Dis Breast Cancer Survivors Part II -GAGWTA!

[Pea-n-Me]

Thank you everyone. I'm fully awake now and so relieved.

I am convinced all the good news here concerning the recent tests benefits us all. I don't know about you guys, but when someone amongst us here gets good news I physically feel better myself.

ITA. When Cheryl posted her good results, I was so relieved for her, and it also helped me worry a little less, too. I think it kind of rubs off on everyone, or should I say, it gives all of us going through testing at one time or another something to "hold onto" and think positively about. (Easy to say, but so hard when you're living it. )

There was a thread here the other day re what are your favorite smells. I asked my DD10 that question and the first thing she said was "I love the smell of Disney in the morning". It gave me pause for thought. Then DS chimed in, too, with his favorite Disney smells (inside Splash Mountain). Next we're all thinking about it. Then I realized, there's nothing like good test results to motivate one to go to Disney. I don't know if it'll happen, but I'm itching for a trip now, LOL.

Laura

 

[Pea-n-Me]

No, my Dr. found it at my physical. I admit to only doing a self-exam once or twice a year....what can I say? I was lax. I know the odds are in my favor, but as I'm sure you know, waiting and not knowing, all kinds of stuff goes through your mind.

Don't beat yourself up about it. Even us Survivors aren't always that great about remembering, either. Yes, we're experts in the Waiting Dept. If you look back on the last few pages, there are a couple of us who are a few years out and still worrying while waiting for tests. It never goes away. So what's the next step for you? Are you being evaluated in a good center? (I see you're in MA - you don't have to say exactly where.) Are you North, South, or Central?

 

[pat fan]

So what's the next step for you? Are you being evaluated in a good center? (I see you're in MA - you don't have to say exactly where.) Are you North, South, or Central?

I'm in Eastern Ma. Not too much out here by way of good medical centers. My friend was just diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and had to go to Boston for his surgery. His chemo will be a bit of a drive but at least not to Boston every week.

As for me, I'm just waiting for my mammogram to come back. Hopefully that will be the end of it, but if not, guess I'll deal with it when I find out. I don't know what happens if they want to look at something beyond the mammogram. Is it a biopsy? Or can they tell just from the mammo? I don't know and I don't want to look too far ahead and freak myself out more than I am already. It's just nice to have someone to talk to. Thanks.

 

[laurabelle]

pat fan- All are welcome here! I agree with Linda (Pea n Me) when they are doing a mamm. on a palpable lump, it's diagnostic, and handled differently than the annual screening mamm. My dr. found my lump and I was not too good about doing self exams either. I had just finished breast feeding my youngest dd not long before and had lumps from plugged ducts and had fibrous cysts, but nothing like this. Cancerous tumors can be painful, or not. Anyway, I went for a mamm. and they took several views, called me back for more views then had me do an ultra sound and the radiologist came in and told me that it didn't look good and I needed to see a surgeon ASAP. Now, obviously not all centers will handle things the same way, but I think it's good that they are speeding it up and hopefully you'll get the good news soon! But if not, we're here! I would wait to cross that bridge if it comes...or as Ann's DH puts it "Don't bleed before your shot." In the meantime, do your best to distract yourself from thinking about it (and touching it!) constantly.

Linda- We talk about Disney smells here too! Everytime we eat at Macaroni Grill we say it's "Rome Burning" from Spaceship Earth...or the smell of humid FL air when you walk out of the airport, ect. My youngest dd and I even pretended we were in the Super Walmart in FL when we visited our new one here for the first time.

yes, happy news makes me want to celebrate at WDW too! How's about a late Sept/early Oct trip???
And I just noticed something I have to ask you...how did you get a pic of your camera???

 

[pat fan]

"Don't bleed before your shot."

Thanks, I needed that!

I think I'll go find something to do for a couple hours until my Pats are on. That should give me something else to think about and hopefully they'll let me know tomorrow what's up. Have a great night ladies and thanks again for the chin-up messages!

 

[snappy]

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

Just popping in real quick...the kids are having friends over within the hour to swim. We are leaving tomorrow for my birthday weekend trip to our friend's place at the lake, so we've been cleaning.

Linda- I'm so happy to read your good news!!!

Laurie- The first day of school comes early there! I'm not ready for summer to be over. Ok, I'm back to toying with the idea of spending an extra couple of days at WDW since the condo is paid through 10/3. I am trying to set up a visit with my friend who lives in Daytona Beach. I'll let you know if I do this and hopefully we can meet up at some point...

Happy birthday, Laura!!!

The lake sounds like a perfect place to spend your birthday!!!

I ma thrilled to hear you may stay longer. I hated to think we were arriving on your departure day. Keep me posted!!

 

[snappy]

Thank you everyone. I'm fully awake now and so relieved.


ITA. When Cheryl posted her good results, I was so relieved for her, and it also helped me worry a little less, too. I think it kind of rubs off on everyone, or should I say, it gives all of us going through testing at one time or another something to "hold onto" and think positively about. (Easy to say, but so hard when you're living it. )

There was a thread here the other day re what are your favorite smells. I asked my DD10 that question and the first thing she said was "I love the smell of Disney in the morning". It gave me pause for thought. Then DS chimed in, too, with his favorite Disney smells (inside Splash Mountain). Next we're all thinking about it. Then I realized, there's nothing like good test results to motivate one to go to Disney. I don't know if it'll happen, but I'm itching for a trip now, LOL.

Laura

Uh, how 'bout early October???

 

[NHAnn]

pat fan--- welcome! though we always say we are sorry for new folks to have to join us here, we do not want anyone to feel they are crashing a private group. Linda (Pea-n-Me) and Laura (laurabelle) started the original thread more than 3 years ago. People come and go...through scares and through treatment; some for themselves and some to get info/support on family members; some linger, some don't; ...it's all good.
And yes it was my DH who ingrained the mantra in me 3+ years ago---"Don't bleed before you're shot!" The waiting for test results and appointments is just awful!! Worse than the reality of the diagnosis sometimes!! But, you know....it is what it is, worrying is not going to change the eventual outcome. Easier said than done though, to put it out of your mind until you know what you are dealing with. In any event, we are here for you!! So, with that said, "ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL???" I have a shirt from ESPN club I picked up in June that says that on the front with the Pat's logo above the lettering!!

Linda......I'm doing the happy dance here for you!!

We are so sick and tired of thunderstorms here....it feels like a Florida summer....but not quite as warm ....and no Disney
Sunday night's storm was right over our house and a lightening strike fried my bedstand's clock radio/CD player and my Mickey Mouse telephone
What's WORSE, it cooked the control panel and transformer on our furnace. No, we do not need heat right now but hot water is a nice little amenity I have grwon accustomed to 24 hours and $500 later we're back in business.

DD's broken elbow is healing, she is very much enjoying her summer at the camp and continues to teach swim lessons with the broken elbow. The summer has focused her desire to move into the speech/language/SPED field, particularly with the Asperger's Syndrome kids she has worked with this summer.

Linda....how is your son feeling about the Red Sox trading Manny? Though everyone concedes it was time as his actions were not in any way team oriented, I am sad about about it, I always had a soft spot for the goofy Manny (not the prima donna Manny). The new guy is certainly a positive addition!!

Maureen---Beverly Hills Hotel...sounds dreamy!!! welcome home!


I read regularly here, struggle to keep up with posting....please know that I think of you ALL, "oldtimers" and newbies alike, all the time.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

GAGWTA!

Sorry I haven't been keeping up over here! Between the memory cards from 4 cameras, the trip report, and trying to check e-mail once in awhile I am not managing to keep up with much else.

I hope you are all well!

Linda - YAY for good results! I am sorry your hip is painful, but the fact that it's not cancer is great!

I just talked to Mom. Her breast is infected. She noticed it was red and sore near the incision, and the redness was spreading. She went to the surgeon today but her surgeon wasn't there so she saw the physician's asst. He consulted with another surgeon in the group and they put her on Bactrim in case it is MRSA. She has one more dose of Cipro that she is supposed to take, too.

I just don't understand how her breast can be infected this long after the surgery! She had surgery June 17, and there isn't an open wound. She said her port is fine and she isn't feverish, so I am just boggled. She doesn't have chemo this week, so I guess that's good? Now I am worried about her. She has instructions to phone the surgeon on call if it gets worse, otherwise she is scheduled to go to the surgeon on Monday to have it checked again.

Thoughts on this, anyone?

 

[CherylDan]

Howdy all.........

Don't mind me....I just need to complain for a minute! Feel free to scroll on down! DH has a cousin who's son is getting married tomorrow. We just got back from a pre-wedding party with some of the out of town in-laws....have the wedding tomorrow afternoon, then there will be an in-between-the-wedding-and-reception gathering with the same group of out of towners, then the reception with same said group. And as if that isn't enough *visiting* the family reunion activities will continue with a breakfast get-together Sunday morning. LOL, guess I'm feeling just a wee bit cranky at the moment. They are all great people, really. It's just a bit much for me.

JSG....I don't really have any insight as to why she may have an infection so long after the surgery, except a thought that maybe it was there all along, and she was able to fight it off. Then when she started the chemo, her body wasn't able to fight the infection anymore and the infection became visible? I honestly have no clue. Hopefully she will respond quickly to the medication.

Ann.... sorry about the storm damage. We had the same thing happen to us a few years ago - got zapped good. It's no fun shelling out big bucks to repair and replace things!! But even less fun taking cold showers - glad to hear you are back in business.

pat fan....welcome to the thread. Sorry you have reason to be here, but glad you found it! Waiting is the worst. Here's my advice - do not drive yourself crazy with research. Wait and see what, if ANYTHING, you are dealing with. Easier said than done, I know.

Linda.... I love what you said about there being nothing like good test results to get motivated for a Disney trip! I'm feeling sooooo thankful that I get to plan our upcoming trip. Last time we went, I was in the middle of treatment, so I'm really looking forward to be able to fully enjoy this one! And now, I will be appreciating it even more.


GAGWTA!!

 

[CherylDan]

Oops....I wasn't done!

I just have to say that, for the record, I am a very un-political person. And I couldn't care less what John Edwards does for a living. But hearing that he had an affair while his wife was and is battling breast cancer, makes me sick.

It also makes me appreciate my DH all the more.

 

[lookingforward]

Oops....I wasn't done!

I just have to say that, for the record, I am a very un-political person. And I couldn't care less what John Edwards does for a living. But hearing that he had an affair while his wife was and is battling breast cancer, makes me sick.

It also makes me appreciate my DH all the more.

I feel the same way. And it made me seeth with anger when he said, as if to justify, that the women's child was not his and he "never loved her". OKAY! Oh yea, his "people" made a point to say that when the affair was going on his wife's breast cancer was in remission...i.e. it was before her diagnosis of stage 4. Like thats going to make it okay.

 

[pat fan]

pat fan....welcome to the thread. Sorry you have reason to be here, but glad you found it! Waiting is the worst. Here's my advice - do not drive yourself crazy with research. Wait and see what, if ANYTHING, you are dealing with. Easier said than done, I know.

Thanks, I am learning patience. The results were not in on Friday as they said they would be, so I guess it will be some time next week. Oh well.

Re: John Edwards...he was my favorite candidate and I am beyond disgusted with him.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I just talked to Mom. Her breast is infected. She noticed it was red and sore near the incision, and the redness was spreading. She went to the surgeon today but her surgeon wasn't there so she saw the physician's asst. He consulted with another surgeon in the group and they put her on Bactrim in case it is MRSA. She has one more dose of Cipro that she is supposed to take, too.

I just don't understand how her breast can be infected this long after the surgery! She had surgery June 17, and there isn't an open wound. She said her port is fine and she isn't feverish, so I am just boggled. She doesn't have chemo this week, so I guess that's good? Now I am worried about her. She has instructions to phone the surgeon on call if it gets worse, otherwise she is scheduled to go to the surgeon on Monday to have it checked again.

Thoughts on this, anyone?

I think I can explain it.

Chemo interferes with cellular mediated immunity. In other words, it suppresses our bodies' own immunity when we're getting it. Which means that it can't fight off infection like it normally would. So even normal body flora can turn into an "infection" when there's nothing to oppose it. (It gives us an appreciation of how well our bodies normally work and we're not even aware of it.)

So, chances are, things were going along just fine from a healing standpoint but then the chemo was added and immunity was surpressed, so that additional healing that needed to take place, could not. This happens during chemo fairly frequently. I had something similar happen too. I doubt it's MRSA (though it could be, but I doubt it).

Hey, the same thing can happen later on, too. Does anyone remember a couple of months ago I had an infection in my breast (which I initially found as a "lump"?) It was the same thing. However, I wasn't getting chemo, but the radiation to my breast in effect did the same thing - it changed the tissue so that it's immunity doesn't work right. So in my case, normal flora of the skin turned into an infection.

Hang in there, and don't worry about it. This one's fairly easy.

I'm glad you're having a good time. So wish I was there! Can't wait to read your TR and see those wonderful pictures.

GAGWTA

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Thanks, Linda!

I just called Mom as we were leaving AK and she said she is feeling much better today. The breast doesn't look any worse (though she isn't sure it looks better) and she is feeling better so she thinks the Bactrim is helping. Hopefully by the time she goes back in to see the doctor on Monday she will see improvement.

Link to the TR is in my signature. Feel free to just scroll through the pics if you don't have time to mess with reading the text parts!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

The whole thing with John Edwards makes me sick, too. He has shown a complete lack of respect for his wife, and I have no patience for that. If he wanted to be with another woman he should have divorced hie wife first. To be so blatantly horrible to your spouse is unforgivable. Add her cancer to the equation and it makes it even worse.

I now have NO respect for him. If his career is over then he has gotten exactly what he deserves. I want him to suffer, because suffering is what he has brought to his wife and his children.

 

[laurabelle]

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

I had a wonderful birthday (8/9) at my friend's lake house in the Allegheny MTs of PA. We went kayaking and just generally carrying on. Yesterday we went to the temporary memorial for Flight 93 that went down in the field very near my friend's place. There was a volunteer firefighter there who gave a factual presentation that was very moving. A couple of things I didn't know before...it came in toward the ground, upside down, about 40 feet over the heads of some guys working in a nearby scrapyard. It hit at 500 mph, and with 7000 gal of fuel on board, it just dug a crater into the ground and burned. The tail of the plane was 20 ft underground...the plane was 155 ft long. So many stories about the passengers and crew were phenomenal. They certainly were heroes. My husband works near the US Capitol building....

Everything in my house seems to be going up right now! We just replaced our washer, something in my shower was leaking and now the 4yr old fridge is on the fritz! ugh.

JSK- I'm sorry your mom is dealing with infection, but I do know it's common during chemo. You got a good explanation here. I'm glad the drugs are working. I'll have to catch up with your TR!

 

[snappy]

Glad you enjoyed your birthday, Laura!!

Thanks for posting about your visit to the field where Flight 93 went down. I am sure it was moving. I am glad to hear a memorial is to be built there.

I don't have very good feelings towards Edwards either. Interesting that he would 'fess up' on the day of the opening ceremonies.

I don;t want to hear more about it though. He should tuck his tail between his legs and slink on home.

Do we really to know who the biological father of that child is? I am not interested in that little tidbit.

 

[MerryPoppins]

Good news

I woke up this morning to rain. We've been so dry and really needed some rain, so I rejoiced. I swear that I can almost hear the earth sighing.

Bad news

It's raining in the bathroom. It seems we have a leak in the roof. There goes my tile money. On the bright side, we had the carpet torn out and were getting ready to remodel the bathroom. So we'll just have to rip out the wallpaper and do a little more than we'd planned.

 

[snappy]

I love that you are looking on the bright side, Merry.

Way to go!!


Just wondering. . . anyone else besides Laura and myself going for the Orlando RFTC?

What about Sha?

Maureen?

Ann, how is your daughter's elbow?

Patfan, you hanging in there???

Laurie