March 2011 chemo-lounge
Comments
-
So glad to hear about your path report Jules! Great news. Glad to hear about your surgery too Mrs. M. I guess this chemo crap is actually worth it.
Maria, I am sure you're going to love Chicago! Good luck selling your house. I know that can be a problem these days. Hope you're in your permanent house soon with a brand new puppy!
Kristy, did you get your puppy yet? We have a Bichon. He's 6 and a half. He was no problem to train. And when school is in session, he's home alone from about 7:45 to 3:30 and is never a problem. The only thing with him is he hates bicycles. If I'm walking him and a bicycle passes, he goes beserk. I'm afraid one of these days I'm not going to expect it and he is going to break loose and not the kid on the bike down. Any advice, Rabbit? He also sometimes jumps on people when they come in, but since he's only 25 lbs, it's not a huge deal. That's gotten better since he's gotten older too.
Back from a weekend at the shore. Had great weather and a great time. Went out to dinner in Cape May. It is such a cool shore town. The little mall and the horse carrainge rides are pretty unique. At least at all the shore towns around here.
Silia, here, is one for you and your trip to Cape May? Are you familiar with it?
"On the Way to Cape May"
"A love story that begins in Ocean City and wends its way along the Jersey Shore through Sea Isle City, Avalon, Stone Harbor, Cape May Court House, Wildwood, and romantic Cape May." (Words and music by Bud Nugent, 1960).
Lyrics:
You looked so very pretty, when we met in Ocean City,
like someone, oh, so easy to adore.
I sang this little ditty, on our way to Ocean City,
heading south along New Jersey's shore.On the way to Cape May, I fell in love with you.
On the way to Cape May, I saw my dreams come true.
I was taken by your smile, as we drifted by Sea Isle.
My heart was really gone when we reached Avalon.
On the way to Cape May, Stone Harbor's skies were blue.
We were naming the day when Wildwood came in view.
If you're gonna be my spouse, we'd better head for that Court House
On the way to Cape May,
On the way to Cape May.0 -
no dog yet. the breeder I am interested in has 4 wk old puppies, not sure I want to wait that long, since school starts in 5 weeks. I would like a little more time to train than just one week before I
m gone most of the day (although I am usually home at lunch). I expect the first two weeks of school I will still be getting rads, so will probably just work half days but still not the same. =Breeder is checking with another breeder to see if she might have puppies ready to go. Otherwise, I may just wait for these. It is important that I know where they are from and that they are from a good place.
So hopefully will know more tomorrow night.0 -
Maria - So glad your skin is getting back to normal!
Kay - Welcome back from your vaca! I was thinking of you when it was pouring rain and hoping you were avoiding it... I had to laugh when you said you didn't realize I was nearby -- I though my profile said South Jersey but I guess it just says New Jersey. I'm just across the bridge. Thanks for the serenade - yes, I LOVE that song. Also love the Wildwood Days song -- both put me in that shore mood.
Kristy, I hope the perfect puppy shows up ASAP so you get your bonding/training time before school starts. All 3 of our dogs are rescues and one is a pit. He's the most loving dog, which is amazing since he was used as a bait dog and when they found him they didn't expect him to survive his wounds. I'm only mentioning this because you referenced the shelter being full of pits and so often they get a bad rap when it's their owners that are the problem. Okay, I'm stepping off my soapbox now!
Right now I'm feeling so good and it annoys me that on Friday, I have to get another Tx - ugh. Goodnight all!
0 -
Great news, Jules! I will count on your chemo results to mean that the stuff worked for all of us. Glad you are done with surgery, too, DivineMrsM!
kay: I am so glad you had a great weekend away. I hope you were able to relax.
maria: I hope the rash is gone forever!
I just got back from a long weekend away with the family. We had a great time, and it was good for the girls to have a getaway...our only opportunity before rads begins. Penny and Husker, I am happy to hear that rads is going smoothly. I am not dreading the experience except for getting back into the swing of cancer treatment. Boo.
I like that all of you are making some plans to make changes in your lives. I would really like to decrease my stress, a lot of which is associated with work. I am the "breadwinner" in our couple, however, and my DH really prefers firm stability, so bringing up the idea of downsizing will require very careful timing. I get nervous about a lot of change, too, but it's something I really want to consider. It's hard with 2 young kids since I feel like we have to keep saving for them, too.
While away this weekend, we went for a pretty significant hike, and it actually felt great. I can tell I am not up to my usual strength, but it was good to get out and do it anyway. Almost felt like a normal person! I love it when my girls keep up on these major hikes.
0 -
Tomorrow is chemo #6 for me. The last one!!! I am so excited.
0 -
Yay for ksmatthews! Here's hoping the SEs are easy.
0 -
Yippee ksmatthews. So happy for you! Hope you make it through this last one feeling good, and that chemo has worked as well for you as it has for me.
0 -
Today I went for my radiation appointment. I start 28 sessions on Wednesday. I am looking forward to getting it over with. I am going to count the number of appointments I've had since this all started and I'm going to guess it's going to be more than 50 medical appointments, maybe even 60.
0 -
Ksmatthews - kick it out - so happy for you!
Colo - I try not to think about the number of appts, especially because I've added acupuncture and high dose Vit C which I get intravenously on my non- chemo weeks.
Maxine - I'm also the main breadwinner and it does have an impact on what feels possible, what is possible, etc... Still, we'll figure out what changes are needed to enjoy our lives. Best of luck to you.0 -
Jules and Divine.....YIPEEEE so happy for you that the news was good, its so nice to hear good news on here isnt it.
Ksmathews doesnt it seem like last week we were just starting this process now look at us
. Hope all goes smoooth for you.Well I am 11 days out now from last chemo still feeling very tired, no taste buds but I know every day I will get stronger and stronger, wish I didnt have to work though would much rather be relaxing this summer in my camper somewhere in the quiet wilderness. I find out my radiation scheduale on Thursday. I am really struggling with chemo brain and have forgotten all I wanted to say so hugs to all
Kymn
0 -
ksmatthews-#6 for me tomorrow also. So so glad to get it over with. Doesn't matter how great the results are-or how little the SEs were-putting chemo behind me feels like the worst is over.
Divine and Jules-so glad for you. Nothing must feel better than having someone tell you they can;t find any cancer or they have to use extreme measures to find cancer.
Returned today from Fla. So glad I made the decision to go. We had a great time-lots of giggling and late nights talking-as usual when we get together. I huddled under a giant beach umbrella slathered with SPF 50-and still managed to get a little tan. Played in the ocean. Tried to surf-have absolutely no talent in that area-downgraded to a boogie board-caught a wave wrong and skinned my face on the bottom. Have some splendid scabs on my nose, forehead and chin. BFFs almost drowned laughing at me. Along the line of trying new things thought I would start small-no new job, no puppy or big move-not sure how much smaller you can get than a styrofoam board and some not so big waves-open to suggestions...
0 -
Congrats to those finishing chemo this week !!!!...it will be #8 of 12 Taxol for me on Thursday...counting them down
....hopefully the neuropathy in my feet won't get too much worse and the acupuncture will help. Looking forward to a long weekend on the north shore of Lake Superior...my first trip away since this nightmare started...I SO deserve it !!! 0 -
Lilylady, glad you had a good time! No suggestions for you on changes. I'm looking to make some too, but not sure what to start with either.
KSMatthews and LilyLady, congrats on finishing chemo tomorrow! LilyLady, I think you're right; I can't wait to be done either. I have one more which should be a week from Wednesday, but I'll be out of town at the beach in MD so I will not be finishing until Monday, July 25. Stilts, you and I may be the only ones left. I would have been finished already and having surgery on the 27th if it hadn't been for that allergic reaction. It can't come soon enough.
Here's a song for KSMathews and LilyLady, Cruel to Be Kind by Nick Lowe
Oh, I can't take another heartache
Though you say oh my friend, I'm at my wit's end
You say your love is bonafide, but that don't coincide
With the things that you do and when I ask you to be nice
You say you've got to be...
CHORUS:
Cruel to be kind in the right measure
Cruel to be kind it's a very good sign
Cruel to be kind means that I love you
Baby, got to be cruel, you got to be cruel to be kind
Well I do my best to understand dear
But you still mystify and I want to know why
I pick myself up off the ground to have you knock me back down
Again and again and when I ask you to explain
You say, you've got to be...
CHORUS
Ooh ooh ooh
ooh.. ooh... ooh...
Well I do my best to understand dear
But you still mystify and I want to know why
I pick myself up off the ground to have you knock me back down
Again and again and when I ask you to explain
You say, you've got to be...
CHORUS0 -
Thank you to everyone, especially the jukebox tune! Good luck lilylady! I hope you have no SE. I know I am just glad to get this part behind me!
0 -
congrats ksmatthews, I have been watching this thread because I am in the July group (actually first treatment was June 29th...) and it's nice to read what you all have been through, SEs etc. it helps, and it is really encouraging to watch some of you all finish with treatment I can't wait for that day!!!! Good luck and hugs to all!
0 -
Lilylady, I think these changes we are all considering are all about taking a risk, be it big or small. Kudos to you for trying surfing and boogyboarding! That is what your weekend was all about--spending time with good friends, trying new things, getting out of your comfort zone, laughing with or at each other...I mean, you must have been quite a sight, right?!!
Rabbit...this is a great place to check in...i wish I had thought to do that! But I have a feeling we're gonna be hanging around for quite awhile, even when we all get done. We're a pretty fun, supportive, caring group (if I do say so myself!)
0 -
Lily: Sounds like it was a blast and worth the scabbed face! I guess that distracts people from the hair, right? You sound rested and energized...That is great. I have never done the boogie board but I just bought one for my DS for our upcoming Outer Banks vacation next month. In honor of you, I am going to try it! I hope not to scrape my face though - LOL!
KSmatthews: Congrats chica! That is great! I love hearing that another one of you fine ladies had completed chemo.
Kymn: My tastebuds came back about 2 weeks after chemo......I hope yours do soon. Glad you are done and on the mend...you will get stronger each day!
Rabbit: You won't find a better group of gals to hang with! Ask us anything......we have been there and done that and don't mind!
Kay: YOu are almost there....one more chemo! That's great....I know you want it over with.
Stilts: You are knocking it out...I hope the neuopathy does get better. I am from MI and have never been to Lake Superior....I have heard it is wonderful.....maybe one day we will get there.
For those of you wanting to make changes....these are hard decisions. We are going from 2 incomes to one, moving out of state and downsizing our house. I hope every day we are making the right decisions....it's scary. It does not have to be this drastic....just make small decisions each day to live your life better. Live in the moment, take risks, laugh and consider boogie boarding or other similar new experiences.
0 -
Ksmatthews - so glad you're done, You'll feel better every day from here.
lilylady - hats off to you - I live by the beach and have never had the nerve to try surfing.
Rabbit- before you know it you'll be in the same position and it will all be done, just hang in there.
Maria - you are making huge changes aren't you, but as long as your family are with you in all of it you'll all make it work, and it should give you so much more time for life.
Kay and stilts - we are still with you,nearly done
0 -
You know h0w when you go to the beach you can always find someone who looks worse than you do? Cocoa Beach is extremely laid back so that wasn't a problem til I scraped the bottom.My girlfrineds voted me biggest freak on the beach. Bald and scabby wins every time!!! My other comment is what are these young girls thinking with all these big tattoos on their gorgeous bodies? What happened to little butterflies and roses?
Kay 1963-I have always wanted to go to Cape May. Thinking early summer next year. The pictures are so gorgeous. Have never been to any of the eastern beaches-time to expand my horizons.
Kristy-can't wait for you to get the new puppy. I had a Yorkie a long time ago. He was the only small dog i ever had and he was such a character. I am going to look up Morkies today to see what they look like. Some of the new combinations are so cute. Will your Golden be OK with a new little brother or sister? I don;t think you said wether you were going to get a boy or girl. I do girls only now because the boys alway pee on the flowers and landscaping.
Getting ready to leave for chemo. Just wanted some pick-me-up before i leave
0 -
mdg, you truly are making many life changing decisions. I don't know how you do it. My chemo is done, my lumpectomy complete, I will begin Tamoxifen soon and see my onc at the of the month to discuss rads. The past six months I've handled the process as best I could. Now I am having bi anxiety over my DS leaving to go to college at the end of August. He will only be an hour away. But for some reason all the "unknowns" of the situation are giving me mini panic attacks. I will try to take your advice about making small decisions each day to live a better life.
0 -
Stilts-Would you mind describing how your feet feel? It's been just about a month since my last chemo and my feet hurt worse now than ever. I haven't talked to my oncologist about it yet but I am assuming it's neuropathy....it hurts so bad!
Thanks!
0 -
I have found only 2 people that did the same treatment as me FEC every 3 weeks for 4 weeks (one down 3 to go) and then 4 doses of docetaxel. I would love to compare notes with others on FEC....
hope you all have a great week!!! hugs to everyone
0 -
Like Huskerkkc says, it's not about revamping your entire life. It can just be doing that small thing that you've been putting off because it's not the right time, or you're afraid of looking dumb, or whatever. If I don't get into grad school this fall, I might just sign up for drum lessons. I just want to do something that is for me, and I don't want to explain to anyone why it's logical or beneficial to anyone else in any way.
DivineMrsM--My son is moving 5hrs away to university. I'm nervous for him because he really doesn't know what he's going to have to deal with on his own. There's only one way for him to learn so it has to be done. But he's so excited to be starting his own life and I'm excited for him. I remember being there myself.
0 -
rabbit I did 3 rounds of FEC every 3 weeks, then 3 round of doxetaxel I am 12 days out now from my last chemo treatment. I found FEC to be quite hard especially 2 and 3 then the first round of doxetaxel but the last two of doxetaxel werent as bad.I was one of the unfortunete ones whom the nausea medication really didnt work tooo well for me. My veins took quite a beating from FEC but not from the doxettaxel.. PM if you like
. Can someone tell me what a boost is during radiation?
0 -
hi Kymn
thanks for the info, I'm going to PM you soon
0 -
As far as the changes we are making ladies...the whole move and job thing isn't completely due to BC. Being in Detroit we have one of the highest foreclosure rates, highest unemployment rates and a very depressed economy. DH's job will most likely come to an end within the year unless a new contract is negotiated...which did not look likely. He has been looking for a new job here for a year...not one thing to apply for or interview for. We were forced to look elsewhere so we can have a sound financial future. He is very marketable, smart and has a great resume so he had lots of interest outside Detroit. We are thankful for that. Because of that we made the decision to just live on one income and allow me the opportunity to make a change. Before BC I wanted out of my job situation.....I had been working on a business on the side and the week I made my big financial investment in my business, I was diagnosed. Needless to say it has been on the back burner due to surgeries, chemo and recovery...oh and now moving. It was our plan to have me quit my job at some point but things came together differently with BC and DH's job here. I am looking to the changes as a good opportunity. I am a bit scared, but am remaining positive. I guess just like BC you just keep pushing through. I am excited to just be with my DH and son and be happy and healthy. That's what matters. I will miss my family and friends horribly, but Detroit is only a 5 hour drive from Chicago. We can drive home on weekends when we want...that's a good thing.
0 -
Colodisneylover: peripheral neuropathy is usually described as tingling or numbness but the bottoms of my feet feel like they are irritated and "burned" if I walk around barefoot...I wouldn't say I am in a lot of pain and I usually forget about it if I wear a good pair of padded shoes. I would definitely talk to your ONC about it if you are in pain...there are meds that can help and also acupuncture. Going to my second acupuncture to try to help with this tonight but I think it will take several sessions to feel a difference. Crossing my fingers that this won't hit my hands too !!! Hope you can get some relief !!!
0 -
Yay for ksmatthews and lilylady!! So happy for you!
DivineMrsM and pasmith: I do not envy you seeing your kids go away to college! I dread that day even though it's years away right now. After my diagnosis I got very overprotective of my kids and wanted them home all the time. I feel for you!
Stilts: I love Lake Superior! I spent some time at Isle Royale Nat'l Park and we have good friends in Duluth. So beautiful.
welcome rabbit! I hope your chemo experience is as good as it can be!
colodisneylover: we have been neck-and-neck through all of this: surgery, chemo, rads (I'm also doing 28); you're starting your rads one week before me, so you get to be done first!
This is a stupid question, but besides the obvious reasons to avoid the sun, why do we need to continue to be extra-cautious even after the chemo is over? I realize we should avoid it doing rads as well, but what piece of information am I missing?
0 -
I didnt know I was supposed to avoid the sun?? hmmmm nope dont think Im going do that
0 -
MaxineO--If your kids go to university or otherwise make decisions to move on with their own lives, that means you are a great momma and you did your job right. You don't have to work to keep them close because they will always want a great momma in their lives!
0
