Any October 2011 Surgeries out there want to wait together?
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iLuv2knit, now that I'm officially out of all treatment I too am trying to control what I eat as much as possible. I think that I had a pretty healthy diet before bc actually, except for enjoying my glass or 2 or 3, etc etc., of red wine. Now I'm trying, and I mean trying to:
1. cut out sugar
2. cut out carbohydrates such as white bread, pasta, potatoes
3. eat much less dairy
3. eat red meat only rarely, eating mostly chicken or fish
4. replace meat with other forms of protein, ie lentils and pulses
5. replace white bread with more complex carbohydrates like oats
6. increase my intake of fruit and veg, eating lots of broccoli, cauliflower, red berries...
7. drink 3 or 4 glasses of green tea every day
8. drink wine only when we go out and then am trying to limit that to 2 glasses
I would also like to lose about 20lbs, because though not obese I'm definitely overweight.
WELL, I know this sounds extremely efficient and as though I am in total control but I can reassure you that this is not the case (unfortunately). I was being really good until I went abroad for a few days at the end of January and since then my self control seems to have evaporated and I start the day well but by some time in the afternoon I end up eating one or two or more of the things I'm trying to avoid.
I have gone back to practising yoga, however, and attend classes twice a week, and have also started my walking again, although we've had such horrible wet weather that I haven't really got back into my 4 times a week walking, but will certainly go back to that once the weather improves.
Rachel and Sigarcia, if I remember correctly you are taking Taxotere right now, and if you are, I know that for me the fatigue was certainly the worst thing..I had some neuropathy in my feet and toes, but although it is still vaguely there in my left foot it seems to be getting less and less noticable every day, and my right foot seems to have gone back to normal. It's been over 6 months since my last chemo. But I am so much better I hardly know myself.
Eema WELL DONE, Kelleyod all the best vibes for Friday, AJ how are things? Love to you all
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Aw, you girls are so sweet...
I don't know if it was here someone asked if I am a professional writer--I write professionally, but I am not a professional writer. I would very much like to be syndicated. Anyone know anyone? xoxo
Off to class!
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So, to keep everyone up to date with me, quickly, Dr. Radiology Fancy Pants today called me and told me that I don't need a biopsy, to wait 3 months and see what happens. I said OK because my MO is on vacation. She will have to fight this fight when she gets back.
In other news, I have a sinus infection. But not a cancer sinus infection!
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Hey all. . .
I'd LOVE to know more about changes y'all have made too. . . . Iluv2knit - you bring up a great point . . . . my news on 2/14 has shocked me into a "Crap - maybe I better make some lifestyle changes. . . ." mode so I'm totally into hearing what my fav forum says. . . .I've been jumping on a fresher veggie train . . . not so hard. Working on the "cutting down the wine" effort - MUCH harder! hahahaha . . . .
Throw some thoughts out there please!
Happy Tuesday - !
Kelleyod
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Hey, kelleyod, I wrote something today and thought I'd give you a smile. Or not
http://cancerchmancerpoopoopoo.wordpress.com/2012/02/22/just-cancerific-thank-you/0 -
Kelleyod-I am doing better, thanks. I am back to teaching preschool full time now. It is exhausting but I am glad to be back. I am dealing with LE so sleeping is still an issue for me. Taking Femara which is causing joint pain and hot flashes but honestly it could be much worse!
I am doing LE therapy, accupuncture and yoga therapy/meditation.
I am off of gluten, dairy, soy, eggs, peanuts, sugar and basically anything else inflammatory (including alcohol...boo!). I have gained 25 pounds since my BMX in June and am finding it very hard to lose weight with all this fluid retention. My plan is to add a LOT more veggies to my daily intake and I am thinking about juicing some of those green leafy ones. Anyone have any experience or suggestions about this?
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Eema- read your blog and I do NOT like dr FP at all. Good for you sticking up for yourself! Let us know what your MO says next week.
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Ginger, my GP just put me on microzide, a diuretic because the fluid retention is making my BP high.
Thanks:) re the blog. This isn't my best.0 -
Ginger- Before my BC diagnosis in AUG 2011 I juiced for about 1 year. I miss it, as I am out of town for my BC treatment in temporary housing & do not have a juicer. Best advice is to buy a good juicer. There are many choices- I did my research on the internet.
My juice included carrots, celery, cucumber, cabbage, beets & apple. Only a very small amount of cabbage & beet is required- the rest is an experiment based on your taste. I usually used a whole apple (peeled & cored). Poured into a chilled glass with fresh frozen berries. Before I go back to my juicing, I am going to do addtional research to ensure that beet juice is ok for BC recurrence. Happy juicing!
If you have a Jamba Juice conveniently located, I highly recommend their shot of wheat grass- just the shot; not mixed with any other juice. They juice from fresh wheat grass trays they have delivered to the stores at regular intervals. If you want to grow it yourself for juicing you can but beware that you have to purchase a special type juicer.
Rose
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Kellyod....I just went back and reread some posts...yikes!!! Please let us know what your next step will be. You know we are here for you. I am not sure but micromets, I believe is still treated as invasive depending on the oncoscore. I know if I was diagnosed with micromets, regardless on oncoscore/type, I would throw any chemical I could at it! Take THAT cancer, you filthy bugger.
I am embarking on a 6 week Lenten diet. I am not Catholic, but my hubby is, so I will try to give up something for Lent and see how it goes. I chose to give up white flour. Basically, I just want to try a super, duper, healthy streak until Easter and perhaps, it will change my obsession with cookies and bread for good??! Why is it as soon as I start a "diet", I want to bake cookies!!??????? on the flipside, I got weighed and measured yesterday for our Wellness Program at work. I have lost an inch off my waist since last July and dropped 5 pounds. Don't ask me how that happened!
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TexasRose- I am not sure what makes a juicer good...any suggestions? I am gluten free so not sure if wheat grass is really made from wheat? Your combo sounds good. I just got Kris Carr's book about juicing so I am going to read up on it. I live in a rural area and have never even heard of Jamba juice.
ILUV- that is awesome to lose an inch and 5 pounds!
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Hey ladies. . . .
Love this juicing feedback I'm hearing . . . Ginger - if you find out what makes a juicer good, I want to know too! Totally can't hurt to get on that train!
ILUV - you keep going woman! Love the healthy streak you are on. Please share ideas . . . .
Eema. . . your blogs are inspiring. Your writing always makes me sit up and pay attention. Dr. Eema I mean. . . hahaha . . . please don't stop. I've saluted you numerous times in my caringbridge with a nod in your direction, to your humor. Thank you for keeping me laughing.
Ginger - how is the yoga? I'd like to start as soon as I gain more mobility after this 1/31 surgery I'm still recovering from. I"m moving. . .and stretching a bit. . . . maybe at 6 weeks post op I'll try to get in the gist of it. Does it help you on multiple fronts?
Big day at Moffitt Cancer Cewnter tomorrow - CT Scans (yes, Eema - buyin' 'em in bulk baby!). . . Bone scan (I'll be doing shots. . . .hahahaha), and a new one - Ultrasound of axillary lymph node region. Anyone have an idea of what they'd SEE with an ultrasound? Certainly couldn't see cancer. . . . Finally ordered Oncotype - duh - what took so long? They also are getting me into a MO and RO for consult (I've never been to one at Moffitt, only locally) - again - why did I just WASTE A WEEK waiting to hear this? I'm feeling like no one is moving fast enough . . . is this typical? I'm feeling the "be your own advocate" voice coming . . .
Thanks for listening, I'm sure you've all been there . . .wish me luck. . . .
kelleyod
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Kelleyod! I don't like hearing that you are following my path in the bulk CT scans! Not one bit! Please post your blog so I can read yours, too! And let us know how it goes!
Let me give you some advice--cottenelle wipes for after. You'll thank me.0 -
I'm going to hop in on your juicing conversation. Prices vary widely from under $100.00 to several hundred. There are basically two types, masticating and centrifugal. You will need a masticating juicer if you want to juice wheat grass. I borrowed an old Jack LaLane juicer just to see if I liked juicing. It was huge, loud and a pain to clean but I loved the juice. I read lots of reviews and compared prices. For my money, the Breville Compact Juice Fountain was the winner. Compact is a bit of a misnomer since none are too small but it's smaller than many. It is a centrifugal juicer but does a good job on leafy greens and everything else I throw into it. I do not peel, core or cut most things as the feed chute is pretty wide. Citrus fruit is the exception since I find the peels produce a bit of juice that is too bitter for me. I juice lots of kale, broccoli and Chinese greens. Add a small apple and a couple of carrots to sweeten it a bit. A slice of fresh ginger is geat too. Bonus, the pulp
Is great for composting. Warning, most juices turn a mucky green once you add a green veggie.
Doesn't look great but is so light and fresh that I look forward to it each day. There may be a juicing
thread somewhere on bco. Happy juicing!
Caryn PS: I buy all produce at from organic vendors at a local farmers market0 -
Thanks Caryn. I will research a bit more I was looking at kohls at a jack Lalane one on sale for 99 dollars from 129 and I have a 30 percent off coupon I will try to read up on it a bit.
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Kelley- I am doing a yoga therapy called embodyment. It is one on one session where the therapist puts her hands on certain points on my lower spine to reduce muscle tension throughout my body and re-energizes. It promotes healing. I hope to graduate to more typical yoga when I have more ability to move. She has been able to work with me right through all 4 of my surgeries.
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Ginger- I think that exbrnxgrl answered your question on juicers. FYI- wheat grass is from the wheat embryo but it is gluten free. :-)
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Hello ladies. . . .
Long day at Moffitt cancer center. . . but the good news is my bone scan is negative. . .woo hoo! CT scan (abdoment, chest, pelvis) shows no definitive signs of cancer . . .couple of ODD things going on with kidney and intestine but no mets - no cancer. Thank you, God.
Eeeeemmmaaaa baby - My caring bridge is: www.caringbridge.org/visit/kelleydouglass I shout out to you women more then you know. My October sisters have been there since day 1. I ranted a bit about today, Eema . . it's long! But your writing inspired me to try to be half as amusing as you are!
Did an axillary Lymph node ultrasound which came back totally great - so with a wonderful ultrasound, they do not want to go back in for a dissection . . . . risk was greater then reward there.
So next steps? Oncotype test is in process. 3/14 Med Onc appt and Rad Onc appt. Everyone waiting for final scores for decisions. No treatment reccomendation given yet. Oh - did confirm that my micromet was 2mm and IS considered node positive. They are however still calling me stage 1 . . . interesting.
The hardest part on all of this is that so much is judgement call on behalf of my team. . . .I do like my medical team VERY much. . .and trust them as well. But it's hard with final trust. Example - lymph node. . .ok, so she liked ultrasound. . . let's not go back in. Sure. But - how do you know? UGH. did anyone reconcile that in their heads? How do y'all deal? I know the same situation will come up with radiation. . . . thoughts? advice?
Hope you all are gearing up for a lovely weekend. Thanks for listening and I am so looking for a juicer - Kohl's is my new PLACE!
Keep the ideas coming. . . . .
thanks - kelleyod
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Check amazon.com for good prices on juicers. Breville is a great brand. I find mine ( compact juice fountain) is far better than the Jack LaLane (borrowed from my SIL) and far easier to clean.
Caryn0 -
kellyod - Regarding axillary node dissection, my BS said that even if I had positive nodes in my SNB, they don't do AND's at all any more, they've not been shown to improve outcomes. Would they have done it to look for more cells in them?
Here's what cancer.org says about staging with micromets that might explain why you're still considered stage 1, "Stage IB: T0 or T1, N1mi, M0: The tumor is 2 cm or less across (or is not found) (T0 or T1) with micrometastases in 1 to 3 axillary lymph nodes (the cancer in the lymph nodes is greater than 0.2mm across and/or more than 200 cells but is not larger than 2 mm)(N1mi). The cancer has not spread to distant sites (M0)."
T1 is tumor 2 cm or less, N1mi is micromets in 1-3 snb's, M0 is no spread elsewhere.
It sounds like overall you got good news, but still, waiting sucks. Hang in there!
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Cookie monster,
I wish "they" didn't do AND at all any more! I think that is an increasing trend but it's still done often enough. Let's hope the downward trend continues.
Caryn0 -
exbrnxgrl - Agreed. My use of "they" is my BS and her practice at UCLA, certainly not all BS. I hope the practice does go away, especially since the research shows it does not improve outcomes and I'd guess it does more harm than good.
Good night.
-Judy
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I am veryveryvery happy for you Kelly!!!! YAYAY....nothing found in your 'nother regions'...that is such a plus! hopefully if your oncoscore comes back low, they will be done poking you! I wonder if you can insist on chemo though, if you want to throw the whole kitchen sink at your philandering cancer cells?? I gotta say, I would want to just for caution sake.
I have a friend who juices wheat grass and also takes some form of dried organic wheat grass. She claims it gives her a TON of energy and is supposed to be some kind of miracle to keep cancer at bay. Of course, this is my same friend who refused chemo (against her Dr. advice) and she still drinks like a fish AND smokes.
Let me know how you like juicing. I just can't get past the 'look' of that murky green fluid. If I could find someone to make me a nice juiced drink, I could get my mind changed. Until then, I will eat my veggies- with a fork :-)
I have a question about vitamin D. Did someone say on here that they take 10000 IU's daily?? I am wondering if I take it, will it help my aching joints? I ache so badly (now my elbows, hips and wrists, along with my lower back) that I am thinking it may be because of my deprivation of estrogen?? Does VitD help aching joints??? I will try anything. I am even considering a medical MJ card --legal in Michigan! I gotta say, I tried MJ when I was younger but never really liked the way it made me feel. I am eating tylenol like candy and Aleve too. help :-(
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So Kelleyod, what is the next step? I'm so sorry you are going through all of this.
I had a little read, not all, but like your stuff! I wrote something new:
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and I take D3, over the counter 4000 mcg, but 10000 was the perscription stregnth. I can't take the perscription stuff because it has soy and I'm allergic:(
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iLUV2knit - When I first saw my MO, she said my vitamin D levels were low, so had me start taking 2000 IU per day (in addition to what's in my multivitamin). That has continued, even after surgery.She said that a higher level was better for helping fight the cancer.
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The gummy ones are like taking candy every day. I take my son's sometime, too
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ILUV-I am taking 10,000 iu of vitamin d in liquid form per my naturopathic dr orders. I have a malabsorption issue and also get vitamin b12 shots. I have joint aches from taking Femara but have no idea if they would be worse without the vitamin d.
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Hello ladies . . .
Been thinking of you all with several days of kid chaos and recovery from that darn TRAM flap operation . . . baby steps I keep telling myself. Time to start stretching my arms and six million dollar man rebuilt chest I suppose.
Thanks for all the good wishes on Friday - that was all good news! Love the support from y'all - Thank you, Thank you. . . you have no idea how much I apreciate it.
Next steps appear to be: waiting on oncotype test results; 3/6 trip to Cleveland Clinic (for cancer treatment consultation vis a vis genetic mutation - PTEN vs. BRCA, my BRCA was negative)as well as long term living with this mutation; 3/14 MO and RO appt at the Cancer Center . . . back in the waiting game.
My BS is very vested in the Onco score. My local MO (who I met with today) is thinking if Onco is anything but low, I'm chemo bound - TC not AC he said. 4 rounds every three weeks - Can anyone lend me some insight into what I'd be in for? I realize that I could be getting off pretty lucky with that. . . .
Radiation, per local MO, is redundant if I take chemo - note - I don't know if I buy into that. Just voicing his two cents. What have y'all learned? He seems to think that chemo kills it and helps remaining lymph nodes . . . so why radiate? I still have that 3/14 RO appt - so I try to stay open minded.
Cookiemonster / Carn - so glad to hear your POV on ANDs. I believe they wanted to do it to possibly remove nodes period to ensure they were negative. They intimated that they'd take a large number to ensure negative which as we all know increases risks. . . . and as you said - for limited improvement / reward (if any at all) in outcome. What I was worried about was - can they REALLY tell anything from Ultraound? I guess so - at least I have to believe so now.
I do know that now they'll monitor me in this area every six months by Ultrasound for two years. Sooooo - I hate waiting. And here I am - waiting. I have taken the step to make an appt with a naturopathic Doctor for some consultation --- why not? Get some supplement advice . . . lifestyle changes maybe. I am totally wanting to get juicing going . . . . How often do y'all do this? Once / day - twice? My dear sis in law was doing some serious juicing at 13 gallons / day - seriously. Let's keep that convo happening too!
Thanks for listening to me vent - really appreciate it. Love to hear thoguhts on TC chemo, radiation and which beginner juicer is for me!
Happy Tuesday y'all.
kelleyod
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Kelly - Nothing like more waiting... You're welcome to check out the December 2011 Taxotere/Cytoxin thread. Some women handled it okay, others found it tough as it got to #s 3 and 4. I'm doing TACX6. That said, everyone, even if they're doing the 'same' regimen, really does seem to react differently. I've been pretty lucky, I think. No nausea; the fatigue hits me days 4-6, but then just about goes away (though walking up the stairs in Independence Hall in Philly today almost wiped me out). My left hand has been flirting with neuropathy, but has quieted down; and even my taste buds are holding out, with only a few minor rebellions. That said, I really don't want to have to do this again, let alone 2 more times.
Good luck with your recovery.
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