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Class of 2009 - Sisters in the same time frame

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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 2,631

    M360 -- wow I'm so happy for you!  The Center sounds truly wonderful ... especially the hope tree... a lovely idea and so thoughtful that they include something like that in the total care package they are giving you (and not just percentages and science).  Yay for you!

    Lilah

  • pj12
    pj12 Member Posts: 18,108

    M360,

    I wish we all could have your experience in our cancer journey.  Those of us who don't have a clinic setting have to really be on top of our care, coordinating specialists, arranging tests and appts, getting our doctors to talk to each other, and on and on.  I talked to my surgeon about his and his long term plan is to establish such a network.  But that;s a big job.  Glad you have found such a wonderful place.

    pam 

  • JustmeAlicia
    JustmeAlicia Member Posts: 629

    M360 ~

    Sounds like an amazing place.  I am glad you are getting good care and hope only for the best for you.

    To all my other sisters here-- Wishing you all a good day.  Hope you rad girls are hanging in there !

    Hugs ~

    Alicia

  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 885

    I love the cancer center here...They do all my bookings and are so accommodating.  I feel I am getting the best care.  I had my last treatment in a new wing and it was so open and bright, and cheery.  That being said, I can't wait to not go back there again..

  • pj12
    pj12 Member Posts: 18,108

    Alicia,

    Do I remember correctly?  Is this the week your husband goes to the doctor?  If I'm right, wishing you both the best.

    pam 

  • JustmeAlicia
    JustmeAlicia Member Posts: 629

    Yes Pam, Thanks for remembering.  We really don't know much.  They ran more blood work.  We are hoping it is just a blood disorder where his bone marrow tells his body to make too many platelets.  It will require medication for life.  In the meantime we look and make sure something bigger isn't brewing.  Blood work first ~ if that shows any indication of the blood disorder good.  If not we have to look for tumors, body scan script is in hand.  I am just overwhelmed and in denial telling myself it is just a blood disorder.  Thorough exam shows no signs or symptoms of anything including the blood disorder.  There is a possibility his body is just fighting some sort of infection somewhere.  So we will re-check in 2 weeks and are awaiting test results.

    Thanks for thinking of him and all the prayers girls.

    :)
    Alicia

  • pj12
    pj12 Member Posts: 18,108

    Alicia,

    You all  surely do not need this at this time!  My thoughts are with you.  Trust it will be the simpler explanation... you have all of us praying for you.

    pam 

  • magob
    magob Member Posts: 242

    Help, Friends!  I sure could use your strong shoulders right now.  Today was my back appointment.  You might remember I was dealing with scoliosis before the cancer diagnosis last May.  The doctor reviewed my old scans from January 2009.  There is a lesion on my spine that was not too scary when they first saw it.  But now that we know I have breast cancer, it's a different story.  My kind of breast cancer typically goes to bones.  And there has been lots of pain lately - I have been posting with some of you about post-chemo rheumatism.  Soooo - is it scoliosis that is causing the pain?  Is it rheumatism?  Has the cancer moved into the spine?  Any or all of the above?  

    MRI with and without contrast is scheduled for Thursday at 6:00 pm. Results will be available Monday. Do you remember how you felt when you were first diagnosed?  Nervous, sad, scared, anxious, don't know what to do with yourself, and the laundry needs to be done and I really should eat but just cant do it - and yet I really want to fool myself and do these things so life will seem normal - but now way to figure out what the heck to do but stare and think.  The only good thing about being through it before is that I know this will pass, and that I can do anything if I have to.  Say a prayer for me, will you?   So glad you are all here.  XO, Mary 

  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 885

    Mary, That sure sounds scary to me....more tests, and big new fears...At least it will happen this week so you won't have so long to wait...Some times I just want to stick my head in the sand  and pretend this isn't happening...at least once you know what is going on you can deal with it and move on...until then try to relax as it could be nothing....sending big hugs and prayers to you.

  • pj12
    pj12 Member Posts: 18,108

    MARY,

    Do we ever remember the anxiety of tests! Thank goodness they are moving quickly and you will have results by Monday.  But that leaves a lot of moments for bad thoughts to creep in!  We are all waiting with you and hoping for the best news possible.

    BUT Good Grief Girl...you have every reason for back pain with scoliosis!   And this cold weather is enough to make every body part hurt.  And aren't you in the middle of radiation?  Lying on that hard table can't help your back!

    You have done so much, been through so much,  in this fight, YOU have to be okay now.  A grade 1 cancer is just not going to be such a booger!  We are all praying for you!  You are going to be alright.

    pam 

  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 2,631

    Mary -- I agree with Pam: grade one cancer seems unlikley to metastasize... hang in there.  Prayers being said for you anyway (because we all deserve those).  Will it be an open MRI?  If not you might want to ask for something to make you sleep through it; when I had my BC diagnosis and had to get an MRI I almost lost it being in that tube.  I think it lasted all of 30 minutes but I just could not take the anxiety of the small space on top of the anxiety of the cancer diagnosis, etc.  Afterward I heard you can get knocked out with a pill of some kind and I personally intend to request same if I ever have to have another MRI.

    Cheers,

    Lilah

  • c2will
    c2will Member Posts: 27

    Mary - Hang in there!  I agree with Pam - your pain is most likely anything but the cancer.  I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.  Do something that you enjoy, THEN do the laundry.  I remember the waiting, and tried to do crafts or anything else that kept my mind occupied.

  • JustmeAlicia
    JustmeAlicia Member Posts: 629

    Mary ~

    I just can't let myself think it is cancer.  I prefer to deny until proven otherwise.....  Hang in there.  I will be praying for you each day ~  Is there any way you can tell them you are "high" anxiety going through breast cancer, can they get you the results before the weekend???  That waiting is such torture.  I remember the waiting for results game, it's not fun. 

    Big hugs !

    Alicia

  • magob
    magob Member Posts: 242

    Thanks, Ladies.  I love you all.  The MRI will be open.  They will not be using the port for the IV, doggone it.  Something for anxiety sounds good - no more slugging it out - sleep would be good. 

  • mimi1964
    mimi1964 Member Posts: 851

    Mary - I totally agree with Pam... a stage 1 cancer isn't likely to have metastasized.  I will be praying for you with all the other great ladies here in this forum until you get your results back.  We all know how stressful the waiting can be.  It is the most difficult part and it's most definitely NOT fun!! Sending Big {{{Hugs}}} your way!!!

     Renee

  • one-L
    one-L Member Posts: 653

    Mary, I think you are experiencing what any of us would fear, if we were in your shoes.  Will every ache and pain we have for the rest of our lives, always scare us to death about the bc spreading.  I know we will all try to move on, but the thoughts will always be there.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Renee, almost 1/2 through rads.  WoooHoooo!  I am ready to get started.

    Alicia, I am sorry you are still having to play the waiting game with your DH and his blood work.  I hope all turns out well.

    M360, I am so glad  that you have found a center where you are getting the care you deserve.  A peaceful setting will help you so much.  It will not be long before you have a plan in place.

    Welcome Berthie, we are always glad someone wants to join us.  We are just sorry for the reasons why you had  to join us.

    Good evening to Pam, Lilah, Michele, Linda and suzwes, I hope you are all having a good week.

    I am settling back into a routine of work and I wish I could stay home, but not possible.  I am not suffering the fatigue that I had after tx #3, I think it is because I asked for some sleep aids and am sleeping much better.  I am also going to bed earlier, since I get up at 4:30 and that is making a huge difference.

    Sending Hugs to everyone.

    Juannelle.

  • mimi1964
    mimi1964 Member Posts: 851

    Juanelle I am glad you are feeling better and about to get started on your rads!! 

    Alicia - I forgot to mention earlier, but I will be praying that everything goes well with your husband and that all of his tests are negative.  That it was just a fluke of nature maybe... or at least nothing more than an infection that can be cleared with antibiotics.  Hugs Sweetie!

  • M360
    M360 Member Posts: 164

    Magob, The worries of wondering what treatment and how to treat scoliosis is a big step in life on it's own.  I also have scoliosis but in my neck and chose not to have surgery years ago, but I also had a lesion on my lower spine.  They went in and cleaned out that area, then I had antibiotics for a long time.  With my type of connective tissue disease along with severe arthritis I had lesions on the bone in my hands, shoulders, knees, feet.  Never cancer, just an autoimmune response.  With cancer treatment I was told that they will watch for autoimmune problems such as lesions.  For this reason I am told that people with Lupus and autoimmune problems cannot have radiation.  I don't know your treatment, but have they done radiation, and if so did they test to make sure you didn't have autoimmune problems before treatment.  I feel for you.  I really do.  I understand the fear.  I for the first time after the positive experience yesterday and being so happy, couldn't sleep no matter what, I read all night all the books, papers and documents they gave me regarding my cancer and complications.  Then tonight when my teenagers forgot to take out the trash, I cried for the first time since being diagnosed with BC.   All the emotions you are feeling are normal.  Spinal problems mean slowing down, also a long recovery, that on top of your breast cancer is a hard pill to swallow.  It is so wonderful that we have all the women here to listen, and if you need to ask any questions about rheumatic problems, if I can I will answer them to the best of my ability, (I've been dealing with bone and connective issues for 21 years) with your doctors you should bring this up along with have they tested for any autoimmune diseases and if so then how to approach your treatment with BC.  Hope this helps at all.

    Alicia, my prayers for both you and your husband and I hope that everything will turn out okay.

    PJ, How I wish that cancer centers would become more patient friendly.  The difference from one to another is amazing.  To have a navigator who takes care of everything makes things so much more human.  I've hit the limits with front office people and mistakes, for someone to take that task over has made me feel that I can deal with healing instead of fighting for everything and every step of the way.  My navigator even got me an appointment with a Surgeon who didn't take my insurance, but knew of my health issues and complications and felt I was a good case study.  These last couple of days I really feel blessed.  I thought I couldn't make it through this, now I see such hope.  Wondering if God gave me all my problems with the first center so that I would leave and by doing so save my life.  And reflecting on all that has come about from Doctors and treatments etc., that I never in my wildest dreams thought would happen.

    Now if I can only learn how to shorten my posts!  I just don't want to any of you to think that I'm not reading or listening or that I don't care, I wish I was the fairy godmother and I could wave my wand and bring and end to everyones health care problems.

    Thank you all so much for allowing me to let go.  I have always been the caregiver, it's hard for me to let others care for me, something I'm learning to do first here and then hopefully in my day to day life.  I am not Superwoman, and for the first time I feel that's okay because of all of you.

  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 2,631

    Great post M360 -- never worry about length!

    Hugs to all... it's so hard dealing with this but it IS something you can deal with and you will.  Cry if you need to (it gets the bad feelings out).  Celebrate the good things too. 

    Prayers for all for good outcomes on tests.

    Cheers,

    Lilah

  • pj12
    pj12 Member Posts: 18,108

    MARY.

    Thinking about you and wishing you well tomorrow.

    pam 

  • mimi1964
    mimi1964 Member Posts: 851

    Mary sending well wishes for tomorrow. 

    Alicia - still praying for good results from your DH test.

    Hi to everyone else, hope you are managing to stay warm these cold days.  We are expecting snow here in the greast state of Alabama tomorrow.  Woo HOO!!! I can't wait.  Only 1-2 inches (so they say).  LOL!  I plan on taking my granddaughter out to play when I get home from rads.  They rescheduled my appt for 2:30 so that means I will get home by 3:00 p.m. and we can go out hopefully while it is still light and snowing.  Keep your fingers crossed.  Smile  

    Renee

  • JustmeAlicia
    JustmeAlicia Member Posts: 629

    Thank you everyone for the prayers.  I really appreciate them ~

    This weather is crazy.  SO cold and being bald surely doesn't help.  :)  Hoping you get to play in the snow Renee with your granddaughter tomorrow. 

    Your snow is coming our way for Friday they are prediciting 1-3 inches for us. 

    Good wishes to Pam, Juanelle, Mary, Lilah, Renee and everyone else !!!

    :)
    Alicia

  • one-L
    one-L Member Posts: 653

    Thinking about everyone and wishing them well. 

    M360, your posts are not too long and they are very interesting.  I am blessed in so many ways.  I am only having to deal with BC and no other health problems.  I know some would think  that was strange to say I am blessed to only have BC, but all of you understand.

    Juannelle

  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 885

    M360, I like the long posts...mine are short because I end up typing most of it twice since I make so many mistakes...must be my chemo-fingers...that's my story and I and sticking to it.

  • magob
    magob Member Posts: 242

    Hi Friends - Thanks for your love and support.  I feel confident this darned lesion is not cancer. The onc helped me relax.  Says that yes it could be a metastasis, but that she "would be surprised if it is."  For a while, I was wound up tighter than a two-day watch.  But I am letting go of all of that now, and accepting that come what may, I'm going to be A-OK.  I know it in my heart.    

    Thanks M360, your info is helpful.  Sounds like we are two peas in a pod.

    For that matter, if I have to be in this pod with anyone, I couldn't be luckier to be in it with ALL of you sweet peas.   Love to you all, Mary

  • Debbie68
    Debbie68 Member Posts: 19

    Could I please join this group? I just discovered this site last week and have been doing A LOT of reading. It's so nice to meet others who are sharing the same experiences.

    A little bit about myself. I am 41, married, one daughter (9), had my very first mammogram the beginning of Sept., called back with results and told they "saw something in the R breast". Had sonogram and was told they saw a mass, didn't appear to be a cyst. Had biopsy in October and was told I had IDC (I cm) on Oct. 12th. MRI was scheduled and I was told I also had Atypia Hyperplasia (AH) also in the R breast. A MRI directed biopsy was then scheduled and I was told the AH was borderline DCIS. This was not exactly what I expected when I went in for my FIRST mammogram, but I thank God that it was caught early.

    My BS and I decided my best course of action would be to do a SNB followed by RMX and a prophylactic LMX. So I had my Bi-Lat Mx on 11/30 followed by immediate reconstruction (TE). My PS was able to put 600cc in at the time of the surgery. I have an 800cc capacity, but do not want to go that large... I was large breasted before and want to be smaller.

    My Oncotype/DX was ordered on Dec 30th, so I am waiting for the results of that to determine if I need chemo. I should get the results on Thu, Jan 14th. I pray I do not have to have chemo. I do know I will have to be on tamoxifen, not sure when that will start.

    I was suppose to have my first fill on Tues., but PS thought I was still a little swollen, so decided to wait. I will see him again in a couple of weeks. I am happy with what I have now, so I'm not in a big hurry anyway.

    We got 2" of snow last night and we are expected to get 4-6" more today.  It looks so beautiful!!!

    Stay warm everyone!!!

  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 885

    Debbie, welcome welcome welcome...glad you found us, but it sucks you had to look for us in the first place...This site has saved my sanity I am sure...looking forward to getting to know you...

    Michele

  • jburke1
    jburke1 Member Posts: 258

    Hello everyone,

    Debbie-Welcome to our group...I'm glad you found us, but sorry you have to be here at the same time. I wish you well.

    Mary- Big prayers and hugs for you as you wait for the results of your MRI. Take care and breathe easy. We are all here for you good news or bad. But praying for good outcomes.

    Juannelle, Michele, Alicia, Pam and everyone else-Wishing you all well and hope you are all doing good.

    I have been taking the 2 Aleve a day and my breast is feeling better. So, I am happy about that. Not much else to report. Just wishing all of you lovely ladies peace and health :)

    Hugs

    Jen

  • mimi1964
    mimi1964 Member Posts: 851

    Hi Debbie and Welcome to our little corner of the world... glad you found us.  There are some really great ladies here and you will find a lot of support from everyone.  They have been a pillar of strength for me the last few months. 

    Mary - Praying for you as you await the results of your MRI.  Just know we are here for you!

    Juanelle, Michele, Pam, Lilah and Jen - hope you are all having a great day!!

    Alicia - How are you and your husband?  I have been thinking and praying for you often. 

    I completed #19 rads today I am 1/2 way through.  I have 9 regular txts left and then 10 boosts.  I have started to burn, pretty badly, especially under the deep part of my arm pit.  I saw my rad onc today and he said I had dry peeling and it was raw and from the radiation (though I am not suppose to be getting radiation under my arm), but it's there.  He gave me some cream called REGENECARE that has lidocaine and collagen and is for 1st and 2nd degree burns.  I am also burning at the top of my chest area up to my collar bone.  Funny, they were more worried about underneath my breast, and only a little pink and it has been disipating by morning. Please say a prayer that I make it the rest of the way through this without any further major complications.  I am already very down and out.  Trying to stay focused and positive but somedays it's just hard as you all know.  

    Renee 

  • jburke1
    jburke1 Member Posts: 258

    Renee~ Prayers for you that you can make it thru the 2nd half of rads without too much more burning. All you can do is religiously use the cream they give you and take it easy. Rest as much as you possibly can. Rads are pretty tough, but you are tougher! Don't forget that :)

    Love and gentle hugs

    Jen

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