please help

portiasproudmom

Oh, those darn steroids!!  The insomnia was awful!  I hope you'll get at least a few good hours of sleep, Sue.  Please look into that trial Tender spoke of.  It just doesn't make any sense that they would deny you the radiation therapy.

Sheila, I'm so excited for you!  Please let us know how we can get a copy of the calendar when it comes out.

Give UB my love, AE.  I'm glad he's feeling better.  Sorry that he has to drink that gunk for his CAT scan.  Blech!!!!!

Tender, as usual you have come through!  Great investigative work.  You're amazing!

Thank you too, Nancy, for the research you've done on behalf of our Sue.

Lisa, Mel, Jane, Judie, Wren, and everyone else--have a great evening!

I start my boosts tomorrow!  Six left!  Yipppppeeeeeee!!

Love and hugs,

Karen

geebung

Sue, you wonderful woman - one more tx down! I have lost count - how many more chemos do you have? Rotten steroids! I hope you can rest up a bit - even if you can't sleep. Have been thinking of you this morning as I was driving - I think a lot when I drive!

Tender - what an absolute gem you are! That information will be such a help to Sue - I know that if I was feeling ill, the last thing I would want to do would be to search for information.

Nancy - you too were quick to post some helpful links - and you're in the middle of tx too! What a darling! I hope you are continuing to feel ok after your tx. There seems to be such a range of reactions to tx - everyone's body reacts differently and there are so many different chemo concoctions.

Sheila! I was so interested and pleased to hear your good news about the calendar - it is something that has always interested me and I think it's a great way to raise money for bc. I wonder if I could buy one?

Hi also to Karen, Wren, AE & UB, Shirlann, Lucy, Mia, Melody, Lisa, Angie, Jule, Valsul, Karyll, Cyndy, Barbie, Ulla, Judie, Pearl and everybody who comes here - even if they don't post.

Love to all,

Jane 

sueps

GoodMorning Dear Dear  Sisters xxx

Well I went to bed with the milkman...OMG not literally...LOL....I wnet to bed at 6 freaking am and woke at 8 friggin am .... I am soooooooo glad I am not working today ...I am already on to the house work!!!  I would never be sharp enough to drive.

I have cut my steroids down from 3 to two ....and will take the latter dose earlier than 1pm ....see if that helps ...I soooooo want to go to work tomorra.

 Tom leaves on Tuesday !!! The new owners are coming on to shut the store at 4pm and do a final stock take....YAHHHOOOO ...and then they want a meeting ...there is no way I am trailing back from Manchester after TX to go to that ball ache, they will have to wait for me .

 Blaire and I ...my bestest colleague threw loads of his stuff out the other day HAHAHAHA ....really old stuff ...and put his manky tools in a bag...it was very therapeutic ...like throwig and old boyfriend out LOL...Tom you have been evicted please leave the boig brother house!!!!

Well hopefully once I have gotten over the intial stress...and tyranted all what has been on my mind to my new bosses ...asked for a pay rise ...ahhahahah I will be well on the way to a working for a PROFESSIONAL outfit...if they dont sack me !!!! OH MY XXX

I am off for a coffee...and then maybe rest ......she says!!!

Much Love xxxx

Oh yeah I am going to phone Claudia up right now xxx

sueps

I left a message with her receptionist...she will call me over lunch xxx

Jane I have 3 chemos to go ..... thats appx another 10 or 12 weeks of hell ...with s/e LOL

Sheila ...yes I would love to buy a calendar and some for my friends...I will pay for postage...if that is possible...I know its a long way off ...I am sooooo proud of you and your mum xxxx I truly am xxx

Ok I am off to play scrabble on Facebook.... I dont know where I would be without facebook in the early hours xxx hahaha xxx

lvtwoqlt

I will find out how everyone can purchase a calendar. On the website if you go to the donation page, it says to obtain a calendar email us for more information. Of course it won't be out until sometime in September or October. They gave some calendars away last year at the Race for the Cure kick off lunch in Sept and had the calendar signing in October after the race. I know last year's calendar was $15.

Sheila

livesstrong

Hey Sue - It's a shame you don't live here - you & UB could go thru your steroid's together - wouldn't that be a hoot  - the 2 of you bouncing off the walls together!!!

Come to think of it, when this nightmare is over, I think you should move here!!!  What fun we would have!!!  Everybody else comes here (most illegally - hahaha) why shouldn't you!!! 

Question - isn't NOT having to do rad's a GOOD thing????

Gotta run,

AE

NancyD

Karen, Jane, I happened to be doing research for my own eventual rads, so those articles were fresh in my mind. I had just been on the web looking for clinical rad trials in my area to see what the latest direction was. I'm looking into more directed types of radiation, less whole breast, that might preserve my muscle and skin on my chest so that recon would be less problematic.

The most interesting article I cited was the one that said the quality of the radiation treatment was paramount. But as someone on another thread mused, "How do you evaluate radiation oncologists? What makes one service better than another if you have several to choose from?" I wish there was a Better Business Bureau for medical services, LOL. I'd hate to have to depend on New York Magazine's "100 Best Doctors in NY."

One of the things I find unnerving is the decision I have to make each time I need a different type of dr. The time-honored tradition is to ask a physician...if it was you, who would you go to? But having an md in the family, I wouldn't say they always make the best choices for themselves. They're as fallible as the next person.

Anyway, the most advanced rads team I can find in the NYC area is at Sloan-Kettering. Unfortunately, they're not part of my insurance network which means I'd have to pay 50%...but that might be the price I pay for a measure of vanity.

Sheila, I would definitely buy one of the calendars, too.  I'll look for the link.

Sue, I hope you had a great day off. Yes, cut down those steroids a bit and you should get some rest tonight.

I'm on day#8 from Chemo #2. The days just keep getting better. Half the time, I'm not sure if I'm having side effects from the chemo, or it's just me getting old. I had my share of aches and pains before this all started :-)

my3girls

Sue...I just wanted to drop in and tell you...they thought I would have to do rads after my mastectomy.  But the team of doctors..radiologist, surgeon and oncologist and a whole team of cancer doctors took my case to their board and they reviewed it and said...NO NEED for rads!  She explained to me..that it would not have lessened my chances for it returning nor was there anything left to radiate.  The breast was gone, and I did not have any nodes involved.  I was thrilled not to have to continue any more tx for 6 weeks! I hope you find the answers you need and feel good with whatever decision you make. Off to get alot done on my day off....then going to visit Matthew!  It is a beautiful day here..and he always brings me sunshine!! Much love to all my sisters! P.S....Sheila...I want a calendar too!!  How great for you!! That is so special for you and your Mom! xoxo Lisa

NancyD

So, just after I finished writing that little bit above, I happened to come across this:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/04/17/ep.finding.docs.online/index.html?eref=rss_topstories 

It seems some of the common ratings sites (like Angie's List) are going to start doing medical reviews. Interesting.

portiasproudmom

Hi ladies.  I just wanted to check in with you all in case I don't get a chance later. 

Sorry that you're on that annoying steroid high again, Sue.  At least you'll get a lot done.  It's a bugger when you come crashing down after it wears off though.  Take care and don't overdo at work tomorrow.  Hopefully, the new owner will appreciate you more than that idiot, Tom. 

As for the rads, why did they think you needed it to begin with?  Is it because your tumor was so close to the chest wall? It really must depend on the location of the tumor, since Lisa, and other women who've had mastectomies, often aren't advised to have it. 

Well, I started my boosts today.  It was rather uncomfortable laying on my side.  I'm sure glad that I don't have arthritis in my right shoulder, like I do in my left.  Holding my arm over my head the way they had me do it, would have been very painful!  Five more to go ladies!!!!!!!  Whoo hoooooooooo!!!!  Can you tell I'm excited?  I filled my Tamoxifen rx yesterday.  Can't wait to see how I tolerate it.  This is all SO much fun!!

Love and hugs to everyone!

Karen

sueps

Hello Sisters xxx

I am just popping in before I go to bed.... I am sooo tired right now.

Clauidia is going to speak with onky on Monday for me when he has his clinic at Bolton  ..... Karen you have done so well with your rads  ....xxxx

I was having rads as my tumour had deep margins is a grade 3 and trip neg....ie after chemo....there is no other treatment apart from rads ....  however as the tumour was not above 2cms then it is not in the criteria for rads ... so I am stuck in my head as to what to do and somewhat mixed up xxxx

Well sweet dreams everyone ...I love you ...gotta go feel sick with tiredness xxx

Much Love xxx

portiasproudmom

Sweet dreams, Sue!  xoxoxoxo

livesstrong

Hi Ladies - I HAVE GOOD NEWS!!!! Our oncky called today to say that UB's CAT scan showed NOTHING to worry about in the chest AND the lymph nodes look much better and they have shrunk down a TREMENDOUS AMOUNT!!!!  WHOOPIE!!!!  Isn't that great????  We are both sooooooooooooo happy!!!

Plus, I went for a haircut today and my hairdresser said my hair is REALLY starting to get back to normal!!!!  Hallelujah!!!!

Just thought I would share!!!

AE 

NancyD

Happy dance for UB and AE!!! Wonderful news...it suits the day. Wasn't it gorgeous?

Anonymous

Sue if you want to beat this on all fronts then give this a go!  

Anyone suffering from breast cancer must know that there are many other things they can do to beat the battle of breast cancer. I have had bone cancer and I must tell you natural treatments work more effectively than chemotherapy. The doctors told me they couldn't do anymore for me, so I followed the advice of Phillip Day and I am still here today. There is hope for everyone please just read what I have to say!

I have beaten cancer without so much as a doctors help, and so have eight other I know of whom are willing to prove it. That's right the cure is through natural supplements. Has anyone heard of Phillip Day? I wouldn't have expected you to. The battle in defeating cancer is over, it has been won, already. There are many natural treatments available which can allow one to beat the disease. In fact I am one of them, I beat it when the doctors could do no more. There have been tens of thousands many of which were told hey could do no more they were terminal and through these natural good health ways they are still alive. Phillip Day and his books show that many scientists and researchers have found natural ways to beat cancer itself. The books are a collection of many studies conducted my world renown scientists and doctors. For further information I found this site yesterday- not as well versed as it could be but  good site http://www.cancerfightingstrategies.com/ Further information is on Linus Pauling the multiple Nobel prize winner for science said in 1994 " All people should know that cancer in our society today is basically a fraud." It is known that the reason for cancer is the pollutants and chemicals in our environments foods, shampoos, etc. There are natural ways to cleanse the body of these. Things such as vitamin B17 found to be absent on all cancer sufferers is to be taken- it is found in apricot kernels. What is interesting is that the selling of apricot kernels has been made illegal by the government in the USA. Why may you ask- that's the very question we are all asking, why would they ban apricot kernels- the only true source of B17 vitamins? This one factor amoung others shows that one can rid of cancer, like me who is living three years after I shouldn't be am here to show it is proof it works. I was shown this when my cousin's friend had turned to natural supplements against the doctors wishes and is alive and well today. Phillip Day's books must be bought, you can find them on websites. The real reason why we have chemotherapy is that it is such a successful market for business a multi billion dollar industry in western countries like here in Australia.  Doctors go to school and are taught about the drugs that are available, not natural treatments. I promise with all my heart this is true, I know that you all have a chance- Please find out more about these things it has saved me and can change anyone's lives.

It is logical that if you have natural supplements to help your body-when your body needs the nutrients that it is being stripped away from the chemo- then natural supplements must work.Faithfully Michelle- free of cancer.

P.S Just try it its natural - it wont hurt.

honeygirl

AE and UB , this is for you guys!

YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

livesstrong

Thanks guys!!!

MikeyBB - go peddle you stuff somewhere else.

AE 

portiasproudmom

AE, I'm so happy for both you and UB!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I'm doing the happy dance too!

Hugs,

Karen

Beesie

To anyone newly diagnosed or currently going through treatment, just my suggestion but I think it's probably best to ignore the above post from MikeyBB (and his 25 other identical posts from this evening).  There are no miracle cancer cures.

Anonymous

How wonderful to check in and find people celebrating...even SuzeQ...sorta...well, maybe not. But it's another treatment out of the way and Claudia going to bat for you! Add my joy to the mix. So good to have good news occasionally.

Today my DIL's parents arrived from China. It's now an interesting household. Mom keeps telling me (in gestures and occasional interpretations by DIL) to go rest. Excuse me! I haven't lost two entire night's sleep and acquired jet lag to boot. So I try to get her to rest. She just laughs and keeps on cleaning and cooking and stuffing food into little Connor. It's going to be interesting. She is a good cook, though. Yummy dinner. And she likes the apricot-currant bread I baked for their arrival.

Off to "rest" now...love to all,

Judie 

lvtwoqlt

AE It is great hearing about UB's good report.

I emailed Katheryn and she said to get a calendar, to email her with the email on the through healing eyes website with your mailing info she will respond with the details about the availability of the calendar and where to send your checks. They are not able to take card info but will take checks. And the cost is $20 ($15 + $5 shipping). Next year's will not be available until October. The Through Healing Eyes gala to reveal the calendar and the models is set for Oct 3 with a calendar signing celebration at the Hickory Museum of Art and they go on sale at the gala.

I also got an email from my son and he will be arriving May the 9th at 6:00 am in Charlotte and leaving May 18. I can't wait for him to get here.

I need to get to work now. I will check in later.

Sheila

my3girls

Judie..have a nice visit with your dil parents!  Take her advice and rest dear!  I was able to spend the afternoon yesterday with my grandson and his family. We had dinner together and played.  He wore me out..haha. Worth every second of it!  I was crawling around on the floor while he and his brother attacked me..the were dinosaurs...crawling on my back etc!  Too cute!

AE...so good to hear your good news!!! Yeah for UB!!!

Good to hear about your hair!  How long is it?  I am so looking forward to mine..."straightening"out!  I go next week for a trim and some highlights!  I want to be blond again!  Mine is over 3 inches long..haha...I measured it!

Sheila...remind us about the calendars in October. I do want one!  What wonderful news!! I bet you are counting down the minutes, days and hours before you see your son!  Funny...my oldest daughter is 24..and I will see her on May 9th too!  Olivia and I are flying to Chicago to spend the weekend with her!  Aren't we blessed?!

Sue..hope you are resting dear. xoxo

Karen...we have had the best sunny warm days here!! It feels so good..and all of my flowers are blooming!  How has your weather been?

xoxo to all...back to work!

Lisa

sueps

      

  

       UB AND AE ...THATS FANFREAKINTASTIC X-X-X

                 I LOVE YOU SO MUCH XXX

                      

sueps

Hello Sisters xxxx

I love you all xxx

I forgot to take my PM steroids ....so I have skipped them or I will not sleep a wink!! I managed to get 3 hours last night....and worked today ...woop woop!!!

I am today grateful for every living moment xxx

My scar is killing but it reminds me that my life was lengthened...xxx

I have a meeting with my new area manager on Monday at 3pm ...can't wait!!!!

Well I hope you are all feeling OK ...I am sending you all my love and thoughts.... xxx

Much Love xxx

sueps

Lisa I love it when you talk of little Matthew...he is absolutely adorable xxx  I can just picture you.... I am so so happy that you are recovering now from recent weeks .... I am sorry I haven't been with it with everyone .... I have missed all of you ...xxx

Sheila I am going to order at least 20 of your calendars ...you will be splashed across Bolton...my friends think you and your mum are very special xxx

AE I wanna illegally live with you and live wild .... and laugh forever with you and Ub xxx Give him a slap from me HAHAHAH xxx

YOU ALL MEAN SO MUCH TO ME ... I NEVER WANT TO LOSE YOU XXX

Sheila squeeze the bones of him when he returns ...I can just feel your excitement ... OH MY .... don't we love our children...they never ever grow up...and are always and forever eternally ours xxx

lvtwoqlt

Sue, I can see you plastering them all over town now!  You can come and live with me legally or illegally. I am home by myself all week long and would love the company.

Sheila

my3girls

Sue..you sound good!  It's good to hear you sound happy!  Hope it all goes well with your new manager.  I am sure it's going to be better than your nightmare with Tom.

I do love my little guy..he is so very special to me.  I feel so fortunate that he is in our lives!  His parents said to me yesterday...it's been too long, please come over anytime!  I think I will try and do that, especially this summer...I'll make Thursday's my visit day..and give his mom a break...take the boys out and play with them...so she can get things done.  I forgot my camera, or I would have taken some pics and shown you all how big he is getting.  He gave me a drawing to hang on my refrigerator. He is 3 yrs old, and he can spell his name.  He told me ..grandma..write it on the paper..M-a-t-t-h-e-w! I was so proud of him!  Sorry...I could just squeal when I think of him, and how very blessed we are.

Back to work...xoxo to all!

Is Shirlann back from her trip yet?

xoxo

Lisa

portiasproudmom

Helloooooo everyone!  Our weather was gorgeous last weekend, Lisa, but today it's been raining and hailing on and off.  Up north in Everett, they had snow this morning!  Yuck!!!  We're planning to go to the Spring Fair at the Puyallup fairgrounds this evening, but I'm not going if it's pouring rain.  There are indoor activities, but you know all Chase will want to do is go on the rides.

Take care and have a great weekend everyone!

Hugs,

Karen

livesstrong

Hello all!!!

Sue - legally or illegally you are welcome here as well!! You might have to sleep on the floor - but what the heck!!! lol.  Are you still planning on coming in Sept??

Lisa - 2 -5 yrs.old are the best years - thats when they are at their cutest.  I still tease my 11yr.old nephew about the things he did and said at that age - I remember when he was 3 he was outside on the patio with his dad and all of a sudden he pee'd all over the cement!!  His father told him sternly not to do it ever again and his response was - "What do you expect, I'm an only child"!!!!  He was 3!!!! hahahaha. 

Well it was an absolutely beautiful day here today - we went to Home Depot and got new indoor/outdoor carpet for the patio.  I'm going to work out there all day tomorrow- after I hit a few yard sales, of course.

Ub is calling - gotta walk the dogs.

bbl,

AE 

Shirlann

Hi all my dear sisters!

I'M BAAACK!!!

It was a fun trip.  But the funniest thing is that everyone was worried to death about mosquitos.  There is an epidemic of Dengue Fever (otherwise known as "breakbone fever") in Rio.  So all us cruisers were comparing Deet, and Off and arguing over whether we needed malaria pills.  And then.............I saw NOT ONE mosquito, at all, Walt saw one on the ship's elevator!  It was hilarious.  I don't know where they all were, but they were not where we were.

We cruised 1200 miles up the Amazon and it is the wet season so it was 20 feet higher than the dry season and climbing.  The people live in houses on stilts (not in the cities, just the river people) or they have pegs and raise the floor of their house as the river rises.  It was amazing.  I saw and held a sloth, an 8 foot boa snake, an iguana, a tapir baby, monkeys, and a cayman (small aligator).

We got to go in 10 man canoes all through the flooded forest and it was amazing.  The people were very nice, showed us their houses, and we ate piranha.  It was good.  The ship was great and we did not get sick.  That is a victory at our age.

I missed my pets terribly.  Getting caught up on the hugs and kisses. 

Now AE and UB, what wonderful news!

Dear, precious Ulla, welcome back too, dear girl, we have missed you.

And our Sue.  What a gal, a true AMAZON WOMAN!!!   Working and chemo and children and, and, I do not know how you have done this baby, but you are truly amazing.

Love to all of you, I missed you and got the ship computer to work once or twice, but then it went on the fritz. 

Hugs and kisses, Shirlann