joyb
Junior Member
Posts: 59
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Post by joyb on Nov 22, 2016 15:59:54 GMT
Tiffany my thoughts are with you and hoping for good results on your CT scan.
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Post by tiffany on Nov 22, 2016 18:19:00 GMT
Thanks Purvis and Bet. I’m really looking forward to getting the results from my CT scan, to see if the medication is working. I just wish I didn’t have to wait so long! I’m also hoping for a chemo free Christmas. I hope Santa gives me what I want this year!
On another note, I got the results from my BRCA I and II genetic testing this morning, and I tested negative for both. This means that my cancer is not hereditary.
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Post by tassiedevil on Nov 22, 2016 22:28:19 GMT
Delays are always annoying and frustrating. I hope everything works out ok in the end and you get Christmas off.
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Post by tassiedevil on Nov 22, 2016 22:56:13 GMT
Tiffany: Sorry to hear that your ct has been delayed until mid-December. I really don't know how you manage to hold it all together as I'm not too sure I could. Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers that the ct will show improvement and that you're able to have a chemo-free Christmas season. Your friend Purvis I think you would surprise yourself at how you would be able to cope and hold it together Purvis. It is normally a case of having to so you can go on living your life. I refuse to allow it to control my life and stop me from doing what I want and need to do. I have turned up to work each day (had only 1 day off and was lucky that school holidays fell at the nasty end of the treatment), continued to be involved in sport and still managed to get away to Melbourne or Sydney and a few other trips for weekends. Just this last weekend I flew to Melbourne and ran 15km, it was the slowest I had ever ran this race by a long way but the one I got the most satisfaction from.
Yes, it didn't always go to plan and it wasn't a walk in the park. There were a few times I was far from coping and broke down, but somehow found the strength to pick myself up and keep going.
So Purvis don't ever underestimate how strong you can be when you need to be!
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Post by purvis on Nov 23, 2016 0:31:51 GMT
tassiedevil> You're right. I remember when my husband was terminally ill with melanoma skin cancer and near the end. While he was still at home I learned how to administer his shots and help him out of bed. I was at that time 69yrs old, 5' and 109lbs. while my husband was 5'11" 165bs. He only spent one wk. in the hospital until his death and I was told it was because I was able to handle his needs at home. I guess we really never know what we're made of until we are tested. You and Tiffany are good examples of that. May you both beat this horrible disease and go on to travel the world. Purvis
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Post by tiffany on Nov 23, 2016 12:48:55 GMT
Tassiedevil is right. You don’t know how strong you are, or how much you can handle, until something like this happens to you. When it does happen to you, you realize that this is your life now, and you have to try and continue to live life as normally as possible. I had to take time off of work after surgery, and spent about 4 weeks staying close to home, however, as soon as I was able to get up and move again, I did. I also took some time off work during my first round of chemo, but, as soon as the side-effects started to subside, I was back at work. A lot of people didn’t understand this, including my HR, and wanted me to stay home until I was done with treatment. I worked during radiation, and, I am working now, even though I’m going through treatment again. The only time I take off work is when I have to go to the hospital for treatment or tests, etc. People are always telling me that they would stay home in bed if this happened to them, but, what is that going to accomplish? Why would you stay in bed day in and day out if you are well enough to go out and about. You need to continue to live, despite having cancer. That being said, I am limited in what I can do. In particular, I am finding it hard to stay fit while on chemo. I get shortness of breath, which makes breathing hard when I pick up the pace, and I have bad neuropathy in my feet, which sometimes makes standing difficult. I used to walk everywhere, workout at the gym and play badminton on a regular basis, and I was hoping to get back into all of these activities, however, that just doesn’t seem possible with my side-effects. Also, the arm where I had lymph nodes removed is still stiff, sore and swollen, and I was told that this won’t heal until I’m done with chemo. I do still walk regularly, however, I can’t walk as fast as I used to, because as soon as I pick up the pace, I experience shortness of breath and I start coughing. I gained 15 pounds during my first round of chemo, thanks to the steroids, and just when I was starting to lose the weight, I started chemo and steroids again, and now I’ve gained another five pounds. I also have to avoid sick people while on chemo, and I’m not supposed to hug people, in an attempt to avoid germs. This can sometimes be difficult, and I’m constantly using hand sanitizer and trying not to touch my face. So, as much as I try to live as normal as possible, there are still some restrictions. That being said, I still try to get out and about whenever possible, and, as you know, I’m planning two trips to Europe for next year.
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Post by purvis on Nov 23, 2016 15:32:28 GMT
The thing that angers me the most in life is that some people give up on themselves and take drugs, alcohol or commit suicide while so many including children fight so hard with cancer, MS, MD,AIDS,ALS, etc to live and maintain as normal a lifestyle as possible. I guess the second most thing that angers me is that people don't donate good transferable human organs when they can . They are of no use in heaven. Purvis
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Post by tiffany on Nov 23, 2016 20:23:29 GMT
I agree Purvis, and I am an organ donor. They can take whatever they need from me once I’m dead. I won’t need any of it anymore.
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Post by tassiedevil on Nov 30, 2016 4:53:59 GMT
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Post by tiffany on Nov 30, 2016 12:16:59 GMT
Good luck Tazzie! Let us know how it went when you are well enough to go online. In the meantime, take it easy and rest so you can heal fast enough to go on your trip at Christmas.
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Post by tiffany on Nov 30, 2016 12:48:00 GMT
Hello all,
I went for my fourth full treatment yesterday, and my seventh dose of chemo. It was another long day, and I was there from 7:45 until 4:10. I actually complained about my wait a few times, as my drugs were brought to the clinic at 11:30, however, as the nurse assigned to me was going to lunch at noon, she didn’t have time to get me set up before her lunch, and told me that the nurse covering for her would do it shortly. When I went into the clinic to follow up, I was told that the nurse covering for my nurse was busy, and would get to me shortly. Well, she didn’t get to me until 1:30! I have to tell you, I find this to be unacceptable, especially considering that I was the first person at the clinic that morning, and people who arrived after me were set up before me. What can you do though!
The good news is, my oncologist gave me another physical exam today, and she was very happy with the results. She cannot feel anything along my scar line anymore, and she thinks the tumours are gone. Also, the lingering cough that I have had for weeks is also almost gone, which she say is a good sign. She’s very confident that the mediation is working, and I can’t wait for my CT scan on December 14 in order to find out for sure! Given this, we are fairly confident that I will be able to take a four week break from chemo over the holidays!
My doctor also lowered my dose of chemo yesterday to 75% to see if it will help with the neuropathy. As I mentioned before, it is getting worse with each treatment, and after my last treatment it was shooting up my leg, and, at one point, the bottom of my left foot felt like it was on fire. She also gave me a medication that I have to take twice a day, which is supposed to help with neuropathy. We shall see if it helps.
The bad news is, I have developed lymphedema in the arm where I had lymph nodes removed. Lymphedema is a condition of localized fluid retention and tissue swelling caused by a compromised lymphatic system, which normally returns interstitial fluid to the thoracic duct, then the bloodstream. Fortunately, it’s not that bad, and my doctor showed me a massage technique to do a few times a day, which I did all day yesterday while waiting to get into the clinic. The good news is, it’s already working, and the pain, tenderness and swelling are already subsiding. She also told me that I have to start wearing a sleeve all of the time, and I have an appointment after work tonight to get sized for a sleeve.
I was also told that I have hemorrhoids! Yes people, hemorrhoids are a side-effect of chemo. Who knew! So, just when you think things can’t get any worse, they do, but, this is my life now, so I need to suck it up and deal with it!
Anyway, that’s enough ranting. I wanted to say that I had a great birthday weekend last weekend, and I’m glad that last week was my break week, so that I could enjoy it with minimal side-effects. I also booked my trips to Northern Spain and to Croatia, and I’m thinking of booking a third, time and money permitting. I really missed not going to Europe last year, so I need to make up for it!
Other than that, my white blood count is normal, and I don’t need my neupogen shots this week. I will probably need them after chemo next week. I also got the results of my second CA-15-30 blood test, and the results are still normal at 19.
Anyway, that’s all to report for now. I'll keep you posted as new things develop.
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Post by purvis on Nov 30, 2016 14:43:06 GMT
Tiffany: Sounds like you got some good news but have to put up with the side effects while on chemo. Hopefully you will get a break over the holidays and get to enjoy them fully. Keep up your spirit. Purvis
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Post by tiffany on Dec 1, 2016 12:38:48 GMT
Thanks Purvis. I’m really looking forward to taking a chemo break over the holidays! None of the side-effects I’m experiencing are really bad, but, when you add them all up, they can be a bit of a downer. I’m hope they won’t be as bad this time around, as I got a lower dose of chemo. I’m also hoping the medication my doctor gave me for the neuropathy helps.
I got fitted for a sleeve yesterday for my lymphedema, and I’m wearing it today. It’s going to take some getting used to. The good news is, OHIP will pay 75% towards two sleeves every four months, and my insurance will cover the difference, so the sleeves won’t cost me anything.
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Post by tassiedevil on Dec 2, 2016 8:56:22 GMT
All went well. My mother got worried as the surgeon said he would get me back to her in 3 hours, it took twice as long! It just took longer than he expected there were no complications. I've only got a small amount of pain, quite tired but did manage a few steps. I saw 2 stoma therapists and they said it was one of the neatest and best work they had seen and gave the surgeon 10/10.
I'm feeling quite good and cheerful. Having trouble to keep my eyes open so time for a nap.
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Post by tiffany on Dec 2, 2016 12:21:44 GMT
All went well. My mother got worried as the surgeon said he would get me back to her in 3 hours, it took twice as long! It just took longer than he expected there were no complications. I've only got a small amount of pain, quite tired but did manage a few steps. I saw 2 stoma therapists and they said it was one of the neatest and best work they had seen and gave the surgeon 10/10. I'm feeling quite good and cheerful. Having trouble to keep my eyes open so time for a nap. I’m glad the surgery went well and that you are not in a lot of pain. I hope your recovery goes well, and you are out and about in no time!
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Post by chech on Dec 2, 2016 12:58:37 GMT
All went well. My mother got worried as the surgeon said he would get me back to her in 3 hours, it took twice as long! It just took longer than he expected there were no complications. I've only got a small amount of pain, quite tired but did manage a few steps. I saw 2 stoma therapists and they said it was one of the neatest and best work they had seen and gave the surgeon 10/10. I'm feeling quite good and cheerful. Having trouble to keep my eyes open so time for a nap. Awesome!!! Time for a happy dance!
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Post by purvis on Dec 2, 2016 15:52:27 GMT
tassiedevil: Maybe not a happy dance but I'm sure both you and your mother are relieved the surgery is over and that the news is great. I am also a mother whose son underwent cancer surgery recently. My eldest son had bladder cancer surgery two weeks ago and it seems all went so well that he was back to work 5days later. He goes to see the surgeon next week for a check-up and the results of the biopsy. He had a wee bit of trouble a week ago and had a rush trip to our local hospital and received the report sooner than expected and it was very good. He will have to have checkups every 3 months .As a mother I know what your's has been going through. May the sun shine on your face and the wind be at your back. Purvis
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Post by tiffany on Dec 2, 2016 18:14:39 GMT
I am glad that your son is doing okay Purvis. It seems like everyone has cancer now a days! I wish they would find a cure for this horrible disease!
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Post by purvis on Dec 3, 2016 1:10:38 GMT
Tiffany: They will. The researchers are getting closer every day. Purvis
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Post by tiffany on Dec 5, 2016 12:30:51 GMT
I hope you’re right Purvis, and I hope it happens in my lifetime. I’m lucky enough to have access to medication that may keep me stable for years, but right now, I would love to have a cure.
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Post by tiffany on Dec 7, 2016 12:44:02 GMT
I went to the hospital for chemo yesterday, and my nurse practitioner told me that I will not be getting chemo on Dec 20 or 27th, which will give me a four week break from chemo over the holidays! I was so happy to hear this, as it means I can enjoy Christmas without have to deal with side-effects or worrying about my white blood count. I actually get to play with my nieces and nephew this visit, and not just talk to them at a distance (they are always sick with a cold, so I normally need to avoid them when I visit). I asked her if I would have to make up these two chemo treatments in January, and she said “we’ll see”. If the results of my CT scan are good, I may not. So, as of now, I have four more chemo treatments schedules for January, maybe six, and then I proceed with just Herceptin and Perjeta every three weeks. I can’t wait to be done with chemo!
I also got a sleeve for my lymphedema, and it’s working really well. the swelling in my lower arm has already gone done, and it’s not as uncomfortable to wear as I thought it would be.
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Post by californian on Dec 7, 2016 15:47:39 GMT
Keep fighting Tiffany, have a wonderful Christmas with nephews and nieces.
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Post by tiffany on Dec 8, 2016 12:28:29 GMT
Thanks Californian! I’m looking forward to the holidays!
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Post by tassiedevil on Dec 9, 2016 9:03:09 GMT
I came home on Wednesday. I'm getting there but get tired easily. I got my pathology results back and the radiation and chemo totally destroyed the tumour, there were no viable cancer cell. It happens to only 15% of patients, so best possible outcome for me. It lowers the possibility of it returning.
On the downside I had a bit of a melt down yesterday when I accidentally felt one of my many scars and found out how big it was and realised how much of my body had been removed.
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Post by chech on Dec 9, 2016 12:04:30 GMT
Awesome news on the tumor!! And it's not a scar! It's a war wound. You battled cancer and won. Hopefully, you can turn the shock into pride in time. I know you will.
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Post by tiffany on Dec 9, 2016 12:45:59 GMT
That’s great news Tassiedevil! I’m so glad that the treatment worked, and that the cancer is gone. Let’s hope you stay cancer free for the rest of your life. Having a meltdown right now is normal, and, considering what you’ve been through, I’m surprised you haven’t had one before. Right now you just need to focus on healing, so that you can go on your trip in a few weeks!
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Post by purvis on Dec 9, 2016 15:19:55 GMT
Tassiedevil: Scars lessen especially with the creams on the market these days. I know as I had a pretty significant scar on my face after cancer surgery 3years ago . For months I wouldn't leave the house without wearing a bandage over it as I was aware of people's stares but in time with the use of Vitamin E cream the scare lessened to the point it was not as visible . As Chech says you battled cancer and won and like any warrior you have the scares to show for the fight. I received news from my son last nite that his cancer of the bladder was totally removed by surgery 3weeks ago but will for the near future have to under go scopes every 3 months to make sure it has not returned. Cancer is a terrible disease but it will be beaten. It has to be. Purvis
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Post by tiffany on Dec 9, 2016 20:20:00 GMT
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Pauline
Full Member
Normandy, Brittany & the Loire Valley, WW1 Battlefields and Northern Spain in Sep 2023 with Insight
Posts: 210
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Post by Pauline on Dec 10, 2016 6:09:14 GMT
tassiedevil, we do have bio-oil in Australia and I think it's great. I broke my left leg almost 5 years ago in 3 places and had to have a rod inserted in the fibula, so I had a nice 4" scar running up the lower outside part of my leg. Once the stitches were out the bio-oil came out. I just had a look at my leg and had real trouble seeing where the scar is. Same on my tummy when I had a right hemicolectomy back in 2009. That left a 5" scar running up from my belly button. Bio-oil was used on that one and is now a barely visible white line. I didn't think it was doing much good at the time but I kept at it and it does work.
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Post by tiffany on Dec 12, 2016 12:30:59 GMT
tassiedevil, we do have bio-oil in Australia and I think it's great. I broke my left leg almost 5 years ago in 3 places and had to have a rod inserted in the fibula, so I had a nice 4" scar running up the lower outside part of my leg. Once the stitches were out the bio-oil came out. I just had a look at my leg and had real trouble seeing where the scar is. Same on my tummy when I had a right hemicolectomy back in 2009. That left a 5" scar running up from my belly button. Bio-oil was used on that one and is now a barely visible white line. I didn't think it was doing much good at the time but I kept at it and it does work. Pauline, I’m glad that the Bio-oil worked so well for you. I still use it every day, as it works so well.
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