November 2009-Starting Chemo

Melinda - yup, I'm done on Thursday! I'm also done my work contract on thursday - so I'm free as a bird come Friday!! Summer, here I come!

I've been going topless the past couple of days - the heat has been unbearable in a wig! I'm used to highs of about 25c (77f) and its been hovering around 30c (86f). I know that seems like nothing to some of you southern gals... but for me its torture. I don't know how anyone can wear a wig in the heat! My hair really isn't long enough for me to go out - but with this weather I didn't feel like I had a choice. I feel super conspicuous and so self conscious. If I knew how to post a picture I'd show you all. 

My weight went up about 6 kg (15 lbs) over the course of chemo. I've got it down by a few but its taking a long time to shake. The half bag of potato chips at the beach today didn't help I'm sure!!

I'm exhausted and I'm going to bed! Have a happy Monday everyone!! 

Livelife: I hope you had a wonderful vacation. Thanks for sharing your haircolor experience. I am scared to color mine, I keep hearing that it will stick fine, but then I also hear stories like yours with unpredictable reactions.

I have finished 18 rads, I see Big Onc tomorrow (I hope) getting my naked Herp (that just sounds bad).

Me an Clyde (that is what I have named my new bump) are just plugging along. But he rubs on the seat belt, I am very aware of his presence.

Melinda: I hope Clyde turns out to be fluid or something non sinister. Hugs are coming from far way ((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))

Only 7 naked herceptin to go after yesterday. Last one will be 8th December - port out for Xmas !!!!

It was great to see my onc yesterday - hadn't seen him for 6 weeks. I'm still going to have Zometa infusions even though my bone density was good. It does help prevent recurrence of bc so he still wants me to have it. He's going to lie to the government so I can get it for free - I just love him!!!

I'm finding work very tiring even though I'm just reading training slides. I am so glad I've gone back part time to start with.

Sue

Sue ~ glad you are winding down with your herpecin!  Sorry you are tired now that you are back to work.  I think it will take us awhile to feel "nearly normal".  It's been a tough year !  Rest when you can.

Linda ~  SO glad to hear that wonderful news from your DR !  I knew your would kick cancer in the ASS!  Normal?  hmmmm not sure ~ I think we will all fall into a new kind of normal.  For me I have to say I really don't sweat the small stuff anymore!  (or at least I really try) 

HUGS girls !!! 

Linda: That's just the best news. I'm so happy for you.

Alicia: Your hair is looking really good!!! Mine looks like that when it's wet

Melinda: You're past half way with the zaps!!!! There's no way I'm going away - you girls have got me through this. I'd miss you too much.

Brenda where are you???? We miss you!!!!

Sue

I am home from the zapping and dripping. I had my 20th zap today, then my naked Herp.

No big update on the Clyde, Onc says we can't scan for a while after radiation since I am all radiated, everything would glow. If it is cancer, we radiate, which we are doing.

Ho hummm, I hate the waiting game. I say I am just not going to think about it anymore, but I physically feel it, it feels tender and I am uncomfortable laying on my stomach.

So I will keep on crocheting! (Oh and I did make an appointment with an attorney to get a Will done, for my massive estate HA HA HA. Actually, I just want to protect what I do have for the kids so ex hubby doesn't mismanage it. Not that I am planning on kicking the bucket, it just seems like a good time to get it in writing) 

I don't touch myself....don't want to feel any lumps if they are there ~ 

Melinda ~ Hang tough sister your not going anywhere !!!!!!!!

Brenda ~ Glad to hear from you!  Sounds like you have some good genes going by the age of your female family members.  woo HOO

Brenda:  Looking good!!!   So glad to hear from you.  I check this site several times a day, I just don't always chime in.  I believe in Alicia's practice:  I just don't go touching things so if there is anything there, I don't know it!  

Melinda:  between scar tissue, calcium deposits, and the currant zapping, I don't see how Clyde can possibly be anything awful.  Keep thinking positively, though!  Only 10 more zaps!!!!  Woo hoo!!  My DD taught me to crochet last weekend, but it doesn't really do much for me.  Think I'll stick to reading and crossword puzzles.  I had to reread your note to Sue about being "deported" by Christmas.  Too funny!! 

Alicia:  your hair looks awesome!  Guess I need to post an updated pic, too.   Tried to get one so I could put it on my new facebook page, but my DD didn't think any of them were "good."  I'll have to try again.

Linda:  My fav book calls it "the new normal."  I think that phrase is used in most places when it comes to cancer survival.  Here's hoping we all grow to be very old women.  (I want to have BrendaShar's genes!!!)  Actually, though, my mom is 85 and her mom lived to be 89.  Not bad, either.

I do believe the Arimidex causes me to have fewer hot flashes than I did prior to the diagnosis.  No complaints there.   

Natalie:  how did you look as a red-head? 

Mabelle:  YOU SHOULD BE DONE!!!!!!!!!  CONGRATS!!!!!!

Happy Thursday!!   Nette

Melinda: Try cross stitch - takes forever and you need a lot of patience. I do it while watching TV.

Hey girls, I'm sending this post from work - just got here and nothing exciting to do except read powerpoints. Only 3 1/2 hours to go

If I had my own desk and my own pc I would feel a lot better but meanwhile have to learn all about our new insurance policy software which I will have to configure.

I want to share something with you all. I actually felt really happy yesterday afternoon. I'd been to see a dermatologist who was really nice and is going to freeze all of my ugly senile warts off. The builder fixed my clothesline so I don't hit my head on it. I just felt really good and happy - probably for the first time since dx. There is hope we can get back to normal.

Sue

I think I'm feeling happy because I've returned to work but I felt sad on the way home today, so I went and visited a friend for the afternoon - that cheered me up.

Have a lovely weekend girls!!!

Sue

Nette: Apparently you can lose the lashes several times. I haven't looked at mine lately. I used to read James Patterson but he's annoying me now as his chapters are only a page and half long.

Nettie, you do look gorgeous! When my hair started growing back, it grew back full force. Bushy eyebrows, upper lip hair, and eyelashes galore. I had to have a weedwacker to wax my eyes! My hair is growing fast except for my bangs. I need bangs

I started Tamoxifen yesterday. So far so good, but does it make you ache? My arms from the elbow down just hurt like I've carried too much. Never had that before. This is probably too much information, but I also was allowed to take vaginal estrogen. Without divulging too much, I need it. I'm allowed to take it as long as I take my Tamoxifen. After 5 years, we'll see.

The doctor said I had such a great response to chemo, he's talking about taking me off of naked Herceptin at the end of the year. One year will be Jan 13, 2011. I thought I'd have to take it for life, but there's no sight of cancer anywhere. My liver is clear. My next MRI is in Sept. He told me I was going to grow into an old woman. I wept! 

It's storming in NC today. Good day to finish my "spring" cleaning!

Welcome back, Michele!!!!!  So glad to hear that the vacation was a success.

Linda:  thanks for the compliment.  My eye lashes continue to fall out.  Will just be faster to get ready in the mornings now with not having to put mascara on.  :P    I do believe that Tamoxifin can cause joint aches, but I wouldn't think it would happen that fast. I am curious about the v. estrogen.  I have been reading up on that and just figured it was off-limits to us, cancer-chicks.  Guess I'll ask my primary care dr. if yours said it was ok.  hmmmmm.  Wonder if pre-menopause vs. post menopause would make a difference.  You must let us know if it works.

Have a great day tomorrow, everyone!!  Nette 

Michelle, glad you had a good vacation.

(I am not listening to you all talk about eyelashes falling out, my fingers are in my ears, La La La, I can't hear you..... I don't want to think about losing them again).

Welcome back Michele ~  glad you enjoyed your do-over vacation !!!

Nettie... yup 1/2 of my lashes fell out again, didn't want to bring it up.  They are growing back AGAIN!