Starting Chemo April 2009

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  • BetsyBuzz
    BetsyBuzz Member Posts: 592
    edited November 2013


    Judy I'm doing great. tomorrow if all goes well will be my last visit with my gyn onc. I am very excited about going from being checked every three months to once a year. Doing a happy dance! Keep your fingers crossed for me!


    Titan how's my favorite nut? Osu is doing great this year. The Ducks are a young team and it shows this year. I'm sad about their loss today.


    Judy how are you feeling? Remember it's one day at a time, your body takes it's own sweet time to heal. hugs


    No comments on the new tamoxifen/AI protocol, so is everyone just switching from 5 to 10 years? I'm still debating it in my mind.


    I just noticed this week, after almost 5 years my hair is about the length it was before bc, another thing to be happy about.

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  • JudyNaomi
    JudyNaomi Member Posts: 1,413
    edited November 2013


    Betsy, keeping fingers crossed for you; let us know how the appointment goes.


    I am doing ok, I am taking it day by day. My mother has been with me for 10 days; she is flying back this evening.


    I didn't take tamoxifen or AIs so I can't offer an opinion, sorry.


    Hope you are all enjoying your weekend and having fun in the lead up to the Holiday ( for those who celebrate)


    Hugs to you all, Judy x

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  • hrf
    hrf Member Posts: 3,225
    edited November 2013


    Betsy, so glad that you can reduce the number of doctor appointments. Sometimes it feels like a full time job.


    Judy glad you are progressing. It does get better but it's slow.


    I am taking AI. Last time I saw onc she said that new research will be available by the time I get to the 5 year mark so te inion will be made then. I really want to stop as I just keep losing hair.

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  • AmyIsStrong
    AmyIsStrong Member Posts: 1,755
    edited November 2013


    Before I shut down my computer until Friday, I just want to take a minute to tell each of you how truly thankful I am for your presence in my life these past few years. We truly carry one another with us (and Lena, too) and a shared burden is a little bit lighter.

    Thank you for lightening my burdens.


    Happy Thanksgiving to all (and sending love in general to those around the world who might not be eating turkey tomorrow but are such an integral part of our little family here as well)!


    Love to all


    Amy

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  • JudyNaomi
    JudyNaomi Member Posts: 1,413
    edited November 2013


    Hi ladies


    Hope you are all ok and had a good Thanksgiving (those who celebrate) .


    Amy, your post was very touching; we really do carry each other through good times and bad and having the support really does lighten the load. I am truly thankful for having each one of you in my life. These past months have not been easy but knowing that I can come by and check in with you is a real comfort.


    I am generally doing ok; I am definitely feeling better but still have some low days.


    Helen, how are you feeling? Betsy, how did your appointment go?


    Hugs to you all, Judy x

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  • BetsyBuzz
    BetsyBuzz Member Posts: 592
    edited December 2013


    Hi all,


    Happy belated Thanksgiving to everyone & Happy Hanukkah!


    My appointment went well. No more gyn oncologist but he sort of faked me out. I still have to be checked every six months for three more years. I know the protocol has changed because originally he said after two years of quarterly check ups I'd be done. I'm starting two question whether the changes are made based off research or if they are just a cash cow for the medical industry. I shouldn't be such a sceptic.....BUT....I just wonder??


    Titan...happy for my fav nut! Go Buckeyes!


    I hope all are well, I'm also thankful for all of your support thru the past 4.5 years.


    Hugs,


    Betsy

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  • JudyNaomi
    JudyNaomi Member Posts: 1,413
    edited December 2013


    Betsy; glad your appointment went well. Really pleased to hear that.


    Hope you all enjoyed your Holiday weekend.


    I am going back to the clinic tomorrow, I have a couple of areas that are taking a while to heal so I want the doc to take a look. I am trying not to worry about it too much.


    Will keep you posted. Hugs to all for a good week, Judy x

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  • hrf
    hrf Member Posts: 3,225
    edited December 2013


    Amy, such a lovely post. I think your comments reflect how we all feel. That's why we still come here and support each other.


    Judy, I also had some healing issues but the revision surgery corrected the problem and it was an easy surgery. Sometimes it just takes time. I'm 3.5 months out and it still feels a little strange but getting better every day. Be patient.

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  • AmyIsStrong
    AmyIsStrong Member Posts: 1,755
    edited December 2013


    Got rear-ended at a yield sign today. I don't think there was any damage to my car or to me BUT when i asked the other driver (young Chinese kid) for his license and insurance, he said he was uninsured. (It was a VERY NEW Honda Accord). So I felt I had to call the police and get a police report. I felt bad - he is going to have to pay a big fine ($1800) and get in other trouble. But it was his fault. Told the cop he went back to China, cancelled the ins, and forgot to reinstate it when he got back. But the cop told me privately that the Chinese do not understand insurance and they have this problem all the time. Interesting to learn. Because we are in a university town, there are a lot of foreign students here.


    Anyway, I texted my husband and he came right over. I was going to text him back and say "No need to come, I'm not hurt" but then I realized I DID want him to come. I think I just feel a little more fragile than before. And I didn't like having to stand there with that kid and his friend, waiting for the cop. I felt very uncomfortable.


    Feeling a little shaky tonight. But not hurt, and the car looks fine (I think) and ultimately that's what matters. Right?

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  • AmyIsStrong
    AmyIsStrong Member Posts: 1,755
    edited December 2013


    Quick update - no lasting effects from car accident yesterday. Whew.


    Feeling a lot better overall.


    AND I have been working on stripping the (original) wallpaper from our living room. It has been a huge and dirty job, and last night I FINISHED it. Am SO happy. I am having it patched and sanded and primed, and then my husband will paint it. It is going to be such a huge improvement. AND it will be done by Christmas.


    Hope everyone is doing well. A little quiet these past few days.


    A.

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  • JudyNaomi
    JudyNaomi Member Posts: 1,413
    edited December 2013

    Amy, good that you are ok after your car incident; even if you are not hurt, (or the car..) it is still quite a shock and you did the right thing to call your husband. I think we are all a little more fragile these days and that is fine. Enjoy your living room renovations...how lovely that it will be done by Christmas.

    I saw the plastic surgeon yesterday; he said that everything was fine. He gave me some anti biotic cream to apply till I see him again in a month. He said that the delay in those areas was ok and that I shouldn't worry. I saw my actual surgeon which was a relief in itself. I have also taken off the corset which makes a big difference to my mobility. I know I have to be patient, he said that this is going to take time, even though I should slowly start to resume some level or normal activity. I had become so worried about it over the weekend, I was so relieved by the end of the appointment.

    Thank you Helen and everyone, for your encouragement.

    Sending you all hugs and I will come by again soon, Judy x

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  • AmyIsStrong
    AmyIsStrong Member Posts: 1,755
    edited December 2013


    Judy - sounds like a great doc to be able to relieve your worries and bring you peace in one visit. I think that the interaction with the doctors is SUCH a critical part of care, even as important as the purely medical part. But I BET they don't spend much time on it in med school. The cancer psychologist I saw back during chemo once told me that she meets with the oncs and has to TEACH them that it is ok for a patient to cry when the get bad news. She said it makes the docs SO uncomfortable that they automatically reach for their RX pad and start writing prescriptions for anti anxiety or anti depressants, when in fact the crying is normal, healthy and appropriate. I have never forgotten that, and it reminds me that the docs are people too, with their own shortcomings and issues.


    So...it is so good yours is comforting and reassuring. Reading that you are starting to resume some normal activities is great. I know it is a long road, but as time passes, normal life WILL resume and this will slip into the rear view mirror, and then eventually out of view completely.


    Love to all.

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  • hrf
    hrf Member Posts: 3,225
    edited December 2013


    Judy, interesting that each PS does this differently. My PS said no corset and I also had to wait a full 3 months before beginning normal activity. I went to my first Pilates class today.


    Had a colonoscopy yesterday....all clear. Always a relief.


    Amy, glad to hear all is well and that your decorating will be done by Chistmas.


    Now have to get snow tires put on the car. Winter is yucky!

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  • JudyNaomi
    JudyNaomi Member Posts: 1,413
    edited December 2013


    Amy, I am fortunate; not only is he a skilled surgeon but a nice person too. And not every doctor has that quality.


    Helen; even though he said that I could start to resume normal activity, it will be a slow road. I think about 3 months sounds right to me. Even if I do one small thing every day or so, it will still take time. I have taken a short walk every day since the second day after surgery.


    I also need to think about going back to work, not yet of course. I am meeting with my boss in a week or so. I am not sure that I want to go back there, it was very stressful and I think I need something a little more low key. I will keep you posted on that.


    Helen; glad the colonoscopy was clear! Hope you are all doing ok and feeling well.


    Hugs to you all for a good weekend! Judy x

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  • inthemoment
    inthemoment Member Posts: 538
    edited December 2013


    i've just caught up with a lot of posts, and happily, everyone seems to be doing well. I am crazy busy at work, and trying to keep my stress level down, with moderate success. My boss is not getting good news on her prognosis - she is on her third change oh chemo regime at Sloan Kettering, and her recent scan shows progression. She flew to Pittsburgh today to meet with a surgeon who is willing to do surgery and "hot chemo" wash to the peritoneum. Although this is very risky, she is happy someone is holding out some hope. We all know how hope is what we cling to, and I hope that her prayers are answered.


    On a happier note, my daughter and son-in-law are doing well, I had a Cat scan because of some abdominal pain (probably stress related) and happily, the scan is squeaky clean!


    I will be back soon - thinking of you all in this holiday season!

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  • JudyNaomi
    JudyNaomi Member Posts: 1,413
    edited December 2013

    Geri, so sorry to read about your boss. Just so sad, there seems to be no end in sight to this.

    I wanted to ask what is "hot chemo"? I have not heard of that. I am sending my prayers and good thoughts to your boss and hope that she will come out of this ok.

    I have a friend who was in remission from ovarian cancer but just found out last week at a scan that she has a mass in her pelvis which is cancer. She is a young woman with young children, but she is so incredibly brave and positive; she is a true inspiration to us all. She lives each day to its' fullest and is quite remarkable. I was very sad to hear from her that she is sick again and just wish that there was more that I can do for her.

    On a happier note though, Geri, great that your scan was clear; it is amazing how much the stress in our lives can affect us. I am not very good at staying calm and handling stress at all. If you have any tips, I would be happy to hear them Winking.

    Good to hear that your daughter and son-in-law are doing well!

    I am feeling much better than I was, still not 100% but a definite improvement. I am more mobile and have started doing small things around the house. I tire quite quickly, but then I can rest so that is fine. The small areas that were not healing too well seem to be improving slowly so that is also good. My sister has her port removed today and now she can concentrate on getting better and feeling good.

    Hope you are all enjoying the Holiday Season so far!

    Hope you all have a good weekend! Stay warm, hugs to you all, Judy x

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  • JudyNaomi
    JudyNaomi Member Posts: 1,413
    edited December 2013


    Hi ladies,


    Hope you are all ok and enjoying your weekend. I am feeling ok: I met with my boss this morning and it was quite a stressful few hours. It was nice to see everyone there and to catch up a little with my colleagues.


    I sat with my boss and explained to him that I just felt that the job was too stressful and full time for me. I told him that I would prefer something more part time. He said that is not available so basically based on what I had said, he suggested that I don't come back. He was very nice about it, just very honest. I had very mixed feelings when I left the meeting and wasn't sure if I had made a mistake, but I do know for sure that working there was not good for me. So now I need to start thinking about looking for work, although I would like to take a few more weeks to rest post surgery. It is scary starting again. I think I am going to try not to focus on it till January.


    I am going to sign off now, it has been quite a day and I am quite tired.


    Geri, how is your boss doing?


    Thanks for listening, hugs to you all, enjoy your Sunday, Judy xxx

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  • AmyIsStrong
    AmyIsStrong Member Posts: 1,755
    edited December 2013


    Judy - GOOD for you. That level of stress at the job was wearing on you, you know that. It is hard to admit, and hard to discuss, and hard to hear him say what he said. So of course today was difficult. BUT after that brief period of difficulty, the good part comes - no more stress (in that area, anyway). AND when you are ready to look for work, you will be more aware of what type of job will be a good fit for you in the future. (I hope he will give you a good recommendation to show future employers - it would be great for you to have it in writing if he will give it to you - that way you can submit it with your paperwork and nobody has to call and bother him AND you will know exactly what he said about you.)


    Very cold and snowy here. I sure do love the warmer weather better.


    Love to all.

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  • hrf
    hrf Member Posts: 3,225
    edited December 2013


    Judy, you did the right thing even though it was difficult. For now don't think about work, just focus on getting strong.

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  • JudyNaomi
    JudyNaomi Member Posts: 1,413
    edited December 2013

    Thank you so much for your support; I know that you are right and I am determined to try and focus on getting stronger for now. I will definitely ask my boss about a reference.

    I have started to do more bits and pieces around the house. I like not having to rely on others for absolutely everything. But I do know when I need to stop Smile.

    I hope you are all enjoying the lead up to the Holidays! I miss the US at this time of year, all the festive decoration and Holiday atmosphere...

    Helen; how are you feeling? I hope you are all doing ok.

    Sending you all hugs, Judy xxx

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  • AmyIsStrong
    AmyIsStrong Member Posts: 1,755
    edited December 2013

    Our family is starting to gather for Christmas. My husband's son and gf just arrived from Seattle. My daughter/husband and baby RUBY arrive tomorrow. The rest will arrive Christmas Eve.  I have a bottle of champagne in our refrig that was a gift, and has been there for years now. I am going to open it on Christmas Eve when we are all together. 
    A lot of work getting everything ready, but just about all done now and i can relax, bake cookies and enjoy the family.

    My former Mother in law with whom I am very close, is in the hospital. Fell, broke her arm, had surgery, and now has some complications that prevent her from discharge. I hope she gets out by Christmas. If not, we will visit her. She is 82 and I love her so much. We stayed very close after my divorce from her son. People think it is strange, but I don't care.  Love is love. Right?

    Anyway, speaking of love - love to you all. I hope everyone is doing well.

    Amy

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  • hrf
    hrf Member Posts: 3,225
    edited December 2013

    Judy, hope you are doing well.

    Amy, your Christmas gathering sounds lovely. Enjoy your family and I hope exMIL gets better in time to enjoy Christmas.

    We have had an ice storm here. Many people without power and worries that things will get worse. Trees covered in ice are falling and bringing down power lines. So far I have power, just no cable for the tv. My sister and niece are sleeping over as their house is very cold now. One son also doesn't have power and I told him to come but he said he and his wife are ok for now. I've offered a number of friends and relatives to come .... Not worried about enough beds, just want them to be warm and comfortable. Worst ice storm we have had here that I can ever recall. On the other hand, visually, it's beautiful.

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  • JudyNaomi
    JudyNaomi Member Posts: 1,413
    edited December 2013

    Amy, it all sounds wonderful! Enjoy your family over the Holiday. I hope your former MIL feels better and gets home soon.

    Helen, stay warm and take care. 

    I am feeling ok, cannot believe it is almost 2 months since the surgery.

    Sending you all much love and hugs for the Holiday!!!

    Judy xxx

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  • inthemoment
    inthemoment Member Posts: 538
    edited December 2013

    Happy Holidays everyone - I also am sending lots of love to my "sisters".  May we all enjoy a New Year of happiness , peace and most importantly, health.  Yeah 2014, the celebration of 5 years!

    Geri

    Ps -Amy, I don't think your relationship with your ex- mother in law is strange at all...when I was in the midst of my divorce, my dear MIL told me that as sad as she was that our marriage did not last (24 years) she made me promise to stay close to her, which I did because I loved her and I was at her funeral 12 years later, crying as I would have if she were my own flesh and blood.  You are right - love is love!

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  • JudyNaomi
    JudyNaomi Member Posts: 1,413
    edited December 2013

    Wishing you all a very Happy New Year! As Geri says, this is the year that brings us to five years! Can't believe that we made it...special thoughts for Lena and all the others who sadly are not with us today though.

    May this New Year bring only good health, happiness and everything we could all wish for.

    Much love and hugs, Judy xxx

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  • AmyIsStrong
    AmyIsStrong Member Posts: 1,755
    edited December 2013

    Happy New Year to all. Yes, it is our five year mark this year. Others make a bigger fuss over this milestone than we do, I think. To us it is just another anniv. But I will get to drop down to once/year visit with the onc this year, so that is worth celebrating.

    Lots of visitors here over the holidays. My parents left this morning. It is nice to have the house back to ourselves, but a little melancholy too. I go to FL for a few days for work on Saturday. It will be a nice break to be warm ...briefly.

    Love to all and hopes for a happy HEALTHY 2014 for all.

    Amy

    ps my MIL got discharged on Christmas Eve and had a nice holiday at home with family. Perfect!

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  • hrf
    hrf Member Posts: 3,225
    edited January 2014

    Happy 2014 to all. When do you start counting 5 years? From the date of dx or the date of the last tx? I always counted tx which would make my 5 years in August but dx was early February. I also am coming up to 9 years from my first dx. Used to be that 5 years meant a cure? Times change. 

    The winter here is brutal. We had an awful ice storm and most of city without power. Now we are in the middle of a deep freeze and when weather warms up a little tomorrow, we are expecting a major snow storm. So next Sunday I'm taking off to Las Vegas for a few days. It won't be hot but it will be comfortable for walking outside and there's lots to do. The friend I am going with has never been there and she is so excited. It will be good to get away from winter.

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  • JudyNaomi
    JudyNaomi Member Posts: 1,413
    edited January 2014

    Happy 2014 to all! Hope you all enjoyed the Holiday season. Amy, was so pleased to read that your MIL was home for Christmas.

    Enjoy your trip! 

    Helen, have fun in Vegas! What fun!!

    I hope you are all staying safe and warm, the weather in the parts of the US and Canada looks nasty.

    Everyone stay warm and safe 

    Helen; I think it is five years from end of treatment, but not sure.

    Hugs to all, Judy x

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  • AmyIsStrong
    AmyIsStrong Member Posts: 1,755
    edited January 2014

    Just got back from a work trip to Orlando. The first day was warm and sunny (I saw kids in the hotel pool) but then it got colder and colder, it was in the 30's the last night. Still warmer than home (which is at zero) but not the thaw-out I was hoping for. Good trip though.

    Helen - enjoy Vegas. IF you want to get out of the downtown area, and you have access to a car, there is a BEAUTIFUL park on the west side of the city - Red Rock Canyon.  Very close to the city - maybe 20 min, and has a beautiful scenic drive/loop around it. You can get out and walk/hike/take pix or just stay in the car and enjoy. Many people don't know its there, but it is worth an afternoon for sure, if you are tired of the man-made attractions. It looks like low/mid 60's next week out there. That will not be hot, but will be much better than this awful freeze. Enjoy!

    I thought you counted from the dx date - I just tell people 'This is five years for me, it will be five years next month (feb) from when this all first started." That seems to be enough detail.

    But HOWEVER we count, we are putting more and more distance between ourselves and our treatment. And that is enough for me to celebrate!

    Love to everybody - stay warm.

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  • inthemoment
    inthemoment Member Posts: 538
    edited January 2014

    I also was told the five year mark was from dx. As Helen said, the five year mark is not as meaningful as some have believed.  And as Amy said, we are putting more time between ourselves and the cancer.  Whichever way you look at it, each day is a gift we've been given - so many have not been blessed with that (Lena - you are not forgotten, as Judy said!!)

    Helen, have a blast in Las Vegas...what a fun place to go.  Enjoy!

    Amy- so glad your MIL was able to celebrate the holidays at home.

    Have a great week, and for those of us experiencing the "Polar Vortex", hopefully we will be thawing out soon!

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