2005 ROCK-TOBER CHEMO GIRLS

TracyNY

I have given up meat and restricted myself to one hour or one tv show per night. Its only been 2 nights but I keep falling asleep really early and getting up at 1 or 2am with nothing to do! I hope this stops soon but on a positive note I have almost finished one half of a half-finished novel I've been toying with for the longest.

Monday I'm off to Atlanta until Saturday. I need some sun already. The following weekend is the Philadelphia Flower Show, this is about my 12th year going, it is usually a sight to behold. Once it was pretty awful, in 2000 the theme was the millenium something or other and all the displays looked like the Apocalypse!!

I don't know what I'm going to do for entertainment tomorrow, I usually watch tv all day!!

TracySeattle

Tracy - sounds like you need to go shopping!!! Good thing you didn't give that up! LOL!

ravdeb

Tracy NY..good luck with what you've given up. I could give up the meat but giving up TV would be tough for me, too. There are some days when I never watch TV and some days where I can't NOT watch it!

I think Tracy in Seattle is right...get out and SHOP!

Have a safe trip to Atlanta. Enjoy the warm temps.

Question: I have a college friend who had bc about 7 years ago. Besides the awful lymphedema that she has and cellulitis that puts her in the hospital all the time, she has hypothyroidism. She kept telling her onc that she was fatigued and they just nodded, like they do for me. So, she got tough and told them that she is so fatigued that she drives all over the road. That got the doc's attention and she had her thyroid tested. She has all the symptoms of this, too. Anyway..just wondered..were you all tested for this? I wasn't. Not that I know of. She asked me like this..."You WERE tested for this, weren't you?"

I have since learned that this is a common side effect from chemo. YIKES!

debbie444

Never heard of it Deb!
I have given up chocolate - bars - didnt realise how many i actually eat - its hard. Dont think i could do TV. Some days i donr watch it but there are some things i really enjoy. I watch all the Law and Orders, all the CSIs , Teachers and Life on Mars, plus lots of documentaries. We laugh that we learn far more from the satelite TV than we ever did at school. I can tell you alsorts about medicine in central Africa, the history of ostlers and how to raise viking treasure. All i need now is th eright pub quiz!!
Go shopping Tracey!! You arent flying into Atlanta are you?? That airport is a nightmare!

chumfry

Ravdeb:

I developed hypothyroidism 10 to 15 years ago. My main symptoms were fatigue and weight gain. (I put on 50 pounds in six months.) SHRIEK!!

I generally get my thyroid levels checked once a year (blood test) but my doc's been doing them more frequently since BC diagnosis. We both worried that the chemo would affect my thyroid medication levels, but it didn't.

Anonymous

ravdeb -
I take Synthroid daily...right after chemo ended, I was always freezing cold and then I started to feel very confused and scatter brained (even more than the usual chemo-brain) so I asked my Onc about it. He did a blood test for the Thyroid - tsh and tfree4(?) levels. Both came back extremely elevated...14. Normal range levels are 4-5 (?). So, since then - about a year now - I have been taking it. I'm no longer always freezing cold, but I'm still scatter brained! LOL I'm not sure if the Thyroid tests are part of a regular blood work up - but I would think they would be. Do you know for sure that you haven't been tested? If you don't know for sure... you may want to look back through your blood tests - if you have copies of them.

I'm curious to know that if this is a SE of chemo, does that mean that I will be able to go off the Synthroid
someday? And if yes, how will my Dr. ever be able to know if my levels are normal if I'm taking the medication?

ravdeb

Thanks Laura. I'm going to look this up. I guess he'd take you off the synthroid and check it. But, I doubt he'd do that. Synthroid is popular with older women and chemo made us into older women so you are probably on it for life. But, I don't know much about this. But you can be sure I will now research it!

I got the feeling from my girlfriend that this was a routine blood test after chemo treatments. Guess not.

I am always cold, too, except when the hot flashes warm me for a minute or two! When I walk on the beach I warm up but it doesn't take long for me to be cold again. It has to be in the 90's for me to feel warm, usually, unless of course a hot flash comes on.

I'm fatigued. Confused? Well, yea but I wouldn't blame it on the thyroid!!!!

ravdeb

Cindy...
Well, that's good that the chemo didn't mess your situation up.
I've gained weight but nothing significant and since I'm now in menopause, I'm sure that is the reason.

But..I am going to now do some research. Joan on a different thread did a post about this and I found it interesting but I don't remember why she posted it.

At any rate, I'm off to do some research!

Oh..I did have a TSH in my general blood test and it was in the normal range.

Thanks Ladies.

chumfry

Ravdeb:

TSH stands for "thyroid stimulating hormone" and if yours is in the normal range, that's good. The TSH goes up when your thyroid isn't doing its job. It's like TSH is going, "Wake the heck up, thyroid!!" So high levels of TSH means an underactive thyroid.

You can also have an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) where you're hot all the time, physically and often emotionally. People with overactive thyroids often have unprovoked rage attacks. Yikes!

ravdeb

Good Morning Ladies,

Cindy..thanks for the info. I did some reading and I highly doubt I have a problem with the thyroid and frankly, I have so many different problems that I do NOT need this one!!!!

I have a guest coming so I'm in a rush but wanted to let you all know that Victoria has started a new chemo regime. She does NOT have mets. She has other health issues that made her stop chemo in the middle the first time. AFter much research and discussion with her onc, she started chemo yesterday and is doing fine so far.

Curlylocks

Good morning sisters,

I didnt know that chemo treatment could mess up your thyroid. I dont think I have a problem with mine, just have hotflahes and cant not remember anything short term (but think that is the Armidex and chemo brain). I have gained some weight from chemo and AI but nothing significant.

A funny story about not remebering anything short term.... I was doing laundry and as we are a rural property we have a sump pump to empty the water from the washer into a sink and the pump kicks in to empty the sink out.

Our sump pump is in need of repair, hubby has to fix one more section of it and then it will be 100% okay.

I go to do a load of laundry last night and leave the basement door open so I can hear the rinse cycle. I forgot to listen for the rinse cycle until I hear water flowing like Niagara Falls all over the basement floor. Then you hear oh crap, me running downstairs and water everywhere. I had to push the water towards the drain while I am cursing to myself, then I started to laugh at myself.LOL. Wont be the first time I have forgotten to do something in the last little while.

Cindy and Laura - I hope that you continue to be able to control your thyroid through meds.

Deb - thanks for the info on Victoria, I actually read that on another thread. I knew she had problems with not being able to do chemo the first time around, hopefully she can tolerate this regime.

Debbie444 - a night walk, will you have a GPS or a light on your helmet like miners do? Which deal did you decide on pizza or robes. If you dont get to keep the robe I would go for the pizza.

Rosemarie - I loooove girl guide cookies, which ones are they the mint or the older version of vanilla and chocolate?
Does Jean Michael have to sell all of those? Seems like alot for one child to sell?

Mary - hello, you are one busy lady, listening to your schedule makes me tired.

TracyNy - are you into gardening or just like going to the Flower shows? I try to eat alot less meat these days and more chicken. Giving up tv would be difficult, some days I watch a fair bit and others I dont have time.

Paula - hope you are feeling better.

Ladies have a good morning have to run and get my hair styled, yah! That sound pretty good to me, I have hair this year for the Annual Fireman's Ball which is tonight. My sister is also going with us, it is usually a really good time and lots of dancing.....

Michele

Anonymous

debbie -
Linkie no Workie? Try this one:
http://www.medievaltimes.com

debbie444

Ok - now i see knights but no links from there work. You will have to tell me - whats it all about?? I gues it isnt like our Medieval market with wandering minstrels and rat catchers then!!
michelle - you get to go to a dance with lots of firemen?? Lucky you!!!!!
Deb - so are you any closer to sorting out th ehealth issues then?
TraceyNY - when do you come to the UK? Or have you sneaked in and out without me knowing!LOL
On a more serious note,someone told me that things have altered since i last came to the states and i may not be able to do a visaless entry. Is that right?? Do i have to sort one out before i come?? Would hate to get turned away at customs. Did i tell you my nephew (14) lost his passport in Milan? He was really scared that he was going to be stranded but they sorted it - they took his school bus pass as ID!!

Gotta go do some gardening while it has actually stopped raining!
Debbie

Curlylocks

Deb - My hubby is a part time fireman so its no big deal to me. He is my man in uniform.LOL.

Dont know about the visaless entry, do know that we Canadians now need a passport to fly into the states. I had mine updated in September last year, so okay on that front.
Dont know where you would check to find out that info? U.S. Government site?

I got my hair done, straightened cant believe how much hair I have (length wise) and it looks like big hair now, not sure if I like it. I have asked my sis to bring over her small barrel curling iron to see if I can make it look smaller then not tease the hair afterwards.

Will post some pics of our night out. Watch for them tomorrow.

Have a super day ladies.

Michele

ravdeb

Have fun, Michele.

Debbie..I know that Israelis need to have a visa to enter the States. You should call the American Consulate or embassy near you and ask them. Or..go into the American Embassy website. They probably have the info there.

I am actually feeling better. Thanks for asking. I did housecleaning on Thurs and have been feeling better ever since. So, Graycie...that stuff works! LOL. Actually , I thought my back would be killing me afterwards as it usually does, but it is not that bad and I have to say that the pains are less. I'm still a bit stiff but that's not a problem. I have no idea why this is. But, it is! I took a walk throught the fields here with Casey and it was really good. We walked for about an hour or more. She was happy and so was I.

I don't even have knee problems after that. Things are looking up. I'm seeing an orthopedist on Thurs and I'll see what he has to say. But right now, I feel almost "normal" whatever THAT is!

cathy987

Debbie

I do not believe you need a Visa. Check out the following:

http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html

I'll also check with my friends in England who were just here what the current situation is.

cathy987

Deb-Happy to hear you're feeling better.

Isn’t pain weird? I can totally relate to how you can feel really miserable and then feel pretty good. There’s no rhyme or reason to it. If it’s housework that makes you feel better I have a really big dose of that medicine waiting for me! Lol

Thanks for the heads up on Victoria.

Michele–I could share real horror stories about sump pumps. Currently one of mine (yes I have two) is running non-stop. That’s better than not running at all but if I don’t get it fixed the motor will burn out and I just had it replaced. The joys of living in the country!

TracyNY–hey it’s not too late to see the “Blue Men” They’re really entertaining and if the show is anything like it was in Vegas last year I highly recommend them. I almost lost my wig at their show. Good luck on all you’re giving up. Does it still work that Sundays are free of whatever you give up for Lent? My girlfriend would always give up candy but on Sunday she made up for it. Oh, and to answer you question about me meeting your furniture man–just looking for entertainment!

Paula hope you’re feeling better too.

Have a nice weekend all. I’m off to take my medicine–house cleaning.

ravdeb

Well, Cathy...you should be feeling well by now with that new House Cleaning Therapy! And just think..you get the bonus of a clean house! I have a house cleaner but I cancelled him this week and I'm thinking I should cancel him next week too! I mean..if this stuff works... So far so good. Got through the whole day and except for the new technique for getting out of a chair due to stiffness, I'm doing well. I feel the ache on the left side, a bit down the leg..it's not gone but it's better. Not as much aching in the upper back. Life is good!

Curlylocks

We just came back from getting a quote to upgrade our kitchen, new cupboards with crown moulding, counter, backslash, sink and taps. It looks so nice and think it will help to sell our house in the spring. The guy is going to call next week to come by and measure everything and then get everything ordered. It should be done in time for us to put our house on the market mid April.

My husband said too bad we wont be in the house long enough to enjoy them, its that always the way though. I have heard that kitchens and bathrooms are the two big ticket items that people look for when viewing a home.

I got my hair done and took a picture of it. I kinda like it, not use to it being straight and wouldnt have the time to straighten it every morning. For a special occasion it is fine.

Deb - glad to hear that your housework seems to help your pains a little. I hate housework. We actually had a maid service come in twice a month while I was going through treatment to make it easier. We cancelled them two months ago so now its back to us keeping it clean. I no longer worry that everything is right in its place, doesnt seem important in the scheme of things now. I can picture Casey running through the fields all happy, our pups are out now with my hubby for their daily walk. I have to save my energy up for dancing tonight.LOL.

TracyNy - We saw the blueman group in Oct 05 in Toronto. They were amazing and so so different. It involves quite a bit of audience participation which was really a blast. I wont give the show away for you, but really liked them.

Cathy - we have had to replace our sump pump every 2 years due to the hard water here, it is really hard on the plumbing and sump pump. This is something we wont miss when we move into the city. We are so ready to leave the country, been here since 93 and tired of shoveling snow and raking leaves for a month each fall, no garbage pickup.

Have a great afternoon, will check in tomorrow.

Michele

ravdeb

Wow you have a lot of hair! It's looks really pretty and you look great with it but I love curly hair! I know your hair looks longer because it's straight but you still have a lot of hair.

I was just out at friends who I don't see very often and one of the women commented on how long my hair was. I think I saw her in the Fall like in Sept. My hair was much shorter and not as full. But she said, "Weren't you wearing your hair a lot shorter before?" and I felt like smacking her and telling her it was not my choice but instead just said, "yes, it grew!".

Then...as long as I'm on a roll here..another woman sat herself down next to me and after chit chatting said, "I am giving myself permission to tell you this. A close friend of mine had her mammogram and they thought they saw something and then they did a test and it really was something". LOL I felt like asking her what the "something" was but didn't. Guess she's afraid to say that word that starts with c! Shhhhhhhhhh she may get it herself! Then she told me that her girlfriend had to go on hormones at a young age and "you know that this is very bad and this is why you get breast cancer". I just glared at her. I see... Later I told her that I didn't take hormones and I got "that".

Anonymous

Debbie -
Medieval Times is a huge arena with knights on horses and everyone eats with their hands instead of utensils, but without seeing the website - it's hard to explain. Kids love it! Lots of birthday parties are held there.

Michele -
Your hair looks really cute! Can't wait to see the outfit.

TracyNY

you might just get it. I've been looking for snow, here it comes to thwart my annual Spring Fling! My best friend comes from England and she and I hang out together at this time of year. This year we're going to Atlanta to accomodate the third musketeer who is coming from Barbados and no friend to the cold. And now there is a snow storm brewing. Air Tran barely needs an excuse to delay their flights far less snow on the horizon.

This leaves me less time in which to down my mandatory case of Heinekn. Drat!

Debbie: I haven't been to England yet, I need about 6,000 more points to get my free flight on Continental. I'm not trying to pay airfare.

Blue Man Group has been playing since I was in college back in 92. I hope they update their material periodically! I don't take vacation from my Lenten committment. When its over, its over. Its not been that bad without tv actually. I've been sleeping like an old lady!

I baked a cake today and all the raisins sank to the bottom. Any bakers out there who can tell me how to counter that?

I also went shopping in my own house today, I found clothes with tags on them in drawers I was straightening up. When I go to Philly for the flower show I think I'm going to skip the outlets this time although.... I'm getting my performance incentive bonus next week, mmmmmm!!

Paula15089

Michele your hair looks great!! I can not straighten mine if my life depended on it.
I am still very sick. In fact, a few of us who went to that restaurant last sat got a flu.
wow i was ok living by myself during chemo, so why do i feel so sorry for myself now??

Anonymous

Paula -
Awwwwww...being suck sicks! LOL Hope you're better soon.

TaDah -
We're getting a very bad storm too. I just came in from feeding the deer - it's really windy, bitter cold and it's doing a combo - raining and snowing at the same time!

TracySeattle

Hi All!

Hope you are all having a good weekend....

Paula, sorry you are still feeling bad. Get Better soon!

Michelle - your hair looks great!

This is an at home weekend for me, haven't had one of those for a while. Dave has a wound and infection on his leg so he is out of commission. He is resting and taking good care of it. Since he can't do as much as he always does I have been busy in the house, cooking, etc....

That is about it for me today! Catch you all tomorrow!

Graycie

Michele, your hair look's great. If you think your hair look's too puffy, which I don't think it does, use a large curling iron not a small one. That will straighten it and flatten it out. But, I think it looks great just the way it is. New remodeled kitchen? I would love to do mine. You may never want to move after you get it done.

Ravdeb, I am glad the cleaning thing is working for you. I am beginning to think that boredom is causing my fatigue. If I keep busy I feel a lot better and less aches and pains too.

TracyNY, Have fun in Atlanta. I hope the weather clears for you and Laura. I think we are supposed to get hit again with the snow tomorrow. Today was a beautiful day cold but a lot of sunshine.......

Paula, Sorry you are sick. If everyone else is sick do you think it was something you ate? Or isn't that the kind of flu you have. Take care.....

Tracy, I hope Dave feel's better soon too.......

Graycie Gail

Anonymous

Wow! Michelle, I love your new hair-doo! I really want to go to my stylist but I will keep on letting it grow for a while and go to her maybe in April ... I can last a while longer and since it will cost a fortune for highlights and a cut, my budget says HALT!!

Anonymous

Kelly -
I'm still waiting for your avatar of Dave in the hallway!
OMG LOL

RoseMarie

I KNOW I just posted, I even got "the message" so where'd it go??
Oh well, too sleepy to post again...
Love you all!

Anonymous

We are having a really bad ice storm right now. I hope everyone is tucked away safely at home.