March 2011 chemo-lounge
Comments
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Stilts, Thanks for the tribute. I am honored to be on your poster!
I did the survivor walk in June...I was nervous as I was still in treatment (just off chemo, not yet started rads) and didn't think I should be there, but a gal from church who has bladder cancer (easy treatment, but very aggressive cancer) talked me into it and I'm glad I did. There were 3 luminaries with my name on it and I have no idea who they were from so that was touching to see. It certainly is a different perspective from being a supportive person in the crowd to being one living it.
Penny, congrats on your anniversary. That is something to be proud of!
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Penny congrats on your anniversary, tomorrow is # 12 for my hubby and I.
Stilts thank you so much for remembering all of us! You are too sweet!
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Stilts - brilliant poster, thank you, its amazing that a friend is walking with my name there half a world away.
Thanks for the anniversary congrats everyone - we had a lovely evening.
For those of you missing my mum's comments we had a card from her yesterday (actually we had two because she put my husband's birthday card (for next week) and the anniversary card in the same envelope.
The card had two butterflies on the front and inside it said "You and Spence are like two butterflies, because this is the only card I could find"0 -
Happy anniversary ksmatthews - have a lovely day
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Hi Ladies,
Stilts you made me laugh and smile! IT has been a horrible time for me as I will probably have to put down my best friend of 14 years and cannot stop crying. My dog's back end is giving out and she can bearly walk never mind taking the stairs. I can't stop crying cause man I LOVE that dog.
Mrs. Divine, I am so happy you got clear margins! Hope the great news keeps rolling in.
Maria, I have almost do loss of range of motion!! I can move my arm around just fine. I think a delayed recon is a lot easier then after a MX.
I just need to stop lifting my dog up!
Enjoy the weekend everyone.
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Hey gals....checking in from my phone as my laptop is broken..grrrrr. One more thing to do now.
Stilts i feel honored to be on your poster. Its wonderful!0 -
Stilts, I feel honored too to see my name on your poster. Thank you!
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So now there are new studies out with findings that women 5 feet 9 inches or taller have a 37% increased chance of getting any type of cancer...one theory is we just have more cells that can mutate...yikes !!!...I'm 5 ft 10 inches (thus the nickname Stilts !!!)
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Stilts--I read that too. I'm tallish--was 5'9" but seemed to have lost a bit. The theory seems plausible. But it's not fair.
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Penny and KSMatthews-I'm late but wanted to wish you each a happy anniversary!!
Stilts-I love your poster!! Thank you so much for including all of us on your walk. You are so thoughtful!
I've done 11 rads so far and getting some soreness and redness on my clavicle bone/neck area. It just feels burned and the burn cream the nurse gave me seems to help.
I can't believe tomorrow is August 1. This entire year so far has been taken up by all of this stuff. Does anyone else feel like the whole year is just sort of a blur? I think that must be the leftover chemo brain.
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Hi ladies,
Just peeping in..i've was busy all week getting my little one ready for a trip to Disneyworld. She left yesterday with my sister for a week with Micky, Minnie and the Disney group. I plan to get some much needed R & R while she's away.
I am so glad to hear everyone is moving forward.
Lilylady - i read the comments about herceptin. I take herceptin for 90 mins every three weeks. I give blood and see my MO every six weeks. I'm usually a little tired the day of the herceptin treatment but the next day I am back to normal. I'll be taking herceptin until March i think 17 treatments in all.
Well ladies, ALL of my eye lashes are gone and fingernails are sooo fragile, my other half says it's a process i'm going through and before long this will be behind me.
I'm like so many of you. I wish i could do something meaningful. People keep telling me that i am an inspriation to them when facing a crisis. They seem to think I've been very strong since my bc dx. I feel that i'm just doing what i have to do to survive.."Keep a positive attitude". But I WANT TO DO MORE. I just don't know what i can do. I am going to get involved with the American Cancer Society for starters.
Stilts - THANK YOU !!! I am honored to be on your luminary poster..the poster is awesome. I will be thinking of you on August 5th.
The DevineMrsM - YAAYYY for the clear margins !!!!
Pasmith - Glad the spot on your lungs was nothing for the doctors to be concerned about.
Fluffqueen01 & Mdg - Try to put the scary thoughts about recurrence out of your minds. I know it is hard to do but you don't want to spend a lot of time thinking about "what ifs" like Pennycookson said never look at the sites that show people getting recurrences. I know a couple of ladies who did get reccurence of bc and both of them came through just fine and are doing great. In the mean time ladies, enjoy being cancer free and like Rabbit said we are kicking bc ASS..LOL.
BTW Penny & Ksmatthews Happy Anniversary to both of you. I am engaged to a wonderful man and one day I hope I will be able to celebrate 12 years then 34 years of marriage...Congrats ladies.
Timerdog - So sorry to hear your dog isn't doing well.
Pajamajayne - I had some pain after each of my chemo treatments the pain usually started on day three or four but the pain wasn't unbearable, it was like i had a bad case of the flu then all of a sudden the pain would go away until the next chemo treatment. I agree with the other ladies you should talk to your MO about it.
Mdg - hope you get your computer up and running soon.
Youngmama - How are you doing?
Stilts - YUK about the new study I'm 5 "9" hopefully bc is the one and only cancer I/we get and the good thing is we have overcome that beast.
Have a good day ladies I'm headed to the mall :-)
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Stilts: Since I am only 5' 2 1/2" does that mean I am cured? LOL! Thanks again for putting me on your poster...it is incredibly sweet!
Dee Dee: I hope you get some R&R! You deserve it. Thanks for the kinds words...and positive words about recurrence. I am trying not to go there. We move in 2 weeks and I am looking for a counselor and a support group to help me "just live" now that I am done with treatment. Oh and my DH got my computer working
I am a happy girl.Colodisneylover: I am glad to hear you have knocked out 11 rads. How many more do you have? I hope you are getting closer to being done. I hope your skin holds out. I do feel like so much time has been taken up with BC crap. I started this in early December. It has been 8 months.....I still have more reconstructive surgery. I don't think I will even be done with that before December meaning it will go into next year too......joy.
Timerdog: I am so sorry about your little pup. I went through that 2 years ago with my beloved Sadie. I still miss her. I know how hard it is....me and my son still cry when we talk about her. Hugs. I wish you comfort as I don't know the right words...hugs! I am glad you have not lost range of motion and movement is good for you. Keep stretching as it gets tighter with each fill....don't skip your stretches at all.
Penny: Your mom is always good for a "Comment". I love hearing about them and you are right...she has been quiet for a while. Keep the comments coming.....gives me a chuckle. Happy anniversary too!
Husker: We can't wait to see the little pup! Post photos tomorrow night......You have made me smile big! I love puppies....
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Has anyone heard from SuperSally recently? She hasn't been here lateley and I hope she's doing ok.
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I shot supersally a p.m. so hopefully we'll hear from her soon.
ksmatthews, happy belated anniversary!
stilts, you have created a beautiful poster. It's an honor to be included. I will think of you on August 5 - that day I'll be finishing chemo -- woo hoo!!!
DeeDee - My nails have been dropping like flies. I have 3 toenails left and 6 fingernails. Oh well, they grow back, right?
timerdog - please keep in mind that we are all here to support you while you deal with your sad situation with your dog and your surgery recovery.
I know I had more to say but this will do for now. Wishing everyone a good week.
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I chat with Supersally daily..she is doing great. Exchange surgery is in a few weeks. She just had a vacation.
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timerdog: feeling for you with your beloved dog...mine (Dixie- a maltese) is just like another daughter (except she thinks I'm perfect 100% of the time!)...after my surgery and during my worst chemo days she would just lay down beside me and look at me...so much comfort !!!!
Speaking of daughters (I have 2 human ones- 21 and 24) and their mothers emotional status...BOTH of them broke up with boyfriends this weekend !!! I was in tears this morning over one of them because I know she still loves him so much...hopefully we'll all pull ourselves together !!!
Penny: decided to cut,paste and print what you wrote about recurrences and worrying and carry it in my wallet....so thanks for posting that... I am definitely a worrier ...as you said, not worth ruining the rest of the time ANY of us have...cancer or no cancer
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Silia - Sorry to hear so many of your nails have fallen off. I am so afraid mine will start dropping soon. But, you are right..they do grow back !
I have an appointment with my PS tomorrow to discuss my exchange surgery which is scheduled for next Tuesday, Aug. 9th, i can't wait. I guess tomorrow we will decide what size i want my new foob and my lift to be.
Mdg - How long is the recovery time after the exchange surgery? I plan to take two weeks off from work..is that enough time off for the recovery? I'm debating if I want to go ahead and have the nipple surgery, guess i'll make that decision after i see how the foob looks with out a nipple. I just don't want another surgery if i can help it. I'm glad your computer is working again :-)
Hopefully SuperSally will drop in soon and say hello.
Good night ladies.
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Here I am, girls! Remember that great Lyle Lovett song - "Here I Am"? Anyway, I was just on vacation last week and couldn't get on BCO. I'm doing well, energy is coming back up. I have my exchange surgery on 8/15.
Hair is coming along. Still wearing scarves & hats, too hot now for a wig. I'm very close to going topless! My nails are crap, too. I haven't lost any, but have several that I am worrying over. My toes seem to have done better than my fingers for some reason. I just keep everything polished. I cut my fingernails back to the quick and keep taking biotin.
I hope you all are feeling well! Will get caught up soon, I hope
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There's our Supersally - all fresh and rested from the beach vacation!
Dee Dee: Recovery was not bad. I did have to have my alloderm adjusted as my TE's were not level - I was very lopsided. He had to lift one side and move the other side over. I had a lot of rib pain about 2 weeks out and then I had to lay in bed for 3 days. It has gotten better though. I am back to working out daily at this point and my surgery was 6/23. They feel so much better than those nasty TE's. I was able to sleep flat in a few nights! That was nice....after my BLMX and all the fills it was hard to sleep flat.
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Hello Ladies,
I have not posted in a while but still always read the posts to keep up with everyone. It is great to see everyone moving on.
I have completed 25 of 30 rads and am fried and uncomfortable but the end is in sight. Probably the reason I have not posted is that I drive 2 1/2 hours each way and by the time I get home I am tired. Can't wait to have a week w/o any appointments.
Was so preoccupied getting through chemo, surgery and the rads that I never focused on the dark side but now am looking at the long term and it is indeed scary. I think it was Penny who said that most just move on and it is only those who have a bad outcome who post on those Stage 1 to IV sites - just spot on Penny - we will move on!
DivineMrsM - Great news on the clear margins! Congrats.
Maria - Enjoy your vacation. I hope you enjoy your new home in Chicago. It really is a fun city.
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Hi gals...
Supersally...I have some hair too. I will wear my wig when school starts, but wearing hats to rads and topless at home. It does seem to be growing, but I l still feel like GI Jane. No nail loss, but one big toe that I hope is okay. Some neuropathy still, but improving also.
Chrissyw...I finished 20/33 rads today. I drive 95 minutes each way. Unfortunately, my credit card is also tired because I tend to stop at a store (or two) before I leave town, just so I'm not back on the road 20 minutes after I get there. I have a couple of friends who have volunteered to drive me or drive with me. Have not done it so far, but am starting to tomorrow. I have really appreciated a few of my friends who have called and said "I can drive Tue or Wed," rather than "Call me any time".
So, anyway...got my new Yorkie puppy yesterday! Gracie Lu is her name...Gracie for Amazing Grace. Got about 2 hours sleep and then had to drive to rads and back. A friend jokingly suggested I take 4-6 weeks maternity leave when school starts (August 15-ack!). Wish I could!
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Stilts-Loved the poster. And that study....it just seems crazy to me, but who knows. I am also 5'9".My daughter is 5'11", my brother is 6'8", my husband is 6'4" and son is 6'5". Let's hope they are not all doomed to a cancer diagnosis!"
Husker-Love, love the puppy! Our 17 year old miniature dachshund died last fall. I want two new puppies and DH says no. (He likes our new pick up and go freedom). We babysit our friends Shih Tzu's (Jack and Jill) and they are so cute...until they bark in tandem at 4:00 a.m. because they are used to sleeping in their owners bed (not ours) I call them the step-dogs. My plan was to get puppies in late summer after my implants were in. They, I got pseudomonas and had to have my expanders removed (after they were fully filled and ready for the implant....UNBELIEVABLE!). I am planning on next spring now.
Penny-I have also cut and pasted your comments and carry it with me. You are so right. My oncologist is an Indian yoga master and has started teaching classes on Tuesday and Thursday. I go religiously and try to have a little mantra every time. Each day seems to be getting better mentally.
BEST OF ALL...I will have a new something to worry about. As you see above, I had to have my TE's removed due to a pseudomona infection. They had hoped to be able to flush it and put the implants in but decided during surgery there was just too much to infection to chance.
I just learned today that he is going to do surgery again to hopefully restart the process on Friday. So, assuming he doesn't see anything weird that would cause him to have to stop, I will get new expanders friday and have a whole new project to focus on...CUTE, PERKY, FOOBS!
And I am not going to do anything related to potential infection germs...no public gym...no shower while I have drains (even tho PS oks it)...just going to sit and baby them.
Im hoping that since I am six weeks out from the last chemo, that all my systems will be normal and good!
Wish me luck...I'll update on Saturday.
Jill
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Chrissyw, I can relate to your concern about the 'long term'. Yesterday I went for the first time to a local support group for women with bc. They meet once a month. It turned out to be a good thing. There were about 15 women there all at various stages from their dx. (One woman a 23 yr bc survivor!). It just did me good to be in the presence of women in my area who have some idea what I'm experiencing. So you might consider something like that. I will definitely be going back.
Husker, Gracie Lu is adorable. fluffqueen, we have two cats; would love a little dog but we have the pick up and go lifestyle too and not sure we want to change that.
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Husker - how cute is Gracie Lu! - very sweet
Maria - glad your recovery is going well.
Good luck Jill - I am sure it will all go fine this time.
My nails are now brown and horrible and my eyebrows fell out on Monday - 6 weeks after chemo and I have hung onto them all this time only to lose them now!
I went to my first ever yoga class today - I am so not the sort of person who is into that - much more comfortable with the boxing gloves on but though I'd better try it.
Bit of chanting, some stretching, occasional falling over, downward facing dog , more falling over then some final chanting. I find it really hard to switch my mind off,but they say it all helps so I will persevere.. Ohmmm....0 -
supersally - great to hear you again. FYI I'm a big Lyle Lovett fan (thought he was cool long before Julia married him!)
chrissyw - glad you're chiming in again and that your kicking through rads! Hang in there.
husker - Gracie Lu is adorable. The photo with the tennis shoe really shows how little she is. Wishing you decades of happiness with her!
fluffqueen - Best of luck with Friday's procedure. Would be great to have this done...
I'm so impressed with those of you who are traveling a distance for rads. I won't start that til the Fall but it will be nearby regardless of which RO I select. Have a great day everyone!
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Penny, yes it is disgusting to loose our eyebrows and lashes 6 weeks PFC. My eyebrows are coming back in pretty quick. My eyelashes, not so much. How is your hair doing. Mine is just like a 5 o'clock shadow. I know many on this thread are having hair come back faster than mine, but I would like to compare with someone like you that has had TAC x 6 same as me. Fortuanately, I haven't had any damage to my nails (yet).
Husker,your puppy is so darling. Wish DH would let met get a tiny Pomeranian or some such toy dog. He is putting his foot down as I already have 2 dogs and 4 horses. Guess he really does know best.
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Husker: Gracie Lu sure is a cutie...all that unconditional love !!!!
I'm guessing those of you with nail problems have received Taxotere or Taxol ??? Lately my fingernail areas have been hurting and the nail itself has white spots and lines...kind of like "battle scars"...my toenails look horrible....no manicures/pedicures for me planned for a long time !!! Trying to put a positive thought into this...if my fingernails are like this, then the chemo is getting all over my body and hitting those dividing cells...as one of my close breast cancer survivor (16+ years) friends kept telling me when my hair was falling out !!! Think positive !!!
Trying to get extra rest today...chemo tomorrow(Taxol 11 of 12!) and Relay for Life Friday night...for those who haven't been to a relay- the luminaries are filled with sand and a candle and lit at dusk ,then they are put around the track where we walk...will try to get some pictures !!!
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Husker: so cute! What a sweet puppy!
penny and jules: my brows and lashes continue to fall out, but the new ones are coming in even faster, so they are really thin on the outside but coming in quickly closer to my nose. Can't really see the lashes yet.
penny: I tried yoga a couple of times at home recently, using a dvd my sister gave me (big yoga enthusiast). I am not the most graceful of people (much prefer high energy aerobic activity), but I am glad no one was watching me. I about fell over on that downward facing dog, turns out my left arm really is still MUCH weaker! I will try to get more graceful. Namaste.
jules: my hair is a bit thicker than a shadow but very patchy. Not as full as bikenyc. The front is taking longer to fill in, generally, I was AC+T and finished 6/16.
DivineMrsM: I keep telling myself I will get involved ina local support group but haven't. Good for you. I am glad it was uplifting.
stilts: have fun at the Relay. I went as a survivor the day after my last chemo. I was so pumped on steroids and adrenaline that I felt great (crashed the next day).
fluffqueen: good luck Friday. I hope things work out much better this time.
timerdog: so sorry about your dog. It would be nice to catch a break, wouldn't it?
good to hear from you supersally!
husker and chrissy: I am impressed with your drive, too. I am already sick of rads (done with 9 of 28) and I don't drive nearly as far. We will all get through this!
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Good morning ladies, sorry I havent posted in awhile its been so busy lately. My birthday was on sunday my DH had a BBq for me it was very nice to have some laughs with friends and feel mostly normal for a night. I started Rads yesterday seemed to go ok although I was in bed by 830 last night and sleeping by 9 for sure. Not sure if this had to do with Rads or just everything going on in my life.
Stilts that was a great poster thank you so much for including all of us you are so thoughtful. I too am wondering if the fact that I am only 5 foot 4 that I am cured lol.
Mrs M such great news about your margins I am so happy for you. You deserve some great news like this
Husk I love the name of your puppy Gracie lu....makes me think of gracie lu freebush...lmao you know sandra bullucks charactor on .....oh damn whats the name of that movie.....lmao well it was a good movie anyhow she was a detective and went under cover in a beauty pagent...damn chemo brain
Penny Congrats on 35 years that is soooo impressive. Hats off to you and your DH
Ksmathews you too congrats on 12 your anniversary is my brithday
Timerdog I am very sorry to hear about your puppy I had to put my boxer down last year it was so sad, he was 14
cooldisney yes I feel this whole year has just been dedicated to dealing with this beast I am so looking forwawrd to 2012
Fluffqueen good luck on surgery sorry you have to go in again hope you get great perky ones lol
I still have some eyelashes and no bad nails am sure hopeing that I get to hang on to both I am 4 weeks PFC so guess I better hold my breath for 2 more weeks it sounds like.
Ok girls hope all is well with all of you think of you daily I am off to Rads #2
Hugs Kymn
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Kymn - happy belated bday!! glad you could enjoy it.
Stilts - yes, Taxotere for me. My first dose was more than my body could handle so that's why I assume I've lost so many nails... Onc reduced the dosage after that. I also take great comfort that the cancer cells are being killed off at the same time. Good luck with no. 11 tomorrow. I have my final Tx on Friday and am psyched!0
