2005 ROCK-TOBER CHEMO GIRLS

As I read all of your(our) posts I can't help but think we are better people because of this, aren't we?!!!! You are all remarkable, strong, awesome women!

OK...let's hear it for my 3 year old who DIDN'T pee in his pants today at preschool while I was at chemo!! This has been a challenge. I blame it on all the change in our lives lately. New town, new preschool, etc. I sooo don't stress about potty training but preschools sometimes do.

BTW, I think it's a federal law/mandate (something like that) that insurance companies have to pay for reconstructing the other breast in order to make both breasts symmetrical.

Normal? What's normal anymore? Everyone has something nowadays it seems. I am still so scared about the future but have to realize that at Stage 1 I am probably ok ... according to statistics.

It's also hard for others....they see us with our hair growing back, our painted on eyebrows, our smiles and think we are ok. They don't see our insides.

They don't know about TheresaPW or MomCasey. We do, we get scared over and over.

We try to Move Beyond but get Set Back.

Debbie,
Theresa was one of the women on the boards here who passed away recently.

Rosemarie...congrats on your son!!!! It is really hard on the kids, this I know. My kids are much older and they understand better what is going on. Sometimes that makes it just that much harder for them. My 16 year who is my youngest, still won't look at my head and hey...I've got some hair on it now though it's still covered with a scarf. My daughter calls me all the time from work and makes sure she kisses me in the morning and at night no matter what time it is and no matter if I'm sound asleep or not. It's that unknown of what will be that keeps my kids so much more in touch with me and yet, they are so worried..even though I feel just fine...but still going through chemo.

And Debbie...I know what you mean... I was also so worried about my hair at the beginning but it's the one step we have to pass in order to keep moving. It's all a part of it and boy..it was major worry at the time. My how we have grown since then!!!!!

you ladies are terrific! amy..thanks for writing what you wrote...each and every woman here is amazing and I've made some wonderful new friends that I would NOT have made had I NOT gotten bc. Strange, but true and I'm grateful for all of you.

ravdeb

I have that concern...about whether the chemo did the trick. They don't know, in my opinion. Most people, from what I heard, get scans only if there is some sign of mets..pain, whatever... But I also know that for lung mets, for example, there can be NO pain. So, how do they know if there is???? Worries me. I have 2 more Taxols and then rads next.

As for eyebrows...mine are thinning...again. I mean they stopped and now they are thinning again. MY eyelashes "shrunk" in my OLD age (I'm 51). I used to have long lashes but not anymore. I use a lot of eyeliner so that my eyes show up more and I fill in my brows with light strokes with the eyebrow pencil. I do have brows...just a bit thinner than they were. So far this does not bother me. I want more hair on the top of my head so I don't have to wear a wig or scarf!!!!

Be well, all you strong, courageous women.
ravdeb

Terynsmom- have you had a cough ? My dad has breathing probs and when he gets an infection he says it feels like he is being pressed hard on his sternum. Or you could be holding yourself funny without knowing? Keep asking the dr!!!
Debbie

I have hair growing!

In the bathroom at work, rewrapping the turban I am wearing today, I took a good look at my head under the strong, flourescent light. Yup, it's hair. Less than 1/8th of an inch in length and pure white. I've been growing white hair for some time but blended with my original brown, I was just looking gray before chemo. Now, this new hair is all white at this stage. It is very, very soft - like the down on a new little birdie - but it is growing. I immediately went to see the the nurses that I work with here and they confirmed what I was seeing . . . NEW HAIR !!

Now, my eyebrows and eyelashes have thinned out considerably in the 3 weeks since I finished chemo. I kind of hope the eyebrows come back matching my hair. But, I've heard they are slow growing so I may not have a matching set for awhile.

Feeling pretty good overall, although I need so much sleep. I never feel like I get enough, no matter how early I go to bed. I guess that growing new hair is hard work! Ha-ha!

Hope you all have a great weekend of enjoyment, peace, and improving health!

Debbie -
Your children are very fortunate to have you as their "Mum".
Laura

Hi,

back from trip to Georgia. Visited with DH, he's been awy since Nov...great visit. Georgia was warm and sunny. I needed that after cold Canadian winter.

Read through log of last week . All sounds good with the troops! Before we know it we will have new pcs of hairy heads-real hair. Can't wait.

Ravdeb did you ever find out how Theresapw died so quickly? One day she was on the boards and two days later she died, that is so awful.Nice picture, good to put a face on you!

Rosemarie glad your son hit his mark. No diapers was one of my happiest milestones when kids wre younger.

I have never seen stencils for eyebrows around here, anyone know if they are available on internet? Mine are rapidly disappearing in last month.

While in Georgia my Swiss husband found a mountain and true to form suggested we walk up. That was tough but I did it! When I download my pics I will post one of me at the top.

Take care all,

Fists up!

Ok figured out how to put pic on, here is me three days ago after climbing a mountain! I did it.



Fists up!

O H M Y G O O D N E S S !

It's my Birthday today and I got the greatest gift of ALL!

M Y H A I R H A S S T A R T E D T O G R O W !

It's just like some of you have described! It's like the down that covers a baby chick. I can't stop feeling it. It's really soft. Now, every Sunday morning (for who knows how long), I am going to have my hubby take a photo of the top of my head so we can look back at the progression.

For those still waiting - hang in there. I was convinced mine would never start. You'll just wake up some morning and it will be there.

W O W !

Laura

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR LAURA
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

Hair, da,da da dahhhhhh!
Yeah, terrific.
My youngest sister turns 40 today too. Have a good one.

Fists up!

Mary Anne, GREAT picture and what a great accomplishment......It's funny how we all tend to look alike without our hair....I thought I was looking at me....HA
Graycie

Happy Birthday, Laura!!

Wow, Mary Anne! Did you climb up the hill bald??? You look terrific! Fists up to you!!!