Starting Chemo February 2009?

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  • apple
    apple Member Posts: 7,799
    edited August 2009

    boys that age are impossible.. and they get mad if you don't get them the right present

    hello, like we're not trying.

  • KerryMac
    KerryMac Member Posts: 3,529
    edited August 2009

    Hey guys - I am back! Dirty and covered in bug bites, but we had a wonderful time.  Have just caught up on everyones news!  Will post some photos tomorrow.

  • Artemis
    Artemis Member Posts: 759
    edited August 2009
    Welcome back, Kerry!  Glad you had fun!
    Cool
  • xpectmiracles
    xpectmiracles Member Posts: 439
    edited August 2009

    It's great to see your post, Kerry! I'm glad you had a good vacation, School starts tomorrow for our family, I'm working Monday and Tuesday. Then I think I will be checking on flights for the Philippines in January. Hugs to all Furies!

  • Jaimieh
    Jaimieh Member Posts: 2,373
    edited August 2009

    Welcome back Kerry :) 

    My baby goes to first grade tomorrow and while we are really not ready yet it's something that I have to get used too :(.  She thinks school is wonderful and I am only happy about it on days that I am exhausted. 

    I have my new kidney doctor's appt. tomorrow so I have a little bit of running around to do to get ready for this appt.  I hope that he is a much better match than the last group of people. 

    Personal question for everyone:  Has anyone been revisited by Aunt Flo ??  I have felt like she is coming at any minute for the past week but she hasn't made an appearance yet.  I just was wondering if this was normal ??

  • gcpommom
    gcpommom Member Posts: 883
    edited August 2009

    Hi everyone!  Busy weekend....cold weather, though...what a strange summer we've had!  Son's birthday party was nice yesterday, he was spoiled as usual, and got lots of nice things.  Luckily my sister volunteered her house for the party....mine is a mess, between mosaics on the kitchen table and DS's furniture in my living room (while we redo his room).

    Kerry:  nice to have you back!  hope you had a nice, fun, relaxing vacation!

    Jaimie:  I've sworn that my period was coming back--cramps, mood swings, etc---and then nothing happens.  I assume our hormones are totally out of whack....but I am guessing mine will come back, just a feeling.  I saw one woman on the boards who had chemo at age 46, and her period came back when she was 51...can you imagine???

    Cheryl:  How exciting to be planning your trip! 

    Well, I'm off to farm some more, then bed....I'm tired enough to go to bed now, but if I don't harvest my strawberries, they'll die by morning! 

    Hugs

    Judy

  • KerryMac
    KerryMac Member Posts: 3,529
    edited August 2009

    Hi guys - happy to be back! Good morning Apple!

    Jaimie - Oh, I hope your daughter has a great day today. Photos?? School here doesn't start for another two weeks, my daughter is starting Grade 1 too - I am happy for her as she too loves school, but I will miss her. Hope your new Dr is better than the last.

    Judy - I have to say, I loved the photo of the blond you! I am so happy for you that you are going out topless now, it is really quite freeing. I actually feel more like "me" than I did wearing a wig.

    As for Aunty Flo, no more ever for me! That's what having no ovaries will do to you.  I know it comes back after chemo for a lot of people, especially as you guys aren't on any hormonals.

    Well, I have 300000 loads of laundry to get through today, as well as cleaning and airing out all the camping stuff. I will try and get some photos posted as well. We really had such a great time.

  • Jaimieh
    Jaimieh Member Posts: 2,373
    edited August 2009

    Boy I am a goof.  My appt. for my new doctor is on Thursday. 

    Judy~ Whooo for you sister letting you have his party at her house.  I am sure you where able to enjoy the party more. 

    Kerry~ Have fun with all the laundry.  I have a ton to do but I just keep putting it off...lol..... I am going to try and get some photos if the child will move a little faster than a turtle.lol....

  • apple
    apple Member Posts: 7,799
    edited August 2009

    I've been so busy with a funeral, my Uncle Mike being in town, yet another birthday.  Yesterday all the Stevermers met at Jeff's farm for a day or relative dabauchery.. Bloody Marys and a few puffs on a cigar.. I actually liked that.  Jeff is retired and has set up a saloon in his barn.. So much fun.  the dogs ran around.. we took 'hay' rides, I took pictures. and I don't have a headache.

    Good Morning Kerry.   missed your post before mine every day.

  • KerryMac
    KerryMac Member Posts: 3,529
    edited August 2009

    So, I should be cleaning up and doing laundry, but i am messing with the photos instead. Here are a couple of us in Montreal.....

  • KerryMac
    KerryMac Member Posts: 3,529
    edited August 2009

    And camping.....

  • gcpommom
    gcpommom Member Posts: 883
    edited August 2009

    Apple:  That sounds like it was fun....neat idea to have a bar in the barn...lots of room...on HGTV I saw this couple who added a big bar, a dance floor, furniture, and a disco ball Surprised to their barn, and it looked pretty cool.

    Kerry:  It sounds--and looks--like you had a wonderful time!  Love the pics!  Your hair is so thick....it is so dark....I thought everyone got that salt/pepper color at first, but maybe I'm just too old and that is my hair color now! 

    Jaimie:  You'll probably find mixed feelings today....you'll miss her while she's at school, but then again, the peace and quiet are not bad, lol!!!  I can't remember...is she your youngest, or will you still have one at home today?

    Got to drag my butt up and get something done today.....my washing machine is acting goofy, so I'm going to research that and see if it's something we can fix ourselves.

    Judy

  • Jaimieh
    Jaimieh Member Posts: 2,373
    edited August 2009

    Kerry your pictures are great.  You look wonderful :) 

    Judy~ She is my oldest (6) and my little man (4) doesn't start pre-school for another couple of weeks.  He seems lost today without her. 

    I am supposed to be doing a bunch of things but my motivation is gone :(  It will be back soon as I need to start exercising so I can get in shape for Disney and get some strength back.  I am weak still :( 

    I did photograph a Wedding this weekend for a cousin which I decided that in a couple of months I will be ready to start taking them on myself again.  They had a friend who was going to do it for them who had never done a wedding and I was going to snap a few shots well it turned into me telling the friend what to do.  I asked him what he had in mind for formals and he just looked scared so I took over...lol...  I am VERY, VERY loud and bosey so the bride and groom get what they want and can enjoy their party :)  It felt good to be doing something I love. 

  • Artemis
    Artemis Member Posts: 759
    edited August 2009

    Jamieh ~ Aw, it must be sad to see your little one go off to school.  I'm glad she likes it though!  Good luck with your new kidney doctor.  I've not had a visit from Aunt Flo since December, a couple of weeks before my diagnosis.  How great that you could do photos for your cousin!

    Judy ~ Glad the party went well!

    apple ~ a saloon in a barn sounds awesome!  Glad you and yours had a good day.

    Kerry ~ thanks for the pictures!  You have a beautiful family, and you look terrific!

    Furies, I had my first dose of Herceptin today, and that went well.  Onc said my heart looked great on last week's echocardiogram. 

    I've been walking at least two miles three times a week for the past two weeks.   It feels wonderful!  There's a walking trail by the lake; actually, it's a reservoir, and the trail goes out to the top of the dam.  It's awesome on the dam, and I feel so proud on the days that I make it all the way out there.

    Hugs to all,
    Artemis

  • MicheleS
    MicheleS Member Posts: 937
    edited August 2009

    great job Artemis!

    Kerry- Love the pics.

    Jaimie~ Pls post after your new MD visit.

    Judy~ Glad the party went well.

    Aple~ I can't drink anymore!! I'm drooling on myself after just a 1/2 galss of wine. It is just terrible!

  • Jaimieh
    Jaimieh Member Posts: 2,373
    edited August 2009

    Michele I have til Thurs. for my appt.  I am just a goof and put today by accident. 

    I can't drink either.  It is sad but at least if we are out it doesn't cost hardly anything to get me drunk..lol... 

  • KerryMac
    KerryMac Member Posts: 3,529
    edited August 2009

    Oh, yeah, i get drunk on the smell of it now!

    Artemis - your trail sounds lovely. Nothing that tranquil in the big city here, we do have a nice park close by and a huge cemetery, but I won't walk there by myself early in the morning. 

  • Jaimieh
    Jaimieh Member Posts: 2,373
    edited August 2009

    Okay real quick First day of school was a great success and I have done my homework....lol...

  • KerryMac
    KerryMac Member Posts: 3,529
    edited August 2009

    Jaimie - that is a wonderful photo! She looks so happy. I am guessing it went well. How did Mummy do? 

    Well, I started on the dreaded Arimidex last night. Boy, it is a lot more expensive than tamox!! It had better work, the amount it is costing us. Nothing major in the SE department yet, but I am ready. The SE part of the info sheet was looooong and scary reading.......

    Anyhow, hope everyone is doing well, have a great day! 

  • apple
    apple Member Posts: 7,799
    edited August 2009

    Kerry - I am ordering my maintenance drug 90 day supply thru my insurance's mail order company.. it's significantly cheaper.  Perhaps something like that is available to you.  I had to call my insurance.. it wasn't on their website.

    That IS a fantastic photo Jamie.. don't you just love little girls.. they're so pretty.

  • KerryMac
    KerryMac Member Posts: 3,529
    edited August 2009
    Apple - Our insurance will only give me 1 month of the Arimidex at a time....so i will have to go in for refils every month. They pay 90%, so it is not too bad. We might call and see if they can give me it 3 months at a time. My Onc also gave me a prescription for colondrate (sp?), but i am seeing if the insurance will pay for Zometa. She seems to think they are as effective as each other,  just the Zometa has fewer side effects, and you don't have to remember to take it every day. They would have to give me the Zometa at home, as it would be off-label.
  • MicheleS
    MicheleS Member Posts: 937
    edited August 2009

    Kerry~ I'm on clondronate and don't have any SE that I can tell.  Maybe when I'm done with Avastin, I'll notice some SE that don't go away (that I was thinking were from Avastin).  I take the clondronate with a huge glass of water 1st thing when I wake up... I go for my walk, get the kids ready for school, etc... by then, it is OK for me to eat.  I haven't had any nausea from it.  And, since I'm upright for my entire morning routine, no reflux.  Also, the risk for ONJ is lower for clondronate... WHat were the SE that you have heard about??  I have heard that zometa is easy to tolerate.  I've seen ladies in the chemo room getting it and there's no complaining! I guess what I'm saying is that either drug should be beneficial to you and that I've found the SE of clondronate to be no big deal.  I think that Jaimie is on it too.

    Hope everyone has a great day!!

  • KerryMac
    KerryMac Member Posts: 3,529
    edited August 2009

    She didn't really think there were any major Se's - it was just the digestive SE's she was talking about. Apparently there isn't that issue with the Zometa. She more or less said either drug was good - no proof yet as a preventative, but she said it wasn't going to do me any harm, would help keep the bones strong, and could be a mets preventative. So why not!

  • Artemis
    Artemis Member Posts: 759
    edited August 2009
    Oh, Jamie, what a doll your daughter is!
    Smile

    Kerry ~ Good luck with the Arimidex! 

    You guys are cracking me up talking about your intolerance for alcohol.  I can see someone opening a bottle of booze, and then we all fall down drunk from the fumes, LOL!!
    Tongue out

    Hugs to all,
    Artemis
  • Artemis
    Artemis Member Posts: 759
    edited August 2009

    *deleted pitiful attempt to post a picture*

    Honestly!  I've never had so much trouble posting pics on a message board!  Is the board just that wierd, or is the chemo brain affecting my mad computer skillz??!!
    Yell

  • Jaimieh
    Jaimieh Member Posts: 2,373
    edited August 2009

    Artemis~ I load mine to photobucket and then I always have to post them twice for them to show up.  So nope it's not you :)  I noticed you just started on Herceptin did they just find out you where HER2 + ??

    Kerry ~ Michele is right I am on clodronate also and I had a month of crazy joint pain BUT I had them slow down the herceptin and it's been much better this month.  So besides being a pain to remember (I am not consistent with my daily plans) it's fairly easy to handle.  I have never had any digestive SE and hopefully I will not. 

  • Artemis
    Artemis Member Posts: 759
    edited August 2009

    Thanks, Jamie; I've been using imageshack, so maybe I should try Photobucket.

    My HER2 status has been in question since my biopsy.  The initial path report showed that I was neutral at 2.  My onc said he'd never had a patient be neutral, so after thinking about it, talking to me, and talking to other oncs, he ordered a more detailed test last month.  That one put me at 2.2, lol.  

    Since I'm willing to take it and insurance is willing to pay for it, he decided to go ahead and give it to me.  I guess that little ol' .2 helped him make his decision.
    Wink

    Seriously, I'm glad to get it.  It might help, and it certainly won't hurt.  I want to throw as much ammunition as possible at The Beast!

    Artemis

  • Bethie1
    Bethie1 Member Posts: 393
    edited August 2009

    Hey gang!!! Thanks!!! I have more hair coming in since that was done, just need someone to take a pic of me!!!! 

    Judy-- Have fun with the party--hope Julia is OK!!

    Jamieh---HAIR PICS!!! We'd love to see some!!!

    Where's Webbie---?????

    Yack later!!!

  • apple
    apple Member Posts: 7,799
    edited August 2009

    a pic from a Kansas Farm of me and  my niece Julia

  • gcpommom
    gcpommom Member Posts: 883
    edited August 2009

    Jaimie:  It seems like forever ago that my kids were that young....hope you held up ok today without her at home....you will get used to it, sooner than you think!  It looks like she had a great day, so that's good! (she's adorable, by the way)!!!  I'm sure your cousin will appreciate you stepping in and taking the photographs of her wedding!

    Artemis:  Your walks sound very relaxing, it sounds like such a pretty place....when I walk, all I get to see is subdivisions!  You're doing really well to be walking such long distances....I feel like such a wimp ; )  I haven't been exercising at all, soooo achy all day long.  I have to pull the pics up in photobucket, copy it, then paste it for this website....it's weird.

    Michele/Kerry: It's strange, I can have a drink and NOT feel it at all now....it does make me sleepy though (what doesn't???)

    Apple:  cute pic!

    We went to the beach today, but it was a wash, really....was only there for less than an hour (nobody even got to swim) when my DD got a horrible toothache, so we had to take her to the dentist.  I felt bad for her, she was crying so hard....and she felt bad to "ruin" the day. 

    Talk to you all later

    Hugs

    Judy

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