Dis Breast Cancer Survivors - GAGWTA!

[Pea-n-Me]

P.S. Hope everything's ok with Laura and her husband, haven't heard from her in a while.

What about all the other gals awaiting testing and going through treatment? Let us know how you are!!

 

[MerryPoppins]

Linda, he thinks he wants to be a doctor. He loves science, so it's probably a good choice. Our doctor is also his Scoutmaster. He's become a sort of mentor to DS, and he thinks he'll do very well. So in another 4 years we'll be dealing with where he'll go to med school (if things go as he plans). And in 3 years DD will be going to college too. Yikes. I can just feel the money flowing out of the bank. Anyway, it looks like his major will be Zoology. Our doc told him not to go pre-med.

I'm actually relieved that he didn't choose Tulane. Maybe for med school if things improve, who knows? I love Louisianna, but I just didn't have a good feeling about the timing. Of course, I'd love it if he decides to stay in Oklahoma City and go to the OU Med Center, but that wish is for another day.

Glad you liked my Alice in Wonderland visualization. That is how I would picture chemo if I ever had to take it. Believing something is making me better helps me deal with it. I can see myself feeling it shrinking.

 

[laurabelle]

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

Beth- You go gurl! I'm praying that the Xeloda is working wonders and kickin' bc butt already sista!

Margie- Do tell about the breast taped to your knee...Even with chemobrain, I know I would remember reading that story!
I'm praying it will be just like you said with your chemo sista...

MerryPoppins- I'm so happy for you and your son! I hope my kids go to school nearby when the time comes too...

Linda- I loved the pics!

I'm kinda here, really I am! I've been on the planning boards a bit. Ok, I'm officially a total goofball! I realized today that I kept saying my youngest would be 9 when we go to Disney... well, her birthday is about 3weeks before we go, so she'll be a Disney "adult" by then. The only thing it really changed was her ticket since we're on free dining, not a big deal moneywise, but I told the CM I already have all my ADRs set and she had to change all of them to relfect 4 adults, which still cracks me up!
Talk about chemobrain... What I hate is having the wrong word stuck in my head and not being able to grasp what I really mean to say. For instance, I'll think I have to "iron", but what I really mean is I hae to "shave".

The kids are home from school on spring break and hubby has been home... well, alot. He's still having episodes, and I was talking to my sister and we agree that he needs to see his primary and get some more tests done. We suspect it may not be heart related, though he is still wearing his monitor and recording events. My sister suspects an adrenal problem. I read a little about different problems and how they present and there are a couple that fit him pretty well. We will get to the bottom of it...

We're going to the beach for a couple of days then back home for Easter. It will be so nice to get some sand in our toes, swim in the heated pool, ride bikes on the boardwalk, fly kites, eat junk food. We really need it!
Talk to you when I get back...

 

[NHAnn]

Linda, I had missed that thread...THANKS for the link and sharing the pics
Oh and also for the inof on that TV show!

Merry...glad for your family on your son's college decision I know last week when my DD was sick, I was so thankful she's less than an hour away!!

snappy-DD did return to school for Monday...still tired and some allergy stuff going on on top of her recuperation...but most profs have been very understanding and helpful as far as the missed work, she's getting there. She applied and was accepted to be an RA next year, today she got her hall assignment (apparently the process for assignment is similar to a pro sports "draft" ) and she didn't get her first or 2d choice but she's in the same area and not in one of the "high rise" dorms...so she's happy...and when she's happy, momma's happy

Laurabelle...hope they get to the bottom of DH's issues soon!!

I've been wondering about bubbleprincessmom...hope she can update us soon


GAGWTA!!!

 

[snappy]

Hope everyone has a lovely Easter. I am taking DD10 and two friends to Holy Thursday services tonight after we go take soccer pictures.

I was up late and got up early to help DS17 put the finishing touches on his big research paper. He was still at the computer composing new material last night at midnight. The teacher insisted receiving each piece of this project before 8 am. He got off pretty early but needed to get gas in his car. I believe I would have taken care of that the night before. At least it is over. It was a major learning experience, not just writing a paper, but how to be organized, budget your time, follow directions, remembering to ask for time off from work in timely fashion. I think he had revelations about some of this. He also really got into all the poetry he read.

DD15 had hours of homework too, she was very stressed last night and went in to orbit when DS17 asked her for help with something using WORD. We just punted, and I think came out OK. Why do the HS teachers try to cram everything in right before Easter holidays?

We are going to my sister and BIL's house in Grammercy for Easter dinner. She is making crawfish ettouffe and bread pudding.

I am kind of glad we are not going far afield during this vacation period. DH is trying to get further with the painting project. I think we all need to chill a bit. The tension was so strong last night you could cut it with a knife, It did not help that DH got home from work very late.

Did you see that the federal flood advisories about rebuilding your house came out yesterday? It is very confusing, but it seems you will have to build it higher than the flood line on your house last September. MIL's house is already 4-5 feet above ground. Hers would have to be jacked up another 10 feet. You would get nosebleed getting up there. I guess the evacuees that located in B.R. "temporarily" will stay.

GAGWTA!!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

What a night, Laurie! I'm sure they like to get it done before vacation so everyone can relax.

Houses around here near the water are required to be built higher too. They look so funny being up so high.

Im off to the hairdresser's and to meet DH for lunch (also right down the street from his new job, we used to live in this neighborhood and in fact got married there, too). Since my curls have loosened my hair gets very long all of a sudden. Right now I feel like I look like Bozo, LOL.

 

[snappy]

Enjoy having your hair cut, and your lunch, Linda.

I think you made a good choice with your First Communion plans. It will be fun for all, and YOU will be able to enjoy the day without the complications of having a big shindig.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

UPDATE:


I posted a while back about some concerns over lumps and all that. I had scheduled an urgent care visit but had to cancel when I inadvertently scheduled a work shift that I coudl not cancel. Being only a few weeks from my well woman visit--I figured it was okay.

Since I quit nursing only in October--that explains the discharge that I may still get as milk can still be produced for 1 year after you quit. So that mystery was solved.

And my lump--occurs before my "visitor" and disappears--it is hard and pebbly but then that characteristic goes away. Midwife says this is a good thing of course. It's the ones that stick around that I need to check in more detail. I also got a good idea of when you feel something "bad"--what it should feel like as well as the proper timeframe in which to do a self exam so as not to freak out over pre-menstration breast changes.

So--good news for me and I do not have to worry. Though she said I had fibroids or fibrocystic something or other. If forget the name--but it is when you are susceptible to extra lumps that show up and go away and are aggravated by some things (like caffeine). She gave me a list of foods to avoid. I'm still thinking about whether or not to follow the list. It says taht in 3-4 months things will clear up (i.e. my little lumps won't be visiting me anymore as a guest of the other visitor).

Just wanted to post that update and hope all is well with everyone else.

 

[NHWDWGAL]

Hi ladies,

This is the first time that I've looked at the Community Board, and I was so excited to find this thread! In July, I will be a 2 year survivor, and it is always nice to talk to other people who understand the emotional ups and downs that go along with dealing with this disease (and who love Disney). I'm getting ready for another trip to WDW soon. DH is complaining a little about the cost, but I keep telling him that it is my "therapy".

Just wanted to say hi and wish all of you the best!

Sue

 

[Pea-n-Me]

LOL, NHWDWGAL, I don't think you'll find anyone here who won't agree with you! We love Disney Therapy too!

Congratulations on your Survivorship! Just curious - are you counting from when you finished treatment or when you were diagnosed? That's always a bit confusing for me. I also finished treatment in July, 04 - but somewhere along the line I heard you start counting from diagnosis. Anyway, glad you found us. Tell us about your experience if you'd like.

Lisa, so glad you had good news!! If you have time, would you share the list of foods with us that can aggravate fibrocystic disease? I'm sure that would be very helpful to many. Thanks!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Lisa, so glad you had good news!! If you have time, would you share the list of foods with us that can aggravate fibrocystic disease? I'm sure that would be very helpful to many. Thanks!

Thanks. Once she said what it was--I remember it clearly from my over-consumption of diet coke days as I would have mini pebbles all over the place. I think I must have been upping the chocolate lately or some.


I'll be happy to share. I couldn't find a list on line so this is the list from my handout.

The diet is called the Minton diet and the goal is to eliminate the substance METHLXANTHINES from teh diet. It is found in products containing caffeine. Most patients respond to dietary change in 3-4 months (poossibly sooner).

Not sure if I'm quite ready to follow it though as it means no more chocolate or PB&J .

Tried to find a link and can't so here it is all typed up:

NOT ALLOWED:

Beverages
Coffee
Mountain Dew
Royal Crown
Coke
Tab
Ovaltine
Sunkist Orange Soda
Chocolate Liqueurs
Pepsi
Tea

Food
Chocolate
Peanuts (including Peanut Butter )

Meds
A.P.C.
Anacin
Appedrine
Bromo-Seltzer
Coryban-D
Darvon
Dexatrim
Dristan
Doan's Pills
Empirin
Cafergot
Excedrin
Fiorinal
Midol
Nodoz
Prolamine
Triaminicine
Vanquish

ALLOWED
Beverages
Decaff Coffee or Tea
*Remember, still contains trace amounts of caffeine so use in moderation. Some herbal teas are surprisingly high in caffeine.

Caffeine Free ovaltine
Pepsi-Free
Caffeine free coke
Seven-up
Ginger Ale
Rootbeer
Grape Soda
Sprite

Food
Carob (chocolate substitute)
All other nuts (i recommend almond butter--quite tasty but expensive)

Meds
Aspirin
Ascriptin
Bufferin
Datril
Ecotrin
Excedrin PM
Nyquil
Tylenol


This is a list of common items containing caffeine and those that don't. It is suggested to read labels carefully to see if item contains caffeine.



Also recommended is Vitamin E 800-1000 IU daily with Vitamin B6 100mg twice a day.

 

[NHAnn]

Hi Lisa...so glad all is well with you...and thanks for sharing your news and the info. I have fibrocystic condition too, and whenI gave up my caffienated tea and caffienated sodas some years ago, I had enough improvement to allow myself my chocolate indulgence on occasion

NHWDWGAL/Sue!! Hello "neighbor", and welcome!!

Gotta run...cleaning and chores to do...before this Survivor sits down to watch the show "survivor" at 8

 

[NHAnn]

GAGWTA,,,,,GAGWTA!!GAGWTA!!

Blessings to you all this Easter weekend...happy spring!!

 

[MerryPoppins]

I never knew some herbal teas were high in caffeine. I'll watch for that. That's what I learned this week.

Welcome Sue. Glad you found us.

I'll be around (off and on) this weekend. Thought I'd wish you all a Happy Easter in case we don't cross paths before Sunday. GAGWTA!

 

[MinnieM3]

Happy Easter everyone! So far so good on Xeloda! Some mild nausea but compazine took care of that! Saw my onc today and everything is fine. I'll see her again in 2 weeks and have labs drawn, etc.

Everyone's amazed at my attitude, which kinda amazes me! I stopped by my class/school and it was fantastic to see my kids again. I was mauled! LOL! Such a boost!

We're getting ready for Easter finally, here! Just haven't had a second to think since arriving back.

Also, asking P and PD for my mom (age 85!) who's in the hospital with a nasty gall bladder and jaundice. They've taken the gall bladder out (it was almost 8 inches!! And had a cup of stones!) but punctured here diaphragm in the process. So she'll be in a couple more days. She and my dad (86) are so healthy and have been married over 50 years. It's so hard for them to be apart.

Hugs to all!
BEth

 

[snappy]

Sorry your mom had complications, Beth. Sorry she will be in the hospital for Easter. Sending some Easter prayers her way.

 

[laurabelle]

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

NHWDWGAL (Sue)- Wow! Your first post is to our little GAGWTA thread...I feel honored sista! I hope you get a pink ribbon for yourself (the instructions are on the first post to the thread) and hang out with us when you can.

Beth- Your attitude is amazing and I think the answer to prayer sista! I'm so glad the Zeloda is going well, I'll be praying that continues. I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. I bet your parents are so sweet...I'll be praying they get her fixed right up and back home in your dad's arms real soon.

Lisa- I had fibrocystic disease too. I'm glad you're being proactive... That's quite a list! I'll add my 2 cents, for what it's worth. I would start out eliminating what you can handle easily, then occasionally eat those things that you love like chocolate in small amounts and see how it goes. That way you won't feel like it's so restrictive and you'll be more likely to follow through with it.
I'm a tea drinker and yes, some teas have caffiene. Most of them list the caffiene levels on the box. White tea has less caffiene than green tea and is very good for you. I drink both, and the decaf greens and fruit teas. I prefer the blends of white or green with fruit over the straight stuff.

We had such a relaxing (but too short!) time at the beach. Hubby had one mild episode at dinner Thur night. He told me he was full, then later admitted he didn't feel well. He places such little importance on himself, ugh! I told him not to do that to me again! By Friday morning, he was so totally chilled out and we had such a good time. We got home yesterday afternoon and we had a sushi date last night. He was more relaxed and himself than I've seen in weeks...I hope it lasts!

Our primary docs are in the same practice and he called about getting the tests done and spoke with my doc since his was away. He really liked her (she is good!) and she ordered the 24hr urine and bloodwork. I hope we're on the right track...I think we are.

We're going to church tonight for Easter services. I am just telling hubby to stay home so he doesn't feel the pressure to go since the last few times he tried he had problems. Then tomorrow we'll spend the day with my family. The girls and I made homemade chocolate peanut butter and coconut eggs that are delish, but so rich! Making deviled eggs with most of the eggs we'll dye today, mac and cheese, a mixed berry pie to counter all the chocolate (did I really just type that?!? )

I hope everyone has a blessed Easter!

 

[MerryPoppins]

Laura, glad things are going better. Sounds like the time at the beach was good for you all. Sort of like Disney therapy, only different.

Beth, keep up the great outlook on life. You are inspirational! Glad the kids at school were good medicine. Sounds like a touching moment. And I'm adding your mother to my prayers. Hope she's home with your dad soon.

I had a touch of a bug last night. I was up most of the night. Yuck. I'm feeling better now and ready for Easter to come.

When the kids get home later, we are going to dye eggs and have our Easter dinner at home. Tomorrow we are going to see Grandma and Grandpa after church and my mom in the evening. It's going to be a busy day.

 

[donnabres]

Happy Easter to all,

Have been very busy last few weeks and have not even read the boards, will be done with taxes on Tues. In Mass. we get an extra day to file as Monday is a Holiday here!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hope you all have a wonderful Easter, the day here in Mass. Is Glorious. I had brunch for my family this morning, and am taking it easy today before the last 2 days of tax season.

I have been well, and the dr. pleased when I have been to see him. The tumor in my breast has been shrinking slowly, and he feels that the mets to my spine do the same. Next week I go back for monthly visit, then on Wed. I go for my first colonoscapy, spelled wrong I'm sure. I should have gone earlier but with everything that happend since I was dxd I didn't make it.

I am a little nervous, not about the test, but about results. I guess that once dxd with cancer, you get nervous about each test you go for.

Prayers for all of you,

Donna

 

[Pea-n-Me]

GAGWTA!

Hope everyone had nice holidays!

Merry, hope you are feeling better.

Donna, glad to hear things are going well. Good luck on your colonoscopy, let us know how it goes.

I'm off to see the Red Sox today! Hope we see a winner!