Chemo Starting Sep 09

vickilynn

Hippy Pappy Btthday, Neece!

amyooo

Yes Toni and Jane,

BMX is Bilateral Mastectomy. I picked that up on this website somewhere

BarbAnne41

Hey my lovely September Sisters I am back from my first treatment. It looks like there are a few "private" rooms, meaning areas with curtains surrounding them and then a main room. My hubby and I got a private room. They had a little TV that pulls down from the ceiling and I am so easily amused I just loved that thing. I had no problems at all and came home to eat a veggie burger and some tater tots. (Does this BC make my butt look big? Gosh you guys are funny)

For my nausea I get Emend (Decadron-ish type pill?) big fat pill morning of and 2 more for the two days after TX and the day of TX (today) they pumped in more Decadron and aloxi right before the AC. I have compazine for any flare ups but since I just got home I feel great.  The funny thing  about the Aloxi was the nurse said if she is pushing it in too fast (in my iv, mind you) my rectum, yes rectum, would feel like it was burning and itchy and that I should tell her and she would slow down. I didn't have any itching or burning, but my DH and I thought that was a funny side effect.

Catherine- if you click on the persons name above their picture it will take you to their profile and I believe on the right there should be a blue link that says-send this person a private message (PM) then you can compose, it is the same style box as we have in the boards, and send. Then you can access your PMs on the tab at the top of the screen next to favorite topics. Hope that helps.

Chinablue- I will be thinking of you and Vickilynn at your tx Vickilynn stay warm and dry-You too DomeGal!

Melinda I will PM you later with my stuff-I think I need a nap. A blog sounds awesome

Toni, Susan, and Jane thanks for the hugs and thoughts-much love ladies.

Ronnie Kay does win-that story is hysterical, and I am with Melinda, did you go Sunday?

Pamela- a great big happy BIRTHDAY to your grandson and sis, I hope you are well today.

Onty, Barb, and Amy-thinking of you.

VickiLynn Congrats again..

hugs

Barbara

barbt0323

Good afternoon!

Not sure if any of you are aware of this, but I found free cleaning service for persons undergoing cancer treatment.  http://www.cleaningforareason.org/

I don't know about the rest of you but my house could sure use it.  Anybody familiar with this?

Barb

Pamelajo

they don't do it in my little neck of the woods.  guess it's all up to poor pathetic me.  I'd just like someone to mop and dust once a week.  I'll do the rest......  I'm thinking of hiring someone.  These amish girls around here are whizbang housecleaners.

Neece

Hello gorgeous ones

thanks so much for all the birthday wishes! The blood test was fine actually - for the first time I felt absolutely nothing when she slid the needle in - must be my birthday gift!

Barb glad your first tx was OK - hope your se's are minimal. The 'rectum' se was an interesting one!!

Good luck and hugs to Onty, Jane, Chinablue for your treatments this week.

Susan have you tried black nail polish on your nails? my onc unit recommended this - apparantly it protects nails from damage from light or something that can happen? I think it's ugly but I am persevering with it - have not had problems so far. Pamela's recommendations sound good too and she has been thru that one herself so maybe that's the way to go. 

Pamela October 14th is clearly a good day for birthdays!

Amy your tx program sounds so looong - but you are doing brilliantly so hang in there.

Positiveme - great to hear from you again So sorry to hear of your problems with the treatment. I hope your next one will be less eventful with the extra meds. And your girls' weekend sounded lovely.

love to all

Neece

vickilynn

All went well with tx #4 today... though there was an annoying man next to me with his tv too loud and he laughed out loud and talked with the tv.  I did just take a nap and made it all go away.

3 week's break - yay!

So Owl wrote... and this is what he wrote:
HIPY PAPY BTHUTHDTH THUTHDA BTHUTHDY.
Pooh looked on admiringly.
"I'm just saying 'A Happy Birthday'," said Owl carelessly.
"It's a nice long one," said Pooh, very much impressed by it.
"Well, actually, of course, I'm saying 'A Very Happy Birthday with love from Pooh.' Naturally it takes a good deal of pencil to say a long thing like that."
"Oh, I see," said Pooh.

Neece

Vickilynn what a sweetheart! To find a birthday quote from our favourite bear. thank you.

Rest up well for next while and take care.

chinablue

Vickylynn  - Congratulations on getting through the A/C. My onc doc says taxol is not as bad.

Neece - Happy Birthday. I hope you celebrated and had some good laughs with family and friends.

My husband and I will be celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary in June (probably travel in July).  The last time we celebrated our anniversary was on our 10th.  I will be done with chemo/rads by then so we are going to use up some frequent flyer miles.  We are thinking about traveling to  Calgary/Banff and maybe even Glacier National Park.  Anyone been out that way?

I feel like I no longer want to put off get togethers and celebrations.  Carpe Diem.  I may even host Thanksgiving Dinner this year for the whole family (20 +).  

GmaToni

Hello Girls
Wishing you all a beautiful Pooh day - I feel a little left out. I am a pooh lover but own nothing of his. Not even a book. This may sound wierd but I would like to get a few things...for rememberance, milestone, survivorship...you know. It just sounds like fun.

China - Come see Glacier - it is so beautiful. I live in Montana. Maybe we could meet ! Congratulations on 20 yrs. Will be my husbands and mine 19th in September.

Am going to try and barbeque today (its 40 degrees) due to our company. The weather looks to be 50 tomorrow and 60 Friday. We just might change it.

Oh Im a little "blustery" today so will say I love you all and maybe post later or tomorrow?

Loves and Hugs


Always, Toni --- The heart is the hub of all sacred places....Go there and roam in it !
Diagnosis: 6/9/2009, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 2, 0/5 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-

positiveme

Good Moning Sisters

Just checking in on everyone and seeing how everyone is doing. I feel ok today just some rib pain that most be those WBC's kicking in.

Vickilynn & Barb- It is always so great to hear that your tx went well. Rest and take care of yourselves.

To all my Sisters in Strength, Courage and Faith Keep on Keepin On!!!

THINK POSIOTIVE

chat with you soon

flacracker

Good Morning SOS Ladies!!! I am feeling so much better out of the blues!!!! Happy  Birthday NEESE!!!! Barbt0323 yes we are neighbors!!:) We should meet one day!!! Ronnie Kay yes I have some eyelashes falling out! I guess it is se. China blue and Amyoo I am also on decadron, I take two the day before treatment (juiced) and two the day of and two the the after. I guess it for not getting sick?!?!?  I went out and drove for the first time by myself  snice surgery in Aug.!!! I went to the mall and pick up a few things and then I went to CVS I had coupons! also they had buy one get one free makeup! So I got the makeup and candy (Yum which still taste funky) and HAIR COLOR! Why I got hair color when I don't have hair?!!!!!! I had a coupon and it was on sale!!! I guess I wasn't thinking!!! I had a laugh with it anyway!!!

Yall have a great day and for those that need warmth and sunshine, I will send you all some  Soon as i figure out how to post a picutre I will. Love and Hugz

BarbAnne41

Flacracker- hair color? Sounds like something I would do, are you running for the chemo brain award? Just kidding. But you can save it in the cupboard for when your hair is back! Hair color takes a long time to go bad. Glad you are out of the blues.

 Vickilynn, what a sweet saying. I am so glad TX 4 went so well-hope you are well today.

Toni good luck with the bar-be-que-is it gas or charcoal 

Catherine, China,  and Neece, glad you are checking in and well.

My only two side effects have been cracking, broccoli soup and caramel apples this afternoon, and microwave popcorn this morning after breakfast. Odd but I felt happy to the tips of my toes when I got them. I had my Nulesta shot today and took the Claritin one hour before and will continue day 2 and 3, keeping everything crossed it works.  The only other problem I have is occaicional moment of a feeling of just getting of a roller coaster, not nausea but just tired and off balance. It seems to reset itself shortly, or I sneeze and that seems to be my reset button. I had the same problem with morning sickness when I was pregnant, I would feel "funky" all morning and around 10:30  or 11 am everyday I would sneeze and that would rebalance me, then I was starving. Normally for a Wendy's Garden salad, does anyone remember when their salads cane with warm bread stix, those were awesome.

Well all my lovely sister I hope you are well.

nice warm hugs-

Barbara

vickilynn

You know I am bugged by the term "cancer survivor" and I'm still trying to come up with a better word.  On the news this morning they were talking about the woman who had "survived" kidnapping and they said it went beyond that to "Victorious".  Which is what my name means by the way.  I want to come out on the other side of this not just a Survivor but a Victorious woman.  Not someone just clinging to that proverbial life raft, but one who goes on to make a difference.  Who's with me?

Here's a favorite verse of mine from the book of Daniel (you know the Daniel who "survived" being thrown in a den of lions).  

"Those that know their God shall be strong and do valiantly."  Dan 11:32b

Let's all do valiantly.

There's your pep rally talk for the day.  GO!  FIGHT!  WIN!  DO VALIANTLY!

unklezwifeonty

Vicky,

You go girl!!!

Melinda-Tma3

SEPTEMBER'S OUTSTANDING SISTERS

One day I was alone
Just me and my thoughts
And through my search
For knowledge and power
I found a profound
group of women
We shall call SOS
Helping each other
Sisters like you
And sisters like me
We share a bond
Us sisters you see
There is something special
Down deep within
This sisterhood you see
Helps me to believe
When one of us sets astray
Another will strengthen our way
and pray words of praise and hope
With heavens name
This sisterhood, I adore
With it I've become much more
We stand through it all
Standing straight
Together we are strong
Hand and Hand
We try to understand
Listening intently
Filling each other with peace
This sisterhood you see
means so very much to me~

BarbAnne41

OH Melinda that was just lovely, and beautiful.

and Vicki Lynn-what a strength-filled message

 Thank you Sisters

Barbara

Neece

September Outstanding Sisters

Vickilynn began it

with a few words to invite a connection

that strengthened and grew each day in September.

Word by word, post by post

a soft, silken skein of empathy

streteched across distance

and wiped away unfamiliarity.

Avatars gently gave way to faces

then - shyly - newly bared heads appeared, 

and we all marvelled at the courage there.

The threads of love caressed us

as we sat in the big armchairs,

symbols of our future health,

but also of sickness, fatigue, pain and indignity.

We all knew the dread of the next treatment date,

the Eeyore days and the Tigger days,

and the humour, shame, anger,

support and care, bewilderment and loss of control,

and the wild, bumpy ride that is breast cancer.

We've been held together as the months go by

knowing our voices are heard

as our posts are read

and we reach across the miles

to gently caress and offer strength

and receive it in return.

chinablue

Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Melissa & Neece you have touched my heart. 

amyooo

Double Wow!!!!!!!!

Thank you both!

Amy

RonnieKay

Oh...so many of you have such a gift for writing words that speak from the heart, to the heart.  Please know that my heart sings with appreciation...your words are a gift I keep locked in my heart.  I love you all.

RonnieKay

My little sister, who had the very rare salivary gland cancer, says we are surTHRIVERS!!  We aren't just surviving, we're thriving...I like that!  XOXO

unklezwifeonty

Nice poems and I LOVE the spunk!!!

vickilynn

Prose and poetry and RonnieKay's Bald and Beautiful.  Love it all. 

RonnieKay

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, DEAR BEAUTIFUL NEECE!!!  I'm hoping it was a beautiful day for you   (p.s., it's still Wednesday, PST)

OH VICKILYNN:  Was it really your LAST TX????  Oh, I so hope so!!!  Friday will be # 3 for me and then 3 weeks later...DONE!  I'm so excited!!  I can do this...with a lotta help from my friends!

SUSAN & DOMEGIRL..My daughter put my picture up   I was really a computer whiz at work...with Skyward...which accesses student records and info...which doesn't do me much good since retiring!  So buddies, there are a few of us that aren't all that savy on the web!  I think I understand your directions for adding addresses, etc. MELINDA & BARB...maybe   YEP girls, my daughter & I did the Sunday wedding and had a delightful time sharing our story (for the few that hadn't already heard!). It was easy deciding what to wear-teehee!!  OMG...and 2 ladies asked what I used on my hair, it's so silky!!!  I almost died laughing...my daughter said it really looks natural but I think they were just being kind...or nosey...neither of which bothers me   I love readjusting it..and seeing the look on peoples' faces.

MELINDA: 1 more tx for you!  MEL & BARB.. Thanks for reviewing how to take Claritin for Neulasta...I absolutely have to use it this time.  That shot seriously makes me feel worse than the chemo does....I know I have to have it, but I DON"T LIKE IT! 

ONTY: Has your center said anything about radiation brachytherapy? (You're at Sloan, right?)  After my lumpectomy, my radiation oncologist gave me the option of regular or brachy radiation. I don't know how widely it's practiced, and there is criteria that has to be met, but it was such a positive experience for me. It took a few days for the process (catheteres in the breast) but treatment was only twice a day for 5 days. With my tumor on the left side, this is supposedly less damaging to vital organs and healthy tissue. Since you're meeting with your radiation people, I'm curious if they will mention it. How many more tx of chemo do you have? 

PAM: I can't believe you have a grandbaby...you're such a youngun!!! But HAPPY HAPPY to the little darlin & your sis   I'm looking for persimmons...and then I'll find the recipe on heavens knows what page!!!

JANE:  Glad you aren't losing your lashes...I'm having to go unmascaraed (it's a word now, VICKILYNN...it's been used twice!) except for very special occasions..which really ticked me off with the wedding fiasco.  I wore it Saturday & Sunday!!!  I know exactly what you mean about hair missing in other areas JANE...do you know that a Brazilian waxing costs $75.  We're getting it for free...sort of!!  

CHINA: You would absolutely LOVE Banff & Glacier. TONI is SOOOO right...they're the most incredibly beautiful places. We went with hubby's work...he was Customs so we saw most of the northern part of the US from Puget Sound to Wisconsin...not many people but much of God's beautiful handiwork! 

BARBANNE: Remember to drink water...so many people stress this & it really IS as important as they say. I'm so glad your first tx went well. My chemo people are wonderful & helpful & compassionate...I trust them with MY LIFE!  I laughed so hard on your Sneeze Reset!!  It's hysterical...  I can see myself trying to pull nose hairs out to sneeze!!! 

FLACRACKER:  I'm wondering if you got a wig...and if so - what color  I LOVE that you got haircolor! CHINA: Like FLACRACKER, I also take Decadron - 8 mg. a day the day before, day of & day after - to avoid allergic reactions during chemo...SUSAN, do you take it before your treatments? I'm sad that you had that reaction..and glad you recovered quickly.  I've had no problems during chemo...I also get the nausea meds in the iv.  I so hope # 3 goes as well as 1 & 2. When I ask what I should expect this next time, they say probably just more fatigue...oh how I hope!

AMY/AME   We're Herceptin buddies   You'll have herceptin with the AC, won't you?  It seems like you have a lengthy treatment, but it's a short stint in the long, healthy life that's ahead of you!

Missing some of my dear SISTERS but URLOVED!!  Sleep tight!

Neece

RonnieKay love the new pic! Well done you.It's beautiful and so are you.

GmaToni

Helo my SOS sisters !!

Oh Ronniekay you look fantastic !! I rolled at your Brazilian wax - I have to admit...Im a little happy w/ that hairloss (or should I say "slow down" for me) Love it. I also hope my #3 goes as well as 1 and 2. So glad you made it to the wedding. BTW, have relatives in Renton. Nice little place. My story (compared to wedding) isnt as funny but read on...

So I made breakfast the other morning for my adult kids and DH. It was a wrap (eggs, bacon, ect) (oops sorry if someones tummy is upset) anyhoo...We are sitting at the table and my daughter says "Oh mom, there is a hair in mine !!" I said, "Im sorry honey, didnt mean to, one must have dropped out while cooking" My family started to laugh hysterically. I was dumbfounded. Why were they laughing? Hair in food is disgusting. My family said...."Mom, you dont have any hair, it couldnt be yours"!!! I was relieved  and emabarrassed all at once ! Geesh...

Neece and Melissa - So touching. OMG. All of you women are so talented. This group has become such an inspiration to me. Thank you for those beautiful words. "Hats off" to your talent. Oops, only if you want...

Barbara - Funny ! You know whats even funnier? I do the same thing. We really are sisters ! I have been thinking of you so much. Sending loves your way.

VickiLynn - Again..Whoot! Whistle ! WooHoo !....Almost completely done. No more SE's w/ Herceptin. YEAH !!! BTW...I do like the "Victorious" Was it RonnieKay's little sister that called us "thrivers". Loved that too.

Amy / China - Thinking of you lovely ladies. Amy, Tx does sound tiring but I agree w/ RonnieKay...so many more years to come sweet thing.

Pamela - My sweet grandson would have been 2yo in March 2010. It feels like he's watching over me everyday of this BS called BC. Give that grandbaby a squeeze for me, please.

Flacracker - Keep the haircolor girl. That is funny. I think a bunch of us ladies need to start a funny book too. "The silliest thing I did on chemo" Soooooo proud of you w/ driving !! WHOOT, WHISTLE....clapping hands....

Onty - Sure am thinking of you today.

Catherine - Im so so so glad you are back. Missed you. 

Susan, Barb, Jane, Nels and Domegirl - Love to each and everyone of you.

To all that have treatments still this week. Im hugging you. Virtual ((Hugs))) to all !!

barbt0323

Wow Neece and Melinda!

Your words really touched me.  All of you all give me the strength to face another day. 

flacracker - yes we will definitely have to get togehter.  We are practically neighbors.

GmaToni- love your breakfast story.

Well, got to get ready for work. 

Have a beautiful day my SOS sisters!

Barb

flacracker

Goood Morning SOSisters

I jut love reading everything!!! Such a talet group we have here!! It makes me laugh and cry and happy all at the same time!!

amyooo

RonnieKay, If I understood my onc correctly, I will have a total of 52 treatments of Herceptin. 12 with the Taxol and 40 AFTER I am thru with the Adriamycin/Cytoxin.

Saw my surgeon yesterday. I am going to get my ovaries out in Dec at the same time as my BMX. Yay! One less surgery!

Love to all, Amy