I am a retired art teacher from VT, then moved to FL, then house got hit by Hurricane Charley in '04, moved to Washington where my youngest son (27) lives with his wife.My oldest son (30) and his wife are great adventurers and have just left their jobs, children's museum director, and health teacher, to go off on a 4 month backcountry ski trip through the US and Canada. Both boys have diabetes (youngest was 2 when diagnosed, eldest was 10). I live with a wonderful partner (don't think there are many other gay women here!), we love to travel, snowshoe, hike, and are avid birdwatchers. We also have a great little cabin in the high desert of New Mexico. I am in the middle of illustrating a book that a friend has just written...about a girl and her dog and the ravens of New Mexico! Diagnosed with invasive lobular bc in May '05...surgery, chemo...now herceptin for a year.

Hi all,

My wife Caryn has her MSW (Masters in Social Work) and has not worked since being diagnosed stage 4 in 7/04. While she's been feeling great physically she's had a very hard time going back to work. She's afraid that she won't be able to "be there" for others but she has decided to try and go back part time.

I'm the Eastern Regional Sales Manager for a unique company in the Incentive industry. In addition to setting up sales incentive, employee recognition and customer loyalty programs we're also the largest Direct Manufacturer's Representative for top name brands in the country. Needless to say, I love my job and take great pride in the company that I work for, but it pales in comparison to the pride I feel for my wife and kids.

Caryn and I live in New Jersey with our two wonderful children, Jennifer (13) and Zachary (10). The three of them are truly the light of my life.

Eric

New here, but thought I'd join in....
 

I'm an attorney/lobbyist for a financial services organization. I really enjoy my job, and miss traveling (often to DC). I was diagnosed in Sept. 05 with Her2 +++ breast cancer, had a lumpectomy, and started a chemo regimen of carbo/taxol/herceptin in late October. It was originally thought I was stage II but my pre-chemo PET and CT scans showed 3 lesions on my liver and 1 on my pelvis. Fortunately, a CT I had in December showed all the spots on my liver were reduced by about 2/3 and the lesion on my pelvis was gone. I had another follow-up CT yesterday and will find out results tomorrow.

I am so grateful this site exists, I have learned a LOT and have had some really good discussions with my oncologist because of this site.

I am an avid outdoor fan, love my horse, garden, dogs, birdwatching, taking care of my chickens. Also LOVE to go antiquing. As a means to these ends I work as a restaurant manager in a family owned Italian restaurant in Maryland. Iblame the restaurant for 40 lbs of excess weight! LOL> I also love to cook. Am looking for new directions in my life, cancer has been a wake up call for me and I want to give back and grow-- so glad to have found this site and others, Thank you Joe and Christine. Oh and I cannot forget the most wonderful thing in my life, My husband Robert, He is my shining star and support, bless him. He has his own health issues and I hope to be there for him.

Hi
Wow it was great reading everyones posts !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am 42 and have been married to the greatest man for almost 17 years , he has always been there for me !!!
I am a "retired" Respiratoy Therapist, I decided to stay home with our 3 children about 8 years ago. My husband calls me a
"Domestic engineer"
We have 2 boys ages 12 and 8 and one girl age 5.
My husband is a Family Nurse Practitioner and works for a great orthopedic clinic they told him whenever he needs time off for me he can have it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks to all of you for sharing, it's great to have a group of people you can always turn to , you guys are the BEST !!
BonnieT

I so enjoy this thread I am Bringing it up again.
Marlys

I hope this thread doesn't get lost! Can it be set apart as a sticky, Joe? I think it has been wonderful to get to know each other a little better, though I would love accompnying photos, too, for everyone. Hugs, Tricia

I am in Corporate Sales for Callaway Golf. When I was diagnosed in 4/04 I had only been with the company 9 months and they were fantastic. The entire sales organization donated months of vacation to me so that I could take the week off after chemo, etc. It was one of the many blessings that came from this horrible diagnosis.

One of my concerns with the lymph node dissection was whether or not it would affect my golf swing. I am happy to report - so far so good!

I have been married for 21 years to my best friend. We met 33 years ago in 7th grade when we were 12. We have 3 boys - 11, 14 and 16 and at times I feel I live in a frat house. When we got a dog I insisted we get a female to help balance out some of the testosterone in the house. Before I went back to work I had the good fortune of staying home with my boys when they were young. I went back to work when my youngest started 1st grade. We are a pretty active family - golfing, skiing, surfing (bogey boarding for me) and basketball.

Inspite of BC, life is very good.

Best
Tami

I am 38 years old and a Sr. Program Manager in IT in a software company. My husband and I have been together for 12 years and married for 7. We each have 2 kids of our own and together we had a maltese. She is 'our baby'. My mother gave my husband the book "Breast Cancer Husband" when I was diagnosed last summer, but luckily for me he didn't really need it, although we both enjoyed reading it. I was blessed with a wonderful breast cancer husband and there is no way I could have done this with him.

We love flowers, decorating the house, exploring San Francisco (we still explore after 20 years living here)cooking, entertaining and geeky computer stuff.

This post has been wonderful seeing what everyone's non-cancer life entails.
This site has been such a wealth of knowledge for me and I am so grateful for it.

Patricia

Living
 

What I do for a living is travel, stay current with immediate family (between my husband and myself we have 14 siblings), read, walk, and take care of my dogs -- Gizmo (a papillion) and Penney (a long-haired chihuahua). I love to cook and read cookbooks, I also keep up with my two grandchildren, Angelo and Carlo. I also keep very busy with my daughter (26) and son (21).
I don't spend as much time as I would like to on this board right now...my husband has recently been treated with gamma knife and his cancer that has been "hiding" is starting to appear in the abdomen and chest. He's a great guy and we've been married for 30 years. Right now it's very time-consuming between the internist, neurosurgeon, oncologist, etc. I can't believe we have a family oncologist.

What I do for a paycheck -- I am an Executive Assistant who works with a private investor who manages his family's portfolios and a private foundation. We have worked together for 30 years believe it or not. I have a great job with great hours (10:00 until 4:00) and a boss that understands family comes before anything.

I love "hearing" from everyone, and promise to get more involved in time.

Oops, forgot name
 

I forgot to sign my prior message, since I wasn't logged in.

Vi Schorpp

A friend who also has bc once said her health is her job and reading through this and so many other posts in so many other threads makes me think that applies to many of us. Maybe an avocation for some, but our health is very much part of our daily "job".

I am a training and technical writer. Sometimes. Whenever I can find a contract and sometimes I don't look very hard. Mostly I like to ski and golf and read. And I work on my health.

This is a wonderful Forum for us all to express ourselves. I have either volunteered or worked in the health field for women. In the early 80,s while living in Dallas, I helped with the start up of the Susan Komen Foundation by helping women who did not have insurance get mammograms at Parkland Hospital. My Husband was COO of Parkland at the time. From there I worked for 2 Gyn Oncologists until we moved to Florida. I then worked at a Breast Center in Miami part time until 1998. Our youngest went off to college, we have 3 wonderful children and 4 Grandchildren, so my husband and I decided to move to a Country Club Community in Delray Beach. Several of us in our community started making Breast Cancer Bracelets to sell and a yearly golf tourny to raise money for Cancer Reaseach. Little did I know that 2 years later, in 2003, I would be diagnosed with BC........How it hits home! My community and Country Club has been absolutely wonderful, raising more money each year. It has become like a full time job to several of us.

My Husband has been wonderful and stayed home for 2 months helping me decide what to do but he had to return to work which included traveling (he helps hospitals that are in financial trouble) so my daughter who lives in Dallas and her 2 children moved in with me for 7 months during treatment. She litteraly gave up her life so I wouldn't be alone. I just had to mention how important family and support is, especially at a time like this and how grateful I am to have it. This site is part of this wonderful support system.

Thank you all for sharing.
Diane Nathan
Diagnosed at 55 in 2003

Just bringing it forward again!
Marlys

Glad this came back up...
 

I never saw this thread and am glad to learn about everyone. I see a lot of you are/were in the health care field. I once read something about artificial light being a culprit...also someone mentioned chemicals.

I worked in the printing industry for nearly 20 years. Not blaming anyone, but I am sure that the stuff I worked with was not good for me. I started at 18 as a part time secretary (should have stayed that way) for a small printing company...before long, I was operating a huge camera that needed two rooms - one room for the actual camera where I loaded artwork that was to be printed and the dark room where I loaded large sheets of film (20 x 24) and then developed the negatives. I mixed chemicals and used large open trays for developing for years. I also burned plates (for the presses) and developed them with more chemicals. After getting married and having two babies to care for, I worked at a gym running the nursery. Hectic, but good job to have when you have kids...I brought my kids with me. when the kids started school so did I...I worked at a teacher's aide so that I had off when the kids had off. As they got older, I decided it was time to go back to work full time. I took a job at another print shop. My husband and I divorced at that time and then I was diagnosed with IBC. After chemo, I received SSD and was able to stay at home and recoup from surgery and radiation. I then went to college and finally earned my Associates in Paralegal Studies {with honors :) }. I did an internship at a great firm that ended up offering me a job. I handled divorce cases and loved my job. I also continued on with school, working towards my Bachelors and did bankruptcies on the side. And then came the cough...Since the relapse I have not worked. Now my official job is surviving and taking care of the kids (my son is 16, my daughter is almost 15 and my baby is a Bernese Mountain dog). I now spend my time going to the oncology center, cleaning and cooking, reading, surfing the net, painting glass, support groups, Reiki and I just started drawing again.

Man behind the Scene
 

I have been married for 23 years to Christine, the founder of this group. We will be celebrating our 23rd anniversary at ASCO in June.

I have degrees from Rutger's Universary and Fairleigh Dickenson Universary and was attending graduate school at William Paterson Universary when Christine had a recurrence in 1999. I also received training at the DeVry Institute in electronics. I am currently a Senior Field Engineer for a defense contractor in San Diego which allows me to travel throughout California.

We had already decided to move to California and had our home sold when Christine had an attack of Vertigo. She was DX'ed with mets to the chest and brain. She left for CA on July 5, 1999 with my youngest daughter, Danielle, in order to start treatment in San Diego.

I stayed behind with my oldest daughter, Debra, to pack our belongings and complete the sale of our home.

Christine's disease and this website has been a truly eye opening experience. Not only has my knowledge of breast cancer increased, but I have met many of the prominant cancer researchers. Most importantly, many of you are like family to both me and Christine.

Two of my most favorite quotes:

"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming... "Wow! What a ride!" - Anon

"When you come to a fork in the road, take it." - Yogi Berra

Hi- I left my job as a Music Teacher last February when I discovered lymphedema in my arm.It was then that I finally had time to be checked and the recurrence was discovered. My heart goes out to anyone who needs to continue working while they are battling the disease, as I find it is a full time job.My husband is in real estate. I have two children- a girl and a boy, ages 20 and 16.I have a new baby grandson, one month old who is so sweet and beautiful. I love to laugh and I spend much of my time looking for the biggest laugh I can find.I also like writing poems and reading spiritual books."The Imitation of Christ" by Thomas a'Kempis is one of my favorites. Also, the writings of St.Thomas Aquinas,St. Alphonsus Liguori,and my absolute favorite, St. Francis de Sales. One of my favorite quotes from him is;
"Love Heavenly desires, and desire Heavenly love." ; St. Francis de Sales always tried to set aside an hour a day for prayer, except when he was extremely busy- then he set aside two. He said we must give God first claim on our time, interiorly if not always exteriorly.
Cancer ultimately has been a gift to me. Before the diagnosis, I did not appreciate the great gift of this precious life and how to joyfully embrace every single second and thank God for it. Now, with one foot in eternity, I praise and thank my Creator with every breath He gives me and I pray that I may help draw others closer to Him as they learn of His infinite love for them.

I worked for years at Beckman Instruments doing all kinds of different jobs. Great place to work. Then worked at a local newspaper for years and enjoyed that. Then became disabled due to a congenital back problem at age 30.
I stepped into a pre-made family when I met my hubby back when working at Beckman and rasied two wonderful step-kids that I love dearly. They are everything to me. They are now grown and out on there own...but they stay in touch and I see then often. I also have four wonderful grandchildern that are all the light of my life.

I have been married 26 years and going strong. My husband has been a awesome support system to me since my cancer diagnoses. He takes me to ALL my treatments and doctors appointments. He changed his work schedule so that he could be with me all the time. He has been fantastic. Without him I don't know if I could of made it this far.

As far as hobbies and things I enjoy...I love swimming, playing pool, taking pictures, bicycle riding, walks on the beach, boating and fishing, camping. I haven't been able to do much since my diagnoses...but I sure have plans to once I get through my treatment if all goes well.

I love animals and have ALWAYS had them in my life. I can't imagine life without them. Unfortunely I just had to put my kitty cat of 17 years to sleep due to a serious kidney problem. :( But I still have a turner & hooch dog and a toy poodle. They are girl friend and boyfriend. Quite the pair. lol

So for now...I am just focused on beating my cancer and doing all I can to get better. I guess for now I am a homemaker and do what I can when I feel well enough through my chemo treatments.

I am so thankful to have found this board and all the awesome people that I have met here. Its by far the best board I have found. I have learned so much and everyone is so helpful. God Bless everyone.

Sorry- I didn't sign my name to my previous post- CathyW

Oh what a wonderful idea this was.

There's so much to each and everyone of us and our caregivers! You are such a great group of people - you are my information and inspiration

Could we place this in a special place?

Ok here's me:)

I was a cash manager at a very large Los Angeles entertainment company. I am an accountant and have an MBA in Finance. I used to love my job but was working 10-12 hours a day for the past three years, plus weekends and vacations, oh yeah- I think the stress here triggered my BC. I was 49 when dx in July 2005.
I did lose my job in a department re structure this January. where did the 10 hours go?

I am married, almost 25 years. My sweetie Paul is an engineer. Have two daughters Megan (21) lives at home and is in college, a psychology major, I tell her I am her first case! Youngest daughter is Kirsten (18) and graduating from high school this year, she's a handful.

Right now, I'm home. Trying to beat this thing. Enjoying all the family life I did not have for the last three years. I like to knit and sew. All crafts really. Love to cook. Hopefully this Summer I will be able to work in my yard. Would like to back to work but we'll see

I sign on as MCS, my initials. chose this because there are so many Maria out there

Blessed all of you.

MCS (Maria)

I am 47. I am an Elementary Resource Teacher (I work with Learning Challenged kids in 1st & 2nd grade). I have been teaching for 25 years. I have been married to a wonderful, supported man for 26 years in May. I have two children, son 22 (in grad. school) & daughter 18 (HS senior).

I am new to this site and see it as a great help in my journey. I wish I had found it earlier. I was diag. 4/05. Have finished with chemo. and Herceptin (was suppose to take Herceptin until 9/06, but heart strength has dropped too much.)

Thanks to all who post on this site and to Joe & Christine for providing this support group.

Jackie

Hello All

I'm so glad to have found you all, although I seem to sit back, read many posts and take it all in, this site has been a godsend.

When I was diagnosed Jan 2005 I had been working as an Assistant Manager of a Bank 40-45 hours per week, in a way I feel my body was telling me to slow down. I had worked in the banking industry for over 30 years. Taking a year off work 3 operations, 4 A/C & 4 Taxol, has left me with mild lympaedema and neuropathy in fingers and toes. I'm currently on a gradual return to work program and negotiating with my Health Insurance for late Herceptin, (my chemo finished July 05), in Australia we have to pay for Herceptin for Early BC.

With positive support from my family; married 25 years, son 19 old and myself being the eldest of 10, 3 brothers and six sisters and friends have kept me going on this journey.

Best wishes to all
Love
Helenhttp://www.her2support.org/vbulletin...cons/icon7.gif

a brief auto bio
 

Hi all,

I live in Brooklyn, N.Y. and am 48yrs old. Was dx 4/05. Had mast. 6 rounds of CAF and am currently receiving Herceptin every 3 weeks. I have been working as a Human Resource Specialist (liked it better when we called it Personnel) for the past 20 years. I worked full time until dx. Was home for 6 months and now work 3 days a week. I have a great hubby, he is a retired police officer and I have a 26 year old son who is currently teaching high school. I also have two girls. (Golden Retrievers) They are such loves. I always have been an animal lover. I enjoy cooking, reading, tending to my many plants and love going to Atlantic City. No, not a chronic gambler. Just a favorite getaway. I get so much solace and information from this site. Don't know what I would do without you. One night my computer was acting up and I almost panicked. Many thanks to Christine & Joe for getting this going and for all who have been so supportive. Most importantly I must Thank God that we have come a long way. My thoughts and prayers are with all. Hugs, Liz

Wonderful Idea
 

Hi all,

I was diagnosed in January 2001 at age 40 with Her2+++, ER-, PR-, stage 3 BC. I had 3 tumors in the breast with 4/13 nodes positive. I had a mastectomy, 3 months dose dense AC, 3 months of weekly Taxol and then a year of Herceptin. I was in a clinical trial for early stage Herceptin treatment and I credit Herceptin with my being NED since.

When I was diagnosed I worked as a store manager for a large retailer. The job required 60+ hours a week and overseeing 200+ employees. I tried to continue to work through the chemo but found it was too difficult and eventually took a leave of absense. When my treatment was over I decided not to go back. It took breast cancer to make me realize that I was a workaholic and missing precious time with my family. I also wasn't taking care of my health; physically, emotionally or spiritually. I was lucky that I could afford to stop working. It was the best decision of my life. I now spend a lot more time with my husband of 25 years, my son Michael, my beautiful grandson Jace, my parents and sisters. Cancer is a horrible disease but it is also the catalyst for some very positive changes in my life.

I love to hike in the White Mountains here in New Hampshire. I also enjoy reading, writing, drawing, playing the piano, camping, yoga and working in my gardens. When I finished my treatment my mother and sisters took me on a celebration-vacation to Cape Cod, MA. We had such a great time together that we have made this an annual event. It's a time when all of us girls can spend quality time together. I also volunteer with the Dartmouth Hitchcock Cancer Center talking with newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. I am continually amazed at how strong women are.

Being new to this HER2 group I enjoyed learning something about each of you. This thread is an excellent idea. The site itself is excellent -- thank you Joe and Christine. I look forward to getting to know you all better.

Hugs to everyone, Sue

Hi everyone

Glad I found this thread. I am 41 y.o., married for 6 years and have a 5 y.o. son. He has just started primary school, and I don't work, so I have time to myself, which is wonderful.

Over the years I have worked in accounting practices, for a plastic surgeon, trained as a beauty therapist, waitressed and that's about it.

I love cooking, socialising with friends, genealogy, and just spending time with my family. They are the most precious thing to me. WE have just added to our family with a gorgeous female Spoodle called Coco.

Lisa

I was dx at age 45 in the summer of 2004. I am a teacher, but just subbing right now. I can't wait to go back to those toothless 1st graders in the fall. My wonderful husband and I have been married for 25 years, have 3 great kids (20, 18, 16) and a 2 year old yellow lab.

Just bring this forward.

I guess it's my turn then :) I'll be 40 in August, was diagnosed in Oct 04. I used to work as a secretary for a "Big Six" accounting firm, but have been home with my kids since '95. I now have 4 kids - 13, 11, 6 and 3 - and don't have time to work! I do the bookkeeping for my husbands 2 video companies, and that keeps me very busy. Originally from the UK, but now living in California, just outside LA. Glad to be here and getting Herceptin and not having to fight for it like everyone else in the UK. I wish my family was closer, that's one thing this whole experience has taught me. I've been married for 15 years and my husabnd has not dealt with this well at all, partly because HIS Mom died of BC when he was 20 - not a good experience for him. Still kinda struggling through the whole thing, but feeling very well. Brain MRI tomorrow, so all posititve thoguhts will be appreciated!

LOVE LOVE LOVE this site, everyone on it, and all the information and support available here. It's a club none of wanted to belong too, but I am amazed at some of the great people I've come to meet over the past year and a half. OK, I'm done!

Down Under
 

Hi

I am one of those who do a few different things. I am a teacher, an Army Reservist, a scientist and a single mum of Annie aged 9. I am also a 5 year survivor of BC. I am into outdoor activities particularly canoeing/kayaking and cross-country skiing. Lately I have taken up biathlon (ski and shoot) and run a competition for cadets every winter. I also play piano, guitar and the bodhran and am involved with our local drama production of Blackadder ( playing the Queen). Having BC has made me do more things perhaps because of the possible time limitations in the future..I am also planning to do volunteer ski patrol this year and am midway through an advanced first aid course.

cheers
Jackie

Hi before dx I was a sales mgr,mainly top end furniture and designing kitchens,I also did interior design.I took a year out for treatments and to rest as my job was very stressful with long hours.I have two daughters and a son and three adorable kittens and one older long suffering cat! I don't see my children too often as my daughter is a teacher in Oman and my son is married to a japenese girl living in Scotland but moving to Japan shortly.I do see my youngest daughter every second weekend as she lives near college.I love to read swim and walk and since dx last year spend time on my laptop.I discovered the Komen site last year which was a great support to me and just recently found this site which is brilliant and everyone seems very friendly and helpful so I hope to get to know you all a bit better over the coming months.Not sure when I will return to work as yet as I still have some treatments to go but enjoying the rest.:)
Tricia

Hi:


I am a retired hospital administrator with a Masters in Hospital and Health Administration. I was diagnosed 1/04 stage 2B, 3.5 cm, one of 13 nodes positive. I had 4 A/C and 4 Taxol teatments and am nearing the end of my second year of Hercpetin. Unfortunately, my Herceptin was sequential and not concurrent. I have four great children, three are married and four little grandson's between 4 months and four years of age. I am now 61 years of age and hoping to beat the odds. I have the most supportive children/spouses and my husband of almost 35 years to cheer me on.

Barbara

Just bringing it forward again. Would love to hear more about some of you who post frequently and have not add to this thread.
Marlys

Hi All

From Melbourne Australia, 47 yrs young and just diagnosed staged 4 (lung).

Have worked for the government either in the water industry or telecommunications doing a myriad of admin/account activities. Have 2 wonderful kids that are 22 and 21, two very cute dogs (king charles spaniel x maltese) and a fantastic partner of 17 years. Still keep in contact with the kids father which is a plus.
Love anything outdoors - love golf and really really enjoy gardening and grow alot of vegetables and fruit including thornless berries -raspberries, blueberries, loganberries, blackberries, strawberries..yum. Really enjoy listening to the birds in my backyard - eastern spinebills,blue wrens, firetails etc.
Had a great trip to Canada/Alaska last year - beautiful country!
Have a great oncologist who is a gem!
No one else in family with this. I have a twin brother and sister and very healthy parents that are coping well with all this and feel as if my whole family are truly spoiling me. Enjoy every day!

I am an administrative assistant with a new project that is working to increase family practice doctors in rural Alabama. I just transitioned into this job after working for over 6 years with a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation grant called the Southern Rural Access Program which dealt with addressing access to health care issues in 8 southern states. That was a great program and I felt like I was part of a family that included Alabama, Arkansas, Goergia, Louisiana, East Texas, South Carolina, Mississippi and West Virginia. There are some wonderful people out there working to improve health care for rural, underserved folks. Before the admin assistant job, I was a therapist at a mental health center ( I have a masters degree in counseling) working with adults and older adults in nursing homes. When I had my first bout with bc in 1998, I felt I needed to get out of that stressful environment which is how I found my current bosses. It was the best move I could have made. Life is good.


Petesmom

I live in northern Minnesota with my husband of 11 years. I am 50+ years young and dx'd stage 4/mets liver & spine 11/05. On the prior path of life (b4 bc) I was a mainframe software engineer and business analyst for a major health insurance provider. (ironic!?) I have 3 grown children and 8 super :-)grandchildren. (ages 16 to 1 year)
My husband (Dave) and I have 40 acres not far from the hq of the Mississippi. We have an 'oldie but goodie' 5th wheel parked out there and will soon be camping out! (got elect & water recently!) My in inlaws will soon be returning from Az to join us out there for the summer. Hubby drives school bus and occasionally OTR with his brother. (he prefers to be in the woods!)
I am starting herceptin/taxotere today (3 weeks) with Zometa monthly. From reading the postings in this site from you all, I have added faith that this disease CAN be controlled. I am still on the planet and fighting!
Blessings to all from Minnesota and 10Q!!!

I live in lower Michigan. 52 yrs old; Dx Oct 2005 w/1cm IDC; No family history of bc;
Work as a billing specialist at an engineering firm for almost 20 years.
Before that, I worked for 12 years in the medical field as a registration clerk at a hospital and then as a biller at a neurologist's office.
I have a daughter who is married and has given me the most precious granddaughter, almost 3 yrs old; and a son who just recently moved to Washington.
Before bc, I was caring for my mother who has alzheimer's. We had to put her into a nursing home once I was diagnosed. I didn't know if I would be able to care for her any longer. My family and friends have been wonderful supporters thru-out these trying times.
I love to read, surf the net, shop for the home, dine with friends, watch tv(big fan of "Lost"); Also like sitcoms. I have 2 cockerspaniels that also keep me busy. I plan on living a long, healthy, happy life!

I thought I'd bump this up for the new people
 

as the last entry was a month ago:)

Rhonda

This was a great idea, a way to get to know more about everyone other than their cancer histories. I am a retired dental hygienist. Four and a half years ago I had a 4 level cervical disectomy and fusion and was told by my neurosurgeon and my rheumatologist to give it up due to a few other bad disks that they couldn't operate on due to where they were located, (too much of a threat to the brain). Then 2 1/2 years later I had a tumor removed from my parotid gland...a by product of having Sjogren's Syndrom...they were worried it was lymphoma but thank G-d it wasn't. then 1 1/2 year later I had b.c. So basically now I guess you could say I am a full time manager of my health and becoming an expert researcher. I will be married 33 years this August to my high school sweetheart who is a CPA and we have a 27 yr old daughter who is a teacher and a 24 yr old son who just finished his 2nd year of law school. I am very thankful and appreciative for this wonderful life I have been given and intend on living this life out for many years to come.