Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

Hey Jewels

   What a beautiful day here also. Mid to upper 60's tomorrow in the 70's. Went out for lunch just to see the sun. Today was my first day back to work since i finished my chemo. I can say, I am pooped out this evening. Customers all afternoon, I want to rest tonight. I even got KFC for dinner on the way home. dh didn't want to cook either! I LOVE KFC MASHED POTATOES. they tasted so good during chemo!

      I know my hair is coming in blond. Are we planning a Spa trip somehere? I am so far behind,,,DUH!

Tinalee-I watched that car auction too! That was awesome..it is on every weekend. My corvette is nice I need to post a photo of it with me and hubby with it.

Enjoy the nice weather everyone!!! Plant those pink flowers in the yard.. i know I did!

Hugs to all....xxoo   Patty

Hello Jewels,

Thank you all who joined me is wishing for Spring.  I know it will get cold again, maybe even frost, but today is BEAUTIFUL!  We even opened some windows in the house just to air it out.  It's amazing what a little good weather can do for your spirits.

News on my fil is not good.  We don't know about the mass on his kidney, but his liver is almost totally failed.  It is pumping some sort of poison into his system.  It's causing blood vessels to rupture.  They expect him to start losing cognitive abilities in a few weeks, with only a few months to live.  We saw him yesty at the hosp. b4 we knew all of this.  He looks good & says he is ready to go home, which I guess he's going to do tomorrow.  It makes me so sad.

Paula Tina, D1 & Carol,  Thanks for your words of encouragement.  I also think that getting some of this off my chest will make me feel better too.  One of the biggest problems is that he won't talk to me about it.

Carol, That quilt is beautiful.  I'm sure you feel like you are literally wrapped up in love.

Joan, Congratulations on finishing the chemo!  I'm so happy for you.

KathyL, Put me down for chemo #5 of 6 on this Thurs., Black Thursday I call it.

Congrats on the chocolate taste buds.  Mine leave me for a few days but so far have come back b4 the next tx.

Next Jan. seems light years away.  Next Sun. 4/13 will be only 4 months since my diag.  How can so much have happened in 4 mos?  Seems more like 4 years.

Your dinner sounded fab.  That's 2 mentions of salmon.  You're making my mouth water.  And to have the kids take care of everything.  Good rearing is what that is.

Wow, Vettegal, One more person done w/chemo.  I'm getting jealous.  Of course I'm dreading Thurs. already.  Only 1 more after that but like I just said to KathyL, time is moving in strange increments these days.  Here's to getting back to normal b4 long.

Is that a real Vette you are riding around in?  Now I get your name.  Didn't have a clue b4 now.  I had one once, a lifetime ago.  Once they get into your blood they are there for good aren't they.  I can't wait to see the picture.  I think it's sweet that your dh is worried about a cold.

Tina,  We had sun yesty & today.  And my daffodils are starting to bloom.  I cut a bouquet this evening after work.  The hard part is finding a place to put them that one of the cats can't get to.

Judy, I am so sorry about your news.  I didn't realize that you have been fighting this for so long.  You will be getting special prayers from me.  I am glad there won't be any delay is your getting health care.  Please keep us updated on your prognosis.

I'm going to do a little research on liver failure.  I'll try to check back later.  Best wishes to all stepping up to the bar tomorrow.

Judy - I am hoping and praying the Xoleda works for you - I, too, didn't realize you had been going through this for so long. My heart goes out to you. Please keep in touch & let us know how you're doing.

Therese

Hi Jewels,

First and foremost, thoughts and best wishes go out to KathyL, Carol and Kris for uneventful tx’s tomorrow.  FUBC!!

Judy – I am so sorry to hear about your situation.  I pray that the Xoleda does the trick!!  Stay positive and keep us in the loop. 

D1 – What a game!  You had me on the edge of my seat.  You so did the right thing, good for you!  I love parents who stick up for their kids…in any situation.  Spring came for a day…typical MN weather.  Now we’re back in the chilly, almost early November weather.  Ugh.  That’s okay…dh has a bunch of work to do on the motorcycles before we can ride ‘em…at least that’s what he says he’s doing out in the garage.  He’s going to need the space heater out there, too!  Also, glad to hear there’s been improvement with your bil. 

Patty – That’s funny you watched the car auction, too!  There were some beauties up for sale!  Also – I’m with you on KFC’s mashers, they taste so good!  Glad you could get back to work…be sure to rest when you can, though.

Jenn – Thanks for the spring bulb report.  I did notice several tulip shoots popping out in my garden, but, that’s it so far.  We had some light snow this morning, which all melted as it hit the ground.  It just seems that winter won’t loosen it’s grip quite yet.  I’m sorry to hear about your fil.  I hope he can stay relatively comfortable and without pain as time goes on.  I agree, too, about how quickly time has gone by.  I’m looking at the final chemo week after next and can hardly believe it will have been four months.  Do you think the weather has anything to do with it – would we feel the same had we been going through this say, in the middle of the summer?

Jewels, on another note, I told you about my kind co-worker who recently was dx with bc.  I informed you that it was caught at such an early stage (again, no family hx), that she would’t be needing rads or chemo.  She has come to find out that in fact, she has several cancerous tumors and that one is quite close to the breast wall.  They still don’t see any enlargements in the lymph nodes, but, they now believe that she’ll need chemo for sure, and quite possibly rads as well.  Can you imagine??  After finally accepting her dx, and wrapping her mind around her surgery treatment plan, to learn this?  This information was given to her at a time when both her cancer surgeon and case np are out on vacation.  Talk about feeling helpless.  Please keep my friend in your thoughts and prayers, thanks, gems.

That’s it from this corner.  Thoughts go out to our sapphires…you are missed.  Rest well.

Tina

Hi Gems,

Looks like it was another busy one on-board, snuck a quick peak at lunch and things have gotten chatty since.

Judy, I must say that I was saddended to hear that you'll be having to change regimens once again, but thank goodness their is another option for you to battle the beast.   Your positive spirit towards supporting all of us is inspiring, especially as your dealing with such a difficult time yourself.  You keep fighting gal, and we're all behind you with as much positive "mojo" we can possibly send your way.

Joan, are we easing away from any se's from your "LAST" txt?  A break before rads will hopefully make for some good days.

Kathy, cool on the dh cooking the killer dinner, Yummo!  Gal you should breeze through your txt tomorrow, you've been to the bottom of the rollercoaster ride, here's hoping you'll be on top of things from here on out.

Been to the JWMarriot in Scottsdale, very nice, has spa/golf on-site, as well as a good restaraunt.  Unfortunately its another pretty pricey one, (we got lucky and went the first year it opened and got a fabo price, but have looked since and gulped!!!).  I'm confident that your agent will give you some great ideas, again, I'm game for anything, I won't miss this one!

Kris, go get um tomorrow at the lounge, I'm letting you pick up this round as its your LAST!!!!!!   Lets hope its short on the se's and you can begin to have some good days prior to gearing up for the "rad ride", I'll be lucky to have all kinds of prep stories prior to getting in the rad mode probably in June. 

Vettegal, okay I had no clue on the screen name as well.  In fact way back when I had thought about asking what the heck it stood for. 

Igor and Hilda???  Sounds like a sitcom, glad that your very comfortable with them.  Boy I can remember waaaayyyy back when we had our ANDs within a week apart and we posted back and forth to compare war stories, I'll now be looking forward to your rad adventure some 5 months later!  As Jennifer mentioned, this has definitely been a moment in time.

KFC was sounding like a good game plan after a day back at work.  I  don't know about you but this work thing is really a pain!

Hey are you having your handful of sunshiny days, glad that you and the Vetteguy had the chance to take a cruise and take advantage of some good weather.  Looks like your weather in the East went to the Pac NW, it was 42 and pouring rain on my way home from work.  What an energy drainer!

Tina, would love to see a pic of you on your Harley!!!  I took note to your comment about having your port removed, gads, I havn't even thought about that one.  Wondering if its on the opposite side of what needs rads if they need to remove it prior to starting?   Good question for me to ask tomorrow.

Paula, was hoping to see the results of the ds game today, gotta like your weather as well.  Spring is atleast in the air in the east. 

Was driving along today at work, my mind does alot of wondering, (probably good I've not been in a semi), and I got to thinking about your kids and how they have had to cope with having both parents dealing with such difficult health issues.  Although being teenagers with their "attitude", they sound like real troopers, I can only think that its got to be pretty hard emotionally on them, hopefully their better than my son at revealing some emotion when its warranted.

D1, kudos for you on the b-ball story.  That had to be tough on the blood pressure.  I don't think I've seen a game with less than two refs ever, even when my little guy was playing at age seven.  Its awesome that your dd has had the chance to really shine on the court.  Sounds like she really kicked it up a notch!  Lets hope that this doesn't happen again.

OMG, I couldn't believe the list of your existing se's, yet you say that's all your dealing with since your last txt.  I swear you are definitely the se's poster child, (hope you don't mind that label), as you are D1!!!

Jennifer, always remember that getting stuff off your chest (no pun intended), is why were all here.  We all came here to obtain support and thats what its all been about since day one.

Kimberly, my oh my girl, hoping that your not still completely down in the dumps after your Tues txt.  If your lurking, been thinking of ya, can you hear the fog horn???

Off to the bar tomorrow as well, not really looking foward to it as I've had the crummy tummy today.  I'm blaming it on all the good/rich food over the weekend.

One of my gf's (she just signed on to do the 3 day with Ginny) will be taking me, I have a 3:00 appt, not to crazy about that, but I guess it must be happy hour earlier in the day.  I mentioned to my ds that he almost would be home in time to take me, I really thought he would say "no way mom", but actually he was very disappointed that I already had set it up with my gf.  Looks like he will be in for an experience next month. 

Getting geared up for DWTS, unless the dh wants to watch the NCCA game which he DVR'd then it will be b-ball tonight and DWTS tomorrow before the results show, "Life is Good"!!!!

Carol 

  

I love those dove notes Maz.  The one I hung up on my door at work says 'laugh uncontrollably, it clears the mind'.

Last AC today yay.... then Taxol for 12 weeks, that HAS to be better than AC...  I just want to know, do you get your taste buds back with Taxol?

Time to go boogie, be back in a few days hopefully...

Kris 

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh246/sophievader/DSCF1310.jpg

I tried to shrink this photo..no luck!

I am fighting a bladder/UTI infection. Got cipro for antibiotic..made me dizzy and lightheaded and thy said don't go in the sun..no ride in corvette today!

Feeling like shit-tired going to bed!

Hope you all had a good day today...

dogs barking at neighbor..gotta go!

xxxoo hugs

Hello all!  Back from the lounge early today!  I was actually done with everything by noon, which is a record for me (went to lunch again with another friend afterwards, of course-so not home until later in the afternoon)).  I guess when the TC is not a factor things are soooo much faster.  Herceptin only takes 1 ½ hrs.  I had bloodwork done today and saw my onc before the infusion-my numbers are in the sh*tter!  But apparently my onc is blind or I am officially a freak/psycho, b/c he said "everything looks great"!  They were the lowest they've ever been (excluding the hospital visit).  He said after 4 rounds of chemo, they are fine. No shot for the RBCs, not even iron.  OK, dude, if you say so...  WBCs were low normal.  I did get neulasta, right??  I guess if he's not worried, I shouldn't be.  I'm just used to seeing much higher numbers.  And his NP was a little snippy today.  Set me off from the start of the whole day.  I very much felt like I was being pushed out the door to my GP now that I'm done with chemo.  And she basically blew off the fact that I've gained almost 10 pounds ("by our records it's only about 4"  "well by mine it's 10", and I don't like it regardless).  On one hand she's giving me a sheet telling me to not gain weight b/c it can contribute to recurrence, on the other she's saying I'm fine and looking at me like I'm nuts.  Aaaaaggghhh-which is it, beeyotch?  She also said that most people gain weight after BC (thanks for that inspiring tidbit!), and "that's just how it is".  Was not happy with her and her info (maybe I'm being sensitive...) and vowed to work my #ss off until the 10 lbs is gone despite her info that I'll forever not fit in my jeans again. Thank God my onc is much warmer and fuzzier!  Basically today I learned:  I'll do herceptin every 3 weeks for a total of 18 rounds (5 are done as of today!).  In June I'll get a repeat MUGA, August a mammogram (my anniversary), and I'll see him again in 3 months.  My sx (fluid retention and eye twitching) should resolve in the coming weeks.  Forgot to even ask about the chemo-brain-- what irony!  Wish I felt better about it all, but I feel kind of odd-empty almost, like I don't know what to do now.  Does that make sense?  I guess it's that post-chemo let-down of not seeing someone every 3 weeks to check on you and ask about SEs, do an exam, etc.  Sorry to ramble.  I think I'm going crazy...

Tina:  I can partially relate to your friend's situation.  I remember the sinking feeling in my stomach when I was told that they'd changed their mind after 3 months of one plan that didn't include any chemo, to a new one that did.  It's so hard to switch gears when your mind is set on no chemo and every fiber of your body doesn't want to do it.  I hope she does well.

Julie:  I am so happy that you only have to go through your chemo SE's one more time.  You have just had such a rough journey.  Glad you're back, albeit for about a week.

Carol:  Hope you did well today and the stomach settled down (and the GI distress hasn't moved south on you!).

Maz:  Got your update.  I think the next to last tx seems to be mentally the hardest.  You CAN do it though-hang in there!  Hope Thursday goes well my former bar buddy!  It felt strange to me doing a tx today when I've been Wednesdays all along.

D1:  You should definitely be playing a lottery with those recent winnings of yours.  If not, pass on the good karma to somebody else!  Hahaha!

Sorry to hear you're already pink.  Keep lotioning that tata!

Vettegal:  Is that a wig???  You look great!

Carol,

I'm so sorry to hear that Kimberly is not doing so well. Please give her my best and hope she has a speedy recovery.

Thanks for asking about my se's. They were pretty bad over the weekend but I felt much better today and was even able to work all day. I guess I'm just lucky. Hope the rads go well too.

D1 - are you using the creams faithfully? It seems too soon to have a reaction (from what I've heard). The rads boards are full of tips and recommend different creams including pure aloe, aquaphor, and a prescription one called biafine. I'm sure you looked all of these up  too. But I hope you don't mind me chiming in. Feel better.

I hope everyone going to the bar this week has a "uneventful time" and minimum se's!!!

FUBC and FUSE!!!!!!

Joan

It has been another beautiful, sunny day here. I'm loving this weather! ds played well in his game yesterday (3/3 at bat and 2 RBIs). dd and I took a friend of hers home after the game and ended up having a nice heart-to-heart after we dropped her friend off. Its a rare thing these days, so I took the long way home. It was good for us both--esp. for her to be able to vent some of that teenaged angst!

Judy- I am thinking of you as you begin Xeloda and praying that it will work for you. I'm sorry that you're having such a rough time. Please know that you are being remembered in prayers. (((HUGS)))

Jenn- praying for you, dh, and fil during this difficult time. Quite a lot you have on your plate this week...

Tina- sorry to hear that your friend's cancer is more involved than it first appeared. Better to treat it aggressively now, though, as Judy said in her post.

D1- glad your bil is on the mend.

WTG on calling the game. Never heard of a one-ref game b4...

Dang! I know pink is the BC color, but having a pink boob is taking it a bit far, dontcha think? Hope it doesn't get worse...

Julie- welcome back from the dark side! Glad you're feeling better.

(okay, missed your last post... sorry the H/A is back--hope the meds work and you are able to rest well tonight.)

Maz- Dove dark choc. is my fav. I had my first piece in ages just yesterday (taste buds are back!)

Vettegal- you and Vetteguy look tooo cool in front of your vette. Nice ride!

Kris- Yeah! Glad you're done w/ AC. I agree w/ LJ--Taxol isn't so bad. My taste buds are okay.

Carol- thanks for the update on Kimberly. And I was touched that you were thinking about me and my family yesterday. You're truly a Jewel! I agree w/ you--it isn't easy for them to have two parents with cancer within 18 months. dh's illness brought such a big lifestyle change for us and we barely had time to adjust before the old BC hit me. I've resisted putting them in counseling only because they are both very against the idea. They have friends that they can vent to, seem happy most of the time, make good grades, and are involved in a lot of activities. I just hope (and pray... A LOT!) that I'm making the right decision for them...  

KathyL, Carol, and Kris- oops! A little late w/ your shout out for chemo today! Hope you all had a good round.

Wendy and Max: good luck tomorrow.

Wish you all a good, sunny day tomorrow... hoping our fair weather continues so I can spend lunch outside again.

Take care all, Paula

Kimberly I hope that you feel better soon, make sure that you rest and take it easy. 

I went to the clinic yesterday and found out that I have 8 more DD taxols, I thought that I only had 4 more to go. He did bring down the steroids dosage so maybe that will help some. I changed my appts for Fridays, maybe I will feel better by Monday

A real early good morning,

Yep another nocternal one here, woke at 2:30, layed until now (gotta love those steriods), trying to decide if I'm going to take another lorazepam and call the boss at 6:00 to say I'll be in late or maybe just try to suck it up and go to work and maybe get off early.

One good thing is my pit in my stomach that I had for the last couple of days seems to have gone away, maybe those anti nausea drugs helped settle it down.

Paula, yeah for the ds game, gotta like those stats!  I so could relate to the story of your dd in the car, at times its the only way I can get my son to open up and communicate is when I have him captured in the car.  Glad you had that chance, and she was receptive.  Over the years I had been to some counseling, (divorce, mom's death), and at times mentioned it to my ds about going when he seemed to be having a rough time (back a few years now), he was so adamant about not going that I never pushed the issue.  Thank goodness these kids seem so strong in their own right, (I do say a little kudos goes to good parenting!!!)

Diana, our other late night owl, lets hope that the lesser dose is pretty tolerable for you.  As one that been on a chemo regimen that yes they do call "lite", it has been very tolerable (just long), but as I have read the se's over the last months of so many of you, June for finishing up the chemo part isn't sounding that bad. 

Tina, your un-lucky co-worker has one great big thing in her favor, that would be you to talk with.  You can be such a great support for her in the coming months, keep up your positive spirit and share as much as you can with her, it will be invaluable.

Kathy, yeah for the short infusion, booo for the crappy nurse prac.  Seems to me thats the second ugly nurse story this week.  Lets hope those numbers get climbing, my numbers are at the lowest after I have had my 14 day "holiday", as again yesterday atleast my WBC was up from last week.  Will they be checking them again this week?

D1, already turning pink, I was kinda under the impression that didn't happen until towards the end of rad txt.  Don't tell me that our poster child is up to her old tricks of dealing with more se's so early.

Keep on slathering your arsenol of goops!!!

Okay money bags ... another win huh? sounds like fun, we had our brackets all filled in to just play around with it with our friends while in Zona, mine was pretty ugly by the final 8!

LJ, keep us posted on your appt with the rad doc if you would.  I'm kinda like a sponge with the info, I take a few notes to put in my notebook for future appts.

Vettegal, again thanks for sharing the awesome pic, lets hope that your antibiotics kick in as well, looks like cranberry juice cocktails for you!

Jennifer, sounds like your fortunate to have such a close family all within the area to help out with the fil.  Hopefully they can all get on the same game plan to support the fil in the most compassionate way.  You try keep yourself healthy throughout all of this, although I know you will probably have some foggy days ahead.

Joan, glad to hear that each day seems to be getting a little better for you, back to work huh?  Good for you!!!

Julie, sounds like your head is ready for some more Vitamin D, hope you are able to get some rest today, sound like you have a busy Thursday and they/we need your with the dirty side of your shoes facing down when your out and about!

Kris, looks like the bar stool is all yours today, you go get um gal, and kick some cancer booty today!!!

Sis Kimberly, here's to ridding that infection ASAP.  Know we're all here thinking of ya as you jump this ugly hurdle that has been put in front of you. 

Now to decide if I think I can go back to sleep, my regular wakeup call for work is 5:15 which is 45 min away, I think I'll take another lorazepam, set the alarm for 6:30, call the boss and let him know I'll be running late.  Thank god for a very understanding boss.

Later my friends,

Carol  

yay last AC yesterday !!!!!!!!! got the senocot rolling.hopefully things will go smooth (pun intended) lol.  I asked my onc at my last appt with her about rads.  She said she would double check with the rad dude. 

Well, I was told there's a note in my chart that says I won't have to get rads...yay.  My main convern was I had a mast and my lymphs came back clean, so I was questioning it.  So just 12 weeks of Taxol after this ac round  whew...it's scarey.  Oh and 5 years of taking tamoxifin.

time to go try to eat something

totles

Kris