Starting Chemo in Nov. 2011...anyone else?
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Hi Everyone ~ Geez, I took a break from here for a few days and I had 2 1/2 pages of posts to catch up on! What an eventful week for everyone. My DH took me up to the mountains (Big Bear) for a week of rest since I am now 4 weeks out from my last chemo and I don't start rads till Monday. It was GLORIOUS! We were there Wed-Wed and we had a huge snow storm (2 feet) over the weekend. We hiked up to Castle Rock and took in the breathtaking views of the San Bernardino mountains. I didn't intend to do the whole hike, but I got really stubborn about wanting to make it to the top. It took over 2 hours and I had to rest like every 50 feet toward the end, but my DH was so patient and helped me every step of the way. Totally worth the muscle pain I had for the next 4 days
Bahamamom ~ I am so glad you got the fantastic advice from all of these wise women. I would've said exactly the same thing. I'm glad you talked and got it into the open without being accusatory. I also agree with YaYa, he is not the victim in this scenario, but he is probably feeling hurt and confused the way all of us (and our families) do because of all that this wicked disease can take from us. Keep talking and keep loving him, but don't shoulder any blame. We all love you here!
I have my scan and plan for rads tomorrow at 10:30 am. I have to do 6 1/2 weeks of rads (I had never heard of the extra 1/2 week thing before) and I am anxious to see my plan so that I know how much of my lung will be affected. My RO said it was unavaoidable, but that I shouldn't notice much difference in lung capacity. I hope that's true.
GrandmaV ~ I am SO glad you are almost done with rads and that it seems to have gone pretty well for you. You deserved an easy time of it, given all you've gone thru.
Blessings,
SAN
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Claire-You are absolutely right about everything. I do think we need to give it a break for now, but it is hard because I am so lonely. I really do love him, always have, and I miss our closeness. Today we just had idle chit-chat that meant nothing to either of us. I really need some resolution before I can begin to heal from this. It is more painful to me than the cancer battle I have been fighting for the last 6 months. Thanks to all of you who have offered advice and consolation on this. I hope everyone is having a good evening.
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Thanks, everyone, for all the well wishes. San, I'm so glad you had a nice trip. That sounds wonderful. Bahamamom, I hope things improve soon, so you can have some peace.
Claire, Did you have your last Chemo today?
I have two more boosts to go. I'm getting really red, but still no pain, or peeling. I am starting to feel the fatigue some. But it just gives me an excuse to take a nap.
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Dear all I'm tyPing from my I phone soforgive the tyPos. I had my last taxol today! I feel relieved. I have to have a breast MRI soon bc my onc isn't sure I need so much radiation...more on that later. Those of you who are still getting chemo-you will be done! I can't believe 5.5 months of chemo is Over. Hugs
Claire0 -
Claire, Congratulations! Hope your SEs from this last one are few.0
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Grandmav, your most welcome thought we could all use a laugh
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Claire congrats
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Good morning all,
It is a beautiful day here in NE and I am at work. That is allI am going to think about today. Genlte and sunny day to all.
We are moving thru this
Nel
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Yaaaaay Claire!! I remember thinking chemo would never end and then, when it did, I wouldn't even get my port out right away because I thought that maybe it wasn't really over. I kept thinking someone would call me and tell me they needed to do one more infusion, or something. Now that I am 4 weeks (and one day ~ but who's counting?) out from my last infusion....I'm really sure it's over.
I went to my RO for my scan and tattoos today. They will call me when my plan is ready in a few days. I am dreading rads. I hate to state the obvious here, but I REALLY hate the idea of radiation being beamed into my body every day for 6 1/2 weeks. Cancer treatments are so weird. I had a love/hate relationship with chemo and now am feeling the same way about rads. I'm so grateful for the research and the treatments, but they are all so crappy. Okay, that's my rant for the day.
I hope everyone has time to relax and think about something other than cancer today!
I am going out to read my book on the fabulous hammock that my DH set up for me in the yard. Sunny and 75 degrees here in SoCal today. I like to remind myself that I have so very much to be grateful for.Blessings,
SAN
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Claire ~ So happy to hear that you are finished! There is nothing like that feeling, although like Sandy, I am still not sure if they will call me and say they missed one!
Sandy ~ I am feeling pretty shaky after this last one. That and the gastric have been the worst, but all in all, I think the 5th one was a bit worse. So...you will be starting rads soon. My appointment with the rad onc is next week. Who knows, we may be there at the same time! Glad to hear you feel well enough to be outside enjoying this beautiful day. I have the patio door open and am enjoying the nice warm air. You will have to keep me posted on how the rads go at Palomar!
Hope everyone is having a beautiful day! Linda
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Good evening all,
Had my first AC on 3/16, so questions about A/C. Acne,scalp begining to itch, cranky cranky. I amguessing I am on track. Already lost my hair once,so recognize the scalp thing, hate the acne. But oh MY cranky. Is that jsut the overall I ahve cancer stuff or SE A/C. Or does it even matter.
Venting
Nel
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claire, HOORAY for the last taxol! the last one of ANYTHING in this battle is always the so wonderful!
sandy, i know exactly how you feel about starting rads. i felt the same way. my advice to you is to listen to the ladies here who have been through it, especially their ideas about how to treat your skin. i only listened to my RO at first and i think that was a mistake. she told me to use only aquaphor and i minded her. the pharmacist gave me the best advice about OTC products and about prescriptions i should ask for. my thought now is that i listen to my doctor's advice first, of course, but that i add what women on this website have done, if i can. i wish you the very best as you start on the radiation journey. i'm sure you'll do great!
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Thanks YaYa ~ My RO recommended Aquaphor too, but I became suspicious when they gave me a sample AND a coupon for more >:-{ That reeks of big pharm companies buying their allegiance! Anyway, I am thinking fresh Aloe (we have plants) and Emu Oil, which I have read amazing things about. I haven't ordered any yet...I thought I'd ask for thoughts on what works best. Maybe I'll check out a rads thread too
Nel ~ Yes, I think your SE's are pretty typical. I did my AC at the same time as my Taxol (Taxotere), but I certainly had my cranky days. I guess you can only feel crappy for so long before it comes out as crankiness. I never had any problems with acne though. How many AC infusions do you have ahead of you?
Linda ~ Yes, my scan appointment went well today. They should have my plan done by Monday and I'll go back in early next week to get my first dose of rads. I'm sorry you feel so shaky, my friend
The good news is that you are DONE! If you are having rads at Palomar too, I'm sure we will cross paths. As far as I can tell, there is just one big office in the Radiation Oncology Dept at Palomar. I'll see you there!Blessings,
SAN
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Ladies,
I just wanted to say thank you for the information and support... My endo didn't really seem sure about what to do knowing that my doppler was negative but he checked the lymphnodes in my groin area and nothing seemed to jump out at him so he had me get another doppler!!
Again no clots and when my endo nurse called this am with yet another "brush off" - Maybe you should see your PCP and see if he has any ideas... I LOST IT!!! She seemed very concerned and said I will talk to him again - I don't want you to be this upset, etc...My endo and PCP know each other - why don't the TWO of them talk???
Then I got a PM from a wonderful person on BCO regarding my post that asked about lymphedema - so I looked it up and bam...there is a list of my complaints and issues...so I sent my MO an e-mail and mentioned it to her - nurse called today and I have a scrip and places for treatment (under the PT umbrella) in the mail!
They address skin care, massage, exercise and diet - apparently they do massage and exercise to relieve blockage in the lymph system...I hope this is the issue and that it will get it corrected. Just having some sort of PLAN is a relief!! I did make an appt with my PCP and I'll share the plan and see if he has anything to add.....
I realize that for the most part the MO's are looking for this in our arms - but when you know that chemo can cause the swelling issue and obviously I got a good dose of the SE - shouldn't it at least be on the radar??? Do these doc's still have their medical books - maybe they should blow the dust off and use them or try the internet even...or talk to each other - sometimes 2 is better than 1....
GrandmaV - I am not on a diuretic and the MO said no since it is only one side not both she didn't feel that it would truly address the issue!!! I mentioned it in my e-mail...
Sorry for the rant - it just gets so frustrating but a HUGE thank you for the posts and information...
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Sandyland,
3 more A/C treatments. Next one is April 6th. , then 3 weeks out and 3 weeks out,so done mid May. Then on to Rads. Just emotionally tired right now I think
Your recent trip sounded so wonderful. Good for you.I really need to plan something for the fall when this is behind me so to speak.
Be well
Nel
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Claire-- congrats congrats!!!
Linda- I am sorry you feel so bad, especially in the gastric function. Are you taking L-Glutamine. It does alo t fo things but one biigie is that it protects your stomach, etc. 30g per day!
San-- your trip sounds wonderful. Hubby sounds lovingly patient. good for you!
I am investigating what I think will be my next stage--hormonal therapy. I realized that there is this internal resistance to this piece so I went to a naturopathic oncologist-- few of them in this country and one is my home town-- to start getting a bigger picture. I did but more important was/is the meditation I have been doing on RESISTANCE. I have, so far fully embraced each step and I think that is essential for dealing with cancer/surgery/chemo etc, both the side effects and the efficacy of treatment. I know that resistance is one (unnecessary) obstacle in our recovery, not just breast cancer but also other illnesses. I see patients all day who have resistance to treatment, to getting through illness and they never fair as well as my patients who embrace.
So, my prayer for me and for all of you is-- to embrace life as fully whole and complete as it is in the right here right now. Love you all! Q
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Hi Everyone, I haven't posted for a while. I've been busy and also trying to process what happened over the past 7 months. I have been reading the posts now and again and have missed the familiar "faces".
GrandmaV Congratulations on getting through your radiation! I hope you get some time to rest and heal before moving on to Femara
Claire Well done on finishing chemo, it's been a long haul. I hope you recover quickly from your last tx and start to feel good again
Sue It was nice to hear that things are getting better on Tamoxifen, I start next month!
YaYa I love your new picture. You look great! I think we're at about the same stage with hair re-growth. I'm dying for mine to get longer
Linda I'm happy to hear you're finished too. I hope you're able to get our and enjoy some of the beautiful weather we're having in San Diego!
Hi to Beth, Quaatsi, Kelley and everyone else in this great group!
I'm now three and a half months PFC and I just finished radiation treatment last week. It went well and I didn't have too many skin issues. I followed a lot of the tips posted here on skin care. I'm enjoying a break from drs and treatments and it's nice. I'm slowly getting off the weight I gained during chemo, but I'm still retaining some fluid. I still can't get my wedding ring on. I'm also having a lot of muscle aches in my hands, knees and feet. It's pretty bad first thing in the morning but I loosen up once I get moving and exercise definitely helps. My onc says it's a side effect from the Taxotere and may linger for a while. He has recommeded acupuncture, which I'm going to try. It seems to be a common SE from what I've read on other threads. I have my first MRI or mammo next month and then will alternate them every 6 months.
Sorry that this was such a long post! I've missed you all and wish everyone the best as we move forward on this journey. xoxo
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Tipnas, It was so nice to hear from you. Congratulations to you too for finishing up rads. It's too bad you still have some lingering after effects of Taxotere. I hope that clears up for you.
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I had my last boost today, so I'm all done with radiation. I found radiation to be monotonous but very easy. My skin held up really well. I am very red, but have no pain, or open sores. Itching has been my worst thing, and that only in the fold under my breast. Hydrocortisone cream took care of that, emu oil on the rest. Now I move on to Femara. I read on femara web site, that getting a bone density scan before starting was a good idea, to get a baseline. My Onco never even mentioned it. So I will be calling them about that. I was looking at my calendar and I have a whole week with no doctor appointments. I won't know what to do with myself.
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CONGRATULATIONS, grandmaV!!! i remember the last time i walked out of rads and knew i'd never go back and it was the BEST feeling! i know how happy you are. my onco is putting me on arimidex and i'm not sure why not femara. do you know the difference? i had to ASK for a bone density myself to get a baseline, which i should have had with or without cancer. i'm not that thrilled with my onco at the moment, needless to say. i've sent all my records out to Dr. Slamon and i'm hoping he'll either see me or tell me that everything i've done is just right. i'll let you know what i learn. anyway .... again CONGRATULATIONS!
tipnas, thank you and congratulations to you, too, for finishing both chemo and rads. i hope your mammo/MRI is perfect and i hope you'll stay in touch more frequently. missed you!
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YaYa, Thanks so much. I am soooooooooo glad to be done with rads. I really don't know too much about any of the aromatase inhibitors. I just found out last Monday, which one I'll be on. So I've really just started on my research. All my onco said was that if I can't tolerate this one, we can try a different one. He said they all work basically the same way, but have a little difference in the formula. I'm not very happy with my onco. either, and have been thinking of looking for a different one but don't know anything about any of them around here. Every step we take seems to be confusing and overwhelming at first. I would be very interested to see what Dr. Slamon says, when you hear back. How did you manage to send all your records to him? Did you have your onco's office do that?
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Tipnas,
I am glad you posted. I often wondered where you were in your treatment. Glad that you are heading to the finish line. Tamoxifen SE's even out after about 6-8 weeks. Just remember that in the event you get really down as I did, it will balance out. I wasn't sure I would survive it- but my mood is much better. I wish I had been better prepared for it. Hopefully I am preparing others in the event they have the same issue.
Take care,
Susan
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Congratulations to everyone who finished something! How much of a relief is this for each of you? I can't wait until I have my exchange on May 17th to finish another BC thing!
I did some volunteer work today and it wore me out. My supervisor has put me back on the schedule for April. Part time for a while. I have decided to NOT go back to this job. I have been there for 17 years and the treatment over the last couple of years has not been good. My supervisor is also my friend and she wants me to stay until she can retire in 7 years! I don't think so. I don't have that much patience any more! My plan is to work during the month of April and then get some good rest. This is my 2nd diagnosis in 3 years. I need some down time and take care of me time without any pressure.
Did I share my good news with all of you??? My oldest daughter is expecting twins on October 22. My youngest daughter is expecting one child on October 31. My son is getting married on June 9. I will be much too busy to work. I need to build up my strength to hold these grandbabies!!!
I saw the prettiest rainbow today. I think I will have a great weekend!
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Beth, So nice to hear some good news for a change. Sounds like you'll have your hands full with 3 new grandbabies, and a wedding too. That's great! I hope your exchange goes well in May.
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GrandmaV.....Congratulations on finishing RT and chemo! I can't wait to be at that point. I am just excited to finish chemo in two weeks....and then have the month of April to myself before surgery. Only two appointments....what will i do? LOL.
Bethu77-love to hear your good news!! congratulations! It is hard sometimes to remember just being able to enjoy happy things....this BC stuff is so consuming but there is so much good out there and we do need to enjoy life as hard as it is. So happy for you!
Tipnas-Congrats on finishing radiation! I am worried about RT. I finish chemo in two weeks....then have a month off....then have a TRAM scheduled for May 8th to reconstruct my right side that use to have a TE until i had a staph infection. I have to recover quickly and start RT one month post op. There will be no rest time....looks like the month of April is it for a while. I am so scared of open sores and terrible skin pain. You give me encouragement. Did you wear a lot of T-shirts so you could cream up and keep your skin well. Red I can handle...open sores-not so much, any tips are welcome and so appreciated! I am counting my blessings to be almost done with chemo...surgery done.....chemo almost done.....all's good!
Have a Great Weekend!!!0 -
Bonseye, Thank you. It's a long hard road and I agree, so consuming. Please keep us posted as you get through more of your treatments. One thing I did, and worked for me for rads, was got a 5 pack of cotton tank top undershirts (mens) from Wal-mart. and wore them under everything and kept tucked under my breast to keep skin off of skin. I even wore them under my bra the first couple of weeks and then quit wearing a bra. My RO only approves of emu oil and hydrocortisone cream. I had real good success with this.
Something I'm having a problem with is I've been in survival mode so long I'm having a hard time moving forward and getting back to a normal life. I guess that will come with time.
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Grandma V..thank you for tips. Is there any special emu oil or are they all the same?
I often think of once this is over how do you find normal? Normal is different now. I will get back to working. I am board certified in X-ray and MRI. I have been doing MRI for 23 years....I hope to start a new position as a Breast Navigator. My Breast navigator is a nurse but due to my licenses I can train and would like to be certified as well. I am hoping to be able to help other woman along ts road. Use my medical background and personal experience in a positive way to get others "through this". I kept hearing I would get "through it". Little did I know what that means. I have 3 dear friends that have had breast cancer....one needed just a mastectomy...the other needed mastectomy with chemo and the third the same. I got to have tissue expanders, same as first friend...and now have to have a TRAM, same as my second friend. I will have a lot of experience once I finish the RT too! More then I want for sure but I shall walk the walk and do what they think is best. I plan to stick around and help other woman for a very long time!0 -
Bonseye, that's a great plan. You would be so good at that. I don't have a breast navigator, if I had it would have made a big difference.
About the emu oil, I used 100% emu oil, I got it at a local health food store. The brand is "Laid in Montana" ,from a Montana Emu Ranch. It was a little on the pricey side but a little goes a long ways. I bought 2 bottles that were 2 ounces each and that was plenty. I only needed to put it on twice a day. Once right after I got home from treatment and once before bed. Then showered it off the next day a few hours before treatment.
edited to add: I just looked on Amazon and they have it for a little less than I paid.
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grandmaV, i asked the clinic for a copy of ALL my records, including dr's notes, which is what dr. slamon's office wanted. i made copies and kept one set for myself and then i just mailed the 149 pages (!) to him. it's really interesting to get the dr's notes and all the other records i didn't have. i really learned a lot and i'm glad to have a set if i ever need it again for a different onco maybe? i so wish i'd used emu oil like you did. i KNOW i'd have had a better rads experience.0
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YaYa, thanks. I'm going to ask for copies of all mine too. I didn't know we could do that. But it makes sense. It's our records.
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