Starting chemo Sept 05

Liezel

Great to hear from you Tina!! Such good news that the cancer has not spread!! That deserves celebrating. I truly hope they can find out exactly what it is to put your mind at rest. It is only now, year(s) after our treatment that we can really see what the chemo has done to our bodies. I thought Herceptin wasn't having any effect on me, but 4 months after finishing, I feel so much better that I realise how bad it was. When do you finish? Thinking of both you and Leanne and praying for strength.

A lovely warm sunday today. Rain and snow again tomorrow, but at least I can drive again then! I am getting better. The girls are looking amazing!! Still very tender, but each day is better than the one before. I truly hope that I am done now with doctors, surgery and hospitals. I feel confident that I am, since I honestly have not felt this good in more than 5 years. Even my mojo is slowly coming back. Thank goodness!

I am going to celebrate TIna's good news now with some chocolate!! Before you know it it's September and Pam will be there! Something to look forward to!!

I hope you all have a great week!

Keep Well!

Calico

Gosh Tina!!!
GREAT news!!! I didn't want to check here today

Hope you'll have a great time with a full house!!!

Liezel,
glad to see you do okay....amazing to think of you in the cold while we are sizzling here...


Looks like I could use your prayes too.

I have a hard nodule, tiny, on my mast scar. It is hard like plastic. The rest of hte scar is a bit lumpy but was given the okay on my check up in March. This one is new (I think) and feels totally different.

I am freaking out. Have read a lot already on the recurrance thread and am about to post.
I will not go in tomorrow or even call, it's the 13th....So holding out til Tuesday.

I am super scared, hoping it's silicone or something. My guess it's about 3 mm...anyone else having hard tiny nodules?

God Bless

Liezel

Big Hug to you Calico! Hang in there, I really hope it is nothing. I have had some hard lumps on and around the scar, but my LE lady normally manages to massage them out, proving that it is scartissue. I really hope the same for you. Thinking of you....

sholroyd

Wooooppppppeeeee Tina - bear hugs - can you feel the hug?

Yes, scar tissue - we are too strong a group for it to be anything else Calico.

Hey Liezel, you know I said the exact same thing about Herceptin yesterday - I just feel so much better now that it is out of my system – I am up to all sorts of things now, my energy seems to be returning. I truly wish I had taken more time off work now I look back.

Just got back from a weekend in London – saw Sound of Music – absolutely brilliant – very emotional.

I am doing a fundraising event for Cancer research and Cystic Fibrosis on 29 September – folk have to come dressed from purchases made at a Charity shop – fashion parade, prize for the best dressed/value for money – just hope the rain keeps away.

I said goodbye to a Spanish student last night – she has been with us for 3 weeks – lovely girl and we just may well do this again, it is was good.

Speak soon all.

Sandra from the UK

txred9876

I can feel the love and concern of my cyber sisters. This is one group of wonderful ladies!

I had my EEG yesterday and that was a strange test! I should have the results soon...I got into it with the neurologists office because I do not have time to hunt down my own dang referreals from my primary care. When my oncologist wanted me to see the heart doc and the neurologist they took care of EVERYTHING! I flat refuse...to do it...I am TIRED and thats what they get paid for...to HELP me...not make more dang STRESS!

This bus thing in the TX heat is about to do me in...I missed my conncection yesterday and walked about a half mile to catch a different one. Thank goodness I got there just as the bus came and got back on track. I need to remember the sun screen and an umbrella! This is sure taking some getting used to but it sure is cheap (17.00 for unlimited rides for 31 days).

I have 5 more Herceptin Treatments and will finish on Nov 21st. I cannot wait to be done as I think it is making the neurapathy worse. I am always achy.

Calico, I am sending you a little extra in the way of prayers...they do work...just look at my little blessing!

I think of all of you often and thank you so much for helping me this last week.

Tina

Liezel

At 20h00 on 16 August 2005 I got the news that the lump was cancerous! It felt as if the world stood still for those few moments while I spoke to my surgeon. It started a horrible journey, but also one that led me to all you wonderfull ladies. Looking back, I can not say that my life is better now for it. It is better only because the cancer is out and I am still NED, but I'll never know what my life would have been like without bc. This is my reality and it did change my life completely! But I am not going to analyse it and say I am a better person today because of it. All I can say is that I am thankfull for all the wonderfull people I have met, and for the people who got me through it all. I am thankfull to medical science for all the tx options available to me, and for the wonderfull doctors and nurses who saw me at my darkest moments. And I am thanfull to my new lover NED. I hope he'll be my and your companion for many years to come. I do not mind sharing him with all my fellow sisters on the whole planet!

Tina, big hug going your way! Good for you for putting your foot down! You do not need all of this in your life now. I sure wish you could send some of that heat this way. It really is icy and no sign of spring yet! Hang in there for the last few tx. I am sure you'll be a lot better afterwards!

Calico, thinking of you!

Keep well everybody!!

foxxf

Tina, congrats sooooo happy for you.

Liezel well said. This is one fellow I don't mind sharing!

Love to you all
Nicole

Harley44

That is great news!! I need some encouragement, since I am thinking about my next TC tx, which will be on Aug 28th, will be my second of FOUR!! I will be halfway thru!!

Congrats!
HARLEY

lynellb123

Hello my september sisters & "Happy Anniversary" as most of us reach our 2 year diagnosis anniversary. Tomorrow is my bi-lateral mammogram...it's funny how that test will never be the same for any of us. Wish me luck & send positive vibes out -I'll let you all know how it goes.

I'd also like to say thank you to my beautiful September sisters, you have gotten me through my darkest moments & eased most of my fears about treatment. Thank you all for being there!

tinkermax

Hi Everyone

Sorry I have been absent for so long.
I still have neuropathy in my hands, which is getting worse, and after seeing a neurologist a couple of weeks ago, I got an appointment through for an MRI on my upper spine for 29th August.

We know it isnt carpal tunnel...as nerve tests were normal.

I will let you know more when I get the results.

hugs to all

maxine

susan_02143

Just a quick note to let you all know that I am thinking of you.... and to move us back to page 1.

So many people on chemo on these boards. So sad.

*susan*

Calico

Maxine,
fingers crossed that it is a pinched nerve....this must be so scary....I started jogging again, had tingleing in my legs. it helped.

I am back to pre-chemo fitness, my weight is coming down slooooowly rather in gramms than in ounces. I am very proud of myself and I am jogging alone! in mountain lion country, just another step in conquering my fears.
I see the PS on Tuesday to see his opinion on this strange nodule. Probably will not rest until I have it in a jar...
My sis is evaluated for colon cancer (6 cm polyp)..unbelievable, mom will go into hospital for scar debriement/correction of infection then rads sometime if it ever happens.
Not much new here, thinking of everyone often, anxiety will be my life companion as it seems. Don't want to take drugs, will add miles to my jog until I collapse......

I bought 3 huge bags of Halloween candy at Sam's, lets see if it makes it until then it will be a test for me hehe...that I miserably fail.....

God Bless

Calico

Lynell,
do you have results yet??

Fingers crossed!!!!

God Bless

Calico

Hi girls,
hope all is well?

I went to PS today, he said he can take the nodule out too with local anesthetic.
He said it is "probably" scar tissue but not to wait either like the breast surgeon suggested.
Soooo.....
I guess I shedule....just don't have much confidence in him anymore since my recon.....

God Bless

sholroyd

Hey Maxine, 29th August my daughter's 25th birthday - thinking of you also with the MRI.

Keep in touch all.

Sandra from the UK xxxxxxxx

Liezel

Maxine, hope the MRI went well! Hoping to hear from you soon!

Calico, hope it works out ok. Let us know when you are having it done.

Spring seems to be in the air. At last!! When we moved into our new house, we found an old plum tree covered in ivy right in front of my bedroom window. We removed all the ivy, but the tree seemed dead. Well, 2 weeks ago I saw some buds on it, and last week it started blooming. Every day we have more and more blossoms! I can just imagine this gorgeous tree being suffocated by ivy for goodness knows how long, and now stretching itself out, breathing deep and shooting out blossoms in joy! In a way that is how I feel, and this tree has become my barometer. I am hoping to see it grow and carry gorgeous fruit for many years to come!!

Tina, you must be so busy getting everything ready for your daughter's arrival on Saturday! Sure the excitement is very high!! Enjoy it!!

Keep well everybody!

Liezel

sholroyd

Liezel - just love the tree story - let it be your mentor and help you continue to flourish.

Sandra from the UK

tinkermax

Hi everyone

I had the MRI......all went well........i wont get the results for 3 or 4 weeks, and I am going on hols in a week
so hopefully will know whats going on when I get back

I will let you all know, when I hear

hugs to all of you

maxine

lynellb123

Hi Ladies, Happy Labor Day to all. I hope everyone is enjoying the last bits of summer (in this part of the world) and getting ready for back to school & Fall. I am very happy to report that my mammo went well & my gyno check up was fine too. My gyno put me on Effexor to help with the hot flashes. It is working like a charm - my flashes have become manageable and I've actually slept much better. The only problem is a big SE of Effexor is sleepiness. My doc suggested that I take it at night but by 2:30- 3:00 in the afternoon I am yawning as if I were partying all night long! I guess we have to choose our poisons. Would I rather feel a little tired or have these uncontrollable hot flashes? For now, I'm trying to get a nap when I can & get a good night's sleep. Love to my dear September sisters. Wish me luck as I return to my fourth grade class on Tues.

txred9876

My daughter is about 3 -4 hours away at this point and will arrive in the wee hours of the morning. I cannot sleep of course! They are driving it straight through for the most part and thats a rough 2300 miles! I have done it several times and it is not a fun trip but she is coming HOME!

I am excited beyond words!

Physically I am kind of having it rough. I have these vertigo exercises I am doing trying to help with that but I think it is just making me more dizzy! oh well... time will tell on this one.

I have 4 more Herceptin treatments to go! I will be so glad to be done. On Sept 14th It will be two years of active treatment!

Lynell,
I was on the effexor for a while but did not like the sexual side effects.... and it kept me AWAKE! Good luck with all that.

Tina

foxxf

Liezel,

Congrats on the new house it sounds wonderful.

Maxine hope to hear from you soon best wishes

I am doing fine off to get a Mamo on Friday then back to surgon in 2 wks for regular check. Very busy at work but also very happy.

Love to all
Nicole

lynellb123

Yay Tina, so happy to hear that your daughter is on her way to you- enjoy your time together, you must be so excited. I have to be brief I already have papers to grade and I do need to get to sleep early. Love to my spectacular september sisters!

Pegk

Happy September Dear Sisters!
I'm glad to see everyone is doing well.
Lynnell I hope that you're enjoying your new class of expectant, eager students.
Tina , Have a wonderful time with your daughter. Counting down on Herceptin. The end is in sight!
Congratulations on your new house Liezel and especially on rescuing the plum tree. Can you share a photo?
I'm glad everyone is getting good news from their mammograms. Calico, I hope you will also be reassured when they get out that nodule.

Nicole, Sandra, Susan I hope all is well with you.

I've been pretty busy lately...working long hours and getting 2 daughters ready for college. I am now offically an "empty nester". I'm a little sad but proud of my girls (and neither of them is very far away).

The weather has been beautiful here in the Northeast (right Lynell?) and I've been trying to get out walking whenever I can.

Enjoy September Dear Sisters in Health and Happiness!

Peggy

susan_02143

oh my! The new boards have me confused.... Peppy... is that peggy? Our Peggy?

Weather is fabulous here too. Off to London on Tuesday to take my daughter to college. How exicting is that? Sandra, you seem just a little too far to visit. I have googled the town and it looks like it is a far way away. Plus our days are filled with getting into dorm rooms.

All my recent scans were negative, so no more doctors until February.

Hope all is well with everyone....

*susan* 

susan_02143

we can't edit anymore! Sorry about the typos. I think much faster than I can type accurately.

Pegk

I'm confused ,too! I'm finding this all a little unsettling. It seems harder to get to the most recent post.

But I got my name back! I see that Tinkermax has figured out the avatar. I'll try that one of these days.



Bon voyage Susan! How exciting for your daughter. Will she be spending the whole year abroad or just a semester? Anyway I hope she'll have wonderful adventures.

How long will you be there?

Have a great weekend everyone!

Peggy

susan_02143

bumping... why aren't we pinned to the first page?

Kid is desparately trying to pare her bags down. Packing for a full year isn't easy.

*susan* 

Liezel

How weird is this?  I have a new name! 

Susan, good luck with settling your daughter.  Packing for a whole year in 2 bags is just about impossible!

Hope you are all keeping well.  Seeing onc tomorrow for follow up.  Why does it still get to me? 

 Liezel

hopeful1

Hello all!  Hope everyone is doing well.  My thoughts are with all who are still waiting on test results.  I had an MRI a few weeks ago - woke up with no feeling on my left side.  Very scary!  My onc. Scheduled a stat MRI, and I had the results within a few hours.  As he put it "we did an MRI of your head - and found nothing".  He was concerned about a mini-stroke, but everything was normal.  He couldn't tell me what it was - but he could tell me what it wasn't! 

I have been trying to catch up on the boards, and there seems to be a common theme of the ‘2 year fear'.  Personally, the past few months have been rougher for me than any in this journey.  I know that we are all reaching our 2 year cancerversaries - are any of you experiencing this as well?  

Take care all.

jpd

Wow!! I've been away from the board for a month or so and how it has changed!!! This is really strange!  I'll have to show this to my son, who is my computer expert. 

 Well, I'm doing well.  A new semester started up at college, and I have a full load, plus taking care of my farm. I'm sad to say that I haven't been able to get as much work done as I would have liked over the past summer.  For one thing the heat has been unbearable...and we're in a terrible drought.  I so hope it rains soon.  On top of that my soon-to-be-ex is being a jerk about our settlement.  I've settled for a lot less than my 'half', just to get it over and done with.  I guess if it doesn't happen soon, we'll go to court.  I can't believe I stayed married to him for so long.

 I had my two year checkup...and NED! Yeh!  However, it doesn't mean I don't worry.  It is always in the back of my mind.  Plus, my hot flashes have been worse...probably a combination of the heat and the stress.  I am, however, working very hard to get back down to a good weight for myself.  8 pounds lost, 22 more to go!!!

 I hope you are all well and I think of you often. 

 Here's hoping we all can celebrate our third anniversay next year, NED!!!  Janet