Dis Breast Cancer Survivors - GAGWTA!

[NHAnn]

Hope Linda is having a wonderful trip!! My it has been SOOO cold and windy here the last couple of days.....brrrrrrrrrrrrr I am so ready for spring!!

Glad it is a long weekend for us....DH and I are playing catch-up with chores and stuff we need to get done as our house-building progresses.

On the health front in our extended families I have to add to this thread's list of requested prayers. DH's mom who just turned 89 is hopsitalized with a bladder infection and was in septic shock when admitted. She's on massive antibiotic dosages and got a good chance or recovering but they warned of many cases of fatal kidney failure within weeks after such an episode in such an elderly person .
Meanwhile my mother who is 79 is having surgery at Mass. General a week from tomorrow. She had brain surgery there 7 years ago for 2 brain aneurysms, suffered a stroke and nearly died. She's made a remarkale recovery considering all she's been through but has been in a nursing home. The site of her surgery above her left temple has develpoed an infection on the scalp surface that they fear has gone into the bone. They will be trying to remove the infection and hope to not have to actually remove skull bone. She's in wonderful hands with the chief neurosurgeon there who is world renowned, as well as one of their top plastic surgeons who will be involved. It's just such a major and scarey thing.

If I'm not here or not posting as often, it's because I'm preoccupied. I'm still checking in and keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers, every day!!!

GAGWTA!!!

 

[Tiggeroo]

I started with abdominal pain on left side. Then i'd get a pressure feeling across upper abdomen. Now pain in upper right side and across the upper back. Also pain in lower back and hips. This has been going on for six weeks. I had blood and urine work all fine. I had several types of ultra sounds all fine except that they couldn't see the tail of the pancreas. After 6 weeks of pain, well really after 3 weeks I began looking online hoping I could find a direction to go. I typed in the symptoms and up came pancreatic cancer. I couldn't find a single thing that fit my symptoms but this and it came up at various sites no matter how I entered the symptoms. I've been to two dr's and recently a gastro specialist. They don't suspect PC. They don't think I'm sick enough for that plus I don't fit the profile. They are leaning toward IBS or an inflamed/irritated colon. So basically you have me being a paranoid self-dr online. And once that fear got into my head I can't get it out.
I had a ct scan on Wed. Normally results are 24-72 hours. Generally the dr has something in the first 24. I called the secretary on Sat. She said she would see if she could find my results but she would assume that if there was a serious problem I would have heard something by now. However, my dr is on vacation and the nurse-prac. is taking his place for the week. I keep thinking there's something really wrong and she doesn't want to tell me and is waiting for the dr to get back or that my results are sitting on the dr's desk and nobody can find them or knows that i'm waiting. Since he wasn't worried he wouldn't have marked mine as an emergency.
In you ladies' experience if a test shows a problem do they tend to get back to you quicker, are such tests red-flagged by the person doing the ct scan so that they can be dealt with quicker?
I'm sorry. I know my problem seems minor compared to what you are going for. But nobody in my family is taking me seriously. Or they think if they minimize my worries I'll calm down. I've spent three weeks being hysterical waiting for appts. and now waiting for results.
And NHann, you're in my prayers. I dealt with my 3 grandparents sick at the same time. It was very difficult, draining, etc. And it was complicated by family infighting, etc.

 

[MerryPoppins]

My mom keeps having pancreatitis (or however you spell it) and they can't find the cause. They've done just about every test known to man and she's passing them all. It could be some weird problem with her gall bladder or pancreatic cancer or some scar tissue of a duct. Her next test is going to be a scope down her throat to see if they can see anything that way. The testing is taking forever. I just wish they'd get on with it so we can start doing something.

 

[Tiggeroo]

From what I understand pancreatitis doesn't pre-dispose you to pancreatic cancer. If they do the abdominal/internal ultrasound that's pretty much the definitive test. There's also a blood test but that can have false results. You do need to act quickly as this cancer is so aggressive.

 

[MerryPoppins]

They've done an ultrasound and blood tests. One doc says they can rule out cancer, but another says not necessarily. Sigh. I wish they'd move faster, but maybe the fact that they aren't kicking into high gear is a good sign that they don't think it is cancer?

It's more a matter of what is causing the repeated pancratitis than it is that they think the pancreatitis pre-disposes her to the cancer. Cancer could be one of the causes.

 

[laurabelle]

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

Ann- I'm so sorry your family is going through so much at the same time... Your mom and mil are certainly in my prayers sista.

Tiggeroo- My fil had pancreatic cancer, but he didn't know it until it was too late. My grandmother had a benign mass on her pancreas, and lost alot of weight before they found it. She had surgery to remove it and was recovering when she fell out of bed at the hospital and died from complications from her fall- can you believe that!?!
As far as finding out right away if the news is bad... no, I never found out anything too quickly, good or bad, so that doesn't really help. I would call again today and just tell them how stressed out this is making you and could they please find your report and let you know ASAP.
I have ulcerative colitis, dxed a few years after I had breast cancer, and that took quite a while to get a diagnosis. I was scared to death that I had ovarian cancer. I get pelvic, left sided and back pain with that too, but lots of other symptoms. If they suspect a lower GI problem, then you should have a colonoscopy.
It's so hard knowing there is something going on with your body but not having any answers...you're in my thoughts and prayers.

MerryPoppins- That's awful. I hope and pray the next test gives them answers for your mom so they can start fighting whatever this is...

 

[snappy]

Prayers for everyone this morning, Merry's MIL and mother, Tiggeroo, and Laura. Aren't you getting your infusion today, Laura? I sure hope you get some relief.

I had two biopsies, the stereotactic needle came back the next day with a cancer diagnosis. A couple of weeks later, it took 6 days for the benign results from a fine needle biopsy in the other breast. The same pathology group did the results on both. The FNA was done in the DR's office, not sure if that slowed things down. After my surgery, a third pathology report on what was removed took a whole wee. I had my surgery right before Memorial Day, maybe that slowed things down.

I would keep calling and asking for results, Tiggeroo. Don't worry about calling too much, you have had a long wait.


Please let us know when you receive your results.

 

[Pixiedust34]

I had my mammogram today, and it went well!

Because this is was a diagnostic mammogram, I got the results before I left the office. My mammogram was fine! (WHEW!!!!!! I am doing the happy dance). Whatever is causing my lump is most likely not originating from breast tissue.

While I am glad that I had a good mammogram, we are still worried about what might be causing the lump. Next Monday I have an appt. with a breast specialist to investigate the cause of the lump. I have been taking antibiotics just in case that lump is infection related, though the antibiotics have not made any difference. I spent some time googling "lymph node lump" and once I read about a few other diseases (including leukemia) that can cause lumps in that area, I decided to quit googling until I get more solid answers from a doctor. All the googling did was make me more anxious.

Anyway, the mammogram itself was not as "bad" as I thought it would be. It was just a few minutes of discomfort, then it was finished. I am glad that my results were good! And that I did get the results today. Thank you for the encouragement/advice you have given me about getting my first mammogram.

I hope that the doctor I see next week will be able to determine what is causing my lump.

Tiggeroo, did you get your results today? I hope you did and that they are OK!!

Everyone else, I am keeping you in my prayers for complete healing and strength.

 

[MinnieM3]

Hello everyone! GAGWTA!

Tiggeroo.... if it helps. I always got the bad news ASAP...so fast it made my head spin. Regular news took forever. With the bad news I never knew anyone in the medical field could move that fast!

Pixie.....glad your mammo went fine. Mine are usually pretty painful. Not sure why, but I get used to it!

Those with In laws and moms facing surgeries and hospitalizations. I'm so sorry. It is awfully draining physically, mentally, and emotionally.

I have a semi-date for my lung cancer surgery.... March 14th or 16th. My last day teaching will be March 10th.

I have to have a picc line put in on March 13th and 3 CT's with contrast done. If they can do all that and get results back then they'll do the surgery on the 14th. If not, it'll be the 16th. I made the mistake of googling lung cancer surgery...... much more info. than I wanted to know.... quite depressing. Talking to the surgeon it seems like...la de da....we remove half your lung, you stay in the hospital 5 to 7 days and go back home for 6 weeks. And poof! You're all better! I think she left out some details!

Anyway, I feel fine now and am on my way for a pedicure...2nd in my whole life.... since my toesies will be exposed for all the see soon enough! Besides, I have a gift certificate! YAY!

Hugs to all
Beth

 

[laurabelle]

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

Kelly (Pixiedust34) That's great news about your mamm! Google is a blessing and a curse! Yes, it's much healthier to just wait and see what your doc has to say to you about your body.

Beth- I'm glad you got a date in mind for your surgery. Are you able to work in the meantime? I hope you find some good distractions. Yes, get those toesies polished...maybe some new shoes...when the going gets tough, I go shoe shopping! And yeah, no Googling allowed! lol!


I got my infusion yesterday. It was in doc's offices, a new set up now. They want the same nursing team to see me each time, plus I get the once over, it's a good thing. Except it's dreary... they don't have a nice set up like the cancer center (w/flat screen t.v.s! lol) I was stuck inside a regular examining room the full 4 hrs, ugh. They wheeled in a t.v. (no reception) that you could watch videos on so I got to see When Harry Met Sally again...
It took 5 sticks this time to get the I.V. going, which drug the whole ordeal out longer. My poor veins are so tired...I asked her some questions about the surgery. The surgeons at my hospital do a minumally invasive procedure, so the scars aren't too bad, plus it's supposed to lower complications. She thought most patients stayed in less than a week. It is a cure for UC, because she said with UC my immune system just sees my colon as an object to attack and once the colon is removed, my immune system doesn't attack anymore.
We'll see...
I came home and fell asleep on my sofa around 6:00, woke up and crawled in bed at 9:00 and just woke up...
Hoping and praying this double dose is working a miracle in my body!!!
Today I finish packing for my Denver trip to visit my inlaws for a few days, then attend the Young Survival Coalition's annual conference and party with a bunch of my sistas! I leave here early tomorrow morning- whoooo hoooo!!! See you next week...

 

[Pixiedust34]

Laura, I hope that you are feeling OK today and that your treatment will work well.

Beth.....I am glad that you have a surgery date. I agree that googling can be frightening stuff! After I scared myself silly googling lymph + node + lump, I decided to go on a Google Fast. I am visiting only Happy Places online! You know--Disney sites, more Disney sites, etc. My Happy Places (pictures of Splash, reading about POR, etc.) keep me safe from the stuff I read on Google.

Tiggerro, have you heard anything yet about your results? I hope they are OK! It's hard to wait.

Prayers to each of you that you all have a strong and healthy day with a positive step toward full recovery.

 

[NHAnn]

GAGWTA!!

Laura---have a wonderful trip!!!

Ah yes, the internet IS a blessng and a curse!! I do remember one particular night within the first few days after diagnosis...DH found me sitting at the desk ...I was unable to stop crying and also unable to pull myself away from all the frightening information. Until he ordered me off the 'puter with a threat to rip the cable out of the wall

Beth glad your plan of attack is shaping up...and I love the pedicure and shopping distraction ideas!!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Just a quick hello from the Cove Cafe on the Disney Magic!!! We are having a wonderful vacation, I'm sunburned and exhausted, LOL. We just arrived in St Thomas and I'm starting my day with a little adult time to myself - Yes!

I breezed through the posts of the last few days. Prayers for everyone who needs them, you are all with me in spirit. Tiggeroo, your pain sounds a lot like the mysterious pain I've had for 2 1/2 yrs now. I've had all kinds of CTs, MRIs, endoscopies, etc and we've yet to find anything definitive. It comes and goes, so when it comes again we're taking out my gallbladder since acalculous (I think that's the name, no stone) cholecystitis often causes pain like that. I think I mentioned to you before a friend of mine had an infected gallbladder and his pain was on the left, unusual but it can happen. Best of luck to you.

Snappy, you are so right about choosing a hospital. It's not just the doctor, it's the whole system.

Well DH is dozing while I Dis so I'm going to go join him on a double lounger with my cappucino. Oh yes, our server has been bringing our table for 10 double entrees and desserts. I'm trying hard but it hasn't been easy.

 

[snappy]

Hope you have a safe trip out, Laura. Tell all of your sistas hi for us

Beth, how are those tootsies, did they enjoy the pedicure?

Tig, any results yet?

Thanks for checking in Linda. Glad to hear you have had sun (sunburned).
Was that in Orlando or on the ship? Sounds like your waiter is earning his tip.
Hope your whole group enjoys this, but I especially hope you are getting some relaxation.

I think I finally finished shopping for DD15's youth group ski trip. We tried to borrow stuff, and I have shopped discount stores and after season sales. I could have easily spent a bundle. I hope DD15 does not look like Cinderella on the slopes. We even had to buy a new bathing suit (who swims on a ski trip ). The resort has an indoor pool, so a swim suit was on the list giben to us of what to bring. DD has REALLY blossomed since last year so last year's stuff did not work. Gosh I hope the charerones do their job. Even our pastor is going so I hope they keep an eye on these kids. I guess I am lucky, DD is kind of a snob about guys, most she finds don't measure up, they use poor English, are too goofy, whatever. I just don't know how long all that will last.

GAGWTA!!!

 

[NHAnn]

Quiet here with Laura and Linda gone (Thanks for rubbing it in Linda ...I mean thanks for checking in!!)

Hope you all are well!

Busy and stressful week here. On DH's side...my MIL is doing very well and should be discharged the next couple of days. I swear that lady will outlive us all. On my side--things not so great ...though my mom's procedure is still on for Monday....my father is a basket case and yesterday he lost his wallet (well...sometime between Tuesday noon and 7 am yesterday morning)...including his AND mom's social security cards (he KNOWS he shouldn't have been carrying those)their Medicare and supplemental insurance cards, his license (he says no way is he going to the MVR "they'll never give me a replacement when they see what I'm like..." ) his ATM card, a few credit cards ....
the worst part is how upset,befuddled,embarrassed...kind of defeated. He was in tears when he called my sister. SHe and my brother have scoured the house and car and retraced his steps but no luck so far...even mega-prayers to St Anthony and St Jude have not resulted in a find yet. So, as if we all don't have enough to do, the efforts to notify everyone who needs to be notified have begun.... sigh

Tonight I'll enter the land of denial...TV!! I'm usually not much of a TV watcher but I want to see Survivor, the Olympic ladies free skate, and the American Idol results...maybe Skating with Celebrities too...not sure how that's going to work LOL

HUGS...and GAGWTA!!

 

[MinnieM3]

Laura....sorrry about all those IV sticks. I feel your pain!! I hope things get a bit easier.

 

[MinnieM3]

Laura, I hope that you are feeling OK today and that your treatment will work well.

Beth.....I am glad that you have a surgery date. I agree that googling can be frightening stuff! After I scared myself silly googling lymph + node + lump, I decided to go on a Google Fast. I am visiting only Happy Places online! You know--Disney sites, more Disney sites, etc. My Happy Places (pictures of Splash, reading about POR, etc.) keep me safe from the stuff I read on Google.

Tiggerro, have you heard anything yet about your results? I hope they are OK! It's hard to wait.

Prayers to each of you that you all have a strong and healthy day with a positive step toward full recovery.

Thanks Pixie....no more googling for me!

 

[MinnieM3]

Just a quick hello from the Cove Cafe on the Disney Magic!!! We are having a wonderful vacation, I'm sunburned and exhausted, LOL. We just arrived in St Thomas and I'm starting my day with a little adult time to myself - Yes!

I breezed through the posts of the last few days. Prayers for everyone who needs them, you are all with me in spirit. Tiggeroo, your pain sounds a lot like the mysterious pain I've had for 2 1/2 yrs now. I've had all kinds of CTs, MRIs, endoscopies, etc and we've yet to find anything definitive. It comes and goes, so when it comes again we're taking out my gallbladder since acalculous (I think that's the name, no stone) cholecystitis often causes pain like that. I think I mentioned to you before a friend of mine had an infected gallbladder and his pain was on the left, unusual but it can happen. Best of luck to you.

Snappy, you are so right about choosing a hospital. It's not just the doctor, it's the whole system.

Well DH is dozing while I Dis so I'm going to go join him on a double lounger with my cappucino. Oh yes, our server has been bringing our table for 10 double entrees and desserts. I'm trying hard but it hasn't been easy.

Linda! What fun. Enjoy yourself totally!!

 

[MinnieM3]

Hope you have a safe trip out, Laura. Tell all of your sistas hi for us

Beth, how are those tootsies, did they enjoy the pedicure?

Tig, any results yet?

Thanks for checking in Linda. Glad to hear you have had sun (sunburned).
Was that in Orlando or on the ship? Sounds like your waiter is earning his tip.
Hope your whole group enjoys this, but I especially hope you are getting some relaxation.

I think I finally finished shopping for DD15's youth group ski trip. We tried to borrow stuff, and I have shopped discount stores and after season sales. I could have easily spent a bundle. I hope DD15 does not look like Cinderella on the slopes. We even had to buy a new bathing suit (who swims on a ski trip ). The resort has an indoor pool, so a swim suit was on the list giben to us of what to bring. DD has REALLY blossomed since last year so last year's stuff did not work. Gosh I hope the charerones do their job. Even our pastor is going so I hope they keep an eye on these kids. I guess I am lucky, DD is kind of a snob about guys, most she finds don't measure up, they use poor English, are too goofy, whatever. I just don't know how long all that will last.

GAGWTA!!!

Snappy my pedi was very relaxing and fun! I picked bright sparkly pink and just hate hiding them in my Crocs everyday! LOL! She did a wonderful job and they look great!

 

[MinnieM3]

Mini-Brag..... My class and I were on the TV news tonight! It was the end of our Unit on the Olympics and I had this big event planned with bobsledding, luge, and speed sskating down the school halls... What a hoot! I was really proud and the kids loved it!