March 2010 Chemo Start

badger

hi ladies, congrats on your milestones and accomplishments! 

Here's something for our anniversaries, the pink glove dance.  This video got me through a lot and it's still powerful, and funny, and touching.  And it's gotten 13.4 million hits wow!  Reminds me of all the people who got me through mammos and biopsies and surgery and chemo.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEdVfyt-mLw

Hope this finds everyone healthy & happy!  ((hugs)) to all

horsedoc

Congrats Badger on your walking accomplishments!  I was so impressed when you started that two years ago.    I'm finally able to drink black coffee.  Every once in a while I'll put something in it, but hardly ever.  I'm still doing as much organic as possible and I'm feeling good.  I have lost some weight but need to keep upping my exercise to continue the weight loss.  I'm still not back to my pre-chemo weight. 

teemee-Congrats on your performance!  I'm sure that was exciting for you.  I too have had some uterine issues like you, although my periods did come back for about 6 months, then they stopped again.  My gyn had me  get an ultrasound which showed a lot of endometrial thickening, then saw a gyn/onc, and he did a biopsy, which thankfully was showed no cancer cells.  I'm still concerned though, because circulating estrogen is what causes that thickened endometrium (or Tamoxifen, which I'm NOT on because of the SE), so that has played a big part in my switching to an organic diet and being careful about any other way I could be getting estrgoens or precursors into my diet.  I get another ultrasound in 2 months and have an appointment to see the gyn/onc in June, which is 6 months after the biopsy, so I have a feeling he'll do another one.  I'm NOT looking forward to that!!!  So anyway, I know how easy it is to put off making doc appointments!   Please let me know if you do go to your gyn and what he says. Good luck!

sandiek9

Congratulations, Toni, on the Mahler piece! I love Mahler, would loved to have heard sing! Do you sing with the Phil regularly?

teemee

I didn't get to go to Venezuela unfortunately. Have you performed the Mahler 8 yet? It really is amazing!

Enjoy,

Toni 

badger

hi sisters and happy March!  Can you believe it's been two years?

I have another link to share.  This one is about an amazing woman named Mary Ann.

Read the blog & scroll through the pix, but pls be sure to watch the video at the end.

http://www.justinmarantz.com/index.cfm?postID=1327

Hope this finds everyone happy & healthy!  ((hugs)) to all

staceyt

Hello Ladies!

Hard to believe that it has been 2 years, please know that I continue to pray for all of us and read your posts daily!  Badger what a wonder find! made me cry but truly inspirational.  I have been doing well - few bouts of depression here and there but okay.  Had to have an MRI done Tuesday as my mamo and ultra sound found something it didn't like - I don't know about you ladies but it is always in the back of my mind that it could happen again I have finally begun to loss some of this extra weight I have found from my chemo-pause.  Funny though my Doc says I'm not in menopause yet.  Hugs and kisses and as always positive thoughts to you all. Thank you for all your encouragement still after 2 years!

badger

hey sisters, was thinking of you all this morning.  Took a nice long walk in the spring sunshine, enjoying the wind in my hair.  Remembered a walk two years ago, in a sprightly spring breeze two weeks post-first-chemo, and my hair floating off my head like dandelion fluff.  Bizarre!

The equinox is Tuesday so days will start getting longer here.  Sorry Lisa, it's fall for you lol.

Hope this finds everyone happy and healthy!  ((hugs)) to all

hereandnow

Hello and hugs to you all,

Badger I remember the day your hair fell out like dandelions - it was so poignant. We've come a long way baby

My hair is shoulder length with a few curls, and coloured brown, and feels almost like it used to, a bit wiry at the back, but heck, I don't have to see that LOL.

Here in Melbourne the seasons turn almost to the day, and we have gone from bloody hot weather about 10 days ago, to windy cold, and have the heaters on.  I've had a splurge from my saving for a rainy day fund and bought a little black Golf cabriolet last week, it arrives in 3 days. I figure, if I get recurrence well I won't regret having fun hooning around with scarf and sunglasses, and if I don't get recurrence, who cares? hahaha I'll post a picture when I can- thinking Thelma and Louise, but with a happy ending.

Hope you are all well ( my whinge is I seem to be getting achy in my joints- maybe it's just getting old, but I think its tamoxifen).

Enjoy your beautiful spring.

Love, Lisa

hereandnow

Oh, and I watched that linked video Badger, thanks -inspiring.

and, I got a new kitten, little fluffy black medium haired moggy from the refuge - her name is Lulu -and she and my 13 y/o Black street cat are already cuddle friends

hereandnow

one month, and no other posts. Hopefully means everyone is ok.

My weird achy joints come and go, never had them pre BC and treatment, but they seem to be part of the new normal.

Toenails still "growing out". They seem to be more normal as time goes by. Them and the wiry hair at the ends are the last vestiges (I hope) of chemo.

Wishing you all lots of happiness,

Lx

badger

hi Lisa, good to hear from you.  I've been spending less time on BCO to find time to exercise and read and eat and sleep and work and play LOL!  How's Lulu?

My accomplishment this month is 7 normal toenails, only have 3 pterodactyl toenails now.

Keeping my hair short so no crispy chemo ends.  Down a few more pounds.  Life is good!

Hope this finds everyone happy and healthy.  ((hugs)) to all

hereandnow

Hello March chemo angels,

I still like to check in, you were all such a magnificent support to me during the hardest thing I've ever had to go through, so I talk out to you, even though most of you keep pretty quiet.

Hope you are ok. It's my birthday today. I really appreciate the moments these days. Thanks for sharing this one with me.

Love to you all,

Lisa xxxx 

badger

Happy Birthday, Lisa!  Many happy returns of the day. As for me, I LOVE having birthdays. 

Sometimes during yoga, I fill up with a sense of gratitude, it wells up and spills over in the form of tears and it's OK.  My current teacher, whom I dearly love, had a life-threatening condition and major surgery so we connect on a deep level of appreciation for the simple act of breathing.

((hugs)) to all

hereandnow

Thanks Badger, I had a lovely relaxing day after a week of travel in Tasmania.

hey I just noticed, 200 miles til your next milestone, I love it!

(((hugs))) 

badger

hi Lisa, you know I love math so pls make that 189.4 as of this moment LOL.

Sunny but cool this evening, thinking of heading out for a walk after supper.

((hugs))

hereandnow

LOL Badger, oh you and your fancy mathiness

It's a cool Autumn morning here, and I might just join you for a walk, I'll just finish my coffee and go put on my runners,

L

badger

Way cool, I am just finishing a cup of coffee too.  Will put on my sneakers and join you in spirit.

Yeshua4Me

Just checking in. All is well with me. Lisa, I understand about the achy joints. I never had them either until chemo. But not so bad anymore--just annoying.

My hair is back with a vengeance! Wow is it ever curly! Have cut it a few times to even it out a bit. About toenails--I still have a couple that are weird. I lost a few during chemo (I know, gross!) and they've grown back a bit weird. At least I have ten again!

I'm just passed my 2 year mark (March) and am enjoying every minute. My sister is throwing me a HUGE birthday party (over 200 guests!) this year. My birthday isn't until July 4th but she's been planning and planning. She is transforming her tennis courts into the rabbit hole from Alice in Wonderland and everyone comes in costume. My costume is being made (Queen of Hearts of course) and she is having a "throne" built for me to sit on. It should be a lot of fun. I've always had a birthday party every year because of the date but this will be the grandest of them all!

I started playing the violin when I was diagnosed. I didn't want to die without ever learning to play the most beautiful instrument invented (my opinion). Since then, I've learned quite quickly and have even performed a couple solos! I still take lessons weekly and will continue until I master the instrument.

I'm an author and have been participating in book signing events again! I had stopped while undergoing treatment and then had to wait longer until I felt better. A few months ago my publisher started scheduling the book signings and I've done three all ready this year! But I love it. It feels good getting things back to normal. I also finished another book and sent it off last week (I had a May 1st deadline with publisher) and now am going through the publishing process (editing, cover design, formatting, etc.) and it feels WONDERFUL!!

So happy to hear (from the few of you who update) that you are doing well. Keep up your spirits and remember, WE MADE IT!

badger

hi Yeshua4Me, sorry I missed what you posted, hope you are well! 

Lisa, it was so much fun 'walking' with you the other day.  177.7 now 

Take care ladies, I'm here hit and miss anymore.  ((hugs)) to all

Charley

2 year check up.  Can't believe its been 2 years! Every new ache is a worry.  Clean bone scan.  I guess I'm just getting old. I'm happy. Badger !!! What is this 2,500 miles? I think you need to re-evaluate... are you quitting after 2500? Really!! It needs to be 10k or something.  

((Hugs))

Charley

badger

hi ladies and happy(?) anniversary Charley.  Are you still running?  I am still walking.  37.7 more miles to reach 2,500 miles.  Then I will up the goal to 3,000 miles.

I too have aches & pains and chalk it up to getting older - which is OK with me!  I try to take good care of myself, see my family doc once a year and my onc every six months and it's all good so far (touch wood). 

June 15 marks my final chemo tx two years ago.  Can't ever say THANK YOU enough for helping me through it, and for helping one another get through it.  ((hugs)) to all

hereandnow

Yay Charley for a great milestone. (?millstone). I too get aches, but they come and go, so I try not to worry too much. My worst aches are up around my right shoulder area, but they feel muscular, and I'm betting they're to do with post op issues (nerves/muscles), so I'll stick to that for my own peace of mind . Badger, I loved our walk together the other day. I imagined you on the other side of the world, taking the same steps, and enjoying the same air. It's a small world. I sat a big exam last week, not too sure I passed this time, but it gave me great confidence anyway. If I didn't pass this time, I know I'll pass next time.

Yeshua4me, sorry to miss your post, I hope everything is OK for you. I don't come here so much anymore but do check in. Love to know how you are going.

Hugs to all my March sisters (((((((()))))))

Lisa x

Charley

Yes badger, I am still running.  It is hot here so I go pretty slow and I also walk on my off days. I have a place between my shoulder blades that gets tingly and feels numb sometimes.  I figure its the chemo .... still have the damn bald spot on the top of my head and no eyebrows!!! AArgh!! So glad for toppik which can fill it in on my head and smashbox for the brows.  Otherwise feeling good. Although I don't have the chemo brain anymore ... I feel like I don't take things so seriously anymore.  So looking forward to retirement and think everyday of what I would do ... enjoy the sunsets, sunrises and all changes of nature, little things, etc. 

Hugs to you all!!

Charley

badger

hi ladies, finishing my cup of coffee then headed out for a morning walk.

Hit the 2,500 mile mark while visiting DC this week, so raised the bar to 3,000.

Charley, that tingly numb spot between your shoulder blades sounds like my truncal LE.

Docs won't recognize it as such but I know it for what it is, thanks to BCO and the ladies on the LE forum.  I have a puffy spot under my left arm too, at the end of the mast scar.  Sometimes it hurts, sometimes it itches, sometimes it's quiescent.  Occasionally, my wedding ring feels tight.

When it flares, I up the H2O and do some yoga stretches and belly breathing.  Seems to help.

My hair came back OK, eyebrows are sparse, but eyelashes are still stubby little things. <sigh>

I had the pleasure of joining a DC-area BCO sister at a Washington Nationals baseball game last week and had a blast!  Meeting up with a small group in Chicago next month.  MY DH is self-employed and never takes vacation so it's great having friends all over the world to travel with.

Lisa, how did you do on your big exam? 

Hope this finds everyone happy and well.  ((hugs))

hereandnow

Hey Badger, I'll let you know. They take 4 weeks to mark and get results. Kind of think I haven't passed this time, but am determined to pass in February if not.

I'm going to plan a holiday somewhere warm for August. It's cold, wet and dark here, but the equinox has been passed. I planted lots of bulbs around the garden and am loving watching them appear like magic from the soil. Already have some beautiful snowflakes, and the tulips and hyacinths are growing daily.

{{hugs}}

badger

got my fingers crossed for ya, Lisa!

It's so dry here, no rain for weeks.  Only good thing is no mosquitos.  My neighbor was watering his garden with a sprinkler earlier tonight and several birds came over to shower.  Fun to watch!

TV weatherman said a warm winter is often followed by a dry summer and it was very mild last winter.  Another reason, in addition to my own personal enjoyment, why cold and snow are good.  They encourage summer precipitation.

Hope everyone is well.  ((hugs)) to all

badger

hi ladies, anyone catch the meteor showers last night?   

Cool and overcast here today.  Bad for star-gazing but good for hiking.  We're headed to Wyalusing State Park this morning.  It's a pretty place at the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers.  Then on to historic Villa Louis, a restored Victorian mansion, this afternoon.  Fun day!

Read this piece titled "Run For Your Life" in this morning's WI State Journal.  Couldn't find it on their site or the Washington Post but here it is from Lincoln NE.  Charley, it brought you to mind.

http://journalstar.com/news/opinion/editorial/columnists/kathleen-parker-run-for-your-life/article_3f871fa1-f9e2-5db4-852a-cd0e11498ca0.html

Lisa, I trust you booked your tropical vacation after passing that exam?

I could be richer or thinner but am healthy & happy.  Hope same for you all!  ((hugs))

sandiek9

Hello everyone! I'm checking in after a long jiatus. I see some are still here and actively writing, and sounds like you are well. I'm glad to hear that! I seem to get better every day. I worry at every ache, but limit the scans to things that last 2 or more weeks. I am scared a lot since i am stage IIIc and had a bad 5 yr prognosis, but it's been over 2.5 years now, so the prognosis gets beteer as time passes.

I started hyperbaric oxygen treatments last month. Has anyone else had it? It's so sci-fi! I'm getting it for the damage to my skin my radiation. I've had 15 out of 40 dives, so it's too early to see any change yet.

 Any way, just wanted to cjeck in and say hi to all who come back here. It was a great group that helped a lot of us! Thanks to all my "old" friends!

xxoo Sandie 

hmh23

Great to hear from a fellow ILCer, Sandie and happy to hear you are doing so well.  Remember, "you are not a statistic, you are your own miracle." Can't recall where I found that quote, but I love it.  I know as a fellow Stage 3er that I was getting too caught up in statistics but I've closed that door, I'm now Stage 0 and no one else can tell me otherwise.  

Just got my bloodwork back from my 2 1/2 year visit and my tumor markers was normal.  It was great to hear that word because I like so many of you worry about every little ache and pain.   

I haven't been posting frequently either but I think in a way that is good.  It means that we are getting back to living life to its fullest.  

I'm hoping that all fellow March 2010 Chemo girls will try to comeback in March 2013 as we celebrate 3 years of survivorship....  Fondly, Heather 

hmh23

Great to hear from a fellow ILCer, Sandie and happy to hear you are doing so well.  Remember, "you are not a statistic, you are your own miracle." Can't recall where I found that quote, but I love it.  I know as a fellow Stage 3er that I was getting too caught up in statistics but I've closed that door, I'm now Stage 0 and no one else can tell me otherwise.  

Just got my bloodwork back from my 2 1/2 year visit and my tumor markers was normal.  It was great to hear that word because I like so many of you worry about every little ache and pain.   

I haven't been posting frequently either but I think in a way that is good.  It means that we are getting back to living life to its fullest.  

I'm hoping that all fellow March 2010 Chemo girls will try to comeback in March 2013 as we celebrate 3 years of survivorship....  Fondly, Heather