Starting Chemo in JAN 2007

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  • viddie
    viddie Member Posts: 547
    edited May 2007
    Joni,
    I am so sorry to hear this. This is unfair.
    The cancer did shrink- that is very good news. There is so much better treatment today- and everyday they seem to advance with new information. Taking a breather can get your body stronger for the next set of treatments. Even though chemo sucks, it works. It already shrank your tumor from 1.5 cm to 3 mm. That is quite a bit. Your life is not over at all. You just have to get over a few more bumps- harder bumps but you CAN do it. We are all here for you- always. I am sending you hugs and positive vibes. My prayers will be with you. Please keep us posted and please keep posting. I wish we could all jump out of this post and give you a big communal hug.
    Love,
    Viddie
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  • TPPJ
    TPPJ Member Posts: 1,017
    edited May 2007
    Joni,

    I'm so sorry you're going through this. I can only imagine your fear. I'm sure it's going to take some time to digest... but I think you're going to get your resolve to fight back...not that it ever left. Like Mel said, time to treat it like chronic disease. That's what my oncologist says. And like Skye, I think said, you've done it before (tx) and you can do it again. You will do whatever it takes...and we'll be here to help! XOXO!!!
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  • TPPJ
    TPPJ Member Posts: 1,017
    edited May 2007
    QUOTE: the liver met was 1.5 cm, but the FEC shrunk it to about 3 mm.

    JONI, THAT CHEMO MORE THAN SHRANK THAT TUMOR...IT ALL BUT ANNIHALATED IT. I THINK THIS PROVES IT'S A MANAGEABLE CONDITION... THOSE ARE AMAZING RESULTS.
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  • NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING
    NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING Member Posts: 778
    edited May 2007
    Joni,

    I was thinking about you all night, and I couldn't help thinking that even though this is IV you are in very good shape. The tumor is so small, and responded so well to chemo. Also, you are unusual in that your ER response was 100%...which means the anti-hormonal therapy might work even better than chemo. You know, the more estrogen positive you are the better the prognosis at any stage.

    Maybe you would even want to consider an oophectomy so you could take an AI like Femara, because the AIs are even more effective than tamoxifen.

    Your life certainly isn't over. This is shocking news, but women who reach stage four (especially such a *small* stage IV) go for years and years and some recover, and there is no sudden change in your condition. Don't dwell on things; be positive, therapies take months to work and worrying won't help them.

    I'm sure you'll feel back to normal very soon, being the upbeat, active lady that you are. Let's focus on some fun things, like that photo album you were going to start!!!! I'd be happy to help. Did you get the photo album I sent you?

    BTW, I got the cat painting photos this AM; your email had been missorted into the Junk file by my mail handler. Those poor cats!!! Cats are so perfect and beautiful just the way they are I hate to thinking of people painting their cats!!!!

    image

    xxxooo Mizsissy
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  • Rebecca
    Rebecca Member Posts: 971
    edited May 2007
    Happy Mother's day to all my BC sisters!

    I hope everyone has a wonderful day!
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  • NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING
    NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING Member Posts: 778
    edited May 2007
    I am not a mother (except to my kitties), so this is just a normal day for me, but I have some radiation symptoms that I would like to "report" being the first one here to undergo treatment.

    I just finished five (5)--count 'em!!--wheeks of therapy and I am beginning to get sunburnt. I have large nipples and last night in the shower the radiation side nipple began to feel quite sensitive..so sensitive it hurt even to put cream on. Didn't sleep well, apart from thinking about Joni, I think it was because I went running last night after a two week hiatus.

    My energy *was* back and I could bike 7 miles with no problem, so why not run 3/4s of a mile?!!! No way Jose...my legs feel like stretched out rubber bands this AM and I feel soooo tired...

    Two more weeks and I'll be done though!!!

    Mizsissy
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  • Caya
    Caya Member Posts: 971
    edited May 2007
    Happy Mother's Day to all the Jan. 2007 Chemo Sisters - have a great day everyone, try to relax and enjoy the lovely Spring day with your families...
    hugs to all
    caya
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  • Lynn12
    Lynn12 Member Posts: 1,008
    edited May 2007
    Happy Mother's Day to all my wonderful sisters! It's a beautiful spring day in New England! Sun is shining!

    love and hugs,
    Lynn
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  • viddie
    viddie Member Posts: 547
    edited May 2007
    Happy Mother's Day!
    It is indeed a beautiful sunny day in New England!!!
    Have a great day,
    Love,
    Viddie
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  • skyedivine
    skyedivine Member Posts: 839
    edited May 2007

    Happy Mothers Day to all those who are moms and/or have moms. My mother is becoming a great-grandmother for the 4th time today as my niece Emily is in final stages of labor with her first child, a daughter, as I write. This niece's older sister, Amy, who I'm close to, is also hospitalized since last night on intravenous antibiotics for a resistant strain of bacteria that gave her cellulitis on her face, they are afraid it is spreading to her neck and brain. She is only 30, she's a 911 operator and the mother of three girls, and has diabetes which gives extra risk. I saw her last night and she has swelling on her cheek...the whole thing started with what looked like a small pimple. So we have worry and joy together on this Mother's Day. But my boys will both be here later and we are grilling ...what else, in Wisconsin?....bratwurst, as we await news on both nieces. - Skye

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  • Nancyab
    Nancyab Member Posts: 276
    edited May 2007

    Lost my post, but just wanted to say Happy Mother's Day. with lot's of sweetness upon you today.

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  • meliaanne
    meliaanne Member Posts: 682
    edited May 2007
    I would like to add my best Mother's Day wishes to all, esp Joni. Joni, I hope you are feeling better emotionally. We are all with you in spirit.

    Skye, I hope both your nieces have good news today.

    My kids are all coming Memorial Day weekend so that we have more time together. I am sure they will call today. I already opened their gifts, naturally, couldn't wait. My husband is going to plant rose bushes for me today; he is very much past the time that he enjoys yard work, but will do whatever I want today. So I am off to the nursery, and then we will work in the yard for a while. It's lovely here today.

    Best to all,
    Melia
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  • luckymel
    luckymel Member Posts: 643
    edited May 2007
    Happy Mother's Day, my sisters. I hope you are all happy and pampered today, and surrounded by loved ones. Skye, hoping for good news from both your nieces.

    Having a quiet day in today - DH is working in the yard although thunderstorms are likely to bring him in soon. Talked to MIL already and will call my own mom soon - very thankful to have them both. Also heard from younger stepston and his wife - also very proud and lucky to have them. So I guess I'm looking at the good side of things today. Enough contemplating, though - must go buy groceries - my exercise for the day.

    Mel
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  • mer1957
    mer1957 Member Posts: 534
    edited May 2007
    Joy and sorrow today- My DH got a call this am that his brother might only last an hour so he and his sister rushed over to the hospice to be with him and his family. They were able to stablize him. I spent the day with my sons and my son's girlfriends family at a wonderful brunch at the Detroit Yacht Club but I was missing my DH so the family did not seem complete. Thinking of you BC sisters and esp. Joni. Love to you all.

    P.S. I go back to work tomorrow, drain and all...
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  • IowaCindy
    IowaCindy Member Posts: 341
    edited May 2007
    Because we all nurture, we all encourage, we teach, we love....

    It's been a lovely, warm day in Iowa. I managed to ride my bike for one mile before the lungs started to tighten up again. I think I'll have to call the MD and have a talk about that. The winter of 2005-2006 I had a terrible time with bronchitis and I'm wondering if there hasn't been some damage.

    I'm going to take a walk around the neighborhood soon. A slow leisurely stroll to try to establish a higher level of activity. Leisurely doesn't sound like much but I don't want my lungs to seize up on me.

    I know that I don't just sit all day long. I'm up moving and walking a flight of stairs at work 3-4 times a day, I'm out in the yard with the dogs playing rowdy games of fetch. I'm up and down the stairs at home probably 20 times a day. But I know I need to start doing more.

    What I really want to do is mow my yard. My brother took my mower to give it a spring tune-up and hasn't brought it back. He's mowed for me but it's a hot sweaty chore that I usually enjoy. It's that satisfaction of seeing the instant result, a tidy lawn. Plus my neighbors aren't nearly as tidy about their lawns and it makes me nuts!!

    Well, that's enough of my Sunday evening ramblings.

    Hope this week is kind to us all.

    Cindy
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  • IowaCindy
    IowaCindy Member Posts: 341
    edited May 2007
    Oh Mary, thinking of your DH and the family as they face this.

    Hugs from Iowa.

    Cindy
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  • Caya
    Caya Member Posts: 971
    edited May 2007
    Mary - Wishing all the best to you, the DH and the family at this trying time.
    Skye, hoping for good news from your nieces.
    Had a barb-q dinner for mother's day at my brother's house - in a bloody chemo fog tonight - slept about 2 hours this afternoon, DD woke me up at about 5:15 to get ready for dinner - it was an effort.
    good night all
    caya
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  • TPPJ
    TPPJ Member Posts: 1,017
    edited May 2007
    Hi All

    Good Mothers Day here. Woke up early, 5 am...read the entire Sunday paper. Took my 10 year old son w/me for a walk around the entire neighborhood at 8...got home at 9. Later, I met w/a landscaper who gave me a ridiculous price for a spring cleanup. Sayonara to him. My kids had a blast w/their neighborhood friends. I ended up in an impromptu get together w/my neighbors on their deck...felt like we were in a treehouse. Her husband made us a delicious frozen Mojito...blew my carb allowance for the week w/that. Was good though. Came home and cooked up some frozen Kahiki Beef and Broccoli from Costco...it's even organic...very good. Cooked that all up w/some brown rice and my daughter comes home w/3 girlfriends she's invited for dinner. There was only enough to feed them so my husband and I had cereal. Oh well.... they had fun. My son went fishing w/a neighbor and his dad....just at a pond in our development. He has only fished like twice ever, so that was a big thrill. A good day.

    Joni, more hugs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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  • Robbin65
    Robbin65 Member Posts: 251
    edited May 2007
    image
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  • skyedivine
    skyedivine Member Posts: 839
    edited May 2007
    Hi Ladies,
    It's a gorgeous morning here, supposed to hit 90 degrees or more, very unusual for May in Wisconsin. Guess I have to dig out some shorts and show those chemo thighs.

    Robbinjaye, thanks for the beautiful photo and message.
    Tina, I hear you on contractors charging arms and legs, our roofing estimates are enough to make a person weep. But the alternative is leaks.
    Mary, hope things went as well as could be expected for your BIL and he hasn't been in any pain.
    Joni, still praying for you.
    Mizsissy I agree that cats should not be painted. Especially on their rear ends.

    As for my nieces, Emily gave birth to a darling little girl, Ariana, just under six pounds, on Mother's Day. Amy is still in the hospital, they said it would be at least three days and last I heard the cheek was still swollen. She may have a battle with this thing.

    My day was good, the bratwurst were excellent, expertly simmered in beer and grilled by the dh. The best part was just getting to spend time with my boys. And today I'm just thankful this is the first Monday since Jan. 8 I haven't had to drive to the Burlington chemo room! Waiting to schedule an appt. with the rads oncologist and digging out my camisoles ------Skye
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  • Rebecca
    Rebecca Member Posts: 971
    edited May 2007
    Good morning everyone

    I had a nice day yesterday doing nothing in particular. I finally got to use my ice cream maker that I got at a rummage sale a few weeks ago. Banana icecream topped with peanut butter. YUM.

    On saturday I had a visit from a friend you gave me a sewing machine. WHAT FUN! I have never owned one before, and have wanted one for some time. I am hoping that it will be enough to keep me busy during my long work-less interlude (I do not go back to work until the middle of July). I have already made myself a jana's bandana's-style headscarf, and converted three pairs of my children's jeans into shorts. I went out and purchased some inexpensive fabric because it seems like if I have a sewing machine I should have some fabric but I am not really sure what i am going to make yet. Possiblities are endless!

    Today my sister is coming over, and we are going to go try on dresses for her wedding. I am the matron of honor, so I get to pick my own dress (yay)...which is good because the rest of the bridesmaids are 10 years younger than me and i do not think I would feel comfortable wearing the dresses that have been selected for them.

    Mizsissy-those painted cats are crazy! I would never do that to my cat. One can only hope that those were doctored images and not cats with paint on their rears.

    Congrats on the new addition to your family Skye! I hope that your other neice is feeling better soon.

    Mary-my thoughts are with you and your family.

    Caya-I hope you feel better soon and your fog lifts promptly.

    everyone enjoy your day...it is sunshine and blue sky here in Edison!
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  • NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING
    NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING Member Posts: 778
    edited May 2007
    Rebecca, Joni sent me about 20 pictures of those cats on the 10th...the email got stuck in my junk mail folder and I just found it yesterday. I agree with you...I think cats are so beautiful, and have such a strong sense of self-esteem , it's a crime to tamper with them. Has anyone heard from Joni?

    Rebecca, my sewing machine is what's been keeping me going during treatment. I've been having a lot of fun, sewing skirts, dresses, turbans. My husband think I should apply to be on Project Runway. Maybe we should set up a photo album of all our creations.

    Mary, we know you are going through a very difficult time with your famkily and home all is well.

    It's been cold here last two days, though the sun was shining brilliantly yesterday. I was too exhausted from my run on Saturday to do anything, but DH pampered me, brought be breakfast in bed, and took me for a nice ride in the country in the afternoon. It felt so nice to sit there in the car, warmed by the sun, and see spring blossoming in rural Michigan.

    Caya..how's the fog...don't forget, when you get to Day 5 if it hasn't lifted, try a Darvocet (or other pain killer) and a Diet Pepsi. Always worked for me!!!

    Mizsissy
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  • sharon56
    sharon56 Member Posts: 220
    edited May 2007
    hope everyone had a great mothers day , i am again catching up on all the posts . I have been trying to get out a bit more and did quite a few errands this weekend . Now the house is quiet as everyone is back to school / work and I have time to myself.
    Joni : So sorry to hear of your mets ... I sort of went through the same thing when I found out had colon cancer on top of the BC . It took along time for me to realize that some things are just out of our control , that I was doing everything I could to treat myself . Along with very special doctors and nurses . I also have a coworkers husband who had colon cancer and now has spread to his liver . We are here for you can do this !
    I am at very high risk of mets to my liver due to the colon cancer and am in "guarded" condition , the doctors do not know what will or may happen to me . I am starting my rads on May 25th after they are done its a waiting game for me for the next 2-3 years .
    This disease is becoming chronic .... I am praying for you ..... there is alot of help here and at the hospital
    big hugs Joni ........
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  • Lynn12
    Lynn12 Member Posts: 1,008
    edited May 2007
    Hi ladies,

    Hope everyone had a nice Mother’s Day. I had a very nice day over my sister’s house. The weather was beautiful. We were all done opening our gifts and my sister said she had one more thing for me and handed me a card and small wrapped box. The card was a musical card and on the front said ‘YOU DID IT’. She wrote a beautiful note inside congratulating me on finishing chemo. DH and I both cried. The gift is a beautiful pink ribbon shaped necklace made of pink sapphires. Very delicate and elegant necklace. It was so special. I’ll wear it this weekend in Orlando when DH takes me to Charlie’s Steak House!

    I’m finally starting to get out of the chemo fog. DH was sick last week and we’ve been worried that I’ll catch what he had and sure enough, this morning I had a sore throat and every bone and muscle hurt. Oh boy! I’m so worried about my wbc being tanked and getting real sick right when we’re supposed to leave for Florida on Friday.

    Joni, how are you doing? We’d love to hear from you.

    Mary, prayers for your DH’s family.

    Skye, how nice for the baby to arrive on Mother’s day! 

    Rebecca, have fun trying on and picking out a dress. Back in the day, they had some pretty ugly bridesmaid’s dresses. These days, dresses are much more fashionable and you can actually wear them again.
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  • TPPJ
    TPPJ Member Posts: 1,017
    edited May 2007
    Caya, I'm thinking that by day 5 you'll be feeling better. That was always the magic number for me.

    Skye, what a crazy thing for your niece to going through when she's giving birth. The last thing you'd expect. Love the babies name.

    Rebecca, congrats on the sewing. You can do sew much (heeheehee) when you have one. I don't have the patience, but my neighbor has one and sewed trim on a piece of scrap tapestry fabric for me and I use it as a bunched up, messy looking kind of runner on my dining room table...I kind of swirl the fabric. I put a mossy concrete bunny on it w/an aged garden planter w/tall green grass coming out. Looks pretty cool. Those would be the kinds of sewing projects I'd do....if I sewed.

    I'm out sans wig today...just wearing a cap. I have very thin hair, but no bald spots. It isn't attractive, but it's much more comfortable. I'm telling you, I'm getting used to not having to worry about what my hair looks like...it's kind of nice. Maybe I won't go back to long. Or if I do (long for me is shoulders), I'll only do low, low maint. do's.

    Gotta pick up my son from school to have his knee/leg/foot checked out. It turns in at like 2 pm. Pigeon toed. I don't know if it's a result of him having septic arthritis at age 2 in that left and exploratory arhtroscopic surgery...or what. But I figure I'll have it checked out. It's been going on quite a while but is becoming more noticeable or pronounced, not sure which.

    Just lugged ten huge pieces of paver stone into my courtyard out front... of course it's never enough so I need to go back after the dr. for more... I'm building a little sitting area with a black wrought iron table and two chairs so I can sit out front.
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  • skyedivine
    skyedivine Member Posts: 839
    edited May 2007
    Tina I probably didn't explain it very well but it's two nieces, sisters, the one (Emily) giving birth and the other (Amy) having the cellulitis. Latest report today is that the medicine they are giving Amy doesn't seem very effective yet. Their mother, who is my youngest sister, had to visit hospitals in two different cities yesterday.

    Hope news is good on your son's foot. And take it easy with those big paver stones, girlfriend! You must be feeling really strong!

    Caya, hope you are feeling better soon.
    Rebecca if you have problems picking a dress, send us pix and do a poll, we will all vote! That would be vicarious fun. :-) - Skye
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  • viddie
    viddie Member Posts: 547
    edited May 2007
    Hi,

    Joni,
    We are here for you.
    Skye,
    Congratulations on your grand niece. I hope Amy gets better soon.
    Rebecca,
    I hope you are having a fun day trying on dresses.
    Mary,
    My prayers are with you and your family.
    Lynn,
    Whenever I have been feeling sick or thought that I had an infection, my oncologist always put me on antibiotics as a precaution. That always took care of everything. She also tells me to come in for a blood test. Maybe you could call your oncologist and tell her you are leaving for Florida and ask her if she could check you out and perhaps give you an antibiotic as a prophylactic precaution. It can’t hurt to ask.
    Tina,
    I hope your doctor has an easy solution for your son- maybe some physical therapy..
    That is a lot of lugging. I love wearing a cap. I just got two. They are very comfortable and a bit different than the bandanas I have been wearing all winter. No hair yet- still waiting for something to grow…soon I hope.

    Having a peaceful day. Soon I will be meeting my WW friends for steak at Outback. It's these little things that I look forward to that makes me happy.
    I feel a little guilty for not working- we could use the money, but I do not feel that I am ready yet- not with the surgery on the horizon. I just have to remember that once the surgery is over, I will have endless years to work. We all will.
    Viddie
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  • jonimb
    jonimb Member Posts: 900
    edited May 2007
    Hello all:

    Thanks for all the encouraging words. I've been trying to keep myself busy, so I don't think about things too much. Today, I cleaned the kitchen cupboards, planted some more flowers, and made a nice supper for Dan & I...should be ready in about an hour.

    I guess I have to look at it, that there is nothing I could have done to prevent this. I went every year for my mammos and yearly doctor appts. I start my Tamoxifen today, so we'll see how that goes.

    One good thing is that they have decided I no longer require radiation, so I have the tattoos but I don't have to have the treatment.

    Thanks everyone for everything.

    Hugs to all....Joni

    ps: Going for a nice brunch tomorrow to Bragg Creek, which is just west of Calgary towards the mountains. We are also going to hike up to Elbow Falls after...should be nice.
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  • Caya
    Caya Member Posts: 971
    edited May 2007
    Well the chemo fog has lifted, albeit slowly. Enough that DD and I could run over to the grocery store to pick up a few things, then came home and flaked out on the couch.
    Mizsissy - you are really talented, I can barely sew a hem. My late grandmother was a real seamstress, she made corsets and ladies undergarments - unfortunately I did not inherit that talent...
    Rebecca - Nearly 2 years ago, at the age of 47, I was "the world's oldest living bridesmaid." My first cousin, who was the flower girl at my wedding (age 7), got married and another cousin and I were 2 of the bridesmaids. Luckily we were able to choose our own dresses, as long as they were navy, and I had a lovely dress made. But I have since retired from bridesmaid duties, I told the next sister (another cousin) she would have to recruit one of my DDs...

    Lynn - your necklace sounds lovely, wear it in good health. Funny how pink has always been my fav. colour - how ironic? And Viddie is right - call the dr. and get and antibiotic - chicken soup and tea with honey wouldn't hurt either...
    Tina - I hope your son is okay. When my oldes DD was born her right foot was very badly turned in and the pediatric ortho. fitted her with special shoes that she wore, we had to turn them with a special key to gently turn her foot out. Then she took dance lessons for years and this helped her - for a boy, probably some kind of physical therapy might help. And be careful shlepping those stones - lymphodema risk (remember!!)
    shorti - we'll be right with you with whatever you have to battle - are the rads going okay? are you tired from it?

    Skye - congrats on the new baby - Ariana is a cute name. Hope Amy recovers completely and quickly...
    Have no tastebuds tonight, ordered dinner in from an Israeli style place - falafel, chicken breast shishkebab, chopped veggie salad - hope I'll be able to taste something.
    caya
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  • TPPJ
    TPPJ Member Posts: 1,017
    edited May 2007
    Never mind lymphedema in my arm, I think I have it in my fake boob. It's just grown into this nasty shape...sticks out to the side, towards my arm. Ugly. I'm going to my surgeon for a regular checkup Thursday and we'll discuss it then. I do my second "every three week" Herceptin that day too. Can't believe I'm already on to #2.

    The dr. didn't think there was a big deal with Paul's foot but is referring us to a pediatric orthopaedist just to have it checked out. I'm glad I went because I'd never forgive myself if it was an issue.

    Just went for another "power walk" with the kids around the neighborhood tonight. Finally, the weather has turned around. Think I'll watch Desp. Housewives on TiVo.

    Did anyone happen to read the article on the main breastcancer.org screen today about Male Breast Cancer? It had some rather unnerving statistics in there that I'd never seen before. Some stuff they cited from Cancer journal.

    Caya, glad you're on the mend. Joni, glad you are going hiking and keeping busy.
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