Starting Chemo February 2009?
Comments
-
milk your cancer status for all it's worth.. wear it like a flag.. let everyone know and be gorgeous too.
I'd wear a scarf like a bow. around the head and tied on the side. a little lipstick to play up those lips and he'll feel like an absolute heel once he's spoken his piece and everyone looks at him with the 'do ya have to be such an asshole' look once he's finished.
just my humble opinion.
good luck Michele
.
-
Michele~ Ditch the wig and scarf and stand tall. You have told cancer to kiss your backside, now tell this man to do the same. Hold you head up high and be confident knowing that you are strong.
BTW, I contained my potty mouth
-
Michele,
I vote for topless! You look great AND I think you'll be less distracted and more able to focus if you don't have to deal with a wig or scarf. Good luck tomorrow--just think of this guy as significant as a "fart in a hurricane" compared to what you've already handled.
More tomorrow--headed for bed.
-
Michele - go topless! Not only do you have loads and loads of hair, and look great, but it makes you look hardass too. And you are. You have survived Chemo, you won't let some pip-squeak get in your way. Go Topless and Flatten him! Let us know how it goes, I'll send good vibes today.
Bethie - you are so super positive, it rubs off!
Jaimie - so glad the photo shoot went well! Like Judy said, it is like riding a bike! Glad all went well with the PS too.
Judy - sounds as though you are getting back into things well. I would love to see the photo of you in the magazine!! I can imagine how odd it must be to have your face in one. Also keep us up on your project - I'd love to see how it is coming along. I am so sorry about your "friend". It is tough, and I don't know why people do that. My best friend has been great, but I think it is because she has gone through loss herself, so understands. We have had other friends completely avoid us though - one good friend of my husbands has dropped off the face of the earth. If nothing else, this whole experience has given me enormous insight in how to behave when something happens to someone!
I have an appt with the Gyn this morning, just to go over my ooph Surgery. I had the weirdest dreams last night because of it! My Surgery is 2 weeks away and I am getting nervous - more nervous than with my Mx - probably cos then I just wanted the boob gone, whereas this is more elective. It is also because i am feeling so good and strong, and i don't want to be feeling badly again. Ah, well, its gotta be done I guess.
Anyhoo, wishing everyone a great day.
-
Michelle - hope you're going topless at today's meeting and marching in like the warrior you are!
Judy - you should post the magazine photo--we'd love to see it!
Jaimieh - See? You still ROCK as a photographer! You should definitely make a website of your work.
Kerry - remember that the recovery after surgery is NOTHING compared to chemo. You'll do well.
Monday, I tripped over my sandal and fell. I mean I did a full face-plant!! Scratched my glasses and hurt my hand. Happened right in front of an office bldg full of windows. As someone pointed out, it could have been worse. I could've been wearing a skirt and it could have gone flying up to complete the humiliation!
I went to the oncologist's office yesterday and successively got my Herceptin only IV. (Hurrah!) The nurses all agreed it looked ‘bad' and that I should get an x-ray. They said that if I did nothing and it set wrong, it could give me problems forever. That scared me. It's my right hand, my sewing hand, for goodness sake.
They called me that afternoon as I was starting my first exercise class (at a 6-mo exercise program for cancer pts) and told me I had a fractured hand and I need to go to the dr NOW. Had to leave the class-told the teacher I'd fractured my hand rock-climbing. She didn't buy it.
So now I have a splint on my hand/arm. GRRRRR...like I needed another health issue! But it's kind of funny that 2 of my other Red Hatters have unglamorously fallen and broken bones recently too. One broke BOTH arms last winter when she fell and another member fell and broke the same bone I did. I asked her what she COULDN'T do with just one hand as I'd have to get someone to come over and help me-with just the dogs in the house. She mentioned getting shampoo out and brushing her hair. Bingo. No problem here! I guess with my bald head this was the right time to break a bone after all. There's my silver lining.
However, I am going to suggest to the Red Hatters that we begin dressing in bubble wrap every time we leave the house!
-
Michele: I hope everything goes well today at your meeting. The guy sounds like a real jerk!
Linda: You poor thing....is it very painful? I hope not. Honestly, it is not uncommon to become a bit clumsy during/after chemo, especially with the taxanes. I tripped over our rolling ottoman the other day, but luckily landed on my cushion-y butt!
Kerry: I can understand not wanting to be laid up after surgery after just starting to feel good...I feel the same way about my recon. Do they do the ooph laparascopically?
I can't tell you how much I hate this pic in the magazine, it is the angle she shot it from, it doesn't even look like me much. Plus, I didn't know the article name would be what it was (it was about DCIS), and that didn't thrill me either. Here is the pic:
And here is the table, I've finished the roman numerals and the circles that go around them:
Sorry the pics are so big.
Hugs
Judy
-
Judy~ You are much, much to hard on yourself. The picture looks awesome! I love the table too:)
Linda~ Okay we can't tell you to stop walking so you are going to get the bubble wrap. I have some I can ship you...lol... I hope you feel better soon. Please take it easy.
Kerry~ I hope your consult goes well and I think it is normal to be nervous.
I was exhausted this morning. My thighs from squatting are screaming at me but in a good way
I gotta clean our bedroom today it's becoming like a maze. -
Denali
I am sorry to here you had such an unpleasant trip.
and Judy - what a nice table.. you're so talented
-
Judy the table is spectacular! You're very talented!
-
Linda--so sorry to hear about your fall and broken bone--yuck!
Judy beautiful pic and table--you are talented!
Michelle--let us know how you kicked some booty today!
Okay, I had my CT Sim today (again)...having PET scan tomorrow--(thankfully will get the results in the afternoon, so I don't have to wait long) I am typically not a nervous person, but for some reason I am just a bundle of nerves today, think I am just sick of all this crap and want to be better yesterday. Sorry for the rant!
-
Definitely go without the wig Michelle. You have a ton of hair already and a style. If you are physically uncomfortable, it will be a distraction and sounds like you need to be 100% focused in this meeting. Good Luck!
-
Jamieh! Congrats! Back in the groove and goin' strong!
Judy, your artwork is beautiful! And so is your face! I don't care which photo they used!
Helen, sometimes you don't know whether to hug 'em or strangle 'em. When I can't decide I hug. TIGHT! Really tight, while forcing my hands away from her little neck! ;-)
Apple, sounds like you had a fantastic time! Welcome home!
Bethie, Yup. Sisters. All of us. I'm so thankful for this entire group I can barely see through the happy tears. I'd have never gotten this far without you and can't imagine going forward without you either. So I won't!
Michelle, I hope your meeting went well today. I also hope you went topless! You look terriffic! Show your strength wherever possible. You have no need to hide. You've battled this biotch and won. Walk proud. Head high, shoulders back. You are WOMAN! Long may you ROAR! (((hugs)))
L4T, this is the hardest part of all. You get used to being sick (sort of), you get used to the meds (sort of) you get used to the up and down routine of it all. When it's suddenly over, it seems like the patience goes with it! One day soon tho, you're going to wake up with just a little more energy, a few less aches, and a tiny smattering of duck fuzz. Then things will REALLY start to take off. I promise!
(Posting before I read the next page...sorry if I'm redundant!)
-
Linda! AKKK! I'm so sorry about your fall! I'll double the bubble on whatever Jamieh sends! haha! Honestly, I was so clumsy during chemo I was covered in bruises all the time. Believe it or not, one of them (a nasty fall down the stairs) has YET to totally heal. Wish I'd thought of bubble wrap a long time ago!
Had my post TX check up today. Everything looks great. My counts are back to normal (high RBC, low-normal WBC) and my poor fried boob "looks good." The hip pain is still to be checked by my ortho, but my onco says it's probably just tendinitis. Still working out the details for the ooph, but Onco says I have six months or so before he'll get antsy. In the meantime he's put me on Arimidex. We're pretty sure I was peri-menopause before TX and he thinks chemo probably put me over the line permanently. Judging by the christmas tree light hot flashes, I'm guessing he's right.Ms. Lefty is still peeling pretty good, but the pain is pretty much gone, the appetite is coming back and I gained 3lbs! WOOO HOOOO! Next stop scans and new mammo in November.
Love and Hugs, My Sisters! I'm thinking of you constantly!
-
Wow, Michelle! Lookin' good!!! I hope you went topless to the meeting today, too.
Linda, I'm sorry about the fall and broken hand. I have been clutsy recently as well. I walked straight into the end of an exercise bar the other day. There is a HUGE, nasty bruise and knot on my leg!
Judy, I like the picture in the magazine. We are our own worst critics. I'll bet you are the only person who doesn't like it! I sent a copy of my "boxing girl" picture to all of my doctors. My PS was interviewed the next day about breast reconstruction for a magazing the hospital puts out. He told her journalist about the photo and gave her my number for an interview. I'll keep you informed if anything comes of it.
Hugs to all my sister Furies!
-
Hi to all Furies
Linda--Sorry about the injury. Here's a band aid to help out...
I was interested in the comments about being clumsy during chemo. I have to be at the hospital at 6 am tomorrrow for an MRI my onc ordered after I fell last week...it's to be of my head (!) even though I explained I did not get lightheaded, faint, or hit my head--I stumbled and fell. And, I figured out tonight that what the research nurse thought was a bruise on my temple is my HAIRLINE coming back in....oh well...6 AM. Nite all. Helen
-
Judy, The table looks great! Now I understand the "wet saw." Thanks for sharing.
Webbi, Good to hear from you...I know what you mean by hugging or strangling--I've tried to jot down some of the really funny things Olivia has said...then someday, I'll read them back to her. Some other time I'll tell you about how we almost cleared out Ruby Tuesday single-handedly!
O.K. really 6 AM see ya!
-
Helen - well, good morning, I know you are up! Hope the MRI went OK. It is funny, last time I had an MRI they were running late so I had to sit for ages - I heard the receptionists booking patients for all hours - they run the machine 24 hours a day, they were ringing and saying "can you come in at 2:30 am." Anyhow., hope nothing shows up - well, apart from ayour brain that is!
Linda - sorry about your hand. Your right, if it's not one thing, it is another! Hope it doesn't hurt too much.
Judy - I love the photo! And the table. You're doing a really great job on it!
L42 - good luck with your scan today. Yuck, scans. but at least you get your results toay - think how relieved you will feel after!
Webbie - great to hear from you! Yep, it is funny how a couple of months out the energy and zest for life cxomes back.
Michelle - how did the meeting go?
Cheryl - you sound like you are doing really well too. Keep us updated on the magazine - that would be great if they featured you!!
Well, my Gyn visit yesterday was fine. The recovery seems pretty easy, the surgery is laproscopic and will hopefully be routine. One nice thing - a med student came in before the Dr. and looked through my file and said "are you wanting a tubal ligation" I explained the whole cancer/ovary thing and pointed out my chemo hair, and she said "Oh, I thought it was just your hairstyle" So, good news - i now have a "hairstyle"!!
OK, hoping a good day is had by all.
-
just saying good morning.
living4today.. praying your results are great.
-
L4T~ Thinking of you today and praying for good results.
Okay so I came here and moaned and groaned over my having to have surgery to now I just want to have the darn thing fixed tomorrow. During our car ride to Fl. I noticed that I was uncomfortable but I just thought it was from being in the car but it never got better. I have been uncomfortable since our vacation so I called the doctor yesterday to find out if it is normal and it is. He said that it is the blockage and that if I want pain pills he would be happy to give me a RX and that he will see me in 3 weeks. Grrr.. I am getting more and more pleasant by the day. Oh and I lean to the left to get away from the squeezing feeling. My DH was upset that I didn't tell him that I want my surgery moved up but honestly I felt like I couldn't find the words to tell him what I wanted. I hate that feeling and it was really crappy timing
. -
living4~ Lots of hugs and prayers. I hate scanxiety... Pls let us know ASAP!!!
Helen~ Good luck today!
Cheryl~ You are such a hottie! They need to put in the magazine!! Same to you Judy!!!! Love the picture.
Linda~ Ouch. Feel better.
Busy at work... I'll update ya'll later.
-
Michelle, you're SUCH a tease! We're dying over here! ((hugs))
-
Webbie's right, Michelle! Don't keep us hangin'! How did the meeting go? Did your go without a wig or scarf?
Jaimieh, what do you mean about a "blockage"?
-
I have an artery that runs acrossed my ureter that blocks the flow of my kidney (it's a birth defect). So in defense to the blockage I have a huge pocket of fluid on my right side that is about as big as my kidney. It doesn't cause pain just discomfort that is increasing.
-
L4T--You're killing us too!
Suspensful buncha &@#$%! (But I luvs ya!)
-
Michelle, your hair is beautiful, I vote topless! kathy
-
Michelle Please, talk to us!!! This is such a cliff hanger......
L4T Hope the scans went well--let us know what you find out.
Kerry Interesting comment about running the machines 24 hrs/day. I got there at 6, but the office wasn't open yet! Receptionist finally let us (1 man, 2 other women waiting in the hallway) in, then I was taken to MRI waiting room. Waited over an hour, then was taken back to tech area. The nurse who accessed my port said she was a night nurse, and was also complaining about "double scheduling" because she was the only nurse on duty...maybe they run a night shift, too??? I'll get my results when I see onc on Monday.
Linda Hope the healing is happenin'
Cheryl, Judy Love the photos/mag. shots. Since Jaimie is a photographer, maybe we should make a Furies 2010 Calendar--we could feature hairstyles, poll parties, ..what else could we include? We'll sell 'em and use the profits to have a big Furie Reunion-- Yeah...it would be fun to meet in person.
Oh well, hope everyone has a good evening.
Helen -
Thanks, all, for the compliments...on the table and my pic...still don't like the pic, though! You're right, Cheryl, we are our own worst critics!
Kim: Hope we hear from you soon on your results.....hoping your out celebrating!
Web: You're right....just a little better, little bits at a time, but it does improve. Glad your tests were good. I'm guessing you're younger than me, and I was peri-meno before chemo, and based on my age (45), my onc said I had a 50-50 chance at my periods returning. So make sure you are always prepared, if you know what I mean. You never know.
Cheryl: I bet they use that photo...it's perfect, not only includes your new foobs, but the fighting attitude that got you through everything in the last few months!
Kerry: You have a hairstyle, yay!!! Glad to hear that the surgery should be relatively routine...did they say how long recovery would be?
Jaimie: I'm sorry you're so uncomfortable...they couldn't move the surgery date for you?
Michele: Like everyone else, curious how your meeting went....
I spoke to a woman at the store today (she nabbed me to ask about my bc). Her DD finished chemo 4 months ago, but they're leaving her port in for a year in case it comes back!!!! I'd never heard of that..... If it were me, I'd say take it out now!
My asthma has been terrible this week. Starting home breathing tx's, not sure what's setting it off. It's a bit better today. Sure wish I had those steroids now, they would help. My family doc won't phone them in for me without an appt, and I am out of appt coverage this year, so I'll just ride it out.
Hugs to you all
Judy
-
Gosh... finally got home from work and the little people fed. I'm getting really worn out. Anyway, the meeting yesterday was cancelled by the Dean. He felt that it was a waste of time and that we should each say out piece at the *big* committee meeting today. I was glad that the Dean appeared to be on my side but I'm not a big fan of confrontation... esp in front of an audience. Well, there was an email in my inbox demanding a meeting (from the jerky guy... he's the chair of the committee) before the big meeting. I ignored him. The Dean later called me and said that jerky guy was in hs office ranting about me and did I want to come defend myself... I calmly said "no" that I'd talk to the entire committee. So... the committee meeting was later today. I came prepared with everything I needed. Jerky guy ranted and the more calm I got, the more psychotic he became. I quoted my references and stood my ground. The committee vted my way and jerky guy looked like an ass. So all is well... (except that I could a xanax and some sleep).
Oh.. I'm a weenie. I wore a scarf.
Hugs to everyone...
Living4, Linda, Helen... any news???
-
Okay Furries.....Happy Dance time!!!!!!
PET Scan is CLEAR!!!!! I couldn't help but cry tears of joy....what was really cool was that my mom, husband, DD and her hubby, DS and good friend all came to my appt today (along with my grandbaby)....cute story to share: we had a gift card for a local bar and grill that we thought we go to and have a drink to celebrate. Well, a few of us had ordered our drinks before my DD and baby grandson got there...when my DD and baby arrived, they were asked to leave--appearantly no one under 21 is allowed at this establishment...my grandbaby is only 5 weeks old....so we left our half finished drinks and went to another establishment. (we were than surprised by some good friends who treated for supper:)
Michelle--thanks for the update! A great big YIPEE to you!!!
Thanks everyone for your kind posts, positive thoughts and prayers!
ps. Looks like I start rads next Monday or Tuesday.
-
wonderful wonderful..
a big sigh of happiness here in KS was heard by my daughter.. who said 'Are you OK?"
Categories
- All Categories
- 679 Advocacy and Fund-Raising
- 289 Advocacy
- 68 I've Donated to Breastcancer.org in honor of....
- Test
- 322 Walks, Runs and Fundraising Events for Breastcancer.org
- 5.6K Community Connections
- 282 Middle Age 40-60(ish) Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 53 Australians and New Zealanders Affected by Breast Cancer
- 208 Black Women or Men With Breast Cancer
- 684 Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer
- 1.5K Caring for Someone with Breast cancer
- 455 Caring for Someone with Stage IV or Mets
- 260 High Risk of Recurrence or Second Breast Cancer
- 22 International, Non-English Speakers With Breast Cancer
- 16 Latinas/Hispanics With Breast Cancer
- 189 LGBTQA+ With Breast Cancer
- 152 May Their Memory Live On
- 85 Member Matchup & Virtual Support Meetups
- 375 Members by Location
- 291 Older Than 60 Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 177 Singles With Breast Cancer
- 869 Young With Breast Cancer
- 50.4K Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis
- 204 Breast Cancer with Another Diagnosis or Comorbidity
- 4K DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
- 79 DCIS plus HER2-positive Microinvasion
- 529 Genetic Testing
- 2.2K HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
- 1.5K IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)
- 3.4K IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
- 1.5K ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)
- 999 Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis
- 652 LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
- 193 Less Common Types of Breast Cancer
- 252 Male Breast Cancer
- 86 Mixed Type Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned
- 189 Palliative Therapy/Hospice Care
- 488 Second or Third Breast Cancer
- 1.2K Stage I Breast Cancer
- 313 Stage II Breast Cancer
- 3.8K Stage III Breast Cancer
- 2.5K Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
- 13.1K Day-to-Day Matters
- 132 All things COVID-19 or coronavirus
- 87 BCO Free-Cycle: Give or Trade Items Related to Breast Cancer
- 5.9K Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results
- 86 Coping with Holidays, Special Days and Anniversaries
- 828 Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues
- 101 Family and Family Planning Matters
- Family Issues for Those Who Have Breast Cancer
- 26 Furry friends
- 1.8K Humor and Games
- 1.6K Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts
- 706 Recipe Swap for Healthy Living
- 704 Recommend Your Resources
- 171 Sex & Relationship Matters
- 9 The Political Corner
- 874 Working on Your Fitness
- 4.5K Moving On & Finding Inspiration After Breast Cancer
- 394 Bonded by Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Life After Breast Cancer
- 806 Prayers and Spiritual Support
- 285 Who or What Inspires You?
- 28.7K Not Diagnosed But Concerned
- 1K Benign Breast Conditions
- 2.3K High Risk for Breast Cancer
- 18K Not Diagnosed But Worried
- 7.4K Waiting for Test Results
- 603 Site News and Announcements
- 560 Comments, Suggestions, Feature Requests
- 39 Mod Announcements, Breastcancer.org News, Blog Entries, Podcasts
- 4 Survey, Interview and Participant Requests: Need your Help!
- 61.9K Tests, Treatments & Side Effects
- 586 Alternative Medicine
- 255 Bone Health and Bone Loss
- 11.4K Breast Reconstruction
- 7.9K Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 2.7K Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment
- 775 Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results
- 7.8K Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 50 Immunotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 7.4K Just Diagnosed
- 1.4K Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
- 5.2K Lymphedema
- 3.6K Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
- 591 Pain
- 3.9K Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 8.4K Surgery - Before, During, and After
- 109 Welcome to Breastcancer.org
- 98 Acknowledging and honoring our Community
- 11 Info & Resources for New Patients & Members From the Team