Starting chemo August 2014
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Lady B: Good for you on last Taxol! Your body will have to recover as usual but it's for the LAST time! Doesn't that thought feel great?
I've been quiet on here but been keeping up reading. I'm glad to be done with chemo but feel sorta like I'm in limbo right now waiting for surgery. They gave me 3 weeks to rest before the appointment with my surgeon. I have it Friday. Then I'll know something about my surgery. I don't know what kind of surgery (UMX or BMX) or anything else about my surgery or recon. I'm still feeling some SE from chemo but not much...mostly my eyes are very leaky and my nails look like I smashed them with a hammer. But MO said that would take several months to get better. I'm so glad most of us are finished with chemo and the others are almost there. We are strong ladies and are kicking cancer's butt!
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Kellogg : Levi is coming with us ! So I'm the one with hopefully not screaming infant infant
my appt are 8 am /9 am w/ isakoff then 10 am infusion 0 -
cassie, YES! Well done. I know what you mean. The other night it sank in, CPR!
amy, try not to worry about surgery. Nice to near from you, rest up and pad your nest.
Yes, I brought a huge box of donuts to my nurses and they all loved it. Gonna do it again too! Nurses love sugar.
Well, tomorrow is a crossroads, I am taking my replacement to lunch and telling my boss that I am not returning to my job, because I have decided to start my own temp biz. I have no desire to be there, save for working with him. I have rarely had such respect and kindness from a boss.....but for my health, I must resign. No more insane deadlines, crushing workloads, negative clients and co counsels. At least, I will be more in control of how much I am willing to give. It is going to take me perhaps till 2016 to recover fully, so having to grind a full time gig aint happening now.Also, I realized that I have been bored stiff and need to explore new areas of law. So, you can say BC has changed my life entirely.
It will be sad but I have to look towards the future, and I really do not want to spend any more time at a job that depletes me--it is simple when I see it that way. Also, I will sign him up as my second client (I got my first already). Short term only!
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Nurseshark+ I had different nurses for chemo. I brought it a cake for the office. I have the same 2 techs for rads and have already bought them each gifts. I am also giving my RO a gift. Not a big one. He is a gatoraid freak. Giving him 2 6 packs. I gave my surgeon,the MD who read my mammogram and the MD who did my biopsy gifts. I bought them boxes of fancy nuts.
I think it is nice to be remember.
Go Lady B. Yeah Done with that stuff
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nurseshark Bummer, I was wrong I actually don't go back for two weeks. Obviously I still have "chemo brain". I'm sorry I'll miss you and Levi! Good luck with your last taxol! YAY!!!
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Ladyb, the LAST TAXOL!!!!! That is so great! Time for you to feel better.
Gatomal, thinking of you and the babies. Hope all are doing well.
Bippy, I know you're about to start rads soon so good luck. I just finished 31 sessions yesterday, yippee! The RO team was amazing and they all got big hugs from me, and I finally got to ring a bell! I got through with few side effects and hope you have an easy time of it, too. It's good to have another segment of treatment checked off the list.
Shirley, thinking of you and hoping you are healing well after your surgery. I love the picture you posted! I always feel like I can see that smile when I read your posts and it was nice to see if for real.
Nurseshark, Loved your picture, too! Give the baby a hug for me.
And, Tabbygirl, YAY for hair! You've been so helpful to me and it is fantastic to see you looking so happy!
I didn't get my act together to give out any holiday gifts to my chemo nurses or rad techs but have also been trying to come up with ideas. I have patterns for some cute little cosmetic bags that I might make but that gift card idea sounds good too. Here in New England we all run on Dunkin Donuts coffee!
Hugs, Sandy
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I had permission from my onco to continue with my manicures.....been using the same lady for years, we each have our own equipment...etc.. Well, tomorrow is #7 taxotere, H&P..... Yesterday, she took off my polish and there were the black marks starting. I tell you, it was as bad as losing my hair! None of my nails are lose or ridged, but I am so afraid this is the beginning of the end for them. Both my big toes nails kill me. I didn't have the nerve to have her look at them since it wasn't pedicure time. Funny thing is that my nails have been much better since I started chemo.
It really bummed me out to make it to number 7 and now this.
Brenda
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Well my cuticle infection doesnt seem to be getting better. I am now on a 4th course of antibiotics by yet another dermatologist who finally did a culture for fungus. For the last month the only thing I was treated for was bacterial infection. I'm still using the prescription antibiotic and vinegar soaks the first doctor gave me. I finished his antibiotic and am now on one the new doc gave me today. Since this infection is on a finger of the side I am getting surgery on in February, I am terrified it may pospone surgery or cancel it altogether. Love, Jean
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Nurseshark, I brought in Peets coffee with the fixings, donuts and cookies and a Card as I had a team if chemo nurses. One MO nurse treated more often and always followed up with me when I had questions, issues with side effects, listened to my concerns and was Mamma nurse. I am giving her a gift card and card.
Nurseshark, yay on approaching Last chemo
Sandy, so excited that you finished Rads and got to ring the bell.
Bippy, what an awesome move and am in aw that you are doing what is best and suits you. I am doing a lot of soul searching as you are right BC hits you square in the gut -- hadt CPR session this weekend, BC made me face my mortality and moved me to make hard decisions I may not have otherwise made and will probably contInue to adjust. I am learning to say No. I admire you! I also keep you in my prayers that you will write that book and it become a best seller
Beatmon, all my nails are dark with ridges which started with AC and progressively got worse during my initial Taxil treatments. Luckily even though it started eArly none have lifted yet. I say yet as the MO says they can lift even after the finally chemo . Go figure! As Eileen always says chemo is the gift that keeps on giving. I cant wait to go back to getting manis and pedis.
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Amy, I was about 25 days PFC when I had my surgery. It seemed like a reasonable amount of time to let my body heal. I'm noticing the chemo SEs less and less. In fact (TMI) I started spotting agin yesterday, so I'm wondering if my period is going to try and start up again. My skin still feels dry, my eyes are still weepy and my GI tract isn't 100%, but I basically feel pretty good now. Whether you're on the January surgery board or February, I'll come find you and keep you company.
Bippy, I'm really proud of you for reflecting on your work situation and having the courage to make a change. I have been giving mine a lot of thought and am looking forward to talking it all over with my boss. Things cannot go back to the way they were for me.
Brenda, my nails started discoloring and hurting, but then they started healing. I have hope that they aren't going to lift at all. Hopefully yours will start healing too. Mine started up after TCHP #5. How many more treatments will you be having?
Jean I hope they can successfully treat that infection once and for all so that it doesn't delay surgery. How frustrating for you.
Sandy, congrats on finishing rads! That is super!!!
I had a good visit with my surgeon. The drain is OUT and things appear to be healing well. My aches and soreness are normal and not cause for alarm. He took out half the staples and I'll get the rest out next week. Next Friday I see my MO and then get my first Hercptin-only infusion. Back on that train, but it won't be nearly so bad from here on out. And I have a little hair growing, so I'll be able to show my nurses my fuzzy scalp.
Hoping to find out if rads are in my future or not when I talk to my MO.I think of all of you daily and am always hoping for the best for all of us.
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I just found out that my chemo doc spoke to the dermatologist and she has me going in to see the Sloan Kettering dermatologist on January 29th. That is 9 days post chemo and 2 weeks before surgery. Hopefully that will be enough time to get this cuticle taken care of so surgery isn't posponed. I am a bit frustrated that is taking so long for this to be taken care of. They knew about this almost a month ago. First I was given an antibiotic without it even being looked at, then told to see a local dermatologist l. Finally MSK is taking this seriously enough to have one of their doctors look at it. Love, Jean
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nurseshark. Go for the gift card. It would be much appreciated and he prob will be reluctant to take it, but it's such a nice thought, esp if he helped you get through.
Lady b! I can't believe you've made it through. That's it for chemo now? If so...amazing! I just had taxol again (#5) yesterday. It was tough, but the steroids have helped my back and carpal tunnel pain. I have either three more, or if it's working, seven more before surgery. It's awesome to think of getting to the end and sending those cold caps back too. At my clinic appt yesterday, it seems like my tumor has gotten smaller since delivery, which is great.its much less hard, so I hope we can really see if the taxol works. I'd love to get a good response
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Bippy I admire your work decision. Right before I was diagnosed I was interviewing for new positions that were much closer to my home. I had several interviews lined up when I found out I had BC and I decided to cancel them all. I felt it was better to stick with those I know through this. And I was right my bosses have been great in terms of me taking time off and coming back under my terms... even though my direct boss can be an ass.
Gatmol great news about your tumor. Good luck with the rest of taxol!
Jean I hope you get the infection under control and it doesn't mess with your surgery.
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jean and beatmon, hope your issues clear up. My nails are still ridgy and brittle, I have to keep them trimmed to zero lest the break off.
Thanks everyone for your support about my work, it was okay today, and I love my replacement! She is awesome and I cannot wait to do lunches with her frequently once I get back downtown. It is difficult to meet genuine people. She is without guile. My boss told me that he is only in it for another year anyway, and I am pleased he will start to enjoy life with family--it is what it is all about, not pounding a keyboard indoors all day! We have all learned this along our journey, right? he promised to hire me for temp work too. Bittersweet and I am terrified yet excited.....
Cassie, sounds like you are healing nicely, good job!
hello kellogg, ladyb, shirley, eileen, strongenough, everyone! I appreciate all your good wishes and prayers, more than you know.
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I thought i was done with new SE's from chemo but i have a new one...im 21 days PFC and i now have little scabs on my eyelids from all the watery eye stuff from Taxotere. My eyelids are so sore. Has anyone had this happen? Just wondering if I need to tell my MO since I will be having surgery soon...
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OK! Finally caught up reading! Wow! Lots of great photos of beautiful, strong women. Tons of great advice. I hate people too! (People w problems, I actuallyblike a lot of people!) to those finished with surgery. Scary, sad, painful, over...I too am scared, especially for that path report, and I'm worried about lymphedema, but we'll have to wait and see. For those with wide margins, and CPR, you must be so relieved. I can imagine getting that report and just weeping with relief. I hope you've had good cries and feel some stress rolling off of your backs. I am amazed that we started all this back in August, it's been such a long slog. I am thrilled to be able to bend over and pick up things with ease. The c section is way easier than being pregnant. Amazingly, I have lost 19 pounds of fluid in one week, got the correct med for my BP, and just loving these babies. Babies put some more weight on, so will not be re admitted to the hospital. Here is a photo
Here is one of the girls with her baby brother
Thank you to all that post and share here. It has been my therapy, and has helped me through this time!
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Gatomal your babies and daughters are lovely. Congrats again. I wish them a life filled with happiness and good health. Take care.0 -
JustAmy,
I had my eyes scab a bit on the outside corners. Used petroleum based gel for awhile to keep skin protected at night and that helped. The skin around my eyes is raw as The eyes still constantly water, 6 weeks PFC. I hear the watering lessens, but as we know, read enough on the internet and you find what you fear! In rare cases the watering does not stop as ducts become permanently blocked. I plan to see my opthamologist if I don't see any improvement after week 7. Saw him during chemo and he gave me eye drops that of course did not help at all. At that time he said steroidal drops might help, but cause their own set of problems. Hope and pray that our taxotere-ing does ease up soon and that we do not need further invasive treatments. Do tell your MO, though. Mine had not seen such extreme tearing in other patients. I have printed some articles about blocked ducts to show her when we meet on Monday. Take care and keep us posted about your surgery.
Jeni
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Justamy - I think my teary eyes continued for about a month after last chemo. I thought they would never stop, I was walking around with a napkin all the time. I don't know how it happened but one day I realized it had stopped for a few days. I hope your does soon too. The chemo nurses told me it takes a while for it to stop.I did have skin issues on my eyelids due to constant wiping as well as swollen undereye area for the same reason. Moreso on my right side. The skin issue with scabbing disappeared shortly after the tearing stopped. I also started using vitamin c serum around that time for discoloration. Not sure if that also helped. I still have dark eyelids and dark skin under my eyes... I guess I need to drink more water, topical vitamin c only helps up to a certain extent.
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Gatomal=Oh My!!! so cute!!! Your daughter is now the new baby sitter. So looks so proud. Congratulations!!!
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Gatomal, beautiful photos of your children! Thanks for sharing...
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Gatomal, your babies are so beautiful and your daughter is lovely. Onward to win the battle. Love, Jean
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Gatmol beautiful babies. Big sister looks so proud! Congratulations.
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thanks all! All the work helps keep me mind off things. I can't wait to get better/ stronger/ more energetic for them. We have lots of stuff to do!
Jean, why does your profile say missing in a little box above your name? It's scaring me! You're not missing, right?
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No I'm not missing...giggle. Maybe my brain is, but the rest of me is here. I just haven't figured out how to post a picture with my profile. When this chemo fog lifts I may try again. Love, Jean
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Gatomal, I love those pictures!!! So adorable.
Two sets of twins...that is so cool.0 -
Gatomal, your kids are SO cute! You'll get your energy back soon - you will definitely need it with four little ones to look after! I'm sure they make you smile many times every day and that is the BEST medicine ever.
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Gatomal, the babies and your little girl are so adorable. Two sets of twins, you will be busy. I had one set of twins and then a single and it was busy..but the best busy I could be. Hope you are recovering and resting.
Day #2, PFC, just loving that this is the last round to feel like this and there is a light I can see. The RO indicated since my fatigue is so bad it may not get much better until after rads so they are giving me a 4 week break. I only wanted 3 and still negotiating with them. What is the longest period most have gone between chemo and rads? Did I ask this question already? If so, blame it in chemo brain. LoL. Neuropathy (sp?) did set in after treatment #10 and defnitely after #11. Fingers and toes and ball of foot is completely numb. Onc Nurse said it is good it set in at the end so that I could get thorugh all treatments. For those that may have had neuropathy how long does it take to "resolve" itself.
-Angie
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LadyB - CONGRATS on finishing taxol. So happy for you. I hope you're SEs are minimal thru this final round.
Nurseshark - Thinking of you today as u go thru Last and Final taxol.
Cassiecat - CANCER FREE! Best news ever....
Hope everyone is doing well after surgeries....
Today was 20 out of 33 rads. Starting to get pink, but applying lotions recommended several times a day. It has helped plus get a wknd break now. Felt more tired today then usual. Glad I have Fridays off of work. I Started rads 4 weeks after last chemo. MO told me that was the usual waiting time. Starting Arimidex when I finish rads. I am post menopause.
Ellenpg - Hope swelling is at a minimal and loved to hear about your plans for vacation.
We are getting away for a week to Turks and Caicos with another couple end of Feb. I've never been there, but friends want to go and I am so ready to get away. My son coming home for month of February. We will take a ride down to visit my daughter while he's home. So rare that we are all together these days.
Gatamol - Hope you and your family are doing well. Oh mygoodness, just saw pic, so beautiful.
Pangtidor - Thinking about you and hoping you are felling better each day after surgery.
How is everyone's hair growth coming along? Mine is still slow...
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gatomal, beauties and blessings, all!
My hairs are really comin in strong now. In a week or two, I can forego my wig. It will be short but not enough for me to be self conscious. I am wearing my long hair wig and it is fun.
My rads are 4 weeks out, post surgery.
Went out today for luch with a friend, goin to farmers market in the am, god it is nice to feel normal. I am wearin my poof foobs today, in post surgery cami and they feel fine. Should get fitted for silicone ones soon.
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