2005 ROCK-TOBER CHEMO GIRLS

linny

Ravdeb, sorry the mammo was painful. I had one last June, also hurt like heck, and am scheduled again for June.

Amy, I was totally a non-worrier about my health before breast cancer - I never discussed it at length, or obsessed about it. Now, I think about it constantly and I feel that I've lost my peace of mind about health forever. Last night I had quite a bad headache, took 222 (which works great) but it made me feel upset.

A friend who started a wonderful cancer support group for Jewish women in Toronto eight years ago, is having mast. today for second primary cancer. She has lots of cancer in the family, I cannot understand why she did not have a double mast. 8 years ago. She is a wonderful, giving person, I understand that this new tumour is very large and aggressive, she had neo-adjuvant chemo, but they did not feel it worked very well.

Linda

ravdeb

Linda...so sorry about your friend and the new primary. It's so hard to deal with it when it's a friend and hard to hear that somebody "got it again".

Just spoke to my girlfriend who is going in for core biopsy today. She's really nervous about it. I think she's more nervous about the procedure than the results right now. She's afraid it's going to be very painful afterwards. She's happy to be doing this vs an excisional, but is SCARED. I'm so worried... She will call me later if she feels up to it. I'm a wreck. I tried not to show it on the phone so I hope she didn't notice. She is my best friend..like family. She has already been through a diagnosis of melanoma insitu. This time it HAS to be benign.

Pain after core biopsy..would it be different considering the size of the breast? I mean...a breast hanging because it is large would probably hurt more than a small breast, right? Just wondering...

ake

i had a lot of pain after the core biopsy when i got diagnosed but it was because it was so hard to get the needle into the tumor...she said it was so rock hard. so i got jabbed more than once and it hurt a lot afterwards...i was really bruised. i'm not sure if it's the size of the breast as much as it's where thetumor is located, how hard it is to get to it.

deb, i'm sorry you're going through the fear and stress of not knowing with your friend. my best friend's mother just had an abnormal mammogram and i'm trying to stay calm when she talks to me. and she knows i'm trying to stay calm as well. it's hard when we see someone go through what we went through. just be there for your friend in the best way i know you can and take care of yourself too

debbie...it's sunning with birds singing there? it's snowing here!!!! where the hell is spring?

rosemarie...i had my end of chemo anniversary in january and this week is my end of treatment anniversary! i'm trying to be proud of myself and not be freaked out. i can't believe there was a time when a lot of us were bald...so surreal!

have a good wed. ladies

love,
amy

ravdeb

Wow..end of treatments Amy? you were much ahead of me. I'm going to be celebrating the end of my chemo treatments in a couple of week.

Thanks, Amy, for the good advice. I read somewhere that they might try 3 different places on the tumor for a core biopsy. And it would make sense where the tumor is and how hard it is to get to. I'm sure she will be very aware what they are doing. She's medically on top of things. I'm waiting for her return call when she is done and at home. She lives alone, has lots of friends, but I worry about her. We are so far apart!

I will try to blow some hot air in the direction of the snowy areas. (My dad would tell me that would not be so hard..me and my blowing hot air!). We have some great weather here and I just heard we will be getting warmer temps...probably 70's. Warmer means no rain here in Israel.

I didn't take advantage of the nice day. Was so disorganized after the mammo...

TracySeattle

Isn't it grand to have HAIR??? I was just thinking about that this morning on the bus. I am letting mine grow a bit. I remember last year at this time, I just wanted hair, I didn't care what it looked like! :-) We have come a long way in the past year...

Deb - I am thinking of your friend.... Sorry the mammo hurt, but the results will be positive and it will ease your mind.

Linda - sorry about your friend who is having the mast too. I hate to hear those stories.

Debbie - Do you have daylight savings time in England? I have a friend who is traveling there this weekend and he was wondering.

I wish we were all closer together so that we could help each other with projects. Wouldn't that be great?

Off to work now. Have a good day, everyone.

RoseMarie

will write more later but rememer my first avatar?

debbie444

tracey - at the moment it is 15.54 here

debbie444

So i am 5hrs ahead of the time on the screen- we havent altered the clocks for spring yet.
Ok - Mark informs me he needs a 'murder mystery costume ' for school next week. He fancies Sherlock Holmes , i dont fanct buying all of the tweed. Thinking of sending him in a white boiler suit and gloves as a member of forenscics unless anyone comes up with somethig before then??
Rosemarie - still a cute pic!

Talking of hair - Sams is back!!

ravdeb

RoseMarie..you look really cute in that old avatar. I do remember you like that and thought that, then, too! My haven't we all changed. I agree..

And even Sam! What a cutie, Debbie!

A murder mystery costume..where DO they come up with things like this! hmmmmmmmmm...forensics sounds like a good way to go about this one. I have no idea..'cept for wearing a suit and carrying a magnifying glass around and wearing those rubber gloves to pick up the evidence in!

RoseMarie

Debbie, Hee, hee! He's soo cute ! I am so happy he's all better!! the forensics outfit sounds like a good idea

Deb- so sorry about your friend. Keeping her in my thoughts and prayers today! And, sorry to hear about your painful mammo!
Busy but enjoyable morn. here. I went to John Michael's school and worked in the "Publishing room." The kids submit stories to be "published" and volunteers type up the stories and bind them into books. I love this kind of "stuff."

Have a wonderful day, ladies!!

marymelodi

RavDeb: I had core biopsy, 5 samples on each large breast. The nurses gave me ice packs to wear home inside my bra. I kept using them all the rest of the day. I was reeling from the diagnosis of breast cancer that I received but I do not remember much bruising. Perhaps a little. I don't remember it as a very bad thing. Tell you friend that ice packs will be very good to make her more comfortable in the long run. If you can buy them, those gel packs that can be refrozen in the freezer are good to have on hand. With a husband that has arthritic knees and still loves sports, we have about a dozen in our freezer and they often are very handy. Hopefully, she has a well-fitting bra that gives her good support. Through all the procedures on my breast, my good bras were very helpful supporting the tissues that were cut, stitched, poked, prodded, etc.

Hope it is a benign day for her.
Mary

marymelodi

Oh, I didn't see Sam before. What a cutie pie!!

Mary

TracySeattle

Debbie when do you change your clocks for Spring? We change our this weekend - March 11 which is a lot earlier than before!

Sam is so cute! I am so glad he has recovered!

TracyNY

This darned clock change is messing with my routines. I change from my winter look to the spring/summer draperies and accessories the weekend the clock changes. Not this year. Its too cold to take down the heavy panels for one thing and the main reason is that I haven't even bought/made the new ones yet. Pshaw! Like I don't have enough problems. Maybe I just miss watching tv!!

Graycie

Had a busy couple of day's had to work my butt off since I missed Monday.

Amy, I want to say good new's but part of me is wondering....did you want to be pregnant? I am not sure if it is a good thing or bad thing that the test came out neg. As far as the condom's, I like Cathy think the fault lie's more on the user and not the condom itself but then again I was fertile myrtle. I think someone could look at me sideway's and I would get pregnant. I wouldn't spend a lot of money on another pregnancy test. I don't think the price of the test matter's. They sell them at the dollar store and my niece bought one and it worked just fine, she is pregnant. She did it twice just to be sure but if you really want to be sure call your doctor and get a blood test. I think that is still the most accurate. Those store pregnancy test's never worked on my sister.

Rosemarie, Yes I do remember your first avatar. Actually it really is a good picture of you. See, it doesn't matter if you have hair or not..........lol...and reading back on the post's, don't ever think you are a bad mother. You are the BEST in my eye's and I am sure you are the BEST in your kid's eye's too. They are lucky to have such a loving and caring Mom.

Debbie, Glad to see you back. I was starting to worry about you. So it was a little old troll that was keeping you away. Forget about him or her, they are just people trying to stir up trouble and if they know it is getting to you it will give them all the more reason to do it. They can't hurt us after all we are the Rock-tober girls..we didn't get our name for nothing, we are tuff as nail's. Ignore, Ignore, Ignore....
BTW, Sam is adorable. I forgot how cute he is.

Ravdeb, Sorry your mammo was so painful. But aren't you glad you are done for another 6 mos. Mine hurt like h*** too. I go back next month I think. Did they do a sonogram too? I also feel bad for your friend. My core biopsy is a big blur. Don't remember it. I didn't really have time to think about it because they took me in right away after the sonogram and I think I was still in shock over the size of the lump they found.

Linda, Glad is hear Isaac is doing so well. That is so wonderful that he will be able to hear. I am sorry to hear about your friend though. I hope everything goes well for her.

Why is everyone getting BC. Do you remember ever hearing of so many cases? I just hope I am around when they find out what causes it. I am sure that will be many years down the road although you never know....

Victoria, Awwwww, that's sweet of your son. Sorry you are having such a bad day. BTW, what is an acequias? I am still a little confused. I know you got a new house but did you sell your other house?

Michele, Linda and Mary I hope you are keeping warm and Cathy too if it is still cold there.

Laura, Maryanne and Kelly, I hope you are enjoying your vacation's

Anonymous

Hi Girls!!!
I am stateside...would rather be back in MX...reality stinx!

I'm exhausted, so I will address each of you tomorrow, but I have to THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH for the birthday greetings, cards (debbie - I love the big smile) (graycie - OMG you are an artist), gifts, PM's, animated posts (ravdeb, kelly), etc. My birthday was extra special this year and I sincerely appreciate your thoughtfulness and your love. Roy booked us a lobster sunset cruise on my birthday and it was FAB. We sailed on a catamaran, watched the sunset and then had a lobser dinner on a very romantic beach. But...everyone on the cruise knew it was my birthday, so I was offered shots of Tequila and I got really bombed! LOL

I will write more tomorrow...have to take a hot bath right now...I'm in weather shock...this morning I was in a 92 degree atmosphere, and tonight I'm in a 23 degree one. Yuck...

Graycie

Laura, WELCOME BACK.....

ake

graycie...you should be a psychologist you were right to wonder that. my health and my life is always first and foremost when i make decisions related to breast cancer...i will sacrafice my fertility to live as long as possible with my husband. but, that doesn't mean i don't want to get pregnant. i don't want to get pregnant now. at all. i would have to decide baby vs. tamoxifen and that is too hard a decision to make. i also like my freedom with my husband. we're getting a dog this summer and that is enough but, there is that small part of me that wonders...can i get pregnant? so, taking that damn pregnancy test had so many mixed feelings for me. relief in regards to my health and ugh, kinda sad feeling in terms of one day being a mom. but, you definitely are right

Anonymous

Michele: Thanks for the info. It's officially on my list of things to do.

Cathy: I will get Heartburn next time I'm at the bookstore. If you think it was as funny as the last one I will definitely get it. I read a variety of genres for all age levels. Currently I am reading two books: Incognito Mosquito (9-12) and Snow Flower and the Secret Fan (adult). Of course I read at least one picture book (5-99) a day to my students.

On to report cards, mid-year awards, honor roll list, etc.

Paula15089

hi girls,
someone posted this poem on aussie forum, i thought i'd share it with you! Its soo cute. Apparently liking purple means you found your inner soul. Hmmmm.. i hate purple...

When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we've no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick flowers in other people's gardens
And learn to spit.

You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat
And eat three pounds of sausages at a go
Or only bread and pickle for a week
And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes.

But now we must have clothes that keep us dry
And pay our rent and not swear in the street
And set a good example for the children.
We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.

But maybe I ought to practice a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.

Jenny Joseph

Paula15089

oh, and i had core biopsy as well. Had bruising, but dont remember the pain at all. Emotionally i was such a wreck, i could have been been hit by a train though and wouldnt notice...
What was a lot more painful, is a dye injection for my SNB. They dont give any local anesthesia here, so i coped those 4 huge needles. Core biopsy was a piece of cake compared to that.

ravdeb

Paula..I love that poem. I am going to copy and tape it to my wall! GREAT!

Okay..the core biopsy for my gf is over. I spoke with her last night. She said it wasn't too bad AND they are highly optimistic that it was a cyst because this was ultrasound guided and it appeared to be shrinking with each stick. She is cautiously optimistic and I'm totally optimistic. It so sounds like a cyst and they wouldn't have said that if they weren't 99% sure. She will know on Monday..is mad that they can't know before the weekend. But..she is okay, was taking the day off of work, had herself packed with ice and was tired mostly from the tension.

They reminded her that 80% of the lumps are benign and I told her that the reason it seems that most of them are malignant is because those who have biopsies that turn out to be cancer talk about them more and those who have benign ones, mention it and then the subject is over. She agreed with me.

Welcome back, Laura!

Brenda..those books sound really funny. Will add them to my book list when I go to the States.

Tracy NY... sorry the spring hours are coming before you are ready to change to the next season! I hope that that is THE biggest stress item you ever have in your life!!! I love the way you do things... I want you to come to my house and attack my windows..I have a million windows and we've only been able to change two rooms in the house since we moved in. I know, I know..that would drive you wild!! It is actually making me nuts but my dh and I do not aggree on things so it's best to NOT do anything, if you know what I mean!

Must get going..have much to do today.

Can't remember what else was said on the other page..brain has gone numb.

V...good luck today with the house closing. Talk about stress!

debbie444

Its my long lunch hour today so have come home. Lovely day - sun is out , snow patrol loud on the CD player and have had a good dance.
Life is good
Dont waste a second

ake

deb....glad you're friend's biopsy seems to be okay. it's good when those lumps and bumps shrink!

RoseMarie

Debbie -
Paula - loved the poem too. I already e-mailed it to my mom as she is forever complaining that my g-ma uses her age as an excuse to be inappropriate. (At 92 I think she can do whatever she wants to do!)
Deb - good news! I hope all comes back fine!
Gail - you're sweet.
Brenda - I've never hear of that author but I'm heading to the library today - sounds good. things I don't miss about teaching...grading papers and doing report cards! And coming up with a nice way to say something negative, "Your child is working hard at getting along with others."
ok - got a "fancy" dinner to go to tonight, new dress and everything - woohoo - AND a 14 year old babysitter. My kids think LIFE IS GOOD! Sooo, going out to by new pantyhose and mascara... Have a great day ladies!

ravdeb

Debbie..wanna dance with you!
Thanks to all..I'm waiting for her final path report but I'm sure it will be fine.

RoseMarie..Have FUN tonight! You are so funny! I remember having to learn the "pat sentences" in Hebrew to say to the parents and write in the report cards. I had a teacher actually write out the sentences in Hebrew like..He needs to participate more (translated to he is sleeping in class!).

V..I think I mentioned this once before that it's an Israeli custom to buy or give land/house to our kids, as well. Our land was passed down to us. We built on it. I find it interesting that it's in your culture as well.

TracySeattle

Have any of you read Janet Evonovich's Stephanie Plum novels? They are a RIOT! Stephaine is a female bounty hunter who lives in NJ. Her assistant, LuLu is an ex-hooker and her grandma sometimes helps her solve cases (grandma carries a BIG gun in her purse). If you haven't read them and want a good laugh - you need to get them! There are twelve books and it is best to start with number one....

I bought "I feel bad about my neck" I am waiting for it to come in the mail.

Here is something kinda cute for you all to start your morning with a chuckle:

Why God Made Moms

Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions:

Why did God make mothers?
1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house.
3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.

How did God make mothers?
1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
3. God made my Mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.

What ingredients are mothers made of?
1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.

Why did God give you Your mother & not some other mom?
1. We're related.
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's moms like me.

What kind of little girl was your mom?
1. My Mom has always been my Mom and none of that other stuff.
2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
3. They say she used to be nice.

What did Mom need to know about dad before she married him?
1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?

Why did your Mom marry your dad?
1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my Mom eats a lot.
2. She got too old to do anything else with him.
3. My grandma says that Mom didn't have her thinking cap on.

Who's the boss at your house?
1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.
2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess Mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.

What's the difference between Moms & dads?
1 . Moms work at work and work at home & dads just go to work at work.
2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3. Dads are taller & stronger, but Moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if want to sleep over at your friend's.
4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.

What does your Mom do in her spare time?
1. Mothers don't do spare time.
2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.

What would it take to make your Mom perfect?
1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.

If you could change one thing about your Mom, what would it be?
1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.
2. I'd make my Mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me.
3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.

ravdeb

Tracy..toooooooooo cute.. I like..Moms don't do spare time! Now aint THAT the truth!

Well, what I do is make a list of books that sound interesting and then when I go to Florida, my mom and I spend hours in the bookstores. She is addicted to books.

Oh..I spend hours in the bookstores in Chicago BEFORE I get to Florida! One year, my suitcase weighed so much because it was so filled with books that I not only had to pay $75 for overweight, but the dang suitcase broke!

Now I'm very careful how many books I buy to take back home with me!

debbie444

Tracy - i have read her books!! Made more sense when i read the first one - i started in the middle of the series i think.
I am reading 'Scared to Live' by Stephen Booth. He writes a lot of murder mysteries , all set in the Peak District so its fun to name spot. I missed his book signing. The last book signing we went to was an authoress that Catherine reads - Jacqueline Wilson - dont know if she has 'crossed the pond'? We queued for 4 hrs, for the queue to even start moving, then another 3 hrs to get to the front!! We were about half way down the queue - it was unbelievable!
On the Cd player i have 'Eyes OPen' by Snow Patrol and @Greatest Hits' by Robbie Williams ( gotta love him!!) He has been diagnosed with Bipolar disorder - just shows that having more money than you can count and being one of the most drop dead gorgous men ever to live ( apart from my husband of course) doesnt count at all in the scheme of things.

TracyNY

Welcome back, Laura! Happy belated birthday, I wonder what you and Roy got up to when you were "bombed" on tequila?!