Starting Chemo Aug 09
Comments
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Hi everyone - I've been reading every day but had nothing much going on to post! Went to a sukkah party today with DH. It was a beautiful day, lots of fun with lots to eat and drink. Made me think of last year when we went when I was bald, 3 broken foot bones so lugging a boot around, didn't drink and hardly ate anything as nothing tasted good. Quite a different day today. Life is good.
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Oh how nice Gilly! I used to go to those when I was a girl and I always liked them for the seasonal nature of the Sukkah and the foods etc. (A celebration of the harvest for those who don't know). I know that feeling too... have had a few of those myself this year.
Jenn -- we saw Easy A tonight -- it was cute! We had a good time.
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Lilah - thanks you for telling me what Sukkah is, I was going to ask. Glad you liked Easy A.
Gill - sounds like you had a great time, much better this year. What kinds of food and activities to they have at a Sukkah party?
Well, the Saints managed to lose. I knew going in it was going to be tough, but ugh!! I hate to lose. The Falcons did play a good game and having family over was fun. On to next week....
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The most important activities, at least at this Sukkah party, were eating and drinking!!! And it was a beautiful day so we stayed a lot longer than we have in other years. It is an outdoor party no matter what.
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Where have I been? Never heard of a Sukkah party but maybe I'll go to one now. As the anniversary of events come up I too can't help but think about how I gritted my way through things last year...and now can enjoy them again. Hooray for the end of treatment!
Now speaking of food...I know that veggies and fruits and the like are good for me and red meat and other fatty stuff is "bad". But I've noticed that if I have a nice juicy slab of red meat for dinner, I feel better and have more energy the next day. Is my body telling me to protein-load? What's next...vampirism? Anybody else experience this?
And speaking of craving red meat...I've been reluctant to get on the scale because my middle seems to be expanding (or my waist bands shrinking). I finally checked the other day and I weigh exactly what I weighed at the start of treatment! So...I'm just laying on fat around the middle. I'm envisioning my future as a skinny-legged, barrel-waisted person and it is not pretty. Darn Femara!
Patty
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Patty - I have this strange added layer around the middle too - I think it's from chemopause. Less estrogen, means more middle. The joys of BC. I had never heard of a Sukkah party either, but it sounds fun!
I have noticed that I am having a lot more fun this year with various activities. DH and I are going out more and I am saying YES to a lot more. Hmmmm......maybe after realizing how miserable it was not getting out, the yes lets have fun means more.
I know y'all that are a little more north than I am, but this morning was beautiful, actually the entire day was beautiful. The humidity was very low and it was only 70 degress this morning. My youngest, the one in college said it was 53 degress where she was. Wow!!! I sure wish it would last. I didn't get out much for my lunch hour, but did take the opportunity to weed the back garden. I love the fall weather, the smell of fall, the colors of fall. I just love it!!!
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Well me too re: that widening middle! And how is it possible my belly is bigger and yet I weigh the same? I hate it. I need to lose like 20 pounds to get this middle under control! My only problem is I completely loathe exercise
This is a real problem lol! But I agree: it's chemopause. The gift that keeps on giving.Sukkot is a Jewish holiday -- a Jewish holiday of the harvest. Unless you are Jewish or know someone Jewish it's not likely you would have heard of it (or been to one
Well we had rain all day today Jenn and more promised for tomorrow! But maybe that nice fall weather you're enjoying will make it up north by week's end? I am going to be at the Ta Ta Sisterhood Reunion in Las Vegas though (it's a gathering of a bunch of BCO members from the Exchange City thread). It should be fun! I think there are like 60 women going.
I love that you weeded your garden during your lunch hour Jenn! You must live close to work to be able to do that.
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After a summer in San Diego that was not so hot (and I mean that l literally...cool, cloudy), now that it is officially fall we are broiling. 90+ at my house yesterday and I'm on the coast. We're breaking all kinds of records for heat and electricity use. I'm longing for a cool, crisp fall day.
Mystery solved on the Sukkot holiday. Thanks Lilah. I do have Jewish friends but don't recall them talking about this holiday...clearly they never invited me!
How great you are going to the Ta Ta Sisterhood Reunion, Lilah. Sounds fun to actually meet people from these boards. Almost worth having exchange surgery for. Or...maybe not. At the rate my waist is expanding my stomach will be bigger than my boobs any day now. Then maybe I can exchange it with my boobs. HA!
Patty
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Lilah - I'm sorry, I must have worded my post incorrectly. I didn't get out at lunch, except to walk across the street. I came home from work, changed clothes and worked in the garden. Thanks for the info on the Sukkot holiday/party. We have quite a few Jewish clients, but that isn't something that would have come up. I learned something new!!! I'm hoping that I can join the Ta Ta Reunion next year when life is a little calmer - it sounds like so much fun. Can't wait to hear more....
Patty - I hear ya' on the stomach thing - I've never had a belly like this and know I need to work on it, but I think this is going to be hard now that the lack of estrogen is slowing our body down. I will have to admit, with no boobs it's not hard to have a belly bigger than the boobs - thank goodness for the foobs. When I finally get around to recon (DIEP) I'll have some of that belly sucked out.
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Well it's a minor holiday
So it doesn't get a lot of press I guess.Ugh I dont even want to talk about my expanding gut! I hate it!
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My youngest is home for a long weekend - she came home early because she had a "flare up" of her disease and we need to get her to the doctor. She went to the ER near her college and had quite the experience, so I guess I'll have to find someone in that area. Anyway, she is feeling better and has an appt tomorrow. We went to the show tonight to see "You Again". It was cute and fun, not too much brain power required - my kind of movie after a long day of work and worry.
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Jenn - hope you get your daughter sorted out quickly and feeling well - not the reason you want to have her visit.
Lilah - have a wonderful time in Vegas, look forward to hearing all about it. I sometimes dip into that thread. Sounds like a fun group of gals.
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Jenn - I hope your daughter feels better soon. Reading your post I thought of an advantage of foobs...as your stomach expands you can just buy bigger ones! And what a great idea to have a little tummy fat-ectomy while doing your DIEP.
Patty
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Gill - My daughter was able to see a dr today and as is always the case is now starting to feel better. Thanks for the well wishes. She is so in love with college and the friends she's making that she can't wait to get back, but she's stuck with us for a few days
I went walking this evening for about 3 miles - it felt so good. The weather was nice and it felt good to get out and move.
Lilah - Hope you're having fun in Vegas.
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Wow Jenn -- 3 miles! I am so impressed! If/when I do walk -- which I really haven't done since chemo -- I barely manage 1 mile!
Glad your daughter is feeling better. Did you tell us what her disease was or is that private info?
Off to Vegas early tomorrow morning! I will report back what I'm allowed to report back
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Hey ladies! I hope you are all doing well! I am just going to brag about my furry-boy on last time, I promise! LOL This is the video we made for the Canadian Breast Cancer foundation and Purina cat chow.... http://www.purina.ca/cbcf/KarenStory.aspx
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Hi Ladies,
I know none of you will proably remember me but I wrote on this site over a year ago. (for my mother). I try to read BCO everyday to hope to learn something new. My mother is doing great. She got all her hair back and feeling really good. We did have a few scares this past year but all turned out well. One thing I was not prepared for was finding out that she now has a aortic valve aneurysm. Its about 2cm and only worth watching for now. Its been a very crazy year for our family. My sister ended up comming to live with us who has many health concerns and mental health issues. she was susideal many times during my mothers treatments. Then in december my mothers husband passed and my father passed in january. Needless to say we delt with so much but came out of it all. I did have to send my sister back to NE I just couldnt do it all and help her the way she needed help. Everyone is finally taking a breath and it feels good. Its good to read that you are all doing so well and getting back to living. I know I deal everyday with thoughts like is today the day we find out something is wrong..
. I hate livinging this way but I dont know how to change it. I go and see my mother everyday and make sure she is feeling well. She has this way of saying I'm fine" and I find out better if I just go and see for myself. I pray for you all everyday. God Bless -
Hi Ladies,
I know none of you will proably remember me but I wrote on this site over a year ago. (for my mother). I try to read BCO everyday to hope to learn something new. My mother is doing great. She got all her hair back and feeling really good. We did have a few scares this past year but all turned out well. One thing I was not prepared for was finding out that she now has a aortic valve aneurysm. Its about 2cm and only worth watching for now. Its been a very crazy year for our family. My sister ended up comming to live with us who has many health concerns and mental health issues. she was susideal many times during my mothers treatments. Then in december my mothers husband passed and my father passed in january. Needless to say we delt with so much but came out of it all. I did have to send my sister back to NE I just couldnt do it all and help her the way she needed help. Everyone is finally taking a breath and it feels good. Its good to read that you are all doing so well and getting back to living. I know I deal everyday with thoughts like is today the day we find out something is wrong..
. I hate livinging this way but I dont know how to change it. I go and see my mother everyday and make sure she is feeling well. She has this way of saying I'm fine" and I find out better if I just go and see for myself. I pray for you all everyday. God Bless -
Hi Ladies,
I know none of you will proably remember me but I wrote on this site over a year ago. (for my mother). I try to read BCO everyday to hope to learn something new. My mother is doing great. She got all her hair back and feeling really good. We did have a few scares this past year but all turned out well. One thing I was not prepared for was finding out that she now has a aortic valve aneurysm. Its about 2cm and only worth watching for now. Its been a very crazy year for our family. My sister ended up comming to live with us who has many health concerns and mental health issues. she was susideal many times during my mothers treatments. Then in december my mothers husband passed and my father passed in january. Needless to say we delt with so much but came out of it all. I did have to send my sister back to NE I just couldnt do it all and help her the way she needed help. Everyone is finally taking a breath and it feels good. Its good to read that you are all doing so well and getting back to living. I know I deal everyday with thoughts like is today the day we find out something is wrong..
. I hate livinging this way but I dont know how to change it. I go and see my mother everyday and make sure she is feeling well. She has this way of saying I'm fine" and I find out better if I just go and see for myself. I pray for you all everyday. God Bless -
Sorry for the triple post my computer was acting up.
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Lilah - I can't wait to hear about all of the fun you'll be having - I understand, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.
My daughter has Intracranial Hypertension (formally know as Pseudo Tumor Cerbi). In a nutshell, she has or had too much cerebral fluid around her brain and it mimics symptoms of a brain tumor, including severe migraines. It's hard to diagnose because it doesn't show up on CAT scans, XRays or MRI's and unless you are lucky enough to get a doctor that can put the symptoms together it goes undiagnosed for long periods of time. And, like with my daughter she was told it was all in her head, well technically it was.... a little humor. For us the diagnosis came with the help of my dr getting involved because she could see the stress I was under and an eye appointment. She had a spinal tap, because it leaked (unexpectedly) it helped reduce the pressure more than just the spinal tap. She has to take maintenance medicines and if she gets a headache catch it early. At the time I registered my daughter there were only 1500 people registered with the foundation - it is rare and even doctors (neuro ophthalmologist) that should know about it don't know as much as they should. I had a hard time getting her the right treatment and bounced around a lot. Sorry for long explanation and rant - it's a disease that needs more attention and I am still mad at the doctors that dismissed us. I guess that's the Mom in me.
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Sorry about all your struggles Loveshermother. Hugs to you!
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loveshermother - I am sorry to hear that you've had such a rough time and wish you the best of luck and continued strength to keep moving forward.
Donna - I saw your pics from the race - looks like you had a great time.
Karen - so glad to hear/see that you and your wonderful Luke have helped show that pets to helps us through treatment.
Hope everyone had a great weekend.
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Lilah - are you back home yet? Recovering? Hope you can share some of Vegas with us!
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Gilly -- Just got home -- it's very late! Had a wonderful time. It was truly touching to be with 50 other survivors forming a crowd everywhere we went and cheering (often literally) for each other's survival.
Jenn -- that's so interesting about your daughter's condition. I have a friend who gets migraines every 2 - -3 months and all tests show there is nothing wrong with her (though as far as I know her only symptom is the migraines). She takes some medicines to alleviate the pain when it comes (I think) but I wonder if she has ever been tested for this! I am going to tell her to look into it. I hope your daughter is doing better.
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Lilah - I peaked into the TA TA SISTERHOOD board to check out the weekend in Las Vegas. Sounds like you guys had a great time. But I guess what happens in Vegas....
Loveshermother - What a terrible time you've had. I'm am so happy your mother is doing well after treatment and that you are getting a nice break. You sound like you need it!
Patty
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It was really wonderful Patty... much dancing, singing, drinking, eating and a little gambling
It was a little overwhelming sometimes - 60 women whose names AND usernames you have to learn/remember I actually think there were a few who attended that I never got to meet, a few I met who I had never seen posts from, but a LOT who I had chatted with here on BCO and was happy to get to meet in person. There is something really amazing and moving about so many breast cancer survivors gathered together in one place. Some of the places we went as a large group the band or performer would be told who we were and there would be lots of announcements and cheering from others (and us) who happened to be there. There was also free time when folks got to do things on their own or in smaller groups. All in all well worth the trip! -
Lilah - your trip sounds wonderful - I really want to go next year. I can only imagine how much fun you had.
I learned with my daughter's disease that the eyes can really tell a lot more than we think. If your friend suspects something more may be going on, tell her have an eye appointment. The pressure of brain tumors, problems with optic nerves and blood flow can all cause headaches and can all be seen through an eye exam. That was got the ball rolling with my daughter.
Well, today I talked to a co-worker that is in a different department. We've never really talked personal business, she is more the person I chit chat with when I'm in her area, we run into each other in the hallways or elevators or in the lunch room. It turns out she had BC 25 + years ago. I would have never known - she still wears prosthesis, which I would have never guessed either. She teared up towards the end of our conversation because she said she just doesn't feel like a woman and hopes that one day she'll feel that way. Then we hugged for a few minutes - then we both agreed that only a BC survivor know what it's like to go through this horrible disease. I don't think I realized how many people around me have gone through this..........
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It's an epidemic Jenn... worse than ever I think. Though more women survive these days due to early detection. I'm sorry for your co-worker and how she feels. She doesn't want reconstruction? I have to say I never considered anything else. It's amazing what they can do these days to reconstruct.
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Nice story Jenn - nobody does quite understand like one of us.
Lilah - I'm glad you all had a wonderful time. It must have been incredibly special.
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