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Bottle o Tamoxifen

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Comments

  • ashaby
    ashaby Member Posts: 200
    edited May 2008

    Darlings,



    Oh Layne, I so get your pink T shirt experience. When I did my Stomp for the Cure snowshoe walk last Feb., I actually bawled when they invited the survivors to come forward. I think we try so hard to be strong that sometimes we forget how strong we really are.



    I just celebrated my 25 wedding anniversary. Did I eat cake? Of course. Did I gain some weight back? Sure. Pooop on weight watchers.

    (excuse my immaturity. I'm only almost 57. Next Wed.)



    Love, Basha

  • Barbie7
    Barbie7 Member Posts: 126
    edited May 2008

    Layne, there is nothing like a good pair of shoes (or rain boots) to make people smile.  I tend to wear my favorite shoes on days when I have scans, appointments, etc... just to cheer ME up!

    Happy birthday, happy anniversary and happy chemoversary wishes abound.

    I love cake.  White cake especially.  Now I want some cake.  Is there cake in the dessert car?  It is only 9am here in Wisconsin, but I think I want cake for breakfast.  This is a good sign, as I have had NO appetite since starting tamox in early March.

    I'll let you all know what I hear from my integrative MD today.  Gonna talk about my SE's and see how I can get some relief.

    Barbie

  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 2,126
    edited May 2008

    Oh I love cake, too, especially white WEDDING CAKE!! 

    Congrats on the chemo versaries, and happy anniversary, and happy birthday, too, even if it's a little early!! 

    Layne, you sound like me... I also had minimal se's from the tx... I also feel like the poster child for early bc detection, sometimes.  But, even though everything went fairly smoothly for me, we STILL suffered the same thru the same stuff that everyone else did.  I think, the emotional urmoil we suffered is the same.  Your dh sounds just like mine!  Well, he says, it's over, and you're all better...  If only... 

    Can I come over and have some cake?

    Harley

  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 2,126
    edited May 2008

    Virginia,

    Hey, long time, no see!  I sent you a pm, but I just wanted to let you know that those hot flush moments do come and go for me, especially if I am feeling kind of stressed or when I am very busy, rushing around.  My dh tells me that when I'm busy, of course I get overheated... he claims that he does too, but it's different now.

    Hope you can eat some cake today, because I have been craving cake for a while now, and I would love to have a slice of wedding cake... you got any you can send??

    Harley

  • wandralong
    wandralong Member Posts: 17
    edited May 2008
    Happy bday and anniversary wishes!  I started taking tamox last week and haven't seen much side effects except for increased hot flashes and increased appetite.  I've even started craving chocolate; that is so much not like me.  i think that I have gained all the weight that I lost while on chemo plus some Cry.  Have a good day all!
  • wandralong
    wandralong Member Posts: 17
    edited May 2008
    Happy bday and anniversary wishes!  I started taking tamox last week and haven't seen much side effects except for increased hot flashes and increased appetite.  I've even started craving chocolate; that is so much not like me.  i think that I have gained all the weight that I lost while on chemo plus some Cry.  Have a good day all!
  • Barbie7
    Barbie7 Member Posts: 126
    edited May 2008

    an update from my first visit with the integrated medicine MD.

    I left the appointment with a treatment plan.  I also left with four gift certificates for integrative treatment (accupuncture, massage etc).  I can use them as I wish.  This is a nice bonus, as I was planning to do accupuncture for my fatigue, nausea and body aches.  She feels my back pain and pelvic pain could also be caused by the Tamox and recommended The Feldenkrais method®.According to the comprehensive cancer center's website, "Practicing the Feldenkrais method® can help people of all abilities move with more ease. It increases coordination, balance and flexibility, decreases pain and discomfort, and provides a general sense of well-being."  I plan to use at least one of the certificates to try this out.  

    She  also gave me a nutritional plan and supplement plan that are cancer fighting. 

    In general, a very good appointment and I'm hoping to try these suggestions and find some relief soon.  I thought others might be interested in what I learned.

    Barbie

  • ashaby
    ashaby Member Posts: 200
    edited May 2008

    Dear Tamoxisisters,



    OK, Wed evening at my house. There will be white wedding cake for Harley, Feldenkrais white cake for Barbie, and a huge chocolate cake for me and Layne. All others are welcome. I also love rhubarb pie this time of year.



    Love, Basha

  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 2,126
    edited May 2008

    Oh Basha,

    I would LOVE to come to your house and eat cake!!  Happy Birthday, early! 

    Hugs,

    Harley

  • VirginiaNJ
    VirginiaNJ Member Posts: 314
    edited May 2008

    LOL- I love you ladies....never fail to put a smile on my face...

    Layne- I haven't done a walk since my DX...I think I would be a puddle of tears wearing a 'survivor' shirt...  I still can't believe that I (we) have all gone through this whole thing...it's crazy...

    Basha- happy anniversary and birthday!  I can bring the ice cream!!  LOL  I went in to the lab last week on Thursday and they had cake for a researcher who turned 30 (sigh) and 4 kinds of Ben & Jerry's.  ARGH!  Yesterday I had to "work" all day with my chef's at a French restaurant...Gaspard (the owner) made us a gourmet French lunch complete with TWO kinds of souffle for dessert.  Oy oy oy.  I've basically given up on losing weight.  Now my goal is to not become Violet from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

    Today is my chemoversary!  I am going to the jeweler today...  My father gave my my mother's wedding rings a couple of weeks ago.  I practically fell on the floor...I was SOBBING.  They hadn't seen the light of day in 25 years (since my mom died).

    Ok, better get cracking.  We have BEAUTIFUL weather here in NJ!

    Hugs too all of you ladies.  Thank you for continually being a source of comfort...  I agree, you guys just "get it" like no others can.  As much as our friends and family want to support us, unless you travel this road yourself, you have no idea...

    :) 

  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 2,126
    edited May 2008

    Congratulations on your chemoversary, Virginia!!

    Have fun at the jewelers!  Are you going to have your Mom's rings re-set?  I know it is so very sad, to lose a parent.  My Mom has been gone 16 years, but Mother's Day is always very sad for me...

    Hugs,
    Harley

  • VirginiaNJ
    VirginiaNJ Member Posts: 314
    edited May 2008

    Thanks Harley---Mom's day is hard for me too...  :(  I did spend time with my Dad...we made cookies...  :)  I then saw my best friend from HS and his family...so that was nice...

    I am not having my Mom's rings re-set...I'm too sentimental.  I wanted him to check the prongs b/c I'm afraid to lose the stones.  I had to pick up a ring that I had to have repaired...

    Hope everyone is doing well...  It's really rainy and gloomy here in NJ. 

    Does anyone have swelling in their hands from Tamox?  It's my same old same old complaint...  I'm not sure if I'm swollen from the Tamox or from my Herceptin treatments.  Those end in July, so I am anxious to see if the swelling goes away...

    Hugs girlies...

    Virginia

  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 2,126
    edited May 2008

    Virginia,


    Oh, I wouldn't have my Mom's rings re-set either, if I had got them.  My oldest sister took them, but that is ok, since my wedding rings look alot like my Mom's, it is the same style.

    I don't know about the swelling in your hands.  Mine seem ok.  I still have a little swelling on the le side, where I had lymph nodes removed and a stupid onc nurse gave me a Neulasta shot in that arm, before I could stop her.

    Hugs

    Harley

  • dcbkc
    dcbkc Member Posts: 137
    edited May 2008

    Hey girls!

    It's been a while since I had a chance to catch up with all of you.  And I was incredibly relieved to see all the talk about cake.  It's very reassuring to know that some things just don't change!!  Although, Virginia, when you said that you had souffles, I was jealous. But congrats on your chemoversary!

    And happy birthday to you, Basha!  Here's to many many more!

    Hope everyone's Mother's Day was what you wanted. My 13-year-old daughter and dh made me my favorite dinner. MMMMMM!

    Layne,

    It's nice to see you!  I've heard the weather in DC has been lousy.  My parents went to the Nats game on Sunday and they left in the 7th when it started to rain.  The Nats were ahead but ended up losing. And I, too, totally get your reaction to your shirt.  I'd feel the same way.  By the way, my aunt is walking in DC too.  She's on the team with Bloomingdale's -- she works there in Tyson's.

    Well, we finally got a really nice day here in KC.  I mowed the backyard.  It's the first time I've mowed since dx. My hubby is in Chicago and he wanted to wait until he returns but it's going to rain tomorrow and it was really long.  But I got through it with minimal difficulty -- just took forever. I feel like this was a big step back to my old life.

    So ladies, I've caught up.  So glad to see the dessert car is in full swing!  Save a seat for me.

    xxoo to you all,

    Deb

  • ashaby
    ashaby Member Posts: 200
    edited May 2008

    Hi Deb,

    Thanks for the birthday wishes! It's tomorrow and I will be having my 3rd piece of cake this week.



    The rowing is finally off the ground here, docks in at the Connecticut River, and students excited with the drama of the sport.



    I've been whaling in my garden. Peas are up, lettuce so tiny and cute, and today I will plant beans after tilling the dirt. Whew, great exercise.



    Sometimes normal life(albeit rural life) is so sweet.

    xxxx Basha

  • Barbie7
    Barbie7 Member Posts: 126
    edited May 2008

    Happy Birthday Basha!  Can I come over early for cake? 

    I'm feeling quite down today.  Actually, I've felt this way for a few days.  I'm having a hard time pulling myself out of it.  I have my support group tomorrow, so maybe that will help.  Just an overall blues feeling.  That being said, I can buck up for a Basha birthday party. 

    Be well everyone.

    Barbie

  • dcbkc
    dcbkc Member Posts: 137
    edited May 2008

    Layne,

    I know exactly which road by Lincoln you're talking about.  That's the way I would go to Georgetown when I got my hair cut -- a little short cut I'd use to avoid traffic. I remember when Four-Mile Run would always flood down by Arlandria.  My brother rowed on the Potomac in high school and when it got like that, he couldn't go out.

    Barbie,

    Hang in there.  Just think about how much support you have here too.  We're ready to give chocolate (cake or otherwise) in whatever form works best for you.

    And just to show support for all of you, we're going to Dean & Deluca tonight for dinner and I'll have a dessert in honor of you. Definitely something chocolate.  With summer coming, the ice cream can't be far behind! (it'll become part of my behind too)

    Have a great day everyone --especially Basha, the birthday girl!

    Deb

  • ashaby
    ashaby Member Posts: 200
    edited May 2008

    Dear Deb, Layne and Barbie and all you other partying fools,



    My neighbors complained this morning about how loud we got after all that cake. I mean really, Layne, singing top voice in the garden with lilacs all over your head? And Barbie. The whole white cake yourself without sharing? Next time girls, we have to keep it inside.



    But seriously, darlings, that was fun. And Barbie, and to all of us, I think this depression stuff is the Tamoxifen. I get a few days at a time, mild symptoms, sad, a bit crabby. And I'm on a mega antidepressant already for bipolar. So for me, calling a friend helps, exercise so you sweat, and so so easy and loving on yourself.



    All my love to my dears, Basha

  • Barbie7
    Barbie7 Member Posts: 126
    edited May 2008

    Sorry for not sharing the white cake last night - but it was SO good.  Layne - I too deem lilacs as my favorite.  I must say you suprised me when you pulled out the bongo.  Basha - you throw amazing parties - thanks for hosting!

    Thanks for bringing a smile to my face this morning.  I had a good session with the cancer psychologist yesterday, and I've come to the enlightening conclusion that I am not up to being strong today.  So I won't be.  I won't wallow, and I'll do things I enjoy, but I'll also recognize that I don't need to be strong every day, and I can be down sometimes.

    I do need to make those appointments to help me with the SE's so I can report back.

    Barbie

  • dcbkc
    dcbkc Member Posts: 137
    edited May 2008

    Ladies,

    You know that once the reputation is sullied that only then does life REALLY become fun!  I agree with Layne, the neighbors will just have to lighten up, Basha!  And tell them that it's better to have lilacs on your head then a basket of fruit like Carmen what's-her-name.

    Barbie,

    I think that you are stronger than you think.  Just to say that you will let yourself be down now and then is an accomplishment because it also means that you see that you won't stay that way.  As women, I think we oftentimes don't give ourselves enough credit.  I think that you ROCK!

    Layne,

    I'm so glad that we lived 'up the hill' from that part of town.  (We would exit 395 at Shirlington and go up Quaker Lane to get home.) Most of the family is outside the beltway now -- my parents are closest, on Route 1 just past the beltway. I can remember other times that there was flooding all over town.

    By the way, speaking of lilacs -- aren't all the azaleas in bloom around town now?  I remember Old Dominion Blvd as being one of the prettiest streets this time of year. All azaleas, dogwoods and redbuds.

    So, I made almost 3 dozen blintzes today.  The first time I did major cooking in over 8 months.  I feel like I'm getting back into the swing of things -- first mowing, now cooking!  But Layne, I still cringe when I look at the scar.  I wish I could have your attitude with that.

    Anyway, thanks for the fun.  I wish I could have a huge party and have all of you over!

    Deb

  • JapanLynn
    JapanLynn Member Posts: 211
    edited May 2008

    Good morning!

    This has been a busy week here, so I haven't posted in awhile.  It looks like I missed a great party!  Basha, many happy returns--hope your day was wonderful.

    I'm hosting the bunco group tonight, so I've actually had to plan a menu and cook real food.  Nothing fancy--making a ham, deviled eggs, pineapple dressing, Mississippi Salsa and chips for an appetizer, and a decadent dessert.  The worst part--I have to get rid of my clutter and actually make the bed. ;-)  It's a fun group--we hoot and holler and generally make fools of ourselves.

    Barbie, sorry for the blues...hope you're feeling better soon.  Layne, good to hear your news.  You're right...I'm so lucky that my job overseas gives me such great travel opportunities.  I think the best part is that I'm able to go back to places I really love--like Thailand.  Your husband's stomach doesn't know what he's missing...I think Thai food is the best on the planet!  Love the really hot and spicy dishes that make me sweat and blow my nose. :-)  I think your retirement plans sound perfect--hubby can lounge, and you can meet me on shore for sightseeing.

    Deb, what's up with the domesticity??  Yum, blintzes...please bring a box for all of us on the train.  Basha, how's the rowing going?  Hope you're having beautiful weather for it.  Virginia, what yumminess is going on at work these days?  Hope your dad is doing well.

    The news is so depressing these days re: natural disasters...Myanmar and China--those poor people are suffering so.  I almost hate to turn on the TV these days.

    It's getting late...gotta go to work, but TGIF!  Tomorrow is the USO auction here, with all kinds of furniture, rugs, dust collectors, etc. from Hong Kong.  It's a hoot--people getting into bidding wars, etc.  It's an all-day affair...I'm really excited as I missed the one last fall--damn BC treatment.  I'm sure I'll find something I can't possibly live without.

    Take care...sleep well...talk to you soon!

    Lynn

  • Miss_Lolli
    Miss_Lolli Member Posts: 72
    edited May 2008

    Barbie, I totally agree with Deb. Allowing yourself some days to not be strong takes a strength all its own. I think that's an awesome attitude and I'm going to borrow it on my down days. Just for that I'll quit coveting your awesome shoes. Wink

    Basha, sorry I missed such a rockin' party! I wasn't thinking and made s'mores in the microwave. That meant no cake for me. wah

    I wish everyone a lovely weekend.

  • ashaby
    ashaby Member Posts: 200
    edited May 2008

    Ok gals, up and at em it's another day.I'm about to go on a "big boat" ride with my rowing buddies. We bicker and whine, and laugh alot.

    So Layne, the neighbor prefers loud boring country/folk, like Phil Oakes. I think she was just jealous of the party. And I didn't have cake on my birthday, but did on my anniversary, lemon cake, layers of lemon curd and chocolate icing. To die for...

    In 2 weeks I am going to the tip of LI( my brother's) to paint and soak up beachiness. Wanna have a virtual party there with lobster?



    Love, Basha

  • dcbkc
    dcbkc Member Posts: 137
    edited May 2008

    Hey ladies!

    Lynn,

    How was your bunco?  We do a neighborhood bunco twice a year for couples.  It's such a mindless game that it's great for conversation and the husbands get into it as much as the wives! Last year, the August game was just before the biopsy, so it's a milestone for me.  The Jan. game was across the street -- I got off the hook for that one.  And did you get anything at the auction?  Those are always fun.

    Basha,

    Lobster, painting, beach time and Long Island.  Sounds heavenly. We're going to Baltimore next weekend to see some friends and celebrate both my birthday (6/5) and my daughter's (6/2).

    Speaking of which -- hey Layne, have you been to the Newseum yet? We're going there next Saturday then to see the Capitol Steps (the satirical singing group). I hear it's a pretty cool place.

    So I mowed again today -- both front and back this time.  It makes me feel so normal.

    Hugs to you all,

    Deb

  • ashaby
    ashaby Member Posts: 200
    edited May 2008

    Hey Deb,

    I saw the Capitol Steps here in VT. Very funny. And...I love to mow. In the past, it's the one thing I enjoy when I'm depressed. Happiness means gardening and painting.



    xxxBasha

  • dcbkc
    dcbkc Member Posts: 137
    edited May 2008

    Basha,

    Mowing has its pluses.  I do love the way it looks when it's done.  My 13 year old is even getting into it -- if that's possible for a 13 year old?!?! I think she likes to see what she's accomplished too.  She was very upset today because she's not going to get straight A's on this report card -- first time this year.  She's most upset because she won't get the bonus that my dad was going to give her for the 4th qtr of A's -- he pays her for her grades since she was in 1st grade, it's their thing. But we're very proud of her.  She did it on her own since hubby and I were taking care of me. 

    Anyway -- Layne -- I am looking forward to being in DC/Balt. next weekend.  Our friends are a blast.  She works for the Mint and he's a lobbyist -- very involved in politics and so fun to talk to. We're going to do the Inner Harbor on Sunday -- maybe see the Aquarium. Have a great time in Cancun!  Think of us as you bask in the sunshine. Can't wait to hear about it.

    Ok, girls, have a good night.  You help me get through and I love you all for it.

    Deb

  • JapanLynn
    JapanLynn Member Posts: 211
    edited May 2008

    Hi, friends--

    It's Thursday evening here, and I'm soooo tired.  The first and last months of school are exhausting...so much to do and too little time.  In addition, this week I'm taking my scuba course...two sessions in the classroom, and three days of diving this weekend.  Hope I have the energy...  It's pretty intense--we have to take a 50-question final exam to pass; I'm hoping things will all make sense after all day Saturday in the pool, and then open water dives on Sun. and Mon.  What have I gotten myself into??  Wish me luck...

    Deb, my bunco night went well.  The biggest hit was the "booby" prize--genuine possum fur nipple warmers!  I had bought them a couple of years ago while in New Zealand...figured they might come in handy one day.  We had a great time.  Saturday I got a couple of treasures at the auction--a wicker step tonsu, which will look great in my Florida retirement condo that I haven't bought yet. :-)  Also, a bench/low cabinet that I'm going to have a cushion made for over the summer and use as extra seating in my living room.  Who knows what all this Asian stuff will look like when I turn in my passport and settle in the states?  My place will be very eclectic, to say the least.

    Barbie, how are you?  Hope you're feeling better.  What a friggin' roller coaster this whole thing is, right?  Take care of you.

    Harley, thinking of you as you go in for your nipple surgery...hope all goes well.  I've been keeping up with you on the bitch/moan/etc. thread...I love that one!  Take good care and keep us posted.

    Basha, save a bed for me in LI...I crave lobster and beachiness!  Have a great time.

    Sorry I can't respond to everyone...no memory beyond the current page.  Although I'm not posting as often, I still come every day to see how everyone's doing.  Let's keep the train chuggin' along...

    Take care, ladies...

    Lynn

  • VirginiaNJ
    VirginiaNJ Member Posts: 314
    edited May 2008

    Hi Girlies...

    I posted a new avatar as yesterday was my 11 month anniversary of my last chemo treatment.  I can't believe it...  :O  My hair is starting to get crazy but I can't bear to cut it... 

    Deb and all those of you cutting your grass...you guys are awesome.  Last year, 1 hour before my first chemo treatment, I was outside mowing my grass...  Then I mowed every week during me treatment.  I said I must be the only jerk on chemo mowing her own lawn.  THIS year, I hired a lawn service.  My sister seems to think that my subconcious was saying screw you cancer, you can't beat me (and that's why I did my own grass).  Now I have a whole new outlook...I'd rather be watching my new flat panel TV than mowing.  UGH!  Yesterday I bought a Wii so I could "exercise."  I know, I'm as scary as I sound...  Deb, you must be so proud of your daughter...  she sounds like my niece Kate...she's a first year nursing student and she got a final grade of 89.95 in one of her classes and the professor gave her a B+ and she was devastated...  Wanted that A in the worst way (she's also a straight A student).

    Basha- how was the boat trip???  You also are my idol with all of your gardening...

    Lynn- I love your posts...  It's so exotic that you live in Asia....  It's so awesome.  My life is so boring here...  My sister always tells me that my decorating style is "eclectic" as well!!  :O

    Layne- have a GREAT time in Cancun!!  I went when I was 23 and haven't been back since...  I don't think my liver could take it...  I LOVE your posts....  You make me smile.

    Harley- thinking of you (as you know) RE your nipple surgery.  Let us know how you are doing...  I'm guessing it will be a relief to get "it" off your leg!!  LOL 

    Hugs Lori and Barbie and anyone else I may be missing!!  It's been gloomy and rainy and cold here in NJ for so long...  They are promising 80's for the weekend, but I'm not holding my breath...

    Hope all are well!!

    Virginia

  • JapanLynn
    JapanLynn Member Posts: 211
    edited May 2008

    Hi, Virginia--

    Your hair looks so cute!  Looks like it has lots of body...can you send some my way?  My hair is so fine and straight.  I'm smiling, picturing you mowing the lawn and then going for chemo...I think your sister is right.  That was your "Go to hell, cancer!" thing. :-)

    BTW, my life is pretty ordinary most days, but interspersed with some cool things to do and great travel opportunities...your tax $$ at work.

    Take care, VA--hope your dad is doing well.

    Lynn

  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 2,126
    edited May 2008

    Hey there everyone,

    I haven't had a chance to get caught up on all your posts, but I just wanted to pop in and say HI.  My surgery went well, but now the local is starting to wear off, so I guess I'll be good and sore in time for work tomorrow... 

    Lynn, thanks for thinking of me, and my lonely nipple!  Yes, I am glad that it is finally OFF my leg!

    Virginia, I almost didn't notice your new avatar, it is SO cute!  WOW!  I just got a hair cut last week, and even though I only got about 1/2 inch off the top, because it was getting kind of top-heavy, it now seems SO SHORT!, and it is getting straighter and straigher, by the day.  I really LOVED those chemo curls, and I was hoping they would last at least a year!  But now, it seems to be not growing at all, or else it is growing in ...SLOW MOTION!  You are ahead of me with your chemo versary.  My last tx was on Oct 9th 2007, so it's been almost 8 months since I finished my tx!! 

    Well, I should go now.  I don't know if it's the Tamoxifen, but I have been very depressed lately, and I just can't seem to shake it! 

    Harley