Starting Chemo in JAN 2007

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  • TPPJ
    TPPJ Member Posts: 1,017
    edited July 2008

    Hi all,

    Mel, I'm sorry you're having more stuff to deal with, check out.  You are overdue for a break.  Skye, I'm go glad you're going to have a big diversion this month, from scanxiety.  I think it's really going to help.  Viddie, I heard about the Beth Israel doc on Fox News.  Unreal.  And Jan!  I didn't hear they had you marked incorrectly.  Did you tell us this before?  God!  Rebecca, HORRENDOUS about the little girl.  When you hear stories like that, your own problems are really put into perspective.  Cancer DOES suck.  And the thing that I keep noticing lately is many people that have since been dx'd w/various forms since I was dx'd were walking around, just totally fine, happy, naieve, innocent...  never did they think when they heard about me and were making turtle faces, that they'd be next.  It's just so prevalent, it's scary.  Rebecca, my onco. score was a hellacious 44...I recently re-read my report and it said that means I have a 30% chance of recurrence "at a distance site" within ten years.  So I guess that's a good C+ too.  I'm glad to ready on todays main screen that more and more they are finding that herceptin induced cardiomyopathy is reversible.  God forbid I need it again, I may be able to use it.  Regarding driving to infusions, I did.  During A/C, I had some of the best naps of my life after those benadryl infusions.  I imagine it must be what an IV druggie feels like...god, was that relaxing.  I was so rested when I woke up, I was fine to drive.  Granted, I'd been there prob. five hours by that point.  Herceptin never made me tired...

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  • skyedivine
    skyedivine Member Posts: 839
    edited July 2008

    Caya, I was so relieved to read your mammo was good. I'm sure I'll be sweating when I go in that room again, too. But yay, one more test passed!



    Mel I'm agreeing with everyone else the sternum thing will not be a worry. It could even be what I have on my sternum and ribs, the costochondritis which can show up because it's tissue inflammation. And then a hit and run on your car? Yikes! You deserve a good day after all that.



    My day was not the best; I went to Milwaukee for an NPR show taping but the producer mixed up studios when she scheduled it, and the one I was told to go to was not expecting me. It's an hour drive each way, parking hassle, lots of walking to get there so I was pretty disgusted. And then didn't get to be on the show on top of it all. And lost a whole, good working day. I was so tired when I got home I just crawled in bed for over an hour.



    Speaking of NPR, LeRoy Sievers was on Talk of the Nation today. I had stopped reading his blog but went back and checked a few recent entries. He had only been given months originally but has had two full years until he finally just had quite a recurrence, hence the media attention. Another one who should have the Cancer Sucks button.



    And we got our second window replacement estimate. We can't sell our first born to pay for it because he's living in another city, but perhaps the company will consider DS2. :-)



    Rebecca, I'm also very sad about Janie, it's unimaginable. Viddie, you are such a blessing to Arlene, hope she is perking up soon.



    Caya I didn't know about TX being like high blood alcohol! I had either DH or my neighbor driving me for AC and Taxol but I drove myself to all Herceptins and rads.



    Happy hot and humid summer!- Skye

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  • Robbin65
    Robbin65 Member Posts: 251
    edited July 2008

    Just a note to let you know we are under ANOTHER EVACUATION due to the fires.  We are all packed and ready to go.  We are fine.  We are just waiting for them to tell us to go.  Some of the streets in our town have already been told to go.  Just wanted to let you guys know what is going on.  Here are some links for info.  

    http://www.fire.ca.gov/index_incidents_butte.php  

    http://www.townofparadise.com/  

    http://www.khsltv.com/

    Hope everyone here is doing good otherwise.

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  • jonimb
    jonimb Member Posts: 900
    edited July 2008

    RobbinJaye,

    Stay safe!! 

    Hugs...Joni 

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  • skyedivine
    skyedivine Member Posts: 839
    edited July 2008

    Robbin, I've thought of you and wondered how you were every time those newscasts came on. Thanks for letting us know you are ok, and please keep us posted. More hugs!



    I am getting a phone interview later on with that NPR reporter, who apologized profusely over sending me on the wild goose chase. Tomorrow a TV show, a new one for the HC, is coming and I'll be busy from noon to ten pm.



    LeRoy Sievers was on Talk of the Nation again yesterday this time with Elizabeth Edwards, whose voice sounded weaker. It was an interesting but difficult hour to listen to.



    Hope everyone else is well. - Skye

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  • Caya
    Caya Member Posts: 971
    edited July 2008

    Skye - Glad you will be getting that interview done after all, albeit after the shlepping back and forth for nothing.

    Robbin - keep safe girl.

    Last night the DH and I were taken to Harbour Sixty, probably the most expensive steakhouse in Toronto.  A lot of movers and shakers dine there (like Allan and I - lol!).  The lawyer who handled our negotiations with our former business partner took us, and brought his very lovely wife.  We had an amazing steak meal with all the fixings, and dessert (which I rarely eat).  Then on the way home the DH had to stop at Dutch Dreams, a local creamery that makes their own ice cream, and I managed to stuff in a sugar cone with choc. chip cookie dough, whipped cream and strawberries on top.  I better stop this or I won't be able to fit into any of my Vegas clothes.  I think I better go out for a walk today.

    Have a great day gals.

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  • meliaanne
    meliaanne Member Posts: 682
    edited July 2008

    Robbin, I am thinking of you; seems like so much of the state is on fire. My daughter lives in Auburn and says it's so smokey that visibility is impaired. Having lived through a number of these wildfires, I know how scarey it is.

    I got back yesterday from my business trip. I am convinced that it is not possible to eat healthy when you travel. I tried, but I feel like a whale. And this weekend, we are going to my fil's 87th bday celebration, which will be fun but will be centered around food. I didn't even get on the scale this morning. The trip was fine but tiring, and I sure slept well last night in my own bed.

    I need to listen the that broadcast, Skye. Maybe at lunchtime today. I really like both of them, and am worried about them. I hope Elizabeth is doing ok; I know Leroy isn't, based on his blog.

    Have a good day all, off to work.

    Melia

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2008

    RobbinJaye - glad you are OK. I've been worried about you.

    I had an appointment with my breast surgeon today - actually the appointment was just a follow up with her PA who gave me the most thorough breast exam I've ever had (and that's saying a lot). Anyway, all the docs in the office wanted to check out my DIEP results since so few people in Charlotte have had this surgery. I think that I'm her 1st patient who's gone to Dr. Allen. So the PA, my doctor and her resident all came in a took a look, felt around, etc. They were all very impressed with the results and asked lots of questions about my experience. I was happy for the opportunity to show them.

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  • viddie
    viddie Member Posts: 547
    edited July 2008

    Hi all,

    I saw my PS today and we scheduled my Stage 3 for Sept. 11----The date took me aback for a few seconds- I still shudder. 

    Jan and Lynn,

    I would love to compare notes. My PS was very proud of his worksmanship. I didn't want to burst his bubble, but I had to mention a few areas that could use some minor revisions. I hope I didn't insult him. The question is when to satisfied. After all, it is a huge improvement from my original boobs, which were down to my -----, and they do look very good. Perfection is not needed  - after all, I am not going to be in Playboy (lol), and they look great with clothes on.  I am happy and grateful that I am alive, and this whole reconstruction is an added perk.  

    When he took pictures of my foobs, I jokingly told him I didn't want to see them on UTube. We had a good laugh. 

    I picked my mom up for the weekend on my way back from the PS and we are having lobster rolls for dinner. Yummm.

    Robbin, I hope you are safe. 

    Gotta go.

    Love,

    Viddie 

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  • Robbin65
    Robbin65 Member Posts: 251
    edited July 2008
    Photobucket
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  • viddie
    viddie Member Posts: 547
    edited July 2008

    Goodnight all. Have sweet dreams. Have a great Sunday.

    Love,

    Viddie 

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  • sharon56
    sharon56 Member Posts: 220
    edited July 2008

    hi ya gals ...... just checking in I am still alive and well

    Joni e mailed me and asked what I was up to .... just going about life right now , back into working full time and getting into my job , i really like it and since i went back everyone has been so supportive , i am in purchasing which is a great fit for me . I have been in the business for over 30 years and can do my job with my eyes closed , no one questions my decisions they listen to me .

    I just bought a new car a little teeny weeny Pontiac Wave , its cute and saves me a bundle on gas , we were driving a big 1/2 ton truck . I am also taking yoga classes at our local wellspring center , its free for cancer patients and survivors . I absolutely love it ..... am not a expert , but I wonder why  did not do it before . I am off Saturday for a yoga conference at a local hotel .

    One more lick to get over here for me until the all is clear , I am just waiting for genetic tests to come back . I had them done last Nov and it supposed to take 6months to a year .

    Enough about me !

    Robin man its scary thinking about having fires so close , hang in there , evacuation seems like a very tense situation . We have had allot of rain here this year , we do not hear so much about the fires as we do about the bad storms and tornado.s .

    Its looks like alot of you are also finishing up on boob reconstructs , I can well imagine that y'all are waiting on getting all that over with .... hugs ....... kisses .......

    Caya : Call me , email me we gotta do lunch again ....... summer is here and the patios are open ! My dd is starting college in Sept and we are getting ready for that adventure , my ds just got engaged so wedding bells are going to ring in my house next spring . I got the kid through college , he's got himself set up in a new job with good $$$ and now the big ring was set on his girlfriends finger ........ the hard work pays off . Seeing your kids succeed is so gratifying ...... worth more than the crap you go through yourself ....

    Again ...... I would not be here in this mind space without all of you sistas ..... as long as this thread is here i will be , not as often as some of you , but always in spirit , .

    I will check in let ya know I am still here and hugs to all big group hug ! My life is forever changed because of the friendships here girls . So goes on our lives , keep in touch with me, you all have my e mail and contact .

    To the ta ta's ................. I luv you ..... i will post and read ...... together we stand !

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  • luckymel
    luckymel Member Posts: 643
    edited July 2008

    Oh, Sharon - how good to hear from you.  It has been too long.  We'll miss you in Vegas - next get-together you absolutely must attend! 

    I PM'd Nancy and heard back from her today.  She does keep up with the e-mail's, although doesn't often log on to the boards.  She says she has lost 15 lb. on Jenny Craig - I'm impressed!  The girl's doing it, instead of just talking about it, like I am.  She said work on the house has slowed since they're both busy this summer.  She sends her love and wishes she could be with us in Vegas.

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  • viddie
    viddie Member Posts: 547
    edited July 2008

    Hi,

    Sharon,

    It is great to hear from you and I am glad you are fine. Hugs to you too.

    I just posted something to our e-mails. I didn't want to publicly say my thoughts here. Too private. 

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  • skyedivine
    skyedivine Member Posts: 839
    edited July 2008

    Sharon, girl, about time we heard from you! I'm glad you are doing well and taking yoga. I have always thought I should try that. Have fun at that conference, and we will miss you in Vegas.



    Mel thanks for the update on Nancy, whom we will also miss. Nancy 15 pounds is impressive. I'm glad you are enjoying your summer. The house will still be there.



    It's so weird; one of the ways I know the chemo has left my body and I'm back to my "old" self is the return of fibromyalgia and rosacea, both of which were contained by the chemo. It feels a lot like being on chemo, actually. Ironic! It leaves me with all kinds of questions about how our immune systems work. The fibro is actually immune system OVER reacting and running amok on my own body, so I supposed when the chemo had my white cell count way down, there was nothing to attack myself with. Now those white cells are back and itching to give me fibro again. Still, I'll take fibro over bc any day.



    It is a totally gorgeous day in Wisconsin; sunny, not humid, and windy enough to keep the skeeters away.

    Hugs to all my Bodacious Ta Ta Sisters, Skye

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  • jonimb
    jonimb Member Posts: 900
    edited July 2008

    Hello Tata's,

    Great hearing from you Shorti....and great hearing about Nancy.

    I have had a very bad weekend.  I can't seem to walk very well again, and I think my blood counts must be really low as I have very little energy.  I'm going to see the oncologist tomorrow.  This next week is my week off chemo, so hopefully things will pick up a bit for me.

    We are right now having a terrible storm, so Thor is crying and whining and I can't sleep when he is so upset.  We have had brutal storms all thru Stampede.

    Viddie, so sorry about your Mom, and no you didn't do anything wrong.  Give a hug to Arlene for me this week.  My Mom had dementia for almost 15 years before she died.  She had a series of mini strokes and it caused her short term memory to go.  She was so very kind though, and we used to make a joke of it...I'd call her Skip.  She lived with me for 2 years after my Dad died, and it was tough holding down a full time job and keeping her busy.  I had her at the Alzeimer's group 2 days a week, and at our Catholic church group 2 days a week, and then on Fridays I had a lady come over to watch her.  My sister had to put keyed locks in her house, because my Mom would always escape when she was over there.  Here at my house, all I would say is that we can't let the dog or cat get out and Mom would have a job looking after them all day.  Also, she LOVED to iron, so while I was making something in the kitchen my Mom would proceed to do all my ironing.

    There were times when I could see my old Mom who could do a crossword puzzle in about 10 minutes, spoke fluent English, French and Gaelic (Erse), loved to sing and dance, but then she would disappear.  I was very lucky though, she always stayed kind and happy....and always adored all animals.  Still miss her everyday.

    Mel, sounds like things are starting to heal up nicely, you take it easy.

    Tina, that was a beautiful pic of you and your kids.

    Melia, glad you had fun at your FIL's party.

    Caya, Lynn, Janice, Rebecca, Skye, Nancy, Debbie, RobbinJaye,...hugs to all.  I rec'd a nice note from MizSissy, she is doing well, and said to say "Hello".

    Joni 

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  • meliaanne
    meliaanne Member Posts: 682
    edited July 2008

    Joni, I am sorry you had such a tough weekend and am glad you are seeing your dr today. Hopefully he can help. And poor Thor, hate to think of him scared.  I had a German Shepherd when I was growing up who was also terrified of storms. I remember him trying to squeeze under the couch to hide.

     Your mother sounds like she was a very sweet soul. I lost my mother when I was a very young mom myself, and always have wondered if we would ever have gotten along ... we never did during my childhood and young adulthood. She was smart and funny, but mean as can be.

    Stay safe all,

    Melia

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  • luckymel
    luckymel Member Posts: 643
    edited July 2008

    Joni, hugs  to you, and I hope you can gain some strength this week.  Are you having joint pain?  Please don't worry about Vegas - we will take good care of you.  Can't wait to see you.  Please give Thor a big hug from me and Harrison.  I get so proud of Harrison when he faces and overcomes one of his fears.  He has come so far in the past 11 months - still has some fears, but he is progressing.

    Anyway, good luck at the onc. today - hope he can do something to make you feel better.  I've been to the hospital for the injection for my bone scan - will go back at 1:30 for the scan.  I'm calmer today - last night I just lost it, as we were going to bed.  Larry knows now how scared I am - I had done such a good job of making it seem routine that he hadn't given it a second thought.  Don't know why I do that - I feel so much better just having him "with" me in this, instead of keeping it to myself.  I always think I have to have it so together, or pretend that I do.

    Everybody have a great week.  Hugs.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2008

    Hugs to Joni

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  • mer1957
    mer1957 Member Posts: 534
    edited July 2008

    Joni, hugs to you.  Wrap yourself in our blanket and feel the love. 

    Shaorn, good to hear from you.  Amera, thinking of you this summer, hope you are enjoying it.

    Mel, I hope your scan went well.  It's harder being a patient than a nurse?

    Robbin, hope you are safe.  Let us know.

    Hugs to all.

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  • Caya
    Caya Member Posts: 971
    edited July 2008

    Sharon - I will call you after LV.  For sure we can have lunch again.

    Joni - hugs to you. I hope you have a good appointment with your onc. tomorrow.

    Mel - I'm glad your scan is done with.  How soon do you get the results?

    I'm going back downtown for my follow -up appointment with my breast surgeon after last week's mammo.  He'll give me the "official" report, which I know is okay as I spoke with the radiologist last week right after the mammo.  He'll also examine me, and if all is okay, he told me that he'll only need to see me once/year instead of twice (unless I notice anything, then to call immediately).  It will be nice to "graduate."

    If you can believe it, I have another UTI - I think chemo/herceptin must have damaged me down there worse than ever, I was always vunerable, worse now.  However, Skye emailed me that if you take 2 Alka Seltzers w/water at the first symptom of a UTi, it has be known to stop the UTI in its tracks.  I am so sick of being on antibiotics that I googled "UTIs and Alka Seltzer" - and apparently many women have found relief with this method.  So I raced over to the drugstore and bought the AS - well, so far it is working.  I have done it twice today, will do it again before I go to bed, and again tomorrow.  I filled a script while at the drugstore just in case I need to take it, I definitely don't want to be bothered with this next week.

    hugs to all.

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  • Caya
    Caya Member Posts: 971
    edited July 2008

    Alka Seltzer update - I feel fine today.  I took the two tablets twice again yesterday - around dinner, then right before bed.  Slept fine.  I am going to take them again today (morning and night) and then again tomorrow to see what happens.  If the UTI comes back then I will start the antibiotic.  Beautiful day today, I think I'm going to go out for a walk before it gets too hot.

    Have a great day everyone.

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  • Caya
    Caya Member Posts: 971
    edited July 2008

    Okay I caved - I started "feeling" that pressure and pain again, so I decided to start the antibiotic.  It's a 10 day course, so next Thursday - LV Day!! - will be the last day for me.

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  • Lynn12
    Lynn12 Member Posts: 1,008
    edited July 2008

    Oh Joni, I just read about you not feeling well..hugs to you. What did the Onc say?

    Caya, bummer about the UTI, glad that the antibiotic will be done for Vegas!

    I am so far behind in reading posts.  Sorry I have been MIA, working 12 hour days lately. :(

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  • luckymel
    luckymel Member Posts: 643
    edited July 2008

    Joni, how are you doing, today?  Any help or input from the onc.?

    I had my bone scan and don't know anything yet - will see my onc. in the morning.   I also see the PS (or her stand-in) tomorrow.  Another big dr. day.  After the bone scan, they had me wait, then came out and asked which side I had my reconstruction on - I said both, both that the problem side, with healing issues and infection, was the left.  He said ok, went back to report this to the radiologist.  Then he returned and said the radiologist wanted to take a few regular x-rays.  I was expecting sternum, but they x-rayed my lumbar spine.  I can't really speculate what that means.  Could be good news - I have known low back issues, and they didn't take any additional films of the sternal area - could be worse news, as in lots of areas involved.  So, I am just trying to coast until my appointment tomorrow.  Larry is considering not taking his trip to do RAGBRAI.  I am really hoping for that reason that there is nothing up with me.  He needs this vacation.

    Caya, hope your antibiotic kicks in quickly - UTI's are so miserable.  Is your alka-seltzer the kind with aspirin in it, or not?

    Lynn, you are really going to need some down time by the time you get to Vegas - 12 hour days are for the birds!

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  • jonimb
    jonimb Member Posts: 900
    edited July 2008

    Hi Tatas,

    Well I spoke to the onc's office yesterday, and they said they would see me if I went in, but my on onc is not back until Thursday.  I have an appt for Friday, so I will get blood work and everything done then see my onc.  I just think it's that 3rd week of chemo really kicks the crap out of me, and I need this week to recuperate.  I feel better today, so that is a good sign. 

    I can't find the spreadsheet, can someone please send it to me again.  I'm having all kinds of problems with my email, so that might be it.

    Mel, thought about you all day yesterday.  If they had seen anything lit up they would have taken many additional pics of that particular area, and not just xrays.  Hugs to you.

    Lynn, just think we will be loafing by the pool shortly.

    I'm thinking I might rent myself a scooter, otherwise I might not be able to keep up with all of you.  At least I don't have to have a bikini wax...haha.

    Nobody is coming in late on Thursday except me, so I'll meet you all at the hotel around 10 or 10:30.

    Caya...hope you get rid of that infection soon.

    Did Nancy say she was coming with us to Vegas?  I think I'm losing it.

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  • Caya
    Caya Member Posts: 971
    edited July 2008

    Mel - Sending you big hugs for your appointment tomorrow.  Let us know as soon as you can.

    Joni - I hope you continue to feel better. You are a brave gal for coming down while still on chemo.

    I was down at PMH today and saw my breast surgeon's associate,  and she gave me a very thorough exam.  Everything felt fine, my mammo was fine, she will book me a breast MRI for 6 months from now, and that was that.  It's eerie walking through that hospital, because it is strictly a cancer hospital - lots of short hairdos.

    Joni, I don't think Nancy is coming to Vegas.

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  • meliaanne
    meliaanne Member Posts: 682
    edited July 2008

    Mel, let us know what your results are.  We are all peering over your shoulder and patting your back. I think you will be fine,and am glad your wound is healing, however slowly.

    Joni, glad you are feeling a tad bit better, and so glad you are coming. A scooter is a good idea, though I have ambling more in mind than speed walking.

     I had my second physical therapy appt yesterday and the third today. She is teaching me massage techniques to move the fluid and help control the lymphedema. I cannot believe how much better I feel already; the sleeve helps so much. I was ignoring the discomfort in my arm, and didn't realize that my issues with the prosthesis were actually due to fluid buildup. For the first time since surgery, I can sleep well on the affected side, and my arm feels great. I don't like wearing the sleeve, but am getting used to it, and the improvement in how it feels is worth it. I am hoping to be able to manage the lymphodema as time goes on so that I don't always need to wear it, but I will if I have to.

    I also started seriously back on weight watchers yesterday. I am up 15 lbs from where I was going into this whole nightmare, and hadn't lost the last 15 or so that I wanted to at that pt, so my goal is 30 by the end of the year. That's a slow but comfortable pace. I am still 40 down from where I was several years ago when I lost the weight, so am trying to be positive. I do feel great when I do ww: my downfall is portion control.

    Have a good day all,

    Melia

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  • luckymel
    luckymel Member Posts: 643
    edited July 2008

    Good news!  I do NOT have cancer in my bones!  They aren't sure what showed up, but think it is related to the surgery - that's the best they can do.  Of course, I have arthritis everywhere, but that's ok with me - I'll take arthritis over cancer any day.  She will see me in three months, then if all is well we go to every four months.  I kind of like their approach - I feel like they are keeping a good eye on me.

     I saw the PS resident this morning also, and he says I am better, but it is still slow progress.  I will go in next Wednesday for another check, which is the day before Vegas, so I may be coming with the wound vac after all.  Not only does that pose a problem for my clothing situation, it also will be a problem regarding the every two day dressing changes.  Oh well - I can always adjust something - I have a few days to think about it.

     Melia, good for you on the weight watchers.  I am going to go back on AFTER Vegas.  I decided not to bother starting something before then - too much going on here anyway.  It would just be a setup for failure.  Glad you're getting some help for the lymphedema, too - you have a great attitude about it.

    Well, I've got some phone calls to make - hugs to everyone.

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  • skyedivine
    skyedivine Member Posts: 839
    edited July 2008

    Mel that is such terrific news, so glad to hear your bones are f ine. I have a feeling they will find arthritis everywhere in me too. And if you are walking around with us in Vegas with the vac, we will not mind a bit.



    Joni, I do hope you are much better soon, and yes, we will surely take care of you. Just feel us all there with you in the meantime.



    Caya it's interesting that the AS seemed to hold off the UTI for a while at least. So you should be UTI free by Vegas time with the meds anyway.



    I have my CT, xrays and MRI tomorrow, then bone scan and mammo Monday so I'll be thoroughly tested by trip time.

    It is blazing hot here, so extra warm hugs to all. - Skye

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