Starting chemo Sept 05

Calico

Hi September sisters,

it's nice to read you all.

I was thrown off by the need of chemo and figured I was on the first page......mymy....scary....don't want to go there again.

I almost have the new board figured out

Here is to a new year without problems for all of us.

I am having a nodule taken out on Friday, which is right below my mast scar.

My sister has been diagnosed with two inch colon/rectal cancer and is facing chemo and rads, then surgery.

I would love to see a cancer free year but it doesn't seem to be in the future of my family. I hope this isn't going to be a trend.

Please say a prayer for me for Friday. I don't want cancer again.

God Bless

jpd

Calico...you're on my prayer list...along with all of our Sept. sisters.  I hope it goes well and they find nothing but more scar tissue.  I had a lymph node at the base of my arm that worried me, but the doctor felt it was just a swollen node, and it did go away.  I sometimes wish I had gone with a double mastectomy...but there's nothing saying the cancer won't come back somewhere else.  I just feel so lopsided!!! lol.  It wouldn't be so bad...but I was a triple D!!!  I know when I lose some weight, it will help.  But I have no intention of having reconstruction.  I just couldn't face another surgery--electively!!

Stay well, everyone!  Janet

txred9876

Just checkingin.... Naomi had an intersting final leg of her journey. the family friend whodrove with her was great until the last 5-7 hours of their trip. He is a diabetic....well...the trip was rough and Naomi ahd to be the adult for the remainder of the trip and he got in his mind he was going to san antonio...well he could not find his house once there due to high or low blood sugar. Anyway, my ex brother in law and his wife "rescued" Naomi...and she got cleaned up and headed to austin midday. WHen it rains in pours... long story short..she is ok...for the most part...or will be in 4-8 weeks. She was in the outside lane...a guy came from behind her to middle lane just about the time a guy had a blowout in front of the guy with the big truck and boat. He swerved in front of Naomi but luckily even though she is not as experience driving as some she was able to almost miss the boat trailer. It did about 3000 damage to her car and ...cracked the boat and tweaked the trailer. This guy was a professional fisherman so he was pretty ticked....but not at Naomi...thank fully.She is seeing the chiropractor 3-4 days a week for now due to whiplash and severe sprain in her wrist.

My dad has been here a week already....how time flies! He heads home saturday.

I am still dealing with a witch for a boss....and FMLA and Civil Rights. They have already said she has crossed the line....now we just have to wait for the final thing of the investigation.

Anyway...its late...take care and god bless all my sept sisters...

Tina

lynellb123

Just popping in to say hello to my September sisters. I'm wondering how we got bumped from the first page? Peg are you busy training for the NY Avon 3 Day walk? Let me know when it is again & I'll try to be there (on the sidelines) cheering you on. I plan to participate in the Susan G. Komen walk- it's taking place on Sunday October 14, 2007 @ Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ. I hope I get to meet some NJ girls from BC.org.

lynellb123

Just popping in to say hello to my September sisters. I'm wondering how we got bumped from the first page? Peg are you busy training for the NY Avon 3 Day walk? Let me know when it is again & I'll try to be there (on the sidelines) cheering you on. I plan to participate in the Susan G. Komen walk- it's taking place on Sunday October 14, 2007 @ Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ. I hope I get to meet some NJ girls from BC.org.

sholroyd

Hey Maxine - how's things?

Tina - I understand you need to finish treatment now having done Herceptin myself- it is a looong time.  Enjoy the visit - lots of hugs and laughter - best medicine remember.

Peg - I am fine thanks.  Susan, how lovely of you to have googled Tamworth (Amington) - yes it is quite far from our capital and you hve lots to do - enjoy London though.  About 3 - 4 hours in a car and about 1½ hours on the train from Tamworth.  I am just organising a trip to London (see Dirty Dancing) for next April - 12 of us - sort of hen party for my daughter as she is marrying in May.

I am really very busy again now - said I never would, but I have !!  Still doing my 21 hours admin job, have added a little bit of teaching around it.  I am busy with a charity event that my friend and I are planning - we are having party up our back garden on 29 September - guests are being asked to come clothed in clothing from a charity shop (costing no more than £20) - a long term cancer survivor is going to judge the 'best value' outfit - we are putting up gazebos, having a chocolate fountain, pims dispenser, curry, jacket potatoes, holding an auction (decided a raffle was boring) etc etc - I am at the stage of thinking "why did I decide to do this" - it will be good fun and hopefully raise a lot of money for cancer research.

So, I have been missing from the board for good reasons - and as you Susan the change threw me somewhat.

Speak soon.

Sandra from the UK

Pegk

Hi everyone!

Sandra, what great fundraising ideas. Good luck! I hope you raise a lot of money.



Lynell, I've been training for the Avon walk which is coming up in about 2 weeks Oct 6th & 7th! I've been walking at least 18 miles on the weekend.

Do you remember the ribbon blouse I made last year? This year I've knit a scarf to wear (pink, of course) and I'm attaching ribbons with the names of my donors in blue, green and lavender. Survivors get yellow ribbons. You are all coming along with me as 2 year survivors! I also have some white ribbons for those who've lost their battle with cancer. My hope is that when I get weary it will remind me of why I'm doing this. You yellow ribbon ladies especially give me strength.



Love,

Peggy

Pegk

By the way, Linny,

I once mentioned the little boy that I knew who had a cochlear implant. He is appearing on "All My Children" today, tomorrow and Monday in a story line about a deaf child.

This is an article about him. He really is a charming little boy.



http://soapoperadigest.com/features/oltl/interviews/jqdepaivadebut/



I'm sure Isaac will do just as well.

foxxf

Hi all

This new board is a little strange but looks good.

Congrats on all the clear scans - Scans and medical tests are the only negative thing I want in my life...lol

Best wishes to all

Nicole

linny

Peg, thanks so much for the link - I have to copy and paste it, I will try to read it today. Isaac has done exceptionally well with his implant, he seems to understand most of what is said to him, he continues to have audio-verbal therapy four times a week, which my daughter re-inforces at home, and has started to speak, which is a wonderful milestone.  We are very pleased with his progress.

I have not been posting much - firstly, I find the new format hard to get used to, I cant navigate around.  Also, I did not feel great this summer, my hot flashes from tamoxifen became much worse in the heat, to the point that is really affected me.  I was constantly having bad hot flashes - beet red, sweating.  I am waiting desperately for cooler weather, since its been very mild in Toronto.

I am not sure why, but I have been having some difficulty lately with dealing with my cancer fears - it seems sometimes to be getting worse rather than better.  Anyone else feeling like this? 

Hope everyone is well,

Linda

tinkermax

Hi everyone

Sandra.i had the MRI of my neck....now im waiting for the results to come through......darn it..i hate waiting.  I will let you know what the results are as soon as i get them.

I am just back from 2 weeks in Mallorca...and it was terrific!!

I hope you are all well

hugs

maxine

ravdeb

Linda..

Have a happy holiday. I pm'd you....

susan_02143

Hi all.... back in the states now. Still not enjoying this new format since it is hard to find the posts that you haven't read yet. _sigh_ oh well.

Wildly busy with too many projects, but wanted to bump us back to the first page.

Hope everyone is well.

*susan* 

tinkermax

I had the results of my MRI on my neck, all clear as expected!

Now we move onto my head, hopefully i wont have to wait too long.

I have a definate neurological problem, and my hands, and now feet are deteriorating, we just gotta find out what it is.  MS is a possibility, as, of course is brain mets....but I really dont wanna go there...

Either way...i need a diagnosis...i cant keep on the way im going.

I will let you know more, as I know it.

hugs

maxine

susan_02143

Maxine,

I am not even thinking brain mets...... and you shouldn't either. I can't imagine how hard this must be to go through all of these tests. Well, I can imagine [we have all been there right?], so, I sympathize tremendously.

Keep posting. I know we head to page 2 too easily, but I will look for you.

Be well....

*susan* 

lynellb123

Hi Ladies, I was switched from Tamoxiden to Arimidex due to rashes & everything seemed to be going well with the new medicine. I also started taking effexor for the hot flashes & that seems to be working just fine. I was feeling pretty good until I started bleeding last week. I see my Doc. this Wed. I hope it is not anything too serious. Has anyone else had the problem of bleeding while on Arimidex? Maxine, I'll keep you in my prayers for a good outcome! I'll let everyone know what the doc says after I see him on Wednesday.

Liezel

Maxine, big hug!!!  Thinking of you and praying all will be ok. 

Lynne, hope your appointment goes well.

Summer slowly settling in.  At last!!  Days are nice and warm, and we are spending a lot of time in the garden.  Loving it!

Hope you are all well.  Keep in touch!

Liezel

Pegk

Maxine,

I hope you find an answer and more importantly a way to treat the symptoms that you are having.



Lynell,

I hope everything works out okay at your appointment.

I've been on arimidex for almost 2 years and haven't had any problems except for very stiff joints when I get up in the morning, or any time I'm still for an hour or more. The solution? I keep moving!



I'll be doing the Avon Walk in NYC this weekend and I hope to walk the full 40 miles over 2 days.



Unfortunately, it looks like we'll be getting a blast of summer weather which I would appreciate, like you Liezel, after a cold winter, but it could make walking a little difficult.



Like last year, you are all coming with me. I've put your names on ribbons which I've hooked into a scarf I knit (I'm wearing it in my avatar). I'll think of you as the miles go by and I'll think about all we've been through the past 2 years and all the issues that many of us continue to deal with.



I've raised almost $4,000. Progress is being made, but it's time to find a cure.



Be well everyone!

I'll let you know how it goes.

Peggy

Calico

You go Peggy!!! Thank you for taking us with you! and trying for a cure  That's a lot of miles girl!!!!

Maxine,

prayers out to you for NED results and ideas for finding what's wrong.

Lynell,

sorry about your troubles......a friend of mine had some spotting with Arimidex but it resolved, they could not find anything. I take Femara and so far so good (same side effects like everybody)

I had a biopsy and it was a vascular clip that the PS found. I still have lumps on the left, it does rattle me every so often and fear takes over.

PET scan done, waiting for results with onc mid month.

My therapist wants to put me on Lexapro or Paxil, I don't want neither....I am just so sad about our sisters on this board fighting and think the other shoe drops anytime.....

I meant to go for blood tests and TM's today and a black cat ran across the street (right to left)....guess what? I did NOT go, I'll go on Tuesday.

We are having a golden fall here in Colorado, still nice out, low humidity, I love the weather.

Did I tell you that I saw a bear mom with cub in the woods, about 10 -12 yards away from me? That was "refreshing"  since I was there alone.....

Well, here is to an anxious week until results. Might keep myself bussy with Halloween decorating.

God Bless

susan_02143

I don't know where else to go tonight. Julie and I performed together over the years. We were never particularly close. Her lover was a married man, and when he died, he left her quite a bit of money. I couldn't get past the fact that she was willing to be that 'other' woman.

And then our lives intersected again. We were dx'ed with breast cancer at the same time; both stage IIb. Julie decided that chemo was poison, and chose an 'alternative' path. Obviously, I chose the western medicine route. We simply couldn't connect after that.

She died yesterday a year after hitting stage 4, still traveling around the world trying every cure. I am angry. I am angry that she didn't give herself the best shot possible, and I am angry that each of us has been changed forever by this disease.

Peg.... walk away. Thank you for taking us with you.

Love,  *susan* 

sholroyd

I don't like all these changes with the boards - but Peg I am fine thanks.

I keep popping in to check on your all.

Sandra from the UK

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Liezel

Susan, understand your anger.  So sad about your friend.

Calico, hang in there, thinking of you.

Leanne, Nicole and Michelle, don't know if you follow the rugby.  I am not really a fan, but in a rugby mad country it is difficult to avoid.  Sorry about this weekend's outcome for you guys!  What a shock!  We are still in it - hold thumbs for us for the finals!!!

Not getting much sleep at the moment.  We got a new puppy last week, and she is not too happy about sleeping by himself and spend the nights howling in the kitchen.  Any advice?  Tried keeping the radio playing, hot water bottle in her bed - nothing working.  After 4 nights of this, I am sleep walking. 

Have a good week all!

Liezel

foxxf

lynellb - I experienced severe bleeding on Aridimex. So much so that I went to the emergency room because I thought I was going to pass out from blood loss.  Had lots of tests but in the end it was the meds. Changed to Femera and no trouble. Don't worry to much it's prob just the meds.

Maxine - prayers for you

Leizel - I do usually keep an eye on the rugby, the Wallabies are based in Coffs Harbour about an hours drive from here so they are like our local team....

We just got back from Sydney, we took the kids to see Thomas the Tank engine and friends live on stage. My little boy is the biggest Thomas fan.. While my daughter was not really interested (she is 10) she was quite excited when we drove over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. We went to the zoo and some other attractions while there so they had a great time.

best wishes to all

Nicole

txred9876

Hello Everyone,

There are so many emotions that I hasve experienced since my scare in august.  I have had so many tests and really no conclusive results other then then fact I am on a lot of drugs that make one get sleepy. I did a sleep study last wednesday.

I am back seeing my cardiologist and have to go on "water" pills due to the swelling (might be due to the steroids but I am miserable!) I am to start those by the end of the week after they get my lab work back.

I have Herceptin tomorrow and cannot wait to finish this ordeal. I will have two more after this....one on Halloween (oct 31st) and on On Nov 21st (the day before thanksgiving).

I so badly want to have this journey ended! I have been having chemo since sept 05 and I am so tired and fatiged all the time. I am however still doing the Komen walk on Nov 4th. We have not raised as much this year as we did last but it has been a rough one physically for me. I am just thankful to have supporters!

It has been wonderful having my daughter home (it has been nearly 5 years and she just turned 17). We have been doing a lot of catching up these days. My husband is also home so things are looking up!

I just thought I would give a short update...take care all my sept sisters!

Tina

tinkermax

Hi everyone

Thanks for all the well wishes, thank goodness we still have our little network here.  We know, when we are in need, we can come here.

I think of you all often

hugs my friends

Maxine

susan_02143

I am going to turn 49 this week. Two years ago, I was sick as a dog, and turning 47 while on chemo. I would rather be me now!

Tina, hang in there.....

Be well, my friends. and happy b-day to me!

*susan* 

lynellb123

Happy belated birthday Susan! Wishing you many more years of health and happiness!

Pegk

Happy Birthday Susan!

Wishing you many more Happy and Healthy Years!

Pegk

Were your ears buzzing last weekend? I walked the entire 39.3 miles for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer with your names on ribbons on a scarf around my neck.


You were my motivation. While we're walking, we do a lot of talking. I shared many of your stories: Tina's battle with IBC, Leanne's struggle for funding for herceptin and her mets scare, all of you from around the globe who went through the chemo experience with me with grace and courage and some of you who are still battling the effects.

It was an unusually warm weekend, but I saw parts of the city I'd never been to before and walked through familiar neighborhoods with a different point of view.

Here's a link to some photos:

http://pegkavonwalkny2007.shutterfly.com/action/

This year NY walkers, who came from 48 states and 6 foreign countries raised over $10 million dollars for breast cancer research and support services for breast cancer patients and their families.

Thanks for being my inspiration!

Peggy

foxxf

Susan - Happy birthday

Peg - Wow congratulations! and a hearty well done. Imagine if the money you have contributed goes to directly affect one sisters journey, then you have smoothed the road for someone just as our older sisters have done for us. Herceptin would not have been possible with out the fundraisers before us. Well done!

I am off to another relay for life in 2 wks and looking forward to it. I'll be sure to light a candle for my September Sisters.

Nicole