Dis Breast Cancer Survivors - GAGWTA!

[NHAnn]

Monique--thanks so much for the update on Disney Debbie! and hugs to you!

Denise--that IS great news! Can't help with the chemo info as mine was DCIS, not treated w/chemo. Love the card from your sis!

GAGWTA!!

 

[Amy]

I can't remember who all is heading to WDW next week, but DS15's band director FINALLY got confirmation on their performance times:

Thurs., Dec. 8 - 2:45 pm, Galaxy Palace Theater in MK - look for the Gateway High School Wind Ensemble performance.

(DH, DS13 and I have tix for MVMCP the night of Dec. 8; too bad the band kids aren't going.)

Fri., Dec. 9 - 2:30 pm, Afternoon parade at MK - look for the Gateway High School Marching Band. My DS15 plays trumpet; during parades, he's in the first row behind the drum major, right in the center of the row (or maybe it's in front of the drum major since the drum major marches backwards?? ). I also hear that they're allowed to stop in front of the castle during the parade and do a "very short" performance. The "official" Disney website says the parade starts at 3:00, but our band director said that they step-off in Frontierland at 2:30; I got confirmation that our band is the "pre-parade" parade - I guess to entertain the folks while they wait for the OFFICIAL parade at 3:00. I'm hoping that since our kids aren't in the official parade that when they come down Main Street I can go out in the middle of the street and get a picture of them with the castle in the background. I'm going to find a friendly cast member and ask; don't want to get thrown out of the park!

And look for me - I'll be the mom wearing the Gateway Marching Band/Burn the Ships t-shirt (don't ask) and a DIS pin and bawling my eyes out when I see my baby marching down Main Street USA!!!

I'm so excited - not long now!!!

 

[suzadrew]

Christine, I'm so sorry you didn't get your results. Waiting really bites!

On a similar note I had decided when I after my biopsy next week. I would give specific instructions to the doctor NOT to call me with ANY results. With the whole "we'll only call if there's a problem" routine, I just don't want to get that call. So I figured I'd wait 3 days then go to see her in person to get the results. The only problem is it's about 30mins to her office so I'll go even more out of my mind if they keep telling me "nope no results yet try again tomorrow".

It has been almost 8!!! weeks since I was first at the doctor & I still have a week to go before my test. The stress we go through just waiting for tests & results is horrible. My hair is falling out like crazy. I have to clean my hairbrush almost everyday.

On the bright side I have a new tag - It's funny, silly, and makes no sense. I keep laughing every time I read it. - It's perfect!

 

[suzadrew]

I loved my tag & then I deleted it by accident. I just wanted to add GAGWTA. I cut & pasted it back but it's not pink anymore. Everyone pretend it's pink please.

 

[donnabres]

Amy, I will be leaving Fri. for WDW. My family has tickets Thurs night for the MVMCP, I did not think I'd be down there then, so I had not bought one. I will buy one when I go to the park on Monday. Hope I can still get one.

Unfortunately, we'll not be at the MK on Thurs. for the parade. The family is going to Universal on Friday. I don't think that I am going with them, but I don't think I'll be able to get to the MK, unless my sister, who will be down there will come and pick me up. I don't drive down there.

I know what you mean about crying, I did it with my kids, but wait until the grandkids come along.....................

suzadrew I got the call, and was told I'm very sorry, you have cancer. Not an easy way to hear it on the phone. Not that there is a good way to hear those word. Good luck, will keep you in my prayers.

Thankyou all for all of your support and stories. Well, better go pack, the kids are giving me a hard time because I've not got mine done.

I'll say hi to the Mouse for all of you......We have to all be a real special group of ladies, and share 2 things, bc, and the love of the Mouse.

Donna

 

[laurabelle]

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

Amy- How exciting! I'm arriving on the 9th, though I won't be in MK that day since I won't be there in time for EMH. I hope you get that castle pic with the band, that would be so cool!

suzadrew- My first surgeon wouldn't tell me any results over the phone (I really didn't like him, and that's putting it nicely! ) My second surgeon said she likes to tell you over the phone before your appt., if that's ok with you, because she feels like it gives you time to take it in and form questions before you come in for your appt. I really appreciated that.
Sorry to hear about your tag...I hope you get pink again!

 

[Christine]

Just got back from the surgeon.

It is all BENIGN!! Woo-hoo! I'm sure you can imagine how elated I am. Just thrilled.

It was a long ride over to the surgeon's office (rush hour in DC). They took me right away for my 9:00 a.m. appointment and I was back in my car at 9:07! The surgeon was still miffed at the ultrasonographer, who basically said on her report that I had cancer.

Anyway, the right breast (where I had surgery last year) contained "fibrocystic disease with a ruptured cyst (hematoma) forming foreign body giant granulomas and fat necrosis."

The left breast (the one I was worried about) had a fibroadenoma and fibrocystic disease.

I want to thank all of you on this thread for your support. I hope you don't mind me "hanging around." As a survivor of another type of cancer, I hope I qualify and maybe I can help some other woman going through these biopsies.

Thank you again.

 

[snappy]

I did not see your other thread, Christine. Thanks so much for posting here too.

YIPPEE!!!!

I am so happy you escaped from THIS beast.

I hope you do "hang around." I definitely think women going through the biopsy process could benefit from your experience.


Just sorry it took so long for the results.

Time to celebrate

 

[laurabelle]

Congratulations Christine!!! What wonderful news! I'm sorry you had to go through so much worry. I agree with Laurie, I think alot of people would benefit from your experience.

 

[suzadrew]

Christine, I'm so happy for you. Did they explain what they will do with the "fibrocystic disease with a ruptured cyst (hematoma) forming foreign body giant granulomas and fat necrosis."?

 

[snappy]

We are still a little unsure exactly what Claudette's status is. Her mom (my MIL) said the surgeon described it as a slow growing cancer, Claudette's daughter (our niece) said her understanding was that the tumor was non lymphatic and non malignant. Regardless, the doctor was very encouraging and it sounded like he anticipated a far different (worse) outcome.

She is supposed to be moved from ICU to a regular room today.
We do know the doc only removed part of her stomach, around 50%.
She did not have to have the procedure to attach the esophagus to the small intestine. He also removed her ovaries, no cancer there but the cyst was infected.

So she has two incisions and according to my MIL she is hitting the pain med button like mad. I don't blame her.

We are much relieved. We will go see her over the weekend. It seems like we can go forward with Christmas, etc. now.

Also, it turns out Claudette's son (thirtysomething) is going to take on the job remodeling her house. Saturday, DH, DS17, and company went down to do more tear out work. Claudette's son was there with several guys he has been working with. They did alot, they have trucks, and the right tools for the job. It is apparently what they have been doing mostly since the storms. DH and I were not aware of this. We are very happy that he will take this over. Hopefully, it will be their primary focus and they will work on it daily instead of just on weekends like we have been doing. Now DH can get back to our project (painting the exterior or our house).

Donna, hope you are finished packing and ready to go. Have a Dole whip for me, if the weather is warm enough.

GAGWTA!!!!

 

[laurabelle]

Laurie- Thanks for the update on Claudette. I'm so glad to hear the doc is more optimistic post surgery. I can imagine she is in lots of pain...
I'm glad to hear the rebuilding projects are moving along too!

 

[Christine]

Christine, I'm so happy for you. Did they explain what they will do with the "fibrocystic disease with a ruptured cyst (hematoma) forming foreign body giant granulomas and fat necrosis."?

Well, it was all removed. The ruptured cyst....yada, yada, yada, was a result of last year's wire placement (which was a rough, bloody procedure for me). Obviously, I should have been paying more attention to that breast and not assume it was scar tissue. The surgeon did tell me today that this ruptured cyst/fat necrosis is a complication of wire placement and/or excisional biopsy and it could happen with these latest biopsies (but he didn't think so). He said "let's just be a bit more careful and watch these). So, I am going back to him in 2 weeks and then I'm going to make sure that I check the incision more often myself (rather than wait 6 months like I did last time ). As for the fibrocystic breasts, I guess I need to do some "googling" on that to find out what this all means for me.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Great news Christine, congratulations! I have had a hematoma and scar tissue in my breast since surgery 2 yrs ago. It's a lot smaller than it was originally but it's still present and even uncomfortable sleeping on that side. They debated taking it out but I was going through chemo and it wouldn't have healed so we left it and it's slowly "resolved" somewhat but not completely. That's right - another surgery can leave another one so we left it alone.

Laurie, sounding good for your SIL. Keep us updated.

I recently mentioned a good friend of mine with lung ca with brain mets.

One of the women who inspires me most in my own life is a good friend who several years ago was dx'd with lung ca with brain mets. She was also very healthy and never smoked. Her lung ca is in remission with one of the brand new meds (iranessa or something like that). It was experimental when she went on it and she almost didn't try it but a friend who had lost his wife to cancer told her she should so she did, thankfully. Her brain lesions are under control after surgery and radiation and they watch them closely. She lives a very full life and has an amazing attitude. It is she who sent me The Care Movie which I shared with all of you. Her name is Didia and if anyone cares to include her in your prayers I'm sure she would appreciate it as would I. She is one of those people who gives so much to others - including me when I was ill and now - despite her own hardships, a truly wonderful lady.

I found out today she has to start another type of radiation to her brain for further problems. I feel awful, she was doing so well. They don't know if there is much left to try after this. I am devastated for her. She is only in her early 50s. She is a very strong believer in the power of prayer. If anyone would be willing to include Didia in theirs we would be ever so grateful.

 

[NHAnn]

Linda, I will keep her in my prayers.

And Claudete too, snappy....I am pleased to hear the news!

Christine, I am so happy for you!! And of course as the others said...everyone's welcome to "hang out" here!!

GAGWTA!!!!

 

[donnabres]

Christine, I am so happy for you. Sometimes the waiting is the worst part of it. I'm so glad that you got a good report.

Pea-n-Me I will include your friend in my prayers.

Snappy, do you know that I have never had a Dole Whip? I'll have to have one for you. Will think of you and all my new friends on this thread when I eat it. I hope it is warm enough, it's going to be cold up her in MA next week, so I guess anything will be better.

Amy, Enjoy your time in the MK and take lots of pictures of your son. Wish I were going to be there to see him.

I'll be back on the 11th, so will catch up then.

Donna

 

[MinnieM3]

Hi guys, I was wondering if anyone has any experience with Carboplatin or Taxotere? I am starting them on Thursday along with the Herceptin. I am nervous because I do not know what to expect. Thanks, Monique

Sorry Monique, but I had Taxol instead of Taxotere. I hear a lot of folks think Taxotere is a breeze (so to speak!)

 

[MinnieM3]

Hey, you can always blame chemobrain...

LOL! I actually MISS having chemobrain to blame!

 

[MinnieM3]

GAGWTA!

Got my pathology report yesterday after last week's surgery (modified rad). Whoo-hoo! Came back negative for margins, nodes, etc. Graded as Stage II because of tumor size. I feel as if I won the lottery.

I see the oncologist again next week for the next step. Even before surgery, he was recommending a round of chemo afterwards as an "added precaution". Whilst I realize this is my decision, I wonder if anyone has experience or thoughts about this course of treatment?

To the ladies going through the preliminaries, my sister sent me a card expressing my thoughts: "Don't you wish life was like a VCR and you could fast-forward through the bad parts??". I can only add my voice to those who've mentioned that the waiting/worrying/wondering part is the most nerve-wracking. Usually, I'm the queen of second-guessing, but I felt noticeably calmer once I made a decision on my treatment. Surprised me.

Prayers goin' out to y'all fighting the beast.

Denise

Denise, so glad to hear your good news! Can you feel out your doctor and see what he/she thinks about the chemo? I always think it's best to ry all the weapons you can than wonder later if you should have. But, each case is different!

 

[snappy]

Linda, I will certainly keep your friend Didia in my prayers, especially so since she was such a godsend to you during your treatment.

We have an ex-in law, Becky, in the same situation (just diagnosed). She is my husband's youngest brother's former wife. Her daughter, Jennifer, is DH's god child, Jen is our DD10's god mother. She did her undergrad work here at LSU and is in med school, has done some of her rotations in Baton Rouge so we get to see her often.

Becky has stage IV lung cancer with brain mets. She however WAS a long term smoker. At first is sounded like she did not have much time, now the doc said she should see Jen graduate from med school. I hope so, she has been through a lot. She lived near my MIL, even closer to one of the levees that failed, she is in Houston staying with her sister's family.

Have a great time Donna. I always get the pineapple and vanilla swirled Dole whip, the vanilla tones down the pineapple to just the right degree of tartness for me. Enjoy your grandkids.

I took Snappy (our Ddog) to the vet today. It was a minor miracle. They are only open for appointments from 7:30 to noon and do not take appointments. I called around 9 am, and they were not busy. I dropped everything, grabbed my little honey, and we headed to Gonzales. First time ever, I walked right in and was seen and outta there in 29 minutes. She got a clean bill of health and I am one happy camper that I scratched that from my to do list.