Chemo Starting Sep 09

vickilynn

"significant decrease" is good... but I think I understand what you mean.  "no evidence of disease" is what we really want to hear.

And having to wait 1 1/2 hours adds to all that stress.  Glad you get a new chemo schedule. 

Enjoy your pool time - but NO skinny dipping.

msmpatty

That's excellent news Ronnie! I can understand that you wanted it to be GONE....but 80% reduction is certainly headed in the right direction.



Good luck to your DH in his tests Vicki. The MRI definitely requires mind over matter and some deep calming breaths. I convinced myself that all that banging and crashing was just a random sort of rock music. Stay cool! San Diego is currently as hot as it ever gets.



Jane, any news?



Patty

jadams1264

Hello SOSisters.... checking in to see how everyone is doing and update news on DH.  We are going to Duke on Friday, where they will admit DH and put him on an antiarythmic drug to regulate his heartbeat.  He does have sleep apnea and will be using a CPAC, which he'll get sometime this week.

I hope this finds all of you well and having great summers.  We have had so much rain that we have been under flash flood watches for weeks.  Sun came out today and it was so good to see it.  Of course, the temp went into the 90's. 

I'll check in after our doctor's appointment.  Take care, thoughts and prayers are with you!

Jane

msmpatty

Jane, I hope everything goes well tomorrow!

My business partner told me she heard that new research has shown that people who have undergone chemotheraphy are significantly less likely to develop Alzheimers and dementia.   Now that's good news, right?  Ronnie, with all your treatment you'll be sharp as a tack forever!

I hope the lack of posting is because everyone is having a terrific summer.

Patty

RonnieKay

Hey Girls!   It's a nice overcast day in Seattle....on its way to being in the upper 80s....which means we'll whine about the heat, again    It has been hot enough to find a restaurant for dinner!!!  Today's treatment so I'll be hanging out in a cool room & then, maybe a gyro for dinner.  We had the most wonderful July 4th (aside from SILs telling me I looked tired...which I took to mean I look like crap).  Anyhoo, we had loads of family at our home in eastern washington, which did make me a little nervous but the kids & Tom did the cooking and when I tried to help out they shooed me out of the kitchen, which sadly enough, made me all that more determined to do the dishes!  Somehow, when you've always been the active, involved MOM, it's hard to be the sit-around, not do much MOM.  My son said I need to consider myself the "Manager"...just order people around    It was fun to have our kids & grandbabes, along with their cousins & their kids. We all went to the school grounds for amazing fireworks.  Sat, we went to our niece's gorgeous country home and rode horses (I just watched), gathered eggs, played w/cats & dogs, etc....it was marvelous.  Hoping you all got a chance for R & R over the "holiday!"

Jane...I'm chanting for DH...especially on my walks, when I have lots of time to think & pray!!!   Doing our Camino walks and this is mid 4th week and I've done 47 miles.  A week and 1/2 left to do 13 miles so it's a piece of cake.  It really is good time to clear my head and just think of what's important in my life....which is quite a bit    You are all such a huge part of that and I think about you all the time!  

Today is my monthly full panel of tests, tumor markers, etc.  I've freed myself, mentally, from being totally obsessed with knowing the results.  It's sometimes hard, but I gotta concentrate more on living healthy and staying positive...and now that I know I'm going to be one sharp old lady....omg, there has to be something good about chemo & we'll take no alzheimers or dementia...I'm doing the happy dance!!!!   The onc was going to change chemo to 2 wks on, 1 off...well, she didn't have to change it cause my white count went down on the 3rd week, twice, and after skipping chemo 2 times in 6 weeks....I already feel better!!!!   I just hope skipping that week keeps doing the shrink job!!!

Patty...I think your big event is coming up, right!!!!   Good luck...I know it'll be amazing!!!!  

Vickilynn...Hope Don's feeling good with nicer weather upon us!

BarbAnne...Where, or where are you, Sister!!!!!

Gill....I know you've been back a while, hope your trip "home" was wonderful & you're waiting for that royal baby to grace this world!  I know I'm excited

Love you all....

msmpatty

Good for you and all your walking, Ronnie!  I've got my fingers and everything else crossed that your tests show everything headed in the right direction.  I hope the two weeks on, one off gets you feeling better and you still get the shrinkage.  Isn't that baby due just about any minute now???

Patty

jadams1264

Hello SOSisters...... you aren't going to believe my latest news.  On the other hand, you probably will.  So we get to Duke on Friday and they admit DH.  Go upstairs to his room (same floor I was on) and the nurse comes in and says "did you take your HDTZ medicine today?"  Yes says DH.  Nurse says "oh, that's a problem as that it's very dangerous to administer new drug with Hdtz in your system.  It need to be out of system for at least 48 hours".  OMG!  DH and I look at each other, and being married 35 years could read each other's mind.  So after a lot of scrambling, getting in touch with the doctor, here we are at home and have to call and reschedule for a new appointment.  To say we were a little bit upset would be putting it mildly.  Now I have to go back to work tomorrow, catch up with the person at Duke who schedules these things, take another week off from work (my last week of vacation) and hope that they can get DH in quickly.

On the other hand, he has adjusted rather quickly to wearing the mask for sleep apnea.  He's sleeping much better but still doesn't feel good.  So please keep those chants and prayers working.

Patty - I was delighted to hear about the chemo helping with Alzheimers and dementia.  My mother and grandmother had dementia.  Some days I think I'm on my way already.  How was your big event?  Is DS ready for school to begin? 

RonnieKay - you know I'm praying for the very best test results for you.  Sound like you had a good time on the 4th.  I know what you mean about thinking you need to do everything and people not letting you help.  That's what comes with being a strong woman!  If you could send me some of your motivation for walking I'd appreciate it!  I'm such a procrastinator - I think of walking often, but don't do it.

VickiLynn - hope all is well with you and DH.  How is everything going?  Is it hot there?  We are now up in the 90's everyday and the hotter it gets the more hot flashes I have.  Hot flashes 24/7 but only another 10 years of Tomoxifin!

To all of other sisters, please check in, we miss you!

Thoughts and prayers are with you.  Take care.

Jane

RonnieKay

Oh Jane...I'm so damn mad!  Here DH was taking his meds like a good patient and BOOM!!!!!   It reminds me of when they went to do the mri on my expander breast and stop after the first pictures saying, "OMG...do you have an expander in?????"   What didn't they read on the form I filled out that said...I HAVE AN EXPANDER IN THAT BREAST!!!!   Not fair...and if I were you I'd tell them (like I did!) they'd better not have a bill for the time you spent at the clinic that day!!!!    Glad to hear he's feeling better...wishing it was GREAT!   Oh how I know what you mean by reading each other's minds...Tom & I have that same telepathy thing going on.  But he's usually the one that contemplates, while I'm the one that spouts off.   Are you sleeping ok with the sleeping machine going?  My girlfriend started sleeping in their guest room when her husband got his.  She said it's like sleeping with Darth Vader    Chanting like crazy & remember to let us know when his REAL tests will be.  How far is Duke from you?   That's another thing they owe you...time paid!!!!   Don't I sound like a raving witch...and I'm actually having a good day today...LOL!!!!!    Godchild is having first communion on Friday so we're headed back to Endicott for a quick trip.  Long enough to hopefully pick a few gallons of raspberries, if the townspeople haven't picked them already

Patty...just a funny thing...Tom said a few things that made me go, "Is he getting a little forgetful???  Maybe he could have a few doses of chemo????"   Love it!!!   I got a call from onc office today and this Wednesday is a NO TREATMENT AT ALL day, the first Wed since Jan 10th!!!!   Then, next week I'll have all 3 drugs & start on the 2 weeks on/1 week off with chemo & herceptin and perjeta will be every 3 weeks.  So I'll have an off Wed every 3 weeks.  I'm so happy & hope it still does the job on combating those little buggers!!!!  

Stay cool, sisters!!!!   Jane...90 degrees & I would imagine you have humidity too!  Patty...I'm sorry, I don't feel sorry for you, because there's no where I wish I were but back in my beloved San Diego!!!  Our grand niece is playing in a basketball tournament there this week & son's family is hoping to go watch her (from Long Beach).  When I was in treatment last week, my son sent me a text reminding me of Josie's first day of Kindergarten, 9/5.  The next text he sent was the confirmation # for my flight to go spend the week with them so I can be there for that special time.  Is that the sweetest thing ever????  Seriously, except for this little Cancer crap, my life is pretty darn good    And Meg & Asher's baby is due October 14th so 3 more months of chants girls.

Where are our sisters????   LOVE AND HUGS!!!!

jadams1264

Hello SOSisters - yes it's in the 90's and humid.  However, I'd rather be hot than cold so I make the best of it - airconditioning can be controlled.  Off today then a 4 day stretch before heading back to Duke for DH to have the drug therapy procedure.  Will be in hospital at least through Thursday and then home if all goes well.  If not, they may do an ablation (please chant the drugs work).

Ronnie Kay - I cried when DD started Kindergarten, I also cried when both grandkids started.  It seems like after that first day of school, the years just start flying by.  Glad to think that you don't have to do chemo today, hope you are doing something fun!

All the rest of my sisters - hope you are doing well and just having very busy summers!

Take care, thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jane

vickilynn

JANE:  Praying for good results.  I just spoke with a friend this morning whose husband will be going in for an ablation too.  

RONNIE:  I love all the family time you're getting!

PATTY:  I can't remember what I was going to tell you.... oh yeah!  No dementia hear/here/hair/....

This is a packing weekend... working feverously packing and wondering how I ever ended up with so much junk!!!  It seems to have expanded over the last 6 months to fill the space!

I have a job interview in 2 weeks for part-time Admin. Assist job for the Supt and Business Mgr of a small school (90 students).  It's 15 miles from Willow Creek in Burnt Ranch!  What a name for a town.  It's really not a town at all, but a community and elementary kids from 15 miles all directions attend there.  I think it would be a good job.  I'll let you know how the interview goes.

DH has been on the breathing machine now for 2 months and I can say it's really made a difference in how he feels in the day.  He wakes up feeling rested which is a good way to feel in the morning!  He tried 2 different kinds of "masks" and settled on one that is very quiet and comfortable.  I told him he looks like Gonzo.  No Darth Vader noises here.

LAst night I went to a birthday party for my 90-year old friend and line dance teacher!  The whole community showed up - she's quite a lady. AND A BC Survivor of 20+ years!  

It was outside with just a few tents set up for serving, but all the tables and chairs were out in the open... and wouldn't you know that just as they were getting started serving the BBQ (which was delicious!) the thunder rolled and huge drops of rain fell... and fell... and got bigger... some sat and ate at the tables, but most of us crowded under the tents.  I decided to leave since DH was home alone and thunderstorms in the mtns. means fire watch.

I got home and the power was out (stayed out until 5 this morning).

Just after I got home the whole sky let loose - and poured - followed by dime-sized hail.  That will be a memorable birthday party for sure.

The next thing we watch are the Forestry firefighters heading up our road!  This road gives access to the Trinity Wilderness (which begins about 5 miles up the road).  We didn't smell smoke, so we assume the fires were small and up the mtns. higher.  But I did sleep with my shoes and purse next to the bed and my suitcase packed!

So today it's supposed to reach 101!!  That's hot enough for anyone.

Waiting for good reports from all of you.

Vicki

RonnieKay

Just a quick check in to make sure DH did well, Jane...hope, prayers & chants non-stop!

Vickilynn....SOOOOO  great to catch up with you!   Sounds like never a dull moment.  Glad hubby has a quiet sleep machine & he feels rested.  The forest fires sound unbelievably scary.  I remember when San Diego (quite memorable I'm sure, Patty) had the fires a few years ago.  Our former neighbors in Poway were all packed up to leave home & it stopped a few miles short of the neighborhood.  UGH...going through all the collections of stuff....but it feels good to get order to things, doesn't it.

Had a busy, busy weekend. Drove to eastern Wash on Thursday night. Had 1st communion for our great niece, Godaughter Friday night...a wonderful event.  Worked our behinds off at our home there (almost an acre yard), Tom replacing underground sprinkler hose that stupid gophers have chewed through, me cleaning inside (I'm not doing well in the 90s, 100s...I much prefer hot too, Jane, and love air conditioning!).  Home Sat night (It's a 4-5 hr drive), a walk with my church Camino group at 8 am...walking to church, 3.5 miles, mass & then the church picnic...it was a wonderful weekend, especially since I felt so much better having NOT had chemo.  I'm so excited to have every 3rd week off of drugs!!!   And who knows, it those pesky tumors disappear, no chemo at all would be terrific.  Patty...I think of your MOM all the time!!!!   She's an inspiration to me! 

Sorry to go on and on....but that's what I do and you, my Sisters, know that very well.

LOVE YOU ALL!    

jadams1264

Good morning SOSisters.....home from Duke. DH is out of AFib but still has irregular heartbeat.  They did a cardioversion (shocked him) twice in addition to giving him 5 new prescriptions.  They want to give meds 2 months to kick in and see if it will keep him out of AFib, if not then ablation.  He's tired and weak, hope he will perk up in the next few days.

VickiLynn - wow, you are a busy lady.  I sure hope you get the job, sounds like something you would enjoy and I know the kids would love you!  I can just see you volunteering at story time.  You have such a way with words, I know the kids would be delighted.  My DH is also wearing a sleeping mask, I was pleasantly surprised at how quiet it runs.  Had a few growing pains with the mask sitting properly but he's used to it now, and I've gotten better   Unfortunately because of the AFib he doesn't get up rested but hoping with the new pills and cardioversion that will kick in soon.

RonnieKay - I'm so glad you have had a good week without chemo.  Sounds to me like you are going 100 miles per hour.  I think the heat contributes to my hot flashes being worse, sure that's not scientific but I'm sure having more hot flashes than normal (is there such a thing as normal?).  Well, as you see from my post, we are home.  My butt is tired from sitting but worth every minute if it works.  DH and I have decided that we will both exercise more and try to lose some weight.  Easier said than done, I'm hungry all the time, which I think is stress, at least that's my excuse

Take care dear sisters and post when you can.  Sure has been a long time since we heard from some of you.  Thoughts and prayers are with you!

Jane

msmpatty

Sounds like everyone is having an "exciting" summer...in good and not so good ways.



I hope the shock treatment and new meds help your DH feel better, Jayne. I'm sorry for your hot flashes...so miserable in the summer.



Yippee for a Wednesday off, Ronnie! I am so impressed at how busy you keep and now you can do everything feeling a bit better. Sounds like little Josie will have a whole host of teary-eyed people to send her off to school! DS starts his senior year later this month. I love him to death but after a long summer at home I don't think I'll shed many tears when he heads back to school. I'll be doing a little happy dance.



Good luck on your job interview Vicki! I can't see how they could find a better hearted person than you. Keep cool, stay out of the hail, and keep your escape bag packed. Seems like we are in for a very bad fire season.



DS and I just got back from a little road trip. He's been bugging me for a couple years about doing the Skyjump off the Stratosphere in Las Vegas. 108 stories tall! You are in a suit and a harness but you have to step off a platform that high. He did it..cool and calm as a cucumber. I was a nervous wreck! We then did a driving tour of the spectacular country in and around Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks.



Stay well my friends!

Patty

jadams1264

Hey SOSisters... I hope this everyone well and keeping cool.  It was actually in the high 70's here today and so wonderful.  I don't like cold but it has been so hot lately that today was a pleasant surprise.  DH is doing better, still not 100%, not sure we will get there but feeling somewhat better each day.  Went for my 6mo mammo yesterday.  They took many pictures of my breast, the radiologist had requested it from last time.  Looking a calcifications next to my scar tissue.  Said they would like me know if there were any changes from last time, if there are changes it will be biopsy time.  So please start chanting!!

VickiLynn- did you get the job?  I so hope you did, I think you would be wonderful with all those kids.  How is DH doing?  Are you comfortable with leaving him to go back to work?  I have been feeling guilty about leaving DH to go to work, but I think he relaxes more when I'm not here, and I'm not ready to give up working.  I'm blessed that I truly enjoy my job.

Patty -Grandkids go back to school in 2 weeks.  DD is doing the happy dance, I think the kids are ready to go back and see friends and get back in the routine.  We normally do something as a family during the summer but this summer just hasn't panned out.  I am so in awe of DS!  Wow, I thought doing the zipline would have been pretty daring (and I'm sorry I didn't do it when we were in Vegas).  I cannot imagine being 108 ft up and jumping off.  The boy has nerves of steel!  The trip through the national parks sound great.

RonnieKay - what are you up to sister?  Hope you are feeling well, know this is chemo week.  When are you going to see the first day of starting kindergarten?  Sounds like you are staying very busy.  I'm glad you are up for so many activities. 

Take care sisters.  Thoughts and prayers are with you!

Jane

jadams1264

Where did everyone go?  Something I said?

BarbAnne41

Hi Ladies-

I am sooo sorry I haven’t posted in a while!! Thank you to Ronnie for the PM and to Jane for the email.

All I can say is things are busy-busy, and work is well would take too long to explain so let’s just say it’s busy too.

Because I spend nearly nine hours a day on a computer, I don’t go home and get on one, I have a tablet I use but essentially I skim Facebook, my Gmail and then play around on Netflix or Pintrest.

But nothing as intense as reading and writing, so I apologize for making anyone worry.

I am fine, my family is fine. I had a mammogram in July and they said my boobs are super stable. Which led to lots of congratulations on my Facebook, but also started a train of jokes about strip clubs, and calling them Stable O’ Boobs.

DD is in college and working at the college as a tutor and living at home. Jane you were right she moved from working as a cashier at Ulta into the salon and it was like talking a suicidal person off the ledge every day to get her to go into work. So I pushed for her to quit and tutor and concentrate on school.

DH is fine same ole same ole, which I love no drama.

Tamoxofin, my oncologist says the studies show patients on it do better, especially in younger invasive cases like mine, if they stay on it for 10 years. So 2020 looks to be my date to end Tamoxofin. I said you know my joints are achy from it, and she said well we will prescribe you some Motrin 800.

And my thyroid tanked, so I am on a synthroid. But healthy as a horse otherwise.

Jane-sorry I wasn’t on here to chant, but know ALL of you are always in my thoughts and prayers. Thanks again for the email. Do your grandkids go back after Labor Day? I am skimming all the pages I missed while I was slacking, how’d the mammo results go???

VickiLynn- You picture is wonderful, did you get the job???

Patty Holy cow I would have been a nervous wreck too!! Sounds like a wonderful trip though.

Ronnie your new pic is fabulous too!! I agree with the others no change is good….but I can see whay that would make you stress, I like Patty am impressed with how you go-go-go. But I am the same type of person, hugs to you.

Okay I promise not to make it so long, I still have to catch up on all my reading.

Hugs to everyone for good happy day

Barbara

vickilynn

So good to hear from you, Barbara! I was beginning to worry.... I mean be concerned!



No job yet, though there are 2 more interviews coming up.



Working too hard on our trailer - aches and pains. It's difficult for DH as he really hurts - and some days has no strength or energy. So I get to drill and use the power screw driver and chop saw and... not my cup of tea, but I am able!



Hard to believe it's been 4 years since we all started chemo! I had my mammo on Thursday (they only check me annually). It was so traumatic... so full of memories.



Did you know that my very first mammo - ever - was when they found the cancer? I actually felt the lump and so did the dr. - but that was my very first mammo. So the memories come every time I have a mammo. That day, they immediately took me for an ultrasound, called in a dr. who did the biopsy - it was a rather traumatic afternoon. That was a Thursday - by Monday I was being referred to the surgeon. 4 years ago!!



Got through it.

DH had an ultrasound on = his carotid arteries. They still keep testing.



Grandson turns 2 on Monday! He's a kick!

jadams1264

Happy Labor Day sisters.... hope this finds all of you well and enjoying the day.  We are doing good, finally got mammo results - all clear!!  I AM SO RELIEVED!!  Will it ever end?  DH is doing better, actually went and hit a few golf balls and plans to play as soon as the weather cools off.  I'm a little concerned that would be over doing it, but can't make him stay home

BarbAnne - thank you for posting.  Yes we do worry when we don't hear from a sister for a long while.  Sorry to hear you are so busy but glad you are okay.  I have a friend who's daughter insisted on cosmetology school, went through the entire course.  Worked at a very nice salon for about a month and decided it wasn't for her.  She's now in nursing school.  I know you are happy that DD is back in school.

VickiLynn - I'm sorry they didn't give you the job.  What were they thinking?  Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers for the other two.  Sounds like you have been very busy, you are so multi-talented.  I have an electric screwdriver these days.  Used to be a lot more active and we lived in a 40 year old house years ago.  I became quite handy at fixing, restoring.  Sorry that DH is still having such a time.  I know how much you must worry.

RonnieKay - where are you?  You are overdo to post.  I suspect you are doing something exciting.  Did you get to go see the first day of kindergarten?

Patty - Guess DS is back in school by now.  Grandkids went back last week, don't know where the time goes, I'm not old enough to have grandkids in high school.  Hope you are doing well.  We've been missing you too.

Take care dear sisters.  Thoughts and prayers are with you!

Jane

RonnieKay

Just a quick msg-2nd day in Seattle, celebrating our 40th anniversary! Since I leave tomorrow, Tues, for a week in Calif w/Josie, we decided to just do the town . Lots to write but DH waiting for me to get ready for he ferris wheel on the pier-yikes!!!! XOXO to all!

Melinda-Tma3

Hi September Sisters ~ Just wanted to pop in and say hello.  I try to keep up with the conversations and am glad to hear all is well and Ronnie Kay great news with your current treatment...praying for this to be gone soon!  Hard to believe it's been 4 years...I was very lucky to have you all by my side and your support.  It will never be forgotten.  I share the experience with other woman that have been diagnosed. I'm still designing jewelry and building my businesses.  I'm not sure if I mentioned it the last time I stopped in, but my jewelry line is called Bandana Girl...and 10% of the profits go to my local breast health & cancer center.  It's doing well, but really just getting it going and still have some work to do for my new website etc. ( www.bandanagirljewelry.etsy.com  )  Enjoy your Autumn & stay well ~ Melinda  PS...I do keep up with the posts so if you comment to me, I'll see it! 

vickilynn

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY RONNIE and hubby! 40 years!!! that's terrific - and what a fun thing to do - ride a ferris wheel! I can't remember the last time I rode one...



Glad you had clear mammo Jane! Maybe someday we'll go in and not even think about it... naw. Won't happen for me. At least I only have 1 breast left to squeeze under plexiglass. Yep - we worry about our DH's over-doing, but it seems the "doing" is what keeps them going! Mine's massaging his feet right now after working too long today.



Melinda! What a treat to hear from you. I just checked out your jewelry- it's really unique and beautiful! I still remember your posting about making sauerkraut in your barn. This group of ladies and getting pictures of your lives sure helped keep me sane during the chemo nightmare! pop in again soon.



Patty - when's your next bridal show? I saw one advertised locally and thought of you. It wasn't here in Willow Creek... the big celebration here was "Big Foot Days". there's even a Big Foot Museum in town! Another thing to add to your DS's list of 'must do events".



Barbara - We do like it when our kids make wise decisions!



Next month I'm going to be a speaker for a local Christian Women's Club. They have a luncheon, special feature, music and a speaker and my DIL and I are doing the music (2 songs) and I'm the speaker!



love to you all, Vicki

vickilynn

just got the call - clear mammo! yeah!

vickilynn

Got a job!  And guess where it is... OK, I'll tell you.  It's 1 mile to Trinidad, CA (my all time favorite beach!).  I'll be working in the office taking reservations for The Emerald Forest (http://www.emeraldforestoftrinidad.com/ ).  It's a beautiful spot in the redwoods.  I'll start out just working for our trailer space (plus full hookups including WIFI) at 20 hours a week.  However, the current manager is leaving the end of the month and the owner is looking for a new manager...  DH can also do a bit of work if he's able... landscaping, etc.  And if he doesn't feel up to it that's fine too.

I Am SO excited!!!  I've been hoping to end up in Trinidad for several years!  I start training next week and we'll move over there within the next couple weeks.  It's only 1 hr. 15 minutes from the kids here, so that's nice too. 

they have RV spots, tent spots, and 20 cabins with full maid service.  They've just been approved by Rodeway Inns so they expect more business from that. 

Anyway - wanted you all to know.

BarbAnne41

VickiLynn YAY!! So happy for you!! Congrats and I bet it will be beautiful. Congrats hugs to you

Melinda- So happy to hear from you, I can’t believe it has been 4 years either. The website, and jewelry is wonderful!! So gorgeous. Take care sister and thanks for posting.

Ronnie I am so proud of you 40 years holy heck!! You go girl!! Happy-HAPPY Anniversary.

Jane YAY for clear mammos!!! So happy clear mammo hugs sister :- )

See now I have posted TWICE in less than a week!! Whoa.

Things are the same, super busy at work oh and here is something I’ve spared you from, DH and DD had another one of their patented fights night before last, so there’s no talking going on in my house and all sorts of passive aggressive actions….

You know the same ole same ole.

My girlfriend who has also been married 20 years were just waxing about how being happily married may not be possible. That you can be married, you can be happy, but the two don’t always go together.

Don’t get me wrong love my DH and of course my DD but sometimes when I watch them be so shallow, judgmental, I wonder how they rationalize all this ungrateful behavior.

Well sisters pray to give me patience, and I suppose strength, but with strength I might just hurt someone. Wink-wink

Hugs

Barbara

gavinsgrandma

Hi Ladies, I just wanted to stop by and say hi I am from the August chemo thread, my stats do show on the bottom of my posts but if I can help answere any questions or help alleviate any fears of the unknown, I woul be happy to do so. I have had 2 of my 4 A/C and cytoxin infusions 2 weeks apart with a Neulasta shot following 24 hours later, then I will start 12 Tx of Taxotere which will take apx 4 months and then 6 weeks of radiation hopefully in early spring. Then with the grace of God I can finally start my reconstruction by about May or June, 1 yr from dx. Everyone has some different SE'S but some are consistent, I need to shower and get ready for some labs today and I am going to take a picture with my shaved head ( August girls are rocking our bald is beautiful pic's) so my aviator will change, however I do now have the same hair-do as my Gavin. P.S he is much cuter than me😄



Shary🍂

vickilynn

Hi Shary,

Thanks for taking the time to post.  Actually, this group has been together since 2009 when we started our chemo in September of that year.  I want to encourage you that these online support groups are lifesavers.  There are just a few of us left who are still keeping in touch... but we laughed and cried and encouraged one another through the journey... and 4 years later we are still encouraging each other.

I hope you find a great group to help you too.

I'm glad to see you posting your bald photo!  That was a monumental time when we each in turn got brave enough to do so.  I remember one woman sharing about her first trial with a wig, which accidentally ended up in the toilet!

I'll give you a tip I discovered for my fuzzy head - use a lint remover roller brush and it'll keep the fuzzies down to a minimum!!!!  And as you can see, the hair does grow back!

It looks like you have a quite a journey ahead of you with 15/15 nodes. 

One of our original September Sisters is having to go through more chemo...

Let us know if we can be an encouragement or answer questions for you!

vickilynn

msmpatty

Gosh...I checked in and found a gold mine! Just the other day I thought about you boiling you bras Barbara and wondered how everything was going for you and voila...here you are. And Melinda too. Happy anniversary to us all! And hooray for good check ups and negative mammos.



Congrats on your new job Vicki! Perhaps I'll come stay in a cabin someday. My mammogram story is the exact opposite of yours. Found my first lump at 18 and had it removed. Then found another at 21 and had surgery again. I was delighted when mammos and ultrasounds came along...otherwise they would have whittled me down to nothing. I've had so many scares and so many mammos and ultrasounds and biopsies that when there was finally a positive result I wasn't really surprised.



You go girls with your power tools. I used to work in marketing for Black & Decker so I've got everything you can imagine but not much skill to go with it. My favorite screwdriver is the kind in a glass with ice cubes!



Barbara, my DS has the most marvelous way of getting us out of our squabbles ... He'll just stop, say something like "well I guess we're not going to agree on that" and then he just changes the subject. I'm more of the stay-mutely-angry-type, but if I just go with him to a new subject, everything lightens up right away. And we often even end up reaching resolution on the thing we were arguing over. I 'm so glad one of us is mature about these things. Unfortunately, It's not me.



Speaking of DS, I am leaving him on his own for a weekend the first of October to go to a school reunion in Boston. He's nearly 17 (birthday in November), pretty mature and responsible, and I have neighbors and friends to discreetly keep an eye on things ---but I'm starting to have nightmares about everything that could go wrong. Any of you more experienced mothers have any advice? Is he too young to leave alone for a couple days? Am I just too old and a worry wart?



Have a good vacation Ronnie and Happy 40th!



Patty

BarbAnne41

Oh Patty that's completely rational. We left our daughter and a girlfriend alone for a weekend and DH seemed pretty good, she was 17 also. Now at nearly 20 he is a freak when we leave her alone. She has never given us reason to worry. But as I said in a previous post he can be a judgemental person...A LOT...so nothing is ever good enough.

And they push each others buttons.

He is sorta speaking to me, still not talking to our DD, and this sisters is what we call the sands of our lives...or whatever that phrase was.

Patty he will be fine, try and go and enjoy your reunion :-)

My first mammo was at 40 after I had been released from the hospital after a serious illness. they called me back for an ultrasound, a few weeks later and on my 41st birthday I was told it looked like cancer, needless to say they always give me pause too ..

I'm glad they came up with mammos and stuff too, wouldn't want to see you whittle to nothing!!

I'm also glad I don't have to boil my bras any more.

Well back to  my oh-so-silent passive agressive tension filled home

Hugs

Barbara

jadams1264

Hello SOSisters... I am so happy to see so many posts. Between work and doctor's appts life seems to stay pretty busy.  DH and I are venturing to Myrtle Beach for 3 days the end of the month.  Chants would be good that we actually have no health issues while we are gone!  It's beautiful here in NC, have to drive up to Winston-Salem for conference tomorrow, should be a nice trip.

BarbAnne - I'm so glad to see you posting again.  Believe me I can emphathize with your DH vs DD woes.  My baby is now 37 and she and her dad still have their moments!  I do remember the teenage/20 years as rather dramatic.  But things due settle down and then the grandbabies come along and everything changes!

VickiLynne - woohoo on clear mammo!!  I am relieved too, at least until the next one.  I'm so happy for you and your new job.    How's it going?  Have you moved yet?

Melinda - it was so good to hear from you.  I haven't been to your website yet, but on my list to do today!  Glad you are doing so well.

Patty - I left DH when she was 17.  She had a friend stay over, I also had neighbors who could be counted on to keep an eye on things.  Back then there weren't cell phones and skype and all those things you could use to check up on them!  I'm sure he will be just fine, you have raised a wonderful young man.

Shary - well to our site.  As Vickilynn said we have been together for several years now.  Please trust me when I tell you that this site literally got most of us through all of the treatment.  You will have support when you need it, always someone to listen to you when you need it and you'll gain many new sisters who will become a very important part of your life.  Hope you will let us know how you are doing, between all of us, there won't be anything you encounter that one of us hasn't been through.

RonnieKay - you off the Ferris Wheel yet?

Take care dear sisters.  Thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jane

RonnieKay

WOW!!!  So much great news...clear mammos, new jobs, Melinda posting, even DD/DH spats make me smile!!!   It means life's back to normal, right     Got back from Calif last Wed at 1:30 and was in the chemo chair by 3.  Josie started school and I was there to send her off in the am for 6 glorious days!  Of course, then I missed her horribly during the day, but walking in 90 degree weather made me pretty happy.  Hank and Hud missed me alot, which made me feel even more loved    Baby is due in 4 weeks!!!

Just asking, as usual, for chanting dear Sisters....scans tomorrow!   I'm hoping the left over 20% tumors have been obliterated!!!  I'm down 32 pounds and most of the time I'm excited at smaller clothes, until I get worried that maybe it's the bc....ugh.  My markers have been wonderful...so I'm asking the good Lord to continue to fill me with peace. 

I'll be getting back into the groove of posting...LOVE TO ALL!!!!   CHANT, CHANT, CHANT....and I'm chanting for all of you too!!!!