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Bottle o Tamoxifen

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Comments

  • odie16
    odie16 Posts: 1,415
    edited June 2012

    Sandee,    Welcome back!!! 

                AND WHACK!!! WHACK!!! WHACK!!!!

  • tinkertude
    tinkertude Posts: 1,998
    edited June 2012

    Sherry....many prayers for your aunt sherry!!!!! Hugs



    Sandee...Congrats on 2 years!!!!!!! So sorry to hear about your friends mom... I'm glad you could be there for your friend.



    Yes it is defitnely time for a great big whaaaacccckkkkkk a doodle!!!!!!!!!!

  • jo1955
    jo1955 Posts: 7,545
    edited June 2012

    Tink, Paula, Odie - Don't look now - WHACKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!

  • Paula66
    Paula66 Posts: 1,572
    edited June 2012

    Oh no you didn't just do that, will guess what that means WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWwhack!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • GirlPowerDebbie
    GirlPowerDebbie Posts: 77
    edited June 2012

    Thank you ALL for the hugs and support!  You just cannot have these conversations with someone who is not walking the walk.  Thank you, thank  you!

    Just wanted to clarify one thing ...I initiated getting my ovaries & tubes out after my niece was diagnosed with OC.  I felt they were time bombs that I could do without since OC is so hard to diagnose, I am post menopausal and on AI for at least 5 years.  I never had female plumbing issues ... 2 good vaginal deliveries, never had bad cramps, endometriosis, etc.  I have always been a physically strong, farm-bred gal - not a crazy exerciser, just worked outside like a field hand most my life!  No plumbing issues, just ditching the ovaries as insurance against getting OC.  I was on the fence about the hysterectomy.  My surgeon/GYN supported my decision.  When I called my onc to bring her up to speed on the ooph, she said if it was her she would get the hysterectomy as well.  I researched this, and I know several friends who had multiple bladder issues caused by hysterectomy, so back to the surgeon I went with the question - tell me what can go wrong when you remove a perfectly good uterus?  He said, most often he sees women coming back within 10 years with prolapsed vaginas and falling bladders.  He told me cervical cancer is easy to catch with a pap, and if I developed uterine cancer I would start spotting.  There are visible clues for those 2 uterine related cancers, whereas IMHO, ovarian cancer is a silent killer.  After listening to his description of the vagina potentially prolapsing with no uterus to anchor it at the top, and the fact that my husband and I like my vagina where it is, and we use it fairly frequently LOL! ... - we decided to skip the hysterectomy.  I had a much faster recovery, and after carefully reviewing the odds, with my very extensive BRCA negative status - I am at  peace with my decision to let the uterus stay around a while longer.  I know my onc will err on every side of caution to prevent a recurrance, and I respect her for it.  But for me, it was a huge quality of life issue.  I am a gardener, a digger, a physical person ... gardening is my therapy to offset a very stressful job, and if I could not move stone, dig a hole, plant a tree, move topsoil or drag a bag of mulch for fear of messing up my bladder and going thru what my neighbor has gone thru after her hysterectomy ... well, i just chose to walk away.  QOL. 

    But I tell you what, so many women DO have plumbing issues and I totally support your need to get it out, like I could certainly do without those ovaries.  Peace of mind, quality of life ... every day we weigh the pros and cons, and make the decisions that are right for US.  Everybody's situation is different. 

    Peace and love ... here's to a break from the heat this weekend here in NE Ohio! 

    D.

  • odie16
    odie16 Posts: 1,415
    edited June 2012

    Good morning my Tammi ladies!!!  Hope everyone has a wonderful Saturday today!!!

    And just for Jo & Paula...................... WHACK!!!!

  • jo1955
    jo1955 Posts: 7,545
    edited June 2012

    GirlPower - You are so right, it does come down to QOL issues.  Unfortunately for me, I am postmenopausal and can't take the AIs so am stuck with Tamoxifen for the next 3.5 years - already have done 1.5 years.  The last 2 paps have shown a every thick uterus and a pretty good sized fibroid tumor.  Last year I had to undergo a hysteroscopy/D&C.  Thought that would take care of the problem.  Fast forward to this year.  Scheduled to have the darn thing done again.  Not sure at this point what to do with the plumbing.  Hysterectomy is out of the question for this year.  I already had one major surgery this year - had LD flap recon in April.  You do raise a good point that I had not considered and that is the potential problems down the road with a prolapse.  I was not aware of that and will add that to my list of questions for my GYN when I see him again on Tues for my preadmit.  Procedure is scheduled for Friday.

    We all sometimes have to make tough decisions and we will makes those based on what we know best about our bodes and of course those QOL issues. Thanks for sharing your story, I did learn something from it.  (((HUGS)))

    Happy Saturday to all my Tammi Babes. 

  • chachamom
    chachamom Posts: 410
    edited June 2012

    Well said and posted Debbie!

    JO: I'm also on Tamox instead of the AL's post-meapausal due to bone density concerns (I'm 57). My MO wants me to stay on the Tamox for at least 1 1/2 years and then switch to an AL if needed to finish the five year plan.

    She says the Tamox actually builds bone.

    FYI: my DS had a complete hysterectomy in her 30's due to severe fibroids. She's very active in sports and exercise and had a bladder lift done at the same time. It's been over 20 years and she' s still very active, rides bikes, etc, and tells me it's the best thing she's ever done! So, every woman is different.

  • jo1955
    jo1955 Posts: 7,545
    edited June 2012

    Jill - I am also 57 and will be on Tamoxifen for the full five years.  Unfortunately, I can not tolerate any of the AIs.  My tummy just won't let me.  I have a long history of fibroids and now wish I had explored options long before now but when it comes to surgery, I am a total chicken.  Had a very bad experience with IVs and just the thought freaks me out.  Once the stupid is in, I am okay - it is just getting it in the hand.  

    I have a brother and sister in law that is just down the road from you in Upland.  I am a native California girl now living in Texas.

  • dancetrancer
    dancetrancer Posts: 2,461
    edited June 2012
    jo - regarding IV's - I had a great experience with them (can you believe it) at one hospital I went to.  They actually take a tiny needle and inject lidocaine into the IV area first.  THEN they put the IV in.  I've never had it hurt so little in my life.  I surely wish all places did this.  Just a thought that perhaps it is something you could research/request prior to your next procedure.  
  • June2268
    June2268 Posts: 926
    edited June 2012

    Hey I hear pillow fights are in order for all you gals....WHAAAAACCCKKKK!!!!

    Sandee you were missed and I am so glad your mammo turned out good.  You need to now go celebrate as you have had a very very hard month and stayed so darn strong throughout.....

    Tink and Jo count me in for the pocket party as the last one was FANTASTIC!!!

    OHHHHH Paula where oh where are you sista, I have a special pillow waiting just for you.....he he he

    Pillow_fight : Illustration of Cute Little Girls Having a Pillow Fight Stock Photo

  • jo1955
    jo1955 Posts: 7,545
    edited June 2012
    dancetrancer - That is a good tip.  Thanks!   I could ask.  My bad experience was this.  Had my first IV put in many years ago when I had an ectopic pregnancy.  The IV had to be removed after it started backing up.  After 20 sticks between both hands and 4 people, they finally goit it in.  Never have gotten over that experience.  Just the thought makes me want to puke.  When I had my recon surgery in April, my DH told the nurse about my phobia and they must have sent their best person - she got it in on the first try and I felt it just a little bit.  For my upcoming day surgery, I will be at a different hospital.
  • dancetrancer
    dancetrancer Posts: 2,461
    edited June 2012

    Uggh Jo - that would make me freak too!!! 

  • jo1955
    jo1955 Posts: 7,545
    edited June 2012

    dancetrancer - What made the whole thing so bad was the fact I was new to the military and in a military facility.  I was enlisted and did not think I could tell an officer what to do like stop and leave me alone.  Things are so different in that setting.

  • chachamom
    chachamom Posts: 410
    edited June 2012

    Hey, Jo: I was born in Upland....grew up there and in Alta Loma, married in Ontario, lived in Santa Barbara County fo 25 years before retiring to live in San Felipe, Baja and then bought a condo in Rancho Cucamonga to have a US residence and to be close to my mom. So I've made a full circuit! The area has changed a lot in the last 30years!

    I think my MO wants me to stay on the Tamox for the full five years IF I can tolerate it....but at least for 1 1/2 years.

  • jo1955
    jo1955 Posts: 7,545
    edited June 2012

    Jill - I was born in Riverside at the military base that was once there and my parents lived in Perris.  Small world isn't it?

  • Sherryc
    Sherryc Posts: 4,503
    edited June 2012

    Thanks all my Aunt pulled though surgery and is doing great but when they release her form the hospital she will be going home on hospise.  Dr. thinks she will make it about three weeks.

    Sandee congrates on the clear mammo, woooooooooohoooooooooooo

    had a wonderul B-Day celebration.  My girlfriend goes all out for parties.  Even had an electrician come and hand a crystal chandelier in the try which she sill have them come back and take down.  Us girls got together early and out moms joined us for dinner.  It was really nice.

    Today went to a wonderful memorial for one of my girlfriends husbands  who passed away.  Cried like a baby but it was a celebration of life.

    Having terrible hiccups that I can't get rid of.

  • momx3
    momx3 Posts: 126
    edited June 2012

    Hi ALL,

    Happy late birthday SHERRY!!!

    Kinda been hiding and recooping from CPT surgery. Went to the Gyno, he sent me to a Gastro, and NOW they want to examine the "hiidden "tubes from the top abd the bottom. 

    I am getting tired og being poked & prodded!!!!!! UGH!!! Liquid diet and clean out for Monday, but Tinkhad an idea..... Tea & vodka.... both clear liquid!!! :)

  • chachamom
    chachamom Posts: 410
    edited June 2012

    Jo: yes it's a small world



    ((((Sherry)))))

  • June2268
    June2268 Posts: 926
    edited June 2012

    Oh Sherry my heart aches for you sending you gentle hugs!

  • jo1955
    jo1955 Posts: 7,545
    edited June 2012

    Sherry - Sending big (((HUGS))) to you.

  • bgirl
    bgirl Posts: 435
    edited June 2012

    Sherry - sending wishes to you and your family for peace at this time.

    Sandee - glad to see you are back,  so sorry you have had such a tough time lately

  • Sherryc
    Sherryc Posts: 4,503
    edited June 2012

    momx3 will be in your pocket monday.  Hope all turns outs ok

  • odie16
    odie16 Posts: 1,415
    edited June 2012

    Sherry - Sending huge hugs and heartfelt prayers for you & your family.  

  • tinkertude
    tinkertude Posts: 1,998
    edited June 2012

    Sherry... many prayers and hugs to you!

  • Paula66
    Paula66 Posts: 1,572
    edited June 2012

    Jumping in the pockets Tink.  Heres a little diddy to focus on!

  • jo1955
    jo1955 Posts: 7,545
    edited June 2012

    Tink - I'm on my way.  Make room for me.

    Paula - OMG!  What a way to wake up on a Monday morning. 

  • tinkertude
    tinkertude Posts: 1,998
    edited June 2012

    So glad you ladies are all coming!...

    Paula.. wow!!! i may hop in my own pocket if he is going to be there!!! :)

  • June2268
    June2268 Posts: 926
    edited June 2012

    Damn Tink I hope you can be nice and share, what a doosie.....good luck today.

  • MissAngie
    MissAngie Posts: 12
    edited June 2012

    Sherry - sending you hugs!

    Tink - I'm hopping into your pocket.  Looks like we are going to have so much fun with that hunk Paula is bringing Laughing

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