Starting Chemo February 2009?

Artemis

Oh apple!!!  *dancing*  I am sooooooooooooo happy!!!  NED!  NED!  NED!  Wheeeeeeeeeee!!!!!

gcpommom

Apple, it's wonderful, you'll have hair again!!!!  No more chemo for you!!!  I'm so happy for you!!  NED rocks!  Happy dance time!!!!

Denali

I'm pouring champaigne and passing out chocolates to celebrate, Apple!

YIPEEEEEEE!!! 

apple

my onc. sure is happy.. she said i was one of her most challenging patients and was as stunned as I was.  I said:  "I am absolutely stunned" and she said "I am too!".. and we kind of hugged..    I suppose we would really like to throw off our clothes and dance with joy.  Both of us have been paragons of restraint - you know, just to deal with the awfulness of it all... I feel sorry for the oncs.. Imagine having to deal with the emotions of mothers who face death..

I've been crying all day.. it will be so nice to work without that awful sense of grimness.. and so nice not to have to put on the cheerful 'it really doesn't matter' happyface..... and so so nice to have a chance to get my children out of their childhood.  that's all that matters really.   

I remember going to my family doctor for the first breast lump appointment.  I had gone to the bathroom while waiting for him.  I came out just as he was looking at the xrays - and saying to himself -'oh shiiiiiiiiiiiiiit!'  the xray was actually very beautiful  - there was a solid white, super glowing circle in my breast with beautiful white rays coming from it.. the tallest going straight up to that supraclavicular node.  i think i'm going to get that picture.... maybe paint it. 

that was the frist day. 4 - 4 - 08.  I'll always remember that date because 4 and 4 = 8.

you are all the best.. we're all still here and i pray we will be for many many years. 

Bethie1

Apple--- CONGRATS!!!! You go girl!!!! I'm so happy for you!!!! You celebrate!!!!

xpectmiracles

No Evidence of Disease! That is WONDERFUL news!

We all love you, (((Apple)))

Gramof3

APPLE  Woot Woot!!!    I think we Furies should ALL throw off our clothes and dance with joy!! 

                      

Apple, I don't think you know what a beacon you have been for so many of us...hopeful and realistic at the same time, focused on your family, refusing to let bc take over your life.  And I love your sense of humor.   We are rejoicing not only because of your good news, but because of the way you have touched each of us.  Thank you so much!   Helen 

MRSROCKYTOP55

Apple, how wonderful.  I want to dance like the chickens and wouldn't mind have legs like theirs too!  Congrats and here is praying you have a long and loving life with those beautiful children.  I am thanking God right now.  May God continue to Bless you and your family.  Kathy

Jaimieh

Okay I'm late to the party but I am here. 

Apple I am sitting here crying tears of joy for you .  I hope you dance with NED FOREVER!!!  You got a wedding to dance at .  Cry all you want sweetie it's a sense of relief.  No MO'Chemo for apple...happy dance.....

Gramof3

Apple,

I just re-read what I posted about "hopeful and realistic" and I don't want anyone to misunderstand what I meant.  I remember one post some time ago where you mentioned that if you needed to have more chemo in the future, you would do it, because your intent to survive and see your children grow well into adulthood would impact your treatment choices.  When you said that, it helped me clarify exactly how I feel about the possibility of my bc recurrence and how I might decide about future treatment if that happens.  I have hope that mine won't recur; I also am realistic about it and have decided that I may, in the future, need to view chemo as "just" a part of my life.  I will do whatever it takes to see and enjoy my grands as they grow up.  You helped me see this and I thank you. 

(I"m also in awe of your musical talent.  I never learned to read music; got a hair-brained idea about a year ago that I wanted to learn to play a banjo.  Short version:  I bought a used banjo and it is living under my bed.  I have no idea where to start!!).

O.k. Furies, I bet you can tell I'm on a decadron high from T #8 today (and it was half of what I usually get).  Am going to water some plants and go to bed, although I know I won't sleep until probably tomorrow afternoon.  Just need to go through the motions of trying, I guess. Take care.  Helen  

gcpommom

Helen:  Sometimes I miss those steroids....I got so much more done!  I hope you can sleep tonight....#8 is done, you're getting close to the end!   Have you had any trouble with neuropathy at all?

We used to have a couple of mandolins, I learned to play one song back in the early 80's, and that was it....but we hung them on hooks in the living room, they made a great room decoration with their curved wood backs.  We've since sold them, and I often wish I still had them. 

Hugs to all you fab furies....I'm off to bed early tonight.  We went to a birthday party at my sister's yesterday, then the fireworks last night....I was up pretty late.  I almost didn't go to the fireworks (I haven't felt much like doing anything lately), but I'm glad I went, I did enjoy it.

Judy

apple

i have 3 or 4 steroid pills stashed.. i'm thinking one day when i have to hand mow the whole place, or i'm having people over and the house is trashed...

they'll probably expire.  today is my steroid day.. i wonder how that will mix with my growing excitement. 

you all said such nice things to me ... you really know how to make a gal feel great.

life goes on.  life is good oh yeah

 (that's a song)

Gramof3

MsRockyTops--I'd like little skinny chicken legs, too--I was up another 4 pounds yesterday!  I can't move as fast as they can, either.  Oh well.   Are there any implications for you all with the change in govenments in Hondouras?--Do you think there will be some kind of military action?  Hope you are all safe. 

Apple--Hoard the 'roids--you're "au natural" now!!  Have a GREAT day.

apple

darn it.. my beloved compatriot, director, music buddy and friend has to do chemo.. now I'm not so happy.  maybe we got it from music... playing in B flat

so sorry she faces the battle we fight.

MsRockytops  -  i had a diving coach that used to call me chicken legs on account of my super muscular thighs (think Paula Abdul).. i hated that.. so embarrassing.  In actuality they are excellent functional legs, but i grew up with this chickenleg complex.

Artemis

Gramof3 ~ if there is a music store near you, check with them about banjo lessons.  If the store doesn't teach, they should know of someone who does.  That's an instrument I mean to try one of these days, too!

apple ~ I'm so sorry about your friend. *hugs*

Artemis

Jaimieh

Oh Apple I am sorry that your friend has to go down this journey. 

I am still in the now sunny Fl. enjoying the sun.  Well today we are taking a break because some of my family members (read adults....not me) got sun burned.  Since getting here my hair has decided to come in some and I have the 5 o'clock shadow that everyone talks about.  I am thrilled about it and just the thought of getting some kind of hair back on my head.  I'm not looking forward to going back home   Back to medical appt. I have to go back again and have more pre-op stuff done again.  I am tired of doctors appt. and I haven't had one the last week and a half

KerryMac

Jaimie - glad you are getting some sunshine in, before heading back to Dr's and reality!

Apple - bet the celebrating is still going on in your house! Sorry your friend has to have Chemo, but she couldn't ask for a better friend to go through it with.

Judy - sorry you are now feeling so great. Rest up, take care, be pampered.....

The builders are working on bathroom #2 now. It is on the ground floor, and so there is dust everywhere. Is horrid. BUT the bathroom is looking great!! I finish Rads tomorrow! End of active treatment for me.....

apple

what a day Kerry - tomorrow.

hope you are as happy as i am.  How's the hair?

KerryMac

OK, Bathroom #1 before photos.....

KerryMac

And after -

 

So, slight improvement...!!

KerryMac

Apple - yep, I am pretty happy to be "done". I still have to have an ooph in a couple of weeks, but that should not be too big a deal. It will feel a bit strange to be back in normal life, I think. I am at that point actually where I go hours without thinking about cancer, which is good, I guess. I have even started jogging with a friend. She has signed herself up for a 10km in September, so I am training with her. I am not a very good jogger! But it is great to be feeling so healthy! My hair is growing fast! I will take a photo....so far it is dark, no grey! Just think, you will be there soon too. I have seriously had a smile on my face all day thinking about you!!

Bethie1

Apple--- (((HUGS))) You've been through alot, put up with alot, and need a break girlfriend!!

Jamieh-------- Awesome that your hair is coming back in great!! I bet you're having fun in the sun--just remember to keep your head covered so that won't burn!

Kerry--Nice pics!!! Bathroom looks great

OK, now it's time for happy hour--passing out cocktails (your favorite cocktail of your choice) to my furies!!! Drink up girls--here's to us!!!

Beverly11

Thanks for the encouragement Cheryl.  How long or far have you been able to run? 

 Congrats Apple!  My husband & I are both very happy for you!!!!

 Cheers!!

Bev

living4today

Kerry--I am so jealous--running, I can barely walk a 1/2 mile.  I don't know what is wrong with me but I barely have the energy to work.  I am seriously beginning to wonder if working full time through all this was really best for my health, or maybe I am just looking for excuses to continue laying around.  12 days post last chemo treatment and 12 days until rads starts...I dunno but I feel like I need a super vitamin or something.  By the way, nice redo on the bathroom...

Bethie--I tried a small glass of chocowine--yummmmmm!

Jaimiah--glad to hear about your hair--lucky gal, I am still as bald as a baby, except I did shave my legs the other night:)....hope you continue to enjoy your vacation!

 Gramof3--Get the banjo music going, maybe you and Apple can perform for all of us sometime!

After what we all have been through together, it would be fun to meet.  If any of you are ever in South Dakota, let me know!

Well, we just had a hail storm that destroyed my DH beautiful veggie garden....real bummer!  Hope everyone else is having a great evening!

Gramof3

Living4today--I hear you about the energy.  Looks like we were diagnosed about the same time, have similar dx, and are both working full time...I'm not sure I could make it walking 1/2 mile.  My red counts are down again and I gasp just walking across the parking lot!  Maybe Artemis will learn the banjo, too and we could get Apple to help us for a "group."  Although with my total lack of musical experience, Apple would have that job cut out for her!!!

Bethie-- another playmate for Elsie!

Jaimieh  Glad you are enjoying FL.  Sorry to you have to go back to drs. and surgery.  Good times will come back!

Kerry  The bathroom looks great.. All the dust will be a minor inconvenience soon. 

Furies--I think we're all getting very tired of this chemo gig--maybe a little raggedy around the edges after 5+ months.  Some of us are moving on to rads, some are done with TX, some of us are facing more surgery, some of us will be in chemo mode for a while longer.  No matter where we are on this journey, think of the friendships we've made, the sorrows and joys we've shared, the future adventures we'll share if we stay in touch.  Sorry--just waxing reflective, I guess.  You all are special to me, and I hope as we "graduate" from this phase of our lives that we will stay in contact.  I agree with Living about letting each other know if we're traveling closeby--if you get to SW MO (Springfield--Bass Pro!, Branson--hey, Bethie, Carthage--Precious Moments) anywhere down here, please let me know.  It would be fun to meet!

I;m headed for bed--T from yesterday still wearing on me.  Take care.  Helen 

apple

that would be fun to have a musical group.  I led our ensemble a while before 'Barbara' entered our lives... Frankly, i sucked.  i can play the piano ok, but I fly off the handle too easily.  Barbara's breast cancer gets worse and worse everyday.. first it was a lumpectomy and a 5 day radiation, then it was 6 weeks of radiation, .. now it is a mastectomy, radiaition and chemo... jeez.    i feel so bad for her, remembering the shuddery uncertainty and tearfullness of the first days and weeks.

Kerry - love the bath. that's not a slight improvement.. it's great. 

Gram of 3  I don't live that far from you in western KC.

Artemis  - i actually own a bamjo.. bought it at a garage sale for 10 dollars.. i have no idea how to play it, especially since my son cut the strings off because he needed some wire.

Here's a pic of what i did today - well what my daughter did... i coach a little diving, especially in the latter part of the season.. and took this picture this morning.   Klara dives mainly for my old diving coach who i met 40 years ago.  In this picture she is doing an exercise.. how we teach younger divers to a 1 1/2 pike somersault of the high board.  She will stay in the pike position and just roll and dive into the water far below.

we just got back from a meet.. i am dove out.

I really like how my kid has put a bunch of muscle on this year..  

Bethie1

Thanks for Elsie's playmate, she loved it!!!

Not sure when I'll get to Branson--want to get to Vegas to see Donny & Marie @ the Flamingo; they're there until March 2010.

Jaimieh

Kerry~ Love the new bathroom   It looks like it was worth the dust   I can't wait to get to run again.  I ran for the first time in 6 months in from the car to the house because of the rain and it was wonderful.  I am ready to get some me quiet time in and running really helps me mentally. 

I started looking at my calendar today and just cringe about the appt's that I have got to get done and set up.  I have to redo pre-ops that I just had done at the beginning of June.  I am trying to still get over the fact that I have to have another surgery and what it entails.  I am okay with the surgery but 30 days after the surgery they are going to remove a stint in the office.  I will not have anything for pain, etc... and I was told it shouldn't hurt and if it does it is only 1 to 2 min. procedure.  Not really what I wanted to hear.....

kmn0701

apple!!!!! Hooray!!!!! Thtat truly is fantastic news! May you live with NED for the rest of your life.

Kerry love the bathroom! Great job. I'm intimidated by projects like that!

I'm all set to start Rads tomorrow. Got my five tattoes & had the dry run today. Hopefully it'll go pretty smooth & in six weeks I'll just have my Herceptin every three weeks....that I can do. The exchange surgery seems ages away & I'm really not too anxious about that. I just want to get my NED one of these days too!!!!

gcpommom

Kristine:  you're up late, lol.....hope rads goes smoothly and goes by quickly for you. 

Apple:  So sorry to hear about your friend, it will be good that she has you to talk to as she goes through this.  Your DD is quite fit, she sounds like she's quite the athelete, and you too!  I never could do diving or much swimming, since I have this slight fear of deep water (shhh, that's a secret) lol.  Bowling was about as atheletic as it got for me!  

Helen:  I agree, when you go through something like this, even though we started out as perfect strangers, we all become friends....we've been through hell and back, and we did it together.  I know I will never forget any of you, and also hope we continue to share and help each other as we continue on with our lives.

Jaimie:  oh, I'm sorry you have more crapola to endure....hang in there sweetie.  I'm not good with procedures like that either....I don't care how 'short' it lasts or how 'little' it hurts--knock me out first!!!  Or at least give me some Xanax, lol.

Kerry:  Your bathroom looks so nice....I like the big tiles in the shower, and the pedestal sink (although I'd go nuts without my under-the-sink storage).  If you're talking about drywall mud dust, I don't envy you....that is the worst!  And so hard to clean up.

Here's a hair pic from tonight....coming in faster now, more dark hairs in back/sides, light in front/top:

I'm off to bed....night all

Judy