Any 40-ish survivors?
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Hi! I finished my chemo November 29th and rads February 28th (I had really bad burns), but I'm a little concern because my wbc are still really low (2.6) How long after radiation do low white and red blood cell counts rise? Wonder how is everybody doing?
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Ralston, not sure how long until your WBCs are back to normal, may depend on your base line? I see on your signature line you are getting ready for surgery soon, maybe check with your onc sooner rather than later. You want to go into surgery strong and ready.
kiwi, sorry to hear about your grandmother. My emotions have been all over the place in the last two weeks. I will have my first Zometa next week. I scheduled the infusion at the least busy of our 2 cancer centers and am going after lunch, hopefully it won't be to busy. I can smell that funky smell in my mind, at least I won't pee red and my hair won't fall out!
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((Kiwimum))) I am so sorry for your loss and will pray you & your family find peace and comfort in wonderful memories...... HUGS!!!
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Yes, I will have to get a neulasta shot prior to my surgery (according to my MO), but let's wait and see what my PS says.
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kiwimum, so sorry for your loss.
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hey Girls,
Hi Meegan, Hope you are feeling better today.
Kiwimum...so sorry for this loss. Prayers to you and your family. Glad to read your first infusion was no problem.
Christine...hope you are doing well with your nest being a bit empty...I am with you, I do not want an empty nest...may have to get puppies ???
Odie...Yippee for normal..feels good to do things like that.
I have been working quite a bit in the yard and "at work" had a party this weekend and did a lot of cooking/cleaning. My arm has decided to swell more than normal..Today was quite humid and the swelling made it to my hand for the first time...on a good note..one of my "customers" asked today about my sleeve and when I told him I "had" cancer He said you are a survivor..he asked if he could give me a hug...LOL Oh gosh ..he is either very kind or the opposite....LOL...He is from India and spoke about Karma and reincarnation....man you can cover some pretty deep subjects while at a greenhouse. I did appreciate his kind words. Knew you all would understand my odd humor.
Back to the pump for me. I really dislike this swelling this time. We have been giving the greenhouse job some time to see if I can do it with the LE and it has been ok until today.
Sorry to whine and be windy again.
Love to you all
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Ps...I forgot Ralston..I am two years out from chemo and I still have low white blood cell counts. Mine run about 3.9. I never had the neulasta shot..do not know why??? Anyway..ONC says he is not concerned ..
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Thanks! My WBC count was 3.38 at the first post-chemo-time-to-begin-tamox and 2.4 post-rads. Three months later was checked again an its 2.6. Of course, I will have a bone marrow biopsy next week, but my MO thinks that could be just a normal SE of the chemo and rads or a rare SE of tamoxifen.
Anyway, I don't want to cancel my surgery, so my MO suggested to use neulasta before my surgery. I am happy that she was really pro-active and offer me a solution to keep with my "recovery plans", but I am still wondering what is normal or "new normal".0 -
Ralston...I really have not had a good answer to that question myself. I was concerned with infection etc. but I have not been sick with colds or virus ( knock on wood) . I was like you in that mine have been lower. During chemo at one point 1.9 then 2.6 the last time it was 3.9 ( about 5 months ago). I did have echange surgery with what everyone thought to be low white counts...I have had no infections with surgery. I bet you will be all good too. Glad your Dr. is ahead of the game for you!
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Hi ladies!
I'm all hooked up to the IV and waiting for my surgery. They are taking fat from my belly, not my ass, because the surgeon said w such a small amount of fat taken, there would be no difference . My belly doesn't have much far to begin w, so that will make a big difference. As long as the boobs look better.
Man, I need a vaca.0 -
Thinking of you Eema....let us know how you are when you get a chance.....speedy recovery my friend
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Eema - thinking of you and praying for smooth sailing for your cancerific self. . . .
Kiwimum - so very sorry about your loss. . .. many prayers for peace.
Odie - yipppppeeee for normal! One step forward.
Gina - that was me who mentioned Boston - do you want me to ask some friends / colleagues about it?
Christine - oh I understand the feeling . . . . when they all leave I get a moment of relief and then think, "it's far too empty here...."
I am in San Jose, CA this week for an internal Marketing meeting for my company. This my first big dip into the company "pool" since all the BC crap came raining down on my head. . . . kinda nervous as I look slightly different (ha!) and kinda guilty as it's summer - kids are home, I am not.
Weather is cool and gorgeous . . . . Better then 50 degrees in Boston last week. Wow - travel two weeks in a row. No more denying it - I am back to work. I would like to say this feels normal but I don't think it does. . . . maybe soon. Thanks for the NY info . . . hubby interview went well but don't think he was too impressed with the company. Lovely - ! The layoff is fast approaching . . . . does this make me part of the 99% or the 1%? hahahaha . . . .I am feeling like I'm living a reality show.
Oh - question for y'all - in reading your posts, boy it seems like y'all see your MOs often - do you? I don't see mine much at all . . . just wondering if I need to prod someone. . . . would love your input.
Happy Tuesday . . . .
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Christine - agree! At least with Zometa I didn't pee red or lose my hair. My hair is coming in well. It's been 8 months since my last chemo and I wish it would grow faster! I'm not a patient person by nature. I REALLY REALLY want to tie my hair in a ponytail. I'm nowhere near that now ... maybe another 8 months?
Thanks for the kind thoughts everyone. Christine, I hope each day is getting a bit easier for you.
Kim - I'm sorry your arm is swelling heaps. BC really is the gift that keeps giving! That's very sweet of the man you met wanting to give you a hug. I'm not a very touchy person and I'd run for the hills if a stranger asked to hug me.
Eema - saw your update on FB. I'm pleased you are through surgery. Hopefully they get those pain meds sorted!
Kelleyod - I worked throughout my treatment last year. It helped me feel "normal". I see my Onc 6 monthly at this stage. I am due for another appointment next month I think.
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Eema, hoping surgery goes well.
Kelly, I am at 3/4 month schedule with both PS and MO, I see them both in two weeks and will find out where I go from here.
Went back to Y yesterday, a week and a half after Stage II surgery. I did not do legs though, only arms, back/chest. I'm still trying to decide how to make the most of the two days I go, either to split the muscles like this week and do 2 or more sets or do 1 set of everything and keep increasing the weight. I didn't go last week, but the week before I split the workout and kind of liked that, I was able to do 2 reps on most things, 3 on some...
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Hi to all you 40 somethings....LOL Gee you all are so quiet..I hope you are having a great weekend. Monday for kiwimum though. Hope you are doing well kiwimum.
Kelley...thought I would say I do see my ONC and my BS every 4 months. This may be because of stage though?? I will be asking about the Zometa shot again..and push harder.
Meegan...that is awesome you are still hitting the Y. Not sure how the Y's work elsewhere, but this Thursday, I will be going with our Y's Livestrong folks to a local farm where free range chickens, grass fed beef and fresh organic veggies are grown for a tour...the Y here has said because I went through the program I can join in the classes for life!! I am so excited..as for exercise I have not done real exercise, but I have been working my hiney off doing flower beds,trimming trees, and working at the greenhouse. I will join the Y in the fall and do real exercise again. Ps....how are you feeling and what do you think of your results so far??? Also...several of the girls are on FB on the 40's site....I think you would like that site/group
See you girls....I have 8 dog paws that need my attention...they get dirty outside!! See you soon
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Hi to all, glad to see I am not the only one who has been busy and not posting a lot.
Eema - hope you are finally on the road to feeling better.
Trying to go to the Y 4-5 days a week. Getting stronger and a better range of motion.
Still working on trying to get my gardens in shape(yes Kim this is exercise, especially in the heat). Wasn't able to do any work on them last fall. Busy working this time of year, and yes I consider that exercise too as it is a physical job.
Yesterday was my daughter's last day of high school, a bit sad and a bit happy. Bought a newer car yesterday (2011) felt like an investment in the future. A bit of a statement before my MO apt yesterday. He seemed very happy which in turn made me very happy, except he wants me to see a gyn about SEs from tamox.
Feel like I am moving forward and starting to get my life back. Which I guess is really the point of all of this.
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Hi everyone. If you facebook, we have a 40something private group there too. We've been quiet there too. Life goes on, we get busy, and that's a good thing.
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Hi girls!
I'm recovering slowly from the last surgery. But since the fun never ends, this past Monday my doc called to tell me I had a weak positive for cutaneous lymphoma. I had a DEXA scan today which came back normal, which is usually good, but now means the lesions can't be blamed on osteoporosis. Blah.0 -
Hi everybody! I'm fairly new here but threads like this one are the reason I joined...incredible ladies like all of you who are in the same age group as me, facing similar life issues. I just wanted to introduce myself and say hello! I was diagnosed at 39 and I am now 43, with two daughters (15 and 13) and a husband of 17 years.
I look forward to getting to know you!0 -
Hi Dutchie and welcome to our group of lovely 40 ish girls. The girls here are wonderful and supportive. Look forward to getting to know you. I have a son (14) and a husband of (ok) I think 18 years...good grief! !994 ..I think that is 18???
Eema...man I hope with the tests and stuff...you get answers and a plan to go with it...I really wish I could drive on up to ( I guess what amounts to Canada) to hang out and try to laugh and forget all this stuff!!
Because I have to share stuff that really does not matter...well...my dog Hank,hurt his (I guess ) dog knee and can not climb stairs...well, Hank weighs more than me..and I tried to "help" him up the stairs and in doing so hurt my neck!! LOL....my husband said did you take anything..."yes,yes I did...vodka and lemon aid...all is good!!
Thinking of all you wonderful ladies and wishing we could all share a vodka drink...or tea ..tea would work too!!
Love to all
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Welcome Dutchie! This is an incredible group of ladies and we look forward to getting to know you too! I was diagnosed at 40 (failed my baseline mammy, go me! ) and have 3 grown sons. Husband of 15 years, think I'll keep him....lol
Kim - love the pain reliever of choice!!!
Eema - gentle hugs!! Hoping for positive news from this point on for you!
Enjoyed some hydrotherapy with a girlfriend today to beat the heat so I am ready for a good nights' sleep. Wishing sweet dreams to all....
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Odie16, funny... "failed my baseline" ...I did too! Didn't expect that I'll say! I was fine, going about life, no lumps, no signs... Cancer is a sneaky bitch!
Welcome Dutchie! I'm 41 now and have a husband of (only) 5 years and a daughter about to turn 5yrs and a son that will be 3 yrs old soon. It's amazing how life works itself out, so many huge life changing events crammed in to 5 years for me. I'm hoping the next 5, things will slow down some and be relatively uneventful. I wish that for all of us!!
Kim, I like your style! I love a good lemon drop!
I've been eating really strange lately, constantly thinking of food. I find myself standing in the pantry and just EATING! I'm nervous about my next surgery I guess. I scheduled the pre op appt today and it sent me in a spin!
Eema, how are the bruises looking, feeling?
Ttyl!0 -
Hi Ladies!!
So good to chat with you all ...you make me laugh....I forgot to tell you my other reason for having a vodka drink on a wed. night...I made tea infused vodka and wanted to try it..it was really good with lemon aid. I still watch what I drink though....I don't like moderation...I want to eat 6 cookies/drink 4 drinks ( in one evening not week) I will be good though!!
Odie..isn't that something...your first mammo?? I will have to google hydrotherapy..LOL...I am goofy...does that mean you had a drink or is there really a hydrotherapy kind of thing??? Either way..sounds like you enjoyed it!!
I agree...BC is very sneaky....
Chantal...I can't remember what surgery you have next? Just wanted to say..after chemo was over with and my taste came back ( everything had a paste taste while on chemo) anyway....I ate everything and everything seemed to be the best thing ever!! So had to stop myself and with chemo induced menopause..I can not eat like I once did. You will do fine with this next one though...you just "holler" if you need anything.
Today my livestrong "family" will go to Foxhollow Farm. It is a farm that offers Grass Fed Beef/ free range chicken and organic veggies. We get to tour and have lunch. I saw my group the other day and just love them. I would recommend the program to any cancer survivor....it is wonderful.
Have a good day you all
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Welcome Dutchie. Diagnosed at 46, 3 kids 18,20,22, 2 siamese cats and a husband of 24 years.
Eema - hope you finally get some answers. You have been on a crazy journey.
Kim - Have had chronic back issues over the years (spinal injury when I was 12). Always thought that a glass of wine worked better than any muscle relaxants dr ever gave me! Had a good laugh at the mental pic of you trying to haul this dog around.
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Hi Kim, yes, still trying to go to the Y. Inconsistent lately before and now after surgery. New role at work has been crazy and that contributes. I really enjoy it and have to work harder to fit it in.
And I'm not on Facebook, otherwise I would definatley join.
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Sorry, got interupted.
Dutchie, welcome to the group! We are similiar, I'm 45, married 16 years and have a 12 yr old daughter and 8 year old son and both live in NJ. Did you grow up in Somerville? I will have to PM you to see if you know my college roommate, she grew up in Somerville.
I'm very excited, we booked a vacation to Mt. Rushmore for this summer! I really want to take my kids to see different parts of the country and this is the first non-beach vacation we have taken. I still have to book the hotels, but the airline tickets and car are booked. We will see Mt. Rushmore, Badlands, Crazy Horse Monument and go into Wyoming to see Devils Tower. Made the mistake of giving my son the SD Tourism book and asking him to write down what he wanted to do...he gave up after 2 minutes and said he couldn't do it because he wanted to do everything! Up to mom to whittle all the choices down to fit the time and budget!
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I haven't logged on in forever! Sorry. Created the group then disappeared. I'm so glad to see it's still going. We've made some great friends, and are still welcoming new girls, so let's keep the support group going!
We also have a private group on Facebook for anyone new that wants to join us there too. Look me up, send me a message and I'll add you. Kim Melvin, close up picture of my face-short hair, glasses. Facebook is quicker and easier for me because I have it on my phone. For BCO, I actually have to sit down at a computer. I'm not one to drag my laptop around-I keep it on my desk at home.
I still love to read all your stories, but when I don't log on for a while I have so many to read I can't comment on each one. Sorry. But I think about all of you every day!
Cyber Hugs-Kim
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You know, something I've never asked, but has anyone had lingering mouth issues? I'll be 2 years post chemo next month, and my mouth has never felt the same. Very dry mouth, almost feels like I have a swollen tongue all the time. To be honest, all my taste buds never came back. I've used the Biotene mouth rinse but it hasn't helped.
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Thank you so much for the warm welcome ladies!! We really do have so much in common. ReadingMama I am actually Dutch (thus the nickname) but moved up North (right on Lake Ontario) through high school then went to Rutgers. I met my husband (he's from Newark) and we bought a house in Somerville 15 years ago. I love it here!
I have an aunt who lives in Ridgewood...is that near you?
I look forward to getting to know you all!
Oh by the way I have brain mets--I know it's not in my info below. Just in case there are any other brainiacs out there who want to connect!
Thanks again!0 -
Hi there. How do we find the private group on Facebook? Thanks.
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