Has anyone started a forum for Chemo in Dec 2008?

Texas357

Congratulations on the house! That's awesome news and definitely a step toward living in the present. Don't postpone pleasure ladies! I think we've all learned that lesson.

I've started to re-focus my energies on my volunteer work. I help to rescue Golden Retrievers and find it so rewarding. These dogs need rescuing more than I do.

I'm also re-reading the anti-cancer book. Each time I pick it up, I find things I glossed over before. Taking positive steps!!!!  

Mandy1313

Dear All,

Thanks so much to those who wished me well on the "normal" mammo. I was so stressed out that after the doctor gave me the good news, she asked, "Are you all right?"

Cebula: Congratulations and many years of happiness in your new home!!!

 Texas:  Your work with Golden Retriever rescue sounds really important and really helpful.  Two weeks ago, my 18 year old dog died and the loss is enormous.  She was a mixed breed dog we adopted from an animal shelter and she proved that some of those homeless dogs have so much to offer.

To everyone I did not mention: I hope things are going well and you will always be in my heart.

Today is New Year's Day for me, so to all here, whether or not you celebrate today, L'Shana Tovah....for a good year!!!

Love, Mandy

lovemyfamilysomuch

Texas,  I have my beutiful golden girl, and I wonder if you would mind telling me alittle abt rescue?

Thanks Ellen

colleen1960

Hello All:  Have not posted in a long time.  Cebula Congrats:  on your new home.  That is wonderful.  Mandy Congrats again on your mammo news and Texas that is wonderful about your rescuing dogs.  I go on Wed. for my year check up and get my 1st mammo since last year.  Hardly believe it has been a whole year since receiving the news.  But has devastating has it was I got through it.  I organized a team for the Komen Breast Cancer Walk in Central Park last Sunday.  It was such a great day, the weather, the people.  It is definitely something I want to do every year.  I want to be more involved.  After so many people where there to help me I want to be able to do the same for others.  It feels good!!  Well I hope that everyone has a great weekend.

Colleen

Texas357

Way to go Colleen! And Mandy, so sorry for your loss. 

Animal rescue has to be one of the most rewarding passions. To those of you who have given a homeless animal another start at life, thank you. Nearly every state has a Golden Retriever rescue. I volunteer for a group called Golden Beginnings Golden Retriever Rescue (www.gbgrr.org) here in Houston. Yesterday we found new loving homes for 5 dogs at an adoption event.  

You'd be shocked by the horror stories, including senior dogs who are left in hot garages when their owners move away, and others who literally are so sick they have had to crawl to neighbors' homes for help. Seeing them a few months later, eyes shining and tails wagging, always makes my heart swell.

I only wish we could save them all.

havehope

Hello divas!

Cebula, congrats on your new house. That is great news.

Mandy, great news on your health.

I had my surgery Friday. Everything went well. They let me home the same day. I don't have a drain, the doctor said I might not need one. He wants to see me only Wednesday, so far I am doing good. No pain I am just weak, but my DH is home with me and he is spoiling me. I have to wait for the biopsy result but the surgeon said everything looks great.

I am relieved but also very sad. I can't stop crying but I am sure it will go away with time.

Many hugs to everybody. 

havehope

Oh, I forgot to tell you my MIL is having surgery tomorrow. The chemo took care of the tumor from the breast. It disappeared completely, but the ones in the nodes are still there but smaller. She will have total mastectomy and they will remove all nodes. She is more worried for me and I am worried for her. She cannot understand why the doctors let me home so soon when she will be in the hospital for 2 weeks. She lives in Germany and over there is different. Plus she is 70 years old. 

Mandy1313

Simvog:  Thanks for your good wishes on my health. What a relief that was.  I am  happy to hear your good news about your surgery and thinking of your MIL and wishing her well. I know that we in the US go home from the hospital while those in Europe seem to stay forever....but it is big surgery for your MIL and she is in my heart and prayers.

Texas: Thank you for thinking of me and my dog.  She was elderly but that does not make the loss easier. I have 3 "rescue" cats to keep me company so I am not alone.  Your work finding homes for the Goldens is wonderful.

And, hugs to everyone I did not mention.....

EleanorJ

Simvog, congrats on being past surgery and great news on your MIL.

Mandy, so sorry to hear about your dog, at any age, we do get attached to those animals

Colleen, that's wonderful you were able to organize a team for the walk. I have no idea what I'll do in the future with those events. I celebrated my last day of radiation by walking the survivor lap at the Relay for life that night, but I honestly can't say it something I want to do every year. Still debating, that would mean bringing back all those emotions and I feel like I survived cancer and not that I want to forget, but I would sure be glad to leave that behind me. I don't know, I might feel different on my 1 year anniversary. Until then, I'm helping my friend through chemo right now, she's in the ICU waiting for blood transfusion du to pneumonia Her drs are still positive that she will be cured so that's great.

Isn't it wonderful that we're all moving on with different projects in our lives I know I have so many with the new house. Thanks for the well wishes.

Texas357

Simvog: glad to hear that all went well! I've been waiting for you to post something! Best wishes to your MIL.

Mandy, they leave their pawprints on our hearts. As much as it hurts, we wouldn't want it any other way. Look at it this way: your Golden also made your heart that much bigger.

Caroline, I know what you mean about the Relay for Life. I was diagnosed in October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month) and I got pretty sick of it being in my face. Now I also want to stay connected but I don't want this to dominate my life as it has for the last year. I was VERY happy and content before my diagnosis, and while I feel stronger and more greatful for every minute now, I am also anxious to reclaim my life. I know my husband, who has been with me every second of this journey, is also ready to move on.

I am doing everything I can to prevent a recurrence while at the same time not letting it dominate my life. I already ate well and exercised. Now I'm being more diligent about it. The only big change is that I just cleared my drawers of all cosmetics and lotions made with parabens and phylalates (not sure of the spelling), which are known carcinogens. Imagine my radiation oncologist telling me to rub a cream into the scar twice daily -- and it has carcinogenic ingredients!!!

CindaD

Hello Divas!  I haven't posted in a while but have been reading.  I just want to wish everyone a healthy and happy year....It seems we were all dx around this time last year, what a difference a year makes!  I'm soooo looking forward to enjoying the fall without cancer. I feel like I have a 2nd chance at life and I do look at things differently....enjoying the small things, letting the trivial things fall away....my new mantra is to LIVE OUTLOUD, and that's what I'm doing.

Simog, you are in my prayers, I'm so glad your surgery went well, now it's recovery time, hang in there and pamper yourself. You've had a long and exhausting road.

Mandy, I'm so sorry for your loss. I lost my shepherd last year during chemo and then lost my sheltie 39 days later, it was a hellish time......I now have 2 German shepherd puppies, one of which we rescued from a shelter, he was abused and is now doing great. it's amazing what love can do for a dog.   I still miss my 2 girls, I think that getting the puppies is a tribute to how much my girls meant to me.

Take care of yourselves and Live Life!

Cinda

BonnieK

Hi Ladies,

It's been ages since I have been here, but it's wonderful to catch up on the last few posts and read about all the changes in people's lives.  Congratulations on the new house, Cebula!  Mandy -- I'm so sorry you lost your dog.  Our pets give so much to us.  Texas -- what a wonderful thing to be involved in Golden Retriever (or any breed) rescue! 

Most of us started treatment at about the same time and now are passing that first year anniversary from dx.  Mine was last Friday and my first mammogram was last Wednesday.  The mammo was clear and even though I didn't expect any problems, it sure was nice to get that positive result!  I'm currently in physical therapy for a neck problem and also dealing with mild capsular contracture -- the implant never dropped or softened.  It's kind of a bother, but one I can live with! 

Hugs,

Bonnie

Texas357

Yes, I think we're probably each reflecting on the last year. I agree with the others: live outloud!

lovemyfamilysomuch

I know I am feeling something, I don't know what, about the upcoming anniversary of my year from hell.  Gratitude that it is over. Some sense of loss.  Some melancholy.  Some anxiety.  But all in all, things are SO Much better, and I am so happy to be done with treatment and moving forward, except for the arimedex.  What a support you have all been to me through some of the worst days of my life.  Happy times ahead!! In  sisterhood, xo

colleen1960

I got the results of my mammo and everything is fine!! YEA!  A very long and stressful day, but ending with very good results.  I don't have to go back until next Sept.  No Drs. for the next 3 mths.  It feels good.  It seems weird that it was one year ago that my world came crashing in and I never thought I would get through it.  And today things are really looking good.

Going to try and get some sleep, Good night

Colleen

Mandy1313

Colleen:  Congrats on that good mammo!!!! YAY!!!

And thanks to all for your kind words on the loss of my dog. 

Mandy

EleanorJ

Yeah for the great news

Texas357

I think my eye surgeon is a quack. I called up his medical license and can see three "actions" on his record.

Anyway, he's having me take mega doses of vitamin D without testing my current blood levels; he's blaming inflammation around one tear duct on allergies even though I've never had itchy/watery eyes due to allergies before the surgery; and yesterday he announces that he's going to start paperwork on MORE surgery for my eyes even before we know if the last surgery worked.

I've always thought he had a bit of a God complex, but his attitude really bugs me. He didn't come to see me before my surgery, and didn't come out to talk to my husband after the surgery. He sent his assistant both times. We can't be sure he was even THERE!

Now I have these friggen stints in my eyes and have to find another doctor who specializes in this kind of surgery. Not an easy task.

EleanorJ

Oh my Texas! Sorry so hear about that Hope you get to find another doc quick that can REALLY figure out what the problem is and fix the mess the other doc might have done. Geez, you;ve gone through enough already!

Mandy1313

Oh Texas, that is terrible about your soon to be ex-surgeon.  You may have to travel to find a surgeon who will be willing to criticize your surgeon (at least that is what I found; I could not get a second opinion in my home town because they would hear my doc's name and ask me why I wasn't just doing what they said).  But hold tight, I will bet that you will be able to find a doctor who will work with you and have some manners too. 

((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))

Mandy

Texas357

Thanks ladies. Here's what I'm considering -- see if makes sense to you. I have an appointment with the jerk in 2 weeks. The last appointment, he was ready to remove the stints to see if the surgery was a success until he saw that I had some 'gunk' in one eye.

Anyway, I figure I'll keep the appointment and ask him to remove at the one stint. Maybe both if the gunk is gone. Then if I still have problems, I will switch doctors.

What I want to avoid is the endless "new patient" doctor's visits before I can get down to what I want done. You know how it is when you change doctors. They all want to just examine you the first time, then make another appointment to actually do anything.

colleen1960

Texas - That sounds good to me.  But if you really don't like him, I would not let him do anything more then remove the stints.  And then take if from there.  I wish you luck and hope all will turn out well.

Colleen

havehope

I wish all of you Happy 1 year anniversary! 

I consider mine the date of the surgery - for me it will be Halloween day!

I am still struggling with seroma. My surgeon meant well by not giving me drains and now i go for draining twice a week. I hope it will stop accumulate liquid soon.

On August 28 I had the blood done and finally I got all the results: overall very good-everything back in range. Vitamin D is too low for me ( 26) but the doctor said is fine. The hormones showed that I have entered menopause ( good- no more estrogen, bad - all the rest). Tumor markers are lower than ever. I also have Lyme disease which apparently is something that I acquired not too long ago which is good. I don't know when I got bitten, I had no symptoms. Now I am on antibiotics for 21 days. The good news is I cannot get the sickness again.  

On Oct 26 I have one last oncologist app and after that  I am done with the doctors until next year.  I am looking at a April-October checks.

I hope everybody is well. 

Texas357

Great news Simvog! Done with doctors until October? I'm jealous! My medical oncologist and my radiation oncologist both want to see me in December, and even my surgeon wants to see me in 6 months.

I wasn't sure how to respond to this one without souding catty since the woman who said it has been very supportive of me. I made the comment that I'd learned a lot of positive things about myself and my friends/family since my diagnosis. She said, "Maybe someday you will think of it like childbirth. That results in a new life, and so has your cancer diagnosis."

Uh -- with the childbirth you can look back and say it was all worth it. I'm never going to recommend breast cancer as a way to improve yourself as a person.

Bold

I am with you tex... Alot of people say that this has been a positive experience for them. It baffles me. I have made some lemonade out of some of it but to say it is positive? NO WAY! I was at the Spa the other day and waiting for my therapist sipping green tea. Everyone that was in the room were chatting and saying why they were getting a treatment. There was a group of three sisters and a mother that said that " I just love my daughters and I wanted to do something nice for them". Another woman said her house had not burned down from our resent fires and she was celebrating. (20 feet from the flames). I said it was a gift for Christmas from my sister I saved it till I had finished chemo and radiation. I got kudos and told how cute my hair is and how it suits me etc.... Then the one man in the room said what lesson did you learn? WHAAAAAAA? What kind of question is that? UH? Well? I stumbled and stammered. No lesson really. I am even more grateful for everyday, I guess. He kept insisting that I must learn my lesson.  GRRRRRR. Cancer has a random devastating effect. I can not find a deep spiritual lesson there. I liked myself before cancer and I still like myself. I wanted to live before and still do. I had compassion for the infirmed before etc..... I still do not know what the proper response to such an assumptive inane question. However my massage was wonderful....!

Mandy1313

Texas and Bold, I am with both of your.  My father had a very difficult life and someone once commented to him on how it must have made him a better person.  He said, no, he was the same person, he'd just had a difficult life.  That's the way I feel about cancer. I am not a better person, I am the same person. The only thing I notice that is different is that I am a little kinder to weak and feeble people and appreciate their difficulties.

I just got back from a bone density test and I just wanted to share the info with you gals.  A year ago I had a bone density test with results that put me in the strongest category of bone strength.  This time I have ostepenia in the spine....I was told that chemo and rads can affect your bones.  Neither my onc nor my rads onc suggested the follow up bone density test so I am suggesting it to any of you who have not had a post chemo/rads one.  I figure it is better to find out sooner rather than later about things like this.

Hugs to all

Mandy

lovemyfamilysomuch

Tex, Bold and Mandy, I am with you too.  MAybe I haven't figured out yet what great learning I will gain from this horrible, sucky, f*&%$ thing called cancer. In sisterhood, xo

swest

Happy Anniversary everyone!  Mine is this month too!

I just can't seem to find my lesson in all of this either!  I was a great person before and a great person after.....WTH???

I had my 2nd follow-up with my onc.  He said all was well and for me to stop stressing out about a recurrence.  It was good to hear it from his mouth.  I have been able to calm myself since my apt.

I hope everyone is doing great and living the high life!  Take care all!

Sonia

Texas357

I had my bone density in July. I'd switched to a new screening location, which can make a difference in results. My hips showed slightly better, my spine slightly worse. Since it's not just the radiation and chemotherapy -- but also the inactivity in my case -- I was satisifed. I've been taking strontium citrate periodically which I believe helped.

Now that I'm taking Femara, which can rob bone density, my oncologist says I can get annual bone density tests instead of every 2 years.

Mandy1313

I just wanted to share my good news with you.  I'd had an ordinary chest xray and they thought they saw something....so I just did not think about it (or tried not to) until the cat scan yesterday.  And the good news is that I have a lung infection.  So antibiotics here I come!!!! It sure beats the alternative!!!!

Have a nice day all!