Anyone Starting Chemo in June 2016

NattyB

I think you are keeping it Dolly! It looks great!

Jenesis and Cody - we will all be riding those wonderful drugs long term. I'm a little tired of my MO referring to Taxol and Tamoxifen as "easy, mild and no big deal" - she was definitely scaring me away from AIs and removing my ovaries - she kept saying it was a quality of life issue and that my HER2 status was the bigger issue than ER/PR. I'm like uh - but chemo is "no big deal" - whatever. I like her 90% of the time but she downplays side effects - maybe that's just her style.

Little-Red-Corvette1

Dolly I'll be pulling for you girl!!!

Anonymous

Hi Ladies,

Nextyear, I am hurting for you!!! You are having such a tough time of it recently. I think it is important to get some nourishment in you. Are you eating at all? I know that if you don't feel well, then eating is the last thing on your mind, but can you not even buy some high cal drinks? For example Ensure Plus, can you get a hold of these? The are small cartons of drinks and have around 300cals per drink. You could have three in a day and then eat small snacks like crackers and light soup, like chicken noodle or tomato. I hope you can get a better time of it really soon. What stage are you for BC? I can't seem to see your info on your profile?

Moondust, glad you were naughty and had an ice cream. I was naughty yesterday and had a chocolate eclair with my niece after the supermarket. Thing is I start to view all these bad things as potential killers haha...I need to calm down, I think. I am sorry to hear that your doctor is young!!! Oh dear, youth, what a bad thing! I have no interest in meeting with baby doctors haha, they need to have experience and compassion. I think she is pretty negative with you. You keep icing whatever you fancy icing, my dear lady and ignore her. In fact I think next visit, you should have some fun with her. Why not go in wearing a bikini, ear muffs and scarf and tell her that you have read up on body ventilation being good for chemo, apart from hands and ears...Tell her you must keep ears and hands warm otherwise they might have a negative effect. Do a new one each week and make them even more bizarre. In all seriousness though, don't give her a second thought and if her bedside manner is this poor, she will not go up the ladder to often or fast.

Jenisis, I have kept hair after 5 weeks, but I am a cold capper. Are you thinking about doing this? I have been quite happy with results soooo far.

Heathet, wayyyy on stitches removal. You can have a lovely bath now and soak for ages. I used to have to wrap my body on clingfilm to take a shower after my op...but after wound was cleared, the first thing I did was have a bubble bath.

Pepper - hope infusion went well today and you are doing OK and not got too many SEs.

LJ, and Moondust - wow you two, working together now to produce spreadsheets on us all. How fabulous! It is a great idea and makes it so easy to keep track of everyone.

bbbb - how are you doing Mrs?

KNardo, anxiety is a horror. I suffered this years ago. Can I just tell you the symptoms I had? Well pretty much anything that fitted in with my belief that I was dying from cancer all aorund my body. I would google and see what fitted my worry and then low and behold, I would a day or so later have those very effects. The mind is clever bugger and can play tricks on you, if you let it. You said it yourself. You had cancer cut out, it was small, you are being poisoned now to kill anything that could potentially be there (but soooo isn't), and then you will have radiotherapy and tablets after that. You have not got mets, they would have told you this by now...they are not stupid and the tests they run can come up with indicators of anything possibly like mets. You neeeeeeeeeeeeed to chill. You are OK...you are OK. I wish I had no node involvement....jeeeez. You are doing great! Don't worry about things that you are making up in your head. You will then be dealing with different sorts of health issues. Stop worrying. Youare getting there and you are early BC. Do you know the survival rate for that? Emmm only 98% for stage 1....deep breathes ....you have nothing wrong with you.

Labscientist - how are you my wee friend? I have not spoken for ages to you! How was Tuesday? I do hope you have not had too many troubles since it. How are all those gorgeous bandanas doing? I do hope you are showing them off big time. Hope you are eating well. I am going on a diet this week...been chomping way too much and need to put my fat backside on a major diet. I have decked kitchen out with lots of fruit and veg. No more treats. Just fruit, fish, chicken and veg. I must be the only flaming chemo patient that needs a diet...makes me a little embarrased grrrrr

All others, hope treatments are going well and SEs are not winning. This is 7th of July ladies, so only another 3 weeks left of this month. We are 5 weeks in from start of June. Every day is a little closer to freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeedom. They may take our boobs, even our hair, but they canny take our Freeeedom....(Braveheart bit in me)

DD

Anonymous

NattyB, It is nothing to do with her style. It is simply that she has never had cancer and had to experience this for herself. I would never downplay any patients symptoms ever. What they say they feel, they are feeling.

What is the issue with your ovaries?

Anonymous

Thanks so much LittleRed and NattyB...here's hoping it stays where it should be!!! On the head. If not though, at least I got 5 weeks out of 15!

D

pepper43

Little-Red- Let us know how your blood work and CAT scan go! The port is going to be your best buddy. Name her! I second Acie's excellent advice as well. Welcome to our group- and if you'd like in on FB group, PM me.

Acie- Anxiety, Frustration, shortness with family, ups and downs. They'll come from time to time. And even when the going gets tough, positivity (although hard to find) can be key in easing these emotional strains. Find something that makes you laugh.

Coffee-lover- Thanks so much! I've been wanting to submit something to HuffPo for years. Shame that it took cancer to make me brave enough to email Arianna Huffington.

labscientist- Does your MO have a plan to cut down the sinus issues? I hope so! Hope you had fun at the zoo today and weather was good!

boobsBgone- you rock for rescue work! Glad you had a not too bad day in the chair. I think I'm with you (knocking on wood). Dealing with a bit of nausea but nothing as bad as last go round. And I love your cat memes.

Keely- I need to pick up my lotto ticket as well!!! Will put on grocery list for tomorrow.

krekre- My wig is horribly poofy. I need to go into a stylist's to see if they can make it less Southern belle. I'm surprised at how much I like scarves- that's what got me to cry before shaving my head. Imagining myself in scarves and caps.

Nextyear- crossing my fingers too you'll feel better!!!

NattyB- Hope the buzz cut goes well. Be prepared to cry. It's natural. Remember this too shall pass. My husband keeps telling me I'm beautiful and hair is a small price to pay for my life so I keep that in mind whenever I'm about to have a pity party. I've been leaning towards ovary removal (but I'm not HER2 negative). Was planning on doing more research and giving it more thought after I get my genetic screening results (which should be 3-4 weeks). So much to think about!

KNardo- Oh I completely get it! Even though my PET scan came back clear (which reminds me I was going to ask oncologist today about whether a bone scan would be done and completely forgot!!), I still worry about whether the little buggers have moved around. Have you checked to see if your insurance covers therapy?? Maybe that could help- or joining an in-person cancer support group?

LJ- Sorry you haven't had a good week! Are you feeling better?

Lilyp- Great tip on accessorizing the wig!! You wouldn't happen to know of any video tutorials showing how to do this??? I am a real nincompoop when it comes to beauty & accessorizing!

Moondust- holy cow, your MO sounds like a real b-word. Wow. Are there any other options in your area? I hope your Mineral King camping adventure will be WONDERFUL. You must take pics and share.

Dolly- I'm betting on your beautiful hair staying and rooting it on across the ocean. I really did giggle at the Braveheart bit. You are LOVELY!

Round 2 done today and (knock on wood) I think it's going MUCH better than last go round. MO adjusted IV meds for nausea and gave green light for me to take compazine when home. I just took zofran now because I felt queasy- but not nearly as bad as last time. Keeping ahead with the meds have helped.

I have a young MO and I just adore her. She went through infusion room bragging about me and my HuffPo article today (which I shared with her in an email last night). The other patients were pulling out their phones to read it which was pretty neat!

I had the pleasure of sitting next to a really amazing 71 year old named Glenda. Such spirit! She's a breast cancer survivor who's been now diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer. She was so positive it was infectious. I hope to sit next to her again!

labscientistmom

LJ2016: thanks for posting the spreadsheet with all our info. Moondust, thanks so much for making it! Please change my chemo to weekly taxol x12 plus 4x A/C every 2 weeks. I will be following with rads. Thanks!

Heathet

jenisis1985 - I started my chemo on June 24th. I'm on the 3 week schedule too.I had my BMX on April 19th.

labscientistmom

Wow, lots of posts, and I admire all of you who can go thru and reply to everyone with specificity. I think I have done that, but not really up for it today.

Dolly: I think your hair looks fantastic, and you NEED to be happy with it and stop putting yourself down. YUCKY cold capping is working, and you are rocking it. Also your diet thing, you look lovely, yes eat healthy and watch what you are eating, but its also important (says Pepper) to be sure we get enough calories. Go on your date (without public trasport) and have a good time!!!

Yes my friend, I am eating lots of protein and got a couple pretty braid headband (softcaps.com) to go over my chemobeanie, it looks good, did errands yesterday, and felt confident wearing it. Talked to a really nice older lady in the grocery who was rocking the GI jane look. she said she has alopecia for 10+ years and its just too hot for a wig. (been nice here in the 80s actually) but still too hot for a wig, I agree. Spent about an hour after breakfast today in the back yard with my cats, it was so nice, not too hot, with a cool breeze. Sophia caught a lizard, but only came out with its tail. both of them are sacked out sleeping now. My husband and son went for a walk/scooter ride around the neighborhood, so I am here chatting with ya'll finally.

Pepper: no, I wish my MO had a plan for my sinus bleeding, it will be interesting to see how much worse it gets. Sadly we didn't get to the zoo today, my son has had a cough, and complaining of an earache yesterday, so made an appt with pediatrician for tomorrow.
We were gonna go this afternoon, but I have body aches and bad sinus headache all day, and another nosebleed this morning. Last week I noticed numbness in the very tip of my nose, but now it hurts all down the top of my nose from the bridge to the end. My eyes are really much more dry too, and noticed some gums bleeding after brushing my teeth which is new. The cumulative effects of the chemo catching up with me, not cool! Saline spray and Aquaphor seem to help. Great job on the Huffington Post article, whoot, whoot!! Hope you keep feeling good, remember to hydrate well and eat protein. I am tracking my eating on MyFitnessPal much more closely and actually getting much better and reaching that 40complex carbs/30protein/30fat goal. Yay me. and staying mostly in my calorie goal (pinkie promise, I remember!)

Nextyear: praying for you! Blessings, strength and ((hugs)). I agree with Dolly, get some Ensure, and chicken soup. You need to eat!

On the subject of anxiety: Don't go near the black hole. acknowledge it's there, and then just don't go look in it. Take every thought captive, don't listen to the voices in your head, some of them are not your friend, don't let it STEAL your JOY! This crazy thing hijacks enough of our lives, don't give it anything else. "Which of you by being anxious, can add one arm-length to the span of your life?" Be strong and couragous, Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with your wherever you go.!"(Joshua 1:9) Just want to encourage you to focus on the goal, kill all the cancer cells, keep it from coming back, and the chances of that are excellent! Go, fight, win! We are intrepid turtles, slow and steady wins the race!!!

tomorrow is another day, I am hoping for a better one. blessings to all of you, A

KNardo88

Calmed down now a bit. Big hugs and many thanks to all of you--- Lily, Natty, Pepper, Dolly, labmom, for talking me off that silly ledge Got myself set up to see a counselor in a few weeks, and someone from my treatment center will be coming to talk to me while I get my 2nd infusion on Thursday. Good starts.

Moondust, thanks for making that spreadsheet, (and LJ, thanks for posting it) It's really convenient to have everyone's info right in one place! But seriously, your MO sounds terrible!!! Have you considered seeing someone else? Is that possible? That would drive me nuts!!!

BBBB, three cheers for clear scans! Hooray!

Nextyear, I hope you feel better soon!!!

To all of you who said you were goin' for the BUZZ over these next couple days: ROCK IT! Embrace it, and continue kicking butt.

I'm noticing that my hair is starting to come out more and more... a light rake of my fingers through my hair, especially at the nape of my neck, yields quiiiiiiite a lot of strands at once... Today is day 14 since 1st Chemo. I think it's safe to say the rainfall of hair is starting... On that note though, Dolly, I think you're gonna keep yours!

Well, almost 9 o'clock, time to get ready to go home from work!!!

Catch up with you all later, ladies

katkelley

I was diagnosed with IDC with lobular features, Grade 3, ER+/PR+, HER2- in my right breast on 5/16/16. After a 2nd opinion consult and additional testing, on 6/18/16 I was told it was Stage III, with a 6-8 cm mass, and spread to at least 3 of my lymph nodes. I started neoadjuvant chemo on 6/15/16. I am doing ACT for 5 months; A&C 4 cycles (every other week for 8 weeks) followed by T every week for 12 weeks. I've had 2 treatments so far.

I have blond hair 1/2 way down my back and knew I'd lose it, but it still was hard. 13 days after my 1st chemo treatment was when the majority of it came out. I washed my hair and despite conditioner, my hair felt rough and "nesty". After I got out of the shower it started coming out in handfuls and each brush stroke took out more and more. I went to my hair dresser the next day and got a chin-length bob (or as close to it as possible). Since then it continues to come out, but I still have some hair. It's very thin and there are areas with no hair at all. I just can't seem to go for the buzz cut. I do have a wig that people say looks like it could be my own hair, just darker and shorter. It's been in the 90s where I live so I haven't worn it. I am doing baseball caps and tried a festive 4th of July scarf but I find I'd rather be without anything on my head in the heat, and am ok w/walking around with this awkward "hairstyle" for now. I guess that I can't deny that I have BC, so why should I try to hide it? Who knows, maybe I'll feel differently after I attend the Look Good...Feel Better program on Mon 7/11 at the hospital where I'm being treated.

This is my 1st post and I'd like to have my stats at the bottom of my post but don't know how, so I included them at the beginning of until I figure out how to do it!

labscientistmom

katkelly: welcome, but sorry you are here with us crazy folks. Huzzah to you for being brave about your hair. I think we are all in the same boat, except for glamorous cold-capping Dolly. blessings, A

labscientistmom

Pepper: how do I get to your article that HuffPost published??? I would really like to read it. Sorry to be lame and unable to find it.

Thanks so much, A

Moondust

Everyone, I will be in the mountains and off the grid until Sunday night, starting tomorrow morning. Just wanted to let everyone know so you know why I'm not posting! Dolly, don't worry, I'm going with a couple of friends. The bears will not eat me

Katkelly, welcome to the group! To have things show at the bottom, you go into your Profile and fill out all the information, then go to settings and make everything Public. If you have trouble, just ask the Moderators for help!

pepper43

katkelley- Welcome!!! I started same chemo regimen on June 23rd so I'm a bit behind you - and I'm doing neoadjuvant too (before surgery). That reminds me, I asked my oncologist if reason for doing it before surgery was to hopefully prevent metastasis. She also indicated it was to hopefully kill as many cells in the lymph node area to reduce number of lymph nodes removed (thereby reducing risk for lymphedema)- it's definitely not a sure thing. She gave it a 40-50% chance but that's enough in my eyes to laser in on those lymph nodes. I do have a secret FB group for us June Ladies. You can friend request me here at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1626126145 and pm with your user name & I'll add you in.

labscientist- here's the link to the HuffPo piece! http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/fk-the-new-mammogram-guidelines_us_577035a4e4b02b2166552a41

Nextyear

Morning,

I'm back. Hoping for a better day and the ability to both eat and exercise!

Katkelly- Welcome to the group. This is a nice place to be to get info and support.

Moondust-I'm So happy ur getting away. Love the mountains. Enjoy.

Knardo88- so happy you found someone to talk to. This can be overwhelming. We all need to find someone at some point.

Labscientistmom and dolly- wow, why didn't I think of Endure! I bought that for my friend when she was doing chemo two years ago. Thx for reminding me. I guess chemo brain is real.

LJ and Heathet- hope you are both feeling better. This chemo stuff just knocks you down!

BBBB- so glad to read good news. Go celebrate!

Little red- agree with peoper43- ports rock. No pain and just makes things easier.

Pepper43- love the idea of naming the port. It does feel like a member of my family these days. Gonna have my friends help me name her next week. Thx for the idea and another fun way to ignore all the bad stuff we go through.

Boobsbegone- good job on rescue work. My youngest son volunteers and has taken me with him to make me help others. He keeps telling me if I help others I will feel better. It makes me smile somuch that he has learned that.

Coffeelover- so impressed with you writing for HP.

Lilyp- I've stayed away from wigs because I'm sure I would get frustrated with styling. Let me know how it goes. If I'm still bald atThanksgiving, I may get one.

NattyB- my buzz cut is now smooth. All the nubs have fallen out. It feels so much better. Hang in.

I'm so sorry I didn't mention everyone, but I'm nauseated again and think the bathroom is calling to me. I've taken to keeping flowers in the loo and bottles of water. I may have to add a frig soon because I'm there so much!

May today be good for everyone.

Anonymous

pepper, how many lymph nodes do you have involved? They did a needle aspiration on your sentinel node didn't they? What was found after that? Your profile says 0 out of 3 but I thought your Huffpost said something else??? Maybe I'm just mixed up. It's weird how different clinics do things differently. I was lumpectomy first and they did SN biopsy then. I thought once in they could also gauge if other nodes had cancer in them too by palpating the nodes and using an ultrasound.

Dudes this is weird, but my bloody leg hair is growing back?? !!! What is THAT about? Like enough to shave??? Eh???? I'm worried they are using me as some sort of placebo experiment and not actually giving me chemo haha...

I have lunch date again... My little puff pastry is coming to the house for lunch!!! As I get tired etc. MONDAY!

I'm away off to see if I have hair regrowing anywhere else...

Anyone lost eyebrows yet? I still have mine but they are pretty thin! Achhhh well at least I have something that is thinI mean who on earth wants FAT eyebrows... Right?

D

pepper43

Dolly- I have 3 lymph nodes involved according to MRI. Hoping that's all and hoping this chemo blasts the heck out of them.

Acie

Looking good, Dol!

I am taking my hair out this evening for one last night out. Getting nervous about the Saturday shave. But ready to get it over with too.

Anonymous

Pepper why don't they just take those three out? I had one and as a result he took it out along with another two for testing. Chemo will surely get them though. Not too much lymphedema can be caused by just three coming out surely?

Acie, I think you will do your head shave very bravely and very well. And it gives you the opportunity to grow back beautiful and lush hair and try a totally different style! I am going very short after this. It takes years off me.

Dolly

NattyB

Good morning all

Having a little hair pity party but I think after I do the buzz and get my wigs in wearing shape I'll be better. My sweet hub said the typical "its just hair" this am and noticed how thin it was. It was seriously matted this am when I got out of bed and when I raked my hands through it, it was reeeeeeedickulus how much came out. I got teary and he said "dont let it dull your sparkle" - corny-est thing hes ever said and we laughed a good belly laugh. I think i'm gonna be teary all day and I've accepted it. I just haven't felt very sick but now I'm going to look it and that pisses me off. I think I'll load up on the make-up and wear some kind of rockin outfit so that I don't feel as frumpy bald. At least that's the plan for now - make it look like a choice, that needs to be my mantra today. I appreciate you all for helping me get through this, Acie and whoever else is buzzing this weekend, i'll be in your pocket:)

Dolly - the ovary thing is kind of the longer term plan after chemo. I had been considering a hyst before I was diagnosed and after diagnosis thought that since I was so strongly ER/PR positive that I'd take the ovaries out but chatted with my mo about it and she was pretty adamant that I leave them in - essentially easier to target the estrogen with them in place so who knows - I just want any body parts that are thinking of betraying me out:) So happy that you are seeing your puff pastry today - that made me chuckle - and all of a sudden I want some pastry, thanks for that craving lol.

Moondust - enjoy your hike, I wish I could come with you!!!

Katkelly - welcome, this is a special group of ladies for sure!

Check in later, hope those of you who are feeling crappy get on the other side of that asap. Hugs to you.

Coffee-lover

Welcome to the newcomers. It's a great place for support. I tend to pop in and out and am not very good about responding individually. We all have such individual concerns, issues and diagnoses.

I'm not doing anything cool like hiking in the mountains but hubby and I are on a weekend getaway before my next infusion. We've begun planning our fun around chemo.

My two best hi school friends are coming up over labor day. So excited. It's been two years since I've seen them. When we get together, we usually do all this fun stuff like rafting and swimming in the high lakes. I'm gonna plan on leisurely walks and lots of sitting in the backyard 😃 something different.

Next infusion is Wed. I keep getting hit with terrible nausea. But two more and it's on to taxol. Hopefully things calm down. A bit and I can drink coffee again. Certainly missing that!

Have a good weekend.

dlk617

Hi!!! I'm new here... I started chemo June 13th- 4 days before my 44th Birthday. I'm cold capping using Penguin caps, have hired someone to put the caps on for me, every 24 minutes and have been following all the rules. My treatment is 4AC + 4Taxol - which I've heard is a hard chemo to keep hair even with cold capping..

I started shedding on Day 21 and it seems to be continuing (not as bad) I lost some around my ears to be expected (plus I wear glasses sometimes, so I'm sure this had something to do with it..

Just wondering if anyone has had my treatment and been successful? Also, has anyone gone swimming while cold capping and just rinsed their hair afterwards?

Thanks

Dx 5/19/16, IDC, Left, 2cm, Stage IIA, Grade 3, 0/3 nodes, ER-/PR+, HER2- , 2^nd tumor Left, 2CM, Stage IIA, Grade 1, 0/3 nodes (I think) ER+/PR+, HER2-

Surgery- after chemo TBD

Chemotherapy: Adriamycin, Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide), Taxol (AC 4 treatments, T 4 treatments

Radiation Therapy none (as of right now)

Hormonal Therapy TBD

jenisis1975

Heathet.....My first treatment was June 27th. Chemo before surgery for me. I still don't know what type of surgery I will have. The waiting is terrible. How is your hair doing?

Acie

Nattyb - I love your husbands comment about your sparkle. That's awesome! I am in YOUR pocket!

On a separate but related note, will the hair on my legs fall out so at least I don't have to shave during this? That'd be a plus. Just sayin...

jenisis1975

Acie..... that is what I am hoping for. If hair is gonna fall out it better include legs and pits. Silver lining somewhere, right

Cody3110

nattyb: I hear what you are saying about your hair. I am in your pocket. It's been a big stresser for me also. Had 5th taxol yesterday and my hair is coming out in handfuls. I will be shaving this weekend. Boobsbgone said it best a while ago: I will look like a cancer patient.

Acie: I haven't shaved my legs, pits or bikini in weeks. A silver lining.

ClarkBlue

ALL - According to the awesome spreadsheet (Thanks gals!!) I seem to be way ahead of many of you which is nice that I only have one more left, but I must admit it leaves me feeling "out of the club" and a little isolated from this group...

I began TC (Taxotere and Cytoxan x4, every 3 weeks) treatment on 5/19 so anyone on the same treatment plan I am, feel free to hit me up with questions - I am 8 days out from my third treatment and can give you a good idea of what to expect with timelines and SEs, etc.

RE: Tender scalp/Hair - when it fell out (not all at once but a very large amount around day 15-16 after first treatment (I'm on TC) my scalp was very tender - like I've had a ponytail in it too long... this lasted for WEEKS. It seems that only recently can I wash my hair in the shower without any pain at all. When it did hurt, it wasn't unbearable, just tender.

During the 7-8 days after a treatment I just don't feel "myself" and start to get into some stinkin' thinkin' where I'm like, "I'm so fat, I'm so ugly, I'm so puffy, I can't take a good shit, I want to eat everything in sight, I have not self-control...!!!" etc, and I forget that things will be better. Then all of a sudden on day 7-8 I "snap" out of it and feel normal again. Things have taste again, I can drink water, my mind is clearer, I am less tired, etc. I need to remember that I DO come out of it, and things DO get better, and that I WILL feel normal again - it's just when I'm in it, I forget.

I think I need to adopt KatKelly's philosophy that I cannot deny that I'm going through this - as much as I want to not tell anyone and not get the stares, and not get the pity looks, or the "how could you let this happen to yourself?", or the "I'm SO glad this didn't happen to me" looks... I need to ACCEPT what's going on with me and allow myself to move through it - I don't need to LIKE it, but I need to accept it. I guess I felt like if I accepted it, I was accepting defeat and that meant that I had to give in to my diagnosis???

I need to remember that even though the cancer is no longer in my body, the effects of chemo are REAL... I'm really not sure why I feel like I need to hide that??? Why am I so concerned about not look like a cancer survivor...??? Where is that coming from????? Maybe if in a year or two I still look awful I can complain, but right now maybe I just need to be okay with dealing with the SEs of chemo while working full-time, raising 2 teenage daughters, recovering from double mastectomy/tissue expanders, preparing for final implant surgery on 8/23, preparing for ovary removal and hormone therapy, preparing for 30rounds of radiation in Sept...

Ladies, why should we HIDE??? What are we afraid of people seeing? That we are REAL and vulnerable and that at this moment in our lives, things kind of suck?? Gosh, is that some sort of societal BS that we've grown up with????

Hmmm... You wouldn't know I was at work right now lol... maybe it's the HEAT - its really hot and humid here... Yeah, let's go with that!!

-Keely

ClarkBlue

Lilyp6 - I love the "embracing my cancer" points comment. I too have a poufy wig that I cannot stand... I think with my new "tude" I'm gonna rock the scarves like Pepper...

Moondust - don't sugarcoat it, your MO is a bitch. Find a new one. Life is too short for that shit...

KNardo - I cannot imagine being paralyzed like that, but I know and have seen it, and it's real - I'm sorry. I'm glad that you are getting some help - there is no reason to feel that helpless and scared - people are available and WANT to help you.

Pepper - I am looking into an oopherectomy as well - wanna research and compare notes? Are we on the same treatment? Seems everything else is the same...

NattyB - Can you explain a little more about what your MO means when they say that HER2+ is more of a factor than ER/PR+ when it comes to removing the ovaries and osteoporosis? I want to be super informed when I make my choices as well and I'm just confused as to why that would be the case. :-)

Okay - I think that's all I have for now. Love for you all...

-Keely

lilyp6

Pepper: Who knew?? Now I need a curly wig!