Any October 2011 Surgeries out there want to wait together?
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Rachel -- so good to hear from you. Are you still able to play and work? Sounds like your ONC has your chemo cocktail just right (my ONC would say if the chemo cocktail was just right there would be minimal SE).
evebarry -- I had issues of sweating but it was my whole body - ONC said mine was due to chemo. Sorry I could be of help.
Hope all the Oct Ladies are doing great!!!!
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I've been working most days, although I often have to schedule around appointments. And I managed to play violin for all three performances of Pirates of Penzance last weekend, and seem ready to do it again this week. Yeah! Unfortunately, I just got back from my first zumba class since before my dx - and my knee gave out halfway through. It's an old injury, but this is the worst it's been in a few years. Sigh. I guess once I get my foobs, the knee is the next replacement surgery...
evebarry - Not sure if there's a link between excess fluid and the sweat glands, but it's an interesting question. I don't remember unusual sweating after my bmx. In fact, I've hardly used deodorant since my surgery - initially because I wasn't using it on the arm with the snb incision, but then realizing for the first time in ages, my underarms weren't constantly drenched. I hope you find some relief, and possibly an answer.
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Rachel... have your ONC check your vitemin D levels. The knee might be worse because of that. I have been dealing with joint pain and my ONC said Chemo does a number on our vitimin D levels they have me taking 5,000 units of D aday.
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Margie - Thanks. I have been taking 1,000 units per my BS after surgery because of link to TN. I'll see about taking more (it's also in my multi vitamin, the OJ and milk I drink, so I'm probably getting more)
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I am on 10,000 IU of vitamin D daily. If you are deficient you probably need more than 1,000. Glad to see my October sisters are doing pretty well.
I am done with treatment other than treatment for lymphedema. Started taking AI a month ago. Side effects not too bad so far. Have my 6 month follow up with BS this week and a bone density test. Trying to get used to my new normal.
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After my mx (no chemo or rads), they found I had a B12 deficiency (on top of a pre-existing D deficiency for which I was supplementing). I suspect that I might have had enough (minimally) before bc, but healing from surgery sucked up too much and sent me over the edge of deficiency. It causes a lot of the same symptoms as the D deficiency...like muscle fatigue. If your muscles are fatigued, it may put more strain on your joints, too. I think they should be checking all of our vitamin levels during all of the treatments...
Just a thought...
Rachel...I hope whatever the cause, that your knee is feeling better soon...
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Interesting Ginger - I'm only on 2000 IU of vitamin D. Each doc is different, I guess.
I'm looking forward to the allergy info too. I did get an appt. scheduled for Feb. 13. Yay, more dr. appts! But hopefully we can get this one sorted out.
Off to a soccer tournament today with DS.
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Ginger48- congrats on the end of your treatments! I am only 5 out of 8 completed chemo & am looking forwrad to 5-6 weeks of rads. Are you disagnosed with clinicla lymphedema? If yes, what symptoms did you notice?
I am wondering what signs to looks for. I want t avoid it. I already saw a lymphadema pt for lymph node massage techniques & she sent me to be fitted for a compression sleeve since I fly & exercise alot. The compression sleeve s are not what I expected. I thought it would be bidg & bulky with sstraps etc.----it is actually like a compression sock & comes in many colors & designs. For a change, I was pleasently surprised.
Best of luck on your new normal. I can only dream :-)
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Hello there My October Friends~
Hoping to stir up some action for our October group. I've been beyond horrible with updating but I can honestly say that you have ALL been in my daily thoughts and prayers!
It's been a bumpy couple of months here. Just as I was starting to feel optomistic about my problematic breast recon, my surgical onc felt the need to do a lymph node biopsy of my groin nodes (suspicion of lymphoma- swollen nodes, intense night sweats, and intermittent fevers.) Another torturous wait for pathology thankfully revealed no malignancy; however, I've now opened up a whole 'nother can of worms in finding out what kind of "reactive process" is brewing in my body. I've been referred to a spec who works with auto-immune issues... ugh.
In other news, my Mom's recurrence scare has been halted for the time being. The new lump she discovered was found to be fat necrosis from her lumpectomy. YESSSSS.......
And to finish off the week, hubby had an emergency appendectomy on Thursday. I almost killed him in telling him that he probably just had a "stomach bug." He was just seconds away from rupture. I think I just might win the 2012 Terrible Wife Award.
On a positive note, I hope those of you who enjoy football have a wonderful Superbowl Sunday night. We're rooting for the Pats here!
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Dukes Up...I am so sorry to hear that you've been through the ringer... I am glad all is benign...I hope that the rheumatology reports are equally good!
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DukesUp - Glad your husband is doing well, and that your mom is fine. Hope the new doctor is able to figure out what's causing your problems and that it's completely treatable.
Had a really tough week after my 3rd treatment. It's really tough coming to grips with the idea that my body and mind are not up to what they used to, and I have to roll with the punches. But I'm about halfway through. I'm doing good with my wigs and hats, and except for the exhaustion and occasional defecting taste buds, I've avoided the nausea and some other really bad SEs. But it's tiring and frustratin.
Hope everyone else from October is completely recovered from surgery and moving on. It's been a long haul for all of us.
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Hi all,
I too have been hanging in December. I had my UMX w/DIEP Dec. 15. I went back to work Jan. 30 (just one week ago). It was pretty good; I was sore and tired each day, hopefully it'll get better over time. I have some pulling in my upper chest and some minor pain along the incision, but the most bothersome is my belly below the breasts and above the incision. It just feels weird. I suspect it'll get better over time.
I must be doing better though because DS' soccer team had a scrimmage today vs. siblings and parents and after watching for 3 quarters I couldn't resist so hopped in for the last quarter. I'm going ot be sore tomorrow, but no major ill effects and I think my legs will be more sore than anywhere else, so that's a good sign.
I'll probably hold off on stage II until summer so I don't have to worry about how quickly I recover (I'm a teacher). I'm not really looking forward to more surgery, but the PS says it will be MUCH easier than the UMX was, it'll likely be just outpatient, or MAYBE one night in the hospital, we'll see.
My good news is that with the MX they found more DCIS, but it was well clear of the margins so I managed to avoid radiation and chemo. After 4 surgeries I've gone through plenty, and am thankful to get to skip the other treatments.
OK, I've gone on for long enough. Take care all.
-Judy
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Sorry TexasRose- I never saw your posts till it bumped up today. I have Lymphedema but not sure if it was called clinical? I was having shoulder and range of motion issues and pain in my elbow. LE therapist has been working on it and it is improving. I have sleeves for both arms and stretches and Manual lymph drainage exercises to do daily and I see her two times a week.
Dukes-glad to hear that your husband and mom are doing ok. It is really hard to take care of ourselves and others too! Sorry about your latest scare; hope it all turns out to be nothing! I have been dealing with autoimmune crap and inflammation as well and have not gotten to the bottom of it yet...The Pats are hanging in there!
Rachel- glad to hear you are at the halfway point. I hope you are feeling more like yourself soon.
Cookie-The exchange is so much easier than MX but the summer will be a great time to rest and recover from it. Woohoo on playing soccer...you rock!
I worked my first full week of school since the end of September and it felt good to be back. I cannot believe how easily I tire though. It has been almost 2 months since my last surgery but I guess 4 surgeries in 8 months has taken it's toll on my body.
Glad to hear from my October sisters!
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Hi Claire, Rachel, Judy, and Ginger!
So great to get your updates. Hopefully more of our group will be along to check in too!
Rachel- So sorry.about the extra difficult 3rd treatment. I know you must be pleased to be halfway through..
Judy- Glad to know you can forego both chemo and rads
Ginger- I hope our autoimmune issues will be identified soon. Do you currently see a Rheumatologist for this?
Claire- Have missed our notes. How is school going?
Tomorrow I head back to my PS for the first step of my nipple recon and also a mole removal on my right breast. No clue why PS refused to remove the mole during one of my first 2 surgeries like I had asked.
Taught Spin tonight....finally getting sleepy. Hope you all get a pleasant night of sleep. More soon!
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Hey ladies -- good to hear from everyone.
Rachel - hang in there chemo sucks, but you are getting there. In another few months chemo will be a memory.
Cookie - yea to getting back to work. It is so nice to get back to a new normal.
Ginger - take it slow and easy
AJ - good luck at the PS I hope all goes well. Glad all turned out ok for hubby and mom.
Not much new with me. I had my exchange in Jan now I am just waiting for the implants to settle into the pockets (PS had to open up the left pocket to get the implant more towards the middle). I told him Mon at my appointment I can wait for as long as it takes for the implants to settle before we do the fat grafting and nipple recon. I leave next Mon for my first big business trip. I will be going to my corporate office for the whole week.
Take it easy ladies I think about you often.
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AJ- I am working with a naturopathic dr. We are working on seeing which foods might be triggering my inflammation. What does your Rheumatologist do?
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Hi Girls,
I am freaking out a bit. I've had the same symptoms as a few of you, night sweats, swollen glands, and it kills when I pee (after). I went to the onocologist, she had scheduled a PT scan, and insurance wouldn't pay for it. Yesterday I had three CT scans. Today I went to the urologist (first time). She says the pain after urination is muscle spasms, then told me I could have my CT reports... and it says,
I have numerous tiny nodes in my chest and abdomen that are more numerous than commonly seen, and "a few scattered sclerotic foci in the bones...blah blah...Bone scan could be done to evaluate for an (bad grammar!) metastatic osseous disease as needed clinically." the area is 1 cm and on the left side of L2.
Really? Why bone mets if I 'only' had DCIS?
Any advice?
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Eema!
Ughhhhh....I am so sorry to hear your update. Will you be having the bone scan? It infuriates me that your PET scan wasnt approved by insurance. I would definitely appeal that decisión.
I know the symptoms youre having are scary. Are the night sweats soaking? Which nodes did you first notice were swollen?
Try to stay calm my Friend!
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Hi Ginger!
Im still waiting for my next RA appointment to discuss these new issues. Im sure Ill be starting with lots of labs (and likely another cortisone shot in my left hand- can hardly move it lately.) I am all about consulting with a naturopath if this route fails...0 -
Eema- It sucks that you are going through this! You did have an ooph and you can get crazy night sweats after that. I think you need to call the dr who ordered the CT and have them explain those results ASAP. Also think AJ is right and you should appeal PET scan since the CT showed something. Try not to panic and let us know what is happening. Sending huge hugs and prayers your way!
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Eema - I'm sorry you're dealing with this. Definitely go over results with your docs. HUGS and positive vibes coming your way.
-Judy
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Oh, Eema, I'm sorry to hear that. I hope they allow the PET scan since there is possible evidence of mets - I was told insurance will not approve a PET unless you're Stage 3 or showing symptoms of mets. Wishing you the best.
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Thinking of you Eema.....
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Eema -- it's hard to get a pet scan approved, but I would keep trying. I am sending you good thoughts and prayers....
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Eema...I am so sorry you are dealing with this... Sending you hope and good wishes...
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Hi ladies! I've been looking for someone that can understand how I'm feeling. I think I've come to the right place. I had a BMX with TE on October 28. My onco score was 19 so my onc decided no chemo. On Tamoxo for 5 years.
I have not felt right since and no one can understand me. There is not a day that goes by that I'm not in pain. I HATE my TE. I have had an infection in my right side on and off since December. I'm really regretting the recon decision. I've come this far and there is no turning back now. I am due for my exchange on March 6th. This day cannot come fast enough. I'm hoping that after that my pain will go away.
I feel really bad about complaining because I know that there are women out that there that weren't as lucky as myself but it really sucks! I'm tired of being in pain...I'm tired of hot flashes, mood swings, hips hurting. I'm tired of it all. I just want my old life back.
Thanks for letting me vent.
Robin
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Hi Robin- I hear you! I had a terrible time with muscle spasms with the TE's. I had my exchange a day before you got your BMX. I have had many moments when I wished I had not gone this route. The implants are better than the TE's but they still feel very wierd to me. My onco was a 17 and I did not need chemo either. Dealing with lymphedema so hoping when that swelling goes down my chest will feel better. Hot flashes, joint pain seems to be the new norm...vent away! We sure do understand.
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Hi Ladies. It has been forever since I have posted on here, but I think of ya'll all the time, and come hear and read to try to keep up to date. I just had round 4 of 6 of my chemo and landed a 3 night, 4 day stay in the hospital. I have not felt well through much of my treatment, but this was by far the worst! I have never been so sick in my life. I have stopped having my period (only plus), and have the worst hot flashes ever. That neulasta shot kicks my butt and gives me the most awful bone pain ever. I have muscle twitching in my eyelids and it is making me crazy. Anyone else have that? I have lymphedema in my left arm and it is painful. Also, my fingernails hurt along with the tips of my fingers. I hope my nails don't fall off. Sorry for the complaining, but no one can understand unless they have been through it. I have a loving family and friends, but I know they just don't get it. Glad to know the October Ladies are pushing forward. Hugs all around.
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sigarcia - It's so good to hear from you! I'm sorry chemo is treating you so roughly. I also have had some eye twitching... it's really weird. Hang in there - I have tx #4 coming up this Thursday.
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Sigarcia- Nice to see you here checking in with everyone. I follow your caringbridge page and am sorry you are having such a tough time of it.
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