Starting Chemo April 2009
Comments
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Thank you all for your kind words; well she started this morning, about 1.5 hours ago, I will talk to my brother in law when she is done. Then it will be one down and three to go. We are all keeping our eyes on the calendar. My kids keep on asking if I have heard from her yet - she is in all of our thoughts. It is very different for me this time, having been through it myself, I know just how difficult it can be. I will let you know how she is getting on, and thank you all again for all your support.
Amy, so happy the weekend was a success! We look forward to hearing more about it.
Helen, how are you feeling?
Geri, October 12th really is not far away - very exciting! Hope you are enjoying the preparations.
Sending love to you all, hugs Judy x
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Judy, hugs to you and your sister. I know what memories this dredges up for you as well, it sends me into shakes every time I get near the infusion suite, and it is truly difficult watching a loved one go through the same thing you did. Prayers to her and to you that she will have an easy time of it, and that this treatment course will do the trick for her!
Road 10+ miles, over 2 hours, last night on a very challenging mountain bike course through mud, dirt, pouring rain (twice) and almost endo-ing backwards down a hill (got a bit cocky). But I perservered and kept going. My Marine friend gave me an honorary HooYah! I am working hard at being "better!"
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Michele - your profile pic is BEAUTIFUL. And HooYah from all of us as well. That sounds amazing (just be careful!).
Judy - this IS so hard to watch (both for you and your family), having been through it. I wonder if there have been advances that you will notice, since our good old days back in 2009. Let us know if you hear of any from her. Do you know what regimen she is on? I hope by the next time you post, you will have heard from her husband and she is home resting. And then you can say 'only three more to go.'
Does she use this website for support? I found it SO helpful back when we were going through it. (Still do, of course, but you know what I mean.)
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Hi ladies, thanks so much for your posts and support. It went ok for her yesterday and this morning, she says that she is still feeling ok; I hope that continues. She told me she is having Docetaxel (taxotere) and Cyclophosphamide (sounds so horrible!). I did not have either of these. She is having the neulasta shot today though, she didn't have that last time...
But on to cheerier things now! Michele, very impressed with the bike ride! Good for you!
Amy, are you going to see Ruby today for your weekly visit?
Helen, how is your recovery coming along?
We are celebrating 20 years of marriage tomorrow, and having dinner out tonight to celebrate! We had hoped to get away, but weren't sure about my visit to the UK so we didn't book anything. Also, my husband is a teacher, so he couldn't get away in the first week back at school. We hope to take a break after my surgery. 20 years seems such a long time! I don't feel old enough to be married for 20 years...
Sending all of you big hugs, don't know what I would do without you, Judy xxx
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Geri, enjoy the wedding preparations. It goes by so quickly.
Well I have just hit the 2 week mark and I can say that I'm getting better. This was a tough surgery, no doubt about it. And recovery will be slow but it's coming. I'm glad I did it. That is the main thing.
Michele, an impressive ride. Good for you!
Judy, I was on that exact same protocol. It was a little easier than the FEC which I had been on for my first bc. And I took Claritin with the Neulasta shot and it did help with the pain. -
Helen good to hear from you and that you are getting better
. Thanks for the heads up about the protocol; today she is feeling tired but still ok, I am so relieved, I hope it stays that way...I feel like I am going through it with her.We had a lovely anniversary dinner last night and have had lots of good wishes today, so nice...
Hope you all have a good weekend, hugs to you all, Judy xxx
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Hi all! Life has been anything but mellow for this duck! My MIL passed away on Aug 17 after a horrible last two months. She had Alzheimer's and it was not a pretty or nice process. We are all relieved that she is gone. We are having a wake at our house on Sept 21. The next weekend is my annual sisters weekend. We are going to Spokane because that is where my younger sister with Alzheimer's lives. I am praying that she won't experience the same process as my MIL but I think it's a pipe dream. It's a nasty disease.
Helen I'm glad you are beginning to feel better and like others have said that the surgery is behind you. Sending you healing thoughts.
Judy...I bet it is very difficult for you to watch your sister go though this process. But for her you are an inspiration and I know you will be a comfort to her even if you are not physically at her side. I hope you get to go to London soon.
Titan...let the games begin! Go Ducks. OSU is ranked #2 right? UO is #3 looks like it will be another good year of football!
Geri I'm sure you are excited about the upcoming wedding, have you gotten a dress yet?
Michelle ..I am happy to hear you are losing weight after stopping tamoxifen. I have one more year and I've gained 20 lbs too and feel awful. So there is hope!!
I hope everyone is enjoying the summer. Hi to Amy and Flo...and anyone else that I might have missed. Hugs to all.
Betsy -
Betsy, I was very sorry to read about your MIL. It is so hard to lose a loved one and to watch them go through a disease like that. I send my thoughts and prayers to your family. (((hugs)))
It is good that you have your sisters' weekend planned, these moments are precious, cherish them all.
Thank you for your kind words about my sister; She was an inspiration to me when I had BC and now we have changed roles; she needs support and someone to just listen whilst she vents, and that is what I find myself doing alot of the time, which is just fine. Whatever she needs is fine with me. I remember when I was sick, I just wanted people to let me be me and let me deal with it however I wanted to, so that is what I am trying to do for her. I think about her most of the day every day and stay in touch constantly. I do hope to see her soon.
Florbo, how are you doing? Hope all is well.
Helen, how are you feeling this weekend?
We are gearing up for the Jewish New Year this week; lots of eating and drinking on the way! (if I actually ever start cooking that is...
)Hope you are all having a great Sunday, hugs to you all, Judy x
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Betsy, so sorry about your MIL. If someone found a cure for breast cancer, there are still many diseases that need cures.
Shana Tova, Judy. This year my kids are taking over the hosting as it would be too difficult for me this year. I definitely feel better but I still have 1 drain and one particular area that doesn't seem to be healing. -
And a Shana Tova to you too Helen!
I hope this year brings everyone good health, happiness and peace for us all!
Hugs to you all, Judy x
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Had a lovely 'RubyDay' yesterday. She is getting bigger every week that I see her. Definitely laughing now. It is a great joy to me. I babysat while my daugher and SIL went out to lunch after she attended a meeting. She has resigned her job and is starting a little boutique agency helping small businesses with social media and marketing. She has 2 clients already and was meeting with one yesterday. So Ruby slept the whole time, and they had a nice lunch and came home very happy. I felt very Grandma-like. I am getting the hang of this!
Going to Nashville tomorrow for a big work event. It is actually a huge honor that I have been invited to attend this Power Summit for my industry. The usual stresses packing and preparing, but I am really excited overall.
Can't BELIEVE it is September. The summer flew! We have a trip planned to Yosemite in late Oct, so rather than having a summer vacation that is done already, I still have that to anticipate.
Helen - I hope you getting better day by day. I think of you often. I hope this new year is a happy and healthy one with NO MORE medical stuff. You have had enough. (or if you need revisions on the reconstruction, may they be quick and easy).
Judy - how is your sister?
Love to all - Amy
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I am feeling stronger every day but after 3 weeks, still have one stubborn drain and still having healing issues. I have been told that the difficulties might be a result of radiated skin. I see the PS on Monday and hope to get more info then. In the meantime, I still have home care nurse every day.
Amy, enjoy your trip to Nashville. I know what you mean about the baby. I can't get enough of mine either.
Judy, how are you doing? Any news from your sister? -
Hi ladies, hope you are all doing well.
Had a lovely New Year with the family and friends! Lots of food and drink and relaxation. Back at work today, not sure why I am so tired
!Amy, so happy your are enjoying Ruby! Hope the trip to Nashville goes well. We visited Yosemite when we were in the US; it was one of the most stunning sites I had ever seen.
Helen, good to hear that you are feeling stronger, please let us know how the appointment goes with the PS on Monday.
My sister seems to be doing ok. She doesn't feel completely well, but she is managing to function most of the time. Thank you all for asking and for your support.
I have an appt with my PS this Thursday; last one before the surgery. Am starting to get a little nervous now...
Will come by again soon, hugs to you all, Judy x
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Hello Ladies! I've been away for awhile and kind of needed a break from breast cancer. I think what set me off was seeing all the displays of "Pink-tober" stuff at the stores. I just can't stand all that anymore.
Anyway, we had a nice road trip. The $$$$$ we spent on the room over-looking the Gateway Arch was worth it. We all had a good time. I wish the weather wasn't so hot and humid. On the way to Memphis, my MIL called to tell us that our 14.5 year old dog, Kirby, passed away. We knew there would be a day when he wouldn't be with us anymore, but it is still shocking when it happened. He passed away quickly and with my in-laws who loved him a lot. He always loves going to my in-laws. So, that was a source of comfort. We had long discussions (because it was a 4 hour drive to our destination) on what we wanted to do with his body. The boys wanted to see Kirby before we had him cremated. My dear MIL, washed and prepped Kirby and wrapped him in towels and trash bags. Then kept him in a iced cooler for 3 days until we got home. She changed out the ice twice a day to made sure he would be fine. We got home late and went over to pick him up right away. It was a touching scene saying goodbye to our first baby. My hubby and I got Kirby when we were married 1 year. The kids want another dog, but I'm not ready. The last 3 years has been hard takin care of Kirby since he was diabetic and on insulin shots twice a day with constant blood sugar checks. In some ways, life is simpler now. I don't feel like I'm rushing home to check on him or having to get a sitter to give him his shots if we are not home.
My kids also started back at school. The older one is in middle school which is a big adjustment for him and for me. There are so many changes that I'm trying to get used to. I told hubby after the first week of school felt like it was 15 days long.
I had a CT scan last Thursday and that was clear of metastatic disease. Yay! It showed that I have a kidney cyst that is most likely benign and congenital. I also have a bunch of little kidney stones most likely from the meds and from all the calcium I'm told to take. And on top of all that, while I was doing my CT, my period came. I have been in menopasue according to my labs. Now this means I will have my ovaries taken out or maybe have a hysterectomy. I see the MO tomorrow before my Herceptin. Anyway, prayers for wisdom needed.
Helen--how is our recovery going?
Chelev--I want to be able to mountain bike like you. I'm still all about concrete and easy trails. Maybe when the weather here is finally below 95F, I will be able to push myself harder.
Judy--How is your sister? I also did Taxotere but with Cytoxan the first time. It was much easier than the FEC this time. The Claritin helped so much with the Neulasta pain. I took Claritin for about 5 days with the shot.
Amy--Ruby is a doll!
Have a good night. I'm off to bed.
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Florbo, good to hear from you and also good news about your test results. Benign results are always a cause to celebrate. Very sad about your dog. But I do understand what you mean about not getting another one right away. We lost our dog a few years ago and I decided I did not want to take on the responsibility again.
Healing is still problematic. I saw the PS again yesterday and she is going to try one more thing. If there is no dramatic improvement, then she will have to do a revision sooner rather than later. I really am not looking forward to another surgery so quickly. -
Hi ladies, just popping in today, moved house on Monday, had to come into work today and stress levels are rather high
Florbo, great news on the CT results! Very sorry to hear about your dog; sounds like you have a very special MIL...
My sister seems to be ok, her hair is falling out this week, makes me sad...she appears to be coping with it very well though.
Helen, sorry that you are still having healing issues, sending (((hugs))).
Hope everyone is doing ok, I will come by again when things are not quite so manic.
Hugs to you all, Judy x
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Florbo, first off, my deepest condolences on the loss of your baby. I understand completely - my husband and I lost our cocker spaniel when she was 15 years old and just so old and ill, and it was very very hard and we did not want another dog for a long time until our pekingese came into our lives unexpectedly and I swear I see the cocker's special look in her eyes every now and then. She has been with us for 6 years and we love her dearly. They really are part of our lives and hearts.
I understand about the heat and humidity, it is pushing over 90 most days here in Florida, with humidity to match. Ugh. I was content with road riding during my treatment and it took me several years to build up the stamina again to be able to get back on the trails - you are doing so well with your treatments, you will get there. I am so happy your scans are clear!!! As I push closer towards the 5 year mark, and am off meds, it is almost like I am on a very tall mountain trail, with a deep dark ravine on one side (bc) and a difficult but doable trail on the other (life after bc) and while I occasionally look down in the ravine, I push on further and further up the trail, towards the top and new horizons. That is how I am looking at the 5 year milestone. I am working out almost daily, have changed my diet now that I am off tamoxifen, and am seeing results. I actually have a much flatter tummy and my face and neck have thinned out and I feel great. It's hard work trying to get the to the top, but I will do it!
Helen, glad you are healing, albeit slowly and with some issues - gentle hugs to you.
Judy, glad your sister is coping during her treatment - I know it is unnerving to have her going through it, and it is so close to home for you. Prayers to you and her.
September 11 - I am a bit somber today remembering that terrible day - and those who died - I knew a few fire fighters who were in the towers who didn't make it - and being originally from NY and my grandfather building those towers, it is a devastating blow, even 12 years later. I still look over when flying into NY and the skyline just isn't right.
Hugs to all of you.
Michele
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Hi all,
I can't sleep...not sure why and was thinking of all of you so I thought I'd drop in. Sort of reminds me of my insomniac posts while on chemo. You guys were always there for me.
Hope all is well with everyone.
Hugs
Betsy -
Michele, I loved your analogy, I have no doubt that you will get to the top.
Helen, how are you feeling?
Betsy, hope you have managed to get some sleep.
Hugs to everyone and hope you are all doing ok, will come by again soon.
Judy x
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Checking in quickly. I was in Nashville for most of this week at an industry event. It was for top sellers in our field and I was honored to be included. It was very very VERY busy (not even time to use the bathroom, hardly) but incredibly helpful. Glad to be home though.
Babysat for Ruby FOR REAL last night. My husband and i went up and stayed with her while mom and dad went out to an event. I did bottle, bath, and bed. And it worked! I was SO happy. I wanted to go in and keep checking on her while she was sleeping, but I restrained myself. They were so happy when they came home - their first real night out!
Going to a funeral this morning. The wife of a long-time friend of my husband's. We see him at football games and some parties. His wife does not like football so only rarely attended so I do not really know her. She was dx with lung cancer about 8 mo ago (she had smoked) and it went really fast. I am not AT ALL ready to start losing people that are PEERS to us. Very upsetting. I have been feeling that this could have been MY funeral if things had gone differently with my bc. I am trying not to feel that way, but it is hard. Not looking forward to this morning AT ALL. Sigh.
Love to all. Michele - loved to hear how well you are doing.
Amy -
Follow up - funeral was really hard. I did fairly well, but when the 27 year old son did the eulogy and talked of the mom's love for her family (and gave lots of poignant examples), I just sobbed through it. I kept thinking of how lonely the husband was going to be now, and how that could have been my husband they were talking about.
I KNOW it wasn't, and I KNOW I am fine. But somehow it was too close for comfort.
Glad to be back home.Love to all as we press on.
Amy
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Amy, it is difficult to lose a peer and so sorry that the funeral was so hard for you. It is a challenge for us to stand back from these things and not let our minds wander. There will always be triggers that make us think "what if...", it is only natural for us to feel that way; BC has a very lasting effect on all of us. Sending you (((hugs))) as we press on
.So happy that you enjoyed your time with Ruby.
Helen, how are you feeling today? Geri, how are the wedding plans coming along?
Hope everyone is doing ok, wishing you all a good Sunday!
Hugs, Judy.
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Amy, so glad you are enjoying little Ruby. I can't get enough of my little ones too so I know exactly how you feel.
I also had a loss this week. My bridge partner came home on Tuesday afternoon and found her husband dead. Funeral was on Thursday. And lots of tears. I have known both of them for about 30 years as the husband used to coach my son's hockey team. This is my second friend within a few months who has come home to find their husband. The first one was 62. This one was 65. Much too young.
Judy, good to hear from you and please keep us posted on your sister's progress.
Michele so good to hear that you are feeling back to your old self. I hope one day I can say the same. Just keep doing those good things.
I go back to PS again tomorrow morning. I'm afraid there has been no progress with the healing. I hope I don't start to cry tomorrow. -
Helen, so sorry to hear about your friend's husband; she must have had a terrible shock. 65 is very young. Sending you hugs.
I hope the appt with the PS goes ok; please let us know. I am sure it is very frustrating for you, but if you need to cry, that is fine too. You have been through alot and being emotional is perfectly normal. We are all behind you
.My sister seems to be doing well. She has lost all her hair now and sent me a photo today of her in her new wig. She looks good. When she is having chemo, she is particular about applying make up and always making the best of herself. I am so proud of her. She has her next treatment on Wednesday and then she is half way already. I know it is easy for me to say, but I found that the following the calendar during treatment was like a life line. Thank you all for always asking after her.
I am doing ok; about 6 weeks now to my surgery. Work has been very busy, but I am starting to get nervous. Our new apartment is looking nice, although there is still much tidying etc to be done. Of course, I wanted it done within the first 24 hours LOL! It has been a real team effort, all the kids have helped and it is coming together very nicely.
I will come by again soon, sending you all hugs, Judy x
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I am here and reading...Kim's shower was yesterday and it was beautiful and brought me to tears...a wonderful day but I am exhausted tonight, so I will write longer in a few days. Just know that I celebrate the victories and cry over the disappointments with all of you.
Geri -
Geri, you will have to share details about the shower. You must be enjoying all these celebrations.
Judy, glad your sister is almost half way there. What type of procedure are you having? Implants or a DIEP -
Geri, good to hear from you! So great that you are enjoying the celebrations! Our lives should be filled with only good times! We look forward to hearing all the details.
Helen, I am having the DIEP...starting to get very nervous...how are you feeling? What did the PS say at your appointment?
Hugs to you all, Judy x
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Judy, I just had a double DIEP. Even though it's a difficult surgery it is worth it in the end. I saw the PS yesterday and she is happier now with the healing. It is definitely getting better. But I still have a home care nurse every day to change the dressing. My abdomen is healing well and my right side is good. It's the left that has had problems but the doctor knew right away that it might be problematic. So she has been very careful and has seen me 4 times in the 3 weeks that I've been home as well as every day in the hospital. If you want more details, PM me. As well you should check out the DIEP 2013 thread here on bc.org. I got a lot of information from the women there and it is a very supportive group of women.
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Thanks so much Helen. I am so pleased that the PS is happier now with the healing.
My sister has chemo # 2 today, then she will be at the half way mark
.Hope you are all doing ok, sending hugs as always, Judy.
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Helen--I'm glad that your healing is better. I had a DIEP, but just on one side back in 2009. It was a hard recovery, but I think worth it. I'm sorry about the passing of your friend.
Judy--It's so good to hear that your sister is halfway done. Let her know we are cheering for her. As for your surgery, when is it exactly? Please take time to take care of yourself despite all the moving and unpacking you have to do.
Amy--Stay strong! Ruby is going to have her grandma around to watch her grow up.
Michele--I still have a poster of the NYC skyline from 15 years ago. You are right, it looks so empty now. When we talked to our boys about September 11, we have been focusing on the bravery of our first responders.
I spent last weekend in Las Vegas with 14 other gals from the September 2012 chemo group. We rented a villa with a fantastic pool and had a great time. We came from all over the US and Canada. It was a time of encouragement, laughter, and tears. It was a mini think tank of lifestyle changes, treatments, nutrition, and exercises. It was great to give each person a real hug after a year of virtual hugs and support. Some of the other gals are on other BCO threads and said that another group from BCO is getting together in Vegas next month. We all have to celebrate how far we've come and to enjoy life!
Hugs!
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