Dis Breast Cancer Survivors - GAGWTA!

[Pea-n-Me]

Here are some pictures from last night.

My three children, LOL:

And our pumpkins, Stitch and Tink:

 

[snappy]

Here are some pictures from last night.

My three children, LOL:

And our pumpkins, Stitch and Tink:

good pic!!!

Is that Tinkerbelle and Jack Sparrow, I spy???

Cute!!!

But what is that costume that your third "child" is wearing??!!!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

what is that costume that your third "child" is wearing??!!!

My third child was dressed as the Big Bad Wolf, LOL.

 

[mickeymost]

Hi Everyone GAGWTA!

I've been away for a while, but I came back to SCREAM!!! Would anyone like to scream with me. My right implant started to get fluid around it again!!! Last time it turned to infection only to find out I had a recur also. This just STINKS!! (I'd like to say something else, but don't want to get in trouble LOL).

The worst part is I haven't found new Drs down here yet. No time like the present I guess. I was hoping to wait until Jan to do a routine follow, but I guess not.

So, please scream with me. How much of this are we supposed to take!!!

Pea n me: I love your kids (all 3) costumes and your pumpkins. We didn't carve any this year. Next year I'll be doing some like those, they look great!!

Kelly

 

[Cruise04]

Good morning everyone. I'm not sure how to take the talk that the doc and I had this morning. Right now I'm counting my blessings. I went to church this morning because I can't go tonight (I'm Catholic and today is a Holy Day) and the impact it had on me this morning was incredible. More than it has in a LONG time. I felt okay - this is going to be okay no matter what I hear today, I'm going to be okay no matter what my life brings me throughout the following years. It was just strange but good.

Well the first thing she said was that she talked to the radiologist and he hadn't looked at my ultrasounds. He had looked at my previous mammos (one from 1997 right after my mom's diagnosis and 2000). The one in 2000 apparently showed this spot in question. So I went into a lot of questions about same area, size, etc. She said it appeared that from 2000 to the mammo I had last week that the spot has faded. She did say it was not seen on any of the ultrasounds. And she said the puzzling piece to this is that it is only seen in one angle and not another. She does still want to consider doing a biopsy, just to make sure. BUT she is going to talk to the radiologist again and see if he thinks getting more images in different angles would be a good idea. If we can't get more angles than a biopsy is null and void because of the difficulty it would take to find the spot to do the biopsy. And she really doesn't want to cut me open to do the biopsy unless it's absolutely necessary.

So I'm waiting again. She is suppose to call me back by tomorrow afternoon after talking with the radiologist. So good news and questionable news. I'm so curious as to why nothing was mentioned in 2000 about this spot and why it was not followed up. That part bothers me tremendously. She is going to find out who read the films so she has that information for her. Frankly, I don't know how I would have been able to take this news 5 years ago. My mom was in the spot of being rediagnosed and it was hard to rediagnose as nothing could be found (her situation was very strange and the oncologist at U-W Madison said she would be a very good teaching case because he had not seen one like her).

I am still waiting to hear back from the hospital on getting my moms pathology reports. I really want them now.

When I went to hang up on the doc I told her (although tears came because this has been tough on me) how very grateful I am that she is here and at our clinic and how important it is for patients to have someone that we can go to with specialization in this difficult field. I am so happy I didn't see my regular surgeon. I think God was looking after me on this one, when I made the initial appointment.

Thanks for letting me come here. Merry - you are right with what you said and I am not offended. It is different when you are not the one that has been diagnosed. But it's also very different when you are the family member that was the caregiver and went to the doctor appointments and learned the why's and how's and why's of this terrible monster versus not having any direct contact with this disease.

SillyMe - on that last note I want to tell you that it is very important that you are involved. Your mom will get to a point that she will feel like she is being a burden to you. Just remind her that nothing is a burden because you want to be there. My mom went through that and that was when I called her doc and told him I was concerned with her being depressed. That was a hard call for me to make but it was like a breaking point for my mom. She was crying everytime she called me and told me when her appointment was and I told her I would be there. She was so worried that I was using all my sick time for her (but damn it was worth it!!!!). I learned so much that has helped me out these past couple of months because I was there asking the questions and listening to the doctors. And the nice thing about mom's doc is that every appointment he asked me if I had any questions. He wanted to make sure I was being cared for as well (including every time he would ask if I've had my mammogram or if I've had my yearly physical or if I was doing SBE).

Hang in there everyone... and a few

Love to you all!
Chris

 

[SillyMe]

Here are some pictures from last night.

My three children, LOL:

And our pumpkins, Stitch and Tink:

My 6yo dd wore the same Tinkerbelle costume! It's adorable!

 

[SillyMe]

Good morning everyone. I'm not sure how to take the talk that the doc and I had this morning. Right now I'm counting my blessings. I went to church this morning because I can't go tonight (I'm Catholic and today is a Holy Day) and the impact it had on me this morning was incredible. More than it has in a LONG time. I felt okay - this is going to be okay no matter what I hear today, I'm going to be okay no matter what my life brings me throughout the following years. It was just strange but good.

Well the first thing she said was that she talked to the radiologist and he hadn't looked at my ultrasounds. He had looked at my previous mammos (one from 1997 right after my mom's diagnosis and 2000). The one in 2000 apparently showed this spot in question. So I went into a lot of questions about same area, size, etc. She said it appeared that from 2000 to the mammo I had last week that the spot has faded. She did say it was not seen on any of the ultrasounds. And she said the puzzling piece to this is that it is only seen in one angle and not another. She does still want to consider doing a biopsy, just to make sure. BUT she is going to talk to the radiologist again and see if he thinks getting more images in different angles would be a good idea. If we can't get more angles than a biopsy is null and void because of the difficulty it would take to find the spot to do the biopsy. And she really doesn't want to cut me open to do the biopsy unless it's absolutely necessary.

So I'm waiting again. She is suppose to call me back by tomorrow afternoon after talking with the radiologist. So good news and questionable news. I'm so curious as to why nothing was mentioned in 2000 about this spot and why it was not followed up. That part bothers me tremendously. She is going to find out who read the films so she has that information for her. Frankly, I don't know how I would have been able to take this news 5 years ago. My mom was in the spot of being rediagnosed and it was hard to rediagnose as nothing could be found (her situation was very strange and the oncologist at U-W Madison said she would be a very good teaching case because he had not seen one like her).

I am still waiting to hear back from the hospital on getting my moms pathology reports. I really want them now.

When I went to hang up on the doc I told her (although tears came because this has been tough on me) how very grateful I am that she is here and at our clinic and how important it is for patients to have someone that we can go to with specialization in this difficult field. I am so happy I didn't see my regular surgeon. I think God was looking after me on this one, when I made the initial appointment.

Thanks for letting me come here. Merry - you are right with what you said and I am not offended. It is different when you are not the one that has been diagnosed. But it's also very different when you are the family member that was the caregiver and went to the doctor appointments and learned the why's and how's and why's of this terrible monster versus not having any direct contact with this disease.

SillyMe - on that last note I want to tell you that it is very important that you are involved. Your mom will get to a point that she will feel like she is being a burden to you. Just remind her that nothing is a burden because you want to be there. My mom went through that and that was when I called her doc and told him I was concerned with her being depressed. That was a hard call for me to make but it was like a breaking point for my mom. She was crying everytime she called me and told me when her appointment was and I told her I would be there. She was so worried that I was using all my sick time for her (but damn it was worth it!!!!). I learned so much that has helped me out these past couple of months because I was there asking the questions and listening to the doctors. And the nice thing about mom's doc is that every appointment he asked me if I had any questions. He wanted to make sure I was being cared for as well (including every time he would ask if I've had my mammogram or if I've had my yearly physical or if I was doing SBE).

Hang in there everyone... and a few

Love to you all!
Chris

Thank you! Best wishes and hugs to you.

 

[MerryPoppins]

Chris, hang in there. I think the waiting is the hardest part of all the tests the medical community throws at you. For me it was so much mental stress. I can take physical much easier than the mental. Know that my thoughts and prayers continue to be with you. I'm crossing my fingers that it'll be good news.

Thank you all for making me feel better about what I've said. I certainly don't want to make anyone feel bad. I'll try to think before I talk - one of my failings, I'm sure. The think that I hated most following my diagnosis was people talking to my chest. They felt a need to stare at my chest instead of looking at my face. It was comical. One friend even admitted it to me. She said I just can't seem to quit looking at it. LOL!

Snappy, the nativity story made me cry in a good way. I love Chicken Soup books. They always make me cry, but they make me feel so good. All I could think when I was reading your story, was that it should be in a future Chicken Soup book. Think about that.

I had a Cheshire cat pumpkin this year. It turned out pretty cute if I do say so myself. Loved the pictures you guys shared.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Chris, have they mentioned doing MRIs of your breast(s)? Maybe that would be helpful since the images are more in depth. It's possible that the reason they didn't mention it 5 years ago is they thought it wasn't anything abnormal? (It's customary for 2 radiologists to sign off on mamms in most large centers, too. I would think, though, if they knew about your mother they would be even more alert to abnormalities, and you'd think they'd at least mention it).

You could also ask about an excisional biopsy. They place a wire in the spot during ultrasound and then they take out the area around the wire and biopsy it. I was scheduled for one at one point but luckily the spot went away. You'd have to consider what it would mean to go through that as far as surgery (although it is done under light sedation, not general anasthesia)and scarring to your breast, but at least you would have answers and not have to have it eating away at your mind. Something to consider.

 

[MerryPoppins]

Have I been a downer? I'm sorry. That is not my intent. I'm not upset or anything. I'm not afraid to say what I feel. I'm just thinking about what you ladies have said. I'm learning more about how other people feel when they are on this path. It's making me rethink the most encouraging things to say. That is a good thing. Thank you for helping me grow. You can teach an old dog new tricks.

If I sound a bit down, it's probably because things have been a little rough around here lately. I haven't said much, because there is nothing anyone can do, but I guess we could use some positive thoughts. DH lost his job last spring. He got another job in the summer - lots less pay and no benefits, but it is a job. Our understanding was that he'd be up for benefits in a year, but we know now that that isn't going to happen. We're having to pay over $1000 a month to COBRA, and the cost of insurance coupled with the loss of pay is eating us alive. We can't drop COBRA and go to another insurance carrier until 18 months have passed or the new insurance can claim they won't cover pre-existing conditions. Add that to the fact that DH hates this new job and we're miserable.

There is a chance that a job is going to come through in the near future. It's working at our local Air Force base. It's a job that DH would love. He's excited about the possibilities. He'd have insurance again and it'd be for more pay. But being government, it's slooooooowwww coming. They originally thought the job would open up in October. Now they say it might be in January. Sigh. Now they are saying our heating bills are going to be high this winter. I have a feeling that our Christmas is going to be a lot slimmer than usual. Please cross your fingers for us. I'd love it if my DH could be in a happier situation very soon. Thanks for listening.

 

[MNSusan]

Well.... my doctor just called. The pathology is positive for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). She's making an appt with a surgeon for later this week. I asked her to send me a copy of the path report which she'll do.

I'm still feeling okay - is that normal? I keep thinking, "this is so much better than what it could be."

 

[MerryPoppins]

DCIS is what I had. I can't say if it's normal or abnormal to feel the way you do. I remember that I felt a little numb. We all deal with this in different ways. I can say I think it's healthy to think the way you are. But don't be surprised if your feelings swing a lot in the next few weeks. I laughed one minute and cried the next. Wish you hadn't had to walk this path, but I'm thankful that you caught it early. If you need to talk, I'm here. You remain in my daily prayers.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Susan, you have reason to be optimistic. Thanks to all that reading you did, you know it could be worse news. So good news and bad news all rolled into one. You'll probably run the gamut of emotions like many of us do, but right now you're still sort of in the "shock" stage so hang tight. Lots of ladies here with DCIS so you'll be able to get lots of information. We're here any time you feel like talking. Let us know how you're doing.

Merry, that is a lot for insurance. I hope your DH has good luck getting the other job, will say a prayer and send some PD your way. It's lousy to be in a job you hate. Glad you let us know, come here to vent anytime, we're happy to listen.

 

[MinnieM3]

Just wanted to say GAGWTA and Laura....LOVED the comments!! I think almost all have been said to me at one point or another.

 

[laurabelle]

(AP) Baltimore, MD Researchers at a conference today in Baltimore announced that they've developed a compound similar to the one produced in pregnant women that may help treat and prevent breast cancer.

Researchers found the synthetic compound A-F-Pep yielded a 23-percent decrease in the cancer rate in mice when administered alone. When combined with the breast cancer drug Tamoxifen, the compound reduced the number of tumor-laden rats by 77 percent.

A-F-Pep has the same characteristics as alpha-fetoprotein, a protein produced by fetuses and apparent in the mother's blood around the 12th week of gestation. The protein's levels in women decrease soon after they give birth.

It has long been known that women who have been pregnant are at a lower risk for developing breast cancer later in life than those who haven't had children.

The researchers presented their findings today in Baltimore during a conference of the American Association for Cancer Research. They're from the Albany Medical Center in New York.


(© 2005 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed

 

[laurabelle]

MNSusan- I'm sorry to hear your news sista...
Linda- Loved the pics!
Merry Poppins- I can't think pf a thing you've ever said here that could be taken in anything but a positive and helpful way! I'm so sorry you are having troubles. I'm praying that new job comes through!

 

[MerryPoppins]

It is a lot to pay for insurance. Oh well, I guess we should just celebrate that he at least has a job. Something better will come along soon. I try not to dwell on the down side of things too much. But sometimes it just sort of gets to me.

Gotta go finish my first round of dinner cooking. DD is still in rehearsals for the school musical and this month they are meeting from 5:00 to 9:00. Guess I'll be feeding in shifts this month.

 

[snappy]

Merry, sorry to hear about your DH's job issues. Hoping the new job comes through sooner than you expect. My DH had several periods in the 80's and 90's when he was between jobs. He ended going back for his MBA to make the most of his time. Also, it was during a time when I was working mega hours, traveling, so he went to school, worked as a consultant part time and was really there for the kids. He gained a great appreciation for what it takes to be the primary parent.

Susan, I truly wish you were spared this, but as Linda says, DCIS is the cancer you want if you have to have any. You may be spared doing anxillary node dissection, my least favorite part of the ordeal. No invasive cancer=relatively good news.

You may want to consider getting a second surgical opinion, after you see the first surgeon. I would take your time about this since it is DCIS, you should really consider all the options they give you.

You have made a good start asking for the biopsy report. It will be something you'll want to give the surgeon anyway. Will you be scheduled with a surgeon who specializes in breasts?

Ask any questions you would like. If we don't know we'll try to find out for you. Several of us had DCIS, including me. Mine was a little different because 1) I also had a tiny invasive part they found with the stereotactic needle biopsy, and 2) I had multicentric BC, it was in more than one quandrant. Standard of care for me was mastectomy and full lymph node removal. In a way it made it easier because I did not have to struggle over which surgery to go with. I had enough trouble making up my mind on which surgeon and which hospital to go with.

I found it helpful as others have said on this thread to ask the doctor what surgery and treatment he would choose if the patient was his wife, daughter or mother. I also like to get referrals from doctors and other medical personnel I really respect. Often they won't tell you to not go to a particular doctor but they will steer you towards others.

Let us know how your do and when you are scheduled to see the surgeon.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Boy, it's hard to keep up with information around here!

Kelly, forgot to say I'm sorry to hear you're having problems around your implant again. How frustrating - I don't mind screaming with you!!

What ever happened last time, with the recurrence? Did you end up going through treatment again? Is this on the same side? What now?

Hi Laurajean!!

Laura, great research news!! (And yes, I think that's the tea).

Here's a research article you'd asked me for before (when I mentioned one of my docs had told me to limit my alcohol - which I don't use much anyway). Interesting. I read something not too long ago that they're thinking that alcohol (ie wine) is one of the factors responsible for the higher incidence of breast ca in northern California. Any one else hear that before? http://today.reuters.com/News/newsA...Z_01_ROB175618_RTRUKOC_0_US-CANCER-BREAST.xml

snappy, the thing you mentioned earlier that I mentioned (about being cured from this disease...) - I've read that in books too, but where it really struck me is reading the actual research data. It is part of how they get statistics on survival rates. Like when someone dies from something other than breast cancer they consider that person "cured" of the disease. Struck me as kind of amazing, but that's really how they look at it for statistical purposes. If I come across an example I'll post it.

 

[MerryPoppins]

AAAARRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGG! That was me screaming with Kelly. I so feel for you. My extender leaked when I was beginning my reconstruction. I was so disheartened that I reversed the whole procedure. That really stinks. Scream all you want!