Starting Chemo in JAN 2007

Yes Nancy, I'll be praying for you.  It could be something non-cancer related.  It's better to have it checked out.  That's why they called.  Keep us informed.  Is there anyone who can go with you?  Big cyber-hugs. 

Wow, Nancy wouldn't an MRI be cheaper?  Not sure what the difference is with a PET.  You might mention it to the dr and see if it makes a difference.  The doctors don't worry about costs much.  Tell them all you have been through with your house, etc. 

All I know about a pet scan is the radioactive stuff they inject in your vein, and it is suppose to show "bad" cells if any. Sooo, I know how being beat down like a dog feels. With Jeff being unemployed, the disaster with the house (which by the way, we are going after the water dept. for some restitution) they say they found 2 blocks down the street a large blockage. They actually sent the paperwork to file a claim. Plus, oh yeah & I love this.... my Health Ins. premium went up 100.00 a month, why because I have cancer! They act like I went out and asked for it! ARRGGG... isn't that just precious?

Oh, Nancy, big hugs!  I can imagine how scared you must be, and of course, any of us would feel the same - but after all you are already going through, this is really too much.   I'm so sorry.  I agree with everyone else - don't Google.  It won't change anything, it won't give you any new information, but it will probably succeed in scaring you even more. 

Of course I know what you're thinking, and you're right - they want to be sure there's nothing going on related to the cancer.  But remember, they have to think that way - that's the oncologist's job, that's why they do the lab work to begin with.  So of course if something is off they must find out why.  But elevated liver enzymes can also be caused by a lot of other things, including medications you take, gall bladder problems, injuries, lots of things.  So don't get ahead of yourself.  Take a deep breath, and then another one, and feel us all standing with you and hugging you, because we are. 

When is the PET, did you say?

1. Hi Ta Tas,

Just a quick check in - I have been working with DH at the Toronto Shoe Show the past 3 days - we got home about an hour ago, and after a quick shower and unpacking, I just had time to quickly scan the posts.

Skye - my last Herceptin will be Thursday May 8 - we will be celebrating that week.  Sorry your infusion this week made you nauseous.  I get my every 3 week dose over one hour, then they watch me for an hour to make sure I don't have a reaction.

Nancy - please try not to worry too much - one thing I know can cause the liver enzymes to go wonky is mono - about 10 years ago when I was 40 I fell ill with mono (very rare after age 30), and my liver was out of wack for months afterwards - I had to go see a specialist every 4 - 6 weeks for bloodwork and ultrasounds until it all balanced out - and the stress you've been under could be doing anything to your body.  I agree with the others - Do NOT Google.

Tina - your house will sell.  Sorry about the other baloney you are going through.

Gotta to to sleep gals, I have to get up at 6 to go downtown for Herceptin.

xoxo Caya

(Group Hug guys, I think we really need it.)

Hi gals,

I love us too, Mel.

Nancy, I get checked for elevated liver enzymes all the time because I'm on statin drugs for cholesterol and they can cause that. Everyone is right, there can be many causes of that symptom. Don't worry, the Ta Ta Worry Posse is on the job to do that for you.



Rebecca, I thought of Apu too with that comment but was afraid to say it, LOL!



Caya, we will definitely celebrate that week in May. I will ask them to stretch my infusion out next time.



It's bedtime or I'd write more, but count me in on that group hug. - Skye

Nancy, I think that's a good idea to have Jeff call the doc and get some answers.   Of course, he may not get many, but at least he can ask the right questions and report back to you.  They're probably waiting for your insurance to approve the PET now - we've been down that road before.  I wish they could call and get approval BEFORE they call us with the news that we need another test - it would be so much more humane to just say "you need a PET scan, call the hospital now and schedule." 

Well, I saw my PS this morning, and I NOW HAVE A DATE!  May 19 is my reconstruction, pending hospital approval, of course.  However, they just built her a unit with specially trained nurses to take care of her DIEP's and  SIEA's, so I doubt they're going to turn her down when she asks for surgery time.  She thought everything looks great.  I asked when we would talk about size, and she said that initially she would use everything I have (yikes!) and then at second stage she would remove however much I wanted removed with liposuction.  Maybe this is done in order to remake the breast without having to cut anywhere but my abdomen, but I can't quite get my mind around it - seems like I would end up with saggy, empty ones later on.  Guess I'd better get busy and lose some of that fat so that I don't end up with too much.  I should have asked, but I was so suriprised that I didn't quite know what to say.  Anyway, it does feel very good to have a surgery date!

Rebecca, they did a mammogram on me just the way they always have, although there was obviously very little skin and tissue to compress.  They have such amazing equipment there, that they were able to get decent pictures - I was blown away.  As to why they did it, I guess even if she does prefer the MRI's, it's probably part of the insurance dance.  Then she can say she got incomplete results and needs more.  Just guessing, though. 

Think I'll take a nap.

OK....DS rushed me off the computer earlier.  I just wanted to say that despite the MRI seeming so non-essential, I still have a little scanxiety.  I guess because any time you test, there's a possibility of getting an answer you don't like.  On the upside, it would hopefully catch a problem early.  OK...Dr. Tina has shrunk her own head. 

I read in CURE magazine while there that Tykerb can penetrate the brain...where Herceptin cannot...making it better at preventing brain mets.  All the fun facts I learn....

Mel - I'm so excited that you have a surgery date. That's wonderful news. Now you know its really going to happen!

Mel, congrats on your surgery date - I wish you well.

Nancy at least you have it scheduled - soon this will pass.  Try to get some rest and/or Ativan.

Caya, sounds like you worked hard! 

I tried sending you guys an email of a mother of the groom dress I am considering but not sure if it will come through.  I haven't tried it on, just saw it online. 

Tina, I can't believe all you have been through

Rebecca, are you still holding onto your classes?

Jan, don't overdo it.

Lynn are you out there?

Bracing for another snow storm this weekend - Viddie are you getting hit again?

Skye, hope you are feeling better.  Hugs

Mel,  congrats on the surgery date.  It will be here before you know it.  Just make sure you rest and heal up before our big meeting.

Nancy - you wait and see, this will be nothing that serious.  If it was such a big deal, and the liver enzymes were so elevated last fall, why didn't the doc do some testing then?  This is Dr. Caya, as opposed to Dr. Tina.

Tina - how are you holding up? Any more showings?

Mary, we're getting that storm system through here as well.  We're supposed to go to London tomorrow for a big dance show DD is in, we'll have to see when the snow is supposed to start.  DD will be extremely disappointed if we don't go, as it is a huge deal for her, a real honour to be chosen to appear in this once a year university gala.  OY!!  Why didn't they do this in September?

Cindy - that soak in the tub sounds nice. Enjoy.

xoxo Caya

Nancy I am glad that you have your PET scheduled for so soon. 

Mel congrats on getting your date!  That is so exciting…it really sounds like you are in good hands.

Tina I agree, better safe than sorry for sure.  I seem to remember one of your Drs saying that the hardened areas were your “rock hard abs”.  I make it a rule not to read too many of those mags that have all the latest and greatest technologies…worse than looking at computer magazines! 

Well, I called another PS today and made an appointment.  Working in this place’s favor, they were able to get me in promptly (I had to wait about a month for my last appointment)  On the other hand, when I explained myself to the receptionist, she was reluctant to book me because “the Dr does not like to take over somebody else’s case”  What kind of S**T is that?!?!  I have never heard of such a thing.  In the end, she DID give me an appointment because I told her that my primary reason for changing Drs was that I needed someone in my insurance network.  That seemed to satisfy her…apparently that is an appropriate reason for changing Drs….. Needless to say, I am not impressed to start with.  DH thinks that this attitude was a result of the whole “Drs club” thing where they do not want to comment on another’s work.  Maybe they think that if I went to one Dr, and was not satisfied that I  must be a crabby, vain woman who is ready to sue them if they make a single mis-step.  After all…it can not be the Doc’s fault!! URG

Caya, no calls for showings this weekend.  Interesting.  Last week by this time, I had the whole weekend lined up.  I hope that wasn't just the initial influx of interested locals.  Whatever.  I can't manufacture a buyer.  This realtor is doing a great job.  We've been in the paper, are on the net in pics and virtual tour, on Realtor.com, have GORGEOUS flyers in a display case in my foyer...she def. spends on advertising.  Nonetheless, I bought a $249 Hoover Wind Tunnel vacuum on clearance for $124 tonight at Meijers...I'm always reluctant to spend a lot on vacuums as they always break on me.  Lots of my friends have and swear by Dysons, but...I'm not in the 500 market for a vacuum.  Anyway, got that and it did a good job.  Got the Pinesol for the am and will mop the crap outta the place, so it should be in good shape if anyone comes.

HI Ladies,

Tina I agree with Jan, just from the times I've visited there, that the commute really can be horrendous with six-lane backups the rule. I wouldn't entirely rule out some of the older neighborhoods. In the Springfield VA neighborhood where my SIL lives, they and their neighbors are permanently in upgrade frenzy; they are always updating and replacing to keep their property values high and the homes are lovely. You may just want to have a look at a few if you find something in a convenient area.



Rebecca I'm also glad you got that appointment. I do think it's probably standard that they try to discourage patient-stealing between one another, and I'd wait til you meet the doc to judge. I'm so interested to learn what a third ps will say. Also glad you got in so soon!



Nancy I have had PET scans, that is what they used to look at that little tumor in my spine. I can't believe how much of it they are making you pay. Ours is a 20percent copay so that is about $800.

It is no big deal to go through it, you fast a bit and they inject you with stuff then lie for about an hour. They gave me a CD right away to take home, and other than that little cyst on my kidney, it was cool to see the 3-D rotating image of my innards because I could SEE that I was all clear otherwise. It is a great mental image to have of myself. But usually they will do an MRI (that is how they found my tumor) and use the PET only as last resort because it's so expensive.



I've felt increasingly better as I get over that last infusion. DH has been at a conference this week so I'm looking forward to his return. Last night DS was out on a date and it was really nice to have Grendel there as a companion. Cindy, I know what you mean though about not being able to show a house when you have canines around. He creates the mess of a dog many times his size. I think once he is past the puppy stage we will have to either replace the living room carpet or get some serious steam cleaning done. He has scratched up some furniture legs, and did I mention the two $100 computer power cords? And yet he just melts our hearts. What's a human to do?



I'm looking forward to a breakfast with gal pals tomorrow, otherwise just book work scheduled for the weekend. Hope you all can get out and have some fun. Mel are you feeling better yet? Great you got the recon date, that isn't far away!- Skye

Melia, I have wondered the same thing, and have come to the conclusion that yes, that really is what life is like and we have forgotten.  You get a group of people together and monitor them for a year, everyone is going to have problems, illnesses, sadness.  This is even more true when you are in our age group, maybe - at least the illness part.  I think the difference is that we have all just been through a traumatic diagnosis and treatment, and we think that's our "turn."  And then life just goes on and hands us whatever it does, and we think it's not fair, we already had a turn.  Just my opinion. 

I'm glad your husband has decided on an approach and a surgeon, and that he feels comfortable with the guy even though he didn't paint the rosiest picture.  I know it worries you to hear him say that it may come back, but all you can do now is just do everything there is to do now, and hope you never have to go through this again, or if so not for years and years when there are much better treatments out there.  We are all with you in this, and holding your hand.  Glad you have one of your wonderful family weekends this weekend to help heal you, and distract you.

Skye, I have felt better this week, thank you.  My pain is the same, but somehow I haven't been as tired and discouraged, and that makes a huge difference.  It does cheer me up to have a surgery date.  Monday I start physical therapy, and will be extra motivated with that date in mind.  My knee is still a bit of a problem, but I had to miss my appointment with that doc today because work was so busy.    Glad you are feeling better this week also.  I sure wish they have given me a CD of my PET scan - I'd have loved that.  I guess I could get one, maybe.  Give Grendel a hug for me - actually, aren't we about due for a new pic of him?

Tina, hope you end up getting some traffic through your house this weekend after all.  Or maybe not traffic, just that one certain buyer who is going to just HAVE to have your house, at any cost.   Sorry you have to go back for that MRI and have to think about things for another week or two, but you'll get that high five eventually.

Mary, I didn't get an email with the dress you are considering.  I'd love to see, though. 

Rebecca, glad you got that appointment - when is it?  You'll just have to wait and see whether your impression of his receptionist is a reflection of him or not.  

I got a link to a nice video my PS did, explaining all the various options,  and it really shows what she is like and why she is so good  (for one thing, she discusses the fact that sensation is often overlooked when doing reconstruction - that is a woman talking for sure).  Anyway, if anyone  is interested I'll give you the link. 

Ted, my kitty with cancer, is leaving us.  Wednesday he was still pretty much himself, but yesterday he was definitely weaker and not interacting with me as much.  Last night for the first night ever, he didn't sleep with us, but curled up in the bottom of his cat condo.  We mourned last night, and were going to take him in this morning to be put down, but we kept going back to the pet psychic telling us that he wanted to do it on his own terms.  In the end, he seemed pretty peaceful there, so we decided to wait until this evening and reevaluate.  Larry's not home yet, so I don't know what we'll do.  All I know is we are really going to miss that wonderful cat.

Hugs all around - hope everyone has a good weekend.