tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5054862104705085094.post1100663729955910643..comments2024-01-02T04:26:38.431-08:00Comments on Knock Knock , it's cancer!: Side effects and choicesKnock knock - it's cancer!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14095866646708456032noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5054862104705085094.post-85517762041215424852011-03-05T01:46:31.378-08:002011-03-05T01:46:31.378-08:00I learned a lot from the article and this informat...I learned a lot from the article and this information may come in handy to me in the future. Thanksworms in childrenhttp://www.mumzone.com.au/parenting_article_worms.phpnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5054862104705085094.post-16689364702453420192011-03-01T07:07:24.912-08:002011-03-01T07:07:24.912-08:00MIchelle- Your writing and superwoman attitude is ...MIchelle- Your writing and superwoman attitude is inspiring. Thank you for sharing your journey, it's so...cathartic, no? I used to bristle at the well meaning little old ladies always plopping knit hats on my bald head and suggesting I try knitting too. Really? My hands shake like a mad woman and I have no platelets...sounds like a capitol idea..:)<br /><br />When I was given treatment choices regarding what kind of chemotherapy I was going to have before my bone marrow transplant. They said a "lower dose" (HA!) would do the trick to kill all of my cancer and marrow but also said that because of my young age of 25, I was an ideal candidate for a transplant with full blast chemo. The decision was agonizing and like you, the difference in outcome between the two was nearly the same. I felt the same way you did, asking about the more aggressive treatment, "balls to the wall" is what I said to my onc...<br /><br />Whatever you chose, know that that is the right choice, because you had the power to do it and you clearly have a wonderful support system. If I may share one bit of advice about chemo- there, as you have learned, SO MANY types, doses and combinations. When you're talkin' higher doses, there are many more long term side effects that are...sucky. I went with the slightly reduced intensity plan and am still getting my ass kicked six months later.<br /><br />You are on hell of a warrior, girl. <br />Much love,<br />Laura<br /><br />p.s. I got all of my wigs here: www.voguewigs.com from a seller called Forever Young. They ROCK, super rock star:) Hope that helps.Laurahttp://hollowmeout.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5054862104705085094.post-29950855899303019722011-02-24T21:46:06.856-08:002011-02-24T21:46:06.856-08:00you know that you're lighter now because you l...you know that you're lighter now because you lost your "girls"... I don't see how that would cause you to shrink though... :-)<br />You already know in your heart which course of treatment to take. trust that voice and go with the flow...<br />keep the faith warrier girl!<br />hugs<br />WendyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5054862104705085094.post-6255098007582502192011-02-24T19:01:35.078-08:002011-02-24T19:01:35.078-08:00OMG! Yes, now I feel bad... Seriously?! No TV and ...OMG! Yes, now I feel bad... Seriously?! No TV and no electricity?! I am surpised you don't already know how to knit with all that free time you must have had! ;) Another of my favorite childhood movies was a "made for TV movie" about the life of Nadia (the gold medel/perfect 10 scoring gymnast from Romania, though I am sure I don't need to tell you about her). Well, maybe someday you can watch Anne of Green Gables, though I am not sure if it would be as enjoyable for the first time as an adult. But I guess you would just have a different perspective.<br /><br />You chickening out?! Hard for me to imagine... But I totally understand! :) I am glad to hear that you still wore a bad ass shirt, as I am all about wearing things to doctors appointments that bring good vibes! I always wore special things (pieces of jewelry and such) when we would go for the fetal echocardiograms and other importants apppointments during our pregnancy with Molly.<br /><br />Good luck tomorrow! Sending lots of positive thoughts, good vibes and healing prayers your way! Looking forward to hearing how it goes.<br /><br />Your kindred spirit,<br />Kathy :)Kathyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04175833982955486083noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5054862104705085094.post-9789908278426033542011-02-24T13:30:26.358-08:002011-02-24T13:30:26.358-08:00Well I am not sure which one I would choose if I w...Well I am not sure which one I would choose if I were you. But I am glad he went above and beyond to see if there was anything else for you.. <br /><br />I dont know how to knit but i do crochet and its relaxing to be honest with you. Well anyway i need to go find some food. Besides reading this and helping children with home work I havent been able to eat yet.. I have been up for an hour so far and havent eaten anything..tweetey30https://www.blogger.com/profile/04780963604845788306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5054862104705085094.post-15392038660594598852011-02-24T11:31:35.091-08:002011-02-24T11:31:35.091-08:00My two cents' worth is 4 cycles and 5 yrs of T...My two cents' worth is 4 cycles and 5 yrs of Tamoxifen. The extra percentage you would gain with the more aggressive chemo is cancelled out, IMHO, by the risks: heart damage and other side effects. Tamoxifen is easy to tolerate, and taking a pill every morning is a small price to pay for insurance vs recurrence without the damaging side effects of IV chemo. The worst thing about the Tamoxifen for me has been the hot flashes, but my dr prescribed Effexor 75 mg and the hot flashes are practically gone. I know it's a really hard decision, but I know you will make the right choice for you, and your blogging community will support you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5054862104705085094.post-54364187841982410682011-02-23T20:17:02.225-08:002011-02-23T20:17:02.225-08:00Kathy - yes, I do feel like we are kindred spirits...Kathy - yes, I do feel like we are kindred spirits as well. But no, I have never watched Anne of Green Gables when I was a kid... I lived in Romania til I was 14 years old with no TV and no electricity ... hahah, don't you feel bad now? LOL<br /><br />I did not wear my hoodie at the doctors. I chickened out... didn't know what type of doctor he'd be and if he'd find it offensive or not. I did however wear a breast cancer shirt that said "I fight like a girl" :)Knock knock - it's cancer!https://www.blogger.com/profile/14095866646708456032noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5054862104705085094.post-44405911433089902942011-02-23T18:46:30.612-08:002011-02-23T18:46:30.612-08:00Michelle - I always finsihing reading your posts a...Michelle - I always finsihing reading your posts and the first word that comes to my head is wow. Wow because that is so much to digest and wow because I am so impressed with you. We are kindred spirits because I am all about questions, stats, sceanarios, etc. When I was pregnant with Molly the docotors and nurses would tease me when I came to my appointments with (no joke) a large binder that included all of my research, notes from previous appointments, color coded charts, etc. I always felt like the more information I had the more in control I was (even if that wasn't necessary always true). <br /><br />I also appreciate what you said about getting use to blood work. The phlabotomist (sp?) at my OB's office and I like to joke about how 8 years ago when I first met him to get my first routine blood draw for my pregnancy with Sean that I cried. By the time I was well into our first cycle of IVF 4 years ago I would show up for bloodwork and we would try to figure out which arm was lessed bruised from last time and that would be the one we would use that time. Not mention all the shots I was giving myself and/or Bob was giving me. So yes, I imagine you will get as use to that as anyone can.<br /><br />As for what "I would do" or recommend. I echo those who want to know more about the heart damage, as I do think that is a significant factor. I also tototally get you thinking that 0.9% is relevant. Both our interstitial ectopic pregnancy and Molly's heart problems carried a less than 1% chance and we had both happen to us. So I for one know that those stats happen to real people and sometimes more than once. On the flipside we were also told we had 1 - 2 % chance of conceiving again on our own and that was BEFORE we had Abby (on our own). Go figure...<br /><br />Now for the most important question, that you neglected to comment on: WHAT DID HE THINK ABOUT YOUR SWEATSHIRT?! <br /><br />Lastly, I have always wanted to learn to knit, because my paternal grandma did and intend to learn someday. But I appreciate it not being your thing. <br /><br />Well, thank you for the update, though we haven't known each other long, I do feel like we are kindred spirits (did you ever watch Anne of Green Gables when you were a kid?) and find myself thinking about you here and there and wondering how you are doing. I am glad that you are hanging in there as you discern your options.<br /><br />Take care,<br />KathyKathyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04175833982955486083noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5054862104705085094.post-53974809125602728832011-02-23T16:34:00.195-08:002011-02-23T16:34:00.195-08:00Sayre - good point. I guess it's the old '...Sayre - good point. I guess it's the old 'quality' vs. 'quantity' debate isn't it? I am doing lots of research and feeling better and better about my choice.<br /><br />VV - There is little I know. They don't know how many heart muscles would be damaged, just that they will. They would do a heart test before and after completion and they would be able to tell me what got damaged then. It's troubling to think about it though.<br /><br />Sayre - I may pick up a grey wig on friday, just for kicks - Lol.<br /><br />Beth - The knitting needles gave it away. I honestly felt like I was at grandma's house.<br /><br />Embracing - I know exactly how scared you must feel right now, I commented on your blog regarding that. Feel free to email me if you need to. <br /><br />Mandi - Unfortunately the 6 cycles uses completely different drugs than the 4 cycles one.. so I couldn't switch mid stream. And yes, I totally agree, missed photo oportunity. :) LOLKnock knock - it's cancer!https://www.blogger.com/profile/14095866646708456032noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5054862104705085094.post-26155270179967861312011-02-23T11:27:32.452-08:002011-02-23T11:27:32.452-08:00Choices! I think you need to decide really what is...Choices! I think you need to decide really what is best for you. Emotionally, physically, financially etc. You can always decide to add or take away those two treatments anytime during your chemo process I assume? Why not roll with it? Get through those first 4 and decide if you want to kick cancer's ass harder tack on the next 2 (plus you can check your heart health at that time), or you can decide you have had enough and .9% isn't worth it at that juncture.<br /><br />I think you totally missed a photo op with a gray wig. ;)Mandi - Darn Good Lemonadehttp://www.darngoodlemonade.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5054862104705085094.post-89793371014988101852011-02-23T11:19:33.759-08:002011-02-23T11:19:33.759-08:00Michelle,
I just wanted to stop by to thank you f...Michelle,<br /><br />I just wanted to stop by to thank you for your blog. I stumbled across it this weekend through Kathy's post on Crossing Over as I was searching and reading ALI blogs. I found a lump in my left breast last week at the age of 27 and your blog has been so helpful to me as I've been going through the process of getting it checked out. So, thank you from the bottom of my heart. <br /><br />As a fellow shortie (5'1 and 3/4) I agree that the quarter inch is most definitely very important. I am sure you will figure out the right treatment option for you. If I were you, I would want to know the answers to Vancouver Voyeur's questions before I decided between options 3 and 4. <br /><br />You are in my thoughts and prayers,<br /><br />MichelleAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5054862104705085094.post-67284039905274798242011-02-23T07:26:05.701-08:002011-02-23T07:26:05.701-08:00Excellent posting. I remember talking over the odd...Excellent posting. I remember talking over the odds of survival with various treatments with my oncologist. (And yes, it seemed strange to say "my oncologist" at the beginning. Now it's normal, whatever normal is supposed to look like.<br /><br />Anyway, it's really up to you on what treatment option you will choose. I remember making such decisions. Not easy because the truth is, we all want a guarantee that we will live. And the truth is, that there are no guarantees...one could get hit by a bus tomorrow.<br /><br />What really resonated with me was your comments about being one of the youngest patients. That was my experience, too. I somehow felt depressed every time I was at radiation waiting in the room with retirees. <br /><br />It sucks to have cancer young, but then again, it plain sucks to have cancer at any age.Beth L. Gainerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08780737397716824019noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5054862104705085094.post-11713435091579006522011-02-23T07:00:46.220-08:002011-02-23T07:00:46.220-08:00Oh, and the free hats? Explains all the bowls of ...Oh, and the free hats? Explains all the bowls of yarn and knitting needles!!! They make the patients knit! Actually, a pretty good idea if you have people who are talented at that kind of thing. I am not. It makes absolutely no sense to me.<br /><br />I think I'd have picked a white/grey wig. Just for kicks.Sayrehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16350593991157139017noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5054862104705085094.post-23462305624724615822011-02-23T05:43:23.156-08:002011-02-23T05:43:23.156-08:00Tell me more about the possible heart muscle damag...Tell me more about the possible heart muscle damage associated with that last option. What kind of damage are we talking about? Is that the only additional side effect? What are the chances you'll get that damage? How bad would it be? How strong is your heart now? Can they monitor your heart for damage, and then change course if it looks like it's too much for your heart to take? What kind of monitoring will you receive after the chemo to make sure the cancer never recurs?VVhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08751403913379728345noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5054862104705085094.post-76552993296573396602011-02-23T03:10:25.196-08:002011-02-23T03:10:25.196-08:00It's kind of like making sure you get your ext...It's kind of like making sure you get your extra quarter-inch noted, these better fragments of a percentage. Were I in your shoes, I think I would opt for the 4 cycles and 5 years. Chemo is rough and takes a toll. Those extra two cycles might damage your heart - another thing that could ultimately shorten your life. I don't think I would want to take that chance. The .09% could be negated with that particular side effect.<br /><br />That's what I would do if I were 35 and had two young children and a fiance I needed to spend more time with. Were it me choosing for myself at 49, married already for 16 years and with a 12 year old, I might opt for the pill-only approach. I love my husband and son, but my main concern is getting my boy to adulthood. Anything after that is gravy as far as I'm concerned - and I want to be as in his life as possible during that time. But that's me. And we are not the same people.<br /><br />Question.... did they also do the hysterectomy? If not, is there a chance that the hormones could reignite this cancer? Would any of those treatment options take care of that as well? Just wondering...Sayrehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16350593991157139017noreply@blogger.com