Best Of
Re: De Novo Stage IV
Just wanted to share the good news that I'm 16 years NED this month after a de novo diagnosis in 2007. At least based on CT scans and markers done in August last year.
Olma, I'd change Kierkegaard's quip to "dancing". I think that's my secret. With Zumba everything is all right.
Re: Please share stories around Mother's Day! Happy, sad, any reflections!
My mother was a kind woman who somehow managed to put up with me for a long time as we shared a condo together and shared the cost as well. We got along well almost all the time but she had a hard time with anxiety when I was first dx with cancer. Once I was stable, she was dx with lung cancer late 2018, too late for any treatment so there was two of us dealing with cancer. She died in Jan of 2019 and I was glad because all her worry, pain etc was gone and she was at peace finally. I was lucky enough to let her know what a good Mom before she passed away, hope she heard me but I know that I felt better. She also was worried about me looking after myself so she asked DB and SIL to keep in contact which I am grateful for. Thank you Mom.
Starting year 18
For those who remember me, when I first got here and was out-of-my-mind-afraid, thought I would update. 17 years has gone by…time flies. Cannot believe I'll be starting year 18…lots of other stuff to deal with (myself and DH) but so far, no BC recurrence that I am aware of. I mostly post on the what's for dinner or the drink-of-the-day thread.
Hard to imagine how many changes have happened with BC dx/treatment in those years (for the better!)
Best to you ladies.
wallycat
Re: Unfortunately it appears I am back.
Thank you for responding KBL. I remember you from the days following my initial diagnosis in Oct 2019. I know it’s a crap shoot, but hearing how long you have thrived with Mets, gives me some hope I can at least be here for my daughter until she’s safely established in her own life..,..not that 100 years would ever be enough to be here to love her……..
kmom57
Re: My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
I go home tomorrow! I could have gone home today but they set the picc line today and I just needed some time for re-entry as it were. Besides, it was fish cake night.
Chemo won't start until next Tuesday and should help clear out whatever is in there causing the hip pain and swelling and mobility issues. Onc acknowledged I've had a terrible year of pain and challenges and to top it off now get told I have to have iv chemo which was helpful but doesn't get me that time back now does it.
sondraf
How could I ever have foreseen...that I'd be here at year eighteen?!
Checking in on my survivor sisters with my traditional cancerversary post. I remember how much it used to help me when I saw posts from Stage III-ers who were WAY out from diagnosis (and there weren't as many back then),
Here's wishing you HOPE, which is one of the most important things we have in our toolbox!
Hugs to all - Julie
sugarplum
Re: Brain Mets Sisters
I thought that I was handling WBR fairly well but this week things have gotten harder mainly cognitively. I am having a hard time with memory and hanging on to thoughts or coming up with words. I used to be a very patterned person and organized in my processes and now I can't seem to remember what I was doing or wanted to do. I have become dependent on lists and taking someone with me to appointments so I can remember and understand what was said. Does this sound normal and will get better? I have session 5 of 10 today so I'm halfway there. I am a little off kilter and feel slightly dizzy when I walk but not enough to fall. Just not steady like I used to be. I also have mets to the cerebellum and that could be part of it. I don't know. My egg just feels a little fried this week.
emac877
Drains out today - started to cry
Double Mastectomy was on March 13th. My drains were removed today, and saline was injected into the expanders. All is going well with recovery from surgery. When my husband and I left the office and walked to the elevator, I started crying. Tears of joy, tears of exhaustion.
When I was first diagnosed and met with my breast surgeon, I thought, this is something I will go through and move on. It won't change me at all. Boy, was I wrong!! This journey is so emotional, and I am NOT the same. I am sure others will relate. Actually, I posted this because you are the only people who can relate. I am thinking of going to a few therapy/counseling sessions to talk in person about this.
Re: March/April 2024 Surgery Support Thread
Hello to the group! I am scheduled for double mastectomy on April 25 for a recurrence of DCIS. I had a lumpectomy about 18 months ago for a very small spot of low grade DCIS with clear margins but it’ has come back in the same spot as intermediate DCIS. I was offered another lumpectomy but would need to do radiation, which I’d prefer to avoid. Instead I’m planning for nipple sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction to implants, but have an MRI Wednesday to be sure there’s nothing else going on in these dense breasts. I’m 43 years old with 3 kids and have help from family the first 2 weeks. Wishing everyone in this group well in their surgeries and recoveries!
Re: How are people with liver mets doing?
emac877, candy-678, bsandra, irishlove, exbrnxgrl, divinemrsm, aprilgirl1, sf-cakes, cblaurenceauthor
Too often we underestimate the power of a kind word, a listening ear, a walk down memory lane or an honest compliment - all of which have the power to change a person’s day for the better. A smile is so valuable and I’m blessed to have you all put one on my face. Thank you for caring. Thank you for your encouraging words. Thank you for being you.
You all amaze me. There is power in numbers. Together we are stronger and all you wonderful ladies have proven that over and over again.
Love, Regina
rk2020