Illinois ladies facing bc
Comments
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Oh Julie.....hugs! It's all so overwhelming, isn't it? The decisions are so hard to make. As for the bilateral, I didn't have that but know many who did because they felt that was the only way they would get peace of mind. It's purely a personal decision and everyone has different ways of thinking about it. YOU are the one that has to be pleased with your decision. A couple of the gals on here have had bilaterals so maybe they will speak up about their decisions.
Hang in there. Right now you have a "lot on your plate" to deal with. I think you will find that it gets a little easier dealing with this once you've made your decisions and are actually doing something to combat the monster.
Rita
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^~^~^~^~ The Wisecrack of Dawn ~^~^~^~^~^~
"The biggest big business in America is not
steel, automobiles, or television. It is the
manufacture, refinement and distribution of
anxiety."
-- Eric Sevareid0 -
Laura,
So, based on the biopsy, the doctors are saying that the tumor showed both IDC and ILC. And, they can't determine if it is primarily one or the other or both until surgery.
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Rita,
I think it will get easier too, when something is done and decisions are made. I don't know if I will be happy with any decision that has been made, but I just want the piece of mind that I have done everything that I could to stop this if I can.
Is it crazy to want the blood test, body scan, and bone scan done first? I am so worried that it has spread, but I also don't know how typical that is either. I just know my experience with my sister which was not good. It just seems like everything is hinged on the surgery to find out if there has been a spread or not. So to have chemo first and then surgery (one of 4 options), sounds insane to me!
Thanks for all of the support.....
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Rita,
I think it will get easier too, when something is done and decisions are made. I don't know if I will be happy with any decision that has been made, but I just want the piece of mind that I have done everything that I could to stop this if I can.
Is it crazy to want the blood test, body scan, and bone scan done first? I am so worried that it has spread, but I also don't know how typical that is either. I just know my experience with my sister which was not good. It just seems like everything is hinged on the surgery to find out if there has been a spread or not. So to have chemo first and then surgery (one of 4 options), sounds insane to me!
Thanks for all of the support.....
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Jule - I had a Mast at the time of dx and then a year later, had the other one removed. The reason I had the "good" one removed was because ILC has a tendency to reappear (and I had 3 tumors also). That's why I asked you what type of bc you have. You should ask the Onc and the Surgeon what is the percent of it possibly reappearing. I am very happy with my decision. Like you said...I wanted the peace of mind knowing I did everything possible to prevent it from coming back. Tough decision...you bet. But I felt more in control after having made the decisions. I am too chicken to get reconstruction, but many have and many are very happy w/the results. Best wishes at your upcoming 2 appts. Take notes...you will never remember everything they say.
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Julie...nothing is crazy when it comes to making these decisions. In most cases, I think that the full body scans, etc. are usually given at first only if they feel the cancer is not contained to the breast area or if other symptoms are present. I did not have them prior to surgery and did not have them once my treatments and rads were completed. My oncologist doesn't like to subject the body to these unless they are absolutely necessary. Still, I do worry everytime some little ache or pain occurs.
Since you have witnessed a bad experience with your sister, I can fully understand why you would want the scans now. Talk to your oncologist about this. It is not a crazy request if it helps you make a more informed decision or gives you more peace of mind. Be pro-active. Your oncologist is just operating on the "standard protocol" here. I would also think that they have a good feeling about your prognosis after surgery and treatment or they WOULD be scanning everything they could scan. It is not wrong to follow your "gut feelings."
As for the chemo first, that is becoming more and more popular in cases where the tumor is large and needs to be shrunk before surgery or when there appears to be more than one tumor in the same breast. The way I understand it, they are operating on the idea that the chemo will kill the microscopic cancer cells in the area surround the tumor and thus prevent spreading. You may want to ask your oncologist for his interpretation of this procedure, too. If you are not pleased with his/her responses to your questions, you have plenty of time to seek out a second opinion.
Keep us informed, Julie.
Sending good vibes your way!
Rita
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Hang in there Julie. I don't think anything is "crazy" right now. Probably most people if you ask them...do just want this stuff 'out of me' like yesterday. My surgeon told me, you don't have to make a decision today---you have had this for some time now and you have the time you need to figure out what you want to do.
As far as having chemo first, I think that is often done as usually it shrinks tumors or they may even disappear. I have a friend who made that decision and she is ned ( no evidence of disease ) right now. I'm sure there are wrong things to do, but no one way is absolutely right. Our bodies are all different so the Oncologists and Surgeons I think try and present options that are available to you based on your test findings.
You definitely are going the right way in wanting to do all you can to eliminate this completely. I was prepared to do whatever it took. Including mastectomy, but as it turned out ( since I have a very weak left side and muscles ) I opted for a lumpectomy since my Surgeon said I would be treated the same way....regardless. No sense in fooling with muscles and tendons and other things that did not need to be disturbed.
Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jackie
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Jule:
The fear of the unknown is hard. We all know that. I have been going over my path report and I had vascular and lymph invasion. Not in the nodes, but some evidence that it was in the channels (blood and lymph). I had the lumpectomy and now, with this path report, wonder if I should have had the mastectomy. The doctor at the time said no need. I never had a second opinion, and now after the fact, I am seeking a second opinion almost two years after the dx. IF YOU CAN GET A SECOND OPINION (insurance-wise) DO IT. I was in such a rush and in so much anxiety, that I just wanted to act. My doctor needed to give up her practice due to family issues, so I am now seeing another doctor to see if I should get further surgery even though I currently do not show any evidence of cancer. Like everyone here, I worry it could come again. My point is to get that second opinion if you can. I think a month wait would not hurt. Ladies, what do yo think?
Meanwhile, Jules, I am the one who awakes in the middle of the night, and I say Hail Mary's for women like you and me and the others, so I'll be there around three in the morning saying one for you! Hang in there!
Susan
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Hey Girls....
Julie.....I won't repeat anything. All that has been said above is so right on. There is no right or wrong, crazy or sane. Gut feelings are the best....and get that 2nd opinion. Heck...I got three! And make sure that all your doctors are people you can REALLY talk to...you're going to need them. No tin gods here, please!!! It moves so fast, yet you feel that it is not moving fast enough. Nothing seems real, and yet it is more real than you ever wanted to face, or thought you would have to face.
Keep reading over the previous comments...I've had the pleasure of meeting most of these women face-to-face, and they are a tremendous source of information, and comfort.
Please keep us posted as things progress...we can and will help you...whatever you need, you've got a bunch of tough Illinois girls just waiting with our arms out should you need a hug!
Oh heck....here's one coming at you....
Hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful day....got my hanging baskets and put my geraniums and vines in my deck boxes. Now....am going to eat something fattening and go for a ride in the "Z". I spent too much time last summer, never taking the convertible, worrying about my wig flying off. I wasted too much time!!!!!!!!
Tops down, fists up!
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Hey guys!!!! I am back from my wonderful vacation in Destin, FL. We had a great time. Only one day, well actually a few hours, that it rained. It was great to get away from it all. We will definitely go back and stay in the same condo.
Jule....I had a double mastectomy just after Christmas last year. Best thing I did. I had been diagnosed a year before and had a lumpectomy , chemo and radiation. Got another lump in the other breast this past december. Decided to just get rid of them. good thing cuz there was another lump in the orginal breast. I didn't do reconstruction but am thinking of doing it in the fall. I don't like not having boobies....I thought I would like it but nope it's not for me.
Well, gotta go for now. I'm at work...
Ginny
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Hi Girlz -
Ginny - glad you had a good time!
Wendrew - I am so N V IOUS...hanging baskets and a ride in the Z...you lucky duck!
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Wow...Julie has received some awesome advice! I wish I had this thread when I was first dx'd!
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This is awesome news...the Daily Herald is coming over tomorrow to write a story about me and dh's Buckthorn removal efforts! I am so happy that perhaps our story will inspire others to remove Buckthorn from their property as well. Here's the funny part...the journalist sent me an e-mail saying he had to confirm the date w/a photographer! So that means they're actually going to have a photographer here too! Thye meeting is tomorrow...weather permitting...We are sooooooooooooooo excited.
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Laura's going to be a star again!!! That's so neat!!! I can see why you are excited!
Wendy, I put the top down on my Sebring today too and just let everything that wasn't fastened down....and all the problems of the world...fly right out! Wasn't it great???? You're one step ahead of me though. I still need to go get my flowers and get them in!
Ginny...so glad that you had a nice vacation! You certainly deserved it!
I hope everybody enjoyed the day! It looks like rain might come in tomorrow. I really hope it holds off as we're having a Rally for the Cure golf outing tomorrow and this is so important to me.
It's time I find my recliner. I've spent the last 45 minutes entering phone numbers into my new cell phone. YUCK!!!
Catch up with you all tomorrow!
Rita
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Hi girls,
I hope everyone had a great day today...got outside to enjoy the nice weather. Spring is finally here.
Laura.. please let us know when you will be in the paper..that is sooooo exciting...and Vegas next week..you may need a body guard when you are there lol. I know you will have a great time.
Wendy..please I need a beach pic.. can you join me there...just stressing a little. May be I need to ride in that car and blow away all this bc stuff.
Rita.. hope you can get in lots of golfing with this nice weather. I have not planted flowers yet either. I may need those plastic ones. lol
Jackie..how you doing? No more chemo yeah..rads soon. I hope they let you do it near your home. May want to ck with your insurance about that.
Ginny.. glad to hear that you had a great vacation. Did you get a great tan in Florida. Thanks for bringing the sun back with you.
Jule..welcome and sorry you had to find us. We are here to help any way we can.. We all have been there done that. All of us have different experiences and lots of info to share. So post often. Hugs to you.
Smerf.. how are you doing..bathrooms started yet.
Connie and Leesa..hope you are having a great time and enjoying yourselves.
Nancyla..ready for your walk this week.
To everyone else I missed I hope all is well with you.
As for me I have been not feeling well so I have been MIA for a little while.. but did make reservations for our May dinner May 28 at 6:15pm. Please let me know if you are coming..it will be a fun time.
I hope everyone has a great evening..time for jammies and bed.
Night night...
Blackjack
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Hey all...gloomy here this am but warm and my flowers need the water. Don't be too envious - I only plant geraniums and some vines at this time of the year. They won't get in trouble should the mercury not cooperate. I get other flowers after the 15th or so. The ride yesterday and Monday in the Z was great - I forgot how much fun a convertible can be. Seems like I forgot how much fun a lot of things are....life's short, girls. Go do something fun today and try and put BC on the back-burner, if only for a few hours.Laura....WOW! A celebrity! Be sure and tell us when your story will appear. The Daily Herald is online and I send articles to relatives all the time so I want to be sure I look for you! You can just put a huge bandage over that chin wrinkle (AND I AM KIDDING!!!! remember - I was sitting next to you and couldn't see a dang thing)
Rita....glad you too put that top down. Wasn't it great! I have the faux flowers! Hope the rain holds off for your outing.
Blackjack....hope you like the graphic for today. And hope you are feeling better soonest! If a ride would help,let me know - but today is rain and then it looks cold!!!! Oh well....summer was fun while it lasted.
Julie.....need anything? How are your appointments going? One of the most valuable pieces of advice I received (it was from my PCP) was that you can't make good decisions if you are sleep-deprived or anxiety-ridden, or both. So he gave me a script for ativan and for ambien. Now...I am so not the pill-taking type so I got them filled then refused to take them for weeks. I was so much better after I took them....helped so much just to get some rest, and some peace. Something for you to maybe consider????
Ginny....glad you had such a wonderful time and the weather was so perfect. What type of recon are you considering? Just nosy.....
Leesa....are you home yet? Have fun? Are you feeling better? How's that clot?
Sabrina....MIA? Did you appear in the newspaper yet?
Susan....have you counted down the days yet? Tom has....and of course that means I have....you know,until my dear, dear husband is around for 6 1/2 weeks. Oh goody.
Time to shower up....hair appt at 9. Trying to grow out these layers is...well....trying! Just have to hold on, I guess.
Everyone....have a wonderful, happy day! Tops down, fists up!
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Ok everyone....not too pretty here today either. In fact, sounds like it could be dicey a time or two. As much as 5 inches of rain, oh please.
Well yesterday was wonderful and it will be back soon enough.
Laura, how fantastic is that---way to go. We can all make a difference in our world and make it better---even little things help so much. I recycle. Ok, it helps that we have a Clean & Green recycle center at the far edge of town. I'm not a fanatic about it...newspapers, plastic bottles and containers, glass, cans etc. It's not real hard...I admit, a pain on storage for awhile, but I always feel good when I pull my car into the dock loaded with this stuff.
Blackjack....take Wendy's advice--do something fun just for you. Let the rest of the world take care of itself for one afternoon. Lose yourself in something special, rejuvenate. I know you seem to have the weight of the world on your shoulders right now...I'd come get at least half if I could---a time when I wished I lived a little closer for sure.
Ginny, Connie, Tdbear, Leesa, Sabrina,Susan, Jule, Julie,Mich,Kater,Rita, and anyone else I've missed.....hope you stay dry and have a great day anyway. Your all in my thoughts as always.
Jackie
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"Finish each day and be done with it. You have done
what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt
crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a
new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a
spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense."
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson0 -
Rita - I can just picture you in your lovely convertible...cruising around town...how fun?
Jackie - I love Emerson...thanks for sharing.
blackjack - Do you think it's the flu? I hope you're feeling better today...
Wendrew - Growing out layers is NO FUN! Been there - done that...Your Z is a convertible!!!!???
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Don't know what it might be like up north, but we are getting all that predicted rain I'm sure. Can't count the number of times the rain has just poured in sheets so thick you couldn't see anything else outside.
I had hoped we would not get this much but that's not to be. Thankfully, as of yet ( hope that holds ) we have not lost power and have maintained....being able to stay on the computer ( easier with high speed ) since we are not connected by phone lines, and see some T.V. etc. Hope all of that holds out. Wanted to take Baby to get his stitches out and hopefully that will still happen. May not get to the kitties ( feral ) today. Well, maybe it will be dryer tomorrow.
Talk to ya'll later.
Jackie
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Hi gals,
We golfed for "The Cure" today amidst intermittent raindrops but made it all the way around the golf course. It was a pretty emotional day. I'm still not over the tears spilling out at unexpected times and found myself wiping my eyes a few times today. The good news is that just our morning league raised $1,400 for breast cancer funding and the evening league will add to that tonight. I think everyone gave generously and had a good time doing it!
Then....several of us will be walking this weekend to add to the funds. I have strong faith that some scientist or doctor is going to stumble onto the cure when it's least expected, like Alexander Fleming did when he isolated the mold that could be used for penicillin. Let's hope this happens in the near future!
The sun has finally come out here so the evening golf group should have a nice "Rally." Me??? I have to teach my youth group tonight. Then there is only one more to go! I must admit that I'm glad it's about over. I'm running out of ideas and energy!
I hope everyone had a good day.
Rita
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Hi all -
Just checking in really quick. I got back from my business trip last night, spent today with my mom and sister getting our nails done and then we head to FL bright and early tomorrow am.
I had a good time in Baltimore. Rita, we had a team bowling night and my team got 3rd place out of 16 teams! Shocker for me as I am not that good. I won $50! I'm thinking everyone else in our company was just really bad or something. I got a 107 and a 124 which is really good for me but doesn't seem that great overall. We had one guy on our team that is a league bowlers so think that helped us.
We visited the Baltimore aquarium and had dinner there which was very nice.
I scanned the thread and see we have a new girl. Welcome, but sorry you have to be here.
Sorry I can't spend more time and address all of you, but I gotta get packing! I'll check in with you next week.
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I'm baaack..........well, for this post anyway
It's my 5yr cancerversary today, can't believe it's been 5yrs.
So I'm officially a 5 yr Survivor according to my Oncologist and Surgeon. Yeah, I'm one of 'those' who doesn't mind the Survivor label and I'm also one of 'those' who wears pink ribbon stuff and Survivor stuff too.
Until next time..........Hugs to all.
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kats - I was wondering where the heck you've been! Congrats on the cancerversary!
Rita - That's awesome that you raised that money! Have a good time at your walk this weekend...
Jackie - BOSS...STITCHES...did I miss something?
blackjack...How are you feeling?
Leesa - How are you feeling?
EVERYONE - Love ya all...
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kats-5 yrs is awesome, and many, many more.
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Well...our "interview" went really well today. A journalist and a photog came...spent 2 hours here. We gave them a tour of all 6 acres. They were really impressed with our effort! They couldn't believe all that we've done. They were impressed that we know the names of all the trees remaining and all the native plants that are now flourishing as the result of our Project: Mud, Sweat & Tears. I answered the door wearing a b-ball cap that says BUCKTHORN SUCKS! They said the story will probably print this weekend...so quick...I was surprised at that! I will post the linkie when it does. So...all in all...it was a great experience. I told them we've been at it almost every weekend for 6 years. They were shocked. But I told them not to feel too sorry for us...that we have a race car that occassionally gets us out of the forest and into the fast lane! LOL0
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Major congrats Kats----may we all end up under your name.
Laura.....that 'journalist' must have loved interviewing you....your sense of humor was sticking out all over if you kept popping them out like the hat and "fast lane". Well, good for you. I can hardly wait to get the link. But now face it---you are an incredible person. I've never had a doubt....didn't take a write up in a paper to feel that long time ago.
As for B Boss.....we had him neutered. Drove all the way to the Vet's with the possibility of flood waters lurking close to some of the roads only to find out.....he had stitches that dissolve. I was irked but remained calm. I imagine I would have found this out if I had not been basically stood up the day I went to get him after the surgery. They were to be open til' 6 p.m. that day.....so I went after work. Got there at about 5:38 p.m. and the place was locked up tight as a drum. The nurses had all gone out to the Fairgrounds as the Dr. was doing a Horse show. They were supposed to wait til' all patients were picked up. Fortunately the Dr. came back to the office for a clean shirt....and I was able to GET B Boss without being arrested for breaking and entering.....however, there was no time for the fine details of what kind of stitches or anything else. Fortunately with B Boss being male the operation is less traumatic and less after surgery problems. Whew !!!! I'm getting excited again just re-living my emotional upheaval of that afternoon. Anyway, B Boss got a nice afternoon ride in the car.
BTW----love your avatar, Kats. Super.
See ya....
Got to get ready for work tomorrow....
Jackie
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KATS!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS! You are my role model! I am so happy for you! You've reached a milestone and I'm sure that your positive attitude had a lot to do with it! Now...get to workin' on those next five years, gal! You have proved that CMF does work!
Celebrate, dear sister!!!!
Rita
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KATS!!! CONGRATS ON FIVE YEARS SURVIVORSHIP!
If you see this, I'm having trouble finding feline leukemia swab tests....I will try googling it.
OTHER GOOD NEWS:
I GOT MY PORT OUT, SO FAR, JUST TINY bit SORE, (yesterday)
ALSO i had my colonoscopy (accident and 50 age)...and I am clear! I was not expecting a good day after one month of sinus infection, hard fall and head bang problems!! Later!
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Jackie - Oh poor Boss! Glad you didn't get washed away on the roads! I can only imagine how pampered your little Boss is! And thanks...your kind words are so appreciated!
kater - Glad you checked in...was wondering how the ol' bump on the head was doing! PORT-B-GONE...my 3 favorite words. Well actually...NO-MO-CHEMO are also my 3 favorite words! lol Hope it feels better soon. After my removal...the pain lasted about a week. As for the colonoscopy...after my dh had his done, he said to the Dr..."well doc...you have gone where no man has gone before." lol
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Hey...no photos from Connie's party?
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