Starting chemo Sept 05

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  • Calico
    Calico Member Posts: 1,108
    edited July 2006
    Isn't that weird? I pray for good news...

    God Bless
  • Pegk
    Pegk Member Posts: 389
    edited July 2006
    Just stopping in to say HELLO!

    Nicole and Paula,
    Thanks for your efforts to try and contact Michelle. She's added so much positive energy to our group. I really miss her.

    Tina,
    Keep up the good fight. You can handle whatever comes your way and we'll all be right here for you. I'm prayin that it's nothing.

    I hope you're doing well, Leanne. Hey! How are those little boys? And how's that puppy?

    Peggy
  • Paula15089
    Paula15089 Member Posts: 373
    edited July 2006
    Hi ladies,
    unfortunately, the phone number i had for Michelle seems to be incorrect. I blame my chemo brain for taking down the wrong number...
    I have no other means of contacting Michelle, and there was no response to my emails. I believe the personal email address she's given me was in fact her husbands, so he should be checking it even if(god forbid) something has happened to Michelle?? So I am very concerned now... any suggestions?

    be well all...
  • leannem
    leannem Member Posts: 137
    edited July 2006
    Hi ladies

    Now that is just weird about Michelle. Paula, do you have her last name and where she lives? Perhaps just trying the whitepages.com.au?? Have you had read receipts for the personal emails to her home? Seems weird that if they haven't bounced back then no one has responded. Very worrying. I am racking my brain trying to come up with some other way of contacting her. Not sure if you are comfortable doing this or not but if you are happy to pass on any details of hers you have for her to me I can do some snooping around the internet and see if I can find anything? (I can be handy with that sort of thing!) Up to you.

    On another note......

    Last Friday I had another CT. I have been keeping it very quiet as I was PETRIFIED and just didn't want to even think about it. Totally blocked it out. Anyway today I got my results and THE TUMOURS ARE BARELY THERE!!!! Those are the words of my onc!!!! There is trouble even determining if they are totally gone or not as the radiographer was unable to inject the contrast dye due to no veins (and noone with an idea on how to access my port). So potentially they are gone altogether!!!!! i am in total and absolute shock. Can't believe it. I was really just praying for no progression.

    When I asked my onc after my last scan what are the chances of this going away and acheiving NED you know what he said?? Very little chance- less than 1%!!!! My words were "well, I was told I had less than 1% chance of my fibrodenoma turning cancerous and it did. I was told I had less than 1% chance of my liver tumour being mets and it was so I WILL TAKE THAT 1% CHANCE OF NED THANKS!!!" :-D :-D heehee.

    I am sooooo unbelievably thankful to everyone who has hoped, prayed and wished for me. I really do believe in the power of prayer now.

    I know I am not NED but I will take NNED- NEARLY no evidence of disease!!

    On another note you know what bothers me? The fact that I hate to fight and fight to try the chemo I am on. He wanted me to give up herceptin as it was his "gut feeling" it wasn't working, go on the xeloda/tykerb trial and if that didn't work, well, 12-18 months to live. I wasn't happy with that singular option and thanks to this fabulous board knew gemzar/taxol was an option to try as a standard, frontline treatment for liver mets. What if I was someone who didn't do my own research and went with what he thought??? That scares me. I know alot of women who have 100% faith in their onc and do exactly as they are told. Taking their word for gospel and not doing research for themselves and asking questions. Afterall, the onc is the one who has done the studying and 'knows'. Scary isn't it? I know oncs are human but wow. I shudder to think where I may be right now if I didn't pressure the hell out of him just to 'humour' me with my own protocol.

    Anyway, thank you ladies for your support, especially recently. This latest news and your kind words make going into this Friday's round of chemo that much easier.

    Love
    Leanne
    xoxoxoxo
  • txred9876
    txred9876 Member Posts: 392
    edited July 2006
    Leanne,

    That is WONDERFUL news! I was in the same boat abotu doctors in the begining. They kept saying infection and no tumors. If I had listened.....I hate to think I might not be here right now. This board and others have been the best source of information.
    It sure is nice to see a little "pep" back in your spirit! Keep up the good fight!

    Tina
  • susan_02143
    susan_02143 Member Posts: 7,209
    edited July 2006
    Leanne!!!! This is the most wonderful news!!!! Happy dance in Boston. Knowing that the protocol is working will make the hardships of treatment easier. Not easy, just easier.

    Paula, thank you so much for trying to reach Michelle. We have all noted her absence and just want to know that she is okay.

    Tina, I will start sending more positive thoughts in your direction. You are so practical and grounded, but that doesn't mean we can't be cheering for a simple, and non cancer explanation.

    Music Festivals are wearing me out. Two more, and then I move into wedding season which means less time traveling and more time at home.

    Gotta run now... just HAD to respond to Leanne's news!

    Take care all,

    *susan*
  • tinkermax
    tinkermax Member Posts: 269
    edited July 2006
    Hi Leanne

    Doing the Happy dance for you matey.....

    image

    Hugs

    Maxine
  • snufflesmom
    snufflesmom Member Posts: 177
    edited July 2006

    Leanne I'M SO HAPPY FOR YOU. You go girl. That is the best news I have heard in so long. Yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

  • Pegk
    Pegk Member Posts: 389
    edited July 2006
    YIPPPPEEEE!!!
    Yay Leanne!!! That's the best news I've heard all day! I'm so happy for you!

    "lector em bago!" We really know what it means now that we've seen it in action.

    Peggy
  • Calico
    Calico Member Posts: 1,108
    edited July 2006
    OMG Leanne,

    I love God and I love chemo

    I am beyond happy for you!!!!

    image

    Squeeze those boys and the puppy and PAT yourself on the back!!!!

    God Bless
  • Paula15089
    Paula15089 Member Posts: 373
    edited July 2006
    Leanne, thats FANTASTIC news!! You GO girl!!

    and I have sent you an email with Michelle's details...

    take care
    Paula
  • foxxf
    foxxf Member Posts: 171
    edited July 2006
    Leanne

    I am crying happy tears for you.

    Kick ass baby!!!!!!!!!!

    that is so great! FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!

    We love you so much.

    enjoy it! Treat yourself.

    Best wishes
    Nicole
  • Liezel
    Liezel Member Posts: 192
    edited July 2006
    Amazing news Leanne!!!!! I am so happy for you!! You have turned a grey, cold and cloudy day into a wonderfull day!!! You go girl!!

    Good for you - taking control of your tx!! Good luck for tomorrow's chemo. Thinking of you and your lovely boys!!!

    Go celebrate with Chocolate!!!

    Liezel
  • Calico
    Calico Member Posts: 1,108
    edited July 2006
    I was just thinking about Michelle....

    I don't get notification anymore when I have a PM here, is that with everybody the same since the makeover of this site?
    That was something that definately would have gone into her regular email at home unless....her box would be full???

    God Bless
  • linny
    linny Member Posts: 204
    edited July 2006
    Leanne, I am absolutely thrilled for you - you are an inspiration to all of us with your courage, kindness, and determination through hard times.
    Linda
  • AussieMum
    AussieMum Member Posts: 124
    edited July 2006
    SORRY! SORRY! SORRY!
    I have been computer-less for some time. I am now back on line, and what do I see????
    I am so SORRY that you have worried about me , but I also
    THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!that you did!
    I can't believe it. I can not remember in my life anyone showing such concern for me.

    Well, let me reassure you that all is well! I am well!


    I will make this fairly quick, to get it submitted and stop the worrying. I won't be able to comment on all your news, everyone, but:

    Leanne! Answered prayer! Great news!

    Congratulations to all who have been celebrating anniversaries! What wonderful milestones.

    Love the new looks on the avatars for many of you (and a cute cat for Calico) and looking forward to updated photos from others. (Marg! Those breasts look FANtastic! I am still one sided)

    Can't thank you enough for your concern. Sorry to have worried you, but your worry is testimony to what a great group of women - dare I say friends? - you all are. I didn't think anyone would have noticed.

    THANK YOU!
  • tinkermax
    tinkermax Member Posts: 269
    edited July 2006
    Michelle!!!!

    It is so good to see you post....and to hear all is well for you.

    You had us worried matey.

    Glad to see you back!

    Maxine
  • Pegk
    Pegk Member Posts: 389
    edited July 2006
    So happy to hear from you!
    Would you like to join our database? I'm collecting info from the September Sisters to share. (It was Leanne's idea)
    e-mail address
    Home address
    phone #
    family
    birthday
    Anybody who would like to be included PM me or e-mail me at Pegknyc@aol.com
    Have a good weekend everybody.
    Peggy
  • nowheregirl
    nowheregirl Member Posts: 894
    edited July 2006

    So good to see you back Michelle. I know, I know I don't belong here but I have been following this thread to see how everyone (especially Leanne) is doing. Man, I missed you Michelle so much as I didn't see you both on here and on our picture forum even though you had been one of the most frequent posters there. Our picture forum has been "refreshed" but the ID and the password are the same as before. If you want to have a look, please come join us. (There're some instructions on the board called "guidelines which you may want to read before posting.)

  • foxxf
    foxxf Member Posts: 171
    edited July 2006
    Welcome back Michelle!!

    We have missed you so much. You have such a loving and warm personality, did you really think that we wouldn't?

    So Glad to have you back.

    Best wishes to all
    Nicole
  • Calico
    Calico Member Posts: 1,108
    edited July 2006
    Michelle!!!!!

    So glad to "read" you You did have us worried here. Time for a picture update, how about that?

    How is life treating you? Hope all is very well

    Fumi,
    of course you belong!!

    God Bless
  • txred9876
    txred9876 Member Posts: 392
    edited July 2006
    Welcome back Michelle! Congrats Leanne!

    I went to the doctor on Thursday and they are not sure what the red area is. They measured it and it about 5 inches by 3 inches.I am now on weekly blood draw (watching my tumor markers)and doctor visits. They want me on herceptin but my heart is not quite there (they dont have the results yet but I talked with the technician and he said it looked like 49% - up from 42%). I need to get to 55% before they will do the herceptin.

    I have been busy working as of late....sold 3 properties in the last 2 weeks and working on more. I had clients in from my native oregon and it looks like they are going to buy a 795K house! (over 23000 in commission....woo hoo).

    I am feeling better for the most part but still get tired easy. In fact I had to come home and take pain pills this evening my feet hurt so bad....but hey...I AM ALIVE!

    Each day is a celebration.....keep 'um coming!

    Tina
  • leannem
    leannem Member Posts: 137
    edited July 2006
    Hi everyone

    Welcome back Michelle! You have been sorely missed and I am so glad you are back!

    So glad we are getting this contact list sorted- we all panic so much when we don't hear from someone I think it will be worthwhile.

    Tina, praying the red area calms down soon and it is nothing. Great that your doc is keeping an eye on things though please don't get too caught up in tumour marker numbers (says me who is totally obsessed with them!!). They really aren't wonderfully reliable but always handy to have. Also, congrats on the sales of late!

    Well I had my meeting with my onc on Friday and I got a copy of my CT report that says "no convincing lesion remaining"!! Love those words! Nothing to see- how lovely!! When I asked my onc if he would be so bold as to say I was NED he said that "within the limitations of not using contrast dye" he would say YES!!!!! You see, they couldn't inject me with the dye as I have bad, visable clots in my arm and no usable veins. So anyway, I am cautiously NED!!!

    Now I am finishing up my chemo- 1 more next Friday and then moving on to herceptin only. I can't believe it. I will also continue on with the zoladex injections then move onto tamoxifen. I wanted an ooph asap but my onc wants me to go out and enjoy no hospital stays for a while. Sounds like a plan!! Naturally i am scared that something will be found (since that is what happened last time I finshed chemo) but I am hopeful I will get some time out now to just ENJOY!! We are planning a family holiday as we speak and a few other things too.

    Strangely enough, I am not feeling too bad this weekend after my chemo for the first time in many months. I have been resting alot as usual but have been able to get out of bed and even go out for lunch yesterday! Can't believe it.

    Hope you are all having a great weekend
    xoxoxoxox
  • lynellb123
    lynellb123 Member Posts: 69
    edited July 2006
    Leanne I am so happy that you're finally hearing good news. We are all praying for you & keeping you in our thoughts. Keep your spirits up, know that you are so loved and that you will get through this. Stay strong!

    Michelle, glad to hear things are going so well, please don't scare your September sisters like that again! Check in every now & then & let us all know you are fine.

    I have just returned from a short vacation with my husband & it was wonderful. We took a little cruise to the Bahamas & then visited my sister in Florida. I communicated with another BC sister from the Bahamas & she offered me some great advice. We had a great, great time & I am publically promising that I will take more vacations & enjoy my life more.

    I had a psychic reading & she told me that whatever I was going through was done( from her lips to God' ears) & that I needed to start "playing" more. I don't know how much I trust or believe in psychics, but her advice sounded pretty good to me.

    Susan, be careful in the summer sun, maybe I'll get to Boston one of these weekends. Peg, I'll be sending you a PM, I want to get to the city for lunch before it's back to school time! Fumi I was so glad to read your post, I hope you are doing well and feeling fine. Sandra how's the weight loss program going? I think I might have gained a little weight while on holiday, (but I don't really care)
    Much love to all my September sisters! Celebrate those anniversaries & have some fun for me.
  • Paula15089
    Paula15089 Member Posts: 373
    edited July 2006
    Michelle, good to see you back!

    Leanne, so happy for you sweety!!

    and apologies everyone for intruding on your Sep group.. but you ladies are welcome to come and visit us on October group hehehe!
  • Liezel
    Liezel Member Posts: 192
    edited July 2006
    Michelle, glad to see you back!! Even happier to hear that you are well!!

    Tina, hoping with you that the red area is okay. Keep us updated. Glad to hear about your sales!

    Leanne, you are an inspiration to me!! I am so glad that Friday's chemo went well. I am sure it is also because you know the chemo has worked, and the end is in sight!!

    My 1st anniversary is coming up in a few weeks time. It is like I can not focus on anything else at the moment. I am thankful that I am NED, but also very very scared. But I am already planning my celebration. We have ordered a Jacuzzi, and it will be installed before the 16th. I also have a bottle of French Champagne that I got for my birthday last year. So I'll be celebrating in my tub with more than my fair share of bubbly!!

    Keep well ladies!!
  • Calico
    Calico Member Posts: 1,108
    edited July 2006
    Quote:

    Michelle, good to see you back!

    Leanne, so happy for you sweety!!

    and apologies everyone for intruding on your Sep group.. but you ladies are welcome to come and visit us on October group hehehe!




    Paula,
    you are NOT intruding How is that lovely hair of yours? I remember we should be close? I used a hair brush the first time yesterday, yikes, made it al wirey

    God Bless
  • Calico
    Calico Member Posts: 1,108
    edited July 2006
    Sounds like a ton of fun, I'm glad you enjoyed yourselfes.
    I think we might consider the Bahamas next time too.

    Liezel,
    hot tub sounds like FUN, we are back and forth on that issue...I want to wait for my exchange surgery first.

    God Bless
  • txred9876
    txred9876 Member Posts: 392
    edited July 2006
    I still do not know much about the red spot and I do not trust tumor markers much either(all mine were normal last summer and I had inflammatory as well as two tumors of Invasive ductal).

    If the redness does not go away in the next few weeks I will insist on a biopsy (but omg....thats a tender spot!)
    I sold one house over the weekend for 675K (and the other one is not under contract yet - for 750K+ but may be soon).

    I am SWAMPED at work like I never missed a step, although I get VERY tired and wore myself out so bad the last 3 days (11 hours friday and saturday then 4 hours sunday) that I had a hard time sleeping last night because my feet hurt so bad. The neuropathy really gets to me (left over from the Taxol). It has been very hot here....over 100 for almost a week and not much below that before then. No relief in site yet. I think I lost about 5 pounds of sweat a day! (NOT from just hot flashes..LOL).

    Paula...come by anytime...thanks for trying to find Michelle for us!

    Tina
  • Paula15089
    Paula15089 Member Posts: 373
    edited July 2006
    Quote:

    Paula,
    you are NOT intruding How is that lovely hair of yours? I remember we should be close? I used a hair brush the first time yesterday, yikes, made it al wirey
    God Bless




    thanks Calico! The hair is doing great, all thick and curly, actually had my first haircut a week ago!

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