Starting Chemo May 2008

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  • ellenoire
    ellenoire Member Posts: 674
    edited November 2008

    Good Morning all. Here is what I got from a random stranger on one of the women in business sites I frequent "Congratulations on being a BC survivor. My sister had breast cancer and died at age 47. She battled BC for about 10 years. I truly miss her! Well, take care of yourself and I wish you all the best... personally and professionally"

    It was so nice that she shared the thought of her sister dying of my/our disease... Made me feel all warm and fuzzy..NOT! 

    Otter!!!! I am thinking about you and your family! I hope your mom is hangin' in there! Altzeimers can be rough on the caregivers. Both my grandfathers had it. Havea safe trip.

     Kristy! 7pokes ? That is just wrong!

    I am off to work, and then to a reunion with my church camp friends. Sadly, my surprise guest flew in from England last week but is holed up in his sisters house with the flu, so cannot attend the party. I will be the only one getting to see him b4 he flies home!

     *Waves* to the rest of you! 

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  • Jeano77
    Jeano77 Member Posts: 237
    edited November 2008

    Morning all!

    Otter - I am hoping that your dad and mom are both doing okay.  Even though our parents are aging, it is terrifying to get that call.  My heart goes out to you and your family.  Safe travels my friend. 

    Nicole - That has been my biggest gripe over the last 8 months . . . having someone share a cancer story with me that ended that way.  WTF!!  (which I rarely ever say).  C'mon, how could the person think that is comforting or appropriate??  Think people!  I also need to add, feck, feck, feck! 

    Kristy - after 3 pokes, you should be entitled to put one in their arm  That seems fair, doesn't it?  Sorry that you had to endure that.  I do not have red on my back and I have been lathering, but I scratch it like crazy.  Of course my arm cannot reach it, so I lean against a wall or cabinet to try to scratch it - every time I do that it reminds me of the days at the farm watching the hefers scratch against the posts.  I am with Roxi, the rads blasted my clavicle and armpit - feels like leather, skin is angry.

    I finished full tx #28 yesterday, only 5 boost left.  I used it as another reason to celebrate and went to dinner last evening with friends - fun evening with lots of laughs. 

    Heading out into the rainy / snowy weather for a run.

    Jean

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

    Noelle, What the woman was REALLY saying was "Think about ME! Poor ME!"  Idiocy must be going around.Today, Neighbor Nutball cornered me again but this time I was ready for her.

    Neighbor Nutball: So, are you done with chemo?
    Me: Yes, I am.

    NN: So you had chemo for 8 months.

    Me: Something like that.  [not true.]

    NN: I'm glad you got a good cancer.

    Me: What do you mean?

    NN: You know, one that nobody really dies from any more.

    Me: People die from breast cancer all the time.

    NN: Well, that is, you're lucky to have a cancer that we know a lot about.

    Me: That's true.  Except how to cure it.

    NN:  I mean, it's not a complicated cancer. It's so straightforward.

    Me:  Huh, that has not been my experience but you certainly seem to know a lot about breast cancer, so who am I to argue.  Ta-ta!

    And then I mentally shoved her in front of the oncoming bus.  

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

    Jean-o:
    Heifers and scratching post.  And the salt licks, right? And do you have a scar from barbed wire, perchance? (I do, back of the leg, circa 1981.)  Good times, good times.

    I go home on the 17th.  We're having an auction, not to sell the farm but to sell some of the machinery/farm equipment.  Bittersweet.

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  • Roxi65229
    Roxi65229 Member Posts: 462
    edited November 2008
    Otter, I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. I hope you have a safe trip and a restful, peaceful, pain free visit with your family. Kristy, the needles pokes are ridiculous. I'm with Jean, they should be poked so they can see what we have to deal with. Then maybe, they would be a little more precious.BC sucks, I avoid talking about it but for some reason, everyone wants to make it the topic of discussion. I hope the bus flattened her like a pancake, smothered in blueberries with whip cream on top. Now there's a vision.Hit the gym this week. Gonna try hard to go five days a week. Grace, good luck with the chemo and jean, almost done with rads, YEAH! Raining day here. Going to lunch with my in-laws for my my mother inlaws b-day. Speaking of birthdays, Happy Bday Sue!Okay, how about vegas in spring? I know the economy sucks, but I think we all need to celebrate. Sue's porch sounds good to me too. Love ya. P.S. I've been reading about the Her2 vaccine. Sends chills throughout my body. Let them find a cure for all of us. No one needs to endure this in their life. 
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  • familyroks
    familyroks Member Posts: 575
    edited November 2008

    Otter - I am so sorry to read about your dad.  I imagine that was a terrifying phone call.  Have a safe journey and I hope you find your dad doing better.

    Holy Moly Kristy!  I don't know HOW you made it through that!  You are a much stronger and braver than I.  That just should not be tolerated.

    Jean - YAY!  Almost done with rads!  So that must mean Friday is the last day?  WooHoo!

    Roxi - Good for you on getting to the gym!  I really need to light a fire under my tush and get some exercise routine going.

    Rock - I"m sorry but your neighbor is an idiot.

    Rainy here also, but unseasonably warm .  I hope everyone has a great weekend!

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

    Any word from RanD? or Karin?

    I really wonder how they're getting along.

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  • Sable
    Sable Member Posts: 738
    edited November 2008

    Otter~ Is your dad doing better???

    Kristy~ I tell them 2 pokes and that is it anymore. The most I got in one day was 8 and I was in hysterics by the time they were done.

    Rock~ You made me LOL with the bus thought. Sometimes you just have to grin and bear it.... and think those thoughts.

    Card list is now sent out to everyone who sent me their addy. Some of you got 2 pm's from me with it in there...... I forgot to add myself to the list <blush> Musta been a chemo moment.

    I am up to 4 finger nails lifting off and a few more thinking about it. I feel pretty good otherwise. Wish I could stop eating though. Everytime I think I'll start a diet I am instantly hungry. I figure it's part, winter coming on, part holidays coming up, part drugs in my system and alot of no will power. I need to get back to the Y again and start riding the bike again.

    How about them gas prices!?!?!?!?!?!? Down to $1.73 in some areas here, most are at $1.88... I am SO loving this!!!!!!!!

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  • kerry_lamb
    kerry_lamb Member Posts: 778
    edited November 2008

    Rock, you know on the old wrestling shows (and probably the currently ones)..how one of the deadly moves is that two-finger eye-poke..you know, one fella puts his index finger and middle finger on the eyelids of his opponent and then whacks them with his other hand (in a split second..not slow mo like my description!) Well...that's what you should do to your neighbor, and Kristy! you should do that to your 'nurse'. For feck's sake, who are these people? I've got what feels like a broken bone in the back of my left hand from where the CT scan dude had a few miss-hits with me. I can't be bothered going to get it checked out..y'alI know about that (the 'One More Thing' syndrome). I keep thinking I must have been really naughty in my last life...I'm off to see the plastic surgeon on Tuesday..I've got good butterflies about that, but bad ones when I remember that my 'good' breast is probably squarely in Cancer-Dog's sights. Sometimes I think I should do a RanD and get in first. I don't know......I DO know I worry about RanD and Karin, though.      Otter, I hope things are going smoothly for your Pairs. I hate this age..my Dad is 76. He's pretty fit and roams around Australia all winter, but my future has been crystalizing pretty quickly this year..and I see that my Dad is not so 'ageless' any more. Are you (geographically) close to your parents?     Girls, I like hearing about your fitness/lifestyle stuff. I don't know about y'all but I am loving my 'good' days. Breathing. Walking. Not remembering. XXX

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  • KristyAnn
    KristyAnn Member Posts: 793
    edited November 2008

    Hi Everyone,

    I spent Friday night and all day yesterday in Arkansas- beautiful Fall colors. Took younger daughter to a college softball clinic (shes a junior in high school but wants to play college softball) and the camp was at the school where the older daughter attends.

    Saw High School Musical 3 with older daughter- very fun, went to a college faculty piano recital- really fun to watch since I am also a pianist (but not with e PhD lol) and then went out for fish dinner.

    Next weekend I am taking her to Univ of Arkansas for a softball camp and campus visit and also to visit Missouri State - thats the end of our Fall travelling and its back to reality of scheduling a hysterectomy- but I have certainly enjoyed the break!

    Kristy 

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  • Roxi65229
    Roxi65229 Member Posts: 462
    edited November 2008

    Hi all,

    My youngest is also a huge softball fanatic. We tried to get on a travelling team but found out the day before try-outs and she wasn't quite committed. We do have open gyms in the fall and winter to keep in shape. Not sure if she'll be doing basketball this season though. We just found out she needs surgery to have pollups (SP) removed in her nose. Poor thing. I set it up for Wednesday before Thanksgiving so she'll have plenty of down time to recupperate. Tried checking into RanD and karin last night to see when they posted last. Thinking of them and all of you. Going outside to rake leaves.

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  • MsKarin
    MsKarin Member Posts: 647
    edited November 2008

    All,

    Sorry you haven't heard from me in awhile. Thought I would pop in before you start worrying about my absence again. I have been really busy and haven't had time to use the computer. Will try and get on later tonight and catch up on what I've missed. Hope all is well for all of you.

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  • ellenoire
    ellenoire Member Posts: 674
    edited November 2008

    Glad to see you Karin!

     I am off to laundry and bed. I am on day 14 with no day off with no end in sight until December. 

     My whole body aches from the over work. My numb fingertips and sore finger joints are the worst. 

     I hope everyone is well. RanD has not logged on in a week or so... 

     N

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  • Jeano77
    Jeano77 Member Posts: 237
    edited November 2008

    Yes, we are glad to see you Karin! 

    I am studying for a certification test, but I wanted to say hi to all.  I am looking forward to my last week of radiation and am taking Friday off to celebrate (with a nap). 

    Sue - I read of birthday wishes on the boards, when is it?  I hope you have a fantastic day!

    Noelle - Hoping you get some much needed rest. 

    Wishing everyone a wonderful week. 

    Jean

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  • Roxi65229
    Roxi65229 Member Posts: 462
    edited November 2008

    Jean,

    Hope your taking care of your skin. It's almost two weeks post and I'm peeling, not too bad though. Congrats on almost being done.

    Muga scan today. Keep your fingers crossed I can continue herceptin.

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  • Gracie713
    Gracie713 Member Posts: 302
    edited November 2008

    Hope that everyone had a great weekend!  It was cold & rainy here.  Didn't go out much.  Grandkids had a Fall Festival at school, oldest GS got a trophy for being class representive and his little brother has taken possession of it, calling it his "Piston Cup"  (from the movie Cars).  It was so cute. 

    Karin, so glad to see you back!

    Sue-Hope that you had (have) a great birthday.  

    Jen-thanks for doing the address list.  Now to find the perfect cards!  (And I have been looking)

    Noelle-Try not to work too hard and get some rest!

    I grew up on a softball diamond.  In fact, my Mom went into labor with me while my Dad was playing in a tournament! Grew up playing under the bleachers.  At my Dad's funeral we played "Centerfield" and at the graveyard, my aunt started singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame"  (Some of the funeral home people thought we were nuts!)  Then we all went and had a big softball game!  Just took a good walk down memory lane--wonderful memories!

    Jean-YEAH for it being your last week for rads!  I still have all that to look forward to!

    Okay-enough for now-can you tell it is steroid day??????

    Love you all!  Have a great Monday!

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  • MsKarin
    MsKarin Member Posts: 647
    edited November 2008

    It's good to be back. Still haven't had time to read and catch up on what I missed. Sneaking a few minutes now to check in before hubby gets home and I have to do the diner thing.

    Update on me. My right breast almost looks normal again. Only skin still left to peel is at the boost area. Last treatment was a month ago.

    I bought a blow dryer for my hair. The towel no longer dries it. Side burns are starting to peek through my wig. Don't know what I'm going to do. I don't want to get another wig but it is still too short to go topless at school. Last year when I had long hair the kids would laugh when I took off my glasses because they said I looked like a guy. Then again the kids could just call me Mr. Karin if they want.  Will post a new hair pic soon.

    I have been on Femera 3 ½ weeks and so far so good. Have noticed a few hot flashes or Flush-flash as Rock calls them. Usually during the evening or at night while sleeping. Can handle these with no problem. When going through menopause I suffered real badly with Funeral-pyre flashes (Rocks term). Back then the only thing that gave relief was soy protein powder mixed with milk. Drank it daily for over a year. As the song goes, I wish that I knew what I know now, when I was younger. If I suffer from those again I will have to deal with them or ask onco for something.

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

    Hi, all--

    Jen, thanks for the list.  I really appreciate your initiative in doing that.  Even though I'm not on the boards very often now, I really enjoy reading the new posts and hearing from y'all.

    I'm sitting on the sofa at my mom & dad's house.  It's in the mid-60's here...in the house.  It's about 40 degrees colder outside.  I'm freezing (what a wuss I've become).  I'm sorry--I hate winter.  That's one reason why I moved south 25+ years ago.

    Thanks for all the good wishes and kind words.  Apparently, the local medicos think my dad might possibly have had a mild seizure...maybe.  At first my mom and the paramedics assumed he'd had a stroke; but he was fine by the time they got him to the hospital (no signs of neurologic damage).  So, the docs there decided his slow heart rate must have caused him to black out.  But they couldn't find anything wrong with his heart (except for the 4 or 5 blocked coronary arteries, of course), so they concluded it probably was a "transient ischemic attack" (a.k.a. "mini-stroke").  But, still, they couldn't find any signs of neurologic damage and his CT scan was clean.  Then, after my mom gave them a bit more detail about what had happened, the docs decided it was a seizure.  Maybe.  They're pretty sure.  Perhaps.  Dad came home on Saturday, and he seems fine.

    The local TV weather guy just gave the forecast.  I was trying to ignore it, but I did hear something about "snow" for the next 6 days.  Can I go home now (otter whines)???

    My mom is doing okay.  She is as stubborn and argumentative as usual.  (Maybe she has earned that right.)  All she seems to want to do is complain about things, and then find fault with the solutions anyone might bring up.

    My sister was here over the weekend, but she left for home today.  She and I got along better than usual, but, like everyone else here, even she is not prepared to deal with any serious changes that might need to be made.

    Sheesh.  Dinner's ready--gotta go.

    I love you all.  I really do.

    otter 

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  • Roxi65229
    Roxi65229 Member Posts: 462
    edited November 2008

    Welcome back Karin!!!! My side burns are grey too. I just had to bleach my upper lip for the first time since March. Okay, speaking of hair, I have baby peach fuzz all over my face! Argh!!! What's up with that?

    Otter, so glad to hear things seem okay with your Dad. I hate when they just can't explain why things happen. 

    Jen, thanks for the list, just need RanD right? 

    Gracie, what a dear story about your Dad's service. I think its important to honor your loved ones in how they would love to be remember. Your family sounds amazingly close. Bless your heart for sharing your special memories.

    Rock changed her avatar again... 

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  • familyroks
    familyroks Member Posts: 575
    edited November 2008

    Roxi - the facial hair!  OMG!  I am so glad to see I'm not the only one (not that I'm happy you have facial hair..but you know.....)  I have the baby peach fuzz all over my face and on my neck.  Driving me nuts.  I certainly hope it goes away!

    Otter - glad to see your dad is home.  It does suck when you can't get a definitive answer. 

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

    Karin -- oh, but it is good to see your name again. i am grinning from ear to ear, as you can see from my avatar.  (ps i guzzled about a quart of soy milk almost every day in the year before i found my lump.  yep.) post a new hair pic! post! post!

    Gracie -- THAT is the way I think services should be. When my great aunt marie died, the priest was brand new. since he didn't know her, at her wake, he invited people to come up and say a few words about her.  well, it started with the usual, "she was a good neighbor" "marie took care of my mom when my mom was sick" but then one or two people started to mention things like "i remember when marie slammed into the back of the parked semi..." and "there was that time marie hid a chicken in a teacher's desk..." and by the end, people were laughing so hard they could barely get the words out.  It was beautiful.

    the facial fuzz:  ladies, i shaved.

    otter.  otter, otter, otter. please ask your hubby to give you a long long hug, from me.  

    frankly, i want all of you to ask the partners in your life to give you a big long hug, from me.

    (i wish i could see you guys.  do any of you skype?)

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  • ellenoire
    ellenoire Member Posts: 674
    edited November 2008

    Hey Rock! That is a great idea. Do you Skype/ webcam?

    I could Skype for that! 

    I think I told you all about my mom's funeral. Mom and Dad( a church organist from the age of 10) planned the service quite literally on her death bed. They had planned thousands of services and concerts together before they divorced (after 26 years) The funeral was one of the best 'concerts' they had planned together and that most people there had ever attended. They handpicked the choir and the clergy and held it late enough in the day so everyone could attend. No one realised that it would be dark by part way through the service(since she died in late November) so most of it was in candlelight. Mom was Scottish, so we had a local bagpiper pipe the pall bearers out to the hearst and we all stood on the lawn watching the car pull away. Mom picked the menu (down to how the chicken was to be prepared and that there must be kosher for our orthodox friends) for the after party, and recorded her own farewell video. We were instructed by her on the video to get a drink to toast her life. She made us promise that the Scotch would be flowing throughout the party.  2 years later I still have Scotch leftover, although my siblings and guests tried very hard to drink it all! In about 2 weeks we will finally get to bury her ashes( that is another looong story) 

     I have to help my DS with late night homework. More later! 

     Love to all! 

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  • Gracie713
    Gracie713 Member Posts: 302
    edited November 2008

    Rock, I have Skype.  Makes it a lot cheaper to talk to our son in China.  I have a webcam, just have to get it hooked up to the computer.  I am new to Skype, DS walked me through it a couple of weeks ago-I had to get a headset with a mic since my laptop doesn't have one built it. He'll be in the States Dec. 21--I can't wait!  Oh--I love your new avatar.

    Otter-so glad to hear that your Dad is okay.  

    Taxotere #9 tomorrow at 9am.  Then just one more to go.  I don't anticipate starting rads until after the first of the year.  Onc loaded me up with pain meds last week since she is going on vacation.  No appts for 2 weeks.

    Going to try to get some sleep (I was late taking my evening dose of Decadron, so I took an extra Xanax to help me sleep-I normally take just one every night, we'll see if it works!)

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  • kerry_lamb
    kerry_lamb Member Posts: 778
    edited November 2008

    Hi all. It's weird, after reading about your Fall / snowy posts to report that it was a perfect almost summer day here today, a beautiful evening to walk the Fibber after the visit to the PS and before the family-effort dinner-cooking. Alex (15 going on 16 ) and Hub did the chicken and veg, and James (12) and I did the apple-upside-down cake. I don't know which stroke of genius it was that got the lads cooking but it's really nice and it's argument-free (at last!!) The visit to the (French) (girl) plastic surgeon was great and at this stage I will be having the implant next May (anniversary present!) and a reduction on the left in the December. Scary and exciting.... Ellenoire, I love the family images I get from you..how mad! What a great movie it would all make.Actually, Gracie's softball-playing wake would be a great inclusion as well. A family I know here are German, and their family in Germany are so large and so mad about soccer that they have a proper fixture each year and each family HAVE THEIR OWN UNIFORMS!!!  Otter, I'm pleased to hear about your ma and pa and I empathize re the cold. I do not do cold.  Rock!! You shaved? Is that what it will come to with my fluff??  N-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o!!

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

    I confess, I was curious and a bit bored...

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  • Gracie713
    Gracie713 Member Posts: 302
    edited November 2008

    Good Morning Ladies!

    Sitting here waiting for DH to wake up.  He got up sometime during the night and went to the couch.  He does that when he is having a fitful night and doesn't want to disturb me.  He is so sweet.  And Rock--I got my hug, only he said to tell you that if he hugs he for too long, it tends to lead to other....well, it used to.  He thinks the Skype idea is great.  He knows that having all of you has made it easier fot me to go through this.  

    Today is Veterans Day.  I always think about what sacrifices families all across the country have made so that we can have the freedoms that we have.  I am so grateful for all.  My grandfather was in WWI, Uncle in WWII, little brother was a Marine and his son is following in his footsteps.  DH served in the navy and DS served in the Army.  I have ancestery traced back to the Revolutionary War.  A BIG Thank You to all of our soldiers, everywhere!

    Gotta run and get ready for chemo!  

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  • Roxi65229
    Roxi65229 Member Posts: 462
    edited November 2008

    CHEMO!!!!!! Good luck Grace! Off to therapy...

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  • Sable
    Sable Member Posts: 738
    edited November 2008

    I love coming in here and seeing all your bright cheery faces (posts)!!

    Gracie~ I also have been looking for just the right cards. We have a half price book store here in town and they carry the most gorgeous cards. And they are all in different styles. I'm gonna hit them up this week.

    Roxi~ yup waiting on RanD. Hopefully she can pop in soon and let us know she is ok.

    facial hair~ EEEEKKKKK! Thank Goodness I am not alone ont his one. Like Adrienne said... I'm not wishing it on anyone, but... dang! I'm hoping it is like the baby fine hair and will eventually go away. Anyone know WHY it's there? Yikes O mighty.

    Rock~ lovin the new av! I noticed that in the newer pics people are feeling better and it shows. Never tried skype, but I have done the webcam thing thru msn messenger/yahoo mess. a few times.

    Hello to everyone that I didn't mention! My love to each! :O)

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  • Sable
    Sable Member Posts: 738
    edited November 2008

    Oh...p.s. was on Itunes the other day crusin for new music. I found an cmas album from my childhood on there. "Santa claus is coming to town" by the peterpan singers (caroleers). I was soooooooooooooo excited to find it! My mom had tried a few years back to record it off the record player for each of us girls and needless to say it's horrible to listen to on cd. This is one of our family's BIGGEST traditions for the holidays.... listening to that record. I love holiday season :O)

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  • ellenoire
    ellenoire Member Posts: 674
    edited November 2008

    Here is my stupid cancer news.Got a call the other day for a heart test appt. I already had a heart test last week, the first one since Herceptin started( aside from the pre Herceptin baseline test). Results are supposed to be to the doc within 24 hours. No call, so I assume the news is good. I called this morning to say, I got a second call about a heart test, but I already had one.... and left another question about a forthcoming appt. change. The Receptionist said the onco nurse would call. She did... left a message on my cell Voice mail... saying " we need to do another heart test because there was a drop in function and we need to confirm that is was real.. oh, and I can change that appt for you. Call the office if you need anything else... bye!"

     BYE!ANYTHING ELSE???? WTF!!!!

    A WEEK! A FECKING WEEK they had those results and no one called me??? 

     AND my next Herceptin is BEFORE my next heart scan??? What? So they can just gamble that it will not do more damage!!?

     I am LIVID! 

    and here I am 6pm, and have to wait until morning to find out WTF is going on...

     I have to run... had to share.

    AAAAAARGH!!!!
     N

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