Member Since: September 17, 2008
Last Login: November 19, 2008
Birthday: May 13, 1964
Location: Girard, PA United States
Occupation: Arbonne Independent Consultant/Zumba Instructor
Homepage URL: www.lisasayers.myarbonne.com
Biography
I live in NW PA and am married to my soul mate and best friend. I have two sons and a daughter. Techinically the oldest is my step-son, but we don't use that word. He is married and has a one year old and another one due in December. My son is 19 and attends Edinboro University and my daughter is 18 and graduated in June. Will be auditioning for SUNY Fredonia in November for musical theater.
I'm an independent consultant with Arbonne International and also teach Zumba classes for fun.
Originally from Michigan and all my family still lives there. My 38 year old sister was diagnosed with cancer two weeks before me. It has been a lot for my parents to take. Plus my mom just had cancer of the salivary glands/sinuses and went through major surgery for that in March. She just had her reconstruction surgery the week I was diagnosed.
I have two other younger sisters who are in the process of getting MRIs.
Diagnosis
| Diagnosis: | Dx 9/25/2008, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/2 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2+ |
| Diagnosed: | September 25, 2008 |
| Type: | Invasive or Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma |
| Recurrent? | No recurrence |
| Metastatic? | No |
| Stage: | Stage I |
| Lymph Nodes Removed: | 2 |
| Positive Lymph Nodes: | 0 |
| Tumor Size: | Less than 1cm |
| Tumor Grade: | Grade 3 or high grade |
| Hormone Receptor Status: | Tumor has both estrogen and progesterone receptors |
| HER2/neu Status: | Tumor has an excess of HER2/neu receptors or genes |
Recent Posts by lisasayers
Posted in:
Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis + HER2/neu Positive Breast Cancer, Created: 22 hours ago
Triple positive with no nodes, mastectomy what treatment ?Wow, she sounds very similar to me and I'm actually waiting for my oncolgist's recommendation...since he said I'm "rare". I had my bilateral on October 24 and we knew that I was ER/PR + then but the FISH was inconclusive from the biopsy. So after surgery we found that I was also HER2+. My tumor was only 6mm and my nodes are clear. I'm 44. Mine is IDC and was only in the left, but I had the bilateral because of strong family history (my 38 year old sister was diagnosed two weeks prior to me; maternal gradmother and paternal aunt). Anyway, when I met with the oncologist he said he was thining 4 cycles of TC (three weeks apart). But was unsure of the herceptin, as there are no studies for people like me...no nodes, small tumor, ER/PR+. He was going to meet with other doctors and then I'm meeting with him next week. I've been reading like crazy and there aren't a lot of studies for people like us. Please keep me posted on your friend....would love to find out what they tell her! Feel free to PM me! Lisa "Be patient. God is using today's difficulties to strengthen you for tomorrow. He is equipping you. The God who makes things grow will help you bear fruit." Max Lucado Dx 9/25/2008, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/2 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2+ |
Posted in:
Tests, Treatments & Side Effects + Surgery - Before, During, and After, Created: Nov 14, 2008 09:40 am
any good expander experiences??Hello I had a bilateral with tissue expanders on October 24. Today is three weeks for me. Although they feel a bit uncomfortable at times, I have had no problems. I went home the next morning after surgery and was only using tyelnol. I began my stretching the same day as surgery. I had 200 cc's during surgery and had another 60 cc's two weeks post op. I'm scheduled for my next fill on the 21st. The first fill actually made me fell better! I'm a Zumba instructor and went back to my class four days after surgery. I couldn't teach, but I did some of the foot work. I'm about ready to get back to teaching. Everybody is different. After reading the posts here I was scared too...but I decided that it wasn't going to happen to me and I made sure I started moving and kept myself limber and that has really helped. You have to go slow, listen to YOUR body. I'm a side sleeper...and am just now getting comfortable on my side again...but like I said, it has only been three weeks. My back actually bothered me more than the expanders, as I wasn't used to sleeping on my back or sitting so much! Sometimes I forget I even have the expanders in...and then I will get a reminder! LOL Once in a while I will take Ibuprofen to help. Don't forget, people who have had easy experiences are less apt to post...they have gone on with their lives. I'm sorry you have to go through this...but you will come through it and get back to a new "normal". If you I can answer any questions, feel free to message me! Lisa "Be patient. God is using today's difficulties to strengthen you for tomorrow. He is equipping you. The God who makes things grow will help you bear fruit." Max Lucado Dx 9/25/2008, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/2 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2+ |
Posted in:
Tests, Treatments & Side Effects + Surgery - Before, During, and After, Created: Nov 8, 2008 08:26 pm
Recovery after mastectomyIt was two weeks post bilat with expanders for me yesterday. Drains came out after one week. I've been driving for three days. Went back to my zumba classes last week, but just did some of the foot work. Had my first fill yesterday and that actually made me feel better....took the "hard edge" off the expanders. Just taking Ibuprofen before bed some nights. Still a little sore under my arm where I had the nodes removed. "Be patient. God is using today's difficulties to strengthen you for tomorrow. He is equipping you. The God who makes things grow will help you bear fruit." Max Lucado Dx 9/25/2008, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/2 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2+ |
Posted in:
Tests, Treatments & Side Effects + Breast Reconstruction, Created: Nov 7, 2008 03:40 pm
First fill and feel better!Hi Debbi5108 The expander doesn't hurt...it's just there. I feel like I'm wearing a bra that is too tight and it really does feel better now that I had my second fill. I'm 44 and I also have a high tolerance for pain, although this isn't pain...it is just discomfort. I will probably only have two more fills, but then I will have to wait until my chemo is over before the exchange surgery. I won't start chemo until end of November. Remember, those with negative experiences are the ones who usually post. When I first started coming here, I was terrified! LOL You will do fine! "Be patient. God is using today's difficulties to strengthen you for tomorrow. He is equipping you. The God who makes things grow will help you bear fruit." Max Lucado Dx 9/25/2008, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/2 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2+ |
Posted in:
Tests, Treatments & Side Effects + Breast Reconstruction, Created: Nov 7, 2008 02:07 pm
First fill and feel better!I just wanted to share my positive experience with everybody, as sometimes we don't hear those very often. Two weeks ago today I had a bilateral mastectomy with immediate tissue expanders. I went home from the hospital the next morning and was only taking extra strength tylenol. I quit taking that about four days later. Sometimes in the evening I take Ibuprofen to help with the discomfort from the expanders when I try to sleep on my side. Today I had my first fill. During surgery my PS was able to fill my 400 cc expanders to half full. Today I got another 60ccs and I actually feel better! There was no pain when the inserted the needle and no pain with the fill. Just a little tighter feeling! I've been going back to my Zumba classes...just doing the foot work for now. I'll be glad when I can get back to teaching. Looks like I will be starting chemo and Herceptin in December. Anyway...wanted to share my experiences. We have to remember that everybody is different, so think that all the "bad" things will happen to you. Make it a great day! Lisa "Be patient. God is using today's difficulties to strengthen you for tomorrow. He is equipping you. The God who makes things grow will help you bear fruit." Max Lucado Dx 9/25/2008, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/2 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2+ |
Posted in:
Tests, Treatments & Side Effects + Breast Reconstruction, Created: Nov 5, 2008 07:25 pm
TRAM or expander? Need help!!!!I had a bilateral mastectomy on October 24. That night I had demoral and the next day I switched to Tylenol. I stopped taking the Tylenol a week later. It feels like I'm wearing a lead bra that is a little snug. I'm still sleeping in the recliner as I find it better than bed right now. I had my drains out one week after surgery. Friday I go for my first fill. I had 400cc expander placed and they were filled to half way during surgery. Best wishes to you! "Be patient. God is using today's difficulties to strengthen you for tomorrow. He is equipping you. The God who makes things grow will help you bear fruit." Max Lucado Dx 9/25/2008, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/2 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2+ |
Posted in:
Tests, Treatments & Side Effects + Breast Reconstruction, Created: Oct 30, 2008 12:10 pm
October 08 ReconstructioneersGood luck to you today Sherry....sending positive vibes your way. "Be patient. God is using today's difficulties to strengthen you for tomorrow. He is equipping you. The God who makes things grow will help you bear fruit." Max Lucado Dx 9/25/2008, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 2, ER+/PR+ |
Posted in:
Tests, Treatments & Side Effects + Surgery - Before, During, and After, Created: Oct 30, 2008 11:18 am
Unilateral vs Bilateral Mastectomy?Hello Lauren I was diagnosed on September 25th, exactly two weeks after my 38 year old siser was diagnosed. I am 44. My maternal grandmother had breast cancer and so did my paternal aunt. We will be getting the genetic testing. I decided on a bilateral, as I have been poked and prodded for the last ten years. The cancer was in the left, but ten years ago I had to have a milk duct removed from my right. I didn't want to continue down that road. Last Friday I had my surgery with expanders....just a little over four hours. I got to my room at 6 pm, was up walking the halls and eating a turkey sandwich at 8 pm. I had a dose of Demerol that night but switched to Tylenol in the morning and have only been using that since. I had a full breakfast and headed home at noon. It feels like I'm wearing a lead bra three sizes too small and I have two drains, but they will be coming out tomorrow. For me, I know it was the right decision. I didn't want to keep getting tests every six months waiting for the other shoe to drop. My sister has a harder road to travel. She has to have chemo first, then the bilateral and radiation followed by reconstruction later. She is also opting for a bilateral even though her cancer is only in the left as well. Just listen your heart...you will know what is best for you! "Be patient. God is using today's difficulties to strengthen you for tomorrow. He is equipping you. The God who makes things grow will help you bear fruit." Max Lucado Dx 9/25/2008, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 2, ER+/PR+ |
Posted in:
Tests, Treatments & Side Effects + Surgery - Before, During, and After, Created: Oct 29, 2008 05:00 pm
What to wear going home from the hospital?My bilateral with expanders was last Friday and I wore the same thing home that I wore to the hospital...pull on leggings, a zip front long cardigan and slip on shoes. I was wearing the surgi bra that the hospital gave me...which is similar to a sports bra. I also made sure I had pillows in the car, and a blanket! Oh and food! LOL We had a two hour drive home. "Be patient. God is using today's difficulties to strengthen you for tomorrow. He is equipping you. The God who makes things grow will help you bear fruit." Max Lucado Dx 9/25/2008, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 2, ER+/PR+ |
Posted in:
Tests, Treatments & Side Effects + Breast Reconstruction, Created: Oct 29, 2008 09:32 am
October 08 ReconstructioneersGood Morning! I'm still feeling pretty good. Mornings are the hardest. My back kills me from lying on it so much...as I'm normally a side sleeper. Plus my chest tightens up during the night and it takes a while to get it to loosen. It feels like I'm wearing a lead bra that is two sizes too small...and in the morning it feels like I have slept with cement block on my chest. But once I get moving it is better. Last night I went to Zumba class as I wanted out of the house...but I just did a little footwork and was there to support my daughter who took over teaching my classes. Thank God I was able to start taking my fiber shakes and herbal colon cleanse when I got home, because all the meds from the surgery had me bound up. I'm still bloating a bit, but not as bad as the first couple days. I only have two drains and they will be coming out on Friday. I'm only getting a little over 30 ccs in a 24 hour period as of today. I meet with the plastic surgeon at 8:45 on Friday and my breast surgeon at 10. I'm hoping to get my pathology reports Friday. Then I meet with the oncologist next Wednesday. Mona...I'm looking forward to not having to find those lift em up squish em bras! Best wishes to the ladies who are preparing for surgery! Hugs Lisa "Be patient. God is using today's difficulties to strengthen you for tomorrow. He is equipping you. The God who makes things grow will help you bear fruit." Max Lucado Dx 9/25/2008, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 2, ER+/PR+ |
Posted in:
Tests, Treatments & Side Effects + Surgery - Before, During, and After, Created: Oct 29, 2008 09:26 am
Underarm painI had a bilateral mastectomy on 10/24 with two lymph nodes removed under my right arm. (Still waiting for the pathology report but surgeon said looked good). It feels like I'm also wearing a bra with two small of arm openings or that I've been hanging by my armpits! LOL I'm moving my arms as much as possible and that helps. Most of my swelling is down. Mornings are the hardest...because my body has tightened up during the night. I still have my two drains in, but they will be coming out on Friday! "Be patient. God is using today's difficulties to strengthen you for tomorrow. He is equipping you. The God who makes things grow will help you bear fruit." Max Lucado Dx 9/25/2008, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 2, ER+/PR+ |
Posted in:
Tests, Treatments & Side Effects + Breast Reconstruction, Created: Oct 27, 2008 03:15 pm
October 08 ReconstructioneersGood luck to all the ladies who are in surgery today! I'm feeling pretty good! I have my appointment with the PS and BS on Friday and it looks like my drains will be coming out, as the level is coming down nicely. My energy level is coming back and I'm ready to get back to life, but I know I need to take it easy. Thankfully, this is nowhere as hard or bad as I thought it would be! "Be patient. God is using today's difficulties to strengthen you for tomorrow. He is equipping you. The God who makes things grow will help you bear fruit." Max Lucado Dx 9/25/2008, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 2, ER+/PR+ |
Posted in:
Tests, Treatments & Side Effects + Surgery - Before, During, and After, Created: Oct 26, 2008 06:16 pm
Surgery tomorrow & Aunt floI just had surgery on Friday...a bilateral with expanders. I started by period two days before, which made surgery day my heavy day. They just gave me a pair of mesh panties and a pad. It went fine. I just told the nurse in recovery and she got me more supplies. No need to worry...they are used to dealing with it. "Be patient. God is using today's difficulties to strengthen you for tomorrow. He is equipping you. The God who makes things grow will help you bear fruit." Max Lucado Dx 9/25/2008, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 2, ER+/PR+ |
Posted in:
Tests, Treatments & Side Effects + Breast Reconstruction, Created: Oct 26, 2008 09:50 am
October 08 ReconstructioneersHello Ladies Just a quick note to let you all know I'm home and doing fine. I went into surgery at 10 am Friday morning and was out at 2:17 pm. I came home Saturday afternoon. They only had to removed 2 nodes and the surgeon said that everything looks really good. I only have two drains and they aren't that bad to deal with. Today I can shower!!!! Thanks everybody and glad to hear your surgery went well Tracey! "Be patient. God is using today's difficulties to strengthen you for tomorrow. He is equipping you. The God who makes things grow will help you bear fruit." Max Lucado Dx 9/25/2008, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 2, ER+/PR+ |
Posted in:
Tests, Treatments & Side Effects + Breast Reconstruction, Created: Oct 23, 2008 11:43 pm
October 08 ReconstructioneersWell in four and a half hours I'll be on my way to Cleveland Clinic for surgery and my sister will be getting her first chemo treatment around the same time I go into surgery. This is all so surreal. I just finished mopping my kitchen and clean the bathrooms...I feel like I'm nesting. I taught my last Zumba class tonight...until I can get back to it. I was okay until cool down and then I lost it. My students are all so wonderful! I suppose I should pack my bag and try to get some sleep. Jeanette, Gail, Jeanne, Wondering...sending good vibes your way tomorrow. Thanks to all of you for sharing your experiences...it has helped prepare me! Hugs to all my sisters! Lisa "Be patient. God is using today's difficulties to strengthen you for tomorrow. He is equipping you. The God who makes things grow will help you bear fruit." Max Lucado Dx 9/25/2008, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 2, ER+/PR+ |
Posted in:
Tests, Treatments & Side Effects + Breast Reconstruction, Created: Oct 22, 2008 09:42 pm
Time between expanders and exchangeThank you everybody...that gives me a better idea of the time line I'm looking at! I appreciate all of you sharing! "Be patient. God is using today's difficulties to strengthen you for tomorrow. He is equipping you. The God who makes things grow will help you bear fruit." Max Lucado Dx 9/25/2008, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 2, ER+/PR+ |
Posted in:
Tests, Treatments & Side Effects + Breast Reconstruction, Created: Oct 22, 2008 04:54 pm
Time between expanders and exchangeI was curious as to what the average length of time is between having the expanders placed until exchange surgery. I realize everybody is different, but I was wondering what the average time may be. I'm having my bilat this Friday with expanders and wondered when I might be able to have th exchange surgery...I have a convention in April and thought it would be nice if it was done before then. Thanks for your input! Lisa "Be patient. God is using today's difficulties to strengthen you for tomorrow. He is equipping you. The God who makes things grow will help you bear fruit." Max Lucado Dx 9/25/2008, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 2, ER+/PR+ |
Posted in:
Tests, Treatments & Side Effects + Breast Reconstruction, Created: Oct 22, 2008 06:43 am
October 08 ReconstructioneersTracey....thinking about you and sending love and light your way! "Be patient. God is using today's difficulties to strengthen you for tomorrow. He is equipping you. The God who makes things grow will help you bear fruit." Max Lucado Dx 9/25/2008, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 2, ER+/PR+ |
Posted in:
Tests, Treatments & Side Effects + Breast Reconstruction, Created: Oct 21, 2008 06:50 am
October 08 ReconstructioneersGood luck today Marilyn! I know everything will be fine! By the way...I'm also doing the extreme cleaning before Friday! LOL Welcome Britannia and best of luck to you as well. Tracey, what you are feeling is normal. Don't supress those feelings, let them out so you can deal with them. I know I always feel better after a good cry! Looks like Friday is going to be a busy day for our recon sisterhood! I'll be thinking of all of you...well until the drugs set in! LOL "Be patient. God is using today's difficulties to strengthen you for tomorrow. He is equipping you. The God who makes things grow will help you bear fruit." Max Lucado Dx 9/25/2008, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 2, ER+/PR+ |
Posted in:
Tests, Treatments & Side Effects + Breast Reconstruction, Created: Oct 18, 2008 10:28 am
anyone there not find the expander process very painful?I'm not Daisy, but I want to THANK all of you for posting your more positive results, as my surgery is next Friday. I realize that usually only people who have had negative results will post, that is the same with anything in life, but sure helps to hear from those of you who didn't have the pain! I'm VERY active and I feel I will be fine. So it's good to know I'm not fooling myself! Make it a great day and THANK YOU! Lisa "Be patient. God is using today's difficulties to strengthen you for tomorrow. He is equipping you. The God who makes things grow will help you bear fruit." Max Lucado Dx 9/25/2008, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 2, ER+/PR+ |
I'm doing my arm exercises to keep my shoulders limber. It feels like I'm wearing a couple sandbags on my chest. I've just been taking extra strength tylenol since late Friday night. My back is killing me from lying in bed so much, but once I get up and move around, it loosens up. I have to call my PS tomorrow to schedule my follow up and I meet with my BS on Friday.