Kiwi ladies who need encouragment, but all welcome.
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hi everyone
Kt enjoy your week off Xeloda - so glad that se's aren't too bad for you. How are you coping emotionally now that you're into treatment?
Midnight - thanks for sharing that story. Lucky escape alright. And no you don't really think about checking tyres when you jump into your car.
Jo - congrats on finishing. Take some time to yourself to rest and heal up. You've done so well.
My 2 youngest had 3 weeks school hols so only just gone back this week. Some normality returns.
Going to go see the Mrs Browns Boys movie tomorrow night for a fundraiser - hope it's funny.
Raining here today - only just started in last couple hours.
I've been getting into some scrapbooking the last couple weeks - doing a baby album for my sister-in-law of the new baby (6 months old now tho!!). So what hobbies/crafts/distractions is everyone into? Let's share x
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just read an article onYahoo NZ news that Doctors failed to tell patient about the fact she had a her2 positive gene for BC and she has died and other things, they failed to tell her or told her wrong, her knowing about may have saved her, may not too, little worrying when they keep info like that.
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hi Kruise, I'm still finding this whole stage IV thing quite surreal. It's like it's happening to someone else...I'm going thru the motions. Every now & then it hits me & I feel quite sad/scared/shocked? Hard to describe. Other times I feel quite positive, like I could have years yet
I hope you enjoy Mrs Browns Boys & the kids being back at school
As far as hobbies - at the mo I mainly like reading, walking & coffee with friends... I really should get into something creative too...
I used to be into improving our block with planting etc & the beasties we had, but I seem to have run out of enthusiasm & energy. We are prob going to downsize sometime soon.
At the moment having weekends to do fun stuff without worrying about feeding animals etc sounds good to me- going away for weekends etc exploring & walking with family/friends
Have a good night all
kt
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Midnight, I saw that article too. Poor woman & her family. Should never have happened.
Hope you are well
kt
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KT you need to be kind to yourself. stage 4 takes some getting used to, I'm not sure you ever do really but it becomes a new weird kind of normal.
I had chemo no 43 today. Because they were short staffed I ended up having mine in the infusion room they use for the herceptin girls. It made an interesting change
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Thanks Shazza. It will take time I guess. Today I woke up with a headache & nausea so I took anti-nausea meds then threw up 20 mins later- but I felt heaps better after that!
managed to go to lunch in ak today with my mum & sister which was great. Felt tired & unwell after, but I'm bouncing back after a rest. So far so doable! Can't really complain
How are you doing? Are your se's ok? I'm so glad there are lots of treatment options out there. I'm hanging on for a cure! Wouldn't that be nice
Hope everyone's had a nice day too! And that you've all managed to fit some fun in for yourselves
kt
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I've been very lucky with taxol I have very few SEs fatigue being the biggest one. I must admit to being a bit sick of chemo after so many sessions.
I finally went and got fitted for a prosthesis and bra after having my implant removed in May. It's nice to be balanced at last. But boy I really had no idea what bra size I am. It was a little embarrassing to say the least.
Hope everyone has been going well. I've got today off work and I'm being sooo lazy.
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Shazza, I love the comment about the bra size I am sure they use a different sizing to ordinary bras. I too was shocked by the size.
Warning don't dry your foob on the heater.
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I've just woken up from a much needed nap after work. I can relate to the fatigue Shazza. I'm glad it's mostly ok tho. Congrats on the foob & bra.
Alyson I hate to think what a foob would look like after being on the heater
kt
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hi all
kt - you seem to coping so well with the new turn of events and taking the xeloda treatments in your stride...can't help but think that sooner or later there's a chance that we will all be in the same boat, so very encouraging to hear that it's doable - and of course shazza you've been coping with this for some time.
Kruise, as far as hobbies are concerned, I like to read, currently reading the Twilight series cause my twelve yo was reading them and wanted to make sure that is was ok, but actually quite enjoying them! Before that read "The guernsey potato peel literary society" which was really good, also enjoy going for walks on the beach, knitting, last year was into lead lighting (but havent picked it back up again yet) and the same with horse riding - haven't been on her since last year. Also enjoy gardening and studying - aim to do 2 papers every term ( god i sound like a total nerd now).
Just curious, how do they measure for the foobs? Can you just pick any size and what are they madw of- foam rubber or silicone?
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Woody the foob I've just got is silicone. It feels a bit like a chicken fillet. I went to a supplier and they fitted me for a bra and then found a prosthesis that made me match. They come in different sizes I've got a size 1 which is the smallest (yay me) but they go up to 17 I think. The bras have a special pocket fitted for the foob so it doesn't pop out.
I also have a cute knitted one I've been using that a friend made for me
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Woody you are a busy person. I do lot of knitting and sewing especially on this weather.foobs come in all sizes and of you have bi mastectomy you can choose if just one they try to get one that matches so you are even. I have several - silicone, micro beads, silicone and beads which is the one I dried on the heater and now is a bitmisshapen and a silicone one with fibre in the back. The bead one is for swimming yay get to bed as I have had a bad day with my rheumatoid arthritis.
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Woody- you are busy
We just got our pony back, after he was leased for a year. I haven't ridden him, not sure if I'm game with bone mets- don't want to risk a fall. I'll leave him to my daughter to ride. We'll need to sell him when we put the house on the market & downsize. That '...Literary Society' book is good- I read it a few years ago. I just read 'The Elegance of the Hedgehog' which was popular a few years back & enjoyed that.
I hope your RA is not bothering you now Alyson. You sound very creative
I'm still pleasantly surprised at the lack of se's (apart from tiredness) from xeloda- long may it continue. Hope its working
Take care all
kt
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KT I'm glad to hear your side effects with Xeloda are minimal. I'm sure it's working
So busy here with work and family I hardly have time for cancer. Had my 44th Taxol yesterday. Not to many more and I will have been on it for a year. My daughter has her first School Ball on Saturday and after 2 disinterested older brother I'm finally experiencing Ball madness.
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Hah, Shazza, ball madness
We were there 2 years ago. After trying on about 50 dresses in around 7 shops we finally found the perfect gown in a little 2nd hand shop in Remuera! It was worth it as dd had a great time & looked lovely all dressed up, hair & makeup done
My son reckons he'll go next year (yr 13)
I hope your daughter has a great time.
Wow a year nearly. It's so great that you're busy & not defined by the cancer.
The surgeon I saw told me to contact hospice when she told me the news. I was shocked- I'm not going to do that for some time yet- I am still well & plan to be for some time yet! We'll see in a few years maybe
Have a good night
kt
(Edited becos I can't type on my phone!)
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KT my oncologist offered me a referral to hospice when he gave me the news even though he plans on keeping me alive for sometime. I refused the offer even though I know hospice is not just for end of life but chronic illness as well. My mother was under them for two years when she was diagnosed stage 4. She did art classes and got massages and all sorts early on. I'm still not quite ready in my head to make that step even knowing what I do about them. It seems a little like admitting defeat although the idea of a free massage or two does appeal.
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I know what you mean, Shazza. Good to know they do provide more than just end of life stuff tho.
I'm going to be real lazy today (or this morning at least) and watch a dvd my parents passed on to me a while ago that I haven't got around to yet
I always feel so guilty when I do stuff like that- I'll make up for it later
kt
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hi ladies
Shazzakelly and Kt - so glad both your treatments are going well so far.
Hope you enjoyed the movie kt - don't feel bad about relaxing and chilling out. We all need times like that.
Shazza - enjoy the ball madness. I have already gone through that this year as my daughter's ball was in late May and then she went to her boyfriend's one in July. Of course she needed two different dresses! No way was she going to wear the same one for both. Anyway - she found both online. The first one she was able to order with her exact measurements and it wasn't too badly priced - about $120 USD - but at least the NZ dollar was quite high then so rate not too bad. It was a lovely hot pink fushia colour. She's talked about re-selling it but hasn't done anything about it yet. The second dress was a lot more simpler looking and just plain white but she wore a big huge blue necklace to jazz it up. She is only year 12 - so next year is her big 'leaving school' ball and parents get to go along too.
I have two older children - my son never bothered with school balls even though he had 2 chances going to end of year 13. My other daughter did go to her year 12 ball - just on her own - and she looked lovely too. She didn't go to school for year 13 though as left to do an early childhood qualification. She will be 21 in November and wants a big 21st that I have to help plan!
Well on Tuesday night I went for the first time to a local breast cancer support meeting. I had always seen it was held on the first Tuesday of every month but had always either been away or busy etc! But I decided this week I should go along. I'm glad I did. There was a guest speaker there from Wellington hospital who gave a simple talk on 'what is cancer' and more specifically the types of breast cancer and how each treatment works etc. Her area of expertise is cell biology and she works in the cancer research area. She motivated me again to start eating healthier and cut out refined sugar after explaining how all cells need glucose to survive but normal cells can convert other types of food into energy at a slower rate. So sugary foods will feed the cancer cells - it's not a myth! They are multiplying faster so their energy needs are greater. So definitely something for us all to try and do. Apparently Stevia and real maple syrup are ok to use as the body processes these differently to refined sugar. Next month we have a medical herbalist as a guest speaker. Afterwards we got to have a cuppa and a chat with each other. There were women there at all different stages. I only really talked to about 4 other women and one lady was about to go through her treatment as had just had surgery so she was unsure about what was going to happen. So I think I will try and attend more.
Have a great weekend everyone! It's Friday and the sun is out here for now so I might need to go enjoy it while it lasts!!
Love to all x
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hi all
just curious kt, did you have hormonal treatment -tamoxifen at all?
weather is lovely here, going for a walk on the beach with the new pup soon. I had heard about the sugar thing and also about fasting before chemo to starve the cancer cells and then having sugar during chemo so the little buggers really suck it up. Did it for two chemo sessions, but did struggle with the fasting.
Won't have to worry about the ball thing for a couple of years yet luckily...I'm sure it will drive me nuts. Went through it with oldest son, that wasn't too bad, next son is 14 and then my girl is nearly 13 so all still to come.
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not the best photo. I couldn't get her to pose sensibly or take the joke face jewellery off but you get the idea. Glad it's all over. The dress is a vintage piece older than her and cost $50. I had to laugh when after the ball several of her friends arrived at our place and changed out of their finery and into their usual denim shorts and sneakers then with a sigh of relief went off to the after ball
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I really hope this ebola virus does not get here, they are starting screening for any travellers from those affected countries.
Kruise, we were in Wellington friday picking up turkeys from Whitemans valley and also out on the Waikanai Road, its got a real long name, Akatawa or something, but brings you out at Waikanai. its a long road, very narrow and it was snowing, its got a cafe down a big hill beginning with S and it was a bit hairy going around the corners, glad we had van, not the small truck, not much room to pull over in places, i shut my eyes, praying, there was no other coming, was hard to see, then i had to relieve myself, and it was snowing, and i thought, Darn, i need to go and my bum is going to get cold lol. abit different for him, he don't need to squat. I was glad to get to civilisation again and wider roads. lol One day i hope to get to meet you when we there, but sometimes he is in a hurry to get back, but one day. we may bring it about.
have a GOOD SUNDAY, DARN COLD.
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Hi all. Sounds like a few of you have been having fun with ball madness
& more to come in the coming years. Your daughter looks lovely, Shazza, joke jewellery & all.
What sort of pup do you have Woody? They're fun but lots of work. I'm trying to downsize our menagerie & property - lots to do....
I did tamoxifen for 7 years then changed to zoladex injections 4 weekly + letrozole 3 years ago when my tumour markers went up & up. Now I'm just on xeloda. I prob was stage IV 3 years ago but nothing showed on scans.
Glad you enjoyed the support group Kruise. I went to one when first diagnosed 10 years ago but it was all older women so I felt a bit out of place...
Midnight, it sounds like you had a chilly adventure! It's not that cold up here but I have the fire going
DH & DS have gone to the movies to see Monty python. It's too long for me so I'm staying home in my pjs to watch Poirot which is also late but at least I can lay on the sofa
I'm soooo tired lately. Have a good night
kt
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Shazza, love the ball gown dress, very lovely, she is so lovely and slim and gorgeous. oh to be young. and when i was young, i wanted ti be older, funny how we change. lol. we used to call them school socials and i went to Whangarei girls high and the boys high were just down the road and they used to have turns of hosting it. and the first boy i danced with, stunk of garlic. abit put offish, but he was nice to talk to. i am reminicing alot lately. memorys are good, well some are.
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Shazza - your daughter looks gorgeous and the dress is amazing. Suits her beautifully.
Midnight I know exactly the road you went on - it is very windy and narrow and I think you are referring to 'Staglands' where the cafe was - there is a small animal (petting type park) for the kids there too, right?
I hope you are feeling a bit better kt. I guess it's expected some side effects will kick in and unfortunately fatigue is a biggie.
Woody - you'll have to post a picture of your pup. Walking on the beach sounded good. I love the beach.
You must have just about done taxol #45 now Shazza. Are they planning anymore scans for you?
I was asked the other day if I could meet up with a friend's friend to help tell her about chemo and stuff as she's just gone through bc surgery and it sounds very similar to what I went through. I said 'of course' I would. So sad to hear of another lady having to go through all this.
I'm also starting a 'Living Well' course that the Cancer Society are running on Wednesdsy so will see how that goes - it runs for 6 weeks and another chance to meet some other women.
How are you doing Jo? Haven't heard from you for a bit. Recovering from the rads ok?
Take care everyone. x
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Shazza your daughter is gorgeous, love the vintage dress!
Kt our pup is a freebie cross...mum is a golden retriever x longhaired german pointer and dad is black lab. He's black and hairy and about 4 months now, very cute, keen to please & growing at an unbelievable rate. Couldn't agree on a name..in the end we all wrote three names and mixed them up on the floor and the first one that the pup picked up was it (Harris - not my choice but it's grown on me)
Just started on the letrozole, not noticing any SE yet, is the zoladex for your bones? They still want to do a bone density scan. Wonder about the tumor markers, don't think they've done that with me...is it standard procedure?
Went to the movies for the first time in ages to see What we do in the shadows, really enjoyed it..
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Hi Woodyhollow - I am on monthly Zoladex injections and it is to stop my ovaries working and this allows me to go on Letrozole or Femara as I refused to go on Tamoxifen. I don't know if they do tumour markers in NZ do they? It appears they don't do a lot of things in NZ that our sisters from overseas get, like gene testing and onco testing etc. It worries me greatly that most with my size tumour, even though I have Lobular, have Chemo but my NZ Doctors didn't think I would benefit form it?
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Yes, kruise, that would be the cafe, never went there, i just wanted to get off that road. lol. i would not like to meet a big truck on there. scarey.
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Woody, your pup sounds gorgeous
My sister has a labradoodle & she's lovely. I'd be tempted, but I know they're a lot of work & I'm too tired (& grumpy) these days!
Yes, Fizzdon is spot on- I had the zoladex inj's to shut down my ovaries (was premenopausal).
My GP did tumour markers, but you're right onc's don't usually in NZ except for stage IV. So I had a head's up thanks to my GP...
Time for a rest as I worked today (not much fun when it was pouring with rain, luckily it stopped after a couple of hours).
Hope everyone's well
kt
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So sad to hear about Robin Williams's passing. I still remember watching Mork & Mindy from my teenage years! Nanu Nanu! :-)
Such an incredibly talented guy.
:-( :-(
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For sure.
Strange how a lot of comedians struggle with depression.
I feel for his family
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