Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

vettegal · March 2008

Happy Easter Jewels

Hope everyone is having a great day! Getting ready to go to mom's for the family dinner. I just told my dh, i am wearing my hat over. But once I get inside it's coming off....They have to deal with it!!! LOL.

Did everyone go to www.heavenlyhats.com

I got the greatest hats from them..Ralph Lauren hats about 5 of them..they still had the price tags on it!

Is anyone waiting for sandel season or is it just me? Just bought 2 cute pair and I really wanted to wear them but, it cold here..for spring! as soon as it breaks 50 degrees they are coming out!!

hugs to everyone xxxoooo

SISKimberly · March 2008

Happy Easter Jewels,
So, I’ve got my bunny ears, my plastic eggs stuffed with candy and coinage, and I’m ready to head over to my 24 year old son’s for a wonderful day with the family and friends.

Dana- You’re new pic is great!!! That blue scarf really looks great. I’m glad the roommie thought of you on Easter with his gifts and that you’ll be going to a nice restaurant for dinner. Eat steak…your blood count needs it!!!! I’m having grass-fed organic beef tonight myself. Have a joy-filled day, sweetie.

Great idea about donating the hair, Dana. My goddaughter is donating ten inches and my friends, son (yep, I said son) is donating ten inches for wigs for kids. Isn’t that cool?

Jenn- Hope you had the energy to hop around hiding those eggs this morning. Sorry the guest list has gotten shorter…but maybe with the low energy it is a blessing in disguise that things will be low key. Take care of you, Jenn.

Peg- Hi Peg, so glad you stopped by to say hello. It’s OK that you’re not chatty…your presence is more than enough.
Have a wonderful Easter.

Deb- I’m so sorry you’re dealing with such painful neuropathy issues. I certainly would call the doc if it doesn’t improve. Hey, you have an Angelina Jolie lip, too?
Mine has gotten better as in not as swollen, and I can open my mouth a bit more today. Glad the ice cream and popsicles help. Not much of a sports watching fan…but I’ll root for the underdog of any big match up if someone else is really into it. Rooted for the Sac. Kings for a long time, then they traded my Peja, and I couldn’t forgive them.

Carol- Oh man, I can just picture you all sitting there watching the sunset, the smell of the grapefruit tree’s blossoms, the warmth of the evening breeze…heaven!!!!

I always wake up early before a big ‘cation. I get so excited, like a kid or something. Hope you slept very well tonight my friend, you’ll need lots of energy to play your nine holes this morning.

Shipping items not appropriate for Sunday services are we? Hope vice doesn’t get wind of it. HaHaHa

Paula- I keep asking the sun to share the warmth, but he claims that Mama Universe doesn’t seemed bothered at all by their behavior. He claims, in his opinion, that clouds, cold, rain, and snow are just being such brats showing off their stuff like they are, but he promises that they’ll tire soon and when they do, he’s swooping in for the warmth fest.

Enjoy dinner with your mom.

Wvgirl- OMG, I was so just saying to my dh, I haven’t heard from wvgirl, I hope she’s doing OK, and here this morning you’ve posted. Thank goodness!!!! Love the graphic!

Vettegal- You crack me up…and you’re right, the family will just have to deal with it in whatever way they can…and if looking anywhere but at you directly is all they can manage, oh well. They miss out on your lovely expressive eyes and smile, eh? Have a great day, and I’m so checking out that site.

OK gals, I’ll check with you in the morning. Enjoy lots of Love, Kisses, HUGS, and Laughter.

SIS Kimberly

tinalee123 · March 2008

Happy Easter, Jewels. May the sun shine upon you today. Weather here is grey, cloudy, and just got 4 -6" of new snow. Undecided But, I know Spring is out there somewhere!! I've got a ham in the oven and all the fixins ready. It'll be small, dh, ds #1 and #2 plus ds#2 gf. I'll see if we can snap a couple of photos to share with you all.

We'll play board games, watch tv, do our coscarones tradition, and stuff ourselves. We go to evening services tonight, hopefully we'll have come out of our ham coma by then!! LOL

Wishing you a blessed weekend. Spring is here, jewels. There's been a rebirth (spirits, nature, thinking) and it's the time for new beginnings. I like to go through this mental rebirth as I prepare the Easter meal; think about the future, make plans - big and small, focusing on the good things to come.

Being the caregivers that we all are; to family, friends and acquaintances, I hope you all will be able to find a little time today to think positive about YOU!

Have a wonderful day. Hugs to all.

Tina

KathyL · March 2008

Happy Easter Jewels! I am tired and sore, but feeling a teeny bit better today-I'll take it! A step in the right direction. My in-laws and mom are here. The kids got their baskets and have done 2 egg hunts already. We did "dinner" at lunchtime, and the dh outdid himself-Bless my wonderful man! I am achy, but so happy right now. I just keep telling myself that even though I'm not "done", each day will be better now and I'll get stronger. Herceptin is not supposed to effect me much (so they say) compared to chemo; I'll be doing it until Jan. '09. I'm keeping my port until it's done. Next month I see my ps to talk about finishing reconstruction. Tinalee: Yes, I too, feel like it's time for a rebirth-springtime, I'm done with chemo, new person/new outlook. Yea! Dana: I love your new pic, too!

I'll check in later. But here's the upcoming week. It's gonna be a busy one Gems! Good luck! Kick some BCA, and FUSE! We're doing awesome!

Monday: Cathy-CA Round #4 (2/3 done!)

Tuesday: Kris60 Round #5

Wednesday: Sheshe48 Round #4 (Yippee!!! Last one!!!)

CHJ127 Round #4 (2/3 done!)

Thursday: LJ13 next weekly T( #5 of 12?)

JulieK Round #5 (one more to go)

Friday: WVGirl Round #5 (AC #1)

Deb102307 Round #6 (AC #2)

RN2Teach Round #6 (AC#2)

Vettegal Round #4 (last one!!!! Yeah!)

Peg1212 Round #4 (last one!!!! Yahoo!)

DanaC next weekly TH (#4)

sista2 · March 2008

Happy Easter Jewels!

Determined1 · March 2008

Happy Easter, Jewels!!!!

Hope the Easter bunny hippity hopped your way.

Sorry to be MIA. With my mom in town, we were so busy I never even turned the computer on! We took her to the airport a few hours ago and since then, I've been trying to catch up. We had a good visit, saw college girl, went downtown for a fancy lunch, played tourist in DC for a day and spent 5 hours at Georgetown Hospital having my simulation, CT scan, and then giving mom the tour and introducing her to my chemo nurses (who still remembered my name!). It was a whirlwind and I was fried most of the time (not used to the activity), but it made me very happy.

Shout out time!

Therese--you sound normal to me. I felt naked, too, till I got my rad schedule. Its funny how quickly we adapt to the life of cancer patient and expect docs and tx's as part of our routines. I imagine being cut loose makes you feel as though they've removed the net below your act. Its totally normal to be aware of your aches and pains and to be concerned because you know you don't have a doc appt coming up to discuss them. You should know, tho, that I'm having all kinds of trouble with aches and pains after exercising since tx4 and I worked out the whole time I did chemo. Now I can't go as fast or as long on the ellipitcal, I don't lift as much weight, and everything in my body seems to be hurting non-stop as though I've never worked out before. I think our bodies have had enough and bouncing back won't be as quick or easy as we'd originally thought. Take your time and listen to your body. You will be normal again--just like the rest of us will.

KathyL--Girl, I sent you every vibe I could muster on Weds and I can't tell you how happy I am that there was no reaction! You made it!! Now just a couple more days before your fog completely dissipates. Can you believe it??? Oh, you MUST post the recipe.

CarolC--Yay, last tx!!! Your fog will pass soon, too. Try not to be too impatient with it (I was--I had absolutely NO TIME for se's after my last tx--I was SO OVER the whole thing, but unfortunately, my body had to go through the entire se process. Good news is, it WILL pass!). Hang in there.

Oh SIS Kimberly, I'm sorry about the hard time with the se's. And here I took off to have fun. (Let me do the guilt, part of my family heritage--it passes, not to worry.) The mouth sore sounds fun--NOT. My sores stayed inside my mouth, I guess I should be grateful. Hope that clears up soon.

Hey, Vettegal--was that your hospital that imploded this weekend in Pittsburgh? Guess it couldn't take the fact that they gave you the sharts and didn't take away A. Flo, huh? Great news about your mom--I hope Denise hears good things, too. Hey, could you be teary because your lashes are MIA? I know I've been more teary for about 6 weeks (stand up or lay down and my eyes water like mad) and it's not a cold or allergies--its cause I have no lashes to hold the tears in! Just a thought. Oh, and yep, that was me honking like crazy!!

CHJ--I like the way you said sometimes we have to be the guest of honor at our own pity parties. It was right on. Hopefully you're not having one of those sadness soirees now, but if you are, come by and let us know how its going. We're here for you.

Jenn--I fully understand your comment about dreading #4 as you weren't over the se's from #3--I felt the same way right before my #4. I know you're in se land about now, I hope your trip is easy this time. Oh, and you made me smile with your comment about arranging the Easter stuff "just so." I'm the same way. Nobody does it better!

Whoa, Julie, I'm so impressed that one of your students is headed to the London School of Econ! Testimony to great teachers along the way (that was a compliment!). I'm glad you got to spend some time with your cousins and laugh a lot--its the best medicine. Speaking of laughing, I LOVED the cartoon!

LWDana--Mea culpa for missing the b-day. I thought about you and hoped you were having a good day (my mom and I celebrated her 70th bday on your day and had a mahvelous time, dahling, we even drank a toast to you). You made me lol about the hiding behind the hair color comment--unlike you, I can't wait to hide behind hair color again--I am NOT going to look my age (I don't act it, why should I look it???). Oh, and I second KathyL's comments to you. Always feel like you can express yourself here. Here's hoping those counts are better.

As you can tell, Joan, I can't wait for my hair, either!

Oh Deb, I'm so sorry you're having so much trouble with your hands and feet. I hope you're getting the pain under control. At least there are enough upsets in the NCAAs this year to make watching the games interesting! (I can't wait for the Duke women to be on TV, my eldest played against the freshman, Jasmine Thomas, for years! That girl has afterburners, that's for sure!)

LJ13--Whoohoo! (Hope that's okay, SIS Kimberly!) You're halfway done!!!

Paula--Congrats on the ds's hits and WV's win over Duke! Oh, and thanks for checking on me.

Maz--Hope the extra decadron does the trick. They tapered my off after a couple of tx's as I was crashing so hard when I stopped taking it. It helped me--here's hoping the same for you. You know, your extra weight might be from the puffiness some of us have. When that goes away, we may find some relief on the scales (I'm still waiting for that to happen...). Glad you heard from Val, I have a feeling you will both help each other through this period. I'll be thinking of you.

New avatar, Tina? Looks good. I liked your update while you were at the chemo bar. Your attitude sounds really good--I hope your se's are mild.

CathyCA--Well, I've been emoting more lately, too, but I think I would've been a mess at your teacher's funeral even without chemo. What a life story she had!

Hey Carol, hope the cation is going well and that you got some good sleep so you could golf your heart out. Oh, my onc felt me up before every visit to the chemo bar (I thought that kind of stuff usually happened AFTER you were at the bar, but it's been a while for me--what do I know?). Now my new rad onc (I've taken to calling him babydoc, because he's young), feels me up when I see him. Must be the guys over at Georgetown...

Sheshe--Some of the best news I read--negative scan results!!! Hip, hip hooray!!!

Sista2, boy I hope the taxotere treats you kindly. And I was happy to see I'm not the only one who's a sucker for a guy with a sweet face and a guitar--I like Jason, too. I also go for David Cook, who should probably win the whole thing. Time will tell.

Hey Peg, did you catch my toot last Weds? I bumped the horn at the Hagerstown turnoff on my way to visit my college girl.

Okay, going to submit this and then I'll give you all the details of what's going on with me in the next post...

D1

Determined1 · March 2008

Whew! That was a long one! Okay, here's the deal with me. First of all, I did have my old chemo nurses and my case nurse check out my nail when I was in the hospital for my simulation. Everyone said it looked okay and told me to watch for the cuticles to become red, inflammed or hot (sounds like infection signs, to me). If I don't have those problems, then I should just keep on keeping on. (Thanks Jenn and KathyL for encouraging me to have it checked out.)

My ankle puffiness has come down a little, but they're still larger than life. I'm hoping for a massive weight loss when the puffiness eventually goes away!!

The bladder control seems to be a bit better now that I've gone back on the cranberry juice. I'm going to keep an eye on it before I start whining about it to anyone else on my med team.

Rad simulation. Not difficult at all (except for getting the tattoo, when you have a needle issue, that's not fun). They put me on a table with a thingy to hold my bad side arm over my head (that was not fun with the cording, but we got it there) and then my doc came in and taped a metal bb (but much smaller than the ones you're all imagining) to a spot on my chest. They used the bb to be a landmark on the scan. From that, they were able to map out how to position things to administer the rads. The machine was the same kind they use for a CT scan (you know, the donut thingy that they pass you through). I think the longest part was getting my body positioned on the table the way they wanted. Other than the tattoo--absolutely no pain.

I start rads on March 27. They tell me the first two weeks will be pretty normal, but after that I'll be really tired and will start getting my burns. They gave me some lotion to put on my radiated areas (I want to say its Alra cream, but its upstairs now and I'm too lazy to go up and check it out). It looks like it has good stuff in it--aloe vera, collagen, vitamin e, and lanolin as I recall--so I'm thinking I'm going to start using it this week before I start to get the skin all lubed up. The first session will take a while, they tell me, but after that I'll be in and out. I'll keep you posted.

CT scan went okay, except that I had the worst IV putter inner EVER! He dug around for what seemed like hours looking for the vein. I was screaming "f*ck me!" the whole time and asked him to take it out and start over, but he wouldn't. I was completely stressed after that. My mom felt so badly for me that we went immediately to the liquor store where she bought us some Knob Creek bourbon and we came home and drank away my bad experience (how mature of us).

Other than my visits to my legu, that's all the medical stuff I did with my mom, the rest of the time was going to the gym and playing. We even took college girl's easter basket up with us when we visited her and I got her roommate to help me surprise her with it this morning. She was really surprised! It was our first Easter without her. Now we're getting ready to head to the in-laws for Easter dinner.

As Vettegal would say, It's all good!!!

Happy Easter, everyone!

D1

Cathy-CA · March 2008

Happy Easter, everyone! It looks like a lot of us are stepping up the to the bar this week. I've had a cold the past few days, but it doesn't seem to be severe enough that it will have any impact on treatment. We're having very warm weather (should be 90 today), so I've been trying to spend time outside baking it out of me.

My mother is cooking dinner since she knows I'm not interested in cooking when things don't taste right. We'll head over there later this afternoon.

D1 -- I'm very interested in hearing your rads experiences. Like you, I'm regularly exercising during chemo and am concerned what will happen once I move on to rads. Did your aches and pains start after chemo #4 or rads #4?

Carol -- Have a wonderful time on the golf course and smelling the grapefruit blossoms!

KathyL -- glad your kids had fun with the Easter egg hunts. I miss those days!

peg1212 · March 2008

KathyL I though when i joined here i was in for only four treatments of chemotherpy when i went to my appt with my Onc she informed me im to do 6 I was'nt a very happy camper but im going to do what she wants so 6 it is. I guess i should'nt complain because so far so good not many problems at all, just alittle tired at times have'nt missed much work just hope the next three go as well as the last three.

Determined1-I seen where you posted that you pass by Hagerstown on your way to get your daughter, you must be proud,I have a 22 yr old who i can't get to do anything. Tell your daughter to keep up the good work. Good luck to the jewels having treatments this week I'll be right along with you.

golfer779 · March 2008

A Happy Easter to all, we said a little prayer on the number one tee box (not), by now its probably fairly evident that I'm not one of the more spiritual gals on the post. Just living life each day to the best of my ability!

Decided that the dry mouth thing is even worse down here in the valley of the sun, had a hard time sleeping last night, had to drink a ton of water to try and combat the major cotton mouth, and we all know what that leads to!

Looks like there is alot of fun going on today with family and friends, just what the doc ordered. We as well have spent a great day with friends, and have spoken to our kids back home.

I'll know I'm going to get far behind in shout outs, but know that I will be there in spirit over the next few days.

D1, glad to hear from you, your needle episode sounds like mine at my AND surgery, he sucked at finding a vein. I'm so glad that you shared your rad experience as well, you are the leader gal

I do have to say kick some cancer butt tomorrow Cathy. You look like your picking up your own tab tomorrow as the only one hitting the chemotini lounge. Hope all goes well for you.

Time for some appetizers and yes a little ol' Pinot Grigio for me tonight, life doesn't get much better,

Carol

JulieK_11_30_07 · March 2008

Happy Easter, Jewels! We had a busy day today. Drove to my brother's (an hour away) for breakfast with my family. Got back home about 1:30 and had to leave again around 2:00 for my SIL's (45 min. away). We had a good day and the kids all enjoyed their baskets. Hope everyone has had a nice Easter Sunday and got to enjoy some time with family.

Tina - I agree with the rebirth and time for new beginnings! Even though we drove through flurries all day today, I still thought about it and am sooo looking forward to the Spring weather and the new beginnings to come!

CathyCA - Go get ‘em tomorrow, girl!! Wishing you mild se's with this tx!

Kathy - so glad you enjoyed your day! Hope your fog lifts for good soon.

D1 - good to hear from you!! We missed you while you were "gone"! Glad you had a nice time with your mom - you definitely deserved to have some fun. Sorry you had a bad IV putter inner - love that you and your mom stopped and got some bourbon! Hilarious!!

Carol - glad you're enjoying your ‘cation! Hope you sleep better tonight after your busy day!

WVGirl - good to hear from you!! Hope things are going well!

Vettegal - love your plan for your hat today! Hope you gave a big FUBC shout-out when you took off your hat!! HA HA HA!

Quick question for you all - have your oncs said what they plan to do once you're done with chemo to make sure you're "clear" of cancer? Not sure what the protocol is and I plan to ask my onc this week - just wondering if any of you have approached that yet.

Welp - off to watch a movie, then hit the hay! Happy Easter, Jewels!

Julie

deb102307 · March 2008

Hey Jewels, Hope everyone had a good Easter.

Paula - I am scheduled for #6 (2nd Taxotere) on Friday but onc is going to evaluate the se's from the last one and maybe go to every 3 weeks. I am going to try and stick with every 2 if she will let me. I want this over as soon as possible. My hands feel better today and hopefully my feet will feel better tomorrow. Hands still red and a little itchy but not as swollen or painful. Fingertips numb though.

KathyL - No biggie but my treatment #6 is not AC (glad that is over). I am now doing Taxotere.

Well, back to b-ball and then to bed. Taking tomorrow off work so will try to get caught up some tomorrow.

Night-night to the fabulous Jewels!

camazur · March 2008

I went to heavenlyhats and got one nice knit cotton beret that I've been wearing alot, and three hand-knitted yarn caps and a hat with a brim. Not as impressive, but free, yes.

Hope eveyone had a nice Easter.

You know, I don't feel so bad--or maybe it just seems that way now with what my bff Val is facing. In fact my se's are so mild, I'm wondering if this chemo is working? Or maybe I'm getting used to this? It sucks but i can live with it.

I do feel badly that my contact with my pal will be limited by what she's able to manage. My heart was breaking for her this Easter. I woke early before sunrise. I keep waking early and thinking of her.

Thanks for all the positive feedback.

Maz

RN2teach · March 2008

Good mornin' Js,

Had a lovely day yesterday. Church got a little warm (extra crowds on Easter) and guess what I did? Yep, I shed my hat and went "topless" in church. Surprised ...just for a little while until the ac kicked in and my bald head started feeling chilly.

Dinner at Mom's was wonderful and we brought home all the leftovers as she and her dh are headed to NC to see my two ds and their families. I would have loved to go with them, but dd has appts w/ orthodontist and eye dr this week, ds has 3 ballgames... and then there's that pesky chemo appt on Friday (this is #6-- 2nd round of Taxol).

CathyCA- wishing you a smooth chemo experience today. Another one bites the dust for you!

Vettegal- I hope your family adapted well to your baldness and you had a good Easter dinner. I hear you on the sandals--although I've GOT to get a good pedicure b4 I shed my socks. We had snow flurries yesterday. This week looks like rain, rain, rain, but s'posed to warm up. I really do love spring--everything coming back to life, etc.--but I am sooo ready for summer temps!

Kimberly- hope you had fun w/ the egg hunt. This is the first year that I didn't do Easter baskets. My kids both have big ticket items that they are working toward and wanted me to contribute to their piggy banks instead of spending it on their baskets. It was kind of a let-down for me, but they were happy so I went with it.

Tinalee--whoa! 4-6" of the white stuff for Easter. So, did you build an Easter snowbunny?

D1- glad you have been out having fun. Good 4 you!

Peg- I know you're disappointed about having a couple of extra rounds of chemo (who among us wouldn't be??), but I like your attitude. You just have to go with it. I'll be hitting the chemo lounge with you this Friday.

Carol- that dry mouth thing is still plaguing you, eh? Mine is still there, but much, much better. I'm thinking the cytoxan was the culprit, which explains why mine is going away. Reckon a little corona would help? Tongue out

Julie- you sound so good! I'm glad you're feeling well. Sounds like you kept the roads hot yesterday visiting your family. Hope you're not too tired today.

Deb- I hope those se's continue to abate this week so that you can stay on schedule. I am SO ready to be done with this. You'll be in my prayers.

Maz- you and Val are in my thoughts and prayers every day!

Have a good Monday everyone. I'll be at the ballfield later to watch ds play. Hope it warms up some...

Paula

PAlady · March 2008

Good Morning Jewels!

Got back from Vegas last Sunday. Had a GREAT weekend! It was so nice getting a break from BC thoughts and to see some sunshine. We don't get much here. A lot of people call us "Dreary Erie"! The weather was about mid 60's which would be like a heat wave. Even though it is spring on the calendar you wouldn't know it by our weather - it is snowing right now. I am ready for some real spring weather.

Unfortunately, we did a lot of walking on Friday in Vegas (we did a scavenger hunt which was loads of fun!) When I took my shoes off, both of my larger toenails were discolored. The right was just a bit sore and slightly colored. My left is all black and still sore. I hope it isn't going to fall off, but am afraid it might. Not sure why that happened as my shoes fit fine and were not new.

I have had a problem with fluid retention this round too. I am trying to keep flushing with water. Seems to work better some days than others. Foot cramps are really painful and I haven't found anything to help that yet. I think it may somehow be related to the fluid levels.

I had blood drawn on Thursday for the BRCA test. Not sure what I will do with the results, but thought I was finally ready to deal with whatever comes from that. Has anyone else been tested? I am not hearing of very many that have come back positive.

I go for my simulation for rads on at 3:00 this afternoon. Dr. thinks I will only need 5 weeks which makes me happy. He has to wait for some more info from the surgeon. I am supposed to start in a week or so.

Love the new pics everyone have posted! It is nice to see some of your family's!

I am a huge Oprah fan. I tape her show everyday. She had the author of Crazy Sexy Cancer on a few months ago. I think it would be great to do it in October for bc awareness. She would certainly do wonders for bc awareness. Up until I was dx I really didn't know much about it, for sure.

Julie - Yea for no vomiting this round! I have fainted after two tx's. Hopefully you don't have problems with that now. I love all the little characters you post!

Golfer - Good for you getting your sleeve approved! I agree you are so good at reaching out to people.

Well I have been reading/typing for about an hour and a half, so I will have to catch up later. I am still 6 pages back!

Have a great day everyone!

joteach · March 2008

I hope everyone had a blessed and fun Easter! I know we did. We went to Mass and then to a Easter buffet at the Grand Hotel. I was able to taste and actually enjoy some of the food. But the best thing is to be with family anyway. Then we all went to visit my mom at the nursing home.

Carol, thanks for the button and for reminding me I'm not the only one facing more txs after chemo is done. I'm getting excited that chemo will be over April 2 - My 4th and last tx!

D1 - thanks for sharing the info about the rads. I'll probably be starting in the beginning of May.

KathyL and Kimberly - thanks for the "pep" talk. I'm not a blue jewel everyday but really appreciate the encouraging words. It definitely helps!

Hugs,

Joan

deb102307 · March 2008

Good morning Jewels! Hopefully my numb fingertips can still spell correctly.

Paula and KathyL - my treatments are going to 3 weeks apart. New dates are April 3rd, April 24th and May 15 as of now. If changes, will let you know. I was really wanting to get done with them but don't want to suffer permanent neuropathy either and since only 3 left, was a little more willing to go along than I was at treatment 1.

Some of the redness has gone away and the swelling is going down. Didn't have to wake up to take pain meds so that is good. Going to try and go to work tomorrow and finally earn some money. And get off the couch. I never thought I would be so excited to get back to work. Laughing

D1 - I think Duke women play tonight or tomorrow night. They made it to the 2nd round and should do ok against Arizona State.

Carol - We are each spiritual in our own ways. You do not have to be in a special bldg to have a relationship with God so you talk to him whenever and wherever is good for you. He listens to the prayers no matter where they come in from. When I played golf, I prayed ALOT. Cool

Julie - In answer to your question, my onc said they would be following up with me about every 3 months for probably the first year or two with exams and scans, then out to 6 months and so on. Will probably get clearer details as I reach the chemo finish line.

Maz- I know I haven't really piped in much on your news about your BFF. I was so sorry to hear about it and will pray for Val. I don't know what I would do if it was my BFF but it is comforting to know I could come here and rant and rave and blow off steam. Hope you know that too.

Paula - Sorry I won't be on the same schedule as you anymore, I kinda was comforted by the fact that we were doing the same thing and on the same days. I am ready to be done too. And I wish I had your "guts" to go topless. I have been without hair for about 3 years and I still grab a hat or hair whenever I leave the house.

PALady - Hope the toenails hang on and don't remain painful. I can sympathize on the foot pain. I can't even wear regular shoes right now. They are a little too tight due to a little swelling.

Well, I guess I will give the hands a rest.

Love all the Jewels and hope the se's stay far, far away from everyone.

SISKimberly · March 2008

Good Morning Jewels- I feel pretty darn good today!!!! The adult kids had a blast looking for eggs and then playing games to win envelopes with cash prizes in them. Overall, a great day was had by all. I was exhausted. I was in bed by 8pm reading and asleep by 9:00pm.

Tinalee- What a fabulous day you had planned. I hope your were all able to awaken from you Ham and Coscarones coma’s in time to make it to your evening service. Aren’t traditions a wonderful thing?

Kathy- I’m so impressed that you’ve dragged yourself out of the fog and posted our schedule. Amazing…that is what you are!!! Glad to hear you had lots of help during this holiday (hip-hip-hooray for wonderful dh’s) and that you’re on the upswing…and it will just get better from here.

Sista- Right back at ya! Hope the Easter Bunny was good to you.

D1- Wow, you’ve been a busy girl!!!! I’m so glad you had such a good time with your family even if you weren’t 100% up to snuff, and that your mom was able to hang with you for the med. appts and to drink with you when it was over. The image was priceless…you with your le arm and your mom with her bum arm drinking away the trauma.

And what’s with the med. tech not listening to the patient? Was he auditioning for a new reality show or something- Digging for veins? I would have been swearing myself if I were you…I might have accidentally had a knee jerk reaction, too.

My lip and mouth are getting better day by day. I can almost open my mouth wide enough to eat normally. Whoopie!!! Hey, tearing eyes…I use saline eye drops, and it really helps.

You can use WhooHoo anytime you want…you’re not trying to make a buck off of it like WAMU Bank. HaHaHa.

CathyCa- Sorry about the cold, but what a great idea-baking it out of yourself in the glory of the sun. Hope you were able to taste mom’s tasty meal last night.

Kick some Cancer butt today while at the lounge.

Peg- Half way there…I hope the next three go as well for you, too. Don’t be too concerned about your 22 year old…it took my son, now almost 25, a few years to discover college was the only way to earn more than minimum wage. He’s in his second year at a community college. All of our little flowers bloom in their own time.

Carol- Glad to hear from you, and like you, am not an organized religion gal, either, but I do enjoy holidays like Easter and Christmas for the family bonding time it brings.

What a bummer that you’re having such a hard time with the dry mouth, drink water, and peeing cycle. Have you tried a humidifier in your bedroom? Hope the Pinot Gris was wonderful.

Julie- Sounds like you had a great day yesterday. My oncologist doesn’t want to discuss anything beyond chemo at the moment, although he did say he’d give me a referral to the rad onc on my 5th tx, which is next Tuesday. I’m going to hear what the rad onc has to say, but am 99.9% sure I’m not going to do radiation or HT. As far as follow-up, the protocol is different for each medical facility and each person’s situation. Let us know what your onc says. I’ll ask mine when I see him in a week. We can compare notes.

HI Deb- Glad the hands are better and hope the feet get better, too. I still can’t imagine doing an every other week schedule. If I didn’t have this week of feeling good, I don’t think I could do it.

Maz- I’m glad you were able to get some hats you like and that your se’s are not so bad. I take it your bff Val lives in another city or state? What a wonderful thing to wake up at sunrise and think of Val…sunrise holds such promise.

Paula- You go girl!!!! Topless in church. LOL.

Your kids asking for money in their piggy banks wasn’t all that different than the egg hunt for the adult kids…coinage in plastic eggs and games for cash. I save my coins all year long and usually have over $100 in coins, so I figured my college kid and his roomies could use some extra spending money. I do understand the missing of the traditional basket, however.

Sound like Mom made quite a feast. No cooking for you tonight,eh?

PALady- Glad you had a great time in Vegas and got some sun relief from the Dreary Earie weather.

I think the swelling is exactly what happened with your toes. Shoes may be worn in and fit, but I’ll bet as you walked they swelled a bit causing the toes to be pressed harder against the side of your shoes than normal. Ouch! I’ve had foot cramps, too.

I didn’t have the BRCA test because my dad, my twin, and my older sister (same mom different dad)all took it with negative results. My insurance would have covered my test only if my dad came back positive.

Have fun catching up…see ya posting later. Good luck today with your rads simulation.

Have a great day ladies!!!!

SIS Kimberly

KathyL · March 2008

D1: Nice to have you "back". I liked reading your posts. Hope your rads goes well.

Cathy-CA: Hope today goes well. I have had a cold 3 out of the 4 times I've done chemo. I , too, am sick of being sick. I don't think I've ever had so many colds before. I hope yours passes uneventfully.

Peg1212: Sorry my chemo-brain did not pick up the change in your txs. Let me know what dates you have after this week's as that's the last I have down for you.

Julie: My onc does not like to test "too much" (his words) b/c he feels it shows false positives and leads to unnecessary tests/biopsies. He said he'll only do other tests if there's a reason (like bone scan for pain, etc.). I've been told I will get an MRI at my year anniversary, and mammograms of the opposite side annually. The onc I saw for a second opinion at UPenn recommended yearly MRI's for 5 years b/c of my age; I'm gonna push for that. I will see my onc every 3 months for 1-2 years, every 6 months for 2-3 years, and then annually I think. My breast surgeon will see me also on about the same schedule for 5 years. I've already started doing my own exams monthly again. I've written down to ask my onc about bone density testing. I also have an excellent GYN that I see annually, and I know she'll follow things very closely, too.

Deb102307: Sorry for my faux pas! Chemo brain struck twice in that post. Ugh! Hope the SEs are subsiding some for you. I have the new dates down. Thanks! I know you're bummed about spreading out your tx, but I would try to focus on the fact that it will hopefully cause lessened SEs and less of a chance of them hanging around afterwards. That's all good!

Paula: Good for you, going topless in church! (Where else could we say that but on here???)

PALady: I had BRCA testing done, and both were negative for me. My insurance did cover it, too, despite no family hx other than a cousin (who also had it in her 30s). If other genetic tests come out, which I'm sure over time they will, I may have others done. I am a candidate to have free testing done for one rare type of genetic BC called Cowper's dz; I may have it done later this year. I do have a friend that had DCIS and she came back positive for both BRCA1 and BRCA2. She's since done a b/l mast. and oophorectomy.

Joteach: Glad you're no longer "blue".

SIS Kimberly: Glad to hear you're doing better.

So, I'm day 6 after last chemo. Finally perking up. I'm tired , but slept good last night and I think that helped. dh and I put the kids to bed last night and sat in our Jacuzzi tub before going to bed ourselves-haven't done that in a while and it was nice. I told him I want to go out to a nice dinner next month, just him and me. Money's tight, but I think we can splurge once to celebrate. Today the kids are home (for the whole week actually), and dh is off too. He goes back to work tomorrow.

So, my focus in the coming weeks is gonna be on getting stronger and enjoying the time I have left at home before I have to go back to work again (ugh! Why can't I win Powerball???).

Hope everyone's having a good day and the SEs are few. Gonna post this, and then, as promised, the recipe!

KathyL · March 2008

I got this from Parents magazine I think. Not real healthy, but sooo yummy. Great with vanilla ice cream on top when warm. Can't wait to be able to taste chocolate again so I can make them for me. Enjoy Jewels!

Ricotta-Filled Brownies

Beat together 2 softened sticks of butter, 2 cups of sugar, and 2 tsp. of vanilla; add 4 eggs and mix well. Stir in 8 oz. of melted unsweetened chocolate, then 1 cup of flour. Pour half the batter into a greased 13x9 in. baking pan. Combine 2 cups ricotta, 2 tsp. vanilla, and 1 cup of miniature chocolate chips; spread over batter in pan, then top with remaining batter. Bake at 325 for 45 minutes.

deb102307 · March 2008

I saw this in a magazine and not sure who the author is but thought the Jewels might like it.....

Courage doesn't always roar.

Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying,

"I will try again tomorrow".

Anyway, I thought it was pretty cool and may have to order the print.

Jenn51 · March 2008

Hi J's, Not sure how long this will be. Still feel like I've been run over by a Mac Truck. Carol, did you take a detour thru IN on the way back from AZ? But I miss you guys & promised myself I wouldn't get so far behind.

Carol, I am so jealous. Many years ago I had the chance to spend a few days in Palm Springs, CA. The mountains fascinated me. My gf & I would lay around the pool & ask "Are the mountains still there?" I would get up quite early, very un-like me, just to walk out onto the grounds to watch the sun rise behind the mts. Loved every minute of it & hope to see it again someday.

Kimberly, I didn't do any hopping around with the eggs, but dh did. Dgs was so cute creeping around looking for eggs. His basket was a soft sided fire truck & he found it right away. I napped thru dinner, can't believe I can get so tired just talking to people. Probably was a good thing no one else was there.

D1, Thanks for the heads up on the rad sim. I didn't know they did that & would have been surprised with all of the hubbub. I had planned on treating myself to a tatoo this Christmas. But I thought it would be a bit prettier than markings for rads. When this is all over I going.

I'm glad you fingernail is OK. Glad too that you had it looked at.

Julie, Your cartoons are so cute. I look forward to them. I am wondering how our oncs are going to keep tabs on us. I'll be anxious to hear what the other have to say. Right now I want to answer the question that came up on the MUGA, that will be tx #5 but will question him thoroughly on #6.

Maz, It's natural that you think of your bff a lot. But I'm sure that every time you think of her you send up a little prayer & that's always good. Stay in touch with her, even if it's a quick ‘hi'.

Paula, Good for you & your hat. I am so sensitive to temps these days I can't imagine how I dealt with it when I couldn't take it off. Should I carry a razor with me when it grows back? I bet I do keep it shorter. I'm sorry you had to miss out visiting ds. I just keep reminding myself that hopefully next year will be back to normal & this year of exceptions will just be a distant memory.

KathyL, Thanks so much for the recipe. Can't wait to try it. I haven't made scratch brownies in so long I'm really excited. I know dh will love the effort.

I know I've missed some shout-outs. Believe me I thought them. But I've reached the end of my time for sitting up. How can my head be so heavy without any hair? I'll try again tomorrow.

Jenn51 · March 2008

Deb,

You must have been posting while I was. Look at how we each ended our posts. Great minds must think alike.

Determined1 · March 2008

Happy Easter Monday!

Got my MRI today (had to be done with contrast, so another IV. I was not happy, but managed to survive). I have a copy of it on a CD, which I'll have to take over to G'town tomorrow, I guess.

Thinking about CathyCA in the lounge today. Sorry you're all by yourself in the bar, but we're there in spirit! You asked about when I noticed aches and pains. They started during my recovery from chemo tx4. I've noticed that I can't do as much at the gym (even as much as I was doing just days before my tx) and my body feels like its my first day back at the gym every single day with the muscle soreness. I'm still pushing myself to go on my old schedule, even if I don't work myself as hard. I don't understand why it seems to be so difficult to get back to my previous levels this time (I was bouncing back in between all my other txs), but I'm trying to be patient. From what I've been told, its going to get more difficult as I get into rads. Oh joy.

Hey Carol, sounds like the cation is going swimmingly (tried out that floater hoot, yet?). Hope that Pinot Gris tickled your taste buds. I just had one last week and was so delighted to realize that I could taste/enjoy it.

Julie--it sounds like you had a busy, but happy Easter. Hopefully, you saw the last of the snow flurries for the year! As for what my onc plans for me, well, right now I've been passed over to babydoc for rads. He's ordered the CT scan and MRI, which I've recently mentioned, but I think those are primarily for his rad-reasons. I'll see my onc again in Mid-May--after rads. At that time we'll be discussing HT or other options, if they appy to me. Don't know much beyond that.

Deb--I know you're anxious to get through the taxotere, but the change to every 3 weeks may help with the neuropathy. I found I really needed the time to recover and have some "feel good" days between txs. Interestingly, I still have numb fingertips from the taxotere and I'm almost 4 weeks out from my last tx. I think you'll be better off with the extra time. I really like the thoughts on courage--it rings true.

Maz--when I read your post I couldn't help but think that your thoughts are EXACTLY what Val needs right now. That and the fact that she knows you're there when she needs you. Hang in there, and stick to the "mild side," (with those se's, that is).

Paula--Topless in church??!! Scandalous!!!!!!

PALady--Glad to hear you had a happy time in Vegas (is what you did there, staying there???). When I read about your swelling I had exactly the same thoughts as SIS Kimberly. Oh and join the darkening nails club. Seems the TC crowd is getting that one. They kinda hurt, don't they? That does get better, the only ones that are hurty on me now are the ones that are discolored and only when I press on them. The one nail I have that was bleeding out is developing a "deeper" white part at the top. You know how when you accidentally jab something between your nail and finger and then you end up with a deeper dip in your white part? Well, that's what I have where it bled out. I'm hoping that doesn't bode poorly for my nails' future... So how did your rad simulation go?

Joan--Hip hooray that you were able to taste your Easter meal!!! (We celebrate the strangest things around here, don't we??)

SIS Kimberly--I want to be invited to your Easter egg hunt next year. Cash prizes are right up my alley!!! (So glad to have you back.)

Oh KathyL!!! Go on a date with your spouse! You guys need it.

Not much on the agenda tonight--just waiting till its late enough for me to take off my compression bra and set my gals free!!!!

D1

vettegal · March 2008

Happy Monday Jewels!

Couldn't taste the ham yesterday at dinner...loved those sweet potatoes! Tongue out

Bad news on my sister..the biopsy came back cancer. Frown

She called me at work. She has to call the surgeon tomorrow. I told her I would support her in anything she needs. She is a very private person..I told her to come to this website and read and learn and make some new friends. I hope she listens to me!!

Does anyone else have that blah taste in there mouth? I brush my teeth use the bioten rinse and it is ok for a while but later its awful..any tips would be great.

Palady-I love Vegas, go twice a year(this may can't go radiation) but we go every Thanksgiving for the past 10 years..it is nice not cooking a turkey on thanksgiving( we do other times in the year)

Maybe that is when the jewels can get together...hummm

I get comped at Planet Hollywood casino....

Gonna call my sis again make sure she is ok!

hugs to all...xxooo

LilWarrior · March 2008

You guys failed to mention that I would lose my hair down there too. He ha. I just noticed it today - I should of figure since i am losing it on top I would lose it on the bottom. Well one less thing to worry about shaving, I am going to be bald as a eagle. He ha

I had a lot of bone pain last night and today, but still able to manage and give it all to God. I hope you all are feeling well, and you Mothers had a wonderful Easter with your kids - you are blessed to have them!

Lucky is the ones with the last treatment of Chemo. I wish it was me! BUT I have at least 8 weekly treatment lefts and hopefully Cancer be gone!!!!!!

Maz, yes Chemo is working even if we have slight/mild SE's. Trust me they are getting rid of that nasty cell. I will continue to pray for your Friend!

Vettegal - Damn I am soo sooo sooooooooo sorry to hear that. I will continue to pray for all of you! Remember this will make you all stronger and closer. God allows things for a reason! Keep us updated on her because I am really concerned. Cancer sure sucks, but you can always make the best of it - like I try too! I use it when I dont want to work hard, or dont want to do dishes, and etc - I tell everyone Chemo this and Chemo that and that is why I cant do this - of course I am taking advantage of it - I should. He he he... Keep the faith Sweet pea!

Love ya,

Lil Warrior Cool

Oh yea for you people that dont have the sunny weather like us in Cali, appreciate it because we have some nasty allergies now and I am tired of being crusty and bloody. Yell It can always be worse.

golfer779 · March 2008

Hey Jewels,

Another quickie from me, the dh and friends just left to go look for a new tv for their Arizona room. I'm sitting shaded by their grapefruit tree, sipping "more water" in anticipation of a little more vino tonight, and my oh my after 3 months of being caffiene/alcohol free it tasted absolutely great to share a glass of wine with the dh and friends. I slept like a baby last night, only woke up twice with my dry mouth. Aaaahhh, thats it my body is all to used to a nice glass of wine or two and is being defiant with all this water (I wish). Kimberly, we've tried the humidifier at home, doesn't seem to help. I must be sleeping with my mouth wide open is all I can think. Thought it was the cytoxan but even after a week or more of my chemo holiday it still is nasty. Hey its only 3 more months and hopefully is will be back to normal.

The dh said this morning, why are we going home next Sat instead of Sun. I guess we initially thought that we weren't even going to go south this year, thinking I would be feeling sh*tty, so 7 days was plenty . Called the airlines this morning to try to arrange a Sunday go home, the dh smoozed pretty good with the airlines, ended up getting a flight on Sunday in first class neverless! Would love to stay even longer, but the ol' lounge will be calling my name again next Tues, damn that chemo gets in the way of all the fun!!!

Vettegal, all my best to you as you are blindsided with yet another hurdle within your family. From what we know of you, I'm sure that you'll be a great support to your sister. The phrase of "life's not fair" has certainly hit your family in a hard way. Try to keep your chin up, we're all thinking of you and trying our darndest to send some positive vibes your way.

Kris, looks like your the gal tomorrow, hope that Cathy left your bar stool warm for you. And Cathy hoping that your se's are minimal.

D1, havn't used my new water boob yet, happy to report that my other new "gal" is doing great things to my golf swing, had my best round ever today. Did get back to the friends house and took her off for the afternoon (she gets a little sweaty in 85+ weather). Can't quite get my butt out of this lounge chair to walk to the pool, what a problem I have.

Looks like Easter went pretty well for everybody, if the ham didn't taste good atleast something else was tolerable for some!

Getting ready to make a call to a family friend (Ginny Douglas), she is walking the 3 Day in Seattle and is dedicating her walk in my honor, she has kinda told my story on her 3 day website. Need to thank her from all of us and others that have benefited from all that the 3 day has provided to so many.

Hope others today can reitterate that "Life is Good", and that you all will be able to enjoy some time away in the very near future. Its kinda nice to not spend quite so many btu's on thinking about the reality of what we're all going through at this time, even if it is for the short term.

I've been reading the post, looks like as always the support is monumental from everyone. Gotta love you gals!!!

Carol

tinalee123 · March 2008

Hi Jewels – back at it this week. Had some serious bone pain issues Sat. night thru last night. Thank goodness for ativan, slept well and seem to be more myself today. The bone ouchies are still there, but, more controllable with motrin. Dh left today for a business trip to Denver (in the 60’s there – he’s killin’ me!), left me completely ALONE with the leftover ham and lemon/lime cake (homemade with lemon/lime buttercream frosting), as the ds’s are away visiting relatives for spring break. I was so scared about that darn cake, that I drove to my office and dropped it off for all my co-engineers. (They’re cake crazy.) Whew! That was a close one! I can only leave you to your imaginations as to what it would’ve looked like had dh come home and the cake was left in my care…(be afraid, be very afraid).

Vettegal -- I'm so sorry to hear about your sister! DAMN!!! I know that she will come to depend on you, and find you to be an invaluable resource. Not to mention the caring, loving sister that I'm sure you are.

Maz -- You're in the same boat, aren't you? I know you and vettegal can find the inner strength, that I know I'm sure it will take, to support these loving sisters of yours. I will be thinking of you both and sending positive wishes.

Kimberly – I’m so glad you’re feel better. Sounds like your Easter was eventful and fun! I’m with you – out at 8!! (It’s starting to be my typical evening.)

Deb – Hope work goes well for you!

Joan – Holy cow! April 2nd is right around the corner! Then, you get to join the “all done” ranks. YAY!

PALady – Sounds like your time in Vegas rocked! I just can’t help but love those commercials – what goes on there, stays there. They crack me up. My cousin was married in Vegas last autumn. I’ve never been there, but, people rave! I’m with you, I’m so sick of winter, I could spit. Honestly…who gets 6” of snow on Easter?!?! For crying out loud! It would drive anyone to drink, or eat, or do something over the top. Have you ever seen the movie, “Fargo”?? Need I say more???!!???

Paula – I’m going to take your lead next time, and let someone else do the cooking. I seriously love Easter, but, I’m thinking I can let it go next year.

Julie – Your Easter sounds festive! And, busy! Spring is the best, isn’t it?

CathyCA – Hope your tx today went okay, and that se’s are few!

Carol – Living each day to the best of your ability IS being spiritual. What more can anyone do? Hope your time cation is fab!

D1 – Wow, you had a full plate. I bet it was nice to have your Mom with you. It’s great she went with you to all those appts.

Kris60 – Best wishes heading your way for tomorrow.

Will check up on everyone later tonight…

Tina

wvgirl · March 2008

I'm back but still really tired. My last treatment has really made me tired. I have numbness in my fingertips and my toes are hurting. Called nurse she said it will take a period of months to reverse itself.

Vettegal-I have that peach fuzz growing on top also. I am so sorry to hear about your sister.Sending prayers to you both.

KatyL-Thanks for the chemo call update. Hope your felling well

SheShe-Great for the dd bridal shower you just sit back and relax. Hope the shower is great. And great news on the bone scan

CHJ- You should go to your American Cancer Society they have free wigs and turbans. The one I wear everyone can't believe it's a wig. I got it from there. I have yet to post the pic of it. Gotta have dd put it on puter she took picture with her camera.

Maz-sorry to hear about your bff. Sending prayers to you

Tinalee-Nice pic sounds like you have a great support group at work

Jenn51-Nice pics also your gs is a real cutie. And you son sound like a great guy you have to be a proud mama thanks for sharing the pictures

JulieK Great for your co workers to give your such support. Glad you were able to get in some sun shine. I plan to ask my onc my treatment plan also.

Carol- Your spa day sounds great Hope your vaca is great. And ty for the magnet.

D1-Sound like you had a great time with your mom and a bottle of Bourbon to boot. Yea Hope the swelling goes down. Sorry you had a bad time with the needle poker.

Deb-My nurse said the numbness in the fingers and toes is from the Taxotere and will take months to reverse itself

PaLady Glad you were able to get away to Vegas I took the Braca test (came back neg) I wanted to know for my daughters sake. If it was positive I probably would have changed my mind on what I was getting done.

Kimberly your Easter egg hunt sounds fun ! Glad your feeling better

Determined1 · March 2008

Hey gang, checking in before bed.

Oh Vettegal, I'm so, so sorry about your sister. My heart just sank when I read your news. I sure hope she finds the kind of support she needs, be it here, or somewhere else. (This in addition to your love, of course.) Please tell her that she's welcome here. I'll keep you and Denise in my thoughts.

Hey Dana, what made you think the hair "down there" would be exempt? The only hair on me that was exempt was my arm hair--go figure. I used OTC pain relievers for the bone pain. It didn't make it go away, but it made it sorta bearable. Hope you're able to cope okay.

Jenn--Tell Mack to take a hike on another highway! We don't need you in his path! Hope the se's are getting better for you.

Hey Carol, tell your pal we say, "Go Ginny Go!!!" (Wine always makes you sleep better, unless you drink too much. Just keep a glass of water at the bedside for those middle of the nights dry spells--and a bedpan for the results.) First class? You dog.

Oh yeah, Tina, you remind me of why my dh and I didn't take those job offers in Minneapolis. I wouldn't be able to do the long winters. I've become such a southern softie...

WVgirl--say what??? It'll take months for the fingertip numbness to go away??? Not sure I was ready for that news tonight! Bummerific.

Gotta go to bed on that one....

D1

Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

Comments

Categories