TriciaK checking in!

[TriciaK]

Thank you all so much for your loving concern--I have been having a pretty rough time, but if not thriving, at least still surviving. Am still on halavan alone, no herceptin, and my tumor markers (ca 27/29 and cea) are slowly going down. I am able to keep food down, though not much or a wide variety, but better than with so many chemos. I am extremely weak, though, and unable to do much, even be on my computer. I have a home nurse twice a week and other helpers, but am not on hospice. I am still fighting, but get more discouraged than I ever have---then I remind myself I am close to 82 years old, have lived a long, full life inspite of fighting BC four times in 26 years, and having a bad heart and scoliosis pain . So what if I have no hair (wisps of snow white!), no eyelashes and no eyebrows!! I am blessed to have a good husband and a wonderful posterity, and many valued friends, including all of you. I have a great deal of faith and a positive outlook. My last PET scan in early June showed that the lung tumors are still there but have not grown much, and my oncologist says if the October scan looks as good I may be able to stop the chemo. So I still have so much to be thankful for! I am a little nervous about the winter months because I usually manage at least one bout of pnuemonia, but I am trying to be positive and keep expecting the best. I will try to get online more and will let you know how the next scan looks. Thank you all so much for messages and love! You mean so much to me! Hugs, TriciaK

[Sheila]

Tricia
So happy to log on and read your post....hope the Halaven gets easier on your appetite....we miss you, save your strength for YOU! Just know you are in the hearts and prayers of many on this site!

[ElaineM]

Thank you so much for checking in with us. You have been in our thoughts and prayers. We will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers and I for one will keep my fingers crossed for some good reports the next time you have tests.
You are a strong woman and you are quite a fighter. You have taught us to hang in there keep putting one foot in front of the other and keep going no matter what happens.
Please continue to take good care of yourself. Feel free to drop by and check in anytime. If you are feeling a little under the weather and don't feel like sitting at a computer we invite a family member or good friend to let us know how you are doing from time to time. Feel free to e-mail or pm me anytime.

[chrisy]

Tricia thanks for checking in. Sheila's right - be strong for you and rest on the wings of the loving prayers we are ALL sending you daily!

much much love
Chris

[Gerri]

Tricia,

So happy to see your post, but sorry to hear you are not feeling well. You are one of my all time heroes!

Much, much love to you!

[Elizabethtx]

What a fighter you are...you give us all so much hope! Hugs!

[BonnieR]

You are a shining example of keeping the faith! God bless!

[AlaskaAngel]

Tricia, keeping a meaningful rational perspective with all the ups and downs is a very valuable skill you have. I'm glad you have strong support around you to help with some of the difficulties. Thanks for letting us stay with you here.

AlaskaAngel

[Ruth]

Thank you so much for taking precious energy and checking in for us. We think of you often and when I saw that you hadn't been on line in a while we all started getting concerned. You are so amazing and we care about you a great deal.
Take care
Ruth

[NEDenise]

Tricia,
I'm so sorry to hear that you're having a rough time right now. You are such an inspiration to me. On days when I start to feel down, or lose hope...I think of you, and all you've been through.
I think of your beautiful grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and how your strength and courage have allowed them to enjoy you for these many years.
I've actually said aloud to my family..."TriciaK has fought this for 26 years...I can survive another (fill in the blank)! You're a shining example of what I could be someday, if I'm up to the challenge.

Tricia, I pray that you'll feel God holding you gently in the palm of his hand, as you get your strength back.
And, I hope you can feel the rest of us lifting you in prayer.
Keep fighting! Keep all your strength for you!
With love,
Denise

[Laurel]

Hello to our favorite "Timex Engerizer Bunny, She Takes a Lickin' and keeps right on Tickin'!" I am sorry the going is so tough for you presently, Tricia. Really hoping that chemo holiday is right on the horizon! I was really happy to see your post.

[caya]

Bravo to you dear Tricia - you are an inspiration to us all!! I hope you feel better pronto.

all the best
caya

[Marlys]

Add my name to the list of those delighted to hear from you. I am sorry to hear that you are not feeling so good right now. I pray that will cease and you will be back with us. I will always remember meeting you and thinking that you are actually as beautiful as your picture. And even without hair I bet that hasn"t changed.
Love & Hugs,
Marlys

[Trish]

Great to hear from you as ever but do proiritize caring for yourself. Kind wishes
trish

[Joanna J]

I will keep you in my thoughts & prayers,All the best to you,(Love your posts) Joanna J

[Mary Anne in TX]

I wanted to say hello too, Trish! Scratch the years...you're far to valuable to even think of losing. Be super good to yourself and feel the love and prayers sent to you. I'm so grateful for all you give to all of us. Much love, ma

[janieR]

Sending lots of good wishes to you . You are a true inspiration to me.

Janie

[schoolteacher]

Glad to hear from you, Tricia. You are my hero.

Amelia

[Mary Jo]

So happy to read your update.

Prayers and much love to a dear, sweet her2support friend.

I love you Tricia....

Mary Jo

[suzan w]

Yes it is good to hear from you, Tricia. You give me so much hope. Thank you for checking in, when I grow up I want to be just like you!!! XO

[nitewind]

My dear, dear friend, I am so sorry that it's been so rough for you. You are always in my thoughts and prayers. No hair, eyebrows, or eyelashes? It doesn't matter...you are beautiful inside and out. Thank you for checking in.
I haven't been posting much, but I do check for your posts. I can't tell you how happy it made me to see you take the time and effort to let us hear from you.
Keep the faith my sweet birthday buddy. God loves you and so do we.
Susan

[jml]

So glad to see your beautiful face and thank you for your update.
Here's to stable scans and a chemo break!

Always sending your big hugs and healing, restful energy and
lovelovelove<3

Keep the Faith!
Jml

[ElaineM]

I think of you from time to time and decided to find out when you were here. I found an October post from you. I hope you are still hanging in there and I hope that your latest test resutls were good. I am glad you have some help too. Blessings of peace and good health to you always.

[KDR]

Tricia,
Can you check back in...so many are wondering how you're doing...hope all is well and Happy 2012-
Karen