Starting Chemo February 2009?

living4today

I just had to share a funny with you furries...we just got home from Walmart picking up some supplies for my dd for camp.  Well, she had picked up some shampoo and the checker boy says, "this shampoo is just the best", I said, "well, that's great I'm sure my daughter will like it, I certainly won't be needing it for a couple months" (I am still without any traces of hair)...anyways, he goes "yah, I shaved my head once, won't do that again" I than say "yah, me too, hope I never have to do it again either"...he goes, "yah, I know a few girls who have shaved their head, don't know if they will do it again either"...by than my family is just busting a gut...this young man was so real and I still think he thought I shaved my head for fun! 

living4today

I just had to share a funny with you furries...we just got home from Walmart picking up some supplies for my dd for camp.  Well, she had picked up some shampoo and the checker boy says, "this shampoo is just the best", I said, "well, that's great I'm sure my daughter will like it, I certainly won't be needing it for a couple months" (I am still without any traces of hair)...anyways, he goes "yah, I shaved my head once, won't do that again" I than say "yah, me too, hope I never have to do it again either"...he goes, "yah, I know a few girls who have shaved their head, don't know if they will do it again either"...by than my family is just busting a gut...this young man was so real and I still think he thought I shaved my head for fun! 

living4today

Okay, I am getting off for tonight, this thing just posted my last message 4 times?????

apple

some young people ARE so sweet. living4today.. great story.. don't mind about the postings.. we want to make it to 1000 pages.

here's an old photo of my and some of my siblings.. I'm the oldest of 9.  my brother has had this photo and just posted it on facebook.  (one of the reasons i like facebook is because it is a great way to share scanned family photographs (rightclick saveas))

webwriter

Helen! The gang is right. False positives abound and there are a million reasons it could light up. We'll be here with you through the weekend tho. 'Cause it's a nasty wait. (((Hugs)))

--Reading the next page now! Ya'll STILL don't sit still, do ya? ;-)

webwriter

Jamieh, you are BEAUTIFUL! Your hair looks just like mine did about a month ago. At this point it looks exactly like it does in my avatar. Except, of course, for the bald spot right up front, haha! Whatever that's about! I can't believe you had the guts to dye it! Go Girl! ;-)

Kathy, my SE's were slow to go away, at least according to me. I had everything you describe. The rash was first to go. That only took a week or two. The neuropathy was next. Probably started to subside in that first month. Taste was pretty gradual-- some things came back in the first few weeks. by the end of six or seven it was back to near normal. I'm 14 weeks out now and can say all but chemo brain (at least that's what I'm claiming) is gone as far as that goes. My hair did come in all white. But that too is over now and the dark is coming in fast.The hot flashes, night sweats and depression, however, haven't changed much. I'm on Effexor too and trying to decide if it's helping or not. However, I have to admit I was struggling with all of the above BEFORE chemo so I can't blame it on that if I'm being honest. All that said, I do know I was waaaaay too impatient to get back to myself. I expected things too fast, pushed myself too hard and didn't allow myself enough down time. Don't make that mistake. It just makes things worse! ((hugs!))

Michelle, did I tell you how much I admire the handling of your meeting? I'm so proud to say I know you!

Bethie, you crack me up. That's just about all I can say. Thanx for reminding me to laugh.

Apple, I didn't realize you had FB...if you're interested in a connection, I'm Web Writer there. That goes for all of you, actually. I'm already connected to some of you and would LOVE the opportunity to connect with more. 

Thinking of all you fabulous Furies, sending love and hugs! We SO rock!

KerryMac

Apple - love that photo! 8 siblings, that is insane!

Helen - hope you are managing OK. Try and distract yourself if possible - funny movie maybe? 

jaimie - how does your hair look coloured?? Can you tell a difference? My daughter saw the photo of you and said "that looks just like you, mummy"!  I think it is good for her to see other baldies, it makes what is happening to me more normal.

living4today - that is such a funny story!  Poor boy, bet he had no clue. Ah, youth....

webbie - just saying Hi to you! 

Well, it is looking grey out there this morning -  must be the weekend, right!  Hope you all have a good one.

MicheleS

Good morning everyone!  Hope everyone has a great Saturday!!

xxoo

Denali

LOVE the photos!  Kerry - your kids looks just like you and like each other!  Very cute! 

Jaimieh - now that my peach fuzz is growing, I'm fascinated with pictures of hair growing.  Didn't the hair dye, dye your scalp?  I suppose it washes away after awhile.  Keep the photos coming.

Living4today - what a funny story.  Teenage boys can be hilarious without even trying--so naive.

Bethie - keep laughing.  Your posts are a joy to read!

Helen - I second the motion for you to watch lots of funny movies this wkend to get your mind off everything.  My son's fiance had an MRI showing lesions on her brain and since then has had a gazillion additional tests.  Conclusion from all the neurologists:  nothing.  Makes you wonder how many of us have lesions on our brains, but don't know it.  Remember our thoughts are with you and we'll all be piled in that dr's office with you in spirit.  So feel our support!

I'm still learning how to deal with this splint on my hand.  But I can handle it--shoot, I survived chemo!  My Red Hatters and I are having a Margarita Party today!  Ola!!

apple

Webbie.. i sent you a request.. I am Mary Bryde Stevermer

(it's a busy day for me with an extremely elderly father in law.. a daughter who is in a diving championship, a son who must meet his uncle out at the lake and another son who is on a 10 mile hike with a 40 pound backpack..

just call me chauffeurmom

Dx 5/10/2008, IDC, 5cm, Stage IIIc, Grade 3, 4/9 nodes, ER+

KerryMac

Bet you are loving being able to do it though!! I'll friend you on facebook too.

gcpommom

Hey guys, I'm on Facebook too, I'm there under Judy Spitz Batchelor....

Helen:  My onc won't even give me scans because of the added stress of false negatives, so hang in there, and know we're here with you!  ((((hugs))))

Living4today:  funny story....like we would shave our heads on purpose! 

Apple:  great pic!

jaimie:  I'm not brave enough to try coloring my hair just yet....thought we were supposed to wait???  I may try a henna dye I've read about on the 'hair' thread.

Kerry:  cute pics of the kids!  they do look like you!  I like your new avatar

It's been a chilly day here in Michigan....weird summer, for sure.  I've been in jeans and long sleeve shirt all day.  Hope it warms up soon!

Hugs

Judy

Bethie1

L4T--TOO FUNNY!!!! Great story!!!

Kathy-Hope everything goes OK  with your rash--keep us posted!!!!

I'm on Facebook also--Beth Hanley, so send friend requests along.

Crashing for the night 

taraleec

Sorry to interrupt,  but I can't find how to Post a New Topic.  Can someone tell me?  Thank you.

xpectmiracles

Jaimieh, I got the dark spots on my face during chemo. Last week I started a skin care program called Obagi with a dermatologist at the hospital I work. I can notice the skin patches lighten already. The product line is a bit expensive, but I get payroll deduction so it's painless!

I dyed my hair tonight with semi-permanent color. I couldn't stand the gray any more. It was coming in ash brown with gray around the front. I colored it a golden brown.

gcpommom

taraleec:  go to the forum that you want to post in (Just Diagnosed, Chemo before, during, after, etc).  On the main page for that forum, just under the forum title, is a button that says "+Start New Topic".  just click that, and start your new topic. 

Hey Cheryl---just sent you a PM.  How did the hair color come out?  I was just researching that online and am nervous about trying it.

Judy

KerryMac

OK, so it took me about 1/2 hour, but I have friended both Judy and apple on Facebook! I am not a big user, I always forget to go there!

So it is so chilly here this morning, I had a blanket over me. Then I just got a massive Hot Flash, so now i am too hot. 

So, would love to know how everyones adventures in Hair-Dye-land go.  Has it made a difference? Photos!! Mine is luckily coming in fairly dark and uniform all over.

Well, I spent a good part of yesterday cleaning our Furnace room (yuck) and collecting stuff for a garage sale next weekend. It is amazing what stuff I have unearthed! Trying to get the kids to give up old toys is like pulling teeth. I asked my daughter to go through her stuffed animals (she has literally 100) and come up with any she can try and sell - she came back with one. And all the old baby toys I am unearthing from storage are their 'special' toys that they have been "looking for for ages." !

Anyhoo, hope everyone is having a great weekend. 

MicheleS

Cheryl, I colored mine last night too!  But it is too dark and brassy!!! Ugggghhhh!!!!! 

We are off to the beach for a few days.  Then, I'm seeing my hair stylist to remove this color!

Talk to ya'll soon!

Michele

KerryMac

Enjoy the beach!

apple

Michele.. try washing your hair 10 times with baby shampoo. today - it should take out quite a bit of surface color. 

so busy, - spent the day yesterday judging an excellent diving meet.  The kids are so strong powerful and talented.  A real treat to watch.  My daughter got first but she was essentially the only competitor.  You have to start somewhere.  This was a serious meet.  The 17 yr. old girl who is the state and regional champ had some serious muscles.. i;m guessing she was 5'3" and weighed a good 140.  Surprisingly, heavy, muscular divers do very well.   She was built like a tank.. (kind of like Mary Lou Retton or this Shawn Johnson.. Olympic gymnasts).  only heavier.. huge shoulders, thighs.. very impressive.

My daughter dives for my coach from 10 (yes 40) years ago.  He is just the best man.  He has 8 children.. all adopted and 3 of them have special needs.  His wife Lois is the woman I've mentioned who is successfully fighting Lymphoma.    It's funny that I've done so much and traveled so much and spend much of my time with my favorite person from 1970.

My husband moved some stuff to store into my organ room while I was away.. not good.

arrrgh

Dx 5/10/2008, IDC, 5cm, Stage IIIc, Grade 3, 4/9 nodes, ER+

kim40

Apple/Kerry

I'm on Facebook too!  Kim Parsons Bookholt - I'll send along a friend request to you both!

apple

thanks for the facebook links.. I'm not on there often.. it sure is a neat medium tho.

webwriter

Just popping in with a huge thanx for the facebook connects! What fun to see the other side of your lives!

Helen, I hope you're hanging tough. I'm thinking about you.

G'man has cracked open the cookbooks at last! Hopefully I won't make as much of a pig of myself as I did last week...but maaaaaan when that boy cooks, my whole world suddenly looks different! ;-)

Gramof3

Kerry, Webbie, Judy, Bethie, Linda, Apple, Michele, Jaimieh, L4T   Thank you very much for the thoughts, comments, and hugs.  Several of you have had experience with the MRI-false positive stuff and I'm glad you shared it. I've got myself calmed down and it helped that you all were out there thinking about me.  Michele, I'll be seeing the oncologist at 10:20 tomorrow--since it was his office that called me about the MRI, I guess he'll have some kind of report as to what the radiologist is thinking??  It scared me that his directive was for me to see a neurosurgeon right at the git-go.  Apple, I hope the surgeon is laughing like yours was! Linda, I'll be feeling the Fury Presence in the doctor's office--but if I start talking to you, how will I explain it??

Furies, thanks again.  You've made this journey easier by being there.  Helen

Denali

Oh goodness, Helen, while we'll all be with you in spirit in the dr's office, don't start talking to us out loud!  The dr might give you a directive to report to the psychiatric unit right after your MRI!!

Ya know it scares me that all this began with your falling--even though you weren't dizzy or light-headed.  As you know, I fell last week over my sandal and it was the nurses in my oncologist's office who referred me to x-ray.  So my dr will know about my fall.  Maybe I should tell her the reason I fell is because someone pushed me.  Does that sound good?? 

Jaimieh

Okay I chickened out with the dye and washed it out to soon.  I am going to try again possible this week because I was scared where I got dye on my scalp.  I am a chicken    My hairdresser begged me not to dye it.  I did anyway but I used semi-permanent with no amonia or peroxide.  I dyed it brown but it doesn't look much different.  I keep wishing that I would wake up one morning and have a pixie cut already. 

I gotta go get H tomorrow.  I'm not looking forward to back to the infusion room   The good thing is I like the nurses there.  Pre-op is Tuesday and it's more of a pain than anything. 

Webbie sen G'man here to cook.  I am tired of cooking when I don't crave any food besides shrimp chow main. 

gcpommom

So many new friends on facebook....not that I use it much, it took me a while to figure out just what the heck I was supposed to do there, lol.  but it's fun.

Helen:  I'll be thinking about you tomorrow, big ((((hugs)))) to you!

Apple:  these swim meets sound so serious!  and fun!  such athletic kids, that's awesome!  Oh, and I'd have dear hubby just move those things right on out of YOUR room!  Geez, he sounds so much like my DH!

Jaimie:  sorry about the return to the infusion room, I know that must be hard....but it's good that you like the nurses (I saw someone different almost every time, so that kind of sucked).

Well....Unfortunately, I spent my afternoon in the ER....couldn't breathe, it was terrible, bawling my eyes out....got me a ride right back to trauma though, so I was in and out fairly quickly (2hrs).  We've determined that it is my asthma acting up....never been this bad before....I'm thinking that I will definitely wear a mask when I use my wet saw from now on.

On a good note, got another chest xray, and everything was good there, bloodwork was good, just can't breathe!

Got no sleep last night (finally fell asleep at 5am), and now that they've injected me with 125mg (!!!) of steroids, I don't expect to sleep much tonight either (or tomorrow night for that matter).  Still feel like crap, and short of breath, but it's a bit better.  My lungs feel like someone has pummeled them.  I'll be on steroids for the next week or so.

I felt so bad cause we were going to take DS to the air show today (well, the cheap version of the air show where you watch from a local side road, lol).  Was also supposed to meet a bunch of my old high school friends up in Hell, Michigan for a camping trip, but missed that (sounds like they partied a bit too much anyway, but would have been fun)!

Well, I'm off to take a hot shower, clear the lungs and relax me a bit, so I can sleep.

webwriter

**Web packs up a picnic basked of homemade barley soup with a big batch of crusty cheese/garlic bread for the Dr.'s Office Party tomorrow.** 

Breathe easy tonite, Judy.

KerryMac

Aw, Judy, so sorry to hear you are feeling so crappy.Glad it is "just" asthma, and hoping the steroids click in and get you breathing easier. No fun though.

A camping trip to Hell, love it! 

Love the photos of your kids on facebook - your daughters are so beautiful. 

Jaimie - thinking of you today getting your H. Do you get SE's from it at all. Oh, the idea of going back into that room gives me shivers. I still can't drink iced water because of the Chemo, actually even thinking about it now makes me nauseous.  Your hair will grow!! I know, it is so frustratingly slow, i have decided mine has totally stopped growing, which oif course it hasn't!! Just want some bangs....

Webbie - send hubby up here after Jaimie is done with him - mine is certainly not a master of the culinary arts! He BBQ's well though....

Helen - I have been thinking of you all weekend. Let us know what your Onc says. Hopefully  he can shed some light on what they saw. Again, remember is is more likely than not nothing to worry about. Sending hugs your way.

Not much in the works for me this week, just refereeing the kids. When does school go back again....?

Jaimieh

Oh Kerry you get to referee also ((bighugs)).  I am thrilled I get to be able to do this BUT I always tell my husband that my bosses are demanding.  They don't care what you are doing they want whatever they want NOW. 

Judy~ I hope your breathing gets easier quickly. 

The first H only made me nauseous, second I just had a bad taste in my mouth.  I am hoping this one follows the second one.  I have noticed that I am very stiff when I get from a sitting position to a standing one.  I look like an old lady but I can't blame it on H because I'm not sure what is to blame.