Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

Hi Gems,

Home from my appt in the "big" city, Seattle, talked alot about estrogen.  I don't believe I have ever even said the word in 45 years of life until 6 months ago.  Now its on the top of my conversation list.

Anyhow, lots of pros and cons about whole hormone "thing".  I will be seeing another doc tomorrow, (the gyno), and I'll post more about what I've learned, which is not much more than I knew going into today.  Bottom line for me, the ovaries are history!!!  More to come on that topic...

Kris, one Taxol down, and counting ... sounds like your doing pretty darn good, glad to hear.

Sheshe, yeah for spring (not), for those who have allergies.  Hope you have them under control.  I noticed alot of pollen on my car today, just the start!

Therese, I'm not familiar with the series you talked about, far too many sports programs on in our house!  Actually I'm the first to want to watch a game, the dh quite often wants to watch a movie with me, I usually tell him I'll be asleep before the credits roll.  Talk about squirming in my recliner, reading about a mast back in the 1800's.  Thank goodness for modern medicine that in itself seems a bit barbaric (sp) at times.

D1, so did the dd survive her night on the hardwood?  Did mom relax and let her go???  Wish I felt that go get um energy of a teen, even when their busted up they still want to keep on going.  I asked the onc today about walking the 3 day shortly after rads will be finished, she just warned me that 60 miles is a killer.  She in my mind did not say don't do it, my dh and I are having a little disagreement on her take of the topic.  I think I have mind set to go for it!!!  I'll have to ask PALady about her energy level as well, as she is quite a ways into the rad deal.

Once again, a great chat this afternoon.

PALady, thanks for the link to the 60 min show, I'll be checking it out. 

As far as info from my appt today,  the onc's thoughts we're that I would benefit greatly from having my estrogen put in check, via a ooph and tamoxifan, she said that its effectiveness would compliment the benefits I have already had from having chemo therapy.  I have all but decided to have the ovaries removed, and it will be my choice to have tamo afterwards or not.  The benefit of having tamo after the ooph is very small, so I'll weigh the se's with the few good things it does ie, lower ugly cholesteral (a bit of a problem for me).

On the what I like to call a "freckle" topic, she said just a bit over an inch incision.  More than I would like for this little thing.  I asked if she would put me to sleep, "nope", so I'll be taking some of my Lorazepam prior to that appt.  Maybe I can play connect the incision sites, looks as if there are 6 on the front side to add to it.  Wow, just thought about the ooph surgery, boy I'm making up for the last 45 years in one in the stitch dept.  

I seriously thinking of walking the 3 day here in Seattle in Sept.  I will probably be finishing up rads in August.  Since you are quite a ways into you rad txt, whats your take on the fatigue thing?  Do you feel you have energy to exercise/be active, and to what point?

Lastly, saw you questioned having rads if you have had a mast.  In my case, had the mast, but the margin at my chest wall was not great.  Its right at the ink deep margin, and according to my onc, the size of the tumor also determines if they recommend rads.  There thought is 5 cm or so and rads should be considered.  I actually just found out today that my total area involved is at 4.5 cm, I always considered in at 3.5, but I guess that was the funky lobular mass itself, not the other spots involved.

Kimberly, yeah for the dh and flowers delivered to your center.  All should read that one to their significant other!!!  And bravo for you to relinquish your cape to a fellow SIS.  But may I ask if you kept your "tini" glass?  

Lets hope this go around "only" involves some light fog, you took the prize with your last txt.  If your mia well know that your hopefully listening for that fog horn, and will find shore soon!

I'm liking your onc's opinion for you to chat with other docs for a second.  It is hopefully "free" to chat.  I know that you have your mind made up (or I'm assuming so), but taking some time to chat with another doc seems well worth the effort.

Not sure on the kudo's statement, maybe it had to do with my gf and her efforts with the 3 day and having a poster displayed at Curves??????

Oh and I'm sure you know by now but Marlee was booted on DWTS.

Vettegal, glad the shirt arrived, please send our best to Vettesis, although the whole "bc" experience is not what any would wish for, I'm so glad that she has a game plan, May 5th will be in our thoughts.  She's a lucky gal to have you as a "SIS"!!!

Paula, a night with your "homework" and an M/T house, doesn't sound like the usual Paula evening.  Hope you we're in your jammies early and that you didn't spend all eve on a game plan for the sub.  Some Paula time would be nice.

Thanks for the nice compliment, its kinda weird as I am not someone to just start a conversation with a stranger.  This whole experience has definitely had its positive moments for me, most importantly the really strong bonds I feel towards my Jewel sister friends.  I have the phone numbers of a few of you, and I don't know about anybody else but sometimes hearing a voice on the other end of the line is so cool.  It takes me forever to post, trying to find the right words is not always easy for me, a phone call or chatting in person (such as with Kalen), and I can really babble on, yep worse than this!!! 

wvgirl, great to hear that your having a good evening, no negative vibes in your house tonight.  Enjoy your break and fill your time with positive mojo!!!

Dana, hey in the long run, a win is a win, sounds like your hanging in there with your studies, hoping as well that you have great news on Friday.

Kathy,  what a day, a new "nip".  Gads, in took longer than 15 minutes for me to get a new hoot and it doesn't even have a "nip".  I think I got ripped off.  Glad to hear that your doing so well tonight, so you don't do dreads huh?  We'll be watching (sleeping for me), through AI tonight.

Jennifer, hoping that your lurking and doing well.

Tina, my only word to you this evening is "OUCH"!!!  Quite the eyelash story... not one of your fonder memories of this whole experience I'm sure, but one you'll be hopefully laughing about in the future!!!!

LJ and Deb, looks like your turn once again to belly up, cheers for an uneventful day, and a cocktail that kicks all bc booty!!!

On a personal note, saw a fellow at work today who has battling the "C" (lung cancer) for the past 18 mo.  Has been through chemo, rads, and has had some good CT scans over the past 6 months.  I asked him today how his CT looked that he had on Friday, he somberly said I have something to show you, he handed me his CT report.  My jaw dropped as I read of two new masses in his lung, as well as two on his liver.  Both we're pretty good size.  Needless to say, a big bear hug was involved, he had an appt this afternoon with his onc, (who happens to be mine).  Talk about trying to come up with some words of encouragement, I'll be ready to give another big hug tomorrow when I see him again.

Off to another doc appt tomorrow, going to chat with my gyno doc.  Just picking her brain on the whole hormone "thing" as well.

Okay, I'm getting bitched out from the dh, I havn't typed this in word, and I havn't backed it up, if this goes belly up I better keep my trap shut!!!

Night all, Carol

Good morning ladies!

So disappointed in AI results.  I couldn't make it through more than 10 minutes (I HATE those stupid intro songs they make the whole group do), so dh told me this AM who got booted.  Needless to say I'm shocked-- she shouldn't have been next.

The nip looks icky this AM.  But nice that it doesn't hurt.  I'll just keep it covered up until tattoo day-- ha ha!

Hope everyone is doing well today and not too down from SEs.

Tina - LOL at the eyelash story! My eyelashes have always been straight, so I've always used an eyelash curler, but man! I would've freaked if that had ever happened to me.

KathyL - I'm so glad to hear the nip-recon was quick & painless. It gives me something to look forward to - hopefully sometime this summer.

It sounds like your new job is a perfect fit. Hope you find peace of mind, b/c there is nothing like job satisfaction & being content with what you're doing, that makes for a smooth ride through life. LIfe is too short to waste our time being uncomfortable or unhappy in our careers.

Well, I'd better go for now - my 11yo dd re-injured her knee last night, so it's off to the pediatric orthopedic surgeon. Although she is involved in volleyball & tennis, she hurt her knee running & skipping to the car last night after dinner. I'm sure it's just a sprain, as before, but I'm hoping for another referral for physical therapy. My dh has an abscessed tooth, so, believe me, there is a lot of moaning & groaning & pill-popping going on in this house...at least it's not me for a change!

I'll shout out some more later...

Therese

Good Morning Jewels,
OK, so the rock in the gut is here. Oh Joy! But it’s the last time I’ll ever have to say, “The rock in the gut has started”. Granted it will be with me for the next 7 days or so, but I can do it!!!!  I was so tired yesterday after my infusion.  I anticipate this last round is going to really hit me fatigue wise, but we’re not letting the Boogie-man get me with another infection, oh, no we are NOT!!!!

PALady- Got your cards yesterday. Thanks.

Yeah, I’ll go for the second opinions and listen, but again, I’m feeling very peaceful about my choice to not put anymore poisons or drugs into my body as is my family.

You should have seen how cute the nurse was in the cape. I think she appreciated it.

Dana- WhooHoo on the 80%!!!!  Have you talked to the teachers about accommodations?  Being a cancer patient and going through chemotherapy is a recognized disability and schools have to accommodate by law. It might help ease your stress about school and graduating.

Keeping my fingers crossed for good MRI news tomorrow.

Patty- Good news that vettesis has a plan, and she’ll love her Jewel shirt!

Even after being done with chemo you’ve got the can’t control it ‘gas’?  I experience that a bit only after the first day or so of chemo.  Maybe if you tie your pant legs, the gas will help your legs float and keep the ankles up.  Hahaha.

Monday is another stepping stone to being done with treatment. I know you’re not looking forward to more fatigue, but it’s for a short period of time, and we know you’ve got what it takes to get through this.  At least there won’t be any sharts involved.

LJ13- #10, wow,that means you’re almost done with the T part, right?  I met a gentleman while in the infusion center the other day who had really bad lymphodema in his leg. I asked him if he’d been given Lasix (sp) yet to help with the water retention. He’d never heard of it nor had anything for water retention.  The next day, when he was getting his blood transfusion, he thanked me for letting him know about it. His doctor ordered it, and he was getting it that day. Good advice for Patty, LJ13.

Paula- I am a lucky girl. My dh is awesome!!!!  So glad to hear your dh is doing well.  I haven’t had hair dreams yet. Maybe now that I’m done with chemo and get through the impending fog. Eyebrow alert- the left is pretty much gone. The right is getting thinner and thinner. I fear they’ll be gone soon, and I’ll have that alien look about me…the really high where does it end forehead. Heehee

Hope you got your mound of papers graded. I am so not looking forward to getting back to that part of the job.

Therese- Hey, we could be eyebrow twins. You’re describing mine. I of course, not being artistic in anyway have not even attempted to draw mine on.

Man, you’ve got your hands full this morning with hurt knees and absessed teeth. Didn’t you guys just get through the strep throat epidemic? 

Kathy- WhooHoo on the new nips. A great description for anyone heading down that path in the future. That whole process is just amazing to me. 

Your new job sounds right up your alley.  How wonderful to be able to help out parents of NICU babies.

4 pounds is an accomplishment, Kathy. Good for you.

When work starts full-time, you’re going to be pooped until you get back into the swing, so take it easy and listen to your body.  I’m so excited for you and this new chapter in your life.

I missed it, but knew that Marli would be the next to go. If Shannon and Derek are ‘getting it on’, it’s just a show fling IMO. It’s easy to get caught up when you’re spending that much time together.

WVgirl- I’m so glad last night was a peaceful night. Enjoy the next few and know that you can have peace forever whenever you’re ready to take the next step. Good luck with your tx on Friday.

Tina- OUCH!!!! Pulling out eyelashes…not something I want to experience.

Carol- Sounds like you got some good advice on the ooph and rads. Your freckle and the dot to dot connection was an LOL moment, sorry…but you have a way with words, girl.  I know what you mean. I’ve go so many scars over this past few months as compared to my entire 46 years. Well, as far as I’m concerned. When this is all done for all of us, we’ve done our time, and it’s the beginning of health and feeling good every day for a VERY LONG TIME!!!!!

I’ll bet the poster at Curves was it. Someone mentioned Curves.

I’m so sorry to hear about your coworkers bad CAT scan, but how wonderful that you can be there for him. Not sure he could have done that with his male coworkers.  Just goes to show how approachable and caring you are, Carol.  I do understand that for you talking in person is easier than writing. I’d say that it works the other way around for me.
I’m usually not the reaching out to call type, though I’m getting a little better.

Glad your ‘training’ is going well for the 3 Day. Look forward to hearing how the appt. with the gyno went.

I can’t even recall whose in the lounge today. Sorry. Good luck to you. To those dealing with se’s, take care of yourselves. To those doing rads, be gentle of those tender boobs.

I hope to return tomorrow, but if I can’t, know I’m thinking of you all dear friends.

Anyone heard from CarolC in Nebraska? 
Maz, thinking of you sweetie and your loss of Val. I know tomorrow is going to be really hard on you. (((HUGS)))

SIS Kimberly

Hello Ladies!

Paula - LOL at the Vicki Lawrence hair. Mine is coming in straight so far, but who knows. Thanks for the info re the "x's" I had a few that I had gotten wrong, but I think the words I put in there worked.  Glad to hear dh is doing well.

Kathy - Glad all went well yesterday. I was thinking you were having the tattoos done yesterday. I didn't realize that they actually give you a "nipple". That is so interesting. As I had decided to do a lumpectomy I never researched a whole lot on the mastectomy decisions. I thought AI was surprising once again. She was one I could take or leave, though.

Tina - LOL on the eyelash curler - although I am sure it did hurt and you weren't laughing when it happened.

Carol - I feel at this point I could walk it. I have been so lucky through both my chemo and rads I never had any fatigue issues. I exercised 3 -5 times a week through both.  I have 25 rounds of rads, which I think is a bit shorter than most. As far as the sight itself, I am just starting to turn pink - but no pain yet. I had #16 today. They say the third week is when you start to get the fatigue and skin issues, so who knows what is to come. Do you know how long it averages to walk the 20 miles each day? Sounds like you will have almost a month of recovery time so I say go for it! Thanks for the info on the ooph. I don't go back to my onc until the end of May. I am thinking he is just going to tell me to do the tamox. He never even pushed me to have the BRCA testing even though my sister had ovarian and 28.  Ditto on the rads with mast. Better to be safe than sorry especially after you have gone through all this crap.  Sad about your co-worker.  I think it would be very hard to find the words.

I keep getting errors on this sight for the last two days - anyone else?

Carol:  I'm thinking of asking my PS if she does any tattoos other than nipples (hahaha!) while she's at it. 

So, the surgery sounds painful, but it wasn't at all.  It was all along the scar, which has no feeling really.  Most of my feeling is out around the scar now, and she wasn't anywhere near that.  My PS numbs everything again when she tattoos just in case sensation has returned or is in the process of coming back.

Admire your ambition (and others here) for the 3-day.  When is Seattle's?

SIS Kimberly:  Just think of how great a glass of wine will be soon... and no going back to tasting yucky ever again!  I KNOW this last round has got to go better for you than the last.  How's the infection doing BTW?

Julie:  I hope migraines leave you alone for a while after this last round of SEs!  Hope the fog is not as heavy this weekend.  Do you have rads next?

PALady:  I've had trouble with the site recently, too.

Off to get the rugrats from preschool.  I'm gonna miss these early pick-ups after next week.

Good evening Jewels,

Been a very soggy day here in Minneapolis today.  You know what they say, April showers bring May flowers.  The good news is I got ds#2 to fertilize and clean out my gardens for me before the rain.  The bad news (yup, you guessed it) is the forecast calls for rain turning to snow tonight, temps for the foreseeable future 20 – 30 degrees cooler than we’d had the last three days.  Seriously…I get it why depression and alcoholism is so prevalent.

Thanks all for laughing with me about the eyelash curler incident.  Those things can quickly turn themselves into weapons of mass destruction, rather than tools.  Definitely a Homer (Simpson) moment!  LOL  Just know that I insist on putting mascara on the four lashes I have left on that eye. 

Dana – Sending positive thoughts your way for good news on tomorrows’ test results.  Hope tx goes well, too!  Keep up your delightful spirit!

Paula – YAY for the last one!!  Best wishes to you for an easy tx tomorrow.  I’m so happy for you!

CarolC – Thinking of you, midwest friend.   Hope you’re well.

CathyCA – As Carol said, you’ve been on my mind, too.  Sending good thoughts.  Check in when you can.

Carol – I’m sorry to hear about your co-worker.  I know you’ll come up with the right words at just the right time.  Your hugs for certain mean more to him than any words!  Thanks for the notes about ooph and tamoxifan.  I’d read Kimberly’s notes about it, too.  I plan on talking to onc at the end of May about this, and whether it makes sense for me.  At this time, I’m slated for five years of the stuff and am having very mixed emotions about it. 

PALady – Sounds like you’ve got a similar plan as me, with tamox.  I read a NPR story on Letrozole that sounded very promising. Need more discussions with onc.

Kimberly – I’m so happy for you on your last tx, and that you can close this difficult chapter.   You so can do this!  I hope your sore little port is starting to feel better.

Maz – Thinking of you and sending you healing thoughts.

Julie – Damn that migraine!  I’m sorry it returned.  Take care, hope you can get some rest.

Wvgirl – Hope tomorrow is a “go” for you.  Curious…is dd going to apply for that restaurant job? 

Joan – My ex-mil told me about Robin Roberts a while ago, and I’ve read a bit about her on-line.  I don’t watch GMA, but, was curious about her going without her wig.  Is she totally bald, like many of us??  Do you know her whole story – dx and tx?

Good night gems.

Tina

Well, I've taken my last midnight steroids. Just popped in here after I finished grading papers and posting them to the internet. Have lesson plans ready for my sub for tomorrow and Monday if I need it... don't have anything important going on Monday, so I may take an extra day this time (esp. if the pain level is anything like last time.)

My benadryl is starting to kick in... I'll be back tomorrow evening to check in on everyone.

WVGirl and Dana--save me a chair at the chemo bar tomorrow!

Maz- ((((hugs)))) I'll be thinking of you and Val's family.

Later...

Paula

Wvgirl, lets hope for some good wbc numbers this morning, I'm sure Dana and Paula would like the company.  Go kick some cancer boooty gals. 

Therese, my goodness your household has has its share of medical issue, hoping that their on the mend.  Good thing that your the "healthy" one!!!

Kimberly, I mentioned to the onc this week about the pit in the stomach, she asked if I have taken Zantac, well nope, she said try it for the pit.  Thought I'd share if you havn't already tried it.

So I've heard of a gas mask, but gas pants, got a good chuckle out of that one!!!!

PALady, I'd be asking about the BRCA1/2 gene test myself.  With your sis history, I would personsally rather know.  Everyone is a little different on the subject, but if I could help other family members besides myself with knowing the results, I'm for it.  Being pre-meno, (age 45) both of the docs I spoke with this week highly suggested having my ovaries removed.  The risk of surgery are fairly low for somebody in pretty good shape the the benefits should out weigh the se's.  Heck I already am having the hot flashes, my gyn talked to me about some of the other personal intimicy se that can occur, but even those have some remedies.  I was told that I could decide if I wanted to go on Tamo, or possibly an AI.  The benefits of doing so after the ooph are not terribly high, but I'm the type to probably go for it now, and not look back and wish I had.  If either drug is not tolerable I would be able to stop them.  I will be getting a test to check and see if my body will metobolize Tamo prior to sticking the drug pill in my mouth.

Kathy, the 3 day in Seattle is 12-14 September, hey its a great time to come to the Pacific Northwest!!!  A see a pink tent with your name on it!!!!  I'm hoping that I may get another friend to participate with us.  Hope the nip is still feeling good!

Tina, I'm with you Minnesota weather would drive me to drink more than I do Washington's climate.  Hoping for a good afternoon/evening, heading to the ballpark tonight to watch the Mariners.  Hoping I don't need too many blankets!

Julie, "FUMH", catch that one, enough already with the migrane, you need a break gal.

Maz, your in my thoughts today as you say goodbye to your dear friend.  Hoping you have somebody with you to help you through the day.  We're thinking of you during this really tough time.

Paula, glad to hear that you have Mon off if you need it.  I put money down that you'll probably be going to work.  Lets hope your bone pain stays minimal this go around ... yeah on being your last!!!

Stopped this morning to see the a co-worker from another building who shared his not so good news on Weds..  He had his visit with the onc on Weds, was off yesterday to share time with his grown kids and tell them the news, we shared another big hug, as he told me that his cancer is considered terminal.  They are going to try another chemo on him, to try to slow down the rapid growth of the tumors, but his prognosis is not looking very good.  I could only tell him that he fought hard 18 months ago, and had a time of remission, and that I know he'll continue to fight hard this time around as well.  Another big bear hug for him as I left his office.

Hopefully I have a moment to check in before heading out tonight, good day to all,

Carol

Dana - I was so hoping you were going to have some good news. I am sorry.  I am so glad you have your faith in God to guide you through this. I pray for you to have strength to deal with this.

God Bless You.

Dana, have you looked into any possibility of participating in clinical trials?

I had decided, when awaiting my full diagnosis, that if I was DX'd at Stage 4, I would do a clinical trial if one was available. I felt that it could be my way of helping other ladies in the future by possibly helping bring a new treatment to the light of day.

Just something to consider. Not the you don't have enough on your mind these days.

I'm really sorry the Taxol/Herceptin didn't kick cancer butt for you. 

Sis Kimberly,

Are you worried about getting your heart radiated?  I know a sm piece of my lung will get radiated. I dodged the bullet with my heart. I hope I'm not being too nosey. Have a good weekend and get some rest.

 Hugs, Sherry

Another special connection:

Dana -- Dear one, I'm so sorry to hear about  your results.  I am sending prayers your way for ease of mind, hopes for treatment possibilities (as suggested by LJ), and that the plan for you is revealed.  Stay strong, know you have healing wishes coming to you.

Tina