Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

golfer779 · August 2008

Hi Jewels,

Well I may not be off to a real exotic place, but I am getting ready for my camping experience this weekend. I'll be off to Ginny's place after rads tomorrow morning, from there we will carpool with 4 others to Whidbey Island. Needless to say, no puter time for me until Sunday night. There is a group of 50+ walkers attending the campout and walks (40 miles this weekend), figure I won't have time to think about my tight chest! A full crew will also be on hand to cook our meals, and tend to us on the walking route.

Its kind of a strange weekend as we would normally be going to Eastern Wash with friends to spend a week of watersporting on the Columbia River. First time in 16 years that we havn't gone on this trip ... thought I'd throw out a FUBC on that note!!! Instead of staying in a beautiful 3 bedroom condo, I'm going to be laying on the ground in a tent with four women ... wow, what new experiences this whole journey has shed on my life!

Carol

Determined1 · August 2008

Hmmm, Carol, I think your weekend is exotic in its own way. I'm not sure I'd pass up the luxurious condo for a weekend in a tent, but to each her own...

Hope your chest doesn't bother you too much. I'm actually thinking the fatigue might be worse than the burn, but that was my experience. Be sure you listen to your body and let your group know when you need a breather. They're doing this walk to honor women just like you, so they should be sympathetic to your needs as you go through tx and try to do this walk at the same time.

Oh, and need to share my heartfelt thanks to dh's assistant. She's doing the 3-day in Chicago and her team had shirts made up. They're walking to honor about 12 women who have battled bc and have the women's names on the backs of their shirts. They have included my name! I'm actually overwhelmed by this...

Okay, off for the last night of sleep in my own bed.

D1

PAlady · August 2008

Hi Ladies,

I figured I better take the time to get on here and type before you all leave for your trips!

D1 - Allegheny is actually one that ds is very interested and the soccer coach is interested in him, too. It is only about 30 minutes south of us. He is also looking at Westminster. He is going to Duquesne this weekend for a camp so we are going on the campus tour tomorrow. You probably know all the ropes having already gone through this.

I am doing much better with my pains, will get them checked out when we get back from our little trip. Dh and I are headed to Charlotte and Asheville, NC from Wednesday to Sunday. I have been reading, just not posting...

Have a wonderful and SAFE vacation!

Cathy - Lucky you on not having to make a bunch of college decisions. We are taking the other 2 ds's with us. Maybe that will give them some inspiration!

Kathy - Thanks for the ovary info. I agree the pain from an appendics must be absolutely unbearable. Wow, I can't believe you have hit a year already. I don't think I will do anything to mark my date. I think I am more inclined to do the surgery date also. When do you leave for your vaca?

Kimberly - Enjoy your vacation! You sure are quite the traveler! I have a feeling you are right about the tamox / ovary connection. I will call my onc or gyno when we get back from our trip on the 11^th. It feels much better now, but seems like something is brewing. It is comforting to know of someone else who has had issues.

Sheshe - I got a supply of recipes at my shower too and I loved it. I still use some of them today.

Julie - Glad all went well for you. Good for you on getting to come home early.

Paula - Hope it was just the wasp sting that brought on the seizures for dh. Fingers crossed for good results next week. Thanks for the essay tips and the website!! I haven't had a chance to look at it in depth, but it looks like good info.

Carol - I feel for you. I hope your skin keeps looking "good". Counting the days I am sure. You might have already said this, but why do you have to go on the Zometa? When I did a search on it, it says it is for bone mets? Are they giving it to you to prevent it? Have a good weekend. I'll be hoping good things for you, with little pain and good times with your friends.

I am excited I went and got my hair highlighted today. She also trimmed a few hairs to give it more of a styled look. I told her I must be crazy to actually be letting her take scissors to it! Every one of my boys complimented me on it, which is saying something for them! Dh really liked it, too.

I have noticed the eyebrows jumping ship again. I still have quite a few there, but seems only the blond/clear/white ones are the ones hanging on. I had to go back to using the powder again to get them to show up.

Take care, all.

Determined1 · August 2008

Stopped in this morning to see if anyone was around and was glad to see the post from PALady! I can't believe you mentioned your eyebrows. For the past couple of days I've been examining mine thinking they were thinning again. I remember seeing somewhere that the Tamox could cause hair thinning and I've been watching my head like a hawk. My head hair growth seems to have slowed (although my hairdresser says it's a lot better than it was 5 weeks ago when I saw her last), and my eyebrows are definitely thinning. All I have to say about that is WTF?! Amazingly, pubic and leg hair seems to be thriving in their post-chemo state...

Allegheny is one of those colleges mentioned in the book, "40 schools that will change your life." I went to one of the 40 schools myself--Kalamazoo College in Michigan--and will say they really do change your life. And 30 minutes from home is schweet! We thought we were getting off easy when college girl ended up 2 hours away, but 30 minutes is better. Unfortunately, dd has honed in on Vassar, which is a 5 hour trip... (Good news is that Amtrak runs from DC to Poughkeepsie, so we can tell her to train home, rather than driving all the time.) I've been really proud of dd this week. She has been working on her app to Vassar. I think she has everything on the common app (soon you'll know what this is if you don't already) completed except for the main essay and the essay about one of her activities. She's done with the Vassar supplemental--including the essays. Lucky for her, the essays are the fun part because she loves to write (and she's good at it, too). So I'm thinking she'll be done with that application before school starts in September! She's applying early decision to Vassar to try to improve her chances of getting in. I sure hope she's what they're looking for, as she's really hung herself out there with her essays and this kid doesn't expose herself to others often.

Oh, and in all of my research about the college app process, your ds would be wise to bring athletics (or acting, or something other than just good grades and test scores) to the table. These admissions officers are looking for something that makes a kid different (oh, and they LOVE community service. In fact, Allegheny highlighted college girl's volunteer work in their acceptance letter). We're trying to convince dd to talk to the basketball coach at Vassar (the team really sucks, so it's highly likely that our kid would make this team). Our thinking is that you can always decide once you get there that you don't want to play ball, but it will help you get in (dh inadvertently learned that was so when he went to college to play basketball and then panicked and never went out for it--since it was a DIII school, there was no money involved, so what could they do?). Anyway, get ds off to the soup kitchen for about 10 hours this summer so he can put volunteer work on his app!

Have a great time in NC (why didn't either of my girls look at NC schools????), its a pretty state. And take care of that nagging pain.

Oh, I forgot to pack my slicker--better go grab it now while I'm thinking of it!

D1

Anonymous · August 2008

Three weeks of Rads down, 3 to go (plus 3 days) ... skin is holding up pretty well. Not pink. Tissue feels a little sore but it never stopped being a little sore post-surgery, so who knows what is causing what. Joints are still a-creakin'. No fatigue noted. All in all it seems to be going very well.

Best wishes and bon voyages all around to our travellers. Have wonderful trips, and find your way back to us safely .... And take some acidophilus capsules with you (Kyodophilus is a great brand, doesn't require refrigeration, and is available at RiteAid). Take one daily, 2 if you start to notice anything funny with the digestive system.

JulieK_11_30_07 · August 2008

Thinking of all of our travelers as you all head out soon!! Safe travels to all!!!

I'm hanging in there -- rough day yesterday -- every time I got up, I felt dizzy/faint. It finally got better last night. My drain production is still too much -- I'm hoping to get them out by Tuesday.

Love and hugs to all -- hope to check in later today or tomorrow.

Julie

LilWarrior · August 2008

Yes we had a earthquake out here but it wasnt bad at all. Well not to me! I was eating at the time (whats new - ha he), and it started shaking and I was telling my friend should we take our soups (clam chowder) underneath the table or just run - she laughed so hard. I just cant put down Sizzlers clam chowder. He ha... I am not worried about the earthquakes because I know God isnt ready for me as of yet - still have alot more stuff to do here on earth for me.

Update - I just got a letter from the Police Dept and they put a restraining order on the Dr and he cant contact me or the other 9 women he raped and assaulted. He is still in jail, hasnt posted that 4 million bail and his attorneys are trying to ask the Judge to lower it but the Judge said no way because he is a threat to the community and a risk for flight. I do feel very sorry for his wife, children because they too are affected by this. I pray even for my enemies because God tells me too, but I know he is in jail thinking about all the fraud and sexually things he has done to all of us........

Well Ladies, I want to wish you a Happy and blessed weekend -

Love always,

Dana

vettegal · August 2008

Hello Jewels,

Sorry I haven't posted. I am doing well! I have been sad a bit lately about denise. she is driving me nuts! We have the same doctor(so does mom) why not he has the family history. I love my dr. she hates him. She went for th onco dx test to see if she should do chemo or not. the dr told he PA to send the 2 slides from both breasts. well they only sent one. she called the place in california nto veryify this and she is calling him a idiot and i don't know why you liek him so much. i told her to change dr's if you want too. she went over his head in some things. she is trying to be her own dr. if she wouold of just listen to him and started the chem o when he wanted she would of been half way done right now. it pisses me off that she had cancer in both breasts one lymph node and she thinks she had done enough..that is not enough. here i had a tumor the size of a pea and i went thru hell since january. iam just soo angry that she is being somewhat selfish. my dr is very well respected and he has gave my mother an extended stay for the pass few year even though she is in stage 4 cancer. she doesn't like gray areas. she wants guarentees. there is no guarentees in life, i could walk out on a road and get hit by a bus. it has been building up for the pass few weeks it has been eating me up in the inside. i am so tired of her complaining and him bein an idiot..just change the doctor. i still think it denial. i haven't talked to her husband.to see what he feels. my dh and i talk about it all the time. she is alot like my mother in some ways. it only takes one cell to get loose and that is why we did chemo. maybe i like life too much, but it is who i am!! i want to be around for a long time. I haven't mentioned this to anyone but you and my hubby. i need to get it out in the open. you jewels have welcomed her to our group and she could care less. she doesn't think she needs any support group. if it wasn't for you all i wouldn't of made ithrough some of th worst parts of my life. i sorry i rambled on...it has made me crazy and i don't even like to talk to her right now. i don't like the negativity. i miss you all and hope the tamox isn't making anyone more crazy then we already are...LOL..my best to all of you!!! hugs and kisses...i need to go cry now.

Patty

Anonymous · August 2008

Patty, I'm really sorry this is happening. It must be very frustrating for you. But you know that you cannot make someone else understand things the way you do. Think of how it is for doctors ... I'm sure they have LOTS of patients who stay in their place of denial and will not follow their recommendations. You cannot reach a closed mind, whether it is closed by fear, or faith, or hubris.

I know during the years that I was a smoker, the more someone bugged me about smoking, the more I dug in and refused to consider quitting. Only when I came to the realization on my own did I finally find the will to quit.

Hopefully, your sister will come to the place on her own, where she realizes that her best chance of living is with chemo. But even if she doesn't, you know that you have done your best to help her. Maybe it's time to back off a little. Give her space to reach the right decision (meaning, to get the chemo).

SISKimberly · August 2008

Good Sunday Morning Jewels,

You have all been busy. I've read all the posts...man, lots going on this past few days.

College applications and admissions (D1, Norma, and Paula), getting ready for conferences and camping trips, 'cations overseas and closer to home (Paula, Carol,D1, Kathy, and Norma) preparing for a wedding shower and birthday parties (Sherry and Kathy), dodging earthquakes (good job saving the soup, LWDans, and if watching chandeliers swing was the worst of it Cathy, I'm glad for you ), worrying about loved ones (Ed and Denise), and coloring hair while losing eyebrows(D1 and Norma), finishing up rads (Carol and LJ13 is half way there-WhooHoo), and sporting new Foobies (take it really easy Jules).

So, Ashland was great! It was pretty smokey on the drive up especially from Chico on up, but it wasn't bad once we crossed the border into Oregon. We arrived after 5pm, checked in and cleaned up quickly so we could get some dinner before the play, View From the Bridge.

We stay at a gorgeous B&B every year called Country Willows Inn. It is one of those places that just feels like coming home.

We headed to our Spanish hangout, Zingarros, only to discover it is now Asian. Won't be going back. Very dissapointing. However, the play was fabulous, so it made up for the meal.

Wednesday, after a wonderful breakfast at the Inn, we stopped at the market to pick up some cheese, fruit, and crackers for a picnic, then headed out to Medford and Jacksonville just to check it out, and then the Applegate area wineries. Discovered one really great one (Schmidt- fabulous grounds where we ate our picnic), one good one (Fiasco - neat tasting room although not finished), and one that was just OK (something sword...see, can't even remember the name).

We got back around 6pm, took an hour to just rest up and change, then headed to the Winchester to see our favorite wine bar host, Andy. They have great food and wine tasting flights. The boys had the red flight and my gf and I split the Temperanillo flight. We weren't that impressed this time around, but the food was so good we didn't mind. Besides, we brought a bottle of Sea Smoke Pinot with us to share with Andy- who was very excited about that- so at least we had some really good wine before being disappointed. The boys liked their flights, so it must have just been the Temperanillo.

Thursday, we lounged around. After breakfast, my gf and I went to replenish the picnic supplies knowing that we'd be lunching at the Inn that day. We read and hung out at the pool, had out picnic, took a nap, then headed out to dinner at the local French restaurant we'd made reservations for the night we arrived in town. Really good food and found a Spanish wine that retails for less than $10. The restaurant paired it with the pork and told us we could find it at their wine shop. Score! The play, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner was a new play about a woman who is really heavy and trying to lose weight. The set was great. A huge refrigerator on one end, a bed in front of that, the kitchen table in front of that, then the couch and TV, and a moving set that was the treadmill, the sister's bedroom, the bar, and the movie theater. It was all symbolic really...all the characters were dealing with self worth issues in some way or another. All in all, the message was how we need to stop taking on everyone elses stuff,deal with our own stuff by thinking about it rather than using some numbing device...food, sex, placating to be liked, TV, etc... I think the play needs to revisted by the writer and tweaked. The concept was really good, but many walked away-based on comments we heard leaving the theater-feeling unsure and unsatisfied. I thought there was a lot going on...many levels...but still, it needs some tweaking.

Friday, we had different plans after breakfast and a little Bacci Ball. My gf and her man went to see Corialanus, an obscure Shakespearean Historical Tragedy while my dh and I went wondering around Ashland. We had lunch by the creek, Thai, so good and a peaceful setting. I found a pair of walking shoes, two skirts and a hat. I need to find a few shirts still. School shopping has begun. After their play, 3 hours, we went to the wine shop to get the Spanish wine we'd had the previous night. My dh and I had already been there and bought all the bottles,but one. We arranged to have the owner play a trick on our friends. He told them he only had one bottle, but that he could see if he could get more. He called my dh's cell and talked to him right in front of our friends. Unfortunately, our friends were busy looking at the wine around them and not even getting the joke being played on them. Once they realized it was us who had all the wine (six bottles), they got it. Of course we shared it with them.

We got back to the Inn in time to change and have a little snack on the deck before heading out to our 8:30 dinner at Sammy's Cowboy Cafe...you'ld never suspect it was fabulous food from the name,would you?

Anyway, it was a great trip, and I can't believe school starts in just a few weeks.

So, we got another letter from the HOA regarding our extension of the driveway, which was in our original plans already submitted. They want a picture and a Completion form submitted. Geez....feeling a bit harrassed here. Hopefully the meeting on the 12th will be the end of this.

Gotta go and get more laundry going.

SIS KImberly

KathyL · August 2008

Well Jewels, I thought I'd have missed more I've been so busy, but it looks like we've all been up to our ears.

I went to Rehoboth Beach Saturday.. not for the sun and sand but for some awesome kids' clothes sales. Man, did I hit the jackpot! Osh Kosh had jeans for $12, and most of the sales were 50-60% off stuff, plus I had coupons for another 20% off at each store! Yahoo! Until my kids stop growing, it's darned expensive to clothe the little buggers. Today dd and ds each had b-day parties to attend, so dh and I divided and conquered so to speak. After dinner dd and I made some cookies. Chocolate chocolate chip, of course. This is their last week of summer camp. Getting stuff ready for the new school year, too; gathered dd's supplies and printed out her school calendar for the year. Counting the days until our 'cation to NC. I'll actually be able to write more b/c I'll have lots of time to chill out there, and I bring a laptop to check e-mail (no work stuff though!).

So this weekend marked my one year of finding my lump. I've decided I'll probably always remember it, but I think I'd rather focus on the end of the month (8/30) when the lump was removed and I was NED from that point on.

Some quick shout outs...

D1: Hope you have a nice 'cation. It won't be the same without your wit here.

Kim: Loved reading about your latest trip.

Julie: Hope the boobs are healing up and you're feeling better soon.

Carol: Better you than me in a tent, I'm just not a gal who can handle camping out Laughing even for a good cause.

Vettegal: So sorry to read about your distress with your sis. I think LJ hit it on the head with her words to you. I'm sure it must be painful to see your sister making a decision so opposite of yours, but it is her choice. I think some time/space would benefit you both. Do you have a counselor you can talk to about it all?

To all the other Jewels, thinking of you and hope everyone is enjoying life. TTFN!

golfer779 · August 2008

Hi There ...

Best idea I've had in a long time ... taking today off from work!

My weekend of roughing it went very well. Ginny, Jenny (a new acquaintance, and fabulous woman) and I starting our weekend off by having a great lunch in the small town of Coupeville on Whidbey Island at the "Mad Crab". From there it was off to Fort Ebey State Park. We arrived at 4:00 and within about 1/2 hour had our little home away from home erected. We shared a four person tent, and then we set up another little pink tent as our "Arizona Room" as we liked to call it. Actually it housed our bags and made for much more room in our sleeping tent.

Friday night the group of about 40 went on a short walk/hike from camp out on some trails which eventually led us to the beach. We arrived with about 15 minutes of sun left in the day which hopefully on some cameras made for some great shots. I've decided my camera sucks when it comes to pictures without good light. We made it back to camp after about a 6 mile trek, some had smores around the campfire, then off to bed. Why three grown ladies would decide to get the giggles come bedtime was a kick. It seemed as if each of us would get settled in our bag and then remember something they forgot to do (such as take a pill, have the alarm clock out and set, or suddenly decided that it would be a good idea to pee one last time)!

Personally I slept pretty darn good, thank goodness for my air mattress and Lorazepam. There was a crew of four women who prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner for us. May I say they did an outstanding job, as we we're in camp sites with no power and they pulled it off flawlessly. We started our walk at 8:00 am and the group I paced finished up at almost 5:00pm. We walked 22 miles in total, stopping for lunch, and at many pitstops to potty. Hydration is the key to success, so if your not drinking enough to be needing a potty stop, your not hydrating enough. The same crew who cooked for us we're out on the walking route throughout the day, some of the walkers we're "swept" or took a ride back to camp if an issues occured (blisters, shin splints).

Again come bedtime Saturday night, we sounded like teenagers with the giggles once again. Just trying to get situated in our sleeping bags was eventful as your legs we're pretty darn tired. Yesterday, we had to pack up our tents and belongings prior to our walk, ended up heading out at about 9:00am in a heavy fog for our 13 mile jaunt. Within the first hour the fog had burn't off and there was not a cloud in the sky, which was the case for the rest of weekend as well.

By the finish of the day yesterday about 2/3 of the group had completed just over 40 miles for the weekend. I am happy to report that I was able to finish, kinda forgot about my chest feeling cruddy since my feet we're aching pretty bad. Once we we're heading back in the car towards Ginny's house I then really realized that my chest was not looking so spiffy and felt even worse. What an interesting concept as I was so focused throughout the weekend to accomplish my goal of walking that my chest was secondary, but within an hour of completion it was forefront on my mind.

Anyway, I sheepsihly walked into my rad appt this morning, stopped at the nurse's desk and asked her if she'd take a look at what I thought was a mess brewing on my chest. To my amazement, she said that it looked as if I had done everything I could have done over the weekend to combat the burn. I did take my arsenol of "products" with me and used them as much as I could throughout the weekend. I was given a scrip for some anti-bacterial cream and another kind of compress soak today, in fact I've just finished applying both and feel much better at the moment.

I'm planning on taking tomorrow off from work as well, I'll be taking the time throughout the next few days to make sure that I follow the advice for compress soaks, etc., getting my arm in its mold this morning was a doozy, but I know I can endure 4 more zaps and then it will be on to healing.

The picture below was taken Friday evening (hench the crummy brightness with my camera), Ginny whom has been such a support to me is on the far right with the pink hat, and next to her is Jenny whom is an extraordinary person that I just met this weekend.

Hoping my Sis friends are doing well, looks as if the summer months and time for healing have been pushing many of us in the right direction towards recovery.

I'll be checking back in a bit ... although I should be kicking back, my puttering instinct is kicking in.

JulieK_11_30_07 · August 2008

Hi Jewels!! I've been a lurker this weekend - not too much activity on the boards, which must be a good sign! I'm still dealing with drains - I have an appt on Wednesday morn to hopefully get them removed and see my ps for my follow-up. I have lots to do this week and just haven't had the desire or energy to do it.

PALady - glad you were able to get your hair highlighted and trimmed. I have a call in to my hair gal b/c I hope to get a bit of a trim before we go back to school next week. It's definitely not long, by any means, but it's a little unruly in the back growing on my neck!

D1 - I hope you're having a FAB time on your trip!!!

LJ - glad your rads are going well! Good advice to Patty.

Dana - glad you weathered the earthquake okay - save the soup!! Ha ha ha!

Patty - I'm so sorry you're so down about your sister. You've already gotten some great advice from some of the Jewels. I'm sure it's hard not to share your opinions with your sis - just try to be there for her when you can. Hang in there, dear.

Kimberly - your trip sounds wonderful - again! I'm so jealous!! BTW --- I LOVE the Marsupial pouches!! So wish I had these after my last two surgeries! I sure hope your HOA quits harassing you - for crying out loud, all you're wanting to do is make some improvements - I don't get why people would complain!!

Kathy - I've not heard of Rehoboth Beach, but it sounds like a place I need to visit!! Gotta love a good deal!!

Carol - Glad you survived the campout! You all look GREAT in the pic! What's with all of the long pants and sweatshirts?? It's been over 100 here for the last several days!

I grew up camping in a tent every summer and LOVE it!! I keep trying to get my dh and ds to go camping and my son just thinks that would be HORRIBLE!! Sounds like you gals really got a workout! Glad the chest faired okay during the walk, but sorry you're hurting now. I hope all of your lubing and compresses help!

Well, better get movin', girls! I need to get some school work done tonight even if it kills me!!

Nite, Gems!

Jules

RN2teach · August 2008

Good morning Jewels!

My career tech conference was terrific. Since almost all of us who teach health occupations are RNs, our sessions relate to both teaching and health care-meaning we can get CEUs to renew our licenses. Gotta love getting more "bang for the buck" there! We found a fabulous local Italian place just down the road from our hotel-Oliverio's. (Carla, have you eaten there? I believe they've added a restaurant in Morgantown)

Things were peaceful here at home while I was gone. Dd was extremely kind and thoughtful to her dad-fixing his meals, keeping the house clean, etc. Not sure what alien abducted our REAL dd, but this new one is a nice fit for our family... we'll enjoy the good mood while it lasts...

Dh and I leave tomorrow for Duke. Got the MRI yesterday and we're all set to go. He seems to be feeling okay-not quite up to the level he was before the last seizure, though. I'm hoping the trip will be easier on him this time. We should be back in town by the weekend.

We're entertaining guests at the moment (well, not literally... they're actually all still in bed). My cousin and his family are in from Texas. We saw them briefly in June while we were in Dallas. They've been to DC and NY for their vacation and are heading home this morning. He and his wife have 7 kids, aged 16 to 2. They've been traveling together since July 19 in the family van... and they're absolutely wonderful... cheerful, considerate, etc... not sure what planet they're from, but I'd like to visit there sometime!

So, things in the Jewel world are okay... everyone seems to be doing well.

Sherry- when's the big day? Praying for a beautiful wedding day. I know the mother of the bride is going to be glowing!

Julie- you sound great. Glad things are healing well. Take it easy, gf!

Kathy- children's clothes are SO expensive, aren't they?! Glad you got some good bargains. When are you off to the beach?

Patty- ((HUG)) Let all that frustration out, girl! I can't imagine what emotional turmoil you must be going through in this situation. Ultimately though you are not in control of Denise's treatment and at some point you are going to have to accept that and not let it destroy your peace of mind. I'm praying that you'll get there soon. And, of course, I'm praying for Denise to choose the best course of treatment for her cancer.

LJ- excellent advice for Patty. Okay, you're over the halfway point with rads this week. Glad your skin is doing well with the treatments. Cheering you on from the sidelines...

Dana- LOL at the soup save--you gals ARE nonchalant about the earthquakes, eh?!

Kimberly- ah! Your latest excursion sounds lovely. Thanks for sharing the details. I'm living vicariously through your travels. I've got the itch to hit the road and do a little traveling before school starts back. Unfortunately, dh doesn't feel up to traveling...

Norma- got my address list (thanks Kimberly and Carol!) and noticed on browsing through that you've got a birthday coming up! I'm going to wish you a happy birthday right now as I read that you're going out of town tomorrow. Have a nice trip!

Carol- Wow! I'm so glad your weekend went well. So, the "dress rehearsal" went well... now, when is the main event? Sept. or Oct., I'm thinking... GREAT photo, BTW!

I am SO happy that this is your last week of rads (and not a minute too soon, from the sound of your skin). After today, only 3 to go!

Have a good one, Gems! Paula

SISKimberly · August 2008

Good Morning Jewels,
I sit here typing while sitting on ice packs. Yep, you heard me, ice packs. Nope, it isn’t to combat hot flashes or a hot day as it’s only 7:45am. I have an injured periformis(sp) muscle in my right glute, which happens to be impinging upon my sciatic nerve. My PT guy didn’t even work on my shoulders yesty once I told him I was in pain in my hip and lower back region. He worked on it for a good 20 minutes or longer…my glute is bruised now from him trying to release the muscle and realign my hip. Had a massage last night, and my massage gal did some more work on it. She’s the one that said my glute was bruised. (I hadn’t looked at it, so didn’t know). The fun never stops does it?

So, I did all my errands yesterday except getting to Staples for a new binder. I’ll do that today, but the better part of today is getting the nuts and bolts of my curriculum in the works and yoga at 4:45 for more stretching.

My women’s gym closed up shop while I was in Ashland. Got a letter and a refund of my last months dues. Bummer. Oh well, with school starting, I can do the classes offered after school and used our weight room at school.

Has anyone else noticed more facial hair than usual? Mine is really light in color, but seems to be thicker. I actually had to do something about it as my hubby stated I looked a little furry. I guess with estrogen retreating that’s an se?

Also, my toes and fingers feel a little tingly and numb at times these days. Can neuropathy take a little time to show up after chemo? I’m thinking I may not have noticed it with the other se’s I was dealing with. It isn’t bad, it’s just weird feeling.

Lastly, the digestive tract isn’t right yet. Anyone else feeling that’s true?

So, Kathy, scored on the school clothes for the kidlins, I’d say. I remember shopping at a store that sold second hand clothes that looked barely worn when Jon was young, since like you said, they grow like little weeds when they’re little. Of course, I doubt if he was a girl I could have done that for long seeing as how girls seem to really care more about where their clothes are purchased.

Carol – Welcome home, and I’m so glad your trip was so successful. I love that you were all giggling like teenagers. Made me smile just thinking about it. Glad your chest is good and that your feet made the 40 miles with few problems. Again, I am in awe of your doing this! The picture of you all is great! Only two more boosts as of today's being over, so by Thursday, you're done, right? That means a week of healing time before 'cation.

Jules – I am so glad the Marsupial pouches are working out for you. Aren’t they the best invention? Don’t do too much or you’ll keep producing too much fluid. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you on Wednesday to get those puppies out!

I did outdoor camping in college, then got a tent after Jon was born. Then I needed a futon mattress and eventually added the intent porta potty as getting dressed to go outside to pee several times a night wasn’t my cup of tea in my late 30s and early 40s. I have now graduated to an RV, which we haven’t used for awhile. It’s stored up near Susanville where we have property.

Hey, looks like it’s you and me and the school work this week,eh?

Paula – I’m so excited for you that the conference went well, and heck yeah on double dipping with keeping both the teaching and nursing credentials going!

LOL on wondering who abducted your dd and on wondering what planet your cousin and his family live on and wanting to visit there.

I’m sending positive energy your way for Ed.

Drive safely.

Well, not much posted since yesterday, so I’m thinking everyone’s out living life…WhooHoo!!!

SIS Kimberly

kris60 · August 2008

hiya SIS Kim

not sure on the tingling time lapse. I still have some in my toes. The digestive track, my lower half is working like normal, but during the night, i tend to hiccup..burp really fast kinda feeling for no apparent reason. Reflux?

I also noticed facial hairs, really light along the sideburn area. I'm scared to do anything about it, fearing it will come back thicker and darker. I do finally have eyelashes growing, and man they hurt. darn stubble feeling. go take a load off heehee pun intended

tootles

Kris

RN2teach · August 2008

Kimberly- you're not the only fuzzy one... I've got a lot of extra facial hair, light colored but noticeable. Like Kris, mine is heaviest along the sideburn area, but I also have some long babies along the chin line... hope this stuff doesn't get any longer or I'll be able to moonlight as Santa this winter! I had the same thing when I was pregnant with dd, but it went away after I gave birth. My SIL (a 10 year BC survivor) says she experienced the same thing... she still waxes, tho, so guess it won't go away. ARGH!

(Kris- I'm like you--afraid to defuzz as it might not come back white and downy... definitely don't want black stubble on my cheeks and chin!)

Sitting on ice packs? Brrrrr! Hope the stretching exercises and massages help get your sciatica in check. The piriformis is a deep muscle under the gluts, connects sacrum to femur. Whatever were you doing to aggravate that little baby?? (hmm, maybe I don't wanna know... Tongue out ) Might wanna add some stretching exercises BEFORE you try whatever-it-was again.

Your neuropathy is showing up late, but who knows? Mine has been here all along, but I'm actually seeing it subside as time goes on. My restless legs syndrome is going away--don't need to take meds for it any longer. HURRAY!

Anonymous · August 2008

Kimberly, absolutely yes on the facial hair. Especially the "sideburn" area and below that. I think it's the new hair coming back in, not knowing quite when to stop. I have a feeling as these new hairs fall out and get replaced, they'll know better when to stop growing. I never had the tinglies from Taxol, and I'm pretty sure it's side effects are continuing to abate. My lower GI system isn't right yet either .... I'm not sure if it's because so much of it was killed/regrew from chemo, and it isn't quite "trained" yet, or if it's from my every-third week Herceptin. I'm vacillating back and forth between what I blame for it.

LOL Paula at your question to Kimberly. Glad your RLS is easing up. I found myself a little RLS'y too from the muscle pain and soreness after Taxol. As that soreness as eased, so has my leg movement. I'm STILL swelling up (legs) a little each day, but not as much.

JulieK_11_30_07 · August 2008

Yep -- another fuzzy one here, girls. What fun! Definitely in the sideburn area and mine extends to my cheeks - crazy!

Paula - so glad you had a wonderful time at your conference. LOL at your alien-abducted dd comment! I have those thoughts periodically too. Glad Ed is doing okay -- I hope he does well on the trip to Duke.

Kimberly - so sorry you have a sore tooshie -- hope the ice packs help. I had problems with my sciatica when I was preggers with my ds -- very painful!! I actually did get some work done last night - woohoo!! I have two new textbooks, though, and need to stop by school tomorrow to pick up my teaching materials.

LJ - I'm still having GI issues too - I'm not on anything else, so I'm still blaming it on chemo. Wish it would figure itself out!

Forgot to tell you girls I went outside on Saturday for less than 3 minutes and found a tick on my leg Sunday morning. It was the same kind of tick dh got the Lyme disease from and my bite area is looking a little "funky" -- we're watching it closely!! Uuuugghhh -- just one more thing!! I'm on antibiotics, though, since my surgery and I'm hoping that will ward anything off that might start.

Off to do some more work -- take care, girls!

Julie

SISKimberly · August 2008

Kris, Paual, LJ13, and Jules - Thank goodness I am not the only fuzzywuzzywasabear around here!

Am also glad to hear I'm not the only one experiencing a little GI not-rightness. I'm sure it will get itself back to normal soon...she says crossing her slightly tingly/numb feeling fingers and toes.

The hair on my head is getting dark. My PT staff noted it yesterday. I guess I see myself so often, I hadn't noticed, but they hadn't seen me since last Monday, so I'm thinking I must be getting darker. Hmmm.

So, the tooshie is still pretty sore. I have stretched and alternated with ice and heat...and boy do I wish I could say that I was getting busy when this injury happended, but alas I have no clue how this happened. My PT guy and my massage therapist agree that long periods of sitting can infuriate this muscle, but I wonder why it took so long to start hurting after we arrived? We got there on Tuesday and it started Friday evening. We did stop several times and stretch on the way up and on the way home, so I'm not happy thinking that sitting for more than an hour at a time will cause this to happen again. I haven't sat for more than an hour without getting up and moving around, so hopefully that will help. Sigh Tongue out

Tomorrow I have PT again...I'm cringing just thinking about him even getting close to my gluteus maximus-and I do say maximus with all the literal meaning I can muster Laughing I'm don't care how much of a babydoc he is...he's not touching my tooshie tomorrow.

Afterwards, I will come home to get ready for lunch with some of the teachers from school- retired and continuing, then a group of us will go see Mama Mia.

I'll try to check in after I get home tomorrow from my day.

Walk on Sunshine Jewels Cool ,

SIS Kimberly

sheshe48 · August 2008

sheshe48 · August 2008

Hi JJ's,

I have missed so much and Carol went on her walk that so cool and she looks so good. I have been so busy. I got my new shoes, I really like them and think they are a better choice. The heel is small, they are bone color and really soft inside with lots of padding. They were $45 we got them on sale for $29.99. well so much for the shoes. I might have a job tomorrow I have to call this place in the morning and they will let me know. My interview last week went well. They want to give me a job offer. What ever it is I'll take it. No jobs in MI. I can't be choosey even though I'm educated it don't matter to me anymore. Another reason I have not been on the boards is my great nephew is 15 years old and he was dx with Multiple Nevoid Basal Cell Carninoma. It's a rare form of skin cancer. aka Gorlin's Syndrome. I had never heard of this one before. I have been on line for days looking up what ever I could for my neice and we are trying to make some since of all this. My nephew does not know he has cancer, he is on a camping trip and then it's off to University of Michigan where he meets his oncologist. I told my niece I will be with her every step of the way. It's Cody we have to focus on now. He has already had surgery on his jaw and nasal cavity that's how they found the cancer. This poor kid was bitten over a year ago by a pitt bull and that's how the doctors found the tumors in his leg. It was God allowing this to be found. The doctors have said that he has been in a lot of pain for a lot of years. This kid never complains his mother had no idea. He only complained of migranes. I told my neice over a year ago. I was having migranes and I had BC. No one wants to think that their child has cancer. I hope U of M can help him he is so young. It's been one thing after another. I'll catch up tonight on the post and I'll let you know for sure tomorrow if I have a job or not. Oh one of the symptoms of Gorlin's Syndrome is that you reject pain meds, they don't work. Cody had several surgery's on his leg from the dog bite and he felt all the pain. He kept telling his mom he could feel the pain. The doctors said he has been suffering. I just hope there is help for him.

Yesterday I went to my surgeon it was supposed to be my last visit. I have had this soreness underneath my right arm since May, my surgery side. I told my chemo oncologist and he blew me off. So my surgeon wants a ultrasound of the area. He thinks I have a collection of fluid there in the lymph nodes. I'm going to wait until after tomorrow to make my appt I have to find out what my working shedule will be. I was really blessed with a great surgeon he listens and respects me. I just dont want any more surgery.

Take care Jewels, Sherry

JulieK_11_30_07 · August 2008

Hi Jewels!! GOOD NEWS ---- the drains are OUT!!! I feel such a relief! Met with my surgeon also today - he's very pleased with how things are looking. I don't have to go back for six weeks!

My sis went with me today, then we stopped by to see my Grandma (she's 94). I hadn't seen her for a long time so she was really happy to see me. I did some more running with my sister, then stopped by school. All of my teacher stuff came in so I have a box of new things to go through!

Sherry - I like the shoes - the small heal is nice. I'm so sorry to hear about your nephew - he's so young. I hope things go well for him at Univ of Michigan. Best of luck with the job - can't wait to hear what you'll be doing.

Good to see all the Jewels have been too busy today for lots of posting -- that's a good sign! Dh heads off tomorrow for a 2-day conference. I'll be doing lots of driving getting ds to/from TKD and football.

{{{{HUGS}}}}, Jewels!

Julie

golfer779 · August 2008

Hi All,

My good fortune of tolerating my rad txt has quickly come to an abrupt halt. By yesterday afternoon I was hitting my med chest looking for those post surgery drugs that I never touched at the time. I had a 5:30pm zap yesterday with a 7:00am chaser this morning. I swear that when they removed my bolus this morning a layer of skin came with it.

Needless to say I called into work to let them know that I would not be working the rest of the week, I'm hitting the pain killers and have spent most of the day today in bed. So NOT me! My dh has accompanied me to these last couple of appts. and will be staying home from work with me tomorrow. I had anticipated being burn't but had know idea that the cumulative effects would be so drastic with these last few txts. As I was laying down I did think about how lucky I had been to have had such tolerable surgeries and chemo, may I say I have renewed admiration for you all who had such difficult times with your own txts.

Off to apply another compress and I'm sure I will be dozing off again ... what a waste of a beautiful day. I'm so hoping that this short term pain is for a long term gain.

An early good night ... Carol

camazur · August 2008

Hi Jewels. I've been busy taking care of mom since her last aide quit, so I've fallen behind. It's been days and days I've been at her house. Going home for a few hours here and there. And home is 35 miles away. We have an interview Friday with someone part time. So I can go home and be with my family again. I really miss them.

But first off I need to report that my Secret Pal has sent me another box of good cheer--with an herbal hot/cold wrap, a poof with lotion and shampoo, and chocolate. Ooh, Thanks!! And so sorry I didn't report receiving the last package. The ladybug citronella candles are so cute!

I'm down to my last 5 radiation treatments. My neck got pretty raw, but my boob is merely pink. The boosts are scarier to me than the rest. That attachment they put on the machine is out of a sci-fi movie. But all in all, it wasn't so bad, and I'll be glad to be done.

I have to fly down to FL to take care of my Dad's estate the beginning of Sept. I have to ask my surgeon if I need a sleeve. Its almost a 3 hour trip.

Sherry--so sorry to hear about Cody. Prayers are with you and your niece and him. I hope you don't have to have any more surgery.

And to all the fuzzies--now that you mention it, me too. My head hair is noticeable but too short to wear out yet. Looking awfully grey to me so far. I wear bandanas and my sideburns show. And my eyebrows are back.

Best wishes to everyone--Especially you Carol. Hope you feel better soon.

Maz

Anonymous · August 2008

Carol, I'm so sorry to hear about your recent reaction. Honestly it made my eyes fill up. You hang in there. Just keep yourself distracted (movies, surfing, whatever) and take (within reason) whatever you need to get through. You're strong and fit and your body can recover from this quickly, I'm sure.

They haven't mentioned "boosts" to me at all. Maybe saving the good news for last? I dunno. The Rad Onc merely said 33 treatments, and I just finished #19 this morning. Skin is slightly pink/mottled, no itching, no rawness, a few stabbing pains in the breast intermittently and a little tissue soreness right where my arm meets my trunk in the front.

You hang in there too Maz. You're carrying a heavy load with treatments, taking care of mom, and dealing with dad's estate. Take time for yourself ... make time ... just a few minutes a day if that's all you can do, more if it's possible. Treat yourself to a Dove ice cream bite in a quiet place. Anything, just to recharge for a bit.

Julie, great news on the drains. Ain't it grand to be free of them !

KathyL · August 2008

Hi gals! I'm at work, so I will be brief. Thinking of you all... Julie minus her drains!, Carol and her pain, Kimberly prepping for school (and Julie), Sherry and her new shoes. And all of the fuzzy Jewels (I think I may have a little, too). I have been busy with work and the kids... nothing exciting to report really. 'Cation starts next Friday, we leave for NC next Saturday AM--- can't wait! But still have 5 more days to work, get my mammo, and get another round of herceptin before we go. I'll try to write more later, just know you're all in my thoughts.

JulieK_11_30_07 · August 2008

Carol - I'm so sorry to hear about your recent set-back -- you sound like you're in lots of pain. Hang in there, sister! Take what time you need and get yourself taken care of - they make pain meds for a reason!! Sending special {{{{gentle}}}}} hugs for you.

Maz - I'm so glad you posted - I've been thinking about you! Sounds like you've been pretty swamped with your rads, taking care of your mom, and your dad's estate. You've got a full plate, dear! Remember to take some time to take care of yourself --- I particularly like LJ's Dove ice cream idea!!

LJ - sounds like you're doing well with your rads! Hope they don't drop the "boost" news on you - that would'nt be very nice!

Kathy - I bet you're getting excited about your vacation! What part of NC are you going to? Hope work's going well for you!

Well, Jewels -- I'm planning to spend some time out by the pool today! Take care all!

Julie

SISKimberly · August 2008

Good Afternoon Ladies,
Where does the time go? I haven’t been online since Wednesday.

My buttock is getting better. Still black and blue, but my session on Wednesday was not quite as painful as Monday’s session.

Lunch with the gals was fabulous and the movie, Mama Mia, was a lot of fun. You can’t help but dance in your seat a bit. The audience clapped at the end. You just have to go in knowing that the cast was not all professional singers, which is endearing as it makes the character’s more real to life since not everyone has a great voice who likes to sing…I would be one of those people.

Yesterday, I worked on curriculum, went to the eye doctor, and ran a few errands before heading out to yoga. I stopped by school and my room hasn’t even been done yet. My furniture is piled on one half of the room, but the carpet hasn’t been done, nor the linoleum flooring. I was planning to go in Monday to work, but it may not be ready for me. I guess I can run stuff off and laminate stuff.

Today, I spent from 9 until after 2 cleaning out my office and my desk getting ready for the arrival of my new office furniture sometime in the next week or so. That was a major chore. I also did more on my curriculum. I’m using a new website, so have to get that all set up, too.

So, I like the new shoes Sherry. Glad they were a bargain.
Whoohoo, on the job opportunity. Good luck.

Man, I am soooo sorry to hear about your great nephew. I can’t even imagine having someone tell me my child has cancer. Let your niece know we are thinking of her and her son, Cody. She is so lucky to have you as part of her support team.

Hopefully the pain you’re feeling is just from surgery…scar tissue needing to be released via physical therapy. Keep us posted.

Jules – WHOOHOO on getting those drains out, girl. Hope you enjoyed the pool.

Carol – Oh sweetie, I had no idea you were in that much pain. Today is your last zap, and then it’s all over but the healing. I wanted to call once I read the post, but thought it was too late seeing as it was already after 6pm, so decided to just post hoping you’ld know I was thinking of you.

Maz- Man, you’ve had quite a go of things with two deaths and then having to care for your mom (no home time) on top of everything else. I’m glad you have a prospect for someone to come in and care for your mom part time. Will that mean you’re there the other part?

Yeah on being done with rads next week!!!!

LJ13 – So, with #20 down as of today, you’re so close. Only 13 more to go, that’s only two weeks and three days. Yipee!!! I’m so glad that you’re not experiencing any real issues yet…let’s hope it stays that way.

Kathy – Thanks for checking in while at work. I’ll bet ‘cation is looking really good the closer it gets. Only one more week. You’ll be on ‘cation, and I’ll be starting school.

Carol – OK, I just couldn’t not call and at least check in, so I’m calling.

Take care gals,
I’m off to Napa tomorrow for a wine and art event with my older sister, so I won’t check in until Sunday.

SIS Kimberly

golfer779 · August 2008

Happy Saturday to My Lady Friends,

So I was told to get a lot of rest for the last couple of days, and I seem to be following directions as I just got out of bed about an hour ago.

Since my last post, I officially was completed with my rad txt on Thurs. The doc wanted to examine me prior to txt, she really looked over my charred chest, checked out my chart, and looked me in the eyes and said "Your Done"! I had hit the magic number 6000 (which to be honest I have know idea what that means), other than she wanted atleast that much dosage to the area and I was at 6150. My dh had taken me to this appt, as I was well medicated with pain meds, and the relief of knowing I did not have to get zapped one more time was the best news we both could have heard.

The doc did mention that for a couple of days that dreaded "cumulative" effect would linger, but by about Sunday I should be noticing the healing process taking hold. I'd have to say that area of rawness is already getting a bit smaller, and I'm laying very low to help aid in the process as best I can. To those of you who are still finishing up your txts, may I say that my case seemed to be exaggerated by the use of that darn bolus. As I was typing about how awful my last few days of txt we're, I should have thought about those of you who we're in the middle of your txt and maybe used more words of encouragement vice being so negative.

Here I've had all the time of the day this past week to be on-line, and I literally didn't even feel like sitting at the puter for more than a few minutes. So yep, I've got some catching up to do, I'll cruise the post from the last couple of days to see what some of us are up to .... Oh, good news in our house, step dd #2 just found out last night that she earned a spot on the Gonzanga U soccer team. She walked on with recommendations from past coaches, and really did all the "leg" work herself to get a tryout spot. Here we thought our time of standing on the sidelines watching soccer we're over a few years ago, and now I'm sure we'll be bundled up this fall watching once again.

Thought about D1 last night as I was watching the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. My god I had not even heard of a lot of the small countries represented, and I would not be surprised if she has traveled to many of them. Thinking of you, and hoping your trip is lending your family many new experiences and your travels have been safe. I'm picturing you sitting on the local transit between a couple of chickens!!!

Norma, so whats up with these Zometa infusions??? As I will be going on an (AI), the chances of bone loss are significantly raised. Zometa is used at times to prevent that loss in post-meno women (ER+) who are being treated with an AI. There has also been some studies over the last few years that have shown reoccurence rates have been lowered with patients receiving the drug on the pre-meno side of the house. At this point, Zometa has not been approved by the FDA for the "sole" use as a preventative anti-cancer drug, but it is used for patients with bone mets. I did chat with my dentist (as one of the se's can be problems with the bones in your jaw). My dentist said that with a healthy mouth (and not anticipating any major dental surgeries, implants, etc), there is a very small chance of developing that type of se, and with 6 mo check ups at the dentist he can keep an eye on it.

LJ, here's to hoping that your breezin' through your last couple of weeks of rads. Again, my story does not seem to be the norm, and I'm sure you'll be done before you know it. I as well never really felt any fatigue until I hit the pain meds to knock myself out!

I loved your words you shared with Maz ... well said.

Sorry to hear of your "lower unit" not cooperating, may I say that the se's of those darn pain meds has gotten my "knickers in a big time knot". I knew there was a reason I didn't want to take those darn pills, but I was desperate this past week. Hoping your tummy troubles ease up on you, oh sounds like Kimberly could use some aid in that dept as well.

Patty, sorry but I don't have much to add to aid in your stress of your sis' decisions, and how tough they are becoming on your relationship. I can hear your frustration in your words, you know we (as in the Jewels) have all had to make many decisions as well, and many of those decisions are much different person to person. Yes, we did all have the common bond of deciding to do chemo which I'm sure from the start kept us together, but over the past few months, many of us have had our own ideas of what is best for each of us. Your sis is also making those decisions albeit its not what you would have chosen, continuing to support her is all you can really do.

Kimberly, once again I was able to put myself in another place with reading your account of your lastest get-a-way to Ashland. My oh my, here I only knew of Ashland as being a "potty stop" off of I-5!!! Actually I think I may have mentioned my ex-mil has always talked so highly of Ashland, she goes down there once or twice a year to watch some wonderful plays.

So the 12^th is approaching here soon, will I be expecting large protest signs dangling from your fence???? Although we live in a small city neighborhood, there are no HOA's to deal with. Hmmmmm, looking at my neighbors freshly painted "flamin' red" house, kinda wish there we're some guidelines!!!

I awoke last night, thinking how fast time has flown by the past 10 months. It seemed like months ago I talked about heading south, and now it is time to be packing my bag. Thanks for the call ...sorry if I seemed sidetracked as Kent's dad showed up bearing food for dinner as we we're gearing up to head out. Kent was upstairs changing, and I was trying to figure out what the heck to do. It all worked out once again!!!

Kent got a chuckle when I commented to him about the sheets!!!

Fuzzywuzzy... comment had me rolling!

Paula, I loved reading about your dd taking such good care of her dad while you we're out of town. It just goes to show you that your raising your kids right.

Holy smokes a family of nine stopping in for a visit !!! Sounds like never a dull moment for lots of visiting. What a treat to be around happy and considerate young ones.

By this time, you have probably returned from Duke, sure hoping to hear some good news on the progress of Ed's txt.

Loved your reference to Kimberly's ache in the glute!!! I'll check it out and report back if I see a chandelier in their bedroom!!!

So the actually 3-Day event here in Seattle is Sept 12-14, thank goodness I have some time to heal up. The trial run weekend actually went very well, and that was with a partially charred chest at the time. I'm looking forward to just being concerned about my feet at the actual event. I'm really glad that I got the chance to put some high mileage on, as atleast I have a bit better feeling as to what to expect. The next couple of weeks will be some low mileage days, just enough to keep my feet tuned up!

Kris, I see you piped in on the facial hair thing, with all the talk ... had to take a look myself ... not really liking what I'm seeing. Hot flashes and peach fuzz ... who came up with this game plan???

Julie, yikes ... another GI distress gal ... I think I recall reading that the effects of chemo "can" last for about the same amount of time as the txts. So for many of you if you had 4 months of txts, the effects on your body are still hanging on , unfortunately in the tummy/plumbing area.

Hoping that your antibiotics kick butt on that darn little tick.

Way to go gal ... just read that your drains are removed and all is well. Looks like your game plan of wanting to be completed before school starts is becoming a reality. Great News!!!

Sherry, so sorry to have read the news of your nephew. I hate to say it, but there has been far too many of us who over the past 10 months have had others in our lives affected by this crummy disease.

I'm hoping your able to get your sore underarm taken care of ... maybe some lymph massage will be in order for you as well.

So we're we offered the job? We must be coming upon the big day ... when is it?

Maz, boy you have certainly had your share of not such great luck. I'm hoping that you we're able to find a caregiver for you Mom, sounds like your SP gift is just what you may have needed for a little pick me up.

I'm so pleased to read that your rad txts have been going pretty good. By today, sounds like you only have a couple more to go. Fitting that daily appt into your life right now could not have been easy. You've been a real trooper.

Whew, boy a gal can get a bit behind quickly, and it appears that life is moving along in the right direction for many of us. Off to care for my chest, watch a little of the Olympics and enjoy doing not much of anything again today. This kicking back thing isn't so bad after all!!!

Enjoy your weekend my friends,

Carol

Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

Comments

Categories