Chemo starting April 2018
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Undrago I would say I definitely have heartburn worse than I ever did before chemo. A lot of different foods set mine off. Mainly chocolate and coffee are the big culprits. I only take something when it starts up but I think I might have to go to an everyday pill. I have also managed to put on 23 pounds! UGG. Yeah that sucks about your mammogram being pushed out that far. That would be a little nerve-wracking. So far my oncologist is scheduled to see me and June. They told me I have to wear a mask and gloves, I can not bring anyone with me.
Are state is slowly reopening. Taking baby steps to reconnect. How about everybody else out there?
InnaB how are your parents and your husband doing? Are you hanging in pretty good? Really praying that you don't get it as well.
I'm amazed at some of the attitude of certain people. Some people are being so rude and nasty about things being closed down and how our governor has chose not to open it all up in one shot. Some people are getting so nasty I've actually chosen to block them on my Facebook until this is over. They have no regard for other people's feelings. I think that yes there are people out there that say let's open it up and roll, and then there are other people out there scared to death that they're going to get it. I just feel that you need to have empathy for both parties involved and not be so pushy regarding your own personal opinion.
I've been having swelling in my right arm and breast area. I got to see my lymphedema specialist yesterday and she told me to change out bras and start wearing an tight exercise tank. Any suggestions on the bras out there?
Hugs to all of you! Stay safe!
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So I posted a while ago that I was supposed to have my annual mammo last week, was surprised to hear it was still on as scheduled (diagnostic vs. screening), but decided to postpone it until late June. Really difficult decision for me (and I am usually quick to decide things and then don't look back). So yesterday our Governor decides that he will not extend the ban on elective surgeries and going to the dentist, so that will all re-start tomorrow. It got me re-thinking my situation. I was honestly trying to decide if the <admittedly tiny> probability of contracting the virus is greater now or in a few months. I got some reassuring words from a BC buddy about her husband's trip to his doctor recently--she said medical offices are much safer than, say, your local grocery store. So. I called the scheduling department back and now have an appointment for the mammo/us a week from tomorrow. I am really happy with that. I know we all like to get these behind us. And really I'm not sure if the situation will be better or worse two months from now--it's possible we will have opened a lot of things back up only to see another rise in infections. Ennyhoo--that's where I am, looking forward to my appt, and hope to get the all-clear that same day. Hang in there, ladies!!!
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Ooo, Urdrago, I wouldn't want to wait that long for the mammo (peace of mind). Maybe you can call the office and ask to be put on their cancellation list. We have one in our office and call people all the time. Hoping your acid reflux has settled down. Maybe stress? We're all a little off kilter because of worries about the virus.
Speaking of that, I've been thinking a lot about, you, Inna, if you read this. Hoping your hubby is doing well and you are staying healthy. Sending good thoughts.
Nice to see you, Duffy! I'm happy your sister-in-law has recovered.
Stay safe, everyone!
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Hi, everybody. Appreciate the positive thoughts sent my way. My parents and my husband are slowly recovering. It’s been 6 weeks for my father, and the third week for my husband. They are definitely feeling better, but very weak. My father is still somewhat confused, but his doctor doesn’t think he has a beginning of dementia or survived a mini-stroke. He thinks it’s all result of the virus and a high fever. I really hope so. Somehow my son and I are still virus free. I got my son tested because he is asthmatic, the test came back negative. Well, I’ll take any piece of good news coming my way.
In a bizarre twist, my sister in Moscow got sick yesterday. She has high fever, chills, body pains and a sore throat. You’d think she’ll be tested for the virus, right? Not true! Russia still has physicians coming to people’s houses instead of the sick people going to the doctor’s office. So, a doctor comes in and tells her that she has a viral strep throat without doing a strep test. He refuses to test her for coronavirus, but prescribes azitromycin and some anti-viral drug. I don’t know what to think about this. It’s too surreal to be real.
My daughter had a birthday a couple of days ago, and her fiancé arranged a zoom call with a bunch of her friends and us, of course. We all got on the call at the same time, watched her blow off the candles on the cake and sung Happy Birthday. One day I’ll write a story about it.
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InnaB, I am SO happy to know you are well and your family along with you! I am sure your father's confusion is an aftermath of being so sick. Years ago, my father had a mild heart attack and was in the hospital for a few days, then came home very confused and was sundowning (basically, you get your days and nights mixed up). The doctor said he would slowly come out of it as he healed. I'll bet your dad will, too. Another elderly neighbor of Dad's had about 6 weeks of confusion after he was hospitalized, so I guess it is a common phenomenon with seniors.
It's hard to believe your sister's symptoms were dismissed, but I know that Russian cases are skyrocketing. Even the Prime Minister was just diagnosed with it. I imagine a refusal of testing on the doctor's part may have to do with trying to keep the official virus numbers low? In any case, I hope she "only" has a mild case and recovers quickly.
It's so nice that you got to enjoy your daughter's birthday, even if it was via Zoom. We've been having virtual Friday Happy Hours with friends and that has helped with social distancing rules.
Stay well, my friends!
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All clear on the mammo. WOOT WOOT!
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Ingerp. Woo! Hoo! Congrades! Wonderful news!!
I am back in lymphedema therapy. Went to see Rads Dr for yearly checkup and ended up being put back in therapy. Before going you have to get temp taken and wear a mask.
Looking forward to nicer weather. Someday! Lol
Huggs Everyone!!
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Thanks and sorry to hear that, Life. My MO/RO check-ins have been postponed but I really don’t care. I’ve liked our spring—cooler than normal but a good mix of sun and rain. I do not like the summer heat. I wrapped up in a comforter yesterday afternoon and sat outside for hours.
Happy Mother’s Day to all for whom it’s appropriate!
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HAPPY MOM'S DAY / HAPPY FUR BABY
MOM'S DAY TO EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU!!!
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Ingerp - Congratulations on the good Mammogram !
Life - Glad they could get you in for lymphedema therapy. I'm amazed at what medical services have been categorized as nonessential. Daughter who has horrible allergy induced asthma was bumped from her allergy shots because they were considered nonessential. So now she has to start all over again.
Just heard from my MO that next weeks quarterly check up will be through FaceTime. I was thrilled to hear that because I really didn't want to enter any medical facility.
I think spring is finally coming here. We had snow and cold weather for Mother's Day weekend and it did not make me happy.
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InnB - super glad ur husband is doing well and son doesnt have it. Praying for your husband..and your father as Ive seen it cld be from the fevers.
Ingrep- congrats!!!
Gawarrior, your correct and I had Zoom appt. Today with my replacement oncologist doctor(Chamarthy retired.) New doc thomas she said, sparrow cancer cntr is
doing mammogram. She will schedule it there and get my blood work completed since its not been done in a year. She likes to evaluate it and watch for abnormals. Im okay with that. I go for CT scan end of month. Ive been having a random cough. I think its due to radiation damage and blow it off. But when I where the mask for prolonged time and raise my heart rate the coughing increases. Smh . Dont feel like the lungs have healed completely..I return to 1 day a week next week. I feel like going rhru chemo has prepared me for covid..unfortunately..
Life - its finally going to be nice enuff here that Im going to get plants for outdoors. And Im readtly to started planting my garden.
So crazy how fast things in the world have changed.Ive even started buy meat from a farmer than stores.
Thankful for this group and my extended family!
God bless us. Sending cyber hugs!
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InnaB, how are you and your family doing? I'm hoping you've stayed well and that everyone else has recovered.
Yippee, Ingerp, congrats on the clear mammo!
Life, I hope your lymphedema is better now.
Urdrago, how is your reflux doing? Did you get your CT scan done yet? Obviously, please let us know the results.
Duffy, I hope your virtual MO visit went well. I have an MO appt slated for 6/1, and figured they would probably do it virtually, too. In other news, my daughter and I signed up for the Disney World marathon this coming January. She was injured and didn't get to do it in 2018 when her hubby and I ran, so she's been wanting to do this one. Unfortunately, it was completely sold out in less than a week, so we had to get registered through a fund raising team - so now I'm stuck trying to raise money for it (or I have to pay for the amount the team requires by myself! Eeeek). I have no idea how it will go if the virus is still running around by then. Excited and also dreading the training!
I'm still off work (yippee!) but go back to the front lines (dental) on 6/1/20. I am sooooo not wanting to go back. Combine the virus with 23 years of twisting my body around like a pretzel, and the resulting arthritis in my neck and back and I am over it. Gonna try to go part time if my boss will let me (or job hunt if he won't!).
Have a good Memorial Day weekend, everyone! Stay safe!
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Hi, ladies! Everybody is healthy again! Well, sort of. My daughter had to start taking steroids and anti-anxiety meds, my parents are currently being pampered by their home attendant, my husband started exercising again, am I am officially overweight. I started intermittent fasting 2 weeks ago, no change yet. I am not eating any sweets except 90% dark chocolate for months, didn’t make a dent in my bum. Started Noom today. Let’s see how this one goes.
Ingerp, congrats on clean Mammo!
Life, good luck with lymphedema! It’s a bane of my existence. Can’t wait for my surgery in June. Thankfully, it’s not considered elective for some reason, and I will get it. Really hope it works, otherwise I just don’t know how to go on like this.
Trying to get off Effexor for the past 6 months. Now I am down to half a 25 mg pill every other day. My mood darkened up a little, but not too bad.
GAWarrior, wow, a Disney World marathon! As in, running around Disney World? I thought it’s closed. This quarantine needs to end soon. Missing my vacations and long walks
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Gawarrior, hmmm reflex sucks.. I got rid of it to come back last night.. giess I'll be talking to my doctors about it..also arthritis sucks..im thinking its exposed sooner bcuz of chemo?!? Your thoughts?? CT is still on for 29th of this month. My guess is I'll have to wait thru the weekend to get results.
Im on every four months for check ups what about everyone else?
How long does it take to get settled in a new house..smh.. I dont recall last time i moved it taking this long..
Stay at home order is still n place for Michigan. No camping for me so Ive been cutting trees down, then theres trees clean up on weekends. Gardening on the deck, repainting my outdoor furniture and sometimes so craft ideas as well. Ugh.. and than the WFH ..
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Nice updates, ladies. I treated myself to a long weekend off of my computer.
GAW--ugh on going back to work. Would part-time ever be an option for you? I was part-time for 12 years when my kids were younger and I really really liked it. Five full days a week is just hard. I am excited about even the possibility of somebody going back to WDW. I was in Orlando in January for work and added on a couple of partial days at the parks. In my head I'd penciled in a trip next Jan or Feb but at this point I really think I'm going to hold off until there's a vaccine. Feel free to PM me info about donating!
Inna--I've been intermittent fasting for almost three years now--that plus cutting back on alcohol/sugar made a big difference in the first year. I also upped my exercise. I have been super lazy/self-indulgent since mid-March. All self-imposed rules out the window. I decided yesterday that I'd have a cocktail last night (been drinking lots of different things lately!) but really have to get back to at least closer to normal. For now, my plan is to cut drinking back to weekends only. I was drinking even less than that before but we'll see how this goes for a few weeks. And maybe (maybe?) after I eat up the THREE kinds of cookies I bought over the weekend I'll cut back on those too. I'm curious what Noom is all about--let us know!
Urdrago--sorry about the reflux and the never-ending unpacking, but it sounds like you're staying healthy with all of the outdoor work!
My days continue. WFH (which I was doing before this), and I drive to a nearby area to take a walk with my dog most days. Trying to fit in some extra yoga/abs videos but have not been consistent AT ALL. I bought a Sodastream last week and it has definitely helped me drink more water. I really only used to drink water when I was at the gym. And speaking of the gym, I'm seriously questioning how I proceed when we start to come out of this. I was a very regular attendee for 6.5 years and they are starting to open back up--outdoor classes, one-in-a-lane swimming (which I do not do)--but I just don't know when I'll feel comfortable going back. I miss my in-person yoga classes, and the one thing I really can't do on my own is the weights, which is the *last* part of a gym I think would be germ-free.
Hang in there everybody.
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Urdrago, how did your CT scan go? Hey, I think you jinxed me! I've been having bad reflux on and off for about 10 days now. Yuck! I'm asking the MO about it tomorrow (it's an in-office visit - they gave me the choice of virtual, but I want a podiatrist referral. I think I have some plantar fascitis and also my big toenails are growing really weird and I didn't see how I could wave my feet at the MO via Zoom, lol). And, yes, I think the chemo made the arthritis a little worse. My MO visits are now 4 mo apart, too (this is the first one that's been 4 months = progress!).
InnaB, I hear you on the weight gain (Quarantine 15, lol). I've put on some weight since I've been home, too. How is the Noom going? (Ingerp, my daughter is on it and has had a good result. Foods are categorized in red, yellow, and green (I think). You can eat as much of green as you want, but very little red, etc. Inna can correct me if I'm remembering it wrong). I'm really happy to hear that your family is doing well and that you didn't catch the virus. Did you get an antibody test done?
Ingerp, your "resident" dental hygienist says to watch out for that Soda Stream! Carbonated water will give you cavities, plus they'll happen faster if you are drinking something like lemon-flavored water (fruits and sugar are really acidic). It's best to limit carbonation strictly to mealtimes and drink plain water in between meals. It's going to be rough to come back to a normal life for awhile - re the gym, I assume they are limiting the number of people allowed inside? Wearing a mask will help, and wiping everything down, but I understand being reluctant, especially after what we all just went through. Also, thanks for offering to donate re the Disney race...I'll PM you! The race is in January - I'm sure hoping this virus will be out of here by then!
I've gotten sort of fatalistic about the virus since I'll be heading back to front line work on the 15th (my boss pushed it back two weeks, soooo happy!). I'll be two feet from everyone's mouth - can't get much more exposed than that. I'm trying to be careful (and optimistic), but seriously... Also, I told my boss I need to go to PT ASAP. We'll see how that goes. It's very difficult to hire a replacement hygienist right now. I think many of us are leaving dentistry (sort of like when HIV came on the scene in the 1980s). I should just give up and retire, too - but that final year or 18 months of extra money is tempting (although maybe not worth the risk).
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GAW--oh no! I've been so proud of myself for drinking more water since the soda stream. I don't add any flavors to it. I've also had *lots* of dental work done over the years--I've always been good dental-hygiene-wise but got my mother's soft, white teeth. I haven't had a cavity in ages, which I'm sure is partially due to the number of crowns I have. Not that much enamel left to get cavities in! I'm actually trying to suspend my gym membership for a few months. Nothing going on inside the gym yet (they're sticking to the original Virginia date of 6/10), but so far I haven't been able to get in touch with anyone. :-(
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well I said I'd post and Im unsure of all the new language in my CT scan. And Ive not heard from the doctor yet it post in my chart this evening.
To summarize CT scan .. Several new 2 to 5 mm pulmonary nodules. Given the subpleural/perifissural location and/or ill-defined borders of several of these nodules, infection/inflammatory causes should be considered although metastatic disease is not excluded
With that i cried. hit the panic button..called my sister talked thru it.. im emotional worried..
Good news is the old nodule hasnt changed.
Ive not heard from doctor yet. And tomorrow ive got mammogram and ultra sound at 8am. 'll follow up with my new MO at Sparrow and U of M Oncologist.. see what they suggest. I think I want PET scan.. Once I know more I'll keep you posted..
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Urdrago, I hate that you got that report in your patient portal, without a doctor's consult. It just makes it so scary. I hope you hear from them ASAP and that you get good reports from your mammo/US today. For me, I would get the PET scan because I would worry myself sick until I did. Sending prayers and good vibes, my friend. Please keep us posted
Ingerp, you can still get cavities on teeth that are crowned and they can be worse/spread faster because they happen on the soft roots of the teeth under the edges of the crowns. Like I said, stick to drinking carbonated water at mealtimes and that should help. Plain water only in between meals. Carbonation makes your mouth acidic and it takes 30-40 minutes for that acidity to go away...after the last sip you take. If you are constantly sipping carbonated water, you're keeping your mouth constantly acidic, which is a breeding ground for cavities.
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Gawarrior, Im sitting here waiting for mammogram its given me enuff time for appt. With MO at 10am. All I want is to understand risk or maybe non.. and next steps. I'll keep you posted.
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Hi All,
I haven’t posted for quite sometime, however I do read the posts a few times a month to see how you ladies are doing. We are all about 2.5 years out now and still a scary time for us triple negative patients in regards to a recurrence. I too have my 6 month follow up CT scan of pelvis and abdomen coming up this month . I have several leisons in my liver that are being watched...all tests so far say they are cysts.( however I still worry). I am a bit upset that my Zometa infusion I was supposed to have on Friday is delayed until who knows when due to Covid. Nurse said they don’t know when those infusions will resume in the office.
Urdrago- Your post caught my attention immediately. My heart literally sank. You are in my thoughts and prayers, just wanted to give you a huge (( (Hug ))).
Krissy0 -
Krissy, prayer that ur testing will no have any changes. Whats the reasoning of Zometa infusion ? Its crazy how fast 2.5 years fly by..
I seen my MO and she ran a bunch of blood work , covid test, upper respiratory test(same swab.) The hospital doesnt send u to lab I actually went to a drive thru same as covid test as they have on tv.
The next step is CT scan again in 8 weeks. If they can see an area they can get to maybe biopsy. But the current problem is CT with contrast or PET will take up in inflammation areas and cancerous tissue. End results, Im waiting..U of M called and same answers they just wanted to wait 4 months to do another CT.
If anything changes or result come in I'll let you know. Thank you for supporting !
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GAW--thanks so much for the expert advice. I honestly was not aware.
((((((urdrago))))))
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Urdrago-
My MO suggested Zometa infusions every 6 months for 5 years To help prevent cancer recurrence in my bones and for osteoporosis.
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Urdrago, watchful waiting is the pits! It's so hard to just go along like normal until the next CT. I'll keep you in my prayers, for sure. Are the covid and upper respiratory tests because of the lesions in the lung? Sending you healing light and virtual ((((hugs))))!
Krissy, it's good to hear from you! I understand about worrying about the liver lesions. Being triple negative, too, if I get a hangnail I worry that it's due to recurrence. It's interesting that you are getting Zometa. I don't think any of us other tnbc'ers in the group are getting it. ((((Hugs)))) and prayers going out for good results for you, too.
Ingerp, I'm sorry - I feel like I'm always the party pooper. Drink the soda stream water - just try to limit it to either drinking it fairly quickly (within 20 min or so) and then none again for an hour and a half or so (then drink it fairly quickly again, etc) or just drink it when you are having a meal because your mouth is acidic then anyhow. It's the between meals sipping that gets people.
I had my MO appointment yesterday and everything is good (except for my weird toenails). They pushed me out to 6 month visits now.
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Gawarrior thats awesome news about being every 6 months. My finger nails will not grow long since all the treatments but no toenail issues..
In reference to covid and respiratory yes they want to make sure all boxes have been checked. And covod came back neg. Im not sure how long for respiratory test results. They also ran CEA and nothing shows up. But my CBC white cells are not even in the normal range still low at 3. My neutrophils is low 1.90 .. i wld of thought by now Id bounce back!
Anyone else not bouncing back to normal ranges?
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Urdrago, that is low. Maybe your white blood cells are low because you are fighting off something low grade (a respiratory infection?). Or maybe the nodules are present because your WBC can't entirely clear out an infection? The MO said my counts were fine this week.
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GAW--ha! My friends call me the party pooper--always dragging in those pesky facts. I am grateful for your input!!
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quick now to let you all know that I'm still around. Just been working a lot lately. I pop in here every night and read the updates, but honestly too darn lazy to type anything. Yep I'm omitting it. Anyways I will get back with you ladies and updates very soon. Undergo hope you're doing well with all this testing going on! Hugs to get every one of you out there!!
PS I think it's time for an updated picture. Just saying. :-)
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Life, i was just thinking about posting but then was thinking I'll wait...thank u for asking..and I know tomorrow will be better but ugh I wld think by now I can push the unknown and waiting an answer feelings aside..nope
Im on a roller coaster emotional.. which we all can relate to.. i cried today when the Doctors said my surgery to fix my boob from orginal surgery and rads. Is now canceled due to my CT sca. Results. It was scheduled July 1st. Reality I cough and feel like something is not right. Im scared and than keep trying to put too much time into the unknown...
im trying to plan for summer, a friends graduation party sat. And then the 4th with extended family at lake local.. I'll go on vacation right after that..
House is coming along slowly.. I love wood stain/ glazing furniture..
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