Dis Breast Cancer Survivors Part II -GAGWTA!

[Pea-n-Me]

That stinks, Cheryl. We've had it happen a few times now, the last time being this summer (or was it spring?) I still have a bunch of pictures I'd like to get off its hard drive which is sitting on my desk. It is amazing how dependent we've become on them. I hope you get everything back. Glad you let us know what was going on.

The fish were actually fairly large, about a foot long or so. I was standing on a bridge over a koi pond zoomed in quite a bit. The little buggers thought I had food so they came swimming over to me with their mouths open!

 

[laurabelle]

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

Cheryl- That's so frustrating! It happened to us a few years ago too. I felt so violated. What makes people so mean?

Elizabeth- Usually the neuropathy improves over time. I know for me the cold makes it harder on my fine motor skills.

It looks like the DCL offer won't benefit us. According to Mousesavers the rumor (which will probably be out by the time you sistas are up and reading this at a normal hour of the day. ) is:

Reportedly this offer will be for 3-night sailings only, 1/22/09 - 5/28/09 in Category 4-12 staterooms. Children 12 and under will sail FREE in the same cabin with two paying adults.


We were driving our youngest dd to an activity last night with her BFF and she was telling her we are going on a cruise next summer. I told her I don't know yet what we are doing, maybe we are staying home! : Yeah, this was after watching the happy evening news. Honestly, now I'm thinking of driving somewhere...who knows.:

I just want to focus on Christmas and enjoy the season!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Cheryl - Yikes! Sorry about the computer!

Laura - Mom had some issues with numbness in her fingers before her cancer was diagnosed, so the chemo has just made it worse. I do think it will get better with time.

That cruise deal isn't much of a deal for us since DS turns 13 next month! Not that DH would go on a cruise anyway.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I'd probably consider the cruise offer if we had passports, but we don't. Oh well, 3 nights is way too short (but you can always combine them and do back-to-back 3 nights! )

I had numbness from the taxol but thankfully it went away after treatment ended. I think it took about a month if IIR. (I also had it during my pregnancy to the point I couldn't work any type of button and had to go buy all zippered clothes for the twins, and that time it took about 6 weeks to go away, though it felt longer.)

 

[laurabelle]

Oh my gosh...I can't believe I finally got it!!!
June 13, 7 night Western for 4, Cat 12 $2775.60 for our first cruise!!!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Congratulations, Laura! That sounds like a good price. If the 4 of you go you will get an automatic upgrade to at least a Cat 11, maybe more.

Category 12's have a maximum of 3 guests but can often be booked as a "guarantee" for parties of 4.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/cruise-new/cr-staterooms.htm

How did you book it? Now you have lots of fun planning to do!! Enjoy!

 

[grammynelliebelle]

Major Vent! Heard from surgeons office about three thirty that my proceedure is cancelled for tomorrow. Receptionist said the radiologist who was supposed to be doing the wire could not find the calcifications on the mamo. She said doc (surgeon)will be calling me after hours today and will be suggesting a MRI. I am waiting to talk to him, From what I read calcifications cannot be seen on MRI and there are a lot of false positives. Is it possible he would be able to see something more than what is on the mamo? If so, how would he do bx? I dont think the radio places around herehave guided MRI capabilities. I wonder if I should just ask if I should wait and have repeat Mamo in four to six months, or is this crazy? I hope I know more after talking to him. Sure wish the phone would ring. Grammy

 

[Pea-n-Me]

So who was it that originally saw the calcifications? A surgeon? I would venture to guess that at least one radiologist must have seen them before that (in order to refer you to a surgeon). Hmm.

I've posted about it several times before but I've actually had this same thing happen. A "spot" was seen on my first mamm post treatment. They needle biopsied it and that was negative. My surgeon wanted to make absoutely sure it was nothing (because of a 10% chance of false negative) so they scheduled me for an excisional biopsy. The morning of that procedure, they went to place a wire but couldn't find the spot on ultrasound - it had disappeared.

To "CYA" my surgeon offered to take out the whole spot anyway (what spot? ) but I elected to just recheck in 3 months. It's been fine ever since and that was in 2004. It was probably a premenstrual change on the mammogram (so now I try not to go when I'm premenstrual anymore). This may not be an issue in your case if you're postmenopausal, but I suppose there could be other reasons that spots disappear. I would just do the MRI and see what happens. I'd also want to re-look at that original mammogram, and have other opinions - from the surgeon, from the original radiologist, from the one who cancelled the procedure, and possibly others. It's important; you don't want to ever have regrets about waiting. (I felt pretty comfortable waiting, but I'd already had a negative biopsy on said spot as well as just finished chemo, knowing it kills off any cancer cells, so my case was probably an exception.)

I don't know if they use MRI as a guide for biopsy, I doubt it because physically it's difficult to reach your breast because it's in a hole in the machine. I know they do use ultrasound which is easy because you're right there and there is freedom to move and work, ie place wire for ID.

Hang in there, and let us know what happens.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Laura, I told my husband about your cruise at dinner and he said he's jealous. He's always wanted to do the Western (we did the Eastern).

 

[annrae]

Oh my gosh...I can't believe I finally got it!!!
June 13, 7 night Western for 4, Cat 12 $2775.60 for our first cruise!!!

That is great Laura and a terrific price also. You will all love cruising with DCL!

Linda - your photos are awesome!

Laurie - sorry about your DH's job - it is really a rough time for so many of us. We have cut back on gift giving this year and concentrating on other things. My niece gave us "The Gift of Magic" - 800 pencils to a school through Unicef - I told her it is one of the best gifts we have ever received. Sorry about your DS having to move back into the dorm. I did far too much for my children also but I don't regret one single moment of it! They are doing fine (our DD is certainly not a neatnik though and I cringe when I see the house). I finally realized it was not a reflection on me or the way she was brought up - and she has chosen to live this way. That has taken some of the stress away.

Ann - I hope you are not getting too much snow up your way. The weather here in Western NY is so changeable that we never know what one entire day will bring!! So happy to hear that Avery is doing well.

Hugs to all of you Barbara

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Laurie - sorry about your DH's job - it is really a rough time for so many of us.

Just looked back, I must have missed this post. Sorry, Laurie. Timing is everything, and yours was good in taking that job, see! (It is funny how things really do happen for a reason, isn't it?) Belt tightening is probably always a good idea, even in a good economy. I think as a society we really overdo it with Christmas, there's so much pressure. Well I'm sure you'll have it all figured out. Hope things are ok, haven't heard from you in a day or two.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Oh my gosh...I can't believe I finally got it!!!
June 13, 7 night Western for 4, Cat 12 $2775.60 for our first cruise!!!

Congrats, Laura! How exciting!!

Grammy - I am sorry! That has to be very frustrating. I hope you are able to get some clear answers soon!

 

[MerryPoppins]

Oh my gosh...I can't believe I finally got it!!!
June 13, 7 night Western for 4, Cat 12 $2775.60 for our first cruise!!!

Congratulations! We've done the Western and loved it. You'll have a great time.

Grammy, that's frustrating.

Our roofer came out today to get our signature. New roof coming soon, I guess. They're also going to put in an attic door that leads to the larger part of our attic. I'm thrilled. It's a huge area that will allow us all sorts of extra storage. It's exiting. Right now we have a teeny tiny part of the attic that is accessable.

GAGWTA!

 

[laurabelle]

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

Carol- How frustrating! I didn't have calcifications, so I'm no expert on it. I agree with Linda, she gave you lots of great questions to ask! Have you been reading info regarding this on www.breastcancer.org ? Here's something I found on a quick search about calcifications:

There are all kinds of calcifications that can be seen on mammography. When they are small, they look like grains of salt and are called "microcalcifications" (micro means small). Larger calcifications look like big grains of coarse kosher salt (like on pretzels) and are called "macrocalcifications" (macro means big).

New small calcifications that are clustered together in groups of five or more may be associated with hyperactive breast cell growth-and sometimes cancerous cell growth. The calcifications themselves are not cancer. They occur in disintegrated old cancer cells that were "thrown out in the garbage" but haven't yet been disposed of by the body. While they are waiting to be carted away, the old cells disintegrate and calcify.

What does this mean in relation to concerns about cancer? Roughly 80% of biopsies of clustered microcalcifications turn out to be normal or "benign." Twenty percent of these biopsies are cancerous, and of that 20%, many show no signs of tissue invasion. In the case of microcalcifications that are scattered (appearing singly) rather than clustered, or that are "macro," there is even less of an association with breast cancer.

A biopsy is appropriate when a mammogram identifies a new cluster of microcalcifications that look "of concern" or "suspicious." If a woman has any question about the accuracy of her mammogram report or the radiologist's recommendation for what to do with the results, she should certainly get a second opinion from another radiologist who has expertise in reading mammograms.

—Marisa Weiss, M.D.

I get breast MRIs as my follow ups because I had bilateral masts and reconstruction with silicone gel implants, so no mamms for me. MRIs do show "everything" according to my onc, but of course it's all dependent on the skill of the person reading it as to the % of false positive results. I for one appreciate that it can see things mamms cannot. I don't see how it would be possible to do MRI guided biopsy. http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/mri.jsp

I do know of others who have had findings disappear.
I'm holding you in prayer that this is your answer...move along, there is NOTHING to see here!

Elizabeth- Thanks! I didn't think we would ever go on a cruise, especially hubby. I can only talk him into trying DCL. We went to Atlantis in the Bahamas for my post cancer celebratory trip. I honestly can't remember how much the whole thing cost but food, even on their meal plan was $$$$ Just for the heck of it I was pricing airfare alone to a couple of places in the Caribbean and for 4 it costs a fortune right now. Another bonus for cruising, I know my picky youngest kid will eat the food on the Disney ship, more difficult to find island food she'll like.

Barbara- Thanks! I love that gift idea too!

Melissa- Thanks! I'll probably be picking your brain about the Western itinerary. I'm glad you are gaining storage space with the new roof!

Linda- I just booked it through the DCL website. It's a huge savings, $3692, more than the cruise is costing me! Your hubby sounds like he's onboard...wanna come??? I love the Western itinerary. We went to Cozumel 3x before we started having kids. I am so looking forward to taking them there!

Now I'm trusting that things will work with the school schedule. My kids aren't supposed to be out of school until 6/18 and my oldest would have finals all that last week. Hubby did call the school the other day to see how they handle it and they said finals are made up over the summer. I'm hoping she won't be missing any!

 

[lookingforward]

Laura...YEA! You are going to love the cruise!

My experience with calcifications is a warning of sorts....for four years I had two foci of calcifications that they kept saying were benign..no change...blah blah and they turned out to be the exact same areas of my two tumors. I only wish I had had them biopsied back in 05 I might have avoided the hot lymph nodes, etc. I think my doctor dropped the ball on that one. So I guess my opinion is to seek out defininate answers one way or the other. Chances are it is fine but if its not time will be on your side the earlier you catch it.

GAGWTA!

 

[snappy]

Laura...YEA! You are going to love the cruise!

My experience with calcifications is a warning of sorts....for four years I had two foci of calcifications that they kept saying were benign..no change...blah blah and they turned out to be the exact same areas of my two tumors. I only wish I had had them biopsied back in 05 I might have avoided the hot lymph nodes, etc. I think my doctor dropped the ball on that one. So I guess my opinion is to seek out defininate answers one way or the other. Chances are it is fine but if its not time will be on your side the earlier you catch it.

GAGWTA!

Could not have said it better. Thanks, Maureen. My opinion too is to leave no stone unturned.

On another note. . . winter arrived this am to Baton Rouge. We actually have 3 inches of snow on the ground, maybe more. This is unheard of here. I know my northeast friends are old hands at this snow thing. But this is a huge deal here.

No school, no work (for me. . . of course DH went in ) I told him to call me when he arrived.

DD13 made a one foot snowman with just a little area of snow. I think she could manage a big one if she tried.

On another note, DS aced the biology exam so he brought his grade up to a B. I sure do hope he does as well in his major courses (English) or I have no idea why that should be his major anymore?

I am thinking of changing my signature line from South Louisiana to the Frozen North.

Bet it is chilly in Orlando today. Anybody for Kali River Rapids or even Splash Mountain?


Ho ho ho!!!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Welcome to our world, Laurie! Be careful driving! It's been crappy weather here too. We had snow Sunday and then it became bitterly cold on Monday so everything froze. Roads were all icy. It just makes it unpleasant to even go outside. By Wed it warmed up so now there's just muck everywhere. Today is gray and rainy. Uggh. I'm glad you only get snow once in a while. Try and make the best of it - go out and make some snow angels, like this


Great information on calcifications, Laura. It seems, especially after hearing Maureen's story (and I have another friend this happened to, too), all calcifications should just be biopsied. Trying to distinguish between micro and macro would be silly. If they're there, just biopsy them. Any word on anything, grammy

I don't think a cruise will be in the budget for this year, but I sure would love to join you. You can meet other Disers if you want to on the Cruise Board, there are cruise meets for each date. We've done that a couple of times and they're fun. (That was one of the girls I met that popped in here to say hi a few weeks ago.) There's also something to be said for just going solo and enjoying your peace and quiet. One thing about being on the ship is you feel like you're "home" just like you do at a Disney resort. So it's nice to be on an island and come home at night. I will make you a nice magnetic door sign for your door and send it to you before your cruise.

 

[snappy]

Oh my, it changed from snow to sleet to rain.

You are right it is a mess.

I am making a big old pot of andouille sausage and chicken gumbo and staying home.

Too many bridges round here not mention impatient drivers.

I think they must be sending to Florida for sand. It might takes weeks.

I agree about checking out all calcifications. You might have to insist but I think the risk of an unnecessary biopsy is worth it. Because you don't know how necessary it was until you have it.

Also, from Mom's experience, even if they do not find cancer, only the hyperplasia cell stuff, the surgeons want it removed. Atypical hyperplasia is a step away from DCIS and with time, it very well could morph into DCIS.

I want to go on that cruise vicariously with you , Laura. Please post all the details during planning (I know you are a great planner) so I can imagine myself there.

Linda, I forget to compliment you on your pictures. The fish was my favorite as I am a very devoted fish person. I just have a modest 75 gallon aquarium but love love love going to big aquariums (New Orleans has a great one). I find everything about fish mesmerizing and calming. Maybe why I love to swim. I guess I was a guppy in a previous life?

 

[laurabelle]

I was just watching the news and saw N.O. got snow and wondered if you got it too Laurie. It's all rain here.

I think those of us on this thread who have had BC can pretty much agree on the no stone unturned mindset. I think in Carol's case it's particularly frustrating that a biopsy was already scheduled, then suddenly canceled based on one opinion??? I'd want a second opinion along with the MRI or whatever. I hope she posts an update soon. I am holding onto my prayers that it truly has disappeared into nothingness...

Linda- I saw how people decorate their doors, wow! A magnet would be really sweet. See, you are craftier than me!
I have been reading up on DCL, there's a lot to learn compared to WDW! We feel comfortable going on our own with the excursions. Since we have been to Cozumel before, we'll probably spend most of the day at Chankanaab. I have pictures from years ago, I'll have to dig out again. Have to snorkel with the stingrays in Grand Cayman. I'm thinking of buying our own snorkeling equipment, that's what we did back when we went pre kids. It was fun just to go whenever and wherever we wanted. The only time we snorkeled with the kids was at Typhoon Lagoon. The equipment, being all sanitized and chemically, broke my oldest dd out, she's very sensitive. Anyway, enough rambling... I'm so excited!

 

[grammynelliebelle]

Still waiting to talk to the surgeon. Picked up my films and Rx for the MRI. Have MRI apt for Tues am.The idea was to bx the calcifications, but they can not be found on the mamo, so no bx could be done Grammy.