November 2009-Starting Chemo

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  • suzieq60
    suzieq60 Member Posts: 6,059
    edited July 2012

    Thanks Linda - you DO look so lovely!!!

  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited July 2012

    Sue, she is a cutie pie for sure...

  • suzieq60
    suzieq60 Member Posts: 6,059
    edited July 2012

    Michele - it's a boy :) I would have liked the second grandchild to be a girl but we're stuck with 2 boys - maybe next time. Steve's family has been all boys until Annie was born.

  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited July 2012

    OOOPPPS.  Sorry.  I was only looking at his face..still think he is a cutie pie..

  • doronet
    doronet Member Posts: 342
    edited July 2012

    Hi, all.  Boy has it been a while since I checked this site, though I still keep up with Alicia, Linda, Michele, and Brenda through facebook.  Been busy with graduations since both my kids graduated.  Now, need to get my son ready for college.  Daughter is working at a child care center until she can find something in the biology field.  Did a week in Myrtle Beach for vacation and a weekend on Long Island for my bro-in-laws wedding.  Had a terrible thing happen the day of the combined grad party I had for my kids...I have a cousin who is an amputee from a botched knee replacement 5 years ago.  In March, she had to have a knee replacement in the good leg, then she tore her patella tendon, which had to be repaired by surgery, too.  So she was just back to walking with her prosthesis and back at work the week of the kids' grad party. She came to my house, walked into the kitchen, went to lean on the wall for support, but she was at the doorway to the basement, which was opened, and fell all the way down the stairs, head first and on her back.  I thought I would literally die of shock seeing her fall.  I called 911, they came and took her to hosp.  There she found out she had broken both bones in her leg, got 2 stitches in her head, and later the next week, she had surgery to put pins and a plate in her leg to repair it.  THEN, 3 weeks after that,  she got an infection in the incision, which turned out to be MRSA and she ended up back in the hosp, and 4 days later released to do antibiotics via a pic-line for 6 weeks.  Her attitude is amazingly positive and she is an inspiration to tons of people.  Her example got me through many a pity party when I was going through chemo/rad, and she continues to be an inspiration if I EVER feel sorry for myself for WHATEVER reason.

    So glad to see the pic of Sue's grandson!!  Cutie pie, for sure!

    Brenda, once I started taking a med. for my thyroid, I no loner have half the pain,stiffness I had.  And all that time, I thought it was due to the Femara (equivalent to Tamox. for post-meno.) Still have the hot flashes, but I can stand them.  All the latest tests were great:  mammo, cholesterol, thyroid.  

    Happy Summer to all!!!!!!!!!!!!  Well, whatever the season in for Sue.  :D 

  • BrendaSharon
    BrendaSharon Member Posts: 506
    edited July 2012

    Well I just had to pop in. I haven't seen the susieq's baby yet, so when I seen Doronet's post on my email notification I figured I just had to check him out! Sue the baby is just adorable. My baby grandson just had his 6th B-Day today, sure wish he wouldn't grow up, hey are so precious at their young ages. BUT, no more babies for me till I'm a great and I don't want to rush that.

    I so glad to see everyone in such high spirits. It seems most of us are just back on track with life in general and that itself can be exhausting, but surely rewarding.

    Love y'all! 

  • suzieq60
    suzieq60 Member Posts: 6,059
    edited July 2012

    Nette - your poor cousin - that's just awful - hope she recovers well. Now I know why I put off having my knees done - infection seems ot be quite common.

    Brenda - how are the peeps?

    The baby is growing rapidly by the sound of it. He's 12 weeks old already. Haven't heard much from Mark in London - they just moved and he's been busy with work. Will have to try and Skype when they get settled.

    I'm good - started training (riding my bike) yesterday. Bloody Steve has booked us on a cycle trip in New Zealand next February - eek!! I't s apparently an easy ride but I haven't been on my bike for ages and will have to ride regularly now or I'll end up travelling in the support vehicle the whole way. I did a half hour ride ok, so I'll gradually increase it over time.

    My hair is still gorgeous - after 4 months it's not showing any signs of needing to be redone. The hair dresser will get a shock when I go for my next cut and streaks soon.

    Hope you are all good. I was just telling a lady we met recently about this site last night and told her about you lovely ladies and how we still keep in touch. She is to start chemo soon, so I hope she finds a nice bunch to go through treatment with.

    Sue

  • Cafelovr
    Cafelovr Member Posts: 1,534
    edited August 2012

    Just wanted to pop in myself to say hi! I have my treatment tomorrow and get the results of my heart scans and x rays. So far, so good!

  • suzieq60
    suzieq60 Member Posts: 6,059
    edited August 2012

    Linda - I was getting worried about you. Thankyou for popping in and letting us know you're ok.

    Sue

  • Cafelovr
    Cafelovr Member Posts: 1,534
    edited August 2012

    Susie Q, I am doing just fine. Still have my Herceptin, Zometa, and Zoladex shots every three weeks. I am still NED...have been for over two years! I'm still working full time, but sometimes I feel 80 instead of 40...LOL

    Sometimes I have to avoid these boards as the Stage IV boards get to me sometimes.

    I did forget to mention that I HAVE NIPPLES! Breasts look good, reconstruction is going great. In a couple of months, I get tattooing. Talk about tramp stamps :)

    Life is good, indeed!

  • suzieq60
    suzieq60 Member Posts: 6,059
    edited August 2012
    A couple of days ago I was looking to see when you last posted - which is why I got worried. Really glad to hear the herceptin is still doing it's thing.
  • Cafelovr
    Cafelovr Member Posts: 1,534
    edited August 2012

    Well, I guess I spoke to soon. My ejection fraction has dropped, signalling the Herp is damaging my heart. He says it will go back up, but I have take a three month reprieve from Herp. He's optimistic and says I'll be fine, but when you're told the "wonder drug" you are taking is being taken away, it makes me a might nervous!

  • suzieq60
    suzieq60 Member Posts: 6,059
    edited August 2012

    ((((((((((Linda)))))))))) - hope your heart recovers - you have been on H for a long time, so it was probably inevitable. Meanwhile don't worry too much.

    Sue

  • Travelingpants2
    Travelingpants2 Member Posts: 545
    edited August 2012

    (( Cyber hugs to Linda )) ! 

  • JustmeAlicia
    JustmeAlicia Member Posts: 1,529
    edited August 2012

    Linda ~ hugs to you.  Try not to worry about the break, your body just needs a little rest.  

    Yesterday I had 6 month appt, they just did all my labs see my onc. on Monday to discuss results.  My hospital labs come up online.  Everything looks good.  Tumor markers etc are all in range.  So I am hoping Monday goes smooth and I get a see you in 6 months.  

    Getting ready to drop my daughter off at college in a week.  So this summer has been a busy one trying to spend as much time together as a family as possible.

    Think of you all often and you are always in my prayers.

    HUGS to all.

    Alicia 

  • JustmeAlicia
    JustmeAlicia Member Posts: 1,529
    edited August 2012

    Saw my onc on Monday to discuss my labs.  ALL good, she said they were perfect.  I am go back in 6 months for chest scan (for a tiny tiny nodule they have been watching)  No change 2 years...  and my blood work.  So far SO good~ I'll take it !

    Hope everyone is doing great and living LIFE for it is truly precious.

    Hugs,

    Alicia 

  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited August 2012
  • Cafelovr
    Cafelovr Member Posts: 1,534
    edited September 2012

    Alicia, I like too!!!

    Ladies, I need your prayers. My mom isn't doing so well. Her cancer has spread to the roof of her mouth...oral cancer! I don't know what to do??? What do I do without my mom?  I'm sorry, but Chardonnay is my BFF tonight! I'm lost...

  • Cafelovr
    Cafelovr Member Posts: 1,534
    edited September 2012

    I don't know what's up with the large font either!

  • suzieq60
    suzieq60 Member Posts: 6,059
    edited September 2012

    Linda - (((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))) - cancer sucks - all you can do is be there for her and love her.

  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited September 2012

    Linda, sorry to hear about your mom.  What kind of treatments can she have?  As for the font, I thought you were screaming your lungs out.  And well you should.

  • doronet
    doronet Member Posts: 342
    edited September 2012

    Linda, I, too, thought the large font was you screaming, and it was appropriate!  Prayers for your mom and your family.  And for this to happen so near your birthday.  As Sue said, cancer DOES suck!!!!!  Nette

  • BrendaSharon
    BrendaSharon Member Posts: 506
    edited October 2012

    Today is October 1st the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness.

    I want to THANK each and every one of you my sisters for helping me Fight the Fight!!!

    Love to all of you & ((((((((((Big Hugs))))))))) 

  • suzieq60
    suzieq60 Member Posts: 6,059
    edited October 2012

    Hi Brenda - great to hear from you. Hope the peeps are producing well for you. It's 3 years since we all got together - hard to believe. I also thank you for being there for all of us.

    Sue

  • BrendaSharon
    BrendaSharon Member Posts: 506
    edited October 2012

    Yes Sue it really is hard to believe3 years have passed! So much has happened since then.

    I've been really good, but it's been hard taking care of my Dad & Mom who both seem to be failing quickly. Mom was already in bad shape, but my Dad who was doing so well just a year ago has rapidly been getting worse by the day. I know dementia is setting in and he has gall bladder issues and issues with back pain from slipped and cracked discs. All in all the two of them keep me busy with their special diets, etc. But, I will take care of them as long as I can. I'm even fortunate to still have both of them with me. My Dad even decided it was time to move back in the house with me. He had been staying in a little Trailer on my property, but he got so bad he finally came to the big house so I can care for him.

    Still lovin my peeps, but I did cut back on the quantity. I have only 10 hens now - (7) Rhode Island Reds and the (3) babies that hatched on Easter. I call them my Easter Chicks. They give me enough eggs for me and all my family members. It was a lot of work dealing with 27 hens and 3 Roosters. The woman I sold all my chicks to was so excited to get full breed Dominique's and full breed Silver Laced Wynottes. She breeds and sell chicks all the time. Must admit, I miss my two Roosters, BUT it is nice not ever seeing spots in my eggs now from fertilization.

    Other than that life is good in general, although the money situation with the economy here is bad. I've been at this job for 5 years now as of August 13,2007 and my hourly pay hasn't gone up at all. Yet, food, gas, etc; everything else has gone up. Then my hours where cut, yet I feel fortunate to even have a job to say the least, as I live in a very small rural town. So, I just try to make it with what we have. Our love and strength will carry us through. Thank the Lord I have such a supportive husband and he treats me quite awesome. These days all that matters to me anyways is family!!!

    Hope all is well with you, have a great day, life is good (((((HUGS))))

  • Cafelovr
    Cafelovr Member Posts: 1,534
    edited October 2012

    Hi all! I can't believe it's been three years either! I've come to look at my cancer not as a curse (well sometimes, maybe), but as a blessing. He has brought many new friends, namely all of you, into my life. I've been very vocal about cancer at my job and in my community. If I've helped one person, it's been worth it!!!

    I'm still on my HERP break. I have scans and MUGA November 5 and onc will decide if I can go back onto chemo. I go Oct 11 to have a consult to remove my ovaries. Ahhh, it will never end :) It seems in the back of my mind that I'm always looking over my shoulder. My onc still maintains that I have an excellent prognosis.

    One stupid thing I did was to throw out my back. Stupid me did fire extinguisher training and stayed down too low too long. I can barely move, but gotta love Vicadin, Flexeril, and Prednisone! Only me...

    My mom is doing semi OK. Her cancer is stable, although she had an oral cancer scare. However, it turned out to be a reaction to Zometa, so she's taken a break. She still has the COPD & Emphysema, so she has good days and then very bad days.

    On October 29, I am due to be a first time homeowner! It always took me a while to commit to a house in NC, because I always wanted to go back to my beloved Florida. However, I can't leave my doctors, my job, and I have to admit...I love the season changes here. I found the perfect house in the adjoining High Point area. It has plenty of room for my hubby and mom to get along, and Libby to grow up!

    Well, I will end this jibber jabber...LOL

    Remember one thing: you all are so dear to me. I could not do this without you! You guys understand everything I say without judgement or condemation. I can say things here that I can't say anywhere else. Thank you so much for being here for me.

  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited October 2012

    Hello ladies.  It has been a while since I posted because it was taking so long to send a post.  But I tried this morning and it seems to be fixed. 

    It looks like everyone is doing quite well.  It's hard to believe it has been three years since we started this long and emotional journey together.  I remember when we started how scared we all were and how happy we were to meet each other.  We all thought, what a long and bumpy road ahead of us .  And look at us now, back to a life that is kinda normal.  When we first started we checked these boards almost hourly(or at least I did), and now we post just every once in a while...It's a good thing.  The support here has been amazing.  Nette, Suzie, Linda, Alicia, Pam, and so many more.    This weekend is Thanksgiving here in Canada and we all have so much to be thankful for.  Thank you for being my friend with out judgement, a friend who listens, and a friend who understands me, when nobody else does...You are all special to me.  I am most Thankful for all of you.

  • doronet
    doronet Member Posts: 342
    edited October 2012

    Today is the first time I've checked the posts in a few weeks...well, 6 to be exact, but as I said in an earlier post, I do keep up with Linda, Michele, Brenda, and Alicia via facebook.

    It was this day 3 years ago that I found out I would definitely have to have chemotherapy.  My hubby was out of town til that night, so I spent the day walking around the house alternating between sobbing and crying hysterically.  And then I found you, guys.  What a place for comfort, laughter, questions, answers, laughter, encouragement, prayer, motivation, and did I mention laughter?  :)  What a journey, one that we, all, are still on, and though we might be at different places on those journeys, we are still connected and I believe in some way, some how, we will always have that connection.  I thanked God for all of you then and now, and I pray for health and abundant happiness for everyone.

    Happy October.  Nette  :)

  • suzieq60
    suzieq60 Member Posts: 6,059
    edited October 2012

    Nette - just realised (after reading your post) that it was 3 years ago today that I had my surgery.

    I've been trying to forget these cancerversaries, but I'm having my annual MRI later this week, so it's in my mind.

    Hope you are all doing well

    Sue

  • Cafelovr
    Cafelovr Member Posts: 1,534
    edited October 2012

    If you can believe this, I was diagnosed 10-19-09. I remembered it on the 23rd. I had forgotten about it!

    Nette, you said it perfectly! How is Josh doing?

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