Starting chemo August 2014
Comments
-
Gatomal great to hear you are find. I had read about dr esserman, I think she is involved in a cold cap type trial. I had come across her name when I was researching about it when I first got diagnosed. You are lucky to have her she sounds great.
The radiologist who diagnosed me was also an esserman and when I saw your docs name in research I saw that they looked similar and thought they are possibly related. Also I wondered if they are both related to the famous esserman family I'm Florida, fancy pics came up when I searched my radiologist online
0 -
Gatomol - Congrats on getting thru all that. Done!
Cassiecat - Congrats on finishing Rads.
0 -
Congrats Gatomal! Another hurdle conquered! Rest up and love on your babies! Hugs Amy
0 -
Congratulations, Gatomal!
0 -
Oh, Gatomal! I am so so happy to hear from you. Glad all went well and praying that there are no positive nodes! Take those pain meds and relax tonight. I am praying for quick recovery and good pain management. I know that God will show up in a mighty way. I love that your BS held your hand and sang to you. Mine did the exact same thing when I had my surgery. She held my hand as she gave instructions, did verification and then sang as the anesthesiologist started the drip -- only thing I didn't get to pick my song LoL. But I have to say I felt so at ease when she did that -- and she had a very pretty voice.
Now rest.
Love Ya, Girl!
-Angie
0 -
I have to say, I didn't have anyone sing to me, but loved my BS. She and a team walked me down the corridors to the operating room. We laughed all the way. Once I was laying down, I was out within 3 seconds. I had told the anestegiologist earlier to knock me out. I didn't want to remember any of it. Lol
0 -
ladyb, glad worst from rads is done. Me too with Tamoxifin. Start today!
Cassie, yeah to the end of boosts! Cookies are always welcome.
Gatomal, LOL you. Sounds like good news! So can you drink moscow mules now?!
I'm Going to a interview for a part time gig real close to home, need funding and am bored stiff. Feelin wonderful and already dropping pounds. Exercising alot, gently and slowly to start. Walking mostly, biking and stretching. I love hanging with hubster at home, making loads of new recipes and relaxing. If it weren't for cancer, it would be perfect.
Amy, how goes it?
0 -
Bippy, good luck with your interview.
I like the stories of people being sung to and accompanied by their surgeons. Very sweet. I don't remember much of that morning, but I do remember people being nice, and being rolled into the OR. After that, nothing...
Today I meet my cardiologist and I think I might be having another ekg/echo done. I didn't have my own doctor before, which meant my scans weren't being read by the same person each time, and sometimes they were being sent to out of network providers (!). I'm hoping to get some more consistency starting today, since I have 5 months ahead of me of Herceptin,and because each time the report was sent back something was noted about my heart (though nothing to prevent me from receiving Herceptin). I'm a little nervous, to be honest, because I feel fine and don't want to hear that my heart has any imperfections or abnormalities. I felt fine before my mamm last summer, too...
Then this afternoon is the final rads!
0 -
Bippy good luck!!
Cassie congrats on finishing rads!
Gatmol how are you feeling?
I had my third Lupron shot today and my butt is sore. Had a rude interaction with a coworker today who thought it was her business to ask me a million questions about my hair and if she could see it. Ummm if I felt comfortable with the way I looked I wouldn't be covering it up. For the rest of the day I sat at my desk almost crying because I just want to look normal and stop being "the girl with cancer". So glad I work from home tomorrow.
0 -
cassiecat! You've finsihed rads? Unbelievable.
I'm trying to keep things straight tonight. A bit loopy with the Percocet. And Ativan. Going back to the hospital for the nurse to remove dressings, the only long mirror I have in the apartment is in the hallway. I can imagine trying to rip dressings and tap off my chest with an audience. Ops, my nipple fell off, and the dog runs to eat it. (Gross, yes, but he has been known to eat another baby's belly button!) not my child's though! We don't let those roll around on the floor.
You mx and bilateral mx ladies must've been really hurting. How long were you on pain meds for? I'm. It yet 48 hours after, but I can't imagine getting off them in a day, especially after the tape ripping tomorrow morning. I'll just play it by ear. Feeling really flushed tonight, no fever, and taking my antibiotics like a good girl. Love that you guys are all here! It like a big cheering section. You guys are brave troopers
0 -
Gatomal: Ive barely been off pain meds since my first surgery on Feb 3...I've had 3 surgeries since then. After my BMX and revision to fix my TE's a week later I was on perkocet for about a month as needed. I had my exchange a week ago tomorrow and am on hydrocodone as needed. I take it maybe twice a day. It's really individual just depending on what happens and what your pain threshold is. Just stay comfortable. Hugs Amy
0 -
Bippy, congrats and good luck with the interview. Double congrats on the exercise and healthy eating.
Cassie congrats on finishing rads! woot! Woot! Did you hear me yelling and feel my high five. 😃
Gatamol, glad to hear from you. Take it easy. Do you have help with the babies?
Justamy, good to hear from you. Hope you are resting up.
Kellogg, Lupron is for ovary suppression, correct? I had to have a very frank discussion with my MO regarding OS. She wasn't even going to consider it until I pushed the issue. Go figure. Went and did the labs today for ovary functioning test. before chemo my ovaries were functioning at 98%.
People, I never like the co-workers trying to get in my business. I think it rather bold to ask if she could see your hair. Wish I could give you a good smart aleck remark to use with her for the next time she is so rude. I bet Bippy or Eileen have a good one-liner -- big smile. I do hope you feel better as I know it is hard not to let people get to us sometime. Big virtual hug to you and so sorry someone made you feel bad. We don't need that!! (((Hugs)))...
Two days down on a 10 year journey with Tamoxifen-- 😱
Hugs,
Angie
0 -
Ladyb=I'm not quite sure what I would have said. Depends on my mood. I probably would have asked her why she is asking me so many questions and when she is done asked her if I can I ask her a million personal questions? Each time she asked I know I would have said "I 'm adding another question to my list."
Gatomal= stay on drugs until you feel better. There is no time limits. Glad you are home
Cassiecat= Yeah you for finishing. I gave my techs and the rad teams gifts too. I loved them.
I started my volunteer job today in the infusion center near my house. WOW. It made the place I went to look like a dump.(maybe I went to a dump) Towels with peppermint scent. Heated blankets. Drinks. Big areas for each chair. The nurses were super nice.(4 nurses) They are going to have music therapy there and building a new center. Each chair is washed down after a patient leaves(my job). Where I went 15 patient's for 2 nurses. Here was 4 nurses for 8 total patient's.
Bippy=good luck with interview.
kellogg=Sorry someone upset you. Hope tomorrow is better.
0 -
Gatomal, I can't remember if I had posted, congrats!!! So glad you are over this and hope you a speedy recovery.
Cassie congrats! Big step completed
hope you heal In no time. My skin is almost back to normal except for a few areas, amazing how the body can recover. Also I remember you having nail problems as well, I'm happy to report mine are finally sticking back slowly, will take a few more months it seems but getting there. Amazing how our bodies bounce back.I started the gym last week and even did some minor upper body and arms workout, keeping it very light to not stress the muscles much. Need to get back in shape.
Also booked a small trip to France to meet some of my best friends at the end of May, really excited about it.
Also I spoke with Jon Richards the man who puts extensions on very short after chemo hair. What he said sounded pretty good but between the cost of getting it done, maintenance and taking them off, and the three trips I would need to make to Minnesota it will be too expensive for me. If any of you are interested let me know I have some of the basic info.
Take care all!
0 -
thanks wind girl. Save your extension money for France, short hair is chic there. And if you drink, get a bottle of red, a loaf of bread, and sit and watch the boats go by. What a great thing to do with friends! I can't wait to start working out. I'm going to start physical therapy during rads since I'll be out of the house at the same time, and it'll be right across the street. I guess they took like 8-10 nodes, which seems like a lot, but bs said they were all together.
Eileen! What fun to go volunteer in a spa...a Cancer spa! There are so many ways to make this experience better, sounds like you found a great place to volunteer. I wonder what emotions will come up for you? I would imagine for me it would be very healing.
Yes ladyb, I have lots of help. Night nurse still for babies until May, (they are sleeping now for almost six hour stretches). Day help from 9-5 for two weeks while I can't lift, then afternoon help to take the big girls to the park and bath time. Going in a few hours to get my bandages taken off. Have my panty liners for inside my surgical bra. I also still have nursing pads! Ha. Bet those will come in handy. I guess they used surgical glue for all incisions. Did I tell you all about my before shots I had my husband take the night before. Let's say they were very motivating. Those kids really do a number on you. Then they have the nerve to poop in your house? Sounds like a bad deal to me! Lol.
0 -
kellogg, coworker=arsehole! Yes you can see my hair, after you show me your. Brains. . OH! You got nuthin to show?! Me neither. Don't you let that one get to you.
Gatomal, I had loads of draon pain, so medicated for that. Maybe a week? Till it ran out, LOL. LOVE them babies!!! Heal up well and soon.
Amy, glad you are done with surgeries!
Thanks all for the well wishes. They did not want to pay my hourly rate, which is reasonable and I refuse to take less. Lawyers can well afford it. Have to explain my absence from work force, which I state quickly that I am a survivor, cancer free, no details. It freaks them out, it is so obvious though they try to hide it. So....off to temp agency today. No one wants Bippy, the girl who used to have her pick of any job she wanted.......maybe I should just lie and say I wanted time off and now am ready to work again. Lying is not what I want to do though. Not sure how to handle it.
0 -
Gatomal, your babies are gorgeous. Wishing you many healthy years to watch them grow up. Bippy, you have the same diagnosis as me. You have been a great encouragement during this journey. Well I'm going downstairs in a few to try to do my Zumba tape again so I'll sign off till later after rads. Love, Jean
0 -
Kellogg, sorry you had to endure your coworkers nosiness. It really isn't anyone else's business, and we should be able to share what we want, when we want. Maybe you could offer o show all the other places where the hair is still sparse or patchy, lol!
Gatomal, take whatever pain meds you need to, especially since you have help with your babies. And I love that photo. Holy cow is that cute.
Amy, it's good to hear from you, and I hope your healing continues smoothly.
Angie, I'm starting Tamoxifen next week so am right behind you and Bippy. Hoping for that to be an easy ride.
Eileen, that cancer center sounds really nice. Mine is something like that, but definitely no peppermint towels or heated blankets! It's small, though, with 3-4 nurses on duty to watch over a room that can handle 10-12 patients. I'm glad you're able to volunteer there. Let us know how it goes.
windgirl, my skin is recovering remarkably quickly, too. It doesn't look real nice yet, but it feels almost like I didn't have rads. There's some tenderness but nothing major. I feel lucky. My nails? Ugh. I hate them - they're ugly and I have to be careful with all of them all the time. Your trip to France sounds great! Nice to have things like that to look forward to.
Bippy, sorry the interview didn't pan out but good for you for sticking to your own worth. The right opportunity is out there, and this one clearly wasn't it. Their loss!
I woke up this morning and fed the cats, then went back to bed for an hour. Got up again, fed the dog, started the coffee and then took a big mug back to bed again. Stayed there for at least another hour. I never do that, but it felt nice to hunker down and be cozy. I brought my laptop with me and surfed the web, updated my Quicken accounts, etc. We're having work done in the front of our house, so it isn't exactly peaceful and quiet around here now, but it sure was nice this morning.
Can't believe I'm finally done with rads. 7 weeks was a long time. My cardiology appt. went well and that was a relief, too. Monday I'm going to start my couch to 5k program. Anyone else want to join me? If I could go to rads every day for all those weeks I should be able to carve out time to walk/jog now.0 -
thanks everyone. My coworker is known to be crazycakes so I shouldn't have been surprised.
Angie- yes Lupron is for ovary suppression. My MO didn't really give me a choice. He feels this is the best option and I couldn't argue with him. Unless of course side effects start to get unbearable, then he said we can re-evaluate. So far I've had some wicked headaches, mood swings and some nausea but it's been bearable and hopefully will subside.
Wind- a trip to France sounds amazing! We are going to Ireland in June to see my husbands family. I haven't been in a few years thanks to being pregnant, having a newborn and then the big C.
Gatmol your kids are gorgeous!
0 -
gatomal+ LOVE<LOVE<LOVE the picture. Too Cute!!!
Windgirl + I am going to France in June also. So looking forward to it. You do not need hair extensions. I feel like Mia Farrow when she married Frank Sinatra. My hair is now sandy blond. I was always dark brown.
0 -
eileen, great story of the spa bellisma! Yes, mine had no peppermint scents, trust!
no one wants the Bipster's file slinging/word punching talents. It is quite humbling to think you kick ass, only to see people reject you repeatedly. What a difference a little cancer makes. Well, if George Carlin were me he would say F&$k 'Em! Got another interview Monday, whatevah. Maybe I should do the George Castanza reverse method. I am considering doing food demos for fun, you know, in the grocery stores? It pays zippo but would get me out of the house. I know I have mad frying skills and can sell tons of food at least.
Sighs. It is gonna be a cruel summer.
0 -
food frying sounds fun for a while! Or you could ask for donations to the people fund.
0 -
LOL GATOMAL,
Meanwhile.....everyone else has nary a job or a fig to give me. So....new job is for estate planning, small firm and I know them. Nice gentlemen, old school. It is very laid back vs. family law. Send me all your mojos mentally, so I can at least be offered a gig. I am ready to slow it down.
0 -
gatomal= I am with you !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!\
Bippy= George Carlin my favorite !!!!! Loved him. May he RIP
0 -
Bippy, good luck! Summer of George, summer of Bippy...I loved Seinfeld.
I treated myself to a new gadget today. I upgraded my Fitbit to a Charge HR, which has a nice display and also measures your heart rate. I didn't need it, but I decided that when you finish chemo, surgery and rads and have 5 years at least of hormonal treatments, Herceptin, yadda yadda, that it's ok to splurge a little. So I did.
I'm on holiday for four days from cancer treatments - rads ended yesterday and I already have my Rx for Tamoxifen, but I'm not starting it until Monday. I'm giving myself a little break. What a rebel.
0 -
Seinfeld! I love Elaine, and do a good impression of the Elaine Dance.
Cassie I joined the Bottle o Tamoxifin board, it is interesting. Already learned a thing or two, like it takes about 3 months for SEs to show.....i just began it a few days ago and all is well for now. Lots of ladies split the pill in half, and dose am and pm. It does reduce SEs for some. Hot flashes that is.
Well decided to just enjoy my time off, and yes, work will come my way soon. Thanks for all the support, you guys are the bestest! Back to bed now, and sleepin in tomorrow
0 -
Windgirl- wow a trip to France sounds awesome! I have to say France (out side of Singapore) has been my favorite vacation spot. Enjoy.
Cassie, I read your post this morning and loved your response about the hair. I almost spit my tea out. I literally laughed out loud. I will use that line if anyone rudely ask me about my hair -- big smile.
Bippy, I was surprised when I read that it could take up to 3 mos for the SEs to show with Tamo? I decided to take my pill at night and will see how it goes. Wishing you luck on the job search! With your talent you will land something soon.
I am not sure I let you guys know but I am off work full time due to the affect RADs had on my skin. I have another 2.5 weeks left. Now that I am not in a lot of pain and my skin is on the mend I am getting restless. I am so loving being able to sleep in and realize I need the rest. So forcing myself to relax. I am realizing I really did / do need the time off. See RO next week and we will see if I go back mid April or 1st of May. I have to say fatigue is still kicking my behind. I hope to get back to formal exercise tomorrow and combine with my walking.
I won't be on the tomorrow so wishing everyone a great weekend. For those that celebrate Easter / Resurrection, enjoy.
Hugs always,
Angie
0 -
easter blessings to all, no matter what your faith is.
Easter to me means moving into a new, refreshed version of my old life. It was always my dear grandma 's favorite time of year, and we would plant flowers, tend to the chickens and prepare endless bountiful meals. I miss her alot this time of year.
am reflecting on the positive changes made so far-utterly sedentary to active, walking and pilates, yoga and meditation, eating mostly whole foods plant based, reading up on all things immune system boosting. Looking for moderation in a new career, challenging yet not crazy stress filled. Feeling stronger in mind and body. Forgot I had butt muscles, it had been so long since I had felt them or seen them! LOL.
Again, how lucky I am. Because despite all my bitching and true suffering, I am alive and well. Breastless, yeah, but here and happy. And cancer free. My niece has been in tx for colon cancer, which now has GROWN during her chemo, after being surgically removed. Also she is stage 4 as it is in her neck and other organs. She is 32. why????! It is a rare kind that only 1% get. Of course.
So, all we can do is go forward. Making a wonderful brunch for DH soon, then a bit of shopping, then relaxing and walking. Peace and love to you all!
0 -
Happy Easter, happy spring.
To me it's a celebration of new beginnings, and that's what each of us has this year.My parents are in town and we had a nice day yesterday. We'll have breakfast outside once everyone's awake. Very low-key. I still do a basket for my daughter, even though she's a teenager, and I hid some eggs outside for her. I think I enjoy it more than she does, sometimes, but she humors me. We're doing a candy-free basket and eggs, so I filled her basket with ballet stuff. Her eggs have the letters to spell out "Just Dance 4" and "Wii Charger", which I ordered for her. Overly indulgent, but what the heck.
She's the only one I'll ever have.0 -
cassiecat= I love to be over indulgent.
Happy Easter/Happy Passover to all.
0
