Beau Peep Notice Board
Beau Peep Notice Board => Outpourings => Topic started by: Joan on November 05, 2009, 06:23:42 PM
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I'm off to hospital today to have surgery. I've joined that elite group of women who have (had, hopefully) breast cancer, I'm afraid. The biopsy says the cells are low grade and the surgeon was impressed that I'd found the lump (or so he kept saying), as it's not very obvious, so hoping that it hasn't spread. He'll take the lump out and some of the lymph nodes to check if it has spread. Whatever happens, I'm very positive now (was a bit shaken when we found out - the waiting for the results was the worst) and determined to fight this just like my sister did and thousands of other women have successfully. Just want to get this part over and get on with the treatment. Should be back home after 24/48 hours, depending on the operation.
I have very good support from friends and family....... (Slight pause there to finish my coffee as I have to fast now.) Your job, my friends, is to make an extra effort to make me laugh over the coming months. Things like the 'Malcolm's Birthday' thread are the go.
Strikes me that this is a good place to come and vent - I'll put a warning in the title if the language is extra colourful, but I'm sure you guys can take it.
So fingers crossed, everybody, and I'll keep you posted once I'm in a fit state to do so. May be typing with one hand for a wee while.
Take care all of you and check those breasts! Take that seriously, but feel free to play with it if you feel the urge.
Joan
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Sorry to hear, Joan, My mum (73) just went through a Mastectomy on the advice of her doctor, but the fact that your sister has battled successfully is a very very good sign.
I'm thinking of you, as we all are. I know you're anxious, but you are young, you've caught it early, you will get through and you'll be fine. Vent away, love!!!!
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Joan, my thoughts are with you. Although you obviously have a wee battle in front of you, I am certain, given what you say, that everything will be absolutely fine. I know about horrible times----McGookin came to visit me today! Seriously, there is no need for me to speak for others---I'm sure they'll soon join me on here---but every one of us wishes you a speedy recovery. Try to keep us up to date when you get out of hospital. All the best and take care.
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All our thoughts are with you Joan. I hope all goes well and you're able to post back here soon -- as Malc says, 'vent away'!. All the very best , Rob
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Thinking of you too, Joan. Caught early, so I KNOW things will be fine - trust me. (My sister-in-law had a similar early-spot, and is now back fit as a fiddle.)
One thing you must do is keep your spirits up. Try and think of a good joke now and again. (Maybe Tarquin will send you a picture of Mince.)
Of course, during your recuperation, you'll need to be tended hand and foot, like royalty. I hope you've conveyed this message to the other half!
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Joan, here's another speedy recovery wish from me!
Just keep yourself positive --- and you are right, laughter will help you there!
I have to type with one finger.
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I’m sorry to hear this news Joan – bloody awful. :'(
Like you say, you have everything going in your favour to beat this medically and emotionally.
I’m rootin’ for you. Now if we could only somehow arrange for Malc to give you a big slobbery kiss on behalf of us all.
Here's one from the C.B.P.F.C. :-*
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good luck dear...hope it all turns out alright
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Hi Joan. Just like everyone else on here I wish a complete recovery as soon as possible.
We'll do our best to make you laugh I promise, you just do your best to be better.
Max.
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Hi, Joan. I have my fingers crossed for you although, with your positive attitude, you probably won't need them.
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Joan, this isn't probably the best time to ask this question, but can you lend me a tenner?
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Joan, this isn't probably the best time to ask this question, but can you lend me a tenner?
;D Thanks, Nige, just what I needed!
And thank you all for your messages of support and good wishes. Can't wait for that big slobbery kiss, Malc - stop off on your way back. :-* Right back at you, Diane. The other half is pretty good at that, Nige. Can't grumble in that department.
I was having a rest earlier on, as I got up at 4am and that last sentence I wrote suddenly popped into my head. Can't believe I said that - actually I can - not thinking very straight at the moment. Anyway, off in about 15 minutes. God, I'm thirsty - could go about a litre of water. Will keep you updated and thanks again for all your support - it really helps. :)
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Slobbery kiss on its way!
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Bloody hell, I'm beginning to wish I'd never mentioned that big slobbery kiss of Malcolm's.
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Joan, I'm thinking of you.
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Em... Joan... that Roy Orbison thing... sorry!
Be well!
Tarqs
X
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Joan, I'm sorry to hear about this. I hope everything goes very well.
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It all went well so far - the lump's out and he took two lymph nodes which were clear of cancer cells when tested here, but we have to wait for the pathology results to be sure. So that's the best news we could have hoped for. Because he only took two nodes, I get to go home this morning. Then we have to wait till it heals enough to start treatment. Radiotherapy definitely, possibly chemo (the surgeon says they're using it more even if the cancer hasn't spread) and drugs afterwards.
I'm a bit groggy this morning, as you can imagine, just wanted to let you all know that the news is good so far. Will post again when I'm feeling a bit more "with it".
Thanks again for all your good wishes and support. Haven't given Roy a second thought, Tarqus.
Take care, everybody,
Joan
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Good news so far then, Joan! :)
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Thinking of you Joan.
Get well soon.
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That's great news, Joan. A HUGE positive step. Although I'm not actually sure what "rooting" is, I'm rooting for you!
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About that tenner, Joan...?
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That's great news, Joan. A HUGE positive step. Although I'm not actually sure what "rooting" is, I'm rooting for you!
Just watch how you phrase that when talking to an Australian, Roger! LOL I appreciate the sentiment though - I'll take all the rooting for me I can get, just don't feel much like the Australian version at the moment. ;)
Peeps, just keep asking - maybe you're bringing me luck, as well as making me laugh.
As good as we can hope for at this stage, Tom - now come the two weeks of waiting.
Thanks, Colin. :)
Other half has just come back from shopping - I was meant to have gone for a nap - think I'd better. Will read everything else later.
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Glad to hear things are going well thus far. Get well soon!
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Ditto to what Jack said ;D
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Hi Joan - I haven't been on this board for ages, but look in now and again. Sorry to hear of your troubles, but as everyone has said already, the signs are good. I have several friends who have had breast cancer, and all have made excellent recoveries. Take care, and DO let people wait upon you hand & foot for as long as you can get away with it. Big hugs xx
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Big hugs xx
Not TOO big - she's tender! ..0
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Thanks, Elizabeth. :) Hug as big as you like, just not too hard on the right side! I must say, it's getting a bit hard to sit back and do very little now that I'm feeling a lot fitter - who would have thought it? Still getting lots done for me though - it's very enjoyable. ;) I am very positive now, too. I realise that I'm very lucky to have caught it so early.
I've had a couple of outings today - the first was to my gynae, a lovely man, (won't go into all the details, don't worry chaps) he just wants to get a couple of things tidied up before I start the treatment and the second to my surgeon for a quick check up - I was a bit worried about the wound, but he says it's fine. Pathology results weren't in yet - too soon unfortunately. Felt a lot better after seeing him as well. Then had a visit from a friend who brought yummy cakes from the patisserie, and we chatted for a couple of hours in the late afternoon sunshine, so all in all, had a good day.
I'm also overwhelmed by the response to my news - the outpouring of caring and love from family and friends, including you, has just been wonderful. I know it shouldn't be unexpected, but I never realised just how much it means to the person receiving it. It makes such a difference. I feel really blessed.
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You're one of our mates, Joan! ;)
Thanks for the tweets too. (That'll go over the heads of the luddites.)
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Wossa luddite?
Glad to hear things are going well, Joan, and that there's cake.
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Wossa luddite?
Glad to hear things are going well, Joan, and that there's cake.
I think they're relatives of Peeps!
- ditto -
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More good news, Joan. And I'm glad to hear that you and Nige are twits.
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;D Nige is a much bigger twit than I am, Roger. I'm only about a sixth of the twit he is. ;)
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;D Nige is a much bigger twit than I am, Roger. I'm only about a sixth of the twit he is. ;)
I watch John Cleese's tweets. He calls fellow twitterers "twats". Not sure about that.
I only glance at the tweets that appear now and again (it's like a news-feed, if you miss anything, it doesn't really matter), but everyday I spot something I investigate further and could be useful.They run in the background.
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Have you tried Lists, Nige? I just created one for you and Bill Tidy (cartoonists) so now I can see all your tweets at once. Bill doesn't tweet very often.
Those three words in my last tweet were not intentionally appropriate. It wasn't till I reread it that I realised they were. If I'd tried to think up something, I wouldn't have been capable at the moment. I know it's pathetic, but I was quite chuffed at myself! LOL
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This is becoming a bit of a diary for me, hope you don't mind - I've just done some exercise, not quite as much as I was doing before, but close, and feel the better for it, amazingly enough, meaning I didn't collapse in a heap. My other half is still doing things for me, though I'm quite able to do most of it myself, and he's just made a carrot cake, a piece of which I may have, seeing as I did the exercise. ;) 'We' made the Christmas cake the other day. He cut up the fruit, soaked it in a great deal of brandy, mixed up the ingredients, of which there are many, and I told him what to do. 'We' also made a lasagne that day using the same process (ie, me telling him what to do) and made it through both sessions with only a couple of little contretemps. ;D Son told Dad it was the best lasagne yet. I, of course, told Dad that he can make it from now on.
I'm just going to go and suggest he gets started on the icing for the carrot cake, so I can have a piece for morning tea. I wonder if he remembered to buy the cream cheese ...?
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It's nice that your other half is stepping up to the plate - a little effort make you feel loved eh. ;D
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This is becoming a bit of a diary for me, hope you don't mind - I've just done some exercise, not quite as much as I was doing before, but close, and feel the better for it, amazingly enough, meaning I didn't collapse in a heap. My other half is still doing things for me, though I'm quite able to do most of it myself, and he's just made a carrot cake, a piece of which I may have, seeing as I did the exercise. ;) 'We' made the Christmas cake the other day. He cut up the fruit, soaked it in a great deal of brandy, mixed up the ingredients, of which there are many, and I told him what to do. 'We' also made a lasagne that day using the same process (ie, me telling him what to do) and made it through both sessions with only a couple of little contretemps. ;D Son told Dad it was the best lasagne yet. I, of course, told Dad that he can make it from now on.
I'm just going to go and suggest he gets started on the icing for the carrot cake, so I can have a piece for morning tea. I wonder if he remembered to buy the cream cheese ...?
Keep going with the diary, Joan. It does me (and maybe us) good to read of your positive-ness. It's been a long time since I was married and had someone to boss around; I'm enjoying reading about you and your o-h.
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I might try and pair you up with Mince, Vulch.
Soap operas have regular weddings. I don't see why we shouldn't.
I'll get me bow and arrow...
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Have you started on the Dalwhinnie malt yet, Joan?
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I might try and pair you up with Mince, Vulch.
Soap operas have regular weddings. I don't see why we shouldn't.
I'll get me bow and arrow...
Listen, Sunshine, I tried being 'paired up' once and that was enough! If you MUST get your bow and arrow, use it/them to shoot yourself! ;D
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I'm going to practice making soup. Roger makes a very nice pot, and my mum's is ace. Mel can't cook anything to save her life, so there's no point in passing on my mum's recipe. It seems like the secret of McGookin Soup is mine to keep.
Interestingly, when I discuss the vagaries of soup-making with anyone, (mostly women) I pick up other little tips, like basting your ingredients in a butter solution before transferring to the soup pot and adding your stock.
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I'm going to practice making soup. Roger makes a very nice pot, and my mum's is ace. Mel can't cook anything to save her life, so there's no point in passing on my mum's recipe. It seems like the secret of McGookin Soup is mine to keep.
Interestingly, when I discuss the vagaries of soup-making with anyone, (mostly women) I pick up other little tips, like basting your ingredients in a butter solution before transferring to the soup pot and adding your stock.
Amazingly, I'm actually making lentil soup as we speak. (Just added some veg and pork stock.)
I actually didn't believe it the first time, Malc, when you said Roger had palmed you off with a dish of gruel home-made soup. I mean, after I'd wined and dined you in a swank Rothesay eaterie only a few days before. ..0
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I too am making soup for tonight. I cooked up some extra chicken last night on purpose as I bought a lovely bunch of leeks (not often found in these parts) and for sure I will give them a little stir in a hot frying pan first to bring out their flavour. Cock-a-leekie in the slow cooker!
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Ah, soup. Now there's a topic worth discussing. Despite giving Malc my home-made lentil soup (I had some stock from a boiled ham joint to use up), I still prefer my watercress and potato creation. Then there's my chicken and mushroom soup, using three types of mushroom. MAKE SOUP NOT WAR!
By the way, who's been playing silly buggers with my avatar?
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Have you done anything to your settings, Roger? (You might have altered something by accident in one of the areas of your profile section - maybe reconfigured some coding and altered the html when trying to enhance or emphasise something?) It wasn't me, and I wouldn't have access to your personal area.
Did you link to a URL or upload the original jpeg/gif?
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You put a joint in your soup. Roger? No wonder McGookin was impressed.
I made soup for my lunch today. Risky business - managed to get a small paper cut when I tore open the sachet. I put in my own Maggi seasoning as well.
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I made soup for my lunch today. Risky business - managed to get a small paper cut when I tore open the sachet. I put in my own Maggi seasoning as well.
Oh dear. Is the woman on holiday somewhere? Hope you've got enough clean clothes and dishes.
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She was at work, Peepsie - I'm happy for her to do that. I'm more than capable of fending for myself. I have an iPhone.
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That's a relief. It's good to know that should you run out of clean pots, pans, dishes or underpants, she's just a phone-call away.
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Have you done anything to your settings, Roger? (You might have altered something by accident in one of the areas of your profile section - maybe reconfigured some coding and altered the html when trying to enhance or emphasise something?) It wasn't me, and I wouldn't have access to your personal area.
Did you link to a URL or upload the original jpeg/gif?
I think I may have urled.
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You seem a bit laid back, Roger.
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Have you done anything to your settings, Roger? (You might have altered something by accident in one of the areas of your profile section - maybe reconfigured some coding and altered the html when trying to enhance or emphasise something?) It wasn't me, and I wouldn't have access to your personal area.
Did you link to a URL or upload the original jpeg/gif?
I think I may have urled.
That wouldn't have changed it then, Roger, because in that instance the file's hosted on another server, and it's simply a link you've entered, giving the path. You'd have to have access to that other server, replacing the picture with a file of the same name, but which you'd already rotated in Photoshop, or similar. I can't imagine you'd have (a) the access privileges, and (b) a way to ftp. (No offence meant.)
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I probably flugged the hjp/sprocket.
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Mince might know. I think he's got an "O" level in twatography.
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Joan, you can of course start up another diary thread.
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By the way, who's been playing silly buggers with my avatar?
I have no idea, Roger, but it's disgraceful and I don't think you should stand for it: after all, your avatar isn't.
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I probably flugged the hjp/sprocket.
Not surprising, playing silly buggers like that at your age.
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My Cock-a-leekie isn't working out by the way - not a chicken stock cube in the house! So instead I added (to the chicken and leeks and onions) white beans and mushroom soup and mushrooms. I just need to call it something else - any ideas?
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My Cock-a-leekie isn't working out by the way - not a chicken stock cube in the house! So instead I added (to the chicken and leeks and onions) white beans and mushroom soup and mushrooms. I just need to call it something else - any ideas?
Mushy leekie?
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How about Eric Postlethwaite. That would be an original name for a soup.
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By the way, who's been playing silly buggers with my avatar?
I have no idea, Roger, but it's disgraceful and I don't think you should stand for it: after all, your avatar isn't.
Heh! Heh! Heh!
Please fix it.
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My Cock-a-leekie isn't working out by the way - not a chicken stock cube in the house! So instead I added (to the chicken and leeks and onions) white beans and mushroom soup and mushrooms. I just need to call it something else - any ideas?
Mushy leekie?
Ewee, if you say it fast it sounds quite exotic.
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Sounds like a burst pipe that's gone un-noticed for a while.
Roger, is it me, or does your avatar now look slightly different? I can't put my finger on it, but it looks strange...
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Tom, I thought the same thing, but didn't want to be seen as a serial "spotter". The nearest eye to camera has been altered.
Unless you posted your comment at the sane time as the avatar was lying on its side, in which case, er....never mind.
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Blimey. The nearest eye now looks like a bit of a ring-piece. I hadn't noticed that before. I wonder who that could have been. ..0
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Ere, who thumped Roger!?
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Joan, you can of course start up another diary thread.
Oh, no, Malc - this is just what I wanted. 8) I'll just come in and update in amongst the nonsense and not-so-nonsense and I did see Roger (Roger's alter ego) lying on his back - is there a limit to the number of pages a topic can have?
Have you started on the Dalwhinnie malt yet, Joan?
I've only had one wee one, Roger, since the little jet lag Joan episode, what -a year and a bit ago? Can't believe it's that long. Had a glass of sparkling wine on Friday, but it left me feeling a bit fuzzy on Saturday. Dalwhinnie sounds quite appealing, though. Only a little bit left in the bottle - there's a thought for one of my Christmas presents. How is it that I'm easy to buy presents for and everyone else is so darn difficult? I have to say, I've been feeling a bit jet lag Joanish over the last week - especially the first two days after my op - God knows how much stuff they pumped into me on Friday, but no adverse affects, apart from a slight doolalleyness, which may or may not have been there before all this. ;)
I'm glad to see toh's efforts have inspired discussions about their cullinary skills amongst some of the male members of BP, even if it is just soup. I love Scottish lentil soup. You can't get it in a can here - it's all lumpy stuff. Coles had some for a while, but they've stopped selling it. Come to think of it, there are some lentils in the cupboard - maybe I can get toh onto it. Trouble is, nobody else in the house likes it. I'd be eating it till the cows came home.
Had a quiet couple of days - the weather has been lovely - bit warm yesterday, but not unbearable and it's cooler today. Supposed to be really hot tomorrow, though. Been watching a bit of the golf in Melbourne - Australian Masters. They've got Tiger Woods over - crowds are huge, thank goodness they didn't hold it here, we'd have had punters crawling all over the place - not that they would - logistics too difficult. Toh and I went to the Australian Open last time he was here, which would be a few years ago now. He was just becoming famous then and there wasn't half so much fuss. In fact, there was more fuss about Greg Norman who was there too. Funny how you can tell the crowd is Australian, even when you can't see the gum trees. It's the shorts, t-shirts, hats and sunglasses that are the giveaway. Good Lord, Malc, some of the officials have got shorts and long socks on! We're nothing, if not casual here. On the Saturday morning after my op a handsome, fit looking young man in shorts and a t-shirt appeared in my room - couldn't think why he would be visiting me, in the few seconds it took to realise it was my surgeon.
It suddenly struck me, Diane, reading your last post, that you probably don't have a Canadian accent. I just always assumed you did and I'm the last person who should assume that, seeing as some people would assume I had an Australian accent, which is totally wrong. We'll have no comments from anyone who's heard me recently, if you please.
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I do try to blend in by saying tomato and aluminum as they do and sadly, never say “butties” anymore– but people here, when meeting me for the first time, always still ask where I’m from.
You would think in a land filled with poisonous snakes, the trend would be to wear long pants with bicycle clips.
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Joan, glad to hear that you are doing so well under the circumstances. Love your photo-avatar. You are quite pretty.
I'm not allowed to have a photo here, or an avatar at all it seems. :-\ Mince apparently isn't allowed to have a photo or an avatar either but I can understand that.
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Why can't you have an avatar? It's an outrage!!
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Thanks, Feather. That photo was taken at a Bollywood-themed 'Girls' Night In' in aid of women's cancer, the day after I was diagnosed - had already accepted the invitation and decided to go and it was a lovely evening - much better than sitting at home brooding about things.
We need to start a "reinstate Feather's avatar" campaign.
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We need to start a "reinstate Feather's avatar" campaign.
It's way too risky.
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Why? Would you get grief from a pilchard?
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It would drive men to madness. Feather is one serious Cougar.
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It would drive men to madness. Feather is one serious Cougar.
I need to run this through Babel Fish.
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Yes, the picture Mince chose when he made up a girlfriend was of a rather good-looking babe wasn't it.
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What?! He made up a girlfriend AND a father?
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What?! He made up a girlfriend AND a father?
Ugly b@st@rd!
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Good God! Scotland won! (The rugby against Australia) That was unexpected - just as well I get to choose who I go for after it's over. ;) Good on you Scotland, although by the looks of it, it was more a case of Australia being a shadow of their former selves than Scotland excelling.
We're expecting a high of 41C today, so the air conditioning was on very early, before the house heats up - an unusual occurrence. As I type, I'm watching toh standing in the pool scrubbing the walls - he's gesturing to me to come out - if he thinks I'm getting in with him, he's got another thing coming. He wanted sunscreen and a hat, so it must be bad - not the most sensible when protecting his skin, my husband.
I'm pretty good - you're all doing a good job of making me laugh, as are other friends, some intentionally, some unintentionally. Will feel a lot better after Tuesday, when I get the pathology results, either way, but keeping my fingers crossed that they're as good as they can be.
I'm laughing right now at my oh, waving sheepishly from the empty spa, his Akubra on his head and the only other thing he has on are Speedos. I would comment more, but I'd get into trouble. He can laugh at me later, when I get into the full spa to cool down. Although I've just been out to help him put acid in the water and it's not pleasant out there - supposed to cool down later with what we Sydneysiders call a southerly buster - the wind changes to coming from the South which is the cool one down here and usually brings storms with it.
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I'm sure he was just sending you a cheery hello wave - put the kettle on.
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I'm the only tea/coffee drinker around here, Diane, I'm afraid, and even I'm not indulging much today! The beers are in the fridge for later. :)
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Mostly good news from the pathology results. The two lymph nodes were clear of cancer and they got the whole tumour. They take a bit of surrounding tissue as well and that was clear. Some of the cancer cells in the tumour were high grade, so the grade has gone up to Grade 2, which just reinforces my feeling of luck at finding it early. I find out what the treatment will be next Wednesday, but at the moment it's a tremendous relief that it hasn't spread.
Take care everybody,
Joan
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Great news. ;)
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That's good to hear, Joan.
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Terrific news, Joan.
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Good to hear, Joan.
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Yippy!
Will you still need chemo, just to be safe?
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It's always a bit nervy when you get any results letter. I recently mentioned that the local NHS had sent me a kit for a DIY bowel-cancer kit. The brief note came back this week simply saying it seemed clear, and I'd be tested again in a couple of years.
I say brief, but it did have a small addendum mentioning that they'd only actually required "tiny smears". (Plus I got a ticking-off for not using the proper envelope.)
Oh yes, they also said the other good news was that the girl who opens their post had been successfully relocated. Not sure why that should interest me...
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Brilliant news, Joan!
Peeps... erm, yes.
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It is good, isn't it? I felt quite emotionally drained on Tuesday after I found out - didn't realise how tensed up I was. I may need chemo, Diane - there were some other types of cells in there which are not easily detected, so they may decide I should have it. The oncologists will discuss that when I meet them next Wednesday at what they call the multi-disciplinary clinic. I was just about to make an appointment with the hairdresser, but toh pointed out that maybe I should save my money and wait to see if I'm going to have chemo or not. :)
Peeps, I just want to let you know that, much as I appreciate your making me laugh (and I did) if you post something in the evening your time, I usually read it while I'm having my breakfast. Please bear that in mind for posts with icky content. <-
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Just don't eat Coco Pops.
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Mostly good news from the pathology results. The two lymph nodes were clear of cancer and they got the whole tumour. They take a bit of surrounding tissue as well and that was clear. Some of the cancer cells in the tumour were high grade, so the grade has gone up to Grade 2, which just reinforces my feeling of luck at finding it early. I find out what the treatment will be next Wednesday, but at the moment it's a tremendous relief that it hasn't spread.
Take care everybody,
Joan
Trrriffic! Good news indeed, Joan - keep it coming.
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I know what my treatment is going to be - could get a bit grumpy, now and then, so you'll have to bear with me. The whole thing is going to take 12 months - this is because my tumour was HER2 positive. I'm going to have Herceptin because of that and have that intravenously every 3 weeks over 12 months. Having chemo as well - not because I particularly need it, but because the government won't subsidise the Herceptin unless you have chemo with it, so unless I can come up with upwards of $50,000, I have to have the chemo.
So, chemo first, along with the Herceptin, probably starting end of next week - don't know yet, 6 doses every 3 weeks, then radiotherapy every weekday for 6 weeks, then I'll have another little op for something else and be on hormone supressing drugs for 5 years. The radiation oncologist told me that in my case, without the radiotherapy, in the next 10 years, there's a 30% risk of recurrence, with the radiotherapy >5%, further reduced by the chemo and Herceptin. So as my sister says, I just have to grit my teeth and get on with it!
Should be finished the chemo by about May - had already booked a little holiday in the middle of May. Going to a Contiki staff reunion in Queensland with a couple of girlfriends, which the oncologist said I could fit in, but not sure how I'm going to look/feel. May be just the ticket, though, and I guess all the other people are going to look different to what they looked like in 1980 too!
I'm just going to do some cleaning while I still can and start getting the decorations out, otherwise it just won't get done. Luckily, it's cooled down here from last week - we had 41C last Saturday - now we're having 24C and cooler nights, which is all important. Will come back later and do some reading of the other threads.
Take care, everybody,
Joan
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Whilst I think this is an admirable attempt to take the sheen of the jammy England team's World Cup draw and Peepsie's gloating, Joan, it does not sound like the good news I asked you to keep on coming, and quite frankly, I'm very disappointed.
So you will grit your teeth, and you will get on with it, and you will get through it all and give those of us who couldn't care less about the forthcoming World Cup something to really cheer about.
:-*
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It is good news, because Joan's living in the 21st century when we have experts who take care of problems like this, and cure people. Anyone with such a scare is going to be frightened, - that's natural, - but we live in an age where treatments are available, and do the job.
Joan, I know you probably can't make it to this year's gate-crashing of Roger's Christmas, but we'll save a seat on the bus for future year's. :-)
xx
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Well, thank you, Pollyanna! I was talking about the cleaning - what were you on about?
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It is good news, because Joan's living in the 21st century when we have experts who take care of problems like this, and cure people. Anyone with such a scare is going to be frightened, - that's natural, - but we live in an age where treatments are available, and do the job.
Joan, I know you probably can't make it to this year's gate-crashing of Roger's Christmas, but we'll save a seat on the bus for future year's. :-)
xx
Oh Gawd - I put an apostrophe where it shouldn't have been. Pilch will probably annihilate me.
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No doubt. And for many year's to come.
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I don’t know how I missed this update Joan – it is going to be a challenge for sure – but I like your odds better with the treatment.
Now just be looking both ways when you cross the road, it would be a shame to hit by a bus when you are cured.
Take care :-*
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Bloody hell, all THAT? You poor cow.
However, it's for the best, and the doctors obviously advocate it. I'm thinking of you, and hope your sense of humour won't be too badly affected as you go through the process. We're going to have you around for even more years, so it's all to the good.
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Joan, if you want to be grumpy - BE GRUMPY. Hell, be bitchy if it helps.
Leave the doctors to their job... you live your life as you want to live it! Make sure you feel good whenever you can - it is not as hard as it sounds.
People are miracles not by what happens to them, but by what they do.
Oh, and laugh. Laff. You're OK... you know that! :)
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Joan, if you want to be grumpy - BE GRUMPY. Hell, be bitchy if it helps.
Ah! THAT explains what's wrong with the lads on this board! ..0
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We're all with you, Joan. Pop in here when you feel up to it---you have special dispensation to swear at anything/anyone you like. (I'd go for Mince).
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I've got a sore throat and a bit of a cough this morning. Can I have a small swear at £$%*%$ Mince?
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I laughed several times when I read your replies, so you're doing your job - even laughed at Malc calling me a cow. I suppose I should be grateful you didn't call me an old bat. In a couple of months' time, you have to call me a princess or something similar, Malc, because I'll probably feel like a cow by then.
TT - I'll never get through the cleaning! I will get through the treatment well. It is a bit daunting, but you lot keeping me laughing and the thought of a celebration at the end will make a huge difference. The fact that I'm HER2 positive is actually a good thing. If you're negative, the Herceptin wouldn't do anything, and it's an added defence - quite a big one, especially if you have an aggressive cancer. This (http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/targeted_therapies/herceptin/how_works.jsp) is the best explanation I've found.
I still haven't got used to being in the 21st Century - seems really odd. Still think I'm in the 20th. I will definitely be on that bus, Peeps - this year in spirit at least. :) Diane, you are so right and I definitely will "Look right, Look left and right again". Thanks, Tom, I'll be and do all of those - have to admit being bitchy is something I find difficult to do intentionally, but I have been known to do it unintentionally. Grumpy is easy for me, especially in the mornings - ask my family. Poor old Mince - you do pick on him. I like the idea of being allowed to swear, though, Roger. I've never had any trouble using the milder words, like "shit", but find it difficult to get the stronger ones past my lips. Been a few successes lately, though. ;)
Just off with dd, Kate, to do some Christmas shopping - haven't even thought about what to get people.
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TT - I'll never get through the cleaning! I will get through the treatment well. It is a bit daunting, but you lot keeping me laughing and the thought of a celebration at the end will make a huge difference. The fact that I'm HER2 positive is actually a good thing. If you're negative, the Herceptin wouldn't do anything, and it's an added defense - quite a big one, especially if you have an aggressive cancer. This (http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/targeted_therapies/herceptin/how_works.jsp) is the best explanation I've found.
Focus, Joan, focus. Is this Herceptin any use on awkward carpet stains?
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;D ;D ;D ;D
That's the way, TT!
At a few thousand dollars a pop, I think I'll stick with the Bissell.
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Quick update - had a heart scan on Wednesday and it's fine, so can start the Herceptin. Start the chemotherapy on Tuesday, but won't be having the Herceptin then as they have to apply to the government to get it approved for me. Start on the next one. Going to enjoy my weekend, in between cleaning bathrooms and putting decorations up.
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I say that's a bit posh, putting decorations up in your loo.
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I say that's a bit posh, putting decorations up in your loo.
No, it's not. Doesn't everyone put chrizzie decs in the bathroom? You just have to be careful not to put tinsel too near to the toilet roll!
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Oh I don't know - that might make for a VERY merry Christmas... :o
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I've only got the one bathroom and I don't put decorations up in there. Having said that, I don't put decorations up anywhere else either. I put a 'hohoho' sign up a few years ago in the living room - I really must take it down soon. I'll wait until after Christmas now.
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;D ;D ;D ;D
The only decoration the kids are going to get in their bathroom is a piece of paper attached to the loo brush with instructions on how to use it.
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I had a plastic butler standing on the back of the toilet holding a sign. I wrote, "Shall sir be flushing the toilet himself, or shall I call Mother?"
Even that didn't work - the boys loo is a pig pen.
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Same in my house. I once got my brother-in-law to come and check the plumbing, as I was convinced water was leaking from the toilet bowl and staining the tile grouting, it was always wet.
No, it was those two little sods who can't even pee straight to this day. Not only that they don't even close the toilet door when they pee, treating us all to the sounds of Niagara, even when visitors are in.
I am sick of shouting SHUT THE DOOR!! at them. I wish they were six and five again. Their little todgers were too close to the rim for them to miss.
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I've decided I'm going to pin a set of cleaning instructions above their loo - we'll see what happens. What happens now is that they go somewhere else - there are 5 loos in this house. This is not a good thing, believe me. I forbid the use of one by the younger inhabitants, guests only, but I know they use it. At least I don't have to take the toilet seat off and clean underneath the hinges anymore - that was such fun, I don't think.
Had my first lot of chemotherapy today. Went okay, don't feel too bad - the anti-nausea drugs they give you are very good. They're probably making me feel a bit light headed. All the staff and nurses are very nice, caring and helpful. Had a great view of the harbour bridge and city from my chair - on the 12th floor of the hospital. The other half is cooking dinner as I type and son John is about to do his. He's in a good mood because he passed all his uni exams, and is now working full time. Took about four and a half hours - next one will be longer because I didn't have the Herceptin this time. Drinking lots of fluids to get it through me - unfortunately just water mainly, no naughty stuff. :)
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I've decided I'm going to pin a set of cleaning instructions above their loo It's not above the LOO that you need to pin the cleaning instructions - threaten to staple it to their pride and joy, maybe then they'll get read!- we'll see what happens. What happens now is that they go somewhere else - there are 5 loos in this house. This is not a good thing, believe me. I forbid the use of one by the younger inhabitants, guests only, but I know they use it. At least I don't have to take the toilet seat off and clean underneath the hinges anymore - that was such fun, I don't think.
Had my first lot of chemotherapy today. Went okay, don't feel too bad - the anti-nausea drugs they give you are very good. They're probably making me feel a bit light headed. All the staff and nurses are very nice, caring and helpful. Had a great view of the harbour bridge and city from my chair - on the 12th floor of the hospital. The other half is cooking dinner as I type and son John is about to do his. He's in a good mood because he passed all his uni exams, and is now working full time. Took about four and a half hours - next one will be longer because I didn't have the Herceptin this time. Drinking lots of fluids to get it through me - unfortunately just water mainly, no naughty stuff. :)
Now you know what to expect, the treatment might not be so daunting; it's the unknown that's off-putting. The anti-nausea drugs generally have a certain amount of sedative included - that's what may be causing the light headedness, or maybe it's the relief of having got through the 'first time' without up-chucking!! How often are the treatments?
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Just what I was going to ask, Vulch.
Good luck with the rest of it, Joan.
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Damned shame you didn't have access to those anti-nausea drugs when you had the toilet hinge problem, Joan. Life's timing sucks sometimes.
:-*
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It's not above the LOO that you need to pin the cleaning instructions - threaten to staple it to their pride and joy, maybe then they'll get read!
I couldn't do that to the poor wee mite, Vulch. He's standing here ironing his business shirts right now, so maybe the loo cleaning will come next ??
Now you know what to expect, the treatment might not be so daunting; it's the unknown that's off-putting. The anti-nausea drugs generally have a certain amount of sedative included - that's what may be causing the light headedness, or maybe it's the relief of having got through the 'first time' without up-chucking!! How often are the treatments?
You're so right, Vulch. The anticipation is the worse part. The nurse was reading my oncologist's notes and she said, "That's what what we like to hear." - he'd written that the chemo and Herceptin are to be given "for curative purposes". I suppose rather than palliative. One of the drugs is a steroid - think that's what's making me feel a bit "high". My sister told me she generally felt ok for the first couple of days then your white blood cell count starts to go down and things like fatigue kick in (possibly). With my drugs, it should hit a low about 10 days in (which just happens to be Christmas day this time). Then there all the other possible side effects, at least one of which I will get. Am going to do as much as I can to avoid those. Did you know that I'm toxic for 48 hours after the treatment? Have to take precautions to make sure nobody else gets any of the stuff they've put into me - drinking lots of fluids to make sure it all goes through quickly.
The treatments are every three weeks - next one on 5th January - I have to go in early because it will be my first time with the Herceptin and they give you more the first time to see how you tolerate it and monitor you carefully, so to have all three drugs will take longer. 5 more chemos with the Herceptin, then 12 Herceptins after I've finished the chemo. I'll be on present giving terms with the staff by then, I reckon!
Damned shame you didn't have access to those anti-nausea drugs when you had the toilet hinge problem, Joan. Life's timing sucks sometimes.
:-*
;D Yes, they would have been a big boon, TT - and when changing friend's baby's nappies, when I think about it - rather not!
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It's not above the LOO that you need to pin the cleaning instructions - threaten to staple it to their pride and joy, maybe then they'll get read!
I couldn't do that to the poor wee mite, Vulch. He's standing here ironing his business shirts right now, so maybe the loo cleaning will come next ??
You are far too kind, Joan. Thank goodness MY home is a willy-free zone!
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You're so right, Vulch. The anticipation is the worse part. The nurse was reading my oncologist's notes and she said, "That's what what we like to hear." - he'd written that the chemo and Herceptin are to be given "for curative purposes". I suppose rather than palliative. One of the drugs is a steroid - think that's what's making me feel a bit "high". My sister told me she generally felt ok for the first couple of days then your white blood cell count starts to go down and things like fatigue kick in (possibly). With my drugs, it should hit a low about 10 days in (which just happens to be Christmas day this time). Then there all the other possible side effects, at least one of which I will get. Am going to do as much as I can to avoid those. Did you know that I'm toxic for 48 hours after the treatment? Have to take precautions to make sure nobody else gets any of the stuff they've put into me - drinking lots of fluids to make sure it all goes through quickly.
The treatments are every three weeks - next one on 5th January - I have to go in early because it will be my first time with the Herceptin and they give you more the first time to see how you tolerate it and monitor you carefully, so to have all three drugs will take longer. 5 more chemos with the Herceptin, then 12 Herceptins after I've finished the chemo. I'll be on present giving terms with the staff by then, I reckon!
Good grief! You're toxic for 48 hours (that's the time to get recalcitrant males to toe the line!!), after ten days there's a possibility of being on a downer and after 14 days it all starts over again...... when can you hit the bottle? Can we send some over to you?
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Glad that you have had your first treatment over with Joan.
You are an example to all the lazy gits on this board; chemotherapy and yet still have time to put up your Christmas avatar and keep your company loo clean.
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I wonder who'll be the last person to put up a Christmas avatar.
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me i would not know were to begin
it will be a dead heat for last place between me and the boss roger
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me i would not know were to begin
it will be a dead heat for last place between me and the boss roger
You don't look quite as old as I imagined you, Peter.
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But exactly as old as Mince imagines him.
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Good grief! You're toxic for 48 hours (that's the time to get recalcitrant males to toe the line!!), after ten days there's a possibility of being on a downer and after 14 days it all starts over again...... when can you hit the bottle? Can we send some over to you?
I can hit the bottle any time I like, Vulch - on my head be it! I do have a slightly funny taste in my mouth, though, and even French champagne is not tasting as good as it used to. Thanks, but no need to send any over - there's enough in the house to last at least until I'm finished the treatment, especially with me not imbibing very much.
Just thought I would update. I went downhill a bit after my last post - the next 5 days were very up and down - then on Christmas Eve I started to come good, by Christmas Day I even managed an outing on the golf course (we live in the middle of one which closes one day a year - Christmas Day, so the poorer residents who can't afford the membership usually go out for a hit). I’ve just kept getting better from there and feel almost ‘normal’ now. At least I’ll know more or less what to expect now and will probably cope with it a bit better this time (Tuesday).
The wig lady came round to see me this afternoon and I bought my wig – doesn’t look too bad. Hair is still there (just) but I’ve become like the dog – leave a trail of hair behind me wherever I go. A day or so and we’ll be getting the clippers out because I won’t be able to stand it any more.
Take care everyone,
Joan
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Joan, thanks for the update. Your positive posts show that you're 'keeping your pecker up' (what is a 'pecker'?) and it makes me feel an ungrateful bitch for moaning about the year we've just left!! Keep getting better!
<<I will appreciate the good life that I have! >>
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Joan -thinking of you, babe. :-* (that's with me wearing my whitest Saturday Night Fever suit and clicking my 'gun' finger at you).
Oh, and winking ;)
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After my quiet time on the site (i.e. nothing posted), I sat one evening to try to catch up a little and was in awe of the way you are dealing with what life is throwing at you just now. May you continue to improve in 2010 and may next week not be as bad as the run up to Christmas.
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I echo that Joan. I do hope your improvement continues rapidly over 2010.
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And from me. What colour is the wig?
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Sorry that you have been feeling crummy. :(
Did you get a new dog Joan?
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My daughter used to enjoy a few crazy hats when she went through her chemo. The one she loved most was sent to me from Canada - a baseball cap, sporting a Canadian maple leaf on the front, with two arms that emanated from the sides, which would clap when you pulled the cord under the chin. Mind you - she was only seven at the time. Her hair grew back in initially in very tight curls, but now she has the most beautiful thick red wavy hair you can imagine. Not sure if she still has the hat, Joan, but I could ask...
Be well! :-*
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And from me. What colour is the wig?
I wanted to do my bit, so I've been looking for a supplier (http://www.wigsalon.com/citywigs/clowns.html).
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Is that where you get yours from, Peeps?
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Did you get a new dog Joan?
You used to have a dog called Joan?
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Joan, thanks for the update. Your positive posts show that you're 'keeping your pecker up' (what is a 'pecker'?) and it makes me feel an ungrateful bitch for moaning about the year we've just left!! Keep getting better!
<<I will appreciate the good life that I have! >>
Google topic for the day: What is a 'pecker'?' The mind boggles. I'm not sure that I have one. :D
You know, when something like this happens to you, it makes you so much more aware that there are so many people who have had much worse things touch their lives. As far as I'm concerned this is just a largish hiccup in my journey through life and I'm just a little blip in the scheme of things. Don't get me wrong, I still have moments of "Why me?" and feeling sorry for myself, but I know that I have more to be grateful for in terms of my breast cancer than whinge about. I have more than a 95% of stopping the sucker coming back in the next 10 years (and probably longer). Even if I'm in that 5%, I know that I've been extremely fortunate to have had the life I've led, and more importantly, privileged to have met and known the people who I count as friends, even if I'm not in contact with them any more. Of course, my life hasn't been perfect - whose is? There are still flaws, but even the flaws have their good points! What I'm trying to say is that if I were to go tomorrow, I would be happy with the hand I've been dealt over the last 55 years. I'm getting carried away here - enough of this gooey show of emotion (been watching Home Alone). Your last line is the right attitude, Vulch - I'm trying to follow it myself. :)
Thanks, all of you - Malc, I have to see this - do you live anywhere near Caloundra? The wig's pretty close to my normal (dyed!) hair colour, Roger. This is my wig to make me look as normal as possible - would want to be at that price. I may indulge in one of Peep's party wigs later. The hat sounds terrific, TT - I'm sure your daughter will be cherishing it if she still has it. I hope she stays well too. Oh, for my hair to grow back in gloriously thick and it's original colour - I'd even take red. Somehow, I think that is not to be - not supposed to dye it for 6 months either - may be using the old Henna. Should have phrased that differently, Diane, we haven't got a new dog - miss Ben terribly, apart from the hair shedding bit!
I'm now going to start taking the Chrissie decorations down - won't be able to on Tuesday and I know nobody else will. This superstitious Scot doesn't want to invite any bad luck in the house if she can avoid it! :)
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I'm a superstitious Scot too, and just to make sure I didn't invite bad luck due to late dismantling of avatar, decorations and tree, I didn't put any up.
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When should I take my decorations and avatar down?
How did Roger manage to do his?
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Who knows? Least of all Roger.
Joan, I appreciate the goo, and recognise it from my own experiences a few years back. Can't say I've never moaned about my lot since, but this reality is never far away, and a great comfort. Thanks for the reminder.
Our decs came down two days ago. Must've been a good one this year - usually it's Boxing Day!
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I can't believe it's a month since I last posted anything! I was going to have a wee swearing session seeing as Roger said I could if I wanted to, but seeing that poor old Fyodor has undergone bypass surgery and finding out that a friend's father has very advanced cancer, my whinges pale into insignificance. Still, maybe I could have a go for all three of us ...
@/**&\ #<//! $#^| and @>%%<+!
I'm coming good really, just felt a bit sorry for myself in the days following my last treatment - more fatigued and nausea not nice. Went to see doctor and I'm going to take the steroids for longer, which should help with the nausea. I had the Herceptin this time - don't think there were any side effects, although my eyelids are twitching sometimes, which didn't happen before. Doc didn't pay much attention to that. 3 chemo treatments down and 3 to go - half way there. I still have some hair - not much, but enough to brush it. It looks like my mother's when she was in her late 80s, very wispy, not quite so gray, though. At least something sticks out when I wear scarves. :)
Son is presently coming to the end of a holiday in Thailand - he managed to lose his wallet within 24 hours of landing in Phuket, so big panic to get us to cancel his cards and work out how to get more cash to him. Don't really want to know what he's up to over there, but couldn't resist a look at his Facebook wall - big mistake! Be glad when he's back home safe. Will we ever stop worrying about them?
Kate turned 20 last week - my baby is no longer a teenager! She got into the Fashion Design course she wanted to do at college, part time, not full time as she wanted, but it's very difficult to get in at all, so she's done well.
We've had rain and storms overnight and it's still coming down now - nice and cool though - about 22C. Hope it's not too cold wherever you are. :)
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Hi Joan, nice to see you again! :)
I don't know if it will help you any, but every part of me twitches from time to time... my eyes usually if I'm coming down with a cold. It was my left hand yesterday, which was causing problems with my writing. I'm right-handed, so you can imagine how the twitches were feeling!
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Hey Joan,
Nice to hear from you, babe, and to know that you're still full of spirit and humour. I know you're a Facebook friend too, but I prefer this. ;)
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Joan, keep on trucking and doing what you are doing - it must be working. Humour helps as well.
Take care. Bill
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Joan, when you start thinking 'why me', picture Roger a prisoner in his own home this weekend and I'm sure that'll help you keep your chin and pecker up
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[...]
I don't know if it will help you any, but every part of me twitches from time to time... my eyes usually if I'm coming down with a cold. It was my left hand yesterday, which was causing problems with my writing. I'm right-handed, so you can imagine how the twitches were feeling!
I don't know how your twitching could help Joan in any way - okay, maybe for mixing up her liquid medicines. ;D
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I hadn't realised you had been gone for a month - because I still see you on Facebook.
Glad things in general don't suck as bad as they could and that you are progressing through the treatments. I still like to think of all the mosquitos that you are killing.
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Thanks everyone. :)
Joan, when you start thinking 'why me', picture Roger a prisoner in his own home this weekend and I'm sure that'll help you keep your chin and pecker up
Poor Roger ... maybe you should have escaped to Lil's or were you on cooking duty?
Had a bit of a relapse yesterday. Have you ever had vertigo lying down? I woke up at about 5am, felt fine when I got up, but when I lay back down again, I turned over and felt dizzy, then turned the other way and my head started to spin. Not a pleasant sensation. I also started to have nausea again. Was freaking out till I looked it up and discovered it was vertigo. Took all day to recover and was really annoyed at myself, because I worked out the cause. I had a few bits of bacon on Sunday night (big no, no) and that obviously caused me to dehydrate, which is a cause of vertigo lying down. I was drinking heaps when I woke up, so there's no doubt that's what it was. I'm just glad it wasn't my ears. That'll learn me!
John is back safely from Thailand and said he had a great time. His washing is lying on the laundry floor - I'm leaving it for TOH to do tomorrow, just have to hold my nose every time I go in there. ;)
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Just make a mental not to yourself: 'It's not my ears, it's the bacon...'
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Sounds horrible, Joan - I felt a little nauseous just reading your description. The nearest I've ever come to anything like that was certainly not caused by a lack of drink. Au contraire... :-\
Good advice from Malc - especially at breakfast time.
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Thanks everyone. :)
Joan, when you start thinking 'why me', picture Roger a prisoner in his own home this weekend and I'm sure that'll help you keep your chin and pecker up
Was freaking out till I looked it up and discovered it was vertigo.
Was it vertigo, or labrynthitis (sp?) I have outbreaks of your symptoms every couple of years or so (and yes, extremely distressing....) and that was my doctor's diagnosis.
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Was it vertigo, or labrynthitis (sp?) I have outbreaks of your symptoms every couple of years or so (and yes, extremely distressing....) and that was my doctor's diagnosis.
I don't know - I just googled 'dizziness' and the vertigo lying down seemed to fit the bill. Just looked it up and labrynthitis is an inflammation of the inner ear, which can cause vertigo and dizziness, so it's a cause and looks like it goes on for longer than mine did. Hope it doesn't for you, Vulch. Looks like it can last for up to 3 weeks. :(
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Joan, it could be benign postural vertigo.
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Oh, crikey, Feather! That sounds like it might come back.
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Sorry, I did not mean to scare you. I have bouts of BPV from time-to-time. It's supposedly a harmless condition (it's annoying though). You may be experiencing a side-effect from your treatment and it will be a one-time or temporary thing.
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No, no, you didn't scare me - just didn't like the sound of it. I've just been out to lunch with two friends who are both medics - one a nurse and the other a radiographer - and been assured that I wasn't dehydrated enough for it to be the cause. So I'd say you're right and it's just another side effect of the treatment. Will just have to hope it doesn't occur again. :)
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When my dad was in hospital he used to watch marvelous shows in the corner of his room. We mentioned this to the doctor as we hadn't actually rented him a TV and they reduced his meds.
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;D
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Sorry, I did not mean to scare you. I have bouts of BPV from time-to-time. It's supposedly a harmless condition (it's annoying though). You may be experiencing a side-effect from your treatment and it will be a one-time or temporary thing.
Feather, I've also suffered this over the years, the first time when I was about fifteen, and it still happens every couple of years or so. I wake up feeling violently dizzy but it passes after four or five seconds. Not pleasant but harmless, by all accounts.
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Just thought I would pull this up and update on my progress. The good news is that I'm having my last chemo treatment on Wednesday. Can't tell you how good it feels having only one more to go. This time in three weeks, I'll be feeling even better, knowing I don't have to go through it again! I'll start the radiotherapy about 4 weeks after that but it doesn't have the same side effects. I'll also have to keep on having the Herceptin intravenously every 3 weeks, but apart from possibly affecting heart function, it doesn't have side effects either. I had my second heart scan on Tuesday and my heart function has gone down a bit, but is still okay.
I will certainly be glad to see the back of the chemo. The fatigue gets worse with each one and by the 7th day now, it's an effort to get out of bed and put one foot in front of the other, let alone do simple things like brush teeth. I feel almost sub-human, so much so that when I start to feel semi-normal again (usually by the 10th day) I'm pretty euphoric. I don't know how people having chemo continue to work full time (and some people do), certainly for those first days after treatment. I know I couldn't.
Having said that, I think I've been pretty lucky with the side effects - touch wood. There's so much more that I could have had and I still have some hair on my head, pretty motley, but I'm not shaving it off! My finger and toe nails don't look like they're going to fall off, a side effect of the Taxotere drug. I've been painting them religiously with nail strengthener, although I did stop for a while when my friend told me it contained formaldehyde. One of the clinic nurses poo pooed that by saying you'd have to drink the stuff for it to do you harm! So I decided I'd rather take the risk and try to keep my nails. Counting on the chemo etc to kill off any nasties anyway. I get really bad hay fever - itchy, runny eyes and nose, etc - in the last week which is an allergic reaction to the drugs. The doctor always checks my breathing and heart etc, because they can be affected in a more extreme allergic reaction. I asked him about the vertigo episode and he said that it was very difficult to diagnose the cause of it. Hasn't happened again, so hopefully it was just a one off.
We've been having beautiful weather here, which has helped me tremendously. I love autumn in Sydney - usually sunny, warm days, cooling down in the evening. I'm sitting outside at the moment. It's 5.30pm and a very pleasant 24C with a nice cool breeze. I know I haven't been posting much, but I do come in and read all the time and you all continue to make me chuckle and laugh out loud - really lifts me. Keep it up!
I'm just off to see if my sister is on Skype - she's gone down to visit her son and family in Gloucester, so I'll be able to see my great nephew and niece on the webcam. The wonders of modern technology! Better remember to put my wig on so as not to scare them when I switch my webcam on. ;) Then I'm going to pour myself a Dubonnet (rediscovered and quite good as a little bit of a tonic in the evenings - gone right off white wine and beer tastes funny) and sit down and watch The Biggest Loser. The one good thing about the nausea is that I've lost about 5kg in weight since I started the chemo.
Take care everyone,
Joan
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Joan, thanks for the update - I love reading them. The positiveness of them put my early morning 'urgg' right out of the window and makes me feel good for the day!
It's good that the chemo treatment is coming to an end - you can restart those get-out-of-bed hand-springs that you do so well!
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Joan, I agree with everything that Vulture has said, with one exception. I never have an early morning 'urgg'.
You have a fascinating writing style, by the way! :)
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Joan, thanks for the update - I love reading them. The positiveness of them put my early morning 'urgg' right out of the window and makes me feel good for the day!
It's good that the chemo treatment is coming to an end - you can restart those get-out-of-bed hand-springs that you do so well!
As Kate would say ... "Like that's going to happen!" LOL
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Joan, I agree with everything that Vulture has said, with one exception. I never have an early morning 'urgg'.
You have a fascinating writing style, by the way! :)
You're very lucky, Tom, never to have an early morning 'urgg'. Even in normal circumstances, I've never been very good in the mornings. I have improved with age, but when I was young, I was terrible, especially at home with the family. When I went to New Zealand for 6 months to stay with relations, my mother wrote to them and apologised for me being so grumpy in the mornings!
Thanks, no one's ever described my writing like that before - I've always thought that people probably fall asleep half way through, I tend to waffle on at length. :)
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Glad to hear the treatment is coming to an end, Joan---it sounds pretty awful. If ever I needed proof that women are tougher than men (and I didn't), you have removed all doubt. I'd be sucking my thumb in a corner somewhere, removing it occasionally to scream "WHY ME?"
Hope the recovery continues. Take care.
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I'll be thinking of you on Wednesday.
I've been laid low off and on this month with a "virus" and some days I just felt yeuch...and then I read your update and can say you are now officially my heroine!
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Lil and Roger - I wish you could have seen me 2 weeks ago (no, I don't). My sister likened it to going through labour in that afterwards, your mind tends to block out the really bad bits so you forget just how bad it was - until the next time!
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..so... a re-run of labour will block out most of March? You think?
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I'll be thinking of you on Wednesday.
I've been laid low off and on this month with a "virus" and some days I just felt yeuch...and then I read your update and can say you are now officially my heroine!
Me too, Joan (thinking of you on Wednesday).
Does this mean you have deheroinised me, Lil?
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Be well, Joan! (http://www.animated-gifs.eu/flowers-roses-3/0002.gif)
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Hope you're roaring fit and back to normal in double quick time, Joan ;)
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Does this mean you have deheroinised me, Lil?
...is that what you meant when you said you had drugs for sale? I thought it was paracetamol, so didn't bother to negotiate
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Thanks, everyone. :) Just off to have a blood test to make sure my counts have come back up. Rainy day here today and looks like it's going to continue for the next few days. At least it's cooled down a bit - was getting very humid like summer, not nice.
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It's cooled down here a bit too..snowing this morning!
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It's raining ... again! :(
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Does this mean you have deheroinised me, Lil?
...is that what you meant when you said you had drugs for sale? I thought it was paracetamol, so didn't bother to negotiate
Whatever.
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They've tried giving aspirins as blood thinners to all birds at London Zoo, but the parrots eat 'em ol.
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They've tried giving aspirins as blood thinners to all birds at London Zoo, but the parrots eat 'em ol.
;D :D ;D :D
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They've tried giving aspirins as blood thinners to all birds at London Zoo, but the parrots eat 'em ol.
Soooooooooo old
but
still punny
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I didn't realise I hadn't updated since before my last chemo and this is page 13, too - have to get onto page 14! It's now nearly 8 weeks since my last dose of chemo. Time flies when you're feeling good! I'm doing really well and enjoying feeling "normal" again, being able to eat (and drink) things without having a horrible aftertaste and (I never thought I'd say this ...) having the energy to do stuff like housework and cooking. My hair has started to grow back in most places, but I'll be using headgear for some time, I think, especially as they advise not dyeing for at least 6 months. :( Looks like my finger and toe nails are going to stay where they are, although they don't look very nice on the ends. The new growth is healthy, though. I called my sister in a panic one day because two or three of my toenails had turned black. Definitely gone, I thought. A few days later I used nail varnish remover to take off the nail strengthener I'd been applying and the black disappeared. I'd been wearing a pair of new (cheap) black slippers and the dye had come off them onto my toe nails, which I'd then painted with nail strengthener! My sister thought it was hilarious.
The weekend before last, I had a great weekend up in Queensland at the Contiki staff reunion. Went up with a couple of girlfriends who were also "supercooks". It was lovely to spend time with them and other old friends. Did me the world of good. As you all know, laughter is definitely the best medicine. I haven't laughed so much in ages. There was a lot of partying going on, as you can imagine, and I think I survived better than most, mainly because I didn't imbibe very much in the old acohol and went to bed at a reasonable time. I was amazed at how well I coped. Did sleep for quite a long time when I got home, though! There are some photos here:
http://picasaweb.google.com.au/bjjktg/ContikiReunion2010# (http://picasaweb.google.com.au/bjjktg/ContikiReunion2010#)
I started the radiotherapy on Wednesday last week. They were going to start on the Tuesday, but they gave me another day to recover. Something to do with the machines, actually, but it was good to have one more day. Doing fine so far. They're treating me a different way to the norm, lying on my front, which is better in that it reduces the risk of lung damage and skin reaction, but not as comfortable, as it's in research stage and they've made their own wooden board to lie on. It's not too bad apart from my right arm doesn't like being held above my head for that long and is screaming for me to move it by the end. Old sports injury, I think. I have to lie very still so they get it in the right place and don't zap me anywhere else. They're getting quicker each time at positioning me, though. The worse thing is having to drive there and back each day - bit of a pain, but I'm roping some friends in to drive me and make it a bit of a social outing - we can natter all the way there and back and while we're having coffee. 4 down and 26 to go - I should finish on 2nd July and am planning the celebration already. :)
While you're basking in the sun - or were, at least for a short while - we seem to have been plunged into winter here, such as it is. It's raining and very chilly for us. Our lovely autumn weather seems to have disappeared. 13.5C at the moment - about 11.30am. Send some of that sunshine down here, please!
Take care everyone,
Joan
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Sounds like things are going well Joan - except being hit with the dreaded black toe. Are there many pirates in your family history?
That radiotherapy doesn't sound like fun - does that have any side effects? How long do they make you lay there with your right arm above your head? I guess looking on the bright side, you will have marvelous posture when you are done - strait as a board in fact.
Glad you are seizing the days and reclaiming them for outings with friends - that's the way to do it!
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Great to hear you are doing so well, Joan.
I am a little concerned, though. Where do you expect the nails to be, other than on the ends of your fingers or toes. Are they likely to migrate elsewhere?
You could paint them all black and go 'Goth'. Practical solution?
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July will soon be here, Joan---and a well-deserved celebration. Good luck with the rest of the treatment!
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Sounds like things are going well Joan - except being hit with the dreaded black toe. Are there many pirates in your family history?
That radiotherapy doesn't sound like fun - does that have any side effects? How long do they make you lay there with your right arm above your head? I guess looking on the bright side, you will have marvelous posture when you are done - strait as a board in fact.
Glad you are seizing the days and reclaiming them for outings with friends - that's the way to do it!
I don't think there are any pirates, Diane, although couldn't be 100% sure - we do have a couple of ancestors who were merchants trading with the West Indies - hate to think what that meant. I'm sure way back when, there were a few cattle rustlers. I think any Scot who went back far enough would find a couple of those.
The radiotherapy isn't too bad. The treatment itself is completely painless - wouldn't know it was happening if it wasn't for the noise the machine makes. The side effects can be skin reaction, although that doesn't usually happen for a couple of weeks, and extreme tiredness. The doctor says the tiredness doesn't last more than about two weeks after it's finished. They're getting a lot quicker at treating me now - only took about 5 minutes on the board today, I reckon. The actual treatment would only take about 2 minutes, I would say, including the machine moving around me. It's very quick. I discovered today that if I turn my head towards my right arm, it's better. Was facing away from it before, which was I expect was straining my neck and arm. Don't know why I didn't think of that before. I have to put both arms above my head, but the left one is fine.
Ha, ha, Diane, very funny. I could have been a bit more descriptive about exactly how I lie on the board, but this is a public forum and I have to preserve some dignity!
Excuse me while I have my dinner. I will return.
Very nice dinner - Tasmanian Atlantic salmon. Not sure how they get away with calling it Atlantic salmon. I suspect that it is farmed and maybe the first smolts came from Atlantic salmon. No, it's not a misspelling of Antarctic. All the shops call it "Atlantic". I read "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen" not long ago, which is why I'm up on the terminology. Funny book - shades of Yes Minister. Then I had to watch Top Gear, which is why I took so long, not that anybody will have noticed, as you'll all be beavering away and Diane will be pushing up zeds, unless she's up to milk the cows. Do you have milking cows, Diane? Anyway, I digress and I should be getting to my bed myself.
Re the nails, Bill - one of the side effects of the chemo drug I was on is that your nails can come away from the nail bed and fall off. Hence the reason for painting them with nail strengthener. In fact, apparently the 'in' thing, especially among young men on the drug, is to paint your nails with black nail polish. I don't like to attract attention to myself, so I just stuck with the clear stuff. Apart from when I inadvertently painted one or two black.
Thanks, Roger. :)
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I could have been a bit more descriptive about exactly how I lie on the board, but this is a public forum and I have to preserve some dignity!
There's always Private Messages, Joan. Roll on July! I shall raise a glass or three.
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Re the nails, Bill - one of the side effects of the chemo drug I was on is that your nails can come away from the nail bed and fall off.
Yow! Thank heavens I finished my soup (Heinz Chicken & leek chunky soup - tasty!) before I read this.
This did not happen for Tim (#1 brat) when he was on the chemo. He did have the other side effects though. We used to feed him up when he was on the steroids (and had an appetite), ready for the period when he didn't want anything.
Keep up your spirits, Joan. You're doing well.
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I could have been a bit more descriptive about exactly how I lie on the board, but this is a public forum and I have to preserve some dignity!
There's always Private Messages, Joan. Roll on July! I shall raise a glass or three.
It could have been worse. You could have had to have done handstands naked.
Thanks for the encouraging update. I'm sure things will continue to go well :-)
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It could have been worse. You could have had to have done handstands naked.
That's not worse than what I was imagining.
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It could have been worse. You could have had to have done handstands naked.
That's not worse than what I was imagining.
How about you draw me a picture...?
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Would it help if the girls here agree to paint our nails black and do naked hand stands in a show of solidarity?
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If I were able to do a naked hand stand - I imagine I would have found better things to do with my life that pop in here 3 or 4 times a day.
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Roger still manages both.
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Oh dear, the tears are streaming down my face. Those images are too much, especially as it's not far off it - I hate to think what you're imagining, TT. If I retained some of my self-consciousness after having babies, it's totally gone now! As long as it's in a medical environment, anyway. Lil, just the image of we girls lined up against a wall doing naked handstands with our black nails brought a smile to my face. I wonder if any of us can actually do one. Don't worry, I'm not going to try.
Taxotere's a nasty wee devil, Bill. It's probably a bit strong for the littlies.
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Lil, just the image of we girls lined up against a wall doing naked handstands with our black nails brought a smile to my face. I wonder if any of us can actually do one.
Of course you can. You just have to buy a little bottle with a brush. If that works out, you go on to do the other nineteen.
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Lil, just the image of we girls lined up against a wall doing naked handstands with our black nails brought a smile to my face. I wonder if any of us can actually do one.
Of course you can. You just have to buy a little bottle with a brush. If that works out, you go on to do the other nineteen.
You're very knowledgeable about the art of nail painting, Peeps! :-*
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Oh dear, the tears are streaming down my face. Those images are too much, especially as it's not far off it - I hate to think what you're imagining, TT.
Different every time, Joan.
Thanks! ;D
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Oh dear, the tears are streaming down my face. Those images are too much, especially as it's not far off it - I hate to think what you're imagining, TT.
Different every time, Joan.
Thanks! ;D
(http://users.tpg.com.au/pdcs01//blushing.gif)
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I was reflecting on my saying that I'd lost all self-consciousness and just wanted to assure you that I will not be posing for nude calendars any time soon, not even in a bath with bubbles covering all the naughty parts. ;)
Just thought I would make that clear.
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21 down and 9 to go - radiation therapy treatments, that is. Gone pretty quickly actually, despite the machine breaking down a couple of times and having to wait. The staff are all lovely and apparently I'm good at getting myself in the right position, so once I get in there, it's pretty quick. No major side effects. Skin still okay - being a good girl and rubbing in lots of cream. Bit of indigestion, but doc's given me some pills for that. I do sleep a lot, but that's normal and will apparently get worse - just tiredness, nothing like the fatigue with the chemo. Feeling pretty good, really.
I know to preserve a little bit of my dignity I shouldn't share this with you, but I thought it was very funny and if you can't laugh at yourself, there's something terribly wrong. I was telling a friend how I had to lie on the board and she immediately came out with, "You"re like a cow, Joan, udder hanging down ready to be milked!"
With that image, I will now leave ... no I won't, just wanted to say one more thing.
I wish all the best to those who are embarking on a new project today, UK time. Break a leg, etc. :)
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We're on page 12 - I don't think you have any dignity left to preserve - so you may as well tell us all the funny stories now. ;D
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LOL, Diane! You're so right. I discovered I could change the view of topics in settings to more posts on a page, so it's only on page 5 when I look at it now.
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It's page 14, not 12. Tell us about the naked cartwheels again.
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I'll get someone to take a photo next time: save me having to find the words. ;)
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Joan, I'm on page 14.
Don't worry about your dignity... that's fine.
Now, about these new projects. What are they, who's embarking on them, and what else do you know that we don't?
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Tom, what are you doing up at 3am? Or are you currently in another part of the world?
Note, I answered your question with a question, which was also a change of subject. I know lots of things that you don't and you could know about that to which I was referring. If the person to whom I was directing it reads it, they'll know to what I am referring, but that's all I'm going to say on the subject.
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Tom, what are you doing up at 3am? Or are you currently in another part of the world?
Note, I answered your question with a question, which was also a change of subject. I know lots of things that you don't and you could know about that to which I was referring. If the person to whom I was directing it reads it, they'll know to what I am referring, but that's all I'm going to say on the subject.
;D ;D ;D
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Tom, what are you doing up at 3am? Or are you currently in another part of the world?
I wasn't up very long... sorry, I didn't answer your question back then. And, no, I'm in the UK.
Note, I answered your question with a question, which was also a change of subject. I know lots of things that you don't and you could know about that to which I was referring. If the person to whom I was directing it reads it, they'll know to what I am referring, but that's all I'm going to say on the subject.
I was just being nosy, that's all... but a bit of mystery's good too!
Good luck to whoever with whatever, anyway!
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I would be the first to ask too, if I saw something like that - was just trying to be clever. Bad luck to say "good luck" in this case. ;)
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Ah... I think I've got it! Or part of it, anyway. I think. Erm, how do you get out of saying "Good luck"? "Sorry, I take it back" doesn't sound the best... :-\
I meant to say "All the best" then! ;D
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Glad the treatment's going well, Joan. As for the secret message, I hope whoever is doing whatever is successful.
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Thanks, Roger. Bound to be.
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They say "break a leg" in the theatre which is their way of getting around the 'good luck' thing. So if someone says "break a leg" it means "I hope everything goes well".
So break a leg, Joanie. :-*
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That's the way, Malc! This is me passing that on ... I just realised that's meant to be a kiss smiley - very strange, these new ones.
Edit 4 or so months later, not that anyone will probably read it, but I just found out it should be "toi, toi, toi" not break a leg.
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Yes, it looks like Transvestite Smiley :D
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;D
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It's my last day of radiation therapy today! Still have the Herceptin till next January, but the worst is over.
Thank you all for your support and for keeping me sane with laughter and good feelings over the last 9 months - you've been a Godsend. (http://users.tpg.com.au/pdcs01/hug.gif)
Some time today, wherever you are in the world, I'd like you all to raise a glass of your favourite beverage in celebration with me.
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Yippy!
and cheers!
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Clink!, Joan!
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My coffee mug is raised! What a great day ;D
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Good news, Joan. I'll make an effort to try and have a beer tonight.
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Cheers, Joan! That's fantastic news. A glass of wine or whatever is compusory tonight for all Peepsters.
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Joan, Great news.
The light at the end of the tunnel is not a freight train coming the other way anymore.
Light at the end of the tunnel. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3sMwiL4GtM#)
I've just had a lovely Latte at work and toasted you (did you hear me?). Will continue the trend tonight at home as per the VIP's instructions and we will all think of you as we down a nice glass of wine.
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Your very, very good health !
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Iszhhh good newshhh, iszhhhat! (http://www.smileyshut.com/smileys/new/Drinks/drunk-37.gif) (http://www.smileyshut.com/Smileys/Smiley-Huts-Free-Drinks-Smileys.html) (http://www.trailershut.com/movies-2010.html)
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I've had two beers already. These are just practise runs. I need to perfect my style before I toast you properly, Joan.
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I've had two beers already. These are just practise runs. I need to perfect my style before I toast you properly, Joan.
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It's no wonder the unwashed masses are scared to post here.
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Oh Fyodor, you know how I love a pedant.....
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Oh Fyodor, you know how I love a peNdant.....
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Thank you all! I'm definitely getting the vibes, especially from Peepsie, who is a bit closer at the moment than everybody else (apart from Malc, who hasn't started yet, by the looks of things - any excuse, Malky!). Hope the head's not too fuzzy this morning, Peeps. Very apt, Bill - Starlight Express was great. Took the kids to see it when we were in London many years ago. They would have been about 11 and 8 and they loved it.
Had a "picollo" (200ml) bottle of champagne, well sparkling wine, last night to celebrate - just about knocked me out. Lost my stamina, I'm afraid. Off for a walk this morning in the sunshine - very deceptive - there's a cold wind blowing and it looks pretty chilly out there, so will be rugging up warm. Hopefully it will have warmed up a bit by the time we get out there. Then our neighbours across the road are having drinks and a barbecue this afternoon/evening, so going over to celebrate a bit more, but will probably only stay for a couple of hours. They've apparently got outdoor heaters, but methinks it could be a bit chilly even so.
It's son John's 24th birthday tomorrow. He's decided to celebrate tonight with friends at the pub and then probably the city instead of having them all round here, (breathes a sigh of relief) so I'll probably be giving him a lift down there this afternoon.
It's no wonder the unwashed masses are scared to post here.
Phwawgh! Just as well, Diane ... my sense of smell has become very acute since the chemo.
I think a refill of coffee is in order - if nothing else, to warm me up!
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Oh Fyodor, you know how I love a peNdant.....
Right, out with it (ooh matron!). Who told you?
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Right. I'm on the case now.
This weekend, what with the Brazil/Italy game and the Uruguay/Ghana game, plus a few other things, have conspired to keep me out of the loop.
Joanie, I am so happy you are out of chemo, and once the loose ends are tied, equally happy to see you on the mend, and back to full health.
Looking forward to hooking up (as we were not able to do at the Sunny Coast - I was up there ten days later) down Sydney way.
Love and kisses
Malc
xxxx
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Thanks, Malc - looking forward to it too. I've been going around with a big smile on my face since Friday. xo
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I've been going around with a big smile on my face since Friday. xo
That's what comes of having a coat-hanger in your mouth.
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Big Cheers for you Joan!God Bless :)
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Thanks, Lucy. You're a saint - you must be to put up with old Peepsie there ...
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Joan, I'm glad you're happier and that the worst is over. Will a mug of chocolate Ovaltine do?
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Most definitely, Mince! Whatever takes your fancy, and thanks. :)
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Thought I would just do a quick update to explain why I haven't been around for a wee while. For the last month, my sister has been here staying with us and as my FB friends will know, we've been gallivanting all over the place and having a ball. We've "done" most of the touristy things in Sydney, even an open topped bus tour, and had a very enjoyable few days trip, first to the Hunter Valley and then Mudgee, which is a lovely country town just on the edge of the Great Dividing Range. The weather has been amazingly fantastic most of the time which has been a big help. Having such a great time, I'm going to come back down to earth with a bump when Sue goes back to Scotland next Saturday!
Photos here: http://picasaweb.google.com.au/bjjktg/August2010# (http://picasaweb.google.com.au/bjjktg/August2010#)
Oh, and we saw/listened to the Sydney Symphony Orchestra at the Opera House, which was actually excellent.
I'm doing well - have started the Arimidex, which are hormone suppressing pills I'll be taking for the next 5 years. No major side effects so far, apart from feeling pretty tired, but that could be a combination of all sorts of things, not the least of which is all the gallivanting I'm doing! ;)
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Thanks for the update, Joan. Glad to hear you've been having a ball!
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Yes, I've been enjoying your photos on Facebook, Joan. Sorry, if I didn't I leave comments... I particularly liked the harbour cruise ones. Reminded me of when we did the HK harbour cruise just a few weeks back.
Have you shown them to the Dalai Lama? Apparently, he's a "local business". I'm hoping he'll come round and fix my tap. http://www.facebook.com/DalaiLama (http://www.facebook.com/DalaiLama)
Great also that your health news continues to be positive.
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:) I just liked him, Peeps - maybe he'll come and fix our chimney - it's leaking and needs to be cleaned/bagged/painted on the outside, but it's so blinking high we'll have to pay a motza to get someone in to do it.
Don't expect you to comment - I'm finding it harder to keep up with everybody's posts now anyway, just seeing them is a feat. The harbour cruise is actually just the Manly ferry - best and cheapest way to see the harbour.
Off in to the Rocks markets today. They're nice markets at the Rocks in the city. The Rocks is a historical area of warehouses, bonds and old buildings.
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Lovely to hear you're still doing so well, Joan. Keep up the great spirits.
By the way, what's "motza" ?
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When you asked, Bill, I suddenly wondered if I'd used "motza" in the right context - it just sort of came out. It appears I almost did, though, definition here:
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=motza (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=motza)
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Thank you, Joan. I is now edducatedddddd - but probably will never use the term.
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Thank you, Joan. I is now edducatedddddd - but probably will never use the term.
What term?
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"Peeps cannot be bothered to look at earlier posts"
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Damn. It didn't work.
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Just updating my diary ... had a big milestone last Friday - the anniversary date of my diagnosis. Been quite a year, to say the least. Had a couple of champagnes or three and got decidedly tipsy and emotional. I think the small Baileys I had may have just tipped me over the edge - can't hack it any more. Did not feel too great on Saturday morning. :P
Not quite finished yet - have my first annual check up mammogram and ultrasound next week, then go to see the surgeon the following week for the results and a review. Still got 3 more Herceptins to go. I should finish towards the end of January. Then I'm going to have another little op (not serious, just a bit of a tidy up). As my sister says, I'm going to feel a bit neglected when it's all finished and I don't have to go near a hospital or doctor's surgery for some time. That's the plan anyway. :)
I'm feeling pretty good anyway. A friend was over from NZ week before last and on the Wednesday I took her on a tour of the Northern Beaches (think I should start doing this professionally). Then on Friday we met up in the city with some mutual friends for lunch which was another very enjoyable. It must be the invasion of the kiwis because we've got another couple coming over from Wellington to stay on Friday for a couple of days. At least it's making us move on all the jobs that need done to the house which have been neglected over the last year or so. I've calmed down on the photo taking, but did manage to get the Italian waiter at Rossini's at Circular Quay to take one of the four of us. There's Charlie Chaplin in the background doing his thing.
http://picasaweb.google.com/bjjktg/FamilyAndFriends#5530774189135520898 (http://picasaweb.google.com/bjjktg/FamilyAndFriends#5530774189135520898)
Just off to Jill's to have my hair trimmed so that it looks neat and tidy when I go out without my wig on. Bit straggly and fluffy at the moment, but it's definitely coming back - phew!
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Joan - it has been quite the year.
Glad you got through it with such grace and laughter. :-*
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Don't feel neglected in the quieter times around the corner...fill them with all the things you want to :-*
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Champagne and Bailey's? Good grief.
Keep the good news coming, Joan!
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Such neglect is a price worth paying, Joan. Bring it on - and take Lil's very sage advice. Thanks for the update.
Totally incidentally, but prompted by the mention of Chaplin, I was listening to the wireless the other evening, and this Irish chap was on, talking about his amazing discovery whilst viewing the DVD collection he'd just acquired of the complete collection of Chaplin films, plus extras. In one of those 'extras', featuring footage of a rehearsed scene for one of his films shot in 1928, he has spotted what he can only conclude is a time traveller walking through the set in the background, clutching a mobile phone to her ear. I think the man is potty, but it's quite amusing. Have a look...
Time Traveler Caught on Film - Time Traveler Cell Phone - Charlie Chaplin Time Traveler (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiIrpEMbQ2M#ws)
But, anyway - back to Joan...
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But who could she have been phoning?
Great update, Joan. It certainly sounds like you've had a tough year, but good that you're coming out from it in good nick.
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Tarks, I saw some stills of that video in the press the other day. Among the more logical explanations was that she was weraing a hearing aid and testing it by talking out loud. Personally, I think she is actually Mince on his time travels and the reason he has long absences from this site.
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I think it’s pretty obvious as to why Mince can’t be around over Christmas this year. He’s gained a lot of weight; he’s grown a beard; he likes to wear red...yup he’s obviously in jail again.
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Champagne and Bailey's? Good grief.
Ain't that the truth, Roger? There are 2 little bottles of Baileys in the cupboard - bought as a top up to duty free allowance. It's like any liqueur for me now - tastes good, but the after effects are not worth it. Should have gone for the Dalwhinnie. Or maybe not ...
I think it’s pretty obvious as to why Mince can’t be around over Christmas this year. He’s gained a lot of weight; he’s grown a beard; he likes to wear red...yup he’s obviously in jail again.
:D ;D He needs to fix the smilies before he goes - that kiss smilie is quite grotesque. Do appreciate the sentiment, though. :-*
I'm looking forward to the neglect, I must say! I will be filling the quiet times with lots of good things, Lil. :) It's actually now that I'm having a bit of a "drop". Apparently quite usual. The dust settled and I looked back and thought, "Good grief! I've been through quite a lot." Grateful I have a sense of humour and you lot to tickle it.
I reckon he's refilmed the movie or used some digital jiggery pokery.
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Phew!
I had my first annual checkup mammogram and ultrasound on Monday and because my breasts are so dense and difficult to analyse, the radiologist took a core biopsy of an “irregularity” in my left breast (the other one). I saw the breast surgeon yesterday and all is well – no malignancy and just fibrous tissue – but you can imagine how I felt when the sonographer went to get the radiologist and he told me I should have the biopsy. Right back where I started a year ago. The results would have been ready by Thursday, but we had to wait until Friday because the surgeon was so busy with surgery and I decided I’d rather hear the worst from him and where to go from there. I think my blood pressure must have dropped about 60 points when he told me the good news. Relieved doesn’t go near to describing how I felt. I never knew one could feel elated and drained at the same time! Two words: "No malignancy" just beautiful. :)
So I'm clear to go. Just have to finish the Herceptin and have another little op to tidy things up after that and hopefully, I shouldn't have to be visiting the hospital/doctors much. The main thing is that the nasty little sucker(s) have gone and should stay away! The surgeon told me to go home and have a glass of wine and I said I'd put a bottle in the fridge already - was having a drink whatever the news.
It's a lovely day here today - sunny and warm with a nice cool afternoon breeze coming in now. We had friends from NZ staying last weekend and it was rainy, wet and cold. They went off to the Blue Mountains and then out to Wagga Wagga and are coming back to stay tonight before flying back tomorrow. Good that the weather has improved steadily for them. I may even go for a swim in the pool later.
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I was holding my breath as I read through that first paragraph....so pleased for you.
Hope you enjoyed the swim and wine ;D
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Great news, Joan!
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Great news indeed!
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Really great news, Joan.
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Brilliant news, Joan -- very best wishes from me as well!
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Thanks everyone. :) Still feeling a great sense of relief. I did enjoy the swim and the wine, Lil, and it's been lovely having Tony and Susan here. The weather has been fantastic and have had more swims this morning and lots of nattering between Susan and me while Tony did lots of weeding - what a gem! They're on their way back to New Zealand now and I'm just going to have another swim and then sit outside and enjoy a Heineken. The other half has just come home from sailing (or rather driving the rescue boat) absolutely knackered and is starting to barbecue and cook ribs for our darling son who is studying for exams/finishing his thesis - should graduate in December - so we're pampering him a bit.
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You will have lots to celebrate this December ;D
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Joan, thanks for keeping us all posted, and fro bringing us such good news (even through the scares). I think it's wonderful that you trust us all so much to share these very personal times, especially us males, most of whose brains would, at one time in our lives, have frozen in their tracks when presented with large texts that included such imagery as "dense breasts with nasty little suckers".
Be well!
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Joan, my feelings go out to you especially when you get those "aftershock" scares as the doctor asks for biopsies, I'm sure it sends you into a panic. I'm talking to a couple of dear friends on Facebook at the moment regarding their recent cancer battles, and I've been pretty well immersed in the feelings that you have experienced, albeit by proxy.
It's great to know you're on the mend, in the clear and scheduled to see us all out, well done!
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Always in my prayers Joane. Take care xx
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Phew!
I had my first annual checkup mammogram and ultrasound on Monday and because my breasts are so dense and difficult to analyse, the radiologist took a core biopsy of an “irregularity” in my left breast (the other one). I saw the breast surgeon yesterday and all is well – no malignancy and just fibrous tissue – but you can imagine how I felt when the sonographer went to get the radiologist and he told me I should have the biopsy. Right back where I started a year ago. The results would have been ready by Thursday, but we had to wait until Friday because the surgeon was so busy with surgery and I decided I’d rather hear the worst from him and where to go from there. I think my blood pressure must have dropped about 60 points when he told me the good news. Relieved doesn’t go near to describing how I felt. I never knew one could feel elated and drained at the same time! Two words: "No malignancy" just beautiful. :)
So I'm clear to go. Just have to finish the Herceptin and have another little op to tidy things up after that and hopefully, I shouldn't have to be visiting the hospital/doctors much. The main thing is that the nasty little sucker(s) have gone and should stay away! The surgeon told me to go home and have a glass of wine and I said I'd put a bottle in the fridge already - was having a drink whatever the news.
It's a lovely day here today - sunny and warm with a nice cool afternoon breeze coming in now. We had friends from NZ staying last weekend and it was rainy, wet and cold. They went off to the Blue Mountains and then out to Wagga Wagga and are coming back to stay tonight before flying back tomorrow. Good that the weather has improved steadily for them. I may even go for a swim in the pool later.
Wonderful news, Joan, although I hadn't realised it was possible to have "dense" breasts. (You learn something new every day, and it slightly reminded me of Mince.)
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Phew!
I had my first annual checkup mammogram and ultrasound on Monday and because my breasts are so dense and difficult to analyse, the radiologist took a core biopsy of an “irregularity” in my left breast (the other one). I saw the breast surgeon yesterday and all is well – no malignancy and just fibrous tissue – but you can imagine how I felt when the sonographer went to get the radiologist and he told me I should have the biopsy. Right back where I started a year ago. The results would have been ready by Thursday, but we had to wait until Friday because the surgeon was so busy with surgery and I decided I’d rather hear the worst from him and where to go from there. I think my blood pressure must have dropped about 60 points when he told me the good news. Relieved doesn’t go near to describing how I felt. I never knew one could feel elated and drained at the same time! Two words: "No malignancy" just beautiful. :)
So I'm clear to go. Just have to finish the Herceptin and have another little op to tidy things up after that and hopefully, I shouldn't have to be visiting the hospital/doctors much. The main thing is that the nasty little sucker(s) have gone and should stay away! The surgeon told me to go home and have a glass of wine and I said I'd put a bottle in the fridge already - was having a drink whatever the news.
It's a lovely day here today - sunny and warm with a nice cool afternoon breeze coming in now. We had friends from NZ staying last weekend and it was rainy, wet and cold. They went off to the Blue Mountains and then out to Wagga Wagga and are coming back to stay tonight before flying back tomorrow. Good that the weather has improved steadily for them. I may even go for a swim in the pool later.
Wonderful news, Joan, although I hadn't realised it was possible to have "dense" breasts. (You learn something new every day, and it slightly reminded me of Mince.)
Goodness! Does Mince have dense breasts? Do you have piccies?
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...if you do have pics - please burn them.
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Goodness! Does Mince have dense breasts? Do you have piccies?
Well another word for dense is "thick", and slang for breast is "t*t", so you can see how I came to that association.
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Ah So.
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Who is Mince, actually?
I'm still confused even after all these years (yes, it's been years) as to who is who on this board.
I know Diamond Lil is Roger's sister, and, Joan and I it turns out are almost related, Brighty is an ex DC Thomson-ite, and Peeps used to live in the Midlands before undertaking a sea change and moving to the islands off Scotland's West coast (near my mum).
Bilthe is an army guy living in Blandford (where I used to live, and I'm ex army too), but Mince is still an unknown quantity.
I'm a lot more kind and well-adjusted than Peeps therefore I'm less likely to slag Mince off. I can only assume that at some stage Mince ran off with Peeps's girl and all the insults constitute some perpetual payback.
So info please, on Diane, Fyodor, Mince, Feather, Calypso, and any of the other regulars, either from their own lips or from anyone else who knows them.
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Oh, and can this info at least have some nodding acquaintance with the truth? Does Andrew Christine frequent this board, even as a lurker?
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Malc - so much for being a Facebook friend with my many daily updates!
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I only work (if you can call it that) in Blandford. I actually live in W######## (due to the security situation, the last location was expurgated).
Feather is/was Calypso and went on holiday with Mince. I believe she does exist, so presumably Mince does as well.
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I only work (if you can call it that) in Blandford. I actually live in W######## (due to the security situation, the last location was expurgated).
Feather is/was Calypso and went on holiday with Mince. I believe she does exist, so presumably Mince does as well.
I have met Feather AND Mince! So, provided I exist, they must also exist..... maybe....!?
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That is too bad, Vultch doesn't exist either.
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Now I'm not sure if I exist. Help, I'm shrinking.
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That is too bad, Vultch doesn't exist either.
That's a relief, Diane. Now I know that when people ignore me, it's not that they dislike me but because I'm not there! :D :D
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Thanks for clarifying, you idiots. >:(
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Malc, I used to be Calypso, but requested that membership be canceled because I did not feel I belonged on this board. One day I decided to look at the board and found something I wanted to respond to. I returned as Feather - a name I have had elsewhere.
I am real. That was me in the avatar with the sunglasses and in the other avatar where I'm looking over the top of my reading glasses. I am an American and I live in Texas.
I have met Vulture and Peter. They are lovely people. And of course I know Mince fairly well.
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Thank you, Feather. I accept that Peter is real, of course. My contention is that he's not the 'Peter" that posts here.
In your estimation is Mince the kind of weirdo who would pretend to be two people for his own amusement?
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of course i am real
no one could invent me
and yes i have meet feaver
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the problem you have is i feel real but am i just a figment of my own imagination
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the problem you have is i feel real but am i just a figment of my own imagination
Hi Mince
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Thank you, Feather. I accept that Peter is real, of course. My contention is that he's not the 'Peter" that posts here.
In your estimation is Mince the kind of weirdo who would pretend to be two people for his own amusement?
Yes, if he is bored and not busy. Mostly he is bored and busy.
Malc, when Mince brought me up from London to meet his parents, I saw Peter sitting in front of the computer. Beau Peep was on the screen.
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So what's the deal with you and Mince then? Were you a serious item at one stage?
If you went to meet his parents, either:
(a) You both contemplated a serious and long-lasting union
(b) He wanted to prove to his parents he wasn't gay
(c) He wanted to boast that he could pull a seriously good looking chick.
(d) You wanted to check that there was no evidence of mental illness.
If you're asking do I seriously want you to spill your guts on this forum?
Yes.
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If you're asking do I seriously want you to spill your guts on this forum?
Or did you mean Mince's?
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So what's the deal with you and Mince then? Were you a serious item at one stage?
If you went to meet his parents, either:
(a) You both contemplated a serious and long-lasting union
(b) He wanted to prove to his parents he wasn't gay
(c) He wanted to boast that he could pull a seriously good looking chick.
(d) You wanted to check that there was no evidence of mental illness.
If you're asking do I seriously want you to spill your guts on this forum?
Yes.
No, he just wanted his mum to do his laundry.
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So what's the deal with you and Mince then? Were you a serious item at one stage?
If you went to meet his parents, either:
(a) You both contemplated a serious and long-lasting union
(b) He wanted to prove to his parents he wasn't gay
(c) He wanted to boast that he could pull a seriously good looking chick.
(d) You wanted to check that there was no evidence of mental illness.
If you're asking do I seriously want you to spill your guts on this forum?
Yes.
No, he just wanted his mum to do his laundry.
;D Great answer, Feather.
Honestly, I don't look in for a few days and you all go berserk! Bunch of nutters! I mean that in the nicest possible way. (http://users.tpg.com.au/pdcs01/hug.gif)
Nobody answered Malc's original question, which was (I think) how Mince got involved with the forum and his connection. Was he a fan of BP, or did he just pop up out of the ether, a bit like I did? Although I did have a connection to Roger BBP.
Thanks, TT, Malc and Lucy. I've really got a bit blase about talking about my breasts and their vagaries, not to mention their condition. Anyway, I know you're all big boys and can cope with these sort of confronting revelations. Bellieve me, there's a lot I haven't shared with you! I do have a tendency to reveal a little too much about myself when I feel comfortable about the people I'm with. I sometimes forget that this is a public forum, but I feel a lot more comfortable posting about these things here than on Facebook, where I know it would be a bit confronting for some FB friends. Not that that stops me sometimes! Anyway, if other people don't want to read the thread, they don't have to and it really has been wonderful for me to be able to spill here and to receive all your support and humour as well.
Now, I'm off for a swim in the pool. It's cooled down a bit this avo, but is still a balmy 24C. I know you lot in the Northern Hemisphere are all freezing at the moment with loads of snow, especially in Dundee. Hope your staff is making something nice and warming for Lucy and Peeps, Roger. I know Lucy is feeling the cold, poor thing.
Take care everyone,
Joan xo
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Joan,
I'm not all that big a boy at all.
I can handle breasts ... just about, but your vagaries have almost done for me. Flesh and blood, girl, remember.
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Joan,
I'm not all that big a boy at all.
I can handle breasts ... just about, but your vagaries have almost done for me. Flesh and blood, girl, remember.
Laughing out loud, Fyo! There are a number of replies to this, but all of them involve extremely personal revelations, for me and you, I suspect. Flesh and blood - I began to think that's all they were, but I'm starting to remember that they're good for other things too. ;)
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"but I'm starting to remember that they're good for other things too"
A case of "thanks for the mammaries" Joan?
Be well and keep well.
Max ;D
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Just remember, Joan - they don't necessarily put food on the table, but they do feed the kids.
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..0 ... My original phrasing was: "I'm starting to remember they have their good points." Thank goodness I reread before posting!
Thanks, Max. I have a book of short stories by Australian female writers called "Thanks for the Mammaries", put together for one of the breast cancer charities - very funny some of them. Must reread it.
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I've been very naughty and not coming in to the BP forum to catch up. Just been a bit too busy, which is good, but I see you've all been very busy posting, so will have to go through them all.
The good news is that I had my final dose of Herceptin a couple of weeks ago. Was given a rousing send off by the nurses and told I wasn't allowed to come back unless it was just to visit. Will still be taking the Arimidex for another 4 and a half years and going to see the oncologists, etc every few months this year at least.
One of the reasons I haven't been here is because I've been rushing around getting things done before I go in today to have an op. Not directly related to the BC and very straightforward. Let's just say I'm having things tidied up. Means I won't be able to do anything strenuous for a month or so, though, so have been trying to get things in order before I go. Should be in until Wednesday or Thursday, after which I will have plenty of time to catch up online!
Hopefully, once this is out of the way, I will only be inside the hospital to visit the doctors every now and again and not on a regular basis.
Feeling really good - if a little hot. Going to get very warm here this week, so that's one advantage of being in the hospital, as long as their ac doesn't break down. I'm not taking the laptop this time, so will be in complete internet withdrawal by the time I get home.
Take care, everybody,
Joan xo
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All the best, Joan.
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Yes Joan, hope this op goes well and you heal up fast. Poor you. :(
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Hope it all goes well Joan and your up and about quickly-ish. ;)
I'm due to go in for an endoscopy soon, but knowing my local hospital that could be months. >:(
Cheers!
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All the best Joan, god bless :-*
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Tell me more about these nurses...
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Don't mention Barium E.......
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Joan, I can but doff my cap to you.
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Me too.
It's been a really unpleasant time for both our Aussie/Scots friends but I know that the rest of 2011 is going to be on an upward curve. I have decided!
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Thanks everyone, and Roger, I hope that nature and who/whatever else decides these thiings is listening to you and it shall be so!
Well, the ops over with and so far, so good. I got home yesterday and am doing very well, been looked after very well, as usual, both in hospital and here, so I can't fail to improve! Glad to see the back of that particular hospital, although I have to say that this time the care was very good. It's just that I had my breast surgery there, two of my specialists have their rooms there, I had some of my scans there and picked up my Herceptin from the pharmacist there.
The op went very well and results are aok. I think the sister's comment on my discharge form under "nursing care summary" of "uneventful recovery" says it all. Now that I'm home, I just have to rest up for a few days and I'll gradually be able to do things again. I certainly feel about 100 times better than this time last year when I was in the middle of having chemo!
I spent most of Wednesday watching events unfold in Northern Queensland and feeling grateful that I was where I was, cocooned in my air conditioned room. It was also extremely hot in Sydney and still is. Should cool down on Monday.
Speaking of nurses, Peeps, I was impressed with the ones I had looking after me. I got on very well with the young Irish sister who was on shift for my discharge. I hadn't seen a male nurse on the ward for the three days I'd been there. What do you know? Emma told me to buzz when I'd finished my shower and she'd change my dressings. You know how blase I've become about being examined in a state of deshabille in a medical situation. However, I got a bit of a shock after I'd buzzed when this young, good looking male head popped round the door to see what I wanted! He was very good and looked straight at my face while I stuttered that Emma said she'd change my dressings. Said Emma appeared quickly, rolling her eyes and although she was very professional, she was also very Irish with a quick sense of humour and I ended up having to hold my sides, I was laughing so much by the time we'd finished. Laughter the best medicine once again. ;D
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Just caught up with this thread. Thanks for keeping us updated, Joan - it's great to hear all the positive advances. Long may that continue.
Your shower scene reminded me of my own a few years back at the Maelor Hospital in Wrexham, when, after the best part of ten days bedridden without one, I jumped at the suggestion that I was now able to take a shower if I wanted. Bliss! However, as I stepped out of the shower, I somehow caught the cannula needle that was still attached to my forearm on the shower curtain rail, whipping it out (the cannula) in the process. With all the drugs I'd been on over the previous ten days to thin my blood, it proceeded to pulse out of the needle hole with impressive force, bringing to mind the infamous Black Knight scene from Monty Python's Holy Grail. There then followed several seconds during which I simultaneously (and only half successfully) attempted to stem the blood flow, pull the buzzer chord, and reach the sink to contain the mess, whilst only partially managing to cover my modesty with a towel. Moments later I was surrounded by female staff surveying the scene as if it was an audition for a remake of 'Psycho', with me playing Janet Leigh's character. The lovely white tiles of the ward shower room making an excellent canvas for my Jackson Pollockesque 'artwork (pardon the numerous mixed metaphors).
Laugh? Well, I can now.
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What you'll do to get naked with women.
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If only CCTV was around then...
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At least he'd "covered his modesty" so there was one thing less for them to laugh at.