Dis Breast Cancer Survivors - GAGWTA!

[Lessa of Pern]

pea-n-me, I've been trying to avoid taking time off from work. I was home on disability for four months in the spring. the standard treatment for uterine cancer is hysterectomy, and generally you can go back to work after six weeks. early stage uterine cancers don't require additional treatment after surgery, but I'm stage 3C, so I did a course of radiation (got a tan in a place I'd never thought I would!) and didn't go back to work until four months after my surgery. I take sick days or vacation days right after a round of chemo, but...I have only two more cycles of chemo, so I'm trying to tough it out.

 

[snappy]

Great post on that other thread, Laura. You said what needed to be said without bashing anyone.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Faith, family and friends and a sense of humor is what got me through cancer treatment.

I was reminded of our recent conversation here when I received this from a friend who has lung cancer. Thought I'd share it with all of you. Four Candles

 

[laurabelle]

:thewave:~~~***GAGWTA sistas***~~~:thewave:

Yes, mean people suck...but we are SURVIVORS sistas... we won't let them bring us down!!!

pea-n-me, I've been trying to avoid taking time off from work. I was home on disability for four months in the spring. the standard treatment for uterine cancer is hysterectomy, and generally you can go back to work after six weeks. early stage uterine cancers don't require additional treatment after surgery, but I'm stage 3C, so I did a course of radiation (got a tan in a place I'd never thought I would!) and didn't go back to work until four months after my surgery. I take sick days or vacation days right after a round of chemo, but...I have only two more cycles of chemo, so I'm trying to tough it out.

Lessa- How are the other Taxol side effects for you? What kind of work do you do? And hey, one more question this morning, lol, have you read Fran Drescher's Book - Cancer Schmancer? If you haven't read it and would like to, I can send it to you. Just PM me and let me know. Thinking of you and praying you get the rest you need to heal and these next two rounds are smooth sailing sista...

Linda- Yes, Hope! Loved it!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Woke up this morning thinking of Lessa. Hope everything's OK. Think all this talk of taxol yesterday brought back the memories of how tough it was.

How are you doing today, Lessa?

 

[Lessa of Pern]

I'm feeling better today, thanks for asking.

I really can't complain too much about the taxol. until the neuropathy, the worst part of taxol was the hair loss. I do get nauseau and heartburn right after a cycle, but it's controllable with medication, and I'm likely to need afternoon naps right after a treatment. the bone aches aren't horrible -- just enough to make me find the escalator or elevator and avoid walking up stairs whenever possible. people tell me that I don't "look sick", but in part that's because I never leave the house without make up -- I think I look pale. but maybe that's because I stayed out of the sun all summer.

I'm an attorney with the claims department of a busy insurance company. It's a desk job, the worst part of my day is commuting from Long Island to Jersey City. when I was with a law firm and had to go to court 2-3 times a week ....well, I can't imagine doing that job while under treatment.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Inspired by Lance Armstrong. Should be good!!

Glad you're feeling better, Lessa.

GAGWTA!!

 

[laurabelle]

~~~***GAGWTA sistas***~~~

Lessa- My skin looked grey during chemo, ugh. I was so pale, and I lost all my eyebrows and lashes, every hair on my body, even my big toes! I felt like an alien. Makeup is a Godsend!

We went to the MD Renassaince Festival yesterday. It was so much fun to get out and cut loose! My sister went too (always trouble! ) We dress up (everyone except dh ) and my sister bought me a new red overskirt for my outfit as a belated birthday present. Danced with my girls to our fav. band The Rogues they're like Off Kilter, but a little bawdier BTW I talked with one of the guys in the band last year and his mom is a bc survivor. He was wearing a Lance Armstrong bracelet yesterday.
Ok, I had a little too much fun... Hubby told me to pick out drinks I wanted and he would get them and I could sip off of his, since I'm not much of a drinker these days... I think I sipped too much... I'm such a lightweight.

 

[snappy]

Laura, please post some pictures from the fair. It sounds like you had a blast.

My son is going to one in Hammond, LA with his HS English class.

GAGWTA everyone!!!

Busy weekend. I even helped cut the grass this weekend, first time since BC.
We have a very energetic Honda self-propelled and a riding mower. I could do most of it one handed. I tried before but couldn't get the Honda started, I was not doing it right. I was kind of proud of my self for doing it. DH drove down to meet an adjuster about his mother's house, DS was studying for exams. Good way to get exercise (we have a large yard.)

I'm going to my every 4 month checkup with my surgeon at 2:45. I am hoping I can extend the times between appointments now that it has been almost 18 mos since diagnosis.

 

[Mom2Ashli]

Good morning ladies.
Just stop I would stop by and let you know that the Tampa Bay Area raised over $5,000,000 dollars for Breast Cancer Research and Awareness. Yes that is 5 million dollars.

And I walked the entire 60 miles. We had rain, Hot sun and more rain. What an amazing weekend. My tent mate ended up in the ER and was not allowed to return. They were taking walkers out of there left and right on Friday night. Every ER in the area was full.

And it was people like you guys on the side of the road that kept me going. SURVIVORS. You helped me put one foot in front of the other.

I have to say, it was one of the hardest things I have done in my life. But my 3-days are over, and my blisters will heal, the road rash will go away in time, the sunburn will tan and my life goes back to normal. Not the same for you. You will deal with your cancer every day you wake up. And for that I take my hats off to you Amazing ladies. I am honored to know such a wonderful group of women. You are my heros.

 

[Amy]

Mom-2-Ashli - what an awesome thing to accomplish! Thank you from all of us survivors. Now go get some well-deserved rest! {we need a sleepy smiley}

 

[snappy]

Thanks, Mom2Ashli. No words can express it all, but in my eyes you are a hero.

Thanks for letting us all be a part of the race by including us on your shirt.
Sorry you suffered so with the weather. You would think October would be a good month for this event, even in Florida. I hope everyone who participated and was hospitalized is on the mend today. God bless them all.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

GAGWTA!!

Thank you, Mom2Ashli, what an amazing feat!

Laura, sounds like you need one of these too, glad you had a good time!!

snappy, I'm impressed (that's one thing I've never done, LOL).

 

[Lessa of Pern]

Laura, that sounds like so much fun. I used to dress up and go to the Ren faire in NY, but haven't been in years. post photos please!

Ashi, that's wonderful!

my older dd and the entire j.v. and varisty cheerleading squads will be walking in a breast cancer awareness event next weekend. I hope they raise a lot of money.

 

[laurabelle]

Mom2Ashli- That is an amazing accomplishment!!! Congratulations and THANK YOU!!!

Linda- Love your smilies! Yes, a sleep one would be nice for me...zzz

Laurie- I have always told hubby if we had a rider lawn mower I'd cut the grass! It would need to have a cab with air conditioning and music. But alas, our yard is teeny...

Can you guys believe I left my camera home!?! The pic I posted somewhere on this thread of my girls and I is from the festival last year. It's so much more fun to dress up and go, and the people watching is a hoot!
People dress up in all sorts of costumes, not just Ren. stuff!

I have been so lame... I haven't gotten my Race pics off the camera yet, but people have sent me their pics. Here's a couple:

My friends Lori (who came from NY to do the race with us!) me, JenP, Deb and JenT in the front

The only team photo I have so far, you can't see everybody in it. I'm waiting to get the professional pic (hopefully soon!)

 

[Hollyann]

Hi everyone! I've not had the chance to catch up in the last few days....I've been thinking of you. I've been so lucky and so blessed to lurk and post and be in the company of such an amazing bunch of women - my heart is with all of you! Hope you are all feeling well today.

 

[NHAnn]

Mom2Ashli...THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart! 60 miles...whew...and 5 Million...that's amazing!

DH and I be doing the ACS Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in Concord NH on Sunday. We've participated for the last 5 or 6 years, on a team with my DH's cousin (a survivor) and her co-worker who lost a sister. This is my first time as a Survivor..I'm a little anxious (not sue if that's the right word) as to hwo this will feel. I will be meeting up before the walk with my two friends from my support group (they are on different teams) ...they both just finished their chemo (one on 10/2 and the other on 10/7). I've raised $350 through work and family and friends. I was a little more aggressive in asking for donations this year

Laurabelle, I remember your pics from the Ren fair...I loved them...

We had a busy weekend here...ending in DH's b-day party yesterday...lots of goodies left over - and I have eaten more cake and brownies and candy corn in the last day and a half than I have in the last 5 months

In the meantime, this little state is under an Emergency declaration due to flooding from record setting rainfall from Friday right through Sunday, mostly in the western part of the state towards Vermont. It even made the national news. We have some isolated road and bridge closures locally, but nothing like the flooding and complete washouts and evacuations in the Keene NH area.

GAGWTA!

 

[need_a_Disney_fix]

Like Hollyann, I want everyone to know that I, too, am thinking of you. My mom had her 2nd chemo treatment today and I was fortunate to be with her and Dad during the procedure. It made me feel much better seeing where she goes and what goes on. It also helps the time pass quicker for them also. Mom is looking pretty good considering albiet tired. They did give her a Procrit-like med today to boost her reds and hopefully that will perk her up a bit. We pick up our new family member tomorrow...her wig. Once again, I will be able to be with her to share the joy. LOL Thanks, everyone, for your support and friendship.

 

[MinnieM3]

Basically AWOL for a few days or either on so briefly you'd never know! Ds's high school band had their first REALLY big comeptition this past weekend and we went and they won first in their division and then Grand Champion over all 30 bands that competed! I nearly died!!!!! I've never been so proud of him in my life!

Anyway, this week is also busy and we're going this weekend up to the mountains of NC to this big competition at Western Carolina Univ. and we're getting ready for that! Gotta find some warmer clothes as it's in the 40's up there at night!

Anyway, you're in my thoughts!
GAGWTA!

(Oh, and the NEXT weekend is our Race for the Cure here!)
whew!
Beth

 

[laurabelle]

~~~***GAGWTA sistas***~~~

Ann- That's great that you've raised so much money! I am always amazed at people's generosity! Sounds like you had a fun weekend full or goodies... time to toss them now, lol! We got over 7" of rain here Fri & Sat. after they were ready to declare a drought. Crazy!

Beth- Congrats to your son- that is incredible!!!

need_a_Disney_fix- I know that helps being able to "see" what the cancer center and getting treatment is like. Most of us have all kinds of wild imaginings about it... I'm glad to hear your mom is doing so well!

Hollyann- Thanks!

Well, it looks like I need to slow down my taper off the steroids. Over the weekend I had a little trouble after I went down by 5mg more, nothing too bad, but definitely a difference. My doc was very hesitant to ramp me down too quickly, now I see why... So I went back up by 5mg and I emailed my doc who agreed. I see him Friday before my next infusion. Then I leave the following Friday for WDW!!! I already told my family I may be warming some benches this trip, but hey, where better to do that, right?!?