Illinois ladies facing bc
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Good morning everyone!
Just had to comment about animal sensitivity! About 14 years ago a mangy little black kitten hopped up on the porch swing with me. It stayed around a couple of days....disappeared a few days....and then came back. Finally I fed it. That's all it took! He's been around ever since and spent hours on my lap during my days in the recliner after chemo treatments. He's got a few health problems now and hobbles a bit from arthritis but he's content and loved and has been a real source of comfort to me over the years. They do just seem to know when you need them and they give unconditionally.
Thanks Laura for the address update! We're still waiting on a few of you gals!
So Connie...what is the hot Christmas item for kids this year? I'm out of that circle and completely dumb about that. My little grandsons are still so young that I can please them with about any toy that I buy.
Susan....hope your eye improves each day!
Hey Kats...I found a neat stocking stuffer for my "die-hard Cub fan" when we were in Long Grove. They're playing cards and each card has the picture of a past or present Cubbie on it! My son will love them! I just had to share my discovery with another great Cub fan!
Hope everyone is feeling well today. I'm off to Walgreens before the rush hits to print off pictures. Sure hope we don't get that freezing mix that they're predicting tonight.
Pat...I'm sending the methadone research on Monday so that you'll have more reading material. Will continue to look for more as soon as I have my cards done, the packages wrapped, and of course that infamous Chex mix made! :-) Want me to send you some or would you rather join all of us under Wendy's table as we munch away?
Catch up with you all later!
Rita
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Hi gals,
I'm still a little burpie this morning but oh " What a Difference A Day Makes". I read back over my last couple posts---sorry. I think I lost it a time or two. Wendy, I keep reading your address as I have a gal in my office--retired from Elgin. Nickname is BJ. If you know her that nickname should be all you need. She's a very upbeat person.
Have had a great if small breakfast that is staying and sitting right where it belongs so Ann and Cyd have backed off for now. A big relief. Actually except for an achey spot here and there I feel marvelous.
Hope you all have a fantastic Saturday. I'm sure I'll be checking back in here several more times. Dh goes to work around 12 today I think and home again at 7. T.V. puts me to sleep so all I have is my computer and all of you.
Jackie
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Jackie,
Hope you're enjoying your afternoon and that Ann and Cyd have quit "bugging" you! Just lounge around and be lazy! It's your right!!!!
I think most of the side effects should about be over now. Then you'll have a little "chemo holiday" until the next one rolls around. Hang in there and just keep remembering that Illinois Gals are Tough!!!
Rita
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Jackie....hang in there...you can do it....like Rita said, Us Illinois gals...well...
WE ARE TOUGH!!!!Hey Pat...I second Rita's thoughts...come on up and we will munch away!
(PS to Rita...I know you are missing your Mom and the time you spent making your special Mix. You will always have that time in your heart and it is a memory. Make sure that you gather your loved ones together this Christmas and make it a "tradition". That way...your Mom will always be with all of you at Christmas, and forever. I know you are hurting honey, and that is OK. But it gets better. Hugs to one of the most specialist people I know (and yes..I know that is not a word but it fits Rita, doesn't it????)
Please be careful everybody if you are out and about tonight!
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Hi Everyone!
I haven't checked in for a few days, and there is almost too much to catch up.
Wendy, my cousin and I used to have a fort under the table all the time. We used the dining room table because it usually had a tablecloth on it, and we felt hidden by the drop on all sides. We had so much fun under there, and would bring snacks with us. We would also sneak out of bed, and play under there when we thought our mother's weren't looking. Turned out they knew, and just decided to let us have our fun. We really thought we were getting away with something! Chewy brownies would be my choice to bring, and we would need the milk too.
Jackie I'm so glad you're feeling better. You can and will do it, because Illinois ladies are TOUGH! Never mind about "losing" it here. Everyone here understands, and you can say whatever you're feeling. Ladies here are amazingly supportive, and helpful with ideas for coping with se's.
My dh is turning 70 0n Dec 24th. What a bad day for a birthday! So I'm trying to add something special for him into our usual, and somewhat eclectic mix of Hannukah and Christmas. I've decided on a trip to New York to see his brother and sister. We haven't seen them for about five years, and I think having bc has taught me that we just can't be too busy for family and friends. It is harder than I thought it would be to arrange, even though we aren't going until January. So many details, and endless phone calls, but it'll be fun. His siblings are very excited about it, as are our children.
Everyone, enjoy the weekend, and be careful out there. I hope we get snow this time, instead of freezing ice!
Pat G aka smerf
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Hello ladies:
I had a great day in Chicago painting and cleaning a place designed for Saturday school for Hispanic kids. It was fun to do this with my teacher friends and family. I actually forgot about BC and I saw zero floaters (my eye) the whole time I was there. I got paint all over the place and made a mess of myself....pure joy.
I don't know about the rest of you, but don't you think OUR Wendy is just like THE Wendy from Peter Pan? She is just watches over us. Thanks Wendy!
Rita, I loved the story about your stray cat that adopted you when you thought you adopted it. This cat I have has turned out to be a blessing. She is just so sweet and gives me such comfort. I think cancer has taught me to sloooooow down and enjoy simple things like holding my cat.
Have a great Sunday. My husband is planning on constructing his annual gingerbread house tomorrow. I know that SOUNDS charming. In fact it makes me a wreck in that it never actually works and he gets so aggravated and swears and it all ends up like a house one would see after Katrina hit! Christmas can be hard!
Susan
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Hello ladies:
I had a great day in Chicago painting and cleaning a place designed for Saturday school for Hispanic kids. It was fun to do this with my teacher friends and family. I actually forgot about BC and I saw zero floaters (my eye) the whole time I was there. I got paint all over the place and made a mess of myself....pure joy.
I don't know about the rest of you, but don't you think OUR Wendy is just like THE Wendy from Peter Pan? She is just watches over us. Thanks Wendy!
Rita, I loved the story about your stray cat that adopted you when you thought you adopted it. This cat I have has turned out to be a blessing. She is just so sweet and gives me such comfort. I think cancer has taught me to sloooooow down and enjoy simple things like holding my cat.
Have a great Sunday. My husband is planning on constructing his annual gingerbread house tomorrow. I know that SOUNDS charming. In fact it makes me a wreck in that it never actually works and he gets so aggravated and swears and it all ends up like a house one would see after Katrina hit! Christmas can be hard!
Susan
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Morning Eveybody!Susan....I am soooo laughing about your husband and the Gingerbread house from hell! Too funny! Glad you had a day filled with joy, and the bc somehow disappeared from your life for a little while.
Smerf....the trip for your DH's BD sounds exactly right!
Pat....hope you are feeling comfy and that the meds are doing what they are supposed to be doing. Stay warm! Hugs and Smiles!
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Mornin' everyone,Still gloomy and rainy here. Lightning and thunder during the night--woke me a couple of times. Love to hear the rain beating down on the roof---if you can displace the other parts....it's soothing. Susan, Wendy, Rita, Laura...........all specialists I think at facing the enemy that is a part of life now. You all seem to know just when to find humor that helps, a touching family ( mommy ) memory, a cute story or just like Susan's hubby and home construction, you give us the ability to laugh at some of our ---small dicey parts of life---that once may have seemed a little impolite to share or own up too. It is REAL life and all of this helps keep the ground steady. I think you are all a fantastic group and I'm happy I'm here with you. I think of this as my winner's circle.
Have a beautiful Sunday.
Jackie
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Hi Ladies -
I am brand new to this forum so I hope you don't mind my seeking you out. I live in Woodlawn, IL and commute daily to O'Fallon, IL for work.
A little over a week ago, I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma in the left breast. The tumor is around 1.8. I am scheduled for surgery on Tuesday, Dec. 11 and will be having a bilateral mastectomy. My mother had breast cancer first at age 32, then again in the other breast at age 38. For this reason, I have elected to have a prophilactic removal of the right breast to reduce my risk of reoccurence later in life.
As I'm sure you realize, I have about a million questions and am just looking for some words of advice from others who have faced what I'm facing. I know that I will need chemotherapy, but they have not yet determined if I will also need radiation treatments. That will be determined after surgery -- at least one lymph node might need removal.
One question I can't seem to find the answer to is how soon after my mastectomy will chemotherapy begin? Once it does, what's the typical "down" time after receiving treatment? As a high school teacher, I'm curious how many days I'll have to miss due to my treatments. I'm also wondering how much help I will need and for how long after my surgery.
I'll stop there for now. I'd certainly appreciate any information you can share about what you've been through and what to expect.
Hope to hear from some of you soon!
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Hi:
I am sorry you received the news you did. I am also a teacher and worked through my treatments. My students, like yours, are older and I found them to be "quietly" very supportive. I cannot answer the masectomy question as I had a lumpectomy. I took off two weeks after that surgery, and of course the latter is an easier go of it than the double masectomy. I know someone on this forum will address that question very soon.
I did then have chemo almost immediately. I had my chemo on a Thursday after school (I planned it that way as I was informed that I could have my worse days over the weekend and be back soon to school). Unlike you, however, I did not have a child at home, so maybe yo prefer another arrangement. I was fine on Friday and worked. I was feeling the chemo on Saturday, Sunday and I found I needed to take that following Monday off. By Tuesday I was okay. I do want to tell you, however, that I have learned that everyone is different. You may need more days, or you may be back in the swing of things earlier.
The women here are the best. I wish you well and stay in touch.
Susan
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Susan I laughed out loud when I read about your husband's gingerbread house! It's nice to start the day with a smile. Holidays can be really stressful, but I guess I can be thankful my dh never expresses any interest in doing anything in the kitchen. I'm so glad you had a fun day, and didn't think about bc. Here's hoping your eye continues to improve!
JulieK I'm sorry you received news which led you here, but you are in the right place for caring and support through your journey. The ladies here are so knowledgeable and supportive, and I'm sure you will have your questions answered soon. There is also a thread for mastectomies which might be helpful. I had a partial mastectomy with sentinal node biopsy, so I don't have first hand info about that. They usually wait until you are healed from surgery before starting chemo. I had surgery Feb 15th of "06, and started chemo March 6th. During the time before chemo started I sought out two medical oncology opinions, and had some tests they wanted. Hang in there, everyone here understands what you are going through.
A quick hello to everyone, and hope you are all well.
Pat G. aka smerf
Pat G. aka smerf
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Afternoon Julie,I live in Centralia so I could amost yell this to you. Live out at Raccoon Lake. I am as well sorry that you have received this news. I am new and may not be able to help with questions too much, but I will tell you that the people here have more than answered any question I had----and just as much will hold you up when your having a hard time, cheer you up when your pretty eyes want to get wet and will be the biggest and best cheering squad you could ever hope to have. I hope you will be here often.
IllinoisLady--------Jackie
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Hi Julie....
I just had a lumpectomy and am a lazy butt so can't help you with the work, kids etc thing. But always remember that everyone is different and you just need to listen to your body. I know it sounds silly right now but believe us, your body will "talk" to you. Just no way to know right now.
You are so young...did you try the thread for young people? You might get a few more answers. I had chemo, last one 5/9. I am guessing that you are so new here that your protocol hasn't even been decided yet. I did extemely well, never got sick. But I know I was very lucky and am in the minority. USUALLY....you start chemo 4-6 weeks after surgery as they want to make sure you heal. You may be able to work every day, or some days or.....Unfortunately you will just have to wait to see how your body will react to the drugs.
Since your surgery will be 12/11, you can join the Chemo ladies that will start in Jan 2008 as I am guessing that is when you will start. Check under the chemo thread to see if someone has started it yet, or you could start one. But please come back here too, OK? WE ARE ONE TOUGH BUNCH OF GALS!!!!!!
Since you are new....here's 2 sayings for you...
1) We are all in the same boat and it's NOT the Titanic
and
2) There is a light at the end of the tunnel and it is NOT an on-coming train.
We've all been where you are...maybe not exactly, but the same.
Hugs, Julie. I wish you smiles, and you will find them again. Trust us!
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Susan -
It's so nice that you gave up a Saturday to volunteer! That is so great! If you ever need a another volunteer...I'm just a phone call away. I too, LOVED "hearing" that your dh is making a gingerbread house! I buy the kits every year and my nieces come over and we each make one! It's so much fun! I just love that your dh is doing one! LOL How cute! Photo please! LOL ; )
Jackie -
I'm so glad that we're able to help you through this chapter. It was nice to read how appreciative you are. This group is awesome...we all have some help to offer, whether we're at the beginning of a chapter or on to the next one.
JULIE -
Geesh...I'm so sorry about your dx. But I can assure you, we will help you through it all. I had a Mast, so I can give you some info. Typically, chemo should not begin any longer than 6 weeks after Mast. - the sooner - the better. But your bs will want you to wait atleast a few weeks. It's a very individual "thing" as to when you'll be back at work and as to how you will feel during chemo. Alot of the girls here do really well, and continue to work, etc. My case was rare, in that I had extreme pain from the Mast and then more pain two weeks later when I had to have a full Ax Node Dis (11 more removed) because my Sent. Node came back positive. Because I was having so much pain, my bs and Onc. both thought I should wait the max limit - 6 weeks - b/4 I started chemo. I had 16 weeks of chemo - A + C + Taxol. And then had 28 radiation sessions. During the chemo - atleast for me - the Neulasta injections kicked my butt! I had severe bone pain. Again...most do not. Many of the girls in my chemo support group did not have the same probs I did. So, there's a good chance you'll zip through it. Based on the fact your Mom had it, I think you've made a good decision with going bi-lateral. At my dx time, I just had the left cancerous breast removed. When the path came back...it showed multi-focal with both ILC AND LCIS - that then put me in a category of 30% liklihood that it would recur in the remaining breast. So, last Dec. I had the "good" breast removed as a precaution. One more thing...you will probably feel fine after the first chemo and perhaps after the second, but it's accumulative, so you may need to take a few days off after each of your sessions thereafter. Let us know what your chemo schedule will be...dose-dense or ?
Also, I strongly suggest, if you haven't already, to join in on the chemo forum with the girls that are starting chemo in the same month as you. I did...and it was the best thing I EVER DID! It's incredibly helpful to be able to communicate with those going through the exact same thing, at the exact same time. But of course...keep in touch here as well...we'll cheer you on too!
If you have any other questions...just post! Hang in there. You will get through all this...it's just a matter of time.
smerf -
Nice BD present for dh! Awwwwwwwwwww...he's such a lucky dude! Keep warm in the meantime!
Rita -
I too have a stray that I feed and water! I'll have to call you sometime soon and tell you all about him. He showed up on my deck 3 days after I was home from the hosp after the first Mast! It's so nice that you've been taking care of yours for 14 YEARS! Wow...have you thought about perhaps putting out a bed of straw? That's one of the best ways for a stray to shelter themselves...and it's very inexpensive.
Wendy -
I'll bring spiked egg nog to the fort! LOL : ) Would that be okay!?
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One more thing...
CONNIE - congrats...you're half way through! Hang in there...
Everyone, Michele, kater, etc. - hope you're all doing well and keeping warm!
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Hi gals,
Julie...welcome to the Illinois gals. Although this is not an Internet site that you eagerly sign up for, we will help you all we can. You look so young to be going through this. Hugs!!!!! I had a lumpectomy so I can't help you much about recovery time, but my oncologist started my chemo just three weeks after my surgery. I think he would have even liked to start it two weeks after, but we were dealing with this time of year (last year) and the holidays interfered with scheduling. I took my chemo on Thursdays. The third day after chemo was my worst day. By Monday I was feeling much better and probably could have worked if I'd needed to do so. You are much younger than I am so you may bounce back much more quickly. Laura is right....chemo has a cumulative effect so it may take longer to recoup from a session as you go down the line.
It is not fun, but it is doable. I think I worried more about the chemo than the surgery. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.
We will be thinking about you on Tuesday. Be sure to post as soon as you are able so we know how you did with the surgery and how you are mending! :-)
Smerf...You're right! December 24th is a terrible day for a birthday! But check out our information sheet. Kats has a birthday on December 25th and that's got to be worse. Hey Kats...do you open birthday presents first and then do Christmas? How many times have you received birthday presents wrapped in Christmas paper??? You poor thing! My little grandson's birthday is Dec. 29th and I thought that was pretty bad, too.
Susan...loved the gingerbread house story. Men! LOL Maybe you should meet a friend for a movie or drink that night and get out of the house!!! LOL
Jackie...Have you gotten over the major side effects for this time? Sure hope so!!! Hey, thanks for the kind words about this thread. I like your term "winners circle!" We ARE all winners here.
Laura... I have an outside cat that's been here about a year that I feed. She's the feral cat that I talked about. The black cat that came as a stray 14 years ago has become a house cat.......and has been for years now. His name is Ashie and he's about as spoiled as they come!
Hello to all you other gals! I'm tired tonight! We finished up some shopping today once the lane melted a bit. (I slid in the ditch while coming down it yesterday with my little car. See why I like summer????) Then I wrapped presents...and wrapped presents....and wrapped....and I'm still not done.
Take care ladies. It sounds like another wintry mix will be infiltrating our fair state late Monday night and Tuesday!
Catch you all tomorrow!
Rita
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About chemo. I saw it even published on my chemo directions. 50 and under have a tougher time than older people with chemo.
I am living proof, I had terrible time at age 49, and my mom 72 to 82 years of age, it didn't phase her (carbo taxol)...
I don't know if it's the dosages or what, but it was true in my case. You would think the younger, the easier it would be.
Mom is okay after Friday's 5.5 hour chemo, carbo taxol.
CHRISTMAS TIME BIRTHDAYS
My sister started a tradition long ago in our family, we celebrate HALF birthdays. It was especially fun when we had the first nephew, we couldnt wait to have his first birthday party, so he was half a year old.
Hallmark now has "half birthday" cards.
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That means you December ers: June.
February: August
and so forth.
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Mornin,All,I'm up at the crack of down or something. Stayed in bed for a bit but too uncomfortable to fall back to sleep. Have a question. I'm thinking that I probably need some sort of antacid or something. Have still got the mucous mouth with mild burning sensation at back of throat. Thought it was left-over stomack rebellion from a few days ago. I also thought the stomach info meant I'd probably have heartburn which I DON'T have.
Hope you are all looking forward to a great Monday. Going to be rainning here again today. About three days and it starts getting me a little depressed. I'm a sun person and need my LIGHT.
Kater: What a great idea--half birthdays.
Rita: I'll ask dh...he carries sand bags in his truck to keep it from sliding ( probably as much ) but would that work for a car too. This will show you all how much I know about cars. I refused to drive and get a license til' I was 28. Try to take my car now and you won't see the sun come up tomorrow. Just kiddin' but still all I know about them is if you put in the key, turn it and hear noise you can go.
Jackie
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Illinois Gal, Jackie,
CHEMO days
It's hard to remember all these things to tell you.
I took pepcid for about 7 to 9 days after chemo day.
The oncologist said take as needed. I never before ever had regular heartburn like that.
Also, sit up for at least 30 minutes after eating (one night I had such fluttering i thought i was having a heart attack).
Also, diahrea might happen: immodium (although it made my chest break out in a rash, an unusual side effect nurses looked)...also I was told kaopectate was okay.
Tamoxifen is allowing me to wake up early regardless of when i went to bed (3 am), two times now! I might like this drug!
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Good morning everyone! We had major ice again last night and many of the more rural schools have cancelled school for the day. Bloomington and Normal seldom cancel. I guess they think they will get enough there from the city limits to get their state aid and they don't have to worry about as many buses out on the country roads. Since I've already been in the ditch once on my lane this year, I'm staying in this morning and waiting to see if tany of this melts later in the day. It's a good day to tackle some more wrapping and to do a little "decluttering" around here. Did the rest of you get this ice, too? If so, travel safely if you have to venture out today. Weathermen are predicting more of the same for tonight and tomorrow in our area! YUCK!!!!
PAT...you stay tucked in today where it's warm and comfy. It looks like we'll have to postpone our party under Wendy's table until the weather clears. We don't need the stress of travelling! LOL
Kater...love your 1/2 year birthday celebration idea for holiday birthdays. Everyone should have their own day. I was also really surprised about how younger people have a harder time with chemo. I just assumed that older gals (like me) wouldn't be able to bounce back as well as the younger, more fit gals. You may be right on the dosage issue, though.
Jackie...Hope today is a better one for you.
Julie...Keep busy today. It will help calm your nerves! I will be sending prayers and good vibes for a very routine surgery tomorrow and for a fast recovery. When you come home, you will probably need some help for a few days.
JanClare, Nicki, Michele, Connie, Ginny, Mazy....Haven't heard from you lately on here. Hope you're just busy Christmas shopping and getting ready for the holidays.
Mary Jane...hope your family is recovering from this past week. What's the news on the upcoming baby?
Kats, Smerf, Laura, Wendy, Blackjack and everyone else.......Have a safe and good Monday. Catch you later today!
Rita
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Hi Illinios Ladies, I have not posted for a few days has I have been depressed about this bc journey. My surgeon refused to tx my arm pain were I had snb done and I am in lots of pain. I had a really bad weekend and know I am looking for a new doc. I guess I will live off pain meds for a while. My gyn and surgeon refused to take my other ovary out to put me in surgical menapuse to reduce the estrogen level..blood test stated is is still high. So now I have to really decide about taking meds. I don't know what to do. Any suggestions would help. Thanks to all of you for listening.
Blackjack
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Blackjack...It is SO common to be depressed about this horrid disease, especially when you're looking for answers and don't seem to be getting them. I think I'd find another doctor and get another opinion. What reasons did the gyn and surgeon give about their refusal to remove the other ovary? Are you complete against Tamoxifin and related drugs?
Check your inbox. I received your PM and sent you a response.
Rita
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Blackjack -
Did you ask the Dr about pain blocking injections (aka: peripheral nerve block injection)? I'm sorry you have to deal with this cra*! As for the ovaries...some Drs are eager to remove them and others are not. But if you're still producing high levels of estrogen, I don't understand why he wouldn't agree on removal. There is a drug available, I think it's Zometa, that shuts down the ovaries so they don't produce estrogen. You may want to inquire about this. Also...I can give you the name of the pain specialist that I went to...he's at Good Shepherd Hospital.
IMPORTANT INFO - FOR THOSE OF US ON TAMOXIFEN:
There's a new blood test available to determine if an individual is metabolizing Tamoxifen appropriately so it is able to do it's job by preventing mets/recurrence. The percentage of women who DON'T metabolize it effectively is small. However, if the test comes back showing you're in that small percentage, your Dr should switch you to one of the AI's. The test is relatively new and don't be surprised if your Onc knows nothing about it. If you're interested in getting it done, you should print out some info on it and hand it over to your Dr. Instant education for them! And they tend to be more apt to comply when confronted with facts. It's called CYP2D6 testing.
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Hi Ladies, to update you my surgeon told me that he would not remove the clips and that my xrays looked fine. As for pain injection he felted that it would not work. So I am done with all of this cra****. They all think the pain in all in my head...Am I going nuts?? I think mds just want to put you on pysch drugs and call it a day. As for removing my ovary they said no, that I need the estrogen for other parts of my body. But I am ER+ bc. I am so confused about all of this. I think I will try tomax and see if that is the answer to all of this. What are your thouhgts. Thanks to all of you. Blackjack
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Morning Girls!OK...this weather...in a word....YUCK! Ice all over the SUV yesterday, back again today....heard we may get 1/2" of ice tonight on top of what we already have. I did try something I found by RainX (got it at Target)...you start your car, turn on the defroster, spray this stuff on your windshield, wait 30 seconds and then turn on the wipers. Took 4 tries yesterday as there was about 1/4" of ice but this am, just sprayed it on and all the ice disappeared.
Thanks Laura about the test CYP2D6...I'm on AI's but I have read about this. Imagine taking Tam. only to find out you can't metabolize it!
Blackjack...I don't understand why the dr refused to remove your ovary. Just doesn't make much sense to me. And I am sorry your pain had not diminished. And I do think a new dr (or at least a 2nd opinion) may be a good idea. Did you contact your hospital to see if they have a pain management clinic? Most do these days.
Jackie....I am sooo glad you joined this thread. You are too funny. Put the key in and if you hear noise, you can go? LOL!
Julie....hugs for tomorrow!
Rita...good idea to stay home this morning. I went out to exercise and then to grocery store as tomorrow sounds terrible and I might not be going anywhere.
I'm thinking that with all you girls coming to stay in my fort and all the goodies that are going to be there....I might have to install a treadmill or something! Or is it true that anything eaten under the table doesn't have calories?
Pat....if you decide to go ice-skating, bundle up,OK? Hugs and Smiles!
Everybody else....be careful out there and be well and BE HAPPY!
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Wow - took the weekend off from this board and I missed so much! That will teach me.
Rita - my 6yo daughter surprised me this weekend by asking Santa for an American Girl doll. She had mentioned it a few weeks ago, but I dismissed it. I guess I can't ignore it now. Yikes, those things are expensive. My dh went on the website last night and he said for $100, this thing better walk, talk, eat, etc! I was laughing. Other than that, the big things for girls are anything High School musical or Hannah Montana. My 10yo son, is another story. He never asks for much. I can't remember a year when he had a big gift that he wanted. He likes video games, but not nearly as much as most kids his age. He would rather be outside. He is big into Cub Scouts and the outdoor activities he does with them. I think dh mentioned getting him a bow and arrow or something.
Jackie - sorry you had to have some rough days. Were you taking anything for the nausea? I took Zofran and never got sick once. I also developed heartburn during chemo. I was put on Prilosec and it worked great. Went off it when I finished Cytoxan and was fine. I hope you are feeling better each day.
Susan - I hear you about that gingerbread house! We made ours this weekend too and they are so hard to get together. They never stay! Unfortunately, with the little ones in the house, I can't resort to swearing! They do have fun decorating it once it finally stays put!
Julie - so sorry to hear of your diagnosis. Stay on this thread! These women are awesome! I had a single mastectomy in March and took 3 weeks off of work. I started chemo 4 weeks after surgery. I finished up in November and am now doing radiation. I, like Susan, had my chemo on Thursday. I felt great on Friday and yucky on Sat and Sun. I never took a Monday off, but I never felt that great on Monday either. By Tuesday, I was usually back to myself. Good luck tomorrow!
Wendy - love your illustration today - that guy is hilarious.
Have a great day, ladies!
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Hi again gals;
Sorry to hear that the weather is so bad up North. News on t.v. looked horrific. Do take it easy.
Blackjack, I'm sorry you have had to continue the struggle to get help and relief and it hasn't come. I think constant pain is as wearing and hard on your body as anything else and does finally give you the sense that things are grim and hopeless. I felt like that when I had my tyroid collapse. Constant upset and I started to dread each new day knowing I would have to work when I felt like I was near to collapse---my thyroid was hyper--pulse racing, heart throbbing hard and lots of other things---went on for 7 years. Finally one day it came to a head...and my kidneys quit. I filled up with so much water I needed help to walk. DH home from work, saw me and said we have to get help. I calmly told him I knew I was dying but it was ok. I tried everything I was ever given or told to get well and it wasn't meant to be and I was ready to meet my maker. He would not let me go. Sweets,I know it's a long story when you don't feel too good but it's such a happy ending. DH found a Dr. ( there is a God ) in the same clinic I had to use per our Insurance whose daughter had just gone through what I was....he gave me the right medication that night, and the right specialists phone number. Three hours later I was positive I was meant to live after all.
There is someone who knows what is TRULY going on and how to get a handle on it. I do not understand your Dr's lack of sympathy and empathy. I would think he should be suggesting possible referrals to you for the pain he seems incapable of dealing with. But what would I know, huh ???
Wendy: I too loved your graphics. This one for this morning is so cute. Sure wish I could do that, but you know how it is--put the key in this computer, turn it on, if the screen lights up--wheeeeee away we go.
We may get a touch of some of the Chicago ice today.
Julie: Prayers and healing energies for tomorrow.
Talk to ya'll later if the ice doesn't freeze my ignition on this machine.
Jackie
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Jackie, thank you for your kind words. I am very frustrated at this whole thing. I emailed my onc. resident and told her I would like to maybe try meds. My next appoint. isn't until Feb. but I am hope she can just call in a prescription for me. I watched my dad die from lung ca and I also took care of him during that time. I think that this is dejavue for me and I will end up like him. They all tell me that my ca was caught early, but I have a real hard time believing it. I am doing all the right things, exercizing, veg diet, no cosmo's taking pain meds for pain...what else can I do....
Sorry to ramble on about this ..I want to get in the hoilday spirit but it is slow coming. Hope you are feeling better soon. Keep warm the weather here is very cold.
Blackjack
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