Starting Chemo March 2015

I think Herceptin is not as benign as they like to tell us. About every other Herceptin infusion hits me like a truck. No, it's not cytotoxic like chemo but that doesn't mean it doesn't have side effects. I have 3 more to go and I will be very happy when I'm done!

I read somewhere that you need to continue monitoring heart function every six months for a year after your last dose. So, apparently there can be some delayed effects on the heart. I don't know why you are having trouble now and didn't before but it does sound more like an allergic reaction than it does heart related. Maybe your body has just had enough! I will have to add mine up but I think when I'm done I will have done 22 Herceptin infusions.

I am so relieved that mammogram on my remaining breast was negative. I absolutely hated going to radiology and waiting around 2 hours for results but almost jumped for joy when they told me the results.

Am regretting decision to get a fitbit because the heart rates are so alarming. Why the heck does it go over 110 every time I stand up? And up to 170 this week when I was trying to get my steps in and just walking around the block? Is anyone else having fast heart beat, dizzyness and palpitations? Have stashed the fitbit back in the drawer. All it did was remind me I don't get enough sleep (which I knew) and that I don't get enough exercise (I knew that too!)

I can't find any file with bracelet info in it, only the file that Karen started on memo info.

So I created a document called Bracelet Charm Contributions.

For those not a member of the Facebook group, you can PM me what charm you added and the significance and I will keep track on Facebook.

Here's what I've collected. If any charms are unrecognized, please advise.

Member Charm Significance

Katy F-Fuck Cancer

Diane Bed-Insomnia

Mary Ellen Angel Wings-All the angels on the board

Eileen Poop-Never trust a fart

Theresa Bike-Got her through treatment

Carrie Hour Glass-All the waiting we did

Amy Fatigue Truck-Backed up and dumped fatigue on us

Linda Dog & Cat-Furry companions who stuck by us thru chemo. Shout out to Jack & Tutti

Arlene Sun glasses-Had many problems with eyes during chemo

Sharon

Sue

Also, I think our bracelet is nearing the end of its rounds. I would like to propose that it finds its home with Katy, who held us together over the last year. Thoughts?

My darling sisters : Sue has most generously offered to re-work the bracelet (or make a new one) so that the charms are spaced evenly throughout, instead of all hanging on two large circles. I think this would be lovely, and is so nice of Sue to offer. She does lovely work. I do have some misgivings about losing the original bracelet in the process. Further, I think this is a decision we should all make.

A little history (this is a copy/paste from some correspondence between Sue and I.

Katy-"I had always thought the links of this bracelet (which was inexpensive) would accommodate small charms with small lobsterclaps. But I did notice over time the way they all got added to the two largest rings. I agree that aesthetically it's not ideal for showing off the charms. I would love to see it re-worked with a better facility to display the charms. But I think we must put it to the group, as this differs from our original intentions for it. And I would love to somehow salvage the original bracelet. The more I think about it, the harder it is to imagine part of it getting sacrificed. (This last 2 sentences are edited by me and not in my original note to Sue)

Originally, when we had hopes for a reunion at Eileen's Arrowhead house, which hopefully will still happen someday, we were going to have some sort of ceremony together and commit it to the lake, forever burying all of our cancers, fears, and bad memories associated with tx, with it.

I certainly never intended for it to become a personal belonging of mine. It belongs to all of us. Perhaps this could have longer temporary resting places but continue to circle around, staying with one person/custodian for up to a year, assuring the connection stays alive. Any regional get togethers, or even a coffee meet up with two people or more, could arrange to have the bracelet present. For example, at the Midwest reunion you are planning. What do you think? I will copy this onto the thread and get a feel from its joint owners.(Ed)

You do such beautiful work and It is so thoughtful and generous of you to offer this."

Here are the people not mentioned above who have had the bracelet

Bekah

Avmom

Indygal

I think that's it. Please anyone correct me if I left someone out. It was never a requirement to add a charm, and anyone who has touched it added their own magic and medicine.

Congrats on your new car, Molly!

My heart rate was noticeably higher on chemo but my heart issues were caused by the port. My heart rate has come down since I stopped chemo.

Katy: I am sorry you are still in pain. It just isn't fair.

Karen: Thanks for the link. I never take those cold medicines because I don't like the way they make me feel…Benedryl included. I rarely take anything except my 12.5 xanax which I need to stop. Not really doing much anyway.

Bekah: I can't get enough frosted mini wheats. Bad, I know. I eat a bowl for breakfast and a bowl at night. I went through that when I was pregnant, too.

So aside from playing with the bracelet today, I decided I needed something sweet and didn't want to go to the store. I remembered I had some frozen cranberries and some oranges. So I made cranberry crumble bars with oatmeal and truvia brown sugar. It's still cooling, but my first little snitch was good--tart and still sweet. Will be great with coffee tomorrow!!!

http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/cranberry-crumble-bars/7bb5a4ed-530c-4f8d-bbdb-77ea45852a15

Can we revisit planning a trip to the lake? It will soon be undergoing renovations (Alan didn't bolt the deck door, a storm blew it open and flooded the top two floors). While fixing that he decided to redo the kitchen. Spring or summer will be perfect with a fancy new kitchen and gorgeous weather. I am off after June first and the last week of April. But can make anything work.

April no good.

June could be really nice.

June works for me, pretty please?

Sue, I added the jade Inuksuk (pronounced i-nook-shook), an ancient Canadian Inuit sculpture. My posting about the charm read, "Built in the image of man, they are a signature on the Arctic landscape of a hunter who has passed this way before. Symbolically, it says, you are on the right path. It is also an important symbol of unity, as the hands of many are required to build these massive stone sculpture. Each stone is a separate entity that supports, and is supported by the stones above and below, all secured by balance. It seems appropriate to reflect the unity and support we all find in each other on this site."


I think it would be lovely to rework the bracelet so that each charm is displayed to its maximum. I also support the idea that Katy be the long term custodian of the bracelet. It might be that the bracelet will continue its travels for many years, as it continues to be a symbol of support long after our "annus horribilis", which 2015 will always be for me. This group has been a rare point of light in an otherwise dark time.

I went in and had bloodwork done today - mostly checking on thyroid function. The cancer clinic mailed me apnote of another thyroid ultrasound - I think it is in early May. I had two thyroid biopsies last year, and the conclusion was that my nodukes were benign. However, even with this "incidental" finding, they will monitor it on a regular basis. There does seem to be an association between Breast cancer and thyroid cancer.

Best wishes to all for a good day, today.

So sorry, T! For the flippant attitude and the skin thing. You don't need that. Hey I am Irish mostly ad I think a breadstick looks like a penis too. You could bop that woman with a stale bread stuck!

I will be so happy when you are done!

I get so mad, I admit it. But seriously, if I did my job that flippantly or dismissively, I would be fired. It didn't help that the nurse practitioner on duty today is one that I don't like and I have always viewed her as superior acting and dismissive.

Can I say it again - "BITCH!" lol.