2013 Survivors!!!
Comments
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good news, Marianelizabeth - an end in sight for you
Tazzy/Marian - thanks for info re: timing for results
My port and I had become quite attached to each other over the last year and a bit so our separation was not without a little difficulty but I am now free
Thanks for the pocket party!
Ramols loved your post, I had a similar solo moment while driving to work yesterday morning, there was a beautiful sunrise and I felt such joy as I drank it in!0 -
congrats on the port removal Websister!0 -
marian: I am BC - guess its luck of the draw. Great news for your t/e exchange.
Happy long weekend all xxxxxxxxx0 -
does it get any better hanging with friends on a Saturday night with good food and wine?
Visiting friends on Long Island. Even drive by my DH grandparents old house.
Hope you are all finding your happy tonight!0 -
Thx for bday wishes Juneau, how did you know?
Are you moving from Alaska to NJ? Are were you always a Joisey Shore girl?0 -
Juneau - I'm meeting with a dietician tomorrow at the metabolic center at my gym. Did you find it helped with your goal? Did they give you a plan to follow or just say "this is your intake for the day"? And how is the house going? It is a big responsibility. Ours is paid off but I still worry that it can be taken away! But what I love most is hiding eggs from the easter bunny in my yard for the kids and decorating my bushes with Christmas lights, etc. Having grown up in an apartment I know it's an adjustment but when you can crank the tunes and dance around like a loon and not worry about neighbors it is a plus!0 -
You know what's really nice about November 2013 compared to November 2012? In November 2012 I was slogging through chemo, wearing scarves on my head, awaiting another surgery and radiation, and genrally worrying about cancer. In November 2013 I feel mostly healthy, have come to rather enjoy my short hair, and have the luxury of worrying about normal life things like my 5 year old turning into a moody kindergartener who is age-appropriately fresh to his mother on occasion, trying to figure out what holiday vacation will work for our family on our budget and timeline, and deciding what to bring to my sister-in-law's for Thanksgiving. Ah - normal, non-cancer worries. Yay!!! Go find your happy survivor sisters!!!0 -
Hi gang,
Wanted to check in here and see it has been pretty quiet , so hoping all is going well with everyone. I have had my ups and downs of late. Had a fantastic time watching DD and her college team advace to the MAC conference finals only to lose in a heartbreaker 1-0, and thus not get a bid into NCAA tournament. They really outdid themselves and I was thrilled to be able to attend the last 3 weekends of games.
Physically, developed a red-pinkish tint to the left breast (the dx one) that freaked me out. Sort of how it may look if you took a super hot shower and let the water hit for a long time. I had not changed any soaps, shampoos etc.. I also have been having pain under this breast at the rib area for several weeks, but thought it might have gotten worse because of my fall at Ohare airport in late Sept. So I called BS on Fri and made appt for Monday (I was not going to miss the soccer finals etc in MI), he was in surgery so saw nurse and the redness had subsided significantly by then. So I told her I would keep and eye on it and get back in if it came back. It has not..WTH is that??? Then went to PCP for rib pain yest, did blood work and had me get chest and rib xrays. He called this morning...nothing significant (Thank the lord)...and to take nebutomone, an anti inlamatory for a few weeks. My cholesterol continues to go up (has always been high..genetics with this too) and may go on statin in Feb, if not any better. Vit D is now at upper range so need to back off of Vit D, was at 8000 IU per MO..then last week nurse said to go down to 4000 but PCP says to go to 2000/day. Guess you can overload and I seem to go up quickly on the pills so that is a good thing I guess.
This disease plays with my mind sooo much. Everything I get physically takes me to the worst case scenario in my mind. I hate this anxiety...when I have something amiss physically!!! So I see RO in Dec and head back to BS for regular checkup and mamm on New Years Eve. Gonna try to get back to my regular scheduled program of life! Hugs to you all.0 -
Good Morning - ladies. We flew home late Monday. Had a wonderful Hawaiian vacation. Ate way too many nuts and gained 3 lbs. Back on my treadmill and to my new normal, for a few days anyway. Leaving for Laughlin on Friday or Saturday morning. Short trip, we will be home to spend Thanksgiving with my DS.
Aruba - our new normal is still better than the alternative. I hope your aches are getting better. Just after I wrote on here that my effected breast was no longer reddish, I noticed that you really can still see the radiation area, I guess I had stopped looking. Mirrors are not my friend. I also noticed that the bottom half of my nipple is still not soft. Good for you for calling your doctors to check everything out! I also still get twinges on my affected side.
The only thing that seems to help me not constantly worry is to keep busy - and to count my blessings. I start with all of you!
I downloaded a couple of mindless, light mysteries for our trip. The audio books really help to keep your mind busy. They are fun to listen to on the treadmill too!
Ramols - I love ready your happy stories. Yes, what a difference a year makes! Enjoy your babies.
Momof3 - hope you are recovering from your latest surgery and getting lots of rest.
Juneau - are you unpacked and all settled into your new home?
Hugs to everyone!0 -
Welcome Home Believe!
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Laurie.......welcome home.....glad you had a great time...❤️ Don't worry about the 3lbs....lol....3lbs of healthy nuts is good.....lol
PS...I still get twinges on my dx side too sometimes.0 -
quick check in from work - as dont seem to have much time these days at home - keeping busy.
Welcome home Believe.
My mx side still twinges and sometimes feels like I have a baseball under my arm. Yeah kinda does freak you out.... but I've been told (many times) its the new 'normal'.
OK - off home now. Happy Days all. Love & hugs xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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ok I started PT on my knee last night and it hurts, but hopefully this will make it better. I also saw BS and had mammo on affected side on Tuesday. All went well so I don't go back for three months.
Believe - thanks for checking in with me. I am happy you had a great vacation. We leave for NC again next Friday. I can't wait. Their lows have been our highs her in CT.
I have been really busy at work, but am hopefully they will get another worker to help us at some point. It has been a year now that we have been understaffed.
Hugs to everyone!!!!!!0 -
Momof3- The pain is the downside of PT, just remember it's making you stronger. I have a PT friend that jokes about the soreness from PT being in direct relationship to its effectiveness. Hopefully you are getting some of the "feel good" treatments like icing or whirlpool bath.
I had my surgery this morning. It was quite the process getting ready. They had to walk me to a different building where I had an ultrasound and then with the ultrasound inserted a needle, a wire and dye so the surgeon could find the suspect lymph node. It apparently was very deep, they gave me a local, but I swear the Doctor was using all her weight to get the needle to go in deep enough. It is not something I care to do again.
The surgery went well. The doctor actually removed 2 lymph nodes. One was the size of a small cherry tomato. They were in the same area that the cancer was so they are being sent off for biopsies. I should know something by the end of the day Monday. The doctor is optimistic that they will come back negative for cancer.
Hope you all have a great evening!0 -
kslansky......hoping your doctor is right......0 -
Kslansky - praying your doctor is right too. Boy, that description of your day brought back memories of my surgery day. Hated the needle biopsy too but ... It's only a distant memory now. Time is a great healer. Rest up and stay busy.
I think I forgot to mention all those nuts I ate on vacation were covered with chocolate. My sweet tooth is back - I missed it, but now it needs to go back to hibernation.
Tazzy - I love the way you are so good about checking in. I will try to be better and follow in your foot steps.0 -
Ok Laurie......I retract my words......lol0 -
Believe : thank you but I think I am soooooo bad. I think of you girls every day, but work is crazy busy and so is life... well it isn't we come home, light a fire, have dinner watch a movie and snuggle
Love and big hugs to you all xxxxxxxxx0 -
Aruba - agree with what others have said re: rib pain post surgery/radiation; it does cause concern, doesn't it? Sorry your DD's team lost, it sounds like it was a hard fought game
Believe - sounds like Hawaii was good in more ways than one
and that you are keeping busy
Momof3 - hope physio makes a big difference for you and that work situation improves
Kslansky - I will also keep you in my prayers, sounds like quite a day for you, sending hugs
Take care everyone0 -
I'm so sorry I've been MIA, and apologize in advance because I most likely will be for another few weeks.
Chrisrenee LOVED the saran wrap.
Believe - I too loved my Juenaubugg bracelt!
Layla: I already live in NJ. Juneau is my last name. I am NOT a jersey shore girl, or jersey girl really. Although born and raised here I left for 10 years to live in england, Boston and Australia and really hate the idea of being a "Jersey Girl".
To all who have recently had your surgeries and are in various states of recovery - hang in there.
ramols; I LOVE your happy.
websister; I remember finally sleeping on my left side after months... pure heaven. enjoy! and why so freakin long up there to get a braca test. mine took about 10 days.
So we haven't moved yet. We move on the 23rd. We are cleaning up the house, painting a bit, clearing out the leaves/yard, cleaning the fridge...etc. We are 1/3 of the way packed and I have work things to do two nights next week. I have NOT IDEA HOW I AM GOING TO GET EVERYTHING DONE.... but we will. I can't wait to be all moved next Saturday! It's been a long LONG road - and I'll post some photos of the house when I get it unpacked a bit...
Other then that life is good. I'm healthy as a house. Saw my PS Wednesday and don't go back for A FULL YEAR! My weight is dropping off consistently with the help of a no carb/sugar diet, a lot of exercise, and the medication they put me on. I'm down to 157 (a full size) and I am noticeably slimmer now. Karen; yes it really helped because after they confirmed that I was doing everything I could naturally, they gave me medication to override the damn tamoxifen slowed weight loss. I already had my own diet so we didn't really talk about it, but I can help you put one together if you need meal ideas. Feel free to PM me. :-) We could even get together if you'd like. I'll be in Princeton on the 7th for my nieces birthday party. I could try to come early so we can meet up in the afternoon. Let me know.
Ok off to meet my trainer at my gym for a 30 minute session. This is my lunch hour. I'm going to miss our private sessions though because with the new budget I can't afford to buy more when I've used these last 5 up. She teaching a few classes that I love to take though.
xoxoxoxooooooooooooooooooo's0 -
Good Morning - driving all day today. About 600 miles to our destination but we only have 318 to go! My happy today is being with DH, Mom, my poodle and Sirius radio:-)
Lost in Mo - if you are around, we will probably drive to Courtside one day. Maybe we could meet for coffee or lunch.
Hugs to all.0 -
juneaubugg - thanks for checking in. We understand you are very busy, but it is still nice to know you are still doing well and enjoying the house. You are also an inspiration to me with the weight loss. I am still trying, but will not give up and it has to start coming off eventually. I am actually looking forward to getting back to normal exercise once my knee finally heals. They say it will be back to normal in 4-6 weeks.
Believe - I hope your drive went well and you are resting and enjoying. We leave next week and our drive is about 600 miles also so I understand.
Hugs to everyone!!!!! You are all my sisters and I love you all!!!!!0 -
Just checking in , busy with work and DD s school activities.
Juneau, so happy your dream house is no longer a dream.
Believe, happy travels. I am so looking forward to going to visit mom in Florida over Christmas.
Kslansky, sending positive vibes for a "it's nothing" diagnosis.
Hugs to all the sisters!
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Hi everyone ......just want to share a true sisterhood story that brings me to tears and also brought a
BC surgeon to tears. I have become very close with an angel who lives in Australia.....was dx with mets
to her lungs about ten months ago. She is friends with another lady who lives in Atlanta. She is going in for reconstruction next week but her two sisters were not willing to come and take care of her kids (single mother) the sisters "don't like children"...!!!!!!!! My angel of a friend is flying from Australia tomorrow morning to stay with this lady, take care,of her kids and drive her back and forth to the hospital, and of course, take care of her !!!!! This brought her surgeon to tears when she heard the story. We do truly have angels down here on earth. I'm humbled that she has taken me on as one of her
close friends.
Have a great weekend everyone.0 -
Scottie - your friend is an Angel indeed!
Kslansky - hope you are staying busy this week end. Good, positive thoughts for Monday.
We arrived in Laughlin. Enjoying the warm weather and blue skies. 75 degrees all week, much better than at home. Here's a peek from our patio.
<a href="http://s1321.photobucket.com/albums/u542/Believe_777/?action=view¤t=29C117A4-D96F-4D11-892F-90237016975D-416-0000010E57699127_zps0f563485.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1321.photobucket.com/albums/u542/Believe_777/29C117A4-D96F-4D11-892F-90237016975D-416-0000010E57699127_zps0f563485.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos" /></a>0 -
Hi everybody,
Have not been here for a long time, but did read the last few pages. Everybody seems to be doing so well, and getting on with life after bc. So good to see after the epic struggle and dark days we all went through!
Kslansky, hoping for the best outcome for you, and Aruba, the same to you too. That constant vigilance - I have never been one to be so aware of my body, and took everything for granted, my health included . . . not any more!
Juneau, moving to your new house, eh? It took long enough for you to achieve this, and it is so well-deserved. Nothing like your own nest that you can feather any way you choose - ENJOY!!!
Re: weight, I've thanked Juneau before, but want to do so again. She's inspired me to ruthlessly cut all white carbs and sugar, and to up my exercise to more than I have ever exercised before. My poor old Retriever has never had this many walkies before, and his arthritis is much better too - lol! Happy to report that I've slowly lost 14 lbs since August 1, Tamoxifen notwithstanding, and is at the goal I had set for myself. On Wednesday I'm leaving for South Africa where my son is getting married today in 2 weeks' time. The dress I'll be wearing is a form fitting long evening gown, and it looks really good now that the weight is gone. My short term goal is to maintain the loss during the holiday in S.A. (!!!!!!), and to lose some more when I come back. Want to be in the lower normal BMI range - the fewer the fat cells, the less estrogen is produced. . . .
On January 2 I'll see my PS to decide about the last recon procedure - a nipple, a little lift for the healthy girl, maybe some tidying up of the tummy scar. Hope to have this done by end of January. I'm sick of drs, waiting rooms, needles, procedures, hospitals etc. etc. Just want to have this whole thing behind me now.
Wishing all of you ladies well on your respective paths - keep finding the happy in every day a la Ramols!0 -
Liefie, Good to see you back on line. You have been missed. Congrats on the weight loss. I hope to work on that once I'm done as RO does not want me losing right now. Enjoy your trip and your son 's wedding. I so want to be done with this too but I am going to need some plastic surgery for sure.0 -
Liefie - congrats on your weight loss. We can all appreciate how hard it is. You've been missed. I'm trying to write more, even if it's just hello and hugs! Enjoy your up coming wedding a dress.
Aruba - you've been quiet. Are you ok? Aches and pains getting better? I hope so. Thought of you last night. We went out to dinner and played a little at a local casino. I didn't get a hand pay but the machine I was playing was very generous. I take that as I sign. I shopped today so that I wouldn't give the money back.
We have painting and decorating to do. Having a hard time agreeing on colors, the walks will stay white a little longer.
I hope everyone is having a great week end! Sorry my photo didn't work earlier. It was palm trees in beautiful blue sky.0 -
lifie...YAY YOU! enjoy the wedding...
i'm beat. cleaning all day on all fours scrubbing the bathroom floor. Packing all day yesterday and barely made a dent... sigh.0 -
Hi all..
Believe, thanks for asking..I am doing better. The anti inflammatory seems to be easing the rib issues..and coloring seems to be back to normal. The winds here are howling and we are in tornado watch mode for the night. Electricity still going strong..so all is well. Casino sounds like it is being good to you of late. I went today as I could get a $20 certificate for a turkey at any grocery here...so will use that. Of course while there, played a bit and happily got lucky enough to be able to cover the cost of the upcoming shopping spree for turkey day.
Momof3, hope you continue to improve with the PT, soon it will be Friday and you will be a traveling!
Kslansky, glad surgery is behind you and hoping to hear about an all clear tomorrow!!
Websister, hope you are doing ok and things are calming a bit for you
Juneau, moving day next weekend..packing up is one process and unpacking another..but it will end and soon you will be in your home..sweet home!
Scottiee..you truly are friends with an angel on earth. I feel you and many of the gang here are indeed angels too!!
Liefie..congrats on that weight loss..and enjoy your trip and that wedding!! Before long I will become a MIL too, I better follow you on that weight loss journey as May will be here before I turn around. Enjoy!
Tazzy, always love seeing posts from you! Picturing you snuggling with your DH by that fireplace and being happy....makes me happy too.
To everyone else, hugs!
While I am not there..... yet, hope this picture brings a smile to your face like it does mine!
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