Illinois ladies facing bc
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Zap, thanking God tonight that it wasnt more serious, prayers will continue.
Adey: Still got you covered. Love you.
Welcome Westie, glad you found us but sorry the need was there in the first place. Two women in the same family. Wow. Make sure you tell mom about us as well...
Since I am in a "it's all about me" kind of mood...I heard on the radio tonight that they did a survey of 700 women taking AI's and almost 1/3 had stopped taking them early due to side effects. Like DUH these pills have been around forever and you just figured out that the side effects are ridiculous???? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-16107978 Just Saying!!!!
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Onward I read an article this week on the subject too. I thought it was more like 40% don't finish (some last for 3 years). I actually thought of you when I read it. So far I'm doing OK on this estrogen sucking drug I'm on. (Anastrozole). Yes that "sucking" has two meanings.0
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Da da da da da Da da Da Da? This is too cute.0
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"The best way to pay for a lovely moment is to enjoy it."
-- Richard Bach.0 -
Hi Ladies!
I see a few new names here, sorry you had to join us, but welcome!
Susan - It sounds like your DD and baby are being well watched over. We've had some cases of fetal tachycardia before, and often it's a transient thing. Good luck to her and try to not worry yourself sick about it. She's in good hands, I'm sure.
Adey - Hope you're doing well with your recovery.
Okay, so I'm doing a little bit of a personal happy-dance.
I saw my onc a few days ago and I am now technically DONE with my estrogen therapy. (!!!!!). No more AI's for me - although I am going to finish up what's left in my bottle which will take me into January. We talked about the recent studies on whether there is benefit to staying on them for another 5 years, and apparently for me there is some benefit, BUT, with my osteopenia numbers (holding steady since I started the Zometa, but still osteopenic range), coupled with my age (51), he thinks the potential impact on my bone status outweighs the benefits to continuing the AI. I trust his opinion, so I'm good with that. I will be doing one more Zometa infusion next week, but then I'll go to Reclast once a year - pending anything better coming out. I did question him about the Zometa again, and once again, he went over the data and still felt that for my situation, post-menopausal and estrogen positive marker, there is added benefit in doing it. I'm good with that too. This will be my 3rd and final infusion. I can't say that I saw any huge increase in my dexa numbers, but they did stop dropping as they had done significantly after I started they AI's. So, for me, it's an acceptable part of my treatment plan.
Here's my estrogen therapy history, for anyone who is just starting and might be interested:
Tamoxifen - 8/05 - 12/07--> Hysterectomy/Oopherectomy 01/07
Aromasin - 2/07 - 11/07 -->Extreme and escalating joint pains.
Femara/Letrozole - 12/07 - 01/12. - Joint pains, but decreasing and easily bearable.
So, hang in there my fellow AI sisters! There are a lot of different paths and options, and hopefully you find the one that works best for you. I'm just a teensy bit unsettled by not having my pseudo safety net in place, but I'm hoping my future health goes with the odds. I'll keep knocking on wood though and of course, the impact of this journey on my life and who I am will never be forgotten.
My last exchange surgery (*knock wood*) is the week after Christmas. After recovering from THAT, I will be doing a serious happy dance in the Caribbean with 2 of my oldest and dearest friends. We're calling it the "Stick a Fork in Me (just not my boobs), I'm DONE!" getaway.
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Yay Rene'. What a nice sound no more AI's has, though I do know that it offers the sense of physically doing something to ward off any problems. I would probably start meditating a picture of someone with wonderful cells all healthy as can be.
Well, I know why I don't care for night shifts --- if I needed a reminder. Wow !!! I just feel out of sorts like something is weighting me down. Never was my cup of tea. I sat at the hospital last night as there was no one else. Some say well can't you dose.....well, no. I have never learned the fine are of catnaps and dozing. I either sleep or I don't.....not much in-between for me.
Lago -- I saw that video before and I love it. It just makes you laugh whether you feel like it or not and to tell the truth...I wasn't feeling much laughter before I saw it. Glad you put it there.
Well....need to go feed some hungry cats....I'm late today. See you all later.
Hugs, Jackie
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Lago - what a funny video - they sure are communicating in their own language aren't they!?!
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Yes, Rene, that is what is called.....fetal tachycardia. I hope it is just a transient thing. She was released from the hospital yesterday....heartbeat still faster than normal.....but she was released. She goes back tomorrow to see where things are at. So here we have this problem but no one is suggesting a solution. The tests for other problems have all come back okay. Very frustrating.
Jackie, whenever I am up all night I feel dreadful the next day. Catch up on your sleep so you return to normal.
Lago, watch out for those coyotes while walking in LIncoln Park. I read that three circled a woman and her dogs. We have one that goes through our back yard very early in the morning.
Kelly, I will be thinking about you. I have been out of it what with my concern for my daughter, but I believe you are having surgery on Tuesday.
Adey, you have been on my mind as well. I hope this finds you well and happy. Onward, the very same to you.
I missed Connie at the party as she is a regular. How are you doing darling Connie? I hope all is well and that you are just busy with wonderful children stuff.
Susan
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Rene, lucky you. Glad you made it through to the end! Send us a pic of the beautiful sands and tranquil waters, doesnt that just make you guys drool???
Lago, Wha, wha, wha wha wha. Back at you! Onward
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Zap... glad to hear that your DD is out of the hospital and with a diagnosis that sounds somewhat common. I am sure that they will monitoring her and the baby very closely. Will keep praying for you and your family.
Rene.... congrats on being done with AI! I have 4 years to go and can't wait for the day. Keep us posted on how your SE's begin to disappear. I'm doing much better on Aromasin than I did on Femara so think I can stick it out unless the SE's get worse as time as goes on.
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zap - Glad DD is out of hospital. I'm sure they'll be monitoring her and the little one very closely. Prayers for sure.
My Mom is in the hospital with chest pains. She passed an EKG and the enzime levels are fine. This morning she is having a chemical stress test. Hope it goes well. Very stressed to say the least. Prayers are appreciated.
Welcome to the new girls. Best wishes to all of you!
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"What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others."
Pericles0 -
Prayers and much love for your Mom, Laura. I'll be visualizing a good outcome to this. I won't say don't worry because you will.
Hugs, Jackie
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Laura-prayers for your mom, hope all goes well.
Robo-congrats on your last chemo and hopeful you can relax a bit and don't worry about those lbs, they'll come off when it's time.
My BMX, etc is tomorrow-I'll be wearing my guardian angel and thinking of all my Illinois Ladies angels, as well. Thank you all for being so supportive, I can't begin to explain how much it means to me.
xoxo
-Kelly
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Prayers to your mom Laura!!! I hope all is well tonight!!!
Zap....scary about your DD and grandbaby....glad to read they are home now! Hopefully all goes smoothly the rest of her pregnancy. Prayers for them too!!!
Robo......(HIGH FIVE!!!!!) yay!!!! Although, how the heck did you pass me? Lol.... Mines tomorrow!!!! We have come so far!!!!! And we can try to motivate each other to lose the chemo weight.... I'm up 15 so far, we'll find out the new total in the morning. It's in my ass mainly....UGH.
Kelly....welcome to this thread, sorry you have to be here though. Extra prayers for you and gentle hugs!!!! I wish you a smooth, quick healing!!!! And you will definitely feel some relief after the cancer is out of your body!!! We will all be thinking about you tomorrow!!!!!
Adey...... Hope your butt boobs are treating you well.... Can't wait to see you back here!!!!
Lago..... One last date with the chair, feels like it was just the other day you let me sit with you during your herceptin. I can't tell you how much that calmed my nerves on the whole process.....
Waving Hi to everyone!!!! The pics from the party are fantastic....I wish I could have been there!!!!!! When's the next get together?0 -
Wow, lots of milestones in this group lately. Yeh for you, Robo. Celebrate. And madismommy... All done tomorrow.... you did it! Kelly... Will be thinking of you tomorrow. I remember that my PS stopped in to see me before going into BMX surgery and said "this is a good day" .... What????? He went on to remind me that it truly was a good day because I was getting rid of the cancer. Sometimes, I fail to see the cup half full.
Laura... Keeping your mom in my prayers.0 -
Kelly - You will SO be in my thoughts and prayers today; I know you will do great!
So, since I have nothing else to deal with between now and my BMX on Thursday: yesterday, as I was stopped at a red light driving home from work, I was rear-ended (not enough to hurt me at all, but not a "tap" either), and the driver did not pull over, just drove off. I couldn't get a plate number because it was pitch dark out. Got the police to come and take a report, but had to ask the police officer (a woman) THREE times before she agreed to write a report. She stated that the damage to my bumper is probably less that $500, so not worth writing up. Seriously? First, it's your job, lady! Second, it's a brand new car, and the impact foam and other small parts under the bumper may be damaged, so I may need a whole new bumper. That, plus labor, could potentially be more than $500. In any event, if I want my insurance to pay , I need a police report. Even after she wrote it, she stressed that she didn't think there was much damage - she seemed annoyed when I asked her if she moonlights as an automobile appraiser. Yes, in the greater scheme of life, not a big deal, but just not what I needed today!
Today (Tues) is my last day at work. Am trying to get some things finished, then will be handing things over to my boss till I get back. Tomorrow is my day to finish up things at home and put a bag together for the hospital.
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Yay Robo. No more chemo. I was like you about the hormone treatment. I was scared to death. But as you can see I didn't have any major SE (so far). I remember my onc telling me when I expressed concern saying "we'll see." She was right. Many of us do just fine. Just try it. If you are having issues then you can address the problem but don't assume you will have problems.
You will drop quite a bit in 2 months. I did but not all of it because I was still retaining fluid. My onc said that I was taking an unusually long time. I did drop about 1/2 of it by the 2 months though. It will come off. I mean I still have nail lifting. I guess I'm just one of the slow ones.
Yay Madmom. I wish I wasn't working or I'd drive out and sit with you again. So glad I calmed you down. Hard to believe it's almost over.
I'm thinking of planning another Chicago get together in Jan/Feb (most likely Feb). Not sure about when the next lunch one is. I'm working so I can't make those anymore
Laura gald to hear mom is home.
Spunkyboobster I'll be thinking of you today. I'm sure we won't hear from you till Friday the earliest. They will keep you pretty high for a while. Enjoy the acid trip
and of course good luck. !!!ADEY!!!
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ROBO - Woo-Hoo! NO MO CHE-MO! Awesome!!!
MadsMom - ONE MORE!!! You go girl!
Kelly - Best wishes to you!
lemon - Best wishes to you on Thursday...hope you recover quickly. Don't over do it...rest, rest, rest. I was rear-ended too - very similar situation. I'm so glad you didn't back off with writing the report. The damage to my car was also thought to be minimal. BUT...it ended up being $1800! Structural damage can't be seen just by looking at a bumper!
Onward - How's the LE? Hope it's under control.
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Hope I haven't forgotten anyone! So much is going on here!
My Mom was discharged, with all good reports relating to her chest pain. WHEW...thanks for the thoughts and prayers. Her "ticker" is in good shape!
ADEY - WHERE'S ADEY!?!?!?
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Dropping in to wish Kelly well and lemon well later this week.
Glad you mom is okay........my DD is okay too and Rene, that fetal racing heart must have been transient. Talk about putting me into a panic
I will stop in later to see how everyone is doing.
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The marvelous richness of human experience
would lose something of rewarding joy
if there were no limitations to overcome.
The hilltop hour would not be half so wonderful
if there were no dark valleys to traverse.
- Helen Keller0 -
Good morning everyone. I am running far behind but wanted to put this on for Robo, Jenn, and say.....yay for both of you. You see.....no matter the struggles --- they do end, and in their place is the secure knowledge of what you accomplished....formidable as it may have seemed in the beginning. You should be proud for what you have done because it is the last thing you wanted to do, but you had so little choice.
There is the matter of getting through the se's for this last time.....but know when they pass you are really THERE. In fact, you may notice that you could be a little edgy that your routine is changing --- because you have been doing something so important.
You have done something so important.....you challenged so many of your fears.....and you won. You did it. Kisses, warm hugs, and lots of confetti. In the words of Billy crystal...."You are marvalous' dahling " so heave a huge sigh of relief and welcome a part of the end that starts your new beginning.
Kelly.....many thoughts of you and hopes and prayers that all is well today. We are all withl you.
See you all later......
Hugs, Jackie
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Beautifully said, Jackie!
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Big congrats hugs and kisses to you Robo!
Kelly, thinking about you today and sending gentle warm hugs your way.
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Kelly spunkyboobster: thinking of you. Let us know how it went! I can tell the Thursday ladies, if you like. Lemondrop--good luck! I'm riding a steroid high!
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Robo-I know how you feel about thinking you are finished with it all, and then being told about the drugs. I was so freaked out about using a drug. I am just not that kind of person and I did not want to be reminded every time I took the pill. I only lasted a few days and I tossed the pills. I found there are lots of alternative ways to balance the hormones without drugs. I am living proof and I have the bloodwork to prove it. I3C will do the same thing as tamox, with no side effects. Just losing weight will lower estrogen levels because excess estrogen is stored in fatty tissue. I read that exercising daily will lower your risk of breast cancer by 50% so that is the route I chose to take. Today, I feel great and have no fear of the return of the beast because I have never been this healthy.
So it is a personal choice. Follow your instincts. Whatever you choose, it must feel right for you.
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I have to share the sadness that I am feeling right now and you all are such good listeners. A wonderful man works in my department. At the end of last week his 20 year old son committed suicide. He was a junior in college. Great student, had a part-time job, steady girlfriend, sports jock, loving family. He wrote nine letters to his family and friends telling them all how much he loves them, how wonderful they are and how they had nothing to do with his decision to take his life. His mother was expecting him to come home for holiday break that night, instead she got a call that they found him dead. I went to the wake last night and cannot get this out of my head. His parents will never get over this. What a waste of a young life. Here we are fighting for our lives, dealing with surgery, chemo, radiation, AIs.... and he just decided to extinguish his life and leave all the people who loved him so much to grive and wonder what they could have done. Thank you for listening.
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Dear Char, how sad this is. This person was obviously suffering Depression and I honestly feel that Depression can be deadlier than any cancer. I am so sorry. WE with cancer face treatments, dreadful as they are, and can contnue to do as long as we fo not suffer clinical depression.
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Oh Char...that just breaks my heart!!!! Such a waste. And yes, his parents will probably never recover from it.
. Horrible!!!!!! Suicide is definitely something I will never understand. 0
