Anyone starting chemo in Aug. 08?

Corinne6

Gail, what a cool place that sounds like. Glad to know that those of us here are doing well. I too wonder about those who we never hear from. Misty is another one!!  Ali what a blessing. Can't wait to say I have been 3 years out. 

Going to a relay on the 4th. I will probably have tears as we walk around in the candlelit darkness as the bagpipes play Amazing Grace, WHAT A JOURNEY THIS HAS BEEN!! I miss so much Bette, Lisa, and Jeannine!! We really all became a family and that has been an incredible experience!! Love and hugs to all, Corinne 

Corinne6

Gail, what a cool place that sounds like. Glad to know that those of us here are doing well. I too wonder about those who we never hear from. Misty is another one!!  Ali what a blessing. Can't wait to say I have been 3 years out. 

Going to a relay on the 4th. I will probably have tears as we walk around in the candlelit darkness as the bagpipes play Amazing Grace, WHAT A JOURNEY THIS HAS BEEN!! I miss so much Bette, Lisa, and Jeannine!! We really all became a family and that has been an incredible experience!! Love and hugs to all, Corinne 

alibug05

All was good with my mammo and check-up!!!!!! So glad......hope everyone is enjoying the beginning of summer!!!!!  Loves to all......

MamaShift

I'm not even sure how to start this post; nothing seems quite right.  I came over today because I'm feeling a bit lonesome and thought I'd see how everyone has done these past...what?...two years probably.  It's not fun to read about the women who are gone.  I wish they weren't -- except that the suffering is over.

 It has been interesting to read back through my own posts; I had forgotten some of the stories of those chemo days.  They seem so far away -- and for that I am grateful.  I hope we can all eventually put BC behind us.

 I'm not sure when I posted last.  I only remember that kind of alll alone in a group feeling. But that's how I generally feel in groups, so I know it's me.

My little 2 1/2 year-old who was so precious to me and so instrumental in keeping me going back then is now a beautiful and kind 5 year-old.  The big 8 year-old who flew across the world home to daddy all by herself will be in sixth grade next year.  Life in Lithuania has been good to us.  We love it here.  We also bought a house in France about a year and a half ago.  I've had a few scares here and there but have learned to live with them.  I'm not too happy this year because our health insurance changed and I can be treated only outside the US now.  I haven't found a doctor I like and my mammogram is coming up.

Here's to all of you and this big, long journey we are on.

dlb823

MamaShift ~ It's wonderful to hear from you!  I don't remember many posts from you back when we started this thread, but I think that's because you were in the process of moving.  At any rate, I was so happy to read your post today, and to hear that you and your family are doing well.  

I'm sorry you're feeling lonesome.  Feel free to PM me if you just want to chat some more.  Where is your house in France?  My brother has a house near Toulouse.  Do you ever get back to the States?  It sounds like your children have thrived living abroad.  I hope you can find a doctor you like.  How does the health system in Lithuania compare to the US or France?  Could you possibly get followed up in France, now that you own property there?  

alibug ~ So happy to hear your mammo & check up all went well!  Hopefully, you've set the standard for us all to sail through our 3 year marks.     Deanna

MamaShift

Yes, alibug...good for you!  I've got a few more months till that 3-year mark.

Deanna, yes my time with cancer was quite the whirlwind and I found it difficult to keep up here.

Our house is in Brittany, in the Cotes d'Armor department.  It's just a quick walk through wheat fields to get to the cliffs, the beach.  We're leaving for the summer there in just a few weeks!  You can all look at photos (of the house and our life, in general) at flickr.com/spalva

I decided to skip a trip home to the States this year -- too stressful -- so we'll be visiting at Christmastime this year.

The Lithuanian system is pretty much worthless; it takes a bribe to get any proper care.  Lithuania is still in transition from being a Soviet state to being an EU state, and the EU standards are slow to come.  I have to find an onc in my area in France this year, but I just wish I could talk about my cancer in English; it just feels more comfortable.

Thanks for offering to chat!  No time now but maybe soon.

Corinne6

Hi Mamashift, So good to have you back. It has been quite a long journey for us all. YOU are not alone we are here for you. 

 For those of you that are not on FB I am joining a survivor rowing team. They meet once a week and row in a beautiful private lake. I met lots of survivors and all had stories of fighting and hope. I hope to give back strength and courage to those that are fighting. I won the door prize out of about 150 people. I won a flight on a small 3 seater plane. Yikes!!! If I can conquer my fear of cancer I think I can conquer my fear of flying...(I THINK!!) Anyhow, love to you all and God bless!!

alibug05

Well my daughter turned 16 Tuesday and got her drivers license!!! I started back to college to go into Nursing and I want to work with Chemo patients so I have a new idea about life......starting college at 36 is gonna be a challenge but I am READY and I KNOW I can do it!!!!! Hope all is well with everyone!!! Loves to all...............

DesertRider

Hi All,

Great to see faces I haven't seen in a while. So glad everyone sounds good.

MamaShift, Lithuania sounds challenging to get treatment in - glad you have alternatives. The house in Brittany sounds beautiful - to be close to cliffs and the beach will be fun.

Alibug, Good for you going back to school - how wonderful to have that clear vision and goal. And congratulations to your daughter turning 16 - that's a big one! 

I would love the rowing, Corinne. I just joined a gym for the first time and doing workouts and yoga. Feels good. I'm not great at it and the machines look complicated but I want a stronger body so guess I'll need to do the work!

My check up has revealed rising numbers on the Ca. 27-29 - 3 tests in 5 months show a slow rise. PET/CT scan was negative - normal, thank God, and I feel great. No one knows why the rise. I know it's not a great test but it's been consistent for me for 2 years. I've decided to wait to Sept. for the next blood test because the worry was ruining my peace of mind. Got a great summer planned so will see what comes at the next test.

 Sending love to all - have a great summer!

Gail 

alibug05

Just wanted to say hello and bump us up!!! Hope everyone is having a GREAT summer!!!! Loves to all..............

Corinne6

Hi everyone, Well I took my swim test last week....thought I was going to die!! I have not swam that much in 15 yrs!! Had to swim 100 yards and then without stopping tread water fot 5 minutes. I use to be a lifeguard1! I thought it would be a piece of cake but it was hard to keep going. I did pass. When I went to rowing that night I found out that only 2 girls had passed without cheating. Made me feel even better>>HA HA!!

Anyhow, summer is beautiful. Picking lots of raspberries,going horseback riding,walking, rowing and LOTS of couponing!! I am so blessed to be so healthy at this point and just loving life.

Gail you are definitely in my prayers for your Sept. test. You are so right about not letting summer be spoiled. I will have not seen my dr's for 4 months this Aug. While it is in the back of my mind..I love life and am so happy!!

Thank you all for your love and support. IT will be 3 years for me on the 21st. THANK YOU, LORD!! I really want to hug you all. I imiss so many of those that were promoted into glory. Hope to meet some of you here on Earth. LUVS and HUGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Corinne6

Hi all, missing our chats!! Feeling a little meloncholy today. My pregnant daughter and her husband lost their baby this weekend.  She still has to deliver it. Will be a very sad week. Read through some of our old posts....we sure have gone through a whole lot in 3 years. I love you all and miss you too!! Having my first mamo yomorrow since the beginning. Now that I have implants they will do it differently. Hugs to all!!

dlb823

Oh, Corinne, I'm so sorry.  I will keep you, your daughter and families in my prayers.  Please let us know how she's doing.    Deanna

alibug05

Corrine I am soooooo sorry for you and your family....how tragic  I will send prayers your way. Mama Shift so glad that you checked in with us!!!! Kids are back in school and I am almost finished with my 1st qt of school......I did good and am proud of myself for staying on track!!!!! Loves to all...............

Corinne6

Hi all, life is doing better. Things seem to be looking up. Our daughter is healing slowly. Alibug I am so proud of you!! I am excited that you are doing so well, Gail, we are thinking of you this month for good test results. Deanna, see you on fb. Please everyone look me up and keep in touch on fb. Corinne Birkholz HUGS and looking forward keeping in touch!!

TXBadboob

Hi all.  Thinking about each of you and I hope everyone is doing well.  I've been busy with life and all of it's ups and downs.  At the age of 45, I began the journey to beat my cancer, and so far I have.  However, my dear brother, who is only 42, passed away 3 weeks ago from heart problems.  Kinda down tonight, but reading your posts helps me just like it always did.

Hugs, Deen

Corinne6

Deen, I am sooooo sorry!! I understand. We certainly have been through alot together. I am sending love and hugs all the way from Connecticut. Here for you if you need a friend!! Facebook is the place I am on most. 

DesertRider

Hi dear friends,

I have just returned to the desert and it's still really hot! I took my big white horse and dog with me to stay at several friend's ranches in Tahoe, the beaches in Marin and central California and have had such a good summer. My goal was to forget about all testing - I did a good job of that! Now I'm scheduled for tests next week - would love to skip it all but won't. The troubling numbers on the CA27-29 blood markers will have to be investigated. Thank you all for thinking of me. Sending much love. Gail

Corinne6

Gail,  I certainly have been thinking and praying for you all summer. Definitely will keep in touch about your blood markers. Glad you had a nice summer. Sending you hugs!! Corinne  PS,,you look beautiful!!

DFOnt

Hi Ladies!

Just checking back in, been a long time!  I will have to read through later and see what's been going on with everyone, or who I remember from way back, lol.  I am doing well, just scheduled reconstruction surgery for the spring (diep).  Wasn't really a big concern for a while but I think it would be good to just have it done and not have to deal with special bras, bathing suits, clothes etc. 

Hope those of you that are still reading are doing well.

Corinne6

DFont ,,,we are so happy to hear from you!!! God bless on your upcoming surgery. I am very happy with the wat mine turned out.

On a sadder note another of our dear sisters moved beyond the sunset. Lashon Baldwin is now face to face with Christ. 

dlb823

What shocking news about Lashon, Corrine.  I had no idea she wasn't doing well.  Had you been in touch with her in recent months?  It seems like the last time she posted here she was upbeat and doing well.  How incredibly sad.  I doubt if her family ever reads this board, but my heart and sincere condolences go out to them.  

Deen, I'm so sorry about your brother.   42 is much too young to go.  How're you and your family doing?    

Great to see your update, Deirdre.  I had a unilateral Diep back in 2008, and although the initial recovery was a bit of a long haul, today my reconstructed breast feels entirely normal, to the point I often forget I even had the surgery.  And you should have a much easier time of it since you're doing it now, post-mx and chemo.  

Glad you had such a nice summer, Gail.  Let's grab a smoothy and catch up soon.    Deanna 

Corinne6

Deanna, I was playing Words with Friends on fb. She started a game with me on Sept 29th. When she did not take her turn after about a week...I inquired from one of her friends and they informed me she was not doing well. Another of our bc sisters now in a better place...beyond the sunset and promoted into eternal bliss!!

DesertRider

I, too, am so saddened to hear about Lashon. We all are so precious. 

And Deen, I just read the older posts and am sorry for the loss of your brother. I know he is really missed.  

I am feeling great, had a good mammo report, and am so grateful to be with family and friends this season. I spent the day looking at wedding dresses with my beautiful daughter. Love to everyone as we count our blessings.

Gail 

TXBadboob

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving.  I'm so sorry to hear about Lashon, but I know she's in a better place now.  Glad to hear your mammo went well Gail, and congrats on the upcoming wedding.

Diedre, I hope your DIEP goes smoothly and painlessly.  I've heard such good things about them, and a tummy tuck would really be nice.:)

Deen

Corinne6

Merry Christmas to all my wonderful friends!!! I love you all!!

DesertRider

I think of you all so much. Happy holidays and a wonderful, healthy new year!

Much love!

Gail

Kymberlyn

Hello everyone. It has been years since I've posted anything. Looking back over all the posts it is scary to see how many of us have passed on. I am so sad for them and their families.



Myself, no more cancer that I know of however I do have to admit that I have not seen a doctor since 2009. Ignorance is bliss, for me. I was near the end of chemo when my son, and only child died in an accident, and a few months later my husband ran away from home. I was in condition to run a farm on my own so I let it run down and the mortgage could no longer be paid. I had lost my will to live.



I am much better mentally and emotionally now. I move away from NY and bought a small hobby farm in southern Ohio. For the first time since chemo I can finally say I am ready to live again. That is good news.



Anyway, now that I can speak positively again I feel more comfortable writing on the board here.



I'm heading back through these posts. I have a few questions that I am sure will be answered if I keep reading.



Take care everyone. I may be quiet but love you all. Knowing that I was never alone is what got me through the toughest parts of my life. Hugs

Corinne6

Hi Kimberlyn, I feel so much the way you do!!! I sure remember how we all clung to each other. Could you please friend me on fb...I am trying to keep in touch with everyone. We are all so happy that you are doing well. Most of us are on fb.

 I do remember the loss you had in your life and how hard life had been for you. We understand how hard it has been for you and you will always be in our prayers. So happy to hear of your new farm~~

Missy if you read this....I miss you and want to get in touch with you...Thanks. Loves to all!!! 

Corinne6

Kimberly, I do remember the hard time that you went through with the loss in your life and how you really did not want to talk. Know that we have never forgotten you and you will always be part of us!! We love you and alway wish you the very best!!