Calling all TNs
Comments
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Just dropping in to say a quick hello to everyone.
Welcome to the new ladies....you've found a great group of women here.
CS - good to hear from you! I was wondering where you were.
Naan - Great news! I'm dancing for you too!
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Just wanted to say morning all.
CS hope you are feeling stronger each day.
Hope you survived your sons party Titan.
Well been raining here AGAIN - and we have a friends bbq to go to this afternoon. gonna do to the sun dance later in the hope we get some.
Enjoy your days everyone.
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mccrimmon - yes, I thought you had kept your port for an art project. Sorry, I still can't remember stuff
DorisMarie - the removal was done in the surgeon's office with a local anesthetic. I had the choice of doing outpatient surgery at the hospital but I didn't want to go through more anesthetic and spend most of the day getting it done. At the surgeon's office I was in and out in less than an hour...then drove the 70 miles home..then worked the rest of the afternoon. Of course when I got home I had a 4 hour nap. It was good!
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Hi & afternoon tazzy & all. Home from surgery
Hooray! Did get confirmation that it triple negative. Breasts are gone..the wait for results has begun lol0 -
Cher Glad your surgery is over. There's now place like home! Especially after a hospital stay. Take it easy and let everyone pamper you. Jan
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Jan 69-- a lymph node transfer is just like it sounds. The surgeon "harvests" working lymph nodes and moves them to the auxilla (armpit area) and reconnects them to the lymph system. Sometimes it can be done with the lymph nodes that are in the fat they use for the DIEP reconstruction procedure. There are only a few docs in the US that do this procedure. You can google it. The actual term is Vascularized lymph node transfer or VLTx surgery. Dr Massey is the one I am setting up for consult with and considering travel to New Orleans or South Carolina to have it done. Sounds like it just might solve my LE issues.
Maggie
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Maggie, Thanks for the info. I've never heard of this! Wow!!! I'm going to google it ASAP. I want to get any further care at UCLA, maybe they have a specialist who does this procedure. Good wishes with your consult and let us know what you learn.
Happy Father's Day to all the old fellers!
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Cher - happy you're home and the surgery is over. One more step closer to the end of the journey. Rest well and let people help you.
Naan - AWESOME news. Congrats
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What are you all doing for Father's Day? My Dad and Mom are taking us all out to lunch..I'm so excited...we are going to a place that is not "healthy" at all..but I'm seeing roast beef, mashed potatoes and sweet corn in my future..and I'm going to enjoy it...alot.
My kids took my husband and I to a casino today for Father's day...of course we didn't win..but that is to be expected but we did have fun...my son has been home one week from school and I think we are all driving him crazy already...it takes awhile to get adjusted...even our cats are acting weird....they are very edgy.
Hey naan..a little late but so happy for you..good stuff! I really would like to see a video of Kathrynn doing the chicken dance though...
update on a friend..actually two...I haven't wanted to say anything but the 26 yr old died one week ago...she said that all she wanted was her hair and boobs back...I seriously hope she does have all of that back and more now....she was a beautiful young girl that had this crap....my daughter said..Mom..you had triple negative too..that's the most aggressive cancer there is..and I tried to explain to her that no..it really isn't..yes it is bad..but there are so many survivors of tn...I explained to her that we can't take the drugs after surgery and chemo and rads but that those 3 give us the biggest bang for our buck...that even taking a 5 year drug is no guarantee...
My other friend is Stage 2B..she just had her port in yesterday. chemo to follow very soon....I would love for her to come on here..she is not tn but she fits right in with the women on this board...funny, kind and very ready to kick cancer's a**S S ..I try to explain to people that coming on here is a good thing...that they will meet tons of women just like them...and that they don't have to post but just the information is awesome....I know that we can't believe everything we read but I have personally gained so much information from this board and met some great ladies...I've laughed my rear off and cried....
Oh well..enough of the violin stuff...I'm off to do some "wine" exercises...thanks Bernie!
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I can't remember who asked about her friend's hair not coming back in very thick. Did she have Taxol or Taxotere? I think it's a rare SE of one of them (both of them?) that the hair is permanently thin afterwards. A lady in my church is very thin on top after her chemo 5 years ago. She just laughs it off and doesn't wear anything to cover it. Said she was glad she got the "SE" that it worked and she's alive. She's a very nice lady.
I lost my Dad (lung cancer) in 2003. Tomorrow is Father's Day, and Monday will be his birthday.
Thanks for all the jokes and pictures, Bernie and everyone else. It helps me try to keep my spirits up. Love all you guys! 
It's been rough at work, too, lately. I can't say anything further without violating HIPAA, but cancer is an effing monster!
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titan... I am so sorry to hear about your friend. That is too sad for words and so bloody young to die from this crappy disease. So unfair. And your other friend shoud definitely come to this site. I have learnt so much, and go to my appoints to my Oncs with so much information now... Like you I have cried and hurt with laughter.
Cher - welcome back, glad you are at home with your comforts around you. Rest lots.
Talking of learning... Mags that about the lymph node transfer is great knowledge to have. My BS told me he will be removing at least 20 nodes so the chances of my getting le were pretty high... as I wont be having recon for about a year this is good knowledge to go with.
Oh! and Titan hope you over exerted yourself with the wine pilates
Me and DH do not have kids..but will spend time on skpe talking to our Dads in the UK. Happy Dads Day to all the old fellers out there.
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Hi Ladies
So many new names on here I can't keep up with it all. Welcome to everyone.
Not had a great couple of days with SE's. Arm is a bit swollen, not much but enough to make me worry. Hands are numb although the BC side is worse than the other and they are all tingly. Rash on my hands, but no tiredness this time and on the good front my boil is heaps better.
Titan - I'm also having roast beef for dinner. The old fellar is cooking it now and the smell is wafting my way. I see you are back on the wine and at that casino again, remember that race is coming up. Gotta be fit and sober for that.
So sorry to hear about your friend and that lovely young lady passing. Makes you wonder just what or who is up in that lovely blue sky. So very sad and unfair.
Heather - the subject seems to have gone past but I just wanted to say I sincerely hope you do get the chance to have at least one baby in your future. This is heartbreaking for you and I really hope it happens. You never know at the end of treatment you could be taking care of a little one and those other two babies of yours. I was told I couldn't have children. So we adopted my eldest girl and when she was nine months I found out I was two months pregnant. I have never regretted adopting though and she is and always will be my girl just as much as my youngest. They are very close and would anything for each other and we love them both dearly. So just maybe this could be another avenue open to you.
Lovely - I couldn't be without my grandchildren. They are just gorgeous and keep me young and laughing. I don't think anything is going to change that much in the world for people to stop wanting and having children.
Karen - the brazil nuts are sitting right where your hubbys prostate vitamins are, on the side. Panic about the prostate seems to be over, for now. Though I did tell him in the middle of the night last night, after the third wee, that he might consider taking them again. He goes to the loo and then said if he walks around the hours for a bit he can go back and do more !!!!! I said if you stay in there until you have properly been it saves all that trecking and keeping me awake.
Nann - my boil prevents me doing the happy dance but I'm thinking it. Congratulations.
Maggie - can you tell me how you LE started and the problems you now have. I have a feeling I am on the way to having/getting this and it's spacing me out because I type all day.
Oh well ladies I am going to go and eat some of that roast beef with crispy, crunchy tatties and heaps of good veges and then all my worries will be over.
Have a good day. Keep smiling. Annie
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INSTRUCTIONS FOR GIVING YOUR CAT A PILL
1. Pick cat up and cradle it in the crook of your left arm as if holding a baby. Position right forefinger and thumb on either side of cat's mouth and gently apply pressure to cheeks while holding pill in right hand. As cat opens mouth, pop pill into mouth. Allow cat to close mouth and swallow.
2. Retrieve pill from floor and cat from behind sofa. Cradle cat in left arm and repeat process.
3. Retrieve cat from bedroom, and throw soggy pill away. Take new pill from foil wrap, cradle cat in left arm holding rear paws tightly with lef hand. Force jaws open and push pill to back of mouth with right forefinger. Hold mouth shut for a count of 10.
4. Retrieve pill from goldfish bowl and cat from top of wardrobe. Call spouse from garden.
5. Kneel on floor with cat wedged firmly between knees, holding front and rear paws. Ignore low growls emitted by cat. Get spouse to hold cat's head firmly with one hand while forcing wooden ruler into mouth. Drop pill down ruler and rub cat's throat vigorously.
6. Retrieve cat from curtain rail, get another pill from foil wrap. Make note to buy new ruler and repair curtains. Carefully sweep shattered figurines from hearth and set to one side for gluing later.
7. Wrap cat in large towel and get spouse to lie on cat with its head just visible from below spouse's armpit. Put pill in end of drinking straw, force cat's mouth open with pencil and blow down drinking straw.
8. Check label to make sure pill not harmful to humans, drink glass of water to take taste away. Apply band-aid to spouse's forearm and remove blood from carpet with cold water and soap.
9. Retrieve cat from neighbor's shed. Get another pill. Place cat in cupboard and close door onto neck to leave head showing. Force mouth open with dessert spoon. Flick pill down throat with elastic band.
10. Fetch screwdriver from garage and put door back on hinges. Apply cold compress to cheek and check records for date of last tetanus shot. Throw T-shirt away and fetch new one from bedroom.
11. Ring fire brigade to retrieve cat from tree across the road. Apologize to neighbor who crashed into fence while swerving to avoid cat. Take last pill from foil wrap.
12. Tie cat's front paws to rear paws with garden twine and bind tightly to leg of dining table. Find heavy duty pruning gloves from shed. Force cat's mouth open with small spanner. Push pill into mouth followed by large piece of fillet steak. Hold head vertically and pour 1/2 pint of water down throat to wash pill down.
13. Get spouse to drive you to emergency room; sit quietly while doctor stitches fingers and forearm and removes pill remnants from right eye. Stop by furniture shop on way home to order new table.
14. Arrange for vet to make a housecall.
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Can you see that pill!!!!
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Thank u to all my fly girls who have danced and thought about dancing for those who r unable to dance yet! Special thanks to Titan for starting this wonderful thread! I too would like to see the chicken dance!!
Doris, your journey will end as mine did, seems like forever, but you'll be surprised when u finish at how fast time passed by. My journey started Oct 2011, here I am all done, now I will focus more on me and try to live a more healthier lifestyle!
Bernie, so funny, keep them coming!!0 -
Titan, I'm so very sorry to hear about your friends daughter. I know in my heart and soul that she is 100% whole again.
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Titan, so sorry to hear the news. My heart aches for her and her family.
Good morning to all. Wishing all the fellas a happy Father's day. My DH is golfing today and I am meeting my Dad for breakfast. We celebrated Fathers day last weekend with navyson and family. Just love spending time with our little grandson...he is two now and totally entertaining.
Welcome to the new ladies. You have found a good place.
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26 years old and dead from BC is the suckiest thing I have ever heard...so sorry Titan.
Cocker- my LE started as cording and webbing (terms used by my therapist) in the arm. During my radiation tx I noticed pain in the back side of the arm along with some swelling in the rib area. The arm started to feel "heavy" after rads were finished and the cording got really aweful to the point that I could not bend my wrist without pain or lift my arm above my head without the telltale pulling of the cords. You could see the cords as well under the skin. Then the noticeable swelling began in the hand. It was the hand that made me seek help from the LE therapist. I did not realize that the arm had gotten so swollen just really noticed in the hand. If you pushed on the top of the hand it would leave a "dent" that would stay for a while indicating the fluid build up or lymphedema. If you think that you are swelling than you need to see someone quickly as catching it early really improves your chances of keeping it at bay. There are different stages of LE and I am only stage I and am already hating my daily life changes. Also check out the threads for LE here. There are several especially knowledgeable gals there that can help you so much with some great advice. If you post through the LE thread a new one they are usually along within a couple of hours to help.
Maggie
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But Mother Cocker! Wine and casinos are so much more fun than running in circles!
And Bernie...just gave the cat a flea treatment..it took 3 of us, plus 3 attempts...I was thinking of your joke the whole time...had a little bit spilled on us...guess we will be flea free also...
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For everyone eating roast beef - I'm jealous!
Titian - sorry you lost your young friend, and have another starting down this awful path.
Annie - I'm glad your boil is healing a bit. Sorry you are having the numbness. Hang in there!
Heather- I loved hearing about the view, from your office.
Wishing everyone a good week !0 -
The roast beef was delicious! Then we came home and a few hours later had brats... Father's Day is fattening! ah well...Ill get back on the routine tomorrow...
Have a great week everyone...hang in there..
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Titan, I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend - 26 years old, how terrible. That's too young to even have to worry about any kind of illness, much less this cr*p. We need a cure now. I get so mad when reading about any advances in treatment when I get to the part that always seems to be at the end, "...could be years before available to patients..."
Bernie Ellen, I loved that- I actually bathed two cats today. I had help, don't think I could have done it alone. One had to be shaved a bit on his back; luckily he is pretty calm, but I did give him a very mild sedative the vet prescribed to calm him.
Annie, I'm sorry about the swelling. I hope it is just from the taxotere/taxol and will go away when you are finished with the chemo. I had swelling in my upper abdomen from it and all sorts of weird pains in my elbows. I have trace lymphedema in my upper left arm but it has actually been bothering me less the last couple weeks. It is only 1.5 cm larger than the other arm, but sometimes it feels heavy. I have a prescription to go to therapy, but I may wait until the first of the year because if I go now I will give up 3 regular physical therapy visits (20 allowed by insurance) and I really need those right now. I believe the physical therapy helps the LE also, as he stretches the MX scar in a way that I could not do on my own.
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Good Evening Ladies
Hope you are all well. I'm pleased to report that my boil although not gone yet is way way better. At least I can sit now without ooing and ahhing.
On the LE front my breast cancer nurse came today and he had a look at my arms and there were no 'dents' which apparently you get with LE. He said he would talk to my oncologist and she may decrease the dose of taxol to see if that helps. Also I have a rash on both hands and they are red which he said was caused by the taxol. I will be glad when its all over. It's really tiring me out now and I found it hard to type today. Still as I always say onwards and upwards.
Christina/Mags - I still have a cord under my arm on the BC side. Any tips on what exercises I can do apart from stretching as high as I can, which is what I have been doing.
Titan - I didn't put that exercise regime together only for you to spend your time drinking wine, playing at the casino and eating roast beef and Brats (whatever they are lol). Its time to put those running shoes on and show a leg. Do you realise there is only one week to go. Running around in circles is part of the training and it will make a man of you!!! Kathrynn and I have got front row seats for those clapping thighs lol.
For all those ladies out there trying to shove a pill down your cats or spraying them with flea spray. There is an easy option. Get a clothes peg, you know the spring clips that are on the washing line, grab the cat on the back of his neck, shove on the pin and the cat will not move. He might look like something out of a bloody horror movie but he won't move. You can then bathe your cat, shove the pill down its throat and spray it. Trust me it works. It really does. I do it every time and have no trouble. You won't see the cat for a couple of hours afterwards but he will come back for his dinner. Try it, it's freaking marvellous. Actually a vet told me to do that once when I was badly scratched trying to get a pill down him, that's the cat not the old fellar.
Actually I could do with getting the old fellar to take a pill cause he's got a cold and I don't want it. I told him he had to sleep in a spare room last night. So he dutifully went off and got into bed and I got into our bed. Well I tossed and turned, turned the electric blanket up, turned the electric blanket down and when I heard him get out for a wee I went and begged him to come back to bed cause I was cold. Do you know he didn't say a thing. He came back to bed, I put my head on his chest and we both went to sleep. Bless his little cotton socks, one in a bloody million.
Tonight he made me a wonderful soup with the left over beef and packed with veges. I could have eaten the pot. It was so yummy with french bread (and I put butter on the bread!!).
My youngest girl Mandy went to Melbourne in Australia for a long weekend shopping with her friends. Its only three hours by plane from here. They went Friday and and are back tonight (Monday). She text to say they were having a ball. She left her two kiddies with her hubby (wise girl) and went and enjoyed herself. Its only four days but we miss her like mad so I'm glad she's home tonight.
Heather - I wish I could see the view from your office as well just like Karen especially if I could see some of those animals.
Tell me ladies do you have big spiders in America. You know what I mean big ones, bigger than a 5 cent piece.
Well I'm off to do some more work cause I didn't get as much done today as I had hoped.
Have a good night. Sleep well. Keep away from SE's and smile. Annie.
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Titan - SO sorry to hear about your friend. I was diagnosed at 33 years and couldn't imagine having to face this at 26. My heart and prayers go out to your friend's family. I know she is whole again and rocking her boobs and flowing hair. Heavan just got a lot brighter when she came in. I'm really hopeful that one day this website won't exsit and there will be a CURE.
I had a GREAT weekend with my family and hosted my in-laws for Father's Day dinner yesterday/last night. Now I have a load of laundry on the line and I'm enjoying my coffee before starting the clean up from a great time with family. I hope you all have a great day today xo
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Cocker: glad you're feeling better. Your DH sounds like a gem.
Titan: So tragic to lose a 26 yo to this disease... my heart goes out to you, and to her family and other friends. I know what you mean about having your kid back home, it is an adjustment, but enjoy! My 19 yo was home for all of a week before he headed north to his spring/summer camp job. He's been home on weekends but that ends now for the summer.
But the very best thing that happened to me yesterday was having all my men here for Sunday dinner. DSs made BBQ ribs for their dad, played video games and then we all watched a flaky movie. 
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OBXK-I live in Northern VA.
Ladies -I loss my father last Monday. It was sudden. He apparently passed from a heart attack and there was nothing they could do to save him. I am all torn up inside, but I am starting to move forward. Today is my first day back at work and I feel so much love. My job sent a beautiful flower arrangement, it made me smile.
Life will go on and I will cry from time to time, but I am okay, but busy. So If you don't see me post often I am here but busy.
HUGS to all us fighters. No matter what life throws us we come out swinging.
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Good morning all. Sorry that I have not been commenting on anything this past month. I have had another PET scan, which showed that the bone and lung mets are shrinking (good news), but the liver mets are trying to take over (bad news). My MO has switched the chemo regimen once again. I am now on Zeloda. It is smaller than the normal dose to start with, since I have lost about 50 lbs since April. She will probably up it to the normal dose in 2 weeks depending on why my SE's are.
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Oh Fighter, I am so sorry to hear about your father. I hope with time your heart will heal and only the wonderful memories of him will shine through.
Just got back from Nebraska last night. Thank you to all who sent good wishes to my cousin. She came through surgery well (single mx w/ no recon and port placement). She says her port hurts way worse than the mx side. We tried to find the humor in everything while we were together. Bernie, I read her many of your wonderful jokes! She is very small chested, so I told her now she never needs to wear a bra again- she can just put a band-aid over the left one and she is good to go!! She said if she could have lifted her arms she would have hit me!!
Titan- I am very sorry to hear of your friend's death. A friend of mine from high school lost her 26 year old step-daughter 2 months ago to this beast. She and her fiance married while she lay in her hospital bed. She was gone 2 weeks later. It is tragic when anyone passes, but the young ones seem to hurt so much more.
Cocker- I hope you begin to feel better soon!
Welcome to all the new ladies. We are getting to be such a big group- wish we didn't have to be a "group" at all, but I do think the world of you all! Every now and then I just want to say Thank You to you all for your support, humor and friendship! Have a great Monday!
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Beccad- Yea on the shrinking bone and lung mets, BOOOO on the liver! I sincerely hope the Zeloda helps. 50lbs?? My goodness that is crazy-I hope your Dr. can get your SEs under control. Thanks for keeping us posted.
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Tif,
Yes 50 lbs! I was and am still a big girl, so in any other circumstances that would have been a good thing, but I think most of this has been muscle atrophy instead of fat. I just seem to stay tired all of the time.0
