Starting Chemo in JAN 2007

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  • skyedivine
    skyedivine Member Posts: 839
    edited September 2008

    Just a quick check-in,

    Cindy that sounds like a big rigamarole but should be worth your peace of mind. LOL on the lemonade. Thanks for the info on the rehab, I hadn't even thought that far.

    Tina I got tired just listening to your birthday weekend activities. You and dh deserved the dinner alone! I'm so glad all went well.

    I got my mom to her tests today and she got through them easily, then wanted to go to DQ for sundaes so we did, and I took her to the bank as well. It made a long day for me with driving there and back but I was glad to have the time with her. She was reminiscing about taking me out in a buggy, and here I was taking her out in a wheelchair.

    Hopefully tomorrow I can stay home and get something done.

    My candle is also lit. - Skye

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  • meliaanne
    meliaanne Member Posts: 682
    edited September 2008

    Woke up thinking about Joni, as I know all of you are.

    Cindy, could the chemo have caused the stenosis?  I often think that all that poison must have been injuring other tissue, but I have no way of knowing for sure. I just know that I am very stiff and achy til I get moving, start out having to tell myself to stand up straight. I don't know what to attribute to age, and what to chemo. Anyway, I hope all your tests turn out well. Be sure to keep us posted.

    Skye, I am sorry about all the issues with your Mom. She is lucky to have you. It's hard, isn't it, to care for elderly parents?  My brother and I went through a dozen years of that with our Dad, and it was a constant worry.

    Viddie, Caya, and Rebecca, hope you are enjoying your holiday celebrations. Rebecca, I love your stories about teaching.

    My mastectomy is scheduled for Oct 16. I am hoping it doesn't get postponed, but think I would have heard by now if the girl with liver cancer needed her surgery that day.  I am not too worried about it; it's a lot different going into it with a clear mammogram than it was 2 years ago knowing there was cancer. I will be interested to hear the path report, though. I don't entirely trust mammograms. He won't touch the lymph nodes, so I am sure the recovery will be easier, and there will be one drain instead of two. Both girls are coming home, don't know about our son. I was hoping to keep this drama free, but the girls feel they want to come. Since it's a Thursday, I am hoping to go back to work after about ten days, but we will see. I keep telling the girls that it is so different this time, without the fear of how bad the cancer would be.

    This financial crisis is a mess, isn't it?  We have most of our funds in the stock market, but that doesn't really worry me too much right now. I feel it will come back by the time we need that money, and if not, it's out of my control. We did have a bit in WaMu, so that's gone. I worry about the retired folks who need their dividend income. And I certainly cannot imagine anyone buying flowers in this economy, so on some level, I worry about the company. But all I can do is keep plugging away, and try not to get too bitter about the morons in DC.

    OK, off to work. Stay safe, all.

    Melia

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  • jonimb
    jonimb Member Posts: 900
    edited September 2008

    Hello Tatas,

    Well they gave me a few days out of the hospital.  I  came home yesterday, and depending how I do will determine when I go back.  I have home care care nurse and a a pallatiative nurse, and of course Dan.

    Feeling very weak, but very little pain, so that is good.  I'm starting to eat things like ice cream and boost and orange juice...yogurt.  Anything fattening.  I'm sorry to get everyone is such a dither.

    They may be giving me chemo next week if I keep improving.

    Love you all......hugs all around....Joni

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  • mer1957
    mer1957 Member Posts: 534
    edited October 2008

    Joni, so good to hear from you.   Yes we are fretting about you.  It sounds like you are getting good care.  There's nothing like being home.  Keep up the good fight. 

    Melia, I know all of us are sick over our 401K but oh well it's only money.  This economy is in a mess and I don't know what the answer is.  I'm sure you will be ok in 10 days.  I was back to work in 9 after my mastectomy.  I was bored out of my mind by then. 

    My ultrasound, chemo onc and haircut are tomorrow afternoon.  What I do to get a day off.  Well at least the hair cut (trim) should be fun. 

    Hugs to all.

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  • TPPJ
    TPPJ Member Posts: 1,017
    edited October 2008

    Joni,

    Don't ever apologize for getting us into a dither.  We all want to know what's going on with you and be with you for both good and bad.  I am so happy to hear you are home.  Take it easy, eat what you can, and who knows...  you may just regain enough strength to get through some more chemo...  this is what I'm hoping for.  You must be much more comfortable at home...  it just adds some normalcy to your life.  XOXO!!!

    Cindy, hope your kidney tests go well.  You've had enough already!  Yes, it was realllllly nice, going out alone Sunday night.

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  • luckymel
    luckymel Member Posts: 643
    edited October 2008

    Joni, it is so like you to apologize, after all you have been through!  We just love you, and naturally we worry, but I am so happy you are home now, and eating.  Do the best you can to get stronger, so you can have more chemo - we're all pulling for you.

    I'm having another busy week setting up appointments withi painters and floor guys - still trying to get our lightning strike damage fixed.  I also spent two days trying to find a physical therapist to do ultrasonic scar massage on my breast 3 times a week for three months.  71 possibilities, and so far I have no takers. 

    I'm not sure when I last posted, but I saw my PS last week and she was absolutely thrilled with how my breast has progressed - the bad one, that is.  The other one has been perfect all along.  Anyway, she thinks it will be fine after all this massage if I can find someone to do it - then we just reduce and life the good side and I'll be in good shape.  I was pleased to hear that.  She hadn't seen me for 2 months or so, so she could see the difference.  It is softening on it's own now, thank goodness.

    The other good thing is that my hospital is closed due to hurricane damage.  They are working in another building, but are not up to full speed, so my boss told me not to plan on coming back until the end of October!  I was planning to go back next Monday, but am ever so willing to take a few extra weeks.  I'm just starting to feel good again, might as well enjoy it.

    Cindy, I hope your tests all come out negative.  Sorry you have to take pills now like the rest of us, but it happens.  All things considered, you're not on much.

    Mary, enjoy your day off tomorrow.  Melia, glad your surgery's scheduled and that you seem to be feeling positive about it.  I think it will be a walk in the park compared to last time.  Skye, sorry about your mom, but glad you're around to help her.  I agree with Cindy, lots of 80-somethings go through that surgery and do just fine, if they're relatively healthy to start with, and sometimes even if they aren't.

    Time to go walk Harrison.  More later, but hugs to everyone.

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  • dkmaustx
    dkmaustx Member Posts: 363
    edited October 2008

    Joni, good to hear from you again. Being at home eating ice cream sounds lots better than wasting away in the hospital. I hope you get stronger and will be able to keep fighting this beast.

    Sharon, that Gordon Lightfoot song sounds like just the thing for anyone missing the Canadian Rockies. I can almost hear him singing it. Thanks so much for sharing it with us.

    I nearly lost it yesterday when the water aerobics instructor played her ABBA CD, and "I Have a Dream" came on. I get sentimental when I hear it during the best of times, but it hit me hard with all the mention of Angels, crossing streams, and coping when times are tough.

    I hope everyone makes it through all their tests in the next few days. Does the waiting for results ever end.

    I saw the radiation Oncologist for my check up this afternoon. She said everything is looking good, and she won't need to see me again for a year. She was a little concerned about a small knot of tissue at one end of my lumpectomy incision. She's going to request an Ultrasound at the same time they do my Mammo in December. It has been there all along, but it seemed harder this time when she examined it. She also wondered if I'd seen my surgeon lately. I called him and made an appointment as soon as I got home. I'll see him next Monday to discuss any changes over the past year since he removed the port. I'll ask him about the thing with the incision. He's also the one who did my colonoscopy in Jan 2006 so it will be  sort a one-stop-shop sort of appointment.

    I wore my BTTS sun visor to the cancer center today. The receptionist really liked the name you picked for us, Skye.

    Take care all of you.

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  • Caya
    Caya Member Posts: 971
    edited October 2008

    Just a quick check in - after a 2 day Rosh Hashana eating fest - OY!!

    I was thrilled to see our dear Joni post from home - Joni - don't YOU fret about us - please enjoy your food, build up your strength so you can have more chemo.  I'm sure darlin' Dan and Thor are taking good care of you.

    I will post more in a day or two after my stomach settles down - lol!!

    hugs to all.

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  • Rebecca
    Rebecca Member Posts: 971
    edited October 2008

    Oh Joni...you sound like YOU!  I guess that means that you are feeling a bit better.  Do not EVER apologize for making us worry...that is why we are here.  This group is all about loving each other and with great love comes great responsibility.  :-)

    I had SEVEN children in my house yesterday, and as I made a huge tray of ziti for them I kept thinking of Tina's summer and smiling!  I can not imagine having that level of mayhem and appetite more than one day in a row.  Tina you are my IDOL!  Today, it is my friend Pam's turn...so it is just going to be me and Owen today.  He is going to come with me to work this morning and then I am not sure what i am going to do.  I (finally) got my first paycheck from the college this week and although the majority of the money I will be making this semester is earmarked for paying down debt accrued over the summer (how glamorous) this first one is going for fall clothing for the family.  YAY!!!!!  SHOPPING!!!! So I can not decide if I should go today with Owen or wait until tomorrow and go by myself.  I love to shop alone...but he is going to be bored out of his skull today so it might be good to get him out at the mall.  hmmmmmmm

    Melia I am sure that your Mx will be fine particularly since you are keeping all your nodes.  The financial crisis has got me in a state of terror...but so far we have not lost any money.  Of course that is probably because we do not HAVE any money LOL!!!  Pair of idealistic academics living in the most expensive part of the country.  What were we thinking?

     L'Shana Tova to Caya and Viddie....I had brunch with my mom and sister on Sunday, it was the best that I could do for a celebration.  Could not sell them on any kind of ceremony, though. I guess that beggars can't be choosers...at least I got to see my sister!

    anyway, my coffee is almost gone and I still have email to read.  LOVE YOU ALL!!!!  I feel sooooooooo happy today already! (thanks Joni!)

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  • meliaanne
    meliaanne Member Posts: 682
    edited October 2008

    Good morning!

    Joni, so delighted that you are home with Dan and Thor and RC!  You will do better at home than in the hospital, I am thinking.

    So this story ends well but starts scary. I woke up at 1:30 am with severe chest pain and trouble breathing, then developed chills (it's HOT here too).  I toughed it out for a bit, then woke up Steve. We decided to go to the emergency room, as I felt so bad and was afraid it was a heart attack. The did an ekg, chest xray, blood panel, and hooked me up to a monitor and put me on oxygen. Everything checked out great. The dr feels it was reflux, which I doubt, but ok. I think maybe it was a panic attack, though I don't feel stressed particularly. We stayed a couple of hours, then came home, and both went to work. Now I feel fine. Weird, huh?

    Mel, I am glad your breast is healing well. That's good news!

    Rebecca, I agree that Tina is a hero, though you are also a wonderful mom. Enjoy your shopping. Going alone might be the humane thing to do, rather than drag Owen and be distracted.

    Mer, good luck with your dr stuff. Never ends, seemingly.

    Skye, how's your mom?

    Caya, back to salads, huh?

    Love you all,

    Melia

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  • viddie
    viddie Member Posts: 547
    edited October 2008

    Hi all,

    Joni,

    I am so glad you are at home with Dan and Thor. Eating ice cream is very threapuetic, for the body as well as the mind. It is so great to hear that you are improving. Hopefully you can get chemo next week. We are all rooting for you. Lots of hugs.

    Melia,

    What a scare! The docs must know what they are talking about after the tests. If they did not give you the tests, I would be concerned. You have been through so much, I would be surprised if you did not have any stress. I do not know how I would feel without help from effexor and occasionally, atiman.

    I am glad you are feeling better now. Let's keep it that way!

    As far as the market is concerned, all I can say is OY!!! I refuse to look at the damage on my IRA. There is little we can do, except wait it out. I really do believe that it will all turn around.

    Mel,

    I am glad your breast is healing well.I never heard of u/s breast scar massage, but it sounds like a great idea.I hope you find someone. It is a very long process, but definitely worth it. My sil just asked me if I am happy with my results and if it was all worth it. I said that I wouldn't pose in Playboy, but it is an extremely definite improvement from the way I looked two years ago- very large and droopy. I love my new look, even if my foobs are not "Playboy" material.

    Rebecca,

    Is your school system closed for the Jewish holidays? I would also wait until tomorrow.

    Actually I would wait for a couple of weeks, after all the food I had last night- with a repeat tonight.Oy!  lol!

    Debbie,

    I am sure your little knot of tissue is just a little knot of tissue. I have many little knots of tissue in my breast. The BS and PS reassured me that that is very common.You might try to massage it after the okay from your docs.

    Cindy,

    Good luck with your tests. Let us know how it goes.

    Skye,

    How is your mom?

    It was fun seeing Meri last night. A friend of my sil's is a vegan, and she got into a fight with another guest who is a doctor. He told her that she might be overdoing it, and she told him to butt out. There has to be some turmoil to make the evening interesting. Actually I think both of them had too much to drink, even the vegan.

    The vegan is a little wacky anyway. She has  PHD in Psychology and has a Law Degree, yet she is not working. She is single.She also owns a horse and spends most of her time with him.She is 52, but her parents have to support her. She is either incredibly spoiled, or she has some psychological problems.

    I am so stuffed. My sil had a million courses. I think the leftovers will be the best part tonight. My physical is in two weeks- I will try to behave tomorrow.

    Gotta go.

    Love,

    Viddie

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  • dkmaustx
    dkmaustx Member Posts: 363
    edited October 2008

    Viddie, thanks for the idea of massaging the knot away. I'll ask the surgeon about it when I see him next week. I'm also sure that it is just a little knot left over from the incision healing. As I said it has been there all along. I guess the Radiation Oncologist just wanted the US to make sure that nothing is going on. The rest of the incision is soft and smooth so it's just this one little spot. 

    The pitfalls of family get togethers. Just how many topics do you have avoid at all costs unless you want bloodshed along with the party?

    Take care.

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  • mer1957
    mer1957 Member Posts: 534
    edited October 2008

    All clear from the oncologist appt - don't go back for a year - now that's a little scary.  He said I can return sooner if I want to LOL.  He kept me on Tamox.  He said that there is a big conference coming up about whether 2 years on tamox and then switching is better than 3 and switching.  He says let's just stay put as we are doing okay - which is fine with me because there is no generic for Femara or Arimedex (although there will be in a couple of years) so I'm fine with keeping the same.  I won't get any results from the ultrasound for a week but everything seemed ok.

    Melia that is quite a scare.  Did you eat anything acidic or spicy?  You might try sleeping on a couple of pillows instead of just one.  I have acid reflux and take Pepcid AC although my episodes were after exercise or right after eating not in the middle of the night. 

    Hope all is well.

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  • skyedivine
    skyedivine Member Posts: 839
    edited October 2008

    Hi Ladies,

    Joni, you are worth a good dither any day. Keep slurping down that fattening stuff and enjoy the guilt-free chance! And of course please keep keeping us posted.



    Melia, yikes! You did the right thing with those symptoms, going to the hospital. I have reflux courtesy of chemo and it does cause pain sometimes. The gift that keeps on giving!



    Mel, that's great that you got a good report. I never heard of that kind of massage either but it sure sounds like it should be effective. And woohoo on the extra weeks of vacation!



    Rebecca, wish we could all be there to go shopping with you, ala Vegas. Of course Caya is the true shopping maven. Glad the three of you (Viddie too) made it through all those days of delicious feasting.



    Debbie, I also bet the knot is just scar tissue hardening. That is what scar tissue does over time, and the massage should help it a lot. Still always good to check things out.



    Which is what I'm doing Friday...going in for a regular x-ray of my spine for that pesky T-9 vertebra which has been hurting and tingling more lately so that it's gotten quite annoying. It's entirely likely that it's still a benign thing just filling up with more blood or fluid and impinging on that nerve a bit harder but I trust nothing anymore.



    My mom is the same, we haven't heard yet about her tests so just waiting for that. My niece is now home there with her full time as of yesterday so she's pretty well-covered. The hurtful thing is that she now figures my mid-life crisis sister only loved her for her money, since she won't talk to my mom or even return her calls now that she's cut off. I've been trying to decide whether I should explain that to the sister, but I know she would probably just kill the messenger. But what she's doing now to our mom's psyche by staying away is almost worse the effect she had by taking all that money.



    On the brighter side, the window guys finally came and replaced the ugly, sagging old sliding patio door with a lovely, faux-French door that transforms the room. They also replaced my three old art studio skylights that were all cloudy and one even cracked. They still have plenty more to do but I'm ever so pleased already. Grendel seems to like it too; the better to spot chipmunks. - Skye

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  • Lynn12
    Lynn12 Member Posts: 1,008
    edited October 2008

    Oh Joni,  I'm so incredibly happy to hear from you!! I'm so glad you are home with Dan, Thor and RC.  I'm at a conference this week in San Antonio and made myself a pact not to have dessert all week (which I always have when at conferences).  So you can have my desserts for me! Laughing

    love and hugs,

    Lynn

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  • Rebecca
    Rebecca Member Posts: 971
    edited October 2008

    just a quick check in today...I have been avoiding doing work, and I really, really have to get something done!  I got back from the imaging center a bit ago having had my follow up transvag-ultrasound to check on those suspicious complex cysts and pelvic fluid that I had the last time and guess what?!?!  They are GONE GONE GONE.  all she saw was normal follicles in my ovaries and there was no longer any pelvic free fluid.  YAY!  Case closed as far as I am concerned...only took 6 months to settle all this.  Of course having perfectly healthy (and functional) ovaries makes it much harder to decide what to do when my 5 years of tamoxifen are up.  Ah well, there is still time....my girls can stay put for 4 more years at least I guess.

    Anyway...love to all....

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  • sharon56
    sharon56 Member Posts: 220
    edited October 2008

    joni good to know you are home and cuddled up to your loved ones ..... keep safe

    Rebecca hey those little ovies of yours took a beating eh , mine gotta go still waiting on the genetics report in the mail ..... on the waiting train again . I called and the counselor said it was just getting typed up if i did not get it by next week to call .  I hate waiting , at least all this is preventative must do's another road to travel .............

    Hey get to see ms palin on the tube tonight ! wats up with her ? We also have cdn debate tonight as we are in election mode too ......... funny politics too bad its us plain folk that suffer .

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  • mer1957
    mer1957 Member Posts: 534
    edited October 2008

    Rebecca. great news...sorry it took so long.  Sharon sorry you are on the waiting train.  Sounds like Canada is real slow on stuff (but at least it's "free"). 

    Here is my latest dilemma.  Ultrasound turned out good, nothing to report...CA125 blood test for ovarian cancer, results excellent.  But gyno still wants to do a endometrial biopsy - why?  Because I'm on Tamoxifen.  Well obviously Tamox causes thickening of the lining, so why is he doing this?  That's the question I asked.  They are to call me back Fri or Monday.  I just don't want to go in for another test without a damn good reason.  I already have to take off for physical therapy for the next three weeks.  Obviously if I thought there was a concern, I'd go right away.  So did the Pap show something or is he just being very cautious, and does that mean they will want to do that every year?  I'm not fretting, just frustrated.  He never mentioned it during my exam and last year he said he knew that Tamox made the lining thicken.  Any ideas, girls? 

    Joni, thinking and praying for you.  Lots of love

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  • TPPJ
    TPPJ Member Posts: 1,017
    edited October 2008

    Sorry I've been a bit non responsive to so many of your comments.  It's just been kind of nuts around here.  Mary, that whole thickening of the lining thing while on tamoxifen is what started my troubles last November.  They wanted me to do an endo. biopsy too, as my wall was 16 mm.  My argument was that I didn't want to keep having to go through repeated endo. biopsies as I'm sure they are painful.  So then she discussed Novasure, which is like a permanent sloughing off of the lining.  There's a website on it.  Well, I wanted to be "under" for that, as that seemed painful too.  Ultimately (and because I had ovarian cysts too) I just said the hell with it and said I'll just have a hysterectomy.  That way, there is no lining to thicken.  I figured I'd just solve the whole thing right there.  Of course, I had the heart attack on the OR table, never got the hysterectomy.  My gyno. never called me in the months afterward.  I had to call her to get a repeat ultrasound to see what the measurement of the lining was.  It was then down to 12.  Apparently, some had sloughed off during my cycles.  So, I think this measurement varies from month to month.  Oh, also at that time, I found out that my cysts had "switched sides", so that showed those were cyclical as well.  This same thing happened to Rebecca.  Fast forward, six months later...I'm here in DC.  I have an onco. but she's never mentioned or questioned whether or not I see a gyno. or even check what's going on with the thickening business.  I suppose if I was having spotting or something.  The only unusual thing as of late, was that I went from mid July to mid Sept. before I got a period.  But that could be chalked up to starting the change.  Whose to know what's normal?  Should we be expected to run out and have endometrial biopsies every time the wind blows?  I've just been burying my head in the sand on this issue since I moved...

    Melia, glad you got your surgery date.  I bet it'll stay...it's coming quickly, so I doubt they'll change it.  I think this will give you some great peace of mind.

    Sharon, I just cringed when Palin winked her eye and made that little clicking noise with her toungue/cheek.  She is just so GOOFY!  And this "Joe Sixpack" stuff...  Hello?  She really does ask to be mocked on Saturday Night Live.

    Rebecca, glad your gyno issues are resolved and Joni, so glad you are HOME!!!  Skye, sorry about your back.  Stuff just never ends for you, does it?  I had complained of back issues from about last spring, when I started packing to move, until about two months ago.  It's finally gone.  I'm glad because I was getting concerned about how long it was lingering...afraid of mets.  So, now I can put that thought out of my head.

    Gotta run to Toys R Us for b'day party gifts.  Kids have two parties tomorrow and another next weekend.  Then, to Jac's school for a little volunteering.  Trying to keep busy...

    Oh, ps....my BFF from age 11 is in for a breast ultrasound today.  She had been called back in for a second mammo and now, a third time for the u/s.  I'm a little worried.  She asked ZERO questions...didn't want to know what they thought they might see.  I don't know how people do that.  No matter how scared I am, I am compelled to ask.  I also found out that a childhood neighbor, my age, was just diagnosed too....not sure on details, but her mom passed away from it in her fifties, which they used to say was not good for daugthers who developed it, i.e. they tend to live the same amt. of time.  But I'd have to imagine that's no longer the case with things like herceptin.

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  • skyedivine
    skyedivine Member Posts: 839
    edited October 2008

    Hi Gals,

    Rebecca, I'm so relieved for you that the complex cysts went away. Let's hope they stay away. Seems we are uterine-focused with Mary's lining problem too. I was found to have a thickened lining at the same time as my tumor dx, so they just did a d&c while they had me under for the lumpectomy, then did a biopsy which turned out negative. My personal opinion is that being ER+, if I wasn't already postmenopausal, I would have the ovies yanked and maybe a hysterctomy too to be safe, so as to be sure I wasn't producing any more estrogen and to remove possible trouble spots. I think the hormonal problems are all related, and while I'm not sure how the uterus plays into that, it is for SURE that you don't want any estrogen production if you're ER+. And Mary, I don't think it ever hurts to check that endometrial lining, either. Normally, it can be done in the office and just feels like a pinch when the little "tongs" snips a little sample out.



    Tina, you are on some sort of birthday party treadmill, it seems. What passes for an acceptable party gift these days? Are you still enjoying the volunteering? I'll keep fingers crossed for your BFF. I can relate to that "not wanting to know" stage, I guess, but I too always wanted to know the facts. I do think Herceptin and especially aromatase inhibitors have changed lifetime stats, too.



    Sharon, I'm also playing the waiting game. I had my spinal x-ray this morning and because it is Friday, they said I may not know until Monday. Arrrgh! I called my onc office and got them to promise to check the computer at the end of today and if it's there they'll give me a late call, but I'm not getting my hopes up. I was a little taken aback when the technician came out afterward and looking very sympathetic asked me if that lesion caused me a lot of pain. Actually it doesn't...yet. I'm just feeling it lots more often and do feel it as low-level pain now as often as I feel the tingling.



    Good news is my mom doesn't need a hip replacement, they decided, and the Aleve is helping lots.



    Lynn, hope you are still feeling lots better. Hugs to everyone else - Skye

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  • TPPJ
    TPPJ Member Posts: 1,017
    edited October 2008

    Doing the happy dance!!!  OJ is convicted!  I held out no hope that it'd actually happen.  I really think this latest debacle was pure stupidity but I don't even care as the first verdict was the most unjust moment that I've witnessed in my life.  I watched the trial a few afternoons this week...pretty dull. 

    Melia, I meant to mention earlier that I can't believe your heart scare.  You must have been petrified to go out in the night like that...  better safe than sorry.  Skye, glad your mom is avoiding hip replacement.  My onco. in OH told me that he felt fractured hips, etc. were worse than dealing with cancer.  Not sure why he said that, but he was very focused on chemo s/e's...

    And yes, I am on the b'day party treadmill.  I spend about $20 per gift.  A little more w/tax.  I just keep it at that because otherwise I'd be broke.  On that note, gotta shower, get Paul to his game and then back here to begin the b'day party shuttle service...after I wrap the gifts.  DH goes to London tonight until Thurs. so I'm on my own.  I'm jealous!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2008

    I ran the Komen Race for the Cure this morning. My time was slow, but I am thrilled to have run the whole thing! DH and the girls met me at the finish line and then I walked with them since the walk was starting just a few minutes after I finished the race. My 7 year old walked the whole way again this year. I am now exhausted but I have a work project due by first thing Monday morning, so I'm working all day. Going out with DH tonight while my mom babysits.

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  • luckymel
    luckymel Member Posts: 643
    edited October 2008

    Congratulations, Jan!  I'm proud of you for running (and I'll bet your time wasn't all that slow), and then walking with the family afterward - very impressive!  Did you get sponsors to donate for you, or did you just show up and run?  I considered doing the walk here, but didn't get organized to get donations, so I just blew it off.  Maybe next year.  Hope you have a great time out tonight.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2008

    Mel, I went to the Komen National walk in DC this spring with a friend and we raised a bunch of money. So, since I'd already done that once this year I didn't do any fundraising this time - I just paid our registration fees. I noticed there were quite a few people on my team that didn't do any extra fundraising either. I think the extra donations are nice - but I wouldn't feel obligated.

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  • skyedivine
    skyedivine Member Posts: 839
    edited October 2008

    Jan I also commend you for making it through. I heard gas is starting to reappear in your area now so hopefully everyone can get around that way now too.



    Tina, DH going to London? Ooooh, I'd be jealous too. Especially since he still owes you a Barcelonan trip. :-)



    I did get a call from my onc office just before closing yesterday and they said the x-ray showed no more enlargement but they are concerned that it's hurting so much more, and much more often, and may do an MRI to find out why, I guess I'll find that out next week. I was just relieved because in my mind it had already progressed to a big mass. I hate being that way but you all know how it is. And I don't think anyone can blame us for being paranoid. So to celebrate dh and I went out to Chili's and I had a strawberry margherita, and today I bought some really cool high heeled black boots I can wear for all my upcoming appearances. Now I feel better. I have eight library presentations and a conference this month. Oy!



    Today was Grendel's first birthday. He got a new bone, new treats, a new toy and a mini street party with the girl dog a few doors down. He's officially a big dog now. - Skye

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  • mer1957
    mer1957 Member Posts: 534
    edited October 2008

    Congrats Jan, that's quite an accomplishment.  Skye, good news and I hear you about being paranoid...only we know what that means.  Did Grendel have any success in becoming a father? 

    I missed the call from the gyno office to explain why he wants to do the biopsy.  I read up on Tamox and so now I understand it more but I still want to hear if there is something that alerts him.  I guess I'll go ahead and do it to be safe but I sure hate it, not the pain, just the taking the time and going through all of this.

    My physical therapy appt today went ok.  The guy decided it's not my back, it's my butt.  LOL.  That's what I thought all along.  Too much sitting at work and too much cycling.  They did ultrasound for deep healing and gave me some stretching exercises and told me to cut my biking in half which I will -- as long as I can still do something.  He is not sure whether my insurance will cover 6 or 9 more visits and I'm not sure I need them.  It sounds like an overuse injury to me.  I wish I could take a few weeks off of work and not sit at a desk all day.  I seem to be much better on the weekends. 

    Tomorrow DS and his fiancee meet with the priest re the wedding and their marriage - hope it goes well.  Hugs and prayers to all - esp. Joni.

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  • Caya
    Caya Member Posts: 971
    edited October 2008

    Hi Ta Tas,

    I've been a bit MIA this week due to the holidays, and today I did the CIBC Run for the Cure - CIBC is one of our national banks, and the run is akin to the Susan Komen Run - I did the 5 km. walk with both DDs, my neighbour and her daughter and another friend. The girls raised about $1500, which is very nice.  We had great weather, and then afterwards I treated everyone to a nice lunch at a great restaurant called Mr. Greenjeans - sort of like TGIF. 

    Amanda came home from her first month at Queens at the Faculty of Ed - she starts her practicum teaching tomorrow.  She is a bit nervous and excited at the same time.  I have been calling her "Miss Friedman" all day - She has been getting all honours marks in her course assigments, and I'm sure she will do well.

    I haven't been feeling the greatest - I had some more edema in my left ankle/foot last week - and all of a sudden muscle  pains, like when I was on chemo - very strange.  Could be the change of the weather, who knows?  Cindy I am doing that 24 hour pee test tomorrow into Tuesday,  I also had routine pelvic/ transvesical (bladder)/transvaginal ultrasounds on Thursday -they are checking to see if anything could be causing my constant UTIs - all the drs. think it's just really bad atrophy, brought on by instant and severe chemopause. Oh, it never ends, does it girls?

    Rebecca - I am happy that your cysts issue has been resolved. How are the students this year - any more plagarism excuses for us?  And how is the Owenmeister doing in school?

    Melia - what a scare - I had that happen once about 2 years ago in between DH's aneurysm dx and my BC dx - DH and the girls had gone downtown to a hockey game, and I was alone in the house, when all of a sudden I started to feel pain in my left arm, had a hard time breathing etc.  I called my Mom and stepfather who rushed over and took me to the hospital ER - same story - a battery of tests - nothing.  They wrote it off as a panic/anxiety attack , which at the time, just a few months after Allan's dx, was perfectly plausible.

    Oh Tina, I remember those birthday party days - I used to practically live at ToysRUs. Too bad you couldn't go to London with DH.

    Skye - yes, a new pair of pretty footwear/boots can do a lot for your mood - lol!! 

    Mary - oh that deep healing ultrasound stuff is great.  I've had it in my shoulder/neck before, it really felt nice.

    Viddie - did I miss something about an out of control drunken vegan? 

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  • Rebecca
    Rebecca Member Posts: 971
    edited October 2008
    Oh my sisters I know I have been MIA for a bit now...but you can be sure that I am always here reading and caring about you all.  My workload this semester has me at wits end.  I have always taught three classes, but this is the first time that they are three DIFFERENT classes meaning that I have to prep a LOT of lessons, write many quizzes and lecture about different things every week.  It is a monstrous task to organize much less keep straight what I am talking about in each classroom.  Despite that I do think that the classes themselves are sucessfull.  My students are happy and interested, and my classroom often rings with alternating sounds of relavent discussion and laughter.  The toll it is taking on me, however is dreadful! Ah well, at least it is only for one semester, and I will just have to cross my fingers that my schedule for next semester is better.

    So I decided that I was going to take a few minutes this morning and write to my sisters NO MATTER WHAT...so here it is.  Pardon me for just talking about myself...

    Caya was asking about Owen in kindergarten...so here is the report:  His teacher just adores him, and the times that I have spoken to her (which are frequent because she is very accesible) she has said that she thinks he is absolutely brilliant, that his vocabulary amazes her, and that he totally cracks her up.  She also says that he is one of the best behaved children in class and an absolute pleasure (go figure...he saves his naughties for his mom in the evening I guess!).  He gets out of the car in the morning to go to school without hesitation, and he comes running across the schoolyard at pickup everyday with a huge smile on his face with his arms flung wide to hug and kiss me.  He sings the songs they teach him at school all afternoon, and he LOVES that he has homework now...it makes him feel grown up.  Based on that I would say that kindergarten is a success LOL!  This weekend we had a classic Owen moment...On Friday night Matt and I went out with my NJ BC girls group and their husbands (now THAT was a fun night!!).  So we are getting ready to leave and waiting for my MIL to show up for babysitting duty when Owen announces that he wants to "make something with Daddy" in the garage (that is where Matt has his toys...ahem, tools).  This is a normal weekend activity for them, Matt and Owen often hang out in the garage and putter...they build stuff, they fix stuff whatever.  But Matt at this point is all clean and ready to go eat in a restaurant, so he says to Owen "I am sorry buddy, but I do not want to get dirty right now...we can do something tomorrow".  To which Owen replied "Awww come on Daddy...dirt is just MAN COLOGNE".  So of course Matt and I are now rolling on the floor laughing.  At which point Owen, without missing a beat, says to us "What is so funny?  It is just a figure of speech!".  OMG I nearly died.

    Frances has been in a funny stage also...she is really coming into her own and developing the personality that will carry her through to adulthood now.  It is kind of bittersweet for me to watch her develop now because she is losing the child and becoming a young woman.  On the other hand, the woman that she is becoming makes me proud....and makes me LAUGH.  One of the best qualities that is emerging in her is her sense of humor.  For example, last night I was doing laundry (and YES...there is a LOT of that in this house) and the last stage of me doing laundry is that everyone has to take their sorted and folded clothing and PUT IT AWAY.  Considering how little I ask of my children, this is the least they can do, but of course they are always trying to weasel out of it.  So last night, I called Ana to me refusing to tell her why, and as soon as she showed up I planted a large pile of clothing in her arms to take upstairs.  She started laughing, which clued Frances in....so when I called Frances to do the same thing to her she immediately dropped to the floor clutching her elbow yelling "My SPLEEN! MY SPLEEN!" at the top of her voice.  PS...she did eventually put away her laundry, spleen or not :-)

    I am almost out of time now, so one more thing before I have to return to the real world... Yesterday was our Komen for the Cure Walk/Race.  I did the walk, but Matt ran the race.  In fact, Matt came in 91 out of more than a 1000 in the race!  I was so proud of him. We did the walk together with my BF Robin and her daughter.  Afterwards, Matt and I were walking with Owen around the site and I told him how proud I was of him running that race and doing so well and he turned to me and said that HE was proud of me...I said why?  and he said "because you survived".  I lost it...and there I was standing in a huge crowd bawling my eyes out.  

    Ok, the first midget has just stumbled down the steps...I have to go make lunches now.  Love you all!
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  • TPPJ
    TPPJ Member Posts: 1,017
    edited October 2008

    Congrats, Jan and Rebecca, on the Komen runs/walks.  I remember all the hoopla on TV in Columbus and just a sea of pink balloons, etc. and I could not bring myself to even go downtown to watch.  Emotionally, I just couldn't handle it.  I really think it would be no problem this year.  I think that's a barometer of my emotional recovery.  Even the pink stuff on TV/radio/newspapers, etc. isn't bugging me like it did previous years.  Yet, is only Oct. 5, right?  We've got time.  :)

    Sounds like school is going well for Owen, R.  Great to hear.  My kids are adjusting pretty well too.  Paul got his interim grades and so far, he's made A/B honor roll.  I was bummed to hear you need a 93 or better to get an A.  What happened to 90 and above?  Anyway, he is very motivated to get the three B's up to A's.  I'm glad that he's into it. 

    DH sent some cool pics from London:  London Bridge, Big Ben, the palace...  I'm jealous!

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  • meliaanne
    meliaanne Member Posts: 682
    edited October 2008

    Hi All,

    Rebecca, I love starting my day with stories about your kids. I know it's bittersweet to see Frances grow up, but my two adult daughters are such good friends; we talk nearly every day, just tiny stuff in addition to big things. Secretly, that is why I hope the baby is a girl, so my dd can have that too. I adore my son, but he isn't as communicative so we only talk once or twice a week. Also, just think, as hard as three preps are, you couldn't have done it a year ago. Look how far you have come!  And what lucky students. Love the story about the run; congratulations to Matt.

    Jan, great job. I know that was a goal for you.  You too, Caya. And I have missed you, but figured you were busy with the holidays and aftermath. I am sorry you are feeling a bit punk. I wonder what that stinking edema is?  I just last week got off lasix, after a year and a half. No issues yet.

    Cindy,how are you?  Any test results?

    Skye, I am glad the initial resuts re your back are good, but am sorry you are facing yet another test. So many of us seem to have aches and pains. In my case, I wouldn't think twice about a stomach ache, but now I panic.

    No more issues after the emergency room. The dr, who said it was acid reflux, gave me a handout which suggests giving up alcohol and coffee. I gave up alcohol, not a big deal for me but I do like a glass of something after work, but I am resisting giving up coffee. I only drink it in the morning and love it, so am going to wait and see ... I don't need the calories in alcohol anyway.

    I have an appt with the plastic surgeon today. Both the onc and breast surgeon had suggested that as I am unhappy with the scar (too much extra tissue) on the left. I am interested to see if she can do anything about it other than undergo a general, which I am unwilling to do. I am thinking, though, that once the right breast is gone, I can use really light weight prosthesis, and then the extra tissue might not be so bothersome?  I agree with Tina that general anasthetic isn't a trivial thing, so cannot see myself choosing to do it to revise the scar. The mx to me is more of a preventative health issue. It was interesting, when I told my general manager at work about it, he said that when they were expecting their third child (he is now 21 months old) they had a 12% chance of autism, as their oldest son has autism. That baby has it too. So he told me he thought it was wise to have the surgery. He said he used to think 12% was low, not he doesn't think so at all.

    Ok, off to work. Joni, we are all in that room with you. Everyone else, have a good Monday.

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