Side Effects are Kicking my otherwise happy demeanor, not to mention my behind!

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chenheart
chenheart Member Posts: 5,159
edited December 2011 in Breast Cancer #1
I am still not having much success loggin in...not sure why.

Just want you all to know that although I am responding well to treatment according to my latest scans (YAY!!!!!) the side effects are doing a number on me, and even if I could log on easily, I am just not feeling so up to it! My bones and joints hurt, my mouth is aching, though doesn't have sores, ( another YAY!) my skin feels radiated from the chemo and can't get enough moisture no matter what I seem to do, fingers are having some neurpopathy, watery eyes are affecting my vision, I am tired, etc etc etc! I know, I have been to this dance before, and I will make it through again, I am convinced! Many of you are also going through similar things~ it is what indeed makes us Kindred Spirits!
I am not a whiner nor a complainer by nature, and I am trying not to now~ I am just feeling the fatigue and not liking it at all! So there! But it is obvious I am a Whiney Baby today! :-)

So, I send you all the loving thoughts I can muster!! I see the Pink Bus making the rounds, the birthdays being celebrated, the ornaments being enjoyed, the tests being scheduled, good ( and some not so good )news for some of us, grandbabies being born, travel plans made, parties being attended, recipes shared and eaten and I just want to wish you Happy, HEALTHY rest of the year, sweet sisters, and may 2012 be all we hope and dream about!

Just so you know why I am not checking in more often...but it doesn't mean I don't love you all more than you know, and that I think about you DAILY!

Holiday, Healthy Hugs,
Chen♥
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Comments

  • butterflylvr
    butterflylvr Member Posts: 944
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    You my dear make me happy
    You my dear make me happy about the day I joined this forum. It's through spirits as tough as nails (yours and other beloved kindreds)that have taught me such valuable lessons along this journey we all share. Through your own suffering and pain, you have the strength to still be there for others. All of you warriors back in the battle have touched my heart more then my words can express. You are all truly amazing and beautiful souls and my love and prayers are with each and every one of you ladies.

    Hugs to you all ♥
    Lorrie
  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
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    You my dear make me happy
    You my dear make me happy about the day I joined this forum. It's through spirits as tough as nails (yours and other beloved kindreds)that have taught me such valuable lessons along this journey we all share. Through your own suffering and pain, you have the strength to still be there for others. All of you warriors back in the battle have touched my heart more then my words can express. You are all truly amazing and beautiful souls and my love and prayers are with each and every one of you ladies.

    Hugs to you all ♥
    Lorrie

    If I could .. I would take your pain from you for a few
    days .. which would allow you, and your body time to rest and rejuvenate. Knowing that this is impossible, I wish and prayer all the strength, inner peace, battle readiness for you.

    I hate that you are having severe side efforts -- achy bones, fatigue, dry skin -- watery eyes, I am sure you may feel like it will never end -- so Courage my dear Friend. So happy Chemo is doing what it was intended by killing the beast!

    I am in AWE of you and your WARRIOR-SHIP - your love of life, and commitment to our ACS Board - did I mention your continued compassion for us Kindred Spirits.

    May you continue to soar like an Eagle.

    Happy Holidays to you, Reggie and Siobhan.

    Vicki Sam
  • chenheart
    chenheart Member Posts: 5,159
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    You my dear make me happy
    You my dear make me happy about the day I joined this forum. It's through spirits as tough as nails (yours and other beloved kindreds)that have taught me such valuable lessons along this journey we all share. Through your own suffering and pain, you have the strength to still be there for others. All of you warriors back in the battle have touched my heart more then my words can express. You are all truly amazing and beautiful souls and my love and prayers are with each and every one of you ladies.

    Hugs to you all ♥
    Lorrie

    Awwwww.....thank you,
    Awwwww.....thank you, Lorrie...you make ME happy! So there! I know none of us makes this journey alone when we decide to join CSN; and on our bad days we can count on each other to make us smile. And that's when we really need each other the most, isn't it? It also makes Reggie's job a lot esier. He carries the ( at this time) burden of both loving and worrying about me. It is so nice to be able to come to the boards and be hugged by those of us walking together. I like that Reggie gets a break from the stress and he doesn't even know why! I am sure he just feels the stress leave for a bit~ and that is a good thing!

    Hugs,
    Chen♥
  • chenheart
    chenheart Member Posts: 5,159
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    VickiSam said:

    If I could .. I would take your pain from you for a few
    days .. which would allow you, and your body time to rest and rejuvenate. Knowing that this is impossible, I wish and prayer all the strength, inner peace, battle readiness for you.

    I hate that you are having severe side efforts -- achy bones, fatigue, dry skin -- watery eyes, I am sure you may feel like it will never end -- so Courage my dear Friend. So happy Chemo is doing what it was intended by killing the beast!

    I am in AWE of you and your WARRIOR-SHIP - your love of life, and commitment to our ACS Board - did I mention your continued compassion for us Kindred Spirits.

    May you continue to soar like an Eagle.

    Happy Holidays to you, Reggie and Siobhan.

    Vicki Sam

    I love you, VickiSam....more
    I love you, VickiSam....more than you can know! I amy not be much of an eagle these days, but my hummingbird spirit still flies fast and strong!
  • Sunrae
    Sunrae Member Posts: 808
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    chenheart said:

    Awwwww.....thank you,
    Awwwww.....thank you, Lorrie...you make ME happy! So there! I know none of us makes this journey alone when we decide to join CSN; and on our bad days we can count on each other to make us smile. And that's when we really need each other the most, isn't it? It also makes Reggie's job a lot esier. He carries the ( at this time) burden of both loving and worrying about me. It is so nice to be able to come to the boards and be hugged by those of us walking together. I like that Reggie gets a break from the stress and he doesn't even know why! I am sure he just feels the stress leave for a bit~ and that is a good thing!

    Hugs,
    Chen♥

    Chen, I'm so sorry that
    Chen, I'm so sorry that you're having to do battle again with the dreaded beast. I'm not on the boards much either because of many health issues but I do come here to check on all you lovely spirits. You are so strong and will beat the beast again, slay it once and for all. When one of us hurts, we all hurt together. Please know that you are much loved and in our thoughts and prayers. May your days be merry and bright and may it be soon. Wishing you the best. Love, Sunrae
  • catowner
    catowner Member Posts: 50
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    chenheart said:

    Awwwww.....thank you,
    Awwwww.....thank you, Lorrie...you make ME happy! So there! I know none of us makes this journey alone when we decide to join CSN; and on our bad days we can count on each other to make us smile. And that's when we really need each other the most, isn't it? It also makes Reggie's job a lot esier. He carries the ( at this time) burden of both loving and worrying about me. It is so nice to be able to come to the boards and be hugged by those of us walking together. I like that Reggie gets a break from the stress and he doesn't even know why! I am sure he just feels the stress leave for a bit~ and that is a good thing!

    Hugs,
    Chen♥

    aches
    Chen, so sorry to hear you are having to go through this a second time. This is my first (and hopefully final) time that I am going through this. I just had my 5th chemo threatment on the 8th of Dec.,this being my 1st on Taxol with 3 more to go and I too ache so bad and am also very fatigued, have dry skin, and get watery eyes. I am geting Taxol right now, and wonder if I have the strength to go through 3 more treatments? I was just wondering if you too are getting Taxol? I know I must finish this in order to kill the beast so I will but it is not fun. I wish everyone out there a very merry x-mas and a healthy life! Best of luck to you, let me know how things go. Debbie
  • sbmly53
    sbmly53 Member Posts: 1,522
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    I agree with Lorrie,
    from the day I found this site - about 2 yrs now - it has been a joy to read your posts. Wise, warm, witty and wonderful. I've also enjoyed the 50' woman avitar, but sometimes think it should be like the statue of liberty, you know, a guiding light in one hand, a book of life affirming notes in the other.

    Sue
  • gami43
    gami43 Member Posts: 281
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    sbmly53 said:

    I agree with Lorrie,
    from the day I found this site - about 2 yrs now - it has been a joy to read your posts. Wise, warm, witty and wonderful. I've also enjoyed the 50' woman avitar, but sometimes think it should be like the statue of liberty, you know, a guiding light in one hand, a book of life affirming notes in the other.

    Sue

    Chen - consider yourself
    Chen - consider yourself loved, hugged and prayed for.
    so hoping your s/e calm down and you can have a peaceful,
    joyful Christmas season.

    Blessings, Teresa
  • gami43
    gami43 Member Posts: 281
    Options
    sbmly53 said:

    I agree with Lorrie,
    from the day I found this site - about 2 yrs now - it has been a joy to read your posts. Wise, warm, witty and wonderful. I've also enjoyed the 50' woman avitar, but sometimes think it should be like the statue of liberty, you know, a guiding light in one hand, a book of life affirming notes in the other.

    Sue

    Chen - consider yourself
    Chen - consider yourself loved, hugged and prayed for.
    so hoping your s/e calm down and you can have a peaceful,
    joyful Christmas season.

    Blessings, Teresa

    Times 2!
  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
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    I hate, hate, hate that you
    I hate, hate, hate that you are going through those awful side effects. But, more than ever, I so admire your spunk and determination. You are a treasure here and we all love you!
  • Wolfi
    Wolfi Member Posts: 425
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    Thanks for the update
    Chen,

    I'm sorry to hear that you aren't feeling well and are having so many side effects from your treatments.

    I know that this will be just one more part of your life you will be able to draw from to encourage others to keep fighting through their own pain and discomfort. You are a very special person and I wish there was something I could do to lessen your pain.

    Please take care and do what you can to rest and heal.

    Wolfi
  • LoveBabyJesus
    LoveBabyJesus Member Posts: 1,679 Member
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    Sweet Chen - -Thank you for
    Sweet Chen - -Thank you for letting us know how you're doing. I'm happy you are responding well to your treatments. I wish none of us have to go through this, but if we do, I wish side effects weren't so harsh. UGH!

    Here praying those uncomfortable feelings go away and you don't have to deal with them anymore.

    I wish you a wonderful holiday too. I hope you have a peaceful time with your love ones and you get to celebrate it, feeling well.

    Hang in there. We are always here as you know.

    Hugs and Kisses. Feel better soon.
  • chenheart
    chenheart Member Posts: 5,159
    Options
    catowner said:

    aches
    Chen, so sorry to hear you are having to go through this a second time. This is my first (and hopefully final) time that I am going through this. I just had my 5th chemo threatment on the 8th of Dec.,this being my 1st on Taxol with 3 more to go and I too ache so bad and am also very fatigued, have dry skin, and get watery eyes. I am geting Taxol right now, and wonder if I have the strength to go through 3 more treatments? I was just wondering if you too are getting Taxol? I know I must finish this in order to kill the beast so I will but it is not fun. I wish everyone out there a very merry x-mas and a healthy life! Best of luck to you, let me know how things go. Debbie

    Hi Debbie~ as you may have
    Hi Debbie~ as you may have noticed, I joined CSN in 2003...and I responded well to treatment ( lumpectomy, lymphnodes, chemo and radiation) followed by 5 years of Arimidex and alost 18 months of Tamoxifen gefore I had this stinky recurrance. I hope of course that you do not ever have to go through treatment agian~ but know too, that as hard as it is, it is indeed doable!
    My mantra is, as most of my Kindreds here know is: We do what we have to do, so we can do what we want to do. Even if what we now have to do causes us pain and yes, discouragement and on some of our lower days, fear. I am in a clinical trial with an amazing group of Drs who are working hard to keep me and you and others who follow me alive and vibrant many . many years post diagnosis.

    Right now I am on Taxotere and an investigational drug...it would indeed seem I am having every side efect Taxotere wants to throw my way! I had my 3rd infusion on the 9th...so I have a way to go too!

    I am strong and brave ( which surprises the daylights out of me!) and I have great support inside and outside of this amazing site. It truly helps.

    Lean on all of us here~ you will never meet a more informed, compassionate, caring group of women anywhere...and we walk this path together. Which makes the pitfalls and potholes a bit easier to negotiate!

    Holiday Hugs,
    Chen
  • sea60
    sea60 Member Posts: 2,613
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    Prayers for you Chen...we
    Prayers for you Chen...we love you too!

    Merry Christmas to you and yours.

    Hugs,

    Sylvia
  • laughs_a_lot
    laughs_a_lot Member Posts: 1,368 Member
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    It may butt kick but
    There is no way that you are going to loose this war. Post when you can.
  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
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    Been thinking of
    Been thinking of you..

    Denise
  • cahjah75
    cahjah75 Member Posts: 2,631
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    Claudia
    I'm not on much either. Don't have the same reason as you though. I so admire your spirit. You never seem to be down. Wishing you continued success with your treatments and hoping you're able to celebrate the holidays without too many side effects.
    {{hugs}} Char
  • catowner
    catowner Member Posts: 50
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    chenheart said:

    Hi Debbie~ as you may have
    Hi Debbie~ as you may have noticed, I joined CSN in 2003...and I responded well to treatment ( lumpectomy, lymphnodes, chemo and radiation) followed by 5 years of Arimidex and alost 18 months of Tamoxifen gefore I had this stinky recurrance. I hope of course that you do not ever have to go through treatment agian~ but know too, that as hard as it is, it is indeed doable!
    My mantra is, as most of my Kindreds here know is: We do what we have to do, so we can do what we want to do. Even if what we now have to do causes us pain and yes, discouragement and on some of our lower days, fear. I am in a clinical trial with an amazing group of Drs who are working hard to keep me and you and others who follow me alive and vibrant many . many years post diagnosis.

    Right now I am on Taxotere and an investigational drug...it would indeed seem I am having every side efect Taxotere wants to throw my way! I had my 3rd infusion on the 9th...so I have a way to go too!

    I am strong and brave ( which surprises the daylights out of me!) and I have great support inside and outside of this amazing site. It truly helps.

    Lean on all of us here~ you will never meet a more informed, compassionate, caring group of women anywhere...and we walk this path together. Which makes the pitfalls and potholes a bit easier to negotiate!

    Holiday Hugs,
    Chen

    You are indeed a strong and
    You are indeed a strong and brave woman! I know with your courage you will do well. I also have great support and will fight through this:) This is an amazing site with many brave and courageous woman. How many more treatments do you have to do? I have 3 left and the Dr. told me I will not have to have radiation, thank God.

    Happy holidays to you and yours,
    Debbie
  • mwallace1325
    mwallace1325 Member Posts: 806
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    cahjah75 said:

    Claudia
    I'm not on much either. Don't have the same reason as you though. I so admire your spirit. You never seem to be down. Wishing you continued success with your treatments and hoping you're able to celebrate the holidays without too many side effects.
    {{hugs}} Char

    So sorry
    So sorry it's hitting you so hard. I guess the only encouraging thing I can think to add is that this must be a sign that (a) you're getting the real drug in the clinical trial and (b) it's doing it's job kickin' cancer's a**.

    Rest knowing that we're here praying, hoping and sending all the good thoughts we can that you'll be better real soon.

    Lots of love

    marge
  • debi.18
    debi.18 Member Posts: 850 Member
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    So sorry
    So sorry it's hitting you so hard. I guess the only encouraging thing I can think to add is that this must be a sign that (a) you're getting the real drug in the clinical trial and (b) it's doing it's job kickin' cancer's a**.

    Rest knowing that we're here praying, hoping and sending all the good thoughts we can that you'll be better real soon.

    Lots of love

    marge

    We love you!
    Keeping it short and simple - We love you Chen!

    Hugs,Debi