Starting Chemo May 2008
Comments
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O, Eddie, you are so good at writing. RanD, when again do you go to the hospital? (Make sure there's room for me)...((((((((((Otter))))))))), crying is good, you know already all the good things it makes happen in your body, but your spirit benefits as well. Eyes, love the poem. Rock, Interesting Man was saying the following: "That is a man that is so good looking and so charming that he makes me feel like fried bologna, will you, O strong, beautiful, vibrant American Woman, tell me that I am also good looking and charming? Please?"
Chemo was bad
Often we were sad
But we discovered good friends
Who'll be with us to the end
Burma Shave
Love all you guys.
Noelle, glad to hear you taking time off!! Tell me how to minimize scarring?
Love,
Sue
P.S. Less pain and more strength every day, walked 5 X around the house today....going on the roads tomorrow--I may only do 1/2 mile, but I'm a-going!!!
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May 08 Ladies - I will compile all our poetry, print it and send it out to each of you.
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Wow - I keep saying over and over what an amazing bunch of women you/we are! I was working on a limerick of some sort, but may need to go a little more serious. Hugs to everyone!
Otter - cyber silence - I just don't know what to say. You are loved!
RanD - I've got my sleeping bag packed for next week. When and where do we show up?
Sue - I'm so glad you are a-going and feeling better.
Robin- are you driving or flying to Ohio?
Rock - have you ever thought about writing romance novels? I can't wait for the next chapter. Handsome man, ex-girlfriend, hot, steamy location, romance - this has everything we, um er YOU need! Mind if we live vicariously through you?
Dana - I loved chatting with you on FB. You did great for a newbie!
Did I mention I love you all?
Talk to you tomorrow!
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UC Davis, supposed to be there Monday afternoon, but so far, no one has called to tell us what time. The chest tube is supposed to be put in Tuesday. So I expect to wake up and see all your shiny faces there!!!!
randie
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randie, we'll be there. more xxxs and ooos than you can handle. to your hub and kids, too. oh, and grandkids!
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Yes, Rand~ make room for all of us!!!
Otter~ Sometimes you just have to let it all hang out and let go. Love ya sweetie.
Robin~ Do you know anything about springfield?? What side of col are you going to be on??
Spent the morning waiting on my buddy to come out of surgery. She came thru with flying colors. Turns out she had stage 4 endemetriosis (sp?). I'm just glad it went well. It was my first time being there for a surgery and me not being the one chopped up. Kinda odd in a way.
The weather here has taken an odd turn on us. Chilly enough for a jacket day before yesterday... tomorrow is supposed to be 85. Hot flashes are loving the hot weather, me on the other hand thinks it sucks.
Lots of healing hugs and slobbers to all!
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Otter: I was trying to play a song on the guitar two nights ago that I have played a million times (including a dozen times the day before -- can we say "OCD"?) and I could not remember the third chord. It was also kind of freaky. I have done this a million times! But I picked up the guitar yesterday and it was back. I can relate to the feeling, though, of going to the well and the well is not empty so much as I don't remember where the well even is. Scary. Disturbing.
Sue: You are right as rain. I do hope I hear from D again. I really like him. [deleted]
On a less-shallow note (the post on Jen's friend reminded me) I am going to have two procedures done on some Thursday in the not-to-distant future. I have had a couple strange Paps in a row now (cervical dysplasia -- CIN1) and my uterine lining looks odd so they want to rule out endometrial and cervical cancers. Yeah, nothing says sexy like "colposcopy" and "hysteroscopy." The doc is taking the approach of "see and treat." Whatever strangeness she finds while she is looking around, she intends to remove.
The fun never stops! Speaking of fun . . . Randie -- I don't want to be a tattletail but Adrienne wouldn't share the recliner last time, and Cris hogged all the good juice. Also, you should check Jen's pockets before you leave next time. Remember when the doctor couldn't find the stethoscope? Uh-huh. I'm just sayin'. I am not naming names, and I realize that chemo did quite a number on our tastebuds, but I think we would all do well to pack a few breath mints as the novely of being trapped under the bed or in a closet with Ms. Halitosis wears off pretty quickly. I do like the way Otter hums to herself, though. Very soothing. And Noelle always smells nice and her skin is so soft. (Speaking of which, I apologize for the stubbly state of my legs. If I'd known I'd be rolling up my pant legs and stuffed in a hot closet, I would have shaved...)
I'm sure we will all get the hang of these hospital stays eventually. But in the meantime, remember, breath mints are your FRIEND!
Love you guys.
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love to all.. I am under orders from Dr Otter, and General Tex to take it easy and go to bed.
xoN
P.S Sue, You shea butter is ready and waiting .. call me tomorrow..
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if you sneak in chocolate cake for us to midnight snack on ...all will be forgiven
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but but...... it was SHIIIIIINNNNNNNNNNNNNEY! *pout*
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Y'all sure know how to make things feel all better. I'm okay now. (I must be okay. I'm laughing.)
Yes, rock, I do know what it's like to have something you've been doing from rote memory simply vanish, as if the file was erased (over-written, maybe???). It happened to me a few months ago, and it was spooky. Now, of course, darned if I can even remember what it was! I tried to explain that to dh, but he was running late and hurrying to get ready. Plus, everything I considered telling him as reassurance was loaded with trip-wires. ("Of course you sometimes can't remember things. You've been chemo-ed!")
Like I said, I'm okay now, mostly thanks to the hugs and kind words I found here (plus today is Saturday and it's a totally gorgeous, sunny, blue-sky day). And, I really do love the May '08 CD. (Jean, I'm worried that I was whining too much yesterday about wishing I had picked a different song. It was my own fault. I'll do better next time.)
On a side note: My sister, bless her heart, has picked up the phrase, "It is what it is." She used that as a closing statement whenever she had been complaining about something that was making her life miserable. "Well, it is what it is."
I wanted to shake her. "NO! It is what you make it!"
Sorry about the humming. Otters do that. It's like when cats purr. They do it when they're comfortable, but also when things get stressy and they want to calm themselves and those around them. It's cheaper and more versatile than valium.
ranD, place your orders now for goodies and playthings you want us to bring along. Someone on the IDC forum was complaining about mylar balloons. Personally, I kind of like them, as long as they aren't released outside to get tangled up in a tree or land somewhere on the planet Jupiter.
Oh, and rock--I award 8-1/2 points (out of 10) to a guy who will sit by the pool and discuss finches and nuthatches. Also, I had one of those funky pap's 15 years ago. The doc did the colposcopy thing (points for that word?), and that was the last we ever saw of it.
I claim the bathtub in ranD's room. Or the sink, if there's no tub. Huge, furry hugs and affectionate nuzzles...
otter
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Hey, now!! It was organic juice - am I not entitled?? (Don't answer that.)
Randie - How about the mile-high chocolate cake from Claim Jumper's?! Mmmmmm...and it's big enough for all of us. I think.
Otter - Hugs to you, my friend. I remember hearing that song while driving up the grade going home - bad timing. That, along with everything else you've been through the last 2 weeks, would bring Happy the Dwarf to tears. Sometimes it just has to get out.
Eddie - Will you post a link to the show? Please.
Okay, here's my stab...
We talked, we shared, we supported, we commiserated, and we talked some more.
We bitched, we laughed, we screamed, we bawled, and we talked some more.
We got scared, we got angry, we got silly, we got impatient, and we talked some more.
We've shared anxieties, sadness, joys, losses and triumphs through our talking.
We are friends, we are sisters, we are family and we're still talking.
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I can't imagine how I would have made it through
This horrible disease, without all of you
The beautiful ladies of May 08
Have been a blessing or is it fate?
Our lives we've shared with each other
We've talked disease, children, siblings and mothers
We've carried shovels, worn fedoras
Talked body fluids and other unmentionable horrors
Next week begins one year out
So let me say this, with a shout
I LOVE YOU ALL!Even the tattletail!
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Adrienne, who knew? Cris, you too!!! Noelle, I'll call you. Rock, he will call this weekend (he may already have). And I, too had the colposcopy thing when I was in my twenties, and that was all we ever heard about it. Otter, you keep on humming, it is very soothing. RanD, do I get to sit on the bed since I am still sore from surgery and Rock didn't shave her legs?
Love you all (as my friend from high school says:) muchly alot and up to the sky...
Sue
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I will begin Tuesday May 5 with FAC (every 21 days for 4 rounds) followed by Taxol (weekly for 12 rounds). I should have my last Taxol on October 13 if all goes well. I'm getting my port on Tues 4/28.
I'm going this week to get my hair cut short and highlights. I plan to go the first Saturday after treatment to get wigs and hats. I plan to shave at the first signs of hair loss.
Glad to have the support and camaraderie of this board. I've been on here constantly since I was diagnosed but only joined today. I wish you all the best of luck with May chemo.
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passing thru....... :O)
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Still working on the poem. I'm going for a limerick but just can't past "Nantucket". Happy Saturday Evening, ladies!
Be back later - Julie
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Julie -- as long as it ain't "kick the bucket"!
Here's my attempt. Odds are I've left someone out and I am sorry. Let me know and I'll come up with an extra-special rhyme!
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Pull up a deck chair if you think you're ready; To hear an ode to the fabulous May women, starting with the ever-eloquent Eddie
Thinking of our chemo bonds makes me misty; And causes me to thank heavens for Kristy
If I feel more than a little pissed, I can count on shared outrage from DrCris;
For evidence that there is a God and that she loves us, look no farther than Angelsaboveus;
Need a comment to brighten your day? Consult the posts (and poetry!) of JulieC and RobinK
Or when your perspective gets a little slippery; it will be humorously restored by Ms. Cipperly;
If life seems not worth bearin'; Fear not, here comes a pig or special image from the big heart of Karin
Sometimes things turn kinda hairy; I look for words of fecking wisdom (and proclamation) from Kerry and Mary
Got radiated and your acids are no longer amino? For empathy and diagnosis, you should consult Jeano.
Or you seek to restore your girly side, tame your curls, and improve your smell?; for that we have to thank Noelle.
When I am feeling beat upon, as if I am a marimba; I seek the grace and poise of our dear Linda
Go ahead, keep a straight face if you're able; In the presence of posts by Jen, er, Sable
Need some warmth and humor to reverse a hex? For that we sit next to EyesOTex
After a port complication that was beyond wacky; we are especially grateful for dear Jackie
For those occasions when we were flattened under a steamroller; We benefited enormously from the on-point insight and zen-like calm of Sue, the air traffic controller.
Isn't there someone else I love? oh yeah, I got her; It's the irreplaceable, irrepressible, extraordinary, much-loved Otter
And Adrienne, does she think I've missed her?; I saved for last cuz she is my extra-special chemo sister.
BURMA SHAVE
(And a shout to Nico who is a May sister in my heart!) -
Manicure and pedicure today...salon at 6:30 AM Monday then TV studio by 7:30 for our 7:48(supposedly) on-air start with the "reveal" at 8:45. The crazy anchors who loved Adam is asking ...no insisting that he come along. This will be wild. Love you all. Randie....I love you. Rock, great poem (all of you write beautiful poetry)....talk to you soon.
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Rock - You are truly amazing. Love your poem.
Eddie - I will be watching! Of course they would insist on Adam returning. What a charmer!
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rock, I am in awe.
otter
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((((((all))))
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Rock I am in awe with your gift of words
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rock ~
I love you!
Nico
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Kudos!!!!!
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Hi Everyone,
I had an epiphany today (the guys at work used to say they had a Tiffany)- one year ago today I was just getting home from my first chemo- totally drugged, probably bawling my eyes out wondering how and what I was going to go through and how I was going to handle getting through it- today I got up and went to the organic farmers market with Larry (dh) and Joe (youngest ds), breakfast at IHOP, stopped at Sams, went to daughters warmup for the playoffs softball game, Lowes to get pots for my patio plants, home to repot and plant a few thingsin my garden, showered and went to the Blue and Gold Cub Scouts banquet - completely DAT and LOVIN IT!!!!!!
RanD- Ive got your heart for the next couple of weeks- TONS of prayers going up for you and your family!
Sue and Eyes- if they make it through this week in the playoffs things should be moving closer to Dallas for future games, if they dont survive another week in the playoffs- well my time is more freed up- daughters summer coach was really cute when he emailed the girls to say good luck in the playoffs- Good Luck but dont drag it out!- hes ready to move on with their summer schedule- and its a lot more fun for my dd so Im ready to move on too. High School coach is really difficult to deal with most of the time!
Everyone in May 08- you are always on my mind (thanks Willie Nelson) but truthfully- this group is a DAILY thing- and I pray for everyone on the list for the needs and rejoice in the victories- I have been a little absentee lately because work is absolutely chaos at the moment and the kids schedules are even more chaos- but Im still around and reading whether I post or not!
My Onc hugged me when she realized I was finished at my check in with her Friday- still have to have MUGA scans every 3 months! I didnt take anything to the chemo room with me- just too DAT- maybe my next follow up when I dont have to go in there I will take them treats! Nurse got me in one try at my last herceptin- that was worth a party- after she started the IV and gave me the benadryl- I pulled up my hoodie and told her I was checking out to sleep through it!
Patio party Thursday night was fun- invited friends who had brought food and been really supportive all year over for a spaghetti dinner!
Kristy
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OH MY GOD. I am LISTENING TO "YOU ARE ALWAYS ON MY MIND" RIGHT NOW. PET SHOP BOYS.
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Morning ladies!
Otter - It made me sad to read that you were crying, but what a difficult visit that you had. (((((((((((((((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))))))))))) to you! Also as a note, others in our group also selected "Where have you been" as a second choice song - it was a popular pick along with "It's not my time" & "I will Survive". I simply tried to grab one primary song from everyone. Rock & Dana - your CD's were mailed yesterday.
Roxy - I saw the video of the DIEP procedure - very cool. I thought you were doing implants, not DIEP. I am still on for June 1st, hoping to get cleared at the end of May.
Kristy - congrats on the last Herceptin!!! Just another milestone to celebrate!
Rock - I am not sure who said it, but you should write a romance novel! I was telling Otter what a gifted writer you are - the poem was beautiful! You will have to keep us posted on the crush and the surgery date. Although in SA, we all certainly plan on making the trip and being in the room with you!
RadD - Praying for you and the family! We will be there beginning Monday afternoon (once they tell us the time) for the duration. I am brining a bean bag chair to drop on the floor. Anyone else want one?
Eddie - give us a link!!!
Working on my poem now . . . . .
Lots of love to all!
Jean
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Bean bag sounds pretty comfy but I'm breaking out the sleeping bag. I think we'll be there a few days, right Randie? Will you be allowed visitors? How ling do they think you'll have to be in ICU before we move in?
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Loving all the poems! Rock - what can I say? Brilliant.
Randie - Need anything else for tomorrow besides the massive chocolate cake? Jean, I'll take a bean bag, since Adrienne may be hogging the recliner again!
We spent the morning watching "Mama Mia" for the 4th (or 5th?) time. I love that my girls are getting a chance to experience music that I grew up with. So I had to show them the "real" group ala Youtube. "What are they wearing?" was the most frequent comment. I'm hearing random phrases from "Dancing Queen" and "Mama Mia" in the background - love it!
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