Dis Breast Cancer Survivors Part II -GAGWTA!

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Laurie - I am so glad to see you posting! Hopefully things will continue to progress towards "normal" as you get things cleaned up! I am glad you have power again!

Laura - I am glad you have appointments for DH! I hope you don't have to cancel your trip! Good luck with your appointment next week, too!

I managed to completely forget an appointment I had on Wednesday. I rescheduled for Monday.
I have been saying for years that I need to switch to a new OB/GYN. I suspect that mine engages in billing/insurance fraud. It is also quite a hike to the office because we have moved since I started going there. I finally called yesterday to make an appointment for my annual exam with a Dr. my friend goes to. Much closer to my home, and in the same hospital where I had my last mammo. (My current Dr. referred me to a radiology place that doesn't take my insurance, so I had to figure out who DOES take my insurance and schedule my own appointment. Big pain. That was 3 years ago, so it might be time to have another one.) Hopefully I will like the new Dr., and it will be nice to have all of my doctors (PCP, ortho for my back, OB/GYN) all in one facility!

 

[snappy]

JSK, I hope you like the new doc.

How is your mom doing?

My mom's biopsy has still not been rescheduled. I read this morning that the hospitals finally have power. Maybe she will get some info on it soon. It is hard to be in limbo.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Laura, I was thinking of your DH in work this morning as I took care of yet another man with the same type thing. I felt like I was talking to your DH! He was having syncopal episodes at home and would pass out as he was walking. He'd fallen/passed out and his family called 911 which is how he wound up with us (as is often the case.) In this most recent episode, he'd been sitting on the sofa, then got up and walked up the stairs. He passed out at the top (and fortunately didn't hurt himself.)

Anyway, found him this morning laying in his bed with his heart monitor laying on the table (should have been on his chest, LOL.) He informed me he didn't need it because he was going home today. I wanted to check a set of orthostatic vital signs on him and when I did it became clear why he was having his epsiodes. His BP was 174/112 laying down, then 112/84 sitting up, and 84/58 upon standing - very profound numbers, and nice to see, as it gave a reason (for him) as to why he was feeling that way. We had the whole "safety" discussion (though a few minutes later I found him bombing down the hall with his sneakers on searching for a cup of coffee. )

I'm not getting the whole psychiatry piece in your DH's case but I'm sure it's because I don't have all the details. All I'll say about that is that I don't ever recall seeing anyone who has something like this have it as a result of anxiety or even panic (well, I should not say never, but it would be rare.) Usually (from the people we see, anyway) it's the other way around. I'm glad he'll be in the hands of an arrythmia team who won't be so quick to chalk whatever he has up to anxiety. I know the meds you're talking about (was it klonipin?) Go by your gut on it. I know this is hard. Hang in there.

 

[snappy]

Linda, thanks for being such a good resource for Laura, as you always are for all of us here.

You are generous with your time and your knowledge.

I believe Laura's DH has had what they thought was panic attacks for some time, now it has worsened considerably.

Wonder if it could have been misdiagnosed initially and then carried forward to now.

Laurie

We had one of the many tree cleanup groups cut down our snapped off trees and haul the stuff to the street. Our yard looks like a dimilitarized zone.
We still have to pick up debris and rake. We opted to not pay for that.

 

[MerryPoppins]

Laurie, I know you said the storm snapped off your trees. Did you lose them or just parts of them? I think it's sad when old trees get lost that way. Good luck with the cleanup. I'm still just so thankful that you're okay.

I don't know much about arrythmia or panic attacks, but it sounds like you're on the right track. Hang in there. Hope you don't have to cancel your trip, but it wouldn't be fun if he's not feeling up to it.

 

[snappy]

Merry, three trees went down and were unsalvagable. Another one we had removed because it took a beating and did not look healthy.

We have many other limbs down, and some that are hanging. The tree guy is coming back tomorrow to take care of the hanging ones. It really is just not a safe situation.

I just got a call from DD12's school. They will be out through Wednesday, maybe longer, after being out this week. No power, unsafe surrounding streets, no way to get food in for lunch.

I need to go check in at my office.

Later.

Laurie

 

[Sha]

Laurie!!! Glad to here you are okay. Am sorry about the DH's desking being waterlogged though.

Hoping Ike will do that one turn north that one prediction is calling for that will avoid everyone, but we know that isnt too likely

 

[snappy]

Yep, at least if it comes we now have a generator and a window a/c unit.

The energy co here is telling some folks in the city that they will be up to 3 weeks from yesterday having power restored.

This is a real catastrophe for our city.

Are we having fun yet?

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

JSK, I hope you like the new doc.

How is your mom doing?

My mom's biopsy has still not been rescheduled. I read this morning that the hospitals finally have power. Maybe she will get some info on it soon. It is hard to be in limbo.

Thanks! I think I will like her.

I haven't talked with Mom since last weekend. I need to call her. She was just having blood work done this week - no other treatments.

I hope they get your mom in soon!

3 weeks without power does NOT sound like fun! Glad you guys are getting things back in order at your house!

 

[snappy]

My sister called a few minutes ago to say she is making a reservation in Shreveport and is offering to make one for us as well. I told her yes. Hopefully we won't need them and can cancel.

I am just back from going to work. It is treacherous going anywhere. Very few stoplights are operating and there are service trucks and trucks hauling stuff slowing down the traffic.

I got my computer back up at work and all the files I brought home for safety back in their homes. I even did some actual work. New world receor, I worked exactly 2 and 1/4 hours this week.

We are trying to get 50 wheelchairs delivered in Monroe (north Louisiana) to the shelters there. There is a desparate need. We have some donations left from Katrina that we are using to buy them.

My yard will never be the same. We have marked two more big tall trees that did not snap for an untimely death. They are just too close to the house and too large and we feel they may have been weakened from Gustav.

A lot of our neighbors are doing the same, targeting anything that might just topple in the future. It is a hard decision, you hate to kill a living thing like a tree, but it is either us or them.

ARrgggHH!!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Hmm. Mom isn't doing very well.

Her white cell count is super low. She is so fatigued she said she could hardly get out of bed to go to the lab. They put her back on Cipro and told her the Neulasta shot she had last Thursday "should" help.

She is going in on Tuesday for a pelvic ultrasound because there is some weird thing going on. This is an odd story, bear with me. Back in 1979 she sneezed and got a pain in her side. That spot has given her problems ever since. I kind of thought it was probably an ovarian cyst that ruptured, but I am not sure EXACTLY where the painful spot is. So her OB/GYN ordered this ultrasound because Mom claims that when her side hurts it causes her to be constipated and it also makes the arthritis in her knee worse. I know that makes no sense. At any rate, she is still having issues with constipation, yet she refuses to take daily fiber because she "doesn't need it". I guess she is fine until she isn't fine? She admitted she isn't drinking anything because everything tastes funny, even water.

She had a colonoscopy, and they did some sort of scan on her uterus but she seems to think nobody has ever looked at that spot during any of her tests. She also had an abdominal CT (she is certain the CT did NOT go that low). I just can not imagine that with all of the concern about mets to the uterus that they would have JUST looked at the uterus and not bothered to look at her ovaries. But this all comes back to her NOT advocating for herself and not really knowing and/or understanding what all is taking place.

Then there is the incision. It is still painful and she says there is a LOT of scar tissue. She isn't supposed to go back to the surgeon until the 24th. I am glad she isn't supposed to have more chemo until 9/18. I am not sure if more chemo on 9/18 is a good idea!

OK, ladies. What do you all think?

 

[snappy]

I am clueless, JSK, but I hate that the fatigue has cuaght up with her in such a big way. That does sound odd causing pelvic pain for so very many years.
Way too long for it not to be diagnosed.

Sending her and you a hug.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I am clueless, JSK, but I hate that the fatigue has cuaght up with her in such a big way. That does sound odd causing pelvic pain for so very many years.
Way too long for it not to be diagnosed.

Sending her and you a hug.

Thanks, Laurie! Hopefully she will feel better after taking it easy this weekend. I'm just worried about her. I don't know if I should try to go up there or just see how she does or what. Not that I could DO anything if I went.

 

[CherylDan]

I'm also clueless about the pelvic stuff. I had a few times when my white count got very low....they told me to basically stay away from everybody, stay out of stores, etc. No fresh fruit/veggies. It just takes time for the counts to come back up. Hopefully when she goes in on Tuesday they might be able to figure out what is going on.

Laurie, what a mess! And I agree, you do not sound like a wuss! That sucks about your trees - but better safe than sorry I guess, having them fall on the house would be awful.

Laura, more thoughts and prayers for your DH. It's so hard to not know, I hope you get some answers soon.

 

[CherylDan]

Anybody want to weigh in on my current family drama? I'll try to keep this short. DD19 is currently in her second year of college. SHe is living at home and attending a community college, her choice. I try to remember that she is an *adult* and let her make her own choices, etc. I'm a little better at it than DH is. We do have house rules, and she follows them, no problems.

Her boyfriend transferred this year to a four year school about an hour away. He now has an apartment off campus. And this is where the problem comes in. She is off tonight to visit him, and will be staying there until Sunday. I'm not thrilled about it, but again, if she went away to college like her sister did, she would have that freedom, and we would be none the wiser. Anyway, DH is most unhappy about it, and not too thrilled with me for *letting* her go.

So, what do you all think? *allow* it, or not?

 

[lookingforward]

Anybody want to weigh in on my current family drama? I'll try to keep this short. DD19 is currently in her second year of college. SHe is living at home and attending a community college, her choice. I try to remember that she is an *adult* and let her make her own choices, etc. I'm a little better at it than DH is. We do have house rules, and she follows them, no problems.

Her boyfriend transferred this year to a four year school about an hour away. He now has an apartment off campus. And this is where the problem comes in. She is off tonight to visit him, and will be staying there until Sunday. I'm not thrilled about it, but again, if she went away to college like her sister did, she would have that freedom, and we would be none the wiser. Anyway, DH is most unhappy about it, and not too thrilled with me for *letting* her go.

So, what do you all think? *allow* it, or not?

I would allow it. She is an adult and she is being honest with you about where she is going. I would let her. Back in the "day" my mom would tell my dad that I was "spending the weekend at a friends house". She just never told him "which" friend and he, mercifully, never asked! My son is 18 and at community college. It is hard to let go. I can't sleep until he is home but I don't want to be strict for the same reason you mentioned....if he were away he could be staying out all night for all I knew!

 

[lookingforward]

Hmm. Mom isn't doing very well.

Her white cell count is super low. She is so fatigued she said she could hardly get out of bed to go to the lab. They put her back on Cipro and told her the Neulasta shot she had last Thursday "should" help.

She is going in on Tuesday for a pelvic ultrasound because there is some weird thing going on. This is an odd story, bear with me. Back in 1979 she sneezed and got a pain in her side. That spot has given her problems ever since. I kind of thought it was probably an ovarian cyst that ruptured, but I am not sure EXACTLY where the painful spot is. So her OB/GYN ordered this ultrasound because Mom claims that when her side hurts it causes her to be constipated and it also makes the arthritis in her knee worse. I know that makes no sense. At any rate, she is still having issues with constipation, yet she refuses to take daily fiber because she "doesn't need it". I guess she is fine until she isn't fine? She admitted she isn't drinking anything because everything tastes funny, even water.

She had a colonoscopy, and they did some sort of scan on her uterus but she seems to think nobody has ever looked at that spot during any of her tests. She also had an abdominal CT (she is certain the CT did NOT go that low). I just can not imagine that with all of the concern about mets to the uterus that they would have JUST looked at the uterus and not bothered to look at her ovaries. But this all comes back to her NOT advocating for herself and not really knowing and/or understanding what all is taking place.

Then there is the incision. It is still painful and she says there is a LOT of scar tissue. She isn't supposed to go back to the surgeon until the 24th. I am glad she isn't supposed to have more chemo until 9/18. I am not sure if more chemo on 9/18 is a good idea!

OK, ladies. What do you all think?

I hope your mom feels better soon! My white count went down to a 1 when I was in chemo. They actually told me to wear a mask when out and about. I said I would rather stay in then wear a mask in public. When I lived in Japan you would see every 20th or so person with a mask on. Its common and considered rude there to go to work with a cold and NOT wear a mask. But nooooooooooooooo, not me. I said being bald was insult enough for me..... Anyway, the nulasta and a little time solved the problem. Hope you mom's count goes up before 9/18!

 

[lookingforward]

My sister called a few minutes ago to say she is making a reservation in Shreveport and is offering to make one for us as well. I told her yes. Hopefully we won't need them and can cancel.

I am just back from going to work. It is treacherous going anywhere. Very few stoplights are operating and there are service trucks and trucks hauling stuff slowing down the traffic.

I got my computer back up at work and all the files I brought home for safety back in their homes. I even did some actual work. New world receor, I worked exactly 2 and 1/4 hours this week.

We are trying to get 50 wheelchairs delivered in Monroe (north Louisiana) to the shelters there. There is a desparate need. We have some donations left from Katrina that we are using to buy them.

My yard will never be the same. We have marked two more big tall trees that did not snap for an untimely death. They are just too close to the house and too large and we feel they may have been weakened from Gustav.

A lot of our neighbors are doing the same, targeting anything that might just topple in the future. It is a hard decision, you hate to kill a living thing like a tree, but it is either us or them.

ARrgggHH!!

Hang in there! I remember when it seemed like forever in 05 to get the power restored. I would definately go for the weekend in Shreveport just to relax. You have been in my thoughts all week.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Thanks! I do think her counts will come back up, it just seems like she has so many things going on I don't know where to start! I'm not sure the doctors are communicating with each other, so I am never sure if one knows about test results from the others.

Cheryl - I wouldn't make a big deal about it. Obviously you guys are under no obligation to allow her to have her boyfriend spend the night in your house, but if she goes to stay with her boyfriend in his apartment there really isn't much you can do. I don't think it is worth fighting about. If you have a good relationship with her and she is doing well in school I would let the boyfriend thing go.

 

[Sha]

Anybody want to weigh in on my current family drama? I'll try to keep this short. DD19 is currently in her second year of college. SHe is living at home and attending a community college, her choice. I try to remember that she is an *adult* and let her make her own choices, etc. I'm a little better at it than DH is. We do have house rules, and she follows them, no problems.

Her boyfriend transferred this year to a four year school about an hour away. He now has an apartment off campus. And this is where the problem comes in. She is off tonight to visit him, and will be staying there until Sunday. I'm not thrilled about it, but again, if she went away to college like her sister did, she would have that freedom, and we would be none the wiser. Anyway, DH is most unhappy about it, and not too thrilled with me for *letting* her go.

So, what do you all think? *allow* it, or not?

I agree with JSK and LookingForward... just hoping she is careful with preventative measures