March 2011 chemo-lounge
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Hello ladies! I think we are all so sad about Lilylady that we don't feel like posting... I hope life is treating everyone well and that those of us in the States are ready for the Fall (ready or not, here it is!) I have a question re: bras. Do you all avoid underwire bras or is that something you think is okay at this point? I'm just wondering. Thanks in advance.
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Hi Silia! I am wearing underwire bras....no one told me not too. When I am home though...gotta admit I usually just wear a tank top! Hate wearing a bra if I don't have to! Heck...they don't sag or move much so who needs a bra? One of the benefits to fake one's right?
Fall is almost upon us in Chicago. Leaves are just starting to fall here and there. It is so beautiful where we live in the country (strange....since it's in Chicago, but we are an hour of out of the city here!). There are so many trees, lakes, rivers around here and land so the colors are the best I have ever seen in the Midwest!
Hope everyone is doing well. Just think...it has been almost 5 years for most of us already! In December it will be 5 years since I was dx! I can't believe it.....seems like yesterday in so many ways. Hugs to all!
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I immediately stopped wearing underwire bras after being diagnosed. They say there isn't any connection, but it made more sense to me to give them up. I have a small midriff, and wore a D or DD cup. When I got older and the breasts sagged more, I would sinch sinch sinch the heck out of the band around my midriff because I always heard that's where you get the support and not from the straps. Could that have caused something to go wrong? I don't lose sleep over it, but you just never know. Now I mostly wear sports bras.
Fall is a beautiful time of year, tho I'm sorry to see summer go. I enjoyed my flower gardening this year and already look forward to next spring. Hope everyone is well
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Haven't been here in a while and so sad to see the news about Lilylady's passing. She was a remarkable woman who inspired me and many others. I feel very lucky to have learned many things from her.
I went through both of the post-menopausal drugs and after suffering miserably with terrible joint pain, my doc put me back on Tamoxifen. Since I have had a hysterectomy and got my ovaries out, he said it would be fine and much better than taking nothing. The pain is so much better. Things in life are busy, and I'm glad to not be so focused on the cancer anymore. Five year mark is coming soon and cannot believe it.
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Silia, I was off the site for a couple months. My doc didn't care whether I wore underwire or regular. I tend to wear non underwire unless I want to put the twins on display. But, I am like MDG, I peel it off as soon as I get home and a lot of times if I am in something baggy, I don't wear one either.
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I may be one of the first of our group (it took me a long time to decide on a treatment plan)... 5 Years!!
I couldn't have gotten this far without my chemo lounge buddies. We have a couple of months of celebrations coming up on this board as we reach our 5-year marks.
Raising my glass to you ladies, and a special toast to our lilylady. And putting "Good Vibrations" (Beach Boys) on the jukebox...
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Congratulations MaxineO - Its a big milestone for us isn't it! Mine is 5th Jan.
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Today, December 22, 2015, marks 5 years since I found the lump in my left breast. Several weeks of many tests revealed the stage iv diagnosis but I use today's date as when I started dealing with bc. While the curse is stage iv, the blessing is that I've had a run of stability, getting scanned every six months. It is considered an "exceptional response" if, at stage iv, you have been stable on one form of treatment for three years. To survive stage iv bc for more than six years is considered being an "outlier". So That is what my New Year's resolution is: become an outlier!
Last December, I stopped working and I have to say, it has been a really good year. I am so content being busy at home; life is very full. I have been thinking of lilylady this month and miss her. I am so happy when all of you check in here to give updates. Great to reach that five year point. Doesn't the time fly? Merry Christmas to all who celebrate it, and best wishes for a most Happy New Year
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December 12th was 5 years since my diagnosis. It is strange....it feels like yesterday but it feels like it was a really long time ago too. I remember starting this thread and looking for support and friendship in such a scary time in my life. I was happy to have found a lounge full of amazing, spirited ladies all going through the same thing. I am so grateful for each of you and the many songs you put in the juke box and all the rounds of drinks you ordered! So happy that we have made it to the 5 year mark. That is huge - especially for you Divine! Every time I come to the lounge I think of our dear Lilylady. I do miss her and am still so saddened that she did not make it with us to the 5 year mark. I know she is up there somewhere putting a "fun" song on the juke box for us. Happy Holidays to all of you my lounge lizards!
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Wow - Divine you are doing brilliantly - definite toast to Outliers!
It does seem a long time - hard to think of a time when it did not figure in my thoughts at all, and now however positive things are its always there. Not necessarily in a bad way though - I feel incredibly lucky not only to have a wonderful life, but to appreciate just how magical it really is. Its great to see all of you getting on with amazing lives.
Its my 60th birthday on 14th Jan - and on the 17th we (me, hubbie, son, daughter and their partners and the 2 grandsons) all head your way. We are doing to Disneyland, Yosemite in the snow, Vegas and Hawaii. After all the trips off to the back of beyond we are doing the tourist thing this time. I don't think I am anywhere near any of you unfortunately but let me know if you are close to any of this.
Below is a picture of the frangipani I planted for Lily a couple of months ago. It started flowering last week. I reckon she can see it.
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Five Years today! - Lots of love to you all, it would have been much harder to get through these last 5 years without you. xxxx
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Congratulations, Penny! Five years is a quite the milestone. And a trip to the USA sounds like a great way to celebrate your milestone and your birthday! Sending much love.
Divine- I would love for you to be as far an outlier as possible this year...and the next...and beyond!
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Wow!...haven't logged on in a long time ! I know most of us are close to our 5 year mark so celebrations are in order...I'm looking forward to it on the 27th. Penny- just in case you happen to be in the area...we'll be in the Marina del Rey, CA area next week visiting my daughter...if there is any way we can meet, let's give it a try !!! Will try to message you with my cell #. Love the flower planted for Lily but so sad to hear her news. Three of my friends have been recently diagnosed with BC and one with lung cancer....can't believe it. I feel very selfish when I feel relieved that I don't think about my own BC every day like I used to and now I'm worried about my friends. :-(. I have much to be thankful for...my husband is retiring this spring (don't think I'll be too far behind) and we have the most amazing little granddaughter named after my mother's middle name Lillian ( we call her Lilly)....she was 6 months old on Christmas ! Hope we all can keep in touch ....Happy 2016 !!!
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Hi all!
Five years of no cancer starts this week for me. The third biopsy found and removed it all, so I count that as my day. I see my breast surgeon this week, for some pain I have under my arm area along side the implant. She did ultrasound last year and there was a cyst so had me come back in a year. It is still pretty tender in that area. She mentioned removing it, but I am not sure I want to rock the boat. We survived and enjoyed our son's October wedding. Then, my husband's company was sold and they did not need two V.P.'s of Finance so he is out of a job. He spent the holidays enjoying an extended break for the first time in 35 years, but isn't ready to retire, so he is looking and getting his real estate license to help me too. Had a crazy fun 60th birthday party. Just like being back in college. Threw up all night, but no handover the next day,
Penny, what a great tribute for Lily...that flower is beautiful. I wish I lived west so that I could meet you.
Thought you might want to see a wedding picture! Here's to five years and decades more!
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fluff, this wedding photo is absolutely Gorgeous!!! I mean, really. Such a beautiful family, and you look fabulous. I love the blues, the flowers, the beaming faces.
Happy 60th, too!
I had scans this month and remain stable. As you say, here's to the five years and decades more!
Happy 2016
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Woot woot! Its official
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Happy 60th Fluff - gorgeous picture. I had my 60th party on 16th Jan (birthday was 14th) but didn't drink enough to get a hangover as we were flying your way the next day.
Had an amazing holiday in the U.S. - Love America - so many beautiful places and friendly people
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Well girls, been awhile since I was here. Just found out Im stage 4 with mets to lungs and bones.
I start chemo tomorrow. Pray for me cause I know the prognosis isn't good. Any advice?0 -
ksmatthews - Damn, I hate to read this. I will pray of course. If they can get you on the right chemo, God willing, they can keep you in maintenance mode for the long haul. I don't have any specific advice but if you're on FB, there's a group I'm a part of - Warriors Together. It's "secret" so people only join if someone who is in it vouches that the person is a survivor (whether currently in treatment or past treatment) - so similar to here, it's a safe space to rant, get advice, etc. There's great support and some are dealing with !$%^& state 4 too. If you are interested (also applies to any of you reading this), just let me know your name on FB and I'll add you. Best wishes for chemo with minimal SEs. I'm putting Elton John's "I'm Still Standing" on the jukebox for you.
Fluff - I usually see these messages on my phone so no photos. Since on my computer, I'm only now seeing the gorgeous wedding pic, Fluff! Wow, what a great looking and HAPPY family!!
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Hang in there ksmatthews - focus on Divine who is now 5 years and is beating all their damn statistics. New stuff coming out all the time too. Hope the chemo doesn't hit you too hard - we will all be thinking of you - Penny
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KSmatthews.....so sad to hear this news. I am praying for you and hoping that this chemo will fight off any progression. I am so sorry you have to endure this. I hate cancer for you and for all of us!!!! Day by day..... Just know we are all thinking of you and praying for you. Please keep us updated. Hugs!
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KSMatthews, well that news just sucks. I am sorry to learn of the progression. How are you feeling, emotionally and physically? Dealing with mets gets somewhat easier as you begin treatment and you sort of settle into a new normal, if that makes sense. Definitely ask for antidepressant or antianxiety meds if you think they will help. After I'd finished chemo in 2011, I started having horrendous anxiety and through trial and error, finally found something to help, buspar, I take it every day and it takes the edge of fear off so I can move forward with life. Also, there are plenty of women in the stage iv forum able to offer support or answer any questions you have as you navigate your way. Best wishes, hope the chemo kicks bc to the curb.
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ksmatthews: I second these opinions: that sucks. Bad. I am hoping you can tolerate the chemo well enough and that it kicks bc behind. We're with you all the way, and I already know that you have leagues of loved ones helping you out...lean on them. Keep us posted when you can.
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Thank you ladies so much. Had one treatment, felt fine a few days then boom! Fatigue, body aches and dehydration. After fluids I feel better. Didn't get my last treatment though, so next one is this week. Love you all!0 -
ks - Hoping you were able to get your chemo and are holding up fine!
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I've been away a little bit and just checking back in. KS...just no words. but everyone else is right. My late oncologist said breast cancer is close to being a chronic disease, and here is hoping the treatment works for you.
If you don't mind my asking, how did you find out? I don't know about everyone else, but seriously, I know it is bad to get xrays continually, but I would be happy if they scanned me every 6 months.
Trying to move past, but I feel like if I move on and try not to think about it, I will become less vigilant about possible signs.
KS...sending you healing energy that you get through all this.
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Well, my wonderful March 2011 chemo-lounge ladies...just wanted you to know I think of you and all your strength often and I need you to share a little of that strength with me now.
IT'S BACK !!!! To make a long story short, I found out last week I have bone mets...this was after suffering with back pain for 3-4 weeks, trips to the chiropractor (which was helping), a xray ordered by the chiropractor that didn't look quite right and finally MRI, PET scan, CT. I started radiation this week, will have my first Zometa tomorrow and at next appt with my ONC will have final plan for treatment which will probably include a clinical trial.
I had a bone marrow biopsy yesterday...I'm patting myself on the back for insisting on conscious sedation...I told them I was under enough stress right now to be worried about how much the biopsy would hurt and after all Fentanyl and Versed are wonderful drugs (I'm a pharmacist !)...can't remember much of it...my husband stayed in the procedure room and said I only said OUCH once !!! Not so great when the Lidocaine wore off last night though !
Apparently, those breast cancer cells can mutate so they want to confirm it is indeed the BC back and that it's still ER + PR+ HER-. I'm scared , really scared but not ready to give up...I still have too much living to do....
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Just this morning I thought of our chemo lounge and said to myself that it was time to check in. Cannot believe you have to deal with this, Stilts! @#$%^! I pray you get on a kick-butt clinical trial (kicking the cancer cells - not your butt). When I read "bone marrow biopsy" I said Ouch to myself so I applaud that you insisted on some good meds. I'm putting Elton John's "I'm Still Standing" on the jukebox. We're with you, Stilts. Hang tough.
KSMatthews - How are you doing? Would love an update when you feel like it!
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Damn it Stilts! so sorry to hear that. Definitely no giving up - look at Divine, she had bone mets when we first joined this group and is challenging all the stats. Hope you get on an amazing trial. We are all sending thoughts of strength your way.
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Hi ladies thought I would check in! So far i have had 10 treatments go again tomorrow for #11! So far I am doing ok, I'm still working full time as a nurse in a busy dr office. I hired my MIL to clean and do laundry once a week so that helps. I get tired easily and have to remind myself to stop and rest, most nights I'm in bed by 8:30. The past few days I have been having some pain in the chest area where my spot on my sternum is. I'm telling myself its chemo killing the cancer!!!
Stilts so sorry to hear about the bone mets. This crap never really goes away I dont think!!!
Hope all you wonderful ladies are doing well!
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