Dis Breast Cancer Survivors Part II -GAGWTA!

[snappy]

Maureen, I am sorry to hear about your dad's illness. I am hoping 09 proves to be a better year for you and your family.

I sure would like to meet you if you are able to make that trip.

Sorry you are having problems with the tamoxifen. I believe Merry had issues with it too and discontinued. I really have been lucky myself with Tamoxifen. I think I have about 9 more months on it and I am done. My doc said I did not need to go on anything else after Tamoxifen when I saw him a month or so ago.

Barbara, the duck gumbo went over well with everyone around here but man was that a lot of work. Starting with making the stock, a roux, lots of fresh vegetable seasonings etc. It seemed to go on and on. There were an extreme number of ingredients.
Lovely memory about your grandmother. Thanks for sharing.

And my kitchen. . . what a royal mess.

Dh helped me a lot with cooking and cleanup.

I am not a chef, and I don't play one on tv. I like more simple deals with just a handful of steps.


Ann, hope you get the doctor and meds sorted out soon. Be careful with the generic synthroid, my endo doc insists I take the real synthroid. What he told me was that the strengths were not always consistent with the generics and with synthroid the exact strength may be crucial. I thought it was poppycock, tried the generic, had problems and then went back to the real one.

It seems to be pretty cheap at Walmart.

My mom uses something called chia seeds, makes shakes with them, etc. She found a website that goes into a lot of detail about how the chia can help thyroid issues. I think I need to do some homework, although my thyroid disease seems pretty static right now. Taking the synthroid made my nodules almost disappear. Amazing!

 

[MerryPoppins]

Yes, I had several issues with Tamoxifen. I tried to tough it out, but finally things got so bad that my doc pulled me off of it about 6 months early. I did the happy dance that day, believe me. The stomach/bathroom issues went away and my hot flashes aren't as severe, but all the other issues still remain to some degree. Getting older doesn't help, does it? But it's better than the alternative.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Good afternoon ladies, Hope you all have a great week end enjoying doing whatever brings smiles to your face and joy to your heart!!!


Well I went to my pcp for the pre op clearance. Gosh, I think this guy needs to retire. I dont know how old he is but he has some gray hair and I have been going to him for like 20 years. I lost another 8 lbs. in 2 weeks, sigh, sigh, thank heavens I am a little on the pooh side of things, so now the total is like 48 lbs. My dh said he is taking me out to dinner and fattening me up!!

For Elizabeth, wish I still lived in Dallas, then I could go to Lubys, Spring Creek,Colters etc.

Well I asked the dr. about my calcium level since that is one of the symptoms of this kind of cancer, Of course he said it was low, really low below normal etc. He said he will write a note for them to follow up on this in the hospital.
One good thing was the one blood test showed a normal level of calcitonin which is another indicator of this certain type of cancer and it was normal.
And he said my blood levels were normal, so I have recovered enough from the 4 transfusions in Sept,.

Well the surgeon said I am full of surprises so I guess he will see that for sure on Thurs.

I asked the pcp office if they were faxing over the papers today. They said, um, he still has to see all his patients today. It will probably be like the day before. Gheesh. O.k. I already asked at the hospital and told them my pcp is not good with paperwork etc. The hosp. said dont worry, we have people just assigned to get paperwork from drs. like this!!

 

[lookingforward]

Good afternoon ladies, Hope you all have a great week end enjoying doing whatever brings smiles to your face and joy to your heart!!!


Well I went to my pcp for the pre op clearance. Gosh, I think this guy needs to retire. I dont know how old he is but he has some gray hair and I have been going to him for like 20 years. I lost another 8 lbs. in 2 weeks, sigh, sigh, thank heavens I am a little on the pooh side of things, so now the total is like 48 lbs. My dh said he is taking me out to dinner and fattening me up!!

For Elizabeth, wish I still lived in Dallas, then I could go to Lubys, Spring Creek,Colters etc.

Well I asked the dr. about my calcium level since that is one of the symptoms of this kind of cancer, Of course he said it was low, really low below normal etc. He said he will write a note for them to follow up on this in the hospital.
One good thing was the one blood test showed a normal level of calcitonin which is another indicator of this certain type of cancer and it was normal.
And he said my blood levels were normal, so I have recovered enough from the 4 transfusions in Sept,.

Well the surgeon said I am full of surprises so I guess he will see that for sure on Thurs.

I asked the pcp office if they were faxing over the papers today. They said, um, he still has to see all his patients today. It will probably be like the day before. Gheesh. O.k. I already asked at the hospital and told them my pcp is not good with paperwork etc. The hosp. said dont worry, we have people just assigned to get paperwork from drs. like this!!

I am sorry you are having such a difficult time.

 

[NHAnn]

GAGWTA!!

Poor Avery broke his arm just above the elbow on Friday! Tripped on a curb....on his way in to his monthly "clinic" appt at the hopsital. So a side trip to the ER, and consult with orthopedist as wellas the normalappt withoncologist. He's such a trooper. They are a bit concerned about how it will heal though, given the steroid meds weakening the bone and all. Laurabelle, strange how you were just mentioning your bone loss/steriod issues when we were talking about my osteopenia.....now that kind of God Wink I can do without!!

Maureen...I am considering dropping out of the clinical trial for hormonal therapy that I am on. I am on either tamox or arimidex....but based on my SEs my surgeon thinks I'm on arimidex. I have an appt with the onc early next month, I will be 3 1/2 years in to the 5 years at that point. The last 6 months have been increasingly difficult with the pain in my wrists and other joints and now the bone density concerns, adding to the morning stiffness and painful feet untilI loosen up . I want some clearer numbers if I can get them on the risk reduction to weigh if it's worth feeling like this and risking osteoporosis...and/or the side effects of THOSe drugs. Bleh. Hate taking drugs.
And doctor searching. I really need a new PCP and they are scarce around here....at least ones that accept new patients are. Need an endocrinilogist too. Not seeing/feeling anything from the thyroid med though it's only been a week. Except I am weepy, but I don't think that's the drug, it's me in a funk I need to get back to my daily walks early inthe morning despite the cold and dark . I feel so much better and sleep so much better too when I walk.

To all of you dealing with treatment challenges ....my thoughts/prayer are with you.

Laurie...what fun, that is a GREAT time to escape to the magic for a bit!! I am still trying to figure a way to get there again before my AP expires in May!

Linda....I would really LOVE to see your pics from the New Years ocean dip!!
What a crazy New England tradition...

GAGWTA!!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Happy New Year, All!

Ann, I'm sorry you're having such problems. Medications amaze me sometimes with the good they do, but other problems they can cause. Really often a double edged sword. I hope Avery's arm is ok. We've had ortho issues here, too - DD was on crutches and in an air cast right after XMas after she injured some ligaments in her foot, and my DH slipped on a shoe on the stairs and did something to his hip, he's hobbling around. He scared me the other night when he stood up but couldn't walk, so we spent the night in the ER. It looks like a ligament issue with him, too, but we have to follow up with our own docs this week. It's always something, isn't it?

This cold has done a number on me this week. I actually got to the point of being nauseas (and exhausted ) I was so cold the last few days. (I'm beginning to better understand why older folks move south.) When I was younger the cold never bothered me. Now it does. We had fun at the NY dip, but it was unbelievably cold. The kids still wanted to do it anyway - it's for charity and they get a tee shirt and bragging rights for the year. I didn't get great shots of them actually going in, but overall, I think I captured some of the insanity. Here you go: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2046604&referrerid=70088

We've watched some good movies lately, if nothing else. Has anyone seen Ghost Town? It was good for a few chuckles (this guy was in Night at the Museum; it also has Cameron from Ferris Bueller's Day Off in it, LOL). Was a little disappointed in Duchess. I love those Jane Austen movies and thought it would be like those, but I found it had far less depth than those do. Bummer. Anyone else see anything good lately? Anyone see Marley & Me?

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

GAGWTA, Ladies!

Lots of hugs and good thoughts to everyone trying to sort out treatment options!

I hope Avery's arm heals without complications!

Luvmarypoppins - We like to go to Luby's. I am not a fan of BBQ.

I am sad that winter break is already over. I like not having to deal with DS's homework (although we have a HUGE science project hanging over our heads right now ). He does have a 4 day weekend for MLK Day but I have to work. DH needs to pin down his supervisor and see what days he can take off for DS's birthday. I need to book our room at Great Wolf and get invites out to his friends.

Linda - I don't care for the cold, and our cold isn't near what you guys get up there! We haven't seen a movie in ages. DS wants to see "Bedtime Stories" and I thought "Despereaux" looked interesting but we haven't actually gone to the theater in months.

 

[lookingforward]

Not sure if I wished everyone a happy new year?? Just found out that disney is giving all retired military a five day park hopper pass for free. (active too). Since he is the only one without a pass that saves us about $200 for our upcoming trip. Now I am praying this tomoxifen he** is not too bad then so I can enjoy myself!

Gotta go, making spaghetti dinner for my dad.

GAGWTA!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

We are making a sauce today, too, Maureen. And that garlic sure does smell good. I hope you're well enough to enjoy your trip, too (love the discount! - what did your DH do in the military?) I was never able to take tamoxofen (ER/PR neg). It always kind of bummed me out. But listening to you guys I'm kind of glad I don't have to deal with the problems that can be associated with it (I have enough of my own without it ). I can see that stopping it would be a real dilemma. I wish you luck in your decision.

luvmarypoppins, you sound really great. What a difference a few weeks makes, right?

jsg, what's Luby's like? What I see of Texas looks really interesting. DH and I absolutely love the Houston SPCA (Animal Cops) - they rock! DH always says, "Look out, here they come with the big trailer!" LOL Some other cities seem like their ACOs don't have a lot of power at times, like Detroit. Houston ACOs are able to get warrants, have the Constable come out, and a judge that's supportive. Love it. I've been having insomnia the past several weeks. The other night I watched 3 hrs of Animal Cops (after I cleaned the house at midnight) and was bawling my eyes out at some of the stuff on there.

 

[snappy]

Linda, sounds like you need a vacation to cure the insomnia, nausea and the bawling?!?!!! Ann, you too with the weepiness. Sorry to hear of all the injuries, Avery, and in Linda's family. Makes me want to concentrate on slowing down and watching where I step.

Gotta go check the pictures out!!

I am making a dish for the rest of the duck supply. Just doing a nice smothered fowl type recipe. I do need to go pick up some of the fresh seasonings first though.

The duck gumbo was a hit. It was actually better the second day as it melded together better. Most gumbos are like that. Even mom liked it.

I just did not like the difficulty of it, starting with making a stock, etc. Cleanup was a major effort.

I am talking up the January trip to Caribbean beach to mom. She has not said no out of hand which was a pleasant surprise. She has not been to WDW with DD13. My dad took all of us to DL in 1963 and to WDW in 1978, but the only other trips she has been on was with me only, once in 2002 and for the 2007 Orlando RFTC.

I think she would get a charge of going with DD13. Stay tuned.

I remember Luby's cafeterias in fact I think my parents were friends eons ago with the owners (this is probably back in the 50's and i don't know if the owners are the same). In fact I was born in Texas, west Texas even, and lived there in a number of cities (Big Spring, Waco, San Antonio, Mesquite) until we moved to Baton Rouge in the 60's when I was 10. I even lived in Austin for a year in the 70's. I really see myself as more of a New Orleanian than anything else.

Do like the BBQ there, and OMG the Mexican food in San Antonio is out of this world.

I like sea food more though. It is just nice to have the variety, the spice of like.


On the home front, our pup Naj seems to have turned some kind of corner. She is turning sweet. She is still too energetic (more like frenetic) for my tastes but she is more likely to snuggle up next to you on the sofa. I am liking that.

It is humid and warm here, utterly disgusting. I think you could easisly swim in a heated pool and enjoy it. I am hoping for nice weather the last week in January.

Cool about the military ticket for free, Maureen.

JSG, what is the great Wolf? Sounds like something fun?

Luvmarypoppins, good to hear the blood work was normal. It is hard to be positive with surgery hanging over your head, but you do sound like you are making the best of it.
That is a significant weight loss though, I am sure that alone in such a short time frame is taking its toll.

Hang in there.

Will you have someone post after your surgery if you are not up to it so we can know how you are doing?

GAGWTA!!!

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Yes, I will have Tuffcookie aka Cindy post something on the CB. I may ask her to post something here too. My dh will call her probably friday since the surgery is so long on thurs. I got to meet her twice with her ds. She is a sweetie.

 

[arminnie]

Thought you might be interested in this article in the paper today.

It is the Arkansas Democrat Gazette but they usually do not let non subscribers view their web site.
UAMS - University of Arkansas Medical Services (Little Rock)

UAMS to begin testing breast cancer vaccine

BY CAROLYNE PARK
Posted on Sunday, January 4, 2009
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/adg/News/248462/
UAMS scientists expect to start clinical trials as early as this spring on a new vaccine they hope will help prevent the recurrence of breast cancer.
The immunotherapy is designed to trick the body into doing something it wouldn't naturally do - produce antibodies that fight breast cancer cells.

The vaccine was developed through a decade of studying how the immune system responds to disease, said Thomas Kieber-Emmons, director of basic breast cancer research at the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute.

The key to developing a therapy to fight breast cancer is understanding the interplay of different molecules in combating disease, he said.
"I look at it structurally," said Kieber-Emmons, professor of pathology, microbiology and immunology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. "How two molecules interact is everything."

Breast cancer cells are covered with carbohydrate antigens. An antigen is a molecule capable of triggering the production of antibodies that fight disease. But the carbohydrate antigens on cancer cells don't stimulate a strong immune system response.

So Kieber-Emmons and his team found an alternative approach.
With a six-year $2.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program, they used computer generation to help them develop peptide antigens that mimic the carbohydrates. A peptide is a compound consisting of two or more amino acids.

The peptide-based vaccine is designed to make the body think it's dealing with a carbohydrate. The immune system then responds by producing antibodies that target both the peptides in the vaccine and the carbohydrates they resemble on the breast cancer cells.

After skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. It is the leading cause of cancer death in Hispanic women and the second most-common cause of cancer death in white, black, Asian and American Indian women.

A total of 186,772 women were diagnosed with breast cancer and 40,954 women died of it in 2004, according to the CDC's latest data.
That same year, 1,815 men were diagnosed with breast cancer and 362 men died of the disease. The National Cancer Institute estimates one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer.

Dr. Laura Hutchins, a UAMS professor of internal medicine and director of the division of hematology and oncology, is principal investigator for the clinical trial. She's in charge of interacting with patients.

Women participating in the study will receive five doses of the vaccine at the cancer institute's medical oncology clinic. They will be immunized once a week for the first three weeks and again during the seventh and 19th weeks.

The first phase of the clinical trial will last four to six months. It will involve women with metastatic cancer, or cancer that is actively spreading, and women who have relapsed after going into remission.
UAMS scientists will use the first phase to monitor any side effects of the vaccine, Hutchins said.

The scientists hope to begin the second phase of the clinical trial about four months later. It will last about a year and include women who have had breast cancer but are in remission and considered at high risk of having it again.

The women will have to have been off chemotherapy for at least six months.

The number of patients participating in the study hasn't been determined.
The first two phases will involve Arkansas patients, but future clinical trials may expand to include patients from other cancer centers around the country, Hutchins said.

The vaccine won't replace traditional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation, but depending on how the clinical trials go it may become an additional treatment option for patients, Hutchins said.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

a new vaccine they hope will help prevent the recurrence of breast cancer.

Very interesting article, arminnie, thanks for posting it.

Women participating in the study will receive five doses of the vaccine at the cancer institute's medical oncology clinic. They will be immunized once a week for the first three weeks and again during the seventh and 19th weeks.

The first phase of the clinical trial will last four to six months. It will involve women with metastatic cancer, or cancer that is actively spreading, and women who have relapsed after going into remission. UAMS scientists will use the first phase to monitor any side effects of the vaccine, Hutchins said.

The scientists hope to begin the second phase of the clinical trial about four months later. It will last about a year and include women who have had breast cancer but are in remission and considered at high risk of having it again.

May God Bless these women.

 

[lookingforward]

My sauce is on the stove simmering and smells so good. The vaccine sounds really, really hopeful. I pray for a vaccine because I worry about my daughter, since my family has a history but is not Braca +. Its scary.

Thanks for sharing the article. Made my day!

 

[arminnie]

My mother died of metastatic breast cancer 10 1/2 years ago. She was originally diagnosed about 10 years before that (positive lymph nodes).

My best friend found out that she had breast cancer from a mammogram and when they did follow up tests they found a totally different type of cancer in the other breast (the aggressive kind that does not show up on a mammogram). She is doing great now though.

My sister's best friend is a major breast cancer doc here in town. I have never met her and keep saying that I don't want to meet her! (as it would probably be professionally).

That proposed vaccine might have helped my mother. The University of Arkansas does tremendous research - many thanks to the Waltons among others. Whenever I hear someone bash Walmart I think about how many lives they have saved by upgrading our medical system in the state. It is about a million times better than it was 40 years ago.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Not sure if I wished everyone a happy new year?? Just found out that disney is giving all retired military a five day park hopper pass for free. (active too). Since he is the only one without a pass that saves us about $200 for our upcoming trip. Now I am praying this tomoxifen he** is not too bad then so I can enjoy myself!

Gotta go, making spaghetti dinner for my dad.

GAGWTA!

How cool to get a free pass! I hope you are feeling well in time for your trip!

jsg, what's Luby's like? What I see of Texas looks really interesting. DH and I absolutely love the Houston SPCA (Animal Cops) - they rock! DH always says, "Look out, here they come with the big trailer!" LOL Some other cities seem like their ACOs don't have a lot of power at times, like Detroit. Houston ACOs are able to get warrants, have the Constable come out, and a judge that's supportive. Love it. I've been having insomnia the past several weeks. The other night I watched 3 hrs of Animal Cops (after I cleaned the house at midnight) and was bawling my eyes out at some of the stuff on there.

Luby's is a cafeteria. Grab a tray, choose your food, find a seat and enjoy! DS and I love the fried fish. DH likes different things - roast, chicken fried steak, sometimes grilled fish. They have all sorts of nice veggies, breads, desserts. Nothing fancy. It used to be "Kids Eat Free" on Wednesday and Saturday, now it is $2 for kids on Wednesday and Saturday is full price. Guess I shouldn't complain as DS is almost 13 and they still allow him to get a kid's meal.
I watch Animal Cops sometimes, but some of it makes me have to change the channel. I lived in Houston when I was 9 but I don't remember much about it. Have you ever watched Dallas SWAT? Not sure if it is still on the air. Some network is going to do a documentary about the Dallas DA and his program to exonerate innocent men. Should be interesting.

Laurie - Great Wolf Lodge is a big hotel with an indoor water park. We told DS he could invite 5 friends to spend the night there for his birthday. His birthday is Super Bowl weekend though, which means DH will have a hard time getting the days off. Super Bowl is a big deal in the chip business! I have been watching for discount codes since October and so far their prices are worse than Disney. The options of things to do indoors are just so limited I guess we'll suck it up and pay. Of course if we didn't need a room that will hold 8 people it wouldn't be as costly.

 

[snappy]

Very interesting article, arminnie, thanks for posting it.


May God Bless these women.

You can say that again!!

Talk about taking one for the team.

I would probably not be a candidate from reading the above, but I am not sure I am brave enough. I guess I would though if it would help my DD's.

JSK, Great Wolf lodge sounds amazing!!. My DD13 is ahem a bit of a tomboy and she would love a birthday like that. We passed her 13th by on November 1st so I owe her one.

As much as she is a tom boy she has taken to wearing mascara lately. It is jarring to me as she is very fair, a vibrant redhead with blue eyes. Her eyelashes are so light you can hardly see them (kind of like the hair on her arms and legs). Seeing them with mascara on them is a wakeup call. Hello puberty, goodbye my disney princess??

 

[MerryPoppins]

Anyone see Marley & Me?

Marley & Me is great. Our family went to see it together. I'm warning you now... if you are an animal lover and you go to see this movie, take a handfull of tissues with you. Even my husband cried. But it's worth it. I'd see it again in a heartbeat. In fact, I'm now reading the book and it's better than the movie. How I wish I'd met the real Marley. He must have been a real character. Now I find myself slowing down as I reach the sad portion of the book. I'm not really ready to sob again yet.

DD goes back to school tomorrow and DH goes back to work. DS is returning home from Tulsa, so it's not completely back to the real world for me yet.

Exciting about the trials. Can't wait to hear how that goes. Could make getting breast cancer a whole new ballgame if it works. Wouldn't that be wonderful for our daughters?

It's been so beautiful here. I'm not really ready for it to be cold again. The wind is really blowing from the north tonight and it's bitter cold.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Laurie - DS has white eyelashes, and so does DH. DH had very red hair growing up, now he is bald. I am blond and very fair, but my eyelashes are dark. I thought about taking DS to have his lashes dyed at the salon, but that's probably not really a very good idea.
We are looking forward to giving Great Wolf a try. It gets mixed reviews. I think the boys will like it, and that's the most important thing.

 

[snappy]

Ha, my DH is a baldy at least on top too, but he wears it rather long in the back. He went without a haircut for many weeks recently, just too long for me. He even went to the barbershop recently and got called back to the office for some emergency. It made me mad that he did not even have time for a haircut.

He did finally get a one Friday, and it looks good. He has a lady barber, and she laughed when he said before she started this time, I like it long.

She finished up in record time.

At least it is not curling up in the back.

Merry, DD13 goes back to school tommorow. She had a late soccer game tonight and just got home. DS20 has to check in to his on-campus apartment Thursday and DD18 back to her dorm on Sunday.

I am not sure I like smothered duck. The duck gumbo was more tastier in my book. I need some better duck recipes (also easier) for next year.