The perks of chemotherapy:
A few of us decided that there are some positives to chemotherapy.
Here is our list so far...

1. No legs / underarms to shave
2. My normally oily skin is dried out so my complexion is the smoothest and softest it has ever been
3. No periods to deal with - and no hormonally induced migraine headaches
4. Never have a bad hair day or "hat hair"
5. I crave food without guilt
6. Napping without guilt
7. Learning to accept help from others
8. "Age" spots have disappeared... new skin everywhere... and very soft
9. Nobody expects me to do anything for Thanksgiving (and Christmas too) except come!
10. And the best one yet - it is killing the da*n cancer!!!
    

The quote of the month (November) from Pamelajo:
"I've decided that I'm a bald, boobless, imaginary sock wearing,chemotarded chronic baker who has lost her last marble"
Thank you Pamelajo for always making us laugh!

Pic from Sydney Harbour!

As promised here is a memento from my recent "pre-chemo" treat night when my darling husband and I had a lovely night out in Sydney. We stayed at a hotel overlooking Sydney Harbour - this photo was taken at the bottom of the hill from our hotel, on our way to catch a ferry to the city - the Bridge and Opera House are in background. See my big sunhat? It was 37 degree C (not sure what this is in F - but HOT) Had a beautiful night that picked our spirits up a lot.
Neece

A tribute to September's Outstanding Sisters

Vickilynn began it
with a few words to invite connection
that strengthened and grew each day in September.
Word by word, post by post,
a soft silken skein of empathy
stretched across distance
and wiped away unfamiliarity.
Avatars gave way to faces
then - shyly - newly bared bald heads appeared.
and we all marvelled at the courage there.

The threads of love caressed us
as we sat in the big armchairs,
symbols of our future health
but also of sickness, fatigue, pain and indignity.
We all knew the dread of the next treatment date.
The Eeyore Days and the Tigger Days:
the humour, shame and anger,
support and care, bewilderment and loss of control,
and the wild, bumpy ride that is breast cancer.

We've been held together as the months go by
knowing our voices are heard
as our posts are read,
and we reach across the miles
to gently caress and offer strength
and receive it in return.

By Neece 15th Ocotber 2009

Beautiful Supportive Folks

Sep 4, 2009 07:26 pmNeece wrote:

Toni - try www.headcovers.com for more caps hats and lovely wraps. I have ordered a few from them and they are very prompt with delivery.

My first treatment date looms closer - next Wednesday the 10th - so I am feeling more nervous now. It is wonderful to read all the posts from women with such detail about their treatment experiences. I find it really helpful to have some sort of picture in my mind of what to expect.

A friend of mine who has recently gone thru chemo suggested doing a 'chemo ritual' before each treatment - something fun or special just for you - my hubby and I are hoping to go to the movies the night before (something I love to do) . In this way the dreaded date might become a little less of a dark spot on the calendar, I hope.

Must tell you about the generosity of people - my son last week held his 21st birthday party and because I was in no state to do much (actually, anything!) having had my mastectomy just 3 weeks earlier, and my husband is flat out trying to get work done that was neglected while i was on hospital, his girlfriend's family just stepped in and organised the lot of us!Marquee for the backyard, BBQ's , cooked the food, organised the cake... wow. What a wonderful bunch of people. Just goes to show there are some beautiful supportive folks in the world and having bc means you get to know that in very real ways.

Its Sat morning here, a beautiful spring morning in Australia, so am enjoying the sunshine, spring blossoms, birds and gentle breeze. Love and warm hugs to all my Sept sister.

Neece

Cancer's not in the budget!

Sep 4, 2009 02:41 amRonnieKay wrote:

To All of My Dear September Sisters:

I DID IT!  Went in at 7:30 - was out at 4:30 today...finally, first treatment's over!  Everything about it was positive...I feel the sun was shining on me (even though it rained and I was 15 minutes late due to people in Seattle having trouble with the 1st rain of the season!). Had my blood test, chest xray, meeting with my radiation oncologist (just to check the brachytherapy sites), ekg, meeting with oncologist and her nurse and patient manager...then off to my room for drugs!  Had Herceptin first, over 90 min, because since it has a tendency to have SEs they send it slowly.  From now on, it should take about 30 minutes.  Then came taxotere, about 90 min, and the funny thing is that I felt tingling in my lumpectomy site.  The nurse said it's very common and takes it as a sign that it's working! Then the cytoxan...felt absolutely nothing.  I, as well, am on decadron (so I vacuumed until 1:48 a.m. Wed. night!--where has this been all my life), and before chemo started, had tylenol and zofran (iv) for nausea.  I drank H20 like a fish!!  It was a good thing..the nurse said my veins were very springy!  I didn't have a port, as my dr. didn't think necessary.  She isn't worried about any of the 3 drugs in my veins.  However, I was.  After taking to all the nurses, they convinced me and dr. said it was my choice.  I'm schedule for it next Friday before herceptin. Now, after having absolutely no problem with the veins, I'm rethinking.  So, thanks for reconfirming what I think is probably the best idea.  If I'm doing herceptin for the year...probably best to have it.  But I hate the thought of the scar on the chest. My husband says it will be a badge of courage...and you all know that's the truth.  The courageous women I've come to meet here...I thank God everyday for your heartfelt messages.  Funny, my husband asked about the payments today at the patient resource center. I guess all patients are assigned a financial counselor. We have great insurance but at the rate this thing is going...I knew it would be a big chunk of change. I think our yearly out of pocket is $4000....but I try not to get involved in family finances (other than spending!).  Tom's retired government (36 years) so it's a bit different than while he was working but our insurance stayed the same, thankfully!  Being a high school secretary (and mother of 3 college grads), I so commiserate with the costs of having younger children.  It's overwhelming!  And I laughed when you said this cancer thing wasn't in the budget!  However, my guess is that mom is the highest priority in this budget dilema :)   I'm feeling great, about ready to get back to bed. Got home at 5 p.m., (Tylenol, Aleve, Prilosec, Decadron) took a nap until 7:30, ate a big dinner. Now took Tylenol and Compazine.  I know tomorrow may hold new trials for me, and I have a friend who went through this in February who said potatoes were her best friend!  Excited to get the ginger ale....and visit the other sites listed.  Thank you all!  Vickilynn and Vicki, you were such an inspiration to me, writing on "The Day"...you really helped me enter this with less fear.  And all of you who are coming to the next adventure...know that these wonderful people are there to help save your life. I'm overcome with the pure tenderness and care the drs., nurses and all others have shown to us.  I had a room to myself, with a chair for hubby, access to a well stocked kitchen, the bathroom across the hall ( I went 4 times during chemo...they also gave me saline, which helped even more to hydrate and cause potty trips!).  Off to bed...Love to All of You!  (ps...I'm embarrassed that this is all about me, me, me...please know I'm thinking of you, you, you while going through all of this!).

The cost of Cancer.....

Sep 3, 2009 09:48 pmDenverDiva wrote:

All of my dear September Sisters, I appreciate you so much.  I don't have any real sisters, so having all of you is like a silver lining in this whole mess.

Toni, I hear you about the costs.  I got a call yesterday to tell me that my deductible for chemo is 20%.  Each treatment costs almost $4500.00.  I nearly passed out.  The only good thing is that the deductible has a maximum of $2000.00 per year, and I will finish in December, so it won't start over next year.  I know I shouldn't complain, at least I have insurance that will take care of most of my treatments.  It just comes as a shock.  My oldest daughter just started college, and my younger daughter is in her senior year of high school.  We are doing senior pictures, and ordering the cap and gown and announcements as well as applying to colleges.  You all know how that goes.  My son is just 13, but he has his needs too.  This just wasn't planned and budgeted for.  Like anyone would plan to have cancer!  I would rather be spending the money on my kids.  It would really help buy my college girl a car, or help towards all of the other expenses.

Okay, okay, thanks for listening to my whinny rant.  I appreciate it.

Now let me just say, you are all in my thoughts and prayers, and I hope you all have a restful night and a beautiful tomorrow.

Hugs,

Susan

The taste of food....

Sep 3, 2009 03:19 pmvickilynn wrote:

Dear Sisters,

Yesterday (day after chemo) went pretty well... I took all the suggested meds, ate small meals, got my Neulasta shot (bee sting in the arm) and drank lots of fluids.  This morning was a little different.  I took one bite of my usual unflavored, unsweetened applesauce and couldn't spit it out fast enough!!!  you know how they tell you the taste of food may change??? Well it sure did this morning!  So breakfast was gingerale and graham crackers for me.  It worked.  I'm a bit achey today - probably from the neulasta (which makes your bones produce more white cells) but I am upright and glad to be reading all about all of you.

I found scarves at Target and a friend brought me some in a Victoria Secret bag but I don't know if she got them there.  Online there are some GREAT sites.  I did contact the Francelux one yesterday  - www.tzinius is a good one too.  Plus they show you how to tie them.

Not looking forward to losing my hair, but it's less stressful when you're prepared I think... play around with the scarves and hats... My husband really likes the looks of the silky scarves and so do I.  Find a friend who is good with scarves and have them help you  : )

Back to bed for me today!

May I please be your other sistah?

Sep 3, 2009 11:16 amGmaToni wrote:

Susan and positiveme = May I please be your other sistah? I start T/C x 4 next week as well - wednesday. I am having a port put in tomorrow. Not happy bout it but onc says the T drug (sorry, at a blank for name) is tough on the veins. Dont let that scare you if you dont have a port - we and our docs are all different. Thanks again, Susan for sending me here. You ladies are a hoot !! I am actually laughing - been balling all morning. Where do we go to look for scarves ? Anywhere? Walmart, Dillards? Have to be specifically for our heads? OK Im a bit ding dongy but I just took a Xanax. Just got my oncodx score on tuesday (24) and already doing port friday - so Im a little outta it.  LOL !! All of you sound so caring and strong and sweet. I am hoping to join this club.

Oh BTW, positiveme, yes both drugs are IV and they take about 3 hours to do everything I was told. Again, things could be different.

Yes, you gals that have posted after TX - you go girl - and thanks for the play by play. Very heartfelt and helpful. I am so very scared. Very scared. Thought the worst was over. I had R MX w/ recon and L lift and reduct July 28th. All of you have helped me since DX - June - and I just want to say thanks.

Lets tackle this together ? Hope ya let me in !

((hugs))

Gma - Toni

Rock Stars....

Sep 3, 2009 09:29 amDenverDiva wrote:

Hello to all of my September Sisters!  I am so proud of all of you brave ladies.  Your postings are delightful to me, and make going through all of this so much less lonely.

Vicki, and Vickilynn you are ROCK STARS!!!!!  Thank you for sharing your experiences.  It makes it so much more real, but in a good way.  To know that your experiences, while not perfect, are successful.

RonnieKay, you go girl!  I will be thinking of you today, and sending warm hugs to Seattle.

Positiveme, I start T/C next Thursday too, so we will sort of be treatment twins.  I think the Cytoxin goes in the IV.  I take it you don't have a port.  I don't have one, and I'm not sure how I feel about that.  What type of surgery have you had?  I hope all is well with you!

Take care ladies!

Susan

Wonderful women....feeling less alone

Sep 3, 2009 08:12 ampositiveme wrote:

vicki

I am so glad your first treatment was ok, i think mine will be next thursday. Is the cytoxan a pill or is it in the IV? I am hooked on reading about all the the wonderful woman on this site. It is so comforting reading everyone's stories. It makes me feel less alone. Thank you to everyone for telling your expierences!

Pre Chemo SE's the jitters of the 1st one....

RonnieKay wrote:

I am sitting here crying...you ALL share my inner, and outer thoughts.  Can you believe something so awful can bring out such loving help for each other!!  I have to say that I laughed over pre-chemo SEs!  I was going through exactly the same thing!!  Vickilynn...you have been in my thoughts and prayers ALL DAY today, as well as with my family, who has come to know all of you quite well!  I'll be in your chair tomorrow a.m....doing the tc w/herceptin.  They told me at the get go it would be 7:30 - 2:30..taking into account the blood test, xray, and then chemo.  Thank goodness there is room for visitors..it makes me sad there was none for you Vickilynn, although seriously, I would probably choose to just nap (while hubby will listen to ipod or read).  I did get a wig through my treatment center (although it needs to be styled) but I went to a wig shop and tried on about 15 styles (with my 33 yr. old daughter). I put one on that seriously looked exactly like my hairstyle (before the chemo cut!).  They were about $250 and my insurance will cover it (they think).  However, I looked on the website of the wig company and that particular one was $80!!  It wouldn't need to be styled.  I may get it just to have on hand. I've never worn anything on my head (and I live in Seattle..rain doesn't bother me!), so I'm a bit uncomfortable with anything covering my head...aside from hair, that is!  You all sound so adventuresome with hats (my daughter got me the same newsboy hat from Target!), and scarves that I just may do it!  Anyway...my love and support to all of you...even from afar.  I'll let you know how tomorrow goes.  My dr. didn't think I'd need a port...I started getting really nervous about not having it...so tomorrow is all in the veins, but next week on herceptin day, they will put a port in.  I'll then have a week to heal before the next infusion.  SO MUCH TO LEARN :)  LOVE TO ALL & SWEET DREAMS!

Within a few days a few more brave women join in

 VickiLyn began her first comment as "Welcome September Sisters!"....She welcomed each and everyone of us as a sister....can you imagine the huge heart she has to bring us in and wrap her arms around us, while living with with her own concerns and fears?
 Denver Diva, Neece, BarbAnne41, Positiveme, vlday, GmaToni and  Amyooo all joined in the first week in September....So much to discuss, fear of port placements and chemo side effects, losing our hair, many have already had surgeries and dealing with the issues of that as well. Many have children and money worries too. Still a huge amount of strength and laughter emerge...

DenverDiva wrote:

Okay Vicki, your right I am laughing!  I am glad your port placement went well, and I will be thinking of you tomorrow.  I am so glad you have a trusted person to leave your school to.  I am  the assistant director of an early childhood education program for homeless and low income kids, and I know how hard it is to trust someone with your kiddos.  I have a lot of time available, but I just took 6 weeks off for surgery, and I have no one I can trust to do my job so I am going to try and tough it out and work through as much as possible.  I am going to look at wigs from ACS, and try to use those when there isn't another option.  I am not a wig girl, but I have the same concern about not wanting to freak the kids out.  I don't know I guess I will figure it out as I go.

I had a call today and they changed my start date to the 10th, so I won't be having my own personal 9/11.  My husband can't go with me that day and he is really bummed.  I have a good friend going though, and it will be fine.  I also found out that my insurance has a 20% deductible that I wasn't aware of, YIKES!

Vickilynn- I hope all is well with you, you were in my thoughts all day today!

BarbAnne- Thank you for the connection to franceluxe.  Oh my goodness, what a nice company!  I spoke to the lady, who I assume is the founder, and she was so sweet.  I actually cried on the phone with her, (blush).  It was just so nice to have somebody who doesn't even know me want to be nice and help take care of me in such a personal way.  I picked a head wrap that I think is lovely, and it was really the highlight of what otherwise could have been a crappy day.

All right my September Sisters, I hope you are all well, and I will look forward to hearing from you soon.

Love,

 Susan

Right away RonnieKay responds

Aug 25, 2009 10:55 pmRonnieKay wrote:

I start Sept 3rd.  I'll have Cytoxan and Taxotere, plus Herceptin for HER2 every 3 weeks for 12 weeks.  My dr said no port is needed but I'm still a wee bit concerned about my veins.  A friend just went through my same treatment and her veins did fine.  How did the port placement go?  What drugs will you have?  I wish you smooth sailing :)

The Beginning - Our leader and kindest of hearts...

vickilynn wrote:

Just got my port placement yesterday, having heart test tomorrow... I should be starting chemo around Sep. 1.  Anyone else in my company?