Who is starting chemo in September 2016?
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Hang in there! You can do this..my group did in 2012 (September Chemo 2012).
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Hello everyone!! I wanted to share something that happened to me today. I took the day off from work because I had an appointment with my Plastic Surgeon this morning, so I had the afternoon to do a bit of Christmas shopping. I was browsing the aisles of Marshall's when I saw walking towards me an old friend that I hadn't seen in a couple of years. Normally I would have stopped and chatted and caught up with her, but to my horror my first instinct was to lower my head and dart in between the crowded racks of clothes. I had one of my scarves on my head and although I had a nice sweater on, i'm still uncomfortble with my "chemo" look. Has anyone else had this type of reaction when out in public? I really hope she didn't see or recognize me!
On a lighter note, my last TCHP is on Friday, yay!!
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Docmama - I know what you mean. We usually do a photo card for Christmas but I was not about to do that. I've allowed one photo since my hair. I have seen people that know and that is okay I suppose but in the beginning, I didn't want to go out at all.
xoxo
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docmama - me
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Docmama - that happened to me today! Not a close friend, but a lady that used to work at my sons' elementary school. She was on the self- checkout register next to me and I turned and hurried out of the store as soon as I was done. I think part of it is just not wanting to answer the "cancer" question. It seems to suck the life out of you.
Jojo - by DNSUnlocker"> Thanks
for the drop by and words of encouragement! Hahlyn - I'll be getting round #6 while you are getting round #5 tomorrow... I'll be thinking of you and hoping for no SE's. My MO just put in for my referral for another breast MRI so that the surgeon has the latest look at the tumor. Hoping for CPR! I still have no idea when my surgery will be... meeting with the surgeon next week! Then I will presumably have to meet with the PS (after getting another referral).
Looking forward to ringing the proverbial "bell" tomorrow signaling the end of the "ugly" chemo. Kind of a bummer that the infusion room will still be my home every 3 weeks until Sept though. :-( Still, one hurdle down, right Ladies?!
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Jojo- so nice to hear from someone that far out!! I know we all appreciate it and look forward to doing the same for others down the line!!
Beachbaby- I'm with you- let's get through this last round, and hoping the rest of yours goes smoothly from there.
Docmomma- Well, I've done that before chemo lol, but funny you mention it- I realize how little I look at myself, so a lot of times I don't think about it until a get a second glance. I also haven't been wearing makeup- one of the side effects for me is the watery eyes, and esp when I'm in a store, etc so it's a waste. I was thinking about the friends I was talking to during my daughter's volleyball practice, realizing afterwards no makeup, barely any eyebrows/lashes- good lord! I also thought about xmas- friends have seen me, but the family actually hasn't (husbands family)- so how uncomfortable is that going to be?!!! Geez- I was done with the "uncomfortableness" lately- felt like everyone was just used to it/me. You're not alone!!!
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Didn't someone mention ridges in their nails? I noticed them but mostly on my left hand.
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docmama, I haven't ducked, but I have noticed that many seem to not recognize me, I am often in a hat or a wig that was not too close to my pre cancer hair style. I've had a photo taken on occasion and I always remark that I don't look like myself. Can't put my finger on it, it may be the lack of hair, the hat, thin eyebrows, few eye lashes etc.
best wishes to you
M
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Docmama I did the exact same thing. I practically hid. I never thought I'd react that way at all. She was one of my son's best friends Mom's and a great person I just totally panicked. Im so over all of this!!!
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Docmama--I do the same thing. I intentionally avoid everyone I know. I just can't have anyone seeing me looking like a cancer patient. I don't want to have to answer some well meaning or sometimes ignorant questions about why I look the way I do. For me it's hard enough to have my family see me this way. We live in a smaller town so every time I go somewhere, I run into people I know. I have gotten to the point where I won't even go to any of our local stores. I do all my shopping out of town. I did have a situation today where I went to the post office. Would't you know, the person who waited on me used to be our neighbor years ago. I was wearing my wig and the first thing she said was "oh, I like your hair". I've heard that one before and what it really means is "you're wearing a wig and it's really obvious". Then I got "that look" that people give when they feel sorry for you but don't know what to say. Thus the reason I try to avoid anyone who knows me. I told someone just today that after everything else we have to go through with this, losing our hair is the most unfair part. It has definitely been the worst part for me.
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Hello All!
TCHP #5 set for tomorow Dec 14. Appt with MO all blood work okay except for potassium I was given a prescription..she said it's probably from the big D which I have had no relief since I started this back in September. What you know today i.come down with some kind of bug. Horrible D this morning took anti D pills plus I was Nauseated first time I've had to take the anti nausea pills. It been rough today..hoping i am better tomorrow morning. #6 is scheduled for Jan 4 and I want to keep it...
Wishing everyone the best!
Hahlyn
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AngelaKS - It stinks that you were sick the whole time...Let's hope for a great Christmas!!! No SE's!!!!
Ajbclan - Thank you...I was exhausted and that is why I am amazed that my #'s went up. My husband and I totally went in to the appointment thinking that they were going to send me home. It delayed the day (bc of more tests) but I was happy to get it done. Not so happy now...but I am hanging in there. I really hope Wednesday works out for you.
JoJo2373 - Your message provides a lot of hope for me. Thank you!
Docmama - I am guilty of the duck and run. Sometimes it's because I don't want to have the cancer talk, sometimes it is because I have the kids with me and that creates a whole different conversation, and sometimes I find myself consoling the other person and I get tired of that. I did by a wig (actually 2) but I have not worn them yet. I will get there...it's more for when I go out to random places that people do not know me or when the girls are with me. So I believe many of us are with you!!!!
BeachbabyK - Best of luck to you on your last chemo...I am in the same boat with you...Herceptin until September but we can do it! We have made it this far!!! So many hurdles to go but one at a time!!!!
Hahlyn - Good luck with round 5! I wish you the best!!!!
To anyone I missed.....Have a great day, enjoy life, and let's hope that the SE's stay minor...
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Also had my TCHP round yesterday and like DennyJ was so glad and even excited to just get it done as they light is at the end of the tunnel for this round treatment. All my numbers were looking good so it was a go. Always worry beforehand that it will be delayed just like you all. The hot flashes during the middle of the night with the lack of sleep due to steroids do not make for a pleasant day after ever. Hoping this round goes smoother than the last one where I really suffered from big D. The result of having my system flushed out so thoroughly (sorry about TMI lol), was to have fewer and to a great extent much diminished side effects like nausea and the acid reflux. Silver lining to the big D?! Looking at my last chemo om Jan. 3 as well. Hoping for a great CHristmas since THanksgiving was a bust. Wishing everyone well, few side effects, and healing light!
PEACE!
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Hi Everyone- platelets came way up and I'm happy to say chemo is underway! #6 of 6 and fingers crossed I get the all clear after surgery next year. They lowered the carbo slightly so that's the first time I've seen them adjust.
Appreciate everyone's support.....can't wait to feel like crap one last weekend lol.
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Yay Kelly!! Congratulations, I'm so happy for you!!
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That is great news! I am glad you are underway! I cannot wait to be done. They lowered my carbo too, I am not sure about the Taxotere though. I still feel horrible, I hope it goes away soon.
Hope everyone else is doing okay and feeling good.
xo
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Thanks ladies! I'm cautiously optimistic, but no happy dance yet lol.
I commented to the nurse that when I got the packet of info, the taxotere side effects list was a page and 1/2. The Carbo- was like a 1/2 page! She said carbo is the one THEY worry about more, taxotere is more for us lol. So they left taxotere alone, carbo was the one dropping the counts she said.
Hang in there.....I know today I'll be ok, then.......I'll keep you posted on how this round goes.
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Kelly, I am so glad you were able to have your chemo today (lol, that still sounds funny to me). Anyway, hang in there.
I surprisingly had a good day today...I am cautiously waiting for the SE's to set in but I will take today's win!
Have a great night!
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Super, Kelly!
Lyn
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And just like that...Boom! #6 is done!!! I cannot be more happy to have that behind me! Even knowing the side effects I will have upcoming.It will be the last time I have to deal with them!!! I can't wait for the rest of you to be done too! What a journey we are all on! Thank you for all being here and taking the journey with me. Your words of encouragement and shared stories have really helped me get to this point. Now looking ahead to consult with the surgeon and getting through the SE's.
I haven't seen a January 2017 surgery list up yet, maybe I'll tootle over there and start one since I am feeling optimistic! Then all you ladies can let us know when to keep an eye out for your dates and keep an eye out for your recovery.
Good luck everyone!
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hi ladies. Congrats on finishing up. Today was my 1 month PFC appointment with MO to discuss hormonal therapy. Blood work was good, but since she didn't think I'd bounced back from chemo yet, no tamoxifen for me yet. Though I started with the ovarian suppression shot. Will wait until after exchange surgery in February to do the tamoxifen. My period stopped after chemo #3, so she wants to keep it that way (chucking tampons in trash). All these meds come with long lists of SEs... Good luck with surgery Beachbaby. Angela sorry about the SEs... I think the holidays will lift the mood and make you feel better.
18 years ago today I was in a horrible car accident that left me wondering if I'd ever walk or limp. Recovery was uncertain. I was so young and scared. I persevered through PT and sheer grit and God's grace, ended up ok. There were a lot of dark days. I keep thinking that I got to find that grit and perseverance deep inside so that I can pull through this ordeal. Wishing y'all the best. Love and understanding And kindness And acceptance...
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"I had one of my scarves on my head and although I had a nice sweater on, i'm still uncomfortble with my "chemo" look. Has anyone else had this type of reaction when out in public? I really hope she didn't see or recognize me!"
I have to plead guilty to that one. i went to a restaurant to pick up some take-out dinner on a day when I was starting to ease out of the nausea routine, and found one of my coworkers was there with her daughter. If I'm going out and know I'm meeting people, I almost always wear my wig which I wear to work and social outings. But for that day which was on a trip for errands, I had the scarf look on with some schlubby clothes lol. Not quite pjs but close to as bad.
The restaurant was too small to hide but I found an angle where she couldn't see me until I could make my getaway ha.
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That was me with the nail ridges, they're about half way up my nail now with the tree ring lines on each finger of both hands. Round six and final of the TCHP protocol starts tomorrow. Intermediate side effects over round 5; some nausea/vomiting but not persistent past a couple of days; D issues pretty frequently over a couple of weeks; physically tired and weak feeling but not sleepy/fatigued that often; ongoing pains that seem to be heartburn but not sure; short of breath; neuropathy spreading slightly in fingers and feet; legs feel pretty rubbery/heavy walking stairs or any length of distance. But overall nothing dramatic or majorly life-impairing beyond some days out of work. For this last round I've set it up in advance to take the week after treatment off from work.
The one thing out of my dr visit and labs yesterday was the blood transfusion i had last time did not resolve the anemia. It's back and worse than it was with a reading of 7.3 which is well in the 'severe' range. He ordered another blood test Monday to recheck and then determine if a transfusion is needed again.
Best wishes to all as this group is heading to the finish lines for this phase of treatment. i have a surgeon appointment for early January to start planning that phase. No mention of radiation from my MO, but I'll ask at the next checkin after New Year's. I will have to stick with Herceptin until next August for follow-on treatment plus a pill regime. I forget when the pills are supposed to start, during Herceptin +/- radiation or not until after.
The MO did a physical exam and said only that he "didn't feel much." He didn't say anything about doing an imaging scan after all this treatment, until I asked. He said he didn't feel a major study was warranted as they had done the MRI pre-treatment and the exams during treatment showed the area had reduced. But sounded like he will at least order an ultrasound on the side affected. Will see if the surgeon agrees or wants any more done before the surgery date.
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Good Morning! Well, it sure warms my heart to see I wasn't alone in my occasional "duck and cover" move when out in public, lol. Funny, I can go to work every day in my scarves, but since I'm wearing my scrubs along with everyone else in the office (I actually coordinate clinical trials, only in dermatology), I don't feel so self-conscious. Misslil and BeachBabyK as you might already know I'm right there with you - my last TCHP infusion is tomorrow Friday and I can't wait for it to be over. My surgery is scheduled for January 6. I already saw my plastic surgeon and general surgeon. I've decided against nipple sparing, not sure yet if I'll get the nipple reconstruction or if I'll just get the 3-D tattoo. It was strange to see the lineup of different implants, and then the little whoopee cushion next to them which is the tissue expander. I see the plastic surgeon a couple of days before the surgery to have any last minute questions and concerns answered. Then I'm off for the entire month of January!
Angela
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Beachbaby- I think a Jan surgery board would be great! Seems like several of us are on that track. I waiting to hear on my dates.
Still on the steroids, so today I'm feeling ok. Let's get through this and then deal with the next step!!
Smile- I look forward to hearing more on the hormone therapy- seems like there's side effects to deal with there too- keep us in the loop on what you learn!!
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Hello All
Well TCHP #5 is done. Started to feel the SE coming on yesterday. This morning I mustered up some strength to go to the market, the mall, few other errands and wrap some gifts. I figured I only have today as tomorrow and for the next 14 to 17 days will be rough. Told my husband the Rest of the giftsare Going to be left up to him lol.
Got a call from the breast surgeon schedule appt with her Jan 23. Little scared but been waiting for that call.
Wishing all SE free weekend.
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Woo Hoo! TCHP #6 about to commence. Last one, hope it's gentle on me. Good luck to everyone else who is winding down their treatment. Now on to BMX on January 6!!
Warm hugs from Miami Beach!!
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docmama.....just awesome! So happy for you! You can get through any SE's with this round! Hang in there!!!! 1 degree here today so I will take your warm well wishes!!!
#6!!!! Woo hoo!!! 💪🎉🎉🎈
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Yay! That is awesome! Congrats!
I cannot wait to do my last one on the 30th. The past couple have been pretty rough. I cannot stand the acid stomach. Nothing is helping.
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Excited for you all that are on the road to completion!! I'm doing ok right now after 6, hoping the week delay and back off on the carbo eases some of the SE's.
Will continue to follow with those of us moving onto surgery as well....
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Taxol #7 done! 5 more to go. Sunday marks my 100th day of being in chemo with 33 days to go after that. I'm not counting or anything though. I figured it out today during treatment, that by the time everything is done I will have sat in that chair for about 50 hours! Yikes!!! I bet these numbers are typical of all of us that has had to have AC and Taxol. So glad to be on the downhill side now!
Worried about cumulative side effects but so far I have had nothing to speak of. Tiny new hair coming back all over my head except the sides right above and in front of my ears. I'm putting Jamaican black castor oil on about 3 times a week and just started using Nioxin scalp conditioning products for regrowing hair. Not sure if it's a coincidence that it is coming back since I started using this stuff or if it's really working. I'm not going to complain either way.
Have a good weekend everyone.0
