please help

geebung

Linda - your  Harley looks great. Would love to see a pic of you and your dh riding it!

Well, I'm booked on a flight to Brisbane tomorrow afternoon to see my sister & mum. Not sure how long I will be staying. Blossom won't like having to go to the cattery again but she has her own heat pad to lie on and a great view from her window. !

xxx

cloudhowe

Hi Darlins

Quick post

Cathi, you are hysterical girl, and your pics crack me up.

Need, need, need more photies of Margot, in an outfit prferably. The one in her pink cossie was adoreable. I really want a  doggy!!!! I kinda share my sister's cross collie Tommy (the cheese junkie - that dog would do ANYTHING for a lump of cheese)  but I only see him on visits. He knows when you are down, he sits on your bare feet and just keeps licking you. Still, I do have my lovely furry, purry posse. Whispa (aka The Big Grey) Pat the Cat (aka Patrick the Cattrick) and Teddi (aka Ted the Ned). But I'd love a wee dog to train and walk. Maybe someday. 

The 'bimbo' is an old hag, sorry but she is, long straglly grey hair - ugggg. Mine's looked better when it was falling out with the FEC! AND I HAD IT SHAVED OFF!!!! BIMBO??? More like "I aspire to be a bimbo, but am too haggard and stupid". Even bimbos have minimum standards!!!!!

My Chemo is now finished, now waiting for surgery (WLI and full node clearance) Might need mast, will have a week to wait for histology reports after surgery. So everything at the moment is the great unknown.

Completely pooped almost all the time, tho' the s/e of FEC are deminishing in the most part. Eylashes hung on  till last week. Then Oooops, farewell to thee!. It happens that way, it seems with FEC. Up till now, I could make myself look 'normal'. Going to buy some sunglasses today (I don't own any, I live in Scotland!)

So enjoyed catching up with you all after a few days away, still don't have my laptop, and using this old PC feels like work!!

Any advice on Wide Local Incision and Full Lymph Removeal gratefully accepted! How long was it for you guys to start getting your hair, lashes, brows back? Hate having to to try to replicate them - badly. Want to be out and about without looking obviously ill, no matter how awful I might be feeling. Does that make sense to you guys?

Cathi, thinking ALL the time about you and your daughter. Too cruel. Thank god she had her BEAUTIFUL children so young. She must look to you for inspiration. You guys (survivors) inspire me that one day, my life will be  normal again (sometimes it's hard, I can hardly remember pre cancer life, seems like a world away)

Strangly, I too, have come to terms with mortality in the past few months. I have a strange preminition that I won't see 60. If so, that will  give me 7 years and if I get through this, I am determined that I will enjoy them and treasure them. I don't think that's morbid. I told the girl who gives comlementary therapy (bliss) those thoughts - she is very spiritual, and she thinks that facing the certainly of our own mortality,whenever it comes,  is very healthy. Can't tell any family or friends though,  that would just upset them. can share it with you guys though. Anyone else feel the same?Or are my thought processes being clouded by chemo? Your views, as always are sought and appreciated my this sorry Scots woman.

Susan Boyle, by the way, another sorry Scots woman, was on Britain's Got Talent last night. She started off flat and nervous, but recovered and is through to the final. It's on Utube, if anyone is interested - look under Susan Boyle+Memories (the song from Cats)

Hugs and blessing to you all

Nettie xxx 

my3girls

really behind on reading and updating myself. It's Memorial Day here in the states...a Holiday for most...except of course..ME..haha.  Working for the airlines...we are never closed. Double pay though!! woohooooooooooo!

Love to all of you....I will get on later when I have time to recap all of the posts here!

One thing...men...SUCK!!!! Honestly ladies....I just don't get what they want???? They act all interested...we go out..then nothing!!!! WTF???? If they were hoping to get laid .....then, move on...cause they have the wrong girl!! The only one who calls me and is such a great guy, is Mike!! We continue to talk, not much lately..cause he and I have been so busy...but I can tell he is a geniuine GENTLEMAN!!!! I will continue to go out with him and get to know him.  If I tell a guy..hey it's a crazy busy time for me now...but maybe in a month, we can meet...they get pissed!!! They are like...I can't wait a month!! But...wtf..I am not ASKING them to wait on me...go out..have 50 dates...I don't care...I am just saying...look...if you are still available in 30 days..let's meet...if not..it' s not meant to be. WHY IS THAT SO FRIGGIN HARD TO UNDERSTAND??????GGGGGGGGGRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR...SCREW THEM ALL!

ok...off my soapbox!!

lol......

 xoxo

Lisa

1Cathi

You go Lisa - A GOOD RANT IS GREAT FOR THE SOLE.  I'll fill you all in on our barbaccue from Sunday a bit later - the "MOUTH" had a few words of wisdom, right now I gotta get my leg up, I am pretty sure I broke my toe and perhaps hurt someother part of my leg????? But heres a quick pic of Alexcis - God was on our side  - the sun came out and was beautiful ALL day.

1Cathi

OK ONE MORE  - We were trying to build a sand castle

Shirlann

Hi sisters!  I am heeeere!  My middle son, 50 yrs old, is an anxiety person like me, darn it, I never thought I would pass it on!  Anyway, on his own, he went off Paxil cold turkey in January.  (Remember, he lost his wife 3 years ago to Pancreatic CA), he did okay getting off, took about 3 months.  Then, he had horrible anxiety attacks, can't eat lost 35 pounds, can't sleep, just practically ruined his life.  So he went back on a month ago, no improvement.  So he is on 40mg now, for only a few days but still no improvement.  I am so worried.

I will let you know what happens next.  Hugs, Shirlann

1Cathi

Prayers for all Shirlann -XOXOXOXOXOX

Makratz

Shirlann, I will pray for your son too.  Hugs to both of you!

Cathi, you broke your toe?  Was it because of one tequila, two tequila, three tequilla, floor???  You crack me up!  Love the pics!

Lisa, I agree, GREAT RANT!!  Although I am very luck and married the love of my life, I have to agree with you, most MEN SUCK!

dink

Hello everyone, I got home from the hospital on Saturday.  All is well.  I got the regular expanders and extra tissue to build support.  All went well with an exception of the hydrocodone.  I must be allergic as I couldn't stop itching and I couldn't go to sleep.  The nurses wouldn't give anything else as they had no orders.  I'm home now and sleeping pretty good.  I will go to work tomorrow for a little while.  I hope and pray all is going well with everyone.  I don't have the energy to read all of the posts I have missed. Sorry.

Dink

lvtwoqlt

Just a quick pop in, I scanned everything and sorry to hear about your toe, Cathi. Shirley hope your son can get his meds straightened out. Dink, sorry about the allergic reaction to the hydrocone. When I take it I have really strange dreams, the same with oxycodone.

Mel thanks for the support on the weight loss. My sister and I are leaving on July 24 and the picnic is July 25. I am going to try and walk every day, but they are calling for rain all week.

Grandma's b-day party went well. Mom and I went over about 2:00 to put the table cloths on all the picnic tables and get tables set up for the food. it was overcast but a cool breeze was blowing to keep it from getting to hot. We had about 55 people there for the party, 33-35 came in from out of state. Grandma's (younger) brother had flown in from CA to OH to see their other brother who planned to attend but a medical procedure done last week prevented him from traveling, so their nephew (son of the third brother) drove down with D from OH. We had 2 minor injuries on the playground, skinned knee and bumped head, that was good considering there were 13 children under 15 yr old running around on the playground. Everyone enjoyed the KFC buffet that we had catered. Mom paid upfront but had everyone pay her a set amount to cover the expenses. We finally left the church picnic shelter at 9:00 pm dog tired.

Sheila

EWB

Sounds like it was a lovely party! Its great that so many were able to come, nice testiment to your grandmother.

Anonymous

Ok ladies here's the scoop as I know it right now...

David volunteerily went to ER Friday evening....when he got home from work things had progressed to a really nasty state!!!!

We got in there and they called a orthopedic specialist in because they thought the infection was in the bone and tendon of his finger....nope not there thankfully....they did a culture and started him on iv meds every 6 hours (so if this makes no sense, Im sorry, I really tired) we did the 6 hour, around the clock thing until this morning...the culture came back yesterday and he has mrsa in a rarer form..they said about 1 in every 10,000 cases...this one is a doooooozy!!!!! it does well with a med for a day or two they gets resistant to it...this morning the changed meds and are putting in a pick line tonight at 7...this med is an every 12 hr so not quite such a pain in the tushy. They are setting us up with an appt tomorrow with a doctor from the Infectious Disease Center in Seattle because they are baffled as what to do further here to kill the infection and heal this wound....

Then to top it all off my son calls this morning and is on his way to the er because he woke coughing blood....just talked to him a bit ago and they are sending him for a chest xray because they have no idea what is causing this to happen.....

When it rains, it pours....now Im REALLY scared to go to my follow up visit with the onky Friday

Im not sure how much puter time I will have this next week or two but will try to keep you posted as things progress(hopefully for the better here!!!!!)

I feel like a walking zombie so am going to try to get a quick nap before Davids pick insertion and infusion at 7 pm.

Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers!!!

Jule

livesstrong

HELLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO to all you crazy ladies!!!  It seems like FOREVER since I last posted.

I tried to read back (not an easy task with all you chatty cathy's) but will aploogize ahead of time if I forget something.

 Jane - so sorry to hear about your Mum. It is never easy.

Jule -  waving at you my old friend - we have been through many follow-ups together and I am sure you will do just fine.  What is the latest with David?  Staph infections are NOTHING to mess with - hope you got an answer by now.

Cathi - my bff had a hysterictomy when she was in her late '20's and she is now in her late '50's. She has never had a probelm.  Thinking your DD is making the right decision.

((((((((((((((((((((Shirlann))))))))))))))))))  - my BIL did the same thing - he is back on his med's and doing better. Keep us posted.

Lisa - maybe Mike is the one.  Remenber "When Harry met Sally"?

All this talk about death & quality of life - its normal to think & talk about it but until its your turn I don't think a person knows hat they really would do - JMO.

Gotta run, UB just got home.

A big Hug to ALL YOU LADIES - you are a fantastic group of women and I am in awe of your humor, your kndness and most especially - your spirit.

Love ya,

AE

 

my3girls

Love my sisters!!!

I still havent gone back..but I remember a few.

Jule..sorry about David..how is it going now? You will be fine at your follow up..stay positive.

Cathi...I broke my baby toe before..it's not easy!  Can't wait to hear what the bimbo said. Is that you with Alexcis?  Girl...you look FAB!!!! I love that suit!!! omg...are you sure you aren't 20 something??

Shirlanne..sorry about your son....poor thing...anxiety and dep. are tough.

Sheila...glad your Grandma's party went well.

Val...Harry met Sally...I know I have watched it..but I forget the ending...lol.  Mike is a truly sweet man...we will go out again this week. We talked last night...hey..I am not discounting him at all..you never know.

ok..back to work..it's 7:30pm here..and I have been here since 8am...long day..and still will be here for another hour!! Lot's of money! lol

xoxo

Lisa

Makratz

Jule so sorry to hear about David and your son.  Wow, your right, when it rains it pours.  I will keep you all in my prayers.  Best of luck with your appointment on Friday.

1Cathi

Jule praying for you, David and your son -Geezzzzzzzzzzzz you have a plate full.

Jaclyn see's the DR Tomorrow for test results?????? Hoping and praying for good news.

Yes Lisa that is me in the pic with Alexcis, thanks for the compliment, I guess not bad considering I'll be 49 in a few weeks.  But let me tell you what Ed was snapping away with the camera and then he downloaded them, I told him if he ever takes a picture of my A$$ again when I am bent over he is CUT OFF!!!!!!! LOL -That was an awful picture -it is history in DELETE land now.

Well Bimbo (AKA TP Trailer Park) started out by being rather quiet, (which was great).  The weather was fantastic, so everyone was back and forth all day to the beach.  She (her real name in Carol) decided finally to walk over with me, Alexcis and a few of my girl friends,  we are all sitting and talking  - just BS (Alexcis is in the sand playing),  a few of the girls go in the water,  sooooooooooooo (here it comes) Carol says to me she is sorry about the comment last time (WOW I am thinking - thats nice),  so I say Thank you,  " your welcome -  because you really should not worry about anything -  how you look and all  - because you look PRETTY NORMAL in that suit"  Now I am thinking at this point -  ok just take into account "who and what she is " she doesn't know any better.  Then she says " I didn't think you could get decent looking suits if you had breast surgery - was it hard????"

Ugh -  I am still giving her the "your stupid" benefit of the doubt.  But my VERY DEAR FRIEND Jo is not, I could just see her fuming and Jo is a good old NY City born and raised gal, who says what she thinks and feels (LOVE her to death)

Jo Speaking now  - " She got the dam suit at a dam department store!!!!" Right off the rack, she didn't have to have it specialty made,  nobody else gives a dam how she looks, why the hell do you always bring it up???" She looks better than any of us sitting here,  her A$$  isn't dragging on the ground and her TITS are flapping in the breeze - God just leave it alone!!!"

So things are a bit tense at this moment,  so Carol again says she is sorry for asking questions, but breast cancer is all new to her??????  Well anyway Alexcis is still around the are playing, and I guess listening, cause out of the mouths of babes  she says  " My Me-Ma told me her boobies aren't growing back and thats ok because they aren't sick anymore"  and she goes off playing.

It was crazy for a bit,  but Carol didn't say anything more,  they didn't spend the night,  I didn't cry

I have just chalked it up to STUPIDITY.  But oh my friend says if she is ever around her again and she brings anything up  - she will pop her (Jo was around for the other comment), she didn't like her before  - she really doesn't now.

Oh well thats is it-  She is just a STUPID woman and I pity her and pray she never has to deal with anything like this.

Makratz

Cathi, Give Jo a big hug for me.  I LOVE HER!!!  It must have felt so good for you to have your friend defend you.  As I stated last time, Carol is a DUMBASS!!

1Cathi

She is a DumbAss, Jo is my very dearest friend, I think I have told you about her before her DH has kidney cancer with mets to his Liver. He was having so really bad times for awile this winter, right now holding his own and living each day as best as he can,  he even came Sunday and had some beers and went in the water for a bit.

I forgot to mention my toe,  I am pretty sure its broke, hurts like hell and all black and blue and the top of my foot is swollen, I didn't trip, stub it, or drop anything on it,  I know exactly when it began to hurt I was just clearing dishes Sunday from the table and BAM it was terrible pain (the little toe) haven't gone to the DR's not much you can do for a toe,  thank goodness I can wear open toe shoes,  I guess the only weird thing is it's on the foot of the leg and hip thats giving so much grief these days, coincidence I guess.

Anonymous

No time to read so will hopefully do that a bit later but wanted to touch base....

Things are looking pretty nasty...they changed David's meds yesterday and things looked like they were getting better but this morning when we got up his finger split wide open clear to the bone....

We have a meeting with the Infectious Disease doctor in a couple of hours but they are saying we might have to travel to Seattle where they are more experienced with this sort of thing....

Son is hanging in there.....they did all kinds of tests but wont have results until Friday.....they are thinking that since he had a whooper of a cold a couple of months ago with a really bad cough that the spots they see in the lungs on xray are scar tissue and that the coughing ruptured one and is causing the bleeding....hes pretty nervous as they asked him all kinds of questions about family cancer history and there has been lung cancer in several family members....

Gotta run....will try to let you all know how things are going...

Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers....

BTW-I have decided to cancel my appt Friday and re-schedule.....would be just my luck to have the 3rd event...you know how things run in 3's.....

Hugs to all

Jule

lvtwoqlt

Jule, I hate to hear about your family's medical problems. I will pray for David and your son.

Cathi, Right after I moved into my house (18 yrs ago), a thunder storm came up with lighting right over the house. I thought I had left my car windows down when I got home from work and I ran outside barefoot to check the windows. Just as I was getting back to the door, I heard thunder and saw the flash of light overhead and as I ducked, my foot missed the step and I think I broke my toe as my foot slipped off the concrete step but I was determined to get back inside. I too didn't go to the doctor with it, I taped the toes together, per my dad's instruction (former rescue squad - pre EMS) and toughed it out. Unfortunately I worked in the factory and we had to wear closed toe shoes. Also glad to hear several people are speaking up for you (your granddaughter included).

Sheila

portiasproudmom

Wow!  Lots to catch up on.

Jane, if I didn't mention it before, I'm so sorry to hear about your mum.  I hope she's comfortable, pain free, and that you can spend some good quality time with her in the coming days.  ((((Jane))))

Jule, bless your heart!  I can't say I blame you for postponing your appt.  I'd be paranoid too.  Please don't put it off for too long though.  How scary for David.  I've seen pictures of MRSA--nasty stuff.  Sorry, Portia's stupid computer is a piece of junk.  I can't figure out how to change the font back.  Sigh......  I hope your son's issue is nothing but scar tissue.  (((((Jule)))))

Lisa, Mike sounds like a really sweet guy.  What is with these other idiots?  It sure does sound like they're just looking to get laid.  They don't know what they're missing.  I'm sure every one of them would kick himself in the butt if he knew what a rare find you are!!

Jo is my hero, Cathi!!  Someone had to tell that TP bimbo off!  Oops, I forgot what Nettie said--she's not even classy enough to be a bimbo (good one, Nettie---even bimbos have their minimum standards.  LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!).  Tell the scank that she needs a root touch-up!  Boy, I'm catty, aren't I?

Good to hear from you Leesa!  I'm glad you're home.  Hope the itching eases up soon!

Hang in there, Mel.  I hate apartment living too.  I love gardening and would miss it terribly if I didn't have a yard.  Do you have a little deck that you could hang a flower basket from? 

Glad your grandmother's party went well, Sheila.  Sounds like you worked your tush off.  What a wonderful granddaughter you are!

(((((Shirlann)))))  I hope your son's meds start working SOON! 

Love to everyone--Linda, Cheryl, Barbe, Judie (where are you??), Sue, Fumi, and anyone I haven't mentioned.  You know I love you all!

Hugs,
Karen

portiasproudmom

Cathi, I've broken a toe too.  It still bothers me at times (I can't wear high heels because of it).  Take it easy and keep that baby elevated!  I wish there was more you could do for it.  (((((Cathi)))))

my3girls

Wow..so GLAD I read these last posts!!!!

Cathi...your friend Jo...I LOVE HER TOO!!! MY KIND OF GIRLFRIEND!! She really told her off!!! I can just hear that NY accent! Love it!! I think your pic is awesome sweetie...really really great! I LOVE that suit..looks like one I would wear! GO ALEXCIS!!! Out of the mouth of Babes!!! Well between Alexcis and Jo..hopefully TP girl will never speak again....IF you could only be so lucky!!!

About the toe...your's sounds just like my pinky toe! I hit it going around the corner sweeping one day!! Hurt like heck!  For me, it was better to wear a tighter shoe. I would wrap it with tape to the toe next to it. That helped me. Mine was the same..bruised and swollen. It will take several weeks to get better.  Stinks! Sorry Cathi.

Jule...That MRSA is everywhere. I have never heard of so many cases. OMG. I pray that David does better...and that your son will be ok.

Cathi..you and I are the same age. I was 49 in January. Did you graduate in 78?  Boobs, no boobs, fake boob..no matter how you look at it, we are still looking pretty darn good.   Heck with all those guys..like Karen said...their loss.  I think when I am least expecting it...HE will find me.

Ok..back to work...1 1/2 hrs left! Love my sisters!!

Oh...forgot..my friend Kim, who's sister is dying of cancer in Kansas City (Dorothy's home), well, I am so glad Kim went to see her this past week. She told me last night..that she is down to 80lbs, her oxygen is at 48 (not sure what that means, except that it is bad.) and she is going fairly quickly. Please pray for an easy passing, and for strength for Kim and her family. I can't imagine losing a sibling.

xoxo

Lisa

Makratz

Lisa, so sorry to hear about Kims sister.  I will keep them in my prayers. 

1Cathi

Hi all I could not post yesterday regarding Jaclyn's biopsy results as I was so darn mad (still am) I was afraid I would use POTTY WORDS and get banned. 

Although the news was mostly good, I am so mad at her DR I could spit nails. All but 2  areas came back clean,  and they came back with instu cells at this time. So as her DR stated  - protocol states she will be refereed to a Onco (there are great meds that help to abolish the instu cells) Not actually chemo but a combo of meds???? Still not sure about all that,  she will have another PAP in 3/MO.  Constant follow-up is the norm. So after we get info, Jaclyn is the first to bring up questions like how often does the malignant cells come back,  how good are the meds, you know normal questions we all ask,  then she brought up "would hysterectomy be better"

Now I have not said a word yet, just listening being "supportive".  Her Dr ( a female mind you) looks me square in the eyes and says " you will be hard pressed to find a DR who will do such a radical surgery on such a young woman" ,  she continues to say " perhaps you are to close to this situation , being her mom and a cancer patient yourself your thoughts are probably not very objective"  WTF I AM THINKING,  I have never told Jaclyn she MUST have a hysterectomy. 

Now she is looking at both of us " do either of you realize the side effects of a hysterectomy, the effect it has on your body your life is completely altered, sex is never the same,  you will most likely experience all menopausal symptoms, hot flashes, pain,  mood swings etc, it is not fun!!!"

She continues to talk about the advancements in "FEMALE CANCERS" and why invasive radical surgeries are not deemed as necessary as in the past,  a close careful watchful eye will catch something early.  We (especially me I think) have been throughly scolded and I was totally feeling like this B-OCH was completely against my BC decisions.  F-Her. 

We left with onco appointment in hand (3wks) I could hardly even speak on the ride home, just wanted to cry. 

Makratz

Cathi, I don't know where to begin.  I'm glad that Jacki had a relatively good visit.  I hope the meds will get rid of the instu and she can get on with her life.  It's a nice world I live in and I am hoping for the best for all of you.   I don't get why the Dr jumped down your throat.  That a very good question to ask.  Just because you asked it doesn't mean that you are going to do it.  That's how we educate ourselves. A Dr. should know and understand that!!  I think you need a tequilla to help chill out!  I will keep you all in my prayers!

lvtwoqlt

I am with Linda, I don't know where to begin. My mom went with me to all my appointments when I had abnormal mammos resulting in biopsies as a supporter. She let me do all the talking but was there for me. Our surgeon never gave us the lecture, just laid out the plan for each visit and what he felt would be the best course of action. He actually was the one to bring up PBM with me and looked at my mom and said that she was my worst enemy genetically speaking.

With the 'lecture' on the advancements in 'Female Cancers' I would have felt scolded also. but she (the doctor) wasn't facing the dx of cancer like we were when we made the 'invasive radical surgical' decision to remove both breasts. If you were like me, I was ready to get off the 'watch, wait and see' rollercoaster when I made my decision.

Hopefully the Onco visit won't be as stressful and some of her questions will get answered.

Sheila

portiasproudmom

Geez, Cathi!  My head is ready to explode just reading about Jaclyn's doc appt.  Obviously, she doesn't know what it's like to live in fear that the beast will return.  I know several women (one of them being a friend from college and another my cousin) who had hysterectomys at a young age.  That woman needs a smack up-side her head!!  Have some empathy, you jerk!  I'm sorry she upset you so much.  Deep breaths, honey!  I hate ignorant people--she may know her medicine, but she needs some lessons in bedside manner!

Love and hugs,

Karen

1Cathi

Yes Shelia my decision was pretty much made for the same reasons as you,   but some Dr's don't see things that way and the sad truth is some (perhaps many) only live by their TEXT BOOKS  - everything is Black and white. My very first Oncologist was that exact way, he would never listen to any concerns or answer any questions with out refering back to his 25 years of practice and "case studies have shown"  I hated just being a statistic to him,  all the statistics in the world based on what is known about my family history says I should never have been DX with invasive BC in the first place.  Jaclyn's DR is the same way I guess,  and to a certian degree she might be right,  yes I am very close to the the matter - this is my DD,  as I am sure your mom's heart was breaking inside and she wished she could FIX it for you, so do I ,  but I do my very - very best to stay objective, and listen and support ( and give my opinion   - when asked).

livesstrong

((((((((((((((((((((((((((Cathi))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))