Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

Kris, looks like you are the woman tomorrow for txt, sorry gal you have to pick up your own tab!  That light at the end of the tunnel is getting much brighter.  Here's to an uneventful txt. 

Just read an e-mail from Debra, looks as if she is going to get one more opinion before signing on for a chemo regimen.  I say go for it, she has a bit of time as she is still recovering from her mast surgery so why not chat with yet another doc.  Bottom line is that she feels confident in her decision. 

D1, hey you know me, I'm ready to chat anytime!  I have yet to chat with any Jewel friend and not felt really good afterwards!!!  As we've all probably said a few times, "hubbies, significant others, friends, co-workers" etc, are awesome support but there is still something about the "sisterhood" of being in the same shoes.

Later, Carol

Good Morning Jewels,

Only going to be in the low 80’s today…whew, that will be a nice break from the 100’s.

D1- OK, so you’re right about there being no time like the present. I promise to get my DVD workout going as soon as I’m done posting. Thanks for the motivational kick in the arse.

I am so impressed with you getting all the computers hooked up to the wireless router.

A new car in the family, eh? Bet it will be a gets good gas mileage kind of car with the price of gas these days. Will you give the college girl one of the older cars and get something new for yourselves or buy a used car for her?

Good luck on the Nationals discussion.


Julie- Oh yes, I forgot about having to be propped up. I wonder if I’ll have to do that again when I do the exchange.  Therese, can you answer that question?

Glad you were up for a little post, Julie. Take care of those foobies. You should get the tubes out 10 to 14 days from the surgery date if all is draining well.

I agree with D1, keep taking your pain meds for as long as you need them. No need to be uncomfortable if you don’t need to be. Know that your chest will spasm like labor pains, so if you don’t have a muscle relaxer, that might be something to ask the surgeon about.

CathyCa- Hey, one down, 32 more to go. Hope the mammo is sooner rather than later when the boob is pink and sore.

We’ve got a cooling trend coming in this week, Cathy. Hang in there.

Are you taking any classes this summer?

I’m so glad to hear your Dad is feeling so much better.
LOL on your son wanting to push granddad in a wheelchair in order to get up close. Gotta admire that kind of problem solving with the huge crowds that will be at the Open. As self-serving as it may appear, they’ll both benefit with an up close and personal view, and granddad gets to relax while the son gets a workout!

Tina- Another exchange surgery in our midst. It will be foobie central as of June 6th when I get mine done.  Hey, Julie,you, and I can be The Three Foobies instead of The Three Stooges (or The Three Muscateers). Oh wait, that would be The Six Foobies, wouldn’t it? Never mind.  Best wishes on your surgery and enjoy your getaway.  I’ll be in Sedona when you get back unless you’re feeling well enough to post before you leave on Thursday, so I’ll check in with ya upon my return. I’ll be asking you and Therese lots of questions since you’ll be the veterans in the group.  Oh,wait, Kathy is the real veteran with her nip done and tat soon to come.  Be ready, Kath, you’ve got three interns to mentor.

Carol- Bravo on pushing through and ending the day with a 4.5 mile walk. I need that kind of mental fortitude. Of course, wanting to get out and get stuff done when the sun is out is understandable, but you’re right about remembering to listen to your body. Getting your exercise is important for sure, and hitting a wall is your body saying, “Hey, trying to rebuild healthy cells here. Could you conserve a little energy, please”. It certainly is a balancing act isn’t it?


I watched that Oprah, too. I loved The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Also, I got caught up on the one with Dr. Oz and hypnosis. That was interesting.


LOL on the dh thinking he could sing after a nip of the good stuff.  NO singing for me, OK I tried to join in on the singing for our retirees, but the words were set to tunes I didn’t know. Apparently before my time or during a time I wouldn’t have paid attention to it.(Trying to make myself feel better about being one of the older teachers on campus now that these gals have decided to retire.) I just experienced melon sweating…I was detoxing…yeah, that’s what it was. HaHa.

Good for Debra! I’m glad she’s taking the time to really do the research and get as many opinions as she can so that she’s comfortable with her choice. I’m sure your talk on Sunday really helped her out.

Carla- Hey girl!!!!  You’re almost done. WhooHoo. As soon as you get through the fog you’ll be able to really celebrate being able to see the light at the end of the tunnel.  Thanks for the info about chemo brain. My students would probably appreciate my not having long term chemo brain effects…then again, they could say, “I did turn in that project Ms. Montgomery. You must have misplaced it. That darn chemo brain.”

OK, Kris. Go kick some cancer booty today. Getting closer and closer to being done with those 12 weekly infusions.

Well, I’m off to do my workout. I’ll check back in later.

SIS Kimberly

D1- Man...you're like a whirling dirvish!!!! I'm tired just reading what you've done today. 

Bummer about the college girl's job falling through. Being hired for just a month is probably going to be difficult. I wish her luck.

Yes, you can cancel the insurance for a year, and the DMV has a form you can fill out saying the car will be parked for a year and avoid registration as well. Of course, the car(s) can't be driven even when dd is visiting from her freshman year, which means car sharing during visits.

OK, so I only did a 20 minute workout with my mat, ball, band, and hand weights, but it is a start.  I'll walk tonight when it cools off a bit.

Glad you enjoyed my off the wall attempt at humor.  I never know if it's just me who thinks its funny or not.  My twinsis and I crack eachother up all the time, and I'm sure others would think we were just out there.

I wish I could taste enchiladas.  Enjoy!!!!

SIS Kimberly- one third of The Six Foobies.

Hi Jewels!

Today I had my herceptin infusion.  So nice to just be down to that-- no reactions, just a nice 2 hr. block of "quiet" time.  Today I chatted with a lady that just started her chemo journey.  She's doing weekly herceptin, and TC every 3 weeks (has had only one TC so far).  I gave her my e-mail to keep in touch and write with any questions or just to chat with someone "who knows how it feels". I'll of course tell her about this great site!

The new job is going really well so far.  I'll get my first paycheck Friday-- that should make me smile even more!  They have been so supportive and it really was a good move for me right now.  Surprisingly, my "old" job is also coming through in ways I did not expect.  I guess it's good all around. 

dh comes home tomorrow night.  He probably won't get here until midnight.  I've really missed him, as have the kids.  It'll be nice to have him home again.  My mom went home tonight.  She was a big help and it was nice to have her around for a few days.  I'll see her again in 2 weeks when I do my Relay. 

Tomorrow I truly have a day off (no meetings!), so it should be nice to do things at my own pace.  I'm meeting a friend to help her find a prosthetic (sp?) boob.  Her expander did not work on the one side, so she has to wait until after rads to see what our ps can do for her in reconstructing.

It's nice to read how everyone is doing, and how busy we all have been!

Kimberly, Julie, and Tina:  Please let me know what questions you have about the exchange surgery.  Kimberly, I found I did very well afterwards.  I barely had to take any pain meds (barely one day of Percocet; I mostly took Advil), and really was pretty comfortable sleeping.  I did not need to prop myself up like I did (for weeks) after the mastectomy.  Recover was only a long weekend, and then I was back to work.  You guys will be amazed at how much better the implants feel!  June 4 I get my tat and then I'm done. 

So tonight I tuned into to AI.  Will be interesting to see who wins.  I'd like to see David Cook.

Also watching DWTS while I type.  No surprise who the final 2 are.  Though I liked #3 a lot.  I still think Kristi will win it all.

Thinking of you all tonight.  Hugs to everyone.

Hey Jewels, too cool, a replay of last nights DWTS, hope the DVR is getting AI.  Watching a little DWTS with the dh, he missed last nights show due to work.  If Christy doesn't take the trophy, I'd be surprised.

D1, yikes, I would rather go to work than clean an oven.  I've been so fortunate to have a housecleaner for many years.  Its funny when we go over the budget, both the dh and I aren't willing to give her up.  I love to do yard work, but indoor housework, yuckers!  I'd be burn't up too! 

Kimberly, thanks for sharing the website with the pics, checked them out, looks like an awesome day.  You we're pretty easy to spot in shots with the bright pink hat and just a touch of baltitude shouting out!!!  It was great to see some pics as the last I believe we have seen of you were back in your cape and "tini" glass days. Looking good there gal!!!

No taste yet ... gads I know having a stupid cold for a day or two with a stuffy nose ticks me off when I can't enjoy the taste of food, you've been on that band wagon way too long.   Feel for ya!

Carla, hoping by tomorrow your feeling a bit more up to snuff.  Good for you to take some time off when your needing it.  Its great to hear a post from you that your thinking of Carla and making some great decisions to put yourself on the "front burner".

Oooooh, looking forward to a massage myself on Monday.  Not overly wild about having a male therapist but we'll see how it goes.  I've only had a male therapist once in the past and maybe I was too passive to express to him to kick it up a notch ... I wasn't there for a warm fuzzy, wanted a hurt so good rub down at the time.  At this point in time I'm not thinking I need a "hurt so good" as much as a "feel good" treatment, I'll also be upfront with what I expect. 

Kathy, don't know if its a good thing or not to be happy for your "down time", kinda sad that it has to be done while sitting in a chemo center, but hey might as well relax when opportunity arises.

Sounds as if work from all aspects is going pretty darn good.  Glad to hear it, enjoy your free day tomorrow.  Well kinda free, I'm not quite sure what that is with young ones.

Off to the tubber and then to watch the finals of DWTS.

A good eve to all,

Carol

Hi JJ's,

Wow, from reading through the posts over the past couple of days y'all have been busy... & chatty!! For the most part, though, that's a good sign - means we're all starting to "get our groove" back.

sheshe - I'm so sorry to hear about your gb attacks - I know when my father had them he was miserable - & le to boot - I'm sure D1 will be a good mentor in that department.

LJ13 - Any news on the PETscan results? I think waiting is one of the hardest part of all this bc bs ( please pardon my French abbreviation)

Julie - Congrats on the dh making the Hall of Fame at school - what an honor!! Hope you're on the mend from your foobie surgery. I'm 2 weeks out from mine & I feel pretty good. They haven't completely fluffed out yet b/c we decided to go a size bigger (600cc) than the expanders (450cc) but the shape has still changed a little from 2 weeks ago. Whether it's narcotic pain meds or OTC pain meds, take whatever it takes to make yourself comfortable. Pain control is a very important part of the healing process.

Kimberly - Wow girl, you really are a goin' Jesse! Tahoe...Sedona, with a little tequila mixed in:D

In regards to propping the foobies up: I did not have to do that after this surgery. I did have to wear the ace wrap around my chest for 48hrs, followed by a sports bra 24/7 for 2 weeks. Even though they haven't fluffed yet, they still are shapin' up real nice.

As far as working out goes - my ps banned me from working out until the first of June. She had to release some scar tissue on the inside of my left foob, requiring her to score the tissue like a grid - this takes a little longer to heal, so to avoid the risk of bleeding & developing a hematoma, she doesn't want me doing anything that raises my hr/bp...and just when I was starting to get in a nice, consistent workout routine...I know, all for the best.

Patty - 1/2 way through rads...good for you!! Hope Denise is on the mend, physically, from her AND surgery - sorry to hear about the positive node, though. My prayers remain with both of you for the strength to endure. It must be hard to watch someone you love have to endure what you've been struggling throughyourself.

D1 - you, my friend, have been one busy beaver! Front yard work... hooking up computers...scouring & scrubbing...those are all of the things I need to do around here! Since I can't do too many strenuous things until the first of June, I'll just have to live vicariously through you. Are "we" taking the day off today, b/c "I am" pretty tired after all that work.

My oldest dd turns 12 today - I can't imagine her driving, but I guess we're just a hop-skip-&-a jump away from having the "car discussion". They do grow up fast.

Tina - Hope the surgery went well - did you have to spend the night?

It's definitely a quicker recovery, then after the mastectomy. I wish I had caught up on all my outdoor yardwork before my surgery - good for you!

Hope you & the dh have a nice, relaxing getaway...what a way to recoup!

Carol - Did you get a chance to watch AI? I so want David C. to win - I just don't think the other David is mature enough, emotionally speaking & talent-wise.

WVgirl - How long did they say chemo brain can linger? For me, I think, either chemo brain has effected my ability to multi-task like I used to, or bc itself has affected my desire to multi-task like I used to pre-bc - it's probably a little of both, but mostly the latter. I feel like it's not just the physiological aspects of chemo that effects our brains, but the mental & emotional effects of bc itself...that's just my theory based only on what I've experienced so far.

KathyL - Sounds like your new job is a good fit all around? You've definitely got some celebrating to do w/ the dh back home & a "first" paycheck coming down the pike!!

Well, I'm off to go pick up the dd's birthday cake...oops, I mean birthday cookie!

Have a great day everyone,

Therese

Good Morning Jewels,
My calendar is full today. I have to go to the post office to mail my SP surprise, and to Goodwill to drop off a bag of stuff, then to my ps for my appt regarding surgery, next to meet a friend I haven’t seen in awhile for lunch, after that to the mall to meet some teachers for a little shopping and an early dinner before Open House, and finally to Open House.  A long day!!!!

Guess what?  I booked our Grand Canyon rim tour in Flagstaff and our Vortex tour and healing treatments in Sedona yesterday. The gal helping me from Sedona…her name is Jewel! 

Kathy- I’m so glad you had a chance to have a two hour block of quiet time. Bummer it had to happen at an infusion center. A nice sunny spot at the beach or in a flower filled meadow or next to a meandering stream in a forest sounds much more appealing. 

Way to go on paying it forward with the gal just starting her journey, and for a soobie in a box (silicone boobie) shopping with your friend. Bummer the expander didn’t work, but I’ll bet it will all work out in the end, and she’ll be glad she waited until after rads anyway.

Isn’t the universe wonderful?  Getting this job and finding unexpected perks from the old one is the reward for walking through that door marked opportunity even though you weren’t certain.  WhooHoo, I am so happy for you!!!!

So, what’s on the list for needs/wants with that paycheck coming in this week?

It sounds like you didn’t have any drainage tubes with your exchange. I’ll have tubes for 10 days, but still, that’s nothing compared to the bilateral mastectomy.

Carol- Glad you liked the pics, and thanks for the compliment.

I DVRd the final DWTS, so I’ll watch it when I’m done posting.

A massage on Monday is something to look forward to…enjoy!!

Kris- WhooHoo…half way there!!!!  FUSE!!!! Those aches are the pits and getting little sleep is downright unfair.

Speaking of unfair, hair is returning on your legs already?
You should have at least a few more months of no shaving if you have to deal with se’s. Heckendorns!!!!

Glad you checked in to say Hi. No worries about ‘not being able to keep up’. We don’t expect shout outs only an update on how you are. Shout outs are just a bonus.

Therese- Weird, my ps decided to go from the 600cc expander down to a 450 or so cc implant due to the incredible stretching that occurred with the infection. He thinks the skin will bounce back better if it isn’t forced to stretch anymore. Glad your girls are shaping up and slowly fluffing out.

Yeah on not having to sleep upright forever, and I guess I’ll find out about the need for a sports bra when I see him today.

Happy b-day to the 12 year old. She’s on the last of the tween years. How exciting! And the adventure in motherhood really begins as the hormones kick in to high gear and the adolescent angst rears its moody head.  Yes, I am crazy. I choose to live in that world teaching 7th and 8th graders (and love it).

I agree that my inability to multi-task like I used to is a combination of chemo brain and the whole experience of bc. I think I really don’t feel the need to hurry through my life by multitasking to get it all done in time. In time for what?  I find I prioritize more now and don’t worry if everything on the list doesn’t get done.

Have a great day all. I’ll try to check back in tonight when I get back from Open House.

SIS Kimberly

Wendy and Judy, sorry for the late shoutout to kick some cancer booty today at the lounge, yeah Judy last one, gotta like that.

LJ, great news on the PET, was wondering how that turned out without be too snoopy.  Looks like you'll be ready to rock with surgery next Thurs.

Tina, sounds like surgery went very well, saw you watched "Deadliest Catch"  my dh back in his "hay day" work on the crab boats in Alaska, in fact he knows one of the captains thats on the show.  He says its definitely work for the younger guys. 

Try to lay low over the weekend, I don't know about you, but unless I'm away from my house I seem to want to keep "puttering" about. 

Therese, it is pretty cool how so many of us are getting back to a somewhat normal life, I love your quote "getting your groove back".  Thats so true.  I hope to be really groovin' soon.

Geez, I'm feeling a bit like the step-child once again, first it was being the only one on CMF, now its sporting my "pre-fluffed" boob from Nordy's instead of surgery.  I'm so glad that the surgeries so many of you are having seem to be a breeze in comparison to whats gone on the last few months.

Kimberly, busy as ever I see, when would you have time to work?  Glad to see your taking advantage of time off and having some fun to boot.  Ooooh, Sedona is sounding like heaven ... we're back to clouds and about 50 some degrees. 

I've called today to up my rad simulation by 12 days, I want to make sure that I'm done prior to wanting to head south in Aug.  Got your

PM, looking at heading down the weekend of Aug 15-16, hopefully something will work out, even if its just a quick dinner out during the week, we'll be on a very flexible schedule. 

Kris, I could do without the hair growth on my legs atleast to get me through the summer months ... its been interesting that my hair on my head has just thinned but the pits and legs are almost bare.  Works for me!!!

Back to work ...  Carol

HELP............

My Doctor (onco) is asking me to think about removing my ovaries now.  I am taking tamoxifen and will be taking a shot later this month to continue to block my hormones.  I dont know if I should remove the ovaries or stay on the blockers.  I am Er and PR and Her2+ and I want to know if that will help me.  I am going in on Friday to talk to him, then following that appt I am going to the gyno and see what she says.  I want to continue to fight this tumor with chemo and I dont understand why we are waiting and addressing only the hormones.  If anyone can give me any suggestions I would greatly appreciate it.

Yes I would like a child even though I am 38 years old! I havent had one because I knew I wasnt financial ready or picked the right donor (he ha).  So I didnt want to bring a child into this world until I was right and ready.  I am now working in school in Maternity and it is killing me to see all these little babies.  I know I can still adopt and then I worry what if I dont live long and my baby doesnt have me.  There are so many thoughts going through my mind.  I feel so confused and as silly as it may sound I wish my Mom was alive to tell me what to do.  I am having a hard time making this decision and I need help.  I have been crying lately over this decision but if it will save or prolong my life I have to do it.   I also know the chances of me finding Mr Right and having a baby is very rare - so please help me.

So if any of you can help me please do! 

Okay, my quickie version of my babbling on I had type and lost... my dh can only snicker at me since he always asked me if I'm typing in word.  He is so tired of hearing me bitch when I lose something.  Had to use my new "fan on a lanyard".  Another nice gesture the dh brought home a couple nights ago.

Kimberly, taking off starting on the Fri the 15Aug,  that would be too cool if your going to be home that weekend, we'd more than likely take a day and a half to drive down.  The "sleep number" sounds inviting, thanks so much for the offer.

Kathy, enjoy your "reunion"with the dh and sounds like good timing to be able to attend your kids picnic tomorrow.

Dana, my thought is to get a 2^nd op if your able.  Sorry that your having to make such tough decisions.  I'm sure that you will receive some good insight from our Jewel family.  Looks like Sis Kimberly already has added her thoughts.

I have taken note that Jennifer has been MIA for over a month.  Don't know if anybody has had any contact with her, I tried a e-mail, and today decided to leave a voicemail on their home phone.  So far, no response, would really like to know if she is doing okay.  I know this post can be a bit overwhelming but really hope it hasn't deterred anybody from popping in.

All for tonight, as for you all, I probably spared you my babbling with the loss of my earlier post.

Night all, Carol

D1, was posting the same time, would like to chat after reading your synopsis of your onc appt, my head was spinning just reading your post.  I'll try to catch you in the next day or two, maybe between cleaning and hitting the gym!

News from Wendy.

Hi SIS Kimberly,

Sorry I havn't checked in I havn't really been online exept to pay bills and such.  I'm trying to work as much as I can, Taxol weekly has got my in SE fog I don't have the energy to even get online and read.  Thanks for checking on me I am going to try to get caught up soon on all the jewel news.  I hope all is well with you and the girls.

Wendy

Hi SIS Kimberly,

I did not read your post and we are both talking about hormonal treatments. It must be on both our minds, the reason why I don't want to take Tomox is because I only have a 10% chance of it helping me. I feel the risk out wieghs the cure. And you are right the side effects are bad. I hope you are coming out of the fog, I did not realize you were getting weekly treatments of Taxol. Feel better soon. Glad you had a nice time at the retirement party and Tohoe.

Dana  I'm also ER and PR positive, but I'm Her 2-. The type of cancer that we have feeds on estergen unfortunly, that is a big decision. I have had my ovaries out and my oncologist wants me to also go on hormonal therapy. Estergen is also made from other areas of the body. The ovaries is the major source. There is no easy answer to this problem.  It comes down to what's best for Dana. I know you want to be a mother, motherhood is the greatest thing. You could consider adoption one day when you are healed. I pray Dana you will find your answer, God speed sweetie. How is your dog doing?

Is everyone's hair coming back? I noticed on Monday my eye lashes and eye brows are coming in, and my hair on my head is growing back too. It is so cool.

Good afternoon Jewels,
OMG those little twins were just soooo cute. Charles was born at almost 5 pounds and is just about 8 pounds now and Emma Claire was born at 2 pounds 7 ounces and just hit 6 pounds.  They were premature and stayed a month in the hospital. My twinsis and I were little like Emma Claire.

Sherry- I’m not taking Taxol.  I was relaying a message from Wendy who hasn’t been able to get online much these days. 

I totally understand you not wanting to take Tamox. It isn’t even suggested for postmenopausal women, so what is your onc thinking?  An AI is what is recommended.  Good for you for standing up for yourself.

I have no eyebrow hairs left on either side.  My left eye has no lashes, and my right has a couple left. My peach fuzz is getting more noticeable…thicker I guess, but there is no pigment to speak of yet.

SIS Kimberly

Hi Jewels,

Been kinda a quiet day on the post, I'll take that as a good sign. 

Sherry, sounds like your rad center is top notch and goes above and beyond for support to its patients.  So glad that you are having a better experience there than you've had in the past.  Yikes on the burn, but sounds like you have a game plan in place that is working to relieve some soreness, atleast at night.

Hope the cake was delicious ... as far as weekend plans, going to walk (training for the 3day)  over in Seattle Sat morning with Ginny, so much for a sleep in, catching a 6:30am ferry to the big city.  Other than that, just plan on doing some more puttering in the yard, we have gold fish in a lined whiskey barrel, the doggone fish have survived about 4 or 5 years and have outgrown their surroundings.  The dh bought a larger "environment" for them, so we'll be doing a very small excavating job to put that in and line it with some landscaping bricks.   Watch um kick the bucket!!!

Kimberly, how fun to see the twins (love their names).  I bet it was a thrilled to see the little ones, especially being a twin yourself.  We have friends who spent about 10 years trying to get preggo, at which point they opted for some major intervention and had twins.  Yeah for that, and then they had a very unexpected BINGO and got preggo on their own and you guessed it twins again about 15 months after the first set.   Talk about a hand full, but all cutie-pa-tuties!

Leave it to you to help educate so many of us with your bounds of research.   I always appreciate reading/hearing about what you find in your dissection of unlimited info.  Looks like you've given D1 some more food for thought!

Hey with the weather in Sedona, looks like you'll have to find time for some indoor extra curricular activities!!!

D1, enjoyed the yak once again, sure wish the rest of my work day would go by that fast.  Probably made you run late on the rest of your day, sorry bout that! 

Went for a 4 mile walk with my brother tonight, he offered to walk on some training walks with me (although unable to walk the 3day).  It's great to spend some time with him, although we live in the same town, we really don't see each other too often so its very special to me that he would take the time to hang with his little sis.   Had to get home to get the ds to work ... wish "us" luck with his driver test tomorrow, sure hope he gets his license.  I'm not wanting to pick him up for work this weekend at 11:00pm, and would be more than happy to loan the car out!!

Time to check a roast that I'm trying to cook on the bar'b.  

A good eve to all, Carol