Starting chemo Sept 05

Options
16970727475103

Comments

  • Calico
    Calico Member Posts: 1,108
    edited January 2007
    Hi girls.
    my mom gets it 3 weeks (plus 1 day), my sister told me the wrong dates, so I was upset for a whole day for nothing...
    My mom tolerated the first chemo well, she is tired and retains a lot of water (thanks to steroids I guess).
    So far so good, but still no real onc talk, just a resident doctor....oh well.

    Peggy, these are very little Rocky Mountains...Happy Birthday to your daughter, I hope you all enjoyed the play.
    Thank you for thinking of Gina, she is doing pretty good, needs to exercise her leg which she forgets conveniently a lot like today (get the teenager lingo here? like...)...

    We got snow AGAIN, just on time for the weekend, this is sooo no fun anymore lol even though I love winter but enough is enough, I want to plant flowers...NOW.
    It would be different if we could go skiing every so often but it doesn't seem fair to Gina even though, she doesn't mind being left alone to play on the computer...

    Maxine,
    hope you feel better real soon. I am glad the storm wasn't as bad for you. Looks pretty devastating reading the papers though.

    I lost 3 pounds eating well and exercising and gained 2 back just because I went out for chinese buffet...I am seriously mad at myself (didn't eat chocolate for 5 days!!!).
    Here we go again, I can do this!!
    Hope you all have a great Sunday!!

    God Bless
  • Liezel
    Liezel Member Posts: 192
    edited January 2007
    Calico, I also had FEC, 3 weeks apart. It seemed to build up on me - good luck to your mother.

    While you are having lovely snow, we are dying of the heat here. The temperature this weekend went up to 40 or 104 for you guys! This just makes the risk of LE so much higher, so I am trying to keep that in check.

    My onc phoned Friday night, and my test are fine! I also started going to meditation classes. IT was completely different from what I expected! Hard work, but I try to practise it throughout the day.

    We are trying to sell our town house and buy a bigger house. Connor needs the space!! We have found a house that we like, so we are holding thumbs that we'll find a buyer for ours soon!! Hold thumbs for us. I would love to be in a bigger house in time for DH's bday in May!!

    Just got back from gym. Trying to get rid of the xmas weight still, on top of the chemo weight!! Also, had the most wonderfull meals this weekend - and the best chocolate truffles..... And the wine.... Ice cold Sauvignon Blanc..... Heaven....

    Like you say Calico - I can do this!!!

    Keep well all!!

    Liezel
  • Calico
    Calico Member Posts: 1,108
    edited January 2007
    Happy to see normal tests for you Liezel.
    My "meditation" is usually a long fast walk and when I don't get it I am cranky. But I want to do Yoga too.

    I could use a week of 40 degrees Celsius my dear. I am so sick and tired of snow, it will be 44 F. today and 48 F. Thursday which is actually nice since we don't have humidity at all, so it "feels" warmer...BUT the snow is in the forecast for....the weekend!!! AGAIN!!!!.

    We are looking for a week vacation during spring break late March but we have some projects on the house to do so we might not do vacation...kind of silly isn't it?
    I absolutely hate to fly over water like the Atlantik etc. but could manage a 2 hr flight to Mexico (I think but then I panik when we actually talk about it grrrrr).
    We'll see....

    Crossing my fingers for a buyer for you!!!

    God Bless
  • tinkermax
    tinkermax Member Posts: 269
    edited January 2007
    Hi all

    Peggy,
    I think the carpal tunnel is down to the Arimidex, but my general doctor says no....maybe its just the lack of hormones..

    Calico
    I hope your mum sails through the FEC like I did, no sickness, just feeling more fatigued as time went by..

    Liezel
    Im so pleased your results were fine!!! must be a huge weight of your mind.

    I frequently wonder, how our sisters, who no longer post here are, so if you are reading this...please just drop us a line to let us know how you are.

    I have at last got an appointment to see a plastic surgeon for reconstruction.....Monday 12th Feb. He should give me a date for surgery when I see him!! I can't wait!!

    I hope this note finds you all well...

    Hugs to all

    Maxine
  • susan_02143
    susan_02143 Member Posts: 7,209
    edited January 2007
    It is a sad night tonight on bc.org... tonight two of our sisters are in the final stages of dying. Maxine, I always wonder about the many women who started with us, and disappeared. I hope that they post if they happen upon us again...

    a very sad *susan*
  • leannem
    leannem Member Posts: 137
    edited January 2007
    Hi ladies

    I have been lurking alot recently and trying to not visit the boards as often because of just how CRAP the news seems to be at the moment. On top of our devastating news here at bco, a few young girls over at ysc have been given mets dx's. One, who is the same age as me when to the dr for stomach pains and now is facing a battle against extensive bone, liver and lung mets. Just too too sad.

    I love you all my sweet sept sisters and will be here as often as I can be but am using my trip to Egypt (I leave tomorrow) as a good break from the boards. Please email me though as often as you like as I feel we are all friends now as well as fellow journeyers.

    xoxoox
  • Calico
    Calico Member Posts: 1,108
    edited January 2007
    Leanne,
    have a save and super trip, you must be thrilled to go!!

    Maxine and Susan,
    You are right, I wonder too, sometimes I only read the bad news and seem paralyzed to post with good advise especially to new sisters. It is so sad and draining. But nevertheless, I am praying for all of us every day.

    Maxine,
    I hope you recon will be great. I am not to happy with my results but happy to have had it done.

    Thanks for the well wishes for my mom, I pass them on, sofar she is just tired for a few days after and it subsides already. I keep you posted.

    God Bless
  • lynellb123
    lynellb123 Member Posts: 69
    edited January 2007
    Leanne, I wish you a wonderful trip.I would like to caution you to be really careful about any water you drink. Make sure that it is bottled only. My Sister & BIL got really ill in Egypt this past summer. They blamed it on ice that was in another beverage.

    One of my twins just told me that she's moving to California. I'm a little sad & of course worried, but our little birds have to fly don't they?

    Susan, I was sad to read about our sisters dying as well. I will continue to keep all in my prayers.

    We are in for some really cold weather this week. I guess it's about time.Peggy, Liezel Maxine, Calico, and all my dear September sisters,I hope you are feeling well and ready for some Super Bowl fun on Sunday. Oh wait, that's only in the United States. Take care all, Stay well!
  • susan_02143
    susan_02143 Member Posts: 7,209
    edited January 2007
    Leanne, sounds like YSC has been a hard place lately. One of my close friends has been active there and is leaving as well. She calls it Cancerland, and she wants to move away.

    Liezel, I hope that your home sells quickly so you can find bigger digs. The hardest part of selling is keeping the house SO clean for so long!

    It has indeed gotten cold here. We need more oil and hope for a delivery before the weekend. The kid has gone back to school, and our house is quiet once again. I have two looming deadlines, so I will use the quiet wisely.

    Lynne, California is actually better than some smaller market. Flying cross country can be cheaper than flying to Great Falls, MT for example. Ask me how I know this!

    I may actually fly to LA soon. My sister needs some more surgery, and if the dates work out, I will go out there to help. I was surprised that I could do the flight for under $200 with a stop, or under $300 direct/non-stop.

    Take care all....

    *susan*
  • susan_02143
    susan_02143 Member Posts: 7,209
    edited January 2007
    Bumping us off the second page. Finally cold here.... woke up to a house without heat! Some blower on the furnace had died. Why does this always happen on a weekend? Thank goodness, Matt our furnace guy, came quickly.

    Making lots of chicken pot pies today for a friend going through chemo. I try to bring her 3-4 days of food for each round of treatment.

    Later...

    *susan*
  • tinkermax
    tinkermax Member Posts: 269
    edited January 2007
    Hi Susan

    I hope your heating is working now...and you are nice and warm.

    Its very good of you to look after your friend by helping out with meals, i'm sure she appreciates it.

    I hope everyone is well.....despite the cold weather, or in Lizell's case..hot weather.

    hugs

    Maxine
  • foxxf
    foxxf Member Posts: 171
    edited January 2007
    Wishing all you frozen friends some of our Aussie sunshine. :-)

    My little boy Jack is starting "big school" wednesday *sigh* but hopefully I will get the job in the school canteen and not be to far away. (I know I'm terrible)

    best wishes to all
    Nicole
  • Pegk
    Pegk Member Posts: 389
    edited January 2007
    I had a great day yesterday.
    I went to a party at Columbia Prebyterian Hospital to kick off the 2007 season of the Avon walk. After I finished the walk last October I wasn't ready to sign up again. I really wanted to put cancer behind me. (I keep coming here because I really care about all of you). So, of course, I see that more women are being diagnosed every day.
    I went to the party, and took a tour of a facility that funds from the Avon Foundation built. It provides mammograms and follow up treatment for women without health insurance.
    I signed up to do it again.

    Then yesterday evening I went to Felicia's birthday party. She's a bc.org member who lives near me. I posted a picture in the Moving Beyond Forum- "Put a Face to the Name".

    It's snowing here. I hope it doesn't make my commute too difficult tomorrow.

    Good luck, Jack, starting "big school"
  • Liezel
    Liezel Member Posts: 192
    edited January 2007
    Peg, wow, signing up again! Good Luck! We'll all be with you in spirit!

    Nicole, good luck with Jack starting "big school". Try not to cry, and I hope you do get th job in the canteen.

    Calico, hope your mom continues to handle the chemo so well. Susan, hope you do get to see your sister soon, and that you have your heat sorted out by now.

    The heat has lifted a bit here. Still very hot though. We are hoping for some rain today.

    Leanne, enjoy Egypt, and carefull what you eat and drink, like Lynne said. It can ruin your whole holiday!

    I am keeping well. Had a great weekend with the family. DH still on a high from his new job. I have figured out that my upset tummy is from the Herceptin, and also the fluid on my lungs. Now why did my onc not know that? I think I should refer her to bc.org!!!!

    Keep well all. Thinking of you often.


    I hope you girls are all keeping well
  • Calico
    Calico Member Posts: 1,108
    edited January 2007
    Lynell,
    I told my daughter that I will buy a motorhome and follow her wherever she goes lol
    I am glad she’s only 14 (almost 15) so she stays with us for a long time.

    Susan,
    That is so nice of you, should make your friend happy.

    Have you checked Frontier Airlines, they send you real good specials per e-mail. We might use them in summer to go to Wisconsin to visit my husbands parents.

    I still can’t eat crackers, hate the word and the sight of them lol ever since chemo….grrrrr
    You guys have foods that you don’t like anymore too, even after such a long time?

    Nicole,
    Thank you for the sunshine, I need it, I am tired of cold and snow.
    I was like you, started to volunteering in school so I am near , congratulations to Jack! He’s a “big” boy now.

    Go Peggy Go!!
    I know exactly what you mean, I said I won’t do the Komen walk this year because it makes me cry and rather donate money straight to them.
    But – in your case, you actually see the money at work. That is fantastic.
    And for putting cancer behind us – it is hard. I am thinking of buying ski boots…and then I am thinking, I don’t know if I am here next winter…and redecorating the kitchen counter….what for??? How much time do I have…
    Don’t get me wrong, I had only stage II but part of me feels like I am on the edge every day.
    I just made my PET appointment for 26 Feb and rescheduled my onc appt. so my dh can go with me, I am so afraid something could come up. I felt like throwing up before making the appointment. I am better but boy…it’s really bugging me.

    It’s basically live for two month, then fret for an entire month….and then back to the two months life…

    Liezel,
    Sent your onc to this site lol
    Have you tried something like grated ginger (tea) for your stomach?? Or are there meds like Nexium etc?

    Any bites on your house yet?

    Well,
    Our snow is almost gone, to make space for new snow, it looks like we get more this week…I just want summer, spring at least, plant flowers, sit on the patio and drink coffee, look at the humming birds…..but I don’t want to fast forward the time either…time is to precious

    I hope everyone has a great week.

    God Bless
  • txred9876
    txred9876 Member Posts: 392
    edited January 2007
    It looks like most of you are doing well and the last thing we want to think about is breast cancer....I just wish I was not in treatment anymore! I will be on herceptin (if my heart permits until mid nov oc this year.)

    I am so ready to be finished it is not even funny. I come here to see how all of you are doing. I wish there was another forum we could migrate to. I will look around and see what I can come up with. Maybe someone has a web page we could post to.

    I am actually gearing up for more showings to bring attention to Inflammatory BC. My daughter and I are going to be in a local Austin, tx calendar for 2008 to raise money for breast cancer. The shoot should happen in March/April. My daughter and I will also be looking to raise 6000 this fall in the Komen walk (double what we did this year between the two groups that walked in celebration of life.....)

    take care and everyone is never very far from my thoughts!
    Tina
  • susan_02143
    susan_02143 Member Posts: 7,209
    edited January 2007
    Tina,

    You are still in the fight..... and we are right here for you. Let's face it, you have a sneaky version of this disease. And, I for one, am thrilled that you are now getting decent care. Do you remember those horrid first months for you?

    We can stay right here... at least I can!

    Be well...

    *susan*
  • txred9876
    txred9876 Member Posts: 392
    edited February 2007
    Thank you susan...and all of my september sisters!
    It is amazing the difference in care that one gets when you have insurance! I have now had two herceptin infusions at the "private office" and it has been great. They get me in and out as quickly as they can and I only have to have minimal time off from work. Next treament...valentine's day so I can go home and sleep the night away! LOL

    not that I am advocating any political views...but we lost another very active lady here in Texas to IBC. Molly Ivins is all over the news but they are failing to express how devastating her disease really was. They are using the genenric "breast cancer" which all of you, after hearing my story, know it is a rough kind...

    On the exercise front I have been going almost daily for two weeks now and I have lost another 3 pounds (since last wed..thr 24th). Total I have now lost 23 pounds. I moved my work schedule to the 10-7 shift and that helps so I can go to walk before going into work. I never make it after work as I am way to worn out still.

    Anyway,
    just an update! and a bump to the first page!
    tina
  • Pegk
    Pegk Member Posts: 389
    edited February 2007
    Congratulations Tina! on your successful diet. I, too, love to walk.
    Let us know more about your calender shoot. It's a great incentive and I'm sure you'll look fabulous. (I'll order on, too!)

    I was so sorry to hear of the death of Molly Ivins. I've enjoyed reading her books and columns for years. I've always thought she spoke truth to power in a very entertaining and humorous way.
    I knew she had BC, but not IBC. I wish her celebrity would increase awareness of this insidious version of the disease.
    This is a column she wrote in Time magazine a couple of years ago after her inititial cancer tx. I'm sure we can all relate.
    [http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1101020218-201917,00.html]
  • txred9876
    txred9876 Member Posts: 392
    edited February 2007
    what a great artilce. I might just have to learn more about Molly as she sounds like such a great writer.

    Peg...maybe in a few years I will have to make the journey to NY and do the avon walk with ya! That will be my goal...for say 2010!
    Tina
  • Calico
    Calico Member Posts: 1,108
    edited February 2007
    Tina,
    I don't mind coming to this board even though it is very sad to read about our sisters that suffer so greatly with mets. At least I can offer prayers.
    It sure seems long to think of November for you.

    I agree, Molly sounded like a fine lady. I didn't know about her before.

    Not much new here, just snow again. Trying to have fun in the gym, ha! We might get some upper 40's or lower 50's next week, I want the snow to melt. But can't really complain, we do have beautiful blue skies here in CO even when it's cold. Maybe a vacation would be in order...lol

    My mom gets more tired, has her hair still and gets ready for next weeks chemo.
    My daughter started "forgetting" to turn in homework and it takes a toll on her great grades, I don't know what's going on....to much internet time I think (she's grounded til April surfin' the net). I don't know if I am being to harsh but we see if it helps.

    I hope you all have a great weekend, spring is around the corner....

    God Bless
  • sholroyd
    sholroyd Member Posts: 288
    edited February 2007
    Firstly in this post – a big virtual hug to Calico’s mum from me.

    Carpel Tunnel Maxine?? I am wondering about my left hand (not op arm) it is just so battered about from treatment and hurts to the extent that I have started rubbing ‘deep heat’ in and wearing a bit of a support – grhhhh. There is ‘nothing wrong’ with it as I have had x-ray and also had NED from bone scan last week (relieved). Like you I think I am suffering from the effects of Arimidex.

    Liezel I am ‘holding thumbs’ for you (this is a new saying on me) ;-). I am so relieved to hear your test results were OK.

    Tina I will think of you on Valentine’s day – I will also be having my Herceptin treatment. Would the calendar shoot be anything along the line of ‘Calendar Girls’ – what a great film. Hey maybe we could all meet up sometime in the future to do the Avon walk – I was intending to do something along these lines this year or next – umhhhhh.

    It was lovely to read your postings, especially hearing ‘Jack’ is starting school. My ‘Jack’ (grandson) had his 3rd birthday last Saturday.

    Update on me……Well this depression sure hit me big time – like Liezel I have noises in my head – maybe before BC I would have rode the difficult time going on at work – ‘restructuring’ etc etc etc. However I followed through my plans and had my last day in teaching yesterday. My students were very kind, lots of tears etc. It took me ages to clear all my stuff off my work desk (from 1999). I had lots of talks with personnel and I maintained had I received support on my return to work I would not have made the decision I did. I was asked to reconsider 3 times (they were pretty fair in the end) however felt for my own good I had to leave. To cut a long story short I was offered (and I have taken) a part-time job in Administration in another part of the college – start 19 February (wish me luck). I am not saying ‘never’ to teaching, just not for the time being. My Oncologist has referred me to a psychologist and I will give this a shot. I really feel now one door shuts and another opens – I have already been contacted now the word has got out so to speak – I must be careful not to take too much on though for a while.

    So in my 2 weeks ‘off’ I am jumping on a plane and visiting an old boss (and his wife) in France (Soumensac) on Saturday – can’t have too many days because of hospital appointments. My daughter is arranging a day at a Spa place and generally I am having ‘Sandra’ time.

    I didn’t post this here because I didn’t want to depress anyone but it seems it is all around us – my auntie died just before Christmas – she came to see me when I was diagnosed and said “see I am alright” – we were very alike, in more ways that one it seems. I found her funeral very, very difficult – just felt everyone was looking at me.

    You may also remember that I told you that my brother had had a nasty ‘mole’ removed – diagnosed same as what our mother passed away with. I have got to go and have one looked (possibly removed) on Wednesday.

    So ladies I hate to groan and moan – but I nearly went off my rocker (this is a saying round here) BUT I am addressing my problems and promise I will look forward in a positive way – IF you all agree to do the same.

    My thoughts to you all.

    Sandra from the UK
  • Calico
    Calico Member Posts: 1,108
    edited February 2007
    Sandra,
    thank you so much. I told my mom about you all and that you are thinking of her, she just "understood" the wide range of this board, where everybody is from and thought it is so awesome. She wants to thank you all.

    Sandra,
    glad your scan was NED!!!!! and
    it's great that you found a different job. Chance to be "quiet" if you want to, different in teaching where you have to be "chipper".
    Enjoy your trip to France, mymy haven't been there in centuries lol....and a spa day?...now I am envious!!

    I am very sorry about your aunt. Remember, we all have better treatment to begin with I think ..... or I hope at least, otherwise where is the hope, right??
    and sorry about your brother too, what is his treatment going to be?
    Get those suckers removed, it is not painful, had some taken care of too....small scars....I count on you that it is nothing.

    I had myself measured at Victoria's Secret today, I am definately a B on the rad side and a C on the other...I am very sad about it because I think my PS could have done better using "thinking skills"....Oh well....

    You guys have a great Sunday, do something fun!!!

    God Bless
  • linny
    linny Member Posts: 204
    edited February 2007
    I have not posted very much, I was away for a couple of weeks in New York, helping the kids. Isaac will have his cochlear implant surgery this coming Wednesday! He is one year old this weekend. On Wednesday, my daughter took him to the hospital for pre-op appointment. They had so much trouble getting a vein for bloodwork, that 3 people had to hold him down. He is such a sweet baby, I hope everything goes well.

    Peggy, happy birthday to your daughter - my youngest son turned 21 in October. Tina, congratulations on the weight loss, that is awesome. I have gained 25 pounds since last year and am very distressed about it. I do exercise, but not enough, and I wonder if being put into menopause is contributing (plus chocolate and cake!)

    When I was in New York I was lifting babies a lot (my daughter's twins are small, but my son's one year old is a big boy, he's quite heavy). Since I came home last Thursday, my affected arm is quite achy, not swollen, and it is making me a bit nervous.

    I am drawn to these boards so often because I feel it is only here that people understand what we have gone through. However, at the same time, it is so sad to read about how sick some of our sisters are - I don't know any way not to feel so upset, since the beginning of my experience I have called this my "new reality".

    Linda
  • sholroyd
    sholroyd Member Posts: 288
    edited February 2007
    Linda I just can’t believe the twins are almost 1 year old already - I will be thinking of Isaac and all of the family on Wednesday.

    Calico – thank you – I do appreciate our treatment is far advanced now. My auntie didn’t have chemotherapy or Herceptin when she was diagnosed which was some 12 years ago. As far as my brother goes, thankfully he questioned 3 Doctors who dismissed his mole as not suspicious – he has had 2 lots of surgery and there will no follow-up treatment, just regular check-ups.

    I have so much stuff to sort out – lots of teaching resources that I don’t want to dispose of because I am not saying ‘never’ and I may do the odd supply work here and there and I know I will regret throwing stuff away.

    Speak soon.

    Sandra from the UK
  • Pegk
    Pegk Member Posts: 389
    edited February 2007
    Sandra, I hope you have a lovely and relaxing vacation in France. Photos, please.
    Good luck with your new job. I hope your stress level goes down and you can start feeling better about everything. Happy birthday to Jack!

    ...and Linny, Happy birthday to the twins. I'll be thinking about Isaac this Wednesday. I hope he has a quick recovery from his surgery.
    Be careful of all that lifting, even babies.
    I think I mentioned a couple of weeks back that I overdid it at a class at my gym, my arm started to ache, and I started to worry about lymphedema. I have an appt. this week with a physiatrist (I'm not sure how to spell it, but he's a doctor that deals with physical therapy). Strangely enough, now it's my other arm that hurts and I think it might have something to do with the scar tissue where my port used to be. It's always something isn't it?

    Be well, everyone!
    Peggy
  • foxxf
    foxxf Member Posts: 171
    edited February 2007
    Sandra- congrats on the new part time job, I am sure in a few weeks you will be saying I can't believe I didn't do this years ago. Making the decision is the hardest part.

    Jack is enjoying big school and was very excited to catch the bus to school this morning so I am rattling around this big empty house by myself today. (looking at all the house work that needs to be done) Other than that doing well. Will have to make some more Drs appt soon as I haven't been back for a while.

    Peg, my port scar is the only one that gives me any trouble. Some times it is itchy some times it is just plain sore. I rub vit E cream on it when it is really bad.????

    Best wishes to all
    Nicole
  • txred9876
    txred9876 Member Posts: 392
    edited February 2007

    grrr...just lost a long post to posting hell!

  • txred9876
    txred9876 Member Posts: 392
    edited February 2007
    Linny,
    "I am drawn to these boards so often because I feel it is only here that people understand what we have gone through. However, at the same time, it is so sad to read about how sick some of our sisters are - I don't know any way not to feel so upset, since the beginning of my experience I have called this my "new reality".
    "

    I feel I live it everyday still....the only thing that keeps me sane is to keep busy! Maybe when I lose another 100lbs then I can do walkls all over the world with my "sisters".

    Peg,

    The calendar shoot is supposed to be a professional shoot and we are looking forward o it. They should be available in early sept/oct. I will keep everyone posted.

    Once this is all over and done with I would love to travel all over the world and meet our sisters.

    Everyone is in my thoughts and prayers. Have a wonderful day/week at work.

    love tina
  • tinkermax
    tinkermax Member Posts: 269
    edited February 2007
    Tina

    When you spend a long time on a post...you sometimes get a time-out.....which means you lose whatever you have typed. Try copying it first before you hit the send button, that way if it has timed-out, you will still have the post to copy in again.

    hugs
    Maxine

Categories