For those starting chemo in June

janie44

PJ, Mary must be busy redoing her house. What a dynamo! My Herceptin effects are very mild compared to chemo. The foot doctor told me that sometimes the swelling never goes down after chemo -- something I was not pleased to hear since I have such trouble finding shoes to fit and/or look decent.

I hope you continue to feel well and it doesn't hit you on about the 3rd day. Do you know what to expect? That was a stupid question. I'm sure you have read about the various side effects of both.

Take care,

Janie

mary1220

Hi GIrls, Yes Jaanie you are right. I decided out of the blue to paint my kitchen. I decided on desert colors and I am uasing two colors and I have it all figured out in my head. Now the problem is I painted for hours yesterday and I have about 1/4 done and I don't want to do any more. I am the stupidest person alive!!!!Could someone please shoot me???? Maybe it is time for a divorce cause my hubby is rubbing off on me, BUT....I finish my projects. He would just leave the kitchen alone now and say I will get back to it later and later would come when I get the paint brush and finish. The only good news is I have a oh crap chemo brain I have a a a Oh; galley kitchen so its pretty small but a lot of wood around the plaster, there is wood around the middle of the wall for no reason. I hate the trimming....I saw the pain management guy and thats about a waste of time and money....P.J. I do treatments with a gal who is on Zoleta and God knows what all. She lost her hair again and its back pretty quick this time. She has liver, bone,lung mets. She was full when thay found it. She is out and about town with her grandkids like me and I know she has some bad days but anyway shes a trooper as you so hopefully you will have more good days than bad. I have never really asked her much we always talk about where we see each other(our grandaughters are friends) and where we have been and what we have done with our grandkids and then we fall asleep. I know she has a long treatment and I know she takes the pills also. You hang in there and Janie, no one knows whay the hell my hip and leg hurts but the pain guy told me how toxic chemo was and how our bodies are never the same after, DUH....I got drugs and he wants some blood work and thats it. Gee, I drug my gimp ass leg outta there and went home. Well I shall return but I gotta get some painting done cause I won't get anything done if I don't get in there and get into it now. I am really mad at myself for getting myself into this so when hubby comes in from the shed/castle he is going to pay. Hey, someone has to and it's just not satifying yelling at myself. He should of talked my outta this.He is so dead....Hugs, Mary

janie44

Mary, I would hate to see something I painted. Two of my kids painted several rooms in the house we used to live in and surprisingly did a very good job. I, on the other hand, know what I like when I see it, but cannot visualize what I want beforehand.

Yeah, the foot dr. said a lot of women who had had chemo came in there with swollen feet. He noticed my right foot, although the left is the one I broke -- so now they are both swollen. I bet people think I was in a wreck with my big orthopedic boot and my lymphedema sleeve.

janie

mary1220

Janie I feel sorry for you. My mom broke her toe lengthwise one time and she had a boot for some time. Thats gotta suck. I got up and was at my puter when I noticed it was 7:30 and I told my husband the grandson was running late, hubby reminded me it is Sat. One grandson comes here before and after school because we are a block from his school. Oh boy it's gonna be one of those days. Well hope your foot gets better quick and P.J. is doing good and hanging in there. I am washing all my drapes and really cleaning good. Holy crap, it must be a side effect from the Herceptin because I just don't get around to doing this kind of stuff. Theres something wrong with me. I better go get busy, shoot there I go again, please put me out of my misery. I need help or a job. I kinda enjoyed working and not haveing to do so much housework, ya know it gave me an excuse. Hugs, Mary

janie44

Yeah, leave it to me to do something like this. A new wrinkle last night when I took the new kind of wrap off the foot -- I appear to be allergic to it. I was broken out and itching. I am going to try a sock under it when I wrap it ths morning. Mary, I will be lucky if I remember to go to work Monday after being off a week. My six month mammo is already due again. This is the 2nd one. We will see if what they think is scar tissue has changed any. That is set in couple of weeks. You know, I was thinking by now I would not have so many appointments. It seems never-ending. I found out at Mayo that my 3 month appointments are for a year AFTER Herception, before it changes to every six and then each year. However, they said I only needed to come there one more time. But, I still have to decide when to have the surgery to "shape up" the breasts. I still have a pillow under each arm that has to be removed. I look like I have four boobs and it is difficult to find bras of any kind.

Have a great weekend ladies.

Janie

PJB

Janie, you just get all the breaks, don't you? (no pun intended)

So far so good. The taste stuff is already starting and I ended up being really tired last night (of course, I had to actually work for awhile yesterday....) Got a few things planned for today, so we'll just see how it goes.

Mary, hope you get off that cleaning kick soon. You'll make me feel guilty for my dirty house...

mary1220

Gosh P.J. I hope you don't lose your taste this time. I feel really sorry you have to go through this crap. I hope everyone had a great wk. end. I didn't because I am still painting this freeking kitchen. Yea, it gets pretty boring on the second coat. I hope like heck I never try this crap again and if I do I hope my dumb ass husband has enough sense to stop me. I don't use the word dumb lightly. He comes limping out there and looks in the cabinet like a half dead dog just starring, "I will make some sloppy Joes for us, wheres the pan?" Right in front of his droopy face....Thank God I can multi task as I finished the first coat on the cabinets, yea we have old farm house cabinets from the like 1900's and they are so roomy I hate to get rid of them and they just add charm to the freeking no good for anything kitchen. Oh, and I cooked sloppy Joes. My grandson that is always here Bailey and I went out in the cornfield close by and picked up some corn left behind, along with pods and different things and he was making pictures out of them. We bought some Indian corn too so he would have colored corn. He made some good pictures and he and my grandaughter will be making them all month. He and my husband went out by the lake and dug up some old medicine bottles and soda bottles. Thats why hubby is so tired and sore. We don't collect antiques, well each other, but hubby is always digging up old bottles out there at the lake. Well better get going but I am taking the night off of painting. I think we are going to go see my dad a while. Hi to Janie and Renee(we are getting 80 degrees Mom. and Tue.) and hope you are feeling well P.J. Hugs, Mary

PJB

Ugh. Was in the ER yesterday because of vomiting/diarrhea. Probably the new medicine, or perhaps a really poorly timed virus. Anyway, I feel a little better today. Weak but not sick. Mom goes home tomorrow. Thank god she was here yesterday to be with Nathan.

janie44

Paula,

Sorry you are sick. I hope it's not like AC. Do you have plenty of meds?

Hugs,

Janie

mary1220

P.J. I sure hope you get back to better. Hopefully this was a flu and not treatment. Well I almost got all the darn kitchen painted. My hubby has to move the stove and icebox but thats it and I am done. It does look pretty good. I better go because I am really tired and I am gonna make some bracelets. We are watching the Cardinals play of course. My hubby is a Cubs fan, I don't know why anyone would admitt to that! Thats just depressing to lose that much. Oh well.....Later and P.J. I hope you get feeling better. Hang in there Janie you are almost done girlfriend .... Hugs, Mary

janie44

I did it! I will finish Herceptin November 16 and I just booked a flight to Oregon Thanksgiving week!

Hope you feel better PJ.

Yep Mary. I am going to celebrate by flying off into the wild blue yonder.

Fuzzies

Janie

rlswkndr

I had the flu Tuesday, so hopefully that's all Paula had too. Hope you had fun with your mom and took advantage of all she could help you with.We're still on for Hot Chocolate when you get up here!
Janie,, things have to start going in the right direction for you soon.
Mary, we are painting at our newly built church. It has been fun but reminds me that I guess I do like the color of my kitchen- even though I'd like to paint it. Janie, did you get the bracelet?
Renee

janie44

No, I haven't gotten it yet. I am eager to see it. What charm did you add?

Janie

mary1220

Hey girls, Well I got sick of my afro and decided to get a hair cut in hopes it would get rid of some of the curl. My hair was shoulder length in back but just below the ears on the sides and I pinned it behind my ears cause it was all wispy and stuck out. Well I still have curl its just shorter curl now and what the heck....I can just wet my hands and run them through my hair and have a do. I just needed a difference ya know. A facelift might have been a better difference but this will do. Janie, I hear ya on the surgery (to even things up) because I have been thinking about that myself but keep thinking I will call and get it going but just haven't. I have to do it before the end of the year cause my insurance is paying 100% now. At the beautyshop at Wallmart, yep it's the only place you can walk in and get a cut now or in 45 mins. cause everyone is sick, but when I get an urge I want it done now. They had 2 girls working because 3 were out with the flu. My gal said its a really bad flu too. Hope your feeling better P.J. and the rest of yas be careful and Janie get some antibacterial hand wash cause you know your gonna get it from school... Hugs, Mary

janie44

Yes, there are lots of things going around in the schools. Ironically, my high school is worse than my elementary school. The health dept. is coming next week to give flu, pneumonia, and/or tentanus shots to staff who want them for a small fee. Do you think I should get them while on Herceptin?

I had a double breast reduction with a lumpectomy since I had so much breast tissue. This is something Mayo had only done a few times. They said I was the 3rd person to have this particular procedure. He got clear margins and the ps was there doing his thing too. However, they didn't want to keep me under any longer than they did. I stopped breathing a few times (sleep apnea). Also, I was on 23 hour out-patient surgery. So, I ended up with some stuff that still needs to be done. He needs to cut the two pillows off that are now formed under my arms and do some liposuction so I will have normal shaped breasts. Actually, the real ones are normal, but the added attractions are silly looking and uncomfortable in a lot of my clothes.

Hope all of you have a great day. I do my Hercept later today.

Warm fuzzies,

Janie

janie44

You already know I broke some bones in my foot. This morning I entered the main corridor at work and stumbled and fell flat. I don't think the big boot cast made me fall, but kept me from being able to catch myself. They said several people have taken a tumble there. It scared the bejiggers out of everybody but I am ok -- a little sore. Sooooooo, after work I go to have my Herceptin treatment. Somehow the cord was tackled up under the recliner, and when I sat down, the IV pole crashes into my head! Again, they said that has happened quite a few times to people. I guess I should very carefully go sit quietly and not go near anything dangerous.

Renee, The bracelet arrived today!

PJ, let me know where to send it next. It is really neat.

Hugs,

Janie

PJB

Janie, I swear, who do you think you are, Chevy Chase? Enough with the prat falls and all.... So, how many more Herceptins?

Feeling quite a bit better today, tho I didn't go to work. I'll go in tomorrow when I'm a little steadier on my feet. Thinking (hoping) it was viral and not the Xeloda...

Well, my wig is in. Did I tell you guys I got the exact same "model" as last time? Just a little lighter in color. Going for that younger look. Blonder. I hope that'll make people think my chemo brain (which is getting worse by the moment) is due to my hair color...

Mary, if you run out of projects, I've got lots here at my house my mom didn't get to.... Renee, I hear some cold weather's on the way for you guys. Bundle up!

Paula

janie44

Either Chevy Chase or Gerald Ford. Of course, Chevy Chase used to impersonate Gerald Ford.

I have four more Herceptin treatments. I have mixed feelings about it. I will be very happy not to be tied down to the appointments; however, it sort of feels like having my safety net taken away, especially since I hear some women are going for two years and others for a lifetime. It is still too early to know what is best. The publication came out today in the New England Journal of Medicine so it made the AP again.

Glad you are feeling somewhat better PJ.

Mary slow down. I'm breaking bones trying to keep up with you (yeah right).

Renee, keep warm. Do you have a fireplace? From the way you describe where you live, I just picture a warm and toasty fireplace.

Fuzzies,

Janie

mary1220

OH My God, They just said if one person wins the Powerball lotto they will get $17.00 per minute for life. It won't be me cause I don't play but it sounds inviting.Could you imagine how many homes my hubby could "fix up" with that? It boggles the mind. "Calamity Janie" could come visit and fall all over the property, the good thing about chemo brain is we would never know if we had brain damage from hitting our head. Sure glad you didn't do any new damage Calamity Janie. Glad your feeling better P.J. and I am done painting for a while. Bundle up Renee we are getting a cold front. It was 80 today and 50 tomorrow with rain, Burrrrr. Treatment tomorrow, Mary

janie44

The winning ticket was sold in Oregon and I was really hoping my youngest was the one who bought. She was going to check her numbers (she hadn't yet when I was talking to her) and said she would call me back it she had the ticket. I have been waiting about 3 hours now. She must be having trouble getting through or something, because I sure she has it.....I mean she lives in Oregon and all.

Have fun at treatment. Don't let an IV pole come crashing down on you. Some ladies on another thread were talking about being particularly bitchy for a couple of days following Herceptin. I don't know if I'm any more bitchy than usual. I am going to tangle with a co-worker soon. Maybe I should get a blast of the big H beforehand. I showed off the bracelet today. Have a good chilly night ladies.

Hang in there Blondie.

JF

PJB

Janie, maybe all you need is a little funny cigarette to make you more mellow....

I'm feeling much better today. Well, my brain's at half mast, but besides that.... So, at least I know I'll feel decent til Monday. And our weather is supposed to get beautiful (highs in the low 70s by sunday), so I'm gonna enjoy it.

Mary, good luck at treatment. Janie, DON'T break a leg. Renee, do some exercise for me...

Paula

mary1220

Hi Girls, Hey ya know I have only like 3 hairs under one arm and maybe 2 under the rad. arm. They grow slow too but I am not complaining by no means and it would be nice if my legs did the same. I think my legs grow more quickly now. My daughter wants me to come to Phoenix around the 10th. of Nov. for 5 or 6 days so I guess I am going. Hubby doesn't want to go because it bothers his back so much. Her man will be in India for 2 wks. so we can spend time together. She has to work 2 days but I will walk to old Scottsdale and the mall and have fun. I will do a little x-mas shopping. It is cold and rainy here for 2 days now so I am aching all over. It will be so nice to get away for a while all by myself. Hubby will have the 2 grandsons to get to school and home so he will have something to do. My son has surgery on Wed. and he is scared to death. It is his second to fix his shoulder and it is the 3rd. time the Dr. has ever done this surgery so my son is a wreck over it. Men are such babies....I hope it works for him because he can't lift anything. Well I better go and find something to do. Later little gators, Mary

mary1220

Janie, I thought of your daughter too when I heard someone from Or. won. She probably is busy figuring out how much money to give to her mom and she will call eventually. You cool down girlfriend, You can't do bodily harm to anyone with all that lotto coming your way soon. Count to 10 and breath. Mary

janie44

Oh Mary! Too bad it's not a week later. I have a layover in Phoenix on the 19th!

Well, I made it through the day without any broken bones -- so far.

Only four more Herceptin treatments!

Guess what, my JC Pennys does not carry that particular bracelet -- not to worry, I ordered online. It may take a while longer than anticipated to get it down to PJ.

Hugs to all - Janie

janie44

I meant to say the charms will be shipped Monday. I ordered several in order to be ready next time it comes around. I may travel down to the Gwinnett Pennys and see if they have any.

On second thought Mary, I remember the last time my daughter flew back to OR, she was bumped onto another Atl flight and only had a very few mintues to change planes on her change flight. Also, they have usually told me to stay in the checked in area so as not to have to go back through security. I would have hated for you to go to the airport and it be for nothing -- especially on Thanksgiving weekend -- who knows what may happen. We will still ALL make that five year reunion in Chicago!

I caught up on some much needed sleep last night.

Hugs,

Janie

PJB

Well, I'm off to work in a little bit. Don't do Saturdays much, but, hey, I was gone most of the week....

Can't wait to see the bracelet (well, of course I can, but it'll be cool). And, Janie, you're right. We'll be there in 5 years in Chicago, eating some good food and having some laughs.

Have a good weekend, guys

Paula

janie44

PJ, I brought a ton of work home with me so I may as well be there.

I have never been to the tottlin' town and am anxious to go. From what point are we going to start the five-year countdown? The June 04 chemo regimens where we all connected?

Fuzzies,

Janie

mary1220

Hi Girls, Ya know I think Hallmark has some charms. I looked at 2 bracelets and the other one was like $35.00 on up for charms and $25.00 for spacer charms(plain) so I went with this one(cheaper)and we can buy any priced charms we want. I think places in the malls carry them too. I am busy doing laundry so I have to get some clothes out of the dryer before they wrinkle or I will wear them thread bare running them in the dryer to try to get them out before the dryer stops and they wrinkle. I run the dryer more trying to dewrinkle my clothes than actually drying them. Later. Hugs, Mary

janie44

Mary, I steam my clothes in the dryer -- running them with a wet towel for a few minutes. Seems like I do that a lot. Have you ever seen the wrinkle-free clothes on QVC or HSN one or the other. I only catch glimpses of those shows, but I got interested once when they showed a line of clothes that don't wrinkle. They wadded them up and put them in a suitcase, took them out, shook them and walla -- ready to go. I'm tempted to try one of those outfits. I am so tired. I had to be in the town that is farther away by seven this morning. I have to get up early to unwrap my arm and foot before the shower and then re-wrap them and put on the boot. I'm ready for the glue factory.

Janie

Have a good evening. Janie

PJB

Hi girls,

Well, one day of Xeloda down and no food coming back up. I take it as a good sign. I'll know in a couple of days whether I'll be able to hang with this stuff.

Got my wig today. I've decided that this time I'm not chopping my hair until it's ready to come out. Then I'll go to procuts or something and get a 5 buck hairdo. Going Wednesday to get a prosthesis. I'll be a whole new person by this time next week!

Hope you all are well.

Paula