Member Since: September 11, 2008
Last Login: November 18, 2008
Location: Sarasota, FL
Occupation: Internet Marketing
Homepage URL: I've Had My Moments (www.ivehadmy.com)
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Recent Posts by vkfrainbow
Posted in:
Support & Community Connections + Lesbians with Breast Cancer, Created: Nov 18, 2008 09:08 am
How do i talk to my girlfriendThree out of 4 completed with minimal side effects. The last of this series is scheduled just after Thanksgiving. Judy is taking a more active/proactive role in her treatments and talking about the mastectomies and reconstruction next year. For both of us, the fear of what is happening and going to happen is lessened with experience and the terrific support we get both on and offline. We are able to do Thanksgiving at our house this year with the help and support of all of our family who are pitching in to handle different segments of the meal. We are responsible for the bird, veggies and Val's mashed potatoes. TTYL. Thanks for being here. Val |
Posted in:
Support & Community Connections + Lesbians with Breast Cancer, Created: Oct 3, 2008 05:56 pm
How long is a normal chemo session?Welcome! What is your girlfriend's diagnosis? In the short time since my partner was diagnosed (right breast IDC Stage 2) several weeks ago, I've since learned there is no "typical" anything in this disease. In her case, she had a month's worth of Arimidex (oral). When we got back from our son's wedding, she had a port put this Tuesday and her first A/C treatment was Wednesday. We have 3 more A/C treatments, each three weeks apart with weekly blood work. Then the treatment switches to Taxol on a weekly basis for 14 weeks. THEN a bilateral mastectomy some time April 09. We take this all ONE DAY AT a TIME and just deal with what is right there. The past cannot be changed and the future isnt here yet. Hang in there - talk to your onco. the chemo folks and ask questions there too! Val |
Posted in:
Support & Community Connections + Lesbians with Breast Cancer, Created: Oct 3, 2008 05:49 pm
How do i talk to my girlfriendSo Judy & I got thru the first A/C treatment on Oct. 1st (an appropriate month to begin txt, eh?) and she is finishing up her oral dexamethasone. (2 PO for days 1,2,3 of chemo). Dunno if the anti-nausea drug worked (generic Kytril), but she was sick! Chemo nurse was terrific. Spent lots of time explaining each step and loaded us down with more to read - some of which Judy DID read! Nuelasta inj yesterrday. Acupuncture today and blood work next 2 Tuesdays. Second (of 4) A/C treatment scheduled for Oct. 24. Val |
Posted in:
Support & Community Connections + Lesbians with Breast Cancer, Created: Sep 16, 2008 05:42 pm
How do i talk to my girlfriendMy partner (33 years) was dx a couple of weeks ago and right now is on Arimidex. Will start A/C Oct 1st. My dilemma is that she does not want to know about the side effects of what she is taking; has no interest in connecting with others who have bc; does not want to be pro-active in preparing for the IV part of her tx, except that she got a wig. My take is that "knowledge is power" and sorrow shared is sorrow halved and I am certainly willing to take on the knowledge part of it, but I need someone's experience - is this reaction to be expected ? Judy is a type A Virgo so this non-take charge attitude is NOT normal. Should I just give her the space she needs and wait it out? Any other approaches? TIA, Val Val |
Posted in:
Support & Community Connections + Lesbians with Breast Cancer, Created: Sep 11, 2008 05:43 pm
CaretakerI like "new normal". In our household, there is a sign outside of the laundry area that says, "normal is just a setting on the dryer" Since it is a fairly new diagnosis, there isn't exactly a leveling off of emotions, tests and expressions of shock by folks who are just now finding out about the cancer. I vaciilate between sitting and staring at my computer screen and staring at Judy (my partner) in a way that she doesn't know that sometimes I am freaking out. This is not the first medical challenge our relationship (33 years) has encountered, so our question is sometimes, what else? Still waiting for clarification of the PET scan results. Our son is getting married at the end of this month, so Judy is on Arimidex until then and then the "real" chemo begins. Glad y'all are here! Val |
She is doing LOTS of water and her food intake is OK.