2005 ROCK-TOBER CHEMO GIRLS

TracyNY

I'm off the hook! I sat all day and read two magazines, Star and In Touch, the Daily News and the New York Times, two chapters of an Ann Rule novel I've been ploughing through and had a little nap. Then they gave me a letter and told me that even though I didn't serve on a case, I still performed jury duty and don't have to come back until 2013!

Not bad eh?!

Anonymous

TaDah-
Not bad indeed...you lucked out! When I was summoned, they chose me as a juror. The trial lasted for 2 weeks! I had just started a new job, so I was totally stressed out. I sat on the jury bench all day and then took 2 buses to my job and worked until midnight! During the selection process, I asked if I could be excused because of just having started a new job and the judge said ABSOLUTLEY NOT. Then 15 minutes later a MALE big wig from United Airlines asked to be excused because he was in the middle of a large project and the judge said YES! I was really mad! But it really was a good experience.

scottishlass

Hello everyone,

Wrestled the PC away from the family again.
Debbie - Belated birthday wishes. Hope you enjoy the snow tomorrow- Scotland is not due for any unfortunately.

Best wishes for Isaac.

A little question for those younger ladies in the group(not being ageist but....) I have not had a period for 15 or so months until yesterday. Has this happened to anyone else? Is this a good thing? It has made me very nervious. As I am on tamoxifen, I thought I would not have any for the 5 years I was taking it - if ever again. Does anyone know anything about this? Would appreciate any thoughts
Best wishes to all. Jill

Curlylocks

Hi my sisters,

It appears the preliminary results on my mamo are NED!!!! I also told them I wanted the ultrasound as per my oncologist prescription (it was my insistence that had him write it down with mamo script). The hospital was not going to do it and I insisted on it for my peace of mind, dont want to be caught off guard ever again!

OMG the holding my pee pee for the pelvic and transvaginal ultrasound was pure torture. I started drinking my 5 8 oz glasses at 11:15 a.m. after my mamo and they didnt take me in until 1:05 pm. At 12:30 pm. I said to my hubby my bladder is gonna burst, have to pee. So I went to the receptionist and the counter and she gave me a cup and said I could only pee out a cup.LOL. I thought I am dying to go pee and they want me to stop before i;m finished? It relieved the pressure on my bladder for an additional 15 minutes then it was 12:45 pm. and I nudged my husband as I sitting with my legs crossed I really have to go so he said just run to the washroom and pee out another cup.LOL. So I went to the washroom, just after I left they called my name and the nurse says "OMG she is suppose to have a full bladder". My husband said trust me she does.

They did the test and she said your bladder certainly is full as I;m snickering thinking I just peeded out 2 cups already, haa, haa:) When she told me after the test I could go again, the relief was amazing....

Anyways...that is the saga of my test day, glad its over for another year. My results of all the tests will be available in 10 days but I could call my family doctor on Friday and get a verbal. It does look good as the radiologist wasnt even going to do the ultrasound initially after reviewing my mamo but did based on my instance. I have forgotten how much mamos hurt, especially on my affected side which is still swollen from radiation and also still shows visible signs of the burnt tissue.

Linda - how did Issac's surgery go?

TracyNy - kudos to you, you lucked out getting out of jury duty!

Love to all my sisters, I'm celebrating tonight and breathing a HUGE sense of relief. Life is good once again for another year.LOL.

Michele Wenz

linny

Tracy, I had exactly the same experience in Toronto a few years ago. I sat in a room with about 200 other people for 4 days straight, we were called once or twice into a courtroom for a selection, my number did not come up, and by Thurs. we were all dismissed, and it counts as jury duty.

Just spoke to Michelle - Isaac is very unhappy and crying a lot - he only has tylenol for the pain, which is probably not enough, but they only give a narcotic during surgery. His head is completely bandaged, and his nose is bleeding off and on (from the middle ear surgery). Hope tomorrow will be better.

Okay, my arm has been aching since I came home from New York last Thursday - not swollen, or hot, or painful, just a constant dull (not sharp) ache, and it is making me nervous. It is definitely related to picking up my son's baby (he is very big). Also, my affected arm is my left and I am very strongly left handed, I cannot even cut with the right. Has anyone every had this?

Linda

Anonymous

Michele -
Glad everything went well! Yay you!

Jill -
Not that I'm young LOL...but I haven't had a period during almost the same amount of time as you. A couple of months ago at my Onc. appt. I remember him saying that if I got a period that I should call him right away (I'm on Tamox. too). I don't think it means anything bad though.

Laura

scottishlass

Laura - thanks for that - am due a check up later this month - think I will try and get some information before then. Do you still get hot flushes. I had them bad until about a month ago and they have calmed down a bit. I suppose there may be a link. It is amazing how much I do not understand about how my body works!!

Michelle - really pleased about initial results - keep positive.
cheers Jill

Anonymous

Jill -
I still get hot flashes, but not as intenese or as often anymore. At first they were unbearable! Now they're tolerable.

Graycie

Linda, Glad to here Isaac's surgery went well. I hope he feel's better soon.

Tadah, That's good new's....I remember my sister having to go for jury duty and it was just her luck they picked her to be Head Juror....She was having a fit because at the time she had small children. I think if she would have spoke up she would have probably gotten out of it.

Michele, I can tell you right now I never would have made it. I think I have the smallest bladder ever. Besides, I could never stop once I start going. Good new's on the mammo.

Jill, I can't help you with the hot flashes. I am not on Tamoxifen.

maryannecb

Jill you should talk to your doc about it. Here is some info I found for you.

# What are some of the more common side effects of taking tamoxifen?

In general, the side effects of tamoxifen are similar to some of the symptoms of menopause. The most common side effects are hot flashes and vaginal discharge. Some women experience irregular menstrual periods, headaches, fatigue, nausea and/or vomiting, vaginal dryness or itching, irritation of the skin around the vagina, and skin rash. As is the case with menopause, not all women who take tamoxifen have these symptoms.

back to top
Possible side effects

Each person's reaction to any medication is different. As people react to drugs in different ways, it is impossible to predict who is going to have side effects. Many women who take tamoxifen have no side effects, while others will experience them.

Very rarely, if the side effects are severe, you may have to stop taking tamoxifen and a different drug may be prescribed.

Side effects are more common in pre-menopausal women, who may develop menopausal side effects as a result of a lowered level of oestrogen. The most common side effects, apart from nausea, are hot flushes and sweats, particularly at night.

Flushes and sweats Sometimes the flushes will gradually lessen over the first few months but some women continue to have them for as long as they take tamoxifen. There are a number of ways to help to reduce or control hot flushes and sweats. Some women find it helpful to avoid or cut down on tea, coffee, nicotine and alcohol.

Some women find that complementary therapies can help, and your GP can give you details about obtaining these on the NHS. If you find your own complementary therapist, make sure that they are properly qualified and registered.

Sometimes other drugs can be prescribed to reduce hot flushes and sweats. Recent research suggests that progestogen or some types of antidepressant drugs may be helpful in controlling this unpleasant side effect. Your nurse or doctor can discuss this with you.

If you are having troublesome hot flushes you can discuss possible treatments with your doctor. Your doctor may be able to prescribe a different hormonal therapy instead. Sometimes the hot flushes continue for a long time after you have stopped taking tamoxifen.

Nausea and indigestion Feeling sick (nausea) and indigestion are fairly common but can often be relieved by taking your tablets with food or milk or at night. Although nausea is quite common initially, it usually wears off after a few weeks.

Weight gain Some women notice that they put on weight while taking tamoxifen. This may be due to water retention.

Change in periods Women who have not yet reached the menopause may notice that their monthly periods change – they may become irregular, lighter or sometimes stop altogether. Some women also notice an increase in vaginal discharge and itching of the vulva (the area around the vagina).

My period resumed post chemo( about 4-5 months) and is regular again. But no Tamoxifen for me.

Fists up!

maryannecb

Tadah, phew, no jury duty. I would hate to experience some of the nasty stuff that goes on in a court room.

Debbie, I think your shoe was floating in the harbour this morning. Did you go windsurfing after supper?

Rosemarie, cool to read about your daughter. My son developed epilepsy at age 5 and is still on meds. He has not had a seizure in 2 years( whoops have now jinxed him). He has partial complex seizures which generalize into grand mal. Afterwards he vomits for 6-8 hours every 20 minutes. Neurologist will likely suggest weaning from meds on next visit as it has been a long time and he has a remote chance he will grow out of them. It has been quite a commitment remembering his meds and keeping him safe. Of all my children he is the most caring and loving so the reward is there.



Cathy, you sound busy. Get your work done, but we expect you back.

Amy??? How are you? Miss ya.

Ravdeb, you sure have a lot of funerals. In Switzerland, you can stay buried for three years then they dig you up, for someone new. I think there is an option to stay longer for more money...Weird.

Linny, the surgery is over. I hope he feels better tomorrow. And isn;t it wonderful he has a good chance to hear now. I hope for the best.

Laura, are you feeling better this week. Your posts sound cheerful.

Michele, so glad your check-up day went smoothly. Sounds like you are "good to go".

Fists up!

Anonymous

Mary-Anne, what a lovely mom you are with a lovely son. I hope that he can be weaned from the meds and remain healthy.

Funny about Switzerland ..... My dad lives in Santa Margherita in Italy and they only let you stay buried for 20 years .... a generation. They figure after that, probably no one is visiting you anymore .... if you want longer, your family has to pay for more.

Anonymous

maryanne - rosemarie -
I have an incredible amount of admiration and respect for you two! Your love and devotion and dedication is amazing and inspiring.

EVERYONE -
First I am happy to report that the mast pain has subsided considerably (maryanne - thanks for asking.)! I can't tell you how great it is to not have that awful constant pain! And it's great that I haven't had to bore you all with my complaints about the pain! LOL It's still quite "sore" but I can tolerate it.

But, I have a weird "thing" happening directly below the incision. I say "thing" because it's hard to describe. I finally showed it to Roy tonight because I'm somewhat concerned because it hasn't gone away. It's almost like a vein that's enlarged that's running vertically...starting at the middle (left to right) of the incision and running downward about 4-5". Roy got out our Mayo clinic book (cindy) and thinks maybe it's one of the vena cavas? But when I googled it - I freaked because it said this could have something to do with a post-surgical blood clot leading to the lungs! OMG - LOL I know that this is probably not the case, but was wondering if any of you had this after your surgeries. It feels like an inch worm under my skin, about the diam. of a pencil and is somewhat bulging, and it's pretty sore to the touch. It does feel like an enlarged vein. Also, above the incision, the top rib is swollen and it too is very sore. I called my surgeon this afternoon but they had left for the day, so I will call in the AM. I really hope it's nothing serious. But it's such a weird thing. But then again, weird things always happen to me! LOL Any thoughts, opinions, similar situations? For the love of g_d - what's next!

Thanks girls!

Laura

Graycie

Laura, I would definitely call again tomorrow and maybe see if you could have it checked. It is probably part of the healing process but just incase, it is better to be safe then sorry.

Maryanne, You and Rosemarie are both wonderful mothers and your children are so lucky to have you. Maryanne, I hope your son is able to wean off the med's. How old is he? He looks like a sweet boy. Your hair reminds me alot of my hair in the picture above. The same color too.

debbie444

I would call Laura - if only for peace of mind.
Glad Isaacs surgery went well, kids heal fast so i hope he is feeling better soon.
Tracey - I actually got out of jury service, by saying i couldnt drive ( and it was 20 miles away) i had 2 young kids not at school and my husband was self employed and couldnt afford time off. I could have sorted it but i was scared what sort of case i woud get!
Jill - i have had my overies out now but before i did my periods just didnt happen on tamax ( which in my opinion is a good side effect!)
OK - have to go - its snowing a blizzard outside and we have to try and get my little car to school.
I found my shoe ( which i am glad about as it was a nice shoe - 3" black satin and beaded) so panic over. It was on th epavement at the top of the drive so not far away. My sister laughed as at our SIL 40th, my sister couldnt find her shoes th enext day until the restaurant rang my SIL to say they had found a pair if shoes and did she know whose they were ! See its a family thing.
OK - going to wrap up like Nannook of the North. Hope it isnt shut when we get there!
Deb

scottishlass

Hi
MaryAnne - thank you for the information - I knew one of you would know more about this. I will go and investigate more now.
Laura - Pleased your pain has subsided. Think you need to get this vein checked out - piece of mind and all that.
Debbie - Hope you are enjoying the snow Nannook of the South! and so glad you found your shoe - could just see you putting posters up aroung town -"Lost Shoe - Reward Given!"
Cheers Jill

debbie444

Woohoo - snow lots of it! As usual England has ground to a halt. Most local schools didnt open - ours did but a lot of kids didnt come, some came then went straight home. I finish earlier today, rang the parents of my afternoon child, he wasnt coming so came home. Brought Mark and his friend too as i dont want to turn out again. All the y have done all day id play in the snow with the few kids left and the staff!
Sam is sulking as i have got his harness out to take him outside. He is literally hiding under the bed!!
Deb

linny

Maryanne, lovely picture of you and your son and thanks for the additional info. on tamoxifen.

Isaac is feeling very unwell - very unhappy, low grade fever last night, his entire body is swollen and puffy - this has something to do w. the surgery and the positioning of the body during the operation. He is supposed to go home this morning, but I don't know if having a fever last night will change that. My other daughter (24) who is all the grandkid's favourite person is going today. She had just come back with me last Thursday, but my daughter asked if she could return. She is the one who stayed with me the night after surgery and I still cry when I think about it - how she helped me.

I am crying as I type this, I just want to hear he is feeling better. I cried so much during chemo and then stopped after that - I guess this has made me so emotional because he is such a little guy (16 lb. soaking wet, as they say) with a smile that lights up the room.

Linda

debbie444

Mark and his school friend Joe - along with Sam who decided he quite liked it after all!


Everything crossed for Isaac, i am sure he is going to surprise you with his resilience

RoseMarie

MaryAnne - what a beautiful picture! Patrick sounds like such a sweet kid! So glad he's been seizure free!!!!!!
YOU are awesome!
Linny - thinking and praying for Isaac!
Debbie - yay, you found the shoe...but HOW did you lose it??? Lol! Were you walking barefoot in the freezing cold??! Your street looks like mine! We tried to sled a bit yesterday but the snow was too powdery and we just sank and gathered up snow on the way down the hill. The kids had no delay today and they weren't happy!
Laura - yikes, please let us know what the doc says!!

ok - better run!
Lots of love to all of you!!!!!

Graycie

Debbie, I like your snow better than our's...lol..Glad you found your shoe but now that I see your weather, how in the heck did you get home without a shoe?

Linda, Awwwww, poor little Isaac. I hate it when our little one's are hurting. I am sure he will feel better today. He is young and should bounce back fast.

Jill and Laura, I hope you find the answer's you are looking for...keep us posted.

Michele, I forgot to mention, I am still swollen from the radiation too. Glad to know I am not the only one. I wonder when the swelling will subside since it has been almost a

debbie444

Maryanne - is that an apple on the shelf behind you and your lovely son? It looks like the ones in my conservatory!

OK , now to tell you a story about my dad , which explains a lot about me. I went to see him today as he is ill , and he was telling me about his day earlier this week.
He came out from taking his friend home to find that some glass shelves had collapsed in his living room, smashing some glass ornaments, one of them being a Gallileo thermometre so all of the liquid had run down the wall and soaked into his carpet. Once he had cleaned tah up ( cutting himself in the process) he decided to find a new bracket to put them back up. He knew he had some in the kitchen drawer but that was jammed shut, so he opened the cupboard underneath to see what was jamming it, in doing this he knocked over a jamjar full of turps and dirty paintbrushes - all over his trousers and shoes and kitchen floor. He stood up quick , hitting his head on the drawer which had now opened. After he had mopped all of that up, he turned the tap on to wash his head of blood and broke the internal washer that meant he couldnt turn the water off. So, he pulled th ewasher out to get to the stop tap - forgetting it was full of washing and water and flooded th ekitchen. Then he gave up and rang for Roger.
See - i cant help it - its genetic!!

My feet werent too cold - i came home in the car !! Me walk - you are joking arent you?

As for the story about needing a wee - well i think i nearly wet myself laughing at that one!!

we are hoping to go sledging later when every one is home. We have a fab sledge that doesnt need much snow - last year we went sledging on the mud! What do you mean the kids had no delay? And is it true they have to make up any lost days?
Deb - are family plots not common in Israel then?? Usually graves over here have at least 2 in them - some of the really old grave yards have stones with 8 or 9 family members on, is that not the case there??

Any more news on Isaac?

Graycie

OMG Deb, you aren't kidding.....It is genetic.

marymelodi

Really busy. Can't write much. For the gals with swelling still after radiation . . . I got much relief from lymphadema treatment by a physical therapist. You can get lymphadema in the breast after radiation. Your radiation team should write a referral for you to be treated. Most insurance covers this as a follow-up to cancer treatment. If it is uncomforatable you don't just have to put up with it.

Hope you feel better.

Mary

Anonymous

Thank goodness I don't have any breasts left! Arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...I called my surgeon's ofc. I explained the "thing"/worm/bulging vein. The girl that answered the phone said she'd leave a note for the Dr. A couple of hours later she called back and said he wants me to come in so he can take a look at it. I asked her if he hinted at all as to what it might be...she said no. So, okay...no problem. Then she says he's going out of town and his first opening is Feb 19th. That's just under 2 WEEKS! I'm trying not to be piss**, but quite frankly I AM! I told her I thought that was too long to wait, afterall, he didn't just remove a mole...HE REMOVED MY BREAST! She said there was nothing she could do, because he is leaving town, he's already double-booked! Am I being ridiculous? I'm assuming it's nothing serious, but if that is the case, then why do I have to go in for him to look at it! I feel somewhat abandoned here. I told her I was going to try to get in to see my MD sooner, as I really don't want to wait that long. So, I call my MD's office - SHE'S ON VACATION FOR 2 WEEKS! OMG - So now I'm really upset. I'm tempted to drive over to the ER, and park my butt (all of it LOL) until a Dr. is available to spare a few minutes of their precious time. Honestly, am I being ridiculous? I don't expect "special" handling, but again, I HAD MY FRICKIN' BREAST REMOVED - not a mole! What am I missing...and now what the heck do I do?

marymelodi

If it is bothering you . . . pain, swelling, inflammation, then go to see them at the ED. You could also ask the surgeon's office who is going to cover for him if you should develop any of these symptoms and tell them you are going to be calling the first minute anything goes bad. Also ask your MD who is covering for that person and get in to see that one. These people always have to designate a back up. Call your insurance and ask who you should see if the doctor is not available. Working in a hospital I can tell you that the squeeky wheel does get the grease. It happens time and time again. We've all (survivors) learned not to let the so-called professionals ignore us when we think there is something wrong.

And, we support you and pray this is nothing to be alarmed about. I agree . . . it's not just some little surgery and it is a big deal!
Mary

marymelodi

Oh, when my doc isn't available the nurse practitioner in the office sees me. Do they have those folks at the surgeon or your primary care doctor? I think NPs are just really fine for reassuring you and for taking the time to find our what is going on.

Mary

Graycie

Oh Laura, I don't blame you for being upset. That could only happen to you or to me. Story of my life but like you said it's not a mole that you had removed. Don't they realize what you have been through and how scared you are to know what is going on. I mean how long would it take them to just take a look. A nurse could look at it like Mary said if another physician isn't available. I'm sorry I am just getting mad but you stay calm.........lol
Do they have any walk in clinic's or wouldn't that be a good idea?
Keep us posted...

ravdeb

Laura..I would insist on getting in between appts to see a doctor, if you are concerned. Afterall, it's follow up from fairly recent surgery. Have it checked out.

I gotta go to bed..just wanted to wish Isaac a quick recovery and send HUGGGGGGGGGGS to Linda. Must be so hard!

That pic of Maryanne and son is just priceless!

Debbie... I will call you Cinderella!

Will get back on tomorrow morning...am tooooo tired.

Be well everybody.

Anonymous

Linny -
Hope Isaac's doing better. My friend's daughter had 63 surgeries from the age of 2 years to 15 years. Of course my heart broke all 63 times!...but it's amazing how resilient children are.

maryanne -
OMG - windsurfing...don't give her any ideas! LOL

mary - TADAH - Graycie - everyone -
Thanks for the advice...I am going to call in the AM and see if I can get in with one of his associates. I just hate having to beg for a frickin' Dr. appt. *&^%$#@*&^%$

ravdeb -
OMG - Cinderella...!

Debbie -
I just can't believe you're still alive! LOL You have way more than 9 lives! My niece called...the book is nowhere to be found! Bummer...big time!

Kelly -
Weather report please...LOL
Our engine was delivered today. Now Roy has to freeze his butt off in our un-heated gargage, while putting it into the Goat!

Laura