Illinois ladies facing bc
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Ladies, I had treatment #8 of my weekly taxol on Tuesday . I left the clinic limping. Apparently the nerve the neuropathy chose to work on that day is connected to the knee I am having therapy on from twisting it on ice back in february. I was so sore it could barely hobble to get in the car. It was a good thing I had pain meds at home. It was a little better today. I went to work but had to take one pain pill while I was there. I think this has made the decision to stop the taxol with my treatment this next week #9 after my appointment with the onc pretty easy. The next week should be #10 which is a herceptin week and I am asking to stop the taxol that week and only do the herceptin from then on every 3 weeks. It is what the 2nd opinion onc agreed with and I have not seen my onc since he got a copy of her opinion, but both say it is my decision. My father has neuropathy and walk with a walker. I do not want things to get that bad, and some of this they say will not go away even after I stop the taxol. Chemo was just to get the herceptin, so getting 3/4 of the way thru is enough of a benefit for me from the chemo. The herceptin will give me much more benefit. I will then do rads and a AI. So hopefully next Tuesday will be the last chemo for me.. I don't know if I should celebrate not getting all the way thru, but I will be glad to be done. I will also be glad not to have Tuesday diabetes any more. i have to give myself shots on Tuesdays because The steroids drive my blood glucose levels into diabetes only on Chemo day. I don't think I will have to take them anymore when it is just herceptin. That will be a big plus. I have managed to lose about 20 pounds while watching what I ate for the diabetes during the last 8 weeks, A couple of pounds per week. i can not complain about that part of it. I have another 100 pounds I could lose. I will keep working at it, but the bad knee has not helped with getting much exercise. One nice thing about the taxol for me is that my hair has thinned but not gone. I was ready with hats, wigs, etc but have not needed to use them. I am grateful for that, I have not had to explain to 7 yr old, 5 year old and 3 yr old grandkids why i don't have hair. The older grandkids all know. But the younger ones just knew I had some surgery and had an owie that was healing and to go gentle with the hugs. They could see the port surgery, so didn't have to say anything about the lumpectomy. They do know if they are sick they need to keep their germs away from Nana. I know I will still be a little tired when I do rads, but it will be nice to not feel as tired as I do now on the weekends, when all the steroids wear off. The weekends are the only time I get to see the littler ones as they live 1 1/2 hours away. 2 of the older ones only live 20 minutes from here and we see them almost every week. When school is out the first week of June we may get to see more of everyone. We rent a house near lake michigan for a week every July and all the families come and spend part of the week with us there. We want to keep doing this a long as the kids are still willing to come. Eventually they will have to many games, jobs, etc that they don't want to go anymore. So while we can do this we are are enjoying the time with them and the water , beach, etc. Our 3 kids favorite vacations when they were growing up were camping at the state parks with beaches on lake michigan. The grandkids seem to love the sand and water too. The week in July is something to look forward to right now instead of thinking about bc. That seem like all I have done since my repeat mammogram the week after Christmas. MRI in Jan, the 2 surgeries in Jan and 2 in february and Chemo starting in March.
It is nice knowing that are lots of ladies in Illinois who have gotten thru this and are living full, fun and busy lives. Annette
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Hi all,
I haven't posted in awhile. I have been sooo busy here. I am up late tonight - cannot sleep due to yet another storm. Wow have we had the wicked weather lately. We didn't get damage for the 5/8 storm but friends and relatives who live south of us did have damage. My niece and nephew go to college at SIU and John A Logan and they said it was really bad. When college kids say it is bad - you know it is bad. I am so ready for calm, sunny weather. I am also not feeling the best. I don't know if I am coming down with something or what. I have a sore throat and feel so very tired. I hope I get feeling better soon. You always worry it is something "more". Still going for "fills" on my expanders and will be having another surgery sometime in the coming weeks. I am glad that is going OK so far. I am looking more like my "old" self.
Buddy - I am so glad you posted and told everyone your situation. JanClare and others gave you great advice. Hang in there! Don't let anyone take advantage of you! I certainly hope everything works out in your favor.
JanClare - thanks for posting the FMLA info and other stuff. It is good to know and pass on.
Seems like so many of my friends are going through trials right now. A really good friend of my husband and I recently found out he has lymphoma. I think it is the curable kind but we are still concerned about him. He is also 40 something. I hate this stuff!
Even though I don't post frequently, I will be thinking of all of you and wishing you the best.
Take care!
Jennifer
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Janclare. You sure do know your stuff....Wow thank you so much. I worked fulltime for the school last year. This year I was part time, 4 hours a day. The aides are not in the Union. I cant thank you enough.
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Buddy.. is your school part of 201-U? I sometimes work for this area as a sub. Jan Clare summed it up and now you know the real power you have in fighting this.
Just wrote a huge note and lost it here!!! All my thoughts and prayers goin for Jo, Annette!!! Second opinions to me are impt if you need too have them.
Jennifer....have someones pecial to me that has leukemia/lymphoma and a lemon sized tumor in her pancreas. Feel so powerless when this horrid disease hits those we love.
Want this chemo journey over as i am getting tired of it on so many levels. Starting to tire me out emotionally and physically. Grateful for i know not all have it as i have had it, but it is all still hard. Praying for all those that are in treatment this week!Personally, I just want my life back. Ok off my pity pot now.
Jackie..you always sum things up so well when someone has a issue or needs the right support!
Rita,..how was the pizza party with the youth group..lol. I had to stop teaching for Sundy School.. 2nd and 3rd graders. and one class off for food.. would be great to me!!!!
Hope the sun stays out the bad weather stays away!!!! Be well everyone.
Donna
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Juliet and WendyTY...I hope the job interviews went well for you yesterday and that both of you will be gainfully employed in the near future. I can't think of two greater gals that I would hire if I was a prospective employer. You will both find something when the time and job is right for you.
Wendy, I took my youth group for pizza last night. Those riding in my car were so disappointed that it was raining and we couldn't put the top down. I must admit that I felt the same way!
Jan, I hope you're feeling better now that you're home. It's good to have you back, gal!
Buddy, keep us informed on the job situation and continue to rest and heal! HUGS!
Jackie, did the bad storms come your way last night?
Well, I need to get moving and get a few things done around here. I also need to shop for some new "tops" to wear on vacation. I cleaned out my closet yesterday and most of mine are getting pretty "ratty looking." Time for a new batch!
Everyone have a good day.
Rita
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Good morning girls. Its a perfect day. I hope no one had any damage due to the storms.
Donna yep you are right?
Ritajean. what a wonderful thing to do for the youth. That is a precious memory you made for them. They will always remember you.
I took my daughter to the Nursery and let her buy a couple flats of flowers and veggies. She is 14 and in FFA and 4H . She is a real tom boy. She loves the outdoors. I know she will plant them all, but I dont think she will keep them weeded. Any offers for a garden Fairy out there.
I am really going to miss gardening this year.
Have a fantastic day...........Love Buddy
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Good morning ladies,
I got the job!! YAHOOO!!! It feels so good to not have to spend the day sending resumes, etc. I'll start training in a week or so... just wanted to share my happy news.
Thanks for all the well wishes during my job search.. your positive vibes really helped.
Now WendyTY is next - go Wendy!!
Hope everyone enjoys the sunny day after those crazy storms last night!
- Juliet
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YEA Juliet!!! Things are really looking up now! I'm so happy for you. You go get 'em gal!!!
We're celebrating here today!
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Thanks Rita - I can't think of a bunch I'd rather celebrate with
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Buddy, perhaps you could do some container gardening just so you can watch your something grow during the summer. Wear the gloves when you do. Someone chime in, is it okay to garden when doing chemo? I never obeyed the rules so well, so maybe I should keep my mouth shut.
With the above being said, Jo, I really do not know what is the right way to go. I think it is wonderful you are getting the second opinion! I Doctors know so much more than we do, don't you think?
Yesterday was emotional (to the point that I am taking a personal day off) today. I am exhausted what with the bike trips, the usual restlessness of the students at this time of year, the packing I am doing as I have to pack up ALL my books and textbooks to be moved to another room. Then, we had a surprise faculty reception for all the retirees. They gave me a Memory Box filled with letters from my teachers in my school. I am beginning to feel weepy, which scares me as I am not a weepy person. In the past on, those rare occassions when I did become weepy, I started to flood the area and it is like years of never crying just turn into the 100 year flood and it is embarrassing. I am hoping the personal day will help me regroup. I have one more party to endure and then the graduation. We really overdue this retriement thing and now I know why some choose to retire mid-year and go quietly out.
I agree with RITA. I too (if I had a job) would hire you both, Julie and WendytY You are both strong, reliable, resiliant, and are great at creative problem-solving. You endure under pressure and you are a positive member of a great team. You welcome strangers and make them your friends and you are able to cheer your team on. YOU ARE HIRED! Let's figure out a cyber party upon each one getting a job!
Hope all are feeling well (Donna and the rest in treatment). So happy to hear from Jan Clare again. She is the practical one and always gets it in writing. JanClare, I needed to rely on the Disability Act to get me sooner into my classroom. One higher-up thought I would be too ill to be with children. The hair business and the se's of chemo would be too disturbing. I needed to convince them that I could do the job (at the time, I wasn't sure I could but the steroids gave me a lot of chemical courage and I was aggressive). The staff supported me and it helped having a husband as an attorney and a School Board member diagnose with BC. The higher-up backed down. The real kicker was that she asked me not to tell the staff anything that happened behind the scenes. Shame, shame, shame. Yet, I have forgiven this person. I feel I educated her and that the next person who announces she/he has cancer, things will be easier, People with cancer can be evaluated on their ability to do the job; but "Cancer" alone cannot be the deciding factor
Have a great day!
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It took me so long to write the post...and I just saw Julie's message. Let the first party begin!
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Bustersmom. Yeah for you. I am so very happy for you.
Zap I must have read your mind. I just got home from the store. I bought a Topsy Turvey. I saw it on T.V. They are hanging planters that grow the plant upside down. It will be fun to try.
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Morning! Happy Birthday, Smerf!!!! And a hundred more!!!!! Have a glorious day!Juliet ----- YAY!!!!!!! Congrats on the the job!!!!!!! When do you start?
Jo - you are doing the correct thing, getting that 2nd opinion. I ended up getting a 3rd, the last being a different onc in the same group I went to first (I didn't much care for his partner) and while the first 2 told me I HAD to do AC + T plus Herceptin the onc I ended up listening to had just gotten back a few weeks prior from the San Antone BC conference where studies indicated for ER+/Her2+, carboplatin and taxotere was better combined with the Herceptin. So I did that and I had NO trouble whatsoever (except for the Great Hair Exodus). Things change so quickly in medicine. Get the 2nd opinion, have a good think about the whole thing, make your decision and NEVER LOOK BACK! JanClare is right tho....you can do nothing and be fine. And you can do everything and the beast still comes back. And everything in-between. It is important to throw everything you can at it the first time tho. That being said, if my doc had given me a "get out of jail free card" and said no chemo, I wouldn't have done it - then. Now - you bet I would do it! I would do it again, too!
Rita - I took the Z out cruisin' the other day - sunny today but so windy and a bit chlly so I think I will just hang at home. I got some SOLAR tiki torches (home depot) and I am gonna put them up. Hoping to really get out next week....looks to be sunny and warm! Tops down!!!!
Buddy - boy! Did you ever get info!!!!! See - you can get info on anything here! (remember - this is where I found out about "mulch dye") Let us know what happens - even DH keeps asking!
Jennifer - glad you checked in! I am so sorry about your friend....yes, cancer sux! (can I say "sux"???) Well - it DOES!!!!!! BIG TIME!!!!!!
Donna .....my laundry is piling up....and there is some ironing to be done! And pity yourself away! That't what we are here for...and for being tired of the whole chemo thing...yep, we get that. BUT - it will soon be over and you will move on. I've been done now for a little over 2 years and I can't believe it. Seems somehow like another lifetime and that it happened to someone else but at the same time, it seems like yesterday I was sitting in that infusion chair, looking around and asking myself how I got here. Hope you feel better today with the sun! Hugs to you too! Heck - I will do my own laundry today! How's that for a good friend?
Susan - you actually took a personal day? Now I know you are not feeling yourself today! Hopefully the bright sunshine is helping you as well! Sit around and cry and be miserable today. Tomorrow, you will be back to your usual happy, gorgeous self! You girls you have never met Susan - her hair is even prettier than in her avatar!
OK....I know I am missing a few of you - so I hope you are doing well as can be. Hugs to you all!
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Okay.....after this post I will get on with life. I found this though and thought of us.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZSC-n7Kbg4
Happy Birthday, Smerf!
Susan
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY SMERF!
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Good morning everyone...and quote will come tonight. I'm at work right now hoping to get through this post ok.
JanClare you really do come through with bases covered for those having 'trying times' and I know it is very appreciated. There are many trials in the game of cancer isn't there and so much nicer for all of us to help each other. Especially when thrown for a loop right after a big surgery. Buddy, we are lucky Jan is around.
PJuliet - What great news and double yay for you. I think it's the pits looking for a job and thank goodness the job I have came to me .... but that is a small town for you.
Jennifer - Hope you don't come down with anything. The weather ( if we can just get through these storms ) is just going to be too nice for anyone to be sick.
Donna - How many more txs do you have? I wanted to quit after my first four...the A/C. The last three went down a little hard and I started to feel like I would never feel "consistently" well again and I went into some strong resentment --- almost hatred, I think, of the three week cycle knowing that I would only have a brief period of feeling good before I had to willingly and knowingly put myself right back in a 'negative' position. I wish I had more words of wisdom, but I started to focus big time on this is what I have to do to save my life so I can be here for myself and for all the other people that care about me and whom I care about so much as well. There were still times, but once I really equated what I was doing as totally necessary to save my own life it did take a lot of the sting of misery out of it. You do though ( once you are totally through ) actually look back and recognize your own strength, will, and determination and it will make you feel good ( if still a bit worn and weary ) that you were really that strong. It is and will be one of your biggest accomplishments......hard to see it now when you are dreading each tx knowing what it is going to do to you. Sometimes I am still surprised, but Dh took me to all my appts. so there was no way I could duck out of any.
Annette - You have done your homework and are in agreement with your medical team as far as your chemo and I would imagine that I might stop as well. We still do not know who will recur and who won't and exactly what the conditions are that make it so. They are working on it, but till more is known we have to use the knowledge that is available to us and our best judgment. This isn't just a whim....you have checked it all out and will have the Herceptin which is a bit of a powerhouse I think. I say if it feels right to you, it probably is right.
Susan - It is going to be hard ( even with so much desire ) to walk away from something that has been a major focal point of your life for so many years. Guess it would be for me very ambivalent as like you.....I would want to leave with all my heart....but like a drowning person....so many things I think crop up to flash before you and grab at your heart. Very bittersweet. Not too much longer though.....and we do get across the hurdle and finish line----even if we are a little soggy. I hope it goes well. I'm thinking about you.
Hugs to all
Jackie
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P.S. Big wonderful, fantastic, gigantic, fun, Happy, Happy Birthday.
Hugs,
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Jackie...YES..myDH takes me to each tx too and cannot get out of it!!!! i have two more to go. Thanks for the great words.. i always listen to your wisdom.
WendyK....@!!!! What a friend you are to do your own laundry!!!!BTW.. i am really bad at ironing.. so can you find one good ironin fairy...hehehe.You are too funny!
Susan..good question on gardening....Buddy...i am goin to do light plantng and wear gloves. That is not recommended maybe, but i want to have some fun. Keep it simple. Your daughter sounds like she will be a good helper!!!
Happy Birthday Smerf!!
Juliet.. so awesome that you landed your job.. just great to hear there is life after all one foes thru here!
Sun feels good, will take a short nap though and then go out on deck with a nice cup of tea. Did go to yoga today and did LAUNDRY AND SHEETS...why??? Cause I DON'T HAVE A LAUNDRY FAIRY!!!!!lOLOLOL..
Side note.. looks like i have a thin brown line goin of sorts on my front teeth?? Also what about itchy pimples one the head.. it is enough already...
Hugs and Enjoy the Day,
Donna
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Happy Brithday Smerf! Enjoy your day! The sun is even shining in your honor! Hugs! :-)
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***HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO SMERF****
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This morning I went and got my zometa infusion. That wasn't a big deal. Saw my oncologist and got some vicoden for the pain adn compazine for my nausea. It has helped alot. I didn't go to work today either. I put my notice in and will be quitting on June 5. I go on Wednesday to appy for SSDI. We are starting to clean out our house and get it put up on the market. Once we sell it we are moving to "South Carolina..I am ready for some warmer winters and no snow............
Ginny
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Jo, I am glad that you're getting another opinion. These decisions are so tough. I do want you to know that there is another type of chemo called CMF chemo that is much easier to tolerate than AC or the other big guns. I did the CMF. I had the chemo or no chemo decision to make also and my onc suggested doing the CMF. It was quite doable and I didn't lose my hair. Everyone has to make their own decision and I had a hard time. Finally I thought about my personality and knew that IF the beast ever reappeared again, I'd at least know that I had done everything that I could have done to keep it away if I did the chemo. I know myself too well and know that I would have been asking myself.....what if I would have done the chemo??? About the same time, another gal that golfs at our club also was diagnosed with bc and was also given the same chemo or no chemo choice. She chose to only do the radiation. To date, we are both O.K so you just need to weigh the suggestions of the oncs and decide what is best for you. Then don't look back and second-guess yourself. You will make the right decision for you and once you make it, things will be much easier.
Annette, oh my gosh! I'm so sorry that you've had such terrible neuropathy. I can certainly see where you're ready to quit the treatments and concentrate on the herceptin. Hugs to you!
Jennifer, so nice to see a post from you. Come back more often. We miss you!!!
Donna, the pizza party was fun. The kids were very good and there wasn't one piece of pizza left. I'd ordered salads for them and 5 large pizzas for 12 kids! Everyone said they were stuffed so they left happy for the summer. Next year I am not committing for the entire year. We start in September and don't end until mid or late May. That is really too long. Since they have trouble finding people to teach the classes, you always hate to miss and by the end of the year all the teachers are pretty burnt out. I'm just going to "sub" next year and take a year off to get energized again. I have done it now for 3 1/2 years....and even when I was doing chemo it was a good thing for me because it took the focus away from me for that night every week.
Well, I'm done for the day now. I need to mow but my yard is too wet to do that today. Maybe it will dry out more tomorrow.
Everyone take care!
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Ginny, we were posting at the same time. Glad that the zometa infusion was no big deal and glad that you're quitting work so you can concentrate on just you. Let me know when you feel well enough to get out of the house for a sandwich or beverage. I've been thinking about you lots!
Rita
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"There are no such things as limits to growth, because there are no limits to the human capacity for intelligence, imagination, and wonder."Ronald Reagan
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Ginny - You brought really good news today. Was it you quite some time back that talked about moving to South Carolina. If I recall you just felt like you needed to wait -- maybe work a couple years longer. If so, then you are pretty much keeping to the time table that I feel I'm recalling. Glad you got the extra meds to help you too.
Got awakened by the storm last night a couple of times. That is two Thursday nights in a row....and that is enough of that. I need my sleep. Well, tonight should go better. I am hoping we can skip some of the rotten wet weather for awhile now. Dh got our lawn mowed two or three days before the rain so we were ok that way Just got to keep on going no matter what comes but the old feast or famine thing is tiresome and I'm ready for a little more consistent so you can plan on things a bit better.
Maybe Ill get a chance to come back a little later. Have a nice evening everyone.
Hugs,
Jackie
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Hi girls It sounds like we have more big storms rolling in tonight and tomorrow. I hope everyone has a peaceful night.
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Hey Rita Jean, I just got on and noticed you had left me a message back in Dec. It is sooo good to hear from you and to stop by and say hi to the IL. Ladies. I am sorry I haven't checked in. Our group of 4 just e-mails anymore but we keep the thread open. I hope all is well with you. We are close as I am in Taylorville and thats about an hour and a half south of you. I do get to Lincoln sometimes(my sister lives there) and we do a couple craft shows there. We will be there in July .I am 5 years out now along with my other thread girls. 3 of us are her 2 and did herceptin and we have been ned for 5 years but I am not bragging because I don't want to jinx anyone. Our other b.c. sister has had 2 flare ups and is in treatment now for liver spots. She is doing well so far. I hope all is well with everyone and you all got through the storm lastnight. It is so good to hear from you Rita Jean, I hope you are doing great and hi all you Il. survivers. Mary
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HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY SMERF....I hope you got to enjoy this wonderful day. Don't eat to much birthday cake...I just know you love cake. lol lol
Juliet...whoo whoo for you. So happy to hear that you got that long awaited job. We will celebrate at the lunch bunch dinner.
Rita..when are you going to my fav place LV soon right. I know it is calling me..do you have extra room in that suitcase. lol
Jackie..I hope those storms don't wake you up to much..girl you need your beauty sleep.
Wendy...have you been driving tops down today.. sun, wind...oh I hear the beach calling us..beach chairs are waiting.
Laura...thanks for all your support calls.. You are the best. Hugs to you!!!
Connie...boating season is here..hey
Zap ...only a few more weeks then the big R. Then let the fun begin.
Donna / buddy..I hope you girls are getting lots of rest. You really need those cleaning fairies I will send Wendy over. lol
Juliec...how are you doing. did you ck out my gastro md.
Carolberry..where are you and how are you feeling.
To everyone else in tx hope you are doing well and to all the others I missed hugs to you.
Don't forget the Lunch Bunch is meeting for dinner next week. All are welcome to join in the fun.
Email me if you are coming.
Remember to be healthy...be happy
Blackjack
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Geesh... It's been a few days and OH MY GAWD! You girls are a chatty bunch!
First - WELCOME to the the new girls... we know that it's unfortunate that you are eligible to join us, but you've come to the right place.
Jo - The decisions are TOUGH! You are dealing with a tough one! Knowing what I know now... I would say... don't do the chemo. BUT....I would get the book The Cancer Diet and LIVE BY IT... also... if you haven't been there... go to the forum here titled ALERNATIVE therapy....a good DIET /LIFESTYLE is essential.
Susan - the whole retirement thing is a big thing because you are such a dedicated, loving person. Anyone that could simply walk away... is someone who didn't put their heart and soul into it. I know you... you put all of you into your job.... think of it as a new chapter... you can write it, direct it, edit it...
PJuliet - OMG - congrats to you! If I was hiring... I would hire you in a second! lol Good for you! Do they have another opening! lol
Ginny - I wish you the very best. SC sounds GREAT! Maybe we can visit you! Wishing you all the best....
Wendy - A day without YOU is like a day without sunshine! It would not be the same without waking up to your posts (and Jackie's of course)... I thought of this.... can you be our daily weather girl?... Wendy the Weather girl! Luv Ya....
Be well, Illinois Girls!
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Ginny... what is a Zometa infusion? Not sure i know what this is?
Buddy...Storms big time today.. this rain and wind is enough already. We still have not gone thru the planitng part here.! Hope you are feeling stronger each day and bowels are better etc. Hair part is awesome to hear. I am on Taxotere and Cytoxan.. little hair coming back if any??? It is so surreal at times to see myself in the mirror and say.. i will have hair again?! My treatment #3 is WED, coming.
Hope all are well and staying dry. Will get to your laundry as i can, have a back up goin as many requests goin here.See what I caused Buddy!!!!!
Hugs and Healthy Wishes,
Donna
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