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Doris (doris)


December 24, 2007


Illinois


7/9/66


Breast Cancer


8/15/07


Stage 2


03


Grade 3


Negative


Negative


No


No


Lymph Node Removal, Mastectomy


yes


Taxol (chemical name: paclitaxel), Cyclophosphamide (brand name: Cytoxan), Adriamycin (chemical name: doxorubicin)


Cancer Survivor


I want my old life back.


To appreciate everything.


Keep doing what they are doing, making me laugh!


I found a lump myself one month after having my mammogram done.


Left Mastecomy 9/25/07.
Recovering really wasn’t that bad.
The node procedure was worse with recovery.


Yes. 25 treatments.


Started AC on 12/12/07. That was fine.
Had a reaction to Leukine (sp) now I’m
Neupagen daily. No problems there.




doris's Cancer Blog

May 14, 2008

STARTING RADIATIONViews: 124

Well today I had my first of 28 radiation treatments.
I was nervous. Ya know, the fear of the unknown.
But the whole process wasn’t that bad. I kept telling
myself that nothing could be as bad as chemo! I am sure
many of you know what I mean.

Once I was positioned correctly, which took about 5-10 minutes, the actual treatment took less than a minute.
I now have special lotion to use twice a day and special deo to use also.

My doctor tells me that I might have some “sun burn” issues, but everyone is different. He also tells me that my the third week of treatment is when I will feel tired.
I hope I can continue to work (as I did with chemo), but
there are days I just want to lay down and nap.

I wish you all the best!

Doris.

Do not ignore the need for naps…That is one of the best parts of being a survivor, nobody sweats you when you say, “I need a nap”

Get a favorite blankie, something warm and soft and make sure it is close by when you need it. I have blogged this before, but never underestimate the beauty of a blanket and a soft place to snuggle.

Prayers and well wishes
Mac

Doris,
Our health historys are very similar, thank you for posting. I dont know how I found this site, in many ways I am glad I did.In some ways it scares me and makes me sad. Just like looking at the portfolio pictures of the reconstructed breasts.So much illness and so much pain. I have stage II and was told I would not need radiation. I really dont understand how they decide. I am going in for my mastectomy this coming thursday and will be following up with 4 month of chemo.I am a single mom and hope I will be able to work thru all this, meaning get up and go to work. HOw sore were you? Can you tell me about the node procedure. I respect my Doctor, but I think he is … well he is a Doctor and not a mom, girlfriend or woman.
Thank you for your strength and story.
Shelly

Good luck with radiation! And naps are great!

I didn’t have money for the lotion, but boy does it work. Finally the nurses gave me some samples which saved me. Be sure to use that. You are on the home stretch.

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February 14, 2008

SPOKE TOO SOON ABOUT TAXOLViews: 339

Had first Taxol on 2/6/08, and here it is Valentine’s Day and I am just starting to get my energy back. I was supposed to do Taxol every 2 weeks (dose density), but now I may try it weekly (at a lower dose) and see how it goes.

Does anyone out there have ANY thoughts or experiences with either way.

I don’t think my body can handle this dose density version.

Possibly going to try Taxotere (sp) if have to…...........

Thanks!

Doris.

I am also a triple negative, I don’t know the stage or grade, I keep forgetting to ask, but I have an appointment next week so that is on the top of my list of questions. I hope you continue to update, there is so much you have to offer those of us who are newly diagnosed.

Blessings

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February 9, 2008

MADE IT THROUGH FIRST TAXOLViews: 394

First tx was 2/6/08 of Taxol. I was soooo nervous about starting Taxol, I think I was actually making myself sick over it. I just can’t help it when I try a new drug, I have had to many reactions to drugs during all this. I even ended up in the hospital over one reaction.

The day after my fingertips were sensitive. And so were the bottom of my feet, but I must say I felt better post Taxol than I did with A/C. And I didn’t cry too much with this treatment either. I do still feel tired, so resting much this weekend. My parents took the kids (2 boys 5 & 7) overnight. So that helps a lot. Thank god for all the help they are giving me. It helps me not to worry about stupid stuff right now and concentrate on getting better!

I do have a lot of joint/muscle pain but nothing that Tylenol can’t help with.

1 DOWN AND 3 MORE TO GO!

Take care everyone and I’d love to hear from you.

Doris.

Dorsey!

WOW Girl! You are truly an inspiration to me! You keep fighting through these treatments and before you know it we will all be in Disney having a BLAST!
Love ya and here for your ALWAYS!
Cath

Doris: Soooo proud of you! Glad to hear that you have been feeling good! You look beautiful in your picture too! Stay strong, we are hear for you always!

Hey Doris was just reading your blog and wondering how you are doing? I was diagnosied last year in July with bc but did not do chemo. I was like you said a nervous wreck and scared to death. I truely admire you for the strength you have shown doing the treatments….Hang in..Judy

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February 3, 2008

DONE WITH A/C START TAXOL 2/6/08Views: 481

Hello Everyone!

Feeling great that I am done with A/C! My doctor told me that she has some women on A/C that all they do is vomit. So I feel good that I still have a good appetite after 4 tx of A/C. I am at my same weight from when I started chemo and even when I had my sx back on 9/25/07.

This past week after tx 4, I was tired, chemo sucks!
But I was still able to go to work, but did a lot of desk work. I am not going to let this “C” stuff get me down.
I try and try to have some kind of, dare I say it, “normal” life. But all I can do is take it day by day.

I am soooooo nervous about starting Taxol next week. Hopefully I tolerate it well. I will have treatment every 2 weeks for 4 times. Then I have to do radiation also.
Not sure as to how many times yet. But people have told me it takes longer to put your gown on versus the actual treatment. Does radiation made you loose your hair also?
Haven’t really talked much about this with the doc just yet. Still trying just to get through chemo stuff.

Thank you to everyone that is supporting me and helping me get past all this B.S. Especially on those days when the tears just come flowing for no reason at all. Then it passes just as quickly as it came on.

I do really miss my old life….................

But I know some day soon I will have it again!

Radiation should be a breeze compared to the chemo. And your friend is right it takes longer to put the gown on then the actual radiation. I think the first day is a little longer to get everything set up and then it is fast. Hopefully you won’t have to drive to far for your treatment. And you don’t loose your hair. I am pretty fair skin and about half way through treatment the area started really hurting from the burn. But I asked them for some samples of creams I could use and they worked great and saved me about $100 by not going to buy my own tube of the cream. Good luck with everything! Glad you are done with A/C.

Well Doris all I can say is GOOD for YOU.. the thing that I found is to be very positive about the whole thing,, Also make sure that you also stay stubborn about it all.. I went through 37 radiation and 7 Chemo (lung & lymp node) and I worked through it all as you are doing,, Keep it up girl and i will keep you in my prayers
God Bless….. Ray

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January 18, 2008

FEELING GOOD THIS WEEKViews: 577

I have been able to work all this week. So I am feeling pretty darn good. It’s funny how your body feels like total crap for the 4 days after AC. Then poof – Monday I am back to work.

I will start Taxol weekly for 12 weeks on Wed 2/6/08.
Then my oncologist informed me that I will have to do
radiation after also.

Anyone out there have any info on Taxol? Is it bad?
I know I will not have ANY hair left whatsoever!

Doris.

Good for you Doris….Glad you are doing so well with the 4 days afer a/c for me it took longer with A/c…but we are all different. I had taxotere with herceptin(I was her2+++) Taxotere is a sister drug to Taxol so good to know in case you cannot tolerate you have a second choice. There are many different reasons of different choices. From my understanding Taxol is a bit harsher on the patient…although I have known those whom have just had an awful time with Taxotere and Taxol was great….so it is hard to say. I was tired and achy like the flu it was almost harder for me than a/c, but I believe most find it easier…...you are doing so well you will fly right through…I will keep you in my thoughts…fists up we can and will never give up! JoAnna

Doris – Glad you are able to go back to work this week. Good news!

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January 10, 2008

3 DOWN, 1 MORE TO GO WITH (AC)Views: 635

WELL YESTERDAY WAS THE THIRD TREATMENT WITH AC.
FELT REALLY GOOD UNTIL ABOUT NOON TODAY, THEN THE HEADACHES STARTED, BUT AT LEAST NO CRYING SO FAR. STEROIDS SUCK! MY MOM CAME OVER TODAY AND SPENT THE DAY WITH ME. I THINK THAT REALLY HELPS JUST TO HAVE SOMEONE HANG OUT WITH YOU.
OF COURSE SHE HELPED ME OUT TODAY WITH CLEANING, COOKING AND LAUNDRY. SHE’S BEEN SUCH A GREAT SUPPORT THROUGH ALL
THIS. OH AND I CAN’T FORGET MY WONDERFUL HUSBAND, JIM (WHO ISN’T SUCH A BAD MR. MOM). HE’S LEARNING HOW TO MULTI TASK REALLY WELL! HE’S BEEN GREAT THROUGH ALL THIS TOO. HE LETS ME CRY WHEN I NEED TO AND SAYS YOU HAVE ALL THE RIGHT TO CRY IF YOU WANT TO. THERE’S JUST SOME DAYS THAT ARE WORSE THAN OTHERS. LOVE TO ALL AND I WILL WRITE MORE LATER…............. DORIS.

Glad you only have one more round to go. Hang in there! We are all cheering for you.

Dorbie!
You are doing GREAT! Don’t ever let this monster get ya down! There are a lot of us here for you and will be there each and every step of the way! You are such a fighter!

Love ya a ton!
Cath

Keep up the good work! Im praying for you. Sue

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December 24, 2007

TODAY'S NEWSViews: 754

TODAY WAS A GOOD DAY. STILL ABLE TO WORK, GETTING READY
FOR CHRISTMAS EVE. MUST GO TO THE DOCTOR TODAY AT 3:45
TO CHECK LABS AND GET INJECTION. TO ALL HAVE A NICE HOLIDAY. NEXT CHEMO #2 WILL BE WED 12/26 AT 9:30 WILL UPDATE LATER…................... DORIS

Welcome to the group Doris! Happy Holidays. Good luck with your doctors visit today.

My dearest Dorbie! WOW! All I can say is I am proud of you! You have shown amazing strength through all of this! Keep trucking along! Just know that I am here for you and LOVE YA A TON! I’m glad your my best friend and I want you to know that I’m in this fight with YOU!
Merry Christmas my dear friend!

LOVE YOU!
Cath

1/8/07
Sorry I haven’t updated sooner….. I had the pleasure of getting a bad cold this past week.
Next round of chemo will be tomorrow. So I expect 4 days of feeling blah and using up a lot of Kleenex. Coming off the steroids are really hard on my body. Any one else out there had that kind of reaction? I grateful that I can still work sometimes. I know that some people had to quit work all together while on chemo.
Just a BIG THANK YOU to all my family and friends that support me on this journey.
Love You All…......Doris

I have been reading a lot of the blogs today and I just want to say there are a lot of strong people out there. Fighting cancer is the hardest thing I have ever had to do. It becomes your new full-time job. I was always a very good multi-tasker. But nowadays I am lucky to just get through the day without forgetting to take this medication or that medication or injection. I now have chemo brain!
I read about chemo brain, and it’s funny, but certain words I just can’t remember them!

As for the hair! Oh my god, I didn’t think it would bother me that much…but it does. At the moment I really don’t like my $$$$$$$ wig. My kids love rubbing and kissing my bald head. And
not having to shave my legs for awhile won’t be that bad. ha ha

As for everyone else, do you have to go to the doctor at least 2-3 per week to check blood levels. If I had a dollar for every time I say
“I have a doctor’s appointment today”, I’d be rich.

Ta Ta for now…..................

Doris.

Hi Doris
This is Mom and Dad saying how proud we are of you. We are with you 100%. If work gets too rough take a leave of absence. We will back you up including money.

Hey my name is zara milligan i am doing a paper for my english 12 class dealing with breast cancer and i need your help. I am supopst to interview 3 people who have had or are living with breat cancer. I need to know how it has changed your life. I also need to know whatever you want to tell me about your experience please email me at zara_692002@yahoo.com with imformation i support all of you and hope all is weel and god bless.

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Doris's Stats

Posts: 7
Photos: 1
Events: 0
My Supporters: 7
I Support: 3
Comments: 22
Views: 3453



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