Dis Breast Cancer Survivors - GAGWTA!

[MerryPoppins]

Sajetto, try not to worry. It won't help. I agree with Laura, though. Go have it checked out. Better to know for sure that nothing is wrong than let something go that should be getting treatment. Keep us informed.

Welcome Minnie! Glad you found us. It's a nice group of ladies around here.

I'm having a lovely Sunday. Yesterday was all about running around. It was DD's 15th birthday, so she went with her friends to the local medieval fair and then we had a birthday party at Grandma and Grandpa's to attend. Today we got up and went to church and out to lunch. When we got home I took a long nap. It was just what the doctor ordered. I feel much better. The spring forward always throws my system off.

Now I need to start looking towards DH starting his month-long travels. He goes for his first training near the end of this month and will get home just in time for DS's graduation from high school in May. Guess I need to start making a list for announcements and invitations to his graduation party, too. And make a "honey-do" list of things I'd like done before DH goes away. Seems you jump one hurdle and the next one is looming on the horizon. (By the way, Mom's surgery is scheduled for May 3, for those of you keeping track of that story)

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Hi sajetto and Minnie, welcome.

Sajetto, I'm kind of surprised your doctor didn't folllow up with you on that, even if you yourself didn't call. Seems like something she'd flag as pretty important. If it's any consolation, I've read other reports from Dis-ers posting about similar circumstances (though I've never heard it called a "rope" before). Those cases turned out ok apparently.

Though it is unlikely you have breast cancer, it can occur in young women, even teens, and you do not have to have a family history of breast cancer to get it yourself. The fact that it got bigger with your cycle could mean it is hormone related, but again, not necessarily cancerous. It is something that should definitely checked out, though, and watched closely for any changes or growth.

Best wishes, keep us updated. You are welcome to vent here anytime!

 

[sajetto]

Thanks! She was my Student Health Services doc in undergrad so I guess with seeing thousands of students it just didn't really stick in her mind. I guess she called it a rope b/c it actually feels like one. It feels kind of like a riggid rubber band. Now, I have a physican outside of the college, now that I have just a little money in my pocket to afford it I'm trying not to stress since my aunt has had a lot of fibrous tissue removed that never turned out to be cancer.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Beth, prior to kids and our first Disney trip, NYC was one of our favorite vacation destinations. It is only a 4hr drive from here, so we would go a lot. Nothing like walking around the big city at 2am eating pizza!

We've gotten in to see Letterman the day of the show 5 or 6 times. It's too lengthy to go into here, but if you want to know how, PM me and I'll be glad to share (you need to be free most of the day). This time of year is nice for a walk into Central Park - take a ride on the carousel or watch a spring ball game. You have to try Ray's pizza, they're all over the city - just get a slice to go and eat while you're walking. There is a big Disney Store in Times Sq, that ought to keep you busy for a while, too, LOL. Rockerfeller Ctr has the NBC Studio tour, and I just read where they have something else now, but I forget what it is. So much to do!

Hoping and praying you hear good things at SK, I feel in my heart you will. NYC is a bit "shocking" to see at first, but once you get past the shocking part, it's an amazing place with unlimited fun things to see and do. I hope you enjoy yourself a bit while you're there.

 

[NHAnn]

... What is the first thing they do if they do a bio and it comes back with the bad cells?

It would depend on the specifics of the pathology. They would make recommendations as to what type of treatment you should have if they found cancer in a biopsy. But you are getting way ahead of yourself. (Or..."bleeding before you are shot" as my DH puts it ) Probably there would be disagnostic measures before any biopsy...like mammogram and/or ultrasound. First...breathe... and try not to worry....very likley it is not cancer....but call the doctor...and please keep us posted and feel free to as us any questions. Hang in there!!

Minnie1156~ glad you found us!!!

Beth...I'm excited for you...for getting some excellent consultation/care in NYC and the tourist part too!!

Kelly....things have gotta start looking up!! Danged insurance

We had a beautiful weekend here...I went yesterday with DDIL and grandbabies to a place called Snip-Its which specializes in haircuts for kids. Saw a piece on TV about it then found a franchise 45 minutes south of here...my 2 1/2 yr old DGD has been in bad need of a haircut and attempts by DDIL and several professionals have not gone well...but this was great and big brother had a haircut and some fun too!! (as did Grammie ...the fun part that is )

Weekend ended on a sober note...a longtime friend of DH lost his 32 yr old son in apparently tragic circummstances this week. DH's kids went to schoolwith the young man and his siblings. The wake was this afternoon. It was very difficult. DH and I came home and shared a hug and glass of wine as the sun went down. Pondering life's twists and turns...human nature and strengths and frailties and mysteries.


GAGWTA

 

[snappy]

Sorry about your DH's friend's son, Ann. I went to a very sad wake Thursday night in New Orleans, she was an ex SIL (DH's brother's first wife), but she was the mother of DH's niece and Godchild who we are very close to. It just seems unfair that someone could get hit by the double whammy of having her house flooded beyond repair in August and be diagnosed will a terminal illness in November, dead in February. The hardest part was that DH's Godchild will graduate from LSU med school in just a few weeks. She won't be there but there was never a prouder mom.

What cute grandkids, Ann.

Hoping you are able to schedule an appointment with your doc, sagetto. Please keep us informed.

Welcome Mickey1556, glad you found us, sista!!!

 

[NHAnn]

GAGWTA!

Had a 3 am call from DD at school this morning....she thought last night she was recovering from a stomache bug that began Sunday but it hit her again during the night along with "the worst headache imaginable" she was taken by ambulance to the ER and given IV for dehydration, something for nausea and something for the headache. Her roomate went with her and I met up with them there. They did some blood work to check some things and decided it was a viral gastroentereitis, and they've seen it hitting the students and community pretty hard. She's exhausted from basically not getting any sleep the last 2 nights and wiped out from not able to keep much down for long. So we brought her roomate back to school and packed a few things and I brought her home with me to sleep it off in her own bed. Need to go get her some popsicles since she need fluids and still doesn't feel like sipping much.

will check in later!!

Monica...hoping to hear your results today!

sajetto...how's it going??

 

[Pea-n-Me]

GAGWTA!

P&PD going out to Megster, Ann. I'm glad she's close enough to home that you can do things like that. Hope she feels better soon.

I found out yesterday someone we used to work with was just diagnosed with IDC. People at work yesterday were very upset and crying. It was a hard day to for everyone.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Laura, just wanted to make sure you saw this:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1075892&referrerid=70088

Gosh, it's tempting.

 

[WeluvDisney2]

Hi Girls, I am starting my next round of chemo tomorrow, and I just wanted to ask for your prayers that everything goes well. Thanks!
You will see that I have a new countdown in my signature. We ended up booking the Free Dining package yesterday. We were considering a cruise this fall, but the Free Dining is just too good of a deal to pass up! It will definately give me something to look forward to while I go through my chemo and radiation this spring and summer. ~Monique

 

[snappy]

Congrats on your WDW vacation!! What a great idea, something outstanding to plan and look forward to!!

Good luck tomorrow. I'll be thinking of you.

Had my chest xray and blood work done today. The xray tech had me going. She took forever to check the things and release me, then came back for another view. I should not be such a big baby, the doctor was not even going to read it until later in the day, but I did not know that at the time I was freaking out.

I thought I was kind of over being a worry wart. I guess the stress of living with two teens has made me too hyper.

 

[laurabelle]

~~~***GAGWTA sistas***~~~

Monique- I'm so happy you're going to WDW sista!!!

Linda- I just found that thread! Great deal! Right now that beats SW out of BWI, and their reservations don't go past 8/3 yet.
So are you thinking about booking the package???

Hubby has his test this morning. They may be able to tell him something, or they'll have to review the video first. I'll write more later...

 

[snappy]

Hope Dan's test goes well, Laura.

Anyone else booking the free dining pkg?

 

[Pea-n-Me]

GAGWTA!

Just have time for a quick note, am seeing the radiation oncologist today, routine follow up (she's my favorite doc ).

Monique, be well, prayers going out. I'm happy you booked your trip!! Now, when you feel lousy, just close your eyes and imagine how much fun you're going to have in a few short months!

Laura, I thought that's where you fly out of, so I was hoping maybe you could get it, sweeten the deal even more. We've thought about it and I did call to get some quotes, but honestly, last time we did the dining pkg I gained 7lbs! I'm not used to eating all that food! And my clothes are tight since the cruise. I haven't stepped on the scale yet, but am working on getting back where I was before our trip. So we talked about it last night and despite the fact it's a great deal, we are going to pass. We may still go in the fall (we really loved MNSSHP, and it's around the kids birthday), but not with the dining pkg, LOL. Prayers for your hubby today.

Laurie, are you booking? So your CXR looked good? It's good that they do that.

Ann, how's your DD doing?

Thinking of everyone else going and waiting for tests.

I actually get to meet DH for lunch today. I'm liking his new job already (closer to home, near my doctor's).

 

[NHAnn]

Monique... I agree it is wonderful to have a trip to look forward to during treatment. Magical mouse therapy!!

snappy...from one worry wart to another...I hear ya

Good wishes for Da,...and Linda for your check-up...

and everyone else for all they are going through!!

We had a pretty wretched day/night with DD....
this is long, I apologize for the "vent"......ended up calling her pediatrician's office when another bout of dry-heaving and massive headache began again mid-afternoon. By the time the phone connections between me and nurse and doc concluded it was nearly 5 o'clock and they told me to take her to the local ER for a CT scan because they were concerned about "Inter Cranial Pressure" since her headache was worse when lying down. So off we went to the local ER where we were not seen by triage nurse for well over an hour, then not brought to a bed for another two, then vitals from a male nurse who then disappeared for another hour.....They were apparently no free beds in the hospital so no one in ER who needed admitting was being moved and the place was absolutely packed...the ER exam beds and the waiting room. It was not a pleasant scene at all. So after her vitals nothing happened for a hour unless you count the water I went and got from vending machine when the bottle of gatorade we brought was empty, and the blankets I scavenged (it was freezing in there) I wandered around myself in the 6-bay ER exam room she was in and found the "Blanket heater" and helped myself. I probably could have helped myself to just about anthing lying around there...So after the nurse disappeared I called DH from the ER bathroom on my cell and told him to call the ped's office and get him to call someone or do SOMETHING if he really felt she needed a CT scan. About that time...9ish..another doc came on duty and she was first the list for him. FOund out later from DH that the on-call ped at first was telling DH we "just need to be patient" but then agreed to give a call. Iknow the ER was overwhelmed but it boggled my mind that there was only 1 triage nurse and apparently one doc and a few nurses for literally dozens and dozens waiting hours on end. I know they need to prioritize but what really upset me was that I told the triage nurse I just wanted to go wait at home , 10-15 minutes away...but they said no I would "lose my place in line" I don't know if the call helped or not but things started to move along at that point and she had more IV fluid, pain meds, antinausea meds and blood work ...and her scan around 10:15. It didn't show anything except some sinusitis which was evident as her nose got stuffier and stuffier all day and evening and by that hour it was green. SO they gave her amoxicillin too....said they were pretty certain it was not a viral meningitis (and were not recommending the lumbar puncture tet) since she did not have the neck pain/stiffness (except that caused by vomiting) or rash or any fever. SO they dosed her good there with Dilaudid for her headache and IV amoxicillin-- and some percoset to take home and prescriptions for amox and percoset which I went to fill first thing this morning. to fill, and sent us home around 11:30. Her head still hurt this morning, but she finally got a bit of sleep last night. I'm thinking with all the different drugs they pumped during 2 trips to the ER and a viral illness with stomache bug with sinus infection on top of that....makes my head hurt just to think about it. She took a percoset and started her oral amox and went back to sleep for a few hours and is now taking a bath. We'll see her regular doc tomorrow morning for follow up.
sorry this is so long...thanks for "listening"

 

[snappy]

Oh, Ann, I am so, so sorry your daughter is feeling so sick. What is up with ER's anyway? Even in New Orleans, where there are no regular beds available, Dette received a lot of attention in the ER.

It is so lucky that you live close to her college. It frightens me so much to imagine either of my kids going to school long distance. My son will most probably either go to LSU, less likely UNO in New Orleans (my alma mater).
My daughter is a excellent student, she will most likely go further afield.
So much harder to get there quickly in a situation like what.

Isn't meningitis the one where the new immunization is available? Has your daughter had this? My DD15 had it last summer when she had her physical for swim team. She is a horrible shot taker, before the doctor came in she insisted she would not have shots whatsoever. Luckily, our pediatrician is also our neighbor, DD really likes her, so effectively, the doc did not give her a choice, and DD caved in.

DS17 has not had it. I wanted him to have it last summer when he received all the shots and meds for his Honduras mission trip, but his doc thought it best not to mix so many meds at once. I need to get it done this year for year.

We received a letter from the nurse at DD10's school this week. She advised that the CDC now recommends the immunization for bacterial meningitis at the preadolescent visit ( 11 to 12 years old). I had not heard this. I think the media and the docs in general need to get the word out on this. This is significantly earlier than what I was told just last summer.

Hope your daughter has a better day today. You too, Ann, for that matter.

Linda, glad the new job is working out. I have heard about being happy that a new job is close to home, but this is the first time I have heard being happy about being close to the doc's office.
Hope you have a good visit with your fav doc, and a wonderful luch with your DH.

I have not got the results of the CXR yet. I see the doc who is doing followup on me in 2 weeks. I just get the results then. I don't expect anything though. I am going to tell him about my achy right knee and right shoulder though. I thought the shoulder was bursitis, but 5 months later, it still wakes me up even though I take my two benedryls every night. Not sure if bursitis lasts this long. I hate sounding like a hypochodriac.

I don't think we will do another WDW trip this year. Famous last words. DH is taking time off to finish painting our house exterior. Also, money is tight, we bought a used car for DD15 in January, and car insurance for two teens is running us an extra $4 grand a year (liability only!!!). Louisana has lousy car insurance rates.

I am also really tying to watch my diet. The free dining is probably not the plan for me. I need to go when it is cooler too. My hot flashes are back with a vengeance. Now I really wish I did not have this nice blob of silicone in my bra. ARRGGHHH!!!!

Thinking good thoughts for all going to see the doctor, waiting for results, having treatment, etc. My silly aches and pains and power surges seem so inconsequential in comparison.

GAGWTA and I really mean it!!!!

 

[NHAnn]

Thanks Laurie. DD had the vaccine for menningitis, up here they are requiring it on the health record for college...she had it spring of her senior yr of High school...so about 2 yrs ago. What the ER doc explained was that it is effective for bcterial but not viral menningitis. He feels most likely whatever ails her now IS viral, but does not at this point think it is menningitis because of no fever, no rash, no stiff neck. ALl I know is that she is just so sick Keeping gatorade down and some crackers before meds but headache is really bothering her despite percoset, vaporizer, decongestant as well. She's back to bed after she got up to try and have some chicken /rice soup but only felt like a few sips of broth with the cracker. Sigh. I am very grateful she is so close by...both she and I would be wrecks dealing with this long distance.

I know what you mean about not wanting to sound like a hypochondriac. It's hard to not know if something is just a "getting older" ache or if it is a sign of something else.
..and speaking of hot flashes...I found some really nice shirts on LLBean.com clearance: DH and I BOTH ordered these from the men's section http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/st...y=500188&cat4=6777&shop_method=pp&feat=sdp298
and there are some nice though more expensive women's ones: http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/st...5&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&feat=sdp302

And may I say GAGWTA and I really mean it too!!

 

[laurabelle]

Hubby's test went great! His heart looks fine, they didn't see anything abnormal! So, it's still a mystery...we'll see what the cardiologist says.

Linda- I've tried calling twice today about the airfare, and the system is down for booking Airtran through CRO. They said to try calling back later...

I'm not a big eater since my stint in the hospital. I've found I do better eating really small meals every few hours, 4-5x/day. So eating one or two big meals a day is out for me. We'll probably use a couple of counter service for breakfasts and lunches to share between us. For dinners, my 12yr old and I usually share entrees in restaurants, thankfully we agree on the same food! I'm planning on sharing with her when we don't do a buffet, then hubby and my (picky!) 9yr old will have their own food. Hopefully we won't go over board! That leaves us with enough credits to do Hoop Dee Doo, which we've never done! Oh yeah, and those snack credits will all be WATERS!!!

Ann- I'm so sorry you guys went through that ordeal...I'm proud of you though, you really learned to work that medical system! I'm sure that phone call to the dr. made things start happening! I hope she's feeling better real soon sista.

 

[snappy]

Laura, you are a genius, I never thought about the character things that take two "dinners." That makes so much sense, avoiding wasting food.
I will tell you to be sure and bring ponchos, waterproof shoes, and warm weather clothes. I took my mom in September 2002 for a four day September fling in the later part of the month. It rained alot. It rained out Fantasmic at least 2 out of the 3 nights we tried to see it. We did finally see it and met some wonderful people from New York. I don't think I will ever forget that couple. Our trip was also sandwiched between two relatively minor hurricanes. We ended up having to stay an extra day since SW was not flying into N.O. the day of our scheduled departure. DH had quite a lot to handle since school was cancelled for several days. No damage just disruption. Heck, I can't even remember the names of those storms now.

Mom and I stayed in the room alot and watched the weather channel. OMG. but my mom had a good time, instead of rides we mostly went to shows which worked out great weather wise too. I kind of wore her out though, she really does not want to go back. She is really on a religious bender right now, going to mass more than usual, along with Stations of the Cross. She picks up her older friends who don't drive much if any, and away they go. She hardly has time for trips. It does take her mind off my wayward brother, so that is a good thing. She is thinking about visiting my other brother Tom in NY in May. I just don't think I can make this one.

Glad all was well for Dan at the doc's.

Ann, your DD needs some relief from that headache. Ouch!! Like you said it hurts to think about it. I am such a dummy, I missed the viral vs bacterial part. I am just glad she had the vaccine.

Thanks for the link. I am so getting the lavender one. I found a women's one that was also on sale. I bought something similar from Academy sports last summer (actually my dear DH found them because I was suffering so with the heat), they are the Columbia brand which I always have good luck with. They look like the same type thing, the Columbia twice the price. So you did good. I wonder what DH would say if I get matching ones (not the lavender though ) for him and me.

The Columbia ones I bought last year are practically my summer (and hot days during other seasons) uniforms. I was able to wash and wear them at WDW last July. They come out great in the wash, no ironing (I use lots of fabric softener for wrinkles). I also have not gotten any stains on them yet.


I am into online ordering now. DD15 and I picked out some stuff for her on Old Navy.com last night when she could not find what she wanted in the Old Navy store. Very reasonable, especially compared to Hollister, American Eagle, and the like in the mall. I just hope the stuff fits. They do take returns in the store for items bought online, thank goodness. We got her two tank tops, one cover up top, one sweater shrug (?), one pair of bermuda shorts, and a pair of espadrille type shoes for $70 with tax and shipping. Really good for 6 items, since I had a 10 % off deal since it was my first online purchase with my Gap credit card, and I accidently got free shipping even though I had a Gap card rather than Old Navy.

Let me run and order that shirt. Thanks again, Ann, you are a dear for posting this.

 

[NHAnn]

Laurabelle...your comment about "working the system" made me laugh. I was thinking to myself "what would my sister do" because one of my sisters' is notorious for dealing with government, retail, medical ...any systems really - part of it is her innate personality and part of it is her years in a high level business exec. But DD doesn't like conflict (wonder where she gets that? ) and I was trying to be very careful not to make her feel worse about anything by coming across as nasty/pushy/sarcastic.
DD''s not improving as fast as I would like to see, but the headache seems controlled now and she has gotten a couple of good naps courtesy of the percocet today.

snappy/Laurie...I'm so glad you liked the shirts ...and I got the lavendar as well as a white men's one. DH got sage and desert tan. They are very similar in quality to Columbia ..and yes they DO wash up very nicely!! ..DH has aquired a variety of those types shirts for his outdoor summer work (and uses them for FL vacations too). He particularly likesthe ones with UV protection as he had a melanoma scare a 4-5 years back (very tiny surface one on his foot) and a basal cell carc removed from his nose a couple years ago...so he is very into sun protection, and he was quite pleased with those clearance prices.

I'm drooling over all the meal talk...and getting excited about my girls trip w/DD next month...so I called this afternoon and made a couple of ADRs Crystal Palace (never tried and I want to meet Eeyore haha)) and Alfredo di Roma (which we have done and DD likes) !

I have been hoping we hear from bubbleprincessmom

and of course wishing good results and quick healing for all.....

GAGWTA