MIDDLE-AGED WOMEN 40-60ish

JeanH

Paula so glad today is better!

Elimar, Thanks for the photo reminder for MLK Jr. - I hope we can live up to his dream and make this world a betther place for our kids and grandchildren, they deserve it. Faith I loved your story and the photo.

No surprises at the ONC today. I was warned by a friend this is really when you go Wow I have cancer so I was prepared for the numbers percentages SE etc.

I start Chemo Thursday February 3 EC then T dose dense schedule, virtually the same as AC then T but due to the shortage or A a substitution, same SE, same results. I will probably start to go bald right after Valentine's Day.  

The plan is to continue working as much as I can, luckily work is very supportive about this.  Just checked the calendar and I am happy my "off" weeks coincide with my kids' school breaks. Not sure if I will be up do doing so much but a better shot on the off week.  We are still adjusting to having non sychronized schedules now that the oldest is in college and youngest in high school. Last year I took time off with each to do something but the family trip does not really work anymore for spring break, someone will not be able to make it.  I expect the older will be going on his own way for some of his breaks now that he is a sophomore.  First step towards that empty nest...

I am so thankful for all the support and information I have received from all the ladies on these boards these last few weeks, they have helped so much already as I go though this journey. I wish none of us were here but if we have to be it is good to have each other.

Thanks and hugs to all

Jean

Eph3_12

JeanH-we'll be here!  And just remember: Bald is Beautiful!

Valjean

(((Jo))) for tomorrow's dr. appt. I'll be thinking of you.

(((Meecie))) ~ Wed is a different type of a day for me, & I will be thinking of you for a b9 MRI.

((Renee))

((Sheila))

♥ 

trinity57

Hi all....Had my appointment with the surgeon today. It's not HER2+....yipee!!!! Will be having sentinel node biopsy in a couple of weeks and MRI's etc, then all going well I will be having only radiation and tamoxofen (or similar) I am so pleased that so far it all looks pretty good. I don't think I could handle chemo again. However, in saying that, there is still the waiting game for the results from the node biopsy and scans etc, but for now, I will sleep well tonight. Love to you all..... 

BarbaraA

{{{TRINITY}}}

{{{JO}}}

{{{MEECE}}}

{{{JEAN}}}!

So many of us have big stuff coming up! My arms are cyber hugging all of you and Lisa, too!!

3 more days until the big cruise!! So excited! The valet picked up the luggage last week and I have to run out today for some last minute stuff I forgot to pack. WHAT?? The garment bag was 42LB and the suitcase was 47!! So nice not to have to deal with schlepping luggage through customs. I will post a pic of DH and me in my favorite dress. Hmmm. I love all 6 of them. Decisions, decisions.

shells43

Faith - your story brought tears, out of the mouth of babes, always. They are the future.

Trinity - I'm with you, I am praying for you for a good outcome.

Barbara - have a terrific time on your cruise, it sounds like lots of fun! That's a lot of luggage! How long are you going to be gone? Loved the dress pictures.

I really hope I get my MRI results back today. I've been waiting since Thursday. I will have to call if they don't call me.

Meece

Phew, I had recon, but the pain is in the non BC breast, although I have had a bx on that side. My arm is still numb from the SNB, down the back from armpit to elbow.

Meece

3jays, no magic powers here.  I just went to the source of the photo and it was large enough to read.

TMarina

Jean--Hope all goes well with chemo!  There are other threads that list the things you should have on hand before starting.  I did the AC+T. I slept through most of the AC part, then had bone pain with the T, but took percocet and that helped a lot.  Take all your nausea meds ON SCHEDULE, even if you don't feel sick.  And if they aren't working, call your onc because there are plenty of other meds to try.  Emend is a wonder drug, but they don't always give it unless the other meds aren't working well enough.  With the Cytoxan you HAVE to drink tons of fluids to flush it out quickly, and it's a good idea to drink a lot with any chemo.  The biggest thing I learned from chemo is not to plan anything.  I would make big plans for the days I thought I'd feel ok, then be so disappointed when I didn't feel well enough to do them.  For the next few months, just worry about you, and "go with the flow".

Trinity-->yay on not being Her2+!

Faith--> Loved your story!  Thanks for sharing!

Barbara--> Enjoy your cruise!!

walker2222

Jean - Good luck and good news.  If you cannot tolerate wigs, scarves are wonderful and hats too.

Barbara - Have a great trip, hopefully we will be able to take a trip this year but signs are not looking good for that as I will have another surgery in May due to complication on my recon.

Shelly - good luck with your MRI, hope for good results.

Rad treatments going well, on the rads topic I am on we are talking about udder cream, Moo Goo that a sister from down under uses.  I think someone said it was also called Bag Balm in the states.  I am going to have to check it out.

Paula66

Good Luck Jean!!!!!

Have a fun cruise Barbara!

Good luck Meece!

elimar86861

Trinity, I hope you've started a trend of "good" news. For yourself (no chemo, hooray!,) and for several others seeing doctors and having tests this week.

Jo, That means you.  Good Luck today.  Let us know how your OV goes.

Meece, Be thinking of you tommorow for your MRI.  You don't mind them, do you?  (I don't, well, not particularly.)  Know it wil be a while til you get results, but hope it turns out to be "nothing" or just those B9 breast changes that middle age seems to give us.

JeanH, Good Luck to you beginning the chemo on Feb. 3...maybe your hair can hang in there thru' the 14th.  I'm sorry if I won't be giving you a thought at that time.  I'm sure I will be too self-absorbed (then unconscious) that day, getting my alien probe (colonoscopy) done that day.  Yowwww!

BarbaraA

Thanks gals. I will be sure to post pix!

Meece

Eli~ the only thing I mind about the MRIs is getting the IV started. 

Can

t wait to see our pics, Barbara.  Love living vicariously through them.

walker2222

Meece - I hear you on that note, my last MRI they had to do 4 tries before they got it.  I was on the verg of saying to thanks but knew the MRI was important.  Good luck.

walker2222

Eli - love the new pic sorry I didn't mention it on my earler post.

jo1955

BarbaraA- Don't you need someone to go along and carry your luggage?  I would volunteer.  Have a great time on your cruise.  We are going on a cruise in April - looking forward to that.  What cruise line are you going on?  We do Carnival out of Galveston.

 Trinity - Congrats on not being HER2+

Meece - Good luck on your MRI 

Surgeon appt today at 2:00 - will let everyone know how it goes.  Thank you so much for all your support.  I am trying to remain positive. 

Meece

It WILL be fine, Jo.

BarbaraA

{{{{JO}}}} Cyber hugs!

Here is the ship. Our suite is the Grand Suite. We leave from Tampa to San Juan, sail to Barbados then back via Miami then home.

http://www.silversea.com/ships/silver-cloud/

TMarina

I'll be thnking of you Jo

Paula66

I talked with the nurse today about the onco type test and she said that the typy of cancer that I have it doesnt need to be done.  This is why she went threw this other one with me.  So know Im just playing the waiting game with the insurance company on approval then I'll get the ball rolling.  Thank goodness.  Everyone have a fun filled afternoon.  Week 4 of my vaca  and Im going stir crazy. 

Eph3_12

BarbaraA:           sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet suite!

leisaparis

nice boat.....ship. have a great time. looks like fun. I've been on a small one once, it was a casino cruise. had lots of fun.

BarbaraA

Leisa, is that John's Pass in Madeira Beach?

Meece

Barbara, the grand suite! Wow!! The cruises I've been on have been small cabins.  That is true luxury!

mumito

Barb Have a wonderful time

jo1955

Just got back from the surgeon and everything is fine - YEA!  I had some fluid buildup and he drained it off.  The fluid will be sent out for testing and I go back next week for a CT scan just as a precaution. 

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and prayers.

Barb - Have a wonderful time. 

Paula66

CONGRATS JO!!!!

Im so ready for spring/summer to arrive.  I wanted something cooked on the grill for supper so silly me decides to cook in 20* weather, UGH.  But it will taste so yummy.

jo1955

Paula - You gotta do what you gotta do.  Summer can't come quickly enough.

faithandfifty

Hey middies.

I haven't kept up on where everyone is from.

BarbaraA and I are meeting in Tampa, Thurs, like in day-after-tomorrow Thursday and I just thought if anyone happens to be available -- we'd LOVE to have you join us.

So far there are 5 of us BCO gals meeting up.

10:00 a.m.

You're all invited!!!!!!!

Yes. We'll take a couple of pictures.

Choca, TerryCarolyn and Silka/DorisIN are the other three signed up for the fun!!!!