Anyone starting Chemo in Feb?
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Oh Sammie Kay...I didn't mean to set off a firestorm with my comments. Sometimes I just blurt without thinking about the implications. That's how I was feeling at the time I was posting. In fact, I ended up in tears before I hit the 'submit' button. We all have our ups and downs, I know. Honestly, I don't think too hard, too long about this anymore. Six months ago BC thoughts were hourly and now they come up a few times a day...usually early in the morning or if I'm here, reading and posting. The expanders pain and low-grade fever sound like they have you in a vulnerable situation. As Melanie said, once you have the permanent implants in you'll feel so much better, I'm sure. Just hang in there. It'll get better.
Now...a quick update. Had my rads simulation today. Gave the tech a hard time about the tattoos. To think I just had these new boobs installed and am just now starting to see the scars fade and now I have to contend with permanent marks in the area. Why couldn't they come up with brown tattoos; at least they'd look like moles! She was a little taken aback and very solicitous (as they usually are) but didn't bend. Tattooed I am although she made the marks very very small and said she'd probably get a hard time about that. I start on Nov 19th (I think I'm repeating myself). I'm reeling a little from the appointment today and the reality of rads setting in. I'm so busy at work, 12 hour days minimum are helping to distract me.
Last thing....we need to determine who is going to Florida. A headcount will help us find the right sized accommodations. Leah and I are flying into Orlando Sat. 2/23 a.m., leaving Saturday 3/1 early a.m.
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Leah; I didn't realize you had a daughter. I hope your test comes out like mine did. What a relief it was. I too am dreading the holidays. DH is normally the Grinch, but the bah humbug mood has definitely bitten me. I just can't get motivated. DH doesn't even want me to do the company Christmas party this year. I don't think I would mind it so much if I didn't have to go shopping for presents. Getting together with friends and family is the enjoyable part. The presents and trying to send out business associate gifts is a drag. And I am always afraid I will miss someone. Oh...the stress...
Twink; I have to agree...I miss my old life. I am so happy that Leah is benefiting from a new outlook after this long year. I wish I could feel the same. I initially thought that I would appreciate the "little things" more and enjoy life in general more. Mainly, I just feel "what a strange trip this has been". People treat me differently...awful sad and pity looks that I sometimes get. Hate that. The whole physical appearance thing gets me down too. I really liked the way I looked before. Like I said, I think it is okay to grieve for those things lost, even if it seems trivial to people who haven't been through this. Of course we are thankful for our lives, but we are still women with the mostly the same emotions as before. I don't dwell on the unhappy thoughts and just reconcile that this will make me stronger and more compassionate.
Okay...I have sent out some "feelers" for a few beachy places that I have found online. I have my own vacation home listed on VRBO and I am hoping that someone there might want to trade. Probably not...but, you never know! When I get the responses, I will forward the links to anyone that might be interested. We need to get the ball rolling! I think we should look for at least 4 bedrooms, just in case there are any last many additions. I am with Twink, we need to get a head count.
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Wow...I have already gotten 3 replies back on the vacation homes. 2 of them are already a "no go". They are not available until the 24th. The 3rd is really not perfect as it is on an intercoastal waterway. The Atlantic is actually on the other side of the community pool as I understand. It is a beautiful new 4 bedroom home though. I am hoping that Marsha can okay the locations once we find something. Has anyone else been researching? I am finding it difficult to find anything large at Flagler. I am afraid that St. Augustine could be a bit far north and maybe colder. It is a lovely town though. I have been there a couple of times.
Still waiting on more replies...
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Those of you on Tamoxifin? Have you found you have a craving for a certian food? I can't seem to get enough of peanut butter fudge. Soon as its gone I make another batch! I'm trying to see if its related to taking Tamoxifin or something else. I haven't had a period since I went off my BC pills way back in Janurary.
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Dear Carynn...so sorry for your loss, please feel our hugs around you.(((Carynn)))
I stayed home from work today. Had my Herceptin yesterday and they never did get any blood return from my port. So I had to get labs in the arm...then both ports accessed...Then last night I developed a fever that went as high as 102.4 during the night. Headache and dizziness. Herceptin can cause flulike symptoms, mose commonly with the first dose. So don't know wheter it is a bug or herceptin or what. Onc said if I continue to be sick over the weekend to go to the ER. Now that sounds like fun.
It snowed all day here...about an inch or so laying on the grass. Roads are just wet though. It was very pretty watching it come down today (in between naps).
I know what you mean when you say you don't have the heart to work the long hours anymore. I find myself not taking any joy in banking anymore. Not that there was that much to begin with, but I hate dealing with service charges and overdrafts etc.
Sammie Kaye...My friend also has an expander in and it is driving her crazy too...she can't have her surgery though until Feb...6 months after radiation. Doesn't sound like fun.
Well, off to nap again!
Happy weekend.
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Mel,
I have been looking in Cocoa Beach, Merritt Island, etc. as Daytona is impossible. That is race pre-week or something like that, and there is nothing to be had. Same with Flagler, as it is next town to Daytona. I was in the Cocoa Beach area when my DD was looking at colleges, and it was quite pleasant.
Let us know what you find.. Twink and I will be syncing up shortly. But we really need a count, as that will dictate how big a place we need to get.
Regards.
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Hi everyone!
Thanks very much for your kind words, they are very much appreciated.
I see where we're getting the headcount together for February. I'm afraid that I've made the difficult decision not to come. DH and I really got cheated out of vacation time this year, and I really want to spend the little bit of time off I have coming next year with him. I'll be there in spirit, and watch out, I just may be a pest calling everyone's cell phone to check in on the party(s).
BBS
(((Hugs)))
Carynn
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Terry; I hope you are staying out of the ER! Take care of yourself girl.
Carynn; I understand about needing a real vacation with DH. I wish you could be with us. I will not be able to stay the whole week myself. I hope to stay 5 days anyway.
Vegas; I think you are on a cruise right now? Hope you are having a blast and I hope you can join us in Feb. Maybe we can plan a day at the spa there!
Catherine; Are you still planning to make it to Florida? I am looking forward to one of your yummy meals.
Leah; I pm'd you.
Just hanging out at the house today. Still in my jammies....lol.
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But I'm sure you have the race on, right Melanie?
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lol...yes, the race is on.
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Hi,Friends,
I am feeling better. No ER...had fever until late Sat eve. Still a little lightheaded. Just a bug I guess.
You IT girls would be proud of me....I hooked up DSL and a wireless router all by myself. Also got DS a wireless adapter for his desktop.
Just bought DD#1 a laptop as her Christmas/graduation from PennState gift. Gave it to her early as she has lots of senior papers to do...Graduation is on Dec 21. Very proud of her and glad #1 is through! 3 more to go. sigh!
My hair is suddenly curling up...seems really curly around the ears and back....standing straight up on top. Tell me what to do with it!
Back to work tomorrow!
Mammo on Thursday.
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Hi, Terry, my special pal... So glad to read that the fever is gone!! Your hair sounds like mine... just wait and see... I had a dream in which I was comparing my head to Leah's and Twink's... very disappointed not to have their curls... I do have a lot of "hair" dreams (brushing an hypothetical long hair, etc...). Mind you, I do not mind the short hair either, so convenient and younger looking.
Good luck for your mammo... will be thinking of you.
Carynn, what was your friend story: was he sick or this happened suddenly? So sorry for you and your DH.
Hillary, I thought I saw your twin yesterday: I went to a birthday party at neighbors, and there was a lovely lady who looked a lot like you on your avatar... same smile and overall face... I really thought I knew her... they are all violin players in that group plus a cello player... they played all together on and off , that was very nice.
I have been so busy with my radiotherapy manual... I need a break... I logged 45 hours so far... I wonder whether the keyboard is that good for my arms... I have fairly painful armpits and scars right now... weather change?
Tomorrow DH sees the neurologist at Colorado Univ. Hospital. hopefully we'll get a better sense of what is compromising his balance. Based on the situation, I'll make my mind for February... I really would like to come visit with you, ladies, for 2-3 days... but too much uncertainty at this point.
I have been thinking of you all... Alyson, are you back home, how did it go after England... nice gypsy violins in Prague (like in Budapest)?? How was the weather...
Marsha, how are you?
Well... just for fun, go check this one out: some people are ready to anything to see their name printed in a magazine...
http://www.onemagazineonline.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=192&Itemid=225
and click on Special report
I am so tired, I am going to bed in a minute (9:30!!)...
Sweet dreams to all of you... Big hugs,
Catherine
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CATHERINE>that is so cool to see your name in print. I hope they find out what is going on with your DH.
MELANIE>I think you are the only one that hasn't guessed your Secret Pal yet!
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OMG....!!! Is it you Jan? Why didn't it hit me that YOU are from Oklahoma? I couldn't think of anyone who lived close to Tulsa. If you are close to Tulsa, do you ever go to eat at this little "hole in the wall" called the Boiling Pot. I love that place!
Catherine; I hope you can make it...even if it is only for a couple of days.
Time to get this rolling ladies! I know some of you just can't commit to Florida yet, but it sure would help if you could make a decision pretty soon. Again, I think most of us have been in the situation where financially a trip would be difficult. We'll get you there...the rest will be easy. Just let us know. We want for as many of us to meet as possible!
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Hi Ladies,
I think we are all feeling the same. I think when the treatments start to calm down, everything else starts to sink in:)
Regarding the Tamoxifen, I have had aches, pains, weight gain, but no food craving.
Take care ladies. Stay positive:)
Cheers,
Jel
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Hi girls,
So nice to hear from everyone. Catherine, don't work too hard. Sounds like you are really busy.
I am still running a low grade temp. My internist called me about 6:30 pm. She is baffled. We are going to test my urine tomorrow even though I don't have any symptoms of a UTI. It is about 3 weeks now that my temp is between 99.8 and 100.7. I don't really feel bad. Sometimes in the evenings I feel warm and sleepy. Otherwise I feel fine. I worked today.
My internist has checked my blood work and it was within normal limits.
Has anyone else had anything like this?
I am getting very excited about the exchange of expanders for implants. I just wonder if somehow the expanders are causing the fever?
I will try to make a decision soon about FL. I am a little hesitant about traveling alone. Maybe after I get my new glasses in Nov., I will be seeing better. I have problems reading signs for directions.
I really, really want to meet everyone f2f. My 20 y/0 DGD, who is a Soph. in college thinks she and I should take a "Thelma and Louise" trip next Feb when she turns 21. Like go to Las Vegas or something.
I will decide soon.
Well, I am sleepy and it is only 7 pm. Guess it will be an early night tonight.
Love to all, Sammie Kay.
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I'm off to the UK tonight. The trip was shortened up due to other work priorities so now I'll only be there for Thursday and Friday night. I tacked Friday night on to the trip so that I could spend Saturday tooling around London on my own. I have mixed feelings about doing this but I can't change my flight back now without incurring a big jump in the airfare. It's so much more fun to go on an adventure with a companion or two. Speaking of adventure and companions. I'm in for Florida. Mel found a lovely 5 bedroom house that looks incredible. I picture us all loungiing in the little indoor pool (yes, I said pool, not hot tub) with our champagne flutes at the edge, chatting and laughing... (sigh)... can you tell, I'm looking forward to this trip? I start rads on Monday and am a little nervous about that but resigned.
Terry if the hair is starting to curl, I figure you have the same two choices I have... fuss with it and try to straighten it out or play up the curls. I chose the latter and use a Redken product to control but accent the curls. Until it starts straightening out, if it ever does, I can't see myself trying to blowdry this corkscrew mess out every morning.
Katherine, I'd be careful with the amount of time spent at a keyboard. Lymphedema is a real threat for all of us, especially those who had node surgery and radiation. Repetitve action, like keyboarding, could cause the condition. I'm so worried about lymphedema personally. I met a counsellor at the radiation clinic at my first appointment. A lovely woman, very pretty and nice to speak with. My age. A BC survivor (twice) and she now has lymphedema in her right arm. Such a shame. Speaking of which, I got so ticked at the technician at my last appointment. She walked me through some paperwork that I had to sign to acknowledge I understood the potential side effects of rads. She really played down the SEs. 'I've never seen this happen.' and 'This is so unlikely, but we just need you to sign here.' I pointed out that radiation increases my risk of getting lymphedema to the 50% mark so this was not a 'slight risk' of it occurring. She was surprised. Makes me mad that she wasn't better informed and that the clinic allows this tech to walk women through the potential SEs without enough background information to properly state the risks associate with rads. Pfft. I'm going to tell the clinic what I think about that part of their process.
Okay, that's my rant for today. I'm off to pack now. See you later this weekend. I'm disappointed my lunch with Hillary and the group of Philly BCO women on Saturday will have to be deferred. I'll be walking around London then.
Hugs all.
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Twink,
I always spent the weekend in London when I traveled in UK... I can highly recommend Harrod's, Piccadilly Circus, Westminster Abbey and any museum. They are all fabulous. Don't bring a lot thru though as all bags have to get xrayed, etc. Strict security. Have a great time.
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Hello, Twink... I love London in the winter... they may already have nice decorations in the streets... My memories are a bit "stale" (30 years have gone by), but vivid...If you are in for good vegetarian food and "bobo" ambiance (French term for "bourgeois-boheme"), Cranks was a great place for lunch (to be checked with the people at your hotel, may not exist anymore), and if you like fabrics, Liberty House was a neat place to go through (in the 70's...)... Also, behind Selfridge's (department store on Oxford Street), there is a lovely round plaza (the name of which escapes me, I would have to go dig a map) with a Dickens' atmosphere. The Durant Hotel is there (easier to find), great hot scones and cream for tea... we stayed there with Peter in the 83, and when we woke up to go get our plane at Heathrow, this lovely plaza was knee deep under snow... feeric
Thanks for the warning about the keyboard (I thought only heavy weight lifting activities were a no-no...). I need to find a good site explaining how you can massage your arms for drainage, it is so unpractical to have to go to PT.
Well, the news are not what we hoped for DH, but not a surprise either. The neurologist agrees with him that his symptoms are evoking more ataxia type 2, a rare genetic disease (1 in 50000). She sees shrinking of the cerebellum on the MRI, significant enough to explain the motion issues. He'll be in a study, but there is no treatment for this, just slow degradation. His luck is that he is 66, it may have started 20 years ago, and his symptoms, if real, are not too terrible for now. We will be involved in a lot of stuff because of the study, genetic testing for confirmation of the suspected diagnosis, this will take weeks, complicated, but the repeat pattern of the altered genes will give an indication of what to expect in term of disability in the coming years... All this has implications for his children and grand-children... well, life has always twists and turns... Fortunately, we have one another and will do what's needed to cope with what's ahead... as long as pain is not involved and the mind stays sharp, life is worth living... You'll understand that I can't see clearly right now the Florida situation, but be sure that if it seems feasable and "right", I'll fly to come share a "flute de champagne"...
Well, I have to go, lots to do... grey and cool this morning, but dry... all the fronts annonced passed us and did not bring any rain or snow... we need water...
Have a great trip, Twink, take care of yourself, and come back soon to tell us what you had the time to do (if you like Indian food, you'll be in heaven)... I agree with you, if you could have taken along a compagnon, that would have been more merry...
Have all a good day. Sammiekay, I hope this fever will go away... you must be exhausted...
Hugs and love,
Catherine
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Hi all,
Twyla have a wonderful time in London. About 10 yrs. ago my daughter and I went to London. She won the trip on a radio contest and her husband was in nursing school, so I got to go. We were there 4days and 3 nights. What with travel time and all, we were really rushed. We had a blast. We ran the whole time. We were right across the street from Hyde Park. We bought passes for the tube and really learned the ropes. We also took a bus tour on one of those double decker buses. It was in Oct. and the weather was beautiful. I would love to go back. Twyla have a fabulous time and "mind the gap".
Thanks for the thoughts about the fever Catherine. I really don't feel bad. I have been working. I worked Tues. and Wed. and will work tomorrow.
I had a urine analysis today and there is blood in my urine. I have no symptoms of a bladder infection. My doc has ordered a ct scan of the kidneys and an IVP. Will keep you informed.
We are very excited to have our daughter with the new baby spending the weekend with us. Her husband is going hunting and her two girls by her first marriage will be with their Dad. So it will just be Jackson(6 weeks old), Jennifer and Mike and I. We will watch lots of football as Jen and I are big fb fans. Mike, not so much.
I hope everyone is building up for a wonderful Thanksgiving.
The Internist said I could go forward with the surgery even if they haven't figured out the kidney thing.
Love and hugs to all. And do stay warm. Sammie Kay
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Good morning, all...
Winter is here, temps didn't getabove 40 degrees yesterday. Brrrr.
Today is the 7th day of what will be a 11 days straight of work. It is so tiring, and the days are so long. I am too old for this! I have been leaving after 12 or 13 hours, though I know others are staying longer. Again, just don't seem to have the stamina I used to have.
Monday I will be sliding out for 60 day CT of liver. I am not expecting anything untoward, and since it is just an abdominal CT, they won't see any "hot spots" anywhere else that isn't ready to be looked at yet.
My insurance (HMO Blue) is paying for the genetic testing 100%, so I should get that answer sometime the week of Dec. 3.
SammieKay, I am checking on direct flights for you from Houston to Orlando. If you can get in the same morning as Twink and I, we will scoop you up with us. I will send you a PM with what I find out. I am dying to meet all of you.
Carynn, Melanie's new laptop has a built in webcam, so you will be seeing us!
Marsha, how are you? How are you healing?
Is anybody else dreading the holidays? On Dec. 22 mammo last year, I knew I had a big problem. On Dec. 29, I was officially diagnosed. I don't want these anniversaries.
Catherine, on Dec 1, I am fulfilling a 30 year quest to hear Handel and Haydn Society do the Messiah at Symphony Hall in Boston. When I was a sophomore at Northeastern U in Boston, I was in the chorus and we performed the Messiah. And of course I was so taken that I wanted to go to the real performance, but I couldn't afford it at the time. For over 30 years, I never made it. This year, with my crusade to die with no regrets, I get to cross it off my list. I can't wait though. I hope it is as magical to me as I have imagined it all these years!
I am also hoping that this puts me a little in the Christmas spirit. I have none, bought absolutely no presents for anyone (though there really isn't a lot to do, as the DD gets one big thing, and she already got her snowboard) and DH seems not to be lusting after anything special this year. Nor am I. I will be working most of the holiday and then I leave Jan 1 for a month on the road, mostly to Cleveland area of Ohio. Hey, if any Pennsylvanians/Ohioans want to meet over a weekend, I will probably be staying over for one or two during the month!
Well, as you can see, my mind keeps coming back to huge amount of work ahead of me, and feeling some dread about it all. But, I don't get to think too much of cancer, so I suppose that is good?
Hope you all have a nice Sunday. Love you all.
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Hi Gals - just quickly checking in. Wanted to confirm my plans to arrive late Sunday evening - I'll be leaving either Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning. Hope all who are/were under the weather a bit are feeling better.
Hugs to all and ttyl.
Phyl
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Good morning all! Hope you are all enjoying your Sunday. I wont be doing much at all today; I've "assumed the position" on the couch, have the laptop, a drink, and have RaceDay on. I'm going to go thru the Christmas Card list and format some labels. I usually hand address everything, but going to try something different this year. I signed up for the card exchange with the CG's. It will be fun, but it brings my total well into triple digits this year. Oh well, I LOVE to get them.
Terry - Are you over that bug yet? Hope you are feeling beter.
Catherine - It sounds like you have been busy! I am sorry for the news about your DH. Is he doing well? You are so right about life worth living as long as ones mind is sharp. The son-in-law of our friend that passed away, was dx with ALS the same time as my dx. I hadnt seen him in awhile until last night. His speech is not good, but he's understandable if one focuses. He's still as sharp as a tack and in great spirts.
For those that asked about our friend, yes, it was pretty sudden and unexpected. I cant remember the name of the procedure, but he recently had the plaque cleared from his cararotid artery in his neck. He came thru the procedure just great and was home in under 18 hours. He went in to have the second one done on the 1st and of course we all expected the same result. Two days after the surgery he was diagnosed with Terminal Pneumonia. The did all they could to clear the lungs, but nothing worked. So they tried a ventalator to see if that would help, but it didnt. So, they made the decision to remove the ventalator and he died 6 minutes later. DH and all of John's family were present. So, very sad. We miss him terribly. He donated his body to science, so the family had a get together last night and an "official" memorial service will be held next year at Camp Pendleton.
So, on a much happier note, Twink, you must still be in London. I hope you have a fabulous time and post lots of pictures for us!
Leah - You sound great! Thanks again for your kind words.
Very cool about the web cams. Melanie and I will have to try a "dry run."SammieKay - How are you doing? Are you feeling any better? Have they figured out if it's just a bug yet? Hope you bounce back real soon.
Jan - Have you recovered from the bike ride yet?
Melanie - We'll need to figure out a good time to test our cameras. What kind of laptop do you have? If you have a Mac, we could use iChat.
Well, I better get crackin' on that card list.
Enjoy your day kids!
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SammieKay:
Check your PMs...
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Leah, I ck'd my PM. Thanks a lot.
I am a little down tonight and hesitate to share, but here goes. My brother called and his daughter, who has been fighting metastatic bc for 5 years, has taken a turn for the worse. They are trying to stabilize her at MD Anderson so they can send her home on Hospice. We have known from the beginning that the picture wasn't good. By the time she was diagnosed, she had mets in all her bones. In fact they thought she had some other kind of ca and lastly checked her breasts as she was so young. Anyway, we have all know this day would come, but you are never ready. Remember our family in your prayers.
I called my internist and practically demanded an antibiotic today. I got one. My temp had gotten up to 102.7 this weekend and I have had enough. I don't know where the infection is, but let's treat it. It probably has something to do with the expanders. It so frustrating because the ps won't admit that. The oncologist office acted like I needed to stay with my internist office for treatment and the internist seemed in no hurry to treat. I am still scheduled to have the IVP and ultrasound of the kidneys on Wed. I think it is a waste of time of misery for me(bowel prep, yuk). I do feel better tonight. My temp is only 98.6, almost normal for me. I am normally 97.6.
I will try to make a decision soon about Feb.
I hope everyone is doing well. Sorry this is all about me and my whiny self. I think I am turning the corner and will be back to my upbeat self soon.
Happy Thanksgiving to all. Have fun with all your plans.
Hugs and love, Sammie Kay
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Oh, Sammie Kay, I am so sorry about your niece. I hate this disease. I hope she is comfortable and able to come home. I will pray for all of you.
One of my very good customers called my on Friday and asked if she could talk for a minute. She was diagnosed a few weeks ago and had a lumpectomy last week. I am glad I could help her, but WHY does this happen??
On a happier note....I visited my surgical oncologist yesterday with my mammo films. The report is good...just surgical and radiation changes. Another mammo in May. Okay to go ahead with the breast reduction in Feb or so.
I will not be able to come to Florida....just a busy time for us, especially with a surgery around that time.
Well, must get to work....Leah, take it easy, speaking of work. You need your rest, too.
Have a good day, all!
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Oh my gosh SammieKay - bless you and your family. I do hope tings start turning around for you. At least your upcoming exchange gives you something to look forward to. Hope all stays on schedule.
Twink - I trust you had a wonderful trip. Hope your first rads tx was uneventful. Might just as well save your breath about the tattoos. I'm dearly hoping my PS will neutralize the one at my upper breast bone. I never realized it was so prominent until my DH had asked how I got ink on my chest. If he won't remove it, I'll probably go back to my tattoo artist.
Terry - how did your mammo go? And, congrats on setting up your broadband. Hope all works well for you.
Dear Leah - I, too, keep saying I'm too old for this. Got paged this morning at 2:15 a.m. The good thing is I didn't have to grope around for my glasses. I think this is the first time I've gotten a middle-of-the-night page since the lasik. I have an OS upgrade coming up early January and that's always a week of no sleep till all the bugs get worked out and I am absolutely dreading it.
Catherine - so sorry you're having to deal with DHs issues also. Just seems like everyone is dealing with family health problems. Give him a big hug for us.
Jan/Jel - I'm on Femara instead of Tamox - no specific cravings but I sure do like to eat - anything and everything. I do have some pain in the joints in my fingers but nothing that I can't live with.
For me, I guess I was enjoying the retention of my eyelashes too much - last time I looked at them closely, they look to be very, very short so I guess the nice longs ones fell out and this is the recycled version. After the lasik, I was unable to use the Revitalash for a couple weeks and then got kinda hit or miss about using it. I do think it may have helped. Hair is stick straight. Growing very, very slowly on top (of course, I really, really want my bangs back) but it's very thick. No curls - all the hair lays very flat to the head. I wonder if it's the Femara causing the slow growth.
Coming up on my first anniversary of the preliminary diagnosis - Dec 12th was the questionable mammo, Dec 20th for the surgeon's opinion despite a failed FNAB and Jan 2nd for the biopsy. I have mixed feelings going into the holiday season but mostly a new outlook and excitement. I put my Christmas tree up already. DH was the only one who had a clue last year (and I was quite vague with him also) - didn't want to ruin everyone's Holidays so I didn't tell anyone until the final diagnosis January 2nd. I plan to thoroughly enjoy the season this year.
Prophy mast and Tram reconstruction still on for Dec 5th. Getting very excited. Feel like I'm starting the final chapter of the book even tho this chapter will probably take a year to complete. Need to keep things moving so I'm completely mobile for the FL trip.
Big hugs to everyone else - Alyson, Hillary, Marsha (pm coming), Carynn, Vegas, Melanie, Karen. Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Phyl
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Forgot to mention - to add to the holiday spirit, I had 9" of snow Sunday. Rainy and melting today but it was kinda cool while it lasted.
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SammieKay - So sorry to hear about your niece. Will keep her in our prayers. A friend of mine recently found out she has stage 0 BC and another friend just had 2 large sections removed from her leg - Melanoma. What is going on here..............{ Glad to hear you are feeling a little better:)
Twink - Have a wonderful trip. I have been to London many times and it is a great city. Don't forget to go to Kensington High Street, The changing of the guard, Tower of London, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, to mention but a few:)
Leah - Work doesn't seem so important these days. Best of luck with tests.
Catherine - I hope your DH is doing well?
Carynn, Marsha, Jan, Phyl, Melanie, Karen, Vegas and all the ladies/families A very Happy Thanksgiving. We all have a lot to be thankful for:)
Cheers,
Jel
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Phyl,
I know what you mean about the anniversary and holidays. My mammo last year was 11/16 and they called me the day before Thanksgiving and told me I needed a biopsy. That was on 12/6 and the call came on 12/8 that is was malignant. Consulted the surgeon on 12/13 and surgery on 12/28, which was DD#2's birthday. So all of the holidays were terrible last year. Can't believe though that a whole year has gone by. Seemed so long, yet it went so fast. So, like you, on to the next step...hopefully the breast reduction in February.
I am feeling so good, yet I am so lightheaded. Can't figure it out. I don't have a headache, no fever. I don' t think I am dehydrated. Does anyone else have this?? I hate to mention it to the onc...it will just mean another round of tests etc.
I have a muga and dexa scan next Monday. Then Herceptin on Thursday - deal with the infamous port again! I can't wait!
Enough of my complaining.....we also had a dusting of snow, but it is all gone now...went to Pittsburgh on Monday and once over the mountains, it was sunny and 60 degrees. Back home and dreary and raining. Pennsylvania is so variable.
Well....have to go take my free turkey from the grocery store to my MIL for cooking on Thursday.
Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving....I am giving thanks for all of you, who pulled me through this past year. I am giving thanks that all of us are doing well.
Love to all.
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