Anyone starting chemo in June 08

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  • sarahsewer
    sarahsewer Member Posts: 79
    edited January 2009

    Hi Ladies,

    Yesterday I had an absolutely cruddy day.  Our 7 year old lab had been acting nervous for two days and she looked bloaty so we (my 10 year old and I) took her in to the vet. Turns out she had an untreatable HUGE cancer. As we drove home to discus what to do, my daughter is crying and offering to hold her really still so she can get radiation every day like me. She begged us to get her chemo, because I had it. She thought we should try surgery, because it worked for me. It was so hard to explain that not all cancer is treatable and that I am very lucky. We had the dog put to sleep in the afternoon and my daughter took down all her dog posters in her room. It is all so very sad. I hope she believes us when we say that my cancer is treatable. 

    It was a rotten rotten day.

    Sarah

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  • hunkydory
    hunkydory Member Posts: 1,241
    edited January 2009

    Oh, Sarah, what a shitty day.  I am so sorry. That is about all I can say.  I hope your daughter can seperate out the two cancers.  Thinking about you and your daughter.  HunkyD

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  • BBLady
    BBLady Member Posts: 114
    edited January 2009

    Sarah - I'm so sorry about your dog. What a tough experience for you and your daughter.  Hope today has been better.

     Kathy

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  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited January 2009

    GEntle Hugs, ((((( Sarah and dtr )))))).  Go to Rainbow Bridge and put a memorial for your poochie.  Google it and I think it will give both of you some peace and comfort.   

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  • Wyoming
    Wyoming Member Posts: 381
    edited January 2009

    Sarah so sorry to hear about you dog. Dogs are so much a part of our lives. It is hard enough to lose your dog but now you have to convince your daughter that your cancer is different. Let us know if there is any thing we can do to help. Hope you have had a better day.  Wyoming

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  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited January 2009

    Rainbow Bridge website for loss of a pet:

    http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/rainbowb.htm 

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  • sarahsewer
    sarahsewer Member Posts: 79
    edited January 2009

    Thank you thank you everyone for the kind words. It was all so sudden and surreal. We are all feeling better.

     Just when our own health issues are coming under control - WHAM, the unexpected.

     It's a beautiful day in Wisconsin.

    Srah

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  • hunkydory
    hunkydory Member Posts: 1,241
    edited May 2011

    Finished a book today.  Another cold lazy day.  Husband had to work and I had the house to myself.  Instead of cleaning,  which I should have done, I was selfifsh and had a me day.  My son spent the entire weekend with us which was so nice even though he lives close. Seems so quiet today.  Tonight,  I just threw on some hamburger for tacos and got everything else chopped and ready so I have some time to post. To my friend the book whore.....I hope your shop is coming along nicely. Quite a project to take on in the winter.  Concrete floor?   Let us know how it is going.  How is the new semester treating you?  Still thinking about you Sarah and family.....hugs!

    It's back to work for me tomorrow.  It is so darned quiet on this group.  I still need the interaction I guess.  I know some people like to forget about the cancer beast and bc.org, but I still need it or I guess at least chatting with people that have gone through it. Later all...HunkyD   

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  • Wyoming
    Wyoming Member Posts: 381
    edited January 2009

    Yes we have a concrete floor but it was poured this summer. It took us this long to get someone to help build it. Ended up being my cousin. This weekend they put all the walls, roof, window, and door. Tomorrow should get it shingled. New semester is going good. I have some great kids. HunkyD I need to keep chatting too. It helps me to talk to people who have gone through what we have and yet have lives to lead. We can discuss fears and SE with everyone understanding why we feel the way we do.

    Sarah, it is amazing how much an animal becomes part of the family. Keep good thoughts.

    If anyone needs a good book to read: "Three Weeks to Say Goodbye" by CJ Box

    Talk to everyone later.   Wyoming

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  • KKing
    KKing Member Posts: 425
    edited January 2009

    Sarah, I am so sorry to hear about your dog.  I have two of my own and I can't imagine making that decision.  I hope your daughter is doing alright.  

    HunkyD... great that your tests are all good.   I have three older brothers as well and I am the only girl.  This has its good and its bad but I also had a close relationship with my Dad until he passed away of cancer in 1999.

    Nancy that was a nice suggestion about the rainbow bridge... I had never heard of this.

    I am with you,  I like to pop in here and find out that everyone is doing well and know that you are all there going through the same things as myself.   I have a second appt with a Naturapath doctor Wednesday,  I am just checking it out to see if it would be beneficial.  I don't know what I am looking for but maybe I will find it...Sealed.

    Enjoy your day

    Karen

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  • hunkydory
    hunkydory Member Posts: 1,241
    edited May 2011

    KKing, good to hear from you.  Thanks for the congrats on my tests.  Funny thing is, I don't feel like it was much of a test.  My onc just doesn't believe in scans for no reason.  He explained, and I understand, scans can be very misleading until progression is really somewhat set in.  In a wierd way, I guess I really don't want to know if there is more disease until I have to. I just hope the chemo and rads did its job.  Bla,bla bla...sorry for rambling like that.  Keep us posted on how it goes with your Naturapath Wednesday.  I am still waiting just to get some energy back. My onc thinks once the weather warms up here and the sun comes out, my mood will change.....I certainly hope so.  Meanwhile...I am still leading the life of a sloth...turning into a book whore myself, and not getting enough exercise.  By the way Wyoming...I purchased your book suggestion today.  I figured if I got started on the Twilight series right now, which I was going to do, I wouldn't get anything done.  It is still cold here so I figure that's a good enough excuse for me for at least one more novel. Take care all, I pray each and everyone of you are painfree. HunkyD  

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  • Rovergirl
    Rovergirl Member Posts: 194
    edited January 2009

    Hello June Chemo Babes,

    Was hoping 2009 was going to be a better year but it's not.  Found out recently that I will have to endure more chemo - very discouraging.  I had my last chemo infusion in Dec. and after all the post imaging tests I just haven't progressed as well as my oncol. would have liked.  Was just accepted into another clinical trial - guess I'm a glutton for punishment as I'm going to be a human guinea pig again.  Surgery and radiation put on hold for now.  If it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all! 

    Rover

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  • Wyoming
    Wyoming Member Posts: 381
    edited January 2009

    Rover sorry to hear about more chemo. At least you have some luck.HAHAHA Keep us posted on how you are doing.

    Karen let us know what you find out about Naturapath. Keep checking in with us. You too Rover.

    HunkyD let me know what you think of the book. I know how you feel about knowing if the disease is gone. I have it in the back of my mind when ever I feel a little different or something hurts. According to my doc my stiffness should go away by the summer. My middle knuckles are the most sore. I just keep stretching and it seems to help.  On a good note my shop is shingled and ready for siding. We will getting to my kitchen next week as the cabinets are ready to be picked up. I can't wait. I will keep you posted.

    Happy Hump Day.

    Wyoming

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  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited January 2009

    I am skeptical of "natural" remedies since things like bugs and  dirt are "natural".  I am not saying it couldn't  work, but I went for the documented, tried and true treatment and it worked (so far) for me.   And I cannot help but wonder about all the added ingredients in foods and other products.  Ever look at some of the ingredient lists -- 10, 15, 20 ingredients... makes one wonder what all is going into and onto our bodies.   

    Here's good vibes going out for a good day and an even better weekend.  I celebrate my 63rd birthday on Saturday and plan to have at least a few more.    HUGS,   Nancy 

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  • ChocolateLover
    ChocolateLover Member Posts: 363
    edited January 2009

    Sarah, I hope you and your daughter are gradually healing after the loss of your dog.  I have one who will be 12 this year, and he always seems to know how I'm feeling especially when I'm zonked out after tx. Take care. xo

    hey Rover,  I want you to know that it will be ok.  My cancer didn't respond to chemo very well the first time either, and it's now 8 years later.  And natural/naturapathic is always a good thing to add to your arsenal of healing.  It makes your body stronger to fight the battle. Mega Vit C (at least 5 g daily) and lots of vitamins and minerals, but also things like Oncolyn, CoQ10, omega 3&6 fish oil, Vit D (which we all need in the winter especially!), Resveratrol, Quercitin....these all aid the body in staying strong and healthy.  what is your next tx?

    Happy Birthday Nancy!!! You are fortunate to respond to your tx. Not all of us do; it is definitely a reason for you to celebrate! & here's to all of us having many more years like you.  :)

    l8r gals,

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  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited January 2009

    TY choco.  I am very blessed to have  been targeted for this tx and that it worked for me.   I feel so bad for those of you who have not be as fortunate.   

    One note on fish oil - before surgery I was told and given written instructions for NO fish or fish oil at least 2 weeks before or after due to it can interfere with blood clotting.  Also no Vit E.   And don't you know I had this MAJOR craving for crab cakes...   Calcium for all women helps with the bones, but the body cannot absorb large amounts at one time.  Best to take one tablet twice a day.   

    After my husb had triple by pass, his heart dr said to take a B vitamin complex.  It helps rebuild the body after major surgeries.  I take One a Day Women's (which has B in it) , and  Vit C, E.  Then Calcium and D in the evening.   If I feel like a cold or sinus situation coming, I take extra Vit C.    My blood counts have remained good thru chemo and surgery - not sure what to give credit to for that blessing.    

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  • ChocolateLover
    ChocolateLover Member Posts: 363
    edited January 2009

    there have been conflicting reports on Vit B and women's breast cancer. make sure you decide wisely.  I have googled many articles and decided not to take Vit B even though it helps with energy.  Too many risks for my liking.  You are right about the surgery and Vit E and fish oils.  Everyone has to do their own research for their own situation.  I just wanted to pass along what I have taken to get through mets for so long.

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  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited January 2009

    TY choco.  My husb had the triple by pass and lived another 12 years.   Anything in excess can cause problems.   And if you look hard enough, almost anything and everything is both good and bad for you.   Blessings on you (((choco))),  keep up the good work.   

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  • Vinogal
    Vinogal Member Posts: 439
    edited January 2009

    Hey Junies......missed you girls.......just have been stupid busy with the kid's stuff and my doctors appointments.........expanders are getting a little better.......or I'm getting used to them?

    Rover......sucks.....sorry......you will get through this.....and come out stronger on the other side......

    Sarah.......so sorry about the pup.......how's your daughter?

    Well......remember I did that purple colour.....it was supposed to be temporary.........not.......couldn't get that stuff out.......so mom says........I'll buy an uncolour at the beauty supply.....that'll get it out......uh huh........but I ended up with neon orange hair......so 2 boxes of colour later.......and I had a lovely shade of yellow.......needless to say visited the salon this morning........and...........crazy.........crazy.....colour.......eek......I figured I would have a little fun while it's short......We'll see what my daughter thinks in about 30 minutes......lol

    Cheers

    Jax

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  • sarahsewer
    sarahsewer Member Posts: 79
    edited January 2009

    Jax, I am so jealous that you have HAIR! And a lot of it! I'm still white fuzzy patchy pink. All my childhood head trauma scars still show. I'll know I am getting better when my cars don't show.

     Thanks everyone for the positive thoughts regarding daughter and dog. We thought we'd wait until summer and get a pup, but while washing the floor today I realise I miss the drool  and hair and stinkiness. We will see. My daughter wants a police dog so she do agility training with it. Really she wants a horse, but thinks a german shepherdis a safe second choice.

    Sarah

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  • Wyoming
    Wyoming Member Posts: 381
    edited January 2009

    Jax your hair is soooo long. When did you finish chemo. I'm have about a 1/2 inch and had my last tx Oct 2.

    Sarah, my dog is 11 years old so I know how you feel. My Mom lost her dog about a month ago, but she has a new puppy. I will be going to her house tomorrow so I will get to see her puppy. I can't resist puppies. I like how you daughter thinks.

    We are to get snow tonight after a week of super warm weather. Winter has returned!!!!

    HunkyD how is the book?

    Hope everyone has good weekend and Rover hope you some good luck.

    Wyoming

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  • Bonnie02
    Bonnie02 Member Posts: 193
    edited January 2009

    Hi Everyone, have been checking in but most of the time just reading what everyone has to say. Sarah, I can relate to how you and your daughter feel about your loss as I have a dog and I said I never would have another because it was to hard loosing them. Mine is an American Eskimo, she is just a spoiled brat but love her to death, she is 7 years old and I want time to stop for her so I will have her forever which I know is impossible, but she has been a great help during my really bad days as she is always there for you.

    I am not feeling to bad just have a couple of itchy spots that drive me crazy since the radiation hopefully they will soon disappear. Still having problems with my hands the fingertips are so sensitive and get quite red. Does anyone else have this problem? Sure wish it would go away.

    Hair is growing back about 1/2 inch all over not near as long  as yours Jax, love the colors.

    Well good luck to everyone and will check in again soon

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  • Rovergirl
    Rovergirl Member Posts: 194
    edited January 2009

    I'm back on the "sauce" again ......... I started taking the oral chemo drugs yesterday.  No infusions with this regimen, which is good because my port was removed at the end of Dec. because it was infected and the port "hole" is still healing.  My bad luck continues......

    I also have a sick dog - my 4 year old golden retriever may have lymphoma.  I have to take her to a doggy cancer specialist.  More bad luck .........

    It's not over yet ..... I cracked my tooth yesterday and now will need to have a crown put on - wonder how dentistry and chemo mix?

    With the luck I'm having I'm not using power tools, am driving the speed limit, looking both ways before I cross a street and think I might try wearing garlic around my neck - it works for vampires or is werewolves?

    Rover

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  • KKing
    KKing Member Posts: 425
    edited January 2009

    Happy Birthday Nancy... you should go out and celebrate.

    Jax, I like the mix of colour and you sure have a lot of hair.  I still look like GI Jane.

    Rover,  sorry to hear you have to continue this... since it is oral, will you have an easier tme with the side effects??   About the luck thing... maybe you should go to church... if you are religious that is and get blessed.

    HunkyD... the way the weather is, it will affect your mood as well.  I am trying to exercise each day and it seems to make me feel a little more motivated.

     Chocolate Lover.. glad you are doing so well.   I have been taking some supplements... Ester C, Vitamin E, selenium,  garlic but I don't know if I am doing the right things.   I did see a Naturapath on Wednesday and I will go back and see her.  She  deals with women issues.. cancer, hormones etc.  I think she will be able to put me on the right path.   Her biggest thing is the diet,  she believes that is the biggest impact on health.   Will see how it goes.

    Enjoy the weekend

    Karen

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  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited January 2009
    awww, (((( rover )))), I would send a 4 leaf clover if I had one.   Sealed  Here is a masked smile to keep any germs away.   Sorry your fingers are hurting, Bonnie - my finger nails  are beginning to grow but they still hurt.  I am rushing out in a bit to play bingo and my son and wife are taking me to dinner tomorrow for my b/d.   Keep smiling - it makes others wonder what is going on...
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  • hunkydory
    hunkydory Member Posts: 1,241
    edited May 2011

    First...Happy birthday Nancy.  What a strong minded woman you are.  I hope you win tonight at bingo. Have a great time with your son and DIL.  Jax...woman....your hair is great.  No lie!  My plan is when mine is your length, I am going to the pros and get it bleached....I guess?  Right now mine is uglier than shite.  GI Jane.... like KKing said, and the ugliest color you could imagine.  I am glad you shared the color story Jax, and am really glad to hear you are adjusting to your expanders.   About the hair color deal....I might have picked up a box of hair color rinse in the store and been real sorry.   I know I don't look good in orange.  Just imagine an orange mouse.  Hehe!!!!    Rover....good luck on your new treatment.  My thoughts are strong with ya girl.  You heard Chocolate...get your body as strong as you can.  You have had a lot of poison going in you.  I think Chocolate may be our resident expert on that. (Hi Choc!!!!!!!)    Don't hang the garlic, and drive as fast as you want to!  I don't think any vampire would want a taste of a chemo patients blood...just a guess.  I have had a bottom tooth chip too.  I have heard chemo is the culprit for extra teeth trauma.  Don't know if it's true. Kelly will have to tell us.  Bonnie...hope your fingers get better.  I don't have any of the taxol neuropathy problems a lot of women have with the fingers.  I know Nancy can sympathize though. Wyoming...right now I am close to half through the book...I like Cody.  He seems my kind of guy so far.  I will finish the book this weekend as it is still cold here.  It was a hard week at work so I am looking forward to some R & R.  I hope your shop and kitchen are coming together.  So nice for those kind of projects to be done.  I have rambled enough...hugs to you all....HunkyD

    P.S...I think a change in weather will improve my mood and physical activity level.  AMEN

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  • Kellke
    Kellke Member Posts: 424
    edited January 2009

      Sarah,   I am so sorry you and your daughter had to go through such a horrible experience with your lab.  It is hard for children to learn that people treatment is different than pet treatment and sometimes the kindest thing is the hardest.  I hope she is feeling better about it all now.  It makes me cry to think about her being upset by this.

      Why is it that as women we are able to place our children and family in the place of others and be so affected by it?  My husband and boys think I am crazy when the news makes me cry or be upset,  it has to be a girl thing I guess.  Anway I willbe thinking of you all,  Kelly

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  • sarahsewer
    sarahsewer Member Posts: 79
    edited January 2009

    Good morning Ladies,

    I've been up for an hour drinking the BEST COFFEE I've ever made. It is crazy cold and windy outside and I have registered for a snowshoe race today that is 90 miles away. Secretly I am hoping they call it off because of the cold, but they won't. On the plus side, I can shop in the big city (pop. 40,000). They have fabric stores in the big city!

    For those who have had their ports removed, can you tell me if it is done in office or is it a surgery? My surgeon said something like it depends on my squeamishness. That wasn't the word, but the idea is the same.

    Rover, what a bummer about your tooth. Also, do they really give dogs chemo? Could anyone subject an animal to that? How on earth could you make them comfortable. I can't imagine trying to make those decisions.

    I found all the dog toys in my daughters laundry basket, along with the collar and leash. We'll make a little basket for her to save them in.

    And just so everyone knows, Girl Scout cookies are not affected by the peanut butter contamination problem. Yes, I am a leader.

    Sarah

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  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited January 2009

    Thanks hunky - I have been called other than " strong willed "...!!!   I did not win at bingo but I had a delicious dinner w/son and dil and they hung out at my place after for quite a while.   They usually are so busy that I don't get to see much of them.   The nicest thing they said was that they are glad we live close enough to pop over, even if for short visits.  

    I had not heard of giving a dog chemo -  various medications, yes, but not chemo.  Then again, I do not had a dog in many years.  My sister makes up for me with 9 samoyeds.    She and her husband sled race them and show them.  At last count, 4 were grand champions.  One is a therapy dog.  

    Here's to a good last week of January.  Winter still has a ways to go.  Keep warm, keep happy,and keep in touch.  HUGS,  Nancy  

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  • Rovergirl
    Rovergirl Member Posts: 194
    edited January 2009

    Not sure what I'm going to do about my pup yet even if doggie chemo is an option.  Concerned about her quality of life.  Right now she is acting fine just super skinny.   I have a total of 3 golden retrievers - ages 14, 7 & 4.  I know my time w/ the older one is limited but was surprised the youngest one is the sick one.  Have an appointment w/ the doggie cancer specialist at the end of the week.

    Jax - your hair is impressive but look at those eye lashes!  I lost my eye lashes and browes after I finished my last infusion - cancer is so cure.  They have started to grow back but just little stubs at this point.  My hair is growing and I like the color - auburn - I was a strawberry blond.  I'm hoping my hair continues to grow w/ the new drugs but who knows.  Really want the new drugs to kick a little cancer butt and if my hair grows in the process so much the better.

    Rover  

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