2013 Survivors!!!
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Maryah is flying into Toronto and spending the weekend with Scottiee and me .... so excited! We will get to Niagara Falls and show her the sites there -- Christmas is a good time to see it because they are lit up with lights on both the Canadian side and US side. Otherwise we will spend time gabbing and drinking and gabbing and drinking ...... hugs all.0 -
you are going to have so much fun!! I wish I was going to be there with you! Hope you take lots of pictures to share with us. Have a great time! XOXOXO0 -
Sheila....I wish you guys were coming too.....we'll have a Jell-O shot and think about you all. Wonder if Jo is putting alcohol in the shots.....hahaha0 -
I had my exchange today with fat grafting and an augment on the other side. So far so good. Surgery started just after 08 and done by 1000, home not long after 1 PM. Some N/V when I was getting dressed and as I got in the wheelchair to leave. I got back in bed and the nurse gave me a Gravol suppository and another to settle my stomach and nothing since. She also gave me a second Percocet since I vomited the first and I took that when I got home. Slept a bit and just ate a banana. Definitely pain both sides but I am sure the Emtec I got a prescription for will do the trick tonight.
I got compliments from the nurses on how good they look and they said they see lots and mine are great. Nice to hear after all this.
The fat grafting donor site is on the left side of my abdomen and I can't feel that yet.
Marian0 -
good to hear, Marian - bet they look great. Take good care, hope pain is minimal for you
Haven't been on here for a while and know that I will miss commenting on some things
Aruba - loved the picture of you and DD
Juneau - also loved your picture, you are looking great - sounds like you are working hard on your new house, what a Christmas this will be for you
Ramols - good to read your update, continuing to think of you, glad you are finding the talking therapeutic. Hope you are able to relax this weekend and enjoy your family and that the happy finds you
Take care everyone0 -
Hey Marian, just popping in to say I'm glad to hear your surgery went well. Hope the N/V is resolved.
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Marian glad to hear your swap went well.
So those of you on Tamoxifen, make sure that when you get your refill that they dont change your script or manufacturer. I called in Nov and 1st they never sent it in, then when I called they sent it but I didnt look at it until I was out of my original one. That is when I noticed they had changed it from 20mg once a day to 10mg twice aday. Doesnt sound like a big deal but because of this I only got a 45 day supply instead of 90 so my copay would be double forever. So I called and finally someone who knew what they were doing got the right one sent the right script. But I was unable to return the first one so figured I would use it up since I paid for it. Well I am proof that same drugs from different manufacturers are not created equal. After a week i just started feeling blah, I chalked it up to weather or just all the crud going around. it continued through the month and then my period showed up after being mia for 5 months so figured it was a long PMS session. But it continued into this month and the lightbulb came on it was the damn wrong script. I stopped taking it and switched to my original one and within a day the fog lifted and I feel back to myself. Teva is the manufacturer that works for me but not Activan/Watson. Just thought I would share incase anyone else notices weird changes.
Getting ready to work at our house walk fundraiser for our womens club tomorrow, should be fun. Getting snow then too so should put us more in the Christmas spirit.
Have a great weekend!
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Hi gang,
Mariane so gald you are on the recoup page now...slow but sure!
Iatigger, I am on Arimidex, but read somewhere on another thread of their being a shortage of Tamoxifin 20mg so people were getting the 10mg utntil supply replenished. Amazing what the difference in manufacturer fillers does. I was at my RO appt yest, and love this Dr. She explained the fillers can cause different reactions in meds. Told her I was on Arimidex from Teva and all well so far, but I swithced early on as I heard many do better on Teva.
RO also told me that radiation could have been why I had pain in that muscle under breast area. I had xrays via my PCP a few weeks ago and RO knew about them before I brought it up. She also said that I still have swelling in radiated breast and for some reason it usually clears between 2-3 years out. She gets frustrated as she wants facts and can't figure why it often seems to happen at that time frame. Bottom line is she will see me in one year..and for that I am grateful. Now to get the mammogram of 12/31 of all days.
Hope you are all enjoying your weekend. Keep the holiday prep pictures coming..I love them!0 -
iatigger: we are so fortunate here in BC - our tamoxifen is supplied and paid for by the BC Cancer Agency.
Off to hockey game tonight - friends have a suite for the christmas party.
Hugs and happy weekend all xxxxxxxxx0 -
Aimee, I couldn't agree with you more about differences in manufacturers! My gabapentin got switched the first time and that brand didn't cover my sciatic nerve pain. My pharmacist kept me on the one I wanted. Now he left, and these new pharmacists switched brands and I'm back to the same shit. I don't think I've been keeping an eye on my Tamo. manufacturer. I will now!!
Does anyone with LE have any suggestions for me? We're driving from Wisconsin to Colorado this Christmas, going from 1000 ft above sea level to 8700ft. I'm already in pain from LE in my breast and I'm really worried about the change in elevation. I have my 1 year mammogram on Tuesday and will see my BS. I posted on the LE thread, but have only had one response so far. It was great when I was on antibiotics for three months. No pain, no swelling. Now that I've been off of those for two months things seem to be going back to the way they were before. I'm paranoid about another round of cellulitis, too! Son of a bitch! Oh, after that I have my first colonoscopy on the 16th. What fun this month is!0 -
iatigger, Aruba posted about the thread and shortage of tamoxifen ... My brand was changed the last refill so this time I will ask. I get 90 days and about ready for a new refill.0 -
Here is the thread on tamoxifen shortage go to the beginning..hope this helps.
http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/78/topic/815063/38018600 -
Just popping in.5am been up since 3am..hypothyroidism sucks at times.. start increased meds tomorrow - can hardly wait til the forgetfulness,fatique(extra) insomnia, headaches & extra pain and more goes away.. hmmm sounds like the chemo without nausea LOL fun fun.. yep. winter weather sucks for us with health probs.. PS.. LOW iron too.. weird never have whacked out thyroid OR low iron..if it were closer to chemo last year I'd understand.. oh well. it's been ONE YEAR on the 13th since I finished Chemo!!!
You all crack me up & I sure love ya'll!!!
Tazzy I'm confused (what else is new) I was stage 3.. but there were no letters after mine..lol.. grade 3 stg 3 .. no lymph involvement ..:) so guess ...i don't know?
I'm still thinking about swim suits.. but I'm so insane busy with extra work & putting on 2 big functions.. Family Xmas with 13 kiddies & 15 adults..then Dads 80th on the 22nd with 30ppl.. I'm a lunatic for doing this I know.. guess I can rest in 2014 lol
Marion! woohooo!! Awesome your surgery & all went well. I'm sure you look amazing!
How does everyone figure out how to answer each person's posts all together.. takes me too long lol
So days off M/T .. tons of shopping for food for all .. but hmm.. yep going to delegate items to all the (grown) kids & usually don't put this on, but doing it for my DSIL who's recuperating from ankle surgery.
well.. I should try to get more sleep lol.. at work.. youth is a little bum.. lol.. but a good kid
Cher (ps.. so anxious to get these lumps scanned.. 16th)0 -
my Gynecologist told me last week maybe I got cancer because I ticked off God. Not sure if he was joking.
I have two theories:
I remember thinking my life was really boring and I was very lonely (just moved to a new state in Aug). Well it is far from boring now! And I have all you ladies and others that have reached out to me, so I am not lonely anymore
Secondly, a year ago my daughter had a breast cancer scare ( resulted in removing a large fibroedema) and I remember thinking I wanted her to be ok so badly I told god I would gladly take her place if he would make her B9....I guess he was listening.0 -
Andrea - I think your gynecologist was kidding - odd thing to say. Yep, we are never bored around here.
Yeah- Marian on your exchange. Glad you are happy with the results and hope you are getting more comfortable every day.
We had a late breakfast on the Pier - beautiful day but a little chilly. I can't complain too much, it's in the 50
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Cher - you sound very busy!!
From your signature it looks like you are stage 1, grade 3 with no nodes and 1 cm tumor, that is consistent with the info that Tazzy posted.
Tazzy - sounds like a good Christmas party and that you are doing well
Andrea - that is a strange thing for your gynecologist to say
Aruba - thanks for the link to the thread re: shortage - I'm due for a refill in January - wonder if there will still be a shortage then
SWgeeWi - hope you get some answers re: LE and traveling
iatigger - thank you for sharing the difference in side effects for you with the different manufacturer
Have a good week everyone0 -
lol, I thought it was an odd thing for him to say too.0 -
Hope all had a good weekend and stayed warm.
Christmas party was fun. Nice to get home and be in the warm again.
Websister: hope you are OK and warm.... weather there is way colder than here and that's saying something.
Andrea: very weird thing for your gyn to say - stupid in my mind.
Off for me 3 monthly check up and clinical trial shot today.... so pocket party for those that want to join.... plus all that jumping should warm us up.
Hugs and love xxxxxxxxxxxxx
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I'll be in your pockets Tazzy!! I'll need some pocket partners for tomorrow for my 1 year mammograms. Wow, I didn't think this day would ever get here, but now that it is, I'm a little anxious. And then there's my first colonoscopy on the 16 th. So you all can just stay in my pockets, okay? Thanks!0 -
Tazzy and Swgee - in your pockets with no calorie virtual treats!0 -
in for the pocket parties!
Tazzy - yes, it was pretty cold and lots of snow, more snow today but warmed up to -4 this afternoon. Very thankful for a nice warm house and car
Believe - forgot to tell you how much I liked the picture you posted, lovely - so different from here right now!0 -
Well all clear again for another 3 months
Swgee - in your pockets . Better bring goodies if we are staying there until the 16th.
Websister - quite something eh? when we are grateful for -4 weather.
Hugs all xxxxxxxxxxxxx
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pocket party ... I am in ... Swgee.
Tazzy glad things were clear.0 -
Tazzy - sorry I missed the pocket party, but glad everything went well.
Sefer - I will try to make it for your pocket parties. I had my first colonoscopy in May and the worst part is the prep the day before. Make sure that you stay really close to the bathroom after you start the prep.
I am sorry I haven't posted in a while, but I have been very busy lately. I have been reading and thinking of all of you everyday though. Today I brought my DD to the dermatologist for a full body check (she had a mole removed this past April that turned out to have a typical pre-cancerous cells for those who are new) today and was not prepared when they found the mole they removed to be coming back and also another mole on her back that was suspicious. So this time they did a punch biopsy on both areas and she even has stitches at each site. Now the waiting begins again as it takes a week to get results. They are also watching 2 other moles that they may biopsy later. My DD is only 13 and I am really concerned for her. I would love to have you all in my pockets next Monday afternoon when we go in for the biopsy results. It is always harder when it is your child having issues! I am actually going in for a full body scan in January since my MO said I am at increased risk for melanoma since I am BRACA2 positive. I just hope everything will be B9 for Maddy.
As I have said before, I know God only gives you what you can handle, but enough already!!!!! I need to catch a break now.
Thanks for letting me vent about my DD. It helps to get it out and I don't want to worry her so I vent to all of you. You are all the best!!!!!!
Hugs to you all!!!!!!0 -
Tazzy - great news!
Momof3 - hoping and praying for good news for DD. Yes, enough already! I'm ready for Mondays pocket party.
On a vacation in Hawaii - my husband and I did body scans. My friends thought we were nuts. Must have been bored and looking for something to do. It was a while ago but they didn't see anything. Hum.
Swgee - when you start the prep for your colonoscopy, use warm water for the concoction. I wish I'd know that in advance, otherwise you freeze while sitting on the potty. The prep really is the worst part. I was pretty anxious so they put something in my IV and I was out in 2 seconds, didn't even get to count. Perfect!
Way too cold in Canada! I bet you all have those beautiful fur coats I saw in Quebec or have they fallen out of vogue? When I visited it was 23 degrees below zero and I remember drinking a lot of Caribou, think that is what it is called. Sure warned you up.0 -
swgee- Have you been evaluated for a compression sleeve? If not you might be able to go into a medical sales store and see if they have compression sleeves and might be able to get you a size. You don't want one too tight or too loose as it may make things worse. Anytime you are changing altitude flying/driving it is always best to wear it. My former LE therapist said her rule of thumb is, whenever you wake up (after showering) put the sleeve on, whenever you go to sleep take it off. When I had my last surgery in October I wore it for the first 48 hours after surgery and my PS allowed me to wear it during surgery to alleviate additional LE buildup. You might also want to check on getting a gauntley (glove for LE) as well. I noticed swelling in my hand first before i noticed swelling in my arm. The sleeves/gauntlets are NOT cheap, they run about 200.00 per set. I hope that helps.
Believe- Take me with you next time. I promise i won't wear a bathing suit, don't want to scare anyone or any of the local animals.
Ok getting back to work I will check tonight on the boards. Hubby has to go back to NOLA for a mandatory class so I can spend a lot of time on here
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momof3 - as a sister of a melanoma survivor I'm in your pockets! When she was first diagnosed it was stage 3 and they gave her 2 years. That was 5 years ago and tomorrow she goes for her final scan at Sloan because there is no more evidence of it. And yes as a BC survivor we are at a higher risk for melanoma. This summer I got a great 100spf umbrella so I wouldn't miss beach time. Tell your dd that there are great outfits that block the rays so she won't miss out on beach time.
Anyone else having this problem - I have fluid pocket in my lumpectomy site. Not a seroma. Can't be drained just have to have patience and massage to help move them along. Saw my BS and he said it was another lovely side effect of rads. Grrr
In pockets just because I can and big hugs to you all.0 -
KarenZ0305, I have a fluid pocket from a second surgery. The first surgery didn't leave mewing one, but the second did. To me it seems huge even though I can't see it. My surgeon didn't want to drain it, so it remains. He told me not to freak out when I had my mammogram as it will show up, and it did. My radiologist looked at the mammogram and compared the fluid pocket to the two CT scans he did and it is shrinking. He also told me not to drain it, because it often causes more problems than it cures. Told me it could take two years to completely go away. The gift that keeps on giving.
Good luck with your's. Guess there could be much worse things to contend with.0 -
Yes, we have the gift that keeps on giving! How lucky are we? We will count our blessings with our gentle hugs.
At dinner tonight, I had the oddest feeling on the left side of my face, into my ear. Not sure if the food didn't agree with me or what. The left side of my face, along my jaw to my ear got swollen. My DH could even see it. I didn't really hurt. My thought was a heart attack or stroke. My husbands thought was a tumor. The swelling quickly went away. I see my doctor in a few weeks, I will mention it. The is the same side I had my dental implant earlier this year. Oh brother! In my typical fashion, I won't dwell on it.
Only 16 more days until Christmas. Is everyone ready? We haven't been home long enough to put up a tree but I've been enjoying them in the stores and everywhere else.
Hugs to all.0 -
Thanks for being in my pockets girlfriends! I'm NED!! My BS said she will see me next December. Yaaaaay!
Last year I didn't think this day would ever come, it just seemed so far away. I'm so happy to have this past year behind me, it's such a relief! And thanks for the colonoscopy tips! Ugh. I'd like a drug to help me forget about the Prep!
Momof3, you and Maddy are in my prayers! In your pockets also! Remember, distraction, distraction, distraction! Does she like to read? Go to movies? Play board games? Good luck!
Christy, my LE is so far only in my breast, but my BS told me to start my antibiotics again (Bactrim) and see if two weeks gets things in check again. I asked about antibiotic resistance and she said not with Bactrim. There are people like transplant patients who take it for the rest of their lives, so I'm so glad to have it on hand. I'll start taking it again tomorrow and hope it will take care of some of the pain I'm having. I really hope the lymphedema doesn't go to my arm during this trip!
Hugs everyone!! 💗 Sheila0
