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Illinois ladies facing bc

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Comments

  • zap
    zap Member Posts: 1,850
    edited December 2012

    I do remember getting breathless when I walked while on chemo.  I went into chemo in somewhat not the best shape so that might explain that.  I called the chemo nurse and she suggested I walk but just go slower...and not get breathless as breathless is not doing any good.  She did say that walking (exercise in general) is a great way to rid the body of chemo.  That was six years ago.  Like Rita, I do not think about the whole experience so much anymore.

    Speaking of moving on...have any of you hear the report on Tamoxifen  and that ten years (over five years) lessened recurrence rate by 25%)?  I wonder what that means in terms of arimidex.  I just went off of it in the last year.

    Susan

  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 11,653
    edited December 2012

    I was breathless too a day or so after TX… and I was in amazing shape. I remember them taking my pulse before BMX. It was 65.

  • joan888
    joan888 Member Posts: 711
    edited December 2012

    Movetomaui... Let me know when you are ready to walk. My PT worked me pretty hard today and I was feeling fired up when I got home. So I played hookie from work and got in a great walk around the lake. I use the "Map My Walk" app on my phone and listen to Pandora radio. I find they keep me incentivized.



    Rita, I have developed a bump on my wrist in the past few months. My orthopedic surgeon says that it is a ganglion cyst. It sometimes give some pain, but the doc says that they sometimes go away on their own so just leaving it be for now. I do kind of wonder if the Femara has something to do with it.



    I have been hearing the latest reports on Tamoxifin in the media today. Does not seem like this is really NEW news, but sounds like it may become standard treatment now to stay on it for 10 years. I too wonder if they will recommend the same for our AI's. I am so stiff on Femara, and not sure if I could endure it for 10 years.

  • movetomaui
    movetomaui Member Posts: 67
    edited December 2012

    Joan888 - can I ask who your PT is?  I am looking to see one for a few sessions real soon.  I had been seeing a PT in Cary as a result of several back surgeries I had including the most recent lumbar fusion in May of 2009.  I would definitely be open to a referral especially if you love yours.  I wasn't unhappy in Cary but feel a change might be good.  Does your PT specialize in BC patients or anything like that?

  • joan888
    joan888 Member Posts: 711
    edited December 2012

    Maui.. I sent you a PM with my PT info.

  • C-squared
    C-squared Member Posts: 338
    edited December 2012

    "It's hard to completely erase the journey and fear but I find myself thinking less and less about it as time passes." Thanks for the reassurance.., I look forward to that time but the first year anniversary is proving to be tough for me.., so thank you, also, for the validation.

    While it is sad for me to reflect on the past (normal, I think)..., I am struggling more so with the future.  This AI thing has been the WORST part of it all for me!!  I conquered the chemo, I came through the surgeries, and I survived the hospitalization due to febrile netropenia (I was critical when admitted)..., they were ALL TEMPORARY.  The idea of living with this quality of life (on AI) for the next five years is just down-right depressing! 

  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 11,653
    edited December 2012

    C-squared the hormone therapy was always the thing that scared me the most as far as treatment for the same reason. But this March makes 2 years. If my onc wants me on it for 10 I think I'm taking a break at 5 just to see how I feel off it. Then I'll decide but right now I'm still on the 5 year plan.

    For some reason I don't worry about it coming back anymore. When I get an ache I assume it's something else.

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 41,001
    edited December 2012

    "The ideals which have lighted my way, and time after time have given me new courage to face life cheerfully, have been kindness, beauty, and truth."
    Albert Einstein

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Member Posts: 4,011
    edited December 2012

    !!!






    Evidence of 'chemo brain' verified by researchers

    November 27, 2012

    snip: "Thanks to new research utilizing positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (PET/CT), researchers have identified physiological evidence of chemo brain, proving it to be a very real medical condition."

    Entire article:








  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 41,001
    edited December 2012

    c-squared.....I feel like this has probably been discussed before but I missed it, but is there another Al you could try.  I have to admit, except for a short 3 month span, I have not felt anything which gave me any real grief that I could not easily work around.  If you have gone through all this.....then do excuse my feeble brain for missing it.  Knowing how I felt those three months.....it is definitely I know a harsh reality to have to live.  Also......I think here can be differences in reactions to whether it is name brand or generic.  I talk to some women on another thread......and they had their Dr's write scripts for only name brand.  Since the generic is still the same "pill" it was the agent being used as a carrier.....so things can come down to something as subtle as that...as far as how you are going to feel.

    Hope you cna find some way to get a bit more quality while maintaining this important part of tx.

    Hugs, Jackie

  • joan888
    joan888 Member Posts: 711
    edited December 2012

    C-squared.... I had a hard time on my 1st cancerversary too. I was feeling more anger than anything else. And I was feeling guilty about being angry. Just one trip back into my ONC's waiting room where others were still going through treatment or obviously not doing well really helped me to put things in perspective.



    I have been on AI's of various kinds for over two years now. The only one that did not actually produce crippling pain in my hands or knees is name brand Femara. My ONC finally had to appeal to my pharmacy insurance to put me on it rather than any of the other AI's, generics included. MEDCO granted me a 12 month script on name brand Femara. We will have to appeal again in February. Femara has still stiffened my joints considerably, but at least there is no real pain. At least it is something that I can "deal" with and still stay active. I sure wish we didn't live in a 4-level house. My biggest challenge is climbing stairs all day!

  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,042
    edited December 2012

    Joan,  Very interesting that you think there might be a possible relationship between the cysts and Femara/Arimidex.  I will let you know what my hand surgeon says after I see him on the 31st!

    Now on a technology note............does anyone know how to change the font size on this thread?  It used to be normal font size that was quite readable. In the middle of writing a PM, I must have hit a wrong key and my font size turned into midget font!  Help!  My old eyes won't tolerate this for long!  Any suggestions?

  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 11,653
    edited December 2012

    Have you tried shift/control/+ keys all at the same time?

  • susan3
    susan3 Member Posts: 2,631
    edited December 2012

    Hi guy, I posted when I started on this site, but haven't kept up with this thread. Largo reached out to me since I live in the Lake Zurich area. I have been on the stage 4 sites and such.  I had a great friend who got diagnosed with bc about 6 months ago and she has broke connection with me cause I am her worst nightmare now. So didn't want to make any of you girls feel down. I absolutely don't feel down, love my life, still working, cant run like I used to but I walk a lot. just walked kettle moraine (know i didn't spell that right)  did 6 miles there had a great time. tried not to duck every time I heard gunshots.....note to self.....orange in hunting season...lol  

    so if you don't mind me joining this thread, i will keep posting here too. by the way, love going to dinner and lunch:)

  • movetomaui
    movetomaui Member Posts: 67
    edited December 2012

    Hi Susan!  

    I am kinda new to this thread but I love it here.  Such lovely ladies!  I live in Crystal Lake and work at a school in Wauconda ... so not that far at all!  I would so be up to lunch sometime especially since I've got winterbreak coming up.

    I respect your thoughts but absoutely LOVE your attitude and sense of humor!

  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 11,653
    edited December 2012

    Hi Susan… glad you made it over here.

  • joan888
    joan888 Member Posts: 711
    edited December 2012

    Seems we are gathering more of us in the NW burbs.  Anyone want to do lunch?  I have a busy week next week, but am open on Friday, Dec 14th.

  • momto7
    momto7 Member Posts: 114
    edited December 2012

     Hi every one

      I have been busy decorating for the holidays and going to Dr appointments  my chemo port is scheduled to be put in on Monday  and my chemo class is tomorrow i am thinking they might start me after Christmas? Not to sure yet  I Will probably know tomorrow   hope every one is doing great  and keep walking  movetomaui i have been walking too i figure if it gets cold i will walk the mall  lol Laughing

  • camillegal
    camillegal Member Posts: 15,711
    edited December 2012

    Hi everyone, I had computer problems, which I no doubt caused myself, cuz I have no idea what I hit as usual. Anyway Welcome to all who I have missed sorry, u'r here for the obcious reason, but these ladies are super with all their knowledge.

    Everyone is so energetic I love it. I don't walk, but I did start the gazelle I can only do it for a few minutes at a time but I jist do it again. It's better than nothing and my grandson "spots" me as he puts it while he's laughing his bratty head off.But boy am I soreer LOL my arms too they hurt, but it's fine.

    And it does look like everyone that's coming in are close to each other that's nice especilly after the holidays when things slow down-it would be so easy for u to get together.

    I'm sure everyone is getting charged up (both ways) for the holidays--I love Christmas it's so warm feeling with everyone. My F from CA is coming in next week for a week and I can't wait--she comes her a couple of times a year and she doesn't know anyone else here so she's all mine LOL so we're going to celebrate our Christmas a week from tomorrow and se's ordered all the food to be delivered next Thursday--She spoils us so bad and I tell her NO NO NO but she does what she wants so I don't even argue with her and she's actually closer to my DD age so they go out and do what they want and she's crazy about my GS and he loves her so we really have a nice time. So the next couple of weeks are really filled with Christmas happiness and I love it. Even now with all the decorations outside and in it beautiful. One of my nieces was here the other day and another today. So it's nice,

  • C-squared
    C-squared Member Posts: 338
    edited December 2012

    camille~ I am so happy for you to have your friend's visit to look forward to.  You deserve every pleasure that the holiday season brings to you!  You are so kind and gracious and you always bring a smile to my face when I read your posts.  And what happened to the silly pics?  Regardless, YOU make me smile.., picture(s) or not!

    Enjoy your early Merry Christmas with your friend and family and keep us posted.  Smile

  • kjiberty
    kjiberty Member Posts: 687
    edited December 2012

    Cami:  Have fun with your friend.

    Susan:  Welcome:

    Lago:  I will be in Lincoln Park for a while on Sat.  Going to lunch with my kids, SIL and nephew at Johns' at getting mani/pedi's at Fairy Nails on Fullerton.  DOing a little shopping, then heading for the dinner/reception at Smith & Wollensky's Sat. night.  Sunday, we are going to a huge one-of-a-kind jewelry show?  Maybe we can hook up for breakfast.  My son and husband are going to some bar to watch Manch. United play soccer at 6:45 am on Sunday.   

  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 11,653
    edited December 2012

    Kjiberty I'm actually going to the one of a kind show with Char on Sunday morning!

  • Timbuktu
    Timbuktu Member Posts: 1,423
    edited December 2012

    I went to 3 different surgeons to look at my little lump and got 3 different diagnoses!

    Right now  I'm trying not to panic as I have a swelling under my armpit.  It's the opposite side.  I was seen in Sept and asked the doc what it was and she couldn't say but wasn't concerned.  I just showed it to my husband and he freaked out and said to get to the dr tomorrow!  It looks like a lump of fat but it hurts when I push it in.  I'm hoping this is just nerves!!!

  • kjiberty
    kjiberty Member Posts: 687
    edited December 2012

    Timbuktu:  Keep us posted!

  • susan3
    susan3 Member Posts: 2,631
    edited December 2012

    Joan88, Dec 24th i am going to a trunk show at ev free church i think in cary. I can get you the info if you are interested. a client of mine will be showing her stuff and I wanted to support her

    Momto7, Good luck with your port Monday! my doc was cute, he calmed me down. told me he would give me 2 martinis in my iv. whats not to like :)

    Camillegal, when I started running it was 2 house. then all of the sudden 1/2 marathon.. you go girl

    Timbuktu, hugs hugs and more hugs

    HI everyone else. sleep good tonight 

  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 11,653
    edited December 2012

    Timbuktu no need to panic until someone tells you there is an issue. When a survivor gets any kind of bump, lump or pain they always have it checked out. They are super cautious with us but boy can that get on your nerves! will be watching for your update.

  • spunkyboobster
    spunkyboobster Member Posts: 563
    edited December 2012

    Timbuktu-((hugs)). 

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 41,001
    edited December 2012

    Welcome Susan.....great place to hang around.

    Daughter and sil should be in after work today.  I'm working till 4 p.m.  They are/have been driving from California.  I am so excited.  It has been above 5 yrs. now -- just after i finished chemo and rads.....and they are planning on staying permanently.  I couldn't be happier.

    Hope you all have a fantastic day.

    Hugs, Jackie

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 41,001
    edited December 2012

    "Everything in life comes to you as a teacher. Pay attention.
    Learn quickly."

    -- Cherokee Saying

    had to put this one in since I am 1/8th. Cherokee

  • doxie
    doxie Member Posts: 700
    edited December 2012

    Timbuktu, it is very rare that a lump in the axilla area opposite your bc side is related to bc, but it's not impossible. My BS has always checked there, especially the nodes under the armpit.  If you are still concerned after seen by several doctors, you could ask for a biopsy.  If I wasn't convined that with my BS assessment that the recent lump I found near my SLN surgery wasn't scar tissue wrapped around a stitch (afterall he did the surgery and knows where he put the stitches), then I would have asked for one.  We are on a watch and wait strategy for now.

    I have a rather large lump of fat on my back that appeared at the same time I noticed the lump in my breast.  We are watching it, but no biopsy yet because it doesn't appear to be cancer.  But it is tender and uncomfortable because it is growing into the muscle below.  It's a lipoma and rarely cancerous.   You might have one that is growing into the muscles below.  

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