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Starting Chemo in Nov. 2011...anyone else?

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Comments

  • GrandmaV
    GrandmaV Member Posts: 1,045

    Its so good to hear from everyone.    Nel, I'm happy for you about your date.  It is high time you had some fun and companionship.   I know you're in the thick of moving and I hope that goes well for you. 

    Phyllis, your visit in Texas sounds wonderful.   To sleep whenever you want sounds heavenly to me. 

    Linda and Beth, both in the waiting room.    It is really tough to go through.  Minutes seem like hours.  Hoping for all clear, Linda.  Beth I'm so glad you're going to Indiana, the babiez will be a good distraction to keep your mind off your surgery. 

    Bahamamom, It just seems incredible that so many people have some form of cancer.  I asked for genetic testing and was told insurance wouldn't pay for it unless I had 3 generations of breast cancer (including me).  The only one I know of was a great Aunt.  There are other cancers in the family, including 2 Uncles with prostate cancer.   But that doesn't count with my insurance.    I hope your sister's test turns out to be B9.

    Still on antibiotics for sinus infection.   I feel pretty good, though, so I'm thinking and hoping this round is the last one.  Still have another week on it. 


  • Nel
    Nel Member Posts: 597


    Well I moved on Thursday, but forgot to have the heat turned on, so we have been out of the condo since Friday AM. With all I was trying to juggle, I was bound to forget something. Kids seem to be rolling with it. Heat will be turned on Monday and then the unpacking begins. And of course it is 17 degrees and our first snowstorm of the year.


    I think now that the move is over and I have been able to slow down a bit, I have found myself getting depressed over the weekend. Thoughts: I have no right to date anyone, I am stage 4 and dying, at my next scan it will comeback with a spread and I will have to change treatments and on and on. I am generally pretty good at staying in the moment, but this weekend, not so much. And I read about all the women here who are struggling and I feel guilty that I have gone through everything reasonably well. OK my whining for the day. And I have heard from the gentleman I had lunch with last week, texts over the weekend and we will try to get together this week. Can't even have much enthusiasm for that possibility.


    Phyllis - sounds like a wonderful trip and in warm weather


    bethu, enjoy the holidays with the babes and hugs for upcoming surgery. The babes must be getting to be fun, personalities and all


    Linda, thoughts and hugs as well


    Grandma - hope the sinus infection clears soon.


    Hope for all - a peaceful and gentle week


    Nel

  • GrandmaV
    GrandmaV Member Posts: 1,045

    Nel,  Since you let him know up front, sounds to me like it's not bothering him.  You may have a lot of good years left and if not maybe he wants to spend as much time with you as he can in the time left.  Since his wife died of breast cancer he knows what he would be getting into.  I'm just wondering if he is good enough for you.  Your personality comes through your posts and you are an extraordinary woman.   I've noticed you have a lot of insight and patience.  Your unconditional love for your kids is quite amazing even though your son gave you some major headaches.  But because of you he has turned his life around and is becoming a very responsible man.  So,  I'm thinking this guy will have to be an extra special individual to measure up to your standards and I'm confident with your insight you'll be able to figure him out and I know you'll  be cautious.  I would really hate for you to get hurt again, after you know who. 


  • GrandmaV
    GrandmaV Member Posts: 1,045


    I was so happy this morning when I weighed. 2 more pounds off so 15 in all. You'll never guess what my exercise is now. Embarrassed to say because I'm almost 60, and about 80 pounds overweight, and look like a clown when I do this. Belly-dancing! I do it in private and my husband doesn't even know. I found some beginner videos on u-tube and they're so much fun and so far very low impact. I wanted to concentrate on my core and letrozole belly (very much like beer belly). It's even helping my lower back. You should hear all the popping and cracking. It's hilarious and I can't help laughing when I see myself in the mirror. Try to imagine Jackie Gleason belly-dancing, yep that's what I remind myself of. I think since it's fun, I can do it at home, and it's seems to be giving me results fairly quickly that I'll be able to stick to it. I never had so much fun all by myself.

  • Quaatsi
    Quaatsi Member Posts: 270


    Happy Holidays everyone-- glad to hear all the good news and the upbeat energy! Q

  • Quaatsi
    Quaatsi Member Posts: 270


    oh WOW Grandma that sounds like SO MUCH fun!!! I have a friend who belly dances and she has stayed in great condition for decades. Maybe someday you will be telling us that you made an outfit with finger cymbals and you are performing at the local cancer center!!!

  • GrandmaV
    GrandmaV Member Posts: 1,045


    It would have to be at the circus with the other clowns

  • bahamamom3
    bahamamom3 Member Posts: 275


    Grandma, 15 pounds is awesome, especially here at holiday time! I am so proud of you. When I used to go to weight watchers, there were several women, all about our age now, who did belly dancing. They really liked it. I say if you enjoy it and it gets you exercising, it is definitely a good thing. Don't worry about what you think you may look like.


    Linda, have you heard from your mammogram yet? I know working in a school you can keep your mind off the wait at least during school hours because there is never a dull moment in a school.


    Nel, I hope you are feeling better. I am sorry you got depressed this weekend. You certainly have a right to any feelings that you have, but I agree with Grandma. You are worthy of so much more life and happiness and I hope you will not think or believe any differently anymore.


    I found out about my older sister's PET scan. There was no cancer. I was really happy for her because so many people depend on her and if she were to have a serious illness like lung cancer, she wouldn't have anyone to help her.


    Have a great week everyone!

  • bethu77
    bethu77 Member Posts: 263

    Grandma V---Belly Dancing! 15 pounds is proof that it works! I do any kind of dance here at home and with family. I think it is very important to just keep moving! I bought a Komen bike for myself for Christmas. My husband bought one for himself too. After I have surgery and I am healing, we will be riding as much as possible. 

    Bahamamom---So happy to hear the words "no cancer." 

    I hope everyone hears good news from all the tests and mammograms you have. I don't have those anymore and I don't miss them. For me, it is scary to have any kind of new feeling.I have to pay close attention to my body. I am looking forward to this Christmas. It will keep my mind off my upcoming surgery. Especially since I won't know how much needs to be done until I wake up. 

    Enjoy each day my friends!

  • Bonseye
    Bonseye Member Posts: 124

    I have been away for quite some time. I needed to live without "cancer" in my every day and thought. I am so happy to see so many people doing well. I was so saddened by the loss of Julie, there are no words to describe the devastating sadness.  We have all shared so much together. Life's journey never seems to be what we dreamed of......we just have to ride the waves. 

    I send  Blessings to everyone this holiday season. The holidays can represent so many different things to so many. May we enjoy our families and the love we share. You are all such strong amazing ladies--Rock that strength--Enjoy the reason for the season <3

  • GrandmaV
    GrandmaV Member Posts: 1,045

    Bonseye, it so good to hear from you.  I hope you are doing well.   We understand what you mean when you say you wanted to live without "cancer" in your every day and thought.    We all have been through a lot together and share a bond that is quite unique and special.   We Thank you for posting today.  I have been wondering how you're doing.  

  • Nel
    Nel Member Posts: 597

    Good afternoon  to all.  I am finally back up and running with tv and internet!  

    I want to wish all a happy, and peaceful holiday season.  I don't know where I would be without the strength and courage of each and everyone of you.  Your support, generosity and wisdom have been what has gotten me through many a day.

    Be well,

    Nel

  • Quaatsi
    Quaatsi Member Posts: 270

    Merry Christmas Everyone 

    I hope you all enjoy the holiday.  Q

  • bethu77
    bethu77 Member Posts: 263

    Merry Christmas to everyone! I have been in Indiana this past week with my husband visiting with family and friends. It has helped keep my mind off my surgery on Friday. Blessings to each of you today and always. Make the most and best of 2013!

  • bahamamom3
    bahamamom3 Member Posts: 275

    Thinking of all of you this Christmas Day and wishing you a very happy holiday and a healthy New Year with no (or at least as few as possible) cancer worries.

  • bethu77
    bethu77 Member Posts: 263

    Hello everyone! I am home from surgery and resting. He took the implant out and removed the scar tissue underneath. He told my family I might need radiation. I see him on January 2 and my onco on January 8. He took out as much as he could to prevent future cancer. If it does recu, he said it would be microscopic and could be taken care of with radiation. Thanks for prayers. I'll try to post updates as I get them.

    My youngest daughter came down with us and is flying home on Sunday.

  • Nel
    Nel Member Posts: 597

    bethu,

    Rest and care for yourself.  Sounds like very good news as we move into 2014!  

    Be well

    Nel

  • bahamamom3
    bahamamom3 Member Posts: 275

    Beth-I am glad you are home from surgery and resting up now. It was good that you had one of your daughters with you also. Families can be such a comfort. Did you have radiation before? 

  • Quaatsi
    Quaatsi Member Posts: 270

    Sounds like promising and hopeful news! Rest and care for yourself. Q

  • linnyhopp
    linnyhopp Member Posts: 466

    Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and hoping that 2014 will be filled with love and health! 

    Beth I am so glad you are home and resting.  Sorry you have had to have another surgery and hoping this ordeal will be behind you very soon.

    Happy New Year to all of my November 2011 sisters!

  • bethu77
    bethu77 Member Posts: 263

    I had radiation in 2008 with my DCIS diagnosis. My husband and I didn't think I could have it again. We'll find out more when I see the onc again. I have confidence in my medical team here to help me make the right decisions in my long term care.

    I want to add that this time my battle is more mental than physical. The surgery has not been too painful but seeing my lopsided chest for the first time will be a shock to me. I had both breasts removed but I had expanders in and knew my chest would not stay flat. It will be an adjustment for sure. 

  • GrandmaV
    GrandmaV Member Posts: 1,045

    Beth  - I hope this is the last time you have to deal with this.   Sounds like your medical team is on top of things.   Anytime you have very little pain after surgery is definitely a plus.   I wish there was something we could do to lessen the shock when you see your surgery site.  I can't imagine what it would be like, but just thinking about it makes me very sad.   If it takes time to adjust, don't worry about that.  Take all the time you need.   Everyone grieves in their own way and time, it doesn't make you less strong  against this disease, it just means you're sorry for the parts that were the casualties in this battle.  I admire your stamina and determination to keep up this fight.  You've been at this a lot longer than I have and your example has inspired me in so many ways. 

  • bethu77
    bethu77 Member Posts: 263

    I am getting together my list of questions. I know some of these can be answered by the surgeon and others by my onc. I will definitely ask about radiation. I need to listen to the recorder my husband had going during consultation after the surgery. If you think of anything I should ask, please let me know. I don't always have my notebook beside me to write them down. Also, it will help me ask things I didn't think to ask.

    Also, I want to wish each of you a very Happy New Year. I hope it is full of blessings and laughter. We all need these always!

  • Nel
    Nel Member Posts: 597

    A peaceful and healthy New Year to all

    nel

  • linnyhopp
    linnyhopp Member Posts: 466

    Hoping you are all well and enjoying the first day of the new year.  I hope and pray we will all have many blessings and better healthy  In 2014.  Beth I am glad you haven't had a lot of pain and as Grandma said take all the time you need to adjust to the image in the mirror.  It is still a shock when I happen to see myself after a shower and I avoid it as much as possible. You have been through much more than me and I admire you for fighting an unfair battle and staying strong. Please keep us posted and I hope you'll get all the info you need at your appointment.  Hugs to all...Linda







  • bethu77
    bethu77 Member Posts: 263

    Happy, Happy, Happy. Clear margins! I will have the drain tube for another week but I have clear margins! Such a good start to the new year. I hope each of you are doing well too.

  • Nel
    Nel Member Posts: 597

    Yeah - great news to begin the new year!

    Nel

  • GrandmaV
    GrandmaV Member Posts: 1,045

    So glad to hear that Beth.  Yay!

  • Quaatsi
    Quaatsi Member Posts: 270

    Whoopee-- doing the happy dance! 

  • phgraham
    phgraham Member Posts: 909

    Yay Beth!  I am SO glad for you!!