Starting chemo Sept 05

Options
1…5253555758…103

Comments

  • txred9876
    txred9876 Member Posts: 392
    edited May 2006
    I can totally understand the financial burdens of all this. I started this journey without health insurance. I had to deplete everything to get any help. Then when I did I got state medicaid. This was a blessing but then got a curse when I got my social security disability the first time I applied due to the severity of my diagnosis. I was then off on another journey to see how to get some assistance. I had to MOVE during all this. I moved from my 4 year old nice home to my other halfs very old and in need of many repairs/remodeling home. I was greatful I had this option because he lives in the "right" county for me to get a medical assistance program. One thing is for sure even though I have had to do this it kind of keeps your mind off being sick. I just take something to feel a little bit better and keep on helping him to get things done. I was also self employed and have been trying to work some but I cannot earn a penny or then I won't qualify for any medical help. I guess I will just have a really big check waiting when I can...LOL I assisted my partner with three new contracts this week. Now there are 5 closing in June. It is amazing what you can do with a little help from your friends and even at part time speed!

    Fortunate for me the finacial thing will be just fine as soon as I am able to make money. I have unlimited potential in Real Estate. It looks like we will be listing two different high end homes (over 500K) shortly. The commission from those two alone is more then most people make in a year (49,500 is a LOT of money).

    I have been doing somewhat better and just had treatment 10 of 12 of Taxol. I am still having the numbness and pain from chemo but the Neurotin is helping some with that. Even though it is getting harder and more painful each week I am finding that I am in much better spirits and just have the "get r done" mentality. Pushing through the finish line! June 7th is my final chemo then I see the oncologist on the 13th to see what I will be taking. I will probably be given tamoxofin.

    I am so glad things are going good for you Leanne! We are sending positive vibes your way each and every day!

    Tina
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sholroyd
    sholroyd Member Posts: 288
    edited May 2006
    Hi all

    I went into work today – my legs were like jelly when I went into the college, however everyone was kind but sort of left me alone and it wasn’t long before I settled in, ended up being there all day trying to get my workspace organised again.

    Have a good weekend.

    Sandra from the UK.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Pegk
    Pegk Member Posts: 389
    edited May 2006
    One year ago, I started the day with apprehension, waiting for the news of my biopsy. Most are benign, right? Everything will be fine.
    I finally got a phone call in the afternoon from a doctor I didn't know because mine was on maternity leave.
    "Sorry, it's positive. You have cancer."
    "What? How could that be? I feel fine! I'm never sick."
    "The nurse will call you back with the name of a surgeon. Oh, is there anybody there with you?"
    Luckily, my husband was home that day. First I felt numb. Then I put my head down on the dining room table and cried with fear and anxiety.Will I be mutilated, will I suffer, will I die? I know you all know exactly what I was feeling.
    The next day my daughters and I drove to Maryland for a family party for my niece's graduation and another niece's confirmation. I kept the news to myself during the celebration. The next morning I broke the news to my mother and other members of my family.
    My brother-in-law, who is a pharmicist who specializes in cancer treatments gave me some encouraging news. The advances they've made in the treatment of breast cancer in the last 5 years have far exceeded their expectations. My outlook was very good.
    Meanwhile, back at home my husband, Bill, had gone into high gear. Over the weekend he became an expert in breast cancer and researched many doctors for me. When we went to appointments he asked such detailed questions, he was asked if he'd gone to medical school. Lucky for me, he took notes because my brain was mush.

    What a year it's been! Bill found breastcancer.org on line which was also recommended by my brother-in-law.
    What an education! I learned terms I never wanted to know like invasive ductal carcinoma, sentinal node biopsy, tram flap reconstruction, lymphedema, aromatase inhibitor.
    I've found I could be strong when I had to be or weak when I needed to be.
    I've received so much support from family, friends, and coworkers.
    I've met many wonderful people this year, from caring medical professionals to surviors who have come forward to offer encouragement and hope.
    And, of course, I've had you, my dear September Sisters, who have shared this journey with me. You've been there through the jittery nights and the anxious days. We've gone bald together, and shared our aches and pains. We've gotten to know each others' families. Some of you are still fighting battles with treatments, finances or going back to work. Many of you are moving on.

    I am making a donation today to breastcancer.org for the help you've given me.
    I am also continuing my training and fundraising for the Avon walk in NYC in October. I am sharing the link to my page so you can check on my progress, but I want to emphasize, I am doing this FOR you and our future. I'm NOT asking you for donations.

    http://info.avonfoundation.org/site/TR?px=2468592&pg=personal&fr_id=1230&s_tafId=68425
    I'm doing quite well, but if any of you have any good fundraising ideas, I'd appreciate it. I just had a very successful bake sale at work. My homemade brownies brought in over $100!

    Have a wonderful weekend!
    Love, Peggy
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sholroyd
    sholroyd Member Posts: 288
    edited May 2006
    Hi Peg – I have just had to go and get the tissues again. Here’s to many more anniversaries.

    Good luck with the walk and thank you – I am more than happy to sponsor you and have I hope completed the online pledge OK – I could select the UK but not an appropriate state – hope this doesn’t cause a problem? let me know if it does and I will post a cheque.

    Your homemade brownies sound delicious Peg.

    I have had 2 people now say that if I hadn’t been forced to change my hairstyle I would still be sporting the same boring style – well I must now go for a change mustn’t I??? This leads me into telling you a little bit more about ‘what not to wear’………….

    Don’t get too excited girls. I went to a talk on breast reconstruction and there were some leaflets from the BBC asking for ladies who had had a mastectomy to come forward. My initial thought was I may get paid and I could donate the money to the Oncology department where I was treated, so my dear friend (bless her) encouraged me to complete the application form – I did. I then had a telephone interview – passed this. Had to produce a 5 minute home video – my dear friend sorted this! Had a telephone call to see if I am available to go to London on 18 June – I am. As I said though, don’t get too excited – cattle market springs to mind – 70 ladies will be there and 5 will be chosen. It has been good fun though and has taken my mind of other things. This may be the opportunity to change my image girls! I made sure I don’t have to show my top half (don’t’) but I will have to stand in front of a 360 mirror in my underwear (ughhh) – this thought is helping me to stick to a sensible eating plan (lost 6½ lbs so far).

    On a more serious note, I thought it might give encouragement to ladies, particularly the younger ones who have to go through what we have. I am not the bravest of people; prefer to think of myself as a wallflower so I am not too sure where I have found the guts to get this far.

    It was funny when the lady from the BCC rang me, she said don’t change your image before the 18 June and don’t have your hair cut – I replied “are you joking”!!

    Watch this space.

    We have had a lot of rain here in the UK but today is quite bright and pleasant. Thoughts to you all.

    Sandra from the UK
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Liezel
    Liezel Member Posts: 192
    edited May 2006
    Dear Peg, May we all have many many more anniversaries!! And may we all share in each other's lives for many years to come! You started our September sisterhood, and I am very thankful to you. This site has been MY beacon through this journey!!

    Sandra, let us know how it goes!! We get BBC Prime here - do you think it will show here? What will the program be called? How exciting for you!! Good luck on the sensible eating.

    Cape Town is still very cold. No rain today though!! My whole family was sick with the flu last week, and mine started on Friday. Don't have a voice today (DH enjoying that) and absolutely no appetite. My diet not going to bad, 4 weeks in, I have lost 6kg! What has been very interesting, is that in the week I get Herceptin, I picked up weight, even though diet stayed the same. It is now a week later, and I have lost more than usual again.

    Starting rads again tomorrow. NOT looking forward to it! Even though it is only 5 tx, I am TIRED of it. My skin has gotten worse in my week off, and I even have a burn mark on my back! It is so badly burnt, I have freckles (lots) and blisters. No blisters even on the actual rads sites!!

    My sister had a baby girl on Friday. They unfortunately live very far (in Johannesburg) and I won't see her anytime soon. Had to rely on pics sent via email. I just love babies..... Would love to have another....

    Keep well all! Peg, how about posting your brownie recipe? My son and DH are chocolate addicts!!

    Liezel
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • leannem
    leannem Member Posts: 137
    edited May 2006
    Hi lovely sisters

    Everything is getting a bit much at the moment for me- in particular dealing with a stressful relationship on top of all the cancer BS. Latest problems on the mets boards.

    Any advice would be appreciated!

    too upset to write, I am sorry.

    love to you all
    xoxoxo
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hopeful1
    hopeful1 Member Posts: 54
    edited May 2006
    Leanne – it just isn’t fair that you are dealing with this on top of everything else – but what is fair about this BC thing. Your posts have shown me what a strong and courageous woman you are. My answer to your question is yes – you CAN do this. Don’t try to do it alone – find whatever support you can. Don’t wait for it to be offered – ask for it. Believe me – I know how hard that is. I was one who thought I could do everything on my own and didn’t need anyone else. This journey has changed that – and I think I’m a better person for it. My faith in human kindness has been restored as a result of what people were willing to do for me, and it wasn’t always the people that I expected to do it.

    I agree with what others have said – take time to focus on YOU. Take the time to find that inner strength that we all know is there.

    I wish there were more we could do for you. You are always in my thoughts and prayers.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • susan_02143
    susan_02143 Member Posts: 7,209
    edited May 2006
    Hi All,

    So good to hear all of your news, except for Leanne, put that is a different post or a PM.

    I made it through the weekend! Late May has taken on just the most omnious tone. May 26th in particular. On May 26th, 12 years ago, my 29-year old brother was killed in an automobile accident in Alaska. Last year, on May 26th, I found the lump. Last year, late May my sister was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, stage 4, which turned out to be false, but we didn't know that then!

    Each year, I find myself getting gloomy as the month progresses, and by May 15th, I am just plain grumpy. Over Memorial Day weekend, I find myself sticking really close to home.

    My husband came up with a great way of describing how we feel during the Month of May: vulnerable. And there is nothing I like less than feeling vulnerable.

    My technical one-year anniversary is coming up, but for me, the lump-day is the one that resonates.

    Love hearing how everyone is doing.....

    *susan*
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Pegk
    Pegk Member Posts: 389
    edited May 2006
    Oh, Susan,
    I'm so sorry that this beautiful time of year gives you such bad feelings, but I can totally understand it. I hope as you approach and pass your 1 year anniversary you can look to the future with hope and confidence.

    Leanne,
    You need peace and serenity to help you muster the strength to fight the battle that you're undertaking. It's unfortunate that your SO can't seem to give you the support you need. But take it where you can get it. Family, friends, neighbors, don't be shy. Has "Mary Poppins" been around? or an acceptible substitute? Your boys need you, but you need to have some fun too. As always, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

    On a lighter note, as I'm working my way up the page...
    Leizel, I saw the picture of your niece in the Moving Beyond forum. What an angel! what's her name? I hope you get to see her soon.
    Good luck as you continue your rads.
    As for my brownies, I'll admit I used a mix from the supermarket. Less fuss in my neighbor's kitchen. My secret ingredient, though, is semi sweet chocolate chips. Then I used a tube of pink icing to put the pink ribbon design on each one and wrapped it in rose colored saran wrap.

    Wow Sandra!
    How brave of you to consider posing in your underwear! That certainly is motivation to stick to a diet. Why wouldn't they choose you? I'll be looking forward to hearing about your adventure in London.

    Be well everyone.
    Until next time.
    Love,
    Peggy
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hopeful1
    hopeful1 Member Posts: 54
    edited June 2006
    I was reading through the pages and thought I had posted this last week. In my post surgery fog – I must not have done it right. I got the results from my 2nd (excisional) biopsy – benign! After weeks of worry, I am ready to move on with my summer! I am off to Sanibel Island at the end of the month for a girl’s trip. I am really looking forward to it. I was on the beach there last June when the radiologist called me with my first biopsy results – which turned out to be a false negative. What a year it has been!

    Susan – I am so sorry about your brother and about how you are feeling this time of year. I can see how this would make anyone feel vulnerable. Our timeline for this journey is very close. I will be thinking of you as our anniversaries approach. Here’s to a future of happiness, health, and hope.

    Peg – I loved your anniversary post. Thanks for sharing it with us.

    Leizel – Only 5 (or less now) to go – you can do it. The skin situation sounds very uncomfortable – I can understand your reluctance to continue. Have they given you anything to try and relive it? Congrats on the new niece!

    Sandra – keep us posted on your ‘modeling’ opportunity!

    Leanne – see my previous post. God Bless.

    Tina – almost through treatment – yahoo! Your attitude sounds great - thinking of you as you ‘get r done’. I have been on Tamoxofin for 5 months. I have had no problems with it.

    Tomorrow is the last day of school for my kids … Let the fun begin.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • marg1
    marg1 Member Posts: 73
    edited June 2006
    HI everyone!!!!

    I am doing okay. I am now 1 month post my oophorectomy and feeling okay. I went back to work this week (YUK!!) I should'nt complain -- I have a good paying job, it's just that I don't want to do anything except be supermom!!!

    Congrats on those at your one year annivesary. Mine is not until July 5. I look back and think how strong we all were and did not know it!!! I so proud of us -- we did it. I go back and read some of the earlier posts and think how much we depended on each other for support. Even though I don't know any of you personally I still feel very connected to all of you and continue to feel the need to be a part of this group.

    My photography business is doing okay. I earned a whopping $700.00 last month. Not bad for a beginner. I am working on a breast cancer survivor section when I get it up and running I will let you know. It will be fun and it will give me the opportunity to start a breast cancer support group here in town.

    Leanne, Chin up... put your sheild and mask on and fight, fight, fight!!!!! I am sorry to hear that things are not good with your hubby. This is a time that you have to take care of yourself first. Set time to meditate and relax. Plan your day in your mind and try to get away from any negative feelings or people in your life right now. Surround yourself with only those who are willing to support you and love you. All others -- can take a walk!!!! I pray for you all time my friend.

    I had a visit from my cousin Norma today. She is an 11 year breast cancer survivor. At dx she had a 2 year old and a 2 month old. She and her girls are doing great!!!!! We had a great time chatting. She gives me hope. Thought I would mention it.

    Peg -- I was so moved by your story of how this cancer stuff started. You took the bull by the horn and started the sept 05 group and then now with your Avon walk a thon. Your my insipiration to start something here in South Texas. When I tell there is nothing for us, I really mean it!!! I will be contacting Reach for Recovery and see what kind of programs or where I should start!! I am pumped!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Life is great everyday. Marg
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • marg1
    marg1 Member Posts: 73
    edited June 2006
    image

    This is a pic of my cousin Norma an 11 year bc survivor, me(middle) an 11 month bc survivor and my beautiful mother Gloria an 8 yr bc survivor!!!!!!

    Marg

    P.S. Check out my fake boobs!!! lol (remember I had a bilateral masectomy, now with implants) Oh yeah, I am down 14 pounds. I weighed in at 165 today. 35 to go!!!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • susan_02143
    susan_02143 Member Posts: 7,209
    edited June 2006
    Marg, You look fabulous! Absolutely fabulous.

    Put in my garden today with two sweaters on. When will summer get here?

    Need to go practice some more. Will post more when this concert is done.

    *susan*
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sholroyd
    sholroyd Member Posts: 288
    edited June 2006
    Marg, thank you for sharing your beautiful survival piccie of the fabulous 3 with us - inspiration to us all.

    I had 2nd round of Herceptin today - everything went OK this time - yeahh.

    Leanne - forever in my thoughts.

    Maxine - how go the tests?

    Speak soon.

    Sandra from the UK.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • foxxf
    foxxf Member Posts: 171
    edited June 2006
    Marg that's a great photo, you and your family look radiant...

    How do you add a pic?

    Susan - I am wondering when summer will get here too but unfortunatley we have only just started winter and have a long wait ahead of me. one thing I will say is WOO HOO! It's raining! Australia is in the middle of a drought at the moment and we haven't had any good rain since the easter weekend, so while it's cold and raining we really can't complain.

    Leanne - thinking of you everyday...

    Sandra UK - glad your herceptin went better this time here's Cheers for next time. (my mum is english)

    Here's a little joke to cheer every one up,

    Aussie woman

    Three men were sitting together bragging about how they had given their new wives duties.

    Terry had married a woman from New Zealand, and bragged that he had told his wife she needed to do all the dishes and housework. He said that it took a couple days but on the third day he came home to a clean house and the dishes were all washed and put away.

    Jimmie had married a woman from Canada. He bragged that he had given his wife orders that she was to do all the cleaning, dishes, and the cooking. He told them that the first day he didn't see any results, but the next day it was better. By the third day, his house was clean, the dishes were done, and he had a huge dinner on the table.

    The third man had married an Australian girl. He boasted that he told her that her duties were to keep the house cleaned, dishes washed, laundry and ironing twice a week, lawns mowed, windows cleaned and hot meals on the table for every meal. He said the first day he didn't see anything, the second day he didn't see anything, but by the third day most of the swelling had gone down and he could see a little out of his left eye. Enough to fix himself a bite to eat, load the dishwasher, and call a handyman.

    Best wishes to all
    Nicole
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • marg1
    marg1 Member Posts: 73
    edited June 2006
    The website I use to post pics is
    www.photobucket.com
    It's free to use the site but
    you do need to register.
    It's an easy site to figure out,
    very user friendly.

    Once you've registered and
    upload a pic use the edit
    button above the pic to make
    the pic smaller and easier
    to view on the board. You'll have a choice
    of making the pic 75%, 50% or 25%
    smaller than the original size.
    I usually make it either 50% or 75%
    of the original size. (The pic on this thread is resized to 50% of the original).
    You'll see three codes below
    your upload pic. Use the IMG code
    highlight, then copy and
    paste it on whatever thread on the
    board you chose. When you are ready to paste be sure you have the cursor in the message box.


    I copied this from another post. I would love to see pics of all of you!!!! Lots of love and prayers
    Marg
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • tinkermax
    tinkermax Member Posts: 269
    edited June 2006
    Great idea about posting photos here Marg....you look wonderful!!

    Sandra..i had my liver ultrasound and x-ray today, I will hopefully get the all-clear in a week or so.

    Here is a pic of me with my darling husband, son and sons girlfriend taken 20th May.

    image

    Hugs ladies

    Maxine
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Pegk
    Pegk Member Posts: 389
    edited June 2006
    What a day! Rain, Rain, Rain! I agree, Susan, June in the Northeast has been pretty dismal.

    I passed another milestone yesterday. Exactly 6 months since I finished chemo.
    I spent the morning in the hospital finishing up my breast reconstruction. I had a tram flap and the PS needed to trim the outer edge of the flap which was a little too firm and she did a nipple reconstruction using a bit of skin from my abdominal scar and medical tattoo. I'm feeling a bit sore today, so I'm staying close to home. I won't see the results until she takes off the bandages on Monday.

    Congratulations, Hopeful, on getting your B9 result! What are the kids doing this summer? Will they go to camp? any interesting outings planned?

    Great photo, Marg! You look beautiful, and surrounded by survivors! How inspirational! Good luck back at work and especially with your photography.

    Thanks for the joke, Nicole!

    Maxine, you're cute as a button! Great looking family! I hope you'll get good news in a week.

    Sandra, I'm glad Herceptin 2 went well. When's that trip to London?

    Leanne, I hope all is well with you. You're never far from my thoughts.

    Lynnell, are you stiill having problems logging in?

    Be well everybody!
    Peggy
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Pegk
    Pegk Member Posts: 389
    edited June 2006
    Here's a recent photo of my gang, Memorial day weekend at Point Lookout on Long Island.
    image
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • txred9876
    txred9876 Member Posts: 392
    edited June 2006
    I need to find a doctor for a friend in syracuse,ny area..
    She is getting the run around and has 4 lumps...and saying since she is 32....its "nothing". She is also have nipple discharge....any help would be greatly appriciated!

    Tina

    PS...last taxol today...oncologist appt the 15th....
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • leannem
    leannem Member Posts: 137
    edited June 2006
    My update is on the mets board. Scott left tonight. Not sure how I feel. Very very scared of a lot of things. How do I get through this?

    xo
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • susan_02143
    susan_02143 Member Posts: 7,209
    edited June 2006
    Oh Leanne,

    I don't have time to post much right now, but remember that all of us are hugging you! {{{{{{}}}}}}} More later, and be kind to yourself. You are gonna get through this....

    *susan*
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sholroyd
    sholroyd Member Posts: 288
    edited June 2006
    Leanne – I know anger isn’t good for us, but well……..

    Peg – I am sure there is something beautiful under the bandage ;-) Very hot here in the UK – When I go to London on 18 June I hope it is cooler.

    Great sharing the photos – I’ll see what I can come up with.

    Tina – I hope your friend gets sorted soon – no-one should be given the run-a-round, we are too precious.

    Speak soon.

    Sandra from the UK
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • gracejon
    gracejon Member Posts: 972
    edited June 2006

    Leanne, I hope you are okay! Please give an update as soon as you are able. We are all praying for you and an easier journey through all of this

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Pegk
    Pegk Member Posts: 389
    edited June 2006
    Tina,
    I've sent you a PM regarding your friend. Congratulations on finishing taxol! I hope you're feelin well. Anyway it will get better and better as the days go on.

    Leanne,
    Gather your family and friends around you. Let them help you with the babies. Know that you've got prayers and good wishes coming your way from around the world.

    Peggy
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • susan_02143
    susan_02143 Member Posts: 7,209
    edited June 2006
    has anyone heard from Leanne? Getting concerned. She hasn't posted since the night that Scott left.

    in my world, good news! My concerts this weekend went really well. I played all three pieces on the program. I had enough stamina, was able to concentrate, and audience members tell me that my playing was beautiful.

    At last, I am not a cancer-patient. I am back doing the things that I fought to live for! For those of you who are still in treatment, I hope that my story gives you hope and strength to get through all of this.

    All the best,

    *susan*
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sholroyd
    sholroyd Member Posts: 288
    edited June 2006
    Thanks Susan - I have been signed off 'fit for work' as of 1 July - just hope I can find the stamina to be the lady I once was.

    As always you are all in my thoughts here in the UK - not so warm here today.

    Sandra from the UK
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • susan_02143
    susan_02143 Member Posts: 7,209
    edited June 2006
    Sandra,

    Well that is progress, assuming you want to go back to work! I am still careful to meter out my energy. Too much in one day, and it takes me two days to get over it.

    So find a slower rhythm and then go with it. And enjoy the rest of this month doing the things that make you happy.

    *susan*
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Liezel
    Liezel Member Posts: 192
    edited June 2006
    Hi Everybody,

    Just checking in to see how all are doing. Worried about Leanne. Anybody had any news?

    I finished rads yesterday! Hoorah!!! Saw my onc. afterwards and she warned me to be very carefull since my ribs took a huge dose of the radiation and can be very brittle for the next few months. As if I have ever been the sporty/adventurous type!!

    Sandra, good luck with going back to work.

    Susan, would love to hear you play one day!

    I hope you are all well. Bit down today. A good friend's sister was murdered on Tuesday night. I lost my sister 8 years ago in the same way, and the memories this brought back is just a bit much.

    Look after yourselves...

    Liezel
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • txred9876
    txred9876 Member Posts: 392
    edited June 2006
    Sorry to hear about you loss Liezel...

    I have been absent from posting although I have visited the list...I am not DONE with taxol and saw the oncologist. They are discussing an oomph of my remaining ovary (the rest removed in 2000). In the mean time I am starting tamoxofen. They ordered a CT scan and chest x-rayand I am to return in 4 weeks. My counts are already back up to within normal range ...after only 8 days.

    I hope things are ok with Leanne...and everyone else...

    Tina
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories