please help

NancyD

Hi ladies. Sorry I've been MIA but I was taking so much time reading, I had little time left to post.

Cheryl, the docs rarely know how many lymph nodes they get when they operate. Everyone has a different number of them in the axillary area. They just scoop out the fat pad they live in and call it a day. Take the dr's word...do nothing for a couple of weeks, then very gradually add to your daily movement.

Judie, you look so happy in that photo. I hope you are now really on the mend.

I hosted a Super Bowl party last night for my family. It would have been better at my brother's with his big screen HDTV, but my father decided he would have trouble going down the filght of stairs to their family room. So the party shifted here. Another brother rearranged and added to our living room furniture for maximum seating/viewing. I swear, my mother is rolling over in her grave. The room looks like a real "man-cave" now with two big recliners, the sofa, and two upohlestered swivel chairs all facing the TV. Totally off balance.

Great game, but it took me an hour to clean up so I lost some of my regular sleep time.  

Back to work, tired but content. 

livesstrong

(((((((((((((((Cheryl)))))))))))))))))))))) - you are going to love the port - trust me.

Sue - I told UB you are coming to the US and he INSISTED that we see you, don't forget you can ALWAYS stay here  - I promise I won't charge you much!!!  Just kidding.  Please don't take vacation the weekend of the August 1 & 2 - thats Pinkstock weekend - but then again - you could go there too!!!  Summer time is VERY Hot in Florida don't forget.

Judie - would you mind posting your picture in the afghan thread - I know the ladies there would love to see it.  It's under "Moving Beyond - Circle the Wagons".  I just love mine!!

Gotta run,

 AE

nowheregirl

                   

Hi girls, 

I can't post much as I'm totally worn out. Haven't had any days off since last Sunday, 25th January. Been working 14-18 hours a day. Feels like it's toooooooooooo far away till my next day off, this Sunday... if I am lucky enough to get it. *sigh*

              

I may (just "may") come over there too. Yep the good ol' US of A. But not sure at this point. Can't make plans as work has been too hectic and I dunno when I can afford the time and $$. If I ever make it happen, it will be early May this year or the next.

              

Anyhow hope everyone has a good day. Will keep my fingers and toes crossed for those who have a follow-up or an appointment.

         

Hugs,

Fumi

Anonymous

AE - picture posted. Such love...I'm still dumbfounded.

livesstrong

Judie - you derserve it !!   (;>)

lvtwoqlt

Judie you do look lovely with the hugagan. I sent some yarn to PinkStock last year that I had bought to crochet my caps for the wig bank but I had trouble crocheting it and MB said that she would use it in some of her squares. I would like to participate in the square project but I have too many irons in the fire right now and not much time on my hands to crochet.

Nanna, hope you are feeling well today and taking it easy. you do need to rest and allow your body to heal. If I remember right Sue was triple negative as well as Shirlann.

To all I haven't mentioned. I do think about all every day, just too much going on to keep it all straight.

Donald called me after he got his trailer emptied in Greensboro NC and drove back to Statesville (130 miles)to tell me that the company in Greensboro had a policy to take a key to the truck while they are unloading it and give the key back as you pick up the paperwork showing where you emptied. He gave them the key ring that had the truck, house, car, etc, keys on it and when he went in to pick up the paperwork, his dispatcher was giving him a hard time (arguing with him) about getting some repairs done on the trailer that Donald said needed to be done on the air lines, needless to say, he didn't get his key ring back. Now his dispatcher is upset with him having to drive back to Greensboro to get the keys then to Salisbury where he will be picking up in the morning. He will not get paid for the extra miles since it is not a dispatched load. He keeps a spare key in the truck ignition and uses the key on his main key ring to lock and unlock the door, that is why he didn't miss it until he went to get in his personal car and come home for the evening. I had to talk him down from being upset.

Sheila

sueps

...Sisters... xxx

I am around lately just bit dunno...just bit scared of all this ... 2 sisters gone in a week ...I am very scared tonight xxx

lvtwoqlt

sue it is very scarry losing two this close together but we need to stand together and do all we can to find a cure for this b**ch of a disease. I was shocked when I read Annie's daughters posting of her death. Go outside and scream your head off if it helps.

Sheila

sueps

 WELL WOULD YOU ADAM AND EVE IT!

MY BLOOD IS BOILING WITH ANGER... I AM OFF OUTSIDE TO SCREAM...IF IT EVER DARKENS MY DOORSTEP AGAIN I WILL THROW BUCKETS AND BUCKETS AND TROUGHS OF CHEMO AT IT ...ITS NOTHING BUT A FILTHY MINGING RAG OF MOULDY STINKING BILE AND IT DESERVES TO BE SMASHED IN THE FACE WITH A BOULDER BIGGER THAN THE EARTH AND HEAVIER THAN 10 QUILLION ROCKS!  

Anyway it is very very very sad..... Annie was such an energised sister and vocally very eloquent and caring xxx   RIP Annie..... know that I am venting and you will always be close to us all

GOD BLESS ....

X 

sueps

Sheila please will you hold my hand for a while... I need a hug ...you are so strong and warming xxx

EWB

Sue,

I'm so sorry; I wish with all my heart that I could say or do something to make things better.  Its times like this that I wish we all lived closer to share hugs, shoulders, tears and quiet moments sitting together, not to be alone.

I wonder some times if I can stand one more death because of this dreadful disease and yet I (we) manage to keep going hoping to do honor to those amazing women who fought long and hard; who are finally at peace.

Gentle hugs and hopes that you are able to find some peace.

Elaine

livesstrong

Sue -

"

AE

livesstrong

AlaskaDeb's DH John posted this awhile ago - wasn't sure if you all saw it.

Dear Friends, We have been so overwhelmed by the outpouring of prayer, hope, smiles and of course the Roses for and about Deb.   I told Traci, I couldn't post anything to tell you of Deb's passing.   I just didn't want to discourage anyone for even a second.   But you all have turned Debs passing into a triumph.  You People are truly incredible, beautiful people.  GOD BLESS YOU ALL! I told our pastor, if we were going to have a funeral I wasn't going.  Instead, with your help it was truly a celebration.    The church was packed.  Almost 500 people attended with may more sending their regrets.  (haven't heard from Sarah yet (LOL) but Todd Palin is off to the Iron Dog with our friend Scott Davis & I heard she was in Wash D.C. so I doubt if she is available.) 500 in a community of 15,000 is incredible.  The flowers were great.  Pastor Randy was great.  (He probably will get converts! J) Deb's friends read poetry, articles they had written about her and told stories.  We cried a little and laughed a lot.    Denise, a friend from the hospital and church, wore a balloon hat and brandished a balloon sword.  (Deb was known to some groups as the balloon lady.)  The service was supposed to be about 45 min with an hour reception following.  The service lasted an hour and 40 minutes and I don't know how long the reception lasted but it went on a long time.   (I didn't get to sit, drink, eat......)  Just lots of hugs, laughs, upbeat music, and of course a few tears.   (The girls played "I'm beautiful Damn it" by Bette Midler. If you haven't heard it go listen to it. It's a hoot as Deb would say!)  The girls passed the flowers out to all the ladies who stayed for the reception.  We were all exhausted but the girls wanted to go learn swing dancing that evening.   Again, if you know Deb, that would be very appropriate.   So off they went, while I caught up with the family in town.  I have been totally excited to see the posts, topics, pictures, stories, and Ideas.   I also love the thread about contacting President Obama.   In church Sunday, I spoke to a couple who has a very close friend who they say is terminal.  I pointed them to the websites.  But as I talked to them and hear of others having to go through what you all do, I get Angry.  Not for our loss but D___ It!  No one should have to have this disease and go through what you all have/are going through.  Ok I'm done venting. I saw the Picture of Deb with 3 drinks in her hand at Pink stock.  We all laughed and smiled at that one.  That's Deb! I love the "Do something crazy" Idea.  Deb is probably joining in. Also, from the Girls & I, thank you for helping Deb through her struggle.   She valued your help, support and friendships so much. Your efforts made life easier for us all.  Thank you.     Bless you all.  Talk to you later. John

Anonymous

I'm beyond stunned to hear about Annie. She was a truly remarkable woman. Her course was about as strange and stormy as one could be, but never did I expect this. Bless you Annie on your new journey.

sueps

Hi

 Just thinking before I go bed ...I think I owe it to you and myself to make the trip to the US on my own....I need to meet you and see you ....I will travel around to you all if I have to !! 

And tek my bairns on holiday later in the year.... they will totally understand....

I am going to price flights up this week when I get a minute.....

I need to meet I need to hold I need to be with my sisters.... and we can all together in unison and swear at bootsenslessbrainlessmeaninglessface !!!

posting is good but being with you all would be a gracious moment in time.... xxx 

sueps

TRUDGING UP THE STAIRS TONIGHT DEFEATLESS BUT WOE BE TIDE IN THE MORNING WHEN I AWAKE COS I WILL BOUNCE IT RIGHT OUT OF MY MIND BEFORE IT CAN SAY BOO ....

Sweet dreams sisters ...xxx 

EWB

Sweet dreams Sue; things are always better after a good sleep.

If you come to US and are in NJ area let me know would love to meet (or if you need- have extra guest room )

NancyD

Yes, Sue, come!!!!

geebung

I am so, so sad about Annie. She was so real, self-deprating, funny, warm and expressive. I'm so sad.

cloudhowe

Sueps, Hello,

I am from Scotland,and am too just diagnosed (12 Jan). I too went to the doc felling vry low and weepy, the wee "thickening" i found o my cleavage didn't seem to fit any of the warnings about canceer, no pain, dimpling, unusuals site. I am just turned 53, so thought it was just a natural reaction to the changes in my body - my 'change' has been a breeze - flushes were infrequest, mild and not actually unpleasant!!. Cancer was teh furthest thing from my mind! But I know here was ... something wrong, a real feeling of hopelessness.  But I put it down to other things.  My brother, who was also my next door neightbour, died 2 years ago of cancer of the guller.  I had to cut my working hours down to 16 per week to care for him as his decline and death was so swift. Then I had to very painful urgery on my rught shoulder (4.75 hours) and had to undergo 14 weeks psyio to gain control, the fingers up the wall, crawling along a table.etc.  So my finanes are down to very little, and the contact that I was working on was not renewed because of the recession! Jan 3rd.  So all of these things made me think that I was just stressed out.  And I was. Saw the breast surgeon at 10.30, was examined, has mammo, ultrasound, fine needle aspiration and biospy, and diagnoses of invasive ductal carcinoma, 3.5cmlesion - attached to the skin. Poorly differentiated and high grade within 2 and a half hours.  Non hormone receptive and the ultrasound indicated no evidence of spead to hte lymph glands. I was in a daze, the only cancer we had in the immediate family was my brother, and now I was going to put my family through all this again. My sister ended up in hopital with a retinal stroke because of stress. So I was determned to shield them from all this and put the best light on it.  But I have been all over the place. I have forgotten what a night's sleep is, I live alone and am fiercly independant.

Anyway my life is no longer my own. So much to do,schedule, finances to take care of - they have told me not to even THINK of seeking another job for a year, and I am to live, for the 1st time in my life - the pathetic benefits. I am more worried, getting dental work done prior to chemo, Wed am, seeing the Haven for Headstrong pm (seems strange since I have a full head of thick, blackhair at the moment) on Wed pm.  Getting fitted for a wig on Friday. Fitting in  the Bank ( I am paying off a HUGH bank loan) COuncil Tax to arrange a rebate etc in between times. My family all want to help, but it's insane that I should need to go through all of this.  I have my CAT scan on Monday, echocardiogram on Wendesday and I am getting the sentinal lode biospy on Thursday - all in the midst of these artic conditins - the roads to the host Ineast Kilbride were closed today! And we are under a foot of snow. My chemo is FEC and the onc plans 4 sessions to see if they can shrink the lunp so that I can have a lumptectomy rather than a mastectomy, then surgery, followed by radioation.  Thats the plan anyway.  If anyone could give me an idea what to expect - gratefully received.  I have done the reserch into the drugs being used (into medical sites rather than the ones offered by MacMillan) and know that 2 of the combo can cause carditoxicity, and one can cause liver damage.  The only way I can cope with this invasion is to confront it and to be treated like an intellegent, sentient being who is involved at every step.  It's how I will confront it.  My great fear, apart from the finances, is the fact that my right shoulder and arms ar already conpromised and it's the left breast which is afflicted, I have been through the whole wiping myself, dressing myself scenorio so am now heavily dependant on my left (non dominant) ar for most things now. I am registed disabled because of it, though no one would know to look at me because Ihave adapted.  But this thing will make my life so much more difficult. I am now in the accpetance stage, but feeling sorry for myself at teh moment, in the grip of this blizzard weather with a long, painful and poor road ahead of me.  I too have 3 cats, whom I love and they too have not left my side, aminaks are so attuned to their owners,dontcha think. Anyway, its now 3am and I want to get up quite early tomorrow to get some constuctive thinks done.  Done my shopping, thermometer, a metric tone of tissues (nose hair loss - I laughed at that but you drip all the time.  I am in the midst of a crappy cold just now. Lots of pobiotic drinks and yoghurts, lots of ginger snaps, and teas, bought a couple of hats (the first I have ever owned!!!) acupressure wrist bands and a new sonic toothbrush because my old one dies just before christmas (been brushing manually for about 6 weeks) I would love to hear how your journey has been as you are a year 'down the road' from me and your first post echoed the feelings I have just now.

It really does feel like we are in an exclusive club and are having to go through a helluva initition process!

Signing off now,

Love and lollipops

Nets xx

nowheregirl

            

Welcome Nets, so sorry you had to join us but glad you found us. 

              

Ladies, I won't be back to this thread anymore but will be wishing each and everyone of you many many many more happy and healthy years to come.

            

Best,

Fumi

portiasproudmom

What?  Where are you going, Fumi??  I'm so sad now. 

Welcome, Nets.  I'm looking forward to getting to know you.  Hang in there.  You're definitely at the most difficult stage of the journey.

Please tell me that I imagined reading that Annie had passed.  I'm once again shocked, angry, and devastated.  When will it end??

Love to all,

Karen

sueps

NETS

I have sent you a PM ....I will be back later...I have to go to work  xxxxxx your post reminds me of ME lol

thinking of you all xxxx

thankyou for your strength...

HEY I dreamt AE picked me up from the airport hahaha ...cant wait to come xx 

sueps

Nets ...I have just read your post again before I shoot off.... I wish they had given me chemo before I had mastectomy to see what reaction it would have had.... do you know why they are doing this way round...here in England may be different to Scotland???  I love Scotland xxx

When do you start chemo....do you work...sorry if I missed ...OK I will be back tonight xxx 

1Cathi

Hi All,

Sue I saw on our news this AM you are having a pretty bad snow storm????

Nana so glad you are out of the hospital and home W/your daughter, take it easy and  allow her to help you for a bit - I know its hard espically when I children become our care takers for a bit, but they need/want to do it.  My daughter washed my hair one day and I could see how good it made her feel to know she was helping. 

So Sue is coming to the states, well if you all decide to meet up in Fla,  everyone is more than welcome to come my way, I have room for several and we have plenty of hotels close by and oh yes the wonderful beach, and of coarse I have the largest supply of DISCO music you have ever seen/heard.  LOL

XOXOXOXOXOX -Cathi

EWB

Cathi- I LOVE disco, my family just doesn't understand.  So glad to know there are others out there. Do you have a disco ball?  I think thats on my Dear Santa list for next year

1Cathi

Well I used to have a disco ball and strobe light, but not anymore. We were at the flea market a few months back and almost purchased another,  My family does not understand either, even my hubby,  he is an avid Jazz fan, I am too, but if your gonna have a party and dance -DISCO IT HAS TO BE. 

He gives it his all though, proper lighting, makes sure all the music is ready , he will even dance a dance or too -pretty funny. I just can't get him into a polyester  leisure suit yet. (LOL) .

EWB

I am told that dh had a brown poly leisure suit w/orange silky shirt (I shudder to think) but it was in HS so all is forgiven. 

my3girls

I am at work...keeping it quick.

Fumi...where are you going?? Don't leave us, please.

Judie..I love you...you make me smile...esp. with that picture.

Sue...when you plan your trip....let us know.  I will meet you in Florida

Cathi...count me in...I will most definately be there..esp. since I can fly down easily!

Cheryl..hope you are resting comfortably.

I am confused...who is Annie?? When did she pass.

back to work...I'll check back later.

fyi...Dennis and I broke up...I'll fill you in later.

xoxo
Lisa

1Cathi

Elaine I think Ed can top your hubby, by his own admission in his high school days he owned (and wore) a one piece Jumpsuit with matching Stacks (platforms),  now please keep in mind he has been over 6 FT since he was 3(LOL) and has never weighted over 165lbs in his life - I love him to pieces but so glad his taste in cloths is much improved. HA-HA. Oh yes I almost forgot -the man who has also never been a disco fan also had a perm in order to sport the "big hair" era  for while - I have that picture.