Dis Breast Cancer Survivors Part II -GAGWTA!

[snappy]

LMP, your docs do sound like they have the fighting attitude you want, to pull out all the stops.

This is exactly what you want, no holds barred, use everything in the arsenal.

Bedside manner aside, it is the fact that they are going to fight aggressive WITH aggresive that I like.

Glad the drain is out, Should make showers and life more endurable.

I am interested in the diet they gave you. I have a book from a local cookbook writer specifically for people in treatment.

I would love to send you one, not sure if it is appropriate though.

I'll try and locate my copy.

With any invasive cancer, there is the chance of spread. That is where chemo steps into the picture.

I am almost (coming up in April) 5 years out, I still get chest xrays regularly even though my invasive area was teeny.

Do you notice any difference in pain level since the drains were pulled?

If you can have someone else post while you are incognito or could call one us here (I'll be glad to pm you my cell number) the sistas here can follow your progress.

You are not in this alone, but you know that.

 

[snappy]

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!!!!"

Strong post, Alice. And what a way to end it! You may be a poet and don't know it!

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Sorry Alice, we are die hard Yankees fans, Elizabeth would be happy to know we even have gone to Dallas just to see the Yankees and once we even stayed with them at the hotel they were at, Its in arlington right next to the stadium, the Wyndhman now, I think.

The diet is calledc the low idodine diet and I have to look up stuff at the thyca.org website. Its for 2 weeks and a killer at that, no dairy, etc. etc. Very restrictive, I think I will lose a few pounds with this one for sure.

 

[snappy]

Sorry Alice, we are die hard Yankees fans, Elizabeth would be happy to know we even have gone to Dallas just to see the Yankees and once we even stayed with them at the hotel they were at, Its in arlington right next to the stadium, the Wyndhman now, I think.

The diet is calledc the low idodine diet and I have to look up stuff at the thyca.org website. Its for 2 weeks and a killer at that, no dairy, etc. etc. Very restrictive, I think I will lose a few pounds with this one for sure.

Never heard of that one, although I have read of a connection between iodine and thyroid disease. Do you start it right away?

 

[Aliceacc]

Ah, man!!!! I'm friends with a YANKEE fan????

That's OK, I guess I still stand behind Tug's words.

And I bet that if I looked hard enough, I could find a Yogi Berra-ism that would keep us both happy.

Snappy, thanks for the kind words!

 

[Aliceacc]

OK, I found some Yogi Berra quotes to make you smile. (For those of you who don't know, Berra played with the Yankees and later coached the Mets.)

It ain't over till it's over.

This is like deja vu all over again.

You better cut the pizza in four pieces because I'm not hungry enough to eat six.

When you come to a fork in the road, take it.

The future ain't what it used to be.

A nickel ain't worth a dime anymore.

It's tough to make predictions, especially about the future.

I knew I was going to take the wrong train, so I left early.

Baseball is ninety percent mental. The other half is physical.

Nobody goes there anymore because it's too crowded.

I don't know (if they were men or women fans running naked across the field). They had bags over their heads.

You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going because you might not get there.

I don't want to make the wrong mistake.

If people don't want to come out to the ballpark, how are you going to stop them?

In theory there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice there is.

Interviewer - "Why, you're a fatalist !" - Yogi Berra - "You mean I save postage stamps? Not me."

Little League baseball is a very good thing because it keeps the parents off the streets.

Mrs. Lindsay - "You certainly look cool." - Yogi Berra - "Thanks, you don't look so hot yourself."

I'm not going to buy my kids an encyclopedia. Let them walk to school like I did.

"That ain't the way to spell my name."--After he got a check that read 'Pay to bearer'.

How can you hit and think at the same time?

You can observe a lot just by watchin'

Always go to other people's funerals; otherwise, they won't go to yours.

Never answer an anonymous letter.

We made too many wrong mistakes.

When asked what time it is: "Do you mean now?"

For a spring training drill, Yogi instructed his players to: "Pair off in threes."

Reporter: "What would you do if you found a million dollars?" Yogi: "If the guy was poor, I'd give it back."

I usually take a two hour nap from one to four.

You can observe a lot just by watching.

You give 100% in the first half of the game, and if that isn't enough, in the second half you give what's left.

I never said most of the things I said.

 

[snappy]

Alice, those were great!!.

DH used to love watching him when he was on tv occasionally.

My all time favorite-deja vu all over again.

I actually say that one (think it more often).

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Someone say Yankees? (Just kidding, I'm a fan, too. What can I say, I love great baseball!)

lmp, some of my docs were less "enthusiastically rah rah" than the others, too. In fact, it was my Rad Onc that I loved the most. And they can't always tell you what you want to hear, though I wish they could find words to reassure us when we need it (most do). At the end of my nearly year long treatment, I asked my onc something like "now what?" And she said, "It's kind of like taking a test - we gave it our best shot, let's hope for the best." That's it? : Whereas my Rad Onc was very specific about what I should do and early on told me that what I had was curable, which was great to hear. I think we hold onto every word they say, that's why they have to be careful, KWIM? Anyway, glad the drain's out. FWIW, I had "extra" radiation, too. Hang in, sista.

Congrats, Cheryl, on getting your first dog! Prepare to fall in love!

Merry, I always wondered about pulling hairs out of the ears. Is there no other way to do that? Gosh, how painful that must be!

Off to baseball, have a great day, ladies!

 

[snappy]

I hate to post this but. . .

My irises and azalias are at their peak.

The rest of the yard is a disaster but the flowers obviously did not get the memo.

I bought a bounty of geraniums and some other flowering perinials last Sunday but have yet to plant them. Good thing, it got cold last night.

I think we need a good load of dirt spread all over creation, too many low places left from our friend Gustav. We really need to resod as well.

We did manage to finish our tax return last night, late, so I am anxious to fax it to Tulane today. Need all this for being considered for scholarships again this year.

We caught a break on our expenses not covered by insurance. At least we get to deduct them as casualty losses since we were in a disaster area.

It won't pay for the dirt or the sod but it helps reduce our tax bill.

Hey, I am trying to stimulate the local economy by doing a landscaping frenzy before the homeowners' association puts a condemned sign up on our property.

We will probably do the labor ourselves. So if you hear of two old, dirty people in Louisiana dropping dead in their front yard from overexertion, you will be able to say you knew me when.

Pictures to follow.

 

[Aliceacc]

I'm pretty sure that pictures of two old, dirty people won't get past the censors!!!!

In other news, we were at the mall yesterday. I remarked to Brian that if I were to buy some new bras, I should get them for half price. He laughed all day!!!

 

[snappy]

Alice, watch it!!

You are just aksing for another tag!!

 

[Aliceacc]

Hey, life's too short not to laugh when you can. And if I didn't laugh about the past year, I would spend all my time crying.

Seriously: my father in law died 8 DAYS after my mastectomy? My husband had to get me a babysitter the day I got out of the hospital so he could run and help his mom when dad went onto the critical list? I had to go to the wake and funeral with drains in??

A PREGNANCY scare in the midst of radiation?? And for a 50 year old woman no less??

Being told to go braless to teach in a COED CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL?? (With the afore-mentioned half-century-old body parts????)

The kids coming home with head lice???

I mean, really, if I couldn't laugh I'm not sure what I would do!

If this gives me my 15 minutes of fame, I'll take it in exchange for the laughter.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

I'm Back and Thank You Alice for the Yogi Berra quotes.

The rad oncologist office called. Just the office gal. They wanted to know where I had my ct scan because she wanted a written report. Dont know why. I am also thinking she wants to see if there was contrast used and there wasnt because I heard that affects the iodine in your body, hence the radiation dose to be given etc. She should be looking at the surgical report I think more. Gave me the nurse number if I need her. Good yest. she was talking to us while constantly chewing gum etc.

I looked at the cookbook versus my list so I will call and see what the dietician says. Basically for breakfast I will have fruit and some water. I dont like coffe. I am saving the tea for iced tea at lunch and dinner. You can have a certain oatmeal. I hate oatmeal cooked, cookies yes., cooked no. I might have to cave in some day during my 14 days of food withdrawl. LOL. I told DH, heah Jesus lasted 40 days in the wilderness, this should be easy with His help. I can only have like 4 ounces of beef, chicken or pork for lunch or dinner and lots of fresh vegetables. You can make a sandwhich with unsalted matzos, unsalted peanut butter and certain jelly. No bread. Lots of stuff you could make yourself with a bread machine. I dont have one, nor am I inclined to get one. There is a bakery that will sell a certain bread and cookies they said, and guess what, the ds old school mates dad used to be the baker there, unfortunately they moved. I have a whole list of stuff to ask the dietician if it is o.k. It makes my head spin. I think birdeye steamfresh vegetables are o.k. and that is it. You have to read all ingredient labels. I might do a little grilled chicken with honey and apples or maple syrup, strange things you can have. She said the day I come home from the hospital I am on a regular diet, great I can celebrate with plastic gloves, staying 3 feet away from my kids and using disposable stuff. Hello Boston Market etc. One lady at our church makes great homemade applesauce. I might beg her to make me some, its on the list.

Right now I am doing like my old mom self. So that is good. Scary shower. When I came out. I was drying off more and stuff came flying out of the drain site. I have played nurse on myself and bandaged it up. So far so good.

Dh told me too that I should stop fishing for answers and just let it be what it is.One day at a time etc. He is such a good help these days. I am so blessed to have him. We actually went to Friendlys last night and one of the girls from church is a waitress and she kept coming over and talking to me, amazed I was there. I said, see back from the almost dead!! She thought I looked good. DH said, I brushed her hair for her today.

I hope you all have a good week end doing what you love and enjoy. I will have to go on the elusive quest for the allowable food, maybe something like a Trader Joes, but so far from our house and I might even go to church if I am up to it.

 

[MerryPoppins]

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?

We were lucky. We found one that has been great with ours from the very beginning. Once or twice we had to use Petsmart because she was booked up when we needed grooming. They did acceptable work, but we like our lady more. She treats my girls like they're members of the family almost. In other words, she spoils them rotten and I know they're getting good care. If you are getting him locally, I'd ask who they use or if they have any advice. If not, ask your vet. I'm mostly concerned about safety. You want someone who will never leave your pet while he's on the table.

Merry, I always wondered about pulling hairs out of the ears. Is there no other way to do that? Gosh, how painful that must be!

I know, I hate it. Sometimes I don't take my babies to the groomers and just trim them myself in a puppy cut. When I do, we have to pull out the ear hairs ourselves. Our vet told us to get a hemostat (I think that's what they're called?) They look like little scissors, but they're a clamp that locks shut. You clamp the hair, lock and twist. Once you've got it all twisted up, you pull. They never cry, but sometimes they shake their heads. I guess it's not as bad as an ear infection, but it does hurt me.

if I were to buy some new bras, I should get them for half price.

I love your sense of humor. We'd get along great.

I finally got a report from my cousin. Still no word. The doctor wants her to see a hematologist, but hasn't taken the time to refer Katie to Children's Hospital. That's where my cousin wants to take her...she works there and has a lot of contacts, plus she feels a good children's hospital makes sense since Katy is a child. Today she was off work, so she intended to camp out at the doc's office until she got the necessary referal. Grumble. I hate it when doctor's play God and won't work with their patients. The doc admits she doesn't have a clue what to do for Katie.

 

[snappy]

The doc admits she doesn't have a clue what to do for Katie.

This is disturbing.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

GAGWTA, Ladies!

Melissa - More good thought for Katie! I hope they have a treatment plan in place soon!

Maryann - Good to see you posting! I hope you don't have anymore issues with the drain site!

Cheryl - Yay for a new puppy!

Mom had her last radiation on Thursday, so she is finished with treatments! (She is still taking the Arimidex, of course.) Her skin is very sore and peeling, so she has joined the ranks of the braless. She also pulled a muscle in her left arm (the good one) so now neither one of her arms is fully functional. I am hoping things will start to improve from here!

I hope everyone is off to a good start for the weekend!

 

[snappy]

GAGWTA, Ladies!

Mom had her last radiation on Thursday, so she is finished with treatments! (She is still taking the Arimidex, of course.) Her skin is very sore and peeling, so she has joined the ranks of the braless. She also pulled a muscle in her left arm (the good one) so now neither one of her arms is fully functional. I am hoping things will start to improve from here!

I hope everyone is off to a good start for the weekend!

Hooray for the end of treatment!!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I finally got a report from my cousin. Still no word. The doctor wants her to see a hematologist, but hasn't taken the time to refer Katie to Children's Hospital. That's where my cousin wants to take her...she works there and has a lot of contacts, plus she feels a good children's hospital makes sense since Katy is a child. Today she was off work, so she intended to camp out at the doc's office until she got the necessary referal. Grumble. I hate it when doctor's play God and won't work with their patients. The doc admits she doesn't have a clue what to do for Katie.

I'm glad she's going to CH. She can't make an appt without a referral?

You clamp the hair, lock and twist. Once you've got it all twisted up, you pull. They never cry, but sometimes they shake their heads.

You know, I've never had to do that or have it done with my dogs, thankfully. But I've seen it mentioned before and always wondered about it. This would be my girl if we had to:

This is disturbing.

I don't think so, really. Most complex or potentially complex cases are referred out to specialists. It would probably be more disturbing to see a pediatrician try to treat something like leukemia on his or her own. I think there's no excuse to delay a referral (I mean, that should be among the day's highest priorities), but most docs wouldn't treat something beyond their scope of practice/range of specialty themselves.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I had a really amazing God Wink last night. I am still shaking my head about it wondering who was behind it and how they pulled it off.

Yesterday afternoon I got a call from a neighbor inviting my kids to a small bday party tonight. She mentioned they'd just be having cake. As soon as I heard those words, I somehow got it in my head I just had to have a piece of cake. We had some errands to run last night so I told DH I wanted to get a piece of cake somewhere.

Now I should preface this with the fact that, in all the years we've been together, I don't think I've ever said that before, ie that I just had to have a piece of cake somewhere. Ever. I mean, I like cake as much as the next guy, but I don't think I've ever craved it like that before. (Ice cream could be a different story. )

So we run around much of the evening doing our errands, and in every store and shopping area we're in, I'm looking around for where I can get cake.

Nothing.

DH finally says, "we'll stop at the grocery store and get you some cake". I said, "No, a) I don't want a whole one, just a slice, and b) I want a really good piece of cake". We probably could have gone to a restaurant somewhere but we figured they'd be crowded on a Friday evening. So he told me he'd bake me something chocolatey when we got home. Ok, I'll settle for that.

We had one more store to hit on the way home. But we missed the exit because we were talking (about the darned cake), so we had to take a different, longer, back road route.

A few minutes into the back route, in a very residential area we drove through, we saw a house that had all lights on in the windows that we'd never noticed before. DH said, "What's that?" I said, "I dunno". So he rubbernecked as we drove by and I nearly when he said the sign in the window said, "Piece of Cake". "You have GOT to be kidding me, right?" Nope, it was a cake store called Piece of Cake that sold slices of cake!

So we turned around and went in and I got my slice of really good chocolate raspberry cake. I do believe The Twilight Zone theme was playing in the background, LOL. We were laughing so hard on the way in, the lady there was probably wondering WTH was going on.

Oh yes, she mentioned she's not usually open that late, either.

So we're blaming it on BIL. He loved to tease me and we felt like this was the ultimate tease.

 

[snappy]

You are right, Linda, I have more of a problem with the doc not taking the time to do the referral.

We have a very high deductible PPO but I think with an HMO you do have to have a referral from your PCP.

I know getting the referral can get dragged out (friends have told me this) especially if you have to wait an inordinate time to see the PCPO (and this happens too).
However, if there is suspicion of somehting as dangerous as leukemia, I would think , like Linda, the doc would "take the time to do the referral."

Neat cake/Godwink story, Linda.

I think this stuff helps the grieving process, especially when the two of you shared the experience.