Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

Hey Gems,

Back from golfing, or shall I say a nice walk on the golf course, had some pretty "fugly" shots today!   Back to my fav spot, yep, the recliner, with a wiener dog smooshed between me and the chair on both sides.  

Decided to not take a Zofran this morning before my cytoxan, I havn't done this yet on my oral days.  Havn't had any nausea, just some heartburn which is new to me.  Don't much care for it, so I think I'll pop a Zofran in the morning. 

Jenn, what a great weekend you have had.  It had to be fun to spend time with your family and think about something other than the "C" word.  I loved your pics, took note of the cat shirt, loved it!!!

Had a good crack up on your BM statement.  Oh, how I have been able to relate ... as you probably read, I go from all to nothing in that dept on a "non-regular" basis!!!

I have heard about Brett Favre's wife's book, I think I may order it, I can read it on vacation.  The book that Kathy had told us about is called Hanging Out With Labcoats, by Wendi Pedicone.  Its a very bittersweet read ... but well worth the time. 

Kathy, speaking of Wendi's journey, I have read through half of her journal from foxpress.  It is pretty hard to read at times.  What a positive lady she was throughout it all.  I'm really glad that you shared the info to get her book.

A dopey lab huh?  I bet he is a big loveable guy.  The dapple wieners are too cute ... not sure why we have stuck with the black and tans.  Beware, they aren't happy unless they sleep in the bed, under the covers!!!

It took the dh to remind me about the "fertile" topic, I had been on the pill until diagnosis and he had the big "V" way back when we first started dating (11 yrs ago).  We never did take that little sample back to his doc.   Seems that my plumbing doesn't want to shut itself down, so until we make sure he's shooting blanks, its been a little wake up call!!!   If my friend can get pregnant and she had about a less than 1 percent chance, I don't think I'd like to play the odds.  Gives me shivers just thinking about it!!!

Paula, gotta love a little nap and feeling better, one of the best meds for the body.

Tina, another great pic by another beautiful jewel, you had been one of the mystery women.  Loved the avatar pic as well.  Looks like your cat has you all figured out.  I swear I can't sit down a minute without Reggie being at my side, and your queen appears to be all over it too.

We're really lucky to have a market with tons of organic foods.  Half of the produce dept is organic, we've never been into buying organic until this time in our lives.  Figure its never too late to start being a bit more health concious unfortunately it took bc to get us on-board.  Sounds like you will have a bit tougher time in MN getting the variety throughout the year.  

wvgirl, pretty cool of the fire dept to raise funds with a dinner.  Hope your evening was enjoyable. 

I've decided when I get my next mamo, it will only be done digitally, with a follow up u/s or mri.  I understand that with dense breast the older technology doesn't always produce the pics needed.  Ya Think?!!!

Julie, sounds like some fresh air may have had you almost doing the Happy Dance (too cute by the way).  I'm sorry but I did get a good chuckle with your reference to your dh as a redneck.  I work with what I call a bunch of rednecks, and I wouldn't trade them for any others.  I swear I'm the only one not wearing plaid work shirts! 

Speaking of the happy dance, I'd be dancing out of my shoes with the generosity of your co-workers.  What a great pick me up for your whole family.

MIA - tried calling Kalen's home, no answer, hoping that she is doing well after her second txt on Thursday.

Dh just called from the store, asking if I wanted King Crab for dinner, I responded, "does a bear sh*t in the woods".  I'll be sneaking a few more peaks tonight while the dh and fil watch some recorded b-ball games from today.

As Kimberly would say, WhoooooHooooooo for no txts on Monday and Tuesday. 

Carol

Hey Jewels,

   Just a little note to say HELLO to everyone. My sisters biopsy is this Friday...she had it all screwed up..she is a nervous wreck. Aunt Flo is killing me..7 days of hell.... I got clots coming out of me like Niagara falls..i hope it stops soon. I can't handle a 2 week period!!

The fatigue is defiantly worse after rd 3. I feel like I am drunk..can't stand straight, light headed, all loopy my dh says.Making an attempt at work tomorrow..god forbid i put them in a predicament for an extra day!!!!!!!!  Take care precious jewels...xxoo

CarolC -- I haven't posted much this week, either, so don't feel bad.  Once you get behind, it seems like it takes forever to catch up with all the posts.  It's great that everyone is so active here, but it can feel overwhelming. 

I had to respond to your post, because there are many triple neg success stories.  One of my friends who is a 10-year breast cancer survivor is triple neg and is doing great.  Please don't consider this a kiss of death.  Your cancer was found very early and you are getting the treatment you need. 

CarolC, so sorry to hear that you've been in a bit of a funk, I'm so glad that you have an appt with someone who you can talk some of your feelings out with. 

Always remember that the post is here to just read (or not), pop in when you feel like it, just say hello, or make a few shout outs.  We are all in this together in one way or another.  A break from reading and talking about bc probably wouldn't hurt any of us.  Your jewel is shining bright and we all know your part of this unbelievable "Sister in Survival" group.  

On the positive side, noticed you have no node involvement, so your one step in the right direction. 

Cathy, I'll ditto my comment to Carol, try your darndest to not be overwhelmed by some of us chatty cathy's.  We're not going anywhere and we'll be here when you feeling like popping in.  No worries gals!!!

Julie, immaculate conception eh?  Thank god for understanding/ patient dh's!

Vettegal, lets hope this is Auntie Flo's final curtain call.  Sounds likes she's looking for a standing ovation.  Atleast we're not hearing about the "D" word.  I think it headed my way a couple of days ago.  We'll be thinking of your family as your sis has her biopsy on Fri.   Hang in there gal.

A good night to all,

Carol

Good Morning Jewels..

Dum question this morning...

Does anyone have peachfuzz growing on there head during treatment?

I do, alot of it!!

Good morning Jewels!  Just a quick shout-out then I'm out for the day. 

CarolC:  So good to hear from you!  NO problem with lurking and just reading.  We are so talkative here, it can be overwhelming at times.  I personally am just glad to hear from people even if it's just here and there.  And yes, once a Jewel, you are ALWAYS a Jewel I say!  I think, also, it is admirable that you recognized your "funk" and will be seeing a therapist.  I find talking to mine very cathartic and helpful.  BC is tough and sometimes we need help in various ways to get through this journey-- I don't think there is a right or wrong necessarily, just what works for you.  We have all had our down moments through this, too, so you are not alone.  Secondly, please re-find your hope as a triple negative.  Cathy-CA and some others gave you some positives to focus on. Most importantly-- you had NO nodes involved!  That is very good.  And you are grade one, which is the best grade to be.  As my therapist often says-- there is a mind body connection: you think you are OK, you will be OK.  She also says "don't invite trouble"; meaning: don't look for the bad, focus only on the good.  If you think you will have a problem, your body will be more than happy to comply and give you the problem-- self fulfilling prophecy.  This is all such a mind game.

Vettegal:  I have some peachfuzz too.  It appeared right before my third round and has continued to grow.  I think I have about 1/4-1/2 inch now.  Very light and soft. 

I skipped my period in February (after a 2 week flow in January!), but now it's back for March and its heavier than usual.  So, I feel your pain, girl!  I hate it on top of everything else. 

Hope everyone has a good day off! I have 24 hrs. before I have to slow down again!!

omg you guys have been busy, I havent checked in for some time as I too had enough of the word BC esp with all the side effects from Chemo..While I did my first round of Taxol and have a second round this thursday....It was much worse than the ac's thats for sure.

Lots of bone pain and tired all the time and yep can relate to the expreme depression thats for sure I have the watery eyes runny nose and alligator skin everywhere even my eye lids. I try to stay positive and after once again reading all I missed I am so happy so many are doing great and it made me wonder why I ever took a break from coming here you all made me feel better all ready!!

I will be back much sooner this time thats for sure.

I have 3 taxol left and I see the radiation oncologist tuesday to see what else is in store for me... how much radiation does one usually get I cant really come up with information that tells me that it all seems very diffrent depending on the oncologist???

Carol I am also triple negitive and that is not the kiss of death we will be fine research has come along way and yes think positive, I do not plan on this doing me in thats for sure. I really dont think it matters anymore what neg pos you are if its your time its your time too many success stories for all types of bc and we will be fine girlfriend we will be fine!!!!!        

Hey Jewels,

Hope everyone is having a good Monday. Taxol # 1 has been much easier to tolerate than AC-no fatigue, hardly any tummy trouble. I have been a bit uncomfortable with back and leg pain, but it isn't as bad today as yesterday and Motrin keeps it tolerable. No worries!

Carol- you're a brave gal to try your Cytoxan w/o Zofran... I wouldn't make a habit of that- have you heard the old saying, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" ?

I got Deanna Favre's book for Christmas (I had just been diagnosed, so it was well-timed) I enjoyed it, as did dh. Even ds (the Packers fan) gave it a look-see!

Hope the crab was delish!

Vettegal- Glad you checked in! Aunt Flo is a witch, isn't she? Hope she doesn't stay much longer! Three cheers for Vetteguy for grilling the steaks!

Please tell your sister that we're all thinking of her and praying often.

CarolC- hey girl! I'm so glad you checked in. I've missed you! I am also a triple negative and I know what you mean about the uncertainty that comes w/ this diagnosis. I like to stay up on the latest info about TN, but I have to temper my research with some positive info-like survivor stories right here on this site (have you looked at the triple neg. threads here?). Remember that one of the "positives" about TN is that chemo is very effective in killing it-so we may feel like S#$T, but our bodies are evicting those cancer cells! I think you're being very proactive in seeking out a therapist to help you deal with everything. Keep the faith, Carol. We are in this together and we are SURVIVORS!

CathyCA- hey to you, too! Glad you're doing okay.

Julie- HALLELUJAH! Good riddance to that dang migraine!

Diana63- sorry to hear your chemo was postponed d/t Aunt Flo. What a bummer. How many txt do you have left?

Deb1023- I've been thinking of you since we both started the "T" part of our chemo last week. Glad you're okay. Sending best wishes to your dp as she adjusts to life w/o her mom. You are so right about the living will-we all need one!

Amy- long time, no see! Glad you got a boost from popping back in here. I'm right there with you-3 Taxol left and counting! Cannot wait to put chemo se's behind me!!

THANK YOU to all the Jewels for being a part of this incredible group. You're the BEST!!!

Paula

Hi my Jewel Friends,

Thanks to you all for the compliments on the pix. I love the free feeling of baldness. But the wig has it's purpose too. We tried to find one that was as close to my normal style as possible. This is the way my hair would look if I had a good hair day everyday. But who among us has that? As for Joey, he is the perfect of his Mommy & Daddy. He is my pride & joy.

Carol, Glad you liked the cat shirt. One of the scarves I ordered from Ebay is covered with cats. I love to find clothes with animals on them. I'm sure Stacey & Clinton from What Not To Wear would have a stroke at some of the things in my closet!

I envy you your King Crab. We took the kids to Joe's Crab Shack Sat. night & I know what we had would pale in comparison. But it wasn't bad for land locked Indiana.

Vettegal, I loved it that you put your mom in her place. I had to do the same thing with my mom. It was before my hair started coming out. She kept making comments about me losing my hair & finally said something like "this is the worse part of you having bc". Well, that did it. Before I could stop to think I said "well, I would rather lose my hair than die." That shut her up. But I can tell she would rather me have my wig on when she comes over. So what do I do.....you got it, go bare! I am so bad. Too bad your brother can't support you like your sis does. 2 of my sons have shaved their heads to support me and even my little Joey thought my baldness was OK.

I haven't seen any sign of new hair growth. But I still have the tiny fuzz that was left when gf shaved with a 0 razor. Weird, the stubble hasn't fallen out, but nothing new has grown. Same with my eyebrows. I had them waxed right b4 I started chemo. Nothing has grown where I wax, but everything that was left is still there. Same story with my legs. Why doesn't it go ahead & fall out? Now the hair down there is gone, it all fell out by itself with the exception of maybe 10 hairs. Now isn't that sexy?!?

My deepest sympathies to those of you with Aunt Flo. I had a hyster 8 years ago but the visits right b4 that were 30 days a month. I can't imagine doing that & the se too.

I get a daily email from Beliefnet & last week there was a notation about chemoangels. I checked out their web site & signed up. It a group of women that send little pick-me-ups to those of us fighting bc. It's something I would like to be on the giving side of when this is over. But I think you all should check it out. I have been assigned 2 angels & have received the nicest cards & little presents. One coming on a day I was really feeling down & did pick me up. The webiste is chemoangels.net.

PT is going well, although I was not good at doing my exercises this weekend. Denise, the expert, is teaching Nicole, the pt, to do tissue massage to loosen the cording in my arm. I can tell a difference when she is done. She measured the strength in my right hand (the bad side) & I couldn't believe how much weaker it was than the left. She gave me some putty to squeeze & next time is going to measure dexterity. How I don't know. It's a bit of a drive up there & with gas prices I'm glad I don't have to pay for the pt too. However, the hosp. is in the same town as the best fried chicken place I know of. So guess what we are having for dinner. Think I better go get some b4 dh eats it all. Isn't it amazing how quickly I can respond when I've only been off the board for 24 hrs?

Good luck to everyone having their chemotails tomorrow. We are all getting 1 tx closer to the end. Hooray!! Have a great evening & Tues.

Hugs & Love,

Jennifer

Good evening, Gems! After my 5-day migraine, I apparently needed some sleep. I didn't wake up today until 12:45!!!! I thought for sure my clock was wrong, but when I got up and came out to the kitchen, the clock there said the same thing. I certainly felt rested today!

Vettegal - You make me laugh!!! Wish I knew a hitman for ya to take care of Aunt Flo. So glad Vetteguy is taking good care of you. And, no, I have no new growth - just my stubble from the last shave about a month ago. Good for you for standing up to your mom and bro - you do what's comfortable for you!

CarolC - hope you had a good day at work!

Kathy - I'm sure you had another busy, crazy day! I actually made it out today and took ds to the doc, then hit Kmart to get some Easter goodies. It felt soooo good to get out and about for a change!!

Deb - good to hear from you. You and dp have been in my thoughts - I'm sure things have been tough trying to get back to "normal." Hang in there.

Paula - glad you're feeling better! Hope that cough is under control by now!

Jenn - Hope you've recuperated from your busy weekend! Get your rest!!

D1 - bet you're very proud of the dd - how great for her!! I think we have the same bushes in our yards!! My dh and ds did the same thing --- hacked away at all of our budding bushes, now they're just sticks! Hope they survive! Sorry you're having swelling like some of the others - I haven't noticed any yet with my treatments. My fingers have been really numb today - not sure what's up with that!

Welp - I have to get some more thank you notes written tonight. Better sign off for now!

Yippeee to tomorrow being another "chemo-free" day for the Jewels!!!!

Love to all! Julie

BTW - can you guys believe we have over 20,000 views????!!!!! WOW!!!

Hi Gems,

Home kinda late tonight, but it was well worth it ... my best friend of 38 years had given me a facial and massage to her salon/spa she owns for my bd.  Kinda puts the Omaha steaks I gave her to shame!  Saw her first for a very little hair trim, decided the shorter the better when its as thin as mine has gotten (I won't rub that one in to you all), then back to the spa for a unbelievable facial, lots of seaweed was used is all I know.   The estetician/massage therapist was quite aware of my "situation" and worked the lymph system really well from right to left.  Gotta say, I feel like mush tonight (which is a good thing).

Read todays posts just a couple of ramblings from me tonight ...

Paula, your right "if it ain't broke don't screw with it", last night by bed time I did finally had to take a Zofran.  My heartburn went to nausea, so needless to say, I took my Zofran this morning, prior to my cytoxan.  Much better today.

I bought Deanna Favre's book today, along with a book titled "It's My Ovaries, Stupid".  Figured if I'm contemplating having them removed I might want to know a little bit about them first! 

Too good that your tolerating your txt of Taxol so much better than the AC.  I passed that info onto Kalen tonight.  She is slated for taxol as well.  

Speaking of Kalen, I asked her if she minded if I gave a little update.  She is having a pretty rough go of it after round two.  Had txt on Thurs and was still having problems with nausea today.  She had her head shaved on Sat as well and that appeared to be a bit more of a emotional ride than anticipated.  She is hoping to go to work tomorrow, I wished her well.

Deb, thanks for the gentle reminders of living wills.  We are very negligent in that respect.  Did the Power of Attorney bit prior to surgery but need to get going on a will.  

Jenn, took note of chemoangels.net will check it out.  PM'd my e-mail, looking forward to checking it out.

D1, I love your b-ball stories, we we're so there a couple years ago.  Sounds like the dd is the assist diva! 

Julie, wow gal, talk about a sleep in, sounds like it was just what the doc ordered.  Glad that you will have a little time for some good days.

Kimberly, are you sure you didn't hit the Irish (Scottish) Whiskey prior to posting, I had to re-read the first part!!!  Glad to see your back among the living, but bummer that your hoot was giving you problems.  Hope that antibiotic does the trick right quick.

Vettagal, I would like any excuse to eat red meat, but I'm with you on the Aunt Flo front, it sucks.  Hope your steaks hit the spot ... sounds good to me. 

I can't believe that your own mom and bro have a hard time with your balditude look.  Maybe some of their own insecurities??? 

Reunion ... not to up to snuff with anywhere other then West coast areas, and I think we are in the minority in the gem family.  I think a cruise was out (due to somebody getting seasick).   Las Vegas has a little of everything.   I do know whatever is decided, I will not miss it.  Willing to travel wherever the Jewels unite! 

As I recall, somebody besides me liked Dancing With the Stars, looking forward to a new season. 

A good night to all, Carol

Good morning Jewels!

The achiness is a little less this morning so far.  BUT my hands are still driving me crazy.  Found a cotton glove (of course, I couldn't find 2) and put lotion on then the glove and it seems to help.  Going to run to Walgreens and see if I can get a pair.

D1 - you are right about warm water, anything that is warm just makes my fingertips sting.  Did you have any problems with the bottom of your feet?  Mine is mostly just my heels so I tippy toe sometimes around the house.

Paula - Glad you are doing ok after the Taxol.  I also find it has less tummy problems than the AC.

Jennifer- I have had 2 ChemoAngels since the beginning and they are great!  The cards and little gifts always seem to brighten any day.

Hope the rest of the Jewels are doing well.  I just keep telling myself that this will be over soon and can start trying to get back to normal.

Will check in later.

Good morning, Gems! We're readying the Ark here is the Midwest! We've had over 6 inches of rain since last night - we have a river that borders our property and it's now over the banks! Luckily, our house is up on a hill on our property and is safe from the flooding.

Kimberly - SO nice to have you back with us! Although I had the same thoughts as Carol about the first part of your post! Thought maybe you hit some of that whiskey! I just love reading your posts - you just nail it for all of us. Hope your fog continues to thin and you are soon feeling like yourself again.

Carol - your spa day sounds fabulous!!!! I've actually thought that I may treat myself to a full body massage and facial when all of this is over! I've always wanted to and just haven't ever done it.

I agree on the reunion - I'll travel wherever!! I remember someone suggested an all-inclusive or a spa-type resort - either of those would be great too!

Kathy - hope your onc visit goes well and you are heard! I've got some questions for my onc too when we meet next week - hoping he's receptive.

Well, Jewels - I'm feeling decent today and hope to tackle some of the "piles" around my house. I'm going to school tomorrow for a couple hours to visit and observe a student teacher - I'm sooo excited!! It's an early dismissal day b/c of Spring Break starting and they've planned a "Happy Hour" since I'm going to be there - I can't wait! Of course, I'll be drinking virgin strawberry daiquiris, but I'm sure they'll taste divine!!

Hope everyone has a good day!

Julie

Deb:  somebody here (CarolC?) had the foot SEs/heel pain like you.  Maybe she'll post soon about it for you.  I think she ended up taking gabpentin and it improved.

D1:  I'd call the doc about that nail.  First off, I'd be concerned that the nail is separating from the nailbed and coming off.  Second, you're right- the risk of infection on that le side is higher and I'd want them to tell me how to address it now to prevent infection.  Keep me posted fellow-nail-problem patient!

I agree, just b/c chemo's over doesn't mean the "fun" is over.  I think this is one of the hardest things for people that aren't going through this to understand.  Nice you are at least done with bloodwork for a while.

I wish I could say today's visit went fine, but it didn't go the way I'd like.  Forgive me girls while I b*tch.  You can skip this if you want.  The substitute doc and NP basically heard what I said, but didn't change anything, or really have much to say.  I guess it means my SEs are the usual (they weren't impressed by any of them, so maybe I shouldn't be) and not bad enough to decrease the taxotere dose. They also said decreasing the dose would not cause me to not have a reaction-so I'll get the same tomorrow, just more premeds to hopefully combat a reaction again.  Not much reassurance to me.  They're going to run it extra slow also (how much slower can we go?!?).  I'll be there at least 5 ½ hrs. it looks like, and that's if all goes smoothly.  Sorry girls, I am just SO SICK of this all.  I know I'm preaching to the choir here.  I just want to wake up Thursday and be done and have all the yucky SEs gone!  I think mentally, this last round is the hardest for me.  And I have no patience left whatsoever for SEs, especially ones that will remain past next week, and I know some will unfortunately.  OK, thanks for the rant.  Last round tomorrow-I can do this!  Maybe I'll post from the chair as dh will be there with his laptop!  Good luck also to my bosom buddy for the day tomorrow: Maz .