TIME TO CIRCLE THE WAGONS GIRLS
Comments
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That was awesome, Deb. I've been listening to my Circle Girls CD and it's centering me once again. Thanks!!
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Thanks for the welcome. I have one chemo tx to go (4AC and 4T). I'm stage IIIb, node involvemet, 6 cm, grade 3 tumor, IBC, DCIS, IDC, ILC - the works. Surgery's next sometime in December to be followed by rads. My tumor has gotten much smaller thanks to the chemo so my onc and I are much encouraged. It takes a lot for him to get excited about the future. I have meltdowns about every 2 weeks which I think is about par for the course. I'm frightened also. I'd love to see my grandchildren graduate college. They're 3 and 5 now. The odds are not in my favor now but who knows what can happen in the next few years?
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Shrink, hooray on the one chemo treatment to go. It's normal to have the meltdowns right now, you're still relatively new to diagnosis. Take it one step and one day at a time. You've got a lot to fight for with those babies.
Margaret
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Hi Shrink,
None of us know what the future holds. I think that's the most horrible thing about cancer. Before we were secure and now we are not. It's very good that your tumor is shrinking. (Is that how you got your name???)
The statistics are just NUMBERS. Don't let it get you down. It gets easier to think about a future as time goes on.
hugs,
susan
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evening all,
I've stoked up the fires! the one in the center burns brightly and the others are glowing with armth and relaxation. Just right for roasting marshmellows for smores!
The coffe pot has hot coffe and there is a pot of Hot Coco amd a pot of water for those that like tea or cider!
It's time to sit back laugh and share the love this circle was meant to share!
It's been very stormy and wet on this end of the circle. We lost power for 5 hours the other day and there are still threats of more power outages. But you know what I don't care. I have my wonderful Afgan to cuddle up in. I used a flashlight and got another square boardered and finished up one I hadn't finished.
I thought about Pinkstock and all the wonderful hugs and smiles that where shared from all ove the place. We came together not ever having met before and we were best friends and all a sister can be.
That is what this circle is about. It's what helps me get through each day with all the pains and the fears. It's what helps me go through yet another chemop treatment!
Knowing that you all are out there helping me fight this beast with your prayers and your thoughts!
So come on gals lets sing a wonderful campfire song and enjoy each other.
Hugs and prayers
CY
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Welcome Shrink and Golden!
I wasn't on last night becuse I was wallowing in the fact that 2 years ago I looked up at the US and said tht doesn't look right and the tech took off running for the doc! But hey I'm still here today and I'm fighting harder than ever. We will be here to help you fight too!
Hugs & Prayers
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Hey Cy-
Now that is dedication...crochet by flashlight
Sending you a hug
I don't know if I said Welcome to Shrink and Golden...but if I already did...welcome again
Hugs
Deb C
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I too, thank you all for the warm welcome! Here is my story...
I was diagnosed with DCIS on October 1st, 2007. Ironically the 1st day of "National BC awareness month!" It is located on my left breast, 6o'clock positon, 4mm, with an unclear, anterior margin. The cells are both ER/PR, and are at a Grade I-II. Nodes were not checked, so I have no info on that. I am 46 yrs old, have no family history what-so-ever. In fact, I am the very 1st woman in my family to ever have BC. I have been in total excellent health my whole life, and now... CANCER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
On May 1st, 2007, I went in for my very 1st mammo,followed up with magnification views due to "microcalcifications". Had the needle biopsy, which revealed ADH. Had an excisional biopsy 4 weeks ago, which gave me my diagnosis. I am scheduled at the Cleveland Clinic, next Thursday for a B/L breast MRI, a hemo and radiation consult, and then seeing my breast surgeon for hopefully, a prelim report on the MRI. If there is nothing concerning on MRI, then they will probably recommend another lumpectomy to get the clear margins, and then radiation 5 days a week, for 6 weeks.
Overall, I have good days and then bad days. Today was not that great. May have something to do with the dream I had the nite before, having lung cancer. At this point my cancer seems to be in the early stage, but I am alittle concerned that my MRI next week will show something else, maybe something invasive. I have never had an "easy" life, seems it is always something, wether I create it or not, and this I did not!! I feel very alone right now, tearful, Cry and afraid that I may have to make a decision on a mastectomy. How does one just do that????
I do have a question regarding radiation: I have heard from a former patient that it has totally discolored her breast, and that from all the scar tissue formation from the rads, her breast no longer resembles her normal side. She is having a very difficult time finding a reconstructive person, due to her having radiation and all this scar tissue. I am not thrilled about losing my breast, but have recently considered it a bit more, regarding a mastectomy from a cosmetic standpoint. Plus, I do not like the fact that radiation on the left breast can cause heart damage, though the docs say how rad treatment has improved, especially in the last 5 yrs!! Some how, I am not reassured on this! Also, what has been the typical side effects of radiation? I hear "fatigue" is the biggest one.
Your thoughts and feedback are most appreciated!!
Maureen
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Good morning all and wishing you a happy Sunday.
It feels like we have gone straight from winter to summer here, as the temp got up over 90 deg today.
Welcome Maureen, another dog lover here but have enough to handle with just one 3yr old border collie, thanks for the dogie poem which I enjoyed.
And welcome Shrink, Glad you pulled up your wagon, CY has the fires burning and soon you will feel the warmth of the Circle.
Susan Happy birthday, I know I am a day late but I hope you had a great time.
Odalys, thank you for what you posted and I hope you are well and still not over worked.
Margaret Good Morning I tried your system on the slot machines the other day, think I will just have to give up on them.
Deb C Was thinking of you and where you live last night, on tv over here they had a doc about fishermen in Alaska catching these giant crabs, the name of the show was tagged the most dangerous job in the world, there is no way I could take that job on, was getting sea sick just looking at the wild conditions they were having.
Thank you CY for Coffee and what you wrote in your post, nothing to add to your words as I feel no one could have expressed it any better.
Hello Sue/boo, Jenni and Lini, I have only gone back as far as the post from Maureen and the dogie poem, so if I have missed anyone I am truly thinking of you all down underTake care
Peter
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Happy Sunday friends. Hope the weather is behaving in your town today and you are able to get outdoors and enjoy God's beautiful gifts.
Deb - I love the poem, thanks. You are so creative.
Maureen - I agree with Susan...stats are just numbers and you are more than a statistic. Why should you be on the negative side of the stats...right? Choose to be the positive side of the statistics. Anyway, this is how I choose to interpret the crazy stats we get thrown on us as we travel through this journey. I hope this perspective helps you too.
Peter - Good to see you mate. How are you feeling lately and how is your breathing? Did you get the CPAP machine? I miss partying with you.
I'm not sure if I told you all that in honor of all the bc sisters who have lost their life this month, I wanted to do something to save a life so we adopted a Maltese from the animal shelter. She is a year old and looks like she has been through a lot. We are not sure on a name yet, maybe Princess. I'll post a pic soon but for now, here is glimpse from a Maltese's perspective.
Ahhh...another female in the house is good. I was starting to feel outnumbered by the guys.
Love you all,
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Good Morning everyone,
I haven't had much time to check in. My son and his fiance just bought a home aroung the corner from us. It's a handy man special so we have been scraping wall paper and cleaning all week. I am taking the day off! My body can not handle it again today.
Welcome to golden and shrink. This is a great place to find comfort among sisters who know what you are going through. Shrink,we are neighbors. I live in Northeast Philly, we will have to meet!
You are all in my prayers-Have a great Sunday and I will try to not stay away as long.
Joyce
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Top o' the mornin' to all of you who are awake with me. Seems not many folks are up yet this AM.
What a great day!
Tina
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Morning all, Welcome golden and shrink.
Just glanced over posts this morning and did not take notes.
CY - Thank you for the beautiful post. My feelings exactly. How are you feeling? Port site healed up now? Chemo being kinder to you? Sending hugs your way.
Lini - What is your Avatar a picture of? I just can't figure it out.
Deb - I love the poem
Hi to Margaret, Odylas, Jenni, Susan, Peter, Joy, Tina and anyone else I missed.
I'm off to grocery shop then time to watch the Bucs play.
Have a wonderful Sunday.
Sue
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Hi everyone, just popping in to wish you a wonderful Sunday.
Had fun on Thursday with Purplemb and Vicki. Hope you girls got home safely!
I finally removed the dressing from my port removal wound. Wow is my doc good. He cut exactly along the old scar - so I still only have a very thin scar line. When it has healed properly, I will probably get a tattoo over it.
Welcome to all newcomers. May you all find support, friendship and peace here.
Goldengirl - so sorry you had to join us hon, but you have come to a good place. Now, as far as your concerns regarding radiation go, I must say that I didn't have any of the problems you mention. I had 33 radiation treatments. My left breast is a little smaller now than my right one (I had a lumpectomy), but the skin is pretty much back to normal and my breast is soft again. My tumor was at the 5 o'clock position. Everybody responds differently to treatment, so try not to listen to only the bad stories. Wishing you the best of luck with your MRI results.
Susan - happy birthday belatedly hon. Hope you had a great one!
Ok, Sunday or not, I have to get back to work now. Have a deadline to meet - tomorrow morning - so I have to get this job done.
Hugs and chocolate xxx to all from A-Z
Elaine
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Happy Sunday campers!
Spent the morning playing BINGO! No I didn't win, came close a couple times. But my daughter did wiin 50 which she'll use to buy more diapers for the kids.
Cloe is still as cute and ever and her brother Hayden, who is not yet 5 months old is nearly as big as she is.
Choca glad your port site is healing well! My new site seems to be healing goo but the old site is still not looking right! They'll check it again on Wed.
That's when they'll decide if I start back on the avastin or wait longer for it.
My other computer is still being a pain so I had to dig this one out. it's slower but at least it's not as slow as the other one is now. Think it may have a virus or something! I sure hope not but it's acting like it does!
OK, Rads. AS Choca says everyone reacts differently. I had 37 treatment. I had some areas that burned really bad but all in all I did fine with it. I think I'm still about the same as I was before rads as far as size goes. There are some areas that I have scar tissue and some that the scar tissue has resolved itself. Being tired was the biggest thing for me and maintaining my weight. they don't want you to lose or gain as it changes where the markers are for the rads.
Susan, I guess I missed your birthday dear. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! even if it's a bit late!
going to go check around the perimiter. it's good to see some of the gals that have been gone for a while.
I understand that not everyone can come on here daily and that the goal is for us to be able to move on with life. I'm just happy to see people check in and let us know how they are doing!
Lini, I may not be wearing flip flops but I do wear my sandles all the time even if I have to wear socks with them. I can't stand shoes! must be the Hawaiian/California girl in me. But I'm thinking of you beaing able to wear yours and I laugh when ever I see toe socks cause it really makes me think of you.
bbl
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Common Bum
A robust-looking gentleman ate a fine meal at an expensive restaurant and topped it off with some Napoleon brandy, then he summoned the headwaiter. "Do you recall," he asked pleasantly, "how a year ago, I ate just such a repast here and then, because I couldn't pay for it, you had me thrown into the alley like a common bum?"
"I'm very sorry sir..." began the contrite headwaiter.
"Oh, it's quite all right." said the guest, "but I'm afraid I'll have to trouble you again..."0 -
omg Deb, your amazing!!!!
that was awsome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
now i remember why i still come here..... tysm
Tracey
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Avatar - Me coming out of an outhouse.
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Hi, all. I'm Gracie. Would it be all right if I pulled up my wagon?
I just finished chemo in Sept. Four DD rounds AC, then same on Taxol. Just started Arimidex this morning. IDC, 1.7 cm, 1/9 nodes, er/pr+, her2-, Grade 3, Stage 2.
I've been wondering how to get on with my life. Still no answers, other than just getting up every morning and starting my day. I'm kind of frustrated with how little strength I have, and absolutely no strength in my right arm, which is the cancer side. I had a right modified mastectomy on that side on April 27th, and I just have no strength at all in that arm. I'm kind of scared to do too much with it as I painted a little on the outside of our house a few weeks ago and had to go see the onc, becuase I got swelling under my arm. Also, my grandchildren are small, and HOW can I not pick them up? I know when I do I'm way over my limit....but I babysite for them sometimes and I just can't avoid picking them up.
Sigh...so much to think about.
Thanks to everyone for being here. I sometimes go days without posting, because I just get so busy with things...but am very grateful for this site and the women here as well as a few other sites I've found.
Blessings,
Gracie0 -
Welcome Golden, Shrink and Gracie!
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Hey Ladies....
My sister needs a new surgeon for her mastectomy.
Her current surgeon's office has her in tears.
She's in Alpharetta - Atlanta area.
Anyone know anybody???
Please, Thank You.
Traci
ps I'm gonna copy and paste this message in a few threads to try to get help. Sorry if you read it more than once.......
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Traci I would recommend mine that is in Birmingham but not sure if she would want to travel to Alabama for it. Let me know if you would like more info.
Amy
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Traci - how about your sister comes down here and sees Blumencranz?
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HELLO GIRLS IVE BEEN SITTING HERE CRYINGAND PRAISING THE LOED ALL DAY FOR WHAT I HOPE IS GOOD NEWS THE ONC CALLED AND SAID THAT MY MARKERS WERE DOWN FROM 2005 TO 1005 IS THTA GOOD NEWS I THINK IT IS SOGIRLS PLEASE KEEP ME IN YOUR PRAYERS THAT THEY WILL COME DOWN SOME MORE HOPE YOU ALL GET THINGS STRAIGHTENED OUT ON HERE YOU ARE A SPECIAL GROUP OF WOMEN WHO HAVE HELPED ME A LOT AND I THANK GOD FOR YOU ALL EVERYDAY SO BE GOOD TO EACH OTHER AND KEEP ON PRAYING FOR EACH OTHER LOVE DEB FROM KY
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Welcome to all the new circle girls. Sorry I did not take notes to name you personally. We are sitting around listening to the news while San Diego burns down today. So far we are safe and hope to stay that way.
I just want to send prayers out to any other San Diego ladies on the boards that are being effected by this tragedy.
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Deb: That is absolutely great news. The markers are going down!! 0
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Hi choca! Thanks Amy...
I found her another surgeon already. I called her PS's office, told them what was going on and already got her an appt.
Unbelievable this office.....I called to find out who the manager was and not only was the girl playing "gate keeper" which is totally understandable but, she was nasty to me as well.
I'm not letting it go. I found out they have a Dr "Organization" that his office belongs to online and got a go to girl to hopefully, eventually, get to the doctor. I mean this is just crazy. And, it wasn't one girl that was nasty.....it was three!!!!
I hope everyone else here is doing o.k.!! I would say "where's the camp fire?" but....it's still 90 degrees here!
I'm driving to Atlanta to go with her to her bone biopsy. I'll let everybody know how it goes.Hugs, Traci
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Welcome to all the new circle girls!!
SloanDeb - my oncologist doesn't do markers so I can't help you. If he said they were down - then I would think that is very good news to hear.
Traci - see that you found another surgeon already. My niece lives outside Atlanta and my nephew did a few years ago. I would have contacted them if necessary for you but glad that you have things under control. Good luck to you both. No body needs this and shame on office staff that just doesn't get it.
Sending prayers for all our Cal. gals and the fires. Stay safe and check in and let us know that you are OK. Cal is burning, midwest has to much rain, south drying up because of no rain.
Hugs to all, Brenda
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PRAYERS FOR ALL OUR SOCAL GIRLS!
WE HAVE A LOT OF THEM WHO HAVE BEEN EVACUATED BECAUSE OF THE FIRES!!
STAY SAFE!!
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ICE Campaign - "In Case of Emergency" We all carry our mobile phones with names & numbers stored in its memory but nobody, other than ourselves, knows which of these numbers belong to our closest family or friends.
If we were to be involved in an accident or were taken ill, the people attending us would have our mobile phone but wouldn't know who to call. Yes, there are hundreds of numbers stored but which one is the contact person in case of an emergency? Hence this "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) Campaign < BR>The concept of "ICE" is catching on quickly. It is a method of contact during emergency situations. As cell phones are carried by the majority of the population, all you need to do is store the number of a contact person or persons who should be contacted during emergency under the name "ICE" ( In Case Of Emergency).
The idea was thought up by a paramedic who found that when he went to the scenes of accidents, there were always mobile phones with patients, but they didn't know which number to call. He therefore thought that it would be a good idea if there was a nationally reco gnized name for this purpose. In an emergency situation, Emergency Service personnel and hospital Staff would be able to quickly contact the right person by simply dialing the number you have stored as "ICE."
For more than one contact name simply enter ICE1, ICE2 and ICE3 etc. A great idea that will make a difference!
Let's spread the concept of ICE by storing an ICE number in our Mobile phones today!
Please forward this. It won't take too many "forwards" before everybody will know about this . It really could save your life, or put a loved one's mind at rest . ICE will speak for you when yo u are not able to.- l
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