Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

vettegal · January 2008

my infusion is at 11:30 my enco dr is at 10:30

should make it for a long day!!! Surprised we will see if he is on schedule...LOL

palady-must be a pennsylvania thing....LOL Tongue out

I put movies on the tv to try to make me sleep and i was wide ass awake!! My hubby knew i was up too. i went and got some bottle water to help with hydration for today.

I was told they had those rubber/plastic breast cancer braclets there, i may have to get some..i will keep you posted on how many i get,,i can send them out to everyone...Share the wealth!!!

it is cold here 7 degrees...stay warm...

hugs to all the sisters.......xxxxoo

CarolC · January 2008

WVgirl, PALady, Deb and Billsgirl - you're in my thoughts today having your 2nd round.

And I join our sisters in the Jewel toast to Vettegal and Jenny, who are getting their first chemotini today.

I'll have more time to read & update everyone over the weekend but checking in here at least once a day has become a habit!

Happy Friday Jewels

chj127 · January 2008

Go get 'em, vettegal, PALady, wvgirl, jkiss, deb, and anyone else kicking cancer butt today! I wish you well. You'll do great!

OK, I have 2 questions:

1. When you got your wig, did you tip the person who fit it for you? So this is not a big important question, but I was just wondering. I probably will because I know she will be cutting it at least a bit.

2. I don't have Pepcid - are you using this in addition to meds (Compazine, Zofran, whatever) or instead of? With the Compazine, I felt OK except for the constipation. After a week, my intestinal tract is still not where it should be...

3. My port has been in for 8 days, and my chest muscles still bother me. Has anyone else had this problem? If not for the port, I would be feeling pretty darn good right now.

I'm having lunch out with a friend for the first time in a week, and really looking forward to it!

golfer Carol - I pm'd you - since Joan needs the XL, the large t-shirt will be fine! I'll wear it proudly!!

Later!

CHJ

golfer779 · January 2008

Quick note, Joan and Carol, have you both down for T'shirt!

I'll check with the print shop today, to see what the options are to order any more. We're now sold out Frown !

To those sister friends having your 1st or 2nd txts, "YOU GO GIRLS". You are so prepared that your going to do just fine!

Vettegal, just wanted to know if the hubby is going to wear open toe shoes to sport his pedicure!!!

Regarding Miralax, I think it says once a day, seem to work for me but took 2 days. After that it seems to be effective daily and now that I'm on holiday, I'm trying to kinda ween my way off of it. I'll hit it full throttle though before I start txt again in Feb!

Gotta hit the shower, off to work, will be keeping you all in my thoughts throughout the day.

Oh, my dispatcher at work made me a bracelet, appropriately the beads spell out F.U.B.C. , gotta love her. Even the guys at work are hearing about some of our stories we share.

Carol

wvgirl · January 2008

HI CHJ - my port hurt for about 1 1/2 weeks it will get better

PAlady · January 2008

chj - I didn't tip when I was fitted for my wig. But, I did go back yesterday to have it trimmed after wearing it for a day. She did not charge me, but I did tip her for that.

golfer - thanx for the miralax tip. I probably should have started last night, but will start it to day. I really don't want to go down that road again. Did you take it am or pm? I may be interested in a t-shirt if you find out we can order more.

SISKimberly · January 2008

Good Morning Jewels-

Hey Joan-You'll be fine...if you haven't had a chance to go back and read our posts, it might be useful for you to see our evolution and provide much needed information, reassurance, and laughter.

Carol-Hope you got some good rest...working full time and chemo...I'm thinking that can't be easy. Love the FUBC bracelet.

WhooHoo AZDonna- I'll be shaving my head today at 10:15...in about three hours...Bold Baldacious Babe Bearing Brazen Balditude about to emerge...Sorry you're feeling ickey...hope a good night sleep helps.

Judy-Good news all around!!!!

ARDeb- I can so relate to not knowing where I am sometimes...I had to really think about which cupboard we keep the peanut butter in this morning...geeze.

JKiss75- Bravo on your new boob. The good news is that you have all the time in the world to decide on reconstruction, and that's a good thing since you've got other things to think about right now. I have a wig for nice (and I feel really inconsiderate for not tipping...I didn't know. I will so do that when i go back in for my trim...I think I want my wig a little shorter. Anyway, my wig for 'going out' and just au natural the rest of the time. I got some caps and scarves to try out.

PALady- Miralax once per day as directed worked for me. I'm sorry you and Vettegal were both up so early this morning, but at least you had the board to keep you occupied.

Good luck to you and Vettegal this morning...and to all of you doing round 1 or round 2 today. Can you believe how quickly this week, this month is flying by? Next week is the last week of January already.

Off to get ready for my date with Remington,

SIS Kimberly

DianeB · January 2008

Started the CMF yesterday. All went well. I started the cytoxan pills this morning. Feeling just a tad light headed. I will take that after everything else! I hope everyone else's se's were OK. I'm waiting to see what the next few days bring.

Anonymous · January 2008

Kimberly, yes, I finally got the last of the pathology results last week, for the HER2/NEU oncogene. It was positive. Lots of ladies pointed out that that "used to" be more unfavorable but now that they have Herceptin and it seems to work so well, it could actually be better. I don't know. It is what it is. I don't think there's anything they could tell me that would make me decide to fight this bout of cancer any less, nor to increase nor decrease my determination not to recur. I am detemined and commited to winning. And I'm a little OCD, and you do not want to give a challenge to an OCD person unless you want to see it carried through to absolute completion Wink

CHJ, be patient on the intestines thing. Mine were messed up from Tx#1 until about 3 days ago, when they finally felt/acted normal. The Emend (mostly) creates a giant plug, which I tolerate for a day or two because I don't want to do anything that's going to make me feel crampy or gassy or uncomfortable. Then on the night of day 3 after treatment, I'll start with Senekot (generic). That moves a little out. Repeat that night. That gets it moving pretty well. From there I've started to add a little more fiber back into my diet, which I have been going light on from Tx day up to this point. (I figure our bodies still know that our stomach's are sick, even if the drugs are keeping our stomachs and brains from knowing it. So I give it bland easy to digest foods for 3-4 days after Tx.) Anyway, all the way through I'm taking high quality Acidophilus tablets (Kyodophilus, Enzymatic Therapy A. Pearls, and Culturelle) 3x per day, to help keep the GI flora levels up.

So Tx#3 is done. I was very tired when I got home, so I had a sandwich and propped a pillow under my head on the sofa, and dozed for about an hour. Could have done another, but I wanted to exercise. Mentally I wanted to exercise. It's part of my regimen. I figure, those drugs are all fresh and condensed in my body, I"m going to do a good workout with walking and free weights to get that good chemo-filled blood pumping into every cell I have. I'll do it again today too, then go back to my normal try not to burn too many extra calories since I'm still losing weight routine.

Today I feel fine, but if it goes as usual I'll get tired toward evening and have a nap or two.

Then tomorrow will start the Dark Days. But hey, we'll deal with that then.

Hope the other Jewlies with Txs yesterday are doing fine, and luck to all those going in today/tomorrow !

golfer779 · January 2008

PALady, I took the Miralax in the morning with cranberry juice just once a day, worked miracles.

T-shirts, asked about ordering additional ones, the original order has been processed so to order more I will need to order atleast (6) more. It would be cool if we could do that!!!

Gotta go, at work, Carol

Cathy-CA · January 2008

CHJ -- It took almost two weeks before I didn't notice the port. There are still a few things I do that cause me a tiny bit of discomfort, but most of the time I don't even realize it's there. At Day 8, I was still complaining, so hang in there.

Determined1 · January 2008

We have so many Jewels in tx today. I'm sending good thoughts to all.

CathyCA--French cooking? That sounds like fun! I hope you were able to taste the crepes. And have a great time in Utah! May those se's stay home!

WVgirl--Good for you, I'm proud! Taking control of your situation and getting those steroids cut back. Way to sparkle!!

Carol--Thanks again for staying on top of our shirt orders. I know it's a big job. And oh my, you had me lol when you asked if Vetteguy was going to wear his sandals to the tx to show off his pedi! Laughing (or should I use the smiley with the foot???)

AZDonna--Arf, arf!! Glad the tooth is okay.

Judy--Glad you don't have to drive that 500 miles too often. Sounds like you worked everything out. Can I ask you to give me more info for the header? How often do you get your tx's? Every 2 weeks? Every 3? And what are your other infusion dates? Just trying to stay on top of things.

Shout out to KathyL hoping the se creepy crawlies are outta town!

Jenny--Congratulations on your new boob in a box! Wear it proudly, girl!

CHJ--I didn't tip my wig fitter, either. There was money on the counter, so I think it's right to do so, but I got a phone call just as we were finishing and she left me to chat and then it didn't seem as easy to give a tip later. I felt a little guilty about it, but I really don't like my wig (which isn't really her fault, but she gets the blame). You should do what feels best/comfortable to you. You also asked about taking the Pepcid with your other rx's. I take Pepcid in addition to whatever else my doc has me on. If I didn't, I'd have heartburn problems that turn me into a moaning animal. My onc seems totally unconcerned that I'm popping Colace, Pepcid, Max Strength Tylenol, Tylenol PM, whatever on my own. So I'm doing what I have to do to stay comfortable. I can't help you with the port question, but you'll hear from others.

DianeB--So you're on the CMF! I really hope this goes better for you. Carol seems to be doing really well on it. Hopefully the lightheadedness will pass soon. It's probably because you're so relieved to be getting on with your tx in a tolerable fashion! Do me a favor and give me the details of your tx so I can put them in the header. Thanks.

LJ13--I cannot believe you're already through tx#3. Good for you! I hope your dark days are lighter this time.

SIS Kimberly--as I type this, I imagine you're being buzzed. I hope you're having fun with it. Post pix!!!!

Today has been good so far. Went to the gym and rode the recumbent bike for 30 mins and then did some weight-training. I also incorporated my new p/t exercises into my routine. It made me very happy to be there. I'm hoping that next week I can crank it back up to my normal cardio workout--I'm just not into overkill right away.

Only bad thing is that I notice a black mark on my thumbnail. It's the size of a pin prick, but I see it. I wonder if that's a sign of things to come???????

Guess I should shower!

TTFN,

D1

KathyL · January 2008

Hi Jewels! Sorry to begone for so long. Missed y'all! I earned myself a hospital bed yesterday! Yup, I guess my crummy day was the start of something really bad. I had a temp 99-100, and just didn't feel right. Very weak and tired, worse than my day 3-4 aches and pains. I got really incoherent b/c I probably got too dehydrated and I freaked out my DH. When he got home from work he called my onc who said go to the ED and off we went. I didn't even get to say good bye to my kids which has devastated me. My dh had to do major damage control. Anyway, our ED sucks-- I had to mumble incoherently that I was a chemo patient at my probable nadir to get whisked away to a private room. I had to ask for a mask and they wouldn't access my port! I was so pissed, the ED nurse said they didn't want to mess it up. So I had to be stuck for an IV which I hate. And I laid in the ED for 6 hrs. before they found a room for me on the onc floor. I was so worried I would catch something down there in ED I was ready to call myonc from my room and tell them to light a fire under someone a**. Once I got some fluids I perked up a little, but then my WNC count came back-- really low-- 1.1 (it had been 6.4 before starting chemo), worse my ANC should've been <500, mine was 100. Great! I am here for days now until my WBCs come up and stabilize, I'm one two major duty antibiotics (which have given me diarrhea, I guess it solved my constipation problem for me ), and I get to experience neupogen shots everyday to my abdomen. I so hate needles. I know I am bi***ing big time, but I am NOT happy. My once said this is a neutropenic fever reaction to theTC, which is very rare. He said only 40% of TC patiets drop their counts, and only 10% of those will drop it extremely low and get symptomatic. That's me, always defying the odds! I am feeling somewhat better today, just have to wait to grow some new cells I guess. I gotta run, the dh is back and I want to spend some time with him. I'll catch everyone later or tomorrow if I can. I did read everyone's posts since yesterday and you are all in my thoughts!

Kathy

chj127 · January 2008

Kathy - you poor girl!! If that's not adding insult to injury, I don't know what is. I'll put you at the top of my prayer list for today. Don't be afraid to demand what you need (seems like you are ok with that). Get better quick! The hospital is not as much fun as being at home in front of the computer spending time with us.

I got my wig today, it's cute. I ended up not tipping - it didn't seem necessary, plus the woman is the owner... and she spent only about 3 minutes cutting off a little bit to make it the way I wanted it. I think it will be OK, though it was weird still having my hair in there taking up space. After just 15-20 minutes of having it on, playing with it myself, then getting it trimmed, my head already felt squeezed. I can tell you right now, I'm not going to spend a lot of time in this thing!!

For those doing the tx today, I hope by the time you read this you're doing AOK. One more down!!

CHJ

Determined1 · January 2008

OMG Kathy!!!! You poor thing. Hey, the good thing about neupogen is that it breaks the dose of the neulasta into 5 (hence 5 shots), but the se's from it are supposed to be negligible. Silver lining, my friend.

I cannot believe the hassle you went thru in the ED. Sounds like you and the dh did all the right things, though. You just try to relax and get your counts up.

Hey, why don't you have your dh call a friend and ask her to go out and buy each of your kids a beanie baby or some stuffed animal and have the dh give it to the kids from you. He can tell them how sad it made you to have to go to the hospital without a goodby and that they should tell their animal all about their fears/concerns/funny stories/whatever in your absence and then have the "animals" relay all the stuff the kids told them when you come back home. That way your kids don't have to bottle stuff up that they'd share with you. Sometimes that "mom" substitute thing works with young kids. Just an idea. (Might make you feel better, too!)

Start feeling better and get that little diarrhea butt of yours back home.

Thinking of you.

D1

Anonymous · January 2008

*sending good thoughts out to KathyL*

Try some acidophilus or yogurt for them squirts. I swear by them.

I'm heading off to the hospital in a few moments for Neulasta #3. Hope it's as uneventful as the previous 2.

Courage and strength, ladies !

vettegal · January 2008

Hello Jewels,

Back from round 1..dr was late didn't get the chemo 2.5 hours late..long day. Undecided

Went well, brought myself a bagel and some crackers and grapes. Drank a few bottles of water. I am tired..i was up early last night (3am) so i can see my eyelids trying to close a bit..i don't want to go to bed yet..if i do a nap it will mess up mu sleep for tonight. Just wanted to check in and my dh is going to to get my script filled fo the good pills i take. They gave me benadryl in the drip and some other nausea medicine before i even started.

Tomorrow will be the first day of se's. When did you all get the metal taste in your mouth?

Also, tomorrow is haircut day. I will post pictures..no laughing hubby want to do a mohawk first..oh well he can have his fun.

No my hubby didn't wear opened toe shoes today we took the polishe off a few days ago, But i did take lots of blackmail photos!!!! Sealed

Have great evening; thanks for all the support today. I am curious to see how everyone did today.

hugs to the sisters of survival!! xxxooo

Cathy-CA · January 2008

KathyL - hope you are starting to feel better. How scary for you and your family!

Vettegal - sorry for the long day, but you made it through. I'm four days out and don't really have a metallic taste (yet). There are things that taste different, but not metallic. I'm religiously using the Biotene to try and keep the mouth yuck at bay. Don't know if that has the made the difference or not.

Jenn51 · January 2008

Hello Jewels,

Look what happens. I get a case of the 'woe-is-me's & don't log on for a few days & then I read about Kathy & feel horrible about feeling pathethic.

Kathy, you have the strength of giants! You hang in there & get better. I just can't imagine going thru that.

I will have to catch up on all the posts and really I have missed you guys. Last Sun. night I started feeling like I'd been run over by a Mac Truck. Mon was worse - everything hurt & ached & I was so tired I dreaded going to the b'room. You gals that have felt this know what I mean. Wed. was a little better & I went to work for a couple of hours. Then the heartburn, gas, bellly-ache set in. Thurs. I went back for Herceptin alone & spent the rest of the day at work. TOO MUCH!. Today I slept in then worked from home. That's better. I'm mad! Yell I had convinced myself that I would breeze through these SE like a champ. I am hardly ever sick & I hate feeling this way. Sorry, just had to get that off my chest. Now I'm going to try to catch up & send a cheery note next time.

chj127 · January 2008

vettegal - is there a reason you want to cut your hair so soon? It's probably good for almost 2 weeks... or are you just taking charge & showing it who's boss? My hair probably has another week. I really need a haircut (normally, I would have had it done 2 weeks ago) but I'm too cheap to spend the money when it's coming out next week anyway! I just figured I'd have plenty of time to be bald, no use rushing things.

And for me, I'm on my 8th day and haven't had the metallic tast too much. But as Cathy said, things don't necessarily taste the same. That started after just a couple of days for me.

OK, I have another question: where do you get the Biotene? Is that an over-the-counter thing? Is it easy to find? (Guess I should just go look!)

Thanks again everyone for all your help, tips, and support. I think there is more than one person who is tired of me saying, "My online buddies tell me <fill in the blank>".

CHJ

Sunshine99 · January 2008

I get Biotene at the grocery store.

I also have a haircut scheduled for 1/29/08, chemo starts on 1/30/08. I'm thinking I'll have my "hair guy" cut me short or buzz me when it starts falling out on or around day 14. Or maybe I'll have him just cut it short on the 29th. I can't decide, but I don't think I'm quite ready for losing it on the 29th....

I wonder if I can get my dentist to write a prescription for the Biotene - so that I can pay for it with our Healthcare Spending Account (or whatever it's called).

Sunshine

sista2 · January 2008

good afternoon ladies,

had my first tx yesterday. when surprising well, pretty easy actually. got a couple boats of nausea, worst before bedtime but sleeping the night away seemed to do the trick. also a headache was threatening thru the evening but never actually brought me down. had my neulasta this morning. now just waiting to see what's coming up next.....not too bad as of now...

D1 - that's great news about your biopsy. what a relief it must be for you. any tests coming back good these days seem to have an extra phewww.

chj127 - my port bothered me for a good week. still is sore 9 days out if i touch it the wrong way. my chemo nurse told me yesterday that she's surprised they didn't put a smaller pediport in me. mine sticks out A LOT. but the good news is starting to feel better. and infusion was very easy. still don't like it though.

KathyL - so sorry you've had to end up in the hospital. but thank goodness you did end up there so they can get you back in shape. hopefully it won't be too stressful and you can get some rest and grow some cells!

vettegal, PAlady, deb102307, billsgirl - hope it went well today and on into the evening. billsgirl, this #3 for you, that's awesome.

this is my third time trying to post and then getting distracted. just want to wish everyone well with whatever they're dealing with. you are some strong women and we all will get through this!

this may be a little too personal but i'll lay it out easy as i can. if birth control isn't an issue, do we have to use condoms throughout chemo? i read that in my paperwork and hadn't heard of that one before. hope i haven't crossed a line with the question. thanks

RN2teach · January 2008

Good evening Chattie Jewels!

CHJ- my port was put in on the 14th and it is hardly noticeable now. I still notice it when I stretch my arm, but not painful anymore.

AZ Donna- rest well and feel better soon!

CathyCA- have a good weekend in Park City!

Joan- we're here for you, girlfriend! Sending good vibes your way.

Judy- glad to hear your chemo will be given local.

Jenny- I'm still on the fence about the wig thing. I thought I would like wigs better--seemed to be the less conspicuous way to go. Well, that was before I saw what I looked like in a wig! So, I have a couple of caps and a couple of wigs.

Carol- the FUBC bracelet was a sweet gift--I love it!

DianeB- very glad to hear that the CMF went well for you.

LJ- hope those dark days are lighter this time.

KathyL- I am so sorry to hear what you've been through. Take care of yourself. You're in my prayers.

D1- I loved your idea for Kathy's little ones.

Vettegal- so glad everything went well today. I am 1 week from Tx # 1 and still no metal taste. I have made it a point to baby my belly, like LJ mentioned in her post. Remember that your skin, nails, mucous membranes in your nose & mouth, and stomach lining are all made up of rapidly growing cells. Chemo hits those types of cells a bit harder, which is why you get the sahara mouth, heartburn, etc. So hydrate, moisturize and eat small, easily digested meals.

Jenn51- you're allowed to get the blahs whenever you want. Glad you checked in--we've missed you!

Sista- glad your treatment went well. Your question is a good one. There are two reasons given for condom use. (other than birth control, of course) One is that condoms should be used for the first 3-4 days after each treatment because some chemotherapy agents might be present in sexual fluids. The other is to protect the one undergoing chemotherapy from possible infection when blood counts are too low. So, at least for the first 3-4 days, anyway... which wasn't even an issue for me, cause I slept through most of those days with my first treatment!

My students gave me a very sweet gift today--a necklace with the "What Cancer Cannot Do" poem. I'll end with the words for anyone who hasn't seem them yet:

What Cancer Cannot Do

It cannot steal eternal life

invade the soul

shatter hope.

Cancer cannot

destroy peace

suppress memories

silence courage

conquer the spirit

kill friendship

corrode faith

cripple love.

Have a wonderful weekend, Gems!

Paula

KathyL · January 2008

Hi Jewels! Have to retype since my laptop booted me off. Anyway, feeling much perkier after reading your posts. Love the sex question, sista2. My dh made me ask my onc if we could "get it on" during chemo. He's a mess! I didn't ask that way of course. But anyway, they said it was fine and no condoms needed.

I so hate being here in the hospital. I got neupogen #2 today and am hoping when they check my CBC in the AM it shows some improvement. I have so much I want to do before chemo round #2, I don't want to be here! This was supposed to be my good week coming up! My temp went up this afternoon and they had to call the on-call onc (my guy is off until Monday), who has never seen me and ordered more blood cultures. I was not happy. I let the nurse do my port culture (since one had not been done), but I refused the second peripheral one. I do not want to be stuck! This guy never examined me (gee, do you think my fever could also be a cold since I'm now really congested?), and I've been on 2 rounds of antibiotics by now, so I doubt a blood culture would show anything by now anyway. And does blood in a different vein really look different than the original vein?? Duh! I could be in for an interesting AM when he comes in...

Well I gotta try to sleep (yeah, right). See ya in the morning! FUSE!!

joteach · January 2008

Thanks so much RN2teach. I really do feel the good vibes from this wonderful group. I am going to the Look good, feel great class on Monday. The thing that is so bad for me is really my mother. She is failing every day with Alzheimers and we really need to place her in a nursing home. She also has rectal cancer. This is very difficult for myself and my 2 sisters (one who had bc 9 years ago and going strong!) So my journey has this to contend with as well as bc. Please any support anybody can give will be most greatly appreciated.

Love to all the January Jewels!!!

Joan

joteach · January 2008

RN2teach: I absolutely loved the poem. I am also a teacher and don't know what I'd do without my students. I have special ed kids ages 8-11 and love them all so much.

Love to all

Joan

SISKimberly · January 2008

Good Evening Jewels-

I had the best day!!!! So, my friend, a retired teacher from my school, picked me up this morning. We got to the salon and met my gal. Sydney has been doing my hair forever...at least 14 years. When she first started my 'haircut', you should have seen the faces of the newbies...I'm sure they were wondering what the heck I was thinking...but as we laughed and took pictures at each stage they caught on and pretty soon I had anyone who wasn't with a client watching my transformation. It was great!!! I will post pics as soon as my hubby downloads them from the camera and I set up that photobucket acct.

Went to lunch afterwards, then after she dropped me off, I went up to Auburn to see another friend of mine who had to take a half day off from school to wait for the Dish Network guy to show up between 1 and 5pm. We visited for awhile, and I've just arrived home.

DianeB- Hope you have few Se's with CMF...Carol is here to guide you through if you need guidance and support.

LJ13- Glad that Herceptin is in your corner. Losing weight on purpose or due to treatment? I admire your spunk girl working out even when you don't feel 100%.

D1- Great advice for a gift idea for Kathy's kids.

And Kathy- Wow, that sucks the big one!!!! I certainly hope that your counts go up quickly so you can go home. We always knew you were one in a million...that one that challenges the odds. Get well soon and get home to your bed, your kids, and your dh where you'll actually get some rest. Hospitals are not the most restful places to be.

Vettegal- Glad it went well today even if you did have to wait. First one down, girl!!!!

Jenn51- Don't beat yourself up about the Se's...we all wanted to breeze through them, but it is what it is...just take good care of yourself by listening to your body and taking your meds.

Welcome Sunshine 99

Sista- Glad you've come through tx 1 fairly unscathed. As I just said to Jenn51...take care of yourself by listening to your body and taking your meds.

Paula- How sweet of your students to be so thoughtful!!!

Joan- I'm a teacher,too. I know what you mean about missing them. I teach 7th/8th grade Language Arts. I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. That must be rough on everyone. Is she able to have a nice care facility paid for with her insurance? That will certainly alleviate having to worry about her falling in her own home with no one there. Of course, if she can afford to stay home and have a home health nurse coming in to care for her that would help her to have familiar surroundings. My grandfather stayed with us his last 6 months. He was in assisted living, but when he could no longer walk or get himself in and out of bed, he couldn't stay there anymore. He was able to afford help during the day while we worked, then we took the night shift. I'm glad you have two sisters who can really jump in and take this on while you take care of you...or at least I hope they'd do that. My thoughts are with you and your family as you work things out.

Take care Jewels...sleep well for those of you entering evening...have a great day for those of you who will rise before I will on the West coast.

SIS KImberly

Jenn51 · January 2008

Hello Friends,

Paula, thanks for the poem. I'm going to make a poster of it to hang in my office.

I just have to say again that you guys are great. I told a gal in the chemo room about this site yesterday. I hope she checks it out. This is THE place to get good practical info. And best of all come here to remind yourself that you are not alone.

I'm on day #8 after 1st tx & have had a weird taste in my mouth for a couple of days now. Started faint getting stronger every day. And the inside of my mouth is not slick & smooth any more. Running my tongue around the inside of my cheek feels like velvet or velour. Nothing I can't live with but weird. My bad taste is brought on by sweets. If I can put salt on it it tastes OK. If it's a cookie, energy bar, sweet drink - it's awful.

I'm taking Pepcid 2x a day without fail. That has kept the heartburn down to a mild roar. My newest salvation is gas pills. I'm getting gas so bad it feels like my lower ribs will crack.

To the gals who had LNs removed...I lost 29 on 12/20. The drain was in for about 17 days. I'm still swelling in the area of the drain & underarm & very sore. Is this normal? The incision is finally getting better but the skin all around that area is very tender in places & numb in others. My arm is still weak. By the time I dry my hair I don't have the strength to use the curling iron. Of course in another week I won't have to worry about that. Surprised

I am going to see THE WIG tomorrow. If I don't like it we will have to hustle to another in time. I'll let you know.

Vettegal, that is a fantastic photo!

Sista2, Glad to hear your 1st tx is over with. Good luck with the se. The waiting to see what happens is awful. I have decided that I may be trying to do too much. Don't follow in my footsteps. I was so sure I would 'sail' thru the se that I pushed myself & tried to pretend everything was OK. I think it's better to take it slower.

I send my love & Prayers to everyone. Take care of yourselves.

SISKimberly, Glad to hear you had such a good day. Can't wait to see the pictures. Is it just me or are we all finding pleasure & really enjoying things we took for granted B4BC? Time with family & friends, something that tastes good, a day we are not tired?

Joan, my prayers are with you as you deal with your own trials as well as your mothers.

Jenn51 · January 2008

I just got this in an email. Looks like another one to post somewhere I can see it everyday.

MY OATH TO YOU...

When you are sad.....I will dry your tears.

When you are scared.....I will comfort your fears.

When you are worried.....I will give you hope.

When you are confused.....I will help you cope.

And when you are lost....And can't see the light, I shall be
your beacon.....Shining ever so bright.

This is my oath.....I pledge till the end.

Why you may ask?.....Because you're my friend.

Signed: GOD

JulieK_11_30_07 · January 2008

Late evening Jewels! I had tx#2 yesterday - luckily I had all of my Imitrex scripts filled and was ready for any kind of migraine. It took two nasal sprays during the day, then a shot around 8:00 p.m. but then it was gone. We had the "shaving party" last night -- I had several family and friends come over and we had a ball! I'll post pics tomorrow if I can stay awake long enough!

Thinking of all of you Jewels who had tx yesterday and today -- get your rest and drink lots of fluids! Hang in there --- FUSE!

More tomorrow - I'll try to catch up on all the posts at some point!

Julie

Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

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