Starting chemo Sept 05

Thank you Sandra.
My mom had her last chemo today yayyyy...she is happy, the Taxol was hard, typical hand foot syndrome, upset stomach etc.
They said it takes at least 4-6 weeks to shedule the mastectomy...why??? ....beats me...that's Germany for you.
I hope I find out more soon.

Liezel,
any news yet on pathology??? Wishing the best!!! for your mom.

Getting excited about our trip to Mexico....flying..yikes...all inclusive and weight gain....yikes.....beach and sun..yeah!!!....can't wait!!

God Bless

Liezel, so sorry about your mother's diagnosis, hope surgery and treatment go well. How old is she?

My older sister (60) had a massive stroke one month ago and has been in hospital since. She is divorced and lives alone. She had high blood pressure for years, which she did not treat (I did not know this until the stroke) and now she is in a very bad way - cannot speak. She is very distressed and upset, since I am pretty certain she knows what is going on. She may be moved to a rehab facility this week, but the prognosis for recovery is very guarded - doctors have said she may or may not get back some function. It is terrible to see her like this, and I've been upset about it.

I am going for my second post cancer mammo in June, I have not been for a follow up in 6 months, even though I was originally told I would be seen every 3 months the first two years. However, I feel okay and I don't miss going, since I find the hospital so traumatic after b.c.

Isaac is doing very well, he hears, and responds to sound, turning his head when he hears something. Prior to the implant, he was very different, he did not look around at people, and did not make any sounds. Now he makes sounds and responds to what is going on.

I am still travelling to New York often - I was just there for a week, and will go again the end of May.

I read the following in an article by a cancer survivor, I liked it a lot:

"I am doing my best these days to stick to the script in which the cancer patient "bounces back" after treatment - not only bounces back but is returned to her family and friends in an improved version, a person flooded with gratitude and a refreshed love for like - but I am not doing so with much conviction. I have learned that just as you are beginning to realize you have had this dreadful disease, everyone else is starting to forget it"

Have a good day,
Linda

We always have to look for that sparkle in amongs the bad news - we have it in Isaac, I just love to close my eyes and imagine the gurgles and recognition when he turns his head.

Leizel - we are here for your mum too (and you of course)and Calico for you mum whilst she goes through her op, glad she has completed one part of the journey now. Linda, it is tough seeing your sister as she is now, my best wishes are going her way.

Tina - this is what I like to hear best NED, best wishes for solving what the problem is Tina.

Speak soon.

Sandra from the UK

Hi all,

All is well here, been very busy with the new job. We have around 500 kids at our school and we can't get one Mum / helper per day to come an assist in the Canteen. Some days I have been there by myself making 60 lunches. We get some of the older kids to serve during the breaks but I am just constantly busy. I am enjoying it though..

By the way my birthday was 3rd May, I'll check my profile and edit the date. I just turned 35 another birthday I am lucky to have. It's Mother's day here on Sunday to best wishes to all the Mum's. Especially Liezel and Calico's Mum ((hugs))

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO PEG AND LEIZEL!!!

Love to all
Nicole

My dear Sisters,

I had to take a break since other emotional pieces of my life have demanded my attention. The last two months have been all about my sister, who at the age of 45, is making some major life changes. First she had surgeries, so I flew to LA to be with her, then she visited here to interview for a new job. Then back to LA for me, for the second surgery.... and once she got the job, helping her strategize her condo sale. _phew_

Several friends with BC have lost their battles, and I am taking it hard. As I read about our mothers being diagnosed, I can only imagine how much you are wishing that these loved women didn't have to do what we did. Calico and Leizel, my best thoughts head in your direction. I don't care how strong we are, watching the people we love most have to take on this battle is just plain ROTTEN!

The joy of my life continues to be the Kid. She turned 21!!!!! How did she celebrate? She took her friends to an Italian Restaurant and ordered a glass of wine. She has been awarded a scholarship to underwrite her summer, so she will get an apartment this summer. And in the fall, she is headed to London for a year of study at the university College of London. She lands home on Sunday, heads to Austin and then moves into her new digs.

My relationship with breast cancer is getting complicated. I promise to write more about this in my next posting. I haven't figured this out, so I can't write about it yet. But, today I hate my short hair. I hate my 1/3 breast. And I hate that I feel so damn old. Maybe I just feel grumpy due to a humidity wave here in the Northeast.

In any event, I am glad to have 'caught up' and find great joy in Isaac's progress......

Take care my friends....

*susan*

Hi everyone

Sorry I haven't been around much, like a few of us here, I have been taking some time trying to adjust to my new normal and finding my place in the world again. The quote that linda posted is particularly relevent I think- especially the last part about realising what we have been though just as others are forgetting.

I am going in for yet another boob op tomorrow which I am nervous about for some reason. I have been having problems with one of the implants and honestly feel the size is way too big so am having them changed. It never seems to end. Something that was meant to help me feel good again has just turned into a drama and I am not looking forward to being operated on again and the after pain.

Leizel I am so sorry to hear about your mum but it sounds as though she has a good spirit and a favourable path (if there is such a thing!). Great news about the sale of the house. I am sure that is a load off your mind. If you don't mind me asking how have things been with dh? I remember you saying there were some issues there and some that involved alcohol? I can definately relate though I will post more another time.

Scott is now back from egypt though he is off again for a month in June. It is within australia at least but I think the kids will take this separation particularly hard as they just adore having him home.

I have been doing alot of scrapbooking these past few months which I am really enjoying. I am the kind of person who has NEVER been good at anything creative though really like doing this. When I was sick I wanted to do something like this but I couldn't handle the thought of it being a memorial of myself if that makes sense? So anyway I have just started and have nearly finished my first album. Does anyone else scrapbook?

I am still having herceptin I am coming up to 18 months now. We are waiting for the lastest study results to be released in June and deciding whether to continue or not from there. My onc will be in the states for the release of this info so I am hoping he comes back well informed and with a good plan for me. I am in 2 minds (as usual) about continuing. Part of me feels a bit reliant on it as though it is the only thing protecting me from 'it' coming back again though the other part of me is scared that continued use will result in me becoming herceptin resistant which will make it ineffective in the future obviously. Decisions decisions.

Please know that while I don't often post to everyone idividually or post often I DO think of you all alot and you all mean so much to me.

love
leanne
xoxoxoox

Leanne- good to hear from you and glad to see you are doing o.k. best wishes for the surgery((hugs))

Sandra - thanks for the email card glad you were not hurt in the bump.

Susan - Your daughter sounds wonderful, hope your battles are not getting you down but if they are then please know we are always here to listen....or mention them to your Dr. I know it is something that I think of more than once every day.

Leizel- good news about your mum, catching it early really is the for the best outcome. Stick it to her Dr and ask as many Questions as you want. sometimes I think they forget who is paying the bills.

Starting to get cold here at night so I hope you are enjoying our sunshine! we send it to you with love.

I went to a relay for life last weekend and lit a candle for the support and strength of my September Sisters.
May it's light shine in your dark places and it's heat warm your soul.

Thinking of you all
Nicole

"May it's light shine in your dark places and it's heat warm your soul."

Love it - thank you Nicole.

Sandra from the UK

I don't know how you do it Tina but my hugs and best thoughts are sent to you and lots of xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sandra from the UK

Hi ladies

sorry I have been absent for so long.
I am currently getting fills after recon, and I must say my "new girlies" are looking great!

I am around about the size i want to be, but will get over-expanded then have a little removed, so I get a bit of natural droop.

My 2 year anniversary will be on June 10th, and I am going to celebrate this year!!

hope you are all well

maxine

Greetings everyone. It has been a long time since I last posted, but I've tried to catch up on postings every now and then. Life is keeping me very busy, which is a good thing. I don't want to think about my cancer...I don't want to think about it recurring any where...but like everyone else, I do worry. This past winter, I caught the flu (first time I had been sick since chemo ended Dec 2005--I figured the chemo was killing all the bad germs!). But it developed into bronchitis and wouldn't you know, I broke two ribs by coughing. This scared the heck out of me, so I asked my onc for a bone scan. He said he couldn't order it as I didn't see him for the broken ribs. So my gen practitioner had to order it, and fortunately, it showed nothing except for the two broken ribs! Had my mammo on my remaining breast and NED, although it mentioned my having fibrous breasts. I go in for my three month checkup on Wednesday...with all this going on, how can we ever try to put this behind us.

My farm is going well...A LOT OF WORK!!! Today the remains of Tropical Storm Barry went through and we finally had measurable rain. The temps by the end of the week will be in the mid 90's. Too hot for me to work outside! It's going to take a while before I can open up my 'Second Chance Therapeutic Center' for cancer patients to come out and enjoy the countryside and the horses. But it will happen eventually.

My work is going better...I actually think my brain works now. It seems that there are a lot of things I really don't remember during and after my chemo treatments. But one thing I do remember...I'll have been separated for a year in two weeks, which means I can actually file for the divorce. BUT FIRST, I want my settlement!!!

I think of all of you often. We truly are fighters! My thoughts go to all of you and your families...I will try to stay in touch more frequently. Janet

Well Hello To my favorite September Sisters. I recently spent the last week in the hopital due to a ruptured appendix. It's weird that stomach pain didn't bring me in to the hospital, but a 105 degree fever did. Talk about delerious. The surgury went well & I'm at home recouperating. I'm trying to decide if I want to get back to school to close out the year, but the phone calls I'm getting from co-workers (jealous that I'm home from surgery) really make me wonder.
I did make it to my nephew's wedding in New Orleans & am so thankful that this emergency didn't happen when there. The wedding was one of the most beautiful and I'll try to post some pictures here.
As I filled out all the hospital paperwork, I was also reminded that my 2 year diagnosis anniversary is coming up. I like to think I'm a survivor, but with every test & picture taken, I secretly stressed that "something" would be found. Does it ever get normal or is this the new normal?

Hi Everybody -- Took me awhile to get caught up on everyones posts and even longer to remember my login password. Thats how you know you you've waited way to long between posts. Loving life here in South TX. Just got back from 5 great days in NY. Robert and I had never been and I had frequent flyer miles so we ended up in NY. I LOVED IT. Peggy I'm soooo jealous. I wanted to a purchase a really nice cardboard box and live in Central Park. Check out my website and click on Links/My Blog to see some of our pictures. Then click on My Blog www.margaretperezphotography.com We rode the subway from Times Square to Coney Island -- I was freaking out a little but I managed- that place is crazy. We had such a great time, took in some broadway shows (The Color Purple and Spamalot) both were great. I literally was the fattest woman in NY -- Doesn't anybody eat over there? My feet are still killing me from all the walking. Anyway did all the tourist stuff from purchasing a purse in Chinatown in the back rooms to window shopping on 5th ave etc... What a great time. As for my health, I had a bone scan last month and it showed "significant decrease in bone loss" in my left hip -- so now I have to meet with an endocrinologist to get blood work done. I already take fosamax35mg q week and I must admit I was somewhat non compliant with the Calcium. I take it now three times a day, I guess I thought the fosamax was enough and a mutlivitamin every day. So take your calcuim ladies! (I had my ovaries removed last year so that adds to my bone loss) I am 40 going on 60. Like Leamen says -- Cancer the gift that keeps on giving. Hope all is well with all of you. Marg

Happy Belated Bday Sandra

Peggy -- you look fab in your pic and what a beautiful daughter. I pray I get to see my girls go to prom. Now see why would I say that? Do any of you think that way sometimes? Sometimes I think that I am not "positive enough" or at least that is what people tell me. Of course they have never had ca so what do they know right.
Gosh I better get to bed. I am sounding a little crazy.

God Bless -- Marg