New Here

StaceyPMD1121
StaceyPMD1121 Member Posts: 65
Hi EveryOne,

I have Stage II Breast Cancer. I had a lumpectomy on 5-4-2012 with 4 lumps. The biggest lump was 3 cm was large enough to be seen below my collarbone. Glad it is gone! I will have my chemo port surgery 5-30-2012. My chemo will start June 8, 2012. Please help me somebody? I do not sleep well due to menopause & worrying about chemo. Please somebody make me laugh to keep from crying? Do I classifiy as a survivor or does that come once I have experienced my first chemo session? lol. Looking forward to meeting new friends. I am also on whatnext.com as StaceyPMD. I feel I will probably get more support through cancer survivors network with discussion board and chatrooms. Talk to you soon.

Have a Blessed Day & Remember to Laugh as Much as you can Daily,
StaceyPMD1121
«1

Comments

  • laughs_a_lot
    laughs_a_lot Member Posts: 1,368 Member
    wecome
    As you can tell by my handle I also like to laugh. I did a paper in college on how laughter releives stress. Once I got cancer I also learned that we have these things called tellomeres on our genes. Telomeres protect us from getting cancer. Stress shortens tellomeres. So get all the humor you can. You are already a cancer survivor.

    Now for a funny story. Me and my ex-husband have the same exact birthday. We were born the same month, year, and day. He is older by six hours. Durring the divorce I gave him custody of both birthdays. I got custody of the kids. He ages twice every time the birthday comes around. I don't age. Even though the kids raised Cain as teenagers I still think I got the better end of the deal.
  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    Hello, sorry to meet her but
    Hello, sorry to meet her but glad you found this site...

    I never had chemo but do not ever sleep through the night (up 2,3,4 times a night)

    I am not sure from Tamoxifen, post menopause or just age 52 yrs old

    thinking of you..


    Denise
  • sdukowitz
    sdukowitz Member Posts: 250
    Stacey,
    You are a survivor

    Stacey,

    You are a survivor for sure ... sorry you had to join this club but support and humor you will find here! Laugh often, keep active with other activities and cry if you need to! Peace and prayers from Alaska .... it stays light til midnite here now so I dont sleep much either ... but love to go out bike riding at 11 pm some days keep us posted and welcome to the group! ... Sue D.
  • RozHopkins
    RozHopkins Member Posts: 578 Member
    Hi
    Great attitude, glad you are here, except for the reason you are here. Positive attitude is a great thing and you seem to have that. Chemo was not as bad I thought it would be. Its like OMG what happens as the chemicals are piped into you, but it was no big deal. Its when you get home the effect kicks in. Any questions please ask, lots of advice available on this site. Rest, rest, rest. When hunger has gone nibble on very fruity candy to keep the taste buds alive and yoguart for an easy meal when you really dont want anything, porridge, that kind of thing. Set yourself up with head ware whatever you choose ie scarves, hats or a wig. Whilst chemo going on dont shave or risk any cuts or pick up any bugs etc If you have pets dont touch anything poopy (sorry) infection is a no, no at this time of treatment. Fatigue is normal and rest when your body aches for it. Nail problems are normal and mouth ulcers. Your oncologist will advise. Take care and good luck.
  • karinna
    karinna Member Posts: 42
    Nice to meet you but sorry you are here.
    Hello and I love your attitude! I had a bad time with chemo but most women I met handled chemo really well. Some didn't even feel sick. Most worked through chemo and continued their daily routines. I even met a couple women who did not loose their hair. Its different for everyone and there are many prescriptions available to help with the problems. I wish you the best. Its a rough road but I can tell already that you will tackle this head-on.

    karinna
  • salls41
    salls41 Member Posts: 340
    Good Luck with Chemo
    Good luck to you with your chemo. As others have said, it is different for everyone. The main thing to know is to take this time to take care of you! Rest when you want to, don't feel guilty for letting the dishes sit or leaving the bed unmade. You are what is important. Sending good thoughts your way!
    Sandy
  • MAJW
    MAJW Member Posts: 2,510 Member
    salls41 said:

    Good Luck with Chemo
    Good luck to you with your chemo. As others have said, it is different for everyone. The main thing to know is to take this time to take care of you! Rest when you want to, don't feel guilty for letting the dishes sit or leaving the bed unmade. You are what is important. Sending good thoughts your way!
    Sandy

    Hate...
    I hate the reason you're here but glad you found " us"... What type of bc do you have? Do you know what your chemo cocktail is? I am going through this again..but my first go round I had Taxotere/Cytoxin....my hair fell out on exactly day 14....I had already had it buzzed and bought my wig...I only wore it out in public and wore soft caps at home...my scalp was sore when it came out...I used and am using baby shampoo, as I am bald again due to radiation to the brain.....make sure you have a prescription for nausea meds and take it religiously! I did and never had even had the first wave of nausea....i started it the day before and continued after the infusion for 3 days....drink drink drink water...you want to flush the chemo out....your taste buds may disappear for 4-7 days, mine did...just experiment with food....keep well hydrated!

    I had my port installed 9 weeks ago....I was nervous about that...fear of the unknown...it was done under conscious sedation...in the radiology department...no big deal, actually...once they brought me out of the sedation I drank a coke and ate some crackers and sent me on my way...I was super glued, for both incisions, which is great, no sutures! As freaked out as I was about it, it's great when I have my chemo every 2 weeks...they gave me a prescription for a cream that numbs...I glop it on 1-2 hours before the infusion cover it with Press and Seal...I feel nothing when they access it...it's a real blessing! No arm sticks!

    Please keep posting...there's a wealth of experience here...remember everyone is different....but you can ask anything here...
    Hugs, Nancy
  • missrenee
    missrenee Member Posts: 2,136 Member
    MAJW said:

    Hate...
    I hate the reason you're here but glad you found " us"... What type of bc do you have? Do you know what your chemo cocktail is? I am going through this again..but my first go round I had Taxotere/Cytoxin....my hair fell out on exactly day 14....I had already had it buzzed and bought my wig...I only wore it out in public and wore soft caps at home...my scalp was sore when it came out...I used and am using baby shampoo, as I am bald again due to radiation to the brain.....make sure you have a prescription for nausea meds and take it religiously! I did and never had even had the first wave of nausea....i started it the day before and continued after the infusion for 3 days....drink drink drink water...you want to flush the chemo out....your taste buds may disappear for 4-7 days, mine did...just experiment with food....keep well hydrated!

    I had my port installed 9 weeks ago....I was nervous about that...fear of the unknown...it was done under conscious sedation...in the radiology department...no big deal, actually...once they brought me out of the sedation I drank a coke and ate some crackers and sent me on my way...I was super glued, for both incisions, which is great, no sutures! As freaked out as I was about it, it's great when I have my chemo every 2 weeks...they gave me a prescription for a cream that numbs...I glop it on 1-2 hours before the infusion cover it with Press and Seal...I feel nothing when they access it...it's a real blessing! No arm sticks!

    Please keep posting...there's a wealth of experience here...remember everyone is different....but you can ask anything here...
    Hugs, Nancy

    Welcome, Stacey
    So sorry you have to be here, but this place is my lifeline. Come here for advice, a shoulder to cry on, a place to rant or rave or just a non-judgemental, loving place to talk it out. We, here on this board, understand like no others.

    I dreaded the thought of chemo (had six rounds of TAC). I was so scared, I was literally shaking in my shoes. As my husband held my arm, walking me in, I thought, okay--I can do this and I will do it in the bravest way possible.

    Now for the funny part--as I walked into the chemo room, several patients were already hooked up to their various chemos. I smiled and said hi and then promptly knocked over an IV pole which clattered to the floor. Thankfully, no one was hooked up to it. Then, I thought, well I better sit down ASAP. I sat in a recliner and the chair broke! By this time I think everyone was thinking--who is this klutz?! Well, we all had a good laugh and I felt that God was messing with me to get me to lighten up. And, you know what, I sailed through that chemo.

    My best of luck and most positive energy going out to you, Stacey. Remember--in the words of Winne the Pooh--You're stronger than you seem and braver than you believe.

    Hugs, Renee
  • MsGebby
    MsGebby Member Posts: 659
    missrenee said:

    Welcome, Stacey
    So sorry you have to be here, but this place is my lifeline. Come here for advice, a shoulder to cry on, a place to rant or rave or just a non-judgemental, loving place to talk it out. We, here on this board, understand like no others.

    I dreaded the thought of chemo (had six rounds of TAC). I was so scared, I was literally shaking in my shoes. As my husband held my arm, walking me in, I thought, okay--I can do this and I will do it in the bravest way possible.

    Now for the funny part--as I walked into the chemo room, several patients were already hooked up to their various chemos. I smiled and said hi and then promptly knocked over an IV pole which clattered to the floor. Thankfully, no one was hooked up to it. Then, I thought, well I better sit down ASAP. I sat in a recliner and the chair broke! By this time I think everyone was thinking--who is this klutz?! Well, we all had a good laugh and I felt that God was messing with me to get me to lighten up. And, you know what, I sailed through that chemo.

    My best of luck and most positive energy going out to you, Stacey. Remember--in the words of Winne the Pooh--You're stronger than you seem and braver than you believe.

    Hugs, Renee

    LOL
    I can just envision the whole scene. O M G ... this is hilarious. Thanks for the laugh!

    In the words of Spock ... Live well and prosper.

    xoxo
    Mary
  • MsGebby
    MsGebby Member Posts: 659
    Jokes to make you laugh
    or roll your eyes

    Why shouldn't you write with a broken pencil? Because it's pointless

    this one is a little gross, but funny

    What does a cannibal do after dumping his girlfriend? Wipes his butt (giggling)

    What do you call a guy who never farts in public? A PRIVATE TUTOR (wakka wakka)

    OK ... dumb jokes but I hope they put a smile on your face.

    xoxo
    Mary
  • mollyz
    mollyz Member Posts: 756 Member
    Welcome!
    It's nice to meet you Stacey,welcome to the boards. ~~MollyZ~~
  • StaceyPMD1121
    StaceyPMD1121 Member Posts: 65

    wecome
    As you can tell by my handle I also like to laugh. I did a paper in college on how laughter releives stress. Once I got cancer I also learned that we have these things called tellomeres on our genes. Telomeres protect us from getting cancer. Stress shortens tellomeres. So get all the humor you can. You are already a cancer survivor.

    Now for a funny story. Me and my ex-husband have the same exact birthday. We were born the same month, year, and day. He is older by six hours. Durring the divorce I gave him custody of both birthdays. I got custody of the kids. He ages twice every time the birthday comes around. I don't age. Even though the kids raised Cain as teenagers I still think I got the better end of the deal.

    New Here

    Hi Laughs_a_lot,

    Thanks for the welcome. That is a funny story about your ex-husband. Enjoy your life to the fullest. Continue to laugh every chance you get.

    Have a Great Holiday,
    Stacey
  • StaceyPMD1121
    StaceyPMD1121 Member Posts: 65

    wecome
    As you can tell by my handle I also like to laugh. I did a paper in college on how laughter releives stress. Once I got cancer I also learned that we have these things called tellomeres on our genes. Telomeres protect us from getting cancer. Stress shortens tellomeres. So get all the humor you can. You are already a cancer survivor.

    Now for a funny story. Me and my ex-husband have the same exact birthday. We were born the same month, year, and day. He is older by six hours. Durring the divorce I gave him custody of both birthdays. I got custody of the kids. He ages twice every time the birthday comes around. I don't age. Even though the kids raised Cain as teenagers I still think I got the better end of the deal.

    New Here

    Hi Laughs_a_lot,

    Thanks for the welcome. That is a funny story about your ex-husband. Enjoy your life to the fullest. Continue to laugh every chance you get.

    Have a Great Holiday,
    Stacey
  • StaceyPMD1121
    StaceyPMD1121 Member Posts: 65

    Hello, sorry to meet her but
    Hello, sorry to meet her but glad you found this site...

    I never had chemo but do not ever sleep through the night (up 2,3,4 times a night)

    I am not sure from Tamoxifen, post menopause or just age 52 yrs old

    thinking of you..


    Denise

    New Here

    Hi disneyfan2008,

    I know what my chemo cocktail is TAC or Taxotere, Adriamycin, and cyclophosphamide. I saw the other day someone suggested a fruit smoothie while they push in Adriamycin (Red Devil). I love smoothies and I going to my first chemo June 8th armed with the largest smoothie I can get at Dunkin Doughnuts. Thanks for the welcome and support.

    Have a Great Holiday,
    Stacey
  • StaceyPMD1121
    StaceyPMD1121 Member Posts: 65
    sdukowitz said:

    Stacey,
    You are a survivor

    Stacey,

    You are a survivor for sure ... sorry you had to join this club but support and humor you will find here! Laugh often, keep active with other activities and cry if you need to! Peace and prayers from Alaska .... it stays light til midnite here now so I dont sleep much either ... but love to go out bike riding at 11 pm some days keep us posted and welcome to the group! ... Sue D.

    New here

    Hi sdukowitz,

    Thanks for your advice, peace and prayers. Wow, stupid question does anything exciting happen in Alaska? On tv once I saw something about reindeer burgers in Alaska, have you had one? I don't know if I could eat Rudolph, but if he is not stop up with hormones like the rest of the meat I have consumed in the past. I could possibly be tempted.LOL. I never learned how to ride a bike, I know it is scandulous! I had a fear and still do of falling off the darn thing! I have a hobby reading different authors, mystery, romance, religious comedy, fantasy (shape chagers from human to animal)influenced by my co-workers. Love cable tv.

    Have a Great Holiday,
    Stacey
  • Monicalynn
    Monicalynn Member Posts: 61
    mollyz said:

    Welcome!
    It's nice to meet you Stacey,welcome to the boards. ~~MollyZ~~

    Hi stace
    This is a wonderful board, i'm will get my third treatment of taxotere, carboplatin and herceptin (TCH) on Wednesday. Had my first treatment without the port and the second with it, its so nice to not have to get poked in the arm. It's ok to cry and get the emotions out but definately find things to make you laugh and people who make you happy
  • StaceyPMD1121
    StaceyPMD1121 Member Posts: 65

    Hi
    Great attitude, glad you are here, except for the reason you are here. Positive attitude is a great thing and you seem to have that. Chemo was not as bad I thought it would be. Its like OMG what happens as the chemicals are piped into you, but it was no big deal. Its when you get home the effect kicks in. Any questions please ask, lots of advice available on this site. Rest, rest, rest. When hunger has gone nibble on very fruity candy to keep the taste buds alive and yoguart for an easy meal when you really dont want anything, porridge, that kind of thing. Set yourself up with head ware whatever you choose ie scarves, hats or a wig. Whilst chemo going on dont shave or risk any cuts or pick up any bugs etc If you have pets dont touch anything poopy (sorry) infection is a no, no at this time of treatment. Fatigue is normal and rest when your body aches for it. Nail problems are normal and mouth ulcers. Your oncologist will advise. Take care and good luck.

    New Here

    Hi RozHopkins,

    Thanks for the support. My chemo drugs are TAC (Taxotere, Adriamycin, and cyclophosphamide). I am scared of the side effects. I will be stocking up on italian water ice & popsicles just in case for mouth sores. I have already lost my appetite from worrying about a month ago. I did buy cereal and Silk milk to force myself to eat breakfast before 12 noon. What do you know about my chemo cocktail? Thanks for the advice.

    Have a Great Holiday,
    Stacey
  • StaceyPMD1121
    StaceyPMD1121 Member Posts: 65
    karinna said:

    Nice to meet you but sorry you are here.
    Hello and I love your attitude! I had a bad time with chemo but most women I met handled chemo really well. Some didn't even feel sick. Most worked through chemo and continued their daily routines. I even met a couple women who did not loose their hair. Its different for everyone and there are many prescriptions available to help with the problems. I wish you the best. Its a rough road but I can tell already that you will tackle this head-on.

    karinna

    New Here

    Hi Karinna,

    Thanks for your support. I am trying not to be a whimp about chemo. I will say my prayers asking for strength and hope for the best. My boyfriend is trying to be supportive and is now asking to go to a chemo session with me. Wow, I thought he did not care I was wrong!

    Have a Great Holiday,
    Stacey
  • StaceyPMD1121
    StaceyPMD1121 Member Posts: 65
    salls41 said:

    Good Luck with Chemo
    Good luck to you with your chemo. As others have said, it is different for everyone. The main thing to know is to take this time to take care of you! Rest when you want to, don't feel guilty for letting the dishes sit or leaving the bed unmade. You are what is important. Sending good thoughts your way!
    Sandy

    New Here

    Hi salls41,

    Thank you for your support. I will try to take your advice. I will do what I can around the apt. when I can. I will also try to encourage the other chemo patients and try to make them laugh. Sending good thoughts your way too!

    Have a Great Holiday,
    Stacey
  • StaceyPMD1121
    StaceyPMD1121 Member Posts: 65
    MsGebby said:

    Jokes to make you laugh
    or roll your eyes

    Why shouldn't you write with a broken pencil? Because it's pointless

    this one is a little gross, but funny

    What does a cannibal do after dumping his girlfriend? Wipes his butt (giggling)

    What do you call a guy who never farts in public? A PRIVATE TUTOR (wakka wakka)

    OK ... dumb jokes but I hope they put a smile on your face.

    xoxo
    Mary

    New Here

    Hi MsGebby,

    You are right that did put a smile on my face. Nice to know a kindred spirit in laughter.
    Thanks for your support. Please keep the jokes coming cause chemo starts June 8th?

    Have a Great Holiday,
    Stacey

    P.S. I stealing this one from the comediane Monique, Remember to wrap your arms around yourself once a day or as often as you need and hug yourself just because you are and every true woman is a beautiful,unique, and wonderful human being!!!