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  • kmur
    kmur Member Posts: 849
    edited August 2012

    Hey Everyone,

     Meegan...woohoo for vacation!! Have a great time and I bet the kids will do great.

    Kiwimum...how nice to have all those girls again...I would love to be that fly at your house....so funny all my life I have been around Males!!  Girls would be so funny...Thanks for asking about me. We have been fine..he has been away now for three weeks ( we miss him) but we stay busy and he will be home Sat. afternoon ( sun. for you) he will likely be half dead with jet lag.. It was great fun meeting his teachers. I actually sent one an email as my son is of the type that never shares about school and he actually got in the car and said "mom, you have to meet Mr. (teacher) so....this said  "alot" to me Lol...can we change that word to mean a lot a lot of something???  Lol

    Eema..I am glad your ankle is not cancer broken ... I remember laughing out loud when Sarah said "my flippin plums"  yet another word for you know whats!! Anyway..I hope the other issues will be fixed by the rock star dr.  we will pray he has been given all the answers!!

    good night everyone

  • Eema
    Eema Member Posts: 403
    edited August 2012

    Plums! Heh. Balls

  • Dutchie
    Dutchie Member Posts: 37
    edited August 2012

    Welcome Rabbit!! 5 kids-- you go girl! You sound like you have it all together but I'm so glad you found us. I know you will find a lot of support and fun here!!

  • burley
    burley Member Posts: 248
    edited August 2012

    Balls Miri!  Yes, get a second opinion...or as many opinions as you need to figure out why your bones are swiss cheese.

    ReadingMama-we won't leave you!  Some of us only check in with Facebook now because they're trying to take a step away from BCO and the negativity and/or drama (not in our group), but the rest of us are still here!  We've definitely lost some members along the way, but I still love our group.

    Welcome Rabbit!  So glad you found us!  Terrific group of ladies here that have gone through absolutely everything under the sun, so we are a wealth of information.

    Happy Friday everyone! 

  • Catnz
    Catnz Member Posts: 20
    edited August 2012

    Hi there, another newbie to join your group. I'm a 43yo mum to four ranging in age from 17 to 8, so while beyond the toilet training years I'm still a busy mum. Mine are all still in school but the oldest finishes college (high school) this year and new adventures loom for all of us. I've just had my first anniversary of diagnosis and am looking forward to getting rid of this extra weight and getting more energy. I thought the chemo education nurse was kidding when she talked about weight gain during chemo but she was right. So that coupled with our friend Tamoxifen has seen me the heaviest I have ever been apart from when I was pregnant - one year on and it's time to move it, move it. Another kiwi looking forward to learning more, Catherine

  • burley
    burley Member Posts: 248
    edited August 2012

    Hi Catherine!  Welcome to the group!  There's a fantastic group of ladies here, in all stages of treatment and post-treatment.  We have a wealth of knowledge to offer :)

    I am also the heaviest I've ever been-I lost weight during chemo, but immediately put it back on with the Tamoxifen.  Then they took my ovaries out 6 months later, and even more weight attacked me.  Now it lands in a different place-my butt and hips.  And it's so hard to lose even 1 pound. 

    Sounds you're definitely busy with the kiddos!  Mine are 12 and 17, but they still keep me busy.

    Again, welcome!  We're looking forward to getting to know you! 

  • Catnz
    Catnz Member Posts: 20
    edited August 2012

    Hi KiwiMum, I live in Dunedin just about as far south as you can get! It sure seems that way in winter. My kids are bemoaning the fact we've never been to Auckland and seen places like Kelly Tarltons and Auckland Zoo. I spent many summer hols in Auckland on the North Shore growing up but that was in the eighties and I know Auckland's grown since then. I'm originally from Wgtn though but hubby works at Uni of Otago so here we are and have been since '99. I wish I had found these pages earlier and could have had this support while going through treatment.



    Thanks burley for the welcome too. Isn't it a bugger (very kiwi slang) that weight is such an issue. I'm so over salads for lunch 3-4 times a week, but just try and jazz them up a bit hoping it will help shift that weight. The kids come home from school and hit the biscuit tin, etc and leave it out and it is so tempting. I'm looking forward to summer and all the fruit that the season brings. Is Arizona pretty warm all year round or only parts of it? I lived in Seattle for six years when first married so that was much like where I live now - all four seasons every year.



    Looking forward to getting to know you, Cath

  • bgirl
    bgirl Member Posts: 435
    edited August 2012

    It felt like quite the welcome back to see all the posts here.  I know it has been quiet over the summer.  Been away about 80% of the summer at my parents home.  Dad was diagnosed at the beginning of July with cancer and we brought him home from hospital and provided palliative care.  He passed last Monday morning, but we were so happy to fulfill his wish of passing in the home he had built when he married my mom 55 years ago.

    My only regret is not having more time this summer with my youngest who is off to university next Saturday.  Empty nest!!  My oldest moves back to school this week too.  21 year old decided to move in with boyfriend at school this fall. Yikes, are moms ever ready for that.

    Profbee - I did the sheet thing for one of my kids too.  Once they started school, they did not want to be in pull-ups, but I couldn't handle the mess.  Would put pee pad down - can get at children's store, sheet, another pad, another sheet.  If my daughter woke up wet she would just pull off top stuff and put in hamper and go back to sleep.  Left extra jammies on chair beside bed.  Took away any embarassment she had about wetting the bed, as she was a very indepdent child.

    Eema - If you can stand another dr.'s apt maybe you could get another opinion.  Wishing you well.

    To everyone else, hello, welcome, hope you have all had a great non-cancer summer.

  • profbee
    profbee Member Posts: 305
    edited August 2012

    Jane, I'm so sorry about your dad.  What a gift you all gave him to be at home with you.  Boy, though, that was so fast.  Your head must still be swimming.  Lots of love!  I lived with a guy right after college...mom was relieved that I would be nice and safe.  :)  

    Welcome, Cath! 

     I think I'm just a touch thinner than I was at the start of chemo.  I remember freaking OUT the night before chemo b/c I didn't know what to expect.  I complained to a friend, "I don't even know what the room looks like!  The Internet says I could lose weight or gain weight!  What is going ON?!"  I had always thought people on chemo lost weight.

    So, here's a weird thing.  Since being on Tamoxifen, I have had ZERO body odor.  ZERO.  I stopped using deoderant b/c of all the chemicals, and I used that crystal deoderant stuff when I thought of it, but really, I just had no odor at all.  Now, since I separated my shoulder, and I've had my arm in a sling, right next to my torso...ugh...smelly.  And, I don't think that crystal stuff is working now!  The semester starts tomorrow, and I don't want to be the stinky prof!  LOL!  Does anyone use anything poison-free and good? 

     As for Jack's dry bed...Hmmm...I may need to try the sheet thing.  I was thinking maybe sending him to bed nudie...while it's still so hot.  That's how he got potty trained...a day in the house naked, and he was trained!  LOL.  

    I just had pics printed up for Jack to bring up to school to show his fun summer...it was great...lots of pool and beach, and Jack had an awesome birthday party.  :)

  • Belinda977
    Belinda977 Member Posts: 150
    edited August 2012

    Jane, so sorry for your loss.

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

    Jane, I am so sorry for your loss and am glad the family was able to pull together for his final wishes. May  you take comfort in memories...

    Welcome to the newbies... It always saddens me to see other women continuing to be diagnosed so I am glad you will find friendship & support here.

    Thought I'd share a funny story. Was tasked with picking up my MIL yesterday from the airport. She is getting older but seems so put together most days however apparently got confused between the gates and the terminal. Meanwhile I was circling the arrival area waiting. After over an hour, I asked a security guard about having her paged as I was getting really worried. He looked at me completely serious and said "Ma'am, I have to ask. Are you sure you are at the right airport?" OMG!!! If I had had chemo, I might have freaked out thinking chemo brain.. Luckily we found her and got out of there before anyone got hurt or arrested....... LOL

    It has been a dreary rainy day here so I have been thoroughly lazy.. Hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday!

  • kmur
    kmur Member Posts: 849
    edited August 2012

     Hi Everyone,

     Welcome Catherine, I am also in the group of weight gainers during chemo...funny kinda..I kept thinking I better eat just in case I felt sick...but I never felt sick so my theory kinda backfired!!  LOl anyway...I am almost two years out from last chemo...I have a 14 year old son that just started ( what we call High School) I just learned from Kiwimum you all call it college ( I think) . Look forwars to your posts.

    Jane, I am so sorry to read this about your dad. I'm sure your youngest understands. Thinking of you with all you have going on...these days if I have more than one thing going on my brain is in overload!!  I hope you can slow down a bit and take care of you.

    kiwimum......he is home!!!!! So good to have him home.  He really liked Sydney.  He took some pictures at the grocery store and I was so surprised by the prices.  24 packs of coke 16 dollars. This may be just the Sydney area though.  I would love to travel to that part of the world. How was the girl sleepover???  I just imagine girls to be so funny....would love to be a spy and hear the girl chatter!!

    Profbee...struck me funny what you said about no odor...since chemo I have never purchased deodorant... I have no odor either. Even in the heat and I am sweating...nothing. Do you think it is estrogen that makes us stinky??? Maybe that is good if we are not????

    Enough rambling from me.....take care ladies ...love to you all.

  • kmur
    kmur Member Posts: 849
    edited August 2012

    Odie..we posted at the same time....good grief ..I so have something going on with the brain...I was (as I was reading your post) right there with you!!  I think I need a bracelett that says warning chemo brain...may not know where the heck she is!!!  Lol....I am glad you found her!!

  • sherry67
    sherry67 Member Posts: 370
    edited August 2012

    Hi everyone new to this forum..was dx at 43 and just turned 45 yesterday I have had a tough time with tx, surgery and now I just had my ovaries out..still a worry wort try not to be but it's hard.i have 3 children one in the navy he's 22 and a daughter who is 24 and than my little angel who is 26 with severe cerebral palsy whom I worry so much for..but I keep on going for him..have know one to talk with and these forums give me great comfort..thanks



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

    Welcome Sherry67.

    I am sorry you have to join us but hope you will find the comfort and friendship here as invaluable as I have. We are here for you whenever you want to talk, vent, cry or laugh..... 

  • Eema
    Eema Member Posts: 403
    edited August 2012

    Hi girls,

    I can't talk about this on facebook and probably shouldn't here, but I'm supposed to go to court today to watch my son's former babysitter plead on the 2 counts of 'endangering the welfare of a child' against him.  Last time the case was adjourned, no reason given.  My advocate says there are only two reasons--they are piss poor and didn't have a court-appointed attorney set up yet, or he's pleading mental illness and needed a work up, or both.  

    He should be arraigned on a  felony, if you ask me, but thank G-d he didn't do more to my boy and his friend.

    Need some prayers.  Hell, I need lots of prayers.  See, sometimes life ISN'T about breast cancer! 

  • burley
    burley Member Posts: 248
    edited August 2012

    Jane-I'm so sorry to hear about your dad.  I'm glad you were able to spend some close time with him before his passing-I'm sure that was very comforting to him.  Sending you a cyber hug :)

    Cath-it's warm in my area of Arizona about 8 months out of the year, 3 months of that scorching hot.  We do have some spring and fall like weather, but it doesn't last long.  I was born here and still the summers kill me.

    Welcome Sherry!  Terrific group of ladies here.  We are in all different stages of treatment or recovery, so everyone has a lot of advice to offer.

    EEMA!  I say fry the bastard.  I'm so sorry that happened to CD and your family-what a horribly tough thing to go through.  I'm hoping him pleading will put an end to it.  ??  I don't know how those things work.  Keep us updated-love you girl!

    Everyone else, have a terrific Monday!  

  • Eema
    Eema Member Posts: 403
    edited August 2012

    Thanks, Love.

    It will take every ounce of energy not to scream at the perps mom.  We were very good friends before this happened.  I can't go on.  You never know who's around.  My sense of safety is completely different than before BC and this.  Good thing I got a therapist...

    Jane, I've been meaning to say, what a blessing to were able to give to your father.  May his memory be a blessing for you, and a source of peace.

    Everyone one else, have a great day!  Think positive thoughts around 2:30! 

  • profbee
    profbee Member Posts: 305
    edited August 2012

    Eema, oh, Eema.  I'm so sorry.  Take care.  Be strong.  We're all right there with you in spirit.  Tons of love!!!

  • bgirl
    bgirl Member Posts: 435
    edited August 2012

    Thanks to everyone for your kind thoughts and prayers.  I really know that you all understand.

    Superballs to cancer.  I am so tired of it.

    Eema - as a childhood abuse survivor (family member) I can't really say on here what I really think about this person!!!   I know how hard it was to trust others around my 3 girls, I hope you can find peace with it.

  • sherry67
    sherry67 Member Posts: 370
    edited August 2012

    Hi kiwi mum

    Thank you for the birthday wish..yes I'm done with active tx which scares the heck out of me but I am on tamoxifen..still waiting for the exchange surgery been a year since mastectomy..can't wait I hate these expanders.

  • Dutchie
    Dutchie Member Posts: 37
    edited August 2012

    Hi Sherry! I'm so glad you found us! We're a tight-knit group and always here if you need us. We're glad to have you!!



    Just a note: I have a profoundly autistic 13 year old so I can relate to the difficulties and the desperate need to stick around so you can take care of them forever. You sound like you're doing great, especially after all that treatment!



    Looking forward to getting to know you!

  • sherry67
    sherry67 Member Posts: 370
    edited August 2012

    Dutchie thank you very much for your post..it's nice to have people to relate to..I hate when people find out what I've been through cuz the tone of their voice always changes to a sympathy tone so I try not to tell to many people or talk about..I find it hard to live life because I feel like I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop because I feel good..I know I have done everything I could do but I'm such a worry wart..though I keep going..thanks again

  • profbee
    profbee Member Posts: 305
    edited August 2012

    Sherry, my brother went in the navy at 17.  It's so hard on the family when they're gone.  I know just what you mean about the sympathy tone.  I HATE that!  but hey, you can talk about ANYTHING here.  Truly.  You should read some of the crap we've talked about!  LOL!  :)  Why so long with the TEs?  They were so uncomfortable!  ugh.  Love to all!

  • sherry67
    sherry67 Member Posts: 370
    edited August 2012

    Profee,

    My PS says I have to wait for these implants called Sientra to come in..they are approved for RI but in the process of approval for the RI hospital...can't wait they are very painful sometimes...PS says the new silicone implants are more natural but he doesn't get the discomfort..

  • sherry67
    sherry67 Member Posts: 370
    edited August 2012

    Sorry spelled your name wrong..

  • sherry67
    sherry67 Member Posts: 370
    edited August 2012

    Just watched the news they said working on a vaccine to end BC by 2020 wouldn't that be great..

  • Eema
    Eema Member Posts: 403
    edited August 2012

    Well, not sure how my day in court went. Perp and his parents went into judges chambers and came out crying. I can call tomorrow to get dispensation.



    Sherry, my PS also told me some "gummy bear" implants are almost approved in the US. Could that be it? I also started PT today and PT guy said absolutely my big ol' implants could be causing me more pain. Thinking about going to a smaller size once my neck is figured out...

  • profbee
    profbee Member Posts: 305
    edited August 2012

    Geez louise!  So, they're making you wait for super new implants?  hmmm.  I mean, I am not really thrilled with my implants.  So, I guess waiting may be the way to go, but I was so ready to get rid of my TEs I think I would have taken any implants!  I really don't think I'd do the damn recon if I had to do it again.  I mean, it feels like it's just about clothes.  Hubby doesn't touch 'em.  I think they're not really uncomfortable, but they're noticeable. 

  • sherry67
    sherry67 Member Posts: 370
    edited August 2012

    Profbee,

    Hope it's soon because there have been many occasions I would have loved to rip them out myself but also have heard it feels different with the implants hope so..



    Eema,

    You can google the brand sientra ,,they are approved here just waiting on the hospital..I'm not the only one waiting he told me they are suppose to be better for those of us who have had MX..

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