March 2011 chemo-lounge
Comments
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So glad to hear you are doing well Jules! Good luck on the path report. Hope you get it soon.
Mrs. M, thinking of you tomorrow. Good luckand hugs.
Silia, I didn't realize you were from my neck of the woods! I LOVE Cape May! Going to Wildwood Crest tomorrow through Sunday. Can't wait. I hope we get good weather. Definitely will take a trip into Cape May for dinner or something. Enjoy your vacation in August. Hope you get great weather.
Lilylady, how/s your vacation going?
Won't be checking in until Sunday night, so have a great weekend everyone!
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I have been so busy that I have not had time to read all the posts so hope to catch up in the next few days. Have been doing my rads -7 finished but 5 hours in the car each day.
Kymm - Congrats on finishing - I know how great that feels and you have been through so much.
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Greetings gals! I am a few days behind. Hope everyone is feeling well, especially those who had surgery.
Maria, my lashes started leaving a few weeks ago, but mine are normally brown/blonde. Mascara is my BFF. Then mascara looked stupid because there would be no lashes on the inner lid near nose, some long (original lashes) and then an empty space again. ACK. Finally the long ones left and I could see that there were actually new lashes coming in, I just couldn't tell before. So now mascara helps bring out the color, although they are sooo much shorter. But it's something. I started Latisse 3 days ago. Have some false lashes but haven't had a need to try them. Maybe next weekend when I go to a wedding? I better practice!
Penny, I think we are on a similar rad schedule. Today was Day #2. I went with the 2nd RO, although I am driving 95 miles one way. I can stay with my parents if I need to, but so far (after 2, ha!) no SE's. Today when I got there they said that the RO hires a massage therapist once a week for his patients, would I be interested? Holy cow, I was all over that. It was just a chair massage, 10-15 minutes, but felt so good. Onc would not allow during chemo. But she says it is okay, just not deep tissue massage. she is going for intensive training for 5 days to learn more about massage for chemo patients. I just may go to her place of business and hire her for an hour (or more!)
Pas...yay for last chemo! How many in our March group are still getting chemo? So good to see so many at the end. And it doesn't matter, cuz we're gonna stick together anyway-right?
Jules & Divine...wishing you a speedy recovery and best wishes with your surgery
My latest crazy notion is (after firing my first RO, that is)...I want a puppy. Mind you, I already have a golden retriever, but this is something I have wanted when I was first diagnosed (plus a trip somewhere, but that won't happen for awhile). I am home now (sort of, except for that daily driving for rads bit) until mid-August when school starts again. Seems like a perfect time to housebreak a puppy. Specifically thinking of a Yorkie. Husband is tending towards agreeing. Hmmm...
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Huskerkkc,
I vote yes for the puppy. I have 2 dogs, a Jack Russell terrier and a Rat Terrier. I would have 5 of various breeds if DH would let me. I guess I'm lucky he has a little common sense, but a puppy is such good therapy. If you get your Yorkie, be sure to tell us all about him/her.
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Huskerkkc--A puppy doesn't sound like too crazy an idea. I'm a cat person myself and would love one, but the DH would take his allergies and leave. My crazy idea is grad school. I submitted all the documentation yesterday. It starts in Sept, has a 3-week stint out in BC in Oct, and then it's online. Makes the Yorkie sound like a perfectly grand idea, doesn't ?!
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I think this is the time when we do the things we always wanted (within some reason, I suppose!)
I just kept thinking, this disease has taken 7 months of my life, my freedom, and will continue to do so for at least 3 more months (with rads, follow-ups) and then every 3 months for two years. I'll be seeing my oncologist for the next five years. In my lowest moments when I was so depressed about the stupid RO, I told my husband i had NOTHING to look forward to. When rads are over, I'll be back at school. I won't have had a break. I have done nothing for me, except of course, done everything to keep the canser at bay. I think he thought I was suicidal. I wasn't, but I was so low. I knew I was depressed; I'm a school counselor...I know the signs. Not like it was hard. But things are looking up. Getting on with the rads and a new doc that I like gave me some focus I guess. So, pasmithx2 GO FOR IT. What kind of program are you looking at? Whatever it is sounds perfectly grand!
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Huskerkkc--This is it exactly. We lose something of ourselves in this process and there comes a time to demand something in return. I've been debating this degree for a year or two now. I was going to do it this past fall, but I suppose it was good that I came up with reasons not to. There are some good reasons to delay it again until next year, but I don't want to put it off any longer. Life is too short to keep putting things off until the time is better.
I have a Master of Library Science already so some people around me don't get why I want this Master's degree which is Professional Communications. I want to make some changes in my professional life now that my kids are getting closer to doing their own thing. The university is aimed at mature professionals who want to continue working while studying. They market internationally which is why it has a large online component. The campus looks gorgeous. Kinda' reminds me of Hogwarts.0 -
Just thought I'd share the good news with all of you fine sisters who ave been rooting for me. It has only been 24 hours, but my BS's nurse just called with the results of the path report, and it said that there were NO cancer cells remaining the tissue he removed. They chemo did it's thing and killed the DCIS. Yay!!! I would be doing cartwheels if I knew how.
There is no better time than now to do the things we have been dreaming of!
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Awesome news Jules! I'm so happy for you
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Great news Jules!!! I am sooo happy for you!!!!
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Jules59--Great way to start the weekend. It's wonderful that they could geet the news to you so fast and end the waiting.
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Great news, Jules! I am relieved for you!!!
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Yes, such excellent news to start our weekend with a bang! Congrats, Jules. Funny, I was just listening to Katy Perry's Firework while reading your post and picturing you doing cartwheels. It made a great video for the song!
I'm also in the camp of "what can I/should I do differently now?" and was crying about that very thing last evening in my therapist's office. I don't have any concrete answers yet (we already have 3 dogs and 2 cats so it won't be a furry addition!) but I think it's healthy that I'm mulling over the question. It might end up being school for something new and interesting...
Jukebox time: I'm putting on The Cure's "It's Friday, I'm In Love." Wishing everyone a great weekend and NO SE's.
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Jules, so happy for you now that your lumpectomy and results have turned out so well. Praise God, and may he continue to bless you.
Silia, I LOVE that song by "The Cure"!
My lumpectomy went well today to as far as I can tell. I am not feeling any pain. A doctor had to insert a thin wire into my breast to where the clip was placed in January when I had my biopsy because the tumor had shrunk so much with chemo they could not locate it via ultrasound. The surgeon didn't want to be searching around looking for it. This took extra time, but of course was worth it. Now I'm just a bit tired but wanted to let you all know all is well. So appreciative of all you prayers & well wishes!
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Divine-Glad to hear you are doing well. Get some rest if you can. Hope you have a pain free weekend.
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Yay, Jules & Divine!!!
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Jules - so glad its clear, brilliant news.
Divine - how good that they could not even find it easily!
Be gentle with yourself this weekend both of you, and just rest and recover.
Kristy - go get the puppy, take advantage of the fact that you will have some time at home, and think how good it will be for your health to be walking it and playing with it. I have a 14 year old golden retriever and would love a pup but we plan on too much travelling to make it sensible.
This is definitely the time to plan to do things, its funny how our minds all seem to turn to the same thoughts although I guess its expected since we are all at similar stages. Maria will have her new life in Chicago - such a brave move to change so much but Maria, with your strength I am sure it will be a success and how refreshing to start over.
pasmith - go enrol at Hogwarts - I love studying and yours sounds a brilliant university.
silia - we don't have to change everything straight away, we just need to plan - even little things.
I am not changing job or home, but plan now to only work 2 out of 3 months so I have some time in between to travel this awesome country and spend more time with my kids and grandson.
We have a day walk planned in September and a quad biking weekend, then in October we are taking off with a tent to Mount Augustus (biggest rock in the world 2X Ayres rock, 650M high). Its 300k of dirt road to get there and a 6 hour 12Km climb to the top. The aim is to be well enough by then to do the climb.Within the next couple of years I would love to travel some of the national parks in the U.S. - looked on line and they look amazing, only ever been to Zion. Maybe hire a camper and travel round - stopping to have a glass with as many of you as possible!
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If you make it to Kentucky I will be happy to have a cuppa with you! I lived in WA for 8 years, it's beautiful country!
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Huskerkkc:a Yorkie puppy sounds like a great idea...so adorable...we have a Maltese (Dixie) who has been such a source of comfort through all this...it's funny how they always know when you're feeling bad...like post chemo days !!!...Dixie was always right there next to me.
Penny...be sure to travel through the beautiful state of Minnesota and check out a few of our 10,000 lakes !!!!
Jules...so happy you got good news !!!
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Stilts...Maltese was my 2nd choice! Haven't ruled it out, but leaning still towards the Yorkie. Only thing is breeder didn't call my husband back today. Was hoping to go tomorrow. Hopefully still can.0
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Hello ladies,
Jules - Congrats !!!! What a relief for you to get the good news from the pathologist. Take it easy and take care.
TheDevineMrsM - Glad you are doing well after your surgery and in no pain.You take it easy also.
Pasmith & Kymn - YAYYY you ladies are done with chemo..COOL!! Pasmith i know what you mean about the herceptin going on and on. Mine goes on until March 2012, but it's all good, I don't have any SE at least. Kymn I hope you are feeling better from your last chemo. The good thing is it gets better and better day by day.
Maria - I'm so glad i haven"t gotten any body hair yet, however, it's been weeks since my last chemo and my eye lashes seem to keep getting thinner and thinner and my finger tips/nails are still very sore..(YUK). By the way, Chicago is a lovely city. Good luck to you and your family.
Pennycookson - So glad you rads are going well. I agree with Pasmith the wig kind of hides the cancer for a while. People always think the wigs I wear are my natural hair because they are the same styles that I used to wear my hair. It's so hot in Dallas until sometimes I wish I was brave enough to go wigless...lol
Well ladies have a GREAT weekend.
(((HUGS to you all)))
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Devine: so,so very happy to hear that the tumor has shrunk so much. I tells us that the chemo did a good job. Hope you continue to be pain free and that your path. report comes back with clean margins.
Have a wonderful weekend ladies. I'm still walking on a cloud.
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Oh DivineMrsM, how awesome that they had to work to locate the remnants of your lump!
Kristy, do you have your puppy yet?!0 -
no puppy yet, darn it! the two breeders we called nearby sold their puppies already. found another just a few miles away but don't know if they have any currently available. wont know until tonight or tomorrow. checked the humane society and they have mostly pit bulls. there are some listed in the paper where i am getting rads but would rather get locally (or w/references) if can. we are looking at Yorkies or Morkies Maltese/Yorkie mix) btw. don't know if i mentioned the breed earlier. now treat we are definite of course there are none readily available. trying to be patient.
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Huskerkkc, not sure how much you've looked into deciding on which breed, I was a German Shepherd breeder and owner for 10+ years and managed a kennel for longer. I know a lot about both those breeds and you should know that Yorkies are one of the hardest breeds to housebreak, they are also very one owner type dogs, Maltese are a much better choice if either of those things bothers you
Yorkies are cute, and great little dogs otherwise, but it's very hard to find one that isn't stubborn and will housebreak easy! 0 -
So much going on with you gals. Such great news about Divine and Jules! Yipee! That made my weekend to hear you are both doing so well.
Kristy: We are all anxiously awaiting your adoption....we want photos of the bambino posted as soon as you bring him/her home! My son wants a dog SO bad...but can you see me getting a puppy right now? Let's see...my house is going on the market in a few days, we are moving to a rental, plan to buy and rennovate a home, etc.... It's not the time for a puppy in my world! My son already informed me it will be just like our old dog (a border collie), black and white and he will name him Max. Lord help me! His birthday is in two week....lets hope he doesn't expect a dog for his birthday....
DeeDee: We are glad it is Chicago. I am super glad it is only a 5 hour drive back to MI to visit or to have others come visit us. We are excited...but there is so much to do. I am happy to report that I took a good look at my lashes today with my glasses on and I can see tons of new ones growing in! I hope they grow fast before the rest of the long ones fall out!
As far as doing things different after chemo and BC...I feel like everything is going to be different in my world with moving, leaving my job, etc.... One thing I think will be nice is since we are moving, it will just be the three of us until we build a life there in Chicago. I am looking forward to spending time just as a family for a while. I think it will make us even closer. Family is what really matters....
I hope all of you have a great weekend.
Oh and I love the song Friday I'm In Love! I love the Cure!!!
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Thanks Rabbit...I have read that about housebreaking. I have several friends that have gotten Yorkies and that does seem to be a complaint. The one owner type would not be a problem, I don't think. We have a Golden Retriever as well. Have had a lab/shepherd mix (best dog ever) and a Bichon and that dog was hard to housebreak as well! We joked that Bichon Frise meant "dumb owner" in French. Ha. I do appreciate the information. It is hard not to be impulsive when there is a cute little adorable face looking at you. That's why I haven't gone to the humane society (except online) or pet store or breeder yet; I KNOW I'd walk out with one! If I were working I would probably not consider. I am home for the summer (you know, other than the whole rads things going right now!) and have 6-8 weeks to get some solid "training" in, I hope! No decisions yet. The nearby breeder (and the only one with solid references so far) is out of town until tomorrow.
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Maria, I see we bumped each other! No puppy yet. How about black/white stuffed dog named Max for your son? Would that do?!!
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Huskerkkc, funny about the Bichon, you had a bad apple LOL they are normally pretty good. If you have any questions let me know, I'm happy to consult for puppy buying and help with training questions if needed
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Kristy: His lovey stuffed animal was a gift from my sister and her kids when I was pregant. It is a border collie that looks just like Sadie did...they made it a build a bear. He already calls it Dee Dee (how he use to say Sadie when he was a baby). He loves it to death...she has been all over the world with us on vacations too - Italy, Bahamas, Disney...etc..... He has two other border collie stuffed animals he sleeps with too.... I wish it was that easy! Oh well.....next year. Once we get in a permanent house I can agree to it. I miss having a dog. I will have to find a good dog sitter though...my last one spoiled us with pick up/drop off service when we were on vacation. When I worked she would come over and walk Sadie too.....she worked for a vet so when Sadie was sick, she took good care of her - she would even clean her teeth for me - with no sedation (Sadie loved her). I will never find a doggy walker/sitter like that again! I was super spoiled...so was Sadie. I will PM you so we can catch up.
Oh and ladies...I have been afraid to even mention this as I don't want to jinx myself, but I think the rash is finally gone!!! I have had it since before Easter.....I am not itching and red and bumpy now for several days.....crossing fingers it lasts......
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