2005 ROCK-TOBER CHEMO GIRLS

TracyNY

Rosemarie, where are you? Are you in the mirror just awestruck at your new profile?! Happy to be able to sleep on your stomach FINALLY?! I hope it all went well for you. Give us a holler when you sleep the anaesthesia off.

I went to court and opted not to see the judge, I settled for the discount plan (if you throw yourself at the mercy of the NYC finance dept. they'll cut the price of the ticket). I got $25 off, I was guilty after all, plus I was wet and hungry and didn't have it in me today.

I finally learned how to wrap the "mummy" arm! I am so proud of myself. By wrapping it, it won't get any bigger than it is now and eventually it may regulate itself and get back to normal. Until then, its wrap, massage, exercise.

Nipple countdown check: 5 days to go!

Kelly, they can't get me to ring that bell at the kettle at Xmas time although we (the program) get a cut of the money we collect. I do my share at the office.

Its going to rain AGAIN tomorrow. I got wet enough today. I think I'm staying in bed. What are you guys up to for the weekend?

ravdeb

Rosemarie..thinking of you and hoping you are feeling good and happy!

Tadah..hope you stay dry. We are doing the countdown with you for nippledom!

My poor MIL.. dh just came in and said her entire face is now puffy and bruised and one eye is half closed. but, she feels fine and was hanging laundry outside. dh told her to sit and relax and to head to the doctor in the morning.

Paula... good to see you. I was in Barcelona a few years ago, went into an internet cafe and stuggled with the keyboards,too! Can't wait to have you back here regularly!

Okay..go out and get the Chicken Soup for BC Survivors. My dad has four cartoons in it! I don't have the book yet but I saw on another thread that you can get it on-line.

My dad, who is a retired graphic/advertising artist is a punster and draws cartoons all the time. He drew these for the book. He has one in the Chicken Soup for Volunteers, too. Has them in magazines now and then but this one..he drew these after I was diagnosed.

marymelodi

Ravdeb: That's cool about your Dad's cartoons. I will get the book. I like the Chicken Soup series. Last year I found one in a use bookstore that was for cancer survivors, but it was for all kinds of cancer, not just breast cancer. Thanks for the tip! Hope your MIL heals quickly.

Paula: good to hear from you. Sounds like you are having a spectacular trip.

Tadah: I always contribute to the kettles but now I will give a little extra in honor of you.

Tracy: I recall you have a really busy day today so have fun and don't get too worn out. You need your energy for FOOTBALL tomorrow. I'm staying at my sister's house with her dog until tonight. She gets the NFL channel on her sattelite. You would like it.

Jill: you're not that far behind . . . besides, you are welcome here no matter when you got the word. Sounds like you have taken this turn in your road and made it something to help you grow. Congratulations on that. Lucky you are so close to your sister.

Well, I'm going to do some work. I am typing a book chapter for a doctor that worked with me a while back. He's "retired" but still gets asked to contribute to child psychiatry books and research. He says I'm the only one who will attempt to read his handwriting. It is the stereotypical doctor's scrawl and it is hard to decipher. But, I've had enough experience with it and with psychiatry to be able to make out most of what he has written. I'll work on it until it gives me a headache.

Have a good weekend everyone,
Mary

ake

Tadah....so excited for you to join the club of the nipplicious! You're going to love them. Don't freak out at first...they're gigantic and look like fingers, but they shrink pretty fast

Jill....congratulations on your one year

Paula...sounds like you're having a good vacation. I would LOVE to go to Barcelona (I would love any vacation actually right now!) We missed you while you were away!

Not much new here....yesterday was my official day of being NED for a year, which I love. These last couple of weeks have been so surreal. I'm driving my hubby crazy, but I keep bringing it up....what I was doing this time last year. The contrast is so bizarre. Every year, my husband's parents have a big tennis tournament in their neighborhood. We all play tennis and then there's a barbeque afterwards. Last year, it was 2 weeks before my surgery, right after diagnosis... I was dressed in my pink, completely freaking out, but smiling on the outside, having those that knew reassure me that it was probably early stage cancer, and walking around thinking, "I can't believe I'm freakin' walking around with cancer!" Now, we're getting ready for the tournament and I'm just Amy and loving every second of my life So weird! I will say it and say it again....it's so surreal what we went through!!!

I heard a rumor on the young survival coalition discussion boards that Oprah is not doing any show on breast cancer. I'm pissed!!!! We'll see what happens. Maybe if we picket in front of her studio in our shirts and socks, she'll either put us on the show or have us arrested...either way, we get to tell our story

Have a good weekend!!

Love,
Amy

debbie444

Please can i wear something else as well as tshirt and socks??????

Rosemarie - thinking of you.
Debbie

cathy987

Debbie–what a picture you have put it my head–for sure you'ld get a lot more attention than just Opra's.

Don't have time to post much–am on my way to my cabin at the lake in MN. No TV, cell phone, computer. Plan to eat, sleep and catch up on some reading.

Hope everyone has a good weekend.

Anonymous

I can't believe Oprah would not do a breast cancer show in October??? How many women watch her show?? She is on in the middle of the day and late at night, people TEVO her show. I am not saying she is obligated to do it, but a part of thinks she should since she has been raised up so high that many people just do what she says.

Remember when she said people had ill fitting bras? How many went out and got measured for a bra and had to get a new one? How many women have bought books that she says are worth reading? NONE of these things save your life. MAMMOGRAMS and early detection does save lives. I think when you have that many people listening to you, you are obligated to use your voice for a good cause.

TracySeattle

Ha! Picketing Oprah! I like it! I sure hope the rumor is not true. I know she has done shows on bc in the past, but it is something that women need to be reminded of and it shouldn't be left out! OK, I know, I am preaching to the choir here! LOL!!! Let me get off my soapbox.....

I am off to the fair today and then to the silent auction tonight. I stayed home from the football game last night as I just wasn't feeling very good. I think I forget that I really am still in recovery mode. The stress of the layoffs this week doens't help. But today is a day for FUN!

Hope you all have some fun plans too!

Anonymous

R O S E M A R I E -
Hey there - it's the morning after...still hoping you're resting comfortably. Hang in there!

sherryhaire -
Hope you're feeling better soon.

Everyone-
Hi! My goodness, it took a while to read back through the posts.

I had my second 3-month post chemo visit last week. As part of my routine care he ordered a bone scan. I had that done on Thursday. Believe it or not, I'm not freaking out waiting for the results this time. I think I'm getting used to this...how sad is that! I have choice to switch from Tamoxifen to an AI since I'm now officially post-menopausal (1 full year without a period). It's so confusing...do I stay on Tamoxifen or switch? He said not much research has been done to help me with the decision. The #2 killer of women...and there's no frickin' research! OMG - Why!?!?

I bought a new car. It's not as cute and fun as Debbie's but it's nice. It's a brand new Ford Explorer - Eddie Bauer edition. I ordered a vanity plate. It has a pink ribbon on it and at the bottom it says Mammograms Save Lives. My plate "number" is ACURE. My team for the Komen 5k walk is official. We have 16 team members - it's Sept. 30th. Quite exciting...and to date I have raised $1400 in donations from friends and family!

Hope you're all having a wonderful weekend.

Laura

ravdeb

Rosemarie...thinking of you and hoping you are doing well and resting.

Jill..I think I forgot to congratulate you on your one-year anniversary...CONGRATULATIONS!!!! It's a wonderful, wonderful milestone.

Laura..glad to hear you have not freaked out over the bone scan. continue to think positively!!!

Tracy.. hope you had a great time at the fair and you are feeling better. I also tire easily

cathy..hope you had a terrific weekend.

Amy..I agree. I continue to compare where I was at a year ago to where I am today. Tonight I went out for coffee with my girlfriend and we were talking about that. A year ago I was searching frantically for info on chemo and all of the details of my pathology report and today I'm searching with pleasure and excitement for information on my new business (to be announced when the time is right!).

marymelodi

Victoria: Yes, dictation is easier. I'm really fast at that. But, this doctor is an old fashioned guy and we do not have dictation equipment. It's expensive for an infrequent gig. I do it because he is a friend, someone I really respect, and it's give me few extra bucks. I like being "indespensible", ha-ha-ha!

Laura: There is alot of reseach comparing Tamoxifen and the AIs. Much of it summarized here at bc.org. Differences in side effects between them. I will definitely switch as soon as possible because I want to minimize the gynecological side effects. I believe some bone loss issues with the AIs, but not sure. We could talk more about this. One more month and I will also be "officially" post-menopausal. Somehow, I thought you were too young to be in that category . . . you look lots younger than me. Did you get to menopause as a result of chemo, surgery, or age? I'm a combination of age and chemo, I'm sure. I was almost there when diagnosed.
Have fun in your new car!!

Amy: saw an interview of Andre Aggassi on Ellen DeGeneres. What a guy. Haven't followed tennis much, but do understand the passion for sports. I'm into football and my husband lives and dies with the New York Mets, so I know what you mean.

Ravedeb: forgot to say good luck for you and your daughter. Hope results are of no consequence.

Sending out warm wishes to all!!
Mary

ravdeb

Laura..forgot to congratulate you on your new car!!! Enjoy it!!!! I love your vanity plate!!! I wish we could do that here. We get our plates with the car and the same plates stay on the car, even when there is a new owner. All plates are yellow with black numbers. Nothing special.

Anonymous

Laura,
My doctor went to a conference and she said that the side effects are less with an AI. I am switching. She said that Tamoxifen blocks the receptors on estrogen. Because we are now post menopausal, we can take the AI which will block aromatase thereby eliminating estrogen. Our ovaries no longer are there or are no longer producing estrogen .... our only source of estrogen is when the enzyme called aromatase converts whatever it is is from our liver, adrenal glands and fat cells to estrogen. So we can completely eliminate estrogen instead of blocking the receptors.

I also think I read that taking an AI is better to reduce cancer risk but I can't source it. Have to look for it.

ravdeb

Rosemarie!! Hope all is well.

bumping this up...we are getting lost on the boards!!!

RoseMarie

Quick post - thank you for all your thoughts and prayers. I'm feeling ok - not too sore. I'm mostly sore where the port was. Ran a slight fever yesterday so I'm hoping for no fever today!!!!!!! I haven't had the nerve to look at myself yet but I can finally shower tonight so I'll drum up the nerve. (I could never be a nurse!!!!) Love all of you and will write again later.

TracyNY

Go Laura!! I would like a new car myself but I'm saving for my BMW, until then Grace (that's my car's name) will continue to serve me.

What will you name it? Am I the only person who names their cars? My Honda is called Grace because its the grace of God that got me that car, my credit was so bad!!

I went to Cranbury NJ yesterday to the Lenox outlet sale. I could have saved my time. I bought plates just to justify paying $9.00 to drive across the Verazzano bridge!

Anonymous

marymelodi &
terynsmom -
I was pushed into menopause because of chemo. (I'm 46.) My cousin is an Onc. - I sent her an e-mail asking her - what would she do if she was in my shoes. She'll be getting back to me this week - I'll let you know what her opinion is. I'm worried about the bone loss issues, as I have Osteoporsis. There have been more studies done re: Tamoxifen and long term survival rates, but none of the same done for the AI's. I had hormone blood tests done last week and am waiting for the Onc to call w/results. Although I'm fairly certain they'll be at rock bottom. God, I hate this! I hate the gray areas. I just wish this was all black and white! You two have/are switching. That helps me w/my decision. I'm most likely going to. I also asked my cousin, if I do switch, which one...Arimidex or Femara. I think there's also a third one, it begins with an A...do either of you know the name of it? (Maybe it's Aromosin or something like that????) It will interesting to get her response. Again, I will let you know what she advises.

Laura

Anonymous

My doctor is doing a bone density test as a baseline and if necessary I will have to go on a bone strengthening medicine like boniva or something else.

here is a quote from bc.org

Quote:

---

After two years of follow-up, early conclusions from the BIG 1-98 study showed that post-menopausal women with hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer who took Femara had a significantly lower risk of recurrence and increased rate of disease-free survival compared to women who took tamoxifen. Women who took Femara had an increased risk of bone fractures, but a lower risk of blood clots. The researchers recommended that more studies be done on cardiovascular side effects, such as high cholesterol, heart attacks, and strokes, which may be related to aromatase inhibitors.

Take-home message:

The BIG 1-98 study adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that aromatase inhibitors are better than tamoxifen for reducing the risk of the cancer coming back in post-menopausal women with hormone-receptor-positive, early-stage disease.

More specifically, the early results of this study help us understand the value of Femara right after surgery. The results of the switching component of this study are not yet ready for evaluation—there hasn't been a long enough follow-up period. We'll continue to watch closely for additional updates with longer follow-up.

In the meantime, here are some important points to consider with your doctor when you're making decisions about hormonal therapy treatment:

If you're a post-menopausal woman with hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer:

Arimidex is the only medication approved by the FDA for use as the first hormonal therapy after surgery. Soon the FDA will review the use of Femara for this situation.

If you've been taking tamoxifen for two or three years, you might want to discuss the possibility of switching to Arimidex or Aromasin.

If you've completed five years of tamoxifen or will soon, consider Femara for extended protection against recurrence.

If your doctor has already switched you from tamoxifen to Arimidex or Aromasin, you do not have to switch again to Femara.

If you have significant side effects from any medication, talk to your doctor about what you can do to stop or ease them. Some women switch from tamoxifen to an aromatase inhibitor before two or three years because of unpleasant side effects. Occasionally, women find that one aromatase inhibitor may be easier to tolerate than another. And some women switch from an aromatase inhibitor back to tamoxifen because of side effects.

So far, one aromatase inhibitor has not been directly compared to another within a single published study. Therefore, we don't know which one is better for treating women in the same circumstances. Until such a study becomes available, we recommend relying on published study results and FDA approvals.

To learn how to keep your bones strong while on an aromatase inhibitor, visit our section on Bone Health.

---

TracySeattle

We should all name our cars!!! How fun would that be helping each other to come up with a name? My car is a brown Mercury Sable. I guess since it is a "boy" color my car should be a boy? LOL! What should I name him? NED?

Rosemarie - so glad to see your post! I am praying for no fever today!

The fair was fun, normal fair stuff! The Chamber Auction last night was fun too. I can't believe the $$ that people have to bid on things! I spent $42, they were spending thousands!

I have started burning the CDs!!!! You are going to LOVE them!!

Have a good Sunday everyone! Love you all!

ravdeb

Rosemarie...wishing you a fever-free day!!! Hope you have a good day

Laura and all those making hormone treatment decisions..good luck on that!

Tracy..glad you had a nice time at the fair! Looking forward to that CD!!! You are great!

Tadah... I haven't ever named my cars but the other night my friend saw my car outside of the synagogue so after services she came up to me and said she saw "Debbie's Mobile" outside and knew I was there. I kinda like the name! I drive what I call the "tank"..a GMC safari van.

ake

my car's name is pilgrim it's a white station wagon volvo and a boy....my best friend named him

CindyGB

I had partical mastemony and auxillary lymph node surgery on Aug. 11.....after cat scan, bone scan and MUGA test and FISH test, everything came out great....HER2 negative so just having TAC 6 treatments every 3 weeks for 18 weeks..then radiation...start tomorrow Sept 18 at 6 .am. for port and then chemo at 11.......I'M NOT GOING TO BE SICK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!taking steroids today, tomorrow and Tuesday....

marymelodi

CindyGB: I know we all wish you well as you begin treatment. We were all there in your shoes a year ago. A good attitude is really important but just remember that if you do get sick from these really powerful chemicals, it's not your fault. Take good care of yourself, drink lots of fluids, and get all the rest you can so your body will be able to do it's job in fighting breast cancer.
God bless you,
Mary

Anonymous

Victoria, I was thinking about your painting. What if you painted all of our faces like they were apples on a life giving tree? Or all of our faces (blurred of course so it didn't have to be sharp features) in the shape of a breast cancer ribbon.

Have you ever seen a painting of something, then when you get up close and you see its really a collage. They have those at Disneyland. It looks like a pic of the castle or Peter Pan and really it's a bunch of pictures, shaded and shaped into Peter Pan.

Just thoughts.

marymelodi

Ravdeb:
I saw earlier that you "bumped" this thread up to the top. Maybe you know that if you go to the bottom of the page (where you are reading this message) in the bottom left corner you can select this topic ("anyone starting Chemo in Oct 2005") as a "Favorite topic." When you come on to this site (breastcancer.org) up near the top you can go to "My Home" and on your "My Home" page you'll see the threads that you have chosen to be Favorites. Then you just click on the one that you want to read and you get here easily. That's how I always get to "our" spot and so I never have to look at the "Active" topics and we are never "lost" because My Favorites is like a bookmark that brings me right here. Maybe you already knew about that. Just thought I might help if you didn't.

For awhile the mention of "bumping" that I read on other threads puzzled me, but then I caught on and realized what was meant. Duh . . . Sometimes I do go look at the Active topics to see what is going on but if I just want to come straight to you gals I go to My Favorites on the My Home page and click right here to my October gals.
Mary

marymelodi

Good to hear from you Rosemarie. Hope all went well with showering and taking a look. It is hard. I remember getting a little jolt when looking at my scars the first time . . . and I didn't have nearly the extensive surgery that some of you gals have had. I certainly hope that all will be satisfactory for you and that your healing is swift. We all love you. I got the tracing of your feet and the measurements for your socks. Nice to see you handwriting and know it came from you.
Mary

marymelodi

I drive a big van, a Ford Windstar, that is blue with gray leather interior. It's a lot of car for someone with no kids. Usually I am in it by myself. Never have named it, but I do think of it as a "she."

Wonder if Debbie has a name for her new yellow car?
Mary

maryannecb

Miss a few days and so much happens here.

Rosemarie, hope you are happy with your surgery. I will keep my fingers crossed for no complications. It is nice to have neighbors to help out.

Ravdeb, seems your whole family has visited the docs this week. Maybe your daughters report will be done sooner than they think.

Sherry, too bad about your son and his job. Does he still live with you? Sinus trouble is so painful, you are better I hope.

Paula, your trip is sounding more fantastic each time you write. Barcelona...sounds so romantic. Are you travelling with family?

Jill, I can picture you and your sister. I have three sisters and they have each been there for me in the last year,in different ways. One arrived at midnight the night I was diagnosed, she drove three hours to see me. As soon as the doorbell rang I knew it was her. She acme to visit me when I had surgery and with my youngest sister made enough food to get me through the roughest days of chemo(lasagne,spaghetti, samosas and cookies). Meldest sister sent me a plne ticket to visit her. Haven't used it yet but will do this winter. Yup sisters are great. And yup do I ever feel better today than one year ago.

Amy I am picturing myself in pink socks with my roctober socks eatin hard candy while listening to a CD with our tunes. Who needs Oprah any way???

Laura you are becoming down right calm. I ahd bloodwork on Friday and I too am not worried. How can I feel this good and be sick? I call my van the "old piece of junk". It is a 98 Nissan Quest with 250,000 km on it. My daughter just got her driving license so I figure it is a bad time to get a new vehicle...

I have no decision to make re Tamoxifen vs AI but in Canada most women take Tamoxuntil menopause then switch to AI. Good luck with finding which drug works best with the fewest SE>

I have just had a fantastic weekend! I went to a camp for breast cancer survivors. We were entertained, fed and educated on various topics. 12 memebers of my dragonboat team along with about 100 women from the area gathered to share our stories and meet. There were people from all backgrounds and ages. Each had a tale to tell. It was very moving and worthwhile. I'll post a pic of my cabinmates and myself.

maryannecb

OMG, I forgot....

Fists up! (does that mean they are finally coming down and I can go back to relaxed mode?)

Anonymous

Rosemarie -
Yay you! Glad you checked in with us. Hope the reveal goes well.

Kelly
Victoria -
You guys are great! Thanks for all the AI info! I have a few months to decide. Can't wait until my cousin gets back to me too! Victoria - I'll think of a name for your Rover - give me a little time. Kelly - is your pool in yet! Maybe we could have a Rocktober Chemo Girl virtual pool party!

Tracy -
NEDS a great name...just think you get to drive with NED everyday!

marymelodi -
White, van...we'll come up with something.

Tadah -
When you get your BMW I think you should name it BLOSSOM! Mine is going to be called the Boob Mobile or maybe Pinky because of my pink ribbon vanity plate!

Maryanne -
Sounds like a great weekend! The picture is really nice. You look great as usual and your hair is adorable!

ravdeb -
I think your car should be named the rav mobile! That ties into something I just sent to you in the mail. I wonder how long it will take to get there...

Debbie -
Maybe your car could be named Miss Bee or Busy Bee or The Stinger...

Sherri -
Are you feeling better?

Amy -
Why Pilgrim? We have a Volvo too. It's a black sedan - we call her Mulva!... When are you moving into your new home. Also, can you PM me your new address?

Tracy -
Can't wait for the cd. Were you able to get both of my songs on it? One is totally fine though, and I appreciate your hard work on it, but I was just curious. And will we know who submitted each song?

Graycie -
Saw your photos in Moving Beyond...you and your sisters look great. You should post one here - for everyone to see. I would love to have 3 sisters! I do have 1 though.

Everyone -
Hey!

Laura