**NEW** Starting Chemo March 2009

PattiB

Francine - So lucky you are able to travel so much.  Have a great anniversary trip, sounds wonderful.

Beth - Love your profile picture on FB.  Your son is very handsome and I'm guessing that is your daughter too.  So glad everyone is safe.  Crazy weather we are having this summer. 

CC - More well wishes for your nephrew!

crusader1

Hi ladies,

Been so quiet lately. How great is that.

Tonight begins the Jewish New Year. No computer for us for three days.

To all the ladies back at work have good school year. And for those of you looking for work ..best of luck to you.

Hugs,

Francine

7timewinner

Hello everyone!

L'shanah tovah, Francine!

I had my annual mammo and ultrasound today--all clear! And of course, I thought of everyone here! I have not been posting or reading much here, but I sure hope everyone is well and thriving.

Blessings,

Nadine

ChrisC433

Just got a call from my doc....my 6 month MRI is all clear!  I get my 3 month blood work next week and then should be good for awhile.

I feel like celebrating, but I lost a friend to liver cancer and will be attending his services tonight.  Makes me realize how lucky I am and not to take ANYTHING for granted.

Love to all...

Chris

P.S.  Francine, we are celebrating our 25th on Sept. 28th...I only wish I could afford to celebrate your way!!  Enjoy....

pickle

Francine: Happy New Year! Enjoy

Nadine: Glad you have a clean bill of health. You look marvellous

Chris: The "all clear" Wonderul news. Congrats. Sorry about your friend and yes it's a reminder to all of us to count our blessings.

Christy: Congrats on the end of your nephew's chemo. I will keep sending well wishes to Gavin and his family.

Hugs to all

Beth P

PattiB

Congrats to all who have the "all clear". 

Francine - Enjoy a very quiet holiday with no internet.  Sometimes I think we should all turn off our computers, cells, etc. for a couple of days.

bethr

Hi All,

Just popped in to say hello..  Chris and Nadine, congrats on the 'all clear' results. 

I'm on my to California for work on Monday for about 6 weeks.  I just found out yesterday.  Well, at least I have a job, Thank God. 

 I'm getting my hair cut and colored today, 2nd time since chemo.  It's still too short for my liking and seems to be taking forever to grow.  Honestly, it used to grow like a weed!  WTF!  And I simply hate it.  Here's hoping the cut today makes me feel better about it.

 I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Beth

crusader1

Hi Ladies,

Today is exactly two years since my diagnosis. Another date we try to forget. I have been through a lot but I do believe this experience has made me a stronger woman. The 22cd is my ninth and final surgery (n a revision)..It's funy two years ago the thought of going to the hospital would have terrorized me now it is no big deal.

We all know that all this stuff is fluff and we are doing good.. No more BC.

Chris..great news about your MRI. Congrats on your anniversary. I know your good health means so much to you and your family. Some day you will be as "old" as me and be retired and have the time and funds to travel. So sorry to hear about your friend..

Bethr..Six weeks in california sounds pretty good to me . Enjoy. Hope you qre satisfied with your new hair.

My Jewish New year involved eating just too much food.

This week I have four doctors appts.in two days.  PS, Onco, next day Pre Op physical and then gastro for colonoscopy. Busy week.

Nadine..nice to hear  from you.

Beth..hope all is well with you.

Hugs to all,

Francine

pickle

Francine: Two years! Embrace it as a milestone. I hope to mark every anniversary with some good cheer and good thoughts even though there will always be a somber rememberance of the diagnosis day. We have so much to be thankful for. I agree....I am a stronger woman too...I don't put up with a lot of nonsense and have discovered my "voice". I speak my mind more. At the same time I think I am much more compassionate to those that have struggles. Hope you enjoyed the food and celebaration of the New Year. Sounds like you have a busy week ahead...keep us posted.

BethR....California Dreaming! Enjoy!. How was your haircut and color?....for me...it always rejuvinates me.Although I still miss my old hair sometimes, I am grateful to have hair now.

I has a quiet weekend. Not much going on...kind of nice really!

Hugs to all

Beth P

ChrisC433

California...I am so jealous.  Let me know if you need an assistant!!

Francine:  2 years and counting...just think, one day we will be saying 20 years!!  My surgery was in July 09, so technically I am only a little of a year out....but I am coming up on my one year anniversary of being done with treatment (10/2 was last radiation)! 

Beth:  You are so right.  I have definitely been changed by this whole ordeal.  I am more compassionate toward others, but don't let myself whine.  I am much stronger and know that I can tackle what comes my way.  I've also developed a closer relationship with God...I don't know what his plans are for me, but I know he will give me the strength and grace to move forward.

Anyone interested in a quick cruise over Thanksgiving break?  Ship sails Friday and comes back on Monday.  Works great for those teaching and most others only need 1 day vacation.  Let me know and I will start looking into it.  I went 2 years ago and the price got down to $115/person plus airfair.  It was a real fun getaway!

I am also keeping my hair short right now.  Tried growing it out and got sick of the inbetween stage.  My hair was growing horizontally...sticking straight out from my ears!  This isn't the look I want forever, but I like it for now.  Maybe as time goes on the curls will give up!

Have a great day!

Chris

bethr

Hi All,

 Well, here I am in Sunny California.  I'm beat..  my flight was 6 am this morning.  ugh!!

I am much happier with my new hair...  It's been colored to match my original hair color (before going grey) and some nice subtle highlites.  I am much happier with it.  I'm still hoping for faster growth, but think I can deal with it a little better now.  I'm hoping to get together with a dear old friend I found on facebook who lives here, so hopefully, I can get a current pic posted.

 Last Friday night I watched Stand up 2 Cancer and donated a nice amount.  I wanted to dedicate the donation to all of you but when I chose to dedicate it, I was prompted for an email address, then I had a brain fart and couldn't figure out what to do....  deep sigh...  So, I didn't specify but you were all in my heart when I made the donation.  I'm so impressed with all the advances.  I hope this work keeps going...  and going...  and going....

Have a great night ladies!

Beth

crusader1

Hi Ladies,

Off to the doctors tomorrow.

Beth..Glad you seem more pleased with your hair. What part of California are you in?

Chris..Your thoughts are also so meaningful.

I happen to love my new hair. Definitely better than the old stuff. No frizzez at all. New color too. I get lots of complimenst and it is maintenance free..wash and wear.

Have a good week.

Hugs,

Francine

You wrote such nice things about us and the dedication you were to make for us. How sweet and how moving it was to hear your feelings. I know we all gained so much from talking on this board..and meeting each other to give support and just to listen.

pickle

Hi Ladies

Beth R: glad you like your hair. Hope you are enjoying California. Thanks for thinking of all of us when you donated to SU2C.

Francine: Hope you are doing well. I guess you will be heading for your FINAL surgery next week. So nice that you will be DONE!. Yeah!

All: Just had to post this...it's really so unbelievable. I am still shocked as I had no idea that this was even possible.

Unbelievable...article in the Globe & Mail. This is not the Enquirer or some rag magazine article. It's one of Canada's top newspapers. Shocking...This is why we have to find a cure for Breast Cancer...

 http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/four-year-old-battles-breast-cancer/article1704895/

This little angel participated in a BC fundraising event in Toronto after having a mastectomy. Yes....a four year old had a mastectomy.....We need to push forward and keep raising $$$ for a cure. October is Breast Cancer month and  I know some people are sick of PINK but it is highly recognized around the world and it does bring in donations. Wear a ribbon, t-shirt whatever it takes to get people's attention so we can prevent this from happening to our children/grandchildren.

Big Hugs to all

Beth P

ChrisC433

That is just so sad.  I can't believe these young girls loosing their breasts (or hating what they have done to them) before they can even appreciate them!

A pray for a cure....

Donations are necessary in order to fund the trials and testing that needs to happen to find that cure.  October is pink month!!!

crusader1

Hi All,

BethP...what a disturbing article .It does seem like her prognosis is good. She must be a very brave little girl.

Yes Chris..October is pink month. Yes we should all do something to try to put an end to this disease.

Well four doctors in two days. Done till my surgery next week. Beth..thks for the good wishes.

Hugs,

Francine

Alyad

I have to say I am kind of dreading pink month. Last year I tried to embrace it (as much as a non-joiner like myself could)- did the Making Strides walk, even wore pink for it. But much like I deplore the commericialization of Christmas- I wonder how much of all those prodcuts who say they are giving money to breast cancer research are really giving- and I just hate how commercial it is- look breast cancer batteries, paper towels, applesauce-EVERYTHING! it all seems like a ploy to me. That and the general public seems to think getting mammos can prevent bc somehow.

On the other hand - the whole pink ribbon thing has been tremendously sucessful in doing what it set out to do- increase awareness of bc. When I felt that lump, I sure did not dismiss it even though I was unaware at the time of the strong family history of BC I had. I called the doc the next day.

But I want to get one of those tshirts that says F*ck Awareness- Find a Cure! and then stay out of the stores until after Halloween so I don't have to see all the pink ribbons!

crusader1

Dayla,

Interesting thoughts. I have never been a fan of wearing pink or the ribbon stuff. I do love your tshirt..Can I get one too?

I also agree with you that so many say they give to BC but exactly what do they give. probably a very small percentage. I had been using a pot scrubber that was pink. How absurb?

I am now thinking about what I will do during October. Should I participate or not?

Hugs,

Francine

pickle

Dayla: I too deplore the commercialization of Christmas and yes I am sure there are some companies that maybe promote product for their own benefit and only small morsels go to the cause. On the other hand...small morsels may pave the way for a cure. I am personally  looking forward to Pink Month because, although I hate pink, I look at the bigger picture and all that it represents in dollars to finding the cure. I'll participate in the run for the cure and wear my pink survivor shirt in hopes of raising a few extra $$$. I understand...fuck awareness...find a cure...but without awareness some of us my have dismissed the signs that BC was looming in our lives. Being aware of the signs to watch for may have saved a great number of lives already. We need more money for research and development. New Drugs, better treatments and most importantly a cure...maybe a vaccine. Like the HPV vaccine. HPV causes cervical cancer but now young gals can get vaccinated for it. The up and coming generation of young women may wipe out cervical cancer. Next up BC! Wouldn't that be wonderful and even of we have to tolerate the Pink Ribbons etc for a while longer...it certainly will be worth it.

Francine: In my humble opinion, you should participate any way that you can. You have a great personality, a great family and a  huge circle of friends to help support you. October is BC month and I know that BC is a thorn in our sides but like I said before...big picture. You have so much to contribute...it would be a shame to not participate.

Hugs to all

Beth P

ChrisC433

Ladies...I also look at what has already been done.  Maybe I am alive and cancer free because others wore pink, raised money, and brought cancer research to the forefront.  Research and treatment have come a long way...I plan to continue aiding the fight!  Not a pink fan...but when people see it, they start thinking!

crusader1

Hi Ladies,

Good thoughts ...... Chris and Beth. I will think hard about what I will do in October. The things both of you said do make much sense.

My mind has been on my upcoming surgery. I am not anxious but just want to get it over.

Tonight begins Yom Kippur in the Jewish faith. It is the holiest day of the year. My husband and I will fast for 24 hours. Not looking forward to it but will manage.

Will write next week. Have a pleasant weekend.

Hugs,

Francine

pickle

Francine: Enjoy your weekend and Yom Kippur.

Hugs

Beth

PattiB

Francine enjoy your holiday and good luck with all your appointments and yet another surgery.

We all have our own ways of contributing to the BC and Cancer causes, and I respect all of your views.  I do agree Chris that there were definitely BC  Pink warriors ahead of us, that paved the way for the Dr.'s to have more knowledge about our various treatments and surgical options.  I now do what I can to support the BC causes and also the ACS for their contributions to all types of cancer.

Have a great weekend.

ChrisC433

Enjoy your holiday, Francine.

I will eat a little extra just for you!! 

Chris

crusader1

Hi Ladies,

Well we fasted for 24 hours. Not an enjoyable thing but something we both do each year. We are not that religious at all. But each year we do fast. One also lights candles for deceased relatives. Unfortunately we lit 6..two for each set of our parents and one for my brother( died a little over two years ago from pancreatic cancer) and the other one for  my nephew(who died this spring) .  

Yes Wednesday is my surgery. I can't wait of it to be over.

Have an enjoyable week.

Hugs,

Francine

bethr

Hi All,

 I hope you're all well. 

 Francine - I wish you the best of luck with your surgery.  And congrats on the successful fasting.  I'm kind of the same with my religion.  I was raised Catholic and rarely practice.  But I do try to observe Lent. 

All - I can understand the concerns about commercialism when it comes to BC awareness.  That thought is usually in the back of my mind for that and various other things.  But my one consolation is every little bit helps in the long run. 

I hope you all have a great day!

 Beth

ChrisC433

Good luck with your surgery, Francine!  I'm praying your Ta-Ta's are just perfect at the end of this journey!  Got to tell you...God found that prayer interesting!

 Chris

Alyad

Good luck with your final surgery Francine! Its been such a long reconstruction road for you. How many surgeries is this again? I remember it was a high number and it made me think "How many have I had?" the one big one  TRAM(10 hours) and four smaller ones (tissue necrosis,port install, port removal, hip scar revision). So I guess I am having number 6 thursday- also hopefully my last. The PS said 2 hours to do some lipo for volume reduction, reduce skin island, nipple and port scar revision. I don't think I ever thought I'd be looking forward to having surgery, but I am !

I am also really looking forward to seeing Christy and Helen (gram of 3- Febuary Furies) tomorrow  for dinner! I will try to post a pic.

ChrisC433

Good luck to you, too, Dayla!!

crusader1

Hi Ladies,

Dayla..good luck to you on your final surgery on Thursday too.I can understand how you feel about getting it over.Sounds like fun seeing Christy and the other friend. BTW How are you feeling. This will be my ninth surgery. Not all big ones but 6 under general and two less anesthetic.

Ladies..Dayla and  I are  connected with a women in Costa Rica who is looking for chemo stuff..wigs etc for BC patients there. Any ladies here who still have wigs etc and are interested I will post info. I have not touched my wigs, hats etc since last summer. Time to get rid of them.

I must say I am a little nervous as at this point have not heard from the PS office or the hospital. Can't wait for tomorrow to come and especially for Wednesday.

Thanks for all of your good wishes. Your continual support means so much to me.

Hugs,

Francine

reeney77

haven't posted in a while but was wondering if anyone's feeling the way i am right now. i'm getting angry that i have to life this life full of interruptions from the aftereffects of cancer. can't stand how everyone else gets to live a carefree life while i'm dealing with the fear of recurrence, joint pain, hot flashes, and a short temper. why am i feeling this now over a year after treatment ended? what gets me the most are all the women having their second babies while my family plans are on hold indefinitely.

i know, i know... i should be grateful that i had the opportunity to have one child. and yes, i'm grateful i'm alive and all that. just wish i could go back to the person i was before.