Dis Breast Cancer Survivors - GAGWTA!
- Thread starter laurabelle
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InnerStrength
Mouseketeer
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Greetings BC Suviviors!
Not quite sure if I am a survivior yet as I am still in treatment for BC, however it has not (and will not) "do me in", so with that in mind, I suppose I am a survivior.
I would love to join your group and hope to share with you all, offer support to those in need, and compare notes - whatever. I may not be able to post every day, but I will post as much as I am able.
My name is Lori and I was diagnosed with BC this past March. I am 37, married to my best friend for 10 years, have 2 children (DD7 and DS4). My BC, which was determined to be Stage IIB, was initially discovered after a routine, baseline mammogram, which I had several months after a yearly physical. I had no family history of BC, and am otherwise healthy and active, breast fed both of my children, ate healthy, took vitamins, etc., so why and how this has happened, is a BIG mystery to me. I am past 3 surgeries, and into my second round of chemo, and still find it hard to fathom that I am the person actually going through this. I am grateful that if it had to one of us in my immediate family, that it is me and that my DH and our children are healthy. I feel it would kill me more to watch a loved one deal with this beast rather than deal with it myself. Basically, I think it sucks but I have no choices than to put a lot of faith into my Oncologist and follow her protocol for treatment - I refuse to allow BC to destroy my life and plan on living a LONG time and raising my children, accomplishing all of my goals, and happily retiring someday with my DH. I am hoping and praying for "at least" 40 more good years ~ hey, not too much to ask for given the circumstances, LOL!
In March, I underwent a rt. lumpectomy and Sentinel Node Biopsy, and was told in post-op that the initial pathology on the nodes were negative, however I also had multi-focal areas of DCIS in the same breast as the IDC, so 2 days later, had to undergo a mod. rad. mastectomy with axillary node dissection. The latter was because the final report on the S-nodes showed a .3mm micrometastesis in Sentinel node 1, so more had to be taken as a precaution. The 4 others excised were clear - life is good
. Several weeks later, I had a port inserted in my left chest wall due to the fact that I will have to have treatment for a year. I have not had any reconstruction as of yet as my head was spinning just from the initial diagnosis and the surgeries that followed just days later, but hope to have DIEP recon. done once I finish school. I was also a college student (again) and worked PT when this happened ~ now on LOA from both.
My BC was ER/PR + (75%/90%) and Her2neu 3+ (big *sigh* on the latter). My course of therapy has been 4 AC (not dose dense but the 3 week schedule) which I completed, 12 weeks of Taxol, of which I just received #3 today (8/3), and 52 weeks of Herceptin, again #3 was today. Also in "the plan" is 5 years of Tamoxifan - oh joy. Side affects have been minimal other than a nasty case of Thrush that haunted my mouth a week after AC #4. I have had some fatigue and bone pain, but nothing that a Motrin has not helped. The Thrush was a horror and I am happy to say that is has healed.
Please don't find me ultra-vain, but the hair loss has been worse, IMO, than losing my breast. Don't get me wrong, for being 37 and having 2 children, I was still happy with my breasts as they seemed to be weathering time well, but hey, they are just "window dressing" after all. I try to put things such as the loss of a body part in perspective, and am grateful that I still have my sight, hearing, limbs, etc - you get the picture. The hair thing, now for me, that has been tough. I had long, curly hair and it was a SAD SAD day when it started to go south. For me, it started on Mother's Day (nice) - exactly 12 days after my first AC - and over the course of the week, just shed more and more. Finally, 1 week later after the initial strands flew, I had DH shave the rest off as it looked horrid and my scalp was so tender...what a big baby I was as I cried at just the sound of the clippers once DH turned them on. The initial shock at seeing myself as a bald gal was awful - I did discover that my head was not too odd-shaped (thankfully - not that the general public was ever to see it, LOL), and my ears are very flat (good, I guess), however I am no Sinead O'Connor, and I was NOT meant to be a bald woman. As of today, I have about 1/4 of my lashes left and 1/3 of my eyebrows - and now that I am "used to" the (thankfully temporary) bald head look on my head, fret more about the loss of my brows and lashes. I still freak myself out as I pass a mirror, LOL. Boy, I always had plenty of lashes and brows and never gave it a second thought - until now, that is. I sure hope they grow back with a vengence once treatment is over I do have a "glamourous" youthful-looking wig - but wearing a wig is getting old, as is hats and such.
I hope to get to know you all and be able to offer encouragement and support through the journey that none of us ever thought we would be in.........
Peace to one and all.....
Lori
Not quite sure if I am a survivior yet as I am still in treatment for BC, however it has not (and will not) "do me in", so with that in mind, I suppose I am a survivior.
I would love to join your group and hope to share with you all, offer support to those in need, and compare notes - whatever. I may not be able to post every day, but I will post as much as I am able.
My name is Lori and I was diagnosed with BC this past March. I am 37, married to my best friend for 10 years, have 2 children (DD7 and DS4). My BC, which was determined to be Stage IIB, was initially discovered after a routine, baseline mammogram, which I had several months after a yearly physical. I had no family history of BC, and am otherwise healthy and active, breast fed both of my children, ate healthy, took vitamins, etc., so why and how this has happened, is a BIG mystery to me. I am past 3 surgeries, and into my second round of chemo, and still find it hard to fathom that I am the person actually going through this. I am grateful that if it had to one of us in my immediate family, that it is me and that my DH and our children are healthy. I feel it would kill me more to watch a loved one deal with this beast rather than deal with it myself. Basically, I think it sucks but I have no choices than to put a lot of faith into my Oncologist and follow her protocol for treatment - I refuse to allow BC to destroy my life and plan on living a LONG time and raising my children, accomplishing all of my goals, and happily retiring someday with my DH. I am hoping and praying for "at least" 40 more good years ~ hey, not too much to ask for given the circumstances, LOL!
In March, I underwent a rt. lumpectomy and Sentinel Node Biopsy, and was told in post-op that the initial pathology on the nodes were negative, however I also had multi-focal areas of DCIS in the same breast as the IDC, so 2 days later, had to undergo a mod. rad. mastectomy with axillary node dissection. The latter was because the final report on the S-nodes showed a .3mm micrometastesis in Sentinel node 1, so more had to be taken as a precaution. The 4 others excised were clear - life is good
. Several weeks later, I had a port inserted in my left chest wall due to the fact that I will have to have treatment for a year. I have not had any reconstruction as of yet as my head was spinning just from the initial diagnosis and the surgeries that followed just days later, but hope to have DIEP recon. done once I finish school. I was also a college student (again) and worked PT when this happened ~ now on LOA from both. My BC was ER/PR + (75%/90%) and Her2neu 3+ (big *sigh* on the latter). My course of therapy has been 4 AC (not dose dense but the 3 week schedule) which I completed, 12 weeks of Taxol, of which I just received #3 today (8/3), and 52 weeks of Herceptin, again #3 was today. Also in "the plan" is 5 years of Tamoxifan - oh joy. Side affects have been minimal other than a nasty case of Thrush that haunted my mouth a week after AC #4. I have had some fatigue and bone pain, but nothing that a Motrin has not helped. The Thrush was a horror and I am happy to say that is has healed.
Please don't find me ultra-vain, but the hair loss has been worse, IMO, than losing my breast. Don't get me wrong, for being 37 and having 2 children, I was still happy with my breasts as they seemed to be weathering time well, but hey, they are just "window dressing" after all. I try to put things such as the loss of a body part in perspective, and am grateful that I still have my sight, hearing, limbs, etc - you get the picture. The hair thing, now for me, that has been tough. I had long, curly hair and it was a SAD SAD day when it started to go south. For me, it started on Mother's Day (nice) - exactly 12 days after my first AC - and over the course of the week, just shed more and more. Finally, 1 week later after the initial strands flew, I had DH shave the rest off as it looked horrid and my scalp was so tender...what a big baby I was as I cried at just the sound of the clippers once DH turned them on. The initial shock at seeing myself as a bald gal was awful - I did discover that my head was not too odd-shaped (thankfully - not that the general public was ever to see it, LOL), and my ears are very flat (good, I guess), however I am no Sinead O'Connor, and I was NOT meant to be a bald woman. As of today, I have about 1/4 of my lashes left and 1/3 of my eyebrows - and now that I am "used to" the (thankfully temporary) bald head look on my head, fret more about the loss of my brows and lashes. I still freak myself out as I pass a mirror, LOL. Boy, I always had plenty of lashes and brows and never gave it a second thought - until now, that is. I sure hope they grow back with a vengence once treatment is over
I do have a "glamourous" youthful-looking wig - but wearing a wig is getting old, as is hats and such. I hope to get to know you all and be able to offer encouragement and support through the journey that none of us ever thought we would be in.........
Peace to one and all.....
Lori
MerryPoppins
<font color=coral>I posted around Woo Hooty time<b
- Joined
- Sep 2, 2000
- Messages
- 16,323
Lori, don't even wonder. You ARE already a survivor! I'm so glad you found us. I'm almost a 4 year survivor of DCIS. Had a mastectomy without chemo or radiation. I was so lucky to catch it early! I have been taking Tamoxifen for over 3 years. I'm 44 years old and I'll be proud to call you my friend. Hang in there, honey. You've got a lot of living to do. 
We're a great group. Lots of love and support here. So come and talk to us often.
GAGWTA to all of you.
We're a great group. Lots of love and support here. So come and talk to us often.
GAGWTA to all of you.
disneylizzy
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 24, 2004
- Messages
- 797
Hi Lessa, Hi Lori, I'm sorry that you have both been diagnosed (and each so young!), but I'm glad to see you posting here. The women on this board totally rock. I have only been here a short time, but they are so supportive and knowledgeable. I never was one for support groups when I was in treatment (in 2001), partly because with four kids who has the time, but I really like posting here.
After reading your experiences, I remembered how quickly everything moved after that initial doctor's visit. Tests, surgery, appts, chemo, you almost don't have time to process what is going on. (maybe that's a good thing).
Lori, you have a great attitude and yeah, you're a survivor! There was a link to a great "movie", I think laurabelle posted it and it said, "I have cancer, but cancer doesn't have me!"
GAGWTA!
After reading your experiences, I remembered how quickly everything moved after that initial doctor's visit. Tests, surgery, appts, chemo, you almost don't have time to process what is going on. (maybe that's a good thing).
Lori, you have a great attitude and yeah, you're a survivor! There was a link to a great "movie", I think laurabelle posted it and it said, "I have cancer, but cancer doesn't have me!"
GAGWTA!
snappy
Survivor
- Joined
- Apr 15, 2002
- Messages
- 10,392
NHAnn said:It's really a beautiful song...and I'm "all verklempt" today
Yea, it is beautiful. So why am I bawling like a baby???
Seriously, thanks, Ann. That song seems written with us in mind, doesn't it?
Welcome, Innerstrength, to our group. This must be a new record, earlier today we welcomed Lessa of Pern, and now you. There are some very knowledgeable ladies here who have proved great support to each other since the thread was started. I sure hope you can benefit here too.
I can relate to what you said about being glad it was you with the cancer diagnosis and not your DH or kids. I could not bear to see any of my immediate family deal with cancer either, or for that matter my sister or brothers. After I was diagnosed April 2004 and before the surgery May 2004 my sister had the same mammo results as me and had an excisional biopsy. I just about fell apart. My sister has had enough grief in her life, finally met the love of her life in 1998, and I was devestated at the thought their time together would be shortened by BC. She was holding it in alot for my sake, trying to be brave, knowing I was already a basket case. Thank God, her news was good, the LARGE tumor they removed was totally benign. We got the news shortly before my surgery, and honestly I was so relieved for her that having my surgery was a good bit easier. She was wonderful during my recovery, helped alot with our kids. She is my best friend and biggest supporter. She lets me worry whenever I need to.
You sound like you are a real fighter, someone who will overcome this trial.
Glad you found us here.
Tinkertude
<font color=9900cc>I love that man<font color=0099
- Joined
- Aug 4, 2004
- Messages
- 913
How about Pink ladies or Ladies in the pinkPea-n-Me said:Welcome, Mickey Nut 50!
Anyone else thinking we should come up with some kind of buzzword or phrase - meaning we're wishing everyone here well - rather than trying to name everyone and not leave anyone out? Such pressure!!
Welcome Lori and Lessa....glad you found us, but sorry you had to!
Elenita..Happy Birthday and I hope by now you're over your surgery and being taken care of by sweet nurses.
Ann...congratulations! I finished rads almost exactly one year ago!
Getting very tired here preparing my classroom. Just going on for a few hours a day. DH has been a big help. Full days start this Friday!
GAGWTA!
Beth
Elenita..Happy Birthday and I hope by now you're over your surgery and being taken care of by sweet nurses.
Ann...congratulations! I finished rads almost exactly one year ago!
Getting very tired here preparing my classroom. Just going on for a few hours a day. DH has been a big help. Full days start this Friday!
GAGWTA!
Beth
Tinkertude
<font color=9900cc>I love that man<font color=0099
- Joined
- Aug 4, 2004
- Messages
- 913
Thanks to every one for the suggestions for merchandice to sell for Tulsa Race for the Cure. We had a booth at our local baseball farm team Sat. nite. We sold (think drum roll!) $787 worth of pink ribbon stuff. I think that is pretty good for a non b/c venue, don't you? We got to hand out educational material and race info too. I talked to a husband that was having a pretty hard time of it. Gave him encouragment and the number for the local Y-ME affiliate that has started up a mens support group. So I felt like all my work was worth it if we helped one person.
snappy
Survivor
- Joined
- Apr 15, 2002
- Messages
- 10,392
Way to go, Tinkertude!!! 
I am sure you helped far more than one person.
Although I sure like your Pink Ladies and suggestions, we actually have a motto, it has even been added to the thread name (thanks, Laurabelle!!).
It is GAGWTA, meaning greetings and good wishes to all.
It's kind of a way to encourage everyone going through whatever without leaving anyone out, especially important since our numbers are growing by leaps and bounds. I was having trouble remembering the letters so Laurabelle was kind enough to add it to the thread name so it always appears at the top of the page.
I am sure you helped far more than one person.
Although I sure like your Pink Ladies and suggestions, we actually have a motto, it has even been added to the thread name (thanks, Laurabelle!!).
It is GAGWTA, meaning greetings and good wishes to all.
It's kind of a way to encourage everyone going through whatever without leaving anyone out, especially important since our numbers are growing by leaps and bounds. I was having trouble remembering the letters so Laurabelle was kind enough to add it to the thread name so it always appears at the top of the page.
NHAnn
Survivor
- Joined
- Oct 15, 2000
- Messages
- 8,079
Hey Tinkertude 
as of the moment our "buzzword" is : GAGWTA which stands for "greetings and good wishes to all". Funny you shold make the "Pink" suggestions...my support group which is 3 other ladies and me are trying to stay in touch even though the facilitated post-diagnosis group is officially over. We're meeting locally when we can and were kicking around names for our group and came up with "The Pink Clover" . We wanted something Pink and I thought of a 4-leaf clover ...for luck and the fact that there are 4 of us...so we are "The Pink Clover", like a rock group or something. 
Lori...welcome, and thanks for sharing your story. I notice you are going to WDW in December....what are your dates? I will be there 12/20-27
Whereabouts in MA are you? (I grew up in Framingham)
as of the moment our "buzzword" is : GAGWTA which stands for "greetings and good wishes to all". Funny you shold make the "Pink" suggestions...my support group which is 3 other ladies and me are trying to stay in touch even though the facilitated post-diagnosis group is officially over. We're meeting locally when we can and were kicking around names for our group and came up with "The Pink Clover" . We wanted something Pink and I thought of a 4-leaf clover ...for luck and the fact that there are 4 of us...so we are "The Pink Clover", like a rock group or something. Lori...welcome, and thanks for sharing your story. I notice you are going to WDW in December....what are your dates? I will be there 12/20-27
Whereabouts in MA are you? (I grew up in Framingham)
InnerStrength
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jun 3, 2005
- Messages
- 180
NHAnn said:Welcome Lessa!!
I love seeing the strength and determination and upbeat attitudes on this thread !
Thought of Elenita today
Thought of you all today too. On my first day of rads I brought a Disney compilation CD. I thought it fitting that I bring it my last day too, on of the RT's remembered that that was what I had with me day 1 too
If I was Dan M I'd have the music play in the post, but I have no clue how.So here are the lyrics from Kenny Loggins' song from the Tigger Movie...
Your Heart WIll Lead you Home"
Sunny days and starry nights and lazy afternoons
You're counting castles in the clouds and humming little tunes.
But somehow right before your eyes the sun fades away,
Everything is different and everything has changed
If you feel you lost
And on your own
And far from home
You're never alone you know
Just think of your friends
The ones who care
They all will be waiting there
With love to share
And your heart will lead you home
Funny how a photograph
Can take you back in time
To places and races that you thought you'd left behind
Trying to remind you that you're not the only one
That no-one is an island when all is said and done
If you feel you lost
And on your own
And far from home
You're never alone you know
Just think of your friends
The ones who care
They all will be waiting there
With love to share
And your heart will lead you home
There'll come a day when you're losing your way
And you won't know where you belong
They say that home is where the heart is
So follow your heart and know that you can't go wrong.
If you feel you lost
And on your own
And far from home
You're never alone you know
Just think of your friends
The ones who care
They all will be waiting there
With love to share
And your heart will lead you ...
If you feel you lost
And on your own
And far from home
You're never alone you know
Just think of your friends
The ones who care
They all will be waiting there
With love to share
And your heart will lead you ...
where you belong ...
I know your heart will lead you home.
DH is taking us out to dinner, so I need to go slather the lobster**** with Aquaphor and change my clothes
Ann,
I have loved this song since the first time that I heard it, many years ago. I do not have the Disney CD, however with 2 children who occasionally indulge in a little Toon Disney, I believe the first time I heard it was on there - part of a Pooh movie, I think. I have it as a d/l on my PC, however did not have all the words. Thanks for posting it. It is a real tear-jerker - then again, I do find myself super-sensitive at times to emotional situations, lately anyway...
Lori
InnerStrength
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jun 3, 2005
- Messages
- 180
NHAnn said:
Hello again Ann,
I had a moment of "free" time, so I was checking the thread...
Anyhow, I am in Fall River which is along the Southcoast of MA. Have you ever heard of it? Emeril Lagasse (the food network guy) is from here and also Lizzie Bordon (no relation to me, LOL). I have passed through Framingham from time to time, however do not know anyone who resides there. I also lived in NH for a while (1 year) when I was 19. I lived in Lebanon and loved it. I have lived in MA for most of my life though.
I planned our upcoming Disney trip as kind of a much-needed celebration of finishing chemo and a "welcome back" to my life! If all goes well for me with the Taxol, I will finish Oct 5th...yet the Herceptin will continue on. That is okay by me as I consider it "insurance" that BC will (hopefully) never rear it's ugly head my way again. Besides, it is not "chemo", and I long for the day when the chemo is done.
Our family will be a WDW from Dec 14th thru the 21st - the day you arrive will be our last full day there. Our flight to return home leaves at 6 the next evening, however we will be making use of the ME, so we will be at their mercy as far as when they will shuttle us back to MCO. I am looking forward to this little getaway - more so for my children than for me of course.
Re: your tag and avatar... DH has played hockey since he was 4 (and still does at 38
and we will start our DS4 this Fall with lessons. I guess I will not be a "soccermom" but more of a "hockeymom" in the near future. LOL And where we live, there is the most delicious frozen lemonade called "Dels Frozen Lemonade". It originated in RI and several years ago, a franchise was opened here in the city. It rocks on a hot summer day..... Thanks again for the welcome.
Lori
Pea-n-Me
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Jul 18, 2004
- Messages
- 41,495
Lori, glad you made it over here, nice to "meet" you again.
I have to agree one of the hardest things during my treatment also was losing my hair. To add insult to injury I had to unexpectedly put one of my beloved German Shepherds to sleep the same day it really started falling out. I sobbed all night long, then had my head shaved the next morning still clutching a picture of her. What a basket case I was!! I also used to catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror and couldn't believe it was me!! Well I'm happy to report I have a nice full head of curly hair right now (which was previously straight) so that was an added benefit I suppose.
I also went on our first Disney cruise 12 days after my diagnosis since my twins were turning 6 on the ship and I didn't want to cancel. (I'll post a picture of that morning here since I posted it on the DCL thread yesterday).
I had fun but it was such an emotional time. I thought the same thing as you, though - that I was glad it was me and not one of my kids - when I saw a Make A Wish family behind us at breakfast one morning. So at the beginning of my treatment we booked another cruise to celebrate the end of treatment and to give us all something to look forward to. I dreamed about it all year long through some pretty rough days and cried when I boarded the ship. I think having a Disney trip to look forward to is perfect.
I love your attitude. And I love the attitude of all the ladies on this thread, actually. Everyone has so much to offer. I gather a lot of strength from hearing their stories and thoughts. So welcome, glad you joined in. Hope we can be of some help while your going through this rough time your life. Hang in there, I know that taxol is rough.
I have to agree one of the hardest things during my treatment also was losing my hair. To add insult to injury I had to unexpectedly put one of my beloved German Shepherds to sleep the same day it really started falling out. I sobbed all night long, then had my head shaved the next morning still clutching a picture of her. What a basket case I was!! I also used to catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror and couldn't believe it was me!! Well I'm happy to report I have a nice full head of curly hair right now (which was previously straight) so that was an added benefit I suppose.
I also went on our first Disney cruise 12 days after my diagnosis since my twins were turning 6 on the ship and I didn't want to cancel. (I'll post a picture of that morning here since I posted it on the DCL thread yesterday).
I had fun but it was such an emotional time. I thought the same thing as you, though - that I was glad it was me and not one of my kids - when I saw a Make A Wish family behind us at breakfast one morning. So at the beginning of my treatment we booked another cruise to celebrate the end of treatment and to give us all something to look forward to. I dreamed about it all year long through some pretty rough days and cried when I boarded the ship. I think having a Disney trip to look forward to is perfect.
I love your attitude. And I love the attitude of all the ladies on this thread, actually. Everyone has so much to offer. I gather a lot of strength from hearing their stories and thoughts. So welcome, glad you joined in. Hope we can be of some help while your going through this rough time your life. Hang in there, I know that taxol is rough.
Disney Debbie
<font color=deeppink>Survivor<br><font color=blue>
- Joined
- Mar 25, 2000
- Messages
- 2,543
Lori - Welcome. You sound a lot like I did as far as the being glad it was you. To people that haven't been there that sounds weird - but I felt like I at least could DO something to help myself - there's just not much you can do to help someone else as far as actually physically fighting it - and I'm a "doer"!
And while the HER2 positive used to be a really bad thing - as far as I'm concerned with Herceptin it's a good thing! I had inflammatory breast cancer and had to have my chemo first and then surgery. I had 4 AC and then 4 Taxol dose dense (every 2 weeks) during the Taxol rounds I also had Herceptin and had it on the non chemo weeks as well. My tumor had made my left breast twice the size of my right (practically overnight - the joy of IBC!) - by the time I went to surger I was cancer free. My DH and I really believe it was the Herceptin. I've just started back on Herceptin as a precaution now that the one year study had come out and shown it reduces recurrence by 40% when taken after chemo and rads. So I'll be getting that every 3 weeks (yesterday was my 2nd time). Next May the 2 year study will be out - and if it's still helping - I guess I'll still be taking Herceptin! I had another port put back in last Tues. since I'm guessing this is going to be a permament thing for me. But it doesn't bother me any - although I did notice today my vision seemed kind of blurry! I'm 44 (was 43 at diag.) and have no plans for more children so once the chemo kicked me into menopause the Dr. decided to keep me there with Lupron shots so I can take Arimidex. No reconstruction even a possibility for another year and a half - the docs don't want me to. I've had two friends who've recently gone through it and both say they wish they hadn't! So I'm not sure if I'm ever going to have it.
The head hair didn't upset me because I was prepared for that ( although not for how much your head hurts when the hair is dying!) it was the OTHER hair that bothered me! It just never occured to me that you lost ALL your hair. What bothered me the most was my eyelashes! Isn't that silly?
For those of you who are a little further out from treatment - do you still wake up every day and think, "I had cancer" It still all seems very unreal to me - but it also is very much on my mind all the time. I'm not sure how I feel about that!
And while the HER2 positive used to be a really bad thing - as far as I'm concerned with Herceptin it's a good thing! I had inflammatory breast cancer and had to have my chemo first and then surgery. I had 4 AC and then 4 Taxol dose dense (every 2 weeks) during the Taxol rounds I also had Herceptin and had it on the non chemo weeks as well. My tumor had made my left breast twice the size of my right (practically overnight - the joy of IBC!) - by the time I went to surger I was cancer free. My DH and I really believe it was the Herceptin. I've just started back on Herceptin as a precaution now that the one year study had come out and shown it reduces recurrence by 40% when taken after chemo and rads. So I'll be getting that every 3 weeks (yesterday was my 2nd time). Next May the 2 year study will be out - and if it's still helping - I guess I'll still be taking Herceptin! I had another port put back in last Tues. since I'm guessing this is going to be a permament thing for me. But it doesn't bother me any - although I did notice today my vision seemed kind of blurry! I'm 44 (was 43 at diag.) and have no plans for more children so once the chemo kicked me into menopause the Dr. decided to keep me there with Lupron shots so I can take Arimidex. No reconstruction even a possibility for another year and a half - the docs don't want me to. I've had two friends who've recently gone through it and both say they wish they hadn't! So I'm not sure if I'm ever going to have it.
The head hair didn't upset me because I was prepared for that ( although not for how much your head hurts when the hair is dying!) it was the OTHER hair that bothered me! It just never occured to me that you lost ALL your hair. What bothered me the most was my eyelashes! Isn't that silly?
For those of you who are a little further out from treatment - do you still wake up every day and think, "I had cancer" It still all seems very unreal to me - but it also is very much on my mind all the time. I'm not sure how I feel about that!
Lessa of Pern
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 6, 2005
- Messages
- 603
I'm glad to see some of you talking about vacations.
I will be doing chemo through november or december, I think. my older daughter is a cheerleader, and will be going to WDW with her squad in january for a competition, and I was thinking joining the trip as a chaperone and taking my younger daughter with me.
I'm a bit concerned about travelling, so I'll be loooking forward to your trip reports.
I did my first cycle of chemo 7/21. I'm told my hair will fall out sometime in the next week or so...I've already bought a wig (I work in an office and my colleagues don't need to know my business) and several hats and scarves, and the woman at the wig salon told me to come in for a haircut as soon as I start to shed...but I'm still nervous about it.
I will be doing chemo through november or december, I think. my older daughter is a cheerleader, and will be going to WDW with her squad in january for a competition, and I was thinking joining the trip as a chaperone and taking my younger daughter with me.
I'm a bit concerned about travelling, so I'll be loooking forward to your trip reports.
I did my first cycle of chemo 7/21. I'm told my hair will fall out sometime in the next week or so...I've already bought a wig (I work in an office and my colleagues don't need to know my business) and several hats and scarves, and the woman at the wig salon told me to come in for a haircut as soon as I start to shed...but I'm still nervous about it.
Disney Debbie
<font color=deeppink>Survivor<br><font color=blue>
- Joined
- Mar 25, 2000
- Messages
- 2,543
Lessa - just a word of warning - your head will be VERY tender in the beginning and that wig will HURT. No one told me that and I was shocked by it! I couldn't wear my wig for a few weeks until the tenderness went away - I wore scarves to work. Luckily I work in a very supportive office and I don't know what I would have done without my friends from work so it wasn't a problem for me. My town is so small - I couldn't have kept it to myself even if I'd wanted to!
Lessa of Pern
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 6, 2005
- Messages
- 603
that was NOT a comforting thought, Debbie...
my daughters are devastated by the idea that I'm going to have to wear a wig...they're teenagers, you know, and physical appearances are very important to them right now.
younger daughter's bat mitzvah is in september...I need to look my best for the party...
my daughters are devastated by the idea that I'm going to have to wear a wig...they're teenagers, you know, and physical appearances are very important to them right now.
younger daughter's bat mitzvah is in september...I need to look my best for the party...
Disney Debbie
<font color=deeppink>Survivor<br><font color=blue>
- Joined
- Mar 25, 2000
- Messages
- 2,543
Sorry! I just wish someone had told me - I deal with things a lot better if I'm prepared for them! When in Sept? You'll probably be okay by then - and of course we can bear anything for just a few hours!
I just wish someone had told me - I deal with things a lot better if I'm prepared for them! When in Sept? You'll probably be okay by then - and of course we can bear anything for just a few hours! Lessa of Pern
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 6, 2005
- Messages
- 603
the big event is september 17. I have the dress and the shoes, have to have the laterations done and then get the shoes dyed to match.
but it's the wig thing that I'm preoccupied with...
but it's the wig thing that I'm preoccupied with...
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