Illinois ladies facing bc
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Calico thanks so much. I am still going through recon but have found a lump in one breast. They did an ultra sound and think it is scar tissue but I am not sure that I am comfortable just thinking that is what it is. I would not go back to my original breast surgeon ever!
My PS that I really like suggested Dr. Ahn but I wanted to see if anyone had seen her as a patient. I so appreciate you telling me your experience.
Lynn 27 good luck!
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Hopefulhealing, I'm sorry about your current worries. Definitely you are following your instincts and want a second more thorough opinion to ease your concerns.
Dr. Ahn was a Fellow at the prestigious Cleveland Clinic Breast Center, so for a suburban doc, she's a heavy hitter as far as experience. (In direct contrast to my first BS...) I opted not to go into the city for a consult like my Mom did because of all the logistics with 3 little kids, but I felt in very good hands with her office.
Funny, Dr. Ahn is very well liked by my plastic surgeon, too. They both joke and speak highly of each other which I thought was nice. Truly they were a great team for me.
And now that you mention a second opinion, I remember my first appt with her and she had inquired about my initial experience/doc who did biopsy. She was very gracious and almost grateful to have the chance to consult it felt like. She had remarked that she'd be sad if one of her patients that she biopsied had cancer if they didn't want to come back to her, hard to explain in type, but she was very earnest about it. I just felt like I was in the hands of a HUMAN, especially in that tender time of early diagnosis. Again, all my own unique experience, but I hope you find someone who will give you the peace of mind that you are seeking. Best wishes, Michele
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Good Morning Everyone! I have not posted in a long time but wanted to check on everyone and update you on my status. It's been nearly one week since my second surgery for tissue necrosis. My original BMX was done on 5/17. I am happy to say the incisions are healing nicely. Not seeing big areas of black skin can be uplifiting! I got one more drain removed on Monday so now I am down to two.
The surgeon wants me to stay wrapped in an ace bandage because he feels it will help reduce the amount of fluid that seems to accumulate in my chest. I have explanders in but the delicate skin prevented them from adding any saline so I am as flat as a 10 year old boy. Still blows my mind after hauling around 38DDD for so many years. The pain isn't bad but I have to say I feel like I am wearing a bra that is about three sizes too small. I think like most of us I am struggling to sleep on my back. Also the nerves in my underarm (to my elbow) are sparking to life. It feels like steel rods being shoved into my arm. How long does this last?
So after catching up on the thread (please forgive me if I miss anyone because I'm still tired and a bit foggy!
C-Squared - Congrats on completing your last AC. I hope you did something kind to yourself in celebration!
Lynn - the days before surgery are the toughest. As someone reminded me, yes this is the last time you will see these breast/nipples/etc but it also means that after Friday the cancer will be gone. It seemed like a good trade to me. Hang in! I booked a facial, massage and pedicure the day before my surgery. It helped relax me. I never do things like that but I made an exception. My massage therapy sister-in-law nagged me into it but that's beside the point
Char - I hope your new job is going well!
Jackie - thanks for reminding me that I am rich!
Joan - I am so sorry about your foot. I hope you heel quickly!
Kristin - Finished Chemo!!! Congrats - I'm doing the happy dance for you! (slowly, mind you
)Roula - I have spent months moving in and out of abject fear. There are days it was so overwhelming I could hardly function. Then I realized that I couldn't prevent it so I decided to embrace it, acknowledge it and then sent it on it's way. It doesn't always work but the visual of that process helped me.
Hopeful - is Ahn at CDH? She was the first recommended to me and was highly thought of. She was not in my insurance plan so she was not an option for me. I ended up at Rush with Witt.
Lago - thanks for being you and jumping in to help all of us newbies! I for one, would be lost without you.
Welcome to all new ladies I may have missed. I am so blessed to have found you all and thank each of you for what you bring to my life!
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Invisible - I am so happy to hear you are doing well!
Yes - fear comes and goes, hopefully the divorce will be finalized!0 -
KristinFro.....congrats on getting that chemo behind you! Yea!
Jan, the Arimidex/Anastrozole can really cause some bone density problems. My numbers were quite high when I started and I have had some bone loss but not as significantly as others. I guess I'm lucky in that respect. I think everyone deals with these issues in different ways. Some of us refuse more drugs and go the vitamin, exercise, supplement route. Others do the bone-building drugs immediately. No matter what you choose to do......the situation just stinks. I will see my onc next week. I feel so torn. I am at the 5 year mark on the Arimidex and one part of me hopes that all is well and that he takes me off the drug. I have had some joint problems while on it. The other part of me is a little leery because it's like a security blanket for me. It is so frustrating, though, because it seems like so many of the meds we need cause other things to happen in our bodies.
Jackie, sorry you didn't get the rain. Today we are back to sunshine! I'm with you, Joan, I LOVE summer! I had to snicker at your comment about messing up your tan lines. I wear golf sandals when I golf and none of my other sandals have the same strap pattern. Talk about ugly feet! :-)
Well, I'm off to wash off the deck and the deck furniture. This is my place of choice for camping out with a good book on these summer afternoons.
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RitaJean: Glad to hear your are done with the arimidex/anastrozole. On of my friends had to go off it after 8 months due to major bone loss and arthritis. It makes me very nervouse as I had already been diagnosed with osteopenia at age 53 (will be 57 in a few months) and I have been told I will have to go on this or another drug (femara???). Not sure. Have to get through the chemo/radiation first before I know anything.
Invisible: I am Karen. Fairly new to the group and glad you hear you are doing well.
Hopefulhealing: I am keeping you (and of course, all others) in my prayers.
Calico: Nice pic of your sisters during the walk. Hope you are doing well.
Lago: Still sending good, positive thoughts your way on the job front.
Karen
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Hi ladies,
I've been lurking for a few days and feel ready to post.
I was diagnosed with IDC a month ago. Surgery is in 2 weeks - double mastectomy with immediate silicone recon. It's a lot of DCIS (that's why mastectomy on the one side, other side is my choice) with an escapee stage 1 tumor, grade 2. I'm still getting used to the terms. It is PR+ ER+ HER2- and that one score (k187 maybe) less than 10%.
I'm ok with surgery but terrified it spread to my lymph nodes. I am living on Xanax. I have 3 young children, and I am so scared. My youngest has Down syndrome so I am so scared I will need chemo and have no help.
Anyway, I just wanted to introduce myself. Btw, i live in Western Springs. Thanks for letting me share my story.
Beata0 -
Beata: Welcome. We are here for you.
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Hi Beata, That is so strange - 3 of us from Western Springs here just in the last few months. Roula is also. It must be that awful well water we have!
My cancer is a little bigger than yours and I do not need chemo, so you never know. Also, the neighbors around here are very helpful. Maybe we should all have coffee after your surgery. Roula, I believe, is having chemo so she can fill you in on that if necessary. Are you having implants put in right away? That would be great to skip the expander phase.
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Welcome Beata - sorry you are here, but this is a great place for information, support or just to bitch!
I also live in Western Springs, I am in old town.0 -
Beata welcome. I too was scared about the nodes. Seems like the stats are in your favor that they will be clear but don't worry… they have treatment to take care of that. The nodes are there to catch it from going anywhere else. I've seen women on these boards years out with node invasion but no recurrence. We all worried about the unknown. So tell me how much house cleaning have you done?
Seems that's all we did before surgeries because we know we wouldn't be able to do it afterwards for a while. Do ask questions. Lots of knowledge here.Kjiberty I was diagnosed with slight oesteopenia at 49 just before chemo (and chemopause). Osteopenia is not osteoporosis. Also if you are small framed like me it's not unusual for us to be osteopenic. I have read that we might just be fine. The test might not be as accurate on us small boned gals. BTW chemo, 5 months of ESD (Anastrozole) and 10 into chemopause numbers only dropped 1/10 of a percent! I do exercise, take D and calcium though.Thanks for the vibes. I'm still going to play the lottery this week. Hoping that winning that might be easier than finding a job. If I win I'll start my own company.
Rita start eating white button mushrooms. Even the NCI is studying them now because they are thought to act like an aromatase inhibitor. One of the studies has been completed but I'm too lazy to search for the results. Maybe that's why I'm a bit stiffer today. Ate a ton at dinner last night
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Sheryl Crow, a breast cancer survivor, announced she has a brain tumor. Just when I have a couple fear-free days, I'm reminded you can't let your guard down.
Glad to hear your doing well Invisible.
Rita-5 years...you are an inspiration.
Hugs and prayers to those of you readying for surgery, dealing with se's and just trying to get by day-by-day.
Have a good evening.
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Welcome Beata-of course I'm so sorry you meet the membership requirements for this group, but this is a wonderful place to be.0
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Thanks for the warm welcome. I'm hoping to be able to find other women who just understand.
Roula, I'm in Timber Trails. I'm having surgery (and all my treatment) at Loyola. Surgery is June 20. I'm endowed enough right now, so I told the plastic surgeon that smaller was ok. I'm leaving it to his discretion, but I told his nurse I'd like to skip over tissue expanders so go as small as he needs to go for that. My alternative was to ask for double HHs but he didn't have much of a sense of humor about that.
I'm an OCD type already, so my house is pretty clean and organized on a daily basis. But I've gone crazy on projects: cleaned the garage, sorted through all the kids' clothes in anticipation of a garage sale, fertilized my flower beds, laid a flagstone path in my backyard, etc. My husband normally laughs at me and tries to get out of work, but he feels so bad for me right now, I'm getting all sorts of work out of him. I figure, at the very least, I'll be down for a month, longer if I need chemo. Plus, the work keeps my mind off of my fear.
Again, thank you for the warm welcome.
Beata
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Can anybody come to my house for all this cleaning? Seriously, I am very good at organizing things, but I absolutely hate housework and gardening, and my house kind of shows it!
I finally got a job offer today, in writing and firm. Twenty minute commute. Working with people that I have worked with at two prior companies. So relieved, as this four month vacation has cost a bit of the retirement fund.... with four kids it is impossible to scale down to live on just one income..... Big sigh of relief coming from Downers Grove right now.
Well I just booked my tickets to Boston for my aunt's 75th birthday party.... she had breast cancer at 26 years old... no chemo, it hadn't been in use then! Both her daughters will be there too..... they are 53 and 51 years old.... had breast cancer at 48 and 28 years old.... and my other cousin will be there too... she just turned 40, had cancer at 28, then a new primary at 33. We are all cancer free. It will be a celebration for sure! I know I have told this story ad nauseum, but it's so encouraging for me to be with my family. When my aunt was going through breast cancer almost fifty years ago, she said that it was so lonely. It was considered shameful, her family hid it, and there was no one to talk to. How awful that must have been, and how grateful I am for this forum.
Welcome to all the new girls. Sorry you had to find us, but glad you are here. Lots of support and knowledge.
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Beata-I had my BMX/recon at Loyola and told my PS the very same thing you did (well, not the HH part). I had Vandevender and Perez and loved them and their staffs. I'm exhausted just reading about what you've accomplished-whew!
Lisa-congratulations on the job. Celebrate all those lives and birthdays in Boston!
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Lisa: Congrats! I am so happy for you. What a relief! Have fun on your trip and thanks for the inspirational stories of your family members. It's what we all need to hear.
Lago: Thanks for the info. Where do you buy these white button mushrooms (I am not a mushroom lover so I don't know a thing about them.)
Beata: This is a great group of women. Feel free to vent, let out any fears you may have and rejoice and celebrate each step of your journey. Between us all, we've probably gone through something you will be going through. We can give you our input. I seriously don't know what I would do if I didn't find these forums.
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LisaMomOfFour Congratulations on the JOB. That's huge. Enjoy Boston. If in Cambridge go to the Dolphin on Mass Ave (heard Natick not as good) and order the Fried Fresh Seafood Platter and think of me.
Kjiberty at the grocery store
They're nothing fancy. Here's a picture: They are also good for the immune system. If you need recipes I can provide them but I love mushrooms.
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Lago... I love the Dolphin! My college dorm was right around the corner, and we ate there ALL THE TIME, l can't believe it is still there.... For this trip, I'll be a suburbanite, hanging out with my brother in Beverly... but that means Woodmans clam shack up in Gloucester or Ipswich? And, some time on the sailboat... I am very very excited. I love Chicago, but Boston is home.
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Lago: Are these just plain old run-of-the mill mushrooms at any store? How many of these are you eating? Do they have to be eaten raw (I can put them in salads) or cooked. Like you, I am too lazy to look up the details.
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Beata - we should get together, when you feel up to it of course. I am in cleaning mode today - I took dexamethasone (a steroid), before chemo tomorrow and I am a bundle of energy today. I may have to take an ambien pill to get some sleep tonight. My husband asked me if there are any side effects with that pull - I think with all the meds I am on he thinks I may kill him while he is sleeping.
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Welcome Beata -- chiming in late as I just got home from work. I hope you will find lots of comfort here -- for a large number of reasons I think it has been a Godsend to all of us. Whatever your needs....we stand ready to be of assistance. If there is comfort in numbers your definitely in the right place.
Lisa...what a wonderful story....don't know if you mentioned all of your family members before but it is very inspiring.....not only that they and you all are doing well, but so good that we get the "reality" of how it once was many yrs. ago as far as txs and options. What we struggle with ( though it can be very difficult and I would never minimize that ) is at least a good deal out from the nearly barbaric interlude they had to get through. I will make a mental note -- next time anything seems hard to bear. How uplifting to be in company with them. BTY, forgot the congrats on the new job. Good for you.
Mushrooms....they would not be good for me. I like the wild ones found in the woods and the only way they taste good is dipped in egg and flour and lightly fried. Good thing mushroom season is in spring here and very short-lived.
I'm about ready to wash up and head for my recliner. I starting to have trouble concentrating. Hope you all had a tereffic day and I'm certainly wishing another one on you for tomorrow.
Hugs, Jackie
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kjiberty Yup just plain old mushrooms. I have no idea about how much or how to consume. Just read it a while back. I prefer mine cooked. When I make pizza all I put is a little tomato sauce, light layer of spinach and then a whole package of mushrooms. I just love mushrooms. But really nothing out there is the magic bullet. The more variety of healthy (non processed) foods the better for you. Here's wikipedia. It's a start but googleberg is taking the night off. 0
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I am flyin by and miss all of you. Just to let you know, I am still a heartfelt Illinois Lady here even if I am in tucson. Life is good. Always feel grateful for you never know what lies ahead ! I never would of made it thru my BC without this forum and though I am not here alot, I am in spirit and always here for anyone who would need me. I am mostly on facebook and that is limited these days. My dad;s health is failing in NY and have been back there quite alot! He is goin to be 93 yrs old the end of June. Genes here seem ok..huh?! lolol!!!
I do remember my journey and never will i forget it.. that is why anyone in TX now or a newly diagnosed patient... this forum and this group is the BEST ever and never will you feel alone or scared!!!!! Love you all and know I am not gone just busy and living life.
sister in pink...
Donna
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Waves at Donna. Donna was the first BC sister I spoke with (on the phone). I'll never forget that. That was almost 2 years ago.0
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Donna....how great to hear from you. Sorry to hear your Pops is having a spot of trouble. Guess at 93 you have to expect it though, huh !!!! Glad you are happy in Tucson. Sounds like that has been and continues to be a positive thing. You do have the huge heart of an Illinois gal no matter where you are. Don't be a stranger.
Hugs, Jackie
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Chatty group today! I just read thru two pages to catch up with you all and now I am exhausted. Welcome Beta... let us know what we can do to help. I think this discussion forum is open 24/7 as we even have some insomniacs in the group. Lisa.. congrats on the new job and have a great visit with your family in Boston. Hey, Donna... We miss seeing you and so glad you checked in.
Thinking of everyone going through TX and surgeries. I was in that place two years ago and am doing great... well, except for the sprained foot and this awful back. LOL. My 8-year granddaughter callled last night to tell me about her latest theory. She said that she thinks that people are kind of like dogs. Yes, dogs. You know how pure bred dogs seem to have more health problems than mixed breeds? Well, my problem is that I come from full bred German stock. And she however, is a mutt because she is German, Norwegian, Dane, and Serbian. LOL. She cracks me up sometimes. I told her that might make a good thesis subject for her doctorate someday.
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googleberg 0
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Oh Joan -- your granddaughter sounds hilarious, that is very funny. Hope your foot is healing up well!
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Each one has to find his peace from within. And peace to be real must be unaffected by outside circumstances.
Mahatma Gandhi
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