January 2017 Surgery Group
Comments
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Elem - I am meeting with my MO this Friday and assuming that he will recommend Tamoxifen as well. I am so not a medicine taker so I am not excited about it. I am going to ask about the efficacy of doing a hysterectomy/oopherectomy instead. When I asked about it at my tumor board they said the results were the same. I am premenopausal (not sure where you are), but it might be something worth asking about if you aren't keen on the hormone therapy. Today's thought (I change very two minutes it seems!) is to try the hormone therapy and see how I do. If I have icky SEs then maybe do the surgery if the benefits for recurrence are the same. Of course, if my genetic testing comes bak positive, I will probably be having that surgery anyhow.
FightinGirl - That stinks about your boss situation. Hoping that after you get a chance to talk with him, you can get it worked out benefitting you. Good luck with your last two days of radiation. That's it for treatment for you, right? Except hormone therapy?
3bears - Congrats; one down! Praying your SEs are non-existent! So happy for you that your husband was able to go with you. I hope that gave you some comfort. Just imagine any potential cancer cells coming out in your hair and leaving you completely CLEAN!!
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Feel so much than the weekend! 3bears are you getting Neulasta?
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3bears, look you you go! This whole journey has been surreal. It crazy when you think about it. Prayers for little to no SEs. 🙏💪
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Fightingirl: I'm wondering if your boss is thinking that you should be done by now. Maybe his fear is that it's open-ended and he doesn't feel confident that your need for time off is going to end soon enough for him. Hoping this is just a situation of managing his expectations. After all, he's a man & probably not communicating his concerns very articulately.
3Bears: so glad to hear it wasn't that bad for you! I was thinking about you all day!! Praying for little to no SEs for you...Thanks for the tip about giving Hubby a job. Mine will do well with having tasks to do lol. My infusion center is bare bones but they do have TVs & you can order meals & snacks...the staff seems friendly but I think you have to be an angel to work with cancer patients anyway so of course they're nice!
Shelleybeans: good for you! Keep squeaking!! Praying for good news on the scan...
Pyrrh: I signed up for the look good clinic today! My appt is in a couple of weeks...toward the end of my first chemo cycle.
A-Boob: thanks for that adorable pug picture the other day...xoxo
RoseRN: glad to hear you're feeling better
Had a total meltdown yesterday...did the same thing a few days before my surgery too. Wonder if I'll lose it before filling my anti-hormone prescription too (I hope not...that would really worry me!)Goodness gracious, the waterworks were flowing! Better day today, went to chemo orientation, got a really nice goodie bag that volunteers put together. A nice pink soft throw, lip balm, that kind of stuff. Really thoughtful, I was very touched that they do that for the new patients. Didn't learn too much but that's bc I'm on the chemo board here & have chemo warriors & coaches paving the way!
Finally got a lorazepam script from the MO! Better late than never. Lol!! I was afraid I'll never sleep tomorrow night after taking the steroids!
Happy Valentine's Day to all my Valentines...love you all!
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P.S. Heard "Lido" on the radio today. Thought of you guys....you're always with me!! What a gift!!!
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PugsMama - did you have the ovary removal because you are BRCA2 positive? And now you are going to be on AI?
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3bears, you got started and I hope the time flies! I'm so glad hubby was there and I so agree with them needing to be helpful. So many times when I've been falling apart I can see my husbands frustration and the next words are always " I don't know what to say". My next words are always "I don't need you to say anything, just sit with me, hug me, you can't make it better." Old habits die hard because that has happened several times almost exactly like that over the past few months. He is always great when driving me and getting my medicines because he's helping. I loved hearing that and I hope that bonding will help you through this even more. So much love to you. ❤️
Yes elem and annoyingboob, I guess it's all just taken a toll and I should be excited because I'm near the end (of treatments) anyways. I'm going to double check but I thought my oncologist said that I'd still have to come every week or other week and they draw blood every other time you go while on tomoxifen?? I just want to be done. I know so many are facing chemo and truly I hate crying about tomoxifen and doctors visits.
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I was saving this for tomorrow, pugsmama, but it sounds like you need it today - big puggie love and valentines to you. just keep thinking about how good it will feel to go on your cruise in a few months - you can do this!!!
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3bears- glad all is going well. I'm looking down that road. Keep us posted.
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pugsmama, I think it's more like he knows 2 people that had cancer and the girl that cuts his hair was supposedly similar to my diagnosisis and after her surgery she said she could have been back at work in a couple days. Well my BS told me to take a week and I did. It was full of follow ups and I had that bad arm pain not knowing then that I was developing cording so you know....I don't fit what his hair cutter would have done so I'm not sure what his deal is. I've never even called in sick one time in 4 years so I can't imagine he I would think I'm milking this situation. I have gone into work every day since my diagnosis even though I had days I wanted to stay curled up in bed! I do believe he is going to make it right because he probably felt like crap after my call. I was so proud of myself for calling even though m stomach was In knots! It was just really weird and unexpected because he's always been really good to me. I think he turned it on me because I confronted it and he couldn't think fast enough and true to some men just couldn't say he was wrong and sorry!! I'll let you guys know...barring some other crazy circumstance I plan to go back this Thursday after my catheters are out!
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Good evening ladies!
Just took a minute to catch up. Lots going on!
Figthingirl - that stinks! I so like what pugsmama said that maybe he doesn't realize that it's not over. I will be honest I had no clue that BC treatment could be so involved! What an eye opener! No two case are handled the same. I am in a pissed mood to. I had planned on getting "my girl" back Thursday. My husband thought I had better wait until Saturday and I agreed. I got the drain out Friday and felt 100% better almost within the hour! Short version....her mother decided I needed more time to heal and won't me have her until noon on Wednesday! I am back to 6 miles day, cooking dinner, mopping, laundry, dusting, grocery shopping you name it I am doing it. Blowing the leaves out of the carport and driveway. The only thing I am struggling with is my hair! Rant over before I start cussing!
3 bears- one down!
Shellybeans - given hell!
Now...good news...clean margins, 3 lymph nodes removed all negative. Tumor was a small as they said 1.5 cm. Grade 1. Will find out the ocnotype test results in 7-10 days. As far a poop fairy. She is making small visit occasionally. IF I get "clogged" it takes weeks to get me right. This sucks..and smells! Hahaha
Love to all my Valentines!
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DCISinAZ: that's right, my ovaries came out after finding out I was BRCA2+. I will be on an aromatase inhibitor because after menopause, instead of your ovaries producing estrogen, your adrenal gland produces aromatase, an enzyme which converts fat & other cells in your body to estrogen. AIs, therefore, "inhibit" the production of that enzyme leading to less estrogen in your body. I personally would opt for liposuction but no one else thinks that's a good idea! LOL
Vargadoll: Whoo hoo for clean nodes! Happy dance for you!!
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Elem--I used to be afraid of tamoxifen too --until I started worrying about lymphedema . I forgot about that when chemo entered the picture. Lol! My friend has been on tamoxifen for 8 yrs and has no complaints. She has tolerated it very well. If anything, she's afraid to go off it because it's made her feel safe all these years. Maybe you'll be the same.
Annoyingboob--that's what the counselor at the cancer center said too. That once my hair falls out, it's going to become more real to my daughter. We can hope.😊0 -
You find the best pics annoyingboob! I hope that gives you a smile pugsmama! I realized I selfishly responded to you about my boss but cancer brain struck and I also wanted to say I'm sorry about your rough day. Sometimes the meltdown is necessary! It's just so much and I'm sure processing the chemo aspect you weren't expecting doesn't help but you are going to be awesome....you got this and you'll always have us! Xoxo
DCISinAZ, yes these last two days are it for me except the hormone therapy if I do it. I am thinking along your lines and trying it to see how it goes. But then I change my mind and don't want to even start it...guess we are both struggling there
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RoseRN1--no I am not getting neulasta. I asked about that today. She said it is not in my chart. My MO must not feel that I'll need it. If my numbers drop too low they may consider it then. I'm not sure if I should be relieved or worried. Relieved I won't have the bone pain. Worried I'll be hospitalized with infection.
PugsMama-- did you mean Lido as in " one more for the road?" I ❤that song!
Fightingirl-- your days will get better soon, I just know it.0 -
congrats 3bears on your first one down . So happy hubby was with yoh for support. Also very happy it went well .
DcisinAz the doctor said I still produce estrogen from the adrenal glands as I went through menopause at around age 50-54 .. I am 61 now. I feel like you wonderful younguns give me so much strength.
I appreciate all you ladies so much and love you as sisters. Going through all this would have taken me down without this group . Seriously, I would have crumbled without you girls.
Thanks everyone for the encouraging words and thoughts re: my latest fear of hormone therapy. I guess it's just the SE's that are scaring the crap out of me . I feel like many people here have worse fears and are so brave and courageous that , I should not be crying like a baby !
Annoyingboob , sorry you had a trying day . I send you hugs for a better tomorrow. Fightingirl hope you get a good nights rest with all you are dealing with . I am going to sleep early because I have a sinus infection and I am drained .
Love to all , I didn't get to mention everyone because , I read ten posts in one sitting and honestly , I just cannot remember every single one by name. Hope that's ok . 💗💗💗💗💗
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Fighingirl - I change my mind literally every two minutes. Problem with the ovary removal is that you have a much increased risk for heart disease and dementia. Lovely. So you've got some issues no matter what you choose. And since I had "only" DCIS I don't want to get too crazy with treatment. But obviously don't want to undertreat either. Ugh.
Plus, my husband says each dr is going to recommend whatever it is they do, because they believe in that. MO says yay meds. RO says yay rads. Gyn says "adios ovaries". And we all say HELP!!!
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Yes DCISinAz
Because your hubs is a Dr. I know that is right. Therefore ,it is such a dilemma forvus who ultimately must decide what tovdo and what is best. I just met these Docs within the last few weeks . I haven't known them long enough to have a strong bond of trust. So it's tough. 💗❤
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funny you mention the dimentia and heart disease because your post the other had me researching taking the ovaries and I read that...I didn't want to say anything because I figured you'd be doing your own research and didn't want to sound like I thought it was a bad idea because each of has has to make our own decisions that works best for us. It's our final decision now but for whatever reason it's the hardest. I feel like it should be out of us with the surgery and radiation...but then I read stuff and I just get myself all worked up and confused! I already did the lumpectomy so I will always have that mammo fear and then if I decide not to do the tomoxifen am I really playing with dire
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Fightingirl - EXACTLY! I don't want to regret or have any "if only's". But I guess there is the chance for that no matter what you choose/don't choose. Where is that dang crystal ball when we need it????
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3Bears - The countdown has begun! Congrats! I hope a side effect-free rode is ahead!
For you ladies heading to/just started chemo, if you haven't shaved your hair yet, you can check out this site http://hairwithacause.com/index.html They can do extension with your own or donated hair.
On the ovary-removal front...when I spoke with my MO about it he suggested (for me as I am still pre-menopausal) to delay it as long as possible as the ovaries help stave off other things like bone loss. He also said most of his patients do better on Tamoxifen than some of the AI's.
Fightingirl - Sounds like the situation of thinking we all have the same journey and that we all heal the same. Hopefully, he takes the time to learn that is not the case and sticks to his original statement. Hoping for the best!
Well Ladies, I know it's a little early, but will you be my Valentine? Hoping that you all have a wonderful day.
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Another question - how did you ladies add a bio to your bio? I keep looking for how to do that and I can't find it.
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BeachBaby - I am also premenopausal (46). My friend said that you have 30 years of cycles from when you start your period but that math doesn't work for me since I still have clockwork cycles and I started my period when I was 12 or 13.
I asked the MO about ovary removal and percentages, etc. when I went to tumor board. He said percentage-wise it was the same tamoxifen or ovary removal, but why would you do ovary removal since it is more invasive. Then I asked my gyn and she was all set to take the ovaries out the same time I had my mx. I had to put the brakes on that!!
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DCIS That math doesn't work for me either! I would have started menopause 6 years ago!!! Either that or we are just very special!
FYI, the "bio"info on mine is under my signature (My profile>Personal Info>Settings)0 -
docmama - Thanks for sharing the runway link. I liked that!
3bears- Yaasss Gurl!!! Yaaassss! [snappin fingers] You got this!
Elem - My brain has been packed up and left me! Its gonna try to come back, beg and plead...hmmm we'll see! That was a korny joke, I hope you at least smirked at it!
*givin my battle sisters shuga*
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good luck tomorrow Pugsmama!! And congratulations Vargadoll!
Happy Valentines Day to you all. You are my heros.
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Fightingirl-to compare your diagnosis and tx to someone else is just so wrong! We are all individuals! I don't care how similar our procedures were/are our bodies all respond DIFFERENTLY! Your boss is so wrong for comparing your process to anyone! I could get on a roll with this one! When you consider all the things that were put in our bodies that wasn't supposed to be in there, you know a wire, anesthesia, radioactive dye, numbing agent, even the stitches the list goes on and on our individual bodies will react different to each one of those " foreign objects" while you're trying to heal. There wasn't a one of us that did this just for shits and grins! Narrow-minded thinking really gets me! I have one friend who has had a couple of small surgeries and it takes her three times as long to heal because her body always reject whatever they close the incision with. So she has to just sit and heal with more pain than the average person. Hugs to you!
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A-Boob: love love love my Valentine's pug & love you!
Couple of points about the ovary removal: it put me into instant menopause- was quite a shock to my system & I had to take HRT. Because I had the uterus taken out at the same time, I didn't have to worry about the SE of uterine cancer. I had them removed with the davinci robot method...couple of holes on the sides..not invasive at all. Easy recovery. Not sure if your risk of ovarian cancer goes up if you've already been had BC. As I mentioned, I removed mine bc of being BRCA+ & there's virtually no screening for ovarian cancer...Do these stressful decisions ever end?
Re: the hormone treatment- I'll give it a try....if it's unbearable & ruining my QOL, I'll stop, but at least I will have gotten a little protection. I'm on the chemo board, there are a few gals over there with recurrences. It's not good. That definitely means BMX & chemo for you lucky lumpectomies! Because I love you all, I want you to give yourselves the best shot of beating this for good! I get nervous when I hear you thinking about not taking theTamoxifen. Sorry, I had no kids...have to "mother" someone every now & then! Hope I'm not overstepping...
Happy Valentines Day to all of my Valentines!
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Happy Valentines day everyone. I will remember this one as rad beginning ..day one ! Headed to the radiation place now
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