Dis Breast Cancer Survivors Part II -GAGWTA!

[luvmarypoppins]

Good afternoon ladies!!

Honugirl - Never give in and never give up girl!! You can dump on us all anytime. We are here for you sista!! It would be great if one of your other drs. can advocate for you.
I actually had my surgeon talk to the rad onc. because she was not going to give me the radiation till after the wound healed and we all know how that is going. I will pray this will work out for you. Keep the faith!!

Sha - Nice to see you back. Do you have any cravings for food you had over there??

Candy - Those t shirts sound great. Hmm, will we be calling you Crafty Candy?. You will have to post a picture of the shirts

Elizabeth - sounds like you have all the right plans for a great trip.

Well ds did not get the job at costco so he said he might just go back to lifeguarding for the summer. And here is a little clue as to how the surgeon visit went today.. (now you didnt actually think they would be happy smiles did ya?. But I did have the nurse almost rolling on the floor. So much so, she couldnt even write in my chart. She just put her head down and was laughing so long. She said she was pulling the curtain in the room as its narrow if the door opens and everyone can see you when they walk by. I told her... hmm this is like the Wizard of Oz, what if Dr. M. walked in and popped out from behind the curtain. I told her he never laughs, so if she thought it was fumny she should share it with him later on. Back to the serious stuff, he cultured the wound, gave me an antibiotic and now says he thinks the infection is massive and sticking to the graft inside. So instead of his 2 months from now it has been turned into 2 weeks, yup he was booked till the end of August but he is squeezing me in. And no digging around today, yeah!. He did say its going to be 3 hours, at least 3 days in the hosp. and the lovely wound vac machine, No Pig for me!! Yeah!! Just the dead person implant, but worse, he said its only temporary and ready for this...in another 6 months I have to have another operation to put in the permanent graft. Worse, he said the machine might not be covered by our ins. I think will let dh call about this tomm. So now I get to see my lovely pcp who is an idiot. oh yes, all this will take place on July 10th.

Thinking of you all, GTAGWTA

 

[Sha]

LMP when you find out what kind of infection will you PM me? And why did they wait so long to culture it? (or did I miss it another time?). I do pray that this progresses better once they get the vac on you...

thank you for the welcome back. I am having tea right now at the office I hope to get some lamb when I go to the store this evening (unless mom decided to go alone). I was bold and tried things there... bakewell pudding, fish & chips, black pudding, sticky pudding... lol

 

[lookingforward]

Hang in there LMP! Hi everyone! I hope all are doing well. I am plugging along...trying to keep my head above water at work (really busy) and home. The summer always provides a little respite for me with the kids. No homework, etc. and my daughter's camp starts much later in the day than school. She is at theater camp and is the "genie" in the play Aladdin. So cute! My middle son is a full time counselor at that camp and making his first "paycheck". Its exciting for him! My older is working and taking a summer class.

My dad is hanging in with his treatments. He is having six chemo "washes" of his bladder. No big side effects but it does make him tired. I worry about him so much. He is very thin. I have him to dinner every Sunday and try to make things he will take home. He really misses my mom's amazing cooking.

Sorry I have been out of touch...its been a really difficult month for me. I am taking it day by day. Went to my oncologist and told her my list of woes...numb toes, painful feet, depressed. She had about one ounce of sympathy for me. She could have cared less. She told me to see a podiatrist for my feet and prescribed me efexor for the depression. She was zero help. I am seriously thinking I should switch oncologists. I mean my toes have been numb since chemo...and the pain in the feet is recent (last six months). I asked her if it were tomoxofin and she said "could be, but you could have feet problems". OKAY I guess in the scheme of things I am really one of her better patients and its obvious that she thinks I am a bit of a complainer. When I was going through chemo and complained about pain she would remind me that I was the one who had chosen the harder chemo over the "light" version. I guess it was my fault. Oy vey!

Thanks for listening! GAGWTA!

 

[snappy]

Did you all know that Disney is NOT hosting the RFTC this year and the date was moved???? Im disappointed in Disney!

I posted about this a few days ago (I think!) The race was scheduled for the first Sunday in October. Everything has changed. There is now a new website, new date, new location as well. I don't know if it is really Disney's fault. It sounds like there must have been a big shakeup in the central Fla Susan G. Komen group. It could be that Disney took the opportunity to bail out too, who knows? It is a shame because I thought it was a great place to hold it from my perspective.

I really don't see me going this year. I am looking towards February and Mardi Gras right now. I do so like going in the fall. And the big question: can I survive withdrawal until February???????

I would say doubtful.

LMP, my goodness, your docs need to solve this infection problem, pronto. I realize the exact right antibiotic is crucial, but by now, wouldn't you think they could have solved it at least by trial and error.

I swear I cannot imagine why insurance won't cover the machine. I shudder to think what the future has in store with government care.

I believe I will stick with my expensive high deductible that at least does not deny me anything, once we meet our family deductible.

Maureen, sorry you are so busy at work. I am working at the max too. I don't have the stamina I had in my 30's and 40's. I am finally "getting" the whole retirement thing.
Working for a non-profit in these trying times is not the best option either. Hey if anyone likes to gamble though, come see me at the bingo hall. I will be the one with the scowl.

We had bingo training session Monday night at the location of our bingo hall. Looked like either a drug deal or a "lady" of the night plying her trade was going down one street over from our glorious bingo hall location. I accidently passed up the parking lot, did not like what I saw on the next street and actually backed out onto a busy 6 lane highway to avoid observing any more of the transaction than I needed to.

Another attendee at the training said a few minutes later when she drove up some policemen were in the process of arresting two "ladies".

I expect our bingo clientelle will be top drawer. OM goodness, how did I ever get mixed up with this? One of our board members ramroded the charitable bingo idea through the board and now she can't even call bingo.

I predict this endeavor will not last to the end of the summer.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Maureen I'm sorry your Onc blew you off. I've had that happen before, too. Sucks when you're feeling so down. Glad you shared with us, I'm sure many of us have felt similarly sometimes (I know I have). Have you done any type of counseling with someone who you can just let it all out to, preferably someone who's not "watching the clock"? I found the nurse and social worker at my support center were awesome for this. They helped me so much. I know that, besides support centers, there are a lot of "healing" centers popping up all over the place, run by women, of course. These types of places offer things like spiritual healing, nutritional counseling, accupuncture and accupressure, etc. Pretty cool, actually. Google to see what's around in your area. PM me if you ever want to talk more.

I'm finally feeling better, thankfully. Man, that was awful. It seems to be something that's going around, even in different parts of the country. Be careful, all.

Took DD to a skating party last night and was pretty shocked to see some of the 5th grade girls had "boyfriends" who were there, holding hands skating. That's the first I've seen of that. Is this your experience also, those of you who have older kids?

 

[Candy30]

But I did have the nurse almost rolling on the floor. So much so, she couldnt even write in my chart. She just put her head down and was laughing so long. She said she was pulling the curtain in the room as its narrow if the door opens and everyone can see you when they walk by. I told her... hmm this is like the Wizard of Oz, what if Dr. M. walked in and popped out from behind the curtain.

all this will take place on July 10th.

Thinking of you all, GTAGWTA

Like you have all of us laughing here!!! You are so funny!!!
July 10th I will be 40 years old.

I really hope they get this infection taken care of soon. Take it easy LMP which should stand for Laughing My Patootie off!

I am having tea right now at the office I hope to get some lamb when I go to the store this evening (unless mom decided to go alone). I was bold and tried things there... bakewell pudding, fish & chips, black pudding, sticky pudding... lol

They have all different types of pudding. What is the difference between them and what is your favorite? I am a tea drinker myself. I love loose leaf tea and the new store TEAVANA. Love their tea.

She is at theater camp and is the "genie" in the play Aladdin. So cute! My middle son is a full time counselor at that camp and making his first "paycheck". Its exciting for him! My older is working and taking a summer class.

The busier they are it seems the busier we become!!!

My dad is hanging in with his treatments. He is having six chemo "washes" of his bladder. No big side effects but it does make him tired. I worry about him so much. He is very thin. I have him to dinner every Sunday and try to make things he will take home. He really misses my mom's amazing cooking.

Glad that the chemo is not too rough on him.

Thanks for listening! GAGWTA!

I don't like that in a physician. So you may voice your opinion more...she should still care. Everyone takes experiences differently. She shouldn't compare you to anyone else but treat you with some compassion and understanding. Whose to say she wouldn't be worse! Doctors are the worst patients. Hang in there girlfriend!

I posted about this a few days ago (I think!) The race was scheduled for the first Sunday in October. Everything has changed. There is now a new website, new date, new location as well. I don't know if it is really Disney's fault. It sounds like there must have been a big shakeup in the central Fla Susan G. Komen group. It could be that Disney took the opportunity to bail out too, who knows? It is a shame because I thought it was a great place to hold it from my perspective.

I really don't see me going this year. I am looking towards February and Mardi Gras right now. I do so like going in the fall. And the big question: can I survive withdrawal until February???????

I expect our bingo clientelle will be top drawer. OM goodness, how did I ever get mixed up with this? One of our board members ramroded the charitable bingo idea through the board and now she can't even call bingo.

I predict this endeavor will not last to the end of the summer.

LOL Let's hope not!!! You may have to go to Bingo STRAPPED!!!

Maureen I'm sorry your Onc blew you off. I've had that happen before, too. Sucks when you're feeling so down. Glad you shared with us, I'm sure many of us have felt similarly sometimes (I know I have). Have you done any type of counseling with someone who you can just let it all out to, preferably someone who's not "watching the clock"? I found the nurse and social worker at my support center were awesome for this. They helped me so much. I know that, besides support centers, there are a lot of "healing" centers popping up all over the place, run by women, of course. These types of places offer things like spiritual healing, nutritional counseling, accupuncture and accupressure, etc. Pretty cool, actually. Google to see what's around in your area. PM me if you ever want to talk more.

I'm finally feeling better, thankfully. Man, that was awful. It seems to be something that's going around, even in different parts of the country. Be careful, all.

Took DD to a skating party last night and was pretty shocked to see some of the 5th grade girls had "boyfriends" who were there, holding hands skating. That's the first I've seen of that. Is this your experience also, those of you who have older kids?

Glad you are feeling better finally!!! About the kids.....It doesn't seem like they get to be kids long enough!

I am really busy at work. We have inspections of the State and county. So many calls about fixing this, changing that,.....This was my first free minute! Worked through lunch too. I am going home and passing out...after I make dinner, take daughter to tutor and son to Akido class......

 

[Sha]

They have all different types of pudding. What is the difference between them and what is your favorite? I am a tea drinker myself. I love loose leaf tea and the new store TEAVANA. Love their tea.

I am not sure how to describe the flavors other than sweet.. with the exception of black pudding.... (its also known as blood pudding)

I do like to have the warm custard with the puddings, as they are not a pudding as we would call them. I believe pudding is dessert. Remember Pink Floyd??? "You cant have any pudding if you dont eat your meat"

Love tea.. I need to have some now I think. I have been really tired and run down the last week or so. Get headaches, irritible, trouble concentrating, etc etc. I am iron anemic and i think I am really down right now. Could check off most of the list except for 3 items The thing is, I can take the iron for a couple of days, and then I feel like crap because most of the iron supplements are Iron Sulfate (or in that sulfate family) and I am allergic to sulfa. So I start getting achy. Also why I cant take Glucosemine because its a sulfadamide (or something like that).

So that may be why I missed Snappy's post about the race... and havent been able to concentrate when I read all the posts. I forget what i read.

 

[annrae]

I grew up in Canada and probably had blood pudding once a week and it certainly is not a dessert. I haven't had it for many years and don't think I could eat it now. I love scones though and always will.

I think of all of you so often and wish all of you well who are undergoing treatment at this time. To those of you who are finding difficulty coping, please remember that "this too shall pass" and hang in there. For so many of us, the journey is not easy.

My daughter's SIL (46 with a 9 year old) has been told that there is nothing else they can do for her. She has melanoma - a lovely young woman with such a zest for life. So heartbreaking!

GAGWTA to all of you and LMP - you always make me laugh! Melissa - still hoping to meet you in January. Barbara

 

[annrae]

I grew up in Canada and probably had blood pudding once a week and it certainly is not a dessert. I haven't had it for many years and don't think I could eat it now. I love scones though and always will.

I think of all of you so often and wish all of you well who are undergoing treatment at this time. To those of you who are finding difficulty coping, please remember that "this too shall pass" and hang in there. For so many of us, the journey is not easy.

My daughter's SIL (46 with a 9 year old) has been told that there is nothing else they can do for her. She has melanoma - a lovely young woman with such a zest for life. So heartbreaking!

GAGWTA to all of you and LMP - you always make me laugh! Melissa - still hoping to meet you in January. Barbara

 

[annrae]

Sorry for the double post!!

 

[lookingforward]

I posted about this a few days ago (I think!) The race was scheduled for the first Sunday in October. Everything has changed. There is now a new website, new date, new location as well. I don't know if it is really Disney's fault. It sounds like there must have been a big shakeup in the central Fla Susan G. Komen group. It could be that Disney took the opportunity to bail out too, who knows? It is a shame because I thought it was a great place to hold it from my perspective.

I really don't see me going this year. I am looking towards February and Mardi Gras right now. I do so like going in the fall. And the big question: can I survive withdrawal until February???????

I would say doubtful.

LMP, my goodness, your docs need to solve this infection problem, pronto. I realize the exact right antibiotic is crucial, but by now, wouldn't you think they could have solved it at least by trial and error.

I swear I cannot imagine why insurance won't cover the machine. I shudder to think what the future has in store with government care.

I believe I will stick with my expensive high deductible that at least does not deny me anything, once we meet our family deductible.

Maureen, sorry you are so busy at work. I am working at the max too. I don't have the stamina I had in my 30's and 40's. I am finally "getting" the whole retirement thing.
Working for a non-profit in these trying times is not the best option either. Hey if anyone likes to gamble though, come see me at the bingo hall. I will be the one with the scowl.

We had bingo training session Monday night at the location of our bingo hall. Looked like either a drug deal or a "lady" of the night plying her trade was going down one street over from our glorious bingo hall location. I accidently passed up the parking lot, did not like what I saw on the next street and actually backed out onto a busy 6 lane highway to avoid observing any more of the transaction than I needed to.

Another attendee at the training said a few minutes later when she drove up some policemen were in the process of arresting two "ladies".

I expect our bingo clientelle will be top drawer. OM goodness, how did I ever get mixed up with this? One of our board members ramroded the charitable bingo idea through the board and now she can't even call bingo.

I predict this endeavor will not last to the end of the summer.

I think it is hilarious that you mention bingo! When I lived on base in Okinawa, Japan bingo was HUGE! We played all the time and it was for big bucks, too. I won $2500 three times in a little over three months. The other officer wives and I would go out, have dinner and drinks while we played bingo. It was a blast. They held it at the staff NCO club.

 

[snappy]

Linda, 5th grade seems early for hand holding.

Dd13 had her BF last year. It seemd very tame. It did not last long, and they never went out together anywhere, nor did he ever call her (it was over before she got her first cell phone). Same thing later with a second boyfriend. He did not even call or text her, even with the phone.

This summer she just had another boy ask her to "go" with him. He does call, and has asked if they can go to a movie together. Without any prompting from me she told him, only if a bunch of our friends go too in a group, along with my mom.

Ihave a pass until after she returns from camp. Maybe they will break up before then.

What is good about DD13 is that she shares a lot with me. We have a thing where we lay down together in my room at bedtime most every night and talk about all kinds of things, including this recent thing with this boy. She knew for a while he was on the verge of asking her out, but I guess it took him a while to get his courage up. They had most of their 7th grade classes together and I think he gave her a lot of attention. One day before school ended he told her she was very pretty. Now when they talk on the phone he tells her the same multiple times and even asks her if it is ok to say that. I asked her what she says back and she says she just giggles.

It is great right now that she is so open about everything.
I am missing our nightly talkins very much.

I sent her a nice letter yesterday and several pictures. I hope she sends me something soon.

Maureen, that style of bingo sounds fun. This is 4 charities getting together and calling 10 quick games of simple bingo, with $20 pot payouts. The really trick is that we get a cut of the video bingo machines (which are nothing more than glorified slot machines with all the lights and images). The video machine guy can't operate in our state without the charities.

The whole setup makes me queasy. The location is poor, I don't trust the distributor further than I can throw him, and we found out Monday night that instead of the 10 am to 10 pm hours, we had to do noon till 12 am. We don't have anyone that wants to volunteer in that are in the wee hours.

I am not feeling like this venture is in our best interests, neither does my boss. Right now it looks like we will proceed and just let the thing fall apart. I talked to several other bingo halls today and one operator told me that business is way off due to the economy. The sleazy distributor acts like we will make lots of money.

Somehow I don't relish the idea of working somewhere where we need armed sheriff's deputies to protect us. Luckily, most of my work is just insuring the people running our games fill out the record correctly so I can give the state the reports they need. I want to limit my "gaming" involvement to as little as possible. Gambling is a sore subject, a gambling addiction has ruined my brother's life. Does he play bingo. . . no, but believe the sort who frequent this type of video gambling joint just as much gamblers than the ones in Vegas.

Off my soapbox.

Barbara, good to hear from you!

 

[lookingforward]

Linda, 5th grade seems early for hand holding.

Dd13 had her BF last year. It seemd very tame. It did not last long, and they never went out together anywhere, nor did he ever call her (it was over before she got her first cell phone). Same thing later with a second boyfriend. He did not even call or text her, even with the phone.

This summer she just had another boy ask her to "go" with him. He does call, and has asked if they can go to a movie together. Without any prompting from me she told him, only if a bunch of our friends go too in a group, along with my mom.

Ihave a pass until after she returns from camp. Maybe they will break up before then.

What is good about DD13 is that she shares a lot with me. We have a thing where we lay down together in my room at bedtime most every night and talk about all kinds of things, including this recent thing with this boy. She knew for a while he was on the verge of asking her out, but I guess it took him a while to get his courage up. They had most of their 7th grade classes together and I think he gave her a lot of attention. One day before school ended he told her she was very pretty. Now when they talk on the phone he tells her the same multiple times and even asks her if it is ok to say that. I asked her what she says back and she says she just giggles.

It is great right now that she is so open about everything.
I am missing our nightly talkins very much.

I sent her a nice letter yesterday and several pictures. I hope she sends me something soon.

Maureen, that style of bingo sounds fun. This is 4 charities getting together and calling 10 quick games of simple bingo, with $20 pot payouts. The really trick is that we get a cut of the video bingo machines (which are nothing more than glorified slot machines with all the lights and images). The video machine guy can't operate in our state without the charities.

The whole setup makes me queasy. The location is poor, I don't trust the distributor further than I can throw him, and we found out Monday night that instead of the 10 am to 10 pm hours, we had to do noon till 12 am. We don't have anyone that wants to volunteer in that are in the wee hours.

I am not feeling like this venture is in our best interests, neither does my boss. Right now it looks like we will proceed and just let the thing fall apart. I talked to several other bingo halls today and one operator told me that business is way off due to the economy. The sleazy distributor acts like we will make lots of money.

Somehow I don't relish the idea of working somewhere where we need armed sheriff's deputies to protect us. Luckily, most of my work is just insuring the people running our games fill out the record correctly so I can give the state the reports they need. I want to limit my "gaming" involvement to as little as possible. Gambling is a sore subject, a gambling addiction has ruined my brother's life. Does he play bingo. . . no, but believe the sort who frequent this type of video gambling joint just as much gamblers than the ones in Vegas.

Off my soapbox.

Barbara, good to hear from you!

Laurie, your daughter is so beautiful! I am not surprised that the boys are interested. I too enjoy the evening chats with my kids. My boys will sit for a while and talk...and I often think about how much I am going to miss that when they leave home. My daughter is ten going on 20. In the third grade I actually got a call from this boy's family and they said that he got many awards at school and so they promised him a fun day. He wanted my daughter to go with his family to the movies. So we met them at the theater and this little boy's entire family took my daughter to the movies. She and the boy "sat together" and shared some nachos. She calls this her first "date". It was totally innocent and as sweet as can be...but a "date"? I don't think so! The following year (this year) he got mad at her and told her he was "breaking up" with her. She laughed so hard he got mad. Thats MY girl!

 

[Notatourist]

Howdy.

I'm lurking here on this thread, I'm currently in chemo for uterine cancer and having one of those down days. Had the surgery and all, I'm doing well, but the blues do hit.

I'm on neulasta to build up my white cells and I'm actually in a lot of bone pain. I have been prescribed percoset for it, but it's making me a little sick.

How are you guys doing?

 

[Sha]

Howdy.

I'm lurking here on this thread, I'm currently in chemo for uterine cancer and having one of those down days. Had the surgery and all, I'm doing well, but the blues do hit.

I'm on neulasta to build up my white cells and I'm actually in a lot of bone pain. I have been prescribed percoset for it, but it's making me a little sick.

How are you guys doing?

Do you eat anything when you take your percocet?

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Hi ladies, A late night post from me. I really didnt feel good all day. Very tired. I think its a combo of the cold and then the antibiotic, cipro which I have never taken before, The lst time I felt really dizzy. Now the next dose will be in a few minutes

notatourist - Welcome and for you. If you have lurked and read then you certainly know what a great bunch of ladies there are here. They are encouraging to everyone!! I had been using alot of percocet lately but never had nausea,

Maureen - That is terrrible your onc. blew you off. I think everyone has valid symptoms and should be listened to. Although my onc. also tends to blow me off. Or her answer is I dont know why you have that symptom etc. Very frustrating. Glad I have the endo etc. to fall back on. They all know I dont particularly care for the rad. onc. anyway. Its just her personality I guess.

Sha - He said he knows its not staph. He just wants to make sure its not some resistant type of thing. He did say at one time, he thinks the stitches he used during the bowel obstruction might have gotten infected? I personally think he wont know anything till he rips me open again. Here is the question for you or Linda - can my dh be able to do the wond vac change stuff himself?

Linda - wow, girls and boys and dates? None of my ds have ever been serious about anyone and they are so old. Prom dates but that is just about it. They are all more insterested in hanging out with the guys, playing sports etc. Hmm, glad I dont have to deal with all this drama stuff yet.

Candy - Hope the inspections go well

Laurie - This bingo stuff sounds like its turning into a creepy experience, but I guess if it helps out your charity financially then it will be worth it.

Barbara - Prayers for your dds sil.

Tomm. I am going with ds to the new pcp for the lst visit before the surgical clearance visit for his surgery. . I did tell him why I want to go in with him (to check out this dr. for myself if I want to dump my own pcp). I dont know how much they follow the hipa rules etc. We will see. Also oldest ds is going to the NBA draft in NYC. The one year he was on ESPN for a couple of seconds, so we will see what happens tomm.

GTAGWTA, Blessings to you all.

 

[Notatourist]

Do you eat anything when you take your percocet?

Yep. Still have that hole in the stomach feeling...ugh.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

lmp, it's hard to say not knowing the specifics of your case. But many family members are taught to do things like dressing changes at home, so maybe changing a vac sponge is a possibility. It would be really important that he follow sterile technique, though, since (if your dressing is where I think it is) that area shouldn't have germs in it (unlike outer skin, for example). In that regard, it may be something a visiting nurse might have to do. Have you been tested for MRSA or VRE? (You don't have to answer publicly.)

Welcome Notatourist. Sorry to hear you're in treatment for uterine cancer. I remember doing the neulasta shots in combination with taxol, and I was in horrible pain for days sometimes. I likened it to the Whack a Mole game - shooting pains in various areas of my body, all over, like someone thought I was the mole and was whacking me in different places. I don't do well with codeine based medications, so I stuck with motrin but nothing really helped much. The pain did get a little less intense with each chemo dose, but IIR, doses 1 and 3 were the hardest painwise. But I did that combination at the end, so by the end of the whole chemo portion of my treatment, the cumulative effect caught up with me and I was completely exhausted both physically and emotionally, and the emotional part was in many ways harder than the physical. Our OP here, Laurabelle, has said in the past that she used to just take long bubble baths to help ease her symptoms. It's tough to go through. Do you have any type of support center in your area?

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Does anyone remember this story? (Alert, someone dies of breast cancer, but it's an amazing story.)

South Pole Doctor Who Treated Herself for Cancer Dies

 

[Sha]

Does anyone remember this story? (Alert, someone dies of breast cancer, but it's an amazing story.)

South Pole Doctor Who Treated Herself for Cancer Dies

I remember that... saw the article and posted it on my Facebook page. She was amazing I thought to do her own biopsy and everything.