June 2018 Chemo Starters

[Kip]

Hello everyone.   Seems we all have a lot to think about gong forward doesn't it. Im still no nearer to getting an answer about the numb thumb, nobody has rung me back!  Its so annoying, I have chemo on Monday and need an answer before then!  Luckily my feet are feeling ok, just the fingers.  I haven't had a sore nose as such, but I did have a couple of small nosebleeds during cycle 1, think this may have signified the neutropenia so keep an eye on things ladies.   And as for teeth, this cycle my teeth are really sensitive to cold things, not looking forward to eating the lollies during next chemo, but they do help so I'll have to put up with it.  I was told not to see the dentist until well after chemo, so probably not until after xmas for me ( I finish chemo next week), I will ask at next session though to be sure, I would love a check up and a clean, they feel permanently lardy!  Ooh that sounds disgusting doesn't it.

Now off to hospital to see surgeon... I'll let you know any interesting outcomes!

Kip

xx

[reddi]

@cdc NICE guidelines say surgery is 3-6 weeks after chemo ends -- starting the end of week 3 after last IVs, as I understand it. That will put my week 3 & 4 right on top of Christmas and New Year's Day, both of which fall on Tuesday, and my surgeon only cuts in my hospital on Tuesdays, natch. Plus, there's always the chance that people will go on annual leave at the end of the year. So my nurse and I have already discussed the possibility that I'll have an all-new surgeon do my big procedures. I'm prioritizing getting the surgery done within the ideal window, as waiting longer increases the chance of spread, versus having my lovely surgeon do it.  Pragmatism wins the day.

On the other hand, I'll have to have another MRI done before the surgical decisions are made. Because I have to go to another hospital for my MRIs, it always seems to take forever to get the reading of the images --  2.5 weeks minimum for MRIs #1 & 2. I'm trusting that the surgery guideline will speed up that process, but with the bank holidays I bet I get surgery in the second week of January.

Sorry to be falling down on reading others' posts. Slogged through today and now in temp monitoring mode, as I'm up to 37.2C -- super normal for the general population, but my usual body temp is between 36.0 and 36.4 -- and my digestive tract, esophagus to the end, is feeling uncomfortable. Blergh.

[cdc1811]

My last chemo should be mid November too Reddi - just befor my birthday! Have you been told when you can expect to have surgery? My BCN said it’s usually a minimum of 3 weeks afterwards. I know I need to get my head around whether to go for recon after my MX or not. Also waiting to hear if the NHS will fund a double MX as they did manage to get all the cancer cells out on the left side during my first surgery. I know I’ll be having hormone therapy but radiotherapy seems to be dependant on results of my next surgery.

Sorry you’ll still be having chemo during Thanksgiving and your 10th Anniversary but hopefully you’ll have a super celebration at the end of it all.

So encouraging to hear there has been some tumour response and heres hoping the next cycles will continue to shrink them further.

Thinking of you xx

[cdc1811]

I agree with Shi, LJ about the fillings. Id check with the unit and see if there’s any way of getting temporary replacements safely, just so there are no spaces for infection to get in. I had to have some dental work before I started chemo and was given a special toothpaste on prescription which is super strong. Sorry to hear about your nose too. Mine is getting a little bit scabby and bloody. Not nice. Like the idea of your super power! X

[cdc1811]

Ow Kip! The nails sound so sore. Hope you manage to hang on to them somehow.  Mine are definitely not as sturdy as they were.  My feet have really started to feel tender too.  Hope tomorrow’s appointment is informative and you can start to plan ahead.  I’m in the same boat with regards to needing a further op.  I’m nervous too and I’ve already had two surgeries.  In many ways they were easier than the chemo but I just feel daunted.  Hope you sleep well tonight.  Xx

[reddi]

@cdc I have 3 more TPH, which -- if there are no more delays -- puts my last infusion day on Friday, 16 November, with official end of chemotherapy in early December. Then I have surgery on my breasts (only SLNB thus far) and hormone therapy; possibly/probably radiotherapy depending on the specific surgeries and tissue results. So for me end of chemo is phase 1 of a continuing journey.

I was briefly bummed when the delay pushed my end of chemo date off American Thanksgiving (just too perfect, really), and then extended it past my 10th wedding anniversary, but we'll still celebrate both and now get a 3rd day of celebration.

And on that note, just heard from my BC nurse that the full report from my mid chemo MRI does show tumor response -- not huge response, but something. Nice to have a little nice news to counter the T and GCSF injection aches.

[Shi]

Lj, please speak to your unit about your fillings dropping out and what they recommend you do darling, keep yourself safe on this chemo journey, you have to keep safe and bother your unit, they don’t mind if you call over anything❤️❤️❤️For you Lisa Marie, 👭👭👭we are here for you always 💕💕✨✨Shi xx

[LJ]

Runny nose has started this evening, blooming nuisance!  I've got sore patches inside my nose too, but my sense of smell is enhanced - I refer to it as my new superpower!  Nails seems ok, slightly tender, but had that last time and it went away. Need to clip and repaint them tomorrow, I'm keeping them really short, thought that would give them the best chance.  Still have eyelashes and eyebrows, though my brows are paler and thinner.  

Bizarrely I've had two fillings fall out over the last week. Anyone know how soon after chemo we can brace the dentist?

LJ

[Kip]

Hi cdc oh the lard mouth is horrible isnt it.  Glad you are still enjoying chocolate tho and relatively tablet free too, its .good feeling isnt it.  My eyebrows and lashes have only just gone on cycle 2 but you may be lucky and hang on to them.  I think j will lose my thumb nails as removed nail varnish today and have strange semi circles on them and they hurt too.  Oh dear not lookjng forward to that. 

Its good to hear everyone is doing relatively ok and ticking off the cycles.  I shoukd find out more about my next op tomorrow so will know the next step... Bit scared even though ive had surgery already so shouldnt be.

Heres to a good nights sleep for everyone, i coukd use one

Kip

[cdc1811]

Glad you got to go ahead with the chemo after the delay Reddi. How many more cycles have you got to go now? Only 3 more for me thank goodness so just starting to see the end of the tunnel. Sorry to hear about the pains, I had some at the very beginning but they’ve subsided. I do think my feet feel sensitive though. They feel blistered but they’re not. Also developed some red patches between my thumbs and forfingers. Will keep an eye to see it doesnt turn into anything nastier. My nails don’t feel as robust either. I tried to peel a clementine earlier and found it a challenge! Hope you keep your appetite and taste. My mouth just feels so claggy at times,

I know what you mean about everything tasting of lard Kip! My sense of taste is definitely going downhill. I also have sores inside my nose and think my sense of smell is going too, I am managing to wolf down chocolate bars though! Seem to only want to eat things that are bad for me. I too lost weight on AC, ktk-one of the few positives, but now piling it back on. My sister swears by a low calorie ice-cream called Halo. Might have to try it.

Hope all goes well tomorrow Embolorry and you get the go ahead for the last dose. Woohoo!

I’m also medication free at the moment Kip except for one to reduce acid in the stomach. I only took the anti-nausea meds for a week and not even sure I needed them. Steroids have thankfully tapered down to none and I’m sincerely hoping to get some sleep tonight. The combination of fatigue and steroid induced insomnia has been pretty lethal. I’ve been walking round like a zombie and feeling totally disconnected.

Hugs to everyone. We’re all getting through this somehow and the support is great. Xxx

PS I still have eyebrows and a few eyelashes. Can I expect them to go at some point whilst on T? My hair is growing back too- very white and fluffy!

[Kip]

Seems we are all eating for England!   I can't stop eating junk too.   Some how an apple just doesn't cut it, although I am back on the old hula hoop, and back to 10 minutes a day.. and walking the dog too.  Although the tiredness is still there.  Is anyone suffering with really watery eyes?  Im not sure if this is a SE or the fact I have no eyelashes, they just pour all the time.  Its really strange this week as its the first time since I began chemo that I haver NO tablets to take, nothing from Monday until Sunday when steroids start again.  I keep checking my meds to make sure I'm not missing anything but nothing.  The first T I ended up in hospital so had extra antibiotics to take which took me right through til next chemo plus the stuff for the sore mouth and this time my antibiotics finished Sunday, steroids finished last Friday and mouth stuff finished Saturday so nothing to take.   I'm sure I'm missing something?

Good luck with the last chemo EM, I can remember reading your post before you started the first one and was really scared... how time flies when you are having fun hey  

Kip

xx

[ktk]

Good luck Em!!

[Embolorry]

Morning all,
It’s crazy o clock in the morning and I can’t sleep (steroids), but in good news I am scheduled to have my last chemo (T) tomorrow!! Bit worried about my bloods as I have felt exhausted for the past 5-6 days, so am concerned that my blood results might be off?!?!?
Anyway I will keep you posted.
Sending hugs to all,
Em
Xxxx

[ktk]

Can’t stop eating too, even though I can’t taste anything. I lost weight after surgery and FEC but have put it all back on. Partly lack of exercise as much as eating junk. Particularly fond of expensive ice cream 🍨. Xx

[reddi]

I'm day 4 of first T(PH), and feeling some true fatigue for the first time, too. Walking to the shops for provisions at midday felt like wading through molasses. Plus, I've got aches and pains, mostly across my back, but also in my thighs. Thankfully, I'm feeling better this afternoon after a decent lunch.

Appetite and taste haven't changed for me (yet), though I was only given 3 days of steroids -- 4 fizzy type, 2x/day, starting day before T -- so fewer steroids, and sudden end of steroids, might explain normal appetite and fatigue hit. (I'm wondering if I wasn't given a taper-off dose of steroids due to liver tests, but it might just be my hospital's default approach. Something to ask at my next onco appointment.)

I can't make up my mind on the feta question. Some sites include it on the list of soft cheeses to avoid, others don't. I've been eating it -- but I've also had febrile neutropenia (cycle 1 FEC) and bad liver tests (cycle 3 FEC), so who knows. I'm trying to track how my body responds when I do eat it, and if it causes a ruckus, I'll cut it out.

Good wishes, all --

[Kip]

Oh yes i cant stop eating, even when it tastes of lard

[cdc1811]

Meant to ask - I’m hungry all the time! Is this normal?? I couldn’t eat on the AC for the first week or so. I’m going to out on s much weight at this rate! Thinking it must be the steroids.

[cdc1811]

Thanks everyone- that’s so reassuring to hear. I’m so fatigued on my first cycle of T - Day 6. Thankfully I have no nausea. Such a huge relief. Everything tastes weird but hopefully that will improve too. Onwards and upwards! Xx

[LJ]

Day 6 here and a distinct improvement on last time!  I've been tired and achy the last couple of days, but no pain like I had last time and I haven't taken any pain relief. Taste buds are all ok and no runny nose yet. 

We we can do this ladies xxx

LJ

[ktk]

I am on day 5 of T2 and, fingers crossed 🤞, it seems to be going ok. I have been sooo tired but able to sleep so that is good. No taste atm but no other nasties either. A bit of bone ache this time but I am able to keep on top of it. Hope you are all doing well too Kxx

[Kip]

Hello Ladies,  Hope everyone bearing up!   Just wanted to let everyone know who is having the dreaded T.. that cycle 2 has been sooo much better than 1.. day 15 today and feel pretty good, tongue back to normal, taste buds back and only side effect really is the painful nails and numb thumb (oh and the tiredness but that seems par for the course for all of us).. so if you are starting T or in the middle of it... hopefully  you'll feel better too!  One more week and then I have my last one...

Embolorry - good luck with your last one tomorrow.... ring that bell!!!! 

Kip

xx

[Shi]

Lisa Marie, very sorry to hear about your uncle 😘😘and it’s a shock for you my darling finding out about brca gene, 2 of my cousins had the brca gene and they took option of preventative surgery on breasts and ovaries and are both doing very well thank you, one is past 10 year mark and the other is past 8 years. Reddi has given you good advice about ringing bccf and using the someone like me service and also the thread. Remember too that you are in control even if you don’t feel like you are, knowing that you have brca puts you in control ❤️❤️❤️💕💕✨✨✨Shi xx

[Kip]

So sorry to hear your news Lisa, condolences about your uncle.  I dont know much about the gene testing but can imagine its a lot to take in.  Sending you big hugs xxxxxxx Kip xx

[ktk]

So sorry to hear your news Lisa. Lots of love to you and your family Kxx

[JacqB]

So sorry to hear this Lisa
Sending condolences and hugs.
Jacq X

[Embolorry]

Sending love to you Lisa. So sorry to hear your news, I can’t inagine how you must be feeling.
I hope you get some good advice on how to proceed and what can be done.
Hope your family is with you this weekend and you feel loved and supported,
Sending love,
Em
Xxxx

[reddi]

Dear Lisa, I am so sorry to hear you have received this news. It must be overwhelming to contemplate, all the more so with the passing of your uncle. My heart goes out to you.

In thinking about what lies ahead, I cannot recall what surgery you have already undergone. If you had breast-conserving surgery or surgery on only one breast, there may be some prophylactic surgical options to consider with your team. I mention this as I spoke to a high-profile breast surgeon in the US shortly after I was diagnosed, and she urged me to seriously consider a double mastectomy regardless of my genetic test results, as I am pre menopause but have thrown up 3 types of identified breast cancer (per biopsy alone) across both breasts--mucinous IDC, IDC of no special type plus extensive DCIS, and some LCIS. As it happens, I learned this week that I tested negative for BRCA1, BRCA2, and PALB2 mutations, but this surgeon and my sister's genetic counselor in the States both suggested there may be some other, not-yet-identifed genetic risk in play, given the specifics of my case.

My understanding is that the NHS, no matter what surgery you have had, will implement very close, regular monitoring for you going forward.

Your breast cancer nurse should be able to answer some questions sooner than your scheduled consultations. Some decisions will necessarily need to wait until after you finish chemo and rads, but talking through them now sooner woyld provide more time to choose the option that feels bestvto you.

As I am sure you know, there is also a dedicated forum on here for those who test positive for a mutation, and in-person support groups for those under 45 with a diagnosis (some of whom will have had positive genetic test results). BCC also has a helpline staffed to guide people to resources--if someone doesn't pop into the forum with contact info it will be on the site. Through the Someone Like Me service, they could also put you in direct touch with a volunteer who has also tested positive for a BRCA1 mutation to chat about her experience and yours. I've also seen a counsellor at my local Helen Rollason Center every time I've faced big news aling the way, and after my run of free sessions complete, I was told there were options for continuing therapy, including by referral in the NHS. I was planning to take advantage of all these options for support if my call this week had been the same as yours. I thought it would help me process the whirligig of emotions--but we're all different, so I understand if any or all of these don't feel right or comfortable for you.

All my love to you, Lisa.

[RedRose]

Hi cdc thank you very much. No, I have not been offered any counseling nor a clear view on how to proceed. They said the was going to refer me to gynecologist for consultation and back to breast clinic but still got 2 chemo left and radiation so that won’t be till the new year. my treatment was to end at Christmas but now there are various other factors to consider xx

[cdc1811]

Oh Lisa. What a sad day.  So sorry to hear news of your Uncle’s passing.  My condolences.  I have had genetic testing but I’m not BRCA 1 or 2 or PALB.  It must be such a shock and daunting for you.  Have you been offered any more counselling with how to proceed?.  Sending huge hugs.  I will have to wait till I get the results of my genome analysis to see if there is something going on in my family.  I really am thinking of you xxx

[RedRose]

Hi ladies. Sorry for quick post but still in shock at the moment. Today is not a good day 😢 my uncle has passed away and I have had my genetics result back. I have the BRCA 1 gene 😰. Has anyone else had the test and tested positive? Xx

[Kip]

Oh dear!

[Kip]

Yayy another one ticked!

[SallyG63]

Done and out. Fairly quick this week even with the cold cap. I slept through a lathe portion of it. I ddint even wake up when the taxol finished and the flush was put on

[JacqB]

Oh Sally!
Shame You can’t unsee some things. This week in the chemo unit having Herceptin and had to contend with a sweet old gentleman who unfortunately had BO that could strip wallpaper! Glad it was just a quick visit. It’s sad really as he clearly needs a carer.
Jacq x

[Kip]

Ooh errr

[SallyG63]

Having taxol no 7 now. Was greeted by the sight of a man sitting on the loo with his trousers round his ankles when I went to use the loo earlier,. That was nice.

[reddi]

Same Pollyanna -- but she was the hero of a book long before the great Hayley Mills played her.

(Totally forgot there was a movie. My fave Hayley Mills childhood films are The Parent Trap and The Moonspinners -- set in Greece! And I still have my VHS copy -- it made the move from New York, which many, many things did not -- though we no longer have any way to play it! And it's silly. But I love it.)

[Shi]

Reddi, are you talking about Pollyanna that Hayley mills played? Or am I in 🤪🤪🤪💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻🕺🕺🕺Shi land and not thinking about the same Pollyanna as you? 😘😘😘💕💕💕✨✨✨Shi xx

[Kip]

Yes I do, good idea!

[reddi]

@Kip Do you have a chemo hotline number for your hospital? If so, Id try that. Onocologist might also lower your final dose if the numbness persists. (Per my info sheet!)

[Kip]

Oh thanks Reddi I didn't realise the T coudl cause the watery eyes, I have really noticed my eyesight is worsening too, I think thats a SE of chemo, now will have to get new glasses on top of everything else.

CDC - the hot head which feels cool... I get that too.  particularly first week after T. Feels like a hot flush on my head, very strange feeling.  Good that you haven't got the nauseau, thats such a relief for you.  Do you still have the ilfragstrim injection things?   I wondered where the eybrows/eyelashes go, didn't notice any on the pillow?  odd!  I haven't met the boyfriend yet, don't think I will either... she doesn't want to actually socialise with him out of school.. or maybe she doesn't want him meeting her one eyebrowed, hairy toed, bald mother... can't imagine why!

Its amazing that we are all actuallly coming towards the end or beginning of the end of chemo... wow!  I ticked off another day today,.. only 10 days until last blast.  Can't believe it.

I still can't get hold of my ONC nurse to discuss the numbness, can only leave a mesage for ONCs secretary,  nobody returned my calls as yet!   I may have to discuss it with the surgeon, not that he'll know anything about it as its "Oncology based and not surgery".. but not sure who else to try?  Oh well haven't played "chase the department" lately, guess I am due another chase around!

Kip

xx

[ktk]

Lovely Docetaxol going in as so write! Nurse told me off for not ringing the unit when I had diarrhoea ! Actually I did consider it but then it passed. Not sure I would survive the half hour drive if they had wanted me to come in!!

Hope you are all feeling good today. I guess the end is in sight for all of us on chemo. I have already had surgery so it is rads for me after my last session. Might try and get a few days away between chemo and rads. Kxx

[cdc1811]

Kip you have a lot to think about but I’m glad your boss is understanding. Looking to the future can be helpful but not if it starts to stress you out. I’m sure you are rocking the one eyebrow look, I need to get some brow powder in readiness. I can see that I have fewer eyelashes and eye brow hair but just wonder where it all goes??

Glad to hear that the taste buds do start coming back. I am enjoying my food whilst I still can. Might try and get some bulk cooking done today so that there’s stuff in the freezer for the family. I’m feeling very tired tho so not sure if I’ll even make it out of bed. It’s nearly 11 am so I better go and get some breakfast at least.

LJ glad yesterday’s chemo went smoothly and that the new pain meds are effective. Really hope you can get to Belgium in November. I’m wondering if a quick Eurostar trip will be possible before my MX.

Sally your drug and alcohol screening results should be very interesting today!

Ktk Life Kitchen sounds great. I’m going to look into getting on the next one near me. My diet is shocking at the moment. I’m so glad that I’m not feeling nauseous and actually have an appetite that I’m eatong anything and everything! Good job I’m not seeing the nutritionist again till after my chemo finishes.

Mimi So glad you’re feeling ok so far. Long may it continue. I won’t be far behind you surgery wise. Trying not to think about it just yet but know I need to make some decisions.

Hugs to everyone!

Xxx

[reddi]

@Kip Docetaxel can cause watery eyes, too (says the girl rereading her TPH info sheet in the reception of her chemo day unit).

[cdc1811]

Hi all

I will certainly mention redness if it happens again but so far I’ve not had another incidence and when I went to get my PICC line checked yesterday, the nurse thought it could have been a not flush.  I’ve been getting a very sweaty head but it’s cool to the touch.  All very bizarre! However, I feel so much better than I did on the AC so far.  Virtually no nausea but still taking all the anti-sickness meds just in case.  Eyelashes and eyebrows still hanging on in there.  I’m still on the waiting list for my local LGFB course so might have to look up some of those YouTube videos myself. Kip your daughter certainly is growing up fast - hope you like her boyfriend!  I’m pleased that my DD gets on so well with her friends of both sexes but waiting to see what puberty will bring. 

Great you can get on with the TPH and regarding the MRI news “nothing has grown” seems a good way to look at it Reddi.  Here’s hoping that the other chemo drugs will have the desired effect.  Good luck with th Perjeta and Herceptin then T.  I’m thinking of your

[Mimi78]

Hi all had my 5th tax-carbo herceptin and perjeta yesterday. I'm feeling fine at the moment. They were going to give me the biomedicine to replace herceptin. I had to speak with the pharmacist as I was happy with the herceptin and what it had done so far. Luckily for me. They brought out the herceptin anyhow. So looks like they still had them in stock. My chemo has been reduced by 20 %. Do far I'm feeling ok. No diarrhoea. Which was often the first to show up as a side effect. I'm cold capping so far I've kept 80% of my hair. The sides are waning and it looks like I have an undercut! Very 90s! Eye brows and eye lashes have reduced. So using make up more to disguise. I've just got 6 weeks and then surgery! Xx

[Kip]

Oh KTK, I've definately found 2nd T much easier, pretty much feel back to normal (well whatever my new normal is... more tired, no eyebrows and hairy toes!) , taste buds almost there, made a curry last night and could taste it!!).  The kitchen day sounds great, I'll look into that one.

LJ - naproxen - I have had that before, just be careful with your tummy, I had to take omeprazole with mine to prevent ulcers! Glad chemo went to plan.. 1 more to go... yayyyy!

Reddi and all the other ladies with eyebrow advice - I so far have a pencil (posh one from LGFB course) and a litte kit with two colours and a brush.. now off to watch you tube for some tips... funnily enough when I told OH my eyebrows were gone he looked at me and said he hadn't noticed!   Kids said I look like a tortoise.. charming hey!  I have terribly watery eyes today though, must be severe lack of eyelashes.

CDC - hope T is treating you kindly.!!

Kip

x

[ktk]

Morning all. I loved LifeKitchen yesterday. I was able to take a friend and it was great meeting and talking to other ladies at different treatment stages too. There are some photos in my FB page if you can find it. If Ryan comes to your area do try and get on a course, but they book up fast.

Hope you are feeling ok today cdc. Defo ask about the rash. I did get a bit of a similar flush once or twice, but no temp and it soon disappeared. The ladies I met yesterday said that the second T was easier so I am hopeful for today!

[SallyG63]

Morning,

Hope everyone is good. My eyebrows have pretty much gone, left gone completely for a few weeks now and to right there's barely anything there. Can't be doing with painting them on or anything cos it never looks right so I'm just going au natural with no make up still. Hairs still good though.

We have out annual drug and alcohol screening at work today. I typed up an a4 sheet of what mine is likely to turn up 🙂

[reddi]

@Kip Your left eyebrow story gave me a huge smile! If you're looking for advice on switching from eyebrow pencil to powder, Look Good, Feel Better has a good video about using eyebrow powder, IIRC.

I recently had a moment like that when I realized that my part is now, oh, 4 inches wide. When did that happen? No idea. My OH hilariously encouraged me earlier this week to blow off shaving my head and just keep what's left of my DIY pixie while we wait to see if anything grows back with the start of TPH. His encourgement: noting that the 3-5 strands above my ears provide a "suggestion" of hair when I wear my beanies, then suddenly worrying if he upset me by labeling these surviving strands as "suggestions," rather than real hair. Cracked me up. 

@LJ In the US, Naxopren is often taken for bone joint pain, as well as pre-menstrual pain; it's available without a prescription. It can be very, very effective in my experience. (In fact, I find it makes me feel a bit loopy/dizzy, so I tend to prefer paracetamol or ibuprofen.) Have fun knitting! And so envious of your neutrophils / bone marrow!

@KellP Such nice news from your scan. Congratulations!

@Shi Thank you! I am very optimistic about the switch to TPH -- that lil cocktail is powerful stuff, perfectly calibrated to shrink up my right side. And my left side is a mucinous lesion, so it's not likely to spread anywhere anytime soon. Just had thought it felt smaller. Power of positive thinking sometimes makes me into a Pollyana. (Do people on this side of the Atlantic know Pollyana?)

@ktk How was Life Kitchen? I really enjoyed my workshop -- and, inspired by your mention, I made the harissa salmon with fennel salad recipe for my supper tonight. (Second time I've done it at home.) So easy and yummy.

Still have more catch-ups to do, but got caught up in marathon chat with my parents, who are bunkering down in Virginia in advance of hurricane Florence. (They may get some high winds and lots of rain, but they're far from the current expected landfall.) Now, need to hit the hay for early chemo tomorrow. Should have lots of spare time tomorrow to see what else I've missed in the past few days -- xoxo all.