Illinois ladies facing bc
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Everyday, think as you wake up: Today I am fortunate to have woken up. I am alive. I have a precious human life. I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself to expand my heart out to others for the benefit of all beings.
Tenzin Gyatso0 -
Good afternoon! Hope your Monday is going well!
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Donna - That's great news about your new Dr. Awesome you're finally getting some help with it all. As for the mutation...sorry about that. Don't know much about that gene...does this finding have a significant effect? The post Oopherectomy hormone "thing"...don't know much about that too (I am ER/PR positive) but hopefully someone here knows. The good thing is that your new Dr. can help you with it. I just may be switching to your Dr. My current natural Dr. is moving out of state.
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Onc's office called. My blood work is normal AND my VitD levels have risen. I am really happy about this. 6 months ago they were at 32. I've been taking 6000IU's per day. This latest test showed it has increased to 55. Vitamin D Council recommends a level of 50-80 ng/ml. I am going to up my daily intake to 8000IU's and get retested in 3 months and re-evaluate my intake. I'm hoping at that time, it will be up to an optimum 70-75. If it does get to 70-75...in June I will decrease daily intake to 4000IU's, and then 3 months later I will retest.
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Hi All. I was just wondering if anyone has ever had chest pain on the side of the chest where they have the breast cancer before they had the breast cancer removed? I've had a general exam which included an EKG and everything was normal - so it doesn't appear to be a cardiac thing. Plus it's on the right side of my chest. Everything seems to be okay until mid day when the pain starts and then seems to get worse until I go to bed. Could it be the weight of the tumor pressing on me?
I did set up a 2nd opinion but decided to go with Rush after I received several recommendations. My 2nd opinion is next week.
Carolyn
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Juliet - I hope your surgery went smoothly and successfully. Looking forward to you checking in with good news.
Wendy - I'm doing the Zometa per recommendation of my onc. My latest dexa scan fell from -1.8 last year to -2.3 this year (spine). That's just a leeetle too fast a drop to ignore. I thought I'd be going on Actonel monthly, but he feels the Zometa is a better option. There is a study that has shown Zometa to to actually reduce the risk of recurrence of breast cancer in women who developed their cancer before menopause... so that's a nice incentive. The risk that I was concerned about was the osteonecrotic jaw, but that seems to be an extremely small risk for my situation.
Laura - So sorry about your mother's bird. I had a canary for 11 years, and I loved that little guy like crazy. How sad she must be to lose her pet that way. If you're ever interested in replacing her bird, there's a really nice breeder in St. Charles.
Susan - Thanks for the good wishes regarding the asthma. I am now thinking that maybe my internist and I have been wrong all along and what I'm really dealing with is something to do with my larynx and esophagus. The chest tightness/pains and "lump" in my throat are more consistent with that, and the shortness of breath also fits. I just don't know! There is a group of ENT's in the building I am working in tomorrow, so I might just see if one of them can take a quick look at me.
Donna - Glad to hear that you are so happy with your doctor. Is this a medical physician with holistic training? I'm not really into much of the holistic stuff, but I've been thinking of giving acupuncture a try. I figure a culture that's been around that long has to have some insights! Or maybe not. LOL... I'm willing to give it a shot anyway.
Carolyn - Good luck with the 2nd opinion. Hopefully they can give you an answer regarding your chest pain.
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Morning all.....snowy out there, but not much and it's 27 and I will take it...better than that bitter, bitter cold. 46 days til spring...I don't know about the groundhog yet!
Carolyn.....2nd opinion is a great idea. Good for you. The chest pain....well, I don't know if that could be from the tumor pressing on a nerve, esp. since you don't have it all the time. Maybe tho it's positional and that's why it appears when you are upright. Also....and now I REALLY HESITATE to say this...but it COULD also be due to stress...MAYBE. As the day goes on and your mind takes off...well, there you go. I wouldn't say that I had chest pain, but by the end of the afternoon I was a tight little ball. I always hate to say things like that because as women we have all been told that "it's in your head". So....keep asking about it. Your EKG was good tho so that's a good thing! Hugs and let us know how it goes. A few of us are getting together at Maggiano's in Schaumburg on Friday for lunch...if you would like to, and if you are free - please come! You can come to talk about your dx...or we can talk about the weather. Or politics maybe???? Hmmmmm....maybe not politics!!!
Rene.....ah, so that's why the zometa! I've been following the trials on this drug and it really does seem to reduce chance of bone mets in bc survivors. I'm just at -1.3 so no where near beng able to get it. I was concerned tho when Kater had her first zometa and got so sick...turns out that she simply got the flu tho...her next 2 infusions were uneventful.
Donna....yeah, count me in as one not much into holistic medicine but I do read so keep posting. Always interesting to read about things, and what works for people. I may have misread but it sounded like you had your BRAC done...again??? Were you tested for another mutation? Or did they just redo a sample or something? I know they were doing trials on a third BRAC mutation but I declined my onc when he told me I could send off a sample to his friend in Seattle. I figured I was already thru surgery, chemo, herceptin and rads...and been done with it all for well over 1.5 yrs at that point and I was BRAC 1 and 2 negative...so...really, what would I do with the info NOW???? Just drive myself crazy. If I ever figure out what I would do with a BRAC 3 positive mutation, then I will get tested for that. Just wondering tho what mutation you turned up with...
Laura...hope you made it ok in the snow...we don't have much here, maybe about an inch...not even worth shoveling for me. Get some sleep tonight! Don't forget too...as you increase your D...that it will be spring soon and you will be outside much more...well, hopefully anyway!
Off to shower and to the gym!
Ginny...think about you often, girlfriend!
Juliette...hope all went well, and the drugs are keeping you comfortable...please check in when you can!
Rita....you bum.
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Morning everyone. Up earlier this a.m. though I'd have liked to stay asleep for a bit longer. Oh for the days when I could take a little doze if I was up sooner. Afternoons are always full the last few months and due to continue.
Carolyn hope your second opinion goes well. Like Wendy, I don't like that everything is in our heads, but where this diagnosis is concerned I do feel negative thoughts can flourish quite easily and who knows how the stress might show itself. I had a lot of come and go symptoms with a bad thyroid so am very "aware" there can be a "cycle" to some complaints. I hear going to Maggiano's really is soothing for what you have. Hope you can make it.
Thinking about you Julie and sending great big healing hugs your way.
Due to have possible lt. snow flurries or rain today -- so far it has been an incredible winter. Just 12 short years ago I returned home for good and so thrilled because I would get my beloved seasons back ( lived in southern California for 25 years ), and I am not getting what I thought I paid for. Thinking about selling my plots ( sometimes I do plan ahead ) at the cemetery and heading back to someplace -- anyplace, where you can at least count a little on daily temp/weather expectations. For the past two years here it has been crummy. Had little snow so far this year but more rain and gray weather or windy and cold to the bone. . Maybe Florida this time.
Hope you all have a good day anyway.
Lots of hugs, Jackie
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Winter is nature's way of saying, "Up yours." ~Robert Byrne
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Good morning gang.... Laura I am so happy your blood work is good.
Donna Thats great news you are happy with your new Doctor.
I'm with Wendy on this. Why did you have the BRAC test done again? I had it done once. I hope that is enough. The answer cant change can it?
Ok here we go again with another one of my famous questions??? Do any of you think it would be ok for me to take prenatal vitamins. I am trying to grow nails. I am on arimidex Er Pr Her all positive. ? Thanks
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Hi ladies -
Had my 6 month onc checkup yesterday. He said everything looks good. Yeah! He brought up about checking my Vitamin D levels. He is a pretty conservative guy so I was glad that he brought it up. He is also sending me for a baseline bone density test. Is Zometa the drug that helps with bone loss? He mentioned Folsomex (spelling) and that studies show less recurrence in women that take these drugs for bone loss.
Buddy - I think prenatal vitamins are just a juiced up multi-vitamin. I would think it would be fine for you. But, not 100% sure.
Hope you are having fun Laura. My MIL does this and she is always exhausted when it is over.
Have a great day!!
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I'm not sure, but I think pre-natal vitamins have more iron and folic acid. Something you should NOT be taking more of if you are not pregnant.
Here, here's something on it from the Mayo Clinic:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/prenatal-vitamins/AN01665
I'm behind on catching up, so only read the last few posts. I'm coming to the lunch on Friday- looking forward to it.
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Hey Everyone!!! I did something crazy on Saturday. My daughter, son and I went up to Raleigh NC for a NHL game. It was the Blackhawks against the Carolina Hurricanes. The crazy thing about it is that we had rain and on the way up there we run into ice and snow. It took us about 5 hours which in good weather it should have been about 3.5 hours. It was a stressful drive up but we made it all intact. Then we get there and my daughter locks the keys in the car and then we get up to the coliseum and I slipped and fell on the tile floor(it was soaking wet) and feel on my left hand. It didn't start hurting til later and the past coupla of days it has hurt pretty bad but is feeling better today. After the game we get a tow truck guy and he unlocks the door for us and it was free!!!! We did give him a tip. We got home at 2:30 in the morning. What a day. But it was so worth it as we never have been to a NHL game. But the Blackhawks lost...BUMMER...
I am having a pretty busy week. Yesterday I went shopping with my sister-in-law and her friend. Today I got up and went for some lab work for my family doctor. Tomorrow is my Avistan infusion and then going to the mall with my sister-in-law. Rest of the week will be quiet..I hope.
The weather was nice yesterday..sunny and 56. Today rainy and cold. Tomorrow is supposed to be sunny and 60. It should stay in the high 50's the rest of the week. I am so done with the cold weather.
Have a nice day everyone....
GInny
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Yeah, Ginny. I love people who do crazy things. I can hear your total satisfaction with yourself for taking risks and problem-solving as you go about doing crazy stuff with your kids.
Juliet, thought of you throughout the day yesterday, and again today. You are one sassy girl and will rise above all this better than ever.
Rita, if you are checking in, from Florida, know that our Illinois Ladies love their animals (mostly) and many of us advocate for animals, but we have designated you to shoot the groundhog who saw his shadow today. We choose you because you will come home tan, rested, relaxed and warm while we are freezing our touches off.
Have a great night!
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Ladies.... wrote a HUGE post and did loose it here!!!!Teaching this week and am exhausted!!!Will write and respond at a better time!!! grrrrrrrrr!!!!
Carolyn...I did go to Rush for surgery,and treatment. Any questions let me know!!!
NOT A restest for BRCA gene 1..had a inconclusive result the first time and needed more research. WELL research is in and being treated as a mutation!!!Unless i had hormone support, which is highly unlikey for a triple negqative.. i am keeping my ovaires until i really feel it is a issue. CA125 and ultra sounds will be done bi annuall!
ALSO..my Dr. is a MD and does INTERGRATIVE MEDICINE!!!Anyone who has PPO he takes this insurance and he really treats each patient specifically in feeling balanced and to get to the root issues. He is truly working wonders for me!!
BE well.. and try to get this one posted..grrrrr..lol..!!!
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Nothing is predestined: The obstacles of your past can become the gateways that lead to new beginnings.
-- Ralph Blum0 -
Biopsy came back normal he took 2 lumps.
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Ginny....well, at least you are out there, having adventures! But...how about a cruise next time vs hockey! Hope you ae feeling much better...your weather altho cool for you sounds somewhat heavenly to me! Heck...I would get all excited if it got to 45 and sunny!
Buddy...YAY for b9 lumps! Whew! My nails were never all that great, but on chemo they grew long and strong and beautiful....go figure. When I was just on Herceptin however the thinning and peeling started. Done now just 2 years with the Big H and I finally have some nails...still a bit soft, still peel sometimes, still some ridges...but finally, finally looking better. I don't really do anything except slap some Hard As Nails on them....any color, depending on my mood. I did try one of their new colors like the young girls wear...that platinumy grey color....yeah, not so much. Looks like I was making mud puddles!
Juliette...thinking about you...
Donna...OK...now I understand...thought maybe there was something new out there!
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Wendy you crack me up. Thanks for the cheers. I am on coud 9. I'll take mudd puddles anyday over what I got. I got some more good news. My plastic surgeon does not do the skin flaps anymore because of there are so many complications that go along with it. He said today he may come out of retirement just for me. This would be so much easier than me going down town so much. Cross your fingers for me
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Buddy...Praying all will go well and SOOOO glad to hear lumps are clear. GLAD you have a caring sugeon who is there for you!!!!
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Buddy... I am so thrilled for you. That is such good news.
Donna... I tested BRCA2 positive, so I had the ovaries out with my BMX. Not too bad, just lots of hot flashes, but luckily only one episode of night sweats. (the second night in the hospital). As for any hormones afterwards, nothing for me. But I need to made an appointment soon, so I will let you know when I see the gyne.
Hope everyone is doing well. Haven't been around for the last couple of weeks. ( Been working on some projects for my kids school auction) Have a great night.
Jo
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Hooray Buddy. Way to go !!!!
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Where is everyone? Did you all leave the state to hang out with Rita?
Connie - Glad your appt went well. Good you'll be getting VitD testing.
Budder - GREAT NEWS!
Caroline - Sorry you're having that pain. Can you call your Dr's office and explain it to them?
Ginny - You "sound" great - good for you!
Irene - I found out that her bird wasn't a parakeat - it was a very expensive Parrotlet (?).
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Being an Election Day Judge on Tuesday was an incredible experience! Although driving there (25 miles away) was a total white knuckler! Blizzard conditions at 4 in the morning was no fun. I slid right through a red light. I couldn't tell where the lanes were...half the time I was probably driving on the shoulder of the rode. My knees were shaking so hard I could hardly drive. It took almost an hour. By the time I got there, I could feel my heart pounding inside my chest! lol But once I settled in, it was great! I enjoyed it and was so impressed with the voters who showed up despite the bad weather. Didn't get home until 9:00.
Hope you're all having a nice day!
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Yes JO...thanks.. do remember you had it done. I just think it is all timing as i am just getting help for balance and not goin backwards,especially gettin sleep too now!
Laura...Hope you are catching up on some good rest after working so hard!!!1
Off tomorrow and getting a massage for $20.00!!!Some friends have booked an appt thru a massage school and asked me to go along!!!
Enjoy the night and will pray for those in treamtent and goin thru tests etc!
Donna
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"They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel."
Carl W. Buechner
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Some people, no matter how old they get, never lose their beauty - they merely move it from their faces into their hearts. ~Martin Buxbaum
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Happy Friday Everyone...just stopping by for a quick hello as I need to get ready for my last parent- teacher conference and then the Lunch Bunch is meeting today. Yeah, lunch at Maggiano's at 11:30am. Hope you can join us.
Rita....you are having way to much fun at the beach. We miss you!!
Jackie..hope your gyn appt goes well and all is ok. Hope you don't have to much bad weather by you. Looks like snow is coming. We need spring.
Wendy...how are your eyes doing. better.
Laura...hope you got some needed rest after your big political campaign day.
Buddy..ps coming out of retirement for you..wow.
Donna.. how is your homeopathic md working for you. Did he put you on a lot of supplements. Inquiring minds. Enjoy your massage and relax. If they have a hot stone massage try it. It is amazing!! So relaxing and warm.Ahhhhh I think I need one now. lol
Connie..boating season is coming..time to count down..think spring
Ginny..glad to see that you are doing better. Sorry the Blackhawks lost..but you had fun.. that's what counts.
Mammaq...working on kids projects is always a challenge but fun. Hope you are feeling better.
To everyone else I missed I hope you are all doing well. Remember to go out and enjoy life, have fun and hug the ones you love.
Have a great Friday....think spring!!!!!!!!!!
BJ
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Onc called yesterday - my Vit D levels are low! I have the bone density scan on Monday so he said to follow up with my primary after that. I do take Calcium with Vit D supplements, but I guess I need more than that! Thanks for letting us know about this Laura!
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Morning!
JO - Glad you popped in! And glad to know you've been busy with the kids.
Donna - Hope you enjoyed your massage. What a treat!
Connie - 8-9 out of 10 would most likely test low. More and more research is being done - linking low Vit D levels to cancer. Let us know how the density test goes.
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Looking forward to lunch today. Hope everyone has a great Friday and a great weekend!
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Hi Girls. Pasrdon me if I aked this before. I have delayed chemo brain. For thos of you who have had mascetomy with reconstruction what are you doing for breast checks. MRI Mamograms, CT scan???? Also does anyone know the difference between vitamin D and Vitamin D3
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Hi gals!
Sunny FL isn't so sunny right now. It's raining very hard and the waves are crashing up on the beach but I'm not complaining! I'm sitting here in my light windbreaker just watching it all! Usually when it rains, we go shopping and that's not so bad either.
We've gone to the casino and the dog races. We've shopped til we dropped at both the flea markets and the upscale shops. We've bummed out on the beach, seen some fantastic sunsets, and golfed. Things are good!
As for that groundhog, Susan, they have put him into a protection program and I can't get to him to kill him! Sorry about that! Did you get snow today in Illinois?
I'll be back in another week. The time is really flying! I haven't checked in very often because the wireless internet at this place is not nearly as good as it was next year and I'm too impatient to just sit here staring at the computer while it does its stuff and then to be kicked off.
Connie, so glad that your check-up was a good one! Yea!!!!
WendyTY...I hope your second week at work went well and that you're getting back into the groove!
I really wish you were all here, too!
Rita
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Budder - You asked, you got it:
Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3)
Cholecalciferol is the naturally occurring form of vitamin D. It is the substance made in large quantities in your skin when sunlight strikes your bare skin. It can also be taken as a supplement. Cholecalciferol is vitamin D; all other compounds are either metabolic products or chemical modifications.
Current research has implicated vitamin D deficiency as a major factor in the pathology of at least 17 varieties of cancer as well as heart disease, stroke, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, depression, chronic pain, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, muscle wasting, birth defects, periodontal disease and more.
Vitamin D's influence on key biological functions vital to one's health and well-being mandates that vitamin D no longer be ignored by the health care industry nor by individuals striving to achieve and maintain a greater state of health.
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