Anyone Starting Chemo in June 2016

Anonymous

So this is me 6 weeks after first chemo infusion using the Paxman cold cap. It seems to be working so far. Posted to let potential cold cappers see what hair can be left after 6 weeks of chemo. I still have 10 weeks to go. But am thinking maybe i MIGHT get away with this. If I do, I will not only drop to my knees on the last chemo day and actually KISS my Paxman machine on the ward, but I will also never ever be bad to my hair ever ever again!!!

Heathet

boobsBgone- sending you a big hug!! It's our show and the ones we love need to respect our wishes!

I'll post something cute - both my boys in bed with me!

Anonymous

Heathet, How are you feeling? You in bed just now? Is it tiredness? I get bogged down by this too.

Heathet

Dolly - it was earlier. I'm up and about but still feel tired. It comes and goes.

revnet

Dollydimples123 Your hair looks so great! I am working hard at getting the dignicap system (similar to paxman) in my local hospital where I go for treatment. This needs to be an option for patients! That system was FDA approved here in the states in December ( i mentioned this in a previous post, but mentioning here for new readers). I am using the Arctic Cold Caps, I am day 17 from my first Chemo...the shedding has yet to start. I go for my second chemo on Friday. I'm still waiting for the shoe to drop, but so far no loss on my scalp......It feels too good to be true, time will tell though, the folks at Arctic Cold Caps say day 20....

Little-Red-Corvette1

BoobsBgone You go on and rant girl if you need to!

Now for your something funny! I guess with all the stress and worry of the unknown I have not slept well. Specifically last night!

I get in my recliner with my Blanket and pillow. Nurse Cat gives me the mix of Benadryl ect....Then I was lights out. I slept through the whole thing

Now here's the funny part: My sister said I was snoring and farting. But it was ladylike....WTH

anyway right now just TIRED

Thanks All

Jo

---

bbbb

Boobsbgone - We love our moms bu it is OK to get upset with them. This is YOUR treatment and you do have the right to tell or not tell people as you wish. I am sorry she did not respect your wishes. I am so happy your hubby is 100% supportive of you. So glad you have this forum to vent with as we all completely understand and in some strange way that makes things better. Hugs to you today and prayers that mom will respect your wishes from this moment on!

A funny today - went to MO today for regular checkup. This MO has ALOT of hair about down to his shoulders. He was very nice and compassionate and gave me all good reports, YEAH! He then said "you still have your hair" and I then went into a long description of how it was shedding everywhere and I was a bit freaked out and he listened and sympathized - it was a bit weird with him sitting there with all that HAIR talking about losing my hair! I guess it's not really a funny but I'm trying!

Dolly - speaking of hair WOW! You look fabulous! Soooo glad the cold capping is working. Hoping revent has good results also!

Little Red - rest up! You got this girl! As I always tell my 1st graders "everyone has to pass gas from time to time, if not we would explode!"

Heathet - hope you are doing better this afternoon - kitties always help make things better - they are so cute!

I am off to school shop with two of my children - shedding my hair all over the mall!

Moondust

Thanks for all the nice comments about my photos! Having all of you here motivated me to take my camera, which I don't do very often any more. But might as well, especially because I'm going a lot slower up hills now, and have to stop to catch my breath!

And thank you very much for all your support regarding my horrible MO. I will definitely be switching to another one but not until I complete my chemo. There is too big a chance that if I switched in the middle, it would delay my treatments, and I don't want to take a chance on anything causing a delay! I will find an MO who is older, more knowledgeable, and friendlier as soon as my last infusion is done.

Keely, I'm concerned about your right arm being puffy! Most women who have had lymph nodes removed, even just one node, are told to never have IVs, blood draws, or blood pressure cuffs on that arm EVER AGAIN because it can trigger lymphedema. I am very surprised they used your surgery side arm for infusions! Your puffy ankles might be from the saline IV they pump into us. Both times I have been 4 pounds heavier the day after infusion due to IV fluid and steroids. Sure hope your arm puffiness is temporary, but please tell them not to use that arm again.

Pepper, you are very smart to stick to walking during this, instead of trying to jog or run. Strenuous exercise is another thing that knocks down our immune system. Endurance athletes experience more sickness a week or two after a strenuous event. However, studies have shown that moderate walking leads to less illness. Keep steppin' I have been careful not to push myself hard during my hikes. They are much shorter than usual and I take a lot more rest stops. But I think I would totally end up with out-of-shape legs if I stopped hiking.

LabMom, OH NO about the foot injury!! Have they checked your blood counts in between infusions? It sounds like you might have low platelets which makes you not clot very well! Also, anemia can cause dizziness, so if your red blood cells are low, that could be the cause of some of your SEs. And of course, the more you bleed, the more red blood cells you lose. Get after your team to monitor your blood counts more often! I've heard of people having a blood transfusion which really helped things. Don't overdo on your Arizona trip.

Joeychen and revnet, overall I have felt better during the second cycle, especially the first week. But I think I may be more tired overall this time through. My next one is not until the 20th. I'm also sure it will vary for each one of us.

boobs, how awful that your mom outed you on FB! I would be livid. I think your reaction was appropriate, and you should keep her at a distance for a while. Hugs!!!

Dolly, I so love the photo of the Kenyan woman! I'm almost tempted to try that look by wearing a bare head with very big earrings and lots of necklaces! And maybe I will get a henna tattoo on my head, if I can find a talented artist locally who does it. Your new photos are fabulous! No one would guess you are having chemo! You have a great fashion sense too. BUT, I think I see some sunburn on you -- put on that high SPF sunscreen every day, my friend!!

Lily, I hear you about too many appointments. Before this cancer, I would go to the doctor once every two or three years, if that. Gynecologist once a year and dentist twice. And I thought that was a lot!

Jo (LIttle-Red), I'd suggest a stronger sunscreen. I use a 50 or higher, and I have a good tan already. Sun exposure can knock down your immune system even if you don't burn, and it is already taking a huge hit from chemo. It is funny that you slept through the entire chemo! But maybe a good thing!

Acie, good luck tomorrow. I'll be in your pocket! (I learned that expression on this site, and I like it).

Heathet, your cats are adorable Hope you are feeling okay.

Hair question and report: My hair left at 17 days after my first infusion, and now it is 12 days past the second infusion. I'm wondering if I'll have another major shed in a few days, or will it just slowly keep coming out a few hairs at a time? Does anyone have experience? I had to shave my legs and arms last Friday (the hairs were long!) but I don't feel any new stubble yet. So far I have kept most of my eyebrows, lashes and pubic hair. We are all different!

lilyp6

Little-Red: SNORT, lol...I'm supposed to be working right now!

Anonymous

Moondust,

hahaha....It is NOT sunburn. It was my spray tan that I went for last week. I have been a naughty chemo patient as I have used hair dye (although water based and temporary), hair dryer, hair straighteners and spray tans....And nothing yet has fallen off or crumbled or died!!!! I am not sitting in sun just now as I was told to stay out of it. I sit in my garden at times but always under a huge parasol and with a hat on.

I think you need to get huge dangly earrings to make that Maasai look and I would LOVE to see your head done with henna. That would be so cool.

I am feeling proud of my hair just now, but I know it is most likely going to be in a bit of a state by the end of the next 9 weeks (I have only 9 weeks til date of final chemo). But I thank it for trying its hardest to stay with me. It has been through a lot and it has fought back for the last 6 weeks BIG time. I am from now on, always going to look after my hair well as a thank you for its efforts right now.

On the topic of hair, I had read that it is ONE major shed and then gradual after that. But that was a person who was also cold capping. So not sure if it applies to you. I have almost lost my eyebrows but as you can see, I have perfected the drawing in of them. I also weirdly have had leg hair grow on my legs recently and had to shave them!!! I find that very strange. I think it is probably different for every one person. You are a fit healthy woman so maybe your immune system is just fab and maybe everything is fighting on and staying as long as possible.

Thanks for all the remarks about hair. I had already posted on FB but also wanted to put it on here to let people of the future see what the results were on Paxman!

DD

labscientistmom

Little Red: virtual high fives, see me jumping up and down in celebration of you!!

Whoot, whoot, fighting the cancer, HUZZAH for you! ((hugs)) A - I will be joining you for round 8 of weekly taxol tomorrow. I will be 40% done!!! Yay!

Anonymous

Revnet,

I really hope you are successful with your Arctic caps. It makes you feel a real sense of achievement if it stays on your head. But this is how I see it. Even if I only get 10 weeks of hair, it will still have been 10 more weeks with hair and still worth having done. I also think the cold caps make the hair grown back quicker after chemo is finished. Not sure why...but I did read that somewhere.

Post pics and let us see how it goes. I am going to keep posting every now and then and next one will likely show less hair, but so what. It will be interesting to see what I end up with at the end of treatment.

D

labscientistmom

DOLLY:: see me jumping up and down virtually, YOU LOOK AMAZING!!! no more talking down about yourself, you look beautiful.((hug)) and blessings, A

Anonymous

BoobsBgone,

I am so sad for you over your mum. I totally understand why you are upset and angry. It is not right to pass information on about anybody's health without their permission. It was the first thing my mum asked me when I was diagnosed...how many people did I want to share with.

I suppose your mum has not thought this through and probably does not get the upset that it has caused because SHE is not the one experiencing all this stuff at the moment. How have things been since all of this happened? Have you had a chat yet?

D

labscientistmom

Dolly: wow, my husband and son and I are all impressed by your drawn eyebrows, we would not have been able to tell. you look Lovely.. Looking forward to hearing about your date. #8 chemo for me tomorrow! 40% done with all chemo, yay!!

Moondust: my platelets have been good, RBC have been steady, had my blood drawn Fri, am interested to see what the #s are tomorrow. My foot divot is healing nicely, keeping it clean and covered. I can actually walk mostly without pain.

RE: Arizona trip, we are flying to Phoenix, driving in air condtioned rental car to hotel in Tuscon. Friday I get my blood drawn at a lab there so the results get sent to my cancer center. Then we have tickets to tour Colossal Cave about 30 min in mountians outside of Tuscon (always 70 degrees inside!!) Sat we meet up wiht other family that came on trip to drive to Ramsey Canyon south of Tuscon where we are going to spread my older sister's ashes in the canyon that shelters lots and lots of hummingbirds. She collected hummingbirds and requested her ashes be taken there. She lost her battle with mets in her liver from BC last day of 2013. I miss her a lot!! Sunday we are meeting up for lunch with some friends who live south of Tuscon, then flying home on Monday from Phoenix. If I feel up to it, there are some other things we might squeeze in, but gonna play that by ear. I will pace myself, take sunscreen and boonie hats and LOTS of water. I hope to have pics for ya'll when I get back.

Keely: follow up with oncologist regarding lymphadema. You can see a PT for that.

boobsBgone: deep sigh for moms that mean well and drive over us like a massive tractor. I so get you. Wish I had a solution or a pithy saying to help, but I don't. ((Hugs)) to you.

Blessings to everyone else, more later, A

Anonymous

Labscientist,

I am glad you got out for dinner date with hubbie. How lovely to get out of the house and eat out. How are your nosebleeds going? Are they still happening? How long do they last for and is there nothing they can do about this? I remember having nosebleeds when I was a child and hating them. I do hope this is going to get better for you.

How nice that you got to church too and I am sure the people there will be a great support for you all as a family. Churches are great that way. Nice too that brothers called you. They will be wanting to make sure that sis is OK and doing well. I hope you have a fab time in Arizona you and the rest of the family deserve to have a lovely peaceful and pleasurable time. I will be thinking about you on Tuesday, but I will be in before you as my next chemo is this FRIDAY. YUK...I hate those days so much. I absolutely hate that needle in my hand. It hurts and I just wish there was another way of doing it. But this time I am expert chemo patient. I now know that taking an anti-sickness tablet couple of hours after infusion keeps me right til the next day. I also have learned that I must take a laxative around day two and apart from that I am sorted. I will be OK by Tuesday though, so will be cheering you on then.

What is the project you are doing for the church?

D

Anonymous

Labscientist,

My brain is frazzled with all that shampoo today haha...I thought you were going in for chemo on Tuesday, but now see it is Thursday. So you will be before me by a day! And yessssssssssss 40 % done....that's only like 60% off a full 100% (ever the glass is half full kinda gal ) On Friday I will be half way through my horrible treatment. I just refuse to give in to it. I will be in my bed for one day and then up. I am not doing this lying around thing...being sick. I have eyebrows to draw in and spray tans to have haha....

The eyebrows are not totally gone but pretty much tiny thin whisps. So I am now officially using the eyebrow kits. If they go completely, I will have no clue where to put my brows, so am hoping we all still have a few bits left to be able to use as guides for our sketching in.

We are all adapting well to this thing ladies. It is survival of the fittest and we are all showing how fit we really are. None of us have given up. We are ALL doing so well. I am proud to be part of this group of superb women!

I hope everyone has a good nights sleep tonight and has a good day tomorrow!

LittleRed, for you especially, I am hoping yu have a good night of rest and no SEs. You have now completed your first chemo and you will be a few days trying t get back to 'normal' but it will happen. As Labscientist would say Huzzahhhhhhhhh for doing so well today!

D

KNardo88

Hair update: Over the course of the last 2 days my hair went from it's full glory to leaving me looking like SMEAGOL FROM LORD OF THE RINGS. Literally sliding off my head! I haven't buzzed it yet, due to lacking the proper equipment--- But a lovely coworker of mine who has been such a solid source of strength and wisdom having been through ALL of this herself just a few short years ago is lending me hers The buzz is happening tonight! I've had enough!

I'm actually wearing my wig at work today, right over my little wisps of remaining hair. Was quite the event getting me to come out onto the sales floor with it on. Felt like it looked so obviously fake, so obviously a WIG, that everybody would notice right away. My coworkers have all assured me it looks totally realistic, and unless anyone had seen me just the day prior (or sees me on a regular basis, like they do) nobody would know otherwise. I don't know if I so much believe THAT, but it is what it is for awhile. Gotta adapt.

In other news, I'm having some issues with my tissue expanders at the moment. A weird bubble-like area has formed in EXACTLY the same spot as where my tumor was. And it is oddly tender/vaguely painful, in the exact same way as the tumor felt. Except this area is not solid, it's literally a squishy area that feels almost like a balloon, and I can feel the crinkly plastic of the expander compressing every time I press on it. I wish I had an idea of what the inside of my breast is actually made up of or looks like at the moment, but here's to hoping it's just a weird air-bubble in my expander that happened to choose the former home of my tumor to make me go cuckoo per usual that it's something more than that. I called in to my PS's office and my PS is away, but the resident PS seemed to think it sounded normal, as long as I didn't have an accompanying fever or chills with it, which I don't. I'll feel better when my PS is back in the office and I can see him to take a look at it. Him, and my MO or BS. I'm so sick of worrying over every little thing that hurts or feels weird.

I'm gearing up for my 2nd AC infusion on Thursday the 14th... Not looking forward to the following week, but at least it's infusion #2, so I have some idea of what to expect. Here's to hoping this round is easier! Unfortunately I have to miss my Brother-in-law's wedding this weekend because of chemo, but I know it'll be a beautiful weekend for him and his bride, and the whole family!

Hope everyone is doing well!

boobsBgone

Wow. busy day for everyone. Glad things are going better for most of you. I love all the pictures. Saw my onco nurse (NP) today for some new SEs and meds I wanted to discuss. She really helped me realize I was not taking the meds the best way to help me, so we laughed at my comment 'i am a terrible cancer patient" - told her I would do better. I have been struggling with food this week since tx, not eating enough - so I lost too much too fast. I promised her I was trying to eat as much as I could but was not able to stomach it. she gave me more suggestions to try and I made a promise I will do better. Happily I stayed hydrated, so I did something right! LOL

Heathet: your babies are smoochably adorable.

Dolly: you hair and makeup is gorgeous, you look divine! Mom and I have not talked since yesterday, I left it up to her to figure out what she wants to do - I have me to worry about, not her. So letting it go for now. I had a great day with my friend today. saw a movie and chatted for hours. so wished we lived closer. (my fault I moved away).

Little-Red: your story was funny - we are all ladylike through this. the important thing - you slept!

Labscientist: have a great time, we look forward to pictures, sound gorgeous. Sorry about your sister, I love hummingbirds too and sounds perfect!

I think I overextended today, so tired. but so happy i had a good day after 3 days in bed! whoo hoo.

stay rested and hydrated!

labscientistmom

boobsBgone: You are such a elegant biker chick, I struggle with addressing you with this handle (and giggle a bit too) : I will try for hummingbird pics, looking forward to it, found a cave to explore on Friday thats ALWAYS 70 DEGREES INSIDE, 30 min out of blazing hot Tuscon, can you believe it? Hoping to have a good time, but not overextend too much. I will be chatting with a friend tomorrow night after infusion, its great to do that, makes you feel great even though you are tired. Been packing today, made a list, checked it twice, getting ready for chemo tomorrow.

KNardo: bully for you with the wig, you are rocking it girl, whoot, whoot!! Its good to get to the point where you feel comfy. I am sure it will feel better after you get rid of the straggling hair. Hopefully they will send you many photos of the wedding. I missed my nephews wedding because I was sick, it was a bummer, but did get to see a lot from folks pictures. Maybe someone can bring you a wee bit of cake!

Dollydimple: sadly, chemobrain zapped both of us, cause now I don't know what I wrote, chemo #8 is TOMORROW, Tuesday. Friday I will be in AZ, hope to send you pics from a cool cave walk outside of Tuscon. Our church project is Vacation Bible School for church family and neighborhood kids that we do every summer. Wed - Fri nights and Sun morning. The kids do songs, participate in acting out a story, make crafts, do games, see a science station, make and eat snacks, and finish at a campfire each night. Our theme this year is Super Hero Training Academy. A lot of adults all gang up to help out, and its a lot of work, but a lot of fun!! I have been in charge of decorations for the last few years, had to bow out of that this year, due to this crazy hijacking of cancer treatment. My husband is in charge of the story skits, He loves drama/acting, and also usually does the Master of Ceremony duties and helps on the song team teaching the kids the hand motions. I am helping him make props, as I usually do, as well as have been doing different art/crafty projects to prepare for decorations and such. During VBS, I staff the first aid table, provide duct tape/staples other fix-it things for the staff, and keep track of the time and ring the bell for the kids to rotate to different stations. My son has enjoyed it every year, but since it only goes thru 5th grade, last year he was a camp counselor and this year he is helping on the craft station team, which is perfect for him as he is very artsy!

Our church family is wonderful, especially as we don't have family that lives close. My brother and his grown kids live about an hours drive away, my other niece just moved closer, but she's doing her first year of fellowship for specialty of pediatric oncology. She's been working as physician in Manhattan for a year after finishing her residency, so I am excited she is closer. My stepmom lives about 6 hours away, and my husband's siblings live in NY. He lost both his parents in the past year, so its been a tough road for him. Our church family/friends have been bringing meals 2x a week thru MealTrain, coming by to chat, giving me rides when I need it, hanging out at chemo with me when my husband's been working, and its great to know there are a lot of folks praying for me. Cancer is an evil, malevolent thing from the pit of hell, so I am grateful for prayers to fight that battle with me. I have to get thru the chemo in MY body by myself, with support, but no one can walk it for me, but the prayer support is amazing. RE: nosebleeds, yes it still happens each day, but its weird, doesn't drip down my face, just bleeds into my sinus, and gets all gummy and gross in there. IN the am, it starts bleeding when I blow my nose, gotta get the junk out, and it stops bleeds mostly in about 15 min or so, usually 2 bloody tissues worth. I am using saline spray, and aquafor, but it only helps a little, its just the chemo eating away a bit at my sinus. It hurts behind my cheekbones and around my eyes like an infection, but white count is OK, and plt count has been too. I will ask again tomorrow if the MO wants me to go see regular doc. fyi< my foot is healing well!! My husband & I try to go on a date night during the school year at least once a week, or every 2 weeks. It just keeps us grounded and better parents I think. Its been good to spend more time with him while his off for the summer hols as you call them. Blessings, will try to post from the chair tomorrow. And post to you Friday, I will be praying for ya. Brave gal with your cold caps, you are amazing!!!

I agree, hoping & praying for good sleep for all, peace to Pepper at her scan with no complications, and everyone has a better SE day tomorrow.

labscientistmom

Heathet, love the kitties picture! Mine have been stressing and hanging out in the suitcases that came in today. We are having a friend house-sit so they will have company, but, OOOH, they know what suitcases mean. Please, get your puffy arm looked at, stay on top of lymphedema!!

pepper43

Morning (early morning) ladies!

I'm up and atom for CT already (shocker, right) and wanted to do a drive- by.

bbbb- I lol'd over "Mom's hair is in the cooler!"

lilyp- My look better, feel better is next week -just in time for my falling hair. Wonder if my brows will make it to then. Keep us posted on your husband's nodule. I'd be concerned too.

Littlered- I know I'm a bit late, but I'm with Acie on suggestions. =- I use my Notes app on my phone to jot down questions for MO when they come to mind and pull them up during visits.

Moondust- Loooooooved the hiking pics- it's nice to get a view from outside your pocket. ;-) Absolutely breathtaking.

CarolAG- My MO isn't doing any Oncotype at all based on my dx as results wouldn't change tx plan. Bad how they screwed yours up! Can you push for another?

boobsbgone- so sorry about your Mom! That is NOT cool and I'd be putting up boundaries as well. Here's a rather silly pic of our oldest in a pizza hat as our youngest is hopping on one leg. We have a silly lot of children. Hope it brings a smile.

Dolly- your hair is looking amazing. You should do ads for cold capping!

Heathet- your kitties are adorable.

Labscientist- good luck with chemo on Tuesday- we're all in your pocket. And safe travels for weekend (and take pics!)

Hugs to you all this Tuesday morning.

Little-Red-Corvette1

TooTicky

Hey all,

I've been lurking and reading everyone's stories but too shy to post... but I've got Chemo #3 tomorrow, so I decided to finally join the group. I've got 12 weeks of weekly Taxol/Carboplatin every 3 weeks followed by 4 rounds of AC. Bleh

I buzzed my hair after the first round of Chemo because my hair dresser was going out of town for 2 weeks and I knew losing chunks of hair would freak me out.

Little-Red-Corvette1

I am officially the 5 AM club.

BoobsBgone I'm so sorry about your Mom. In my battle I fight for everything! I could tell you stories! I have one of those large Italian family's where we all argue, stubborn. I live in the house I was born in with my eldest sister who is 64 and out there. I have a special needs brother who has lung issues and uses a nebulizer. Another sister home after a quadruple bypass and one more who'd had a hip replaced and has knee issues.

I have one other brother brother who is permanently disabled since 48 he is 50. He has 50 % Working

Little-Red-Corvette1

SORRY SO BBSBG

The moral is their nuts and so am 😜 I made them read all the Pamplets LOL Horror they asked if I wanted fried chicken from Shoprite

When I get good at pics I'll send as I get better at it

Labscientistmom

Taxol round #8 40% yeah! Take care of that foot! Enjoy your trip! And may God grant us the serenity to accept the things We cannot change courage to change the things We can and the wisdom to know the difference

Acie Good luck Will be with you in spirit!

Healthet beautiful cats! I have a Chiuauaha named Rico who is the love of my life. He is fat like a tick. I put in a picture.

I don't feel so bad today. So shower, have to get my shot, just fuzzy!

Little-Red-Corvette1

LITTLE REDS LITTLE MAN RICO SUA

lilyp6

Tooticky, welcome! We have very similar diagnoses and treatment plans. You look great. Littlered, Good morning-love your description of your family, your picture, and your dog. All other lovlies, LGFB was hilarious, to me at least. Will post later. Wish luck to me and hubby for his thyroid update today.

CarolAG

Pepper43:
Yes they ended up sending the 9 mm one out and it came back 19 which is low end of intermediate. But MO said if they hadn't done the 2.5 mm one and didn't have the 39 oncotype info he would have put me on an AI and not recommended chemo. But of course since we did have the info I'm going ahead with the chemo. I guess in the end I'm doing everything I can to get rid of this right?

There must be some reason why guidelines recommend oncotype only on tumors greater than 5 mm. Just wondered if anyone knew anything about that. Maybe because so small?

It was funny because one of my MO's associates whose been in practice for 40+ years said he would never treat the small tumor no matter what the oncotype. I guess because it was so small. I do believe that my doctor just wants to do everything we can to kick this out.

bbbb

KNardo - I am with you on the hair. It started shedding on Saturday but still looked fine Sunday and Monday but TODAY I have bald spots on the back of my head and the shedding is very irritating. I knew I needed to get to the point that I was aggravated with it before I was willing to do the shave. I am now aggravated enough to go ahead and shave. I have an appointment at the wig salon for Thursday but I don't know if I can stand it that long. My oldest daughter says she is willing to shave it for me but I don't want to put her through that as I assume it would be quite traumatic so I will either do it myself (hubby is out of town until Saturday) or I will just wait until Thursday - just depends on how aggravated I get tonight! Glad to hear that you braved the wig. I think the first time wearing a wig in public will be the most difficult and then I hope it gets easier - please let me know how it is going! Praying for you about the tissue expanders!

Carol AG - My tumor was 5.5 cm and a grade 2 but MO would not do an oncotype test because of the size of the tumor. He said I needed chemo regardless and even a low oncotype score would not be enough to make him think I was "safe" without chemo. I had to agree as I would rather fight now with every weapon I have than to have to go through this again later.

Too Ticky - Welcome! Love the buzz cut - you give me courage to go ahead and get it done!

Little red - cute cute litte Rico - looks like he is quite a sweetie - gotta love our fur babies!