2013 Survivors!!!
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I saw my MO 3 weeks ago and he gave me a scrip for a chest x-ray also...
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Susannahw & Loral thanks. I'm six months out of rads too. Guess everything makes me jumpy. Even the quarterly blood work bothers me, because I know everything they do is just looking for something scary. Sounds like it's not unusual, and hopefully unnecessary. It would seem I've had enough rads to last a lifetime. Kris
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Hi all, what a great christmas surrounded by a great family and great friends. I have had the all clear on my latest mamo and bone scan, however my onc's office rang yesterday to meet me new years eve, what a finale to the year! Thanks ladies for being here and may we all enjoy the new year celebrations. Juneau your boss is a pr##k and as I learnt ur better telling them to f@@k off cause theirs no less thought of you!! Love u all.xx
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Glad to see everyone enjoyed their holiday- I do love the holiday season despite the stress that always accompanies it. Now I have a few added pounds to accompany the stress just from seeing and reading about all of your baking. (Believe you are the biggest culprit with baking! lol)
Juneau that boss of yours sounds like a true pita. Sorry you have to go through that crap especially while you're in the middle of your move, etc. Tazzy how was Vegas-sounds like a great get away.
Regarding testing-I have yet to have any scans since my original surgery Jan 20, 2012 other than a pre-op chest xray and an ultrasound on a tiny bump that turned out to be scar tissue. However the last time I visited my MO I stupidly ask if there were any tests that showed if the arimidex was working (I was thinking along the lines of an additional blood test to check estrogen levels.) He said that's a very good question; we haven't done any scans on you maybe when you come back for your 6 month check up we can discuss that. I know I made a horrible face because he said remember everything we do is just kind of preventative or precautionary; I'm thinking not quite that's how they find out things you don't want to know! lol! Anyway he said that testing blood estrogen levels really wouldn't tell him a lot. Oh well. But like several of you mentioned, the routine blood work is stressing to me although unlike my other visits which were previously 3 months apart, he did not order blood for my next visit. I guess he figures just the suggestion that maybe he will do a scan or something is stressful enough.
Well I had best get going as we are getting out of town company tomorrow so I best get their room ready, etc. (Scottie New Years Eve is the time for you to unleash those bottles of wine you had hidden from when you and Jo went to the cabin) I hope you all have a wonderful New Year celebration and pray that we all have a happy and HEALTHY , HEALTHY STRESS FREE New Year.
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Good Morning - to all my Survival Sisters!
We got an extra Christmas present this year, just as our last bit of company was leaving, I noticed a little dry cough. It quickly turned into the flu which I shared with my DH. We have been down and out for the past few days but finally after raiding our medicines found some knock out night time medicine. We both slept in and now I hope we've turned the corner. My DH got a flu shot and I didn't - go figure.
We've been so busy, haven't thought about blood tests, scans or x rays. It was wonderful but now back to reality. My 4 month appt is on Monday the 4th. If your time permits, it can be an all day event. At 9:00 I see my GP and at 2:30 I see my MO. Blood tests will be done on Friday. I'm expecting all clear so we can leave town on the 7th or a few days later. Hopeful and optimistic that nothing messes up our plans!
Scottie - so glad you got your power back!
Juneau - get promoted so that you can teach them how a boss should act! With your prior boss leaving, there should be an opening.
2 Fried - if there is a silver lining to the flu, it's that I lost my extra Christmas pounds. Not fun but that worked!
Ireland - New Years Eve doctors appt? What's that about?
KKuziel - everything stresses us out. Keeping busy works best for me. Worrying won't change the outcome. A while back I posted a sign that said Worry is a waste of imagination. Words to live by...
Tazzy - hope you had a grand time in Vegas. Details - did you gamble, see shows, shop?
Loral - I've had a few chest x rays, but it's been a while. The techs I've gotten have told me on the spot, they were fine. They can check all they want, important to catch stuff early, right?
Going back to bed - this flu needs to go away!
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Oh Believe sorry you got the flu! dang! Well I'll hang on to the added poundage and try to work it off after the holidays if it means I don't have to get the flu. I had to laugh though-I just saw a big sign while I was shopping that said "You're not fat, you're just easier to see" Thought it was cute.
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2Fried - love that sign. I thought I was just fluffy!
My DH decided to be vegan - this week. He's always on a new diet, although this one is more life changing. Since he does our cooking, that with the flu maybe the cause of the weight loss.
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Ok not fully caught up yet but I just wanted to reply to nettie about decision making process. I was a great candidate for a lump. One tumor, center of my right breast, no family history, BRACA (-). Here was how I made my decision.
1) My right breast was my smaller one and being a large A cup (and being able to see an indent from the core biopsy already) I knew I'd be left somewhat deformed.
2) I didn't want to go through radiation, which is mandatory with a Lump. I heard what is does to the skin and that never fully goes away.
3) I was going to have full reconstruction (see #1) anyway.
4) ... nagging question... what if they miss some??
So I had a UMX. Unlike others I decided to keep my healthy breast due to my lack of history and BRACA results. Some days I'm not sure that was the right decision, but I can live with it.
I am happy with my new breasts (I had implants in both to make the remaining natural breast larger... I'm a C cup now). Although I am frustrated watching my implant move slowly to the right as I exercise more. The stronger I get the more my pectoral muscle shifts it. *Sigh*. Looks like I'll be getting surgery in a few years to realign in. I'm hoping it will stop eventually. I have decided that I am not having recon in 2014. I need a year off from the knife.
As for blood-work - I go every 3 months. There are markers that can show elevated activity that my MO looks for. I have been told my her that the highest chance of recurrence is in the first 2 years... there is NO way I would skip getting blood-work if the doctors ordered it. I'm NED - but the blood-work might show Evidence and take me out of that status. That's what it looks for - evidence of disease. And I learned from the first go around that early detection is key. Just for me - I'll give my blood every month if that's what she asked for. My breast surgeon has had me have an annual mamo on my remaining breast, and also a MRI on both. (I go again in May). I just want stay busy living so I'll do what ever they say..
Scottie; glad you finally got your power back.
momof3; I don't think crying would make any difference on this fucking prick. Just a note: I should have one vacation day left this year - but when I went in the system today it was gone. So I had to email HR to inquire where it went since I'd only day since we'd confirmed my hours left to use in October. I bet the fucker added a vacation day on the day I worked from home (that my old manager had approved in February last year).
Anyway, I'm going to try to finish catching up now. Gotta get through the xmas posts, find out how Tazzys trip to Vegas was, and see what Believe baked for xmas... (you did post it didn't you?). I might post again after I'm done reading... but if I don't...
HAPPY FREAKING NEW YEAR LADIES!!!! We have SURVIVED yet another year... and it's so much better together!
(((big... BIG.... BIG HUGS)))
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Happy New Year everyone!
Believe - so sorry to hear that you and your DH got the flu, I hear it is not a nice one. Hope you are feeling much better soon. In your pockets for your 4 month appointment
2Fried - good to hear from you, I like the sign in the store
Scottie - 22 flights of stairs - you are amazing, glad you have your power back, coffee would be cold by the time you got to your floor
Ireland - in your pockets for tomorrow, hope all is well
Nettie - my story - small breasts to start with, previous lumpectomy 2009 right breast, 2 cm IDC and 7+ cm of DCIS in right breast found June 2012 - no choice - UMX - possibly should have had BMX if genetic testing for Cowden's turns out positive - will face that if/when I need to
Tazzy - does what happened in Vegas stay in Vegas?
Juneau - hope you get that vacation day back
We had a great Christmas with our family - lots of activity, really enjoyed my grandchildren, very tired now but well worth it. Back to work today and tomorrow. I have my 6 month MO appointment next Wednesday and 6 month mammogram on Thursday of next week
Take care
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Websister - I read your email and then came back to read it again. After your lumpectomy in 2009 were they watching you every 3 months, with blood tests and exams. In 3 years, how did you end up with a lump of 2 cms, same breast? Gulp.
We are both feeling better, thanks for your well wishes. My DH is cooking a zillion vegetables for dinner. I hope to get better soon and visit a fast good joint.
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Hi all, had a blast in Vegas - didn't win big, but didn't lose big either. Saw a show called Defending the Caveman.... hilarious. One stand up guy defending men and why they are like what they are and how different from women... so very funny. Found a great piano bar went there a couple of times. Me and DH love betting on the horses so were in the sport bars in the afternoons. Went to the Neon Museum which has all the old neon signs of the old hotels and they tell you the history of them. Really interesting. Weather was warmer than here.
Back at work today
Scottie glad you survived the ice storm - yikes !
Sorry cant reply to all at the mo - just about to cook dinner.
Here's a another survived year ladies. As Juneau said so much better spent together. Here's to 2014 and to us. I will raise a glass to you all and the friends who have passed. Love you all - even if I don't post much these days xxxxxxxxxxxxx
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Believe - didn't mean to scare anybody.
In Fall 2009 I had a mammogram and was called back for biopsy. After about 10 days my GP called and told me the biopsy was benign. I breathed a sigh of relief and went on with my life only to have my GP call me back about a week later to tell me that the results had been reviewed and that a group of pathologists were recommending a lumpectomy. There were two areas, one on each breast that were areas of concern and so since I was already going in for one they did lumpectomies with needle localization on both breasts on October 7th.
I had atypical hyperplasia but there was no malignancy found. I was advised to have mammograms every 6 months after that, which I did but no bloodwork. There were a couple more scares and biopsies done with each.
January 2011 I had a mammogram and there was an area on the right breast right where the 2 cm IDC was later found that the tech was concerned about. I was taken for ultrasound and the technician brought the radiologist into the room. She did her own look and said that what the tech was seeing was scar tissue. I argued with her, telling her that my lumpectomy had been on the other side of my breast and I had had no biopsies in the past in that area. She then said that she thought that I should stop having mammograms every 6 months as it was only causing 'undue concern and intervention'. She gave her recommendation to my GP and I was back to yearly mammograms.
My Mom fell December 2011 and fractured hip and humerus left side - I was distracted by that for several months so instead of getting the mammogram in January 2012 I didn't have it done until June 2012 - after I discovered the lump myself.
Lesson learned was to listen to my own instincts - I feel like I knew at the January 2011 mammo but let the radiologist over-rule me.
I don't know if it is our health care system or just differences in MO's but we don't tend to have scans or tumor markers ordered here unless we are symptomatic and even though I had positive nodes and HER2 positive I am at every six month MO visits now.
Long post - my apologies
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Websister - how grueling for you to have to go through all of that. Yes, we know our own bodies best. Thank you for the clarification.
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Happy New Year my sister's! Here's to year of minimal doctor visits and tests!
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Happy new year to all. I have just returned from oncs office and they are happy with my progress....wont change me off tamox until june.......when i asked why the drama re ringing me....she said her office had sent a letter but to my old address and she had noticed this when reviewing my file!!!!!sleepless nite for nowt.......im away to sleep for an hour and then party tonight!!!thanks for being. here. Have a great nite one and all.xx
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To all my wonderful 'virtual' friends - thank you. Another year kicked into touch.
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Websister - thanks for the explanation. I was wondering that too. Also - I got my vacation day back. :-)
Tazzy - sounds like vegas was relaxing.
Hoping to get out of work soon to go eat, (not drink) and take a nap... yes, I'm getting old!
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Seems my pic didn't work - oh! well just a pic saying goodbye 2013 and hello 2014.
Will be getting out of here in 30 mins or so. Spending the evening with friends - home to make appies.
Love ya xxxxxxx
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Hi everybody.....I want to wish each and everyone of you all the best for the coming NEW YEAR. May it be full of joy and happiness.
I heard something today that goes like this...."our scars remind us where we've been, but don't dictate where we're going"
Don't know how I would have made it without all your support and the many laughs we have had here.
Love you all......
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Well said Scottie-feel the same about you and everyone else in our group. Happy New Year
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Happy New Year to all my SISTERS!!!!!!! I would not be where I am with out all of the love and support you have all given me!!!!!!!
Here is to a better 2014 for everyone!!!!!!
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Happy New Year Gang,
I am sitting here with two broken bones in my left wrist
. Got home from errands last night and decided to shovel some snow from behind my car in garage and I slid on ice and knew the instant I hit the ground. Spent 6 hours in ER till 3 AM and now have tempoary cast on until I see ortho Thurs. ER Dr said break in ulna and radius into joint so surgery with perhaps external pin like device probably in my near future. Amazed how painful this is and percoset doing nada. So, I am reduced to doing things one handed, like type, and am thankful I broke left wrist. But, I immediately thought uh, oh all this on left like BC and what about lymphedema risk, but what choice do i have?? Hugs to you and know I adore you all! Happy New Year!!
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Aruba...so sorry about your miss hap, may you have a healthier and pain free 2014..................
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Aruba - gentle hugs coming your way. Like Roseanne Roseannadanna used to say "it's always something". Hope someone is there looking after you. DH?
I don't post much but do read regularly. Appreciate all my BCO buddies and thank you for being there for me these last 2 years. Hope the New Year comes in gently for everyone and finds us healthier and progressing to finding our happy per Ramols. Speaking of which haven't heard from her recently. Anyone else missing?
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Aruba.....sooooo sorry!!!!!....seems to be the season for broken wrists. Someone on my Canadian thread fell and broke her wrist. I hope your healing is fast.....❤️
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Ah - Aruba! Hope you are feeling better soon. If we were around, we'd all help you out and sign that temporary cast! Sending lots of good wishes your way.
Happy New Years to All! You've made this all bearable and I look forward to many more years of our special friendship.
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Aruba - gentle hugs coming your way! I hope you feel better soon!!!!!
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Aruba I am so sorry .... Take it easy and ice and ice .... In your pocket for your next appointment.
Happy new year everyone ... Here is wishing 2014 will be,filled,with good health ...
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Here is to a wonderful, safe and healthy 2014 to all you beautiful women who helped me heal. I love you girls!!
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Happy New Year everyone! Spent a fun evening with friends even made it to midnight.
Heres to a year of happiness for everyone.
Aruba, ouch, that is one way to keep your mind off BC but I think going back to FL would have been more fun. Sending gentle healing hugs for speedy recovery.
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