Starting chemo Sept 05

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  • Calico
    Calico Member Posts: 1,108
    edited August 2006
    Tina,
    wow, you are so strong. Congrats on the sale of the house.
    Don't overdo it.
    I hope you get some rest before the next big sale.

    Praying for you.

    Paula, first hair cut? Wow!!!! You must be ahead of me

    God Bless
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  • sholroyd
    sholroyd Member Posts: 288
    edited August 2006
    Michelle – soooooooooooo pleased to hear from you.

    Now I know the strength evident in this group works – Leanne just YIPPPPPEEEEEE, I am sooooooooooo happy for you. Tina the same strength will come forth for you or anyone else who needs it, regulars to this site or not – what say you September sisters?

    Lynne you asked about my weight. I am well pleased as I have now lost 18 lbs and am beginning to get back into nicer clothes.

    I have just got back from the ‘surprise’ weekend I sorted for my hubby’s 50th. Everything went to plan and we both had a very good time. I managed to swim a full length in the pool at the hotel – very pleased with myself. I still get quite tired but do feel more like the old Sandra most of the time. My hair is now a funky style (I have been told) and you wouldn’t realise I had lost it.

    I am off to London this weekend to see Mama Mia. My good friend who has one treatment left will be with us.

    Keep up the good work ladies.

    Sandra from the UK.
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  • AussieMum
    AussieMum Member Posts: 124
    edited August 2006
    Inspired by Calico's gorgeous avatar, and also in keeping with hair pics, I've updated my avatar.
    What do you think?

    It is better than my real hair, which has come back a nondescript mousey brown, dead straight and very flat. Not a curl, wave or ounce of body anywhere to be seen!
    (I guess it is better than no hair at all!)

    Tina - you must be exhausted! Take it easy, but enjoy it just the same.

    And Sandra - back in the swim! Well done!

    Some exhaustion can actually be pleasant, can't it? When it is the result of hard work, or exercise, OF OUR OWN CHOOSING!! (not as a result of chemo and rads!)

    How is the music going, Susan?

    And Peg - the house renovation and your work?

    Marg - still into photography?

    Liezel - herceptin treatment OK for you? (We might have it subsidised by December. It passed another step last month on its way to subsidy. Here's hoping!) Bubble away in that jacuzzi!

    Leanne - how are those gorgeous boys of yours - did I read you were planning a birthday celebration at some stage? I probably missed it. And how are things with Scott (and your Mum? Did I read somewhere you hadn't really told her about your troubles, or am I way off beam.)

    Paula - you stunning kind friend - how many wolf whistles you generating with your great new style? I haven't seen an update for a while - can't find the "Faces to names" thread since the Great Computer Crash of 06! I loved watching the progress (although confess to a little envy on my part! Wanted the curls!Everyone asks where my curls are - even the hospital staff say "What happened to the curls Michelle?" )

    I also see your anniversary has come Nicole! Fantastic!

    (Stupid question from me: when do we measure? Diagnosis? Surgery? End of Chemo? Active treatment? I'm not sure what the official point of celebration is, but I think I'll just celebrate EVERY day!

    Keep smiling everybody!
    Michelle
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  • Calico
    Calico Member Posts: 1,108
    edited August 2006
    Lol Michelle,

    your avatar reminds me of how I see myself all day long....

    and I like the fact that you call your hair mouse brown...better than mouse gray, don't you think?

    I promise a picture in the forum tonight, DH didn't have time and I just am to **** to download from the camera and resize but someday...okay, no promises on my PC capabilities

    As for measuring, it's hard to say, some had more than one dx...so more reasons to party (bad mammo anniversary ...cheers...here is to better health, DCIS dx...cheers here is to better health...IDC dx....cheers here is to better health...I think I am going to party every month from now on ) but I think I really measure from the time all of it was cut out of me which was my bilat. mastectomy I guess....

    Good to have you back Michelle

    God Bless
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  • marg1
    marg1 Member Posts: 73
    edited August 2006
    Hi everyone,

    Leanne -- I am so happy for you. I can't stand it. I always include you in my prayers. Praise GOD. (crying as I am typing). I knew you would pull through. Enjoy yourself sister -- you deserve it!!!

    Michelle -- glad to hear from you, I too was a little worried.

    I had my 1 year anniversay on July 5. Was feeling a little down that day but I managed to recover and feeling okay now.
    My family and I (Rob, Miranda and Maya) will be going on our first real vacation. We are off to Disney World next Sat. We will be there for 7 days (that is if tropical storm Chris does'nt become Hurricane Chris).

    I been reading post but not posting as much as I should.

    Just know that I could not have made it this past year without you wonderful ladies. Even though I don't know you all personally, I feel very close to all of you.

    Still head to Houston every 3 weeks for herceptin. Next MUGA scan on 8/18/06. hoping that my EF stays up. Last was 56% -- no herceptin for me if I drop below 50%. I have been working out like an mad woman. I do a spinning class 3 x a week.

    God bless -- Marg
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  • txred9876
    txred9876 Member Posts: 392
    edited August 2006
    I know that coming in here will always show signs of hope and encouragement. I am finally (mostly) recovered from last weekend. It has taken all week! I am working on another big house deal (700K) that I hope to wrap up into a contract shortly!

    I go back to the doctor tomorrow. My daughter and I joined the YMCA and went swimming yesterday. We actually walked about 20 laps in the lap pool. We also swam some but I felt the pulling across my scar so I am sure I just need to loosen up a bit. We are going to go in the morning to walk on the treadmill for 30 min or so and then do water aerobics. I have got to do something this is the heaviest I have ever been (and I was not LIGHT to begin with!).

    In our house we are looking into high school stuff for my daughter (she is home schooled). My daughter (13 almost 14) found a really neat program that is web based and also accredited. This has actually been kind of a fun experience for the two of us. She told me today that she is at a point of decision making about the rest of her life (omg to come out of a 13 year old....). She thought she wanted to be a VET since the third grade but she told me that is not realistic so she needs to find out now what she wants. I wish I had that understanding at 13!

    I hope and pray all are well!

    Tina
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  • straykat
    straykat Member Posts: 95
    edited August 2006
    Just out of curiosity txred9876, why is your daughter's desire to become a vet unrealistic? She sounds like such a neat kid to have a dream dashed so early on.
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  • txred9876
    txred9876 Member Posts: 392
    edited August 2006

    Those were her words. While she wants to help animals she is not sure she could handle ones that come in badly hurt. I am trying to arrange with a new local vet clinic so she can make sure.

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  • foxxf
    foxxf Member Posts: 171
    edited August 2006
    Michelle, my hair was dead strait(about an inch long) too until about 4 wks ago when it started to curl all of a sudden. What the?

    It has been quite curly since but now is starting to straighten again as it continues to grow.
    Still don't need to use a brush yet and have not gotten my first hair cut yet. It is also a lot darker than usual, but like some one said usually in the summer you get the sun on it to lighten it but last summer I didn't have any to lighten..lol.

    Marg congrats on the anniversary, hope you have a great holiday.

    Tina- I have just started the YWCA ENCORE Program. It is floor and Hydrotherapy pool based exercise program for women who have had treatment for Breast Cancer. It is ment to help with over all strength and increase reach in your affected arm/s. I am really enjoying the program however after the first time I went home and had a nap. Maybe you could check your local area for the program.

    Best wishes to all
    Nicole
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  • leannem
    leannem Member Posts: 137
    edited August 2006
    Hi all!!

    Well yesterday I went on in for my LAST chemo!! I was all settled in my chair, getting heaps of hugs from the nurses, laughing and joking and generally being quite the excitable kid!

    Got my port accessed, bloods taken and ducked downstairs to get my supplies for the afternoon- coffee, snack, magazines etc.

    Went back upstairs, more teasing and laughing as I settled in. Bloods came back....SEVERELY NEUTROPENIC, low bloody everything really. Delayed chemo. Not happy!!

    The chemo nurse says to me "you should be really really sick" I say "well I feel pretty crap but that is nothing knew, why do you say that?". Then she goes on to tell me about all the billion things that are low and telling me how I should have told her I wasn't feeling well and that she can't believe I am so hyperactive with a 0.6 count. I just said that it is all relative- I am so used to being REALLY sick, as in off to the hospital for a week stay type sick that when I feel anything less than that it doesn't count!! So I was sent home with an armful of face masks, antibiotics and strict instructions to rest, take my temp 4 times a day, etc etc.

    damn damn damn!! I rebooked for next Friday though she tended to think I may need a longer break. I am sure I will be good by then. I want it over!

    I must say I was thinking though that before all this bc stuff the flu would put me in bed for a day or 2 now when I get the flu I think I am 'well' since I am so used to being so incredibly sick. Does that make sense? Perhaps I am starting to realise that I am getting stronger after all this experience?? Don't know but it really shocked me to think that yes, I have actually been feeling rather awful and here I am tearing around like a mad women getting stuff done because I wasn't as sick as what I am used to being so 'normal' sickness no longer bothers me!! Funny thought.

    On another note I have booked a holiday! We are all off on a family trip to FIJI!! 10 whole days of sun, lazying around, playing with the kids on the beach and generally enjoying no more chemo. It is our present to us for getting through this past year and I am EXCITED!! I am frantically getting the kids passports organised now since they don't have one and we are going on the 11 Sept til the 21st. Yikes!! Then we are off to the Sunshine Coast here in Queensland (about a 2hr drive) for 7 days on the 1st October. Lots of holidays here!

    Now I can't remember but did I tell you guys that Scott is off to the Sinai on the Egypt/Isreali boarder for 6 months? (Hence all the holidaying beforehand). Great opportunity for him workwise but so long to be away! However I am planning lots of trips while he is away- a good friend of mine is loaning the children and I her apartment in New Zealand so i am intending on being there in November and then again in January for 2-3 weeks each time. On top of this we are aiming for a family holiday in Egypt for an early Christmas then Scott and I will hopefully going to Italy (alone!!) in February. So much living to be done!!

    Obviously this is all around my herceptin treatments and so long as the beast is kept at bay! (How can it not will all my sisters praying for me??) I am so excited especially since I have always been such a "going to" type person (going to do this going to do that but never actually do anything). All the wheels are in motion slowly so hopefully everything works out.

    Last Sunday I went to church for the very first time in my whole life. I felt as though I had a lot to be thankful for and so went along to 'check it all out'. I didn't really feel comfortable at the one I went to so I am going to another tomorrow morning with a good friends' aunt so we will see. I have always sat on the fence as far as religion goes, never been to church and never really had that 'something to believe in' despite being sure there was something out there. I will keep you post on how I go! Not sure how I feel about it all but think it is something I want to explore. Can't really explain it.

    Well now I have rambled FOREVER I will stop my tales for the evening!

    love
    Leanne
    xoxoxo
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  • Pegk
    Pegk Member Posts: 389
    edited August 2006
    Wow! Leanne! So much news!
    I'm sorry your last chemo was postponed but you're definitely almost through the tunnel. What fabulous plans your making! Fiji? New Zealand? Egypt? I hope you have a digital camera. I hope you'll share your adventures.
    To me, going to church is a good thing if you find a community that you feel comfortable with. You'll know in your heart when you find the right place.
    Take care of yourself!

    My hair story...
    Before chemo, my hair was straight and fine. I was blond as a child but of course as I aged it got darker, but I would occasionally brighten it with highlights.
    Since it's been growing in it's come in quite dark and wavy. It's about 3 inches long and gets somewhat wild looking, but I try to tame it with a little gel. I'm not ready to think about a haircut.

    Tina, that's a great strategy to give your daughter some experience working with a local vet. She might discover that she's stronger than she thinks when she's helping animals.

    Marg, Calico, Aussiemum Michelle...anybody else want to be included in our data base?
    address, phone #, email address, birthday, family
    I'm collecting the information. When I figure out the best way to share it I will. (Susan, are you there?) Of course, if you want to contact someone in particular before that just let me know.

    Be well everyone!
    Peggy
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  • lynellb123
    lynellb123 Member Posts: 69
    edited August 2006

    Leanne, I'm sorry to hear about your last chemo being delayed, but it will just give you more time to prepare your celebratory "farewell" to chemo party. Your travel plans sound amazing & wonderful. You soooooo deserve a rest & relaxation with your family. Make sure that you rest this week so you can get your last treatment over with and can go on your much deserved holiday.

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  • Liezel
    Liezel Member Posts: 192
    edited August 2006
    Leanne, so sorry to hear about your chemo delay!! I agree, with you, when you are used to feeling to bad, anything better is great, even though you are still very sick. Don't take on too much now. Rest up so that chemo is not delayed again.

    Your holidays sound so exciting!! Why not stop in deepest darkest Africa on your way? Would love to show you around...

    Keep well everyone!!

    From another one with crazy hair....

    Liezel
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  • tinkermax
    tinkermax Member Posts: 269
    edited August 2006
    [Hi everyone

    I have posted the following in the "moving beyond cancer" thread.

    Any of you ladies experiencing anything similar?

    Here is my post:

    Hi everyone

    i finished chemo in Feb, had oopherectomy in march and started Arimidex a couple of weeks later.

    I started back to work in April, and although i was very tired, I seemed to have more energy in May and June. During July and now in August however I am completely and utterly exhausted all the time....I work from 8.30 till 3 (which I have been doing since May) jump straight into bed for a couple of hours...then get up....have some food....and am back in bed by between 11 and midnight.

    I am on Arimidex, and saw my onc today, I explained my symptoms of exhaustion to him, but he said the only thing he can give me is Efexor, which I will start taking today.

    Are there any other ladies out there who are experiencing the same?. I have just read on on the Exefore label...may cause drowsiness.....OMG...I may never get out of bed at this rate!

    I had my routine blood test results as well. All okay apart from the CEA test (strange, as my onc previously told me he didnt do tumour marker tests) before chemo it was at 11, now it is at 10.1, normal range is 3, heavy smoker is 5..I am a light smoker..approx 8 a day.

    Should I be concerned about the CEA test? I had a bone scan, liver ultrasound and chest x-ray recently and they were all fine. I have never had a PET, CT or MRI scan.

    Sorry for rambling.

    Maxine
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  • sholroyd
    sholroyd Member Posts: 288
    edited August 2006
    Hi all

    Glad to have you back Michelle – mousey brown and all! Like you I think we should celebrate each day in our own little day somehow – perhaps gives ourselves a little hug and a pat on the back when we wake! My hair has now had a bit of colour in – I am blondish and have had sort of brownish bits put in.

    Marg – still that long drive to Houston. I have just got back from my Herceptin treatment – they still have trouble locating a vein that wants to play ball. Interesting, I had to have an MRI to determine my heart pump rate, which had to be 58% to receive Herceptin. The echocardiogram came up with 55%, however the MRI met the required target. I had another echocardiogram on Monday and a bone density check (cos of Arimidex) sometime last week. Arimidex make my joints so troublesome.

    Tina – if your daughter wants to be a vet – tell her to go for it, if her dream is clear enough, she will realise it.

    Leanne – yes everything you typed makes sense – just enjoy – you now have the strength to fight whatever life throws at you and you have had more than most knocks. I smiled, my hubby sometimes says he is going to do something and never quite gets round to it – drives me mad – I am still waiting to be took to Geneva where he keeps saying “I’d love you to see Geneva” – I am the organiser in our family and my guess is unless I organise it we won’t get there!

    My current thoughts are onto a genetics form I completed quite a while back. They sent me a form requesting my auntie to sign to give them permission to access her medical records. She had BC the same side as me 13 years ago (received no treatment other than mastectomy and tamoxifen). She developed ovarian 3 years ago which has now progressed to her bones. My oncologist advised me that it wasn’t necessary to have a hysterectomy or ovaries removed, not particularly knowing my aunties past). However as I am like my auntie in more ways than one it seems, I am going to pursue the genetics to see what has transpired – do you agree I should?

    My Social life: I went to see Mama Mia in London with 3 girlfriends at the weekend – great show. Weekend before had my hubby’s surprise 50th birthday 3-nights away – complete surprise to him and well received. Marg, we had a 4-poster bed, told him it was just for effect, saying no more ;-). I agree Michelle, it is great to feel tired from our own choosing – I now notice the difference between ‘tired’ and ‘chemo tired’.

    I have noticed that the worry of reoccurrence now doesn’t occupy my entire thoughts 24/7. I think mind over matter and getting on with ‘life’ whatever it may throw at us helps doesn’t it ladies and of course the prayers and support of our group is powerful.

    Hugs to you all.

    Sandra from the UK
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  • susan_02143
    susan_02143 Member Posts: 7,209
    edited August 2006
    Hi all,

    Yes, Peg, I am still here. Not sure I even know who to describe what is in my head these days, but posting has become hard for me.

    I have read everyone's posts though, usually within hours of submitting. I may have an addiction to this site!

    Maxine, fatigue comes and goes here. Some days, I am the susan I remember, other days, I need a nap every four hours, especially if I have been playing my violin. I am on aromasin, and fatigue is one of the primary side effects. By changing the time of day that I take it, I have minimized the side effects, and that has been good. You might try different times of day to see what that does for you.

    Leanne, NED NED NED! Scream that out. Sorry for the delay this week, but you are getting much closer to the end game!

    Peggy, send the data anytime, and I will create a database that makes it easy for us to find each other.

    All the best,

    *susan*
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  • foxxf
    foxxf Member Posts: 171
    edited August 2006
    Peg - Thanks for the post card, it was a wonderful suprise. My kids were very excited and my daughter is going to take it to school to show her class.

    If anyone would like to recieve a post card from my corner of the world (or send me one) please PM me with your address and I will get right onto it. What an exciting way to share with each other, my kids are so excited about this it is really fun to watch.

    Maxine, I too and on Arimidex after an Ooph and the fatigue is very real. I have been helping out at the School canteen two days a week most weeks and by the third day I am exhausted. With out the day of rest mid week I think I would be the same as you. when not at work, sleeping. I was looking for a part time job but the other week I was busy every day and spent most of Saturday sleeping. After that I wasn't 100% sure I could manage working every day. I suppose you would get used to it. I take my tablet with breakfast each morning but like Susan said if I changed it to before bedtime maybe the affects wouldn't be so noticeable in the day. Might try it.

    Leanne, Bad luck about the last chemo hope you make it next time. Then off globe trotting, LIVE STRONG! we still expect you to check in and make us all jelous while you are travelling.

    Sandra, I have been contacted by a genetics person as well and have an appt with them in 2 weeks. I don't have any family history (My grandmother had throat cancer and an uncle as well but he smoked more than a chimney) But even though I don't have any family history, Now MY children do! So I will go and see what she has got to say. Will let you all know.

    Susan if you want to just read and not post for a while then that is what you should do, We are just happy to know that you are there and doing well. When you are ready I am sure you will have some amazing stories to tell. ((((hugs))))

    Best wishes to all
    Nicole
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  • lisag
    lisag Member Posts: 22
    edited August 2006
    Hello all my September sisters,
    I apologize for the long time without posting. I just wrote a long post to catch up and it got lost so I'll try again. Leanne, I may be the last to congratulate you on your wonderful news but I am so thrilled to hear it!!!
    Maxine-my mother had to stop arimidex due to fatigue and is now going to do radiation which she is not happy about. She didn't initially do rads "because she was over 70" (this is what she tells me) and now her onc is insisting a year after her surgery since she can't tolerate the arimidex. So she starts in Sept...
    I have been traveling most of the summer-I left in mid July for Italy with my boyfriend and returned last weekend, what an amazing time it was. Started in Venice and ended in Rome and loved every beautiful place in between. Aug 1 was that one year diagnosis anniversary and we were watching a thunderstorm in Sorrento over the sea, eating fabulous melon gelato and counting our blessings. I couldn't have imagined how beautiful the churches are and I prayed and made offerings in them all. I found myself in tears in Assisi one very hot afternoon and I said prayers for all my september sisters there. And for good measure, I threw a coin in the Trevi fountain in Rome for all of us. I would post a picture if someone could tell me how, I'm somewhat technically challenged!
    Also I took my kids to Mexico for a week after school ended and we had a great time on the beach. My daughters seemed to be sighing with relief that we could be doing something fun after the last year.
    Best to all, I love being tired from adventure now, and not cancer, as I think Sandra put it so well
    Lisa
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  • lisag
    lisag Member Posts: 22
    edited August 2006

    PS Sandra-I finished two genetic tests in June, all negative, and was offered a third and I decided to stop-I couldn't stand any more appointments. I was assured if a new gene was discovered we could start up again.

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  • lynellb123
    lynellb123 Member Posts: 69
    edited August 2006
    Lisa, Please please post some photos from Italy. Your trip sounds so wonderful. That is my dream to go to Tuscany & I hope to do that within the next year or two. I agree it is wonderful to travel & see new sights. I took a short vacation & it felt so good. It feels good to be tired from walking around sight seeing and doing things.

    Peg, it was wonderful to see you again, you look just fantastic. I was a little sore yesterday from all the walking. After our dinner, my daughter Danielle & I continued to walk all over the city & met up with Melissa, my other daughter. We left NY at about 1:00 AM& didn't get home until almost 3 AM. I was happy tired.

    Well I finally made it back to Weight watchers, after my cruise & vacation -I was surprised that I lost a half a pound. That makes my grand total of 9 lbs that I've lost since April. This damm Tamoxifen is making it sooo hard to lose weight. Or maybe it was the Moussaka & mango mojitos I had when in NY...Oh well, as long as I'm losing something I'm happy.

    Love to all my September sisters...what should we do this year as September rolls around? How about a virtual party?
    Speaking of virtual parties- Where's Saskia our party hostess from the land down under?
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  • sholroyd
    sholroyd Member Posts: 288
    edited August 2006
    A virtual party - now that sounds good.

    Maxine I will PM you my effects with arimidex. Generally yes fatigue and the joint pain is a nuisance.

    I love reading about your hols and social activities ladies.

    I have got folks coming round tonight so had better get my act together.

    Enjoy the rest of the weekend.

    Speak soon.

    Sandra from the UK.
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  • Liezel
    Liezel Member Posts: 192
    edited August 2006
    A virtual party can only be fun!!

    I had my 1yr follow up mammo last week. I was so nervous. My breasts has always been very lumpy, and nothing has changed, so doc did thorough exam. Mammo was SORE! It was a new tech, and when I told her it was sore, she said it always is. I said that it was not supposed to be. Silence for rest of time...

    Anyway. I got the all clear. Such a relief. It feels like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

    Had a busy weekend with my sister and her DH and 18 month old visiting. They left this morning, so I'll have peace and quiet again. It was great having them here, but the kids drove me crazy!!

    Have a good week!

    Liezel
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  • Naniam
    Naniam Member Posts: 1,766
    edited August 2006
    Oh, how I wish I had found all of you earlier!!!!!! I had my port placement in early Sept. 2005 (which wasn't an easy procedure - was to take one hour, took two and my heart acted up and yes I was supposed to be given conscious sedation but it DIDN"T work- radiologist said my vein was stenosed). Had 4 AC treatments. Was scheduled for 6 but I was having so many abdominal problems we stopped. My treatments were dose dense and by the time for the 2nd treatment I was loosing my hair. Hair was straight and very salt and pepper before; has returned darker and with curls. Have had to have it trimmed a couple of times and the curls are beginning to relax. Everyone tells me they will be gone in about a year - hey, it is hair!!!!!!! I couldn't do the wigs, I had two, I hated them, so I did hats and do-wrags at home. I had 36 rad. tx. Have had a very hard time with fatigue. Found it extremely frustrating that now that I have finished chemo and rads everyone thinks your life just returns to normal and you just can pick up and move forward. They really don't understand the fatigue or how much your body has been through. I wish I had met all of you much sooner, oh, it would have made my journey easier. The Neulastra shots would set me on my rear for a few days - I pray none of us, ever, ever have to travel this road again.
    I had Stage II, Grade II IDC. Negative nodes but there was vascular invasion. Age 60. We never got clear margins at lumpectomy but they felt chemo and rads should take care of that. I have read many of your post and it seems mastectomy was the course of action when clean margins weren't achieved. To late to worry about that now.

    God Bless each of you. I know over the course of your diagnosis and treatment you became a close group. I hope you don't mind someone new posting occasionally.
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  • tinkermax
    tinkermax Member Posts: 269
    edited August 2006
    Hi Naniam

    Welcome to our group!!

    How are you doing now?.........im on arimidex and get very tired. I too was IDC stage 2 grade 2.

    Feel free to post whenever you want.

    Hugs

    Maxine
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  • Naniam
    Naniam Member Posts: 1,766
    edited August 2006
    Maxine, better each day. My annual mammo is next month. They put me on Femara - I stopped it with the OK of my oncologist. My knees, hips and back started giving me so much trouble and I have to work in our small business, that I just couldn't continue to take it. I honestly am not sure if it was the Femara or just the fact that about the time I started the Femara, my stopping HRT (estrogen)had caught up with me. I had taken just a low dose estrogen for 30 years. I see the oncologist again in Oct and while they gave the OK to stop it and see how I did, I feel sure he will probably recommend Arimidex or to try the Femara again. The after effects have been equally hard for me - I was always active and pretty much did whatever I chose to do but that has changed. I try not to think so much about BC. My stats were good (age does help) and even without the Femara they put my chance of not having a recurrence high on the scale. Has been a very long journey - but I am still standing.

    I love to read the post of all of you. I know everyone bonds well because until you have walked this walk, no one truly understands. Blessings.

    Brenda
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  • lisag
    lisag Member Posts: 22
    edited August 2006
    image
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  • lisag
    lisag Member Posts: 22
    edited August 2006
    Ok finally got a picture to post but forgot to add text, darn that chemo brain. This is me and my sweetheart in Venice at Piazza San Marco. Lynn, I loved all the places we visited in Tuscany and I will definitely return someday.
    Welcome Brenda, glad to have you on here! I was also stage 2, grade 2 but with positive nodes.
    Liezel, I have my first mammogram and ultrasound since tx started next week and I'm finding myself freaking out a little bit too, like I want to go in with my fingers stuck in my ears and my eyes closed. I'm having it done at a facility where the radiologist comes and talks to you immediately afterwards if you've had BC but I'm not sure I won't still be reliving that traumatic diagnosis day.
    I want ice cream at the virtual party!
    Lisa
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  • Naniam
    Naniam Member Posts: 1,766
    edited August 2006

    Lisa with this I can relate. I had my first mammo after treatment in April and they had me wait while they check the film - then they come tell me they want to do an ultrasound. I hesistated as I wasn't sure I wanted to run out of the place and it was hard to get up and make that walk. They only wanted to take a closer look at the seroma; I sure wish they had told me that instead of scaring me to death. My annual is next month and I am dreading that too. Maybe after we get this first year behind us on these mammo after BC we will all relax "a little bit". Your trip sounds wonderful -

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  • lynellb123
    lynellb123 Member Posts: 69
    edited August 2006
    Hello all, I made it through my annual mammo without hyperventilating or passing out. I remembered my surgeon telling me several months ago that when I had the mammo not to get nervous because there would be scarring & the technicians might think it was "something". I sat very calmly as they came back & forth to take more & more films. I was relieved to finally hear that everything looked ok. It's funny I really wasn't scared or nervous, just glad that they weren't squeezing my breasts anymore.

    I also saw my radiation oncologist today & he confirmed that the films looked fine. Everyone commented how healthy I looked. Well i guess I did look like crap just months ago...bloated, bald, no eyelashes or brows....what a difference a few months can make. Life is good!

    Lisa you look beautiful & so happy. Post some more pictures if you can. Speaking of pictures here's a pic of our dear friend Peg & yours truly having dinner in NY. image
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  • lynellb123
    lynellb123 Member Posts: 69
    edited August 2006

    Brenda, I forgot to extend a warm welcome to you. This is the most wonderful group of ladies you would ever want to meet.So many of them helped me through some really rough days. Our September sisters ROCK!

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