Starting Chemo May 2008
Comments
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Christine, that is funny! Yes..we had recon at the same time, didn't we? Are you having the work done in prep for zometa? That's why I am. At least there is a medical scheme here called the Enhance Primary Care scheme whereby I am entitled to free special dental work up to $4500 because I am an over 50 cancer-girl
BTW, girls, I am loving my new boobs. Oh, to have TWO again!!! The right one has a little bulge which could be 'revised' but I'm beastly careless about getting it done. I'm astounded by the size of the 'gap'..not so much with the PS (that's to be expected) but with the anaesthetist. The 'gap' was $1400. I freaked. Then I cried. Then I got really mad. But now I just feel crying again. I work so fecking hard for my wage, pay private health, get cancer and STILL have to pay thousands in 'gap' payments. I have a plan, though. I'm going to send a very graphic photo of my one-boobed self to our federal health minister, with a serious complaint. And then I'm going to send one to the health ombudsman. The whinge won't achieve a thing, but NOBODY can ignore the horror of the photo. On another note, I've been so tired this week (despite all kinds of wonderful adrenalin-filled moments and lots of joy) that I'm a bit worried. Can chemo cause serious anemia? I probably need a bit of a blood count, or is this the 'fatigue' that everybody talks about? Tonight I cooked creamy cauliflower soup with leeks. Man, it was nice. I just couldn't be bothered cooking, so I quite impressed myself. I'm also rehydrating some dried figs in sherry for a dessert on Sunday night. We have some young friends coming for dinner and I am so grateful for their presence in my life that I feel I'd better go that bit extra for them. Im heading to bed...the animals have all beaten me to it. XXXX -
Cristine, we need MORE from Larry the Cable Guy. Keep 'em coming. I truly love the "Blue Collar Comedy" show we get sometimes when hubby turns on the XM radio.
Angels, you are soooo right about "home". Why, just this evening, Mr. otter remarked, amidst the din of barking dogs, shouting people, blaring music, and beeping car alarms from nearby campsites, that we really ought to just stay home and turn up the A/C next summer.
We are having a good time. Seriously. I think we're both getting tired of traveling. Either that, or neither of us is very well socialized.
Kerry, it has rained here in Montana nearly every day since we arrived. Two years ago when we were here, there were forest fires everywhere and the clouds only brought "dry lightning". This year, the clouds build every afternoon; and by 4 pm or so, the skies let loose. Kind of a hassle when you're trying to hike or kayak (Mr. otter does those), or grill fish outdoors or even walk the boardwalk to look at another geyser or paint-pot. But the wildflowers are fantastic! Every clearing in the woods and every puny little uncultivated field is filled with them.
Eyes, do what you gotta do, either way and no matter what. If they say "Gemzar" (yes I think that's a transformer character, isn't it?) and you think you can tolerate it, go for it. If you decide you can't, then we'll rally 'round to support you. No matter what.
Sorry, gang. Gotta go see what's happening on FB. Today and tomorrow I have electricity and a so-so (off again, on again) internet connection. After tomorrow, probably neither; but I'll drop in when I can.
Love and big hugs...
otter
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OHH got another otter card in the mail. It's almost like being on vacation with you :O) Thanks!!
Had some good storms come thru here the beginning of this week... wiped out my at&t service. Which included phone, tv AND internet... talking about being bummed out.
Noelle~ congrats on your LAST herceptin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm right behind ya sista!
Have a great weekend everyone!! Hang in there Dana XXOO :O)
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Just passing through from Moraga, CA. Heading tomorrow to pick up both boys. Love you all. Love that the Cipperly kids have a facebook page.
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Hey all! Back from a week at the beach in Oregon and had a wonderful time. Ran on the beach every morning, hiked, golfed and relaxed!
I was keeping tabs via the blackberry - Dana - it was awesome to see you post! I am terribly sorry you going through another summer of chemo. We are here for you! Prayers to you!
Kerry - I have had (2) crowns in the last 6 weeks, not sure what is up with that. I am also DAT, still fighting the fatigue daily. Every night about 10 pm I feel as though I pass out (no drinking involved). Thought it was the thyroid they fried in rads. Been taking a pill to help, but only a couple weeks out with that.
Going out to catch up on yard work, 25 year reunion is this evening.
Love you all!
Jean
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Kerry - No recon for me, as I only had a lumpectomy (I say "only", but I do have 2 scars!!) I think we have been "dental twins" before but it's not for Zometa for me, just a regular ole' root canal - yuck.
Otter - I think I forgot to say I got your postcard - beautiful!! Had to wrestle it out of someone else's little hands to look at it and felt about 10 myself - "It's mine!" And the year I spent in Pennsylvania, it used to rain nearly every afternoon in the summer, too.
Eddie - I agree - love their page!
Okay, you asked for it...today's wisdom from Larry, the Cable Guy:
"Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm."
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Wow, I haven't been on in such a long time...so much happening here. My older sister was just diagnosed with BC, yep, stage 0, luckily. She'll be getting a lumpectomy and probably tomixifin depending on the receptor status. Pretty much sucks.
My dad just had a mild stroke. Luckily my brother was home and called 911 right away. Looks like everything will be okay.
I had my recheck with my radiation doc and told her about my back ache. She doesn't think its anything but with the news of my sister, I asked for a bone scan. Never had one and just want to make sure this is pain from my osteopenia. I'm also getting a breast mri in fall. I'll alternate between mammos and mri's for the first few years since the ammo never found my tumor.
Dana, so sorry this summer has you back in chemo. Extra hugs and prayers for you.
Last night was Relay for Life and I couldn't force myself to go. I'm so done with cancer....
Otter, love the post card.
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Roxi, you are right--your sister's BC dx sux, as does the news of your dad's stroke. Here's to an uneventful, no-visible-lesions bone scan for you.
Jean, when you said "the beach", I never imagined you meant Oregon. Lake Superior, maybe...
Yep... pretty much done with cancer. That would be me, too. So, I can't believe I'm confessing this:
That's currently my favorite writing instrument. Yes, it's pink. Let me re-phrase that: It is PINK. I bought it on impulse at a drugstore a few months ago. It was packaged as a "breast cancer support" item, with 50 cents (I think) of the purchase price going to Komen. The deadline for participation had passed, so Komen didn't get any of my money, but I bought the pen anyway. Maybe it was because I like real pens -- the kind with metal parts and actual, honest-to-goodness ink refills. Maybe I needed another pen.
Or, maybe it was just time. Maybe it means I'm getting past the anger and cynicism. Or maybe I bought a pink pen because it isn't October.
Hugs...
otter
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Happy weekend, ladies!
Otter - I just bought a package of similarly pink pens on Thursday. I always need them and I still like to think that it gets people thinking when I'm writing out my checks, etc. I know it isn't October, but the high school music boosters are selling the frozen cookie dough and one of the choices was chocolate cookies with pink m&m type candies. Yes, I did order them - what the heck.
School starts on Thursday and just as I suspected, our temps are warming up this week. I took youngest dd shopping and we were successful: 2 pairs shoes, 3 pairs jeans, 3 tops. Still need to go through her sister's rejects to see what else she can use.
Mary - I'm sorry to hear about your sister and your father. That just stinks!
Otter - thanks for the postcard! I just love living vicariously through everyone's pictures. We've been some pretty cool places lately.
My dental woes aren't for me this time. I definitely feel your pain, ladies. My daughter gets braces on Monday. I remember getting mine at about her age. She has one tooth that hasn't come in nicely and it may have to be "exposed" by either our regular dentist or an oral surgeon. She doesn't even want to think about that.
Was Randie's husband okay? I saw the kids mention that he was home from the hospital and I saw on their FB page that someone said he was exhaused and sad. I feel so bad for them. I can't imagine what they must be going through.
Hugs to all - Julie
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Hey girls! Apart from the teeth-work and future zometa, I am loving being done with cancer. In fact, feck it! I am going to design a t-shirt that says just that. I got a bit 'pride goeth before a fall'-ish this last fortnight. Stopped the glucosamine..couldn't be bothered etc. Today I've got my old-lady joints back. Sigh. Also, because of this amazing rain, I haven't been out for a walk for few days and I'm sure that is impacting as well. So..back to it (and some iron supplements). Wouldn't be dead for quids
thanks! Otter for another postcard. How cool! I am also loving living life vicariously! We drove past new lambs today, and more of my chooks are laying. I can SMELL spring coming. That is so cool. Eddie, I am ashamed to say my beautiful stones are sitting here at home still. I am posting them tomorrow come what may. I would love it if you sent them on to the Cipperlys. Love you all very much. Dana, the ranga kitten is on his way. And he won't drown..nothing could kill him! XX -
Weird, weird, I went to the dentist too...just a cleaning/checkup, but I did have a cavity! (Have to go back in Sept. for a filling)
Rock, love Gemzar Guy! Dana, I am so sorry that you have to do chemo again, that TRIPLE sucks. Otter, thanks for the post card! I am loving reading about the cool temperatures, it is SO HOT here that we just stay inside all day. Actually started an exercise program at one of the local hospital/fitness centers that is free, and is only offered to breast cancer survivors. I went twice last week and am looking forward to going again tomorrow--I needed a small amount of structure back in my life, and this class meets monday-wednesday-friday and saturday. I forgot how good it feels to exercise really hard...and how your whole body hurts the next day but in a good way. It is so glorious to be healthy. And kerry, I totally get "Oh, to have two again". I told my PS 8 days after my surgery that I don't just feel reconstructed, I feel restored. I had no idea that having two breasts (sort of) again would make me feel so healed. Noelle, sorry the store is having such a hard time. I'm going to call and order birthday gifts for my niece and sister this week!
Rock, when are you coming home?
Miss you guys and love all of you.
Sue
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So sorry, Roxi, to hear about your dad's stroke and your sister's dx. I'm glad she's Stage 0, and know that'll spare her chemo, but it's still awful news. Sometimes this disease feels like a curse. Have you been tested for BRCA? (I think we talked about it, I just can't remember.)
I also was thrilled to get another beautiful Otter card. And to hear from Sue. And to know that more chooks are laying and it's starting to feel like springtime in Tasmania.
(Sorry about all the dental woes that seem to be going around. I've been spared - though my daughter will be getting her wisdom teeth yanked next week.)
Linda
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Although it's very quiet here lately, there is something strangely comforting in that quietness. Besides, I can find you all on FB now!
Wrapping up summer here (wow,,,that was fast!) - going to take the girls clothes shopping for school this week.
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Hi Everyone,
We are finally back in town after 2 of the last 3 weeks were vacation- now I have to work until the last weekend in August when Im taking a Sat-Tues trip to Myrtle Beach with a girlfriend.
Work is crazy of course after having the time off- but I am trying to catch up!
Kristy
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Eddie~ did you send off rand's family box yet?
Working hours like crazy right now.... and still why can't I get ahead???
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Just passing through. I DID send off Randy's box right before I left for vacation. Not home yet but will be soon and will read all posts then.
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Welcome home eddie!!!
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Happy friday ladies,
Been running back and forth between home and cabin....I hate to admit it but this morning i had to turn on the portable heater to take the chill off in the cabin. There is always some point in August where you see a change and it never really warms up to the hot summer days again, I think we have hit that point. It has been stormy the last couple days and there is a rainfall warning today, so a good day to go to moms and do some cleaning for her...she just doesn't think to do it anymore
Thanks for the postcards Otter !
Our daughter has talked us into going on a little road trip to Kelowna next week so she can do some school shopping with a friend. I think I will have to plant the husband in Princess Auto or some place like that so the girls can have the time they need!
Had a follow up with the surgeon this week ....he said everything looked fine but did want to put a requisition in for another mamo. When I had my mamo months ago there was some shadowing but they concluded it was the scar from the port.....but he didn't like the way the tech worded it on the report so he wants to be sure and do another. I am really pleased with this guy...he listens and he has no problem going that extra step just to be sure and put you at ease.
Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend...and you see a rainbow along the way
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Good evening lovely women. Today I completed herceptin. It felt good. I wrote thank you notes to my two favorite chemo nurses, Marybeth and Marilyn, plus one for the whole chemoland floor as they were amazing in all ways. I also wrote a note to the office staff at the oncologist's. The pharmacy (I always called them the witches as they always had to brew up my herceptin) sent over sparkling apple cider and a note and there were hugs all around at completion time. I am feeling like I want to tie up other loose ends....I leave the port in until August 31 so they can access me for my colonoscopy coming soon. I got the blood people to do extra tests today so when I have my physical on Monday, I won't have to do a blood draw. I have dental work and then the portdump on August 31. We had an amazing road trip down to LA and back with our kids. I have lost six pounds in six weeks as I am on the pound a week diet. I am planning on losing a total of twenty. I have been working out an hour a day minimum and that seems to be helping. Thanks for the post card, Otter. Montana is in my top five states in the nation for sheer beauty. We got to watch the meteorite showers 45 minutes outside of Ashland. Haven't heard that the Cipperly family got our stuff but I haven't been on Facebook or anywhere else except quickly to check in. Linda...you were in Oregon? That state is another top fiver for me. Dana, am thinking of you and sending you hugs. Jen...you are next on the herceptin completion department. I am set free for three months. Love you all. Will catch up this weekend when I can get my kids (who are checking their computer stuff after four and six weeks) to share a bit more. Meanwhile, a peaceful weekend to each of you. Did I mention my mom (yes, the one who said she lost all of her friends due to my breast cancer) moved here? So far, so good. Gut nacht.
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Hey seesters! After an insanely busy and stressful week, I am sitting here on the couch 'home alone'. Alone, that is, except for the ranga kitten on my right side, the giant torty on the back of the couch behind my head (no pound-a-week-diet going on with her!) and a snoring dog on the other couch. The 6 LAYING chooks are all asleep, and Drew if off fishing for trout in central Tasmania where it is probably about zero degrees. I went to a felt-making workshop for three hours today and it was really cool. I made hub a hat (to wear to freezing places where he fishes) and it looks great...in a hippy 70s or Jabberwocky kind of way. Anyway, when it is fitted and finished it should be quite neat. I am loving hearing people's stories about winding things up, medically speaking. Dana, you are lagging a bit on that front, but mind!...It's only lagging!! Angels, you putting the heater on in your cabin, when converted to Australian seasons, means that ours will be going off occasionally and then SPRING WILL BE HERE!!! A builder starts work on the sleeping platform (fancy word: mezzanine) in our shed at the beach in about three weeks. I cannot tell y'all how excited I am about that. The episode is called 'Nesting In Preparation for Transition to Retirement', in the bestseller titled 'My New Life' by Kerry Lamb, an author who is done with the fecker cancer. Eddie, I am so impressed with your pound-a-week achievement
20 pounds sounds like a mountain but said, 'pound-a-week'..well, that's nothing. I mean, last year (52 pounds back) we were trashed with chemo and all the other shite, and looking forward to touching the bank on the other side. Or being hauled up! Pound-a-week. I'm going to apply that principle to many aspects of my life..especially as we fit out our shedslowly, slowly, pound by pound. Love y'all, and owe y'all more than I could ever describe. Especially you, Sue, with yer two boobs. Soon I'm going to get up the courage to actually go and buy one of them frothy, frilly things about a 12c..that I've pictured in my dreams. XXX -
Good evening Ladies! Just checking in to see how everyone is doing. It was a crazy week at work . . . again . .. thankful to have a job.
Roxi - Sorry to hear the news of you Sister and Father. I am hoping that they are both doing well.
Eddie - I was at Cannon Beach and it was beautiful! With as much traveling that I done, I had never been to Oregon and it was fantastic.
Linda - How is the marathon training going? When is it? What is your fatigue level like these days? I am still planning on running the Rock - n - Roll marathon in Scottsdale in January, but want to get the "ok" from the onc and pulmonary docs before I register. My fatigue is still crazy.
Speaking of fatigue, exhausted and going to bed.
Love you all!
Jean
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Eddie - WHOOP, WHOOP!!! You're done-done!
This is a quick fly-by, I will write more later but had to whoop it up for Eddie!
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Yay, Eddie, on the last Herceptin! Just stopping in from the Prather's Market parking lot in Fairplay, Colorado...
Big hugs...
otter
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Fairplay, Colorado??? Just a few hours from me - I imagine you are long gone from there now
RK
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It's a fly by hi! :O)
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Yeah Eddie....that's great news. I had a bone scan on Friday and all is clear. The pain in my chest and back is probably from the surgery they say.
Hugs to all...fair week so we're busy. My daughter took her pigs in today. Tomorrow the turkeys go in. They weight over 40 lbs. Nice birds. We're hoping for a grand champ.
Hugs to all.
P.S. Eddie, I was tested and negative for BRCA genes.
Roxi
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Hey all,
Love you. That's it. I went for a physical today and I have no thyroid. My doc said no problem and my onc said problem. He gives me three months or else meds. He swears they are no big deal. All else was clear, clean, fine. My cholesterol was lower than usual and all went well. Mary, I also was BRCA neg...hurrah, but still had to do herceptin as I was her2+...I think we all do that, yes? Anyone heard if Randie's family got our stuff? Ciao beautiful women.
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Howdy howdy howdy! Still working hours like crazy here lately. Kinda wiped out from them.
I learned this week that if you buy a normal bra and make your own inserts for the foob, it holds it in place better. And man was it nice to buy a normal bra. It took me some time to get it all sewn in but it was worth it. $15 compared to $50 each.... I'm game lol.
And I learned that you can tuck 2 mini bottles of jim beam behind a foob and it go undetected at a concert LOL. And no it wasn't for me, I don't drink. I have enough crap going thru my system at the moment.
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Jen - Good for you!! Can you make a weapon from a stick of gum and a paperclip...lol...
Eddie - I've been wondering that, too...And, well, if you don't need your thyroid, then okay!
Roxi - Good luck to your daughter!
I'm going for an evaluation tomorrow with the lymphadema/physical therapist. No, it's nothing new, just that same upper arm tightness/tingling that I've been complaining about since the end of radiation. At my last follow-up with my surgeon in the beginning of July, he referred me and it took this long to get approval and an appointment! And I think I have an infected gum (damn that root canal!) so I'll be calling the dentist, too.
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Just got back from a birthday (his, not mine) visit with my sweetie. I brought some of my work stress along with me, and it was brutally hot and humid, but we still managed to have a good time.
Belated congrats to Eddie on the last herceptin. Sorry about the thyroid news (though if you're thyroid-less, it makes your weight loss, activity level and general energy even more awesome). I know a ton of people who take synthetic thyroid hormone, and it really is no big deal.
Jean, my marathon training is coming along. I haven't done any super-long runs yet, but I've got my weekly mileage back up above 40, with one long run of 10-12 miles. I'm shooting for 14 this Saturday. I'm really sorry you're feeling fatigued - perhaps it's still thyroid issues?
Love to all,
Linda
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