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Any 40-ish survivors?

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Comments

  • profbee
    profbee Member Posts: 305
    edited August 2012

    Hi, friends!

     Wanda, you're on your way!  MIss you gals.  Sorry I've been reading along too, but not posting so much.  I'm trying to get organized and make the most of my time these days--semester starts in a couple of weeks!  ACK!  WHERE did this summer go?  Anyway, love to you all.  I'm so excited that Jack will be in school FULL TIME this year--yay for first grade.  I hope that makes getting stuff done easier.  Tomorrow's another Herceptin infusion...I want that year of infusions to be over, but at the same time, I think come November I'll be nervous about stopping it.  

    I started seeing a therapist--I think I need to be easier on myself and learn about life after "C" and all.  It sure is a life changer.  But, I'm doing pretty well I think.  :)  LOL.  

    Gotta run.  Love!!!

  • burley
    burley Member Posts: 248
    edited August 2012

    Cristy-I need to find a counselor as well.  Now that I'm done with LE therapy, and the $40 a week co-pays.  I wasn't happy with my last one, and used 5 visits of my 20 per year figuring that out.  Crap.

  • kmur
    kmur Member Posts: 849
    edited August 2012

    Hi Everyone,

    I have not been here in a long time to ramble endlessly....Thinking of all you girls though. Just wanted to say I think treatment and all the dr. visits although not fun, there is a certain amount of "comfy-ness" because we are being looked after. I have found the after part kind of like "ok...now I am supposed to go live my life as if IT is never coming back and I BEAT it????? I'm with you all I am learning to do that. Most of the time I do not think that way. Most of the time the things I speak about and laugh about do not relate to cancer ..so that is good. It really takes time. I love our group because we share life stories not just cancer stories..so it is kinda like therapy really  ( isn't it)..think that is why I never talk cancer with face to face people....I have to interact with them and I may feel something one day for that moment....you all understand that moment and then it is over...face to face people hold onto that moment??? does that make sense???  Lord...here I go again....sorry hope that made sense...LOve to all you girls..we are gonna be just fine...little ol' ladies remember....with vodka!!  LOL

  • odie16
    odie16 Member Posts: 1,415
    edited August 2012

    Kim - You are so right. Now that I have entered the follow-up phase of treatment, it is kinda scary that I am back to my own in between the 6 month visits. That said, I too am trying to just settle back into my life as if this was a bad dream and most days, can pull it off. And yes this group is my therapy! Can't wait to be the little old lady strutting around in my red hat with my beverage.....lol

  • kmur
    kmur Member Posts: 849
    edited August 2012

      Odie..I would be very proud to plod along in my big red hat with you ( and a ...beverage)  LOL  Glad you are doing well.

  • bgirl
    bgirl Member Posts: 435
    edited August 2012

    Still on 3 months, but looking forward to hopefully longer stretches after my Sept mamo and Nov 6th month MRI. It is a little bit scary so sometimes feel conflicted.

    Was working on learning to get over the fear and just live in June.  Providing palliative care for my dad's cancer the last 6 weeks has taught me to face it head on.  Been very hard, but I am definitely getting to accepting whatever may be in a hurry.

    We have even still been doing a lot of laughing even through our tears.  Helping my youngest to get ready for her first year of university this week, so taking a couple of days off.  It shows that life does go on and we need to make the most of every day. 

    Here is to being old ladies with a drink on the beach.

  • proudmom_wife
    proudmom_wife Member Posts: 176
    edited August 2012
    Haven't posted in quite some time, but I do check in to read how everyone often.

    Welcome to all the new folks.

    Want to say thank you to everyone for posting. I find myself slipping back to the old habits of not exercising and eating not as healthy as I should, oh and of course drinking coffee, red wine and the occassional dark beer more than I should. When I read your posts, it energized me to embrace the new 'lifestyle'. So back on the bike, more walks, yoga, etc... So thank you all of you.

    Aside from those old habits creeping back in, I have been doing well. Still on 3 month doctor visits, keep hoping I can graduate to 6 months, but my blood counts are still low. At least I really enjoy chatting with my oncologist. She is the best. Going to be evaluated again for LE, having issues with slight swelling in both arms. Hair was growing back so much that I decided to cut it really short because I could not stand the heat between the hot flashes and the weather. Then my DH and sons got into the act. They didn't want me to have the shortest haircut in the family. Nice to know we can all have fun with our hair styles as our choice and be dictated by health if that makes sense.

    Gearing up for the next round of college apps with my youngest. We are stilling having a few issues of trust, but so much better than what we went through last year with him. He is talking to us more about the cancer and other things in his life that he worries about now, which is good. I guess with most things in life, it will be a work in progress. Glad I am here to work on it.

    I too look forward to all us being very old folks with a drink on the beach.  Cheers!

  • swim_girl
    swim_girl Member Posts: 10
    edited August 2012

    Hi all, I'm new to the thread. I'm 41, married, no kids (unless the dogs count). I'm finished with my main treatment and getting ready to start the dreaded tamoxifen whenever it shows up in the mail.

    So far the worrying has been worse than the actual experience each step of the way. DH was surprised at how quickly I bounced back from surgery, even with a re-excision. When I talked to the RO during rads, I told him I was always hot, sweaty, and tired this time of year, so I wasn't sure if it was because of rads or just summer. I'm hoping the pattern will continue with tamoxifen--that I'll stress about it now but be able to deal when the time comes. I know things will never go back to the way they were before my diagnosis, but I am very ready to move forward and get on with my life.

  • odie16
    odie16 Member Posts: 1,415
    edited August 2012

    Welcome swimgirl. Absolutely furry kids count! ....LOL Have two myself.... Hopefully you will continue smooth sailing with the Tamoxifen. I am almost one year into the 5 year sentence and consider the SE's as tolerable. 

    Happy Monday ladies! Wishing everyone a great week.

  • kmur
    kmur Member Posts: 849
    edited August 2012

     Hi Everyone,

    Hi proudmom....I have not been on as much here. Mostly check in on the facebook group. I am glad your son is doing so much better. Mine just started high school. Feel more and more the need for that magic book that tells us what we should do or say to help our young men. It is a fine line isn't it? Letting go and hanging on!!  Also glad you are doing well. Hopefully you do not have LE. I do have it on my BC side slightly. I have to wear a sleeve most of the time to keep it in check. I wish that I did not have it as I think I could forget about BC more?? Unfortunatly now that I have it..I will always have it. BUT....if that is my only BC hang up...I will take it.

    Hi and welcome swim girl..it is a wonderful group here. The posts have been slower lately. So glad to know you made it through treatment. I can not comment on Tamox. as I am not able to matabolize it so I am on a drug called fareston. Hope you find it very easy. Several girls are on it and I think for the most part had little trouble. I also have furry "sons" and a real son. Lol..2 big dogs and a cat...they are like children I think actually as I type, I have the two dogs at my feet and I can not put my feet down!! I think back about the amount of time they were right with me during chemo etc...they are so very smart. (not just mine,but dogs in general) ok rambling again.

    Hope you all have a good tuesday. Have to wake the young man and get him to school..then exercise time.

  • burley
    burley Member Posts: 248
    edited August 2012

    Welcome swimgirl!  Glad you found us.  Furry babies definitely count-I guess I should change that in the description.  I'm 41 with a 17 year old and a 12 year old, 5 big dogs and 3 cats-OH MY.

    The posts have definitely slowed down-I'm hoping that's everyone taking a break from cancer stuff, but hopefully they'll be back!  I think we all are ready to move forward with our lives.

    Several women have or are taking Tamoxifen so they will be able to give you advice.  I was on it for about 6 months before they switched me-my hot flashes were terrible, but those started during chemo so I don't know that it was necessarily the Tamox, or just chemo-induced menopause.  I honestly don't remember the other side effects I had except joint soreness, but that has continued on the other post menopausal drugs I'm on as well.

    We also have a Facebook group that has about 25 of us in it-we comment on there daily, so PM me if you would like to join.

    Hello to the rest of you!  I hope you're all having a great summer! 

  • proudmom_wife
    proudmom_wife Member Posts: 176
    edited August 2012

    Hi swim_girl,

    I have been on Tamoxifen for over a year now.  Here are a few things that I have learned:  Everyone does not experience the same SEs, you will probably have some but not all of them; Not all generic Tamoxifen is the same, different manufacturers use different fillers which can effect the type and severity of SEs you may experience.  There is a thread on this forum which talks about some of the different brands, don't be afraid to ask your pharmacy to change brands.  I ended up switching brands and my SEs became so much more manageable in a very short period of time; Don't eat any grapefruit; and give your body some time to adjust to the medication before making changes, but don't be afraid to try something different and talk with your doctor about the SEs.  Some folks take Tamoxifen in the morning, others at night.  Some people split their dose.  I discovered that I have to eat within an hour of taking it otherwise I feel a little nausea.  

    And yes, furry creatures count as kids.  Mine has me so wrapped around her paws.  Figured better to spoil her than my kids. 

  • profbee
    profbee Member Posts: 305
    edited August 2012

    Hey pals!  Hey Swim!  Welcome!  I'm on Tamoxifen.  I would say I get some "warm" flashes...like every once in a while I just get hot and need to catch my breath, but not like dripping sweat or anything.  Really, I don't feel any SEs at all from it.  I get some muscle aches in my legs sometimes, but I don't know...nothing I would even really complain about.  

    I have been seeing my onc every 3 months b/c of the EKGs with Herceptin.  I had to cancel my last one because...I finally got my '81 Vespa up and running, and I crashed it.  I separated (tore the ligaments) in my shoulder.  SO stupid!  I've been beating myself up about it, but I guess accidents happen to everyone.  I just felt like I spaced...like a cognitive problem, y'know?  ugh.  So, here I am nursing this now.  argh.

    Not much else is really new here...Jack's about to start 1st grade...which means FULL DAY!  wooo hoooo!!!!  I loathe planning all the lunches and stuff, but it will be great to have time to work.  Hubby is out of work, so that really, really, really sucks.  He's applying out to lots of stuff, but it just breaks my heart that he doesn't have a job he is happy with.  My fingers are crossed that he gets something soon...really SOON.  

    Mom is here visiting right now.  She's awesome.  I don't know what I would have done without her through all this--even though she lives 5 hours away.  She was always here when I needed.  She's selling her house up north though, and will be full-time in Florida when it sells.  They say it takes like a year or so to sell a place, so I don't think it's really right around the corner, but it still bums me out some.

    Anyway, love you all!   

  • Eema
    Eema Member Posts: 403
    edited August 2012

    Stopping back in to say hi to the "oldies" and welcome, and sorry to meet you, to the newbies. This is an amazing place for support.

  • Dutchie
    Dutchie Member Posts: 37
    edited August 2012

    Hi Swim Girl! We love to have new people and congratulations on kicking cancer's butt! I haven't been here in ages do just thought I'd drop in and say hello!

  • achpurple
    achpurple Member Posts: 245
    edited August 2012

    Figured I'd chime in since the first ones in this group have been reminising (had to Google that one to spell it right, thanks chemo) about how much we needed BCO at the time of our diagnosis.  Welcome to all the newbies, wish I could keep up with you all.  Great group of women here with lots of support, but most of us who are further into our treatments or are finished completely have moved on to Facebook.  If you are interested in joining our group there, please PM one of us and tell us who you are so we know to "friend" you if you send us a request.

  • burley
    burley Member Posts: 248
    edited August 2012

    Prof you are soooo lucky!  My hot flashes are definitely HOT-I start to sweat between my boobs, and on my forehead.  I literally carry a tissue in every pocket of any pants I wear so I can mop my forehead.  And because the hair is so short and thin there, I'm just positive that everyone can see it.  I feel like a damn old lady.  I should do like my Grandma did and keep a tissue in my shirt.  Haha.

    Hi ProudMom-Hi Odie!  Nice to see you!

    Lostinmo and swimgirl-I hope you check in more often or join our Facebook group.  All these ladies have a wealth of knowledge and can offer you so much support!  Welcome again! 

  • kmur
    kmur Member Posts: 849
    edited August 2012

      Howdy everybody..... 

  • Eema
    Eema Member Posts: 403
    edited August 2012

    I sweat like a truck driver. All night long, and a few times during the day. I'm not on any meds but did have my ovaries removed last October. My kid doesn't want to snuggle because my pillow is always wet in the morning. Ew!

  • profbee
    profbee Member Posts: 305
    edited August 2012

    Kim, I hope I'm lucky.  I hope it's working.  I sometimes worry that with little SEs maybe I'm not blocking all the estrogen I should be.  ugh.  It's all so nerve wracking.  My hubby sweats a lot (alot, Kim) and so does my son...too funny...little six-year-old with a sweaty upper lip.  Eema, Jack never wants to use Daddy's pillows...only Mommy's.  :)  Meanwhile, Jack is still using pull-ups.  He just doesn't wake up.  And, they're totally expensive.  Anyone else deal with that? 

  • momx3
    momx3 Member Posts: 126
    edited August 2012

    Ok, I THINK I caught up.

    I don't get a chance to check this very much. I cheat and follow everyone on FB :D

    ???ARE there really different kinds of Tamox??? generic????  All I know is I take it at night with my vitamins AND dramamine!!! My dr had prescibed different kinds of anti nausea meds (9 pills for $10) and my pharmacist told they are just like dramamine but more $$$$$$$

     Profbee, my 2 youngest had issues with night time wetting and YES pull ups are expensive so I started using adult ones. I think my daughter stop a little bit earlier than my son, but it ends up being around puberty. It doesn't do any good to get upset because they really can't help it. One dr tried putting my son on nasal meds and he ended up crying because it didnt help him. The other dr said if it doesn't bother me, he will stop on his own.  AND, he did...they both did.... 

    AND to everyone who is doing AWESOME, I say YAH!!!!! I wish I had half of your strength!!! My DH is  awesome, but I worry about everything!!! I am just really looking forward to a time when a dr does NOT run my life!!!!! I guess it doesn't pay to NOT go to the dr for a long time, you end up making up for later :/

    Happy HUMP day!!! Back to school :D

  • odie16
    odie16 Member Posts: 1,415
    edited August 2012

    Hey profbee!

    So sorry bout the accident but hope you are on the mend. As for warm flushes, I constantly am hot but rarely have the full on sweat event either. Congrats on graduating to full day school with Jack and don't worry, he will eventually outgrow the pull-ups. My son was the same way (slept like a log) but they do eventually outgrow it. 

  • profbee
    profbee Member Posts: 305
    edited August 2012

    Yeah, that's what they say...just wait.  I don't get mad at all.  I know he can't help it.  He's just a really heavy sleeper.  Plus, the meds for his seizures could be making him sleep more deeply--but hell, I'll take it!  He hasn't had a seizure since he started the meds a year and a half ago!  :) 

    I'm on the mend I guess.  It's a weird feeling--the shoulder separation.  I'm just so damn glad I can type and I didn't hurt my wrist or something.  That would make work miserable!  Hubby is enjoying the scooter now that I won't get on it, and honestly, it's so great to see him happy.  That, and I can ask him to run up to the Circle K and bring me back candy and he enjoys it!  LOL!!!

    How are our girls in active treatment?  I'm still on the Herceptin infusions every 3 weeks--but it's nothing.  It gets me a bit tired the day of, but nothing like those old chemo days!  Love to all of you--especially the ones still in the real thick of it.  

  • Eema
    Eema Member Posts: 403
    edited August 2012

    You know what, prof, CD had pull ups till the middle of last year. Then his ped told me to put a rubber sheet on his bed and just let him go. He peed himself once and that was it! Go, CD!



    Would that be worth a try?

  • chantal10
    chantal10 Member Posts: 34
    edited August 2012

    I get so confused with everyone's alias name between here and Facebook! I know we've sorted out the connection, but for some reason (call it stress?) my mind can not get it straight! I know some of them, of course, but please forgive me.



    Welcome new ladies! Absolutely know how scary and unbelievable all this bc stuff is, can be hard to relate to your "normal" friends at times. Everyone means well, but often times are just plain clueless! You can be open and honest and scared here all you want. Chances are whatever you might be going through one of has also gone through or is dealing with it now and can offer advice or just lend an ear. I think most of us have some type of sleeping issue so depending where you are in the world, chances are someone will respond sooner than later :)



    My daughter started kindergarten today! Such a great day for her, so excited!



    Profbee, I know who you are, lol! My son is 3 and is just getting the hang of the whole potty thing. Pull ups at night for sure! Happy to report this whole week the diaper as been dry in the morning. Woohoo! I'm still going to keep him in pull ups at least until the giant Costco box is done, because the night he goes without is the night he will flood the bed, you know how that can go! I'm so glad to hear your shoulder is on the mend and that the huz is happy cruising the mod mobile.



    I made an appointment to see my doctor about a back MRI next week. I would just love an answer as to why my back is in such bad shape. Yes, age, yadda yadda, but what if it's a damn tumor or something? A good friend said after I mentioned the tumor/cancer idea, "don't worry it's not a tumor" but really, thats what everyone said about my cancer stuff before it was a confirmed dx, "don't worry, you don't have breast cancer"... Um, yeah, ok. Fingers crossed its a herniated disc (not really, cuz that sucks too), bring on a cortisone shot already!



    I have the Avon 40 mile walk next month in Santa barbara. I will walk to honor all you ladies! Xo

  • Rabbit43
    Rabbit43 Member Posts: 121
    edited August 2012

    Hello everyone...it's my first time here. I was very excited to see that it is a group for those 40-ish. I am 44 now, diagnosed at 43. I have been reading the last couple of pages of posts and sounds like you are a great group...I read a little about vodka and hanging out on the beach...that all sounds good to me. Lol

    I have 5 kids between the ages of 4-16 and I have one canine kid who is 10 months. It's a full, crazy, fun house.

    You sound like a very upbeat group. I am 1 year out from my diagnosis so, like everyone else, still dealing with a lot of stuff. To all those going through treatment, I hope things are manageable. It's not easy. As for those asking about Tamoxifen, I haven't had too much trouble. Just some warm flashes, especially at night, and some achy joints. Nothing like chemo. and the Neulasta shot!

    I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone on here.

  • kmur
    kmur Member Posts: 849
    edited August 2012

     Good Morning Everyone,

    Welcome Rabbit and congrats on your year out...I think it gets better and better. I am about 2 years out now...Sept I will officially say two!!  The ladies here have had it or done it so it is a wealth of support and knowledge.

    Had a meeting last night and had to go through a mock school day and meet my sons teachers..I had 5 minutes to get to class!!  Was really fun and I LOVE LOVE his teachers..LOVE...Lol.. met new ladies they were funny and nice....so excited about the year, but it is tough...I hope he is in the right layer??? We bumped him up a layer but wow..not sure that was a good idea???

    Off to start the day...have a good day

  • proudmom_wife
    proudmom_wife Member Posts: 176
    edited August 2012

    momx3 - Yes there are different manufactures for generic Tamoxifen. Here is the thread with some info on it, Differences in SEs with Tamox from different manufacturers http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/78/topic/780358?page=3#idx_63

  • ReadingMama
    ReadingMama Member Posts: 338
    edited August 2012

    Hi All, just a quick hello before I go on my trip.  Don't leave us all for Facebook!! I'm sad to miss the daily news... Still not on it yet...

    Too much to do to get ready and car is coming at 6am tomorrow, we have never left so early with the kids, upside is there is less likely to be delays, hoping the kids will stay awake during the plane ride then crash in the car ride.

  • Eema
    Eema Member Posts: 403
    edited August 2012

    Hi girls,



    Well, I'm in the boot for another 2-3 weeks, then to a brace, then an insert into my shoe. The orthopod thinks it is because of my flat, flat foot. Ok, at least isnt a cancer broken ankle!



    But, then one of my friends who is a PhD nurse told me today he wants me to go to a bone oncologist, because he thinks my severe degeneration in my spine is mets. It went from moderate to advanced in 3 months. I've been putting all my faith in one investigational radiologist. Do I look for another or stay where I am? Testicles! Woop! Sorry, new girls, but you had to be exposed to my favorite word sooner or later.



    However, it is a proven fact: saying "balls," or any derivation there of, in any language, CURES CANCER! Balls!

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