Chemo starting October 2017
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Tonight I find joy in those of you fnishing. adness in Parkland. Why? That's all I can say.
Climbing out of the final infusion hole.....
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I too was in shock all afternoon/evening yesterday. Parkland is the neighboring town to Coral Springs where I grew up. I have friends still there with their children in Stoneman Douglas middle & high. They have friends with children as of 10pm that were still unaccounted for yet. Can you imagine! My heart aches with such sadness. It feels so close to home to me and I just keep praying for all those children and their families. 🙏🏻😢🙏🏻
With this weighing on me, I'm digging deep to pull out my joyful voice....
Way to go Lisa!! You finished chemo!! So thrilled you crossed that finish line! Awesome! On to surgery girl-- you got this! 💪🏼👍🏼🙌🏼😃
Petey-- Bummer on your SIL needing ANLD on both sides! She will most definitely need drains, but that's okay because as annoying as they are, I kept reminding myself that they were doing their job and removing all that fluid. Love the gifts and bracelets--have you chosen your word yet? ❤️
Tweks-- You mentioned that you are on to proton therapy-- where are you receiving it? I'm trying to receive that treatment because of my chest/heart/lungs having already been radiated, but having trouble being accepted by PT facilities.... so I finally went right to MDA. They are reviewing all my records now and I should know if they grant me a consult in the next few days.
Hiker--Give yourself Grace! All those around you should be giving you grace as well. You just retuned from battle. You are still recovering both mentally and physically. You take the time you need. We understand and we will support you. ❤️
Jennifer--aka Little Chick-- anxiety comes with the territory for sure....Breathe! I am trying to incorporate those deep belly meditative breaths into my every day. They really help. I really liked the image you posted on TNBC. I have since shared it with several friends-- thanks!
8th-- what the heck is up with the bloat?? I sooo empathize! I can't get over how swollen I am. I have eaten like a bird and yet have 13 extra lbs gained on me over these months! I thought it was steroid related but when I asked the doc a couple of days ago he said it was the Taxotere. I'm certainly hoping it starts to disappear once I pass my 3-week post infusion date. Has anyone else dealt with this like we are?
Agatha-- so happy for you! Love the feeling that with each side effect you are dealing with, you know it is your last time!!! Praying for great results on your scans-- keep us posted! 🙏🏻
Keep climbing Sara Joy! Though the fatigue of bouncing blood counts still plagues me, the feeling of being poisoned has finally left me. I know in a week my counts will rebound and I'll NOT have to get knocked back down, and you neither! Keep climbing! Up, up, up!! Yay!!
I saw my MO on Tuesday. He scheduled a brain MRI for me this Saturday. Says he wants to cover all bases. Has anyone had one? I had a PET scan post surgery, before chemo that was clear. I hate that there is nothing to measure if chemo "worked" on rouge cancer cells. But maybe since PET doesn't cover brain he just wants to be sure? Anyway, please pray for my brain scan. On to rads next-- still waiting on MDA. All records from my previous rads 25-years ago no longer exist and this is a big bump in the road. We'll see if affects the outcome. Thanks you all for your thoughts! Happy post Valentine's Day! Hope everyone's was showered with extra LOVE! 😘😘
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Mama - I went with "I am titanium". I don't know if you are familiar with that song, but it's become a bit of a mantra for me. "All your bullets ricochet. You shoot me down, but I get up I'm bulletproof nothing to lose Fire away, fire away. Ricochet, you take your aim. Fire away, fire away. You shoot me down but I won't fall, I am titanium". But "Warrior Mode" was a close second. :-)
I did some searching yesterday morning before I went to treatment because I wanted to be able to describe better what my arm felt like. I found this article on this site and thought, "That's it exactly!" http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/side_effects... So, I brought it up at treatment. The NP thought that my arm was a touch swollen too. She wanted to make sure that I didn't have a blood clot (even though she really didn't think so), so after treatment I had to go over to the hospital across the street and get an ultrasound. No blood clot so that is good. I need to see the occupational therapist. My NP didn't mention the cording to her, but mentioned the swelling. So do I have lymphedema AND cording? Or just one or the other. I can't get in to the OT until the 26th which is annoying. Everything in this business take so long. *sigh* In the meantime, I can just stretch away....
The Parkland situation is just so distressing. I don't understand why people can't be sensible and realize this is a multi-faceted problem and we have several things we have to do to try and prevent these things. It's not just one single issue that will solve the problem. Just senseless...
Ok. I didn't sleep well because of the lovely steroids and had to take a zofran so my eyes are goofy. I'm going to go watch the Price is Right! And try to relax and forget about the sadness...
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Last one girls. I never thought I would say, "I can't wait to get chemo!" But I couldn"t wait to get this last one over and I rang that bell so loud I woke everybody up. Could not stop grinning all day. I am sure I am still riding the steroid high but I am feeling awesome. Monday go for my Rad consultation. A few weeks off and onto 7wk's of radiation ugh!!
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Eight and MaMa I too have gained about 15 lbs during my 12 weeks of taxol. My stomach is so bloated I don't think it was ever this big when I was 9mos. pregnant. My Oncologist also said it will come off after treatments are over. I can't wait until I have the energy to go for a walk or do some exercise. I go to work and come home and crash. I feel so out of shape. My OC signed me up for a study on nutrition and exercise for cancer prevention. Hopefully that will get my butt in gear.
Many ladies are talking about depression this week and believe me I had my days too. I remember someone posting about the steroid crash and after riding that high it was always hard for me about day 4 or 5 then things evened out. I always reminded my self in a day or so things will get better. "This to shall pass" as they say. Hang in there you are almost through this hardship.
Lisa our hair looks about the same length. I can't get used to how white mine is. I am thinking of putting some semi permanent color on it. My thought is it might look thicker if it had some color. Though I am afraid my scalp might get more color than my hair LOL i have also heard that color won't take on the white hair. I might have to go a couple shades darker. for it to take. Let you know what happens, unless I chicken out.
I have been using the Nioxin shampoo and just started the hair growth treatment. It is ladies minoxidil but a higher dose than what they sell at the drug store. Downside you have to apply it 2 times a day, but seems to be helping to thicken up the top of my hair. Can't wait to ditch the wigs.
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Congratulations Lisa and DKK on your last chemo!!! What a long road but we are doing it! Good luck on your next phase of treatment.
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Big congrats to everyone finishing up. Happy valentines week hehe. So sorry I havent been here but I had to get as far from cancer as I could for awhile. Ive been done chemo now for 2 months and SE still present chemo runed my esophagus some how... Still haveing gassy acid stuff going on and the meds make it worse I see my family doc next wéek and my MO in 3 weeks (next Herceptin) i also have sore feet all the time and i laugh but just last week or so lost my eyebrows n eyelashs.. So heads up to anyone that kept them... Never dawned on me 2 months later and SE are still an issue.
On a happy note my (Herceptin) infuision was on valentines day so the chemo nurses were handing out roses. And afterwards hubby and i went for lunch at a very popular small 🍔 place. My inlaws friends were just finishing up their lunch and offered us their booth. They made a scence of grats on being done chemo and all felt my fuzzy head and had good laugh... Anyway someone else in the small restaurant paid for our bill.. I was shocked into instant tears. Staff told me this pay it forward lady just started her treatment. Im still all emotional over it. I just had to share with you all. Big hugs and grats on being done it does get easier and be patient with the SE it takes time be good to your self.
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Good Morning and Happy Friday!! Congratulations to all those finishing their chemo treatments this week!!! I COULD NOT Believe the hair some of you have, that is wonderful!!! I am still pretty bald, with just a very short dusting of hair growth. My work situation evened out this week, and my co-worker was actually fun to be around most of it. We finished the interviews for my replacement and hired someone who we all agreed seemed like a perfect fit. I train her next week. This has made me stress much less on the time off work for surgery. I counted up my sick leave/vacation and I think I will have enough to cover 4 weeks of being out, and then another 3 weeks for the next surgery. I may not use the total 4 weeks this time, and save some for the DIEP surgery which will be a longer recovery... but I have options and it takes off some of the stress. It pains me that I will have no vacation time left, which I have saved my time for years in the event I wanted to take a long vacation and feel cheated to be using it for surgery. On the other-side, grateful I DID save it because now I need it for an emergency.
I relate to those with low energy levels, I want to exercise daily, but like someone else said, I come home from work and drop...completely exhausted, I get out on weekends, but it is not enough for weight loss. I too feel bloated and heavy all the time. I gained about 14 lbs too, but only started gaining after Taxol. And it has not gone away, but then I have been eating more. My regular meals are on track and healthy, but I go rabid for sweets at night!!! I have just got to stop buying them!!! But I am so WEAK in that area. I know sugar feeds cancer but it has not stopped me... hopefully some of you can relate.
Happy weekend to everyone, I have my pre-surgery appt on Monday, and looking forward to that.
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Lisa- Which Nioxin did you get? I see they have a website, also see it on Ulta's and JcPenney. JcPenney has their products buy one get one 50% off right now, if I can figure out the right one to buy. I wonder if I should wait till after last chemo to use, for me its still 32 days and then surgery is going to happen fast (20 days) after.
My eyebrows are just sad. I only have a few hairs hanging on. One is long that I push over like a comb over. LOL I have Look Good Feel Better class on Monday. I bought the wunderbrow but haven't tried it yet. I need to look on how to remove and if I have anything, before trying.
I wear beanie 98% of the time. Only put on my wig if I need to go into daughters school or for her activities (but I haven't been going to much lately because of flu news). It is getting more uncomfortable wearing them as the weather warms up. Today and yesterday, we are near 80 degrees. Feels weird wearing a beanie with t-shirt and capris. In winter clothes, it doesn't seem so obvious and uncomfortable.
Love the ring the bell pic Dkk!
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Made it through chemo.....and on to Spruce Meadows. Next stop....healing!!
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Last chemo coming up on Monday. So glad to be done with this.
Next comes surgery. Scheduled for March 29. I'd be willing to go sooner but surgeon said they want to wait until four weeks after chemo.
The nurse forgot to label my blood vial when she sent in my genetic testing, so the testing center said they can't use it and I had to have it redrawn. So I am again three weeks out in getting the results.
Despite the lack of these results, I decided on a bilateral mastectomy and lymph node removal with tissue expanders. All four women in my family of origin have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Two sisters tested negative for the BRCA gene, mom never tested. So must be something in the water we drank. Just gonna getter done.
I will needs rads after surgery and will use that time to decide if I want to go with implants or diep flap reconstruction. No clue which direction I want to go.
I'll worry about that tomorrow.
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DKK and Lisa.... and anyone else wrapping up chemo.... a huge congrats! It really is a feat to have gotten through it.
I did speak with my MO about my weight and she is going to hook me up with their nutrition counselor. She does feel that as my energy returns I will get rid of my additional weight. I have been walking more and have started to get back on the treadmill.... so I will see what advice the nutritionist can lend help things along. It's not that I'm eating crap or anything but I would like some guidance on what combinations of food to eat as well as food that my be more enjoyable since chemo has changed my tastebuds .... maybe that will change back over time. The weight wouldn’t bother me so much if I wasn’t bald at the same time but oh well. I do see the hair coming in. It’s only been a few weeks post chemo do I need to be patient. I am using something called emu joy that does seem to work
Anyway, I then went to my radiation simulation...I start on Monday, everyday after work for 6 weeks. Not looking forward to it .... but then again, who is
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Hello ladies. I’m at my lake house this weekend with my husband, just feeling joy in being alive and enjoying nature. To celebrate the end of chemo, we bought a new bird feeder. It took the birds about 2 hours to find it, then they entertained us the rest of the day. In the evening, the Olympic skaters entertained us. So all in all a great day.
DKK, congratulations on finishing up, too.
MrsWinnie, that is a great story. I’m so glad that you’re feeling good.
Simbobby, that’s a long time to wait but I’m a little jealous that you’ll be able to enjoy being free of chemo for a few weeks. I only get two weeks before major surgery and I fear it’s too much too soon. The good news is that you’ll be getting stronger everyday.
Eight out of...let us know what your nutritionist says. I’m due to meet with a nutritionist after surgery. She’s a friend of a friend. I’ve already been slipping on my diet and need to get back on track. It’s hard not to celebrate with food!
Jenn, I’m using 2% Nioxin. Have to ask my MO if it’s ok to use the week before surgery. Re WunderBrow, you can either pay for the remover or just use alcohol on a cotton swab to remove it. My one eyebrow is about 75% while my right brow only has ~25% left. Trust me, it requires practice drawing on eyebrows that match! I should have taken a photo of some of my attempts for comic relief.
Meeting with my PS on Monday to pick out my new boobs, although his NP said that much depends on how much room he has after the mastectomy. I honestly don’t care if they’re big, just as long as they’re something. And if they don’t work out, out they will come.
I honestly didn’t feel that fear of finishing up yet. Maybe it’s because I still have surgery and a ton of related dr appointments on the calendar.
Sara, so happy to see you getting on with getting on. It’s so inspiring.
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DKK - Congrats on being done!!
Mrs. Winnie - What a great story! That brought tears to my eyes. They handed out roses at my center too on Valentine's Day. I'm sorry you are still experiencing side effects, but good to know you are almost done!
Hiker - So glad work is less stressful to you. I have to say - sweets (other than Laffy Taffy) hasn't been a big issue with me. They don't taste right at all. So I got that going for me for a little while at least.
Jennifer - I know how you feel about eyebrows, wigs, and beanies...but I can't imagine 80 degrees right now!! We were happy we were going to hit 30 earlier in the week and today it's going to be a massive heat wave of almost 50!!! :-)
Yay Sara!!!! I feel like doing cartwheels for you. (Figuratively of course...I'd knock myself out if I tried to do a real one right now!)
Simbobby - How frustrating that is!! My SIL and I have talked about how much waiting and waiting there is in this whole process. It's frustrating. I'm sure you are listening to your gut though to make your hard decision.
Eight - I totally want to talk to a nutrition counselor too when chemo is getting close to being over!! I'm sure you will rock rads!!
I get to go see the occupational therapist, but not until the 27th. It's kind of crazy it takes so long. My NP mentioned to her that I was a little swollen, but didn't mention the cording I don't think. So I don't really know right now what they are thinking. If I do have lymphedema, I'm mad at my surgeon for telling me - even when I asked point blank - that I didn't have to worry about it since I only had four nodes removed.
The weekends are my bad days, but I'm not awful so far today. I was a bit nauseous this morning, but I took a zofran. My eyes are goofy. I'm a bit achey. All in all not horrible. I am bored though. I told my husband we need to go out for a drive later to give me something to look at besides a book or a screen!!!
Here's hoping you all have a good weekend with minimal side effects!!
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Wow...Jennifer and Lisa! Hair? That is awesome! So I had Taxol, finished January 12...no hair in sight. Eyebrows and lashes left this week. I look scary.
Hiker...I got down about a month ago. Oncologist couldn't believe it because I did well through treatment. He gave me lexapro and it took about 3 weeks before I felt fifty percent better. I can relate to how you feel. It is awful.
I am getting these crappy expanders out march 15th. Not thrilled about another surgery but want these bricks gone. In this day and age, how can it still be so barbaric...ugh.
Congratulations to all who finished chemo...yay you...
Oh and Petey...it has been almost 90 degrees here and the wig makes it super yucky. Send me some 30 degree days please 😉
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I DKK my first thought was to wonder how you got through chemo without losing your hair, it looks that natural! I had one Taxol on November 3 when I had to stop and now my hair is about the same length as my eyebrow hairs...in other words, it's got a long way to go.
Jennifer522: I returned the wunderbrow. I couldnt figure out how to make corrections or remove it completely if my fake drawn on brows looked phony. And it's too $$$ to just sit in a drawer. Next to return is the eyelashes!!
You all sound so chipper and I'm so bummed cuz I have no energy, only a ravenous appetite for all the unhealthy things and little energy to get up and walk and get some exercise, so desperately needed.
I've had eight days,of Proton radiation and am thinking what's causing the fatigue. My doctor sometimes teases me by saying it's just Lazy Butt Syndrome and I should force myself to stay on my treadmill anyway I can. Warm weather sure would help!
Stay with it ladies, you all sound so strong and so positive!
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Quick note to say thank you to everyone empathizing with the taxane bloat. I am almost 3 weeks PFC and hoping to start to make a positive turn on all fronts. Just knowing that I don't have to start my fast today and go for chemo on Tuesday fills my heart with needed joy!
Loved the bell ringing photo DKK! Congratulations on crossing the finish line! And Good Luck Simbody with your final treatment tomorrow!! Last time--Yay!!
Thank you for sharing your story Ms.Winnie! I think we are gifted with a task of paying it forward and hopefully gracing someone with unexpected joy. You deserve it! Congrats!
Your wish came true Sara to make it to Spruce Meadows to cheer on your daughter!! Shine!!!
Petey-- I went to OT for months after my surgery because I had cording. They mainly did long rubbing strokes on the area (was in the inside are of my forearm near my elbow), and instructed me to rub it the same and stretch it open and closed and open and closed....but lots of rubbing. Do you have a sleeve? You can buy one at an athletic store as a "cheat sleeve" or something temp until you meet with them. I find that my mild lymphedema is like a barometer! When the humidity goes up, so does the swelling and discomfort... and then my sleeve goes on. Summer humidity is going to be tough! Good luck with everything!
Had my brain MRI yesterday-- not much fun, but manageable . Now it's just waiting and praying for clear results. Last time I did a test "just to be safe" was my breast biopsy, and look where that took me, so I can't help but to have scan-xiety. I know you all can empathize. I'll report back next week.
Thinking of all of you this week with courage and power! 🙏🏻💪🏼😃
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My Husband's sister, who is 6 years in remission from stage 2 brain cancer, came out to the lake with her family. Turns out her husband, age 52, who's never smoked or drank, has tonsil cancer. In December, he noticed that his taste had changed and went to the dr who put him on a round of antibiotics. That didn't help so last week he went back to the dr. Several scans and a biopsy later and here we are. Next week they’ll do a pET scan to see if it’s traveled. I’m praying hard that it hasnt. Life has just spat on my husband's family. They lost both of their parents (heart disase dad and ovarian cancer Mom) when they were in HS/college. And now my nieces have to live with the fear of both of their parents having cancer.
In addition to this, the Aunt who raised the younger kidsafter their parents died was diagnosed a few weeks ago with Stage IV liver cancer.
I cannot express how much I hate cancer.
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Re WunderBrow: Here is what I do. I take a slanted brush and place the stain where my eyebrows are/ used to be. I wait about 15 seconds, and then I use the brush end to swipe up. That gives the hint of an eyebrow when all it really is is stain. What I love is that it'll last for 2 to 3 days without reapplication.I'll show pictures as soon as my nieces leave with all their WiFi hogging devices
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Hello Ladies, congratulations Lisa and DKK on finishing chemo and anyone else I left out. Simboddy you are almost there!. Lisa, so sorry to hear about your BIL and Aunt. We all HATE CANCER!!!! KimCee, I finished Taxol Dec. 28th and last week got the white fuzzies and this week saw some dark hair coming in...Yea!! Eyelashes are almost gone and half the eyebrows. Weird how 7-8 weeks later this happens. Hiker, glad to hear you got someone hired and can now rest easier before you surgery. Hang in there. On the OT side I am still going, partly because I fell down the steps and now my range of motion has been affected. I love going and recommend everyone tries to find one that specializes in breast cancer and go after surgery. It is so therapeutic,and encouraging. All the ladies understand where we are and what we need. Joyseeker, so glad you got to go cheer your daughter on. MamaFelice praying for clear results! I have a question, my Oncologist told me I needed to be on a pill now for 5 years because I was slightly ER+ anyone else having to do this? I can't remember the name, I guess cause,my brain just shut down when told there is something else to do. Found out I still have 2 surgeries to deal with since I have fat neurosis in my reconstructed breast and will need to make the other one match 3 months later. Then nipple and tattoo. It's so disheartening to know you still have so much ahead of you with this crap. Thank God, I'm still alive and so much better off than others. Just had to vent. Thanks to Lexapro, I'm not crying my eyes out. Hang in there ladies and have a great week.
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Kim - We are at 25 today with icing everywhere. Schools that weren't closed for President's Day are closed and accident reports have been put on hold. I'll gladly send that your way because we are supposed to repeat it tomorrow!
Mama - Thank you for the ideas about cording. I've been trying to stretch, but I haven't really rubbed too much. I really want a lymphediva sleeve if I have to get one, but man they are expensive!!
Oh Lisa - I am so sorry for you and your family. So much pain and heartache to this *&^$#&! disease. I will be praying for you family as you all go through this difficult time!!
Brandy - Hang in there. I know it's such a long road to begin with and those undergoing reconstruction have so much more ahead. I'm so sorry. As for the pill, are you referring to Tamoxifen? I am ER+/PR+ so I will be on Taxmoifen for at least five years. They are actually recommending 10 years because they have found it more effective, but so many people struggle with Tamoxifen that five seems to be an average time people take it. Plus...there might be new therapies by then (crossing fingers), so we will reevaluate at five. There is lots of literature out there on Tamoxifen, but there is a lot of anti-tamoxifen sentiment out there too. Make sure what you are reading comes from a reputable site. (Says the librarian. LOL)
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2brandy, many of my cousins and aunts who had hormone positive BC were put on 5 year pills. I don't think that's uncommon at all, and it's actually a godsend to have it, so look at it as a blessing! I'm glad you can come here and vent. Cancer does really stink. Can you tell me more about OT? I am looking forward to playing tennis again after surgery but do wonder how these implants are going to impact my range of motion.
Today my husband and I returned home from a wonderful long weekend at the lake. Because I was a slug much of the weekend, we walked most of our 3.5 mile walking trail. We used to do this several times a week before BC, 5 long months ago, and today I was slightly out of breath going up a small hill. Geez! Add in numb feet and I still have a long way to go before I feel like my old self. And just when I feel like I'm on the road to recovery....here comes my DMX. I'm sure not looking forward to being bedridden again after my 2/28 surgery, but I'm so happy to be facing the last major milestone before I jump off the BC treadmill and into the "After Cancer" phase of my life. I was even happy when my eyebrows and eyelashes fell out because I read from others on the site to expect it when I'm near the end, or even after chemo ends.
Can someone who's had their DMX already please left me know what I can expect in terms of recovery? My daughter is taking off work to be with me the 2 days after surgery, and my husband will be home over the weekend. My parents are planning to come the Monday after and stay for as long as I need. But I have no idea how long that will be. Will I be able to function on my own 12 days after surgery? When will I be able to walk? Drive myself places?
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I went to Look Good, Feel Better today and like others have said I highly recommend the class. I only wish I would have went a month or so ago when I had more eyebrows to work with. I am down to just a few hairs on each. And I realized today, I have no bottom eyelashes anymore and the top is pretty sparse.
The class was really centered around keeping makeup hygienic to prevent infections. Using lots of disposable, one time tools to apply makeup and even face cream. I loved the face cream that came in my bag from Estee Lauder. I looked up online and it was $305 retail cost. Whoa! I better enjoy the jar I have now, not sure I would spend that much on face cream in the future.
They did help with drawing eyebrows in and I feel a little more confident it trying myself. Not a big makeup person but miss my brows!
It was nice having some little conversations with other women. 3 of the 8 were in chemo now with no hair. The lady the next to me was starting chemo this week and it was nice being able to give some reassurance to another woman, knowing how scary going into chemo is. The other 4 were going through radiation without chemo.
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At my insistence, I met again with my PS to pick out my new boobs. At our first meeting, we discussed procedures generally, and he showed me the different types of implants, but I never indicated which one I preferred because at the time I was leaning heavily towards lumpectomy.
Anyway, after switching to immediate implants, I was shocked when after 3 days of not hearing from the PS, I called and the NP said that he didn't need to meet with me. Had I not insisted on meeting again, I guess he'd have just picked for me, which I find rather insulting. I highly doubt he'd have treated a woman who came in for an augmentation so dismissively. Although I'm not happy with him, it's too late to switch as I'm scheduled to have surgery on 2/28 and don't want any delays. I still haven't gotten any definitive answers on whether there are cancer cells still in my breast or even if I have lymph node involvement, because in this antiquated system, you don't get the biopsy results back until after they've done the cancer-removal surgery.
Anyway, I decided on the round ones vs. the textured teardrop ones because the textured ones have a very slight risk (latest numbers are 1 in 6,000) of developing lymphoma. Well, that was all I needed to hear. I've been on the losing end of those numbers lately, and I just want to say goodbye to cancer.
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Lisa-- sorry about all the crazy cancer happening to your husband's family. It is such a terrible disease that eventually science will figure out what genetically ignites it and how to turn that spark plug off! I pray it is before my children are adults, but my mother said the same for me-- she passed from BC in 1989. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
But Lisa I must add on a better note that your eyebrows look fabulous! Where do I find the WunderBrow? Will an ulta or sephora have it or do I need to order on line? Crazy about your bs not calling you back in to decide on implants. Go with your gut on that decision. I had BMX without recon and for me it was 3 weeks until I got my final drains out. My surgeon said no driving until drains out (I had 3 total due to ANLD). But I would say I was moving around quite normal after a week...just limited range of motion. Of course I had my surgery before chemo, so you will have to give your body grace and allow it to rest if it tells you to. How are you feeling otherwise after final chemo?
Jennifer-- sounds like a lovely experience at the LGFG class! I've been wanting to take but their schedule at our hospital as always landed on my chemo day, so I am going to try to catch the one at the beginning of March....but I desperately need eyebrow help as they are just about all gone and want to try Lisa's product. Sounds like it was a lovely experience among all walks of Pink Sisters!
Petey-- I just went to lyphediva website and they are having 20% off sale plus free shipping....but also saw that they have discounted seconds where there may be a slight imperfection in the printing. I am going to take a look myself and see about ordering a fun one to wear in the summer! I wonder if they apply 20% off the discounted ones. I'll let you know what I decide and the quality of what arrives.
I must share how my heart has found some Joy-- Hip Hip Hooray! No Chemo Today! I would normally be heading in this morning for chemo treatment and I am so happy to be in bed next to my snoring hubby! And I did receive great blessings yesterday-- my brain scan is all clear-- yay!-- and as a re-radiated patient I have qualified as a candidate for proton therapy at MDA! I head out there on 2/28 to discuss all my options. Not sure exactly what I will choose to do, but feeling so blessed it is an option now!
Beautiful day to all! 😃🦋☀️
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Woo hoo on no chemo and clean scans! I, too, am filled with joy because I know that this Wednesday will come and go and my body won't have to be put through that again. I cannot wait for all of us to pass the finish line!
MamaFelice, I ordered WunderBrow2 online at their website when I had a 20% discount code (posted on their FB page), or it's also available on Amazon. A month ago, I got an email from them for 20% off, so I ordered a 2nd one to keep at our lake house, since I don't know when and where my brows and lashes are going to fall out. I've read here that sometimes you lose them 2 or even 3 times!. It's pretty expensive (~$20) but it does offer a 30 day money back guarantee. FYI, I don't use the brush that is included as it's too heavy handed for my taste. I ordered a brush set from Amazon and use the middle one, linked below.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N0JMK1I/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Apparently, I was REALLY stressed out about losing my brows as evidenced by all the products I bought last fall, including brow powder, Model in a Bottle (keeps brow powder on), 2 Anastasia eyeliners, stencils, brushes and even a human hair set! LOL. I can't imagine what I was thinking when I bought that last item. I can't even wear a wig without feeling ridiculous; I can't imagine stepping out with fake eyebrows! Anyway, I have to say WB is the only product I use regularly, and I swear I'm not getting paid to say that.
BTW, if if anyone wants stencils, Model in a Bottle, or a human hair eyebrow set (RV: $55!) in brown, please say the word and I'll be happy to ship them off to you, free of charge.
https://www.headcovers.com/eyebrow-wigs-stick-on-e...
Some more good news: My daughter's MIL, who has CNS Lymphoma, had a stem cell transplant 2 weeks ago, and the early reports are very good. Woot!
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Lisa - I wish I could help you. I don't know for sure if you will be ok by day 12, but maybe? I bet there are gals in the surgery thread who could help you. I can't believe that about your PS. I know you don't want to prolong things by switching, but man that's infuriating. Too funny on the eyebrow stuff, but I have to say that losing my brows was a bit harder on me than I expected. I considered getting the temporary tattoo kind, but honestly, since I'm not working...I probably won't. We'll see where I'm at come June when I actually have to teach!
Jennifer - If/when you run out of the Estee Lauder (which I loved, but I think is under $100 where I live), I picked up Olay Regenerist Microsculpting. Good Housekeeping rated it really high as a moisturizer saying that it lasts up to 24 hours and works better than some similar, more expensive (I'm looking at you Estee Lauder) moisturizers. The jars even look almost identical except for a silver lid versus a gold. It seems to work really well.
Mama - Do let me know about the sleeves!! I wish my appt. was sooner. I suppose I could call and ask if I need one, but then I don't know size and compression...she didn't even really want to go into too much detail about exercises over the phone, so I don't know if she'll talk sleeves or not. It occurred to me that I don't even know if my appt. is 30 min. or 60 min. I should probably call though and find out! So glad you didn't have to get up and your scans are clear and you qualify for proton therapy! Sounds like it was a good day for you!
Not much new going on here today. Neuropathy is getting worse. My hands feel funny all the time which stinks. But other than that...it's the same old, same old side effects. Treatment #8 tomorrow if they aren't worried too badly about the neuropathy. We'll see.
Hang in there everyone!
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Curious to find out which Estee Lauder moisturizer they give at the Look Good, Feel Better. I'm supposed to go in two weeks. Hopefully it won't be during my really down time after treatment. Thanks.
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This was the one in my bag Mudd. Don't know if everyone had the same. Since it's all donations and 3 different skin tones to choose from. I was just floored and greatful how generous of supplies were included.I am just beat tonight and my body/back hurts. Think I pushed it today. Went for a walk, did regular housework, cooking, childcare and didn't nap. I remember reading chemo ages you 20 years and you lose 30% of you prior fitness level. Feeling it today!
I haven't read through all the posts yet but skimmed and saw some good news! Always great to hear
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Chemo is done! After 5 months and 40 appointments, treatments and procedures, it's on to phase 2.
No bell ringing at my chemo center but lots of hugs. I still have to return there every three weeks for Herceptin infusions for the remainder of this year so they'll be seeing me again.
Lisa - I have been brow obsessed. Dealt ok with losing my hair but when the brows and lashes went, I always look sick. Pencils, gels, tattoos, stamps- not happy with anything and can't draw them on to save my soul. So I sprung for the $55 eyebrow wigs and hope they work because they are non-returnable. Should be here in a week. I see you "lol'" your purchase so was curious what your experience was.
I wouldn't really care but I have a new boss flying in from Singapore and a round of customer visits with him so I need to look professional. Or at least like I'm still alive.
Picked up some things in preparation for my upcoming surgery. Wedge pillow, old lady housecoat that velcros up the front, the reaching gadget, a laptop pillow desktop. I'm sure the list will grow. Always watching for tips.
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