Starting Chemo in JAN 2007
Comments
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Mel,
I am sorry to hear about your cat, Ted. It must be very hard for you.I am glad he is not in distress.
Lynn,
The pouch!! Here's a story.
Linda, Dr. Lee's nurse, told me to take it to the hospital and give it to the nurse when I check in. She told me I would wake up wearing it. I followed her instructions, but they did not put it on me. I bought two- one for the shower. I brought both with me. I put one in my suitcase and handed the other one to the nurse. They put the pouch in the plastic bag they give you at check in to hold your clothes and suitcase.
When I was taken to my room, my husband took my suitcase out of the plastic bag, but I kept the pouch in the plastic bag under my bed. When I was packing to leave Friday morning, I could not find the bag. Apparently when they cleaned my room, someone threw away the bag. My hormones were raging, and when I could not find my bag, I started to cry. I couldn't stop crying. The nurse had to calm me down. Weird indeed!! Over-reaction galore.
Anyway, back to the pouch. They put clips on all four drains so they could clip to the nightgown. That was a great idea because I think the pouch would have been uncomfortable for the first few days on my abdomen. When I got home, however, I used it all the time and found it very comfortable and handy.
Since I lost one pouch in the hospital, I used a lanyard, like Jan suggested, around my neck and clipped the drains to the lanyard. That way my hands were free and they did not drop or get in the way. I also put a plastic outside chair in the shower. Sitting on the chair was heavenly.
I will try to think of more suggestions. Ask away.
Tina,
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Viddie -
Tina and Paul, we are all praying for you and sending love and positive thoughts across the miles. I agree with everyone; if it had to happen, thanks be to God that it happened in a hospital.
Mel, I am sorry about your cat. We lost our 21 year old Charles two years ago and still miss him very much. But we do talk about all his funny quirks and he still makes us laugh. Steve buried him in our favorite garden spot, moved a large rock there as a headstone, and just this morning as I went out to get the paper, I said hi to him as I walked past his grave.
It would be lovely to get together. Maybe early summer / late spring? What is the most central place? Certainly not San Diego, unfortunately. It would be so nice to meet.
Melia
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Oh my. I cannot imagine. I am just shocked. Tina, I know you will make a full recovery. What a terrible scare. I am sending every positive thought and all my love your way.
Amera
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OMG..I would never of imagined Tina not breezing through this! I am lost for words, Tina, please please get well.
Do you think it was from the herceptin? And did they get to finish the hysterectomy? This news made me feel like I was just thrown against a wall, WOW!
Viddie, Jeff is still in a lot a pain, I picked up some vicodin for him the other day, after I called the Dr. again screaming help! But it just takes the edge off. He says that if someone told him he would hurt like this forever, he would take his own life. That means the pain is unbearable, he is a strong person, the type to let nothing knock him down, but this sure did. Come Monday if it's not better we go back to the Dr.
I am still fighting my tooth issue, not any better. Guess I need to suck it up and get the root canal. EWWW!
The effexor seems to be working well for me, although I have been in a foggy like state, it is lifting though. I feel I have so much more energy. I have been cleaning house like crazy. Throwing stuff out. I think a lot of it is, I want things to look different. I want a fresh start.
I colored my hair last night, Oops to dark, but I wanted those grays to go away. Oh well. I can live with it 4 to 6 weeks. After being bald, I'm not too picky about what my hair looks like. LOL.
I wish I had everyone's addresses so I could send Christmas cards, but I know that is scary to send over the net.
Mel, I am sorry about Ted, I know it is hard to lose a pet.
But rest assured he had a long wonderful life with you!Sending strength and love to Tina and Paul and kids! Get Well Tina!!!
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Dear Tina,
I hope you can feel the prayers and love coming from Iowa!
Many, many soft gentle hugs....
Cindy
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Well, the ice is starting to melt as the temperature rises. It started about 3:30 this morning. I hadn't planned to be out today - I shopped for food and books so I'm set for the day until the I know that the roads are safe to drive. I HATE being out on ice.
Hope everyone has goodies to munch, books or movies to settle with and maybe a nap....
Cindy
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Nancy, I'm so sorry your DH is in such pain; hope that can get resolved soon. Sorry about your root canal, too, speaking from experience on that one.
Cindy I know whatever weather you have will be hitting here hours later. We don't have to go anywhere but dh is trying to get the floor done in the spare room so lots of commotion, pounding, furniture moving, etc. I'm not complaining because I really want it done.
Rebecca, I wonder if Paul would give you Tina's snail mail and you could pm it to those of us who ask you to so we can send cards to their home. If so, please put me first on the list. - Skye -
Hello all,
Tina, hope you are feeling better today, you gave us all a big scare. They will get to the bottom of this and figure out what is up, and you'll be back with us quickly.
I think we should all plan a get together too. We'll have to figure out who still needs their herceptin, but figure out a time when we can all meet. I believe we all (or most of us) agreed that we wanted somewhere warm. I'm all for that considering it's -20 here today, and we're only suppose to have a high of -16. That is celsius, but let me tell you with the wind it is really cold.
There are some great cruises of 4 or 7 days that might be cheaper than going to a hotel. We can get a 7 day cruise for for around $600.00, out of either Florida or California, depending where we want to go. Or how about Las Vegas?? I don't care where, let's just start to plan, so we can all go!!
I heard back from my onco, and they are sending me for a bone scan next Thursday. He still didn't have the blood test results, so he said we would have them next week. He's also moving my MRI up, but that I should not worry (yeah right).
Anyways we have all had a bit of a jolt with Tina's episode in the OR, and I hope Tina knows we are all here for her.
Lynn, can you resend out the address list to all of us again. I don't know what I did with mine. Lynn sent this privately, as we don't want to put that on the internet.
Big hugs to all....Joni
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hi my sisters....
I am just back from having lunch with some ladies from the boards that live here in Jersey. We had a great time!
I have not heard anything further from Paul...I am sure he has his hands full taking care of Tina and the kids. I have been thinking about all of them all day.
I have Tina's snail mail address if anyone wants it....I have already sent her a card. I think we should send her a card shower...she MUST keep her spirits up! She is such a tough cookie that I know she will power through this!
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Rebecca, can you send me her address? I would love to send her a card.
Stay warm and safe everyone. This incident with Tina is scary. No one drive on ice, no one sky dive, no one get off the couch! Jan, no rock climbing today, please.
Melia
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Rebecca, thanks for passing on the news about Tina. I'm sending prayers and goods thoughts her way.
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I agree Melia....lets try to stay safe! I promise to look both ways when I cross the street....
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All my good thoughts and best wishes going out to Tina. We all hope you are on your feet again soon.
Rebecca - thanks so much for posting. I have Tina's address and a card will be on the way soon.
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Hey, Rebecca, please send me Tina's address also. I had it, but can't find it now. And please let us know the moment you hear something! I've been thinking about her all day.
We just got back from my dh's mother's family Christmas party. It was about 90 miles away, and they have quite a family - even after all these years, there are so many of them that I don't even recognize them all. When they're all together in a little tiny house, it is chaos, and the noise level is incredible. They're a nice bunch, fortunately, but it is good to be back home where it's quiet. We had to leave Harrison home alone all day - he did fine, but nearly turned inside out when we finally got home.
As far as a reunion goes, there are cruises that leave out of Galveston too, now, for the past few years. We could compare prices. I'm ok with going anywhere, anytime, except I would hate for you to have this while I'm getting over my reconstruction and can't go. I hope that will be in April.
Nancy, I'm so sorry Jeff is in such pain, and hope it either gets better or you get some stronger pain meds for him. It does sound like you are feeling better, though, and I'm very glad about that.
Cindy and Skye, stay in and stay safe through the storm. It is 70 degrees here, and I'd trade with you in a heartbeat.
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Hi everyone,
I have everyone's snail mail and email, I'll send y'all an email tomorrow with an attachment with everyone's snail mail address.
Lynn
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I have just received the following update from Paul. She seems to be doing better, thank goodness. Vibes must be working! Get those cards out there ladies!!!!
Dear Friends, Thank you for the continued thoughts and prayers. Tina was transferred today to the Ross cardiac hospital and is stable condition. They began treating her today with some heart medicine and said she was responding well. Her spirits are picking up and she even ate a little bit and is getting much needed rest. They have plans to administer a heart MRI on Monday, which is a 4 hour procedure. We have been told the Dr's feel this MRI will provide us with a lot of valuable information that will assist in deciding a course of treatment. I am taking Paul and Jaclyn to see her tomorrow and will update you if anything changes. I will update you on Monday evening, hopefully with some detailed information. Please forward to anyone I may have missed. Thank you, Paul & Tina
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Dear Paul and Tina,
Thank goodness!! I am so glad to hear you are recovering nicely and feeling better. You had us all very scared and worried. Rest,Rest,Rest. We chemo sisters are sending you so much positive energy and vibes, and now we know it is working. I am so happy you are on the road to recovery. We miss you.
Love and Hugs,
Viddie
Rebecca and Paul,
Thanks so much for the update. -
Dear Tina and Paul,
Thank goodness Tina is responding to the medication. We are praying for Tina's complete recovery ASAP. Tina - OY!!! Rest, relax, and let the doctors and nurses look after you. Hugs to both Pauls and Jaclyn as well. We love you!!
Sending lots of hugs from Canada,
all the best from caya
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Tina and Paul, Thanks for sending the good news...whew! We are there with you in spirit and sending all sorts of positive energy your way! We love you!
Ladies, I emailed the document that has everyone's snail mail address. Skye, please pm me your email address, for some reason I don't have yours.
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oh, a cruise sounds wonderful since George won't go on one. This would be my opportunity to experience a cruise!
Please wait until I'm recovered from my DIEP, I couldn't bare to miss meeting you all in person! -
Thanks to those of you who sent me Tina's address. I will send a card today; I am so glad she seems to be rallying.
And Lynn, Mel, and anyone else who still faces more procedures, of COURSE we won't go anywhere without you!!! We need to wait til everyone is strong and ready. That means Tina, too, of course. Rebecca, thanks for keeping us posted.
The sun is out today after a couple of days of much needed rain. Maybe a bike ride is in order. Started holiday shopping yesterday, what a zoo! I do most of it online but had to visit a couple of stores. Big mistake. Too many people, too many cars, too much chaos.
Melia
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Rebecca thanks for the update be sure to let Tina know we love her !
I had a post all entered and lost it ! frig ! hate that .
We need a new name ..... not the "starting chemo in JAN2007" There are still some of us battling ..... some of us still out there maybe reading but not posting ..... How do we get a "name " ? What should we call ourselves ?
Skye we need to go on Oprah ! You are a writer how do we get a book deal ? We all could add a chapter ... i do not know ...its just we all have so much of an online life here its sad to see all of this in cyberspace .... we need this all documented and saved , never lost to never no never to never land .
Any ideas gals i am here to give anything i can to preserve our unique relationship . Winter has come up here early we need that warm cozy fire and some wine to snuggle into !
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Here's hoping today is an even better day for you, Tina! So glad to hear you are better, dear one. You are so strong, even in the face of more than any one person should have to deal with - we all admire and love you, and constant positive energy is being sent your way. I know you'll be fine. Major big hugs to you, girlfriend.
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Sharon, as usual you have hit the nail on the head. I totally agree - our unique relationship is indeed too special to allow it to be lost. A book....well, we do have an author in our midst. I can't imagine that Oprah would NOT want us. Maybe we could pitch the idea for next October's dreaded bc awareness month. Back to preserving the relationship, that's why I keep harping on the get-together. Photos, sharing, cementing the friendships forever...I think it's just so important to experience each other in person, and I personally can hardly wait until we do it. I also think that we might start a small savings fund somewhere, contribute a little here and there, so that we can make sure everyone is able to make it. If we don't need it, then we can donate it to bc research, or blow it on entertainment or something. Just a thought.
Lynn, got the addresses - thanks! I'll send you and everyone a correction on my email address, though. My dh would hate a cruise also, so I'll probably never do that unless I go with girls. However, I don't care where we get together - the point is being together, wherever it is. I could look into Akumal prices, too - it's beautiful there. As I remember, our two bedroom suite was $200/night, and that slept 4-6 people.
Well, everybody have a good Sunday. Hoping for more good news from Paul today about our Tina.
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I love the book idea. I've been thinking about something along the same lines for the last few months. Skye? Rebecca? You are our most talented writers. What do you think? We have so much material from this thread that we can pull from. How would we organize it? Maybe we can all schedule a chat to brainstorm some ideas? I am willing to help pull from our old posts and organize.
Tina - thinking about you and sending strong healing thoughts your way.
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Hello....
Just poppin in to let Tina know that she is in my prayers. I am so shocked by what has happened, and so looking forward to when there are improvements in cancer treatments so we can get out of the Dark Ages....thank you Lynn for updating me.
I've been trying to get busy with my Life again...but there have been so many crises lately on the home front.
I think y'all do need a special name. You are a BONAFIDE GROUP, a happening, an element, something real special....
I'll check back later, hopefully for good news about Tina.
Mizsissy
PS..new avatar is not representative of current hair growth...it's me my second week in chemo last Jan, just before it all fell out. I just had a haircut and feel so demoralized I had to change my avatar to something that makes me feel a little more positive...
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Hey Ladies,
I think it would be very cool to use our postings for a book, the profits of which could be donated to BC research. I can imagine it beginning with Jan's very first posting...she asked so little and we've all received so much. Then an introduction of each of us, and chapters based on the major elements we each endured such as (can think of snappier titles later) ...Diagnosis, Decisions, Surgery, Treatment Decisions, Chemo, Hair (featuring a bald page), Rads, Recovery, etc. and mixing in the most poignant messages to go with each. The key would be using the posts that best tell our story, and keeping it a storylike read that people will want to follow.
We could come up with any number of names...
The Ta-Ta Sisterhood
Breast Friends Forever
And so forth. I bet we could get an agent, and I do know how to go about that and have some contacts.
The hardest part would be knowing where to end it.
Let's do this! - Skye -
I'm confused...I thought RobbinJaye was the author of this thread. I know it took a few pages of posts before the group coalesced...are you suggesting we start after the beginning?
Mizsissy
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I like the idea of everybody writing their own chapter...so it's not just the posts. What we were feeling individually and how the group helped us.
Skye, you are right about where to end it. The truth is, is that the story's not over. None of really know for sure what is going to happen, and that's what makes it a little more poignant.
Names...one name that Raye thought of for our Spa Group (that we never used) was "Ladies of the Light." I really liked that...although I might want to save it. Let's brainstorm some names. One of the discussions I really got into was whether or not we were survivors. None of us wanted to be victims, and we didn't like the "survivor" idea either. We were talking about how BC brought about a kind of rebirth. Lets think along those lines.
Mizsissy
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Update:
Ono taken me off of Tamoxifen till Jan. I still have the body rash all over my breast, stomach and back!!!
These are the other two drugs he suggested:
Tormaphine and/or Evista.
Evista (chemical name: raloxifene) is a sister to tamoxifen.
Don't know if the first word is correct.
Anyone with any info on these???????????????????
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