Starting Chemo in May 07

VirginiaNJ

Thanks for the comment RE my hair.  I still can't bring myself to cut it.  It's still really curly in the back...but getting straighter on the top.  Sometimes I pull it back with a headband...

I was in Cali for leasure.  Went on Mon Sept 8th and came home Sept 11th...  My father died on the 12th/Sept but I saw him in the afternoon on the day he died.

It's way gloomy and rainy here.  I'm going to leave work in a little bit and hibernate in my house all weekend.  It needs to be cleaned, but I can't muster the energy to do it...

Ok, nice to see you posting.

take care,

Virginia

cinrae123

Hey girls,,,,,,,,,,,,,,ok so the Breast Cancer Awareness show on the Ellen Show will air on Wed. Oct. 1.  Thats the one that me and my two sisters will be on in the audience.  So give it a watch gals.  lol

I did the Race for the Cure today.  Andddddddddddd I made it the 5 k too.  whoo hoo.  Last year I could barely make the one mile,,,,,as I had just finished chemo about 3 weeks before then.  I felt so pathetic last year.  So was glad to make it to the finish of the 5 k. Nice to see so much support out there.

Have a great week ladies..............and post when you can.

Cindy

Traci-----TripNeg

That is so awesome your going on Ellen's show. I always wanted to watch that but, I've always worked the 9-5. I've only ever seen Oprah once or twice...

Anyway, my sister reminded me the other day that I could record it now with the fancy new cable box. So.....I set it to record and Friday night....I stayed up 'til 3 AM watching all the shows that had been recorded. She sure is funny.

I'll definitely look for you girl! I love your new avatar.

Ginny.....I'm so sorry 'bout your dad. I still miss mine alot too......hugs girl.

Traci

lizzzy

Wow Virginia--your hair is getting long!  Mine is growing, but it's growing OUT.  It just gets bigger and bigger.  If we ever buy a new digital camera I will post a new picture.

 I will try to watch Ellen on Oct 1. 

 I am having my nipple reconstruction tomorrow!

 My Dad's been going through some medical issues, so the thoughts of losing him and the sadness have been on my mind.  Hope you're doing well Virginia.

 Hi to Everyone--the Cindy's, Traci, Lorain, who'd I miss?

VirginiaNJ

Traci- you are funny...  I have the DVR now too and I don't know how I ever lived without it...

Liz- (and all) thanks for the kind words RE my Dad.  My heart is broken...but I'll be ok.  I miss him desperately.  I am VERY lucky with my hair.  It really grew in beautifully.  I am FINALLY getting to the point where I might have to break down and have it cut.  It's getting straight on top and I blow out the sides (to get the curls out) so I don't look too much like Bozo the Clown (or Grandpa Munster).

Cindy- will def try and DVR Ellen on Weds.  Good news is that you can watch all these shows on-line these days...  But, will see if I can pick you out of the crowd.  How was the show??  Did you have fun?  Did you get any good freebies?  I went to The View a couple of years ago and I got a years subscription to Netflix and Entertainment Weekly magazine.  That was a VERY cool gift as I already had both....

Take care ladies...and it's nice to see you all post...

V

cinrae123

ok girls,,,,,,,,,so just look for the fat lady wearing a black top,,,,,,,,,that will be me. 

Virginia,,,,,,,,actually I go tomorrow.  They tape the day before. 

Traci,,,,,,,,,yeah I know what you mean about cable box and tvo ing.  Took me a little while to figure that out too but now,,,,,,,,,,,thats probably the only way I watch most of my programs,,,,,,because you can just zip right thru the commercials.  lol

Liz,,,,,,,,,you look adorable.  Good luck with your surgery,,,,,but you are a tough gal and I just know all will be ok.

What a ride we have all had huh?  Now on to better things, right?

I know what you all mean about missing your dad.  My dad died many years ago and it just seems like yesterday.  I wished he had been around long enough to really get to know his grandchildren and now his great grandson.  So you gals hang in there,,,,,,,,,,,and keep those memories close to your heart.

Take care,,,,,,,,,

Cindy

Traci-----TripNeg

Liz, you are so lucky to be getting nips. I haven't even really considered them because my implants are so awful. Deep sigh.................you cracked me up about your hair "growing out"! That is so funny. Mine is out of control!!! You look awesome in your avatar!

Ginny, what do you use in your hair when you blow dry it. I tried to blow dry the curls out of my hair and it just frizzed like Rozanna Rozanna Danna. It's awful!!! I'm jealous of your hair too!!!!

Cindy!! Are you going to dance??????????????? I'm excited about watching it!! Will you post and remind me??

Hugs!

cinrae123

Traci,,,,,,,,,,,,yeah I will make an honest attempt to get my groove on.  But not enough to call attention to myself.  lol  And by the wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy,,,,,,,,,where is your pic??  I mean that is a cute pic of the lil kitty,,,,,,,,,but I dont see u there?  lol

I wish my hair grew out curly.  It didnt change one bit.  Straight and fine and thin as it used to be. Thinner on the top though but I think I feel some new lil ones breaking thru. I was hoping it would come in different just to have a change though.  Any suggestions other than a hair transplant ladies on what kind of products to use.  I use moose and spray.

I'm jealous of you Ginny too.  I think your hair looks cute.  And I also think Liz's hair is adorable.  You can wear your hair short really well.  My head is so small that on top of this fat body I look like a pin head.  lol   I bitched so long about not having any hair,,,,,,,,,,,,,,so I'm not gonna complain too much now.

ok off to make din din.

bye for now,,,,,,,,,,,,,Cindy

VirginiaNJ

Girlies- thanks for the kind words RE my hair.  The picture doesn't even really show how it looks.

Traci- I use products that my company makes...so Dove and Sunsilk.  I just finished a tube of Dove gel.  That seemed to work ok.  Now I am back to Sunsilk cream (just because that's what I have).  The creams were what I was using when my hair was shorter, so I'm not so sure how it will be with my hair so long.  I'm getting close to breaking down and cutting it...and maybe even coloring it.  Two very major steps for me!  LOL

I use a really huge metal brush to blow out the curls.  have you tried a flat iron straightener?  I know my niece has really curly hair and that's what she uses...

Cindy- will catch you on Ellen!!  let us know how it was!!

Hugs,

V

MtnMama

Hi ladies ... just updated my avatar with a picture of my curly mop from a month ago.  Now my bangs hand in my eyes if the humidity is low

I'm waiting on a call from my b surgeon.  I went to see both her and my onc yesterday and they both want to run dx on a point of pain on my rib (but it seems to be in the tissue rather than the bone.)  I had an US yesterday, and they hoped to have the results back today.  My onc ordered a CT that I'm putting off for 3 weeks to coordinate with another trip up that way (hosp is almost 2 hrs away).  I'm hoping that the US indicates fibrosis and I can stop worrying.

Hope you all are well!

VirginiaNJ

Lar- you look fantastic.  I love your hair as well...  Please keep us updated on evjerything with your tests...how did the US come out?  How is the rib pain?  I feel like I've gotten off so easy...  I haven't really suffered any random aches or pains...thank goodness.  I think I have SE's from the Tamoxifen, but I just don't dwell on them...I ignore them and don't let them interfere with my day to day life...

Cindy- watched the Ellen show...saw that you got a free airline ticket!  That was a great giveaway!!    Were you on TV??  I tried to scan the audience for you, but it's hard to tell based on a little teeny weeny avatar that's here...

Happy Friday girls...

V

Traci-----TripNeg

Hey Lar, your hair does look great.

My 'lil sis is waiting for her dr to call her about rib pain too..... Your in my thoughts girl.

Cindy.......where are you?????

cinrae123

Hey ladies,,,,,,,,,,,,

MtnMama,,,,,,,,,,,man o man,,,,,,,,,I hope it's nothing.  I am sending you positivity.  And yes,,,,,your hair looks adorable.  It looks so thick,,,,,,,,,have you always had thick hair?  Looks really cute.

Virginia,,,,,,,,,,,,You look cute too.  Nice to have hair back huh?

Traci,,,,,,,,,,,,omg I hope all will be ok with your lil sis too.  Jeeze Louise. How do you like Texas?  Did I read somewhere that your sister moved back to Florida?  Does that mean that you are by yourself now in Texas?  You are a friendly gal and I bet you made tons of friends.

Yeah the Ellen show was a lot of fun.  It was just nice hangin out with my two sisters.  We went to a nice lil restaurant close to the studio for lunch.  We were in the front row,,,,,,but they didnt pan directly on us at all.  Ellen danced in the row behind us,,,,,,so you could see us a little,,,,,,then when she danced with the gal in the wheelchair you could see us a little in the background.  And once again after Suzanne Sommers was on.  I only knew it was us,,,,,,because it was me and my two sisters........lol  Was a long day but tons of fun.  We got an airline ticket for anywhere in the us on American Airlines which was a pretty cool giveaway,,,,,,now just need to figure out where to go.  lol

Well gotta run,,,,,,,,,,,,and Traci,,,,,,,,,,,,,,where is your pic???  You silly girl.

Have a wonderful weekend gals.........I think of you all very often and hope life is good for you all.

Cindy

MtnMama

Thanks for the compliments on my hair.  It's always been pretty thick, but not curly like this!  I tell you it's a whole new world

My surgeon called this afternoon and said that the US came back fine, but then I opened the mail tonight and there was a letter from the radiologist telling me I should call my surgeon to discuss something detected on the US ... sure glad I talked to the surgeon before opening my mail!  I'm still having the CT scan in a couple weeks so I'll let you know how that goes.  But I'm thinking it's just damage from the surgery, tightness makes it easy to stress (I pick up a four year old a lot!)

Glad to hear from everyone.  Traci I hope all is well with your sis.  Most of the dx for these aches and pains turns out to be nothing at all, but boy that doesn't make waiting for results any easier!

It really is wonderful to see you guys around.

PDXLeeAnne

It has been so long since I wandered onto bc.org... I am so glad that some of you are continuing to post now and then as I think of everyone often and wonder how you all are doing.

 Virginia, I was so sorry to read of your dad's passing. What a blessing that you had the last year with him and I hope that in time the loss loses some of its sting. I know without a doubt he was watching that funeral from above!

Life here is good and normal. Hair is really curly but I just use a little bit of  Frederick Fekkai Glossing Cream and mostly let it air dry so that it dries into curls and doesn't frizz. It's MUCH different than my hair before, but I think as it grows out it will become more wavy and less uber-curly. I still suffer from intense hot flashes that wake me up constantly - some nights every hour - but I am used to it now and try not to let it bum me out that getting more than 2 hours of sleep at a time is rare.

 Boyfriend is good, kids are good, work is fine... spent much of the summer working in the garden which was awesome. Physically I feel strong and good although like many of you I've gained weight like crazy. OINK! I blame it on the Tamoxifen even if there isn't evidence that it causes weight gain. See Traci? I've got pets and kids and a bf and I've STILL gained weight! I'm trying to be gentle on myself about it actually.

This avatar is from August. My dear old lab/border collie Shandy had to be put to sleep and a few weeks later we adopted this sweetheart we named Rosie (short for Rosalita) and Rosie now has been diagnosed with grade 2 mast cell tumors. While some people might freak out about that we just figure we'll march through reasonable treatment (oral meds, no rads or chemo) and love her up and assume she'll be fine.

Cindys, MtnMama, Lorain, Liz, Virginia, Traci and all who used to write here regularly - send thoughts and prayers that we all stay healthy and that life remains "normal", whatever that may be!

 Hugs,

LeeAnne

lizzzy

Hi Everyone and LeeAnne!  Haven't seen you here in a while.  Glad to hear everything's good with you.  My hair is still curly as heck and yep, I'm gaining weight too.  Hard to exercise with the extra pounds.  Walking the dog helps me at least get out there.  Hope everything goes ok with Rosie.  Thanks for the Fekkai glossing cream tip.  I have at least 3 or 4 styling products that I try on different days.  Favorite is Garnier Fructis so far.

Lar you look great.

Cindy, thanks for the Ellen show report.  Sounds like a ton of fun.

Traci--good thoughts for you and sis.

Virginia--thinking about you.  

Hi to Lorain--I got new nipples--did you?  So far I love them, but one of them looks like it isn't healing so well.  But it's only been two weeks so I'll give it another week before I call the ps.

 xoxo

Liz

lizzzy

Does anyone need a pair of silicone nipples?  I will send them for free.  They are very nice and stay right on your skin.  I tried them on once and would use them if I hadn't opted for the nipple reconstruction.

Traci-----TripNeg

LeeAnne, your dog looks like my kitty!! I still miss that dang cat. Hard to believe I got so attached in only a month. Nice to see you girl.

Lar, sorry to hear about your scan scare. That sucks girl.

Hey Cindy, my Yahoo IM is really messing up. Is yours? Yes, my sister moved back to FL so I'm living alone now and, am happy about it! I've lived alone since I left my loser ex in 2000 so, I'm used to it and like it.

My other sister lives in Dallas so, I see her often. I've only met a few new friends but plan on meeting up with some girls here when I get the freaking energy.

Hey Liz, thanks for the offer on the nips but, I can't use them. My implants are awful. I hate them. No reason for me to even have nips which, sucks.

Love ya girls. Gotta get to work. Hope you all have a good day.

Traci

MtnMama

I had my CT scan today, but I'm really not at all worried.  I'll be relieved when I get the call on the results though.

Hey Traci -- one of my best friends is getting some press in Texas ... she's running for a judge seat and she's been endorsed by the two largest papers in the state.  Yay Susan! 

LeeAnne -- good to see you around.  Cute dog!  Our dog died a year ago summer (yes, during chemo) but we just haven't felt like investing the time in another.  Though I've been getting the yearning, so maybe soon.

Liz -- no need for nipples here.  Maybe I'll try the Garnier Fructis ... I need something.

Good to see you all around!

chumfry

Liz, if no one else pipes up, I'll take your silicone nipples! I'm thinking about getting 3-D tattoos, and having the silicone set could help us determine placement. Or maybe I'll just stick with the silicone ones and forget the tattoos! <g>

I'll PM you my snail mail address.

My PS did a little revision surgery on me last week. My implants were identical on both sides, but one side ended up a whole cup size bigger. So I got a larger implant on the small side to make them match better. I'm *really* happy with the results.

They're high-profile silicone implants and they look pretty boob-like to me. Not hamburger buns at all. Traci, maybe you just need a different type of implant. Did your PS have any explanation for why your implants didn't turn out very well?

--CindyMN

VirginiaNJ

CindyCA, did you watch the Harry Connick movie on Saturday night about Herceptin??  I thought of you...  I CRIED through the whole thing...bawled my eyes out.  Probably because I was just missing my Dad...  What a movie though...we are SO lucky...Herceptin has been approved for less than 20 years...and what that doctor went through.  Makes me want to write him a thank you letter.  Someone once told me (could have been my onc in NYC) that all of the advances in breast cancer have been (and she held up her index finger and thumb about 1 inch apart) except for Herceptin which was...and she held up her HANDS about 3 feet apart...  Amazing...

Hope you girls are well.  Today is the 21st, so it's picture taking day.  For some reason I am extremely un photogenic in these shots...  Still haven't gotten a hair cut...might have to break down and do it...

LOL Liz RE the nipples...don't need 'em at the moment...

Lar- any word on the CT scan?  Let us know.

LeeAnn nice to see you post...we've missed you...

Hugs to all that I haven't mentioned personally...

Virginia

MtnMama

Hi Virginia!  Good to see you.  Talk about crying, I wanted to see SNL clips on nbc.com and each one I clicked started with a breast cancer race ad with a woman talking about her baby sister's bc ... heck, I'm tearing up right now!  I get so emotional about it.  I finally had to stop watching clips!

I had my CT last week, but I haven't heard anything yet.  I'm not too worried because the pain is pretty much gone.  I had a massage last week, and she worked on it some.  It seems to have really helped.

Today's my 8th wedding anniversary, so I'd better get going!

lizzzy

I'm sending the silicone nipples to CindyMN.

 I'm very happy with my surgery but  it does look like the nipples aren't exactly even (one's a little higher).  Probably due to the radiation.  Oh well. Considering everything, this is small.

 So glad to see everyone posting!

Traci-----TripNeg

Hey girls,

Liz, that is so nice of you to send those.....

Lar, I'd vote for your friend but, imagine this....I forgot to register in my new State of Texas. GAWD.......I want my brain back.

Cindy get this....my PS has not called me once since I last saw him which was one week after my exchange surgery. Nice huh? Jerk.

Ginny your hair looks great. I wish mine looked like that. I'm gonna have to get out the blow dryer I guess. My niece said I could try her straighten iron too. Maybe I'll try that although....I never had straight hair it was just never this curly. I swear, it's a short version of Shirley Temple!!!

Lar (((((((((hugs))))))))))))) here's to good results!!!

C ya guys,

Traci

Traci-----TripNeg

Hey girls,

Just surfin' the site and thought I would say hi and see how everyone is doing.

I had to cut my bangs. WOO HOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love y'all,

Traci

cinrae123

Hi girlies.  Wow,,,,,,,,its been so long since I have posted here.  Just been so darn busy and all.  I hope everyone is doing well and back to their normal lives before bc.......everyone must be as there are no recent posts here.  I had a wonderful Christmas and a very quiet New Years (which is how I like it)

I have been doing well.  Have had a little bloating issue,,,,,,,,so I had a abdominal US done and that turned out fine. Then I had to actually go to the gyn dr (havent been to one of those for 19 years, lol,,,,,,I just get my paps done by my GP) and had a pelvic US done but havent found out the results of that yet.  I've gained a few pounds so started dieting again.  Maybe my bloatedness is just from being fat.......andddddddd I started back working out at the gym.  Shocking huh?  Sure was hard to get motivated again.  My hair is pretty much the same length that it used to be,,,,,,,,although very thin on the top.  I was sooooooo looking forward to thicker and curly hair but that sure didnt happen in my case.  It came back in exactly the same,,,,only thinner.  Any suggestions ladies as to how to get it to be thicker?  I continue to take Biotin and have used the Nioxin,,,,,,but honestly,,,,,,,I see no difference.  My onc said for me to just be patient.  Easy for her to say huh?  lol 

My grandson just turned two.  He is so adorable.  I still babysit on Wed, Thurs and Fridays.  So been pretty busy with that lately.  And then the holidays snuck up on me.  Its been cold here in Cali (well cold for us, sometimes in the 30's at night).  Sure lookin forward to the summer since I love the beach and warm weather.

Other than that,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,not much new on my end of the planet.  I see Traci is the last one to post here,,,,,,,,,,,bangs huh?  whoo hoo is right.  Good for you.

Ok girls,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,please just jot down a quick update ok?  I think of all you gals often and remember what a journey we all had together..........and here we are,,,,,,,back to our normal lives again.  Its a miracle huh?  I sure never thought I would feel well again,,,,,,,,but so glad to say I am doing good.  So come on gals,,,,,,,,,,,,just a quick update ok?  Miss hearing from everyone.

Take care of yourselves...............

Love, Cindy

MtnMama

Woohoo, let's hear it for haircuts, Traci!     I'm going in Monday to get mine cut.  I've got enough to put behind my ears now, but it's looking pretty shaggy.  (My avatar is from late summer).

I've been doing well, but just swamped at work.  I'm traveling for a couple weeks starting on Tuesday, and I am not at all ready!  I was a bad girl and canceled my quarterly appt with the onc this past Tuesday.  I rescheduled for early Feb.  I just didn't have time for cancer this week!  When I was dx'ed and I read that within a couple years bc "survivors" would go back to their old ways with check-ups and such, I couldn't believe it.  Now I absolutely understand!  Getting back to normal life seems like such a better option.

Cindy, I think your hair looks adorable.   On the bloat, you may just be retaining more water than you did before chemo.  I swear it really messed with various balances in my system.  My digestion is different, my ability to drink alcohol (I love wine, but it's rare that I have the stomach to drink more than a glass), I'm thirsty all the time, and my sleep rhythms are shot!  Have you seen your GP for it?  You may just need a diet change or at worst a dieretic.

Ginny, I'm going to be in Chelsea a week from today for the weekend.  I have no idea at this point what my plans are, I'm staying with friends.  But I thought I'd let you know in case you happened to be coming into the city that weekend, and my friends don't have me totally booked.  Maybe we could meet for coffee or something?

I would suggest that for you California ladies because I am in Huntington Beach the following week, but those trips are usually 10 hour work days and I try to keep on EST while there, which puts me to bed at 7:30 pm!  Not much time for socializing.  I sure would like to meet you Liz and Cindy, though.  You guys aren't super early risers, are you?  I'm usually eating breakfast at 6 am while there.

I finally talked to the nurse a week before Christmas and she said my CT scan was normal (it durn well better have been since I hadn't heard anything!)  I've had some headaches and rib pain, but I am absolutely certain that it's stress from work and finances.  The headaches radiate bi-laterally and symetrically from the base of my skull, right at the tension center on either side of my spine.  I went for a massage this morning and I feel much better.

Well, it's lovely to see you all here.  Keep the news coming!  I'll try to post a new picture soon.  I've gone back to my original (well, except for that gray) color, so no more redhead.  I'm mousy brown once again and it suits me much better.

lizzzy

I have crazy hair!  I don't want to cut it though because I think it needs to be longer before it will look decent.

I'm starting a new semester in grad school next week, trying to work out at the gym days a week--really struggling with the weight gain.  I just got my nipple tattoos on thursday so I almost feel like a real girl again.  I'm also procrastinating on the doctor appointments.  I've had it with the constant doctor appointments and just want to live my life. But I will go eventually--just not when they want me to.

Lar when are you going to be here?  I would love to see you.  I have a pretty flexible schedule so if you are only available for breakfast or an early dinner I could do that.

cinrae123

Hey Liz and Larissa,,,,,,,,,,,,,omg that would be awesome to finally meet a few of my bc survivor friends.  I babysit my grandson on Wed, Thurs and Fridays so those days are kinda busy for me (daughter doesnt get home till like after 5 on those days)  Monday or Tuesday.......I think those dates are the 18th and 19 right....would be good for me.  But let me know if its not good for you guys and I will see what I can do.  I'll email you my cell number,,,,,,,,,,and maybe you gals can do the same ok?

Looking forward to hearing from you gals.

Cindy

lizzzy

dinner on the 19th works for me!