Dis Breast Cancer Survivors - GAGWTA!

[MinnieM3]

Laura...so sorry about what you're going through and will be going throughl

 

[snappy]

Beth, good to see you, how are you?

Merry, you are indeed a brave soul to do WDW during spring break.
We went during Easter in 2003 and it was crazy. The weather sure was a treat, though. Not too hot, but warm enough to swim.

 

[MinnieM3]

Man, having 3 doctors on you must mean 3 times as long for results and decisions! Ugh!

In the PET scan there were no other areas that "lit up" to that's good news.

But of course not good enough, as my surgeon and onc. still want CT's of abdomen, pelvis, and brain, too. For Pete's Sake! Fine.

Going for Pulmonary Functions Tests a week from tomorrow. No biggie I believe.

They still are unable to tell if this is a mestastisis or new cancer. I have a feeling if they cannot come to a decisive conclusion that my onc. will do the chemo to be on the safe side. She said it could possibly be oral, though and not IV.

Thoracic Surgeon went over the whole operation..... lovely details! Ack! I'll be in the hospital 5 days and 6 weeks at home. They won't let me go farther than one month before the surgery. I'm trying to stretch it out so I can wrap up the 9 weeks period at school and my sub can start "fresh." I don't know though, maybe sooner is better.

Will have to have a new port put in or at minimum a pic line. Not experience with pic line. I think I'd rather just to with the port. I don't know.

I'm better emotionally with all of it now. I like to have knowledge and a plan of action. The sooner I get that down pat, the better I'll feel!

Thanks all!

 

[donnabres]

Hi to all,

Have not been reading for a couple of weeks and have been trying to catch up. Prayers and hugs to all of you who are going thru your tests and waiting for your results. I know that is one of the hardest things to do.

I went to a support group here in my city, but I find that reading and hearing from all of you to be more informative, and I really do appreciate it. I may not post much, but I will be lurking in the backgroung.

Have been working more hours last couple of weeks, people want their tax refunds yesterday!!!! I cannot do what I have done in the past though. I get tired faster, and the people in my office have been great, and very supportive. Even kicking me out of the office when they feel I'm getting tired. They are very special people to care about me that much.

One thing cancer has taught me, is to realize how much family and friends really do care, and how truly blessed I am. It's also given me much more compassion. Even though I haven't met you all, you are in my thoughts and prayers on a daily basis.

We have been digging out too up here in MA.

Linda, have a chocolate souflee for me. That is if it's on your diet. That was my favorite thing on both my Magic cruises. Have a great time, and I am so jealous.

Thankyou, Donna

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I'm jealous Linda... We're doing the parks this spring break

And I'll be jealous of you soon enough, LOL.

Linda, have a chocolate souflee for me.

Donna, I absolutely will.

I'm better emotionally with all of it now. I like to have knowledge and a plan of action. The sooner I get that down pat, the better I'll feel!

Beth, that's really great to hear. (I'd probably go for the port over the PICC - ask about line infection rates with both).

 

[snappy]

Linda, you are a treasure, great suggestion for Beth to check infection rates on the above.

This is why this thread is so precious.

I am amazed you able to post right now, with your trip only hours away and all that packing for your family for varied temps.
I hope all the flights are back on normal schedules before Wednesday so you are not delayed one minute.

Donna, good for you for hanging in there at work. I am willing to bet you have helped coworkers in the past filling in the gap as I have with maternity leaves, etc. I bet they are happy to help back you up while you are in treatment. Being able to do something is so gratifying. They are probably getting more out of it than you are.

Hope you all are able to stay warm up in the northeast. Please be safe.
The weather you are having is scary to me. At least there is no risk of hot flashes, right?

 

[Pixiedust34]

Hi everyone,

I hope you don't mind if I post here with my concerns. I admire you all so much for being survivors, and the strength you have is amazing!

About 2 weeks ago, my underarm area was tender and I thought that maybe I cut myself shaving. But, it never really got better. It's still tender. I can't feel a lump with my fingers, but it feels like there might be a small lump inside the underarm itself.

I saw the dr. today and she did feel a lump. It could be anything, and I'm taking antibiotics in case it's an infection. I am also scheduled for a mammogram next week to see if it spots anything. She did do a br**** exam in the office, though that one underarm lump was all she felt. I'm praying that it's an infection and that the antibiotics will clear it up OK.

I've never had a mammogram before because I'm 37 and unless there's a problem I wasn't supposed to start getting them until age 40. I'm nervous about it, not only because I already know that a lump is there, but also because it's a new experience and I'm not sure what to expect. What is it like? Is it painful? Is there anything I can do to minimize discomfort? I am going to cut WAY back on caffeine between now and then, but is there anything else I can do to make it more comfortable? How long does it take to get a mammogram?

If the antibiotics do not get rid of my lump of if anything shows up on my mammogram, I am to see a br**** specialist as the next step to find out why I have that lump.

Thanks for any advice you can give. I hope it's OK that I posted here.

 

[laurabelle]

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

Beth- You sound good! My sister is a nurse too and when I had chemo she suggested the port over the pic line because she felt the external line had a higher infection rate as Linda suggested. I'm praying you continue to get good news...

Donna- It's good to hear from you! I'm so glad you are surrounded by people who care and are willing to help...I know that means so much.

Linda- How much snow did you get? We got 18"! I'm glad you weren't trying to fly out last weekend! I can't remember what day you leave, but I know it's soon. I hope you have a fun, relaxing, magical trip!

I had my scope this morning and boy did the prep set me off...I seriously was in so much pain I didn't think I'd make it to the hospital (crazy huh!?!) He said since the drug I'm on is a protein, some patients can develop antibodies and need to go on a double dose for a while to go back into remission. He said it happens to 40% of Crohn's patients who they've studied, so it's not too unusual. He's not giving up on me yet and said if this doesn't work he'll add back my steroids (ugh) to help give me a boost.They can't fit me in for an infusion until next Monday though...hopefully by the time I leave for Denver next Wed. I'll be feeling better.

 

[MerryPoppins]

Kelly, of course it's okay for you to post here. We are not an exclusive group.

A mammogram shouldn't hurt. There is a lot of pressure, but it's not what I would call painful. They put your breast on a plate and position you carefully. They they clamp down on your breast while you hold your breath, take a picture and release you. It's over in no time flat. It pinches and sort of takes your breath away for a few seconds. It's really not a big deal. I'm 45 today. I had my first mammogram at 40, and since then have had bunches of them because of my breast cancer. I'm a huge wimp, and I promise you that I don't dread the actual mammogram. I'm just always nervous that they'll call me back so it's a little un-nerving.

Sounds like yours could be an infection. My son had a lump pop up a few years ago and it scared me to death. The doc said to watch it for a few days and take a round of medicine. It cleared up and went away. But it's good that you are having it checked out.

Try to take some deep breaths and not get too stressed out at this point. I know, easier said than done. Know you can post here with your concerns. We'd be glad to talk to you.

 

[laurabelle]

~~~***GAGWTA sistas***~~~
Happy Valentine's Day sistas!


Kelly- I'm glad you posted! Good for you for being proactive! I had a similar lump under my arm, this was a year or so after I was dxed with breast cancer. It ended up being from shaving. My onc asked me to stop shaving for a little while to see if it cleared up and it did.
I didn't think the mamm. was too bad. Alot of it has to do whti the person giving the test. Since you have an area of concern, it's a diagnostic mamm and they'll take care to make sure they get lots of views. I was 36 when I had mine to dx my bc. Since you are young, they should also do a breast ultrasound at the same time, as younger women's breasts are typically dense and it can be hard to read on the mamm. Ultrasound gives a clearer picture and they can usually tell if it is suspicious or not.
I notice in your siggie that you're from MD...me too!
Please come back with any questions you have and let us know how how your test goes...I'm praying for good news!

 

[Pixiedust34]

MerryPoppins,

Thank you for the warm welcome and the information. I'm praying that all I have is a lymph node infection, though I have to admit that I'm scared to death that it could be cancer. I keep reminding myself that only time will tell. All I can do right now is to take those anitbiotics (and hope they make a difference) and wait for my mammogram on Monday. I will try not to be like a zombie with worry between now and then.

Thanks again,
Kelly

 

[snappy]

Welcome, Kelly.

I am sorry you are going through this. Glad you found us and glad you posted. Hopefully, everything will check out fine, but in the case that it is not, you know we are here. Some of those who post here are very knowledgable not to mention generous about researching issues.

The nervousness that you are feeling is perfectly normal. The longer you have to wait for either procedures or results just magnifies the worry.
When I "flunked" the screen mammogram back in 2004 when I was diagnosed, they could not schedule the diagnostic mammogram for about a week. My friend who worked at that hospital encouraged me to call again and ask if they could work me in so I would not have to agonize about it. I did and they saw me the next day. I am not sure if this would work in your case but I found out it does not hurt to ask.

Discomfort from a mammo can be a problem for some reason. I never had a problem, although I am anxious they will find something. I bring reading material with me that I am really "into" to take my mind off things while I wait for my turn. With the diagnostic mammo at my center, the radiologist always looks at the film before you leave. I did not realize this and became anxious when the technician told me the doc was looking at the films. You might want to inquire about how your center does this so you are not needlessly worrying about it.

Also, from what I am hearing the digital mammos that are now available at some facilities may give more accurate results. You might want to inquire whether your mammo will be digital. Not all facilities have acquired the new technology (it is expensive).

Be sure to follow instructions they give you about not wearing deodorant, powder and the like on the day of your mammo.

My take on the pain thing is that the more compression they do, the better the image. However, the compression is applied slowly. Also, I have read that if you are well endowed, you may be less sensitive to pain. that is true for me, was not true for my grandmother. She just had a low threshold for pain, I think. There is nothing wrong with taking some tylenol beforehand.

Good luck and let us know how you do.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Hi All, GAGWTA!

Laura, that prep sounds like a nightmare. Glad your doc isn't giving up yet, sounds like he's my type of guy! Hope things get better for you. Oh yes, we got about the same amount of snow you did!

Kelly, have to echo what the others have said. Glad you came by, we'll be happy to listen anytime as you undergo these tests and wait for your results. It's always a scary process. Hoping it's nothing more than an infection. I've seen many others post on the Community Board in similar situations (lump under arm, in groin, neck, etc) and heard lots of positive stories where it turned out to be nothing. You may want to post there too (though they'll probably refer you back to us, LOL).

Before I had cancer I found a lump in my neck one day while I was stretching/yawning. A cousin had just lost her battle with lymphoma so I had it checked out. There seemed to be no reason for it so we took the whole thing out and biopsied it and it came back as just a lymph node.

Glad your docs are being proactive and sending you for tests. As Laura said, a mamm and maybe ultrasound may be done. You could also ask about an MRI, couldn't hurt to make really sure nothing's there (though it has a high rate of false positive). It wouldn't surprise me if they find anything on any of your tests they may recommend biopsy since that's really the only way to know exactly what type of tissue any spots are. So if they find a suspicious spot combined with the fact that you have a lump under your arm they may think it best to be on the safe side. It doesn't necessarily mean it's cancer, but if it were to be something the earlier you find it the better. Reluctant to say this so as not to scare you, but thought it probably better to say it just in case they see "something". Hopefully nothing is seen.

Very busy today, hope I don't forget to pack anything! We leave tomorrow. I will try to check in while I'm

 

[MNSusan]

Hi everybody! Just popping in to say Happy Valentine's Day and I hope each of you gets a special hug today.

Kelly, the first mammo can be a little nerve racking, for sure. I took some Advil before mine and, like the other ladies have said, there's some pressure and discomfort but I wouldn't call it pain. Chances are its nothing, but if it does turn out to be something, we'll be here for you!

GAGWTA!!!

 

[snappy]

Happy cruising, Linda.

You must be going nuts trying to remember to pack everything.

Take us all with you in spirit, will ya? I am sure there is room in your suitcase.

 

[laurabelle]

Bon Voyage Linda!

 

[Pixiedust34]

Thank you again for the warm welcome.

I'm not sure if the mammogram is digital or not. My dr. gave me the number of the center where to call to make the appt. Although waiting a week is hard, my dh is off on President's Day and he can watch the kids while I go to my appt., so it worked out pretty good schedule-wise that I am able to go in on that day. Meanwhile, I'm taking those antibiotics and am hoping to feel a difference in the lump.

I looked up the specialist I'm to see if I need her for more tests. It sounds like she has a lot of lymph node experience, which is good. I want to be in good hands. : )

I'll keep you posted on Monday about how everything goes. I hope that I get the mammogram results soon after that.

 

[mickeymost]

GAGWTA

Linda - I am so jealous. I have to wait until Aug for my first DCL vacation. Happy Sailing

Kelly - Welcome! As a diagnostic mammographer myself, I can reassure you it is not that bad. It is pressure, but a good technician will listen to you and make it as comfortable as possible. The time you are compressed is very short. Just remember as others have said, the tighter the better. The tighter it is the better the pictures and shorter exposure (to radiation) time. If you are on the larger size, you wouldn't be a candidate for digital, so that's something to remember also. Being you felt a lump, you should be a diagnostic mammo, meaning you should know something before you leave. I had a lump on my neck once, turned out to be a lymph node that drained my scalp, so it was nothing. My prayers will be with you!

On a very happy note for me, I got my results from my scans today and everything was NORMAL . The oncologist told me something a little disturbing though. She said that they (the new cancer center here in FL) received my slides from the hospital in NJ and their pathologist reported that the slides were ER Neg. She said she would make sure the report was correct and ask them to check it again. You have got to be kidding me!!! I have been on estrogen blockers for 3 years for what??? There will be he** to pay if that's true. She tells me they have dedicated breast pathologists, so she feels confident in them. I won't know for sure until I go back to see her in early March. I just can't wait until Monday to have my surgery and get this latest tumor out of there. Depending on what the mapping and tumor disection shows, she said I may need more chemo. That would SUCK!!! I hope not, but I'm not going to get ahead of myself here, surgery first and then I'll worry about the rest later.

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers They surely paid off!!

Kelly

 

[NHAnn]

Hi ladies...just wanted to pop in and say "I'm home"....we missedthe snowstorm here in New England thankfully HAd a great time with my favorite Valentine!

Linda...have a WONDERFUL trip!!

Kelly (mickeymost) --- YIKES about the ER- confusion!
Good news on the scans!!

Kelly (pixie34) -welcome ....and very best wishes for good results!!

To all of the rest of you....big hugs and lots of prayers
GAGWTA

 

[annrae]

We have a cruise on the Wonder planned for Sept. 17 - it is the 11 day cruise to the Southern Caribbean. I was wondering if any of you posting on the Breast Cancer Survivors threads are going on that cruise. Thanks and please know that I am thinking of all of you.