Calling all TNs
Comments
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Annie - enjoy your good news.
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so so happy for you CockerS...this is great news! Have a spectacular weekend
Maggie
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Annie - Yeah!!!!! And now I'm holding your hand as you wait for the next results.
OBXKaren, Dawn, LuvMichelle - Hoping you and your loved ones had a warm, love-filled gathering. There's nothing like having our family around us. Hugs to you, my friends.
We have had our oldest daughter and her family here since Wednesday. This is 5 little wonderful, funny, loud, mess-makers, kissers, hungry, delightful kids. They are 6, 4, 4, 4, 3 years old (yes, triplets). We have an attached guest house with 2 bedrooms, etc., but they have spread into all parts of the main house. And I have not felt this old since chemo. Oh the energy to keep up with them!!!! We've had perfect weather, so they have been outside going on bear hunts and looking for Bigfoot most of the time. A wonderful Thanksgiving.
Joy to all this weekend. Jan
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Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! We had a great time here.
I am looking for opinions on an idea I've been kicking around for awhile... After contributing for 16 years I have a nice chunk of $$$ in my 401 K at work. And after my local recurrence this year, I honestly don't know if I'll be around in 20 years to use it. There are things I want to do now, mainly travel, while I still have my health, and of course they all require money. I've talked to the Fidelity people and one option is to take out half the 401K (employers contribution), roll it into a Roth IRA, and pay the income taxes. Once it's in a Roth I won't have to pay a penalty for taking money out.
This seems short sighted, taking money out of my retirement fund, but again, what if I don't make it to retirement? Any thoughts, anyone done something like this?
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Cocker my girl I betcha your ovaries and that liver are just fine!
Bernie...you never cease to amaze me with your jokes..keep 'em coming
jan...love the idea of all the kids around..I have two nieces age 5 and 2 that I dearly love...
Minxie..I hear you...I really like my job but for awhile now I just don't want to work anymore...can't afford to retire now though..but how long can I wait??? I don't want to wait until tomorrow anymore..I want to do it NOW!
Hope everyone enjoys the weekend...!
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Minxie, don't do it. You made need that money to live on if you have to stop working....I know it's tempting to do fun things because we are afraid we won't be around in 20 years. But, we have to remember we are likely to need it in case we can't work anymore. I know I'm a bummer and totally practical for the most part. I know exactly how little social security disability paid my mom and it took 6 months for her to get! No one can really live on that!
I got a lot of the kid's playroom clean...of course that's why I'm up. I keep sneezing from all the dust...guess you all know how good I am at keeping a clean house. And, I lost half my nail. Ouch it hurts. On the bright side, I found a box of flexible fabric fingertip bandaids (try saying that fast 3 times) on amazon for abt $13. It really pads the nailpad pretty well.
I'm glad to hear of all the good test results
Sherry, don't give up yet. God is Good and works miracles sometimes
Jan, want to come borrow my 3 kids?? I could use a little break. jk.
Thanks for the welcome and I'm happy people are putting their names on their posts. I have a hard time tracking people by their user names.
Becky
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Kazzie, I had pacilataxel (aka Taxol). I had major body aches abt 3 days after. No nausea (woot woot). Numbness in toes then fingers later with nail changes and I just lost part of a nail. Fingernails are lifting away from nailbed. Taxol felt a whole lot easier for me than Adriamyacin and Cytoxan (puke city). You will have to fill out a neuropathy survey before each round to keep track of symptoms. Not great but didn't TOTALLY stink like AC. Praying for minimal SE's for all. Buy dermal gloves and slather eucerin on at night and put the gloves on at night. The less they get dried out the less likely you'll be in my spot.
Becky
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Jan - it sounds like a wonderful time at your house!
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Hi everyone! We had a fabulous Thanksgiving with lots of food, fun and family. Now DH and I are airborne, on our way to L as Vegas for four fun-filled days. We are going on a hot air balloon ride on Monday and we are scattering my mom's ashes on Mt Charleston, just outside of Vegas. I am doing pretty well - I've recovered my balance and most of my typing skills. My hair is gone, perhaps never to return, but I have a new wig and I'll buy a couple of inexpensive but fun ones so I have choices. Showers are really quick these days.
Annie - woohoo! Great news!
I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!
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Hi ladies. Happy thanksgiving to you all and I hope you have a great time
Minxie you said it yourself. You want to travel while you have your health . So I say go do it. Like Titan I always loved my job but just lately I don't want to do it any more. I want to do what you have the chance of doing. So if it was me I would have my bags packed and be outer here. Go now love while you still have your health and enjoy every bloody minute of it. The future will take care of itself. Yea you will still be around in 20 years but by then you may not feel like travelling. This way in 20 years time you will have wonderful memories of your travels. Grab your bags and get yer get up and GO. Sure will miss you for a while though.
Jan must be wonderful being at your house right at this moment. All those lovely little ones running around, laughing at the funny things they say and seeing them eat all of your wonderful cooking. Life seems far too short for us at the moment so like Minxie enjoy every bloody minute of it.
I went Christmas shopping AGAIN today and had a ball. Just cannot resist buying lots of things for my girls and my grandchildren. I love Christmas but the old fellers face looked as glum as his empty pockets by time I got home. Still there's three weeks to go yet!!!
Tonight I am singing Christmas carols and icing cakes and I'm not even going to think of those looming results.
Have a great night everyone with no side effects and nothing but restful, healing sleep. Annie
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Oh yea been wondering what to do about my christmas tree once its up with Chloe around. I hope I don't come home to no baubles and nothing but bare branches lol.
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Hi,
I'm Nancy from Michigan and I'm part of this club. My lump popped up suddenly like so many of yours. I would lay in bed at night and literally roll it back and forth wondering what the heck? Of course I knew...and my knowledge was quickly confirmed. Have ahd my surgery and port placement which were quite easy, thank goodness. I love my surgeon, he is a kind, quiet peace filled man. He gently insisted I meet the rad. onc while I was clear headed and feeling well, good advice. My onc is also a nice man, but as someone else said he appears overworked and frazzled. I don't care for the infusion center so will be visitng another on Monday after my Feel Godd Look Beeter class. We are blessed with an active network of support systems here. Have gone to Gilda's Club and am meeting with and integrative medicine team.
I want to kick this nasty bugger's butt. I am blessed with two wonderful kids (22 and 18), my patient and loving DH and a houseful of dogs and the kid's friends. THere is too much life in my life to lay down and be placid. I am drawing strength from each of you...like Sheery I am only 59...lots of life left.
THank you for your love and support...allow me to reciprocate.
blessings
Have
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“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did so. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
Mark Twain
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Couldn't agree more Bernie. So dust of those suitcases Minxie and go and discover those far away places and dreams.
Nancy welcome. You seen to have everything under control and a wonderful family to fight for. You will kick this cancers butt and come through fighting fit. The ladies on here are wonderful and you will draw great strength from them as well. Sending you big hugs. Annie
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Thankyou for the welcome ladies
Karen & Beckie......thankyou for the info on the SE's. dreading starting chemo.....still have very clear memories of how crap I felt last time! I feel so well now except for the pain that I can take medication for. Karen, I'm doing the same cycle as you did......one free week .....yay! I worked through chemo first time round but retired when my mets were diagnosed so hopefully that'll make it all a bit easier.
Luv....I've read a lot of your posts & I think you're one strong & amazing lady
I wish you all the best & hope you have a blast in Vegas....I'm from Australia but went there with my family in February this year.....we had a lot of fun
I get my port put in on Wednesday.....haven't had one before so feel a bit nervous about it!!
Take care everyone.
Karen x0 -
Surgeon said i will need a port as well. I am so grateful for you guys already! Tuesday I'll find out my treatment plan. I hope so. I was diagnosed November 2! Feels like its taking too long! That must sound a little silly but i feel like the beast is growing!!
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Luv, have a wonderful time in Vegas - the hot air balloon, and scattering your Mom's ashes sounds like a lovely thing. Sorry about the hair, glad you got some fun wigs - work it!
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Hello to all our new sisters here. Chemo is scary but you can do it. I had Dose Dense Taxol then Ac each 4times. Taxol= body pain for me and Ac= nausea. All only for a few days after each treatment. You will see what works for you as far as handling whatever SE's come your way. Epsom salts baths helped me with pain and took my meds before the nausea would get the best of me. Been done with chemo for 11 months now and am needing to have my hair cut soon. It is out of control...short but wild!
Healing well from my diep 3 weeks ago and my failed flap removal 2 weeks ago. Good boobie is looking fantastic. So paranoid that she is going to decide to leave me too. But so far so good. Getting stronger everyday--only 1 drain left and pretty sure it is coming out tomorrow.
Luv have the best time in vegas--you deserve it.
Maggie
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To all the new ladies. Rest, rest and rest again. Please accept any offers of help and support.
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To all new Sisters in our forum - here are some tips on chemo.
Of course, ask your Onc about anything medical here, but in general, this is what I was told and what I did to get through chemo:
Tip #1: When you go through chemo, don't try to be Wonder Woman. This was the time my Onc pulled my husband aside and told him to make sure I don't keep trying to break records. He really emphasized letting the treatment do it's thing. So what he told me was: "if you feel great, then do it, but the moment you feel tired, sit and take rest, don't keep trying to continue". This was the first time I followed instructions in my life. lol
Tip #2: Also, don't be too hard on yourself with regards to etiquette. Example: You receive a nice card and gift from a relative. Don't feel that you have to stop what you are doing to send back a thank you card. You have something important to handle first - your treatment! I actually used this Thanksgiving to send thank you cards and pink ribbon pins to everyone who I still had not thanked yet, and I finished treatment in April. Of course, they have all heard from me and had my updates and a thank you, but for a formal thank you, those came later, when I felt ready to send a heartfelt thank you.
Tip #3: And also, put yourself first and treat yourself to something. Pedicure, new DVD of MadMen Season 5 or big fluffy robe. Whatever it is, get yourself a treat right before each chemo treatment. Also, I took my own blanket with me each treatment, and I found twin blankets at Target for only $9.99. They were awesome, and just the right thing to feel cozy during treatment! Note: If you get a pedicure do not shave your legs the day of the pedicure. You could have non-visible nicks on the skin that could let germs in. Instead shave your legs well in advance, like a day or two before, so the skin barrier is closed.
Tip #4: If you need, institute a DNS. We did this and it tremendously helped us cut down on the commotion of things, but still provided updates. A DNS is a Delayed Notification System to anyone, who checks in too often or who causes a panic with the wrong choice of words. This was created after we told one family member that we had a doctor's appointment on a certain date/time. We weren't even home yet from the appointment, and had a call on our cell phone that said "we haven't heard from you yet, hope all is okay". It is of course with nice intentions, but it would stress me out during these times. For one, I didn't want someone to feel that we hadn't updated them yet, and two, my DH and I wanted time to talk and absorb the details. So what we started doing, was telling a few individuals my appointment was a week later than it actually was. That way we had time to talk, absorb, plan and had better answers for them.
Tip #5: Most important thing during chemo (according to my Onc) is water. You must flush the toxins out the first 48 hours. This is so it does not linger around organs causing long-term damage and side effects. He recommended 64 ounces minimum. If you need help, you can get the Pediolyte Freezer Pops. They are flavored and have electrolytes in them and will help with fluids. He also said Gatorade was okay too.
Tip #6: Eating healthy is very beneficial, but if nothing tastes good the first couple of days each treatment, eat something, even if it's not perfect. Remember it is really about getting rid of toxins, while keeping energy up. So if a cheese enchilada or chicken fajitas is what you crave, then that is okay.
Pink Ribbon Pins - I sent these as thank yous!
Here are 2 links to 2 pretty pink ribbon pins I ordered from Amazon. I'm going to be ordering more of the crystal ones. The picture does not do this pin justice. The crystals came out so clear and pretty, that frankly, I think they could charge a lot more for this pin. They are nice and we are sending out more with holiday cards this year. I researched a lot of them on Amazon and some were made with suspicious metals, etc. These are 2 that I found both acceptable and pretty!
Pink Ribbon Pins:
http://www.amazon.com/Austrian-Rhinestone-Ribbon-Awareness-Silver-Tone/dp/B0025UW9KW $9.99
http://www.amazon.com/Pin-Breast-Cancer-Awareness-Ribbon/dp/B002EKSCGI $3.99
Wishing all of you a great week and successful treatment!
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Hi everyone:
Inspired: have you heard how pink power's surgery went? I read her blog...what a story!
Good chemo tips! I also find that drinking tons of water really really helps.
Luv: how awesome what you Are doing with your moms ashes and in a hot air balloon!
I too read your blog. You are such an inspiration!
Nanc620: welcome to our group. Sounds like you have amazing support and a strong positive attitude which is half the battle. You will also receive that amazing support here as well. No one gets it except you wonderful ladies
Kazzie and Hope: for me, getting the port put in was no big deal. I do remember singing with my surgeon the whole time.
Mags: so glad you are feeling better.
Like Bernie says, rest rest and rest some more! Take care,
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Inspired.....that is all fabulous advice, thankyou ( even though I've had chemo before it was still informative & appreciated)...:)
Erin....thanks for the reassurance re the port I'm having a general anesthetic......seems to be the norm over here in The Land of Oz....still feel a bit nervous though..:)
Hope everyone is enjoying the weekend.
Karen x0 -
Nance620 - welcome! I'm glad you have a good team in place. This is a wonderful thread, lots of love and laughter. Best part - no drama!
Wishing you well ...0 -
Hopex3 - I have not heard from PinkPower -- I sent her a PM just now letting her know that we were all thinking of her!
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Thanks for the thoughts on the 401K, ladies. I'm not going to do anything until after the new year for tax reasons, so I have some time to think about it. The trip I really want to take (what I've been wanting to do for about 25 years now) is to take a cruise up to the Arctic, in particular Iceland and Greenland. I want to see glaciers, whales, hot springs, go hiking... all this better done while I have my health! I'll keep you posted as to what I decide.
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The maid asked for a pay increase. The wife was very upset about this and decided to talk to her about the raise.
She asked: "Now Maria, why do you want a pay increase?"
Maria: "Well, Señora, there are tree reasons why I wanna increaze."
"The first is that I iron better than you."
Wife: "Who said you iron better than me?"
Maria: "Jor huzban he say so."
Wife: "Oh yeah?"Maria: "The second reason eez that I am a better cook than you."
Wife: "Nonsense, who said you were a better cook than me?"
Maria: "Jor hozban did."
Wife increasingly agitated: "Oh he did, did he???"Maria: "The third reason is that I am better at sex than you in the bed."
Wife really boiling now and through gritted teeth: "And did my husband say that as well?"
Maria: "No Señora......" "The gardener did."Wife: "So how much do you want?"
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Minxie,
I think it's a great idea to splurge a little - and by all means take a vacation!
But I would take the vacation with the premise that you are going to be around a long time, not that you're not going to be around a long time. Because it will affect how you are able to enjoy your vacation. Being on vacation may not totally remove you from your worries or problems, so you want to take it with the right frame of mind. Take the vacation as a symbolic trophy that you are healthy and that you will have many many more years to come, in fact a lifetime of years to come. Take that long awaited for vacation and take a cruise to Alaska or a place where you can go and pet the dolphins. Enjoy a big time, you have been through a lot, so reward yourself. You will come back renewed and with a renewed sense of hope, I believe. When you come back from vacation you can start saving back into your 401K. Things will seem brighter to you, and you will have a renewed energy.
Hope this helps you!
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I heard from PinkPower. She is home now and surgery went well!
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Ladies -- I hope all you US ladies have had a wonderful holiday weekend -- and the rest of you -- I hope you are all having a great weekend as well.
My nine year old granddaughter helped me get out and put up all my inside decorations yesterday and she made it so much fun as she unwrapped and marveled at each decoration. She really loves my Christmas village and she will just stand and take it all in. DH usually moans and groans about getting out decorations, but was very helpful this year -- I guess one perk to being newly diagnosed.
Speaking of DH, he is really having a hard time with this. I can tell he is depressed and worried. I think it really hit him when the MO said "we don't really know how to effectively treat TN -- we just hit it hard with chemo." I'm afraid he will have a melt down when I lose my hair. I know he is already dreading me going through that.
And speaking of hair loss. I start my chemo (AC) tomorrow (Monday). My port site is still somewhat sore, so I'm dreading the needle stick. I've never been afraid of needle sticks or shots. They don't bother me, but for some reason I am worried about the stick through my skin into my port. Well, it probably has something to do with my brother saying the first time they told him they could no longer spray the freeze stuff on (because of some lawsuit) and stuck him without it being deadened, he passed out. They gave him something to put on it at home to deaden it after that.
Any words of wisdom on how to dress for accessing the port? At my chemo center everyone is out in the open -- no partitions or anything between people. I had read on their website a button down shirt, but I wondering if a wide neckline shirt wouldn't work as well or better.
Keep me in your prayers and thoughts tomorrow as I do for you as I read your posts each day.
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5thsib. I had AC if you need some support l will be here.
I didn't have a port I had picc lines i just wore loose clothing to make access easier, don't bother with buttons.
Take a blanket.
As far as the hair is concerned maybe think about cutting it short now - easier to cope with. Also you scalp will get sore before the hair loss so don't be concerned about that.
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