This Crazy Cancer Journey
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Topic: This Crazy Cancer Journey
Posted By: cgraves3rv
Subject: This Crazy Cancer Journey
Date Posted: Apr 10 2009 at 5:39pm
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This is a new thread just to vent and tell us what's going on with you, your family and anything else you want to talk about. The good, the bad, the ugly. We're here for each other Cornelia (aka Connie) |
Replies:
Posted By: dmwolf
Date Posted: Apr 11 2009 at 6:35am
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I liked the title 'today' for its neutrality, but I'm flexible :). Yesterday Joel and I went to yoga in the morning, then lunch with a friend, later a nap and a good book, and capped the night off with a play, 'Misallliance' by G. B. Shaw. This morning we are getting packed up, ready to leave LA for home. The four of us and three dogs, stuffed in our van once again (but this time with multi-bags of hand-me-down clothes and a tricycle for our niece), rolling down the 5 with music playing, conversation, occasional fights between the kids, and likely goofyness. Monday I'll have my bone marrow extraction, where they'll look for cancer cells, and sometime later in the week I'll get a PetCT to find out what else might be going on. Fear. The big tent, big enough for everything. Love, Denise ------------- DX 2/08@43 stg II IDC; gr2,0 nodes. Neoadj chemo, first ACx2 (fail) then CarboTaxotereX6(better). Lump, Rads done 11/08; Clodronate. False alarm queen: PetCT lung & TM marker. NED. PBM w/recon 9/10. |
Posted By: krisa
Date Posted: Apr 11 2009 at 10:32am
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I had my hair trimmed and colored-------a year ago I was bald and feeling sorry for myself and now I am just feeling sorry for myself, but I know that the *Pat from SNL* hair style will soon be a thing of the past. I ate some peeps last night( how desperate is that) and while I enjoyed the sugar it had a negative affect on my dreams...no more sugar! I cut herbs from my Aero-grow garden--so easy! That's it in a nutshell.  |
Posted By: trip2
Date Posted: Apr 11 2009 at 11:21am
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Well I am flat on my bum while hubby is barbecuing chicken.
My ankles hurt so much they won't hold me very well, guess it is the neuropathy.
Tomorrow we are supposed to be deluged by rain and storms so doing our barbecue today because it is beautiful outside.
I'm so worried about my numbers being off wish I didn't have to wait so long for answers.
Krisa I too cheated with some green peeps!  ------------- Stage 2 2003 Stage 1 2007 BRCA 1+ |
Posted By: trip2
Date Posted: Apr 11 2009 at 11:22am
Denise honey you of course will be in my prayers for "no cancer cells". ------------- Stage 2 2003 Stage 1 2007 BRCA 1+ |
Posted By: BrendaF
Date Posted: Apr 11 2009 at 2:37pm
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Tonight Saturn will be visible and the sky is clear. My kitchen smells of baking potato. I bought two weeping cherry trees today. ------------- Dx 2005 2 cm, 5/12 nodes, A/C + T, 28 rads. Dx mets 12/07 mediastinal and supraclavicular nodes, carbo + taxotere X 6. brain, lymph, pleura, bone mets. Started Xeloda 8/24/09 |
Posted By: cgraves3rv
Date Posted: Apr 11 2009 at 4:44pm
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Don't forget the "Today" thread Joan started is for the positive things I don't want to hijack again. So keep supporting her Today thread. You can do anything you want over here. Pam...don't you know the yellow peeps are still the best? Denise, somehow I see you, family and pets in the van rolling down the road like a flashback from the 70's. Your description is priceless. Also praying for no cancer cells. Hugs to everyone. Cornelia (Connie) |
Posted By: trip2
Date Posted: Apr 11 2009 at 4:49pm
Connie I did not know that but I will write a note to save for next year. I was just curious about the green, they caught my eye. I'll never remember it otherwise. ------------- Stage 2 2003 Stage 1 2007 BRCA 1+ |
Posted By: Nancy
Date Posted: Apr 11 2009 at 4:58pm
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Cornelia, Pam and Krisa,
Take those damn peeps....yellow, green white...put them in a bag, and store them in the garage, or wherever. You can come back in a few years and although they may be hard, you could still eat them . Soooo can you imagine what is in them sweet ladies?
 CANCER CELLS THRIVE ON THOSE LITTLE SUCKERS WHICH ARE ALL SUGAR AND PRESERVATIVES!!
STOP EATING THEM!!
Sorry...I forgot to use my inside voice
 HUGS,
Nancy ------------- Nancy DD Lori dx TNBC June 13,2007 Lumpectomy due to incorrect dx of a cyst mastectomy July 6 2007 chemo ACT all 3 every 3 weeks 6 tx Aug-Nov 28 rads ended Jan 2008 |
Posted By: cgraves3rv
Date Posted: Apr 11 2009 at 5:19pm
| Nancy, I knew it! You would find out about our little Peep party and rain on it. Well we get to have just one bad day don't we? And actually I haven't had a Peep this year! Pastries are my down fall and Starbucks White Chocolate Mocha latte. But I have cut way back and now that I have mets I guess I'll have to cut them out. Now are you satisfied? And it is so depressing to read the food labels. I get disgusted and throw it back on the shelf and try to pick the least offending food. Cornelia (Connie) |
Posted By: Nancy
Date Posted: Apr 11 2009 at 6:36pm
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Cornelia,
After raising 5 daughters...not much escapes me
Gads! When I think of all the chocolate bunny's and then some hurling afterwards....what were we thinkingNow...no sugar, no white flour, no water or anything else that comes in plastic, nothing that is in the tin cans, no veggies or any produce with the #8 on them. They are a product of Monsanto..baaaadd! Really bad!!
And please take your vitamins, especially D3...at least 4000 iu's a day. OK you have to listen to you onc...but they really need to get educated as to what the vitamin D council says. Get those levels checked Cornelia, if you haven't already. For someone dx with cancer your levels should be in the 70's or 80's.
If you stick to fresh foods and whole grain flour. Bev says there is a pita bread called Joseph's that is whole grain with flax seed. She buys them at Shop N' Save.
Now...go brush your teeth, as I bet those peeps butts are still stuck in them
Hugs,
Nancy ------------- Nancy DD Lori dx TNBC June 13,2007 Lumpectomy due to incorrect dx of a cyst mastectomy July 6 2007 chemo ACT all 3 every 3 weeks 6 tx Aug-Nov 28 rads ended Jan 2008 |
Posted By: BrendaF
Date Posted: Apr 12 2009 at 3:53am
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People who eat the very best of diets and exercise, and think pure thoughts, all get cancer, too. I've been growing organic vegetables and eating whole grains and unprocessed foods, and avoiding junk foods for almost forty years.
I still got mets. ------------- Dx 2005 2 cm, 5/12 nodes, A/C + T, 28 rads. Dx mets 12/07 mediastinal and supraclavicular nodes, carbo + taxotere X 6. brain, lymph, pleura, bone mets. Started Xeloda 8/24/09 |
Posted By: Beth Anne
Date Posted: Apr 12 2009 at 4:54am
But Nancy I love peeps! It's okay though Target was out of them last night... Maybe it's a good thing I can't drive Love you, Beth Anne ------------- Dx 5/07 DCIS Stage3 gr9 A/C x 6, Abrax x 16 Bi-Mass 2/08 Navelbine x 12, finished radiation end of July 08. DX Brain Met's 2/09StageIV CK3/09.Brain resection4/09 WBR Dreaming of dancing with Ned! |
Posted By: trip2
Date Posted: Apr 12 2009 at 6:45am
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Oh my gosh here comes Momma Nancy to ruin our peep party.
Well I tell ya if I can't enjoy a bit of sugar now and then my life would be miserable.
Your grocery list of "no's" really makes a big cut into mine. Hubby will be happy about the lower bill that's for sure.
 Did you mean nothing in a tin can? Refresh my memory, why is that?
I could devour frozen vegetables is that ok?
 Heck our fresh vegetables unless it's on sale is out of my pocket change budget! ------------- Stage 2 2003 Stage 1 2007 BRCA 1+ |
Posted By: krisa
Date Posted: Apr 12 2009 at 6:57am
my mom is 93 and she always had a sweet tooth and loved her liverwurst and sausage (german through and through)never exercised and smoked for 35+ years...no cancer, stroke or heart disease. she is in better health than her daughters. |
Posted By: dmwolf
Date Posted: Apr 12 2009 at 7:03am
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Nancy, have you considered that the fact that peeps live forever and are able to withstand an atomic blast (like roaches) means it is EXACTLY what we should be eating? Don't we want to be resilient like our little yellow friends, all yellow and perfectly bird shaped in the apocalypse? I'm with Brenda on this one - just because cancer cells eat glucose doesn't mean we shouldn't have sugar. Most everything we eat gets converted into glucose, albeit at different rates. If anything, it's the glycemic index of whole meals (not individual foods) we should keep an eye on. So, have your peeps with a big juicy steak or some peanut butter and you're set! Love, Denise (who eats some chocolate every day) ------------- DX 2/08@43 stg II IDC; gr2,0 nodes. Neoadj chemo, first ACx2 (fail) then CarboTaxotereX6(better). Lump, Rads done 11/08; Clodronate. False alarm queen: PetCT lung & TM marker. NED. PBM w/recon 9/10. |
Posted By: trip2
Date Posted: Apr 12 2009 at 7:13am
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Loved reading about your mom Krisa. ------------- Stage 2 2003 Stage 1 2007 BRCA 1+ |
Posted By: Nancy
Date Posted: Apr 12 2009 at 8:03am
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Pam,
I had posted this in the news forum a while back on the tin can issue, and it was from Beth Anne. The frozen veggies are much better for everyone. Fresh should be the first choice, but that is sometimes impossible or just not affordable.
I think almost all the info as to diets for anyone whether dx or not have stated that sugar is not something anyone should have in their diets. Pretty darn hard to even eat anything anymore as almost all processed foods contain sugar. I too have chocolate every day...the 70% cacao, dark chocolate. Love it! Can't seem to digest the milk chocolate anymore.
Brenda, Lori too has always led a very healthy lifestyle, as I have stated a million times in posts. That did not protect her from being dx with bc either. That's not to say that she should abandon what she is doing by any means.
Hugs,
Nancy
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/04/bpa-danger-from-cans.php#ch01 - http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/04/bpa-danger-from-cans.php#ch01 ------------- Nancy DD Lori dx TNBC June 13,2007 Lumpectomy due to incorrect dx of a cyst mastectomy July 6 2007 chemo ACT all 3 every 3 weeks 6 tx Aug-Nov 28 rads ended Jan 2008 |
Posted By: trip2
Date Posted: Apr 12 2009 at 8:34am
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Thank you so much Nancy. I didn't mean for you to spend time finding this, thought maybe it was something off the top of your head, appreciate your help! ------------- Stage 2 2003 Stage 1 2007 BRCA 1+ |
Posted By: dmwolf
Date Posted: Apr 13 2009 at 8:02am
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Today I'm off to UCSF to have my bone marrow sucked through a straw by Hope Rugo. Let's hope her technique is good, or that I am stoned enough not to care. Let's also hope there is NO CANCER in 'dem bones. (Though if there is, I am prepared to cope, sort of, as much as one can prepare...) NO CANCER NO CANCER NO CANCER CLEAN BONES CLEAN BODY (enough of my spoken prayer) love, d ------------- DX 2/08@43 stg II IDC; gr2,0 nodes. Neoadj chemo, first ACx2 (fail) then CarboTaxotereX6(better). Lump, Rads done 11/08; Clodronate. False alarm queen: PetCT lung & TM marker. NED. PBM w/recon 9/10. |
Posted By: Nancy
Date Posted: Apr 13 2009 at 8:11am
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Denise,
When Lori had that scare in January, I kept repeating arthritis, arthritis, arthritis, and for you I will repeat what you have written
NO CANCER
NO CANCER NO CANCER CLEAN BONES CLEAN BODY ......and I have you wrapped in a blanket of love
Love and Hugs,
Nancy
------------- Nancy DD Lori dx TNBC June 13,2007 Lumpectomy due to incorrect dx of a cyst mastectomy July 6 2007 chemo ACT all 3 every 3 weeks 6 tx Aug-Nov 28 rads ended Jan 2008 |
Posted By: gerriesue
Date Posted: Apr 13 2009 at 12:56pm
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Loved reading the peeps posts...made me laugh out loud!! Thinking of you today Denise and will be saying your NO CANCER mantra at my yoga class, adding my voice to yours and all the others here. And I am very glad to hear we can have some sugar, I have always felt chocolate helped my mood a great deal. ------------- 57 yrs. old at DX Oct. 2008 Stage 1, Grade 3, TNB, 1.7 cm tumor,Negative nodes TX partial masectomy, 4 rounds A/C, 4 rounds Abraxane |
Posted By: trip2
Date Posted: Apr 13 2009 at 1:25pm
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Good luck Denise!
Gerrisue my sister gave me a year's subscription to Yoga magazine and I really enjoy. What I would enjoy more now is if I could get my legs and body into some of those positions. Mantras I can do, no physical wear and tear on a body that won't bend. ------------- Stage 2 2003 Stage 1 2007 BRCA 1+ |
Posted By: Beth Anne
Date Posted: Apr 13 2009 at 1:36pm
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Denise sending you no cancer vibes...... good luck honey!!!! Love, Beth Anne ------------- Dx 5/07 DCIS Stage3 gr9 A/C x 6, Abrax x 16 Bi-Mass 2/08 Navelbine x 12, finished radiation end of July 08. DX Brain Met's 2/09StageIV CK3/09.Brain resection4/09 WBR Dreaming of dancing with Ned! |
Posted By: krisa
Date Posted: Apr 13 2009 at 2:10pm
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i subscribe to yoga journal---and wow! if only i could get my body to contort into some of those poses--i look at these gumby type people and really believe that cancer cells would not dare enter a body that practices the cobra, locust, dancing tree, downward dog, etc. poses. |
Posted By: BrendaF
Date Posted: Apr 13 2009 at 3:34pm
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Think again. ------------- Dx 2005 2 cm, 5/12 nodes, A/C + T, 28 rads. Dx mets 12/07 mediastinal and supraclavicular nodes, carbo + taxotere X 6. brain, lymph, pleura, bone mets. Started Xeloda 8/24/09 |
Posted By: krisa
Date Posted: Apr 13 2009 at 4:00pm
| no one is immuned. |
Posted By: gerriesue
Date Posted: Apr 13 2009 at 5:59pm
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I go to a Restorative Yoga class. I call it "Laying around with Props". It is very restful, no really strange positions. But, it is really nice and helps me stretch areas that haven't moved much during chemo. I highly recommend the class. The teachers seem very responsive to helping if they know what areas are bothering you or make it unable to do certain things. ------------- 57 yrs. old at DX Oct. 2008 Stage 1, Grade 3, TNB, 1.7 cm tumor,Negative nodes TX partial masectomy, 4 rounds A/C, 4 rounds Abraxane |
Posted By: krisa
Date Posted: Apr 13 2009 at 6:34pm
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gerriesue, i was hoping that if i could get into one of those difficult yoga poses, it would cancel out the peeps i have eaten. |
Posted By: Linda S
Date Posted: Apr 13 2009 at 7:50pm
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Has anyone heard from Denise and how she's doing after her bone marrow biopsy? I've checked but don't see anything yet. ------------- Linda S DX 5/08, A/Cx4,carboplatin, abraxane,bi-lateral mast 11/2008, 9 cm,21/22node positive.rad 5 wks; mets to mediastinum/lungs 4/09. Xeloda/Navilbine w/pending biopsy for skin mets. |
Posted By: gerriesue
Date Posted: Apr 13 2009 at 8:20pm
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krisa, I don't know if anything cancels out peeps. But the restorative yoga can help with stiffness and strength. Haven't heard from Denise. Hoping for the best. ------------- 57 yrs. old at DX Oct. 2008 Stage 1, Grade 3, TNB, 1.7 cm tumor,Negative nodes TX partial masectomy, 4 rounds A/C, 4 rounds Abraxane |
Posted By: krisa
Date Posted: Apr 13 2009 at 9:38pm
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linda, denise was on facebook and survived the biopsy, painful as it was. |
Posted By: dmwolf
Date Posted: Apr 13 2009 at 11:01pm
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Hi, guys. Thanks for thinking of me! That makes me feel so cared for, that you were checking on me. Well, I had the marrow slurpage, and no she did not smear it on bread (or matza) and eat it. In fact, I didn't even see the vials she filled. If I were a conspiracy theorist, I might suspect she gathered nothing, and is merely a sadist. OOOh fun let's stick needles into people's bones. The lidocaine burned like H-E-double tootpicks, for starters. Then the whole drill in or whatever it was and slurp all, all highly unpleasant, even with my two sisters Ativan and Vicodin humming nicely in my veins. Maybe they took the edge off, though not much. After it was over we stopped by for falafels and drove home, where I slept for hours in a druggy haze. All I needed was some crack friends to nod with. Eventually I roused myself, visited with a friend, and then Joel and I went to see Leonard Cohen in concert. It was fabulous, though I'm still a tad dopey and my lower back has been happier. Now the scary part - waiting for results, and then getting them. I should hear by sometime Wed, the same day I'll be doing a PetCT. So, by day's end Wed I should know what is up in the Wolf body. I'm hoping (against hope?) that the answer is a big, bleedin' nothing. Happy, healthy body with tumor markers rising for no cancer-related reason. Hope, hope... Love, Denise ------------- DX 2/08@43 stg II IDC; gr2,0 nodes. Neoadj chemo, first ACx2 (fail) then CarboTaxotereX6(better). Lump, Rads done 11/08; Clodronate. False alarm queen: PetCT lung & TM marker. NED. PBM w/recon 9/10. |
Posted By: trip2
Date Posted: Apr 14 2009 at 12:19pm
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Denise good to hear from you, haven't been in fb in a few days, need to get over there. I am so happy you made it thru and ended up having a nice day. The procedure does sound very scary.
I have to ask, what is a falafels?
Okie dokie will be watching from a post from you soon saying everything A-OK!
 ------------- Stage 2 2003 Stage 1 2007 BRCA 1+ |
Posted By: krisa
Date Posted: Apr 14 2009 at 12:25pm
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pam, falafels cancel out peeps.  denise....waiting with you; waiting with everyone on this forum that is waiting to hear something. |
Posted By: trip2
Date Posted: Apr 14 2009 at 12:30pm
Oh cool! I don't think they've ever heard of them around here, actually I could bet on that. Google here I come. ------------- Stage 2 2003 Stage 1 2007 BRCA 1+ |
Posted By: Linda S
Date Posted: Apr 14 2009 at 4:09pm
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Thanks everyone for a good laugh. The whole business about peeps and now falafel! You ladies are toooooooo funny. Denise, so glad you maintain your sense of humor through something so awful. Your courage and humor are inspiring. Prayers for good results! ------------- Linda S DX 5/08, A/Cx4,carboplatin, abraxane,bi-lateral mast 11/2008, 9 cm,21/22node positive.rad 5 wks; mets to mediastinum/lungs 4/09. Xeloda/Navilbine w/pending biopsy for skin mets. |
Posted By: trip2
Date Posted: Apr 14 2009 at 4:12pm
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Linda how are you doing? ------------- Stage 2 2003 Stage 1 2007 BRCA 1+ |
Posted By: Linda S
Date Posted: Apr 14 2009 at 4:22pm
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Met with my onc today. He said since the cancer has metastized, there is no curing it, but he will try to get it into remission. Starting me on Xeloda (it's pill form and since my husband and I are planning a trip along the Pacific shore, I can take it on the road). We also discussed Ixempra. He said combining the two would give me no quality of life, so he's being conservative that way. Also wants to try PARP inhibitors? Still haven't googled that one but will tonight. He still says the average life expectency is about one year after known mets, but at least we're still fighting. I read something in one of the forums/threads, and the author and location is escaping me at the moment, but it was a post about the mean/average (written by a professor who had mesothelioma). That article reminds me that we are not 'average' and there are always those that beat the odds. Too bad it can't be all of us? ------------- Linda S DX 5/08, A/Cx4,carboplatin, abraxane,bi-lateral mast 11/2008, 9 cm,21/22node positive.rad 5 wks; mets to mediastinum/lungs 4/09. Xeloda/Navilbine w/pending biopsy for skin mets. |
Posted By: BrendaF
Date Posted: Apr 14 2009 at 4:32pm
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Linda, I read that, too. I believe it was a link that Zenrookie posted in the NoSurrender forum.
BTW, I'm now 17 months out from mets dx. ------------- Dx 2005 2 cm, 5/12 nodes, A/C + T, 28 rads. Dx mets 12/07 mediastinal and supraclavicular nodes, carbo + taxotere X 6. brain, lymph, pleura, bone mets. Started Xeloda 8/24/09 |
Posted By: Linda S
Date Posted: Apr 14 2009 at 4:37pm
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Thanks Brenda. Interesting that your signature copies mine, too. My scans just after surgery showed a hot lymph node under my collar bone (clear now) and mine has mets to the mediastinum, too! Funny, prior to all this I didn't even know I owned one! ------------- Linda S DX 5/08, A/Cx4,carboplatin, abraxane,bi-lateral mast 11/2008, 9 cm,21/22node positive.rad 5 wks; mets to mediastinum/lungs 4/09. Xeloda/Navilbine w/pending biopsy for skin mets. |
Posted By: trip2
Date Posted: Apr 14 2009 at 4:38pm
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Good, like the sound of remission.
That's wonderful you can use the Xeloda pill and continue with your plans for your trip down the coast, such a beautiful drive.
Parp Inhibitors are supposed to be great. There are trials going on now and women here in this forum are using them so hopefully someone will come along shortly.
You are so right, we are not average, you are you and no one knows anything dear.
http://breastcancer.about.com/od/targetedbiologictherapies/p/parp_basics.htm - http://breastcancer.about.com/od/targetedbiologictherapies/p/parp_basics.htm
------------- Stage 2 2003 Stage 1 2007 BRCA 1+ |
Posted By: Linda S
Date Posted: Apr 14 2009 at 4:48pm
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Pam: Thanks for the link. The PARP deal sounds exciting. I just read the info to my hubby. ------------- Linda S DX 5/08, A/Cx4,carboplatin, abraxane,bi-lateral mast 11/2008, 9 cm,21/22node positive.rad 5 wks; mets to mediastinum/lungs 4/09. Xeloda/Navilbine w/pending biopsy for skin mets. |
Posted By: cgraves3rv
Date Posted: Apr 14 2009 at 5:45pm
| Peeps are easier to spell and taste better I think. Although falafels are probably healthier. Cornelia (Connie) |
Posted By: cgraves3rv
Date Posted: Apr 14 2009 at 6:27pm
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Nancy, there are no PEEP BUTTS in my mouth! They are all healthy in their original package on my sister's counter. I did have some berry cobbler with a little ice cream and even your lecture didn't make me put it down!!! But I did pass up on the Starbucks White Chocolate Mocha today. So your nagging did some good.....I guess I'll check out this can thing. But water in the No. 1 bottles have been proven safe. There are some other unsafe numbers out there that but I don't know what they are. I researched that when the controversy started. I'll look for the Joseph's Pita bread. I don't know if they have it at Whole Foods or Fresh Market in Memphis. Hugs Cornelia (Connie) |
Posted By: cgraves3rv
Date Posted: Apr 14 2009 at 6:34pm
| I had my bone scan and brain scan done on Friday. While I don't have the official result, I think it must have been negative. I start my chemo 4/15 and talked with the onc. today and he changed my starting regimen to Avastin by infusion, Xelodia pill 3x day and Cytoxan pill 1 x day. He's going to give me a copy of the research tomorrow. Since it doesn't have anything for bones (and I know he's had time to see the scan) then it must be clear. I'll have Avastin every 2 weeks. I'm anxious to find out the side effects of this regimen. He says since I have neuropathy he wanted to hold off on Abraxane. Have to be at the clinic at 7:30 so I'm signing off the the night. Sweet dreams and hugs to everyone. Cornelia |
Posted By: trip2
Date Posted: Apr 15 2009 at 5:31pm
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Cornelia how did it go? ------------- Stage 2 2003 Stage 1 2007 BRCA 1+ |
Posted By: dmwolf
Date Posted: Apr 15 2009 at 7:53pm
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Hi, guys. Here's the post I wrote in my blog just now (www.caringbridge.org/visit/denisewolf)
Little Titties In My Bones (Are They Sleeping?) N S No matter what happens, I'll keep hoping for bigger things, things that can't be broken by bad news about goings on in my body. I can hope for a sense of equanimity and joy. I can hope that my capacity for love is not clouded by dissapointm But today as I sat in that little room, waiting for the isotope to fill my bloodstream Well, I'm off to bed. May sweet dreams visit all of us, a comfort in the night. Love, d ------------- DX 2/08@43 stg II IDC; gr2,0 nodes. Neoadj chemo, first ACx2 (fail) then CarboTaxotereX6(better). Lump, Rads done 11/08; Clodronate. False alarm queen: PetCT lung & TM marker. NED. PBM w/recon 9/10. |
Posted By: Linda S
Date Posted: Apr 15 2009 at 8:13pm
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Denise: May you have sweet dreams. My prayers are with you. ------------- Linda S DX 5/08, A/Cx4,carboplatin, abraxane,bi-lateral mast 11/2008, 9 cm,21/22node positive.rad 5 wks; mets to mediastinum/lungs 4/09. Xeloda/Navilbine w/pending biopsy for skin mets. |
Posted By: Nancy
Date Posted: Apr 15 2009 at 8:19pm
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Dear Denise,
Sweet dreams and these old arms have you wrapped in a blanket of love.
Many hugs,
 Nancy ------------- Nancy DD Lori dx TNBC June 13,2007 Lumpectomy due to incorrect dx of a cyst mastectomy July 6 2007 chemo ACT all 3 every 3 weeks 6 tx Aug-Nov 28 rads ended Jan 2008 |
Posted By: dmwolf
Date Posted: Apr 16 2009 at 7:10am
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The PetCT came back. "no obvious sign of recurrence" followed by "two small, 3mm nodules in lung that could be inflammation from radiation". So...a little cancer in the bones that might or might not turn into the real thing, and nodules on the lungs that might or might not be cancer. Just shoot me already!! d ------------- DX 2/08@43 stg II IDC; gr2,0 nodes. Neoadj chemo, first ACx2 (fail) then CarboTaxotereX6(better). Lump, Rads done 11/08; Clodronate. False alarm queen: PetCT lung & TM marker. NED. PBM w/recon 9/10. |
Posted By: trip2
Date Posted: Apr 16 2009 at 7:54am
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Fantastic Denise, no obvious sign of recurrence!
I can understand your spinning in circles, but rejoice in the good news.
These scans, tests, sometimes bring back cloudy results it seems, no wonder we chew Xanax!
------------- Stage 2 2003 Stage 1 2007 BRCA 1+ |
Posted By: Nancy
Date Posted: Apr 16 2009 at 8:06am
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Oh Denise,
This is such good news!! We will not shoot you sweetie
Hugs,
Nancy
Pam...chew Xanax...hell I'd be chug-a-lugging a fifth of Jack Daniels every day
------------- Nancy DD Lori dx TNBC June 13,2007 Lumpectomy due to incorrect dx of a cyst mastectomy July 6 2007 chemo ACT all 3 every 3 weeks 6 tx Aug-Nov 28 rads ended Jan 2008 |
Posted By: Linda S
Date Posted: Apr 16 2009 at 8:08am
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Good news, Denise! Positive thoughts coming your way! ------------- Linda S DX 5/08, A/Cx4,carboplatin, abraxane,bi-lateral mast 11/2008, 9 cm,21/22node positive.rad 5 wks; mets to mediastinum/lungs 4/09. Xeloda/Navilbine w/pending biopsy for skin mets. |
Posted By: trip2
Date Posted: Apr 16 2009 at 10:20am
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Oh dear Momma Nancy with a bottle of Jack Daniels. I definitely want to be with you when you do that. I feel there will be some interesting conversations come out of that bottle. ------------- Stage 2 2003 Stage 1 2007 BRCA 1+ |
Posted By: Linda S
Date Posted: Apr 16 2009 at 12:41pm
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Oh hell... Is the Jack Daniels allowed!? And here I was trying to be a good girl! Maybe falafel cancels out the booze, too!
! ------------- Linda S DX 5/08, A/Cx4,carboplatin, abraxane,bi-lateral mast 11/2008, 9 cm,21/22node positive.rad 5 wks; mets to mediastinum/lungs 4/09. Xeloda/Navilbine w/pending biopsy for skin mets. |
Posted By: trip2
Date Posted: Apr 16 2009 at 1:37pm
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Wait I have to run to town and tell these people what a falafel is or order them online. Wonder if I can order them online? ------------- Stage 2 2003 Stage 1 2007 BRCA 1+ |
Posted By: cgraves3rv
Date Posted: Apr 16 2009 at 3:21pm
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I've only had one glass of wine since that depressing report came out a few months ago that wine could increase the chance of cancer. Did it mention hard liquor? Sounds like a change in drinking habits could be in order!! Pam just don't mix the Xanax and Jack Daniels! Denise, no obvious signs of recurrence sounds good. Cheers ladies. Cornelia |
Posted By: trip2
Date Posted: Apr 16 2009 at 3:30pm
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Lol Me and Jack actually have never met that I recall, just want to be sure and be around in case Nancy gets ahold of a bottle.
Actually I am not a drinker other than a good Margarita with dinner in a nice restaurant. Since we have no restaurants around here you'd want to hear about and far as I know they still can't serve liquor it goes to show you how we don't eat out a whole lot! ------------- Stage 2 2003 Stage 1 2007 BRCA 1+ |
Posted By: cgraves3rv
Date Posted: Apr 16 2009 at 3:32pm
| Pam, you asked how it went, but I'm not sure if you are asking about the port or 1st chemo. Both went well. It's Thursday evening and I've had 2 of the 3 Xeloda pills and start the Cytoxan pill tomorrow. Last year I never got sick until about 3 days after chemo and then it was fever and the big D for about 7 days. I'm better prepared this time and the onc. doesn't expect as many problems. I'll drink to that. (actually I'm off the alcohol while on chemo). Thanks so much for caring. Cornelia |
Posted By: trip2
Date Posted: Apr 16 2009 at 3:38pm
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Hi,
Yes, good I am happy to hear both went well, the port and the first chemo.
Oh my dear I hope you don't have too many problems but it never hurts to be prepared.
We do care very much, keep us updated and fingers crossed for a easy week-end. ------------- Stage 2 2003 Stage 1 2007 BRCA 1+ |
Posted By: BrendaF
Date Posted: Apr 16 2009 at 3:39pm
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Jack Daniels (actually I've graduated to Gentleman Jack) and vicodin is my cocktail of choice these days. It's the only way to keep the bone mets pain to a hum. I do have expensive taste in alcohol. Clothes, shoes, cars, I don't care about. But wine and liquor, only the best will do. ------------- Dx 2005 2 cm, 5/12 nodes, A/C + T, 28 rads. Dx mets 12/07 mediastinal and supraclavicular nodes, carbo + taxotere X 6. brain, lymph, pleura, bone mets. Started Xeloda 8/24/09 |
Posted By: cg---
Date Posted: Apr 16 2009 at 4:38pm
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Brenda,
Are you able to take a bisphosphonate to help with the bone pain? I understand there is an appreciable decrease in pain for bone metastases.
Just a thought,
Connie
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Posted By: dmwolf
Date Posted: Apr 16 2009 at 6:15pm
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Hi, guys. Yes, falafels are excellent dipped in vodka, especially with xanax and vicodin on the side. Chocolate can play a role as well, especially if it has nuts in it. Peeps, well, I don't know where they fit exactly, perhaps because I am Jewish. I'm off to a conference, a cancer research conference actually AACR. I'll let you know if I learn anything juicy. For now, I'm trying to CHILL OUT, cancer cells in the bones and high tumor marker and unexplained nodules be damned. Maybe it'll all be ok, or maybe it won't, but living in a state of panic will help absolutely no-one. Thanks for all the sweetness, my friends, and thanks for by example showing me how to live with difficult circumstances. Love, d ------------- DX 2/08@43 stg II IDC; gr2,0 nodes. Neoadj chemo, first ACx2 (fail) then CarboTaxotereX6(better). Lump, Rads done 11/08; Clodronate. False alarm queen: PetCT lung & TM marker. NED. PBM w/recon 9/10. |
Posted By: CarynRose
Date Posted: Apr 17 2009 at 7:15am
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You guys are something else!!!!
During a bout of scanxiety, my nurse instructed me to go home and take 2 glasses of red wine. I'm not a drinker, but followed her instructions. Don't know if it helped; thank G-d that scan was "Stable".
Love,
Caryn ------------- Orig dx 6/03 - St.2a, IDC gr.3,0 nodes, TNBC/BRCA1+ 7/07 St 4 mets to nodes/lungs. PACA/Rads NED 11/07-10/08 Lepto mets 10/08 Rads for 4 brain tumors 4/10. Leptomets return 6/10 |
Posted By: BrendaF
Date Posted: Apr 17 2009 at 8:20am
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Connie, yes, I just started on Zometa two weeks ago, as soon as the bone mets were dx. I actually had the first infusion on Thursday after seeing the onc on Monday. I actually feel pretty good today, and I'm thinking that the radiation is starting to kick in with pain control, too. I get another Zometa in two weeks, but I hear it takes a few months for that to make much effect on the pain.
CarynRose, I don't think the wine made your scans stable, but maybe it made your mental health more stable. ------------- Dx 2005 2 cm, 5/12 nodes, A/C + T, 28 rads. Dx mets 12/07 mediastinal and supraclavicular nodes, carbo + taxotere X 6. brain, lymph, pleura, bone mets. Started Xeloda 8/24/09 |
Posted By: trip2
Date Posted: Apr 17 2009 at 9:37am
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Brenda I am so happy to see you are feeling better today.
Denise, yes we want all the juicy details, enjoy and be safe!
CarynRose it is so nice to see you posting again and the word stable is lovely to read.
Hugs to all of you, ------------- Stage 2 2003 Stage 1 2007 BRCA 1+ |
Posted By: Linda S
Date Posted: Apr 17 2009 at 11:06am
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I started my Xeloda today, 8000 mgs/day. The nurse gave me my cute little starter packet with all the literature and little samples of recommended hand cream. One of the creams was - Udder Cream! I had to explain to her that I didn't have my udders any more. Oops, its for my hands and feet! ------------- Linda S DX 5/08, A/Cx4,carboplatin, abraxane,bi-lateral mast 11/2008, 9 cm,21/22node positive.rad 5 wks; mets to mediastinum/lungs 4/09. Xeloda/Navilbine w/pending biopsy for skin mets. |
Posted By: trip2
Date Posted: Apr 17 2009 at 11:23am
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Lol, very clever Linda! ------------- Stage 2 2003 Stage 1 2007 BRCA 1+ |
Posted By: BrendaF
Date Posted: Apr 17 2009 at 11:34am
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You know, Bag Balm used to have allantoin in it, years ago. And even though they say it's the "original formula" it no longer lists allantoin as an ingredient. The cream I got for my radiation in 2005, Radiaplex (by prescription) had allantoin. Allantoin is known to stimulate epithelial healing, and is the active ingredient in comfrey. I used to grow comfrey and use it in poultices, it is very healing. And, I made some hand oil by steeping comfrey with tea tree oil in olive oil. ------------- Dx 2005 2 cm, 5/12 nodes, A/C + T, 28 rads. Dx mets 12/07 mediastinal and supraclavicular nodes, carbo + taxotere X 6. brain, lymph, pleura, bone mets. Started Xeloda 8/24/09 |
Posted By: Linda S
Date Posted: Apr 17 2009 at 1:03pm
Thanks Brenda. I still have some cream left from radiation and will check that as well as my bag balm as soon as I can walk across my newly waxed wood floors! I am guessing I can find the comfrey at my local health food store, too? If I find some, I'll have to get the proportions from you.  ------------- Linda S DX 5/08, A/Cx4,carboplatin, abraxane,bi-lateral mast 11/2008, 9 cm,21/22node positive.rad 5 wks; mets to mediastinum/lungs 4/09. Xeloda/Navilbine w/pending biopsy for skin mets. |
Posted By: cgraves3rv
Date Posted: Apr 17 2009 at 1:30pm
I am so amazed at the knowledge and experience of the women on this forum. What isn't known is quickly researched and learned. It's just totally awesome.  Cornelia
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Posted By: Nancy
Date Posted: Apr 17 2009 at 2:01pm
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Linda,
If you have a local Agway dealer in your area, they carry the bag balm, and it is for the cow's udders. However, I have used it for years and swear by it .
I had a young woman who worked for me and they had a dairy farm. Her hands were pretty smooth considering all the freezing days in the barn. It was from the bag balm. It came in a green square can.
Check it out...or maybe even online?
Hugs,
Nancy ------------- Nancy DD Lori dx TNBC June 13,2007 Lumpectomy due to incorrect dx of a cyst mastectomy July 6 2007 chemo ACT all 3 every 3 weeks 6 tx Aug-Nov 28 rads ended Jan 2008 |
Posted By: trip2
Date Posted: Apr 17 2009 at 2:16pm
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I absolutely love bag balm. I have seen it in the larger WalMarts and since I live in horse and cow country I have also seen it in the big feed stores, where you buy big bags of feed for livestock and they have other supplies for animals.
Wouldn't be surprised if CVS or Walgreens would carry it. I bought a tin of it years ago and still use it, it is the best stuff. ------------- Stage 2 2003 Stage 1 2007 BRCA 1+ |
Posted By: cg---
Date Posted: Apr 17 2009 at 2:17pm
 Novel Xeloda
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Dosing Schedule May Offer Well-Tolerated Alternative For Treatment Of Advanced Breast CancerPosted By: trip2
Date Posted: Apr 17 2009 at 2:20pm
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Thank you Connie!!! ------------- Stage 2 2003 Stage 1 2007 BRCA 1+ |
Posted By: BrendaF
Date Posted: Apr 17 2009 at 4:25pm
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As to the Bag Balm, many pharmacists keep it behind the counter for when people ask for it specifically. If it's not on the shelf, most likely the pharmacist has it. ------------- Dx 2005 2 cm, 5/12 nodes, A/C + T, 28 rads. Dx mets 12/07 mediastinal and supraclavicular nodes, carbo + taxotere X 6. brain, lymph, pleura, bone mets. Started Xeloda 8/24/09 |
Posted By: Linda S
Date Posted: Apr 17 2009 at 4:56pm
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Okay... my cream is called "Udderly Smooth" and it does contain the Allantoin ingredient that Brenda mentioned. They have a web site (udderlysmooth.com) that discusses oncological use of their cream for hand and foot syndrome. (Nothing about udders, though). I tried it and it absorbs quickly without a greasy feeling. ------------- Linda S DX 5/08, A/Cx4,carboplatin, abraxane,bi-lateral mast 11/2008, 9 cm,21/22node positive.rad 5 wks; mets to mediastinum/lungs 4/09. Xeloda/Navilbine w/pending biopsy for skin mets. |
Posted By: trip2
Date Posted: Apr 18 2009 at 12:54pm
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It sounds nice Linda, hope it is good. ------------- Stage 2 2003 Stage 1 2007 BRCA 1+ |
Posted By: Kathleen
Date Posted: Apr 18 2009 at 1:44pm
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Denise,
I would interpret your bone scan news as positive. I would still be watching very carefully for new disease though. Sometimes disease is simply subclinical - not able to be detected yet by medical procedures. It still helps though to be positive in thought. Your mind can do a lot to help heal your body and fend off cancer. You're in my thoughts and prayers. ------------- Yours Online, Kathleen 12/99 bc initial dx-stage 1, Nottingham-tenovus cells - bilateral mast. 6/08 TN cells, only in lungs Treatments: 6/08-5/09 Taxol & Carboplatin. 5/09+ Xeloda. |
Posted By: cgraves3rv
Date Posted: Apr 24 2009 at 11:32am
Connie, thank you so much for posting the article on Xeloda. It's interesting that Dr. Harris mentioned in the teleconference there is trial evidence that Avastin and Xeloda wasn't effective. But, at what dose? For my liver mets, I am on a lower daily dose of Xeloda with no break and 50 mg of Cytoxan. I have an Avastin infusion every 2 weeks. Next week will be my second one. This is based on a European trial published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. It just gets so confusing at times doesn't it? What was really interesting is that Xeloda becomes 5Fu. I had that as part of my treatment last year. Thanks, Cornelia 
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