Best Of
Re: recurrence with pleural effusion
@birdsndognow - Hi, I think I made a mistake about the pleural effusion I had and I now think it was only in my left lung, not both. Something called "atelectasis" also shows up at times on scans for many of us, and I can show that in both lungs, so I was confused. (That's essentially "collapsed lungs" although it can be very mild and come and go; that's what I get occasionally. Deep breathing and exercise seems to make that go away too.) My pleural effusion was considered mild and they do still monitor it regularly, but haven't seen it in probably 1.5 years now (I've got bone and liver mets). Again, it can go away, so don't despair. Things like the drugs, deep breathing, and exercise can all help. It's not always necessarily malignant either.
Re: Any studies that prove early detection of stage IV recurrence extending survival time?
I agree that early detection can lead to better QOL. It’s longer survival time that hasn’t been shown. Some might disagree but I think QOL is more important. I hope you remain symptom free for a long time.
maggie15
Re: Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
Betrayal - thanks for taking us along on your trip and I love seeing your pictures. Eight years ago we spent a week in Belize and took one day to cross into Guatemala to visit Tikal National Park. It was blistering hot in July however we found the temples fascinating. They were running a triathlon that day and the finish line was in the park. There was a good turnout but I can’t imagine running and biking in that heat.
Cindy -I can’t believe it’s time for you to return to Florida!
Carole - good for you getting out to play golf.
Busy week - had a groundbreaking for a Habitat for Humanity development of 10 homes in Tuesday, a very long lunch with a girlfriend yesterday, food pantry tomorrow and protesting on Saturday.
Waving hi to all.
harley07
Re: Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
The latest update: His dr believes he’ll be stable - so they lowered his meds and removed the tube to the ventilator. As of an hour ago he’s awake and breathing in his own. So far so good.
cindyny
Re: Bone Mets Thread
I had pneumonia at the beginning of 2024, despite two trips to Urgent Care where I requested antibiotics and was told that I didn't need them. I had my routine scans in mid-January and my MO called me at 5:30 on a Friday to ask if I felt sick. There was a large opacity between the upper and middle lobes of my right lung. She prescribed a "dose pack" which was very effective, although the fatigue lasted about 3 months. Hope you're discharged soon and that your energy levels improve.
eleanora
Re: Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
betrayal, My DH and I spent two weeks in Guatemala with 25 teens for a mission trip. We loved the local flavor, and Quetzel was one of our favorite places. We actually spent the weekend there in hotels so the kids could get a good break, wash well, etc. before going back to the school dorms where we stayed. That was 45 years ago so I am sure things are different, although times move slowly there. During that trip we also took a bus into El Salvadore for a three-day Bible School but it got dicey as they were in the midst of a civil war and we didn't know it. The missionaries should have warned us… Anyway, when we woke in the morning, there were armed guards surrounding our hotel. They said it was to protect us and they accompanied us the next couple of days until we returned to Guatemala. They wanted us to stay and complete our program. Priceless memories and experiences for us and the kids. Many of those kids went on to be leaders in the church and in whatever they did. As an aside, I believe I was newly pregnant during that trip and didn't know it. I couldn't figure out why I was sick in the mornings and didn't have the energy to climb both the pyramid of the sun and the moon. Thanks for triggering this memory!
Re: Stage IV MBC Fitness
Way to go! That is an accomplishment.
So happy for you. Have never regretted my hip replacement (although it took me 8 years to talk myself into it) and hope you will feel the same. I was a little timid about driving again, so the first few times just went up and down the driveway.
Sorry you've had back-to-back intensive side effects from injections. I noticed for the first time this year that I had a reaction to either the flu or Covid vaccine. Had them at the same time, so don't know which. It was only a 24 hour problem and worth it for the protection. Glad you stuck with walking.
eleanora
Re: My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
@wren44 Thanks for sharing your positive news. How do you make your Depression Cake? Sounds like you had a very nice visit.
I'm a week out now from my hip replacement. I just went out to the backyard since it is sunny today. Felt very good to be out in the fresh air instead of on the couch or at the computer. Doing my little exercises, walking around the house, cooking my meals. I'll have PT coming and the nurse later-think the bandage covering my stitches is coming off today.