Radiation recovery
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I don't have tumor markers tested either, Edwards. My onc said they are unreliable. Of course, I am stage one, grade one, which they (annoyingly) treat as totally taken care of. I assume that those at higher risk of recurrence do have those tests. I sure hope your friend's numbers go back into the green zone.
So sorry about your dogs, SAB. You must miss both of them every day.
ChiSandy, I've learned a lot about lymphedema from your posts. I guess I'd assumed you either woke up with it after surgery, or you did not, not that it developed slowly in the following weeks. as your has. I wish you did not have to deal with it, and hope it decides to back off really soon.
Thanks for the update on Cindy, Charger. Sure hope she chimes in soon, probably with the latest photo of Hunter.
Josie, the new pup is soooooo adorable. I share your relief that he is not a ring. I do wish, however that he had been a stuffed toy, as Mr. Adorable will keep them spending time together. Snidely, I mention that, adorable or not, he constitutes a pretty crafty gift.
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Happy Valentines Day 💕 Y'all!
Sorry I've been MIA...just trying on focusing on getting through all the 1st and construction bids and 3 weeks of hard hat zone...I can see the light. Congrats for those of us who just celebrated 3 yrs out
Need to read back pages and pages...y'all are so great! So shout outs will come.
Josie...a new job! Yippee cute pup.
SAB - so sorry about your fur babies. New yellow is sweet.
President is at Sunnylands, which is just across the wall...roads and gates closed. I'll give a wave.
Ok, now to read back
((( hugs )))
Cindy
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Cindy, great to hear from you. Glad your ok.
Thanks for the comments bout my daughters new puppy. He's so shy. I think it will take him time to adjust. He shakes when he first comes over and only feels safe on the couch. But they are trying to tech him not to be on the couch. She just got him last night. I'm sure he will be fine. Just wants to snuggle up with us and sleeps a lot. He will adjust. He may just be intimidated by our dog. She treats him like he's her pup yet she's never had pups and she licks and cleans him.
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What sucks about LE is that it can develop at any time...even 20 yrs down the line. Hence the need to be proactive about preventing BPs and needle sticks in the arm on the same side where lymph nodes were removed. Still find it hard to believe that with all the stars who brag about their successful battles with bc (most with mx), only Kathy Bates has come forward and admitted getting LE--and becoming the voice of LEARN at that. Guess they all fear that if studios knew their actresses might have a swollen arm or need to camouflage compression-wear at any time, they’d never work in Hollywood again.
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Maybe the stars get Lymph Node transplants
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I am not sure at what point the do tumor marker blood tests. I was stage I grade three and taking Arimidex and the only follow up I have is a mamogram in one year and routine blood work once a year. I was told no other test were indicated. I did have a chest x-ray for coughing.
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Brutersmom, I believe it was after a year or two that I had that marker checked. I am surprised that you don't have a six month check-in though. I had regular BS appointments (I think at 3 months and 6 months) and then a mammo at a year. It is troubling how different care can be, but if you are concerned you should speak with your BS. They may have added that marker for me because I have been plagued with suspicious lumps from time to time.
Josie, I could squish that little dog. So cute! I agree with Brookside, it was pretty crafty and that fellow is not giving up. Fingers crossed that your girl stays strong.
Cindy, glad to see you!
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I get tumor markers done every 3 months. My MO told me to stop worrying about them until they get in the red zone. They are low, but every visit they are up a point or two.......I was stage one grade 1.
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My MO said nothing about tumor markers--and she said that any lipid or glucose panels (to assess letrozole’s effect on LDL or blood sugar & a1c) need to be done by my primary. But I do have a lab appt. scheduled at the cancer center for the same day as my MO followup and Zometa infusion. Probably just a CBC and chem panel.
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I get a full cholesterol panel once a year from my heart doctor.
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I have a hepatic panel scheduled before I see my onc next month. The first time I saw him, he also ordered a vitamin D level, but not last year, and I don't know if he will this year. I see him twice/year, surgeon annually. Saw the surgeon a couple of weeks ago so he could evaluate a lump that did not show on mammogram or ultrasound. Initially, he'd planned to do a fine needle biopsy, but, as it turns out, he was pretty confident that it is nothing to be concerned about. The man has incredible patience. He must have spent a couple of minutes on this one tiny spot. Very reassuring. Compare this to my gyn, who maybe spent ten seconds divided between both breasts (haven't seen him since dx because I felt a decent exam should have found the lump). Funny how many of us were conditioned to think of the gyn as the breast expert.
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SAB I did have annual blood work at 6 months and I saw the MO 2 months after radiation ended and I started Arimidex. My mamo is on my one year mark. Not really concerned because despite being grade 3 I had clean margins and it did not appear to involve any part of my lymph system according to the path report. I am a high ER/PR positive. I also have had some lung issues since radiation. I had a chest x-ray and it showed some opaque areas in the lung I received radiation. I go for another one in March. I will be seeing the BS, the RO and the MO all in June based on there recommendations. I think if I have my way this will change unless something comes up. Seems non productive.
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Sounds like lots of good care Brutersmom.
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I guess with a cancer diagnosis you always wonder if it is enough. But I believe a lot of it is we need to be proactive and not ignore symptoms. My goal is to get my follow up visits with the different DR's three months apart, instead of all in them same month. I think that will serve me better.
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I can't believe how long it's been since I have visited out here - catching up on everyone and I see so much going on. I do have some good news to share - annual mammo came back clear so I continue on with the arimidex and all of the lovely side effects! My reconstruction went OK, going back in April for a "touch up" to see if he can get the radiated breast to look better - he said he could make a "significant difference" so we shall see!
I really care about all of you - going to move along now and catch up but I wanted to say hello.
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So sorry SAB I know those precious angels owned a big piece of your heart. They bring us such joy, love and devotion. My DS is moving out this summer but thankfully he is leaving his dog - a lab/pit mix with us. The dog is happy with us and we can devote the time and attention for him plus he is the father of the two babies we just lost.
Josie - that pooch is adorable. I'm glad too the gift was a dog and not a ring. Ugh.
Cindy - so glad things are going well for you. We were concerned.
Isn't it interesting how oncologists differ about tumor marker tests? I am Stage 1a, Grade 1 so she feels what's the point. Thank you guys for your prayers for my friend.
DH and I are keeping the twins Sat night so DS can take GFF to dinner for her birthday. Got 911 on speed dial.
Diane
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SAB, your words about your dear soulmates brought tears to my eyes. I remember how beautiful they are.
I hope you find comfort in the joy they brought to your family.Brookside, I'm glad to hear that your doc is not concerned and has kept a close watch on you.
Cindy, so good to hear from you. Are you building again in CA? I know you mentioned CO, but now I don't remember. I hope you are doing well and finding comfort in your family and your dear pup. I hope you will be checking in often.
Josie, it is not surprising that the bf is still making inroads into your DD's life. Clean breaks are tough.
Puppy is cute - another for you to care for? Did he ask? Life is a roller coaster.Diane, thinking of you and the changes that are coming with DS. It is hard to sit back and watch when we think it may not be right.
April, I am sorry that you are missing your mom at this time of year...you have been through so much in the few years we've known you. But your grief is a sign of your love - and hers.
Marijen, sorry I did not answer back for so long. I was taking Arimidex when I started rads. But I began getting more frequent chest spasms (angina-like) so I stopped the Arimidex. After rads was over, I resumed with Femara and have been taking it for 4 years this month.
I hope everyone survived the cold weather and snow squalls. I was at DD's in Cohasset MA over the week end and it was minus 9. I kept checking the little bunny in the garage as the water bottle froze solid.
A little mouse came in the house and apparently died under my granddaughter's bed. She (5) found it, and thought it was a toy so put it in the dollhouse as a pet. yyyyuuuuuuucccccchhhhhhhh!!! Wow, did my DD scream! It was a comical scene....my DH save the day by disposing of it.It's a beautiful clear starry sky tonight.
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Joan, Brrrrrr that's cold. We have had crazy St Louis weather around here. It snowed on Valentine's day but it melted by the next day.That is really yucky about the mouse. I hope it didn't stay in the doll house long before being discovered.In answer to the question about DD no he didn't ask he surprised her with the pup.
Dogsneverlie, glad you popped in to say hello.Glad your reconstruction went well.
Diane, good luck with babysitting. Have fun.You have quite a difference in care with your MO. I can't believe they don't do labs on you at all. My MO is ordering labs twice a year(every 6 months) ,she does check my CA-125 probably once a year but always orders some kind of panel.Interesting that my levels on complete blood count(CBC)are always on the low end of normal.Maybe she keeps such a good eye on my labs because of the Tamoxofin.
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Joan, That is to funny about the mouse. We are at 9 this weekend and we to had a furry visitor. He was running around the living room alluding the cat and dog. What a comedy. Glad you found yours. I think mine died in the basement. Stinky.
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Hey ladies,
Just a check in. Was off work for a few days and did not go near the computer...felt great for a change! I did peek in but did not respond to anything. Work is insane again so dashing off.
Love you all and great to hear from two of our MIA's, Dogs and Cindy!
xoxo Happy belated Valentine's day!
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Josie - she does schedule blood work but I haven't had the tumor marker tests.
Joan - that is too funny about the mouse. I freak out when I see one. Fortunately haven't seen any here but we saw a lot of them when I lived in Louisiana.
It is hard to sit by and watch DS make a decision he will probably regret but he's got to make his own decisions. I think back when I was his age and I definitely made some not so smart decisions. Still you just hope they will benefit from our experience and mistakes.
April - thanks for checking in.
Diane
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It's pretty quiet here...
Bruters, your mouse story is pretty funny....I am sure there are many mice which go undetected here.
Speaking of cancer markers, I do believe that I am tested routinely. I never thought much about it until a BCO friend from another thread just had a relapse after 8 years. Her tumor markers never gave a clue. Is it possible that they are only going to reveal cancer if it has spread? I think I will ask the next time they draw blood. I am down to seeing only the MO twice yearly and BS as needed (occasional lumpiness that she checks out for me). And one mammo per year.
Life feels so "normal" after 4.5 years. I am grateful, but I experience that conscious awareness that at any time my life could be interrupted again. It does not cause me stress...it just makes me want to do everything on my list because I never know.Dogs, so happy for your mammo report.
Josie, I hope your DD is settling in and feeling comfortable and safe. I know it is hard when a child does not see the need to make a clean break.
Spring is just a month away....
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Gee, Joan, my BS appointment (annual) is scheduled an hour after my mammo. I love it that way, and had assumed we all had the same perk. By the time I've seen him, he has looked at the images (with the caveat that the radiologist's read is still to come) and I do not have to wait for the stupid letter. This time, by the way, the letter had verbiage pointing out that mammograms do not find all cancers and stating that the American Cancer Society recommends annual mammos (not biennial) for everyone over 40. It also recommends discussing with your physician whether additional imaging is appropriate.
I wonder if the rest of you are receiving similar letters?
Yeah. I'm feeling pretty "normal" after three years, but will probably never be really secure.
Josie, how is your DD? I"m sure she is feeling torn in every direction.
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Brookside, funny you Pulaski about my DD.Its her 21st birthday today.I got a phone call from my DH at 3am this morning to come right now to the emergency vet .The new puppy she just got may not make it thanks to that idiot BF of hers. He picked her up from work and started immediately accusing her of being drunk.She wasn't and started accusing her of cheating on him.He then instead of taking her home to her Grandmas house kept going.It proceeded into a fight which caused him to stop the vehicle and throw the keys.Luckily this was within a block from Grandmas house.Long story short he grabbed the puppy away from her and started choking it.She had to choke him to get it away but he dropped it.She then found herself running down the street screaming for help.Someone called the cops and an officer showed up right as he got to Grandmas house.They arrested him but had to release him. I'm really afraid for her.I made her promise me she wouldn't take him back again.And get a restraining order.She hasn't fully agreed on that yet but I'm hoping she will.He knows the code to her grandparents Garage door.So that has to be changed.Got to go .She just called and still wants to go to casino for her birbirthday with me and her grandma.Vet just called and puppy is going to be ok
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Josie, good luck with this. He's got her under his control. She need to press charges on the animal cruelty charges and HE must pay the vet bills. She should present them to his parents. Tell her every time she thinks about even talking to him much less getting in a vehicle with him she should look at that puppy and realize it could have been her he was viciously throwing around and choking. This is just all bad and I hope there's some way out of it for your girl
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I know Sew, she is just so upset about it today She just doesn't want to discuss it anymore.She wants to try and forget for the moment and enjoy her birthday.Your right it could of been a lot worse
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OMG! He's really escalating. Clearly dangerous.
Can you call the local women's shelter and ask for help in communicating to your daughter how dangerous this is for her (and others)?
How's about you put her on a plane and send her here to Vermont? Puppy too, of course! I'd be very happy to keep the two of them out of center stage for a while.
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Brookside Josie BIG HUGGERS!
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Oh Josie, this man is truly dangerous. I don't mean to alarm you any more than you already are but please heed Brookeside and Sew's advice. DD needs support--I don't know why they couldn't hold him!
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She's getting a restraining order tommorow and he will be charged with animal abuse.
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