2013 Survivors!!!
Comments
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Shianne, maybe we should all join Chrisrenee for a drink tomorrow after your final rads are done? So very happy for you this is almost OVER!
Adagio, you are most welcome here. Hugs to you! I was so happy to be done with all treatments, but it took some time to adjust to the new reality. Now life is just so good again. You will get there too!
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liefie - thanks for the welcome. I don't know why but I am so anxious about the radiation - I think it is the unknown. I try to tell myself that if I got through chemo, I can do this too.
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adagio...welcome...good to see you here.
I answered your question but my post disappeared.
I had 16 rads and no boost. I had NO SEs at all...not even pink skin and I am very fair. I used Glaxal Base religiously twice a day. Never before a treatment tho. My appts were all early mornings so as soon as I got home I used it and before bedtime. Just remember to use it for a few weeks after you finish the treatments because it continues to work for a few weeks after. I am sure they will tell you that.
If you have had no redness yet, you hopefully won't at all. For me it was the easiest of all the TXs. The worst for me was the waiting for my turn and then 10 minutes of treatment then my day started! For me it was a walk in the park...just the waiting and waiting cause almost every day one machine was being repaired and so we had to use one of the others. Thank goodness there were 6 in all. I am sure you will be fine.
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Chrisrenee, your DD is so beautiful!! Good luck tomorrow! My DD had her wisdom teeth out (2) the day after Christmas. She was so funny when the anesthesia wore off. She was seeing huge colorful butterflies coming out of the cabinets in the recovery area. She made us promise not to take any video of her afterward. (She saw her sister when we picked her up after her wisdom teeth came out plus too many YouTube posts, LOL!
Sandy, welcome! I'm in New Glarus and went/go to UW (Madison) for Tx's and appts. Are you close by?
Adagio, have you checked out the Winter/Spring Rads thread? The ladies over there have some great advice, too!!0 -
Adagio, for me the rads were the easy part. Apart from feeling a little more tired, and sleeping more than usual, I had very little SE's. Had 25 rads. My skin became red and itchy toward the end, but did not break down. You wil be okay, I'm sure. Just keep up the lubing. I also put the soothing aloe vera on immediately after rads to cool down the area before I got dressed. Best wishes!
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HAPPY BELAYED BIRTHDAY WRBSISTER!!!!
Congrats Juneau!!!!!
Christenee - it is always harder on me when my children are undergoing things. I will be thinking of both of you! My DS had oral surgery last year to remove 2extra front teeth and may need another surgery this summer if her front teeth do not come down on their own so I completely know what you are going through. I think the proceedure was harder on me than my DS. Kids bounce back so quickly.
Sandy - welcome and I know the worry about the weekly taxol. As someone else said they watch you very carefully and mention anything funny and they will take care of you. I had a really bad reaction the first treatment, but when I started to feel funny I told them and believe me they all came running to help and I got through it fine. I am not trying to scare you, but want to let you know that I survived and was able to do all 12 weeks eventually. After the first treatment they gave me more drugs and slowed down the infusions and my only reaction was a rash on my face that I told them I could live with. They really worked with me to figure out what needed to be done so that I could continue treatment even though I was allergic to taxol. Even with my reactions taxol was a breeze for me compared to AC. Feel free to PM me if you have further questions.
Shari - I am glad you are feeling better! Hers to continued healing for you.
Shainne - yay for your last rads treatment. I remember my last one and the huge celebration I had after. I will be there dancing with you.
Welcome to the newbies I am missing and continued healing to everyone else.
I know I have missed some others, but I hope work will slow down soon so I can keep up with everyone easier.
Hugs to everyone!0 -
SwgeeWi,
I am in Richland Center. I am doing chemo in Mauston but I see a UW doctor there. I will either have to do radiation in Baraboo or Madison but haven't decided yet. Baraboo is closer though. Guess I have the 12 weeks, at least, to make up my mind. Where is New Glarus? Heard of it many times but never been there.0 -
Momof3greatkids,
Thanks for the info. I hope that I don't have a reaction. My hubby goes with so hopefully he can retrieve someone if necessary. Up with insomnia now but thought I would check the thread again. Wishing you the best. Take care.0 -
Sandy - My goal in telling you about my experience was to let you know that even with all my reactions I felt that taxol was much easier than the AC and that the doctors work to make it better when you do have a reaction to it. Most people don't have any reaction and even fewer have the full blown allergic reaction like I had so hopefully you should be fine. Keep us posted and I am hoping you do just fine with it. On a good note, I was one of the lucky ones and my hair started growing back about half was through taxol.
When is your first treatment again? Make sure to wear cloths with big pockets so that we can all jump in and be there with you for your treatment.
Hugs!0 -
Sandy65,
Please ask for some gabapentin if you are not already on it. I just started it for neuropathy and felt better after two doses and believe me it takes alot of anything to help me. It is also used in fibromyalgia and it is a pretty safe clean drug. Antiseizure medicines work really well at the correct dose for nerve pain and they are finding it helps with cancer pain too.
Hugs, Sheryl
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Melissa: I had a mamo on my remaining non cancer breast, the other was removed. No scans for me. I was told they aren't needed if your nodes were clear.
Shari; try to remind yourself that all those Meds just make you MORE depressed and TRY to talk yourself out if staying there to long by remind yourself this will pass.
Welcome to our new family members!
Chrisrenee; your DD is beautiful (like you)! Hugs....
Mcook; we are so alike... No OFF SWITCH and then the battery finally empties out in us...
Ok so if you all want to meet up and plan this retreat I need some help this time in planning and Committment if attendees first. MAYBE we can try to find something in Deleware near the finish line to cross it with Mcook. Thoughts???0 -
Good Morning
I slept in again today dam it. Hot flashes are keeping and waking me up and some stress so going to call my doctor today. At least it is going to be nice here today!
To the ones starting taxol today hugs! Hang in there! It sucks for sure but you will get through it:) I do remember that I did not have as many side effects but started getting some neuropathy towards my last treatments so watch for that. Otherwise engery was pretty good during it compared to the red devil AC. I am in your pockets today!
To all of you still doing treatments hugs! It has been about six months since I have been done with chemo and I almost forget the really bad days. You will get through this!
Sending lots of hugs!0 -
I know I'm going to miss a few but I wanted to post to adiago... Ask for pain meds as soon as you start to feel any discomfort (if you do) that was my problem and RO verbally spanked me for waiting too long lol. I kept thinking that I could handle it. Once I had relief it has become simply an inconvenience in my day. On the upside of it all, like going thru chemo I've met some very wonderful, courageous, strong and so very optimistic and funny people. I'm not sure what it is about cancer warriors, but personally I think we are the best!!!! Lol
Sandy, I must ave missed your post (or chemo brain has caused me to forget) taxol for e was harder than AC but still very doable. Mind you I had NO SE with AC at all, none!! Just take the meds you are given, stay on top of any pain you endure. That was the hardest part for me, trying to control the pain. Once I tackled that I was fine. I went on a family trip to Disney world between my third and fourth infusion!!! I agree with sherylB ask for gabapentin. If you don't need it great but if you do you have it. The neuropathy is awful. Mine developed almost 2months after chemo ended so hang onto it for awhile after too.
Chrisrenee, I'm up for drinks after my rads today if you are lol I have a rose sparkling wine being chilled and cake vodka shooters!!! Lmao. Seriously tho, it's my last active treatment today. I'm so excited but also a little anxious of dealing with NOT having to see a Dr so often. My next appt is May 1. My RO has given me direct line to him if I need anything bless his heart!!! This man is so sweet and kind. Easy on the eyes too!! Lol
DH is taking me to dinner to celebrate tonight and I'd like to have a pocket party for that as well. It's my favourite Italian restaurant and they have the best, I meanTHE BEST double chocolate mouse cake. Lol bring your forks!!!
Huge hugs to everyone, hope your day is filled with smiles and sunshine!!0 -
STRONG LIKE BULL.... There's Something About Mary !?
In your DD's pockets today Chrisrenee:
Juneau... great idea for the planned get away - I'll help and I am in. Never been to Delaware. So ladies come on... what say you ? Are you in?
OK - have to get ready for work. Hello to everyone I missed. Gentle healing hugs and minimal SE's to all.
Hopefully work will be a little slower and I can check in then
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Wow! What an active bunch you are! Miss 24 hours and I feel like I've been away forever!
Happy Birthday Websister, hope it was a wonderful day for you and you managed to get some cake without Scottiee noticing!
Chrisrenee-love the picture of your daughter. Reminds me so much of our girl when she got her braces. Now she has the best smile! In your pockets today. My girl has been undergoing a cardiac work-up for the last 6 weeks. She lives about 2500 miles from me and I worry every day. She finally found a family doctor where she lives and I am hoping that she gets the results of all these tests soon.
Juneau-I'm in for the getaway as well. I can help round up the wild Ontario girls (Scottiee, Shianne, Schatzi, Joanne et al.)
Mcook- congrats on reaching your fundraising goal. No doubt in my mind that you wouldn't do it.
Shianne-Yay! Rads are done! Enjoy your celebration.
Welcome to the newbies! You will love it here!
To everyone else, have a wonderful day. Spring might be finally here, it smells like it and the birds are chirping ever so loudly
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Shianne: YAY a milestone. Revel in it, the depression is going to follow soon- but we will help you get through it.
Mcook; are you on Gabapentin? If not, go get it. It took away my hot flashes COMPLETELY, and I am slowly getting some feeling back around my under arm.
My hair to is a birds nest. Not over my ears yet, but the beautiful waviness my long hair had; doesn't translate so well to short hair... LOL!
SO a couple of months ago I measured my stomach, as Scottie was saying; look at my body-not my weight. I was 38 inches around from my belly button. I measured today and I was 36!
Also my dr yesterday gave me an Rx to go talk to someone at the Metabolic & Nutrition center, so they can do a work up and POSSIBLY offer me some help. But who knows, maybe I'm already doing the right thing and I just have to deal.
Ladies in treatment. Hang in there. Someone told me the memory would fade and it wouldn't seem so bad... I have forgotten some of the daily feelings; but the overall depression and desperation to be done- I'll never forget. BUT I did get through it. So BIG HUGS!0 -
Thanks Juneau thanks all for encouragement.. It's hard to think any of this will pass
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Good morning!!
Sandy- New Glarus is in between Verona and Monroe. It's known as America's Little Switzerland. Lots of tourists come here, very charming. So many festivals during the summer and fall. And of course the New Glarus Brewery. (Spotted Cow, anyone?) Our kids are in the Belleville School district, where I sub, so we have the best of two communities! Good luck with Chemo. I've been on gabapentin for about 6 months or so for neuropathy in my feet and a sciatic nerve issue. It's a godsend! Because of that my MO wanted the Oncotype Dx test to help decide whether or not to do chemo because of the neuropathy SE's. My score was 18, at the bottom of the intermediate range, so we decided against chemo. Six more points on my score and we would have.
shianne, enjoy your celebration tonight, I'll be in your pocket with bells on!!
Outdamnedspot-I'll keep your DD in my prayers!
Juneau-Delaware mmm? When and where? maybe...
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outdamnedspot...any news on your DD? Mine had her followup echogram and stress test and all was fine. What a relief.
Scottiee..what were the results for your DS? Don't recall seeing anything on here about him.
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Believe geez you must have lost your sweet tooth; as pretty as the watermelon cake is, it just doesn't cut it. I posted posies for Websister because I knew I would get in trouble with Scottie if I tempted you all with the cake I was going to post for her. LOL
Aruba I'm sorry- just saw your post from several days ago; how scary. Thats how I was last month finding the dreaded "pea" I was told to watch for on my dmx incision last month, that thank God, just turned out to be scar tissue. Glad the BS could ease your mind and you could hopefully enjoy Fl.
Melissa aka Melussa- I too was told by my bs no mammos and mri or sonogram if anything questionable arises around the BMX incision. (Not sure if MO will want MRIs yet) Well as I told Aruba I got a weird pea type thing and had to have a sonogram. It was really weird- I used to always get sonograms before bc and remember how detailed they always were with light and dark spots etc etc all over; the sonogram over the implant was a very strange sight to me- mostly gray with little horizontal lines going across that I imagines as ripples in the saline. LOL I don't know what they were but as long as it came back negative (scar tissue only) thats all I cared about.
Adagio welcome-you'll love these wise ladies
ChrisRenee love the pic of your daughter-how cute! It is so tough when our kids have to go through something. Think Mom of3 is right that its tougher on the parents.
Ramos Glad you're into strapping on the running shoes again. I just got my treadmill and with the speed that I am starting off with just a pair of slippers will do.
McCook SO glad you're back; we were worried about you
Juneau hoping the Metabolic & Nutrition center has some help that you can share with the rest of us!
Shari glad you're feeling better and praying for good pathology. Websisters advice to "Rest,heal and let tomorrow take care of itself" is spot on.
Shianne yea last of the rads. Definitely want to go along for your pocket party - drinks, dinner and mousse cake-what more could we ask for!
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Mcook, when is your walk .... (And where) ...
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Shianne - Celebrate, celebrate, celebrate!!! You are done with treatments - yeah!! Enjoy your favourite dinner tonight! Thanks for the advice about not being shy in asking for help. I have had 6 treatments now and the area is not red, but is starting to get itchy!
Sandy - good luck with the Taxol - I personally hated Taxol. I think it was that the s/e were so unpredictable - with A/C I could pretty much tell how I was going to feel. Not to scare you either, but I did get an allergic reaction on my 2nd treatment and it was very scary - but the nurses will watch you very carefully. I got a prescription for gabapentin, but never used it, but glad to have it on hand since I just read that SHianne's neuropathy started 2 months after taxol ended!
Liefie - good to know that not everyone's skin breaks down during radiation. Thanks for the encouragement. I don't have Aloe, but I think I should get some since a lot of women on here speak highly of it. I am using Lubriderm (recommended by my centre) - at least it is not greasy which is nice. I have Calendula just in case of broken skin.
Have a good day all you wonderful, wise ladies. This is definitely a hands on learning curve!
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Hi Ladies....what an eventful few days for everyone!!! Happy belated B'day websister, congrats to Janeau, Chrisrenne..your gal is a beauty!, Shari, believe me...you will get through it...look how far you have come so far. Shianne I am dancing on the tables....Congrats & Mcook...good to have you back!
Believe I received my bracelets and they are fantastic...my two gals loved theirs.
Have to run, but will catch up later.
Love to all,xx
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Well I will keep it short and sweet since I am sort of numb right now... Got path report back and it's not wonderful... 3 positive nodes out of 22 ... One with macro mets.. Don't know how to take any of this.. Still stage 2 but had been hoping so bad for negative nodes.. Not sure what this means to my prognosis but know it means rads. I am scared guys and have been crying a lot. Tumor still had cancer in it but went from 2.5cm to about 1.8cm don't know what to think.
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Heading out of town again. My company left Monday, who knew company could be so fattening!
I won't miss a word on my phone but I can't always write.
I'm available for all pocket trips! Hugs to those that need them.
Chrisrenee - my honorary niece is so cute, looks a lot like her Mom!
Ramols - what are you naming your treadmill? Mine is the Beast. Chrisrenee named her elliptical Jillian. My Doctor had me add weights to my ankles, not more than 1 lb each. I don't even notice them. Hopefully to strengthen large bones and avoid ostreposis.
Shari - keep that chin up. You are doing good. Your Mom must be a great nurse.
Welcome newbies. As we say, the More the Merrier.
That's all I can write driving through beautiful downtown Bakersfield, CA. If you've been here, you know I am being kind.
Make it a great day!0 -
Shari ok well it wasnt the news you wanted and now you have to go thru an extra step with the rads that you didnt want to take. But alot of the ladies on here have gone thru positive nodes, rads and are fine. I'm sure they will be responding soon. There is no doubt about it the first year in particular after BC diagnosis is such a stinkin emotional rollercoaster ride for everyone.
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Thanks 2fried eggs feeling pretty crappy right now
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Shari: 2Fried is right... this is the biggest worst roller coaster ride of your life. I still had 3 positive nodes after chemo - they call them micro mets. Now, after rads, I am NED and you will be too. Keep that chin up honey... smile your beautiful smile... and we're all here for you.
Hugs everyone. Hope you are managing to get some sunshine.... apparently this the last of our beautiful day for a few days.
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Adagio, I used Lubriderm Intense Dry Skin Repair. Was wonderful. Make sure the Aloe Vera has no alcohol in it. Towards the end I used Hydrocortizone cream on the sore spots. You can buy it over the counter at any pharmacy. That helped more than anything else to relieve redness, soreness and itchiness.
Shari, there are many people on these boards who had more than 3 positive nodes who are healthy again, who are leading full lives, and who are living for many years after bc. I was just as upset when I found out that I had a positive node, but it was removed with the tumour, and chemo and rads took care of the rest. The cancer is gone, life is so good, and I refuse to let worry steal my joy. If further down the road cancer comes back, heaven forbid, I will handle it then, and not worry myself sick about something which may or may not happen. At stage 2 you are still early stage, and you have a very good prognosis. Your chance to be killed in a car accident is much higher than dying of bc. Rads is really not a big deal after chemo. Hope this helps!
Shianne, enjoy your party! YAYYYYY!!!!!!!
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Shianne - congratulations! Enjoy that supper out!
Shari - I also had macrometastases to 2 nodes and that is why I had radiation. I know you were hoping that you were done treatment and it is OK to take a little time to deal with it but radiation will go by quickly. There is another positive that you are ER/PR positive so you will also have Tamoxifen added to your arsenal, it is very effective. Sending hugs and hope your way. ((()))0
