Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

Home from skating, the ds' partner took a pretty good tumble, whacked his knoggin and neck, thank god for helmets!!!  His dad, (the coach) took him in for a check.  Hate to see a skater go down, especially when you hear helmet and floor hitting.  He was totally bummed as they were having a pizza feed after practice for a celebration of the weekends results.  The ds and I took 1/2 pie down to the clinic for them to enjoy once he was headed home.  Sounded like he will be okay, probably just a very sore neck.

Kris, looks like your flying solo tomorrow, time to erase one more txt, and lets hope for minimal se's.  Sorry but you've got your own tab!

Carla, your sounding stronger each time we hear from you.  Another good weekend with your dd's, gotta love that for mom's weekend.

Tina, wouldn't Kimberly be surprised to hang that open sign and have some Jewels show up!!!  So glad to hear your b-day/mom's day was a good one.  Citrus Chicken (that could be a tough one to guess a SP), seems like there's been a bit of chicken eating going on the last few months. 

Kimberly, I'm so making an appt for a massage this week.  So an advantage of a "vertible" and being bald, no bad hair there.  Sounds like you all are in for some more hot weather later in the week.  I was chatting with the "prego" friend in Redding just a few hours ago, supposedly it may hit triple digits up there.

How cool to have such nice compliments when being scrutinized under the bright lights and magnifying glass.  How I wish I had used a moisturizer with SPF so many years back.  I'm paying for that now!  It took my Mom to get Melanoma for me to get a clue.  Funny on the whole body skin thing ... I swear I'm not half as dry skinned as I normally would be throughout the winter months.  Gotta like that and not having to shave but a few lingering hairs on the legs and pits is a pretty good beni as well.  Oh how we look for the positive spin on things!!!

Okay, back to watching DWTS ... !

Carol

Hi everyone - thanks to SISKimberly for the nudge last week.  Sorry I've been absent.  I have been spending time over at the Taxotere & Cytoxin thread.  I was having a really hard time keeping up with all of you (you are all so chatty!) and got a bit down when many of you finished and my treatments just seemed to go on and on and on. I have been lurking some, because I still do feel a connection to all of you.  

So yes, I finally had my last tx on May 7th.  It was relatively uneventful. I went through the usual lousy weekend and am back to work today.  I had a hard time regaining my energy from tx #5 also, and was a bit depressed about that for a while.  I assume it will take me a good bit of time to recover from my 6th and final tx, but at least it is the final one.  All together now: wahoo!!

In the meantime, I think I mentioned in here a while ago about how we had been trying to sell our house.  Well, a buyer came out of nowhere very suddenly, and so we are finally going to move (just 20 miles away) next Monday.  I am so happy that this is finally happening, even though it's been really hard dealing with chemo and packing simultaneously.  Thank God for friends who bring food and who otherwise help.  I think we are in good shape, but this will be a marathon week for sure.  I work a little, rest a little (and repeat as necessary). So next week looks like this:

Mon - movers take the furniture (we've moved the vast majority of everything else).  Move the 4 cats (this will probably be the hardest thing we do!!)

Tues - clean up the old house, get the remaining stuff out

Wed - go to closing on the old house

Thurs - see the radiation oncologist for simulation (no vacation from bc)

Fri and the whole Memorial Day weekend - rest, celebrate, rest, celebrate (and repeat as necessary!)

Then begin radiation the following week.

Yes, life is nuts sometimes, but it will be good to own only one house, be done with chemo, and get on with a new and different life.  The change of scenery will be a positive for both dh & I, I am sure.

Thanks again for not forgetting about me!

CHJ

P.S. almost forgot - I went back for my 6 month followup mammogram and check with the surgeon yesterday.  Everything is OK, come back in 6 months.  Whew!

Hi Ladies, I went to the Dr on Friday - still no chemo.  I had a test done on my  estrogen and I am producing way too much - which is bad.  So he is continuing tamoxifen and then I get another shot in the stomach to help more estrogen.  Then in June or July we will attack with chemo.  The Dr called me at home on Saturday to talk to me again and I told him - you have to keep me around for at least another 10 years and he said I will.  Can you believe that!  My Doctor promised me something.. He ha.

Tina - I graduate in Oct 08, and I cant wait.  In July I start my last level and  cant wait.  Sorry so late - Happy Belated Birthday - and you should celebrate each day as if its your birthday - remember that! 

I will cry like a big baby when I graduate.  Its something in life I finally did well and finished.  My Mom and God will be so proud of me!!!!  

I hope you Mothers had a Happy Mothers Day!

Once again Ladies I put you on my prayers list - so please continue to ask others to pray for me too.  God bless.

xoxox

Dana 

Kimberly:  Glad the massage was relaxing.  Maybe chemo CAN have some positives if your skin benefited from it.  Wish I could say the same of mine... but it is clearing up somewhat now that I've been done for a while.

Tina:  The recipe from your SP sounds yummy.  What a great idea!

Carol:  Thank God for helmets!  Can't wait to see what my ds will be into when he's older... will cause many gray hairs for me I'm sure (hey, at least I'll have some hair then).  Dh played ice hockey, football, and baseball, plus he golfs so I doubt my son will be doing anything dull.

Paula:  Don't feel bad, I haven't gotten my act together yet to send my poor SP anything yet either.  I have ideas, just need time to go shop.  I'm sure our SPs will be happy when they get something regardless of the wait.

CHJ:  Glad to see you're back over here.  I lurk on the TC thread still, but spend pretty much all my time here now since I'm done chemo.  Congrats again on finishing, and on your upcoming big move!

Dana:  Good to see your post and glad to hear school is continuing for you.  I guess it's also good to have a break from chemo for a few months??? Not sure about how you feel about that...

D1:  I am surprised that my energy level seems pretty good these days.  Don't know if it's my age, or the fact that I'm almost 8 weeks out from my last tx now-but it's nice regardless.  The only thing I notice is that I still get winded when walking real fast or going up a lot of steps.  I'm sure it's b/c my RBCs are still low.  And so crappy--- I still can't hear out of my ear!  I have to call my GP for a follow up appt.-on my list of to-dos.  While we're on the subject of recovery... how are your nails and hair status?  I never did have any nail issues.  I just notice some horizontal lines as they're growing out.  I lost my brows completely at about 6-7 weeks out, but they're starting to grow back in now.  Lashes went almost completely (about 5 on each eye now), but I do see some new "sprouts" coming in.  Hair on my head is getting there... not enough for me to ditch the wig yet, but I have hope...

That's it for me tonight Jewels.  Going to go watch the tail end of AI.  As for DWTS, I think Marisa's next.

Oh, I got my PS's gift today (how could I forget that?!)-so cool.  She must know I love to eat (did I put that on my card?  I should have!).  It was a package of gourmet pasta and sauces, and it has a recipe in it, too with a wine suggestion.  No, it's not Kimberly (I don't think so at least unless she got really crafty with the return address!).  I think I know who it is, but not positive yet, so I'm holding off on guessing for now.  But, thank you SP-I love it and can't wait to eat!!!

Have "off" tomorrow-not really.  2 meetings for the new job, another lunch, and then a meeting with my "old" office.  Whew!

Wow, where did the day go?  Finally getting a chance to check in, won't be up to shout outs tonight, I don't have the energy of Paula to stay up to the wee hours to post, and the tummy is not a happy camper tonight.

Spent a bit of time today on the ol' cel phone at work (what would I do without it), set up a time on Sunday to meet with Kalen and my other acquaintance (Debra) who was recently diagnosed, I mentioned about her a few days ago.   Debra told me this morning that she had an appt with the same onc that I see.  Long story short, she was also recommended a regimen of CMF.  Must be a Washington favorite.  She is getting a second opinion as well on Friday.  I'll be as anxious as she is to hear what the other doc recommends.  I was happy to tell her how tolerable the txt is, in comparison to what you all have went through, even though 6 months is a long time.

Kathy, I would have bet on Sis Kimberly with that SP gift as well. 

Hitting the tub and bed early, will probably be watching DWTS through my eyelids.   Looking forward to a morning with no cytoxan pills tomorrow, and 14 days of chemo holiday!  I'll be hitting the home stretch soon! 

Know I'm thinking of "ya all", maybe I'll be able to sneak a peak at work tomorrow.

Carol

Hi Jewels - it's after 1:00 a.m. and I can't sleep tonight. Guess I'm anxious for my surgery tomorrow. I got tons done today, so I'm much less stressed about things around the house and with school. That's a good thing!!

Yes, the ds came through for Mom's day --- he made me very proud. His letter was so thoughtful and full of quite a lot of insight for a 12-year old! Makes me think I might have gotten through to him a few weeks ago - let's hope!

It was the hubby getting the Hall of Fame award for wrestling - his high school team was inducted last night. It was a very nice banquet and quite a few of his team made it, which was really cool. He was one of the captains and was really hoping that several of the guys would come.

Carla - so good to hear from you!! Glad you're doing so well and you seem to have made some important decisions. Good for you!!

Kimberly - your spa day sounds wonderful!! I need to schedule a time for a good massage soon. Sounds like you might have a house full of Jewels once you get that "open" sign up!!

Carol - Congrats to the ds on making it to Nationals!! How cool! Glad to hear his skate partner is okay - sounds like that was quite a crash! You're so sweet to take him and his dad pizza since they missed the after-practice party!!

Tina - glad you had a nice birthday and Mom's day all in one! We had yucky weather and are still having it! It's supposed to rain pretty much all week here and has been storming most of the day and night today.

Paula - I don't know how you do it! Hope the fundraisers all go well for you and you're getting close to your goal! Get some rest when you can!

CHJ - Welcome back! You've been missed! Congrats on selling the house - sounds like you'll be pretty busy for a while with all the moving! Glad you have good help! Also congrats on finishing chemo - woooohooooo for you!!!

Kathy and Paula - I'm right there with you both on not getting the SP surprise mailed off yet! I haven't had time to get out and get what I want to get - now it'll be even longer with my surgery tomorrow. I haven't forgotten you - whoever you may be!!

Dana - you sound like you're staying strong, girl - glad your doc is on top of things. Good luck with all of your studying!

D1 - hope your purple boob heals up quickly and you get some relief soon.

Well, girls, I'm gonna try getting some sleep. We're heading out about 9:15 in the morning - my surgery is about an hour ½ away in St. Louis area and the construction is atrocious over there now - hoping we don't hit any major traffic. I'll be back in touch as soon as I can - they're keeping me overnight since we live so far away so the surgeon can check on me in the morning on Thursday before sending me home.

Take care all!!

Julie

Good Morning Gals,
So, I finally started my vision board yesty. I still need some pics, but it’s coming together. Now, I need to find some frames.

My appt. with the rads doc is today apparently. The gal who called to set it up told me the 15th and said the office would send me paperwork to fill out and bring with me. No paperwork has arrived, and I got a call yesty to confirm my appt. for this morning.  Hmmm. Not a very organized sounding office. Glad it’s just a consult.

LWDana- Hey, it’s good to hear from you, and heck yeah you’re going to be around for at least 10 more years!!!

October will be here before you know it, and you’ll be graduated and done with chemo, too. Yippee.

D1- I seem to have a thing with pet segways, as I did it again with CHJ who is pictured with her cat and who posted right after Paula’s post about cats. I don’t think noticing and appreciating a good segway is weird at all, but then look who you’re talking to. HeeHee

I would totally sacrifice yourself for the sake of researching this theory’s accuracy. Get a facial…oh heck, get a massage, too, while you’re at it. Couldn’t hurt to have the skin of the whole body checked out as well. Of course, laying on your stomach with purple Frankenboob may not yet be comfortable.

I’m with you about not knowing how our working girls do it.
I’m tired just thinking about going back to work.

Kathy- Awesome SP gift. Sghetti for dinner tonight, eh?
I think Marissa is gone, too. I didn’t watch last night, but it is DVR’d.  Sounds like you’re doing well as far as recovery except for the ear still being unable to hear. I wonder what is up with that.

Have a good “off” day. It sounds kind of busy to me, but if you say it’s an “off” day, then I’ll go with that.

Carla- How cute is that?  ((((HUGS)))) right back at ya!

Carol- Sorry to hear about your tummy, but yeah on the 14 day break!!!! WHooHoo!!!! 

That’s so great that you, Kalen, and Debbie are going to have a chance to get together. It is interesting how oncologists have their leanings towards treatments. It will be worthy of note to see what the other onc recommends.

Hope you got some rest last night.  (Oh, your post this morning sounded down right perky, so I guess you got some good sleep.)

Julie- Thinking of you today, girl. Good thing you’ll be able to catch up on your sleep during surgery and recovery since you were up past 1am. Glad you got all your stuff done so you don’t have to worry about it.
Just say, “Yeah” for Foobies.  Another step towards finishing this journey!!!!

Go get ‘em Wendy and Sheebas. Yeah for the last one, Sheebas!!!!

I sent a PM to both Wendy and Sheebas when I was doing an MIA check, but haven’t heard back from either, yet.  Hope all is well.

I’ll let you know how the rads appt. went when I get back. I think I’ll do a little shopping today and use the malls air conditioning.

SIS Kimberly

Had my "final markings" today for rads.  I had thought when they said tattoos it would be with a hot needle and would hurt at least a little.  I'm not sure exactly what they did, but it seemed like they took a tiny pin and pushed some ink into my skin.  You can barely see the three they did and if I hadn't been told they were doing it, I wouldn't have felt anything.  So, for any of you who still have this coming up, it is so not a big deal.

Dana -- keep up the good work in school.  It will be over before you know it.

D1 -- I know all about the scary nails.  My finger nails are a mess, but I figure this too shall pass.  I may go ahead and start painting them in a few weeks just to hid the dark ridges.  I'm lucky that I've always had strong nails, so haven't had a problem with tearing or breaking.

Kimberly -- I don't know what it is about rads offices, but mine is definitely the weakest link in the this whole process.  I was fortunate to get a standing time for rads that works very well with my schedule, but they sure aren't organized. 

Julie -- sending good thoughts you way that surgery went well and you have an easy recovery.

Good evening Jewels,

Just had suntan #7 today. I also saw the rad onc - it was postponed from Monday. I'm beginning to show a little pink and had some itching yesterday. I have been using the aquaphor but he gave me a sample of Xclair cream which is a prescription. More creamy and not as greasy as the aquaphor. Everything going pretty well so far. I have had some fatigue but not too bad yet.

I'm working full time so that's probably part of it. The onc nurse told me to do some walking which I intend to do more of. They also have a free 3 month membership to a health/gym club for cancer patients

which I am going to take advanage of.

I'm anxious to see the results show of AI tonight. Last night on DWTS was no shocker. Marisa seemed to know she wwould be the one going home.

Later,

Joan

Holy Toledo, finally got the chance to read the post tonight, been going like a wild woman since sun up. 

Big news in our house, the ds got his first "real" job.  Spent an hour (which I hadn't expected), talking with the manager (who happens to be his aunt), at a local restaurant.  I really thought that she would probably put him on a list for potential openings at some point.  Well the ds came back to the car which I was waiting in and had a schedule for the weekend to be a busser.  Works Friday night, Sat night  and Sunday as well (will be in training mode).  We have one busy beaver as he had already commited to working in the neighbors yard tomorrow and in his grandma's yard Sat morning.  Oh, the real life, no more lounging for hours surfing MySpace!!!  Our small town has a yearly festival (Viking Fest) this weekend, so the town will be packed as well as the restaurant, should be interesting for the ds.

Kimberly, the dh and I just got back from dinner out, we we're discussing a bit about our conversation this afternoon.  The question you proposed to me as to how close is close with my margins came up.  You'd think I would have known the numbers, whipped out the path report when we got home, and my margin stated that the margin is .5cm on the front page of the report and then states .2cm on the last page of the report at the chest wall for invasive carcinoma.  It also states that LCIS is present at the ink deep margin.  With that said, the dh suggested and I agreed that we should also get a second opinion with a radiologist.  Not thinking that I'll opt out of rads, but another opinion doesn't cost much but some time!

Julie, definitely been thinking of you today, hope your resting well this evening and get a restful night in the hospital.

Looks like another Jewel has something to celebrate come tomorrow, way to go Deb, congrats on this being your last visit to Chemotiniville!!!

Hate to be the "party pooper" but with as slow as I am with typing my shout outs, I'll have to pass again tonight, the 5:00 wakeup is already calling my name, I'll never make it through AI tonight! 

Know that my fellow Jewels are all on my mind often, and I wish the best to you all.

Pleasant dreams, Carol

Good Morning Jewels,

Before I say anything else, got an email from CarolC. She’s been overwhelmed with bc txs and se’s, losing her job in March, and the fears of financially not being able to keep up on bills and her insurance. Lots on her plate. The good news is she just accepted a job offer. She wants me to extend her best wishes to all of you and to apologize for being MIA, which I told her not even to worry about as we certainly understand.  She’ll try to check in when she’s able to manage it.

Hey Joan- Glad to hear your rads is going well so far and that the onc was able to give you a cream to lube the boob that will give you more relief that Aquafore.

Score on the gym membership!!!

Tina- Technical course, eh?  Sounds too much for my brain at this moment. Seeing as you are transitioning from working at home, can you wear jammies and fuzzy slippers to training, or do you suppose they’d frown upon that?

Snow until the end of May?  I have been sheltered! I thought living in Lake Tahoe during my 6th-12th grades was experiencing a ‘real’ winter. Guess not.

Carol-  Speaking of ‘real’, WhooHoo to the ds on his first real job, not that mowing lawns and stuff isn’t a real job.

The Viking Festival. That sounds interesting. My family’s origins show that we were Vikings who settled in Normandy, and then moved into Scotland.

I agree that a second opinion is never unwise (Oooh, a double negative. Shame on me). My onc told me I certainly could get a second opinion, but that she knew they’d tell me the same thing she did. I respect her honesty, but will check with my surgeon as I said earlier just to double check.

Hope you got some much needed sleep, my friend.

Paula- With all that you’re doing, just finishing chemo, and now doing rads, no wonder you’re in sleep mode. Glad you got to take a little time this morning.  Hope your company picnic goes well and that your McDonalds fundraiser gets you to your goal when added to private donations coming in.

Thanks for your support regarding rads.  It is such a crap shoot, isn’t it?  I just have to believe that asking lots of questions and getting lots of information is all I can do to feel confident in my decision in the end.

Julie- Thinking about you and hoping the new foobies are not causing you too much discomfort.

I have to drop my ‘stang off today at the dealer. The damper that should switch from defrost mode to vent mode isn’t working, so air conditioning only comes out of the defrost vents at the windshield and some air on the floor, but nothing out of the vents.  Not going to work in the 100 degree weather we are going to experience over the next 4 days.

Have a good day ladies. I’ll check in later.

SIS Kimberly

Carol and gang, that's right, no news on the PET scan, trying to leave a message at the Onc's office is an exercise in frustration.

I've never played golf, but went to a driving range one time and hit a bunch of balls. I know exactly what you mean about the bat swing being counter-productive. All I could hit with the golf club was line drives ... couldn't get any loft in the ball. I was afraid to come up on the ball on the tee, was afraid I'd hit the ground and snap the club or something. 

Norma, have a well deserved weekend full of fun, don't do anything I wouldn't do !!!  Don't tell my boss that I'm on-line during work hours, (he's in SC himself, hitting the links with some golf buddies)!!!

Keep the "gals" out of the sun, but let the rest of your body soak up some good ol' Vit D.

Here's to a great time!

Kimberly, thanks for the update on CarolC, I'll be sending positive vibes her way that things start to turnaround for her.  Life works in mysterious ways adding insult to injury for too many of us. 

I sent off a e-mail to Jennifer who has been MIA as well, havn't heard anything from her.  I go back to the theory that no news is good news.   

Okay, back to why I'm at work, must get something done, although my lack of interest at my work is taking its toll.

Carol

Giving a quick hello to each and everyone. I hope everyone is doing well.

Julie K I hope your surgery went well. Sending get well wishes your way.

I treated myself to a massage last week. It was sooo nice. Was my very first one. I will be going back for more.

Say onc yesterday He wants me to have a MRI for the new lumps found. I will have it after my last chemo which is June 6th. He does not seem to worried. So neither am I.

I am to see surgeon within the next month to decided whey surgery will be.

I went to Support Group last night. There was a guest speaker there Topic was Chemo Brain. The speaker was a neurologist in the oncology field. He and my onc did a study involving b/c patients and the effects of chemo effecting the brain.

Oh work has been so busy. I work in Morgantown (Collage town) for the water company. The phones have been ringing non stop from mooring to quiting time. We have 4 lines and 4 that are on hold waiting to ring in. And we have lack of help. Students moving in,out or from apt to apt. We are busy like this the whole month of May.

I am whipped out when I get home.

My dear Mom brought over homemade apple dumplings. My Aunt and her 2 friends will make about 200 and will see them for the relay for life (along with ice cream) Last year they made over 400.00 Just by selling them.

Well gonna go get ready for bed.

I will be tackling the Red Devil  (A/C)tomorrow                   

 Take Care

CARLA