Starting Chemo May 2008

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  • kerry_lamb
    kerry_lamb Member Posts: 778
    edited October 2008

    Hey girls. I was woken up at FIVE FECKING THIRTY AM by a dog sticking her nose in my ear. I was kind of grateful because I had to be in admissions at 6.30am.  I had a cystoscopy, a suspicious mole off my back and the port out. It felt amazing to be rid of the port..strongly symbolic. It caused a bit of a stir because I wanted to keep the port to make a piece of jewelry, and it's against hospital rules to let 'cytotoxic' materials out of the ward. I wasn't leaving without it! My surgeon was really great..apparently what the surgeon says goes and she cleaned it up for me. I feel as though it's all over now..the bad part, at least. I'm seeing a PS in November and another in Jan to discuss my options for recon.  I'm viewing all that as something to look forward to  (unlike Tamoxifen!) I've PMd Randy..I'm worried as well..feck the 15.  You know those lovely soft strokes you give a cat that's 'asleep' on your lap, purring loudly? Well I'm sending you all a heap of those. XX

  • ellenoire
    ellenoire Member Posts: 674
    edited October 2008

    just got caught up.

     RanD, thinking of you! 

     Jeanne I hope your b-day was good! 

    Rock, I raced in a Trick or Trek 5km in the dark with a headlamp and creepy monsters jumping out of the woods at us. Lots of giggles and stuff. I have been too busy to workout much, or post here... goofy pics are on facebook. Eddie, we found random doll parts on the road during the race, that is what im about to bite in my new FB profile pic.

    Gracie, my sibs suck too. We have not buried my mom's ashes yet, and this year is the 2 year anniversary (such a loong story) so my Dad is calling my sister and half brother to tell them the proposed date for the event. This will be the first time my brother will know about my chemo since he has not bothered to call since my surgery. My sister never saw me bald and she lives an hour away. 

    Siouxie, Cancer and looving myself... yup me too. Funny though.. I also have lost my censor; I am offending people left right and center with my shoot from the hip attitude. I have to reign it in a little lest I scare people. 

     Gotta go to bed. Tiredness is running my life because I am juggling too many things. That, sadly is October for me. 

     Love y'all. 

     N

  • drcrisc
    drcrisc Member Posts: 836
    edited October 2008

    Like Eddie, reading and catching up...

    Had a busy weekend traveling for competition - dd did better and won a raffle prize!  She was thrilled for that, a cute Halloween blanket and a bag of Snickers.  My sister's here for a few days and the girls were really glad to see her.  And I am really glad to see my other sistas here!!  I, too, am worried about Randie.  Hope everything's okay and there's just a lot of resting going on. 

    Okay, I just watched Iron Chef and now I'm hungry for cheese...back to the rads grind tomorrow.  So far, it's okay.

  • Gracie713
    Gracie713 Member Posts: 302
    edited October 2008

    Happy Monday Morning!

    Party for MIL went great and she was really surprised.  Only 2 of her brothers weren't able to make it-(there is 13 counting MIL).  I don't know what I would do without her-she has really been there for me.  I overdid it a little but it was worth it.  Both of our DD's were able to be there and 5 of our grandkids.  It was fun watching them play with all their cousins that they don't get to see very often.

    Worried about Randie here too.  Praying she is doing okay.

    I consider all of you my sisters!  You have became very  important to me.

    Taxotere #2 this Wed.  Fingernails painful today.  Bone pain has eased.  Hoping #2 doesn't cause any more pains.  I keep telling myself--just 3 more to go and it will be over!

    Love you gals!  

  • KristyAnn
    KristyAnn Member Posts: 793
    edited October 2008

    Good Morning Everyone,

    I fell off a skateboard this weekend- just a little bruise and it was fun so I dont care! We were at the local park for a church Focus group meeting and I just had to ride Adams skateboard. After I fell I really got the hang of it and did well!

    This is my last week of full rads (4 fields)- next week is the boosts (One field- the scar area).

    Noelle,

    I have been using shea butter on my rads area- the area that has the folliculitis- every night and then airing it out overnight- so far no blisters or open skin so I am pleased with that. Hopefully can survive 5 more treatments and keep the skin intact- sore but intact is my goal. The underarm area is the sorest and also the darkest in color- I put the shea butter there also.

    I am SO ready for this election season to be over! 

    Kristy

  • MsKarin
    MsKarin Member Posts: 647
    edited October 2008

    Too much catching up to do and no time to do it now.

    My step father passed away last Wednesday night. I have been with my mother since Friday and just got home last night. I wasn't near a computer. The service and internment are tomorrow. Don't know when I will be online again because between my sister, mom's friends and myself we are keeping vigil over her. She is still not ready to be left alone. Don't know if I have another shift to pull.

    Just wanted you to know I'm still around and haven't left.

    Randie - my thoughts and prayers are with you.

  • familyroks
    familyroks Member Posts: 575
    edited October 2008

    Karin - I'm sorry for the loss of your step father.  My thoughts are with you, your mom and your family.

  • Sable
    Sable Member Posts: 738
    edited October 2008

    Karin~ I'm so sorry about your step dad.

    Randie~I pray you are ok as well. Take your time and check in when you can. We worry when somebody goes missing.

    I can relate to some of you with the sister deal. I'm the middle of 3 girls. The older one wants me to call HER with updates but can't find the time to call me or email me to ask. The younger one no contact at all. Mom said she is having a hard time dealing with it.... my response.... big fat whaaaa! She should be on my side dealing with it, she has it easy. I kinda gave up on worrying about them. I've got mom anytime I need a shoulder to cry to.

    Feeling pretty good today. Picked up ac/dc's newest cd on the way to work this morning as a treat for me. I've got hercept#2 coming on thursday and measurements for my full arm/glove on thursday as well. I really don't want the sleeve but she told me I didn't have to wear it alot because I am maintaining pretty good.... so I gave in. I'm such a stubborn ass somedays LOL. and OMG! I forgot how bad it hurt to wax or pluck out hairs.... egads.

  • ellenoire
    ellenoire Member Posts: 674
    edited October 2008

    Karin! Keep rested and take care of everybody. We are all thinking of you and your family( I think it is cool that I can say that with complete confidence!) 

  • Gracie713
    Gracie713 Member Posts: 302
    edited October 2008

    Karin, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.  We are all here for you.

  • kerry_lamb
    kerry_lamb Member Posts: 778
    edited October 2008

    Hey Karin XXXX. Love and untold strength coming your way. Jen, Ellenoire, Rock et al, for some reason I've woken up today really crabby about family members who are MIA and those who forget how to use a phone. What is so hard? When did we become the society of 'My shite is bigger than YOUR shite" ?? Cancer has ALWAYS been the winner of the Biggest Shite competition. (Hey..that could be a new festival).  These people....grrrrrrr.   E: ONE hour away???????

    I think I'm crabby because I was really, really anxious (post gen anaes maybe?) until midnight-ish and then slept badly. Then I kept waking up expecting the dog to wake me at 5.30!  She, of course snored through until 6.30. 

    Kristy, I cannot believe you GOT ON A SKATEBOARD ! I think I'd rather have Jen's hair-plucking pain than go knees-up off a skateboard. Way to go girl!  And way to go, Jen!  Way to go ALL of you! XX

  • rock
    rock Member Posts: 1,486
    edited October 2008

    Karin, I am sorry to hear about your stepdad's death. I'm sure your mom is glad to have you with her; selfishly, though, I hope it is not taking too much of a toll on YOU. It seems like you are the anchor for a lot of people... so if you ever want to let off some steam or some worry, know that we're here for you!

    Arrrrgggghhh. Someone at my door. I'll have to finish this later.  Thinking of you all.

  • lewing
    lewing Member Posts: 1,288
    edited October 2008

    Karin, so sorry about your stepfather.  I'll be thinking about you and your mother.  She's so lucky to have you there for her.

    Linda

  • Sable
    Sable Member Posts: 738
    edited October 2008

    For those of you craving chocolate...... my door is open. I am right now baking a deep dish cream cheese and fudge pie. I hear it makes you lose weight and grows hair ROFL!

  • KristyAnn
    KristyAnn Member Posts: 793
    edited October 2008

    Karin, Thoughts and prayers are with yoiu and your family- Im glad you and your mom have each other!

    Jen I am on the way! I cooked SO healthy for dinner tonight (and did a really good job too if I can brag)- baked salmon with a garlic and herb seasoning topped with toasted pecans, leftover sweet potato (YAM) casserole, Mom brought sauteed squash and bell pepper and got other people to finish off the chocolate cake from the church potluck yesterday- but now Im going to Jens for dessert!

    My new self project is to learn to like and cook (well) salmon- dietician said I need to incorporate more fish and salmon is the best choice so I am really trying. What I have found so far is that I like it best when I cook it myself over the restaurants so Im experimenting with cooking methods and seasonings. Luckily dh loves salmon so he will eat all my experiments!

    Im in SINGLE DIGITS for radiation- 9 remaining (4 regular and 5 boosts)- Im gonna make it!

    Kristy (my bruise is better than my softball girls bruises right now lol)

    RanD we miss you- come back! 

  • sueper13
    sueper13 Member Posts: 1,224
    edited October 2008

    Jen,

    Count me in for pie.

    Karin,

    Sorry for your loss, and I agree, take care of yourself when you can...

    Randie,

    Praying and hoping you are just getting lots of rest...we miss you.

    Kerry,

    Dogs, gotta love them.  They sure can be a lot of work, but man, they give great love.

    Gracie,

    YEAY for only three more!!

    I am taking a few days off work, as my rads burn is really, really sore and painful.  I know I sound like a wimp, but it got worse after rads were done--has this happened to anybody else?  It's BLISTERING and I have gone to pure aloe vera only, and lots of exposure to the air....

    I so want to feel more energetic and like my real self again.

    Hope everyone has a great evening.

  • Roxi65229
    Roxi65229 Member Posts: 462
    edited October 2008

    Karin, so sorry for your loss. Hope you find time for yourself. Prayers go out to your family. 

    Kristy, I'm in single digits too! 8 more to go. I'm with Kerry, no skateboarding for me. You impress me.

    Just got back from the local spa. They gave away pedicures, manicures massages and facials to cancer survivors. I choose the pedicure. To top it all off, Jockey donated pink zip-up hoodies. Okay, sick of pink but I'll take the freebie.

    Love how everyone is changing up their avatar. 

  • Roxi65229
    Roxi65229 Member Posts: 462
    edited October 2008

    Jen,

    My skin is pinching pretty bad and sore, hot to the touch but no blisters.

  • rock
    rock Member Posts: 1,486
    edited October 2008

    Another quicky.  I'm on #16 (I think, have lost count). Using Aquaphor right after radiation and again at night.  Wearing a camisole during the days and just a t-shirt at night.  Breast is kind of swollen, but no pinkness at all.  I think I have 5 boosts left but that doesn't sound right all at once. Basically, I have no idea when I'm finishing. Keeping fingers crossed, and hoping you guys (Kerry, Mary, Sue, RANDIE) who need it get some relief.

    Sue, so sorry about the pain, sweetie pie.  (Mmmmmm....PIE.)

  • Jeano77
    Jeano77 Member Posts: 237
    edited October 2008

    Karin - I am very sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

    Roxi - I hate my expander too!!!!  I am at the point that I could simply skip the reconstruction and be okay with it all. 

    Kerri - congrats on getting that port out!  That was such a happy day for me, sounds like it was the same for you.  You will have to post a picture of your pooch on the boards. 

    Randie - Miss you! 

    Kristy - skateboarding sounds like a blast, even taking a couple of bruises. 

    I have not spent any time on facebook, for those of you chatting there.  I am just trying to get through the work day, some exercise, walk the dog and sleep.  Finished with #14 of 33 in rads.  They modified my plan to help my throat and it seems to have helped a little. 

    Good night wonderful women!

    Jean

  • Sable
    Sable Member Posts: 738
    edited October 2008

    Oh to be in the single digits would be wonderful! I'm hitting #2 out of 17 thursday....... If I could throw a tantrum over all of this and get away with it I would..... dang it.

    Yay for the ladies almost done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • ewesterman
    ewesterman Member Posts: 417
    edited October 2008

    Karin,

    So sorry to hear about your stepdad. So glad you can be with your mom to get her through this first  part.... Those of you on radiation...I am so sorry you are having this after getting through chemo. Hey, what were you doing on a skateboard Kristy? Your inner child had a good time I hope.

    We saw Spring Awakening last weekend. It was great....teenage angst. I sprouted eyelashes yesterday...a whole bunch. They are short. Jen, like your new avatar. Hang in there women. Hey, did anyone see the TNT movie on the guy who figured out herceptin was a good thing for her2 pos women? Staying too busy but love catching up. Linda, your hair looks awesome by the way. Kerry, thinking of you. 

  • drcrisc
    drcrisc Member Posts: 836
    edited October 2008

    Karin - Echoing all the thoughts and adding hugs to you and your mom.  My mom had a really hard time when my dad passed away, too.  Now she lives less than 5 minutes away.

    Sue - I have heard others (not here) say that they continued to have more redness after rads was finished.  Sounds like you're doing the right thing, keeping it moisturized and aired. 

    Kristy - Skateboarding?!  Wooo hooo!!

    Rock - I'm sure in another week or so, I will have no idea what number I'm on.  Thank goodness they gave me a calendar!  Right now, I'd lose my head if it wasn't attached.  (Sue - I'm having chemo brain lag, 'cause it's gotten worse since I the last one!)

    Gracie - Glad your party went well.  Here's a Chemoooooo! for Wednesday!

    Kerry - Sorry you were crabby.  When the 5 year old gets crabby, I call her "Fussypants" which usually makes her giggle.  Fussypants!!  (Did you giggle?  ;-)

    Jen - Am I too late for dessert?!

    Mary - Free is, well, free!!  And you reminded me to change my avatar.

    Eddie - Let's hear it for tiny eyelashes!

    Jean - I've been having a sore throat, too, but I think it's the smoke from the wildfires.  Yep, we have another one.

    Adrienne, Noelle, Linda, Otter - Hey!! 

    Sorry for the long post, but I really wanted to check in with everyone.  Feeling okay, did # 6 today.  Wishing everyone a good week and more hugs to Karin...

  • kerry_lamb
    kerry_lamb Member Posts: 778
    edited October 2008
    Cristine, no..but I I didn't need to..I was still laughing about Jen's pie..o-o-oh-h-h if it were that simple Embarassed My back (where I had the mole removed) is sore tonight. I can't believe it's bothering me after the 9 months I've just had.. lol! Maybe I've just got a huge backload of sooking to catch up on! I'm heading to bed now to sleep like a log.........! Yep..it's 8pm. XXX all.
  • familyroks
    familyroks Member Posts: 575
    edited October 2008

    Well...I couldn't let us fall off of page 1! 

    Hi everyone!!

  • Roxi65229
    Roxi65229 Member Posts: 462
    edited October 2008

    Just caught up....exhausted. I promise to write tomorrow. Herceptin tomorrow. I still need to watch the movie but I've heard its good.

    Meet with my occupational therapist today for lymph massage. They have me scheduled through the second week of November, twice a week for my swelling. I also have to do self massage once a day. Sure hope it helps. Going to bed. Good night John Boy! 

  • otter
    otter Member Posts: 6,099
    edited October 2008

    Good night!  BTW, I wouldn't have turned down a pink, zip-up hoodie either.

    It won't be long now before I'll be complaining that all the pink stuff is gone and they've forgotten about us.

    otter 

  • Sable
    Sable Member Posts: 738
    edited October 2008

    Roxi, once you get the home massage down it does seem to help. Ask a ton of questions and for a piece of paper with the massage drawn on it. They kept trying to tell me verbally how to do each thing and for the life of me I had no clue what was going on. I finally told the girl draw it on a piece of paper and in what direction I need to move things..... that worked.

    As much as I hate pink I woulda taken the hoodie as well LOL

  • ellenoire
    ellenoire Member Posts: 674
    edited October 2008

    we were quiet today!

    I felt forgotten today. My landlord was pretty nasty to me when I asked for an extension on my rent this month. I DID NOT ask for anything special in my business from anyone during chemo, but cash flow is critical at the Holiday season in order to get the business in the black so we have to be creative. The only thing that may save me is that the world economy is such a mess that the Canadian dollar is in the toilet as compared to the US dollar so the jump ship Canadians will stop shopping across the border for awhile ( I live an hour from the border and the dollars were at par last Xmas and small retailers all suffered terribly) The fact that another bath and body care store open 2 DOORS away this week has made me super happy.. NOT!

     I am really overtired and emotional this week which does not help matters. A weepy business owner does not appear very powerful. I think I may be hormonal. The timing is right, menopause, chemopause whatever... living with my mom told me that menopausal women still have a cycle of sorts.

    I am going to try and get to bed soon.

     love me... N 

     

  • Gracie713
    Gracie713 Member Posts: 302
    edited October 2008

    Hope that everyone is still sleeping!  I've been up for about an hour-steroids and hot flashes!  (And hydrating!)  Taxotere #2 this afternoon.  Yeah!! (Not)

    N-I am with you on the weepy & emotional stuff.  Drives me up a wall. 

    DH is having surgery next week to remove a lesion in his nose.  They will have to cut up the side and lay his nose open to remove it.  Had pre-op chest X-ray yesterday and got a little concerned when the tech callled the radiologist in to look at something on it.  Kinda scary, but I am praying that he was just having him double check to make sure he got entire lung field.  DH is a big man and they have to do X-ray one lung at a time to get the whole picture.  Hopefully his PCP will have the results when he goes in for bloodwork and EKG in the morning.  Still scares me.

    Hope that everyone has a great Wednesday!

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