Starting Chemo October 2009

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  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited January 2011

    Suz, you are a brave woman.  We all have to deal with a lot once we are diagnosed...I sometimes make comments like..."who knows how long I have" or "I hope to see something one day"...my husband hates that.  I guess it is my way to deal with this..That way if something pops up, then at least I have said it out loud at some point.  And it will hopefully, be easier to deal with.  I like your optimism...

    I hope this made sense, in my head it does....

  • MarieK
    MarieK Member Posts: 911
    edited January 2011

    Michele I feel the same way but I like to think of it this way - "who know how long any of us have" or "we ALL hope to see something (insert your something here) one day".

    We've got to think of this BC as a wake up call and not a death sentence.  We should enjoy each day and live each day to it's fullest.

    Each day we live we are that much closer to our death.  ALL OF US not just BC survivors!

    Suz you have the most amazing attitude and I'm so glad that you are posting all about what you are doing.  Not just the BC stuff but the reno stuff too. 

  • MarieK
    MarieK Member Posts: 911
    edited January 2011

    Jenna - I have a custom made mouth guard.  It cost over $700 (insurance paid 90%) and it sits in my night stand drawer!

    I tried it for 2 weeks but I still clenched!  The guard is not to stop from clenching but to protect my teeth so I don't damage them when I clench.

    My jaw still ached as well as my neck so I stopped wearing it.  It made me drool a lot too - I felt sorry for my hubby - at one point he was going to bed with a one boobed, completely bald creature that woke up in a pile of drool! 

  • suz45
    suz45 Member Posts: 796
    edited January 2011

    Lol Marie,

    Ive always been an off topic person. I just like to chatter. And Im trying not to come off too doom & gloom. Lol, reality bites big kahunas sometimes, so as my sons gf would say "suck it up"... heh heh, she says it to him not me lol.

    Two perfect motto's for everyone "Live each day as if it was on purpose" and " Live each day as if it is your last" None of us has a crystal ball, we are all going to expire at some point... Lol getting a stage IV dx just means Im a little closer to knowing what it might be from.

    I cant imagine wearing a night guard... I probably should as Im a night grinder, BUT Ive finally kicked the drooling habit... Im gonna let sleeping dogs lie. Yes Marie that sounded like me except I was a zero boobed, bald drooling creature that was soaked in sweat every few hours. Hmmm ... I'm too sexy for my love.....

    Have a great evening ladies. Love & Hugs Suz

  • JustmeAlicia
    JustmeAlicia Member Posts: 1,529
    edited January 2011

    Suz...  you are a strong woman.  We all have to remember tomorrow is promised to no one.  Live each day as if its your last. BIG HUGS you are so brave and we are hear for you to rant away !!!

  • valeriekd
    valeriekd Member Posts: 287
    edited January 2011

    Hi Alicia! Nice to see you! Hope all is well. Great stuff Suz! We are a death denying society...as pema Chodron puts it  we are all getting on a boat we know is going to sink. You can do whatever you want with that.....either it will paralyze you or it is incredibly liberating. I guess the voyage can still be scary sometimes. I am here looking at 14+ inches of snow in a windy blizzard....georgeous and its a snow day.....no work!

  • Hopbird
    Hopbird Member Posts: 387
    edited January 2011

    Valerie, I know how you feel.  I'm in Atlanta and we've been snowed in since Sunday night.  DH got out in the neighborhood yesterday, and I'm actually excited to go to the store later.  The sun is out, and although we're not quite to freezing it is doing its thing.  I think this afternoon I HAVE to get out.

    Ooops!  Suz, sorry I jumped the gun on your yoga.  :)  I think you need to have a heart to heart with your doc and see why they think what they do.  At some point, while we need to be our advocate we also need to know they spent a lot of time learning this stuff and may have some info.  Maybe this chemo won't affect your hair...or do you know that it does?

  • jeanl151
    jeanl151 Member Posts: 146
    edited January 2011

    -Suz - thinking about you and hoping things go well for you. Such decisions..so hard to   

        know what is right

    -Val - good to see you back,  This snowstorm was something else...two days of digging out!

    -hope 2011 is good for all of us

       Jean

  • valeriekd
    valeriekd Member Posts: 287
    edited January 2011

    Hi Jean! 14" of light fluffy snow....so pretty. I hoe you r doing well. How's your daughter oh and are you following Erban to Tufts?

  • txstardust
    txstardust Member Posts: 599
    edited January 2011

    Sexy Suz...you are the WOMAN!!

    All of you dealing with snow - hope you dig out soon!  Been a bit chilly here, but it doesn't compare!

    Well, things have come full circle...my divorce is final today.  I am relieved to have that over.  This whole last year and a half just seem so unreal...I want to get back to reality! 

  • one-L
    one-L Member Posts: 1,110
    edited January 2011

    It is good to see everyone here. 

    Suz, you are the strong one here.  I don't know how I would react if I had gotten the news you did, but you seem to be so strong.  I have never wanted to be over optimistic about the BC.  I have always kept an open mind that I will have to deal with it again some day.  My DH hates it when I think that way, but I just don't want the surprise later, I want to be prepared.  Of course, I don't think I will ever be prepared either.

    Hope everyone is surviving the really cold wet weather some of you are having.  It is cold here, but not messy.

  • suz45
    suz45 Member Posts: 796
    edited January 2011

    Big hugs Shelby,

    I'm sure that was one huge roller-coaster you were on. I'm sending love & hope that things settle into a good comfort zone for you.

    I'm soo happy with the way my new room is turning out. Its becoming a place that I walk into and immediately feel such good vibes & at peace. Everything in here makes me feel so good. I only have one picture on the walls so far & even that makes me feel good. I get to look forward to finding that special something that I would want to add to my little refuge. I was really unsure about the nebulous grey walls along with lots of black, white & grey plus just a touch of red (my furniture & floors are dark wood). But its turned out so beautifully harmonious. It reminds me of a black & white photo that has a bit of color added to it. And Im using things like fabric to give if a very feminine feel.

    It will be nice to finish the last room of hardwood (floor) this week, then onto the last of the floors (carpet in the hall & stairs then lino in the kitchen) It feels like Ive been working on this forever, but not to worry... Im planning on having it all finished by spring. Then Im gonna throw one monster kick ass BBQ & party. If anyones in the area you will be more than welcome to come on over for it Laughing.

    Lol, another off topic ramble, Love ya's all, Hugs Suz

  • Jenna1961
    Jenna1961 Member Posts: 71
    edited January 2011
    Salut to your joie de vivre Suz!
      I'd love to come to your party.
  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited January 2011

    Suz, you should post some pictures...I would bring the nachos...

  • MaryNY
    MaryNY Member Posts: 1,584
    edited January 2011

    Suz: your new room sounds beautiful and it seems like it will be your special place. You'll have to post some photos for us.

  • suz45
    suz45 Member Posts: 796
    edited January 2011

    I will take some pics as soon as I get the floor done in the spare room. Right now stuff is kinda spread out all over as I used that whole room as my closet Embarassed Yea Im a bit of a clothes horse...  It started out as just a dresser in there then I ended up with 3 dressers & 2 rolling clothes racks along with all my guitars & grammophone. So for now some of it is in here and the rest is in the dining room...lol. Try that one when you live with 2 guys heh heh.

    But yes I will take tons of pics in a week of so.

    Jenna you will be more than welcome and Michele nachos are awesome

    Hugs Suz

  • one-L
    one-L Member Posts: 1,110
    edited January 2011

    Suz, I will  be there in spirit.  I will have to fix my own nachos, but in Texas we make a pretty mean nacho.  Lots of jalapenos and I do mean lots.

    Spent the day with my Granddaughter.  We  went last night and she was already in bed before we got there.  So she woke up in the middle of the night and called her Mom, but Maw Maw appeared and boy was she excited.  Almost didn't get her back to sleep.   Her dad said that if she thinks she can congure me up in the middle of the night like last night, she will be really disappointed tonight, when Maw Maw isn't there.  Warms my heart to be around her.

    Keep warm everyone and get as much rest as possible and have the best weekend possible.

    Hugs,

    Juannelle

  • jeanl151
    jeanl151 Member Posts: 146
    edited January 2011

    Suz- your room sounds wonderful..I hope it brings you everything you need for the soul.

    Val - I am doing fine, I am feeling well, because my bc is triple neg, I don't have to take any meds, I guess for that I am lucky.   I do plan on following Erban to Tufts, how about you?

    Juannelle - I know what you mean of not wanting any surprises, I am having the hardest time not thinking about it coming back..it was such a surprise the first time...hate the thought of the rug being pulled out from under me again.... I am fine during the day...the thoughts creep in when all is quiet.

    I guess just keep living life to its fullest is all we can truely do!!

    Jean

  • feistybluegecko
    feistybluegecko Member Posts: 133
    edited January 2011

    A big warm hug to you all, Suz can I also visit?  Of course you can all come to my place in Yangon - we can have a ball out in the garden ......  it is good to dream isn't it?

     I am back in Bangkok for the next round of checks - saw the Rads consult tonight and all is fine (but that is not the one i was scared of!)  My onc appt is on Thursday, but he was also at the hospital this evening.  He stuck his head in the door, and said "I don't know you", roared with laughter and disappeared!  (who fired who???)  Actually I am taking the message that I am not a "regular" any more.  Let's just hope that Thursday's tests back that up!

    On another note, I am  starting a kind of "sister blog" with photos etc from life/work in this part of the world.  Please visit if you want to get a taste of things here.  I have a huge number of pics to add so it is a bit of a work in progress.  (http://feistybluegeckoimages.wordpress.com)

    Big hugs to you all

    Philippa

    xxx

  • txstardust
    txstardust Member Posts: 599
    edited January 2011

    Philippa, every good checkup is cause to breathe a big sigh of relief.  Good luck on Thursday!

    Suz, we'll have to plan a virtual party.  Give us a day and a time, and we'll all eat nachos in your honor!  Maybe a margarita too... :)

    Juannelle, it's so great that you get to spend time with your granddaughter!  She sounds absolutely adorable.  Here's to many more years of family time!

    I'm supposed to have ann appointment with the gyn onc this week to talk about what surgery to have, but I'm thinking I'm going to reschedule for sometime in March.  There's no big rush, since I still haven't gotten my period back, and I'm wondering if I ever will, considering it's been over a year.  I mean, it wouldn't make sense to remove the ovaries if they're not working anymore, and the last thing I want to do is remove body parts that are not causing a problem.  I still have to have that procedure done for the precancerous cells in my cervix, but again, that's not a rush job.  I would just love to go without any doctor appointments for a while, and just try to live a normal life for a little while. 

    With the divorce finalized on Friday, I'm going back to my maiden name.  It's like a fresh start!  I finished that 2 week special K diet last week, and lost about 10 pounds.  I've started an exercise routine - I'm going to sign up for a 5k run sometime in March, so I started adding some short running "bursts" into my morning walk.  I'll get my Master's in May, and hopefully a good-paying job to go along with it.  I just need to keep up my motivation not to slow down and let fear get a hold of me.

    Big hugs and lots of love to you all!

    ~Shelby 

  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited January 2011

    Shelby, you are a wonder woman...I don't know how you do it..Keep on trucking sista. 

    Hello to all, sorry I havn't been posting lately, but I have been reading and thinking of you all, daily.Kiss

  • suz45
    suz45 Member Posts: 796
    edited January 2011

    Mornin All Kiss

    Sounds like a lot of things are getting back to the new normal... thats great.

    Im back into another set of appointments. I guess for now they will be quite frequent, yesterday I had another full body bone scan. Hopfully will figure out why there is still pain in the area's they radiated (back ribs) for the bone pain..  it was supposed to be gone in 2 weeks. Will maybe figure out if they missed it or if its on the move?? After this I have blood work on the 28th then Onc visit first week of Feb. Oh I also got a call from the new Plastic Surgeon, they have an appointment open for March 11. Hopefully he will pull a rabbit out of the hat & come up with a simple surgery that will work for me. Im not holding my breath but I will at least try..

    Have also talked it over with dh and I just might go into that PARP Inhibitor trial (Inaparib I think) I may be jumping the gun but I think those ribs are telling me I should have a closer look at it. So Ive got a lot of decisisions coming up in the next month of so. Just need to stay strong and not let it get to me..... ugggg wonder if Ill need a 3rd port?? My first was great but my second was horrible and now I have no fatty tissue (boobs) to protect it either.... oh well ya do what ya gotta do.

    Need to make a few calls.

    Big hugs, Suz

  • valeriekd
    valeriekd Member Posts: 287
    edited January 2011

    Hi all - just checking in on the gals! 

    Suz you got alot ahead of you but you've done so much as well. I guess every port is different like every med, like every day . I am so glad you share with all of us, it keeps it all real.

    one-L- I am dying for a granddaughter!

    Hi Jean- yes I am following Erban also. love him.

    Shelby- here's to brand new starts!

    Hi Michelle and Phillipa !    

    Breast reconstruction next week, making em both the same size! (maybe a little perkier too?)

    Be well. V. 

  • one-L
    one-L Member Posts: 1,110
    edited January 2011

    Philippa, your pictures are beautiful.  What a talent, I just have never mastered the art of good picture taking.  Ladies if you haven't been out to her blog, do it, you will not be disappointed.  Makes me want to come over for that visit.  We could have a reunion at your place.

    Shelby, you go girl, you have been through so much and have still been able to accomplish getting a masters.  I am so impressed. 

    suz, I hope  the new PS does you good.  You deserve to have the reconstruction.  Keep up the good attitude.

    valerie, grandkids are the greatest, love  em and leave em.  Good luck on the reconstruction and having em the same size.  Will be keeping you in my thoughts.

    Hello to michele, jenna, mary and jean, hope you are having a wonderful week.

    Juannelle

  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited January 2011

    Valerie, purky boobs, ohhlaalaaa..One day I too will have those.

    Suz, the wonderwoman....so much to think about.

    Hello to all.

  • feistybluegecko
    feistybluegecko Member Posts: 133
    edited January 2011

    Hi everyone

    I dont know where to start.......

    One L - I so appreciagte your support and comments - thanks so much .  My goodness I hav e so many more pics to post, and have to give credit for the wonderful places i have been priveleged to live and work.

     Suz - the party seems to be between your place and mine :) - why dont we have two?  I would love to have you all here.

     News from my side is that  the tests today seem to be good so far - and even the tumour marker is down a little. I am ridiculously relieved.  Now I have a proecudure tomorrow to see if the port can be sorted - it might be taken out so by this time torrow i might be de-ported.  Scary stuff!

    Big hugs to you all - and remember this time last year................

    Philippa

    xxxxx

  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited January 2011

    Phillippa, hope you get deported...crossing my fingers for ya.

  • MaryNY
    MaryNY Member Posts: 1,584
    edited January 2011

    Yeah, Philippa hope you get de-ported. I love your photos. I especially liked the ones of the sand art. I think they would make great screensavers.

  • txstardust
    txstardust Member Posts: 599
    edited January 2011

    First of all, I hope you all are able to stay WARM!  When it's only 27 degrees in south Texas, I know it's got to be super cold for most everyone else.  JoJo and Philippa, send us some warm summer vibes!!!

    Suz, good luck with the test results, and I hope you get that recon you want.  You deserve it!  At the very least, they should find a way to reduce or minimize your pain.  You've got lots to do on your agenda!!  Keep on doing the things that make you happy!

    Val, good luck with surgery next week - may your spirits be as perky as your boobs! :)

    Philippa, good news on good scans.  Getting deported never sounded so good!

    Juannelle, Jean, Mary, Michele, Marie, Alicia, Hopbird, and anyone else out there, hugs and smiles for all!!

  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited January 2011

    Happy Friday....

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