Two time survivor - third diagnosis
My name is Pam and my loving partner of 21 years, Andie, has been posting on the board to all of you, trying to help me through this.
I was diagnosed 26 years ago with stage one bc on the left side - lumpectomy and 6 weeks of radiation ensued. I was diagnosed 16 years ago with one aggressive site and two in-situ sights in my other breast and had a mastectomy - no follow-up treatment. Now we're back to the original breast with a 3 cm tumor behind the original scar site. As Andie said in her posts, this is all a bit overwhelming. I was pretty bummed by the third day after chemo because I thought I was not going to have bad side affects. Of course then they hit. I started feeling pretty good yesterday but am still running a low-grade fever and my asthma has kicked up, even though I'm on Levaquin and have been for 9 days. I will have to talk to the doc tomorrow morning to see how we can keep this from going into a full-blown bronchitis. Please know that I am so grateful to Andie for contacting all of you and for the caring support you have shown to both of us.
Take care,
Pam
Comments
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Hi Pam...
Hang in there, girl! This sucks and I hate it for you...I'm in my second battle, just 2 years since my first dx...I'm in a clinical trial, taking an oral chemo..had my second one 10 days ago, with an upped dosage...it has kicked my butt!
Perhaps with you running a fever, you should call your physician today and not wait until tomorrow....
Please keep posting....this is a wonderful site...we get it and we care....
Wishing you better days ahead.....
Hugs, Nancy0 -
Welcome Pam!
As we all feel, it's just the unfortunate situation that connects us all. First, let me say you are blessed to have such a caring and compassionate partner helping you through all this. It's a blessing.
Second, you have battled and conquered this thing twice before and I am praying this will be the LAST time you have to deal with this. I agree you should call the doctor to see what all you can do to ward off anything else from developing due to the Chemo. The immunity system is compromised during Chemo so one is at risk for assaults such as this.
Rest as much as possible and know we're all here for you.
Hugs,
Sylvia0 -
Pam,sea60 said:Welcome Pam!
As we all feel, it's just the unfortunate situation that connects us all. First, let me say you are blessed to have such a caring and compassionate partner helping you through all this. It's a blessing.
Second, you have battled and conquered this thing twice before and I am praying this will be the LAST time you have to deal with this. I agree you should call the doctor to see what all you can do to ward off anything else from developing due to the Chemo. The immunity system is compromised during Chemo so one is at risk for assaults such as this.
Rest as much as possible and know we're all here for you.
Hugs,
Sylvia
Welcome and sorry that
Pam,
Welcome and sorry that you had to come here but here is a good place for support, suggestions, venting and whatever you might need. I did not have to do chemo so I can offer no suggestions but others will no doubt. Glad you have such good support on the home front. Prayers and good thoughts to you.
Stef0 -
Thank you Nancy. I'm soMAJW said:Hi Pam...
Hang in there, girl! This sucks and I hate it for you...I'm in my second battle, just 2 years since my first dx...I'm in a clinical trial, taking an oral chemo..had my second one 10 days ago, with an upped dosage...it has kicked my butt!
Perhaps with you running a fever, you should call your physician today and not wait until tomorrow....
Please keep posting....this is a wonderful site...we get it and we care....
Wishing you better days ahead.....
Hugs, Nancy
Thank you Nancy. I'm so sorry it's kicking your butt. How often are you taking it?
Take care,
Pam0 -
Thank you Sylvia. Glad to besea60 said:Welcome Pam!
As we all feel, it's just the unfortunate situation that connects us all. First, let me say you are blessed to have such a caring and compassionate partner helping you through all this. It's a blessing.
Second, you have battled and conquered this thing twice before and I am praying this will be the LAST time you have to deal with this. I agree you should call the doctor to see what all you can do to ward off anything else from developing due to the Chemo. The immunity system is compromised during Chemo so one is at risk for assaults such as this.
Rest as much as possible and know we're all here for you.
Hugs,
Sylvia
Thank you Sylvia. Glad to be here.0 -
Thanks Stef - love how youfauxma said:Pam,
Welcome and sorry that
Pam,
Welcome and sorry that you had to come here but here is a good place for support, suggestions, venting and whatever you might need. I did not have to do chemo so I can offer no suggestions but others will no doubt. Glad you have such good support on the home front. Prayers and good thoughts to you.
Stef
Thanks Stef - love how you spell your name.0 -
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Welcoming you too Pam to thefauxma said:Pam,
Welcome and sorry that
Pam,
Welcome and sorry that you had to come here but here is a good place for support, suggestions, venting and whatever you might need. I did not have to do chemo so I can offer no suggestions but others will no doubt. Glad you have such good support on the home front. Prayers and good thoughts to you.
Stef
Welcoming you too Pam to the site. We are here for you to support, encourage you and to even send cyber hugs.
Jan0 -
Pam, Glad you found this site.
The support has been tremendous, and the knowledge is first hand. This is a great group of women whom have really helped me on this journey, and I am sure that you will feel the same.
You are right, this is overwhelming and it is so nice to have people that you can say it sucks too who really do understand.
~Carol0 -
Gee whiz, Pam. I am so
Gee whiz, Pam. I am so sorry you've had to go through this cancer over and over. Maybe the doctor will be able to help you with your asthma. Sometimes they can adjust the does of the chemo if your side-effects are too much.
I will send positive thoughts your way. Keep up the fight and it's ok to feel down; just make sure you pull yourself out of it with a deep breath and the idea that you will beat this again.
Judy0 -
Thank you all for yourcamul said:Pam, Glad you found this site.
The support has been tremendous, and the knowledge is first hand. This is a great group of women whom have really helped me on this journey, and I am sure that you will feel the same.
You are right, this is overwhelming and it is so nice to have people that you can say it sucks too who really do understand.
~Carol
Thank you all for your wonderful support. You are truly awesome women.
I'm pretty sure I'm going to lose my hair next week. I will probably lose my brows and lashes too. Have any of you tried false eyelashes and eyebrows? I've never worn either. I thought about trying the polar cap but decided not to do it and let myself go bald. I'd love to know your thoughts.
Take care,
Pam0 -
I do get discouraged but Ipoplolly said:Gee whiz, Pam. I am so
Gee whiz, Pam. I am so sorry you've had to go through this cancer over and over. Maybe the doctor will be able to help you with your asthma. Sometimes they can adjust the does of the chemo if your side-effects are too much.
I will send positive thoughts your way. Keep up the fight and it's ok to feel down; just make sure you pull yourself out of it with a deep breath and the idea that you will beat this again.
Judy
I do get discouraged but I don't stay there very long. I think I thought I would have a few bad days and then would be back to feeling good without any other symptoms. It took way longer to bounce back because of the fevers, the asthma, the mouth sores and the other sores. I do feel pretty good tonight and will deal with the asthma tomorrow. You have listed my spirits tremendously and I thank you so very much.
Take care
Pam0 -
A warm welcome to you, Pam.Pam5 said:I do get discouraged but I
I do get discouraged but I don't stay there very long. I think I thought I would have a few bad days and then would be back to feeling good without any other symptoms. It took way longer to bounce back because of the fevers, the asthma, the mouth sores and the other sores. I do feel pretty good tonight and will deal with the asthma tomorrow. You have listed my spirits tremendously and I thank you so very much.
Take care
Pam
I am thrilled that you found our site, thru Andie. 26 years on and off battling this beast -- is unimaginable .. KUDOS to you -- for staying strong and on course.
fevers, asthma and mouth sores -- so so sorry, Pam. Have you tried 'Tom' natural toothpaste? or rinsing with warm salt water several times a day. I applied neosporin with a q-tip to the interior regions of my nose -- it did help with my nose sores. When the sole of my feet blistered with blood, I wore white cotton socks .. and slathered vaseline on my heels several times per day.
Our site offers hope, love and support. We also provide home care remedies proven to help with the everyday side efforts that chemo brings to many WARRIORS.
Sending positive thoughts, hope and prayers in your directions, Pam.
Strength, Courage and Health.
Vicki Sam0 -
You have someone very
You have someone very special in Andie, her love and care for you showed clearly in her posts here. It's nice that you're able to join us too.
Fever, asthma, mouth sores...and I'm sure that's the short list of side effects. I'm glad you're feeling well enough to post. I used biotene toothpaste for the mouth sores, they have a mouthwash as well. The biotene also seemed to help a little with the taste bud issues too.
I lost eyebrows and eyelashes, but I didn't loose them till I was almost done with chemo. I didn't wear false lashes, but know others who did. I finally found a way to draw on eyebrows that worked for me...I ended up with the brow make-up from Benefit and a stencil to color in. I never really 'did' my brows before chemo. Looking back on it, I wish I had gone to Benefit while I still had eyebrows...maybe something for you to consider.
Hugs,
Linda0 -
Hi Pam5....welcome...Gabe N Abby Mom said:You have someone very
You have someone very special in Andie, her love and care for you showed clearly in her posts here. It's nice that you're able to join us too.
Fever, asthma, mouth sores...and I'm sure that's the short list of side effects. I'm glad you're feeling well enough to post. I used biotene toothpaste for the mouth sores, they have a mouthwash as well. The biotene also seemed to help a little with the taste bud issues too.
I lost eyebrows and eyelashes, but I didn't loose them till I was almost done with chemo. I didn't wear false lashes, but know others who did. I finally found a way to draw on eyebrows that worked for me...I ended up with the brow make-up from Benefit and a stencil to color in. I never really 'did' my brows before chemo. Looking back on it, I wish I had gone to Benefit while I still had eyebrows...maybe something for you to consider.
Hugs,
Linda
...sorry to meet you this way, but you will not find a better group of caring and supportive women. I replied to Andie and I am glad you have joined us. I am so sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis. Maybe I can help or offer some words of encouragement. I also am dealing with my first round of chemo. The first few days I felt fabulous. I was figuring this was going to be a piece of cake. It did take a few days to kick in. I got a Neulasta shot on the second day. Then some nausea kicked in. It really felt like heartburn, so I didn't take the anti-nausea meds - it was heartburn. Dummy me! It started feeling like the flu. I did start those nausea meds and it did help a bit. I got diarrhea really bad, started bleeding down there. Then I got a cough plus sinus issues, started crusting up, running, then bleeding up there. Called my Onc. he said all that is normal, and I've been dealing with it. It has gotten better.
My mouth was really dry, with metallic taste too. Everything tasted bad. Gosh, lemon drops were the worst. Somebody told me to get them and suck on them during and after chemo. Ugh, I threw them in the trash. I don't think I'll ever look at a lemon drop again. I digress! The taste thing has gotten better and I am one week pre chemo #2. I am loving all foods now. Everything tastes wonderful and I am maybe enjoying food a wee bit too much.
I get herceptin weekly, so I am getting ready for my infusion this morning. It goes fairly quick, and so far no significant side effects other than the ones above. I am having some difficulty sleeping and I am having bone aches. I have taken melatonin to help sleep and it works pretty good for me.
I feel very overwhelmed too! I joined this board a few weeks ago and I really felt hopeless at that time. I was so afraid of the chemo. Right now I am afraid the hair is going to start falling out any moment. I worry too much sometimes. I find this board very theraputic. I've found a wealth of info here. I am from a fairly small town, and I am receiving my treatment in my small town. It seems like no one is going thru the same thing as me. This board is like a village of supporters.
I wish you courage and hope as you take on this journey for the 3rd time. I hope your SE's are always minimal and your love and support at home gives you strength.
Hugs, pinkpalette0 -
Hi Pam,pinkpalette said:Hi Pam5....welcome...
...sorry to meet you this way, but you will not find a better group of caring and supportive women. I replied to Andie and I am glad you have joined us. I am so sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis. Maybe I can help or offer some words of encouragement. I also am dealing with my first round of chemo. The first few days I felt fabulous. I was figuring this was going to be a piece of cake. It did take a few days to kick in. I got a Neulasta shot on the second day. Then some nausea kicked in. It really felt like heartburn, so I didn't take the anti-nausea meds - it was heartburn. Dummy me! It started feeling like the flu. I did start those nausea meds and it did help a bit. I got diarrhea really bad, started bleeding down there. Then I got a cough plus sinus issues, started crusting up, running, then bleeding up there. Called my Onc. he said all that is normal, and I've been dealing with it. It has gotten better.
My mouth was really dry, with metallic taste too. Everything tasted bad. Gosh, lemon drops were the worst. Somebody told me to get them and suck on them during and after chemo. Ugh, I threw them in the trash. I don't think I'll ever look at a lemon drop again. I digress! The taste thing has gotten better and I am one week pre chemo #2. I am loving all foods now. Everything tastes wonderful and I am maybe enjoying food a wee bit too much.
I get herceptin weekly, so I am getting ready for my infusion this morning. It goes fairly quick, and so far no significant side effects other than the ones above. I am having some difficulty sleeping and I am having bone aches. I have taken melatonin to help sleep and it works pretty good for me.
I feel very overwhelmed too! I joined this board a few weeks ago and I really felt hopeless at that time. I was so afraid of the chemo. Right now I am afraid the hair is going to start falling out any moment. I worry too much sometimes. I find this board very theraputic. I've found a wealth of info here. I am from a fairly small town, and I am receiving my treatment in my small town. It seems like no one is going thru the same thing as me. This board is like a village of supporters.
I wish you courage and hope as you take on this journey for the 3rd time. I hope your SE's are always minimal and your love and support at home gives you strength.
Hugs, pinkpalette
Give that Andie a big hug from us for taking such great care of you. I am so glad she was able to persuade you to come personally to this board. Unfortunately through our cancer we've become a close family. I personally didn't wear false eyelashes either. My brows and lashes thinned out but never completely fell out. It wasn't until after they started growing back post chemo that I lost the ones that hung around, it seemed the new folicles pushed them out for new growth. I went the stencil route as well, if you take an old plastic milk carton you can cut a flat piece from that. Place that over your current brow and use a marker to draw your brow. Cut out the area you just marked and voila a cheep eyebrow stencil.
The hair unfortunately there isn't much you can do there, I ended up shaving mine a couple of weeks after my first infusion. I'm not modest I just wore hats and scarves. My last infusion was Jan. 7th of this year and as of today I am sporting about an inch and a half of new hair growth with lots of cute little curls which I've never had before.
Anyways.. I just wanted to extend my open arms as well and welcome you to the pink sisterhood.
Hugs,
Lorrie0 -
HI Pam
Sorry we had to meet this way..this is great board...much helpful info here..
sorry you are going through all this..again...I"ll be thinking of you
Denise0
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