The Chemosabe March Cruise

Hope everyone is well - checking in to say I had all my tests come back clear and don't see the onc until June.  It's been a tough couple of months for many here, so trust everyone is feeling well - especially Lisa!

Much love,

Christine 

hi guys!

today is my two-year survivor anniversary! the latest round of ultrasounds came back clear. i go for a m'gram and a BSGI in June.

Lisa- I gasped when I read your news! How are things?

MissS -- sorry to hear about the job and the son. that sux.

have been crazybusy lately -- directing a show for a local high school, working PT at church, and still trying to keep the house up.

love to you all!

Good Luck to you March Ladies.....I just finished chemo (4 TC).  You certainly will want to read the Dec or Jan or Feb threads - answers lots of questions and shares the experience.  This is an awesome site!

HollyHopes - I commuted via plane from OH to MO throughout chemo - just tried to be extra careful about germs and seat partners--carry wipes to clean off the seat tray -- if someone is seated next to you and seems to have a bad cough/cold...ask the stewardess to be moved (and play the cancer card, if necessary).  I also was able to work throughout treatment (some in our group could, some could not). 

Re Pic/Ports -- there is a good thread at the top of the chemo thread on the port procedure.  The pic is usually put in the arm, I believe . The port is usually put on the chest opposite your bc and is done in an outpatient procedure under some local -- you probably will not be allowed to drive so I wouldn't count on going back to work.  The site may be tender for a couple days, but then it just feels like an inverted pop bottle top in your chest.  You can ask your onc for lidocaine presciption to apply prior to your blood draws and you feel absolutely nothing when they poke you.  Otherwise the poke feels like a pin prick -I have done it both ways. 

Take your Zofran or Ativan whenever you want/need it!!  The anticipation and fear will be generally worse than the reality!

Good Luck, Warriors!

Wow!  So awesome to see our thread alive again - and with (mostly) positive news.  

I've got a Kinder story for you. . . picture a table of children, working industriously on threading 100 Fruit Loops onto a string to make a 100th day necklace.  Lukas says, with a sigh, you know, it's hard being a grown up.  Bo says, I know it. Jace says, you have to eat a lot of meat.  Lukas, sighs again and says, yup, chicken almost every night.  

Love my job.  And my chemosabe march girls!!

Christine xx 

Hi, sisters --

 Looks like I'm a week late to the gathering, but it's good to see so many people have checked in.  Valentine's Day will always be special to me -- 2 year anniversary of my lumpectomy. 

 I'm glad to hear about those who have had clear checkups.  So far, so good for me, too.

My biggest improvement has been in my chemo brain.  Last year at this time it was really awful, though I also think I was having some PTSD.  I couldn't follow conversations in meetings, someone would tell me something, and I'd turn around and immediately forgot what they said, and I couldn't concentrate at all.  I started feeling like I was emerging from the fog last fall.  Don't know if I'll ever be 100%, but at least I have more confidence on the job now.

We've been traveling to Richmond practically every other weekend to see our perfect grandchild.  He's 3 months old now and has a great disposition -- gurgling and smiling all the time.  

 Nancy, I hadn't heard that about Zometa -- I'm going to look into it.

 Diana, I'm also a proselytizer for this site. I don't know how I would have survived without the support and information I found here.

 MissS, I hope your tests went well and that your son gives you less grief.   Life just keeps on, keeping on, doesn't it?

 Christine -- Great story from your kiddies!  How do you keep a straight face?

Take care, Terri and Holly.

Lisa -- In case you check in, you're in my t's and p's.

Holly - How're you feeling? Got some drains out yet? That's the greatest feeling! I was in your neighborhood last week for further SRS (Stereotactic Radiation Surgery) on ma'haid but you would have just gotten out of the hospital. With my broken foot to boot, I would have been NO help. The thought was there!

Wimminz - I need some extra prayers, guidance and resources. I know a few of you have kindly visited and supported me in my new ordeal detailed (sometimes in excruciating detail) on the Stage IV forum. I need a 2nd or 3rd opinion on whether we retreat the original tumor (it has grown rather than diminished) and/or brain surgery. As you can imagine I don't relish the idea of cutting open my skull and fishing around for tumor growth. The original tumor began deep in my brain and it's not going to come out without repercussions I am afraid. So, if you have a whiz-kid brother or uncle  or cousin and she has experince in neuro-oncolgy I'd be very grateful!

Prayers are, of course, welcomed

Lisa

living beyond breast cancer is creating a brochure on financial concerns for women who are within 2 years ofa rx of early stage bc. they need about 8 hours of yr time between june and nov. they are seeking women affected by bc of any age dx'd betw 06 and 09 who either experienced fin'l difficulty related to their dx or rx or who feel they can contribute to a brochure on fin'l concerns for women with bc.

contact anna@lbbc.org  list yr name, age and why u can contibute to the project.

thot this may be of interest to some of u.

things fine around here. i'm due for another moammo and bsgi one of these days. bzbz with the kids and swim team, and just keeping up with everything. God's richest blessings on u all.

hi girls I am sorry I have been a stranger.

I am really worried now as I may have bone mets. I go for tests next week, wish me luck!

Lisa My heart aches for you. I am so sorry to hear your sad news. My prayers are with you.

Diana, If you were having a blizzard in Hanover, I'm sure Gettysburg (my former stomping grounds post-college) was getting blasted! I came out here for grad school 25 yrs ago and never looked back! Ice on the windshield is a distant memory.

I'm really liking your new 'avatar'. So how's biz?

Wh Cotton - did your tests reveal arthritis rather than mets?! I trust that is the case 'cause I  haven't seen you hangin' about the stage IV boards. Please check in and relieve our concerns!

GrNancy ~ your support meant a great deal to me during my ordeals last Summer/Fall. It was good to have some encouragement from some of of my original crew. What do you say for a Spring cruise in honor of the imagined one we took three years ago?!?

I'm stable as of last scans. I've got a brain MRI coming up the end of Feb. If I've got progress I'll just zap 'em, if I don't I can continue making plans for ITALY!

Blessings for the best of health to all,

Lisa

Hi Gals!

Glad to see a couple of us are hanging around our cruise site!  I was thinking just this morning that it will soon be 3 years since we were all here getting treatment and how thankful I am to be feeling well.

I lurk on the Stage IV site to check on my pal Lisa, who is a wonder!  Italy sounds fantastic and I'm inspired by your determination and wicked sense of humour.  I think that great attitude, combined with prayer, love, and support, is the key.  

And it's nice to  hear from Diana, and glad to hear you're well.  

God's richest blessings to all!

Christine 

I can't heard the word "March" without thinking of my fellow Chemosabe March Cruisers, so I thought I'd check in. So far, so good, for me, with my next checkup coming in about a month.

 Our now 16-month-old grandson is the joy of our lives, and we just learned that my other son and his wife are expecting their first in the fall.  I feel blessed.

 Whitecotton, I'm sorry we weren't around for you in November, and I hope your scans were negative.  Please let us know.

Lisa, seeing your posts makes me glad. I lurk on the Stage IV thread from time to time to see how you're doing.  

Diana, I hope the snow has melted around you.  I thought it would never leave here -- in fact I saw the remains of a big snowplow pile just last week.  (((shudder)))

Nancy and Christine, it's good to hear from you both.  I hope all continues well.

Hugs,

 Max

Hi Everyone!!!

It's been a while since I came to this thread.... I must say it brings tears to my eyes to see the little notes from each of you. I love you ladies so much!

Lisa, it looks like you're getting on the boards and reading, so I want you to know I have been holding you in my thoughts and prayers and hope to hear something from you soon. You are one tough cookie and such a blessing to so many of us! Big hugs!

Bettye, I am so sorry to hear about your mets and also sorry to be so far behind. I hope you're doing okay with your tx. Please let us hear from you.

I have been doing pretty well. I remain cancer free and my oncologist is thrilled! Of course, I am, too! My heart function slipped some again and is back to about a 33% LVEF. Not great, but I am trying to get healthier.

I finally started back in lymphedema therapy after ignoring it as long as possible. Honestly, after working full time and looking after my Mom, I just don't have the energy to do other stuff! I am now waiting for my Reid sleeve and hopefully will be getting a Circaid sleeve for the daytime. That looks like something I will be able to get on without help. If you'd like to take a look go here. http://www.circaid.com/products/juxta-fit/jf_armsleeve.php

Oh, I have to tell you guys what happened to me with my blood draw on Monday at the onc's office. From time to time the phlebotomist will miss my vein and wiggle the needle around trying to get one. I hate this, because it hurts, but what can you do? Anyway, this was one of those times the digging around for a vein was going on, only this time a horrendous pain ripped down my arm to my hand (the needle was in the inside of my elbow). I yelled out and tears actually came out! It felt like a bolt of lightning went down my arm. I found out later she had hit a nerve. My arm is still sore and whenever I reach for something or even swing my arm when I walk, I get pain in my arm (near my hand) like someone poking me with needles. Afterward, my arm aches for a while. I am so upset about this and worried that permanent damage may have been done. Have you ever heard of anything so crazy? I never had until this happened to me!

I can't stop without mentioning my new gbaby who was born October 9th. He is the cutest baby ever!!

I would love to hear from everyone. It's coming up on our 4 year anniversary. I miss you guys! Please drop a note so we can all get caught up!

Love love love!!!! MissShapen

wow - so cool to check in and read up on everyone. glad to hear so many doing so well and for other...who have been struggling...i send my heartfelt love and prayers. 

i find myself back here with worries...i was just diagnosed with type II diabetes.  my liver studies are abnormal.  my kidney function is down to 70%.  i now have hypertension and hyperlipidemia. 

my MD says these are all potential long term side effects from chemo.  i never heard about or knew about this.  does anyone have any info?  i've email my oncologist but he's away until 1/3.  i almost feel MORE frightened about these issues than the cancer itself....

hoping to hear from you...

xoxox from Holly!

Dear Sweet Sisters,

It is with a very sad heart that I post this item found on the stage IV thread.  Lisa was such a vibrant member of our group.  I am sure she is soaring with the Angels....free from this hideous disease and pain free. 

May God bless each of you,

Nancy

Dear friends,

It is with a very heavy heart that I let you know that Lisa died peacefully this afternoon, surrounded by friends. She was one of the most amazing persons I have ever met. She had barely finished mourning the loss of one of her sisters from breast cancer before she too was dx with bc. She fought it aggressively, but unfortunately it recurred in her brain. She was brave, courageous, incredibly smart, kind, funny, a staunchly independent person who advocated for herself all the way. And time after time, when her docs thought to write her off, she bounded back and amazed everyone.

Services for Lisa are pending.  Her sister, Ellen, thought they might be on Tuesday next.  More information will follow when decisions are finalized.  Besides her dear friends and devoted sister Ellen, Lisa also leaves a beloved daughter, Taylor.

Even though I knew this was unavoidable, I still can't seem to stop the tears from flowing. Lisa fought hard and long..... I know she'll be missed by many.

Thanks for letting us know, Nancy.

Miss S