Dis Breast Cancer Survivors Part II -GAGWTA!

[Pea-n-Me]

GAGWTA

Have been following along but laptop crashed the other day. Had to go out and buy a new computer yesterday. Hopefully HP will repair the laptop as it's under warranty I believe, and then we'll give it to DD to use. I think we'll have to do a recovery first to get some pictures I was working on off (fortunately had put last WDW trip to disc), then send it in. (Sound familiar, Merry? LOL, you'll never guess where I bought the new one. BTW, funny story!!)

Wanted to welcome Disney lovin' senior (do you still need help with signature?)

Also wanted to ask how Maureen is doing, and jsg's Mom? Everyone else?

 

[snappy]

We need to do a crash course of something that I think will help you -relaxation and visualization. When you feel that sense of dread kicking in, stop, and change your thoughts to something else, something pleasant. Tune in to the "Movies Of Your Mind". Let's figure out what that will be. Where is your favorite place to be? What about your favorite vacation spot? I will use mine as an example. When I learned this myself, I chose the top deck of Disney Wonder.

How to do it? Find a quiet spot where you will not be interrupted. Turn off the phone. Light a candle if you like that, or put on some soft music or nature sounds, preferably appropriate to wherever you're going. Start to relax your body physically. Breathe deeply, from your abdomen, not your chest. Slowly in through nose, slowly out through mouth. Again and again. Visualize your muscles relaxing beginning at the top of your head and going down - neck, shoulders, chest, arms, belly, legs, feet. Don't rush, take your time. Do this for several minutes. Picture each muscle individually relaxing. Don't allow your mind to wander; stay focused on your muscles.

Once your muscles are relaxed, in your mind, put yourself in your favorite place. Visualize yourself doing what your favorite thing to do would be. Kick in your senses: hear the sounds; smell the aromas; feel the air; see the sights; enjoy the pleasure you have being here. Stay there for a while and take it all in. Continue to feel how relaxed your muscles are. If you're a spiritual person, thank God and your guardian angels for bringing you this joy today. You are in control here. Leave when you're ready to leave, but promise you'll be back soon for another visit.

Research has shown that doing this daily helps kick in the relaxation respose for the rest of the day, even when things get stressful. The beauty of it when you get good at it is that you can make it kick in anytime, anywhere. It becomes your Happy Place. And it is extremely effective. Try to make time today to try it out, even print it up and take it away with you so you can enjoy your trip.

Other visualizations that might help you are picturing yourself walking arm and arm with us, a strong force of survivors and friends who care, together. A favorite of the people who taught me this was to picture yourself as a big, strong tree with roots that go into the ground for "grounding". You can put yourself anywhere you want and visualize yourself being very strong. Practice and do it in place of the visceral reaction you're having to stress and worry, please. I guarantee you it will be much more pleasant.

Wabt a report back later on how it went, ok?

This is an outstanding post, Linda. I need to do some of this stuff myself.

Thanks.

BTW, I just called your cell to compliment you as well.

No need to return the call.

 

[MerryPoppins]

Great post about relaxation! It really does help, but it takes practice.

I'll be thinking of you even more today, Iluvthemouse. I think chances are good you can still go to Mexico. I wouldn't add stress about that at the moment. Try to relax as much as possible. Keep telling yourself you refuse to bleed before you're shot. All the worry in the world isn't going to change what the doctor says today. Let us know what you find out.

 

[DeeCeeSW]

GAGWTA SISTAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's a beautiful day in my neighborhood.

Just got the call from my oncologist that my bone scan came back NORMAL!!!

Now I can TRULY say I am cancer-free!!!!

It sure took the radiology group long enough to get these results back--they said 2-3 business days and it was a week. I remained positive and told myself that they must be backed up.

WHEW!!

M thoughts go out to Iluvthemouse. Please let us know what the breast doc had to say. No matter WHAT, know that there are people who love you and will support you, and we will be here to support you too.

I LOVE YOU LADIES!! AND I LOVE LIFE!!!!!

Dawn

 

[Iluvthemouse]

GAGWTA SISTAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's a beautiful day in my neighborhood.

Just got the call from my oncologist that my bone scan came back NORMAL!!!

Now I can TRULY say I am cancer-free!!!!

It sure took the radiology group long enough to get these results back--they said 2-3 business days and it was a week. I remained positive and told myself that they must be backed up.

WHEW!!

M thoughts go out to Iluvthemouse. Please let us know what the breast doc had to say. No matter WHAT, know that there are people who love you and will support you, and we will be here to support you too.

I LOVE YOU LADIES!! AND I LOVE LIFE!!!!!

Dawn

Freaking fantastic News!!!!!



(almost an hour for me for my life to forever change )

 

[DeeCeeSW]

Iluvthemouse--

You are going to make it through NO MATTER WHAT. Please try to stay positive. Thinking good thoughts for you.

Dawn

 

[laurabelle]

I know I don't post on here very often , but I am at such a loss right now I don't know what to do. My story for anyone not familiar,I was dx'd in Sept.2007, Finished chemo. Feb.28,2008, finished radiation May 12,2008. I am currently on herceptin every 3 weeks until November 2008 and I have started tamoxifen. I am married with 2 daughters 12 and 9.
Last week my Husband tells me he is not happy and wants a seperation. He says he loves my but loves my like a sister. I just can't understand this, he has been so suppourtive through the whole cancer thing. He says there is no one else ,and call me crazy ,but I do believe him. He is telling me now he wants a seperation because he wants to find someone else. He wants to find passion. I think I am handeling this harder than the cancer, I can't stop crying. the Girls know nothing yet. their dance show is this weekend. I have finally convinced him we need to at least seek some marriage counceling before he can make a descion like this. Has anyone have any experience with marriage counceling ? I know it may sound silly but can they help bring back the passion in a marriage? We have been married for 14 years and together for 19 total. I don't want to give up on us. This has been such a shock I did not see it coming at all.

I am so sorry you are going through this. I'm glad you are able to face this together with counseling, I think that is a very positive sign. Intimacy is something that tends to fall by the wayside first in a cancer diagnosis. It's the glue of marriage though, believe me, I say this to remind myself as well! You can never change anyone but yourself though...and hopefully the change in you will bring back and even go beyond the passion you felt for each other in the past. This may help: http://www.breastcancer.org/tips/intimacy/

My beautiful mother had a stroke last night and is not going to survive. Hospice is going to take her breathing tube out tomorrow at 2 p.m.. She would not have wanted to live in a vegatative state. She went with me to every chemo and was my best friend. I am doubled over in pain...I don't know if I will make it. I can't concieve of life without her. She is not in pain, she is not aware. I brought her dinner last night at the hospital and we had a great visit. One hour after I left she had a devastating stroke and they tried to remove it in surgery but it was too large. She was a nurse, my father's wife of 50 years, the best mother I could hope for and a wonderful grandmother to five. She was my role model and my confidante. I am dying inside. Hug your loved ones extra tight and pray that she is at peace with God.

Maureen I am so sorry to read this. I am praying for comfort and peace for you and your family as you grieve...

Ann- Congrats to your dd! I'm so glad you had fun with Avery! I saw a Make a Wish family while I was there and thought of you all. I jsut looked at my pics! I'll post more soon! The RFTC was held at the WWS last year and the only transportation is a bus through DHS, so we rented a car.

Good morning all.
So today is my appt with the breast surgeon. I woke up at 4am, gagging, sick, diarrhea--the works. Strange where the food is coming from since I can barely eat. I am a mess. I am crying at the drop of a hat. I am just so scared and really cant cope.

Update--I did tell DH yesterday morning. DH, DD and I left on Thursday and went for a weekend trip to New York. We came home late Saturday night. Sunday morning I just couldnt take it anymore and I had to tell him. He, of course, was very supportive and took me to the mall to get a pedicure.

So as of right now all I know is I have a "suspicious solid mass" in my right breast. My gut is telling me it is BC.

We are supposed to be leaving tomorrow 7am for Mexico but I havent even packed yet. My appt with the surgeon is at 4:30 today so I dont even know if she will let me go or not.
I know I am whining alot. I never thought when I turned 40 just 4 months ago, I would be facing this.

Thank you for listening.

You are in my thoughts and prayers. I know how awful you are feeling right now. I know it's hard not to let your mind play around in all those dark and terrible places. My gyn found my tumor just after my 36th birthday, and it was breast cancer. That was almost 10 yrs ago. I keep planning to be here...in fact I just told my oldest dd (14) that I was her age when we had the bicentennial and we were figuring out how old we will be for the tri(?)centennial. I told her 114 yrs old might be pushing it, but I could still be here. BTW- I went to Disney World after meeting with my surgeon and got home the night before my surgical biopsy and had a great time. I hope you are able to get to that place in yourself that doesn't let this get in the way of living your life.

GAGWTA SISTAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's a beautiful day in my neighborhood.

Just got the call from my oncologist that my bone scan came back NORMAL!!!

Now I can TRULY say I am cancer-free!!!!

I LOVE YOU LADIES!! AND I LOVE LIFE!!!!!

Dawn

YAY!!! Life is great!!!


Melissa- I would contact your surgeon's office about disposing of Betty...

I know there's lots more I missed...GAGWTA!

 

[Sha]

Great post about relaxation! It really does help, but it takes practice.

I'll be thinking of you even more today, Iluvthemouse. I think chances are good you can still go to Mexico. I wouldn't add stress about that at the moment. Try to relax as much as possible. Keep telling yourself you refuse to bleed before you're shot. All the worry in the world isn't going to change what the doctor says today. Let us know what you find out.

I really like that line "refuse to bleed before you're shot" (and the next part too).

Pea-n-Me: wish I had read that relaxation thing this morning! LOL went to my review class (day 1 of 4) for NCLEX and was feeling anxious. All is good now though, and I think it will be a great source of info for the boards. And since I cant help get Germany out of mind I guess that is the movie of my mind right now Loved it!

 

[MerryPoppins]

It's a beautiful day in my neighborhood.

Just got the call from my oncologist that my bone scan came back NORMAL!!!

Now I can TRULY say I am cancer-free!!!!

Dawn, that's wonderful news!

I was stopping by to see if there was any news about today's doctor's visit. Not yet, I see. I'll pray some more and come back later tonight. Hope we hear something soon.

 

[Sha]

Dawn, that's wonderful news!

I was stopping by to see if there was any news about today's doctor's visit. Not yet, I see. I'll pray some more and come back later tonight. Hope we hear something soon.

hopefully she is packing for her trip... but i am keeping a watch too

 

[Iluvthemouse]

Thank you each and everyone for your thoughts and wishes and prayers


I saw the doc who was fantastic, BTW. She did a very thorough exam (I think she should have bought me dinner.LOL) Anyways she said it is very small, round and smooth--unlikely characteristic of BC. She is still doing an ultrasound guided biopsy but feels it isnt BC. She couldnt tell me 100% but is fairly confident.
She told me to get going packing so now we are trying to cram 5 days worth of chores into one evening. We leave for the airport at 3am for a 7am flight. Yikes.

I can breathe and eat now.

 

[Sha]

Thank you each and everyone for your thoughts and wishes and prayers


I saw the doc who was fantastic, BTW. She did a very thorough exam (I think she should have bought me dinner.LOL) Anyways she said it is very small, round and smooth--unlikely characteristic of BC. She is still doing an ultrasound guided biopsy but feels it isnt BC. She couldnt tell me 100% but is fairly confident.
She told me to get going packing so now we are trying to cram 5 days worth of chores into one evening. We leave for the airport at 3am for a 7am flight. Yikes.

I can breathe and eat now.

HUGS!!!!!!!!!! that is great! will still keep you in prayers. When will you do the test?

 

[Iluvthemouse]

I am going in July 10.

 

[MerryPoppins]

Enjoy your trip and try not to worry. Even if the doctor finds it is cancer, then we'll deal with that news then. No use letting it spoil your trip...especially when she thinks it's nothing to worry about.

 

[DeeCeeSW]

Thank you each and everyone for your thoughts and wishes and prayers


I saw the doc who was fantastic, BTW. She did a very thorough exam (I think she should have bought me dinner.LOL) Anyways she said it is very small, round and smooth--unlikely characteristic of BC. She is still doing an ultrasound guided biopsy but feels it isnt BC. She couldnt tell me 100% but is fairly confident.
She told me to get going packing so now we are trying to cram 5 days worth of chores into one evening. We leave for the airport at 3am for a 7am flight. Yikes.

I can breathe and eat now.

Have a great trip. Relax and try not to think about the biopsy too much. Waiting is the hardest part, but you will have lots to distract you. I'm kinda jealous. Next to WDW, Mexico is my favorite place to vacation.

Again, no matter what the outcome, you will have support. I'm glad your doc is leaning towards it not being BC.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Just popping in quick to let you all know my mom is back in the hospital.
Not really related to the BC. She has a fever and fluid in her uterus (her GYN wasn't too surprised since some of the polyps were stuck tight). She had to have a CT to rule out bowel obstruction, then they were going to just send her home. I told them that was unacceptable, so her surgeon admitted her.

I was supposed to go home, but I cancelled my flight and we'll see what happens after she has some IV antibiotics. I can't leave if she is still having complications because she won't advocate for herself.

 

[Belle68]

I just wanted to say Hi from the UK. We havent got a thread like this on the UK boards and after reading this one I felt I must share my story.

About a week before we were due to fly to WDW I found a lump. I couldnt believe it we had saved so hard for our trip and I was determined to go,....so I went. The day after we got home I went to see my doctor and he sent me to the breast care unit at our nearest hospital. They did a biopsey and exactly two weeks after getting back from disney on 28th September 2007 I was told I had breast cancer. I have had 8 courses of chemotherapy, and then a mastectomy on 23rd April. Yesterday I went for my radiotherapy planning session and that will start in a couple of weeks, I have to have 20 sessions. So Im almost on the home streight and my oncologist has said I can go back to WDW in september!

I cant believe I have found so many of you who have been through the same thing and I would like to wish you all lots of love and future happiness, togeather we can survive
BREAST CANCER.

I must also tell you last year I also had an aunty and two cousins diagnosed and I am pleased to say they are all doing well, but my inspiration is my other aunty. She had a mastectomy at the age of 37 and she will be 71 this year.

 

[laurabelle]

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

Iluvthemouse- That's very encouraging! I'll add that the report from my mammogram and ultrasound that I had prior to my biopsy said "Highly Suspicious for Malignancy" so if she is telling you the tests look uncharacteristic for bc that's awesome! I hope this helps you to have a fabulous trip and look forward to hearing the good news from your biopsy!

Belle68 We would love to have you here too! We have survivors and supporters here, not all from the USA. YAY! I'm encouraged by your aunty too!!! I have a friend who runs a website about hereditary cancer that you may be interested in www.facingourrisk.org

jackskellingtonsgirl- I'm so glad you are there with your mom...I think you're an awesome daughter! Praying she is better soon...

Still no Humira for me. Apparently only two supervisors from my ins. co. can enter the code that approves it and it still has not been done. I called in my refill on 6/13. If it is not ready this morning I am calling them both and letting them have it. Every day that ticks by and I am more off schedule I become a little more symptomatic. This is unethical and I have officially run out of patience.

 

[laurabelle]

The girls and I arrived at 4:30 on 6/10 and had rented a compact car (saving $@ gas!) from National only to find a candy apple red PT Cruiser in the compact aisle! Off we drove without a hitch until the storm hit! It was horrendous. I almost pulled over but I could still see the lines and all the other drivers were being super careful so we pressed on and made it to Pop. Check in was a breeze, no lines and our room was ready. I made no requests and we were placed on the first floor in the 70's building. My oldest was thrilled, she plays guitar and loves old 70's rock. We had planned to go to Epcot for dinner but with the rain decided to hang out at Pop. We were on the DDP for these first 3 days but we also have the DDE card and I used both in the food court. My oldest dd and I shared the Parmesean chicken with pasta and alfredo and it was delish. Youngest got chicken nuggets and they had to have tie dye cheese cake. I bought a bottle of wine to take back to the room and wanted to note that many CA wines now have a rubber cork and are impossible (for me) to open with the cheapo wine opener they offer in the food court. I had to rely on the kindness of a stranger to help a damsel in distress! So pack a real cork screw! Mine was in my checked bags...After moseying around the shop I took my wine and the kids back to the room. I had checked our bags through with the DME tags, including hubby's luggage for when he joined us, and by now we had been there more than 3 hrs and no bags. I called and they told me to wait some more. The kids were exhausted, they had school that morning and my oldest took her last 2 finals. I told them just to sleep in their clothes. Finally at 10:30 when I called again they put me through to the luggage people who told me the storm caused MCO to close for a few hours and that's why there was a delay. Within 30 min. they delivered the bags. I did manage to find my toothbrush and jammies! Good night Mickey, wake me up in the morning!

 

[Sha]

I was supposed to go home, but I cancelled my flight and we'll see what happens after she has some IV antibiotics. I can't leave if she is still having complications because she won't advocate for herself.

I agree about staying and advocating for her... prayers for you and mom!

I just wanted to say Hi from the UK. We havent got a thread like this on the UK boards and after reading this one I felt I must share my story.

About a week before we were due to fly to WDW I found a lump. I couldnt believe it we had saved so hard for our trip and I was determined to go,....so I went. The day after we got home I went to see my doctor and he sent me to the breast care unit at our nearest hospital. They did a biopsey and exactly two weeks after getting back from disney on 28th September 2007 I was told I had breast cancer. I have had 8 courses of chemotherapy, and then a mastectomy on 23rd April. Yesterday I went for my radiotherapy planning session and that will start in a couple of weeks, I have to have 20 sessions. So Im almost on the home streight and my oncologist has said I can go back to WDW in september!

I cant believe I have found so many of you who have been through the same thing and I would like to wish you all lots of love and future happiness, togeather we can survive
BREAST CANCER.

I must also tell you last year I also had an aunty and two cousins diagnosed and I am pleased to say they are all doing well, but my inspiration is my other aunty. She had a mastectomy at the age of 37 and she will be 71 this year.

Welcome Belle68! That sounds like good news in regards to being on schedule. When are you going in Sept? That is a good goal to look forward to. Hugs! These women are a great bunch and inspiration!!!

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

Still no Humira for me. Apparently only two supervisors from my ins. co. can enter the code that approves it and it still has not been done. I called in my refill on 6/13. If it is not ready this morning I am calling them both and letting them have it. Every day that ticks by and I am more off schedule I become a little more symptomatic. This is unethical and I have officially run out of patience.

Just thinking (scaring as I just woke up so that may be why the random thought) the Humira isnt something that your MD would have??? also, is there any assistance via the company that makes it??? Keep on the insurance. This is one of the things that needs to be changed so badly, but when in Germany I was talking with a MDs wife and she said its there too.