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Monday, June 17, 15:22:12 [ Login ] [ Main index ] [ Post a new message ] [ Search | Check update time | Archives: [1], 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 ]
Subject: UMMM.....


Author:
Stacy
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Date Posted: 23:11:27 10/10/06 Tue
 I see hits on the counter but I'm NOT seeing too many posts.... Don't cha love me anymore?


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Replies:
[> Subject: Oh yeah


Author:
Cliff
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Date Posted: 23:47:22 10/10/06 Tue
You know I love you, baby!

How is chemo going?
[> [> Subject: CHEMO.....


Author:
Stacy
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Date Posted: 00:30:56 10/11/06 Wed
I started my 6th round of this chemo regiment TODAY. First I saw the doctor. He had a resident Oncologist with him. She examined me first then he examined me. He wants me to get a chest CT on Tuesday, October 17th at 12:30 just to get an update. Jeanette (my nurse) is going to give me my Aranesp Thursday, October, 12th when I get my chemo since I just had Procrit on Friday. Dr. Hahn is not interested in getting a bone scan or PET scan since I'm asymptomatic. I can get a flu shot on Friday, October 27th when I get my Procrit. But not before since I started chemo today.

My counts looked acceptable but I still need to get shots. They were:

white blood cells = 5.7 (normal 4.8 - 10.8)

red blood cells = 3.43 (normal 4.20 - 6.10)

Hematacrit = 33.4 (normal 37.0 - 52.0) This one is why the shot for the red blood cells. A low number like this makes me anemic causing the fatigue.

Platelets = 195 (normal 140 - 440) Thank GOD this number is back up. At one time it was down to 38.

I feel pretty good other than the fatigue. I get mouth sores on the inside of my cheeks from the chemo. I have to be careful what I eat and drink to avoid irritating the sores. I'm definitely not as physically strong or as energetic but considering.... I'm doing quite well.

My doctor told me I look great today. Even with all the cancer I have in my body he still considers me one of his healthiest patients. I told him I believe it's because of my faith in God. I told Dr. Hahn I know God is helping me and, of course, he is too. He said yea he'll take some of the credit. That made me laugh! I just love him!

I also saw my radiation doctor this passed Friday. He's also happy with my progress. He said I look good also. Lots of color in my face.

My hair is starting to come back in. It's real short but it's there.
[> [> [> Subject: Hey


Author:
Tracey
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Date Posted: 14:51:47 10/11/06 Wed
I am so glad you sent me an email update. I was asking about you yesterday--and always. I was speaking with Beth, but she tells me she hasn't seen you lately. And of course I ask Jeannette about you all of the time.
Stacy, I hope you know you can call me anytime to chat. I miss talking with you.
How is your Mom and Aunt. How are the puppies?
Talk to you soon,
Tracey
PS- I paid a visit to Patty last week.
[> [> [> [> Subject: TRACEY!!!!


Author:
Stacy
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Date Posted: 21:12:51 10/11/06 Wed
TRACEY!!!! It's so great to hear from you!! I miss you so much at chemo. You know you'll always be my favorite nurse. I love Jeanette but you were ALWAYS there since day one with me. That made you extra special. I'm having a little bit of a hard time adjusting to Jessa. Vicki and I got along right off the bat but Jessa is a little harder to read. She's nice if she talks. She was a little onery today but of course it was because Chuck was there with Louise. Jessa told him that he was Louise's "piece". It was hilarious! Now if she could be more sociable and fun like that more often, I think she could be great. She does do well with giving the Neulasta and Epogin shots in the tummy. I warm up the syringe first, that lessens the pain. But she kinda "throws" the needle like you do with a flu shot and it is even less painful. She has a real hard time getting blood from both of my arms. Jeanette always has to take over. I'm sure I'll get used to her though.

I sure hope you are happy with the new job. How is it going for you? I hope they know how great of a person they have in you! Hey, you can call me too! I just never know when I can call you. I don't know your hours. I have a cell phone, it's 410-591-5559. That is if you can't reach me at home.

Mom and Aunt Nancy are just fine. They just got back from North Carolina. They had to go to my 2nd cousins funeral. She was only 25 and committed suicide. That was a shock to the family. Especially since she shot herself.

My babies are wonderful as usual. Tyler goes with me almost everywhere (except chemo). I'd take him there too if I could get away with it.

Patty? I remember the name but I need more info to remember who she is.

Thank you SO MUCH for posting! I was thrilled to see your name!
[> [> [> Subject: Hi Ya!


Author:
Lisa
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Date Posted: 17:04:22 10/11/06 Wed
Hey Stacy - Nice to hear you're still kicking and screaming, lol. Your numbers look good. Here's where I came in at on Monday:

WBC - 9.5 (all thanks to Neulasta last week)
RCB - 2.67 - could use some improvement here
HGB - 9.2 - that's staying up pretty well
HCT - 28.6
Plates - 120 - my chemo's gonna hit these hard

I had my first speaking engagement today and it went really good. I even saw one gal start to tear up as I was telling my story, awww. By the way, happy Breast Cancer Awareness Month to ya but then again, we're already aware of BC all too well.

Hope all is good in your neck of the woods and tell Mark I said hello. I'm glad to hear he's healing well physically and I hope AA helps him heal mentally.

Take care!
Lisa
[> [> [> [> Subject: CONGRATULATIONS!!!!


Author:
Stacy
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Date Posted: 21:25:27 10/11/06 Wed
Congratulations on the speaking engagement! What kind of a function was it?

Mark is looking forward to rehab. We think it will be more effective for him as opposed to AA meetings. He never got anything out of them but on the other hand he wasn't ready to quit drinking. But he wants to now. So far we know when he gets to rehab it will be 24/7 for 28 days. But he may have to go longer if the judge says he has to. He's going whether or not the judge makes him go. After the 28 days then he goes back once per week for "after care" for a year. I imagine he could go longer if he feels he needs to. I will definitely tell him hello for you.

Your WBCs do better than mine do. Our RBCs and Crit seems to run about the same.



HAPPY BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH TO YOU ALSO!!
[> [> [> [> [> Subject: Speaking Engagement


Author:
Lis
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Date Posted: 17:36:09 10/14/06 Sat
One of my co-workers asked me if I would be interested in speaking at her mom's small seminar that she puts together at her work place (it was at the old Heinz plant in downtown Pittsburgh). It was for NBCAM and about 25 gals signed up for it.

I was the first speaker of three and I was a little nervous but after about 5 minutes, I was on a roll telling my story. It was great to see that I kept the gals interested the whole way through and some of them were even tearing up. Everyone thought I was just amazing but you know this yourself, I'm not really - I'm just doing what I can to beat this cancer and still enjoy as much life as I can. No one (but cancer cousins) knows what it's like dealing with cancer, no one can understand our mentality and how we can appear that we're taking our situation so well. But WE do.

I was really glad I was able to explain to them what it's like to live with cancer, to go through the treatments, and how it changes our lives forever.

The lady that held the seminar, Barb, said that she's still receiving accolades about my talk. That really make me feel good, to know that I drove home the message about how important mammograms are and that BC is survivable if caught early, and even then, if you're caught in our situation, there's still hope.
[> [> [> [> [> [> Subject: COOL


Author:
Stacy
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Date Posted: 23:27:58 10/14/06 Sat
That's about how it went when I was the speaker at the Race For The Cure this passed June. It sure makes you feel good when you know you've "touched" people.

I know I never would have thought that I could have handled having cancer. But when you find out you have it, you rely on your faith in God and your absolute determination to live. It seems to make it okay. A lot of people turn to Jesus after the fact and I'm glad they do. Fortunately I already had a relationship with Him so I think that has a lot to do with my attitude. Plus if anyone in my family has to have cancer, I would prefer it to be me.

Keep me here at least long enough to keep finding new drugs!
[> [> [> [> [> [> [> Subject: Cool


Author:
Lisa
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Date Posted: 13:04:55 10/16/06 Mon
Our determination to live is half the battle. At tmes, I wonder IF I really can beat this but then, I smack myself for thinking that way and think of WHEN I beat this again. Once I hit my 5 year mark, George and I are headed to Vegas to celebrate. I'm predicting April 2011 we'll be back there and I really hope I'm right. I really miss Vegas and since we bought the house, we haven't had a chance to get back.

The word "chronic" came up in my last meeting with my Onc. but I'm betting that as long as I don't get completely stressed out again, I should be okay. Most people get stress zits, I get stress cancer - go figure!
[> Subject: greetings


Author:
Mary White
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Date Posted: 10:30:05 10/11/06 Wed
Hi Stacy,
So sorry I haven't been in touch other than with the condo board minutes. You are such a help to me. I don't forget you ever though and pray for you every day. I know that's working because of the way you keep going. Keep up the good work. You have a very large support group and many who love you.

Mary
[> [> Subject: HI MARY


Author:
Stacy
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Date Posted: 21:32:19 10/11/06 Wed
How am I helping you? You don't have cancer. I'm glad that I am though in whatever way you need.

Thank you so much for the prayers. I KNOW they definitely help!! It made me feel good when both of my doctors said I'm doing well considering what I'm going through and I look good. I'm glad my Oncologist believes that faith has a lot to do with wellness and state of mind.

I call myself the Energizer Bunny who wears a Timex watch.
[> Subject: Luv yah bunches, Stacy!


Author:
Connie
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Date Posted: 22:08:25 10/14/06 Sat
Stacy
Sorry, but I also have not been on much lately. I have been taking care of my hubby and working (office assistant)
Three weeks ago, Sunday, he was taken to the hospital by ambulance.
He is 48 years old and at first they thought it was his heart. It was not. They took his appendix and part of his colon. His colon had perforated (diverticulitis) and was leaking into his tummy area. He had an infection (perintitus)so they took his appendix as a precaution. Five days later they sent him home with a colostomy bag and about a 12" cut going down by his belly button. I need to repack it every day after I help him with a shower. (whoee whoo! :-)) And then there is the twice weekly changing of the bag. Ugh! I have to wear a dust mask with a cotton ball dipped in Vicks inside the mask, to help with that. haaa haa I look a fright!
I have never been close to being a nurse or a mother, so this is all new. Plus, I am trying to keep my lymphdema in check on my arm. Just doing too much. haa haa Of course, I never would admit it, but I am stubborn, so I just had to get the yard work done and all the other necessary stuff to get done before winter really set in. I just could not just leave it. But it is done, and I am proud.
And then recently, a friend, found out she had breast cancer. A rare form of cystic adnoid carcinoma with a variant. She is being told that she is the 151st person in the world to have this type of cancer. !!!! Can you believe it. She started radiation this week.
I am thinking of you and all the treatments you have had to go through. It jsut amazes me with your attitude. Sure wish more people would come to support you, however.
How is your brother doing?
Connie
[> [> Subject: NURSE CONNIE


Author:
Stacy
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Date Posted: 23:42:34 10/14/06 Sat
YOUR POOR HUSBAND!!! That has to be painful!! It sounds very similar to something that happened to a friend of mine but he ended up with a fissure also. I don't know if he had a bag though.

Isn't it amazing the things you do for those you love? He's lucky to have you.

I can understand your stubborn ways. How else are we supposed to live our lives and try to beat this thing?? We certainly can't just sit around and wait for it to beat us.... so.... YOU GO GIRL!!!

Mark's doing as well as can be expected considering his injuries and the fact that he is waiting for court. His spirits go up and down. He is still having neck and back pain but not as much. And his hands are numb and weak up to his elbows but fortunately there is some improvement there as well. It's still difficult for him but he's getting better at doing some things. Thanks for asking!!

Wow! That's something about your friend. Since it's rare, what is the prognosis according to her doctors?
[> [> [> Subject: One Day at a Time


Author:
Connie
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Date Posted: 11:39:01 10/15/06 Sun
Joyce's prognosis is more of "They don't know". Since it is so rare they sound like they really don't know what should be done. She said they have graded it as non aggressive.They sent the tissues from the tumor removal to Boston and New York. Then gave her the option of radiation or chemo after the sentinal node dissection. Which in itself sounded wierd - She choose the radiation. (I am glad as I don't think she could have taken the chemo) Appr. two years ago when I started my process of the chemo, surgery and radiation, she had the spot on her right breast. They checked twice since then and had not been concerned. But this year they decided to do something about it. I think and hope it had something to do with me pushing her to do something. But they had been more concerned about trying to get her diabetes and diverticulitis controlled in the past three years. (Same thing as my hubby, by the way )
She has been through so much and is weak from everything, that is why I don't think she could have taken the chemo. One week of radiation and she is already saying how fatigued she is. She had the same surgeon that I had and it has helped by me having gone through this to give her some help. Even though she insists that she has/had a rare cancer and is having a problem saying it, I am trying to help her in my small way. She helped me when I was going through my stuff- Funny how things can go around in a circle---What goes around, comes around.

Give a Mark a K.I.S.S. I love the saying:
Keep
It
Simple
Stupid
He may know where this comes from. haa haa
Keeping you in my thoughts.
Connie
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