Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

I think the drug that comes after tamoxifen is the aromatase (sp?) inhibitor.  Taxol is a chemo drug, right?

Sunshine

Hi Gems,

Well I made it to work this morning, only lasted til 1:00.  I don't know if its the crappy weather today or what, but my energy level is in the dumps.  Its amazing to me how in the AZ sun, I had so much energy for golfing, swimming, socializing, yes with a "wee" bit of vino, and I felt like a million bucks and now back to YUCK today.  Maybe it is that cumulative thing hitting home, but probably just my mental state today. 

Jenn, its pretty touching to have someone walk in your honor.  Sounds like you have had a special long distance relationship with your friends daughter.  Let me know if there is a website for her relay event.

Yep, it was me that whacked the heck out of my head mowing a few weeks ago, in fact I nailed that same spot jumping out of the golf cart while on cation. 

Hope you got enough rest today to be jazzed up for your dgs' visit this evening.  Have fun with your family.

Kathy, I bet you still can pick out most of the clothes for your kids, I miss that, my ds had a mind of his own in the clothing dept since he was about 7.  To this day, I just give him money as gifts to buy his own, what ever happened to regular levis with no holes?!

I'll check out the Boulders when I'm done here.  I sure hope that many (all) of us will be able to make a trip together.  The air will be sucked right out of a room with all of us!!!!

D1, took note on the Scandi-hoovian comment, my dh's family is Finish, and I swear they never talk about anything that might cause an emotion to flare up.  In one way its good, but with my German personality, I want to let it all out, and not pussy foot around, so at times they drive me nuts.

Hoping that you'll be able to keep your "do" appt.  I kinda sigh at the stories of some of you with your hair starting to grow back, as mine is still on its thinning way.  I swear that only the grays are staying in place, I'm starting to look like my mother did, kinda have the Cruela Divil swoop of gray in the front.

Therese, hope your long day at work didn't burn you out ... aren't you a nurse as well?  At the rate I'm going, alot of you will be getting back into the work groove and I'll be at home trying to gather some energy. 

Kimberly, hang in there gal, you know this too shall pass (heard that from someone).  Time to pop in and sneak a peak and climb back into your "clean" beddy.  Having the ol' night sweats myself, the chemopause finally kicked in last month and since we've been home my thermostat has been all screwed up.

Hey I finally got you the e-mail thing to ya, I had a "period" in the middle of your address.

Julie, you are going to be one of the most happy gals when you can say bye-bye to the friggin' chemo.  Your having to endure migranes on top of the list of other se's is just not fair.  Thank god the pukes have been in check.  Take care my friend.

LJ, stretch marks on the ankles, hmmmm, not a pretty picture.  Lets hope that these se's are short lived.

PALady, thanks for the great descriptive narrative on your rad visits.  Its going to be very reassuring when us newbies have our own appts to kinda have an idea of what to expect. 

Dana, hoping that your txt today was a breeze, and that your still full of vim and vigor!

Anyone have any contact with wvgirl, chj, kris just to name a few.  Hoping that they may be able to pop in to let us know how they are doing.  Remember gals, no pressure to post a book (as I seem to do), it would just be great to hear that your doing okay or if you need a little pick me up we're here for that too.

Time to put some wood on the fire, and plop some ribs in the oven.  We have one college dd home tonight, and both over tomorrow.  We have "grandmas" birthday celebration as well as my dh's birthday tomorrow.  The dd's are making dinner here tomorrow while we're at Grandma's celebration in the afternoon.  I asked the oldest dd, what she would like me to do, and she politely answered "nothing, just relax".  Gotta love her!!!

My ds is returning home from a spring break cruise to Mexico with his dad and will miss the celebrations, he'll be happy if we save him a piece of cake!!!

Take care all you great ladies,

Carol

Well, I should be in bed right now, seeing as I have to get up at 5:15am tomorrow. I thought I'd check in one more time just in case I don't survive the weekend back at work. I can't complain, I only work 2 days/week. Thank goodness my energy is back - not just for work but b/c now that we're in the full throes of spring, all 3 of my kids are in 1-2 extra-curricular activities each - for the next 6 weeks we have some kind of activity 7 nights/week...one more reason why I should be in bed right now.

For the first time, I am going to walk in the Komen Race for the Cure here in Fort Worth on April 26th. There is a group of my co-workers & some of their family & friends who are going to walk in my honor - I was so touched I was speechless. I was able to get that Saturday off from work so I could participate. I, myself, am walking in honor of all of my support system, which includes all of you. I feel it's the least I could do after all you all have given me.

Well, I'd better head off to bed....

Therese 

Hey girls,

Things are quiet here this evening. Both of my kids are staying overnight with friends. dh and I have enjoyed the time alone. Who'd have thought we'd be asleep by 10pm?! LOL Don't know what awakened me, but here I am again after midnight... at least tomorrow is Saturday, so I can sleep in.

Julie- hope the migraine is over and you're resting well tonight

LJ- So, you have 5 more weekly T/H, right? Glad this week's went well. 

D1- Sounds like your bil is going to be okay. I'm glad he's feeling better.

I don't know if the Xrays serve the same purpose, but dh had a CT scan every week so the physicists could adjust the angles on his rads. He got zapped from 6 different angles and they had to be precise to hit the tumor bed and minimize brain damage.

Jenn- my dh has taken over most of the housework and laundry in the past 2 years. The kids whined about how he did their clothes (he can't fold well, so everything is wrinkled, and he can't recognize who the clothes belong to, so we all get each other's clothing). Anyway, beginning in January I "solved" the problem by making the kids responsible for their own clothes. They have their own hampers in their rooms. Unfortunately, dh isn't cooperating... and the dd has PMS this week...

PALady- I read with interest about your experience getting lined up for your rads, since I'll be there in a month. Sounds like I'd better work hard to be sure I have full range of motion in my arm...

D326- best wishes to you as your begin your chemotherapy.

Sunshine- congrats on being finished with your chemo!!!

Carol- happy 98^th Bday to grandma!

Therese- wishing you lots of energy for your first weekend back at work. How sweet you are to walk in honor of your support group! You're a rare Gem, texRN!

Dana- hey there, how'd it go today?

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Good Morning Jewels

I wanted to stop in and say Hello to everyone.  I feel like I lost a week out of my life, being I fell like myself a little more today.

1lovewolf-Im right with ya on the night sweats only I have them

24-7. Wish there was something I could do about them,they keep me up thru out the night.  Still have two more treatments to go and they seem like they get worse as you get closer to being finished.  Well I wish everyone well and hope u all have a wonderful day.

Hey Ladies,

Hope all is well with you all.  I am as ALWAYS blessed, just been studying a lot for a big test on Monday and I want to dedicate my time to studying. Chemo was good, I did pop my vein being that I dropped my flash cards under my recliner and I tried to reach for them and it moved the needle, so i waited to mention it to the Nurse until I realized the Taxol was going into my tissue and not the vein so basically to make a long story short I have been pocked 7 times in two days for chemo and bloodwork - but I cant complain.  I am doing well!  Slept about 3 hours this morning since the lovely steriods like to keep me up and now I am getting ready to run errands and church and meet a old friend for dinner at her house.  

I too get night sweats and even with the fan on.  I asked the Dr about the Maxium Green and he said ok but I went on line and read right now during chemo just do the everything natural through veggies and fruits and that should give me enough antixodiants for my body - to which I have been doing.  But he said that I can do it but I will wait for a while!  He also told me I cant do the bend pilates but I can do the normal pilates.  I am still walking and trying to get as much exercise as possible to keep my body going.  I am really going to start eating less and more little meals and more times because I gained 4 pounds since last week and last week I lost 2 1/2 pounds.  I got to do it.

Oh yea the Dr wants to get a CT scan next week or whenever it gets approved to see what the Cancer has done in my Liver.  I KNOW ITS GONE - I FEEL IT IN MY SOUL THAT I AM HEALED.  I asked him to request for a PET scan and he said not yet due to the fact its very expensive and right now is not the time to request it.  He wants to wait at least 3 months of treatment first.  Met another lady that beat down Lymphoma and she was NOT a  real positive person when she was getting ready to leave she said I dont know how you can be so happy and positive with all this, I am just so tired and sick of it.  I told her cause WE ARE BLESSED NOT TO BE HOSPITALIZED, WALKING, BREATHING, LAUGHING, LOVING, SEEING AND SPEAKING -  How can you not feel blessed - I said this too will pass just continue to believe it Sista.... 

Well I best go - Love ya Jewels

Hello Jewels,

It's Sat. evening & dgs is gone and dm is gone & dh & I have the house to ourselves and the critters.  I would imagine by now dh is asleep on the couch but that's OK.  He out did himself today.

Now is our turn for bad news.  My wonderful fil has been hospitalized.  A CAT scan they did this week showed major sirossis (sp?) of the liver, a large mass on a kidney and major fluid buildup in his adom. area.  1^st thing they have to do is get rid of the fluid and they can only take off so much at one time.  They got 2 liters this AM & were hoping to get some more this evening.  They can't do any test with contrast because his kidneys are in such bad shape.  Also can't give him any good pain killers because of the kidneys.  They said if he were 50 he would be on the liver transplant list but he will be 80 in July & I guess with the other issues he is not a candidate.  I'm not sure how they will find out about the mass, malignant or benign.  We will just take one step at a time.  I am worried about dh.  On the outside he presents a strong front about my bc but I know how he is doing on the inside & it's not good.   Now to add his dad to the mix.  Sometimes he tends to drink his emotions away & I'm not sure I could handle that right now.  You know, I've never told anyone that before.  Goes to show how close I feel to you gals & how I trust that this won't change anything.

Kimberly, I am so sorry you are feeling so bad.  Go back to bed, rest & come back when you feel better.

PALady, What an ordeal.  I really starting to dread the dry run of this rad thing.  I have about 4 weeks till I have to make that appt. but it is not sounding like fun.  Rad doc made it sound so simple, but I'm learning they always downplay the situation.

Sunshine, Congrats on finishing chemo.  I don't think I will be "over it" when I'm done.  I can imagine I will feel at loose ends for the rest of my life.  And I can't get over the worry of is it all gone?  Is it coming back?

Don't feel like a lazy bum.  I'm sure you are getting a lot more done away from the computer than some of us who are here so often.  And it's good to hear from you whenever you pop in.

KathyL,  I'll be on the Herceptin till Jan. '09 right along with you.  Maybe we should just float up into the sky together & go visit everyone.  And maybe I'm remembering what I read wrong.  Can't trust my brain these days.  I was trying to put away dishes today & couldn't remember where the crock pot was stored.  Had to ask dh.  You should have seen the look on his face.  You would think he'd be used to my questions by now.

Carol,  You better watch that head of yours.  With chemo brain you don't need to add self inflicted brain damage too.  I bet your increased energy in AZ was due to being so relaxed & doing something that really made you feel good.  You know how easily we get up to catch that vacation  plane at ‘o dark thirty when we can hardly drag ourselves out of bed to go to work.

Having Peyton here made me feel better.  He seems to know I'm not quite right.  He brings me the puzzles & books & has dh chase & play on the floor with him.  And he wants to go to sleep on my lap in the recliner.  They are so precious when they sleep.

Sounds like your dds have everything under control.  I hope you are able to let go & let them do their thing.  My dm came over today & dh took complete control of dinner.  Grilled pk. chps, scalloped pot. limas & apple pie.  He can really turn it on when he wants to.

I haven't even heard about those 2 blood tests you mentioned.  Thanks for the tip.  Will do a little research in prep for my next visit with the onc.  I want to everything possible to make sure this cr@p is gone & stays gone. 

D1, So you are having contact trouble too.  Glad I'm not the only one.  Tried them again this past week & had to take them out because I just couldn't see.  I know my Rx has changed too.

Enjoy those games.  I hope your weather cooperates.  I think we are in for a few days of nice weather.  No rain till Tues & Wed & then some more sun.

Therese, Glad to hear you have so much energy.  It brings hope that someday I too will have some.  I remember all those days of running kids from one place to another.  Hectic, but I still miss them.

Paula, One thing I didn't miss by not having a daughter is dealing with someone elses  PMS.  I was a poster child for it (I have been told by more than 1 person) & I don't think I would have handled a daughters very well.  I hope everything settles down in your household soon.

Vettegal,  A Book!  That's fantastic.  You will have to let all of us know when & where we can buy a copy.  I wouldn't begin to know how to start such a project.  You Go Girl!

I'm glad you are getting some info out of your sis.  Maybe once she starts talking to you she will start to grasp reality.  Ask her some questions, make her do some research.  A positive attitude is so important but you have to accept what is wrong before you can be positive you can beat it.  I will include her in my prayers. 

Well, it's gotten dark & there are no lights on in my room.  And I hear my recliner & apple pie calling me.  I check in tomorrow & hope everyone has a peaceful night.

Morning Jewels,

Yesterday was quite a day of celebration ... grandma made it through her 98th party, don't think she heard much of anything, but had a big smile most of the time!

The dh and I came home from that gathering to a decorated house for the dh's b-day.  The dd's had dinner (salmon w/special sauce) and all the fixin's ready, dessert made, and did all the dishes.  Yep I spent most of the time in "my spot" (recliner).  I'm getting a little better all the time at letting others do it their way, although I typically can't stand for the kitchen to not be put back together right after a meal, I relaxed, let it all happen, and "whola" it was all cleaned up by nights end.

Looks like we either have some busy ladies (hopefully), or others that have not had the fog lift i.e., Kimberly, the last few days.

Dana, I'm impressed that your able to study (I have the attention span of a peanut), unfortunately I probably can't even blame all of that on chemobrain.  Keep it up!!!

Tina, Harley's huh?  Do you both have bikes?  I can remember our neighbor lady practicing on a Harley, going up and down the street, she finally gave in to a three wheeler.  You know its good weather when you hear their bikes on a nice morning.  Sounds like a blast!!!  Noted the Miata as well, my dad who basically never would buy any vehicle unless it was used and dumpy (in my opinion), this past year has bought two new Miata's.  One for his Washington home and one for the Florida home.  He has named them MKI (My Kids Inheritance), I had plate holders made.  They belong to a Miata club, sounds like they do some fun events.  Nice to see my Dad loosen up on those purse strings and get some fun stuff.

Hey you had to like being able to type "last" after your note on your next txt, its been quite an adventure over the last few months and its tooo coool that many are already moving on.

Jenn, your house full sounded like fun, sounds like you took full advantage as well to have others do the work to pull off dinner.  I have this feeling once I get used to this I'll be back to my ol' self and won't be able to take advantage of the situation! 

Was saddened to her of another family member (to this extended family we have here) going through some really tough times.  I'm hoping that your dh will be able to cope with the added stress.  I'm no expert in the field, but I'm sure that being open to our "family" we have here will bring some words of encouragement and ideas to help out.

Peg, was happy to see your feeling a bit better.  On the "sweats" I guess although they appear to be a pain in the butt, it is a good thing to have the estrogen producing factory shutting down with some of our ER+ cancer.  I'll try to remind myself of that when I'm fanning myself!

D1, so whats the status on the games yesterday?  Any new news on the bil?  It is reassuring to many of us that your activity level is so good.  Lets hope that the rad fatigue can stay away for as long as possible (or how about completely)!

Paula, I almost PM'd you again last night, you are quite the night owl.  I sometimes just veg with the laptop on my lap checking the Active Conversations while watching the "boob" tube.  We we're watching the final four as well, the dd was tickled that Kansas won, (she's done well with her picks, might be in for a little cash!!!).

Glad the weather was acceptable for baseball, I spent many a year in those bleachers as welll as on the bench.  Coached my sons team when he was a little guy for 4 years.  Its pretty cool to read some names in the paper of the high schoolers playing that I coached way back when.  I also coached basketball for many years, hoping that it wasn't my coaching that scared my boy from those sports and got him interested in skating!

Hey I'd be more than P-Oed if Aunt Flo showed up if I we're you.  I choose to stay on b/c pills which had ultimately eliminated Ms. Flo for many years, when I was told at diagnosis to stop taking them it was horrendous over the past 5 months.  I'm hoping that she has now finally taken a long walk off of a short dock, and she can't swim!!!

I lol on the teenager comments ... I think I was lucky to have a son of my own, and luckily two great step-dd's.  My god if I had a "prissy" girl I won't have known what to do with her. 

I have to share my feel good story from yesterday ...

The lady whom I've spoke about doing the 3 Day in Seattle, has sent another gift my way.   Ginny is actually wintering in AZ, and will be home to the Pac NW in a few weeks but she wanted me to have a special quilt she made for me.  She sent it to our family friends (who attended Grandma's b-day).  After grandma had her moment, I was presented the quilt with a very touching card.  It is accompanied by two hand made pillows as well. 

Ginny had told me about a quilt she made and will be raffling off to raise funds for the 3 Day.  I mentioned to her how I would like to atleast get a pic of it so maybe I could raise some bucks as well selling some tics.

The quilt she made me is a replica of the original one (although she reversed the pattern and hand tied bows to it).  I literally could not even read the card she included with this touching gift until I got home.  Yep the tear ducts runneth over again.

I was so amazingly touched by Ginny's thoughtfulness and as I curled up in "my recliner" I could literally feel the love from rubbing this beautiful creation.

This pic doesn't do it justice, in detail it has small pink ribbons throughout it, and the details is phenominal (I'm not a seamstress, imagine that).

I had to call Ginny last night, once I re-grouped enough to get out my thank you to her.  She is an amazing woman and 12 year survivor, and may I say I'm so lucky to have her in my life.

On that note, hope some of you are coming out of the fog soon, and others are busy with a somewhat normal life this weekend.

Carol

Hi Jewels!  I miss one day, and I feel like I have to get back online-don't want to miss anything.  Did lots of running around with the family yesty.  dh made a divine dinner last night: bourbon-basted salmon (grilled), wild rice, French green beans, and an organic Chardonnay (thanks Kimberly for some wine suggestions).  It was sooo good!  Love that man.  Then we went to Brewster's for ice cream, and good news!-I can taste chocolate again!!  I had one scoop of chocolate raspberry truffle.  Yum!  Lots of laundry and cleaning done today. 

So, I got some info about AZ spa resorts from my travel agent.  Will be reading through it this week.  But lots of nice places to go.  Some faves already if anyone would like to check them out ( I haven't looked at prices): the Boulders (Carefree, AZ), PointeSouth Mountain Resort (Phoenix), Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa (Phoenix),  Camelback Inn Resort and Spa (Scottsdale), The Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa (Tucson).  I'm not even through half she sent me yet.

Carol:  I think coming home from ‘cation in general makes you tired, let alone coming back to do chemo!  I'd be a little blue...

I haven't checked prices yet for resorts, that'll be next.  My agent can get good deals though, and she tells me June is lower priced for AZ.

Chemopause lasted only 6 weeks for me.  Guess I should be glad I'm not ER/PR+.  My body's just too regular.  I guess I've got another 10-15 years of periods ahead.

Ginny sounds like an amazing person and friend.  If you get raffle tix, let me know.  That quilt is beautiful! 

D1:  I think I just got lucky on the eye front.  My contacts are great-designed for dry eyes.  Don't know how I managed to not have a change in my vision.  One lucky break I guess.

TexRN:  Hope back to work weekend was not too hard on you.  Good luck on your Komen Walk.  We'll be with you in spirit!

Dana:  Good to hear from you.  I hope you can get your CT soon to check on your liver's progress.  Herceptin is supposed to be very helpful in shrinking mets.

Vettegal:  So cool you're writing about your experience!  You'll have to let us know how it goes.  Very interesting that you and Vettesis have such different BCs.  I guess it just goes to show how different BC can be in each of us.  I am sure she will draw some strength from you regardless.

Jenn51:  Sorry to hear about your fil.  I can't believe how many Jewels have other family member or friends battling health issues.  You have our support, of course regardless/despite of dh and his actions.  I hope for your sake, that he can find an outlet for his added stress constructively.

You read right-I'm doing herceptin until January '09, too.  Seems so far away, huh?

Paula (and Jenn):  The thought of me and dd having periods together is scary.  I think dh and ds will relocate to another state!  I guess it will happen at some point though-yikes!

Next up... the list for the week. Let me post this first.

KathyL, I'm on for Thursday, but all the other info. is correct. Thanks !

Good Sunday evening, Jewels.  As they say, April showers bring May flowers.  We had a nice day yesterday, but, have had nothing but rain all day – you would’ve thought I washed my car, eh? 

Joan – YAY YAY YAY!!!  So awesome you’re done.  Congrats!  So happy for you.

Carol – That quilt is absolutely beautiful.  What a gift!!  I bet you feel comforted and loved wrapped up in that.  I’m so happy for you to have something like that, so beautiful and touching. Sounds like you had a weekend full of celebration and happy times!  YAY!  Dontcha love that?  Your step dd’s sound like a blessing. 
Yes, dh and I both have Harley’s.  We just got our licenses last year, they’ve been a lot of fun.  Previously I had a pink scooter.  Gotta love the mpg on those – 90+.  Trouble is, you can only ride these around about 6 months (or less)  of the year.  We’ve had the Miata for quite a while.  It’s fun, too.  It’s cool your dad is having fun with his.  There are all sorts of Miata clubs all over the US.  The one that’s here close to us is a little, um, uppity.  So, we do our own thing. 
It sure was a good feeling to write the words, ‘last tx’.  I can’t believe it.  Still have the port to get removed, one more expansion, and the implant exchange.  But…one milestone at a time!!

KathyL – Oh, friend, you can taste chocolate?!?!?  Lucky girl!!  My taste buds have completely gone AWOL.  So, strange, I was starting to get them “back” a bit at the end of AC, but, after taxol #2 three weeks ago, nuthin’!  Your dinner sounds fabulous.  Your dh is a treasure!  That Wild Horse Pass Resort looks fab.

Jenn – Dear, you have had your “share” too!  Honestly, I am shocked at how many of our gems are dealing with the added stresses of family members and friends going through medical crises.  You know you can speak your mind and empty your heartfelt feelings here…no judgments, just support, support, support.  Sending good thoughts and wishes to you, your family and fil.

Patty – I was thinking of you last night.  Dh and I had some dish channel on watching the Mercum auto auction.  They had quite the line up of vette’s.  You would have liked it.  These were restored, older beauty’s from the 50’s and 60’s.  Boy, they were fetching 6-figures!  My dh is all about the ’68 camaro’s, but, last night it was all about the vette’s.

Paula – You, too, could write a book!  Actually, I tell ds #1 and #2 – When are you going to write YOUR book??  You seem to know everything about everything…I’m waiting for your book to come out!!  Ds #1 is and always has been more challenging than ds #2.  Now that he’s 20 ½, he REALLY thinks he knows it all.  He’s got everything figured out, except laundry, a house over his head, food, college, spending money, car and insurance.  Hmmm…I left home when I was 18, and never went back – ever. 

Hope everyone is resting this Sunday evening, and that SE's are minimal.  Will be surfing for a while and will check back later.

Tina 

KathyL,

 I am going on my 6th chemo this week and its on Friday. Thanks Sweetie.

Carol,

 Dont be too impressed with me studying cause we will see how the test comes back tomorrow. Smile.  It very hard, and I am mean really hard and I have to read it over and over and over again.  Especially when we work thru the body system so fast - Its crazy!  I cant wait till its all overwith and I can relax.

Talk to you soon,

Dana 

Kathy  mine is AC #6 (Tues)  LAST AC !!!, LAST NASTY LASTA!!!!!!!!!! 

I will be starting Taxol in a couple of weeks after this AC once a week for 12 weeks.

FUBC!!

FUSE!! 

Carol - As far as the Komen walk goes, I have a webpage but not a website (difference?)http://race.komentarrant.org/site/TR/Race/General?px=1271934&pg=personal&fr_id=1060

This is my first 'walk', so I'm excited...

When is yours?

Hey gals,

It is such a beautiful day here. Temps in the 70s... ahhhhh! I spent my lunch outside. Getting ready to go watch ds play ball.

Carol- I noted on Ginny's website that she was planning a surprise for you--what a nice one it was! The quilt is gorgeous! I would love to purchase tickets for the one she is raffling off.

I'll try to catch up with the rest of the Jewels tonight after the game. Have a good evening!

Paula