**NEW** Starting Chemo March 2009

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  • pickle
    pickle Member Posts: 1,409
    edited May 2010

    Hello Gals

    All is well here. Everyone must be busy enjoying warm weather and sunshine. We are going to a wedding this evening and it is a beautiful day here. Clear blue sky and 23 celsius (72 F) and it will be going up to 27 C (80 F) tomorrow.

    Have a lovely weekend.

    Hugs

    Beth P

     Rachel: How are you feeling?

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  • ChrisC433
    ChrisC433 Member Posts: 553
    edited May 2010

    Moved my son and his wife back from NY today.  They are staying with us until the end of June when they close on their new home!  Other son moved back from college.  House is full again..yeah!

    Have a great weekend!

    Chris

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  • ccbaby
    ccbaby Member Posts: 985
    edited May 2010

    Hi Girls!

    Last night I participated in my local Relay for Life. I walked the Survivor's lap and then was a torch bearer for the opening ceremony. It was an emotional experience and an honor to carry the torch. I have pics posted on my Facebook page.

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  • bethr
    bethr Member Posts: 259
    edited May 2010

    Hi All.. 

    I can see we're all enjoying the nice weather...  Isn't it great!!!  Much better than last year... lol...

    ccbaby - So nice to hear about your relay...  I saw some of your pics on facebook.  That's fantastic.

    rachel - I hope all goes very smoothly for you during your pregnancy.  I agree with everyone else.  One day at a time...

    jdeking - So happy to hear your cycle has started again.

    All..  I hope you're all well..  I got some good news Friday..  I had a PET and it came back CLEAR!  No cancer anywhere...  I'm so happy.  My onc says I'm doing remarkably well.  And, as a result, I'm feeling remarkably good!!!  lol

    I hope you're all enjoying this great weather...

     My best to you all.

     Beth

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  • ChrisC433
    ChrisC433 Member Posts: 553
    edited May 2010

    Congratualtions, Beth....nothing like a PET scan to make us feel good!!

    My local Relay is this Friday.  I go at 4pm Friday until 4pm Saturday.  Survivor dinner, then opening lap.  The caregivers go one way on the track and the survivors on the other.  We pass each other and then meet up at the end...it is really a nice tribute.

    Washing deck today...looks awful and I am ready to sit outdoors once again!

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  • pickle
    pickle Member Posts: 1,409
    edited May 2010

    Beth: That's fantastic news and so glad you are feeling great.

    Christy: Congrats on the Relay. I will take a peek at your pics...I'm sure they're wonderful. Such a lovely tribute.

    Chris: A full house. So nice to have the kids home. Mine don't live far from us so we see them frequently. They are coming for a BBQ tonight.

    Hugs to all

    Beth P

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  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited May 2010

    Hi ladies,

    Chris..nice to hear about your upcoming relay. Tell me about the relay..you don't run all night do you? Do some ladies?Sounds very meaningful.Glad that you have a full house once again.

    BethR..Glad all looks good in your scans etc.

    Christy..saw the relay photos ..impressive.

    Rachel..How are you doing?

    Beautiful weather here. Wen to plant flowers at my single friends condo. I did mine yesterday.

    Hugs,

    Francine

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  • ChrisC433
    ChrisC433 Member Posts: 553
    edited May 2010

    Francine...no I don't walk the whole  night.  A group of us set up camp and spend the night.  We have about 15 people signed up to take turns walking the track throughout the night.  It is great!

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  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited May 2010

    Wow Chris..Sounds like fun. Do you camp inside or outside?

    Francine

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  • ccbaby
    ccbaby Member Posts: 985
    edited May 2010

    Thanks so much girls....I am going to go to a couple more around here locally too.

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  • sakura73
    sakura73 Member Posts: 467
    edited May 2010

    Hello all,

    It was a lovely crisp autumn weekend here in Victoria and LD and I went away to a regional town called Ballarat to stay overnight. It is an old Gold Rush town and there are lots of beautiful avenues of European trees and stately homes. We wandered around admiring the autumn colours and planning which house we'd buy if we won the lottery. We also went to a truly DIRE performance of Chekhov's "Three Sisters" which was being performed by the drama school his twenty-year-old stepdaughter attends. With a couple of exceptions (and sadly, she was not one of them)  the cast were universally terrible. But it was  so bad that it actually became almost funny by the end, and anyway it was nice to have some time away and alone with LD.

     Meanwhile I am still, as far as I can tell, pregnant, though more will be revealed at the first scan on Friday and I am trying not to think much about it until after  then.

    I have my first annual check up with the radiation oncologist tomorrow. My surgery side does still ache a little from time to time - as if I had pulled muscles in my back and under my arm. I am sure it is nothing, but of course as the appointment approaches  I image her telling me I have large tumours in my back and lungs!!

    bethr great news on the PET scan.

    Dayla if you are reading, I hope your trek is going well and your skin entirely better.

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  • 7timewinner
    7timewinner Member Posts: 183
    edited May 2010

    Hi, ladies...just checking in again :)

    The gardening season is upon us now and I am so happy to be able to spend so much time outside again. This time last year, all I could do was sit on the sidelines and cry because I was too weak to do anything in the garden, or even play with my children. Amazing what a difference a year can make. We have a 200 sq. foot vegetable garden, and a separate herb garden as well. My children and partner and I were outside for 8 hours on Saturday, getting things ready for the Memorial Day planting weekend. 

    I wish I could say that my cognitive issues were improving, but sadly, they aren't.  I am forgetting the names of major streets in my area, entire conversations I've had just days prior, and at times, I can be sitting and watching television or reading, and not recognize where I am (in my own home) for a few minutes. My basic mathematical skills are nearly gone, too. 

    I write down everything now, even if it seems silly to do so. If I don't, it is all but forgotten. It's not like this every day...it's comes and goes in waves. I somehow managed to get myself to Minneapolis and back this week for a business training without incident. 

    Fortunately, my brain MRI shows no issues...but I am still left wondering how long this side effect from chemo and/or the oophorectomy plus AIs will last. My onc seems to think it's more about the rapid postmenopause than the chemo, and will improve as my hormones finally balance out. 

    Anyway, enough of my whining :) I am always grateful to be here, in reasonably good health, and to have a place like this to share with those who understand. 

    Sounds like many folks here are doing fun, exciting things, and perhaps starting new chapters of their lives. I wish you all blessings on your respective journeys :)

    Nadine

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  • nasharayne
    nasharayne Member Posts: 139
    edited May 2010

    Hello Ladies,

    I just found out that my mom has this dreadful disease.  I don't know much about it because the family found out about it by accident.   She finally admitted that it is true but, she refuses to talk about it.  I'm hoping to learn more info soon......

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  • Dawnmrn1
    Dawnmrn1 Member Posts: 446
    edited May 2010

    nasharaayne!  Sorry to hear about your mom, my 85 yo aunt was just Dx too!  I hope your mom will cope ok!!

    nadine!  Wishing you well, hopefully as your body adjusts your cognition will clear up!!!

    Happy Monday!!! to everyone!!

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  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited May 2010

    Hi,

    Tanasha..do hope you find out more about your mom and her condition. Didn't I read on FB that she just graduated from College? Stay strong and feel free to lean on us for that extra support.

    Nadine Too bad  you are still having those cognitive problems but you sound optimistic about other parts of your life. We do not mind your whining as that is what we are here for.  I think it is real good that the scans came out clean. I bet the Doc is right about hormones causing your problems.

    Rachel..hope all goes well with your scans and of course your baby. We are all rooting for you. Too bad about the bad play but you did get to get away which is always pleasant.

    Christy..how is Gavin doing? When does chemo begin ? radiation?

    I went for my three month checkup with my oncologist this afternoon. She really had little to say and my husband wants to know why I must go so often. They only take blood..no scans or anything. I do like her though . She is easy to talk too and does examine me . The worst part today was that I spent over two and one half hours at her office ( just waiting) .Tomorrow I go to the BS to follow up with my good breast after my biopsy in February. It never seems to end .

    But I am happy it has been over a year since my chemo ended and I am feeling back to normal. I absolutely love my new curly hair. I do believe it is here to stay.

    Stay strong ,

    Hugs,

    Francine

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  • pickle
    pickle Member Posts: 1,409
    edited May 2010

    Tanasha: Sorry to hear that your Mom has BC too. I hope your Mom opens up to you and let's you know what is happening with her. I sending prayers and hugs to you. Was it your Mom that just graduated?

    Nadine: You sound so happy to be in the garden. Isn't it wonderful to be outdoors enjoying warmer weather. Sorry you are still having connitive issues. I forget conversations frequently and I have to write everything down. My PCP told me that menopause can cause some memory issues but that it does get better with time. If you are really concerned then possibly talk to your PCP about it. I think that not recognizing things for a few minutes in your own home warrants some follow up. Have you kept a log of when this happens, what you've eaten etc. Do you have low blood sugar at times. I know that can cause a lot of confusion. BTW you are not whining at all and even if you want to whine...well this is the place to do it! We're here for you.

    Rachel: Good luck Friday.I'll be thinking of you.

    Francine: Glad to hear that all went well with your onc. Good luck with the BS. I am approching my year end of chemo on June 1st. Can't wait to make another milestone marker...it makes me feel better..lol

    Dayla: Happy Trails! How is evrything going. Drop us a note when you get time.

    Hugs

    Beth P

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  • jdeking
    jdeking Member Posts: 408
    edited May 2010

    Tanasha - so sorry to hear that your mum has BC. Hugs and prayers your way, and I hope that everything turns out ok.

    Nadine- Sorry about your memory problems! I hope that it does resolve itself once your hormones level out.

     Congrats to all of you who have had good check-ups/scans/etc! That is always wonderful news.

    Dayla - hope the hiking is going well, and that itchy rashes have gone away!

    Pickle, Francine, Chris, Christy, and Dawn - you are all such good cheerleaders and do so much to offer support. Thank you very much for all you do, and for continuing to post. Your friendship is invaluable!

    Rachel - Great news that you are still preggers, and I hope that your scan is comforting. Fingers still crossed for you!!!!

     I have my own follow up tomorrow with the onc, but it is just routine. Next month will be another mammo/ultrasound, yippee. I fully expect all to be fine. I also plan on asking about possibly stopping Tamoxifen, as I really don't like taking it. I can't pin down TERRIBLE AWFUL se's from it, but it just seems to make me feel down, makes me gain weight, and is murder on my joints. I have a feeling he will veto my stopping, but it is worth a try.

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  • malleme
    malleme Member Posts: 210
    edited May 2010

    jdeking ask your Doctor about taking Farestan instead.  I was on Tamox for 6 months had bad hot flashes but my muscles and joint made me feel like a crippled arthritic in her 80's instead of 47.  On top of that it caused endometrial polpys. 

     I can report that Farestan has not caused any real issues with my joints or muscles and come to think of it my memory and mood got a lot better too.  I complained to my Dr about my se's but it wasn't til I told her about my temper and mood swings high's and low's that she changed the meds or even said there was an alternative.

      Nadine hang in there- the cognitive issues can be terrible.  My sister is a yr earlier than my diagnosis and she is still complaining about her memory issues sounds like memopause could really be the culprit but keep track of it.  write everything down and then let your Dr figure it out.  I have to admit I am forgeting appointment and things I said I would do all the time these days.  But I am not forgeting presense in my house or where I am.   that is recall and something else. Sounds similiar to when my son had a seizure.  Do get it checked. we called it zoning out he couldn't recall anything , couldn't tell us where he was just didn't know.  Turns out changing of meds cleared it up.

    Sorry I don't get on here much but I always check and sends my prayers to each of you.  Hugs to all. 

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  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited May 2010

    Hi ,

    Janine thanks for the nice comments you made about myself and the other ladies. I am sure we all feel that it is our pleasure to be here to support each other bothin good and bad times. Yes our friendships are invaluable.

    Tanasha..any news about your mother..We are all so concerned.

    Rachel ..we are all keeping our fingers crossed for you.

    Dayla..Where are you?Hope all is going well with you and your husband.

    I went to my BS today and all was fine. She ultrasounded my good breast to make sure the scar tissue was the same as the last time. She is such a compassionate woman and one I can really talk to. I even told her about this board and how a bunch of us got together in NYC. I also spoke with her about becoming a Reach for Recovery volunteer with the American Cancer Society. The group around here can't seem to get their act together.

    Hugs to all,

    Francine

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  • ChrisC433
    ChrisC433 Member Posts: 553
    edited May 2010

    Tanasha, I am thinking about you and your mother.  I wish her the best...and with you by her side...she will get it!

    Rachel- keep us posted on your progress.  How are you feeling?  Has the glow started!!

    Hello everyone else.  I hope the evening finds you exactly where you wish to be!

    Chris

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  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited May 2010

    Chris..What great sentiments you have ..

    You say it all so well.

    Hugs,

    Francine

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  • pickle
    pickle Member Posts: 1,409
    edited May 2010

    Janine: Your comments are sweet and greatly appreciated. Like Francine said we are all here for the good and bad to help each other through it all. I haven't spent much time here lately as I have had lots going on. My mood swings...highs and lows...are really getting hard to handle for myself and everyone around me. Maybe it's the tamoxifen...I really don't know but I spend a lot of time, lately beating myself up for feeling stuck again. I want to be motivated, active, happy etc but I am having a hard time lately. I go to bed evrynight telling myself that I'll accomplish lots tomorrow but I just never seem to do it. Not sure what to do.

    Francine: Happy to hear that your BS appointment went well. Did she offer any info on Reach for Recovery?

    Have a good night everyone

    Hugs

    Beth P

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  • nasharayne
    nasharayne Member Posts: 139
    edited May 2010

    No, my mother didn't graduate....it was a friend of mine and her Dr. tagged me in the photo. 

    Still no news with my mom, I may have to make a trip to see her.

     Thanks, for all of the kind thoughts. 

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  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited May 2010

    Hi ladies,

    Tanasha..hope you do connect with your mom.

    Beth..I can understand how you are feeling.So many of us have ups and downs..My dearest friend is now going through a very very hard time and I am at a loss  as to what to do to help her. Nothing new as almost yearly she has these blue periods. I just call her almost daily  and ask her how she is doing and she says shitty...So very frustrating . Beth keep your head up as I know you will and I bet soon you will be feeling back to yourself. My BS said she will speak with someone at the American Cancer Society about me. Maybe someone will want me. LOL

    The weather the rest of the week appears to be getting nice and warm..We can use it. Much rain lately . Last night we had a power failure for about 4 hours due to rain. Power came back just in time for NCIS.

    Stay strong ladies..

    Hugs,

    Francine

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  • ccbaby
    ccbaby Member Posts: 985
    edited May 2010
    Francine...you are so nice!  My nephew started chemo today and did well. It will be rough for him the next few days as we all know, so please keep him in your prayers.
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  • Dawnmrn1
    Dawnmrn1 Member Posts: 446
    edited May 2010

    Beth!  Keep your chin up, you are doing well bask in the glow!! It is hard to be up keep busy and positive!!! You can do this look what you've done!!!

    Sakura!  Live your life hun, don't wait it is tooo short!

    Francine!  Happy to hear the good reports, keep it coming

    ccbaby!  Your nephew is lucky to have you in his corner, I hope he does well!!

    to all!  My daughter and I are going with my husband on a business trip to Tokyo!  does anyone have any words of wisdom we will be there from July 1 to11!! Never been and we are excited!! If anyone has input please!!!

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  • bethr
    bethr Member Posts: 259
    edited May 2010

    HI all,

    nadine - my prayers are with you in hopes things start looking up soon.  Until then, keep your head up and hang in there.

    Tanasha - so sorry to hear about your Mom.  I hope you get the chance to go see her soon.  more prayers here

    Chris - They have a walking marathon similar to the one you're doing (did) here in MD.  A guy I used to work with does it every year with his wife.  They love it.  Your post inspired me and I may get in touch with him to get more info about it.

    Beth - I too understand what you're going through.  I seem to suffer mostly from going off into lala land..  especially at work which is really frustrating me right now because I'm out for surgery June 2 and I've got ALOT to get done before then.  so frustrating....

    Dawn - Unfortunately I have no advice on Tokyo..   I do have a question...  can I go too???   lol  I hope you have a great time!!

    All - I hope you're all doing well.  It's cooled of in Maryland a bit and to be honest I'm enjoying it with these heat flashes....

     Have a great night..   day...   whatever...

    Beth

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  • ChrisC433
    ChrisC433 Member Posts: 553
    edited May 2010

    Beth...I know what you mean about the best intentions.  I swear I am going to eat better and then jam junk in my mouth.  I promise myself I am going to exercise everynight for 30 minutes and then find some great excuses.  I want to do so much but find ways to sabotage myself.

    Some days just don't go by fast enough...my excuses run thin! 

    Hang in there.  I do think a lot is the Tamox and Aromasin.  Hormones are out of whack.  We trick our bodies into thinking they are older than what they actually are, but still want to be active...it's a catch 22!

    Take care everyone.  Lots going on right now on the board.  I am thinking about each of you as you continue with surgeries, become supports for others, experience the joys of pregnancy, and look to the future!

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  • ChrisC433
    ChrisC433 Member Posts: 553
    edited May 2010

    If anyone is interested in donating to my Relay for Life team...see my profile on Facebook.  There is a link to make a donation.  I appreciate your support and thank you in advance!!!

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  • pickle
    pickle Member Posts: 1,409
    edited May 2010

    Christy: I will definitely keep your nephew in my prayers. Hope he tolerates chemo well and has minimal SE's.

    Dawn: Tokyo sounds like a great trip. My brother has been there a couple of times and loved it. Very clean, friendly and great food! Have fun.

    BethR: I also feel in la la land sometimes. Some days are better than others. I bet you are excited to get your surgery done. Only a couple of weeks away!

    Francine, Chris et al: Thanks for the kind words and encouragement. Going to get my hair cut and colored today...maybe that will lift me up a bit. I have been out walking for 1/2 hour for the past three evenings so I guess it's a start. I really think it is tamoxifen, lack of estrogen affecting me.

    Tanasha: Thinking of you. Hugs

    Hugs

    Beth P

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