May 2010 Chemo
Comments
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Hi lovely ladies. Just a quick update to let you know how I am doing. Very well, thank you.
I am very busy with school, work outs and rehearsals for a fashion show I am modeling in this weekend. The show is part of a big fund raiser for breast cancer support for underserved women. Its theme is A Night to Bond (as in James Bond). There is dinner, a band, a martini bar, auction and the fashion show. All models are survivors. My mom is a survivor and we are doing it together. It's a pretty big deal -- $225 per plate. In one scene we have cancer doctors as escorts and I get to walk with my oncologist. We are getting totally pampered. A limo takes us to get our hair and makeup done, we eat backstage, do the show and then get to enjoy the party. There is one woman who is bald as she is still going through treatment (2nd time, now stage 4). It brings tears to my eyes every time she takes off her hat. So many of us were there a year ago. What a difference a year makes. We also have a male survivor modeling with us.
I have lost 33 pounds since January. I have finally broken the 170 barrier -- haven't been in the 160's in over 15 years.
Still learning tons in my court reporting classes. It's really tough!
Summer, I am so sorry about your mom. This disease sucks! I am firmly in menopause -- since chemo slammed me in there. I am on low doses of 2 anti-depressants (effexor for hot flashes and trazadone to help me sleep). Even though they are low doses, I think they help my disposition. Although, I am trying to ween myself off because both have the side effects of inhibiting libido and lowering the ability to acheive orgasm (TMI?). Anyway, you should talk with your doctor.
Kisses and big hugs to all of you lovely ladies.
Nana and Kim -- yay for more babies!! Love those tiny baby feet. Just want to kiss them.
TTFN,
Jennifer
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Thanks ladies! I do think it's time to see a Dr., which is normally NOT my style, but I recognize that I have no control over it - thanks for the encouragement
Jennifer - Congratulations on the weight loss!!! The fashion show sounds awesome - You go girl!!!
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Summer: please accept my condolences. I am so sorry. I think the addition will keep your mind off the sadness.
Leanna: how nice.. Glad your kids are keeping you hopping
Kim: amen to the NO baldness anymore.. And my hair is the same way.. I am thinking of getting another keratin treatment.My bangs are not cooperating at all. I hate the totally straight look but the unruliness my hair is presenting these days is becoming cumbersome. Although, each and every day I feel I am truly blessed to have hair
Nana: oh yes I want you to have a GIRL....I will keep that in my prayers as well
Miss all you wonderful ladies but it is a true statement.. we are moving on with our lives and hoping we stay in touch.
Jenn is always in my thoughts daily and I pray for her family each and every day
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Packjen: Wow, that sounds like such a fun thing to do! Post pictures if you can! We would all show up if we lived nearby to support you ladies.
I just admire folks who think of these wonderful ways to both support a great cause as well as make individuals feel so special! KUDOS to all of you -- the ones who planned and the ones who participate and even the ones who go and fund! KEEP THE CAUSE ALIVE and let's find a cure! And I think your weight loss is WONDERFUL -- I need SO MUCH to lose 15 to 20 lbs -- my libidio has completely gone and it is a mixture of many things and certainly weight lost would so HELP! I need to make that a priority! We are so happy for you! Summer: Hoping you find someone that you feel very comfortable sharing all of yourself with and that she/he can lift you up and get you though this period. Moms are so very special (even ones that annoy us) because they are a vital part of our being. Keeping you in my thoughts and lifting you up even more during this time! njbhgirl: Yes, the hair seems to have its own mind. I just wash and go and figure it will do what it wants for now. I do sometimes wonder if folks are saying "what is it with her hair?" but then I stop myself from that silly thinking and go -- GIRLFRIEND, you were BALD last year -- so don't even plug into that dumb thinking! Praying everyone is doing well and yes, Packjen when we hear of others going through it -- it does make us stop and have a pit in our stomach again. Just recently learned of a lady (used to be co-worker) -- has cancer in lungs/back/brain and then another lady's grandchild (lady used to be a co-worker) -- this grandchild has leukemia -- those things send me into a bit of a depression that I have to stop myself on -- we KNOW to a degree what they are facing and the fear and pain and sadness and then prayerfully -- the love and hope and healing. HUGS and MUCH LOVE to each of you and even the ones not posting so much! -
Hi Ladies! Sorry I haven't been on in a while, but I think of all of you often and hope you are all doing well! Judy, congrats on the baby news! No doubt it would be fun to have a little girl to spoil after all those boys. We have just the opposite in my family, I have 6 nieces and no nephews . Kim - thanks for always posting such encouraging messages. I may not comment often, but I read the posts regularly and I always enjoy your positive attitude. Leanna, great job on the running! I haven't been very dedicated and need to get back on track with that myself. Jen, excellent job on the modeling, weight loss and working out! You ladies inspire me! I was doing pretty good on the workouts, but then kind of let it slip when I started a new job in the Spring. I've just started back again this week and plan to make it stick this time. Summer, so sorry to hear about your Mom. Between the hormones and her passing, that's a lot to deal with. L But, on the plus side, the house remodel is exciting! You'll have to post some pictures when its all done. Ditah, hope you are well and would love to see some pictures of your apartment remodel, too. Linda, great story! It's a good lesson even today, one jump at time....
Are you all as sick of pink as I am this month? I am grateful for the support and for all the good the funds raised do, but just don't want to see a pink ribbon every time I turn around. I really just don't like all the reminders. Also, I kind of wish, at least for the food products, that they would require the products sporting a pink ribbon to be healthy, at least.
Have any of you on tamoxifen been having leg cramps? I've been getting really bad leg cramps at night. I read online it might be due to the tamoxifen. I'm going to talk to my doc about it next time I see him, but just wondering if anyone else has that problem and what they do about it? The other problem I am having is lingering numbness/tingling from the SNB. It's mostly in my pinky finger. My surgeon says the numbness/tingling was not caused by the surgery, but I didn't have it before surgery and I have had it since the surgery, so it seems related to me. I also can't wear my watch on that arm any more because it aggravates the problem. It's a little frustrating, but I can't complain, it's a small thing really.
I know I mentioned to all of you that a good friend of mine is going through treatment for leukemia. It's been a brutal summer for her; I think she has only had 15 days out of the hospital since April 15th. The chemo is really harsh, too, and she's had lots of really bad side effects, including a fungus in her lungs and pneumonia. She is an otherwise healthy 42 year old woman, so to see her so sick from treatment is really tough. The good news is that her sister is a match, so she will be able to have a bone marrow transplant. Basically, she has to have it, its her only chance at a cure, so thankfully she has a match. It is looking like the BMT will happen at the end of this month/start of next month so please keep her in your thoughts and prayers! Cancer sucks but we are strong! Love and hugs to you all! Beth -
GG -- I have the leg cramps too. My doctor recommended a spoon full of Milk of Magnesia every day. I have only been taking it on nights when I have a cramp and it does seem to help.
J
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Beth - I'm so sorry about your friend. That must be terribly hard to watch.
. Yes, tamox, and leg cramps! The other day, I actually had a toe cramp... really, a toe cramp...
I experimented with eating a banana EVERY DAY, and they stopped! As long as I stay on top of the bananas, they don't come back, but if I don't eat one everyday... they come right back. And, yes, this disease keeps on giving... my big toenail finally fell off I think it was last month or August... yes, almost a full year from my last chemo and it decides to fall off! But, like you, I take all the side effects in stride... hey, as I always say, it's better than the alternative! Jen - had not heard of the MoM... good to know.
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I will have to post later when I have a bit more time - heading out the door soon. Am thinking about EACH of you and sending hugs and love your way.
Beth and Leanna, tonic water has quinone in it and it helped me a lot during my pregnancies when I had that kind of cramping. It's great with some lime in it. Just drinking a bit a day helped me signficantly.
Will write more later. Be well!
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Hi Ladies, well, the ENT dr. thinks it is acid reflux that has gone crazy from the radiation pnemonitis. I am having an endoscopy on Friday. They are actually sewing in a capsule near my stomach, then I wear a belt with a device that records information for two days. Medicine is truly amazing, why they can't find a cure for cancers is beyond me.
On another note, had my mamo today and untrasound, they saw a spot that could be a seroma, hoping it is. They are sending me for another MRI. Hopefully in the beginning of the week.
Wish me luck ladies.
Also, Beth and I are playing some scrabble on 'words with friends' join in if you like the game.
I will keep you posted.
Judy
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Judy - LOTS of positive thoughts and prayers!!
Daiva - I have heard that about tonic water... I don't think I could stomach it though!
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Thanks for the positive thoughts, Leanna. I won't be able to get the MRI until Friday, so the wait begins. I am also scheduled for the endoscopy and colonoscopy on Friday, so a busy day. Jen, leg cramps? Does it ever end?
I will let you know next week how I make out.
Judy -
Nanoaof2: Postive prayers going your way -- please keep us posted -- as it sounds like Friday is going to be a wild and crazy day for you. Beth: Sorry to hear about your friend -- glad to hear she has a match -- but what a journey
-- glad she has a friend like you who is there to lift her up as well! 
It is refreshing to read each person's entry on lifting up the others with insights on how to feel better. Hugs to you all! 
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Hi Everyone! Thanks for the great tips; I knew you guys would have good ideas. I have been eating bananas, but not every day. I'll definitely start doing that. I picked up some tonic, too, but need to get the MOM still. Hopefully, something will work!
Judy, sending positive thoughts and good vibes your way for Friday!
An update on my friend: Her other sister is also a match, too, so now they can do even more detailed testing to see which is the better match. Yay! ((HUGS)) to all!
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Leanna, you are right. Since Jenn is gone from us it is hard at times to write here.
Well myself I have good and maybe not so good news. I did go to get my follow-up with my oncologist, breast surgical oncologist and endocrinologist.
No visible sign of anything. My ribs still hurt though, and I've been going by what the plastic surgeon said, that it more than likely is from the implants being under the serratus mucl as well.
Good news is that my vit D levels are finally at 66, yay! Unsure news are that my total alkaline phosphatase came back 144, which is higher than normal. Other liver functions have come back fine, but I would really want them to check if it's not bone involvement. I've called both my onc and BSO's offices. Well see what they say.
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Yea, great news. Radiologist says the lump is a seroma, fluid still from the surgery. I am happy beyond belief.
Day, hope your ribs are doing better. Have you heard from your onc?
Judy -
WOOHOO Judy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Great news Judy!!!
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Popping in to say HURRAY for JUDY! Hoping for positive news for DAY. Fall weather is arriving in Georgia and it is getting cold.
Looking to have things worked out for mother-in-law -- she is 86 yrs old and is having lower back issues (3 degenerated discs) -- lives alone -- but 40 minutes from any of the relatives. Hoping to have positive results on her care -- limited on some level to what we can do as she is so darn independent. Life never lets us get bored for long it seems. Hope everyone is having a positive time going into the upcoming holidays! -
Great news, judy! Kim, I hope things turn out good with your mother-in-law.
Yes, they both called me. They said it's a little abnormal but they prefer to wait until next time I get my blood checked and see if there is any diffference then. It' sonly 4 units above the normal levels.
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YEA Judy really good news!
Day: good new for you too. My vitamin D is looking good even with out adding lots of calcium. just uping my D has made it so the calcium is absorbing better.
Happy Halloween everyone! Getting ready for all the kiddies that come to our door. there has been an influx of new families since the houses are so much cheaper. Younger families are buying in our neighborhood. It kinda of fun. Lots of new children.
I am into working more and more it feels good. But I ham a having trouble with my want to work, where I am.. I am doing lots of reassessing my work and thinking of trying something new. but what I dont know yet.
ok have a great week ladies.
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Happy Halloween to everyone! Thanks DAY! Spent most of our 4 day vacation weekend with my mother-in-law helping with her care and visiting at the rehab/nursing home. She is wheelchair bound and seems reasonable well until the pain medication wears off and then you can tell she is hurting. Bad pain is supposed to be the worst pain they say. Hoping the steroid shot she had last week will generate more of a positive response -- was told it can take a week to be effective. She loves for us to visit. Getting old isn't for wimps they say -- hard to see older people in a nursing home -- but I want to go and do and be there because we each know what it means to have others caring for us when we are at our lowest. We've done a journey with that last year. Praying everyone here is having a wonderful Fall / Halloween season. I think PackJen needs to post some photos of her lovely daughters in their costumes to make us all smile! HUGS everyone!
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Kim I am trying to see what you did to your hair .. Mine is still way to curly still sporting a fro. I did just today realize that I can put it back with combs. Is any ones else's eyelashes falling out they have been replacing themselves. Now I have short one again. .. any way Happy Halloween to every one.
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Here you go, Kim. I made the headdress for the princess and the entire costumes for Cleopatra and The Mermaid.
Denise -- my lashes are super long now. I have been using a product called "Double Lash" which I purchased from Amazon for about $15. It is something you brush on every night. I have been using it since about June and my lashes are longer than they were pre-chemo (which was pretty long to begin with).
Hey Daiva -- did you ever go to Vinnie for your finishing touch?
Hugs and kisses to all.
Jen
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Oh! I LOVE the costumes with the beautiful girls! They truly are quite beautiful and I am not just saying that either! PackJen -- you ROCK! Sacphotomom: I have a crazy small witches' hat sitting on my head. LOL It doesn't show up so good in the picture. I wore it to work that day and didn't get sent home. LOL. Amazing what you can get away with once you've had bc and hair loss. LOL
News on the Mother-in-law front -- she is in a nursing home and all they can do is manage her pain now which isn't good -- today she refused to eat and/or take her medication -- but they gave her a morphine shot so she is better. Has 3 herniated discs and being 86 makes it not a positive picture. It is frustrating to not be able to know to do more. Other news -- a previous co-worker had to be admitted to hospice today -- (2 months ago she learned she had lung cancer that spread to her back/brain -- tried the chemo trip-- but it made her sick -- lost 70 lbs so she's decided to stop it). I don't mean to bum anyone out -- but to simply say -- we never truly know our blessings until we take notice of the journey's of others. I got on the board tonight and saw the lovely pictures of PackJen's girls and it made me smile and it lifted me up because I needed a lift! I needed to just know that the ladies here who have been through so much are living life again. Most time life doesn't make sense at all -- cancer sucks and so does life when the body gets old and the parts aren't wanting to work with the other parts. But the little Cleopatra/ Mermaid and Princess made me smile and laugh! They are too precious and I am thankful God lifted PackJen up and put her back together again so she can be a loving mom to these precious little ones!
Thanks! Indeed I will go look for the Double Eyelash -- but PackJen -- you have a natural beauty -- so I don't know that it can be purchased. LOL Hugs to all you wonderful ladies -- everyone has been a sister to each other and we continue to lift one another when we need it most! -
Kim -- I am so glad that the picture made you smile. You obviously need a smile right now. I am sorry about your MIL. My uncle just passed away from cancer and at the end he refused to eat or take his meds. I think he just knew it was time.
Natural beauty -- yeah, right! Thank you though. The other day I took one of my girls to the market with me and we needed to buy tomatoes. She went for the hot house ones and I told her that we would be buying the heirlooms. I told her that although they were not very good looking they at least had flavor. Then I said, "Just like sometimes I am not very good looking, but I always have flavor!" Later in the checkout line a man told me he had heard me in the produce department and he liked how I talked to my daughter. Funny about those little teaching moments -- sometimes you teach more than just your own child.
Anyway, it is called Double Lash and I really like it!
xxoo
Jen
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Hey, having flavor is GOOD LOOKING!
Just heard a co-worker who had bc 3.5 years ago -- small lump removed / chemo/ radiation has found another lump and is waiting to hear back from doctor on whether it is cancerous. Please lift up this person in prayer. Gosh, will life just not keep giving us stuff. I hope you each have a wonderful Thanksgiving! We plan to take a card table and order a meal at the nursing home for my MIL. She has to be on morphine shots due to the back pain -- can't do surgery -- is all they can do -- manage her pain. So we plan to go eat with her. Hey, it is only going to be $2.00 a person. So if it tastes good, it is the BEST deal in town -- no cooking/ no cleaning. LOL I pray you each are celebrating the good life of health with your family and loved ones nearby. God bless the little turkey for tasting so DARN good! HUGS my sisters! -
We fly to NY on the red-eye Tuesday night. Hope to see the inflating of the parade balloons with the girls on Wednesday night. Thursday we drive up to the Hudson Valley to join the family. Then my hubby leaves for his 40th HS reunion and I stay with his family. We fly home on Sunday. A whirlwind trip for sure.
Blessings to all,
Jennifer
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I know you guys will understand... probably some of the very few who will understand... but, my birth mom passed away this month... she had brain mets from her breast cancer. She was diagnosed 10 years ago (in 2001)... I thought at DCIS or Stage 1... she, at the time, said, lumpectomy, radiation, hormones for 5 years. So, I was shocked to hear this... we are not close... we rarely communicated... I said "birth" mom because I was adopted by my real mom. I'm still not taking the news well.
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PackJen - I love your tomato story!! I try to find lessons in just about everything for my kids - they actually call me out on it now and roll their eyes LOL
Kim - I'm sorry about your MIL. I hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving meal with her xo
Leanna - Sooo sorry to hear about your birth mother. I lost my mother to cancer in September - we were also not very close and there is a part of me that's not sure if that made it even a little harder. I'm sorry you are dealing with this right now, I wish you peace in your grief. {{{HUGS}}}
Just want you all to know that on this Thanksgiving, and always, I am incredibly thankful for each and every one of you!
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And, I too, am thankful for EACH and EVERY one of you!!
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