HAMCEPTIN! I love that, Brenda! Thanks for all the juicy facts re Chinese hamsters. I eat a turkey and Virginia HAM sandwich for lunch very often. Hmmm... Any connection there, ya think? I do believe that I have been obsessive/compulsive since foever. Long before Hamceptin, but -- my memory cannot be relied on, I have grimly learned. I adore laughing w/all you gals! Humor is the only way to face this dastardly disease.
After my mastectomy I found myself wondering if I could still do the breast stroke? I swear, the thought occurred suddenly. I pondered if I could still wear a double-breasted jacket. And, I was literally shocked to find that when I went for my mammography, post mastec, I was rewarded w/a bargain rate! UNILATERAL mammog??? You've got to be kidding me. You're not going to check my new tram flap breast?????? *I* think of that boob as a boob. *They* apparently think of it as *stomach tissue* I reported to Paul, astounded by the revelation. I asked him -- does that mean if GOD FORBID A HUNDRED GEZILLION TIMES they found canser in my left breast, I'd have *stomach canser*?????? Paul and I had a good laugh over that!!
BTW -- while in NY 9/5-10 I had my every 6 mnth transvaginal pelvic sonogram. AND MY OVARIES WERE PRONOUNCED *BEAUTIFUL*! THE very nicest compliment I have ever received!! And all else "looks the same", which is a good thing. A very good thing. Going for Hamceptin Fri... Have a rotten cold. Am always amazed when I get one, which is not often (but I did just fly in a petri dish of germs and stagnant air) that *JUST* a cold can feel so awwwwful! I am beyond fatigued (which is my new normal in genl). Low FOR ME red blood cell count and no more Aranesp, as I've been boosted by since '98, unless I dip below 11. Or is it now 10? 13-15 works for me, but it is a distant memory and an unattainable dream now I suppose. Such scary reports. Cancer center is being extremely careful. And besides, they tell me -- I'm not a chemo patient. I go to the chemo room and am accessed by a chemo nurse but I am receiving a *monoclonal antibody*. I get that. So, where is the monoclonal antibody room anyway??? And why don't they respect my low energy?! Well, we're all tired, they tell me. I get dressed and I need to lie down. Oh. I'm not *that* tired, I'm told w/fresh recognition. But soon they forget.
Going ev 3 wks for my Hamceptin is a joy, despite the fact that it is given at the canser center and I am surrounded by chemo patients who are where I was several X. My compassion for them is enormous, naturally. I realize that I am the healthiest patient in the room, for the most part. I am daily humbly grateful for that *gift*, to be sure! But, I am still a bc survivor who faces the bc drama all day, every day. True, I choose to do it generally w/joy and serenity, but still...
You know me -- always long-winded, w/much to share. Sorry if I'm digressing/rambling, but...
Had a stationery bike that I moved from Manhasset, Long Island to Boca and finally gave away. It remained stationery at all times. But now I'm thinking I'd love a WHEEL to tread, all of a sudden, upon reading this hilarious, yet informative, thread!
LET'S KEEP ON SMILING LADIES! It's the only route to joy and wellness I am sure. LAUGHING OUT LOUD every day is mandatory to NED.
Just love y'all!!
Andi 