Starting chemo Sept 05

susan_02143 · March 2007

Hi All.

Been busy here with two major projects and one almost-major. Of course, all of them are the "most" important! Somedays I dream of putting all the clients into one room and letting them duke it out.

Lynny, could to hear about Isaac. I have wondered how he is doing learning to hear.

Liezel, how goes the house sale?

Calico, have I missed your test results? I have it in my head that you had some concerns.

Tina, surely you are counting down to the end by now?

That whole Cancer gift thing is a load of crap. I was doing just fine smelling flowers before cancer. :-)

Certainly didn't need all this to remember that life is valuable. Several close friends aren't doing as well as we are, and I finding that emotionally exhausting. I try to visit them regularly, make some food to replenish their fridge, and spend some time visiting. Only problem is that I am totally exhausted on visit days and don't get much work done.

Winter has roared in with a vengence. Cold cold cold.

I think of all of you daily, even though my posting history is getting sparser.

*susan*

marg1 · March 2007

Hi everybody, It's me Marg

I have not posted and recently started to read your posts again. I needed a cancer break. (is that bad?) I am so glad that all you gals are still posting and I eager beaver to jump back in.

Quick update -- Had my expanders out in Dec and Silicones in and they feel good. Some rippling but heck I am just glad I have more realistic mounds. Nipples in the summer or for xmas maybe

Had a MRI last month -- all clear.

Life is good for me right now, makes me nervous a little.

Nursing career back in full swing - back to the Director of nurses position (too much stress, Im trying hard to fight that) and my photography business growing.

Tina -- Still maintaining the 10!!!!!!!!! Yeah baby its going on. LOL

I will post later. Good to be back

Hey Peggy, my husband and I have 2 free tickets for flights with southwest airlines. Thinking of going to New York for 4 days to check it out. Im from TX and never been there any tips? I always think of you having coffee at some cool spot in New York looking fab and living life to its fullest.

Leanne -- so glad you are well, I think of you often too!!!!

I will post again soon -- Marg

txred9876 · March 2007

Susan, I will be on herceptin until at least November (kind of hard to count down as it seems so far away!).

I had chemo wednesday and didn't feel to bad but felt horrible yesterday so went home early. Thankfully I have a VERY understanding boss!

My husband is still pretty sick but I think finally starting to feel somewhat better. He was never a big man anyway and he has lost like 20-25 pounds. He is to start back on his Enbrel for his back in another week or so (after they make sure this illness is over since it lowers your immune system).

My dog Bo is not doing well either and the peanut butter did make him ill but it was not the only thing. They think he has Lymphoma. We should have the tests back in 7-10 days. Then we will have to make a decision as to what to do/not do. (spend/ not spend). Its rough...he never left my side when I was so sick....its like he knew I needed him and he needed me...

I am still walking but have not lost any this week as I think I have been doing some stress eating! I am sure with all the stress my pain must be an ulcer that is not getting cleared up with medication (I have had them before...and to the bleeding stage...not there yet and working on the referral to a gastro doc.) Things have GOT to get better from here!

you all are in my thoughts daily...

Tina

tinkermax · March 2007

Hi my Sept friends

Sorry I havent posted in a while.

I go in for my recon on 10th April, have surgery on 11th April, hopefully back home on 15th.

I saw my onc for my 3 month check up on Tuesday, man o man I wish I could see someone else.
He asked me how ive been and I told him how exhaused I feel on the Arimidex his answer was " I feel your chances of recurrence are practically nil, I suggest you dont take any hormone treatments at all".

I told him I couldn't believe he would say such a thing about hormone therapy, I was stage 2 grade 2 IDC with extensive high grade DCIS. Needless to say, I am continuing with Arimidex, the only side effects I have are exhaustion and carpal tunnel, I cant get an appointment with the orthopedic doc until 26th April. I will wait and see if my hands recover at all during the couple of weeks im off for surgery..hopefully they will, with me not working on a keyboard all day.

I had a really bad cough when I saw the onc, he listened to my chest and said I sounded weazy, so he has ordered a chest x-ray to check my chest is ok before surgery.
I asked him for some anti-biotics for my chest, but he said no...its probably viral. I left his office and phoned my GP and managed to get an appointment that day, The doc I saw listened to my chest, said it sounded like I had an infection, and gave me anti-biotics. They are working great, the cough has almost gone now.

I hope this note finds you all well.

hugs
Maxine

sholroyd · March 2007

In my thoughts Tina - big hug.

Hiya Marg - great to hear from you and great you are still maintaining your 10 ;-) Life sounds good for you - keep up the good work.

Hi Maxine - I had to have antibiotics for a cough/cold - cleared up now. I bet you are getting excited, if a little nervous about your forthcoming surgery?

I am OK - still tired though but less stress is meaning less (much less) sleeping tablets. 2 more rounds of Herceptin and Onc appointment on 10 April - nothing much else happening - very thankfully.

Sandra from the UK

txred9876 · March 2007

Thanks Sandra...I really need a hug today..

Its been a very stressful weekend and I blew up at EVERYONE! I just about had enough and its interesting..I am a very strong willed one...(not that anyone has noticed!) and very independent and when our loved ones see us NEEDING they do not know how to react.

I made an appointment for my husband and his tests finally came back as bacterial colitis (and I have several prescriptions to pick upon my way home).

Update on my dog...He is not going to make it much longer. The infection just caused his weakened immune system to show possible signs of lymphoma. We will know by the end of the week and then make out decisions accordingly. For now they gave him steroids and he is at least comfortable (has a healthy appetitie...I know why I hate steroids..LOL)

I am still having stomach troubles. They think it might be an ulcer that is not healing with medicine. I have an appointment on the 29th. With my little bit of stress....wonder how this could happen! LOL

Tina

Liezel · March 2007

Hang in there Tina! Thinking of you and your whole family...

Sandra, glad to hear stress is doing better!! We are on the same schedule for Herceptin. 2nd last Herceptin on Friday, last one on 06 April. Hoorah!!!

Looking for a nice potplant for my onc. She has also been through a rough year. Divorce with 2 small kids, and one of her patients, a friend of mine, fired her because she has got no bedside manner! I appreciate the fact that she is honest and straight with me though. If I have to fall apart in her office as well, I might just fall apart completely. She has kept me strong, which I really appreciated...

My parents are coming to visit this weekend. They are going through a rough patch in their marriage, which is a strain on everybody. I thought of organising lots of outings but my mother is so bitter at the moment, that she lashes out at my dad whenever she gets the chance. Don't want to make it more difficult for him by giving her the opportunity to do it publicly.

Leanne, hope things are going ok between you and Scott. DH and I going through a simmilar situation now - he is trying to drown his frustration with alcohol. Last friday I was convinced he was going to walk out on us. I just do not have the energy or Mojo at the moment to make it better. And he just can not understand.... And you can imagine how nice he is after a few toots.....

In really do hate my life post bc!!!! I want the old me back..... If I can just turn back the clock and undo whatever gave me this....

Let me go have a brownie. Chocolate always makes me feel better.

Liezel

txred9876 · March 2007

Thanks Liezel

More updates..the dog does have Lymphoma and its a matter of time before we have to put him down. I am ok with that knowing what it is and the Ggrave prognosis.

I am kid free....from last night unitl late sunday! I love mychild....but it is a much needed down time....

She got recruited to work with a friend of mine and make some $$$. She owns her own dog grooming business so pam will be washing the dogs...LOL She has LOTS of experience with that! This might turn into a couple day a week job this summer. Even at 14 she has been trying to work and make extra $$. Since she is homeschooled it is easy to make sure that continues.

Lizel,
I am so sorry to hear about your troubles. I sometimes wish to go back in time too...this disease is brutal! It changes everything and with them messing with out hormones its just a bad combo.

I am so greatful that I have my husband to ground me when I become unhooked! Neither of us ever drink so thank goodness that is not an issue.

As for the parents that is never easy either. My in-laws went thru a bitter divorce last year due to the father in laws affair. While we still have contact with both it is very strained at times because they still see each other occasionally. Now there are significant others on both sides that come into play.

wish you all the happiness with your visit@

Tina

sholroyd · March 2007

Goodness - big hug to you too Leizel, we don't need the extra stuff do we. Yeah I am on the way up, but still so dam tired - I wish I could have the old me back too. Leizel do you think our energy will return post-Herceptin?

Tina, at least your little dog won't suffer because you will make the right decision at the right time. You have so much on your plate at the moment Tina it is not surprising you blow from time to time.

Hugs to all.

Sandra from the UK

susan_02143 · March 2007

Hi all....

Liezel, this all sounds very difficult to me. You have all of my love as you go through what I hope is a temporary rough patch.

Tina, child-free is so lovely occassionally. Just can't turn off Mom-Mode. I am so sorry about your dog. I feel how much you love this animal, and saying good bye will a hard thing. Maybe knowing it is coming allows you some time to thank your friend for being there at your side when you needed him the most.

Sandra, I am not taking herceptin, and my energy levels can range from fairly good to terrible from day to day. I have been blaming the aromasin, but it might just be that I pay attention post-bc and take a nap!

Heard bad news about a friend. No one had told me since they didn't want me to worry. Stupid girl decided to stop all treatment after her surgery and she explored 'alternatives' exclusively. Very sad.

Heading to LA soon to help my sister with her next surgery. I will let you know when I have the dates.

Take care all....

*susan*

lynellb123 · March 2007

Hello Girls, Wishing everyone a Happy St. Patrick's Day. (a little early) Tomorrow is my oldest daughter's birthday-she turns 25...and she's stressed about that! Imagine being 25 again-(it might be fun.)

My issue with Lymphedema is under control. It turns out that it wasn't LE at all but something called Auxillary web syndrome. I'm seeing a PT for a weekly massage & it's wonderful. She is a specialist with BC patients & needless to say I look forward to my weekly massage. After three sessions I no longer have any pain in my arm & I feel able to move so much more.

I am feeling a little tired from school & looking forward to our Spring break. I miss my daughter (that moved to California) terribly. I keep checking out air fares but they seem to be going up each time I check. We will all be together in New Orleans for a wedding in May, but I don't know if I can wait that long to see her. We talk a lot but it's not the same as seeing her in person.

My mammo & echocardiogram came out well, I just wish I didn't have all this leftover "Stuff" from BC & treatment. The weight loss is an ongoing battle & I hope that when the weather gets nicer I'll start walking again. Today is a nasty. sleety icy day in NJ. It took me three hours to get home today, I crawled! I wish all of my sisters well, much love from your friend in New Jersey!

Pegk · March 2007

It's been a while since I've been here so it's taking me awhile to catch up. A snowy slushy St. Patrick's Day is a good opportunity.

Hi Lynell! Is it Danielle's birthday? Happy Birthday Danielle! Please give her my best wishes.
I am glad that you've gotten you issue with LE settled. I'm trying to avoid a problem and I find that many medical professionals know little and offer conflicting advice on how to deal with it.

Susan, so sad about your friend. My cousins wife e-mailed me from Florida about her friend who was planning on giving up chemo after a difficult time with 1 treatment. I told her to please, please talk to her medical team about trying different strategies for getting through it.
Your sister is lucky to have your support. I hope her surgey goes well.

Tina, I'm sorry to hear about your dog's illness. Pets offer so much in the way of unconditional love and companionship.
I can see that your daughter is a dog lover too. It's great that she can turn her affinity for animals to extra money.

Leizel, I'm sorry to hear of the difficult time that your family is going through. I would hope that your parents could put aside their differences for a weekend to enjoy a visit with you and their grandchildren.
Unfortunately alcohol never helps a bad situation. Chocolate on the other hand can do wonders. (In moderation, of course!)

Maxine, I hope you're feeling better. I'm surprised at your onc's opinion on hormone therapy. I'm sorry that Arimidex is making you feel so lousy. I have been taking it for over a year now and it hasn't been too bad. I found that taking extra Calcium and glucosamine and chondroiten has helped. (This is anecdotal, but this is a situation that consulting a Nutritionist or invesigating natural supplements might help). Or you could try switching drugs. Nicole is taking Femara, Susan is taking Aromasin, I believe.

Sandra, are you still doing meditation? Nutrition and light exercise (walk, walk, walk, especially outside, now that spring is coming) might help your fatigue.

Marg, Come to NY! I'd be happy to give you recommendations and things to do. I'd love to see you! Let me know your plans.

Linny, I hope Isaac is getting used to the new sounds he is hearing for the first time.
Wouldn't it be great if you were in NY the same weekend Marg was?
We could all get together. Lynell would come too, right?

Nicole, Did you get the job at the school? It's probably hectic and fun.

Okay, I made it to the top of the page. I hope you're all doing well.
Calico, Leanne, Aussiemum, Hopeful, anybody else who hasn't checked in in awhile, I'm thinking about you, too.

Love, Peggy

Pegk · March 2007

One more thing....
As you know I've signed up to do the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer again in October.
I don't know if I mentioned that I signed up to be a team leader. I have 1 teammate so far, a woman I met doing training walks last summer. If any of you know anybody in the NY area who might be interested in doing this let me know. They can join my team! It's a great experience!
I've made my own first donation in your honor. You can check out my Avon Homepage:
http://info.avonfoundation.org/site/TR?pg=personal&fr_id=1285&px=2468592

love,
Peggy

linny · March 2007

I am going to be in New York from April 24 to May 2 - does this work for anyone? I don't have a lot of free time when I am there, my daughter really needs the help, but perhaps one evening we could meet.

Isaac is having an interesting reaction to hearing - he is not very happy at all, I think it is going to take some time, he is having therapy 3 times a week, but often when the device is put on, he cries, he does not seem to like it.

I have been having a very bad time sleeping, I don't know why, and I really try to avoid the sleep meds on a regular basis, I am so afraid of becoming dependent.

Leizel, breast cancer puts a huge strain on us, and family problems don't go away, if anything they get worse, I hope things settle down for you soon.

Linda

Liezel · March 2007

Hi Everybody,

Hope you had a lovely weekend! Sorry about all the cold and snow in NY/NJ. We had a lovely warm weekend, but the evenings are getting a bit chilly! Winter is definitely coming. You all must be looking forward to summer...

The weekend was not too bad. I decided last week that I won't give my parents the chance to be nasty. I told both of them to basically stop their nonsense and get on with whatever they want! And to stop hurting each other and us in the process. Seems to have worked. My mother was in a bad mood yesterday, but I guess one can understand that. It was my sister's 38th b/day, but she was murdered 9 years ago. I had a good cry about her on Friday, then increased my happy pills to 20mg in anticipation of the weekend. Seems to have worked.

Things with DH getting better. I try to keep him busy, so that he does not have the time to drink. It seems to be working.

Had my 2nd last Herceptin on Friday. This time it really made me very tired. Only 1 to go!! Will have it a bit earlier, since I am supposed to have it on the 6th which is Easter. Can't wait to get this over with! Port still working ok.

Linda, thinking of you and your family, specially little Isaac. How about sharing a pic of him with us? Hope the sleeping also sorts itself out. I also hate taking sleep meds.

Lynne, glad to hear it was not LE. Enjoy your massages!!

I am trying to stay away from the chocolate! Missed gym today, but will definitely make up for it tomorrow.

Keep well everybody!!

Liezel

txred9876 · March 2007

Well the deed is done....Bo is in a better place and not suffering anymore. It sure was quiet when trying to go to sleep without him snoring on the floor in my room. (I know he was just a dog...but a great companion...especially when I was so ill during chemo).

I have not been walking as much as I should have wiht all my stress the last 10 days or so but when I weighed myself at the gym I have now lost a total of 30 pounds! I need to get in better shape to be able to go walk the Avon walk with Peg in 09!
Spring is in the air...its almost time to plant my bathtub full of tomoatos again!
take care and thinking of all of you,
Tina

Calico · March 2007

Tina,
I am so sorry about your dog...they are like people...so darn hard...

God Bless

foxxf · March 2007

Tina, hugs on the passing of your beloved dog..I cried for days when my dog died.

Good news here - I GOT THE JOB!!!! I am very pleased....Being the Canteen manager in my childrens school is great. only working school hours and not school holidays. I start at the begining of term 2 (about 3-4 weeks) It will also mean an improvement in finances for our family.

hope ever one is doing well

Nicole

linny · March 2007

Liezel, I am in the dark ages - I have no clue how to post pictures, I have tried a few times, no luck. My married children are coming from New York for the Passover holiday, I am very excited to see them. I miss my grandchildren like crazy, they are the one thing that always makes me happy and cheerful.

Linda

sholroyd · March 2007

Linda - I am with you with the grandchildren - my 2 grandsons treated me no differently to when I had no hair to when I did - they love me for what I am (a silly nanny).

Tina - more hugs, I will have to make the same decision in the near future I fear. Congratulations on the fabulous weight loss - I am seem to be gaining a little with this new sit-down job. My old job has asked me to invigilate an exam for a couple of hours - it will be no stress and extra money so I have said I will.

Nicole - great news on the job front - how do the kids feel about mum being in 'their' school?

Liezel - you seem to be the strong one sorting the not so so strong out - but don't stretch yourself too much - think of Liezel too.

Thoughts to you all - Week Sunday I am off to Morocco - can't wait.

Sandra from the UK

tinkermax · March 2007

Linny

If you want me to post some pics here for you, just email them to me, and I will post them.

Hugs
Maxine

lynellb123 · March 2007

Tina I was so sad to read about your beloved Bo. Our fur babies mean so much to us it's understandable that you agonized over your decision. I just wanted to offer my heartfelt sympathies to you.

Peg, I'm thinking of joining your team, but I am a tremendous wimp...I don't know if I've got it in me to do the training...My gym membership is about a year old already & I can count on one hand the number of times I got there. I'll speak to you soon.

Sandra Bon Voyage...be sure to rock the Casbah! Nicole congrats on the job but be careful of those little germy ones...hand sanitizer is a must!

lynellb123 · March 2007

Sorry I forgot to add Linda, I would love to meet up with you when you visit NY. Peg is the best hostess ever! Maybe we could all go for a walk together in Central Park! Hope to be able to meet you & any other September sisters...You have all been my rock!

Calico · March 2007

Hi Ladies,
Peg, you go girl!!! That is a lot of miles.

I'd love to go but am so afraid of flying....we are planing a vacation and it's like "how many hours do we fly to get there "...my preference would be Mexico, it's non-stop possible or Dominican Republic but that's two stops and long long grrrr...maybe Maui...but that is like...OMG over the ocean forever...I think I need pills.

Have not been sleeping well, to much going on.
I am with you all the time even if I don't write. I could just bawl my eyes out lately.
I have an appointment with a therapist on Monday. We'll see how that goes...never been to one...

God Bless

Pegk · March 2007

to those of you north of the equator. It's finally getting seasonal here in the Northeast, warm enough to melt the dingy piles of snow.
Happy Autumn to those of you south of the Equator!

My condolances, Tina, on the loss of your beloved pet.

Calico, it's understandible that you would be feeling stressed with everything that's been going on in your life, with your own treatments, your daughter's surgery, and your mother's treatment so far away. I hope you can plan a wonderful relaxing vacation, and not worry about flying too much. A therapist can probably help with that. Good luck.

Lynell, the walking is a challenge that can be met along with the fundraising. They seem to work together. After being through it myself, I can tell you, they make it very difficult to fail. During the weekend, there are rest stops every 2 miles, where they dispense water, Gatorade and all sorts of fruit and snacks. There are medical personel to treat all kinds of problems, from blisters to more serious issues. "Sweep vans" follow the route picking people up who might be having a problem. Luckily I didn't need any help except sunblock, but I felt confident that I wouldn't be stranded.
So... if you want to meet for a walk or two while you make up your mind, I would be happy to. You could also join my team as CREW, which your commitment would be do 1 day of training and then help man the aforementioned rest stops during the weekend. Fundraising is not mandatory, but appreciated.
Any of you who have Avon walks or Komen walks in your areas might consider that option.

By the way, those of you whose e-mail addresses I have will be getting my fundraising announcements. This is because I think you'll be interested in my progress. I've already made a donation on your behalf (but, of course, if you want to forward it on to anybody who might want to support the cause, feel free)

Sad news about Elizabeth Edwards. She's a strong woman and will get the best treatment possible. I think she'd be a great First Lady.

I'm having a musical weekend. I saw Mary Chapin Carpenter in concert last night. She's got a new CD out-very good.
Tonight I'll be seeing Pete Seeger, Richie Havens and others in a benefit concert for Clearwater, an organization for Hudson River conservation.
I hope you're all having a good weekend.
Peggy

sholroyd · March 2007

Hey Peg - you are so full of life and busy (great), yet still pop in to chivvy us all along (thank you). In answer to your earlier question - meditation seems to have taken a back seat of late and I hear what you say about walking now the spring is here - when I get back from Morocco I am going to seriously look at my eating pattern again and sort out an exercise regime as I am putting on some pounds again.

Calico - hugs to you - I am now coming out of that depression that hit me big time thankfully; don't be hard on yourself you have and have had so much to contend with; start looking at what you can change to make your life better and more enjoyable.

Linny, shall look forward to seeing piccies with the help of Maxine ;-)

Speak soon.

Sandra from the UK

txred9876 · March 2007

Thanks everyone for the condolenses....It may sound strange but I think I have cried more of Bo then I did over my own diagnosis! I am doing much better this week though...

Herceptin again this week (on wed....)will it ever end! I have been pretty busy around the house again. Finally...after a year...we got the rest of the kitchen cabinets put in over the weekend. We also did a better front door (the other one was not sealed to well). I had to come back to work to rest! I plan on painting the living room one night after work and then we are putting in the new carpet this coming weekend. We live in an old house without central ac (in tx omg what were we thinking..LOL). We are going to move the big AC unit from the kitchen to the living room so we don't have to cool so much area this summer. Trying to lower the elecric bills....

I am also finally seeing a gasro specialist for all my stomach troubles....hopefully nothing!

thoughts and prayers are with you all....To those of you having issues with the alcohol in the family...not sure if it is available or not...but Al-Anon is great for those of us that have to watch it...it gives you coping skills ( my dad...althought I love and support him...has a horrible drinking problem).

Tina

foxxf · March 2007

Sandra, so glad the depression fog is starting to clear it can be all envoleping sometimes. great to see the light at the end of the tunnel though.

Peg, you are an inspiration to us all. I so need to get moving.

With the new job I am researching Healthy meal options for the kids but I think I may need to start leading by example. Healther food and exercise top of the list.

Tina, my dad was also a drinker and I found Al-Anon great. My dad gave up drinking and has been a mentor with AA for over 25 yrs now.

best wishes to all
Nicole

leannem · March 2007

Hi all

Just a really quick on to pop in and say hi to my lovely sept sisters!!

Very busy as usual. Scott has now been away 5 months so the weekly count down has begun! the kids are still really struggling without him around so are really looking forward to his return.

I now have Toben (4) in seeing a child psychologist who thinks he is experiencing some post traumatic stress, has a severe anxiety disorder as well as severe oppositional defiance disorder. Cancer- the gift that keeps on giving! things have been unbearably tough so I am desperately hoping this helps. I have a lot of resistance from his fathers parents which is making it even harder. Ugh.

I am off to New Zealand on Monday for 7 days so will be offline til I get back. Looking forward to the get away though with 2 kids I am not too sure how relaxing it will be!

love to you all and sorry this couldn't be more personalised

xoxoxoox

linny · March 2007

Hi everyone, things are fine here, I am very busy getting ready for the Passover holiday, and enjoying nice weather, although next week it is supposed to be wintry again!

It will take several months to notice a difference with Isaac my daughter was told. He has to learn to distinguish sounds - right now everything is noise. He has therapy three times a week, but since he is little, its not always possible for him to pay attention for an hour, sometimes he just tunes out. The therapist said it could take up to 6 months before he starts to turn to the calling of his name, but everyone is very optimistic.

I have been doing well, but feeling quite obsessed with BC these days. A friend has had a serious recurrence after 8 years, her pathology report was bad - many pos. nodes and she is having a CAT scan today. I cooked a couple of things for her for the holiday. The news about Elizabeth Edwards, and the reaction to it on these discussion boards, was very intense. Of course she has a right to do whatever she wants with her life, and she is extremely brave and courageous to be so public about her condition.

I have been trying to walk on a more regular basis to help with the extra weight I have gained, especially around the middle. When I read articles about diet and BC it makes me feel frustrated - chemo, tamoxifen, menopause, etc all contribute to weight gain, and then I get to feel guilty on top of it!

Have a great weekend,
Linda

Starting chemo Sept 05

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