2013 Survivors!!!
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Aruba... that pool looks divine... wish I was there.
Scottie: low fat is the way to go.... I should be more strict with my diet I know. My Mum who went on a low fat diet, just to help my Dad out who wanted to lose some weight, lost 14 pounds in a couple of months..... so proof of the pudding it works !
Liefie.... that is just too awful beyond words about that young child...my gosh wihat is it with this disease. Unfortunately I am of the opinion (and it is only mine) that we will not find a cure unless we find the reason why ??
OK back to work for me... yay only hour and half left.
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Just a quick check in as I am having a very busy day.
My happy for today was my beautiful bracelets I received from Believe today. You are truly an abgel Believe and I will wear my bracelet everyday. I can't wait to give my Mom, sister and grandma theirs that I got for them next week.
Shainne - I can only imagine WGAT you were going through. My oldest turns 16 in July and I am already nervous and he hasen't even started driving yet.
Will catch up more tomorrow.
Hugs to everyone that needs them.0 -
Sometimes I think about older women with bc and think at least they had twenty years on me before they got breast cancer and have to worry about their mortality.. At least they enjoyed all those extra years! I realize its not right to think like that bit lord help me I did.. I also think how when u r older u find it earlier stage wise most times bc they have yearly mammograms.. I wasn't even scheduled to have my first one for 9 years.. Scary to think where I would b of I waited.. Or where I wouldn't....
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Also wanted to have u guys look at what I wrote for te local breast cancer charity by my parents.. We will be attending a luncheon and they mentioned nominating angels:: ie: people who helped through treatment... Here is what I wrote.. Lemme know what my angels here think: forgot to mention u all but u all know u ru Angels too:
Who hasn’t been an angel to me during this incredibly hard period in my life? When I was diagnosed in October 2012 at the age of 31, people from all over came out of the woodwork to offer their support and prayers. My friends, family, co-workers, and friends of my family showered me with love, strength, gifts, support and well wishes. Friends offered to aid my parents when they were not available to take me to treatment. I never realized how many people cared and wanted to be there for me until this dramatic and traumatic experience happened.
I would like to give a special thanks to John Barone and Sherry Hudes for taking me to my chemo treatments and keeping me company when my family could not always be there. I want to thank the Coopers for their never-ending love and support. I carry the red rock of hope, gratitude and love that you gave me from Arizona with me wherever I go and when I get scared, I touch it and remember that I have so much to still be thankful for. And to my best friend Melissa Cooper Pietroburgo, thanks for just always being there and being the friend I so needed always and especially during this time. My doctors and nurses have been amazing and patient with me throughout this difficult journey, and I feel I need to mention and thank them in this letter as well. Thank you Dr. Keleher, Dr. Rachamalla, and thank you to my oncology nurse and friend, Paula LeBarge, I couldn’t have done this without you all. I would also be remiss if I didn’t thank my coworkers for being supportive and for donating days so I could have my treatments without having to take a sick leave.
Most importantly, I need to thank my family. Being diagnosed at any age with breast cancer is a traumatic experience. Being diagnosed at 31 comes with it own set of issues, such as childbearing, body issues, and mental issues. Where people at my age are getting married and having children, I am facing different challenges.
I have definitely leaned on my parents more this year than I have since my teenage years. They have been with me through every step of this journey. From diagnosis, to treatment plan, to actual treatment, they have never left my side. I know it hasn’t been easy and I know I have not been easy either. Thinking I wanted to know everything I could about this beast of a disease had me exploring the internet to no end. Needless to say, I scared the living daylights out of myself and went to some really dark places. I thank them and love them so much for being so strong when I felt like I could not. At my age, fears about my mortality came to a forefront with my diagnosis. How would I ever live without being scared that this disease would rear it ugly head again, was my most constant fear that kept me up at night. I kept focusing on the what ifs of the future and not the definites and positives of today. I know there are no guarantees in life but I felt with my diagnosis, I really now had no guarantees. I thought the worst; that my diagnosis was a definitive death sentence.
I know that my mental state was really hard for my parents and my brother, yet they always stayed strong and positive that I will beat this disease. Thank you to the three of them for being my legs when I felt too scared to stand. To my brother Jason, thanks for just hanging out with me and talking me off the negativity ledge way more times than I can care to count. You don’t even know how important those nights we hang out together are for me. In a time when everyone’s life was moving forward and mine was at this terrible standstill, I thank you for taking the time to spend with me when I knew you could be doing a lot of other fun things.
My parents, my rocks, thank you for housing me, feeding me and taking care of me all through chemo and soon for taking care of me after surgery. I know this has obviously been hard for you two, seeing your child go through this, but you never faltered even once. Your strength has given me strength. I finally feel a way that I am not so scared for tomorrow, that I know I will lick this disease. You have showed me to appreciate today more as well.
I cannot say I am completely out of treatment yet, but with the help of all my angels, things are finally moving forward towards a brighter tomorrow.
Shari Rothfeld0 -
Shari....I'm 65 and got BC last year at 64....and I say exactly what you are thinking...at least I've had 2/3 of,my life, if not more, and how so sad for you young ones . However, I still feel I have some life left in me.....would like to see my sons married and perhaps a beautiful grandchild, so I still live with the fear and still look over my shoulder, but I know it doesn't compare to you young ones.
It just blew my mind to hear about the 5 year old ......what does that say about BC....yup
a total crap shoot....she was 5 yrs old for God's sake ...no time to drink, smoke, take HRT, be overweight.etc etc!!!!!!0 -
Shari, your beautiful tribute to your 'angels' touched my heart, especially the part directed to your parents and Jason, and made me tear up. You certainly are a bright and special young woman, and you will prevail. There are indeed wonderful things in your future to look forward to. Hugs to you!
Yes, Tazzy, they have to find the reason(s). My guess is it's a combination of reasons. For instance, I don't understand why cattle and poultry are still fed hormones and antibiotics, when those have been proven to be carcinogenic and harmful.
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Thanks liefie I just wanted to share with everyone bc I. Know I have not been easy to anyone and just want them to know how much I slap love and appreciate them
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Chrisrenee - how was your appointment today?
Shari - your letter brought me to tears. It is great. Everything you wrote is how I feel about my family as well. I got the call Ob a Saturday morning that my biopsy was cancer and when my sister found out she jumped into her car and drive 10 hours to come up and be with me while I had all the pre- surgery scans and tests. My parents who live 20 minutes from us were there the whole time helping in any way they could. My husband and kids were great also. My 15 year old son still wears the pink bracelet everyday to show his support. Family help and support are the best!0 -
Shari, I know every waking moment you are consummed wit one thought.....cancer. The disbelief we have all felt at this diagnosis is the same. Regardless of age it is sh1t..... Once you have the surgery and treatments you will start to move on but we as survivors will always have a little worry of it coming back. Sometimes reading someone elses reoccurance story or diagnosis story is unsettling but remember the majority of women survive. The way I try and rationalise it is, if 20% of people were to win the lotto....you can be full sure I would'nt be one of them....thats the stats we are dealing with.....80% of women survive!!! You will be grand....try and relax and stop worrying about events you cant change!
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Ireland my dad told me the same thing u just said about survival literally ten minutes prior to me coming on the site just now
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Momof3..I really don't know how I would have gotten they this without them.. They are my wings
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Shari - you did a great job expressing yourself. I hate to be so bold but I think it's an honor to our whole family here that we be considered as part of your family of Angels.
You are in our hearts and prayers.0 -
Shari as they say....great minds think alike!
Believe can you ship to N.Ireland? I have a few angels Iwould like to show my thanks to and I cant think of a better prezzie than ur stunning bracelets:-)0 -
Aruba- can you fly me there, looks beautiful. Hope you have a great time there.
Juneau- hope you are having a great time on your trip.
Joanne- Hope you are having a great time on your vacation too!
Tazzy- no loss, no gain i'm happy for that.
Shari- your letter was beautiful and heartfelt.
Shiane- Glad your son made it home safe and sound and was able to help that family. God was with him the entire way.
Believe- we did not float in today to the dr- barely. But i was able to fill up two tubes very quickly. I need to remind myself to start prepping for bloodwork 2 weeks early. lol
Appointment went ok i guess. I asked for another follow up CT scan and my MO told me no, that having a CT is the equivalent of having 1600 xrays and i run the risk of having Lung Cancer from all of it. She said that according to all of my path reports that she really doesn't think that i will have a recurrence of cancer. I was really upset when I left, because i was wanting something to give me peace of mind at this point, i wanted a clear mind for the next year. In my head i made the comment to myself "Do you have a crystal ball that you aren't sharing with me?" Sounds dumb I know, but it's always on my mind. I've told her about the dizzy spells and the nausea she told me to wait 2 weeks and if it persists to let them know and she will order an MRI of the brain. I did however, walk out with orders for LE therapy again (that's a plus). My blood count was good still waiting on my iron levels to come back i should get the results hopefully on monday. Then on top of all this, i get a call from our therapy department that my OT was diagnosed with Shingles and she touched me on Wednesday. I brought this up to my MO and she wasn't concerned, so i guess i won't be either. Maybe today just wasn't my day.
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Ireland - thank you for the compliment. we've never had a request from Ireland before, I will check with our post office and let you know for sure. I don't know why not. It will also be interesting to also see how long it will take to reach you.
Aruba - that pool looks decadent!0 -
Thanks Believe ♡
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Scottiee1:::Yes, the high fat is a no no for E+.... I drink 1/2% milk, and buy low fat cottage cheese, low fat sour cream, low fat yougart and 2% cheese. Try not to buy Fat Free, it's loaded with extra sugar...Try to buy the organic where it says hormone and antibiotic free...We just can't win, can we....I love dairy products...
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U guys r definitely all angels and I couldn't ask for better support online (here) and off
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Hello Ladies
Shari- my cousin who was the first one to call me after I was Dia was 33 when she found out and she just had her 5 year mark a few weeks ago! I think you did an excellent job of writing your story and feelings.
I am home alone tonight whoo hoop! Bed to myself and TV! I have not had a night alone for a long time! I miss it! That is a huge milestone realization for me because I was pretty independent bf BC but during treatments I freaked out if I had to sleep alone. Tonight I opened a bottle of wine had a glass and watch a movie, did some drawing and just thought and I don't get to do that very much anymore. I highly recommend spending some time by yourself once and awhile it helps me to really think about things.
I hope all of you are having a good Friday! I am traveling next week for work to des Moines so looking forward to that but not the presentation I have not even started
how does life just return to normal when I know it should not? I am working on that but it won't happen over night so dam it I better have time to figure this out but as we all know time is precious so I won't take long to figure out my next adventure in life!
Love and Hugs to all!0 -
First, thank you to all for your prayers and words about my DS. I hugged him huge when he got home. He is my hero. My miracle.
Liefie, that's WAY, WAY, WAY too young!!! My prayers and hopeful thoughts are with her.
Aruba.... I'm jumping in!!!! Or maybe.....CANNONBALLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!
Shari, all I can say is WOW!!! You write a very beautiful, eloquent letter. I would not change a thing. Your family sounds amazing, your brother is an angel in disguise, and you have many, many strong loving supporters around you. You are a very lucky girl. All that love, all that strength, all that bonding!!! I was wiping tears of happiness for you!!!
Scottie, a lady I golf with said something like what you said. When she heard I was dx'd her words to me were " I bargained, let me see my kids grow. Then let me see my kids get married. Then, let me see grand kids..." She now is 22 yrs out and says "don't let me see the nut house"
Awe, momof3... Your DS is an angle!!! That's so sweet
Ireland... That's a fantastic analogy of our stats. Well said!!!!
Chrisrenee... HUGS!!!! Sometimes we over dx ourselves, stay faithful in your drs!!
Shari, I agree... Angels we are lol. Maybe believe could make some specific bracelets for our family???
I've just realized how sweet it's been to be able to go topless after tx. Lol my "hero" son has caught me rubbing my foob, icing my chest and just plain holding my tit and saying FUCK SAKES IT HURTS!! Lmao... I love my baby, but I miss my naked afternoons!!!0 -
Mcook I hear you sister!!I seem to be back living the way I did before only harder and I so want a change! Joy!!!!
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Ireland- Tell us about where you live! I always wanted to visit there:) have you ever been to the states? What is the weather like now? Does everyone drink Irish whiskey LOL
I have seen some beautiful pictures! Maybe some day I can take a trip there!0 -
Hi mcook....l was in the states at disney in aug 2011....but that was it! Of course i picked the rainey season!! Its where I found these boards so worth the trip!! I live in a place called mayobridge...although i was raised in a wee seaside town called warrenpoint. i completed the purchase of this house on the day i was diagnosed!! So an eventful day lol!!!!! Funny enough quite a lot of us drink whisky.....i would have had a passion for irish coffee....now because of the er status i have downgraded to wine or on a nite out vodka!!!! I love where i live.....but the weather sucks .......95 % of the time! So bring a coat:-)
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Just had to share a pick of my favorite Easter Bunny. My daughter got to greet all the lil kiddies at our local egg hunt. It is amazing that she can be silent for 2 hrs straight. She loves doing it. Hoppy Weekend everyone!
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Hi everyone... lots to catch up on with you chatty cathy's.
Shari - beautiful letter you have written.
Ireland... my DH is from Coleraine and yes he likes whiskey.
Mcook - wonderful having 'me' time.
OK - here`s who have posted their weights. Doing good ladies, we are getting there. Off to the local hockey match tonight.... but first the casino !!
Have a fantabulous rest of your weekend.
Aruba 170 168
Believe 160.6 159.6
Chrisrenee 237 237
Liefie 158 160
Mcook 129
Tazzy 155 154
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Hey Tazzy, I meant to get this to you earlier...192!
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Latigger - cute, cute, cute. The bunny looks nice too.
Tazzy - wishing you a hand pay!0 -
Hiya ladies... Going to mom n dad tomorrow for Jewish holidays and then surgery on Sunday.. Seems like everyone was having a low key kinda day.. Wishing u all well.. Want to be on weight tracker too.. 163... Striving for 135! When I healthy again and not so consumed with bc.. Getting fit will be my goal!
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Is your surgery on a Sunday? Be sure your Mom keeps us posted on how well you are doing.
135 is my goal weight too. We will both make it - no hurry. We will be around for a very long time!0 -
Haha I know we will get there .. Surgery is on Thursday the 28th
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