Has anyone started a forum for Chemo in Dec 2008?

Firni:  So sorry to hear about your friend.  My thoughts and prayers are with her.  I just attended my best friends fathers funeral yesterday.  He was diagnosed at Easter with stage 4 pancreatic cancer and passed very quickly. 

Feeling pretty well these days, although I have a slight pain in my neck, not sure if it is the way I slept or what.  Tylenol seems to work for a little bit, but then it comes back.  If it is still there on Monday, I will check with Dr.

Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Colleen

Firni - Please know that you and your friends are in my prayers.

thanks everyone for your prayers.  She is non-responsive now and at least in no pain.  

I spent the day outside pulling weeds around in the yard.  Felt good.  I already have radishes, lettuce and garlic coming up in my garden. 

I know that quite a few of you are suffering from lymphedema.  I found a website that has diagrams for manual stimulation and drainage of the lymph system.  Head to toe.  Here is the website in case anyone wants it.  Even if you are going to therapy or having a spouse do the massage, it's nice to have the diagrams for a reminder of technique.   lymphedemaville.wordpress.com/page/2/

As I was wandering around in the web today I came across a few lymph sites that touted the benefits of using a rebounder (mini trampoline) for lymph stimulation.  The low impact up and down motion opens and closes the lymph valves (which are one way valves).  So when the valves are open, the fluid drains.  You can read more on Starbounding.com.  This one is a rebounder website but it gives a great explanation and diagram on how rebounding helps lymphatic circulation.   Hmmm, I guess it's been kind of a boring Sunday.  But I've learned a lot.

I need to get a prescription from my doctor to start lymphedema therapy -- then I'll be jumping on those sites to see what's what. Thanks Firni.

Third opthalmologist appointmet on Thursday. Hopefully I'll finally get rid of these watery eyes. It's a pain in the neck to be dabbing at them all day long, and to wake up with them swollen shut every morning.

Firni - Chemo does do strange things to our bodies.  My sister had a toe fungus for years.  Nothing the drs. did helped until she was diagnosed with BC and under went chemo.  After finishing she noticed that her fungus was completely gone.  And it never came back.  I was going crazy with a pain in my neck for the last couple of days, but today it seems to be much better.  I believe that it had to be the way I slept.  I am still getting used to sleeping with my new foobie.  I just don't seem to get that comfortable at night.  Well good luck with your PS and I hope your toes heal quickly.

Colleen

Ferni: I am still swelling but it is get a little bit better. If I work out I have to do it early in the morning. I wish I had a good pair of compression stockings. You have to get measured and get a prescription. I just hope it goes away.

I am still holding on to my fingernails with perma bond. Its still working. 16 weeks huh. I am only 5 down. Starting Rads next week. oh boy!

Swest: Cool Not till Sept. Wow.

Cubula: You sure look cute. I have no hair yet. Can not wait!!!!! Two more weeks and I should see something.

Caroline - Yea!  I'll be cheering you on!!!  ONLY 8 more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sort of off topic BUT I just unraveled a mystery ...

5 years ago, I had a tumor removed from my parathyroid. Parathyroid tumors cause osteopenia but according to my surgeon (who is one of the leading experts on them), the condition is 100% reversible after the tumor is removed. He said all I needed was Calcium, Vitamin D and exercise.

I did lots of weight-bearing exercise, took my supplements as directed, but my bones never fully recovered. Now I know why!

I stumbled on a WebMD BC site, which said BC cells can actually increase the activity of bone degeneration. I don't understand how it works, but since my cancer was very slow growing -- everything now makes sense.

Now that I'm killing the BC, maybe my bones will actually recover (as long as I steer clear of Aromatase Inhibitors that is).

WOW lisa: You are sooooo blessed. I cried and laughed. You look great! I hope that life continues to hand you love and appreciation.

Tex: My taste is not back completely either. GRRR. One other weird thing is that I can not drink like I use to. I had a 1 margarita last night and woke up with a head ache. Thats new. We are over the hard part though and thats unbelievably wonderful huh?

Lisa, you look great -- and what an awesome tribute!

Pretty darn fantastic, Lisa.  Thanks for sharing with us!

Thanks ladies! 

I keep my hair short too...I'm liking it really short...no fuss, no muss! LOL

 Sorry to hear about the arimidex problems bobcat!

At this point, I would be happy with a boy cut.  Still nothing.