Jisman

Hello All -

Just wanted to share that my Mom's pathology report came back clear -  clear margins, no lymph node involvement.  Major relief for all.  She will heal a bit and then go through radiation treatment.

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving.  Very thankful to have both Mom and my breast cancer caught early and behind us.

HI all - 

 I'm in Florida with Mom & Dad for a few days.  Mom just had her lumpectomy & SNB Tuesday so is somewhat sore but otherwise doing fairly well.  I'm annoyed with the hopsital as for some reason the nuclear medicine "didn't take" so they removed extra lymph nodes - total number yet TBA although the doctor indicated "not all".  Not feeling so good about him now either.  Hopefully it won't be a problem.  They at least automatically referred Mom to a lymphedema education program.

Harley - while I haven't tried it myself, I hear those bean bag type heating and cooling packs are very good.  The ones you can put in the microwave to warm or the freezer to cool.  Is it actually rice inside?

Joan

Amber -  My Vit D level was a 10!  I really can't believe it even though I am not much of a milk drinker as I have been taking a multivitamin daily for years.  Also, I was tested in July and I had been driving the convertible with the top down every chance I could - without being overly sunscreened.  I wonder if there might be something about breast cancer that causes the reduction in vitamin D levels.  Just hypothesizing, no info to suggest that is the case.

Michelle - welcome.  Assume you've been identified as at risk if you are on tamox as prevention.  Think my sister may be headed that way soon.  I had a pretty easy time of things my first 3 months and then went through a bout of night sweats for several weeks that seem to be settling sdown again.  I wouldn't be overly concerned. Lots of people seem to manage well without recurrence.  Stay on the meds.

Joan

Virginia -  Yes, I am just taking OTC vitamin D currently.  getting 400IUs per day in my multi-vitamin and then taking an additional 1000 IUs in a separate pill.  I'm taking Nature Made's Vit D which is "smaller easier to swallow" (yeah!) and "formulated for easy absorption" (with calcium carbonate).  The Vit D pill is smaller and has less of a taste impact than what I remember of calcium supplements.  Bought it at Costco; can't remember the cost.

Anne -  Congrats on finishing your 5 years!

Munchy -  first semester off at college is a tough adjustment for so many.  I hope things work out well for your daughter.  Take care of yourself.

Murph -  I'm just ahead of you with the mammo; going on Nov 28^th.  This will be the first time on my "other side" since they found what turned out to be a benign lump last year -found that when doing the MRI as part of the investigation that identified my cancer.

Question for all who got their period back - does it actually come monthly or on some other schedule?  I had mine after chemo and before starting tamoxifen, then nothing during my first 3 months on tamox but just got it again this week.  None of my doctors seem concerned so I guess I shouldn't worry - just would like a better idea of what to expect.

Joan

Just stopping by to say hello and wish everyone a great day.  I'm on my first real business trip since returning to work after BC.  Two back to bacjk conferences - in Las Vegas.  Been walking miles each day between the Expo Halls, the size of the hotels here and doing some sightseeing.  Treated myself last night to see "Menopause the Musical".  If you haven't seen it, put it on your list.  I laughed all the way through it!

Take care all.

Joan

Thanks for the info Layne.  My cholesterol hovers around 250.  PCP was about to start me on Lipitor when I was diagnosed with BC; said to take care of that first and then we would revisit ....

 I think I missed that you are in the Washington area.   Will be nearby in about a month as DH and I are headed to Homecoming weekend at the Univ of Maryland.

Anyone in Las Vegas?  Headed there for two conferences in a few weeks.

Joan

Hi Ladies - Just thought I would pop back in to let all of you who are currently in treatment know that there really is life after treatment.  I had my last chemo on April 30th and finished radiation on July 10th.  Hair came back in nicely - still a bit shorter than I used to wear it but definitely respectable.  Been on Tamoxifen since end of July and fortunately not having many SEs with that ither.  This board was my lifesaver going through treatment.  I wil always be gratetful to the women who shared their experiences to make "the journey that none of us wanted to take" easier.

If I can be of any help, send me a message.  I'm working full-time again and up to my eyeballs in volunteering so not on the boards that much anymore. 

Wishing you all an easy time of your treatments.

Joan

Drea -  I, too, had an onc that said as long as I had good veins, no need to go with a port for 4 TX of TC.  Infusion sticks were on the back of my hand and uneventful.  Did have to have the additional sticks for blood work in between TX.  Worked well for me.

TX66 - I used a nail strengthener during chemo and had no really weitrd things happen to them.  Did have some faint horizontal lines associated with each Tx.  My last chemo Tx was 4/30 and I finished radiation on 7/10.  Interestingly, in the past two weeks I have noticed a series of white specs have appeared toward the top (cut) end of several of the nails.  Not sure what that's about - perhaps just some dry spots.  Key is that I never lost any of the nails or ahd them turn weird colors.

Joan

Virginia - my office is right in Tarrytown, just off the first exit on the East side of the TZB.  Let me know if you are headed my way.  I live about 30 miles North of there.

Harley -  I know it is much easier said than done, but try not to get too far ahead (mentally) of your actual test results.  Investigate the issues and deal with the facts rather than the what ifs as much as possible.  Tests really are our friends - mostly they confirm we are ok and if they ID a problem, it is better to find it sooner than later. 

Thinking of all the rest of you too.  Hoping for goods days for all!