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Any 40-ish survivors?

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Comments

  • bevin
    bevin Member Posts: 519
    edited June 2012

    HI everyone, I just saw this thread and wanted to introduce myself.  I'm Bevin, dx in 8/2010 and am 2 years out this summer.  I have a little girl, a very funny husband, work full time and try to make it all work. I love that this thread is dedicated to women in our 40's .

    Dutchie, I've taken ambien, darn  - no sleep induced shopping, but I like your idea!

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Member Posts: 126
    edited June 2012

    Thanks for the greetings all.  

    2 day on infusion 3 of 4 and feeling tired but okay mostly.  so looking forward to gettign through this chemo.

    VVH 

  • lostinmo
    lostinmo Member Posts: 332
    edited June 2012

    Hi everyone, not sure I fit here or not. I'm still in treatment finishing chemo this coming week then on to surgery and rads. I'm 45, been married 18 years and have a 14 year old son. Wanting to know when life gets back to normal.

  • Dutchie
    Dutchie Member Posts: 37
    edited June 2012

    Hi lostinmo! You sound just like me. I'm 44 with 2 daughters, 15 and 13. I was the same as you--just a few years ago. I had chemo first, then surgery, rads. Since then I have had brain and liver mets but totally under control now and living an extremely normal life. You will get there too. You're still right smack in the middle of the fight! You've still got some time that you're going to need to devote 100% to defeating this monster but before you know it you'll be back. Changed? Yes. Different? Yes. Dealing with new fears and possible side effects? Probably. But you'll get your life back.



    I have been where you are; diagnosed with stage 3c IBC at 39. But the good news is I'm here now and please believe me when I say I am here for you if you want to talk, vent or ask anything at all.



    Wishing you all the best and congrats on finishing chemo!!! You're well on the way!

  • lostinmo
    lostinmo Member Posts: 332
    edited July 2012

    Thank Dutchie! I needed to know there was some normalcy in sight. There are times when it feels treatment is never going to end. I know I'll be on meds for at least 5 years after rads but just getting to that seems like it's taking forever. We homeschool our son so at least that has been able to stay normal, although I feel bad sometimes because there are times that my patience is not as good as it was. Bless his heart he does understand though and tells me "Mom  go lie down and rest so you feel  better". Now if I could just get him to put his laundry in the hamper instid of next to it. 

    Thanks for the encouragement! 

  • odie16
    odie16 Member Posts: 1,415
    edited July 2012

    Welcome to all the newbies. Hate that you have to join us but know you will find plenty of support here. 

    As for normalcy, I agree with Dutchie. Today I am on year to the day that my world was rocked. While things have pretty much returned to normal (or what passes for normal in my world...lol), things have changed a bit. The year wasn't easy but there have been blessings along the way. The friendships & support found here have been invaluable..... 

  • kmur
    kmur Member Posts: 849
    edited July 2012

    Hi Girls and welcome to all the new gals..

    VVH...You will get through chemo...I really think that is the hard part...surgery/rads etc was not so bad.

    lostinmo...I also have one son..he is 15. I was DX April 12 2010..so went through 6 rounds chemo/28rads/ I had bmx with Te's first though....I wanted you to know ..life really does get back to normal...I do not think about BC all the time. I have come to know the girls here and come on now to share a laugh and offer support ( if I can)...You will get there too...it is a good feeling to get beyond it all. The girls here are very supportive.

    Dutchie...you said that so well..I so agree with you post...

    odie...I know I said this on FB but congrats to you my friend...isn't that wonderful to get that behind you???  BYE BYE BC!!  LOl... It is amazing how hearing that news  can be such a hard pill to swallow...yet there are gifts too..I feel like you as well...anyway..YIPPEE

    Kiwimum...yay..for the great news!! Glad you are doing well too!!

    On a funny note...I had no idea sleep shopping was an issue on ambian...I would be in big trouble as I am a sucker for a good infomercial....that is how I ended up with the Zumba dvd...no telling what I may end up with if sleep shopping!!

    I hope all of you have weathered the storms etc....I worked all day today..I think it was about 104 today..I may have melted a bit but I really enjoy the greenhouse.

    love to you all

  • Dutchie
    Dutchie Member Posts: 37
    edited July 2012

    Odie16 your post made me choke up big time. I am so happy that you can look back on the past year and see how much you have overcome as well as how many positive things can come out of it!



    I am toasting you with my coffee cup!

  • Kelleyod
    Kelleyod Member Posts: 125
    edited July 2012

    Oldie ..... Belated congrats! What a milestone! You choked me up too!



    Welcome to the newbies!



    Hoped all had a great weekend!



    Kelleyod

  • lostinmo
    lostinmo Member Posts: 332
    edited July 2012

    Thanks for the warm welcome. It will take a while to remember everyone.

    Hope everyone that is in the heat wavy is managing to stay cool. We've just been hanging inside here. It's just to hot to do anything. 

  • Tigerg64
    Tigerg64 Member Posts: 9
    edited July 2012

    Welcome to all the new ladies that have joined us. I don't get to log on very often, still healing from dmx/reconstruction and by the time I get home from work the last thing I want to do is log back into another computer.

    I hope that everyone has a great week, enjoy the 4th and stay safe.

  • bevin
    bevin Member Posts: 519
    edited July 2012

    Thank you all for the warm welcome!

  • burley
    burley Member Posts: 248
    edited July 2012

    Welcome to the Newbies!  We're so happy you're here!  Wonderful group of ladies.  We've been going strong for over a year and still growing.  Everyone is most definitely welcome, whether you're done with treatment and surgeries, or right in the middle of them.  I just wanted a group with ladies who were close to my age.

    I had the worst chemo brain moment the other day.  I was texting someone and literally couldn't remember how to spell "that".  I kept tying "lat" and my phone kept telling me I was misspelling something.  It was a horrible feeling.  I had to sound out the word to figure it out. 

  • bevin
    bevin Member Posts: 519
    edited July 2012

    HI Burley, I didn't have chemo, but definately have mid 40 brain.  I forget words all the time.  I know it in my brain, but can't pull the word out sometimes. argh!!

  • lostinmo
    lostinmo Member Posts: 332
    edited July 2012

    I decided that it's not my brain that can't spell anymore, it's my fingers don't know how to type.

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Member Posts: 126
    edited September 2012

    Hello/Saludos,

    I am a Latina with breast cancer, born and raised in the US and fluent in Spanish.  I have found this online community to be very helpful and full of resources as I navigate this unfortunate new terrain.  That said I was surprised by my lack of luck in using the search feature to uncover more than 2 other Latinas.  I have many identities: NY'er, educator, lawyer, feminist, formerly, "great head of hair"  ; >  -  and, Latina, and I'd like to connect to others with these backgrounds.

    In repsonse the Moderators were good enough to create this brand new forum.  It is not necessarily a Spanish language forum.  I am, as are most Latinas residing in the US, most comfortable in English.  I was seeking a space for all Latinas, where conversations can happen in the many languages that we speak certainly but where the focus is our common culture rather than a language that some of us use.   

    So, if you'd like to join us, Bienvenida!  Come find the new Latinas/Hispanics with Breast Cancer forum.  I am glad to connect.  Perhaps like me you had been searching for a space to drop into occassionally where discussing issues that might arise more commonly for Latinas/Hispanics is possible without too long an explanation.  I truly appreciate the community I have found on this site and want to also discuss research that specifically addresses breast cancer risks for Latinas or the importance placed on femininity in some Latin cultures, or quizas/perhaps traditional resources/remedios, or the significance of hair loss for a Latina who comes, like I do, from a hair obsessed culture.  Any way, I'm sure you get it and that's the point.  I'd love to spread the word that this gret new forum exists. Please spread the word to yoru friends and forums that this new space exists so that they will cosndier joining us.

    Mi nombre es Vielka. I am looking forward to getting to know everyone who will join us.

    Vielka / VVH 

  • kmur
    kmur Member Posts: 849
    edited July 2012

    Hi Girls..and Happy 4th!!  I hope all y'all have had a wonderful day!!

    Kim...I do the same kind of thing...spelling..dates and numbers seem to be the hardest and steps to complete a task...give me three steps ..I will remember the first the others get very fuzzy in seconds!!

    vvh...that is awesome you are pulling a thread together...I know you will find some great support and friends in this way...I have shared things here I normally keep to myself. 

    Kiwimum...I thought of you today and just so very happy you have that appointment behind you...I hope you and your husband have the most wonderful time in London.  I hope you will post about it so I can travel with you in spirit!! I traveled somewhere with Lisa this week and the water was the most beautiful water I have ever seen...( I mean spirit travel)

    Ok...funny story ( kinda) ...i don't know if all you Pintrest or not..but I have been Pintresting like a mad woman!! I know I have some kind of pintrest issues...anyway...I have ideas for rugs/curtains things I want to paint and sew....so I feel as though this is really good to feel normal and do as I once did...I used to sew and quilt and paint and plant and for some time I did not....so thought I would just share with you girls who are still in treatment....rest when your body says rest and don't feel badly....eat what sounds good and know it gets so much better at the end ..and it will be there before you know it....I just wanted to tell you that..I'm not sure why this has hit me or why it seems important now...maybe someone needs to know this right now?? Oh ...before I forget ...I just had to telll you...I had been spending money on this and that to clean our shower and it never worked...well Pentrest told me how ....LOL who knew...if you mix Dawn dish washing liquid/white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray your shower and then let it sit an hour ...it removes soap scum...who knew??? I tried today and it was amazing...LOL  Sorry to always share the strange stories with you!!!! 

    Anyway HAPPY FOURTH to my favorite group of women ...sorry for my random stories!!

  • sagina
    sagina Member Posts: 849
    edited July 2012

    Hi everyone! Miss you all - work is nuts, double nuts - would read like a Jerry Springer episode with a little of Seinfeld mixed in.....

    Anyway, just catching up - love the idea Kim - how much of each? 

  • kmur
    kmur Member Posts: 849
    edited July 2012

      Hi Ladies,

    Gina...sorry to read work is so ...eventful..the Seinfeld part sounds kinda funny...but not so much with the Jerry Springer part!!  LOL....sending you quiet thoughts and peace in your day....( hope that works)...did ya feel that yet???  LOL

    The cleaning deal is equal parts...I misread though and added water and it still works...so it is equal amounts white vinegar and dawn liquid dish washing liquid. I have cleaned sinks/tubs and counters so far! 

    It is so hot here...I worked outside yesterday ...my boss is very good to me..I try to do everything my co workers do..but with the heat I realize I am not what I used to be. The heat causes my arm to swell more and I am working harder to control the LE. She is very kind...we have been moving pots of mums for the fall to outdoors and laying water lines..I did this too for a few days,but she told me to take a break and water . I get aggravated with the LE sometimes and she said ."you know ...you should be so pleased you can do all that you can..I can't imagine what you girls have gone through"...I was afraid she may let me go if I could not do the work. So thankful...and my other coworkers are fun...we have been watering the "us" it is so hot!!

    I hope you gals are having a good day...I see the ONC next week..will be asking about Zometa again. I will pay out of pocket if need be...I'll let you know.

  • momx3
    momx3 Member Posts: 126
    edited July 2012

    In need of of pocket prayers.

    I went into the Breast Dr. for my "nipple" formation from a possible leftover stitch and ended up with a needle biopsy and maybe more BC :/ (small needle, couldn't puncture the foob)

  • kiwimum
    kiwimum Member Posts: 460
    edited July 2012

    Momx - thinking of you and praying for benign.



    Kim - how are you feeling about your onc appointment next week? I stressed a lot before mine this week. I'm pleased to have it behind me. We leave on July 31. It's a 26 hour journey before touching down in London. I will definitely post so you can be with me in spirit.



    DH and I have been doing some painting today. Our 10 year old daughter asked for her room to be painted and that we remove the babyish wallpaper - I can't say that I blame her! We've spent the past few weekends stripping wallpaper, undercoating etc. Today we did the first coat of 3 of the walls. The 4th wall is going to be a "feature" wall. She wanted quite a bright blue. I'll let you know how it turns out. I've also ordered some new bedroom furniture, it will be a room fit for a teenager within a week!

  • kmur
    kmur Member Posts: 849
    edited July 2012

    Hi Ladies,

    Momx3...thinking of you ...hope it is nothing at all.

    Kiwimum...yes, I do a bit..usually the day before I begin thinking. I am going to inform him all my friends are getting Zometa...LOL even my BS asked if I had looked into it...so ...I want some too!!

    I have been painting too..that is funny..we have lived in our house for three years and it was ( felt like) someone elses house...color etc.  I bet your daughter is so excited to have an updated room!! And I can not wait until your trip to London.

    I worked in the heat today but did ok. Maybe I am getting used to it. I remember my little Aunts from Texas visiting us and they would claim it to be cool up here in their Texas draw!! It is Texas hot today though.

    Hope you all have not melted and everyone is having a great day.

  • kiwimum
    kiwimum Member Posts: 460
    edited July 2012

    Kim - do let us know how your appointment goes and if you get Zometa.

    We finished our painting yesterday. It looks great!  We are going to wait until next weekend to move back into it as we want the paint to be 100% dried and for the smell to dissipate a bit. The blue wall looks fab. Mum and daughter did the blue wall painting yesterday. I rolled the top half and she did the bottom.

    How's the heat US based sisters? There are news items on the news every night about the heat and the long stretch of consecutive days. Sounds brutal!! I hope you have aircon those of you affected.

    I've started yet another diet. I've gained a bit of weight lately - due to it being winter, freezing cold and making me eat more and exercise less.  To help it along I'm also not drinking. I've entered a fundraiser called Dry July. The point is not to drink for the month of the July. People sponsor you and the money raised goes to adults living with cancer - in my case it's going to the local hospital oncology ward. Here's hoping my month end both my liver and waistline have benefitted.

  • kmur
    kmur Member Posts: 849
    edited July 2012

    Hi Ladies,

       Kiwimum....that is great you are doing well with dry July. How fun to get your daughters room all "teened" up LOl...I swear they are so funny...I bet girls more so than boys....my sons room is now done as well, but he wants his bed moved back where it used to be!! He is now 6 feet tall and thin....if I were him I would eat a million donuts and chocolate and mashed potatoes!! But he is not a sweets guy and of all things hates mashed potatoes....( that's just not right!! ) LOl

    I will let you know about my appointment....he spends very little time with me now..so I will be asking and pushing for Zometa ....he has not been convinced so far.

    The heat for us in Ky. has improved. It is now just regular July hot upper 80f...still no rain though. I look forward to the perfect October temps...October is beautiful here.

    Take care all you girls!!

  • momx3
    momx3 Member Posts: 126
    edited July 2012

    Laughing B-9!!! Gonna call tomorrow and schedule to have it removed.

  • Kelleyod
    Kelleyod Member Posts: 125
    edited July 2012

    Momx3 - woo hoo! Good for you! Score one for the good guys!

  • burley
    burley Member Posts: 248
    edited July 2012

    Oh my, we're quiet!  I hope everyone is well.  Just popping in to say hello :)

  • sagina
    sagina Member Posts: 849
    edited July 2012

    Popping in too! 

    Work is still nuts, but getting better....going to hire someone this week - to replace the person that stopped coming to work....prayers for him - alcohol got such a strong hold on him it was more important than work....

    How is everyone?  I know I don't have a lot of you on facebook, so just wanted to check in. 

  • odie16
    odie16 Member Posts: 1,415
    edited July 2012

    Happy Monday ladies! Went for my follow-up visit with the MO today and was told I am doing really well. He has even moved me to 6 month intervals, yeah! Not too shabby for a Monday in my little corner.... Gonna go see "Magic Mike" with the girls tomorrow nite (that should be a hoot!) and am counting down to vacation in 3 days. Will be absent from the boards for a week so as not to get sand in the computer (ha ha) but will be with you in spirit. Prayers for those undergoing treatment or testing and hugs to everyone else! 

  • bevin
    bevin Member Posts: 519
    edited July 2012

    Hey Odie,  I want to see Magic Mike too, let us know if it was worth your time.  I LOVE Matthew Mconnahey (spelling?).  Have a great vacation.

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