The Chemosabe March Cruise

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  • GrammyNancy
    GrammyNancy Member Posts: 666
    edited December 2007

    Melissa, good to see you back.  Scary about the lump...so happy that it is just fluid.  I have a little pocket of fluid...when I first found it I also freaked out...they drained it twice but it just continues to fill up...guess it is something I'll have to live with.

    Terri...so sorry you have to wait until Jan 2 to get your results...maybe if you bug them a little they can get you results quicker....the squeaking wheel gets the grease (as my Mom used to say).  No, I haven't heard from Taurie since she ended treatment...hope all is well with her.

    Rosebud...CONGRATULATIONS on becoming a Grandma!  Grandchildren are priceless....spoil them!  Good for you on the clean mamo and getting your hair colored....let us know if blondes have more fun.

    My mamo is Dec 17th....not looking forward to that.  Did any of you have a breast mri?

    Hope everyone enjoys the weekend,

    Nancy

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  • Keenie
    Keenie Member Posts: 258
    edited December 2007

    Hi Girls,

    Melissa, I'm glad to hear your lump was nothing of concern. And Terri, I've been touching myself constantly for the last two weeks, hoping not to find anything! Why is it taking so long to get results?



    Maybe we are all just trying to go on with our new lives, post tx, and it's going to take a little while before we feel more relaxed. I do have that little "bug" of fear and anxiety and it really got into my head during the last few days before my mammo. Prayer is a help!



    Nancy, let us know what you decide about surgery. My gf had reconstruction last year and feels great and looks tremendously perky to boot! And Rosebud, cool news! But you look way too young to be a Granny. Remember, I know what it's like to be called "Granny" before you're ready! LOL.

    Love,

    Christine

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2007

    Wow, it's good to come here and see all the posts!

    Melissa, that must have been terribly frightening about the lump! I'm so glad it was nothing to worry about. I know what you mean about being so upset over Jacque. Many of us felt the same... she was definitely an inspiration and a little signpost pointing us to the Lord. What better thing could we do with our time here than that? At any rate, it's good to hear from you.

    Rosebud, I've died my hair twice. The first time it came out a little weird, but this last time, it looks normal. I'm thinking about losing my wig for the new year. I don't know if I'm brave enough or not.

    Congrats on the grandbaby. I still haven't seen mine!

    Nancy, good luck with your upcoming mammo. I had mine a couple of months ago. I also had a breast MRI last year. It really hurt my back, but most people don't have trouble with it.

    I'm still sitting here all lopsided, too. I have plenty of time to think of what to do about it, because I can't get time off work for another year. I did get the skin sparing mastectomy, so I either have to get recon or get the skin removed. I guess I am thinking over all the same options as you. With my status of not being able to take my Herceptin and having such a bad heart, I'm also waiting to see if I'll be around long enough to worry about the booblessness. So that is on a back burner for me right now.

    Keenie, glad your boob(s)? are okay. My mammo went really well, to. My doctor ordered an ultrasound and they wouldn't even do it. At least I only have one boob for them to smash into pancake status. now.

    Terri, that is really strange to have to wait so long for mammo results. Shoot... here they tell you while you're still there when you're getting diagnostic mammos.

    I would love it if some of the others checked in....

    I had the PET scan yesterday. Everything was good. I seem to have gotten over my scan anxiety! Thank goodness. Now I should get the results next Thursday at my onc appointment. Thanks for all the well wishes from everyone. I sincerely hope it's not time for more bad news. I'll definitely keep you updated.

    I love you all!

    Miss S

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  • Keenie
    Keenie Member Posts: 258
    edited December 2007

    Hi Nancy and all,

    I asked the radiologist about a breast MRI and she told me that I'd be a candidate even though she thinks that ultrasound and mammo are good tools for me. She said the MRI is really good for younger girls with denser breasts and that when my DD is in her 30s, she'd be a candidate - she'll have to have her first mammo etc. at age 36, 10 years before my dx.

    She also said that the MRI gives lots of info, benign and not, and sometimes they like to "watch" something for 6 months and this can stress some women out. I don't know what to think. I guess I'll think about it some more.

    Christine

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  • 3boys4me
    3boys4me Member Posts: 319
    edited December 2007

    Hi everyone,

    Catching up on posts again.  I'm such the straggler here with treatment so I like that I can read where all of you are in treatment in anticipation of what's to come - rads and reconstruction and all the other follow up. 

    I completed tx#2 (or what is really #6 of 8 since I started the neo-adjuvant back in March).  I'm tolerating the AC pretty well, but suffering from some diarrhea which according to my onc is not normal with AC.  He says if it continues, he'll run some tests, but hopefully Imodium will take care of business...  Anyways, 2 down, 2 to go.

    Rosebud - it's nice to hear of the good news.

    Take care,

    Lisa

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  • Keenie
    Keenie Member Posts: 258
    edited December 2007

    Hi Lisa,

    Glad to hear from you, but sorry to hear about your icky side effect. I had the opposite problem when I had my AC. When will you be done?

    Christine

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  • GrammyNancy
    GrammyNancy Member Posts: 666
    edited December 2007

    Lisa...sorry to hear about your se's.  I did the TAC and I had both the big d and the big c at different times.  I just kept Senekot and immodium close by.  Was a balancing act....I do think they are se's of the treatment.  How often are you getting your tx?  Sending you gentle hugs and prayers for smooth sailing.

    Nancy

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  • HollyHopes
    HollyHopes Member Posts: 497
    edited December 2007

    Hi Everyone...so good to catch up on news.  I'm doing fine here in Los Angeles.  Still get fairly tired after a day of work, but then I ALWAYS got tired after a day of work!  I joined the local "Y" and have been working out 5 days a week and actually enjoying it once I'm there.  I am scheduled for my first mammo early in January and then see the surgeon to talk about getting a bilateral reduction and lift. 

    These holidays seem especially precious this year, after all we have been through.  I keep thinking that at this time last year - I had no idea that anything was wrong.  Lost innocence...

    Sending my love and hugs to each of you.

    Holly

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  • GrammyNancy
    GrammyNancy Member Posts: 666
    edited December 2007

    Holly so good to hear from you and to know that you are doing well.  Boy, do you have that right about lost innocense....I had found my lump by this time last year but buried my head in the sand and waited until Jan to have it checked because I didn't want to destory Christmas.  How's that boyfriend behaving?

    Nancy

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  • Angelflight
    Angelflight Member Posts: 163
    edited December 2007

    Jacques,

    So sorry to hear about the lungs.  I hope you're feeling much better after having it drained.

    Rosebud,

    Congrats on the new arrival.  The first grand baby is always so special.

    Keenie,

    Glad to hear about the clear mammo.  I have to have one in the next month or so and hope all is well too.

    I havn't been here much lately.  Two reasons.  We're having issues with my hubby's health right now and sometimes I just want to get away from the bc altogether. 

    My hair is coming in sooooooooo slow it's pathetic.  I thought by Christmas I would at least be able to have a full head and not be wearing a hat anymore.  Well no such luck.  I have about 1/4-1/2" if that and there are 2 spots in the front that look like major receeding hairlines men have.  Only baby hairs in there right now.  I did notice a lot more grey when it started coming back and have done the dye job already with no problems. 

    Hope to have a mammo done sometime right after the holidays and hope it will come back clear.

    Hubby has an anurism in the lower part of his stomach the Dr's are watching closely until surgery when it's large enough.  On his last CT scan a few weeks ago he had spots that showed up in his adrenial glands. They're suspecting cancer but we're not sure yet. He had to do bloodwork and the Dr. said that would tell.  They called yesterday and the counts were bad as suspected and now they're ordered more bloodwork.  I guess it will be Christmas or after before we get a confirmation one way or the other.

    I probably won't be in here again for a while so everyone have a great Christmas and stay healthy.

    Jacques,

    I pray for your mets every day.  Stay strong!!

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  • rosebud1962
    rosebud1962 Member Posts: 196
    edited December 2007

    Here are some pictures of my daughter's weding that I promised.  This is what happens when the photographer insist that no pictures be taken during the wedding.  He was such a crook.  Doesn't matter, we have some now but he did spoil it and charged us a huge amount of money.  Water under the bridge..

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  • rosebud1962
    rosebud1962 Member Posts: 196
    edited December 2007

    Here's the wedding pictures I promised.  This was in Aug. of this year.  That's my daughter and her new hubby, me and my daughter and me crying and my boy friend holding my hand.  These pics where held up by the crook who took them.  Long story but we have the pictures now and I'm happy. 

    Angel..I'll be praying for you and your husband. 

    Merry Christmas...Rosebud

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  • GrammyNancy
    GrammyNancy Member Posts: 666
    edited December 2007

    Angel, good to hear from you and I'm so sorry that your husband is having troubles.  I'll pray for your family....keep us posted.

    Rosebud....you and your daughter are absolutely gorgeous!!!!  I'm sorry you had problems with the photograher but am happy that it finally worked out.  Lot of hair for August...how you looking now?

    Mamo on Monday....hate to even think about it.

    Nancy

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  • Keenie
    Keenie Member Posts: 258
    edited December 2007

    Hey Nancy,

    Prayers for you for an easy "squish"! I must admit, I was more nervous than I thought I'd be when I went a couple of weeks ago. So, let us know how things go.



    Rosebud, you look fabulous. What a beautiful bride!



    Busy with the last week of school - concert, choir, and Kinders! Oh my! Hope everyone is keeping well.

    Christine ;-)

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  • GrammyNancy
    GrammyNancy Member Posts: 666
    edited December 2007

    Well I've been properly squished and all is a okay....what a relief.  I was surprised at how nervous I was...I guess we are all waiting for the other shoe to drop. 

    Thank you Christine for the prayers.  Have fun with last week of school....don't know how you are doing it.  Had 3 of my granddaughters (6, 4 and 18 mos.) for the weekend and I can truly say - I'm exhausted.

    Nancy

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  • 3boys4me
    3boys4me Member Posts: 319
    edited December 2007

    Rosebud - what beautiful wedding pictures.  I find that going through cancer treatment has made me appreciate occasions - weddings, babies, graduations, I guess even every day life - just a little bit more.

    Angelflight - I hope your hubby will be okay.  Anuerisms are scary buggers.  You are in my prayers.   

    I just finished tx 3 of 4 or is that 7 of 8?  Anyways, one more to go on 1/7.  I will be so glad when this part of treatment is over.  I think I'm actually looking forward to rads ;-)  Any words of advise for those of you who have gone before. 

    love to all,

    Lisa

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  • Keenie
    Keenie Member Posts: 258
    edited December 2007

    Hi Lisa,

    The only advice I would give you for rads is to do whatever your radiologist says as far as skin care. I used Glaxolbase, very sparingly, and had no issues. I only had 16 tx, however. My boob is actually a little perkier and tanned now, six months later! Kinda funny!

    Oh, the nurses used a Sharpie marker all over me for the whole time to mark my spots, so I ended up wearing the same bra each time and then I chucked it out at the end It was pretty black!

    What a relief it will be for you to be done your chemo.

    Christine ;-)

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  • GrammyNancy
    GrammyNancy Member Posts: 666
    edited December 2007

    Lisa, so happy to hear that you are nearing the end of chemo...I feel that I've not been as supported as I should have.  Are you experiencing any se's?  How's it going?  I didn't have rads so I can't offer any advice but I will keep you in my prayers.  When is the last chemo?

    Nancy

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2007

    I loved the wedding pictures, too. The one of you crying was so cute. Cry

    Lisa, so glad you only have one chemo left. I finished chemo at the end of June and it all just seems like a distant memory now. You can do it! Rads are much easier, but did cook my poor skin. However, it healed up remarkably quickly when rads were stopped.

    Nancy, glad your boobies are okay. Now you get to relax somewhat til next time!

    Keenie, I hope you have a nice relaxing Christmas, getting some rest! Laughing

    My PET scan came back clear. Yay! I have my monthly appointment with the cardiologist tomorrow afternoon. They are normally noneventful, as he is just keeping a watch over me.

    Angel, I hope your hair starts to grow in faster. I take 2 biotin daily and mine is about three inches long and quite thick. I wish it was longer, but I have much more than I used to!  Tongue out

    Love you all!

    Miss S

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  • rosebud1962
    rosebud1962 Member Posts: 196
    edited December 2007

    Seems like rads was years ago..LOL  I burned terrible so I would do what they tell you to do.  Ask questions about what to put on your skin.  Rad Onc like to use different things so there isn't one easy answer here.  Congrats on your last chemo coming up.  Before long you'll feel like the rest of us..it's a distant memory.

    Miss S..Congrats on the all clear.  What a great feeling that is huh?

    Grammy..Super, another clear mammo.  Seems like we are all clearing that first mammo with flying colors.  Here's a prayer that we all continue to keep in the all clear zone...Hugs..rosebud

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  • GrammyNancy
    GrammyNancy Member Posts: 666
    edited December 2007

    Congratulations on the clear PET scan MissS....you were due some good news!  Hair 3 inches long...that's wonderful....mine's only about 1 1/2"...but I've heard that herceptin can slow hair growth.  I think I'm also getting the se from Arimidex - the thickening middle.  Getting a treadmill for Christmas so I hope I can get rid of the extra weight.

    Hugs to all,

    Nancy

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  • playwriter
    playwriter Member Posts: 316
    edited December 2007

    is biotin safe to take? someone here on the boards made an offhand comment about not taking it that made me think it wasn't good. i finished chemo in july and probably have about 1.5". i use my nioxin faithfully.

    m'gram came back normal! i got the letter with the results a couple of days ago.

    rose, you and yr daughter look lovely. thanks for sharing the pics.

    i got the calendar with my and my DDs' pic in it. i'll scan the photo and share it with you.

    angel, keep us posted about yr hubby. so sorry that's happening.

    3 boys, keep yr chin up! you have come so far and tx is almost over! yr rads onc will probably tell u the same stuff, but mine told me no underwire bras, no antiperspirant with aluminum (Tom's of Maine or Crystal are fine). when you put yr moisturizer on, (i used Sween Cream) don't forget to moisturize behind yr underarm. i forgot about that part, and it got really burned.

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  • whitecotton
    whitecotton Member Posts: 106
    edited December 2007

    Oh my gosh I am so happy to hear everyone getting the all clear!

    Way to go girls.

    Rosebud the wedding pictures are awesome. Your daughter is so beautiful.

    Lisa almost done, sending prayers and hugs your way.

    my hair is only 1 1/2 inches too. Interesting about the herceptin, maybe that is why mine is growing so slow too.

    I just wanted to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a wonderful 2008!

    thank you all for helping me through 2007, I could not have gone through this without you wonderful ladies.

    God Bless

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  • Keenie
    Keenie Member Posts: 258
    edited December 2007

    Hi girls,

    Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful, blessed 2008. We've certainly been through a lot this year. I agree with Melissa, that I couldn't have made it without the prayers of my sisters here.



    I'm not a big "Santa" girl, but my friend sent this link and it's pretty cute.



    Have a wonderful holiday!

    Christine

    x

    http://www.thecompassgroup.biz/merryxmas.swf



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  • GrammyNancy
    GrammyNancy Member Posts: 666
    edited December 2007

    Teri...congrats on the clear mamo.  Can't wait to see the picture from the calendar....are they still available and if so where can I get one?

    I too want to take this opportunity to wish each of you a very Merry Christmas.  I am so blessed that each of you came into my life this year and helped me through this very difficult time.  Thank you for your prayers, compassion, friendship and for just being here.  God is good - all the time. 

    Love,

    Nancy

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  • 3boys4me
    3boys4me Member Posts: 319
    edited December 2007

    I am finally feeling better after this last chemo and looking forward to having a "feel good" Christmas and New Year before I belly back up to the bar for my last cocktail on the 7th.  I wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

    love to all,

    Lisa

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2007

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2007

    Wishing all my friends here a wonderful Christmas. May God bless you all for being the sweet support and encouragement that was so important to me. You are so dear to my heart!

    Miss S

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  • dmknanny
    dmknanny Member Posts: 60
    edited December 2007

    Hello my chemo-cruise sisters!

    It's been way too long since I posted here, or even had time to read to catch up on all of you.  I am so saddened  by Jacque's passing - she was a great source of strength for me, and I will miss her.  Tomorrow is my 1 year anniversary of diagnosis, and I am doing well..  Since I had bi-lateral TRAM flap reconstruction, what was once my belly is now my boobs, and I do not need mammos.  I see my onc and PS in January.  I had an oopharectomy in September after rads.  Was on Tamoxifen but now on Arimidex.  I had not heard about the thickening midsection SE but I have that, and now know why!  I had genetic testing and do not carry the BRCA genes (thank God). I returned fulltime to work in October and most days don't have enough energy to do too much after dinner, but it's getting better every day.  I would REALLY like to get into some type of regular exercise...New Year's resolution??

    So 6 days before my anniversary (Dec 22) we get a call telling my husband he has colon cancer.  He turned 50 in May (remember I had a huge party for him?) so he went for the "routine screening" colonoscopy Dec 19.  Doc removed 2 polyps - 1 small and one quite large, but felt confident neither one was cancer.  We really didn't even worry about it.  Then on Saturday AM he calls with the news.  We are both still in shock.  They did not get clean margins so he will most likely have a colon resection sometime in January.  I just can't believe we are going through this whole nightmare again.  I, TOO HATE CANCER!!  At 48 and 50, we're too young for both of us to have this shit!  And I really worry about my kids (28 & 26) and 3 grandkids with one on the way.  They are now going to have to be so much more vigilant than I ever even dreamed of at their age.

    But enough about me.......I am so happy to read that you are ending treatments, growing hair (I have about 1 1/2" of tight curls - was straight BC), preparing for grandchildren, taking vacations, getting positive test results, and basically resuming life.  But it will never be the same, will it?  Once we have been to this place called breast cancer we can never go back to where we were before.  But my prayer for all of you is that where you go back to is a place where you are stronger, happier, more patient, understanding and compassionate, where you take time to appreciate the little things this crazy life has to offer and try not to let the big things consume you, where you can love freely, live happily and have the strength not to let anyone stand in your way.  You are all beautiful, strong, fabulous women who each in your own way has done more to help me than you will ever know.  There is no other group of women that I would have wanted to take this cruise with, and I love you all and pray for happiness and healthiness for you and those you love in 2008.  And if you have not yet had a routine screening colonoscopy, please get one soon!

    Jacque, please rest in peace

    Love

    Diana (aka dmknanny)

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  • whitecotton
    whitecotton Member Posts: 106
    edited December 2007

    Diana

    So sorry to hear about your husband, prayers sent his way.

    nice to have you back don't be a stranger.

    Melissa

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