Dis Breast Cancer Survivors Part III - GAGWTA!

[KJ Luvs Pluto]

PatsMom - I hope you get good results on the pathology. Waiting is so hard.

Lisa - Glad to hear the hematoma is better - on the near miss on the freeway.

MaryAnn - So sorry to hear of all of your health issues - I sure hope the doctors can help you get it all healed soon. And then to have your DH gone so much of the time - That must be very hard as well. I'm really looking forward to this trip and then hopefully afterwards I can have my final reconstruction

MinnieTink - I hope your mom does well on the chemo. For me the first few days after were the worst, then I felt better each day until I got hit again with the chemo. I didn't look at it as the chemo was making me sick, but the chemo was making me well - it helped to accept the side effects as a positive thing then. Make sure your mom stays very hydrated throughout this process and eats, even though she may not feel like it - she needs the nutrition to allow her body to heal and the massive amounts of water will help flush the chemo through her system which is very important and keep the side effects from being too overwhelming.

GAGWTA

 

[NHAnn]

I still thank God every day that I'm here for them. Sometimes I feel guilty if I get mad and yell, etc. (Geez, this can be a tough age sometimes!) But I know God knows I'm doing the best I can as a Mom. Any other survivors feel this way?

Oh yes, I can relate to that, even though my DD was much older when I was diagnosed/treated You're a wonderful Mom Linda, andthey
know that too (as well as the good Lord!)

Hate coming on here to complain when others have much worse issues than I do, so feel free to just skim on over my "venting". Had my thyroid med upped a couple of weeks ago when the blood work showed a high TSH when I was fatigued and had heartburn-like discomfort. So my energy level is very slowly increasing...but after almost 2 weeks on Nexium I am still having random chest discomfort (and assorted mildly unpleasant side effects), a stress echocardiogram showed no problems, I don't know what to think. My PCP in on vaca this week but I am going to call in and tell them I'm stopping the Nexium, it's not doing anything. I don't know what this off and on discomfort is...it's not classic heartburn (doesn't bother me at night or after eating, just comes and goes). bleh. Trying to keep on the "this too shall pass" train of thought.

PatsMom, keeping you in my thoughts! It is tough waiting for results!!

LMP....how you keep from being overwhelmed is amazing! Praying for your healing ....keep your eye on that trip coming up!!

Thinking of ALL of you!! GAGWTA!

 

[MinnieTink]

Good afternoon.

Well my mom had her first dose of chemo a week ago today. She did well the first 4 days then it all hit her pretty bad. She had an appointment with her onc yesterday for blood work and she was so dehydrated they kept her for several hours of IV fluids. Same today.

Last night I called to check in and she was too tired and sick to talk to me. For some reason I missed her terribly at that moment. I didn't even have much to say I just wanted to hear her voice. I sat on my bed and cried like a big fat baby.

On Monday I worked and my dad took care of my kids. He took them to see my mom who couldn't get out of bed. My 3 year old son covered her with his beloved blankie and just layer down quietly next to her. My DDs brought her stuffed animals from their rooms. My dad told me this at work and I had to work the lump out of my throat before I could pick up the phone. Ironically my project that day was to contact patients who were overdue for their mammos. It does make me feel good but I was kinda like, jeez I can't even escape at work!

This too shall pass.

We are leaving for Disney soon. I hate to leave my mother but we really need it...

Peace everyone

 

[wdw4us2]

Minnie Tink - Sorry to hear your Mom had such a bad time with her first round of chemo. When she goes for her second round, have her bring two bottles of water with her to drink during her infusion. It's important to keep hydrating during the next few days, too. Enjoy your WDW trip - it sounds like you need it.

NHAnn - I feel badly for your thyroid problems. My DD 19 is Hypothyroid and has been on Synthroid since birth. She has experienced the fatigue problems on several occasions, but never the heartburn symptoms you described. I hope you get this worked out soon.

Pea n Me - I understand your feelings regarding your kids. I, too, have had those guilt feelings a few times this Summer myself. However, I usually catch myself right afterward and make up for it somehow.

Our shopping trip yesterday for school clothes was very successful. We managed to buy what we needed and there were some great sales. I have never really been a shopper and I am finding that I really don't have the energy to do it yet. I was exhausted when we got home. I just got back from another shopping trip to Big Lots with DD. She needed some things since she is not living in the dorm this year but sharing a townhouse with three other girls. Hopefully, I am finished with the shopping. I've already decided that DH can take DS for his school supplies this year since I've done it every other year since both kids first started school!

 

[snappy]

Hey Y'all!

Patsmom, hoping to hear good news from you!

Lisa, when does school start down there? I think it is too hot to start, but I am liking the high school schedules. High schools get the whole week off for Mardi Gras. Thinking of a NYC trip.

Maryann, I hope you can avoid surgery. I am with your DH, let's pray. Keep thinking and planning about that WDW trip. Very good therapy

MinnieTink you are getting good advice here to try and help your mom. I hope she starts to buld her strength back up quickly. She needs good nutrition.

Ann, sorry to hear the new synthroid level is not doing the trick. You do take it on an empty stomach with a full glass of water and wait an hour afterwards to eat or drink anything? It is a pain to do all this when you have to get up in the morning to work, I know.

Hope you are able to get in touch with your doctor soon.

Linda, I can't wait to drool over some sunroom pictures. Doesn't school start after labor day there?

DD started high school Monday and we are all having issues accllimating to school starting at 7:20 in the morning. DS 22 has moved down into the place he is sharing with a roommate near his college in New Orleans. I think he landed a job too, as he called me yesterday to look up his fall class schedule. He is also excited since he was able to score a jazz class taught by a very cool local jazz muscician.

Had a busy weekend between the hot air ballon festival, cooking all the ducks and the goose in my frreezer, and driving to Hammond to check our an import furniture place having a sale.

Our son was in haven with all the duck. I made the recipe the chef at the hunting lodge made when DH went this last year, and a big honking pot of gumbo. The gumbo was unbelievable coming from the stock from all those duck carcasses. Did some more last night.

DH is seeing some progress with his glucose, still high but exercise moves it more than anything else. His diet is very different now and I am sure the pills contribute but the numbers clearly show the greatest benefit is coming directly from the exercise.

The meeting with the dietician go moved to this wekk so we are just avoiding refined starches and sugars.

Benefit is he damn sure is looking good these days

I am having my platelet injection for my rotator cuff tear today at 2 pm. To get my mind off of it, I am going in to work! My sister and BIL were thinking of a trip to Destin next week but with all the thunderstorms, it is a no go. I was flirting with going to get away from doing stuff at hom, just R& R on the beach but that will have to wait now.

I scored two dinners at Cali grill for my September trip but will probably drop one of them. I tried to get on on the night that Wishes is 9 pm as I could only get a late table.

Hope everyone has a good weekend. The temps are down here, thank goodness, not hovering at 100 degrees anymore. Rain can be a good thing. Glad the tropical storm threat faded away but we are still very much watching the tropics.

GAGWTA!!!!

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Good afternoon ladies

Linda - I can relate to what you are thinking too. I always say to my ds "Do you know how hard I fought to live to be here with you etc.". I think they have that phrase cemented in their minds. They repeat it to me. I cant wait to see your sunroom pictures too.

Ann - Sorry the nexium is not working. It never worked for me either. I take protonix (generic), Have they considered doing an endoscopy?

Lisa - glad you enjoyed the shopping trip even though it was tiring. I get tired shopping too

Barbara -

MinnieTink - Hope your mom gets her stength back too. Your story touched my heart. I think the Disney trip will do you all good. I am sure you will come back renewed and refreshed.

Laurie - Hope the injection goes well today. Is your dd going to join the swim team? Glad your dh is working hard and I am sure you are a great motivator too. Sounds like you are related to Paula Dean wth all your cooking!

Well I honestly dont see any difference with the wound and the cipro. But I am just going to do what the surgeon tells me to do. Dh did say he will change/cancel the trip to China if he has to. He also said next friday he is also taking off and spending the day with me. I am not expecting anything as usual. I guess it would be nice to see a movie or go shopping. I am not planning anything as I dont want to get disappointed. He usually goes into work and it turns into a several hour event etc.

GTAGWTA. Have a great day everyone.

 

[TruBlu]

Hi everyone!

We got some discouraging news with my mom today. They have suspended her chemo indefinitely and scheduled a brain scan for Monday morning. She's been having some vision problems, neuropathy, and now her throat is numb on one side. BUT - We are going to stay positive and not worry unless we have to.

 

[MinnieTink]

Trublu, I said a prayer for your mom and for you.

 

[snappy]

Hugs and prayers from me too, Trublu.

 

[TruBlu]

Thank you.

 

[wdw4us2]

TruBlu - Adding your Mom to my prayer list.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Tracey - Prayers for your mom and your family

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Good evening ladies

Whiney sista here. My stomach hurts. I honestly dont know why I am having to take this antibiotic.

Linda - does this make sense. I want to ask the surgeon an intelligent question but dont know how to exactly word it. He has already told me he thinks its a stitch. I saw on the internet that when one of the anchor stitches becomes detached you can get the seroma. It seems like he practically knowss what the problem is but doesnt want to deal with it until after his vacation?? And after I am done with the cipro and if the wound is still draining wouldnt that be a clear indication of what he is orginally thinking is true? Would a cat scan show anything else in the mean time. I really dont want a scan with all the ones I had last year etc. One didnt even show the problem with the last surgery.

Dh called from california. He didnt even ask how the wound was. Oh well. Our tenant should have had the rent here today. I hope its in the mail tomm or I will have to tell dh. aka I hate being a landlord. Supposedly at the end of the month our court case in on the docket. The lawyer said the judge may listen to it, listen to parts of it, or not listen at all. We dont really care as we dont speak to dh cousins if we can help it. Our goal is to get the developer to give us the plans since he didnt live up to the contract and then we will have to work out with dh cousins to shop it around to another developer. That will probably go no where as usual. We call this our real estate soap opera. So sometimes its not good to inherit things whether you want them or not.

GTAGWTA. Blessings to you all always.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Good morning ladies

Tracey - wishing your mom all the best and hope you are recovering too.

PatsMom - hoping you get good news tomm

Laurie - hoping your dd is gettig adjusted to the new school and how is your shoulder doing from the injection?

Lisa - bet you are busy with your kids and school/college. Thinking of you swimming and I cannot. You are lucky!!

Linda - did you see my question?. Am I making any sense here?

Elizabeth - suppose carter is starting the new school soon too.

Sha - hope you are ok sista. Long time, no post.

KJ - did you make any dining adrs I am obsessed with the food. Since we are adding a day I need to make 2 more adrs. I know dh would love the food at sanaa but feel its a hike for us from the YC.

Well I went to my school board meeting last night. We have a whopping $2K in the bank. I know God is looking out for us and blessing us for sure. Bad news is that since we are so down in pre school enrollment we have to lay off one of the teachers and an aide. They only work part time anyway. We think the aid might just come to volunteer for free since she is retired anyway and has too much time on her hads for sure.

Dh has called from Ca. They had fun ocean kayaking in the caves and snorkeling in the ocean. Ds18 saw a huge purple jellyfish. The wound seems to be getting better. Figures when the surgeon is going on vacation. We will see. I am starting my countdown 20 days.

GTAGWTA. Blessings to you all always.

 

[KJ Luvs Pluto]

TruBlu - So sorry to hear about your mom - sending hugs your way.

MinnieTink - I know how hard it is to stay hydrated during chemo but can't stress enough how important it is. Hopefully your mom will be able to drink lots of water during the next round and will fare much better. Sending my thoughts your way. It must be very difficult for you and your family.

Finally have a few moments to come here and try and catch up.

MaryAnn - I only made one ADR at DH's request. HoopDeeDo, of all things. That's what he wanted to see. I'm just not sure where we are going to be when so decided to just go with counter service and if we can score a TS at the last moment at a less popular place that would be great but if not that's okay too. My onc. wants me to lose some weight anyway (from where I'm not sure since I'm not exactly poofy) but I'll try and maybe all that walking and sharing some CS meals will help.

I hope everyone who is going to WDW soon has a great trip, y'all deserve it.

GAGWTA Ladies

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Linda - did you see my question?. Am I making any sense here?

I'm sorry, I just finished up some long shifts. I think there are simply too many things it could be for anyone to know for sure what it is. As my oncologist was famous for saying, "Stranger things have happened", meaning there's so many things that can cause problems, and no two are ever exactly alike. My guess would be that he wants to see what happens with the antibiotic and if it still looks infected he'll probably move on to a scan or surgical evaluation. There's so many things going on in an area like that and problems with surgical areas aren't uncommon, unfortunately. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

 

[snappy]

Sorry as well down here tht I have not posted. The "injection" was more involved than I anticipated. Still painful, should subside by Monday. The up side is that I did not schedule it right before Mom's party or before a payroll processing date.

Had a temporary setback when I really wrenched the muscles in my back either from doing stuff too strenous before the injection when I was trying to catch up on housework or when I fainted just after the procedure Friday.

The muscles in my stomach, back, hip and down my leg were in a pretty severe spasm mode. I finally took some muscle relaxer med Monday morning which settled everything down.

Now I just have to deal with the shoulder pain and limited range of motion. Hoping to see gradual improvement.

This too will pass. Not sure at this point I could recommend this particular treatment. Ask me again in a few days when I am back to better than before the injection.

Sorry but typing is very wearing and I went back to work yesterday finally. Playing catchup without a full deck if you know what I mean. Housework I have given up on completely.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Good evening ladies

Linda - thanks for the info, I am sure you are a blessing to all the sick people you have to deal with on a daily basis. My nicest nurse last time was a guy. He would always check on me and ask about my pain level etc. since they switched it to oral meds. Do the kids go back to school after labor day like they do here in NY?

Laurie - I am so sorry to hear of the side effects you are having from the procedure and then the problems with your back on top of that. Take care and wishing you a speedy recovery from all of this

PatsMom - hoping things went well for you today

Well dh called. They are on the plane home. Will be back after midnight. Dont know if I can stay up that late. We will see. I actually sat on the porch today, way out of the sun behind my rhod. bush. I kept watching my arm for sun etc. I still have pain. I did something strange yest. My stomach hurt, so I went to check the bandage and sure enough, there was drainage, so hence pain=drain. But its practically nothing of what it was before but its been a month alread, 30 long days. . I have looked for jobs for ds and printed out stuff. I figured it would be too much for him on the computer with everyone else wanting to use it too. My incentive is if he finds a job he will be out of the house faster when he is financially able. .

GTAGWTA. Blessings to you all.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

I forgot to post this and wanted to do it now before my brain forgets as usual. They just had a little piece on the news about...

cryo ablation for breast tumors. They say they freeze them before removing them and it shows it helps with the dna too? They are doing it at Columbia in NYC around here.

Anyone know about this? They said they are liking the results so far.

 

[lowie]

Is there a list somewhere that I can print with questions to ask your doctor for a newly diagnosed breast cancer patient?

I'm going to accompany my friend to her first appointment and she doesn't know where to start. We don't need to ask the doctor questions about himself only 'what to expect' questions.

All she knows so far is it is a 'small cancer, 1 c.m' and they will remove it and do radiation.

Any responses will be appreciated.