Anyone starting Chemo in Feb?
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Hope you all have had a good weekend. Sending special hugs to Leah ((((((((Leah))))))))))). And to Marsha, Pat, Terry ((((hugs))))))
Did the Pinkstar walk, was very pleased to complete the 3 miles as the joints don't like going that far. These are Bea's faeries!!!! DD1, me and my sister
DH is not a great photographer, he couldn't manage to get all of us in one photo. Some of the outfits were wonderful and it was great to see all the men and young ones there really getting into the spirit of the evening. We didn't stay until the end as Bea went to sleep but DD2 saw the fireworks from the party they were at - (that's why we had Bea.)
Had a look at some of your weather the other day and you saw there was snow in places.
Diann yes I do wish we knew when DH's op was going to be becaause we want to start planning our trip. Has anyone tralled by train across the States??
Hope you have had a restful weekend
Alyson
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I just lost a long post. Grrrr!
(((((((((((((Leah)))))))))))))). Bless your heart, honey. So sorry you are blue. You are loved very much. I just hope and pray that can "ablate" that nasty spot and send you on your way for more happy days ahead.
Catherine, congratulations. Lovely pictures. We are so lucky to have you join our citizenry(is that a word?)
Alyson, beautiful picture, see Bea's beautiful eyes. Looks like a fun time.
Leah and Terry, saw that snow you are speaking of as I watched the "Patriot Massacre" today. LOL..those poor Titans.
Dian, so glad you had good news. Sounds like you had a lovely time. Congrats on your son's move. LOL It is nice to have the house to yourselves. After the children grow up, visits are nice.
Well, better get off to bed. I will be getting ready for my trip to Atlanta. Will leave a week from tomorrow. My sister and I will take a road trip to Chapel Hill, NC to see two of my granddaughters who live there.
Hugs to Marsha and Pat too.
Love to all of you, Sammie Kay
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Good morning,
Just making sure you all saw this: it is inspiring!
I also met with my onc again, as I didn't get any questions in last week due to shock. So the bottom line is they can't predict anything, and know nothing about how/why it is back, and whether things might start happening faster now. Stats aren't great, but we know that we are not the stats, and anything can happen.
This may be the impetus I need to do something really different in my life. We'll see...
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Hi guys. Just a quick pop in to send Leah a big hug!
DH & I are both a bit under the weather, so I'll check back in later. But had to come say hey to the girls, and Leah, just wanted you to know that your in my thoughts and prayers.
Talk to you all soon!
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Hello ladies. Just checking in to send my congrats BIG TIME to Catherine......well done!! And sending well wishes to everyone. Leah, it stinks big time but you're one tough lady who will keep on top of things and make sure you get what you need/want in the way of testing, opinions, meds, etc. I will be thinking of you.
As for me I just completed (another) a round of rads to my skull for more bone mets found in an MRI test done during the time I was having rads to my knee and hip for bone mets. Wow.....the rads techs and I are on a first name basis by now. So since August I've been off chemo due to getting the rads (they didn't want to do them at the same time) and as a result my skin mets have "blossomed" so that I have one ugly sore on the only boob I have left and about 7 or 8 lumps/bumps in my chest and abdomen area. Put that picture together with one bald head, and you have the makings for a truly authentic halloween monster. EGADS!!!
I see my onc next week and the plan is to try xeloda to see if it will do something for the skin mets. But once this beast shows up in any organ then it's carbo/gemzar PARP study for me.
So while I look like crap, walk like an old lady (the rads took care of the pain but left stiffness) I am still grateful for each day.
Love,Pat
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(((((((((((((Pat)))))))))))), boy, what an ordeal... I think of you all the time, wishing so hard you'll have a break!!! You, too, are incredibly brave and positive, truly inspiring. The Fall should be cooler and let you enjoy your yard a little more. Hope your daughter is ok and a good support for you.
Sending you big hugs,
C.
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I second what Catherine has to say. I did write a post earlier but lost it!!!. You are just so positive. ((((((((((Pat)))))))))).
How's the snow? I see you are getting early falls in places, however it looks very warm still in Arizona, Texas and Nevada. It is getting warmer here. Normal spring weather my Snow Ball tree (Viburnum opulus) comes out and along comes the wind.
Big hugs to all
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((((Pat))))) So glad to see you here, Pat, you seem to be in good spirits, even though you have been having your trials....keeping you close in my prayers.
Catherine...how was your celebration? Wonderful, I am sure!
Leah...Hugs, to you too (((Leah))) Wishing you didn't have this worry.
Alyson, how is your DH doing? I hope he can get scheduled soon.
Carynn, hope you and your DH are better soon. Hope it isn't the swine flu, which seems to be starting up around here. A couple of my co-workers' children have it. I am trying to steer clear!
Sammie...how are your incisions healing? Maybe as the weather cools, you will feel better.
Diann, we are planning to arrive in Vegas on Friday the 30th. Will probably only be there one day. Our flight out is early on Sat Oct 31. We really don't have an itinerary for the trip. Leaving Tucson on Monday the 26th, with plans to travel to Flagstaff, see the Grand Canyon. We would like to see Bryce National Park in Utah...maybe some Indian reservations...just a meandering relaxing trip. If you PM me your phone number, maybe we could contact you, if you are available.
Well... I need to pay some bills before I am away for a week.
Love to all of you,
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Morning all
It is a beautiful Spring day here, sky is clear. It is our Labour Weekend here so Monday is a holiday which will if things go as normal will be wet. DD2 always wants Labour Day wet because she has the theory that if it is wet it will be fine for Christmas. Not sure if it really works. For many it is the time to get the garden organised and vegetables planted. Will do some of that no doubt but have to make sure the DH doesn't do too much.
Terry have a great trip. ((((((((Pat)))))))), ((((((((((Leah))))))))), ((((((Marsha))))))) where are you we would love to hear from you? Caryn hope you and DH are better. Hugs to Diann, Melanie, Catherine. Hillary, Phyl - how's things going?I know I have missed someone. Sorry Sammie Kay do hope the trip is going well.
Alyson
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Hello, all!
It is pouring rain, I am watching Jacques Pepin and Julia Child cooking together on PBS, thinking of all of you.
I found this PDF downloadable file by accident on the Web about tamoxifen and the interference of anti-depressants with it. Please pass it on to my Er+ friends...
http://www.givehealthahand.org/share/breast-cancer
I will be back later.
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Good morning everyone! I missed you!
So, I mentioned that DH and I were both under the weather. DH had a really bad flare up with his diverticulitis. He's been down for the count since last Saturday. We were able to get him a Dr's appt. last Monday. At first they wanted to hospitalize him again, but we were able to talk them out of that. He's been on heavy-duty meds since then, and he's finally on the mend. He's still having some pain, but feeling much better and starting to work more actual food into his diet. He was craving a plain old cheeseburger yesterday. I didn't think that was a good idea, but I did come up with some Elk burgers (almost no fat) and some trimmings for him. He was a happy guy!
I had a bad flare up of my Sjogren's and my eyes have been terrible for about 3 weeks. I was able to score an appointment with an Ophthalmologist / Eye Surgeon at the same facility at the same time that DH was scheduled for his CT Scan.
He put drains / plugs in my tear ducts (they were completely closed) and gave me some different meds. Ahhh, relief. So tell me again why I put his off for so long?? 
I no longer look like I have pink eye(s); I'm still really photo sensitive, but the pain is pretty much gone. This is something I'll have to deal with forever, but at least now I have better tools to ease the flares with.Pat - I'm so glad you posted. I think of you all the time. I echo Catherine too. I'm so sorry to hear what you are going thru.. I've heard some really great things about Xeloda. I've got everything crossed that this is the one that kicks it to the curb for you. Please keep us posted and let us know what the Onc says.
Alyson - How are you and DH? Just loved the picture you posted earlier. You are right, it's still warmish here, actually just beautiful. We're still in the 80's during the day, 60's at night. It's supposed to be in the 70's next week.
Terry - Nope, no swine flu this time. We've already been down that road! We're hoping not to go thru THAT again! You will love the Grand Canyon. Really no words can describe it; you just have to see it for yourself. Enjoy your trip, cant wait to hear all about it!
Leah - Thinking of you. ! I watched the Notre Dame / BC game yesterday. Massachusetts looked COLD! What day do you go in? Tell ‘em you need a big room to hold all of us. (((Leah)))
Catherine - How are you and your DH? Is your garden done for the year? We get a second planting season here, and I'm so tempted to put in some more veggies. We'll see how it goes.
I'm looking forward to a lazy sports filled day that might include a nap and doing a lot of nothing today. Enjoy your day all!
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Hello, all.
Went to see the Interventional Radiologist team at MGH this morning. (These are the ablation guys). I saw the PET and CT scan of what they are looking at. They see "vascularization"- and that can be from new growth of good cells or new growth of bad cells. Since there is low risk, high benefit to this procedure, they encouraged me to have it. They also agreed to do a biopsy at the start of the procudure, since you use the same puncture and sedation to get a biopsy as the ablation procedure. It will be interesting to see what the pathology says. And I will have the procedure.
So maybe not a recurrence, but there is something going on and better to be conservative and treat. So be it. Wednesday at 8 are the procedures...
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Leah - So glad you met with the Team today. That sounds encouraging that it can also be of growth of good cells. It sounds like they gave you great info to help make an informed decision. I'm glad that you are going to have it done.
So glad for the update. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. (((Leah)))
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Hi, everybody... almost 10pm here, the snow has arrived, we've been promised a biggy this time around as far as winter storms are concerned (up to a foot in town!!!). Hopefully, that won't be the case...
I am going to bed now since I'll get up at 6 for some more "interpreting in my jammies"... and my first thoughts will be for you, Leah, 2 hours ahead of us... at what time do you go in?
I am sending you positive vibes... and sending everybody big hugs... You all take care.
Love to all,
Catherine
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Came by to give everyone a hug and see how Leah's doing. Hope you are comfortable and full of good news. (((Leah!)))
Catherine - Stay warm!
xoxo
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Good morning!
Yesterday ended up being a long day. The procedure itself took 2 hours, which was unusual. There was a lot of planning time so that they cound ensure that they got a good biopsy sample. They did 4 "touches" (what they call the RFA itself). Each one is 6 minutes. The nurse anesthatist was a little stingy with the drugs, so I had to keep calling for a top off... At one point, I said to the Doc, "I am way to much a part of this team" since I was like feeling everything. The gave me more in a hurry!
Lots of meds, which I never realized. This time I asked about everything. Reglan, Zofran, 2 antibiotics and lord knows what else. I stayed in recovery for 4 hours, which is the max they will allow you before they admit you. As soon as they told me I was at the 4 hours, I was ready to go since I wasn't staying overnight. No way!
Of course, got stuck in Boston traffic going home. But I was feeling ok. No pain pills- I took a Tylenol PM and went to sleep. Feel ok this morning, just sore. Neck and shoulders hurt, which is a normal side effect- called "referred pain".
I honestly think this one won't be as bad as the last. If I think about when I had it, I had it 8 days after stopping radiation, wihch followed my breast surgery which followed chemo- all nonstop. I think I was a lot worn out last time. This time, healthy, well rested, etc. so I can already see how that make a difference.
Biopsy results probably Monday of next week, since they will tell my onc who is out on Fridays, Sat, and Sunday. I kind of hate that, but no choice there.
That's all the news across the nation. I am expecting to attend a metastatic conference at Dana Farber on Saturday. Missed the last one due to my daugther;s graduation, so I am looking forward to this.
Love.
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((((((Leah)))))), so good to see your note. Be good to yourself and rest, OK?
Will come back soon,
Hugs to all... C
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well... here is the front yard (detail) in July... some flowers for my sisters...
" mce_src="" alt="Before..." border="" hspace="" vspace="" width="" height="" align="" />and after.... this morning
" mce_src="" alt="" border="" hspace="" vspace="" width="" height="" align="" />
" mce_src="" alt="" border="" hspace="" vspace="" width="" height="" align="" />
" mce_src="" alt="" border="" hspace="" vspace="" width="" height="" align="" />And another entire day to go (6" more to expect...??)... tomorrow: sunny!!
A bit early to my taste... good thing I am knitting socks... :-)
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Morning all
Big hugs Leah ((((((((Leah)))))))))) Look after yourself and do rest.
Catherine those flowers are beautiful. I have planted petunia this last week. Is that a pale lavender behing or a salvia? And the snow now that's something else.
It was our baby's birthday yesterday, she had a great time and by the time her aunty arrived was holding her hand out for presents!! She walked about 5 steps just to show off to both lots of grandparents. Bea was a little unsure of the cake- chocolate made by her Mummy, loved the taste but didn't like the feel of the icing on her hands, it was funny. I do have photos and will try to do them later.
Must get going have writing work to do.
Alyson
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Hello!
I went to a Metastatic Breast Cancer conference at Dana Farber. It was pretty interesting. The presenters are gifted at making complex molecular concepts easily understood. Once the video is up, I will point you there if you want to hear about the latest in oncology treatments and trials.
It was interesting to note that the longer term metastatic BC survivors all had bone mets- no organs. And all the 3+ year survivors were ER+. There was lots of news about HER2+ soon to be survivors, as that drug has only been around since 2005. It was a tad discouraging in that they glossed over the deaths and some of the more sobering facts that I have experienced in my small group of about 10 people.
It was a long day for the surgical site, and so I will get myself to a percocet and bed. Worn out. But I am impressed with Dana Farber's research capabilities- they probably have over 20 major trials going on. I think they are a very caring group, also.
Night night.
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thank you, Leah for posting the info, always interesting. Hope you gave your body a break today and enjoyed doing nothing...
Snow melting big time: we are back in the high 60's, and this will last through next week-end... I love it.
On my way to the movies with a friend to see "Coco before Chanel"... I think I have not been in a movie theater since we left Houston (1993)...
Love to all, have a gentle week.
C.
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BREAKING NEWS...
NO MALIGNANCY ANYWHERE! They were wrong. Guess I was better to be safe than sorry, so the procedure was had. That is twice the poor liver was ablated with no malignancy anywhere.
It was a month from hell, and now I have to turn my brain around to thinking that I am no different than I was a month ago (pre-scan). That will be hard to do.
Love.
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YEHAA. Leah what great news. I am doing a little dance for you. Alyson
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Oh Leah!!!! I'm so HAPPY for you! I'm joining Alyson in the dance!
Congrats sweetie, what wonderful news! (((Leah)))0 -
I am also doing the happy dance for and with you, Leah! Great News!
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" alt="" border="" hspace="" vspace="" width="" height="" align="" /> Rubbing the Good Luck Feet at Hoover Dam (Didn't help much in Vegas, Though!)Hi all....got back from our big vacation on Sat Eve. Unfortunately, did not get a chance to meet up with Diann, our time just got away from us with touring and sightseeing. DH had never been on a plane before this trip. Here are a few pictures. We actually took over 700!
We all went to the wedding first, our oldest son, Matt, was unable to go. He is a college seniour and had labs he could not make up, so he is not in the picture with the rest of us. We really missed having him along. The kids flew home on Monday after the wedding and Bill & I then began our travels.
Enjoy.....
" This is Zion National Park in Utah
And below is Bryce Canyon National Park, where it was 18 degrees, with 40 mph winds gusts....brrrr
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" Below is our picture at the Grand Canyon....taken by a nice couple from Tenessee!
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" Below are pictures from the wedding reception...our family without Matt.....Rachel, Mike and Beckee with Bill and me.
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" Below is Tucson , where Bill's brother lives....
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OMG!!! Great news Leah. I missed the board for a few days and am so excited by your news!!! I am happy dancing too.
Nice pictures. You are so beautiful Terry. As is your whole family. Seems like a wonderful trip you had and it shows on both of your faces.
Catherine, snow pics are awesome. Thanks for posting them. Someday I will learn how to do that, post pics. Your flowers were beautiful.
I am in Atlanta now and will be heading up to Chapel Hill, NC tomorrow. Visiting the DGD's . My sister and I will have a great time and bring a little family to the college kids.
Mike took the sailboat down to Rockport and put it in a marina. When I get home we will be able to run down and sail without the ordeal of dragging the boat and trailer and hoisting the mast etc. I will probably go down and just camp out on the boat some. I love the rocking in the water. Very relaxing. The weather is beautiful right now. In between northers, we have great sailing weather.
Well, I better get busy packing. Love and hugs to all, Sammie Kay
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Leah, what wonderful news!!! I am so happy and I am dancing for you too! Terry, great pics and Catherine what gorgeous flowers!!!
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Catherine....I forgot to mention YOUR pics....your garden is lovely. And the snow is way too early....that may have been the same storm that gave us the snow in the Grand Canyon! But at least it doesn't last long this early in the season.
Sammie...rocking on a boat sounds heavenly...enjoy.
Have a great day all!
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Posted a day or so ago and now I see it's not there, AGAIN! I know I'm not losing my mind, but its kinda weird!
No time to re-post, so I'll just say hey and thinking of you all.
Terry - I do love your pics - Catherine too!
Melanie - Hope you are enjoying some of that great TX bbq right now!
Going to go enjoy the race as the rest of November is booked solid. I probably wont get back til next week - know I'm thinking of you!
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