Starting Chemo in JAN 2007

Caya

Hi gals,

Missed the chat tonight, but I was having a blissful 2 hours of great fun, music, costumes etc. at Hairspray. RUN - do not walk, to this great movie. The play is perfectly cast, the singing and dancing are terrific - for us it was especially fun because it was filmed last summer right here in Toronto and we recognized some of the locales.
Mel - glad your rads situtation is getting straightened out. You certainly don't need this anxiety sweetie.
Lynn, glad your infection is finally starting to clear up.
Mary, My younger DD is also 18, a good driver, but also can be a bit too aggressive. They think they are invincible, don't they.
Nancy, Skye, I am laughing so hard with the DH do-it-yourself stories. Here's another one for your enjoyment - 30 years ago when DH was in university, he and a friend had a window washing company for the summer. Well, he still thinks at age 50+ and ( and don't forget he survived a brain aneurysm that nearly killed him barely 18 months ago) - He still wants to wash the windows on our 2 story house - Like I need him climbing up a rickety ladder? It's not the money, he says, I ENJOY doing it!! Really dear - well, I ENJOY having you alive and able to work. Can't we have one of the DD's friend's who is doing window washing for a summer job (remember when you did it dear?) do it - Absolutely not... Well guess what gals - DH is going to Vegas on Sunday for 5 days for a Shoe Show ( I usually go with him, not this year) - I may just book that kid to wash the windows... What's he going to do? Divorce me? OY!!!
I'm feeling okay today, the knee was pretty good, but I'm still pretty achy everywhere else - hips, back - enough kvetching for me...
good night all
caya

viddie

Hi all,
Sorry I missed the chat, but my dh went camping so I am sharing the car with my dd. After she came home from school I went out to some stores looking for some pj’s for after my surgery. I also am looking for some tops. Either all of mine shrunk, or I have to admit to myself that I gained too much weight. LOL. I came home later than I thought. I found some panties and pj’s but no tops.
My pre-op appointment is Friday and I suddenly find myself in a tizzy.
My sil who wanted us to take her 21 year old son for the summer said some off color remarks today that bothered me. I think she resents us for not taking him. Her cousin, Jackie, was diagnosed with brain cancer last month and when I asked her how she was doing, she told me that Jackie was “playing her cancer.” She lives in Florida so my sil has not seen her, but she managed to tell me that Jackie got her hair shaved off earlier than she had to and she thinks it was for sympathy. I did not say anything, but really!! Who would say such a cold and hurtful remark. I am pretty sure that it was directed at me. I think she thinks I am “playing” my cancer because I will not take her son. Losing my hair was the hardest part of this whole cancer journey so that remark sent chills down my spine. “Playing cancer” is a cruel thing to say about anyone. We all have had to deal with so much- no one except us who have cancer can truly understand.
Sorry if I am on a tangent, but that really bothered me.
On another subject, I have to laugh about all our “He-Who-Wants-To-Do-All-But-Never-Does!” DH’s. Mine is exactly the same way. I could tell you a million stories----it is just so aggravating!! and I thought only my dh was stubborn. It is all about macho-ness- if there is such a word.
Nancy, “I love him dearly but he is the starter of all, finisher of none.” Ain’t that the truth!!
Viddie

viddie

Caya,
I haven’t started Tamoxifen yet either, but I have not had any muscle pains from the herceptin. My only concern is that my hair is taking its time growing back. The top of my head is still very scarce.
Good for you for hiring someone to wash the windows.
I am glad you enjoyed Hairspray.
Rebecca,
Owen and Brooks are so cute!!!
Tina,
Sounds like you had a great time in Chicago. I have never been there, but maybe someday!!
If you had more time in Boston, I would suggest a meeting, but I understand all about relatives and commitments. Maybe next time!
Ellie,
I have been thinking of you and I hope you have a fast recovery.

Lynn,
It is amazing that no matter what age they are, they all still enjoy Harry Potter. My 23 year old daughter also enjoys the books.
Sounds like you had a great time in Springfield. I also find myself saying no to some things lately, but later change my mind, and I am also glad I did.
My black toe nails are getting better- without falling off- yet. I see good beige color below them so I think they are growing and the black is slowly going away- so there is hope.
I am glad your infection is getting better.
Maybe your oncologist can give you a rx to help with the poison ivy when you call him about the lasix.
Oh Mel,
What a horrible day you had yesterday. I hope today was much better. I am so glad you finally got that phone call and now you can finally start radiation. Yippee!!
Jan,
Thanks for letting us know about Ellie. I can’t believe she got out of bed the day after surgery. That is amazing.
Joni,
Have a great time in Vancouver. What fun!!
Mary,
“Why is it that they have to drive so fast and stop so suddenly?” LOL. My kids are the same way. My voice is hoarse after driving with them, never-mind my nerves!
Viddie

luckymel

Oh, Caya, you reminded me of one of my best "I'll do it myself" stories. Back in 1996, when we had been in our house about a year, someone came around offering to wash all the windows, inside and out, for $60.00. Obviously the offer was made without counting windows or looking in the back yard, as our house is almost totally windows in back. Anyway, I knew it was a good deal, but dh says - you guessed it - "No, I can do that myself." Well, 11 years later, our windows have been washed exactly one time, and that was about two years ago when we painted. But the story of the $60 offer lives on. Will live on. Forever.

mer1957

Caya, definitely have those windows washed while he's away. My DH is the opposite. I want to do it and he says "there are people who do that."
Viddie, I'd stay far away from that SIL. Who needs that.
Mel, my DS joined karate in Lake Jackson. What kind of karate does DH do? My DS was a black belt here when he was 14. He is really out of shape but I'm glad he finally is working at it. I just hope he doesn't get hurt. My DH finally stopped after his 3rd black belt. He was kickboxing hard until 48. He kept getting injured. I didn't want him to end up like Mohammed Ali. Have a good day y'all.

luckymel

Mary,my dh is a fourth degree black belt in Bushi-Ban style karate. They have schools all over, but not in Lake Jackson as far as I know. He was also given the title of Master last year, but I choose not to call him that! He loves it, goes 4 nights a week, and I encourage him. It makes him feel better, and gives me a little time to myself.

TPPJ

I think the handyman gene skips a generation. My FIL was a builder. My DH can't hang a picture. The tools in this house are mine. I hang curtain rods, pictures, etc. I don't do windows on the second floor. Nor does he. I figure one fall, the paycheck is gone and I'd really be mad I didn't spend the $125 or so they charge. I do it 2x a year...one time inside/out, the other...just out.

Coincidentally, my DH is a black belt in judo. He rec'd it from the Kodokan in Japan, whatever that is... He was in the US Jr. Olympics and traveled to South Africa to compete, was in the Pan Am Games, which I believe were in San Juan, P.R. He did it from age 5 to about 18. He doesn't do it at all anymore but should, for stress reduction and weight mgmt. Whatever...he only does what he wants to do no matter what I say.

Viddie, TOOOOOOOOOOOOO much on your SIL's comments. I agree....def. very pointed/loaded comments. I'd be ripped. I can't stand when people throw stuff like that out there. Say what you wanna say, I say. And then I'll tell you off.

I wish I could sched. a get together w/both you and Lynn! It's gonna be a super whirlwind though...once again. If the weather is going to be bad, I may not even come...the tix were only $10 per person on Skybus. $108 RT for all three of us w/taxes.

Joni, I'd freak out if I ran into a cougar on my walk! Be careful! The hazards of Canada! Sad about that baby girl.

Mary, equally as scary is having a teen who drives. Six years or so away from that. Not excited about that stage. No good recommendations on restaurants in Chicago as we couldn't do a lot of walking. My 72 yr. old aunt has realllllllly slowed down....congestive heart failure. She used to go all day and night. She was lucky to make four blocks on this trip. We then discovered cabs are dirt cheap in Chicago. I did hear that Frontera Grill (Mexican) was good. Don't take reservations though.

Mel, glad you're on a roll now w/your rads. Caya Ebert, great review on Hairspray. I heard it's the Grease for this generation.

Anonymous

Viddie – I would really like to slap your SIL. “Playing” brain cancer? BRAIN cancer! One – that’s insane and two – if someone has cancer in their brain they ought to be able to do whatever the heck they want in my opinion. Who the heck is she to judge what it’s like? I can’t remember the details of the situation with the 21 year old son – but why does anyone need to take him? Shouldn’t he be self-sufficient at that age (maybe I missed something)?

I loved the DH stories about not getting things done. Mine is similar but he will finish projects – he just does them in very random spurts of energy. We had a mattress for my 3 year old and needed to convert her crib to a headboard/footboard. We waited so long to get this done that the company that made the parts we needed went out of business. Finally he decides on the spur of the moment at 8:00 at night – just as she’s going to bed – that he can convert the crib to a bed right then. Of course it was after 10:00 that night before she finally had a functional bed to sleep in. I’m not sure what motivates him sometimes.

All the window washing stories reminded me of a former co-worker who always insisted on cleaning the gutters himself. Now, this guy could easily afford to have someone do it for him – but he insisted that he liked doing it. (Really – how much fun could it be?) Anyway, the ladder slipped out from under him, he fell, caught his leg in a rung before he hit the ground, then hit the ground, he shattered his knee and broke his leg. His wife happened to be home, but didn’t hear him calling for help. He literally had to crawl to the door and bang on it until she heard him. He had surgery, pins, plates, etc. It was weeks before he could come back into the office and at least 6 months before he could walk without a cane. (He’s in his 30’s and very fit). All that because he didn’t want to pay $50 for someone else to do it. They are just crazy!

Hairspray sounds like fun. We just saw it in the theater here last year. Unbelievably it was the first “real” play DH had ever been too. I tease him about having a very deprived childhood.

Funny that we have so many martial arts husbands. Mine earned his black belt right before we were married. He hasn’t done it in a long time. His current hobby is mountain biking. I kind of wish he would get back into it – but I do remember frequent injuries and he doesn’t seem to get quite as damaged mountain biking.

I colored my hair this morning. It seems to have covered up the gray and white pretty well, but I can still see my scalp. I was hoping once all the white was gone that it would look a little thicker. Guess I’ll just have to wait.

skyedivine

Ladies, I've had a revelation. We should report right away that there may be a strong correlation between women with do it yourself or karate expert husbands and breast cancer! How else to explain so many of us?
Also, Viddie, it's been scientifically proven that your clothing does shrink during cancer treatment, I think it's the fumes your body gives off from the chemo, attacks all types of fabric fibers. Nothing to do but buy new! :-)
More seriously, Viddie, that SIL of yours is a sad and pathetic case. She must be full of bile to have all that garbage spilling out of her mouth. Makes me wish all the spells in Harry Potter were real. I'm sure Rebecca and I could whip up a good one, like "slaphersillyocious!" . Til we learn how, I'd just avoid as much as possible!
Jan I had the same hope about coloring, that it would help cover up the thin sides. But at least I feel better without the gray, don't you?
Caya if you recommend Hairspray I will definitely go see it. And you are missing the shoe convention? OY!
Joni, that story about the black bear gives me creeps. And DO watch out for cougars, those things don't mess around. Glad you are being cautious. Can you imagine going thru chemo and everything else we have and then a bear getting us? Too much irony there.
Mary good luck with the fledgling driver. Brings back those days with my 2 sons. PM me with your address if he'd like the manuscript.
I'm making some book progress, nice to think about cool sea monsters in this heat. I still have that left shoulder and arm pain so onc is making me get an MRI. I found out our insurer, Blue Cross Ill., has been denying MRI and PET scans right and left even when preapproved, and the hospital billing office is offering to help people report them to the insurance powers that be. Some progress being made on the $4,000 they are trying to get from us.
Anyway, back to my writing. Cheers, and happy Blackberry Moon (a Shawnee friend tells me that is the current moon phase) - Skye

Anonymous

Skye you are a wise woman. I've had the same suspicion about chemo fumes

TPPJ

Jan, what kind of hair color did you use?

Anonymous

I used the kind that washes out after 20 something shampoos. I was too chicken to go permanent. I used a dark brown - but it looks light and sort of reddish anyway.

Nancyab

Jan I was going to ask also what you used on your hair. I need to do it and I have soooooooo much gray I don't know what color will take. 2 estimates on the roof so far both bout the same 4500.00. Oh boy, there goes my vacation and new shirts ( since chemo shrunk mine too)!
Skye, your words are so colorful, no wonder you are a writer. I roared at the thought of "bile" in that womans mouth. I know the situation isn't funny, and I certainly hope that woman never ever gets cancer, because it will hit her with a vengence! But you still made me laugh.
I swear some people are just so friggin selfish and ME ME ME I could smack them. Jan, is right, why does anybody need to house that 21 year old? If that SIL messed up her kid, why does Viddie need the headache? I don't understand.
Well, my rads is down to the boosts and I am red and blistery already. I took a cool bath and used the aquaphor, took some of the sting away.
Mel, I took the effexor and I am still alive to tell about it! LOL. I am ridiculous, I know.
Today is my baby Laura's 19th birthday, and the DR. informed me I have bad "arthur" as my Grandma called it, in my neck. Guess it's here, Menopause, gray hair and arthritis and a 19 year old baby ): Funny I feel 24, til I look in the mirror. Then bam....who is that old woman?
At least I can still ride on the back of DH's bike. When I can't throw my leg over the seat then I'll know for sure to get in the rocker and watch the grass grow.

IowaCindy

You ladies have all been so busy sharing I've just been reading and reading. It's wonderful to share in your humor and lives. Isn't it fabulous to read about the renewal of life amongst us?

Viddie, your SIL's words nearly leave me speechless. She is so totally clueless about the cancer process for a patient. She's more than clueless - she seems bitter. Shame on her for being so mean-spirited.

I had a couple of minor milestones today. I wore a bra and my prosthesis for the first time since May 14. My radiation burn and infection have finally healed enough for me to tolerate wearing something binding around my treatment area. I laughed as I got ready for work, singing to myself "You're never fully dressed without your boob."

And early this morning I realized I've healed enough that I can lay flat on my stomach for the first time since I had the mastectomy November 13. The port is gone, the radiation treatment site is almost healed. I don't often sleep like that but it was great.

I see my onc. on Friday. Lots of lab work, a chest xray and an exam. I think she told me that it was just a regular checkup but honestly, it's all become something of a blur.

My days are full of getting back to work full-time. I'll ask the onc. for a release for all duties. I'll be going off of disability then.

My nights are full of worrying over my two grown daughters and saying prayers for them. Both are married, both are in rather tenuous situations with their husbands right now. My coworker and I have decided that it is as hard to be the parent of an adult child as the parent of busy toddler or a rebellious teenager. Everything is out of your control, you can just watch, love and be ready to support.

When the girls were in high school I'd give the guys the 'prom speech'. "I just want you to know that in this world, what I truly treasure are my daughters. You're taking one of them out tonight. I want you to have a great time. But if anything happens to my daughter while she's in your care, I will find you. And then I'll call her father and give him what remains of you. After he's done, we'll call your parents. We'll tell them to bring a broom and a box." It got to be a joke with my daughters' friends. They always wanted to be around to hear me give the speech.

I can't say that to my SILs. Not at this point. But they both need to grow up. Grrrrrrr.

Sigh....

Anyway, it's great to see this group moving into a brighter day.

Happy Wednesday evening, ladies!!!!!!!!

Cindy

meliaanne

Hi All,
I have been reading and enjoying all the posts ... Viddie, I don't even know what to say re the cancer remark. So cruel. I look back on all that has happened to all of us since November, and I wouldn't wish this on anyone. It has been so hard, and all of you have been so valiant. And now we are all healing to varying degrees, moving forward, beginning to very tentatively trust our bodies again ... maybe.

I have had a busy week. I did a trade show Monday and Tuesday, and it was interesting but hard on my sore and swollen ankles. Tomorrow I fly to Northern Cal for a meeting, but then tomorrow nite I have dinner with my sweet and supportive brother, and Sat and Sun I spend with my daughters in San Francisco. My husband is flying up to meet up with us on Sat. It will be a fun weekend.

I am reading and loving Harry Potter too. I just started two nights ago, so am only about a third through it. I am taking it with me on my trip.

I am hoping to get back to the gym next week. My ankles are maybe marginally better, and my dr gets back from vacation on Monday, so I will call him yet again. If he can't do anything, I am going to follow Mel's advice and call my primary care dr. This is ridiculous. And I have about 10 lbs to lose, can't do it lying on the couch with my feet elevated.

Hope everyone has a great day.

Melia

Rebecca

Oh Viddie, that woman makes me SICK! How could anyone think that someone would “play” at something as serious as brain cancer…and then to say it to someone who has just SURVIVED a horrible, disfiguring cancer in such as way as to imply that it is all BUNK? The woman is completely vile and should be avoided at all costs. Perhaps a lovely afternoon volunteering in her local oncology ward would set her straight….I think mouth sore and hemorrhoid duty would do nicely. Of course this behavior makes moot not only the question of why her wayward child turned out badly but also why she is incapable of dealing with it. Viddie you are absolutely forbidden to include her in any type of joyous occasion for AT LEAST the next 12 months. Lose her phone number, and block her incoming calls lest she disturb your healing process. Skye, although I am also tempted by a hex on her, I truly believe that behavior like hers will punish itself in the end. AARGGHH I am FUMING!

Melia, hang in there with your ankles…the swelling will go away!

Regarding martial arts husbands…mine used to do Aikido before I met him….had his blackbelt and had started to teach classes before he quit to move to Buffalo (where he met me). So maybe there is something to this theory…..

Sorry I have been so absent lately, but my class is really sucking up my time. Prepping for three almost 4 hour classes per week is really taking it out of me. The class, however, is a great success I think! I have taught English composition several times before, but never with such a feeling of accomplishment, or the sense that I am getting through to them. The students are enjoying my hybrid lecture/electronic/workshop format, and they are falling over themselves to share their writing with me and each other. At the start of the semester I was afraid that 3 hours would be too long, but I am finding that it really works quite well and NOW I am nervous for the start of the new semester and wondering how I am going to take some of these new techniques I have developed with me into a standard semester.

Pre-op testing went smoothly yesterday. The house Dr looked at me, and pronounced me “perfectly healthy” I laughed and said, well except for the fact that I could have died of cancer!!! She laughed. They also told me that my surgeon often keeps women overnight for observation, so I might get to stay a night at the scalpel hotel. YAY!!! Jello and farina! Freedom to pick the television station! The worst part of the testing, however was when the lady came to take my blood. I got very emotional when she wanted to stick a needle in my vein. I can handle shots, but I think I have had enough stainless steel inserted into my veins for a lifetime. NO MORE. well, anyway, I have to prep for tonight. I am unlikely to make it to chat this evening, but you are all always in my thoughts!

Caya

Viddie - that SIL sounds like the witch/bitch from hell. No wonder her 21 year old son is screwed up - I agree with the others, have no contact with this moron.
Skye - I also agree that chemo fumes must cause clothing shrinkage. And I am missing the shoe convention in Vegas because I am not ready physically or mentally to work a trade show for 3 solid days and be "on" with the customers and business collegues. There is a show here in Toronto Aug. 18 -20 that I hope to work at. When are you getting that MRI?

Cindy - congrats on wearing the bra and prosthesis again. Mine are so comfortable and natural looking - that is part of the reason I am not rushing to do reconstruction. I am waiting for the DIEP and implant reviews from some of the gals here.

Melia - hope your swelling issues are resolved soon.
Rebecca - great news about your pre-op testing.
I've been feeling better the last few days, still some aches and pains (mostly back, hips, left knee) which I attribute to the Tamoxifen. Also had a great night's sleep - I slept in today until 9:10 a.m. - unheard of for me.
It's real hot here today, very humid, but I don't mind. I just think of the cold winter that will be coming.
Have a great day all, I'll try to make it to the chat tonight.
caya

TPPJ

QUOTE: Freedom to pick the television station!

LOL, Rebecca. Isn't it sad? But it's so true! After my 2 C sections, I felt like I was in a hotel for a few days. Not so much w/the TRAM flap because I was such a mess afterward, but... all's well that ends well.

TPPJ

Cindy, congrats on the newly regained ability to lie on your stomach. I can, finally, too...and this is after my reconstruction. For a long time, I thought I'd flatten it out like a pancake.

Jan, I did the 20 or so washes color too. I'm surprised dark brown got you to a lighter/red brown. It made me Elvira. Our coloring seems similar. Are you sure you didn't use medium brown? Nancy, I'd try some color...it really picks you up.

Just finished my Herceptin. Uneventful, again. Had to bring Jaclyn today as the babysitter set me back $50 last time... I figured if I brought crayons, paper, etc...there's TV there and lots of snacks. She behaved very well. I thanked her for that and she said "My pleasure! I don't want you to die!" in this very cheerful voice. LOL!

meliaanne

Oh, Skye, I forgot to wish you well with the mri. Let us know the results. I keep telling myself that I used to occasionally have aches and pains before bc too, but it's hard not to worry, isn't it?

viddie

Hi all,
Thank you all once again for your support with this issue with my sil. It is good to be able to share thoughts with my “sisters”- and to be understood and acknowledged. I love you all!!
My pre-op appointment for my diep is tomorrow. Reality is hitting- only 2 weeks away!! Yikes!! If Ellie can do it, I can too. It is encouraging that they had her walking the next day.
Cindy,
It is so frustrating to watch from the outside when they grow older. We are still mothers and want to protect them and if they are in turmoil, we want to hug them and fix it. I hope everything works out okay with their problems.
I am glad you are finally able to sleep on your stomach. Love those milestones!
Melia,
You sound very busy. Have a fun weekend with your grown children and dh. I hope your swelling continues to go down this weekend.
Is your hair coming in? You finished taxol the same time as I did, and mine is still very scarce, especially on top.
Rebecca,
“Viddie you are absolutely forbidden to include her in any type of joyous occasion for AT LEAST the next 12 months.”

Thanks for your advice. I WILL try to avoid her- that should be easy as she does not initiate anything with us anyway. She hasn’t even visited me except to drop off her son for a weekend last month, and that visit lasted 1/2 hour.
I am so happy that you are getting such satisfaction in teaching your students. It is great to love your work.
If you had a pre-op appointment yesterday, when are you going in for your implants?
Tina,
That’s an unbelievable price from Ohio to Boston. Did you have to book far in advance?
Jan,
He should be self sufficient, but he has been so spoiled, he does not want to move out and they are afraid that he would fail if they made him leave. He has been arrested for grass and he also drinks a lot. His major problem lies his girlfriend. They both have been arrested for hitting each other- She has also been arrested for hitting her father and her best gf. Apparently, she calls the police when she is mad on him and tells them that he hit her. They both have marks on them. They are bad news together and my sil is trying to keep them apart- with no luck . They are addicted to each other. They have spent thousands of dollars on lawyer fees to keep him out of jail, and his therapist told her that they should get him out of their town. That is where we come in- we are 2 hours away from them and his girlfriend. She is convinced that we are the solution to their problems. I do feel sorry for them but we are not the solution. She sounds like a broken record when we speak to her- she keeps repeating that she has to get him out of her town. That is why she resents me- we will not take him for an extended time so she can sleep at night. Then I would be up all night instead of her when he goes out and we cannot tie him down any better then she can.
Skye,
“it's been scientifically proven that your clothing does shrink during cancer treatment, I think it's the fumes your body gives off from the chemo, attacks all types of fabric fibers.” LOL.
Thanks for you offer with the spells. LOL.
I love your ideas. You have such writing talent. You keep us laughing.
Good luck with your MRI and let us know the results.
Shoulder and arm pain can be annoying. I hope you feel better soon.
Viddie

goldnmom

Of course you can do it Viddie, and you will be so glad you did! I've had a very good day today, much more comfortable and no more issues about peeing. Did I mention the little place on my donor site that didn't look good? anyway, this is better so nothing extra will be needed in that area. And the girls, did I mention the girls? They are just gawageous!!!

Very seriously, it is big surgery and it hurts, but it is very worth every bit of pain and discomfort we have. We will be so happy for the rest of our lives that we did this for ourselves. We deserve it, that's for damn sure!

You listening Mel? It will be here before you know it.

skyedivine

Goldnmom, so good to see your post and know that you are doing well! Glad the "girls" are gawageous! :-)
Caya I don't blame you for not going, 3 days on a showroom floor sounds like way more than I would want to do. I just had to tease about missing all the new shoe styles. But I imagine dh will catch you up.
Thanks for all the thoughts about my shoulder problem, MRI is next Wed. when I get Herceptin again and see onc. Cindy I can only imagine how good it must be to sleep on your stomach. This problem I have means I can only sleep on my back or right side with a pillow supporting that arm and even then the pain will wakeme up if I move it wrong. No swelling, and it doesn't bother when I'm upright. Weird!
Rebecca your class sounds like a wonderful learning experience. Wish I'd had a writing teacher so creative when I was in h.s.
Viddie, I'm glad you are taking heart over that SIL. Just imagine this big gang of G.I.Jane-haired chicks standing behind you, brandishing our discarded catheters and extra silicone boobs, ready to defend you in a heartbeat. And good luck with your appt. tomorrow!
Tina and Jan, my color also washes out after 28 shampoos but I'm hoping the hair length will have doubled by then anyway.
Sorry to hve to miss chat tonight, DH is preparing to leave for the weekend, golf and fishing, and I need to be on hand. - Skye

Rebecca

WoooHooo Ellie! So glad you are feeling as good as can be expected! At least this time you know that your discomfort is all in the name of being a gorgeous goddess, and when it is over you will have your new boobs forever! Congrats, and say hi to the girls for me!

Well, that is one more of us who can officially pass the finish line.

Viddie, I am getting my implants in two weeks. My surgery date is 8/8. I am awaiting with very mixed emotions because on the one hand I want that DREADFUL tissue expander out, and I would like to look normal in a tank top, but on the other hand I am so tired of needles and pain and BC overall that I am dreading it. I am sure it will be fine, and I am also sure that I will rebound fast. I am also not so hip to the thought that my natural breast has to be so radically altered in the name of symmetry. I know it is necessary, but part of me hates to cut into my healthy flesh like that. Speaking of radical alterations, at my last appointment he took out a marker and sketched a nipple where my nipple SHOULD be on my healthy breast, and, alas, it was fairly far north of the real thing. I have been whispering to ‘lil orphan annie that she will have to pack her bags for the migration, and to bake some cookies for the new neighbor who is moving into the backyard

LOL skye! hear hear....lets round up the posse and TAKE HER DOWN!

viddie

Ellie,
It is great to hear from you. I am glad you are feeling better today. I am glad your bladder is better and your donor site is better. That must have been a little scary.
You are now on the road to recovery with two gawageous girls. Congrats on your milestone!!
Are you still in the hospital? If so, when are you going home? Silly questions, but are you wearing the hospital gowns or did you bring your own pajamas? Did you bring a robe for the walks? You must have brought your computer and the hospital must be wireless.
Thanks for the reassurance.
Take very good care of yourself- you deserve it after all that.
Skye,
LOL. I have your image in my head and loving it.
Rebecca,
That is around the corner!! I know that any other assault to our body seems too much right now, and enough is enough, but after the surgery, you will be glad you had it. You will look gorgeous, and the ‘lil lady will transform into a young chick.
Both my boobs are far south and continue to sag, so improvement will indeed be a welcome change. After all this, we deserve “gawageous girls.”
“lets round up the posse and TAKE HER DOWN!”- LOL- Thanks again for your suggestion, but I think that all this energy we are creating is far more powerful.
Viddie

goldnmom

Hi Viddie, Yes, I am still in the hospital but will be discharged tomorrow morning. I will be staying in Charleston for 4 additional days.

The problem with the donor sire was a bit scary, but I could tell that it wasn't too serious by the size of the affected area.

I wore hospital gowns until today, then put my jammys on. I was on bedrest for the complete first day, and then there were the frequent JP drain irrigations whcih can get a little messy. Add to that, the nurses appreciate being a ble to get to the drains easily and not having to worry about ruining our clothing.

Yes, I definitely wore my own robe for walks. No, not me, trust a hospital gown to cover my fanny? no, no, no!

I brought my wireless for use in the motel, not realizing the hospital would be equipped. FYI, for anyone else having surgery in Charleston, I just can't say enough good about Roper and the excellent nursing care. I will be writing a very flattering letter when I get home. I've heard it is equally good at East Cooper. Dr. Allen is beyond description.

meliaanne

Viddie,
My hair is struggling back; very sparse, very gray. It gets longer daily but not thicker. I was with a lady the other day who is seven months post chemo, and just got her first haircut. I am hoping for Thanksgiving but thinking Christmas. This has been the hardest part of bc for me; I think this is wierd, but once I got over the panic of thinking I was going to die immediately, it's been all about the hair for me. And I have NO eyebrows or eyelashes.

Rebecca, I love reading about your teaching. I have a degree in English Lit and taught High School for 8 years before we had our children. The plan was to go back to teaching when they were older, but then my husband had an early midlife crises, and we started our own business. It worked out well b/c we could hand off the work and childcare to each other, so the kids grew up with a hands on Dad. Then when we closed it 11 years ago, he went back to engineering. I planned to go back to teaching, actually got an offer, but ended up staying in the floral industry. No regrets, but teaching is a great career. I realize yours is more advanced than what I did, but I always encouraged my kids to teach. They ended up as financial advisor, veterinarian, and attny, but the attny is marrying a teacher, so at least I still have one person who does what I loved so much!

All of you doing recon are so brave. I can't envision another med procedure. Maybe I will change my mind. Right now I am just trying to force myself to go to the dentist!

Hugs,
Melia

Nancyab

Melia, I want you to know that my lashes and brows are back and I am 7 1/2 weeks post taxol. I wore mascara today for the first time in OH SO long!! Speaking of dentist...I go Monday, I was flossing this AM and lost a crown. I swear chemo has done a number on my teeth. All through chemo I used ACT restore, pre rinses and tried very hard to keep my month in good shape despite the mouth sores and still....? My dentist is going to freak when he sees me or he'll run out and buy a new Lexus!

luckymel

Ellie, it is so good to hear from you, and to know that you're going home tomorrow! Also great that there are no more worries about the donor site. Please keep us posted.

Viddie, I wrote a lengthy post giving my opinion of your SIL and that situation, and lost it. Then I decided it was just adding more negative energy to an already negative situation, so I didn't redo it. Suffice it to say that I agree with everyone else, and then some! I can't believe you're already going for preop for your DIEP. So glad for you, though.

I had a long day today. I FINALLY had my appointment at M. D. Anderson for my radiation. It went very well, lovely facility and great people. However (and there is always a however, it seems) the CT scanner was down so I have to go back in the morning for my simulation. I still will start next week, Tuesday or Wednesday. The rad. onc. wasn't totally sure what the difference would be in what he would do and what the other guy was going to do, so was going to call the BS to talk - that surprised me a bit - I thought it would be something very obvious. Possibly something about not radiating the heart, but there must be something else.. I WILL find out. Also, iti suirprised me that this guy wasn't real well informed (I didn't think) about what a DIEP is either. I guess they are all just too specialized. Anyway, I was there all morning anyway, then had to go fetch my dh home from his colonoscopy, go out in the rain to mail packages, then take the older cat to the vet for his annual checkup. Very long day...but dh is fine and Ted is fit as a fiddle at 17, so I guess I have lots to be grateful for.

Tomorrow's another early morning, so I'm going to turn in. Hugs.

skyedivine

Melia the lashes and brows will come back thicker than ever, don't worry. And your kids have great occupations, you must be very proud. I agree with you about the bravery of those doing recon. I went to my regular clinic for the first time since dx last fall to get blood drawn for blood fats and thyroid, and it was my third appt. because I actually "forgot" to go the last 2 times! Once I was there however I couldn't help thinking how comforting it was to be around normal sick people, LOL. The needle stick was nothing. And Nancy, I need a crown too. I have needed it since before dx, was supposed to happen in January but I was starting chemo about then.
Back to helping dh find all the stuff he needs for his trip.... - Skye