Chemo Starting Sep 09

vickilynn

Happy Birthday to you, JANE!

And Happy Bastille day to you, Patty!   (sorry about the tests, but you will be glad to know the answers will show your onc. wrong!!!)

And happy parenting to you BarbAnne (glad you're doing well on Tamoxifen so far)

And happy fat Foobs to you Chinablue!

And happy recovering to RonnieKay!

And happy wintering to Neece!

chinablue

"Happy fat Foobs"  I love it!  Thanks.

BarbAnne41

Happy Birthday Jane- I love that you made spa time. I know what you are saying about missing the loved ones, but golly I have a TOUGH time believing that, I was a bit of a loner my whole life so the fact that I get along with them and act all happy about it is something of a miracle!!! Keep doing fun stuff, we are actually all going to the zoo today, I know 90 degrees and sunny, but the DD's boyfriend is out of town and she wanted us to entertain her....hmmm of all her friends...hmmmm...must think that through..

Anyway to all you spa girl you may remember my DD is besides a high school senior a cosmetology student, it is a bit like having a monkey in the house as she is in our hair all the time, I am currently a blond with a bob, I will try to get a photo uploaded this week. 

China I love that fat foob, Vicki you are a card!!

Patty, Golly is your onc and my onc related, I had indigestion and he wanted a full CT, I was like..what?!?!....keeping you in my good thoughts and prayers!! My husband is French-Canadian, ( by lineage) can I participate in Bastille Day? Do I get to drink a lot of wine, need to Google that.

Love and big hot humid hugs

Barbara

chinablue

The date is set, Aug. 1st is pre-op testing and August 9th is another revision surgery.  Holy smokes, it is almost 2 years from the day I had my uni-mx with immediate diep recon.  The fat foob gummie foob that keeps on truckin'

DomeGal

Hi to all!  I feel incredibly selfish for having forsaken you all and trying to forget about the past 2 years.  It seems as though some of you are still on the journey and I am praying for you.....ChinaBlue I too am still on the reconstruction roller coaster ride.  My ps is still waiting for the radiated breast to drop (is that even possible?) and I perform "smushing" exercises every morning and night to help it do so...I have been trying to think of how best to help others through this journey...it seems that more of a one-on-one approach is best.  I am also volunteering with the American Caner Society....it just seems that even though for now I am cancer-free....it is always lurking around the corner in my mind.  I have been sporadically trying to catch up with all the posts, but just don't have a lot of time.  On a happy note, we are leaving Cali behind and heading to Hawaii for a week at the end of the month.  I have never been and we both just felt that we needed some sort of significant vacation to celebrate the ordeal of the past 2 years.  Please let me know if  the Vegas reunion is still on and when.  I have become a wee bit of a travel babe this year!  Please take care everyone and I know that it sounds trite coming from someone who is not undergoing treatment at the moment....but I feel that we were all strong once and we can all be strong again.  Love you all and mention this support blog every time I talk to someone about cancer.

vickilynn

KIM!  DomeGal!  So good to hear from you.  So sorry you're having foob trouble too!  Let us know about Hawaii.  Only 2 are going to the reunion in Vegas this year : (   But we're going in spirit... Hope you can join Jane and Patty there!

China - Sorry you have more surgery, but hopefully it will do the trick!

DH and I are going to do something fun for August and September.  We're going to be camp hosts at a California state park (part of the redwoods park system).  It's a horse camp - where people bring their horses and go out from there on trail rides.  We just basically have to be there - greet people, check their registrations, and refill t.p. as needed (they have a maintenance crew for cleaning the restrooms).  We get a trailer site with full hook ups... and we're really looking forward to it.  We drive for 6 miles thru old growth redwoods (the oldest in Calif with the tallest redwood 360+ feet tall!) and then it opens up and there's an old homestead that's been made into a campground. Lots of old fruit trees - pears and apples - and that brings black bears!!  Should be a great time.  We'll have phone service, but no internet service.  We're actually leaving on Monday, so will only check in once in awhile when we go to town. 

So don't think I've abandoned you if I don't check in regularly.  I'll be enjoying the great outdoors, exploring redwoods, petting horses, walking the dog, reading, writing...

you're all in my thoughts and prayers.

Vicki

msmpatty

I really feel awful for you gals still undergoing reconstruction.   Dropping boobs,  smushing exercises, fat foobs, gummie foobs...ei yi yi.   Here's hoping everything goes smoothly and everyone ends with the boobs they always wanted!  

Vicki your new job sounds wonderful.  We are lucky to have any State parks still open in California!  I wouldn't mind spending a couple months in the forest away from everything.  Not keen on bears though.   Keep in touch when you can.

Kim - Jane and I are going to the Las Vegas TA TA Sisterhood reunion.  I believe there are about 60 BCO ladies attending.  It is the last weekend in September.  Sounds like a blast!

Patty

Neece

Hello lovely ladies

Wow I don't post for a couple of weeks and have pages to catch up on!

Yes for those who were wondering it is very much winter down under right now. Wet, cold and windy.

There was snow 2 days ago but not where I live - further up the mountains about a half hour or so.But it doesn't stay around long.

I have been madly busy at work as it is start of a new semester at my college and new courses kicking off everywhere so I am running around each day with barely time to go the the ladies! It will settle down in a while - I hope!

Lovely to read all your posts. Keep well everyone.

RonnieKay

Finally!  Have been missing you all!  Your last post was noon of your BDAY, Jane...hope dinner was fabulous.  I think your family must be keeping Red Lobster in business   They better have given you free dessert and treated you like a princess (not a queen..that sounds too old!).  YEAH Patty!  Healthy...with a dose of tests coming to prove it!  I had to laugh catching up on posts, you asked Jane what she'd have next to "celebrate her vacation, a colonoscopy"...so, just pretend you're on vacation when they hand you that bottle of 160 ounces of...lets say Pina Collada (I'm a fruity drinker!) to drink for your "sightseeing tour!"  Talking about sunscreen...Seattle's about the only place in the civilized world that hasn't seen the sun...although the family just got back from the other side of the mountain & it was GORGEOUS...and I did get a touch of color, even with a dose of sunscreen!

So here's why I haven't posted!  We've had internet access at our place in eastern Wash for the past 6 years (since we bought family house after mom died), at $50 a month.  We're there, once, maybe twice a month (a 4 hour drive).  SO, we decided I'd get the smartass phone (that's what a non-electronic person calls it), before leaving town & have access to the web.  We get there and the next am (Jane's bday, Patty's appt...and I want to log-on!) I go to activate it, only to find out there isn't support from Verizon to go through activation. OMG...and my husband wants to move back "home" for good!  I was miserable until Sat, when we went to the city (60 miles) to activate it. Then, we get back to the sticks, it won't work...no service, phone yes, web, no.  What a great move!  So, looks like we'll be hooking back up & I'm going to "remedial" class to understand the Droid.  Jane...my DD and SIL got the Iphones and love em.  I may have to consider if I can't figure out all the bells and whistles on this one!   Barb will get the job, Barb will get the job!

Oh Neece...totally feeling the tingle burn under my arm.  I got my drain out on the 12th (I might have fudged 2 ml in order to meet the requirements), but I was po'ed at the appt.  After 45 min, I asked when I'd be called, "you're next", after another 45 min, I went and said I thought it was ridiculous to wait 1 1/2 hours.  They got me immediately and walking into the exam room, I started crying.  They said I was next on the computer & someone thought I'd been called and moved to the next person..I could've waited forever!  So, I figured I deserved to have the drain out!  Anyhoo, that was wonderful!  I don't have PT for another week (they wait 2 after drains are removed), but am doing my best to move about. So scared of lymphedema, just because they've messed around so much in there.  KUDOS Vickilynn!!  Swimming is the absolute best...and if I would've been with you, I'd have told you not to do the backstroke w/a bad shoulder..been there, done that..ouch!  It's just that we always think we can get through the pain...and we have...so why let a sore shoulder stop you, right!!!  When in doubt, breastroke (record holder here...will foobs make me faster or slower?), unless you have a bad knee!!!  Your Mr. O'Riley is adorable...bet he loves you just as much as you love him!!!

Oh China...I told my ps that I wanted the diep flap done before the end of the year, as all of our deductibles are met & we pay nothing.  He assured me that even though I'd go through the procedure now, I would be seeing him throughout the next year as well. I'm sounding very cheap lately!  I got my first 60 cc fill yesterday and the dr said with each fill I will have less sensitivity, pain in the area.  I think she's right.  I'm going up to a full B/small C...what I used to be with a bit of fiberfill!  I'm glad "the end" is in sight for you...China in August, China in August!!!

Still waiting for my appt w/onc to talk about herceptin.  She had said at appt before surgery that C was HER2 positive again, so probably 9 wks of treatment, but haven't heard anything since.  It also turns out that all the C was removed in my biopsy (the size of a sugarcube)...there was none left in the breast.  For a moment I thought, "No C left and you took my breast" and then I slapped myself! 

DD just called & wants me to shop w/her & the boys....goodie, thought I might have to do some puttering in the house (still taking it easy), hubby's the best!  So, BarbAnne...you only need to wait until your DD is married & has children and she won't remember the times she made you crazy & neither will you!!!!

LOVE YOU ALL!!!! 

jadams1264

Hello SOSisters...busy week at work and I've been remiss in posting.  Took off 1/2 day since it was supposed to be colonoscopy tomorrow, but the dr. canceled.  Said he needed to speak with my cardio dr. before he would do the procedure. Cardio doc out of town.  Why do we wait until the day before?   Needless to say I'm a little ticked, not that I wanted the procedure but had rearranged my whole schedule.  So then he wants to do it next week and I said no, that isn't convenient.  So now I'm scheduled for Sept. 2nd.  What is really ironic is DD did not want me to have the colonoscopy this month, nor my mammo and annual exam.  Says that every July something goes wrong - me first with BC, then Jim with prostrate cancer.  So maybe the cancellation was meant to be.  Okay I'm off my soap box!

BarbAnne - I had to laugh, my DD also went to cosmotolgy school.  Graduated and decided that wasn't what she wanted to do.  Now is a police dispatcher and loves her job, been there for years and makes good money.  So you just never know with your kids.  I was hoping when I logged on I would see a big "I got the job".  I am going to assume until you let us know otherwise that you haven't heard one way or the other.  Where is your new picture?

China Blue - August is just around the corner.  Sending you positive vibes that this is the very last surgery!

Kim - sounds like you have been keeping busy.  How wonderful to be headed to Hawaii.  Have been to many countries but never there.  Would like to go sometime.  Patty and I and about 60 other ladies are meeting in Vegas Sept. 30-Oct 3.  You are more than welcome to join us.  See the TATA Reunion site for more information.  Patty and I are going to take all of our sisters with us in spirit.

Vickilynn - I am happy for you and your new job.  But I am going to miss your posts.  Sounds like your campground will be absolutely beautiful and I know the redwoods are awesome.  Do you think Mr. O'Reily will like the horses?  Does the campground stay full all the time?

Patty - when are your tests?  I know you are due a bone scan and colonoscopy.  Have you gotten your dates yet?  I will empathize with you as you prepare for the colonoscopy.  Worst part of the whole procedure.

Neece - you sound mighty busy. What do you teach?   I would love some of your winter weather.  It is 116 here today with the heat index.  Can't even catch your breath when you walk outside.

RonnieKay - okay turn in the Droid and get an Iphone.  My DD is very gaget savey, she had a Droid and took it back.  Said it was too complicated for her.  She absolutely loves her Iphone and I have to admit that they are very, very easy to use.  Of course when I set mine up I was in the city limits.  It is really cool to be able to google or whatever no matter where you are.  I am glad to hear your drains are out and shame on them for making you wait.  I cry when I get angry, which usually makes me angrier!  When do you see your onc again and find out about Herceptin?  Did you many have se's with Herceptin first time around?  I absolutely hate that you might have to do Herceptin again.  Keep taking it easy as you recover and let us know how you are doing. 

Take care sisters.  Thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jane

msmpatty

Jane - What a drag to have your colonoscopy cancelled at the last moment. At least they told you before you drank the stuff (ha!).  Your daughter is right.  July is an unlucky month for you guys.  Do it next month.  Stay cool!

Neece  - Keep warm!   It is always so hard to imagine winter down there when it is summer up here. 

Ronnie - Now that you've said it, I can totally see you as a swimmer.  You little record holder, you.  Of course the foob will make you faster...more flotation.    I can totally relate to your technology problems.    My son had a Droid until last week when I upgraded him to an iPhone (his iPod was wearing out).  He hasn't had a problem with either.  But then...he's 14. Me?  I'm still delighted with my little phone that does nothing but make phone calls.

I still need to make my colonoscopy, MRI and blood work appointments. I did go to the dermatologist to have a couple ugly spots on my chest removed...for purely cosmetic reasons!  Now if I could only think of how a colonoscopy will make me look better, I might get motivated to make the appointment.

Patty

Scoobydoo

Hi SOSisters!

For all the ladies going through reconstruction...you are all in my prayers.  You are some very strong women!!

Things are going well for me.  Hubby finally found a job, Praise the Lord Jesus, and it is a good paying one too.  So we are so thrilled.  Things were getting a little dicey.  I have joined Weight Watchers...only two weeks so far....and doing great.  I have dropped 10 pounds thus far.  What I am not happy about is my hair.  It came back but is very thin on top.  I am so bummed.  I used to have thick hair.  Are any of you ladies having this issue?  Also, I get side cramps right under my breast.  Feels like a charlie horse but at the top of my rib cage.  Ouch!  If I make a sudden twisting motion...wowwheeeeeeee.  So not sure why this is happening.  I need to make an appt with my breast surgeon to see what in the world is going on.

Otherwise, so far so good.  Now I will take a little while to read through some of your posts to see how all of you ladies are doing.  

Anita

BarbAnne41

I got the job!! I am super nervous, you know ole people pleasing me, I keep thinking  will I do well...blah blah, everyone keeps saying Barbara you'll be fine. I start August 15th, so I keep you all posted on how it goes. Thanks for all the chanting and good thoughts.

Jane I would be ticked off too, I mean you must of had some prep already started right...I seem to remember some coworkers prepping the whole day before. I agree July is no good, June is like that for me, save it until Sept. Your DH's name is Jim? So is mine holy cow! I'm glad your DD loves her job. I don't know if this will be for my DD's whole life or just while she is going to college, but I know she has always been obsessed with anything beauty, hair makeup, nails etc... even when she was little, like 4 or 5, and this will sound very macabre, she would say that she wanted to do the makeup on dead people before funerals, and maybe she could drive the hearse around....no I do not know where it came from, but she does love hair, just not soo much the dead people any more.

Patty- I am thinking good thoughts about your impending tests. Well at least the colonoscopy will help shed a few pounds, ha ha, You are beautiful no matter what!!

Ronnie I am so sorry for the phone drama, my DD is very hard on phones and goes through them pretty fast so we have limited her to texting style phone only, she can use her iPod touch for the other crap, anyway I get it, I am always having to jump through hoops to get my daughters phone replaced upgraded yadda, yadda. I hope it is working well or you got an iPhone. I would of fudge too, and made them buy me lunch, just kidding....maybe...glad your drains are out, and if you say so on the memories thing, I can be a bit like an elephant. Oh and I totally agree with you on the surgery front, no reason paying extra when you are ready and the time is there!

Anita- It is great to hear from you, living in Michigan I so get how bad the job market is, congrats you you and the husband, sorry about the pain. Maybe you should mention that to the doc

Neece Sorry about the busy, I work at a college too so I understand, always is nice during the slow months to catch ones breath. Hang in there.

Vicki- I'm sorry you wont be posting but I am super jealous, I want to walk around the wood and pet horses, and eat fake hot dogs over a fire, sorry I just had to throw in that food part. Take Care and post when you can.

Kim- Glad you checked in!

BarbAnne41

I added my new photo, but granted I took it at work with my cell phone, so it isn't the best but you get the idea :-)

RonnieKay

Hey there!    Scooby!  Good to hear from you & so happy for hubby's job!   Wish I could give you some of my hair.  Mine came back as thick as before, only totally grey.  I had it foiled again yesterday and the roots didn't take, compliments of my last anesthetic.  Are you wearing your hair short?  I can envision a cute, short do...especially for summer.  Congrats on losing weight (only a hint of jealousy)...and yes, good idea to get the cramp checked out.  So happy life sounds good!

YEAH Kim...have fun in Hawaii!  Awesome that you're doing good work for ACS. They were so great when I was first diagnosed (Look Good, Feel Better!).  It makes me crazy now though, when I open email and the first line is: Want to save a life?  I always scream, YES, MY OWN!  I realize I'm on the mailing list so I just take a breath and say a thank you for all they do and have done, to help this crap go away!  Glad you checked in..no feeling guilty on this blog!  And I LOVE that you mention BC.org to people.  Everyone I know knows everything about my sisters & what they've meant to my healing. OMG...I'm dreading the reconstruction phase..Patty said it all & I'm getting squeamish!  Will there be a chance it all just goes perfectly?????

OK  Patty & Jane...I'm going to verizon tomorrow for my droid dummy class & will talk to them about changing to the Iphone.  Why is life so complicated...I also just wanted to talk on the phone!  I like peace & quiet...or the tv, with voices talking to me.  I like music, just don't need to have it on all the time, like my hubby and kids.  Wasn't it nice to finally have an "elective" procedure on the spots on your chest, Patty!   I'll expect to hear when those appts are very soon

BarbAnne...post your picture!  So excited to see you as a blonde!  When will DD be finished with school?  Excited to hear when she gets her first job!  Have fun at the zoo....since I read your post I've been singing Raffi...going to the zoo, zoo, zoo, how about you, you, you! 

Neece..I remember you said you were starting in a new position at the college last-our winter, your summer?  Is it going well?  How are your DS and DIL doing as a married couple?  Are you spending lots of time together?

Jane...herceptin treated me well (except for that recurrence thing...wasn't it supposed to stop the spread...too many unaswered questions & I just gotta get over it!).  Anyhoo, didn't really have side effects from it so if I have to have it, so be it.  I just don't want another port...is yours still in???  I can SO related to your DD just wanting a normal July.  June was my crappy month!  And how is your Jim doing????   I'm praying he is healed..all tests normal!!!  Sorry about the colonoscopy..I think   September will be better!  Then you can go party in Vegas....while I visit with all the "fun" people I grew up with in a town of 300. If I click my heels 3 times will I be there?  Next year I'll have new foobs and a flat stomach so maybe I'll be ready to lay by the pool in Vegas!

Vickilynn...LOVE the Redwoods. I remember seeing Gen Sherman as a 12 year old!  You & Don will be perfect meet & greeters!  How in the world do you get these fabulous gigs..other that you must smile in the interview & they're hooked!  I can hardly wait for your wonderful posts about what you're experiencing!  Nice that they provide your lodging too....do they cook for you too???

China...I'm going to pm about questions on reconstruction.  The drs have been upfront about what it entails but....yikes...I still thought it'd be a slam dunk!  So happy August is coming!!!!

Going to go for a walk....looks like summer's here today and I don't want to miss it! XOXOXO 

jadams1264

Hello SOSisters.... I love that everyone is posting. Been enjoying my Friday off especially since I didn't have a colonoscopy!  I hadn't actually started drinking all the yucky stuff, will just save it for Sept.  Still having mammo and annual exam next week.  Won't get results of my "all clear" mammo until August anyway.

Patty - why haven't you made your appointments?  You need to go ahead and get them done so we won't worry about them.  The colonoscopy will make your stomach look flatter for 2 days   

Anita - how wonderful to hear from you.  So glad to hear your husband has found a job and things are looking up for you.  Been missing you and wondering what you were up too.  My hair came back in thick but very very frizzy.  It's getting better now, everytime I go we cut more frizz off and the roots are getting smoother.  Mine came in all white but I had a lot of white before chemo.  The hairdresser has a very nice color she applies every four weeks for that problem!

BarbAnne - YEAH!!!!!! So glad for you and you will be great at this new job!  Love the blond hair, do you feel sexier as a blonde?  Do blondes really have more fun?  Have they hired a replacement for you since August 15th is right around the corner.  One of my associates just went out on maternity leave, had a wonderful lady taking her place while she is out (don't think she will come back but stay home with the baby).  So wonderful lady taking her place informs me she has a second interview for a full time job starting at $35,000. a year.  What can I say but what day would you like off for your interview?  Yikes, may find myself working 7 days a week.

RonnieKay - I love that throughout all this crap you have retained your wonderful sense of humor!  I am also questioning why the Herceptin didn't prevent the recurrence, not to mention the Famera. I guess we can't know the answers to those questions.  I keep wondering why I had so many problems with my heart.  I will always be convinced that the chemo caused all those problems.  And I wonder if I have a recurrence if I would even consider chemo again.  We all hate this crappy BC and that you are having to journey this road again.  Now about your new boobs for next year.  Turns out they have a topless pool at the Mirage.  One of the TATA sisters suggested that the whole group of us take over the pool.  Said it would clear everyone out.  I was LOL.  I am so glad you can talk to China Blue and get answers about reconstruction and all the steps you will go through.  I admire your spunk, you hang in there girl, you will be through this before you know it and ready for the pool!

Well sisters.... errands to run.  Everyone take care.  Thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jane

msmpatty

Gosh I was just here last night and I come today and wow...chatty ladies!  So nice!

What I came to say is:  ARE YOU KIDDING ME??  I've apparently had the luxury of going through treatment at an HMO (Kaiser) where all of my doctors are connected, all of my reports are computerized and shared, and we can all communicate via e-mail.   Unfortunately for this MRI they want me to have, I have to go to the UC-San Diego health center.  This requires:

1.  Calling UCSD to "register" and get a patient number.

2.  Calling somewhere else at UCSD to schedule the MRI appointment.

3. After it's scheduled I have to call radiology at Kaiser to have them send my last mammo to UCSD, or maybe I have to pick it up and take it to my appointment.

4.  Then my Onc needs to refer me for a blood test that UCSD requires.  So that I can make that appointment and get the results to UCSD.

Is this what you guys have been dealing with all along?  Coordinating all this stuff between doctors and labs and who knows what all?   I had no idea.  HUGE drag.

Now that I've ranted...

Anita - Excellent news - hubby gains a job, you lose 10 lbs.  Sorry you're not happy with your hair.  Have you tried Ovation?  My business partner had the thinnest hair in the universe and Ovation has made a huge difference.  Her hairdresser was amazed.

Barbara - Congratulations!   We are two for two on the mantra chanting!  Deep breaths.  You'll do great.  Love, love, love your hair.

Ronnie - Of course there is a chance your reconstruction will go perfectly.  We just need to get the mantra right -- for you and China and Kim.  Got any suggestions?

Jane -  As you see above...I'm working on the MRI.  Colonoscopy next.  Maybe I can schedule it just before some event where I'll want a really flat tummy.   I know your appointments next week will be a breeze.

You better check in and say goodbye Vicki.  We'll miss you!

Happy weekend!

Patty

jadams1264

Patty - I'm so sorry you are having to go through this hassle!  I have been fortunate that all of my tests, etc. where all at the same place or connected to each other so that I never had to go through any major hurdles.  I did have to walk my mammo to the cancer center when I was first diagnosed. Glad you are making your appointments!  I know you are very organized and a great multi-tasker, you will have this done in no time at all!

vickilynn

Wow!  So good to hear from so many people!  Miss a day - miss a lot!

Anita - so good to hear from you again.  Glad hubby's got work.  Thinner hair for me - but maybe cuz it's more white than blonde now??

Barb - speaking of blondes!! looks great! 

Yes, Jane, we do have more fun : )

Patty - I had the same sort of experience trying to get my mammo scheduled and results and... 

Ronnie - Wish they did cook for us, but knowing Don he'll want to cook pancakes for all the campers!!  I think you have to work on a cruise ship to get the meals!!!   They didn't know if I was smiling, cuz the interview was over the phone!!!  But I did send this photo of us --- bet that's what did it!

 Dome - have a great Hawaiian vacation!

China - think plump : )

To all: I look forward to reading your posts when I get back online and hearing all about Vegas!!

Vicki 

RonnieKay

Vickilynn:  Love, love the picture of you two!  Will await your check-in! 

Oh Jane...I don't know whether I'll be more excited for the foobs or the flat stomach!  My nightmare thought is that I'll wake up and my tummy will still be nice & round and they'll say they didn't need to take much for my foobs!  I'm going to tell them to take as much as possible...spread it around!  My new motivation: topless pool, TATA reunion, 2012....LOL!!!! 

Patty...Why are they sending you to UCSD (the prettiest campus in town!) for the MRI?  Haven't you had an MRI at Kaiser before? I had my first mammo and lump at another hospital and then switched to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, which is like Kaiser, kind of all-inclusive (like a resort, right?). For some procedures I have to go to UW, but it's all the same system.  What a pain that there are so many steps to take, and you're the one that has to do it. I can't believe they can't send reports from one place to another. My first hospital faxed all my reports to SCCA within a day.  Sounds like you'll be taking a little time off work. The thing we have to remember, is that it is a necessary step to keep you healthy...and that's worth all the time it takes...wish I could help you with it! 

BarbAnne...Love the Blonde, you look like a teenager!  Looks like DD knows what she's doing!  Congratulations on your new job!  We all had faith in you    So happy you'll have a fresh start in something new and exciting!  HAPPY DANCING!  tip, tap, tappy, tip (I don't dance as well as some of you!).

Sending positive vibes for more clean tests for beloved sisters!   I'm fighting the stomach bug (didn't throw up all through chemo but the flu got me big time), but it's ok to be laying around watching tv cause it's fall in Seattle today...thunder, lightening and rain.   XOXOXO

PS..Sometimes it looks like I don't read sisters' posts and make comments after the fact, but I think I just type so much that my post comes in after another post.  Sorry  

Scoobydoo

Thanks for all the responses!

Patty - Hmmmm.  Never heard of Ovation, I will definitely look it up.  Also I love love love Kaiser.  I feel like they took really good care of me.

Ronnie - Sorry to hear about stomach issues.  Feel better soon!

Vickilynn - You are always so positive about everything.  Rather have a head full of gray than have all this thinning.

Jane- I am so jealous...thick hair..wow!  I would take the frizzies too.  Will be praying for clear results on mammo!

 Ronnie - No I am actually wearing a curly shoulder length hairdo.  My hair came back super curly with some thinning in the front.  Its not horribly obvious but I can see it.  Glad to hear your hair came back nice and thick.

Well ladies, wishing the best and will check back later.  I will definitely make an appt. to discuss the spasms.  Still loving Weight Watchers.  

Anita

jadams1264

Hello SOSisters.... American Idol on Tour was fantastic.  Daughter, granddaughter and I traveled to Raleigh last night.  The top 11 were there with, of course, the star being Scotty.  He's just as cute in person! And when Stefano was performing he took off his shirt (guess he was warm) and had half the female audience fanning.   Had mammo and annual exam today.  Turned out I knew the radiologist, she said all looked well with mammo.  Annual exam was fine, doctor said he'd see me next year.  Whoo Hoo.

Vickilynn - I know you are residing in the redwood forest, missing your posts and hope you are really enjoying this new adventure.  We can't wait to hear about the campers and horses.  Hopefully no stories about bears!

RonnieKay - I love your positive spirit and to hear you are looking forward to the topless pool and Vegas in 2012.  You can tell me all about the pool when you come in, I will be at the slots or sightseeing or eating.  How's the stomach bug?  All better?  Hope this finds sunshine your way, I would gladly send you some of ours - 104 without heat index today.

Anita - my hair is so much better than it was for the longest time.  I think all of us get our hair back at different times.  Don't think mine will every be just the same, but I'm not complaining much.  Could be bald again and have to wear that stupid wig.  Can you imagine in this weather?  There is an infomercial on about a new shampoo/conditioner that is suppose to make your hair thick, shinny and easy to deal with, it's called Wen.  They have a website www.trywin.com.  Showed these ladies with thick hair, thin hair, frizzy, curly - they all of course had gorgeous hair after using this new miracle product.  Confess I may waste $29.95 and try it

Hope everyone is staying cool.  Take care.  Thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jane

RonnieKay

HIP HIP HOORAY!!!!   I just knew you'd be a star pupil at the doctor today!!!  Thank the Lord above for healthy tests!!! 

OK...how funny is this....you're Scotty's neighbor & Stefano is mine!  He went to my daughter's high school & I was secretary at his school's greatest "rival" school!  I probably saw him at one of their plays but he wasn't famous back then    Still, I'd take a date with Scotty over him any day!

AND as for "Wen"....I can tell you what time it airs on infomercials, what stars have used it, which designer stylists recommend it!!  I always thought I should buy it too!  Anyhoo, my girlfriend, who has very thin hair, suddenly is looking all stylish and sexy and I asked what she'd done to her hair...she says, "Using Wen!!!"  So, I guess you can find it in stores too

Beautiful day in Seattle....upper 70s...what I wouldn't do for 104!!!!

Love to all you SOS!!!!   PS...tummy's better (although in the morning I feel like I have morning sickness & in my early morning stupor today, I thought...oh my God, I was premenopausal before all this sh.., what if I were pregnant after chemo, radiation, etc.....then I remembered I would have had to have sex....guess I'm not pregnant!).  AND my te is feeling better...just in the last 2 days I feel like I can make it....WAHOO...time for chocolate!!!!   XOXO

msmpatty

Ronnie - Seems like you are on the road to recovery.  Hooray!   I did not realise that reconstruction can involve taking tummy fat and putting it where it will be decidedly more fetching. Not a bad deal really. DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE wish for 100 plus weather on the West Coast.  Thank you.

Anita - I love Kaiser too.  They take very good care of all of us cancer people.  It just seems that when you get referred out of the "system" it is a bit of hassle.  No worries, though.  I say try the Wen stuff Jane and Ronnie mentioned.  Ovation is really pricey...like $80!  

Jane - How fun to see the Idols. 

Vicki - You two are so cute!   Check in when you can.

We have our summer show this weekend.  200 exhibitors and several thousand brides coming to the Convention Center.  Good fun.  Sort of...

Have a happy weekend everyone!

Patty

RonnieKay

OMG Patty....for a seasoned MOB this weekend sounds like heaven!  I can't imagine how incredibly busy you've been, but can only think it has to be so much easier to concentrate this year than the last couple!!  I say next year we all plan a reunion @ one of your shows...we could be your crew!  Maybe I'm the only one that loves weddings...as I watch "Say Yes to the Dress" over and over again! Will be thinking of you & hoping that it's a smashing success & that you'll get a break afterwards!

As for the tummy thing...I was concerned about having the te only in the left side and that the right side (which was always the smaller & won't be hollowed out until reconstruction) would be their guide for sizing.  It turns out they just put a little more belly fat in to plump it up...how amazing!  I'm definitely not going for the BayWatch look (although I've read how much those California lifeguards make!), but will try to make the big butt look proportionate (which has always just looked like a big butt!).  Anyhoo...lots of time for that...they called today and asked how 11/30 is...which is fine for me!

Love to all & to all a good night!

BarbAnne41

Ronnie- You just always make me laugh. I love the Tummy fat, skinny dipping comments. I laughed out loud at the pregnant/sex joke. I love you girl, keep  up that attitude and things are going to be a-okay.

Jane!! I am soooo happy for you on the clear mammo!!! Woo-freakin-who!! Also glad you enjoyed the concert, sounds like fun. It has also been very hot here, can't seem to stay out of the 90's. The other night a storm rolled through and dropped 7 inches of rain in 2 hours, we have never had water in our basement, but that seemed to be more than it could handle, so the DH and I were up all night, and used every towel in the house. Then the next night it stormed and we were up all night wondering if it would happen again, not a drop. So it was a fluke. Needless to say we are worn out!

Patty- I am very sorry about the run around, gosh what a pain in the butt. I hope it all gets settled in and you have great tests. Maybe great isn't the word, tests suck, how about clear ones?? That's what I should say..Nobody in my daughter's cosmetology class had heard of ovation, but it sounds amazing.. I did see that they are 96 dollars for a bottle, wow. She has been begging for Wen, and I have resisted since she goes through soo much, and between senior photos, wisdom teeth removal etc..etc..the last thing I need is a bunch more money in shampoo, but if it works (ladies who try it?) I might invest in a bottle.

Hair! Mine is good, but nowhere near what it was before chemo, but I am grateful to have hair and you are right Jane, a wig or even a hat in this heat, holy cow.

But back to products, Artec, is very good, you can buy it at Ulta stores, back in the professional section. It is Loreal's professional salon line. The smoothing cream seems to work well, as does the beachy waves when I don't want to make an effort with my chemo-created curls. They also have shampoos and conditioners, and many of their products are 15.00 instead of the 30 for Wen.

Work is very stressful, my boss is a very moody lady, who has decided to make my last few weeks very difficult since I am changing departments. So work is stressful, I am nervous to start my new job, and the water, heat, drama teen, her wisdom teeth coming out soon. Wow I need a stiff drink just talking about it :-) But today is my do what I want day. I think I will work out, lay in the sun and eat what I want, No chores and No stress, that's my motto for the day.

Vicki I love the photo!! I hope you are having fun!!

I'm so glad people have been checking in! 

Patty-You are right you don't want the heat!

Love and hugs

Barbara

RonnieKay

BarbAnne:  I've finally figured it out....you are a twin to one of my neighbors when we lived in San Diego.  It's been driving me crazy until just now!  I see it now with your blonde hair!  Love her too...if I start calling you Kathy you'll understand!   OMG...Sr pix and wisdom teeth....trying to suck every last penny out of you....oh the memories...next it will be a wedding...many years from now!  At least you're getting your hair done free...maybe, sort of...LOL.   Seven inches of rain in 2 hours...welcome to Seattle!!  At least you know it will dry out @ 90 degrees!   You just keep smiling at your old job....happy times are just around the corner!  Make her wish she'd have been nicer to you!!!

Jane...are you laying at the pool???   Hope you aren't working this weekend...you do that sometimes, don't you???

Neece...where are you...missing you

Patty....thinking of all the hubbub and hoping you're totally in your element right now!!!

Vickilynn...busy day today, I'm sure.  Hoping you're loving the outdoors, staying away from bears and mosquitoes!! 

China...better let us know how you do this week!!

Gotta go...was getting ready to go to a picnic but burned my finger on the curling iron (damn hair) so have been sitting here with it soaking in ice water...slow typing but the finger feels better.  Of course it's on the mast side so it freaks me...so much worry, so little time! 

Love you guys!

jadams1264

Hello SOSisters.... today it was only 101!  Your nice cool weather in Washington sounds absolutely wonderful!!!!  Rain would be good too.

RonnieKay - good sister that I am if you need any extra tummy fat you just let me know.  I have enough for several people to use and probably still wouldn't have a flat stomach.  I have been wondering if they would do that where I had my lumpectomy.  I am rather loopsided.  Say I have a boob and a half.  Yes I am definitely a Scotty fan.  He is such a sweetheart, has a great foundation and I hope all this fame doesn't change him a bit.  After reading all the posts I am going to try the Wen.  I will let everyone know if I suddenly get smooth beautiful hair with no gray.  Oh wait, it doesn't take the gray away!  Glad you are feeling better and that you aren't pregnant!  I love the idea of going to one of Patty's shows.  I am a good gofer - go for this, go for that.  I would love to tell you I had been laying at the pool but I'm working this weekend.  One associate out on maternity leave, had the baby at 3:08 this morning, one on vacation and the one I hired as a replacement got another job and will be leaving.  But I love my job and it will be okay!  Hope you enjoy the picnic!

Patty - if you don't want 100 degree weather would you take just a few degrees from us?  Say 20?  Hope your bridal show goes smoothly.  How exciting it must be and I cannot imagine all those brides in one place.  You'll have to tell let us know how it went.

BarbAnne - I can relate to the wet basement.  We had a water heater burst in our home in NJ.  What a major mess!  We have had some thunderstorms here that have left the roads flooded.  We could use rain, the nice gentle kind for a day or two.  So you just keep saying to yourself, only a few more weeks, only a few more weeks.  And on the bright side, DD probably won't be saying much when her wisdom teeth are pulled   I'm glad you are making today your day, sounds like fun!  

Vickilynn - for when you can check in, we miss you but know that your latest adventure will be filled with wonderful memories and great stories for us.

Take care everyone.  Thoughts and prayers are with you!

Jane

msmpatty

Thanks for the good wishes everyone.  The show went very well.  It would be fun to have you all visit during a show, but trust me, you do not want to be part of the staff!  You want to be visitors and walk around eating cake, goof off in the photo booths, watch the fashion show, visit the bar...you get the idea.  Much more fun that trying to manage 200 exhibitors and 2800 attendees.  Bit like herding cats!

Ronnie - Ouch.  I hope your finger has healed.  I usually burn my forehead with the curling iron.  Very attractive!

Barbara - Your hair looks great!   I always imagined having a daughter but sons do have their advantages.  My son's haircuts cost $12.00, he's totally happy with jeans from Target and T-shirts from JC Penney (in fact he would be hard pressed to tell you where they come from).  I sometimes feel kind of guilty stepping out of Nordstrom's with bags of stuff for me and stepping into Target for stuff for him, but my mom assures me it is totally okay.   Your boss is going to miss you when you are gone!

Jane -  Sorry...not even 20 degrees would I take.  Our mid 70's temps are just right.  Has your lumpectomy side filled in on its own since surgery?    I had two surgical biopsies on my left side when I was in my 20's so that boob was always slightly smaller.  But after my lumpectomy on the right, they pretty much match again.  Not exactly the same shape because my tumor was under the nipple so I lost that and am now flat on the front.   I tried padded bras for a while but I didn't really need the padding.  Then I saw those bras that claim to reduce you a size or two and while I didn't really want that either, somehow they squish everything just enough to make the mis-matched girls look exactly the same. 

Patty

jadams1264

Hello SOSisters....I'm saving my news for the end of my post.

Patty - wow, this sounds like a major undertaking.  I would love to help you out - while eating cake and drinking sounds good, I love a major challenge.  My tumor was on the underside and I'm somewhat droppy but not enough to get to upset about at this stage of my life.  I gave up bikini's years ago and don't even like a one piece bathing suit anymore.  I wear a regular bra and I don't think anyone would notice.

So if we back up to last week I posted that all went well with appt. and radiologist said all looked well.  I should have said the radiologist tech said all looked well.  I didn't share that she took an extra shot of my lumpectomy side.  So today I get a call a work....and the doctor's office would like me to come back in for another mammo of the lumpectomy side.  "Doesn't necessarily mean anything is wrong, just the person who read the mammo would like them to really flatten that side down and get another picture".  Now there are many ways I can look at this - they are just being very, very careful - that's the postive.  The other part of me - well you all know what the other part of me is thinking.  Had to come home and tell DH, he's playing cool, but he isn't.  I went and took a long shower (code for having a good boo hoo).  So now I have pulled up my big girl panties and will go have another mammo on Weds. am.  With any luck at all they can read the damn thing and have an answer before the weekend.  I HATE THIS CRAP!!!!

Ok I have vented.  I feel better sort of.

Take care.  Thoughts and prayers are with you!

Jane