Chemo Starting Sep 09
Comments
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Day 7 feeling pretty good. Yahoo!
Here is a couple questions I will throw out there:
For those of you that had many nodes removed, how is the range of motion of your arm(s)?
Has anyone on this thread had diep reconstruction? I had it at the time of the mx.
just curious
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My SOS Sisters, Goodmorning !
Vickilynn, Vicki, Barbara, Jane, Melinda, Susan, Catherine. RonnieKay, Amy, Denice, Chinablue, Bettye, Dogsaver, Mari and Flacracker - Please is that everyone we have here ? Could you guys either PM me or just post and let me know who I forgot - Would mean alot to me and I want to make sure I am thinking of each of you.
Vickilynn, hope I voted right (my whole family did (and meant it, OMG she is precious
) How are you today ?Denice - One of my many dreams was/is to see Australia. The way you described it brought tears to my eyes. Thank you - what a great mental picture ! Arm pn is excruciating ! I am hoping you find relief tomorrow. What a great hubby - keep rubbing. Its like a cord feeling deep in the arm isnt it ? Not much help about the Claritin - I have pn pills, sorry. I do know a thread in here has someone explaining the Claritin - or you can search it in the" search" catagory. This place is so resourceful.
Bettye - Gosh bless "Non Profit Organizations" Thats what my hospital is called - how bout yours ? Fill out the papers - rant and rave - I know you dont need it right now but you deserve the right to health care. NOW !
Ronniekay- My scalp hurts. My doc said its a sign of my hair to come out - I said BULL ! No, I know it will. In fact I buzzed it before I started chemo maybe 1 inch long only. Yours is long and thick - Im sorry - my gentle thoughts to you. BTW..if it gets real painful or itchy, spray some Benadryl Itch spray on it - feels great.
Please have a wonderful day everyone and dont forget to let me know who I forgot - or if your not w/ us anymore.....
((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))))))
Lots of Hugs Today
Chinablue- sorry no diep here and only 5 nodes removed - sounds like Neece is having a hard time - maybe you could compare notes
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chinablue- I had a sentinal node biopsy before my surgery and had 7 nodes removed. I also had a right mx with reconstruction. My dr. uses the latisimis muscle in your upper back. My surgery was 7/28 and I have complete range of motion. The under side of my upper right arm is alittle tender and still alittle numb.
THINK POSITIVE
Catherine
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So much to say... so little space!
Melinda - congrats on the softer tumor!
Denise - Claritin is an antihistamine. Probably the same as yours. Great news. The bone pain was so much less this time than last. Less than 50% the amount of pain. I'd heard that your body gets adjusted to it. Let's hope that's true for you too.
I also have a bit of swelling and tightness in my arm - they're calling lymphedema. Read conflicting things about "massaging" the lymph nodes after surgery. Better check with your dr. on that one. My dr. said keep exercising and elevate the arm above my heart when possible. So if I lay down, I put it on a pillow... just try to keep it up in the air when possible. I noticed an improvement over the last week.
Bettye - I did not have insurance either, but in California there is a program called ... can't remember what it's called! It's a free cancer screening for women with no insurance. You don't have to be "low income" - just no insurance. We were self-employed. It covered all the exams - I'd felt a lump before going in - and now they cover ALL cancer-related expenses for 18 months at least. (except a wig) You might check with your state and see what's available. The other resource is the Amercian Cancer Society. Tell them your problem and they may be able to help. No one should be denied tests for lack of insurance!!! Cancer brings enough worries without that.
Those with hair: i got very bold and showed my 4 grandkids (ages 9 - 3) my very thin now, buzzed hair yesterday. I explained when I was done with medicine that it would grow back. They thought it was interesting. It was my first public "unveiling" since it started getting real thin.
there is no easy way to lose the hair. If you leave it even short like mine, it sheds all over everything! I talked over shaving it with my husband, but we decided we'd just let it fall and vacuum everything. The hurting hair does stop when it actually comes out in bigger amounts. I know my hair hurt for several days. It's fine now.
Another side benefit of this chemo - I had a cyst-like growth near my eye for several years that was just irritating to me. Hardly anyone even noticed it. But today - it's almost gone! Other dry patches on my arms and some dark mole-like patches are lightening or disappearing. I have noticed some skin peeling on my hands and between my fingers. Anyone else have that?
I go see the nurse practictioner this afternoon about mouth sores which came back with a vengeance last night.
Puppy contest. If you want to check out the puppy contest, here's the website. You have to register your email and then you can vote once a day through Sat. http://www.cutestdogcompetition.com/vote.cfm?h=75AF15D7D26B47F08BAC5E3BD23A8B71
you might have to clip and paste to get there. But you'll see little Kemo on the front page! Pink breast cancer ribbon and all!
OK - getting ready to go out today.. haven't gone anywhere except outside for a week! But today is a good day. Made myself an egg and cheese omelette with a tortilla. Yummy and didn't hurt my mouth! It's the most I've eaten all week!
"My grace is sufficient for you." II Cor. 12:9
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OMG as my daughter would say...I didn't look at Kemo til just now.....Oh she is soooo cute, I voted and I think you should start a new "Vote for Kemo thread here"....Imagine the power of all of us for Kemo! No matter...she is an inspiration, brings a smile and I am so happy you have her! Go Kemo! Please don't forget to share the puppy stories with us.
The main ingredient in Clariton is Loratadine...google it and you'll find other brands or ask for it by this name at the pharmacy...lot's make it generic now!
Big Hugs everyone.....Crazy for Kemo...the only kind I like :-)
Melinda
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Hey Ladies,
I suppose I am in this graduating class as well. Just give you a bit of a run down on myself and my "tumors". I am 38. My BC is a secondary cancer from earlier treatment for Hodgkins disease at age 17. Yep, 21 yrs later and wammoooooo. I had tumors in both breasts, but being a habitual knot checker since the hodgkins, I found them early. I had my first treatment Sept. 9. Yea, it sucked, as they all do, but it didn't suck too much. I had double mastectomy on July 29, and got full range of motion back in about 3 weeks. I was relentless with the PT. My port was put in on the 9th and I got my first treatment the same day. Uber suckage on that. I intend to live to be a very old woman and die with my boots on in bed.
Just wanted to say Hi, and good luck to all you wonderful gals going for your second treatment this week. Hang in there!
Best Wishes,
Pamela
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Good afternoon SOS sister's
VickiLynn Kemo is adorable and I am voting for her right away.
Welcome Pamela, I am sorry you have to have another go around with the beast, but I can tell you have a great attitude.
When I asked my onc last Friday about Claritine he said the antihistamines blocked the pain the bones created by making WBC, I guess Benedryl could work too. He also said as the Nuelesta shots go they get easier since you body grows accustomed to what it should do and stops overproducing.
Bettye-keep knocking on doors-I know it is a pain, but I would be willing to bet there is a program in your state for breast cancer.
Neece-I only had a SNB but with the weather change, it is the autumnal equinox today, I end up all sore in that arm. Radiation also made mine more painful, maybe chemo does the same? I hope you are feeling looser too.Like Vickilynn said there is some great lymphedema stuff on this site. I think there may even be a web site dedicated to it, lymphedema that is, if I find it I will post it.
Toni I am pretty sure you didn't forget anyone-you are so thorough!
To all my other September sisters I am so glad you are doing well,as well as can be expected, and thanks again for sharing.
I know I should probably start another thread for this but I was hoping you all would think positive thoughts for me tomorrow and Friday. Tomorrow is my PET scan and I am a little nervous. Little is an understatement. Friday is my Adrenal CT and EKG. If you all could throw a little positive thought my way I would sure appreciate it.
Thank you
positive hugs for all my sisters
Barbara
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Hi everyone
Had my first chemo treatment this morning. I was somewhat apprehensive (well, a lot apprehensive) but truthfully the whole process was easy peasy.
The nurse offered me Ativan but I did not need it.
My onc. had ordered pre-chemo meds for me to take yesterday and this morning and that saved time in the treatment room as they did not have to administer them in the iv. The nurses were efficient, funny and upbeat. I had no allergic reaction to the Taxotere - they said if it does not happen with the first one then it probably won't happen all through the next three. I am getting 4 x T/C.
They started the Cytoxan quite fast but said if headache developed they would slow it down - did not get headache and so, all in all, I was only there just under three hours.
I'll probably come on later to grumble about the SE's but as for the infusions it was not big deal.
The treatment room was bright, sunny, spacious. The coffee/tea lady came around every hour with cookies/ juices etc.
I did a whole lot of worrying for nothing, exactly the same way I worried prior to my surgery and that was so much easier than I anticipated.
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I voted for kemo.
Here is th lymphedema site:
www.stepup-speakout.org
thanks again
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As suggested, I started a new thread "Kemo:therapy dog" so hopefully others will see and vote too. Thanks for your encouragement : )
Barbara - I just said a prayer for you for peace and strength for your tests.
Delaine - glad your first treatment went so well. Keep up with the positive attitude. We could all use a dose of that.
Pamela - welcome! You have really had more than your share of cancer already! We should all live to be old ladies (though I will get there before you) and have an online reunion - if there is such a thing 40 years from now!
To All my September Outstanding Sisters My husband and I will just say, "today I'm sad" when we feel overwhelmed by cancer. Sadness just sums it up. But then my husband expressed this cancer sadness quite well when I asked him if he would get his guitar and sing me a song... he said, "the songs have left my heart for right now"... Isn't that true? Here's to looking forward to the song returning to our hearts!
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Good evening Sisters,
Just a quick check in before I put my hyper daughter to bed so I'll have to be quick..
So far the headaches persist, but we're having horrible weather so perhaps they'll ease up soon. And my skin....here's a Chemo bonus...it's the best it has ever been..how bizarre...everyone keeps saying how great I look with that astonished look on their face, mixed compliment! Think everyone is keenly watching me and wondering when I'm going to Look sick?! gee thx.
Toni - thank you so much for posting a call out...trying to get organized and get everyone sorted in my head so I can catch up a bit!
Chinablue- No reconstruction here but I did have 19 nodes removed in a separate surgery, 2 months out I have full range of motion, it took awhile but I probably babied it a bit. Now it's my left arm from the port that is causing whinging.
Barbara - sending you many positive vibes across the sea.
To everyone else, a huge hug and wee cuddle to Kemo,
Mx
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Hello SOSisters - this is the 3rd time I have typed this, could it be me? Vickilynne I voted for Kemo, what a sweetheart. Also enjoyed hearing your grandkids reaction. My grandson (14) offered to go get his head shaved when I got my haircut.
Toni I have been thinking about you and your mom. I lost my mother at 86 and wasn't having to battle this awful disease at the time. You just hang in there - you are obviously a strong woman!
To everyone else, if I wasn't so tired and still suffering slight chemo brain I would send an individual message to you all. I had big plans to work all day today, wasn't going to be tired, yada, yada. Came home, threw off the wig, took a nap! Tomorrow is another day. Hate the pitty parties altho I know it is part of the package.
Take care everyone and hang in there. Keep positive thoughts. My prayers are with you!
Jane
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Vickilynn
I had to laugh about the positive attitude attributed to me.
I am the poster child for gloom and doom (just ask my DH) but today, for some reason, I was quite calm. The whole cancer thing has been an overwhelmingly frightning experience that has changed everything I thought I knew about myself. However, if the surgery and the chemo are necessary then it is good to know that not everyone has the worst case scenario - which it the way I expected it to be.
The side-effects are probably not going to be pleasant but from what I read on here, most of the women are coping quite well. That is why I love this forum and the outstandingly strong women who contribute to it. I thank them all.
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Wow! I am back at work today and misspelled my own name!!!
My name is Amy....I spelled it Ame!
I think I win for worst Chemo brain!
Yay ME!
Amy
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Barb - You are always so sweet just to say hello to me in every txt. Thats hard to do. I take notes each time i read and try to mention everyone and wish them well. Especially when they are struggling.I think it just adds a little "Im thinking of you". Even just to say "Hello everyone" is just so nice. Everyone here is so good about that.
I will most definetely be thinking of you on Friday, oops and tomorrow. The anticipation and worry is the absolute worst of all. Do you have any drugs ? Take them if you do. Seriously, I am unsure if you are a woman of faith but I am and I will pray for you.
Vickilynn- Your husband and you are beautiful people. Im still sobbing all over my computer.
Pamela and Delaine - Welcome
My Sisters - I will just try to watch for newcomers and oldcomers - Thank you
I just wanted to think of each and every one. -
TIP FOR THE DAY ! As I told you yesterday, I'm shedding like a dog. When I woke up and my pjs were covered in hair, I decided to buy a lint roller - you know the kind made by Scotch and they have tape that picks up lint. Well, it worked great.
So I decided to try it on my head!!! I went through 3 of those sheets filled with hair... it worked GREAT on my head. Didn't pull or hurt at all and took off gobs of loose hair. Much better than shaving. So I'll do that throughout the day and hopefully cut down on the loose-flying hair : )
My husband and I had a great laugh over that one!
Ame - I mean Amy: you do win for worst chemo brain (to date).
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VickiLynn....I am still laughing at 3am....My son and husband were laughing so hard ...I had tears in my eyes....what a picture of the lint roller.....I'm going out tomorrow....somehow it just has to make that day more bearable and downright hilarious....which I sure isn't the usual! Thanks for that story! I think all of holding on to our hair yet needed that~See if your husband can come up with a funny song about that experience....maybe he can find what he needs in the love and humor of that wonderful story.
AMe....You are todays winner...for Chemo brain....any other contestants want to enter...mine just aren't funny....I seriously talked to my husband today and said... I really just don't understand what you're trying to say. He has to repeat most of what he says to me cause I just can't seem to figure it out....slow brain here! Maybe he's talking too fast for me to comprehend.
JaAdams....sometimes it takes me an hour to get my post on here.....and then when I'm finally done and posted....I have goofy mistakes all over the place.....so then I feel like everyones going to think I'm really stupid....but I really know everyone gets it so it's just ok!
Bette...maybe create a new discussion thread here with your situation....I'm absolutely sure you're not alone... and many that have dealt with your dilema will share what they know and maybe provide some useful info.
My scalp is getting tingly too...I washed it in the morning in ice cold water and it actually went away. Will try that again this morning and let you know if it's really helping. Gma Toni...thanks for the Benedryl itch spray idea... will pick some up tomorrow.
Pamela jo....Uber suckage...pretty much sums it up....sorry you're back but looking to having you with us....I want to die from old age as well.... and I just happen to have a nice pair of boots! Welcome to the SOS team and to all the new sisters.
Autumn is officially here....the leaves are beginning to change here in PA. Pumpkins, cornstalks and apple cider are everywhere...My favorite season....enjoy each day~ even if it's just little bit...
More hugs and easy days to you all~
Melinda
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Melinda- Thank you for the caring post and the "cyber picture " of PA. And really, isnt that whats it all about? Living in the moment ? I dont know, Maybe ,ok yes, a little valium is still in my system for sleep (as you can see it worked real well... 2:30am) Seriously, thank you for the reality check. I am young and will have many years left to enjoy those beautiful days ! We all are!
Vickilynn -Again, hats off to you - or should I say lint rollers? Awesome thinking girl !
My scalp really, really hurts and I think it woke me up. Im sure its a sign. We did go look at wigs again yesterday - trying to find another I can toss in the toilet !. Picked up some cute hats and caps too. It was kinda fun. Being w/ my family that is. My hubby thought we could take a few wigs home - he liked them !! Shame on him....
Amy - my friend , you are so funny !! Is it Amy ? Really ?
delaine- Cancer has most definetely changed everything I knew...although most women come out better on the other side of this, I hear. Yes, we will get through the SE's together. Glad your TX went well too.
Jane - my mom seems to be doing so much better and it is very difficult on my end. Im not taking care of myself as I should be. I just dont know what I would do w/o her - she and I are the only ones left ! (yes, my kids and DH are here, but ya know what I mean) Hey - didnt you read my post a while back? Dont "throw" your wig off...it could land in the toilet !!
Barbara- many prayers again to you today.
Many thoughts and prayers to you all. If I didnt mention you, please remember I keep you all in my thoughts and close to my heart during this difficult time - and always.
Mari- Sure hope those nasty HA's get better, hon.
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I made an appointment to get my head shaved and my wig fitted on Friday....
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Just saw the "Save the Boobs" commercial on GMA.....I say it did draw a lot of attention. I think it will make a lot of women and men more aware of BC and exams etc... I'm all for the drama here! Cause you know --"it couldn't happen to me"....hmmmm... Anyone else see it?
China...I cut my hair another 2 inches today...I kinda like it....but not quite ready to make the full commitment...bravo for you....let us know how it goes
Gma Toni...my restoril didn't work either...oh well I still feel really good today....going for a Thai lunch...hope it tastes good...this week most of my taste buds are almost normal!
Vicki...I'm voting again for my buddy Kemo! Is she starting to get a big head with all this attention? :-)
Hope no one is dealing with all the rain down south..& I feel for you guys in sunny HOT CA...
More hugs coming to each of you....Happy Wednesday vibes...
Melinda
Not sure if any of you have seen the Army of Women group....they are trying to join 1 million women to collect info for breast cancer...actually trying to figure out triggers of BC etc. I think they have around 400,000 women so far...I joined a while back and I like the concept of their ideas. If interested, check it out at www.armyofwomen.com
Me
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Just woondering why there are 2 threads for September 09. The other one is "Starting chemo September 2009".
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There are 2 threads simply because I couldn't find another one for September and so I started this one. No other reason. And we'd already started meeting each other when we found there was a second group. Feel free to join either group or both if you want.
Glad my lint roller brought some "joy to your humdrum lives"! (any of you fans of "Singin' in the Rain"?)
Kemo's becoming quite the celebrity. My son is a pastor and has added a page with Kemo on it to the church's website... for anyone with cancer wanting prayer or spiritual care!
www.lewistoncommunitychurch.org/kemocares/
My husband is having tests today - he either has a kidney stone (he's had multiple stones for many years) or gall bladder disease!! hopefully we'll find out. Between his pain and my discomfort, we're quite a pair.
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vickilynn, i hope your hubby feels better really soon!!
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I just voted for Kemo. Thanks for the link.
Amy
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Hello my SOS Sisters,
I have been super busy with work, and kid life this week, so I haven't had time to post much. I have voted for Kemo twice, and I agree she is just too cute for words. My work is crazy stressful just now, but I can't really get away from it so I am just plowing through. Both of my kids that are at home are in Marching Band, and it is the season for lots of competitions and football games. It is always something to keep me busy. I don't feel great today, and I am probably coming down with something. That's what I get for pushing myself.
Sorry that was all about me. I don't have time today to post to each of you, but know that I read the thread everyday, and you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I think of each of you as I go through my day and hope you are feeling well and enjoying life. I laugh, I cry, I carry you with me in my heart. Thank you for all of your posts.
The weather here is gray and rainy, but no snow yet. My hair seems to not want to fall out yet. I am on day 14, I guess we will see.
Take care all,
Susan
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Hello my SOS sisters-I don't have any sisters so this is actually pretty awesome.
Toni- You sweetheart! Thank you for the prayers, you are in mine also. I really hope that my PET went well today, between all the anticipation and drinking that awful contrast, I feel like I am going crazy. I haven't started chemo yet so I still have the non-chemo-braininess to try and mention everyone. You really do a great job, and everyone here appreciates it. I really hope you and your mom are doing well. Hope your scalp is better!
VickiLynn- I showed off Kemo to my friend at work and they fell in love-we will try to vote and help Kemo win. Your lint roller story was the smile of my night-thank you. Also a big thank you for the prayers-I appreciate it more than you know. I will pray for you and your hubby too.
Delaine- I have to second Vickilynn you sound very positive and upbeat. I wanted to be right there with you in the chemo room. I hope you are doing well.
Amy (Ame)- you win chemo brain, but gosh your stories are so funny. You know you may end up being Ame from now on.
Jane- I am not even in chemo and I have issues getting my posts in! You are in the trenches lady you have all the pity parties you want-I will bring the balloons.
Mari- thank for the positive oceanic vibes. I hope you are well and feeling peaceful.
China- I hope your hair and fitting are awesome. I hope you continue to feel great.
Catherine- I hope you are well and feeling strong and positive!
Melinda- oh I am with Toni your cyber photo of fall in PA is lovely. We are working on it in Michigan, all the cider, lovely doughnuts, mums and such are out, but we are stuck in a humid warm area of weather, so our leaves are not really changing. I am ready for the color and the cool starry nights.
Susan- I know it is hard, I had a child in marching band, don't run your self into the ground. I hope work relaxes for you. (I work at a college so fall is a real pain in the you know what) I really hope you are well and feeling strong.
If I forgot anyone I am sorry- my thoughts and positive vibes are with you all.
Barbara
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hello SOS gals,
First hairfall this morning! Woke up and absent mindedly tousled my (now shorter) hair and wow! great clumps came out! It's actually kind of interesting, as an observer. Having read so much about this (and other SE's) there is a part of me that observes with a kind of detatched interest when they occur. Anyway hubby is away for a couple of nights but when he returns tomorrow it is time for the buzz cut I think! Vickilynn I loved the lint shaver idea too - might try it out... BTW good luck for you and your husband - just what you didn't need right now I would guess!
Barbara thinking of you for your scan results -it is scary when we are waiting for these sorts of things, no question.
Welcome Pamelajo I know you will find lots of support and info here, it's a great connecting point.
Melinda I am going out for a Thai meal tonight wiht a couple of friends and can't wait! Food is pretty nice right now after 2 weeks of either no interest at all or being so careful due to tummy pains.The only problem is, I have put back on (in less than a week) the couple of kilos I lost during 'chemo week'!! Need to be a bit careful I guess and not pork out on everything I see...
Chemo brain stories... one sign for me is the number of typos I have as I post ... normally a VERY good speller believe it or not but somehow now my fingers get tangled as I type! try to correct them before i submit but I bet lots get through...Another good example: I am the bill payer in the family and normally pay all our bills on line. Recently we got a phone which stated that our last month's account had not been paid. I told my husband 'I KNOW I paid that bill' and went on line to check my bank statement. Sure enough, I had paid the correct amount... but to the water utility instead of the phone company! SoI had to meekly pay the phone account and I guess we will get a credit on our next water bill.
Have a great day to you all.
Denise
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Dear Sisters OK I made an appt to try on wigs tomorrow. I didn't think I wanted one, but sometimes a hat or scarf just doesn't feel right... We'll see. Today, we have a friend coming over and we thought she was here and I panicked and grabbed for a hat and my husband said, "It's OK if our friends see you without a hat. In fact, it's probably good for them." I guess he's right - there's just a bit of pride involved here. My lint-rollered head just isn't really pretty right now... But this is a close friend who i should feel comfortable enough to show her my true fuzz. Do you all know what I mean? I think part of me feels so freaky now any way, but I know he's right. I don't want to act crazy about it either. I at least want to put a warning on the door "Beware: I'm not wearing my hat - and I'm running around the house without my pretend breast in" But that might be a bit much.
If any of you come by for a visit, I'll let you see my fuzzy head!
Denise - I have the same problem with my typing - I think it's going down just fine, but now I have to proofread each time I write something. I also had a problem with a deposit slip...and I am having my husband check every check I write now and telling him exactly what I'm paying online. I made myself a checklist of all regular payments, when they're due (I just had to edit this and change that from "they're do". I read that 3 times and didn't see it!), and a place to write down if I paid it for the month. It's all in a binder, so I can check the binder to make sure I've paid everything. It did help me remember to pay 2 bills this month. Now if I can just remember where I put the binder!
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Oh my gosh, I am so glad I am not the only one with typing issues. I just keep messing up.
Vickilynn, I would totally love to give you a big hug, fuzzy head and all! My mom had a partial plate (dentures you know), and she used to make a mad dash to the bathroom anytime the door bell rang. I hope I'm not like that with the hat, but I bet I will be. I hope Kemo wins, I would love for you to get the prize. I'll vote for her again tomorrow.
Denise, you sound like you are feeling better. I am so glad. Thank you for your description of Australia, I loved it. It sounds beautiful. But as you said, our Colorado mountains are pretty too.
Toni, I hope all is well up in MT. Has it been cool there too. We have had cold rain for two days. I'm surprised it hasn't snowed.
Barb, I'm glad you still have a clear head. I hope and pray that your PET went well. Let us know ASAP, we are there with you. I don't have any sisters either, so I know how much we need each other.
Amy (Ame), I like the new spelling. You are doing great getting to work at all. It can be really hard some days. I had a yucky day at work today, but now I am in bed, and soon it will be lights out. Thank you for telling stories on yourself. It helps to know that we are all human.
Melinda, I hope all is well with you. I haven't seen that ad I will have to look for it.
China, good luck on the hair front. I just picked a free wig from the American Cancer Society, and it is nothing special. I hope to rock my inner gypsy with scarves and hats, but we will see. I haven't had too much fall out yet, but I will let you all know what happens when it does.
Mari, best wishes. I hope the little one is doing well. I'm sure she is a lot of fun at 3. I love that age.
Catherine, I hope all is positive with you. When is your next tx? Is it on the first? I know you are really close to me.
Jane and Delaine, I think we are up to 4 ILC ladies on this thread now. Denise, you two and me. I hope everything is going smoothly.
I am wiped out and am heading to sleep now.
I love you all, and you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Susan
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HEY, HEY, HEY...it's Decadron Day! I've been up since 2:00 - catching up on everyone! Welcome to our new sisters...this is the best place to be and I start chomping at the bit (and everything else in sight) when I haven't been on the computer to see how you've all been doing! Then I end up laughing, crying, shaking my head yes, and then feeling overwhelmed because I need to talk to each and every one of you, RIGHT NOW! The funny thing is, I know you all feel exactly the same....which is why I love that we're all here, now, together. Oh My Gosh...the best is the hair ordeal, I think! It, to me, has been the hardest thing (even harder than deciding on the port) for me..or I should say WAS the hardest. I have 3 wigs (compliments of my cancer center and ACS, and I bought one online at bestwigoutlet.com for $100, it's the best...saved $150 from the wig shop's price, just asked them what the name of the wig was and who the maker was. I paid a $10 consultation fee and they cut one of my freebies for $20 so, I'm not feeling too bad about going online). Oh TONI, I feel like flushing the other 2 down the toilet! (But will donate them back). Long story short (sort of), On Tuesday I had a meltdown, decided I wanted a scarf. You've all been so good about talking about them but I just thought a wig would do it...then I didn't want that either! But, my hair was everywhere, total shedding. I have a ton of hair so I knew it would take a while but didn't care, just couldn't shave it...although I kept saying I would. I'm thinking of you, CHINABLUE. My daughter and I went to a salon by my house, TUESDAY and she ran in to ask about shaving. One of the gals said she would do it and cut my wig bangs for free...right then. I panicked..not quite ready. She said to take time, she'd be there for me. Well, WEDNESDAY, I started pulling it out, handful by handful, kind of outer-body experience, just like you said DENICE, but as I did that, while holding my 1 year old grandson, he started pulling it out too! Seriously, he'd take a handful from my head, look at it, and throw it in the waste can on the bathroom counter, along with me! Then, he tried to pull his hair out...and looked puzzled when it didn't come! After almost filling the can, I called and made the appt for yesterday at 4:30 pm. The whole family went, the grandkids (Hank and 20 mo. old grandaughter) watched the whole thing. They won't remember quite like yours will JANE and VICKILYNN (such sweet children!), but then they had to feel it and Josie did the shiver like it was creepy! I have a cone head and nephrititi (sp) ledge in the back. She cut the wig bangs, I put it on and we all went out to dinner! I didn't cry....and believe me, I had been crying alot over this..mostly in the shower. And VICKILYNN, I cried when I saw that you and your DH call it a sad cancer day, because that's what I always say, that I'm just sad. It totally sums it up. And the fact that he says the music's silent now, what a beautiful man, and what a deeply heartfelt show of devotion. I so hope his illness is cured quickly...and painlessly...and I'm praying for him as well! I'm voting for KEMO when I finish this epic...I love that, MELINDA, the only Kemo I like too! NEECE, I'm so sorry that you're experiencing lymphedema. I had a SNB and they only removed 3 nodes, all clear, so I know that I was really lucky in that aspect. I'm so hoping they soon find a remedy because in talking to other gals, it seems quite prevelant. BARBARA, waiting for good news on your PET, CT and EKG!! I wanted a PET scan, just to be sure what was lurking in my body, but my doctor (and insurance) said it wasn't necessary
DELAINE, Great news that chemo wasn't a horrific experience. I think most of us experience that to finally get it "over with" is so much easier than the anticipation. There's soooo much experience on this thread, any side effects you may (and hopefully may not!) experience, just post about - we share the love! MAMAMARI, about 6 months before my diagnosis, there was an article in the paper about chemo drugs being good for the skin...the ultimate exfoliant! We all laughed in the office about how we'd get a hold of that That may be the one saving grace! Glad you look even more beautiful! PAM, God Bless You for being diligent about self exams!! I am with the others in saying you have a strong spirit and you will get through this...AGAIN...and be a blessing to others in sharing your adventure & healing with them! You've given me an extra dose of "I can do this!" AMY...or AME...they both work!! You can blame the "other" one if she makes a mistake at work!! SO FUNNY!!! BETTYE, my husband also said that he's seen websites for funding if a person isn't covered for medical expenses due to cancer treatment. He said there are quite a few options. It may depend on your state, like VICKILYNN said, but you should have great care no matter where you live! Let us know if we need to write letters MELINDA, Fall is already in PA??? It's a beautiful state. We traveled across the country quite a few years ago - from WA ST to WA, DC (husband's retired gov), and loved PA. The trees and farmlands, gorgeous (and we have a lot of that in WA...but different!). Of course, add the Amish & Civil War (family loves that stuff!) areas, and we were in heaven! It was 86 in Seattle yesterday! VICKILYNN, I'm a cysty person, too. I have quite a few lympomas (fatty cysts), and had 2 removed from my groin area, which are growing back, very common. I read your post and felt the cyst...it's shrunk!!! I'm not kidding...how bizarre & wonderful!!! It's not very charming when I wear a bathing suit, and I was dreading having it removed again because it doesn't heal in that area very quickly (that was before I experienced cancer....now it'd look like a walk in the park!). So, another ray of sunshine!! OMG, I forgot to tell you...when trying on scarves at Target with my daughter, I took the first one off and it was covered with hair...voila...my daughter pulled her lint roller out of her purse and cleaned it up on the spot! My other daughter keeps one on her kitchen counter...are they secretly YOUR children??? I got one every year for about 10 years from our dry cleaners and I think I still have 9 of them left You're a genius! LOVE, HUGS, PRAYERS and THOUGHTS of all of you! # 2 tx tomorrow...can't wait 
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