Starting Chemo in JAN 2007

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  • Nancyab
    Nancyab Member Posts: 276
    edited February 2008

    Wow Robbin you have a lot of hair! I wake up every morning with a "fauxhawk", it sticks straight up in the middle!

    Sorry I haven't been checking in, I developed a dry socket from my extraction and talk about pain, OMG! was taking 750 mg vicodin and just took the edge off. There is this goop they have, that you squeeze into the hole and instant relief! Tastes like cloves. The oral surgeon says people that smoke get dry sockets, I don't smoke so can't blame it on that. ??? All I know is I never want another dry socket!

    I don't know what is going on with me but I have been EXTREMELY (note the discription) tired. Matter of fact I don't think I was this tired during treatment. I can barely fold laundry sitting down. Yesterday I just sat and cried and told Jeff I was scared and felt like the big C ghost was haunting me. I can't shake it.Cry So frustrating living like this.

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  • Amera
    Amera Member Posts: 452
    edited February 2008

    Well yuck Nancy. I remember when I got my wisdom teeth out the surgeon went on and on about dry sockets and how it was not good to get them. Now I know why. Glad you are getting some relief.

    I know what you mean about the tired thing. I am tired on and off and it never goes without me thinking that maybe there's something up. It does stink to worry about every little thing. I don't think it's as bad as it used to be but does cross my mind every time I feel a weird twinge or whatever.

    Robin, I cannot believe how much hair you have. Wow!  I have vowed not to get mine cut until it can actually be worked into some sort of style. I like the curly bob idea, Tina. Mine is mullety, unfortunately. It goes for a few weeks where I actually like it and then it grows a bit and looks terrible until I can find the right combination of gels etc. to make it work. I am sorta hoping the curls stay. I'm sure once I get used to them my hair will straighten out.

    Things are pretty much the same here. Busy as usual. We are watching the Super Bowl with just the family, but dh is trying to convince me to get all the snacks just the same. I am now on my way to the store to buy brats and wings. No wonder I am still carrying around an extra 10 pounds.

    My running is going well. I'm up to about 4-5 miles/day about 4 days/week. I am finally feeling like my energy is back. I am not nearly as strong though. I used to lift weights but haven't in months. I know what you mean, Tina, about feeling like yourself again. Getting back into exercise has made a huge difference. And of course my onc says that at least 3 hours of exercise/week cuts the risk of recurrence way back. That's certainly an incentive.

    Okay all, I will try to check in again. I'm taping Skye's show tonight as I couldn't catch it last time. I'm may just watch it as it's on as I'm sure I'll need a break from the SB. And although I'm a Pat's fan, I really like Eli Manning. How can you not love a man who goes antiquing with his mother? Don't tell anyone around here I said thatWink

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  • viddie
    viddie Member Posts: 547
    edited February 2008

    Hi all,

    Robbin,

    I love your hair. You look so cool. Yours is much longer than mine.

    Jan,

    I have a couple of hard areas on the bottom of my breasts. My BS told me I could massage them but he also told me at the last appointment that he uses an instrument at stage two to stir it up and break it up and make it soft. It sounds like he will be whipping a cake!!

    Over the months though they have become softer and most of the hardness is diminishing.



    Please let your body rest- it needs it. I also found that water did help but giving into your body helped even more. I was tired for at least six weeks. That is what is to be expected, so please r & r.

    I found that when I pushed myself, I definitely felt it the next day. And NO VACUUMING until six weeks.



    SUPER BOWL TONIGHT

    GO PATS!!!



    Love,

    Viddie

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  • viddie
    viddie Member Posts: 547
    edited February 2008

    Nancy,

    I am sorry you are in pain. That sucks.

    Are you taking effexor? We have all talked about depression- we all feel it to some degree- how could we not? That can make you very tired. All this stuff can be so hard. I hope you feel better soon. Hugs.

    Love,

    Viddie

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  • luckymel
    luckymel Member Posts: 643
    edited February 2008

    Robbin, the hair looks great on you - I think you win the prize for the most hair.  It does look like mine, only I have only about half the length you have.   Are everyone's curls about the same curliness?  That is how my friend I met last year, who is having surgery Tuesday, looks, exactly, except hers is shoulder length now as she is 1 1/2 years out now.  So maybe we had all better start thinking about curly styles.  I'll ask her Tuesday if I can take her picture.  Oh, and Robbin, we chat on Tuesdays and Thursdays, I think it's 6PM your time.  Correct me if I'm wrong, girls.  It seems that nobody showed up last week, but hopefully we'll talk this week.  Be there!

    Nancy, the extreme tiredness is what happened to me along about November, along with an increase in pain...so I got checked out.  Labs and everything were fine, CT was fine, and the fatigue episode eventually passed.  I'm sure with the added worries you have right now, you aren't sleeping so well.  Keep taking your meds, though (this is nurse mel talking), and see the doc if you think you need to, but try not to worry too much.  I'm sure you're fine, but the tiredness does make it hard to get things done.  Hugs, girlfriend.

    Jan, everybody has already said it, but please rest!  Don't work at all if you can manage it - you are not very far out from a very serious and stressful surgery.  You need healing time.  Can your partner handle things for a while, maybe? 

    Amera, good for you with the running - I'm impressed.  In fact, although I've been away from the gym for 10 days because of my knee injury, you have inspired me.  I am going today, for sure.

    I don't know whether I mentioned it already or not, but when I saw the rheumatologist, the consult sheet from my oncologist said I was stage IIIa, and not IIb as I've always been.  I don't know who changed me or why.  It bothers me a little bit, although I know it doesn't change anything - it's just a label.  But still....

    Well, everybody have fun with your Superbowl festivities.  I don't watch that stuff, so I'll be doing something else.  Have a great day everyone, whatever you do.

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  • jonimb
    jonimb Member Posts: 900
    edited February 2008

    Hello TaTa's,

    Well I've had a very tough few days, with this pain from my hip.  It shoots right down my leg now.  The doctor gave me some oxycodone, which sends me into a Lala land, but at least it takes away the worst pain.  I haven't been out of the house since last Wednesday when I went to the Cancer clinic....just as well as it's toooooo coooold anyway.  I'm sure it will be better after I get my rads.

    Jan, you take it easy dear, you've just had a major surgery, and I really don't think you should even consider going back to work right now.  Your clients can wait, your health is far more important.  Gentle hugs to you.

    Robbin, I love your hair.  Mine looks very similar except for the fact I have a crown or crop circle (whatever you want to call it), that makes me look bald in one spot.  I'm sure in my previous life I was either royalty or a locust....haha.

    Skye, due to where my liver mets were found, they could not do a biopsy either, although I did get multiple MRI's, and as the spot shrunk on chemo they were certain mine was cancer.  Now I have 3 or 4 areas of concern, all very small, but indicative of mets.  I have lots of spots on my different scans that the MRI said were not cancerous, but were cysts, hemangiomas and scar tissue from different things. My onc says that if you brought in 10 people off the streets, 9 of them would have something show on the scan and 99% of those things would be benign.   

    Mel, that address list I posted on our site was courtesy of Lynn.  She did all the work on that, so I can't take the credit. 

    Nancy, that dry socket sounds like a killer.  I've only had 1 toothache in my life, and I thought that was one of the worst pains I ever had.

    Amera, you astound me with your stamina just to run that much.  Have you changed your curriculum to include books about werewolves yet?  I'm hoping I get Skye's show tonite, but sometimes our History channel doesn't show the same programs as in the USA.

    Viddie, your excitement about Las Vegas is contagious....makes me laugh everytime I hear something about it.

    Sharon and Caya, did you guys get hit with that big storm??  We are suppose to get a Chinook on Tuesday, so hopefully it will warm up quite nicely.

    Tina, you do NOT sound like an itch or anything that rhymes with it.  You've been through so much and come through it all like a real trooper, you should be very proud of yourself.

    Rebecca, that Owen of yours is a real gem, I had to agree with Debbie that those Owen stories always seem to brighten my day.

    Mary, too bad about your wedding crashing going awry, better luck on your next "Mission". 

    Hugs to all.....keep warm....Joni

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2008

    Skye - I forgot to post that DH and I watched your show when we got back from Charleston. Yeah for DVRs. Anyway, it was great to be able to see and hear you. We both enjoyed the show!

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  • TPPJ
    TPPJ Member Posts: 1,017
    edited February 2008

    OK...wrote and lost a post earlier.  Second time this week.  !!!  First off, Skye, SAW YOUR SHOW!!!  It was great. The Dh and I took the kids and their friends ice skating this afternoon and then to El Vaquero for a superbowl mexican feast and then home.... all four of us watched your show and went to the bowl during commercials.  You do look just like you, just with longer hair.  It was a great show.  We all loved it.

    Nancy...have not heard of a dry socket mentioned in so long, I'd forgotten that existed.  Sorry you are enduring that!  Jan, cut yourself a MAJOR break, for a good several months.  Honestly...that operation is a doozy....worth it, but takes a long time to feel somewhat normal.  A good six months to a year, I'd say.

    Amera, congrats on running that long!  Good God!  That is great.  Eli Manning???  What kind of transplanted Nebraskan New England fan are you lady!  OK...just glad you're on our Yankee (meaning New England Yankee, not "NY Yankees" side.)

    I think Joni's comment on having "spots" that are indicative of mets could be in many of our futures...  :(  I think Melia's comment on not looking for them is probably good...  many, if not most, are OK.  And, bottom line:   We are 100% alive today! 

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  • Rebecca
    Rebecca Member Posts: 971
    edited February 2008

    Amen Tina.  we are MORE than 100% alive today, and I say that because I think we have all learned not to take that for granted.

    Robbin...your hair looks great!

    Amera, kudos to your athletic endeavors...I am active and more or less back up to speed but I do not think my speed was ever that high even before!   

    Joni, a hug coming your way.  Hang in there...I wonder if the deep freeze you guys have had is contributing to the sudden flare. 

    Jan make sure you rest, and try not to stress out too much tomorrow.  You will be healed before you know it. 

    It was a glorious day  in Edison today, I think it topped out at about 55 (F, of course...) We all got onto our bikes and went for our first family ride!  It was awesome...I think we have opened a new chapter in our family.  I used to ride my bike all over, and when Matt and I first met we rode together all the time.  I have not been able to ride for one reason or another since I got pregnant for the first time 11 years ago or so!  YIKES.  Well, now that Owen can ride I was back in the saddle again, and it felt so good to have the wind in my face and to still be able to hear the birds.  There is a park right across the street from our house, so we rambled along the trails and then went home, all without using any fossil fuels.

    AHHHHHHHHH so nice.

    Hope you all had a good weekend.... 

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  • luckymel
    luckymel Member Posts: 643
    edited February 2008

    Joni, I know that Lynn originally put that address list together (thanks, Lynn!), but I still love you for sending it to me so I didn't have to look for it any longer.  Thanks so much.  You are always so thoughtful.  I'm so sorry you are having so much hip pain, but at least you have some good pain meds now.  Please take them, even if they do send you to lala land.  At least you don't hurt while you're there.

    Tina, I had forgotten that dry sockets existed, too.  Nancy, hope you're feeling better.

    I think my knee is better - I went and worked out as promised, and did fine.  Of course, I had taken my pain meds, so who knows...

    Rebecca, your family bike ride sounded so fun!  If the weather ever cooperates, I'll take a bike ride - I really miss riding.

    And yes, we all are 100% alive, thank goodness! 

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  • IowaCindy
    IowaCindy Member Posts: 341
    edited February 2008

    Hi, Ta Tas ~

    Happy Sunday night.

    Robbin, your hair is wild. Mine looked that tight when it first came in but now it's relaxed a lot and has some wave. It's strange. Keeps changing.

    You know, I had that tiredness too. About three weeks ago I was certain that I'd hit a wall I wasn't going to get over. And of course, scary thoughts of why I might be so tired ran through my head. Then I started to feel a little stronger again. But I sure notice by the end of the week, I'm not as sharp. People around me notice. My language skills really decline.  Friday I told a coworker that I had "talked-ed" to someone. She said "How tired are you, Cindy?"

    I think it's going to be an ongoing process, shaking the effects of all of the treatments. They don't really tell you that, do they? 

    Tina, you have my complete sympathy about your dry socket. ow!!!

    Rebecca, I envy your bike ride. We had flurries today and threats of freezing drizzle. I took that as a definite sign and I crawled in bed this afternoon and took a nap. 

    Amera, I don't envy your run. Laughing But good on you. May you be an inspiration for me!

    It's been a busy weekend. Dinner with my youngest on Friday night and some shopping at Borders. A drive out Nebraska to Grand Island on Saturday to pick up a friend. She and some others were over for a pot of homesoup last night. Harriet spent the night and I took her to the airport this afternoon to catch a flight home to St. Louis. Lots of laundry, my nice nap, barking dogs, phone calls, a cancelled dinner with friends tonight allowed me to soak in the tub early and I've been wandering around in my pjs since 8. That's been nice.

    Are y'all going to be watching the election results on Tuesday? My youngest works as a part-time bartender in a little neighborhood place. I'm going to go down Tuesday night and watch some of the results with her. I'll be drinking soda. After a kahlua and cream.

    Hope everyone has a good Monday. Skye, do you want us to start random calls to your MD and insurance company - vaguely threatening and off-kilter enough to catch their attention and cause them to move on before we show up in person? It might be a bad way for them to start their week.

    Time to go fold some laundry.

    hugs to all from Iowa,

    Cindy 

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  • meliaanne
    meliaanne Member Posts: 682
    edited February 2008

    Hi All,

    Skye, I saw your show last night and loved it! And you looked lovely. Will our hair really grow that long again?!  So glad they re-ran it so I could catch it at an early time. I hope you are feeling better, and I esp hope that you get your insurance straightened out.

    Amera, good for you for running. I am going to the gym several times a week, and am getting stronger again. And even though I rarely want to go, I find that when I do, I feel much better.

    Mel, I am glad your knee is better. And Joni, thinking of you as always. Jan,please listen to all the gals and cut yourself some serious slack. Rebecca, I bike ride too and am glad you can get back to it again. Steve and I usually ride on Sundays, though it rained this weekend so we couldn't.

    Tina, you are right, we do need to savor the day with all its blessings, and try hard not to read the future. I wonder if any of us will ever just have the flu, or if we will always assume the worst?  I have a funny tingly feeling in one leg, very nerve like, not deep bone pain, but I tell you, at 3 in the morning, it's bone mets.

    I am anxious about this week. Too much stress at work combined with finding out the scan results for my husband. We meet with the urologist on Wed and should know everything then. I am tempted to call to find out today, as I am sure they must have the results back, but I am afraid that if the news is bad, I will have a total meltdown at work. I am going to ask Steve if he wants me to call, or if he just wants to wait til Wed. Intellectually I understand that he will very likely be fine, but emotionally, it's another story.

    Cindy, I am in Calif so vote tomorrow. I am very interested in this campaign. It's the most undecided one I ever remember, and it changes all the time. Tomorrow should be pivotal in terms of who we actually have to choose from in Nov.

    Ok all, stay strong and warm.

    Melia

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2008

    Joni - I have a mental picture of you and it just doesn't include you being stuck in your house for days on end. I really hope the rads bring you some relief soon.

    Rebecca - That bike ride sounds heavenly. I'm looking forward to my girls being old enough to bike with us.

    Cindy - I will be watching the election results. I'm a political junkie anyway so I've been really enjoying the primaries. They (almost) make up for the writers strike. I've had language problems too. I frequently just can't think of a simple word or use the wrong word without noticing or reverse words. It's very frustrating to me as I'd always had the reputation for being smart - but I sure don't sound that way anymore!

    OK I'm listening to you all. I'm checking my work email and trying to clean out my inbox today. But I've limited myself to just that much "work" today. A couple of high-priority client calls must be done by tomorrow. I promise I won't work too much. My partner has been doing a LOT of work for me for the last 2 weeks (not to mention what she's done over the last year) so I feel the need to do what I can.

    Skye - any news from the docs office yet?

    Amera - I'd worked myself up to running for 2 miles about 5 times a week right before surgery. I'd finally found that point where I actually looked forward to working out and felt like I needed that run. I can't wait to get back to that again.

    Actually, I just can't wait to be able to stand up straight again! I'm just NOT a patient person.

    Have a good day everyone. 

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  • skyedivine
    skyedivine Member Posts: 839
    edited February 2008

    Hi Gals,

    Jan, I sympathize with your wanting to be up and out of there but the sisters are wise in advising you to let yourself rest. Our bodies have been thru so much the past year.



    Robbin, holy kaschmoly! The only word for that hair is "lush!" Mine isn't nearly that long. Whoever said they have a crop circle, I have that too if I'm not careful to cover it over. It's a natural whorl in just the wrong place.



    Thanks everyone for all the offers to call my insurance. I will have to do that. I have some kind of virus that kept me in bed all yesterday and will be in prone position as much as possible today too, but I can make calls lying down. Thanks also for all the nice comments on the show. Tina did it scare Jac and Paul at all?



    Joni, I wonder too if the deep cold has something to do with your pain flare? I sure wish you didn't have that to contend with. And you are very right that so many of us have little things we'd never know about if not for the scans. What I still haven't determined is whether I have a prior scan that can show if my bump was in the bone a year ago or not. Woudn't you think they would check for that?



    Melia I messaged you with that prostate web site.

    And Mel, guess what my niece who is due to have a boy in May is naming her baby? Brady HARRISON!

    As for me, I'm heading back to my friend Sofie the Sofa.

    I wish everyone a happy Monday. - Skye

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  • Caya
    Caya Member Posts: 971
    edited February 2008

    Skye - sorry you're feeling a bit under the weather.  Me too today, I feel a bit nauseous and weak.  It just never ends.  And fight for the scan.  I tuned into the History channel last night but your show was not on - I am so pissed.  Let me know the name of it again and I will contact the Canadian History Channel and ask them.

    Joni - hope you are feeling better. We had that wicked storm here on Friday - I stayed in all day, and many flights were cancelled at the airport, but my DH did manage to fly home from Vancouver - he didn't land here in Toronto until close to midnight, and by then most of the snow had stopped, and the runways/highways were cleared and salted.  It's supposed to be 9C tomorrow here (that's about 50F) - then get colder again later in the week.

    Cindy - sounds like you had a nice weekend.

    Melia - praying hard that the scans for Steve are normal, fine, and A okay.

    Amera - wow you have alot of stamina.  We bought a new treadmill right before XMAS and I've been trying to walk briskly 40 minutes 3 -4 x /week - Just under 2 miles, burning about 325 - 350 calories/session.

    Robbin - yes you definitely win the hair prize.  Mine is still quite short, and straight.

    Amanda came home for the weekend - she and a gang of girls went to the Spice Girls concert here last night to relive their "youth" - 10 years ago they were 12 when the Spice Girls were the Hannah Montana of the day.  She had a great time, and of course it was great to have her here.

    Nancy - I hope you are feeling better.  I've heard the pain of dry socket is terrible.

    Tina - anything doing with the DH's job situation?  Nancy too.  Please let us know.  Thinking about you both.

    Well, I'm going to make myself a tea, and try to lie down.

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  • Lynn12
    Lynn12 Member Posts: 1,008
    edited February 2008

    Hi Ta Ta's,

    Joni, I'm so sorry you are in such pain. I know the spaciness you get from Oxycodone, but it really does work to take away the pain.  I too can't picture you stuck in the house..big hugs!  Hopefully the radiation will give you some relief!

    Jan, Oh my gosh!  I couldn't believe my eyes when I read you want to return to work after only 2 weeks.  Are you kidding me????  2 weeks after my DIEP I was still spending most days in bed all day.  I do think you might be overdoing it, especially since you are so tired, your body is telling you to rest!  Please take care of yourself!  Sending you hugs!

    Skye, I absolutely HATE insurance companies.  I always get grumpy when dealing with them..it amazes me how different they are, letting one patient get the best care posible while another company denies the same care.  I am soooo lucky that my insurance company has never denied anything with this cancer crap.  I agree with the girls, it's time to kick some ass!!  Hugs to you too!

    Rebecca, thanks so much for the Owen story.  It surely did make me laugh...he sounds like such a character!  Also, your bike ride sounds wonderful.  George and I bought bicycles 3 years ago and spent a lot of time riding on bike trails during the summer.  Last summer we didn't get on them once as I just didn't have the energy.  I really look forward to riding again this year!

    Melia, sending you hugs and positive thoughts as you wait for Steve's results.  I'm so sorry you both are going through this.  I know you will be a wonderful support to Steve after what you've been through! Hugs to you too!

    Amera, wow, kudos to you for getting your activity back. I never got back into the groove before my surgery and am struggling now.  I just can't seem to get my act together, then I feel guilty, which then snowballs...bleh! 

    Viddie, I have an appt. w/ Dr. Lee this Friday to discuss stage 2.  I look forward to the conversation and will let you know what mine will be.  I'm wicked excited about Vegas too! Laughing

    Well, it sure is blue around New England today.  What a bummer that game was last night.  We had 12 people over for the game and had such excitement.  The momentum from such a successful season sure ended crappy!  And with all the media attention, it'll take a while to get over it...oh well, there's always next year!  At least we got a clean house out of it!

    Other than that, I'm doing ok.  When I went back to work 2 weeks ago, my officemate had a cold, as did the people in the offices on both side of mine.  Sure enough, I had a sore throat last Monday and had the full blown cold by Wednesday.  Boy, this cold is kicking my a$$! Doesn't seem to be going away just yet and this is a really busy week for me.

    love and hugs,

    Lynn

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  • TPPJ
    TPPJ Member Posts: 1,017
    edited February 2008

    Oh, no, Skye....my kids don't scare easily.  In fact, Jaclyn told me she went into her 1st grade class yesterday and told the teacher and all the students about the dogman.  She insisted it was true because the lady on the tv was her mom's friend.  She met her on "breast cancer online".  LOL!  The teacher must think I'm trolling the net for friends.  Funnnnnny

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  • TPPJ
    TPPJ Member Posts: 1,017
    edited February 2008

    Quiet am here on BC.org.  Just got in from cardiac rehab.  Felt like I was in the movie Cocoon.  Seriously.  I don't think anyone is less than thirty years older than me.  Oh well...

    DH got a call from the recruiter for the DC job today.  Said "an offer is being prepared".  Heard that one before.  :)  Really, how could that happen twice?  I shouldn't ask that question.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2008

    Tina I lived in the DC area for 5 years and loved it. I hope the offer works out this time.

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  • Rebecca
    Rebecca Member Posts: 971
    edited February 2008

    Indeed...I have my fingers crossed for sure!

    It has been very quiet today, except that we had a major troll infestation.  YECK.  

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  • TPPJ
    TPPJ Member Posts: 1,017
    edited February 2008

    What do you mean, Rebecca, by a major troll infestation?  How can you tell?

    Good report on DC, Jan.  Do you know if the Haymarket area is commutable to Arlington?  DH is willing to drive to the commuter rail but I'm not sure where the closest one is.  Getting ahead of myself again.

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  • Rebecca
    Rebecca Member Posts: 971
    edited February 2008

    Oh, I check out active conversations sometimes, and there has been a troll that posts a link to a website that touts cancer treatment via vitamins.  This guy has been doing it for quite some time, and when he acts up, he will create a username and then put 6 or 7 posts into the "just diagnosed" forum.  They typically do not last long because the community reports the comments and they go away....I am not sure why he keeps doing it, but I think he is absolutely dreadful in every possible way.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2008

    Tina I lived in Maryland so I don't know anything about Northern VA except that we couldn't at the time afford to live there :) I do have a good friend who lives in Alexandria and I can put you two in touch if you like.

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  • skyedivine
    skyedivine Member Posts: 839
    edited February 2008

    Hi Ladies,

    Quiet here indeed, and I missed chat too. Just now got strength to get off the sofa and sit at my computer as I still haven't got internet back on the laptop.



    Rebecca, the troll thing really is sickening. Preying on the newly diagnosed is particularly reprehensible.



    Lynn, hope you are over that cold soon. Nothing like one of those to cap off a winter, eh? I'm sure you are doing chicken soup, etc.



    Tina, fingers crossed on that D.C. offer. And how funny Jac was to report on the Dogman in show and tell, bless her little heart. I'm smiling trying to imagine the teacher attempting to mentally connect Dogmen and breast cancer, but hey...that's my life!



    I still have some virus left over but went to Burlington to tape a back-up radio show in case we can't get to the studio tomorrow night due to the 18 inches of snow we are starting to get right now. It took way longer than expected and totally wore me out. I conked out for an hour and a half when I got home and must have looked bad as DS made complete dinner as I slept. But I received good news on the cell phone on my way home; Kim called to say the insurance agreed to the PET scan at long last! I'm having it next Tuesday. So at least no more fretting over that insurance co., I think they may have felt my sisters' angry vibes. Thank you all again!



    Anyone else in line for a massive snow dump? Cindy? Stay safe - Skye



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  • luckymel
    luckymel Member Posts: 643
    edited February 2008

    Hi girls, I'm here, just not feeling good. Yesterday and today I barely made it through work and came home and went immediately to bed - I think my med change from the rheumatologist isn't agreeing with me, as I am having extreme pain, nausea, fatigue, to the point that I can hardly function. I am feeling the pain that is covered up by all the meds, and it is powerful. Chemo did that. I am not in a good space tonight - it's hard to be positive when I hurt too much to check my email. Thursday I'm having lunch with my bc friend Letha - very good timing.

    I expected to have many posts to catch up on, but I guess everyone else has something going on, too. Tina, I'm excited for you guys about the job offer in DC - hope it's a good one, as that would be a good place for you I think. I have to smile at your comment about being in Cocoon - when I imagined you in cardiac rehab, that's what came to my mind, too. You may be what motivates some of those old guys to come to rehab! Think of it as saving lives.

    Lynn, hope you're feeling better by now. Skye, you too. Maybe you can just stay in tomorrow and not have to go out in the snow. I love your niece's baby name, btw! And very glad your PET scan was finally approved. Now, couldn't they have saved everyone a lot of anguish by doing that to begin with?

    Melia, I'll be thinking about you tomorrow, when you and your dh have your dr. appointment.

    Jan, glad you're not overworking, but glad you're well enough to be online.  Did anyone chat tonight?  I  thought last night was a chat night, so didn't even check tonight.  I can't believe I don't even know what day it is.

    I've been watching election returns all evening - guess I'll give up and go to sleep. Hugs to everyone.

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  • meliaanne
    meliaanne Member Posts: 682
    edited February 2008

    Hi All,

    Mel and Skye, baby yourselves and feel better soon. Jan, keep resting, I worry that you do too much. And Tina, I do hope the job offer is good and that it works out for your family.

    So I have very good news. Steve's scans were both clear!  I am so relieved. The doctor's office called this afternoon to cancel his appt tomorrow and I went ballistic. Upshot was that we got an appt very late this afternoon instead, with a dr I liked a whole lot more. (Steve is a grinch and doesn't like any doctor.)  So he went over the test results, no evidence of anything anywhere but the prostate. He said his bias is surgery, but encouraged us to meet with the radiologist, which we will. Steve is leaning towards surgery at this pt, and I would like to see him go that way, but I just keep telling him that it is his choice. Still, he needs to have all his options laid out for him. He is a scientist, and needs to gather all the info. Since he can't have surgery til March anyway, needs to let the biopsy heal, we have time. Anyway, to end my long boring saga, he is going to be fine. This scared me much more than my illness did. I can bear the idea of not surviving him, but cannot fathom being without him, even though he can be a royal pain.

    And thanks so much, my dear friends, for all the support. I know this is not a prostate cancer forum, but it is so much more than a breast cancer forum.

    Hugs,

    Melia

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  • Rebecca
    Rebecca Member Posts: 971
    edited February 2008

    Well that was some nice scan news to wake up to this morning!

    Hallelujah and a heavenly chorus that they approved your scan Skye!  They must have had a real person consider the request instead of the bimbo-drones that usually perform that duty.  Now we just cross fingers and continue to wait.  Make sure you continue to listen to your body and kick that virus's butt!

    Melia your news warms my heart.  I am so glad that Steve is in the clear.  I know that you will advocate for him and try to get him the best treatment options possible.  You guys are such a wonderful partnership....I can just about feel the love from here.

    Mel have you spoken to your doc about your pain?  I was disturbed to read that you were so debhilitated.  Why did they change your medications in the first place?  Can you change back?

    Lynn, feel better!   

    Jan make sure you take it easy

    Tina I am on pins and needles waiting to hear if your DH gets a good offer from DC.  Fingers and toes crossed!

    Well, I think the Tamoxifen is finally starting to get to my joints, and unfortunately it has gone right to my HANDS.  My fingers are so stiff that I can barely type, and yesterday in class my handwriting (usually pretty bad anyway) was all but illegible (to my students' great amusement as they ribbed me about it). Very disapointing.  It is going to be warm here today, and I am hoping that will losen me up a little bit.  I have no idea what to do about this...they ache a little, but I am not in pain so painkillers are not the answer.  I have tried warming them, stretching them and wiggling them, but they still do not respond as I expect them to resulting in me being very clumsy and making lots of typos from my fingers not moving as fast as I am used to (thank goodness for spell check).  Ah well....have to go roll Frances out of bed so she can shower and finish her homework.  maybe I will do some dishes in the hope that the hot water will losen up my joints.

    urg....that was a long ramble of me feeling sorry for myself!  Well, if this is the worst of my problems I think I am doing pretty well!  I will find a way to adapt....and I am open to the wisdom of my sisters as well!

    Hugs to everyone

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  • luckymel
    luckymel Member Posts: 643
    edited February 2008

    Nuts!  Just lost a post.  It's time for me to get ready for work, so I'll just say the most important thing.  Melia, you made my day!  What wonderful news.  Truly the best report possible - now I hope you can take some deep breaths and relax a bit.  You've been under so much stress, you deserve to baby yourself a little bit.  I'm so happy for you and Steve.

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  • Caya
    Caya Member Posts: 971
    edited February 2008

    Melia - yes as Rebecca said - wonderful news to wake up to - I am thrilled for you and Steve, and I know whatever treatment he/you choose will be the right one and he will be totally fine - just like you!

    And Skye - glad they finally approved that scan. Not glad to hear that you are still not feeling 100%, do try and rest.

    Tina - DC sounds amazing. And closer to Florida than Ohio is.  Jaclyn is just too funny - she reminds me so much of my Cassie at that age... Miss Personality Plus. 

    We are having a big winter storm here today - lots of snow, ice pellets, freezing rain - the whole gamut of precipitation.  I think this will be another totally indoor day for me here.

    Rebecca - my hands are also sometimes quite stiff, especially my right hand joint between my thumb and first finger.  Whether it's the Herceptin and/or the Tamox., who knows?  It comes and goes for me.  I will take extra strength Tylenols occasionally if the pain gets really bad.

    Mel - sorry you aren't feeling well.  I hope you're better today.

    Not much happening here.  Just lots of snow like I said, boy Melia I wish I was in Southern California today.

    xo Caya

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  • jonimb
    jonimb Member Posts: 900
    edited February 2008

    Hello TaTa's,

    Melia, that is the best of news....what a relief.  I'm so happy for you and Steve. I will keep you both in my prayers and wish for you all the best.  This news you can tell your kids, as it will lighten their burdens too.

    Mel, is there any way you can cut back your hours.  I think you are doing too much.  When are you going to have your reconstruction surgery?  You want to make sure that you are well rested for that, so they can make you look "perky" again.  Hugs to you.

    Skye, it's about time that D$mn insurance company approved your scan...that was absolutely ludicrous how long they kept you dangling.  I'll be holding your hand every step of the way next Tuesday.  Skye on Canada's History Channel, we don't get the Monster Quest series.  Can someone tape it, and send me a copy?  I'll pay you for the tape?

    Nancy, how's your dry socket doing, hopefully the pain is easing a bit.

    Lynn, Amera & Viddie,  I'm sorry about your Patriots, although they gave you lots to cheer about during the season.   I was kind of glad for that young Eli Manning too, as I think he's been under the shadow of his older brother Peyton for quite a while.

    Lynn, hope your cold is starting to go away, I hate colds.

    Well they phoned and I start my radiation on Valentine's Day...Feb 14th...and I will be having 10 sessions.  Sure hope it gets rid of this pain.  We have a long weekend in February for "Family Day", so I should be done around Feb 27 or 28th, as they do have scheduled maintenance during that time for 1 day too.  I'm suppose to go to Phoenix (Scottsdale) on Mar 3, so I'm hoping I'll be okay for that.

    Really enjoyed the American voting last night...it's much more fun than Canada's, but you got to ask yourself, how are those people doing their jobs when they are out campaigning all the time?  To the girls in Mass, one question....do you think Ted Kennedy's endorsement helped or hindered Obama?

    Jan, hope you are doing okay, and that you are healing nicely.

    Cindy, did your snorkel down your kaulua?

    Rebecca, Caya, Sharon, Robbin, hope everyone is well.

    It's suppose to warm up a bit today, it's THOR's 4th Birthday today, oh yeah, and it's also my niece's 26th birthday....I made a cake two years ago that in big letters said Happy Birthday Thor, and in little letters at the bottom .... And Sarah too.  Naughty Auntie Joni.

    Anyways hope everyone has a great day....loving hugs to all.

    Joni

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