Starting Chemo in JAN 2007
Comments
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Well, I'm surfacing after 2 days of synagogue services and big family dinners - Oy!!
This was my first time back at services since my dx last fall. Many of the choir members have not seen me for a long time and naturally came up to me and told me they are looking forward to having me back in the group. The rabbi also greeted me and was happy I was "back" and feeling so much better. He was very helpful to me last fall when we first found out and were not telling anyone, giving me support and spiritual guidance. And of course the other congregants, committee members also extended their best regards - some had to look twice to see that it was me, not used to the post chemo 'do.
Rebecca, I'm glad you are feeling better today. Hopefully next year when you are feeling better you will feel up to hosting a dinner and maybe if you invite your family, they would attend.
Viddie, kvetch all you want dahlink. That's what we are here for. I have to ask, would you still do it again? I have my appointment in early November with the PS to discuss all my options again. You too Rebecca - I need your input - would you do it again?
Myranda, no one has PMed about you - and so what if they do? Like Nancy stated, you are dealing with US here.
Joni, that quilt is gorgeous. Pink and green is probably my all time favourite combo. And let us know the results of the fair, I'm sure many of your entries will win.
Tina at my synagogue everyone sits where they want, there are not any "better, higher priced" seats. I have never heard of that sort of thing here in Toronto, but I guess it's possible. We are members, so we do not pay extra for high holiday seats, but I know a number of synagogues do charge, anywhere from $50 - $200/seat for non-members, for exactly the issue you mentioned- fundraising. And people will pay it, because they do not attend shule regularly, only want to go once a year. In Canada you can write off a portion of your synagogue dues and/or the high holiday tickets on your income taxes.
Nancy - wow, what a novacaine story!! Hope you are all recuperated from that awful experience.
Amera - I know exactly what you mean about waiting for the other shoe to drop - it's always something, and we've all had our share of "somethings" this past year.
Have a good weekend all.
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Caya,
I would definitely do it again. This is a minor problem, according to my PS. Besides, it could have happened with implants also. Even though my BS abd PS thought I was ready and my pre-operative testing blood work came out fine, I think my body might not have been ready for such a large invasion so close after chemo. I think Mel's PS was right having her wait. I will recover, just a little slower than anticipated. My PS is still very confident that everything is going to turn out fine. Stage 1 is like a rough draft when they put things together and make sure everything works, and Stage 11 in November or December is when they fine tune everything, fix all imperfections, and give you nipples. I love my size and I love my tummy tuck. Keeping things in perspective, I am really happy with the way my body looks. My oncologist told me I have a 16 year old's body. I took off my wig and said that I wish I had a 16 year old head. LOL.
Viddie -
I am sorry for your complication Viddie. Hang in there, it will get better. Amera, Rebecca and Jonimb, in regard to your unruly kinky hair, at what point can we use a iron on our hair? I have a smoothing iron that I used to use before bc. My dh tells me it is too soon to use heat on my fragile hair or it will break. Have you heard anything in regard to this? I am itching to try and iron some of the curl out.
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Hi girls,
Nothing too new here. Did a few errands. Picked up some more round stone at the garden center and added to my decorative wall on my patio out back. Looks better. Put pumpkins in my black urns for by the front door...stuffed raffia and fall leaves underneath. Looks kinda cute. Got Jaclyn a really cute witches costume at TJ Maxx. Picked up some sweats/tops at Justice for her b'day as well as a gift for her friend Lauren's party next Fri. night at "Club Libby Lu". She has six yes's to her party and I'm good with that. Haven't heard back from all, but, that's enough for a party.
Watching the OJ coverage on Greta Van Sustern right now. I hate to say it, but I'm curious to read it. I've ready every book on the subject. I heard Denise Brown railing at the Goldmans for publishing it, which I don't think is fair.
Caya, yes, in FL they announce the sale of pricey tix over the radio adn in the newspapers. Glad you enjoyed your holiday. Rebecca, a trip to AT is nice and celebratory.
Amera, I am Bozo, big time...but I don't have the curls I used to have. It's a little coarse still. Nandy, I've already used a straight iron on my bangs, if you can call them bangs. My best do is to slick it back with gel, tie an elastic in the back, way up high...I get a pony about 1/2 cm long...then I jam that SoHo comb extension into it so it looks longer. I cover the short front pieces with a long headband type scarf. I feel most normal this way.
Myr, I have no idea who the WC are, nor have I had any PM's from them.
Viddie, are you all reluctant to go back for the "final touches"? I'm such a wimp.... I'd prob. do it if I wasn't looking at pelvic surgery now...
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Wow tppj your hair must be way ahead of mine. No way can I put mine into a pony tail. I would just be happy to get some spikes but with all the waves and curl it just won't work.
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Well everyone has decided that my compression sleeve looks like I have a wooden arm!! And I have to agree, it's funny looking. The girl that fitted me for it was saying how she had cytoxin chemotherapy to treat Lupus. we were talking about the "looks" you get while under treatment. She said she actually screamed at a man gaping at her in a restaurant. He told her she looked "different", and she let him have it. She even admitted to me had she not been through it herself she probablywould of cared less about my situation but it has changed her for the better. She said she was a selfish, unkind human being before her illness. I thought she was cute as a button, unfortunate that it takes a serious illness to wake up. I told her the way I feel about it now is I am never in a hurry and if I see someone with a walker 10 yards away, I will wait and hold the door open for them.
I have to ask...those of you with curly hair, was the curl obvious when it first started growing or at what length did it become obvious? I have this surfer wave going on, hate it! the girl I spoke of above said she had really curly hair before chemo and now it is straight as anything.So Weird?? I have no clue why I am so fasinated with how the hair comes back, but I am. It amazes me.
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Nandy, is your avatar picture your real hair or a wig? It's very cute, whichever it is. I've got hair now, and my curls have reemerged, unfortunately. It is just lying down flat still, but very curly - I can just imagine how bad it's going to look once it's long enough to stand up. I personally don't see any reason NOT to use a flat iron or to dye or to do anything we want to do. If it breaks the hair or whatever, I figure I'm not very far along anyway, so I'll just start over. I'm still not comfortable going topless, though...just not enough hair. It is very salt and pepper. To more important issues, I'm very glad your husband's procedure went well, and that he was able to get by with the less invasive procedure. That's very good news!
Tina, I refuse to watch the OJ coverage on tv or read anything about it - I just will not give that slimeball any more of my attention. He's just been thumbing his nose at all of us ever since he got away with murder, and that book was just so outrageous. I prefer to just pretend he doesn't exist.
Myranda, no messages from the WC here either, and I can't imagine why they would bother. Personally, I wouldn't bother with them if they did, but would of course let you know. I don't understand what's up at all - don't read that thread, but don't worry about us. We're sisters here, and not interested in that crap. You are safe with us.
Viddie, so sorry you have had a complication! Or another one, I should say.
If the PS says it's ok, then I wouldn't worry about it, but I'm sure you're discouraged. I'm sure it'll be better soon, and how great to hear that you have a 16 year old's body - wow. You may be right that your body wasn't quite ready for such a huge assault, so soon. I think I'll quit complaining, and just be glad I get to have it on down the road a while. Rebecca, hope you have a great time shopping at Ann Taylor, and how nice to have a gift certificate. I went there today and got myself a lovely pair of pants - took back a little shirt I'd bought on sale, and exchanged it for a much more expensive pair of pants, but what the heck....I didn't buy any clothes for almost a year because I didn't feel like shopping. I've got some catching up to do.
Amera, yes, I know exactly what you mean about waiting for the other shoe to drop. That's exactly how I feel. I guess that will go on for a while. On another subject, I remember last year when we were first diagnosed, you and I showed up on about the same day. Every time I got ready to ask a question, you had just asked it...I never told you how much I appreciated that.
Joni, the quilt is lovely. Is that a matching dog bed at the foot? I'm sure you'll win prizes at the fair, with that green thumb of yours.
Nancy, my hair didn't start to curl until I had about half an inch, then the old waves that I remember from before started to show up. It isn't my whole head, just sort of in patches. Not a great look. Glad you got your sleeve. They do make you look like you have a wooden arm, don't they? I hadn't thought of that, but you're right. They do make some now in bright colors and prints, but I'm not sure that would be an improvement.
Well, my stepson arrived last night, and a few minutes later his mom and her husband arrived, and we all went out for dinner. He seems pretty ok, but I'm already about ready for the visit to end. I'm just not up for company right now. I'm hoping maybe he and his dad will go do something this weekend and I'll have some peace and quiet.
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Luckymel--my avitar is my frosted wig, I posted a picture of my new growth several weeks ago. It is very salt & pepper, short and curly.
I am going to get a trim at the neckline and ask my hairdresser about using my flat iron.
Nancy-- My curly hair was not obvious until it became longer. I will try to post another picture soon.
As for my dh, his bigest problem was no bm for over a week. He came through yesterday
and feels like a new man today. -
Hi Ladies,
As I mentioned in chat the other day, George and I went to the Red Sox game last Monday night. We had really good seats 4 rows behind the visitors dugout...these were the tickets that my boss Wendy gave me after I finished chemo.
Well, Andy Garcia was sitting 2 rows behind us and after the game was over, I hopped over the first set of seats and asked him if my husband could take a picture. And he did, he was so nice. After the picture, I thanked him and he put his hand on my arm and said 'not a problem at all'. Not sure if he was so nice because I had my pink ribbon pin on my baseball hat or if he is just that nice to everyone.
The picture with me actually came out awful...I look like a cow becuase I am leaning back and one row closer than him...but I'll post anyway.
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Lynn, that is sooooo cooooooolllllll!! And by the way, you do not look like a cow. Clearly, it's the angle of the photo.
I am finding myself really tired after returning to work. I'm not sure if it's normal 1st week exhaustion, or if it's being compounded by the past year. I went to the gym today and did a full workout but then wanted to come home and sleep. Normally that would've energized me but now I'm wiped out. I guess I need to give myself a break, it's just that I don't want this to go on forever. I want my life and energy to be back to normal already.
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These are the new pictures of my hair. Actually it looks almost like robbinjaye's hair. Everyone thinks naturally curly hair is so wonderful, but those of us that have it know the real story !
My last tx was April 2 and I was bald as a bowling ball at that time.
My onc. told me it would be Christmas before I would want to ditch the wig. I get a few stares but at this point I just don't care.
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Caya I am so glad that you had a good holiday! It is so nice to get back into the swing of things. As far as "Would I do my reconstruction again" I am not really sure if I can give a true answer to that question because in truth I do not think I formally went through a decision process at the beginning....it was simply assumed that I would have immediate reconstruction, and I was informed that I would have implants....no discussions. As such, I never had to decide if I would be ok with living with a single breast because from the very start I had something on the mastectomy side (tissue expander). On the other hand, after the initial shock wore off, and my body healed a bit I find that I am satisfied with the result. My reconstructed breast does NOT look like a natural breast, and never will, but in clothing it looks fine....even with a deep neckline. I am more (ahem) endowed than I was before, but as it turns out, my PS based my new breast size on the size of my hips and I have perfectly symmetrical measurements now. I think it was probably the correct decision to make. My physical discomfort was intense, but it did not last long. I suspect that part of my discomfort came from the fact that I had this surgery very close to the end of treatment....and like Viddie I was at the end of my physical and emotional rope. I am not sure if that answers the question you asked me, caya, but that is what is going on inside my brain!
Amera, I too keep waiting for the "next thing" to hit us. I guess the whole car debacle counts in some ways as another shoe, but in the end it is pretty minor....although now that we have the car we have discovered that the mechanic that my MIL authorized to fix the car was not only a theif but a terrible mechanic. The car is still blowing smoke, and the exhaust manifold (which was supposed to be replaced) was welded instead which would not be so bad except the IDIOT did not put back all of the bolts and the thing is loose (which is probably why it is still belching smoke!). DH is at the hardware store now getting bolts....we will see how we do.
Oh, and Amera do not push yourself too hard! It may seem like a lot of time has passed, but you are still healing. You will need to build back into your old life slowly I think. I am also still wiped out at the end of the day, but I do feel the old me creeping back in.
Myranda-nobody has PMed me about you. I can not imagine that anyone would do that....we all have enough drama in our lives, who needs more?
Lynn that is TOTALLY AWESOME! You do not look like a cow at all....and you have an absolutely fabulous smile.
Nandy, I ditched my scarves weeks ago and you have WAY more hair than me! I think you look great, and you could easily get away without the wig. I hear you on the curls though....mine sticks up in all directions. BLECH.
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Oh, and by the way...here is me in the dress that my sister and I picked out for the wedding. It will NOT be in that color...we ordered it in chocolate brown.
The band under the bodice has some beading on it...this is what it looks like
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Wow! Nandy, if my hair was that filled in with those cute curls I'd ditch the cover ups right away. I haven't worn my wigs this summer too often, but I'm keeping the hats and bandannas until my scalp doesn't show through the hair.
I'll try to catch up on everyone else's news. I feel like I've had a big nap all this week. Yesterday I fell asleep in my chair right after lunch and didn't wake up until 4:30. Maybe the rad fatigue is hitting me after all or I pooped myself out at water aerobics that morning. Next time I'll try a cup of coffee or something if I don't fall to sleep first.
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Caya glad you had a good holiday. Holiday tickets were the thing at my DH's synagogue and supposedly they could not afford to go and then they weren't happy about me - go figure. They didn't give him any religion.
Joni, love the quilt. Nancy, your pumpkins sound cute. Makes me want to decorate. My hair came in curly and remains really really curly. It was wavy in the front bc and a little curly in the back but now it is just curly everywhere. People think it's cute, and I am just letting it go as it pleases. I doubt that a curling iron would hurt it but be careful of your scalp! I agree it's definitely strange how the hair changes but I hear it reverts back to its old self eventually.
I am cooking up a storm for leftovers to take to my DS tomorrow at college. I'm looking forward to seeing him. (Hope he feels like talking --- it's hard to drag any info out of him.)
Monday is my CT scan. I have to take predisone and benedryl before since I am allergic to iodine and have asthma (two reasons for the pretreatment) so I will be zing zanging Sunday night...probably won't get much sleep and I have to get up at 1 am to take a pill and 6:30 to start drinking the stuff. Then the wait begins
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Nancy, my last tx was 4/5 and my hair is about the same length, maybe a little bit shorter. I think it looks good, but I too feel like I need a trim on the sides and back.
Rebecca, you look great in that dress - really slim!!!
Lynn, glad you had a good time at the game. Wish someone would beat those d*mn Yankees!
Viddie, sorry to hear you are not doing well. You are very brave.
Myranda, no PM here. Hope your mom is doing better.
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Rebecca - the dress is beautiful, (Not in that colour, the choc. brown will be lovely)And you look terrific - perfectly balanced and so slim - and thanks for you input and feedback on your reconstruction. You too Viddie. I really value your opinions and feelings as I decide for myself what to do.
Nandy- wow, you have so much more hair than I do, and my last tx was May 10, about 5 weeks after you. Mine looks about like Rebecca's. I have been going "topless" for about 3 weeks now, and I couldn't care less.
Lynn - cute pic of you and Andy. You look great.
Today I went out to lunch and then shopping with my mother. I don't think we have done that since last fall before I had my breast reduction and then this whole nightmare started. It was nice to do something pretty normal like that, and not feel too tired afterwards. I actually bought a couple of tops, and then went over to The Bay ( our big Canadian dept. store). It was Clinique Bonus Days, so I treated myself to about $100 worth of new cosmetics, and the girl was so nice - she let me have 4 of the bonuses - one each for me, my 2 DDs and my mother. I am going to go through my makeup drawer tonight and bascially chuck alot and start fresh with the stuff I bought today. I read somewhere that after chemo you should get new makeup - does this make any sense or did I just dream this up to justify the splurge today. Actually I just realized I did not splurge, my mother gave me $100. earlier this week for my birthday.
Tonight DH and I will probably just hang in and rent a DVD. It is freezing here today - only about 15C ( that's about 58F) and with the wind chill even colder. I had to turn on the heat.
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Nandy, you look great..both in the wig and the real deal. Your hair is back!
Nancy, couldn't help but LOL about the wooden arm comment. You are too funny.
Lynn, looooove the Andy Garcia pics. He looks as good as he does on TV! And you too! Amera is right...it is the angle of the pic you don't care for.
Rebecca, love the dress AND the color. I love coral. But chocolate is gorgeous too.
Caya, freezing here too.. It was 48 w/a high wind this am at Jaclyn's soccer game. Such temperature extremes around here. She is at the "Lakes Club Annual Girls Sleepover" tonight... 55 girls at the clubhouse, a luau theme. Hoping all goes well. It's her first big event like that. I flat ironed her hair and flipped it up. She's got her leopard jammies and robe. She is styling.
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Rebecca, I just re-read your post and I had a similar experience... at no time was "non immediate reconstruction" discussed... it's like if you are in the 40 and under set, they assume you are just gonna immed. go for the recon. Even though I truly thought I wouldn't survive the recovery room after my TRAM flap, it was nice to wake up w/two boobs still, as ugly as New Boob is. I've never had to deal with that distorted body image thing. Horrific scars across my abdomen, a new and unrecognizable navel, a thing that somehwhat resembles a new boob, yeah.... but prob. a good thing, in retrospect. This makes me think doctors pitch diff. things to patients depending on their age.
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Lynn, check this out. I googled Andy Garcia...he was only born in 1956. Not even ten years older than me. Anyway, verrrrrrrry interesting. He was a conjoined twin!
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Tina-
It is interesting that you bring up the fact that you and Rebecca were both under 40 at dx, and you both were basically informed you were getting immediate reconstruction. I had to ask for it (I as 48 at dx), and my onc. said "Well, being a relatively young woman I would not disapprove of it for you." When I went to see the PS, I told her what my onc. said, and she laughed and said that sounded like something my onc. would say (They know each other very well, and work in connecting hospitals.)
For me, I am glad I did not do the immediate reconstruction. I was just 8 weeks out of the breast reduction surgery and had also just had shingles (gee, just a bit of stress). The PS said if I wanted to do reconstruction in the future I would have no problem getting a quick appointment - so I have one for early November. I could have seen her in October but I wanted to wait until I would be 6 months out of chemo and see how I will be feeling.
That luau sleepover party for Jaclyn sounds adorable.
Mary - good luck on your CT scan. Please remind me what is being scanned, blame chemo brain. Will be praying that all goes well.
Hope your visit with your DS is good, and I am sure he and his buddies will love whatever food you bring.
I made a couple of banana breads tonight - just can't waste those bananas when they are getting too ripe.
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Hi Sisters,
Nandy you have the hair! Mine is about like Rebecca's (Rebecca your bod is gorgeous and love that dress on you) and I don't think twice about it any more. Yesterday our local grocery store had a big lasagna sale to help pay for mammos for those who can't afford them, because the owner's wife's mother had undiscovered bc, so I went to buy some and the wife was there and immediately complimented my do. She was genuinely surprised to learn how I got it, she said she thought I just cut it short because I was an artist. I'm starting to like it this way. Mine is not curly but it has sort of an overall wave pattern, not tight waves but just goes this way and that, people tell me it's very cute. My hair was the straightest of the straight before. A beautician told me the chemo changes the shape of your hair follicle and that is what changes it from straight to curly, and eventually as the follicles recover the hair comes back too.
Yesterday I had a gift card to Starbucks so treated my 2 best girl buds at the one in Lake Geneva and we had some fun walking around the cute tourist shops, even found b-day presents for SIL and MIL. It was a nice break, kind of like what you did, Caya. But I didn't get new makeup (I do think I heard you should get new stuff after chemo too, especially eye make up which I've done)
What or who is this WC that's supposed to be sending PMs anyway? Someone please clue me in.
Caya glad you got thru the holidays happily, banana bread sounds great. Mary, fingers crossed for your scan, please keep us posted. Tina sounds like you are totally ready for fall. I'm still clinging to summer as best I can. We've had a light frost here already. Lynn, you and Andy Garcia...I nominate you for Jan. Chemo Board's Couple of the Month...Woohoo! Viddie, body of a 16-year old sounds good to me.
Mel, hope that stepson visit worked out ok. Mel and Amera, about waiting for the other shoe, I pretty much feel like mine has dropped. It's that breastbone thing. It has started just hurting at various times so that I can't distract myself from it for very long any more. It feels a little more prominent too, I feel it is getting worse steadily, which all does seem more like inflammation to me than cancer spread. But inflammation means the bone is dead and will have to come out. Still it's best of 2 choices. I just am so frustrated that I can't find out what is really going on there. I see the onc tomorrow but doubt I'll get any answers. My arm hurts more and feels weaker too.
Anyway, I intend to enjoy my Sunday and hope you all do too. - Skye -
Caya, the main reason for the CT scan is to check this small spot on the liver (milimeter size). They think it is a cyst and it didn't change at all after chemo (if it went away then they would have thought it was cancer) so hopefully it's the same size. They will watch it for another year. If it's okay now, I think they will schedule having my port taken out.
Skye, thinking of you. Hope you get some answers soon. Not knowing is worse I think.
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Caya, the main reason for the CT scan is to check this small spot on the liver (milimeter size). They think it is a cyst and it didn't change at all after chemo (if it went away then they would have thought it was cancer) so hopefully it's the same size. They will watch it for another year. If it's okay now, I think they will schedule having my port taken out.
Skye, thinking of you. Hope you get some answers soon. Not knowing is worse I think.
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Nandy,
That does look like my hair. We could be twins...
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Skye - good luck tomorrow with your onc. and hopefully you will get some answers with this breastbone thing.
Mary, I have a cyst on my gallbladder they found years ago when I was getting a routine pelvic/abdominal ultrasound. They measure it every couple of years to see if it has grown (it hasn't). If it grows, I have to get my gallbladder out - oh, just what I need, more surgery - OY!
I guess everyone was watching The Emmys tonight, which I enjoyed. Love seeing the gowns.
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Hi Sisters,
I am back from our visit with the kids; business trip for me thurs and Fri, then met up with the kids and husband flew in Sat am. What fun we had! My younger daughter was born on my birthday, and we were able to celebrate together for the first time in years. And I feel so grateful to be here to celebrate! Our three and their spouses/sig others get along so well; it is fun to watch all that energy and youth. We took long walks, some of us swam, bike rides, etc. Lots of good food. I think we are all just so glad this past 8 months is over. I do think the mom is the glue of the family, and when I got sick, the kids and husband were a bit stunned and disoriented. It's good to watch all of us take our former roles, nice that the kids don't have to be the parents right now. Just good to have fun.
When I got home, there was a letter from my insurance saying my mammogram was normal. I nearly cried. I was so scared. I do wish I had had a bilateral. I see the onc in Oct and will discuss this again with him ... though elective surgery sounds scary too.
Skye, I am so sorry about this wait for you. I cannot imagine it is cancer. I know necrosis is not something to wish for, but in this case, it is my choice.
Mary, good luck on the cat scan. Keep us informed.
Everyone else, big hugs. I worry about Cindy; where is she?
Rebecca, you are gorgeous in that dress! And all the hair news, I love it!
Myranda, I don't know what wc is and no one has pmd me ... I am confused. Like I have said, this is the only site I visit, other than the get togethers, and it is my safe place. I can trust all the women on this thread. What a blessing you all are.
Melia
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Melia, glad you had such a great weekend. You deserve it. I agree w/your "mom is the glue" comment.
Yes, Caya, odd that they assume only under 40's want immed. recon. I was actually 40 at dx. But my ovaries are 20! LOL! Lynn, speaking of which, I emailed my onco. about the endometrial ablation making it hard to detect uterine cancer because it lessens/stops the bleeding, which is the main sign of UC... he said he hadn't heard of that and he's contact my gyno. Hello? It's written in the Novasure brochure. How could an onco. not know this but I do? Bizarre.
Skye, keep us posted after your onco. visit. I know the worry can just become all consuming. It's awful. Mer, glad your liver spot hasn't grown/shrunk. Amazing that they know it's OK by the fact it didn't shrink on chemo.
Caya, I tried to sign on last night (wasn't watching the Emmy's) but the site was down for hours. I gave up. Read in this am's paper that the Sopranos won. I think I fell asleep during Curb Your Enthusiasm because I can't recall what it was about.
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Caya, I had my gallbladder out in 2000. Mine had simply quit working, weird I know. But while the surgery wasn't bad it was the after effects. For about a year you have pretty much no control of your bowels. Usually right after a meal, a potty better be real close!
I'll never forget driving in no man's land and it hit!! I thought I was gonna die, Thank god in the distance I spyed a McDonalds, I knew thay were good for something! LOL So if it comes down to you having to get it out, just thought I'd warn you. Sorry....
Back to the darnist oops dentist... same thing...for my cleaning finally! No novocaine!!! I check in later.
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Good Morning Ladies:
Well I won 1st, 2nd and 3rd place ribbons for my dahlias. I also won 2nd place for my begonias, and 3rd place for my flower arrangement ( I put a bunch of glads & other flowers together). The country fair was really lots of fun. There was a slow pitch tournie that anyone could join in, a small gymkana (horse events), ice bowling (on our new hockey rink), and lots of races for the little kids. Great parade on Saturday and a contest for all the kids who decorated their bikes. One little girl even had her dog all dressed up. The hutterites came in and there was a fresh garden market with all their produce. Oh, and the weather was beautiful!!!
Skye, I'll be thinking of you today at the onco. Everything will be fine, and this worry will soon be behind you.
Mary, my liver spot shrunk on chemo, that is why they knew it was cancerous. I have two other spots that one is a cyst, and one is a hemangioma, and they both stayed the same. My onco said that the MRI or CT scan can show the differences in spots, and that they usually can tell what they are from the pics, but the best indication is the no shrinkage. Although don't get me wrong, now that it is totally shrunk I am happy. My doctor doesn't say it is "cured", but I am in remission for the time being, which I will take.
Rebecca, that dress is really lovely. Chocolate brown will be just beautiful with that style. You have a lovely figure to go into it also.
Lynn, can you please send me your autograph. You two look pretty much like "hotties" to me!! What fun!!
Viddie, are you still at your cottage? Hope you are doing well out there.
Caya, if you want the reconstruction, go for it. At whatever age, if it would make you feel better about yourself, do it. I'm perfectly fine with my prothesis. I don't know if they would do reconstruction on me, as I'm Stage IV.
Sharon, glad to hear all your tests were just the normal things they do. I think we will always be a little bit apprehensive about tests now.
Amera, I think you have a pretty heavy load, career, kids, day to day living, and it alone would make most people tired, but considering you had chemo this year, and radiation, I would say you are remarkable!! My doctor says that it takes a full year to completely get over the side effects of chemo and radiation.
Mel, how are you doing? And yes, I did go out and buy a quilt for my boy Thor's bed. He's quite upset that he does not get to come up on the new bed, but he does like his new bed.
Melia, less than a month until your daughter's weddding. I bet you are getting excited. It will be a great day. It also sounds like you had a fun weekend.
Nandy and RobbinJaye, I wish I had that much hair!!
I had everyone over yesterday for a big family dinner, as Dan & I will be in Europe for Canadian Thanksgiving. I'm doing the big turkey this year for Christmas (yikes we're talking about that already). We usually have between 22 & 28 for Christmas, and I love it.
Hugs to all. Here's a pick of my first place dahlia:
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb9/joniblack/NewBedDahlias009.jpg
Joni
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