April 2015 Chemo Crew... Starting in April? Please join us!

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  • littleblueflowers
    littleblueflowers Member Posts: 2,000
    edited December 2015

    You awesome, ksusan!

    Oi. Stupid hospital survivorship computer keeps spamming me. I just had to re watch the cancer treatment online video, just to make the emails stop. Soooo much fun to relive that time in my life lol. Barf.

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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited December 2015

    image

    About 7 months PFC.

    image

    10 months post-surgery/4 months post-radiation.

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  • Positive_spirit
    Positive_spirit Member Posts: 218
    edited December 2015

    Sitting here processing a range of emotions. Feeling sad and although I would like to blame a friend for always making me feel this way, I think it's a combo of the holidays and last year's prep for surgery. I am glad I am not at the point I was at this time last year. So glad to be post-chemo, post-treatment. I have hair on my head. So while I am grateful, there still is a little lingering shock and sadness. I figure it's okay. I can process better now. This is one safe place to voice these feelings - thank you all for that.

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  • Positive_spirit
    Positive_spirit Member Posts: 218
    edited December 2015

    Ksusan, that hair is beautiful and lush! And the scars are softer now. Thanks for sharing.

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  • Jackbirdie
    Jackbirdie Member Posts: 4,693
    edited December 2015

    Positive- I so know how you feel. I am reaching out to your lovely spirit in solidarity.

    Ks- looking very good. All over. Proud of you. Proud and grateful to know you. Thanks for honoring us with your donation, I did the same. So did Trvler. There is no way to express, no way to quantify with dollars, what this sisterhood brings. It's such an honor to be thought of this way, and I know every bit helps keeping bco running, helping others who are just hearing those same terrifying words today, tomorrow, and on into the future until somebody fixes things.


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  • Positive_spirit
    Positive_spirit Member Posts: 218
    edited December 2015

    Jackiebirdie - Woah, powerful words. Thank you for sharing those thoughts with all of us.

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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited December 2015

    Thanks, Positive and Katy.

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  • Rpayton
    Rpayton Member Posts: 235
    edited December 2015

    Ok never have to get your big toe nail removed! Ouch on a pain scale of 1-10 it's an 11 right now. Developed cellulitis under the nail by the cuticle probably due to previous chemo drugs and was having nail problem. Chemo that gift that just keeps giving. Tried a week of antibiotics and Epsom soaks but Dr had to take the nail off today. Thank God for hubby home to drive and wait on me. I don't believe work is happening the next couple days. And since we just had a huge ice storm here I'm good hibernating.

    I did donations to my favorite breast cancer sites too this year. And this is definitely one of them. Along with my local cancer wellness center that offers so many free programs.

    image

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited December 2015

    Renee, Ouch, ouch, ouch!!!!!!! That sounds horribly painful! Hoping you get pain relief soon.

    KSusan, you hair looks great, and your chest looks like it has healed well.

    I've made some donations too to BCO and to some breast cancer research organizations.

    Positive, this is definitely the place to voice our fears, etc. we need each other as much now as we did during chemo.

    Jen, I hope the program gets their computer system fixed. You do not need cancer spam.


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  • Scarlett152
    Scarlett152 Member Posts: 175
    edited December 2015

    Belated holiday wishes to all! Renee, so sorry about the toenail! Ouch

    Christmas went better than I expected. I even managed to attend Christmas Eve mass without being cranky with God. It must be a good sign that I'm moving on to the next stage! We opened our doors to those without family or friends to spend the day with and we ended up with a 7 hour marathon, but I was happy to be able to do it. It was also a nice way to thank all those who have been there for us in the last year.

    On the genetic testing, I was surprised Blue Shield covered it, but I have a maternal aunt who was diagnosed post menopausal and I was diagnosed under the age of 50. Apparently that combo triggers coverage.

    Spent today at the hospital with my 17 year of son who was diagnosed with a hernia in September, but we were told it could wait until Christmas break for repair. My son is an athlete who will be playing football next year in college, so he needed a surgical repair. We had two urology surgical specialist look at the ultrasound and conduct physical exams to diagnose the hernia. Guess what? Today after they put him under and inserted a camera laparoscopically -- there was no hernia!! They think it may be a groin muscle strain. Hmm, don't we think they could have determined that before they put him under and cut him open? Of course I've more than met my deductible, but if I had to pay out of pocket I'd be pissed. Wondering what Blue Shield will do about unnecessary surgery.

    Here's a healthy and happy 2016!!




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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited December 2015

    Renee, yowch!

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  • Rpayton
    Rpayton Member Posts: 235
    edited December 2015

    scarlett: your poor son! I can't believe they didn't recheck imaging before surgery. Sept to Dec is a long time for no image before a surgery. You are right to be upset. Glad he is healed.

    Happy new year 2016 for all of us!!! Still thinking about what I would like to burn. New years eve we have a tradition to stay home, fire in the fireplace, snack and watch movies. A nice evening to reflect and relax.

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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited December 2015

    Just back from PT. No signs of scar adhesion or lymphedema. Rotator cuff impingement still present but better and seems to be somewhat ameliorated by specific stretches and massage to the radiated areas (which also account for the decreased ROM).

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  • Jackbirdie
    Jackbirdie Member Posts: 4,693
    edited December 2015

    Such great news Ks! I know you have big plans this year and I'm delighted at the failure of the beast to put impediments in your way. Doing the happy dance for you. 💃💃💃🎉🎉💃💃💃

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  • AndreaC
    AndreaC Member Posts: 220
    edited December 2015

    Hi everyone -

    Hope you all had a great Christmas...mine was awesome, aside from a quick trip to Alberta for my uncle's funeral. That went well though. It was so nice to see my cousins and meet all of their kids...and there are a lot of them! We only seem to see each other at times like this, which is a shame.

    Renee, that looks so painful!!

    I had a telehealth conference today with my MO - I live in a small town and had it at our local hospital so I was saved a trip to Victoria. All is well, he is going to order an MRI for me because I have some lesions on my liver. They are non-cancerous but I asked for the MRI just to make sure they're not getting bigger or something silly like that. So now I don't have to see him again for a year!

    I have a PT appointment for next week, to address some mild lymphedema in my left arm. I also have my follow up appointment with my gynaecologist next week, hopefully I'll get the go- ahead to have sex...my hubby is getting a little impatient - haha!

    All in all, things are looking up. I am feeling great and looking forward to a healthy 2016! I wish the same for you all as well.

    Andrea

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  • Rpayton
    Rpayton Member Posts: 235
    edited December 2015

    Andrea great news! All will be better in 2016!

    KSusan good news on the PT!


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  • littleblueflowers
    littleblueflowers Member Posts: 2,000
    edited January 2016

    Goodbye 2015. I am greatful for the friendship and strength you taught me. Goodbye cancer. I cleanse you with fire. I cleanse you with salt. I cleanse you with sage. I pour out a glass for my sisters who have gone before, and I pray for us all.

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  • DizzParkMom
    DizzParkMom Member Posts: 316
    edited January 2016

    I hope that everyone's Holiday has been merry & bright and that the coming of a new year brings all of us and our families good health! Scratch that....I hope it brings all of us and our families GREAT health!!!

    We just got back from spending a week at Disneyland. We were supposed to take DS for his birthday in June, but Cancer had other plans. Since we had traveled so much for my treatment and surgery, we decided it was only fair to make good on the birthday trip...even if it was a little late and quite a bit colder. I wasn't sure that I would be able to keep up with the boys. I've still had quite a few aches and pains since the surgery. I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to not only keep up with the boys, but I gave them run for their money most days. Since I have been suffering from horrible insomnia, my body has learned to adapt to very little sleep. So, while they miserably dragged themselves out of bed each day, I was up and around with little problem. The parks were insanely crowded, but I couldn't help enjoying every bit of every day. I felt fortunate for being able to celebrate the holidays with my boys and that I had the strength to make it through the last year. At midnight, I'll be toasting my health, my family, and all of you my friends!

    image

    We hung out with Chewy...hoping to get some of his hair growth tips!


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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited January 2016

    Good idea, Jen. I have scattered salt and burned sage in every room. I have also taken down the 2015 calendars and posted 2016.

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  • littleblueflowers
    littleblueflowers Member Posts: 2,000
    edited January 2016

    Thanks for the reminder about the calendar, ksusan! Took 2015 down and it's on deck to burn tomorrow. Smudged every room...

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited January 2016

    I loved my calendar burning!

    Dizz, I am glad you had such a nice trip

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  • Positive_spirit
    Positive_spirit Member Posts: 218
    edited January 2016

    Happy New Year, every one! We have a fresh new start, a brand new slate!

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  • lovlilynne
    lovlilynne Member Posts: 405
    edited January 2016

    Happy new year everyone! I don't have any strong feelings about 2015 or 2016 being better, etc. If anything, I've learned that you cannot be guaranteed anything in life - you have to take it as it comes and try to find the joy and happiness in it all. I have been enjoying the "normal-ness" of my life - we just had our best friends over last night, and my niece came by, played a dice game. I made deep-fried oreos (my son's request). I had never had one, and they were yummy, but I don't need to ever have another one :-)

    At 10:00, we downloaded the Netflix professor gadget pretend countdown (as if it's 11:59:30), and toasted and then our friends went home, we cleaned up, and went to bed. I was actually awake at midnight because I was watching a TV program.

    Today we've enjoyed a very low key day. I made pancakes for the gang (my niece slept over and my daughter had a friend sleep over too), cleaned up some more, and read some of my book club book. I usually don't take my tree down until the Epiphany, but DH and I may try to get all the wrapping stuff back in the attic and take down the boxes. Maybe I can get my son who is home from college to undecorate while I'm at work next week.

    Counting my blessings, and one of them is the knowledge and support from you all.

    Lynne

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  • littleblueflowers
    littleblueflowers Member Posts: 2,000
    edited January 2016

    Starting to get nervous about my checkup on Monday. Cancer sucks.

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited January 2016

    Let us know how it goes. I go on the 14th.

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  • Scarlett152
    Scarlett152 Member Posts: 175
    edited January 2016

    I go for 6 month check up on Jan. 5th. Balancing reconstruction surgery on 2/25. Cancer never ends! Are any of you doing ovarian suppression (Lupron or Zoladex?). I've been doing it for a year and have to decide whether to continue with monthly injections or have my ovaries out during my reconstruction surgery in Feb. there used to be a ovarian suppression thread on BCObut it's dormant. Would love some input. I'm 48 so doc's are not convinced chemo put me in menopause.

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited January 2016

    I am not doing ovarian suppression, but I did have my ovaries out and it was not a bad recovery; just a couple sore days

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited January 2016

    Renee, How's the toe???

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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited January 2016

    Good appointment wishes to all. I've seen my PT, BS and MO; will see my PCP, RO, and ND in the next 2 weeks. Then maybe I'll get some time off other than PT!

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  • SueH58
    SueH58 Member Posts: 632
    edited January 2016

    KBee, so are you on an AI now???

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