nycmom

Anyone following the outbreak of Listeriosis, a potentially deadly food poisoining, in Canada? Sounds like it is shaking the nation.

Anyone warned to avoid cold cuts during chemo? Or is BC chemo not a kind that makes one susceptible to food borne bacteria?

Hope someone can ask at her oncology center today! Take int he CDC page (google Listeriosis, CDC) and ask.

I had them out also. I had not tested positive for the genes. But I figured there would be some genetic mutation we'd learn of in the future that I might have. (Btw, doctors discount this.) I didn't want to wake up one day with ovarian cancer that I could have prevented and I didn't feel confident in the screening--transvaginal ultrasounds plus CA 125 twice yearly. (Doctors agree with this.)

There may be new better screening for ovarian cancer on the horizon btw. 

What I didn't know is there is prep the night before as though one was having a colonoscopy. What was told to me for laparoscopic day surgery is that you feel discomfort week one and by the end of week two, you cannot remember you had anything done at all. That was true for me. Do not think you are going to work the next day or that you will be full speed the next day.

 I had never had abdominal surgery before so I didn't realize getting up would be difficult for a few days. I did this about  6 1/2 yrs after my b.c. and was by then in my 50s.

Of course you're wounded and of course you're disappointed. You're entitled to be. Something similar happened to me.

It sounds like a rather small tumor which a surgeon would undoubtedly want to remove. I think your mom would be referred to a surgeon next. Given her family history, a few more medical tests might be suggested to rule out other things. My mother had a lumpectomy at 80. She is 85 now. So it may have very little effect on her well-being and lifespan. Of course, the usual disclaimers: I am not a dr. and everybody is different. This diagnosis affects your medical history so when your mom's situation is solved, you might ask what the screening suggestions are for you. I don't know your age for instance but it may be suggested that you start screening mammograms earlier than 40, for instance. Or maybe not. So it is important that you mention your mom when you see your gyno, etc.

Your mri will most likely be approved. So that is one less thing to worry about. Your surgeon has written the language required and her staff knows what to do.  

If you are having it at NYU, there are clear portions through which you can look while  you are in the device. Your whole body is not in. You have voice contact with the technician at all times and also have a panic button to push. You may be having the mri with contrast which means a dye will be inserted in a vein for use during part of the procedure. There is a long form to fill out when you arrive, so plan on arriving early. I believe there is music and ear phones are available. Can't swear to that. The one thing I wasn't ready for was the clanging noise of an mri. You will be offered ear plugs, I think. (Even if you are not having this at NYU, some aspects should be similar.) I had BC 8 yrs ago and felt much of what you have felt. (I will add that I am fine because that is what I most wanted to know:  that people lived through this in all senses.) 

Congratulations on getting the annoying dr. out of the way. May that be your last one. You've learned about calling, keeping copies, having people hand carry and pick up important films or slides, etc. etc. It is a full-time job in the beginning.  

Again if you wind up having radiation at NYU, Dr. Silvia C. Formenti is fantastic.

NYCMom here, was dx'ed in 2000 and hadn't been on boards in a time. So glad to see this. Yes, way too many discussion board categories.

My daughter was 11 when I was dx'ed now 19 and in college. I did have a small thyroid cancer 2 yrs ago. and My dad, who had so inspired me thru his courage dealing with prostate cancer, died in Sept. at 86.

Please make sure you share this warning---I would value your posting it on other cancer boards, too, not just b.c. boards. My dad was having chemo and contracted listeriosis, a rare but horrible infection, that sends 90% of its victims to the hospital and kills 20%. He never walked again and died 5 mos later. His major cancer center had never warned him to avoid the simple foods- hot dogs, cold cuts - that can prove deadly. Pls. share these warnings from the Centers for Disease Control which focus on the populations at risk - those over 60 and those whose immune systems may be compromised by chemo other triggers. (Those who are pregnant,w ho are at highest risk, seem now to get warned.) Thanks. You may spare someone the sort of suffering he had which no one should have.

Do not eat hot dogs, luncheon meats, or deli meats, unless they are reheated until steaming hot.

Avoid getting fluid from hot dog packages on other foods, utensils, and food preparation surfaces, and wash hands after handling hot dogs, luncheon meats, and deli meats.

Do not eat soft cheeses such as feta, Brie, and Camembert, blue-veined cheeses, or Mexican-style cheeses such as queso blanco, queso fresco, and Panela, unless they have labels that clearly state they are made from pastuerized milk.

Do not eat refrigerated pâtés or meat spreads. Canned or shelf-stable pâtés and meat spreads may be eaten.

Do not eat refrigerated smoked seafood, unless it is contained in acooked dish, such as a casserole. Refrigerated smoked seafood, such as salmon, trout, whitefish, cod, tuna or mackerel, is most often labeled as "nova-style," "lox," "kippered," "smoked," or "jerky." The fish is found in the refrigerator section or sold at deli counters of grocery stores and delicatessens. Canned or shelf-stable smoked seafood may be eaten.