Anyone starting Chemo in Feb?
Comments
-
Hello, all!
What a roller coaster of a week. I didn't get the fulltime, permanent postion. It was a long shot, since I am way overqualified. However, they are trying to create a contract position for me for my Oracle stuff, as they need that more! Don't know what that timeframe might be,
However, I have an interview this week at Staples (yes, they are headquartered in MA), and the contract position that they orginally wanted me for (an IT project manager-ugh!) for 3 months somehow morphed into a Supply Chain position for 9 months- much more to my liking! So I went from depressed about the original to mildly excited about this one- all in one day! I think I am still interviewing for both, but who knows? Most of these companies are a little confused about what they want/need and change their minds 1000 times while you are in the process. Oh well. What's the saying, whatever doesn't kill you makes you XXX? thanks for all your support, guys. Just want to work about 5 more years, then I can make some other choices. But for now, this is my life.
I am hoping that I can start before October 1, and just take that morning off for my scan. Will probably get my bloodwork done next week so that I don't have to take a day for that. It's getting close, but I honestly have too many other things to stress about right now, so this has been relegated to the back of the brain!Hope everyone is doing better than me! SammieKay, Alyson, Terry, Diann, Caryn, Catherine, Melanie, Pat- thinking about you all and praying that we are all weathering these storms ok, What a group we are!
Oh, on the condo decorating front- the floor is in, the painting got done this week, and now it is all brown floor and cream walls. God, it needs color! In the process of trying to decide just which ones to add! Need a good fabric store.. hunting. Will keep you posted on this, too.
Much love.
0 -
Good morning everyone!
Thinking of you and I've been reading (between embroidering shirts ), but havent had time to post. DH wants to learn how to work the machine, so it's been a bit slow going while I try to teach him. Just a few more to go.
We also received word last nite that a very dear friend took their own life. He had been having health problems that were not getting better so he made this choice. DH to seems understand it so much better than I. So very, very, sad.
I will be back in the swing very soon. Until then, sending big hugs and a few extra good wishes to those waiting results.
xoxo
0 -
I want to thank everyone of you for the gentle hugs. It meant so much to me to be thought of by all of you.
Things are much better today. This is the first day I haven't lived from pain pill to pain pill. Pain is definitely getting much, much better.
I will go back on Thurs. and PS will start filling the implants. Hope that doesn't make the pain come back.
I am typing on my own new laptop. My DD, the IT person, gave me a laptop for my Birthday, which is today. She said the Big 70 deserved a big present. I will soon be back on Skype.
Caryn, so sorry to hear about your friend's passing. It is hard to understand. So very sad for those left behind. We lost Mike's cousin to suicide last Jan. Both his parents were gone and he left his one brother alone in this world. I felt really sad for him. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you try to understand and deal.
Alyson, so sorry mean old RA has raised it's ugly head. Hang in there and take care of yourself.
Pat glad the pain is better. I thought of you when I was dealing with pain. It is a hard thing to do. I am so glad you are feeling better.
Whew!!! Leah, talk about a roller-coaster ride. You have really been on one. I hope things turn out well for you. I don't understand all about IT. I am thinking you do something very different from my daughter, who does what you said you didn't like. She has a MIS degree and is usually managing teams. She had her first interview for a job where she would be head of the IT Dept. in a large hospital in Houston. She has worked for several software companies, but when the one form the UK she worked for downsized, she took off a couple of years until her youngest went to school. She came back as a contractor for a hospital and then they soon offered her a permanent job. She was pleased to get the knowledge in the medical arena. Her husband is a Registered Nurse and she feels now they both can move about easily with her knowledge and nurses being at a premium. Good combo for them. Do you write program? Just curious. Hope I am not showing my ignorance by my questions. Just like to understand what you do.
How are things with your BIL, Terry? I hope things are going well as can be under the circumstances.
Catherine, are you still working so hard? How is your DH doing? And of course the "kids"? Guess the weather is getting really nice for walking with them.
Melanie, hope everything is going well in Boston. Thinking of you and your testing. Along with Leah's testing coming up. Guess you and Leah will have some funtime while you are there.
Diann, You are probably enjoying the good life by now. What a wonderful trip. We did that a few years ago. We visited friends in Sacramento and then drove up to the Giant Redwoods. Awesome. We then drove back down Hwy One to the Napa Valley and drank lots of wine. We had a room in the forest with a hot tub in our room. Yummy. Have fun.
Hillary, Marsha, Phyl, and anyone I have missed hugs to you all. Remember I had anesthesia a week ago. LOL Still having brain spasms on occasions.
Love to all, Sammie Kay
0 -
Hope you had a great birthday Sammie Kay. Enjoy your laptop. I got one for my birthday and its so much fun.
It must be Spring because I have liberated my feet, I know I am wearing slippers now but I haven't had socks on for a couple of days. It is certainly getting warmer here which I hope will help with the joints.
Have a great day
Alyson
0 -
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAMMIEKAY!!!!!
Waiting to see you back on Skype... a new pc is a treat!!! Enjoy and have a great evening
((((((((((((((SammieK)))))))))))))))))
about to scream here, I have so much work to do in very little time... will be back...
Ciao everybody,
C.
0 -
Happy Birthday SammieKay!!!
0 -
Happy Belated Birthday, Sammie Kay!! Hope you are enjoying the new lap top and even more the relief from pain.
This is just a short note to let you all know that I finally had my MRI on Tuesday and unfortunately a biopsy is indicated.
I guess a washout pattern is not a good thing, but still hoping for a benign result. Biopsy will be Tuesday the 22nd. Keep me in your thoughts, I am having a pity party tonight and you are all invited. IMPRESSION:
Bilateral single-lumen silicone implants without evidence of rupture.
1 x 0.9 x 0.6 mm enhancing nodule upper-outer right breast. This has a
washout pattern. This could reflect a lymph node or tumor. Given the
clinical history of prior left breast malignancy, would recommend
sonographically directed biopsy.
4 mm enhancing nodule inferior right breast with a washout pattern.
Again, this could represent an intramammary lymph node although other
etiologies are not excluded. Recommend sonographic biopsy if this can
be identified sonographically. Otherwise, recommend six-month MRI
follow-up.
No identifiable left breast tumor.
BI-RADS: 4, suspicious right breast MRI
Results personally and immediately discussed with the referring
physician.0 -
Diann great big hugs. I know the waiting is dreadful. We are all with you. I had plenty of pity parties until I got the results. Will be thinking of you on Tuesday ( Wednesday my time). When will you know the results?
Have Bea here today and I am hoping she will have a sleep. Went to a shopping centre this morning - met a friend for coffee, so must get some things done this afternoon.. Well no sleep at present had to get her up and change her, she likes to save that up for Gran.
Alyson
0 -
Well shoot Diann, I was pulling for unremarkable. We'll all be with you every step of the way when they tell you that the biopsy is unremarkable! Sending you big (((HUGS))), prayers, and good wishes for only good news.
xoxo
0 -
I just have to share this. I went back into the livingroom to find Bea standing up by a chair trying to put on my shoes that I had left there. You go girl, only 10 months and likes shoes.
0 -
(((((((((((Diann)))))))))))))), often they have to stick every possible scenario in their reports to cover themselves (liabilitywise), so do not jump to conclusions before it is all double checked next Tuesday... hope you are not alone at home, and can let the pressure go off... and share a glass of wine with DH and friends... keeping you in my thoughts...
Alyson, I can picture the scene... precious...
Melanie, how did it go today? Wishing you a great visit with Leah over the week-end... 3 months have passed since you were here!... no wonder the veggies have grown...
Sending hugs to all,
Catherine
0 -
{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Diann}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}} Well drat!! I am sending my acceptance to your pity party. Honored to be invited. Hope and pray for a false alarm. My oncologist at MD Anderson told me early on that the tests were so inconclusive and often required unnecessary biopsies. But they must be done. Thank God most of them are negative and that is my prayer for you.
Had a good visit with PS today. Still not getting more saline for a couple of weeks. He said I could look like Dolly Parton if I want. I think not
. I love Dolly and think she is adorable, but can you imagine trying to get clothes to fit. I was pretty worn out today. I woke up at 4:30 am and couldn't go back to sleep. He is very pleased with how things are healing up, me too.I will go back to work next Tues., Diann's Day.
Any news from Boston Melanie? Hope you and Leah have a great weekend.
Hugs to all. Thanks so much for the kind, sweet thoughts from all of you.
Alyson, one of my fav pics of my DGD(who is 21 now) is one of her with her Mom's high heels and a Teddy. It is adorable. Some of her first words were: "pretty necklace" She loved jewelry from the get go LOL I know you treasure every little sparkle she sets forth.
Love to all, Sammie Kay
0 -
Well, First....I missed Sammie's Birthday....Happy Birthday (a little late)
And Here are some hugs for you ((((Diann)))) How I wish none of use had to be on this journey. But, I am praying for "unnecessary biopsy".
Got to love Bea....I remember my Rachel loving shoes when she was 2 or 3 years old...I had to buy her "jellies" each spring in several colors. And she loved dressy shoes, with bows and glittery decorations. She is still my fashion plate! She used to say "Mummy, I has to get those shoes"
I am home today nursing Michael. He had his wisdom teeth out this morning. So I am trying to fill his hollow leg with jello, pudding, soup, etc.
Well...I have to get the ice bag out again and dish out some meds....Love to all of you,
0 -
Sammie Kay aka Dolly, nice to hear that things are healing well and that you are pleased so far.
Melanie and Leah, you are both too quiet - what are you up to in Boston?!!
Carynn, did you get your project finished?
Terry, hope you got the hollow leg filled up and that Michael's mouth is feeling better. I made the mistake of eating an Oreo cookie dunked in milk a couple days after I had my wisdom teeth out - not good! The soggy crumbs settle nicely into the sutures and are a bear to get out again.
Okay, finally talked to my original breast surgeon in New York Friday afternoon, and he said that a washout pattern could definitely still be that pesky inflamed lymph node and that made me feel a lot better. He said he would be more worried if there was something on the side that had the cancer, but he sounded pretty comfortable with the probability that this is something benign. Hopefully the MRI report was just a CYA by the radiologist as Catherine points out.
Trying not to get either too high or too low before results of biopsy - I am getting very queasy from the roller coaster! (This is one time when better living by drugs is appropriate.) Unfortunately my reaction to stress is to eat - somebody hide the Gummy bears, please!
So I am feeling better again that this is probably not anything, but it will be nice to know for sure. Again, thank you all. You don't know how much your kind words and loving support mean to me. (Now closing door to the wig cabinet firmly and just wanting to get this over and done with and I know you all know what I mean!!)0 -
Ok, Melanie is home about now...
I think she and Edwin needed some alone time... or a second honeymoon... cuz I didn't get to see too much of her! She, Edwin, Tom and I had dinner together Friday night, and that was wonderful. I think she is pretty taken with New England!
I'll let her tell you the good news about her consult!
Anyway, we are having perfect weather, so heading up to the beach as soon as it warms up tomorrow. It will be the last time to lay out with a suit on.... and I can use the break. I bought Ted Kennedy's new book, and will spend the day with him.
A belated Happy Birthday, Sammie Kay. Vegas, we will be waiting here. I am hoping for nada, woman.
Much love to you all.
Leah
0 -
Did you all see the SNOW in Denver?? Yikes...
0 -
Leah...no....Catherine?? Are you snowed in??
I am not ready for that yet.
How is everyone?
0 -
Evening all!
Alyson - Forgot to say before that I loved the shoe story!
Catherine - SNOW???
SammieKay - DOLLY PARTON?? Oh my!
Terry - How's Michael? Pulled teeth are just no fun!
Diann -I'm so glad that you got to speak with your NY surgeon. It makes such a difference when you trust and value the opinion of the Doc. Still sending NED vibes your way. When do you receive the results?
Leah - How was the beach? It's been just beautiful here. About 100, with nice breezes and no humidity. Guess that's a lovely fall day.
Not much new here. Still having some minor eye issues, looking forward to my Rheumy appt next month to figure out how to keep the Sjogren's in check. Should be an interesting visit as I will also find out then if / what my tx will be for osteopenia.
It's early, but calling it a nite. Time to assume the position and catch a little tv. Hugs to all.
xoxo
0 -
Its chaos in my garden - having some work done. The old glasshouse has gone and a new garden in the process of being created. Getting a new fold out washing line - we do tend to hang out washing most of the time here. Unfortunately it has rained heavily today so things are behind but never mind its getting done. Also getting a gate put up so the back yard is enclosed as one small Bea is just about walking. It will be great when its all done.
Hope everyone is doing well and sending B9 signals to Diann
Alyson
0 -
Well, my dear friends, you will have to keep on keeping me in your good thoughts.
My biopsy had to be canceled AGAIN!! Yesterday they had lost my films (which I had hand delivered) AND they did not have all the appropriate authorization codes for my insurance. Today I get in there and get undressed and get into the biopsy room. I had THREE nurses (which I thought was a little odd) and they all told me that the radiologist may not be comfortable doing the core needle so close to the implant and that I may have to be sent to a specialist at another one of their facilities. (I should have been reading between the lines, but I was a little slow on the uptake. Later it dawned on me that they did NOT like this doctor.)
Then the radiologist comes in, looks at my ultrasound (obviously for the first time) and proceeds to tell me that he cannot 100% guarantee that he will not puncture the implant. I asked him why he did not feel competent to do this procedure without complications and how many of these he had done - his arrogant answer was "Enough." This from a guy who looks like he just finished his residency! So then I asked him how long he had been doing breast biopsies and he said "If you are going to ask for my biography, maybe you would be better off with someone else." And of course my answer was "hell yes!" So now I am rescheduled for Friday with the doctor all three nurses recommended (they all three said this is who they would go to) as being the best for this diagnostic group.
So maybe it was a good thing they lost my films in the first place??? But the stress goes on, and now I will have to wait until sometime next week to get the results. Urghhhhh!
Diann, who is pi**ed off, but perhaps dodged a biopsy bullet?0 -
(((((Diann))))))))))), boy, so much stress... but I truly believe that, although not obvious at first, it will all be for the better... Bravo for your self-preservation instinct (and the nurses probably were a big help, in the end)... hang in there...
Snow in Denver?? NOOOO, don't believe everything you see on TV... just rain in Denver, the snow is in higher elevation, and they did not get as much as forecasted... here, it has been coolish (got the heat back on) and grey and rainy... but only rain and no frost (I covered my veggies, though) ... will be back in the 80's for the week-end...
Doggies are back to their good old selves, but suffer from a severe case of cabin fever...
Thinking of you all... Pat, glad to see that you should have gotten rain... How are you feeling? Marsha, Hillary, waving in your direction... Janet (Wildhorse), how have you been... and Phyl?
((((((((((hugs to all)))))))))))))))
0 -
Ok, this is weird, I posted last nite and it was there, today it's gone. Hmmm....
Well, what I said was this:
Diann - That is not a blessing in disguise, that's more like one with a neon sign! I'm so sorry that you have to wait, but it does indeed seem to be for the best. Hang in there and know that we are still with you. (((DIann)))
Hi Catherine! Do you still have your garden in? I'm getting ready for round two. Really looking forward to it.
When do you take your test, or did you already? Hugs and good wishes to you all!
xoxo
0 -
Biopsy Friday went well. The doctor was great and had absolutely no hesitation in saying she was not worried about puncturing the implant. She even said that if it were not for my history of BC, she would not even probably recommend a biopsy!!! She definitely feels it is nada. Yeah!! She did both an FNA and a core needle, so they should certainly have enough to work with. But I am feeling so much better and looking forward to the official BENIGN path report to follow next week. Ready to hoist a cyberita or two.
Hope everyone is having a lovely weekend and lovely weather to celebrate the beginnings of fall.
0 -
That sounds great! Please keep us posted and pass the cybaritas! (((Diann)))
0 -
Sounds great Diann. It is amazing how some docs just cannot tolerate being questioned. I always shy away from those. Most of the really good docs don't mind questions and giving out information. I am glad that is behind yu and that the results will soon be in and we can all truly relax.{{{{{{{{{{{{Diann}}}}}}}}}}}}}
Today our business closed officially. We were a little "weepy" (me), choked up(Mike), but both realize this is good for both of us. I have coined a new word, "rewired" instead of "retired". I am much too young and full of life to be retired.
Hope this finds everyone having a good weekend.
{{{{{{{{{{{{Feb Chemo Cruisers}}}}}}}}}}} Love, Sammie Kay
0 -
Sammie Kay, I hope both you and your husband find a new joy in life beyond the business. I know it's sad, but it should also be a new beginning to all the things you always wanted to do but never had time for. How funny you should mention your new term "rewired." I have been telling people for years that when I leave my business I am going to get "refired for life!"
Still waiting for results, but I think it is a GOOD thing I did not hear yesterday. Bad news usually arrives more quickly. We are leaving this morning for a ten day trip up the California Coast from Santa Barbara, to Morro Bay, to Carmel, to Sausalita to Napa, and I am using this as an assumptive celebration of the good news to come.
0 -
Wow, two good ways to think about retiring- I love it
SammieKay, I echo Diann's sentiments that this will bring you a new excitement and that you will fill the time with things that make you happy!
Diann, I am excited about your trip. All my favorite places, that we have travelled to for the past 25 years! Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy. And I am hoping for good news only. What a ride!
6 month scan tomorrow. I am not expecting any bad news, as I feel great! Except for being depressed about looking for a job, nothing hurts. I stil have some good opportunities, they just take forever to move along.
Love you all.
0 -
Oh drat! I wrote a long post and left the computer for several hours. It was still there, so I continued and guess what. I was actually logged off, so lost it.
Leah, thinking of you as you wait for scan results. Know you are in my heart and on my mind. Hope you find a job soon. Hey, come on join us in "rewirement" LOL
Hugs all round. Hope everyone is doing well.
Diann, have a wonderful trip.
Love, Sammie Kay
0 -
SammieKay, I wish I could join you. Unfortunately, can't touch my 401K for 4 more years, and that's where the bulk of my moola is.
I wont get scan results until late Monday. My onc is off Fridays, and I have a regular appt. at 3:30, so I assume it will be then. I am pissed... will never schedule on a Thursday again. Never knew he was off Fridays...:(
So it will be a long weekend, but I'll adjust. I will be shocked if there is something, as I feel great. So I will just wait like the rest of the women on this dangblasted journey.
Going to clean out a basement. That should keep me busy for a while.
Love.
0 -
I lost a post the other day as well. Was rushing off to the hospital and logged off instead of pressing submit. DH has been in hospital with heart problems. And at least it's now when are they going to operate not if, he needs a valve replaced. He was to have an angiogram on Friday but this was out off because of an emergency. At least he had been allowed home for the weekend - has to be back by 7 on Monday morning. Do hope we can get some definite answers this coming week.
I am very tired tonight as I drove my sister up to her granddaughter's wedding today - a 3 hour drive each way. Did the flowers yesterday.
Hope you are all having a great weekend.
Alyson
0
