Roxi

Ladies, I am overwhelmed with emotion just reading and catching up over the last few days. I am so thankful for all of you. Otter, your words really hit home. And Kerry, yes, just an interruption in our lives. The longest pause on my remote I've ever had to endure so glad I did, endure cancer that is, otherwise I never would have found all of you. I can't believe I just said that, but it has changed my whole outlook on life and how dear those around mean to me, all you ladies included. I wish you all could be here today to celebrate life with me. I will be thinking and praying for all of us when we sit down for dinner later. Happy Thanksgiving. 

Sue, your sister is truly amazing and the best gift ever for those children. You never know what god has in life for us, but we shall prevail.

December 2 will be a great day girls. I'm so glad that you're all finishing up chemo and rads. Will we all be done with our treatment? I know some of us will continue with herceptin and tamoxifen but I can't recall if we'll all be done. Damn chemo brain.

My daughters surgery went extremely well yesterday. The doc said she was loaded with nasal polllyps. (sp?) She told me she was thankful I'm still here, so I'm I....love you all, Mary  

Otter,

Yes, my consult is with the genetic counselor on Monday, Dec. 1st and if they decide the BRCA testing is necessary, they would do the labs that same day. Initially they thought I was in the that grey area again (like rads) but this will change their thinking, I'm assuming. They do ask on the form for BRCA counseling specifically about the relation of family members that have had colon cancer. My Dad should be okay if he caught it early. I know many people that have had colon cancer and are doing just fine.

Newsflash.....I Colored my hair, yup! Couldn't handle the gray anymore. I was advised to use semi-permanent since I needed a dark shade. I was freaking out about the whole hair dye can cause cancer of the bladder crap. My onc says nothing has been proven so if it makes you feel good, just do it. I do admit I was a bit leary and used the semi-permanent kind, but the shade is lighter than I'm use too. Looks kinda weird but everyone likes it. Its good for 28 washes. 

As for the hot flashes, mine come and go but aren't that bad.

Did I say how jealous I was for all you gals connecting in some other way via phone, coffee shops etc.? I think its so cool that we found each other just sorry it had to be hear. 

Noelle, hand in there. Your store sounds amazing. Good luck with your service and your bro. 

I have a question for everyone. When are you doing your follow-up mammo? My onc last week said its usually 6 months after surgery, which would be now, but my primary said its a year after rads are done. That seems like a long time to go without a screening. Thoughts? 

All this colonoscopy talk cracks (LOL) me up! Semicolon, now there's a pic. I guess I have a couple of years before I'll end up with one. Bottoms up!

Saw the best movie last night, Role models. I needed a good comedy. Alot of F bombs but overall, I enjoyed it.

I love seeing everyone's pictures on facebook! Rock, your book signing looked like so much fun. And Noelle, your friends surround you with love. Good thoughts coming your way...

My tumor is the same as yours, grade 3, except I'm currently receiving herceptin until June. I've been cancer free since April 2. I have my one month follow-up from rads next week and at that time they'll decide when to have my next mammo. Some say 6mos. after rads, others say 6mos after mast. If it's 6 mos after mast, I'm due. I had microcalifications which led to a lump, that led to a mast. I had an extensive mri to both breasts and had a reduction and lift on the good side.

ShellyJo,

I started with a lumpectomy in March and after receiving the news regarding the grade of tumor, I decided to have a unilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. I had clear margins after the lumpectomy but after hearing the recurrence rates based on my tumor grade I felt I made the right decision. I sometimes wish I would have taken both but again, this is a very personal decision to make. I'm considering having genetic testing which if it comes back positive, I would lose the other breast. I don't regret my decision at all. 

Jean, herceptin stats, not from taxol although they think the taxol may have added to the drop in my number if that makes any sense. It did go up at Monday's muga scan so that's a good thing.

Take a deep breath. Here's what I know. They started my herceptin during taxol. I had a muga prior to starting. I also had one a few weeks after starting it. My numbers dropped but the onc assumed it was from the chemo still being in my body.  I was still in the range to receive it. This was three weeks ago, my fourth treatment and only second solo. I think the safe range is above 18 and mine was 22. Pre herceptin it was 27 so it dropped dramatically. He indicated that many times the number will stabilize and then go back up once your body gets accustomed to the drug. I won't know until tomorrow when I'm scheduled for treatment if I can continue receiving it or not. Remember, only 5% of women develop heart problems. When is your next scheduled treatment for? They really need to watch us gals because of the heart damage it can cause. I also had a crazy tech that screwed one up and I had to have it re-done. Nothing like sitting there all afternoon. I'll pray everything is okay and you'll be able to jump right back in. 

I still can't believe they didn't call. How rude. Thinking of you....

Rock, I love your hair!

That;s what I've been told as well. My PS said it doesn't matter which option you go for, implants or trans flap after surgery. What's important is that you start treatment first and foremost.