Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

Hi Ladies,

So if your read this post from the bottom up, you go from cracking up to somber moments.

On the lighter side ... D1, watermelon baby shampoo???  So what kind of dog do you have?  Been there, done that with the teeth cleanings and extractions.  I swear we've spent 10 times as much on our dogs teeth than our own.

Look out VA, if your family is showing up!  Sounds like you'll be preparing for a fun 4th.

How bout those hot flashes ... mine have gone from just in the eve and night to catching me during the middle of the day.  Had to grab a magazine at the lunch table today to combat one, the guys are going to have a hay-day with this one!!!  Maybe I could wear my "fan on a string" to work, now there's a sight!

Kimberly, happy to report that I looked to see if Steph's car was back at work this afternoon, he had told me if his appt went well he was coming back to work this afternoon.  YEAH ... I saw his car and had to stop at the bldg he works at to give him a couple very big hugs.  His report showed that his tumors both lung and liver had not spread elsewhere and also showed no apparent growth.  He was planning on going to NV to see his Mom in a few weeks and his Dr (who is my Dr), said go and have a good time.  He will be starting with more chemo upon his return.  Needless to say he had a little getty-up in his step this afternoon.  I told him I asked for a few extra good vibes be sent his way and he was very gracious. 

Aaaahhh, its gotta feel good to have those drains gone and be able to take a shower.  What's up with the bug bites???  Didn't that little bugger know what you've been through???

Kind of a bummer about the re-schedule of your cleaning, but I guess in the grand scheme of things its pretty minor.  I've been trying real hard to take that motto, and keep my knickers out of knot over things that aren't really that big of a deal.  As my dh says, "it will all work out".  This used to pissed me off when I was spun up over some trivial thing, but you know, what he is "almost" always right. 

Jennifer, sounds like a case of the weepies is what you may need right now.  I'm so sorry to hear about your friend's son.  It doesn't matter what the circumstances may be, I can't imagine having a child and feeling helpless to try and make things be okay. 

Talking about cooking, I've been close to non-existent in the kitchen.  I think other than a chicken recipe of Kimberly's I havn't had a cookbook out in 8 months.  It's about time for me to get geared up.  Hate to say it, but I've really missed not having a little nipper of vino while puttering in the kitchen.  So I havn't puttered!!!

Norma, glad to see your post, and thanks for sharing the great news on your PET.  

Sounds like your still close with your ex-bil and your supporting him the best you can.  This whole cancer thing sucks, point blank!!!

I've been getting a kick out of the hair stories, I have about 3 weeks of "shedding" yet to do.  And as many of you, its will be time to get back to the "old" color, not this "old" salt and pepper look!

Kris, getting closer all the time to the end of your txt.  I'll be about a month behind you on the Tamo gig!!!  Thanks for popping in.

Joan, boy with all my complaining about a long txt regimen, time does seem to be flying by.  It seems like just a couple days ago you we're starting your rads, and now your almost done.   I'm not hearing about any ugly se's, so I take it your doing pretty well.

Speaking of Joan's white board, my chest has that look tonight as well.  Went in today for my simulation.  Happy to report that even the tats were not "stimulating".  I think somebody else (maybe Paula) had mentioned that they we're still numb in the area where the tats we're done, I'll ditto that.  They did do one clear on the otherside of my remaining breast.  Seemed like a strange place, but what the heck, I did feel that one, but no big deal.  I'll be starting on 23 June, with 35 blasts.  As I looked at my calendar, that will give me about 3 days before I'm ready to leave on "cation".  I initially thought that it was 6 weeks of txt, but it appears to be 7.  Shucks!!!

I'm off tonight to a seminar at the local hospital entitled, "Knowledge is Power".   Its supposed to discuss the most current technology in detecting bc.  I called to see if it would be appropriate to listen in if you had already been diagnosed.  The answer was overwhelmingly "yes". 

Tomorrow I'm working in the morning, then off to the Seattle side of the pond with my gf who is also walking the 3 day.  We're heading to Ginny's house, having dinner, spending the night, and off to a 10 mile training walk at 6:30am Sat morning.  Following that there is an Expo to help prepare us newbies for the 3 Day Experience.  I'm really looking forward to having my gf meet Ginny.  She is one heck of a woman and been so supportive to me the past 6 months.  Not having a Mom around myself, she has definitely been that and more to me throughout my journey.  As I told her, she is the "coolest" older person I know.  

So, more than likely I'll be MIA til Sat night, I'll be hoping for a great Friday for you all, and to those dealing with the wicked weather, I'm thinking of ya.   

Night, Carol  

Hey JJs,

Lying in bed with the laptop, just finished reading the posts.

Jenn- I will be praying for Melissa and her son. What a terrible situation for any mother to be in!

PALady- Great news on the PET Scan. Trying to remember what was going on with you that you had one... was it leg pain? I saw my onco yesterday and he diagnosed me as RLS (restless legs syndrome). Says it is a side effect of chemo that causes peripheral neuropathy (like Taxol/Taxotere). He referred me to a neurologist for further eval and started me on Mirapex in the mean time.

Hope your ex-bil does well with his treatment. What type of cancer does he have?

Your brother was so young when he was diagnosed. I'm glad he had 10 extra years with your family. I know you cherished those days!

Carol- how's the tummy? Congrats on graduating from the Cream of Wheat (COW) diet  

Excellent news about Steph! Please tell him we're all sending good thoughts to him!

I hope you enjoy your outing and the training this weekend!

Sherry= you've had a lot on your plate lately. Don't try to go back and catch up (you can do that later when things settle down for you!), just move forward. Good to "see" your posts again!

D1- congrats on your dd's accomplishments!

Joan- you're finished with the whole breast treatments tomorrow, right? I'm looking a little "sunburned" here--esp. my chest right below my collar bone. I'm a bit uncomfortable but managing okay.

Kimberly- I'm coming to Palo Alto August 5-15. Dd will be at Stanford the whole time and I'll be roaming around taking in the sites (probably just me, but not sure about that yet). I would love to meet you while I'm out there!

Kathy- they still make Sun-In? I put that on my hair about 20 years ago and turned my hair a lovely shade of orange! Guess I'll have to wait for the highlights...

Julie- hope you get the pool going for this weekend!

Dh started his clinical trial today. First day wasn't so bad. Onco cleared him to travel, so we're on for the trip to Dallas next week. We'll fly out Tuesday.

Looking forward to the down time that will follow after that trip is over. I'm ready for a break!

Take care all--have a good Friday.

Paula

Good Friday afternoon ladies,

Carol - Happy (belated) Anniversary! Wow, what a first year.  Sounds like you got a keeper. I want to do the Reach to Recovery program too. I did not have a good mentor at all - it was quite disappointing. I think you have to be one year out from treatment to be a mentor. You will definitely be a good one. So did you ever find out how to go to a specific page on a thread? I have tried doing it on a couple of threads and it can take a long time to find what you're looking for going page by page.  High five on being done with your chemo! So do are all these training walks done in big groups of whomever is going to do the 3 day? I am trying to figure out how you keep meeting all these people. I had to laugh at your comments about dh keeping his eyes open. My oldest just had his senior portraits done ( why they do it now is beyond me) but he came home complaining how the photographer kept making him hold his eyes open. Some of them came out really weird looking as he is a squinter also. Have fun on your sleepover.

Tina - so sorry to hear about your cat. That would be hard to do, but you know you did right by her. Great picture of your ds. He looks a lot like you. I am sure you will be busy trying to get ready for the graduation party.  My oldest will be a senior next year so I am taking in all the advice I can from friends that are graduating this year.

Kimberly -Your trip sounds fantastic! We have been to Phoenix, but not made it up to the Grand Canyon.  Thanks for the details! I loved your dog story, too. How nice to have a cleaning lady. I had one for a short period of time when I was babysitting. Figured that would be  great place to spend the money. Now, since I don't work out of the house, I feel too guilty to spend the money on it. I have always said if I ever go back to work, that is the FIRST thing I will do with the money cause I don't like doing it myself! Congrats on being done with your treatment! It is a wonderful feeling, isn't it? Nice pic of you and dh. Have a fun weekend !

LJ - Congrats on your path report! That is wonderful to hear. When was your last chemo? Your hair sounds like it is at the same stage as mine.

Paula - It is so good that you have a medical background for all you guys are going through. And what a bonus to have Ed's niece help you. Like Kimberly said, someone has to be in the 25% responders - might as well be Ed! You have got to be just about done with your rads - sounds like you are holding up pretty well.  How cool you will get to meet Carol and Kimberly.  What is your trip to Dallas for - pleasure?

Kathy - How is your tattoo coming along? I met a lady at that young survivor meeting who was 6 years out. She said she had a double mastectomy and tattoos done on her implants and she loved them. Thought they were better than the original! Congrats on raising $1200 - that is awesome! Sounds like your relay was great. I love the pictures!

Jenn - You sure have had the storms lately. I get the restless legs sometimes, too and figured out it was from the decongestant I take each night. I get them about an hour to an hour and a half after I take it. I need to either be fast asleep at the time or wide awake, otherwise I am moving all around like you. Are yours getting any better? I have heard of putting the bar of soap under the sheets of you bed for cramps, I would try that - just to see. I think you are the first to go with the hair color. I am just about ready to do mine. I have a feeling I will be done with my headcoverings in a week or so. So sorry to her about bff's son. That is heartbreaking. Will definitely keep him in prayer.

Julie - We have an above ground pool that we opened two weeks ago. It wasn't too bad but is still a little cloudy. I have taken in three samples to the pool store, change the filter cartridge, etc. It is driving me crazy. The kids can at least swim in it now, but I'd like it to be crystal clear! Ds(12) had a little pool party on Monday to celebrate the end of school. It was his first boy/girl party. It was funny watching how they all interacted. Love your pictures - you and ds have great smiles! Ya gotta love a night out with the girls. Glad you had fun!

D1 - Like you I feel like I am 100 years old at times the way my legs make me hobble. It's ridiculous. I am jealous of all the traveling you and Cathy do! When we were kids we took vacations every year. We did a lot of camping though as a way to save money. Even drove up to Alaska when I was in 3^rd grade! My dad had taken a month off of work and we just worked our way up there. Dh and I are not that adventurous I guess, but there are sites I would like my kids to see such as Mount Rushmore and Washington, DC., etc. Congrats on doing your relay. I think I am passing this year although I teeter back and forth on wanting to do one.

Carla - Congrats on being done with chemo! I hope you are well.

Maz - What a nice pic of you and ds. Good for him for turning himself around. That has got to be so hard for you. He must get his height from his dad?

Cathy - Sounds like you are doing well with your rads. How many do you have to do total? You certainly lead an interesting life.

Joan - your survivor's day sound really nice. Glad you are almost done with rads. Are you done with your treatment then?

Sheshe - hope you are going to recover quickly from the rads. I feel for you. Just think you are almost done.

Dana - Hope you are doing well. As always, keeping you in prayer.

I have had a busy week. Ds# 3 had a pool party on Monday to celebrate the end of school. Ds#2 turned 15 on Wednesday. Today Ds#1 and I had to go do running around getting working papers for his first job (yeah!) and went and test drove some cars. We have 2 suv's and truck. I am ready to trade in my Pilot for a car. These gas prices are just ridiculous and we really don't need three gas hogs.

Paula and Kathy - My bil has apocrine carcinoma. If you have ever seen/heard of it, I am open to any suggestions. He was seeing the onc at 3:00 so I am anxious to see what they say.

Whew I am caught up!

Hi JJs!  dd is ready for the dance recital tomorrow.  ds has a "date" with one of his preschool teachers, who also doubles as a sitter for us recently.  No way I'm making a 2 ½ year old boy sit through a girls' dance recital that usually last 2-3 hours.  He'd rather enjoy some one-on-one time with one of "his girls", as he calls his teachers!  My parents are coming down from PA for the big day, too.   

Right now the kids are in bed and dh is off to the grocery store.  So I had some time to check in here (bonus!).

Paula:  Glad you will be able to go to Dallas.  Hope you have a nice time. 

Yes, they still make Sun-in.  It used to work beautifully to highlight my blonde hair before (I could skip the salon highlights all summer).  But now I wonder if it will make my new brown hair orange-y like you mentioned.  Hmmmm....

Kimberly:  Glad you are sleeping more comfortably.  I'm sure each night will get better.  I wish I could get rid of my cyborg-port soon, but alas, I'm stuck with it until next year sometime.  I hear removing it is a cinch.

Can't wait to hear the details of your weekend.  It sounds like you have another great one planned.

PALady:  I have to say I'm not too thrilled with my tattoo now that it is healed.  Maybe I'm just being critical, but I think it could be better. First of all, the color is funny-looking since it's one tone, not a mix of shades.  And she really didn't get the shape right either. I'm going to ask her to touch it up when I see her next month if it still looks strange.  But the rest of the breast (implant and nipple) look fine.

I must say I don't know of anyone who's had apocrine carcinoma (but as you said, it's rare, plus I'm not an onco-nurse).  I will help you in anyway I can though if you want to bounce general stuff off me.

D1: My chocolate lab had knee surgery about 4 years ago and did great with it.  They kept him in the doggie hospital overnight to monitor him; we couldn't visit him, but they called to give us updates and tell us he did well.  The next day when we brought him home, he was groggy, but did great overall-a lot of sleeping. He kinda lounged around on a bed we had for him on the first floor (near a door to go outside when he had to go). Get a nice soft, clean area for your dog to lie on when she comes home, and ask what type of food to feed her, too.  I can't remember what we fed Sam, but he wasn't really into eating until the next day.

For Father's Day...dh got to go to the Red Sox game last month when he was in Boston (he asked for it as an early FD gift).  Tomorrow he's golfing with his dad, and my dad.  My dad and stepmom are visiting for the weekend (tomorrow's dd's dance recital), so maybe we'll all go out for breakfast somewhere, too. 

For calcium... I like the Viactiv chews b/c I can pretend it's chocolate (or whatever flavor I've bought for the month).  Plus they are 500mg each, so I can take one or two depending on my other calcium intake for the day.  My multivit is Centrum Women's with calcium; it has 400mg in it.  I don't really like it too much b/c it's huge and I am not a good pill-taker, but it's got a lot of good stuff in it, so I gag it down daily.

Hope everyone has a good weekend.  I'll try to check back on Sunday.

Hi Ladies,

Thanks for always thinking of me.  I have 2 weeks left on this level and then I am off to my last level for Nursing.  God has been so good to me. I knew it from day one that I would make it will Gods will!

I took the zolfadex shot and my period came within two weeks after so I am going to the gyno on Monday to talk to her - I heard that happens and not to worry that tamoxifen and the shot is is working so we will see. I am thinking about removing my ovaries.  My onco thinks it will decrease the cancer by blocking the ovaries (estrogen and etc) or removing them.  We will take another CT scan next month and see what is going on - then I will make the final decision on what to do next.  He has many options for me to get this cancer.  I am not worried about it. God has been good to me this far, I really doubt he will let me down now.

I got bronchitis and didnt want to bother my onco but I finally called him today, because I coughed all night long and couldnt go to bed until 6:30 am and had to be at school at 10 am and I got an A on my test today.  I am so thankful for that, and all Glory to my wonderful God.  He steadily keeps his hands on me. I am so happy! 

I am now working in peds with kids and the floor has a peds onco and  its so sad to see such little ones fighting this fight.  I want to encourage them but I dont want to get into trouble because I am working in the Urgent  floor and not their floor but maybe God will allow me to go in there and give them strength or vice versa - you never know who can enrich you.   I am so blessed for each and every day.

I decided I am going to take a cruise after graduation with the school grant that I will be getting in Sept (another blessing from God).  I just need to do me and I cant wait; then I will find a job and move out.  Its funny the closer it is getting to graduation the nicer my roommate is trying to be.  

Let me tell you Ladies I may be fat and bald but I sure can still pick up the men.  I dont know what it is but so many have been hitting on me and Doctors, Respiratory Therapist and etc.  What can I say - the pimping hasnt left me after all - he he...  I said all this to let you know sometimes you might feel unpretty but others dont see that - so feel pretty at all times because you really are.  I truly believe God allowed our Cancer to enrich us and be ever so grateful you have another day because so many dont.

I love you all - and may your ROTTEN DUMB Husbands aka couch potatoes have a blessed fathers day.   He ha.

I am making my Daddy some zuccini bread (6 loaves) and taking him out to lunch.  I love my Dad despite all that he did to me in the past.  

Remember dont look back at yesterday because you cant go forward if you are looking in the rear view mirror. 

God bless ya - and I loveeeeeeeee ya!

Lil Warrior

Dana 

Hi Jewels -- just a quick post tonight. I'll have to catch up with all the posts tomorrow. I went for my LAST fill today and he doubled me up again to get me to the right size for my exchange surgery. Let me just say, I'm in A LOT of f***ing pain tonight!!!! Even the muscles in my back are killing me! I just keep telling myself this is the LAST time and keep hoping that will make it better. I talked to my sister tonight and her husband reminded her that her last fill was her most painful also -- she didn't do any doubles, though.

My exchange surgery is now scheduled for July 29 -- hoping I'll be raring to go for the start of school on August 12!!

Take care, Jewels -- more tomorrow!!

Julie

D1 - thanks for the laughs.  Yes, you are pimping if you are getting parking free.  Every little bit counts!  You work your magic, and bat those eyes and smile baby cause you are beautiful. 

Its weird I really dont worry about tomorrow and the cancer.  Maybe I am in denial about this but I honestly thinks its the faith in God that allows me to really enjoy life and not to ponder on this dis-ease.  Reality is I have to pass one day and right now I am not passing;  I am just so thankful for each and everyday. I also realize God has his hands on me and I have a lot more work to do for him; and the reason I say that is because my brother passed away within 2 months after his diagnose, and my Mom passed away 6 months after her surgery - both were Cancer and here I am stage 4 and GOD continues to open many more doors for me.  I said all that to say, its not hard to battle this Cancer and do school because I give all my worries and concerns to my Almighty one.  What point is it to worry about my cancer it is just going to shorten my faith and health.   You cant worry about things you cant control and if you really have true faith you give all your problems to the Lord. I am blessed to live to 38 and have such wonderful friends and family and that is the biggest blessing you can have in life.

Tina - you are always welcome for the passages - I am proud to spread the word and love.  May it always enrich you and give you strength and faith!

You keep on pimping....  he ha..

Have a blessed day 

Hello Jewels ...

I've had myself a blast the last 24 hours. Left for the Seattle side of the pond yesterday with my gf. Hit the outlet mall on our way to Ginny's house. Pretty sad, only bought my dh a new golf shirt, but had fun snooping around anyway. We arrived at Ginny's house which they call "The Lodge", its right on a beautiful lake up north of Seattle. (Tina almost in the Mt Vernon area where your son is home based!) Ginny and her husband bought this log cabin which was built in 1931. It is absolutely gorgeous. There is no way I could put into words how cool it is. (I need Sis Kimberly's way with words so you all could picture this great place). I knew that Ginny worked a lot in her yard in the summer months (she winters in AZ), and OMG, it was like walking into a nursery within a park. You can certainly see that she spends a lot of hours "puttering" as I like to call it outdoors.

She made us a great dinner, yep I even had a little Syrah to drink. Her husband was just as much fun to chat with as Ginny. We talked just about everything, and before we knew it we were looking at 11:00pm. YIKES, we had a 4:30 get up to drive back down to Seattle for a 6:30 training walk.

Our walk went great, my gf had not walked farther than 6 miles, so she was a bit apprehensive that she could keep up (its not a race but the pace moves along) to do just over a 10 miler. She did great, after the walk there was an Expo for the 3 Day, gave lots of tips on many topics to prepare yourself for the event.

We had to wait in line for the ferry back to the peninsula, but made it home. My gf has company gathering at her house this evening for a early Father's Day celebration, she is going to be one tired gal.

Speaking of Father's Day, the dh has a 7:30 tee time for golf in the morning. He asked if I'd like to join, I think I may pass, as a sleep in and yard work are in the cards for me. We're having a Father's day bar'b tomorrow with both our dads.

D1, hey both of our "wieners" have been "put out" to have their chompers cleaned. Our little one weighs in under 8lbs, and no problemo for her or the bigger guy. I think that the problems that can happen by messed up gums and teeth would be far worse. They'll be okay Mom!!!

My two cents on the Calcium bit, I just started taking Calcium with Vit D, it was recommended to me by my gyno, onc, and rad doc. I was told to take 1000mg daily. Although there pretty big pills I'm taking getting them down. Never been a vit taker in my life.

Think its time to shake your dream, sounds like a nightmare to me. No wonder your sweating!!! On the sweating thing, I used to dish out a bit of teasing to a lady at work who was always fanning herself, (I'd be bundled in 3 layers of fleece) and she was in a T. Oh, how that one has come back to bite me in the butt!

So Elton "almost" put you over the edge ... are you made of granite woman???

Tina, sounds like its party time at your house. Congrats to the ds, and enjoy the moment. And great, my mouth is salivating again just reading the word "ribs"!!!

Before you start that partying, how bout coming over and staining our deck, its due as well.

Deb, hope your enjoying your birthday in grand style. Okay, I won't give you any sh*t on it being your .........th!!!!! Hope your day is a very special one.

Dana, a cruise...I'm jealous!!! Keep up the good work, you've been a trooper with your studies.

Kimberly, your probably enjoying a fine glass of "something" this afternoon, looking forward to your report on the concert.  You are by far our entertainment enthusiast.

Come heck or high water I really don't want to miss the opportunity to meet Paula if she is going to be so close to your place come Aug.   I've got to do some smooth talking with my dh, he's very concerned that I may not be up for traveling "solo" right at the end of my rads.   I've told him I'd be in good hands, and I really wasn't having the concern that he is.   More to come on this topic! 

LJ, yeah another drainless woman. Wow, two weeks for that puppy, you are a leaker!!! I actually remember the nurse who removed my drain for surg #2, was serious about using a "napkin" to absorb any leakers. I got lucky and it stopped within about 24 hours after the removal. Here's to not having to wear a sanitary napkin on your boob!!!

Julie, last filler up gal...stay strong, your almost to the final result. Hoping for some relief to your discomfort soon. So no report from the supervisor of the yard/house maintenance, you must be feeling sore!!!

Joan, just what I want to hear on the rads. Hoping that I can have as easy of a time as you. I'll be continuing with my mega amounts of water, exercise will be a must, and hopefully with a little luck the burning will be tolerable. I typically tan pretty easy, but I must say I've never had my "chest" exposed to the sun, and I guess even those who tan well can still have a pretty good burn. My biggest concern right now is that I can stay on schedule with the appts, as my last is on 11 Aug and I'm hoping like heck to be on "cation" by the 13^th .

Kathy, I'm sure that the dd's recital was another "feel good" moment for the family. That's great your folks are able to attend so many activities with you all. I wore my "boobies" hat today, and actually met the woman who was inspired with a friend to form the organization "Checkyourboobies.org. I told her that there are a few of their hats bouncing around the country which she thought was pretty cool.

Norma, wow you did do some catching up on the post. Boy that would stink to "Reach Out" and get downer for a mentor. I don't really know what all is involved with the program, in fact I didn't know that you had to be a year out before participating, which is fine. I told the dh that I would definitely be taking a break from all "bc" come fall. I think he heard me mentioning the program to a friend and thought I was ready to jump in head first, not even close.

I havn't had any luck figuring how to cruise the post at a specific page, maybe I should e-mail bc.org and ask. Now I just have to remember to do that.

For the 3 Day Event, you can be signed up as an individual or join a team. I joined the team that my friend Ginny teamed with last year. She went into the whole thing last year as an individual and met some ladies at the Expo event like I went to today. The team we're on consist of about 90 women. Its one of the biggest teams in the Seattle area. The knowledge gained from yaking with experience walkers is so valuable. There are many planned training walks, and I have been to 6 so far. Being its almost a whole day for me to take a ferry, get picked up by Ginny, walk right now 10 to 12 miles, grab a bite to eat and head back home, I do a lot of walking right in my neighborhood. It has been great to meet some pretty fantastic people. One of the "beni's" I guess of this whole experience is the bonds with so many that would have never existed. Heck, just look at this post ... this is so not me just 8 months ago!!!

The dh just called from Costco, looks like he'll be bringing home dinner, time to hit the shower.

I'm quite thankful for the Dad's in my life, and also to my dh for being the great dad he has been to both his girls and my son.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend, Carol

Hi,

Just a quick check-in ( I'm here at work ). The last few weeks have been wonderfully busy at my house. It's been birthday season at home w/ my oldest dd on 5/21 & my twins on 6/11, on top of mother's day, father's day, & my bil & father's bday ( we normally celebrate all of the holidays, special occasions at my house, with this year being no exception...& I wouldn't have it any other way). Throw in all of the end-of-school year recitals, awards, & parties, & boy! does time fly by! It beats sitting around watching my hair grow ever so slowly -at least that's what it seems like to me. I really shouldn't complain - I finally have full coverage & it's about 3/4 inch long ( trimmed it a couple of times back in April ), straight as a board sticking straight up - more 'pepper' than 'salt' ( just like pre-bc ). Everyone around me can't resist rubbing my head...even strangers! I'll probably wait until end of summer for a 'real' haircut & to add color to cover the gray - I had highlights pre-bc, but I may wait awhile to add those.

Have only perused over the most recent posts -BOY! y'all have been BUSY!!!! traveling, partying, drinking, cooking, etc...It really warms my heart to see our collective posts go from aches, pains, etc...to discussing future plans & projects - now that's progress!!To all those bringing up the rear - 'hang in there' - the light at the end of the tunnel will never burn out!

Got some disturbing news here at work today -2 of my fellow nurses in my unit have just been diagnosed w/ bc - actually one of them is still waiting for her path results. Damn! if there was some kind of quota to be filled here in my world, I would have hoped that I could have been it!

On a brighter note - this weekend alone I have had 3 patients in my unit who are bc survivors from 15-20 years ago &  they all are in here for other reasons. Their hx of bc is merely a footnote.

Anyway...just thought I'd check in & say HI!

Happy Father's Day to all the dh's & df's who have taken such good care of us!

 My continued thoughts & prayers to those who are going through new & continued illnesses with their loved ones.

Therese

Therese, we must have been composing while you posted.  So glad to hear from you. I was wondering how you are.  Are the girls fluffed out yet?

I couldn't agree more with your statement about our posts going from aches and pains to future plans and daily living. That is progress!!!!

You've been one busy gal, and like you said, how wonderful that you've had so much life to live over the past month. LOL on better than watching your hair grow. Still waiting for full coverage. Almost 8 weeks out - this Tuesday will be 8 weeks- from my last tini, so I anticipate that by the end of July I will have full coverage and maybe enough to look close to the short hair I had before bc.

Take care, SIS Kimberly 

Hi Jewels,

SIS Kimberly - no, I'm not done with school until June 26. The northeast is still on the traditional schedule  - out in late June and begin in September. This year we are going back early, September 2, Labor Day is the first. But its always the day after Labor Day.

Carol - Congrats on popping that last pill and saying good riddance to chemo!

Joan

"She's got electric boobs, her ma has too..."  I sang it like that for YEARS before someone enlightened me. I still prefer my version to the real thing (a mohair suit? ick!)

Music can really bring back some powerful memories, huh? Was listening to Tom Petty last week and POOF--I was in my bff's Mustang Cobra flying down the road with the top down... made me smile!

Carol- Great talking to you this afternoon. Forgot to WOOHOO on the phone to celebrate your last chemo! Congrats on being finished!!! You amaze me with how well you are doing with the walking--you've come a long way from the recliner days, eh?!

Remember Kathy's advice on the calcium. The body cannot absorb more than 500mg at a time.

Kimberly- your weekend sounds wonderful. I'm so glad you enjoyed yourself. Let's see... next trip is to the Windy City, right?

PALady- My oldest (the ds) will be a senior next year also. We have senior pics scheduled for August. I'm struggling a bit with the prices. The sitting fee is $200 and the minimum order for senior pics is $895. If you don't mind my asking, how does that compare with the cost of your ds' pics? Trying to decide if ds should keep the appointment...

Kathy- your dd's dance recital sounds lovely. Glad you were able to share the experience with so many friends and family.

Joan- by the end of this week you'll be finished with rads! And one more week of school after that, right? Sounds like we'll hit the summer vacation point at the same time. I'm taking a break from rads to take my students to Dallas this week. I'll come home and get my boost simulation on the 23rd and then start my 5 boosts. If everything goes well, I'll be finished on June 30.

Dana- you sound wonderful, lil' warrior! I enjoyed catching up on your life. So glad nursing school is going well for you--you're in the home stretch and the finish line is in sight. Keep up the good work! Thanks also for the devotions that you share--good reading!

D1- man! who wants to dream about Aunt Flo?! Do ya suppose it is related to the whole hormone issue? Wasn't too long ago you were really torn about starting the tamo...

Now that you mention it, I don't think I've had a sex dream since I started this journey. In fact, I ain't had the real thing too many times through this ordeal... (oh sorry, guess that's TMI)

Deb- hope you are doing well and enjoyed a nice birthday yesterday!

Julie- hope the foobs are feeling more comfy today. I know you're looking forward to getting all of this behind you before school starts. I'll be praying that everything goes smoothly!

Tina- thanks for the good wishes. Dh is doing well on the trial drugs. He is starting to develop a rash from the Tarceva (a very common se). Otherwise, he's feeling well and looking forward to accompanying me on the school trip to Dallas this week.

LJ- I dunno if going "topless" is helping my hair grow any faster, but I've used the same line here. I only wear a head cover when I know I'm going to be in an air-conditioned room where I'll be cold.

Good to hear that your legs are settling down and things are getting back to normal in that area. And sounds like you're well prepared for your rads.

Therese- so good to hear from you. Glad things are going well for you and your family!

I have been helping ds pack for the trip to big D all evening. He leaves tomorrow with the rest of the officers (my principal is traveling with them as their chaperone). Dh, dd, and I will fly out Tuesday afternoon with the rest of the students.

Will have the laptop with me, so I'll pop in when I can.

Kris and Wendy- thinking of you as you hit the chemo bar this week. Congrats, Wendy, on being finished!

Take care all,

Paula 

The incisions are healing nicely, but ... dammit if I don't feel a cord developing under the arm and beginning down the underside of my arm.  Dang!

D1, anyone, any suggestions on nipping this in the bud? I'd like to deal with it myself if I can ... just trying to not miss any more work with more appointments. What kind of massage motions are typically done?