mysecondchance

Hi,
I lost about half of my hair and the rest got very thin. I finished chemo and radiation in July 2011 and a few months later started taking Biotin 5000 mg. My hair is back although the texture is thinner than it used to be and I still see some new hair growing. But nails and hair are stronger now. God luck!!

I had my last infusion on 9/16/2010 and around February of 2011 my hair had grown in but was thin and scraggly. I went to my hairdresser just to have her shape it up as best she could. I wear my hair short anyway. Well, to my surprise once she cut it, it was almost back to my normal style. Before that I had seriously considered shaving it off again. Being bald never bothered me; in fact I kind of liked how I looked (call me crazy). For a few months my normally straight hair had a bit of a curve and the texture seemed coarser and thicker. In time it went back to its normal texture.

I had my last chemo treatment on 17 March 2011. I stopped wearing my wig and hats about 5 months later (about 18 August 2011) when my scalp was no longer visible (about 1 inch long or less). My hair came in slow but evenly and was very curly. I normally have wavy hair but gets curlier the shorter it is. I have not cut or trimmed my hair since I had chemo 14 months ago and it is now about shoulder length in the back. It is still curly. I use curlers now to tame it, otherwise, it gets very wild looking.

I had slight allergy problems before chemo with running nose and watery eyes. So, when it increased I just chalked it up to a low immune system. I use a diaper rash med. from Walmart. I thought if it works for a baby's XXX when it's red and sore it'll work for a dry, chapped and cracked nose. The med from Walmart is more like a salve than a cream like Desitin. It has a little medicine like smell, but after a minute or two it goes away.

I was hospitalized twice during my post-op chemo. After the second infusion of the last cycle, I was hospitalized because all my electrolytes tanked. During my stay my oncologist decided I would not get the final infusion of taxol. So I left the hospital very healthy and was able to begin my recovery with a head start. It has been 18 months and I am feeling great. The aches and pains lingered for close to a year but I realize that the aches that still remain are ones I had previous to my illness.

Sometimes when I am walking around the house, I am in awe of how great I feel. It's hard to believe when I look back to my eight months in treatment. So hang in there, it does get better.

My chemo was a tough round the last time, different from the first. It stretched out longer than it should have, but the side effects were gone in maybe a month or so. I'm sure it's different formost of us. Good luck with your treatments and recovery

I have had about 3 CT scans, the flavored contrast, makes me nausea, my doc gave me a RX for zofran, and I feel fine, it makes me a little sleepy for a couple of hours afterwards, but I do not throw up.

CTs are no problem. You're in and out of the machine in about a minute. No problem with the barium. Berry flavor is also fine. The only intestinal thing I had afterward was a light-colored stool.

Whenever I have to have the test with barium it constipates me so be careful with that. I always come home after test and drink milk of magnesium just to make sure it works its way out if not it turns into a big clump of chalk and very uncomfortable to try and get out. This was suggested by U of M everytime I had one there they would give it to me right after the test at the hospt.
As for flavor and taste not bad at all. I gag on alot of stuff like that and I can down the barium so know its not bad.
Also wear comfortable clothes but make sure you have no metal on anything I don't even wear a bra that way you don't have to change or take anything on or off.
Good Luck to you its one of the easiest test you will ever have done. :)

I am one year away from diagnosis of stage IIIC breast cancer, almost done with the last of my herceptin treatments, and fearful every day that I will have a recurrence. I call my cancer the little black cloud that follows me around. I'm not sure if time will make this anxiety better, or if as time goes on I'll think that a recurrence is more likely. I do work hard everyday to be grateful for the wonderful things in my life, including my amazing doctors. I also find that immersing myself in almost anything (art, nature walks, writing, even house cleaning) completely (mindfulness) changes my focus so I'm not thinking about the cancer. You can read my blog at: www.laurascancerjournal.tumblr.com/archive

I agree that doing mindless things like cleaning helps keep your mind off of things that creep in from time to time. I want to travel and have just started saving for that. The job I am is so dysfunctional that I feel myself being affected by that. The school I work in is filled with students who have been thrown out of the public schools. It is not only them that is hard to deal with but the staff that back stab and point fingers. It is even too exhausting to talk about. I enjoy watching movies, reading, exercising, and going places I have never been to. Quiet is very important to me when I can have it because of the constant noise I have at the behavior school I work at. Take care everybody.
Joy

Joy, I am an 8-year breast cancer survivor and I write a daily blog about that journey in an effort to help others through it. I wrote a post that might possibly help you. Check it out here: http://marnieclark.com/10-anxiety-busters-for-breast-cancer-patients/
Wishing you joy and healing in your journey. xoxox

I was misdiagnosed with constipation when in fact I had Stage IIIc ovarian cancer. I was prescribed a couple of laxatives by my primary and when that didn't work she told me to start taking metamucil. I was so weak I could barely make it to the drug store. I soon was unable to get out of bed, eat or drink. I kept emailing my doctor and she finally set me up with a phone consult with a gastroenterologist. He said my symptoms did not sound like constipation and ordered a cat scan. A few minutes after I got home from the cat scan I got a phone call from my primary who actually sounded quite distressed, telling me I had cancer. This was a sixteen-day period and the misdiagnosis decidedly had no effect on my condition but I found it hard to forgive my doctor for those two weeks of suffering. I ultimately decided to continue with my primary because I had a good relationship with her but I did make it clear exactly how I felt about those two torturous weeks.

My story pales in comparison to many women who are misdiagnosed for months even years. That is frightening because ovarian cancer is usually quite advanced by the time a woman has any symptoms. I urge anyone reading this to google ovarian cancer and become aware of the symptoms because time is of the essence in order for a positive outcome.

I am very sorry to hear about what you have to go through. But I think you have come to the right place. If you look around here, you will notice that people here are more "forgiving" and live in the now. Past cannot be altered. While it is very tough to go on knowing someone in authority wronged you, be practical. First, you will need lot of energy to cope with your own health. Do not try to complicate it by taking on an added burden of confronting who wronged you. Be glad that God led you to the right doctor in time. After you have sat down and evaluated your life, think what change you can bring to this world. Whatever that change is, follow it. I have found great solace in sharing with groups like these. Even though we are strangers, the group provides great comfort. And I am very thankful for that. Thank the internet! Wish you the very best!

My husband was misdiagnosed for at least 4-6 months. He started having discomfort and pain, and was told it was indigestion (take antacids), then IBS (eat more fiber), then an ulcer (take acid blockers). They never did ANY scans or blood work, never did an upper GI or anything. He was in more and more pain to the point where he almost couldn't get out of bed. Then they STILL said it was just a GI thing, and prescribed Tylenol with Codeine. After all those months he got the diagnosis of stage 4 metastatic esophageal cancer. All those months he HAD the symptoms and if they'd have done the scan, he would have gotten treatment earlier. Plus, the Tylenol they gave him (in very high doses) likely made the liver involvement much worse.

I was so angry at first, but you cannot go back and fix the past. You can only go on into the future and hope for the best possible outcome.
Ellen

Yes, I remember those days. Metallic taste or no taste and making myself eat. Eating things I remembered liking. If your father is underweight you should talk with his oncologist about these concerns, there are medications he can take to help increase his appetite. I am an RN, 8 months post stem cell transplant, not an oncology nurse, but I do know there are medicinal options. Also eating with plastic spoons etc. will help with bad ate in your mouth when you eat. Prayers for your Daddy, mine is above, an angel to watch over us.

I would go an entire week without eating, but would always drink at least two Ensure each day. Then I would be able to eat normally the next week. Of course, there is no "normal" when on chemo, but I would eat more a balanced diet, albeit much smaller portions.

Thanks everyone...we are kind of at a breaking point with my Dad and eating...he is blood work was pretty bad this week...we are trying to not force feed him and let him tell us when he's ready but it's hard when he is pretty close to needing to be admitted to the hospital for malnutrition...we'll see what happens! thanks for all the advice!

Interesting analogy! I hope you're right and that the killer goes away!

I like your analogy although sometimes it felt like I was being poisoned a lot at a time...but so far it worked!

I dunno about spouses, but when I was diagnosed my boyfriend left me for a leggy blond. [lol]

I had a pretty good marriage before cancer. I am one month away from completing therapy and my husband wants a divorce. He can't stand the changes that cancer and multiple surgeries have done to my body. We have been married for 27 years. Apparently he only married me for better and in health.

My husband always tells me he loves me but when dr told us I had non Hodgkin lymphoma and leukemia in fourth stage I asked how many stages is there and dr said they are only four. I cried but my husband never shed a tear! Even thou he has cried many times before over little things. Dr has told me I wouldn't do good with chemo because I have all the bad markers, I cried, but not my husband. I don't understand how he could not even shed a tear! He just looked at me like oh well.

Dear pak56:
I hear you! This nose thing is such a small thing in comparison to everything else we have to deal with. Still it's annoying and if left untreated can lead to more serious side effects - like an unstoppable nosebleed, and the need for more drastic treatment - like cauterization.With our already low blood counts and compromised platelets, a nose bleed that lasts more than 15 minutes can be quite serious. Better to use an ounce of prevention. The ENT also suggested using a humidifier at night. That would help alleviate the dryness as well. All my best to you.

I haven't had nose bleeds yet but I do constantly have dried blood in my nose. My Dr said to use a little triple antibiotic lotion on a Qtip and carefully put in on the inside of nose and it will heal the broken capillaries or veins that cause the bleeding. It works, I also use saline to keep my nose from being so dry.

Wow! Thanks everyone! From the bottom of my heart. I haven't yet experienced this side effect. I'm on my 4th dose of Cisplatin for cervical cancer and going through daily doses of radiation. I feel more at ease being aware of possible side effects and with all your input on how to alleviate the discomfort...it just gives me more peace of mind. Thank you StunnedMike for asking this question. Sending well wishes your way...and to all of you. <3

All of your responses are so very much appreciated.

I think it's interesting that people say "I just don't want to bother you"...as mysecondchance stated. I've had people say this too when they call me. I always mention that it's not bothering me! I should start mentioning that people calling or stopping by is the highlight of my day.

I do have to mention that I updated my Caring Bridge site today and commented that I will be updating my carecalendar site with things that I need, so people who are still interested in helping out can check there. This is the "rides" thing.

As for help with other things - I want to comment that my sister and her son live with us (rent free) since last summer. Since I was diagnosed in January and started treatment, she took me to a couple of my appointments right in the beginning, but then king of stopped. One day when I mentioned when my wednesday chemo was (the day she had been taking me because she has it off) she snapped at me because the time didn't work for her. I guess I stopped mentioning it to her when that happened and figured if she wanted to help she would look on my calendar or ask me.

Anyways, she lives with us, but I feel she has been avoiding me. Not being home much, rarely being in the same room as me. Never asking how things are going or how I am doing. She tried to cook once for me a few weeks ago, but accidentally burnt the food, my nausea kicked in at the smell and I couldn't eat. I don't know if she was offended or what but she didn't offer to help with meals since.

Well, today I was asking my husband if he would clean the bathroom this weekend (that's once area i'm not comfortable trying to clean right now while I'm going through chemo). She was downstairs (I didn't even know she was home) and she kindly yelled up that she would clean the bathroom tomorrow. It's a bummer I had to ask - but I am appreciative that she offered to do it...

Sometimes it is very hard to ask for help. But it's okay to ask. It's okay for us to admit we need help. All of your words of encouragement and support are exactly what this message board is for. Thank you!

I go through all of my maintenance treatments by myself - it is lonely :( and sad - Part of my problem - I dont reach out..... My friends, family and co-workers see a very strong and brave woman in me - when in reality, I'm not always......

I understand what you mean. Only my husband youngest daughter and I live in this state. Now 16 months into treatments, I seem to be pretty much on my own. My husband does go to any appt I have and my daughter will usually meet us when we drive up for chemo (it's near the town she lives in) since she works at night. This gives us time to visit. But as long as I am able to do 'anything', my hubby just kind of kicks back. The newness of the illness has definitely worn off. I have never had assistance from outsie of the household. I guess when I get to the point where I'm not"looking so good", or am really so down that I just can't do things, I'll start requesting the assistance of those that have said whenever you need anything, just call me...

People usually ask because they genuinely want to know how you are. Someone that hasn't dealt with cancer or chemo really has no concept of what it's like, so it's quite often simple curiosity and genuine concern. I would expect that the closer someone is to you, the more they want to know. As the daughter and caregiver of a cancer patient, I wanted to know everything about what my dad was going through, not only because I was curious but because I wanted to know if there was something I should or could do to help him. It's hard for people to ask what they can do for you, so they often ask how you are or how chemo went as a way of opening the door for you to let them know if there's something they can do for you. They don't want to appear as though they are pitying you or feeling sorry for you because you have cancer. They just want to be supportive and help in whatever way they can. Let them. Heck, ask if they want to go sit through a chemo treatment with you so they can see what it's about. I'd be willing to bet after they sit there for 3+ hours they'd stop asking how chemo went.

Wishing you all the best in your journey.

It depends on who is asking for me.
I usually say it went chemo-ie...

Just to add something else, I've been at this for 8 years so the chemo is pretty predictable at this point and on the protocol I'm on.

I am a new member and newly diagnosed and only know about the neuropathy from my dad as he is in remission from NHL 16 years since his last treatment and still has it, but they grossly over treated him with chemo and radiation. Just wanted to ask if the side effects and pain involved and associated with treatment are worth it?

Well, for me, it is worth it because I get to stay with my family longer. But, it is so aggravating. It hasnt even been 6 months and Im already sick of it. I just pray for strength & less pain. Some days are better than others. Ive heard a lot that it is good to practice relaxation, meditation, and such things. I have yet to try a heat pad. May God be with you on this journey. I know without Him I wouldnt have gotten this far. xoxox

During therapy, he knows that I didnt take the narc meds because they would make me sick. So I would just take tylenol. So if Im calling & crying on the phone, he should know it's serious and that I am not some sort of addict. They did give me meds for the MRI I did at the beginning, but it didnt do me any good. Anyway, I have a migraine now. Im just going to talk to my onc and see what he can do for me...perhaps even do all the check ups in their stead. TY xox

I spent eight days in the hospital in an isolated room because of low WBC. My chemo was postponed to a week after my release. Another time I was hopitalized for five days due to my electrolytes tanking. After that my oncologist cancelled my final infusion. Happy day!

I get an injection of Neulasta the day after each chemo treatment to keep my WBC up. I haven't needed it, but other patients in the chemo suite get iron along with their chemo infusions to to keep the RBC up.

My white blood count was dropping I have begun a regimine of vitimins and have gotten it back into normal ranges I don't know If it will work for you we all seem to react diff to chemos and diff chemos and diff things I take several things to help so maybe going threw some health store books on how to help fight cancer will help I hope you find something to help hope the best I'm your fight

I go to the ovarian cancer message board on Cancer Survivors Network which is part of ACS. The women on this board have been a Godsend to me. The support and information I have received there is immeasurable. I also check in here almost daily.

I spend a fair amount of time on the Cancer Concerns forum at hystersisters.com. It's a great resource for anyone being treated for endometrial, ovarian, or cervical cancer--really any cancer or precancer of the female reproductive system.

Places like this, various and assorted podcasts, and a lot of blogs written by folks with cancer.

my weight started falling off - so our friend the nutritionist suggested 6 smaller meals daily. and my husband found Ensure clinical strength- less sugar more calories. It is good when making a smoothie or shake. Also try to eat your protein first. Good louck!

I don't know if you will ever feel normal. I have just started treatment and I no longer know what normal is. We just have to hang in there and live day to day with a positive attitude.

You ask a question that I have dealt with many times since my diagnosis in 2008, Will I ever be normal again? For a while it seemed like normal meant losing everything that meant something to me, meaningful work, my hair, my ability to walk, my ability to Civil War Re-enact, my ability to travel. My bullheaded stubborness keeps me plugging at it so that I can define a new normal for me as I am each day. The hair was gone so bought a wig and wore colorful turbans till it grew back in. Its shoulder length now and with a little help and a hairpiece I can simulate a 19th century style (Yay!!) Ability to walk shot to heck, got a wheelchair and borrowed a walker. Pushed for inpatient rehab after my colostomy and keep plugging at it one day at a time. Discovered I can do many things now even from the chair. The civil war re-enacting was the biggest challenge. Took alot of research and support from spouse and caring friends. Modern wheelchair doesn't work too well so we cover it with a quilt. Converted the dresses I used to wear to Victorian era wrappers that are loose fitting and comfortable and developed an invalid charachter impression. Its not perfect but it is perfect for me for this moment, this day.
The journey takes way longer than I ever expected too. I am finding though that each day, as I find things to stimulate me, use the skills I have left etc that the journey becomes easier. Its a journey not one of us wanted to take but now that we are on it we have to slowly move along and let the moments unfold as they will rejoicing in the good along the way. Keep up the good fight.

I am a Kaiser member and I was referred to the oncology department at Kaiser San Jose Medical Center. The doctor I was referred to was not available so I saw another. I will never know the diffrence but I feel I received the best care possible from my onc. I also received an appointment to my gyn/onc. I don't know how many others there are but I feel mine is the cream of the crop. I was diagnosed with Stage IIIc ovarian cancer and after seven months of treatment was pronounced NED. I believe I am alive today because of my medical team.

There was a time when I felt so ill I wanted to have someone looking out for me so I contacted a social worker or actually my cousin called for me and left a message. I didn't get a call back for a while and then another social worker called but by that time I felt ok. I meant to mention to someone at Kaiser about the long delay in getting back to me but having worked for a social services agency I understand how very busy everyone is.

I still think it is a good idea to have someone who will look out for your interests when maybe the task is overwhelming for you and your family.

I had a case manager with my insurance company. She was pretty helpful in helping me sort out all that stuff. The cancer center had a patient navigator who I ended up not really needing but I think would have been helpful had I run into trouble.

If you have to ask, then you aren't sure and may want a second opinion (or a third or fourth). Many insurance companies have caseworkers, especially for cancer patients, so you may want to consult them. If you have friends who are breast cancer survivors, you may want to ask them about their care teams. I find personal referral to be the BEST information. I also highly encourage you to become a member of LIVESTRONG. They have a couple of books they will send you for free. They not only help you plan your cancer journey, but give you ideas of things to ask and places to keep your medical papers. Many times, your treatment facility has patient advocates that are there to assist you and discuss any issues that concern you. However, I think you need to get a second opinion and determine from there which care team you trust and best suits your needs as the patient. NEVER SETTLE!! If it doesn't feel right, then find something that does. This fight is too important to trust your treatment to someone you aren't sure of!

Good luck and God bless you!

I found this topic so rewarding. The most urgent is to share medical knowledge but to share ones personal life is also enlightening. We all have lives. God be with you all.

I am newly diagnosed (endometrial cancer) and, other than a CT Scan, I have had no treatment yet. I know I have to have both chemo and radiation but that won't start until after I have a lymph node biopsy.

I am glad you asked the question because something similar has been on my mind. I have two sons (33 and 35). I have thought they really don't ask me anything and seem to avoid the subject of my cancer. This is especially true of my 33 year old who, because he lives at home, is closer to me.

I think they know I am beyond scared and don't want to say or do anything that may upset me. As for myself, I am trying to maintain life as close to normal as possible.

I think we (the patient) and our families are walking a very fine emotional line and have to take it one/hour/minute at a time. Especially for those children that are younger, they probably have an even harder time dealing with their fears and emotions.

My best to all of you!

I was 17 when my mom was diagnosed with liver cancer. It was a tough time for me. A handful of my high school teachers were friends of my mom, so word got around school pretty quickly. I found that people I considered VERY close friends becoming distant. I was "the girl who's mom had cancer." my school set me up with two seniors, one who had a parent in remission, and one who had lost a parent to cancer. The rest of that school year is a blur.
My situation was a bit different because my mom was very sick from day one and never got better. Diagnosis nov 18th, and she passed march 3rd. That said, your kids might just be relieved that you are doing well, and maybe they (and their friends) rest easier thinking everything is okay now. Talk to them like adults. I wish that in my case I had been given more information. Let them see you get sick and feel awful if it gets it through to them that there is still a rode ahead they need to help you on.
Watching my mom pass matured me with a quickness, but try to remember how rough high school can be, and I am sure your keeps don't mean to overlook what you are going through.
Now I am 31 going through my dad's lung cancer, and it is a slightly different scenario. He lives 5 hours away and I have a house and a job and a wedding I supposed to be planning for November.
Back on the cancer roller coaster.
Good luck with the kids!

I belive that laughing at my self is what gets me thru everyday. when I had the lumpectomy they put that wire in for guidance or what ever and also injected me with radiation to light up the lymps I teased the Dr and my fiance that maybe I could get radio reception or even hbo.

Trying on hats to cover my bald head has also been humorous. I laugh at a lot of them but even more when my 16 year old son is trying on the womens hats.

I also have suggested putting funny faces on the back of my head with sharpies. My fiance and a few of his friends shaved their heads to support me. The big joke with that was we could all go to the airport together and sell flowers.

I have one chemo treatment left and have to return to work soon I hope I can keep my humor there.

I am a modest and private person and have always been uncomfortable talking about certain body functions. Well, that all changed when I was diagnosed with colon cancer! Now, we talk about it all the time!

I have two wonderful teenaged boys who have always been best friends and just simply great kids. They are polite and we are very close and respectful to each other. Even "shut up" was never allowed to be said in our home. With colon cancer all bets are off! We have had to approach this journey with humor!

When we were registering to participate in the Undy 5000, we all got together to decide on a team name. "Up Yours" was my favorite, but my 18-year old had to set me straight and tell me that it wasn't appropriate. We spent almost an hour with tears streaming down our faces as we were rolling with laughter. We settled on the WiseCracks.

When I fell out of bed, injuring myself and landing in the ER, my husband posted on FB, "Looking for bed rails for my 46-year old wife."

I am normally not able to be quick-witted, but I found out that when I'm nervous, the comments just flow. My husband couldn't believe some of the things that came out of my mouth during doctors' appointments. It eased the tension, made me feel better and even made a few of the doctors laugh.

Humor, sarcasm and intestinal-related jokes have made the journey more tolerable!

I had my head shaved after chemo and my hair started falling out.
I purchased wigs for outings away from home, but wore a grey knitted cap around the house to keep my head warm. I just cracked up when I signed onto the WII fit game to see that my 23 yr old daughter had changed my MII (thr WII avatar) from the long haired gold kissed brunette to a grey capped oviously bald female. It's still like that now one year later, but now i have several blacks, blue, red and grey caps!!! I still get a big kick out of my MII.

No resolutions. Just praying 2012 will be better than 2011.

I usually don't make New Year's resolutions because I always mess them up on Jan. 2nd, but this year I resolve to plan a motorcycle trip with Kevin (my husband who has cancer) maybe up to New Hampshire or Lake George, NY. Take that, cancer!

I always made the same resoulutions each year. One was, of course, to lose weight and the other was to quit procrastinating. I then proceeded to wait until January 2 to start my diet, defeating both resolutions almost immediately. That just never seemed to work out for me.

I no longer make resoultions but I am going to work on getting more exercise. To be frank with you, I hate to exercise but I know it is essential to my health and since I feel I have been given a second chance it's the least I can do to return the favor.

Well mine went just like clockwork. I first noticed some coming out Monday night (day 13). Then yesterday it was still just maybe a dozen strands or so when ever I ran the brush or hand through my hair. Then this morning in the shower it came out in gobs. So I had it shaved this afternoon. Feels very strange right now but I'm sure I'll get use to it pretty quickly.

Well Nancy I may be right behind you. My scalp is sore and very itchy and my hair has thinned loosing more this time so must be the 3 chemos? Just going to try and hold on to it until after Christmas then I don't care what happens. Is this normal scalp feeling?
Chemo went ok today I get sick1/2 way through one of the chemos I dont know how to spell it so we are going to try a different way the next time i go which is jan11. need to go lay down will talk soon.
hugs susie

nancyjac, it may end up feeling like a bigger deal than you think it will when the time comes, partly because it's just hard for people, especially women, to lose their hair so suddenly, but also because you're going through lots of chemical changes in your body with the treatments. Don't be surprised if things in general catch your emotions off guard. I found it more upsetting than I expected, but I was kind of a raw nerve about that point anyway.

I had cut my hair short (pixie style) before starting chemo. Right on schedule after my second chemo (which I got every two weeks), the hair started coming out all over. I had my husband buzz it short but didn't want to shave it smooth in the theory that there would just be tiny pieces of hair falling all over instead of slightly longer hair I could clean up better. My hair fell out back and bottom first, then when it grew back, it also grew in back and bottom first. I had male pattern baldness for a while!

You mentioned using a satin pillowcase. I tried that and it did help, although my head got a little cold. I had a lot of scalp tenderness while the hair was letting loose.

Another weird but maybe useful tip: when your hair is coming out a lot and making a mess, you can try a lint roller (the kind with sticky sheets) to pick up the hair that's about to come out. It doesn't hurt, and it might prevent a few hair tumbleweeds around the house.

Let us know how it goes in a few days.

i am going through the stages of grief DABA , i go back & forth to anger & bargaining i learned i had a blockage July 15.2011 I believe each person is unique & will deal with the dx & testing in their own way , maybe someday i will do better with my emotions.

Thanks for all the heartfelt responses, I do appreciate each and every one of them.

Hi Joy

We go through so many emotions when faced with our own mortality but these emotions are shared by many of us. I agree with what others have said in that is we must put weight to the positive emotions such as hope. If we choose to live our lives in fear then we are mourning our away our future happiness, a happiness which is ours by right. I may die from this illness but I won’t let this illness take away my dreams for I believe without our hopes and dreams we are painting ourselves a very bleak future where all the colours find their way to darker shades of black from the tears that we cry.

At least we have knowledge of the fate that may belie us, there have been many who say goodbye whilst parting and are never seen again; at least knowing the things we now know, we are able to speak the words that are unsaid, and right the things that are wrong. Below is something from my book-

~Wasted moments~
I am neither a spring flower nor a mighty oak, I am just a man with frailty of life, it’s not the time I have but the journey that counts, regrets for the future of what might have been are what the reaper leaves behind as unfinished business, cast aside regrets and trivial things, say the things you have to say, share the things you have share and live your journey to the end.

Keep up the good fight,

Steve

My husband (colon cancer), is in his third round of chemo. Each time, he did not get nauseous, because of the meds. The exhaustion did get tougher as time went by but we have learned that he must pace himself. The diarhea has been the same from the beginning (he has a colostomy bag)...usually worse into the second week (he goes every other week)...but the doctors are wonderful about giving advice and meds to ease the symptoms so please always ask. Also, as has been said, different people and different treatments have different side affects. Most important...take care of yourself...and know that you are never alone...and I love what justbreathe said...
"Chemo is some wicked stuff but when you are celebrating birthdays you are the winner!" (great line!!)...
Good luck :)

I had three rounds of chemo prior to my surgery (ovarian cancer). I ended up in the ER after the first infusion because of severe pain in my abdomen. They found no reason for it. Other than that I would say I just felt sick. I couldn't eat and was pretty weak. The chemo I had after surgery was much worse. I had three cycles with three infusions per cycle. I got very sick; was hospitalized twice and my oncologist decided I would not have the final infusion. Yes, it was horrible but here I am over a year later still NED and feeling great. I have my share of aches and pains and I get tired (or as I say I run out of steam) but I am also 63 so that may have a little to do with that.

The side affects depend on the type of chemo and vary by individual. Mine got a little worse each time. I never threw up after the chemo. I didn't have trouble eating but was very constipated and ate a high fiber diet. It was mostly the fatigue, low white blood cell count, and peripheral neuropathy that got worse each time. I had 6 rounds of chemo 3 weeks apart. I only took a couple of days off of work for the first few times. (I have a desk job where I sit all day.) The last one (6th) I took off 2 weeks because my white blood cell count was worse and because of the fatigue. The start time for the side affects were all about 2 or 3 days after getting each chemo. It's been about 9 months since my last chemo and I still have some peripheral neuropathy in my feet/toes although it has improved gradually. It started with just a little tingling in my toes and finger tips like they were asleep and gradually affected about half of each of my feet by the end of the last chemo. It is now just my toes and a small part of my feet. I am now starting to exercise to get my strength level back to what it was before I had symptoms an surgery a little over a year ago.

My MO doesn't do tumor markers because they aren't bc specific and she doesn't think they are accurate. Kind of feel like I am walking in a fog with no landmarks to guide me. I guess time will tell.

It isn't really a separate or aggressive test. It can be done with other routine lab work with the same blood draw. It isn't really conclusive in and of itself, just one more bit of info to take into consideration along with everything else. I really don't see any down sides.

The downside for me is two-fold: the nerve-wracking waiting period for results & more-so, the possibility that I may have to have expensive, unneeded tests as the result of a false positive.
I plan to discuss this again with my onc at my next appt in March.
Thank you all for your helpful viewpoints (:

My dad remarried and we were in the process of moving into a house together when I was diagnosed. She had an English Bull Terrier. He was literally one of the key things that helped me through treatment.
When I got wobbly on my feet he started walking beside me on my weak side, nudging me with his nose when he sensed me wobble.
When I had chemo breakdowns he would climb into my bed and cuddle up to me.
When my bones would feel like napalm he would lay at the end of my bed and growl at whoever came near my room so that no one would disturb me.

Hes not a helper dog, and I'm pretty sure he only understands Spanish, but he helped keep me sane. I love my big ol Rocco monster!!!

I just got my little "Lily". She's a 2 month old white calico kitten. She has been great company since I'm home on disability.

After my dad was diagnosed with cancer, the doctors recommended keeping him away from animals since his immunity was down due to chemo. When my mom and I talked to him about finding other homes for our cats, he absolutely had a cow! We were concerned about them contaminating feeding tubes, germs from the litter box, shedding hair, etc...
But I'm glad we kept the cats. They seemed to sense that my dad wasn't well. His favorite cat Delilah was very gentle and comforting and hardly ever left his bed. He loves that cat and she definitely helps him cope. And no health issues arose due to the animals being in the house

I just started a blog on friday about my experience. My family thinks that documenting my experience is a good thing. Feel free to read and comment on it.

http://keepingthestrength.blogspot.com

i started one, but i dont blog as often as i would like, maybe ill change that :)

http://caterpillarjawstobutterflywings.wordpress.com/

I started one after my initial diagnosis, as I found it was easier to refer family and friends to my blog, instead of repeating the same information over and over.

http://tatasfornow.blogspot.com