Calling all TNs
Comments
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OMG! this is so sade about Karen - I have no words. So very sorry for her and her family. May they find peace and comfort.
Oh! Fuck I am angry now.
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my thoughts and prayers go out to Karen and her family. My heart is saddened by this news. We know that God has the final say!0 -
I too am shocked...Karen has always been here...love her......hate f'ing cancer0 -
Hi,
I was diagnosed right before my 39th birthday. First mammogram. Had it done because my mother was just diagnosed a month before at the age of 62. She had Stage 3c borderline TNS. I was diagnosed with Stage 2 TNS. She passed in August with Stage 4. I had a double mastectomy followed by chemo then rads. Three months later I asked for a PET scan and they found 2 less than 1mm spots in the same area. Had an ultrasound done and they could not find anything. Just had a MRI. Hope to get results next week so I can get my surgery scheduled and get these things cut out. It has been 2 months since they found the spots and I don't do want them in there any longer. I will be happy to have it done Xmas day if necessary. Oncologist is going to put me on Xeloda even though there has been no spreading detected to hopefully get ahead of this stubborn crap after I recover from my surgery. Radiation doctor said no more radiation since it didn't work the first time. I will do anything I need to do to get rid of this crap. I just need this ball to be rolling faster.0 -
Hard to find the words to express my sympathy to Karen & her family. I have (when first joined read back posts) enjoyed hers & her insight. May she finish her journey in peace & comfort, knowing the love of all of us.
This is not fair. Too many stricken early or still in prime of life. This disease f..ks up our bodies as well as our minds. The not knowing when is the hardest. Of course, no one knows when our time up is coming, but having this hanging over our heads (minds) is depressing. I thank each & every lady & one gent for the insight, encouragement & yes even rages posted here. It shows our strength, love, concern & unending support for each other.
May God grant us the strength to keep our heads up & keep fighting.
With love & thanks to all of you.
Marsha
P.S. Anyone hear from Stupidboob lately?0 -
second chemo is nasty. Feel nauseous, headache, no appetite... This is so sad ...0 -
Hi piperjo7-So you haven't had the surgery yet or biopsy to take the spots out yet? Are they sure it is cancer? I hope you can get some answers, sorry you have had to wait so long, doesn't seem right. Keep us posted.
Lookingforward-I was asking about stupidbood also, I hope she is ok
Jianchi-ugh, chemo sucks! Cancer sucks! I wish I had advice. I guess when I felt that way I would take Ativan and go to sleep. Hope you feel better soon.
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Just found out that hubby is getting laid off, they are closing the doors. He has been there for 20 years. Of course I always worry about the cancer coming back, and I have had bad hip/back pain for awhile, but now I am terrified. We had great insurance and felt I could get the best of care available here. Now I will be going on medicare as I am on disability. I know nothing about it but I guess I better find out. Hubby doesn't think he will be able to get a job with as good of benefits, he was union. My disability won't even cover the mortgage. Ugh. Why is life so tough? I really do appreciate much, but why does it seem like more bad comes my way than good? I am so thankful for my husband, family and animals, but why does it always seem like we are struggling? Sorry-my vent for the night.
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Jianchi, I'm glad this second infusion went better than your first one. I start AC on Tuesday and I'm getting nervous about it. I did pretty good with my 12 Taxol infusions other than the hard steroid crashes that I had on day 2 or 3. I'm going to talk to my MO about those and see if the crashes can be avoided or reduced while on AC. It's the nausea that worries me for this chemo. I'll be asking, no demanding, Emend if it's a problem. I've heard such good things about it, even if it is expensive! Throwing up is about my least favorite activity in the world.0 -
bak94 - sorry about your husband's job. Why is life so hard!? Sending good luck to your way.
Simplelife4real - sorry that I judged too soon. This second chemo is not better. I do not think Emend did anything for me. I have no appetite and slept through 5 days. I lost 1.5kg just this week. Crazy. I am so looking forward to the day that AC is done.0 -
bak94
So sorry to hear about your husband losing his job & therefore your insurance. Don't know your age but insurance is difficult to wade through. My husband is still working at age 78. His medical ins at company is primary. Because he has the insurance policy through his company I postponed going on Medicare, had hospital but not the medical part. When he was thinking of retiring a little while ago he said maybe you should kick in the medicare part B I think it is. When part B is activated after 65 you have 90 days to get a GAP policy to cover the 20% without riders on previous illnesses. I am now insured out my ears as he is not going to retire until next year sometime. Is the company offering a COBRA policy? Last I knew it was cheaper & better than most other options. My sister-in-law on disability was on medicare/Medicaid & got assistance in bills with her doctors. They told her of assistance groups that help. She had lung cancer. Maybe they can help.
I wish you the best in wading through the insurance nightmare. Just don't fret too much. It will work out somehow.
Good wishes & prayers coming your way.
Marsha0 -
Jianchi, I'm sorry to hear about AC #2 being bad. I have AC #1 tomorrow.
I went today for my BRCA testing. I'm 60 yrs old, so I wasn't sure my insurance would cover the cost. I found out today that they will. I'm very happy about that. I want to know my status before I make my final surgery decisions.0 -
simplelife4real - wish you all the best for your chemo tomorrow. I am getting a little better today. I will have my gene tested in early Jan. Like you, it will influence my decision on further surgery. Hugs to you!0 -
Bak..blah on your husband losing his job..that sucks...you guys don't need this right now (or any time)...insurance (or lack of it or the expense) is why so many people can't retire...so we work forever...my son is in college and will be a financial planner and we have been his "clients" and wow it has opened my eyes...my husband works in the public sector so he is ok but I am in the private sector and it stinks....so it looks like i will work 4-ever until I die....kind stinks.
Jianchi...glad you are feeling a little better...ac is cumulative...which scared me when they told me that...be sure to tell your onc about the nausea.....call them now....you need to be able to eat and drink to keep your strength up.0 -
Hello All,
Just heard from Stupidboob. She is just up to her eyeballs with life.
Her dog has cancer & not doing good. Her brother is having open heart surgery this week & her back is giving her pain.
So all of us need to send her loving & healing prayers.
Cancer SUCKS!!!!!
Marsha0 -
hate to hear that update about stupidboob but happy to hear an update....thinking of you stupidboob!0 -
jen, how are you doing? Ore diagnose is quite similar except I haven't done the genetic testing yet. Howare you feeling after chemo and stuff?0 -
Titan- thank you! I am feeling better and getting back to normal now. I have 2 more AC to go, then 4 T. Can't wait for chemo to be done!0 -
It's been a long time since I stopped back here and a lot has gone on. Tomorrow will be my 5 year cancerversary. I guess for most people making it 5 years is a good thing. But I had a local recurrence 1 1/2 years ago, so I don't know if that changes things.
Anyway, this August I had a total mental breakdown and was committed. It was due to me never dealing with my fears about the cancer returning, my addiction to pain pills from the BMX/reconstruction pain that never left me, and the dissolution of my marriage. I can say with certainty that cancer destroyed my marriage. I'm better off without such a selfish person, but cancer changed me in ways he could not deal with.
I'm doing better these days, just taking things one day at a time and trying not to get caught up in the worry and fear. It's been a very long tough 5 years, the worst of my life. Cancer has taken a terrible toll on me. Don't let anyone ever tell you it's no big deal. It is.
I'm hoping the next five make up for it. Fate owes me big time. Best to you all -0 -
minxie - sorry to hear about the tough time you have had in the last few months - I agree that cancer is a big deal and it does change us! Glad to hear that you are doing better now - take a day at a time - that's all we can do really! You certainly do deserve a much better next 5 years. Hugs!0 -
Minxie, you are such a brave woman to share that story! My heart goes out to you for all that you've been through. May you find love, peace and happiness in the next 5 plus years.0 -
Thanks for checking in Minxie. Yes, fate certainly owes you! I hope that each day brings you a little more happiness and hope for the future.
Had my 3 year check up with my BS today. All is well and she said I could move to yearly appointments if I choose, but I told her I would like to stick to 6 months. Probably not necessary as I see my MO still every 4 months, but I just feel better being watched closely!0 -
Minxie, I'm glad you checked in and let us know what's been going on with you. I think cancer's mental toll is really underrated. That's been by far the toughest part of it for me. I can handle the chemo, surgery, rads, but the uncertainty that goes with having TNBC is rough as we all know. You are among friends here and we are here to support you.
I'm at the infusion center right now and getting my first AC treatment. It was interesting to see how they have to manually push the adriamycin. That part is done, now I'm just waiting for the cytoxcin to finish infusing. I was delighted to learn today that they give Emend by IV here first so along with all my other oral antinausea meds, I should be pretty well covered. The IV Emend is supposed to last 5 days, I will also be taking Zofran for three days and phenergan for any breakthrough nausea.0 -
Minxie...everytime I log on to this thread it puts me several pages back with a post of yours saying hey to Inmate....so I "see" you almost every day..and think about you...I remember you talking about that husband of yours......
Your post is very real and very realistic about BC....there is no shame with your issues with pain meds....or any of the crap you went through...hoping that the next 5 or 50 years are good to you...you deserve it..
We all have our ways to deal with this crap.....maybe we should all "come out" and tell everyone..oh yes..I exercise and eat right...but I also drink my wine.....no excuses..I just do it.0 -
Just checked in with my BS today. All ok. Every 6 months is my schedule now. This month 26th is one year. He was happy that I am clear so far. He told me that in over 35 years of practice I am the only person that is allergic to all meds he has seen. He is fantastic. Very busy but still finds time to complement you. My body goes into severe reaction or in case of the chemo (AC as it is cumulative) tries to shut down. I almost died from the reaction to chemo in March. That is why I had to stop. It would have killed me if I continued. Reason being is no meds I can take to counteract the neutropenic fever. As he explained it would destroy my body. The organs would have shut down. So I take nothing. Not even the non FDA approved B17 was good for me. My body reacted badly to that too. So I pray. Have good family for backup. Do the best I can daily. I still have bad days. I do take some vitamins. B12 is one that has really helped.
My sister-in-law had 12 years of lung cancer remission before it finally took her. I'd be happy for 6 years, but of course pray for more.
It is up to our Lord when my time is up. I guess he still has plans for me. Long range I hope.
I am looking forward to Christmas this year. Spoiling my grandson, being with family.
Love to all,
I am in an up mood today. Last year around this time I was a mess. I figure this year has been a gift.
Marsha0 -
Minxie, God love you, girl. You have been through some pretty bad times....Hoping that you can feel our support and strength for you. I so totally agree that a cancer DX does change us and also that the mental toll it takes is underrated.So glad you checked in, Minxie. Hang in there.
Bak and Stupidboob: Hugs to you both. Hoping brighter days are just around the corner.
And to the new gals in treatment: We remember your misery and your fears. Holding you close to our hearts.
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Marsha - good that you have now moved to 6 month appointments. How many chemos did you actually have - just curious? It will be very interesting to see how you do compared with those of us have had chemo - I still have misgivings about the chemo, but it is done now - no going back.
Enjoy your Christmas with your family! This time last year I was going through chemo, so this year should be a better one for me also.0 -
Agree with everyone - last year sucked but this year Christmas is in full swing in our house and it is magical. I think back a year ago and on this day I was told the oncotype test revealed that my biopsy pathology was incorrect and I was TN.
My point is the ladies who are just starting their treatment journey...a year from now you will feel the same way! Push through it.
Love to all!0 -
Does anyone know what happened to Inspiredbydolce? She was such a regular, and such a great source of info. Then she just disappeared!0 -
alhusband - good question. Anybody knows?0
