2013 Sister Warriors
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I'm glad our new members found us but am sad that our group keeps growing. The ladies here are great and we all understand the horrible emotional rollercoaster this breast cancer all brings us, despite all the different details of each of our cancers and the various choices we make. Hang in there everyone! For those undergoing chemo and rads, you guys rock! I had my one week post op appointment today with the PS and 3 of 4 drains came out, woohoo! Now, I'm just wondering about the holes in me now, heh.
Momtotenkids--there's so much to take on now, you have to go with what you are comfortable with.
. Glad you are enjoying spring break!0 -
Cuetang - amazing a week post op 3/4 drains out...yippee! Happy Warrior Dancing
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Sending prayers for healing positive thoughts quick recovery no holes!
Cindy0 -
Good to see so many of you doing well. To those with recent sugeries, happy healing.
I had my rads trial visit today, it was okay. I will begin Monday morning. I thought of you all going though the chemo. I was next to a woman who came in for her 1st TX, she was petrified, DH was with her both crying. I held it in until I got into my changing room and just burst into tears for her, I thought of all of you. Bless each one of you, your so brave and so strong, sending prayer to each of you. xo
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Paula - Yes, I think you're right about the treatment process and God's use of doctors. I realized very quickly that cancer isn't sent to anyone by any deity; rather, cancer exists in the world in the same way that the flu exists and mosquitoes exist and our bones are breakable. Some of us have to battle with it.
Renee - Hooray for freedom from drains!
I've been telling pretty much everybody, too, in part because I work at a small college in a small city and everybody knows everybody else's business. I didn't want people--my students in particular because they get so *attached* to us--to hear it as a rumor.Donnabelle - She who runs marathons will stomp the spit out of cancer!
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CeCe - LOL! But I am already mourning the loss of being in such good shape. Maybe it was bad karma to feel so well of myself! So far 2013 has been a challenge. I broke my wrist on 2/19 and am still in a cast with PT to follow. I had to have surgery to place pins to hold the wrist together. I think I am going to be good and sick of doctors offices and operating rooms very soon, but right now i can't wait to get on that table and get more info. So after such an in auspicious start, 2013 is going to get better, and I (and we all) will get the better of this monster. Keep the faith.
Donna0 -
Wow so many posts! I was happy to read everyone's news and as always words of wisdom. My news is I finished my second round at the chemo bar on Thurs and had my neulasta shot today. So far so good. Runny nose and probably a tinge of red again when the taxotere kicks in. I have the burps this round. But that's better than nausea! I am now 33.3% of the way done! Woot! One of my co-workers sent me a beautiful flower arrangement with a note that said congrats on kicking cancer's ass a 3rd of the way out the door. Made my day.
My first echo came back and the doc said my heart is perfectly fine. Good news to hear with the Herceptin.
Keeping fingers crossed I have a better weekend with the bone pain than I did last time.
Keep Calm, Carry On and Kick Cancer's Ass.
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Hello ladies
Well I had my follow up appt after sugery and all the margins were clear which means no more surgery but one of my lymph nodes had a bit of cancer cells in it which means chemo
My treatment plan is once every 2 weeks for 4 months. The 1st 2 months will be AC and the last 2 months will be Taxol then radiation and then tamoxifen for 5-10 years. Have any of you ladies been given this same treatment plan? I have to go order some hats and scarves now.
I hope everyone is doing well
Mehnaz
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Positive thinking - Happy Dancing for you 1/3 thru the chemo valley
) & great echo... keep kicking!
Meni33 - Happy your margins were clear) but sad the c sneaked into a node (. Check out your cancer center to see what programs and services they provide for chemo patients.
Sending calming positive healing thoughts your way...knowing that warrior sisters will come along side to encourage you on your journey...
Together we are strong and kicking cancers #^#!#^0 -
Mehnaz, sorry about the chemo news. Our weapons to kill the cancer are not desirable, but necessary. It sounds as if you had a lumpectomy (I don't see your status), so I think given your node status, it is typical to do chemo next, then radiation. I'm not at the hormone therapy stage yet, but in dicussing scenarios, my dr. did say 10 years tamoxifen.
Cuetang (and others)--that second lump I found before surgery; I got clarification. So I have a small incision at the 10 am position of the mx breast. The surgeon did go in and remove it (I guess was really near the skin). Reread path report--it was not cancerous. (I feel like I'm getting my M.D. degree with this ordeal!)
I went to my kids' school yesterday, and so many people wanted to hug me and couldn't believe how good I looked. (Everyone must think the cancer is making me sick, so if I look "normal," it's a surprise.) It's nice to know how many people care about my family and myself, and I feel like I'm a poster child for getting annual mammograms. Have others found they've inspired women to keep up on their yearly mammos?
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Yay positivethinking on the chemo bar and positive news on good echo results! Keep kicking @$$!
Meni33--good news on no more surgery! There are plenty of folks that will give great advice on getting through chemo, and we will do the happy dance with you as you get through each step, like PositiveThinking.
Renee-- yippee on it being non cancerous and glad it was removed. As for your mammogram comment, after I broke the news to folks, a couple of them did run to get their check ups, after not doing it so many years. I think it sometimes takes knowing someone more closely to get people inspired on their own health.0 -
Renee~~Re: Your comment..I feel like I'm getting my MD degree with this ordeal. I feel the same way. Before BC, I thought BC, is BC, is BC!
I had absolutely no idea there were so many kinds, treatments, SEs, outcomes, etc.
I also feel like I've gotten as much of that education, if not more on this forum.
I know that in my case, at least 3 people close to me who were late getting their annual mammos, got them right away because of my dx.
I'm glad things are looking up for you. I was kind of nervous when they thought cancer was too close to the skin.
Do you know yet when you're starting chemo? Or what day of he week you're going? I go to the Stephanie on Fridays. I have 9 more Taxol.
Blessings
Paula0 -
Paula, it's still an IF question. My appointment is April 4 with my surgeon first (he's a surgical oncologist), and then oncologist. I got the vibe that they are going to recommend chemo. I'd like to go Fridays, too. Maybe we'll get to meet there.
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Renee~~I'd like that...meeting you that is. At the Stephanie when you get chemo, you're in a private room. There are a couple of rooms with recliners. Those rooms are smaller, but still private. I usually get a room with a very nice hospital bed.
They have TV, and DVDs if you want them. They bring you drinks, & snacks, & those nice heated blankets if you like.
I usually take a book, and my iPad as they have wifi.
Blessings
Paula0 -
Cuetang- bet it felt good to get those drains out! Just one more...
lemon68- will be looking forward to hearing about how rads go for you as that is in the future for me.
Donna- fractured wrist on top of BC- geez, that's no fun at all!
Positivethinking- glad to hear you are progressing smoothly thru chemo valley!
Mehnaz- take a look at headcovers.com some cute stuff there at reasonable prices. I hope you found your answers about how your fertility will be affected by the chemo and have a plan.
Paula- glad to hear you are onto the Taxol phase, hope it is easier for you than the AC. Maybe soon you will be able to see the exit side of chemo valley!
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Ok ladies since my BMX w/expanders and start of chemo I was wondering how many have or are feeling not human thing is that's not it either I'm not me. I feel like an empty shell. I don't have any female organs at all. I mean who the hell is or does this body or carcas belong to? Sorry so blue!
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Kimberly1965 - Sending Warrior strength your way! (((Hugs))) you have encouraged others many times...
Blue is good. Tomorrow another hue or color...our new normals are hard...are morality stares at us in the mirror. I could not bear to be in the bathroom without the lights down low...could not look at my body...not at first, but now
I cherish every line wrinkle stretchmark scar as a celebration of my life map & testimony of living...my DHs map is more interesting...we are cancer survivors & while it has impacted our ID as others might define us ... There is so much more living to do with these imperfect patchworked shells...they don't look the same can't do the same but we can still laugh and enjoy family friends ... Hope you find peace & know how loved you are!0 -
Hi ladies! I'm from March 2013 Chemo group...I'm 27 yrs old and was diagnosed on Jan 23rd with IDC grade 3, stage 2, triple negative . I underwent a bilateral mastectomy on March 1st...I go in on the 22nd to have my port placed, and my chemo treatments start on the 25th. Oncologist ordered 4 rounds is AC followed by 4 rounds of Taxol...I am so nervous to start this chemo and would love if you ladies could give me detailed realistic information on how it affected each of you...and also information on the port placement. I have this obsession with knowing everything possible whether its good or bad...knowing what to expect has helped me so much! I read the good, bad, and ugly about my surgery before having it, and I'm thankful I did because this whole process ended up being a lot easier that I expected...I'm healing well, and doing a lot more than I thought I'd be able to...but please , as much info, good or bad, I'd love to hear all your stories!! Thank you!!!!
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Keke
I am the same way at having to know it all. Sometimes that's good and bad. I had first round of my chemo mar 6 long day but the infusion wasn't bad. I really didn't feel bad until day 2 after and three day total except for have major diarrhea for over a week. They will give you meds incase you need it. Don't stress we will get through this together. Having the port is no big deal I got mine on the 5th and its more sore now and itching driving me nuts. Access it to me did not hurt. So hang in there! Hugs0 -
Keke~~I have finished AC, and on Friday I got my 3rd round of 12 weekly Taxol. We're all different, but I'll share my experience with you.
When I got my port placement at OSU Medical Center, I was given a local anesthetic to numb the area and also given Twilight Sleep. I was awake the whole time, but completely relaxed. I actually watched the procedure on the ultra-sound screen. I had no pain or discomfort through the entire process.
After I came home I could feel the numbness wearing off, so I took Tylenol. I realized later that it wasn't pain, just the tape pulling.
I had AC every 3 weeks for 4 treatments. With the first 2, I felt fine days 1-5, then on day 6 my tastebuds would go, and I'd feel like I was in a fog. On days 7-8 I had chills and had to pee 400 times. ( the steroids leaving my system). By day 9 I was normal again.
I have to admit that round 3 kicked my butt! The SEs weren't different. They just started earlier and lasted a lot longer. I did feel faint when standing during tx 2 & 3. Probably because I was anemic.
I've found Taxol to be so much easier. I lose my tastebuds for about 2 days, but even that isn't as severe as with AC. I also still have fatigue, but I'm learning to work through that. I'm not sleepy, I just have a hard time motivating, but keep in mind, I'm 62, and have arthritis in my knees & spine. That probably slows me down some.
What part of the country are you in? In most chemo centers you can take snacks or drinks. At my breast center they give you those. I take my iPad and a book. You can pack your lunch, or order in, or send your chemo companion to get it for you.
I forgot to say, I've never had nausea. I never even opened the anti-nausea meds I was given. The pre-meds took care of all that.
I hope you have an easy time as well. If you have anymore questions. Please don't hesitate to ask.
Blessings
Paula0 -
KeKe- you've come to the right places! These boards have been a lifesaver for me! Scroll theough them & you will find loads of information & tips here. I am sorry that you have to be here with the rest of us, but given that, it is a great group of ladies to be with! You will find tons of support here as we all know exactly what it's like- even the things you think might be weird or dumb- chances are someone here has had, does have, or will have the same questions, problems, concerns, & feelings!
You've been through alot already, but always remember this: this is a Temporary situation. It will be done. We will always be here for you!0 -
Hi Keke
I have the exact same treatment plan as you will most likely start early April.
Renee yes I did have a lumpectomy, I dont know why my status isnt showing, I did update it on my profile.
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Mehnaz- it's easy to miss, but when you add your information to your profile- there's a button next to it that says Private, when you click it, you can change the information to Public and then it will show to everyone.
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Thanks TMM60
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Keke...
Tho0 -
Keke...
So sorry to find you on these boards but you will find they r a wealth of information, knowledge, encouragement and support!! I came here last feb when I was Dx in 2012 and it got me thru a really tough year! These ladies r great and u will find help from people going thru it now and others who are done with tx. First of all glad u r doing well after your mx. I had a dmx with te also. I am actually having my exchange surgery for implants Tuesday. Anyway I had 4 biweekly AC treatments and 12 weekly taxol ( my mo said those were easier with SE than 4 biweekly taxol). The first thing is to stay on top of the meds they fgive you for chemo! Do not wait til u feel sick. Take them proactively and you will do fine! I can honestly say I did not have one day of nausea. The AC makes you lightheaded and tired around day 3 or 4 but didn't last for me very long. It can cause mouth sores but biotin helps with that. Also chew on ice during the AC infusion. That helps with the mouth sores. I didn't have a port so I can't give u any input on that but there are plenty of ladies that will chime in on that one! The taxol I found was even easier with less SE but get thru the AC first and cross that bridge when u come to it! I have two kids 9 and 6 last yr when I was Dx at 36 yrs old and I was able to still keep their lives normal with all of their activities. They actually to this day still do not even know about my Dx :-). It is totally doable. Just always try to keep a positive attitude and you will be fine. Yes u will have bad days but let yourself have them then get up and kick its ass!! My positive thinking I truly believe helped me fight thru chemo with very little SE. Hang in there and keep with the boards for support and laughs and love from everyone here!
If u ever have any questions or need to talk u can always PM me :-).
Melissa0 -
I am writing on the board for the first time tonight - have been reading some of the post but had not posted. I start radiation next Monday - hoping I will be able to keep on working while taking the treatments. Am not looking forward to the arimidex and it's possible longterm side effects. I would much prefer diet changes than such a harsh drug.
Good luck to all the members of this most dreaded club - may there be changes in future diets and environmental forces that will allow for this club to be disbanded!
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JPH-- best wishes on the rads! I agree, I'd so much rather meet you wonderful ladies under different circumstances.
Melissa119, Kimberly, and Soteria-- great tips there! I don't meet with my oncologist for another week, but have a feeling chemo may be a good possibility, so those tips are great to know. Thanks!0 -
Remember ladies:
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Renee- LOVE IT! I want a full size of that poster in my office!
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Luv it!
Yes We Can! Be very afraid...
Attitude is everything!!!0
