Best Of
Re: My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
Well, got micdonalds, had a free jr chicken so got those, fruitopia and fries, should be good.
Re: My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
@eleanora Yes diverticulitis is a huge problem. As soon as I suspect that's what I'm dealing with, I call urgent care, who come to house. Wonderful RN or PA's that are capable of diagnosing and treating. Augmentin usually clears it up but sometimes it's back within a short period of time. So I studied the food program to aid with healing the intestines. Biggest takeaway is sourdough bread. No refined breads. Only treat myself to fried fish once in awhile. A rather bland diet till healed.
Those blood suckers nailed me 7 times first visit to hospital and 5 second visit. I don't have any veins left. Love the idea of a midline. I mentioned it to head RN for next time. Yes about the fear but I believe it comes in cycles and stress doesn't help matters. I have PTSD from this last hospital visit. They would not let me out of bed, turned on an alarm that went off if I even hung my legs. Not easy having diarrhea and having to wait for help. Dignity is about all I have left in this life. Skull mets, as my old MO said it's still bone. So I'm not gonna freak out. No idea medical plan going forward. I hope they zap your mets to oblivion!!!
@tanya_djamila Oh the pictures are so enchanting. So happy you made more memories…
@mara51506 I still don't know how you keep up with all the house work and cooking. You are in my thoughts and prayers (if accepted) to know out that met forever… We have a grocery story called Publix, a bit higher end than most. They make a chicken and dumpling soup that is outstanding. You would need to get there by 10 a.m. or it's gone. Chick-fil-a has a great chicken noodle soup. Wish we had that soup guy from Seinfeld. Can't say the name though, as it would be sensitive to political situations nowadays.
@threetree Your so dear to be touched by my story. It was difficult as I imagine it was for all of us. Dear sweet Michelle's loss is so recent and her words are so sad. I hope that she finds a time that joyful memories will flood over her and dry her tears completely.
Show of hands of folks on a PPO plan versus HMO (which requires a PA to make a referral for you. I understand there's a larger premium and larger deductibles for the PPO, which I'm not sure is within our reach. Left a message for our insurance agent. No response yet.
In pockets sweet ladies for all your needs.
Irishlove
Re: My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
The not knowing what the next treatment will be like, what will the side effects be, will it even work, etc, is the fear I have each time I'm waiting for scan results.
I think chemo for early stage is more harsh, as the intent then is to cure. I went through it when we thought I was Stage 2 (turns out I was Stage 4 all along, they missed the growth in my spine) and it was very unpleasant. I know someone in my local MBC support group who's been on IV chemo for over a year, and they're still working (!) and have said it's manageable.
I don't know if I'd try it, though, honestly. When I had chemo, I'd had exactly zero treatments and my body was as strong as it was ever going to get.
Thinking of you all here, I've been tired lately but I read and think of you all every day.
sf-cakes
Re: My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
I had the red devil , 6 of those and then after 9 Abraxane. It was terrible and I know I haven’t the strength to do it again. I’m on my first oral line it will be ten years in January I hope it lasts ten more years. I made the decision long ago never to go down that chemo lane again. No oral available, I will go off medications and see what kind of time I can still get. Its so difficult living life this way. Forever. Candy. I am right there with you . I understand completely what you are saying .
micmel
Re: Planning surgery for November 2025? Join the waiting room for support.
Single mastectomy on 11/17. Aesthetic flat closure. It's my second DCIS in that breast, and after lumpectomy & radiation the first time, mastectomy is my only option now. Not looking forward to it.
I totally relate to the comment about this feeling like an out-of-body experience. It doesn't feel real. I have moments of acceptance, moments of blind panic, and moments of overwhelming grief. I didn't even know I was that attached to that breast. But change is hard.
Can anyone tell me if I'll be able to lift my opposite arm over my head after surgery? I keep seeing talk of not lifting arms up after mastectomy because of drains & healing tissue, but I'm hoping that a single mastectomy means the other arm will have some mobility.
Re: Planning surgery for November 2025? Join the waiting room for support.
My bilat mx is Friday 11-7. I'm lucky to have friends and family lined up to support me and each-other the several days after surgery. I ran into a childhood friend, she shared her (different) bc story with me. I know I'm strong mentally and physically but this really is like an out of body experience, so far. Even discussing it feels like / how can this be MY story?///
Julia near LA
Re: My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
@elainetherese Part of the problem with this decision is that there is no "end" date or a scheduled number of infusions. We would be on Chemo until the end or until we just can't handle it anymore anyways.
Re: CT and Lung Nodules
Sandy, My inhaler is a corticosteroid not for asthma but for radiation induced pulmonary fibrosis. It is prescribed to stop the horrible cough caused by nerves exposed to air by the reticular remodeling of the interstitium. There's also the chance that it might prevent the fibrosis from advancing. Two different clinical trials were proposed (China and Mexico) but never ran due to lack of enrollment, not surprising since RIPF is so rare. The top two lobes of my right lung are shot; I'm hoping the current consolidation throughout the lung isn't a progression. Unfortunately this ILD gives me a 58% chance of getting lung cancer so my nodules are monitored.
Currently my inhaler is covered by part D but Anthem and three other insurance companies have pulled out of the state for next year and none of the seven plans left have it on the formulary. My pulmo will request an exemption but is also proactive. When I was hospitalized for several days at the end of July I ended up with inhalers for three months even though my other meds were given to me pill by pill. I really feel sorry for the many people on Advantage plans who will be kicked out of nursing homes if they can't find another plan to take them. Since NH is a state with an older population leaving is how health insurance companies can control their costs.
maggie15
Re: My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
Intolight- I am so sorry. I am only on treatment #2, so I am not where you are. I pray for your scans next week.
I had 2 doses of chemo at the beginning, when we thought it was Stage 2. That was 8 years ago. I am 8 years older and 8 years wiser, and 8 years more tired. Back then I was just diagnosed with breast cancer. I went thru the mastectomy and started chemo kind of in a state of shock- no cancer in our family until me. I remember feeling sick and dizzy- memory of bending down to put food in my cat's bowl and feeling wobbly.
But I don't know if I could do it now.
I have scans Nov 21st. Never know when the progression will come.
Re: My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
@candy-678 You are not bad. This is your life. I have similar thoughts. I am 9 1/2 years on oral treatments and am on my fifth oral med. I am about out of options. I have never been on IV chemo having been dxd stage IV de novo. I am 72 years old, on oxygen 24/7 and am tired. I have four beautiful grandchildren that I would love to see grow up, but I am tired of being sick and not being able to travel and enjoy them. If I could continue on my current treatment I would, but my tumor markers have started rising again. I have a scan next week. If the scans show progression I fear chemo is my only option. I don't want to spend my last year sicker than I am now just to buy a few months. I don't know whether I have the fight left in me either. My daughter asked "what would chemo buy you?" It is a good question and one I am wrestling with.