Re: Getting ready for chemo

[Guest guest]

Hi Sue,

I had my left breast removed in 1990 and had one node come back positive. I had

6 mo of chemo. Methotrexate and 5fu in an IV push the first two Tues of the

month and the third week I took Cytoxan pills and the 4th week I rested. Now

they have much better ways of doing this.

I know it will be hard on your family but you must take care of YOU. Right now

thats the most important thing to remember. Don't hold back from them because

then they might think things are actually worse. If you feel like crying do so.

Hopefully they can help you out by making dinners, doing house work etc. and

just being there to listen to you if you need someone.

I would get a wig before your hair comes out. That way you can match it as close

as possilbe. Or some women decide to shave their heads and wear hats or scarves.

Some prefer to go bald.

We go through all kinds of emotion when diagnosed and going through treatment.

Its all normal. If you are having too hard of a time coping then ask the dr for

something for depression/anxiety. It really helps.

I will keep you in my prayers. If there is anything I can do please feel free to

email me at moochie@...

Hugs

nne

Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life

http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html

Check out my breast cancer ornaments at:

http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.html

also check out my other ornaments and lots of nice gifts at:

http://www.cancerclub.com

Getting ready for chemo

Good Morning! I am 47 years old and diagnosed with breast cancer in January. I

had a mastectomy on my right breast on Jan 28th. They removed 10 nodes and 2

came back positive, although it didn't show cancer in the veins. I'm not sure

how good or how bad any of this is. I have tests scheduled for this coming week

and chemo due to start on march 4th. I am anxious to get started but also

scared. I have 2 daughters, 25 and 22, who live at home. I also have a 1 1/2

year old grandson. They are my lifelines - I am very lucky to have them. I hate

what I am about to put them through. I am wondering what to expect in the next

coming weeks. I was hoping you would be able to help me with what to expect,

what things I can do to help my family get through this, tips on things like

when I should get a wig....should I get it now or wait until later. I was

reading some of the messages and they made me cry....so many people going

through the same thing, how ignorant I was before this and still feel I am in

the dark. I think sometimes I choose to be an ostrich! I am a smoker and

have picked today to be my last day of smoking, I should be REAL FUN to be near

this week!

I am participating in a clinical trial where they randomly pick the type of

medications you'll receive, there are 3 combinations. I was wondering if anyone

else participated and how it went for them.

My mind is rambling on with things I want to say, a part of me just wants to

scream.

I know none of you....but I send you all hugs for caring enough to be there,

hugs for whatever you are going through, hugs for all that you will teach me and

help me get through. I hope that I will someday be able to help someone else get

through this.

[Guest guest]

Good Morning Sue,

I am so sorry that you HAD to be writing to us and at the same time I am

glad you found this group. There are many exceptional people here and you

sound just as outstanding.

First off, your attitude sounds great. Do not feel bad if some days t is

not so great. You will have both good days where you will be so strong and

then of course there will be days where you will look elsewhere for strength

Your family and friends and this group will be glad to be that strength.

I will be 50 in May. I was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ last

October. My cancer was found extremely early and I did not have to undergo

chemo so I have no answers. There are many of women in the group that have

undergone chemo and will be more than glad to share their experiences with

you.

I did go through radiation - 28 treatments. I have read that because I did

not undergo chemo and have something worse to compare it to, radiation was

the worst thing I had ever undergone in my life. At any rate I felt very

blessed that our medical capabilities are what they are today and would

allow me to make it through this trial.

Trying to stop smoking simultaneously with undergoing treatments is going to

be very hard. I will pray for you to succeed. My suggestion, as a smoker

also, would be to take things one step at a time.

My prayers and hugs go out to you Sue. Write as often as you feel the need.

We are always here.

Sincerely,

Neal

Louisiana

-- Getting ready for chemo

Good Morning! I am 47 years old and diagnosed with breast cancer in January.

I had a mastectomy on my right breast on Jan 28th. They removed 10 nodes and

2 came back positive, although it didn't show cancer in the veins. I'm not

sure how good or how bad any of this is. I have tests scheduled for this

coming week and chemo due to start on march 4th. I am anxious to get started

but also scared. I have 2 daughters, 25 and 22, who live at home. I also

have a 1 1/2 year old grandson. They are my lifelines - I am very lucky to

have them. I hate what I am about to put them through. I am wondering what

to expect in the next coming weeks. I was hoping you would be able to help

me with what to expect, what things I can do to help my family get through

this, tips on things like when I should get a wig....should I get it now or

wait until later. I was reading some of the messages and they made me cry...

so many people going through the same thing, how ignorant I was before this

and still feel I am in the dark. I think sometimes I choose to be an

ostrich! I am a smoker and have picked today to be my last day of smoking

I should be REAL FUN to be near this week!

I am participating in a clinical trial where they randomly pick the type of

medications you'll receive, there are 3 combinations. I was wondering if

anyone else participated and how it went for them.

My mind is rambling on with things I want to say, a part of me just wants to

scream.

I know none of you....but I send you all hugs for caring enough to be there,

hugs for whatever you are going through, hugs for all that you will teach me

and help me get through. I hope that I will someday be able to help someone

else get through this.

[Guest guest]

Sue I am sorry you had to join the ranks of women fighting the dragon.

we will be here for you all the way. I was DX in Dec 99, I had a 5.5 centimeter

lump and 2 positive nodes. I was a stage 3.I had 4 rounds of adrimycian/cytoxen.

I was not to ill just tired. Lost my taste for food, and my sense of smell. Then

it was on to 36 rounds of radiation, I had to drive 45minutes every day for a

10-12 minute radiation treatment. Then I had to have 4 rounds of taxol, I was

never so sick in my life, I puked up everything. So the Dr decided that I had,

had enough. I had a lot of neuroptyhy in the feet and hands.. But I would go

through it all again. I bought a wig before I lost my hair. I took a friend

with me and the lady matched my hair to a great wig. I bought 2 one was a

little longer than I normally wore. Losing my hair was tramatic for me and a lot

of other ladies. So if your hair starts falling out, I would just get it over

with and shave the head. I eventually started going out without anything on my

head. I did'nt get the stares that I thought I would. Just once while I was at

work, I heard a little boy say Mom she doesnt have any hair. The mom was

embarassed, but I looked at him and I told him, I had cancer, thats why I dont

have any hair.. Keep up a positive attitude, that is one of the many things.

Having cancer usually causes you to get closer to God. Prayer are one of the

strongest aides we have.

Hugs

Jeana

Getting ready for chemo

Good Morning! I am 47 years old and diagnosed with breast cancer in January. I

had a mastectomy on my right breast on Jan 28th. They removed 10 nodes and 2

came back positive, although it didn't show cancer in the veins. I'm not sure

how good or how bad any of this is. I have tests scheduled for this coming week

and chemo due to start on march 4th. I am anxious to get started but also

scared. I have 2 daughters, 25 and 22, who live at home. I also have a 1 1/2

year old grandson. They are my lifelines - I am very lucky to have them. I hate

what I am about to put them through. I am wondering what to expect in the next

coming weeks. I was hoping you would be able to help me with what to expect,

what things I can do to help my family get through this, tips on things like

when I should get a wig....should I get it now or wait until later. I was

reading some of the messages and they made me cry....so many people going

through the same thing, how ignorant I was before this and still feel I am in

the dark. I think sometimes I choose to be an ostrich! I am a smoker and

have picked today to be my last day of smoking, I should be REAL FUN to be near

this week!

I am participating in a clinical trial where they randomly pick the type of

medications you'll receive, there are 3 combinations. I was wondering if anyone

else participated and how it went for them.

My mind is rambling on with things I want to say, a part of me just wants to

scream.

I know none of you....but I send you all hugs for caring enough to be there,

hugs for whatever you are going through, hugs for all that you will teach me and

help me get through. I hope that I will someday be able to help someone else get

through this.

[Guest guest]

I went through chemo in March of 2001. Most of what I had read and

heard from others was that I would be sick with nausea, the thing that

got me was exhaustion. I was tired all the time, my red and white

blood cells kept going down. I was on Procrit and Neuprogen

(spelling???), but it didn't seem to help. I was on Epirubcin, 5FU and

cytoxan.

My prayers are with you, and please whatever help or assistance your

family and friends offer you take it. Your daughters and your grandson

will be and the Lord above will be your guiding light, rely on them

they will get you through this.

> Good Morning! I am 47 years old and diagnosed with breast cancer in

January. I had a mastectomy on my right breast on Jan 28th. They

removed 10 nodes and 2 came back positive, although it didn't show

cancer in the veins. I'm not sure how good or how bad any of this is.

I have tests scheduled for this coming week and chemo due to start on

march 4th. I am anxious to get started but also scared. I have 2

daughters, 25 and 22, who live at home. I also have a 1 1/2 year old

grandson. They are my lifelines - I am very lucky to have them. I hate

what I am about to put them through. I am wondering what to expect in

the next coming weeks. I was hoping you would be able to help me with

what to expect, what things I can do to help my family get through

this, tips on things like when I should get a wig....should I get it

now or wait until later. I was reading some of the messages and they

made me cry....so many people going through the same thing, how

ignorant I was before this and still feel I am in the dark. I think

sometimes I choose to be an ostrich! I am a smoker and have picked

today to be my last day of smoking, I should be REAL FUN to be near

this week!

>

> I am participating in a clinical trial where they randomly pick the

type of medications you'll receive, there are 3 combinations. I was

wondering if anyone else participated and how it went for them.

>

> My mind is rambling on with things I want to say, a part of me just

wants to scream.

>

> I know none of you....but I send you all hugs for caring enough to

be there, hugs for whatever you are going through, hugs for all that

you will teach me and help me get through. I hope that I will someday

be able to help someone else get through this.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I'm sorry to be responding so late. I'm currently undergoing radiation

therapy, which may or may not be indicated for you. I happen to be the

exact same age as you, though my daughter is just short of twelve.

When I was at the same stage as you, just diagnosed, I felt like my world

was falling apart. I was terrified how my daughter would react, and,

because my cancer was fairly advanced, I was terrified I would die. That

was in June. I haven't died yet, and have slowly gotten used to the

treatment, which, although it might have felt like it would kill me at

times, hasn't done so yet. I developed this concept of " elastic soul " in

the middle of chemo; whenever I felt like I couldn't stand one more thing,

and then one more thing happened, I discovered I could in fact tolerate it.

I didn't like it, and still don't, but life does eventually go on. But I

think it's pretty normal to feel like this is the end of the world for a

while, even though it isn't and it isn't the end of your life, either. It

still feels that way.

I'd say that 2 positive nodes out of 10 is pretty good. Just for

comparison, my tumor was spread enough throughout my breast that I had to

do chemo first to shrink it; then surgery. After the surgery, I came out

with four positive nodes out of twelve, and this was after six months of

chemo. Plus I had two three other nodes that had been positive but

responded to chemo. So I don't think two negative nodes is all that bad.

Though I'm sure it seems so to you. Also I did have evidence of cancer in

my veins, so it's another good sign that you didn't. Since it's not the

cancer in your breast that's really worrisome, but the possibility of it

spreading to your body and organs and such, it's good news to have clear

veins and only two positive nodes. Zero would have been better, but, such

is life.

I imagine your tests this week will help stage your cancer. If and when you

get a more specific pathology report, we can help you understand what the

details mean.

As far as chemo goes, I haven't been in a test. I had six months of chemo,

first with Adriramyacin/Cytoxin, then with Taxotere. I don't know if you're

in a blind study or not. If you end up knowing what chemo you're on, and if

it's the same as mine, I can share my experience with you. One general

thing I can say is most women start to lose their hair around the end of

the second week of chemo. For me, it was pretty fast. One or two days of

shedding, then one day where it came out in clumps. I had a buzz cut the

day it started coming out in clumps. In retrospect, I would have shaved my

head that day. It was still annoying having a buzz cut fall out in clumps.

But don't shave your head yet! Some women do keep their hair. You'll know

if you start to shed that you're not one of those women. In that case, I'd

shave my head. Unfortunately, 99 percent of women do lose a lot of hair or

all of it, so it's best to get a wig before chemo. If that's your

preference. Your insurance should cover it. I prefer wearing hats, which

insurance doesn't cover, but they're more comfortable and not that expensive.

You might want to call 1- or go to www.tlccatalog.org. The TLC

catalog is from The American Cancer Society, but it's specifically oriented

toward women with breast cancer. They have a variety of reasonably priced

items that make things a little easier for you; comfortable wig liners,

hats that really cover your baldness, etc.

There's nothing you can do to prevent your daughters from being hurt. Allow

them to have their own feelings and most of all allow them to help if they

offer. I'd guess they want to do whatever they can to help you, and even

though you're probably used to helping them, now is a good time to change

directions and let them help you. I know from personal experience, helping

my own mother while she died of breast cancer, that it made me feel much

better to be actively helping her and just being with her. I think it

helped her, too. But as a mother, the best thing you can do for your

daughters is accept whatever their reactions and feelings are, and allow

them to help if they want, or maybe disappear for a while if it's too hard.

You can't stop them from hurting, but you can help by accepting whatever

form their hurt takes.

Congratulations on quitting smoking. I have mixed feelings, though, about

doing it right now. Of course you want to cut out doing something that

causes cancer. But what you're going through is so difficult, you might

find it too hard to quit right away. Be gentle to yourself during these

first few months. It gets easier.

I hope I haven't repeated what everyone else has already said, or bored you

to death. I'm just trying to remember what I felt like when I was

diagnosed, and what I've learned through reading books and emails on this list.

I'm really glad you're here. The women on this list are wonderful and are

certain to be able to help you a lot.

Take good care,

Jill

>Good Morning! I am 47 years old and diagnosed with breast cancer in

>January. I had a mastectomy on my right breast on Jan 28th. They removed

>10 nodes and 2 came back positive, although it didn't show cancer in the

>veins. I'm not sure how good or how bad any of this is. I have tests

>scheduled for this coming week and chemo due to start on march 4th. I am

>anxious to get started but also scared. I have 2 daughters, 25 and 22, who

>live at home. I also have a 1 1/2 year old grandson. They are my lifelines

>- I am very lucky to have them. I hate what I am about to put them

>through. I am wondering what to expect in the next coming weeks. I was

>hoping you would be able to help me with what to expect, what things I can

>do to help my family get through this, tips on things like when I should

>get a wig....should I get it now or wait until later. I was reading some

>of the messages and they made me cry....so many people going through the

>same thing, how ignorant I was before this and still !

>feel I am in the dark. I think sometimes I choose to be an ostrich! I

>am a smoker and have picked today to be my last day of smoking, I should

>be REAL FUN to be near this week!

>

>I am participating in a clinical trial where they randomly pick the type

>of medications you'll receive, there are 3 combinations. I was wondering

>if anyone else participated and how it went for them.

>

>My mind is rambling on with things I want to say, a part of me just wants

>to scream.

>

>I know none of you....but I send you all hugs for caring enough to be

>there, hugs for whatever you are going through, hugs for all that you will

>teach me and help me get through. I hope that I will someday be able to

>help someone else get through this.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you Jill, for taking time to answer me in the midst of all you are going

through. There is no need for any apology - I am very grateful that I found this

group. You are such a good example of how loving all of the members are!!!! You

will be in my prayers. Thank you for the great information you passed along -

especially on how to help my girls the best. I am suppose to have radiation when

the chemo is done - haven't thought so much about it - want to pass this first.

I am sending you lots of hugs - Sue

Re: Getting ready for chemo

Hi,

I'm sorry to be responding so late. I'm currently undergoing radiation

therapy, which may or may not be indicated for you. I happen to be the

exact same age as you, though my daughter is just short of twelve.

When I was at the same stage as you, just diagnosed, I felt like my world

was falling apart. I was terrified how my daughter would react, and,

because my cancer was fairly advanced, I was terrified I would die. That

was in June. I haven't died yet, and have slowly gotten used to the

treatment, which, although it might have felt like it would kill me at

times, hasn't done so yet. I developed this concept of " elastic soul " in

the middle of chemo; whenever I felt like I couldn't stand one more thing,

and then one more thing happened, I discovered I could in fact tolerate it.

I didn't like it, and still don't, but life does eventually go on. But I

think it's pretty normal to feel like this is the end of the world for a

while, even though it isn't and it isn't the end of your life, either. It

still feels that way.

I'd say that 2 positive nodes out of 10 is pretty good. Just for

comparison, my tumor was spread enough throughout my breast that I had to

do chemo first to shrink it; then surgery. After the surgery, I came out

with four positive nodes out of twelve, and this was after six months of

chemo. Plus I had two three other nodes that had been positive but

responded to chemo. So I don't think two negative nodes is all that bad.

Though I'm sure it seems so to you. Also I did have evidence of cancer in

my veins, so it's another good sign that you didn't. Since it's not the

cancer in your breast that's really worrisome, but the possibility of it

spreading to your body and organs and such, it's good news to have clear

veins and only two positive nodes. Zero would have been better, but, such

is life.

I imagine your tests this week will help stage your cancer. If and when you

get a more specific pathology report, we can help you understand what the

details mean.

As far as chemo goes, I haven't been in a test. I had six months of chemo,

first with Adriramyacin/Cytoxin, then with Taxotere. I don't know if you're

in a blind study or not. If you end up knowing what chemo you're on, and if

it's the same as mine, I can share my experience with you. One general

thing I can say is most women start to lose their hair around the end of

the second week of chemo. For me, it was pretty fast. One or two days of

shedding, then one day where it came out in clumps. I had a buzz cut the

day it started coming out in clumps. In retrospect, I would have shaved my

head that day. It was still annoying having a buzz cut fall out in clumps.

But don't shave your head yet! Some women do keep their hair. You'll know

if you start to shed that you're not one of those women. In that case, I'd

shave my head. Unfortunately, 99 percent of women do lose a lot of hair or

all of it, so it's best to get a wig before chemo. If that's your

preference. Your insurance should cover it. I prefer wearing hats, which

insurance doesn't cover, but they're more comfortable and not that expensive.

You might want to call 1- or go to www.tlccatalog.org. The TLC

catalog is from The American Cancer Society, but it's specifically oriented

toward women with breast cancer. They have a variety of reasonably priced

items that make things a little easier for you; comfortable wig liners,

hats that really cover your baldness, etc.

There's nothing you can do to prevent your daughters from being hurt. Allow

them to have their own feelings and most of all allow them to help if they

offer. I'd guess they want to do whatever they can to help you, and even

though you're probably used to helping them, now is a good time to change

directions and let them help you. I know from personal experience, helping

my own mother while she died of breast cancer, that it made me feel much

better to be actively helping her and just being with her. I think it

helped her, too. But as a mother, the best thing you can do for your

daughters is accept whatever their reactions and feelings are, and allow

them to help if they want, or maybe disappear for a while if it's too hard.

You can't stop them from hurting, but you can help by accepting whatever

form their hurt takes.

Congratulations on quitting smoking. I have mixed feelings, though, about

doing it right now. Of course you want to cut out doing something that

causes cancer. But what you're going through is so difficult, you might

find it too hard to quit right away. Be gentle to yourself during these

first few months. It gets easier.

I hope I haven't repeated what everyone else has already said, or bored you

to death. I'm just trying to remember what I felt like when I was

diagnosed, and what I've learned through reading books and emails on this

list.

I'm really glad you're here. The women on this list are wonderful and are

certain to be able to help you a lot.

Take good care,

Jill

>Good Morning! I am 47 years old and diagnosed with breast cancer in

>January. I had a mastectomy on my right breast on Jan 28th. They removed

>10 nodes and 2 came back positive, although it didn't show cancer in the

>veins. I'm not sure how good or how bad any of this is. I have tests

>scheduled for this coming week and chemo due to start on march 4th. I am

>anxious to get started but also scared. I have 2 daughters, 25 and 22, who

>live at home. I also have a 1 1/2 year old grandson. They are my lifelines

>- I am very lucky to have them. I hate what I am about to put them

>through. I am wondering what to expect in the next coming weeks. I was

>hoping you would be able to help me with what to expect, what things I can

>do to help my family get through this, tips on things like when I should

>get a wig....should I get it now or wait until later. I was reading some

>of the messages and they made me cry....so many people going through the

>same thing, how ignorant I was before this and still !

>feel I am in the dark. I think sometimes I choose to be an ostrich! I

>am a smoker and have picked today to be my last day of smoking, I should

>be REAL FUN to be near this week!

>

>I am participating in a clinical trial where they randomly pick the type

>of medications you'll receive, there are 3 combinations. I was wondering

>if anyone else participated and how it went for them.

>

>My mind is rambling on with things I want to say, a part of me just wants

>to scream.

>

>I know none of you....but I send you all hugs for caring enough to be

>there, hugs for whatever you are going through, hugs for all that you will

>teach me and help me get through. I hope that I will someday be able to

>help someone else get through this.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Sue. I'm basically OK, just kind of low on the email end of things.

I'm glad I didn't offend you, telling you of all people how to treat your

daughters. You've been a mother over twice as long as I have!!! I'm sure

you could offer me a lot of advice on how to avoid fighting all the time

with my almost twelve-year-old...

Also remember my radiation is really hard because I have fibromyalgia and

for other reasons that are specific to me. I really doubt it will be that

bad for you. Most women describe it as a breeze, especially after chemo.

Hugs back to you,

Jill

At 11:56 AM 2/26/2003 -0800, you wrote:

>Thank you Jill, for taking time to answer me in the midst of all you are

>going through. There is no need for any apology - I am very grateful that

>I found this group. You are such a good example of how loving all of the

>members are!!!! You will be in my prayers. Thank you for the great

>information you passed along - especially on how to help my girls the

>best. I am suppose to have radiation when the chemo is done - haven't

>thought so much about it - want to pass this first. I am sending you lots

>of hugs - Sue

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Jeana. You're sweet. I'm not really having such a hard time. I must

have indulged in my usual hyperbole-itis. I'm just tired and sore. I got

fitted for a lymphedema sleeve today, and they were out of my size but even

wearing the wrong sized sleeve for a few minutes actually felt good.

They'll be mailing me the right size in a week or so, which might make it

much easier for me to type more. Except by then I might have gone from

sleeping twelve hours a day, to getting up for radiation, coming home,

taking a nap till my next doctor's appointment, coming home, and going to

bed... Note: that's an exaggeration! I'm just kinda wiped out a bit.

On the positive side, I'm 1/3 of the way through radiation, today. Yippee!

And if my CAT scan next week comes back normal, like expected, my entire

Cancer Treatment Experience is supposed to be finished on April 1st. Unless

they have something else up their sleeve and that's just an April Fool's

joke. Seriously, that's the date of my last radiation treatment! After

that, I will be a somewhat sunburned and sore cancer survivor!!!!!!

Jill

At 04:30 PM 2/26/2003 -0800, you wrote:

>Jill I'm sorry that you are having a hard time. Just post once in a while

>to update us. We do care about you.

>Jeana

[Guest guest]

jill, when i had radiation in 94, i did radiation in the morning and then i

worked an 8 hour shift at work.....i drove an hour each way for my 5 minute

zap in the am and i slept til it was time to go to work, then came home and

slept till it was time to go back to get zapped......i think radiation was

the most exausteing experience i have ever had........i had no energy what

so ever....i have no idea how i even worked full time.....by the grace of

god i guess.....so don't be suprised if you get to the point of " i can't get

enough sleep " ........then it took me about 6 months to feel " normal "

again.......good luck and god bless

healing hugs and prayers

carol from michigan

[Guest guest]

Wow Carol. I am REALLY impressed!!! I guess I'm just a wimp. There's a very

young woman who has radiation right after me. Mid-twenties, I'd guess. She

brings her three-year-old and five-year-old with her every day. My husband

was talking with her, and it turns out she has the same deal as me; Stage

III breast cancer, six months of chemo first, then a lumpectomy (mine was a

mastectomy but that's the only difference) and now radiation. It breaks my

heart looking at her kids, and I have no idea how she manages to drive

herself back and forth and take care of them. Maybe being young helps her

have more energy, but to have such advanced cancer at that age, with two

really little kids, is just devastating. I'd much rather be wimpy and twice

her age, with a daughter who's still young but over twice the age of her

oldest. It's just so sad when woman who are so young get hit. I was pretty

screwed up in my childhood and twenties, but I had a pretty wonderful

decade with my own family before I was diagnosed. I'm so grateful for that.

Jill

At 12:05 PM 2/27/2003 -0500, you wrote:

>jill, when i had radiation in 94, i did radiation in the morning and then i

>worked an 8 hour shift at work.....i drove an hour each way for my 5 minute

>zap in the am and i slept til it was time to go to work, then came home and

>slept till it was time to go back to get zapped......i think radiation was

>the most exausteing experience i have ever had........i had no energy what

>so ever....i have no idea how i even worked full time.....by the grace of

>god i guess.....so don't be suprised if you get to the point of " i can't get

>enough sleep " ........then it took me about 6 months to feel " normal "

>again.......good luck and god bless

>

>healing hugs and prayers

>carol from michigan

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

You go girl. It will be over soon.......................

Re: Getting ready for chemo

Thanks, Jeana. You're sweet. I'm not really having such a hard time. I must

have indulged in my usual hyperbole-itis. I'm just tired and sore. I got

fitted for a lymphedema sleeve today, and they were out of my size but even

wearing the wrong sized sleeve for a few minutes actually felt good.

They'll be mailing me the right size in a week or so, which might make it

much easier for me to type more. Except by then I might have gone from

sleeping twelve hours a day, to getting up for radiation, coming home,

taking a nap till my next doctor's appointment, coming home, and going to

bed... Note: that's an exaggeration! I'm just kinda wiped out a bit.

On the positive side, I'm 1/3 of the way through radiation, today. Yippee!

And if my CAT scan next week comes back normal, like expected, my entire

Cancer Treatment Experience is supposed to be finished on April 1st. Unless

they have something else up their sleeve and that's just an April Fool's

joke. Seriously, that's the date of my last radiation treatment! After

that, I will be a somewhat sunburned and sore cancer survivor!!!!!!

Jill

At 04:30 PM 2/26/2003 -0800, you wrote:

>Jill I'm sorry that you are having a hard time. Just post once in a while

>to update us. We do care about you.

>Jeana