2010 Sisters
Comments
-
Karen what is BIRADS3? I just had my first mamo since diagnosis and also a MRI. No results yet.
0 -
Samsue, I had results of the mammo the same time. ??? Not an MRI since I haven't had one yet. Waaah. Hate tests!
0 -
Samsue - BIRADS 3 rating means "probably" benign, but needs to be followed closely (usually they have you come back in 6 months). It's basically "radiologist speak" for "we don't know, really."
Karen
0 -
I wanted to know the oncotype score and my reg onc wouldn't order it for me. So, the rad MD is taking care of most of my care now. He ordered that and the MRI plus my mamo. Don't have results for any of them yet. I told him with the results for the oncotype it would help me decide what type of treatment I would be willing to do. I tried the A's and couldn't tolerate them. So, now I'm doing the DIM plus other stuff. He was even willing to check into the DIM because he hadn't heard of it before.
0 -
samsue- Interesting that you are being monitored by you rads Onc instead of medical Onc. I don't really care for my medical Onc and I adore my RO. He actually totally understood my reasons for declining hormone therapy and explained that in my case I would statistically benefit a small amount. I didn't know that we could be followed by our RO. Can they order the MRIs, hormone tests and other things?
0 -
Designermom, mine did. He's a MD so he has all the credentials and the insurance is honoring his requests. I wouldn't go back to my onc if I didn't have to. All she ever wants to do is write a script and not really talk to me about anything other than pills. She still hasn't done an exam!
0 -
I too am searching for a point of care doctor to oversee all of this. My BS and PS work together. I have a great GP. My oncologist is moving to Phoenix. He is happy to keep in touch with emails but honestly, despite his profile in the industry (and it is an industry), I need someone here. I am going to let BS give me a referral to the onc she works with (I declined after choosing to go with my superstar:) But the the truth is, I have no idea who is supposed to be monitoring me (i.e. hormone levels, followups, etc) It is all so confusing. I still have not started the arimidex( my last conversation with oncologist was him telling me it was my best option and if the SEs were too significant, we would try the others sequentially. He said I needed no other tests). Frankly, I think everyone involved is not so "alarmed" due to my low stats but I know better than to "rest" on them. My head is spinning at this point.
0 -
annettek - I understand your concern and can relate. Our dx's are similar and our stories are about the same. I am using my med onc as the main person to take care of me. I have been through the A's and can not take them - will see med onc on Wed to start Tamox. My med onc can order any tests I need including follow up mammos. I will see him in Apr then again in Aug. In June, I see my gyn for my annual exam and if he sets up my mammo that is okay by my med onc. I am to let him know so he can get the results. I feel comfortable going to just one person - less appts that way and I don't have to worry about if everyone is on the same page.0
-
Jo I actually asked my PCP who was supposed to monitor me with all the tests ect. He said he was the first person to go to, however the test for the oncotype can only be ordered by a rad onc or med onc so the rad onc ordered it for me because the med onc refused. I was to go for a follow up for the rads and he wanted a mamo before the visit, I asked for the MRI because of other issues with the breast. He agreed to all so he's giving the information to the PCP when it comes in.
My PCP was OK with all this because he knows what is going on... I see him fairly regularly because I'm always there for "something" colds, bee stings, whatever!
0 -
Thanks Jo..
Wow, I am down in the dumps. I cannot shake it off like I normally do. I hope it passes soon- I took an ativan and that took the edge off but not enough. I just feel confused and angry and alone right now. Not my usual strident know it all crap. I hate feeling weak. Funny, it is easier to do for someone else but when it comes to me. Not so much. I just feel scattered. I am about to stop smoking so of course I am smoking like a chimney. Cutting back on caffeine- so lets have thirty cups a coffee a day. I don't understand why I do this, hoepfully I will get my butt in gear in the next couple of days. I hope so. What a sob sister and I am not liking it. Geez, sorry for being such a weiner (and I meant weiner- much better than whiner:)
0 -
annette - Whine all you want and you are not weak. Just full of emotions that need to get out. We are here for. You will shake it off, just give it some time. Trying to stop smoking and cutting down on caffeine at the same time? I would be a raging b----ch.
0 -
annettek - Big hug for you! Wish I could make it better.0
-
Annettek
Sorry you're feeling so down. It must be really hard to stop smoking and not having the coffee. I gave up coffee in March and it wasn't fun. Hang in there tomorrow is another day and we can start it over at any time. Perhaps you might be able to talk to your Dr concerning your down days if they continue.
This is the BEST place to come when you're needing to vent!
0 -
thanks for all the kind words-they mean a lot and actually do help make it better. It is so hard for me to admit weakness. Except I think it is becoming patently obvious that I am! you guys make it ok and that is no small thing to a type A like me. It is funny but I keep remembering a plaque my mother-in-law used to have in her kitchen- it said something like "I will have nervous breakdown as soon as I can schedule one" - If it all gets too out of control, I will go talk to someone. Although my track record with that is not so good. In the past ( tried three different ones at various times) they all landed up telling me I was amazing and strong. GREAT-one (I kid you not) actually started taking notes and wanting tips.It really ticked me. I said I NEED HELP and she said, oh you are doing so well, I just needed more happy thoughts or some BS like that. Another said if it was all too much, maybe I should just leave. That the prpoblem was not me but everything else in my life/!?! Just what I needed to hear. She said put my autistic son in a home and divorce my husband and go be free. There you go. How nice. Went looking for advice on how to work on me and get told it was everyone else. That is weird. The lone male I saw said I was just too capable and needed to rest a bit more. WHAT IN THE WORLD?! I cried my guts out and bared my soul as honestly as I could for these folks and was given three basic messages- happy thoughts, dump everybody and get some rest. There you go. Should have figured that out on my own for god;s sake.
At least I am laughing at this moment now. I had forgot about all that bs...
0 -
Annettek BIG HUG and it is ok to whine here. I had my first major breakdown the Thursday before Christmas and boy did I need it. I usually have it together. DH says I like to be in control. haha, anyway I let it all out and since have felt so much better. This is a safe place to let it all out.
When I decided to cut out caffeine I did by mixing my coffee 3/4 caffeine and 1/4 decaf, then went 1/2 and 1/2 and then 1/4 and 3/4. It was gradual and I never missed the caffeine that way. I still enjoy coffee so it is organic decaf now.
Samsue my MO has never done an exam with me either and I find that so odd. I am really considering just using my RO and BS for all my followups. I have an appt with my MO next week so I have not completely made up my mind, but all he does is look at my chart and order bloodwork which my RO could do.
0 -
Designer mom thanks for the recipe, I see you on natural girls thread. I use alot of alternative flours in my cooking as my DH is allergic to wheat. Has been interesting learning to cook without traditional flour.
0 -
Karenlen - I had radiation after mastectomy, not a lumpectomy, so the questionable findings are on my good breast. I just wanted to be sure you understood my situation. Thanks for the info though.
I did wonder why they don't ultrasound the mx side or something though since there is a little tissue there, not enough to squish in the mammo though, ow! I see my Med Onc on Thursday, who by the way does very thorough exams and does talk to me so I feel fortunate, compared to some of you, who apparently do not have personable oncs. I do also love my rad onc though, so it's good to know that he could be a backup if necessary.
I would definitely be depressed if I gave up coffee. I'm down to one cup each morning, and refuse to give that up. I've given up enough already. There has to be some QOL, you know?
0 -
Adey; Thats exciting to hear that you have your last chemo in a few days here.
Looks like you were having a fill every week for a while there. So with out complications it really wouldnt take all that long to get filled. You are filling to 450. Do you mind my asking what cup size that would be, I am a c cup and just wondering how long it would take for the fills.
0 -
Sherryc - My rad onc would look at my skin like I had a disease and from across the room. When I had problems, it was like pulling teeth to even have him look at the burns and itchy rash. My surgeon is amazing and even though I don't have to see him anymore, I have an open appt to see him anytime I need to. My MO is very thorough and does exams and labs every time I go in. He lets me ask lots of questions and if I forget one or two I can always call back.
0 -
Hey Polly- I am eventually going to be filled to 450 ccs- have only had one fill get the next on Tuesday- PS told me my exchange should be end of February and for my frame/body that will result in a full C. We shall c....:)
0 -
0
-
On fills: I've never had a fill. My PS says he can put in a bigger implant than what my TEs are (to a point), so I chickened out on a fill when I saw the needle. But I'm not going very big, so that might be why I didn't need any fills. I'll end up, I think, a small C. I was big before (Ds) and he filled my TEs pretty big at my initial surgery.
0 -
Looking Ahead
Jan. 3rd 2011
As I look ahead to what the future will bring, I look back on what the year before has taught me.
I will take the time to notice more around me and make the effort to reach out to those who just need a ear to bend.
I will not take my health for granted or my loved ones.
I will put my faith in God, even though I don't know where he is leading me.
I will appreciate today, and look forward to tomorrow.
Chemo is done, chemo is done, hooray, hooray, I am grateful for the day God has made.
0 -
grizzly1-Congrats on being done with chemo! My last one is this Friday and I'll be doing the happy dance with you!
Really enjoyed reading your post about looking ahead...
peace and prayers,
Tori
DE COLORES!
0 -
Congrats to grizzly1 on finishing chemo, I had my last chemo last week. 2011 will be a great year.
Cheryl
0 -
Congrats to everyone finishing chemo - it must be a big relief. I did not have chemo but am doing the happy dance with you.
0 -
Yeah, for those finishing chemo. I'm like Jo I'm doing the happy dance too!
0 -
Cathy, congrats. I made my 1/2 way mark on the TC today, (3 more to go)and still need to finish the year of herceptin. But the hard part is half done. I'll be recouping for the next 2 weeks with you. Tomorrow I have to get an ultrasound of my right leg, (outter calf) as I have developed a hand sized, patch of dark streaks there. They want to rule out a blood clot..... then upstairs for the dreaded neulasta shot.
Happy New Year to you all.
0 -
Hi Sweet - Happy New Year - glad you are half way done!!0
-
yay to the sistas who finished chemo
Tori--almost finished.yay.will dance with you on fri.
Sweet.glad you are 1/2 way done.
looks like we are all movin along.did #10 rads today.I feel fine.
Again my new years wish NED FOREVER FOR ALL OF US
0
