Starting Chemo in JAN 2007

Hi, everyone.

I went in today for my 3-month check with the med oncologist and the rad oncologist. My blood counts were good, but they always were even in the midst of chemo they didn't drop too low. The lab also drew blood for tumor markers and blood chemistry tests. I don't expect them to find anything there, but it's nice to test and make sure.

Both docs said everything looked fine. I'll be seeing the med onc again in June, about a week after I get a bone density test. The rad onc doesn't need to see me until Sept because the other doc does a clinical breast exam when I see him.

New this week on the hair front, my hair won't stay combed back even with heavy hair spray so I'm letting it fall into what ever it wants to do. One side looks good, the back is a bit wavy, and the other side sort of sticks out, but it is growing and I have hope for a regular style sometime soon. One of my friends sent me some fancy bobby pins so maybe I'll just pin down for a while.

Nice seeing some of you in chat. Joni, sorry you weren't feeling well. Skye, I hope your son's doctor's visits work out. Tina, have a good Easter trip, and great news about the offer on your house. Jan, you and your family have such interesting lessons. I'd like to hear more about the kayaking. I'll never do it myself, but I can live through others' experiences.

Catch you again soon.

Just back from my Onc visit...mostly ok I guess except that he was concerned enough about my prickly back and sore rib to send me for scans.  I am ok with it as long as we stick to the script...patient goes in with complaint, Dr sends for scans just to be safe, scans find NOTHING, patient goes on merry way.

I think that is it for me today...I have to get on the phone and get that scan scheduled. 

hugs 

Hi all,

It had been a crazy busy week. I have been working, visiting my Mom and sister. My sister has severe back problems right now and the doctors seem to be unable to treat her except to give her pain medications. She has had every test under the sun. They say she is not a candidate for surgery and the steroid shots do not help her. I feel bad for her. I am taking her to another neurosurgeon next week for a second opinion. Unfortunately she cannot work in this condition and her place of work will be terminating her next week. She has not been able to work for around 6 months. I can’t believe no doctor can help her.

On a brighter note, Mel asked how Ed was diagnosed so early. I think it was pure luck. Five years ago, three months before Ed’s diagnosis, my mom’s doctors thought she had pancreatic cancer and they told me what signs to watch for. They were wrong about my mom, but fortunately helped me notice one of the first signs- sand colored stools. Ed had been having diarhea for about a week, and I had been telling him to call his doctor, but you know men. I happened to notice sand colored stools- I do not know how- I usually do not seen them. I then told him he had to go to the ER and he actually listened to me. I didn’t notice though that he was jaundice- another sign, but luckily the ER doctor did. He was also itchy all over his body-another sign- again he did not express this to me but did tell the doctor. I think this doctor knew right away because he told us to go to the nearest large hospital in Boston immediately. We were in a small hospital in Cambridge. The Boston Hospital ran tests immediately (MRCP, ct scan, and US) and told us within two days that they suspected he had pancreatic cancer. He had a successful Whipple surgery a week later, followed by radiation and chemotherapy. The rest is history.



Mel,

I am glad the chiropractor is helping your back. I hope you are enjoying your day off. I do not enjoy dress shopping either- but a personal shopper sounds like a great idea.

Debbie,

It is great to hear from you. My hair is pretty crummy also. I have an appointment next Wednesday; maybe my hairdresser will have some ideas.

I am glad your appointment went well. My oncologist will not do any testing- Mri’s, blood tests, even blood counts.

Lynn, Amera, do your onc’s do any tests? I wonder if it is a Ma thing.

Lynn,

How are things with Ally? How are you feeling on the Effexor? I have been taking it at night, but I think I will switch to the morning before I start taking two- to see how I react during the day.

Joni,

How are you feeling?

Skye,

Did your DS go to the doctor?

Rebecca,

I am glad your oncologist ordered a scan. Everything will be fine- better to be safe than sorry.

Mary,

I am so happy you are going to join us in Vegas.

Tina,

I am so glad you got an offer. I knew you would. Great news on your clear MRI.

Caya,

40 kids- OY!! That’s a lot of college- aged kids in one place. Are you allowed to be around and partake in the activities??

Can an UTI wait until next week? Shouldn’t you check it out sooner? I hope you feel better soon.

Catch you all later,

Love,

Viddie

Well Yippee on everyone's clean scans. And Rebecca, I'm sure it's just your onc being super proactive. You're right. Follow the  script.

Viddie, my onc never orders any routine scans. They do not do any routine blood work at Dana Farber for follow ups and if I'd had my surgery through DF, they wouldn't even recommend MRI's, just mammos. My surgeon's the one who orders the mammos and MRIs.  I am happy with the MRI's though.

And for all of you who just had a lumpectomy,  are you getting mammos on both sides every 6 months? I get a bilateral MRI and digital mammo once a year. At 6 months, I just get the cancer side mammo. I thought that was weird but who knows.

I am off to ski in NH for the long weekend. We get Good Friday off at work/school. Last year, I just sat in the lodge with my scarf on my bald head, and tried to stay awake while the family skiied. It will be nice to be part of the action this year. Have a good Easter everyone.

XXOO Amera

Hi Ta Ta's, 

Yay on everyone's scans! 

Viddie, I think my onc said he'll do blood work annually.  I got scans right before chemo.  I will not get any other scans unless I have symptoms.  Guess that cuts down on the scansiety.

Amera, have fun skiing! So glad you don't have to stay in the lodge and watch like you had to last year.

Joni, how are you doing? 

Nancy, big hugs to you...so sorry to read about another flood!

My PS's office called yesterday and rescheduled my stage 2 surgery...ARGH!  It's only 2 weeks later, but I had everything all set for 4/17...oh well, not much I can do if he is out of town.  Viddie, my surgery is scheduled for May 1st, isn't yours around then as well?

I am doing better on the Effexor.  I don't have the jitters as much, the yawning has stopped.  I do have a metallic taste in my mouth, starts immediately after I take the pill, hopefully that goes away.  On a brighter note, I am really noticing a decrease in frequency and intensity of my hot flashes...it's amazing!! I don't think I woke up once last night from a hot flash, the first time in over a year...wow!  I'm thrilled!

Ally is doing ok, not great, but not terrible.  Still don't have an appt. for her, having trouble getting anyone to call me back.

DH started a Relay for Life team called Lindy's Lovable Lunatics.  Don't laugh at the name, Lindy was my nickname growing up and I was outvoted.  We have 8 people on the team so far.  I sent an email to people at work asking to donate.  I was overwelmed by the response of $1,330 in 3 days.  My team has a goal of $2,500 and we are 72% there. 

love and hugs,

Lynn

Lynn,

Lindy's Lovable Lunatics is a great name. Very catchy!

My stage 11 surgery is May 13th. Do you know if you will see him before surgery- for last minute questions- or will we be knocked out before he gets there? Does he mark us? I forgot to ask that. I have a few other questions also.

I am glad you are doing better on the Effexor. So am I. When do you take the Effexor? I have been taking it at night, but I think I will switch it to the afternoon, in preparation for a 2nd pill.

Caya, Tina,

When do you take the Effexor- morning or night?

Jan,

I do not know about the recovery time from stage 2. I think it depends if you get liposuction. I heard that might make the recovery time a little longer. I am fully recovered and can't wait for stage 11- the frosting on the cake. Good luck with your climbing- and be careful. Most of all- have fun.

Skye,

How is your ds?

Joni,

How are you?

Caya,

I hope you are feeling better.

Tina,
Any more word on your house sale?
Mel,
Any luck dress hunting. How is your back after your chiropractor's appt?
Amera,
Have a great time skiing.
Melia,
How are you and your dh?
Rebecca,
I have been thinking about you. We are with you.

Sharon, Cindy, Nancy, Mary, Robbin & Debbie,
How are all of you?

Love,
Viddie

Just a quick check in, as we are preparing for Amanda's birthday party, and the onslaught of 40 - 50 college kids here at 9:00 p.m. 

Viddie - I take my Effexor in the morning.  And Lynn yes it is amazing how the hot flashes stop - wait until you're on the 75 g. dose - I was waking up often in the night drenched in sweat - not now!!  Truly a miracle, and the benefit of being more relaxed as well.

 Jan - good luck with the rock climbing, but be careful and do not overdo it.

Amera - have fun skiing.

Skye - any word on the DS?

I doubt I will make chat tonight, but if I get a break in the action here I will try to chime in. 

xo

Yup, the UTI struck me in full force today with major pain, and bloody urine.  I've read this can be a side effect of Herceptin, and I have always been prone to them.  Luckily I have 4 Cipro XL pills on hand and I will go see my GP on Tuesday for more.  I am going to discuss this with my onc. on Thursday when I go for my Herceptin - I am thinking to go on a low dose of antibiotics as a preventative measure to avoid the UTIs, but I don't know if I can while on Herceptin still.

It's always something, and I'm getting a little sick of it.  (no pun intended).

Happy Birthday Skye!! 

Happy Easter to everyone who celebrates - It's such a pretty holiday, I love all the pastel colours and chocolates.

xo

hey ta ta's i am still here..... luv ya'll as usual i am reading and keeping up but not posting often ... call me the resident lurker 

as long as we keep goin i will still be here !

Today is a nice bright sunny day , still a load of snow too ha ha

I have been starting to feel quite normal lately getting back into my regular routines . I have been through 2 mri's one on my head for my tinitus which showed nada , one on my back due to the unrelenting pain in my right leg ..... nada from my onc , but my gp wants to see me as it shows degenerative disc disease ....... ah thats what was up ....... i see her in a couple of weeks . All i need to be getting shorter ! ha ha .... My plans are to keep skating and start to work out . Went for a visit to Curves with my oldest dd and we are going to join . I have gained over 25 lb ! Whaaa i feel so stumpy !

I guess it comes with the territory , 3 surgeries , 2 cancers , menopause , ...... shall i go On ! Went to a urologist  with my dh yesterday for his mid life issues and all i saw was "older" people ..... now for my midlife crisis !!!!  Kids are going to college , oldest ds is turning 30 next month  ........ what a ride it has been !

I also went to the "one of a kind " craft show last night , lots of fine artists ..... bought a couple of garden bugs a dragonfly and butterfly and a silver necklace . Tomorrow I am volunteering for our local OSPCA (animal shelter ) with my youngest dd at the "all about pets show , Tues i go for a tour of my oldest dd's new college Seneca Newham campus , she is going to be taking Environmental Technology in Applied Science and Engineering . My kid is going to save the planet ! So proud of her ..... !

One more test I am waiting on is my bcra test to see if i am a carrier of the bc gene , should have them back by the end of April    

So much for me !

Tina , congrats on your home and move !

Amera I had a lumpectomy and i get exams on both boobs everytime i go to a dr . mamos every year on both breasts . my chest aches and i have lumpy ones anyway as i have advanced fybrcystic breast disease , even though i did not get my periods anymore my boobs still hurt at the time when it should hit.

Joni hope you are feeling better and the weather out there is good , you are most likely thinking about your spring flowers , more so than me! Winter is hanging in her tooo long , I am waiting for the snow to thaw so i can see my crocuses waaa

Lynn hang in with your dd my  oldest has ADD and she is quite emotional have had her to a psychologist and been through alot but she is now going to college and high tech at that !

Caya hope your dd party went well and that you feel better ! i hear ya on the hard knocks strength in numbers ...... big hugs .

Skye you would have luved the craft show ......... 

Jen go for the rock climbing , take it easy bit by bit , i found it when skating too much my legs would give out on me , shaking and  rattling ..... if i fell it would take me a bit to get up again . But as you said gotta do it . Let us know how your body handles it ..... take it easy but enjoy !

Ohh this post is getting long ..... its easter weekend dd's want an easter chocate still ............ off to enjoy my extra long weekend I m off until next wed ! so i will check in later this weekend

Promise ! If I missed anyone and I know I did ....... spring is here !

Hey Ta Ta's,

I'm writing from beneath the big snow dump, we are supposed to get 14 inches now! DH made it to and from work and I am not going anywhere. At least it should melt soon.



Robbin, what a bumper crop of hair you have! I love the "before" photo of you, too. Are you trying to grow it back out again?



I was just saying to dh that this last week or so has been the first time since chemo that I have felt good about my hair. It's just now long enough that I feel it's feminine enough for me, and the new curliness gives it enough body and wave that it still requires little styling. People are telling me it's cute, and one lady at church complimented my "stylist." I've trimmed the ears and back myself a few times but that is it. So I guess I can't complain. Deb mine isn't super curly either but more than yours, I think, and way less than Robbin's. I'll have to take another picture on Easter, perhaps.



Cadbury eggs are Easter tradition here, along with a few really good FannieMae eggs. We also live only an hour from the Jelly Belly plant so those are easy to find here too. And Rebecca, the flourless chocolate cake really is very close to fudge, but finer-textured. But it was all the trimmings and the pink candle (how did they know?) that really made it.



Rebecca I hope you gave the little friend an extra hug for me. I'm sure you are right and she will go on to excel. And know this, she will always remember that you and Frances were there for her.



Sharon it was so good to hear from you. That did sound like the kind of craft show I would like. I can't wait for summer and art fairs.



DS is still very sick with the flu, it's a bad one. I made him homemade chicken soup though so he is bound for a cure.



Someone sent me an Easter funny; it's a pic of 2 chocolate bunnies, one has its bottom bitten out and the other one's ears have been chomped off. The first bunny says, "My ass hurts." The second one says, "What?" I know it's sick but I'm still laughing. - Skye

LOL about the Cadbury Eggs. I hide them from my dh also. That are all mine. As a matter of fact, i am enjoying one right now as i read the posts.



Happy Birthday Skye.

Holy cow, Robbin - that's some hair! That's wonderful!

Rebecca, when the news relates to a child, I think everyone's heart just seizes. I hope that the child feels the love that you and Frances are sending her way. I'm sure she does.

Oh Skye, happy late birthday! How lovely to be served like that by your sweetie.

Well ladies, I'm now a marked woman. Tuesday night I went with my youngest daughter and her husband and got my first (and only tattoo). Younger kept pushing me to get a tattoo. "If you can't have a boob, have art, Mom."  After much deliberation, I decided to do it. Not across my chest although I would have liked it there but was too concerned about complications.

I have a pink ribbon on my left shoulder with the words "Love lifted me" underneath. The young man was so nice. I was very impressed by him. Younger got a pink ribbon by her ankle. 

My elder daughter knows but I haven't told anyone else yet. We're having our Easter dinner tomorrow night so I think I'll unveil it then.

The tattoo seems to be an action that punctuates the conclusion of this event. (Well, it had better be the conclusion!) It's the mark on my body that I chose. It's not the numerous scars - while I can look at them and see survival and triumph, they also remind me of that dark, dark time that you sisters understand. My tattoo reminds me that love held me, lifted me, moved me and truly ultimately saved me.

I never ever expected to have a tattoo. I'm personally conservative, not a publicly demonstrative person. I guess I'm still personally restrained - unless I'm naked or in a swimsuit, the tattoo won't be seen. Younger says "Just add chemo and radiation and Mom gets crazy!"

Who knows what may be next. Maybe dreadlocks?

I've got to go work on some food for dinner tomorrow night. And clean. My house is dirty. The dogs have run through flinging dirt and mud clumps from the swampy, drying out yard.  I thought I'd do some housework last night but only managed to clean the tub. WHAT???? I'm going to invite everyone to sit in the tub to eat dinner?????

To those who celebrate Easter - have a much blessed day. For the rest - well, everyone should have a blessed weekend, don't you think?

hugs to all

Cindy

PS the birds are singing like crazy now. Isn't Spring grand???? 

Cindy - congrats on the tattoo!

To my wonderful globe-trotting sister Joni, I send special hugs. I am sure that your feeling of "yuck" is just an advanced case of Scansiety.

Cindy, congrats on your Tattoo...I can not wait to see it!

To the rest of my sisters happy Sunday, and to those of you who celebrate, I wish you a joyous day.