Crazy Sexy Cancer in Seattle

Options
1…1920222425…56

Comments

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2009

    Tracy and Carol - thank you for doing the 3 day!!!!!!  You guys are amazing!

    Tina- I am happy to hear that you are feeling better.  I am heading in to the city tomorrow to FINALLY start radiation.  Never thought I would be looking forward to it, but I am looking forward to having it done. 

    I can completely relate to the hormones/body feeling wacked out. 

    Tracy and Carol - I will be thinking of you both (and all of the other women walking) this weekend.

    Susan

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cheers247
    cheers247 Member Posts: 270
    edited September 2009

    Hi ladies.... I've finished chemo for now.  I'll continue herceptin every three weeks, my PET CT, MRI & Bone scan are 9/21 & 9/22.  Then my bilateral mastectomy and total hysterectomy are on 10/7.  I'm Praying for CLEAN MARGINS and NODES!!!  Hugs to you all!!!  Jessica

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jeanbean
    jeanbean Member Posts: 61
    edited September 2009

     Heidi Sue--hoping for a speedy recovery for you. I'm sure it feels like a set-back but you will finish all this!

    Good luck on the 3 day!!

    Sorry I can't make it on the 16th but have fun everyone!

    Jean

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • HeidiSue
    HeidiSue Member Posts: 43
    edited September 2009

    Hi Everyone,

    Tracy and Carol - Thank you for doing the 3 day.  I would love to hear more about it.

    Congratulations on everyone who has finished.  From everything I hear, it's a long haul getting back to yourself but eventually does happen.  I find it encouraging to meet women who are years out from it all and look fantastic.  It is a life changing experience for sure.

    Susan - how did the first day of radiation go?  Where are you getting it?  There was something about those big machines hovering over me that would make me feel tearful sometimes when I left after mine.  I hadn't been through all you've been through at that point though.

    Thanks everyone for the notes of encouragement.  My situation turned out differently than we expected.  I continued to get sicker with fevers and couldn't even walk across the room due to shortness of breath.  All last week was spent in consults, more tests, etc and they finally decided that I'm having a hypersensitivity reaction, probably due to the Methotrexate.  So now all chemo is on hold and I started high dose steroids yesterday.  I think I'm starting to notice some improvement.  My oncologist said she may cancel the rest of my chemo.  Can't say I'm feeling too bad about that at the moment inspite of feeling a little worried about shortening my course.  Sure would be great to be done though!

    Are any of you on Tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor now?  I'm sure that will be the next discussion and I'm curious to know if any of you have had problems on these drugs.

    What a beautiful day.  It doesn't get any better than this in the NW does it?  Sort of makes up for last weekend.  I love the fall.

    Take care everyone.

    Heidi 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2009

    Jessica - congratulations on being done with chemo!!!  That is a major accomplishment - especially as it landed you in the hospital, (if I remember correctly).   Positive thoughts and prayers are with you for all good news to come on your scans and surgery.  I know you are not done, but having chemo done must be a relief.

    HeidiSue - that sounds awful!  Allergic reaction to the M.  At least they figured it out, but you really must have been feeling terrible.  I think canceling the rest of chemo sounds like a plan.  

    Radiation.....I had my final x-rays (to confirm the position I think) yesterday and FINALLY start on Monday.  I still feel that this whole journey, situation, cancer stuff is a bit surreal.  Getting dressed I was wondering "does one accessorize for radiation, or not?!"  Hmmmm my mom never covered that with my sisters and me....I chose to accessorize - for myself and Madge24 if not for the techs.

    Madge and I carpooled  so that part is enjoyable - and we are deteremined to find some fun in the next 6 or more weeks.

    HeidiSue, I will be going on some type of hormone therapy at the end of radiation - I think tamox.  Dr. Ellis had me take the metabolizer test in the end of June.  I see her in early November and will see what she recommends.  I think she prefers the A/I's but is not sure if I am post menopause - sure wasn't when this started!  In Chemopause now.  I am 45 so she will do some hormone testing in November if I remember correctly.

    You are so right - I love the fall in the Northwest!  BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!  Great weather for the 3 day!

    Susan

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ginagina
    ginagina Member Posts: 327
    edited September 2009

    Happy Monday everyone  - I have missed logging in for a couple of weeks...(lots of excuses... school starts, computer virus :-( , blah, blah)....but I am so glad I did! I can meet on the 16th!!  Red Robin at 6pm?

    And I can't wait to hear 3-day walk stories. I went to the cheering station Sat morning in Everett and oh goodness...let me tell you how COOL IT WAS to see everyone walking! Young, old, men, women...one quite pregnant! I was there to see a good friend who was walking, but also hoping to catch a glimpse of Tracy and Carol....but I must have missed you!

    HeidiSue: I started Tamoxifen about 7 weeks ago (I'm 42). So far...fine (no aches, pains or stomach issues) though my period which was MIA during chemo for 4 months started the day I began the prescription, and has MIA (again) ever since. I am not missing it per se, but just wondering if this is it?

    So good to read that so many of you are finishing treatment (yah!).

    g 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • HeidiSue
    HeidiSue Member Posts: 43
    edited September 2009

    I saw some coverage of the 3 day walk in the paper - quite a wonderful thing.  I hope that I'll be doing it next year.  How did it go?

    Gina - glad to hear you're back.  Also was happy to hear you're not having any negative side effects from the Tamoxifen.  That must be weird to have yours periods so messed up.  I had just gone through all that when I was diagnosed with breast ca so I least I don't have to wonder about it..

    Susan - how was the first day of rad tx?  Are you having it at SCCA?  It's a long process.  One thing I enjoyed was my little rad tx team, I had the same ones almost every time and they were so sweet and upbeat.  I cried when I said goodby to them.  You used the word surreal before in describing the whole breast ca process, I sure feel like that applies to rad tx.

    I'm starting to slowly be able to breath again.  What a relief.  I'm getting together with Dr Rinn later this week to discuss where to go from here.........

    Take care all

    Heidi

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • golfer779
    golfer779 Member Posts: 1,378
    edited September 2009

    Gina .... say it isn't so .... we missed you .... how could that be ... we we're probably in some shade of pink with alot of bling on !!!!!!!   Wish like heck we could have shared a thank you and hug in the real life. 

    My observation ... Tracy was beautiful as she carried the flag of courage into the opening ceremonies and once again as we gather at the closing.   For anyone thinking that they would like to have a truly positive life changing experience, the 3Day would be your gig !!!!!

    The weather was awesome, the support incredible and bottom line ..... more than 5 million was raised for the Susan G. Komen Foundation !!!!!!!!!   The bonus ... no blisters !!!!!!!

    Hope to see many of you on Weds.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • golfer779
    golfer779 Member Posts: 1,378
    edited September 2009

    Do we have a small group meeting tonight ... 6pm Red Robin ???

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • tkone
    tkone Member Posts: 511
    edited September 2009

    Yes!!! 6:00pm at Red Robin tonight at Pier 55.  Hope to see everyone there.  I know there were some that couldn't make it.

    Tracy

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • golfer779
    golfer779 Member Posts: 1,378
    edited September 2009

    Alrighteeee then ... See u in a few hours !!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sam1991
    sam1991 Member Posts: 331
    edited September 2009

    Oh I hope I'm not crashing your beautiful group. I posted on the meeting website that I would like to join you. I'm one month new to the are but as I said...know where Red Robin is....yummmmm

    Kathie 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2009

    Kathie - welcome !!!!  No such thing as crashing our group! 

     I had a nice surprise yesterday - day 2 of rads.  SCCA was giving away free tickets to Pink (concert).  At first I thought Pink must be some new musical about BC kind of like menoause the musical.  I was THRILLED to know it was Pink the singer.  Took my 12 year old, 3 of her friends and one of their moms - we had a GREAT time - except we did not get back until 1am.

    That said, I am very tired - not completely coherent and taking a sad rain check for tonight.  Peg and Carol will have to fill me in - I'm sorry for the late notice!

    Have a wonderful time!

    Susan

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Madge24
    Madge24 Member Posts: 150
    edited September 2009

    Ladies,

    Great to see you all last night as always!!!  And welcome to Kathie, too!!!  Glad you all came for a visit.

    Havea great day.

    Peg

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sam1991
    sam1991 Member Posts: 331
    edited September 2009

    What a lovely dinner last night. Thank you all for your smiles and friendship. 

    Wishing you all health and healing.

    Kathie 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • golfer779
    golfer779 Member Posts: 1,378
    edited September 2009

    To pooped to pop tonight .... just sneaking a very quick peak and would also like to say "WOW ... what an awesome group of ladies that I consider friends".   Thank you for sharing your stories, listening to mine and being a true sister. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • anniebford
    anniebford Member Posts: 128
    edited September 2009

    I just found this thread and would like to crash the party, lol. I live near Olympia. I was diagnosed in July 08 with ILC and spent last fall, winter and spring going through surgery, chemo and rads. Soon after my diagnosis, a friend forwarded this website to me but I didn't do anything with it until a couple of months ago. I hope there are some people in the southern Puget Sound on here. I am recovering from my oopherectomy on Monday. The next day was a piece of cake, its the last couple that I'm really feeling it. I did too much upright stuff, I am sure. I hate being down for recovery. My 7th grader had his first cross country meet, how could I miss that?    

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2009

    Good moring Seattle sisters - sounds like you all had a great time on the 16th.  I am so sad that I missed it, but I was really incoherent by 7pm - I just cant pull these all nighter rock concerts anymore....

    Welcome Annie!  You will find this to be a wonderful group of women who "get it" as you can probably tell.  I hate being down for recovery too, but just think - after you are healed - it sounds like you are done with this cancer $%&#!!!!!!!  

    For me, so far radiation is fine - still surreal, but after only 4 days I am feeling okay - just getting used to the daily ferry/bus ride.  I also have learned that deoderant works and I can't use it on my bad boob side during rads.  Hmmm!  Now I am looking forward to some cooler weather!

    Gina - Peg asked me about tamox. I will start that after rads.  Happy happy joy joy

    Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

    Susan

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • tkone
    tkone Member Posts: 511
    edited September 2009

    Hi all,

    Good to see everyone on Wednesday and Kathie, great to meet you as well.  I'm so glad you decided to join.  Annie-glad you are joining this thread, we use the term Seattle loosely as we are quite spread out.  Hopefully you can join us next time.

    Hope everyone has a great weekend planned.

    Tracy

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jeanbean
    jeanbean Member Posts: 61
    edited September 2009

    So sorry I couldn't make the get-together! Sounds like another warm and wonderful time.

    Kathie and Annie--Welcome! This is the best place to be for support like no other. 

    Jessica-- a belated congratulations on finishing chemo!!! Good luck with the herceptin.

    Heidi--hope you are getting over the reaction; sounds like you had a bad one. Have you seen Dr. Rinn yet?

    Susan--I never thought about the deodorant issue! Well, we still love 'ya even if you're stinky!

    For those of you getting ready to start tamoxifen, I have been on it for a few months and haven't noticed any side effects at all. I have noticed my behind is getting bigger but I can't really blame that on the tamoxifen ;)

     My mom is having her lumpectomy tomorrow with Dr. Anderson; wish us luck.

    Have a beautiful day everyone!

    Jean

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Madge24
    Madge24 Member Posts: 150
    edited September 2009

    Jeanbean -- Tell your mom we are pulling for her and sending prayers for a speedy recovery. 

    We missed you for dinner but hope to see you soon!  Good to hear that about tamoxifen, thank you for sharing.

    I start radiation tomorrow.  I'm cooking like mad today to get meals lined up for the week.  It's so nice not to be on chemo anymore!

    Enjoy the sun one and all.

    Peg

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sam1991
    sam1991 Member Posts: 331
    edited September 2009

    Peg....  luck tomorrow. Where are you having your rads done? If there is anything you need or your in my neck of the woods, let me know. Maybe we can get together. Do you need a ride?

    xxoo Kathie 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2009

    Jean - sending your mom prayers and positive vibes for a successful lumpectomy and speedy recovery. 

    Peg - good luck tomorrow!  It will go great - way better than chemo in my opinion!

    Hope everyone had a great weekend!

    S

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Madge24
    Madge24 Member Posts: 150
    edited September 2009

    Kathie -- I'll be at Swedish and I'll be driving tomorrow.  I would love to get together sometime, I'll be coming to the city 6 1/2 weeks!  I'll PM you to figure out details.

    Susan -- Thanks for the encouraging words.  Hope you are doing well after the first week!!

    Peg

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cheers247
    cheers247 Member Posts: 270
    edited September 2009

    Peg, I hope all went well with your first radiation today!!

    Jean, I'll be praying for your mom.

    Today I had my bone scan and breast and chest wall MRI's.  Tomorrow I have the PET CT.   I should have the results by Thrusday.  Next week I have pre-op's with the BS and GYN Onc.  on 10/7 I'll have a bilateral mast, & total hyst.  I started Aromasin today, I'll be starting the Zometa study after surgery, and continue with herceptin every three weeks.

    Much love to you all!!  Jessica

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PAP
    PAP Member Posts: 142
    edited September 2009

    Ladies....I was so sorry to miss the get together on Wednesday.  I look forward to meeting you all at the next one whenever that will be.  I am five weeks post final chemo and feeling good!  Begin rads in two weeks.  Just another leg of the journey.... :o}  Patti

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Madge24
    Madge24 Member Posts: 150
    edited September 2009

    Jessica -- Good to hear from you!!!  Thanks for remembering -- my first radiation went well.  I'll be thinking of you and sending good thoughts your way as you get through this barrage of tests!  Oh joy, oh rapture, MRIs!  As I recall the PET CT was easier than the MRIs so I hope that goes well for you tomorrow.

    Patti -- Glad to see you pop up on the boards!  You and I finished chemo within a few days.  How's the hair growth?  I'm thinking of going without the wig for our next get together, my growth is still pretty minimal though. 

    Take care ladies.  You are courageous women one and all.

    Peggy

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ginagina
    ginagina Member Posts: 327
    edited September 2009

    Gals - so good to see you last week. Peg, do you have pics?

    Susan - glad to hear things are going well with rads so far. Not sure what I was thinking about tamoxifen???  Probably projecting a conversation we had about cytoxan....that's all I can think of. Anywho, so far tamoxifen has been fine. No SEs at all...though like jeanbean....it ain't doing anything to help me get into shape. I've probably put on ten pounds since I finished chemo. Who knows. My weight was very consistent while on chemo.

    Peg - ya girl...go topless!! :-) 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Tina-in-Seattle
    Tina-in-Seattle Member Posts: 100
    edited September 2009

    Hello ladies!!

    How is everyone?  Jean I hope your mom went through her proceedure without a hitch, my prayers are with her.  Peg how's rads going?  It's a pain to have to go everyday but it does go fast, just remember to grease grease and grease.  Keep your sking moist it's a pain but it helps.  I am a little over a month out of rads and went through it during the 100 degree heat no deodorderant!  Just stinky all summer long ha!  Jessica hope all goes well with the scans and you get good news.  Peg glad to hear the hair is coming in.  It will pick up speed you'll see.  Ditch the wig I'm sure you look beautiful.

    I am preparing for my ovary surgery on Oct 12.  Just had the ultrasound and it seems like my uterus has some small fibroids.  So maybe that will have to go to, not sure.  Does anyone know what the hell the term Doubtful Significance means?  There were a couple of small cysts on my ovaries and that is the term that was used.  Why can't they just say, no worries or something like that?  Jeeze, medics drive me crazy. 

    I am sorry I missed the get together yet again sounds like everyone had a good time.  I celebrated my big 50 last weekend or was it the weekend before???  LOL!  Got a juicer now I just need to get motivated to use it.

    I hope all is well with everyone, let's just keep kicking butt and taking names.

    xxo

    Tina

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jeanbean
    jeanbean Member Posts: 61
    edited September 2009

    Thanks for all the prayers and positive thoughts. My mom sailed through the lumpectomy and is making Asian pear sorbet as I type!

    Tina--from my (MD) perspective "doubtful significance" is pretty much the medical-ese equivalent of "no worries"; I don't know why they/we can't use plainer language! You'll probably be able to keep your uterus (not sure you want/need to) as the fibroids will probably shrink once you get your ovaries out.Good luck with the surgery and keep us posted.

    Jessica--you are a true trooper. I'll be thinking of you in the days to come and hoping for good results from all your scans.

    Gina--wow! Look at all that hair! Beautiful!

    Peg and Susan--can I bring you food? 

    Enjoy the gorgeous weather!

    Jean

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories