2013 Survivors!!!
Comments
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LorAll....where is your back pain....at 65 I want to say it's old age, but seems to me mine started after my op....mine travels....sometimes lower, sometimes upper .....my mind goes to bad places occasionally.
PS.....please don't hate me everyone for being stupid and screwing our site up....I'm old......please love me for my charm and wit...😜0 -
Oh good, now everyone can really love me again...💃
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I'm going to ask about melatonin. I'm afraid to take anything without asking. I also made an appt with the nutritionist. Want to make sure I'm doing the right thing.
Today is my wedding anniversary - Scottie do I get a free pass for brownies and chicken Parm with lots of Parm?!0 -
McCook - what Karen said. Maybe it is more the Herceptin, I find my hands are also quite stiff and sore. I did talk to my MO on Monday, I asked if I could take Glucosamine Chondroitin, they didn't want me to as they felt it could interfere with benefits of Herceptin. They thought I should stick it out a while longer and maybe it was still residual from Taxotere. I am still doing the treadmill every day but not making incredible progress.
Aruba - cute cartoon.
Juneau/Tazzy - maybe I'll start reading from the start again, no one here to see me cry at the moment
I got a call last evening telling me my Mom was being discharged from hospital today so I have spent the day so far getting her back to the lodge and settled back in, I am getting very efficient at packing her things
. I hope this time she can settle in for a good long time
Chrisrenee - thinking of your family for tomorrow, in pockets0 -
Scottiee..I have 2 herniated discs along with degenerative disc disease in my low spine, more pain on the left hip, buttocks area and nerve pain down the front of left leg, Dr. says my back looks like I laid cement for a living. I think it's genetic, there are bad backs on both sides of my family. Also, because I've been treated for a bad back I pay an extra hundred dollars a month for my health insurance, pre-existing condition. So, I don't think it's BC related.
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Karen....you get a pass....parm....is one of the cheeses lower in fat.....😋....happy anniversary...💃
lorAll.....thank you for sharing.....I'm just going to continue assuming it's old age and/or
Letrozole....lol
Aruba...love the cartoon.
Websister....prayers for Mom....❤0 -
I have not start tamoxifen yet...I know I know doctor who is going to yell at me so I usually get stiff a week or so after herception infusions for those who are on both.
I don't know why I am scared to start that drug but I am! I know my odds are not good with not starting it yet but I can't deal with anymore SE right now. Every day I wake up and say today is the day I will take that little pill. But in my mind some where is living my life with out other side effects and if I die then so be it but it is my choice. I need to change my thought process but dam it This dam diease has taken so much control from me I hope that I can figure out healthy neo ways to reduce the risk by cutting meat from diet etc and reduce my risk that way. Is this stupid maybe but in my mind I feel it might be the best for me.0 -
Mcook....IMHO.....with your dx....you're playing with fire, but if you are seriously considering this, please please check out the "alternative medicine" threads. At the very least, speak with your MO before making any final decisions....❤
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Mcook, Not everyone has SE's on Tamox, I've been on since November and only get a warm flash once in a while. Wouldn't it be better to give it a try and see how it affects you instead of letting fear of what might happen take control. You have shown you are stronger than that. Just think to yourself it is just a little pill that will save your life. Go with the definite positives not the possible negatives. Regardless of what you decide we are behind you .
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Great advice iatigger.....like you I've been on it since December and really nothing much to note. Hugs Mcook.
Hugs all....extremely tired so going to bed.
Oh! Scottie... we love you, warts an' all xxxxxxxxxxxxx
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Scottie - did you adjust the photos? Is this a test?
Chrisrenne - love the tea shirt! I was looking for Arubas fun photo but can't find it. Is Casper on our site?
Mcook - good advise from our friends here. I I understand but I follow rules better. We are with you and your decision but which decision will you be happiest with in five years? I always default to that.
I've been carrying this around and didn't want to burden you all with more not so great news but I need some prayers. I got a call back after my mammogram. 1st full one since surgery May 1st. I have to go back Friday at 8:00am and I'm definitely wearing big pockets. They told me to count on being there 2 hours so bring treats. Their concern is over my scar, I feel what they described and hope its scar tissue. We will see... I will know Friday. The radiologist will be there too. Totally nerve wracking but trying to keep busy and thinking positively. I'm finding that shopping helps. I'm glad my appt is Friday, I couldn't afford for it to be any later than this Friday.0 -
Aww, Believe, that sucks, but you can burden us with anything; we are here for you! We'll all be in your pockets on Friday. I've read on these boards of women who had a similar problem, but it very often turns out to be scar tissue. Shopping is good, so is baking - looking forward to your delicious cookies! Big hugs to you.
Mcook, like Tazzy I can report that I started Tamoxifen in August 2012. Only SE is a hot flush now and then, so it's not a given that you will have SE's. Remember that only those who have bad SE's complain here; the silent majority just get on with it, and are fine. I have to agree with Scottiee. Also, the hormonal treatment is what gives the most benefit against recurrence. Whatever you decide, we'll be there for you!
Chrisrenee, will be thinking and praying for your nephew and your family tomorrow. Hope everything goes well, and that he and his sister will fully recover from this trauma. ((((Hugs!))))
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Thanks Liefie - I'm only thinking positive thoughts. Baking would be cheaper than shopping!
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Dear Believe:
The waiting is hard, but we are in your pockets, and you are in our thoughts and prayers!
Websister: best of luck getting your mom resettled.
Mcook: I was terrified to start Anastrazole (arimidex) in January, as the boards were full of complaints about side effects, but finally did, and have had few if any. It helps to take it at night -- don't know if that's true for tamoxifen also. We'll support your decision, whatever it is, but you might consider trying it for a month just to see if it bothers you or not.
Greetings and good wishes to all; it's late so can't say much more but hope you all have great days tomorrow.
All the best,
embok0 -
Believe - I am definitely in your pockets Friday and sending prayers your way. I have my first mammogram on May 14th and am already worrying about it. The fact that they are not getting you back in right away is probably a good sign as well. I remember last year they were rearranging things and getting me in ASAP. Friday will be here before we know it.
Mcoock - I agree with what the others have said and will be there whatever you decide. My Aunt, a 6 year survivor, was on tamoxifen for about a year and had horrible side effects and ended up stopping and her MO agreed that going off was what she should do. Everyone is different, but I wanted you to know that she stopped and is doing great.
Chrisrenee - I am in your or your families pockets today along with prayers for everyone! How is your DD doing?
Websister - great news about your Mom. Hugs coming in for both of you.
Where is Shari? Hopefully she is recovering and doing well.
Hugs to everyone else.
I have been SO busy at work and it is really wearing me down. The good news is that this time tomorrow I will be in a car driving to NC for 6 days. I can't wait until we leave. Just getting away with DH and the kids is so worth it.
I will try to get all the beach sand off before I jump in any pockets, but will be there for anyone needing me though. You are family to me also.
Take care everyone!0 -
Christine, I had an MRI of my back2years ago, and was told I had the back of an 80 year old-I'm 60. I think it's the Scottish genes. I think it's just part of normal aging for most of us, like lorall said.
Mcook, why not start your tamoxifen-and see-if I have side effects they are not irreversible, you can always stop taking it.0 -
Believe......don't ever talk about "burdening" us again....😡 I'm with you on the shopping
and I'm with you on Friday!!!!! I choose to BELIEVE it's scarring....my husband will tell you, I'm never wrong!!!!....❤
Chrisrenee....prayers still going up for you and your family and the little fellow, of course.
I know today is the day....sending big hugs to all of you ❤
Tazzy...I thought the makeup was doing a good job on those warts!!!....hmm need to look for a different cover up now....👺....lol
Yes, Shari, where are you?
Mcook....I meant to say also that no matter what you decide, we will support your decision. Can't remember who said it but trying it for a month I think is another good option. ❤0 -
Believe, just read your post. We are all with you in spirit and hope, and know that you can handle this.
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Going for a ct scan before work to investigate some low belly pain, next week colonoscopy, in2weeks my one year mammo and sonogram- for all of us this is the era of scans.
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McCook - I'm in agreement. Check with your MO before deciding. I've been taking it since October and only warm flashes at night. It's really not too bad and remember - if it's that bad tell your MO you want a different Rx. Don't leave anything to chance.
Believe - wear those big pockets. My snack to bring will be figs wrapped in proscioutto. With a nice blood orange italian soda.
Web(master)sister - glad mom is ok
Momof3 - enjoy your trip! It's so nice to get away with family now. Takes your mind off it all.
Shari - where are you? Want to make sure you're doing ok. We're here if you need to vent.
Scottie - you lie about your age. Did you say you were 65 or did I read that wrong?
One of my besties sent me the following link and I want to share it with all of you. You may have seen it already but it really struck home since alot of us are struggling with our new image. Remember - it's not how we see ourselves it's how others see us!
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Been keeping up with you all but so busy i haven't taken the time to post. But mcook - I had to chime in and also let you know i've been on tamoxifen for about a month and a half and haven't noticed a single SE. I'm just saying... In all the pockets where needed! Go find some happy today!!!
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Hi guys! My son is sleeping in and I have already cleaned up the chaos in the kitchen from getting his sisters off to school. I have a rare moment to myself. Hello to all I haven't seen in a while!
Mcook, your post caught my eye. I have been on tamoxifen for more than 5 months now and I have had no side effects. Actually the people with side effects are supposed to do better with that medicine. So even if you do get side effects take heart. But my MO says that of all the treatments a receptor positive BC survivor can do it is the hormone treatments that are the most important. Don't read the tamoxifen sites. They just get you paranoid (speaking from experience here). I resisted taking it for a little while (a couple weeks). I didn't like the thought of it. I still don't. I hate taking medicine. But the research is clear. And there is benefit even beyond the breast cancer benefits. Even with the increease risk of blood clots the overall survival rate is higher for people on tamoxifen. it has cardiovascular and other benefits. Just get it started and get over that hump. You will likely see that it is no big deal.
I am almost 10 months pfc and 6 months post last rads. I am feeling great. I have about 4.5 to to 5 inches of curly hair. I am not getting it cut for a long time... I am running and will be running the timed part of the Komen race in a couple of weeks. I am about to get my dream car. My reward for surviving 10 years of kids and last year, the year of BC hell. I still obsess about my hair, but it is getting better. I am getting over my lymphedema fears. I used to measure my arm every day, I haven't done it in a couple of weeks now but all this stuff is fading some. Not that it will ever go back to normal but it is better. Life is getting in the way of BC now, not the other way around.
Have a great day everyone!0 -
JPMom...how wonderful to hear from you and you look great! What a difference a few months make huh? So happy that you are running again and that you got that speed demon..what car did you get? Hope you will stay in touch and let us know how long that hair is a growin!!
Believe..We are there with you on Friday. I know how these scares are already and scanaxiety stinks..but think it is now a part of our being. I am jumping in that pocket early to make it comfy for the gang..and hopefully when all is well, we will be along for the celebration too. In any case...we are with you!
Chrisrenee...With you and yours today! HUGS!!
McCook... Of course you know we are here no matter what..BUT you have come so far in all of this and have so much life to live. Think of this pill as a bit of insurance...you may not have any issues at all but the insurance could be of great value. Start it and see how it goes...you can always ask the MO for a switch if you have issues, but you may have none. Think of it as part of your run routine...this part is the stretches as a preventative to make your run go smoothly!
Karen..Happy belated Anniversary...I gained a few calories just thinking about that dinner...YUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Websister-hope your mom is settled again and has time to get comfortable! You are a wonderful daughter as well as mom and wife!
Momof3..enjoy that trip! Enjoy the sand on your toes!!!
80 degrees in Cleveland today woot woot..but short lived..will be in the 40's by Saturday...whats a girl to do...clean the screens and windows? Hugs to all.
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I just have to chime in here and say hello to everyone. I hardly post, but I am here often.
Believe-in your pockets for sure. Can't bring any snacks as I have been bad and I know Scottiee sees everything!
Mcook-about the Tamoxifen, take it girl. I have been on it since November and like the others, nothing other than a little warm flush at night. I started with 10 mg. for the first week and then the whole 20 mg. after that. It is the best insurance that we have at the moment.
Websister-hope your mom is settling in.
Chrisrenee-with you today.
Shari-yes, where are you? I had a good time in the Big Apple last weekend with my two BFFs. That sure is a great city you have there.
I had a moment yesterday and it brought me to tears. I went back to Pilates for the first time since diagnosis and I felt SO good and NORMAL when I finished that hour class. I was able to keep up and do most of the stretches with my left arm. Woohoo! It felt so great! And the warm welcome back from a few of the ladies who knew why I was away didn't hurt either.
Cheers to a great day everyone! oxoxo
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HHaven't caught up yet --- but wanted to post this. I get these daily meditations, wanted to share this one with you all.
Today's thought from Hazelden is:
I Am Who I Am
Sometimes we want to be someone else – anyone but who we are. We want to be someone who feels more free and at peace. We want to be someone who doesn't have to take medications day after day. We want to be free of the pain and loneliness our illness has brought us.
But whether we get what we want or not, what we need is to accept ourselves, our illness, a desire to become well, and the guidance of our Higher Power.
Today, do I accept myself, my illness, and the guidance of my Higher Power? Do I commit myself to recovery?
Thought for the Day
When I look within, I will discover that accepting myself and being myself are far more fulfilling that expected.0 -
Busy last 24 hours on here!
So good to hear from jpmomof3, Outdamnedspot, SusannahW
Believe - definitely in those pockets. Can't wait for Karen's treats - they sound way moe gourmet than what I had in mind but I won't tell you what that was as the 'eyes of Scottie' are reading
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Scottie - I don't see any warts and agree that yu are probably dyslexic and got those two numbers turned around
McCook - sending hugs. You have been given great advice. Not much to add. I know all the fears and they really are worse than the reality (and I do seem to have had more side effects than most, but they are definitely bearable and seem to be easing with time). I remember looking at the tamoxifen and knowing I should start it but procrastinating for a month after I was supposed to have started. Finally I put it in my pill box with the other supplements I take in the morning and just did it. I did experiment with times I took it and went back to mornings, it's been three months now. Scorchy's experience made me a real believer in it's benefits as it was her only treatment for her for stage IV and I believe it took her to NED.
Chrisrenee - hugs and prayers, I will be watching for an update
Momof3 - enjoy a wonderful vacation, thanks for not sharing the sand
It took a while to get Mom settled yesterday but It is looking more hopeful. There is a new manager at the lodge who seems very good. She met with me yesterday and they are going to put posters up in her room making sure she remembers to call for a nurse when she wants to move. They are also going to provide a hospital bed for her now that has side rails. They are putting her in a walking program and will use the two wheeled walker for this. And they are going to have volunteers come and talk with her and invite her out of her room for the different activities they have, they think once the relationships are built that she will want to attend more.
I have my Herceptin today but will do some shining and dusting around here before I go out.
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OK just caught up. Need to be quick - have to get to pilates class.
first. MCOOK; everyone is being so nice and supportive, but I'm just going to say it... WHAT ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR FUCKING MIND!!?!? If I recall you ignored your mass hoping it would go away and it grew wicked fast. So why, after all this treatment do you want to give the fucker an opportunity to grow back!? The greastest chance of reccurrence is the first 2 years and you're half way through that. Take the fucking tamoxifen and SUCK IT UP! I, like everyone else, have had NO SIDE EFFECTS. I was having nightmarish hot flashes - but taking gabepentin every day took care of those. Now I have none; and the gabepentin is helping with nueropothy (It's intended use). I can feel same areas under my arm when I touch it now. So I am begging you... JUST TRY IT!!
Websister; glad moms going home. maybe you can relax a bit now?
Chrissrenee; BIG LOVE coming to you and yours.
Believe: FUCK! THAT fucking SUCKS! I'm sure it's nothing, but who needs the stress and anxiety. We are here.
JPmom: SO NICE TO SEE YOU! Glad that life is moving forward and you are getting back into your groove with your obsession being left behind.
Karen; Happy belated anniversary. I love blood orange soda, I get the palligrinos. (did I spell that right?). Toomuch sugar and calories so I haven't had it in a while.
Did I miss anyone? I am sure I did, but I have to run to pilates...
xoxo ladies!
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Juneau - great post... hope you are practicing what you posted.
Believe - jumping in your pockets... will bring red wine and dark chocolate in some form
Jpmom - great to hear from you and that you are doing so well. I concur, it is amazing that the further out we get from tx it really does fade.
Do not have the time to respond to all - busy at work. Jumping in any other pockets, bringing treats and sending positive mojo to all of you.
Shari, come out, come out, wherever you are - just to say and let us know you are OK.
Hugs and love to all xxxx
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Sorry to interrupt but I am just starting Tamox and I am going to take it even if I hate it so your right it's better than going back through chemo or any other thing
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