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  • Alyson
    Alyson Member Posts: 3,737
    edited April 2012

    Hi all

    Attended a beautiful wedding yesterday. DS was best man. He has know bridegroom since they were both five so B has been part of our family all these years. Such a lovely day, will post pictures once I have downloaded them.

    Trish I have a friend just like that, my bf and nothing I say will convince her and she is so over weight as well it worries me terribly. Racey I agree about docs being proactive, ours is a demon about weight etc. BF's doctor evidently has never said anything and she is 143kg and bout 152 cm tall. Here you can get free mammos every two years from 40-70 so its not about cost.

    Suzie, I am on Femara - don't sleep well but have got used to it, sometimes I get up and watch TV other times just call up and 'daydrea' or should that be nightdream' . I got used to doing this as a teenager after I had polio. My parents gave me a transistor and I would listen through the night.Just smiling because I was able to get 2UE Sydney on shortwave and so I loved the Hit Parade and have been a great fan of some quite way out music ever since.

    Kylie hope you are feeling a bit brighter - how many FEC are you having?

    Big hugs to all

  • Trisha-Anne
    Trisha-Anne Member Posts: 1,661
    edited April 2012

    Kylie - this is your last FEC isn't it?  It can be cumulative with se's.  (((hugs))) to you , hope you start feeling better soon.

    It seems like there's something to do with bc everywhere at the moment.  Yesterday Senator Judith Adams died yesterday of bc - she was from WA.  A program that we watch regularly has a lady who has just found out her bc has come back after 5 years.  It just seems that sometimes you are getting slapped in the face with it.  And yet some people just won't acknowledge that it could happen to them ... sigh ...

    Trish

    xoxo

  • chrissyb
    chrissyb Member Posts: 11,438
    edited April 2012

    Trish it's called the ostrich syndrome and unless you beat them on the bum with a broad stick they never take their heads out of the sand.  If they won't acknowledge then there is nothing you can do even though you have her best interests at heart.  If she is ever hit with the BC stick, then you can be there and support her but my suggestion for right now is let it go as it's will only cause you stress and we all know that's not a good thing.

    Love n hugs.  Chrissy

  • gerrib
    gerrib Member Posts: 60
    edited April 2012

    Hi everyone

    The weddings sounded good Kate and Alyson.

    Hope Kylie and Jenn are feeling OK.

    Hope the pain relief is working Chrissy

    Suzie (?sp). Can you tell me where you get the melatonin from and what is the recommended dose for use as a sleeping aid? Thanks 

    Feeling achey after starting Tamoxifen. I've started worrying about my heart health!! I am a worrier and now that I am off anti-depressants it will be worse. My cholesterol is 7.2 and I'm not on any meds. I've started thinking I feel a bit of chest tightness. I know what I should do but will wait for GP appointment this week. I would really like to start baby aspirin while I am on T but the MO said I didn't need to.

    I have a few friends who do not do mammos for unfounded reasons. Can't argue with them!  I honestly forgot to have one and was not sent a reminder. ( Breastscreen NSW have acknowledged I was not sent a reminder due to a bureaucratic glich) I really think there should be TV ads promoting mammos. I have Pap when I get reminder and feel as though I would have done same for mammo reminder

    Have a good week

    Gerri 

  • racy
    racy Member Posts: 976
    edited April 2012

    We used to have ads in Qld featuring Jana Wendt promoting mammograms. With her credibility, they were excellent ads. The government decided not to continue them for some reason. Now there are BreastScreen ads for the free mammos.



    There was an article in today's paper about a BreastScreen mammo missing a lump. I'm glad I can afford to get annual mammo and ultrasound privately. My type of BC does not always show on mammograms.



    Gerri, I take the baby aspirin. I get it at Coles. The brand is MediChoice. My docs said I didn't need it but I take it anyway. There is a very strong history of strokes in my family.

  • suzieq60
    suzieq60 Member Posts: 1,422
    edited April 2012

    Racy - I know all about Breast Screen missing lumps - they missed my second one when they found the first one. I'll se if I can find the article. I know they were being sued by a few paople.

    Gerri - you can order it from Biovea :

    http://www.biovea.com/au/index.aspx

    Most of us take the 3mg one. It is not approved in Australia but you can import for personal use. I've had 2 shipments and haven't had a problem yet.

    Sue

  • suzieq60
    suzieq60 Member Posts: 1,422
    edited April 2012

    Racy - must have been in the print edition - I can't find it online.

  • racy
    racy Member Posts: 976
    edited April 2012

    Sue, yes. The lady had another private mammogram a few months after the BreastScreen mammo. By this time she had felt a lump and BC was confirmed. She had chemo and the point she was making in the article was that if the cancer had been diagnosed earlier, maybe she wouldn't have needed chemo. There was a photo of a mammo showing a 'suspicious area' but no comment from BreastScreen according to my memory.



    It is good that this service exists but I would rather have annual screening including ultrasound. I don't think I would have found my cancer myself as I was not too methodical in doing self exams. I used to feel my breasts but was always afraid of finding a problem. I hate to think 'what if' I did not have the annual scan when I did.

  • Alyson
    Alyson Member Posts: 3,737
    edited April 2012

    Morning Aussies

    Should be getting dressed as I have to take MiL to the doctors this morning.

    I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the mamogram - my tumour wasn't a lump, even after the mast they could barely feel it and it was just a shadow on the mammo.Very scarey really. I laugh when the doctors at the hospital check my other breast. I ask them what they are looking for and usually I get a strange look as they say another lump. I then quietly say but I didn't have a lump which surprises them. I did self exams but of course couldn't feel anything. 

    I know mammos do miss things but I am so pleased I went when I did. Had hit myself on a filing cabinet, under my arm and across left breast - had arms in the air - bruise wouldn't heal so because I had missed a mammo - long story - doc said i should have one just to check I had not done any dammage. And here I am,.

    Have a great day and don't work too hard.

    DS is taking me to lunch which will be lovely as he and DGF are back to Guernsey tomorrow, well they are having 4 days in Melbourne.

    Big hugs to all.

  • suzieq60
    suzieq60 Member Posts: 1,422
    edited April 2012

    Racy - I much prefer the Wesley Breast Clinic - they are SO thorough. There have been a few lawsuits against Breast Screen Qld - sadly the ladies have since passed away. When my second one was diagnosed by the Wesley, we looked back at the Breast Screen scans and you can see the spot, but they didn't report it as it only showed on one view. Once you are diagnosed, Breast Screen send you a letter telling you to go away for 5 years.

  • kyliet
    kyliet Member Posts: 587
    edited April 2012

    I wasn't using my usual doctor when I went in because I had a small dent in my boob and he sent me for a mammo and US, my GP actually said he wouldn't have registered it as a lump! 

    They found the main tumour, but my satellite tumour was missed on both my mammogram and ultrasound. It 'appeared' in the pathology for main tumour, so I am paranoid there are others lurking.

    I feel better knowing my daughter can get mammos but onco nurse said for her to have US also. It is all so expensive though for something which is so important.

    Yes Trish, this was last FEC and it is absolutely lingering, then I have 3 taxotere before rads.  x

  • Jennt28
    Jennt28 Member Posts: 1,095
    edited April 2012

    Hey all,



    Monday morning and still tucked in bed - so nice. Am glad I have taken this week off work as I really need some down time.



    Jeannette - What a lot you have been through :-( It does sound like you are well looked after by your friends and family which must feel so good...



    Kylie, I hope you are feeling better today.



    Lovely reading all the updates from everyone.



    Yesterday was a horrible day for me really. Had an upset stomach (touch of the D...) and just was emotionally "off" as well. I was "over" me and It was also obvious that my lovely Tony was a bit "over" me as well. Nothing seemed to be "right". Hoping today is better.



    I'm popping over and picking up a friend at 11am and we are driving to the northern beaches for lunch. Should be relaxing and fun. I've also put a call in to a local day spa to see if I can get an appt on Tuesday or Wednesday this week for a massage and facial - time for some girly stuff :-)



    Jenn

  • Kate60
    Kate60 Member Posts: 523
    edited April 2012

    Morning all. Whilst on the subject of mammograms. My BC was picked up by one and like Alyson, no lump, no nothing. Just tiny little micro-calcifications. I remember when I had my biopsy and the image was up on the screen, and I said to the Dr, how could something so tiny cause any problems? and she said "these can be the most dangerous kind" the way she said it, I knew she was being serious and that was the first time where I got that lead weight feeling in my gut.

    Today is my last chemo!! before that I have to go and get measured up for radiation, and today is our 29th wedding anniversary. Paul has taken the day off with me to see it all for himself (he hasn't been to any previous chemo's). One things for certain, this time next year I want to be somewhere far far away, warm and exotic celebrating our anniversary and not in a chemo ward.

    Hope everyone is doing OK. Kylie sorry you're not so good with #3. Commisserations mate Frown xxxx

  • chrissyb
    chrissyb Member Posts: 11,438
    edited April 2012

    Jenn I hope you enjoyed your lunch and were able to get into a spa for a little girly time and a bit of pampering.  Your Tony will be okay and so will you.  What you have been going through over the last few months is an horendous thing for you and just as bad if not worse for your Tony who loves you but cannot 'do' anything to help with all this stuff.  Sometimes our partners get a bit forgotten as we fight our way through the maze of treatments and fear and these men who love us and want to protect us have to watch us do what we do knowing that no matter what we are doing they connot participate and make it easier for us.  When he gets home just give him a hug................it will all be okay.

    Happy anniversay Kate!!!!!  Good that your other half is actually going to see what you do when you get chemo..................sometimes seeing is an aid to them understanding why we are like we are at times.  It will be good for you to be planning something special for next years anniversary...............just the two of you doing what you like best!  Hope you chemo goes smoothly now you have your port!

    Aly I know youm are going to miss you DS and GF when they leave tomorrow but September is really not that far away and will be here before you know it!

    Gerri, so glad the FEC is finished and hopefully the Taxotere will treat you with a little kindness.

    Love n hugs all!   Chrissy

  • Trisha-Anne
    Trisha-Anne Member Posts: 1,661
    edited April 2012

    Happy anniversary Kate - and last chemo today - woo-hoo!

    Last FEC for Kylie - woo-hoo!

    Jenn you deserve a break, enjoy your week off.

    Trish

    xoxo

  • Kate60
    Kate60 Member Posts: 523
    edited April 2012

    All done. Yep, port was a PLEASURE to work with (go on, you can all say "I told you so") it was all rather uneventful really. Hubby just sat there reading a magazine and eating my sandwiches.

    Have come home now for a nice snooze. Nothing else planned for the day. xxxx

  • racy
    racy Member Posts: 976
    edited April 2012

    Congratulations Kate on finishing chemo! I am very happy for you. I hope your hair really starts growing soon.



    Also hope your husband will do something nice for you to celebrate reaching this stage and to thank you for being his wife for 29 years :-) .

  • Trisha-Anne
    Trisha-Anne Member Posts: 1,661
    edited April 2012

    Well girls I had a pretty awful day yesterday.

    I've been having bad pain in my lower back for around 6 weeks now.  Went to my chiro 4 weeks ago and he was a bit flummoxed, but adjusted it and I had exercises to do until my next appointment.  That was yesterday.  My back isn't getting any better and after adjusting it, and trying a few things, he's recommended that I ask my dr for a bone scan.

    The pain is not constant, but it is there a lot.  I don't have shooting pains in my buttocks or down my leg, but when I get up from a sitting position it hurts in my back and also where my uteris would be if I still had one.  It's really starting to get to me.

    Now I'm worried about a whole heap of things, mostly about mets.  I know it could be all sorts of things, but mets is the biggie I can't get out of my head.

    I had an appointment with my doc for tomorrow afternoon booked anyway, as I need scripts filled and a new referral to the onc as the last one has run out, so will talk to him tomorrow.  But can't see me getting a bone scan until next week earliest as Easter is upon us.

    So my head is all over the place.  Have to go to the dentist this morning for my first "fitting" for the new plate once the teeth come out.

    Crap, crap, crap

    Trish

    xoxo

  • Kate60
    Kate60 Member Posts: 523
    edited April 2012

    {{{{{{{{ CUDDLES }}}}}}}  Trisha.

    I know it is human nature to always think the worst, and I have to be honest and say that I would be the same if it was me, so all I can say is the old saying of mentally prepare for the worst, and hope for the best. Of course it could be dozens of other minor ailments, and heck it probably will turn out to be NOTHING, but no matter how many times people will tell you that, you will just be thinking one thing until told otherwise....  so just digest your thoughts, try to keep it all in perspective and get the ball rolling to get it looked at. That's really all you can do.

    I'm so sorry that you have this big new worry, but it needs to be addressed and tomorrow with your GP is a good start. Love you lots and please, please, please try not to dwell on it too much until you really have some firm facts and not just your hunchs. xxxxxxxxxx

  • Jennt28
    Jennt28 Member Posts: 1,095
    edited April 2012

    Why not just phone today and get that scan booked Trish. You don't need to wait till the referral is in your hand and you probably know where it will be for? I sure hope that you've just strained/stretched a few muscles during your flood crisis...



    Feel better this morning - had horrible pain last night in my legs from the Taxol and ended up taking two Panadeine Forte to get to sleep. Have taken the dog for a walk around the park already this morning and can tell that back pain is in my future today.



    Jenn

  • Trisha-Anne
    Trisha-Anne Member Posts: 1,661
    edited April 2012

    Thanks Kate and Jenn - I don't want to book the scan early, as I'm not really sure if the doc will want a bone scan or a pet scan, so will talk to him about it tomorrow.

    Jenn - hope you have a pain free day today.  I can relate to the back pain though :-)


    Trish

    xoxo

  • gerrib
    gerrib Member Posts: 60
    edited April 2012

    Sorry to hear you are having this worry Trish. Hopefully it's something more easy to take -  like ageing (sorry don't know your age so might be wrong). Are you on any meds that might cause that pain? I've been having pain in the lower back since I started Tamoxifen.

    Thanks for the info about Melatonin, Sue. Do you just take it when necessary? Do you know if one can develop tolerance to it?

    Hope Jenn, Kate and Kylie are feeling OK 

  • Trisha-Anne
    Trisha-Anne Member Posts: 1,661
    edited April 2012

    Gerri, I'm hoping it's another se of Arimidex - and yes ageing, I'm 55 this year, so my back is well used lol

    I spoke to the dentist about it too - apparently with bone mets they treat you generally with a drug that can cause mouth problems, so if it comes to that I won't be getting 2 teeth out, I'd get all of them out!  Ouch.  Didn't really need to know that.  It's not something that's done all the time, but with the problems I have with my mouth, she would recommend that.

    I feel ok now, really, I'm in the mode where - if that's what it is - then that's what it is, if it's not, then that's great.  I've decided to refuse to worry over something I have absolutely no control over.

    Trish

    xoxo

  • Jennt28
    Jennt28 Member Posts: 1,095
    edited April 2012

    Trish, I would get a second opinion before having all your teeth out. The bisphosphenates can cause jaw degeneration but it's a very low incidence!



    Jenn

  • chrissyb
    chrissyb Member Posts: 11,438
    edited April 2012

    Awe Trish, (((((((HUGS))))))) I understand how hard those thoughts can truly be and no matter how pragmatic we try to be they will haunt us until we are told otherwise.  Hopefully your doc can get you in urgently for the scan he is requesting so you can get an early report and not have to wait yuntil after Easter.  If you want to chat let me know and I'll PM my phone number.

    Jenn good to hear that you managed a good walk in with your dog this morning.  Take it easy this afternoon and have a hot wheet bag handy.

    Love n hugs girls.  Chrissy

    PS  I'm doing fine.

  • suzieq60
    suzieq60 Member Posts: 1,422
    edited April 2012

    Gerri - I just take one before bed every night as it is supposed to have preventative properties too if you can believe it. Make sure you don't turn on lights during the night. I always stumble to the bathroom in the dark.

  • Trisha-Anne
    Trisha-Anne Member Posts: 1,661
    edited April 2012

    Yes Jenn, she said the degeneration has a low risk, however my mouth has lots of issues - and not all of them from chemo.  Have had ongoing problems with my teeth for years, chemo has just made it worse.  She said that it's not something she would recommend for most people, but I'm just a "special" case lol

    Chrissy - would love to talk to you - PM your number please xoxo

  • chrissyb
    chrissyb Member Posts: 11,438
    edited April 2012

    PM'd you Trish.  xoxo

  • suzieq60
    suzieq60 Member Posts: 1,422
    edited April 2012

    Trish - I know it's scary - I still have some residual pain and know I should get that MRI, but at the moment I don't want to know. Maybe you should fly up and see my physio - he's a genius. Your chiro treatments seem to be very far apart.



    Chrissy - hope you aren't in too much pain

  • chrissyb
    chrissyb Member Posts: 11,438
    edited April 2012

    Sue I'm comfy except when the physio is here........lol.........but when he's gone I ice and all is good pretty soon.  The muscles and tendons are pretty tight and need to be stretched but the new knee got to about 75% today so not too shaby at all.

    Love n hugs all!   Chrissy

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