Starting Chemo in June 2005

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  • kimBe
    kimBe Member Posts: 101
    edited May 2006
    Jen do let us know how your mom is doing.....I am so relieved that others had problems logging on.....I had had it with computers and messages last night. This is finals week for my classes (computer issues---the eval for my class takes students to an interesting site), I inherited a "faster" computer at my hospital job----but none of the "stuff" I need is loaded on it and then I get obnoxious messages here....
    KimB
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  • NancyM
    NancyM Member Posts: 289
    edited May 2006
    Hey Junesterettes! One week from today will be the first anniversary of my diagnosis - a whole year of survivorship!

    I've just been thinking about all we've been through in the past year, as I'm sure most of you were diagnosed around the same time (depending on if your chemo was post-surgery).

    Wow...I guess it's hard to put into words how I'm feeling right now. Happiness that I've made it this far, sadness that so many women are still struggling with this disease. I'm proud of how I've come through this, but I sure did not do it by myself. Thanks so much to everyone who has been a support on this June 05 thread - I hope you all remain healthy, healthy, healthy!!
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  • nosurrender
    nosurrender Member Posts: 2,019
    edited May 2006
    Congratulations NANCY!!! YOU MADE IT! Yup- you sure did!

    you know Junesterettes, in less than a month you are going to have to change your names to the '05 Junesterettes...
    look at all you have conquered and accomplished in one year!


    Old vets now hanging out at the VFW hall having a beer talking about the old days on the battlefield....

    The old days are gone forever... and the new yous are better than ever.

    WTG all of you!
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  • LizFL
    LizFL Member Posts: 377
    edited May 2006
    It does seem hard to believe a year has passed I was diagnosed on 4/25/05 and had my mastectomy on 5/2/05. Those were scary days.

    This great group and our wonderful coach (No Surrender) were a big part in getting me through this past year. Thanks Nancy and NS for reminding us of how far we have come!

    Liz
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  • Watson
    Watson Member Posts: 1,490
    edited May 2006
    Congrats JuneBugs!
    My dx date was 5/9 and surgery date was 5/17. What date are you supposed to use? (Like there's a law or something!)

    Jen,
    How's it going? We're thinking about you!

    Watson
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  • kimBe
    kimBe Member Posts: 101
    edited May 2006
    Watson-can't believe that someone else is like me---wondering actually when the date is!!! Was diagnosed on April 22, had mastectomy on May 2 and for the most part it is almost like it happened to someone else.
    KimB
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  • RebeccaH
    RebeccaH Member Posts: 72
    edited May 2006
    One year and one day ago (May 4th), I was diagnosed! Can't believe how fast a year has gone by! When are a group of amazing women!

    Like Nancy said, the emotions are so different now. Glad to be where I'm at, but sadden at each new person diagnosed with cancer.

    Here's to a happy and healthy future!
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  • Jenster
    Jenster Member Posts: 267
    edited May 2006
    I'm here!! The movers came last Thursday (4/27) and packed our house, then loaded the truck on Friday. The kids and I are now living with my folks and they don't have internet access. I've been through major surgery, chemo, separation from my beloved husband - and that was a cake walk compared to no internet access!!! I realize I have issues.

    You ladies are the best. Thank you so much for your concern for my mom. She had five lymph nodes removed on Tuesday and they were completely clear. We go back to the surgeon on Tuesday to see where we go from here. She will probably have to take Tamoxifen or Arimadex or something like that and have six weeks of radiation. She's doing great, though! Such a tough lady.

    I was diagnosed on April 27 and had my mastectomy on May 3. I consider May 3 to be my one year anniversary because that was the day I became cancer-free.

    Todd sent me a dozen roses that day - 11 red and one pink. I LOVE that man!! And a friend of mine sent me the funniest cake and card! I wish I could download a picture of it for you to see, but that will have to wait until June.

    Anyway, it was a bikini cake, but it only had one boob. And the card was a thank you card that said something along the lines of "Thank you for having your boob cut off a year ago so you'd still be here for me to send these tacky, crass gifts to."

    The poor lady at the bakery was so worried I'd be offended or upset by the cake. But it's hard to be offended by one of the best chocolate bakery cakes ever! And I have such a twisted sense of humor anyway, I thought it was pretty funny. Especially because my friend's heart was in the right place.

    That night, my son and I went to see MercyMe and it was so awesome. What a great way to celebrate! It was very cleansing - lots of tears. But they were joyful tears of praise. Taylor just sort of ignored me. lol.

    I only have four more weekends to live in Arkansas. I'm so excited I can hardly stand it! And it's like knowing you're going to go to Disneyland the next week. The week just drags on. lol

    I probably won't post again until next weekend - when Todd is here with his computer. Though I have been going to the library to use their computer. It's kind of embarrassing because everyone there looks like they're doing very important work and I'm reading e-mails and looking up silly things and snorting and laughing, etc. Oh well.

    Take care, ladies, and happy anniversary to us all!!!

    Jen
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  • rmmom
    rmmom Member Posts: 168
    edited May 2006
    Jen I am so glad your mom had clear nodes! That is great news.
    My anniversary was April 18. So I have passed my year date. Jeff was out of town I was busy doing the single mom thing, it passed without much thought or fanfare. Which was nice after last year.
    I have a prayer request. Owen's teacher's husband died suddenly last Friday and they have seven children if any of you could pray them they could use the prayers.-Dulaney Family, God knows who they are.
    Bev
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  • kimBe
    kimBe Member Posts: 101
    edited May 2006
    My thoughts and prayers are with you Jen and Bev....and I thank God I really have so little to deal with
    KimB
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  • LizFL
    LizFL Member Posts: 377
    edited May 2006
    Jen...glad to hear your Mom has no node involvement and won't need chemo. The time in Arkasas will go quickly and you will finally get to be in your new home.

    Bev...will pray for Owen's teacher's family.

    Watson...you do come up with the best questions! I don't celebrate any of the dates...figure if I stay under the radar things will continue to go well! I actually look forward to birthdays now and plan on giving extra thanks on each one!

    I may not even meet my out of pocket maximum on my insurance this year...won't that be nice! It is just great not to be spending so much time with medical appointments!

    Liz
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  • NancyM
    NancyM Member Posts: 289
    edited May 2006

    I'm not one to say "it's my birthday!" and in fact I usually go to great lengths to hide it. But today is my first birthday since You Know What and I am just tickled...PINK! lol! I'm so happy to be feeling well. Yay! Have a cupcake and think of me being 48, feeling great and all that corny stuff! Wahoo!

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  • LizFL
    LizFL Member Posts: 377
    edited May 2006
    Woo Hoo and a Very Happy and Healthy Birthday to you Nancy!

    Go out and celebrate!

    I tried to post this in big red letters with some smilies, but it didn't work??

    Liz
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  • rmmom
    rmmom Member Posts: 168
    edited May 2006
    Happy Birthday to you
    Happy Birthday to you
    Happy Birthday Dear Nancy
    Happy Burthday to you!
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  • NancyM
    NancyM Member Posts: 289
    edited May 2006
    Thank you for the birthday wishes!

    I saw an idea under the "Triple Negative" thread that I thought might be fun if you all are interested. It involves putting a few inexpensive things into a box and then sending to the first person who is signed up on the list. When they get the package, they can take things out as long as they put new things back in the box, and then they send it to the next person. They also add a personal note.

    Since we are coming up on our first year together, I thought it might be very fun if we do this and include photos (they stay with the box) and personal notes. Including a souvenir from your home town would be fun, too!

    I will volunteer to get the box at the end and make a scrapbook with copies of the photos and the notes, and then everyone will get a copy of the book and their photos will be returned. (This will not be as fancy as Dana's scrapbook pages, but hopefully a nice momento of our times together). Oh, yeah - if you have a favorite post from breastcancer.org, print it out and put it in the box, and I'll make a copy for the scrapbooks.

    You can send me a PM with your address if you are interested, and then I'll put the address list in the box. That way the addresses are kept within our group. And this includes NoSurrender, of course!
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  • Fi_in_oz
    Fi_in_oz Member Posts: 49
    edited May 2006

    Just a quick post

    Hello to all of you, Nancy HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!!, and that box sounds like a wonderful idea, I think it HAS To come via Australia, so I'll pm you later on that.
    (remind me please if I don't)

    I have wonderful news finally, ALL CLEAR !!!!! champagne here I come !!!!

    Winter's approach here brought on some scary moments, but its all due to those damaged nerve endings of mine, apparently my back is affected too, BUT at least that's all it is, and I just have to keep it warm warm warm!!!

    I'm so happy, I hope you all are having just happy special moments in your life too......

    best wishes for you all....

    Fi


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  • NancyM
    NancyM Member Posts: 289
    edited May 2006
    Hi Fi - that is such awesome news, and I'm so happy for you! I hope you enjoyed your champagne!!

    Yes, the box will come to Australia for sure! That will be so much fun to have it be international!

    I got to meet RebeccaH yesterday at the Salt Lake City Komen Race For The Cure! It was great to finally meet face to face, and have a chance to talk for a bit!

    One of our local stations did 2 wonderful pieces for the news. The first is about Valerie (she introduced herself to me at my first chemo, and she is as wonderful as they say) and when that video clip ends, click the link to the race that is under the video window. There is a young woman on that clip who says "I'm a survivor" and I just get so choked up...I wish I could hug her.


    http://www.abc4.com/mediacenter/default.aspx?videoId=44567#top


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  • rmmom
    rmmom Member Posts: 168
    edited May 2006
    Nancy I love the box idea. It would be neat to see the things that ended up in there.
    Great news Fi:)
    Hope eveyone is having a wonderful Mother's Day.
    I am hiding from a soccer game because it is raining here-actually there is thunder too-isn't that one thing that soccer doesn't play in??-Well I was excused since it is M-Day
    Wishes to all
    Bev
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  • RebeccaH
    RebeccaH Member Posts: 72
    edited May 2006
    Wanted to let everyone know that NancyM is wonderful. I'm so lucky to have found an online buddy who lives so close by! What are the odds? Also, both of us were wearing a sign that said we were walking in 'celebration of the Junesterettes.' And, we didn't even plan on it! You guys are always in our thoughts!

    The Race for the Cure was such an awesome experience. My husband's company sponsored their employees to walk/run. Plus, my 17 yr old daughter walked--and didn't complain about it. What a great birthday/Mother's Day present!

    Also, at the survivor's luncheon, there was a 42 year cancer survivor. She's been surviving almost as long as I've been living! We are fortunate to have so many people who are giving us such HOPE!

    Here's to a better, healthier June than what we had last year!!!
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  • NancyM
    NancyM Member Posts: 289
    edited May 2006
    Oh, Rebecca is wonderful, too! I looked at my message and realized I had accidentally erased a paragraph while trying to link to the news clip. I said her husband and daugher were very nice, as well! Well, that's embarrasing that I didn't notice the missing paragraph. To make it up, here are some photos of us at the Race for the Cure!

    Looking so fab in pink!!
    image

    Cutie Patootie Mikes (both our husbands are named Mike!)
    image

    Rebecca's "In Celebration Of" was very nicely done with lettering...for the 2005 Junesterettes!
    image
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  • NancyM
    NancyM Member Posts: 289
    edited May 2006
    Check out the ribbon!
    image


    About the box - I'll send it out after the school year is over and I have more time, so around the first of June. I have 5 people who want to do it so far, so that makes 6 total. Anyone else who is interested, send me your address by PM!
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  • kimBe
    kimBe Member Posts: 101
    edited May 2006
    What a wonderful idea....count me in, and I pm'd you. Had appointment with my onc on Friday and with all my other data had a fantastic report...except my weight is down another 2 pounds....but I keep telling them that I feel great, appetite is good and I feel much better at this weight than I was, probably about 20 pounds overweight. Anyway that is going great.
    Am glad everyone is doing so well....wonder about some that haven't posted in a while and just am thinking that they are too busy with their life!
    KimB
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  • LizFL
    LizFL Member Posts: 377
    edited May 2006
    Hi all! Nancy, I just PM'd you with my address as I'd like to join in.

    Fi...fabulous news!

    Hope everyone had a great Mother's Day. My daughter came down to visit and it was good to get to spend some time with her. A week from Saturday we leave for Texas to see the grandkids!

    Had my 3 month checkup with rad/onc and all is well. Have been on Arimidex for a few months now and only minor side effects.

    Life is good!

    Liz
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  • rmmom
    rmmom Member Posts: 168
    edited May 2006
    Yesterday I was checked out of Jo-Ann Fabrics by cashcheck lady that had a pink bracelet and pink hat so I pulled up my sleeve and showed her my bracelet-like some secret code Her hair hadn't come back yet but there she was in her brave and bald glory. She wanted to know if hers would come back as curly as mine. Here's to hoping it will:)
    Bev
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  • Jenster
    Jenster Member Posts: 267
    edited May 2006
    What fabulous pictures!!! And how great that you two could walk together. Isn't the Race awesome? I did it for 6 years or so before I was diagnosed and it was such an emotional experience. I can't imagine what it will be like now. Though I probably won't get to do it until next year because they do it in May here in Philly and I'll be barely missing it.

    We signed our lives away Friday and are no longer homeless. lol. We're sitting around in this big house with two borrowed lawn chairs, a borrowed TV/DVD and the guest bed we bought until the furniture comes tomorrow. lol. Then I'll fly back to Arkansas on Wednesday, Todd will follow on Saturday, kids will finish school, I'll get my 6 month scans and dr's appointments out of the way and we'll be on our way back up. YAY!

    I have an appointment with an oncologist up here for June 8th. That in itself is a relief for me.

    I'm looking forward to a happy, healthy and fantastic June as well!!

    Jen
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  • Scout
    Scout Member Posts: 76
    edited May 2006
    Sorry I haven't checked in for so long.....but I'm here! I would love to be involved in the "box". Who do I need to contact?
    I am having my "exchange" surgery for the implants on June 1st! I am soooo excited about having the "real" thing soon.
    I asked the nurse, on my last visit, what date you are supposed to use for your anniversary date, and she said they use the date of your last chemo treatment....the date that the cancer is gone. So, I guess mine will be October 20.
    I, personally, feel that all this will be over when I get my port out and I don't have to go to anymore treatment. I will be taking Herceptin until Oct, and I'm counting the days when it's all over!
    I've been busy getting my garden beds in order. I joined our local gardening club last year, and they are going to tour my garden on June 10th....10 days after surgery! I'm almost finished mulching and all my plants have been planted (I start all, or most, of my plants by seed).
    It feels sooo good to feel the dirt!
    Does anyone else take Arimidex? I'd love to hear how you are doing...it's giving me lots of bone pain and I would love to know when it will stop!
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  • NancyM
    NancyM Member Posts: 289
    edited May 2006
    Hi Scout, it's good to hear from you! I hope everything goes well with your surgery! And it must be fun having your garden on display!

    You can PM your address to me, and you will be person #10 so far! I actually stole the idea from thebandteacher on the triple neg board. I think it will be lots of fun!

    Does anyone care if I make the address list in geographical order or should we do it alphabetically? I will try to get it sent out the first Monday or Tuesday in June (my first week of vacation, that is!)

    Gosh, Jen, you sound way too busy!! I hope you have all the stamina you need to fly back and forth like that!

    I'm glad everyone seems to be doing well! I hope some of the others have been checking in as well, even if they don't post. But hey you guys, drop a line now and then, would ya??
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  • kimBe
    kimBe Member Posts: 101
    edited May 2006
    Hope everyone had a good weekend. It rained here but we will gladly take moisture in any form and this time of year I am glad it was rain....more than one Memorial Day weekend we have had snow. Keep us posted on the box...It sounds like fun. In the "moving beyond" thread there is discussion about a get-together in Las Vegas this fall which I think would be great fun.
    KimB
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  • rmmom
    rmmom Member Posts: 168
    edited May 2006
    Hey Kim we had a great weekend. Really hot for this time of year. Took family to Cleveland Zoo for the first time in years and years. Everyone had the same idea and it was crowded but still had a good time. Went to an 8th grade graduation party for my DD's class. It was SOOO fun and it was the first time no one asked me about me. YIPE!!! DD has three more parties-people throwing them are first time parents through this or last time-so they are sad or really happy:) I am sad to see my only daughter grow up so fast but excited for her. She won't let me read her yearbook-boys wrote REAL notes this year. LOL oh we have our work cut out for us. glad she is having fun, not like her parents in 8th grade. One "crying" at home because she was sure she was ugly and one "backwards" and afraid of girls. We were nerds and ackward teenagers. Her brothers are a slight step up from us but still wait for everyone to call them while everyone is waiting for their call-know what I mean. Take care. I have to go to be fitted for something to keep me from grinding away my teeth at night. This one I get to blame on Jeff and the teenagers
    Bev
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  • kimBe
    kimBe Member Posts: 101
    edited May 2006
    Bev-my "baby" is a Jr this year...she just told me the one thing she had learned in math was not to ask dad for help. Finals tomorrow and Thursday so we are stressed....She still is not sure I advised her and signed her classes for next year....She wants to work in the travel industry and has no desire to go to college right now, and I told her I really don't see her in a career requiring calculus or physics...Glad you had wonderful weather. Ours was beautiful here today.
    KimB
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