Starting chemo January 2009?

BerkeleyKim

Rsben--I'm so sorry about your house.  Our house burned down in 2001. No human was hurt in our case either and so we felt thankful. The experience affected each of my family differently. My youngest I think is still haunted.

Please PM me if you  have any questions about insurance etc or just want to talk. I would consider paying an advocate. We thought we were on top of the insurance thing, but it would have been nice to have someone really on our side. We thought our architects were since we knew them--but no, they wanted to max out their profit.

Anyhow, I'm thinking of you and wishing you the best through dealing with this all, and PLEASE somehow try to get some rest and take care of your own needs.

kim

PLUTZ

HAPPY HOLIDAYS ladies! I'm glad everyone is doing well. I'm doing well. My 1yr is coming up Jan. 2nd when I was diagnosed. It is hard to believe this year is almost over with everything we've been through. I am so blessed that I have family and friends that got me through year. God Bless al of you and I'll be back in the new year. I'm going to W.V next week to visit my sister and nephew. Take care and enjoy your holiday.

Phyllis

kt57

Hi Ladies;

So sorry to hear of your fire rsben.   Prayers going out to you as you rebuild.

A year ago today, I got the call that my oncotype score was 29 and I'd need chemo ---- as I write, it feels like yesterday....when I think about all that has happened, it feels like a lifetime ago.  And it feels like I am living a different life now -- in many positive ways. Life is Good!

Take Care and Happy Holidays -- "see" you on the 31st.

holtbolt

rsben - that is awful about your house.. I'm so sorry.... and thankful you weren't home...

Kt57 - yeah, stupid onco scores.... it does feel like a lifetime ago.... crazy.... 

Welp, the coolest thing happened to me today... I had an 8 a.m. appointment to get my haircut - finally... the first haircut since all this happened.... so I go and we are chatting it up about how stupid my bangs are (me and the stylist).. and the lady who was to get her haircut after me came early... she's overhearing this and we start chatting with her, etc.. very nice woman.... I opted for a Colts blue hair extension piece to wear to my sister's on Christmas with my new cut. (hey, I know I'm too old to pull that off but I don't give a sh*T).... anyway so we were talking about chemo and how your bangs are the last to grow, etc..... so anyway.. I go to pay... and this lady (the next appt)... stops the transaction and picks up my tab... the whole deal... I think it was $50 plus tip...gives me a big hug and wishes me a good 2010.... it was so random and shocking... I immediately teared up at the kindness (I never used to be a public cryer but I am now).....she wouldn't allow me to stop it and for the next few hours I walked around the mall stunned at how truly kind that was... and I didn't even get her name.....crazy... wonderful random kindness.....I have to find out who she was and thank her again.... and pay it forward because it made my day... and my Christmas really...because I was having trouble "getting in the spirit" ... I was just going through the motions trying to fast forward it... wanting 2009 to be over....anyway, how's that for a holiday story......

In case I don't get back in here .... Merry Christmas to all who celebrate Christmas.. and Happy Hannukah (late) to my Jewish Jewels...... I hope each of you has a PEACEFUL beautiful end to 2009... 2010 is our year!!.

 

jrgolomb

Holtbolt- that is a wonderful story and brought tears to my eyes.  I hope to "hear" from you on the 31st.

BUT JJS, what time will we be in the chat room?  Seriously, midnight??? let me know!!!!

ladyjane54

Been reading along but not posting.  Just wanted to drop in and say Happy Holidays to you all.  I had mammo done on 22nd and got the all clear.  Had a little scare when they said that they saw something and needed to do ultrasound.  Waited about 45 minutes for the room to become open and was on pins and needles the whole time.  Guess that is how it goes from now on.Guess all they saw was scar tissue.

 Had 20 inches of snow.  First big storm since 2003.  I went sledding and had a great time. 

Seem to be tolerating Femara okay.  Some joint aches and pains but I can tolerate so far.

Will  be present for New Years Eve toast if you all are.  We need to pick a time and date.

ktym

DS made it into town through the snow which truly is unbelievable.  24 hrs ago I thought no way, I can't believe it,  This year is so diffferent from last.  Love you al, thanks for getting me through the last year,l and can't wait for a New Years toast.

jrgolomb

I drove to inlaw's family christmas eve and on the way back drove 30mph on the roads.  It took a while, but dh and I had a good talk.  I just got back from picking up dd from her dad's.  ( yes, she doesn't have her license yet......  )  She has a plan for getting her license, so I am feeling better about it!

I look forward to our toast.  WHEN?????  ANybody want to venture a time!  I'll be in one of the two chat rooms around ten.  How does that sound??????

jillyG

holtbolt, your haircut story made me cry!!!  Wow, there are so many wonderful people in the world with such great hearts. 

rsben, I am so sorry to hear that your house burned down, that is truly horrifying, my heart goes out to your family, here's hoping 2010 will be a MUCH better year.  You deserve a dose of good luck! 

ladyjane, yay for the all clear!!

Kathy, you are right, life is good.  I am just so happy to be alive and not in treatment this December.  The year from hell is behind us and I hope we all have a wonderful and healthy 2010!

BerkeleyKim

Hope everyone who celebrates had a Merry Christmas. You all are so right--very different from last year. I really enjoyed having my husband's family over. I did last year but felt more like I was just going through the motions.

Going up to the mountains to ski with all 3 kids for a few days. I don't know how I'll do as I can't even seem to pick myself up off the floor after sitting. Even though I've been walking lots I still feel weak, and the body aches can get bad. Well, I'll stay on easier slopes I think! Last year I promised my youngest that we'd go, since we've been off the slopes for 2 years with my dh's stroke and then my bc.

Cindy-Loved your story about the gift--how thoughful!  I hope your mom is doing well. Jilly--How's your mom? Fine I hope. Rsben-Thinking of you and continuing to send good wishes for a speedy settlement with the insurance and quick rebuild if that's what you decide to do. Ddlatt-Forgot to send congrats for the speaking gig!

I'll be toasting us Jewels on New Year's eve. With all the time differences it might be hard to do online, since if we choose Eastern Time then it's 8 here in CA (right?) and I'll  toast from a friend's party. Last year I was 2 days past my first AC--NOT a great way to start the year. 

ktym

I've not done a chat room, but sure I could figure it out. 

jrgolomb

Well- we could post early evening on the east coast-late afternoon for the west coast and hm.....when would KM47 check in? 

On this board there are two chat rooms, one is usually busier than the other.   I guess we just check in and see what's up.   AT any rate JJS, pick a time and I will check in then!

jillyG

Kim, thanks for asking about my mom, she is getting her biopsy on Jan 5th and she is terrified, it's all she talks about.  It's not a solid mass from what they can see, it's a 3cm area of tissue that they want to biopsy, not sure what the means.  I really do think it's nothing, or maybe I am in denial.  The doc said it's round with smooth borders and doesn't give the appearance of cancer and that they just want to biopsy to be sure. 

holtbolt

Jess - I will try and check in around 10p if I am home... I have no idea what we are doing for NY Eve... probably not much.

Jilly - the waiting .. ugh!! so sorry your mom has to go through this... and I hope it's nothing and it will be over soon..

kmmd. - glad your DS made it in!!

BerkKim - I have never tried skiing.. even once.. but my 2 friends want to go in January (on our bucket list).  It looks HARD.. and I hate cold weather but I am willing to try... if only just to cross it off the list.. lol I hope you have fun!!

Thank you for all who asked about mom.  She has done incredibly well with the mastectomy... at 72.. she surprised me.  She is very worried about her oncologist appt on Jan 7th though... she knows that chemo came up for me because of that damn onco score and I can't reassure her that it won't be suggested to her too.... but I have a feeling it won't.  I also told her she doesn't "have" to do it if she's in a gray area... I mean she's 72.... her choice....it seems anything I say is of little comfort... you know how that is.... you are consumed with the worst case scenario and it's hard to shake it....

Anyway..... is anyone else kinda glad the holidays are over? lol.  I think I am just eager for this year to END already.. it's been a sucky one hasn't it? 

ktym

Hotbolt, that has been the toast at our Christmas gatherings "to the end of a sucky year, good bye to 2009!"  I'll be checking in the chat rooms on New Years Eve at:

7:00 PM Pacific time, 9:00 PM Central time, 10:00 PM Eastern time (did I get that right)

jrgolomb

I'll be in at the chat rooms-there are two....so i'll check in the first one listed ......at 10:00 pm....

Can't wait.

kt57

OK Jewels... I need help...how do you get into the chat rooms?

holtbolt

There should be a link at the top of this page for chat rooms (blue bar all the way at the top).. click on that.. and I think you have to enter your username and password again.. then a box comes up with 2 chatrooms available.. they are  "Treatment and Beyond" and "Staying Connected" or something like that.. and you click on the one you want to go into....

kt57

Thanks HoltBolt -- or is is HoltBoltColt?    Followed your instructions and got in. -- how long do ya suppose I can use chemo brain as an excuse you my ineptness??? LOL!

holtbolt

I am still using chemo brain as an excuse and I intend to until my early 90's lol.  HoltBoltColt... hey...I should change it!

ktym

kt, for me I think it will be awhile, sighh

jrgolomb

If i remember correctly, I think  the "staying connected" room is less busy than the other one.  It can get quite hectic and hard to follow if there are many to chat. 

ktym

Ok, lets all try the staying connected room at those times then

kt57

Hey Jewels, I  finally downloaded pix from my Oct Mexico trip.  Thought I'd change my radiation avatar with the real me.

Renrel

I will try to check in for the toast tomorrow, but we are supposed to be at party and it is likely I won't have access to a computer at 10pm.  If I am not there online I will still take a moment to toast to you/us whereever I am, so think of me even if I am not in the room.

holtbolt

Nice pic.. Kathy.. you look so tan!

jillyG

I think that means 8pm Mountain time for me.  I'll be at mom's for a party but I will try to check in. yay, we did it, we survived 2009!  What a year Jewels!  I think we can all agree that 2010 will be a better year for us, this time last year we were getting geared up to start chemo.  Jan 5th was my first chemo and on that day I will be so thankful I am not sitting in that chemo chair   Woohoo!

BerkeleyKim

HAPPY NEW YEAR, JEWELS!!!

I missed our meeting and I can't figure out the chat room (what's a "Profile"?) Anyhow--was thinking of you all and cheers to a great year.

kim

Bev56

  Berkley kim--just go to top of page to chat room and type in your name. Holtbolt and jrgolomb are there. I have to go to bed now so Happy New Year to everyone.

kt57

Missed the chat room party.... out for nice dinner with DH and friends.  

Happy New Year!   May 2010 be a healthy, happy one for you all.