Chemo starting October 2017
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Thank you for the cheers and love. I feel them even through the -20 15cm of snowfall overnight weather. We have a total of 20 calves now. They really popped them out with the storm coming. Could be an interesting drive to the cancer centre. Mixed feelings today. Joy to be experiencing the pre/post chemo for the last time. Fear to be coming to the end of one phase of activeky killing cancer cells. I’m thrilled to hear how each of you as you write your own stories. Inspirational
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Jennifer - You just make my breakfast for me! The Milk Chocolate Boost I had in the fridge had the same amount of iron as the cereal I was going to eat, plus better protein, fiber, etc. I mixed it with my Starbucks Doubleshot and Miralax and it tastes pretty darn good! Thanks!
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Sara Petey- that actually sounds delicious!!
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I have a question....do you think it is silly to check out two different radiologists? I didn't check out additional surgeons or medical oncologist. Both came extremely highly recommended by multiple people from different areas and since they did, and what my surgeon said jived so much with what I read online, I went with the fastest route then.
I have a choice between two radiologists though. One is at the cancer center I'm currently at. I love the building and know the place. The drive isn't bad, about 20 minutes without too much crazy traffic. He doesn't seem to be very well known. I've only found two reviews online and two people that I personally know who have worked with him, but he gets glowing reviews from all of them. The other one is at a major hospital system in town. The drive to this big hospital can be 20 min. or 45 depending on traffic. (When I left there the other day after being with my SIL, it took me an hour to get home because of a crazy busy intersection that is always ten times worse when it snows.) However, tons of people have worked with him and he consistently gets five star reviews and glowing recommendations. Now....I also know that you work more with the techs than the radiologist.....so......... I don't know if it's silly to check out both places and see what I think of them or not. If both are good and the drives aren't that different except for traffic issues, do I just stay where I'm comfortable and already familiar with things? I may ask this over in the current rads thread too and see what people think.
Thanks for opinions!
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Hi, Petey - I don't see any harm in meeting with the 2 different radiologists. They may have different opinions on treatment that would be worth hearing. I haven't researched a lot about radiology yet since it's a way off for me, but I know I have questions about whether I'll be prone, what they'll do to protect my lungs, can they do the condensed "Canadian" regimen, etc.
You may feel really comfortable and confident with the radiologist at your present breast center, even if he isn't as widely reviewed. That could be the right doctor for you.
Good luck - it's good that you have options!
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And......DONE!!!💕💕
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YAY, Sara!! Congratulations! Enjoy that cake.
I'm 24-hours right behind you.
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Yeah, Sara!!!!
Good luck tomorrow, Agatha!!
Petey, by all means check out the two radiologists. One question I'd ask is if they could schedule me during a time outside rush hour so I wasn't stuck in traffic for 1.5 hours.
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SARA!! Congrats!! Done Did.
To all the others finishing, Way to go girls!!
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Congratulations Sara! Best of luck in your next phase of treatment.
Agatha- good luck tomorrow!
Petey- I agree that you should check out both docs. I am changing centers for radiology as well to be a little closer as it is every day. Both centers have good reputations so I'm going to the closer one just to make things easier.
I am also dealing with anemia. My numbers are just a tiny bit lower then the normal so I haven't missed an infusion but thanks to everyone posting what they eat to help boost the iron! It has helped me a lot!
Taxol #9 for me on Monday. 25 more days.
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Congrats to those finishing Chemo!! And loved the photos!!!
I had a great day today, first at mamo and US appointment, they said all the films were clear and the doctor said reviewing my films from 4 years ago with today, it is identical, except for the tumor markers. So all cancer is GONE. Then went to my BS appointment and she said the same, after reviewing the films. They have scheduled my surgery for Feb. 26th...and I am having the Double MX with no problems, the surgeon supported my decision. I was so happy to be moving on to the next step and hearing the news back from the films was overwhelming. I am beyond thrilled.
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MamaFelice - lovely photos, I still remember your radiant smile from the swan photo
Sara - congrats on finishing chemo! I'm reaching the finishing line 12feb. It has been a long n tough journey (chemo).
HikerVA - awesome news! So happy for you.
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Hi Ladies,
Got my results of my CAT scan yesterday. No new cancer in my neck, lymph or glands!!!!! So thankful to hear that. The waiting was so stressful. I had a wonderful day after hearing the good news AND getting my second to the last taxol. Next Weds. I will be finished too. Then on to rads.
I find it so strange that all of you had time to think about your decision on lump or mass . I was asked to make my decision right after my biopsy. I hadn't even meet my oncologist. And at that point I was in the whirl wind of You have cancer!!! When The BS asked what do you what to do I said Lumpectomy and I had no idea why or what my choices were all about. Now granted my tumor was small ( 1 cm) but it has spread and they removed. 7 /14 lymph nodes . They later took a PET scan and saw some glowing spots in my lung & in another lymph area. They also were very small and the oncologist felt the chemo would kill them.
I hope I made the right choice, but my lumpectomy is over and done. Surgion said he got clean margins. Just looking back I wish I had more time to research or even had the opportunity to discuss it with my oncologist.
Now it's up to me to do everything I can to prevent reacurrance.
BTW my oncologist is submitting my name for two case study trails that pertain to prevention of cancer returning .1. Taking an aspirin every day to prevent cancer reoccurrence
2. The importance of good nutrition and excersise in preventing the reoccurrence of cancer.
I told her I am definitely interested.
Congratulations to all that finished this week.
Wishing everyone a SE free week. We are almost there!!!!
After my last chemo, hubby and I are off to Mexico for some relaxation and sunshine. Mostly to forget about cancer for a week before heading into the next 7 weeks of rads. I can't wait 👅
Praying I have the energy to travel and enjoy myself.
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Cheers of JOY to HikerVA & DKK for clear scans!! Such a blessing! Hope you take time to celebrate!🍷
And speaking of celebrate-- Enjoy that special Chocolate Cake Sara! Now on to recover and rebuild!
Good luck tomorrow Agatha!! Last chemo!! Woot woot! This is so much fun celebrating this fabulous milestone with everyone! Way to go! 🙌🏼💪🏼🙏🏻
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HikerVA, wonderful news! We'll be having our surgeries two days apart. Hopefully we can both say bye bye to cancer forever!
Correction: hopefully we can ALL say bye bye to cancer forever!
DKK, I'm so happy for you. I agree with you that it stinks that many women are rushed into deciding what surgery they want in those days immediately after DX. If it's any consolation, I had 4 months and couldn't come to a decision! However, I believe that you can still get a MX if you want one, now that you have more information. Please talk with your MO or BS if you're unhappy with your decision.
Thinking of you today, Agatha.
5 more days of chemo/1 more treatment!
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I love that there is happy news here!!
Congrats on end of chemo, clear margins, cancer gone and trips to Mexico!!!!! Woo-hoo!!!!!
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So, my birthday is coming up and my driver's license is due to be renewed this year. So I spent a good part of the morning drawing on my eyebrows and putting on makeup so that I could get it over with today. I knew it was going to be an awkward experience, me being bald and all. And it was. I asked if they could let me just use my old photograph, but that wasn't possible. I then asked what she wanted me to put for "Hair color" because, technically, it's white now. She was an uncomfortable as I was, and said, "Just pick whatever one you want." So I kept it "brown." I figure it'll be brown sometime in the next 6 months.
I was surprised how nervous I was when I went to get my photograph taken. I've actually gotten pretty used to being bald and walk around the house without a hat on most days. And I will take it off to show curious friends. But I really didn't want to take it off in front of all those strangers, especially since every person in the room was watching me and wondering if I was going to have to take off my hat. To be honest, I was pretty close to tears, and I'm not a big crier. But cancer has taken so much from me and I just wanted to walk out of there with my dignity intact.
Happily, when I sat down, I was relieved to see a sign that said, "Please let us know if a religious preference or medical condition prohibits you from taking off your head covering."
I didn't even have to say anything. Obviously, my medical condition doesn't prohibit me from taking off my hat, but I didn't offer to take off my hat, and they didn't ask.
...And here it is!
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Oh Lisa your story is hilarious. Best laugh I had all night. And your picture is darling. It reminded me of when I notice my drivers license was ready to expire. It was early in AC when my hair started to fall out in clumps and I knew I had to shave it the next day. I had to work and I prayed my hair would hold out until after work so I could get my drivers license with hair, All day I kept spraying my hair with Super hold hair sprayuntil it was as stiff as a helmet. After the drivers license picture I came home and shaved the crap off!!!
Now I can laugh about it. That day I cried
Lisa your big smile says, I WON, THEY DIDN'T DEFEAT ME !!! I love it ;
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Hi, everyone. I'M DONE with infusion chemo!!! YAY!!! They don't do the bell thing at my breast center, but it was exciting just the same. Got a ton of congrats at all of my appointments all day.
I've been reading everyone's stories and good news. It makes me happy that as a group we're getting through this together. I started chemo on 10/6 - so pretty much 4 full months of this muck. You all have been such a big part of my holding it together (minus a few meltdowns). Thank you so much for sharing, supporting, being vulnerable, encouraging --- everything you all do.
I just wanted to tell you how special each one of you is before I crawl off to sleep.
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Agatha. Congrats friend!! Hugs!
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Hooray! Congratulations Agatha!Good luck in your next phase!
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So very happy for you, Agatha. It's been a long road for all of us, and it's so nice to read about my fellow marathoners crossing the finish line. Your have such a beautiful spirit and I love getting to know you.
DKK, I remember reading your hair spray story and laughing. It's one of the few things I could laugh about early on.
We're all getting there! 4 more days for me.
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Agatha, Congratulations for Finishing!!! Whoo-Hoo! And Lisa, that was a tense situation, so glad you were able to handle it with grace, your picture says it all, thanks for sharing that story. To celebrate my good news from the doctors, I ventured out for a hike yesterday. They were calling for it to warm into the high 40s and sunny, with Sat & Sun all rain, but there was a fear inside of me that I could not do it, anxiety. But I packed my backpack and Jack (Labradoodle) and I headed off for the trail, it is part of the Appalachian Trail, that goes to McAffee Knob (they call it the most photographed spot on the trail). I headed up the trail feeling like "what was I thinking" but then I remembered the tough road we have all been on and told myself just put one foot in front of the other and move... I hiked over 5 miles today, and my Fitbit said it was like climbing 75 flights of stairs... it felt wonderful and I felt strong... next couple of weeks I will do a longer hike and work up. Today I am super tired, but so glad I tried. The last hike I did was 2 weeks after chemo in Oct. So it was nice to get out and feel alive again. Everyday you and I will do things to reclaim our lives, we are going to survive this together!
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Hicker VA - thank you so much for the inspiration. I can’t wait to feel strong enough to hike 5 miles. It sounds so wonderful, you reminded me there truly is life after cancer 😄 Last chemo in 4 days and I am ready for the world again with an even stronger, healthier me!!
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Lisa - I'm glad they didn't make you take your head covering off. You would think they would deal with that more often and be more empathetic, but I guess that is typical DMV for you.
DKK - I was so ready to shave mine off when I did too! I was waiting for my husband to get back out of town to do it and went to some stuff in the afternoon - steadfastly keeping my hat on lest my hair fall out everywhere!
Agatha - Congratulations!! I'm so happy you are done with infusions! This group has been so important to me...I'm so grateful to all of you!
Hiker - That is so awesome that you did that hike! I'm so looking forward to heading out when it gets warmer and walking!!! We've had nothing but snow and negative wind chills lately. Ok...one day we had a heat wave and got to 30!! We are thinking of going to Colorado this summer and I'm so anxious to go and find my zen!
This weekend isn't as bad as last weekend so far. Goofy eyes, a little achey, and neuropathy in my hands. My finger tips feel weird and it feels like my hands don't work well. But it's not too bad yet. I'm hoping it wears off before the next infusion and I get a couple day break before it hits again next week.
My SIL is starting to plan for her BMX. We had a discussion about mastectomy bras last night. She wants to get a sports bra that hooks in back to use to hold ice packs after surgery, then go braless after a week or so. I wasn't sure about that. I told her if she got that bra to make sure to get a bigger size. I thought she would want one that hooks in front and get a mastectomy bra. I also told her that some people prefer soft camis with built ins. She is not doing reconstruction right away. I don't know how much they have told her or she has read about things because she wasn't even sure if she was going to have drains. I told her she definitely would. What do you guys think? Those of you who had UMX or BMX what did you wear the first few weeks? Two weeks almost until her surgery....
I have a meeting at 1:30 and I'm hoping I get through it ok. Not really looking forward to have to be "on the ball" and out in the cold, but oh well. Have a good day everyone!
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My husband took our daughter to the children's museum today. I wanted to go but worried about flu germs. My county is the worse in the state right now. He said I could wear a mask, this is the "mask" my daughter thought I should wear. 😁 Gotta love a 5 year olds thought process.
I am in my post chemo weekend. Always hate these weekends. I get so emotional, worried, and needy. Still that fear is chemo working?
That cartoon Petey is right on! And now I have been craving soft pretzels since you mentioned it! 😁
I have started a list of things I think I need post BMX.
Husband put in a detachable shower head (was told can't shower for 3 weeks), wedge pillow for bed. A few shirts that button or velcro in front and have drain pockets. Thought you are sent home with a bra type covering and drains. I know I will have my drains for at least 10 days, time between surgery and post op appt.
I can't imagine being able to fasten a bra in the back or put any bra/shirt over my head. But I need to read up
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Jennifer, I think you should have worn that mask. Hysterical!
As far as BMX surgery preparations:
- I bought a post surgical mastectomy camisole to wear. Also have another front-closing bra that they gave me at the dr's office. I have a few front-buttoning shirts I can wear.
- I've downloaded 5 "Sit and Stay Fit" workouts from my local PBS station, and I'm going to have my husband bring the WorkFit (recumbent bike with laptop desk built in) upstairs so that I can work my lower body during recovery.
- I already have one of those reaching gadgets.
- I'm actually considering renting a hospital bed for a month so that I can sleep comfortably. My deductible and Max Out of Pocket are already met this year, so I don't even think it would cost me to do this.
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wow - we have come a long way together. So happy to hear of everyone's progress and congrats to all who have completed chemo.
You ladies on this thread have gotten me through this in ways that friends and family can't, only because they're not going through it. You have calmed my fears, given terrific suggestions, forewarned me what to expect, and supported me in my time of need.
Only two more taxols to go - finish up on Feb 19. The previous three infusions were a cakewalk, but this last one, infusion 10, really took it out of me so pretty much been a couch potato this weekend. Must be the cumulative effects.
Ready to move on with the next steps.
I meet with my breast surgeon on Tuesday and PS on Wednesday.
I howled at the mask
Lisa- I'm going to order one of those reaching gizmos today.
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Congratulations Sara, Agatha and anyone else who had their last chemo!. Hiker and DKK so happy to hear of clear scans! Haven't been on in awhile, I took a tumble down my stairs ,missed the last 3, hit the wall, put a nice dent in sheet rock, thank God I had my hat on...thought I messed up my reconstructed breast and stomach but PS said they were ok. Did pull my back out and now have been going to chiropractor and in bed with ice,...I was just getting my strength back and now this...UGH.....
For those preparing for surgery or SIL's. Jennifer/Petey, I had UMX and reconstruction at same time. Was in hospital 5 days and was allowed to shower while there. I also did not wear a bra for 8 weeks and then was fitted with a camisole. Not sure what the procedure would be when not having any type of reconstruction. I wished I would have moved my recliner to the upstairs to sleep in cause it was hard to sleep on my back with all those pillows. Shop and prepare. Make a list like Jennifer mentioned for things needed before and after surgery. . Make meals ahead of time and freeze, pay bills ahead of due dates cause you might forget. Buy all heavy stuff, like dog food and detergent . I bought a shower seat and it was a life savor. I was so exhausted couldn't stand in shower especially with those nasty drains. Buy alcohol wipes this makes it easier to drain them Buy a laynard, fanny pack...yes I'm old or big safety pins to attach to clothes. Put all the stuff you need beside the chair, bed, etc like lip balm, Kleenex and, meds - stay on top of your pain. A pillow for the ride home, bendable straws, lightweight cups. Most of all be kind to yourself as this is just another step along your journey, and this too, you can tackle!
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Jennifer - That mask is hilarious!!!! I know you won't be able to raise your arms above your head. I have read that a lot. I have a great blog post and a couple other things that I've tried to get my SIL to read. I'll put the links at the bottom. You won't be able to hook a bra behind your back, but she says she'll have my BIL and MIL help her with it. I just think she is going to be uncomfortable...but I don't know for sure. And...I've gone through one whole box of pretzels already. LOL
Lisa - I also suggested she may want to consider sleeping in the recliner. I even did that after my lumpectomy and a lot of people have said it's good. You can slide down when you have the wedges in bed, but a bed can also be more comfortable.
2brandy - Thanks so much for the advice! I will pass those tips on!!
For those with the surgery ahead, these are the links I found helpful when I thought I was going to have BMX.
North Carolina Charm Blog Post
I hope those work. It looks weird on my screen.
I'm off to watch skating. It's totally a guilty pleasure for me....and dang Adam Rippon's routine is awesome!!
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