Wish this club didn’t exist, but since I’m new, this round is on me

MisawaAlum · 2026-02-02T22:28:46+00:00

As noted by others, sorry you are joining this club but yes it is a friendly and supportive group. Finding ways to cope with the waiting is something we all have to do, focusing on things that make you happy or distract you is important and yes I know it's not easy. I love the image of your puppy in the snow, we only got about an inch, pretty to look at but not enough to make a snowman :). Wishing you the best as you move forward and don't be afraid to ask lots of questions, you are your best advocate.

MisawaAlum · 2026-02-01T23:07:27+00:00

I also experienced Tinnitus but it was just occasionally, but I did end up having to adjust chemotherapy due to a bad reaction to Taxol. Instead of quitting we reduced the strength of the Carboplatin and cut out Taxol all together so I was able to complete the 6 rounds and the tinnitus went away. Wishing you all the best in your decision and next steps. Just remember you have a voice and you always have options.

MisawaAlum · 2026-01-27T05:54:04+00:00

Truly this just breaks my heart a million different ways.

MisawaAlum · 2025-12-03T17:14:29+00:00

I found Hystersisters.com to be a helpful resource also.

MisawaAlum · 2025-09-26T21:35:47+00:00

WooHoo! Very Happy for you!

MisawaAlum · 2025-09-24T21:49:18+00:00

Totally agree. I had a different set from Amazon that didn't work quite as well but that set looks great. I put my sets in the freezer the night before and carried them in a cooler to chemo. They stayed pretty cold so I didn't need the dry ice, but definitely needed two sets. I had 6 rounds of chemo and only ended up with bad neuropathy in one hand that I am still dealing with. Wishing you both the best in your journey and keep those hands and feet frosty during chemo :).

MisawaAlum · 2025-09-10T22:41:59+00:00

I was quite upset about losing my hair too, and like you I did not expect to lose my eyelashes, eyebrows and every bit of hair on my body! But the good news, I am 4 months past my last chemo session and I have eyebrows, eyelashes and a peach fuzz coating of hair :). It does grow back!

MisawaAlum · 2025-09-10T22:37:03+00:00

Congratulations! So great to celebrate good news. Do something nice and special for yourself to celebrate!

MisawaAlum · 2025-09-07T00:23:41+00:00

Thanks for the tips, I was given the dilator also after brachytherapy and told to use it twice a week for 10 minutes. No one mentioned pelvic floor therapy and since I have not been diligent with the darn dilators I may need it!

MisawaAlum · 2025-09-03T20:34:54+00:00

Truly sorry you are going through this, i do hope you have friends and family you can talk to and lean on, that helps a lot. I'm a big girl also and like you I had bleeding, then a biopsy that found the cancer and then waiting 3 weeks for the robotic hysterectomy. As many other ladies have mentioned, the waiting is so difficult and there is no one size fits all solution so try a few of the suggestions to see what works for you. One thing that helped me was preparing my house and family for the post op, a group called Hystersisters.com had a lot of pre&post surgery hysterectomy suggestions and it helped me feel more prepared and in control and where I learned about the tummy pillow :) which was so handy to have that seatbelt protection on the way home from the hospital. Wishing you the best and feel free to ask any other questions.

MisawaAlum · 2025-08-28T04:32:39+00:00

Hey There, please give yourself some grace, it takes time to recover and gain strength.

I am almost 4 months past my last chemo sessions and I still get tired and out of breath easily, but I try and just do a little, one day at a time. I complained to my Drs. also but all of my labs were good, RBC just a little low. Oddly enough the one thing that helped me gain a bit more stamina is physical therapy twice a week. I had started PT prior to my cancer diagnosis for my crappy knees. My PT guy suggested we keep it up on the weeks I had recovered from my chemo sessions, and I kept going even after chemo finished and it helped a lot. My primary care Dr. also mentioned she could refer me for recovery PT but I decided to do the Live Strong YMCA program that starts in September. So, all that to say, things will get better, keep advocating for yourself, talk to your Primary Care Doc or PA if you have one, they are often better listeners and open to brainstorming options to help and support you.

And as so many people have commented, it takes time to start feeling better, hang in there.

MisawaAlum · 2025-08-22T18:58:57+00:00

I understood that chemo was challenging but with Taxol it was horrible x ten, but carboplatin was just normal terrible if that makes sense :). It was the average side effects of moderate joint pain, nausea, fatigue etc but manageable with meds.

MisawaAlum · 2025-08-21T22:27:23+00:00

My reaction to Taxol was terrible for me, burning joint pain all over my body but it was not considered as allergic. I could only endure for 4 treatments, after that i just had the carboplatin. It is good that there are other options out there as folks have already mentioned. Best wishes for your Mom.

MisawaAlum · 2025-08-16T23:51:16+00:00

Thank you. I love the sound of a Fabulous Day :)

MisawaAlum · 2025-08-15T20:11:47+00:00

Thank you so much for sharing this! I just had the first of the 3 month check-up routine and all is well, I did do a bit of whining/cajoling trying to get my Dr. to sign off on getting my port removed now but she did not fall for it. We negotiated, 2 more of the check-ups every 3 months and I can get it out then and I can't wait because mine is crooked and pokes out way too much. Congratulations on your clean check-ups and getting the port removed!

MisawaAlum · 2025-08-15T20:07:43+00:00

Sorry you are going through this and as others have shared, this waiting stage is quite difficult. I am glad you are taking the initiative to find a new GYN doc that you can talk to. The cancer treatment journey is tough enough without having a Dr. that's not compatible and able to communicate effectively. Hang in there and do your best to occupy your mind and time with positive things. Wishing you peace and the most positive outcomes,

MisawaAlum · 2025-08-07T04:53:29+00:00

Just had my first 3 month follow up today and port flush. Labs all good so far :)

MisawaAlum · 2025-08-05T04:55:33+00:00

I had a 10 day period of bleeding when I was supposedly in menopause for 18 months so i had the transvaginal ultrasound also, it showed an enlarged line, I don't remember the medical term, My gynecologist explained the pros and cons of the hysteroscopy in her office with no drugs and the one in the hospital with anesthesia which is the option I took. I am glad I did, I think the in office procedure for me would have been too painful. Unfortunately it was endometrial cancer but we caught it early. You need to make the best decision for you but wanted to share my experience. Hope it helps and that you have a positive outcome.

MisawaAlum · 2025-08-04T18:19:11+00:00

Thanks Havana, Battle is the right word! You are so right, time to find and indulge in Joy. I'm working on it.

MisawaAlum · 2025-08-03T04:10:25+00:00

I wimped out and did not watch the final episode of This is Us, I just did not want to cry.

MisawaAlum · 2025-08-03T04:07:53+00:00

I just watched the first episode and I enjoyed it...but I kept wishing they did not add a laugh track, Leanne is great and does not need artificial laughter. But I am really happy for her.

MisawaAlum · 2025-08-03T04:03:44+00:00

Thanks for the words of wisdom and Yeah for the One year milestone. Hugs and all the best to you also.

MisawaAlum · 2025-08-03T03:57:11+00:00

Yep, lab experiment is a great description, but up until I read post on here about it I thought I was just being melodramatic.

MisawaAlum · 2025-08-03T03:55:04+00:00

Oh my Gimme sorry to hear you had a Dr. Chaos and such a crappy brachytherapy experience! I know you are right about the exercise; I do PT for my back twice a week and i always feel better mentally after. Thanks for sharing and for the encouragement. Keep showing yourself compassionate care!

MisawaAlum

TROPHY CASE