Dis Breast Cancer Survivors Part III - GAGWTA!

[KJ Luvs Pluto]

Well - I knew I was going to be having this done so I made the meal ahead of time so it was more of a heat and eat type of thing. I certainly wasn't slaving over a hot stove for hours after I got back. I don't want to give the wrong impression here of someone with a chef's hat using one arm doubled over in pain trying to cook for a demanding DH . My point was just that the biopsy wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be either. I had heard horror stories from others and I was pleasantly surprised. (Can one use the term "pleasant" regarding a needle being poked there? )

Anyway - MinnieTink - it's great that your mom will have you there with her. That support will be a calming influence for her, knowing that you are there waiting for her. I'll be thinking of you both as you wait for the results.

Sha - Will be thinking of your friend as well at this difficult time.

 

[snappy]

I am sending prayers as well for your friend, K.

MinnieTink, I am thinking your mother will get loads of TL, especially since the procedure will be done at your place of work.

Sending good vibes to her.

In my opinion, the toughest part is waiting for the results, the apprehension, and the worries, not the physical effects per se.

 

[MinnieTink]

Yeah Snappy, I have worked at this facility for almost 13 years. I have always known it, but it has become even more apparent in recent weeks, that my place of business is filled with beautiful people. Many coworkers have surprised me with their kindness..one hugged me so tight I almost went to xray for a rib series! LOL. Another told me she lit a candle at church and prayed for us. Others, like you all, have shared stories of success. To have radiologists I trust look at me and tell me she will be ok...it may suck for a while, but she will be ok, is big. I'm blessed. I know my mom is in capable and compassionate hands.

 

[snappy]

Wow, that post is golden!

I am so glad you are getting souch wonderful support as your mother directly benefits by you being in such good hands as it insures she will be.

The one BIG upside of all of this is the folks you meet and the love you give and receive.

I am a better person because of it.


This thread means continues to mean a lot to me. It is gratifying to meet the new posters and my long time friends, all are priceless.

You rock ladies, GAGWTA!!

 

[MinnieTink]

snaps

KJ I still think you are a rock star.

Duh I forgot to ask my question before. I know it will vary from person to person but what is the schedule for treatments like radiation and or chemo? Like, how soon after surgery would something start? How long would it go on? I plan on being by my moms side as much as possible. I'm just curious how long this haul can be.

 

[wdw4us2]

snaps

KJ I still think you are a rock star.

Duh I forgot to ask my question before. I know it will vary from person to person but what is the schedule for treatments like radiation and or chemo? Like, how soon after surgery would something start? How long would it go on? I plan on being by my moms side as much as possible. I'm just curious how long this haul can be.

It differs from patient to patient. I had bi-lateral mastectomies and the plastic surgeon had to do an additional surgery three weeks later because of some necrotic tissue. I started my chemo about six weeks after the initial surgery. The chemo went from the beginning of October until the end of January, with chemo every three weeks. I also had weekly Herceptin infusions during this time. I had about six weeks break between the chemo and the start of radiation. Most radiation appointments are scheduled five days a week for five to six weeks in duration.

I hope this info helps. Feel free to ask any more questions as everyone here is happy to help!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

My mom had her lumpectomy in June. She started chemo the last week of July, and that lasted awhile. She had A/C first, then she switched to Taxol, then Taxotere because the Taxol had bad side effects for her. I can't remember exactly when she finished her chemo. I know she came to TX for Thanksgiving, so she was probably finished by then. They gave her a little break over the holidays, then she started rads in January and that lasted for 6 weeks (5 days a week). From diagnosis to the end of treatment was a year, but they didn't do her surgery immediately. She was diagnosed in March, and they started her on Arimidex to shrink the tumor before they did the surgery. She also had other stuff going on during that time - she had uterine fibroids that they needed to biopsy before they did her breast surgery, just in case.

 

[KJ Luvs Pluto]

MinnieTink:

It really does vary so maybe the more of us that give our experience the more you will have to judge what might happen with your mom.

I was diagnosed Oct 1st 2009, had my mastectomy with tissue expanders 10/21. Chemo started 11/30 and was every three weeks with two different chemos each time. Radiation started 2/25, every day for 28 sessions. Now I wait for 4-6 months before I get my final reconstruction.

Hope this helps.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Good afternoon ladies

Sha - prayers for your friend K

Minnie Tink - sounds like you have wonderful co workers and a great support system at work. Praying things will go smoothly for your mom

Hmm..the things we do for cancer. I know mine could be alot worse. I actually ate oatmeal today...all I can say is Yuck!! Blech!! etc. I had to drown it out with raisins, pure maple sugar and tons of cinnamon. I got the receipe off the budget board using the crock pot. I just reheated it today. Last year when I treid to make it in the microwave it exploded all inside.

Well we got an e mail saying they would reimburse us for the entire plane ticket for dh. This is only from his work. If Delta airlines reimburses anything then we will have to payback dh work. At least we wont be having some $4K bill to deal with, but dh work is slow with reimbursing too. This whole thing stinks. And the volcano is still going and dh is talking of going back to England and Denmark soon I think..

I still need to have dh call about the gift card from disney and ds20 is going for a 3rd interview tomm. for some ins. place. He will be interviewed by 3 people. I think its a bad job, but its close to home and a first start. I am shutting my mouth.

Now they want dh to go and talk to the drs. nurse for the research project about the same time as my shot on Mon. I dont know if that can get fixed. Maybe she could meet us in the hospital and the visit is in the drs. office in another town. The dr. cancelled his visit till June. No explanation. I think that is terrible in regards to surgical follow up. All I can say is I am glad dh is doing well.

GTAGWTA. Have a great day everyone.

 

[MinnieTink]

Good morning all! As I write this my mom is having her core bx. And I am at home because my daughter is home from school with the stomach bug. My dad is with my mom and she is not afraid so neither am I. I texted my boss that I wasn't going to be able to accompany my mom and she texted back, 'I'll take care of her.'. A little later my mom texted me that my boss came to the waiting room and gave her the biggest hug and kiss and pep talk. I just love my boss.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

[God evening ladies

Minnie Tink - Thinking of your mom today. Hope she is resting up and getting lots of tlc. So sorry about your dd too. Hope she feels better soon and you have a wonderful and caring boss, that is such a comfort and makes work such a joy for you I am sure.

I am hating vegetables. etc. 7 1/2 days to go I am envisioning stuff like pizza burgers, italian food, greek salad, seafood stuff etc. Ugh!!

Ds went for his 3rd interview today at the one place.

Dh found out that he had the more major procedure. He also found out the surgeon is at a conference somewhere. Go figure. But mine did that once too, except he told me ahead of time, this guy said nothing to dh etc. Dh had a terrible amount of pain last night. He had to take the percocet. I heard him screaming. Not good. He said he is much better today.

GTAGWTA. Have a great day everyone.

 

[Notatourist]

Hey everyone--

GOOD blood test results today as everything is normal. Yep, I said normal with my platlets up...

Feeling okay after the double whammy of avastin and taxol today. They gave me a bed for chemo instead of a chair...took a nice nap too.

How is everyone else doing? LMP-I feel for you and your hubby-ouch! and the boys will find their way-transistions suck.

That's it from here. God, I want to go back to work.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Good afternoon lladies

Nota - great news about the blood tests Looking forward to going back t work is great. Can you keep in touch by e mail and phone when you are feeling up to it?

Laurie - I am pathetic. I will send you the pm today or tomm.

Today for lunch I am having goo... I mean unsalted natural peanut butter. It has no consistency whatsoever. I just might do it with carrot and celery sticks. I am getting so sick of beef or chicken.

Well the black cloud continues..yest. the boss of the dept where dh is moving to (actually his old boss) tells him, oh, the new project might not work. You better stay where you are, WTH?? My dh gave up everything to go over there, the papers are signed, his boss now totally hates him and doesnt speak to him etc. So I dont know what we are going to do. His prooject now has lots of delays etc. so he might be able to work something out. Also we NEED the health insurance etc. So maybe at this retreat he can network with other people etc, so maybe its a good idea after all he is going.

I amd debating wether to rent or go to the movies. If I go I think the popcorn smell would drive me insane etc.

Ds 22 seems to want the job etc. He does get a salary but he has goals to reach or he could be fired and he has to pay half the cost of some training classes. I give up. Its his life. Just I think we will be stuck with him here more since it doesnt seem like a very stable job. Oh, I guess such is life. He refuses to look at the jobs I told him about, oh well. Financially he will have to be on his own. We have supported him enough.

Ds 20 actually applied for a job online. That was a shocker!! A food place. He has good experience in that for sure.

Hoping you all enjoy your week end. You are a great bunch of ladies. Blessings to you all.

GTAGWTA.

 

[wdw4us2]

Minnie Tink - I hope everything is going well for your Mom and not too scary.

LMP - I feel badly for everything you are going through right now. It seems like you can't get a break. I think you should go to the movies. You'll only have to deal with the popcorn smell for a little while and then you can get lost in the film you're watching.

Notatourist - Great news about your blood work! Amazing how something so minor can make you feel so much better.

Crazy week here. I saw the radiologist yesterday. He says my misery from the burns is a good thing. It means I'm healing and he's happy because the burns show they got the coverage they wanted in the target areas.

I reconnected with a friend from high school on Facebook last month. She is here visiting and so are a bunch of other people I know. We're all meeting for dinner tonight and I'm really looking forward to it. I haven't seen some of them in over 20 years!

 

[MinnieTink]

Hey everyone! Hope everyone is enjoying a beautiful Friday.

My mom had her core bx yesterday. She was a little sore but has improved. She seems so positive and not scared or nervous. It's great. So why did I start crying at the ATM today. I'm trying to be tough and positive but sometimes I just lose it. Then I get mad that I'm not being strong and feel pathetic. Uuuggghhh. Anyway that was earlier and I do feel better now. I just gotta get it together.

I hope all of you wonderful ladies have a great Mothers Day!!!!

 

[snappy]

Hey everyone! Hope everyone is enjoying a beautiful Friday.

My mom had her core bx yesterday. She was a little sore but has improved. She seems so positive and not scared or nervous. It's great. So why did I start crying at the ATM today. I'm trying to be tough and positive but sometimes I just lose it. Then I get mad that I'm not being strong and feel pathetic. Uuuggghhh. Anyway that was earlier and I do feel better now. I just gotta get it together.

I hope all of you wonderful ladies have a great Mothers Day!!!!

Glad the test is over and behind her and that she is upbeat.

Please don't beat yourself up about getting emotional. I like to say feel your feelings. Keeping it bottled up only delays the process. Maybe because you were home with your sick daughter and not at the hospital, even though she ws not alone by any means, you haven't really internalized it.

Enjoy your mother's day. You sound like you are the type of mother and daughter anyone would treasure beyond measure.

What is everyone doing for mother's day?

My sister and brother in law usually host us for holidays but they just returned from a beach trip to Sandestin on the Florida panhandle at Club Intrawest. She is pooped. It was overcast early in the trip but cleared up to wonderful as the week went on. The pictures they sent from their Iphones are amazing. She said the dolphins enjoyed the fine weather too as they were frolicking like crazy. My sister has a physical disibility but she waded out to get closer to them. She said it felt like you could reach out and touch them. I am so glad they had so much fun. She lives with constant pain but said she felt nothing in the moments she was in the water watching the fun.

So I am thawing some of my crawfish treasure that I put up after the oil spill first happened. We will have a nice Louisiana dinner of ettouffee and Louisiana strawberries. Pass the french bread, chere.

Hey, why don't we have little french men smilies? Wait this looks good

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Good morning ladies

Laurie - Just sent you a pm. You were smart to do the stocking up of seafood. I am sure it will be worth its weight in gold soon.

Fl Lisa - glad the rad. says you are healing and hope you had a good dinner last night.

Minnie Tink - I think emotions are better out than bottled in. Hang in there.

So to answer your question Laurie - For mothers day we are going to church as usual,probably renting the movie and I have to cook my horrid food as usual and then I just want the ds to be nice to me etc.

Have a wonderful day everyone.

 

[Sha]

Hi ladies

hope you are all having good days today and wishing you a happy mothers day tomorrow.

thanks for the prayers for K. I still dont know details yet. we talked the other day but we kept to what she was thinking and feeling, and that i am her second as for POA and getting an idea of some wishes. That is for more explanation after she reviews some documents and talks to her lawyer and family.

Am at the dealer getting my car serviced and then to start packing for my WDW trip later this week. Got a lot of adventure in the first 24 hours I am there. Then a trip around the lagoon with some friends (like WDW4us2 and her DD). Havent packed a thing really! planning in my head though.

 

[snappy]

Good morning ladies

Laurie - Just sent you a pm. You were smart to do the stocking up of seafood. I am sure it will be worth its weight in gold soon.

I read this morning that shrimping is closed. It will not be long before the oil and chemicals get up into the marshes as well.

We use a lot of seasoning with our seafood boil but not oil and chemicals.

Thanks for the pm, I will be calling you after we are there.

Sha, My thoughts are with your friend K.

She is lucky to have you on her team. I wish we could see you this trip. Enjoy your WDW time, I know you will.

Pictures, pictures , pictures..

 

[NHAnn]

uggh, lost a long post again!

GAGWTA!

MinnieTink, how is mom? Give yourself a break, relaease those emotions! Cherish that boss of yours, I wish I had one like that!
(Lots of turmoil at my job, I need to get in the "this too shall pass" mode, as the stress is starting to affect me after hours and I just can't get to that place again where it affects me physically and mentally at home)

Snappy, been thinking of you constantly since the oil spill, its impact on you locally and the ripple effect to us all

Sha- thoughts for K and please give your mom a hug for me for Mother's Day. I am missing my mom a lot this year, my 3rd Mother's Day without her. Makes me think of our Maureen (Lookingforward) too, and her recent loss of her mom.

LMP- I continue to marvel at your perseverence through everything on your plate!

wdw4us..how was the reunion?

Notatourist- great news on the bloodwork!

pea-n-me...how's baseball season going down there??

Apologies to those I have "missed"...thinking of you all of course!!

I have told DH he is somewhat famous on the DIS -- I saw reference to his "Don't bleed before you're shot" mantra when some of you posted on the thread on the CB from the young woman who was in a terrible state over her mammogram and callback.

Happy mother's day to you mothers and to your mothers!