Starting chemo August 2014
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Hello to all! Strong, don't think I could ever move again. We bought this house new and have never moved..34 years. Same house, same husband, same phone number..lol.
How is Robyn...has anyone had an update?
Just recently had 8th TaTa reunion with the group from here on BCO in Vegas. It was wonderful. I'm in contact with those ladies on a daily basis. The support is unbelievable...but we also have conversations ranging from sex to bikini waxing! Lots of fun.
I was due a CT scan in Sept. but have put it off until November. Had the TaTa reunion in September and then we are going to Maui on the 29th....so why look if I'm not going to treat anything until after Hawaii? My besties are going and they have never been, so we are really looking forward to it. My son and dil are also going....hoping to keep dil healthy. I think I've shared she has a horrible autoimmune disease Aniphospholipidantibody syndrome. Stroke, seizure, blood clots, kidney disease...the list just goes on and on. She is now 30. The have only been married 1.25 years. She loves her job and hates to kiss work and of course gets scared to death. So we are hoping for a relaxing week.
The house we are renting has an indoor pool and spa...I may just stay on tha lanai and our pool the whole time. Lol
Strong, thanks for posting....hope to hear from others soon. Brenda0 -
Hi Ladies,
Two years later and feeling pretty good. Daughters wedding took place in September. It was a beautiful day and we danced all night. My husbands back is getting better. We swam together all summer and he is doing PT now too. We even go out to a restaurant on occasion. He wasn't able to sit in a car, movie, restaurant or anywhere for over a year. Took the liberty of booking a flight holiday time to visit DD in North Carolina. I am pushing DH to go. My son was home for the month of September from China. He has gone back now, but was really nice having the family all together. Since I had ILC I can't help thinking a lot of the time, how much time I will be here. Don't mean to be depressing, but my mind goes there often. Now that the wedding is over and hubby getting better, I need to start focusing on me again. I knew once the distractions were gone I might go here. On a more positive note, my life is really good right now and plan to focus more on that. Good to read about how you are all doing. Please keep posting. Much love!
Cathie
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Hi Catie,
Good to hear from you. Sorry it has taken me so long to post, but I think BC makes us all wonder how much time we have. I've used that uncertainty to try to savor every day (and avoid situations and people that make me crazy!
)Also, I've donated $100 to breastcancer.org in honor of all the women on this thread. Happy Thanksgiving!
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I hope everyone had a great a Thanksgiving!
Cat, so glad your husband is doing better!
I agree Nottoday, BC makes us all wonder how much time we have. But it has also taught me to love, live and enjoy life to it's fullest. It get's tough at times, it really does. So I do understand Cat
Thinking of our August 2014 sisters that are in treatment. Praying that your current treatment is keeping you stable and moving you to NED.
Waving Hello to all of our August 2014 sisters. 🤗🤗✋🏽✋🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Love across the miles,
Angie
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I wonder how everyone is doing, hopefully well since this thread is so quite. Would love some more updates
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Hello, all, and Happy Holidays!
We are still working on getting settled into our new home here in ID... it's getting soooo cooooold! There are several things that I really appreciate about being here, though, not the least of which is being with my hubby again! Also we are close to our cabin, 3 hour drive, so we can go any weekend we want. Nice change after only being able to go once or twice a year when we were living in AZ, which was a flight or a 2 day drive...
Everything is on hold now, b/c 2 weeks ago I caught my pinky toe on the leg of the coffee table and snapped the bone. It was midnight, just getting up to go to bed, wasn't even moving fast yet. You know how stubbing your toe hurts like the dickens for a few min, then you move on... so I didn't look at it right away... when I did, it was sticking way out to the side of my foot & I knew it was not right. Called hubby & told him I needed him to come home right now B/c I think I broke my f-ing toe. We are both trained (and trainers) in advanced first aid, but neither of us wanted to touch it, so he took me to the nearest ER in a neighboring town & sure enough, it was broken. X-rays, lidocaine shots, re-setting, more X-rays... and a fabulous surgical shoe and crutches for a couple more weeks, although I'm down to one crutch and hobbling on my heel most of the time now. So this has me wondering about my bone density post-chemo... think I should probably start taking calcium & D again.
We are planning a week in MO to visit my folks in a couple weeks, found a relatively cheap non-stop flight, I guess b/c it's an off time, 2 weeks before Christmas, but it also happens to be my birthday week, so works out great for me
. We are both going, which is big b/c hubby hasn't been able to go with me since Christmas 2014, right after my treatment was done. They are beginning to wonder if he still exists, lol. When we get back, after Christmas, I have an appointment with a new oncology clinic, so maybe a dexascan is in order. It does suck how BC colors everything in our lives now, and it's always in the back of my mind (& sometimes in the front of my mind), like this big thing hanging over my head... if it just doesn't drop on me for 3 more years & I can make that magical 5-year mark, I think I will feel better. Nottoday, great job, donating to bc.org! I donate thru AmazonSmile every time I buy something, which is often. It's small, but every little bit helps! I don't know what I would have done without this site and you ladies for support!
Well, this got long-winded... sorry! Thoughts and prayers to all of you and best wishes for a happy & healthy holiday season!
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I wanted to stop in and see how you ladies are doing. I had another good follow-up with my onc and am at visits every 6 months now with him and with my surgeon. The visits are still nerve wracking, but so far, so good. My parents are on their way to my house as I type, and DH took two weeks off of work. We're having a relaxing time together as a family. DD had Nutcracker again and was able to dance some amazing roles. Only one left in her high school career, and I'm starting t feel sentimental about all of that.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy New Year to all of you!
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Cassie cat, so glad to hear from you and that you took time out from getting ready for your parents to drop in. I still read bco everynite.
My kids from Virginia are here and daughter and her significant live 30 mins. We had a "chemo night" last night for 15. My bfffffs, the 3 ladies still come and fix dinner on chemo day. There are usually a few drop ins also.....and lots of wine. Can you believe they are still so faithful every 3 weeks after all of this time!
Tomorrow night we will do Christmas Eve at my house with DH relatives. His mom is still going strong at 94.
Onco cutting my H&P to 75% dose to see if that helps the muscle spasms and cramps. Worrisome to try that since I have a new unidentifiable nodule left lung.
Hope everyone has a wonderful time during these Holidays
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Happy New Year to all of you!
Beatmon awesome that your friends are surrounding you with so much support and love.
Has anyone kept in touch with Purrranna99? Wondering how she is doing?
Praying for all of our August 2014 sisters. Specific prayers for our sisters that are Stage 4. Praying that your current treatment plans are keeping this disease stable and there is no progression.
Beatmon, hoping that the unidentifiable nodule in your left lung Is nothing and that the cutting back of H&P helps with the muscle spasms and cramps.
Cassie, good news on your recent follow- up.
Purplegirl (Robyn) you are in my thoughts and prayers. Robyn sent me a PM a while back as she was trying to connect with someone from the group via FB. I can't find the original message and don't remember who it was? Hopefully you were able to connect with her.
Happy New Year and love across the miles.
Angie
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hi ladies, I wanted say Happy New Year!!! I don't post but I do read every once in a while and catch up on all the posts and how you are doing. Hugs and kisses
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Good to hear from you Windgirl? Are you still traveling and working a hectic schedule?
Beatmon, how are you doing?
Purplegirl (Robyn) you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Praying for all of our August 2014 sisters. Specific prayers for our sisters that are Stage 4. Praying that your current treatment plans are keeping this disease stable and there is no progression. I also pray for your strength and your support system.
Love across the miles,
Angie
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Thinking of my August 2014 Sisters. Hope everyone is doing well.
Came on to check to see how you are doing Beatmon.
Specific prayers and thoughts for our sisters that are Stage 4. I think of each of you often. Praying that your current treatment plans are keeping you stable and there is no progression. I also pray for your strength and your support system.
Love across the miles,
Angie
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Thinking of all you wonderful ladies this evening, and hoping everyone is doing as well as possible. I go in for a routine breast MRI in two weeks and don't anticipate any bad results but feel anxious nonetheless. I think that will be the case for a while.
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I don't think you can help but be a little nervous.
Thank you Angie for thinking of me and the others. I wish that we could hear from more people. I wonder how all are doing. I guess most have moved on...while I'm still mired in the beast.
Love to all, Brenda E
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Beatmon, I too wish the thread was a little more active or that we would hear from others. But I do understand that some have moved on and may want to just move away from this chapter of their lives. However, with a few of our sisters living with this disease for the long term I will continue to be active to stay in touch. I also post to the July 2014 group and Christian Women over 60 ( although I am no where near 60 lol the let me in). I hope you are doing well!
Cassie, my check-up is in mid-march and understand the anxiousness. Let us know how it goes. Along with my check-up I will receive my 3 month Zometa infusion which knocks me flat for about 3 to 4 days. But I use it as an excuse to take some time off from work and work from home. 😜😜
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Hi All, with Robyn's (purplgirl) permission I am posting an update. She sends her best to all. For those who may have had trouble connecting with her via FB, please PM me for her email address which she says I can pass on for anyone that would like to reach out to her via email. She indicates her last scans were very good in her words "some of my treatment side effect issues have resolved so life is good and I enjoy every day!
Again, please PM me to connect with Robyn via FB or email as she would love to hear from those from this group.
Love Across the miles,
Angie
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Hi everyone,
Glad to hear that Robyn is feeling well, and Brenda E., I hope you are, too. I've almost finished 2 years of Aromasin - so far, so good.
I wanted to alert everyone to a petition drive that is occurring at the Metastatic Breast Cancer Network. The petition is to make sure that all MBC diagnoses get recorded in our cancer registries. Apparently, that doesn't happen now unless MBC is the initial diagnosis. If it were better counted, researchers could learn more about how often it occurs and under what circumstances, leading to the possibility of better treatments and prevention. Here's the link to the petition: https://www.change.org/p/seer-start-counting-all-p....
Best wishes, everyone.
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Hi Everyone,
Glad to know others still check in to post once in a while. Can't believe coming up on three years this May since diagnosed. Have an appt next week for Mamo and ultrasound. Still carry my survival pin on my purse, but have to say, not always first thing on my mind.Thank goodness ! Hoping you all are doing well. Miss talking with my sisters, but will always be grateful to have had this group for support.
Cathi
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Dear Ladies,
I have not been here regularly as life has been challenging beyond this cancer. Glad you all are still here. The resources and support found on bc.org are incredible.
I had a hefty lumpectomy two years ago. Doc transferred some fatty tissue but rads contributed to significant change with "tucks and valleys" that annoy me as well as lumpiness and pain. Thinking seriously of reconstruction even at this late date. Will call a plastic surgeon for a consultation this week. Anyone have wisdom to offer?
My bones are shot as a result of age and arimidex. The initial Boniva treatment has caused severe reflux, heartburn and bloating. I see mo this week and will ask for a reprieve. I want to blame some weight gain on the drug too, but I think I am to blame for that!
Cancer is hard, but I also have suffered the tragic loss of my youngest son, who died in December of 2015. Missing this incredible young man puts it all in perspective. So very hard! I know all of us have hard in our lives, spoken and unspoken. My heart and prayers are especially with you who are stage 4, living and fighting with grace and wisdom.
💛💙 Jeni
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Jeni, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your son.
How devastating.0 -
hi ladies, hope you all are well!
Angie- I was traveling in the US for a bit but just changed jobs in March as I was getting worried the hectic schedule is damaging to my health. Now I have a regular 9-6 job, and finally got some time for myself, thanks for asking.
Jeni- I'm really sorry to hear about your son, I cannot imagine how devastating it is
It feels surreal that it has been more than 2.5 years since we were diagnosed. While I live my life as normal as can be, I still think of cancer daily, the scare is always there.
Hugs and kisses to you all
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Jeni,
I wanted to add my condolences to the loss of your son.
I had immediate reconstruction at the time of my initial surgery and one revision on both sides. I'm pretty happy with the results. Beware the textured implants, though, there's a new FDA warning that they are associated (rarely) with a form of lymphoma.
https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedi....
I have been on twice-yearly Prolia injections for bone mineral density loss. Seems to be working. No side effects so far.
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Hello everyone! Every great once in a while I check updates in our old group. Jeni, I am so very sorry about the loss of your son. Please know I am thinking of you. I'm also especially praying for our sisters who are stage 4. I went through xeloda, two clinical trial medicines, and now Eribulin (halaven) which I get two weeks on, one week off. End of 2016 and beginning of 2017 were rough with several hospitalizations, but this treatment seems to be helping me to hold things in check. I wake up every day thankful for my health. I hope you are all well, and I thank you ladies for continuing to post occasionallyto our group.
Big Hugs,
Robyn (Purplegurll)
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Good morning everyone. Jennifer I'm so very sorry to hear of the death of your son. There are things that hurt us more deeply than this cancer.
I don't know how I have missed these postings, I'm on very frequently.
Hope everyone is hanging in. Wondering if anyone has figured up how many of us are metastatic.
I am feeling much better with changes made in my treatment regimen. My Doc said yesterday I've now had over 40 treatments.
Love to all, Brenda
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hello ladies! Thinking of you all tonight.
Jeni. I'm so sorry. Losing a child, no matter how old, is I think, the worst the world has to throw at you. I'm so sorry. Some days, just waking up and getting out of bed the morning should get you a medal.
beatmon and purplegrl, love and hugs to you. I hope your treatment is stabilizing and not too hard to take. Hugs and love to you, and to others in this thread.
I haven't signed on in ages, but wanted to send some love and updates. Busy household still, girls almost 5 and going in their first plane ride in two weeks to San Francisco. Boys 2 1/4, getting them ready to start swimming this summer. Girls and I have been skiing every week since late Feb,and they are really taking to it. I am going to try to ski for the first time in 30 yrs! I hope my knees and the rest of me makes it. Remember the movie " the other side of the mountain"? Lol. Planning my husband's50th bday in sept on Lake Tahoe in sept.
Clinical trial is over in mid-August, nomore palbociclib for me. I hope it did its job. Had third Zometa infusion for bones, yes Angie, I'm still sick too every time. Getting next one in May. Other than that, doing ok. Love to all
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Jeni. I'm so sorry for the loss of your son. I can't imagine your grief. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Beatmon(Brenda) and Purplegirl (Robyn) praying your treatment is bring stability.Continuing to prayer for our other sisters purrrrana99 and MammaRay. Starlover was another August 2014 sister who was stage 4 when she joined our group. She got her angel wings in the fall of 2015. She was an awesome woman.
So good to hear and get updates from those who haven't posted in a while.
Gatomal, I have my next Zometa infusion 4/27. I now plan the shots on a Thursday and then take Friday and Monday off to recover.
My update : I had my six month check-up. I have my mammo in early June. I am doing well except I catch every cold that comes around and my lymphedema is flaring up and it is not comfortable at all. Also, in life right now enjoying my grandkids who now live with us. Was a big change from being an empty nester.. 😜😜. The job and ministry and keep us occupied. Received a nice surprise big promotion on my job. This is with the company I had landed a job with 6 mos before diagnosis. Our ministry had it's first Prayer Crusade which was very moving and we are building a great out reach for under privledge youth which is really being blessed and taking off. Our church plant is almost two years young. 💒💒
I continue to keep all in my thoughts and prayers. Love to all. 💞💞💞🦋🦋🦋
Love across the miles,
Angie
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Hello! Calling all of our ladies for a check in. August is coming upon us quickly...3 years out.
We just made our yearly Napa trek. Had a lovely time, wish I had felt better. I feel like I'm developing arthritis in most of my joints. I've been watervwalking in the pool religiously and thought that would help. But even getting in and out of the car is tough. Still on H&P. No hospitalizations. Ct of chest and abdomen in the am...United Healthcare won't approve a PET.
Would love to see how everyone is doing,
Brenda E
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Hi Ladies, Sorry to hear of some of the loss and struggles. I'm thinking of you and wish you better days ahead. I am taking it one day at a time. Besides side effects from Arimidex and getting older, I am blessed. You were my strength when I needed it and will always be grateful. Children are still living far away but hear from them weekly. They are happy, healthy and successful, which is all a parent can ask for. My DH is doing really well after his heart surgery and back procedures. He swims three times a week and still doing PT. I'm still working, gardening, and if this healthcare ever gets straightened out hope to look at retirement in a few years. That's the plan right now anyway. Again, just trying to enjoy each day as it comes. Last Mamo and ultrasound looked good. Since my hair never really fully grew back in front decided to go short again. Chopping it off tmrw! Adopted a rescue dog, Abby. She is the sweetest thing. A mix between a Boston terrier and fox terrier, about 18 lbs. and she's 3 years old. Since my DH works from home and was dwelling on his stuff, she has been a great distraction. He takes her on a mile walk almost daily and is a real Cuddler. Hoping to hear from some of you, so please post. Wishing you the best.
Cathie
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Hello, ladies, just checking in...
Great to see updates from several of you! Jeni, I'm so sorry for your loss, I can't imagine. Robyn, glad to hear you are doing better. Sounds like you are in good spirits and enjoying life!
I passed my 3 yr "cancer-versary" last month with no fanfare.
I'm scheduled for my annual mammo next week, then heading to TX for a visit w/ my bff and girls beach weekend, then my visit w/the new MO the week after I get back. I spent a few days in Missouri with my folks and my brother, niece & nephew. Hadn't seen my brother in 4 years and the kids in 5. It was a nice visit, long overdue.
I also completed my 1st half-marathon last month (mostly walking, but didn't come in last!).
The biggest news is that we were finally able to buy the house we've been living in since September (renting), and closed last week. Ended up getting into it for literally nothing, $0, even got our earnest money refunded, a free month and a half w/no payment, and will be saving $100/month from the rent amount, which was already cheap. House appraised for $15k over the purchase price. We are now ready to start renovating, starting with adding a 2nd bathroom. We have a long list of projects lined up...
I hope everyone is doing well, I think of you all often, even if I don't visit the board as often as I used to. I second what others have said; this group has been invaluable to me and I so appreciate the support we give each other here. I wish you all the best!
Janet
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My 3 yr "cancer-versary" is tomorrow June 9th. I was sitting here watching my favorite sport Track and field, and it dawned on me tomorrow is the date. It is true the constant thoughts are not as frequent as time passes. With that said it has not really faded away. I'm scheduled for my annual mammo. My MO wants to switch me to an AI, since I am truly in menopause now for 1.5 years. I have not agreed to the switch I am agonizing over due to the reported side effects.
As I thought about my "cancer-versary". My thoughts immediately went to my sisters that have had a reoccurrence. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with Brenda, Robyn and Purrrrana99. Praying that current treatments are or have brought you to NED, or stability and specifically no progression. Let us know how you are doing. I have not heard from purrrrana99 in over a year. Let me know if anyone has heard from her or her family.
Great news Strongenough.
Brenda, I hope you were able to get your PET scan approved.
I hope everyone is doing well, I don't visit the board weekly any more but try to get on a few times a month. I think of you all often. I ditto what others have said; this group has been invaluable and I also appreciate the support we give each other here, how we stay in touch andthe bond we will forever have.
Love across the miles,
Angie
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