Dis Breast Cancer Survivors Part II -GAGWTA!

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Laura - Sending tons of good thoughts to you and your family this week! I hope the Humira helps your UC, and that DH is able to go on the trip with you!

My mom has this ridiculous plan to drive down here for Thanksgiving, keep a nightmare schedule while she is here, then go back home and go straight back to work. I am very opposed to it.
She starts Taxol on Thursday, 12 weekly infusions.
The general consensus here is that she will probably be too fatigued to make a trip like that, so we'll see. She had some really rough days about a week ago - missed 2 days of work, horrible fatigue, no white cells, you know the drill. I don't wish for her to feel sick, but I do want her to be responsible about taking care of herself.

 

[Sha]

My mom has this ridiculous plan to drive down here for Thanksgiving, keep a nightmare schedule while she is here, then go back home and go straight back to work. I am very opposed to it.
She starts Taxol on Thursday, 12 weekly infusions.
The general consensus here is that she will probably be too fatigued to make a trip like that, so we'll see. She had some really rough days about a week ago - missed 2 days of work, horrible fatigue, no white cells, you know the drill. I don't wish for her to feel sick, but I do want her to be responsible about taking care of herself.

I was just trying to catch up, but not going to be able to really read as much as I want. But JSG, I was thinking... this sounds like your mom is trying to keep some sort of control of one aspect of her life. Could she fly vs driving if she is so determined? or another form of transportation?

I know I would have the same position as you though if it was my mom.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I was just trying to catch up, but not going to be able to really read as much as I want. But JSG, I was thinking... this sounds like your mom is trying to keep some sort of control of one aspect of her life. Could she fly vs driving if she is so determined? or another form of transportation?

I know I would have the same position as you though if it was my mom.

In the past I have offered to buy her a plane ticket, but NO, she refuses to fly. Last year she rented a car to drive down because her car is a death trap. Would have ben easier to FLY and get a rental car when she arrived in Dallas. Oh, but she brought the pet guinea pig because there was nobody to look after him while they were gone, so going on a plane would have been a nightmare.
I know, it is like some bizarre stand-up routine. A woman sleeping in the grocery store parking lot in a rental car with a guinea pig. She was mad when I told her I would not keep her guinea pig at my house for the entire duration of her stay. I swear she does things just to see how far she can push me. Her behavior reminds me of the toddler that I nanny.

 

[snappy]

Just to let y'all know, DH's hand surgery went great yesterday, he is back at work and off pain meds.

Mom had her surgical biopsy this morning and did well. I got her home, my sister came over with lunch and I am back home now resting myself. I am trying to get my sister to go home and let me stay the night. I really think she would be fine but they want someone with her for 24 hours.

These early mornings are taking a toll.

What is happening on Wall Street is also weighing on me.

I will take a nap and I WILL feel better.

I am sure Laura is still at the hospital. Hoping things are going well, Laura.

 

[MerryPoppins]

Thinking good thoughts for surgeries, recoveries and tests.

FIL's path report is in and there was no cancer! He's doing much better since he's been home. Prayer is a wonderful thing.

And DD's application for a National Merit Scholarship has been turned in. It's like a load of bricks has been removed from my shoulders. The last few days have been very stressful.

to everyone! I'm thinking of you all. GAGWTA!

 

[snappy]

Great news, Merry, about your FIL. I am glad he is home and on the mend.

I agree about the stress of applying for scholarships. I also found applying for different colleges a trying experience. I am too pushy, DD18 pushed the other way, wanting very little help. She is as independent as they come. It seems there is so much to do senior year, and the applications are on top of all of that.

Aliceacc, I am so glad you feel so well. I too was a bit surprised how easy the mastectomy only was. I think it is a much different experience when an immediate reconstruction is also done.

Do try and pace your self though, especially if you have had nodes removed. Make time for the exercises in order to keep the arm moving. Will you get the drains out tomorrow?

You are smart to limit the painkillers. My doc did not even give me any for my mastectomy, and looking back, I am glad. They really don't agree with my system at all.

DH took 3 Vicodin yesterday spaced out, and he took himself off. They did not seem to do much more for the pain than just tylenol and advil.

 

[lookingforward]

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

Aliceacc- I hope you continue to feel wonderful as you heal!

JSK- I'm sorry I have missed a lot here...is there something new with your mom? I remember she is due to change over to Taxol, right? I did the same chemo, just 3 weeks apart.

Laurie- Continued prayers for your mom and all of your family...

Tomorrow is the big test day for hubby. I'm still waiting to hear what time we need to be there. The cardiologist said it will be a long day...he has no idea who he's telling that to! I'm stocking up at the library today.

My UC has reared it's ugly head. Totally not surprising considering my worry/stress level. My GI doc had me do the Humira shot a day early, I was due for it today. Hopefully it will just go away.

I really hope after we get his results tomorrow we can exhale and go on our trip and just relax and have fun. I told the kids I'm not talking about the the trip as much as I usually would around daddy because I don't want him to think there is pressure on him. They are such terrific troopers and are totally ok with it if we need to cancel. As much as we love WDW, the trip is only going to happen if he is feeling good and wants to go. He made it through a full day at work yesterday and said he felt good.

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.

How was you hubby's tests? Let us know, he is in our prayers. I am so sorry you are having the UC again. I hope the Humira works quickly. I hope you all feel better for WDW. YOur kids sound wonderful and understanding.

Aliceacc-Great news! I am so glad you are healing and feeling so well!

GAGWTA to all.

 

[Aliceacc]

Thanks for the kind words ladies. The plastic surgeon did insert an expander, but that's the limit of my reconstruction this far. I'm not sure about the drain removal yet; I called yesterday as directed and gave him my numbers. I'll find out tomorrow what comes next.

And, from a high school teacher who teaches a number of SAT prep courses: these kids are very internet saavy. Be SURE to have them spend some serious time online, researching any scholarships for which they might remotely qualify. As in google "scholarships for twins, scholarships for only children, scholarships for kids of breast cancer survivors..." Anything at all. You may be STUNNED to find all that's out there.

 

[snappy]

Ooohhh, a teacher of SAT prep courses. . .

I bet you have a lot of good tips. How many times should a student sit for the ACT or SAT?

One I would give (as a novice) is apply to the individual colleges early, during the summer BEFORE the senior year, if possible, if the school has a non-binding acceptance policy.

This is also the best time to begin college campus visits. Ask for help from the guidance counselor or an English teacher with the essays. Target a particular teacher of one of your core subjects that you enjoy an affinity with to get to know well so you can tap him/her for a reference if needed.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Laurie - Glad your DH is doing OK!
I hope your mom's biopsy comes back negative!

Laura - Hope your DH is doing OK today!

Merry - Wonderful news about your FIL!
I am so not looking forward to college applications! 7th grade is starting to wear me out already!

Aliceacc - Glad you are continuing to feel OK!

My mom starts Taxol tomorrow. I think she is a little nervous about the possibility of an allergic reaction. She is planning to go in for her CBC at 8:20 AM, have her Taxol, and be at work by noon. We shall see!

 

[Sha]

Good morning ladies.... I just wanted to let you know that today is the day.... I am off to take my boards! I am nervous and scared... afraid of letting people down (failing). Was hard to focus on studying lately. So, 10am I start my test, and in a couple days I will know. There is a Bible verse I try to keep in mind:

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24​

and then I have this that I took from another Dis'ers siggy:

"if God brings you to it, He will bring you through it."​

(thanks S.C.)

Will talk to you ladies later!!! Hugs! thanks for your support

 

[Aliceacc]

Good morning ladies.... I just wanted to let you know that today is the day.... I am off to take my boards! I am nervous and scared... afraid of letting people down (failing). :

Good luck-- you'll do great!!!

Now re-read that line about letting people down by failing, and realize how silly it is. If, somehow, this test is harder than you expected, it's simply a hard test. You won't have let anyone down, you'll simply need to study more before you re-take the boards.

To re-use a line some of my students have heard before: it's just a (math) test. It's not a pregnancy test or an AIDS test or a biopsy-- it's a pen and paper test. If you don't do well, you re-take it-- no harm, no foul.

That said, you're going to do great!!! Have a good breakfast, check your ID/supplies, and go knock em dead!!!!

 

[Aliceacc]

Ooohhh, a teacher of SAT prep courses. . .

I bet you have a lot of good tips. How many times should a student sit for the ACT or SAT?

One I would give (as a novice) is apply to the individual colleges early, during the summer BEFORE the senior year, if possible, if the school has a non-binding acceptance policy.

This is also the best time to begin college campus visits. Ask for help from the guidance counselor or an English teacher with the essays. Target a particular teacher of one of your core subjects that you enjoy an affinity with to get to know well so you can tap him/her for a reference if needed.

I would say, for most kids, twice is probably optimal. Most schools suggest May of Junior year, and late October Senior year. Kids who are disappointed in the May scores have time to prep over the summer.

Your score is your best combination of the component parts, so there's nothing to lose by taking the test twice (unless, of course, you've scored 2400 on the first try ) But much more than twice starts to look a bit desperate, unless there were extenuating circumstances (like the flu or the death of a grandparent) that account for an exceptionally low first or second try.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Sending Pixie Dust, Sha!

In MA the computer shuts off when there are enough answers correct so you know right away. That must be nice. I took mine long before the computer age - sat for boards in July, worked as a Camp Nurse all summer and towards fall was hired into a hospital position as a New Graduate Nurse - which there were provisions for, but I would lose if I didn't pass. Finally found out I passed in Sept, the week before I was to start new job. I distinctly remember DH handing me the letter, my opening it, and promptly bawling my eyes out when I saw that I had passed! Good luck, Sha!

Hope all goes well today for your Mom, jsg. That's interesting having CBC done in am before chemo. I used to have my bloodwork done the day before, at a location near my home. That way if I had to delay based on my bloodwork, I didn't have to go all the way in there (it was an hour drive, often longer in morning traffic.) IIR I delayed twice during the whole course. And I only got taxol every other week X 4 doses. I can't imagine doses every week for 12 weeks, that seems like a lot! Let us know how she does!

Merry, great news on FIL!

Laura, waiting to hear how things went yesterday. I suspect your DH probably spent the night in the hospital?

Laurie, will you hear about biopsy results today? Hope things are going better around your area.

Ann, I also remember the BYOB days at the No Name! In fact, I'd been discussing that with my brother the same night you posted. The night we went last week, I asked the waiter, "I can't remember, do you carry wine now?" LOL (They do.)

Maureen, will send you a PM.

Aliceacc, congratulations! Sounds like you did exceptionally well!

 

[snappy]

You are in my thoughts today, Sha. Good luck on your boards!!


Alice, I wondered about how the SAT worked at all schools, one DD18 applied to did take the best of her two tries on the SAT, they called it superscore, or something of that nature. Maybe all schools requiring SAT's do that? It really helped her as she did a lot better on the math one time over the other.

I have also heard that it is wise to take college entry tests right after taking the harder math courses. If you are on a faster track and have calculus under your belt, take it right after that.

Around here, the ACT is not supersized, as the score also has a composite score. I think the score for each sitting stand alone.

My experience was that if the student was planning on a local school, the ACT was enough, but if the student had loftier aspirations, the SAT reasoning test and the SAT subject tests (for the top IVY leagues mostly) were necesary.

DD18 took all, ACT, SAT, and the SAT subject ones.

ACT and SAT twice, the subject test once. It seemed like a lot of testing in the junior and early senior year. I wanted her to prepare more, bought a self study book, but she did well with limited self prep. I can't help but think her scores would have improved though if she had done more self prep. However, her super score SAt was just below 1400 out of 1600, so not bad. Enough to get her into Tulane and a good scholarship there. She is well placed in the range of scores of the students Tulane admitted.

After the last few months I am glad she is going to school close by. She seems to need it as much as we do.

Laurie

 

[Aliceacc]

Which test(s) you take really depends on the schools to which you're applying. Most of the schools in the metro NYC area seem to use the SAT, but the individual websites can tell you that.

And I really don't know much about the ACT or SAT II. But the SAT is based on math up to and including Algebra II & Trig. So Precalc won't help you there. I would say take it right after Algebra II & Trig, so the details (like how to factor or use quadratic formula) are still fresh in your mind and not overwhelmed by more advanced material that's not on the exam.

I'm not familiar with the term "superscore", but it's what I meant before: the best combination of the composite parts.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

BTW, if you guys haven't seen this thread yet, it's worth a gander for a few chuckles:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1956151&referrerid=70088

 

[snappy]

When I heard the superscore description all I could think of was supersizing your order at Wendy's or something. It left a bad taste in my mouth.

I think it is cool that Ann and Linda have frequented the same restaurant up there on the coast. Small world, isn't it?

Linda, most of the traffic lights are operating here again. Still way too much traffic as so many contractors are working all over the place picking up trees, debris, and starting work on the homes really damaged. We still have our piles of debris intact. I think the debris removal guys take one look at it and go the other way.

I am back to work after two "hospital days."

Getting up so early is for the birds. I am not a bird. No worms for me, for more than one reason.

Mom was convinced she was getting a rash last night and my sister asked me to come check because she thought it might be hives. It was a false alarm, I think she is allergic to the tape they used for the preop tests and the procedure. At 78 her skin is thin and easily affected. I brought her some benedryl, one of my old standby's. She seemed to appreciate it. She is also basking in the additional attention we have been lavishing on her. Who wouldn't?

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Be sure to mention that if she goes into the hospital for anything further. They'll list it as an allergy.

 

[snappy]

BTW, if you guys haven't seen this thread yet, it's worth a gander for a few chuckles:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1956151&referrerid=70088

Oh my, some funny stories. I didn't read it all but I guess I am wondering when that thread will go poof.

Read it while you can, ladies. Don;t miss the hooter hiders and the potatoes fixin's.

OMG!

Possibility for some really regretable tags over there.