Dis Breast Cancer Survivors - GAGWTA!

[RiceOwl]

My wife just had her 5 year breast cancer check up and so far so good. We participate in the Komen Race for the Cure each year and I'm proud to report we raised $2,300 this year! I look forward to the day when Komen is disbanded because a cure has been found. To all of you guys whose wives have gone through this or are going throught this: support your wife totally and completely, it means so much to her to know you will be there for her no matter what. To those of you who have been throught or are going through breast cancer: you are my heroes! You can do this!

 

[Cruise04]

Welcome Kristen and RiceOwl!!!!! This is a great thread - even for those of us who don't or haven't had BC but have been affected.

Thanks guys - and yes Laura I possibly have another relative that had breast cancer - my mom's mom - but they never did an autopsy when she died to verify it and a month before her pathology report from the hospital indicated breast cancer but she was gone before they could do anything. They also believed she had ovarian cancer - that was 16 years ago in September when she died. The surgeon explained to me the "chain of command" so-to-speak as far as high-riskness and I am high-risk since my mom had it and died from it, then my grandmother, and then my mom's cousin. That was some very great information. So I would be a good candidate for gene testing, given other cancers in my family as well, but I haven't been ready to take that step yet. Maybe once my daughter is 18 I will feel more comfortable to do it. I still need to check your friends site out though. I haven't gotten to it yet when you posted it earlier. Thanks for that reminder!!! I appreciate it.

Mammo is scheduled for the 19th and follow up appointment for the 31st. And because I am pro-active I will now insist on both a mammo AND ultrasound at least for next year until I get all this weight off. She said once that happens (which she was VERY happy about) then the mammo's will be able to see more because my breasts won't be so large. I started out on mammo's every year and then we changed to ultrasounds because of my size. It will be interesting to see how these do.

Have a good weekend everyone.
Chris

 

[SillyMe]

My mom just called me. Her cancer was contained to the tumor. It's not in her lymph nodes! She has 2 appts next week with the doctors to decide what they're going to do regarding the radiation treatments.

Finally, some good news. I know it's not over, but it's a relief to know she found it early.

 

[Laurajean1014]

What date do you consider your survivorship? At date of detection, surgery, end of treatment?

I'm thinking; day of surgery, but maybe I am wrong.

GAGWTA:

 

[MerryPoppins]

I use my day of surgery. That was the day I became "cancer-free" in my way of looking at it. But then I didn't do radiation or chemo, so other than tamoxifen it was the end of my treatment.

Great news, SillyMe! When it hasn't spread treatment is easier. I'm happy for all of you. I know it's not over yet, but you're getting there!

"Curly"? He sounds like he kept you smiling. That's good.

I'm tired today. Didn't get to bed until 1:30 and had to get up at 6:00. That's not enough for me. I have to have my sleep or I'm a zombie. It's going to be a long day. Hope everyone is having a bright, shining day and I hope your weekend is wonderful. Personally, I plan to sleep late tomorrow.

 

[NHAnn]

SillyMe...that's great news!

Laurajean...I guess I considered myself a Survivor as of the day I got the official diagnosis, which for me was 5/10/05 (after the 5/4 surgical biopsy).

RiceOwl...thanks for the kind words and support!

I took the afternoon off from work today...had a lunch date with a woman I used to work with (we had both moved to other places of employment after wroking together throughout from mid-80's to mid 90's. She's about my age and we both babies the same year, 1986). Winter 03/04 she began having headaches and "noises" in her head and balance problems. In the late spring of 2004 she was diagnosed with an rare anuerysm in a vein behind her eye, and had brain surgery that summer to repair it. It was a very long road to recovery but she is fully recovered, just has to keep an eye on her BP. So we had a nice lunch ...and we were chuckling about the importance of humor in dealing with any medical condition...timely topic for today's posts I gues!

We are hoping here in the northeast to get a glimpse of it's been over a week, I think, since I've seen it - and the gloom is beginning to wear on me! But at least it is FRIDAY!
Hoping the sun does break through for Sunday afternoon's Making Strides Against Breat Cancer walk!

 

[need_a_Disney_fix]

I was a frequent visitor to the cruise forum, but now its been here and I feel like its home. I read everyone's posts and I feel like this is family. I did the neatest things today. Mom received a wig that was covered by Medicare and ultimately she hated it and the experience of ordering seemed rather rushed and not very personal. When she received her wig, she (and the rest of us) hated it. Well, today, we went to a very caring and compassionate lady that has about 3000 wigs in stock. To make a story short, Mom looks so great with this new wig. It seems like she has a bounce in her step that she hasn't had in weeks. She looks so awesome. Even though she has not lost her hair yet, I really think she should wear our new family member because it really perks her up. This was a great day, for sure.

 

[snappy]

I was a frequent visitor to the cruise forum, but now its been here and I feel like its home. I read everyone's posts and I feel like this is family. I did the neatest things today. Mom received a wig that was covered by Medicare and ultimately she hated it and the experience of ordering seemed rather rushed and not very personal. When she received her wig, she (and the rest of us) hated it. Well, today, we went to a very caring and compassionate lady that has about 3000 wigs in stock. To make a story short, Mom looks so great with this new wig. It seems like she has a bounce in her step that she hasn't had in weeks. She looks so awesome. Even though she has not lost her hair yet, I really think she should wear our new family member because it really perks her up. This was a great day, for sure.

What a positive thing to post, Laurie. I am thrilled she has regained the bounce in her step. It must be a HUGE relief to see her look so well. What a champ!!

So glad to hear something positive. Not cancer related but my best friend in the world since 1978 was just here, although we have been exchanging email and phonemail, I have not been able to actually speak to her in two weeks. She is one of the New Orleans Lakeview residents who have lost their homes. She works for Tulane University, for as long as they can retain their employees, and has been working in Houston where they have relocated their admin staff. She told me that since N.O. has allowed acces to her area two weeks ago she spends about 40 hours a week in her car, driving back and forth from Houston to New Orleans, about 40 hours working a week for Tulane, and the rest of the time retrieving and cleaning what can be salvaged from her home (the home can't be salvaged). She won't allow me to help carry things out or clean them due to what she considers my compromised immune system due to BC. She is a single mom and her son went to live with his dad in Colorado to complete his senior year in HS since his school is closed. I hate Katrina, I hate that New Orleans was below sea level, and I am so grateful we moved out of there in 1999.

Ah, thanks for letting me vent. I feel guilty as I go back to life as normal and so many others can't and won't for a long time. And all this pales in comparison to the unfortunate souls in Pakistan. Why is all this happening?
It just seems like there is so much suffering and for what?

 

[laurabelle]

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

RiceOwl- Thank you for your support! Your wife is a blessed lady to have you...though I bet you'd say the same about her!

Chris- Remember, younger women have dense breasts regardless of size, so ultrasounds are a good thing to have along with mammograms. I actually had genetic counseling not too long ago, my onc wanted me to go simply because of my age at dx. I have practically no cancer in my family, lots of heart disease though... The counselor and I felt my risk for carrying the genetic mutation was low, so I opted not to test. Whether you decide to do it or not, F.O.R.C.E. is a wonderful resource of info about hereditary breast and ovarian cancers.

need_a_Disney_fix Laurie- I'm thrilled to read your mom's great news! I'd say that and the good wig are reason enough to put her bounce back (thinking of Tigger And that Pixar short film Boundin'...) A new member of the family...see you guys are joking, I knew it would happen! I called my wig "Fluffy" because when I had it off just lying around it looked like a Yorkshire Terrier!

Ann- Sounds like a fun lunch! It's so important to be able to hang out with other people who get it!
I heard the sun was out here for about 1 hr yesterday...I didn't get to see it though. Here's hoping this weekend is sunny!

Laurajean1014- I go by the date of my diagnosis...if the news you have cancer doesn't kill you, you're a survivor!

Snappy Laurie- I agree...too much suffering. I don't have an answer, but I always have a and a prayer...

Yesterday was good but a long day. Jeeze, is any day in the hospital short?!? I told my doc how incredibly tired I am, it could of course be from not getting enough sleep for so long, though that is slowly getting better, and I'm getting a couple hours more. He wrote a script for an antidepressant that helps you sleep, and I took one last night, but I don't think I'm going to keep taking it, the potential side effect/reaction list is too much for me! I asked him about it before I took it, and he felt the normal side effects weren't bad (they're not) but I'm pretty sensitive to meds, so I think I'll opt out. He also said my thyroid function was abnormal when I was in the hospital so we retested that yesterday too. He said that may be the culprit of my still feeling so lousy.
Has anyone here had thyroid problems?

Hubby called while I was getting my infusion to say our tree in the front yard broke in 1/2 and fell down! Just outta the blue. Thank God no one was out front at the time and it missed the house and the van! I think it is a Bradford Pear, the neighbor acoss the street said it's only about 8yrs old. The rest of it's coming down on Monday. I'll have to search for a new shade tree that's beautiful and sturdier!

 

[NHAnn]

I feel guilty as I go back to life as normal and so many others can't and won't for a long time. And all this pales in comparison to the unfortunate souls in Pakistan. Why is all this happening?
It just seems like there is so much suffering and for what?

I often have those thoughts too. And end up just counting my blessings, trying to do what I can for those in need

It's been an emotional day here, and I an getting a bit anxious about it all hitting me tomorrow at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk.

I had a call first thing this morning from my mom's oldest sister, telling me that their youngest sister has died. She'd been hospitalized for weeks with a heart condition and then some complications that prevented them from operating to install a stent. The aunt who called was just distraught and wanted me to call my father, so he could tell my mom today (mom's in a nursing home and dad goes daily to spend the afternoon with her). That was a hard call to make, the aunt who died was close to my parents...she "tagged along" with them a lot when they dated and in their early married years, before she herself married. Spoke to my father again later and he said when he told mom "she cried awhile, I cried with her, then we had a nice time talking about some of the old days".
Later in the afternoon we got a call from DH's cousin, a Survivor, asking us to stop by and pick up our shirts for tomorrow's walk. Althoug she's one of our team captains, she can't do the walk, because her father, DH's uncle, was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and they are caring for him at home. He's nearly 90 and has had a good life and his time is drawing very near, she does not want to leave him tomorrow if he makes it through tonight. Uncle has only daughters and grandaughters, has always had a special place in his heart for DH and vice versa. So we went over.... and DH said good-bye to his uncle.

And although nowhere near as widespread as KAtrina's devastation, we have had our share of flooding in NH in recent weeks.....locally, stepdaughter and SIL's basement flooded last weekend (or was it before that?) it was when the severe floods occurred in the western part of the state. They's got it emptied out and cleaned up and the carpet and sheetrock from the finished off family room area ripped out to prepare fro replacing it. Last night....it flooded again, thoguh they thought they'd sealed off where it seeped in last time

Phew...thanks for letting me vent!!

I am determined that tomorrow we will have SUN for the walk ....and you can be sure that I will be counting all of you among my blessings and carrying you in my heart as I walk!!

 

[snappy]

Ann and Laura, thanks for pepping me up. I guess I kind of hit a wall last night. Had a beer with my friend and I am just not used to it. Makes me crazy now.

Ann, I am wishing for sun for your walk tomorrow. Thanks for including us is your blessings. I hope you get a lot of walking this year, and as a survivor.
Bring a handkerchief, it is bound to be an emotional day for you.

Sorry about the loss of your aunt. It sounds like your dad is really there for your mom. They must have had a wonderful life together.

Laura, I have hypothyroidism, diagnosed last year a few months after my BC surgery. My gyn doc found a lump in my thyroid way back in 1992, had it biopsied several times, always benign, it stayed the same size and my thyroid readings were considered ok till last year. The endocrinologist who treats me for it said the normal range was adjusted (actually narrowed) in the last year or two so my readings which were higher anyway were not even close to normal under the new guidelines. I have read that some docs are not aware of the revised guidelines. Make sure when your thyroid is tested that they are looking at the new guidelines. Sorry I can't give you the ranges, I think it is available on the internet, I'll check through some of my thyroid websites.

Fatigue is a symptom of hypothyroidism, along with hair thinning, weight gain, constipation and others. I have needed my med increased a number of times. I can tell pretty accurately when I need to up the med, I am suddenly so much more tired. With even a small increase in dosage I can tell a difference in my fatigue level in about a month's time. It is the most telling side effect for me.

I think a lot of women have either over or under performing thyroids, even at a young age. The symptoms are sort of common aging things that we all face. I hope you are able to get tested soon. Please let us know how you do.

 

[Lessa of Pern]

ladiues, have you heard this Melissa Etheridge song? I Run For Life - Melissa Etheridge


Genre/Lang. : Adult Contemporary

It's been years since they told her about it
The darkness her body possessed
And the scars are still there in the mirror
Everyday that she gets herself dressed
Though the pain is miles and miles behind her
And the fear is now a docile beast
If you ask her why she is still running
She'll tell you it makes her complete

[Chorus:]
I run for hope
I run to feel
I run for the truth
For all that is real
I run for your mother your sister your wife
I run for you and me my friend I run for life

It's a blur since they told me about it
How the darkness had taken its toll
And they cut into my skin and they cut into my body
But they will never get a piece of my soul
And now I'm still learning the lesson
To waken when I hear the call
And if you ask me why I am still running
I'll tell you I run for us all

[Chorus]

And someday if they tell you about it
If the darkness knocks on your door
Remember her remember me
We will be running as we have before
Running for answers
Running for more




there's a great interview with Melissa in this weekend's Life magazine -- we got Life with Newsday on Friday, it comes with the Daily News on Sunday --

I always liked her but was never a "fan" if you know what I mean, but lately...well, anyone who shows up wat the Grammys after chemo and isnt' afraid to show off her bald head...

 

[RiceOwl]

You're right laurabelle, I am the one who is blessed. She is my best friend and wife for 33 years. I'm not whole withour her.
I am so proud of the way she fought breast cancer. It was in two lymph nodes even though the tumor was less that 2 cm. She is healthy and happy today, and always on guard. All of you who are fighting this awful disease are in my prayers.

 

[laurabelle]

~~~***GAGWTA***~~~

Ann- My sister is my best friend...I think your mom and dad did what I would do...
I saw NH on the news the other night and thought of you. The people they interviewed said the same thing, it's not Katrina, they'll get through it. It has helped give people perspective...
I hope you have a beautiful day all around!
Thank you for taking us with you in spirit! And don't be afraid of all those emotions surfacing today, it's a good thing...

Laurie- I did read about the new ranges. I didn't ask him what they were in the hospital. I'm confident that he'll be looking at the newer ranges, he's like that, very up to the minute. I have other symptoms too, like I've lost hair and it's dry. And having irregular periods is one of the symptoms. In fact, the gyn/onc I saw asked if I had my thyroid checked. I said no, because I wasn't even aware that they had run that lab in the hospital. I have been losing weight though, not gaining, partially because I don't have much of an appetite and part of it is eating heathier and cutting way back on my 3 food groups. But then again, I don't seem to react to things in the "normal" way! I've been on high dose steroids and haven't ballooned out (not that I'm complaining!)
There's a daily pill for hypothyroidism, right? How are you doing with it?
My doc ran the blood test for it with my other labs and he promised he'd be on the lookout for it. Hopefully I'll know soon.
I'm glad you can vent about your feelings here...

Lessa- I love how Melissa has handled it publicly! Great song!!!

This time of year we are bombarded with pink stuff to buy in the name of BC...Here's a link from a friend:
think before you pink

 

[Pea-n-Me]

GAGWTA!

It amazes me how quickly this thread moves along, I have a hard time keeping up with it!!

Hope everyone is well and good luck to anyyone who's walking today! Around here the sun is out for the first time in many days so that's a bit of a blessing to start the day.

I'm having my kids' 8th birthday party today - 18 second grade boys and girls. I have to get geared up for this, LOL. We always do a fall/Halloween theme - can't wait to have a nice mug of my hot mulled cider later on! Hard to believe 8 years has gone by, they're getting so big!!

I'll let you in on a little secret too. In celebration of my normal mammograms last month, I booked a surprise trip to WDW on the night of their actual birthday (thanks Laurajean for that Ding tip ). They don't know. We'll be picking them up from school and heading up to McDonald's Playland - their request for their birthday supper. In reality we'll be headed right past there to the airport.

We made up a poem printed in Disney script that explains the surprise and will give it to them on the ride along with wrapped Disney costumes for MNSSHP. It's been killing me not to tell them because we've been talking about Disney a lot and looking at the MNSSHP pictures but they're under the impression we're planning for next year! This is going to so much fun!!

There's one more thing that will make my trip even more of a "treat" than it already is. I'll be meeting a special friend for a sunrise walk on one of the mornings. Anyone care to guess who it is?

 

[Lessa of Pern]

mulled cider..mmmm...


but 18 little kids...you have your hands full!

 

[snappy]

Linda, I am betting your walk includes Laura. Have a great time on your trips, you two.

Hope your party goes well today. DD9"s birthday is Nov 1, we have had many Halloween themed parties. There are so many games and activities that lend themselves to this theme. Also, at least down here, the weather is cooler (or at least not in the 90's, hopefully). Good luck with the festivities.

Laura, I am looking up stuff on thyroid disease. I tried to post something earlier but my computer acted up.

GAGWTA everyone. And no rain in New Hampshire today, please.

 

[Lessa of Pern]

well...I lucked out... older dd will be 15 next month, and her friends are taking her out for her birthday. so she's not asking me about a party...

 

[snappy]

Lessa, how is your daughter's foot?

Re:birthday parties, DD9 said something about a skating party. A few months ago she wanted a bowling party for her birthday. I am not enthused about either choice.

Is this age too young just to take a group out to eat? I need EASY right now.

 

[snappy]

Laura, I copied this from one of my websites

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here's How:
Find out your thyroid test results from your doctor's office.
If you can, get a hard copy printout for your own review and home medical files.
If "normal" or "reference" ranges are not indicated on the lab results, ask your doctor's office to tell you what these ranges are.
Note the level of your Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). At most labs in the U.S., up until late 2002, the normal range is from around 0.5 to 5.5. That range changed to .3 to 3 as of early 2003.
If the TSH level is below normal, your doctor may determine that you are hyperthyroid (overactive thyroid.)
If the TSH level is above normal, your doctor may determine that you are hypothyroid (underactive thyroid.)
If your doctor ran a test called Total T4 or Total Thyroxine, normal range is approximately 4.5 to 12.5. If you had a low reading, and a high TSH, your doctor might consider that indicative of hypothyroidism.
If your doctor ran a test called Total T4 or Total Thyroxine, normal range is approximately 4.5 to 12.5. If you had a low reading, and a low TSH, your doctor might look into a pituitary problem.
If your doctor ran a test called Free T4, or Free Thyroxine, normal range is approximately 0.7 to 2.0. If your result was less than 0.7, your doctor might consider that indicative of hypothyroidism.
If your doctor ran a test called Total T3, normal range is approximately 80 to 220. If your result was less than 80, your doctor might consider that indicative of hypothyroidism.
If your doctor ran a test called Free T3, normal range is approximately 2.3 to 4.2. If your result was less than 2.3, your doctor might consider that indicative of hypothyroidism.
If your test results come back "normal" but you have many of the symptoms or risk factors for thyroid disease, make sure you ask for an antibodies test. Some doctors believe in treating thyroid symptoms in the presence of elevated antibodies and normal TSH levels.
If your test results come back "normal" but you have many of the symptoms or risk factors for thyroid disease, consider going to a reputable holistic M.D. or alternative physician for further interpretation and diagnosis.

Tips:
Laboratory reference ranges and normal ranges can differ from lab to lab. Always go by your lab's reference range and your doctor's diagnosis.

from thyroid.about.com