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Anyone starting Chemo in Feb?
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The other morning, I went out to say hello to the roses and see how they spent the night after stormy weather... and I had the surprise to see one of the most promising flowers gone!! Cut at an angle like pruning tools do, no petals on the ground... so that was not the wind... I truly thought somebody had come in (easy to do on this side of the house) and helped herself/himself... the color was striking, the fragrance, too... so I thought at least, "it" is a rose lover... still... some nerves...
This morning I had to reconsider my "version of the facts" (which DH thought all along was borderline paranoia): I was standing by the window in the kitchen, when I saw a squirrel getting ready to jump in the middle of a big climbing rose bush... I thought he was crazy, with the thorns and all... risky proposition... he must have realized the same thing and was now hanging head down, with his back feet clinging to the top of the wood fence, trying to reach down for the roses... and before I could count to 2, here he was, sitting on the top of the fence, with a big red rose in his arms... I thought, here is my "culprit"... this must be for his fiancée... but, no... he was eating it (the rose hip, probably, for the vitamin C... or something). I did not have the time to get the camera, but this was truly a cute sight... Hope you can "vizualize" it, too... Squirrels amaze me...
Enjoy your yards...
Catherine0 -
LOL Catherine I loved your rose burglar story. I love to watch the wild animals outside my windows. We have a little wild rabbit I raised from palm size, it had been abandoned or Mother was killed on the roadway. Kept it just long enough til it could survive on its own. The little rabbit who never grew adult sized comes and taste tests any new plant I put in. Never has destroyed any just one nibble to taste it. It also loves to tease our dog by sitting right outside the dog's patio fence just inches away causing the dog to be barking her head off at it. I saw her this morning in the front yard in the rain when I went to get the newspaper. We have squirrels now only in the past couple of years because of the pecan trees are producing.
Twink and Marsha, love the photos, beautiful even with bald heads.0 -
Catherine; Very amusing squirrel tale! As your story progressed, I thought that maybe your hubby had cut the most beautiful rose for his most beautiful lady, then I thought you had a squirrel that wanted a lovely bed of rose petals to lie upon...but no...just a silly "varmit" chowing down! I too wish that you could have taken a pic.
Vegas; I am so happy that the port is gone! Yippieeee! Have you decided yet about the new nips? Before long we will all be sharing our hair pics. Get the Super Gel out girls and lets go spikey! I will be so happy to have hair. It is actually a soft fuzz and DH swears it is growing. I am an impatient sort and to me it is much akin to watching grass grow.
Marsha; You look very much at ease with yourself...just as I would expect, and lovely also. How many kisses did the top of your head get at your PARTY!?!? I am sure you had a blast. We have already had a couple of those celebrations also.
Twink; I hope you didn't totally exhaust yourself at the graduation. Take it easy now for another week or so! Love the pic of you and your sis. Is there a story behind the matching wrist tats?
Jan; The trike looks great! Is that a candy apple red color? I haven't been on a bike in about 4 years. Last ride was when my dh had just bought a new Yamaha 250 dirt bike. I told him over and over it was too big for me...way too much power between my legs...lol. Anyway, I finally just got on and of course being a "rookie" I right away pulled a wheelie...for a long time....5 seconds at least...hehehe. Did another one. Had my confidence going...killed the bike on a hill on the dirt track...turned it over and started cussing like a sailor. It took my knee 2 years to fully recover. I think I should not be allowed on anything faster than a Moped now.0 -
Sorry just returned from a weekend away and don't have time yet to read all the posts. Did manage to sneak a peek at the rose culprit story thought. How funny!
Tomorrow I go for my post chemo bone scan and chest, abdomen and pelvis cts. I am so very nervous. need some hand holding please.
Karen0 -
Phyl; I hope the rads don't tire you too much. I know you are one stong lady, but I am glad they thought enough to give you that parking pass. That would be something I would consider "priceless" with having to be there everyday.
Carynn; My wire guided biopsy is a bit different story from others that I have read. I did not have to be in the mammo machine while it was being done. I was able to lie down and they used ultrsound to guide it. They did numb the skin and I never felt a thing. You will do great!
Do any of you think about the women that are just starting chemo as we are all finishing? I do...often and with much melancholy. I think of their fears, questions and concerns. We are all lucky that we are in this age of technology that we are not alone in this journey.
Huggz all...0 -
ohhhh Karen...(((((Karen)))))
I will for certain be thinking of you. You might be the first of us that is already doing the post chemo follow-up tests. I think we can all understand how nervous you are feeling. Lots of hugs and hand squeezing for you girl!0 -
Melanie, you are so right... I think of that all the time when I read the "newly diagnosed" thread... thousands and thousands of women have come to these boards since I registered... just look at your registration number... it's like batches after batches of us are going through the grinder... and now all the newbies wondering about going through chemo or not...
You just hope they go through all the chemo threads to take a lot of the tips out there (boy, did that help me...)... so many young women, it is enraging.
As for us, let's keep our eyes on the long term... Took Tamox every night at bed time since last Tuesday... so far, so good...
Karen, good luck with your tests.
A nice evening to all,
Catherine0 -
I think you will be amazed at 1) how less scary they were than the first time and 2) what astounding results the chemo produced! I had nothing but great news... you will too.
I will be there with you! {{{{{HUGS}}}}
And remember, even if not totally fantastic, it is just data that will be used to make more decisions. Not good or bad- just data. You are not your disease nor your stats..
Love.0 -
Do any of you think about the women that are just starting chemo as we are all finishing? I do...often and with much melancholy. I think of their fears, questions and concerns. We are all lucky that we are in this age of technology that we are not alone in this journey.
Melanie, There is not a day that I don't wonder about the wellbeing of those just starting this journey. I think of the sleepless nights, the fears, the tears, the anxiety, the soberness, a ton of different emotions that are triggered by as many different observations. I think of the other hubbies and the issues we might deal with at work. I work in a papermill where machinery is running loud and fast. It has been difficult at times to concentrate when I most need to. Saftey issues arise. So many dynamics at work here.
So, in a word, yes, I think often of those just getting started. I hope that we can be an encouragement somehow to those folks as well as each other.
S0 -
Quote:
Tomorrow I go for my post chemo bone scan and chest, abdomen and pelvis cts. I am so very nervous. need some hand holding please. Karen
Here's a BIG {{{Karen}}} for you!! I wish you only the best!
Pat0 -
Scott; Interesting that you work in a papermill. We own a trucking company and we transport chips to papermills and also the wood fuel for the boilers. From the sawmills, we deliver shavings to poultry houses. I hope Theresa is doing well. I know we all think of those that are in this same boat. I think for me, it is the coinciding of my finishing chemo and those that are just starting is what weighs on my mind so much right now. Also, there have been several women in my little town that have just recently been dx'd and I have been answering lots of questions about my tx. I try to help, but I honestly think that getting on these boards and talking with those that are going through all the side effects at the same time is so much more helpful.
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{{{{{{Karen}}}}}}}} You are in my thoughts and prayers. I can imagine the nervousness you are feeling. We are with you in spirit. Sammie Kay
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Hi all,
I am coming out of the post chemo-fog. I seem to be nauseous for about 5 days and then weak and tired for another week. But I only have 2 more FACs. I will finish on July 24. Yay!!!!
I have really enjoyed everyone's pics. Marsha, Twink and Leah. So many beautiful girls. I look like the father on Everyone Loves Raymond without hair, so don't expect to see any pics of me without a wig. LOL.
Catherine what great pics of you and your family. My DH loved your little ones pics. They are adoreable.
Wish I had a dog to get me out for a walk. It is Texas Hot here, so not very inviting for a walk.
My best to all who have had surgery. Take it easy and get plenty of rest.
DH is going to put up some pics we took on our sailing trip. Hugs to all. Sammie Kay0 -
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SammieKay, so nice to hear from you... I wished you had less se's from FAC, though... boy, your pics remind me of sailing in Clear Lake, near Houston... I can feel it... you look lovely (BTW, do you feel seasick?).
Stay cool... I was not walking much at all in Houston, it was too hot... could not move... I am glad you like our doggies... they are 2 terrific little scoundrels, very interactive and affectionate... they are talked to all day long and have quite a bi-lingual vocabulary...
Well, getting late here, I go get my Tamox (better not forget it), go check the deck for potentially flying objects (I hear strong gusts of wind)...
You take care and come here more often...
Big hugs to all,
Catherine0 -
Hi All
Have taken some time to read all the posts since I have been on. Loved all the photos. I do have some but have to work out how to get them on, that can be tomorrow's task maybe if I don't spend too long at the hospital seeing the onc and doing bloods before Thursdays taxol Tx. I don't know about one without the wig though.
Can't believe it is the last taxol. It seemed such a long time since we started in February.
One of the ladies at church is about to start in the three weeks. I finish and Rachel begins. At least we have a lot of support and are surrounded by love.
Have had a great few days. Had family lunch on Saturday, even managed a little bubbly - very pleasant.
Yesterday managed to get out in the garden - it was a very mild day. I did discover that wearing a wig in the garden is not such a great idea especially when you crawl under some bushes to pull some weeds. A very strange furry 'flower' hang on a branch. After de-twigging the wig I decided a scarf was much better headwear.
Last night managed to go out to a concert. DD1 was singing in a fund raising concert for some young folk in the National Youth choir. It was a lovely concert, mainly leider and art songs with some operatic items. DD is singing beautifully.
Went out for a while this morning with my sister who is living with us at present. At least I have have a wonderful family and a lovely home where as she has nothing. She was widowed many years ago and life has been rough ever since. For complex reasons she lost her home and has absolutely no money other than her government pension. One son is fine but he lives in the UK, the other, well at least he is not in trouble at present.
Have my appointment for Rads simulation next Monday. Love the idea of 'bar and grill'. I am not even finished at the bar and the grill is on order.
Big hugs for Karen, it will be easier this time.
Must think about dinner in this house. Just two of us as DH is at a meeting which goes to 8.00.
Have a great day.
Alyson0 -
Melanie, its actually a Candy Black Cherry color...maroon/burgandy. The 07 Goldwings have a simuar color but a bit more purplish shade to it. I can't believe that in 8 days we will be leaving on the longest motorcycle trip we've ever done! Still haven't been on a bike since last june and no time to really get used to the triking way of riding! We have added extra days in case we find ourselves getting too tired and not up to the normal 400 miles a day we did last trip in 05. Son in law came over Sunday to help get the pull behind trailer ready. He rides a Goldwing too. DH is waiting anxiously today as they said it could possibly be done today to take home. Not so sure after he saw the trike yesterday as it didn't look any more was done to it since the last pic I took on Friday.
SammieKay loved the pics! I have been on a real sailboat once and its simular to the motorcycle experiance.
Catherine, I still feel a bit drunk on the Tamoxifin. My hot flashes have "heated up", having several a night now instead of the usual once a night! Also notice my hearing has gotten worse, having a lot of ringing in my ears.0 -
Hi all,
I has been forever since I have been to the boards. I finished mt last Taxol on May 17th. I am slowly starting to feel like myself. I still have the round steroid face. I have a few stary hairs coming in. I have an appoitment Wed with the onc to start Tamoxifen. I am enrolled in a clinical trail with Tamoxifen. I have to meet with the breast surgeon on Friday and I will find out the final decision on radiation. I will have my nipple reconstruction done on August 24 and I am doing the Avon Walk in OCtober.
Twink, I love your tattoo. I am thinking of getting one to recognize this time in my like. Where did you get this design from? How are you feeling after your surgery?
I hope that everyone is well.
Kim0 -
Karen hope all goes well with the scans. I'm sure many of us now fear the check ups that follow not due to the machines but due to wondering if the cancer will come back.
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Good morning.
Felt pretty good yesterday. I actually read a whole book (OK, it was chick lit), but it was the first time in ages that I've been able to focus. I cooked dinner -- salmon in a teriaki sauce, sauteed mushrooms and green peppers in a plum sauce, and basmati rice with some sesame oil drizzled on top. I even had a glass of wine.
So, today I wake up (after 11 hours of sleep, mind you!) feeling fuzzy headed (though not hung over). I meant to go to an excercise class, but got the time wrong. Fortunately figured that out before I left. Walked on the treadmill instead. Definitely feeling low energy. Is it the glass of wine? Or, some delayed chemo-related fatigue.
SammieKay -- good to hear from you. What a wonderful picture of you on your boat!
Kim -- Glad you survived chemo. It must be rough with a 2 year old! What is your clinical trial about tamoxifen?
OK, too fuzzy-headed for any more comments ...
Hugs to all,
Hillary0 -
Had to share this, just got it in the mail yesterday. Our youngest son is still in boot camp due to injuries during cruicble week. He has a torn ACL and torn cartilage in the knee so is in Med Hold right now waiting for surgery, already had an MRI to determine the extent. I hardly recognize him in uniform! He is the one that said "Ma we are going through boot camp together" as I started Chemo shortly after he left for boot camp
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Hi Kim,
My daughter and I, with the help of the tattoo artist, designed the tattoo. So far, there are 4 in the family with it -- my husband, my sister, her son and myself. It's a stone ankh (the Egyptian symbol of life) wrapped with a pink ribbon. Our tattooist is hoping the design will take off (smile).0 -
Jan -- Great photo of your son!
Hugs out to Pat, still hanging in there with taxol #9 tomorrow!
Alyson -- Are you getting ready for your NoMoChemo party?
And, speaking of NoMoChemo party, how was yours Marsha?
-- Hillary0 -
Karen - I'm late with the hugs for today's appointment but I truly hope all went well.
Hillary - good to hear you're feeling better. I had to do a quick replay with your post - I thought I was reading Catherine's. I'd be happy to have either of you for my private chef.
SammieKay - wonderful pics. You look great!
Jan - I hope your son's doing ok with his delay. What a bummer to make it to Crucible and have something like that happen. About the hearing - I read on a thread somewhere here about a supplement that's good for tinnitus - can't remember what it was tho.
Catherine - sounds like the Tamox is doing well for you. I hope that continues. I'll be starting Femara soon and I'm also hoping for few or no SEs.
Melanie - I wondered what happened to you. I do think about all the new diagnoses - I'm disgusted at the number of 20-somthings being diagnosed. Sometimes I feel like my BC can maybe be explained by various factors in my life - birth control pills before they were low estrogen, etc. Also, Leah and Carynn (there's another IT person too but without looking back, I don't recall) - remember those old CRTs we used in the 70s and 80s - close to the end of their lives, a warning came out that they may emit cancer-causing rays. I guess I'm concerned my 32 yo DD may be at risk because of my high-estrogen bc pills or because of my exposure to those harmful rays. I know the women in their 20s and 30s have their own risk factors - they grew up in the age of microwaves, cell phones, ready-to-eat meals, etc., but damn, they're too young to have to deal with BC at a time when they're supposed to be revelling in their careers, marriage, motherhood. Ok - I guess I'm done ranting.
Wishing a wonderful evening to you all!
Phyl0 -
Hi, Phyl... I agree, Hillary's dinner last night sounded pretty good (my kind of food)... I am still waiting for my taste buds to wake up... it's gradually better, but do not appreciate food to its fullest, so I am happy with salads (cucumber in yogurt with mint, garlic, salt+pepper....) and relatively bland things... It is cherry time, though, and I love those... plus tons of strawberries for the vitamin C and other goodies (anti-urea, etc.), but don't find their taste that great right now (so I cut them in fresh lemon juice, a tat of real maple syrup, vanilla extract and fresh mint... and a slice of buttermilk poundcake from WF on the side... I am keeping an eye on the scale though...).
After almost a week on Tamox, I have noticed no real changes, to the point that (after having read horror stories about Aromasin on these boards), I started doubting that maybe Walgreen did not give me the right stuff... but the pills are round, marked 5657 on one side, and have a logo (2 triangles) and the number 20 on the other side... which seems to be the correct marking (checked via Google)... Jan, what do you have on yours? Of course, that was the opportunity to read more horrifying articles about the drug, so I quit looking...
I did my 3 mile walk this morning with enthusiasm since the temperature was much lower... (I gave Toby a bath on Sunday and he is beautiful, feels great) It is now raining, very grey and the thunder can be heard way up there... I like it (the yard, too)...
The Crispy Cruisers seem to be fairing OK...
Big hugs to all...
Catherine0 -
Phyl; I have managed to get myself back into full time work mode. I am remembering Vegas' post about being done with chemo and it's like people think "okay, you're done with chemo...time to get back on the horse and run 'er in the ground". I admire those of you who continued to work full time, especially since I feel pretty normal now, but I am exhausted after working for 8 hours. I too worry about my DD and my granddaughter. It sickens me also that so many young women with small children are facing this...several here in our chemocruise group. I wonder how much our environment contributes. It seems it is on the rise, but I also wonder if we just realize more what is going on with our bodies now because of advanced testing methods and because of the internet, we realize just how many others are affected. It baffles me.
Catherine; I just finished some fresh yummy cherries! The first that I have had of the season. I had about a pint of wonderful blackberries last night. I could not believe how sweet they were. I also ate half of a sugar baby watermelon yesterday. And I blame the steroids for being my heaviest weight ever! Time to get to exercising and not eating so many starchy foods!0 -
Well OMG I just spent 30 minutes talking to everyone and lost my dang post. CRAP OK I made notes so will come back in the am and recreate. I hate that!! Marsha
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Afternoon
Don't you hate that Marsha, its always the time you forget to copy before posting.
Phyl, pleased your rads went ok. We are lucky here that onc patients get free parking and there is an absolutely wonderful little man who makes sure there is somewhere to park. Its amazing where he find spaces but its great.
Catherine, we don't have squirrels here which is a pity as they seem such fun. Have seen them in the UK. Has your little visitor been stealing any more roses. Its funny thinking about roses when its almost time to prune here.
Hillary, I think I will wait for a couple of weeks before I have a nomochemo party. Might just get away for a few days before I start rads. Tonight my sister and I are going to Swan Lake which is a little celebration for getting to my last chemo.Just hope I can get home to take my steroids at the right time.
Melanie, pleased to hear that yoyu are getting back into work. Whenever I speak to anyone at school I feel really bad that I am not there but I couldn't do it at present.
Caryn, my hook wire was similar to Melanie's.
Like others it really concerns me the number of young women who have BC. Each time I am at the hospital I see so many young ones with small children. The incidence of BC in New Zealand is very high at present and it does make you wonder what is causing it.
The sun is out at present so I might wander around the garden to see if anything is growing.
Its hard to believe that tomorrows tx will be the last chemo - yahoo
Alyson0 -
Alyson, will be thinking of you on your last chemo... this is truly a great time in our life, the end of chemo, although it takes a while to "sink in"... Take care... Hope Swan Lake was up to your expectations (I've seen this ballet several times when living in the, then, Soviet Union, at the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow, and also in Leningrad... that was a real treat).
Hope the treatments did not make it harder for you to walk... I feel weaker on my left (polio) leg, but still walking as much as I can, and with no pain, so I forget about the "funny" gait...
To answer your question: I did not notice any other rose burglary by squirrels... but I do not stand there waiting and watching... It rained a lot this late afternoon and still going on... wonderful for the trees and yards (Denver can be very dry)
Hugs,
CatherineH0 -
Catherine, my pills are exactly like yours!
Alyson congrats on the last dosage!!!!
Talking about young women with bc I got the comment a couple of times that I was so young to have bc by a couple of my bc docs and I'm like huh? I'm 51 that isn't young! But then looking around at rads and during surgery I saw alot of older ladies...maybe thats the majority seen around here?0
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