Dis Breast Cancer Survivors Part II -GAGWTA!

[DizzDoll]

Hi everybody - I'm new to this board and was introduced to it by Snappy (thank you!! ). I had no idea it was so huge!

Anyhoo, I had to have a stereotactic biopsy yesterday (such a treat) because there's a whoooooole lot of calcium deposits on my left breast in odd formations. The procedure itself wasn't bad as far as something unpleasant like that goes, but it's the waiting for the results, which I should get tomorrow. It's been 9 years between mammograms - which I refer to as slam-o-grams - so we don't know how long they've been there, or if they're new, or what the story is. My daughter, bless her heart, keeps asking if I feel sick, and my son's kind of in denial, but so far there's nothing to be in denial about (hopefully). It's weird thinking "do I or don't I" but... Having lost my job in January and now this, life can be really entertaining.

What's GAGWTA?

 

[snappy]

Sending prayers and hugs out for Maureen's dad, Katie, Laura'sDH, LMP of course, and all others going through challenges.

hahahaa -that one struck me funny too, Laurie

Laura- I am proud of your DD too ANd congrats on the trip!!

JSG--congrats to your mom on the end of her rads!! I remember the end of mine...the techs gave me a little certificate and I gave them candy treats

It's snowing again here this morning...so I am headed out to another adventurous trek to work....

GAGWTA

Stay safe.

BTW, were the parks busy during your trip, Ann?

I just heard a report on the radio that Disney is restructuring its parks and going to do big time layoffs.

Not good.

 

[Aliceacc]

Hi everybody - I'm new to this board and was introduced to it by Snappy (thank you!! ). I had no idea it was so huge!

Anyhoo, I had to have a stereotactic biopsy yesterday (such a treat) because there's a whoooooole lot of calcium deposits on my left breast in odd formations. The procedure itself wasn't bad as far as something unpleasant like that goes, but it's the waiting for the results, which I should get tomorrow. It's been 9 years between mammograms - which I refer to as slam-o-grams - so we don't know how long they've been there, or if they're new, or what the story is. My daughter, bless her heart, keeps asking if I feel sick, and my son's kind of in denial, but so far there's nothing to be in denial about (hopefully). It's weird thinking "do I or don't I" but... Having lost my job in January and now this, life can be really entertaining.

What's GAGWTA?

Welcome!

Yeah, "entertaining" is one way of putting it!!

Greetings And Good Wishes To All!

 

[snappy]

Dizzdoll, we must have been posting at the same time.

One of our regulars here, Ann, coined the GAGWTA phrase when we were trying to figure out a way to acknowledge everyone who posts here when unable to address everyone directly.

It is an inclusive kind of thing and has really stuck.

Glad you made it through the biopsy. I had the same in April 2004, also when some clustered calcifications showed up on a mammogram.

The statistics are in your favor for being benign, the numbers say 80% of biopsieshave benign results.

We'll wait with you. Waiting is not easy and we have been there.

Glad you came and found us, I am sorry I did not post a link for you. I am lax in that department.

Well, we had a late night working on our federal tax return at our house,and it is not done. Having two in college and trying to take advantage of the tax breaks the government "gives" us is challenging, even for 2 CPA's. We realized last night that we needed to actually print out this gigantic form 970 to help us muddle through.

Our printer is slower than paint drying so DH opted to print the infamous form 970 at work. I just want to finish the returns and have it over with.

Thank goodness we underpaid all our income taxes. I heard a report that at least one state does not have the funds to pay income tax refunds. I will be the banker of my income tax funds, thank you very much. We have a new governor who I have more faith and trust in but with the oil prices in the tank, our state revenue stream is certainly compromised.

Mardi Gras will not be cancelled, however, or thankfully Jazz Fest, since they are commercial enterprises for the most part.

Bad news=Hurricane Gustav apparently decimated the crawfish supply so far this spring. The tails I have in my freezer are pure gold. I may have to use them to barter for life's necessities if things get any worse.

GAGWTA!!!

And welcome, Dizzdoll!

 

[Aliceacc]

I've only had the fortune to go to New Orleans once so far, and I must say... I LOVED those crawfish!!! And the hurricanes! And Cafe DuMonde (although that was after the hurricane, so the memories are a bit fuzzy!!!)

Our accountant is coming tonight. Before the house and the kids I could do our return. But it's way beyond my math-teacher capabilities at the moment, and well worth what we pay Kyle to come and do it for us.

 

[snappy]

I've only had the fortune to go to New Orleans once so far, and I must say... I LOVED those crawfish!!! And the hurricanes! And Cafe DuMonde (although that was after the hurricane, so the memories are a bit fuzzy!!!)

Our accountant is coming tonight. Before the house and the kids I could do our return. But it's way beyond my math-teacher capabilities at the moment, and well worth what we pay Kyle to come and do it for us.

Yes, the hurricane drinks pack a sneaky punch, I found that out the hard way nearly 30 years ago, when my best friend (still is) and another friend celebrated our college graduation in the french quarter.

So do you even remember going in to Pat O'Brien's (the traditional but not exclusive purveyor of hurricanes)?

About the taxes, DH does corporate taxes all day long and into the night but finds our personal stuff a drag.

He hemmed and hawed last night about buying Turbotax.

I still think the main thing is being organized, assembling all your records, and not putting things off to the last minute (we would not be trying to finish it all now if it were not for needing the data not to mention the signed 1040's for financial aid applications). However, any IRS publication in excess of 100 pages is a bit daunting, especially around 10 pm.

I literally spent 2 hours on hold with the IRS one night recently waiting to ask a hurricane (the storm not the drink) damage casualty loss question. It was about the
5th time I'd called and had been on hold and just given up). That night I was determined to talk to someone. I just wish they would abandon the $%%#$#%$ Nutcracker music played at too loud a level.

I used to like the Nutcracker stuff, it must be like food eaten during chemo, I doubt I will ever willingly listen to Nutcracker tunes again.

 

[laurabelle]

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

DizzDoll! Glad Laurie brought you in! Feel free to hang out in the GAGWTA waiting room...seems like one or more of us is always waiting on something. I'm sorry to know you are going through this on top of the job loss. Like I said to my mom yesterday, "Are you feeling stimulated yet?"

Laurie- I was thinking of you yesterday when they mentioned Mardi Gras coming up soon on t.v. Do you have any plans? Glad you have the crawfish stash. I still want you to cook for me!

Ann- Every time I see snow on the national news it seems they are showing NH... here's to better weather!

 

[Aliceacc]

Yes, we had Hurricanes at Pat O'Briens!

I was judging the national finals of High School Speech and Debate, and one year they were held in NO. (1988 I think) Fortunately, that year no one from my school qualified (wait, that didn't come out right ) so I was judging, not chaperoning... my only responsibility was to be at the contest. Also fortunately, a friend was attending Tulane law school at the time. He picked up myself and another mutual friend and showed us the highlights.. Po'boys, hurricanes, Cafe Du Monde and a ton of other stuff. We had the time of our lives!

 

[snappy]

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

DizzDoll! Glad Laurie brought you in! Feel free to hang out in the GAGWTA waiting room...seems like one or more of us is always waiting on something. I'm sorry to know you are going through this on top of the job loss. Like I said to my mom yesterday, "Are you feeling stimulated yet?"

Laurie- I was thinking of you yesterday when they mentioned Mardi Gras coming up soon on t.v. Do you have any plans? Glad you have the crawfish stash. I still want you to cook for me!

Ann- Every time I see snow on the national news it seems they are showing NH... here's to better weather!

I have Tuesday off, DD13 has Monday and Tuesday off. DH will work no doubt as usual. I hoping to go down for a few parades Sunday, that is our usual day, and DH's niece's house is in a great spot for that days' parades.

I am sure our college kids will be whooping it up. Although I hear DS20 has a lot of papers to finish writing (he was crazy to switch to English as a major) so he may be a Mardi Gras MIA (was last year too for the same reason).

About the $13/ week stimulus. . . that should start sometime in June, it will be a headeache for us payroll people getting the new tax tables from the software people.

It is not like us small guys just push a button and more money comes spilling out into the checks.

Not much to jump for joy for, but don't worry, I hear there is mega $$ in the stimulus for a train line from LA to Las Vegas.

NOW I can breathe a sigh of relief. That will be a boon to us in Louisiana for sure.

 

[snappy]

The GAGWTA waiting room, now that is an image I can relate to.

Great way to describe us, Laura.

I defer to the creative one.

And you have a standing invitation for crawfish etoufee.
Made a shrimp dish last night. I am hoarding my seafood though, as some of it I had before the hurricane and had to nurse it through losing electricity with the borrowed generator and then the one DH stood in line for hours for.

Lots of food bit the dust, including a mess of wild ducks (good riddance), but not my blessed crawfish.

It is technically the beginning of crawfish season so maybe the supply will improve.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Our favorite TV show, Top Chef, had it's (second to last) season finale last night in New Orleans. There is one more show this season to find out who wins Top Chef. Emeril Lagasse is there and last night's show featured creole food and LOTS of crawfish, LOL (was thinking of Laurie, of course! What tiny little buggers they are!) They show repeats of the season and show on Bravo throughout the week if anyone wants to catch it. Also, the final season finale is next Wed at 10pm (with last night's episode shown right before it, at 9pm.)

Welcome DizzDoll. I don't know much about calcifications as I never had them. But from what I understand they usually indicate very, very early stage, if anything, so hold onto that thought!

Maureen, how are you and your Dad doing?

Kids are off this week so I've been kind of busy with them. Yesterday we (yes, even me ) went ice skating at the Frog Pond on Boston Common which is kind of a "must do" at least once each winter season. Today I'm chaffeur to a group of partiers, LOL. I took DD into work the other day while DH was having his procedure (her request) and boy, she loves it there! I have hopes she might want to follow in my footsteps someday. She would absolutely be great at it! (And there's lots of scholarship money available for nurses! ) We ran into one of my young patients (20yo) and he told my DD how "awesome" I was after he greeted me with a big hug. That was neat for her to see and hear as it's not every day kids get to hear about their parents being awesome (especially from another "kid") and see what a difference one person can make. (Note to God: Thank You for allowing me these great times with my children - and patients!)

We had snow last night, too, but just a little. I'm beginning to sense that spring's finally on the way! I can't take these winters anymore.

GAGWTA

 

[snappy]

Neat memories you are putting under your belt, Linda.
I am VERY glad you are here to live them.

Nursing makes accounting look so inconsequential. I hate being appreciated for doing everyone's direct deposit payroll checks. Not very fulfilling.

It just seems to be a living not a vocation.

Encourage your DD.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

DizzDoll from a former NJer (middlesex Cty.) and GTAGWTA the sistas here.

O.K. Sing with me ladies, Drain, Drain go away, Yup, today is the day. My neck is killing me as usual. The surgeon told dh he might give me a novacaine shot before he takes the drain out. I was reading on the internet about the various treatments I might have. There are 2 options so we will see what they decide. I also read I have a little less favorable prognoss due to tumor size, spread and something they called the colunar cells. I will ask the oncologist about this. But the endo didnt mention this stuff nor did I ask as I just saw it.

Laura - That was neat about your dd and praying for your surgery, procedures and your dh.

Ann - Sending you Warm thoughts in the snow!!

Laurie- Hope you enjoy all the celebrations. I was only in NO once with dh when he had a conference, unfortunately while there we got news that my dad had passed away, so the memories I had there are not good ones. The funny thing I found fascinating was how the cemetaries are. I guess its bizzarre of me to think like that but I worked in a cemetary once with a relative so I found it interesting. Dh said its because of the water table there etc.

Linda - You are a brave soul to go ice skating. I have enough trouble standing on my own 2 regular feet!!

Melissa- You must be so proud of your dd. Praying for Katie

Alice - Did you hear on the radio today everyone is up in arms about Tom Suozzi (Sp?) taking a trip to Disney this week? Hmm, since you are in Nassau, what do you think of this? lol!!

Good news, ds17 got rehired at his old lifeguard job from last summer. Since he applied back so early they are giving him his lst choice of pools. He picked a condo place like blocks from our house that he could walk to if need be, good if the price of gas goes up etc. They are giving him a big wopping 7cents per hour raise becaue they did say they gave him too much to start last year. But he is happy so its o.k.

 

[Aliceacc]

lmp, I read about it in Newsday.

I'm not Suozzi's biggest fan. But he had a family vacation already planned. He's reachable by Blackberry. His being there or not being there won't effect what happens.

I say let the guy go on a vacation while his kids are out of school. If he went during the school year-- say in a week or two, they would be all over him for that (and I would be joining in the fray. Remember when Mayor Guliani suggested kids take off from school to see the Yankee parade?? I went wild!!)

 

[MerryPoppins]

First, my dad had his surgery and he does have bladder cancer.

I'm so sorry you and your dad are going through this. Prayers have been offered in your behalf.

I don't know anything about bladder cancer, but there are so many different treatment options I'm sure they can find something to suit your dad and spare his heart.

Melissa- Have you heard any news about your cousin?

My uncle had bladder cancer. It was a large tumor...about the size of a grapefruit. He had treatment and lived a number of years. He finally died of cancer, but the docs said it was totally unrelated. I'm not sure how they knew? Maybe it was a different kind? Anyway, it can be easily treated, at least in some cases. By the way, that uncle was Katie's grandfather.

The word yesterday was that the docs had all of Katie's tests back, but they hadn't had time to sort through all of them. They should have an idea of what's going on with her today, unless they need more tests. We probably won't hear anything until late tonight.

Welcome DizzDoll. Sorry you are joining us, but hopefully you'll have great news soon. I like positive thinking. And dealing with this and a lay off at the same time. You know how to live an exciting life, girl! Waiting is the worst. Just don't bleed until you're shot. Hang in there and I'll pray for you, too.

Yay for another Disney trip. We're hopefully going in January, but I'm almost scared to say it out loud for fear something will happen. Don't want to jinx it.

Church is having our Mardi Gras party on Saturday night. I heard the gumbo is shrimp gumbo this year. Bet it's the cost of the crawfish that caused the change. I'm not sure if we'll get to go. Too much on the agenda.

Hope the drain is history by now. Hate those blasted things. I know they're good, but it's just so weird to have tubes coming out of you. Ugh.

Lots of love and GAGWTA for all of you. I know I left some of you out, but our numbers seem to be swelling and my old brain has a serious case of CRS disease. If I don't quote it, I may not remember to respond to it. But you all remain in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[CherylDan]

GAGWTA!

I had my four month check-up yesterday and everything is good, so yippee! I still feel like I'm granted 4 months at a time, and then all bets are off. But I am working on getting over that and looking ahead long term. Soooo......we've decided to get a puppy! I'm really excited, it will be our first. We are getting a Bichon Frise, picking him up March 21, and decided to name him Charlie. I think he will be good for me. I've been researching and reading all sorts of stuff, it's been quite a learning experience.

I agree with the rest of you who are ready for winter to end. Just heard we are expecting 6 more inches of snow tomorrow night. blech.

LMP, I hope getting the drain out went smoothly!

Thinking of everyone, and as always, good thoughts and wishes to you all and your families.

 

[MerryPoppins]

We are getting a Bichon Frise, picking him up March 21, and decided to name him Charlie. I think he will be good for me. I've been researching and reading all sorts of stuff, it's been quite a learning experience.

I'm betting you won't be sorry with your choice. I have two bichons and they are my loves. I've had several kinds of dogs in my lifetime and these babies are my favorite. They're easy-going, friendly, don't bark too much, get along great with kids and other animals, have cute personalities, don't shed and are very affectionate. I just can't say enough good things about them.

I'll have to pull out a photo of my babies to share one of these days. Mine are double cousins. Holly's mom and Sasha's dad were brothers and Holly's dad and Sasha's mom were brothers. Their names are Holly Noel and Sasha Belle. They look nothing alike (Holly is very petite and shy while Sasha is very outgoing and a chow hound that is probably half again her size). They are polar opposites in their attitudes, but they are crazy about each other.

Oh and Sasha smiles. When anyone comes to the door she greets them by tossing her head and showing all her teeth. It sometimes scares people because they think she's threatening them, but she's just smiling. Sometimes when I ask her to smile for me, she snaps her jaws and shows her teeth while she tosses her head from side to side. It's very comical. I really should make a video, shouldn't I?

The negatives are you have to keep them groomed and make sure the groomer pulls the hairs out of their ears. (They get ear infections easily if you don't.) I'd tell you what my groomer calls the breed, but I don't think it'd pass the filter. It's pretty funny. They can be a bit stubborn and a little more challenging to potty train, but don't let that scare you. They're also smart as whips. Mine have a bell that hangs from the back door knob and they actually ring it when they need to go out. If you have any questions, ask away. I've had my girls for 10 and 12 years.

Still no word on Katie. I think we'd have heard if there was any conclusive news. I hate to keep calling, so I sent an email asking for an update. Hopefully tomorrow.

 

[CherylDan]

Wow, how cool is that?!?!? You have two! I think they are just adorable. We considered a lot of different breeds, did research, and kept coming back to this one. I'm prepared (I think!) for the high maintenance.....I know I'll need to take him to a groomer every 4-6 weeks, and keep up with it daily. I'm hoping to find a groomer nearby that is experienced with Bichons. Did you find it difficult to find one, or are they more common than I think? Love the story about how one of yours smiles! I hope our little guy is very outgoing like that. I also like having a bell on the door.....LOL, guessing it will take awhile before we get to that stage!

Hope you get some news on your cousin soon.....waiting is just the pits.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

GTAGWTA Good Morning Ladies!!

I just could not sleep so I am on early today.

Well the good news lst..The drain is out, yipee!! Now the so-so, um news. The visit to the radiation oncologist. Lets just say I was a little underimpressed by her. We had to wait over an hour for her. She later apologized. The place where we were smelled, a funky smell that almost made me have naseau. She seemed to rush us, but I think it had to do with dh telling her we had to cancel the drain removal twice already. She didnt even have my hospital reports. She said, that was inpatient and we are outpatient here? So she also didnt go over the biopsy stuff too much. I was spinning anyway. She did say the cancer is agressive so she is treating it agressively by uping my radiation dose, oh joy! She said one of the side effects could be leukemia but in 20 years she has never had a patient who got it, I said, well I would probably be the lst. This dr. looks um, sick. I might ask my friend who works there, but will only call her at home about that. The dr. had on a wig, had a puffy face and is very very heavy. I hope she is o.k. enough to take care of pateints. I asked her what my prognosis was and she wouldnt give me an answer. She said she will look up stuff and give me a number the next time. Wow, I left with a sick feeling in my stomach. I told her I need some hope and something to hang onto and I wasnt getting it with her like I was at the endo etc. She just went over this diet I have to follow, a killer, I need to call the hosp. dietician, I am going to the hospital for a shot, then, (O.K. visions of Alice, the dread pregnancy test, I told them no way that would every happpen ) and then a shot another day, then on March 12 I get to go in the hosp and stay overnight to be radiated, then I come home and for a week I am basically quarantinned, no one can come within 3 feet of me,no one in the bathroom or bedroom, only paper plates, etc. I have to wear rubber gloves if I touch the remote or keyboard, so good bye computer for a week because its in the room where the ds will stay and I wont go out there etc. So I will miss you all for a week. Then March 14 I have to go for a quick blood test, allowed to go for that. They will tell me more at the hospital. I wish the radiation oncologist would have been more positive, at the end she did say, how about a hug and she gave me one. That was nice.

Even later at the surgeon, he said dont worry, you will be fine. I dont know who to believe or listen to anymore. I am just glad I have alot of faith because that seems like the only thing that is sure and brings me comfort these days. Oh yeah, she did say they are always going to be worried about it spreading to the lungs and bones. Wow. I am just blessed to have one day at a time these days,

Thanks for listening to me. Hugs to you all. You are the best.

 

[Aliceacc]

LMP: Wow.... just....wow!!

Keep in mind through all this: All this crap-- it's not the enemy. The cancer is the enemy and the shots and the radiation and the quarantine and all the rest--this is just how you defeat the enemy. Make no mistake-- this is war!!

Don't even ask for numbers or expectations. Listen to the little voice in your gut that tells you that you're not done yet.

As to the oncologist: maybe she had a fight with her husband, maybe her lunch didn't agree with her, maybe she found out she owed NYS $1000 in taxes, maybe her son just failed out of college. It's hard to imagine that these people, on whom we place our hopes and dreams, have a life outside our immediate crisis, but they do.

So ignore everyone else but the people here who have "been there, done that." Go to church or temple or whatever, and keep the faith.

Are you, by any chance a Mets fan? Remember the immortal words of Tug McGraw: "YA GOTTA BELIEVE!!!!"