Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

texrn

Hi all,

Wow, everyone's been pretty chatty this week! Although, I think about everyone all the time, I haven't taken the time lately to do any shout-outs, so here goes...

Kimberly - It is so good to hear you are turning the corner - your beautiful posts have been conspicuously absent from this thread.

I have my cards all ready to mail, but I've been holding off until I had word that you were feeling stronger. Congratulations! on your upcoming final tx!!

Jenn51 - You too are coming up on your last chemo tx! Hope the pleuritic pain has subsided. I, too, got very fatigued from the Taxotere - it finally subsided about 3-4 wks after my last tx.

BTW, loved the photos of your beautiful gs & your cute dogs!

Vettegal - My thoughts & prayers remain with your ds. I completely understand about the post chemo fatigue - in time, it'll definitely pass. I'm sure the stress from worrying about your ds is just as draining.

sista2 - Hope your 2nd Taxol tx went well yesterday (?) That's interesting about the skin problems from your jewelry - but it's not surprising considering all the chemicals we have going into our bodies combined with the hot flashes/night sweats, etc.- who knows what's oozing out of our pores.

JulieK - Yay! for your last tx next week, 4/17 (?) - hope that means it'll be your last round of migraines & insomnia too.

I'm an AI too...was very disappointed & surprised at who was eliminated last night. I know someone has to go every week, but can think of a few others who should have preceded him.

Paula - Hope your visit to the bar today went well. Are you seeing the light shine at the end of the tunnel yet, for this leg of your journey? Before you know it.....

Carol - Hope your ds's race went well today. I don't know about you but I sleep, & nap, real well in hotel rooms. Anyway, hope your day goes well.

Deb102307 - You're almost there with one more tx to go!!

Kris - congrats on your last AC! Is it on to Taxol  for you?

D1 - almost 1/3 done with your rads! By this time next month....

KathyL - as far as the cards go - I just put likes/dislikes/hobbies/etc..

I'm with you on the results on AI last night...most definitely 3 others who could've/should've gone before him. This is the first season I've watched from the beginning - it's also one of the few things the whole family is interested in on TV.

Maz - Glad to hear this week's tx went well - only one more to go!

I'm glad you have a therapist that's working out so well - trying to get through your own journey & at the same time trying to be there for your friend, is a lot to keep bottled up. My heartfelt prayers are going out to your friend Val.

DCmom - Welcome! You've come to the right place - this is a great group of women!

Dana - I pray you're doing okay...

I, myself, am doing pretty well. Survived my first weekend back at work. I was tired, but a good tired - it really helped in getting my sleep schedule back on track.

I wish everyone a beautiful weekend!

Therese

KathyL

Maz:  Good to hear from you, but sorry to hear about Val's setback.

 Jenn51:  Glad to hear your lung update, but wonder what it is??  At least it's not a PE or pleurisy...

I am also happy to hear about heceptin not adding to the swelling.  I can't imagine what I'd look like by Jan. '09 if it did!

I think the secret pal cards will be sent in the envelopes to the person's SP, then the pal knows what they can send.  I haven't figured out what to put on the cards yet... on my weekend to-do list.  I think I'm making it more difficult than it needs to be.

Kimberly:  So glad you are feeling well enough to post!  I can't imagine the hellish week you've had, but I am happy you are on the mend.  We've missed you!   I swear I'll get going on my SP stuff to send you.

Paula:  Doesn't it feel great to write "one more"?  It'll be here and done before you know it.  Yea-the end's in sight.  Hope you don't get too much snow.  What's up with all this snow in April?  Before we know it, we'll be sweating in 90+ heat.

Therese:  Glad to hear you did well on your first weekend back to work.  I'll be there soon enough (back to work, that is... not on the weekend though). 

Eyes are really twitchy today, so I'll be going now.  Hope everyone has a good weekend.  I'll post the next schedule on Sunday.

LilWarrior

Hello All,

I am doing fine!  The Devil has been at work with me lately!  I had only herceptin today; Dr said he wanted to give my body a break.  I don't know why cause my counts are perfect.  Its getting so hot out here in Cali now, and I cant stand the summer here; to me its unbearable.  

School is fine, having a lot problems with a class mate.  She wrote the Administrator and told him that she feels her life is threatened and I intimidate her.  I haven't even said one word to her and the killer part is that this Monday the class failed the test but one girl (her) and the school wanted everyone to take the test over and the teacher was going over the exam and she (the witch) said out loud are we done, can we move on and I said no can you have compassion and empathy for others and she said ok dana.  So she told someone else in class that she is going to write to the school administrator and tell them she feels threatened by me.  WOW!  Its crazy.  I know she wanted me out of class along time ago cuz she stated to me that I should quit school and come back after chemo.  She is just rude!  She told another classmate who ask a lot of question that this class is not Candices class and that she should stop asking question and that she is immature and etc.  She is just rude!  She knows better to say anything to be being that I am a Lil Warrior!.  She is also the one that told everyone  lets eat korean food - forget dana.  I hope you remember that story I told you a while back.  I am so sick of this girl, and I pray that the school doesnt take into consideration her lies, and her stories.  I have others that will back me up in the class its just the point - how dare she.  If she felt threatened and intimidated by me wouldnt you think to just leave me alone. Also later that day after the retake of the test she sent me a txt msg on my phone and apologized for being so rude to me.  Thursday before I knew she have written me up - she was sitting down and I asked her whats the matter and she said I feel old- now she is only 38 ok, and I told her you have to feel good and let whatever is holding you down go.  She told ME I have no idea what she has been through and that she has gone through so much.  Hello, she is talking to a cancer pt, who was abused, a girl that lost her mother, brother, and lived on the streets since 12 years old.  Hellooooo is anyone home!  I told her well you have the choice to allow life beat you down or get up and smile about your trial and tribulations.  She is just a sorry soul and I will have to pray for her.  Since the Devil is at work with me I have to get pushing out the Lord more - so I am going to do more Godly things and pray for my ENEMIES...

Other than that, I am blessed I lost 3 pounds and my gluose is real high.  So no more carbs and sugar.  It didnt help when I ate a donut or TWO he ha before my blood was drawn.  He ha.  I am still doing pilates and walking the dogs.  I sure wish spring was back cuz the heat is not for me.  You would think since I am half black I would like the heat - he ha but I surely dont.  I am hide away from it...

Love ya Ladies, and miss you dearly!  I hope all is well.  Too much to go back and re-read all.  My prayers are with you.

Please continue to pray for me.

Lil Warrior - Dana 

LilWarrior

Oh yea the Nurse was suppose to request a CT scan last week and Ms Bright one has sat on it.  So I will have to call on Monday to remind her - sure want to see all Gods miracles in my Liver.  I am just having such a blessed week - when the Devil is at work he is at work - but I rebuke him and I am Healed and Protected by God!!!

golfer779

What a day for the ds , he had 5 races today, and had ugly wipe outs in 4 of them.  Partner wiped in the 5th one.  Needless to say, a plastic coated skate rink floor and skin are not a good combination.  The two of us are hunkered in at the hotel tonight, some how I have to talk the ds into showering even though I know its going to be so painful.  The raspberry on his thigh is about 6 in in diameter, and his hand is just gross looking.  I certainly don't want an infection to brew, hit the walmart and the counter here in the room looks like we could do major surgery with all the gauze and tape.

Needless to say we are both almost in a vegetative state, been up since 3:00am, this is a crazy sport, the skate rinks don't want to lose revenue with their open skate sessions so they have all of the meets starting in the wee hours.  Back tomorrow at 5:00am.  Had to talk the ds into staying, he was packing his bags this afternoon (with tears in his eyes, I had to suck it up so I wouldn't start a meltdown myself).  I really think its best if he gets back on the horse, and he has now agreed.

Will have to save my shout outs for tomorrow as I will probably be asleep before the sun goes down.

Hope you all have a good weekend and for those combating any "FSE's, hang in there,

Carol 

Determined1

Urgh.  Sorry it's been so long.  Today was SOOOO long.  I meant to post last night to give a SIS Kimberly update, but I went to bed early, prepping for today.  Fortunately, SIS Kim was up to the task to give her own update (glad to hear from you Kimberly!!).

Went directly to p/u college girl after my rad appt today.  As always, good to see her.  She was bumming because the boy she met is more interested in her roommate than her (might explain why he was interested in talking), so the boy thing is off for now.  Anyway, as soon as we got home (I got up at 6:30 this a.m. and was in action--no exaggeration--till we got home at 5:30pm) I had to start dinner.  Dh returned from Dallas tonight (on American Airlines, no less!) and everyone wanted to be fed lasagne rolls and sweet potatoes by 8p.  Those lasagne rolls are tasty, but labor intensive (and dirty every hand wash dish in the house!).  I should have never agreed to make that after such a long day.  Live and learn...

Sooooooo......

DCMom--I haven't done Taxol myself, but you've heard from some of our experts already.  But I live in Arlington, VA and just found out about an event to be held at the Nordstrom at Pentagon City on April 21.  Its sponsored by Chemoflage (www.chemoflage.com).  It supports women going thru chemo.  Not sure of the time, but I have a number to call for info--703-224-2456.  Its the first meeting.  I think I'm going to go if the time is good for me.  Oh, and stop in here anytime, you're always welcome.

Jenn--You're a star in my book, even with chemo brain.

Vettegal--(Did you hear me honk at you today as I passed into PA?  I always think of you and PALady whenever I go to Carlisle.)  I was fried with exhaustion till I was about a month out from my last tx.  Once you turn the corner, you'll be amazed (then you'll do rads and get tired all over again, but that's another story).  I promise you'll get your energy back.

Sheshe--Good to hear from you, fellow Vernor's imbiber!  Sorry the new onc isn't up to snuff.  I've done 2 weeks of rads so far, but no form for my Frankenboob, guess she's not big enuf!

Paula--I'm sorry the storms nixed your games.  I think the rain has just started here.  Thanks for sending it our way????

Julie/KathyL--I was shocked at the AI elimination.  That contestant was not going to win, but I agree with KathyL that others should have gone first.  (I am loving David Cook--once I got over Jason's blue eyes and his John Sebastian channel.)

Carol--Skaters have to get up before the light of day????  I'll stick with bball...

Maz--So glad to hear the therapist is working out--is he able to help you cope with Val's situation, too?

SIS Kimberly--hang in there, we're here, holding you up when you're feeling down.  Hope the antibiotics do the trick.  I cannot imagine dealing with an infection during the fog.  Talk about a SHERO...

I know we have some Jewels who have been quiet lately.  I hope that's because they are content to lurk for now.  And may everyone who had tx this past week experience minimal se's.

Oh, and Frankenboob seems to be pink for the duration now.  Nothing is unbearably painful, yet, but my scar tissue really aches (I describe it as feeling angry, rather than really aching--not sure if that makes sense...).  Can't wait to see babydoc to ask about that next week.

Not sure I'll be online much tomorrow.  When I do my family thang, I seem to disappear.  But please know you're all on my mind.

D1

Determined1

Since it took me so long to post, I see there are several messages that have come in.

First of all, I forgot to mention to Sista2 that I didn't have problems with my hands/rings, but I had a situation with my left ear (left is bad boob side) where my earrings made my pierced hole ooze and flake.  I had to change to my real gold earrings and LWDana suggested I dip my posts in neosporin before inserting.  That did the trick and eventually the problem cleared.  I wonder if its the same kind of problem you're having with your rings?  (Although I wear an incredibly cheap ring on one of my toes 24-7 and that did not cause me any trouble at all.  Not sure what any of it means.)

LWDana--Good to hear from you.  I'm sorry one of your classmates is being such a PITA.  Hope you can let it roll off your back and get about your business.  You have so much on your plate right now that I'm not sure I'd spend much energy on insensitive people.  Fingers are crossed that your scan goes well.

Carol--Ugh.  The ice burn (sorry, my only experience is with a floor burn, so not sure what to call that) sounds awful.  I really dread those moments in the hotel room with my kid when things don't go well.  It really forces you to focus all your energy on being the good parent--not always easy.  (No, reword that as not EVER easy.)  I hope you'll be in bed early tonight and try to remember that tomorrow (even at 3 f-ing a.m.) is another day.  I hope ds is able to have some success tomorrow (even if that means not wiping out and aggravating his ice burn), so he can head home with a positive thought.  I'll cheer for him (only because with the time difference, I'll be up anyway!).

Off to bed now.

D1

JulieK_11_30_07

Hi Jewels - Just returned from the TKD exhibition - it was really cool! The fights in town are the "mixed martial arts" fights and they had a big ring in the middle of the hall where they were held. The kids did their demo inside the ring - my ds was really jazzed!! They did an awesome job - the place was packed!! It was definitely a proud parent moment.

Carol - hope the ds's race went well today! That's definitely an early up!! Holy cow! Hope you got to rest sometime during the day! Yikes! Just read your last post - so sorry ds crashed and burned. That won't be a fun night with him having to deal with his injuries. Ouch! Hope tomorrow goes better!

Tina - I can't believe you're supposed to get so much snow!! They're calling for a possibility here too on Saturday night, but I don't think it's supposed to amount to much. Let's hope it misses you so you can get on those Harley's!

Jenn - LOVE the pics! What darlings! Hope you're doing okay - I know you have a busy weekend. Glad they went ahead and did the test, just to be safe. Thinking of you.

Paula - sounds like you've been busy!! Hope you continue to feel okay. Glad you got to get in your pj's early tonight! That's my favorite kind of Friday night!

Kathy - hope you got all of your errands done. Get those cards done!!

Maz - glad your infusion went well. It's good that you have a therapist that you like - especially nice that he's a cutie!

Kimberly - so WONDERFUL to hear from you!! I am so sorry for all you have had to endure. Lots of healing thoughts are headed your way - take care of YOU!!!

Therese - good to hear from you. Glad you're doing so well! I bet it felt good to get back to work.

D1 - enjoy your weekend with college girl! Sounds like you had a very FULL day - glad you checked in. I'm a huge David Cook fan too - didn't much like his "Innocent" this week, but I know he's worthy of much better! Still mad about this week's elimination!!

Well, girls - I'm off for the evening. Not much planned for the weekend - need to get some things done around the house, but that's about it! Hope everyone has a FAB weekend!

FUSE and FUBC!!!! {{{{HUGS}}}}} to everyone!

Julie

vettegal

Good morning Jewels,

 Heading to work today. Back to my good ole routine..(sucks)

On the vettesis front. Dr called and said theyfound a nodule in each lung and one in the liver. She is a wreck again! Her dh even called me to see what I thought about it. I am not in panic mode yet. Trying to do some research..It could be scar tissue, i don't know. will keep you updated.

  We are going out tonight!! It has been since Jan since we did something like this. I got 15 people coming to PF CHANGS for dinner.

 We have a cake made for dessert. We are celebrating me being done with chemo. My dh birthday (monday) My nephew vettesis son, getting into Depaul University in chicago ( I am soo proud of him) and  my friend at work got married at the JP on march 20 and he had the flu all week. So we have family and friends, stepson ( we are fixing up ona blind date with a beutiful italian girl)   so this cake has all 4 celebatory things on it!!

will get a photos especially with vettesis!!

Hope you all have a great weekend..se free weekend for allof you that had treatment!! FUBC..FUSE

Hugs to all of you.......xxxooo Patty 

kris60

real quick check in....

yes Kathy, weekly doses of Taxol for 12 weeks.  No herceptin or anything. so hopefully Taxol will be kind to me.  A/C SE's still trying to kick me down this last time, but, it is the LAST TIME!!!   whew.

time to go veg in the chair

tootles

Kris 

Cathy-CA

Sorry I've been MIA.  I've been on a bit of a chemo break just doing normal things.  I was in Northern Cal visiting friends, went to three concerts in the past week, movies with friends, exercising, classes, etc.  Round 5 is Monday, so I'm laying out the decadron so I don't forget to take it tomorrow and trying to get all my laundry and errands done this weekend.

I met with the rad. onc. this week to discuss when we can start treatment.  My youngest has college orientation the early part of July so I really wanted to be done by then, so I can go with him.  Unfortunately, due to Memorial Day and Independence Day even starting the earliest I can after chemo has me missing it by a week.  When I talked to the rad. onc., his response (which shocked me) was enough people have to take a radiation break due to skin issues by late in treatment that he will just let me miss those two days and pick up when I get back.  So, I'm having the CT scan and simulation the week I finish chemo and then start rads May 19th.

camazur

Just wanted to share that my pal Val called me yesterday. I am so thrilled that she thinks of me in the middle of what she's going through. Whenever I call she's always sleeping, so this was special. And so lucky I was home and able to chat. I hate using my cell while driving and usually don't answer--just call back when I'm done.



And I tried a new route to my hospital that takes 10 miles off my round trip. I don't think it would have been that good in the winter, but now its fine. Doesn't save me time as its a slower road, but my car uses diesel and the price is way up for that. My Jetta wagon gets almost 50 mpg so its not too bad yet, but getting there. Chemo brain got me there but I got lost trying to go home, but not too badly. Just had to take the old way home after going out of my way to do it.



Chemo brain also managed to do our taxes using Turbo Tax just in the nick, they're being mailed Monday. One year I had to drive 20 miles each way to get them postmarked by midnight, and I made it by 10:30 pm. That was the closest place open late. A local radio truck was there interviewing the procrastinators showing up.



I can feel the fog rolling in. I can tell this is gonna be a tough one, because I slept way later than usual and didn't even wake for my morning sweats, if I had them. I was really unconscious, which was kind of a relief because I haven't been sleeping well, and not just from the decadron. Last night I did take a klonipin for the decadron and it obviously worked. I just usually forget that I have them.



Kimberly--Glad you're well enough to post. I missed and prayed for you.



Dana--good to hear from you, too.



Patty--can't wait for the pics. Sending prayers for vettesis.



Carol--You are a trooper, as well as your son to get up so early.



Hoping for an easy weekend for us all,

Maz

Determined1

Hey Ladies.  I got some computer time earlier today than yesterday--what a relief!!  Today dh and I finished the taxes (ours and the girls'), then we went to the gym as a family to work out.  The best part was watching dh and his girls shooting around when we were all done with our work outs.  Not sure how many times I'll be seeing that in my life again...

Julie--the TKD thing sounds like it was really cool.  How great for your ds to have such an experience.  And as a parent, I can totally relate to the proud moment.  Bask in it.  I wish you many more.

Vettegal--You guys have quite the shindig planned.  I hope you have fun and laugh a whole lot!

Boy Kris, I hope Taxol's kind to you, too.

Way to go, CathyCA!  I like the schedule so full you don't even remember about bc.  I really hope you can work the rads schedule.  I was interested to read that many get a break for skin repair--no one's said that to me but I'm still red now from yesterday--so I'm thinking a break would be a good thing for me...

Take it easy, Maz.  Glad you found a route you like for the doc trip and way to go on finishing your taxes (we finished ours this a.m. and I posted them on our way home from the gym).  Now its time to let your body do its thing.  We'll be here, thinking about you.  Just lurk and post when you're up to it.  Wishing you an easier fog than you anticipate.

We're off to the in-laws for dinner tonight (they want to see college girl), so no cooking.  Gotta like that!

Catch up tomorrow--I hope.

D1

SISKimberly

OMG, catching up on five pages of posts took me from 10am this morning until now 1:54pm.

I'm exhausted, but so happy to have caught up with everyone.  There is no way I can shout out individually, but just want to say to you all...thank you for loving me and supporting me.

Went back to the plastic surgeon's office yesterday. He said the infection has jumped over to the left and that 'they still looked angry' but better.  He's extending my IV antibiotic right up to my next chemo date.  I had another fever last night 100.6.  I thought I was done with the whole fever thing. Sweated a ton last night again, so am washing sheets, pillows, and mattress cover (not in the same load of course) as I write.

I feel better this morning, but know I need to conserve my energy...at least I got to sit while catching up.

I promise as I get stronger, I'll be back to my ole self, and you'll not be able to shut me

up.

I'll check in tomorrow.

SIS Kimberly 

Secret Pal Reminder

1. In a larger envelope send

2. 4 smaller self addressed stamped envelopes,

3. also include 4 index cards with name, address, birthdate, favorites, and dislikes on it. 

4. When I get these, my hubby will put one of your cards into the self addressed envelope of your Secret Pal. (My hubby is going to draw an index card and an envelope randomly to match up Secret Pals, that way I won't know who gets me. I will also have him write down who got who so we don't have repeats the next round.)

Is that clearer for those who were confused? 

golfer779

Hello Jewels,

Survived our early wakeup this morning, had the alarm set for 4:00am, decided to wake at 3:00, and couldn't get back to sleep.  The ds only raced once today, happy to report no wipe out, but unfortunately did not make it in the top 3, so didn't make the finals.  We considered it a win, as we didn't have to patch up anymore skin!, and I was proud of him to take his beat up body back to compete this morning.

Back in our hotel room, I actually napped for about an hour, not the norm for me but I really needed it.  The ds is snoozing as I type, will be waking him after I post and will spend some mom/ds time together, probably at the mall and out to a decent dinner. 

Julie, yakking about ds's, sounds like yours had a great moment with the TKD exhibition.  Nothing better than those proud parent moments.  Hope my son didn't see my eyes roll back in my head yesterday, it was one painful mom moment after another.  Sharing his pain of course!!!

Tina, whats up with the weather, lets hope its Harley time again real soon.  You asked about touching base with your co-worker, I would definitely let her know that your there for her, even if its a quick e-mail, phone call, card.  Its kinda hard to know what others are thinking, she might feel that you already have enough on your plate and would not want to bother you, my thought is that you can be supportive to each other, and who doesn't need a little help from many directions.

Paula, my goodness gal, are we burning the candles at both ends or what?  I truly hope your dedication to your work is recognized, a gov visit to your school, thats got to be pretty special.

I could so relate to the nonchalant comment by your onc.  I too have asked about future scans, tests to check for a "clean bill of health".  My onc as well usually tells me lets get through one thing at a time, and as far as checking my other breast he just recommended a mamo at my usually scheduled time.  I like others had got my reminder for a mamo in Jan, just laughed and threw it away.  I don't care to have a mamo which doesn't appear to show my type of cancer (lobular), until its big enough to have my whole breast whacked off again.  I'll give my doc one more visit, then I'll be getting a little more pro-active (push for MRI).  I also just got a new refereral to go back for a consultation at Seattle Cancer Care, I'll be picking the onc's brain there just to make sure that we're all on the same game plan for future hormome txts!

D1, sounds like the family that plays together, stays together ... enjoy your dinner with the in-laws.  Hey the ds of mine is not on ice but rollerblades.  I think an ice burn would be better than the mess he's got!!! 

Kathy, thought of you, one of our nurses, could have used a nurses mind set to clean and bandage up the ds.  We're talking ugly ... I've never been to good with the blood thing ... couldn't even look at my drain when it was in without feeling woozy.

Got a good chuckle with the "charred boob" comment, so sad that I find that funny! 

Sista, I'll have to check out the article on fasting.  It sounds like a good way to have some serious nausea, but I'll check it out. 

Maz, glad to hear that you we're able to chat with your friend.  This has got to be so tough for the two of you.  Was very pleased to hear that you have a therapist that your able to talk with.  I really feel that if I didn't have a group such as this that I would be ready to talk with someone to kinda just let it out.  For me being able to read about others or yak away myself, within our great group of women has been just what my mental state needed.  I totally cannot even think what the last 4 months would have been like without the support of this group. 

On that note, I guess the local hospital has a support group for bc.  I chatted with a lady at chemo a while back and she said that it was pretty much a bunch of "old" ladies and they did crafts, etc.  Not really thinking that would have been my cup of tea.  Maybe this is the "younger" generations version of crafts!!!

Jenn, hope your chest pain decides to take a hike.  A clean CT has got to be relieving though.  Lets hope that your fog is short lived this go around, I bet you have atleast one animal on your lap or shoulder as you read this !!!

Kimberly, your probably getting another dose of antibiotic today, this darn infection is being a stinker.

I noticed in your post that you said sorry for being MIA for almost a week, I had to look at my calendar on my watch and thought, gal, you've been MIA for 10 days, although your not having fun, time is flying by.  I think that the April Fool Day chemo will be one that you'll have a hard to forgettting.   Stay tough gal!

Vettegal, nice ride ... here's to a great evening out tonight.  I think its great with all your family has been through that your able to take a break to celebrate whats all good.  Sometimes its hard to look at the glass as half full, hope yours is full all evening!

Cathy, yeah for doing "normal" things.  You really go like a "fart in a whirlwind" (excuse the expression), when your feeling up to par.  I love it!!!   Don't forget your meds tomorrow!

Therese, sounds like heading back to work and having the "good" tired is working for you.  Hope you continue to have "good" days.

DCMom, looks like your getting some good info on your regimen, hoping that you'll be able to pass it on to the Mar group.

Okay, trying to rise the ds from his nap, mom's getting hungry and the cold cereal we have in the room isn't going to cut it at this point.  Wishing that I had asked the dh to join me, knew that he could use the weekend to get caught up on a few loose ends around the house and to have some time to himself (oh, and with the wieners). 

Enjoy the rest of your weekend, knowing me I'll be snooping the post tonight, unless my ds decides to engage in some conversation!!!

Carol

sheshe48

Hi Sisters,

I'm a little lost, I have been trying to catch on the post. What kind of cards are you all mailing out?  Are you doing some kind of secret pal kind of thing?  This time I just feel so lost, I should not of stayed away so long. Thanks for all the kinds words and support. So far this is my second chemo oncologist, and I don't want to keep finding a new one. I will see how things goes in 2 months when I see him again. Maybe he was having a bad day and took it out on me. But I am really disappointed in him. He was so nice in the beginning. I don't want it to look like I can't get along with these doc. And who wants to take my case now that I'm already thru chemo. Thanks for all the advice. Good Luck to Paula and Dana on your treatments with week, go kick some BC Butt. A big HUG to everyone.

 SheShe

RN2teach

Hey Jewels!

Had my Neulasta injection this morning and spent most of the rest of the day at ds' ballgame-it was a painful one (we got clobbered). I worked concessions, so I was a bit more comfortable than those who were outside. It was really windy and cool. I won't be surprised if we do see some snow flurries this weekend.

Therese- I'm so glad your first weekend back to work went well.

Dana- good to hear from you, LW. Sorry you're having some difficulties with a classmate. Just remember that her problems are HERS, not yours, and you do not have to allow her rudeness to affect you. Keep those positive energies up! I'll be praying for good news w/ your CT Scan.

Carol- I know adversity strengthens us, but it is tough to take when it's happening to our babies, isn't it? Sorry ds had such a rough day at the rink yesterday. Glad he was able to get himself back out there and skate today. Have a safe trip home.

D1- hope you're enjoying your family weekend. Glad you don't have to cook tonite-think you deserve it after the labor intensive dinner you put together yesterday!

I'm hoping the weekends will allow the PB (pink boob, or should that be poor boob?) to recover from the rads trauma.

Julie- I'm glad you and ds enjoyed the TKD exhibition. Gotta love those proud parent moments!

Patty- Wow, your dinner tonight has all the makings of a MAJOR celebration! Enjoy!

I'm really sorry that Denise is still getting blindsided by bad news from her docs. I'm hoping that the latest findings turn out to be nothing to worry about. FUBC!

Kris- glad you checked in. Veg away and allow your body to heal from AC. Sending you a big ole' Kimberly WOOHOO for being done with that particular rat poison!

CathyCA- sounds like you've had an enjoyable time with your friends. Good for you!

You have 2 more TC/H treatments to do before you can start rads, right? I, too, am trying to manipulate my rads schedule to fit my summer plans.

Maz- I'm glad that you and Val were able to have a good talk. I know it was good for both of you.

WTG on getting those taxes filed before the fog rolls in. Hope you are able to sleep away the worst of your se's from this round.

Kimberly- it is so good to see your post. We have missed you so much! I'm glad you're feeling better, but don't overdo it-we don't expect shout outs. We just want you HEALTHY!

I'm getting my cards/ envelopes ready this weekend and will mail on Monday. Your dh is very sweet to help the Jewels get our Secret Pal project going.

SheShe- Carol and Kimberly came up with the Secret Pal project and Kimberly has volunteered to get it going for us. Last I heard we had an odd number of Jewels-don't know it that is still true or not. Anyway, see Kimberly's posts for more info. She posted about it on April 1^st and today also.

The muscles are starting to announce their displeasure. Time to veg out for a while.

Catch you later, Gems

Paula

vettegal

Good morning Jewels!

Had a wonderful dinner last and went to Dave and Busters and played some games. It was a great nite and the blind date with my stepson..went really well. They hit it off (whew)

   At dinner the topic came up about my hair growing back and its gonna be blond (like when I was born) and everyone wanted to know if the "girls" on my website that I chat with , if their hair is growing too, and what color is it?If your color has changed or not!

  So lets get an update for the girls that have some peachfuzz/hair whatever growing lets see how we are doing !!!

Mine is starting to get a lil bend to it and its about 3/4" long

waiting for those chemo curls!!

Have a great sunday! LIVE-LOVE-LAUGH

Anonymous

My fuzz is mostly white with some darker looking (brownish) fuzz.

Just like what fell out.

Seems straight, also like what fell out. 

tinalee123

Good Sunday morning, Jewels.

Anniversary today, dh and I celebrated last night by attending a Phil Keaggy concert with our good friends.  It was fantastic.  May go out for dinner tonight.  As you all know, I’ve been quite a hermit (pretty common here in the north land) since starting chemo.  I feel like I’m starting to be a part of the land of the living again. 

We never did get our anticipated snow fall…it did hit MN, although way up north.  Our weather here is more like November…cold and windy…it might has well have snowed.  The weather guessers are thinking temps in the 60’s are coming next week.  We’ll see…

D1 – Your weekend sounds wonderful.  I bet it warmed your heart to have your whole family together.  Dying to have your lasagna roll recipe…would you share??? 

Kimberly – Oh, friend, we’ve missed you!  You know shout outs aren’t necessary.  We just want you to feel better and get rid of that nasty infection.  Healing thoughts coming your way!

Patty – What a great celebration!  Glad you could have fun with family and friends.  Good wishes still heading to vettesis.  I love your positive thinking.

Sheshe – I think you are taking the right approach…giving the onc a “bye” in having a bad day.  Everyone should be allowed one…but, what’s most important is YOU, your comfort and your treatment plan.

Dana – So glad to hear from you.  As others have advised…the classmate is the one with the problem.  Rise above, focus on you and your needs.  Hope that CT scan finally gets scheduled and completed – good wishes heading your way on that.

Carol – Your ds’s hours at the rink are just like the kids here with hockey.  Same exact deal…early mornings and far away games.  I purposefully redirected both ds’s into other winter sports…swimming, diving, wrestling.  Honestly though, it was the same in terms of dedication and energy spent.  Experienced lots of disappointments, too.  All part of the game of life, eh?  Thank you for your thoughts on contact with my friend.

KathyL – Thank you, too, for your advice about checking in with my friend. 

CathyCA – Good to hear from you.  Everyone needs a break!  It can be exhausting try to get everything “done” before the next round.  I kind of feel like the chipmunks in fall…scurrying around, eating everything in sight, before the winter sets in. 

Kris – FU – AC!! 

Julie – Cool exhibition!  I’m amazed these kids do such physically complex activities.  Dang…I remember being a kid and thinking I am never going to figure out hoola-hoop.  Sad…I know…

Therese – Glad work went well. 

Maz – How wonderful to hear from Val!  I bet that made your day.  And, I’m sure hearing your voice and your comforting words made hers!

Jenn – Glad to hear that fil is home.  Sending wishes for a decent quality of life.

Well, ladies all for now.  Hope those who had tx last week are resting, thoughts for few se’s go out to you!

Tina

Determined1

Happy Sunday!  The weather turned cold here, today--and I was just getting used to my short sleeved shirts!!!

Dh and college girl are on their way back to Carlisle, so I have a couple of hours to kill (not sure where dd went--I think she toddled off to meet some friends for a little while, since there's no school tomorrow for teacher's work day).  Tomorrow dd is tagging along to my rads appointment (hope there isn't a backup tomorrow, not sure about her patience level at the doc's office), then we're going to eat lunch on the Georgetown University campus (remember, I've switched to Georgetown University Hospital for chemo and rads), then we're going to take the campus tour.  Dd is thinking about G'town as an option, so we thought we'd take advantage of the day off from school to visit.

So, SIS Kimberly, things must be better if you're back on laundry duty.  Just take it easy.  We want those temps to GO AWAY!

Carol--Hooray on surviving the last day of skating w/o any skin donations.  (Rollerblades--now that's totally cool!!)

Paula, I'm so impressed that you worked concessions after your nasty-lasta shot.  It must be a sign that you're feeling okay right now.  Here's hoping the se's take it easy on you this time.

Vettegal--Your upbeat vibe is so infectious!!!  Thanks.  My hair is coming in colorless (someone described it as Arctic White) and textureless (sticks straight out of my head and you can't even feel it when you pinch a piece of it--EXTREMELY fine).  There are some over an inch long, but they're sparse.  The majority is about 1/4 inch.  You still really just see a bald, shiny scalp when you look at me.

Tinalee--Glad to hear the worst of the weather skipped you.  I was SO thinking about you as I heard the forecasts for this weekend.  I'll see if I can get the recipe on here--they're not health food, but yum city!!!

Oh, PB (pink/poor boob) is still pink today.  I'm bummed about that as it doesn't bode well for its future.  It does not hurt, however.  The only thing that's bugging me are my bits of scar tissue.  They have an angry feel to them, if that makes sense.  I see babydoc again on Tuesday and I'm going to find out what's the deal on the scar tissue pain.

Hey, college girl brought me home a bottle of the Dove sunless tanner lotion after a Target run (with my debit card, of course).  She was tired of hearing me whine about my pasty pallor.  I used it yesterday and today, but don't really notice anything.  Has anyone here ever used it?  Will I be orange or streaky?  Just wondering.

Hmmm.  Well, I'm going to see what other trouble I can get myself in to before people come home.

D1

Determined1

Lasagna Rolls Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis Show:  Everyday Italian Episode:  Italian Fast Food

Sauce: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 4 teaspoons all-purpose flour 1 1/4 cups whole milk 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper Pinch ground nutmeg Lasagna: 1 (15-ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed, squeezed dry 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan 3 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto, chopped 1 large egg, beaten to blend 3/4 teaspoon salt, plus more for salting water 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil 12 uncooked lasagna noodles 2 cups marinara sauce 1 cup shredded mozzarella (about 4 ounces) To make the sauce: Melt the butter in a heavy medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the flour and whisk for 3 minutes. Whisk in the milk. Increase the heat to medium-high. Whisk the sauce until it comes to a simmer and is thick and smooth, about 3 minutes. Whisk the salt, pepper, and nutmeg into the bechamel sauce. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Whisk the ricotta, spinach, 1 cup Parmesan, prosciutto, egg, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl to blend. Add a tablespoon or 2 of oil to a large pot of boiling salted water. Boil the noodles until just tender but still firm to bite. Drain. Arrange the noodles in a single layer on a baking sheet to prevent them from sticking. Butter a 13-by-9-by-2-inch glass baking dish. Pour the bechamel sauce over the bottom of the prepared dish. Lay out 4 lasagna noodles on a work surface, then spread about 3 tablespoons of ricotta mixture evenly over each noodle. Starting at 1 end, roll each noodle like a jelly roll. Lay the lasagna rolls seam side down, without touching, atop the bechamelsauce in the dish. Repeat with the remaining noodles and ricotta mixture. Spoon 1 cup of marinara sauce over the lasagna rolls. Sprinkle the mozzarella and remaining 2 tablespoons of Parmesan over the lasagna rolls. Cover tightly with foil. Bake until heated through and the sauce bubbles, about 20 minutes. Uncover and bake until the cheese on top becomes golden, about 15 minutes longer. Let stand for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, heat the remaining marinara sauce in a heavy small saucepan over medium heat until hot, and serve alongside.

KathyL

Oh, I've missed so much this weekend!  I'll have to go back and read all the posts and comment later.  I was just out and about with the family a lot.  Got the kids some new shoes (boy, their feet have grown!).  Last night dh and I went out to dinner with one of my best friends.  Had a sitter (a sweet neighbor offered to watch them for free!), so it was a rare "adults only" meal.  Thought of SIS Kimberly as I delved into the world of wine. I never really drank much before BC, but I figure a glass now and then certainly can't do any more damage than BC has!).  Anyway, Kimberly, I had crab and shrimp paired with a glass of white wine-Reisling.  Does that sound right?  It was pretty good, but one glass and I was loopy.  I am such a cheap date!  .My friend suggested that wine; I think it was a Chardonnay.  Maybe I'll get into wines more now.  My friend and I are going to try and get out more for dinner with our dh's (one of the life changes I hope to maintain post-BC).  I'd also had an organic white wine (Girasole Vineyards Chardonnay, Mendocino) with the dh recently-like that one better than last night's.  

But I digress...I need to get out the week's schedule!

January Jewels Weekly Schedule: Week of April 14-18

Monday:           Cathy-CA Round #5 of 6 (one more to go)

Tuesday:           Free day! Nice that we can have one of these again!

Wednesday:     Wing (Wendy) Round #3 of 12 for weekly Taxol

                        CHJ Round #5 of 6 (one more to go)

Thursday:         Last round for Julie, Tinalee123, and Donna1955 (AZDonna)!  Wow, so many at once!!  Congrats girls on this big milestone!  I don't have anything down for any of you after this-so this looks like the end of treatments, too, for all of you.

                        LJ13 Round #9 of 12 (3/4 done!)

Friday:             DanaC weekly TH

                        WVGirl Round #6 (#2 of AC)

*Kris60 starts her weekly T (round #1 of 12), but I don't know which day (Kris: please let me know!).  And LJ, are you back to Fridays this week, or did you switch to Thursdays for the remainder?

** Anyone else with updates or not included above... let me know.  This is the latest update schedule I have.

Determined1

Well, the header on that is a little messed up, but they're called Lasagna Rolls.  I made a few changes, like I use low fat ricotta, I dump all the marinara around the rolls and don't bother with serving any on the side, and instead of buttering the baking dish, I spray lightly with Pam.  Oh, and if you don't already know this trick, spray your foil with Pam before putting it on your baking dish and the foil won't stick as much to cheese toppings on your food.  (Man, I feel like Heloise...)

We also eat healthy food here...

D1

texrn

Hey there,

Here's my hair update - stopped falling out about 3 weeks after my last tx (am now 6 weeks out), so after 3 weeks of growing it's mostly dark brown/black w/ some scattered white hairs ( as before ) & straight ( as before ).It was looking pretty sparse about a week ago with the hairs that never fell out  ( mostly white ones )grown out to over 1/2 inch & the new 'fuzz' (all dark ones) at almost 1/4 inch ( which I felt made me look sickly )- then about a week ago I took the clippers & evened it out  - now it's all about 1/4 inch & it looks like freshly mowed grass, which has given it the illusion of looking more filled in. I'd say realistically it is a tad over 50% filled in all over & I had very thick hair, so I'm sure I've got a ways to go. Even so, I feel so comfortable with it looking this way that I'm not even wearing any head covering at work ( so far I haven't scared any patients into a heart attack ). I read somewhere that it takes a few months for the true pigment to come in, as well as the normal texture.

My eyebrows/eyelashes are continuing to thin out, but at the same time new hairs are starting to come in, but no new growth anywhere else on my body.

Hope everyone is having a good weekend.

Therese

KathyL

Dana:  You must have posted about the same time as my last post on Friday.  Glad to see you are doing OK.  Don't waste your energy worrying about people that are loathsome and rude.  Good luck with your upcoming tests.  I'll be waiting to hear what they show (as I'm sure many of us will be).

Carol:  Sorry to hear about ds's "wipeout" at the rink.  Sorry I don't live closer that I could stop by and help you out.  I just love a nice fresh wound!  Glad you got some mom-son bonding in this weekend despite the trauma.

D1:  Glad to hear you've been busy with the family.  I'm sure daily rads doesn't help much with the schedule.  Hope this week goes easy on Frankenboob.

I'm having issues again with my earring holes-they are so sore.  I've been using the Neosporin without much change.  I may have to step it up to another antibiotic cream I have here for the kids (a prescription one--Bacitracin). No goo, just sore, and sometimes itchy-so weird!

Julie:  Another one with weekend family/kids' plans.  TKD meet sounds pretty cool.  I tried to get dd to do karate, but she didn't like it.  Maybe when she's older...

Tina:  How much snow did you get??  Thinking of you when I heard the news.

Just read your latest post... glad it missed you.  And Happy Anniversary!

Vettegal:  Hope you had a nice dinner.  Sounds like you need a wedding-sized cake for all the celebrations!

Vettesis is in my thoughts as she waits to find out about the nodules.  Please keep us posted.  Your family has had way too much cancer stuff to deal with.

For your "hair notes":  mine is all different lengths (such a mess), but I guess an average of ¼ inch sounds right.  No curl-yet (I'm hoping for some), and lighter than my natural hair seemed to be when I shaved it off.  It looks like a light blonde color (I used to highlight my hair blonde, so I really didn't realize how dark my "real" hair was underneath until I shaved it off-it was definitely a light to medium brown.).  Like D1, I can see my scalp still; the hair's not real thick yet. 

Cathy-CA:  I always figure when we don't hear from you that you're off on some cool worldly jaunt.  I'll live vicariously through you...

Maz:  Glad you got to talk with Val. How is she doing?  Rest easy this week with your SESs/fog rolling in.  Totally forgot that this week is tax week.  We do ours (or should I say our accountant does them) in February each year.  This year we broke even and got pretty much nothing back.  It sucks, but I guess that's the "ideal"-at least that's what the accountant says.  I miss the days when we used to get thousands back.

Kimberly:  I SWEAR I'll get my cards out this week.  It's on my list (hope I remember where THAT is!).  Glad you are feeling better.  It really sounds like you had a whopper of an infection.  I am so glad that they were able to catch it before it got even worse-we all know how awful things could be with our compromised immune status.  I have been thinking of you and sending my nurse vibes your way.  Wish I lived closer to help you out more.

Sheshe:  Check 2 posts up from your last.  Kimberly has the info about he secret pal cards.  Join in!

Finally caught up, unless someone posted while I was reading and typing.  I'll try to stay on top of it all this week. 

chj127

Kathy - I'm not sure how I missed it, but my tx is on Wednesday, the 16th.  Thanks!

CHJ 

SISKimberly

Good Afternoon Jewels-

I had my antibiotic infusion at 11:30 this morning. A friend picked me up and took me, then we went to lunch.  I didn't eat much, but it was so good to see her and catch up.

I've had a little more energy everyday, so I'm liking that.  Another low grade fever last night, but fine today.  All your nurses, is that normal to have your temp go up at night?  I run high 96 to low 97 usually.  My lowest was 95.5.  My high was 101.6.

Still not up to major shout outs, but read everything since my last post.  Thank you all for being so wonderful.

Carol, my son played roller hockey in high school, just on rec teams for fun. Glad to hear your ds was able to get out there and show them what he's made of today. No new injuries is always a win.

Vettegal- no hair to report.  Well done on the blind date set up!

D1- Poor Frankenboob. I'm a whitey like you. Doesn't take much to burn my sensitive skin.  Even tape (paper, transderms, or anything that sticks to my skin) leaves it red and irritated for days. 

Tina- Happy Anniversary. Enjoy your dinner tonight.

Kathy- A buttery chard would have paired better than the Reisling.  A Reisling is really nice if there is a kick of spice to a meal, but shell fish is rich and needs that buttery citrus a chard can bring to a meal. 

How sweet to wish you were closer to help me out. Believe me, your words of support like those of all our Jewels, is so healing and appreciated.

SheShe- Join in. See my most post prior to this one for info.

Paula- Your day with the kids and the big visit sounded like a huge honor. The gov. being there was huge...maybe that means your funding won't disappear now that the gov. sees the good work you all do there.

Therese- Thanks for giving us the update from the other side.  I can't even imagine hair right now. 

I'll check in tomorrow, gals.

Speaking of gal, where is wvgal?  Is anyone in contact with her?

Sleep well ladies, and I'll be thinking of you CathyCA tomorrow.  Sorry the weather wasn't as wonderful as it could have been for your visit to the Capital City.

SIS Kimberly 

Anonymous

KathyL, thanks for checking, yes, I have switched back to Thursdays for the remainder of Tx's.

Diana63

Vettegal, my fuzz is clear with some white mixed in, I wish it were darker then I might look like I had some hair. Its very fine and straight, like baby hair, I can feel it but I can hardly see it.