Anyone starting chemo in June 08

hunkydory

Leggy, I didn't think you were naughty at all...LOL!  Now, if you would have said you were having your tranny flushed on your birthday I might have thought differently!  Hope your flashes cool to a reasonable place.....I am on the tamoxifen too.  I think I will be for at least another year.  XXOO HD

KKing

Belated wishes LeggyJ.  Is that the same BMF that takes you for clam chowder?? Like you mentioned I am two years on April 10th. Yes, the memories of it all come back don't they.

I am glad to hear everyone is doing well.  I think the last movie I watched was Men who stare at goats....it was a little different but I never get fed up of looking at George Clooney... I love the bedroom eyes.    

I noticed Leggy and HunkyD, you mentioned you are on tamoxifen...they changed me over to Arimidex after 6 monthes because he said I was in chemopause.  Did the chemo do that to you also??  I am curious because the Arimidex can lead to bone loss and I think I am falling apart already.  Man, I think I have aged so much in the last two years.  

Off to Lowe's here to look for a vanity, we have to replace that now in our little bathroom.  II guess that is why I keep working.   Have a good night . 

Wyoming

Hi everyone! I'm Vicky aka Wyoming. It is so funny because the other day I thought about signing my name but then no one would've know who I was. After two years we should know each others names.

Happy belated BD Leggy.

I have been sick the last few days. Yesterday I had to go the docs and get my blood drawn and a CT scan. Good news is that my scan didn't find any nodules even the ones they found a year ago. Blood work was good also except my red blood was low. I do have an infection. So I got an IV antibiotic. Today I received two units of blood and more antibiotics. I will get antibiotics until the end of the week. Unfortunately we have to cancel our NY trip. We should most of our money back and will have flight tickets to use for a year. Today I'm finally among the living. I actually have color in my face. I told husband that I would rather get well than go to NY and he said he would rather have me get well than having to go to NY and stay in the motel watching me sleep.LOL 

My oldest daughter has told me I should get on Facebook. Now I have a good reason. When I get an account I will friend you all.

Talk to everyone later

Wyoming (Vicky Reznicek) I married into that name!!!!!!!!! LOL 

LeggyJ

"Ask and you shall receive", it cooled down today, and rain on the horizon, for tonight..YAHOO!!!  I didn't feel like a sweaty mess, 50% of the day.  Another year or so for me too, HD.  What joy!

hunkydory

Awww, Wyoming, sorry you had to postpone the trip.  But, you would enjoy it so much more if you feel well.  Hope you can get your reds up.  It just sucks the way we have to fight the cancer.  I don't have a facebook account.  I don't think I want everyone of my friends (which I have very few of after diagnosis) reading everything I type.  A lot of friends really don't want to read the things I post here.  It is hard for people to saddle up with a person whom has been diagnosed poorly with cancer.  I have a few good friends that understand...and funny thing is...they have been diagnosed with a cancer themselves also at one time or another.  Karen, chemo threw me straight into menopause.  No period after treatment number two.  He still wants one more year for me on Tamoxifen.  I think all the AI's and even Tamoxifen rot your body...or, make you old lady to quick for your body to adjust.  That's just my thoughts though.  Love to all,  HunkyD

LeggyJ

I must have missed a few posts, somewhere and had to backup and read them, when I read HD's post I figured it out.  Sorry to hear about your trip Wyoming, and I hope you feel better soon.  I'm sure we can all relate, but it's awful for you to have to go through this all over again.  Just remember girls, we are all still together in this.  Good times and bad, we've got each other.  OK I think I'm going to cry.....

KKing, started going into menopause, 6months before chemo. and then full on after, but for some reason, my Onc. said for me Tamoxifen was "The only thing standing between me and cancer", for the next few years. Like HD, said Tamoxifen is no walk in the park.  It sucks, my body hurts all over, and this whole thing has aged us all, ten years in now almost two years.

Yes, my BMF is the same guy who takes me for chowder. I call him my caretaker, since he's all ways taking me for drives, and feeds me.  I've know him for about 15 years, and we've been on and off romantically. On my birthday, two years ago, he called me and we started talking on the phone now and then again.  That day I knew I had BC, but didn't want him to know about it, but he kept calling, during chemo. and then I kind of figured out he knew. It's a small town, and I know a lot of people, so I told him.  He lost his sister to BC, about 16yrs. ago, and I think he wants to take care of me, since he couldn't save his sister.  I know he loves me, but it's all more complicated now.  I don't feel like giving up to much of my spare time.  The weekend fly's by so quickly, and I barely have time for myself, and I've gotten used to being on my own, and not having someone telling me what to do. As it is I have three, male friends, and they all seem to want to give me advise on everything!!!!  Gee, their worse than girls, always having to call me everyday...If I don't call them back their all worried. Boys.

My cells ringing now, Gotta go...Oh by the way, I'm Jan.

Bonnie02

I feel much better to hear everyone hates Tamoxifen, I thought it was just me complaining a lot, always seem to have aches and pains and tired all the time. I know some people don't even want to talk to me on the phone anymore because I am always yawning but I really can't help it. I was told that I would be on Tamoxifen for 5 years, although he did say after I believe it was 3 years that he would change it to something else if the Tamoxifen was causing any problems.

Bye the way does anyone on here have any hobbies, I am quite into quilting and cross stitch and always wanting to do something else.

Everyone have a good weekend

Love you all

Bonnie

LeggyJ

Hi Bonnie,

I think, were all hoping our Onc.'s change us to something else, but from what we're hearing, nothing else is any better.  It all has SE's and non of it sounds good.

No hobbies, really other than movies, reading, and walking.  I used to go camping a lot, but I just don't seem to have the energy, after work.  I've accumulated over three weeks of vacation time, and starting in May, I will get four wks. of VK, per year, so I'm hoping I can really go somewhere...I'd love to go back to Scotland, or to Ireland.

KKing

Wyoming..so sorry to hear you didn't get to go on your trip.  I hope you can reshedule that soon.

When you talk about tamoxifen,  I was on it for about 1 year and then my onc said we will change it to the Arimidex.  It seems to give me the same side effects you feel on Tamoxifen.  I guess we are all hoping it is doing it's job.

LeggyJ...you mentioned going to Scotland or Ireland.  Are you from there??  I was born in Dundee, Scotland and came here as a wee lassie. Actually my parents were in their forties at the time and immigrated here with my self and I have 3 older brothers.  I was a menapause baby,  back then when women were going into menapause ,  the doctor didn't have a clue and told my mother she should have a baby... can you imagine that she was 43 and had a 11, 13, and 16 year old.  There is no way I could have done that at that age if I had the other ones.   What did they know then .

Bonnie,  I do a bit of sewing but not much else.  I like to read magazines and watch movies when I am not sleeping.   Like you said, with all the yawning going on, might as well sleep.

Hope you all have a nice week.  Looks like it will be warming up here by the Easter weekend. 

Hugs to you all,  Karen

hunkydory

KKing...I also have an older mom.  My mom was 42 when she had me and she said I wasn't an accident.  LOL!  I can't imagine it either.  Good thing I was a good little girl.  hehehe!  I had 3 older brothers also.  She is still alive at 94 after having a mastectomy 3 years ago.  She still drives to church and back and to the store....that is scary!  No real hobbies here either.  Takes all my time to try and keep the house clean.  I have been watching movies....Blind Side, Brothers, Did you Hear About the Morgans, the Box, Old Dogs.  All have been pretty good.  We just haven't had the nice weather here that I am sure Miss Leggy and Wolfie have had.  I am still walking the treadmill.  Bonnie, have you thought anymore about recon?  I have an office surgery coming up in 2 weeks.  I don't think it will be anything big. It is some lipo and micro fat grafting.  So, pre-op appt tomorrow with PS, another dentist appt this Wednesday, and out of town for work on Thursday.  April 1 is my sons birthday so I have to find time to make him some chocolate chip cookies before then.  Maybe if I make them Wednesday after dentist I won't eat so many of them while baking.  Wyoming, hope you are doing ok, and are getting the rest you need, and also to you Kelly!  Chocolate, I am sorry about your big fuzzy baby Milo.  I just love the darn pets.  I hope you can get another companion and that you also are doing well with trts.  I need to tend to laundry now girls...Love to ya all....HD

LeggyJ

Hey King, I've been to Great Britain twice and traveled around on Brit Rail pass all by myself, for three weeks, when I was in college.  Then a few years later I went back with a college friend and we rented a really small car for another 3weeks.  Scotland was my favorite place, and most of my relatives were Scot's and then somehow got over to Ireland, and then came over here via Canada. Edinburgh is my  favorite city, I had so much fun there.  The boy's are very friendly. 

Hope all is well with you girls, I think it's time for a nap....

Bonnie02

HunkyD yes I have wanted reconstruction since this all began but my GP had to refer me and he kept saying just wait awhile, quite a few months would go buy and I would ask again with the same response.  One day he was on holidays and had a women doc in his place and I mentioned it to her and she said what is he waiting for, she couldn't understand so she wrote the letter of referral about last Oct. and I still am waiting for an appointment. I did call Dr. Taylors office and they do have the referral and I was told it would be sometime this year. Sure wish it would hurry up.

Hope all is well with everyone

Bonnie

Kellke

Everyone must be busy enjoying the sun as the postings are sparse.

  I have good news, I got an email this morning that I get to go on a casting for recovery weekend in May.  For free!  It looks pretty nice and I hope to meet other people from Colorado.  It is the North Fork Lodge in Shawnee Colorado I think.  My husband is a big fly fishing fan so maybe I can learn enough to have something to do with him. 

More later,  I am going to post a new thread to see if anyone else from this site is going.   Kelly

LeggyJ

That's great, Kelly!!!  Wish I could go with you!!!!  It's been raining a lot out here, so I can't make you-all jealous.  Nothing else is new I'm DAT.

Wyoming

Happy Aprils Fools Day. Has anyone be got? I'm pretty suspicious of my hubby all the time so he usually can't get me. Sounds like everyone is hanging in there. Kelly congrats on your trip. When will you go? Hunky will this be the last visit for reconstruction? Leggy and Karen you need to tell us more about Scotland. Bonnie I used to crochet but my thumb joint won't let me do it any more. I guess my main hobby is reading and lately sleeping. LOL

I'm finely getting up and round. I went out yesterday for the first time. My voice is starting to come back. Good thing I'm on Spring break so I won't have to miss more work.

Is anyone doing anything for Easter. Hubby and I are going to hang out at home. We are  re-planning our trip to New York for June. Should be warmer.

Talk to everyone later.

Wyoming 

KKing

Just wanted to wish you all a very Happy Easter.  Like you Wyoming, we are hanging out at home.  The weather here is unusally warm so we will be going for some walks with the dogs.

Hope you all eat too much this weekend.... I plan on it.  And also, some red wine.

Enjoy.

Karen

LeggyJ

Happy Easter, everyone!  I stayed in bed this morning as long as I could, trying to rest.  Last week was very busy for me, with lots of dead heading flowers, from all the rain.  Just when everything looks so beautiful, I have to cut if off....Oh well.  Then I had to bump up lots of shrubs, into bigger pots, and that took all my strength, so I'm DAT.

My mom and I, are going to Easter Brunch, with a little group of my mom's friends, from the old days.  It's alway nice. Nothing new.

ChocolateLover

Happy Easter all!

I am, of course, indulging in lots of chocolate. With caramel centers. yummmmm...

soory, Wyoming, about your trip being postponed. i agree with all the other wise ones about you being healthy first and foremost. I'm sure you do too, it just sucks sometimes, having to change plans.

For the past 10 days I have been busily messaging a friend from college. We lost touch over the years, and found each other on facebook and then I fould out she had been diagnosed last year with stage III agressive BC. Like me, she was young, healthy, no family hist, didn't drink much alcohol, excercised moderately, ate well....blah..blah...blah. it just doesnt seem to make a difference.  Anyway, it has been lovely catching up and commisserating.  but I missed chatting with you all.  There;s only so much one woman can type afterall.

I cant remember if I told you all, we have a due date for a puppy: May 22.  Please keep you fingers crossed for me, as the last pregnancy didnt work out and I really really really need a walking partner.  a furry one.

I have a CT April 12 and I'm a little scared.  Hoping this Xeloda is working, but i have been coughing a bit more lately.  dont want to worry family, so i havent said anything, then again, theres not much to say until we get the results back.  My onc. appt. is Apr. 27, so they'll prob. make me wait all that time until I learn the results.  Anyway, Xeloda is our best shot right now, and I'm still sticking my heparin in daily becoz I still have that blood clot in my jugular. 

And I finally talked my Mum into going to counselling with me.  Over all these years, she has kept asking "why should I". Geez.  I finally said, "don't do it for you, do it for me." I'm such a bad daughter right? Anyway, I'm thinking that it can help us communicate a little less defensively. And in the long run, if needed, she will have a grief counsellor already that she knows and trusts. I am trying to see the bigger picture. She is 70 this May, and my brother thinks I'm wasting my time trying to get her to change.  I think I just need to change myself, but i'm stuck and need some help doing it.  I've tried everything else to get rid of this damn disease, so maybe some emotional movement will help. Can't hurt! So I'm flying to Ontario where all my family lives, in May, for her birthday (and my Dad's - they were born on the same day!) and to go for counselling. Please pray for me the whole month of April & May!!!! :-)

ok, enuf complaining. thanks for listenting ladies!

It's time to set up the scavenger hunt for friends kids, and set the table.

luv you all,   Happy Easter again!   xoxoxoxoxoxo Michelle

hunkydory

Happy Easter to all.  Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend.  We had an outing yesterday and took my 94 year old mom and our son out to a remote mountain grill for late lunch.  Snowy, but it was all in all a fun little get away.  Chocolate...good luck on your CT.  I know the wait sucks and I will keep my fingers crossed for you.  Glad you got reunited with an old friend but am so sorry she has been diagnosed.  I am sure she is glad she found you also.  May 22 is my birthday so I hope you can get that new puppy then!  LOL  Rest up Leggy!  I can understand you having a very physical job.  I know it must make you tired.  The tamoxifen doesn't help with its constant side effects of aches and joint pain.  That's my theory anyway.  My DH brought me home a beautiful Easter lily.  One side is bloomed and the other side almost!  He is pretty thoughtful most of the time.  Wyoming, I have surgery in a week.  He calls it just a tune up.  He did tell my husband to take 2 days off work.  I will be put out under twilight so that is good. I hope it is my last.  Kelly, your trip sounds fun.  I will have to google Shawnee.  Hope you have a great time and bet you can't wait for May to get here.  This is the place to ramble I hope......I do my share of it.  Take care all of you!  XXXXXX  HD

Wyoming

I'm back a work today and I'm already DAT. I had to change my treatment because what I was dong was too toxic for me. I ended up with pneumonia. Michelle I'm on Xeloda too. I take two pills twice a day for seven days then seven off. I'm also on another Taxol -Taxotere(sp). I will never get my hair back. HAHAHA. We had snow for Easter but by the afternoon it was sunny but cold. I'm sooo ready for warm weather.

Michelle good luck with CT scan. I think the counseling is a good idea. I don't think I could get my mom to go to counseling with me. Luckily she has my sisters.

HunkyD what is involved in a turn up? I hope you are up and around quickly.

Have a good Monday

Wyoming (Vicky)

hunkydory

Wyoming, wow, hope your work days get better.  I really don't know how you keep working.  I know you love your job.  Just wanted to reply,....my turn up is what he called a tune up. LOL!  Just more tweaking I guess.  Take care of yourself....I think about ya alot!  HD

LeggyJ

Hi girls,

Wyoming, I did Taxotere along with AC, and it's really tough, so I think it's gonna get it this time!  I got pneumonia, on it as well.  Good luck!

Hunky D have a great tune-up, and let's hope this is the last one for you too!

Kelly, I can't wait to hear your fishing tales.

Prayers for all of you, I don't know what I would have done without you-all.

Wyoming

Hi everyone. Woke up to snow and rain. Lovely spring weather.

Hunky I meant to say tune up not turn up but I guess with new boobs it could be a turn up. I know mine could use a turn up. Gravity has taken its toll. LOL.

 ChocolateLover did you get any chocolate with caramel centers? That is what I would want too.

Leggy I bet you are having great weather.

Kelly how was the trip?

Karen did you get a chance to drink some red wine?

Bonnie how is everything going for you?

Happy Hump Day

Wyoming (Vicky)

ChocolateLover

hi gals!

It took me 3 days to recover from Easter, and we only had company for 6 hours. I am old! The kids loved the scavenger hunt, and the prizes too, and everyone raved about the dinner I cooked. Turkey, stuffing, honey ham, mashed potatoes, crispy potatoes, carrots, green beans, sweet potato caserole, and homemade cranberry and jellies. I love to cook.  After dinner we all played Wii, girls against boys, and girls won! Yay! It was fun.

Wyoming are you having any additional se's from the Xeloda? How do you find it? They scared the crap out of me talking about that foot and hand syndrome where they crack and bleed.  I just use a good dose of lotion (I like Aveeno)every night and mine are fine so far.  I feel slightly nauseus all day but i can deal with that.  It goes away everytime I eat, so I'm just grazing my way through the days.lol. 

HunkyD, your mom sounds pretty agile still. For someone who is 94 that's great! I hope you had a nice Easter lunch.

Leggy, what do you do for work? hunky said it's physical - are you a dancer? lol. You look so good in your pic, and slim.  What is your secret? spill it lady! :-)

Vicky, is there anyway you can think of retiring soon? I don't know how you get up everyday with all those drugs in you. I sleep most days from 10pm until 9am and I know that helps my body stay strong.  If I had to work, I would be DAT every minute!

Has everyone seen The BlindSide now? I totally recommend it - the little boy in the movie just steals the show, he is so darned cute! And I dont even like football. (Shhhh...)

Kelly, Karen, Bonnie, keep posting. I love hearing from you all.

hugs, Michelle (aka Choc)

LeggyJ

Hi Choc., I'm a Horticulturist at a 4 star Hotel and Spa. Mostly, now that I'm old (54) I do the light stuff, like houseplants/orchids in the rooms (and other area's), color pots/window-boxes outside the rooms, and the entrance/courtyard.  It's a large property and thank goodness I have my own golf cart.  Needless to say, my yard is low maintenance, since I really don't want to garden seven days a week. 

Now about weight, I was always on the slim side, until a few years before BC. Too much estrogen/progesterone, caused me to plump up a bit.  But I lost 35lbs, during chemo, because I just couldn't eat, and wasted away to skin and bones.  I've since gained back, and half of that, but I'm trying to stay this weight now, and just firm up some more.  Work helps, since we have a lot of stairs, everywhere on the property, plus I walk my dog Wolfie, everyday for at least 45 minutes(more on the weekends). WALK, WALK, and Walk, is the best exercise. 

hunkydory

Hi all my June sisters!  I am so glad the work week is over.  Leggy, you do have a physical job compared to a sit at the desk job.  I am so glad you are able to keep it.  Todays economy is scary!!!   I still enjoy working but just would like to cut back on my hours a bit and have the sleep in days like Chocolate!  Still don't know how you do it Wyoming!  You are amazing for sure.  I got off work early today and did some house cleaning and walked my treadmill.  We are still having high wind weather here so nothing outdoors for me.  I just want to be ready for my Surgery Monday morning.  Wyoming, my "Turn Up"...LOL!  won't be too major but they are still knocking me out.  I have to be there at 6:30am though....crap!  Kelly, looking forward to hearing about your trip.  I think you said it is in May.  How is the porch addition coming along!  Kathy, any good movies lately?  I know you get them before they come out.  That darn Netflix has a deal with Warner Bros. that they won't release the good "new" movies for 3 weeks after they actually come out on DVD in hopes people will go buy them.  Makes me mad.  I might quit them for that reason and just pay for the movies on our Dish pay per view deal.  Bonnie, hope you are doing well. It is so nice to hear from all of you..I think about you all alot.  I don't live a day still without thinking about what has happened.  I know the rest of you don't either.  If you do.....please let me know how!  XXXX....HunkyD  

LeggyJ

Oh sleep in days....if only Wolfie would know when it's the weekend!  He let me sleep in till 7am this morning and that was so nice.  I'm taking today and Monday off, so it's a nice long weekend.  I haven't taken any vacation time since I went back to work in Nov.08. So, I treated myself.  It's been a long time girls, and as my Onc. says whenever I see him "Each year we get past the first 3 years, all the better"....Next month, I will have my 10 year anniversary at my job, and I'll get 4 weeks VK/yr.  Can I last that long?..I don't know, I'm getting DAT, everyday, and wonder if I can hold on.

Hey Choc.  I got a bottle of cab. wrapped in chocolate, so I had to have some, what a combo.

Kellke

I posted a new pic but couldn't figure out how to crop it.  It is my daughter and I at Girl Scout camp a couple weeks ago.  We had fun and I am so glad we went.  I have a ton of pictures but now that everything is digital I never print them.  I consider it a success to put them on the computer by myself. My porch is moving slowly, we will turn in the plans for a building permit on Monday. Hope to have a spot to sit by the end of May.

Leggy I am not a big wine drinker but wish we could come see you and share a bottle.

Hunky will you get much time off to recover from the turn up?

Wow chocolate we are all coming to your Easter festivities next year.  It sounds like fun.

Wyoming, remind me where in Wyoming Gillette is?Is it on my way to Rapid City, I don't think we drive through it, we go Fort Collins,Cheyenne, Lusk, and Mule Creek Junction I think?   Maybe I told you that already?  I do have major chemo brain these days. If you come back to Denver let me know and we can meet up.

Karen and Bonnie, post some more, how are you?   Kelly

Bonnie02

Hi everyone, I have been reading but not posting because I have been in a very bad mood for some reason.  I hear all of you talking about seeing your oncologist, I have not seen mine since he prescribed the Tamoxifen. He told me that my GP could look after things and would know if something needed attending to.  I sure hope this is true, although I just changed Drs. a month ago because my Dr. was never there always on holidays or doing something. The Dr. I changed to is a woman Dr. that was taking over for him.  I have an appointment with her on Tuesday, I am not really sure what to say to her, I don't want to sound like a complainer but I have been feeling so awful lately that it kind of worries me. It could just be from the Tamoxifen or just me I don't know.  I work for about half an hour and I am beet to the point of shaking and just feel like crying.  I am sore where the mastectomy was, although I think it is just muscles probably, can't hardly stand to wear a bra. I have been taking vitamins and nothing seems to work. I am either sleeping all the time or can't sleep and sit up at night playing on the computer or something. I hate to sound so miserable but there is no one else that I feel I can talk to.

Hope you all have a nice weekend!!!

Bonnie

ChocolateLover

Leggy, no wonder you are so slim! You must really love your work though. All that beauty surrounding you, and fresh air. I'm glad to hear you let the young'uns do the heavy stuff though. No point in exhausting yourself. Enjoy your cab. & choc. what a great combo!

hunkyD, have you heard of bittorrent? it's a website to download movies. for free. it's a library/sharing database with people from around the world.  you have to have good virus protection (you never know with downloads) but my brother told me about it last week, and I've already downloaded CrazyHeart and Men who Stare at Goats.  check it out!

Kelly, your pic looks great! I'm so glad you are getting your porch done.  Does it look good? I can just picture you out there shelling peas. why, I dont know?! haha. ah......sorry I'm a little sleep deprived today. re: Easter fest.; you are welcome to come anytime!

I woke up at 3am and tossed around, then finally got up, did laundry, emptied the dishwasher, read, and came on here.  I'm almost ready for a nap! We are going to a friend's 40th b.day party tonite.  I told her I might show up already in my pj's, as I haven't stayed out later than 9pm for years. Ugh I'm old.

Bonnie, here is exactly the right place to tell us what you are going through! right gals?! Who else understands better?  I will send you positive energy so you can stress less. Let us know what your doc says. ok?

I'm also sending you great strong healing vibes hunkyD. for your "turn up" hehe. I had a couple of minor surgeries after my mast. 10 yrs ago. Those plastics docs are pretty particular. Aren't they great? so much attention to detail.  I think that's why some women get hooked on plastic surgery - becoz of all the attention paid to them.  They think they have a relationship going. dont go all Heidi Mointag on us, Hunky! LOL. We love you just the way you are.

Enjoy your wkd everyone, and enjoy your extra long wkd Leggy! Maybe that extra week vacation you can split into many long wkds next year. hugs all, xox Choc.