Dis Breast Cancer Survivors Part II -GAGWTA!

[snappy]

Y'all would be proud of me, trainer, what trainer, I don't need no stinking trainer!!! Last night I did the circuit of the stuff the trainer showed me Thursday. I am hurting a bit in the left shoulder but DH told me I couldn't have done much damage to myself as I used the LOWEST possible weight level!!!

Easy for him to say. You should have seen him trying to WALK upright after he overdid it when he first started.

Oh the glory of getting up in years.

I really like this concept of working out after work. I felt like I was doing something for ME for a change. I just find it relaxing to the nth degree. It might be addictive. No danger of me becoming a hardbody but I definitely was not the oldest one in the gym yesterday (saw one old guy who had to be OVER 60).

Afterwards, DH and I splurged and had dinner at Kona Grill which is in the same development where the gym is. I asked for a table by the big aquarium, and all was right with the world.

I even sneaked and bought gift certificates from the restaurant for the birthdays we are celebrating tomorrow. . . DH will be 56, mom 78, both on Tuesday, and DS will be 20. They are all getting gift certificates (they all like this restaurant). Hey, maybe I will even get a meal or two on one of the certificates. Feels very good to not be scrambling for a gift at the last moment for a change.

Linda and Laura, the beach sounds terrific. I would love a quickie beach trip, but I just have too much to do before college starting (about a month now). Getting DS installed at college is even more complicated this year as we have to buy him the bed and other stuff he'll need to live in Mamere's rebuilt house (the contractor is supposedly putting the finishing touches on it). It really is down to the wire and I don't like operating like this but have no choice at this point.

DD12 got home from her 2 week away camp last night. OMG she has changed, gotten bigger, grown up!!! I guess she must be at the age where growth happens fast. Where or where is my little baby girl?

About our meet, I checked my bounce back ad for Disney, this year the bounce back is good though 12/13/08, a Saturday night.

Maybe we can benefit from that in 2009 if we go early enough?

 

[MerryPoppins]

Getting DS installed at college is even more complicated this year as we have to buy him the bed and other stuff he'll need to live in Mamere's rebuilt house (the contractor is supposedly putting the finishing touches on it).

We went through this last summer on a smaller scale. I decided it wasn't worth it to buy new stuff for a room in the fraternity house. So I took DS with me to a few garage sales. It was really kind of fun. He says we ought to do that together again. We found a futon, a coffee table and two end tables at an elderly man's estate sale. All were sturdy and in good shape. We picked up a wonderful lamp at a thrift store. He already had a desk that he could use. MIL had an old chest of drawers that rounded out the whole setup. The only thing we had to buy new was the futon mattress and cover. I suggest garage sales, estate sales, auctions, Craigslist or even Freecycle. You might find much of the stuff he's needing this way and you won't have to pay as much. I gave a friend in Maryland this advice for her DD in college who had to rent an apartment (no room in college housing) and they found some really nice stuff at a garage sale, too.

 

[Momvic5]

GAGWTA!!

Maureen - No clue what to tell you about the elective mastectomy. Whatever decision you make, just be at peace with it and I am sure everything will be fine!

Laurie - Good for you for getting to the gym! I use my schedule as an excuse for not exercising, but the fact is I am lazy.

I am excited about the prospect of meeting next year, too! DH seems fine with it. He hasn't said he is opposed, so we'll take that as a yes! He likes to go to WDW in cooler weather.

I told him this morning that I want to plan a trip with my mom in 2010. That one I expected him to oppose, but he really didn't. He wasn't jumping up and down with glee, but he was OK. So we'll see how her treatment goes and maybe try to bring it up over the next few months. 2 years is a long time off, but it might give her something to look forward to. She has never been on a nice vacation.

My family and I took my mom to WDW last December. She was in the middle of her treatments when we told her we were going, and it thrilled her. She was so excited that she told everyone. All of her nurses and doctors knew of our trip and always asked how our plans were coming. It really was something special for her to look forward to and focus on.

It was a wonderful trip that will always hold precious memories. She had never really been on a nice vacation either. My mom had a wonderful time, and my children loved showing her everything. We are planning on going back this December. We are praying that my mom will be able to go back with us. We are including her in all our plans and are thinking positive. Again she is excited. I think it is a great idea for you to take your mom to WDW!!

 

[snappy]

We went through this last summer on a smaller scale. I decided it wasn't worth it to buy new stuff for a room in the fraternity house. So I took DS with me to a few garage sales. It was really kind of fun. He says we ought to do that together again. We found a futon, a coffee table and two end tables at an elderly man's estate sale. All were sturdy and in good shape. We picked up a wonderful lamp at a thrift store. He already had a desk that he could use. MIL had an old chest of drawers that rounded out the whole setup. The only thing we had to buy new was the futon mattress and cover. I suggest garage sales, estate sales, auctions, Craigslist or even Freecycle. You might find much of the stuff he's needing this way and you won't have to pay as much. I gave a friend in Maryland this advice for her DD in college who had to rent an apartment (no room in college housing) and they found some really nice stuff at a garage sale, too.

What an excellent idea!! Thank you Merry!! DS often frequents thrift stores.

We do need to buy him a real bed though. He is very tall and small beds just don't work for him.

 

[snappy]

I love these taking mom to WDW stories. It is making me cry. My mom has been with just me a few times. Gosh do we have fun.

She says no more but as long as we take things easy, I think she may change her mind.

 

[lookingforward]

I love these taking mom to WDW stories. It is making me cry. My mom has been with just me a few times. Gosh do we have fun.

She says no more but as long as we take things easy, I think she may change her mind.

I too love those mom stories. My mom did not "get" the whole disney thing but we found other trips to take that we both loved...cruises! Whatever you do, do it whenever you can. Life is to enjoy. My parents traveled and had a great time during their marriage of 50 years...and that is what gives my dad strength.

And as far as taking disney "easy"..well in my opinion thats the best kind of disney trip. Relaxation, nice meals, great conversation....quality time!

 

[Sha]

Hi Ladies!! I cant say I am not worried, but I have to wait to see if there is something that I need worry about. Mom is going to have a PET scan on Monday. She has some pain to her side that the oncologist wanted to get checked. Mom said it was bothering her before we went to Germany, but she didnt want anything to ruin the trip. I have to have faith that He will lead us through this

 

[MerryPoppins]

So I heard from a dear friend today. She went for her checkup the other day and they found little cysts in her breast. The doctor was concerned because they were grouped together and she recommended a mammotome core biopsy. She's scheduled to have one Friday, so please keep her in your prayers.

Help me out here. What does mammotome mean? I explained to her what a core biopsy was, since I had one. But does mammotome mean guided by mammography? I don't think I've seen that term before.

 

[MerryPoppins]

Okay, I found this:

A mammotome is a device that uses a computer-guided probe to perform breast biopsies. A Mammotome biopsy can be done on an outpatient basis with a local anesthetic, removes only a small amount of healthy tissue, and doesn’t require sutures (stitches) because the incision is very small.

So is this what I had when I had my needle core biopsy?

 

[Pea-n-Me]

We've invited my mother to come on every one of our trips and she doesn't want to go. She has very bad arthritis and can't walk very far. She downright refuses to use a wheelchair or ECV. I would really love to show her around as she has never been to WDW before, and she's been good enough to sit through all our videos, albums, etc. She has been to DL before with my sister when her kids were small and they lived in CA, so she thinks she's "already seen it". Oh well, nothing more I can do short of dragging her there.

Maureen, btw you're pictures are beautiful. I have thought about what I would do should I have a breast recurrence and I believe I will have a double mastectomy at that point. The only thing I've read is that it does not necessarily eliminate testing such as mammography and such, and does not completely eliminate the chance of recurrence, either. But as you mentioned, it does cut down on the testing and recurrence risk, and will have a better cosmetic effect. I have no real attachment to my breasts like snappy does, LOL. Sure, I'll be sad to have to go through such an extensive surgery, but in my mind I think it would be the right thing for me. Not sure if that helps, but FWIW.

Home from trip. Good thoughts and prayers for those who need them.

 

[Iluvthemouse]

Okay, I found this:

A mammotome is a device that uses a computer-guided probe to perform breast biopsies. A Mammotome biopsy can be done on an outpatient basis with a local anesthetic, removes only a small amount of healthy tissue, and doesn’t require sutures (stitches) because the incision is very small.

So is this what I had when I had my needle core biopsy?

That sounds exactly like what I had but the Dr never called it that. My paperwork says a Core Needle Biopsy even though she used this long thin probe and it made vaccuum noises when she did took the samples.

 

[CherylDan]

I am officially freaking out. Everything I can find out about swelling of the supraclavicular lymph nodes is not good. example: "Glands above the collarbone (supraclavicular lymph nodes) may swell from an infection or tumor in the areas of the lungs, breasts, neck, or abdomen." I don't have any symtoms of an infection. I'm also finding these nodes linked to breast cancer in much of the reading I've done. That and Hogkins/NH. I can't believe this is happening. Even though I don't KNOW for sure, I just can't shake this feeling I have. This is so much scarier than when I was first diagnosed. I was relatively calm then. I guess I'm getting ahead of myself, but I can't help but wonder...will I be in for more chemo? radiation? would that make me stage 4? God, I've got to get a grip.

 

[Iluvthemouse]

CherylDan, I totally know the feeling how you want to research but I swear, I researched myself crazy into thinking I was basically a goner.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Cheryl I understand too. I might be tempted to call my oncologist and ask for both a "likelihood" and "worst case scenario" discussion. My (old) oncologist could always "talk me down", as my fears were usually worse than any reality. And as we all know too well, reading about this stuff can be terrifying. They are doing the right thing in working it up, but going through these tests are such a nightmare when you're worried about recurrence. If it's any consolation, I may be joining you when I see my (new) oncologist next week I'm going to have to again report the hip pain I've been having for a while now and I know I'm going to be facing the testing too.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I don't know if my mom will want to go to WDW with us or not. I hope she does! Since we will be footing the bill for Mom and probably my youngest sister we really can't go before 2010. DH pointed out that Mom refuses to fly down here, but I think she would fly to WDW.

CherylDan - That's why waiting is bad. It gives us WAAAAY too much time to think about what MIGHT be wrong. I think they need to schedule these tests and the results the very same day they tell you they want more tests. I know it doesn't work that way, but that's how I want it to work!

Linda - Good thoughts for you on your appointment, too!

DS called Mom earlier to see how she is feeling. She told him she is OK. She bought a car for my sister yesterday (don't even get me started on what a HORRIBLE decision that was) and DS said my sister was shouting at Mom in the background when he was talking to her. Mom needs a new car, but for some inexplicable reason she bought the car for my sister. My sister who is 16 and has no job and no driver's license. My sister will harp and pester until she gets her way, and Mom ALWAYS lets her win. It drives me insane.

 

[CherylDan]

CherylDan, I totally know the feeling how you want to research but I swear, I researched myself crazy into thinking I was basically a goner.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Thanks. And you know what, I know better than to read all this stuff. It's exactly what I tell people they shouldn't do.

Cheryl I understand too. I might be tempted to call my oncologist and ask for both a "likelihood" and "worst case scenario" discussion. My (old) oncologist could always "talk me down", as my fears were usually worse than any reality. And as we all know too well, reading about this stuff can be terrifying. They are doing the right thing in working it up, but going through these tests are such a nightmare when you're worried about recurrence. If it's any consolation, I may be joining you when I see my (new) oncologist next week I'm going to have to again report the hip pain I've been having for a while now and I know I'm going to be facing the testing too.

I like that idea about the discussion. Hopefully by Monday I will have regained my senses enough to know that it is what it is, and worrying isn't going to help or prevent anything. I guess knowing it is a long way from accepting it. Thanks for the suggestion.

Sorry to hear about your hip pain. If it helps at all, I had that issue right after I finished radiation. Turned out to be mild arthritis, at age 45. Never thought hearing that I had arthritis would be music to my ears!

 

[CherylDan]

I don't know if my mom will want to go to WDW with us or not. I hope she does! Since we will be footing the bill for Mom and probably my youngest sister we really can't go before 2010. DH pointed out that Mom refuses to fly down here, but I think she would fly to WDW.

CherylDan - That's why waiting is bad. It gives us WAAAAY too much time to think about what MIGHT be wrong. I think they need to schedule these tests and the results the very same day they tell you they want more tests. I know it doesn't work that way, but that's how I want it to work!

Linda - Good thoughts for you on your appointment, too!

DS called Mom earlier to see how she is feeling. She told him she is OK. She bought a car for my sister yesterday (don't even get me started on what a HORRIBLE decision that was) and DS said my sister was shouting at Mom in the background when he was talking to her. Mom needs a new car, but for some inexplicable reason she bought the car for my sister. My sister who is 16 and has no job and no driver's license. My sister will harp and pester until she gets her way, and Mom ALWAYS lets her win. It drives me insane.

Thanks....I like your method of same day service!

Sorry to hear about your problems with your sister. I dunno, but it sounds like maybe she is scared about your mom and is acting out? Or has it always been this way?

 

[Pea-n-Me]

If it helps at all, I had that issue right after I finished radiation. Turned out to be mild arthritis, at age 45. Never thought hearing that I had arthritis would be music to my ears!

I hear you! I'm hoping that's all it is (same age). As I mentioned above, my mother has horrible arthritis. But two women in the group I go out with who are on the same timeline as me have had bone mets to the hip diagnosed in the last year so that doesn't help with my state of mind. I've had to take motrin just about every day. I mentioned it last time but then it was in both hips so we agreed to watch it. Now it's more in just one. Oh, this is such fun, isn't it?

Regardless, we're here with you. I know how scary it must feel. Let's hope it's not anything horrible or that can't be managed easily. You're in my prayers.

jsg, remember the Serenity Prayer and just think pleasant thoughts about your trip that you'll be on soon.

 

[snappy]

Linda, glad you are back from your trip. I am glad you posted about your hip pain. It helps to know we are not alone on this journey. That is the power of this thread.

When did you notice that the pain was more in one hip?

My female ancestors on mom's side of the family have histories of bad arthritis along with degeneration of the spine. I feel lucky that I am pushing 55 and don't have chronic pain. When I move too fast, I do feel sometimes feel sharp hip pain but it is momentary so I don't worry, just fuss at myself for not being more careful.

Cheryl, I am sorry what you have read has been so troubling. When do you see your onc? I like Linda's idea of calling and seeing if you can talk to the doc over the phone. That is a very good suggestion.

I hope you can rest well tonight. I find the night time is the worst for worrying about stuff.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Thanks....I like your method of same day service!

Sorry to hear about your problems with your sister. I dunno, but it sounds like maybe she is scared about your mom and is acting out? Or has it always been this way?

Oh, it's a big complicated story. My father was a mean alcoholic who was very controlling and never allowed my mother to make a decision for herself in nearly 40 years. She finally divorced him.
My sister learned to play them one against the other, because neither one of them ever wanted to be the "bad guy" and tell her no.
He died 2 years ago, so Mom is having to deal with my sister by herself. Mom thinks it is important to NEVER say no. My sister rules the roost. They both need counseling but for some reason Mom refuses to get any for either of them. My sister KNOWS she will get anything and everything she demands, regardless of whether they can afford it or not. She doesn't want to change her behavior because it works fine for her! I go round and round with Mom but nothing changes.