**NEW** Starting Chemo March 2009

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  • sakura73
    sakura73 Member Posts: 467
    edited July 2010

    Tanasha I am so glad you are making the news official! I hope things go very very smoothly for the rest of the pregnancy. I know from my own experience that proof that everything is working inside is such a blessing in itself. But an actual baby will be even better proof! Please do keep us updated.

    You all sound like you are having wonderful summers - I am so glad!

    The trial ended with my client being found guilty of everything. I think the jury got it terribly wrong, but then I would think that. My client was taken into custody immediately, his wife collapsed crying,   it was just awful. Since then the family have decided that it is all mine and the solicitor's fault and we've both been sacked from any further involvement in the case. I've spent a lot of the last 2 weeks thinking of the hundreds of things I could have done differently in the trial - perhaps none of them would have made any difference, but who can say?  It may be he'll appeal on the basis that I was  incompetent. I don't think I was, but if it helps  him get out of prison I don't care if he argues it. Barristers can't be sued for what they do in court and anyway I have insurance. 

    But as you can imagine, given the miscarriage and everything I was really really hoping for a not guilty verdict that woudl make some sense of all the stress and pressure that I am sure contributed to the miscarriage. So I have been feeling pretty low.  I've got lots of other work to do but I really can't  be bothered doing it. LD and I still haven't really had a proper conversation about the miscarriage. It seems it is going to  be added to the list of things which don't get discussed (him dumping me last year and then changing his mind is also on that list).

    In happier, though completely superficial news, am going to the hairdresser today for another cut. Have decided to keep hair short for a while. The curls  show  no sign of departing, and at the present length I really do look like the Queen. Not the look I want.  

  • PattiB
    PattiB Member Posts: 421
    edited July 2010

    Rachel - So sorry for the guilty verdict on you case.  And I do keep a bottle of Tangueray in my cabinet. They now have a lime flavored one that is really good with the tonic and (of course) for me extra fresh lime.

    Beth P - Good luck on Friday with your surgery!

    Michelle - Good luck with your interview.

    Francine - Have a safe and good trip.

    CC - Well wishes to your nephew.

    I am doing a hot flash trial and feel that I most likely am receiving the placebo drug, the HF's are not much better.  Oh well.  Wednesday I have an onc appt., it has been many months since I have seen her, as she was out sick on my last appt., along with my NP, so I had an NP I did not know at all.  Hopefully she will be in on Wednesday as she just returned last Wed. from her maternity leave.  I have a PC appt. on Thursday.  I have been having lots of pain in my legs and have been keeping a diary of my aches and pains.  I just want to know why my legs almost constantly hurt.  So I will address these symptoms with both my onc and PC this week.

    Have a great week all, again good luck with your surgery Beth.

  • nasharayne
    nasharayne Member Posts: 139
    edited July 2010

    Thanks everyone for the congrats and Rachel I'm still so sorry this has happened to you. 

    My  MOM is doing pretty good also.  I think she only starting being honest with us about her BC because I told her I was pregnant. Oh well whatever works.

    I hope all is well with you guys. 

  • ChrisC433
    ChrisC433 Member Posts: 553
    edited July 2010

    Just jumping in quick...

    Glad to hear all are doing well.  Tanasha...congrats!

    Good luck on upcoming appointments and surgeries.

    Sakura...sorry again for your loss and the outcome of the trial.  Things will  be looking up soon!

    I have given up Facebook, Farmville, and most chats for awhile.  I realized how much time I was spending on the computer instead of out enjoying my life and my family!  I had to cut WAY back!!  I still read every now and then to keep up to date.  I don't post often.  I am thinking about each of you and wishing you all the best!

    Busy cleaning house, painting, camping, working summer school, and vacations.  I am enjoying every minute of it!  Have my 3 month check up next week...praying all continues to the good!

    Take care and enjoy the summer!

    Chris

  • ccbaby
    ccbaby Member Posts: 985
    edited July 2010

    Thanks everyone for the well wishes for my nephew.

    Chris....I only use Facebook for social networking only....I don't play the games...that takes up all of peoples' time. I don't come here much anymore because I want to move on with my life and not think about my breast cancer. So, everyone look for me on Facebook.

    Sakura...I am sorry about the trial and I read on your facebook page about your haircut. I wish I could have been the one to cut it for you. I totally understand what you needed.

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

    Hi ladies,

     I guess I can understand some of us wanting to move on. I have moved on  but I still enjoy hearing from my BC friends in good and bad times..

    A few kind words and show of support or caring never hurt anyone.

    Well I still enjoy checking in as my involvement in Fb is quite minimal.

    Chris ...glad to hear from you. Are you still going to Bermuda?

    Patti..too bad about your apins.

    Rachel. You definitely have been under so much stress lately.That trial does sound like hell.

    Tanasha..hope you continue to do well and glad your mom is doing OK.

    Stay well.

    Hugs,

    Francine

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

    Hi ladies,

     I guess I can understand some of us wanting to move on. I have moved on  but I still enjoy hearing from my BC friends in good and bad times..

    A few kind words and show of support or caring never hurt anyone.

    Well I still enjoy checking in as my involvement in Fb is quite minimal.

    Chris ...glad to hear from you. Are you still going to Bermuda?

    Patti..too bad about your pains.

    Rachel. You definitely have been under so much stress lately.That trial does sound like hell.

    Tanasha..hope you continue to do well and glad your mom is doing OK.

    Stay well.

    Hugs,

    Francine

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

    Rachel: Too bad about the trial but I am sure you are glad to have it over with nonetheless. Hope you are taking a much deserved break.

    Patti: Are you getting pains in the legs or cramps. I am waking 3-4 times a night with awful leg and foot cramps...I've heard it's likely from the Tamoxifen.

    Chris: Good luck with your check up next week. Sending positive vibes!

    Francine: I feel like I have moved on from BC too but I do enjoy popping in and continuing all the friendships we made here. It's always so great to hear how busy everyone is and how much everyone is enjoying the summer. Last summer was pretty much a dud for most of us so it's uplifting to see everyone doing so well. I do understand though that it is good to step away from all things BC sometimes.  I  don't think of our group as just a BC group anymore...it's a social network of a great group of women that share the joys and tribulations of life. I don't look at the other threads anymore...just this one... unless I have a specific question about Tamoxifen or something.

    Tanasha: Keep us posted along your new journeySmile 

    Dayla: Hope you are enjoying your hiking trip!

    Hugs to all and keeping enjoying the glorious days of summer.

    Beth P

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

    Beth..You say things so well. Good luck to you on your exchange this Friday I believe. How are the veggies doing. How is your daughter enjoying Europe?

    Our new monitor arrived today. Yippee.

    This weekend I will be I be flying to Minneapolis to visit with my son. We will go to a Twins baseball game in their new park. Should be fun. Also looking forward to my visit to the Mall of America.

    Have a fun weekend ladies. Should be a very hot one here in the East. Minneapolis does not look that much better.

    Hugs to all,

    Francine

  • PattiB
    PattiB Member Posts: 421
    edited July 2010

    Hi Beth - Hope surgery is going well or went well today.  My leg pains started a few years before my BC,  They feel like an ache sometimes miniscule sometimes severe.  I had always just tolerated it and took painrelievers at night as evenings was when it was most noticable.  I am sorry to say the while I was on chemo I did not have any leg pains and in that respect felt very good.  My NP says that is no unheard off if it could be the chemo affects your immune system and that may be why I felt better.  Anyway,  bottom lIne, I am still deemed "CANCER FREE" yippee.  I need to loose weight to lower risk of recurrance and possibly help leg pains, but should also see a rhuematologist (scheduled for 8/23).  PC doc thinks I also a blood pressure problem (3 month follow-up with her - NP (onc's) doesn't really agree nor do I) and recommended the rheumatologist also.  I too had limited my computer use during the school year when I am working full time and now that I am off in the summer and it has been soooo hot have been on line a bit more but I'm still trying to spend less time at it.  I only check my email, go on facebook, and check this dis. board and search for info or things as they come up.

    Have a great weekend all.

  • PattiB
    PattiB Member Posts: 421
    edited July 2010

    Beth - have you been drinking a glass on tonic water before bed every night?  It did seem to work for the cramps in my calves.

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

    Hi y'all: Surgery went well. TE removed and exchanged and a small implant was put in on the good side. No Drains...yeah.

    Patti: Congrats on remaining Cancer Free....great news! Hope you get some resolution to your leg pain. I keep saying I'm going to try Tonic water and I haven't done it yet. Thanks for the reminder.

    Francine: My kids are both arriving home from Europe tonight. My daughter had a wonderful trip. My son spent most of his time writing exams.  I am so excited to see them. My veggies are doing amazing. Fresh Spinach and lettuce everyday. peas should be ready next week. Onions are growing like crazy and lots of tomatoes.Hope you're enjoying a great weekend with your son.

    Dawn: Are you home yet? Looking forward to seeing some pics!

    Hugs

    Beth P

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

    Beth..glad to hear all went well with your surgery.Can't believe your daughter and son are coming home already. My how time flies.

    Here in Minneapolis visiting my son and his girlfriend. Had fun today  .Tomorrow  we go to see the Twins play in their new ballpark.

    Dawn..we are waiting for some phots.

    Hope all are enjoying their weekend.

    Another very hot week ahead In NYC .

    Hugs,

    Francine

  • bethr
    bethr Member Posts: 259
    edited July 2010

    Hi All,

    Just popping in to say hello.  This heat has given me an extreme case of the blahs and I haven't done anything constructive for a while.  So today I'm getting my butt in gear to hopefully chase these blahs away..  and do something constructive...

    Tanasha - I'm happy to hear your mom's coming around.  I think it's great for her to have you there for support. 

    Rachel - sorry about your court case.  I hope things are going better and maybe you've had a chance to talk with your DL about some of the things you mentioned?

    BethP - I'm happy to hear your surgery went well.  I'm so envious of your garden.  I have a pot with tomatoes and since it's been so hot and I was away for a couple of weeks, they're not doing well at all.  Oh well..  Next Year!   And I hope you're enjoying your kids being back home.

     Patti - Great to hear about your clear scan.  I'm happy for you.  Here's to the next clear scan FOR US ALL!

    Francine - I've seen where it's been hotter in Minn. than it's been here.  ugh!!!  Hope you enjoyed the baseball game.

    All - I hope you all have  WONDERFUL DAY!!!!  Here's a mimosa for you all..   I'd love one of those right now!!!

  • ChrisC433
    ChrisC433 Member Posts: 553
    edited July 2010

    Beth..wishing you the best (painfree recovery, no drains)boobies ever!! It is nice that both your children are coming home at the same time.  They can enjoy some of those fresh veggies!

    Patti...keep those clear scans coming!

    Tanasha...are you glowing???

    Francine...enjoy your trip...the game sounds wonderful.

    Onc. appointment Tuesday.  He would not do a CEA test or Vitamin D levels.  Feels like I have to fight him for everything!

    Take care all...

    Chris

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

    Thanks for the well wishes. I am doing great. Healing well and taking the occasional advil for discomfort.

    BethR: Yummy Mimosas...thanks! Did you feel the earthquake the other day? Maybe some of the blahs you are having might be a bit of the post surgery blahs too. You had some major surgery and sometimes we just put so much pressure on ourselves to get productive etc. right away. You have been through a lot so take it easy on yourself.

    Chris: Did you have your onc appt or are you having it this Tuesday? What is the CEA test and why won't he check your vit D levels? Fight for whatever you need to get peace of mind and satisfaction.

    Hugs

    Beth P

  • Dawnmrn1
    Dawnmrn1 Member Posts: 446
    edited July 2010

    Hey Ladies!! Sorry I've been MIA!  Busy, busy here had work done on my house whild we were away, trying to settle it my husband is in Hong Kong. Our trip was fabulous, glad to hear of everyones progress, off to work will write a longer post later.

  • Dawnmrn1
    Dawnmrn1 Member Posts: 446
    edited July 2010

    Hey Ladies!! Sorry I've been MIA!  Busy, busy here had work done on my house whild we were away, trying to settle it my husband is in Hong Kong. Our trip was fabulous, glad to hear of everyones progress, off to work will write a longer post later.

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

    Hi ladies,

    BethR..you sound great..The drink was really good too.

    Chris. Yes what is a CEA test. That is interesting about your onco not wanting to test your D. Have you ever had it done..If you had maybe it was a high number. I take 5000 IU's daily and my number has finally some up to snuff.My onco feels BC survivors need to have high viatamin D levels. I know it is not a proven fact but why not try all routes. Are you going to Bermuda?

    BethP..glad you too are doing well.

    Tanasha ..hope all is well with both you and your mom.

    Dawn..That is so great about your trip. You deserve it.

    Minneapolis was fun. My son and his girlfriend took me around. She seemed real nice and attentive to him. I went to the Mall of America and to the Twins game. That was exciting as they scored 4 runs in the bottom of the ninth and won.

    My flowers outside are doing real great. Yet our heat is really something . We are now on track for the hottest July ever in NYC. Wow.

    I will now try to put up a few photos in a separate letter.

    Hugs to all.

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

    PhotobucketPhotobucket"

    The Mall of America and the Twins Game.

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

    Great pics Francine and it was great chatting to you today. I think all of North America is having record temperatures for July.

    Hugs

    Beth P

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

    Beth...

    Thanks..always nice to speak with you.

    Stay well.

    Hugs,

    Francine

  • Alyad
    Alyad Member Posts: 817
    edited July 2010

    Everyone, I am so sorry I have been MIA since April. We kept hiking til about 2 weeks ago. It was an incredible experience, one we intended to continue for a few more months and 1300 more miles. A lot of factors conspired to get us off the trail, money, my dh broke his toe, his brother's wedding back in MO last weekend, my continuning struggle with fatigue...

    Starting out in Georgia in March I expected it would be harder than before. We all went through a lot last year. Then I had the sinus and skin infections. I wanted to beleive that was what was keeping me from feeling good. I used a lot of supplements and kicked both those infections- but still I feel like crud. In order to hike the Appalchian Trail in  one year, you need to be able to do 15-20 miles a day eventually. We never got there, 10-12 was about all I could manage. I hike slower bc my feet hurt, I have to stop more often, eat more, sleep more. I lost weight the first 300 miles, but have not managed to lose any since- VERY frustrating to hike 600 more miles and still be carrying just as much fat on the frame.

     I went and saw a new onc yesterday due to changing insurance. he is going to do a heart scan to make sure the Taxotere,Adriamyicin and radiation did not damage my heart. I feel like I still have chemo brain, I am feeling pretty depressed since we quit hiking. I quit taking tamox back in late March , thinking that might be what was slowing me down. I can't say I miss it, but the new onc was not happy I wasn't taking it. FWIW, I am taking the same IC3 as Rachel. I don't have internet at home right now.That's kinda driving me crazy, but $'s tight and we plan to go to Utah in september for a few weeks.

     Rachel, I am so sorry about your jellybean.

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

    Dayla: Great to hear from you. Sorry to hear of your challenges but honestly...you friggin rock!

    I cannot believe what you have accomplished. You are amazing and you should be so proud of yourself! Maybe now is the time to take a much deserved break and really allow your body the time it needs to get fully recuperated. I still have some fatigue so I just cannot imagine how you have managed to do so much. Good luck with your new onc and your Muga. Let us know how it goes.

    Big Hugs

    Beth P

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

    Hi Ladies,

    dayla...Yes you have accomplished so much. You went through a lot and I bet your body just needed more time to get back to it's normal self. I know you and your husband enjoyed yourself along the trail. Try to take only the good memories from this experience.

    Good luck with the doctors.

    Hugs,

    Francine

  • ChrisC433
    ChrisC433 Member Posts: 553
    edited July 2010

    Sorry...took awhile to get back on!

    Onc didn't see need for Vit. D recheck.  I had it done last December.  It was good then.  I take 5,000 ui's a day too and thought maybe I didn't need as much being in the sun so much.  My thoughts didn't matter!

    CEA is another tumor marker.  Both my friends here get their's checked every 3 months.  My onc is in the same group and he doesn't check it....go figure.

    I've had a lot of headaches lately and my vision has really deteriorated.  He sent me for a CAT scan yesterday...never had one before.  I think my headaches are coming from my vision troubles??

    Dayla:  Awesome job on that hike!  I cannot imagine taking on 600 miles yet...you truly are an inspiration to all of us.  Makes me want to get my butt moving more!

    I've been painting for a month and a half now.  3 bedrooms, hall, and entire basement.  A few more days and I will be done!!!

    Francine:  Not sure Bermuda will work out. Money might be too tight to go this summer  :(  I hope you and DH have a fantastic tiime...it is so relaxing and beautiful there!

    Had a dual b.day party and house warming party at my son's new home tonight.  It was nice, but sooooo hot.  Then awful thunderstorms hit at the end.  Time to go anyway!!

    Time for bed!!!  Take care everyone....it's nice to have the time to check in on my girl every now and then!

  • ccbaby
    ccbaby Member Posts: 985
    edited July 2010

    Beth....I am so glad that your surgery went well!!

    Francine...great pics!

    Dayla... It is good to hear from you. I am sorry you had to cut your hike short, but it sounds like you both need to rest. Are you going to have a MUGA scan? I had 4 of those throughout my Herceptin treatments. It is one of the easiest scans to get. You don't even have to put on one of those attractive gowns, lol Good luck!

    I went to see my homeopathic doctor and got a good report from her. I have a few issues, but not cancer related.

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

    Chris: It's amazing how much the onc's opinions vary from test to test. Everyone's seems to have differences. I guess there isn't a gold standard so it's up to us to be persisent if we think something needs to be followed up on. Alot of oncs don't do testing unless we are symptomatic. I take 2000 iu of Vit D...maybe I should up my dose. Do you wear glasses? I do for reading and had to get progressive lenses last year after getting headaches and blurred vision. ..that made me feel a bit old...lol! Let us know how your scan went. Hugs and nothing but positive vibes are beiung sent your way.

    Christy: Glad your homepathic news was not cancer related. I think about your nephew often. Hope he is continuing to do well.

    Francine: Sounds like you are still in a heat wave. Beth R in DC is having a heat wave too I think.

    Hugs

    Beth P 

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

    Hi Ladies,

    Glad to hear from Chris and Christy..

    Christy..How is Gavin doing

    Yes the heat continues...Had a family indoor BBQ yesterday as the temp was 97. I granddaughter could not understand how a BBQ could be indoors. I told her we do BBQ the food outside.

    Beth..as far as the dosage of Vitamin D I don't believe the amount is that important if your numbers are good( at least 45 to 50 ) . I was taking 5000 to get my numbers up there. Once there I believe they do not go down that fast. MY onco will test mine every three months if I ask.Yes Beth the whole East Coast is having this heat wave.  

    Chris.  do hope you resolve you vision problems. Sounds like you are having a busy happy summer with your family.

    Hugs to all..

    Francine

  • PattiB
    PattiB Member Posts: 421
    edited July 2010

    Hi all -

    Beth - my vision in one eye deteriorated since last August.  Eye Dr. also said I had the start of a caterac on the same eye.  Onc did explain again that  there can be a connection between Tamox and cateracs.  Had just spent $500 last Aug on progressive lenses, and was told by the same store that it would be $250 to replace one lense.  My daughter went in the next day and purchased new glasses so I asked if we could work something out and the different salesman gave me a price of $100.  Pretty big mark up if you ask me.  So picking them up tomorrow.

    Vitamin D - I was deficient and was told to take 2000 iu/day once it was up I was told to take C+400/2xday plus 1000D/1xday so I'm taking 1800/day.  I have not had my level checked since they new it had gone up over 1 year ago.

    Hope all are having a terrific and healthy summer despite the heat.

    Beth P - How are your leg cramps?

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