2013 Survivors!!!
Comments
-
Hi girls,
Thanks for your encouragement! I'm doing fine on day 2. Did some walking, now in bed again for a nap. This is doable, really. Going home tomorrow - yayy!!
Hugs to those with physical or emotional pain. This is not a bed of roses. Some days are darker, but then things get lighter again. Just hang in there, and the bad times will pass.
0 -
Cmber,how did you break your foot? Yep,that pain is gonna linger.
Felt good to get it all out with a scream. I am normally a quiet, mild mannered person who never even says damn. My son called me twice today and a little bird has been outside my kitchen window singing. Guess God heard me praying last night. I will probably have to take a nap. Just wanted to have one night off for my liver without sleeping meds. Finally gave up and took the meds.
I am heeding all the advice. I know we have support groups here but I gotta work til 7:30pm or 8 most days. Went to a Sat support group once for all kinds of cancers,but those people were way sicker than me and they scared me half to death. Shivers! I can count my blessings that it wasnt as bad as it could have been.
Yep we all gotta hang in there and ask for support when we need it.
0 -
Thanks to ALL for the wonderful info., suggestions and connections for more great info. on foot and bone repair. Broke it just walking in the back yard after doing some gardening for my Sis. Yes, I have kept foot elevated ASAP but the broken bone is the fifth metatarsal and MD said it is one of the hardest bones to repair. Just got a pretty "BOOT" that makes me look like the bride of Frankenstein, GREAT!. I will try any and all other suggestions that you all have made right now! I'm taking Celebrex when I can (have GERD) and Dilauded to Tylenol depending on the pain level. Gonna go back to icing too just because it relieves the pain a little. Thanks again ALL. Happy Sunday, Peace, Luv and Blessings!
"Flowers" (aka cmbernardi)
0 -
Carolyn, I broke that bone too but when I was 18 ... Back then I had a plaster cast. My sister broke hers a few years ago and she said definitely ice ... Take the boot off to ice and ice often. Take care.
0 -
Thanks Joanne. Ice certainly does help quite a bit!
0 -
Happy Monday ladies! I did my weigh in this morning and lost a whole pound! If I did my weigh in on Saturday it would've been 3! But then I had to go to a bbq yesterday and Saturday I took the kids to friendlys to celebrate my son's belt achievement! He does tae kwon do and Saturday was his belt ceremony. He was supposed to go from orange to yellow. So the instructors are giving all the kids their belts and John is just sitting there and they (being funny) said ok we're done and all the kids were like No! John didn't get his! Well he goes on to say how they rarely do this but some kids are just that dedicated and it shows in their skills and they skipped yellow and went to camoflauge! I bust out crying my mom in law is crying one of the other moms is taking pictures of us crying! I'm still crying when I think of it. I am so proud of him! He really loves this!
I couldn't wait to share with you all. Funny I got home and texted my friends and all but telling you here really is special to me. You are all family to me now and being able to tell you the good instead of the bad means so much more because you get it. This past year we had so much bad that the good means so much more and yes our friends are happy for us that we are all doing good now and moving on with our lives but when these little things happen it means SOOO much more than they realize. But you all do. You get it and for that I love you all! I may never get a chance to say that to you in person but I'm saying it here and now!
Ok enough sappiness. Time to get some work done around here. Have a great day ladies!
Karen
PS - Juneau - did I miss anything? How did the inspection go?
0 -
Congratulations Karen..that is awesome! Those moments are precious!
Hope everyone else is doing ok. My DS started his summer job at the law firm today. Proud of him as he has worked hard to get this far. One more year of law school to go...and he gets married this time next year. Funny how birthdays never really meant that much to me until now....I will be with my DD in New Orleans for a mother daughter getaway on my birthday this sat...and next year, let us all live and be well!, I will celebrate my birthday by attending my son's wedding on that very day. What a difference a year makes. Hugs to all!
0 -
Karen....what a lovely story....congrats to your son....I remember being so disappointed
when BOTH my sons decided to quit while working on their black belts..took years of hard work to get to that level....their choice, what can you do?
Aruba...nice trips ahead for you and a wedding on your birthday, how exciting.
I'm going to a wedding next month on my birthday....sadly NOT one of my boys but a close friend ....and yes what a difference a year makes ....this time last year I was just finishing rads, slightly fatigued and my breast peeling with a fungus....lol
Tazzy, I know you're back...hope you had a great time with the outlaws
Liefie.....love love your new avatar ....how beautiful you are, and that smile!!!! glad
you are healing well.
Flowers, how's the foot? Less pain I hope. Please don't take Chevy's advice and shoot it...ha ha ha (private joke)
Layla.....how are you doing?
Everybody else ....hope all is well and Websister fingers crossed for you this week.0 -
Congrats on John's achievement, Karen! Feels so good when our kids work hard, reap the benefits, and are rewarded for it. You are so right in that big moments have so much more meaning now than before. I honestly feel more 'alive' now than before bc when I took everything for granted. So different now!
Cmbernardi, I hope that foot pain is under control? Weird how these things have a way of happening when we least expect, need or want it, eh? As if you don't have enough to contend with . . .
Aruba, you can be rightfully proud of your son, and you have so many nice things to look forward to. You sound really well! My DS is getting married on Nov. 30 - also looking forward to that.
Hi Scottiee! Yes, what a difference a year makes! A year ago I was in that no man's land between chemo and rads, fighting with the rad onc to start rads earlier so that I could be finished before DD's wedding. She did not budge, but it's all good. Just grateful to be here.
I came home from the hospital yesterday after DIEP surgery. As promised before, the secretive Liefie had her kids help her get her avatar up here for the first time. The photo was taken as I was being re-united with my beloved Siamese who was all over me purring, kneading, and just too happy that her human slave was back home - lol. Should probably have put on make-up and earrings before photo 'shoot' - lol - it is what it is. What can I say? Been on this board for a year now, and it was time. Doing remarkably well, and soooo happy surgery is over!
0 -
liefie - your hair looks great in the photo! How long has it been since you finished chemo? How lovely for you to be back home - be sure to take the time to rest and be pampered while your body heals after the surgery.
0 -
Adagio, I finished chemo on May 7 last year, and have had 4 haircuts so far. The last one was a very, very short cut a week ago because of the surgery. Do not want to be bothered about hair for the next 6 - 8 weeks. I'm being very good to myself today after the excitement of coming home yesterday. Just staying in my room close to my bed ready to nap at any time . . .
0 -
liefie - good for you staying in your room. I find it so hard to rest - I am a get up and go person naturally, and it was challenging for me to "take it easy" during my chemo and rads. Fortunately I never felt really sick during either treatments and was able to carry on doing most things.
I am looking forward to my hair coming in - I finished chemo in March - just have a bit of snow white fuzz all over my head - I wonder if it will stay this colour or if it will get darker. Your hair seems to grow very fast if you had 4 haircuts in a year after chemo ended!
Have a recuperative day and hope you are not in too much pain.
0 -
Yes, the journey we all have been through is and was trying, but I' happy to say I am a 2 yr survivor.As far as Tamoxefen I had nothing but side effects from it. I've been on it a little more then a year. Mag- Ox helps the leg cramps though. My Primary told me to take that and it really works. I'm hot all the time. I drive my hubby and my daughter CRAZY with it. I guess I'm the odd one. As the saying goes "theres one in every bunch" Also a very onwanted side effect too. You ladies are so lucky to have good luck with it.
I still worry about it coming back even though my ono says I'm Cancer free. I guess the worries are normal. I still stay UPBEAT even so. Tat is so important to me.
Thanks so much for listening. Any comments are ofcourse welcome
0 -
Thanks, Adagio! No, I'm not in any pain, and taking the medication as prescribed. No sense in trying to be brave. You're lucky that you had that energy throughout treatment. Chemo knocked me out completely, and I was weak as a baby. Not any more!
If you have snow white fuzz, it sounds as if it is certainly coming in. The colour will be interesting for sure. My fuzz was white, and so was the hair. I'm 58, and that's what I expected. Always colored it before chemo, but not anymore. It took 8 full weeks after chemo ended for that fuzz to appear, and I was worried sick because I had had Taxotere which can cause permanent hair loss for some women whose hair never grow back. My hair is definitely thinner than before on top, but I always had enough hair for 3 people, so it is probably just normal now - lol. A nice bonus was that I have very little hair on my legs now. The chemo knocked them out. Lashes are normal, but eyebrows will never be the same again. Have to use a pencil to fill in the blanks, but I'm alive, and that's the important thing. Trying to nap, but the phone keeps ringing. My boys are on their way back to Alberta after the weekend, and keep phoning to tell us where they are. In Kamloops now eating lunch - still a long way to go to Edmonton.
0 -
Hope1953, the Tamoxifen story is certainly interesting. I can soooooo identify with the 'hotness' that you describe. Often I will shower and dress to go out somewhere, and the moment I finish my makeup, I break out in a sweat to the point that I have to put on another top, wipe my face etc. It's so annoying, because now you're all sweaty and sticky again - ughhhhh. I'm sure it's purely psychological, but I'm only using some eye makeup and lipstick now, nothing else, and it's much better. I also try to wear natural fibres like cotton which breathes, and helps to keep you cooler. A fan by the bed is also a must. DH sleeps under the covers, and I lie spread-eagled on top, catching the breeze - lol. For me that is the only side-effect, so I can't complain. Staying upbeat is the only way to go. Worries are normal, but we can't let them steal our joy, no way. Bc takes a lot, and enough is enough.
0 -
I am just like liefie .... I gave up wearing make up and I am constantly fanning myself. I have my own office at work so bought myself a fan ... I run a fan at night to circulate the air but I do sleep under the covers and can say that I do NOT have night sweats ... Daytime is enough.
0 -
With the onset of this beautiful warm weather, I have done nothing but sweat. OMG. Could it be Tamoxifen? My first summer on it is going to be a hot one if this is any indication.
0 -
So glad to see you doing so well Liefie..please keep taking it easy!! You are premenopausal and thus on Tamoxifen? I will be 54 later this week and went through Menopause at 50 so on Arimidex. ..biggest complaint I have on that is the stiffness in my ankles when I first get out of bed. Goes away with movement so won't complain, but do feel like my joints have aged.
Will be leaving Thurs to get to DD and then flying out...so depending on how much I get done in next few days wanted to wish everyone good thoughts..in fact...before I forget..
Chrisrenee, While I am partying it up on Bourbon street on Sat hopefully at a dueling piano bar so DD and I can sing to our hearts content..with no one hearing me...lol... want you to know I will hoist a drink up in honor of you and your one year since DX anniversary. You have come so far and I am happy to share this journey with you! To all my sisters celebrating good things...serenity, houses, good test results, recouping well, birthdays, good health and each other.....Cheers!!
0 -
Hey sisters in the area of these tornadoes check in if you can and let us know you're ok! 🌈
0 -
Aruba, happy birthday to you later this week! I'm 58 and way past menopause, but my onc said Tamoxifen for 2 - 3 years, and then switch to Letrozole(Femara) for the remainder of the 5 years. Apparently this is a new protocol. Doing well on the Tamo, and not looking forward to the switch, and another set of SE's which may be way worse than what I have now.
0 -
Hi all I've been off this board for a while, but find I need some help. I was told before I did radiation I would not need chemo, but two weeks ago my oncologist sent the tumor out for a mamma print test. I had previously had it sent for a oncotype dx test in February. From the oncotype test he deemed radiation and hormone therapy would be enough, but from the mamm print test he is recommending chemo. Aside from being afraid about chemo, I'm just so discouraged. It's like a nightmare that will never end. I feel like I did back in January when I didn't know what my status would be. I had been given such encouraging news that it hadn't gone to the lymph nodes and was small that I had a 95% chance of a cure with radiation and hormone therapy. Now I feel like my world is in a complete downhill spiral. For the first time I don't think I can do this anymore. Need some encouraging information as I'm coming completely unglued.
0 -
Kkuziel,
I am just curious why the Dr. ordered both tests? What was your Oncotype Dx score? Was it intermediate, so he or she ordered the Mamma print? I don't know as much about the mamma print, just that it tests more genes than the Oncotype. I would definitely search out a second opinion given the conflicting advice!0 -
I agree with SwgeeWi ... I think a 2nd opinion ,.. What was the reason for both tests?
0 -
SwgeeWi, My oncotype score was 22. Which put me in the low intermediate. 90% ER+/PR+, HER2 negative. Tumor small. The mammo print test just identifies you as high or low. Apparently I was scored high. The mammo print company was offering the test for free if you had had the oncotype test, so my oncologist thought I might as well do it. I'm sure I will regret that decision for the rest of my life.
I am lymph node negative 0/5, plus had second surgery for greater margins around precancer area, no cancer found in second surgery. At my initial meeting with him he said with hormone therapy I would be at 95% "cured." Now according to this latest test I'm at 70%. I will learn more when I get a chance to talk to him, but this has certainly knocked me back about three months. I was so looking forward to moving on with my life after completing my radiation therapy at the end of April.
After I talk to him I will likely seek a second opinion. This is just so scary and for the first time since this all started I don't think I can do this any more. I feel cursed.0 -
Karen and Aruba, you're making me tear up! Karen I love your story and am so happy for your family and the joy that moment brought!
Aruba, how sweet that your son is getting married on your birthday! And have fun in New Orleans! (Have a Hurricane and enjoy some Dixieland or me!)
Liefie, so glad the surgery is a thing of the past and that you're doing well!
Hope, I'm going to look up Mag-Ox now!!😊
I hear you all on the damned hot flashes! Now I'm wearing a Spanx tank instead of a bra for compression and they're liars when they say it breathes. Got the ceiling fan going and another fan by my side of the bed at night. God-forbid, I think my coffee gave me a hot flash this morning! Gonna have to rethink that am routine!
I'll be coming up on the six month mark or having my cancer removed so I think I'll celebrate it, what the hell! It's a milestone to me! 🍹🍸I just rediscovered these, ha! 🆒0 -
Yes we had a really good trip thanks for asking. Weather cooperated and you know what... I really do have great outlaws... its just me.... I dont like people in my space - my Mum told me I was like that as a kid too.
dunno if I'll ever be able to catch up with you and what I have missed... so jumping in pockets, sending healing hugs to all.
Liefie - beautiful that's what you are.
Karen - how precious for you - what wonderful memories to hold.
Celebrate any milestones I say... whether they be our dx anniversary, our surgery anniversary. To me they all deserve celebration - because we have past them and we are living our lives to the full.
Hugs to you all my wonderful sisters xxxxxxxxxxx
0 -
Liefie - love your photo! Great job, yep, let the youngsters help with the technical stuff and anything else they will do. Glad your getting rest and feeling good.
Aruba - you are funny. Enjoy your get a way!
We are unpacked, feeling settled in already. I was able to bake today. My Zucchini Cookies are like friend magnets. We've already made new friends. Internet doesn't get installed until Wed or Thurs so I won't write much but you are all in my mind and heart. Stay well and smile alot, if nothing else, people wonder what we are up too!
KarenZ - congrats to your DS. I totally understand the crying. I went to my grandsons recital and cried through the whole performance! Glad I'm not the only one. So proud!
Newbies, you found the greatest most compassionate women on earth. You are in good hands here.
Juneau - how did your inspection go? Momof3 - did you make another offer?0 -
Believe - yes, we made another offer and the inspection is tomorrow so keep fingers and toes crossed that this goes better than the last one. Great to hear you are settling in to your new place.
I also want to thank everyone for the prayers for my DD. She is taking the news really well and asking logical questions. I also overheard her at the bus stop checking out the mole on her sisters arm and then she asked me questions about what a bad mole looks like. I have also calmed down and am thankful that it was caught early.
Karen - I completely know what you mean about crying at the good things. I do it all the time. Congrats to your DS.
Websister - I am still thinking of you and hoping Friday comes really quickly for you.
My DH and I are celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary on Wednesday. It seems like just yesterday that we met. We are still BFFs and truly in love with each other still. He has been my rock through this whole ordeal and I will never be able to thank him enough. I am still trying to figure out what to get him, but I guess a beach house is a really nice present.
Hugs to everyone and I am in pockets as needed.0 -
Believe - yes, we made another offer and the inspection is tomorrow so keep fingers and toes crossed that this goes better than the last one. Great to hear you are settling in to your new place.
I also want to thank everyone for the prayers for my DD. She is taking the news really well and asking logical questions. I also overheard her at the bus stop checking out the mole on her sisters arm and then she asked me questions about what a bad mole looks like. I have also calmed down and am thankful that it was caught early.
Karen - I completely know what you mean about crying at the good things. I do it all the time. Congrats to your DS.
Websister - I am still thinking of you and hoping Friday comes really quickly for you.
My DH and I are celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary on Wednesday. It seems like just yesterday that we met. We are still BFFs and truly in love with each other still. He has been my rock through this whole ordeal and I will never be able to thank him enough. I am still trying to figure out what to get him, but I guess a beach house is a really nice present.
Hugs to everyone and I am in pockets as needed.0 -
Happy Birthday Chrisrenee
0
