Starting Chemo May 2008

robink

Jen-when I was back in Columbus when Mom got injured it was COLD and wet the entire time.  I grew up in Ohio and know the pleasure of those warmer winter days.

otter

Kristy, I'm only two hours from Birmingham--that's where I'm being treated.  It's an easy drive up Hwy 280 (gets a little complicated once I reach BHM of course).  Tomorrow, that's where dh and I are going for my osteoporosis consult:  the Kirklin Clinic at UAB.  Are you looking at the UAB and Samford campuses, or going to a baseball game?

Yes, Robin, we lost several of our BCO sisters in the past few months--AlaskaDeb (Deb C) and HeatherBLocklear (Annie) both in January '09.  It's so sad...  I keep running across their posts, or threads they started, and it's hard to read them.

Sounds like your family has had a rough time so far this year (as if last year wasn't rough!).  Is your mom okay to take care of herself, or does she live with you/with other family members?  Or does she have home help?  I'm asking because my family is dealing with similar issues.  My dad has mid-stage Alzheimer's, and so far my mom has been caring for him at home.  I think she's going to hold out until that's impossible anymore, or there's a major crisis, whichever comes first.  Her own health is not so good, either.  They live a thousand miles away from here, and won't even consider moving from their house, much less relocating closer to one of their two children.  <sigh>

Jen, congrats on the new foob and accessories.  I've decided my $$$ foob is too small.  Darn that fitter-lady--I wish she'd left things alone and sold me the first one I tried (which was the size the other fitters thought I should wear).  And, yes, I got the postcard--thanks bunches!

It's nearly 80 degrees here today.  Just in time for a cold snap, don't you think?

otter 

JulieC

Hi Jen and Robin - it's warm here today, too, but we are expecting rain.  I'll take that over snow any day.  Robin - I'm so glad your mom is doing better.  It sounds like she had a rough time for awhile.  Jen - Glad you got some retail therapy in today.  Sorry the little one didn't cooperate.  My youngest only wants to shop if there is something in it for her.  We need to shop next week which is our spring break, for spring clothes.  Both girls have outgrown everything - again!  I hope Katie's clothes will fit and be of the right style for Riley.  She may wear them even if they aren't the right style.

Cris - glad the MRI is over and you had favorable results with the BRCA testing.  I still don't know if I should have it done - for my daughters' sake.

Kristy - woo hoo for new patio.  That sounds fun.  I didn't even go into my back yard last year.  Will have to change that this year.

Otter - hope you make it through your long day tomorrow.  We'll be with you - even if it is instructional and boring.

Hope everyone else is having a nice afternoon.

Hugs,

Julie

rock

Quick post:

Otter, your "Osteoporosis Treatment & Prevention Clinic."  Did you check to see if it is sponsored by the same people who offer "Look Good, Feel Like a Transvestite" make-up classes?  God, I got a good chuckle remembering that horrible experience. I don't know why they even bothered to hand-out  make-up brushes; the results made my group look like we had been positioned in front of one of those industrial high-pressure paint sprayers. (We can skype withOUT the visuals. Though the visuals could be kind of fun! At least for a few minutes. I wonder if there's a way to do a conference-call type Skype!)

Sable

note to self.... look up skype and find out what the hype is about (har har) sorry couldn't resist

MsKarin

I have read all the posts but right now I don't fell like commenting because I now need to vent. Forgive me for being selfish. DH and I just had an argument because we were both upset about the news my daughter (grandsons mom) dropped on us. Too make a long story short without going into detail she too is struggling and might loose her apartment. She received her electric shut off notice. Her whole apartment is electric; heat, water, stove, washer and dryer. She had lost her job in the beginning of January and her only income is child support. She is also the one going to college on grants to be a nurse. We are no longer in a position to help her out as we ourselves are struggling. The argument started because in our conversation I made the mistake of telling him he had taught them how to put wants ahead of needs instead of my reverse philosophy. My twins are going to be 29 this year. He is an enabler to their bad choices including co-signing for a car for the other daughter that she couldn't really afford but wanted. I must admit to avoid arguments with him I too have fallen guilty to enable enabling a few times. How as a parent do you distinguish the fine line between helping when you should or feeling the pain as you watch them fall? I have told her steps she should have taken to avoid this but it fell on deaf ears. Because my grandson that has no say is involved it looks like I might have to get rid of some things in my computer room to turn it into a bedroom again. DH just walked back into the house from the garage. No words needed to be exchanged we hugged. At least things are OK on that end.

When I feel up to it I might have to go back and re-read, there were some comments I wanted to make. Thanks for letting me let go.

MsKarin

Did I tell you today that I love you gals? Well I do. Don't know where I'd be now without you. In trying to help my co-worker embark on this journey I remember our conversations of last year and know what you have done for me.

robink

Karin - Vent as you need to.  Isn't it harder at times to parent children as adults then when they were little. And to have DH on a different wave length?

I imagine we feel the pain in either circumstance, helping vs standing back.  It's OK to let them stumble, fall, even fail.  So cry with her, offer your hand to help her stand and trust she learns from mistakes of the past.

So sorry for the pain all of you are going through.  I'm glad your grandson has you and DH to help them.

familyroks

Karin - Please don't ever ever ever feel guilty for needing to vent to us!  First and foremost, my heart warmed when you said you DH came in and you just hugged.  You will need to be able to rely on each other for support during these tough times.  Don't let your adult children take that away from you.  It is a very fine line, isn't it?  People don't realize until its too late.  I will say that my parents have been saving my brother all his life (he is now 41).  My parents are now raising his 2 developmentally delayed toddlers and he now lives at home with them.  Mom and Dad finally gave in and emptied out their office, crammed it all into their bedroom, to give my brother space.  At this point, its probably past the point of being able to say NO.  Perhaps they would have if the kids weren't in the picture.  But the kids are my parents priority.  The innocent parties who shouldn't have to suffer emotionally because of their parents poor decisions (or whatever the case may be).  The reason I even mention all this is for your grandson.  Your situation is similar to my parents in the sense you have the little one that needs your help more than anyone.  I know he is your priority.   In that respect, that fine line is pretty much a moot point.  He needs the security that you can provide him until his mother gets back on her feet.  Is your daughter at least receiving some assistance, like food stamps?

Warm hugs (bear hugs) to you Karin.  I'm so sorry you all have to face such a difficult situation.  

MsKarin

Robin you are so right. As children the pains of being a parent were more physical pains; now that they are adults they are pains of the heart.

ranD

Very ticked off right mow...actually too pissed to write...lol...lets just say that you will now believe how parents can be...

MsKarin

Watching American Idol with my husband Jasmine just sang the song "I'll be there" originally by the Jackson 5. Now I know the song was referring to the love between a guy and a girl but when I was listening to it the song reminded me of this group.

ranD

Jealous you get to watch it 3 hours before I do! 

MsKarin

Oh no ranD and I speaking as a parent was just complaining about the pain a parent feels.

JulieC

Oh Karin, hugs to you.  Mine aren't old enough for me to know what you are going through, but my husband is setting the stage for impatience and intolerance if they do something big wrong in the future.  I don't think I could do anything drastic.  You have to be there for your grandson and stand up strong to your daughter. Are there any agencies that could help with the utilities, any subsidized housing?  I'm sure you have already been through those ideas. We will pray that the solution comes to you.  Please vent anytime.  It's only natural.

Take care,

Julie

drcrisc

Popping in and out - only skimming tonight.

Randie - Breathe, girl.  Remember:  Unfortunately, everyone around you has an emotional life about your health.

Karin - Vent away!  Glad you and dh reconnected, though.

That's all I got tonight - Love you all!!

ewesterman

I love my BC sisters. Today is my last day as interim director of WEA. Tomorrow, I get to train and party with my new boss. Woo hoo

Sable

Welp tomorrow is my anny .... been thinking about it for the past few days. Hubs and I are going out to eat. Been kinda reflecting on what all I went thru this past year and where I am now. I swear in the beginning that I thought it would last forever and I would never be able to make it. I think I surprised myself lol. Of course I had a TON of help from my beautiful MAY '08 ladies!~ we rock!

And on thursday I have my next echocardiogram. I don't do the muga unless there is a major problem..... less needles the better I say. So if you ladies feel your ears burning on thursday, its me telling all about you guys to the tech :O)

ellenoire

RBK

dunno how many Herceptins I have left. I think I am done 9 so far... who knows after all these heart tests and delays.

 Monavie has 19 fruits and the way they handle the berry's makes the acai berry tests higher on the antioxidant scale than any other fruit ever tested.Let me know if you want to try some. It is usually cheaper ounce for ounce than most of the other acai juice on the market and is not nasty at all. There are kick ass testimonials all over the internet and there are a ton of pro athletes taking it. 

 I sell it because I drink it, so I believe in it. It got me from DAT to normal in a matter of days in October. I also sell it because for all intents and purposes I get a commission for selling it. Unlike anything else in my store where all the other profits have to go back to keep the store stocked and open. I have only been paid about $3000 in the last year, and my savings are gone. I am living on my tax return and hammering on the Monavie business growth in the hope it will help me bulid a better return on investment than my dream business does. 

 RanD just got a couple of cases today( one case courtesy of my customer who I told Ran's story to) .

Otter, my surgeon told me that a year out of surgery my risk of lymphodema was very low at this point and that I could do whatever I want. I have been doing pushups since September, and weights all winter with no issue. 

 I am having a long shitty week and it is only Tuesday.

 Happy A Jen... 

No word from Tex ... 

Linda, I will try to confirm Detroit this week

Karin.. it will all be fine. somehow.. keep the faith! 

Long story, but the stupid person who has been cleaning my house every 2 weeks( and I still feel guilty) quit today... after telling me she was going out of town on Friday( 2 days notice?cmon) and I asked if she could juggle me into Thursday since I am having dinner guests. and after saying she would call and let me know she sent me an email saying she QUIT!
So, on top of cleaning a house that has been a mess for a year, a co-op student who cannot even put books back on the shelf correctly, Treatment with the worst IV bruise yet, DST, etc etc it has been one hell of a freakin' week!!!!

Oh, and the kitten is in heat AGAIN!!!! 

Yup, just venting about stupid shite.. but AAARGH!!!!! 

 Love to all.RanD! drink your juice now!!!

  

 xoN

ranD

Okay, now are we all ready for a good laugh?

You all now I have my parents here and I was so happy that they were staying to April.  well, today my mom had me help her with some thank you notes and thats when the shite hit the fanny...lol...Apparently, my mom thiks I have only 30-90 days left to live.  She swears that is what I told her, that is what she told all my realtives and her friends.  No wonder I am getting all these poor baby cards and comments...lol..when I corrected her, she got mad and said that she wouldn't have stayed this long if she had known.  Thats what pissed me off, I thought they were doing it to help me, she was doing it to help my fam deal with my upcoming deth.  My dad, who is more like me, is in hysterics, he and I sat at the table and couldn't stop laughing for 15 minutes.  No wonder my cousins keep saying how good I look...for a fucking corpse to be is what they mean.

So, i asked the obvious, do they want to return the laptop or shoud I pay them for it...lol, my dad telle me that my mom told him that all I wanted was a laptop before I died....I still keep giggling...

Downside, she has to tell my other bro that I am not dying.  I called the local bro and he was laughing as well saying he had no idea that's waht they thought....

okay, time to slurp some purple juice and head nighty...randie

Roxi65229

What is a pergola? Sounds very cool. We have decks in the midwest which need a ton of maintenance. I think we stain it every couple of years. I love the outdoors and consider the deck an extension of our home. So happy for BRCA results and therapies, purple juice too. My class mates found me on FB. Looks like a 30 yr class reunion is planned for fall.  I have a mac and a camera, just gotta figure it out.

So sorry to here about all the sad family things happening in our lives. Just remember, God put us here for a reason. We will do our best to help those in need just as those help us in return. 

Like Angels said, 3 more sleeps. Gotta run, love you all. 

Sable

All the talk about the acai berry I finally remembered to bring the ingredients of what I am taking in this room to type up lol...I'm very dense when I have a cold 

I get mine at sam's club and it has.....

12vitamins

17 herbs

18 amino acids

75 plant minerals

coq10

omega 3,6,9

mangosteen

pomegranate

noni

goji

acai

lycopene "& more"

it's "ok" in flavor and you only have to take a ounce a day. Ran it by the onc and he said it was just fine. It's in a purple bottle as well, I wonder if it is the same stuff you have noelle?? The name of this one is liquid life.

I'm off today for shopping therapy and then out to lunch AND out to dinner.... no wonder my ass is so big LOL. TA!

KristyAnn

Hi Everyone,

Otter- my daughter will be looking at UAB and Samford for possible colleges. My brother is from Mobile and nephew is at UAB, niece going to Samford in the Fall- my brother wanys my daughter to look at Birmingham because he thinks they are great schools AND we could all meet up there to see the kids! I will let you know if/when we get our trip there planned and see if you are anywhere near at that time lol.

Watched nephews team play this weekend- he didnt get any playing time in the Baylor game. However, they played again last night and he finally got his first collegiate at bat- hit a home run over the fence!

A pergola is probably called an arbor where you are Mary- its basically a type of arbor structure, 4 posts on the corners and wood slats across the top so it is open air- we also put lattice over the top of ours to make it more shady and cooler in the Texas heat. I was rarely outside last summer so I am VERy excited about my new outdoor room!

Jen- I got the card

Noelle- I got my order, love my hair this morning AND I smell pretty!

Karin, Hang in there and vent as needed! Did you get mail yet?

RanD - Im glad you are laughing about it- it reminds me of the summer all during chemo when people would tell me I looked great- and all I wanted to say was ' yeah I guess I do for someone missing body parts, poisoned head to toe, completely hairless- HOW did they think I looked great except comparing me to something they expected which was probably a corpse!

Herceptin on Friday so I am chugging water and tea to not be dehydrated- have a HUGE bruise on my hand from the MUGA idiot so I am kind of dreading this treatment!

Better get to work!

Kristy

Gracie713

Good Morning Ladies!

I am so mad right now that I could spit nails, and the hurt inside is almost unbearable.  I won't go into a lot of details, due to the sensitive nature of the situation.  Found out yesterday (from oldest DD), that my oldest granddaughter has been violated by her older half brother and she finally told their father.  (DD & her ex have joint custody).  The older brother has always been a trouble maker and I have never trusted him, and have even voiced my feelings to both parents.  This kid has been in & out of the court system, been in group homes due to the inability to control him.  He isn;t my concern now, although I could think of at least 50 ways to torture & hurt him.  (He is in jail and charges filed-his Dad told him that if he ever came back to the house, he would leave on a stretcher or in a body bag.)

My beautiful granddaughter-I can't stand the thought of her having to deal with this, in any way, shape or form.   I know that we have to keep Karli's life as normal as possible.  And that it is our job to stay calm and make sure she knows that she is safe now and she did nothing wrong. (I fear that the examinations that she will go through will be just as traumatic.)  I just want to hold my baby girls and protect them.  It was bad enough she spent most of the last year worrying about me--every phone conversation started with "Nana, do you still have cancer?"  All combined,is more than an 8 year old should have to deal with. 

I know that I am rambling, but this is my safe place.  Please pray for Karli, she needs all the comfort and love we can give her.  Having a hard time tying through the tears right now.

I love you all so much!

robink

Holy Cow - there's a lot that's happened since I was here yesterday!  Am LOL with some, feeling sad or angry or shuddering with others.

Gracie - I just prayed for Karli and you and your family.

Kristy- enjoy that new patio.  Are you on one of the AI's in addition to the Herceptin?

Jen - I've seen that product you mentioned at Sam's club.  Do you feel better since taking it?

Roxi - we have a deck also.  They can be a PIA to maintain.

Randie- so do you get to keep the laptop? 

Noelle - I am interested in trying the Mona Vie. The product I currently take I dilute with OJ and that masks the taste.  Just check out your store web site and will go back there when I have more time.  Here's hoping your week improves!

Eddie - what now for you if you are training someone to take your place?

Julie - hope you are able to get outside this year as often as you would like!

Otter - my DD will be in Birmingham the last weekend of April, a whirlwind trip, there for a wedding on the Saturday then flying back to CO Sunday, college finals begin Monday.

About my mother - that's for the thoughts and concerns for her.  She lives with my step father, who is hanidcapped also due to a stroke in 1986.  He is able to help he some but can't pick her up if she falls.  I have four siblings who live in the Columbus area.  They help Mom a lot but the all work full time and that is when out patient therapy takes places.  My folks have some friends who can provide transportation.  They also signed up for a bus service that caters to seniors and handicapped persons.  The biggest hurdle will be getting my folks to allow someone to come into the home once or twice a week to help with cleaning and other chores.

To Everyone: Happy Wednesday!

ranD

Gracie: Heartfelt prayers for you and your family.  Give Karli a hug from me and my girls.

Robin: ROFLMAO...yes, I get to keep it.  My mom feels bad that she acted like that.  Dad is still walking around asking if I want him to circle the potential death date on the calendar....

All:  The purple juice is great...tastes really good...can feel it kicking cancer's butt right now...

Kristy: we have a pergola in the box in the garage where it is waiting to be assembled for the last the 3 years.  It was a $600 wood Sam's club special that was marked down to $75.  So I could not resist.  Now just have to get the man to put it up...lol..should I phrase it as a dying request??????????

Called up Kerry last night. we had a great talk...even with the delay for the satellite.  Its so great being able to put sounds with faces.  Come on everyone, sign up for pennytalk and call Kerry and all our canadian girls!!!  Thanks for holding your dinner to talk even tho you were DAT...I had to stay up for another hour I was so wound up!  Loved it!

Okay, hope that made ypu all wish that we could conference call each other!!!

randie

ellenoire

Gracie, prayers here too!

RBK- Monavie info in your mailbox later today

RanD.. there is a scene in Monty Python The Meaning of Life that my mom quoted a lot when she was ill and NOT DEAD YET!

Busy at the store. Giving everyone shots of Purple Juice!

well.. the company motto is "drink it, feel it, share it"

 so why not!

gotta run.

 N

KristyAnn

Robin- I am on Femara in addition to the herceptin. My chemo protocol was TCH so I started Herceptin from the very beginning which is the reason I am almost at the end of my year.

Gracie- prayers coming your way- no child should ever have to go through that

RanD- I am SO glad you have a sense of humor in all of this! I put on my iPod shuffle today after letting DD borrow it for several omnths- she had changed out all the music. At my desk, on comes "The Anchor Holds" - if you have this go listen, if you dont look up the lyrics- definitely fitting for the last year.

Noelle, PM me pricing on the purple juice- sounds interesting!

Kristy

MsKarin

Well I did it. I finally got my hair trimmed. Can't believe all the hair she cut off. My already short hair is now even shorter but I don't feel like Beethoven anymore. Thanks Noelle, I'm a Deva girl for now. I know I can't afford to keep up with it but Mary Ann (the one that did my ABC special LGFB make over) got me hooked up with the starter or travel pack.

Gracie - you're another victim of the pains of parenthood, in your case grandparenthood. My prayers will be going out for Karli but also for you and your daughter. This really hits home with me because I didn't go into detail when talking about my childhood but I was violated by my father.

Julie - she already has subsidized housing and she did receive a one time payment towards her electric. She used to get a lot more for that but because of the economy this year she only got a small amount.

To everyone else - love ya. Not that I don't love Gracie and Julie, LOL. Only had time for a few comments.

revkat

If you all can't see spending the $$ for total Deva care of your hair, you should still try the One Condition. I used to use it even when my hair was mostly straight. And believe me I turn those bottles over and cut them in half to get every drop of the conditioner out because of the cost!