Starting Chemo May 2008

otter

Kristy, I can't believe no one has pointed out that you said your youngest was making "rice kristy treats"!  LOL!

Noelle, I'm relieved to hear your mum's burial ceremony has passed and it wasn't too traumatic for you.  Sometimes I think there are advantages to drawing some of that stuff out, rather than trying to manage it all at once.  How old is your kitty?  Is it possible she will come home "with kitten(s)" (to put it politely)?  I hope you find her, regardless, and get her chipped (not that chipping will keep her from wandering).

Rock, I hate to break this to you, but I'm thinking it will be a long time before any of us is sporting a mullet!  I have been shaving my neck, though, about twice a week.  That's how I can tell that my hair is really growing.  Trouble is, I also discovered what razor-burn feels like.  BTW--nice piece in the SF Chronicle!  It's refreshing to read an opinion on the issue that is actually based on knowledge and not just the result of a reflex arc.

Gracie, I'm so envious of you, doing Christmas cards already.  I haven't even bought a turkey yet.  When you finish your cards, will you please come down here and do mine?  I've discovered that the most annoying thing about my newly developed carpal tunnel syndrome is the electric shocks I get when I try to write longhand.  Typing on my laptop is oh-so-easy by comparison.

Eddie, you can get a Prius that quickly?  I thought the waiting lists were really long.  'Course, now that gas prices are down below $2.00/gal, I know of some people who are having second thoughts.  Just a blip, for sure...they'll go back up.  And, buying a Prius is more of a moral decision than a money-saving one, isn't it?

Sue, it sounds like you're practicing for retirement.  I had heard retirees say they're busier since retirement than they were while working.  I don't know about the "busy" part, but I'm definitely more active yet less stressed.  It's funny how many people ask if I have any regrets.  (I retired when I had 25 years in and became eligible, but I was "only" 55 at the time.)  Regrets?  HAH!  I can't say "No!" quickly enough.  I think you'll love it, especially with a large, covered verandah etc.

Hi, Kerry!  Hi, Jan!   Hi, angels--when do you get your port out?  Hi, Jean!  Hi, Linda!  Hi to anybody else who posted on the previous page, which I won't go back and read, lest I lose what I've already written.

Hubby has rented a NetFlix movie and I'm missing it, so g'night, and hugs to all.

otter 

Roxi65229

Noelle, your kitty's in the hood? She must be doing okay I guess on her own but I sure hope she returns home to you soon. I'm glad that your service went well and that the time with your family was somewhat enjoyable.

Eddie, wow, double whammy. No one ever expects crap like that to happen. Love your new photo by the way.

Kerry, your trip sounds lovely and long over due.

Nancy, take the cart, I did once when I had a car wreck and it's a blast!

Otter, glad your test went well.

Okay, now for some really crappy news. Got a call on Saturday that my Dad was diagnosed with colon cancer. WTF!!! He had some bleeding and they discovered pollyps which he had removed.A week later, he gets the news. Had three taken out and cancer was found in one. They called him back in and they took more tissue for evaluation on Friday. He didn't call any of us girls, my brother called my sister the RN on friday to tell her about it. We're still waiting for the results from the biopsy. They think they got everything but they can't be sure until the results are in. Well, now at least I know where the cancer came from. I knew his Aunt and her daughter had breast cancer but never thought it was on our  side. Good thing I have my genetic test next week Monday. Still, pretty shitty. Never saw this coming. I was really ready to move on with my life but this just sucked me back in. My girls are terrified. I'll keep you all posted....

Love you all, Mary 

otter

Aw, Mary/Roxi, I posted right before you did so I'm just now reading about your dad.  That is so scary.  But, if they were able to get the base of the polyp with the 2nd surgery and the cancer stopped there, he should be in the clear, right?  Is it BRCA testing you're having next week?  I've read that, despite all the suspicion, a possible link between colon cancer and BC is still very controversial (uncertain).  If you'll be talking to a genetics counselor, I'd be interested in hearing what he/she says about any association.

hugs...

otter 

Roxi65229

Otter,

Yes, my consult is with the genetic counselor on Monday, Dec. 1st and if they decide the BRCA testing is necessary, they would do the labs that same day. Initially they thought I was in the that grey area again (like rads) but this will change their thinking, I'm assuming. They do ask on the form for BRCA counseling specifically about the relation of family members that have had colon cancer. My Dad should be okay if he caught it early. I know many people that have had colon cancer and are doing just fine.

rock

Noelle -- I am so NOT a maternal person but, but, but... if you lived around here, I would be showing up to wrap you up in a quilt on the couch and fetch you a hot beverage of your choice and ply you with really good chocolates.  Sister, I know you have been going hard for weeks now (not to mention nearly a year of cancer stuff, and of course, raising a kid and running a business), and now with burying your mom...  It seems like more than "a lot." It seems like a staggering amount to have on your shoulders.  How are you doing??

Mary:  That is tough. (Is he in much pain?) 

I just re-read what I wrote and I want to add that I have an empathetic knot in my stomach.  I am so very sorry about all of this.

As for BRCA test results... I do not have kids so the situation is different. But I can tell you that getting really good gene counseling is worth its weight in gold. I had a great experience.  I probably had 5 or 6 hours of counseling all told, and they sent me about 10-15 single spaced pages of information tailored specifically to me and my family so I didn't even have to take notes.  By the end, they could have told me I was going to sprout a second nose in the middle of my forehead and I think I would have handled it well.This was important because it fell to me to tell my 30+ first cousins (including three whose mom had died of ovarian cancers a few months ago) and my four siblings.

Bottom line:  I am BRCA2+, it was hard news, but I'm okay (then again, I don't have kids). If you ever want to talk about any of this, PM me.

I'm really sorry to hear about your dad.

(Thank you, Otter!)

Sable

Gee, I'm a tad behind here...Ok here it goes...

Noelle~ did you know that they can make a diamond out of loved ones ashes now? I always thought that would be a neat way to remember a person.

Rock~ Yay on the article!!

Roxi~I'm so sorry to hear about your dad, hopefully they got it all and it will be all clear.

Otter~ you may want to get that turkey soon or you will be having bologna sammiches watching it thaw out.

Eddie~ Girl! You been seeing my stylist again??? We look like twins LOL. I'll be happy when the bald/thin spots fill in.

Me~ been working 6 days a week past few weeks. Boss dumped a project on me that was supposed to be engineered by him and me helping..... I got it all. Been floundering all the way thru it. I'm learning the program by forced training and a now well worn "how to" book. Got a good portion of my cmas shopping done this week. That feels pretty good. Normally I am done by now and actually enjoying the crowds in the malls. Yes.... I like to hit the mall at least once during cmas season. I'm a tad odd that way. I like the decorations and the music and such. Been getting a TON of bills here the past few weeks from docs who "forgot" to send it out to the insurance for payment. Here they are all calling me. I think after all of this if they cannot submit their own claim then they should be S-O-L. They wouldn't let me get away with that.

I hope everyone's week turns out fabulous and you all feel well enough to eat till you don't. I'm thankful this year for my care providers (family, friends docs and such) and I'm VERY thankful for each of you ladies here! Group hug! XOXOXO

ellenoire

I am ok, i'll blog about it later or tomorrow. Mom and Dad raised me to believe that the body is just a vessel so the ashes are just that. I am glad we got it done on the anniversary of her death too. I thought it would bug me to not have the ashes here anymore, but since I kept some here it will be ok. For a bunch of inexplicable reasons I do not fall asleep as well when my son is sleeping somewhere else. I was the same when my mom was alive and she worked out of town. I have lived alone most of my adult life (me and roommates never worked) but once I moved in with mom and had a kid I got wierd.. ;)Having her ashes here made me feel a little like she was here so I am glad I made the choice to keep some.

The kitten just walked into the front door!  I was leaving food out, and the BF told me she'll never want back in if she gets fed and can be outside. So, about 20 minutes ago I took the food off the porch. We have been keeping the front door perched open a little, and she just wandered in!   

My 2 days off are over. I am going to try and start a new sleeping pattern so I can get through the next 30 days 

Mary... thinking of you !

N

 

Roxi65229

Rock, did you post us a link to your book? Can I get a copy at Amazon? Thanks for explaining the importance of counseling. I'm actually looking forward to some closure. I guess the "what if's" have been on my mind quite a bit lately.

Noelle, I have my Mom's ashes in my curio cabinet and I'm very glad I do. When my brother suggested we all have an urn for our home I was sort of creeped out at first. Being raised Catholic I never knew of anyone that was cremated, my Mom was the first. It was her choice. That is so cool that you can have a diamond made from ashes. I wonder if it's expensive? Glad your frisky kitty came home. 

I too love the holiday season. Going shopping with all my sisters this weekend with all the other crazy shoppers. 

Gracie713

Noelle-I am so glad that the kitty came home!  Gald that the time with your family went well.  TRY not to work too hard--I wish I had just a tad bit of your energy.

Roxi-So sorry to hear about your Dad.  I will keep him and your family in my prayers.

Shopping was a breeze yesterday!  I actually did use the motorized cart and it really made a world of difference.  (I usually can't walk from the front of the store to the back without feeling like my hips are seperating from my body)  DD thought it was great--she was my traffic cop!  This is the first year in many that I don't have to work the day after Thanksgiving and could actually go to the sales--do you need money?????  I just sent all mine to the insurance co. for my COBRA payment. 

Otter- I am working on my Christmas cards a little at a time!  Since I haven't been working, I have plenty of time.  I miss working.  (Did I just say that?)

Jeano77

Also a tad behind . . .

Mary -  Sorry to hear the news about your Dad.  Hoping that they caught this early . . . I will be keeping your Dad and your family in my prayers. 

Rock - congrats on the article in the SF chronicle!  Glad to hear that your friend that had the double mast is home recovering as well.  Mary asked a great question - where can we buy a copy of your book?  Any chance we could get the author to sign it?? ;-)

Kerry - Your trip to Melbourne sounded wonderful! 

Eddie - cute photo!

Otter - congrats on the test results!

Noelle - Not even sure how you are holding it all together - your amazing!  I was thrilled to hear that the kitty is home.  Saw the pics on facebook - she is sooooo cute!  Glad that the services for your Mom went well.  I will be browsing your website later, looking for a more natural facial cleanser to replace the proactive (which was the only cleanser that worked for me). 

I am on vacation today.  Trying to get some post radiation rest.  The weekend was crazy!  We just finished fall broomball and went undefeated!  We are a group of 40 something friends that have been playing together for 15-20 years - having lots of fun and laughs.  Dad's birthday was Sunday, brother-in-law was Friday so lots of celebrating over the weekend. 

We are going to my sister's cabin for Thanksgiving.  Just trying to mix things up since this is the first holiday without Mom. 

Love you all!

Jean

angelsaboveus

Noelle so glad to hear your kitten came back....isn't that so like a cat though just to saunter back in without a care in the world....not relizing the grief they have put you through !  She needs a serious talkin' to !!!

Mary sorry to hear about your dad, just think posotive and he will be fine. My mom had colon cancer, they removed part of her small intestine and she has been fine ever since..no chemo or anything.  

You mentioned you were getting the genetic counseling for the brac testing...how long does it take to get results once you have the test ?  I just filled out my forms to be sent away, because of where we live we can do a meeting with the counselers via video conference, so have to wait for that then after getting the test the wait can be 9 months to a year for results  There is a real backlog here. I know someone from town here didn't want to wait so she paid $1500 and got a test kit from the states...not prepared to do that !

Otter.. i'm just waiting for the call as to when i get my port out,  Through out this whole thing there just seems to be alot of hurry up and wait ! . I will have to go and get it flushed this week..so i can't quite escape from the chemo thing yet . 

Rock congrats on your article.. i read the write up on your book on Facebook link...sound like a real good read !  Way to go.....who knew we would know someone famous

Jen hope you can plow through work and it doen't effect your holidays !   I'm jealous that you have already started xmas shopping , just can't seem to get in gear. 

Jean going to a cabin for Thanksgiving sounds great, hope you can relax and get your energy back.

Gracie , shopping by motorized cart sounds like the way to go...other than our mall is so small you would be finished in minutes !

Sorry if i missed anyone and hope you are doing well! 

What day does your Thanksgiving fall on for all of you down south ?   Here's to hoping you all have a wonderful holiday, and you stuff yourselves with tasty food and can enjoy some family time and relax !  Cheers.  

rock

My wonderful neighbor Pam showed up tonight. I had been home for about 6 seconds and was NOT in the mood for a visitor. But! I must admit that cancer has changed me and instead of ignoring the doorbell, I invited her in and we polished off a bottle of wine.    Among many many topics that we covered, we talked about memorial services. I told her how much I was selfishly counting on her to stay alive while I was away.  She is 84.  How many more years can I count on her being with me?  I have a really good perspective on death and dying. But that doesn't mean I can imagine a life without her, you know?

Noelle, I am happy your kitten came home.  There is something about you keeping an eye out that reminds me a lot of my mom, and I mean that as a form of the highest praise.  For all you've got on your plate, you still have room/time to worry about a kitten. That's pretty cool.

Jacki -- HURRAY FOR CARTS. Re: "hips separating from [my] body."  That is an excellent description; I have had moments of that. I feel like a marionette, trying not to put weight on any of my leg bones.  Good for you for giving the cart a spin. There is no award for sucking up the most pain. Your energy could be a lot better spent on living, rather than coping with pain.

Angels, my results took about 6 weeks but my sisters only took 2-3 weeks because they were able to test for a very specific mutation (2, actually).  Is it helpful or thoughtless for me to observe that -- waiting for results SUCKS, but the reality is that we are what we are, and the waiting doesn't change that.  I would not wish the mutation on anyone but the reality is that people have lived with the mutations for years, w/o knowing a mutation even existed.  I wouldn't want us to lose sight of that.  When in doubt, live life fully. 

Speaking of which:  Yoohoo, Sue? Results, dear? Karin?

(My friend is doing well. As she pointed out, they have to use a lot of drugs during the surgery to make sure the  pain doesn't restore a person to consciousness.  But one cannot spend the next 7 weeks unconscious, so she is on heavy pain meds.  Still, it is good to see her and she looks and sounds very strong.)

Jean:  I'm thinking of you as you face the first holiday without your mom. I am awfully sorry about that.

I've got to call it a night.  You guys are sweethearts re: the book. It'll be out in paperback in a year or so. Maybe I can bring you copies when we schedule our inevitable rendezvous? I'll send you info on the book when I send my xmas cards, I promise. But frankly, when one compares the Book to the May Sisters . . . . well, there is no comparison.

sueper13

Can I just say "ditto" to everything angels just wrote? 

 And add that I got scan results and they were all negative for cancer?

And share a somewhat heartbreaking, somewhat uplifting story with you?  My sister, Jackie is 52 and her husband is 56.  About four months ago, their niece (on husband's side), Rachel, called them and asked if they would take her children Blake, 7 and Aaliyah, 4 because Rachel was pregnant and a drug addict and trying to straighten out her life.  So, they did.  Well, Rachel had her baby November 5th and November 8th they found her dead of a drug overdose.  Rachel's mother, Ruth is a psychotic crackhead b*tch.  Jackie and her husband took Ruth to court and got temporary custody of all three children.  This was over in Tennessee, and the judge knew they would be bringing the kids to Texas.  The hearing for permanent custody is in December and the judge told them not to bring the kids, so it's pretty obvious they are going to get to keep them.  I feel for them with a 7 yo, 4 yo and a newborn, but they both feel called to do this....what a world.  I went over there Sunday to help a bit if I could and these children hide food because they have been hungry and it just breaks your heart. My sister is the best mother I know and I am so glad she is willing to do this.  Anyway, just wanted to share that---could the pray-ers among us pray for her to have strength, please?

Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!!!

Sue

familyroks

Oh Sue..when I read "they found her dead of a drug overdose" I had to stop reading and just close my eyes and take in the enormity of this situation.  Jackie and her husband are in my thoughts.  It is amazing what you can do when you put your mind to it.  These kids are being provided with a much better chance in life than they would've had otherwise...THAT is certainly uplifting!

Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

drcrisc

Ladies,

I'm still reading and catching up (that's what I get for not logging in for 4 days!).  We have company coming for Thanksgiving and we haven't had company since June.  I hate to do a hit and run, but I'm gonna anyway.

First - only 3 more rads...I'll be done Dec. 2 - wheeee!!!!!  Second - anyone with lyphedema, please post (or pm me) your symptoms.  I noticed this weekend the sensation of a "band" around my bicep on the surgery side.  It would come and go.  Then I began paying more attention to that side and noticed that it falls asleep very easily, including a carpal-tunnel like reaction in my hand/wrist when I use the mouse too much.  Any insight would be much appreciated.  I'm having a hard time finding any thing other than "heaviness" and swelling as symptoms.  The arm was measured yesterday after the rad appointment.

ellenoire

ok, here we go. 

. Jackie.. you are sooo close to done. You will have buckets o energy soooon!

You and Cris are done on the same day no? Dec 2? That is my 42nd birthday. 

Siouxie! what a story! I think I my have mentioned that I am very familiar with addiction. DS's Dad was a crackhead and got me onto it... and man it was hell climbing out of that hole!  I was an innocent gullable moron who did not know what the hell was going on until it was almost too late. There but for the grace of God... 

God will take care of Rachel, and your sister will take of those kids with his help. 

 Otter- I have heard that the electrical "shocks" are nerves regenerating. I get it a lot. I don't have carpal tunnel, but the shocks can be brutal.

Jean, PM or FB message me if you want info about face cleanser regimes. I'll set you up. I just need to know your skin type( dry, normal, oily, acneic, sensitive etc) and I can work it all out. 

So have we managed to get everyone but Cris,Karin, RanD and Otter on FB?

I met another chemo baldie in the shop today, and had the mother in law of a double mast patient in for a gift for the upcoming surgery. Maybe this is why I got cancer?? So I can help people with their chemo skin,  friends with cancer etc.  I was about to get frustrated with a supplier about being slow with something when he told me he has a sick Dad and just had a car crash. I just told him I totally understood that life gets in the way. I used to not like to mix life and business... but with this I had no choice. 

Angels, I had the test. I was told a min. of 6 months in ON for results. Messed up my idea of recon in '09 'cause I won't do recon until I have the gene test results.. as I said above.. life gets in the way.... 

 Mary, this is gonna sound a bit odd... my mom's cancer was called "primary unknown" but in the end they believe it started in the colon. Even in her advanced stage of inoperable cancer she was here with me/us for 5 years on low dose chemo. I know every situation is different, but I hope this gives you a potential new way to look at it. 

 My Xmas cards will likely be late... I know you will understand. 

Sorry if I missed anyone.. 

 xoN

P.S. Yo to Pam!

kerry_lamb

Mary, my thoughts are with you (as well as my prayers..hey! I'm a chaplain..that has to count!). My Dad has had two operations for bowel cancer (he's 76) which is why we are all on the Up Periscope Register for Over Forties, and are so bloody well-informed about it. Dad has also had two knee-reconstructions in the last 12 months, travels around the warmer climes of Australia all winter (check out a map..it's a fecking big country!) and two weekends ago won the individual championship at his lawn-bowls club, of which he is President. My Dad is THE individual 'factor' influencing my recovery from bc. Cancer is an interuption, nothing more. Thank you Dad!        (Doesn't stop the worry, I know........).  Sue..what can I say....? From a person who has worked/lived with Other People's Children for 29 years: your family is solid gold. You know why? Because (as those annoying, shallow and self-centered teenagers keep bleating) "Life is not a Dress Rehearsal". We are ALL given opportunities to perform miracles..your sister wins my prize on that one! That has rocked me. Well shite..there's way too much of this around...   Ellenoire! That Cat Came Back! (If you were Australian you would have heard the song by Kevin Bloody Wilson, the chorus of which is something like "That Fecking Cat's Back. That Fecking Cat's Back". Anyway, in that fabulous carousel-like life of yours, that is c-o-o-l! And don't skip over the 'smallish' things which are being revealed here: maybe you are MEANT to use your gifts, business acumen (whatever the feck THAT means) and your hard-won experience to help others in the cancer-mire. We are LIVING our lives here, girls.  XXX

familyroks

I have my first 3 month follow up today with my Onc.  It has to be why I've been so cranky the last few days.  Seems silly to be scared....I don't want to go back there.  Don't want to go through needle pokes, don't want to pass the chemo chairs.

On the positive side, I get to take in the hats I've been making for other patients (my first batch).  I've ended up with 5 acceptable hats.  I was shooting for at least 8 .... maybe I'll get 8 more done by Christmas.  I have been teaching myself to crochet, so the first ones weren't so good.  If I wouldn't wear it, it doesn't pass muster.

Gracie713

Noelle- Dec. 2 is going to be a great day!  It's your birthday. Cris's last rad and my last chemo!  Yep, it's going to be a great day!

Sue-prays for your family.  Taking on 3 children is a big task and it makes my heart happy to know that they will be well taken care of and LOVED!  

Kerry-your Dad sounds like a wonderful, full of life man!  Parents are a great inspiration.  And although mine have been gone for a long time, I still learn from them.

Gotta get this tired body moving.  I really don't have much to do, but it will take me all day to do it!  Then off to spend the night with DD's & the Grands!  Have this urge to bake cookies!  

otter

When I need to hear something uplifting, I just wander back to this thread.  I just wish I had words that would express my thoughts.  I want to say things that are helpful and reaffirming, but all I end up doing is mumbling...

So here I am, mumbling how much I care for all of you, even though I've never had the pleasure of a single meeting. 

Yesterday I went to a Thanksgiving luncheon at my former place of employment, and I saw all my old colleagues.  They all know how much I'm enjoying retirement (except for the BC "interruption", as Kerry so artfully puts it).  One of them asked me if I ever get lonely, not having all my old work buddies to talk to every day.  That was the thing that enabled me to get through even the bad days--the people I worked with were generally kind and supportive.  (I changed the sentence to add "generally", because it was academia, after all.)

Anyway, I told her that I had met other friends who were going through the same things I was experiencing this year; and being able to talk to them every day was immensely helpful, comforting, and reassuring.  I didn't tell her the half of it, though.  I didn't tell her about rock's wonderful Pam or the book rock just published (and her upcoming trip to SA); or about Sue's day job (juggling airplanes), or her sister, or Sue's plans to retire to a Waltons'-style home where she can see the Appalachian mountains; or about Noelle working so hard to help women feel good about themselves, that I get tired (but I smile) just thinking about it; or about Kerry, who is way around on the other side of the world, but writes with a spirit that makes me laugh out loud every day.  And about our collective concern for one another:  swimming together across the river after that last chemo; coaching each other through rads; offering support when a family member is having problems; worrying about Randie and anyone else who hasn't checked in for awhile; etc.

"Cancer is an interuption, nothing more."   Thanks for that, Kerry.  It really feels good to say that. I like it way better than, "The new normal."

I'm not a spiritual person, but this week, as we celebrate Thanksgiving here in the U.S., I am especially thankful that I sat down at my computer on January 16 (two days after my biopsy, and two hours before I received "that phone call"), and googled "breast cancer forum OR discussion"  ... and that we all met virtually, a few months later.

Big hugs to you all...

otter 

KristyAnn

Hi Everyone,

Congrats to everyone who is finishing chemo and rads - it feels SO good to be through all that and everyday becomes a little easier and more energy returns!

I had Herceptin today- took my oncs advice and asked for a specific nurse- one of two who usually get the IV on the first (or second) try- saw the nurse I wanted and asked her to get me. She had to switch patients with another nurse who had already signed for me (a nurse with a lot of experience but I have never had her)- anyway I got one of my favorites, Connie, and she got the IV on the FIRST try! Sure made my day a lot better and now I wont have a bruised arm from 7 IV pokes like last time. I saw my other favorite nurse at Wlamart tonight and told her about my day- told her she and Connie are going to be requested every time from now through April while I am taking Herceptin.

Noelle, I think Connie and Janis are getting bath bombs- thats how strongly I feel about them!

SOOOO much to be thanksful for this year- I cant wait to start my Christmas cards for everyone!

KRISTY

ewesterman

I am thankful to have experienced your stories and your words. Happy turkey day to the US folks and to the Canadians who already celebrated Thanksgiving, happy belated and to Kerry, I would love to share some turkey with you.

Sable

Taking a break from packing for our trip to mom's tomorrow. Trimmed my nails down very very short again today. I kept catching them on things. Until I can get the lifted off part to grow all the way out I'll be keeping them boy short.

I'm with otter .... when you need a pick me up for the day... you ladies are da bomb!

Happy turkey day!

lewing

Where to start?  Sue, I am in awe of your sister and her husband.  Just in awe.  I'm sure they'd say they're just doing something that they feel they have to do, but to take on three young kids (relatively) late in life is amazing.  What a difference they're making in those kids' lives.  They are truly changing the world.

Mary, I've been thinking about your father and wishing him well. 

December 2 is now a red letter day on my calendar: a birthday, a last rads, and a last chemo, all rolled into one!

I know this is short and choppy, but I'm going to end it here by saying how very, very thankful I am for this group of women.  (A postscript to expand on that: I got an email from the Gilda's Club group that I've attended very sporadically asking for words of advice and reassurance for a woman who was freaking out over taxotere side effects.  I passed along what I could - you all know how much I loved taxotere! - including a suggestion that she check out this site.  It reenforced for me how much harder and scarier treatment would have been if we hadn't all had each other.)

Linda

rock

I am not a bible-quoting person, normally, but I think this is really beautiful. I am dwelling on each of you this Thanksgiving. Thank you. Thank you for making this one of the most rewarding years of my life. No joke.

Phillipians 4:8 NAS (New American Standard Version)
Finally, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.  

drcrisc

Gracie and Noelle - Let's hear it for Dec.2!!!!  Yeee haaaa!!!!

Sue - Wow. What a story.  What special people your sister and brother-in-law are.  Wow. 

Otter - You recounting of "us" brought tears to my eyes and made me realize that I have missed being here the past few days.  And I agree, I really the idea of cancer being an "interruption" and nothing more.  Well said, Kerry and Kerry's dad.

Roxi - Prayers going up for your dad.  In fact, prayers going up for Sue's family and Rock's mom and friend, also.

Hey to Linda, Eddie, Jean, Jen, Kristy, Adrienne, Angels and Randie.

I really wanted to write more today, but I have company coming in the morning and my little one is not in bed yet - it's almost 9 PM.  Remind me to tell you all later about the boy from my church and the neighbors - revisited. 

ellenoire

I am ....burnt... like toast... half eaten...left on the plate on the counter when you raced out to work... and found left lying there when you came home later to find it stale and hard....

 aka dog. ass. tired. 

 Night y'all. Thankful? Oh ya! Wish I was havin' with all y'all  

 N zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz 

ellenoire

turkey.. I meant to say...

 zzzzzzzzzz

drcrisc

Okay, I have to tell you about the boy today, because it's part of my gratefulness this Thanksgiving.  The neighbors can wait...

 Last Sunday we went to church and instead of our pastor's sermon, we heard from a 19 year old young man.  His name is Clayton and he has had leukemia 4 times.  He was telling his story in place of the pastor's usual Thanksgiving sermon.  This boy was first diagnosed at age 7 and has undergone 2 bone marrow transplants (part of that miracle was that both of his siblings were a match).  I first heard about him almost 3 years ago, when they were giving an update about his condition (it was the third go 'round, then).  I thought of him in the first few days after I was diagnosed.  He has many things to be angry about and not much to be thankful for, but there is a light that shines out of him that is unmistakable.  He was diagnosed again (for the fourth time) about 6 weeks ago and has decided not to go through chemo again.  The doctors gave him about 3 months, but also say everyone is different. 

I was overwhelmed by him and his story...again, but for some different reasons this time.  I know on the surface his story sounds so sad, yet he is anything but sad!  He just reminded me of all the things I am thankful for and, most especially, all the people around me that I love!  I hope this is the best Thanksgiving and holiday season for all of us!  Cancer has changed us, there is no doubt of that, but it does make up the whole of who we are. 

kerry_lamb

Otter, I had a little sniffly moment when I read your post. It's been a big, big year for all of us, hasn't it? (Mine gets bigger next week when I move house....) The planets aligned (or something) when I got onto this site. I CEASED reading medical sites..what could be better info than what we get here? It has not crossed my mind to join a support group..What for??? This group is solid gold. Shite things have happened but we have, like, sat ourselves bolt-upright and our eyes opened wider. We get it. (IT). I'm looking forward to all the new revelations, and I'm looking forward to them as a changed, stronger and more insightful woman. Blest, too, to have met y'all. And I HAVE met you.