Starting Chemo September 2015; join us!
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Tessu-when I take Melatonin I have crazy dreams. Weird random stuff. It doesn't really help me to sleep either
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Wrote out a long post and lost it. Doing OK after surgery. Grey been thinking about you. There are lots of Dr's in NYC, give up the crappy ones and find one you like. You are a lot stronger than you think!
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Lila-Claire - No more chemo for me (unless you count eventual maintenance AIs); next up for me are surgery and then 6 wks of daily rads. I read on the Google that fingernails grow out in 6 months, toenails in 12. Best wishes for yours recovering quickly.
Scotland - Thanks for the hair encouragement! I watched a couple of the "here's my hair growth after chemo" videos on YouTube. Those ladies' hair took several months to look like much of anything. I never lost q u i t e all my scalp hair and I still have a few upper eyelashes, so maybe I'll be luckier.
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My fingernails yellow and feel weird but they are hanging on and growing. I had one traitorous toe nail turn black after my first chemo back in September and he hung on as well.
Im petrified about taking AI so was encouraging to read about your minimal SE Tessu.
Dreams.....only about having my hair back...mine has been growing back since it started its growing quickly but its going to take a while to have a nice head of hair.
I miss my hair and my energy I use to have so much of both. Both will return Im sure but its taking tooooooo lonnnnng.....
Have the best day you can girls xxx
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I've still lost only one nail on my right thumb, but it's looking like I'm going to lose the left index fingernail very soon. I was relieved that it didn't really hurt when the thumb happened. Still, it's very creepy! So far no problems with toenails so grateful for that. All of my fingernails are discolored and ugly, however. I'm very careful with them and often bemused by the simple little things I can't do right now because of that.
I might be starting to get hair again but it may just be wishful thinking. Mostly I want my nose hair back. The unexpected dripping is so gross! I still can't remember to always have a tissue available. Still have lingering chemo brain I guess.
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anyone start anastrozoleSeems to make my legs feel heavy
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Oh yes, luzeelu, I want my nose hairs back!!! Especially with this Herceptin drip. Why are my IMO unnecessary leg hairs starting to reappear but nothing yet in my nose?
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Yahoo for those of you who finished up Chem and are on the Home Stretch!
Hurray for The great news from Surgeries.
I need to go back and read the last few pages again to catch up on everyone. I have had some personal drama with my kids and school so I am a bit behind on everything. Its almost like I have been half parenting my kids for the last year.
I have to slowly tighten things up a bit but thankfully I have had good support so no one turned into a vigilante while mom was in Chemo and Surgery. Still they get confused when mom starts bossing them. 
In addition sadly my mom-cation is over. I have been snuggled, cooked for, mothered by my own mom. My mom goes home next Wednesday and I will have to go back to taking on my life a bit more. I am pretty disoriented but finally feel like the sun might be coming out.
On the recovery update
as for the Arimidex so far I have had a few creaky joints that I am trying to figure out but trying to get moving. I can tell that my body is starting to dry up Estrogen wise. Things are dryer than even Chemo but really compared to that .....this is manageable. I dreamed last night that I had Cher hair. I woke up laughing. I do have crazy dreams and at 330am every night I hot flash like crazy. I sleep with a window cracked luckily my husband likes it cold. Also my nose hairs have taken forever to come in and I have the Herceptin nasal drip but this seems like cake compared to last month. Also still dropping things but no tingling in my hands just one foot at night. I am careful holding things and I could probably stick my finger with a pin and not notice. Hopefully the sensation comes back.
Today I went to my MO GYN surgeon and he gave me the "Atta girl" speech. I am so relieved that my abdominal pathology was clean and that everything looks good. I can start slowly working out again but to take it slow for 6 more weeks. I think I will go back to gentle yoga at the cancer center and get this crazy dog of mine walking some more.
I can't make myself believe they caught all the cancer BUT I can pretend that I believe and get out of bed and try to find some good positive things in my life. I might just have to do that for awhile to find my footing.
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What is going on with my nails?? Do I have fungus?? My nails are yellowish kind of . Hard to explain. They look like fungus has grown . Omg what is going on. My hands feel like neuropathy has kicked in. Ugh so sick of this.
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Hi Aga your nails sound lovely just like mine. Its the chemo hang in there. Its a very long shitty ride but you can push through. Cut your nails short so they dont catch on anything. I had another im so ugly cry on Sunday. I think a good cry is a necessary release I always feel better the next day. Your nails will come good when chemo is done xxx
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Clinique my chemo is done last chemo was dec 8th. Yes I agree a good cry helps. Does this go away?? Ugh this sucks !! The hair the nails wtf !! Sorry had to vent!!
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Oh do we putt anything on them?? Thx
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exercise: What you wrote is so very, very true: "I can't make myself believe they caught all the cancer BUT I can pretend that I believe and get out of bed and try to find some good positive things in my life. I might just have to do that for awhile to find my footing." Pretending here also...
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I haven't put anything on mine. I rub handcream on every night and make sure I rub into my cuticles. Im six weeks post chemotherapy and they still look awful I think we just wait till they grow out. I dont see the harm in painting over them I havent because I just havent the energy to maintain a manicure. If it will make you feel better though paint away.
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My MO told me to put tea tree oil on my nails. Apparently, chemo can make us more susceptible to fungal infections. Lifted nails create an ideal environment for fungi, and the fungal infection then makes the lifting worse. Tea tree oil helps prevent fungus.
Exercise, I don't KNOW that they removed/destroyed all of my cancer, but I'm pretty sure they did. I'm not pretending that it's gone: I genuinely believe it is. I am not letting it whisper not-so-sweet nothings into my ear for the rest of my life
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exercise, my mom is leaving for good next week too. I have no idea how I am going to handle going back to work and solo parenting while my husband works long hours. I am beyond exhausted already.
start rads tomorrow. 0 -
Aw man, Cajun. That sucks. Are the kids going to daycare now? I know you'll manage somehow. And if you need some inspiration... http://www.theuglyvolvo.com/games-to-play-with-you...
I have a friend who can only stand up for about 6 minutes at a time before her heart rate is above 170 & continues climbing - I sent her this article and apparently it's been a big help dealing with her 4-year-old.
Nails - Yeah, everything is kinda gross. Red marks in the nail bed. Brown/yellow discoloration. My hair is coming back though
Eyelashes! How I've missed them.0 -
I had my bandages taken off today. Both my BS and PS were happy with the results and so am I. Pathology report showed pathological complete response so I'm thrilled! Drains in for at least another week and have to wear sport bra 24 /7. I'm pretty much off pain meds. I'm going to try sleeping without them tonight. Still sleeping in the recliner but I can get in and out by myself. BS said let my body be my guide when to try to sleep in my bed. She said it usually takes a little longer for tummy and side sleepers to get back to sleeping in bed comfortably.
Definitely doing the happy dance over PCR !
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Nice to read so many great updates -- except for finger and toe nails, of course. I put cuticle oil on before bed most nights and have had some discoloration and ridges, otherwise ok.
I started back to work 3 days a week and it feels so funny. I've been out 6 months. I'm tired but doing ok. Hysterectomy pushed back to Feb 18 due to scheduling then Femara after that. I'm getting deported that day also. I just talked with someone who has been on Femera for 5 years with no problems. Hoping that will be me, too. No more side effects!
Hope everyone getting radiation is doing well. Zap those cancer cells!!!
My eyebrow and eyelash gardens are growing nicely. I'm fertilizing with biotin everyday. My hair is very slow growing, however. 😏 I am trying to be patient. Meanwhile I am using coconut oil on my fuzzy and dry scalp.
All the best to each of you. You continue to be in my prayers.
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Exercise, Momboo 2 great news on PCR and all clear. We have to believe so that it will continue to be true!
Aga and others with nail problems. I agree with Tee Tree oil mixed with coconut oil can be very helpful. I've done this the whole time during chemo. When my toenails and thumb nails started lifting and look icky I soak them in Peroxide several times a day. This kills the possible infection and helps dry out under the nail. Once they stop oozing fluid or bubbling with the peroxide then the nail is about ready to come off. It's so gross to think amount nails coming off and the discoloration. I have kept polish on my nails to to keep them stronger and cover the uglies. White vinegar soaks are also good for actual fungus problems.
Feeling great, last Taxol, #12, today!! Now eager for the SEs to disappear but it sounds like it takes a few months.
Sleep well my friends
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Lila-Claire - Congrats on making it to Taxol #12! I'm now 2 weeks PFC. I started to feel better about 10 days PFC. The Taxol does seem to take a while to clear. But my energy is slowly returning.
I have an MRI today, "pre-hab" counseling on lymphedema Thursday and surgical consult Friday. Surgery some time in the next few weeks, then six weeks radiation. (So eager to be deported!)
Huge congrats on the results, Mom2!
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great news momboo!
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Thanks everyone!
Lisa, I'm curious about your pre-hab couseling on lymphedema, I heard the typical watch out for cuts, don't lift heavy things but if there is something more I can do I'd love to hear it. Good luck with your MRI.
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Hi Shopgal! I did the same treatments for triple negative, and had my first treatment on 9/16. Just curious as to whether or not your hair has started to grow back yet. My hasn't grown at all
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Hi All!
I began chemo on 9/16. I had 4 dose dense AC + 4 taxol. My last chemo was 12/23
I am currently in radiation. Just wondering how everyone hair is growing back. I'm starting to become very worried and discouraged. My eye brows and eye lashes are starting to grow, but the hair on my head is not.0 -
Hi Asha. I had as similar regime. Finished chemo 1/14. I have some fuzz that was growing during chemo but no new regrowth. My eyebrows keep falling out. It can take up to 6 months start regrowing, but nobody tells you that! I wouldn't worry yet, but unfortunately we may be in it for the long haul.
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does anyone have a plastic piece put over the breast to give an extra boost of radiation every other treatment? I was not expecting that today.
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mom2--congratulations, girl!!
I was allowed to have Taxol #11 yesterday after meeting with the MO. Number 12 is up to me based on how I respond to this treatment. So far, the neuropathy hasn't worsened much so I'm hopeful I'll be able to finish my final chemo treatment next Tuesday.
I had my previously scheduled "post-chemo" mammogram and ultrasound this morning. While the final report from the radiologist wasn't available by the time I talked to the surgical oncologist, he looked at the images and said there's very little residue left near the marker clip. I asked if it was still possible to have a pCR, and he said it was "conceivable". Then, because I had such a good chemo response, he started questioning whether I still wanted to do the BMX instead of lumpectomy. I kinda freaked because I didn't want to reopen that whole decision process, but he said we'd talk after the exam. When we did, I told him about my pros/cons list and getting together with my girlfriends to go over it, then spending an evening talking about with DH. The surgeon supports my decision and asked if I felt comfortable sharing my lists with him, which is fine. He said that he knows that I have made a well-informed decision and that "you have vetted the options thoroughly". He also said that no, my decision is not an overreaction; If I'd made a knee-jerk reaction based on fear or Grandpa saying I should do it, that would have him concerned. Obviously I've done my legwork. LOL So I'm on board for a BMX/DIEP March 18.
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Amy - So glad to hear your update - I have been thinking about you! You've made an informed and intelligent decision. Rock on, girl. You've got this.
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Cajun, yup is it a bolus? I think they said it brings radiation to the skin level. I get it just about every other day
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