Starting chemo August 2014
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Glad you are home Nurseshark. Good tip about oxy when stripping drains. Will keep that in mind. Thanks. Love, Jean
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NurseShark, any idea why stripping the one drain is hurting so much? I feel bad for you that that is happening. I'm glad your mom is there to help out.
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nurseshark. What an awful Valentine's Day! Ouch re drains. Not looking forward to it. Hope you are getting as much sleep as possible...good for healing
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Nurseshark, so glad you are home and recovery. Especially happy that your mom is there to help out with little Levi
Gatomal, the babies are absolutely adorable! Give them a big hug from Auntie Angie (big smile). So glad you are almost done with chemo and can count down to surgery. Will you be doing RADs after surgery. Hoping you are getting to enjoy so of our 70+ degree weather. I was in the city on Sunday and didn't need a jacket. Stayed until 6:00ish and still didn't need a jacket -- you know that is unusual even in the summer. We will have to plan lunch or a get-together before you move to Reno.
JustAmy, packaging up some of this weather to send to you (big smile). I talked to my sister yesterday and she was telling me how cold it was. She lives in Illinois and is tired of the snow an shoveling.
Eileen, guess what my taste buds are back. I started eating pretty good late last week and thing taste normal (or what seems normal). My tolreance for salt and suger is nil, nada, etc.
Main thing right now is still fatigue, but I get my naps in - and I mean religiously. I was not a napper before but definitely a napper now! Feeling a lot better. Seems my body kicked into high gear late last week and decided to begin to recover. I have really adjusted my diet. I was what I thought a healthy eater before BC, but I see know I can always improve.
I am into my second week of rads and each of you are right -- at this point in my rads tx it is definitely easier than chemo. The daily appts are the drawback which I am willing to put up with. I have wished I had a teleportation machine like in Star Trek.. Hey maybe someone is working on one where when we re-materialize it doesn't "except" any bad cells -- meaning cancer could never go far as it would be eradicated while we re-materialize. K, am back into the 21st century. I have signed the petition to get more money dedicated to research instead of administration and awareness. I WANT a CURE not just for me and those of us facing the disease now but those that are yet to face this disease.
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Beautiful babies, Gatomal! I love living in CA, but we do need rain! As a wimpy lifelong CA resident, I would not know what to do in a snowstorm. You who have to live a normal life with such weather have my utmost admiration!
Sitting at my infusion center waiting for my second round of herceptin only. The chair is comfy and so nice to catch up on the discussion boards.
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TAH DAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I'm done. They gave me a diploma at radiation. I put it on the refrigerator.
Ok here is my report card
Lumpectomy A+
Chemotherapy A+
Radiation A+
WBC count F. My count is still super low. I had to get a neupogen shot yesterday. My MO who is a hematologist told me yesterday we may get old together.
Nurseshark =glad you are home.
LadyB=It is so nice to taste food again. Enjoy. I still cannot eat salt due to my fluid retention. I blow up like a balloon.
Gatomal= Hope all is well with you and your cuties.
Hope everyone is doing well.
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I signed the petition too. Just makes sense, doesn't it? I participated in the Be Bald, Be Bold campaign last October and raised money for research at UCLA (about $1500!). I'm going to do it again this year.
Had my rads #4 today and am home relaxing now. I've never really been a napper, though I wish I was. I think it would help.
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Congratulations, Eileen! Growing old together, what a wonderful thing to say to you!
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cassicat: surgeon says it's probably rubbing something inside and stripping creates suction inside..ugh hopefully taking that one out tomorrow
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Got my pain meds from PS. So glad. These chest spasms are killing me. He told me that I could get my drains out Friday or Monday. Prob Monday because he wants the fluid to be down to 40 and it was at today. I just have to go in and have his nurse do it when it gets to the level. I don't get my first fill until 3 weeks. I'm ready to get this show on the road.
I also saw my BS today. she took her first look at me since my bmx. She went over my pathology report. she said my tumor was 4 centimeters when I started and only one when they took it out. she also gave me a shot to put me into menopause and prescribed hormones that I'll take for the next 5 years. I'm not sure what they are. The pharmacy didn't have them today so I'll get them tomorrow. The only bad news was that I gained seven pounds since surgery. Yikes!
In other news school is out again for my son and the freezing cold weather continues. It's supposed to be - 10 wind chill in the morning I'm glad I'm staying home. hope everyone is feeling good tonight. I haven't been posting much but I read all the posts.hugs to everyone. Amy
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nurseshark glad surgery went well! Sorry about the drain pain. I hope you can get them out soon.
Amy- I had the Lupron shot too. Then I got my period a week later! Fabulous!
I am home today with a sick kiddo so we are watching cartoons and hanging out. Poor little dude!
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sorry you ladies in Missouri are getting nailed by the snow and ice in addition to the East Coast.
Gatamol: love the baby pictures...please keep them coming.
I'm on the cruise this week...have stayed on the ship instead of going off for trips....just not enough energy for that. Had the best facial ever, and a wonderful massage. Going to have another massage on Friday. Staying away from arms, fake boobs, and port......but my neck and back muscles are so tight, it was like heaven. Go figure!
Go for my second H&P treatment next week when I get home. No taxotere, done with it for now. Losing fingernails and big toe nails.....damn...they hurt.
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I dont mind the ice as long as I can stay indoors, but that -10 wind chill is terrible. Have to leave my water dripping in the sink so it doesn't freeze. Hubby has to work tomorrow though so ice stinks because of the drive in.
I hated taxotere! I've been done since Dec 26 with it and my fingernails still look terrible! They never totally fell off but they ripped and turned black. I'm still sporting black nail polish. Hope yours give you some relief soon. The spa thing sounds great! Enjoy. Hugs Amy
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Not us Beatmom. I am on the KC side and we had about one inch of snow, no ice, on Monday. We have the brutal cold and bitter winds. My husband works outside and wore 5 layers of clothes and three pairs of socks to work today. You know it is cold when you have the fireplace on and the furnace is still running. But, it is better than living on the East Coast. I do feel for you ladies, we had snow that wouldn't quit a couple of years ago. Be safe in your travels.
Beatmom, enjoy your cruise!!! It is cold here in the Midwest with no warmth in sight.
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yay .got 2 drains out today. Last 2 will come out Monday....already feel a little relief. The one that was painful was left in but realized that when stripping/milking drain you should open up jp bulb first . Ever since doing that it feels way better.
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Beatmom, enjoy your cruise and those massages!
Stay warm all those in the Midwest and on the East coast that are affected by the unusually cold weather!
In second week of Rads. The chemo SEs are not as prominent but still flare up. Started to increase my work out. Not as easy as it use to be! My body feels old. I was fitted for my LE sleeve -- felt so good on! I have to wear it during the day and specifically during strenuous activity.
How are you doing Nurseshark?
Bippy thinking about you!
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showed up at med ctr at 12:30 for labs, appt at 2:00pm. in room at 1:15, saw onco NP at 2:00p, had to run down to meet with BS at 2:00pm also. she didnt pop in to my onc appt as she usually does. so i was put in a room at 2:30 with infustion scheduled for 3. seen at 4:15. got up to infusion center at 4:45. they refused my treatment and said i had to reschedule. they close at 6:30. i lost it crying, i have someone for the babies from 11:00-6pm, then someone for babies from 6-7 am just on chemo days. my husband has taken off work to help me cold cap; the blood work is fine. i cried, and the nurses that know me took pity on me to make it happen. i got out of there at 7:00pm. i am so sick of having absolutely no reserves to deal with anything stressful, i hate crying in front of the nursing staff. another one down, but not as i like them to be. just awful day.
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Gatomal, I'd cry too. The reserves just aren't there yet, and that is OK. It is. I'm glad they worked with you after all was said and done.
Angie, good for you for working out! Glad the sleeve is comfortable. I still have SEs from chemo too. Nothing too major, but I'm not back to my ol' self yet, either.
NurseShark, so glad you got some drains out and you found a way to make the stripping slightly more comfortable. Yay!
Nomatterwhat, that does sound cold. We're in the 70s or so here, and I feel bad that we can't send some of that out your way.
Amy, my nails are hurting too. It's really irritating, and I'm looking forward to the day when they're finally normal again. I gained water weight after surgery, but have since dropped it. Any chance your gain is fluid?
Beatmon, enjoy that cruise! The massage and facial sound wonderful.
Eileen, way to go on the straight A+'s! And the WBC, that can be handled with the Neupogen.
JeniferE, I'm in the Herceptin-only phase now too. It's almost weird to "only" be in the chair for 1.5 hours instead of 5-6 hours!
I've had 5 rads now, and so far so good. The routine is easy, and I'm enjoying my normal skin every day it holds up.
Hopefully it will hang in there for a good long time. I had another follow up today with my BS and he's really pleased with how things are healing. I go back to him in four weeks for another check-up. It's been great being back at work, and I'm so glad to be feeling more normal again. I do feel tired at night, but not overly so, and it's so much better than being at home and wishing I was at work. I'm also trying to walk at least 30 minutes 5 days a week. I feel like I need to make that one of my priorities for good health and trying to keep breast cancer at bay!Thinking of you all, and continually glad for the support I have here with all of you.
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Gatomal: At least another one is down. Cancer beyond sucks and chemo is the worst of all of it. I am praying you have an easy time the rest of the way.
Cassie: I wish I could say it's water but nope...it's pity eating...felt sorry for myself so I just ate whatever I felt like and didn't stop w chemo stopped so I am paying for it now. I've struggled w my weight my entire life. Food is my #1 go to when I'm upset....sigh..
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Aw, Amy, I don't blame you. That is so common. Sugar is my go-to when I'm stressed, and I'm trying to break that habit. You'll drop the weight. One thing at a time, and you've got a lot going on right now. xo
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Hi all,
I have caught up on posts here, after having dove into deep darkness in rads tx. Will not rehash here, but it sucks. In pain and only 3 left. It is nearly done.
Beatmom, you continue to inspire me with your spirit. Glad you are cruisin!
Amy, my nails are just so brittle, they must be trimmed close or they rip. I hope they improve soon, as do yours. I too am gaining weight. Sighs.
Nurseshark hang in there. I hated the drains, literally they suck!
Ladyb, thank you!
Gatomal, wow. I cried just reading your ordeal. Too much. Thinking of you and babes.
Anyone I missed, wishing you warmth and peace. My pal from Maine arrives tomorrow! Our weather is freezing tonight and back to sun and 78 in a few days. She will not want to return.
Oscars, anyone?! i love NPH, he is legendary
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so sorry you are hurting Bippy. Pain can really wear you down and make everything harder to deal with, since we already have so much on our plate. Pain fills a lot of that plate too. I'm glad you only have three more. The infusion Rn mentioned that I prob have some postpartum depression. I feel fine. Not depressed. I have a lot of taxol pain that has been wearing me down, back and neck spasms, toe and finger issues, and have a very specific childcare schedule for chemo days. It's a well core graphed ballet at my house on Wednesday to help my mom manage four kids. It costs a fortune. I do baby care myself w her help the rest of the week excep for a few hours fri, my worst after-chemo day. To have reschedule peopl, and see if my husband can take another day off to help me cold cap was just too much to take. Especially after getting mentally geared up and being there for almost five hours already. Got home by midnight. Just so embarrassed to break down like a child.even though it got me to my ultimate goal, I feel like such a helpless victim in all this, and that is not me. I hate it. HATE. And I am so ANGRY. But not depressed. Yet. I'm sure that will come later. I'm just trying desperately to keep the wheels on this f&$@! Bus (go round and round) repeat x 30...hey, I have toddlers!
Just to clarify. I got out of infusion at 7, but I continue to cold cap for four hours after chemo. We did a little extra since this time we were a bit short on the front end precool ing (usually50 min-we got in 45) I have my first neulasta shot fri, and am bringing 2dz cupcakes to the center to thank them for making it happen. Was going to bring it last day, but they need thanks now.
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Gatomal: I really get tired of people saying dumb things. Uh you're a little down because you had a horrendous day so you must be depressed? Come on...your mind and body have been through hell in the past months...I think it's a normal reaction to get upset at times. Be angry...get it out...kick cancer's butt so you can get on with your life and loving those beautiful children. Hugs Amy
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Gatamol - I would have been so frustrated and angry too. That is a long day and they weren't working with you at all. I had an apt Monday with BS and she felt around the lymph nodes and breasts to make sure no new stuff. Then I met yesterday w MO I waited a half hr in room for him. We had a catch up chat and he insisted on checking my breasts again. So he left rm for me to change. Another 40 mins later I open the door to see cleaning staff there and no more nursing staff. Dr was on the phone in his office. I got dressed to leave. He walked in and was so embarrassed because I was leaving. I told him my breasts were checked Monday and I'm fine. Good bye! I don't have patients for that crap. If I have an appt then be professional. Sorry for ur inconvenience and hope next time is better for you. Hang in there! You are being so strong and yes you have been thru a heck of a lot. Give yourself a break and just breathe.
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omg catie! What a ridiculous story! I would feel like my boobs just didn't rate! Haha. Once there was no one left in the waiting area, everyone had gone home, and Tia woman and her mother had been waiting for three hours and peeked their head out saying hello? Hello? I went into back hallway to say. Um there are still patients here. Is anyone here still? Awful.
Hope no one wanders out in the middle of surgery. Lol
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just Amy . You rock and have been through HE&& during chemo and all this. It's so sad since everyone going through this has an awful story, hard times, scary choices. It must be hard on their end, providers and nurses etc to deal too. They see so much coming through the door. They have kids too, and may be fighting their own battles. And the docs can put the nurses in an awful position. Being so late to cause the pt to not get chemo, then the nurses have to deal with the hysterical patient and say no. It would break my heart and make me super mad at the same time. Everybody feels powerless for different reasons in the situation. I just want to thank them so maybe they will help out another person in a real jam. Hope you are feeling good today
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gatomal, hate and anger, very much in me now too. I think you are amazing and strong. I remember the hell of chemo. Let it out when you need to! No tolerance or resilience left in me. I was a hot mess (literally, my body radiates the heat from rads like a furnace) today in the ROs office, sobbing and crying. Like uncontrollably. If not for the wonderful staff, I would never have finished and told him so. He says my burns are medically acceptable, and okay. Great! I will post a pic below, you decide....at least all my caterwalling got me some hydrocodone. It is almost ready to blister and open up. Fun times!!! Bippy medicated herself and feeling no pain now. 2 rads to go and DONE babygirls. What will I do with all my time?!
TIP: hydrocodone is a helluva drug. Works great for rad pain.
Yes, the f/$:):)ng wheels on the cancer bus, go round and round.
Catie, unreal. WTF? Lucky they did not lock you in there.
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Bippy: That looks painful. Who cares if its "medically acceptable? If it hurts, it hurts! Pain meds are a Godsend. It makes the difference between being semi-ok and crying all day for me at times. I don't have rads but I know that cancer just sucks the positive right out of you. I just ran out of gas near the end of chemo and am now getting it back since I can see the end. Thank goodness you're about done too. Be gentle with yourself and enjoy being pain free! Gentle hugs Amy
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ouch Bippy. What do you have to do, walk around with your arm up all day? It must hurt so much to have the skin touch. Do you have any lidocaine spray or solarcaine? Are you allowed to use it? I Got some more Vicodin for my joint pain. Always feel like they think I'm an addict for asking. It helps a lot when you need it. I'm able to feed the babies today with breaks. Mon and tues were too painful and poor grandma is beyond tired. After chemo we are driving to Reno to check on the house and check out the house down the street she bought he weekend we left. People ask " are you okay with her moving so close?" We say...she's moving away! She is usually upstairs in our house! This is going to be great
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thanks Amy! Yes, it has already made such a difference, positively. I can at least sleep tonight and can force thru the other 2 tx. I feel better knowing I will not suffer as much.
Gatomal, yes I have tried the sunburn relief gel with lidocaine, added my own lidocaine, used aquaphor and many other moisturizers, and aloe. They sort of worked till it got really bad. The techs told me to use the cool cloth method to suck out the heat from the tissue, so I do that alot. Hard to do all darn day. And yes, I look like a freak cuz I must contort my arm away from my body at all times. It is gettin old! Well, the pills work great and so I can survive. Wished I got them sooner.
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