Chemo Starting Sep 09

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  • Pamelajo
    Pamelajo Member Posts: 346
    edited October 2009

    Gooooood Morning from the trenches!!!  Going to the hospital this morning to see what my "options" are.  Dunno if I will be joining all my sisters in the big chair today or not, but either way, my hearts there with you.

    Everything has been swell the last couple weeks.  Just bone tired after work and fixing supper, and cleaning LOL  and all the rest of the woman stuff we have to do.  DH has been great through this whole mess, but boy is he a messy guy.  He pitches in and I appreciate it, but with just the two of us, things shouldnt be so messy all the time.  I'm sure it is just me and the OCD disorder but my house is not as clean as it normally is, and I think (don't say it too loud or it might be true) it is slowly driving me insane.  SHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH, let's pretend I didn't say that.  shhhh shh sh. 

    Glad I took the rest of the week off work. If I don't get chemo today, I plan on getting this house back in shape, and working on my yard.  The leaves are all over the place, and especially in my frog pond right outside my front door.  We neglected to throw the mesh cover over the little waterfall area and leaves are drawn to it.  Now I gotta scoop em out with the long poled net!  Ugh.  It's all worth it when the frogs start to croak in the Spring though......I love sitting on my patio and hearing them.  Peaceful.

    I sure would miss this world if I just gave up and quit fighting.  Living is soooooooo worth this short stint of crap.  The world is a beautiful place and you ladies make it even beautifuller! 

    So, later today, I'll be with all my 29th sisters in spirit as we go through our appointments!  To all of you who are recovering, or preparing, I hope you have a wonderful day without pain or sickness.

    Hugs and cookies to all.

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  • Neece
    Neece Member Posts: 270
    edited October 2009

    hey Vicki and Flacracker its lovely to hear from you but hey, no pressure to post! It's just we worry when we don't hear from a sister for a while that you are not doing OK. But if you are off doing good things (or alternatively a bit too sick to post) that's really OK too!

    I am just out of my Eeyore hole from last tx. Seemed to take a bit longer this time - maybe that happens as the tx's proceed? My Dh drove to my parents' place 2 days ago and brought them here to spend a few days with us - lovely to have their company and give me some focus other than se's!

    Hey I agree Atvian is the best sleep aid - but guess what - last night I took one and it DIDNT WORK - first time - took a 2nd one at midnight in desperation and it finally took effect But i woke this morning feeling so whoozy! My onc has said to just take them for 5 nights during tx week if needed and I haven't needed them before for more than a few nights - but this time I seem to be having more trouble getting to sleep naturally. All very mysterious.

    Marilou I just LOVE your description of the image you posted - not only is it very beautiful but what a wonderful meaning behind it! Very appropriate for this thread. Thanks for the explanation.

    RonnieKay happy to take even numbered pages - will make a start when my folks have left and pm you with what I find. Sounds like a fun task.

    Vickilynn glad your hubby doing better. What a yukky thing he has had to go thru.

    Re the N1H1  shot, I will be asking my onc next time I see her for advice about this. The Australian govt is rolling out a national free vaccination campaign for this right now. We are past our seasonal flu period now however thiere is concern that as the US and Europe are entering their peak flu seasons, the N1H1 virus might change its form and come back with a vengeance when we enter our winter period mid 2010. The vaccine is being reccomended to folks with chronic conditions, cancer etc.. however as in the US there is a fair bit of debate around it here. My feeling is to sit tight and wait until next year when I am thru chemo and maybe then we have had a chance to assess the safety of the vaccine. We are being pretty vigilant, personally in our home, to avoid people with illness and to practice good hygeine, so far so good.

    anyway love to all and for those who have had txs this week, gentle hugs.

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  • amyooo
    amyooo Member Posts: 77
    edited October 2009

    RonnieKay,

    My onc told me that I will get "intense" radiation. I am having a double mast in Dec. She said my radiation will be breast, left axilla and left chest wall near my sternum. It seems as tho positive lymph nodes can't be surgically removed so you have to zap the hell out of them.

    PamelaJo, thinking of you today.......

    Off to chemo with the others,

    Love to all, Amy

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  • amyooo
    amyooo Member Posts: 77
    edited October 2009

    Sorry, I should really proof before posting.....

    I MEANT.....Positive lymph nodes that are in the chest wall can't be surgically removed. The rest can, of course.

    Amy

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  • BarbAnne41
    BarbAnne41 Member Posts: 380
    edited October 2009

    Hey ladies-

    Welcome back Vicki.

    Vickilynn I am so glad the hubby is doing better.

    To all the ladies in the chair today my thoughts are with you.

    Susan gosh thats a lot of snow. Stay warm.

    Amy-I had a positive lymph node and they radiated the heck out of that area, the breast and the area of chest above the breast towards the underarm. I am with ya there sweetie.

    I am at work, but I can feel my post-chemo exhaustion creeping in, Friday should be fun.

    Ronniekay-it may have been me who mentioned my pee, the Adriamycin makes it orange, it is only temporary but inevitable. I drink oodles of water-best thing for us!

    Toni-I hope you are alright!

    Much Love

    Barbara

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  • chinablue
    chinablue Member Posts: 545
    edited October 2009

    Anyone having trouble with drinking water.  Sometimes water doesn't taste good to me.  I have found great success in Selzter water (no additives other than the carbonation).  

    Viday told us a bit about her Taxol experience.  I wonder if anyone else could share? 

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  • positiveme
    positiveme Member Posts: 157
    edited October 2009

    Good Morning Sisters

    I am at work and will be leaving in alittle while for chemo. Just wanted to catch up with everyone before I leave. I am nervous about having a allerigic reaction again. I am trying not to think about it but I'm not doing a great job of it.

    Susan- Thanks for sharing about the crampy stuff. I think it was intestinal. I don't think i was ovaries. I haven't got my period since I started tx and my onc said that probably would happen. I saw all you snow on the news this morning. I looks amazing. That pumpkin chocolate chip bread smells great.

    Does anyone know if you get your period while on tamoxifen? That is my next step.

    Neece- Glad your feeling better. We like Tigger days.

    Pamelajo- Godd luck with the dr. I know together you will make the right choice.

    My prayers are with everyone. I will be thinking of all my chemo buddies today. Wishing for a noneventful tx for all

    THINK POSITIVE

    chat with you soon

    Catherine

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  • amyooo
    amyooo Member Posts: 77
    edited October 2009

    Chinablue,

    I wrote about my Taxol experience on Oct.22      Hope it helps. Please feel free to ask me anything

    Amy

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  • unklezwifeonty
    unklezwifeonty Member Posts: 1,710
    edited October 2009

    I believe Tamoxifen can put you into menopause.

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  • Melinda-Tma3
    Melinda-Tma3 Member Posts: 168
    edited October 2009

    China- thanks for the tip in club soda....I am sooooo sick of water....the club soda is really refreshing! Think I'll add some fresh lemon....I've heard it's good for the cleansing the mouth as well as kicking in something to help fight off some of the bacterial problems.    

     Got the go ahead for lumpectomy surgery on Nov  17th, off 4-6 weeks then rads in January....This is great! I will be free for the month of December to heal and to enjoy the holidays. Still feeling crappy from last A/C.  Hoping for a little pickup tomorrow!  Didn't get my period last week from chemo.  Not sure what to expect over the next 2 months....after rads then tamoxifen for a year.  I am going to begin some research on rebuilding my gastro health.  Will share what I find soon.  As a few of us probably could use it!  

    Hope everyone on tx today faired well. 

    Wishing everyone a nice and peaceful evening.

    Melinda 

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  • amyooo
    amyooo Member Posts: 77
    edited February 2010
    Melinda! Great news!
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  • BarbAnne41
    BarbAnne41 Member Posts: 380
    edited October 2009

    Congratulations Melinda.

    Hope you all are well.

    Barbara

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  • jadams1264
    jadams1264 Member Posts: 417
    edited October 2009

    Hello SOSisters ... exciting and not so exciting news!  I got a response from one of my letters.  It was to the Adelson Foundation (they own many hotels in Vegas).  They have already spent all of the foundation funds for 2009 but suggested I try again in Jan. 2010.  Know that we want somehwere quiet, but they could find us quiet places to eat, send us to the relaxing spas, have private meeting rooms, send us to a good show!  I will try again in January!

    BarbAnne41- You really did help us with the radiation info.  So many of us will be starting Jan./Feb.  Hope you are doing well today!

    Susan - I would love some pumpkin bread!  When we lived in NJ that's what I would do when we were snowed in, cook hearty soup and bake cakes and cookies.  Loved the snow, hated all the ice, sidewalks, roads.  Hope you had a very restful day today with many naps.

    China Blue - glad to hear from you!  I mentioned the runny nose, drives me nuts.  Glad your A/C is over.  I also have stubble even through I am now through txt 3.  I'm going to try the seltzer water, I'm with Melinda nothing tastes good!

    Amy - My onc dr. has now changed his opinion on the H1N1 - says the CDC changed their guidelines for chemo patients.  However, for both the seasonal flu and H1N1 it must be the shot, not the mist.  Also, primary caregiver (hubby, significant others) should get the shot only, no mist for either shot.  Sounds like we'll be doing rads about the same time.

    Flacracker - glad to hear from you and that you are keeping busy.  Hope your treatment went well today and you will have few if any se's.

    Vicki - glad to hear from you too.  How are you feeling after your Taxol txt?  Any side effects?  The benadryl makes me sleepy and I only get 1/2 dose.

    RonnieKay-welcome to the Thursday club (starting next week).  I don't know how many of us get Herceptin, I need to write all this stuff down!  Glad to see you and Neece are going to post to the blog.  It should be fun to see!  I like the idea of the pink tissue boxes with pink ribbons!  I was thinking I should write to Kimberly Clarke and see if they would like to sponsor us.  I will put them on the list!  Crazy is NC when it snows, we get maybe 1" of snow and people become complete idots, especially the ones with 4 wheel drive!  I've already gone though menopause and don't want to do it again.  According to onc dr and pa, it will be a wild ride on the Tamoxifin!

    Pamelajo - been thinking of you all day and wondering how you made out.  Please let us know as soon as you can!  The frogs in the spring do sound relaxing!  I will be ready for a new cookie in about 2 weeks when my taste buds come back.  

    Neece- my onc said each treatment is cummulative and keeps building as you go through each.  My onc nurse says out of my 6 txts I will get, #5 will be the true kicker.  I do know side effects lasted longer on txt 2 than txt 1 and my friend that is on same txt as me but a week ahead has had a terrible #3.  My #3 is going to be a breeze, that's my story and I'm sticking to it (I hope).  Thanks to you and Ronnie Kay for working on the blog!

    Catherine - hope your txt went well today.  Was thinking about you!  Mine did and the time just flew as all of us in the cubicle have become fast friends since we see each other every Thursday  and spent the entire time talking and just having a good time.  Sunshine, 77 and blue skies again today.  Sorry it wasn't as nice in NJ!

    Vickilynn - how is hubby doing today, much better I hope.  Sorry you don't have the energy for all your plans, I can so relate!  I had energy this am, first time in what seems like forever and then I had to go for my "bad chemo" and I know I'll be on the couch by Sunday!  Just take it easy, you will know when "your back".

    Marilou - Hope you were able to do your chemo today.  I'm with you, just want to get it done.  I agree with Neece, your beautiful picture is so appropriate for our website.  I do taxotere, it does have side effects but it is suppose to be safer for your heart (or so my onc dr says).  

    Barb0323 - We are having nice weather now in NC, I like 80's but 90"s are getting warm!  I'm so glad you have such a great support group at work, it really does make a difference.  My group is also wonderful and they have all gone out of their way to make sure I don't over do while I'm doing my chemo thing.  How did your treatment go today?  Smooth I hope with no or minimal side effects!

    Onty - how are you doing?  Did you have a treatment today?  I agree with you about the Taxmoifin, it is my understanding that it causes menopause.

    Melinda - know you will be relieved to get the lumpectomy out of the way.  I was back to work in 2 weeks with no problems. I will also be do rads about the same time, it seems like there will be several of us doing rads after first of year!  Hope you have more energy tomorrow.  

    To everyone else, hope you are having a good day and if you had a txt today, hope it went well.

    Take care.  Thoughts and prayers are with you!

    Jane

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  • Pamelajo
    Pamelajo Member Posts: 346
    edited October 2009

    Well Ladies, it's all done but the shoutin here in Indiana.  Went and met with my Onc today.  She says no more chemo for me.  It is doing more harm than good at this point, and she's confident I will be just fine with just taking the 5 yrs of Femara (spelling).  I had already made up my mind that I wasn't going in the chair this afternoon.  I didn't know for sure until I sat down in the exam room, but when the NP started her conversation with me with "adriamycin causes these side effects" and I had to tell her I wasn't on adriamyacin, I made up my mind.  I'm a human being dammit, and I'm tired of being treated like a number on a sticker they place on my shirt for treatment.  My Onc is a lovely woman, but I don't get to talk to her very often.  She did alot of research on my case, and she had planned alternative therapy, but the benefits didn't outweigh the costs to my body.

    Sooooo, I go see my sexy plastic surgeon Dec. 3rd, the day before my 39th birthday...what a present, hubba hubba.  I'll have dorsal flap reconstruction sometime in January.  I'll be on the estrogen inhibitor for 5 yrs, and then I'm done.

    I want you all to know that you have been my strength.  Our little family here has kept me up when I felt down and held me together when I was falling apart.  I hope you aren't thinking you are rid of me though.........  I need you ladies like I need air. :)

    So I raise my glass of organic milk in one hand and a cranberry orange oatmeal cookie in the other, to you, all of you.  I pray the rest of your tx's are mild and you come through all this with flying colors.

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  • jadams1264
    jadams1264 Member Posts: 417
    edited October 2009

    Pamelajo - I'm with you and you know better than anyone what is right for you!  You better stay right here with us!  You are our warrior sister and we need you too!  39 huh?  I've been 39 for several years now!  I'd ask for a cookie but taste buds have already started to go south.  Save one for later? Love you girl!  Hang in there!

    Jane

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  • amyooo
    amyooo Member Posts: 77
    edited October 2009

    Pamelajo,

    Sounds like a really good treatment plan and I am so glad you are gonna still hang with us. We need you!

    Love, Amy

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  • BarbAnne41
    BarbAnne41 Member Posts: 380
    edited October 2009

    Jane-glad things are going well. One "negative" letter is not so bad. What  about Rachael Ray? She might be a good candidate-just a thought.

    Pamela-don't you dare go any where!! We love you and you are a sister. I am glad you made  a wise and good choice for your body-we are all with you.

    Sleep well-

    Barbara

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  • positiveme
    positiveme Member Posts: 157
    edited October 2009

    Good Morning All

    Here at work at 7am this morning. Tx # 3 was the best so far. No problem starting the IV and no allergic reactions. I was only there for 31/2 hrs and time flew by. I feel pretty good just alitte headache and alittel foggy. 3 down and one more to go. Hooray!!

    onty- Thanks for the info about menopause.

    Jane- Las Vegas wouldn't be so bad. Some good food, spa treatments and a show. I could handle that. Thanks for all your letter writing.

    Pamelajo- I'm glad you are confident in your plan. Once you have your surgery you will be on you way. I raise my glass to celebrating your positive attitude.

    Hoping to here how everyone is doing. You are in my thoughts everyday.

    THINK POSITIVE

    chat with you soon

    Catherine

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  • Melinda-Tma3
    Melinda-Tma3 Member Posts: 168
    edited October 2009

    Great news Pamelajo!  Raising my glass of club soda to you! I'm envious of you and your frog pond....I hope to add something to that effect to my patio area some day! 

    Here's a site for those of you finishing chemo and ways to help detoxify in a normal healthy way.

    http://blog.cincovidas.com/natural-ways-to-detox-your-system-after-chemotherapy-or-radiation 

    Not too much finding on the probiotics but here is a respected company and information site if you want to check it out.  

    http://www.nutriwest.com/health/health.htm 

    Ciao for now!

    Melinda 

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  • unklezwifeonty
    unklezwifeonty Member Posts: 1,710
    edited October 2009

    PamelaJo,

    Good luck with the rest of your treatment. Please do stay with us through this journey.

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  • RonnieKay
    RonnieKay Member Posts: 2,067
    edited October 2009

    YAHOOOO Sisters!  One of our busier weeks, by far, and we made it through!!!  I'm raising a glass of vitamin water and a handful of peanuts!!!  Thanks for the websites MELINDA..I'm SOOOO going to need it after this is over!!!  French fries are my friend...and I need to give them the heave ho!

    Pamelajo!  NOW...time to start healing!!!  So glad the NP helped with your decision (???).. I think a little divine intervention was with you yesterday!!!  I LOVE that you have a sexy plastic surgeon...he'll probably give you sexy breasts (I'd love a couple of those!!).  We'll be Femara sisters....can't wait (ugh!). 

    Amy...makes sense about rads w/mastectomy...my friends had no lymph nodes involved.  Get ride of all those little buggers!!!!

    MELINDA & any others getting lumpectomies...I also had a good recovery from my lumpectomy..10 days afterwards we had a wedding reception in the yard of our house in eastern washington & I helped set up 20 banquet tables & 200 chairs, along with decorating, and then helping to cater & clean, etc.  The surgeon said staying active and using my arm was very helpful in the healing process...granted, I had a sentinel biopsy with only 3 nodes removed and I felt really good after surgery.  I know many of you have much larger growths...so I'm praying that your surgeries go well and healing FAST!  You know you'll have trillions of prayers said for you daily!!!

    Susan...OMG...I was in the kitchen and heard the report on news about Golden, CO...I wanted to call you up immediately.  Then, my nurse at herceptin said both of her daughters are in college in CO...they said...enough was enough!!!  Stay safe and warm!!!

    JANE...You are a princess...sending letters for us!  And I agree with CATHERINE...anywhere we go...it'll be a treat & we'll be together!!! 

    MARILOU:  Are you getting Neulasta or Neuprigin (sp?)...just wondered about your blood.  Hope you were able to get treatment...and then, be done!!!

    NEECE...Have a marvelous time with your parents.  I know they must be so happy to be with you...and glad to witness that you're fighting this nasty disease with all your might!  Hubby and I don't have parents living and so many times I wish I could cry on my mom's shoulder so, I just cry on my daughters' and know that mom's giving us support from above! 

    Gotta go...Love to all!  Have a restful weekend!

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  • Mamamari
    Mamamari Member Posts: 46
    edited October 2009

    Hi My Beautiful Sisters,

    Sorry...This is gonna be an all about me post...just so that I can get it out there and then I'll come back and address all you've been up to.

    Had a Nasty week of SE's after Tx #3...and a dark dark week in the hole. Think it was the first time that I actually thought...Wow...this is kickin my butt! Not sure if that was from feeling sad about not having the energy to play with my daughter the way she deserves, having my husband home only 8 days per month (we're working on that!!!) and being so da*n ill when he is home that our quality time is really lacking...Let's just say the pity party patrol really threw out all the stops!

    But I'm out of the hole and back in the fight.  I hope everyone going through their Tx's this week are fairing well..and those of us from last week are back on our feet together.

    About to go pick up the Fhubby from the airport in about an hour and then Sunday we're jumping in his back pocket and going back to Barcelona with him.  So we have a couple weeks together to look forward to.

    Hope everyone has a great halloween (I've got my Charlie Brown costume ready!) and hope everyones tastebuds are kind to chocolate!!!

    I'll be back to address you all individually....really I will!!!

    by the way...I forgot to mention that I have also had a blog running (no where close to as lovely as our SOS blog but it's my little page) feel free to catch up with me there too. 

    http://www.choochmagooz.blogspot.com

    Love to all of you and our new sisters, welcome!

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  • vickilynn
    vickilynn Member Posts: 422
    edited October 2009

    Dear Sisters:  I'm thinking in very short sentences these days.  I write you volumes in my head, but when I sit down to type, I can't remember all those important things to write!!!

    Mari - Sometimes there's no specific reason for the sadness - it just IS.  Love your blog and I like the crafts you make : )

    Pamela - Hope you're OK with the new plan for fighting this.

    Jane - thank you for your searching for a reunion sponsor!

    Melinda - the blog is so nice.  And thanks for the links about after chemo.  I already checked them out and appreciate the ideas and the fact they aren't trying to sell me something!

    Susan - hope you enjoyed your snow days! 

    Catherine - congrats you have just 1 more to go!!

    To all - We both felt good enough to go for a drive today.... drove to our old home town about an hour south of here and ate lunch at our favorite Mexican restaurant there and was so looking forward to this Fiesta Chicken Salad with their special dressing and it tasted like--- nothing.  I tried adding more dressing, but it was so blah I couldn't even finish it!  I was so glad to go though so I didn't complain... then we went to my favorite old ice cream place and had coffee ice cream with chocolate chips and I pretended to enjoy that too.  SIGH. 

    But the good news of all this food not tasting good is I bought a pair of blue jeans in a size smaller today. 

    Seeing all the costumed people today made me laugh about us all dressing like a dozen eggs.

    You're all in my thoughts and prayers.  VickiLynn

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

    Oh Ladies,

    Where to start?  You are all so amazing!  Your information is the best, and you are always so willing to share with a sister.  The snow melted like crazy today, and the roads were awfully icy this morning.  It was a harrowing experience to drive the school-age kids from the center where I work to school in the ancient 15 passenger van at 8:30 this morning.  An hour later they sanded the side streets, thanks!  We made it and everyone was safe, and by afternoon you could be outside in shirt sleeves.  That is why we love Colorado!

    Jane,  I don't even consider that letter an out right rejection, and that is great.  You are wonderful and I am so proud of you for working to bring us together.  This is going to happen!

    Pamela, I am so glad that your appointment went well!  You are going to be fine and sexy too.  I am glad your PS is good.  Mine is not sexy, more like fatherly, but one of the best in Denver and very kind.  I had TRAM flap, and it wasn't bad at all.  I go in on Nov. 24th to discuss nipple reconstruction and we will see what that involves.  You are so important to this thread, I am glad you will be with us for the long haul.  Heal, sister, heal!

    Onty, thanks for the menopause info.  My onc. thinks it is possible that I won't go into menopause on the Tamoxifen.  She said not everyone does, and since my cycle has been so regular through everything else, I might just keep on keeping on.  She said it really does'nt matter, and that it doesn't mean that the drugs aren't working.  She did say that cycles are lighter and shorter, so I won't complain about that.  I think that most women do go through menopause though.

    Melinda,  I am glad you found your seltzer water, and the lemon will help your mouth feel better.  I will look at those sites.  I am all about putting my life back together in a healthy way.  I lost 30 pounds in the few months before I was diagnosed.  I was going to Weight Watchers.  I have maintained what I lost fairly well, (okay chemo and cookies have made a small impact, but I am still doing really well) so when I am done with chemo I want to go back.  I would like to lose another 30ish pounds, but I don't want to do it with a lot of unhealthy, "diet" foods.  I think it is really important to go the natural route now.

    Mari, it is so okay to have a pity party now and then!  I am glad you get to spend time with hubby this next week.  It will do you a world of good to have that time together.  Have a fun Halloween!

    RonnieKay, I don't know if I have said it, but I love your picture.  You look so warm and happy.  I hope all is peaceful and calm for you this weekend.  It is supposed to be beautiful here, go figure. 

    Catherine, yeah, one more treatment out of the way!  I am so glad you didn't have any allergic reactions this time.  I thought about you and sent you good vibes, I'm sure all of us did.  I really believe that those good thoughts help out.  Have a wonderful weekend.

    Barbara, so maybe this is the weekend you are posting your picture?  Did I read that the other day?  I can't scroll back that far.  If that is the case good luck, you know there are cookies over on this side!

    Amy, hope all is good for you.  Have a restful, peaceful weekend.

    Chinablue, hope you are feeling better and your se's are minimal. I am glad you let us know how you are doing this week.

    Neece, I hope your visit is very special.  It is good to have time with family.  My oldest and her college roommate are supposed to be home this weekend.  That will most likely be more of a whirlwind than a peaceful visit though.  Take care.

    Vickilynn, I hope you are having a quiet, and peace filled weekend.  Tell your DH, that I hope he is on the mend, and when I told my DH what he had been through he winced and was very sympathetic.

    flacracker, Marilou, and all of you other wonderful sisters, feel well, have peace and enjoy your weekend!

    Love and Hugs,

    Susan

    Oh My Gosh, I just looked at the Blog, and it is BEAUTIFUL!!!!  It made me cry, I love you all!!!

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  • jadams1264
    jadams1264 Member Posts: 417
    edited October 2009

    Good morning SOSisters... I'm with Vickilynn, lots of thoughts, major chemo brain here.  Hope all of you have a wonderful weekend and those who had txt this week, none or little in side effects.  Fatigue has already hit here in NC but I'm going to try to push through and get some things accomplished.  Working on more letters, but will make hubby proofread before they go out.

     Will try to post later individually.  Has anyone heard from Toni?  Take care, thoughts & prayers are with you!

    Jane

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  • BarbAnne41
    BarbAnne41 Member Posts: 380
    edited October 2009

    Hi Sisters-

    Still need to shave my head, it is falling out if I touch it, guess I am more attached than I thought. I will shave and post by Monday though.

    My post chemo fatigue has set in too. 

    Haven't herd from Toni Frown Hope she is OK.

    Vickilynn-glad you went out with hubby, it may not have tasted good but it was probably good for your soul.

    Susan you are a brave woman, sand or nor sand, snow and ice aren't any fun to drive in.

    Jane- Thanks for writing all those letters, you are so good.

    Mari you can come here and have a  pity party all you want, i love your blog.

    Here's wishing you all well

    Barbara

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  • barbt0323
    barbt0323 Member Posts: 99
    edited October 2009

    Hi Sisters...

    Just a short note to let you know I am still alive and kicking.  Had my shot yesterday and woke up this morning and it is kicking my butt.  Just have to remember that it too will pass.  Had doctors appointment right before chemo Thursday.  I am having chemo first then surgery.  He checked the lumps on my breast and wanted to know if he had the right side.  He said the size was much smaller after just two treatments.  Well, now 3 down and five more to go.  Will read your posts when I feel better. 

    Love ya all,

    Barb TCool

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  • DomeGal
    DomeGal Member Posts: 58
    edited October 2009

    Good Halloween Afternoon to all of you:  I have finally been able to get the computer away from my son who is living with me again after being discharged from the Marines....so thankful he is out because I could not have done cancer and him being in Iraq...no way!  I finished with my final AC on Wednesday and went back to work for 2 hours, but was in such a fog.  Next up on the 18thth is my first tx of Taxol and I am a little worried because of allergic reactions and the numbness/tingling....I make a living typing!!  I had another post-tx meltdown and it seems like it is going to be the norm for now.  I did journal 2 pages and felt better.  I am hoping that all of you are having a restful weekend.  It is looking like my "kick butt day" will be tomorrow....I woke up to mouse droppings on the kitchen counter and spent the morning scrubbing the counters with bleach and looking for the entrance...which seems to be under the kitchen sink.  Had boyfriend put the bait under there and hopefully will not need to scrub and scour tomorrow.

    To those of you who have not taken the final plunge with shaving...as Nike says, "Just do It!"  I am thankful that I did although I have to admit, I do miss my hair and when it grows back I will never say again that I am having a bad hair day!  I did wear a Halloween wig to work yesterday to shock everyone....hot pink and black razored shag....I wore my Metallica t-shirt and went as a "metalhead".  I figured if I was going to have to wear a head covering, might as well get into the spirit...today it's a "dancing skeletons" bandana!  Hope you all are doing well...this site is beginning to become a lifeline for me...I have been trying to negotiate this solo, but even if I don't post so much, I do enjoy reading other posts and being encouraged.  I wrote in my journal after tx that I am so tired of being strong and brave and having people tell me they couldn't do it....I really don't have a choice, so I don't think of it as being strong....I think of it as being in survival mode...like climbing Half Dome and being halfway up....too far to turn back and not make the summit....it would be like failing and I don't want to fail at surviving cancer.  Hugs to all....Have a great weekend with the ghosts and goblins!!

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  • hbowser
    hbowser Member Posts: 253
    edited November 2009

    Hi, everyone. I am new to this site and wanted to tell everyone that their posts have been a tremendous help to me. I am one of those people who thought that I could handle this on my own, that I didn't need to talk with anyone about it. Was I wrong. Reading through all the posts, it made me realize how supportive you gals have been to each other and sharing your fears and concerns lessens them. I hope I am welcome into the group, even though I am joining so late.

    I am having neoadjavent treatments before my lumpectomy in the hopes that it will shrink the tumor and they would have to remove less breast tissue. I am what you would call breast challenged. I just finished 4 treatments of A/C (the last treatment pretty much kicked my butt; took me about 10 days to recover). I had a MRI which showed my tumor shrank about 25%. I was supposed to start on Taxol last Thursday, but was delayed until next week due to a low-grade fever that is not going away. The highest it went was 101.1 and they ran CBC and my white blood count was within normal range. They also ran all kinds of tests, but they came back negative.  My onc. told me to take Tylenol and it does reduce the fever, but it comes back. Has anyone experienced fever lasting this long?

    If all goes as scheduled, my first Taxol treatment will be this Thursday, Nov. 5. I hope all goes well, but the SE does scare me a little. I did hear people don't suffer the nausea/vomiting on Taxol as they do on A/C. If that is true, I am thanking my lucky stars since I was one of those unfortunate ones who suffered through nausea/vomiting even though I was on every anti-nausea drugs.

    Thank you gals for listening to me and I hope everyone has a germ-free November.

    Holly

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  • vickilynn
    vickilynn Member Posts: 422
    edited November 2009

    Welcome Holly:  We are about on the same schedule for treatments.  I finished #4 A/C and had about the same length of recovery time.  My taxol #1 is Tuesday.  I'm nervous about it too.  I started out with a mast. as my tumor size was huge. 

    To all you Sisters:   Do you ever have those days when you say, "Remind me again why I'm doing this"?   My DH reminds me, but I honestly just want to quit some days.  Just want to go sit in a cabin with a view of a lake and wrap myself in one of those Snuggies (do they really work, Pamela?), grab a mug of cocoa (no marshmallows, but yes on the whipped cream), some cookies (from anyone who wants to contribute), and sit with my Sisters around the fireplace talking about anything but cancer.  Who's with me?

    Vickilynn

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