Chemo Starting Sep 09

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  • Pamelajo
    Pamelajo Member Posts: 346
    edited July 2010

    I have fuzzies :)

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  • jadams1264
    jadams1264 Member Posts: 417
    edited July 2010

    Hello SOSisters....thought I'd check in before I go to work.  Called doctor's office again this am for mammo results.  Still haven't heard.  No news is good news?  I'm a little stressed right now, when it rains to pours at our house.  Hubby has biopsy on 8/2, he has a growth in prostrate, dr. says 50-60% are cancer!  Daughter has kidney stone and when they were doing ultrasound they found leisons on her liver so she goes 8/9 for test to see if these are B9.  Apparently liver cancer is very very rare, and if it is cancer, it is secondary to somewhere else!  Please keep them in your prayers, I'm the only who can be sick, not anyone else.

    Wanda - how did your surgery go?  Hope all went well and you are comfortable.  Stay out of the heat, we've got it here in NC too!

    Catherine - I want to go to the beach!  It sounds lovely and even though I just went a few weeks ago, I'm ready to go again and stick my head in the sand!

    BarbAnne - I love your attitude about your hair.  I wish I was that bold but I'm not.  Wig it is for a while longer altho since getting my anti-frizz txt it is much better.  If it would grow out some more on the top I'd be happy.  While I don't have to shave legs very often, the tweezers get quite a work out with my chin.  It isn't fair!

    Neece - please send us some of your cooler weather.  We are breaking heat records here in NC this month.  How are you doing and how is the new job?  Looking forward to your new photo!

    Patty - I can so relate to all this hair business.  Wore one of my other wigs to work last week that I don't wear so often and several people told me they liked my new highlights!  Go figure.  DH says he likes my hair (he sees me wigless) and I look like myself again.  I can interpet that so many ways I'm just leaving it alone!

    Gin52 - I like your attitude.  While I'm still self aware of the hair, my attitude towards some things has changed alot since this BC journey.  I'm quicker to say what I think but find I'm more patient about the small things.  The small things don't bother me anymore, I file them under the "who cares" category.

    Pamelajo - frizzes where?  How are you doing?  I so hope the chemo is being kinder to you!  Is DH doing better?  Do we need to speak with him?  

    Hope everyone has a good day - stay cool (or warm Neece).  Thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Jane

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  • positiveme
    positiveme Member Posts: 157
    edited July 2010

    Jane- I will keep your family in my prayers. You sure have alot going on.

    THINK POSITIVE

    Catherine

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  • BarbAnne41
    BarbAnne41 Member Posts: 380
    edited July 2010

    Jane- I will keep you all in my prayers. Hubby daughter and you! Big fortifying hugs.

    btw I dies my hair brown and wow wee did it go dark. Don't know why, hubby likes it, he says the lighter color made me look older, don't know what to do with that piece of info.

     Pamela congrats on the fuzzies, I hope you are doing well.

     All I can say is even well behaved 16 year old daughters are a pain in the but, I can't wait for school to start. But that means winter isn't far behind, ugh can't win!!

    My boob is still itchy. I tried a Psoriasis cream on it which seem to do what nothing else could, which is stop the itch and made me feel normal. I don't know what to think but it is tolerable. I will make a doctors appointment in August, I am in no rush to go back there.

    Love to you all

    Barbara

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  • msmpatty
    msmpatty Member Posts: 818
    edited July 2010

    Jane - With everything else going on in your house, your mammo just has to be fine.    I'm so sorry for the scary results for your husband and daughter.  You all will be in my thoughts and prayers.  No more sickness!

    Pamelajo - Good to hear the hair is back.  Sorry to lose the skull art.  'Ya gotta love Taxol.  It made me feel better to know the whole 12-weeks weren't a complete waste of valuable hair growing time.

    Barbara -   Since you're our fearless leader when it comes to hair color...I'm wondering whether we'll all end up brown after our next color sessions.   I mean this red has to go away sometime, right?     I'm sorry you've still got the itchy boob.  I've been pounding H20 and haven't had any more stinging sweat. (thanks to Jane!)   I'll trade you my bored 13-year-old son, for your bored 16-year-old daughter.   They are probably equally obnoxious, but at least it will be a change.  Mine doesn't go back to school until after Labor Day.  An eternity.

    Wanda - Hope you are doing well.  Let us hear when you have a chance.

    Hi to everyone else!

    Patty

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  • DomeGal
    DomeGal Member Posts: 58
    edited July 2010

    Hi to all:

    Pamelajo:  Glad to hear that you have "fuzzies"...my hair did not totally go bald on the Taxol, but wore a wig until my scalp was entirely covered with hair.  Hope things are better on the MIL issue.

    msmpatty:  My hair came back in a very dark brown (with lots of gray) and I purposefully dyed it back to my original red color that I had b.c.  My only complaint is that my hair is really curly(!) and now that it is growing out a little longer, it is not being so nice...but like I told my BF before it came back...I will never verbally complain about a "bad hair day" again.  Your hair is coming in great!!

    To those with teenagers at home....so remember those days!  Had our granddaughter this weekend unexpectedly and she just makes me smile...I like to play this dice game called Zilch and she was being a little fussy and I grabbed the dice cup and shook it and her eyes lit up and she flipped over her little toy box to make a table for us to roll on...Of course she has no idea what the game is about, but loves to roll and "count".

    Best wishes for a good week for all of us...we are trying to stay cool.  Almost impossible!!

    Kim

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  • Gin52
    Gin52 Member Posts: 377
    edited July 2010

    jadams1264 yep cancer does give us an "attitude adjustment" - all those little things that used to drive me crazy?  Now they remind me I am still here to be annoyed by them! Wink

    DomeGal I LOVE zilch!

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  • vickilynn
    vickilynn Member Posts: 422
    edited July 2010

    Jane - Many prayers on your behalf are going up today! 

    Kim - Is Zilch with 6 dice?  We call it Greed!

    Did I tell you I got my first hair cut?  Not because it was especially long, but so many different lengths and no shape.  Now I have shape.  We got away for a couple days to southern Oregon and rode on jet boats on the Rogue River... WOW.  very fun and very wet.  They take you down the river  for a couple hours and feed you a big dinner and then back upriver.  The drivers spin the boats so that everyone gets very wet in the boat, but since it was near 100 degrees, it felt great.  All the other women were busy trying to make their hair behave after getting soaking wet... but : )  mine was definitely in place!

    love you all

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  • Pamelajo
    Pamelajo Member Posts: 346
    edited July 2010

    Thanks all for the congrats on the fuzzies.  I'm not doing too bad on the abraxane.  better than I did on taxol for sure.

    Jane......hang in there.  Only one person with cancer per family at a time.  It needs to be made a solid rule!  I'm praying for all of you darlin.

    Love to all.  Gotta dash.  Work Work Work and the stupid lady in the office is driving me insane.

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  • RonnieKay
    RonnieKay Member Posts: 2,067
    edited July 2010

    Hi Guys...took a summer break from the computer and just caught up on the last 5 pages!  It's 4:30 a.m. & reminds me of steroid days but I remember reading that treatment can throw off your cicadic rhythm...and I think it's true, at least for me!  So much to talk about...

    Pamelajo: Thank heavens your MIL is where she belongs!!!  (Don't ya hope you never end up like her...my biggest fear!  My husband and I have the pillow pledge!).  Happy to hear txt is going better, that you're getting hair (in some places!), and that you're getting together with friends!  As for husbands...I complained to mine that he just doesn't understand when I have little aches or pains so one day I noticed he had a copper bracelet on that we bought at a shop 10 years ago...a celtic design that turns his wrist green!!!  He told me that when he wears it, it reminds him to be a better husband!  Seriously, he hasn't taken it off...but now he asks me constantly how I am...it drives me nuts!  Feast or famine, I guess!

    JANE: Oh my dear, I'm praying for healthy tests for your loved ones. This truly is the last thing you need to worry about!  I'm sorry you had to put your pup down...we had our dog for 13 years and our cat for 19. I always call my daughter's cats by our cat's name & our son's dog our dog's name..so it kind of seems like they're still with us!  Oh the hair ordeal...I quit wearing my wigs in January and just the other day I thought maybe I'd see what blonde looked like on me (since I was blonde for 55 years!!!) so I put on a wig.  I looked so different!  My hair is so white/silver now and I've gotten used to it, but when I put on the wig, I looked so much younger.  Everyone loves my hair...the nurses at herceptin always comment on how much they like it and friends say it looks great but...I'm having a bit of melancholy over it.  I just can't get excited about coloring it anymore. It's such a pain and I know I'd have roots all the time because it grows so fast. I'm ready for my 4th haircut. It's getting to the afro stage again.  Everyone's hair looks so good in the pix...don't know what to do!  IF you do come to the west coast, you'll have to let us know.  I'd be a good excuse for a trip to SF! 

    FEMARA GIRLS: My onc told me at my last appt that she's considering keeping me on femara...longer than 5 years.  She says the studies say it's a safe bet for warding off future illness (aka more bc).  I do think my ses are gone....other than a little stiffness in my ankles after sitting a long time but it goes away quickly.  I'd just rather not have to take anything after 5 years!

    Wow...we sure are a lumpy bunch...when my lump turned out to be scar tissue my onc ordered physical therapy. I start the first of 4 sessions of massage therapy this week to get rid of the scar  tissue. I went to a conference at Seattle Cancer Care the end of June and they have a new program on cancer wellness and following their patients after treatment.  So many programs on nutrition, exercise, pt, mental & sexual wellness, etc., all as a part of healing.  Such a great support system.  My good friend, a teacher at the school where I was secretary, was diagnosed 2 weeks ago and will have a lumpectomy today.  We've spent LOTS of time talking about what her future will hold.  So much of it I had forgotten about....or at least tried to forget: no tastebuds, how I hate neulasta, the PORT!  Please keep her in your prayers.  She doesn't want to log on to the computer but I've told her how this got me through so...who knows.  Maybe she'll start a Chemo in August group :)

    Going to go take my femara and get some sleep.  August 6th is my last Herceptin and the port comes out on the 9th!  PRAISE GOD!!!!

    PS...Happy Birthday late, JANE!!!  My Cancer (meaning JULY!) sister!  We're the warm, fuzzy homebodies :)

    LOVE TO ALL!

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  • jadams1264
    jadams1264 Member Posts: 417
    edited July 2010

    Hello SOSisters...thanks so much for your thoughts and prayers.  Finally got mammo results, all was well!!  One worry down, 2 more to go.  I had herceptin today and have had such a time with my heels hurting and fingers numb that I am on a 30 day vacation from the Famera.  They want to see if my se's are definitely the Famera or if something else is going on.  Also have to get another ecko.  Anyway I get a 4 week vacation and then back on some kind of AI and maybe more appointments with ruematologist (I know that's spelled wrong!).

    Catherine - thank you.  How are you doing?  How's it going with the hair?  Are your kids home for the entire summer?

    BarbAnne - did I tell you I like your new photo?  It looks good.  Thanks for the hug, I needed it.  I actually like my hair color since I got my anti-frizz txt and it took most of the color out.  Don't know what color to try next time.  I try most of the time not to ask DH what he means when he makes his 2 sided remarks, keeps things more peaceful around here :).

    Patty - glad to hear the water helped.  I think when I told the hairdresser nothing with red, gold that was a major mistake - I chose the last color and boy was it dark.  Maybe we can match up the color I have now with a swatch and keep fingers crossed it comes out that color.  I think your hair looks great by the way.

    Kim - I hate to say it but without my wig everyday is a bad hair day!  It's not that I don't appreciate having hair, I really do, but I can't do anything with it.  I keep thinking a few more weeks and then I'll get it shaped and go natural.  Your hair looks about the same length as mine, have you gotten a haircut yet?

    Ginne - so true on the little things.  I tell myself every day to find all the blessings I used to take for granted.  Do pretty good most days altho some days it's easier to find those blessings than others!

    Vickilynn - thanks for the prayers.  Your river ride sounds like so much fun!  I think our next adventure with grandkids will be doing zip lines over a waterfall.  I also somehow have been talked into taking them to do lazer tag.  I have to have a little more energy before we tackle that one.  Wasn't it wonderful to get a haircut?  

    Pamelajo - I am so glad you are doing better with your treatments!  Thanks for your prayers, I appreciate all of them.  I keep telling myself all will be well, we've had enough sickness for a while.

    RonnieKay - I love when you post!  Interesting about the Famera - I know I have to take an AI and not opposed to doing just that even for 5 years but I'm having a terrible time getting up and walking because of my heels and my fingers are so numb it is interfering with my work.  Congrats of finishing Herceptin on the 6th.  I have two more to go and will be finished.  Funny how our doctors are so different, I have to keep my port in for 2 years!  Seems to me like that's inviting trouble but that's what the cancer center recommends.  I will certainly pray for your friend, none of us envy what she is about to go through.  She is lucky to have a friend like you who can help her get through the worst of it with support, advice and whatever she needs at the time.  Happy Belated Birthday to you too!  Yes, I'm am a homebody, always have been.  

    Hope everyone is doing well.  Take care.  Thoughts and prayers are with you!

    Jane

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  • msmpatty
    msmpatty Member Posts: 818
    edited July 2010

    Wow, I took a couple days off the board and look at all the posts.  So great to hear from everyone.

    Jane - What treatment did you have for the frizzies?  I desperately need it. Great news on the mammo!  Still keeping your family in my prayers.

    Kim - I'm actually thinking of having my hair straightened.  I used to do this every summer to keep the wave out when it was longer,  but now I'm a little afraid of abusing my poor little (ugly) curls.  Better curly hair, than none!

    RonnieK - Thanks for the Femara info.  The more I read and hear about it, the better it seems.  I'm happy to have it flowing through my system starving any nasty cells thinking about being cancerous.    I just wish it didn't have such bad SEs for so many people.  I'm doing fine on it, but some really struggle.

    Pamelajo - Is this the same stupid office lady who drove you crazy before?  Stories please!  Glad to hear Abraxane is being kind to you.

    Vicki - Your river trip sounds fun (and cool).    We're going to Yosemite in August and based on your experience I think I'll sign us up for rafting through the rapids.  And yes...who gives a flip my hair gets wet?  

    Patty

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  • RonnieKay
    RonnieKay Member Posts: 2,067
    edited July 2010

    Hi Sisters...have spent the whole morning reading articles about when to have your port removed.  Since my onc didn't even think I needed one (thank heavens I didn't follow THAT advice), she said it was fine to have it removed after my last herceptin. JANE: I started reconsidering after what your onc said.  I can't remember which sis shared that hers was stuck in there and the surgeon had quit a time getting it out...when I share that story, people go eeewwww...funny what makes us laugh now!  Anyhoo...please share more!!!  10 days and counting.

    PATTY, CATHERINE & BARBANNE:  Love your "teen angst" stories...they almost make me hyperventilate recalling old days with my kids!  I have to laugh when you said you couldn't wait for school to start, BARB...cause that's when we high school secretaries said, "Oh ..it, school's starting!"  Really though...they keep you young!  My TAs taught me how to text :)

    JANE: Thank God your mammo came back healthy...what took them so long?  I thought it was my ankles that were achy with femara but I think you've nailed it..it's my heels.  It's when I've been sitting and once I get going I'm ok...is that the same with you?  I hope your body has time to heal without fem for a while..and then they find a different AI that works better.  I can't believe you're having numbness in your hands. 

    GINNIE:  Love what you said about being alive....even to experience being annoyed!  So many times I've laughed when I've been bugged by people...and I just say, "Glad to be alive" in my head!!!

    KIM: So sad your grandbaby moved away...hope you can webcame with her!  Our grandaughter's in Long Beach, CA (we visit every 1-2 months) and we have so much fun online!  When she learned body parts she'd point them out on us on the screen and say eye, ears, nose...so adorable!  Now she brings her bike in the house and rides for us!  Will have to get the dice out!

    VICKILYNN: We rafted the Deschutes in Oregon....almost as scary as chemo!!!  Glad you had fun!!!  I knocked the guide out of the raft I was rowing so hard!

    WANDA:  You had your coming out!!!!  Tell us how it went!!

    PS...I'm letting my hair grow...going to have to get through the afro stage but you gals all look so fantastic with longer hair!  Wish the pix were larger so I could see how you're styling the curls...in the meantime, I'll continue to wash & wear & look like a labradoodle!

    LOVE TO YOU ALL!

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  • msmpatty
    msmpatty Member Posts: 818
    edited July 2010

    RonnieKay - My port was definitely a challenge getting out.  My surgeon tugged and snipped and groused that she'd just have to "dig" it out.   Sounds grim but I didn't feel a thing.   I really appreciated my port during chemo, but am surprised at the scar it left.  We were at the pool with friends the other day and their 15-year-old son asked me "how'd you get that scar?"   I told him I'd been stabbed in a mugging.   He was really impressed...until he realized I was kidding.  I'm sure the scar will improve over time.

    Patty

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  • Pamelajo
    Pamelajo Member Posts: 346
    edited July 2010

    Well yea, it's the same ignorant ass that sneezed and hacked all over me last winter making me her own personal petri dish.

    Anyhoo, the witch shares my oncologist.  She has a form of cancer that doesn't require treatment unless it begins bad......  hers has not.  She goes once a year and has blood work done.  WELL, you'd think now she was dying.  She's scared to death she'll lose her spot out at my office.  Soooo, the other day (actually a week or so ago, but when I say the other day that could me yesterday or a couple months ago, it's a hilljack thing)..  she went to get her annual check up.  She wrote down her blood counts and showed them to me.  They were NORMAL.  She said "bad isn't it".  I go.......hmmmm, looks normal to me.  Interesting that having had so many of these tests, I know what normal is.  I rolled my eyes and walked away.  She followed me and said "well I asked Dr. Dayton about your treatment plan and how you were doing".  I go "what????" 

    I could not believe she intruded on my personal business like that.  So, I called the union and told them and they came out and told her she is not allowed to speak to me unless it related to work.  She is not allowed to discuss me at all with other people. If she does, she will have an EEO complaint filed against her and she will lose her job.

    Stupid woman.  I warned her a long time ago to quit meddling in my business.  She wouldn't listen.  She stopped talking to me for about a day, and now she's right back in my face.  I think she wants to be fired.

    Anyway, it's just another day in the life.  My dog has brought fleas into the house, so I have to bomb the place tomorrow.  I'm seriously considering getting a hotel room by myself and just vegging for a whole day and night.  Pool, TV, room service........all to myself. I need quiet time.

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  • Neece
    Neece Member Posts: 270
    edited August 2010

    Pamelo you go girl! And hooray for frizzies.

    Jane I am glad your mammo results look OK. Now fingers crossed for your other family members.Thinking of you.

    Ronnie Kay I LOVE your silver curly hair. Looks gorgeous.

    I went into a vintage clothes shop yesterday to try on a beautiful dress - am looking for a new outfit for my stepson's wedding in Sept and I love vintage clothes. The tag said my size but my god, I couldn't get it over my hips! Either the tag was lying or I have put on more weight in the "post chemo" phase than I thought. Sigh.

    My son and his girlfirend are moving out next week! They have found a house to rent about 15 mins from here, so not too far away.They are very excited about setting up home together. I am pleased too and I hope it will put all our relaitonships on an easier more relaxed footing. But gee, it feels a bit strange too. He is my 'baby' (at 21 years old) LOL so it feels like a big landmark for both of us.

    On 29th July I marked the first anniversary of my bc diagnosis last year.
    I have decided to look at it as one year post cancer. Feels better that way.

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  • vickilynn
    vickilynn Member Posts: 422
    edited August 2010

    Hello all!  July 30 was 1 year since mast.  Yuck.  But I tried to look at it like Neece - 1 year no cancer!

    So my DH and I took another road trip.  We went to 6 Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, CA.  Used to be called "Marine World" and has lots of animal shows - killer whale, dolphins, seals, tigers...  it was a great day. 

    And then we realized that 40 years ago this month we met at a church camp : )  I was 18 and he was 17!  So we drove to Alliance Redwoods (yes, it's in the real redwoods!) and took photos of where he was sitting when he watched me working in the snack shack and decided I was the one he wanted to marry... it was all very romantic and made me cry as I thought about how grateful I am to have 1 more year!!!! 

    And... just last week also found out our 32-year old son (who's never been married nor had a serious relationship) found the woman he's going to marry!  And the big thing is - his brother will now be his brother-in-law because he's marrying his sister-in-law's sister.  Is this legal? 

    So - to clear that up:  Son # 1 has been married for 12 years and has 4 children.  Son # 2 is marrying Son #1's wife's sister.  SIGH

     We decided that it will make family reunions a lot more simple.  And we don't have to get to know any more in-laws!

    Plus, she comes with a ready family.  6-year old Bridget has called us Gramma and Grampa for years already.  Works.

    OK.  Going to try to post a new photo.  Notice all the white hair!!!!  and the black streak on the top!

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  • DiDiT
    DiDiT Member Posts: 135
    edited August 2010

    Hi girls!  Happy Anniversary to many!  I've been busy with summer stuff, camp, float, beach, family, etc etc... and haven't been on here much at all - when I have, it's been to search & consult re: exchange surgery - I'm guessing will be late Sept?  - still getting herceptin every 3 weeks and have been going to ps for fills on replaced te weekly as well - so, although no chemo side effects and no radiation, still frequenting the healthcare arena - but that's ok! - it's what I'm used to:)

    Good to hear you all are keeping in touch - hope to get back 'in touch' when school starts:)

    Love to you all!!

    Di Di 

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  • jadams1264
    jadams1264 Member Posts: 417
    edited August 2010

    Hello SOSisters...well DH had biopsy today, will found out next Wednesday if tumor is benign or cancer.  Please keep him in your prayers.  For my Famera sisters, I haven't taken my little pill since last Weds. night.  My heels are much better already and my fingers are tingling because the feeling is coming back!  It has only been 5 days and I feel so much better, so....what will we do at the end of my break from Famera?  Decisions, decisions...

    Patty - I go to an Aveda salon, my hairdresser put a solution on to relax my hair, smelled like the stuff they use after you get a perm.  It really did tame my wild curls altho I still have a few waves in the back.  Still haven't gone wigless however.  Your vacation sounds like fun.

    Ronnie Kay - I think your hair looks great.  I have also heard the getting the port out can be quite an experience and mentioned that to the onc when he told me it needed to stay for 2 years!  He said it was important to leave it in, I also have to go every 2 months and have it flushed after I finish Herceptin.  I think I'd rather have it out.  My heels were so bad that I hobbled everytime I would get up, didn't matter how long I'd been sitting.  Hurt to walk any great distance.  Can't believe how much better I feel already, and I'm delighted the feeling is back in my fingers even if they are tingling 24/7.

    Pamelajo- would you like your sisters to come visit this co-worker of yours?  Sounds like she is just so ignorant.  Good on you for complaining, your are absolutely right, it's none of her business and she was way out of line talking with your doctor!  How are you doing now?

    Neece - thank you for the kind words.  Daughter goes next Monday for her test, it's rather stressful  around here right now.  I remember when she moved out, she was 22 and I was just devastated (she only moved a few minutes away).  It makes you realize that your baby has really grown up.  However, your son will always be your baby, no matter how old or where he lives.  He will appreciate you and your husband a lot more when he moves out!  My diagnosis date was 7/22 and it made me realize that I'm made of strong stuff and I need to enjoy every single day!

    Vickilynn - I love your new photo!  Your hair looks great.  Your trip sounds wonderful and very romantic, what a wonderful story.  DH and I have been married going on 33 years and a few years back he proposed again in the Capital in Washington D.C.  I cried and said yes.  How exciting that your son is getting married - you and Neece will have to exchange mother of the groom stories!

    DiDi - it's been forever since we heard from you.  So glad all is going well, sounds like you have been very busy.  Know you will be glad to get your surgery behind you.  When are you finished with Herceptin?  I'm done in September.  Are you doing Famera?  Like your new photo - isn't it great we all have hair (Pamelajo has frizzies).  I have hair under my wig!

    Hope everyone is well.  Take care.  Thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Jane

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  • Pamelajo
    Pamelajo Member Posts: 346
    edited August 2010

    Ronnie:  Husbands.  Go figure.  We had the talk the other night.  I told him where I stand and what I need (which is a lot more than it used to be, but I can't help it) and now........  well, I wish it were feast, but it's still famine.  I think he's just tired of me being tired.  Can't help it.  He and I have been through so much.  Raising two of his kids, two of mine, losing one at 20, one of mine being molested by a cousin of his, cancer, his mom, sudden death of two of his brothers....  you would think we could handle a whole bunch more than we are handling now.  But, we aren't.  Its all trivial things too.  I wanted a drumstick ice cream cone the other night.  Had my jamma's on, my scarf off, feet propped up........this was Saturday after a Friday treatment.  He goes "well, let's go to DQ and get one".  First, DQ doesn't have what I wanted, and second, I was in jamma's and bald.  But......I got up, put a scarf on and flopped in the car to go.  He doesnt and didnt get it.  Too tired and frazzled and achey to go 30 miles for an ice cream.  I just wanted him to run 12 miles into town and buy a box. 

    Oh well.... I'm whining.  I don't know how I'd be if the shoe was on the other foot, but I do know that when he has been sick, I've treated him like royalty.  Could I keep it up for over a year.....dunno.  I still feel like I haven't been that big of a burden.  I work most days, clean house, cook dinners.  I go where he wants to go if at all possible.  I'm just really tired right now.

    Jane:  Yes, please, round up the troops and whoop her ass.  I'd like to say I'm a bigger person than that, but yea...she's on my last reserve nerve.  She's making it hard to maintain my "never have killed anyone" streak.

    Ladies, don't worry about your curly heads.  You are more than a head of hair.  You have hair.  Curly, straight, white, black stripes, fuzzy.........whatever.  Having hair means you are healing.  Embrace it.  Love it.  Show it.  Mine is about 1/16 of an inch long and I'm considering going without a scarf really soon.  LOL  It's hotter than a two peckered billy goat chasing a south of the border hooker through a pepper patch here........I've got heat rash on my scalp!  LOL

    I love each one of you and I have no idea where I'd be without all of you.  Hope ya all know that. 

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  • flacracker
    flacracker Member Posts: 78
    edited August 2010

    Hello Sisters,

    Sorry I have MIA for awhile. The last surgery kick my foobs.! I woke up crying from surgery and they had to get my BP dpwn. It took awhile abut they got it down sent me home the same day.I had fat suction and it was place around the foobs and that is what is sore (left side worst than the right). The Doc said they did more on that side to build up the areas that needed. He said it will take some time. I will guess have nips done in Jan. not looking forward to that, but he left some extra skin for it! I used to want to get fat suction done on different parts of my body but after that I think I will keep my fat! It hurts too much. But I am doing better. I go to my BS on Aug. 4th that is the same day last year I had my bi lateral mastectomy. In April of last year was when I found out BC. Gosh, time goes on and I thank to God I am still here.EmbarassedWell I got to go, glad to see everyone is hanging in there.

    Huggs Wanda

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  • Pamelajo
    Pamelajo Member Posts: 346
    edited August 2010

    anyone have any sort of red splotches with the TE's?  Not painful, not swollen, not hot....just sorta red that gets redder in a hot shower?

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  • msmpatty
    msmpatty Member Posts: 818
    edited August 2010

    Pamelajo - Your co-worker is unbelievable!   I'm with Jane, perhaps she needs a visit from the BCO posse.   I'm sorry about the rough patch with your husband.  I read a blog by a BC gal in Canada who suggested someone needs to write a book for husbands entitled:  Twelve Steps To Evolving Into The Kind Of Man Worth Beating Breast Cancer For.   You'd be the perfect author!   Oh...and if I could add to your list of over-the-top sacrifices you've made while still in treatment:  Taking in his ailing mother!   The guy should be hand cranking the ice cream maker.

    VickiLynn - Your hair looks darling.    Such a good story about you two meeting at church camp.  Those were such innocent times.  I'm pretty sure there is nothing illegal about marrying your SIL's sister, but it would make a great riddle.   I like to shock people by telling them how my two first cousins got married.  But they were from opposite sides of my family,  so while they were both my cousins they were pretty much nothing to one another.  Either that or we're a hilljack family and I just never knew it.

    Jane - I'm definitely sending up a daily prayer for your DH and DD.   But great news about the Femara pain abating.   Perhaps another AI will treat you better?  Or, sometimes people do better after a Femara break.  In either event, I hope this works for you.

    DiDi and Wanda -  My heart goes out to you ladies still having to endure reconstructive surgery.  I hope all goes well and that you both end up with the cutest boobs money (or the insurance company) can buy!

    I had my third hair color today and after my hairdresser finished flat ironing every inch of every hair on my head it actually looks acceptable.  Or, as someone on another thread put it, my hair do almost looks "intentional".   (emphasis on the "almost")   I'm also still doing fine on the Femara.  I notice my legs take a moment to get going in the morning (little stiff), but I am determined to ignore this tiny problem. 

    Onward and upward ladies!

    Patty

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  • RonnieKay
    RonnieKay Member Posts: 2,067
    edited August 2010

    Have decided to go ahead and ditch the port!  I remember your "experience" at getting it out, PATTY...and can totally imagine being in your place....CONSCIOUS SEDATION...I Love it!!!  My scar from having the port put in just faded about a month ago - 9 months later!!!  It'll probably take even longer for it to fade after they cut into it again.  Love your explanation of the scar & will hopefully get to use it...but I find people very seldom say anything about it. It was the same thing when I was bald..people are so kind...so I save them the embarrassment and always offer way too much info (which of course embarrasses them!).  Happy to hear a good hair story!  I laughed at your "intentional" hairdo!  I remember someone asking me if my hair was a wig...I laughed and said, "You think I'd PAY for this?" 

    PAMELAJO: I ate your drumsticks...sorry!  Seriously, the other night (which was Saturday..I do the same "the other day" thing...it makes it more pertinent), DH and I were at our country home and had to go the 20 miles for groceries.  I bought drumsticks and Eskimo bars. Then I wonder why I'm fat!  Today I ate at Kidd Valley (fattening burgers) for lunch and ate Indian food for dinner...and I wonder why I'm fat.  I told myself I walked 4 miles today, and I have cancer, I deserve it!  When do I have to quit using bc as a reward????  OMG, re that gawd-awful lady in your office..I so hope your doctor's office told her to fly a kite and I'm proud of you for knowing what channels to go through to make her stop!  If I were a fairy godmother, you would be the first person I visited with my magic wand to make it all better!

    VICKILYNN:  I love the redwoods..we always drove through them when we went from WA to CA and CA to WA :)  MAJESTIC...and magical for you!  You've had some very wonderful happenings! Congrats to your son finding true love!  It's such a blessing to know your children are happy. I'm like PATTY, a closet hilljack...my aunt married one of her cousins (no name change on that marriage cert!) and 2 of my uncles married sisters (not THEIR sisters!) but double cousins all over the place.  Both my parents were 1 of 12 children so I have nearly 100 first cousins and we always joked that we couldn't date the best looking kids in school cause they were related!  Totally cool that you know all the in-laws!  Your hair is very classy...love it!

    NEECE: I've missed you!  I'm excited for your step-son's wedding...you'll be beautiful...vivacious!  I love Vintage clothes too...but you know people were smaller back then :)  On your son/gf moving out...speaking from experience, MAYBE your baby will be back some day.  I know it's probably not in his, or your plans...but my offspring always seemed to return to the nest a couple of times before they took their last flight so, just think of the couple's moving out as temporary...then it won't seem sad (until they actually DO come back...teehee!).

    DIDI: Welcome home!  Hang in there girl!  Some day those appts will be dwindling and you'll wonder what to do with your time :)

    WANDA: You've just convinced me to not worry about my fat!  Sounds like it was a tough surgery but I'm glad you sad you're getting better!  How is walking now?  Are you able to go without your cane?  Just think tho....you'll have beautiful boobs!  I will be the flat sister, bummer!

    JANE:  I'm praying like a Monk (Pamelajo would have the best description...wish I were clever) for DH and DD!  Please let us know as soon as you have the B 9 results!!!!!   If the results are not what we pray for, I'll have to move in with you and I'm a terrible cook...good house cleaner but terrible cook and if you're like me, I'd rather have dinner than clean toilets!  So happy you're feeling better on your femara break & I know that your onc will find a different AI that works for you.  It was just giving you too many ses...and the fact that they weren't subsiding was no right! 

    I love you dear sisters.... 

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  • Pamelajo
    Pamelajo Member Posts: 346
    edited August 2010

    at least one of us got to enjoy the drumstick!  I couldn't be happier it was you RonnieKay.  I'll pull out the cancer card and use whenever necessary for the rest of my life.  It is the least reward we can have for all our trouble.

    i'm so jealous of all of you with your hairs.  it's so perty.  I have acne on my scalp LMAO.  At least it's something up there with the fuzzies.  My eyebrows and eyelashes are leaving me like rats on a sinkin ship, but oh well.  more eyeliner and brow pencil.  I think I'll paint em on purple tomorrow.

    regarding hilljacks......i resemble that remark.  my sister married my step brother and i married my cousin (same side o the fam)  yeehaw.......belch.....scratch. Yea....  we know how to do it right in my family.  Our tree don't branch, it tangles.  Less family reunions to attend.  We all know our spouses hidden family secrets, and it's ok if my kids call me aunt mom.  they are slow anyway, bless their hearts LOL

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  • Neece
    Neece Member Posts: 270
    edited August 2010

    Patty you made me scream laughing - "hand cranking the ice cream machine" Oh my goodness. But Pamela I think you and your hub have endured FAR more than your "fair share" (whatever that might be - I have never figured out what a fair share is and why some people cop far more, and others don't seem to even get their quota!) If you can just hang in there together for a bit longer, you will surely be thru all this and out the other side, and able to go get ice cream whenever you want.

    Vickilynn, so much romance in your family! Lovely, lovely.

    Jane, please let us know results just as soon as you can after Wednesday. Am thinking of you.

    Oh, everyone, I got my outfit for stepson's wedding - so lovely! It cost more than I have EVER paid for one outfit before - but I don't care! I don't even have shoes yet to go with it... oh well. Not every day your stepson marries!

    My son and GF move tomorrow. He is at her place tonight so really, last night was his "last night at home". I even took a photo! RonnieKay I know what you mean about them coming back - that heppens a lot here too - in Australia its' called "boomerang kids" Laughing (they keep returning!) But I hope he won't need to and this will be the start of his truly independent life. I feel a bit sad but actually excited for him more than sad.

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  • positiveme
    positiveme Member Posts: 157
    edited August 2010

    Hello Sisters

    I was reading all the posts and laughing at loud and my co-workers wanted to know what was so funny. I have been pretty busy with my daughter running from cheerleading 2 nights a week and tumbling 2 nights a week. Well my son was driving for 13 days and hit a tree head on and total my car. He is ok but the car is gone. I loved that car and had it for 7 years with not a scratch on it. Everyone keeps saying thank God he is alright and I really do but I have to be honest it really sucks!! He will now have to buy a used car with his own money.

    Jane- Very happy about your mammo and keeping your DH and DD in my prayers. Keep us informed.

    Pamela- I never had any redness with my TE's but I did get an infection and they had to come out for 6 months.

    It is so nice to read and share things with all of you cancer related or just life.

    THINK POSITIVE

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  • RonnieKay
    RonnieKay Member Posts: 2,067
    edited August 2010

    OMG NEECE....you're beautiful!!  Sooooo excited you found the perfect MOSS (mother of step-son) outfit!!!  You'll have to describe it to us...it was so fun to shop with PAMELAJO for graduation....waiting to hear about your outfit!

    OK...just when I get the vision of  PAMELAJO"S hubby sweating over the hand crank ice cream machine out of my head, I see the 2 peckered (I haven't heard "pecker" since high school!!!)  billy goat chasing the hooker & now I'm adding rats bailing off the ship....oh my gawd I love to laugh!!!!!

    What would I do without all this excitement in my life!!!  Had PT today and find myself telling the therapist about my girlfriends...aka...September Sisters.  I hope we stay together FOREVER!!!!

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  • vickilynn
    vickilynn Member Posts: 422
    edited August 2010

    WOW!  look at everybody's hair!!!  Just a few of you need to post your new pics.  Sorry Pamela - you'll catch up with us again soon!

    Praying for good news tomorrow Jane.

    I too am sorry so many of you are still dealing with surgeries, etc.  Talking of port scars - I have 2.  They couldn't go through the old one as the port had moved a bit.  I was pretty sore after removal (mine was one that had built up scar tissue - even only after 6 months!) but it's fine now.  And so much better to have it out.   Maybe I could say I was mugged twice!

    Catherine - OUCH on your car!!!  Our son totaled our favorite car (a few years back) and I understand about being glad they're OK but it WAS a great car!  To be fair, though, just weeks after I got my license I drove a carload of friends to the A & W and wrapped it around one of those poles that holds up the awning.  My dad and brother had to come down, jack up the car, and push it off the pole.  It only damaged the back door, but they never got it fixed and I had to see that every time I got in the car.  And I had to see the bent pole at the A & W.  And I had to live with the embarrassment in our little town.

    "Boomerang Kids" - what a great description.  Yep.  Both of mine came back for short time slots.  One brought a wife and 4 kids, but they only stayed about 6 months.   You know - I'm glad we could help them out for awhile, but I was just really starting to enjoy just the 2 of us!  So now we got 'em back --- we're living in THEIR backyard!!!! HAH!

    I have a job interview tomorrow for a part-time school secretary (I remember there are others of you out there) at the local elementary school.  Only about 80 K-8 students here.  Don't know what my chances are - or if I really want the job yet.  But if I HAVE to work, I do like working at schools. 

    I am jealous Neece found the perfect MOSS outfit (thank you for that acronym Ronnie).  I'll have to wait since no date has been set yet.  This will be her second wedding so they're keeping it simple. 

    All this talk of ice cream and drumsticks is making me want some... at our 1 year (Aug 25) SOS celebration can we get Pamela's DH to crank all our ice cream?

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  • DomeGal
    DomeGal Member Posts: 58
    edited August 2010

    Hi to all of you....I am wiping tears right now from laughing and just plain crying over everything...it has been a long journey and Pamelajo I am with you...I am going to play the b.c. card for the rest of my life....still using chemo brain at work (not really as an excuse, I really do think I still have it), but it is okay....we have all been through so much and some still going through so much....I just posted a Pink Survivor Ribbon on my Facebook....I am a survivor...don't know for how long.  Only God knows that timeline.

    Vickilynn-Good luck on the job interview...I was actually looking for a second job, but because I will be having TE exchange surgery sometime in October, think I will wait until next year.  I have a lot of medical bills to take care of...

     Neece:  Love your picture...your hair is behaving more nicely than mine!  Told my BF that when we escape to S.F./Sonoma this weekend I might take my wig to look "normal"...he said NO!!

    My computer crash problems at work seem to be ironed out now and I am only 3 days behind!  Thank God my data was able to be restored.

    To all of you....I wish you a great weekend...a great time with family and friends...I on one hand want to hang up the "pink ribbon", but on the other hand, I feel responsible for being honest and getting the word out and being there for any "newbies" who enter this journey with the same "Noooooooooot me............" that we have all gone through.  There are some people from other sites that want to "sweep it under the rug", but I really don't see how that I can do that.  I think that I will support this even more now than I did before....walks, volunteering, donations, shoulders to cry on....Check back with ya'll next week after mini-vacay.

    Kim

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