March 2011 chemo-lounge
Comments
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Silia, Tell me about your accupunture. What area are you treating? is it for neuropathy? I tried two sessions when my neuropathy was at it's worst and it made it worse. I would like to try again, but with someone more experienced with cancer patients. Am also ready to schedule a massage. Now that I'll be traveling to the "big town" for rads, I will have more options for things like that I hope!
I haven't had true hot flashes, but no period since March either. I just get hot, no night sweats. I never did sweat very much...but I do occasionally feel warm, think I have a temp, check, and it's 97 or something! Onc won't do the test to see if I'm in menopause or not since I wont be getting the Tamox or similar. Tomorrow it is supposed to be 102, so we'll see what kind of hot flashes I get! Tomorrow is new RO day. Am so hoping I will be ready to rock with this guy. Want to get things going!
Stilts, congrats on half way! How often are your treatments?
Kymn & Kay...Thursday is your day!Supersally...is the almond milk lower calorie? Does it have the same consistency of coffee cream? I don't drink much milk and if I do I have soy milk (IBS issues). But I can't give up my one cup of coffee a morning, with creamer! (The peppermint mocha kind!)
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Maria,
My hot flashes have changed as well. I only had "night sweats" really bad for two or three days, then they turned into hot flashes at night. I went to a concert yesterday and counted 3 flashes within 2 hours. I admit they are annoying yet bearable. Last night was cool so I slept with my window open and the AC off for the first time in weeks!! I feel so much better and I am praying this is a new direction.
Supersally, I have Almond Milk on the fridge and have yet to try it. I think it will be opened today. How long does it stay fresh for after you open it? As for the morning coffee, I too only have one cup and I add some cinnamin into it as Dr. Oz says it helps with memory.
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BikeNYC - so sorry, didn't mean to mislead you. I haven't been going to a trainer during this at all. I do, however, have to make an appointment when I ride my horse with the horse trainer. I have ridden during all this, but not like I usually do. Maria is the goddess of working out, however.
Timerdog - I actually find that I like the taste of the Almond Milk better than regular milk. I never really liked real milk anyway, and I love vanilla, so I buy the vanilla Almond Milk. The creamer has 20 calories, 0 fat, and 4g of sugar per Tbsp. They also have flavors - vanilla, hazelnut, and regular, of course. I get it at Whole Foods but the Almond Milk is at my regular store also. The Almond Milk can be bought in the refrigerated section but I also see it in the regular grocery aisles. The expiration date is much longer than regular milk, like a month or something. I use it up way before exp date. I find creamer consistency to be similar, maybe a little less "creamy", wink wink.
Huskerkkc - It is also really hot in TX! I had a doozy of a hot flash last night in the car, I'm ok when inside in AC, and haven't for some strange reason noticed them outside. Maybe because it is so dang hot already? I hope the appt goes well with the new RO today.
Anyone else have really dry skin still? I'm 6 weeks PFC and my fingers are cracking they're so dry. My hair is growing though! I'm so OVER the wig by now. I had to wear it today as I didn't have a scarf that worked wtih my outfit. I can't wait till it's just a bit longer and I can go "topless"!
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BikeNYC - I didn't go to my trainer the whole time either - I managed during weeks 2 and 3 for the first 3 cyles, then got infected and gave up. I went back this week and was really grumpy as I have awful trouble breathing. I have a little man who trains me in the shed in his back garden. He is waiting for me at 6am Mon, Wed, Fri so I have no choice but to go, otherwise I would stay warm in bed. (Goodness knows what the neighbours think - I arrive at 6am, there is alot of grunting then I leave looking very hot and bothered at 7am!)
Its winter here now so I am not suffering with the heat like you guys. DH and I are going down south to sit at a bush block we have there for the weekend with a roaring fire and a good book. Sort of rest pre RADS next week.
Hope you are all feeling good - I think I expect too much, its sort of - I have finished now I should be well, forgetting its only 2 weeks PFC.
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New RO is great. Will start on Wed. Am thinking that having a plan that makes sense medically, that doesn't involve unnnecessary surgeries, that doesn't include scaring me to pieces, is something I can get behind. Driving 90 miles sucks, but...I will get some quality time with the parents if I need to stay over.
Heading to South Dakota Friday after seeing my oncologist for 1 month post-chemo check. Will hang out at brother-in-law's lake house for the weekend. My only vacation besides that lovely bus trip I took to Seatle with the high schoolers!
Hope you all have a great weekend and 4th of July.
KYMN-Happy Canada Day!
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Happy Canada Day, ladies! And an early Happy 4th of July. We will head out soon to our local Canada Day celebrations, starting with pancakes in the park. The ducks are racing later today; I hope I have a winner. There must be a rule that the weather is always glorious on Canada Day. This is my favourite holiday of the year.
I hope everyone is kicking their SEs and can enjoy the long weekend. We should all try to get outside and suck up some vitamin D, just don't burned!0 -
Happy Canada Day!! Can someone let this ignorant Yankee know something about what Canada Day is?
Kristy, so happy your new RO is going to work out for you. I'm sure your state of mind has a lot to do with getting through treatments, and your state of mind is going to be much better with this new RO.
I have had changes in hot flashes too. At first, I had a couple nights of such bad night sweats, I was really concerned. Then they just went to kind of feeling hot down to the middle of my body. Then when I was having fevers, me and the bed were soaked again. But now I hardly notice anything, just sometimes feel my head getting warm. Not bothering me at all.
Kymn, hope you're doing okay. I had my TX on Wed. and was just really a little tired yesterday. I think that was just because I was running around a lot. Taxotere seems much easier to me than AC and Taxol. I don't know if the Herceptin is adding anything or not. Only one more to go! Yay! I have to put it off until July 25 because we will be on vacation the week of July 17! It won't postpone surgery though, so I don't mind.
Found out my onc was pregnant on Tuesday! What a shock. I feel badly because all I could think about was does this effect me in any way? I'm happy for her, and she is not due until Dec. 3 so other than finishing out the year of Herceptin I thnk I should be done by then. So I guess doesn't really effect me. It will be fun to go in and see her getting bigger and bigger.
So it seems like it is a big weekend for the Canadians as well, but hope you don't mind if I play Born in the USA by Bruce Springsteen on the jukebox today. Have a great weekend everyone!
Born down in a dead man's town
The first kick I took was when I hit the ground
You end up like a dog that's been beat too much
Till you spend half your life just covering up
Born in the U.S.A.
I was born in the U.S.A.
I was born in the U.S.A.
Born in the U.S.A.
Got in a little hometown jam
So they put a rifle in my hand
Sent me off to a foreign land
To go and kill the yellow man
Born in the U.S.A.
I was born in the U.S.A.
I was born in the U.S.A.
I was born in the U.S.A.
Born in the U.S.A.
Come back home to the refinery
Hiring man says "Son if it was up to me"
Went down to see my V.A. man
He said "Son, don't you understand"
I had a brother at Khe Sahn fighting off the Viet Cong
They're still there, he's all gone
He had a woman he loved in Saigon
I got a picture of him in her arms now
Down in the shadow of the penitentiary
Out by the gas fires of the refinery
I'm ten years burning down the road
Nowhere to run ain't got nowhere to go
Born in the U.S.A.
I was born in the U.S.A.
Born in the U.S.A.
I'm a long gone Daddy in the U.S.A.
Born in the U.S.A.
Born in the U.S.A.
Born in the U.S.A.
I'm a cool rocking Daddy in the U.S.A.0 -
kay 1963-- Canada Day is to Canada as the 4th of July is to the USA. Today is Canada's 144th birthday.
Here's a song by the Arrogant Worms:
"The Canada Song"
between the icecaps of the North Pole,
and the space of America,
there's a country in the middle,
known as Canada.
where the natives all are happy,
and the lakes are fresh and clean,
there is no unemployment,
and no one is mean,
in the summer there's no mosquitoes,
and the winters are never cold,
there is no clear cut logging,
and no o-zone hole.
oh Canada your leaders are so swell,
in Canada no one ever goes to hell,
no criminals or taxes,
and Visa never phones,
Elvis is alive in Moose Jaw,
but we leave him alone,
cuz we're in Canada,
whose army is so strong,
in Canada,
no one has to mow their lawn,
no waiting for the buses,
no standing in a line,
the banks are all non-profit,
and the dollar flew that 99.9,
(that's American you know)
so shout Canada,
the ports are always fair,
shout Canada,
where mechanics never never swear,
(talking)
the rednecks and the hippies live in perfect harmony,
growing wheat and marrow together hydroponically,
nobody has binfulls and the sky is so clear,
and when Jesus Christ comes back to earth,
I know he'll be born here,
the phone lines are never busy,
and you're never put on hold,
Canada's the country garbed entirely from gold,
oh in Canada,
everyone says please,
in Canada,
no one ever cuts the cheese,
oh Canada,
oh Canada,
the country of love is the country for me,
Canada,
starts with a 'C'.
+++
A few things aren't actually true, although Canada does start with a C. But it was either the Worms or Stompin' Tom.0 -
Huskerkkc: so glad you like the new RO...anticipating getting the initial appt. with RO here ASAP as I will have last weekly Taxol on August 11th. My ONC told me it's up to me how soon I want to start rad after the chemo...I guess some patients prefer to take a break (sometimes a month) but I think I would prefer to forge ahead and get started ...guess I will be starting Arimidex then too...any input from any of you on waiting or not waiting ?
Kymn: congrats on the last chemo...must feel great !!!
Went to a monthly breast cancer survivor support group this week led by a RN and Psychologist...guess it was good for me to meet them as most were 2 to 5 years post diagnosis.
Hope you all have a great holiday weekend !!!
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I AM DONE I AM DONE I AM DONE YIPPPEEEEEEEEEE. I cant beleive I am here, I never thought this would be me but it is and I am sooooo relieved. so far just tired but no matter what SE follow this round I wont have to do it again. Thank you all so much for you encouragment when I was ready to give up after 4. WOW I think I am still in shock lol.
Its is Canada day today and am feeling so good I might even partake in a drink this evening to celebrate me and Canada
have a great weekend all
Hugs Kymn
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Congratulations Kymn! I am so happy to see you have made it through. No more chemo for you! We are all celebrating with you.
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Congrats on being done, Kymn! So glad you stuck with it and finished. Hope your weekend is SE free.
Husker, glad the new RO is going to work with you. Thank goodness!
Hope everyone else has a great holiday weekend and feels good!0 -
mdg, what is cold caps to save the hair? Never heard of it....
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Huskerkkc - good news re the new RO, make you realise its not worth accepting second best, hope you have a great weekend at the lake house.
Congratulations Kymn - so glad you are finished, none of the SEs for the last one seem as bad even if they are, as you now its only getting better from here.
Love the Canada song
Hope you all have a great 4th July (Australia day is Jan 26th - so I thinnk I'll take advantage and celebrate 4th July with you guys)
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I have been out of touch for a while. 2 big problems-I have been a total whine-bag and didn't feel like putting anyone else thru it. The other is I kept getting stupid computer virus' so my laptop was crap for almost 2 weeks. Turns out my niece (who was supposed to be visiting to help me with stuff) kept using it to download music from some Russian site. It got so locked up I had to pay someone to fix it. GRRRRR
Kymn-so glad your tx are finished. Seems like we have been doing this forever. It will be so nice not to live your life by 21 day cycles
Huskerkc-glad you made the decision to try another RO. First guy sounds like a real ass. At a minimum if you are in the healthcare field that should be the lowest standard-DON'T BE AN ASS!!!!
I will have to drop back and read all the news. I really really missed doing this. I get up at 5am and I do BC before i read the paper or do anything else. I usually get a chuckle or something to think about during the day.
Something I would like to comment on. i have read when people have said stupid things to you but I have never had the big one said to me til last night and then less than 8hrs later the same question 'WHAT DID YOU DO TO GET CANCER?" Next door neighbor lady (who has been getting on my very last nerve) had her best friend over last night. They came to the fence of my courtyard and waved me over supposedly to ask me a flower question. Then her friend asked me what I did to get cancer? Did I smoke or do drugs or what? I told her that was an rude and insensitive question and I probably got cancer talking to ignorant people like her. Neighbor lady got a horrified look on her face and proceeded to scold me. I walked away and then went back and said "and cut your fucking grass!!!!" Her husband left her last fall and she refuses to believe he wont come back so she has let the outside go. She has cut her grass twice all summer. She has been wailing in my ear for 6 months and I finally lost it. Dont care if she ever speaks to me again really. She did cut her grass today though.
So that was last night...this morning very early i was working out front in my big flower beds-knowing the small town busybody won't shut up crowd doesn't usually start walking by my house til 7am. There I was minding my own business when i hear this German accent saying "So you have the cancer... what did you do to get it" Helga is probably 65 and a pretty good lady but I wasn't going to start down that road again. Even I can't drop the f-bomb on an old lady. I just told her I was too busy to talk. Then she tell me "It isn;t like you are the only one in this town with problems. Then she starts talking about her husband getting senile. I jut put my trowel down and went in the house. We have no mail delivery in town so everybody goes past my house to get their mail-I feel like the town bartender-since I have a visible problem (bald) everybody feels like they need to tell me all their problems. Maybe I should set a bar up on the front porch-maybe I can supplemt my disability-least i would get something out of it.
Boy did I need to vent. Glad to be back
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lilylady - so glad you are back - I think we all worry a bit when we don't hear from someone, probably because we know it means they are having a rough time.
Hate having computer problems - one of my employee's husbands got on her work email once, and was obviously looking at very doubtful sites - we were inundated with offers of porn for weeks - the poor girl was so embarrased and I would not like to have been in his shoes.
I cannot believe what your neighbour's friend and passer by said to you! I am pretty certain anyone would lose it under those circumstances, I think you were quite controlled. I think you need a selection of signs to hold up, I am thinking of the same for an idiot woman at work. They could vary from:
Don't you think thats a bit insensitive
thru
Stupid question, change topics or leave
to just a plain but pointed
F*** OffOr maybe we should just all wear a badge that says:
Yes I have cancer- I don't need stupid comments as well.0 -
Huskerkkc, glad you found an RO you like. Too bad you will have to travel so far. The RO I hope to use is just 4 miles from my house. I hope I like her.
Kymn, so glad you finished...I knew you could do it!
Lilylady, it such a relief to hear from you. Someone asked me yesterday how I got cancer and how long I'd had it. It was my friend's 10 year old son, so I can forgive him. Adults should know better.
Saw my BS last week, and he said my hospital stay wouldn't delay my re-excision surgery. I am scheduled for Thurs., July 7. It will be outpatient and done with only "twilight" anesthesia. I think it will be much easier than the first surgery because there is no lymph node involvement, thus no drains. He said the path. report show that what remains is DCIS. Hope he can get it all this time...could you say a prayer for me?
After I saw my BS, I went to my MO office for follow up to hospital stay. All they did was a blood draw. I was disappointed that neither my MO or his NP took the time to see me.
Hope everyone is feeling well and enjoying the holiday, if you have one. Happy 4th of July.
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Lilylady-Ugh, some people! I'm glad you were able to give them a piece of your mind!
Huskerkkc-I am so relieved you were able to find a RO you like. I hope it makes it easier for you.
Kymn-Congrats on being done! Woohoo!!! I hope over the next few weeks you get some energy back and start to feel better. I am two weeks past the last chemo and feel a little better and have been gaining more energy every day.
Have a great weekend everyone!
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Jules, so glad your surgery won't be delayed. Good luck with everything. Definitely saying some prayers for you. Sorry your onc didn't take the time to see you. That seems a bit crazy. I just love mine so much. I hope her pregnancy doesn't mean I have to find a new one. Oh, well, I am very happy for her.
Kristy, glad you found an RO you can trust. Hoping it's all smooth sailing for you.
Lilylady, great to have you back. You sure have some neighbors. I'd have clocked them. I like the idea of the badge Penny.
Kymn, you made it! Congrats!
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Kymn--Yay! I'm right behind you. It must feel like a massive load has been lifted. Can't wait to be there too.
Lilylady--I can't believe some people. What did you do?!?! They're right there, IMHO, with the people who tell you what *they* do to avoid getting BC themselves, the implication being that you were lax and therefore got what you deserved. I know of strict ova-lacto, organic-only vegetarians who are serious triathaloners and somehow they too ended up with BC. If anyone could save themselves, wouldn't it be them? But all you say to those people is "Good luck Sunshine! Hope it works for you."
Personally I think unmanaged stress can be a big contributor to a variety of health issues, not just cancer. These people are a source of stress and not worth it. Maybe the answer to "what did you do to get cancer?" should be something like "Being around people who say idiotic things like that."0 -
Hello all -
pasmith, I agree about stress being a big contributor. I believe it has been for me and then here we are dealing with stress caused by the bc and actually having to interact with loads o' idiots who say rude, self-serving comments.
Jules, so very glad you're surgery is happening this week. That will be great to have behind you.
Kristy, re: my acupuncture, I think I have a very talented acupuncurist. She's had lots of exposure to cancer patients, fertility patients, childbearing situations, etc. (The coolest thing I've found out is that she can do acupuncture/moxibustion and get a breach baby to flip. She says the insurance companies will pay the $65 to avoid a $20K C-section surgery...) I've also had neuropathy issues (still do). However I can't really say specifically what my acupuncture is doing. I describe all my side effects (fatigue, neuropathy, sinus problems, low wbc, taste being off, night sweats) and she does her thing. I believe that my SEs are lessened because I'm getting the acupuncture but who knows?! It could be worth it for you to try with another specialist and see if you think it's helping. BTW for the neuropathy, I'm taking 50 mg B complex every day and take L-Glutamine (100 mg. pill 2 x day) when I feel I need the additional help of L-Glutamine. Haven't mentioned that to onc because I think he might not like that (seems to be a bit controversial...)
In terms of Taxotere side effects, for this second Tx I'm noticing hypersensitive teeth (both to hot and cold) and, worse, what appears to be ringworm on my upper inner thighs. (so along the lines of jock itch - ugh!!!) I'm thinking this may be along the lines of what you were describing Kymn with your boils. Maybe I need to shower more than once a day with the hot flashes and night sweats. I'm just frustrated. Found a guy online who says that he's had lots of ringworm fungus skin challenges as SEs of chemo but no one acknowledges it (meaning the docs). Have others had these issues? Thanks in advance for any thoughts.
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WOW you ladies have been an inspriation to me. My BC journey started December 10th with the infamous call from my doctor. I had a lumpectomy Jan. 6 didn't get a clear margin so had to have another surgery Jan. 13..still no clear margin. had a MX Feb. 17 and started chemo March 17. I've never been in your chemo-lounge but i have been reading your messages since March.
I started chemo March 17 and finished May 26 didn't have any really bad side effects other than that aweful taste and fatigue. Now I'm taking a year of herceptin, i have noticed blisters on my hand and feet, I see some of you have had the same.
Ladies, honestly, you have helped me get through this in ways you will never know. All i can say is THANK YOU ALL. So many of you have finished your treatments and moved on to the next step...CONGRATS to you all and good luck in the future. I will continue to read this thread b/c you are still helping me. Blessings to you all !!!
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Lilylady, glad to hear from you. I'm with penny, hold up the signs. I'm going to have to hold some up virtually! Yeah, you have to do your therapeutic gardening at midnight under a full moon once a month to avoid the busy bodies! I'm sorry, the image of you just walking off after the lady asked you what you did to catch the cancer cracks me up!
Jules, I'm saying prayers for your surgery this week. Hoping it goes well and you are well soon.
Silia, not sure about the ring worm. It does not sound fun, I hope you get it resolved soon.
Everyone else, hope it's a great weekend!0 -
Silia - doc is an idiot, any fungus is likely when your immunosuppresssed, thrush is more common any type is possible - you probably need an anti fungal cream, ask your local pharmasist. I worked in a bacteriology lab for 13 years and tested first hand the sorts of things people get when their immune system is stuffed.
Jules - good luck with the surgery, the twilight thing is really good,m I had it for the port, you feel much better when you wake up than with a full anaesthetic.
Pasmith - not long till the finish line, hope the last one is easy
Happy 4th July everyone, hope you have a great day
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Welcome DeeDee2!!! Glad you decided to introduce yourself! Thanks for sharing your story. Have a great weekend!
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Penny - thanks, I will go to the pharmacy.
Lilylady - I always love your stories and invariably repeat them to dp and others. Sorry that you have to deal with so many small town crazies (I say that realizing there are plenty of big city crazies too!)
DeeDee - so glad you've chimed in and find our thread valuable. Glad to meet you. I'm sorry your saga started on my birthday (I was blissfully ignorant for another month...)
Anyone else who's reading, feel free to chime in. We're a welcoming bunch! Hugs all around. Song for the jukebox: tubthumper's I get knocked down but I get up again, they're never gonna keep me down...0 -
Ladies.....I miss you guys! I have been super busy the past several days but quickly read the messages....don't even know how to catch up!
Rabbit: Cold caps are a way to keep hair during chemo using frozen caps to freeze hair follicles. Check out the thread on Help Me Get Through Treatment listed as Cold Cap Users Past and Present. or PM me for any information you need. Google Penguin Cold Caps and you will find the website.
Kymn: Congrats!!!! Awesome. So glad you completed all of them....we were worried about you quitting a while back....so proud of you!!! Celebrate big - you deserve it.
Lily: I don't even know how you didn't clock that neighbor! OMG! Some people are seriously stupid. We have missed you....glad you are back. You know you can vent ANY time...we get it!
Silia...what next!?!? Girl...that stinks. I hope you are doing better. Good song too!
DeeDee: HI! Glad you popped in. Glad our silly chats have helped you. Hang with us! We are a fun group.
Jules: glad surgery is on track....get it over with! You will feel better when it's done.....
A big shout out to everyone else I missed......
Update on things here...I am 90% sure we are moving to Chicago next month....yikes! DH is super close to accepting this job and they want him to start in a few weeks. I am doing great from surgery....no pain at all. This was an easy recovery. I have been driving too.....it's hard to not do normal stuff when I feel so good. I am still dealing with the rash from chemo.....managing the symptoms until it hopefully goes away one day in the future...no one knows what to do about it. My dermatologist is going to keep trying but they say hopefully once I have been done with chemo for 12 weeks it will be out of my body and maybe this will go away...I am scared the rash won't ever go away or that I can even really enjoy my celebratory beach vacation next month.....I guess I can't swim or go in the sun on my beach vacation. That should be torture.....
I am so glad to hear from most of you...more and more of us are getting done. Such a good feeling. I will check in this week.....have a good week!
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Maria - sorry you're still dealing with the rash - I'll say a prayer that it's a non-issue by your beach vaca. You SO deserve a nice vacation... Psyched about your move to Chicago. Will be nice to have distance from your husband's family! Keep us posted.
Happy 4th everyone!!!0 -
Happy 4th of July to all my American sista's. Did anyone here watch the voice?? I thought it was really good.
Lily lady thank you for putting that B#$#H in her place from all of us, how rude and inconsiderate my god some people are just too stupid to breathe.
DeeDee glad you have gotten strenght from reading the thread, nice of you to pop in. Put a quater in the jukebox anytime oh and the money doesnt go to awareness it goes to finding a friggin cure lol
Have had a few nasty side effects this go around but its the last go around so I am fighting through it like a trouper. I got the sore bruised feet this time which I have never had and had a fever of 99.5 for about 36hours that left my muscles and skin so sore but I know everyday I am one day closer to feeling like the old Kymn again. I cant wait and I am wathcing my hair like a hawk lol, I do have some that has grown back during chemo but I want more.
Hugs Kymn
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Kymn--You mean The Voice, with Christina Aguilera and wassissname from Maroon5? I only saw the final show where they announced the winner. I couldn't believe my eyes when the camera panned to Christina just as she was re-arranging her rack in the strapless dress. Did she really do that in front of a live audience?
I feel like I'm getting OC about my hair, studying it every day. The hair that was buzzed but never fell out entirely is now getting long (since when is 1.5-2 inches long?!). The new stuff is starting to show, but it needs to grow faster!
Steroids for breakkie for me today. You know what that means! Dum dum duuuum!!!0
