Member Since: March 7, 2005
Last Login: November 20, 2008
Location: beloit, wi United States
Occupation: floral designer/school district emp
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Recent Posts by saint
Posted in:
Recovery, Renewal, & Hope + Moving Beyond Cancer, Created: 5 hours ago
I'm bitchy, I moan, I groan.....anyway.WhaSux??? This disease makes for ampted up suckage over & over!THAT SUX!!.... Flyerz---if you are really worried get a bone scan-------but the "USUALLY" bone mets don't go past elbows & Knees is fairly trustworthy & quite encouraging--hugs Lisa(s)---it all SUX!! I say use it! Get mad & see if you can't affect a change--if only ONE person responds you have worked a miracle for the next person----hugs Traci--dh bought me a mac iBook G4 on ebay for under $400------I LOVE IT!!!!!! Sugar feeds cancer?? OK-here is the scientist's (dh's) response to that--EVERYTHING we eat is metabolized & processed by our bodies into---Yep, sugar!! Cancer cells also need oxygen--should we stop breathing??? I've saidi it b4---not gonna stop enjoying the good stuff ....Think of all the women on Titanic who skipped dessert!!!!! LOLOL My IOS is a truly horrid thing- (& not really "mine") A local young father killed his son & has died of a self inflicted gun shot. Our commuinity is stunned. My family has distaqnt connections to the members of this family. I can not begin to imagine what causes a person to go "off" like that-----please pray for all of them..... Be well & stay strong ==big Hugs & a BIGGER THAT SUX Life is not about waiting for the storms to end, but learning to dance in the rain! Orig dx Nov '00 stg1 gr3 0/27 pos nodes er/pr+ her2- mets dx apr '04 eyes & bones new dx jan '07 lung |
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Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis + Recurrence and Metastatic Disease, Created: 6 hours ago
New Xeloda thread?Hi Fellow Xelodians! I am on my 6th week of xeloda (one on one off) I usually get every se in the literature & then some of my own unique se's--but so far I am sailing along on this drug!!! I will have scans in a few weeks (after the 8th week ON) so I can only say that my TM's are down (cea rose slightly-go figure) I have no breathing problems or other syptoms, so I beleive this drug is working! As for how long b4 se's..my onc said I may not see any for 3-4 months. Since chemo is cumulative it could take a while b4 we see any problems. The best advise has been given--use the cream on feet & hands, drink LOTS of water & keep a log. Keep in mind that doses can be adjusted if se's develop OR protocols can be changed..(curently I am only on xeloda & zometa) Be well & stay strong Life is not about waiting for the storms to end, but learning to dance in the rain! Orig dx Nov '00 stg1 gr3 0/27 pos nodes er/pr+ her2- mets dx apr '04 eyes & bones new dx jan '07 lung |
Posted in:
Recovery, Renewal, & Hope + Prayers and Spiritual Inspiration, Created: 6 hours ago
I need a mentorHi all-I am back from my short visit with F&F--was it wonderful!!!!!!!!!!! So is she-more than you can imagine- Having bc sisters to discuss things---wonderful. Talking in the flesh late into the nite-priceless! I'm going to try to catch up here without filling the whole page---First & last--I do NOT believe that God "gave" anyone cancer--or any other ill for that matter. He is a loving father & as any "daddy" he only wants us to be well & happy---"would a father give his son a rock when he asks for bread?.... If you read back a few pages I addressed how the free will of humans play a huge part in the ills that befall us....... When working with children there are 2 simple illustrations of the Trinity..... the shamrock: 3 leaves/one stem...and an egg: the shell, the yolk, the white all make uo the one egg. There are MANY more, but you get the drift. As for translations of the bible--there is a difference between "translation" & "version" The example given earlier is all in English--that would be -version, but the bible is made of many books written in different languages over time--some of those languages are no longer used--If you ever studied a foreign language you understand that SOME words/concepts have no actual translation into another language----THAT can make it a difficult issue when you talk about interpretation.......... Jesus was wholly human AND wholly divine--now THAT is one we can bounce around for ages & still not "get"........ My suggestions for bible study--you can find a good compendium to use on your own--but again, Christ's message was one of community-so I think, like this thread, it is preferable to have someone to discuss things with. Find a group you trust is made up of "like minded" people. I don't think you can just begin at the beginning & read to the end--a good study is set up to address a theme or pattern & usually takes you thru the bible bouncing around.As for "opening the book to find what you need" I have always found that when you just let the book fall open it will invariably give you the answer/comfort/ponderings you need--so just let it oipen -NO trick to it! As for Questioning God---I don't think that is ever wrong! As children we question our parents. If we extend that example, we know that kids can NOT learn for themselves if they only follow their parents guidelines blindly! Besides, it is NOT human nature--we must question. It is in questioning that our faith is strengthened! If we find answers to the questions it helps lessen doubt! One further defense of questioning is all the holy people in the bible who question God----another example for us! So, fire away----it's all good! Be well & stay strong...F&F I miss you!! HUGS Life is not about waiting for the storms to end, but learning to dance in the rain! Orig dx Nov '00 stg1 gr3 0/27 pos nodes er/pr+ her2- mets dx apr '04 eyes & bones new dx jan '07 lung |
Posted in:
Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis + Recurrence and Metastatic Disease, Created: Nov 16, 2008 10:57 pm
understanding recurrence of breast cancerHi-I don't understand why they are not doing a biopsy--a lung bx is not fun, but it is done as an outpatient & gives definitive answers quickly. I don't mean to sound unkind, but despite what your sister has read, IF it is cancer she already has a life threatening issue & worry about: future cancers; or chemo or hormonal tx killing her is moot! Rememer-no action IS an action! Maybe counseling will help as well.Let us know how it goes. Good luck & God bless. Life is not about waiting for the storms to end, but learning to dance in the rain! Orig dx Nov '00 stg1 gr3 0/27 pos nodes er/pr+ her2- mets dx apr '04 eyes & bones new dx jan '07 lung |
Posted in:
Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis + Recurrence and Metastatic Disease, Created: Nov 16, 2008 10:27 pm
bone mets, pain, neurological impairment and radiationI have been advised by my onc & rads doc that radiation should be a last ditch effort. All other forms of tx should be exhausted first according to my guys. I would make some app'ts with your area specialists & see what a few consultations can do. In the end radiation CAN be a great tx to alleviate pain of mets---good luck & god bless! Life is not about waiting for the storms to end, but learning to dance in the rain! Orig dx Nov '00 stg1 gr3 0/27 pos nodes er/pr+ her2- mets dx apr '04 eyes & bones new dx jan '07 lung |
Posted in:
Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis + Recurrence and Metastatic Disease, Created: Nov 16, 2008 10:18 pm
Riverinerabbit is 50 Nov 18!!!!Please join me in helping an awesome person celebrate a special birthday!! Due to international time differences I thought I'd start this early so there could be plenty of good wishes by the big day! Happy Happy day River!! May your day be filled with surprises (all good) & the coming year be the best yet! Happy 50th! Many happy returns of the day! HUGS Life is not about waiting for the storms to end, but learning to dance in the rain! Orig dx Nov '00 stg1 gr3 0/27 pos nodes er/pr+ her2- mets dx apr '04 eyes & bones new dx jan '07 lung |
Posted in:
Recovery, Renewal, & Hope + Prayers and Spiritual Inspiration, Created: Nov 16, 2008 10:02 pm
I need a mentorHugs all--a few responses to recent posts: When I see ppl in church that I think are "perfect" I always turn it back on myself & ask why I have judged them so---is it radiating from THEM-or coming from MY feelings of lack......many times feeling unwelcome is due to where my head is at the time & not messages others are sending me. I have had those "God moments" everyday for years now! If you look you can't help but have them too! Mine often happen while walking my dogs in the woods & a hawk swoops down near m;, a deer, coyote or fox crosses my path midday; or insects are seen walking ON the snow---way cool! I also agree that "church" is not the only way to exercise your faith, BUT a major part of Christianity is COMMUNITY. Once you know Him you can't help but share that with others--be it a church, homeless shelter, workplace, humane society--whatever---you get my drift..it flows out of you towards others! Quoting Scripture can be holy, but any parrot can repeat what they have heard--it says NOTHING of true faith! That is done thru interactions with others--LIVING in His way. So give me the person who can not quote a verse, but stands over a soup pot so homeless ppl can eat--there is where you find true spirituality! I love this thread!!! I thank you again Held for starting it! I gotta go finish packing for my visit with F&F tomorrow! 5AM is coming too early!! Be well & stay strong Life is not about waiting for the storms to end, but learning to dance in the rain! Orig dx Nov '00 stg1 gr3 0/27 pos nodes er/pr+ her2- mets dx apr '04 eyes & bones new dx jan '07 lung |
Posted in:
Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis + Recurrence and Metastatic Disease, Created: Nov 16, 2008 09:27 pm
New Xeloda thread?ok--I think I can help with this one--my onc explained the "new" practice of a week on a week off xeloda is due to some work done at sloane ketterling that seems to indicatet the effectiveness of xeloda on the cancer cells reaches it's peak at about 7 days. After that we are only getting over-dosed on the toxins that cause se's with no further benefit toward the bc cells, so they decided to go this route with the most effective tx & least toxin--make sense? BUT the chemo stays in our systems for some time after that--ask anyone who finishes tx & still has se's weeks or even months later!!! Add to this the fact that MOST bc cells do NOT grow fast enough to be measured on scans in a few weeks (which is why scans are 3 mos apart as a standard) & you should be confident that your tx is kicking butt while you sleep! HUGS-----be well & stay strong! Life is not about waiting for the storms to end, but learning to dance in the rain! Orig dx Nov '00 stg1 gr3 0/27 pos nodes er/pr+ her2- mets dx apr '04 eyes & bones new dx jan '07 lung |
Posted in:
Recovery, Renewal, & Hope + Moving Beyond Cancer, Created: Nov 16, 2008 10:17 am
I'm bitchy, I moan, I groan.....anyway.HUGS Nicki! I remember using my day off to "recover"--it SUX!!!!!!!! Get yourself some egyptian cotton sheets, a new pillow & a soft blanket, then change your attitude to Lil' Abner's==you are just Testing the bed clothes!!!!!!! The hard part is finding someone who will pay you for doing it!! hahahah I'm going aaway for a couple of days, but I'll have my laptop with me, so I MAY not fall too far behind--no promises except one: I will keep you all close in thoughts & prayers! I'm lighting our candle this AM--be well & stay strong Life is not about waiting for the storms to end, but learning to dance in the rain! Orig dx Nov '00 stg1 gr3 0/27 pos nodes er/pr+ her2- mets dx apr '04 eyes & bones new dx jan '07 lung |
Posted in:
Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis + Recurrence and Metastatic Disease, Created: Nov 16, 2008 01:11 am
Bad X-ray, MRI of the HumerusHugs & prayers that you don't get to join THIS club---- I have heard from others in the chat room that some scans did not pick it up when others did-for different reasons. I also have been told that USUALLY the pain accomapnying mets does not vary but is constant (has anyone experienced different?)--since you stated it hurts worse at nite that COULD mean something other than mets.....? I hope you get good news soon. Please let us know what you find out. Be well & stay strong! Life is not about waiting for the storms to end, but learning to dance in the rain! Orig dx Nov '00 stg1 gr3 0/27 pos nodes er/pr+ her2- mets dx apr '04 eyes & bones new dx jan '07 lung |
Posted in:
Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis + Recurrence and Metastatic Disease, Created: Nov 16, 2008 12:54 am
New Xeloda thread?Hello Xelodians! My mets dx was in April '04. Since then I have been on numerous tx's. I had to take a break this summer as my body could not rebound between tx's. I tend to get every SE in the book & then some of my own!!! The scans after my break showed a small progression in my lung so onc suggested xeloda, I had not tried it yet (some metsters are amazed I waited so long) I was concerned about the SE's & in the back of my mind I didn't really believe that a pill would do the job (silly, I know) Anyway, Tues I am starting my 6th week on xeloda (one week on/one week off/3,500 mg) To date I have experienced only a slight indigestion which has decreased each week. My skin (face, hands & feet) seems drier, but 2-3 times a day I use a lotion (not on my face) my onc nurse suggested following a recent conference she attended. They said we should use creams with Urea; this one is 25% urea. It is made in Canada & took about a week to receive, but it works slick as snot! (sorry--dh's favorite saying) You can check it out at dermaltherqapy.com or order at 800-668-8000-I do not have stock in this product! LOL I drink LOTS of water everyday-2-3 quarts-especially on my ON week. I still soak in a hot tub (they tell me the jets are good for my neuropathy) but I keep my feet outside the tub most of the time. I have no symptoms of further progression & my TM's dropped by 90 last test.I have horrid chemobrain, but tha's nothing new! My nails seem softer & my joints are slightly sore. That may not be the chemo, but another issue .....My hair has grown back & aside from fatigue I feel better than I have in almost 2 years..NOT what I expected! I understand that like all chemos this is cumulative & SE's may still show up after I have been on it a bit longer-but so far so good! I will have new scans in 5 weeks. That's MY experience so far. I will be happy to hear others storiess & remedies! You ALL be well & stay strong! Life is not about waiting for the storms to end, but learning to dance in the rain! Orig dx Nov '00 stg1 gr3 0/27 pos nodes er/pr+ her2- mets dx apr '04 eyes & bones new dx jan '07 lung |
Posted in:
Recovery, Renewal, & Hope + Moving Beyond Cancer, Created: Nov 16, 2008 12:08 am
I'm bitchy, I moan, I groan.....anyway.WhaSux?? Dream--You do more than write exceptionally well! You always make me LOL My favorite roomie--I love you even if you do snore!! (I know, I do too) HUGS- Rock & MissS--YOU rock! (what kind of super hero costume can we design that will symbolize: piano-moving-bitchin-babe??) Thanx for your responses--yep-sometimes what is IN that glass makes a world of difference! Tonite I realize that I am in the eye of the storm. Odds are this will not last, but I am SO blessed to be where I am right now. I have decided I should not apologize for it, but accept it & celebrate--so someone refer me to this page if I come back bald, sick & bitchin in the future & I will be reminded that I didn't waste this by feeling guilty!! HUGS!! I was at a local concert tonite listening to some wonderful singing. 2 sisters who sound like angels were singing "Because I Knew You" from Wicked when this thread came to mind....because I "know you" bc sisters I HAVE been changed for good........ Be well & stay strong Life is not about waiting for the storms to end, but learning to dance in the rain! Orig dx Nov '00 stg1 gr3 0/27 pos nodes er/pr+ her2- mets dx apr '04 eyes & bones new dx jan '07 lung |
Posted in:
Recovery, Renewal, & Hope + Prayers and Spiritual Inspiration, Created: Nov 15, 2008 06:33 pm
I need a mentorWelcome Moody & Goldie----EVERYONE'S 2 cents is welcome!!!! What is a discussion without it? My feeling about religion & spirituality is simple: religion is merely one of the ways I exercise my spirituality! It is a language & venue for speaking & practicing my spirituality. Faith is a gift (so is F&F!) & faith is where my spirituality comes from. Church is PEOPLE!! NOT one man or a few men who TRY to control the rest...that is why I believe a vibrant church is HUMAN & survives when the tyranical, narrow interpreters of scripture can not. I often pray for enlightenment when I find I disagree with the teachings of my church. I recognize that the church changes SLOWLY-only after the ppl have embraced & practiced something for many years does the church recognize & officially change the rules to include what ppl have been living for a long time. The church is important to me, but it is NOT the final answer. F&F addressed this above: the final answer is in prayer & consultation with learned ppl. That is moral & ethical decision making! Keep questioning & dicussing..be well & stay strong Life is not about waiting for the storms to end, but learning to dance in the rain! Orig dx Nov '00 stg1 gr3 0/27 pos nodes er/pr+ her2- mets dx apr '04 eyes & bones new dx jan '07 lung |
Posted in:
Recovery, Renewal, & Hope + Moving Beyond Cancer, Created: Nov 15, 2008 06:08 pm
I'm bitchy, I moan, I groan.....anyway.WhaSux? KAK---I am so glad you found this thread-both for you & US! I love you attitude--you rock! AKA--hugs- I found my lump the Wed after Thanksgiving so I can empathize. I hope it is encouraging to know that the holiday happened in spite of my dx. Mostly is it a blur, but I don't think I ruined anyone's party (but my own)...hang tight hon--you will find your way & it will all be over b4 ya know it! Lisa--lots of prayers & blessings for your decision making & tx. You are not alone in this-we all need to walk it together! HUGS Wish--that just plain SUX! Even tho we know it is going to be hard on most of us for a while, knowing someone else has it tougher just doesn't take away our own pain/troubles-----big hug & prayers that things take an upward turn for you & dh! Bee--welcome! I have found this thread to be the most "real" & helpful! I, too, am in love with all the cyber b*tch*n babes here! Flyrz--passive aggressive--sounds JUST like my MIL!!!!! OH NOoooooooooo....LOL Dream---I saw that you called a few times, but it always seems to be hours later & too late to call when I see it..I'll keep trying. The one good thing about my being busy-it means I feel HUMAN again so that is a major SOI for me (after the last year I need a break) I'm sorry & I'll catch ya sooner or later........YOU TOO LUANN!!!!! Trish--car troubles just fry me! I hate how they end up doing 2 or 3 things b4 they hit on the right one!! It SUX Where is Traci, Nicki & Pinky?? My only IOS is that I'm not sure I belong here while things in my life are going so well. My sisters pointed out recently that even at the worst of times I tend to see the glass half full (which often pisses them off.) I don't want to anyone to be offended or feel I take your suckiness lightly....it sux that feeling good sux! (Now there is a prime example of what screwy things mets does to a life!!! SHEESH!) To everyone who needs it----big hugs & a whalloping THAT SUX!!! Life is not about waiting for the storms to end, but learning to dance in the rain! Orig dx Nov '00 stg1 gr3 0/27 pos nodes er/pr+ her2- mets dx apr '04 eyes & bones new dx jan '07 lung |
Posted in:
Recovery, Renewal, & Hope + Moving Beyond Cancer, Created: Nov 14, 2008 07:34 pm
I'm bitchy, I moan, I groan.....anyway.Hey all WhaSux??
Dream--I was thinking about your dilema--I remembered a few years back when I got fed up with my whole family & nothing worked to get them to help----so I went on strike! It was hard for me to live in the mess, but I just kept a space cleared for my own peace of mind--I quit doing EVERYTHING for them--said if it didn't involve blood or fire not to call for my help!!!! I remember the kids looking over my shoulder as I cooked myself dinner one nite asking if I was gonna eat all that......could they have what I didn't eat--------it DID work--after I did it a second time a few months later...lolol--was hard to let myself do it & get over the guilt-but I did & it was worth it--so YOU GO GIRL ....hide that monry too!!!!!!!! (did you get my message on your voice mail?) LuAnn---Sorry--I guess some people just sleep all day & post all nite--I can give as good as I get!! LOL & HUGS DH is here to show me how to do more cool stuff with this laptop---so hopefully more later! You all be well & stay strong Life is not about waiting for the storms to end, but learning to dance in the rain! Orig dx Nov '00 stg1 gr3 0/27 pos nodes er/pr+ her2- mets dx apr '04 eyes & bones new dx jan '07 lung |
Posted in:
Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis + Recurrence and Metastatic Disease, Created: Nov 14, 2008 12:06 am
Xeloda and Skin Dryness what to doUpdating my last post--since then onc nurses attended a bc conference---they were told the lotions with Urea are recommended now!
I have been using the lotion for 2 weeks & it seems to be working (cuz when I was out for 2 days I could tell!) Hope this helps people! Life is not about waiting for the storms to end, but learning to dance in the rain! Orig dx Nov '00 stg1 gr3 0/27 pos nodes er/pr+ her2- mets dx apr '04 eyes & bones new dx jan '07 lung |
Posted in:
Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis + Recurrence and Metastatic Disease, Created: Nov 14, 2008 12:01 am
MOM IS IN THE HOSPITAL!BIG HUGS cn---I will keep a candle burning for all of you!
Life is not about waiting for the storms to end, but learning to dance in the rain! Orig dx Nov '00 stg1 gr3 0/27 pos nodes er/pr+ her2- mets dx apr '04 eyes & bones new dx jan '07 lung |
Posted in:
Recovery, Renewal, & Hope + Moving Beyond Cancer, Created: Nov 13, 2008 11:52 pm
I'm bitchy, I moan, I groan.....anyway.WhaSux??
I hate knowing that all the bitchin babes I have come to love have so many IOS's--war & worry,bad IV's, sickness & se's, loss of loved family members, a$$hole husbands, fruitless job searches, too many hours at work,tizzies & stage IV cellulite,............IT SUX!! I have to put in a good word for the men, tho--not all are slackers! My dh ain't perfect, but close enough for me! He has done laundry since b4 we were married!!!! He's a keeper, but I'm not saying anymore cuz like Bonnie Rait says, "Women be wise, keep your mouth shut, don't advertise your man!" (I already told ya about his co-worker that was eyeing him....) I am working at getting over feeling guilty about having no real IOS's---had to stop & think what I'd say to someone else if they felt like that--taking your own advise can be hard! LOL My only IOS's are such small potatoes-like the puppy bite on my chin yesterday that almost needed stitches....or the fact that I can't figure out how to post here without it coming out in itallics.....LOL I am glad to hear the good news --yeah Miss S!!!!!!!! A huge THAT SUX to all who need it & looking for more SOI's--the balance definitely shifted & needs to swing back....... HUGS ALL--be well & stay strong Life is not about waiting for the storms to end, but learning to dance in the rain! Orig dx Nov '00 stg1 gr3 0/27 pos nodes er/pr+ her2- mets dx apr '04 eyes & bones new dx jan '07 lung |
Posted in:
Recovery, Renewal, & Hope + Prayers and Spiritual Inspiration, Created: Nov 13, 2008 11:01 pm
I need a mentorWelcome Elaine & Springtime..& everyone else who maybe reads without posting!
If you read back much of what I am about to write has already been said: A church that judges you or does not welcome everyone is not God's church! More damage has been done in the name of religion than other spiritual endeavor! NO ONE else can tell you who or what you are spiritually! Only YOU know what you believe & they are judging WRONGLY if they tell you you can't do/be/believe something & still call yourself a Christian! Bottom line---NO ONE is perfect! We all sin.....the difference is that we work on it. If I repeat the same sin I need more work/help. If I don't agree with the church I am still a member-I just pray for change-in me..or in the church! The one measure I use in every decision is WWJD....it never fails to give the right answer.. Be well & stay strong--HUGS Life is not about waiting for the storms to end, but learning to dance in the rain! Orig dx Nov '00 stg1 gr3 0/27 pos nodes er/pr+ her2- mets dx apr '04 eyes & bones new dx jan '07 lung |
Posted in:
Recovery, Renewal, & Hope + Prayers and Spiritual Inspiration, Created: Nov 12, 2008 09:19 am
I need a mentorJust chiming in with a different persepective----in recent years I have learned that much of what we want or think we need may not be what is best for us, so my prayers may have seemed to go unanswered, initially, when I prayed for something specific. Later the answer would be very clear & NOT what I prayed for at the time. When I am too specific I may miss the answer cuz it comes in diferent wrappings than what I was watching/waiting for-does that make sense?? I believe you can/should ask for specifics, especially if you are asking for blessings on someone else's behalf. My prayer is always that we know God's presence in our lives & trust that we are never abandoned. I pray for us to know peace & calm in the midst of the storms. Personally, I don't do well with just leaving it to "god's will" but then-I tend to be a control freak!! Mets sure does give me lessens on letting THATgo! Life is not about waiting for the storms to end, but learning to dance in the rain! Orig dx Nov '00 stg1 gr3 0/27 pos nodes er/pr+ her2- mets dx apr '04 eyes & bones new dx jan '07 lung |