Starting Chemo September 2015; join us!
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http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/moreinfo...
This is the information my bs gave me. He particularly liked the shoulder stretch but he said your nose and feet should be touching the wall.
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Thanks for posting that Twiggy. I definitely need to do that stretching more often. Trying to get my arm in position for the sim was excruciating. The funny thing is that I really thought that my range of motion in that arm (the affected side) was really pretty good at this point...lol.
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It wouldn't be eight months of BC treatment without a visit to the ER at some point, would it?
After a great recovery from the Tuesday lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy (only minor pain), my breast became painful overnight. There was no discharge or fever, so I shrugged it off as delayed post-surgery discomfort.
Late this afternoon, the breast swelled up like a balloon! One useless call to a triage line later, we hoofed it into the ER. Turns out I have a hematoma caused by the blood thinner I'm taking (Lovenox). Nothing they can do for it, so I was discharged with instructions to ice it 20 minutes per hour for the pain and follow up with my surgeon next week (already scheduled).
Although it hurts like heck, I'm relieved I didn't need to be hospitalized. Hope everyone had a more restful weekend!
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So sorry to hear about your ER visit Lisa, but pretty happy to hear that it's a hematoma and not a nasty infection. Take care of yourself.
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Yikes, Lisa, that's scary! I hope your hematoma settles down soon ((((hugs))))
I feel like I've wasted almost a week battling with the essay-type beaurocratic paperwork
. My brain is still so foggy the forms were almost impossible for me. Husband revised them for me last night, but only partially, saying finally that when they try to read through all my rambling, it should be obvious I'm still not work-fit. In a rare show of support he also said I should still stay home for awhile even if my request is denied. My brain IS starting to clear --- I can enjoy reading novels again, although I still forget a lot of details from chapters back --- but it's slow. For awhile there I was afraid chemo had given me permanent dementia. I have a sizable brain cyst, got awful long-lasting headaches from chemo, and thought the drugs concentrated in the cyst and just kept poisoning.0 -
Hi all
My dear hubby made a video (link above) to thank all the people who have supported me through this process. I have found major support and comfort on this board. It's hard to find time and energy to attend support groups so I am so thankful for this board. I appreciate everyone sharing their good times and tough times, it shows we are never alone in this fight.
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You guys are so awesome! Great video Tigre! I too really appreciate all the support on this board and this specific thread! We've been through a lot together!
As an update, I'm 8 weeks PFC and just about 5 weeks post surgery. Finally starting to feel like my feet are getting back under me. Like Southern I too have a spot on a surgical incision that's taking longer to heal and we're keeping an eye on it. The PS keeps telling me that it's totally normal for a spot like that where multiple incisions meet to take a little longer and I should just keep it moist with aquaphor. I'm doing my stretching exercises to try and improve my range of motion for the sim they had to postpone.
My birthday is this weekend and my husband arranged a little weekend away for us with his parents watching our son, so I'm very grateful and excited. I had to buy a new bathing suit this weekend because my old boobs were a 36DDD and my new ones are 36C. My old bathing suits don't fit. I was excited because for the first time in my life I can wear a bandeau style bathing suit (the kind that has thin removable straps). All I want to do this weekend is sleep in each morning, feel the sun on my face, read a book (which I never have time to do) and have a nice dinner out. Basically rest.
I had my first Herceptin only infusion on Saturday. I was really nervous after reading that some people didn't feel well afterward. They did a loading dose again and ran it over 90 minutes (though they said the infusions from now on would be a lower dose and shorter time) and they made me sit there for an hour afterwards to make sure I didn't have an allergic reaction. I was surprised that they had me sit there like that since I have already had 6 Herceptin infusions (along with my chemo) so I would think they would know by now if you could tolerate the medication. Anyway, I'm relieved to say that I felt fine over the weekend and hope to keep feeling fine/no side effects. 11 more herceptin infusions to go!
They are going to start me on Tamoxifen later in the month. Nervous about how I'll feel on it...
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El tigre - Awesome video. Can see the love in your husband eyes!!! I agree with you about this board, I may not post a lot but reading updates, and seeing how strong each and everyone of you guys are have helped me deal with this journey. I am very thankful for all of you!!!
Southern Charm- So glad you are doing well...
Lisa- Sorry you had to go to ER. Hoping the swelling and pain are better soon.
edwsmom- Sorry you could not do the radiation simulation today, Hoping your range of motion increases daily.
mom2boo- so sorry about having to have more surgery. Praying all goes well.
Luzeelu- Sorry you are having to deal with lymphedema. I have not meet with anyone about lymphedema or a sleeve. RO said he wanted to get me in b4 I started Radiation but I have simulation tomorrow and have not heard back about an appointment. So I don't know if that will happen.
Artista-Hope you are doing well.
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cajunqueen1- Have not seen a post from you for a while. I hope you and your babies are well.
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Hi all. I agree with others. This board saved my sanity especially early on.
I just signed up for the BC smorgasbord : hot flash prescription, physical therapy, acupuncture, echo, more herceptin and tamoxifen for dessert. It's like a food buffet except you don't get to stop when you are full.
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El Tigre - The video is AWESOME - what an amazing record of your journey. Love your smiles throughout.
Thanks to everyone for your good wishes. This hematoma hurts LIKE H-E-DOUBLE-HOCKEY STICKS. I can't tolerate oxy anymore (made me vomit ANYthing I ate late Sat / all day Sunday) and Tylenol takes the edge off only a bit.
My followup with the surgeon is Thursday. Hope I'm less massively swollen + in a lot less pain by then. Because otherwise he's going to have a crabby patient on his hands. : (
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Southern - You are amazing - thank you for being here for all of us. I would be a hot mess (even hotter mess?) without this group. At first I felt bad because most of you are so far ahead of me in treatment. But because so many of you have been my trailblazers. I haven't had one side effect I hadn't read about here to prepare me.
A shout-out to all of you who keep returning even though you're a ways out of chemo. Your reports of feeling so much better 6, 8 and more weeks PFC give me hope. Thank you.
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el_tigre your fantastic video brought me to happy tears!
So happy for you that you are surrounded with so many loving supportive friends and family!0 -
Minnesota_Lisa hang in there --- you can do this! Please don't get sad feelings for being a bit out of step with many in this group. That doesn't matter! I also get most of my support from the women here. Although I'm getting involved with the local bc group (meets every two weeks for tes/coffee). But I am out of synch --- most of the almost dozen women are either waiting for initial path, just beginning treatment, or a few years out past first their round (many dealing with mets now
). Last summer I guess bc hit me late June then took a summer vacation haha.0 -
Southern YOU ROCK!!! Sending "hair grow" vibes your way!!!
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edwsmom and anyone else doing stretching exercises to increase shoulder range of motion on your operated side --- Be careful ---go slowly, no rapid choppy movements, and don't push hard past the ouch point. I overdid it a week ago, and am still dealing with a flareup of lymfedema swelling and pain
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Wow! El Tigre! LOVE that video! And the music is great! Very inspirational for those of us still in active tx so thanks for sharing!
I ran into a snag with insurance. All of the sudden on Sunday I went to pay my BC premium and it said account cancelled! Imagine my surprise as I had no clue! So after a sleepless night I called yesterday to find out wtf?? Got the you need to call this number, that number- big surprise that I'm being bounced around. Here I am scheduled for chemo tomorrow (today) and have a CT scan already auth'd by them for next Mon that was given this past Fri! WTF?
So somehow something happened where I am now eligible for Medi-Cal. Shocked the hell out of me. Thought for sure it's a mix up because the max yearly income you can have to get it is way way lower than what I get from disability. They double checked my info and even though nothing has changed with me for the past year, I am indeed on Medi-Cal now.
Panic set in as who takes this new insurance in my group of providers. Luckily the hospital and doctors in their hospital system take it. The only one I'm left being a cash pt to is ps. His office visits is $75 and he now has me on a see me every 3 mo plan thankfully since I'm doing well rather than monthly. Fills are done so it's just a quick check. The only thing is should something happen and I need my TEs out before next March when I'll be on Medicare, then I can't afford cash for sx and he'd have to refer me out. I love this guy so I pray nothing comes up for this year long wait.
So good news and bad news. Good news is I save some money not being on BC anymore.With my rent going up $180 a mo, no more $150 a mo premium really helps. And all but 1 of my current providers take the insurance. Bad news is wish it would have happened the beginning of the year as I've had big chemo balances to pay and one still to come in Feb. Bad news is had to cancel my final chemo for today and CT scan for next Mon until I get my member ID # at least. They need to get auth first before they give you a date for tx and scan. I was supposed to have my initial consult for tx planning with my RO next Wed but that may have to be pushed out as I'm not paying cash for anything now. Hopefully info from new insurance comes in a week so I can get the ball rolling again. Hate delays. Was delayed to start chemo due to drains in so long and infection for a month after and now at the tail end of chemo. So I know how you guys feel who had delays out of your control.
So I sit it all out this week, watching the entertaining election. Can't say I've ever been so entertained with the GOP mudslingings!
Hope you all are doing better/well. Those who are done, congrats! Those in the midst, hanging in there with you all! And those struggling, best wishes!
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Artista - Wow, I am so sorry to hear about the insurance issue. It really is the last thing any of us need to be dealing with. I am glad the medi-cal has been verified, so at least you know you will have some coverage.
edws - I'm sorry to hear you didn't get a complete response, but know that does not mean a failure of chemo. I have read a ton about how the different subtypes respond to chemo, and from what I can tell it is pretty rare to get pathological complete response with ER positive breast cancer. Based on the data I've seen, PCR is much more likely with Her2 positive only or triple negative. The great news is you will have both hormonal therapy and Her2 targeted therapy available moving forward. Some of the Her2 therapies in particular seem to have amazing results in preventing recurrence.
Minnesota Lisa - hang in there. I am a bit of a hot mess myself, due to a last minute switch from taxol to taxotere for my final chemo last Tuesday. You are one of the strongest, funniest, most caring people I've come across in recent memory and you will emerge from this as a force to be reckoned with.
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Artista - Ack - wracking my brain and can't think of any way to game this situation. I'm so very glad you will have insurance, though. Each state system is so different; I'm on a plan through MNSure and (while it has been an enormous PITA at times), I'm grateful for it.
inSF - Thank you for your kinds words - back atcha! Now I'm anticipating that my surgeon has not called yet re: path results (he said we'd know as soon as last Friday) because it's bad news. Talking myself into being calm if told at Thursday appt that I need a mastectomy. I trust your final Taxotere infusion went smoothly today, I'm thinking about you. (Hey, soon, no more port!!) Cheers to every single one of us here - both when we're "hot messes" and when we're pretending we've got it all together!0 -
Just got off the phone with my surgeon:
Sentinel lymph node was negative for cancer. Lumpectomy margins were negative for cancer.
Pathology sliced analyzed 23 tissue samples. They found cancer cells in 8 out of 23. The surgeon said if you asked 10 cancer professionals what one should do (if anything) about this, you'd get many different answers. He wants to confer with my onco and the hospital's multidisciplinary cancer team.
They meet every Tuesday, but next Tuesday is Spring Break (small crowd). So it will probably be a couple more weeks. He emphasized we are not in a rush and don't need to do anything right away.
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Southern - Thanks, you're right: waiting is the worst!
Encouraging hair growth - it's comin' back!!
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ElTigre beautiful video. Brought tears to my eyes.
MLisa sorry about cancer in the samples. Did they finally confirm if your hormone receptor status? Please try to stay calm and not think the worst. Trust your team with their recommendations but remember you are in control its your choice whatever they suggest.
Arista sorry about the insurance crap.
Southern you have a hairline! Yay girl! Aww...happy hair fuzzies dance for you.
Tessu hugs to you and rest up
Twiggy you certainly have the full work up. Be well and take care of you
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great video entire. It was weird for me to recognize the clinic.
My thoughts and well wishes are with everyone.
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I just did something I wasn't sure I could last summer when I got my diagnosis --- made it to 60.
Onward, one day at a time...
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Tessu - Belated Happy Birthday wishes! You have been so strong and inspirational through all the challenges you've faced. Here's to many more birthdays to comes <<<hugs!>>>
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Reading every day even if I don't post much...and sending hugs! 16 weeks out PFC I am feeling pretty good but wish the hair would grow faster!
Tessu, Happy Birthday!!!!
Hugs; Octogirl
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Danka! My hubby did a great job on the video. I'm just the goof ball in it
MLisa - yeah for negative margins and negative sentinel nodes!
Arista - Insurance is a racket! I'm sorry you have to postponed your last chemo and scan, such BS
Tessu - happy belated B-day!
Twiggy - There was more video there but we accidentally captured some RN's so we had to edit
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happy bday tess
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Tessa
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Artista928 That is a relief that most of your providers will cover your new insurance. You live in a very good area to get a second opinion from a breast surgeon about the rest of your TE exchange etc. It might not hurt to get a consult and see if you can finish your swap in 2016 under your new out of pocket max. I like to look at all my options and sometimes a path opens up that I never imagined.
At the end of this year I am moving over to a new set of doctors. I am hoping by then I will be post treatment and so it won't be so difficult to find a new MO I can work with. The insurance at the adjacent hospital is superior for pediatrics and my kids need specialists. If I do need another breast surgery I can return to the hospital I am at but it will be a 6000 out of pocket max instead of 1000. Hence I am waiting to change until I am sure that I am on my feet.
El_tigre love the video. If I come that way this year I am emailing you gals for a meetup. TwiggyOR
Southern your hair is right where mine was once it started to sprout quickly. It was around 9-14 weeks PFC that I saw quite a bit of work. I am trying to keep things moving but Arimidex and Herceptin are slowing it down a bit.
Minnesota_L… It sounds like you have a good medical team. I like that they are willing to collaborate to ensure you get the best treatment. Be kind to yourself regarding the post surgery a Hematoma is the pits. It must have scared your socks off. Hopefully it heals quickly.
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