purplelady47
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Posts posted by purplelady47
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Yep - the wonderful hot flashes! I had forgotten how they start post chemo!!! I was laying on the couch last night and I was taking the covers off, putting them back on, taking them off, putting them back on........you get the picture!! I was driving the dog nuts!!!
Lots of water seems to help this, but as I remember, it tapers off after awhile.
All my best to your Mom,
Pam in FL
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I didn't get a port when I had my first chemo. Near the end of my chemo, it became more difficult for the nurses to find a good vein for blood draws and chemo infusion but they managed.
Three months after my last chemo I went for a CT scan and it took the technician six attempts to find a good vein for the contrast infusion and I ended up looking like a battered woman with all the bruises on my arm. Quite honestly, that CT scan was the worse part of my cancer experience to date.
So when my oncologist said I had to have more chemo, I insisted on a port. I had it inserted last Tuesday and it was used one week later. I am so very grateful that I had the port put in. It was alot easier on both me and the nurses and I know that my next CT scan IV won't be so awful.
Pam in FL
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That's exactly how I feel!!
Yesterday I had my first Taxotere treatment and of course, the benadryl pre-meds always make me oh-so-sleepy.
I stopped taking the pain meds for the port because the insertion site stopped hurting, it is just tender now. But then I started taking the anti-depressant - I was told that by a friend that takes Lexapro that it made him very tired in the beginning.
And he wasn't kidding!!! EEEKKK!!! Between the chemo, the pre-meds, the anti-depressent and the post-chemo meds, my life is one big nap-a-thon!!! Thank goodness I prepared a whole bunch of meals prior to starting chemo, because now I all have to do is nuke dinner and use the fine china - Dixie paper plates!!
Pam in FL
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Sending all kinds of positive energy and prayers ~
Pam in FL
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This is such great news!!!
::::doing the happy dance::::
Pam in FL
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Everyone here is so nice and supportive. I don't know what I would do without this group.
The lexapro is doing its job - for the last 8 months there has been a huge sign in the front of my brain with thousands of blinking lights (like the signs in Las Vegas) that said "YOU HAVE CANCER" 24/7. With the lexapro, the sign is still there, but now it says you have cancer. Now that the sign is much smaller, I am feeling much better.
I find myself with unexpected free time - my son is going to stay overnight at a friend's tonight and then go to Busch Gardens tomorrow. I made plans to have an evening out with the girls tonight and will spend tomorrow shopping with a friend.
I am feeling better and stronger, both physically and mentally. I am very grateful to everyone here - you have made a huge difference in my journey!
With a gentle hug,
Pam in FL
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Just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you Lori and sending you lots of strength, courage and hugs.
Pam in FL
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Ultimate
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Moonlight.....
Soft jazz playing in the background.....
Sharing a nice bottle of wine.......
The pool in my backyard......
The clothes tossed by the side of the pool......
Tender, romantic words........
The glare of the lights from the neighborhood security patrol car ..... "Gee ma'am, we thought somebody broke in to your yard!"
It always *I*S* an adventure in my little world!!
Pam in FL
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Oh Gail ~
I am so sorry to hear this. I hope your memories bring you comfort during this sad time.
Gently hugging you,
Pam in FL
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Hello everyone ~
Being a cancer survivor is truly a full time job!!
Yesterday I was up before the birdies to get to the surgery center for my 6 am appointment for my port placement. Thankfully, everything ran on schedule and I was back home, laying on my couch by 11 am. The port site is sore when I touch it or lift my arm up above my chest, but the pain medication is taking care of this quite nicely.
Today I met with the chemo nurse and my oncologist to decide what to do next. I decided to join the Taxotere with talabostat clinical trial http://www.cancer.gov/search/ViewClinic ... id=2520693
My only question regarding the clinical trial was if I could get the Neulasta injections the day after my chemo infusion or if I had to wait until my counts dropped. The nurse spoke with the clinical trial folks and she was told that all injections could be given at the investigator's discretion. So I can get the injections before they are needed (as prescribed by my oncologist). It's really important that I do everything that is possible to prevent infections - I know that my young son is exposed to so many potential infections in school. Once that was decided, then I had to get another CT scan of my chest and abdomen along with some bloodwork. I will begin chemo on Tuesday and then every three weeks after that.
I know that having a good attitude helps but I must admit that it's been more difficult this second time around. I look at what so many folks have been through and I think "Buck up Pam - put on your big girl panties and deal with it!".
But it is hard and I just haven't found the right attitude yet. I am tired of all this medical crap, I am tired of needing help, I am tired of being a "good patient" and I am tired of being brave.
WWWWAAAHHHHHHH!!!! I suppose I should offer up some cheese with that whine.
Needless to say, I asked for a prescription for an anti-depressant today.
I am hoping that helps to adjust my attitude. Thank you to everyone for sharing your thoughts and experiences with me so I could make an informed decision.
Gratefully,
Pam in FL
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Hey Tracy -
I bet you are wiped out from your first infusion. When I had Carbo/Taxol I would be there all day long and sleep through most of the day. Then I would come home and just be EXHAUSTED. I was always amazed by this - how could I be so tired when I napped and did absolutely nothing all day other than just sit there???
Go figure!!! I hope your day was chaos-free - I've been thinking of you and sending you lots of positive energy and mental hugs.
Pam in FL
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I am so glad for all this info - I get my port next Tuesday and need to know what to expect.
Hope you feel better soon Nancy!!!
And thanks to everyone else for your comments~
Pam in FL
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Sending you my best Lori ~
Sometimes it is just too much to take it a day at a time because we are so overwhelmed by all the crap that life is throwing at us.
Then it is time to resort to Plan B, which is to just take it hour by hour or minute by minute.
Major hugs,
Pam in FL
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Thank you to everyone for sharing your thoughts and kind words.
After listening to your wise words and reading everything I could find online, I am planning on going with the Taxotere. Once I talk with the chemo nurse, I will decide if I will go in the clinical trial or not. That decision is really based on my ability to get the Neupogen and Procrit injections during the trial. While I was on my first cycle of treatment, I was able to get these injections before I experienced any of the problems associated with low blood counts. If the trial protocol states that I must wait until I experience symptoms or until my blood counts plummet, then I will not join the study. I can't take that added risk of problems while having to care for my son by myself.
I will get my port put in on Tuesday and I can't wait for that. Originally I was told that I wouldn't know what time the procedure was scheduled until 3:30 the day before. This posed a huge problem for me because I need to make arrangements for my son. Thankfully, the scheduling nurse spoke to her supervisor and I am scheduled to have the procedure at 7:30 am.
There are kind and caring folks in the medical field and I am so grateful that she went the "extra mile" to make my life a bit easier.
Once again, thank you to everyone!
Pam in FL
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When I woke up this morning at 6:30, it was already 82 here. Right now it is 93 and the expected high this afternoon is 98.
Egads!!!!
But it is supposed to rain around 4 pm today, so that might cool it off a bit....maybe to around 95 with 100% humidity.
I am not complaining though - there doesn't seem to be any tropical storms brewing and that is something to be very grateful for!!
Pam in FL
(just north of Tampa on the Gulf of Mexico)
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That's right Lori ~
Every single one of your actions is a sacrament.
Sending you oodles of strength, courage and lots of hugs,
Pam in FL
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Hey there Tracy ~
I was hoping that you would have good news to share with us, darn it!!!
Carbo/Taxol worked well for me and it is doable. Yeah, it is "Good-bye hair", but it is also "Good-bye to bad hair days" too.
I'm with you on the recentering and I'm cheering you on!!
::::shaking my pom-poms::::
Pam in FL
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Lori ~
First of all, don't even be partially ashamed that you decided to tie one on (that statement was typed in between sips of my iced coffee flavored with Cask & Cream
). Although I don't use liquor as a coping mechanism, sometimes it is exactly what the doctor needs to prescribe. Secondly, please know that I am so sorry to hear this news. I had hoped that the neurosurgeon would tell you that the bumps were just some strange side effect of treatment. Please know that I am sending you lots of strength, courage and hugs as you deal with the challenges that lie ahead.
I remember the day my Mother signed herself into Hospice. When she was just diagnosed and decided not to treat her cancer, I was very angry with her. But I had to let her make her decisions about her life. I don't know if not telling your Mom is a good thing - no matter what she is saying about returning to work or no matter how her cheerful her attitude is, she may be presenting the "right" attitude, partly in fear and maybe partly to help you. She might want/need this time under Hospice's care to have the opportunity to impart her wisdom and love to her family and loved ones.
Lastly, I know that we tend to look at Hospice as giving up hope. I am trying my best to look at Hospice care as not giving up hope, but rather changing the gears of hope. I know that doesn't make alot of sense (blame the Cask & Cream
) - during treatment we are hoping for NED and/or stable disease and under the care of Hospice, we are hoping for comfort and peace, not only for the patient, but also for the family and the loved ones too. So we are not giving up hope, just changing what we are hoping for.Nobody knows your Mom like you do and I know that whatever decision you make will be made with love. It is a tremendous responsibility to put on your shoulders but I know that you are a strong and brave woman as well as a loving and wonderful daughter.
With love,
Pam in FL
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Hello everyone ~
I had my 3 month post treatment CT and the scan shows some slight progression of the tumors. I saw my oncologist today and he is recommending further treatment. I have an appointment set up for a port on Monday (thank goodness!!!
) and will meet with him on 08/01 to pick a treatment. He's offering Alimta as a single agent or a clinical trial with Taxotere where a patient is randomized into either Taxotere alone or with Talabostat, which is an oral chemotherapy.
So my decision is basically Alimta or Taxotere. If you are willing to share your experiences on either of these chemotherapies, I would really be grateful.
Thanks so much,
Pam in FL
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My all time favorite kitchen sign is.......
I kiss better than I cook.
Pam in FL
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Ah, this is wonderful news!!!!
:::doing the happy dance:::
Pam in FL
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Oh Lori ~
What a roller coaster you and your family has been riding!!!
I am so glad Mom is home and that SF has finally gotten a ticket to the clue bus! I think we will have steak here tonight to celebrate your Mom's homecoming.
Pam in FL
I am hoping that helps to adjust my attitude. 
) - during treatment we are hoping for NED and/or stable disease and under the care of Hospice, we are hoping for comfort and peace, not only for the patient, but also for the family and the loved ones too. So we are not giving up hope, just changing what we are hoping for.
About Darrell...
in MEMBER UPDATES
Posted
Sending you all kinds of positive thoughts and good wishes Darrell!!
Pam in FL