Starting Chemo in July 2017
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sitting here with Taxol #6 going in... halfway there!!! Was really happy to see my liver enzymes back to normal (imagine that... no beers in two weeks will do that, I guess!) and my WBC/RBC are both good (amazing as everyone seems to be sick!).
The pain in my chest came back today... strongly suspect it's muscular and related to how I sleep... I'm a side sleeper and this lay-on-your-back thing is really hard.
Sunnyjay, you're in an interesting spot... let us know what you decide. Based on my tumor size and lymphnodes, I didn't have a choice. I suspect I would say "do it" if I had... anything to prevent this awful disease from coming back. (And now, if I could quit the sugar addiction....)
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Teese, woot! Got your pump! My PT told me if I get my pump I can use it once a day, one cycle is about one hour. Best would be in the evening. I just had my PT this morning did my pump also. According to my PT since I am doing chemo, my body chemicals will massed up so my arm might be retained fluid from time to time. I’m wewring my sleeve more time during the day now, as long as I don’t break out. I get rashes from time to time after day 4 of chemo. I’m doing better after I had a nap. Also I took a Pepcid AC my stomach is back to normal. Taxol gives me a lot of fatigue that I don’t want!! 😡😡😡. Are you done with taxol??
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Sisters,
I recommend lymphedema pump. I use it 6 times per week. Also, you can ask for sleeve for sentinel node biopsy arm. Yes arm gets thinner after pump usage.
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castigame-- I asked for a script for a pump today. Will see what happens.
Had first physical therapy and cord massage today. I am sore tonight. And kind of swollen.
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Teese-no cognac yet-the sores are healing on their own! I should get it for my next round
Jenruns, I am considering diep flap as well, and may wait until the summer after next so I can have a good summer after this past sucky one. Summer because I work in schools.
I have been working a ton the past two days, so a little out of the loop here. One thing I'm noticing at work since BC is that I feel more comfortable speaking my mind, and it feels good. I mean, what's the worst that can happen? Cancer?
I am very pale and have dark circles under my eyes now. Ick. Infusion 5 of six is Thursday. The end is in sight!
Hope everyone is having a good night.
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DodgersGirl- my PT massage very lightly except when she worked on my incisions to release the muscle.
Leatherette, good luck, you are going to see the end of the rainbow soon. I don’t even want to look at the mirror, look like an old lady now, after chemo and radiation I hope I have energy to go back to my facial.
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Teese, Paulette & Castigame: This is the first I've heard of the LE pump. I meet with my PT tomorrow so will ask about it. She never mentioned it before as an option for me. I was given a script for a compression sleeve and gauntlet. I ended up getting a combo sleeve. But since most of the swelling is at my hand and fingers, she gave me a script for a glove but I haven't gotten one yet. I also just started doing lymphatic drainage self-massage. Hope this all helps reduce the swelling. It sounds like the pump would help with this.
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i have mild lympedemia a did reseach in past, the place for info for pumps and suchis a group calld step up step out, hope i have the name correct but there is a thread with good info on lyphedema
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Sunnyjay, here is the link for the pump that my PT suggested and I have been using during my PT session also.
https://www.tactilemedical.com/products/flexitouch...
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Morning!
Jen...my liver enzymes were a little elevated last treatment as well. My MO said no alcohol too. I hadn't had much just a couple random beers since treatment started in July. I do think I was somewhat dehydrated. With everything we have had going on these past weeks I know my water consumption was down and Taxol is so drying. I also had been taking Tylenol instead of Ibuprofen for the bone pain. During AC he said no ibuprofen as it messes with stomach. Last treatment he said no Tylenol as it can mess with liver and to take ibuprofen instead! I did have 1 beer after my SILs funeral last week. I needed that 1. Praying my liver counts r OK!
I have my second PT appt to check my arm on Friday this week. At my first appt the therapist said there were no signs of lymphedema. She wanted to see me again before radiation. I only had 3 nodes removed so hoping for more good news Friday!
DD Taxol #3 tomorrow! Overall it will be treatment #7 out of 8. In 2 wks from tomorrow I will be done with chemo and moving on to radiation! I am craving a pumpkin craft beer like you won't believe!!
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Hi all,
Castigame, Paulette, Proud, thanks for all the responses about pumps and such. I'm relieved you're not devoting 3 hours a day to the pump, that seemed ridiculous. Especially in light of the PT and the Dr I go to for this both said the swelling is so slight they're not sure it's lymphedema at all. They both feel it's related to the chemo and will disappear altogether. so I'm going for once a day in the evening and see how that goes.
Proud, I found the sight, thanks, tons of good info.
http://www.stepup-speakout.org/
Sunny, you get your MO to write the order and then the PT will measure and order it.
Leatherette, about a month ago, I had what looked like bruises under my eyes, ugh I almost wanted to hide, somewhere along the way they disappeared, I was afraid they would be there till chemo ended. I wonder what causes them?
Paulette, I'm so glad your feeling better, you sounded so down and not yourself at all. Yay for Pepcid AC!
Dodgersgirl, ouch, I hope the swelling goes down quickly. I had a small cord that went away right before my first PT appointment. It was the oddest thing, I couldn't raise my arm above the level of my shoulder without a bit of discomfort, then I get up one morning and I could. It was a little stiff but that worked out in a day or two. I was relieved because when my rehab Dr was feeling around to detect the cording, that hurt! I was dreading the manipulating the PT was supposed to do. Prayers said that the cording releases quickly.
So this morning I woke and realized I'd slept straight through the night. Woot, that's a rare occurrence! As I was laying there I heard the heater kick on and it was so pleasant being in a warm bed and knowing it was quite chilly outside.
I love the coziness of fall, the fireplace on, chili on the stove, drinking hot tea or cider. I keep the feeders full because the birds are much hungrier, especially after a cold night. They're all puffed up and jockeying for a spot at their favorite feeder.
Not much planned for today except we're having dinner with my son at the new IHOP up the street. I'll take a long walk again today, and who knows maybe I'll sleep straight through the night again tonight.
Hugs and prayers,
Theresa
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Runnermum - are you doing 4DD taxol? That’s a tough road! How many weeks between each infusion? Send you good vibes and prayers.
I don’t have any plans today, it’s getting a little cold in California today. Hope the air is good so I can go outside for a walk.
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Teese! Yay for sleeping thru! I slept thru last night as well! I agree it is a rare occurrence! I love fall too...it's the best temps for running, I love a bonfire on a cool night with a glass of wine, the color of the leaves, yummy hearty soups. Actually making roasted squash soup tomorrow!
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Paulette...I am! 4 DD Taxol every 2 wks. It has gone pretty well. Some very mild neuropathy in my fingers right now and some tiredness but I am still working and can tell movement and exercise really help with the fatigue. I have been praying for the people of your state. Such devastation...it's so sad!
I havent ran much these past few wks. Those last weeks before my sil passed away we were spending many evenings and days with them...helping with the kids, making meals and just spending time together as family. Next week I am going to start a little running again. And also going get signed up for an after cancer program at my gym.
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Runnermum, I absolutely adore soups, and roasted squash soup sounds heavenly.
I imagine fall and spring are just perfect for running, I'm a walker and I live for these two seasons really. Before I always took my old dog with me. However we lost her just before I started chemo, so walking alone has taken an adjustment. This summer I mostly used the dreadmill, so I really haven't dealt with the loss of my walking partner.
ladies, who has Pets? I have two kitties, brothers, litter mates. However the vet says the probably had different fathers. Yes that's a thing with cats. Apparently females are quite naughty
One is terribly fat and on a diet, very nervous and skittish and only prefers to be pet when he's in the mood. . The other thin and lovey and more calm, he's my cuddle bunny 0 -
Teese- thanks. I hope the cording is resolved quickly and without much pain, too!
Congrats on sleeping all night! Sleep is such a wonderful thing.
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Teese - I have a little 16 lbs dog, she and my hubby are my walking partner. She even senses my moods when I cry she will sit next to me. I had an old big dog who passed away for 9 years, he knew my moods also.
I feel so much better I slept good 7 hours then I can nap this afternoon also. All I can say sleep is one most important factor during chemo time.
Runnermum, you are tough lady, working, taking care the family during chemo time!
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here’s my kitty ... born on Halloween, gifted to the kids for Christmas by Santa. His name is Coal (we told my then 4-year-old son he was so naughty that Santa was only bringing him coal for Christmas... when this guy showed up, the name was a perfect fit!)
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Here is my baby named Mimi
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paulettek-- puppy is sooo cute
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Had my last chemo today - so glad to be through this step and be able to ring that bell. I'll meet with my MO at the end of November and probably will discuss Tamoxifen. Then I'll have my mastectomy after the holidays. I've had a lumpectomy, but after meeting with the RO we decided that my history of lupus makes me a bad candidate for rads, so mastectomy it is. I'm OK with the surgery, just dreading those evil surgical drains!
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Ping - ring that bell must made you feel good !!! Enjoy the time before surgery! Please let us know how you feel.
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Charlie the cuddler
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Eddie the spastic cat!! We love him anyway, and yes those were clean towels!
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PIng, WOOT!!! Now you are post chemo, YAY!
For me surgery was easier than chemo for sure. I felt very good in less than a week. The drain was a pain in the neck and annoying but not a source of misery. Enjoy the holidays, so glad this part of the journey is over and your almost finished with cancerland.
Hugs and prayers,
Theresa
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love the pet photos
my kitty loves clean clothes too0 -
Leo and Nico. Leo, tan one, is one year old, and Nico is 7 years old. Leo worships Nico. Nico tolerates Leo
I think the paleness and circles under the eyes is related to low rbc count/anemia. I haven't gotten any neulasta or infusions like some here do. I guess my numbers haven't triggered it. I'll see what my counts are today when I get my infusion
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And this amazing young man is seventeen today. My baby! I am emotional today.
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I've been using a great concealer, and wear makeup every day (always have), so my circles don't bug me too much. I am worried that when I go to San Diego in November to walk in the Komen 3-Day, I won't wear makeup because I need to apply sunscreen regularly. I'm afraid I'll look like a "sick" cancer patient! (I'm probably stupidly vain -- it makes me happy when friends/family say how good I look, and I'm happy to not look "sick.")
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Awww, happy birthday to your baby, Leatherette
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