**NEW** Starting Chemo March 2009

jdeking

Good luck Francine, hope everything turns out ok!

ChrisC433

I'll be thinking about you today...hope all goes well!

Chris

pickle

Francine: Thinking of you and sending positive thoughts and hugs.

Another beautiful day here in Edmonton. It was 34 degrees Celsius (93 F) These have been record breaking temperatures for this time of year. We are going to Kelowna British Columbia for the weekend. Kelowna is in the Okanogan Valley and is amazing. Great wine country.  We'll spend the weekend doing wine tours, boating and dining so it should be a lovely weekend. I have never seen all the grapes on the vines so I am really looking forward to it and I'm going to pretend I'm in Tuscany...lol.

Hugs to all

Beth P

7timewinner

Gina!!! Your hair looks like hope to me, lol Although I am very happy to report that mine is growing in very quickly.

How far past chemo are you now?

Hugs to everyone,

Nadine

sakura73

Annette great news!

Beth P and Francine sorry to read about your back troubles. I am taking a tumeric extract which is meant to be really good for bone and joint pain and my naturopath takes it herself for badly slipped disks and she says it really helps her. Maybe that might help?

Gina your hair looks great!

Ricki/Rachel it is really good to see you here and I hope you and your family had a great weekend with your sister. She and you are in my thoughts.  As for hair, I too have a stubborn bald spot at the front. Grr.

I had my first radiation yesterday. I got weepy for various reasons but the actual treatment was such an anticlimax - two minutes at most! I have joined the October radiation board but the Warrior Princeses will always be my home on the site.

pickle

Sakura: So nice to hear from you and so happy for you that the first rads went well. Wishing you good rads all the way through. I am sure you will find lots of info and support with those that are going through rads at the same time.Please check in to "home base" when you can because I know we will all be wondering about you. My thoughts and prayers are with you mate...!

Hugs

Beth P

PS: Can you enlighten me with regardring Stephen Duckett. He is our new health minister here in Alberta but was previuosy posted in Australia. 

sakura73

Pickle - funnily enough although I don't know him personally he used to go to my church when he lived in Melbourne! You can see his profile on Facebook - it is not private - I just tried.

 Thank you for your good wishes.

pickle

Sakura: Apparently he did health care reform in Australia and has been hired here to do the same. He is making a mess of things so far. Not well received. I was wondering what he did there.

Beth P

bwbly

Surprise! Guess who!!

I know I've been away for a long time. I had a really tough time. I got mega-infections from the AC. They were so bad that we only did 3 rounds instead of 4. One of the infections set into my lumpectomy site, and since it had already been radiated, it wouldn't heal. It just HURT .... I lived on pain meds for 2-3 months. I did absolutely nothing ... stayed in my recliner and let my son wait on me hand and foot. Home health nurses came every day to clean and repack the open wound in my breast.

Finally got things cleared up enough and chemo out of my system enough to get reconstructive surgery on Sept 2. So I had a partial mastectomy (about 1/4 to 1/3 of breast) to remove dead tissue, then a lat flap to fill everything in.... overnight stay in hospital. Drains came out about 10 days after surgery and stitches finally came out last Friday.

Started driving (I drive a standard) this week and hope to get back to work next week. I currently get Herceptin weekly, but hope to switch to every 3 weeks.

I didn't realize how bad I actually felt until after the surgery. I feel really good now and feel like things are starting to get back to some kind of normal. I still tire very easily, but stamina is returning slowly but surely....only took a 1 hour rest yesterday.

Now I just have to finish healing and getting used to the way my body feels now .... tight across the back and boob does funny things LOL.

I've missed everyone and of course, have not read posts. But I'm finally back up and running, thankfully.

Anybody have any suggestions on bras/support for after lat flap? The ones I have are too uncomfortable now.

Glad to be back!

ChrisC433

So nice to here from you bwbly...sorry to hear you had a rough ride, but smooth sailing from here!

Dawnmrn1

bwbly!  Sorry for your troubles, great to have you on the mend!  Keep getting better!  Dawn

sakura73

Welcome back bwbly - and may this be a sign that things will continuously improve for you from here on!

Pickle - he was head of health in Queensland, a slightly bizarre northern state of Australia, I think. Not sure whether he was any good.

crusader1

Hi,

Good news. My MRI was fine. No spianl problems at all. The orthopedist said my pains are probably muscle related maybe from my lat flap surgery. So I am feeling better both mentally and physically.

Welcome back Bwbly. Sounds like you have had a real hard time. I had lat flap surgery in July and also had necrosis of the skin back in the winter . If you have any questions feel free to PM me .

Sakura and Pickle , I just love your conversations talking between continents.

Have a great weekend all.

Hugs to all...

Francine

Luv2sing

Hello Everyone!

I'm just amazed at how beautiful everyone looks.  The pictures posted show how far we've all come.  In trying to read some of the posts I've noticed some of my feelings have already been expressed. 

Had my port removed on Sept. 10th, because it was causing too much pain.  Will be finished with rads by Oct. 7th, have sustained some burns and prescribed a combo of lidocaine and aquaphor to help ease the pain, cracking and peeling.  My onc told me I have to wait six weeks post rads to be re-staged.  I'm just glad to finally get to a point where I can rest without an appointment. 

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you experiencing challenges in addition to dealing with your diagnosis.  Just know that you are not alone and in order for people to extend a hand you have to let them know you need a hand.  This is not the time to keep everything inside.  Find a friend, a neighbor ... anyone ... and allow them to help you through what is already a difficult time.  Stay encouraged, look for the rainbow and when time allows, continue to share your feelings on this board.  I've received tons of encouragement just by reading someone else's post.

Congratulations and Hugs to those who are healing, nearing the end of their treatments and overcoming obstacles!

To Everyone - I read an article which caused me to think of our group of courageous women and I totally agree with the writer ... WE ARE NOT SURVIVORS, WE ARE WARRIORS!!

didle20Diane

Hi Bunny, welcome back!  Glad you are feeling better.  I was told to get sports bras by Champion at Kohl's or Target....they zip up in the front and sides apparently.  I am having my recon next week and will be shopping this week to pick a few up.

hugs

Diane

crusader1

Hi Ladies,

Diane I bought great inexpensive sports bras to wear after my surgeries at Walmart.

Here is a photo I took today of my hair. It has been coming in very curly and salt and pepper. I never really had gray hair and was not ready to dye it.I had always had it  highlighted it at the beauty parlor So for the first time in my life I bought Nice and Easy and rinsed out the gray.

I am so thrilled to be able to go out and feel free. What is funny is that I often feel that I have forgotten something ..my wig ...my hat. It had been almost 5 months since I finished my chemo.

 

Hugs to all..

Francine

Dawnmrn1

Francine! You look great!  I am 3 months post chemo and don't have half the hair you do! I am jealous! the color looks very natural!! Enjoy!  Dawn

sakura73

Francine you look fantastic! That is definitely a cute short haircut, not chemo regrowth. You give me hope.

Luv2sing sorry to hear you have some burns. I have radiation number 3 today, so long way to go yet. 

Much love to all from a wonderfully rainy Melbourne.

Luv2sing

Francine you look wonderful!!!!

Sakura I found the time in radiation passed quicker than I thought it would.  I'm so glad to be nearing the end and we're planning to go to the beach to celebrate.  Getting a room facing the ocean with a balcony, so we can watch the sunset and wake up to the sound of the waves.  Now that's something to look forward to.

Mom_of_boys

Just love to hear the good reports!  Francine, the hair looks great.

After my trip to NYC, I decided to start going without my wig.  I've actually run into a few people that I've known for YEARS that didn't recognize me.  BUT, I'm loving being topless!

Anonymous

I have so enjoyed reading all the good news the last few weeks.  It makes me optimistic that there is a light at the end of this tunnel. 

My surgery is tomorrow, bilat with free tram recon.  I have spent the last few weeks working, alot and getting things ready.  So, now the day before, my lawns are all cut, the docks and boats are all put away, the house is immaculate and the pantry is stocked.  Not much left to do but wait for this afternoon and an exact time for surgery.

This board is such a blessing whether it be for communicating, commiserating or just reading about others to help keep things in perspective.  I would have been lost in this journey without all of you.

kim40

Hi Ladies

I haven't posted in about a month.  Trying to read all the posts to get caught up!  A lot going on.

Me, I have been busy.  I had my family here visting from Newfoundland and from Alberta.  It was my parents 50th wedding anniversary and my brothers 25th.  So needless to say, we celebrated!

Had a scare last week.  I had a MUGA scan on the 8th of Sept.  Went to see my onc on the 17th.  Was told that I had to stop my Herceptin because something showed up on my heart scan that is unrelated to Herceptin.  I was scheduled to see the cardio doc right away!  I had to stop all physically activity due to my heart not beating properly.  Great!  All of this on the day that my family was due to arrive! 

I went into the hospital last Monday and they did an ultrasound of my heart.  Went back to the hospital on Thursday for another EKG.  The cardio doc told me that all is o.k..  Even though that my heart beat is not "normal" for some, it is normal for me.  He wants to keep an eye on me though until at least the Herceptin is done and over with.  I will be seeing him now every 3 months as well.  Never ending!  I was so relieved to hear that I was going to be ok and can start back on Herceptin! 

So that is where I'm off too this morning.  Going for my infusion of Herceptin.  Back to the hospital again on Thursday for a CT scan.  Hoping that I will have a good report from that test too!

I hope everyone is doing ok.  I'll have to catch up on the posts and get back into things.  Hang tough ladies!

Anonymous

The Mayonnaise Jar and 2 Cups of Coffee


When things in your lives seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him.  When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.  He then asked the students if the jar was full.  They agreed it that it was.

The professor next picked up a box of pebbles and poured it into the jar.  He shook the jar lightly.  The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.  He then asked the students again if the jar was full.  They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar.  Of course, the sand filled up everything else.  He asked once more if the jar was full.  The students responded with a unanimous "yes".

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand.  The students laughed.

"Now" said the professor as the laughter subsided, " I want you to recognize that the jar represents your life.  The golf balls are the important things - your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions-and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter, like your job, your house and your car.

The sand is everything else - the small stuff.  If you put the sand into the jar first, he continued, there is on room for the pebbles or the golf balls.  The same goes for life.  If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.  Play with your children.  Take time to get medical checkups.  Take your spouse or your best friend out to dinner.  Play another 18.  There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.  Take care of the golf balls first - the things that really matter.  Set your priorities.  The rest is just sand.

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.  The professor smiled.  " I'm glad you asked".  It just goes to show that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple cups of coffee with a friend.

Dawnmrn1

Deb Good Luck tomorrow with your positive attitude you will fly thru that surgery. You are in my thoughts and prayers!  If I lived closer I'd take you out for coffee, love the story!  Hugs, Dawn

sakura73

Good luck NYDeb - will be thinking of you. I love that mayonaise jar story.

Kim - good to see you back!

ChrisC433

Deb:  I'll be thinking about you...you are in my prayers!  All will go well and you will be the next giving advice on mast w/ reconstruction and how easy it is!  Good Luck...

5 days until the wedding..I am as excited as the bride.  And 5 days till the end of rads!!!

Chris

pickle

Deb: I am siitng here having my morning coffee and reading your post. Great story and I feel like I am having my coffee with you today. Best wishes and hugs are being sent your way. Good luck tomorrow and keep us posted.

Bwbly: Welcome back. So wonderful to hear from you and glad to hear that you are feeling better. Gosh...you have been through a lot. Keep well and keep checking in.. Hugs

Francine: Great news on your MRI. You must be so relieved. Look at all that hair! You look so good and you must be thrilled to leave your wig behind. Love the color. I am salt and pepper but I don't think it's long enough yet to color yet but you have given me hope that it will be soon.

Luv2sing: You are almost done rads....yeah! Sorry to hear about the burns. What do you mean about getting restaged? Thinking of you

Kim: The heart issue must have been a scare for you. Glad that all is ok and that they are being diligent in keeping an eye on it. I am sure you enjoyed having all your family home and celebrating 2 special occassions. Good luck this Sunday with the walk and I'll be thinking of you on my walk as well.

Chris: Nice way to celebrate the final rads will be going to a beautiful wedding. Enjoy the pre wedding week and all of its activities.

Hugs to all

Beth P

PattiB

Deb - Well Wishes and prayer to you tomorrow!!  Love that story and so true!

didle20Diane

Deb.....big hugs and prayers for a successful surgery and quick recovery! 

Diane

jdeking

Good luck today Deb!