Starting chemo Sept 05

Lynnel - love the pic!!

I have only realised in the last week what a huge thing the mammo has been. I have felt so much better since! It does feel as if I can move on now. Seeing ps next week to discuss reconstruction. By summer I can have a new boob!! I have decided to put an implant in the "old" breast as well. My surgeon assured me it won't make a difference to future mammos, but will discuss it with ps as well.

Leanne, good for you for taking this step!! Look after yourself and get well before your holiday. Tell us about your new house!

Keep well ladies, have a good weekend!

Hi all....

So many great posts!

Tina, ten pounds?? Wow... that is fantastic. I think your daughter should get a job at an animal shelter or a vet's office. How else can she know what that could be like for her? I love it when our daughter's aim high. Sounds like a year later, you are in a really good place with career too.

Sandra, loved to hear about your trip to London. Old friends are so special!

Michelle, I am so delighted that you have re-appeared. Just makes me sleep better at night knowing that we are still touching base.

Nicole, I have enough curly hair for both of us. Care to share?

Leanne, Fumi posted an update about your family life in another thread, so it is particularly good to hear from you. I think you have done the right thing... just give your body a chance to get stronger before you start jet-setting all over the world. I have no idea how you are able to do this travelling, but it sounds sooooo exciting!

Lynell, what a wonderful picture of the two of you. I am jealous that the two of you can see each other in the city.

Brenda, welcome to our small corner of the world. It would have been wonderful [for you] to have found us sooner, but better late than never. Our dx'es are similar, and I am darn happy to have the treatments behind me.

Who haven't I addressed? Calico, Liezel, Maxine... it is just so good to see your posts.

The summer is slowly coming to a close here. We are eating home grown tomatoes every day, and I make pesto regularly from the basil plants. My daily routine is so boring, but I sleep so many hours now, and still get tired early. I am learning to not beat myself up, and yet, keep adding projects to my list. We are redoing the guest room [the deep purple ceilings were too disturbing. Husband is rebuilding the old windows. I am trying to reorganize my office to only include what I actually use.

My patience for clutter is at an all time low. My patience for people who blabber about nothing is even lower than that. I don't have any space for filler anymore. I want every moment to matter to _me_. And so I am spending my time with my clients, spending several hours preparing healthy and delicious meals, and working hard to enjoy my daughter while she is home for the summer.

The last year is behind me, and yet I look in the mirror at the Annie: The sun Will Come Out Tommorow hair, and it isn't that far behind me. I am emotionally spent and drained, and at the same time I am full of joy. Does any of this make sense? [Yea, I know. It really doesn't.]

How are others doing on the aromatese inhibitors? Getting better here, but the bone and joint pain is still might annoying.

Thanks for listening... I think I have written a noveletta here! I think of you, and send you my most positive thoughts every day.

Take care,

*susan*

Tina, 10lbs WOW !!!! I know I need to get moving and get serious about WW and loosing weight. I can't believe how busy this month has been along with hot, so hopefully this week I can start out again walking at least some distance. You are an inspiration to get moving

Susan, Thanks for the welcome. I wish I had found and joined you earlier also. I had so many cyst in my breast that kept popping up during chemo and had to have many ultrasounds and aspirations and lots of other "things" to check out too.

Leannam, I am so sorry to hear you had a recurrence so soon after treatment. I didn't think that could possibly happen that fast. I know I have days that I have the "what if's" and could I do it all over again; sometime I think yes and then other times no. I don't think we ever know until we are faced with that decision. It is certainly understandable that you reflect on the past and question the future; I wouldn't think you were normal if you didn't.
I guess all any of us can hope for is that it doesn't rear its ugly head again but if it does, we do what is necessary to win. My heart goes out to you but know that I also admire your strength and courage. God Bless

Brenda

Welcome Brenda (belatedly as I don't get on line very often these days!) Lovely to read your posts, hear how you are getting on, and see that you fit in 'No Problem' with the gang here!

Lynell and Peggy -
You both look great! Love the cute hairdos on each of you - but love the smiles more!

Leanne-
cute new pic on your avatar! I remember when you got the puppy (is it Max or has residual chemo brain prevented my memory?) And Fiji!!!!! Good on you. You deserve a break, and actually going overseas puts you in a totally different situation. I am sure it will do you good. My plan had been - before diagnosis - originally to travel to Germany to be with my son for a bit while he is on his youth exchange. Herceptin payments have put a stop to that! When treatment finishes (or it goes on PBS - see my PM to you), we'll start saving again, and maybe take him back there with us. He can be our tour guide!

Maxine -
you mentioned that tiredness seems to have returned? I feel the same. Even though I sleep better at night, I am still very tired at the end of the day. My onc said to give it a good 9-12 months past chemo before normal energy returns, but to try and maintain fitness as much as possible in the meantime!

Tina-
10 pounds! That is about 4 1/2 kilograms in my 'money'! Well done! You sound proud of yourself, as well you should be. It isn't easy, and your hard work and perseverance is paying off. To see the weight fall almost daily is wonderful.

I am on a diet, and exercising. I'd love to lose weight, but even if I don't, but just tone up, I'd be happy. I just DON'T want to gain more. I would hate to gain more, go over the current limit I'm in for herceptin, and then have to pay for an extra vial every 3 weeks - that would equate to about another $400 per week! I won't let it happen . . . .

Susan -

Quote:

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Does any of this make sense? [Yea, I know. It really doesn't.]

---

I think it does make sense - but only to those who speak the same language! And that is all of us! As journeyers together, we understand! Keep enjoying YOU! Tomorrow HAS come! The sun IS out!

Leanne (again)

Quote:

---

I mean, my worst fear came true- I developed mets but I buckled down and dealt with it. Now I am out the other end of it (for now at least!)

---

Yes! You go girl! Think of it, you HAVE dealt with your worst fear! You must be proud of yourself as we are here, and celebrate with you. Try not to let the fear of what hasn't happened,
and what yet may not happen,
drain today's energy,
and rob you of todays time.
Easier said than done, I know, but try!
How great you are here today (and living with NED)

Well, I've gone on long enough,
and missed a few names along the way.
Hope not to offend.

Catch you later!
Michelle

Hi all

Lots of positive thoughts heading out to Ben Joyce and family.

xooxo

Good News, Herceptin has just been listed on the PBS here which means that everyone who needs it will get it at a greatly reduced price. Just what our sister Michelle has been working for. Congratulations!!

I am Her- but it is great to see those who need it will recieve it. No longer a treatment for the rich in Australia. Woo Hoo!

Nicole

It is true! Herceptin has been approved by cabinet for inclusion on the PBS from October 1. This is great news.

I spent yesterday afternoon and evening fielding many phone calls.I had another letter read on ABC radio yesterday (our national broadcaster) and the local paper came to see me at my work this morning.

This is a great relief now for many women who are currently on the treatment, or starting it in the future. It is hard enough to focus on getting well, without the added stress of such a financial burden.

I have had 8 treatments so far. I will have 2 more to pay for before October 1st. So in the end, 8 of my treatments will be subsidised on the PBS! What a blessing.

Doing the happy dance!

[image][/image]

Michelle

Great news about the Herceptin! I have just returned from yet another follow up visit at the hospital. This time with my radiation oncologist. [Everyone loves to feel me up these days.]

The rash is NOT skin mets, but a dry heat rash. And another doctor has said "no evidence of disease." I never tire of hearing that you know??

Have a new client today who has been diagnosed with a different estrogen related illness. There is no cure, there is no treatment, just waiting for your lungs to fail. She has started a non-profit to leverage the information known about other estrogen-based diseases into a treatment plan for hers. After 6 months she has raised over a million dollars and funded several very exciting studies.

Should be interesting to meet such a determined and bright young woman.

All the best,

*susan*

Greetings Everyone! I've been away for a long time...a couple of months...so long that I forgot my password (my log in use to be jlpd). My email has changed, so I had to create a new log in. I'm the lady who teaches at the local community college and has horses....

I've read the last few pages of posts trying to catch up on everyone...I'm so glad to see you all here!

I have to say that it is hard thinking about what started a year ago...(THat along with today being my 50 birthday!!!)...I feel that so much of last year was a fog or didn't really exist. It's almost like it happened to someone else, although we are all left with reminders every day.

I had my second three month checkup and everything was good. I have my third check up in two weeks...and like you Leanne, I don't look forward to it. I worry they will find something else. But it's something we have to do, isn't it, to keep fighting this battle...a battle that will a part of the rest of our lives.

My hair is curly/wavy and very grey. Before it was straight and half brown/half grey. I haven't had it cut yet as I'm worried the curls will be cut off and won't grow back...has that happened to anyone? I quit wearing my wig in May...just couldn't stand the thought of wearing it during the summer heat.

I've made some MAJOR changes in my life. I left my husband of 23 years, and moved my two kids (one's in college), 4 cats, 2 dogs and 7 horses to a new farm I bought...Oh the work that is ahead of me! This was a LONG time coming...something I should have done years ago. I guess the cancer reinforced my need to live my life to its fullest. So I hope to, within the next year and God willing, open my farm up to cancer survivors (yes, we are survivors!) like us to enjoy the peaceful serenity and the healing power of horses. I truly believe those wonderful creatures helped in my healing. Then...who knows....

As far as fatigue...I just don't have time for it...but I am tired...a lot! I'm on Femara, which does cause joint pains...but I'll deal with it if it can possibly prevent a reoccurance.

I need to run (Ha! walk) to class. Talk to you all soon and I promise not to stay away so long! Janet

Janet, live in Hickory.

I came to this group late but I need to ask you guys a question. This week has been my first anniversay from dx.
First surg. on the 19th, reexcision of margins and SNB on the 24th - I have really had a case of the "what ifs" and I don't normally do that. We never got clean margins and they were talking about mastectomy. I wasn't happy with the surgeon as his speciality was gastric bypass surgery for weight loss and I waited awhile and then got a second opinion at a medical teaching facility and by the time I got to the oncologist I was at the limit of the time this facility would start chemo - if I waited longer they said it would reduce my chances of it being effective and wouldn't give it. Anyway, NOW, these "what ifs" have hit. Did you guys do this? I know many this week have had news of recurrence and that certainly has given me pause and lets face it, it hits home. Anyway, gotta run. I need to get to work. Thanks for any insight you can give.

Brenda

The kitten sounds cute!
Was it Calico with the cats? I think so.
Welcome back Janet . I too was absent for some time, but it is great to be so welcome here. Bold moves planned I see!

Leanne - you too have plans ahead. Living with NED is so good for you! How is the planning for the Holiday in Fiji coming along? Whole family - Scott and the boys - going? AND A reconstruction after a lumpectomy? I plead ignorance and wonder what that entails. Was there much alteration to the shape of your breast? I had a mastectomy, and haven't given a mastectomy much thought. I'll wait until after my ooph, which hasn't been scheduled yet anyway.

Peg - a misbehaving computer! How unusual [sarcastic tone!] I know what you mean hence my previous extended absence. We just take them for granted, and don't realise how much we use them or even depend upon them until they are out of action.

Nicole - hope the mammogram went well. So many are having the mammograms now. I pray the results bring joy - proving to be another positive step along the way- another hurdle successfully crossed.

I haven't had one yet. It has been just over a year since diagnosis, so I assume my onc will mention it next week when I see him.

Susan - more oestrogen related conditions! Who would have thought that natural substances produced in our body could turn against us so! Keep us posted.

Liezel - any more thought regarding work? How is your relationship with your previous employer? Maybe some arrangements could be made to ease you in, or allow you to have just the hours you need.

Sandra - how are things with Ben Joyce and his family? And I hope you got all your keys and cards sorted out. We don't have time for such inconveniences, do we? Too much living to do!

Which reminds me of Marg ! Full of life. Hope you are fine, Marg!

Keep well, all.

Have a great week!
Michelle

Maxine,
glad to hear it has helped with the flushes! I could do with some improvement in that area!

And do you have more energy?

Deal with 1 day at a time!
Michelle

They just upped my doses of effexor and I went from about 50% of the hotflashes gone....to....almost NONE. It is great to feel a part of the human race again. I have been busy and in fact my duaghter and I went with a group of friends and we floated the river...which is very popular around this part of Texas. I slathered the sun screen on VERY thick...wore my hat...and sunglasses. I attempted to convince Pam (whom normally burns some then tans) that she REALLY needed sunscreen. I did not push it with her and she is burnt to a crisp.....but I bet she will NEVER go without again!....we all learn the hard way sometimes.A very good friend of mine from Houston also came in to go with us. It was so nice to see her. The last time I saw her was a few days before they put in my port (sept 1 05) last year. She has however stayed in constant contact with me and sends me cheerful and pick me up cards all the time. We did a test with her brinign her dog to my house and it worked out great so now we dont have to board our dogs to go visit her. She works at the huge (i cannot spell...and for some reason tonight is bad..LOL) renasaunce festival they have every year and she invited us to come and go one weekend with her. It should be fun.]

Talk to all you soon,
Tina

Back from my Mammo and all is well!

I didn't really think I was stressing about it until I felt the releif afterwards. Then realsied how stressing I really was.

Oh well, going to Weight Watchers tonight (something else to stress about... lol)

Best wishes to all
Nicole