please help

livesstrong

I'm here ladies!  Just a bit tired from the weekend and UB has been hogging the computer.

Nancy - so glad to hear you are doing well.

I promise I will write about Pinkstock tonight.

Love you all,

AE

lvtwoqlt

Karen, After my grandfather (age 82) had his stroke he was put into a nice small nursing home and Grandma would drive there every day (at age 82). They were living with my parents at the time but before my mom's cancer dx in 2001, Grandma decided that she needed more assistance and moved into the same nursing home only in the assisted living part and she was able to spend more time with Grandpa (different wings). When it was apparent to the staff that Grandpa was deteriorating rapidly, they made sure that Grandma and Grandpa had time together alone. some nursing homes are better than others, I hope you can find a good one with an open bed for your father.

Judi, also hoping for the b-9 results (b9b9b9b9b9b9b)

Shirlann, I have not weighed but am trying to keep up a walking time every morning, this morning it was so hot and humid (73 at 6:30) I could only walk about 15 minutes. Hopefully I will be able to walk a little this evening after the sun goes down and it cools off some. The you on a diet says to walk at least 30 minutes a day, even if it is broken down into 3 10 minute sessions. They also say don't worry about weight management but waist management. your waist measurement is more important than your weight - it is a better indicator of how fit you actually are.

I need to get to work. I will be meeting Anne next tuesday. Can't wait.

Sheila

mzmiller99

Ivtwoqit - don't you just love Dr. Oz's book?  He has such a great sense of fun, that he makes dieting and exercise almost enjoyable.

Good luck with both.  I'm trying, as well and I have learned the words to many disco hits while I'm walking!!  There are some good for fast or slow paces.  I probably look funny boogying down the street!!

I'm wondering, though, why the rad onco advised against weight loss during treatment?  Maybe it changes the markers?

Susan

lvtwoqlt

susan, I love that book. I am also reading the 'Holy Yoga' book by Brooke Boon and using the yoga exercise dvd to stretch out after my walks. I didn't need rads so I can't answer your question about losing weight during treatment.

Sheila

Anonymous

At work so cant right much, but YES Susan, that is exactly why they told me to try to maintain the weight that I was at when I started rads.....they OBVIOUSLY have NO idea the stress level of dealing with BC.....stress is the best diet for me in the world....the pounds just melt away no matter what I eat!!!!! I did loose 8 pounds during rads but it didnt effect the boob area, but my butt sure liked the loss

Hugs to everyone will be back later

Jule

Shirlann

Hi Judie, try not to worry, if the polyps are pre-cancerous, and they are gone, that is it.  You are home free, and that is assuming they are pre-cancerous.  I had 3 polyps and a thickening of the cecum, whatever the hell that is.  But they were not pre-cancerous, but I go back in 3 years.

You are fine, pre-cancerous or not, it just means you have to go back for this lovely test oftener.  Not that you have colon cancer.  In fact, this is the only cancer that can be completely eliminated before you need anything other than removing the polyps.  It is such a miracle, I try so hard to get all our sisters checked.

You did the right thing, who cares what the little bastards are.  They are gone and cannot hurt you at all.

Hugs, and kisses, Shirlann 

Anonymous

Thanks, Shirlann. I know I shouldn't worry, but I do. I admit it. Heck, we all worry about every little thing after our crappy diagnosis. Normal, but frustrating.

I had my first colonoscopy when I was 57 because I had an episode of diverticulitis and ended up in the hospital. They found one good-sized polyp and removed it. It was pre-cancerous, so I had to have another colonoscopy a year later. I had just one then, but it was not worrisome, so I'm now on a 5 year schedule. But 7 polyps???? That's too many. The odds of one or more being cancerous are pretty high...like 30-50%, I think. If they are malignant, but not invasive, you're absolutely right. I'm cured for now and won't need treatment. It's going to be a long two weeks.

The cecum, BTW, is where the small intestine and large intestine join. It's the final goal--end of the line so to speak--for a colonoscopy.

On another note, this has re-opened my thinking about my oncologist. I haven't been happy with her manner, though she is highly regarded and her medical care has been fine. I won't go into all the whys. Suffice it to say we are not a good match. I had decided that it was no problem since I'm just going in for blood tests every three months. My first anniversary is this month, and I think after that it's just wait and see and I'm probably done with her. Being hit now with thoughts of needing further treatment renews my desire to find another oncologist. The one I would like has a long waiting list, but that shouldn't be a problem.

Long introduction to a short question: Both of these docs only do BC. If my biopsies are positive and turn out to be a new cancer rather than BC mets, should I look for a generalist or stay with the BC specialists. I guess I should check out other places on the board for this question. I don't tend to read anywhere but here.

I'm rambling...sorry.

Judie

nowheregirl

Hi all,

         

           
Woo Hoo! It's the weekend here. Technically it's still Friday but I'm already home from work and don't go back to work till Monday.
I can't believe I will be with Scotty the same time in 4 weeks. I will be arriving in Auckland on Thursday 4th and throwing a small party for the two of us. On Friday he will be taking me to his favourite Belgium restaurant for dinner and a couple of drinks and we will be heading back to home for more drinks. On the first weekend, he will be taking to some major tourist spots like Mt. Eden or One-Tree-Hill and we will  heading down to the middle city for dinner at a revolving resturant in Sky Tower. Then on Monday, we will be going on a getaway to Rotorua http://www.rotoruanz.com/ and won't be back till Thursday night! This is the hotel he booked for us

http://www.millenniumhotels.co.nz/millenniumrotorua/index.html

and this is the spa we are going.

http://www.polynesianspa.co.nz/

                      
Other than these, we haven't got any specific plans yet but I'm sure we won't get bored. I can barely wait till he gives me h\the very first hug at the airport. Gosh, I'll be certainly melting.
By the way girls, can you all do me a favor? I have a prayer request. Scotty is having an assessment with his oncologist next Wednesday which makes it Tuesday night in the U.S. He had a follow-up MRI a few weeks ago but hasn't got the results yet. Although we are sure it's a good sign and there wasn't anything that needed to be concerned, I'm getting a bit nervous (He isn't at all.). Plus he is having surgery on 26th. He has 6 titanium screws in his head which used to keep the big chunk of his skull that they opened up for the brain surgery in place while the bone healed. One of the screws seems to be un-doing itself and causing him pain so he needs to have it removed. He tells me not to be worried as it will be just "day admission" and performed under a local anesthetic and some sedation but needless to say, I'm worried. Anything that needs your head to be opened seems scary to me. So please girls, keep his in your thoughts and send prayers his way. I would really appreciate it.

          

                  
Karen - Oh no, who the feck did give your dad Haldol? I feel for you and your mom. Hoping your dad can go back home soon. By the way, I would love the feeling of knowing I'm with my forever life partner.

          

             
Shirl - I can just picture myself eating chocolate after chocolate after I'm back here from NZ. I will continue with working out and exercises but not sure if I will keep staying under 1400 kcal once I'm back.

           

             
Ulla - Hip Hip Hooray! Yay! I knew it's about time you'd get some good news. I'm so happy for you. Now go celebrate being NED! He's a nice guy.

         

                
Jane - Yep I'm counting. We have 561 hours, 6 minutes and 49 seconds left before we meet in person. The waiting is getting hard really but I know it will be much harder to leave there to be home.

            

               
Sheila - Good luck with the yoga exercise. I have been doing a cardio workout conducted by Charlene Johnson since a couple of months ago and I am starting to like it.

         

          
Jule - Do you lose weight from stress? Wow, I would have been real skinny if I had been like you but sadly I'm the opposite. I do gain too many extra pounds from stress. I seem to take it out on food.

            

              
Valerie - I can't wait to hear more about Pinkstock. I am so happy that you had a lovely time with all the sisters and their family.

             

                 
Judie - {{{{{hugs}}}}} Those risk factors or stupid stats are all bullsh*t so don't read them. Some people get cancer no matter what they eat, what their lifestyles are, how old they are or what they have been through. In other words, the rest of people don't get it no matter how high the risk is for them. Like I always say, your risk of getting new cancer or mets is either 100% or 0%. There's no middle. So why not stick with 0%? I will be sending a lot of benign vibes your way so try not to worry.

             

                
Nancy - I really would love to get some brand-new clothes for my holiday but it's almost impossible to find nice WINTER clothes in the middle of summer!!! September is technically early Spring in NZ but Scotty said it should be still cold. So I'll be going shopping with him once I get there.

              

              
Susan - I'm with you! I couldn't even bring myself to go walking without my mp3 player. Lots of good stuff from 70-80's.

             

      
OK gotta go and do the workout. Hope the pictures I posted gave you some relief from the heat. Have a great day everyone!

           
xo
Fumi

Anonymous

Awwww Judy

I know this is worrisome, but its gonna be fine!!!!!!!! Im sorry you are having to go through this....

I think I asked this question before of you ladies but dont remember....

I will be 48 in Nov and have never had a colonoscopy......there has been colon cancer in my family among about every other kind you can imagine so Im at "high risk" they say but no one has ever ordered the colonoscopy.

I do have a regular PCP appt this coming Tuesday so will ask her as well....

At work again so need to run but wanted to tell you (Judie) that Im here if you need!!!!

Hugs

Jule 

nowheregirl

This is Shirl's grandaughter, visiting her college roommate in Honolulu.

Anonymous

Yes Fumi

when I am stressed I eat like crazy and eat all the things that I stay away from normally but no matter what I do when Im stressed the pounds melt away!!!!

it makes me nervous now though....Im estatically happy with "my man" and since there is no stress Im worried about menopause weight....

Im worried I will gain tons so am trying to watch everything!!!!!

will be back again in awhile

Jule

lburchfi

Sue - I know EXACTLY how you feel. When I was first diagnosed in 2003 at the age of 31 I thought my world had ended. My son was only 9 and I was so afraid of leaving this world at such a young age, but I got through it. Then, unfortunately my cancer came back and spread to my right lung in October 2007. I am currently undergoing chemo again but somehow I have managed to get through this. You will surprise yourself at how strong you will be. Not only for yourself, but for your family as well. I didn't think I could go through it the first time, but I surprised myself and I'm going through it a second time. I'm not sure of how signficant the wait is, but I was originally told to make a decision and to do something within a month. I will keep you in my prayers. Stay strong. As everyone has told me...this too shall pass.

sueps

SISTERS XXXX XXXXXX

I AM BLERGHHHHH!!!

I GOT MY FREAKIN PERIOD BACK TODAY!!!

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!

X X X

lvtwoqlt

Sorry Sue. I am expecting mine any day now! Let's cry together!

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sheila

m38

hi karen,

my name is mary would you take a picture of biotin bottle and shampoo that you send to Ulla, I have read your guy post since last year while i had chemo oct chem girls. but lazy post. anyway, can you take picture show me so i can buy it too. Thanks I really appreciated.

sueps

I DIDN'T WANT IT BACK SHEILA XXXX WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!

LOL

HEHEHE NOT!!! 

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

livesstrong

HELLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!  TGIF is right, Fumi.

I'm here to tell you that Pinkstock '08 was amazing!!  Did you all check out the pictures on the Get Together thread?

I went with my gf Terry, UB stayed home with the pooches.  We stayed with one of the ladies  Thursday night then drove to MB's on Friday.  MaryBeth is AMAZING!!!  She opened her home to all of us crazy women and some family members and treated us like queens. I met women from North Carolina, Florida, Loiuisana, Michigan, NY, NJ and California.  Kristen brought her band and put on a show Saturday night. We sat by the fire and talked and stared at all the stars in the sky. The food was great and the drinks were flowing. There were allot of donations from different organizations (Terry works for Liz Clairbourne and bought boxes of stuff they donated).  We all walked away with quite a few goodies.  AlaskaDeb couldn't make it but sent a box full of gifts from her home state. We slept in a trailer but didn't shower for 2 days!!! Just like Woodstock!!  The weather was perfect except for a storm overnight Friday.  Some things got a tad wet by dried soon enough.  We just hung out and talked, ate , drank, laughed and cried.   It was great!!!  We left Sunday and it took us 8 hours to get home but I didn't care.  I was so happy I went.  MB's Dh said it was OK to have it there next year, I hope I can make it.   I STRONGLY recommend going -it was worth the trip.

bbl dogs need to be fed.

Hugs,

AE 

Anonymous

Hey Sue and Sheila..........periods mean youth, vitality, normalcy. Enjoy!!!!

I just learned that there is an attack on Facebook. It's probably where Ulla got hit. If you click on a video that appears on your page that is supposed to be on Google, malware is installed on your computer. Facebook is working on it. Anyone else using Facebook, be careful!

AE, still waiting for the Pinkstock report. Are you and UB having too much fun to allow computer time?

Fumi, you've outdone yourself! Your posts are a visual feast. It looks like you are visitng heaven in four weeks. Your plans include some spectacular sites. Mel, Kaloni, and you are the ongoing "decorators" of the board. Keep it up!

Jule, by all means ask about the colonoscopy. Docs tend not to think of these things. Thanks for your concern. You may hear from me.

Yesterday my son and grandson visited for pizza and an engineering session. Needless to say, my mood has been uplifted dramatically. Kids (of all ages) are good medicine. I got a kick out of how father and son worked in synch. Connor had amazing dexterity and patience for a 2-year-old like his daddy did. So cute.

      

Have a great weekend everyone!

Judie

Anonymous

AE, we posted at the same time so ignore my request...you already fulfilled it, and very well. Your description of Pinkstock made me wax nostalgic. Can those days really be recaptured? Count me in next year!!!

Shirlann

AE, this Pinkstock sounds so wonderful, sighhh, maybe next year!

Judie, you will be fine, honey, it is not the quantity of the polyps.  So I know things will be fine.

Fumi, love, thank you again for being my computer inspiration counselor!  I will be in NZ in spirit with you, I hope this fellow is good enough for you!

Sweet Sue, honey, I know the period is a nuisance, but with your fellow, you won't be sorry.  Not all menopausal women get dry vagina, but it is a terrible hindrance to sex, and you are too young to be chaste for 40 years!  So all clouds have a silver lining.

Sheila, you too.  Unless your man has taken a vow of chastity, you need your period for a few more years.  

Fumi, wow, those pix are fabulous.  Gee, I can't imagine what we will get to see when you get back from NZ.

Love and hugs to one and all, Shirlann 

sueps

Shirlann I love you so much xxx

ae ...you are amazing ... I love you xxxxx I TRULY DO

Sheila you are my big sister lol  I love you sis xxxx

I GOT MA PERIOD WAAAAAAAAAAAA LOL

Shirlann

But Sue, honey, think of it this way, you are returning to NORMAL!  That is good.  As annoying as this dang period is, it is normal.  And your body is healing, slowly.

I love you too, little love.

Hugs, Cyber-mum 

geebung

Fumi - great photos - I want to go to a beautiful island and lie in the sun! Wow - the countdown is on - it's a lot less than 561 hours already!

AE - I checked out the Pinkstock photos - so beautiful! You can just feel the comradarie and great time you were all having. I am so glad you were able to attend.

Jule - so good to hear from you - it's just wonderful to hear how happy you are with this great guy. When I am moderately stressed I eat more. When I am super stressed I can't eat - divorce, teaching, bootface dx all saw me lose lots of weight.

Judie - big hugs to you. I hate that you have this worry at the moment. Nothing will make you feel better than to hear that everything is benign and I hope it is much sooner than you expect. I love the photos of Connor - look at that concentration on his face!

Sue, poor darling. Periods used to make me feel so exhausted so I can imagine how hard it is for you to keep working and caring for your boys. Shirlann is right though - the silver lining can be great sex! For a full year after my mx I had hot flashes and hardly any periods (and I haven't even been on hormone treatments) but now they have come back - lighter but regular.

Shirlann - love that pic of your beautiful grandaughter. Thank you for all your wise and comforting words - you are so precious to us. 

Wishing everyone some happy times this weekend,

Love, Jane xxx 

mzmiller99

Jane,

He's on my prayer list.  Enjoy your weekend, as well. 

 Fumi,

I haven't been using my MP3 player quite as much, because my grandbaby (22 months) is visiting, and when I take him with me in his stroller, I sing nursery rhymes for 45 minutes!! Talk about being winded!  But, such fun to see his little blonde head bobbing with the tune!

Susan

geebung

Fumi, I think I had a brain lapse - I forgot to say that I am praying for Scott - that his results will be NED and that you have a wonderful, relaxing time together.

xxx 

portiasproudmom

Hi everyone.  I'm sooooo tired, so this will be a fast one.  My SIL and I spent all day today touring nursing homes.  My dad is being discharged from the hospital on either Monday or Tuesday, and he's not ready to go home.  Hopefully, if he has rehab, he'll be able to come home in a few weeks.  He's just so out of it right now.  His eyes are always shut, even when he's talking to you, and he talks about weird, random stuff all the time.  I don't know if it's a result of the meds they had him on, the stroke he had, or his mild dementia getting worse. 

I'll write more tomorrow when I'm not so sleepy.

Hugs,

Karen

PS  I'll keep Scotty in my prayers, Fumi.

my3girls

Oh my gosh...I am a way for a little bit, and come back to 50 posts!! I read through them quickly...but I know I won't remember all of it!

 Congrats to Ulla!! I knew you would be dancing with Ned...I hope your hubby doesn't get jealouse! haha!  Hugs to you!!

AE...sounds like you had a wonderful time at Pinkstock!! How excilerating!  I bet UB is glad to have you back..and the pooches!

Sue...I know how you feel about the period.  But I agree...you are too young to not have it.  I have been on the perpetual non stop period for over a month now!!! It is really bad for several days, then slows down, than almost stops...just to start all over again!!

But good news about my period...I won't have to deal with the constant cramps and bleeding for much longer.  I saw a surgeon the other day and he recommened I have a hysterectomy..not just my ovaries removed.  So I have a surgery date of August 28th.  I can't say I am thrilled to go through yet one more surgery...but I will be glad to get rid of this mess.  My body can't handle all of this estrogen...and I don't want a reoccurance!

Karen, glad to hear your dad is coming home. I am sure it is tough for you to see him so out of it.

Melody...where are you?? Did you sneak away on a vacation..and not tell us??

Jane....thanks for all of your sweet words.

At work today...and glad I have the next 2 days off!  It's been a long week!! Dennis is supposed to come over tonight after I get off of work.  Not sure what we are doing, maybe just relaxing at my house...Olivia is away for the weekend!  I haven't seen him in almost a week...missing him allot. I haven't heard from him today, which is unusual.  Here I go worrying...stop!!

Well, Olivia's agent called yesterday and said they had not made a final decision about the commercial yet...but we will know on Monday...he said she is on the SHORT list..which is good. Thinking positive thoughts.....she GOT IT, she GOT IT....she GOT IT....

To all of my sisters here....I love you all, and you are always in my thoughts!!

Back to work...have a great weekend!!

xoxo

Lisa

livesstrong

Hi ALL!

Sue - I agree with Shirlann - your body is getting back to normal - like it or not!!

Fumi - praying for positive results for Pooh!!  Is there room in your suitcase for me??? I need to get away.  Something tells me you wouldn't want me there. hahhaha.  You must be sooooooo excited.

Lisa - I've been married to UB so long I forgot what the heart skipping a beat feels like.  I'm so jealous.  Dennis sounds wonderful - I am very happy for you.

Ulla - congrats on NED coming to visit - what a relief - you can breathe again.

Karen - still praying your Dad starts feeling good enough to come home.  Looking after the 2 of them must be exhausting.

Judie - have you slowed down enough to start enjoying your new home?  Love the new avatar by the way.

Mel - where are you?

Nancy - how are you feeling?

Shirlann - when is your next luncheon scheduled?

UB is doing better. He goes back to the onc early September - he'll probably get his port removed around that time.  Then the journey will be officially over and it will be time to get serious about moving.

Gotta finish some chores,

bbl,

AE 

Shirlann

AE, i don't know, some of the gals were going to be on vacation in August, but I will scroll down and see if they have come up with a date, if not, we will get you in Sept.!, for sure.

Hugs, Shirlann 

geebung

Lisa - great to hear from you! I hope you have a lovely evening with Dennis and I will keep my fingers crossed for Olivia - it would be so great if she got this commercial!

AE - it will be so great when UB gets his port out, his onc waves him goodbye and you start planning your move - how exciting that will be! 

Am rushing as I have to get ready to go to the mountains - snow is forecast there for tonight - such a novelty for us snow-deprived antipodeans.

Love to all of you,

Jane xxx