Starting Chemo October 2009

Enjoyful

Shelby -

Just beautiful.  What a joy!  Thanks for sharing!

E

one-L

Shelby, you all look so happy and the picture is beautiful.

Hope everyone had a great peaceful weekend and will be able to start the week refreshed.

Juannelle

joanneasiata

MY MY SHELBY

You hot little bride you well done enjoy the rest of your lives and your husband looks like a real gentle man  looks like your in good hands ( but sorry not as hot as my husband )

LANINO

Niiiice picture of your self its so good to put a face to the name 

PHILIPPA.

Ground hog days  is sooo bad hope it all passes real quick and its not so bad for you.

well Ive had a fantastic week end with my sis and friends, being out and about and with nothing on my head its the best thing Ive done for myself since it all began ,i feel like Ive over come  fear and I'm in control  ,and people DON'T stare at me,  i get a lot of supportive smiles of lots of people ,people just seem to have a quick look and then on with whatever there doing i really recommend it . This is how i look now and this is what I'm going through now, and I'm NOT going to hide and be ashamed of what this horrible cancer is doing to me, i wont give it anything else . ,well that me and my head anyway i know everyone is different and we all cope in our different ways

LOTS OF LOVE AND HUGS TO ALL

PRINCESS JOJO

Sido

Oh Shelby you look wonderful! The best part is that being married is even better than getting married. 

JOJO, you're so brave to go out topless!  I just can't do it and I still want to cry whenever I see my bald head, even when I'm wearing a scarf.  Could you wave your magic princess wand and give me my hair back after my final tx tomorrow? Or maybe a few months later?  I'll wait. 

Be well,  Sido

feistybluegecko

wonderful pic SHelby - you look wonderful, so happy and strong   Thanks for sharing and inspiring.

hugs

philippa

snuziq

Ladies I have to admit it...I've gone topless!  This evening on the way to my daughters party at Medieval Times the wind caught my scarf and blew it off.  I grabbed it but couldn't get it back on comfortably before we went in so I just stuffed it in my purse.  I was a little nervous and then I thought of all of you and the "go for it" support you always give.  I got a few looks but nothing mean.  It was very liberating.  I don't know that I will do it all the time, but I think I won't worry about finding a hat before going to the store anymore.

Thanks for the inspiration ladies!

unklezwifeonty

Thanks for sharing that with us Snuziq! Now I won't be as afraid if it does happen.

micheleboots

Yah lets hear it for going topless.  I didn't mind at all.  Now it is cold so I have to wear something.  Then I get hot after being indoors and want to rip it off...

Well today I got fed up with me head sticking to my pillow, so I had my DH shave off the stubble...ah it feel so good to get rid of that.  Now I have to get some baby oil and let my wild side kick in....

Happy sleeps

joanneasiata

SNUZIQ

Way to go sister ,  isn't it fun to be so daring and bold .

MICHELE

I'm ready to get rid of the left over stubble as well my  husband hates it to prickly so  i might get all oiled up as well and we can go topless and wild together ah sounds goooood .

SIDO good to see you here ,was a bit worried that you slipped of the planet .

OK my magic wand is all charged up again ,BUT not strong enought to do hair, so instead ill wave my wand over you now and every time you look in the mirror top less you will see the beautiful women that we ,and ,everyone else sees ,and you will say out loud while looking at yourself YES I AM BEAUTIFUL ,  but it has to come from deep within your heart  .    Done !!!!!  Now put on some lip gloss and a bit of mascara and walk around the House topless whenever your at home ,thats a good way to build up confidence and for the family to get used to the real you, a bit of fake tan or bronzer helps put a bit of colour on the scalp. HAVE FUN BEAUTIFUL WOMEN BE BOLD ,LIFE IS TO SHORT TO BE HIDING AWAY.

PRINCESS JOJO

txstardust

Jo, I hadn't thought of putting bronzer on my head, what a good idea!  I have been going around the house topless, but not out in public yet, unless you count once while I was driving.  Wow, gives a whole new meaning to the word "topless"!

SnuziQ, congrats on your bravery!  That must have been scary at first, but I'm glad you got that FIRST TIME out of the way.  You're an inspiration...

Thanks everyone (again!) for the compliments!  

Peace to all.... 

MaryNY

Shelby: Thank you for sharing your wedding photo. You look so happy and radiant!

azdiva

CONGRATULATIONS SHELBY!  You look just beautiful!

I am finally crawling out from under the fatigue rock.  Hope to get something done today.  HA!

Love -

Laura 

micheleboots

Princess Jojo I like your style...You always meke me laugh as well.

I went to my DHs xmas party on Friday.  It was a yummy seafood buffet and dance/show.  The food was great..Thank goodness it was on my "I like food week".  The only down part was that the dance floor was so squishy and packed I was afraid to dance. I was imagining that someone would do the YMCA and my hair would get caught in a watch or some piece of bling and get whipped into the air...Normaly I would be the first one up ther shaking my money maker...It least I didn't feel the pity stares from his coworkers..

jeanl151

Michelle you are too funny.  I would like to be shaking something too ...who knows what will fly.  I am 6 days out of #3 tx and feel icky.  Onc tried tapering the steroids down but I can officially say it didn't help. It just postponed the downward roid spiral.  I can't get out of my own way!!!  I just wander around, nap or look for something good to eat even though I am in the "everything tastes lousy week"    oh a pity party I am having..

   I am hoping to be better by Wednesday...it is my birthday..hoping for a feel good day!!

Jean

one-L

snuziq, I am so proud of you.  I am not there yet, but give me a while and I will be.  I am so impressed.

michele, let us know how the wild side is for you.  We may all want to try it.

Princess JoJo, you are not only our princess, but our cheerleader.  I do love your spirit. 

Shelby, have you come down to earth yet or are you still flying hi?  I hadn't thought of the bronzer either for the head, because mine is really really really white.  I am just a little white girl (true red head).

MaryNY hope your are doing fine today.

Laura, I am still fighting the fatigue.  Maybe it will go away soon.

Jean, Happy Birthday, I hope you feel like having a party or celebrating in some way.  I am just now getting back into the taste good days and if it is food it had better watch out.

I went to get my blood test today and my WBC was up to normal and my Red BC was down for the count.  So I had to have some shot to raise them.  My body just can't keep balanced these days.  I went to work after that and barely made it up the stairs, but managed to stay all day, which was only 1/2 day anyway.  I am looking forward to some couch time tonight.

Juannelle

MeredithK02

Hi ladies, I haven't updated in a while.  The 4th AC treatment really knocked me on my ass, but I'm back to feeling normal now.  I'm on to Taxol next and am really hoping it's easier on me.  I think it's really setting in that I've still got half of chemo to go, then five years of Tamoxifen before DH and I can start trying for kids.  That, and knowing I'll have to deal with reconstruction in the summer.  Ugh.  Cancer is overwhelming.

 In other news, I went bald to work today for the first time! 

Sido

Well today was tx #4!  The last for me!  Just three more weeks of feeling like crap and two weeks before I start rads.

Today was hard because I always feel loopy after my tx in the morning and I had to give two finals and meet with the radiation oncologist this afternoon.  Luckily tomorrow will be easier since I'm only giving a my last final tomorrow night.

Be well lovely ladies and I wish you days without se's,  Sido

joanneasiata

YEH MERIDITH

Topless at work wow thats brave good on you sorry you had a bad time it stinks ah

Jean happy birthday hope you get really really spoilt

JUANELLE

Well the magic wand kinda got it  good luck.

PRINCESS JOJO

txstardust

Meredith, good to see you!  I was hoping you were just having too much fun to post.  Sorry you had such a rough time with tx, but I'm glad for you that the AC is over.  From everything I've read, the Taxol is easier for most people to handle.  Wow, you are brave for going to work bald!  I posted some wedding pics to my facebook account with two bald pictures, and got some nice feedback from my friends.  And I completely get the overwhelmed feeling every once in a while too.  I try not to think about it too much.

Jean, let's hope your birthday is filled with fun and completely SE free! 

1L, you need to tell your blood to behave!  No more shots - that's just not fair.  How many more tx do you have to go?

Sido, I'm SO GLAD that you are finished with chemo!  And maybe a little jealous?  No, really, it's so exciting.  You will be our trailblazer for rads.

I'm out on the couch again - my husband (!) snores SO LOUD that it wakes me up!  Anyone have any suggestions?  I'm going to buy breathe-right strips tomorrow, just to see if they will work.  I don't know what else to do.  This doesn't help the old fatigue factor.  And I have treatment tomorrow, yuck.

Peace to all.... 

Enjoyful

Shelby - clothes pins!!  Just kidding.  :-)  I've heard the breathe right strip are pretty good, though.  Good luck with that, and good luck with treatment tomorrow.

Sido - Congrats on finishing chemo!!  I always get loopy after treatment, too, and get myself into trouble saying weird things. 

Meredith - Oh my gosh you're brave!  I read about all the ladies going bald and I admire you so much.  Cancer sure does suck in so many ways it's hard to count them all.  I do better mentally if I focus on one day at a time, though that's easier said than done.

One-L - Sorry you're fighting fatigue and blood counts.  Are you almost finished?  I know that will be a huge relief.

Michele - You're hilarious!  I could picture your hair in flight during YMCA.  :-)

Jean - You sound like me!  Getting in my own way...that's exactly it.  I hope you're much better in time for Wednesday and are able to enjoy your birthday.  My onc cut my steroids in half because of withdrawal issues (depression and rage) but I'm not sure it's helping.  As you said, it just seems to postpone the inevitable.

Wishing everyone a feel-good week and excellent Christmas shopping opportunities!  Online shopping rocks.

E

JustmeAlicia

Sido ~ congrats on finishing chemo.  woo HO

Meredith ~ I just had #4 of AC yesterday.  I'm ready to be on my butt in a few days.  I hope you are feeling better.  My next round is Taxol too I am scared.

Jean ~ Happy Birthday !

My Oncologist told me yesterday she is setting up an appt for me to have a consult with radiation.  She said I am on the cuff of radiation as I had 2 tumors 1 was 4 cms and 1 1 cm.  So I might be onto rads next?!  GRRRR....  She did mention the exchange is done first in some cases the skin doesn't get compromised.  Anyone hear about that.  I am also going to BRCA testing although I have no family history, being fairly young 42, and having a 15 year old daughter I want to know for HER sake.

So that's it from me.  I am feeling tired but OK ~

Hugs ~

Alicia

Enjoyful

Hi Alicia -

My exchange was done 3 months after I finished radiation, though it kind of makes sense to do it beforehand.  The ps's concern was that the skin wouldn't heal after the exchange and I'd lose the implant.  Thankfully that didn't happen.  Perhaps you could meet with a couple of ps's and get their opinions?

Good luck!

E

JustmeAlicia

YES E ~~ I guess after I have the appt with radiation I will head over to the PS next.  I have the expanders in now.  And I got a fill yesterday, I am pumped up to 350.  She said I will probably go up to 550 or more to make room for the implant.  This fill gave me some projection.  It really makes a difference in my waistline and side profile now. WOO hoo... my hamburger buns are fluffing.

Alicia

Enjoyful

Your hamburger buns.....LOL!  That's hilarious. 

JustmeAlicia

I must confess I stole the line from another thread on the boards... and it is perfectly fitting I tell you !!!!

azdiva

I had always heard that rads come before implant exchange because it could destroy the pocket?  My Onc still says no rads for me (Yay!), even though the BS thinks I should do the consult.  2 out of 3 docs are going with no rads, so I will go with the majority opinion!

Went to a champagne tasting last night with my sister.  DH left for Jakarta until next week, so I really needed a drink!  HAHA  Daughter's birthday is tomorrow and I think I have the party well in hand.   Power shopping today and tomorrow after the kids go to school.  AND, believe it or not, I have volunteered to do the Christmas dinner at my house!  This is primarily because I did not get to do Christmas last year (I was in the middle of a remodel).  I have the prime rib roast ordered, so anyone in the Phoenix area come on over!!  

Blood work today and I am finally feeling "alive" again.  Not that I can taste anything (not that that stops me from eating).  But I think I can get some work done!

I hope everyone's doctors gives them a reprieve so we can all enjoy the holiday season!  Let this be our LAST one with the Big C!

 Love

Laura 

micheleboots

Meredith,, boy that is a long road ahead of you...for most of us having children is behind us..I couldn't imagine dealing with starting a family as well as cancer.

Sido.  good luck with your treatment...

Jean,  happy birthday...have a great day.  Make sure your family and friends treat you as you  deserve...like a queen.  Perhaps you can borrow Jojos magic wand.

Laura,  I would love to come for dinner...I'll bring the dessert.

BrendaSharon

Stopped in to say

"Happy Before the Holidays"

Joanne,You truley are a "Pricness"~ Spread some of that good cheer over to the "Warriors".

Alicia and Mechelleboots, How do you do it?????? I've been going loco keeping up with one board site. I don't know what I'll do when the holidays roll in. I'm off from Christmas Eve untill the day after New Year's Day. I probably won't ppost during this time. I need to spend it with my DH. That means stay off line! You two beter pick up my slack~We don't ever see CCnani anymore

I sure miss her and pray she is just all tied up with other things to do~I know we are in her heart wherever she is and whatever she may be doing~Lord Sweet Jesus Bless CC

Stardust, I do, too

Would like to congradulate you on your marriage. What a difficult time to pull off something so strenious and wonderful. Power to the "Princess" You have a lovely family their for you~

MeridithK02,

I keep meaning to tell you, you are lovely!! ~~~

YES overwhelming cancer is!!!!!!! I just had my 3rd TX Friday and it kicked my a@# !!~~ This is absolutely the worst I have felt. Yesterday when I went to get out of bed, I swear a horse came a kicked me in  the head and sent me right back into the bed. Today I've begun to feel smidge better, but still a little greeen around the gills.My headaches aren't as bad though, they slowed down the "TOXIC" drip...... . . .    .   .   .      .       .        .            .         .!A'hh the little things!

MaryNY,

Your group is sooooo big, how do you do it? We sisters are all over the place for sure~

Sido,

Good Luck and I'm sending good vibes for your #4 TX

Jean151,

Have a Happy Birthday tomorrow, Do something special for you!! If it's a PITY PARTY, Go for it!! My #3 TX was Friday, OH MY I hope I don't feel bad  3 more days from now. This is the worst yet I have felt too~~~~ (((((HEALING HUGS)))))

One-L,

I'm sorry work is rough on you and the STAIRS OMG!!```      for the WBC YEAH!!!!

To each of you, May your Holiday Shine

and a

(((((WARM WARRIOR HUG)))))

joanneasiata

BRENDA

Thanks for popping in and saying hi to us ,i hope your SEs arnt that bad .

LAURA

Ill be there to , ill travel any where for PRIME RIB ROAST ill bring the heart burn pills. i want bring any food i know you'll have heaps lol.

ALICIA

Hamburger buns how funny just make sure they haven't got sesame seeds on them.

I to want to do the BRCA test as well, do you have to ask yous onco for it, i have 2 girls and 2 boys and the girls are a bit scared of bc .I know your having bad SEs so i hope they are gentle for you this time with this TX .

SIDO

you are lucky, and your the first one here to finish a special clap for you I'm sure ill be seeing you in the rads forum

TXSTARDUST

Sorry i Carnot help in the snoring Dept as im  a snorer ,yes i am apparently, ive never hear it but Sam has a winge from time to time and Ive felt the pillow hitting my face a few times as well

Talk to you all soon hang in everyone who's having TX lots of love

PRINCESS JOJO

one-L

meredith,you are so brave to go to work bald.  I do not think I will ever be able to do that.  You and JoJo are my heroes.

sido, congrats on finishing.  I will be right there with you next week.

shelby, I only have one more to go and my prescription company is finally going to send me enough shots to get through.  It  is about time.  I can send you some ear plugs for the snoring, they really seem to help.

enjoyful, I will be finished next week, my Christmas present.  I hope you are doing better since your roids were cut.  We certainly don't want you going "breast cancer" on us and killing anyone.

alicia, I hope the BRAC test is negative and that your daughter will not have to worry as much about her future.  I can't imagine being in that position.  Good luck  to both of you.

laura, I am so glad that you are not having to do rads.  I am envious of anyone that gets out of any of the treatments.  Sounds like you are staying busy and that is good.

brenda sharon, maybe since you had you tx this week, you will  be feeling good by Christmas.  At least maybe  food will have a taste and you can stay up longer than an hour or so.  Tell that horse to stay away, you don't need to be kicked around.

jojo, good evening to you, if you can't hear yourself snore, are  your snoring?  I don't think so, it is just your DHs dream.  Maybe he better get better dreams.

michele, hope you have a great evening/

I am feeling much better today.  Made it up and down the stairs at work about 4 times.  Did have to stop and catch my breath, but the fatigue is slowly going away.  Just in time for another tx.  Oh Joy.

Hugs to everyone.

Juannelle