Dis Breast Cancer Survivors Part II -GAGWTA!

[snappy]

Maureen, what a wonderful L.A. trip for you and a great opportunity for your son. You will have to let us know all about it when you return.

My DD turned 18 yesterday. I am having growing pains. Good thing we have DD12. DD12 did learn yesterday that she made the premier soccer team for next year. No more rec soccer for her I guess. With one at home, the travel should be easier, I will need something to distract me so I don't worry my self silly about the older two.

When you hold that sweet little infant, you can't even imagine how hard it is to let go.

 

[Denine]

Hello everyone. I hope I am not intruding.

I have to go for a biopsy on Thursday. This past Thursday, I had my repeat mammo for something they found. They still couldn't figure out what it was so they did an ultrasound. They couldn't find the area from the mammo on the US, but found something else. The something else is what I am having biopsied. The original area they want to see agin in 6 months.

I am praying that it is not cancer. I just turned 40 and there is no family history of breast cancer.

I have a friend that just went through this. Luckily, her biopsy came back negative. I am hoping for the same things.

I hope all of you are well and continue to do well.

 

[snappy]

Denise, you are welcome here always. I am glad you found our thread.

Keep in mind that statistics show that 80 % of breast biopsies come back with benign results. Even if you fall within the 20% category, breast cancer treatment has come a long way.

What type of biopsy are you scheduled for, Denise. Also, I am wondering due to your age if this is your first mammogram?

A biopsy is not a picnic (actually the waiting for the path results is by far the worst part) but it is better for the docs to err on the side of caution by doing the biopsy if there is any question whatsoever. Come back in six/twelve months is not very reassuring.

I would recommend that you request a copy of your mammogram reports from now on as well as the path report when you receive it. Start a file with your documents.

Do you have someone going with you for the biopsy? It always helps to have that live moral support, but regardless, we will be your online support before and after your biopsy Thursday.

I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Laurie

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Thanks! Your mom is in my thoughts often! I will be praying for her when she has her surgery!

Thank you!

Denine, welcome! I hope that your biopsy is benign! You will find these ladies are incredibly supportive and knowledgeable, so you have come to the right place! My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in March, and her surgery is coming up on the 17th. I have been popping in here since her biopsy came back positive and it has been wonderful.

Laurie, congrats to your DD! You will definitely be busy!

 

[Denine]

Thank you.

I had a baseline mammo in 2003, so what they found on the mammo is new. I had breast reduction surgery 8 years ago, so there is a chance that the area they want to follow in 6 months is scar tissue.

What I am really concerned about is the dark circular area the radiologist found on the US. This did NOT show up on the mammo. This is what they are going to biopsy.

DH is going with me for the biopsy. I have a friend that just went through this and she has been helpful. I am just nervously waiting.

I know there is an 80% chance this is not cancer, but I always seem to be in the minority group.

I may ask them to biopsy the original area since I will be there anyway. I really don't want to go back 6 months from now for another biopsy if it changes on the mammo.

 

[snappy]

Thank you.

I had a baseline mammo in 2003, so what they found on the mammo is new. I had breast reduction surgery 8 years ago, so there is a chance that the area they want to follow in 6 months is scar tissue.

What I am really concerned about is the dark circular area the radiologist found on the US. This did NOT show up on the mammo. This is what they are going to biopsy.

DH is going with me for the biopsy. I have a friend that just went through this and she has been helpful. I am just nervously waiting.

I know there is an 80% chance this is not cancer, but I always seem to be in the minority group.

I may ask them to biopsy the original area since I will be there anyway. I really don't want to go back 6 months from now for another biopsy if it changes on the mammo.

By all means ask for a biopsy of the other area. You really don't want to be second guessing yourself for six months. Putting your mind at ease. . priceless.

Waiting for the test is just about as hard as waiting for the results. Do whatever you can to keep mind and spirit occupied. Are you having a surgical biopsy or a stereotactic needle biopsy?

I had a reduction when I had my tram reconstruction in 2006. Having the reduction was the best part about the whole cancer thing. I felt like I got a bonus (along with the virtual tummy tuck involved in the tram flap).

 

[lookingforward]

Thank you.

I had a baseline mammo in 2003, so what they found on the mammo is new. I had breast reduction surgery 8 years ago, so there is a chance that the area they want to follow in 6 months is scar tissue.

What I am really concerned about is the dark circular area the radiologist found on the US. This did NOT show up on the mammo. This is what they are going to biopsy.

DH is going with me for the biopsy. I have a friend that just went through this and she has been helpful. I am just nervously waiting.

I know there is an 80% chance this is not cancer, but I always seem to be in the minority group.

I may ask them to biopsy the original area since I will be there anyway. I really don't want to go back 6 months from now for another biopsy if it changes on the mammo.

Denine, I am NOT trying to alarm you...but please insist on a biopsy or a breast MRI. I also had a reduction and they attributed my unusual mammos and ultrasounds to scar tissue. Turns out it was not...it was cancer. Still early stage...but barely (2b). I am not saying this to scare you...but make sure you get a definitive answer. Scar tissue is hard to read on mammos. My MRI showed my two tumor PERFECTLY...not so with the other tests. I am sure you are fine but with the previous breast surgery you need to be careful.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Denine, we'll be happy to wait with you. Glad you found us.

 

[lookingforward]

Ever so slowly....my hair is beginning to grow back!

 

[BeadyLady]

I Hope you get curls for a while, if you didn't have them before. Mine came back - slowly - but for a while I had wavy hair. Soooo cool! then it remembered it was supposed to be straight.

but then by summer:

GAWTWA! I am floating by every now and again, the stinking pain from the cording still is an issue, so I tend to stop using the right arm by end of work day.

Stay Strong Ladies!
Cathy B.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Ever so slowly....my hair is beginning to grow back!

Yay!

When I spoke to Mom yesterday she mentioned that she is scheduled to have 4 teeth extracted tomorrow. Her surgery is a week from Tuesday. Do any of you ladies know anything about having dental procedures so close to a breast surgery? I told her she needed to make absolutely sure this won't delay her surgery. I know she is worried about the teeth getting infected if she leaves them, but I am worried that if infection sets in after the extractions she'll end up having her breast surgery cancelled! If she is on antibiotics will that be a problem when she goes for pre-op? Anyone have any experience with this sort of thing?

 

[lookingforward]

Yay!

When I spoke to Mom yesterday she mentioned that she is scheduled to have 4 teeth extracted tomorrow. Her surgery is a week from Tuesday. Do any of you ladies know anything about having dental procedures so close to a breast surgery? I told her she needed to make absolutely sure this won't delay her surgery. I know she is worried about the teeth getting infected if she leaves them, but I am worried that if infection sets in after the extractions she'll end up having her breast surgery cancelled! If she is on antibiotics will that be a problem when she goes for pre-op? Anyone have any experience with this sort of thing?

I was told that you can't have dental work DURING treatment, so maybe getting it before she has any treatment is a good thing. She should check with her surgeon. Better safe than delayed!

Cathy B...your hair is beautiful. I had ringlet curls when I was little, than it turned straight later on. I would welcome some curls.

I decided on my December trip....I will be taking the Dec. 4th disney cruise (three nights)..with my two youngest and myself (hubby can't take the time) and then he and my oldest will meet us when the cruise is over at WDW for two or three nights. YEA! I can't wait to celebrate one year post cancer! Hopefully I will be healthy and with HAIR!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I was told that you can't have dental work DURING treatment, so maybe getting it before she has any treatment is a good thing. She should check with her surgeon. Better safe than delayed!

Cathy B...your hair is beautiful. I had ringlet curls when I was little, than it turned straight later on. I would welcome some curls.

I decided on my December trip....I will be taking the Dec. 4th disney cruise (three nights)..with my two youngest and myself (hubby can't take the time) and then he and my oldest will meet us when the cruise is over at WDW for two or three nights. YEA! I can't wait to celebrate one year post cancer! Hopefully I will be healthy and with HAIR!

I had a feeling she wouldn't be able to have any extractions during chemo (if she needs that) because the risk of infection would be so high. I mentioned that to her when I was there over Memorial Day. Now I think she is worried that if she leaves those teeth that they may get infected at some point after her surgery and the complications would be worse. Her surgeon's office told her it would be good to have the teeth extracted, but I don't think they realized she was only going to have a week between the extractions and the breast surgery.

From reading on breastcancer.org I think it is POSSIBLE that she might just have radiation after her surgery and then continue on with the Arimidex. Depends on those darn nodes.

Congrats on the cruise! That sounds like fun! And what a wonderful reason to celebrate!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

It's not only an infection, but a healing issue. Chemo delays healing, which is why any type of surgery is out during chemo - it won't heal right. I agree, she should check with the surgeon, and even the oncologist for their thoughts before she does anything on the teeth.

Congrats, Maureen. Getting your hair back is one of the best parts of ending treatment! Trip sounds great!

Beady Lady - beautiful! I loved my curls, they lasted about two years. I now have more of a wave than I ever did, which I also like. Color stayed the same - brown, with very few grays!

 

[laurabelle]

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


We got the sad news that Wendy passed away on Thursday. Her funeral will be on Sat. I won't be home, but thankfully hubby will be able to go with some of the other guys. Cancer is horrible...



We had a great visit with hubby's friend. He's quite a character, full of stories...really cool guy!

I am so excited for our trip! It's scorching hot here and the kids go to school for 1/2 days today and tomorrow, then we leave!

See ya real soon!!!!!

 

[Denine]

Thank you again everyone.

I will ask them about doing the other biopsy too on Thursday. I am having an ultrasound guided core biopsy. However, if they do the other bipsy as well, it may be sterotactic.

We were in church yesterday and a couple was renewing their vows after 50 years. After the renewal, the lady had said that the priest was her brother and he had given her away since her dad died when she was 5 years old. I just started crying. I have a 5 year old daughter. I don't want to leave her. I can't stop thinking about what may be lurking in my breast. We ended up leaving early. I have been trying to be positive for DH so he doesn't worry and I am trying not to worry my DD, but I had to tell him how scared I was. I just don't have a good feeling about this. He was great and then tried to cheer me up. We have been married almost 17 years and he is the best.

Thank you all for letting me vent and be afraid. You understand what I am going through.

 

[snappy]

I am sorry to hear of Wendy's passing, Laura.

Have a great trip!!!

Denine, you will find things get to you as they yesterday at church. Comments, music, feelings, hit close to home. It is wonderful that you were able to tell your hubbie how you truly feel. Opening up like that is freeing although we tend to try and be strong no matter what we fear is on the horizon.

Let us know how you are doing in advance of Thursday.

Laurie

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Laura, I'm so sorry about Wendy. It's going to be 96 here today, too, with an unhealthy/dangerous heat index, tomorrow even worse. Kids have Outdoor Fun Day today at school, I'm a little worried. Anyway, have a great trip!

Denine, my twins were 5, almost six 6 old when I was diagnosed. I understand exactly what you mean. I could hardly look at them without getting teary for a very, very long time. Innocent things that people say suddenly take on a different meaning. I remember sitting in a meeting at work discussing a long term project and my manager saying how it would affect "those of us still here in 4 years". I could barely contain my tears. Of course, she meant those who were still working there in 4 years; I was thinking those of us still alive in 4 years, ie maybe not me. (Ironically, she just finished treatment herself). Meanwhile, my two sweet little rugrats have blossomed into beautiful young tweens. I've been here for them, and appreciated every second of it in a way I might not have otherwise. They will be 11yo in the fall. At the risk of sounding sappy, I thank God every day for allowing me to be here for them.

Going through this changes your perspective on a lot of things. Hence why some people call it a gift - it helps you see what's really important in life.

With all that said, let's still keep on thinking positive for you, that maybe all will be benign. Just know that if it is cancer, chances are extremely good that you are not going to die. Treatment has come a long way, and people today are living with cancer more than dying from it. All of us here can attest to that. We've all been in your shoes and know how you're feeling right now. We're here 24/7, just a few keystrokes away, so please stay in touch. We care.

BTW, where's Ann? We're missing a good "Don't bleed before you're shot" here, aren't we?

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Dawn, thinking about you and wondering how you're doing?

And Maureen, same with you, how are you doing?

 

[Denine]

You are all wonderful! Thank you so much!

DH keeps saying everything will be fine and I just need to think positive.

I am so grateful for the internet for things like this!

I'll keep you posted.