Great saying about depression

3jaysmom · September 2012

hi glals, there's no way i can catch up with everyone, just know i've been thinking of you all...

its been really crazy here (still..again?) we got an official letter in the mail cert.. from the landlord.. now, know, this is exactly why i've never rented. always owned, till bc came, and cleaned us out..

we've been informed pour lease will not be renewed after Jan, and oct-jan we need to make their realtor "comfortable " in showing our villa.. gads!!!

how do you explain the sick old lady in the master bedroom.. the one who doesn't know how she's going to move, or where we can..

My hubs called them, but they haven't returned it yet.. want to see if there's a way he'd hold a mtg.. but, we don't have enough, for him, im sure.. to put down on it..

so, it'll be moving time again, im afraid.. its had me worked up, for days...

Kate.. i'm sooo happy things turned out well for you. that alone drove me back to bco tonight, well, that, and im taking the synthyroid tonight, and can't sleepp it makes me so sick...

I DID however, decide it was time to forget it for tonight, and dressed up for dinner out..

I wore all my "accessories" and it wasn't too hot...

tommorrow, we're going to do a re do. took pics, but they didn't come out. i'll take pics in the garden with what is called marabe chair now...so sad..damnlife just

3jaysmom · September 2012

I have NO idea whats going on with my comoputer.. sorry the type was so big.. anyway, i was saying that damn life just keeps on coming, no matter what, so we gotta grab what life we can WHILE we can...

im thinking and praying for you all.. i'll catch up soon... 3jays ps happy belated KID!!!hahaha

Maddie57 · September 2012

Hi Ladies- thanks for all your suggestions. I will try and sort out some sort of insurance before I go, but if I can't I have decided to go for it. I just need some perspective on this year. My one son's Father-in Law died the day before my mastectomy of bowel cancer. I couldn't cry for him, as I had such a bad cold I was worried about going for the operation and not being able to breath. My husband has had a malignant melanoma removed - luckily we caught it in time, and my other son's Bridesmaid was married in hospital. Her groom had a rare tumour of the eye. He died 2 weeks later aged only 25. As I say - a year of note!!! I can't wait to get away.I love the Greek people, I love their food, and I absolutely adore that turquoise sea.

I have thought about wearing a mask Barbe- it's a great idea, but I don't want to draw attention to myself- I feel a bit shy about it for some reason. I may have to reconsider that option- will speak to my Oncologist

pt dreamers- thanks we have considered going somewhere closer to home, but the weather is turning here, and it wherever we go it will be miserable and rainy. I don't mind the cold so much but find constant drizzle really depressing, and depressing I don't need!

hopefulheal - I agree there are many things I have learnt on this journey, and not all of them are bad. One of the most joyful things I have learnt is how fantastic people are in general. Some of my friends who have stepped up to the mark have really amazed and humbled me with their kindness. Others have disappointed me that's true, but you can't have everything.

Thanks again Ladies - you are such a fantastic group

Maddie57 · September 2012

Hi 3jaysmom - so sorry I meant to tell you, my heart bleeds for you having to move. It is right up there on the stress scale, and is so tiring. Did you say you also lost your home paying for your medical bills? That is so awful. Makes me realise I have nothing to complain about!

barbe1958 · September 2012

Maddie, I had NO friends step-up, family either. I have YET to find the silver lining in all this crap. As for the mask, you might be surprised to see other people wearing them!! Now is not the time to be shy. Most peole will respect the fact you're wearing one, thinking you are the one who is sick!! Wear make-up if you usually do, earrings and dress up as you normally would and do your hair the same. Do you wear glasses? You'd be surprised how little the mask really shows if you walk with attitude!!! I, personally, WOULD use a mask!! I've always come home SO sick from flights!! Please, please consider the mask!!!! Consider it a shield from you and all the bad things in the world.

Maddie57 · September 2012

Hi Barbe - my husband and I have discussed the mask, and the seats are so jammed packed on these budget flights that the only person who has any room to see you is the person sitting right next to you. As that will be my DH I will be buying several masks!!! Watch me walk with attitude - people will be stepping aside!!!

I am sorry your family and friends were not there when you needed them, that must really hurt. I have had the most extraordinary people asking me if I need help - even people I was never very close to before. I have unfortunately also had disappointments. My younger son is the one that hurts the most. I don't think he can handle the whole cancer thing. He only lives a few blocks away, but if I didn't invite him and his wife to dinner when I feel up to cooking I would never see him. I feel, I was, and still am a good Mom, so it REALLY hurts that he makes absolutely no effort to visit or phone. My other son has been super - he even made up a little chemo hamper- and such a lot of thought had gone into it. Unfortunately he lives a lot futher away, but he phones regularly and visits when he can. My darling sister has been fantastic. She takes time off work and stays with us for 2 days whilst I have my chemo. My husband has also demonstrated courage above and beyond the call of duty. He faints just going into a hospital, but managed to stay on his feet whilst holding up 3 litres of my blood and showering me everyday. Only I know what courage it took for him to do that.

ptdreamers · September 2012

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
- H. Jackson Brown Jr., P.S. I Love You

The quote seems approprite here. Good luck to all, and enjoy.

hopefulhealing · September 2012

Maddie I hope where ever you decide to go you and your hubby will get that break from BC and have a truly wonderful time.

3jays NOT FAIR that you will have to move! I pray something will be workedout.

I try very hard to maintain the honesty of the journey so that people understand this is not a pollyanna pink disease. I think most of us hate the pink October stuff that bombards us on the TV and in the stores in October and even now in September. What about you guys? Do you hate it or like it?

take gentle care everyone. While we are strong as heck to get through all of this we are fragile as well.

3jaysmom · September 2012

hi guys, hOPEFUl, i hope you're doing even a bit better. and i'm so glad you're going Maddie.. i wore a mask everywhere when i did chemo, and low dose, it took over ayear!!!I also have ms and use a wheelchair, and ple never even noticed the mask.. they noticed my bald head, but not the masklol

I think of how lucky i am that marybe made the trip to fla to see me, and then dies soon after.. i know i'll always be so grateful she came, i couldn't get to her..

not that anything would happen to you, i didn't mean that!!crioes, what i mean (and am saying so badly) that live life to the full, while you can.. age alludes none of us, and as long as we have a little strength, and a little money, go everywhere, and see everthing! and how can you beat the Greek Isles.. take lots of oics..

it was a perfect after synthyroid day for me. i literally can't walk the day after taking it, so i stayed in bed, and they had a NCIS marathon today, and then the red carpet...

funny, people ask me how can i justify the cost of cable, and i say, how could i survive without it!!!

so, off to see the world of the rich and famous... later, 3jays.

didel · September 2012

Maddie...I hate to be the wet blanket but I would not take a trip any sooner than one month after chemo at a minimum. Remember it takes 21 days for your cells to regenerate and your counts to be back to normal. I had to wait 3 months after my final chemo for my exchange surgery to make sure my immune system was 100%. I agree with Kate to do all you can to boost your immune system. Protein is key. I lived on chicken and did protein shots (drinks) all through chemo. ALSO if you must..I would wear not only a mask but gloves. I wore glove (surgical kind) when I went shopping or at work when I had to use the copier that 200 other people used. After my first chemo I touched something then touched my neck and had an infection. after that I was more mindful of what I touched. Also, I dont know about you but my last chemo I was tired beyond tired. I couldnt make it through the day sometimes. One day I came home and slept for 25 hours straight only getting up to use the bathroom. I am just saying you dont want to take a great trip and sleep the entire time. I can see you wanting to take a relaxing trip and needing to have something to look forward to but you want to enjoy the experience and not worry about what you touch or eat or God forbid end up with an infection or sick. Sorry the Virgo in me...I had a great chemo buddy...we laughed so much on my third visit they sent me to radiation oncology all the way on the other side of the hosiptal literally in the basement...we didnt care we were the only ones there and the nurse was great. My infusions were 5 hours cause I had an allergic reaction the first infusion and didnt want to delay or switch chemo so I had to make the most of those 5 hours. Sorry your son is letting you down I think its a man thing. They just cant deal with illness. I am sure in time he will come around and better express what he was feeling or fearing. I am glad your other son is there for you even if only by phone Your hubby sounds like a true gem.

3Jays honestly havent you endured enough already!? I am sorry you are having to deal with the thought of moving especially around the holidays. Maybe with the market being what it is you will be able to buy something with vey little down. I hope you find something soon to take the stress off of you.

Kate I hope you and your mom and sis had a wonderful weekend celebrating your Mom's birthday and your good news.

Hopeful I am glad you are crawling out of that dark hole..sometimes its ok to be down as long as we dont stay there. I knew you'd find the strength to pull yourself up. You are amazing and I bet you are one heck of a nurse!!

Regarding my cyst my gyn insist we have to wait 3 months to determine what kind it is because a hemorraghic cyst goes away while an emdometrioma cysts gets bigger and bigger and it will be removed not drained cause my gyn just want to get it out. He also said he doesnt want to do an endometrial biopsy until we make a decision on the cysts and to see if the endometrium stripe is thicker (yuck) at the next TVUS he will do a biopsy then. He said normal thickening "for a woman my age" is 1-2mm and mine was 9.2mm (oddly the same size as my primary bc tumor) He said that if it was 20mm (double yuck) he would not wait but that it could wait for another TVUS in November.

Claire PT Delilah Barbe and anyone else out there hope everyone is having a great Sunday. I am going back and forth between the Ravens game and the Emmys. Oh on a funny or not note...I was baking pumpkin cupcakes earlier and someone decided to be the worst stinker EVER...while my cupcakes were on the cooling rack..on the kitchen counter...I turned my back you know who...ATE 8 cupcakes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG I think Kate heard me screaming in AZ!! I dont think I have even been so pissed at my dog. I literally had to crate him cause I was half thinking of just opening the door and letting him go fend for himself. OMG then of course he looked all pitiful came up and licked my hand with is big sad eyes and of course I forgave him...but it took a couple hours. I so now I have 2 dozen and 4 cupcakes Yell

Ok tomorrow is a busy day then I have a date with Madonna in DC!!!! My sister and I are going it was my gift to her for our birthday. I hope she doesnt expose herself...I have good seats. YUCK

Good night ladies!!!!!!!!!!

Diane

ptdreamers · September 2012

DiDel I can only hope they wern't in paper cups. Laughing

ptdreamers · September 2012

DiDel I can only hope they weren't in paper cups. Laughing

Maddie57 · September 2012

Hi Diane,

Thanks for your input -unfortunately I can't wait a month, as I have to go back to work about that time. Also the weather is turning quickly now- even in the Greek Isles- so there is a small window of opportunity. It's now or never as they say in the classics.

I will be taking my Neurlasta injection to boost my white blood cells, even though I suspect the injection is what made me so ill last time, so my white cell count shouldn't be too bad. I wanted to wait a month - it just isn't going to work out, so we are taking a chance and hoping for the best. On the plus side I have found a travel insurance company who will insure me and not cost the earth. I have also worried about being too tired on the holiday, but I figure I will get an umbrella and lounge next to the sea if that happens. Basically even I know I am taking a chance, but now that the thought is in my mind it is all I can think about.

barbe1958 · September 2012

Diane, just how big is this puppy of yours that he can reach the counter!!!!!!!!!!!!

Maddie, go for it!! I think maybe surgical gloves during transit is a GREAT idea!!! And remember not to touch your eyes, nose or nasal passages as they are the most used passages for virus and bacteria. JUST DO IT!! I had to spend an entire day in bed in Rhodes once. There I lay, letting down my DH but I just couldn't walk. Who knew then that it was Fibromyalgia??? I mean, seriously, who would lile in bed for 24 hours while they were away on holiday? Someone trying to get attention? I think NOT!! My point is, take the rests when you have a chance. Immerse yourself into each moment you are able to walk and look around you. That's all it is. You're not going over there to dance all night or bungee jump off a monks tower or anything. Enjoy, sweetie!!

3jays, maybe God has an even BETTER place lined up for you with a lovely master bedroom overlooking your bigger garden terrace!!! I'm excited for you but know how hard it is to move. I've had moves put me to bed for months. The worst was 3 months....sigh. I don't know if I seriously could do it again...but I do LOVE the change of room lighting and sounds and smells of a new place. I also love the chance to decorate again and see my furniture in a new light. Take the time now to start purging. It is SO worth it once you move!!!

Hugs to all!

Kate33 · September 2012

3jays- I'm so sorry you're looking at a move on top of everything else right now. I know you must have some wonderful memories there, Marybe's visit included, and it's so sad that you will have to leave. I know you will make some great new memories, though, in your new home. I'm sure your head is spinning, though, wondering where to begin. Maybe you could hire someone to help you start packing up the things you don't need on a daily basis? I'm sure there are teenagers out there who would much rather do that than mow lawns or babysit! Like barbe said, moving is a good time to purge a lot, too, and only keep the things you truly love. Wish we all lived nearby. We could all come and make a party out of it! Just remember to breathe and just take it one day at a time.

ptdreamers- Love the quote!

Hopeful- Hate Pinktober with a passion. So many people come out of the woodwork and are walking, racing, making quilts and putting BC **** on their Facebook pages "in honor of me". Really? First of all, where were they when I needed someone to just call and ask how I was doing? Second, putting little hearts or the color of their bra on their Facebook page does not help me in any way, shape or form. (Nor does it help anyone with BC, who had BC or is going to get BC.) Sorry, it all makes me a little cranky. Yell

Diane- Love your Charlie stories! Maybe you should write your own "Marley and Me" book called "Charlie and Me". Laughing

Today I am going to my appointment at the new Banner/MD Anderson Cancer Center nearby for my second opinion. They were able to get me in sooner due to a cancellation. Not expecting to hear anything different than my BS already told me but just wanted to make sure and thought it would be good to have an onco here in town, too, in case anything comes up in the future. They did give me the onco I had requested so hoping I like her. I've been curious about the center, too. I was thinking about signing up for some volunteer work there so I'll get to check it out. I'll let everyone know how it goes!

cmbear · September 2012

Ok somehow I unadded this topic from my favorites, so I didn't have alerts all weekend. Pooh. Now I am too far behind. 3jays-- I am so sorry for your housing situation, isn't there some way they can work something out for y'all? Some people just don't have a heart.

Charlie and the Cupcakes--sounds like a kids book. I know we have a few artists on here so maybe you could all collaborate and create a kids book about the lovable misadventures of Charlie and his Aussie pal Jaki. ( ooh little time out--speaking of lovable pups just now had to clean up after my muttly. You know how you hear them heaving and heaving and praying you make it to let them out the door before they heave. Nope, right on the threshold of the door. Seems she's been out back eating the greenery again. Hope its just a temp tummy problem) My mom loves telling how our puppy when I was young ate my 6th birthday cake (we had rented a cabin up in the Minn lakes and she had brought ONE cake mix) and then the next year she ate my dad's. Dogs and cakes just seem to go together I guess.

Kate and Hopeful--I'm with you on the pink -tober--crap.Makes me Yell too!! I just don't want to play that game this year--can I just fast forward to November 1?

Maddie--you know your own body, just rest when you need to rest and enjoy yourself. Wash your hands and face often and get some antibac lotion for when you can't. Sometimes therapy for the soul helps heal the body.

As for the hair coloring, the other day I saw on some makeover segment, how they "highlighted" with grey streaks in this woman's brown hair to get her adjusted to going natural. Every so often add some extra highlights and then let it go natural. Hmm, not ready for that yet. Just afraid my gray isn't a "pretty" gray, but a mousy "you look real Old" gray.

Off to cook dinner for my boys and find some ibruprofen for my headache. Spent the morning staring at Latin/German Church records from the 1700's. My eyes are about to fall out and hang by those springs that bounce up and down--like in the cartoons.

Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover ---LOVE IT ptd!!!

justagirl · September 2012

Kate, I wish you smooth sailing with your oncology appointment today. Hmmm, you sure would make a good vollie at the centre if there is something you could do that would interest you and not depress you.

Yes, the adventures of city dog Charles and Aussie friend Jaki! Jaki is so big she can get her front paws on the kitchen counter and lick the first 6 inches of it. I have to be carefull when using the cooktop as it's so close to the edge.

Cake and dog story:

When Jerry and I got married, we brought home the top of the wedding cake in a cake box to put in the freezer and have on our 1 year anniversary. Well, our dog Sam, who had been left at home all day alone had different plans. I was having Jerry undo the zillions of tiny silk covered buttons on the back of my wedding gown (it was my Mum's) so I could slip it off in the garage to get all the rice out and when we both turned around after Jerry finished helping me - Sam had reached the hood of the truck and gotten the cake box, had it on the ground, open, had eaten all the cake and the bride and groom plastic thingy was sticking out the side of his mouth!....and yes, he ate that too. We couldn't get mad as he had been left out of the party!

Jaki knows what the electric beaters do so when I pull stuff out of the cupboard to make cupcakes she is ready. As long as it's not chocolate, and usually I make vanilla cupcakes with choco cream frosting, she knows she will get to lick the beaters, bowl and get an unfrosted cupcake. Max, our son, has taken pictures of her with her paws up on the kitchen counter watching me cook or bake. It's priceless.

As far as greying hair goes, my hair is auburn, so the few grey stand out, or at least to me they do. The hairdresser likes to put a semi-permanent light brown in overall and add a few blonde highlights to the sides and top where the grey hairs come in as like Barbe (I think) said, the blonde streaks hide the grey. The hairdresser is right I just haven't been in for six months and have been dumping light brown on my hair as my back hurts too much to sit still that long in the hair place (2 hours).

I think we owe it to ourselves to do and look as how it makes us happy and fooey with the world. Some woman in a clothing store the other day, when I couldn't find tops small enough to fit my mini bumps, told me I should consider breast augmentation. I actually started laughing. Was going to say the truth but then just smiled and said 'well, that's an idea'. Finally found some size 4 tank tops that didn't scoop so low to put my bumps on show.

Maddie: just take all the precautions everyone has mentioned and as said, your blood counts will still be really low, so the mask and gloves are a good idea and when not, as said, don't touch your hands to your face. The anti-bacterial wipes are good to carry and also the anti-bacterial liquid for a quick hand clean, especially before eating. Planes are notorious for not changing their air conditioning filters and supposedly whereas normally we have 21% oxygen in the air, planes aren't quite there due to the number of people sucking it in. And I agree, Many times I've flown and gotten sick afterward, so that is your most dangerous period to be extra careful. Relax, rest and enjoy. Also, due to chemo, your skin is more sensitive, so be extra careful in the sun and also as said here, maybe take some antibacterial cream/ointment with you for small cuts or grazes.

Stanzie · September 2012

Hi All!!!!!

Oh 3 jays! Really??? Oh MY!!! moving one of the top three most stressful things you can do... sure that is what you need... I am so so sorry! I just can't belive that. Well shoot if we all lived closer we'd have you packed moved and unpacked and set in just 3 shakes of a lambs tail but... doing it cyberly just doesn't have the same effect does it? Shoot, where is Bewitched or I dream of Genie when you need them. Well, I hope it will be one of those things where you end up somewhere better and nicer and you are happier! But so sorry for the stress...

Diane- I'm sorry about the cupcakes but as I tell Alfie after he had eaten something I really didn't want him to... he is just a puppy, just a little boy who doesn't know better.... Well that is what I tell myself so I don't turn into a screaming fake boobed harpy. ... Sorry - just reminded me to go see what Alfie was into....

Maddie- I totally hear what everyone is saying and all makes sense but then I read what you say and Yes that would be me. I know it might be too soon and I know all the challenges but the timing works and I'd so want to go..... So I think you will be fine. Yes you may get really tired. Yes I'd take all the precautions you possibly can, and take antibotics and everything your Doc's will give you for the trip. But sometimes you need this and you know you will do this no matter what and you will be OK. Just make sure common sense prevails and take your Doc's number with you. Hopefully it will be just what you need and your Hubby needs to know he is going to have to be overprotective and careful with you! Basically you are princess and queen for the trip so don't forget this!

Barb, good advice!

Hopeful- I'm so sorry I can't go back a page and I'm not sure what all is going on but hate to hear you are having a rough time!

Kate so what did the second opinion Doc 's say? thinking about you as I went in today for my physical. First found out I need a bone scan- oh boy after everything Kate went through! Second I need to see a food Doc for Tendoniatis(sp?) and a back doctor. Joy!

So I have just so jumped into things... I'm not like this either. Our Atlanta Symphony Orchestra has been locked out- armed guards securing the building and everything. Basically the management has given themselves huge salaries, bonuses, raises and mismanaged funds and are blaming the players.... Well it is personal as the Atlanta Memorial Art's Center was built in honor of the 160+ cultural leaders of Atlanta who died in the Orly plane crash in France. France ended up donating a lovely Rodin sculpture in memory. Well one of my cousins perished along with my growing up best friend's parent's across the street and a boy in my class at school. It was a big deal for Atlanta and this art's center was build to honor and to bring arts awareness to the city. Now the management of this very building is trying to destroy the arts so yes I have an issue with it. Also the chairman of the board's father was a pall bearer in my great grandfather's funeral who helped build this center. Then! to top it off, a "friend" who was the mom of my daughter's best friend since she was 4 is a big wealthy donor and she set me up and "played me" so I'd be "handled". I wrote a letter to all the board members and I had proof no one was reading the letters and they didn't like that!! Ugh just makes me SO angry! So been busy with that....

Also trying to write this crazy paper which I'm petrified to give on Atlanta's Role in the Civil Right's Movement - we are given the topic. It has to be 45 minute presentation and the paper is archived in the Atlanta History Center- no pressure at all. Plus these 35 women many of them are authors and poets and movers and shakers and I'm..... ummmm welll..... not sure why I'm doing this. Now to top it off got a call from the woman hosting it and she tought it would be a nice touch is she booked my presentation as say Ebeneezer Church or one of the Black Colleges - I think I might faint!! Haven't even gotten that far into research let along writing and it is due in Novemeber.... I'm doing this cause... oh yes, I've lost my mind... Then I think I might have told someone I'd help organize protest marches in front of Symphony.... I have truly lost my mind... so that is where I've been.......

hopefulhealing · September 2012

Stanzie you will do a great job!!!!!!

barbe1958 · September 2012

Yah, it's me that highlights my front hair as my back hair is almost pitch black!! I'm lucky that I get those sparkling gray hairs, but only about 76% gray there, so want to blend it in until it's all natural.

Stanzie, you've bitten off a LOT!!!!!

We took in a dog for my cousin that had to evacuate her home years ago and she never bothered to pick him up again. We knew why fairly quickly. He ate 1/2 bag of cement, a steak knife and the top of OUR wedding cake, too!!!! What IS IT with dogs? No wonder I'm a cat person!!! That's the only dog I've "owned" outside my family home and will be the last (that was 30 years ago!).

Stanzie · September 2012

My Dad turned snow white at age 17 and I got gobs of light grey at 19! But my hair had already gone from blond to grey dirty blond when dying inadvertenly started ..... but I can attest to the old wives tale about a shock turning your hair grey! Yep it actually happens. The afternoon before my babies were born to the morning after - yes it does happen.. the front all around my face was pure light grey!

I'm so over these mega wealthy powerful people.... just makes me really doubt whether there are any good powerful people left... very disheartened by all the Stuff

Kate33 · September 2012

I went yesterday for my appointment at the new Banner/MD Anderson Cancer Center for my second opinion. I thought they would just confirm what my BS had said but are recommending more testing. I'm feeling a bit confused at this point. The onco I saw said she cannot say with 100% certainty that it's not a recurrence so is recommending a PET scan. She's also recommending genetic testing, which I never had done, because I had a male relative who had BC so it's highly likely I carry the gene. If I do she's recommending oophorectomy. This cancer center is a partnership with MD Anderson so she said they follow all the protocols of UT MDA which is usually ranked one of the top 5 cancer hospitals in the US.

I found out that my BS had never taken my records to the multidisciplinary board as they said she was going to do. When I asked to see the report from the radiology onco who said it wasn't mets she told me he hadn't "officially" reviewed it. That she just consulted with a colleague. So having less confidence in that center and more in MDA. So have my PET scan scheduled for Friday,10/5 and meet with onco for results on Monday, 10/8. I still don't think this is mets but feel like I need to pursue this for total peace of mind.

Stanzie- Sounds like you've thrown yourself into quite the cause that you are strongly passionate about! Good for you! Good luck with your presentation. I know you'll be amazing!

Debbie- LOVED the Jaki story with the wedding cake topper! Maybe you and Diane could co-write a book? I could add a chapter, "Scout the Kleptomaniac". She will steal anything that strikes her fancy and hide it. Luckily we discovered her hiding place and found keys, pens, pencils, nails, screwdrivers- you name it. She could also be "Scout the Shredder" as she loves to shred paper of all kinds. Or "Scout, Attack Dog" as she feels it is her personal mission in life to let me know if anyone comes within 500 yards of our front door, back gate or the next street over! lol! Her sister, Piper, on the other hand is just content to sit there and look cute. Can't believe they came from the same litter!

hopefulhealing · September 2012

kate I agree to go with MD Anderson. They are so highly regarded. The genetic counselor that came to a meeting I was at said it doesn't matter who carries the gene male or female. I think it is a good idea to get tested. I was so I knew if my daughters chance was even higher than it would be just from her mother having bc. And I agree with a dx of dcis I think your chances are slim. But with the PET scan you will know and can finally put it behind you.

We had a black cocker spaniel that was just nuts. My husband's father use to be a caterer. He had a cabin on a private lake at one time and use to cater for some people on the lake. He was at his cabin cooking up really good steaks for a bank president who was holding a meeting at his cabin. We were there just having fun. He looked around and there was our dog Katie on top of the table eating the steaks. I thought she was going to end up at the bottom of the lake with a cement block tied around her tummy!

Stanzie you go get em! Sometimes they need someone to let them know they are not "all that" and just because they have money does not mean they are smarter or better. You can show them what real class is all about!

Kate33 · September 2012

Hopeful- Well, like everything else BC-related there seems to be mixed views out there. I found this written about it right here on BCO-

Anyone who has a first-degree relative who's been diagnosed with breast cancer might want to consider genetic testing. While only about 10% of breast cancer cases in women are linked to an abnormal breast cancer gene -- BRCA1 or BRCA2 -- up to 40% of male breast cancers are linked to an abnormal gene. Up to 75% of first-degree relatives, both male or female, of a man diagnosed with breast cancer will have an abnormal breast cancer gene.

cmbear · September 2012

Just opened a thread on scars and it landed on a post from MBJ. Big sigh. : /

justagirl · September 2012

Kate: I agree that you have to pursue until you have definitive answers.

It's too bad we have to be so pro-active to get the health care and treatment we need, but that's the way it seems to be. My PS on my last visit asked me who was managing my Femara and other health care issues. I replied with confidence, ME! She said shouldn't I be seeing the oncologist every 6 months. I said no, as I wasn't going to pay $150 for a 5 minute consult which consisted of her saying how are you and me answering and her saying 'do you need more Femara?' I know bounce between two women GP's in the same office and they are happy with me and it works as neither works full time but I favour the older one who has had BC herself. Nothing like dealing with someone who has been down the path you are treading.

Yes, maybe we should get together and write a 'Dog Tails' book instead of a book about dealing with BC. ??? Jaki was a kleptomaniac when she was a puppy. Outside working, she would pick up hand spades, screwdrivers, etc. problem was she didn't have a hidy hole and then it was like a scavenger hunt to find the missing items. Luckily she either grew out of that habit or I convinced her it didn't make me happy.

Claire: just last night after I turned the lights out, I was lying in bed, looking out at the stars, thinking of Mary. Mary, who was always so positive and full of good advice. Always so supportive. So looking forward to their first home and she was going to plant a vegetable garden...........and the tears flowed. Darn, life sometimes just isn't fair! Mary was at least 25 years younger than me. Why her? She had so many life plans and so much joy in her. Sorry to ramble.

Love the steak story. Between Jaki and our cat Fred all meat in this house has to be protected. Fred has even pawed meat out of stir fry cooking on the stovetop. But guess I don't help things as all I do is laugh at them. Now most meals the cat gets a plate of meat or cheese or pasta/lasagne at the end of the table and Jaki gets her bowl too.

Stanzie: I agree with hopeful. Class does not come with money. Crass does. There are too many people who think they can buy their way anywhere to get what they want and use it as a weapon. And shame shame shame on the woman who you thought was your friend that 'used' you and I guess thought nothing of it as she is Mrs. Megabucks. What she needs is a good Aussie talk-back!

You can do your paper Stanzie, and do it well. I have complete confidence in you. Just don't let yourself be forced to do it on something you don't want to research.

It is a terrible shame to management for their behaviour over a building built as a memorial to so many wonderful lives lost so tragically before their time. The financial supporters should withdraw their support. Now a days all charity and organizations like Red Cross have to show full financial accounting of where all monies coming in goes. I sometimes think paid management think since the money is donated then they can do with it what they want, which includes giving themselves large salaries and expense accounts. About 25 years ago I found out the American Heart Association was only passing on 25% of the donations coming in. That, in my mind, is way too much for management.

You know, it seems like more and more information is coming over the internet every day on side-effects we might have due to our BC, or things we are susceptible to now. No wonder I keep on worrying about BC returning even though I don't have breasts anymore and am taking Femara. Maybe I should just stop reading!

I've been feeling quite a bit down in the dumps the last few days trying to talk myself out of it. Even broke down crying in front of my 19 year old son. Told him I was a terrible Mum. Can you believe he put his arms around me, held me, and said maybe I just should cry and let it out - that keeping it all in was just too much for me. And I did - saturated his tee shirt with tears. Guess all that therapy I paid for him to go to last year with his anxiety and depression from when I was diagnosed and him on anti-depressants has paid off. Now I'm wondering if I should bite the bullet and go on anti-depressants. Both my GP's have said no, I need to feel what I am feeling. Ick. My one GP who had BC 20 years ago says the mental healing doesn't really start until a year after your last treatment or surgery - so for me that will of been October, 2011. Which means, from now on things should be less muddled in my brain? The Femara doesn't help but these hot flashes and frustration turning fast into anger is getting old. Also, as he is usually the only person around me, Jerry, my DH who is 78, sure doesn't deserve or need this. I'm seeing the Dr Friday or maybe even tomorrow if I can change my appointment.

I swear I'd be in a padded room if it weren't for the kindness and support of ALL of you!

justagirl · September 2012