Starting Chemo in May 07

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  • ocinny414
    ocinny414 Member Posts: 123
    edited January 2008

    Hello Everyone,

    Sorry it's been so long but I've been really busy.  I decided to get back into the swing of things and start working again.  Even though I'm tired alot.

    I had a good New Years and stayed sober.  LOL I was a good girl for once.

    Things are going good for me.  I have chemo again next Friday.  Told mom on the way to last treatment I was tired of this and didnt want to do them anymore.  She said "tough you're doing it."  LOL I will it's just getting old.  I probably have at least 5 more treatments.  I will have a PET scan after my next treatment.  LOL I just remembered I can't spell. LOL I hope i've scared the crap out of this cancer and it is only scarring on my liver. 

    I did get some good news today.  Since I have mets and am considered Stage 4 I applied for Social Security Disability and I am approved.  The good news is they went back to March when I was first diagnosed so I will get back pay this month for October, November and December.  WoooHooo this means I can still work and make up to 900 a month but when I dont feel like working I will still have money coming in.  It was such a relief for me.

    Ok I will try and be a better poster on here and I did join the yahoo group so I will try and post on there as well.

    Glad to hear everyone is doing well.  I'm in Kansas so I'm in the middle,  hopefully when we decide where we are meeting I will be able to go.  

    OK post more later,

    CindyKS

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  • Traci-----TripNeg
    Traci-----TripNeg Member Posts: 2,298
    edited January 2008

    Hey Cindy!!

    I am so happy to see your post and so happy to know that you are doing o.k.

    So, are you a gambler????? Woo Hoo!

    Keep up those treatments girl. Kick it's ass and meet us in Vegas!

    Hugs, Traci

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  • chemo072
    chemo072 Member Posts: 682
    edited June 2008

    Cindy KS - thank goodness on the disability and cash flow.

    Your mom's right - hang in there.

    Biggest hugs to you m'dear.

    - amanda 

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  • chumfry
    chumfry Member Posts: 642
    edited January 2008

    CindyKS, I'm so glad your disability went through quickly and you'll be getting back pay! Woo-hoo! LaughingLaughingLaughing Take good care of yourself!

    --CindyMN

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  • Traci-----TripNeg
    Traci-----TripNeg Member Posts: 2,298
    edited January 2008

    Hi girls,

    I kinda miss this forum. I dunno...I like all the pics though!!! 

    I'm gonna keep postin' just in case LouLou or some of the other girls  come back so they know where we are at.

    Hugs, Traci

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  • Lorain
    Lorain Member Posts: 68
    edited January 2008

    Hi, everyone!  I also kinda miss this forum.  I think Yahoo is hard to read and follow.   Is it just me?  I have very much enjoyed seeing the pics of all of you, though.  I have appts. with my medical and radiation oncologists tomorrow just for regular check ups.  I think everything's fine. 

    So glad my hair is growing out and I'm going without the wig.  It feels so liberating!!!!!  I do notice looks once in a while, but then most people don't recognize me!  

    My feet still seem to have a little numbness from the Taxol.  Anyone else have that?

    Heading to Yahoo!  Lorain 

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  • VirginiaNJ
    VirginiaNJ Member Posts: 634
    edited January 2008

    I agree RE the formatting of the Yahoo...  Sigh...  But, it's been awesome seeing everyone's photos...that's been awesome...

    I am active in a couple of other boards here...so I still come to them regularly...

    There is actually a group on NJ BC survivors that invited me to join them and they meet regularly for lunch...  I can't wait for that...next meeting is in February...

    Virginia

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  • Traci-----TripNeg
    Traci-----TripNeg Member Posts: 2,298
    edited January 2008

    Hey Loraine!

    Good news about your hair!!! I actually didn't feel so crappy about my hair this morning for the first time since...... I still hat the short hair but at least it's starting to look like it isn't cancer hair!!

    I didn't to Taxol so I can't help you on that one but I think there is a thread on Taxol on the going through treatment page......

    Did you hear our good friend Viriginia aka Vir aka Aunt Vir aka Ginny aka VAK is going on a cruise??? I think it's unanimous that we are calling her Ginny. She'll be back on the 26th. You think with all the aka's and the trips....you think she's hiding something from us? LOL.

    CindyKs...hope you are o.k. please post again soon!

    Hugs, Traci

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  • chumfry
    chumfry Member Posts: 642
    edited January 2008

    Lorain, I had a little leftover numbness from my 2005 Taxol that never completely went away in my toes. When my feet were cold, it got worse. Made me even more clumsy than usual! Laughing I had to take Taxol again in 2007, but it was on a weekly regimen so the dosage was smaller. Still, my toes and fingers did get really numb again. In fact, my fingertips are still numb as are most of my toes.

    My first time around, I think it took months for the numbness to gradually recede. And it never completely disappeared from my toes. After a while, I just adjusted to it, and it didn't seem to affect my balance so much.

    A neurologist I know suggested that I do range-of-motion exercises on my fingers and toes. So about once a day, I pull each of my fingers and toes as far as I can in each direction. I kind of massage my toes at the same time (all while chanting, "Wake up, toes!") LOL

    I think it helps the toe nerves heal and reconnect. I can't remember if you live in a cold climate, but take extra care to keep your feet warm if you do. The best thing I've found so far is shearling-lined boots at least one size too big. Compressed toes get numb faster, so make sure they can wiggle in there!

    --CindyMN

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  • cinrae123
    cinrae123 Member Posts: 419
    edited January 2008

    Hi girls,,,,,,,,,,Got back from Arizona visiting my girlfriend that I have known for 44 years.  Had a great time,,,,,chatting, met some of her lady friends, ate (a lottttttttt,,,,,,yikes, its diet time now), drove around and watched some movies. Just nice getting away for a few days and hangin with my girlfriend.

    Man,,,,,,,,I had like 117 emails waiting for me when I logged on this morning.  I agree about the other yahoo group place.  I have totally enjoyed looking at everyones pics,,,,,although I find it hard to read and all on the other one.  I may just continue on here though,,,,,and not the other one......too much to go back and forth to them both.  (thats just my opinion though).

    Not sure about me going to Vegas though either.  We are going to do the kitchen remodel,,,cabinets and counter tops and sink and all,,,,,so funds may be a bit short.  Would be fun though.  Dont think that Vegas is in my cards this year.  lol  Me and hubby just went in Nov and then I went to Arizona,,,,,,,so I had better concentrate on the kitchen remodel now.  I hope all of you ladies do meet up and go.....I am sure you will all have a great time.

    Well,,,,,,,,,,,,,,I am tired.  Had way too much for the last four days,,,,,,,,,,I think its catching up with me.  I dont know about you all,,,,,but when I am away from home I dont sleep too well, not in my own bed and all.  I need my beauty sleep.

    Have a good rest of the week all,,,,,,,,,,,

    Cindy

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  • Traci-----TripNeg
    Traci-----TripNeg Member Posts: 2,298
    edited January 2008

    Cindy,

    You cracked me up with the 117 messages!! That is so funny! With the Yahoo you get your own message too!!

    Maybe we should save Vegas for next year....I sure would like it if we could all go!

    I'm glad you had a good time in AZ. My best friend from when I was 13 years old lives there and I have never been to see her. She had three daughters and now a grand-daughter and I've never met any of them. Maybe I'll stop there on the way to Vegas! Was it hot there??

    Anyway....hope you have a good week too!

    C ya,

    Traci 

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  • cinrae123
    cinrae123 Member Posts: 419
    edited January 2008

    Tracie,,,,,,,,,,o my goodness,,,,,,,dont save a trip to vegas,,,,,you gals that can go should go.  You can take pics and make the rest of us who couldnt go jealous. lol  But seriously,,,,,,,,,,,go girls.  Cause if you wait there may be someone along the way that couldnt go,,,,,,,,so goooooooooo. 

    Arizona was fun,,,,,,,,,,and nope,,,,,,,it wasnt hot at all.  In fact,,,,,,it was cold.  My gal friend lives about 1 1/2 hour north of Phoenix,,,,,,,so its colder in the winter and hotter in the summer there. Where in Arizona does your friend live?

    Well,,,,,,,,,,, thats about it for now.  Enjoy your weekend girls.

    Cindy

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  • Traci-----TripNeg
    Traci-----TripNeg Member Posts: 2,298
    edited January 2008

    Hey girl! My friend lives in Peoria (I think) too lazy to go look for it. : ) 

    I need to get on Yahoo I guess to see how everbody else is doing. I haven't been on my regular email since Friday. I spent Friday night and most of Saturday with my mom. Her house still isn't finished. I knew that was going to happen. I wish I knew how to use one of those saws to make a 45 degree cut! Now that it's "habitable" my sister and bro's are pretty much blowing off finishing the details. That really ticks me off because I knew..............this was going to happen!! All that's left is baseboards and trim around some doorways and a couple other little things.

    We'll see what happens 'bout Vegas.

    Hope you have a great week!

    Talk to you soon!!

    Hugs, Traci

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  • chemo072
    chemo072 Member Posts: 682
    edited June 2008

    Hey all,

    I finally seem to be recovering from rads!!  Liz, hope your rads go well!

    And just as I'm recovering.....my mom is starting.....talked to her today, she sounded awful...but then they gave her valium and vicodin (uterine cancer radiation is, ahem, "internal..".....  send get well wishes/prayers her way pls!

    - Amanda 

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  • Traci-----TripNeg
    Traci-----TripNeg Member Posts: 2,298
    edited January 2008

    ((((((((((((((((Amanda))))))))))))))))

    Congrats on being o.k.!!!!!!!!!!!!! And about your mom?, how 'bout a card shower??? PM us her address  and allow us to send her a card!

    Sure do miss our conversations here. I went all weekend, for the first weekend, without an update from any of my  May friends. I hated it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    I saw a BABE on a motorcyle tonight! Man, he awakened feelings in me that I haven't had since Eric pulled into my driveway on his bike. Holy Moly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Hugs, Traci

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  • lizzzy
    lizzzy Member Posts: 285
    edited January 2008

    Thanks Amanda!  I hope your Mom does well.  It sounds like it could be quite a fight.  I like Traci's idea of a card shower.  Where do you live?  I wonder if the other gals would be open to your retreat idea.

    Traci, You're so funny.  You like the motorcycle guys, don't you?  How are you doing with your implants?  Are you making peace with them?

    Hey Lorain and Vir (I think she's on the ship for another week) and Cindy and Cindy and Cindy and Mandy and LeeAnne ;-)  It's been toooo quiet.

    OK I'm hyper.  I've been drinking coffee... and tia maria.  Don't know why.  I found it in the pantry when I was getting down a bottle of mineral water.   So don't be surprised if I'm still posting messages at 2AM!

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  • chumfry
    chumfry Member Posts: 642
    edited January 2008

    You silly goose! This Cindy is doing well and feeling fine. Laughing My energy is finally starting to return, so I'm feeling a lot less blue. I think I just expected too much too soon, in terms of recovery. I hope your rads go well, Liz. I think about you a lot!

    --CindyMN

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  • chemo072
    chemo072 Member Posts: 682
    edited June 2008

    Hey Liz, I'm in Oregon...  but somewhere warmer sounds good :)

    What's tia maria?

    Hope your rads are going well! 

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  • Traci-----TripNeg
    Traci-----TripNeg Member Posts: 2,298
    edited January 2008

    Hi girls!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Liz, you crack me up with your Cindy and Cindy and Cindy!! LOL!! Did you see my mix up on the yahoo thing?? It's almost like our names are different there so I have no idea who in the hell I am talking to!!

    I love the retreat idea! I did that with my sister and some of her girlfriends on a beautiful lake in Georgia. It was so relaxing and...fun! One of the girls had a party sorta like a tupper-ware party but the girl was selling sex stuff!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That was just one night. I got this awesome oil.... : ) Anyway....we also had taco night, went out to a nice dinner one night and just mainly hung out on the patio of the cabin with the beautiful view talking and laughing.

    OMG..........I watched the new movie on dvd called "Vacancy" tonight with my roomie and her new boyfriend. It was sorta hokie but scary too. Her BF was funny...in the scary parts, he literally screamed and sorta jumped up off the sofa for a sec...I guess he's not into scary movies!!

    I think Larisa has a scan on 2/7...not sure cuz it's the yahoo thing and I can't remember.....I have my first scan since treatment on 2/8 and am already starting to dread it.

    Guess that's it.

    Luv ya girls!!!!!!!!!!!

    Traci

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  • Traci-----TripNeg
    Traci-----TripNeg Member Posts: 2,298
    edited January 2008

    ps Amanda, Tia Maria is the only alcoholic beverage my mom drinks. It's kinda like ...... I dunno a dark liqoure (I know I didn't spell that right). It's like a strong, dark Bailey's. : )

    pss My mom doesn't drink it anymore.

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  • MtnMama
    MtnMama Member Posts: 133
    edited January 2008

    It's CindyKS who has a scan on 2/7 ... if in doubt, guess Cindy lol Smile

    Hey, what about southern CA? ... that's warm and sunny.  Since I'm going to be there in late April, and Liz and So-Cal Cindy are there ... just a thought.

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  • VirginiaNJ
    VirginiaNJ Member Posts: 634
    edited January 2008

    Hi Girlies!  Did you miss me??  The cruise was awesome...  I'll write more about it later...  i am tired and swaying (I still feel like I am on the ship).  My friend got REALLY sick...she was out for the count for FIVE days...  I was sick for 1.5 days...kinda put a hamper on things.  I didn't get that much color...I tried, but was too paranoid about getting sunburned.  Oh well.

    My dad was in the hospital for the whole time i was gone.  He's home now with an IV pump to deliver contant drugs to keep his heart going...  He's gravely ill.  He has a visiting nurse service now and we've been going over...  I actually need to scoot and get going.

    Will write more about the cruise another time.

    Glad to see you gals posting here....

    Vir/Ginny/VAK

    :)

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  • cinrae123
    cinrae123 Member Posts: 419
    edited January 2008

    ok quick question.  For those of you still doing herceptin by itself,,,,,,do you have any side effects?  I have another cold or something,,,and lower back pain....and it seems like I had one of these about a month ago.  Im wondering if it has something to do with the herceptin.  Any thoughts ladies? 

    Cindy

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  • Lorain
    Lorain Member Posts: 68
    edited January 2008

    Welcome back, Ginny!  Yes we did miss you!  Very sorry about your Dad not doing too well.  My hubbie and I have both of our parents alive and in their 80's...it's getting tough!  It's hard to watch their bodies go downhill.  Where did your cruise go?  I really want to go on one this summer...since I teach I can't go during the school year.

    Cindy - I'm on Arimidex not Herceptin, so I can't help you.  

    I still like communicating here better than at Yahoo.  I find it very difficult to follow everyone...it seems like I keep seeing the same comments over and over.  

    Has anyone lost their eyelashes a second time?  I swear mine are falling out again.  I hate it!  I just had a hair trim and she cut off too much as far as I'm concerned...it was just getting fuller and she took off all the sides...so the top can catch up!  But I miss what I had.

    I'm just LIVING for my exchange surgery when I get my implants.  It's scheduled for May 30th...and it can't get here quick enough for me.  

    Missing some of you...but I realize we all are living our lives more fully now.  I still enjoy keeping in touch.

    CindyKS - How's things going?  What was your report?  We're believing for a good one!

     Liz - Wondering how radiation is going?  Have you started yet?  My tissue expanders seem to get tighter everyday!  Can't wait for MAY!

     Traci - How is your sis? Has she done OK since her surgery?  Are you liking your implants yet? 

    Lar - Has your hip healed up?  Is everything OK now?  So glad of the good reports about it!

    Mandy - We are missing you again! 

    Goodnight, all!  Lorain 

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  • chemo072
    chemo072 Member Posts: 682
    edited June 2008

    Hey "Ginny"  - Hope things get better for your dad!  Happy for you for your cruise.

    Lorain, I agree...I get confused with the yahoo group, so back here I come.

    Except, I have to confess, cancer stuff makes me downright grumpy.  I spent 4 whole days without looking or thinking about a cancer thing and I was SO happy.  Being out in the world makes me very happy, dealing with drs appts, med. bills etc. = GROUCHY.

    So, love you all, but I might not be checking in sooo much.  I will still, just not everyday.

    Love to all,

    Amanda 

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  • VirginiaNJ
    VirginiaNJ Member Posts: 634
    edited January 2008

    Here's my new avatar...taken (by me) on my cruise...7 months to the day of my last chemo treatment...  The hair is SUPER curly.  Crazy.  I still haven't dyed it...just can't be bothered.  Love just showering in the AM and putting gel in it and going...  It really does look like "on purpose" hair now...

    Dad was CRANKY tonight...oooh, and PISSED off at my sister (who is the nicest person in the universe and SO not confrontational).  Not sure if he's just angry or this is a SE of the blood not circulating properly to his brain.

    :(

    V 

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  • Traci-----TripNeg
    Traci-----TripNeg Member Posts: 2,298
    edited January 2008

    Hey girls!

    Loraine, thanks for asking about my sis. She's not doing good. She had her surgery two weeks before Christmas and she did too much. She didn't give herself enough time to recovery.

    She had her drains out and then a week later had to have one more put back in. She was suppose to get that out today but, it is still draining too much fluid.

    Her spirits are good though. Sort of.

    Gawd....I am so sorry about your eyebrows! That sucks! No, mine haven't come out thank goodness but, I'm on nothing now. Just hope. Sorry I can't help you either Cindy. Same excuse.....

    Aunt Vir!! So happy to have you back!

    Lar, you cracked me up with your "when in doubt say Cindy". I am sorry. I really have a hard time keeping up with who's having what on the yahoo thing. I mean, it's more convenient cuz it comes into my inbox but if I can't respond immediately...forget about it. I get confused.

    Amanda!! Come back as often as possible because you crack me up!!

    Vir....so, the suspense is killing me...did you fall in love or anything??

    Hugs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Traci

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  • lizzzy
    lizzzy Member Posts: 285
    edited January 2008

    Lorain,  I had my second planning session today and tomorrow I will have my first radiation treatment. How is your skin doing?  You are a trooper--keeping those stupid expanders in for so long.  You will be so happy when you get them out.

    I think some of my eyebrows fell out which means I may be losing eyelashes next.  That's how it happened after I stopped the A/C.  Everything seems to be happening slower after the taxotere--like my hair is growing slower.

    Amanda, I hope you'll keep in touch.  I will miss you if you stop writing to us. 

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  • chumfry
    chumfry Member Posts: 642
    edited January 2008

    Lorain, I'm losing my eyelashes again, too. One side more than the other! It's very weird. I think eyelashes typically have a cycle that they fall out and regrow (so maybe a third is gone at a time), but since ours all grew in at once, it's screwed up the cycle.

    I've been having extra trouble with dry eyes, too, which my eye doctor says is a common side effect of chemo and/or menopause. So when a loose eyelash gets in my eye, it feels like a log! <grin>

    I still check in at the Yahoo group, but I agree that it's kind of confusing. I don't look at the messages as individual emails. I use the link to get to the group and then click on a tab that says something about grouping things by topic. That helps a bit.

    I know it's hard to keep all us Cindys straight! LOL In my October 2005 group, we have two Debs and two Tracys. But only one Cindy there. And I'm kind of in the middle of the age range (at almost 50) in the Rocktober girls. Here, I feel like one of the older ladies. Ack!

    --CindyMN

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  • Lorain
    Lorain Member Posts: 68
    edited January 2008

    Hi, all!  I guess Liz must be starting radiation soon...hope it goes well.  I think you'll be surprised.  It went so fast for me even with the 3 hour drive daily!  I had some good Christian teaching tapes and some great music and just enjoyed my free time driving!  Even did a few books on tape!

    Hang in there, Cindy...you're hair will start growing fast soon.  Have you tried the Nioxin? and the Biotin?  I swear they made a diff for me...my hairdresser (I just had my hair shaped) said my hair is very fine but very thick!  She dyed it an ash color which I don't like and trimmed it too much on the sides for my taste.  

    I've started a step aerobics class.  Do you think it's OK even though we do push ups etc?  I just worry about lymphodema.  I don't think I'm too much at risk since all my lymph nodes were negative, but still they took 9 all together.  I wouldn't want to cause a problem later on.  I suppose I should call and ask.

    My son called today from Iraq.  He said the Iraqi officers are just about ready to take over.  That's what he does...trains the officers to take charge.  He seems to think we won't be there a lot longer.  He said things are really getting a lot better for the people.  Very little violence and he's in Baghdad.  

    Thinking of all of you...Lorain 

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