Anyone starting Chemo in Feb?
Comments
-
Alyson, BEAUTIFUL bride!!! Love your outfit and especially the hat! You look marvelous............
0 -
Gorgeous photos Alyson!
Well, I'm fighting a cold, so I've been reading but am incapable of posting much coherent thought. I'm still getting used to the idea that I'm really NED!
Hugs,
Hillary0 -
I love the pictures Alyson. What a beautiful bride and handsome groom. Of course you and DH look grand. I love the hat and dress.
Hope you get good test results. Seems like everyone is having issues. So far all have been "false alarms". Hope yours is the same.
I went to see the oncologist yesterday and he gave me a clean bill of health. Of course, he doesn't do scans or blood work. He did a thorough hands on physical exam. He took a good 7 minutes checking the suture lines, the axillas and all edges of the implants.
I go back to see him in 6 months.
Twink, Melanie,Leah and Marsha, your pictures are fantastic. What a trip I missed. I know you guys really know how to have a good time.
Melanie, I am hoping and praying for scar tissue as your diagnosis. Please let us know as soon as you know.
Twink, you and your shoes. How funny. I am somewhat a shoe freak too. Although lately i have been slouching around in crocs. Between crocs and flip-flops, I am not too stylish.
They have started on my kitchen redo. Wallpaper is removed and the ceiling scraped off. They are starting to "mud" the walls and ceiling. Then they will apply the new texture. I will be meeting with the decorator to pick lighting fixtures and decide on colors for the walls in the kitchen, dining room and entry hall. We will also have our great room painted. I am beginning to get enthused about all of this.
Terry, I think my BRCA tests took about 2 weeks to get the results.
I hope you get negative results. Are things better at work for you?
I surely hope so.
Hi to Pat, Phyl, Carynn,Catherine,Hillary,Twink,Melanie,Marsha,Leah,Jan,Terry,Vegas and all.
Hugs to everyone. Sammie Kay
0 -
Alyson....you look so wonderful! And a beautiful couple too! I, too, love the hat.
SammieKay...no nothing is better at work. I am hanging in there though. Really tired. We have been really busy...too much multitasking and my brain in tired.
I too am starting a kitchen "face lift" New flooring and new wallpaper or painting (not sure yet), not sure about the countertops. I have 1980s butcher block formica. Still in good shape though. Need a new dishwasher & fridge. Bought a new dryer yesterday, as mine has been in the fritz. It has been fixed just too many times.
Well...off to work for more "fun"
Talk later.
0 -
My bs said everything is fine! She did an ultrasound on both lumpectomy areas...see her again in 3 months.
BTW MARSHA>I love your real hair!
0 -
Woo hoo, Jan! I'm doing the NED dance with you ...0 -
Alyson, you look fantastic (and sooo proud). I echo the comments on the beautiful bride and handsome groom. What a milestone! Congratulations.
Nothing new to report from this front but I'm happy to dance with y'all doing the NED dance. Not sure what it will take for me to feel that I can say the same.
Had my hair cut today and the chemo-curls are almost entirely gone. I'll post a pic at some point. I think I look normal, untouched to the average eye... it's sometimes hard to believe the last 12 months are behind us.
Hugs.
t
t
0 -
Hi all! Hope you are well!
Melanie - Any news yet? Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Are you still out of town? Ready for the Dallas race? Cant wait to hear who your surprise guest is this year!
Marsha - The necklaces and earrings sound beautiful!
Rachelgators - Don't feel bad! We're glad you dropped in! Best of luck during your tx.
Twink - I was never much of a QVC shopper, but then right before chemo they had Philosophy and some other make up/skin care products that I wanted and the price really was great. Well, then I found out they sell Dooney & Bourke. Sigh...I'm so hooked.
Terry - When I had my BRCA test done, the Counselors told me that since there is just the one place that does testing, that they are supposed to tell patients that it takes 6 weeks. However, they also told me that it had been running only 2-3 weeks (during that time) to obtain results. Sure enough, 2 weeks later I had my results. Keeping my fingers crossed that you don't have to wait long either. BTW..I love Antiques Roadshow too. And give us details on the kitchen face lift!
Catherine - Hi there! I don't know if you saw my message, I added you to my Skype contacts last week. Unfortunately, I haven't had time to fire it up since then. I'm sure we'll catch up soon!
Alyson - Thank you so much for sharing the wonderful pictures from your daughter's big day. You all look so beautiful! BTW...you look fabulous in your "pre hair" pix too.
Hillary - Hope your feeling better. Take care of yourself girlfriend!
SammieKay - How exciting to remodel! DH and I did pretty much the whole house but 3 rooms. We were going to finish last year, but, ahem, I was otherwise detained. We are going to start on the den in the near future. If you think of it, post some pix!
Wild/Jan - Big WHOO HOO on the clean US.
Did you all see the news on Patrick Swayze? He's battling pancreatic cancer. How sad.
Well, it's time to go veg. Have a wonderful evening all. Take care and hope to see you soon!0 -
Jan; Great News!
Sammie: Your onc is not so different from many others that do not do scans unless something is wrong. I am a bit surprised that he does not do regular bloodwork. I am glad he gave you a clean bill!
Alyson; What a lovely bride your daughter made. Cute SIL also. You look very elegant. Such a special time in your life.
Twink: Can't wait to see the new do! I ordered an espresso martini in your honor yesterday. It was soooo good. She said it was 6 parts Van Gogh double shot espresso vodka, 2 parts Bailey's and 2 parts cream de cacao. I am going to try to make it myself. Also had a yummy chocolate martini.
Leah; How are you doing? We haven't heard much from you.
Hillary; Hope you are feeling better. There is so much cold/flu stuff going around.
Carynn; I don't think there will be any surprises at Dallas, but ya never know
Terry; Try to get some rest. Sometimes, I think the continual bad weather can really bring us down mentally.
Marsha; Any definite news on continuing the "Patsy" show? I still can't get over how great it was!
We just made it home from Nashville. How incredibly cool it was. I am not a country music fan and our friend that was inducted into the Hall of Fame knows that about me. But...man was I blown away when the 71 year old Charlie Daniels sang. I felt lucky to be there to see his solo performance. This was a dinner and there were about 400 people in attendance. Very intimate feel. Alan Jackson sang a few songs at the end. It was informal and comfortable. Afterwards, there was another private party given by Universal Records South with many of their recording artists. That was interesting, but not really my type of event. I will try to post a couple of pics later.
Friday will be the day for the biop. I am actually going to the dentist that morning to get the 9 permanent crowns set...then directly to the radiologist for the probing. Busy day. We go Sunday with a big group of friends to see Bill Cosby perform. I am looking forward to that.
Thinking of you all....
0 -
Melanie, at least you are not bored at home... what an agenda!!! This is great... good luck for Friday... Hugs...
Alyson, I love the pictures, too... your DD is lovely (very nice hair color) and your SIL has a darling of a smile and intelligent eyes... wishing them the best
Jan, great news... not too cold? It's been nasty here all day (snow and cold)... but I had a deadline... so I stayed warm.
Hillary, Terry hope you are feeling better.
Carynn is never online (Skype) and Leah very "unavailable"... well feel free to ring me in if you see the green light...
Marsha, I am so glad for you that you have exciting projects.
Big hugs to all... Twink, Vegas, Carynn, Leah, and all of the above...
Catherine
0 -
Morning, all.
I have had a busy week so far: oncologist appt. in which he gave me a lot to think about, and back to work with a vengeance, which most people can relate to who have dared to take a vacation! I also started going to a gym, which was a committment I made to myself. I have to get fit so that all the cool clothes I bought when I was thin last year (I had lost about 20 lbs. since diagnosis) will fit this spring.
I admit I am in a bit of withdrawal from being with the Fab 3 last week. I miss them very much. We packed a lot into the time together!
For all those who have good news on their checkups and scans: I am so happy for you! The relief you must feel! Keep those smiles on your faces!
And for those who are on a more uncertain path (me included): I wish for us the grace to not let any of this take away the happy moments and the joy we could be feeling at any moment. It is so hard. But time is perishable- as much I want them, we don't get any "do-overs".
Talk to you all later. {{{{HUGS}}}
0 -
Well girls,
My lesson for this month is to remember the health of the rest of our bodies, as all plan to be around for a long, long time.
Example 1 (bad): I hadn't been to the dentist since right before my diagnosis. Normally, I'm a two to three times a year patient in order to keep my gums in control. Well, I'm now facing potential periodontal disease unless they do some pretty serious work, now scheduled for the beginning of April. The good news is that is not irreversible ...
Example 2 (good): Now that I've turned 50, I've scheduled my first colonoscopy for later this month.
Example 3 (good): I've got an appointment scheduled with my PCP (also this month) during which we are going to talk about heart health. Prior to chemo, I had a very low risk for heart disease. But, chemo and rads to the left side have definitely put me more into the danger zone.
That said, I'm home with a cold today! I ignored it yesterday -- dentist appointment, going into ds's classroom (my regular Wednesday gig), and his 7 year pediatrician appointment -- but I can't today. Fever, chills, the works! Ironically, the last time I had a cold was about the same time last year -- after my first chemo!
Melanie -- What an agenda ... I get exhausted just reading about it. It's good that you're keeping busy before your biopsy. I know that the week that I waited for results was a very, very long one!
Carynn - Nice to see you on the makeup thread. When we have our next FCC get together (and we're all there!), you're going to have to give me a makeup lesson. I desperately need one to figure out how to use foundation, etc.
Catherine -- Once I get Skype up and running on ds's computer, I'll let you know!
Leah -- You always have the utmost grace ... I can't wait to meet you in person later this month. We can always change reservations to a less, shall we say, caloric choice if you'd like. I, too, am trying to lose my post-chemo weight!
Twilah -- If anything, my chemo curls are getting more abundant. I think that they have a looser wave, so the longer my hair, the more evident the wave is. (Some how chemowave just doesn't have the same name appeal!).
Howdy to SammieKay, Terry, Phyl, Karen,Alyson, Marsha, Jan
Hugs to all,
Hillary0 -
well, chemo number one is over...that was Feb 21..ended up with neutropenia and in the hospital for 5 days and after 4 neupogen shots, i'm home i'm feeling better...but have a runny nose and it seems like my allergies are worse. tomorrow is my visit with my oncologist before chemo #2, and i'm hoping my blood tests come out as good as the last one at the hospital.
0 -
Di53; How awful...ending up in the hospital! I hope your next chemo is not so eventful. There is also a thread with women that right where you are right now. If I copied it correctly, this link should take you there http://community.breastcancer.org/topic/69/conversation/699067 The girls here started chemo a year ago and we are certainly happy to answer any questions you might have. It will probably help you so much to join in on the discussion with the Feb '08 ladies.
We have you in our thoughts....
0 -
Oh my...it is really snowing hard here! Really strange for Arkansas. Especially in March. My dentist appt has already been moved to Monday and I won't be surprised if my biopsy gets moved also. Things tend to shut down around here with a couple of inches of snow.
Here are a few pics from Nashville
DH and I with Bob Robbins...Newest Country Music Radio Broadcasters Hall of Fame Inductee!
Charlie Daniels....71 and still soooo cooool. I don't care for country music much, but he could croon to me anytime.
Alan Jackson. I didn't realize he was a big 'ol boy.
0 -
Hi all I just checked in at school. It amuses me that the school computer 'watchdog' blanks out a lot of the photos. They even have taken out a couple of the wedding photos. I really can't think what was offensive about them. None of Mels have been allowed so I will have to wait until I get home to see them.
I have managed to get a booking for my CAT scan on Tuesday. I am going to be a nervous wreck by then and until I get the results.
Must get ready for my next class.
Alyson
0 -
Hi all,
Thanks Melanie for all the nice pics. I love Alan Jackson. We had the Charlie Daniel's Band for our entertainment at the 2005 Suzuki National Dealer Meeting. He was fantastic.
I am holding virtual hands with all of you who are awaiting testing. Melanie, Alyson, Leah,Terry and anyone else that is in the waiting mode. The local onc who gave my chemo does do blood work, but just basic CBC. My internist does a lot of blood work checking cholesterol etc. But no one does cancer markers etc.
I am really excited about the upgrades being done at my house. The decorator and I went to a lighting place and bought my new fixtures for the kitchen, breakfast area, dining room and entry hall. They are so pretty. We also picked out colors for the living room, kitchen and dining room and entry hall. It going to be so pretty. We looked at granite for the counter tops, even though that wasn't in the original plan. I have to have a "come to Jesus meeting" with DH tonight and see if he will spring for that. LOL. We'll see. Would be the perfect time to do it all at once. Makes perfect sense to me.
We had a real storm today. Lots of street flooding. Then it turned really cold.
Heartbreaking and alarming news out of Chapel Hill, NC where my granddaughter goes to college. The president of the student body was murdered. This after the girl at Auburn being murdered. It is so scary. My granddaughter is due in tomorrow for Spring Break. Will be nice to have her home and safe and sound. Where are our children safe?
Melanie, you have a "rock star" social calender. Sounds like you really enjoy it. I am jealous. LOL
Carynn, enjoy your races this weekend. I am still in football withdrawal. Felt sorry for Bret Favre today as he retired, but glad he did it while on top.
Twink, post a pic of your new "do". I am getting used to my curls and think I might miss them. My wigs are impossible to wear with all the curls beneath it, so I am going with the chemo curls. Be glad when I have some more length and can get it highlighted.
Hillary, hope you are feeling better. Those upper respitory infections are no fun at all.
Hugs to all, Sammie Kay
0 -
Sammie; "rock star life"....lol lol. Just ask Marsha. She will tell you that I am just a sweet grandma...until Twink forces me to do double shots of tequila. Shame on her.
These senseless murders just make me so sad. I have actually had a very personal experience with such senselessness. It scares me what my grandchildren face. Really makes me sick what is happening. How do we protect them?
Alyson; I will be thinking of you as those scans near. How about starting a beautiful wedding scrapbook to take your mind off of the scans for a bit.
Hillary; Try to take care of yourself. Have you tried the Airborne yet?
Time to head for bed. I am hoping the imaging clinic won't shut down tomorrow because of the snow.
0 -
Melanie:
Thinking of you. {{HUGS}}
0 -
MELANIE>many years ago we got to see Charlie Daniels perform at the Astrodome in Houston. He sure puts on a rockin' show! I wonder if he's still doing it at 71 (rockin)?
CATHERINE>yup it turned COLD here after that really nice weekend. Luckly the last two snow storms went south/SE of us!
0 -
Melanie, your pics are awesome! Wish I could've been there. I'm thinking about you today and hoping that the snow doesn't disrupt the biopsy plans. You need to get this out of the way, it's making me crazy
. Seriously, I'm there with you today Melanie.Twilah
0 -
Hi girls...going in late today, as DS has his checkup for his driver license permit at 10. Will pick him up, go to dr, take him back to school and then to work until 6. I am tired just thinking about it!
Sammie Kay, you should pick up Deanna Favre's book "Don't Bet Against Me" I just read it. It is a very inspirational book about her life with Brett and her battle with breast cancer and death in her family.
I am also reading "Boobs" (Bunch of Outrageous Breastcancer Survivors) There stories of the battle. It is hard to think that I am actually one of them (we all are). Maybe we should all get together and write a book too!
Going to the Home & Garden Show this weekend. We want to look at the kitchens. Flooring and countertops, I guess.
I too, am afraid for our children and world they are inheriting. My DD#2 will be off to college in the fall and it is very scary. We can only pray and talk to them about things they can control.
My diet is at a standstill. Haven't gained any, but just seem to have leveled off. I guess with the stress at work I haven't been as careful as I should be. So I must get better at that.
Picked up the fabric for DD's prom dress, so I must also get cracking on that project.
Next weekend is her big dance competition. She, my mom and sister and I will be in Pittsburgh for it. We leave on Friday. Come home Sunday. Looking forward to a little break.
BRCA testing was uneventful. Although I was late for my appointment. Sat in rush hour traffic for 45 minutes. I guess that is why I am not a city dweller. They explained everything and drew my blood. Have a return appt for the results on April 2. I am confident it will be negative.
Well (((hugs))) to all of you...must get ready to go.
0 -
I don't know what is worse these days, having a kid in college or having one in the military!
0 -
No biopsy today...
After numerous calls, I finally talked to someone who just happened to be in the imaging center who told me they shut down because they were afraid they would have too many "no shows" today because of so much bad weather. They didn't get any of the snow even! I guess that I wasn't getting a call to even let me know of this. He also said the schedule looked really busy and it would be several days before they could get me in. I will be looking at another imaging center and probably another onc after this. DH is really ticked that I didn't get a phone call and that they don't seem too concerned about getting me in quickly.
We have about 3 inches of snow here, but the roads are clear. I think I will post a pic of my house when I get to the office. It looks really pretty. I know that this is everyday stuff for most of you, but we rarely get more than a dusting of snow.
Thanks for all the hugs and good wishes. More waiting now...
0 -
Oh Melanie, that just sucks!0 -
Snow on my hill !!!
Can anyone tell that I am bored?
0 -
Melanie, I'd fire those people immediately!! With our histories, no phone call is not acceptable and "several days" to get you in??? No No No! BTW, Big Daddy looks great! Oh, and I should be meeting Charlie Daniels myself in a few weeks.
Leah, what is going on with you????
0 -
Just coming in quickly to say I now have skype. Would love to talk to you girls so please PM me with details. I will have to work out time differences.
A beautifully sunny late summer day here. Went shopping with DD1 and bought 2 pairs of shoes - I too love shoes!!!
Alyson
0 -
I think it is time to download skype. Leah...you may have gotten a really great thing started here. I hope others will use it also.
Marsha; We need to talk. I have a busy next few days, but please return my call if I leave you a message!
Alyson; Our opposite seasons is just so funny to me. You are in the height of summer and we have snow! We went out for sushi tonight with friends...when we got back home we spent an hour sledding down our hill. I took lots of pics. I said that I want to remember this when we are 80! It was too too funny...and we will pay tomorrow with the aches and pains.
love love you all....
0 -
Melane and Alyson - I just sent you PM's
0
