Chemo Starting Sep 09

vickilynn

Jane - I have our road trip itinerary all figured out!  If you can take a month off in May, I think we can do this and get hugs from almost everybody.  And we'll celebrate our birthdays together!  After all, we don't turn 59 every day, we might as well do it with a sister : )

So, you fly to Yuma and we pack my 2-seater Honda (which gets 35 mpg so we can afford this) and you can meet my DH (who will miss me terribly) and he will make us some of his delicious clam chowder before we go.

Then we'll head to San Diego (only 3 hours west) and visit Patty who will be hard at work planning a bridal show but will take a day to show us her favorite San Diego spot. And we'll embarrass her son by telling him how handsome he is and how proud she is of him!  And they will take us out to eat at her favorite seafood restaurant and we'll eat clam chowder and sourdough bread and maybe something fishy to go with that.  And we'll have something very rich and chocolaty for dessert. 

Then we head north to Clovis, CA and visit (Kim) DomeGal and we'll meet her niece and family and she'll take us horsebackriding (I only assume that because of the rodeo comment!) .  And she'll take us out for a big BBQ dinner in Fresno and then we'll go to her house for chocolate cake (I hope you like chocolate Jane).  And if we have time we'll drive to Yosemite and I'll show you Half Dome.

We'll head straight up I-5 north in California and we'll stop and visit my sons and their wives and my 5 grandchildren and 1 on the way who all live within 3 miles of each other.  My DIL will probably make us chicken parmesan and her really delicious home-made german chocolate cakes. 

The next day we'll take a trip to the Redwoods because you've probably never been and they are awe inspiring and we'll visit my favorite northern California beach in the small town of Trinidad where we'll eat clam chowder from sourdough bread bowls and one Mendocino chocolate truffle because they're quite expensive and very good and then we'll watch the waves and walk on the beach.

North through Oregon along the coast - because there's no place like the Oregon coast - and stop at one of my favorite little coastal towns for clam chowder and to visit the Chocolate Factory where they give out samples of the best chocolates.  Of course we'll just sample, we won't actually buy any because that would not be on our diets.

On north towards Seattle and spend at least a day or 2 with Ronnie and her family and tell her how adorable her grandsons are and look at all the photos of her other grandchildren.  Then she and her DH will take us out to eat at their favorite seafood restaurant in Seattle before the Mariner's game.  Then we'll measure ourselves to see who really is the shortest (but we won't weigh ourselves on account of all the clam chowder and chocolates we've been eating along the way).

We have to stop in Colorado and see if we can find Diva (Susan).  And I'm sure she'll want to take us out to eat.  There is a buffalo ranch about an hour north of her I think where we could have buffalo burgers.  And Susan bakes great virtual cookies, I'm sure she'll have something chocolate waiting for us.

Off to Michigan next where BarbAnne will give us a tour (I've never ever been to Michigan).  We'll meet her cats (?) and talk and talk and talk some more. And I think she and her husband will take us out to eat.  but I'm not sure what they eat in Michigan so it will be a surprise.  But I'm sure there will be something chocolate for dessert.

Heading south we'll find PamelaJo and give her hugs from everyone.  And if she's feeling up to it she'll bake us some persimmon cookies and homemade bread and pies and... something chocolate.

Then we'll have to stop and get new shocks on my car because of all the great food we've been eating.

Then it's east to Catherine (PositiveMe) in New Jersey and Chinablue in New York so we can all meet together and take in a Broadway Show (which I've never ever done but always wanted to).  Maybe we can get Melinda from PA to join us there?   And we'll all eat at a New York deli and finish it with chocolate cheesecake.

We'll stop on our way south so I can meet your husband and he can take us out to your favorite restaurant and you can surprise me with the menu.  Then it's off to Florida where Wanda and Barb T can take us to the beach where they will bring a big picnic lunch of whatever they eat in Florida and we can eat and visit and play in the water and eat chocolate. 

We'll park our car at Wanda's house and she can take us to the airport where we'll fly to Australia and meet Neece.  We'll get our photos taken with koalas, listen to some great music by her husband and son and I think we'll stay a week because Australia's a big country and she'll have to show it all  to us and I'm sure there's lots of Australian food we'll have to try.  I'm pretty sure their chocolate is even better on that side of the world.

Anyway, we'll fly back and pick up my car.  Your husband will drive down to meet us and mine will fly (that will NEVER happen) to Florida - or maybe he'll hitchhike - and we'll all have dinner together before we head home.

So---are you packed yet, Jane?

We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust our sails.
Diagnosis: 7/13/2009, IDC, 4cm, Grade 3, 0/4 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2-

RonnieKay

OHHHH crap!  Sorry, everyone always looks at me crosswise when I say crap...but it's been my buzz word since I was a teenager & it says it all for me...how can we meet without you????  What the heck.  Maybe we will need to meet in Florida   I've been to 30some states, but not Florida!  Anyhoo...I'm glad you're home & getting good sleep. Have they said it was the bc drugs that caused the irregularity in your heart beating?  I thought your muga was good....and seriously, you would have done nothing differently...the drugs are a necessary evil...and I mean EVIL!  Just makes me sad that you've had to go through so much.

BARBANNE:  Thank you for the beautiful words...I needed a good cry!  It's so true...what would we do if we didn't have someone (aka..a woman) to share our true thoughts.  I wish I were working at the desk next to you...we'd vent, laugh, cry, get each other coffee, talk about stupid people, share family woes....truly!  That's what I miss most about not working!  Screw the money...haha!!!  (Man, Pam would be proud of me!).  Anyway, my friend interviewed for 10 jobs, 8 in our school district, over the course of a year and a half.  She finally landed a job with our state school employee division-$3 an hour more, telecommuting if she wants, 4-10s if she wants, was told she didn't have to dress up as much as she does, potlucks, automatic yearly raise, all sick leave & retirement stays...omg, and she was a public school secretary, which comes with none of the above (the voice of experience here!).  Granted, we loved our jobs, but.....  SO, like JANE said...something's out there waiting for you!  We just missed you  

DOME GIRL: Prayers for your niece!  We all know miracles happen...I feel like we're all miracles!! I have always been thankful that when I was diagnosed, my children were grown...and have always said special prayers that all of you would also see your children grown. Of couse now I want to see my grandchildren grown! 

My sister's family is coming tomorrow, staying the weekend. I haven't cleaned for some time...and obviously I'm typing here, avoiding housework!  Guess I'll get dressed and go the mall..more avoidance.  Love to all!

jadams1264

Good morning SOSisters....another beautiful day in NC.  Going to be almost 70!  Feeling good and glad to be here!

VickiLynne - I love you gal and your wonderful imagination.  So a few questions and comments on our trip.  First how big is your trunk?  I will need large to largest clothes with all the food and chocolate!  Also hate to confess I'm not real big on clam chowder (yes, go ahead and shoot me) but I like other types of seafood so we'll be okay!  Now on our trip when we go to find Susan in Colorado we can stay with my cousin in Denver and she and her husband can take us to a nice restaurant and we'll have some decadent choclate for dessert.  Then we can also look for GMA Toni in Montana, remember her?  And we'll need to hire a PI to find Pamela Jo in Indiana unless someone knows Pamela Jo's last name (anyone?).  And where does DiDi live?  Can't forget to stop by and see her.  Also when we get to the East Coast we need to stop and visit with China Blue in NY and Onty in NJ.  As we come tootling down I-95 we'll stop in DC and drive by all the monuments.  Have you been to NY?  Otherwise we need to do a tour, can't miss the Big Apple with all our East Coast sisters.  When we get to NC, we will of course stop here and you can meet DH, daughter and grandkids.  We will take you to our favorite buffet for real southern cooking, get out the stretch pants!  We southern gals like to think we know a thing or two about chocolate so we will find something to satisfy that craving.  When we leave here headed to Florida, we'll stop in Savannah, Ga. and have dinner at Paula Dean's.  Have you seen her on Food Network, she and I share a love of butter!  And then I'm not sure how we will work this in but remember Mari who was Canadian but living in Spain?  A side trip to Spain after Australia?  Do you think we will have to pay extra for our airline seats?  I think by this time I will be considered a short wide load!  This sounds like the absolute best road trip ever, maybe we could just pick up our sisters along the way and all of us go see Neece!  I so enjoyed your post and had fun thinking of all the things we could do if I could actually take a month off, altho a month would not be enough.  However, I am going to see if I can't possibly work something out for the reunion in Sept., go back to work on Tuesday, will see how well I can wheel and deal.

RonnieKay - a girl after my own heart.  My most often used word?  Crap!  I'm not prone to saying foul words and crap is considered my word.  Cracked up that you used it too, what can I say, we are sisters!  Hope you are having a good time with your company.

Okay where are the rest of our sisters?  VickiLynn and I need to know what kind of chocolate dessert you will have waiting when we arrived on your doorstep.  But most importantly, we need to know you are doing okay.  Missing all of you.

Thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jane

RonnieKay

OMG...VICKILYNN...How did I miss your post!!!  ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!   I'm drooling because, obviously it's a west coast thing...I share the clam chowder love!  Of course, I share the JANE butter love too...on sourdough, of course!!!!  We can get the bread bowl and just eat the whole thing   What's with those people who only eat the soup out of the bowl?????

Thanks for sending us down memory lane...miss our sisters & can only hope they're healthy and loving life! 

XOXO...Happy Day before Valentine's Day...I've been eating chocolate for a day and a half, more tomorrow might be too much..."Fat Chance!" 

vickilynn

JANE:  We may have a hard time picking up any of the other sisters --- it's a 2-passenger car (just right for us short-legged people).  We could fit one in the trunk...  But we need all that space for our x-large clothes and x-tra chocolate.  BUT the roof comes off and so we can go topless as long as the weather holds out!!! 

We can work around the dislike of clam chowder...  but the chocolate is non-negotiable.

Oh - I'm quite familiar with Paula Deen and her butter.  Yum.  And yes, Ronnie - those bread bowls are great with or without the butter!

I've been to Illinois once but that's the farthest --- oh wait.  We flew to Chattanooga for a conference one year.  I'm mostly a west coast traveler so I'd love to tour it all.  I do get a bit nervous driving in city (since my home town has less than 1000 people in it) so you may have to take the wheel for a bit Jane.

OK.  Enough of this fantasizing.  Hope you can make it in September to Vegas.  But if... you know where you're working closes down and your rich uncle dies and leaves you a small fortune... then maybe we could take that trip. 

msmpatty

VickiLynn...I have every intention of climbing into the car on your first stop in San Diego.  And just in case I won't fit, perhaps you could tow your bicycle and we can take turns getting a little exercise on our grand tour of the US, Australia and Spain.  I get dibs on the car over the Rockies!

Barbara...Loved your poem.   So true, it's the girl friends you turn to when everything else fails!

RonnieKay...I'd be delighted to hear something as mild as "crap" in my house.   Sadly, the 14-year-old has developed quite a potty mouth.  Picked up, it seems, from equally naughty 9th graders at school.  I suppose this too shall pass...

Jayne...can I discern from your long post that you're feeling better?   I sure hope so.  With lots of advance notice I hope your work can spare you for just one tiny day in Sept/Oct. The reunion wouldn't be complete without you!

Everybody else...I'd reply to your comments but if I click off this page I'll lose my whole post so I'll leave it at...great to hear from you!

 I'm having such fun getting ready for my house to be tented for termites next week.  NOT!  The little critters are eating my eaves.   So I'm bagging up the food,  slashing at the plant life around the foundation,  dragging houseplants outside.  Can't wait until they actually start the work and the boy and I head off to a relaxing hotel for two days!

Patty

jadams1264

Hello SOSisters.... hope this finds all of you doing well.

Patty - I'm thinking we need to get a bus/mini van for the road trip.  Not sure how much cycling I can do!  I am feeling much better and will find out by the end of week if I can get the time off.  Have to go through 2 bosses to get okay.  Will you give me exact dates again?  If I get okay I want to go ahead and book my plane ticket.  Sorry you are having to go through the termite ordeal.  Relaxing hotel sounds good though.

Everyone else - hope you are busy and having fun.  Take care.

Thoughts and prayers are with you!

Jane

vickilynn

Just found a post on line about the Ta-Ta reunion in September.  Seems the deadline for signing up is March 1.  Look for the discussion board about it under "Get Togethers".  Sep 30 - Oct 3

http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/34/topic/764104?page=7#idx_190

If anyone wants to go, I'd suggest contacting them on the board right away. 

I'm not sure at this point.  I'll be pretty exhausted from our long road trip : ) in the motor home (it seems we'll need one just to fit everyone in!)

jadams1264

Hello SOSisters.....

VickiLynn - if we take a month and a half in May you should be well rested for Sept. when we will need a vacation from all the traveling.

So should we all sign up as a team?  We would want to be together or Patty are you going to see about suites for us?  I'm all for rooming together, it will be so much fun!  Looking up airline ticket prices, one boss said yes, will speak with second one tomorrow!

Thoughts and prayers are with you!

Jane

Scoobydoo

Hello SOSisters.

Okay why is this second mammo since breast cancer so difficult!  I am so stressed.  I am terrified that they will find something.  Last mammo they found something but did not think it was anything to worry about and they said they would keep an eye on it.  So I am really getting scared.  It is planned for today at 3:30pm.  I could really use your support and encouragement.

Anita

vickilynn

Praying for good results Anita.  Just remember to breathe... and we're all trusting the results will be good.

msmpatty

Anita - Keeping my fingers crossed for good results on your mammo.   It is maddening how scary these tests are now.  I have a PAP coming up and I'm  thinking "Oh god, what if they find cancer there?"  Keep the faith!

TA TA Sisterhood...I think we should sign up for rooms together.  They'll no doubt get a good rate by blocking so many rooms. I'm pretty sure they don't actually book the rooms for you, just block them and then you call and book the room directly.  I'm in and up for a roomate.  Anybody want to share?

Patty

RonnieKay

VICKI: I read the "Get Together" discussion board too...Great reading, as everyone tried to find a weekend that was good for everyone!  It sounds like they had wonderful times together, so I can't wait!!  Anyhoo...I hope all the SOS are there and JANE...I can't imagine your other boss being anything but putty in your hand as you explain how important our being together is!  And you're at work....that's a good sign

PATTY:  I'm totally into sharing a room....the more the merrier!!!   OMG...I can envision your home right now...I've seen those tents wrapped around buildings and it just makes me squeamish!  Those little critters are such a mess....guess I need to cut my gophers a little slack! Will await good news on your pap!

ANITA:  Waiting to hear that you're all clear!  I'm glad you checked in....the more prayers the better...and you know we're all there for you!

Also waiting to hear how the lump is VICKI????  

Take care all!  Got the crummy cold now so I'm a couch potato this weekend

jadams1264

Hello SOSisters.... hope this finds everyone doing well and enjoying the weekend.  Have spent the day getting my gray covered and hair straightened.  Oh what fun!

ScobbyDo - it's so wonderful to hear from you.  So sorry you are going through this scare.  They did a bone scan and CAT scan on me a few months ago.  I was on pins and needles waiting for the results.  I don't think there will ever be a time, no matter what the test, that our minds don't auto pilot to the cancer scare.  How have you been otherwise?  Can you get to Vegas in Sept?

Patty - I'm all for sharing a room can we get a suite please?  The more the merrier - a slumber party for our sisters.  I'll have to get new pj's!  I had the same thoughts when I had to get my pap smear.  Another fine leftover from our BC journey.

RonnieKay - sorry you have a crummy cold.  Being a couch potato is the best thing to do for a cold.  I actually talked with the boss who had the best idea of how busy things would be during the reunion time frame first.  The second boss- my main boss - will tell me "go and enjoy".  My flight will be about 8 hours - I will be a zombie!  Was hoping I might catch up with another sister during my connection in Charlotte - really wish some of our east coast sisters would decide to join us!

Well, I'm signing off, going to try to get all my paperwork ready to get taxes done.  Hope we get a big refund, I need the money for Vegas .

To all our other SOSisters.....please post.  We miss you!

Thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jane

chinablue

I love that the all of you are still in touch.  It took me some time to catch on the news.

I have been all over the breast reconstruction threads.  

I am currently doing the "stage 2" part of my diep reconstruction.  I have a tissue expander under my diep breast to balance the girls because I was left with a dcup on the natural and a bcup on my foob.  I have finished my fills.  On Feb. 28th, I am to have scar revision. I have to wait a while for the exchange of the implant for the tissue expander.  The first available ps appointment is in July.  I am crossing my fingers I can get of the waiting list for an earlier appt. Once I have the exchange, I will be having fat grafting, tatoo, and the fipple.  I should be done with recon. Sept 2011.

My mx was Aug. 09.

What a journey we are on!  

It is so so reassuring that we can still connect.  I may not write much, but I am still here.

Love Ya 

RonnieKay

YEAH CHINA...JANE must have channeled you!  It's so good to hear from you! !   Holy smokes...you have been through the ropes with reconstruction.  I hope that when September comes around (and hopefully before!), you will be totally happy with your girls!  I have a friend that had reduction in her natural breast to even them out, which seemed odd to me that they would do that when they could enlarge her foob.  Hope you're feeling good & glad you were able to find support on other boards too!   Will you be thinking about Las Vegas the end of September?  I know it's a long trip for all of our eastern sisters...but it would be soooooo wonderful to be together!   JANE...excited it's a go for you!  I have to laugh...the last time I really gambled (Black Jack), I think there were $2.00 tables!  Putting kids through college, weddings, etc., kinda put a damper of gambling...but hey...I'm ready to roll!  

vickilynn

I let the other Board know that at least 4 of us are planning to come and will need rooms... hope more of you can let us know if you're coming Sep. 30 - Oct.3

I am getting impatient about this lump... I had to see a local dr. who doesn't know me at all and he referred me to a surgeon (without any testing first) and she can't see me until March 2... so I'm in limbo for awhile.  Lump is still there.

Neece

Vickilynn I loved your fantasy tour. I laughed and then almost cried. Thank you, it ws a pleasure to read and share your virtual trip with all the sisters.

Good luck to everyone with recon, lumps and mammos. What dramas we still face. Warm hugs to all.

Neece

chinablue

Alas, I cannot make it to the Las Vegas.  I work in an elementary school and Sept/Oct is prime time for the little ones.

Vicklilynn - hang in there! Waiting is torture. I wonder if you could travel out of your area, maybe to a bigger city.  I don't know ... just an idea.  Please be demanding.  I hope the dr can fit you in earlier.

msmpatty

China - So great to hear from you!   The DIEP is a really long process but the results are good...I hear.  

Vicki - Kaiser routinely refers "lumps" to the surgeons.   I guess they have ultra sensitive fingers and are the best at feeling things. Seems odd to me, but that's what they do.  Anyway, keeping everything crossed for a good outcome!

Patty

jadams1264

Hello SOSisters.... hope all of you are doing well.  Sunday's go by so fast!

ChinaBlue - it's so wonderful to hear from you!  I know it's been a long road but it will be so worth it when your surgeries are all over.  Wish you could join us in Vegas.  We will have to post pics and get VickiLynn & Ronnie to describe everything.  They are such wonderful writers.

RonnieKay - I hope you won't be to disappointed that my idea of big gambling is the slots.  Once I won $100.00, that's the extent of my big win.  I am looking forward to the spa and a show or two and all the wonderful buffets!

VickiLynn -- take a deep breath, have a piece of chocolate, go bicycle riding, line dancing, Google Vegas.  Keep busy.  I know that it's hard to wait but it's going to be fine.  I have learned that it doesn't make any difference how impatient I get, it doesn't make anything go any faster.  I go back to the local cardiologist this Weds. and dread going.  The last two times I saw him he put me in Cardiac ICU.  But I'm feeling good, so keeping my fingers crossed.

Patty - how are you doing?  Are the termites gone?  

Ok sisters let's all try our psychic powers and see if we can get any of our other sisters to post we haven't heard from in awhile!

Thoughts and prayers are with you!

Jane

vickilynn

I heard from the reunion organizer, Tracey, and the Vegas info is: 

 "We do have an itinerary that we plan as we get closer to the date. It's usually about 2 outings a day which you can choose if you wanna go or not. Example we plan a visit to Freemount street, The Piano Bar, some do shows, We go dancing, Brunch ect....... Like I said as we get closer to the date more info on the itinerary will be available. All the hotel info will be posted in early March. It really is a great celebration of sisterhood!! You will have a blast!!!.  And again I am THRILLED that you are joining us!!!!"

Once they have a hotel lined up, we can call and make our reservations.  She thinks just 2 beds per room - no suites - because of the deals they get from the hotels.  So we can just choose our roommates and go from there.  Anyone else planning on going?  I know about Patty and Ronnie and Jane and myself. 

RonnieKay

Thanks for contacting them, VICKI...sounds like a blast!  Looking at airfare now, there are always good deals on Travelocity, so I'm scouring the web!

Got a question for you gals....My friend had red devil and now is 2 treatments from the end of taxol. She had to postpone her last treatment due to illness and she said she's losing her toenails.  My only thing with nails was the black strip down my thumbnail, but I remember someone having toenail problems...any advice????  I'm going to check the boards...she's never wanted to go online and her onc office is, in my opinion, not very proactive.  I was the one who told her most of what she could expect from treatment...like neuropathy, taste buds going on a hike, preventing mouth sores, etc....what I think is important information in going through treatment.  She's being treated at the hospital where I had surgery and met with the onc from hell, so it doesn't surprise me.  I just want her to have advice that may help her deal with discomfort, etc.  JANE, I hope your cousin is doing better....think and pray for her! 

High School I worked at is playing today...seeding for state tourney so we're off & running!  LOVE ALL!

vickilynn

Ronnie - my fingernails (after stopping chemo) began breaking below the quick (white part) and it was scary and uncomfortable.  But when they finally grew back, they were strong nails.  I did not complete the Taxol, however.  I only had 1 treatment with it and 1 with taxotere.  So I don't know about those who go through the whole tx.  I do remember someone having big problems with that.  Good luck to your team : )

 Patty - one of us for sure will be your roommate.  I wish we could all share a room together, but doesn't look like a possibility.   Hope your home is bug free!

Jane - no ICU for you this week!  Glad you're feeling better.  My gambling is limited to penny slots and I feel badly if I lose $20. 

Anita - any news?

Chinablue - thanks for checking in.  hope all goes well with your recon!

Neece - is the weather settling down over there yet?  You're welcome for the virtual tour.

To everyone:  if you don't go to Vegas you'll miss the chocolate factory tour that Jane promised me!

Oh!  and my DH just bought me a NookColor and it's charging right now!! Never thought I would buy one of these --- I was a "hold out" for traditional books --- but living in a travel trailer limits how many books I can store!  I think I'm really going to like it now I have one.  B & N even offers a class in how to use it so Wed. I'll learn all about it.

Scoobydoo

Hi Sisters!

All is clear!!!!!  Yay!!!!!  Wow that was so stressful.  Thank you so much for your prayers and well wishes.  

Chinablue - So good to hear from you.  I sure hope your reconstruction goes without a hitch.

Vickilynn- I bought my daughter the regular NOOK and she loves it.  How is the NOOK color on your eyes?  Any news regarding lump?  It is probably scar tissue.  I know my breasts feel lumpy around the surgery site.  You are in my prayers that all is well.

Ronnie - I painted my nails black as I heard this would help keep them from falling off.  I guess it worked because I was able to keep all my nails.  They did turn black though.  But now they are pretty pink.  Yay.  I also heard that icing them during treatment (like with a bag of frozen peas) helps but I didnt try it because it seemed sort of ridiculous and hard to do.

Patty - I am jealous that you are going to Vegas with the gals.  I work for the federal government and there is a threat of a shut down so every penny I have to save it just in case.

Jane- Thanks for your encouraging thoughts.  Oh and I love playing slots.  So much fun.  Last time in Vegas I won $2700 on one quarter.  It was such a blast!

Talk to you ladies real soon.

Anita

jadams1264

Hello SOSisters.... went to the cardiologist today, first appt. since getting out of the hospital.  All was well.  YEAH!!! I was so stressed it's a wonder my blood pressure wasn't high and my heartbeat really irregular.  So now I don't have to see another doctor for a whole month.

VickiLynn - I know you are counting down the days to your appointment, only 7 more to go.  Stay busy.  Thanks for keeping us posted on Vegas, sounds like they have a good time.  I will have to look up the chocolate factory - that could be an event one day, have to get you some chocolate!  I usually play the .25 slots - $20.00 is about all I can do too without getting bored.  I have an old Nook, bought DH the color version for Xmas.  It took a little getting used too but now daughter and I lend each other books and no waiting to go to the bookstore.

RonnieKay - I'm also going to check out Travelocity, but a friend who travels constantly says she gets the best deals direct from the airline.  I'm all for saving money for fun stuff in Vegas.  I didn't have any finger nail problems during treatment, but since treatment my fingernails break and split horribly.  I figured they would be better by now.  My cousin is doing well, had her 2nd txt last week is not feeling very good today.  In addition, her husband had surgery for a kidney stone and as soon as he is over that they are doing surgery for prostate cancer.  Stage 3.  They are having the worst time.  It's bad enough when it's one of you but both at the same time is more than anyone should have to go through.  Thanks for keeping her in your prayers.

Anita - YEAH!!! I'm so glad all was clear and can only imagine the relief you are feeling.  If the economy turns around between now and Sept. we so hope you can join us.  The 2 Barbs, Wanda and DiDi  are looking to see if they can swing coming also.  It would be so much fun.  I would like you to show me how to play the slots and win money with one quarter!

Neece - hope you are doing well.  Did any of your terrible weather events come anywhere near you?  Are you back to teaching now?  Sure wish you could join us in Vegas, or we could all come to visit you!

Take care.  Thoughts and prayers are with you!

Jane

vickilynn

ANITA - great news!

To All - Even if you don't "sign up" by March 1 to come to Vegas, we hope things will work out and you'll be able to join us any way.  I'm so looking forward to lots of hugs and long talks and... chocolate.

Neece

Scooby - so glad you got a good result. Well done you. And to Jane also with your cardiologist visit. Good to tick these things off.

hey folks is a Nook like a Kindle? I have been considering getting an e reader but not sure of the pros and cons of various types.

Ronnie I also painted my nails black, on advice from my oncology nurses, to prevent serious nail damage during the 'red devil' chemo. Each treatment,w hile that one was going in, I also had to put my hands in large, padded, frozen gloves - they looked like Micky Mouse hands. It really hurt as it almost froze my fingers but the onc team said it would help prevent nail damage. I had lots of discolouration of toe and finger nails, but damage to only one finger nail. The rest were fine and once the colouration grew out, you would not have known I had had chemo. I HATED having black varnish on the whole time but as it seemed to help, I think it was truly worth it.

Jane and Vickilynn, our Aussie weather seems to be settling a bit as we head towards autumn. We are having a bit of rain still, as the 'la nina' weather effect is still with us. But nothing as dramatic as we had over the summer. Our hearts are with our Kiwi cousins in New Nealand now, as they deal with the devastation of the earthquake in Christchurch. I went to NZ years ago for a holiday and adored Christchurch - it was a gracious, small city full of lovely old buildings and churches. So much of it has been destroyed now.

msmpatty

Neece - I, too, have been thinking of what a charming place Christchurch was when I visited there.  So sad.

Jane - Such a relief on the heart news.   A whole month without an appointment.  Must be some sort of record for you lately!

Anita - Also glad everything was all clear for you.   Maybe someday we'll be able to go to these appointments without worrying...but that may be a while.

Ronnie - I heard the black nail polish works too.  I did my full 12 Taxols and only had a little lifting of the ends of my fingernails.  Then they grew out stronger than ever...although I'm now seeing signs that they are headed back to their original thin weak things.  Boo hoo.

VickiLynn - Thanks for taking the bull by the horns and checking in with the TA TA ladies. The trip sounds fun and we'll probably meet people from other boards.

Termite are (presumably) gone!   Dragged all the plants outside, bagged up the food and spent three relaxing days in the hotel.  (Since our office is in a wing of my home, couldn't work either. So sad.  NOT!)   Now we're home and everything is back in it's place.  Glad that's over with!  Painters this week so the project I really wanted is finally getting done.

Have a good weekend everyone!

Patty

chinablue

Oh Ronnie, you really brought back memories with the nail problems. Ug.  

My fingertips and toes swelled up under the nails, then turned a brown/black, then oozed a horrible smelling liguid, then after a long long long time disconnected from the tips.  Of course all of the nail issues were on top of increasing neuropathy and baldness.  

At the time there was a thread about painting tree oil on the nails and taking glucocamine, I tried both and neither helped.  My onc was not much help.  He just shrugged it off.  I got to the point where I put bandaids on my fingers and kept my toes covered always.  

My heart goes out to your friend.  I just held onto the belief that taxol was killing the cancer.  Oh god, that was a tough time.

Please tell your friend that my fingernails are good now. My big toenails are finally half way grown (yes, it has been over year since my last taxol).