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Topic: The Canadian Connection...calling all Canadian women

Forum: Canadian Breast Cancer Survivors — Canadian health care, clinical trials, and life in general up north.

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Posted on: Feb 9, 2008 01:00 AM

crazydaisy wrote:

Hello all my crazy Canucks! Ladies....we need you all to put your names on our new role call list here. Being still a relative newcomer I feel it is important to be able to find other women from canada in one place. For newcomers it is somewhere they can come to find someone they need to ask a made in canada only question. Our Canadian threads are getting old and tired and seldom used so we are all scattered, hopefully we can start some new ones especially for resources that we may need or are looking for. This is the kind of info we are lacking and really need. So can we rise to the challenge and join hands coast to coast to share our wealth of knowledge to pass on to others and share??? This thread will be our role call, so join me and take my hand.

Viv
Dx 1/7/2008, DCIS, 4cm, Stage 0, Grade 3, / nodes, ER-/PR-
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Posts 7621 - 7650 (12,826 total)

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Jun 11, 2012 10:36 PM Ossa wrote:

Woohoo Bwah.. one more and D O N E    yay for you

Today is the first day of the rest of your life.... NED Dec 2011
Dx 4/7/2011, IDC, 6cm+, Grade 3, 3/7 nodes, ER+/PR-, HER2+Chemotherapy 05/19/2011 Adriamycin, Cytoxan, TaxotereTargeted Therapy 08/13/2011 HerceptinSurgery 11/22/2011 Mastectomy (Right); Lymph Node Removal (Right)Hormonal Therapy 12/28/2011 TamoxifenRadiation Therapy 01/27/2012 ExternalSurgery 05/11/2012 Reconstruction: Breast implants (permanent) (Right)
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Jun 12, 2012 12:29 AM Myleftboob wrote:

Yay Bwah!!!!

T/C/H 2/17, 3/9, 3/30, 4/20 then H til 1/13
Dx 12/10/2011, IDC, 2cm, Stage II, Grade 3, 0/4 nodes, ER+/PR-, HER2+
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Jun 12, 2012 08:21 AM micheleboots wrote:

You too KCB,,,congrats in advance.  It's funny how when you first start this crazy process, you think it will never end.  Then before you know it you are done chemo.  By far the hardest part.  Will you two be doing rads as well.  If so, it's a walk in the park.

cancer is a word, not a sentence.
Dx 7/8/2009, IDC, 2cm, Stage IIb, 3/12 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
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Jun 12, 2012 09:56 AM Cher56 wrote:

Congrats to all who are coming to an end of Chemo etc.. I kinda get it.. but not really until I walk in those shoes too. 

my dearest oldest friend in in her double reconstruction phase. I'm still blown away that we both have BC.. geesh. we've been bestest friends for 45 yrs!! who would've thought!

I have to say a HUGE thanks to you all & others on other discussion threads. It's support in numbers right? What we cannot do alone we can do together? I only hope I can be a help to others as well.

Thanks borntosurvive!! We all are doing what we can on this earth I suppose. this C makes me so angry, as it's put a stop/hold to what was up & coming, new foster youths and/or adults with disabilities. I'm so flippin mad. my youth ages out in August. and I live in a house that needs more than me living in it. lol

I'm so lucky I have my bio-dad (78) staying with me from Penticton. I cared for him all last summer through a quad-by-pass, I've girlfriends that will stop in. my eldest daughter has 4mth old twins & other daughter 2 young ones too.. both live 30-45mins away.. so lousy they can't help me too much.

I'm so thankful for all the info on the bras/camosols etc...because I feel sooooooooo lost!! I'm overweight, thus bigger breasted, so it'll be noticeable. I'm not sure how I'll be with that. I'm starting to break down.. and thank goodness some of you can relate that even at the 11th hour.. it's still not quite sunk in! I'm not focusing on reconstruction right now, as we have to see how I do with my lungs with this surgery first. I hope I can though. Cheaper in the long run...lol..

 I'm only supposed to be in hospital for 2 days. No I've not yet read threads about what to expect afterwards, or what to wear, will go check that out now. I'm so blasted busy, major last minute glitches.. stressful, but am trying my hardest to just shrug.

& apologies to you all, usually I'm quick with replying to posts etc.. but just a little over the top busy. (also working at opening a restaurant for my cousin.. somehow I became in charge.. thank goodness for skype for after surgery)

ps,... i'm going to get my (i love my hair.. who doesn't).. cut short later today.. so I don't have to fuss with it too much.. uggggg :(

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Jun 12, 2012 10:30 AM lassie11 wrote:

Cher - mine was a single mastectomy which was day surgery here. The biggest surprise of all was how little pain was involved. Well, really the first surprise was the drains because I hadn't been warned about them.

Being of, umm, not tiny size, I wondered what to wear after surgery. I can't remember who suggested this but I went to Zellers and bought the biggest men's shirts I could find in several colours. Those carried me through the time after surgery and through chemo. I might not have won any fashion prizes but I was comfortable.

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Jun 12, 2012 12:51 PM borntosurvive wrote:

Cher - I had a double mastectomy and found that wearing my camisole was great but also after my drains came out I wore my husband's undershirts - the tank style ones - and then a shirt over top.  I just found that I needed that layer between me and something else.  The drains are a pain in the butt!  The tubing was long on mine so having those pockets in the camisole really helped to keep it all neat.  I had a bit of pain at the drain site as the skin healed around it.  But mine came out fairly quickly.  They seemed really annoying at the time as you can't shower or anything until they're out.  So I would have shallow tub baths and wash my hair in the sink.  I had very little pain after my surgery and only took over the counter Tylenol or Advil.  Sleeping was the hardest part b/c I am a side sleeper and couldn't sleep that way while the drains were in.  But in hindsight.....chemo was worse for me so the surgery was really a piece of cake.  Just rest LOTS and drink lots of water.  I found it most comfortable to be propped on the couch rather then flat.  This also helped the draining I think too.  I bawled from the second I walked into the hospital for my surgery until they put me out in the OR.  It was the fact that reality had hit me right in the face that day.....my journey had started and I couldn't run or deny it anymore.  You'll never be prepared to admit you have BC  so don't beat yourself up for having the feelings you do.  And YES we all get it xoxo

Dx 11/11/2011, IDC, 3cm, Stage IIa, Grade 3, 0/4 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2-
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Jun 12, 2012 03:33 PM, edited Jun 12, 2012 03:33 PM by bwah

Thanks girls!Laughing

Michelboots: I dont need rads!Laughing

KCB: Congrats to you too, it will be over Very soon!Laughing

Cher56:I think wearing  front opening clothing is easier, since after sugery your arm will be diffcult to move. You will have pain after sugery, but doc will give you some pain killer I believe.For the chemo, no one knows what kind of side effects you are going to have, we just wait and see, and then talk to your onc. We all have bad mood time to time, it is normal, just accept it, 'cause this is part of our lifeLaughing

Love you all !xoxo

Dx 10/18/2011, ILC, 1.5cm, Stage II, Grade 1, 1/11 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-Chemotherapy 02/27/2012 Cytoxan, Ellence, fluorouracil, Taxotere
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Jun 12, 2012 07:14 PM JudiH wrote:

Congrats Bwah!  I'm sure you are glad this stage is over!

Dx 12/17/2010, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 2, 0/1 nodes, ER+/PR-, HER2-
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Jun 12, 2012 10:00 PM micheleboots wrote:

I had single mastectomy.  There is no pain to speak of, as it is just tissue and no muscles are effected.  I was out the next day.  For the first few days perhaps weeks you will have a tenser bandage wrapped around you.  Or at least I did.  I wore my hubbies big old t-shirts for about two weeks.  it was a challenge lifting your arms so getting dressed is a not easy.  When I had my recon my nurse told me to drink lots of fluids the day before to stay hydrated so that getting your iv in will be easier.  It makes sense to stay hydrated, right.  It is not as hard as you think physically.  It is more emotional than anything.  For me I just wanted that damn old cancer OUT.

cancer is a word, not a sentence.
Dx 7/8/2009, IDC, 2cm, Stage IIb, 3/12 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
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Jun 12, 2012 11:11 PM KCB wrote:

Bwah: thanks for the in-advance congrats. I'll be sure to whoop and holler when I really do finish.
Micheleboots: yes I do need rads, then Tamoxifen 5 years. Trying hard not to listen to/read the Tamoxifen horror stories... Cross that bridge when I get to it, I guess.

Dx 1/13/2012, IDC, 2cm, Stage IIb, Grade 2, 1/9 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-Hormonal Therapy TamoxifenRadiation Therapy ExternalSurgery 02/08/2012 Lumpectomy (Left); Lymph Node Removal: Sentinel Lymph Node Dissection (Left)Chemotherapy 03/13/2012 Cytoxan, Ellence, fluorouracil, Taxotere
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Jun 12, 2012 11:22 PM Ossa wrote:

KCB  I did not have a bad reaction to Tamoxifen. Had some joint pain to start and of course hot flashes.. When I got p either from bed or the couch I walked like an old lady.. But a time goes by it gets better. I am now 6 months into my Tamoxifen treatment  only 41/2 years to go 

Rads were a "walk in the park" for me compared to Chemo.. Good luck to you

Today is the first day of the rest of your life.... NED Dec 2011
Dx 4/7/2011, IDC, 6cm+, Grade 3, 3/7 nodes, ER+/PR-, HER2+Chemotherapy 05/19/2011 Adriamycin, Cytoxan, TaxotereTargeted Therapy 08/13/2011 HerceptinSurgery 11/22/2011 Mastectomy (Right); Lymph Node Removal (Right)Hormonal Therapy 12/28/2011 TamoxifenRadiation Therapy 01/27/2012 ExternalSurgery 05/11/2012 Reconstruction: Breast implants (permanent) (Right)
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Jun 12, 2012 11:28 PM KCB wrote:

Thanks Ossa, that's good to
hear...

Dx 1/13/2012, IDC, 2cm, Stage IIb, Grade 2, 1/9 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-Hormonal Therapy TamoxifenRadiation Therapy ExternalSurgery 02/08/2012 Lumpectomy (Left); Lymph Node Removal: Sentinel Lymph Node Dissection (Left)Chemotherapy 03/13/2012 Cytoxan, Ellence, fluorouracil, Taxotere
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Jun 13, 2012 06:44 AM schatzi14 wrote:

I totally echo ossa except I am on Arimidex.

Dx 7/25/2011, IDC, 2cm, Stage II, Grade 1, 1/4 nodes, ER+/PR-, HER2-
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Jun 13, 2012 08:32 AM micheleboots wrote:

KCB, I have been on T for the past two years and other than some hot flashes at first, no SEs.  Now the hot flashes are more likely from being forced into menopause from chemo.   Don't read to much into stuff that hasn't effected you yet.  I think by reading the T thread before you try it it sets fear in your brain...After it's not a poison pill you are swallowing, or at least I hope not.

cancer is a word, not a sentence.
Dx 7/8/2009, IDC, 2cm, Stage IIb, 3/12 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
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Jun 13, 2012 08:46 AM Myleftboob wrote:

KCB

Echoing what the other ladies are saying here about Tamoxifen.  I only started a little over a month ago but I resolved to deal with SE's if and when they happened.  So far, just some warm flashes which are nothing compared to the hot flashes I was having 2 summers ago.  Everyone is different in their reaction to any drug.  Don't get freaked out by what others report as SE's.  Anything compared to chemo is a cakewalk in my opinion.

T/C/H 2/17, 3/9, 3/30, 4/20 then H til 1/13
Dx 12/10/2011, IDC, 2cm, Stage II, Grade 3, 0/4 nodes, ER+/PR-, HER2+
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Jun 13, 2012 09:25 AM lassie11 wrote:

echo echo!  I have been on Femara for almost three years. When I read the thread about Femara on this site, I wondered what drug the people were on. It seems to affect different people differently and from, my experience, affects the same person differently at various times.  All of the side effects are quite manageable and much better than a recurrance.

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Jun 13, 2012 10:41 AM borntosurvive wrote:

Sorry to be a downer but I just got an email from a friend who was the first to reach out to me when she heard of my diagnosis.  She had BC 2 years ago and when she was diagnosed her husband was also diagnosed with esphogus cancer.  He died within the year.  They have 2 small girls.  She just emailed to say her cancer has returned mets to her bones and lungs Cry.  I just feel terrible for her.  She is the sweetest girl and really helped me through my inital diagnosis and with all the questions I had.  She lives in London.  Just feeling really sad for her and her girls.  I SO hate this disease and wish that families would not have to be affected.  UGH!!!!!
Dx 11/11/2011, IDC, 3cm, Stage IIa, Grade 3, 0/4 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2-
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Jun 13, 2012 10:48 AM Joanne_53 wrote:

borntosurvive -- hugs to you and your friend and her girls are in my thoughts and prayers.

Joanne - Onco DX score 12
Dx 12/8/2011, IDC, 3cm, Stage IIa, Grade 2, 0/4 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-Surgery 01/11/2012 Lumpectomy (Right); Lymph Node Removal: Sentinel Lymph Node Dissection (Right)Hormonal Therapy 04/09/2012 TamoxifenRadiation Therapy 04/10/2012 External
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Jun 13, 2012 11:02 AM Tazzy wrote:

Hugs and thoughts to you,your friend and her family borntosurvive.xxx

You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have
Dx 1/12/2012, IDC, 6cm+, Stage IIIb, Grade 3, ER-/PR-, HER2-Surgery Mastectomy (Right)Radiation Therapy ExternalChemotherapy 01/27/2012 Adriamycin, Cytoxan, Taxotere
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Jun 13, 2012 11:28 AM CuterWCurves wrote:

oh borntosurvive... Big hugs, and love to your friend and her family.

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Jun 13, 2012 02:20 PM hrf wrote:

borntosurvive....so sorry to hear about your friend....sending (((hugs))) through cyberspace. Let's hope your friend responds to treatment and still has many good years with her girls. 

BRCA2+ first dx in Oct. 2004 2nd dx Feb. 2009 a new primary
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Jun 13, 2012 02:47 PM KCB wrote:

Born: so so sad to hear about your friend.
Thanks ladies for the words about Tamoxifen. I know I shouldn't read about things I am not experiencing... Fine balance between being prepared and anticipating all sorts of things...
Found a gorgeous beach near the city today! Beautiful walk on soft sand. Aaahhhhh....

Dx 1/13/2012, IDC, 2cm, Stage IIb, Grade 2, 1/9 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-Hormonal Therapy TamoxifenRadiation Therapy ExternalSurgery 02/08/2012 Lumpectomy (Left); Lymph Node Removal: Sentinel Lymph Node Dissection (Left)Chemotherapy 03/13/2012 Cytoxan, Ellence, fluorouracil, Taxotere
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Jun 13, 2012 03:06 PM Joanne_53 wrote:

Reminder to Ontario ladies to check the thread for Ontario get together - August 19 in Whitby.

Joanne - Onco DX score 12
Dx 12/8/2011, IDC, 3cm, Stage IIa, Grade 2, 0/4 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-Surgery 01/11/2012 Lumpectomy (Right); Lymph Node Removal: Sentinel Lymph Node Dissection (Right)Hormonal Therapy 04/09/2012 TamoxifenRadiation Therapy 04/10/2012 External
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Jun 13, 2012 07:22 PM JudiH wrote:

Sorry to hear the sad news of your friend, borntosurvive!  Let's hope it turns around for her ... hugs!

Dx 12/17/2010, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 2, 0/1 nodes, ER+/PR-, HER2-
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Jun 13, 2012 07:31 PM schatzi14 wrote:

born...so sorry to hear about your friend...cancer is a unimaginable disease for sure. I hope she has a great support system especially for her two little girls. Please keep us posted on how she is doing.

Dx 7/25/2011, IDC, 2cm, Stage II, Grade 1, 1/4 nodes, ER+/PR-, HER2-
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Jun 13, 2012 09:24 PM Ossa wrote:

Born.. So sorry to hearFrown.. Cancer is an ugly thing Look forward to the day Cancer will be completely curable..
Today is the first day of the rest of your life.... NED Dec 2011
Dx 4/7/2011, IDC, 6cm+, Grade 3, 3/7 nodes, ER+/PR-, HER2+Chemotherapy 05/19/2011 Adriamycin, Cytoxan, TaxotereTargeted Therapy 08/13/2011 HerceptinSurgery 11/22/2011 Mastectomy (Right); Lymph Node Removal (Right)Hormonal Therapy 12/28/2011 TamoxifenRadiation Therapy 01/27/2012 ExternalSurgery 05/11/2012 Reconstruction: Breast implants (permanent) (Right)
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Jun 13, 2012 09:51 PM Myleftboob wrote:

Born

Thats just heartbreaking.

T/C/H 2/17, 3/9, 3/30, 4/20 then H til 1/13
Dx 12/10/2011, IDC, 2cm, Stage II, Grade 3, 0/4 nodes, ER+/PR-, HER2+
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Jun 13, 2012 10:26 PM cat61 wrote:

Born, I am so sorry to hear about your friend. Gentle (((( hugs)))) to you. 

catno
Dx 4/17/2012, IDC, 2cm, Stage I, 0/1 nodes, ER-
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Jun 14, 2012 01:37 AM dutchgirl6 wrote:

borntosurvive, I'm so sorry to hear about your friend.  Sending gentle hugs and positive thoughts to London. 

Tazzy,  Baliski was my surgeon.  I really liked him, I found him to be very kind and respectful.

KCB, I've been on Tamox for just over a year and a half, and the hot flashes have almost gone away, but I am still feeling joint pain when I have been sitting down at the computer or watching tv.  When I try to get up and walk around, I remind myself of my arthritic grandmother as I shuffle around.  But, the way I look at it, the darn stuff must be doing its job.

Welcome to all the newbies, sorry you are here, but glad that you found us.

Congrats to all the chemo finishers!

Dx 12/18/2009, IDC, 2cm, Stage IIb, Grade 2, 2/23 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
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Jun 14, 2012 08:08 AM barsco1963 wrote:

borntosurvive - sorry to hear that your friends cancer has progressed. I pray that her tx will work well for her and knocks back all of the mets.

Dx 5/30/2011, IDC, 4cm, Stage IV, Grade 2, 21/29 nodes, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2-

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