry if too many (nosy) questions. My onc won't do the bloodwork to see if I'm post-menopausal (as a triple negative, I'm ineligible for the drugs anyway, so I guess it doesn't matter), but I read that 12 months without a period is menopausal, so I guess I'm there, chemo-induced. The only nice SE chemo provided!
Fluff & Lily, how are you gals? I hope you can check in and update us. I sure do think of you all a lot. Would love to hear how ALL of our March Loungettes are doing!
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Jules - go enjoy your holiday, at the moment it is just a spot, may be nothing, if it is then, like Kristy says you will deal with it when you come home. We are all sending positive thoughts
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Jules, add my positive thoughts and vibes to the others being sent. Most of the time, these things have nothing at all to do with cancer. Enjoy your vacation! And then we'll all party with you when you get good news when you come back.
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Hi, just think you need a second opinion from an expert--endocrinologist or internal medicine. Hypothythoidism is very special and important to watch, esp when on cancer treatment. I find the tamoxifen is like poison to my body. Very bad side effects with that stuff. So, quality of life is very important to my well being and my family.
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Jules, have a wonderful vacation and take some time to clear your mind.
I just realized that I scheduled my kidney stone explosion on my one year bmx anniversary. Looks like another year of maxxing out the deductible!0 -
Ya know, Fluff...I met my deductible last year in February. If there was one good thing (besides chemo-pause!) it was having the deductible met. And having your surgery on the bmx anniversary makes it easy to remember the date. Doctors always want to know those things!
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