Chemo starting April 2018
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Frog. Those flowers are absolutely beautiful!
I know it's only December. However I am so sick of this snow and the cold. I agree with you though Undrago, is prettier than rain. But you don't have to shovel rain! LOL
So I'm not really sure why this is happening with me. But my mammogram is coming up and I am getting really really really nervous about it. It was December 27th that they discovered the cancer 2 years ago. I'm going to Coeur d'Alene Idaho for Christmas and that is what I did that year as well for Thanksgiving. I don't know if I'm just wigging myself out or what. I also have developed this weird itchy rash underneath my boob. That's got me a little stressed as well. I had an appointment with the skin doctor three weeks ago and they had to cut something off and it came back precancerous so they had to freeze it. Never had that happen before. Super busy trying to put my house together. I'm getting new carpet. I was supposed to do this in the summer time but when the fleas decided to move in I decided to wait on my new carpet. So you can imagine what my house looks like now because I have everything all boxed up and ready to be stuck on a truck for the day when the carpet layer gets here. As far as my second job I keep having to rehire people. I thought I had a great Crew, but now one of them is starting to miss a lot of stuff and he's completely forgotten to go to one Office three times. I so do not want to let him go and start over but I may have to after the first of the year. Thst really puts a lot of stress on me because I have to work extra hours and training is a lot of work! Okay enough whining about my life.
Gawarrier how are you feeling with after surgery I read that you were happy with the results. Glad to see that. How are you feeling otherwise? I think it's cool that you are volunteering to help others. I told my SO I wanted to do that and he told me my life was too darn busy to even consider it. He said quit your part-time job and then maybe consider it. Well I can't do that right now, financially it's just not possible. The only reason why I'm getting a carpet is cuz I scored a really good cheep deal. How is your friend doing? I can't believe someone would tell her that. Seriously! I'm sure she's now since realized that it wasn't as bad as that person made it out to be. That was one thing that used to irritate the s*** out of me when I was going through chemo. Someone always will tell wanted to tell me how they lost a loved one to cancer. The biggest one was how the treatment messed up someone's life or worse. Now don't get me wrong. I feel bad that someone's lost thier life to cancer. Let me just say f****** cancer. But when you're going through it that is the last thing you need to hear is negative crap! Okay I need to calm down.
InnaB how's job hunting coming along? That would be very irritating . With your talent though I guarantee you're going to score something pretty quick!
Interg how are you doing with your hair? Are you liking it? Is it growing out the way you want it to grow out or are you still struggling? I am trying to decide if I'm going to grow mine out again or if I'm just going to keep it short. Or maybe just go halfway in between. I too had long hair like yours blond and long. I know I don't want to grow it that long again but I am kicking around doing shoulder lane so I can put it up in a clip once in awhile. But then I look at all the layers that I have to grow out. My shortcut is definitely easier to take care of! For sure!! Not to mention my hot flashes are not bad because when I had long hair it was thick and heavy.
Urdrago how you been feeling? I hope you're doing well, or at least better. Are you a winter camper? I am so not a winter camper! I like to stay home in front of my TV Warm & Cozy. Lol
Welp. I just got off work and I thought I'd catch up with everybody. I've been reading off and on but I hadn't taken the time to comment again. Truly I just don't trust this darn phone anymore. LOL
Hugs to each and everyone of you! I know we've all have gotten back into our lives more and more, but I was thinking about how sometimes I miss all the different women/gent out there that were solid foundation for me during the hardest time of my life.
🥰🤗
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Life, im doing well down here in Kentucky, for work think im heading home soon just no solid date of when. I know it will be before xmas as our plant shits down next weekend til jan2. And talking about snow its followed me south bcuz Im still using my winter coat.lol .. no winter camping for me..brrr.. dermatologists says we can get radiation dermatitis. Just a thought maybe you shld ask.sending you peaceful thoughts as u approach mammogram.easier typed than do..hugs
You also brought up hair. I feel like mine is a tad bit thinner than before.i can see scalp bcuz hair is not enuff.the curls make me question the thin hair but Ive noticed what I think is thinner..anyone else?
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Life--I'm sorry about the stress re: your upcoming mammo. I think we can all empathize. My next one isn't til April and I'll try not to think about it too much until a few days before. Congrats on the new carpet and boo for crappy employees. I've never been to Coeur d'Alene but have spent some time in Ketchum/Sun Valley and Boise--we were actually in Boise last month celebrating my FIL's 90th. He grew up outside Twin Falls and is an amazing man.
We had just a small dusting of snow/ice yesterday morning that melted quickly in Central VA--I do like a little snow over the winter, as long as we don't lose power. I get that it's a lot for you, Life!
I had a fun Thanksgiving with two of my kids out in SF. Saturday we'll go to Northern Virginia to get together with my mom, some of my sibs, and my oldest and his wife. Just a few hours of eating/drinking/gifties, but it'll feel Christmas-y. We haven't done much around here at home since the kids have all been gone. We don't even put up a tree any more since we're gone over the holidays. I do miss it but it's hard to get excited to decorate and what-not when it's just hubs and me. I have all of my shopping done, did most of the wrapping yesterday, and really the only thing that's left is the stupid Christmas letter I write every year. I really do not enjoy it, but I feel like it's something I have to do.
Anyway. I keep saying I think 2020 is going to be a good year. Here's to health for all of us!
Oh yeah--my hair! I have another color appt a week from tomorrow and the woman said she'll nip the ends just a bit. It'll be my first hair cut since chemo (other than all the buzzing I did on myself when it was super curly and driving me crazy). I'm not hating it nearly as much--I blow dry it every day, and it's long enough for a headband and tiny ponytail when I go to the gym. Re: length, I just told some friends this week that something in me wants to grow it out super long (you know--for a sixtysomething). It's not like it would even particularly look good like that but I think I want to just because. Curl is definitely relaxing but also not at all back to my old hair. Slow and steady progress, though!
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Life, I'm sorry you are so stressed over your mammogram, but I completely understand. I would be worried, too, if I still had anything to mammo. The one perk of having a double MX is no more mammos ever...that said, I don't have any way to tell if this has come back unless I have symptoms, so that's not a fun place to be either. We'll all be super on guard for a few years, I am sure. Also, I am doing great after surgery, thanks! I am back to work full time, just waiting to have all restrictions lifted at 6 weeks post op (like sleeping on my side, which I hate that I can't do right now!). I'm 3 weeks out from surgery. Also sorry about the employees and the second job. That stress is not good for you! I have been to Coeur d'Alene and it's beautiful - you'll have a wonderful Christmas there, I'm sure. Try not to worry (like Urdrago said, easier said than done though). Sending big hugs! And, yes, I also miss everyone and this thread being so active, but I am glad we are all able to move on with our healthy lives. I will forever be grateful to all of you who were there when I needed you so much. You all have a special place in my heart.
Urdrago, I am with you in the thinner hair department. I can see my scalp through my part. I am happy to have the curls because I wonder what it will look like (how thin) when/if it finally relaxes.
Ingerp, have fun celebrating Christmas tomorrow! I'm like you - barely any decorations now that my kids are grown. I did put the tree up this year, but not the village I usually also put out. It's just hubby and I (and one friend who will come for Christmas Day dinner) so I didn't see the point. I've really cut back my Christmas card list this year, too. Glad you are a little happier with your hair. I think mine is pretty much at the length I'm going to keep it - like Life said, it's easier to take care of at this length and I had been thinking about cutting it shorter before I was diagnosed anyhow.
My friend is hanging in there, Life, thanks for asking. Her lumpectomy will be on Monday 12/16. She's still waiting for BRCA results and the HER2 results. I'll chat with her through Messenger tomorrow and see if she's heard anything yet. Makes my stomach queasy to just think about waiting on all those tests with your heart in your throat the whole time. Also, a patient of mine has friend who was going through treatment at the same time as me (not sure which type of BC) - she was about 2 weeks ahead of me in chemo and was done with tx last Thanksgiving (2018). Her cancer returned this Oct - in her spine, so she's now stage 4. So, recurrence had gotten back in my head again. Like you said, f*** cancer!!!!
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Hi, everyone! Life, the scan-xiety is very normal, I think. I had a CAT scan on Wednesday, and could hardly wait till Friday to get the results. They were fine, thank God. No more CAT scans for me! On Dec 18 I am going to the last test that's going to determine whether I'm a good candidate for the lymphedema surgery. My oncologist thinks I am and that I made the right decision to try it. We'll see.
The job search is going slowly, this being the holiday season. But I do have some interviews. Hopefully, at least one of them will result in job offer.
Regarding thinning hair: I use the combination of rosemary and nutmeg oils every other day at night and iRestore helmet on alternative days. Anastrozole, which I'll be taking for the next 9 years is known to thin the hair, so I decided to be proactive.
In other news, my daughter got engaged yesterday! Her boyfriend of 4 years proposed to her in front of Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in Manhattan with about 20 friends cheering him on. It was a complete surprise, Zina had no idea! He came to our house a few days ago with a bouquet of roses and formally asked us for her hand in marriage. He is a great guy! What a great year my daughter is having! She started her new job two weeks ago in a great hospital, and now this. So happy!
I miss this thread too! Will stop by more often, I promise. I just have to stop myself from straying into the Stage 4 forums after checking up on it.
The proposal picture:
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Awwww—love the pic, Inna!! Congratulations to the whole family. Weddings are fun. Best of luck on the job hunt, and here’s to only positive health news for all of us going foreard
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Yay, InnaB, congratulations! So happy for your daughter, what a fun proposal story.
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hi everyone, InnaB congrats! Your daughter looks happy. As for keeping this thread alive you hit the nail on the head. Floating over to threads that we don't belong can stir up anxiety and fear, at least for me anyway. Its hard to stop yourself. GAW and I talked about this awhile back. If I'm here everyday that means I'm thinking of BC everyday. It doesn't mean that I'm not thinking of all of you. Thankfully, someone will always be here for everyone whenever we need support. Seeing new members bums me out and stirs up bad memories. I wish I had a shock collar on to keep me here and the cat thread. I think we all have different ways of coping and dealing ..almost self preservation to an extent. I think we will all find ourselves checking back in and catching up here. This is a special thread.
Linda, I think we all pull out the old medical records and re-read. Then researching again. I hope you are doing well.
Dang, I say we take a field trip to frogs place!! Beautiful! Keep the warm pictures coming.
LIFE, hope all is well with the mammo..sorry if I missed the date. I'm sure your hair is down your back by now..and that ingerps hair is close behind!
GAW hope you are healing well and that your friend is hanging in there. Like most of you I have had several friends and coworkers diagnosed. Someone mentioned there is a healthy balance and I feel I can be supportive to others but try not to go down the rabbit hole myself.
As for me a few ultrasounds and MRI for lumps that thankfully turned out to be fat necrosis or scar tissue. Due for bone density soon and hoping AI isn't damaging too much. I feel 20 years younger in the mornings and 20 years older in the evenings. Its always been the case for me. Job is still going well. Planning trips but that makes me uneasy to a degree. We all know how things can change in an instant so I don't get too excited till its time to go.
I hope ALL of you enjoy the holiday season with family and friends. I know I have a deeper appreciation for spending time with loved ones. And re connecting with others that I have lost touch. Hugs to everyone! Deb
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Hey all—just popping in with a hair update. Had my third color session yesterday. She had mentioned trimming it but did not end up doing that. I’m not going back until March—maybe a trim then?
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Love your long hair Ingerp it looks great all the natural waves.
Hugs to all as we come towards last mintue wrappings of another year! May each of our celebrations continue with Family, old and new friendships.
Happy Holidays 🎄🎅🎁🥂
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looks great ingerp, I'm over 18 months PFC still no cut or trim. Hair stylist said she was afraid it would bounce back up too short due to my tight curls. Its relaxing on the top but tight as ever on the bottom. Looks awesome! U may be surprised how u like it. Waves look great!
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Ingerp, love the hair!
Got 2 job offers, mulling the choices...
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Ray rah for job choices, Inna!!!
We’re off to meet up with our two CA kids tomorrow. Happiest of holiday seasons to you all!!
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Looking good, IngerP. Like DebAL said, you might be surprised with how it looks in a month or two. I think I;m pretty much where I want my hair to be. Now I am sort of worried that it will look too thin and flat if it relaxes, lol. Safe travels, have fun with your CA kiddos.
Yay, InnaB, good luck with your decision.
Urdrago, I see a new profile pic - you're looking awesome.
Life, hoping you got that rash figured out and are in a better place headwise. I think we all stress when it comes around to anniversary dates and tests.
DebAL, I hear ya about planning trips a long time from now. I just booked a cruise with friends for the summer of 2021 and it's hovering in the back of my mind, "will I be able to go?" Ugh, hoping that calms down as time goes by.
My friend had her lumpectomy on the 16th and is doing great. The first thing she said was the tracer dye injection was a piece of cake, lol. All that worrying for nothing, but don't we all do that sometimes? Her path report is clear, 0/1 nodes. She meets the MO today to decide on rads. No chemo. Isn't it interesting that just a year and a half or so ago, she would have probably had to do chemo? Glad for the ladies who don't have to worry about it since the new guideline changes (although it will be interesting to see if recurrence rates go up in the next decade due to not getting it).
Safe travels to those who are "on the road" this holiday season and big holiday hugs to all of you!
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Merry Christmas from Coeur d'Alene Idaho!
Will catchup later. Not that great of internet where I am.
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Happy New Year! Wishing you all a happy, HEALTHY, prosperous 2020!
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wishing everyone a happy and healthy new year!
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It’s gonna be a good year, ladies—I can feel it. Here’s to 2020!!
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Happy New Year Ladies/Gent!
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Hi everybody!
Interg your hair is looking great! If you want to grow it out go for it!
Innab congratulations on your daughter's engagement. How exciting! I also knew you would rock it out there! Congratulations on two offers! Woo! Hoo! I am starting to look around for a little bit higher pay so that I don't have to work two jobs. It's kind of scary move because I've been in the same department for 18 years and I have my desk pretty much under control. But I'm applying for jobs that will challenge my mind more. Scary but exciting.
GaWarrier I went to a new doctor today because I found out my family physician is looking to retire within the next year. Decided that I didn't want to wait till the last minute. My radiologist suggested this one to me last year. The Dr doesn't even doesn't know what this crazy rashes that's under my right breast is. She gave me some steroid cream to try this weekend to see if the itching goes away and that it dries up. I have a skin doctor appointment on January 6th, hopefully she knows what the heck it is.
Coeur d'Alene Idaho was a lot of fun but I came down with a rotten cold three days before we left and I'm still fighting it. You know I have never held onto a cold so long. I'm not wondering if chemo didn't knock my immune system wacker doodled
My mammograms and scans came out negative. My doctor has never set me up for a cat-scan. Part of me wants to request one and the other part is telling myself he's the doctor, get out of the Google doctor and Trust the man that you chose to be your doctor.
Well I have quite a bit to do this weekend. I canceled my carpet installation because I was so sick before we went on vacation. So this weekend I'm getting everything all put up and in a truck so that he can come and put the carpet in on Wednesday. I'm super excited about my new carpet and then I can finally finish my house that I started last summer.
Just thought I'd pop in and check in. Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and a very safe and happy New Year!
I will be checking in again very soon. Like GaWarrior said "You all have a very special place in my heart". 🤗
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Happy New Year, y’all!
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Checking in from Central VA. That was a great update, Life!! I’m seeing an awesome 2020 for all of us. 😊
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Happy New Year!
Life, I'm glad to hear all test came back neg. if it's still bothering you after sometime. Just ask ur doc. why he didnt order, never hurt to ask to understand. I agree Stay off google..
Heres the first all around cut/style will curls. She was kind and curled my hair..go to leave it short,and I've noticed it's still filling in.
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urdrago that is so stylish!! Despite my hair lady saying she was going to trim mine up at my December color appt, she didn't, so we'll see where we are in March. I'm blow-drying/straightening mine with a hairbrush most days now, but we had a fun, wacky snow day yesterday and I decided not to use a brush. It turned into a reminder that my hair is still very curly!!
I hope everyone is enjoying their new year. These are weird, quiet days after the holidays, aren't they? I actually get to go to Florida for work next week, and am adding on just one day on the front end to get two partial days at Disney World. I was tempted to do it bigger--more days, stay in a Disney resort, . . . , but just did not want to spend the $$. If nothing else, the weather is looking pretty good (mid-80s), so I'm looking forward to that. :-)
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Just dropping in to wish everyone belated seasons greetings and a wonderful 2020!
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You look beautiful, Urdrago! I love the color. Thanks for saying your hair is still filling in - mine is straightening out on top now and I am seeing some very thin areas in spots, so I was sad, thinking this is all I'm getting back. Feeling more hopeful now.
Life, how did your appointment go with the skin doctor (about the rash)? If she had no answers, mention it to your MO or RO (I feel like we need to tell them about every little hiccup for awhile). Hoping you are feeling better and are loving your new, flea-less carpet! Best of luck in finding a new, higher paying position.
InnaB, hoping you've found the perfect job out of those offers.
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urdrago, love the hair!
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Hi, Batata, good to hear from you!
Ingerp, enjoy Disney and the toasty weather.
We'll be watching for a picture...0 -
You guys wanted pics? I’ve had a fun (but exhausting) day and you’ll see have been reminded that my hair, left to its own devices, is still pretty curly. This FL heat and humidity did quite a number on it!! First is earlier in the day; second is later.
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