Starting Chemo in September?? where are you ladies

Methusala · January 2008

I too get sick and tired of being stared at.

That's the ONE thing I've really complained about through all

of this. Seriously. I find kids staring at me all the time, but I've

found a big smile usually gets a big smile back. Honestly, I can't

stand other peoples kids (mine are perfect ya know) but seriously,

if you smile at them, especially like 7 or 8 year old girls, you will

get a big smile of relief back.

As for adults, screw them all. In APplebee's last Friday an old man

was staring at me and I stared right back, I kid you not ladies, after

the THIRD time I stared this man down, he did NOT look back, he actually

turned his back to me in his booth. If the old fart is going down memory

lane, then he needs to come up and introduce himself and tell me his

story, I can handle that these days, but don't stare at me out of your

own insecurities and ignorance. I have enough crap to deal with in my

every day life.

One thing I love about Roswell, I can walk around bald, and almost

NOONE looks at me. I love it. (except the new people in the lobby,

and I think I just give them a good scare. <eg>

paxton · January 2008

Oh I hear you with the mood swings, tri. I'm done with taxol for a few weeks now and I swear I've been crabbier than when I was on it. Yesterday I started crying; bf asked what was wrong and I had no idea.

I never totally lost my eyebrows or lashes either but def thin. I've got stubble growing now. I can't wait to have enough to stop wearing these damn bandanas.

We're still fishing. I just popped home to change clothes. We've been having a lot of fun. Bf got an underwater camera for christmas so we can watch the hook in one hole and see the fish. I saw a pike swim past and it hit bf's hook at the next hole. Its pretty cool. We brought a grill out one night and had moose ribs. Otherwise we've mostly fried up fish. I'm getting a little tired of being in the fish house now so I may come home. We have it through the weekend.

We fell asleep watching Grumpy Old Men by 9:30pm last night for New Years. What a way to rock in the New Year.

Well, gotta go...

mariettaj · January 2008

hi all,

Barely made it to midnight on New Years eve...but spent it talking to a BC survivor who went through chemo last January. We were in the same tap dancing class over 1.5 years ago and I woud have never recognized her. She used to have shoulder length blonde hair and now has short dark curly hair. It was fun comparing notes...and it was such a good thing, as I had been feeling pretty low for a few days.

MaryJo I predict your grandbaby comes on the 25th...that's my birthday!

Meth...the stares are annoying..I catch people at the gym all the time. My son asked me the other day if anyone has laughed at me (he's 7)...he was really concerned about it, he is so sweet.

I'm so glad that chemo and 2007 are over!!

Have a great day all,

Marietta

bluewillow · January 2008

Hi everyone! I hope 2008 so far has been nice. We actually had snow here last night and now a paralyzing cold wind that has everything pretty much shut down. The wind chill is supposed to be minus 4 tonight and a low temp of 8 tomorrow night-- Paxton, I bet you're used to such weather but we're not here... brrr! The snow was nice but I can't wait until it warms up some, back in the 60's for Monday. I didn't used to mind the cold, but now I'm a big whiney butt because my head gets so cold.

Marietta, yes, the 25th would be a very nice day! My son-in-law's birthday is the 26th, and his dad's is the 11th, so we have lots of potentially good birthday matches here! But woe be until us all if that baby is born on Grandpaw's birthday! We'll never hear the end of it Laughing

I want to ask how you are feeling since you are getting the chemo out of your system? I am so excited for you and the other ladies who have finished. I am counting down the days until Jan. 28. And I want hair growth reports from all of you. I'm convinced I won't have hair again until 2011.

Methusala, I don't know what to make of the people that stare. I just hope I never am guilty of doing that to someone. The scary thing is if someone ever said anything to me or laughed at me and my husband was there, he'd probably end up in jail for assault. He really cannot stand rude people, esp. when his wife is involved. He's my hero, bless him!

Well everyone, stay warm and have a good week!

Mary Jo

mariettaj · January 2008

Good morning everyone!

Mary Jo my hair started growing back in the middle of treatment and then stopped. Toward the end I noticed a little growth again. I just started using a system called Nutri-ox, I got it at Sally's. I think it's a knock-off of Nioxin. It's for thinning hair. We'll see what happens.

I think the chemo will not be out of my system for another week or so. Next week I go for blood work, consult with onc and my first solo herceptin. My onc will look at labs and officially clear me for rads as long as wbc is high enough.

One of the other moms from my son's school and I have been planning a "Mother/Son" event for next Saturday. It's a flag football and tailgate extravaganza. I'm so excited. We're doing it at the local high school and the marching band has agreed to come and play. There will be games and food. I think it's going to be really fun and has been a great distraction.

Should we start a birthday pool for when MaryJo's grandbaby is going to be born? Any guesses? Do we know if it is a boy or girl?

Have a good one!

Marietta

bluewillow · January 2008

Hi Marietta,

I too have had some hair growth but it slowed down some, but now I "think" I see it growing again... probably wishful thinking. The Nutri-ox sounds worth a try-- we have a Sally's about a mile from my work and I'll check it out.

Good luck with your labs and your first solo Herceptin! That is great stuff, from what I hear and I'm so glad us HER2+ ladies have it!

And the Mother/Son event sounds wonderful! I hope you and your sweet son have a great time! Wish we could see some photos here!

The gender of my grandbaby is going to be a total surprise, since D and SIL chose not to find out ahead of time. It's SO exciting that way! A birthday pool-- how sweet of you to suggest it and what fun -- thanks!

Take care, everyone!

Mary Jo

paxton · January 2008

I don't feel much different from being done with tx. I felt real moody for the first few weeks. I'm trip neg so I don't have any other tx besides rads. I have my consult appt on the 7th. I've got some stubble growing.

Bf worked yesterday and today so I've been home from the fish house. I needed a little break. We're planning on spending the weekend back out and then we'll probably take it off the lake and back to my brother's. Bf is really enjoying it which makes me feel better since part of the reason he has to work through the winter is from missing so much work when I first got dx.

Its been cold here, too, but we're used to it. It was -15 and blowing which made it -25 with the wind chill. When it hits below zero us minnesotans finally admit its a bit cold, lol. People finally break out their winter jackets, hats, gloves, etc. Otherwise its funny to watch people with no hat running from the parking lot into a store.

trigeek · January 2008

Pax Mary Jo, dunno how you gals handle it, went down to the 20's last night and the highest as 40 today I did not leave the house.. brrr..

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The taxol is causing really funny se's, first colitis(diagnosed by Tender not my oncologist ), slight neuropathy on feet, throbbing back pain(are my kidneys talking to me ??), buckling knees.. and insatiable appetite, pulputations. My body is trying to eat itself out of this, can not convince it that this will not work Undecided . And insomnia.. I have not slept 6-7 hours straight once since I started chemo.

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Did I whine again.,sorry but I know you'd understand. Starting work did not help that much either I just am not into it. Interestingly the chemo brain is getting better every day once I started working, since I make an effort not to forget and remember stuff.

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Reading a good book, Middlesex, pretty interesting one of Oprahs.

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Last week went to the Moffitt cancer center and saw a surgeon to get his opinion and he called today, they have decided that it would be best for me to have axillary node dissection too. So now the plan is to do the node dissection after chemo, depending on the outcome on whether they find additional + nodes get rads or not. Oh and I also have to deal with the reconstruction.. and whether to get the expander exchange before rads or not..

Have an appointment with the cardiologist tomorrow(got an echo and a holter just to make sure that the ticker is ok after the AC) and also my therapist as I somehow think that the bc is a sign of some kind of an unresolved conflict that I might have in my life, he'll try hypnosis he said we'll see how it goes.

Monday the surgeon for the axillary node then next friday my last taxol !!! cant believe it.

Too bad we can not go out and drink to celebrate I certainly would like to get stoned after chemo is done !!

bluewillow · January 2008

Hey Tri,

Thankfully it's a bit warmer today-- up to 30 right now-- heat wave!

I just read your post about the Taxol se's and Tender's diagnosis-- she is great! I put my two cents worth in, since I had the same se's-- never in my 51 yrs have I had hemorrhoids and bleeding until the Taxol, so it's very scary! It has gotten much, much better though. I have also had the throbbing back pain when the "Taxol pain" sets in-- very uncomfortable! And Oh the palpitations, which started back when I went into menopause. They used to scare the wits out of me but I've learned to ignore them now. Guess if I did have heart problems all of a sudden, I'd just sit and ignore them Surprised

I have a 2-D echo (whatever that is) scheduled for Jan. 22. I've had a treadmill echocardiogram before, as well as color echos, so I'm not sure what a "2-D" one is. It's good you're getting the Holter too-- I think I'll ask about that also.

Interesting that you should mention the unresolved conflict as being connected to the BC... I think there could be something to that. I've been thinking lately of all the stress I endured from a bad 15-yr long first marriage years ago, then the stresses of the divorce plus being a single mom... I really think that had to have taken a toll on my health.

I have worked almost every day thru my chemo, and I still have chemo brain. I cannot multi-task like I used to, but I'm getting better at it. Now that I'm almost done w/chemo, the fatigue is starting to really set in and my heart and mind are not into my work. I had planned on cutting back on my hours and have done that a few days, but I think I need to take off some more. But preferably on a warm day when the sun is shining... Wink

Paxton, be so thankful that you are HER2 negative and won't have to do Herceptin-- I am HER2 positive and that is what scares me so badly.

And I agree wth Tri, it would be nice to go out and celebrate big time when we're all done with chemo!!! I've never been stoned before, but would certainly consider it, especially on Mondays when I have to walk into the chemo room...

Take care everyone and sorry I've babbled. I'm at work and very bored and uninterested today! (and side-tracked thinking about my future grandbaby! Laughing

Mary Jo

paxton · January 2008

tri, u r 2 funny. I got sloshed in the fish house last week. I didn't drink at all during chemo but figured what the hell now. Bf got tanked and we had some fish house lovin'. Good times!!

I came home from the fish house tonight because I don't feel good. Yesterday I started getting winded every time I did any chores and it continued today. Now I feel a bit flu'ish. I think I'm getting paranoid about any body ache or pain.

My poor bf bought a truck about 3 months ago and now the transmission is going out. Its going to cost nearly $2000. He is really upset and has been drinking tomato beers steadily since yesterday. I feel so bad for him.

Oh, I saw on Good Morning America that eating a piece of dark chocolate with meals makes it better for you regardless of what you're eating.

mariettaj · January 2008

Hi all,

Tri I was really suffering from insomnia and also waking up alot due to hot flashes and told my onc about it. He prescribed me a sleep aid. I'm taking restoril and it works really well. I don't take it every night, I am so afraid of becoming dependant on it. So I use it every couple of nights. The first morning I woke up feeling slightly hung over, but after that I was fine.

Too bad we can't all meet when this is over and get hammered! We're having friends over for dinner tonight, and I just might have my first glass of wine in months...

MaryJo I predict your grandbaby will be a girl on the 25th... Kiss

Marietta

trigeek · January 2008

I also posted this on the recon thread had to share it with you.

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So the Mastectomy Pathology report says that the breasts removed were 320-330 grams each I was an A- before, now what will I be after expansion of 500cc's hmmm..?

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What has the closest density to breast tissue that I can measure and compare ?

(trigeek rummaging through the kitchen)

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CHICKEN BREAST !!!

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So here I go measuring a piece of chicken.

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This piece is about 235 grams and is about 200 ml so the coefficient of gr/cc for chicken breast density is 1.175 so far so good.

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(1ml = 1 cc)

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From what I am hearing they put smaller implants for the droop so I will drop the 500 saline injected to 440 cc.

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So that makes my 440cc replaced implants 517 grams of breast tissue ?(440 X 1.175)

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Since they were 320gr's before that is about a 37% increase.. yey ! I might even get a full B but probably not a C.

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Just chillin.. crunchin numbers..

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Trigeek - on the upswing !

Note: and no I did not start an early party Wink I am just in a really good mood came from cycling with a friend who I am just about to get 'infected' with the bike-bug... hehe.. and Taxol effects finally wore of on the 10th day ( I am on dose dense every other week)

Methusala · January 2008

so strap some chicken to our chests and see how it hangs?

bluewillow · January 2008

Tri and Meth, you all are hilarious!!!

OK, here's my whine for tonight: I am having heart palpitations like crazy. I have them anyway (before chemo), thanks to menopause, and I've had all the heart tests and checked out fine, etc., but they've been increasing in the last several days, especially right after I eat. And I have noticed they are worse when I eat anything w/sugar. Does anyone else have a clue about this? It's driving me nuts. I do plan to mention it tomorrow at my monthly visit w/the nurse practitioner. They generally decrease when I am active, have no pain, but just very annoying. For the brief few months that I took hormone replacement therapy, I was palp-free, but chose to quit taking them when I was dx'd with bc.

Paxton, I hope you're feeling better and not getting the flu. And I like the idea of dark chocolate at every meal... I can certainly handle that! Did your bf get through with the tomato beers? I had to ask my hubby what that was-- he described them in detail-- seems he had quite a few back in his logger/drinking days...

Marietta, I hope you had that nice glass of wine. I certainly plan on having some after chemo is done. In nearby Asheville, there is a nice Italian (chain) restaurant called Carrabas, and I plan to load up my parents, hubby, kids & spouses, and anyone else and go there to celebrate, sometime in February. I love their food and atmosphere and I plan to indulge 'til I bulge (more so than now)!

I'm hoping your prediction is correct-- hmm, that will fall on Friday, so I'll have the whole weekend to play Grandma for the first time! Kiss I'm looking forward to some more predictions here, y'all... Wink

Have a nice Sunday night, everyone!

Mary Jo

paxton · January 2008

Ur so funny tri.

Well, we moved the fish house off the lake tonight and we're home. Yesterday we had a bunch of people out and deep fried a turkey. Today we had my brother's clan out and fried up a bunch of fish. It was really a nice time. It has been nice getting away from all this cancer crap.

I've got my first radiology appt tomorrow. Back to reality...

Hope your heart thing resolves, mj. I felt flu'ish again today but I didn't have that weird chest pressure, shortness of breath. I've got the electric blanket heating my bed so I'll be nice and toasty...cannot wait.

mariettaj · January 2008

Hi Mary Jo,

The palpitations are most likely from the taxotere. I had them from days 3-7 after chemo. They usually occurred after I ate. I got to the point where I could not take a hot bath because my heart rate would go crazy.

My parents have that Carrabas restaraunt in Maryland and like it a lot...wish we could meet for some wine and lasagna! Had a few sips last night and made homemade pizza for my girlfriend (and her family) that just had lung cancer surgery. Originally she was told no chemo, but her path report was read incorrectly and you guessed it...she starts chemo on the 14th...I'll be across the street getting my first radiation. I feel so bad for her.

Any names for the baby yet?

Marietta

bluewillow · January 2008

Hi Marietta! Wine and lasagna sound wonderful-- yes, wish we could meet-- where is the half-way point between CA and NC? Wink I bet your homemade pizza is delicious. I'm so sorry to hear about your friend with the lung cancer, and I pray that she does well. Don't remember if I told you, but we have a school bus driver who was dx'd over 6 years ago w/lung cancer, has had chemo, and is still driving every day and doing very well. She has proven that there's lots of hope out there.

As for baby names, a boy will be Mason and a girl will be either Mallory or Maylee. I think they're planning to put Katherine in there as a middle name with whatever they choose, and that is my mom's first name and my middle name (Mary Jo is my first name), so that will be nice! I'm getting so excited! I just realized today that her due date is on my next-to-last Taxol treatment day, so I hope that stuff goes in quick!

I talked to the NP today about the palps, and she said since I'd had them previously, she didn't think they were anything related to chemo, but who knows. I still think they are related to my diet (eating sugar) and probably anxiety, menopause, and stress, etc. I hope yours have gone away. Do you feel that you've got all the chemo out of your system? I've wondered how long it takes. I'd like to hear from Paxton about that too-- and Paxton, I hope you're feeling better today!

Hugs to all and have a pleasant Monday evening!

Mary Jo

paxton · January 2008

I don't know if it feels like the chemo is out of my system or not. I know I felt real crappy and more emotional than ever for the first few weeks and I guess I don't feel that way now. But I don't feel great either, but then I've felt a bit flu'ish for awhile and that may have nothing to do with the chemo.

I had my radiology consult today. They marked me up and did a CT scan. I start on Wednesday where they'll tattoo the marks on and I guess do the first tx. I'm not overly nervous about it. I'm concerned about the skin burns later in tx and then like I said on the rads thread, when I'm done I think I'll feel anxiety that I'm no longer doing anything to fight the cancer except waiting to see if it returns.

I'm exhausted. I had to clean out the fish house this morning. Went to my dr appt and then went grocery shopping. I still have to put stuff away in the house and catch up on laundry but I'll work on that more tomorrow. I am toast!!

Methusala · January 2008

well ladies, count me in. I never had a heart palp in my LIFE until after this last chemo and that was over 3 weeks ago. I almost feel like it's a panic attack, but after a few bednites of this, I know it's heart palps. They scare me, but they are no longer panicking me... They do seem to pass on their own, but sometimes they almost seem to hurt my chest...

I knew it wasn't in my head...

as for being toasty warm at night, i just wait for a hot flash and then ride the wave... (snicker laugh ha ha)

Radiation tomorrow, 1:00, then MRI, (didn't know I'd need an MRI for this...) then on the 16th I go back for real. 5.5 weeks of it.

YAY!!!

I LOVE having my life dictated to me... whoo hooo!

paxton · January 2008

Finished cleaning today. The pipes weren't froze so I did laundry. I also tried out my pampered chef pizza stone to bake chocolate chip cookies and they turned out. I only ate one. I've been doing better with eating now that we're out of the fish house. I bought a bunch of those frozen vegetable mixes and I eat those with every meal and as snacks, too. Then I eat my dark chocolate square.

I'm still fairly crabby. I suppose it could be all the drugs going out, the strange living situation in the fish house, and now starting radiation. I slept better in the fish house. My back is killing me. Soon I'll be sleeping on the floor or putting ply wood on my side of the bed. I'm hoping it gets better as I get in shape.

bluewillow · January 2008

Hi Paxton,

I hope your back feels better soon and it's ok to be crabby. You're doing great with your eating and getting back in shape! You did great eating just one cookie-- I wouldn't have been that strong. How is the radiation going for you so far, and how many weeks do you have? Any side effects yet? The nurse told me yesterday I'd probably start rads 2-3 weeks after my last chemo on Jan. 28, and do rads for 5 weeks, so hopefully I'll be thru with it all (except Herceptin) sooner than I thought- yay!

I'm so mad at myself for the 17 extra pounds I've gained! Ugh! I know it's mostly my fault, and I've not exercised as much as I'd promised myself I would, but after I work all day, I'm just dragging by the time I drive home. I swear my metabolism has just stopped and I feel like a bloated cow. And my husband is badgering me every day to exercise and lose the weight. He started in on me yesterday on the way home after my chemo! I felt like jumping out of the car onto the interstate. I know he means well and is concerned for my health, but I feel so bad about myself and I'm really depressed that I can't get going. I keep telling myself, it'll all be over soon and life will get better and back to normal...? Sorry to be so negative tonight Frown

Hope everyone is doing well this evening. It's like springtime here, after wind chills of zero last week-- weird North Carolina weather!

Take care all!

Mary Jo

paxton · January 2008

I had my consult appt on monday and actually start radiation today. I'll have about 6 weeks of tx. From what I hear, you don't notice anything at first. I have these goofy X's drawn on with tape put over them. They're going to tattoo spots on today. I hope they're just little dots. I don't want to look like a frickin plastic surgeon's map for the rest of my life.

I feel pretty much the same about weight, mj. I didn't keep track because it was too depressing, but I think I gained about 20lbs during chemo. None of my clothes fit. My best friend mailed me my christmas present which was 4 shirts that are too small. I think bf doesn't really care about the weight gain. Sex is still great.

Sometimes I bring it up that it bothers me and he just says, well its not like my gut hanging over a g-string would look good either. But he does like to tease me. When I got those shirts, he asked if the box came with a receipt that I could exchange them for sweatpants. He really likes to bring up sweatpants. I only fit in 2 pair of pants and I refuse to buy new ones. I have plenty if I'd just lose some weight. Well, that's where the sweatpants thing started. I jokinginly said, thats the first step on a journey that ends with me being cut out of my house.

I was a bit frustrated with the 2 weeks we were in the fish house because you just can't eat healthy doing that. I wanted to get started exercising right away. Bf kept telling me to do chores outside. But I don't like to work hard enough outside because I feel kind of sick once I'm sweaty with it being cold out.

So, I'm starting now. I bought a pair of 10 lb dumb bells. I'm going to try walking on the treadmill (had hoped to run but without a supportive bra during rads doubt thats a good idea), kickboxing, ease into weights (eventually get a few more weights or start going to the gym), and stretching (maybe some yoga and pilates here and there).

I think keeping a few bags of fresh cut up veggies handy with some hummus works great for those times I want to munch a little. And like I said before, I have some bags of seasoned frozen veggies I microwave and eat with lunch and supper. I also love V-8 Fusion. It doesn't have corn syrup and a lot of junk like most other products. They have different kinds but they have a serving a fruit and a serving of vegetables in it and it tastes good.

BELCH!!!!!!! That's my 50 cents Laughing

trigeek · January 2008

Ok girls

Since the weight gain has been the latest'hot' topic would you like to create a shared spreadsheet(I think one of the other threads has a similar one- I can look into it) so we can share our accomplishments ?

Hell ! We did chemo together so this should be a piece of cake for us right ??

Thoughts ?

trigeek · January 2008

Oh and I want to throw out something else does anyone want to train for the Danskin Triathlon in May in Orlando. it is very DOABLE .25 mile doggy paddle, 9-10 miles bike, 2 mile crawl... I can help you put a training schedule together and will help out with the logistics in Orlando.

Having a goal to train toward to helps immensely to stay on track on nutrition and exercise.

bluewillow · January 2008

Paxton,

Best of luck on the radiation. I hope it goes well and hopefully the tattoos aren't too bad. I have heard that they are little dots. Looks like they'd come up with something more creative or artistic?

I'm in the same clothes boat as you. I got lucky the other day at the thrift shop. We stopped in on the way home from chemo and I found two pairs of really nice jeans for $2.99 a pair, so now I have 3 pairs I get fit into instead of just one. And my employer provides uniform shirts that have been a mile too big for a long time, but now they fit just about right Cry But, we will win this battle too and get back to our normal sizes, I just know it! I just my husband would realize that I know I've gained weight and and quit harping on it every single day, every day of my life Yell For me, it's certainly put a damper on things as far as the home-fires go, if you know what I mean. Aw heck, I'll just say it-- sex has gone kablooey for me just because of his harping, not for him because he thinks I look bad-- does that make sense?

Your bf is humorous about the sweatpants. Hang on to your Christmas shirts-- you will be in them before you know it! Good luck on your fitness program. Now you've inspired me to get going. I just ordered a new Leslie Sansone in-home walking DVD, and I am determined to get up earlier and work out in the a.m. before work, when I have more energy. I've decided I'm not waiting until I finish chemo to lose this weight-- I'm doing it now, and for myself and my health and for my sanity. And hopefully hubby will quit worrying about my health so much too and our home will be peaceful once again!

ps-I haven't tried Pilates yet. Do you use a Pilates video and if so, what are the good ones available? And I'm curious about the V-8 Fusion-- haven't tried it yet-- is it sweet, like a fruit juice?

Best of luck to you and thanks for your 50 cents worth! Take care..

Mary Jo

bluewillow · January 2008

Hey Tri!

Yes, bring on the spreadsheet! I doubt I'd be able to do the Triathlon, but could I substitute a trip to Oregon/WA in May (which I'm sure will involve hiking) for my incentive? Hubby swears we're still going, if I can pass the weight requirements for the airlines... Laughing I'm sure you could help us out a lot with all your fitness know-how-- sounds like fun, so count me in!

ps- I really need help getting in more fruits and veggies-- I love them but just can't seem to get enough servings in each day! Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Mary Jo

livinginboji · January 2008

Hello Ladies,

Just popping in for an update. Most of your posts brings smiles to my face! We can always use a smile or better yet a good laugh. I have 6 rads left and yesterday had my first "boost" which is rads concentrating directly on where the tumor was. It doesn't hurt, but my boob is really red and itches somewhat. My nipple is extremely tender and has peeled, reminds me of breastfeeding (25 yrs ago). My armpit is very dark (the most tan I've ever been) and the area where they took nodes is tender/sore. I had to go to chiropractor for my shoulder it was killing me, often waking me up in the night. She said that the radiation has irritated the whole muscle that wraps around the back and armpit attached to shoulder. Its very common in BC patients so now I have some goofy exercises to do. For the last week or so I get little sharp pains that come and go. I am assuming I can thank rads for that. lol! I had 8 tatoos, they are so small (like a little freckle) but got a 9th one yesterday. That one smarted a bit and really bled, I had to stuff my bra with kleenex as they couldn't put a bandaid on it as it would tear the skin. (I haven't stuffed my bra for 30+ years! Laughing ).

I think the 1/2 way mark b/w NC and CA would maybe be Iowa!!! You'd all be welcome at my house!!! Smile Wouldn't that be fun! September chemo ladies unite!!!

Take care one and all!

paxton · January 2008

Well I'm back from tx #1. They made 3 tiny dots so that's not so bad. Taking the tape off hurt worse than the tattooing. Its nothing compared to chemo. The Dr kept asking me if I had someone with me. I just had to laugh.

The sex thing makes sense, mj. Hopefully things will get back to normal after you get thru with tx. I wouldn't appreciate my bf saying stuff all the time.

The v-8 Fusion tastes like fruit juice (tho bf says it tastes weird so he doesn't drink it). I think it tastes pretty good for having vegetables in it.

If you've never done pilates, Id look for one that says beginners or somehow indicates its for out of shape people. I have The Method on DVD. Its a bit difficult so I just modify and do what I can. I haven't done any yet. I want to get used to exercising before I add that.

trigeek · January 2008

Pax girl ... as long as the rad techs do not decide to play connect the dots you should be fine Wink You are better than me I have 1 single jean that I can stuff my fat .. into, and the clasp is about to burst. Total gain in the past year 30 pounds,( 20 after diagnosis) I too am refusing to buy new clothes.

There was a cream that people were suggesting for rads to prevent/help any irritation to the area forgot its name did you get that ?(rad board gals would know)

Yesterday I overdid it. Somehow when I returned to work at the office I suddenly thought that I could do everything that I used to do.. so I gave the spinning class at 5:45 in the morning, stopped by another gym to talk to a personal trainer, went to work, went to the tire store ( got 2 nails in 2 different tires)had lunch with a friend while waiting for the new tires, went back to work, drove 20 miles to pick up a friend to go to a Kundalini Yoga session which was a further 15 miles away. Did 1.5 hour K yoga, then went to the friends house to dinner.. then came home.. but I was literally falling asleep at the red lights .. for the first time in months I was able to get some sleep without even any sleep aids. Today I still am feeling the fatigue.. that was stupid of me.

Going back to work really helped my mood, the people who did not know what I went through just thought I was working from home. They complimented on my new hair color ( a redhead !) I guess Iwas pretty good in camouflaging that I did not have any eyelashes and only a couple of strands of eyebrows. I put the others who were 'avoiding eye contact with me' at east by starting out a conversation from where we left never mentioning anything about my treatments unless they asked.. that seemed to work pretty well.

Wish we could do something like 'September chemo gals unite' that would be so cool.

Healing vibes your way Cheryll I hope the shoulder gets better quickly.

MJ this is how I usually get my fruits/veggies, fruits are easier veggies are a bit harder:

smoothies

munching on baby carrots and celery stalks

making sure to have a salad or steamed vegetable at every meal.

putting in spinach/peppers .. anything I can get my hands on in egg white omelettes.

And if you feel like eating lots of something(which happens to me a lot) I go for air popped popcorn. Then I spray it with Pam and sprinkle it with salt(Pam helps the salt stay on). It is a pretty low calory high fiber snack.

Thats pretty much it.

mariettaj · January 2008

Hi ladies!!

I have my first solo herceptin tommorrow and just days away from starting radiation.

MaryJo I totally get the no sex thing...who feels like it? Not me. My favorite way to eat veggies is with hummus. Snap peas or carrots..yummy!

I want to know when all the water weight is going to fall off.. Yell

Tri the race sounds really good, very similar to the Santa Barbara triathlon, only the bike is only 6 miles. Is it an ocean swim? I would love to come, just now sure how to get my bike there....

Paxton where are your dots? I have one near each arm pit and one dead center of my breasts. Mine kinda look like grey freckles.

Have a good night!

Marietta

Starting Chemo in September?? where are you ladies

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