Anyone starting chemo in Aug. 08?

Corinne6

Bette:  Went on to Facebook. Which Bette Lewis is you.  You can request me as a friend.

Corinne Birkholz  - there are bound to be no more of that name!!

Tonya36

My goodness ladies.  Everyone is so busy.  I think of you all often but had to take a break.  I found myself dealing with some major bc anxiety and I am now trying to come to grips with it all.  God has been so good to me through all of this that quite frankly its hard to believe.  I am so unworthy but He loves me anyway.  I am so THANKFUL.  Now its time for me to try and help other people.  I just pray that the Lord will show me how to do it.

Bette...you are a marvelous woman.  You have been through so much yet you keep your good spirits and find more energy than most healthy people.  I am sooooo happy for you.  I was actually thinking about you this morning.  I am so happy that you have Tom and I know your wedding will be beautiful.  It also sounds like you have some great friends.  I will keep you in my prayers and look forward to pictures.

MamaKaren...My heart breaks for you.  I know you and your family feel broken right now but remember to pray.  God hears our every need and He will guide us through anything.  I will be praying for you and your mother.

Jeanine...Don't wait around on those headaches.  I'm sure its something small such as stress or maybe even allergies from the weather but don't spend too much time worrying.  Just find out its nothing and get on with being happy. 

Misty...I know what you mean about the curly hair.  My hair was always straight and now its curly all over.  Its growing pretty quickly though.  I gave up the wig about a month ago and its doubled in length since then.  I think the wig was stunting the growth.  Thats what I'm choosing to think anyway.

Sharon...welcome to the group.  These ladies have been a source of strength and knowledge to me since last August.  Its a great group of people.  I hope you are well and keep in touch.

Hello to Deanna, Roya, Stacy and anyone else I may be forgetting.  My chemo brain is still here so please forgive me if I left you out.

My boyfriend is graduating from college (at the age of 41) on May 9th.  I am having fun planning his party and just enjoying him.  He is one of my many blessings that God has given me.  Steve is wonderful to me.  I never knew love could be so sweet. 

I am now on facebook.  Just look up Tonya Cox.  I hope everyone stays well and enjoy your day.

God Bless,

Tonya

Corinne6

Tonya, went to facebook but which Tonya Cox are you?? Please look me up. I think there is only one Corinne Birkholz

Misty1

Stacy, so glad to hear from you!!  You look so cute with your new 'do!!  That would be awesome if you wind up coming back to VA one day.  We'll have to get together if that happens.  I am so glad you had a nice trip with your family-well deserved.

Corinne, yes, 12 herceptins down, 6 to go.  My flashes are like clock work.  They come at both 9 AM and 9PM.  Not that bad except for a couple of minutes.

Bette-big countdown until your big day!!

Everyone, I am going for my first hair trim tomorrow.  I bought a flat iron last night to iron out those little curls on the end.  I am just not a curly type of girl!!

~Misty

Anonymous

Today I went hat shopping and recorded the event on film. It is now an album on Facebook under Bette George Lewis. I can't make up my mind about the look I want, so am asking friends to weigh in their opinions.

I am up late, because Tom is arriving after his shift, which will be a 1 AM! I plan to nap for an hour or two so that I can be conscious when he gets there.

These pesky drains really hinder expressions of affection like hugs. right now I can not lift my left harm to hug, or have Tom put his arm around me without discomfort. Please, Lord, only 8 days until the honeymoon!.

MamaKaren. Am going to lift up you and your Mom in prayer as she goes into surgery tomorrow.

Bette 

mamakaren

Hello gals,

Well here i am just going out  of my mind! My heart tells me that my mom will be fine but my mind is making me crazy with worry. My mom will have her surgery at 7:30 tomorrow morning so lots of prayers please.

Corrine~ Thank you. Also as I'm posting this I just happen to read the reading of Joshua1:9 and it really gave me some comfort.

Hood1980

Hi MamaKaren!  I will be sure to be praying for your Mom today (especially at 730).  It's hard not too worry, isn't it?  My Dad was in the hospital this week too nothing too serious but at his age, I guess it's all serious (obstructed colon).  Take care & please keep us posted. 

dlb823

Karen ~  I'm also praying for your Mom's surgery this a.m. 

Joyce ~  Hope your Dad is doing better now.

Stacy ~ Wonderful to hear from you!  And love the cute new avatar.  Seeing new photos as our faces and hair recover from the assault of chemo is so encouraging -- sort of like seeing spring flowers emerge after a long winter.

Bette ~ I can't believe the wedding is almost here!  Any more news on the drains?  Oh, I hope you can get them out within the next few days.  I also need to get on Facebook to see your dress.  I've just been reluctant to add another reason to be on the computer, as I'm already on it too much (according to my DH).

Misty ~ Remind me of the dates you'll be in the desert (maybe best to PM, and I'll also PM you my phone number).  I want to put them on my calendar.  We just made some plans for April, and I want to be sure not to miss you.

Jeannine ~  I've been a little concerned about your headaches -- as I would about anyone in our group reporting pain.  Hopefully, they've stopped, but I am praying that you have no further concerns like that.  Please reassure us when you can.  I'm also going to PM you a link to a post I read yesterday by a gal who's triple neg.  It was so encouraging -- stuff I didn't know.

Hi to Tonya and Roya and anyone else who isn't on this last page whose name isn't in front of me this a.m.  Hope everyone is doing great on this first day of Spring ~  Deanna

Tonya36

Deanna,

I would be interested to see that link on the triple negative information.  I would like to see anything encouraging on that topic.

Thanks,

Tonya

Corinne6

Want to know if anyone lives close to RI???? There is a real big ladies seminar there for two days. I was asked to speak and share what the Lord has done for me through this whole cancer thing. I would like to see if anyone of my bc sisters live close by and can attend. It is on May 29th and 30th.  It would be really great to share that with my bc friends!!

Corinne6

Just got a call from my DR. They are skipping my herceptin next week. I did not have a good echo. Doing a Muga Test on April 10th and if everything is okay will resume Herceptin on the 13th of April. Has anyone had simular experiences? Also, they found some little thing on my left kidney. Having an ultrasound on Monday. I am in VERY GOOD SPIRITS even with these set backs. Thank you ahead for praying for me. Hugs from your bc sister, Corinne

Misty1

MamaKaren-how did your mom's surgery go?

Corinne, bummer about the Muga test.  HOpefully, your# will go back up so you can get back on that Herceptin!  I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.  HOw nice of you to speak at the seminar.  I am sure you will be a real inspiration.

Girls, had my first "hair trim" today.  Hadn't seen my stylist since last July!!!  She loved my short hair and gave me several big hugs throughout the cut.  She couldn't get over a 41-year-old going through this.  Unfortunately, I had to tell her about of my friends here who are so young and surviving this.  My hair now looks like it is shaped and suppose to be this way.  I didn't like seeing hair coming off, but I hope this gives it a spurt soon.  I don't want long hair, just some bangs would be nice-I am going to try for the new Katie Couric look.  

For those with hot flashes, my DH found an article through NCI about how anti-depressants help with these.  I just weaned myself off Zoloft last month and noticed that the flashes seem to be worse now.  Go figure!!  I could have told the writers of this study that!!

~Misty

mamakaren

Hello gals,

My moms surgery was good. They took out 70% of her stomach and there are some lymph nodes involved. I'm grateful that it wasn't any worse like an open and shut situation. She will need some chemo and rads. It just broke my heart to see my mom in pain and so nervous just before surgery. Doc says that she has hard road and that the cancer usually comes back in her case so i wasn't to thrilled about that but who is anyone to say what the future holds. I Believe in God and that's all that matters.

THANK YOU Deanna, Hood, Misty, Tonya, Bette and everyone of my BC hot mama sisters for being my backbone through all of this.

Corrine~ I had the same problem with a very low EF and had to stop Herceptin for about 5 weeks and then my EF went up to 68% from the low 50's. Since then everything has been good but i'm due for another one in 2 weeks. You will be fine so don't let it worry you.

TXBadboob

Hi, everyone

mamakaren, I am so glad your Mom's surgery went well.  My prayers are with ya'll throughout.

Corrine, I am praying for you to be okay and I'm glad your spirits are still up.  Good luck at the seminar.

Misty, I can't wait for that first haircut!  I still have the GI Jane look!

Hugs to all,  Deen

Anonymous

MamaKaren, So happy that your Mom came through surgery OK

Deen and Misty, I get my first trim and color this Wednesday

Going to Baltimore tomorrow after church to pick up my car and stay with DD and husband. Appointment at Hopkins is Monday AM. Pray that the drains come OUT

Have a good evening and Sunday, all

Bette 

Corinne6

Hi all, Just a quick not before I head off to church. MamaKaren: So happy that your mom has made it through the surgery!! As far as it coming back that's a God job. They told me that if I exercise 3-6 hours per week I have a 50% less reoccurence rate and no pill could do that!!

Sprent last night in the Er  i have this tightness in my chest and burning in my lungs. They put me through CAT scans and EKG and lots of blood work. Found I have a minow clotting factor in my blood. Probably due to Tamoxifen. I also have slightly collapsed lungs. They were baffled by this seeing I have 100 percent oxygen levels. They also told me that my heart rate was of that of an athlete. I only walk 2 miles on the treadmill per day  That is about 4 hours per week.  So why the concerm about the injection fraction??? Going for a kidney ultrasound tomorrow. Raidation 15.

I never thought of getting a trim. my husband woke this morning looked at my hair and exclaimed,"Corinne, just wanted you to know your hair is messy!!!" Yahoooo!! He noticed!!

TXBadboob

Yeah, Bette!  You're going to look fab at your wedding!

Corrine, my prayers are with you during this scary time.  I'm glad you were healthy before this happened, as that may have saved you from worse.  Yeah for messy hair!

Have a great day!

Deen

Misty1

MamaKaren-glad the surgery is behind you now.  Hopefully, your mom will recuperate and be able to move on with other treatments.

Deen-your hair will start coming in faster.  I was GI Jane at the end of Dec/beginning of Jan.  I finally took the wig off at the end of January.

Corinne, sorry to hear about your heart issues.  I will be aware of these symptoms since I am on the tamox, too.  

Here's hoping everyone has messy hair soon!!!

~Misty

mamakaren

Good Day Ladies,

Corrine~ Sending many many prayers to you that everything goes well for you.

My hair seems to be taking a very longtime to grow it's about 2inches long and it's just crazy. My Husband wants to trim my hair with the clippers so it can grow faster but haven't been able to do that with all this happening. Last night my mom had lots of anxiety. She didn't want anyone with her but her sister. They took out the tube from her nose so she feels better.

Have a great Sunday!

Hood1980

Thanks Deanna & all for the prayers for my Dad.  He came home from the hospital but is not much better.  While in the hopital he had tha nasal gastric tube too that sounds like what MamaKaren's mother had too & he too felt better once it was removed.  It's back to the Dr tomorrow for him.  I also have my first mammogram on my good boob since my mx tomorrow.  How weird is that going to be?!!!  I hope it's half price! 

Roya

MamaKaren, I will remain in prayer for your mom especially for strength and peace of mind.  Hood, I will also be praying for your father.  It is so difficult to watch a parent suffering any discomfort at all!  You and MamaKaren have been through sooooo much just with the BC, then to have to go through this and to be strong for your parent.  So I am not just praying for your parents but for you as well.

Corinne, please keep us informed with how you are doing.  I have now submitted your name to our prayer circle along with Hood and MamaKaren.  This is a continuous circle of prayer so just know that someone is lifting you up at all times as well as sending you positive thoughts!

Just believe!

dlb823

Karen ~  That sounds so positive about your Mom.  I know it's still an extremely serious dx and she's been through a lot of surgery, but it sounds like she has a fighting chance, which is a miracle.  How're her spirits today?   I hope you can maybe get her doing some complimentary things (nutrition, etc.), as well as the exercising that Corinne mentioned as so important.  If you haven't picked it up already, a book Corinne had recommended awhile ago, Beating Cancer With Nutrition by Patrick Quillin, has some wonderful information.

Joyce ~  I'm praying that your Dad will rally from his hospitalization, and that the doctor will have some positive news for him today. 

Corinne ~ How long have you been on Tamoxifen?  The heart and lung concerns sound a bit baffling in view of your oxygen levels and heart rate.  Please keep us posted, and know that I am praying that whatever it is will turn out to not be overly concerning. 

Bette ~  I know I'm not the only one praying that those drains come out today!

(((Hugs))) to all ~   Deanna

Anonymous

The drains are out, and I am home zoning in on wedding details.

My left arm is slightly painful, and I am supposed to avoid doing anything strenuous with it. The doc said to have a "one-armed" honeymoon. Hmmm. At least Tom has both arms, so between the two of us, we will have three arms!

Well, typing with that arm is probably not helping, so I will sign off.

Praying for Joyce's Dad and Karen's Mom.

Bette 

Corinne6

Yessssss!!!! Bette we are ecstatic that the DRAINS are OUT!!!! So excited to see the hand of God at work!!

MamaKaren: We are continuing to pray for you and your family. How is your Mom doing? Does she have lots of support?

Today went well. Kidney is just a cyst thing. lungs not sure about. It is not too serious because I went to my onc and she said it could be the rad's. We did stop the herceptin and I will be going for a MUGA test now changed to April 7th. If my injection fraction comes back then I will restart Herceptin on the 13th. I feel GREAT except the lung thing. I have such a cool diet since I went to my naturopath. I have not felt this good since I was a teen. I am much older incase you wanted to know. When I saw on my ultrasound papers my real age I was astonished at how bad it looked on paper!!

Joyce your father is in our prayers too. Your too funny about the half price for only one side thing!!!!

Roya how are you doing??? Where are you at in all this with treatments?

Misty: How is my mentor doing in all this?   How are your hot flashes?

Deanna: I have been on Tamoxifen since some time in Jan.  My blood has thickened a little and now has a clotting factor thing but they are not too concerned. How are you doing?

Tonya: I hope you are having a wonderful day.

Hugs to all, Corinne

Hood1980

Thanks everyone for the prayers for my Dad!  You all are such a Great bunch!!!  He went to the hospital today to gather up all his test results, lab reports, scans, etc for an appointment with his gastroeneterologist on Wed.  He still cannot eat much without getting a full feeling and if he continues to eat then he throws up.  It sounds like a hernia or something....

My mammo came back fibrocystic as usual and I didn't pass but they squeezed me in for the sono while I was there and I guess I passed because the tech said see you in 6 months.  I wish the bs had given me a dbl mx but he called this remaining breast "healthy."  I'm the one that has to have all the tests and worries tho!

Bette - Isn't it great to be without the drains?!!!  Here's to a good night's sleep!!!

Anonymous

It is indeed great to be drainless!

I don't know how much sleep I will get tonight, though. Tom is arriving from work at 1 AM, and we have a lot to talk about.

Tomorrow I am getting fitted for a mastectomy bra and fake boob. It will be my "bosom buddy" until I am well enough for reconstruction. Should I give it a name?

Bette 

Misty1

Good for you, Bette!  Great news!  Come up with a good name for your new friend.

Corinne, you sound like you are doing well despite the little setback.  I started taking the tamox right before bed, around 10, and I have noticed less flashes.  I used to take it at dinner time.

Hood-I'll take your other half (mammo) when I go in May!!

~Misty

TXBadboob

Hi everyone,

Corrine, I'm glad everything seems to be better with you.  I'll continue to pray for you.

Bette, you crack me up with the foob name!

Hood, I'll continue to pray for your father. My mom is still recovering from her last stroke, is in a nursing/rehab home, and it is a real struggle going through both things at once.  Sometimes I think about how amazingly strong we can be, when we don't even feel that way.  As for your healthy breast thing,  I had a BMX, and I STILL feel like I'm looking over my shoulder!  I don't know if that will ever go away.  You rock on yourself! Ha!

I started on Tamoxifen yesterday, just until I get my ovaries out.  I am still having hot flashes from the chemo, so I guess that will continue.  Any advice otherwise?  My onc is concerned about my bone density, but that's about it.

Have a great day,

Deen

alibug05

Well ladies - I see everyone has been very busy.  Bette that wedding day is getting closer and closer and I am so excited for you.  Glad you got those pesky drains out too!!!  MamaKaren I will continue to keep you in my prayers.  Well ladies - my Grandma just found out that her cancer has spread to her chestwall, 3 of her ribs and a part of her spine.  I got this news the day before I went for genetic testing.  Not the best news.  It scared me alittle - I wasn't nervous about any of it until I found out about her.  She is 84 and I have been blessed to have her around for so long and long enough for my kids to actually "KNOW" her too and have memories that they will remember.  My thought on this is as long as she doesn't suffer I will be ok.  I know she is very nervous about me getting my test results back.  I get them back on April 2nd.  I will just continue to pray for the best news!!!!!! Just wanted to check in with everyone.  Loves to all................

Corinne6

Deen: The hot flashes are hard to go through. I have cold flashes and then a hot flash comes. I too take my medicine at night but I counted 13 hot flashes in one day. My Dr is going to put me on Black Cohosh I think in about a month.

Alibug: My mom had breast cancer and my dad had colon cancer. I did not get the gene. I was told at Dana Farber that only 10 percent end up with it and that we all have someone in our families. Maybe this news will calm your fears a little.

I did my 17th Rad today. Feeling good. Keeping the faith. Hugs to all. Bette hope your sleeping today!!!