Starting Chemo in JAN 2007

Tina, you've got it right (as usual) - YOU ARE WHAT MATTERS! So be a problem patient if you need to, because nobody else is looking out for your interests. I wish you good luck today, and no biopsy. I guess we are all having yearly checkups right about now, but it really is stressful, when every day someone else has a test. It makes it hard to forget that we're vulnerable. I just want us all to be ok.

Joni, I hope today is a better day - too bad it will involve another stick, but my wish for you is that it only will be one stick - maybe they have better stickers in that department. Try not to get overanxious about it, as that really does make it harder for them to get your veins (I've spent years on the other end of the needle, and it really is true). I hope you can get your results by computer - that is such a good idea. I am always amazed at how progressive Canada is in so many issues.

Skye, I had avascular necrosis in my foot a few years ago. It ended up being a four year ordeal - once something goes wrong like that in a foot, it takes forever to get it right. But I did grow new bone, finally. I hope that's all you have to deal with. I'm not sure what the implications are when it's in the sternal area, but you'll get through it. Just remember, we all love you, and are right there with you all the time.

Nancy, good to hear from you. I think it's a good idea to taper yourself off the Lexapro and just use the Effexor, since that is the one that helps with the hot flashes. You can always restart the Lex if you need to, later, but hopefully the Effexor will do the trick without interfering with your Tamoxifen. I was told I should wear my compression sleeve whenever I fly, even though I don't have lymphedema, so I guess I'd recommend that you get one. It's such a small thing to do, so why not do it if there's a chance it might prevent problems. Your trip sounds wonderful - very sweet of your DD to want to take you to Santa Barbara also. Are you extending your time in order to do that? You could spend all kinds of time on that road trip, if you had it...so much to see. Don't forget to take your pills with you! LOL I know you - you might just forget them "accidentally."

Mary, hope you have hot water by now. How inconvenient! Of course, it's hot enough here that cold showers don't even sound that bad.

Jan, I think the farther away from all of this you are when you have your DIEP, the faster you will bounce back. It sounds like you're doing really well, now, but look at Ellie, and how fast she recovered. You'll do great, whenever it is. I didn't remember hearing that you had lived in Asheville. My aunt grew up in Asheville, and she and my uncle lived there until last year when they moved to Austin to be near family. Anyway, Asheville has been in my radar since I was 7 years old, but I never got to go there. I always thought it would be just about the perfect place to live, culture and size-wise. You just confirmed that idea.

Well, I'm looking forward to chat this evening - hope everybody can make it. We'll miss you, Melia. I've got notes up all over so I won't forget. Off to radiation now.

Hugs to all.

super hugs to all of you gals ;
Caya : good news on your scan PMH is so good . Did you watch cityline today ? The girl from Q107 was on and the audience wasfull of bc survivors . Pumping up for the CIBC walk next weekend .
Tina hope everything works out for you . Sometimes there are so many drs involved that it gets confusing ???? GP's ONC's GYN's whats a girl to do ? Like you advocate yourself . Its funny how saying NO comes so much easier for us now . I have no issues with it now. You get to know your limits !
Skye : I met a lady at the lodge that was back getting her jaw bone treated because the rads affected her jaw . They had her in a hyberbolic chamber ? to get the bone to regenerate . Trusting all for you works out .
Joni . damn pokes ! hope it goes better .... some nurses are jabbers and some just stab you ! I still have my port and i thougt they could use it for my CT scan ,but no the fluid is sticky .... i hated the needle in my arm and when you can only use one arm its even worse ..... hang in there gal .
Rebecca , Viddie you too thinking of ya .....
Yes we are getting onto our yearlys . bone scans , mri's ct's , me i get that damn scope stuck up my butt next week not looking forward to that .... after they are done scoping ya you go into the "fart" recovery room to let out your gas I always thought it would stink but it does'nt cause the night before you are on the loo all night . yuck i will take a mamo squish any day
I still am trying to get on the chat , remind me again how you do it ? I keep missing out .....
Well on to house reno's we are redoing our living room got new laminate flooring and paint .... i am scraping the old calking ot of the windows .... good for my arms .

Yes, Sharon, no problems saying NO nowadays.

Just got back from my u/s. The tech said if I'd had the uterine biopsy this am it would have had to heal a week before an u/s... makes sense. Ticks me off even more that they tried to drag me in there for that. The tech told me I do have two cysts on one ovary and one on the other. She said they are under 3 cm, so technically, follicles. She didn't seem alarmed or like they were tumors so I'm not freaking out. I did read this week that tamoxifen makes you hyper-ovulate, so that could be the reason for it I'm thinking... it also said it's verrrrrrrrrrrry easy to get pregnant while on tamox., so keep your legs closed everyone! No mention of the uterine lining, whether it's thickened or not. I had her send results to my oncologist who will tell me on the phone, vs. the gyno. who wants a sit down billable visit for everything.

Hi all,
Tina,
I am so glad you spoke up. Being our own advocate never ends.
Rebecca,
Thanks for the hug. Back to you!! That’s great you do not have an infection. My stiches are self dissolving. My drag is that I have to wear a girdle contraption 24/7 for two weeks. It has Velcro, and he wants it very tight. Not comfortable sleeping in, but I guess if it is only for two weeks, I can manage.
Lynn,
I love your group hug image!
Caya,
I am so glad your U/S turned out good.
Mary,
Did your hot water tank get fixed?
Skye,
How are you today? I am sending you more hugs!!!
Joni,
Sorry you had such a horrible experience with your MRI. They should have special nurses just to draw blood so we do not have to be guinea pigs and pin cushions for new and/or inexperienced nurses.
Off to chat.

Viddie

Lightening and thunder with heavy rain. I rather like it. It gives me pause to be quiet and restful, listening to the sounds of the storm.

I've read about so many continued concerns as we enter that one year period. I hate to write this but I'm glad I'm not alone here.

I know y'all understand those feelings of wonder and concern that flow behind the facade of a mom/sister/friend/whatever being strong.

Right now I'm battling some strong fatigue. I'm not sure what's up with that. Hopefully it will finally cool off enough around here so that I can ride my bike or get walking again. It's been too hot for me. I don't tolerate the heat at all now. I'm hoping increased activity will decrease the fatigue. I don't like napping at night after work.

I also have a tender spot on my lower right rib cage that was part of my radiation area. I'm thinking it's just lingering inflammation from that but I'll ask the rad. doc. when I see him next month for a follow up if it's still there.

Time to go find my jammies and listen to the storm awhile.

Have a restful night, sisters!

Cindy

under construction

Hey again,
Tina I share in the gladness that you didn't let them do things to you in the wrong order. We do need to be our own advocates.
Rebecca it's great that turned out not to be infected and you are now minus stitches. Sorry about the compression thing; I had to wear one for four weeks after my lumpectomy and remember the discomfort well. I also had a completely numb nipple after surgery...the tumor was close to it and most nerves were cut, and I was told most surgeons couldn't/wouldn't have even saved it. However after a month or so the nerves started repairing themselves a little and I now have a bit of feeling in it though not like before, so maybe yours will too. It's now 8 mo. past surgery and I think it is STILL healing.

Cindy, so good to hear from you and thanks for the good wishes. I always enjoy your thoughtful posts, I love listening to storms too. You are right; this 1-year marker time is full of tests, tensions and apprehensions for all of us. I keep thinking of that phrase, "the new normal" and realizing more every day just how true that is.
Mizsissy glad to have you back and yes, the comforts of civilization really do have their merits! I bet your lovely home will seem like a castle after your trip.

Oh I forgot to mention, I spent yesterday morning preparing to open my main computer and install the new RAM, but after I finally did and had vacuumed out dust, etc., I realized the RAM "card" I'd bought JUST before dx last fall was the wrong configuration. I called the company in Woodstock, and the tech insisted it was the right one and I should just try putting it in anyway when I could see it would not fit. On top of that they wouldn't make an exchange because it had been over one month (try 9) since the sale. I told them I had cancer and my brain hasn't worked until now but they didn't care. So I called the place in Janesville where I bought the computer, they said they knew just what I needed and ordered it for me and should arrive today. The whole thing reminded me of so many medical experiences!!! Anyway, sunshine, lollipops and rainbows (old Pet Clark song) to everyone! - Skye

That last post just DIDN'T want to work within forum syntax, so I gave up and made a little web page for you....

A quick synopopsis of our visit to Quebec

http://www.lindaswift.com/quebec.htm

Mizsissy

Cindy, I also love thunderstorms, and find them calming, and when I'm at home and safe, they are a time for reflection and centering. I'm also waiting for things to cool off so I can get my bike out. I'm going to the gym on a regular basis, but I miss my bike, and the stationary bike just doesn't do it. I'm sure your fatigue will resolve - you are working, right? And just took a trip, which was probably tiring even though it was a fun thing. I suspect that for a while we'll all tire more easily, and also notice it more when we do.

Has anyone got a rebounder? I've been looking at them, ever since I read that they helped increase lymphatic drainage. From what I can tell, the cheap ones are pretty worthless, and the good ones are way expensive but worth it. I've always thought it would be fun. It's supposed to also increase bone density. Seems made to order for us.

Also, has anyone ever asked why they always do chemo BEFORE radiation? I've never heard anyone say anything about that.

Jan, glad you got through your onc. visit without nausea and without anything interesting happening. We don't need any more "interesting" things in this group, or we're all going to get stressed out.

Skye, I think you've got the right idea. Bone mets don't make sense, so just enjoy life and don't worry about it. Jan's Dalai Lama quote is such good advice - I try to live by that, but don't always get there. Nevertheless, it is good advice.

It's thunderstorming here, and I'm trying to decide whether to go do my errands or just give up and veg this afternoon. It's tempting.

Tina, I'll be thinking about you tomorrow. Best Wishes.

Also, I feel for you with more surgery, but I agree on the no more C part.

Big hugs to you....Joni

Rebecca - glad the boobs are recovering well and you have a spunky nipple - lol!!
Cindy - I hope your fatigue is better, but don't worry if you still have some. Some days I feel great in the a.m., then am pooped out the afternoon. Our bodies are still in recovery.
Miz - bonnes photos de la belle provence!!
Jan - congrats on your 1st post op gyn. appointment - a milestone.
Mel - what is a rebounder? ( or I am just dense beyond my breast?)
Tina - bummer about the D & C, but it's better than the alternative. Good luck with your MRI, you may want to take an ATIMAN beforehand.
Joni - how did your bone scan go?
A pretty quiet day here. I flaked out on the couch for about an hour before dinner, around 4:30. Tomorrow I get up bright and early 6:00 a.m. to make the trek downtown to get Herceptin infusion # 6 (that'll be 6 down, 11 to go). The nice thing is the hospital is about a 10 minute drive from Cassie's dorm, so when I called her she asked- "Oh Mom, do you want to come see me?" Did I detect a bit of gee she actually misses me? So I will call her after I am finished and bring her down some stuff she needs - extra hangers, some sheets for the pull out couch in her room etc.
DH is off to Montreal tomorrow morning for 2 days, he's really been traveling alot this month. But this should be his last trip for awhile.
Hope everyone had a good day.

Hi all,

Everyday is getting a little easier. I still am in discomfort for about one hour before my vicodin time, three times a day, but hopefully that will start going away. I want to just take Tylenol, but if I still hurt while taking vicodin, I do not think that the Tylenol will cut it. My PS wants me to start cutting down on the vicodin, but geez, I am only 2 weeks out----
Other than that, they say I am healing nicely. I am still bruised and my breasts are still spotting, but they say that is normal. It is just hard to wear anything on top except black. That is a s/e they did not tell me about. Sound familiar about s/e’s that they do not discuss with us?
The weather has been spectacular and I am enjoying the r & r. I seem to have visitors almost every day, which is very nice. They bring goodies too!!! My house is only 20 minutes away from my cottage, so I am not out of touch with my friends and neighbors. Pretty soon I will go nuts though, but until then----My dh had been very helpful. Poor thing, I have been sending him out to get groceries, etc, and he has been very cooperative. I am not supposed to drive for three weeks, so he has to do errands. I do feel a bit spoiled though, but heck, why not? Lol.
Cindy,
I also love thunderstorms. I agree that fatigue will stay with us for awhile. Maybe our bodies are telling us to stop and smell the roses a little longer.
Tina,
It is too bad about the D & C, but it as far better than the alternative. It is also good that they are on top of things.
How are the brownies, etc. at Sugardaddys? I went on their website and everything looked delicious. Is it as good as it looks??
Ati Man saves the day once again!!
Mizsissy,
Welcome back! I enjoyed reading your special post.
Skye,
I am so glad you are feeling better. Did you get your computer part today?
Jan,
I am glad your first post-oncologist appointment went well today.
Mel,
What is a rebounder?
Were you the one who mentioned the spanx panties? Are they comfortable? I need to wear a girdle like thingy around my abdomen for a month after diep. They gave me one, but they also said I could wear biker shorts or anything similar. I then remembered our topic about spanx. Did you get one? Are they comfortable? I am just wondering about the “fat” above the waist and if that would make it bulge even more. I have lost some weight after the surgery, but I usually do not like anything tight around my waist. I am able to lift this binder above my waist and it is a Velcro wraparound, but I am going to get sick of this soon, so the spanx thingy sounded interesting.
Caya,
Have fun visiting Cassie tomorrow. Now you can visit her every three weeks!
Melia,
WW- I have been kind of sticking to the program and since surgery, I have lost around 6 pounds. Part of it was surgery, but part of it is me trying- do not want to loose this tight belly of mine so soon-lol.
Have a nice night everybody.
Viddie

Tina, sorry to hear about your d & c. I'll be thinking of you. Mizsissy, your photos are wonderful! Even though I can't read a word of French, I think I got the gist of it. What fun. Skye, sounds like you've turned the corner on the mental attitude which is the most important part of this battle. Joni, thinking of you as you wait. Caya, how wonderful your daughter wants to see you! Sons are different -- they can't act like they really want to see you but I think they at least enjoy the free meal when you take them out to eat! I'm already planning on what leftovers I can make and freeze for my DS at college. He is living on Lean Cuisine and Lean Pockets. And he complains his accounting professor gives him homework on something he hasn't taught (isn't this college - do they still want to be spoon-fed?) Robbin, I hope you've taken your Tamox!

I'm really really looking forward to this weekend in Chicago. Hope all goes well with everyone.

Nandy, how is your husband's health other than the aneurysm? That is something to consider when making that kind of decision, and it is a big decision. The big, abdominal surgery is really a big operation, and there are risks with the anesthesia, and with the prolonged recovery, that can be larger or smaller depending on the patient's age and general state of health. And you say even with that surgery he said there was a risk of losing one of the two arteries anyway, right?

I can't really advise without knowing more, but it seems to me that the simple, through the groin procedure might be a good choice. I wish him well, and please let us know what you decide, and how it goes.

It's nice that you still keep up with us, even though you don't post. Hope you are doing well.