Starting Chemo February 2009?

Judy, how awful not being able to breath!  Did you wear one of those mask thingies, when you used the wet saw??  Too bad you couldn't take the saw outside--that might help.  Hope the breathing issue doesn't hinder your art!  That would be a shame!

Helen, post something as soon as you get home today, k?

Webbie, what's the reason for the party at your dr's office?  Did I miss an opportunity for a party??  My last one was the end of chemo.  One of my chemo buddies who finished in May is having an end of summer and end of chemo celebration.  I've thought about having one just to thank everyone who've been so supportive.  Are any of you doing anything like that?

Thanks Web, I did sleep a bit better last night

Kerry: Thanks....it's hard to believe how fast they grow up, really....even my "baby" is almost a teenager now, how depressing!!!

It's funny, I've lived in MI for 30 years now, but have never been to Hell, turns out it's not that far from here, lol.

Jaimie: That awful, stiff, can't-stand-up-after-sitting pain is from the Taxol or Taxotere, whichever you had. I still have that problem, too. Of course, I have no idea about the H and the symptoms it may cause, but I do know I am on nothing right now, and still have those symptoms daily. Feel better

Linda: Well, the saw is pretty big and messy, so I do use it outside. I just messed up by not wearing a mask. I'd never used it this often for so many days in a row, and my lungs just weren't happy about it. It was stupid of me, but I'd only cut plates with it before, they don't make as much dust. I will wear the mask from now on.

Apple: hope you're feeling ok.....I know what you mean about the yard work....I figure if I don't get out there and trim the bushes soon, my neighbors are going to start complaining, although we live next door to a house that was foreclosed on 3 years ago, and the city hardly cuts the grass, so we always look great by comparison!  The privacy has been nice with no neighbors there....my oldest DD and her fiance might buy it, the price is ridiculously low right now.

I quit my job yesterday (even though I hadn't returned to work yet, lol)....my bosses weren't going to give me back my old students....plus it is way too much at-home work that I don't get paid for, and on the days I am manager,  I got there 30 mins early to set up for the students, and didn't get paid for that time either.  Honestly, I didn't like their tutoring program anyway, nor the way they ran their business; I wouldn't take my son there for tutoring...too many students per tutor.

So I just plan to sub in the Fall when school starts, this way if I don't feel well, I simply don't work that day. Much more flexible for me, plus a lot less gas money.  I don't know how those of you who worked through this did it.....you guys are amazing, I'll say that!

Hugs

Judy

Well, how funny, Webbie!  I was invited to the party and didn't even know it.  Duh!  Chemo brain hard at work here.

Ok, I'm with you now.  I'll bring the guacamole and chips!  Here's to you, Helen!

Hi Michelle - I have tried head and shoulders shampoo to lighten a color.  Hair stylists have recommended it to me and it can lighten colors a shade or 2.

 Bev

what am i bringing?

strawberry cheesecake.. the baked New York kind but without too much lemon rind but with an extra thick graham cracker crust and tons of sugared strawberries.

Furies,  Thanks for your thoughts and good vibes.  I thought about you all day, and it was a looong day. 

Michele--My dr. gave me a copy of the MRI Report--I'm getting more confused looking up the words but:  "No evidence of acute ischemic insult or hemorrhage.  There is a single small sessile enhanching lesion which is dural based..."  "intrinsic T2 shortening which is equivocal for a small amount of blood product versus calcification..."   "Differential considerations would include small meningionma versus possibly isolated leptomeningeal metastasis given hx of breast carcinoma."   Whew-- I'm glad you mentioned "differentials" as at least I could nod my head when I heard the word.  Can you provide any insight?  The onc indicated that it may be part of my aging process, but he wants me to see the neurosurgeon because of my having had bc.  I'm making a list of questions to take with me Aug. 3 when I see the neuro.  Both my onc and the neuro speak English as a second language, so I'm very concerned about my understanding them and their understanding me. 

Judy   I hope you are breathing more comfortably now.  It's hard to fight bc by itself, let alone side "issues" as severe as asthma.

Web  Care to share your barley soup recipe?    

Linda, I so enjoyed our conversation (in spirit) in the waiting room this morning...did get some strange looks, though.  When everyone moved away from us, it did make more room for you to prop up your leg to elevate the ankle.  Seriously, hope your ankle is better.   

Furies, I'm headed for bed.  Oh, I was unblinded for the Avastin clinical trial--I was in Arm A (placebo) just as I thought.  Oh wellll.  Take care.  Helen   THANKS AGAIN Furies.     

Cheryl,

I think your hair looks great - you've got so much of it! How long exactly has it been since your last chemo? And that's very exciting about the mission trip. What an amazing thing for you to be doing at this moment in your life.

-Liz 

Liz, my last chemo was April 15th; so it's been about 3 months.

Helen:  glad that the report, although hard to interpret, doesn't sound too bad.  It's nice that we were all with you there, and that it helped you through

Cheryl:  Wow, your hair has really grown since you took your last avatar pic!  The color looks good, is it permanent color?  I've read it can be hard to cover these grays I have, and usually use a light blonde permanent color, but it may not take.  I didn't know you were a nurse!  That's great, nursing is an awesome occupation, my DD was going to be a nurse before she got sick.

Apple:  I'm sending you some hair-growing vibes......

I'm off to get my bone density scan....no idea how they do that, or if I was supposed to prepare for it somehow....lost the letter they sent me.  Oh well, all I've had is coffee this morning, so I guess I'm good to go.   I hope there are no IV's involved.

Hugs

Judy

Helen~ Glad to hear that your report doesn't sound bad. 

Cheryl~ I love the hair and the color  

Judy~ Wishing you no IV's today.

As for me I was supposed to have my pre-op today but when I called to find out if it is at 1 or 1:30 they do not have me on the schedule.  Grrrr... this is the second time this has happened to me.  Now they are going to call me back to see when they can "fit me in".  Oh well another thing to get done.  I found out yesterday that my RBC are still not in the normal range and they have dropped a point since my last surgery which isn't good.  I am hoping that they give me clearance for this surgery without a fight. 

I am also supposed to be taking the softball, teeball, and dance pictures of my kids today but I have no choice because I need to clean up my photography stuff.  Gotta get going maybe I should take a steroid (joking)

Kathy - I think it is standard to wait 4 weeks between chemo and rads. Ask your Rad Onc - s/he would know.

Judy - I have had a Bone density scan - easiest test in the world! Liking your new photo!.

Jaimie - I have my pre-op tomorrow. Hope they managed to see you today.  I am so over dr's and hospitals.....

I got in to my pre-op appt.   All done!  Now I just wait for the surgery date. 

I need to find my motivation again, it seems to have left.  If anyone finds it please send it back I am missing it. 

wouldn't that be fun,,,?

Aww, Jaimie, we're glad you're here, too! I hope you feel better soon....is there anything you can take or eat to get the RBC back up?

Bethie: Where is your picture??? You're missing! lol....glad your mark wasn't anything.  (Oops, you're back now)

I've noticed a small lump on my chest which I am pretty sure is just a lymph node--I can see it more than feel it, it's not hard or anything. It's just there. It turned up about 1 1/2 weeks ago....I have an appt with my onc on Aug 5th, so I guess I'll just see what she thinks then. For all I know it's been there all along, and I just never noticed it, since I can only see it when my arm is raised.

Anywaaays....busy day today, got lots done. I am sooo happy I can breathe again, it put me in a great mood today. The steroids they gave me really did the trick, what a relief! But I have way too much energy, and I'm glowing red! I still have 4 more days of steroids, so it should be a productive week!

The bone density scan I had this morning was easy and fast and no IV's, yay!

Hugs
Judy

Edited:  I decided to email my onc about lump....writing about it here made me realize that it would be best to let her know.