Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
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We are starting our day with sunshine which always reaches my happiness button quite easily. Still rather cool, but I can deal with that if there is sun. Some breeze out but that too is ok in the sun. I guess I have always been a sunshine person -- it just ramps up my interior energy so much.
Just going to be a regular day for me though I do have a lot that needs done. I think I will just have to move through it all -- not really choosing, and just doing.
Hope you all have a really beautiful Sunday.
Blessings,
Jackie
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Having one of those days fatigue is bad and so much to do. Did not get up until 9:00, DH went to broom shop and DGD is with her grandmother in Alpine. No one to deal with so I will do what I can, just pace myself.
Hope everyone is doing well.
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Hello everybody. I've been lurking on this thread and chuckle and love the energy and spirit everyone projects. It's the first couple of hours all day that my heart has stopped palpitating.
My first diagnosis was back in October/91; 2cm, Stage 1 - Radiation - External. Age 47 years old.
Fast forward to last week, Nov. 5 and a growth was found in the same radiated breast - a little away rom the original scar during my annual mammography. However, this time on new, digitalized equipment.
The Ultra sound confirmed it was a suspicious growth and my BS who did the original surgery 23 years ago confirmed that it's a primary; small. Tomorrow I go in for a biopsy and am scared out of my wits. I was expecting to do the happy dance which I've done for the past 23 years. Not this time.
I notice in the majority of cases for treatment surgery/radiation and hormone treatment was administered. I'm scared out of my wits about chemotherapy.
Do older women, provided their tumor is ER positive can get away with surgery and no Chemo. Also, I notice some women have received "internal" radiation. have any of you heard of this form of treatment and from what I understand they can apply it to the same radiated breast because it's so targeted. Am I right in understand this.
I would be so grateful to get some feedback from some of you. It's going to be a rough night for me. I know you've all been there. It's part of the initiation to get into this club.
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nancydrew8...so sorry for your recent Dx. I was dx at age 59. I underwent lumpectomy and internal radiation. Sorry I don't know if you can do internal rads if you've had external before. I think there are alot of older women who are not treated with chemo. There are so many factors that go into that decision.
Praying your results will be b9.
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Thank you, Nash. I've like a wet rag since learning the news. I've always been grateful for my blessings and always prayed to God to let him know. I did not only pray when I was down and out, but always when I was keenly aware of the blessings from my family, friends and wonderful dogs and cats.
Was I too arrogant? I'm flummoxed.
I've been on a plant based diet for over three years, exercised at least 3 times a week except during the hot summer months. Always on the go, up and down the stairs, doing laundry, changing beds, cleaning bathroom, vacuuming, grocery shopping. I hardly ever sat down, except to play a game on pogo.
I remember my BS told me 23 years ago that he has women coming in who had childbirth at an early age, didn't drink, didn't smoke, no family history, exercised and they got BC. He said If can tell you why they contracted the disease, I can tell you how I can cure it. So, not much has changed in the past 23 years.
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Nancydrew - as Nash stated, there are many factors to take into consideration when determining treatment. I did "just surgery" the first time. Because my recurrence was HER2+, and I'm hormone negative, both chemo & radiation were pretty much a certainty. If you have to go with the whole megillah, you'll be able to get through it. I was 69 when I started pre adjuvant chemo & it's not pleasant but doable.
Sorry I don't know about 'internal' rads, but there are some good radiation threads on this site.
You're right - no way to assign predictions or blame. I think the hardest part is waiting for the answers about what's next. We're here to listen anytime & please do keep in touch.
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What brought me here versus other threads in telling my story is our age, give or take a few years. The waiting and not knowing is downright excruciating as I know it is for others.
I am humbled reading some of these stories not only in this thread but others. The courage and will to live and survive has amazed me.
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Nancy -- welcome to the older women. I hope you will stay here and come for your daily injections of joy and understanding. As to some of your questions -- I think much of what will happen will be determined either by the biopsy or by a lumpectomy if your Dr. and you feel you need to go that way. There should be some pathology reports coming out of the biopsy and/or lumpectomy or both -- but those reports help a great deal in the determination of what and how any further treatment might consist of and the amt. of treatment. It could be fairly minimal or not as the case may be, for the information you have right now it would seem to me, that this was caught EXTREMELY early ( digital mammograms pick problems up so much quicker now ) and so your course of treatment would indeed reflect that to a degree.
I'm sure it was a major shock ( you did mention that ) that after all this time and all those NED pronouncements you have to WORRY and FRET again. As your Dr. said -- this diagnosis has always been equal opportunity no matter how we live our lives. We have about the same chance of anyone though I'd err on the side of doing things as well as one could as not only would it help with the diagnosis of cancer, but also with some of the other Big factors in giving you medical issues that very much disrupt your life and psyche -- like heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and so on.
We here are good at hand-holding, chatting about a variety of things, consoling each other through many life issues that are common at one time or other to everyone, and even talking about cancer. We will support you as fully as we can. There are lots of newer medications and other things now and I think having to do chemo is not as it once was. Some of the people I did chemo with worked, took long walks, and generally kept up pretty well with their life. Still having to do these things can be scary and mentally stressful. We all thought we couldn't handle most of this, but as I like to say -- it is amazing what you can do when you have no choice. Not trying to be flippant here -- like most just finding I had cancer struck cold terror in my heart -- and then I found out what I would have to do to be NED like I have now been for several yrs. and pray I remain -- and was sure I did not have the strength and fortitude.
You can do what your family and loved ones as well as yourself need you to do -- because they need you and you need them. We learn to adjust our sails so we can keep going and keep moving in the right direction. You will have lots of company here and we will be holding you up all the way.
Useless to say don't worry so go ahead and worry--no permission necessary, but we will be here to do our best to wipe up the tears and banish the worry. You are with a very large group of women that known scared and feeling defenseless really well. We care.
Blessings
Jackie
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Welcome nancy, baby steps, know it is scarey but although different it is the same as before u r just older. Dont try to figure out the whys, it was meant to b this way i believe,
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Forgot to mention -- I had lumpectomy, 6 mos. of chemo once every three weeks -- A/C first, then Taxotere, then 7 full weeks of external rads. After that, 5 yrs. of Arimidex. Some was fairly bumpy and some was ok. The chemo was of course the most difficult. I really thought I could not handle it and a couple of times and started to dread it, but somehow that lightened up and I went the rest of the way w/o the dire feelings. Was very proud of myself for getting through it all. You I hope will be proud too when you see just what you are able to do.
Jackie
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Thank you Jackie for your kind words and for welcoming me. I've read a lot of the posts on this thread and loved the humor and positive energy reflected in everyone's posts.
When I was first diagnosed 23 years ago, I was asked to join support groups and opted out. I thought I would be so over-empathetic with everyone else's cancer that I wouldn't stop thinking about it.
It's different now and I'm older. My heart is much more charitable.
Thanks again for your warm welcome. I feel very comfortable being here.
Catherine aka nancydrew
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Thank you for welcoming me, Blondie. I'm realizing that there's no rhyme nor reason why this happens to us and it's best to go along and do what we have to do. One step at a time. Tomorrow night this time, I will be done with the Biopsy and snoogied up with my three small dogs and two cats. And, oh yeah, my dear husband, too.
Thank you.
Catherine
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HUGS
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Hugs back to you, Blondie. You're an inspiration.
Love,
Catherine
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Thanks catherine i dont think so, mine was 1996 >2009 14 years n it ha been almost 5 years, although i took myself off of chemo in july.
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Blondie you are an inspiration though you might think not. You are doing what is right for you and smiling and laughing with all of us no matter how rocky your road. I wouldn't tell stories about important things and I wouldn't say things I didn't mean ( well maybe if I really was joking ) and I'm here to say that you bring something special to our little group of older ladies -- your a treasure and it was our lucky day when you chose to come be a part of this group and us.
Now, I have to go get something to eat.....doing everything backward tonight -- was doing a lot of work in the house, dirty and didn't want to eat that way to I took my shower, jumped into clean pj's and now I'll have a nibble.
Blessings
Jackie
p.s. Catherine -- Sunday evenings could be quiet -- there should be more ladies turning up tomorrow to say hi and welcome you.
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Welcome NancyDrew,
Those were my favorite books as a young girl, by the way, so I love your name. One summer when I was about 11, I met a lady who had an original complete set of the Nancy Drew series. She let me borrow one at a time and I spent the whole summer in Nancy-land. That was 54 years ago and I still remember how magical it was. (sigh)
We are glad you are here with us. We treasure every single one of our members. I often describe this thread as my dessert. It's almost delicious to come here and visit with my friends. By the way, stressed spelled backwards is desserts.
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Welcome Nancy Drew. It's quite possible you might not need chemo. If it is small and low grade, they may not need to get out the big guns. I had a mx and anastrasole, no chemo or rads. In any case, the biopsy will tell and you'll soon know your path. Just knowing what's next makes it a little easier. With eating right and exercising, you're probably very healthy which gives you a head start. We'll be with you in spirit tomorrow.
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Welcome Catherine: so sorry you find yourself having to fight this battle again. I think you'll find the doctors have a lot more tools at their disposal now than they did 23 years ago. Prayers for your biopsy tomorrow. I was diagnosed this spring at the age of 62, 5 weeks after a rotator cuff repair - almost couldn't do the mammogram because I couldn't position my arm but had a patient technician who worked with me. I had a lumpectomy, my sentinel nodes were clear. My tumor was sent for oncotyping to see how effective chemo would be for me. My score came back high enough to warrant chemo, which I had July, August & Sept - there are very effective drugs given prior to chemo, I had no trouble with nausea or vomiting. Had some side effects that were manageable, main problem was tiredness and weakness. I've now finished radiation and tomorrow I start 5 years of Arimidex as my cancer was estrogen +.
If you have the ability to record with your smart phone or an iPod, I highly recommend recording your sessions with your surgeon and your oncology team. My 3 docs have all been agreeable with my recording, and it's been very helpful to listen to the tapes again after I get home, they cover so much it makes my head spin.
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Hi forum friends,
I have been away for a week with no computer and really busy with grandkids...
I had my phone but it is hard to read much on that little screen.
Just saying hi - I have about 4 pages to read back but tomorrow is my busiest day at work.
I was at Disney with DD#3 and my 2 granddaughters (3 and 7) - it was the 7 year old's birthday. She met 12 friends there and I went along for the nice weather, great hotel, and to help her with anything. Turned out I had a great time and they "fast-passed" me in sync so I could join them on the shows and rides. I made it to Space Mountain and a few other coasters with the kids.
I got home Wednesday and went right to work from the airport...then Friday DH and I drove to Washington DC to visit DD#1 and my 2 grandsons (5 and 9). Just got in tonight after 6 hours of driving. Whew!
I had two espressos on the way home so cannot sleep...but will try to catch a few hours now.
Anyway, I look forward to catching up with everyone here.
It was very cool in Florida until our last day. It really feels like fall in NY.
Holiday plans are shaping up...but I am still resisting the music and décor in the stores since October.
Back soon,Joan
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Joan u r the best, dw pix plz..
Jackie, if u say so
Hey puff, how r u feeling
I never got the ocono type either time, and sfter lumpectomy the 1st time, it only was positive in1 out of 14, then 14 years later it showed up on the chest wall same side n nodules in the lung n the lining of the lungs.
Hey happy Monday
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Thank you to each and every one of you for your encouragement and support. It means so much to me. I'm so fortunate to have found you.
My best friend, Mary, picks me up at 10 for an 11:30 procedure. It takes time to get to anywhere from where we live. Gen, the Breast Navigator, told me to take 1/2 an Ativan when I leave home and another one when I get there. Apart from the sting of the needle to anesthetize, the rest should be uneventful.
I'm so ashamed to be such a coward compared to what you all have endured. I'll get better at it, I know.
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Nancy! You are not a coward....! Nope, we are all scared to pieces when this happens. I had the MammoSite device...
http://www.mammosite.com/breast-lumpectomy/view-a-...
This worked for me, but it depends on where your cancer is, and how close to the chest wall... So it just depends on a lot of things, but ask your surgeon about it! This form or radiation only takes about a week.... twice a day. I did not have chemo either.... My Onco score was 19... "a low intermediate" but I was more afraid of chemo, than I was the type of cancer I had removed.
But at my age, if I had to do it all over again, I'm thinking I would just have them removed... That way you don't need either radiation or chemo. Am I right girls?
Everything also has to be considered after your surgery, about how many nodes, etc. were involved...And the Grade and Stage, etc.
Wasn't Nancy Drew an Author? Or where do I know that name from.... At MY age, I've likely heard of EVERYthing, somewhere, Ha!
Thinking of you! Let us know....!
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Also, you have all these cords, tubes hanging out of you for about a week... You have to go a few times to get it adjusted, filled, and when it is in the right place, THEN they can start your treatment...
And they would give you Anti-biotics because your body does not take kindly to these new "things" hanging out of your body... But that's minor. Then when they "remove" it.... "easily".... I say 'HAH! Man that hurt! It was like yanking out a garden hose ! But it only lasted for a second... And after you catch your breath, and get up off the floor, you are DONE! But yes, I would do it all over again.... so ask about it.....
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Visited my Dad near Minneapolis this weekend and we made a big turkey dinner (I'll be going to Lew's family for Thanksgiving). Met Granddaughter and 2 year old gt granddaughter at Perkins. I'd taken one of those books with the perforated pictures to lift up to see the animals on the farm - big hit, kept the little one busy the whole hour. Everyone going by the table commented on how charming she was.
Minneapolis is supposed to get around 9" of snow today and tomorrow so we timed the trip perfectly.
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Nancydrew was the name of a series of mystery books designed for 10-13 year old girls to read back in the 50/60's. They were wonderful and if anyone kept theirs they would cost a fortune on eBay. I think the boy's version were called the Hardy boys.
Chevyboy this growth showed up on the mammogram in the same breast that had a lumpectomy with radiation 23 years ago. It was my 23rd annual screening. It's on the side of the scar and the surgeon said small and he is certain as is the radiologist that it's a primary.
The skin on this radiated breast is very thick, so that frightens me about inserting the needle. The reason I questioned about "internal" radiation is because I read that they could do that on an already radiated breast. I don't know, I'll have to wait and see.
But, in thinking through all this, if it is a primary, and the way I feel (victimized) I will have both breasts removed. At age 70 it is not an issue for me and not for my husband as well.
Most of the accounts I've read on these threads leads me to think, that while uncomfortable, it is manageable. The hanging bags are a nuisance, but you know they're temporary.
My mind is whirling around hitting a thousand different targets. Someone wake me up, it's a bad dream.
Catherine
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Nancy - there is no rhyme or reason to what you area experiencing now, but we will be here for you. Enjoy your snuggle time with your dogs and cats. My dog just left my lap for a sunbeam
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Most of our possessions arrive in our lives almost by accident. Gradually, like falling snow, they accumulate around us until they form the basis for our identity. We do not intend for this to happen. Most things we acquire are meant to increase our happiness and sense of fulfillment. But their uniqueness is quickly subsumed into the ordinariness of daily affairs. We wake up one day and find ourselves surrounded by possessions that mean nothing to us. Our freedom is gone; our lightness of being is gone. In their place is a sense of responsibility and ownership. We have become curators of our own cluttered reality.
Kent Nerburn0 -
Good Morning everyone,
We are bracing for cold here. The few leaves still on the trees will likely be making a fast exit. It won't arrive fully until tomorrow, but it is causing that "feeling of change" that gets stirred up inside when a major difference in things is about to happen.
Joan, sounds like you had such a delightful time. As I recall ( my recall as you all know is almost non-existent ) you thought you'd pretty much be a third wheel, but seems to have worked out just fine. I do know sometimes ( how many times can you do it though since you never know when it will actually work out that way ) when we are able to have no expectations one way or the other -- and just go with the flow -- actually be the will 'o' the wisp, almost magical things seem to occur and life falls into a fantastic place -- one we almost would have never hoped for.
Puff -- how great to "beat" the weather system and have a grand 'early' Thanksgiving. In my book, the only thing better than Thanksgiving is getting to have a second one. That way, the pie you didn't have for the first one -- you can make for the second. Last yr. for the first time I had Cranberry pie and it was just scrumptious. I hope to learn how to make it. Also, I think you can make a cheesecake layer on your pumpkin pie ( have to google that ) to give some of the old favorites a boost. Glad you beat that nasty old weather and had a good time.
Chevy -- what can you say -- I'm so glad you had that Mammosite so that yo9u can share with others about how they work. We have come a long way in 23 years and hopefully newer things yet will be turning up soon. I can't imagine looking back to here in 23 yrs. and maybe thinking -- wow, we were just a little backward, weren't we.
Teka -- hope all goes well for you on your Dr. visit today. Also good you are getting a flu shot. I think the winter this yr. may be rough. I usually just get one every other yr. but maybe will get myself into the Mt. Vernon office of the V.A. and do it again this yr. I think you have more coverage over-all when you don't skip.
Catherine -- you ( as Chevy put it so well ) are not a coward -- you are just terrifically apprehensive. Big difference!!!! I think most of us ( were we in your shoes ) would pretty much feel just the same. After 23 yrs. getting a new primary is just a real blow and I would think that nearly anyone would be feeling so many different emotions -- contributing to your feeling some inability to feel any sense at the moment of stability.
You will know more I think after this biopsy and you will hopefully be able to fully discuss any fears, upsets, diagnostic information, tx. options and begin to get the feeling that you are in charge, your abilities are great, and you can deal with this easier than it feels right now.
I'll see you all later on. Hope you are going to have a marvelous day -- bring on the sun.
Blessings
Jackie
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Catherine, Welcome! You are in my thoughts and hoping that the biopsy goes well. Your treatment can vary widely depending on so many factors, eg, type of cancer, staging, etc. I went through 5 months of chemo at age 67, followed by 7 weeks of radiation. All of this was very doable for me, for which I am grateful. I exercised every day through treatment. There were some side effects that were not debilitating, more annoyances. You can see there are many of us on this thread who did OK with chemo.
Catherine, was a huge Nancy Drew fan when I was a kid. Loved, loved those books!
Sandra, I know what you mean about having a lessened desire to read. I've been an avid reader all my life and have belonged to a book club for many years. (It's a pretty "serious" group - some of those selections I would never have read on my own, but being in a club kind of "forces" you to read more. However, my non-book club reading has really slacked off in the last 3-4 years, so I can definitely NOT blame it on the bc. In order for me to rip through a book with great joy, it has to be extremely appealing to me. The last example of that was "Goldfinch" by Donna Tartt.
By the way, if anyone on this thread has experience with continuing clogged tear ducts and extremely watering eyes, I would love to know how you dealt with it. That was a parting gift from Taxol:-).
Paula
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