**NEW** Starting Chemo March 2009

pickle

Francine: I hope you are feeling better today. It sounds like you have mad the best decision for yourself and hopefully this will finally give you peace of mind. How wqsthenshow? Did you have a nice lunch with DH?



Rachel: I am not really sure what happened but I guess if 5 people report a post then your post is deleted and then they put you on limited postings. It all seems rather silly. I am restricted to the number of posts I can make now. I am waiting for the moderators response because the post shouldn't have been deleted. No big deal becasue I don't usually post that many times a day anyway. Ha ha....funny thing, I was just notified that another one of my posts has been deleted. Someone is having fun at my expense. Glad this group has FB...just in case I get permanently

punted from here.

Hugs

Beth

crusader1

Hi friends.

Beth I had seen that group a while back. I was never quite sure what was going on..political stuff etc and read about the deletions so I just stopped going there. The book lovers are a good group to go ..The Rain( Beatles) play was enjoyable. Not the best yet a pleasant way to spend the day. The theater was right down the street form the Edison ..always brings back fond memories of you ladies.

I feel that I got so upset for a number of reasons..definitely because of what we all went through yet having a BS in India really didn't help and having non receptive office  workers to deal with made it all the more difficult..also the weekend. My DH and I both agreed that the radiologist sounded much more optimistic yesterday than last week. Well tuesday I will see the BS and the onco and schedule my surgery.

Today..in a few minutes I am meeting my BFF for high tea at a tea parlor . I had asked another women but cancelled her when I thought today would be the day I received the biopsy results and knew I could not be social at all.

Well thanks all of you for caring..

Hugs,

Francine

bethr

Hi All,

Well ladies, today I got my 'tat'..  The wonders of reconstruction will never cease to amaze me.  No I think I can become a biker babe if I want to... 

Francine - I'm glad you're enjoying yourself and saw Rain.  All of your frustrations were/are well warrented in my opinion. 

Beth - I don't know anything about your questionable posts, but I'm surprised.  If they kick you off, all I can say is they have no idea how much some of your insight during chemo benefitted us.  Maybe we can make the powers that be aware of that and it will balance out the score.

Well all, have a wonderful day!

Beth

pickle

Hi BethR

Congrats on the tat..how do you like it? I haven't had my nipple done yet and I'll wait until after dragon boat season before I make a decision. Was it painful?

Dragon boat training is going well. Still in the gym (3x week) We will start in the mock dragon boat mid April and then on the river in May. The spin classes are gruelling but they are so much fun. It's a tough workout but exhilerating.

Well I don't know what all the delete ruckus is about but I think I'll just stick to this thread...it appears to be a safer bet. You gals are all wonderful and I guess I shouldn't step outside my comfort zone.

I am not sure if I am still on limited posting...time will tell.



Thanks for the kind words.

Have a great day!

Hugs

Beth

crusader1

BethR...Congrats on the tattoo..yes did it hurt?Probably not as we have no sensation.. I was scheduled to get my nipple on the 31st of March but will put it on hold. I think at this point I would prefer getting a new breast and moving on from there..

BethP..I cannot imagine people thinking bad of you. You are such a sweetie..

I do feel so much better.

Hugs to all.

Francine

jdeking

Congrats on your tat... now we'll call you "Biker Beth" and we can call Pickle "Rebel Beth" as it seems like you stumbled into trouble on another thread!  (Kidding! )  I hope everything gets cleared up for you and you have the posting limitation lifted, that is just crazy! You are so sweet and supportive to everyone, I cannot imagine even one person trying to delete one of your posts!

Glad you are feeling better Francine. Sometimes just making the decision for surgery brings relief. At least now you will have peace of mind that there will not be anything else lurking in your breast.

How's the job going Dayla?

How are you feeling Rachel, having any nausea, etc?

How is the baby Tanasha?

How are ya Dawn and Patti, haven't seen you in awhile.

NIce to see you Raymon, and glad you're doing well!

Ok, hope I did not miss anyone - and hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!!!

pickle

Janine

Great to see you.

Ha ha on Biker Beth and Rebel Beth,,,,,,,that's hilarious!

All is well. My posts were reinstated and I am not banned. It seems there was a few of us that were targeted. Oh well over and done with



Francine:When do you go n your trip?



Ladies have a fabulous weekend

Hugs

Beth

bethr

Hi All,

In regards to the 'tat', yes Francine you're right, I didn't feel a thing.  I have no sensation in that breast at all.  The PA did perform a local because she said it would take care of any possible issues if pain did spread away from the area.  But I didn't feel the needle at all.  I haven't been able to get a good look at it yet.  I have to keep a bandage over it for 6 days to keep it moist.  This is to help the color to become stable.  But what I did see of it before the bandage was applied was pretty interesting to say the least.  It's a little pinker than my other one but the PA said they make it a little darker since it will fade with time and I'll probably need a touch up in 5 years or so.   Amazing!!!!!

So happy to see everyone and Spring is getting closer. 

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Beth

pickle

BethR:

That is amazing and encouraging! I forgot about the loss of sensation reducing or eliminating any pain. I am definitely going to check into the whole nip/tat after racing season.

Wishing everyone a great weekend too!

Our daylight savings time changes next weekend so I can't wait. It gets dark around 6:30 now. December it was dark at 4:30. Next week it will be 7:30....woohoo! It doesn't get fully dark in the summer until 11:00......I love it!

Hugs

Beth

crusader1

Hi Ladies,

I am honored to meet Biker Beth and Rebel Beth..LOL.

Our trip to Panama , a land tour begins on March 16th and we return March 23..Both my DH and I are looking forward to this..a little touring , nice hotels and beaches..What can be bad.

I have begun to tell friends about my adventure with the doctors, biopsy ,MRI's etc. Still gives me a headache. Tuesday I have appt's with both the oncologist and breast surgeon . I hope at that point to schedule the surgery..etc..

Tomorrow is my two year anniversary of my first chemo. Can we all believe it has been two years this March..

Yes next weekend we set our clocks ahead. It will get dark at about 7:45..Can't wait.

BethP ..glad you are back on track.

Have a great weekend..NYC looks like heavy rains most of the weekend.

Hugs

Francine

nasharayne

Hey ladies,

I can't believe my baby is six weeks already! Where has the time gone.  I'm still breastfeeding and I haven't had to supplement with formula for the last few weeks so, I'm very grateful for that.

I had my annual Mammo today and the doc says everything looks good but of course it's hard to see on the breast where I'm nursing.  Unfortunately I won't be able to get a clear one until next year when I stop.  It's such a scary situation especially being a little lumpy from nursing in general.  I just pray that everything is alright.

pickle

Tanasha...you are amazing! I am so thrilled for you that you have been able to keep breastfeeding and you sound so joyful about motherhood. As far as worrying about waiting until next year...take what you doc says "it looks good " and run with it. I know it is scary but don't rob yourself of the joy you have with your sweet baby today by worrying about next year. I have very dense breasts so a mamo is never a guarantee for me either but I am working overtime at not letting it rob me of today. I will keep you in my thoughts and send you the most positive vibes I can muster...once again you are amazing...beautiful...and you have been blessed with such a sweet baby.

 Francine: I feel it's appropriate to say congrats on your two year "Chemo-verrsary" Wow two years...we are all thankfully approaching that milestone. Keeping you in my thoughts and I hope you have a peaceful, stress free weekend. PS I hope your DH springs for a nice supper tomorrow in celebration of how far you have come...I'd go for spaghetti and meatballs in Times Square!!!

Big hugs and warm wishes

Beth P

crusader1

Tanasha..You are such an inspiration to all nursing your sweet Kennedy. Just think two years ago we were all about to start chemo. Now you are a young healthy mother. How great is that..Just keep enjoying your baby as they do grow so fast. Listen to your doctor and try not to worry. Give Kennedy a kiss from me.

BethP- I will talk to my DH about going someplace special. Probably not NYC..Our granddaughter may come over tomorrow. That is always a treat for me.

Let me tell all my story of my first chemo. The weatherman predicted 5 to 7 inches of snow on March 5th arriving right when we were to go to my chemo. I worried all day on Sunday ( not about the chemo) but about getting there. When we finally arrived at the oncologists office after tredging through the snow and  the slippery highways..there were two men in the office wearing SHORTS. Boy did we laugh..Better laughter than fear..

Hugs,

Francine

So enjoy your weekend once again.

ChrisC433

It's getting close to my 2 year mark as well.  I went on my pre-chemo cruise the first week in March.  Came back and started chemo on the 11th.  Time does fly and changes so much!

Francine....sorry to hear you are having another surgery.  You have been through so much and I was praying that this spot amounted to nothing and you could look forward to your tatoo!  You have to do what gives your peace of mind and if after every mammo you are told there is a suspicious spot...then having your breast removed will alieviate that frustration.  You are s smart, strong, knowledgable woman and have been an inspiration to us all.

Rebel Beth and Biker Beth....you two are too funny!!  

Tanasha...great to hear all is going well with Kennedy.  I am so glad that breast feeding has worked out well for you.  I hated to think this nasty disease was going to keep you from taking care of your child in the way you chose.  Kisses and hugs for that little one from me!

Doesn't look like I will be traveling on a cruise this Spring....first time in 6 years!  With all the snow make up days, I have lost my vacation window!  Doesn't keep me from looking though!

I go for my blood work this week, get my mammo next week, and then see BS.  I don't get anxious until after the blood is drawn...then I start the "what if's"....just something I need to get used to.

Take care all....I hope the coming of Spring and Daylight savings puts a smile on all your faces!

PattiB

I am 3/11 chemoversary too!  So hard to believe that 2 years have flown by.

Congrats Tanasha on motherhood.  It is a great thing, and so much more appreciated when you have had any past obstacles that were overcome to get to such a wonderful place.  Continued best wishes to your family.

Francine & Beth - have fun on your upcoming trips.

JDK - I check in and read a couple times a week, but don't post too often.  Too busy at work, and tired of the computer by the time I'm home.  Thank you for checking.

malleme

I can't believe it's been two years. 

 I hope everyone doing great.

Francine I'm am praying for you...I had seen the notes and knew something was up.  I'm happy that your taking control yourself.  Drs can be valuable but really it's God who in charge.  Our job is to life live. 

I had a Pet/Cat scan 2 weeks ago due to my CEA marker going from 5 to 11.  They didn't see anything other than an endometrial strip on my left side.  My Dr is concerned the cancer is back but just not at a detectable level? I had bleeding in Jan followed by biopsy and ultrasound.by gyn Is anyone experiencing any of this.  The other possible reason she said could be the Tamofin-I take the Farestin-(tamofine) is causing endometrial thickening. 

Do they do anything for this?

Oh and who's goining on that Breast Cancer Cruise by Carnival.

crusader1

Hi Ladies,

A very good friend for many, many years just called to tell me she felt a lump in her breast and had a biopsy yesterday. I told her that this is the worst part of all. The waiting game..I also told her that she must take it one step at a time.. I will be honest talking with her made me upset..I guess because I am too going through something at this time made it all worse.

I told her I will be with her all the way through..

Hugs,

Francine

crusader1

Hi,

I just realized that I had started my chemo on the 2cd of March not on the 5th. A little chemo brain maybe or am I just moving on..( not that the date is so important)

Hugs,

Francine

pickle

Hello ladies

I started my chemo March 31. I believe Rachel and I started at the same time.

Chris: It is unnerving to get tests done so I understand how you feel. Good luck with your upcoming mammo. Too bad about your spring cruise...summer holidays will be here before you know it!



Patti: Nice seeing you pop by!



Malleme: Nice to see u too! Sorry to hear that your doctor has concerns. What are they doing for you? Are they doing further testing? I have heard thattamoxifen can cause uterine problems so it
would be good to have your gyn keep on top of it. There is a thread on here somewhere about tamoxifen and uterine issues. Please check.

I am not going on the cruise...are you? it sounds like a marvellous trip though!



Francine: So sorry to hear about your friends circumstance. I can understand that it must have been difficult talking to her about it because you are in the middle of your own stuff right now. You have had a lot of stress in the last little while but I know you will be a great support for your friend
just like you have been so wonderful to all of us here. Just gotta get through your own crap first. I hope eveything goes well for you at the BS Tuesday.

Did DH take you out for dinner? You know me....I'm a total Foodie..so I love hearing about restaurants and I am recipe-aholic. So if anyone has some great recipes to share, I would love to have them.



Hugs

BethP
EDITED To Add: GINA...thank you for getting this started for all of us 2 years ago. It has been a tremendous thread and I am so grateful that you started it.

Alyad

Hi Everyone, I just got back from my out of town 4 week job day before last- it went well- I am off two weeks and then I go back for 4 more weeks. I missed DH horribly, but I made good money and there is a chance of them hiring me for hourly work and giving me benefits- so I would just do the field work for them and have good chunks of time off- I would love love love this.

Francine, hang in there, I am so sorry you are going through this anxiety.

how is everyone else doing?

pickle

Hi Dayla

Glad you are back home for a couple of weeks. I hope you get the benefits and hourly. Good luck

Hugs

Beth

crusader1

Hi Ladies,

Nice to hear from you Dayla. Glad things are looking up for you and the DH..

BethP..you say such sweet things especially about our group. I too cherish being a part of a group with such lovely caring women. My DH took me out to a Greek restaurant which we both love. Great food and nice wine too. Good recipes I really can't offer..I am not a great cook..creative I am but not great..

I am a little nervous about what the MD's will say tomorrow. Whatever I am going to have another mastectomy..I think just not knowing is the worst. I got a letter today saying my mammogram was suspicious yet the radiologist said it was the same as last year. What does that mean?

I am anxious to call my friend and find out about her  biopsy. I do hope I can aleve some of her fears and give her some comfort...

Talk to all tomorrow.

Hugs,

Francine

pickle

Francine: Greek food and wine sound great to me. I love to cook and so does my DH. Last night he made loster mac n' cheese with 4 kinds of cheese...so delicious. Not something I would eat very often because it's high calorie stuff but it was a wonderful treat. The kids are popping by for leftovers today. We all love seafood!

I hope your friend's biopsy turns out to be B9 but I know that if it's not good news, you will be a tremendous source of knowledge and comfort for her. As we all know, there is so much information to navigate through.

Was the report your mammo or MRI? I guess you could summize that the MRI was suspicious and that's why they wanted to biopsy but suspicious findings are not conclusive of anything yet. I know you must be nervous about another mastectomy and you are so right that the waiting is so hard. I will be thinking of you and waiting for your update after your appointment.

Hang in there Francine

Big hugs

Beth

crusader1

Hi Beth,

My friends tumor was positive..she will see a BS this Wednesday...She is "lucky" that her DIL's father is a retired oncologist who lives near her. At least she wont be lost in what is going on..I will be there for her too..of course.

I got the letter about the suspicious MRI last week. Today I got the letter about the mammo..strange as she said it was the same as last year..

Can't wait till tomorrow. I am not nervous about the mastectomy..I just want tomorrow to come to hear exactly what is happening. This waiting is driving me nuts..

Once again when am I coming for leftovers?

Hugs,

Francine

pickle

Awww Francine..sorry to hear of your friend's diagnosis. That is good about the oncologist that she knows.

Well tomorrow you will get some answers and you'll be able to discuss your mammo and mri findings with your BS.

You can come for leftovers anytime...heck I won't feed you leftovers...we'll cook you a lovely dinner!

Hope you sleep ok tonight

Hugs

Beth

bethr

Hi All,

Francine - so sorry to hear about your friend.  I agree with BethP, she's lucky to have you there.  I know you'll be a wonderful comfort to her.  And I'm glad to hear she's got someone in the oncology field she can talk to.  That would have been nice to have.  And good luck to you today!

Alyad - I'm very happy to hear your job's going well and your enjoying time with your husband.  In know it's hard, but I'm extremely envious of your 2 weeks off.

Tanasha - So happy to hear your stories about the baby.  It's wonderful! wonderful! wonderful!

Well, I've joined the DC Dragons' dragon boat racing team thanks to the inspiring notes by BethP and Patti.  We had a little workout this past Saturday and apparently, until the first practice with the boat, everyone works out on their own which I though was kind of odd.  I expected some kind of weekly thing but this being DC, I guess it's easier for everyone this way with traffic and schedules.  The first event is the DC Dragon Boat festival on May 21 and I'm looking forward to it.  I stayed at the boathouse after our workout and watched other rowing teams on the river for a while.  Rowing is such a beautiful sport to watch.  All the women on the team so far are great and I think it's going to be alot of fun. 

All - I hope you all have a great day!

Beth

pickle

Hey Beth. That's awesone. Now we are dragon boat sisters!.

Ahoy!

Hugs

Rebel Beth

crusader1

Hi,

Just returned home from the BS. The BS really feels that there is no cancer. But I convinced her to give me another biopsy under ultrasound this Friday at the hospital .The reason is to hopefully rule out cancer which she doesn't believe is there. ..Then we will schedule a prophylactic mastectomy..This biopsy is important to me because during the surgery the nodes will not be touched..No sentinel node biopsy....I am comfortable with the decision. I also saw my oncologist  today and she felt the mastectomy was not a bad idea given that my breast is  so dense after being lifted a few times.. 

My DH and I are going to Panama on the 16th for a week. When we return I will schedule the surgery..

BethP..someday I will definitely come to dinner..

Hugs,

Francine

pickle

Oh Francine, that is good news from the BS surgeon and I am glad you still insisted on the biopsy. Will they be able to reach the area easier via ultrasound than what they could do with MRI. Will you have the biopsy results before you leave for Panama? I'm sorry it's stlil a bit of waiting for you but this sounds like encouraging news.

My door is always open! 

Hugs

Beth P 

crusader1

Beth..The BS feels that she can reach it as one is done with your breasts down and the other is done with your breasts up.Does that make sense? .She feels that with a "little poking around" she will get it . I should have the biopsy by the day before we go to Panama by the latest. Yes Friday is never the optimal day but beggars can't be choosers. That's the day she goes to the hospital to do this stuff..

Thanks again for caring..

HUgs,

Francine