Chemo Starting Sep 09

1…6667697172…104

Comments

  • BarbAnne41
    BarbAnne41 Member Posts: 380
    edited August 2010

    I haven't r tried the effexor yet. I am I guess chicken to add another pill in my regimen. And I really like/depend on a glass of wine after dinner and before bed. It loosens me up, all that stupid achyness and helps me fall asleep. I keep getting conflicting advice on if I can still take the effexor at bedtime and have my post dinner wine.

     Maybe Catherine knows?

    I say we try of a  reunion on a weekend. Maybe earlier in the day? Say 3 EST, that'll make in noon back in cally and i don't know in Australia. Neece?

    Hope you all are well. This thread has been a true godsend for me too!

    Love and hugs

    Barbara

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • msmpatty
    msmpatty Member Posts: 818
    edited September 2010

    Barbara - I googled Effexor and alcohol and see your problem.   Seems it is not advised.  On the other hand, I did find a site that said drinking in moderation was okay.  "Moderation" was defined as one drink a day for women.  So depending upon your inclination, you could go with that advice and have your Effexor and your glass of wine too.   Or not.

    Jane - Hooray for your last Herceptin this week!   I've been cruising around the hair boards seeking curl-calming advice and there is a lot of conjecture that Herceptin slows the hair growth.  So maybe after this week your hair will really take off (growing that is...not off your head!).   I thought about you the other day when I found that if I pull my bangs down really hard with one hand while squishing them flat with the palm of the other hand, they almost reach my eyebrows.   

    Barb T - Welcome back.  Congrats on your sucessful surgery...even is good!   I'm sorry to hear about your father.  Parkinson's is a very tough disease.   My mother turns 88 in October.  She's a two time breast cancer survivor...original DX when she was 65, mets to liver when she was 79.  But she's going strong...kicked the liver mets with Taxotere and Femara.  My hero!

    China - Seems these fat necrosis things are really common on these boards.   I have one now.  Apparently they form after there has been trauma to the breast tissue (read: surgery).   Anyway...glad your tests came out fine!

    Ronnie - How funny that my mention of a stucco wall should remind you of Poway/San Diego!  It seems natural though, this city is covered in stucco.  I sometimes yearn for the quaint brick and wood homes of my youth.   Thanks for your support on the teen angst issue.   My 13-year-old has had enough angst in his life, having been severely neglected and abused by his birth parents.  After five years of working through those issues,  I'm hoping he'll now sail through the relatively "minor" problems of being a teenager.  But one never knows.  Lucky you to have tiny grand kids!

    Pamelajo - Where you at?  I hope you're healing up!

    Patty 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • RonnieKay
    RonnieKay Member Posts: 2,067
    edited September 2010

    Just wrote a LONG POST and lost it...POOP...it makes me so mad, so here's a short version:

    NEECE & VICKILYNN...your weddings are coming up in a few days & I bet you're both busy bees!  Hope they're wonderful days & the beginning of beautiful lives for your sons and their wives!  Our 37th anniversary is tomorrow, 9/1, and I feel blessed to celebrate with my best friend...who makes me wildly happy & nuts at the same time! 

    BARBANNE:  Is it possible to "try" the effexor?  I share your disdain for pills...I freak out if I fall asleep on the couch & then wake up, realizing I haven't taken my femara!  But, talking about mixing wine & effexor...I totally agree with the article PATTY read, moderation!  No one gives credit to normal people who understand moderation.  It's all or nothing...in the old days we actually drank soda when we were pregnant, and may even have had an alcoholic drink...now, heaven forbid you have a coke!  I just think you deserve to be comfortable!!!

    PATTY:  Bless you for breaking the cycle of abuse for your child!  Loving, nurturing parents... what every child deserves and whatever "growing pains" he has, he'll always know you love him..awesome!  I'm thinking about volunteering at our PICC...Pediatric Intensive Care Center. It takes infants who are born drug dependent & keeps them until they're over the affects of the dependency. The woman who founded the center adopted a drug baby over 20 years ago & the child attended the elementary school I worked at. She's now a successful, beautiful young woman. The mother decided to make helping these babies her life's mission & they need volunteers. I'm going to check it out this week.  Hope I can handle it!  Your mom is MY inspiration!!!  You know how glad I am that I had taxotere & femara...your mom has survived so much & still living with mets to liver...that's AMAZING!  I lost my mom to lung & liver...and a couple of uncles to liver cancer (none of them drank either, which surprises everyone), so the fact that your mom beat it is so incredible!   HUGS to HER!!

    BARBT:  I bet it's hard to see your dad with such a debilitating disease...especially when a "child" always sees their dad as a strong man, and I know it's hard to be away, but I bet he loves when you come to visit!   Happy that you're happy with your boobies!  Please tell me what an exchange is...I keep forgetting to ask & haven't looked it up. 

    Guess I have to look up fat necrosis...really, this site is pretty amazing!  My newly diagnosed friend doesn't want to use the internet during her treatment but I'm hoping that I can get her hooked up :) 

    VICKILYNN:  Our daughter's having son #2...we need a name that sounds good with Hank...I like Gus, but another teacher friend of my daughter has 2 German Shorthair Pointers named....Hank & Gus!  Seriously!!!!

    Found out today that I'm neg on BRCA 1 & 2...thank heavens!  Wasn't concerned for myself, would have had ovaries removed, but am so grateful that my daughters don't have to worry about the gene. Normally there would've been little concern except that there's so much bc in extended family...so, another celebration with pizza (thought of you BARBANNE!).  I got insanely lost trying to find the genetic center (2nd time I've been there, 2nd time I've been lost), it's on the Univ of WA campus & there's always construction.  I was an hour late & ended up crying when I checked in.  They gave me a sticker for free parking...another cancer perk!  I told them if I never had to be on that campus again, it would be too soon....I went to Wash State...cross state rival! 

    Gotta check facebook...just joined a couple of weeks ago & friends are coming outta the woodwork...I don't know if I'll be able to keep up with it. 

    LOVE YA.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • RonnieKay
    RonnieKay Member Posts: 2,067
    edited September 2010

    Realized that I really didn't shorten up my make-up post.  Someday I'll be a little less winded...maybe! 

    JANE....Are you done yet?????   Wish you could be done with drs., but I know you'll be seeing them with DH...thinking of you always!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BarbAnne41
    BarbAnne41 Member Posts: 380
    edited September 2010

    Thanks everyone on the info. I skipped the wine and tried the Effexor last night....not for me..I seem to have issues with anything like that...couldn't take Ativan during chemo etc... I am still feeling the effects today, and I am at work and well lets say I am not being very productive, I would guess that the body acclimates to it but I don't think I could take the process to do so..

    Ronnie!! Pizza, girl I am in!

    Jane are we there, ooppss I mean done yet??

    Patty- bravo to you for making someone's young life better. I am sure as he gets to be an adult he will appreciate things even more. Adulthood has that effect

    Teenage angst...ugh don't get me started my daughter says she need therapy as an adult because i apparently give the impression I love Mister Kittens more than her. I don't, of course, but I do love that fuzzy little guy, and he doesn't want anything from me but a clean litter box, a little food, and a scratch under the chin. Last time I checked my daughter thought I was an ATM she could treat crappy..Love her anyway

    Love to you all.

    I am going to see if I can get my stuff together a little to get something done

    Barbara

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Pamelajo
    Pamelajo Member Posts: 346
    edited September 2010

    I'm still here, doing alright.  Thanks for the thoughts.  9 of 12 abraxane done.  I won't be doing anymore.  I noticed last night my feet and legs are numb to above the ankle.  I'm pulling the plug.  I go see my onc tomorrow and he will more than likely agree.  Said its all about quality of life now, instead of saving it, since I've done more chemo than most stage III girls.  AND, I'm having rads.  Not the least bit worried about stopping.  I'm cancer free and stayin that way.  This is one bitch that crap doesn't want to take on again.

    Personal problems continue.  In the midst of divorce discussion.  Yay.......what else can go wrong.  I just want to be happy.  I just want him to be happy.  We've discovered we cannot do that together I guess.

    Sooooooooooo, I'll be runnin my butt off this holiday weekend trying to find a little cozy house where I can become the weird cat lady and live my life like I want. :) 

    Don't cry for me girls.  I'm better off

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BarbAnne41
    BarbAnne41 Member Posts: 380
    edited September 2010

    Dam Pamela. Sometimes it is better. Lord knows my mom was much happier alone with all her cats than she ever was married to my dad. I am praying and thinking of you. Keep us posted.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Neece
    Neece Member Posts: 270
    edited September 2010

    Hey Pamela, can I suggest a separation period without making any long term decisions just now? You have been through so much. And you are probably worn out and tired... never good circumstances in which to make binding decisions. I don't know how things are for you, so forgive me if I am poking my big nose in... but I just think the thing you need most for a while is some stability and quiet time in which to heal. I am so sorry you are coping with all this as well.

    China I am happy about your news. What a relief. 

    Barb glad your exchange went well. And I understand what you mean by being relieved to be "even" again. I am happy about that too, from my reconstruction.

    jane yippee for your final herceptin. good for you.

    Ronnie you are gorgeous! What a loving wondeful woman.

    Vicki hope your son's wedding goes beautifully. My DH and I are tomorrow off to my stepson's "in laws to be" where they will be holding a traditional Lao wedding ceremony - my step daughter in law to be is originally from Laos - should be very interesting. Then next weekend is the big Aussie wedding. We are getting very excited!

    A week ago my family all went to my son's new place where he has moved to with his GF. We took food for lunch and had a lovely time. they enjoyed playing host i think! the move has so much increased his maturity and improved our relationships no end.

    There is a very funny thread on the board - called something like "You know you are a cancer patient when..." it's hysterical. Worth a look if you have not already found it.

    barbT I am also sorry about your Dad. It is so hard to watch parents age isn't it? My mum has macular degeneration and has had it a few years now, but in the past month it has worsened very quickly and she is rapidly losing her sight. In two weeks she went from being an avid book and newspaper reader, to being only able to read the headlines - nothing more. She can't chop vegetables safely any more! it has really rocked her and she is looking so much older now. It is very hard to see. She is having treatment (eye injections) which they hope will arrest the deterioration but probably not improve her to her previous level.

    Anyway lovely ladies a happy weekend to you all.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • RonnieKay
    RonnieKay Member Posts: 2,067
    edited September 2010

    One year ago today (9/3) was my first chemo.  Sometimes I miss the steroids...seemed to get so much done then, teehee!  Anyway....

    Pamelajo:  All this AFTER you took care of his mother????  You are a saint in my book....a living saint, that is!  Take care...wish I had some advice, but Neece & BarbAnne probably hit the nail on the head (put down the hammer!!!!).

    Dang it, BarbAnne...wanted you to take the pill & experience the best day you'd ever had...wishful thinking...but maybe you're right, that it'll take a while. When I got prozac, the dr told me to take 2 pills, thinking she'd given me 10 mg. I took 2 pills in the am before work, and man oh man, I was spinning!  I finally called the office and asked what the ....happened. It turns out they gave me 20 mg. That was quite a day.  So....hope for good things to come!

    Neece...you're probably not going to read this before your Lao wedding but I hope it's FUN FUN FUN!  I went to a Samoan/Vietnamese wedding...amazing!  Literally lasted 9 hours & when it came to the Samoan part...the guys all stripped down to their native shorts & danced....I thought I was in heaven...they were gorgeous!!!!  So happy you have a joyous event in the family! 

    Hope all my dear sisters have a wonderful long weekend!  Labor Day not .... I'm going to do NOTHING!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BarbAnne41
    BarbAnne41 Member Posts: 380
    edited September 2010

    Thanks Ronnie- Yes I just don't think it is for me. I still don't feel quite normal and i took a 37.5 mg pill Wednesday night..thats ok now I know.

    VivkiLynn hope the wedding is phenomenal!!

    Neece-Oh sounds pretty and almost tropical, or maybe thats just me, but do have a great time.

    Jane- I really hope you are ok with Hurricane Earl, and I hope your last tx is done done done..

    Pamela- still thinking and praying' girl.

    Love and hugs be safe girlie's on the long weekend

    Barbara

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • vickilynn
    vickilynn Member Posts: 422
    edited September 2010

    Pamela - Ditto from me on Neece's advice.  So sad to read... and I'm sorry, I already cried a few tears before I read your "Don't cry for me" line.  And I'm saying even more prayers for you.

    Wedding tonight!  this has been a emotionally horrific week.  Details may follow or I may just want to wash them away... but Pamela's news just puts everything into perspective.  Don't sweat the small stuff, Vicki.

    I got to spend a peaceful 2 hours at Barnes & Nobles (which I was so sad to hear will be closing!) this week - and "just happened" to sit at a table where someone had left a stack of books about breast cancer!  I was sad that someone was newly diagnosed.  I stacked the books and pushed them to the side of the table as I had my notebook and had been writing down some "life thoughts"  (You know, questions like:  "What do you want to do now?").  I had titled my page:  The Crossroads...   One of the books jumped out at me, and I don't even know the title, but it may also have been something like Crossroads!!  

    It was addressing so many of the questions I was asking myself.  It talked about:

     Evaluating what is important to me. 

    Identifying new life goals and making changes.

    Living life the way it was meant to be lived.

    Finding my new "normal" and empowering that. 

    Knowing that I have options and control over my choices, the ability to choose and the responsibility for those choices.

    Forming a new and improved me.

    It was all good and to the point and just really brought it together for me.  So now - after the wedding of course - I'll get back to my Crossroads notebook and do some heavy self-evaluation.

    It's crises like Pamela's that help move that forward.

    I'm sure the wedding will be delightful.  And my husband and I are surprising them by singing a song at the reception --- but before you cry and say how lovely that is, the question the song asks is:  What Are We Gonna Do When the Kids are Gone?  And the answer in the song is:  "Make love in the kitchen, and howl at the moon.  Run buck naked through the dining room.  Stay out late with all of our friends, and run hog wild, till the whole thing ends!"

    Oh Neece, if you want to fly is in for the wedding reception, just let us know!  HAH!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • msmpatty
    msmpatty Member Posts: 818
    edited September 2010

    Vickilynn - LOL about your song lyrics.  I'm imagining you are at the wedding, perhaps even singing, right now.   I hope it is beautifu!  Thanks for sharing your thoughtful Crossroads list.  Now that we are through (Pamelajo you're almost there!) with the rigors of treatment, it seems a perfect time to take stock and look to the future.

    Pamelajo - A lot of people don't make it through the full 12-weeks of Taxol/Abraxane, especially when the nueropathy sets in.   I read the clinical results on the 12-week regimen and even with a pretty high level of people not being able to complete it, the results were excellent.   I'm sorry to learn about your marriage woes.    A friend gave me a book entitled "50 Reasons Cats are better than Men".  Shall I send it to you? 

    Barbara -  Well...you've answered the question about Effexor.  Definitely not for you.  And speaking of cats, I get accused of liking the cats better than my son too!   Must be part of the teenage mantra.  Perhaps we should collaborate on a book entitled "500 Reasons Cats are better than Teenagers".  HA!  (Just remember...we'll be crying at their weddings in no time...sigh.)

    RonnieKay - Don't ever shorten your posts!   They make my day.  Your idea of volunteering at PICC sounds wonderful.  I'm sure it will make you sad, but those little guys need you.  Watching my son overcome the challenges of his past has been a huge lesson in courage and determination for me.  He's another of my heros. Congrats on being BRCA free..big relief!

    Neece - How interesting to have two weddings.  Makes the whole event doubly meaningful.  Please share the details!   My mother also has macular degeneration -- dry kind in one eye, wet kind in the other (gets the shots in that eye).   One thing she has found to be a life saver is a device with a camera attached to a very large computer screen.  You can lay books, bills, recipes, letters, medicine bottles or whatever on the platform and the camera projects enlarged text onto the screen.     And I mean enlarged...you can make it huge if you need to.   She uses it to write checks and letters as well.  Being able to read the essentials has really helped to reduce her frustration.   She also got a free audio player and orders free books on tape from the Braille Institute which, I believe, is sort of like your Vision Australia organization.  When we went to the Braille Institute facility here it was such a boost for my mom...they are so supportive and have many programs and products that can help.

    Happy Labor Day, ladies!   Let's follow Ronnie's plan...no laboring!

    Patty

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jadams1264
    jadams1264 Member Posts: 417
    edited September 2010

    Good morning SOSisters... hope all of you are getting ready for a wonderful, relaxing 3 day weekend.

    BarbAnne - I totally agree we need to try another reunion.  I'm with you on not taking every pill the doctor's suggest.  I have my last Herceptin this coming Wednesday - yeah!  It is going to seem so strange.  My daughter says that I liked the dog better - seems to definitely be a teenage thing.  Hurricane Earl blew right on by and didn't bother us a bit.  In fact, we have beautiful blue skies and it's in mid 80's for next few days!

    Patty - I can just envision you trying to get your bangs down to eyebrows.  I have done the samething, not even close!  My hair is down over my ears now and back has nice length, if only the top would grow.  Eyebrows still spotty, but getting better.  I like your idea for the book but I would substitue dogs for cats.  I so don't miss those teenage days.

    RonnieKay - congrats on the Brac results!  What a relief for you and daughter.  Last Herceptin this Weds in am, then DH has his last test in afternoon before starting his radiation.  Just sort of seems like a continuing theme, just changing people!  I admire the fact that you are willing to volunteer with the infants.  That must be so joyful and heart breaking at the same time.  What a special person you are!  I lost my mom and dad both to heart disease, no cancer in the family.  Still waiting on results from last Ecko and my "irregular" heartbeat.  Something I thought was interesting - my DH has been on internet and found a site that is somewhat similar to ours, men posting about their txt course for prostrate cancer.  I told him I want him to find a site as wonderful as this one, with people who can relate to all the trials and tribulations.  He's not much for computers, we'll see. 

    Pamelajo - oh warrior sister how I'm feeling for you!  I have to agree that you should not rush in to anything, time and space sometimes can work wonders.  Had a cousin who separated from her DH for 3 years, they are back together and happy but they went through some tough times before they got there.  No couple can go through what the two of you have had to endure and not have major issues.  I'm praying for you and your DH that whatever the right thing is you will know.  Why do you have to move?  Seems like your DH should take that one on, you have enough on your plate at this time.  Be thinking of you!

    Neece - do you celebrate Labor Day in Australia?  Looking forward to hearing all the details from the wedding.  How exciting, 2 weddings!  Glad to hear the kids are settled in to their new space and things are getting better. 

    Vickilynn - So how was the wedding?  You know we want to hear details.  I just loved the lyrics to your song - and so true when they finally leave the nest!  I think all of us have to find our new normal and I know that we need to live each day the way it was meant to be lived.  I can't imagine the Barnes and Nobles closing here.  It is one of my favorite stores!

    Happy Labor Day sisters.....hope you have a wonderful weekend.  To all our sisters who haven't posted lately, please stop in for just a bit, even if you just say hello and doing ok.  We miss you!

    Thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Jane 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • flacracker
    flacracker Member Posts: 78
    edited September 2010

    Hello my SOSisters!

     I'mmm Back! Sorry I have been MIA. Oh, my, it took me a while to catch up! What a heck of a year we have all been throughSmile. Heck, we made it!!!!  It all has tough, but we are survivors or warriors.

    I have been with my family. I spent 2 weeks in Pensacola, Fl with 2 of my sisters and then we had a mini family reunion in Orlando, Fl. I had 5 sisters and one brother and 2 nieces and 1 great nephew there it was great to see everyone! I am from a family of 10. So, they all treat me like the baby of the family( which I am). I used to hate it but now that I am older I like it!LaughingI been slowly healing from my implants. The Doctors said time it will heal. They have to work(80%) more on my left side then my right side. I am still doing PT for my leg and now I will start for my arms. Damn Cancer does Suck!!!!

    I wish I could have been there for the reunion! Yes, I agree with everyone else, let's try it again!

    Huggsss

    Wanda

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Neece
    Neece Member Posts: 270
    edited September 2010

    hey Wanda lovely to hear from you. Glad your implants going OK. Does take a little while to get used to them I think.

    The Lao wedding ceremony was soooo beautiful! the bride and groom (dressed in traditional costume) knelt on floor in front of Lao celebrant - everyone in room kneeling (I lasted for about 5 minutes then my feet went to sleep) There was a gorgeous structure built of flowers, symbolising levels to heaven, and around which were offerings of food, wine and water. The B & G have white strings tied to their wrists, attaching them to the structures and linking them together. Then the B & G have to bow forward to their parents and elders and ask forgivenesss for anything wrong they have done in their lives - actually my stepson is such a sweetie that I couldn't think of anything! Then afterwards, everyone is given a blessing, a gift of food, and a string tied around their wrist, and all the guests tie one on the B & G as well. Sort of like making the sign of peace in a Catholic mass. It was very lovely. Everything was so colourful especially the lovely costumes on the women guests.I had to laugh though - the groom  is 6ft 4inches so up against all the tiny Lao ladies in the photos he looks like a giant! The Aussie ceremony is this Friday; can't wait.

    Vickilynn do tell us how your wedding went!

    Patty a HUGE thank you for the tips to help my mum! I will contact Vision Australia and see what help they can offer. I had not thought of any of these things. You are right, my mum gets so gfrutrated not being able to sign her name or read a recipe or newspaper article any more. Any help I can find out about will be a great relief.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • vickilynn
    vickilynn Member Posts: 422
    edited September 2010

    We had a fun wedding on Friday!  My sister said it was the perfect blend of traditional and informal... the bride in pants, white blouse, purple shawl... and 13 flower girls in very summery dresses in black and white with purple bows and ribbons - big circle skirts so that during the reception they were found in the entry, all twirling and their big skirts circling them.  And my son wore all black with a purple tie!  My 5-year old grandson had a great smile on his face and handed the ring to his Uncle at just the right time.  He was great. 

    The ceremony itself was short - my other son is the pastor and he also sang a song he wrote several years ago for a friend getting married... beautiful words  "Will You run with me wherever He may lead us?  Will you walk beside me with your hand in mine?  Will you pledge to let no other come between us, as we come together in His love divine?" 

    and I sat in the front row with a great view of my son's face as he gazed at his bride with such love.... made me cry!  The tears just flowed almost through the whole ceremony.  No sobbing, just tears.  And I could see the bride's face and her mouthed words, "I love you!"

    And at the reception, we got up the nerve to sing our song and it was very funny and a great hit!  All of the older folks (our age and up) could relate  "What are we gonna do when the kids are gone?" 

    And then our sons and daughters-in-law sang a couple songs too. 

    We served deli meat trays (we'd put together that day with help from some friends), pickled veggies, olives, potato salad, tuna salad, 3 bean salad...

    The cake was black and white with purple roses and was made by a young woman (20) from the church.

    There was rainbow sherbet punch (yum)...

    And I watched as they hugged their daughter and got into the back seat of someone's car.  my other son decorated both of their cars because he didn't know which one they were taking... with giant cans, toilet paper, and "just married" written with mustard on the back windows!

    Then DH and I left the next day for the coast and had a beautiful day sitting on the beach and watching the waves.

    And then to a hotel last night just because we could and I could swim in my new swimsuit and relax in the jacuzzi.

    then this morning I woke up with vertigo.  Nasty stuff.  The room was spinning and I felt yucky the rest of the day... and still do, and am afraid to go to bed because I'm afraid the bed will spin around me.

    SIGH

    one more thing.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • vickilynn
    vickilynn Member Posts: 422
    edited September 2010

    Went to the dr. today - and she was new and took over for my favorite (actually a PA) and i had to re-explain my history and I don't like that.  She said, "So are you in remission?"  So I said, "I don't know what I'm in.  They only said, 'see you in 6 months!'"   

    I've never heard the word "remission" associated with BC.  Anyone else?

    We're hoping the vertigo, which is worse today, is a solvable problem (rocks out of place in the inner ear) but just in case- I'm having a CT scan with and without contrast on Thursday.  HEAVY SIGH.  DH is quite concerned/depressed/overwhelmed. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • barbt0323
    barbt0323 Member Posts: 99
    edited September 2010

    Well, September sisters!

    Here it is a year has past.  We are now into September 2010.  My one year anniversary of first chemo was day after my anniversary - September 18th.  It seems like an eternity so much has happened to all of us.  We have proven to be very strong and been together thru an awful lot.

    Pamelajo - I wish you the best.  Marriage is difficult on a good day but going thru what you have had to this past year has made it much more difficult.  I was married the first time for 23 years.  This time it is 16 years on September 17th. 

    In regards to exchange surgery, I had a tissue expander placed in my missing breast.  Went to the plastic surgeon every other week and they gradually filled it up with a saline solution.  It felt like you were walking around with bricks.  He then exchanged that with an implant.  On my other breast he did a reduction and a "lift".  That is the side that bothered me more than anything else.  I go back and have the stitches taken out on Thursday.  After that in a few months they put in a nipple from scar tissue then a tatoo when that heals.  I am happy with the results.  

    Had a fun weekend with some friends.  We went on a sunset cruise at Clearwater Beach.    

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Scoobydoo
    Scoobydoo Member Posts: 499
    edited September 2010

    Hi ladies!

    Wow I sure miss you.  It has been awhile since I have been here.  I just had a bone scan done.  I am on the bisphosphonate trial and I was having horrible bone pain in my leg.  So they wanted to make sure it was the bisphosphate causing the pain.  Great news....no bone cancer!!!  Yay.

    Pamelajo - You have been through so much.  You are definitely one tough cookie.  I had neuropathy in my feet and hands and just recently the neuropathy has completely left me.  It took almost a year for it to go away.  Amazing.  Still thinking and praying for you.  So sorry you have to go through a divorce but it sounds like you will be better off.

    Vickilynn - How are you doing?  Its been such a long time since we talked.  Sounds like the wedding was beautiful!   I used to suffer from vertigo.  I believe my dr gave me a sedative and that helped it go away.  It was a horrible feeling.  Sorry you have to go through that as well.

    To all my other sisters, I am sure wishing you all well.  

    Anita

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • msmpatty
    msmpatty Member Posts: 818
    edited September 2010

    VickiLynn - I'm distressed to learn about the vertigo...but it struck me how "lucky" it is that it waited to hit you until after the wedding.   I hope they'll find nothing amiss and can treat you with a pill.  The wedding sounds beautiful and meaningful...what a talented family!

    Neece - The Lao ceremony sounds wonderful.  It takes a lot of support to keep a marriage going so I really like the strings connecting everyone.  I am thankful, however, that at my wedding I didn't have to ask my parents forgiveness for the wrongs of my youth...they would probably still be listing things! 

    Wanda - Sounds like you are on the mend after your implants and PT on the leg.  I'm glad your family is babying you!

    BarbT - Your description of your TEs reminded that the last time I had my hair done the hairdresser next to mine heard us discussing my "chemo" hair and she shared that she had been treated twice for DCIS...lumpectomy the first time, MX the second.  She still has the TE in and told me to knock on it.  When I hesitated she said "It's okay.  Just knock right here".  Sure enough...it was like knocking on a door.  So hard!  I was shocked.

    Anita - Good to hear from you and good news on the NED in your legs.  I hope they can do something about the pain though!

    Jane - I'm glad Earl just brushed by you.   Good luck to your husband as he starts his treatment!

    Nothing new from me.  Life is good.

    Patty

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jadams1264
    jadams1264 Member Posts: 417
    edited September 2010

    Hello SOSisters....had my last Herceptin on Wednesday.  Found myself emotional all day, wouldn't you think I would have been doing the happy dance instead of weepy?  Anyway I don't have to see a doctor for a whole month, whatever will I do with myself?  Actually we have sold our house and are downsizing to a condo, will be moving next month.  DH had last test and will be meeting with the doctor who inserts radiation seeds as soon as they can give him an appointment.  DH has a good attitude which as we all know is half the battle.

    Wanda - love Pensacola, use to live in Ft. Walton Beach, gorgeous beaches!  I'd love to have a sister or brother.  How lucky you are to have such a big family, I bet you had a lovely time.

    Neece - your description of the Lao wedding was beautiful.  I also like the symbolism, bet it was a beautiful ceremony.  And here is the day for the traditional wedding, I bet it will be just as lovely!  We'll be thinking of you and can't wait to hear details.

    VickiLynn - sounds like you also had a beautiful wedding and sounds like you also had a lot of fun.  I had really bad vertigo a few years ago, got tested for all sorts of things.  Finally put me on a low dose of blood pressure medication.  I was so bad I couldn't drive the car and was afraid to leave the house on my own.  I'm sure the doctors will find the cause and get you better real quick.  It does always seem to be something doesn't it?  I will pray it goes away quickly!

    Barb0323 - glad you are doing well.  Sounds like you are getting to the end of the long journey back from BC.  Your cruise sounds wonderful!  I'd like to go somewhere, been watching House Hunters and have decided I want to leave on some tropical island.

    Anita - we have missed you!  So glad to hear you are doing well and your bone scan was okay.  You will have to catch us up on what's been keeping you busy.

    Patty - Yes, Earl just brushed us by but he did leave some beautiful weather.  It's cooled off and we're having wonderful NC weather.  I am going to get my hair done next week, 2nd adventure with hair color.  I hated the look last time, my hair is growing but still straight, wavy, curly mess!

    Hope all of you are doing well and have a wonderful weekend.  Pamelajo please check in, you know we're all worried about you!

    Thoughts and prayers are with you!

    Jane

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Neece
    Neece Member Posts: 270
    edited September 2010

    Hello everyone I am still floating after the most beautiful wedding (apart from my own second marriage of course Wink) that I have ever been to. The ceremony was going to be held on the grass right next to the beach but a storm blew up and it was too windy so it happened inside, but it was still sooooo lovely. I cried (like VickiLynn) all the way thru but with a huge smile on my face the whole time too. It was such a multicultural wedding party - the groom (my SSon) the 'token' Anglo Aussie, the best man (my other SSon) of Maltese descent, the groomsman (my son) with Torres Strait Islander heritage (indigenous Australian), the bridesmaids Vietnamese and Filipino, and the bride Lao! my husband and his musician pals played joyous, folk music from Malta, Albania, Italy, Greece and the Balkans, and so many people were on the dance floor grooving to it - young and old, from all cultures and backgrounds.... The vows and speeches were written by my SSon and so moving.... I had the BEST time. AND my 'MOSS' (mother of step son) outfit was just perfect.

    The date of the wedding of course was 10th Sept - exactly a year after I began chemo - but it was hard to remember that

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jadams1264
    jadams1264 Member Posts: 417
    edited September 2010

    Neece - the wedding sounds wonderful!  How interested to have such a diverse group attending the wedding, I bet it was so much fun!  I'm sure you were beautiful in your MOSS outfit.  What a fitting way to spend your anniversary date!  Take care and thank you for sharing what sounds like a perfect day!

    Jane

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • barbt0323
    barbt0323 Member Posts: 99
    edited September 2010

    Neece,

    Sounds like a wonderful wedding!  September 10th is my stepsons wedding anniversary.  They were married 16 years ago.  We got married the following week on September 17th.  We went up to New Hampshire for their wedding and they were down in Florida for our wedding.  They now have blessed us with three grandchildren.

    This Friday is our anniversary.  The following day September 18th is my one year "chemo" anniversary. 

    Love to you all,

    Barb TCool

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • vickilynn
    vickilynn Member Posts: 422
    edited September 2010

    Neece - the wedding sounds beautiful and full of life!  I love celebrations!!  And multi-cultural is exciting.

    Vertigo report - My spinning has stopped, though I still find myself light-headed and leaning (!) but the good news today is there is no sign of mets to the brain (isn't that a terrible thing to think about?). 

    Because my DH was just sick thinking that my BC had spread to my brain, we got out of town this weekend - just got back an hour ago.  We went to Lake Tahoe.  For those who aren't fortunate enough to live near here - it's one of the most beautiful deep and large lakes you've ever seen at about 5,000 ft elevation.  In the winter there's snow skiing and year round there's gambling casinos and shows at the Calif/Nevada border.  We stayed in one of the casino hotels - mainly because they usually have great rates - but after we checked in I saw the night's Cabaret show starring Cher/Dolly Parton/Bette Midler look alike.  I thought that might be fun to see!  Then my DH and I cracked up when we saw the bottom of the sign which said, "We've got our best men on the job."  so we bypassed the female impersonator show! 

    Anyway, this morning we got the good news on the test results and had a great drive back home today.

    Barb T.  Congrats on your anniversary!

    Jane - Hope your move goes easily and you enjoy your new down-sized life.  There are BIG advantages to not having a lot of property/house to care for!  And so glad you're done with Herceptin!

    Patty & Jane - thank you for always remembering each of us when you write.  You are both great encouragers!

    Anita - so good to hear from you and that your bone scan was clear!  I was reading something recently about how every little ache and pain will make us wonder if the cancer has spread --- and that with time, that will change.  This person was writing that it took her a good 2 years after finishing chemo before she and her dr. didn't suspect Cancer with every health issue.  DH has it worse than I do... he said on our trip home today, "Well, since you're going to be around for awhile, i guess we can stop living like there's no tomorrow"  (We spent too much money on our trip to Tahoe!!!    But it was worth every penny : )     )

    Pamela - Jane's right... check in.  We all care about you and need to know you're there!

    Wanda - so glad to hear from you again, too!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Scoobydoo
    Scoobydoo Member Posts: 499
    edited September 2010

    Vickilynn - So glad to hear that your results were good!!!!!  Wow Lake Tahoe sounds beautiful.  How I would love a relaxing vacation about right now.  I do look forward to the day when we dont think about brain cancer when we have headaches or bone cancer when our back hurts.  It sure will be nice. Glad to hear your vertigo symptoms have subsided.

    Pamela- Yes, please check in to let us know how you are doing.  I may not post a lot but I do read.

    Neece- Sounds like a fun and beautiful wedding.  Congratulaitons to your family.

    Jadams - Congrats on finishing Herceptin.  Is that your last last?  My daughter is going off to college in a year and a half and my hubby and I will be downsizing as well.  I really do not want a big single family anymore anyway.  Big house equals = Big commitment.

    Talk to you ladies soon.

    Anita

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jadams1264
    jadams1264 Member Posts: 417
    edited September 2010

    Hello SOSisters....well milestone today, went out without the wig!  Of course I had it done at the salon so it will never look the same.  It's very short and I'm a little iffy on the color but I'm going to retire the wig.  My anniversary date is the 17th so it's time!

    Barb0323 - doesn't it seem like the year has gone fast and agonizingly slow at the same time?  16th years is wonderful, DH and I will be 32 years in November.  Our friends said it would never last, what did they know!  

    Vickilynn - so glad to hear your good news!  I so agree that every little ache and pain is met with the "is it cancer" question.  I have had so many little quirky aches and pains and my wrists and heels are giving me fits.  Woke up the other night with my hip aching like crazy, se's from chemo, I'm hoping with my last Herceptin some of these will disappear.  Sounds like you had a wonderful time at Lake Tahoe.  I think we should enjoy each and every day and sounds like you and DH are doing just that!

    Anita - yes, it was my very last treatment, I have now had a whole year of Herceptin.  I am so glad to be able to say that, it's been a long time coming.  We are looking forward to the condo move but I am having to get rid of a lot of furniture and junk I have hoarded away for years.  We have 4 bedrooms and 3 baths right now!  Having a yard sale this weekend, hoping everyone will think my junk is their treasure!

    Pamelajo - I'm with Vickilynn, we need to hear from you.  Just a short little post will do!

    To all of our other sisters who haven't posted for awhile, we're missing you too.  You know who you are :)

    Take care.  Thoughts and prayers are with you!

    Jane

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • msmpatty
    msmpatty Member Posts: 818
    edited September 2010

    Neece - The wedding sounds wonderful.  A veritable United Nations!   Congrats on your one year anniversary and how wonderful you didn't hardly even think about it.

    Barb T - Anniversaries all around for you.  Congrats!   

    VickiLynn - I'm so glad to hear the vertigo is getting better and so jealous of your trip to Lake Tahoe.   I love that place.   Hooray for clean test results!

    Anita - I'm totally with you on downsizing.  BIG HOUSE = BIG COMMITMENT = BIG PAIN IN THE FANNY!  Having just completed the re-building of my laundry room after a water leak and looking forward to replacing 130 ft of fence next week,  I'm longing for the simplicity of a condo.

    Jane -  Hooray for braving the world wigless!  I stopped wearing mine about a month ago.  It took a little getting used to but I got used to it really fast.  

    I had my third color and first real haircut today.  The cut was a bit nerve racking because I hated to lose even a teeny bit of what was so slow in coming, but it does look more "shaped" now.  As for the color, my hairdresser told me that she thinks the first hair that comes in lacks the structure that accepts/holds the dye.  So the color fads really fast.  Are you guys also having this problem?

    As for panicing with every little ache and pain...yep, that's me too.  So far I've diagnosed myself with brain mets, bone mets, tooth mets, skin mets, fingernail mets...you name it.   This is crazy of course!  I'm actually healthy as a horse.

    Barbara - Where you been, girl?

    Pamela - Give us an update!

    Have a great week everyone!

    Patty

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Neece
    Neece Member Posts: 270
    edited September 2010

    Patty - fingernail mets and tooth mets!! I love it! I think we will all go through this for some time to come. I have my three monthly visit with oncologist tomorrow and am feeling that sense of "oh, what if???" But like Patty I am pretty sure I am fine, fine, fine. But I guess it is natural that we wonder. Actually I am finding the anxiety is lessening a bit as time goes on.

    Patty I love how your hair looks in the photo. Like many of you I have been reluctant to get any of mine cut off. It's taken so long to get to to where it is! But maybe I need to have it shaped a bit like Patty says. It's still curly and I love that! But it changes every week, I never know how it is going to look from one week or day to the next.

     So many anniversaries amongst us at the moment - good ones andnot so good. But the best one of all is, we have survived a year and can mark that milestone off.

    hey i saw the Oprah Winfrey show coming to Australia on our TV news the other day. I wish you guys could be amongt the 300 she is bringing out! We could have our reunion on the steps of the Opera House. Wouldn't that be great?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BarbAnne41
    BarbAnne41 Member Posts: 380
    edited September 2010

    Hey ladies, I am still reading. Congrats to all of you on the wedding, moves, and all around good news.

    I am really busy at work, my dh is in a real moody funk, my life is full of teenage drama. I see my onc tomorrow. Hopefully he can px something to finally clear up the lingering itch on my boob.

    Pray for me girls, I need it.

    I am praying for you.

    Love and hugs

    Barbara

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories