Illinois ladies facing bc
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Makmak... congrats to you for getting in on the trial. I am back and forth to Seattle quite a bit these days. Maybe we can travel together sometime.
Sounds like you ladies with LE are getting some good help. I wish you all the best with that. So far it has not been a problem for me, but I realize that it could rear its head anytime. I'm flying down to Charlotte tomorrow for our son's wedding this weekend and already have my sleeve and gauntlet packed in my carry-on.
Elf.... went to bed EARLY last night? Seems like that must have been around 130am. You are a serious night owl. Early for me is around 9pm.
Lago, I didn't lose eyelashes until a month after finishing chemo. Then it was just lower lashes. I still had 3 lower lashes on one side for a couple weeks so I must have put 3 coats of mascara on those 3 little lashes just to play it up big time. You have such nice big eyes. I bet you can get out the eyeliner and do some magic.
Hope everyone is staying warm. My new friend, Femara, is doing a pretty good job of keeping me warm these days.
Have been wondering about Ginger also. What happened to her. Laura needs to get the search light out again.
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Joan I had nice big eyes on Saturday because I was wearing mascara and eye liner ;-)
Seriously I'm ok with this. I just want to keep those eyebrows. Funny but again the first thing my onc said to me was that I look great. I thanked her, mentioned that everyone seems to think that. I my fear is that I'm going to look like shit when chemo stops! ;-) Who knows maybe I do look better in scarves that hair.
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Hi there. Thanks for all the good wishes.. for those who asked, this is a trial for late stage HER2+ patients who are NED, so for me it was a HUGE deal that they accepted me.. What it will attempt to do is vaccinate me so that I can build an immunity to HER2 and therefore prevent further growth. This is a phase II trial and first one where it's being given with Herceptin but so far the 13 women who are in it are doing well.. It involves a trip to Seattle every 4 weeks... so we go on Monday late night and fly back on Tues.. (our flight is at 6 pm so I really hope it all goes smoothly and we make it home.. or my DH will fly alone and I'll fly the next morning hopefully).. Waiting on ACS to call in the next few days and hopefully help with accomodations and future trips to and from the University when I travel alone.. Though Joan, I may very well take you up on it!!
The Elizabeth Edwards news hit me really hard.. when I was first diagnosed and was getting my port in, my Surgeon kept saying.. just look at Elizabeth Edwards.. so she has been an inspiration to me.. I know her type was different than mine..and we are all different.. but someone mentioned she did not have a double MX.. and I've not done anything yet.. and with the trial, I can't for the next year.. so back to my rollercoaster of emotions.. But, that's the nature of this beast...
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Lago... I really think that people expect us cancer patients to look anemic, pale, skinny and all that stuff. All thru chemo and still now, I probably have 3-4 people a week ask me if I feel as good as I look. I was at a party on Sunday afternoon and spoke to old aquaintance that did not know my story. She told me how good I looked and wondered what I had done to my hair as it seemed longer. She was a bit shocked and embarassed when I told her what was going on. I guess I haven't thought about how I might not look as good after finishing treatment, but I am DONE! I am sure that you will look as good in your hair as you do with those pretty scarves!
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MakMak: Congratulations on the trial. I am so glad you were accepted.
All you LE girls out there I am MUCH better today. I think I just got a bit overwhelmed last night. And am learning to type S L O W L Y which is easier with your fingers bandaged. : ) My hubby got to wrap me today so he can do it for me on the chemo days and weekends. Who knew my appreciation for the big guy would grow after 25 years???
Tomorrow is Taxol 4 and I have my best friend since 6th grade taking me and than hopefully do some shopping with her. Life is good. Thank you each of you, for being here. Love onward
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makmak I am so excited for you. I'm sure you remember our conversation on the way out about plan A, B, C, D etc. This sounds like plan A+ and maybe no need for B,C,D.0
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Onward- my husband amazes me too and it's only been 21 years! Glad you're feeling a bit better. Healing vibes coming your way.
Lago & Joan- I get the same thing... what are we supposed to look like for cryin' out loud! I do scarves too because wigs bug the crap out of me.
TAC number 5 on Friday, then I'm free until the new year (1/03/11).
Take care all.
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Carolyn- I gave you the wrong link in my post! That link was to a place in Pennsylvania! So ignore my link and use the info that Laura gave you.
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lago - You look very healthy and great! Fingers crossed that you're spared the loss of your eyebrows, but if not, they'll grow back quickly especially since you're having 6 tx's instead of 8. My guess is that you will continue to look healthy after chemo. Even though, during chemo, I resembled Curious George, honestly...my skin was fabulous. And after chemo ended, I continued to look healthy.
Onward - I totally understand your new handicap! Everyday manuevers are quite different when wearing compression wrapping. But it's amazing how resilient us gals are! lol You will figure it out, just give it some time! And your hubby...well give him a hug from us gals! He rocks! I too was fortunate, my hubby wrapped me in the beginning until I got really good at doing it myself. And hugs also to your best friend! She's your own personal angel.
LisaMom - How was your son's performance? I bet it was beautiful!
Joan - I "think" you're supposed to put your sleeve/gauntlet on 2 hours prior to flying. But not 100% sure. Have a great time...how exciting! Please post some photos when you get back.
mak - You have a plan girl and you will get through it! Illinois girls are tough and Hawthorn Woods girls are really tough! lol ; )
Adey - Hugs to your hubby too! Friday night...celebrate big time! Woo-hoo!
GINGER - Where are you............I will have to get out the spotlight!
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Makmak, the trial sounds so good and so hopeful and I am excited for you!
Yes, I was profoundly sad when I heard that Elizabeth Edwards was unable to beat this beast and I thought of everyone on the thread that would feel the same heaviness I felt when I heard. I think My husband was as upset as I was. And yes, we are all different. She came into our lives with her breast cancer just a little while before we all did and she managed to be so dignified in spite of her life disappointments. I feel I have learned something about grace because of her.
I hope that all are well tonight!
JanClare, I went walking today. I went to the mall instead of the track and I found that is better for me as I am so visual and so I liked looking at all the things. I hate the track, so maybe I will do the mall. Because I am walking, I do not carry a purse, so no temptation to buy (although a credit card could slip easily into a boot or a bra). Just wanted you to know JanClare, that I am trying!
Susan
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Joan- I was told to try and put the sleeve on 2 hours before and leave it on at least 1 hour after. I try to follow those instructions, but there have been times that I forgot to put it on until just before the flight.
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Good job, Susan!
And congrats Marina on getting into that trial!
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I accidentally deleted some photos..dh was able to retrieve some...heeeeere they are:
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So so sad about Elizabeth Edwards. May she and her family be at peace.
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Sorry they're SO big! I intentionally sized these smaller than the last batch...and they STILL show up big! lol
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And yes...Elizabeth Edwards: quite disappointed and sad. Rest in peace, Elizabeth.
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Laura, thanks for more pictures.
I have been putting my sleeve on at the airport after I go through security... I always get the scanner and pat down, you know. You don't want to get me started on that! Not sure why I think leaving the sleeve off helps anything with TSA. A couple months ago, I got through TSA ordeal and realized that I'd left my sleeve at home. Oh well, I went on my way and had no problems. My daughter found a place for me to pick up another in Seattle so I bought one to wear home. Now I have a spare.
So sad about Elizabeth Edwards. Hard news for any of us, I am sure.
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Thanks for posting the pictures Laura. They are great!
Heart broken over Elizabeth Edwards. She is in peace now, but I feel for her children.
Good luck Marina with your trial. That is great news for you!
Susan - I saw the Reader. I thoroughly enjoyed that movie as well.
Have a good night everyone!
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Oh Marina, I am so happy for you. The trial sounds so promising, that is great news!!!
Caryn -- glad your LE is better today. Let's hear it for good husbands, I think I would have fallen apart recently without my 21-year partner (and we just choose not to tell the kids about the 5 years we shacked up before the marriage, when we were virtual babies.......).
Laura -- thanks for asking about Ari's cello performance. It was lots of fun... his quartet was performing for a retirement home, and led the group in singing carols, it was very cheerful! He has three more performances before Christmas, I spend a lot of my free time driving a cello around the greater Chicago area..... one solo performance, one quartet performance and next Tuesday he is performing with the Chicago Youth Symphony! I am happy that all of these performances are before I start chemo, when I know my attendance might be spotty for the next four months.
I am so saddened about Elizabeth Edwards. I hope her final days were peaceful, and feel so badly for her that in the midst of her health problems, her husband let her down so awfully when she really needed him.
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Laura, thanks for posting the additional pictures. Connie, I really like your hair. It is SO
cute.Marina, congrats on your acceptance into the trial program. That is so exciting.
I was also very sad when I heard about Elizabeth Edwards. She was such a class act and she worked so hard for our cause.
Susan, I'm glad that you're getting into walking. Maybe you can motivate me to get back into my walking routine. I used to walk 3 miles every day but haven't done so well since I lost my walking partner. I can't seem to find my self-motivation. I need to get out there and do it but I keep procrastinating and I have packed on a few holiday pounds already that need to come off.
Well, I've put in a full day and I need to get off here and get some sleep. Hugs to all of you.
Rita
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Laura - Thanks again for sharing the pictures. Have you tried uploading them at imageshack? You can choose what size you want them to be as you are uploading them, which saves you from doing it in PS and then uploading them.
Mak - Congrats on getting into that trial. I hope you keep us updated, it sounds like a really positive thing.
Lago - I lost most of my eyebrows, but never all of it at once. A decent eyebrow kit and my bangs helped to cover the loss almost completely. The eyelashes kept cycling over and over, but yes, eye-liner and Rimmel masacara (with the little comb) were my best make-up friends.
I heard the news about Elizabeth Edwards today while I was driving home after having my 5 year breast MRI. Like the rest of you, I was very saddened that such an inspirational woman lost her battle. I'll get my MRI results tomorrow and I'm surprisingly calm about it.
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LisaMom - Glad Ari's performance went well...he is blessed with the sound of the music! lol You said his name is Ari? My niece has a baby girl named AriAnna! You''re a great Mom for promoting his musical talents! The Chicago Youth symphony...wow! Enjoy! And best wishes when you start chemo. We're here for you...we'll help you through it...we'll cover your back! lol
Susan - Keep on truckin' girl! lol
Irene - I thought I was the "longest" survivor here...but I just noticed you beat me to it! lol You were dx'd in 5/2005 - I was dx'd in 7/2005. That makes you the winner! lol
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It's 3:53 AM! I can't believe I woke up this early...hope I can fall back asleep...if not...it's going to be a loooooooooooooooooooooooong day! HUGS to all of you!
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For those of you who are having trouble getting back into walking… I totally understand. Although I am exercising at least 3 times a week for 60-70 minutes a session I hate, hate, hate it but I feel so good when I'm done. Once you are back into it you will also feel like you have more energy. I also heard that is good for lymphedema in both reduction and prevention (getting things flowing).
But seriously don't think I'm having fun doing it. Yes I will be going to the gym again today, the day after chemo.
I have to get back into my strenght training 2 times a week. That's where I need my modivation.
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The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, nor to worry about the future, but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly.
- The Buddha0 -
Morning everyone and it is quite brisk in southern Illinois, It is sad about Elizabeth. Glad no one here is saying bad things about John as I've seen on other parts of this forum. The children need the strength of knowing the continuity of family he can provide.
Motivation -- I need a ton or two of it and I'm ordering it for X-mas. I hope we all get some in just the right amt. we need.
Hope all have a wonderful day and that the sun is shining on you through the cold.
Hugs, Jackie
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Good morning! Hope it IS good!
Just checking in...
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Good morning! Hope it IS good!
Just checking in...
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Off to Herceptin and to give my gifts in a bit.. Just crossing my fingers my liver numbers are back to normal!! For some reason they have been creeping up since chemo's end.. Hope everyone has a good day!!
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Hope you're all having a nice day! I e-mailed ginger...she's doing great! Whew...she's just been busy, busy, busy! And that's a good thing.
Keep warm, neighbors!
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Hello.. back from Herceptin.. my numbers are doing well.. the liver enzymes stayed the same and my whites are way up to 7.5!! and reds are in the good range.. so relief.. scans in 6 weeks.. so I still have time to relax and enjoy the lovely weather.. NOT!!
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