Any Texas Hill Country BC Warriors?
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Well all is going well so far. Other than being really really tired from the Chemo so far no side affects. Except the evil orange pill for nausea that knocked me out. So far no real side affects. But daddy makes sure I take my pills. Although tomorrow is the first day I can take a pill only if I feel that I need it. We did make it out today but I made my dad and daughter use my card and pin number because I REALLY became a germ-a-phobe overnight. Never used to be that way. No hair loss yet but was warned by the nurse by day 12 it should start coming out. It was kinda funny though decided to get a hair cut and it made me look a little butch because I was also wearing a large male button up western shirt. I actually can't wait to start loosing the hair so I can just wear the cute scarves. Then when I am wearing the cute scarves it doesn't matter that I have no boobs. I now know why my hubby didn't want me to cut my hair yet. Head is pretty tingly. So I have a feeling it will be coming out soon. I have decided tonight though that even though I have a little bit of Valium in me I am going to enjoy a glass of wine.
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Checking in. Here's my shooting schedule for September:
September 1 - TriRock Austin - sprint Triathlon starting at Zilker Park
September 7 - Brain Power 5k - this is one we do pro-bono and donate our time and all proceeds to the charity in honor of my father in law, who died last June of aggressive brain cancer - Cedar Park (race has grown from 250 participants to over 2000 in just 4 years)
September 13 - Tour de Cure (for diabetes) bike race - long day for us
September 21 - Georgetown Triathlon
September 28 - Run Amuck adventure race in Corpus Christi
October 11 & 12 - MS 150 bike race - very long weekend
I will post the picture from the Texas Runner's magazine, and maybe a couple of shots from the race this weekend. Truth be told, I have taken much better swim exit shots at other races. Funny which ones they pick to publish.
Terri and Cindy - I am all for a stroll at Dell Diamond on the 20th if y'all want to go for the survivor's walk. I don't want to stay the night though. Maybe next year the local TX Hill Country Warriors can participate as a team?
Jen - Hope things are calming down for you and that your friend is going to be okay. Sending positive thoughts your way.
luvmycanadian - great news on the NED! I see my oncologist in September. We have things to chat about, so I can't wait to see him again!
Kelsy - happy healing is underway and that the heal in comfort shirt made it a little easier!
Chaos - hoping chemo isn't keeping you down long! Chime in when you can. We miss hearing from you.
RHGSR - Glad the lungs are getting better. I have heard of the little pink houses. Sounds like fun. Did you get in?
Susug - sorry you're having to wait on test results....the hardest part about all this...waiting on test results. Best of luck on the upcoming surgery!
Zelda - nice to see you at work on Friday! You're looking great! Tissue Expanders are uncomfortable, but it gets easier as time goes by, mainly because you get use to it. But once you have the exchange surgery, you will feel like a new woman!
Remind me to tell you about my plans for Art Bra Austin this year. I want to participate, I have an idea for a bra, and I found an artist to make it happen! I'm going to have to get my own trainer in place (my son) so I can rock the runway in the dramatic piece. Can't wait! The first hurdle is getting it made. The second hurdle is getting it approved by BCRC committee. Don't you love it....spend the time and the money on the bra, then submit it and hope it gets approved. Plus, models (me for my piece being made for me) have to "pay" for the privilege to model. It's a racket...but for a good cause.
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Vbishop. You look like you will have a full month. Good luck on all of that. And yes the shirt was a huge success.
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So, yes ladies... My family was chosen to go to a Little Pink Houses of Hope retreat. I didn't want to post anything until we got back. It was incredible. This organization (turned 4 years old yesterday) is amazing. I have never experienced such love from complete strangers. I am all for all the race for cures and so many other breast cancer research and awareness programs and fundraisers... But this is so different. They are helping to heal and connect ( or reconnect) families as they battle in the trenches of breast cancer warfare. Once I'm able to organize my thoughts better I will tell y'all more about it. When just got home this evening. Going to try to post a flip a gram on here so y'all can see pictures.
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Hey guys!
I finished up 4 rounds of dense dose AC on the 19th... that last round really kicked my butt! Think I stayed in bed except to use the restroom for 5-6 days, barely avoided a blood transfusion my HGB had dropped to 9, but somehow was able to push thru, skip the transfusion and celebrate my first born's 20th birthday Aug 31st!
Preparing for dense dose Taxol... first infusion is tomorrow. It's crazy but I think I'm more nervous for the Taxol than I was for the AC, though it is supposed to be easier! I could have went with 12 weekly taxol infusions, but when the onco gave me a choice of dense dose I saw chemo ending a month sooner and jumped at it... now I'm second guessing myself!
RHGSR love your blog post... when I was diagnosed I was given a pink hat and first reaction was "but I hate pink!" -Don't tell anyone but I am secretly growing to like the color just a little lol
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Happy Hump Day!
Chaos - congrats on hanging in there for Bday bash...:))) and completing AC! Hoping you tolerate DDT well and finish early and strong...yeah, pink can grow on you if it's the right shade:) my fav color, so I wore blue to all appointments....didn't want my fav color to remind me...
Holli - yippee! Wow Happy Dancing for you and your family and all the families that are blessed through Little Pink Houses of Hope! What a blessing. Thank you for sharing...warms the heart ))
Vic - whoa! What a full schedule...:))) capturing memories! The art bra...so in to see your creation. Bravo!
Terri - what team are you on? Luminaries? Maybe we can be a team next year or just walk the and cheer the surviors lap...bring your tissues...happy tears.
Kelsey - hope this is a good week for you and your dd. Hair, hair...have you gone to LookGoodFeelBetter? Ask at our BC center, SA will have meetings...go so worth it. Y'all will have to check with Holli on how to register for the LPHOfHope. Would be cool if your family was selected!
Zelda - kiddos back at work...gf said the iron maiden, TE, we're not pleasant...here's to future )) glad you have Vic close by to cheer and guide:)
Susug - fingers&toes crossed for surgery...now breathe!
Jen - MIA...thinking of you!
I'm game to stroll a lap with Terri if anyone wants to go 9/20 to dell diamond! It is even more touching when you stay and see your name lit up on the luminaries ...yes, surviors we are ))
Hubby's been down in bed for over a week...ugh this infection. Pup and I have played fetch, walked the block, now doggy park...I've got line dancing at noon and I need Hunter sleepy pup so crate looks good...funny when both hubby and puppy are snore fest
(((Hugs)))
Cindy
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Cindy. First off thanks for reminding me about the look better feel better program. I did miss it at the hospital I usually get treatment from but found that I can go on the 8th to one WAY closer to our house. Physical therapy got changed as chemo started the day PT was to start. Next Wednesday is my second chemo treatment. So far hair has held on and other than anywhere I am touched hurts I have been doing okay. I was shocked to start such heavy chemo just 3 weeks from surgery but happy as well so my dad could be there for my first 2 treatments. Also thanks for reminding me about the American cancer society as I was able to set up transportation for all my my chemo treatments. I was hoping to have them on days the hubby was off but Wednesdays became the day. Everything else scheduled when he is off. I am hoping the SEs take it easy on me so far and well further on. And well I still don't mind losing the hair. I cut it short and now I don't like it. It needs to go. Oh and there is some large Girls Night Out thing going on (NOT SURE ON THE DAY YET) But it is for breast cancer women in my area so I might get to meet new people. I think it's also a fundraiser. I will see.
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Hi ladies,
Vicki, Cindy, I registered yesterday for the RFL as a survivor only. I think having a team next year is a great idea and walking in Sept may be better weather also. I am all for getting together at Dell on the 20th. Yes, I'm sure the tears will flow! Being on the "other side" will be another perspective for sure. Jen', join us if you can!
Cindy, I hope your hubby gets feeling better. Your pup is growing fast!
Vicki, good for you for getting a bra made for the BCRC fundraiser!
shewolf, glad everything is going well for you with your treatments, so far. Ask away if you have questions along the way.
chaos, I hope your infusions go well also.
holli, thanks for sharing your story!
zelda, susu, jen, check in with us! I hope I didn't miss anyone. I feel like I did...
((HUGS))
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Shelly- I loved physical therapy (still going). It can be hard to go during chemo and adding one more thing to the list is taxing, but for me...physical therapy was a life saver. It not only helped physically but mentally too. It helped to empower me if that makers any sense. Just wanted to share that...
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I do have a question. I had my port put in the right side during my mastectomy. The tube runs along my arm pit kind of. I guess different then the way it normally does. But it is driving me nuts. Does anyone every really get used to it? I feel like it is always cold. Even when I heat it up. I just don't know.
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it took me a few weeks to get used to it - well as used to anything foreign you have in your body. It bothered me mostly at night when I tried to sleep. Seemed like I had just gotten used to sleeping in the bed again after surgery then the port went and messed it up again. Did you get any of those little pillows they give you to put under your seat belt? Some have little Velcro shoulder straps in them. I have about 3 and I used them to to keep my chest "open" when I slept on my side to keep the port from feeling weird. Not sure if that helps you any...
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Hi Ladies-
I am trying to catch up with y'all!
My friend is doing really well, they saved his arm and he is doing really well with his PT. Now it is just a matter of keeping rejection and infection at bay with all the new parts they had to put in and all the pins. Modern medicine is really amazing sometimes.
Reading up and will get back tomorrow.
xoxo-
jeni
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Yes I have the pillow. It has been 4 weeks since the port and almost 2 weeks since first chemo treatment. I don't know just randomly feel better this morning though.
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Terri -
Shooting a race in the AM, but will sign up for survivor only as well tomorrow (after my mani/pedi - gotta have a mani/pedi!). Will keep you posted. Thanks for giving me the heads up about this. Even though we shoot a race the next day, I think its important, especially for women who have the "joy" of experiencing the full array of treatment options and come out the other side, happy and healthy.
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Terri - I signed up as well. Cindy, you in? Jen? Anyone else in North Austin (Round Rock/Hutto/Georgetown area) that want to do the survivor walk with us?
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I just realized it is my one year anniversary.....from seeing my obgyn, then straight for a diagnostic mammogram, which included a visit with the radiologist. She didn't come right out and say cancer, but we both knew. We talked about options, if it looked like any lymph nodes were involved, etc. 5 days later I am in for the biopsy. Two days later, I get the call from my obgyn and I am confirmed with ILC. Then the whirlwind of doctor appointments, surgery almost a month to the day of my mammogram, and the rest is history.Getting emotional just thinking about it....and reliving it, even though I've come out on the other side and my prognosis is good.
This is an unexpected reaction.
Happy Monday everyone!
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Vicki, congrats on your one year! I'm sure there are a lot of emotions. Mine is coming up in 10 days. I may read through my journal...someone on another thread said they celebrate each DX yr/date. I hope yours is a day of empowerment and celebration!
I PM'd Jen about RFL; she can't come-has something else going on. I think Cindy is planning on going.
Have a great week, ladies!
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wow...all these anniversaries. So many different emotions. I saw my OB for my "clogged milk duct" on Oct. 9th.
I attended a women of faith conference in Oct. 2013 (last year) the weekend right before the mammogram that changed my life. I got so much healing and strength that weekend. I know it was part of what sustained me through those initial first months.
Well, I'm about to attend another one (women of Joy this time). Almost exactly a year later. It's like coming full circle...
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Hi ladies! Sorry I have been so out of the loop. So much has been happening and I have been on a roller coaster of feelings for what feels like forever.
Slaving in OT as I am behind on my savings for my trip to England in Nov. gotta make the moola!
LE is being terrible, I am so ready for cooler weather. I think it really aggravates it. And when that acts up, the nerves in my chest start firing and I feel like I've been hooked up to a car battery. ouch! anyone else get that?
My diet/exercise is still going, but slower since the flare. I have not really seen any results either. I seriously cut about 90% of my sugar intake, and nothing much has changed. I think the tamoxifen is really throwing a wrench in things. I bought a dress to wear to the wedding in England. If i did not eat a single thing till the day we fly out, and worked out 5 hrs a day, I still would not make it. I just dont know why it is so hard. I am not kidding- drinking green smoothies at least once a day for a meal (yuck!) no sugar in my COFFEE! ick! all for naught.
I did start a flamenco dance class this week. Very excited about it. I lived in Spain when I was a kid and wanted to learn so bad then, but we could not afford it. A friend of mine plays guitar with some of the people that play at a Spanish restaurant in Austin, and told me about it. I am really excited to learn. It is very physically taxing though. And made it clear that my treatments affected my coordination much more than i ever expected. But I want to stay with it for a few years. I love it!
Can't make the meet up this month or the RFL - I have weddings to go to both weekends. Next year though- if you guys want to get a team together- i am all for it!
Princess Zelda- how are you?
Chaos- I had a great aunt and uncle that make homemade blackberry, strawberry, and cherry wine. maaaan that was gooood. i miss them and their wine so much. *High 5* for completing the AC! How is T treating you? I had more trouble with it than AC as I had an allergic reaction and my body just basically said "eff you lady" with it.
Terri- Your grandson in K- how cute! I loved K more than anything. Such fun to interact with so many kids your own age. 3d imaging sounds really cool. Not sure i will ever have a mamo again though.
Cindy- we need new pics of your pup! love you guys napping. How was your tubing trip? And what is going on with your hubbs? what kind of infection is he battling?
Vicky- happy anniversary! so glad that you are here with us. Mine was hard too. You relive everything. (at least i have been the last few months). Congrats on your publication!
Holli- glad they didnt find cancer in your lungs, but sorry you have rads damage. Steroids stink! I did like all the energy i had on them though LPHoH sounds great!
Kelsey- glad your surgery went well. Take your recovery nice and easy. Push, but not too hard. Took me forever to get used to my port. Drove me bonkers! I could feel mine in my neck. ick! i hope i never have to get another. I did get used to it, except when i would turn a certain way or sleep on my side.
Marisa - love that you and your hubby ran in your tutus! and HORRAY for NED!
Tedwilliams- welcome! I hope your flap went well this time. I looove Comfort. Such a great town.
ok- i should try to get some sleep. good night!
xo- jeni
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Ugh this not sleeping is for the birds. It's always those few days after chemo. I think it is that shot of Neulesta. Port side is still uncomfortable and left side where they dug everything out hurts. I feel like I am sagging. Funny they left me with extra skin for my much smaller up coming chest but it feels all saggy now. Okay done whining.
Plus side even though my dad has to go back home in a couple days it was great having him here to help out. We got a chance to get some pictures together. He has been bald for a while now and now that I too am bald we got some cute pictures together. So that's a plus.
Also nice to see so many people making their cancerversaries. Makes me realize I can make it through this.
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Jen', good to hear from you. I hope your LE lightens up soon. Great that you are starting to dance!
shewolf, not sleeping is not fun! If you are on steroids, which you probably are, that will contribute to not being able to wind down. The steroids will help combat a potential allergic reaction to chemo. I guess you can ask your MO. I took steroids orally, but maybe you have some in your IV...
Gruene was great yesterday! A lot of people out. I haven't been there in a while. Brunch was delicious, music was good. Was crowded, but fun. Was nice to get away.
See my BS tomorrow for one year follow up...
Have a great week ladies!
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BTW had to show the picture of my daddy and I. I wonderful lady fit us in to get our daddy daughter baldy pictures.
Yes it is the steroids I got in the IV. But I also had that Nuelesta shot and the port and well just the everything. Still very tired today but did make it to the Look Good Feel Better class. It was nice to see I am not alone in this. Others who look just like I do. I just seem to be more miserable today then they where. Hope to get some good sleep this evening.
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shewolf, beautiful photo! I'm sure you're going to miss your Dad being there! Hang in there. One of my infusion nurses told me something that has stayed with me since..."Everyone has their own battles." I was feeling guilty at the time because of so many others doing chemo that seemed in so much worse shape than me. She hit the nail on the head! No need to compare yourself to anyone else. We all have our own obstacles to overcome in our own time. You'll get there.
vicki, didn't get into the CFR for the Fall. Will try again in the Spring. Hope to see you soon~
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SheWolf- that is an amazing photo! I hope you print that out and put it in a huge frame.
Mine are saggy too. I had a skin-sparing DMX, waiting to get my recon. just keep your skin clean and moisturized. Once the recon is complete, it will look much better
Teri- glad you made it out to Gruene! Your hair is looking awesome.
How is everyone else?
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BS appt today went well. Follow up in 6 mos after 3-D mammo. Just have the RO appt at the end of this month, then I'll be done until December, with MO. I'm glad they call with reminders!:)
Seems like every time I want to take a sigh of relief, I have another appt around the corner...I'm sure you all feel the same way.
Cindy, haven't heard from you in a while. Is everything okay? How is hubby?
Vicki, I can't wait to see your Art Bra! You will rock it!
A BCRC Happy Hour at the end of the month in Austin. If anyone wants info, let me know. Mamma Jamma Ride coming up also...I think it's a bike ride in Georgetown.
((HUGS))
Terri
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yay Terri! that is good news! and i know how you feel- always another appt to go to. What day and time is the hh? if i am not working, i would like to go. I have a friend riding in that- she is amazing. I have not ridden a bike in years!
Ya Cindy! where are you?
I am working about 20 hours of OT this week- so if i sound a little kookier than usual, you know why
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Hi y'all!
MIA or better known as hubby&pup sitter )) hubby is slowly getting better swelling down 50% but still very tired and uncomfortable waiting on results of yesterday's sample to check infection and need for more antibocitcs. Pup is BIG 4 mos Sat we begin obedience training...gosh I pray he will calm around all the other dogs. Nothing is scared...he gets in the shower or tub bath time is a challenge...time for the largest kennel...ah so cute.
Kelsey - a warm heart and tears to the eye...love the pic of you and your dad! So sweet:))) in your pocket and hope you get restful sleep...zzz. How's your daughters PT?
JWoo - rock the avatar attitude girl! Ooo who hang on the diet and exercise. Have you tired cycling your eating with limited carbs...wed/sat carb up and thu/sun carb down so your body is always adjusting to your eating...glad your friend is doing better! Where is all the OT money going...a trip? Oh, compression LE massage...have you asked about accupunture? Arm/trunk squeeze GRRR
Terri - congrats on the anniversaries )) so much better in the rear view mirror! Do you check your BP at home? I now get white coat BP and at how it is low...go figure...you make me happy that I just see everyone in a one week slot and then forget for 6 mos...but that week is anxiety time...yeah the hard scar tissue my BS said to the resident if you ever feel this squeeze and a women has not had BC surgery...beware. Now what does he think I think...ready to walk or run?
Chaos - how are you doing? Done I hope and taking a break before the next step...thinking of you.
Zelda&Vic - busy at work and busy on weekends...designing the winning bra! Looking for pics!
Holli - breathe! Yes, all the anniversaries & milestones...so far...and surrounded in love! LPHOfHope ))
Pink October is almost here...pink is my fav color...praying for a CURE not just dancing with NED! Gosh, you would think there would be a vaccine so it would stop with us.
Sorry we did not get a meet up...:((( perhaps we can do one this month...all wear pink tutus Halloween! Maybe meet for a lunch Sat or Sun...tubing next year and a retreat...
Ok, I need to know...Seton, Scott&White, St David's ...thinking of moving my BCBS plan to TX recommendations please....what do you suggest...enrollment time soon,
Got to walk the pup, feed the hubby, and then go to the gym and line dancing!
Shout out to all!
(((Hugs)))
Cindy
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stay safe tonight ladies!
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Shewolfpg:
Love the photo of you and your Dad. Once bald, each time I looked in the mirror I saw my Dad. Until then I did not realize how much I do look like him. Seeing that likeness gave me much comfort during my treatment. I knew that he and all the uncles---who were all bald and looked just alike--were watching over me.
Jana
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Jen, HH is at the Speakeasy on the 30th. You can find more info on www.bcrc.org about up-coming events, the MJ ride, etc.
Cindy, I go to Austin Cancer Center myself. They have locations North, DT and I think my RO has an office in Gtn also. St Davids DT does the 3D mammos. Yeah, BP may be the white coat. Seems it's gone up since Tam though.
Going to Buda to hang out with GS's today.
Have a great week-end ladies!
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