Roll Call - 2005, how are ya?

Options
2»

Comments

  • NancyM
    NancyM Member Posts: 289
    edited March 2008

    Pam, you said you were diagnosed 2 days before your birthday - I was diagnosed 3 days after mine.  It will be 3 years in May.  But this year I'll be 50 and I feel like it's going to be a wonderful, fantastic milestone of a birthday - I really never dreamed I'd be excited for this one! 

    I feel like I relate to what many of you said - bc.org and all of the amazing women on this site were what kept me going in '05. 

    My neuropathy seems to be improving, lymphedema is stable, energy is getting better (although my job just kicks my butt by Friday) and I've finally been able to get my hair to a decent point (I kept cutting it when it got shaggy and ended up in a weird hair spiral of too short or too shaggy) and oh yeah, chemobrain is MUCH improved, thank you very much!

    I have two dear chemo buddies who are dealing with mets right now, so I try to be with them in spirit.  I am no longer looking up the latest research news.  I guess I feel I'm at a more contemplative point in life.  I'm ready to focus on what I want for whatever time I have left (it isn't necessarily mets that I am concerned about - none of us know how much time we have left!)  My husband and I will be moving this summer to live closer to our son and grandson, and that for me is the icing on the cake.  It's the love, ya know?  Everything else is just "stuff."

    Here's to 2008 being the year for us!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2008

    Hey 2005'ers,

    You guys first knew me as thebandteacher, but I changed my name because I finally got bit in the butt for using that name for everything.   I had someone track down something I wrote that was personal (elsewhere) and it came back to haunt me.  

    I'm doing pretty well-I still freak out about cancer more often than not.  Every single ache and pain makes me wince and instinctively feel my armpits for a lump. 

    Otherwise, my life has headed cautiously down the "normal" route once again.  I went back to work (ha! substitute teaching at my son's preschool!), I'm running an Ebay store, I'm exercising (Lord help me!), my hair is wild and driving me crazy. 

    The best part is that I got the go-ahead to try and get pregnant.  Some of you may remember that I thought I was pregnant when I was dx.  Yep-there was a reason only one boob hurt and not both.  The nausea and horrible fatigue were not because of a baby, either. 

    So, even though as I type this and my son is in the other room screaming wildly for his "ba-ba" (binky) since I took it away from him exactly one week ago, I want another baby. 

    I love you guys, and can't wait for us all to have hit our 3 year mark. 
    Thanks for always being there in a way that nobody else can. 
    Love and prayers, Deb

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SheriH
    SheriH Member Posts: 785
    edited March 2008

    I just saw this thread and wanted to join in.  I consider myself and 05er even though I was dx 12-04.   I had my right mastectectomy Jan.11, started chemo Feb 1 and finished rads Aug 23, so 05 was kind of the "cancer Year".

    I'm doing great, cancer wise.  I still teach full time, care for all my kids, old and young.  I recognize so many of you from all the times I've spent here.  I still get reflective around the anniversaries, but don't have the constant fear that I had for the first year or so after treatment.  Life is different, but still good.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • vicliz
    vicliz Member Posts: 159
    edited March 2008

    Hi Everyone,

    I was diagnosed 1992 at the age of 34.  Had mastectomy. ER PR BRAC negative tumor.  Node neg.  I have been cancer free for 16 years.  I will be having a prophylactic mastectomy in May.  I am very thankful.

    Vicki

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • tooyoungtohavebc
    tooyoungtohavebc Member Posts: 779
    edited March 2008

    Hi gang,

    Glad so many are doing so well! Wish I could say the same. I was dx in June 2005. Chemo/lump&nodes removed/rads/herceptin. Was in remission for 6 months..was great. But then found recurrence and turns out now stage IV. Was a total shock!

    Keep up the faith though gals! so many good success stories and I know women who are doing great years later.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Mary-Lou
    Mary-Lou Member Posts: 2,230
    edited March 2008
    Still here and kicking.... Sneakers Dancing with NED





    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2008

    So many people that I recognize!  We sure did help each other out didnt we?  Although Im greatful to be NED - I have many friends who were diagnosed stage 4 from the get go.  Others who have developed mets or reoccurances.  I just want to send big hugs to everyone. Our bonds and friendships are amazing.

    Nicki 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • trk_koa
    trk_koa Member Posts: 55
    edited March 2008

    Hi all. Good to hear from everyone. I was dx October 05. As of this minute I'm NED, at least in my own mind.

    I have a new onc (old one left town) and this one likes to do scans. So he sent me for a first-ever PET in December and 3 weeks later they let me know that a single lymph node on the opposite side lit up. WTH? Why'd they wait 3 weeks to tell me?

    I was due to go on our long-awaited celebration trip to South America in February so I was reluctant to biopsy on the spur of the moment. I had also had had a tetanus shot on that side 6 days before the PET and no one can tell me if that could be the reason the node lit up. So my new onc (I do like him BTW) suggested a high-resolution (64 slice?) CT of that axilla which was clear. So I went on my trip anyway (it was great!).

    This story is getting longer than I intended, sorry. I had a repeat PET this past Friday, so now I'm waiting it out for the results of that one. I plan to start calling for results on Tuesday - no way I'm waiting 3 weeks this time.

    Keep your fingers crossed for me that NED and I are still dance partners. Hugs to you all.

    Aloha nui,

    Nancy in Kona

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • nowheregirl
    nowheregirl Member Posts: 894
    edited March 2008

    Hi fellow 05'ers,

    Don't want to bring you all down but just wanted you to remember our sweet Jen aka JenBen25 and keep her and her family close in your hearts.

    We, Jen and I and some other wonderful sisters joined here in 05 and have formed a strong bond as we went through chemo at the same time. Our July 05 chemo thread, unfortunately went poof for good when there was a major server down here on BCO but we have kept in touch with one another via group email.

    Just a couple of days ago, we figured out that our most upbeat and sweetest friend Jen got her wings back in Janurary at the age of only 38, leaving behind her DH and small kids. We have been in a huge mess crying an ocean of tears. Although she hadn't posted much here since we lost our chemo thread, she was a 05er and a very, very great sister of ours. I know most of you may not know her but would appreciate if you could let her join in this sisterhood and remember her until we meet her someday...

    This is our JenBen25.

       

    And here's more about her...

    http://tamako.milkcafe.to/luv/jen.pdf

        

            

    My apologies if I brought any of you down...

         

    xo

    Fumi

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • linny
    linny Member Posts: 204
    edited March 2008

    Nicki, thanks for starting this thread.  I read the posts often, but have stopped posting as much, only very occasionally.  I'm coming up to my 3 year anniversay - diagnosed in June 05, surgery July 05, chemo started Aug. 29, 05.  I have been on tamoxifen for two years and will switch to one of the aromatase inhibitors in May, according to my oncologist.  I have a very preliminary lymphedema, which upset me, but its been manageable, not visible swelling, just a constant ache, but I have found an excellent physiotherapist, and wear a sleeve for flying or if very active.

    I continue to follow the boards, because like everyone else, I want to know how we are all doing - its been a bad few months for too many on the mets threads.

    My life is pretty normal, but I do feel that cancer has changed me in certain permanent ways - I laugh and smile and have a good time, but feel different because of what I went through and how I now view life.

    These boards were always a wonderful source of information, support, and caring.

    For those of you who remember, my grandson had a cochlear implant last February - he is two years old now and doing astonishingly well - talking really well, understands everything, and has a personality like sunshine.

    Linda

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Naniam
    Naniam Member Posts: 1,766
    edited March 2008

    Nicki,

    Just reading and saw this thread.  Add me to the 2005 gals.  Will be 3 years Aug. 19th since diagnosis.  Doing well, dancing NED.  Had to have biopsy in same breast last fall and there is an area we are watching and will see if it has changed when I go back for my 6 month mammo in a few weeks.  Not expecting any problems though and think I will then be on yearly visits with my oncologist.

    Lots of names and faces I remember.  Didn't realize we were all the Class of 05 though.  Like many, BC has changed my life - I have realized my short term memory still has problems but enjoying my grandchildren and life in general.

    Brenda 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Poppy
    Poppy Member Posts: 405
    edited March 2008

    I can't believe I missed this thread too! I was dx 5/05 with 2 cm IDC and DCIS. I had a bilat mast w/ expanders & implants, chemo and *knock wood* am doing well. It's still tough to feel totally like myself in my body, but I am getting more comfortable with each passing day. 

    Fumi, thank you for posting about Jen. I was fortunate enough to be the one in our little July '05 group to meet Jen and her kids in 2006. They were all adorable and funny and my heart is just breaking that we've lost her.

    As for me, I found the lump a couple days after my 36th birthday and was dx on my 4th wedding anniversary. The gift that keeps on giving! 2005 was the most difficult year of my life and there is no way I would've gotten through it without the wonderful group of women at BCO. Special props to my July group who to this day, I consider my family.

    So at the end of April I will be 3 years NED, G*d willing. It's weird - the Komen walk is always around that time and when I've done it I didn't want a pink t-shirt b/c my scans are always in late June and there's a part of me that feels like it could be back. I don't think the fear will ever go away, but it has gotten a lot better.

    I love you '05ers! I agree that there is something special about us. I think BCO was the best it's been that year. The support I found from the "old timers" and newbies alike really pushed me through. This is a good reminder that I should stop lurking and start posting to the newbies.

    Hugs all around and be sure to wear green today! I'd hate to have any of you get pinched :)
    Love

    Erica

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • csp
    csp Member Posts: 2,765
    edited March 2008

    Hi  ladies 05,

    Fumi and Erica I just wanted to send my heartfelt condolences

    in the loss of jenben. I passed the news on to deese .

    Hugs,

    Carrie

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dba2000
    dba2000 Member Posts: 5
    edited March 2008

    Diagnosed in October 2004...bilateral mastectomy and recon January 2005...nipples and tattoos...the whole shmageel.

    Glad to hear from you all. I used to visit here quite often....

    Waiting for spring to surface in Chicago....love it when everything comes to life around here....favorite time of year!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2008

    A quick pop in to say hello to so many.  I remember jen and saddened that we lost her to this ghastly disease.  I was supposed to be in the July 2005 chemo thread but I started at the end of July - so didnt get to know everyone. 

    dba:  I do believe we have chatted for hours in the past.  This is Nicki who works in Deerfield.  Its been along time eh?

    OK off to work, but wanted to send hugs to everyone.

    Nicki

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cmb35
    cmb35 Member Posts: 1,106
    edited March 2008

    Wow Nicki, I just saw this too! It brought a smile to my face to see so many familiar faces!

    I was also on the July 05 chemo thread, and it was wonderful. I was sad when we lost that thread, and being the technologically impaired gal that I am, could never figure out the angelfire or yahoo circle thing so I lost touch with everyone.

    I am so sad to hear about Jen, I remember her well.

    It's really great to see you all, thanks for thinking of this Nicki, and congrats on 3 years (just a few more months!) to both of us and to all the 05 gals!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dba2000
    dba2000 Member Posts: 5
    edited March 2008

    Hi Nicki:

    Yes we have chatted in the past....I still live in Deerfield, too!

    Ladies: A very good friend of mine is having a bilateral mastectomy and free tram reconstruction right now at Northwestern Hospital (surgery started at 8AM). Please put her in your prayers.....for good health, good news, and an eneventful recovery.

    Thanks,

    DBA

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • VickiTN
    VickiTN Member Posts: 361
    edited March 2008

    Hello fellow 2005 er's!  I don't visit here much lately, but, I do think of many of you, often, and I keep you all in my prayers. I could not have made it that first year or so without the support of so many of you here. I was diagnosed May, 2005 and as my 3 year anniversary approaches I'm finding it so hard to believe that it's truly been that long ago that I received that awful news.

    I'm doing well....still working full time. And, in my spare time I stay busy doing volunteer work...I'm actually working with my breast surgeon's office to kick off a volunteer "buddy" program to support newly diagnosed patients....very thrilled about that! I had a hysterectomy last May and at the same time I quit smoking cigarettes (after 30 years!) I've also started taking Jazzercise classes - and love it!  Life is good...

    I pray for health and happiness for all of you and look forward to many, many years of checking in here with all of you to celebrate our lives!

    hugs and love,

    vicki

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • trk_koa
    trk_koa Member Posts: 55
    edited March 2008

    I can now answer the quesion "how are ya?" with a resounding great! That blip on my PET scan was just that. The lymph node that lit up was probably inflammation from the tetanus shot I'd had earlier that week. Whew. I hadn't realized just how anxious I was until the results came back clear on the repeat PET. NED and I are still dancing. Thank you to everyone for their prayers and hugs.

    OK. Deep breath, dab at the tears and get back to my attempt at "moving beyond".

    Nancy

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2008

    Nancy:

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2008

    Nicki and all of the alumni of 2005 may Spring give you lots of joy and hope....

    Happy Spring to all!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Poppy
    Poppy Member Posts: 405
    edited March 2008

    Nancy, YIPPIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!! That's great news! :D
    Hugs

    Erica

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • trk_koa
    trk_koa Member Posts: 55
    edited March 2008

    Nicki: is that what NED looks like? Good dancer Laughing Thanks all!

    Nancy

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • EastsideFan
    EastsideFan Member Posts: 6
    edited March 2008

    Hi all-

    Thanks, Fumi, for adding Jen's info.  I'm so heartbroken that she is gone. 

    Carrie, Hi!  And Hi to Denise, too!  I hope you are both well.

    To all the other '05 Ladies, I'm so glad to see you all.  I finally finished my reconstruction nightmare in late '06 and have moved on with life.  I can't complain!

    Hugs and good health,

    SharonA

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2008

    Dx'd July '05, Mast Aug '05, Chemo Oct '05 (A/C) then 12 H/T then finished up on H until 3/07. 

    Everything is still looking positive but like Lexie, I think of bc everyday.  I can get by but it's never far from my mind. Every pain, even tho my bones have been scanned, seem like cancer is there. Argggghhhhh!! 

    Glad you ladies are here.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MargaretB
    MargaretB Member Posts: 1,305
    edited March 2008

    Wow, I didn't realize how many of us were from the class of 05.

    Fumi, I didn't know Jen and it's always hard to hear about another sister getting her wings.

    Nancy, I was just in Kona last year

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories