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Class of 2009 - Sisters in the same time frame

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  • MillieD
    MillieD Member Posts: 24

    Hi Class of 2009.  I was diagnosed on March 3.  I had three tumors on my left breast 1cm to 1.7 cm.  After an MRI they found two more tumors on my left and "something" on my right.  I had a BM on 5/13 with immediate t/e reconstruction.  When my pathology report came back the "something" on my right breast was benign.  I still feel I made the best decision for me.  After a bad infection on both my incisions I had surgery on both breasts again on 6/30.  I was fortunate and didn't have to have the expanders removed but they did have to be drained.  Yesterday I started getting the fills again.  I was very very fortunate and did not need chemo or rad.  My oncx score was 5.  The dr. wanted the oncx score because I have two maternal aunts who had breast cancer.  I am BRAC 1 and 2 negative.  I started the temoxofen on July 17 and have had a couple of hot flashes.  I'm 50 years old today so I'm blaming them on that.  I am still out of work and being extra cautions with the fills because of the incisions opening up the first time. 

    Good luck to all my sisters who are going through chemo and rads.  God Bless You.

  • vivvygirl
    vivvygirl Member Posts: 171

    Millie

  • MillieD
    MillieD Member Posts: 24

    Vivvgirl.  Thank you.

  • pj12
    pj12 Member Posts: 18,108

    Anybody else see this on TV today?  How do we implement it into real life?  And are we mice or are we (wo)men?

    Previous studies have shown that intermittent calorie restriction provided greater protection from mammary tumor development than did the same overall degree of restriction, which was implemented in a chronic fashion. The researchers compared changes of a growth factor (IGF-1) in relationship to these two calorie restriction methods — chronic and intermittent — and tumor development beginning in 10-week old female mice at risk to develop mammary tumors. Their hope was to explain why intermittent restriction is more effective.

    The overall degree of restriction was 25 percent reduction compared to control mice. Mammary tumor incidence was 71 percent in the control mice who ate the amount of food they wanted, 35 percent among those who were chronically restricted and only nine percent in those who intermittently restricted calories. 

    For the full article, here is the link...

    http://machineslikeus.com/news/intermittent-calorie-restriction-may-protect-against-breast-cancer

    Pam 

  • pj12
    pj12 Member Posts: 18,108

    HI Cheryl,

    Thanks for joining us but sorry you have to be here.  You are really having the full experience!  I am sorry you have more to go through.  I don't know all the conditions but surely do get the picture.

    It seems there are a lot of women here from Canada, particularly Ontario.  And it sounds like your health care system is doing a good job taking care of you.  Do you feel good about your national system?  The U.S. is working on it.  Don't know what will happen.  While I have a high deductible, my insurance has been great and I am lucky to have it.

    Will be thinking of you as you await results.  Waiting is rough.

    Pam 

  • pj12
    pj12 Member Posts: 18,108

    Hi Ainm,

    So glad not to be disappointed about your accent!  I met a woman yesterday working in a church thrift shop with a thick Irish accent and bright red hair.  It made me think of you!

    How small is your village?  And how far do you have to travel for treatment?  What's the name of your town and I'll Google you.  My town is small (5000 people) but lots of growth all around us so not really like living in a small town anymore.  Good and bad... don't have to drive as far for shopping but too many people invade on the weekend for the farmers' market or the beach.  A new hospital was built along the interstate highway about 8 years ago... guess they anticipated the population growth.  Must say it made my treatment more convenient, it is only about 6 miles from home.

    Pam 

  • victoriasecret
    victoriasecret Member Posts: 37

    I 'm sorry to be here too trust me...I am sooo on top of my health this is insane...!!!15 months from my adeno diagnosis...i am becoming a regular in The OR ...pretty sad when you  start to recognize staff...

    Yes thanks to Tommy Douglas (the father of our  Canadian health care system )we have no worries...I cannot fathom being turned down for any test or medical procedure.

    I think your new pres is trying to adopt some of our system but I. hear not all are happy in the USA.

    Tomorrow I go for my post op appt. have my staples out and see whats up as to future treatment.path will not be back yet that is the next check off my list..

    thx for the kind words Pam.

    much love

    Cheryl

  • pj12
    pj12 Member Posts: 18,108

    Vivvy...

    Really cute birthday bear!  I might have to "copy" him.

    pam 

  • pj12
    pj12 Member Posts: 18,108

    And belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MILLIE!  I missed that on first read.  Thanks Vivvy, for paying attention.  :)

    Pam 

     

  • Ainm
    Ainm Member Posts: 362

    I really wonder will there ever be a 'normal' again!! I'm doing too much thinking!! I'm one week post rads, taking tamox for one week and I still feel that 'it's' just waiting to catch me out when I relax. I hope it gets easier to get use to being post treatment!! Ho Hum!!

    Pam, sorry I don't have red hair (actually no hair at the moment!!). There is a population of about  2000 in the village and immediate surroundings where I live. I have to travel about 40 miles (80 miles round trip) for treatment - it takes about an hour.

    Sorry I haven't said hi to everyone but this is a busy thread!!! Best of luck!

  • kim40
    kim40 Member Posts: 125

    Hi Pam

    I am finished rads.  Had a little emotional breakdown in the onc office yesterday, but other than that, its all ok.  My next appt with my medical onc is in September and my rad onc in November. I still have to do Herceptin, which I just started so I will be going back and forth to the hospital for a while.

  • nancypat
    nancypat Member Posts: 239

    Hi Pam, Viv and Sisters,

    Sorry I've been AWOL.  Still a little lung problem.  Onc wants me to go back to my pulmonary specialist but put that off till next week as I had visits from my son and grandson and a surprise visit from my younger son and his wife.  I feel so much better just having seen them.  After my oldest son got my grandson from his carseat, I noticed he had a little package in each hand holding them toward me.  IZ told him to give them to Gamma so he released them as soon as I took them, so freely given.  They were both bc pins.  Needless to say, I cried. 

    Thanks to all of you for your good thoughts sent my way.  Strength and courage to all of you to deal with what comes your way.  Hope everyone has a good night.

    Bunches of love,

    Nancy

  • pj12
    pj12 Member Posts: 18,108

    Hi Kim40!

     It is such a let down for active treatment to end. Well, Herceptin will keep you connected.  Is it given IV?  Big HUGS from Florida.  I hope your doctor is the kind to give hugs too.  If we are always brave and stoic in front of our doctors how can they know the whole picture?  And you are so busy!  How is the DANCE FOR A CURE going?  I would just love to be in NS right now.  It is soooo hot in Florida.  At least we are having almost daily rain storms which help keep the temps down.  Lots of lightning and thunder.  I'd love to know what your follow up procedures include.  I had CBC and CA 15-3 on my recent post RADS visit  with MO.  No mammogram so far. That will make me anxious!

    So glad to hear from you, Nancy.

    You sound so much better.  What a nice treat for your other son to come also.  Just when we get to thinking our sons don't understand what we are going through they surprise us. Bless them for being there for you.  Wish our kids all lived close by but modern life sends families all over the globe, let alone the country.

    Pam 

  • one-L
    one-L Member Posts: 653

    Hi ladies, I am also a member of the Class of 2009.  My dx was on July 21.  I go to the surgeon tomorrow to find out what my course of action will be.  I had a core needle biopsy and have .8 cm IDC in the right breast.

    He felt that I would have a lumpectomy, radiation and 5 years of a pill.  I think my surgery will be next week and I am just ready to get it over.

    This is a journey that I did not expect to take, but I am here with you and appreciate all the support you all give.  You all are an amazing group.  Too bad we had to meet this way.

  • pj12
    pj12 Member Posts: 18,108

    Hi One-L,

     Among all the awful experiences associated with my treatment, core needle biopsy ranks right up there with the worst.  Maybe just because it was one of the first procedures but I don't think so.  Your planned course sounds similar to mine.  I was Dx'd in March and finished RADS in early July.  I thought it would never end but it did!  I wanted everything as fast as possible too.  Just felt like a time bomb was ticking inside of me.  Thank goodness for this forum as it makes it possible to gain so much information so fast.  

    Big hugs and best wishes.

    Pam 

  • carolehalston
    carolehalston Member Posts: 8,210

    Hi, all.  I'm in the Class of 2009, too.  Went for an annual mammogram on 6/3 thinking I was one of the healthiest 66 yr. olds in the state of Louisiana.  Followed up with ultrasound and needle biopsy.  Diagnosed 6/25 with IDC.  Bilat. with recon. (Alloderm & silicone implants) on 7/24.  I'm a candidate for the oncotype dx testing.  That result will tell me whether I need to take chemo.  Either way, down the line I'll have to take Arimidex, which does not sound like a nice drug with all its SE's.

    I'm doing well with recovery insofar as feeling pretty good and regaining energy, but my incisions and nipples aren't looking as good as the Nurse Practitioner would like.  I wish my body would snap into it and get the job done!

    The most painful procedure I had done was the injection for the SNB the day before surgery.  I let the radiologist talk me into not having the numbing shots.  God, were those four injections (with the same needle) excruciating!    Did anyone else have the same experience?

    Hugs and good health to all of us. 

  • kim40
    kim40 Member Posts: 125

    Hi Pam

    The Dance for the Cure is coming along.  Still have a lot to do.  Tickets are now printed and we are selling them.  Still have to follow up on some local businesses for donations, but other than that it is moving along.  It is only a few weeks away so we are getting excited for the day to come.  It is a lot of work, especially while going through treatment, but I have a lot of friends and family that is helping me and in the long run, it is so worth it.   I'll post some pics when the event takes place. 

    I don't have any follow up procedures scheduled as of yet other than my regular follow up with the med onc in September and rad onc in November.  I guess in September I will find out about scans, etc.  But from what I heard, no scan is ordered  unless you have symptoms,so I don't know, but I will be checking with my next appt that's for sure! 

  • kookiesmom
    kookiesmom Member Posts: 57

    Hi I am a Class of 09er too!  I was diagnosed the end of  Jan. 09 and chose to have BMX on 3/25 with immediate recon.  The reason I chose BMX was that I had calcifications in both breasts and for the past 3 years I had to get biopsies/US/etc. done after mammograms and was always worried as I had very cystic breasts.  I couldn't have coped with MRIs w/contrast every 6 months as BS told me I would have to do for the rest of my life  if I had done a lumpectomy. I have a strong family history tho I am BRAC neg. My mom died of BC & my grandmother had it tho she lived to be 90.   I am the 3rd generation that it has reared its ugly head in.  So here I am awaiting my exchange surgery on 8/17.  I am taking tamoxifan and I am pretty sure I will spontaneously combust one of these nights!  Wheeew the hot flashes are just amazing.  I keep telling myself I am too hot for anything bad to grow in again so you just keep working little white pill.  I am tempted to get my hair cut short though as my neck gets so sweaty I am constantly putting my hair up then taking it down cause then I am cold once the burners turn off.  I am  approaching menopause so maybe it is a combo of tamox & the long goodbye to periods. 

    To Carole:  I too had the SNB w/o any pain killer before surgery - it wasn't even offered.  The technician took my hand & told me to squeeze & the Dr. said "sorry but this will hurt".  It really did hurt alot!  I am so glad I had a BMX because I will never have to do that test again! 

  • Ainm
    Ainm Member Posts: 362

    Evening classmates!! I posted on another thread about half an hour ago and told them I was just off to bed and yet here I still am!! Your company is addictive!!

    Kim40: Congratulations on finishing rads. I'm a week post rads myself and I must say I have been finding the transition from 'active' treatment very difficult. I have the dates for all my follow ups - onc 25th aug, BS 4th Sept, radiologist onc 30th Sept and they are like a little comfort blanket!!! But the gang on this board are a great help.

    Nancy: Hope you are feeling better and that you enjoyed your lovely visitors.

    Pam:Well? Did you google me? Whats the verdict? I googled your hometown - looks like there's a bit more happening there than here!!

    OneL: Welcome to the club and the very best of luck with your surgery.

    Carolehalston:  Welcome to you too.

    Kookiesmom: Welcome - I like your theory re the hot flushes - too hot for anything bad to grow - hehe:-)) I don't have the same hair problem tho' - mine hasn't grown back yet!!

    And with that I wish you all a very good night- sleep well!!

  • pj12
    pj12 Member Posts: 18,108

    Hi Carole and Kookiesmom,

    I think my opinion of the mammotome biopsy is tainted by the total lack of humanity demonstrated by the interventional radiologist who performed it.  Although I asked several times to have the chance to ask him some questions before the procedure, I never was able to see his face since I was already arranged like a butterfly on a slide when he came into the room and he left before I was "released."  He hardly recognized me, didn't get the clip in the right place and pawned off my questions on the nurse.  Ugh.  The nurse who did my nipple injections was personal, caring and sympathetic.  Explained the process, showed me the images of the radioactive nodes and apologized if she was hurting me.  It did hurt, you're right... but such a better experience.

    Sweet Dreams, Aimn,

    Yes, I looked Ireland up on Google. The aerial maps make it look both lushly green and rocky at the same time.  Is that right?  And lots of small towns or villages.  More like our New England, I think.  Florida is about as rock-less as a spot on earth could be.  It's very green here but only because it rains a lot... a totally hydroponic operation :)  

    For everyone waiting for the next shoe to drop... I am thinking about you!

    Pam 

  • pj12
    pj12 Member Posts: 18,108

    To One-L,

    Hope your Dr appt went well and you feel like you are moving forward with a plan.  So much anxiety!  Pam 

  • sredd7681
    sredd7681 Member Posts: 10

    Hello, All,

    I'm brand new Class of 2009.  I'm sorry I don't know any of you yet.  I was DX'd in July and just had my lumpectomy.  My onc says I'm definitely having radiation and Arimidex.  Chemo is still up in the air.  I don't know my Onc score yet.  Today I had oral surgery, which began before cancer, got interrupted, priorities, you know, breast trumps teeth.  I'm still a little shell-shocked with all this.  Don't really know what to do.  This is a great resource, talking to real people.  Thank you, all.

    Sheila, San Jose, CA 

  • SueInOhio
    SueInOhio Member Posts: 10

    Hi Pam!

    I, too, have been a bit AWOL! My gosh, this has turned into a busy thread! I was going to pop in with an update and got caught up in reading all the new posts! Welcome to everyone!

    One-L:  Your situation sounds like mine! Just wait until you hear how many times people will tell you how lucky you are! I sure didn't feel so lucky at the beginning. And, the doctors kept saying good, good, everything looks good. Well okay, what is so good about it?? Surprised  So, after I settled down, I do realize that I am lucky. I do not whine as much. These wonderful people here listened to me whine. I was dx on a Wed, saw the surgeon on Thurs, had core needle biopsy on Friday. MRI on following Tuesday, and lumpectomy surgery on Thurs. BUSY week that was. I will be on Arimidex for 5 years. No chemo for me. Just starting radiation treatments. We will be there with you all the way! Hugs!

    ok...my update...Smile   Had the radiation consult and simulation on Monday. Wish I had taken that painkiller to relax like someone suggested...not for pain...just to relax. Actually it was very easy. I think the unknown was the stressful part...where to go...what to do...Today I had the "dry run". Everyone at my facility is wonderful...just wonderful. Tomorrow is #1 of 33 treatments! I am trying real hard not to worry about this burn thing. I am fair and have ALWAYS sunburned. But they tell me my rad dose is not that much or something like that...so, maybe I will be one of the lucky ones. My dog is going to be very happy about these rads. I have decided to take him for a walk every night of rads. I have heard that exercise helps you to not burn. Don't know if it is true or not...but Boomer, my goldendoodle, will love it and it will be good for me too!

    Pam, I agree....Ireland sounds lovely...hopefully Ainm is sound asleep at this moment with a smile on her face!

    Hugs to you all!

    Sue

  • LeeMcC
    LeeMcC Member Posts: 12

    Hi all -- I'm here, too. Dx in July and I'm going to have SNB and BMX with immediate reconstruction in September probably. I'm right now trying to decide between TEs/implants and DIEP.  (Okay, so at this moment I'm watching the breast cancer dance by Melissa and Ade on "So You Think You Can Dance"!)

    I get strength from all you ladies!!!

    Lee

  • vivvygirl
    vivvygirl Member Posts: 171

    Hi all,

    Have been checking in everyday to see how everyone is doing.
    Just haven't had much to say the last few days....doesn't sound like me!  lol

    Well it is Friday here so I just want to wish you all a great weekend.

    Hugs 

    Viv

  • SueInOhio
    SueInOhio Member Posts: 10

    Hi Sheila! Sounds like you may be in the boat that One-L and I are in! Shell-shocked is a good way to describe it. There will be a plan made after that oncotype dx score comes back, My score was 18...barely made it into the low risk group. No chemo for me! I think things got easier for me when I got some control back. Not that I have a lot of control over the 33 radiation treatments I am about to have! Well, I did get to pick the time! I chose 7:24 AM. (I may be nuts! That early! But I am a morning person!) 

     Hope your mouth is not too sore after that oral surgery! Welcome to the group...it is a good one!

    Hugs,    Sue

  • SueInOhio
    SueInOhio Member Posts: 10

    Viv....love the picture! That cat looks like I feel on some days! (It is a cat, isn't it?)

    I am going to bed!  Goodnight all!

    Sue

  • She
    She Member Posts: 131

    Chemobrain...mentalpause.. or just plain ole stress, I can't remember if I've posted on this thread  ...lol 

    Dx in June with BC #3, I finished all my scans and tests yesterday for BL mast & diep in early Sep.  Will probably get the OncoDx done.  Onc says until the path is in 'everything' is on the table.  I had AC 13 yrs ago so really hope chemo gets taken 'off the table' ...lol

    Hey L-One - how did the surgeon app't go?

  • sredd7681
    sredd7681 Member Posts: 10

    Hi, Sue,  I just got my Onco score today, 13.  They tell me it puts me in the primary study group and I will be randomized for chemo.  And you say you just missed chemo with an 18.  I don't know what to do.  My oral surgeon says I won't be fully healed for three weeks.  My clinical study wants treatment to begin within 14 days of my score.  I may be disqualified.  I reallllly don't want chemo and I don't think my cancer numbers warrant it, necessarily.  It's so hard to know what to do.  The clinical trials want as many people as they can get, and that's a good thing, but it's more about the study than my particular set of circumstances. 

    "Ah, what a world, what a world," said the Wicked Witch of the (well, let's say West, since I'm in CA.)

    Ainm,  I'm so very glad I went to Ireland to see my grandparents beginnings before I learned of the cancer.  After this is over, Ireland will be my treat to myself for living.

    You are wonderful women,

    Sheila 

  • pj12
    pj12 Member Posts: 18,108

    HI Sheila,

     Great Irish name.  Wow... Stage 1, Grade 1, Onco Dx 13 and they want to do Chemo?  If you are a candidate then I would think everyone and anyone would be.  We all want to support research but no one wants to feel like a guinea pig.  What a hard decision to have to make.  What does your medical oncologist think?  Just another problem to deal with... seems to never end.

    VIV,

    Love your cat!  With heat and humidity my hair looks like that all the time these days.

    Hi She,

     We newbies have a lot to learn from you!  #3!  With that length of time is this considered a recurrence or a new episode?  And does it make any difference in the treatment plan?  Do I have it right... one radiation course is all can be done on one breast?  And have you been on hormonal therapy?  From what I read Chemo is not as rough as it used to be but hope you escape it this time.  Our good vibes are going out to you.

    Pam 

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