For those starting chemo in June

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  • rlswkndr
    rlswkndr Member Posts: 148
    edited February 2006
    I leave for a few days and look what happens. I can't leave you girls without you causing some chaois! Denver the land of sunshine-huh! I go and they have a record breaking cold streak- broke the 100 year old record for the coldest days. So much for going out to the great resturants. It was as bad as home ... minus the snow. Mary, you are making the right move and get out of this cold stuff.. leave the wooden spoons at home, we want you to enjoy Phoenix .. outside.. not in some small room with bars.
    Paula, how's the water retention? It does go away. I didnt' take anything. Keep your legs up when you can.
    I can't remember when your ooph surgery is, but that was easy for me. You will enjoy the hot flashes for a while. Mine are settling down, but I don't 'flash' at the right time like when those cold winds are blowing.
    Janie- is that port out yet?
    Nancy Lee- I don't know how you do it in that weather. Ours is bad enough.
    Renee
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  • janie44
    janie44 Member Posts: 1,460
    edited February 2006
    Nancy, Thanks for all the info on the port removal. The other day a tech asked me if mine led to a vein or directly to the heart. I didn't have a clue. The surgeon did not even ask that. Maybe it doesn't matter to him. I had it inserted at Mayo, but am having it removed locally. He is doing it in his office. You can actually see the stringy thing about an inch above my port. My port looks like I have a bottle cap under my skin. So it looks like he will be able to take it out with one incision. I have an incision scar from under one arm running under both breasts to under the other arm and I think half way up each breast, so I am already feeling hacked to death. I still have to go for "shape-up" surgery this summer.

    Renee, it comes out Feb 28, a week from tomorrow. I took off the entire day. I may go ahead and make another appointment that afternoon since I'm already off. I still have a bunch to do -- several dentist appointments to repair what Taxol did to the teeth. I have had some of it done, but can't afford to do it all at once. My dental insurance is not great. It only pays a total of $1,000 a year. I blew that and more in one fell swoop with my extraction and bridge. I noticed some plans online for local dentists that look a little better. I think I will switch dentists and pick up one of them.

    Mary, are you still on the run? PJ, good luck with the last treatment and the results.

    Well, I guess I cannot put off doing some business stuff any longer. I am off today for President's Day. I do 4 days this week and 4 days (port removal) next week. I might get used to this.
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  • NancyLee13
    NancyLee13 Member Posts: 496
    edited February 2006

    Gosh Janie When they put my port in they handed me this card that is Red & White about the size of a credit card and it says on the front--"Patient Medical Alert Identification Card". Below it says, "This patient has an implanted Port-A-Cath access device". Then the back has the Lot # and this matches the number on the back of the port I notice now that I own the little rascal!! Below that # are three little boxes--By the first one it says Venous Catheter: the second one says Arterial Catheter: and the third one says Peritoneal catheter. Mine has Venous cath checked and then it gives my hospital name, phone number and the name of my doctor. It was told never to leave home without this in my pocket or on my person somewhere the entire time I had the port. So I toted it around with me "as if" the port didn't stick out like the bolt in Dr. Frankenstein's monster. The thinner I got the more it stuck out. I could even see it when I chose to put on the wrong kind of clothing. I know what you mean about feeling hacked to pieces. After I had that gall bladder/appendix thing last year after my main surgery and all the Groshong in--then out--PICC in--Port in--Picc out drama--I stood and looked at my poor beat up body and stared at myself in dismay. But then I got a grip and reminded myself of those old watch ads--Takes a licking and keeps on ticking. It must say in your files somewhere which type of port you have. Renee--I get the Denver stations on my satellite dish and it was the same cold front that settled in Montana that dropped down into Colorado. I think we broke a few records too, but it's nicer now. Today it got up to 30 above. That's like a 50 degree rise in temperature. That can't be good for "man nor beast", can it? I see by the TV that Denver has warmed up again too. Isn't that always the way it goes that it gets nice after you leave?? I pretty much stayed in the house again today and nursed a case of "dumb feet". I'm experiencing a pretty nasty case of neuropathy at the moment so can't do too much running around. They only had 15 kids at the daycare today cuz older siblings were also out of school so that solved my need to go to work. I did get quite a bit of bookwork done since sitting at the computer isn't taxing in the balance department. I have crutches left over from a broken leg in 2003 and I've been using one of them to help balance. Do any of you know who Lucille Clifton is? I saw a quote from her in the new O magazine that says--"Come celebrate with me that everyday something has tried to kill me/and has failed." I kinda like that. Well, gotta go surfing. Hi, PJ and Mary. Life is Good--Smiles--NancyLee

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  • PJB
    PJB Member Posts: 2,615
    edited February 2006
    Nancy Lee, love that quote! I don't know how you put up with that weather out there. I'd much rather have 8 months of hot than 6 months of FREEEEEEEEZING....

    Nothing much up down here. Cardio appt. is Monday. Hope it's short, sweet and uneventful. I'm just sort of biding time waiting for my trip. Man, when you have to pack winter clothes, it's a bear. I think I'll need about 8 suitcases. And, of course, one for Nathan.

    Janie, have fun with that port removal. Mine was a breeze. Of course, now I have another to eventually get out.

    Mary, how's hubby's job thing? How's the house selling? Renee, I know you're shivering up there, so have some hot chocolate....

    Paula
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  • janie44
    janie44 Member Posts: 1,460
    edited February 2006
    Duh! Nancy. Guess what! When you said that about the card, I remembered having one that I carry around with me. I did not remember that it told what kind of port I have. This is my 3rd cancer center, and the last two said they didn't need to look at it, but to keep it with me. It says "open-ended catheter" and not to use a core needle. Do you know what that means?

    PJ, still thinking about you and praying for the best news.

    Mary, Hope you didn't have to cross the border with your Spanish speaking dog. Lucky you have him though. He may come in handy.

    Renee, brrrrr.
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  • mary1220
    mary1220 Member Posts: 1,246
    edited February 2006

    Hi Girls, I hope you have a great time in the snow P.J. I never graduated from the bunny hills, I could have but I liked it there, it wasn't high or dangerous. I never went much, when we lived in L.A. for a little over a year we would go up to Big bear and Palm Springs but I never got the nerve to actually get on a lift. Yea, it's those God Awful hights. I wanted to though. I think I could of been a good skiier someday if I could of really skiied, down a really big hill. Oh, I could of done that but I would have had to walk up it to ski down and that may have been a bit of a problem, it looks like a long exerting walk....in the cold. Well you will have a good vacation and get a little unwind time. Don't forget the portable D.V.D. player and some movies and video games. Gosh, I remember when a color book was all we had to keep the kids busy. Nancy I just can't get over how you just go with the flow. You are amazing. Janie my good friend hi and hi Rene, my hubby is up there in Blinker WI. or some darn place. He has one more day to get through and he will be in so we have our fingers crossed. The house hasn't sold yet but it has been one wk. so I have to be patient. I hope this works out for him because I don't think he can take any more rejection. Well I have to go and get some laundry done. Hugs my little bugs, Mary

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  • janie44
    janie44 Member Posts: 1,460
    edited February 2006
    Mary, Keeping my fingers crossed on both endeavors. How are your treatments going? As much as I owe and love Herceptin, I definitely feel better off of it.

    Paula, not long now.

    Renee and Nancy, It is pouring rain here, but I guess compared to the icey conditions, you all encounter, this is nothing. I do expect to hear ducks quacking any minute though.
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  • NancyLee13
    NancyLee13 Member Posts: 496
    edited February 2006

    Janie--My sister was in those torrential rains that fell in Oregon in January. She had to drive miles out of her way to get to her office because all the underpasses were flooded between her house and work. She was in the process of Ark building when it finally stopped. It rained so much that she swears the animals were starting to pair up and get ready to join her. It's snowing here. Kinda one of those light Budweiser commercial kind of snows. No wind--Just big flakes falling slowing down. It's really sorta pretty, but then I'm looking at it from inside the house. I guess if I was outside working I'd probably view it differently. I've been having one of those nice quiet days when nobody has bugged me at all and I got a lot of stuff done. The stupid telephone has only rung once. I LOVE that. I hate to talk on the phone. Well, I hope everyone else had a lovely day too. I'm gonna watch American Idol and eat some grapes and kettle corn. Good combination??? Life is Good--Smiles--NancyLee

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  • janie44
    janie44 Member Posts: 1,460
    edited February 2006
    American Idol! I love it! There are so many good contestants this time.

    I was "told" to go home (from work) and go to the doctor because "I looked awful." So after I did what I had to do there, I did exactly that. I have "acute bronchitis" at the very least which may or may not be beginning stages of pneumonia. At least it's cute. Sorry, bad pun. I did breathing treatments there for what seemed like an eternity, then went by the pharmacy for a whole arsenal of prescripts.....seems like old times. I already feel better after the treatments. I really have to be at 3 meetings tomorrow morning. I will go to those, but probably only those.

    Have a good evening ladies,
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  • mary1220
    mary1220 Member Posts: 1,246
    edited February 2006

    Just wanted to say hi girls, I was reading the post and Janie, thank God you said medication because I need to pick mine up at Wallgreens. I forgot and I am out of Thyroid pills so here I go in my jammies. They have drive through. I went to Mc Donalds in my jammies awhile ago to get the grandsons food as their mom has class tonight so I am responsible for their food. She is working on her masters. Oops better go. Hugs and glad you feel better already Janie and hope you are 100% soon. Hi P.J. Rene and Nancy. Gotta go. Mary

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  • PJB
    PJB Member Posts: 2,615
    edited February 2006
    Mary, isn't it a little cold to be barrelling around town in your jammies? Wear slippers at least!

    Janie, hope you get to feeling better. Don't push yourself too much. You haven't been out of treatment THAT long. At least the weekend's coming and you can laze around for two days and get better.

    Started last round of Xeloda today at a third of what I was taking before. Monday's the cardio thing, but I'm pretty sure it'll turn out to be nothing to worry about. Damn, I'm tired of doctors.

    Wonderful weekend ahead. Mostly, I"m looking forward to sleeping late. These school days are so hard on me. Wasn't it bad enough I had to get up early and go to school myself all those years? And now I have to do it for another 10 years? What was I thinking?

    Off to watch Survivor on tape. Have a good one girls.
    Paula
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  • janie44
    janie44 Member Posts: 1,460
    edited February 2006
    I just made a quick trip...not in my jammies, but it may as well have been. My fever is gone. The handout says the cough may hang on up to a month. I guess I will mosey on in tomorrow. We are having problems trying to get all these meetings scheduled. I went Friday but had to leave.

    PB, how many more Xeloda treatments do you have at the reduced dose?

    Hope you all had a good weekend.

    Janie
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  • PJB
    PJB Member Posts: 2,615
    edited February 2006
    This should be my last Xeloda round if things go as planned and the surgery goes off as scheduled. Yippee! I hope you're doing better, Janie. Nathan got some weird thing (a virus I think) where he has a fever and a weird rash all over his upper body and cheeks. VEEEEERY attractive.

    Mary, how's that hubby doing? Didn't he go interview for a job? And how does that fit in with Phoenix?

    Pretty dull weekend this weekend. Ran lots of errands and read a lot and felt great. It was WONDERFUL! It was beautiful out today and I should have been doing something outside. Naaahhh....

    Hey to Renee and Nancy "The Snowwoman" Lee... Renee, plan is to be up your way in June or July. Maybe we can meet up then.

    Paula
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  • diana_s1
    diana_s1 Member Posts: 1
    edited February 2006

    I just had my first treatment last Tuesday and am wondering do the side effects stay generally the same or do they get worse the more I do?

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  • mary1220
    mary1220 Member Posts: 1,246
    edited February 2006

    Diana, what meds. are you getting? Mary

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  • rlswkndr
    rlswkndr Member Posts: 148
    edited February 2006
    June or July is a better time to visit here than December! When is your surgery?
    Yesterday after the UW men's BB game, we took a stroll thru the zoo. We still go there often for about 1 hour just to check out the animals. The monkeys are my favorites. I could watch them for hours, but Tom drags me out of there.
    Do you realize that there are over 17,000 that have viewed our site? I never paid much attention to those numbers on the first page,,, wow!
    Renee
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  • mary1220
    mary1220 Member Posts: 1,246
    edited February 2006

    Hi Girls, Glad everyone is getting well. I heard the flus are bad and theres several kinds going around. I had to exchange a pair of knee length shorts, I had 2 pair and tried them on and grabbed the wrong pair, well I got the right ones and another pair and 2 shirts too. I have serious problems, I wanted to be ready for those long haul truck rides. Hubby is in Orlando and headed for Dallas Tx. then who knows. He is doing good and with a trainer, only my hubby could get a nudest trainer. Yea, he tells hubby how great it is. Sorry buddy, I don't appreciate seeing my cottage cheese thighs let alone showing them to others. Hubby is with a long time army man who belongs to a nudest group. Not that theres anything wrong with that, I just don't plan on exibiting myself unless I got a LOT of plastic surgery and I really doubt there is "that" much surgery can be done. I doubt they can even do that kinda surgery yet. Shoot my poor hubby, he has 3 1/2 wks. to go and then he is on his own. He is homesick, yea he is a woosey. I however am enjoying the peace and quiet. My house is still, no hammering, banging, no cutting of wood or swishing of paint, or buzzing of power screw drivers. I do miss him kinda, a little, really, in a way. I am sure I will soon.....Later, Mary

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  • janie44
    janie44 Member Posts: 1,460
    edited February 2006
    Mary, Is the trainer's name Al? Tim the Toolman on wheels. Now that is scary.

    Diane, Like Mary indicated, side effects all vary depending on what you had. You probably did AC, the standard treatment for most to start with. Are you nauseous etc.? What side effects are you having. Was the IV an orangish/reddish color? Did the nurse "push" it instead of just letting it drip? Be sure to write us. Someone here will know what to tell you.

    PJ, great, you are almost done....again....and for the last time!

    Hey Renee and Nancy Lee.
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  • PJB
    PJB Member Posts: 2,615
    edited February 2006
    Hmmmm, Mary, do you know what road he's taking to Dallas? Because if he's gonna be on Interstate 35, I might want to steer clear of it for awhile. We're right down 35 from Dallas..... So I guess he got the job... What does that do for the move?

    Good news: my heart's not broken. Did the whole treadmill thing, an echocardiogram and all and everything's fine.

    Janie, isn't it about time for us Southernish gals to get out there planting? The weather's beautiful today. I always get excited and spend a bunch of money on plants, only to watch them wither away during the summer. But in the spring, it's fun.

    Catch you guys later,
    Paula
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  • mary1220
    mary1220 Member Posts: 1,246
    edited February 2006

    Goodevening Girls, Janie, I am L.M.A.O. because I never gave it a thought but the trainers name is AL.!!! P.J. get the heck outta Texas, it will never be the same. My poor hubby is really trying hard but it all takes time. I guess cars like to cut semis off and thats not smart when Mr. Fixit is behind the wheel. I always give them plenty off room because they are bigger than me. Well I am sure glad your ticker is still ticking P.J. Thats good news and you will be done before long huh? You go girl.... I however have nasty looking fingers. My nails are crumbly (I guess on the bright side of that they match my crumbly teeth) and the skin around the nails is pealing layers down like a fungus. Theres a fungus among us. Well it looks pretty rank and I keep lotioning them but I don't much like it. They are even sore. Guess it will go away in ahhhhh 3 more months. I am bloating and thats kinda crappy but speaking of crappy this stuff really gives me gas and sometimes it just happens. I am one of those old people I never wanted to be around when I was young. It pretty much sucks (or blows) to be me lately. Now don't you Lil Southern Belles be talking bout no planting yet because us Northerners are still in the cold weather off and on. Sorry I can't talk Southern very well. I better get. It has been in the 40's and 50's so it is making me want to get out and work in the yard too but it is kinda cool yet. Hi to Rene and Nancy Lee, later girls, Mary

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  • NancyLee13
    NancyLee13 Member Posts: 496
    edited February 2006

    PJ---Yay--Glad to hear about the ticker still ticking. That's great news. I liked the reference to "The Snowwoman" That's accurate. It snowed off and on most of the weekend and then today it was 56 above and beautiful. I think Spring is actually coming. I saw huge flocks of geese flying North today. Hi Janie. Mary--I love your posts. I bet you do miss having the house torn apart, but now we can follow the trucking adventures instead. Your hands sound just like mine. I don't have a nail that isn't peeling back and the sides and cuticles we just won't talk about. I have this cannibalistic habit of picking off or chewing on the sides anyway so I don't help matters. Oh, well, this too shall pass. I had to go up to Glendive today for bloodwork and have to start Potassium pills again for awhile. It was time to have my tires rotated on my car after another 5000 miles. I last had it done in October so I put 1000 miles a month on my jeep. Yikes!!!!! While I was up there, I made appts in late April for a mammo and physical with the works. Now, I just have to remember to go to all these things. Renee--Cool, the zoo. I'd go see the elephants. I think I was an elephant in a past life. Not because of size--Just the lumbering slowness part and the swaying back and forth makes me think that. I know I couldn't have been a monkey--too manic. Well, tomorrow is the last day of Feb and I have major bookwork to do for the daycare. I'm caught up thru today so bills will go out on the 1st this time. Everyone will faint from shock. That's what happens when I get confined to the house and have time to sit and actually get my sign-in and time sheets done on time. AH--Life is Good--Smiles--NancyLee

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  • mary1220
    mary1220 Member Posts: 1,246
    edited February 2006

    Hi Girls, just a quickie, hubby called and said they were going to drive 10 hours each which means one sleeps and one drives. Hubby said so serious, I don't know about that because I never told you this before but sometimes I get a little mixed up with my directions and get a little off course. "NOOOOOO!!!!!!!" I remember too well our last adventures in Memphis and Chicago!!!!! I just said "oh you will do fine". He is as directionally incline as a gopher, (they are blind aren't they?) Yea, they have an excuse. He's screwed....Later, Mary

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  • janie44
    janie44 Member Posts: 1,460
    edited February 2006

    Hi All you adventurous women! The port is out! I am supposed to keep it dry for 24 hours. I suppose that means taping it up in the shower again...the memories. He said there are white strips that stay on a week....ok, I supposed they are under the bandages. The stitches are supposed to dissolve. I am a little sore, but otherwise fine. For some reason, I was totally worn out after the "surgery." I think it is more related to the bronchitis however. He said it was a great day! I will try to remember that the next time I get stuck forty-eleven times. Have a good evening!

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  • NancyLee13
    NancyLee13 Member Posts: 496
    edited February 2006
    YAY HOORAY Janie--It is a great day. Guess what? My last stitch came off this afternoon--two weeks and one day after the port came out so they do indeed dissolve. Now I just have to make that latest little scar disappear. Do you ladies use ScarSof? I think it really helps. I went to the daycare early this morning and made breakfast--French toast--for the troops. Then I washed dishes and went out into the main room and played "sort the toys" with some of the 4 & 5 year olds. They have all these little buckets and tubs that they're supposed to put differents kinds of toys into like Barbies, Rescue Heroes, farm animals, cars, etc. Instead they just throw them on the shelves and the place is a jumble. They couldn't find anything. Now they can, but I only give it about 3 days before it's a mess again. Oh, well. It's a beautiful day in Eastern Montana--50 degrees above!!!!! So when I got back home at 2 pm, my insane dog and I went for a walk together. I climbed a couple of hills and sifted thru dirt looking for arrowheads and just enjoying actually being outside again. Okay--gotta knuckle down and get started billing for the daycare for February. Mary, hope hubby doesn't get too lost. I think it's moles that are blind. Gophers can see very well--at least the ones in my fields always see me coming and pop back down into their holes. Bye for now--Life is Good--Smiles--NancyLee
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  • mary1220
    mary1220 Member Posts: 1,246
    edited February 2006
    Hey you ol no port gal you. Good for you Janie. It is all behind you now. (In my case its all in my behind.) I am really glad we are all getting to the closing of another chapter in this big ol book of our life as we know it surviving breast cancer. Later little non port-ables. Mary
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  • PJB
    PJB Member Posts: 2,615
    edited March 2006
    Yea, Janie. That's good to hear. How's it feel?

    Not much happening here. I'm off the Xeloda. It was starting to affect my hands, and I called and asked to be taken off it, since I don't want my hands to be messed up on the trip. You know, hard to hold a ski pole if you can't bend your hands. Of course, I'm sure I'll spend most of the time on my butt....

    Later guys,
    Paula
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  • janie44
    janie44 Member Posts: 1,460
    edited March 2006
    Hey ladies,

    It is still a little sore, but I guess that is to be expected. I think it will feel much better to have it out than in, especially come mammogram time..when they slid the machine over it..I kept saying..."my port"...they were unconcerned about it. That reminds me, did anyone have a lumpectomy besides me? I wanted to ask about the scar tissue and if yours hurts especially during mammo's etc. I would really rather have an ultra sound.

    Paula, when do you leave? Mary, are you lonely yet, or blissfully happy?

    Later Gators,
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  • mary1220
    mary1220 Member Posts: 1,246
    edited March 2006

    Hey Girls, Janie I had a lumpectomy. Yea my scar tissue was sore and lumpy and numb. They went in there to put in fat to even out boob (along with implant) and it is now sore and lumpy from the fat transplant. I do not want a mammo because I Do Not want these breaking so I will do a cat scan or MRI or what ever. Glad you are med free P.J. and looking forward to your trip. Hubby is outside Dallas broke down for the night. He was south of Dallas yesterday and now he is in a suburb. He is really getting homesick. I do miss him and the sound of power tools I guess. We talk a couple times a day. The house stays so straight. No wood laying around or tools on the floor waiting for the next job. Theres no socks here and there and no dirty clothes laying around the bedroom. He said he bought the grandkids something so he must be homesick because he don't spend his money too often. Well hey to Rene and Nancy Lee. This weather is GREAT huh Rene? It was 68 today. Later. Hugs, Mary

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  • PJB
    PJB Member Posts: 2,615
    edited March 2006
    Janie, I, too had a lumpectomy. I had that "scar" tissue that turned out to be the big C on recurrence, but other than that, didn't really have any bumps. I'm with you guys on the mammo thing. Since I only have one left to worry about, I'm gonna ask them for an MRI or something next time. We should only have to go through so much pain...

    Mary, I feel bad for you and your hubby. You'll have to make him his favorite cookies for when he gets back. And then after you eat that first batch, make some more for him to eat.

    Speaking of cookies, I think I have some Girl Scouts hanging around here.....

    Later,
    Paula

    Oh, gyno called my voicemail at work and said he has some test results to share with me. So I imagine that means either or both of my bone density test and my pap smear came out hinky. Does the fun never end? I'll find out manana (that's tomorrow, Mary, in Spanish).....
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  • PJB
    PJB Member Posts: 2,615
    edited March 2006
    Damn, it's always something. So the gyno says I have osteopenia, that is, my bones aren't as dense as they should be but it's not osteoporosis. He wants to put me on a pill, but I'm not sure if I'm gonna do it because I saw an article on Susan Love's site that it's not necessarily necessary.

    Plus, altho my pap was fine, they found endometrial cells, which apparently is not all that unusual. But, of course, it means I have to have a biopsy to rule out uterine problems, which would lead to me having a big-dog hysterectomy instead of a laproscopic oopherectomy. Oy.

    In the scheme of things, not things that worry me greatly. But blech.

    Hope you all are well,
    Paula
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