Dis Breast Cancer Survivors Part III - GAGWTA!

[Sarabi's Cubs]

Wow! I can't believe it took me this long to find this thread. I guess it was only now that I felt comfortable typing "breast cancer" in the search function. I'm still adjusting to being part of this particular club. A little background - I went for my mammogram 2 weeks after my 40th birthday last fall and was diagnosed with Stage IIA IDC. Lumpectomy in November, chemo December thru Feb, radiation ended May 1. So I figured it is over, right? Well, no - right now my whole family is gathering for a vacation in Cape Cod, one specifically planned for this time so that I would surely be feeling well enough to come and here I sit, stuck at home with a staph infection. I surely was not expecting this so long after surgery. I'm still holding out hope that these antibiotics kick in and we will be able to make it for at least part of the week.

I am, as ever, shocked to see how many of us there are, and inspired by the level of support. These boards and the podcast have been my refuge during these past 9 months, and I am eagerly awaiting our first Disney cruise in December (my 1 year survivor present to myself).

Blessings to all! And I look forward to getting to know you better.

 

[snappy]

Welcome, Sarabi's cubs!

Glad you found our thread, and you are now a card carrying member of the the club no one really wants to join.

I like the way you think, a Disney cruise is an excellent way to celebrate survivorship! Way to go sister!

Sorry about the infection. Is it at the site of the lumpectomy?

I sure hope you get to join your family. It sounds like you must have a great support system for them to plan this vacation around your timetable for being ready to roll. Do you live on the east coast?

We also have great support here on this thread, of a longstanding nature.

I am blessed to have come on board right at the beginning back in 2005. I was about a year out from diagnosis at the time this thread originated in May 2005. The sistas here helped me get through hurricane Katrina and my indecision on whether to go forward with reconstruction, not to mention hundreds of other trials and tribulations.

My name is Laurie, I had pretty extensive DCIS in my left breast, with just a small area of invasion, so I got to skip the chemo but had what I consider to be the ultimate version of a mastectomy in May 2004. Fast forward to August 2006 and I did a free tram reconstruction and I am almost better than ever.
, My plastic surgeon is a genius, he worked a miracle on me.

I went on an extended hiatus from work in 1998, when we relocated to Baton Rouge from the New Orleans area, but went back to work part time in 2007 to be the CPA for a non-profit which focuses on people with disabilities of all kinds.

My sweet DH who I have known since 1969 and I have a 20 year old DD, a 22 year old DS, and a beautiful little 14 year old DD getting ready to start high school in about a week's time. I have a lot to hang around for.

I did get a bit of a shock today, DH got the lovely news today from his internist that he has diabetes. We are in the midst of learning the ropes with the testing and diet. It is rather bad timing as I am also in the final stages of putting on an 80th birthday party extravaganza with my sister for our mom on Sunday.

You could say I am little frazzled, but I just keep on swimming.

Our brother Tom is in route at this moment from NYC.

Hoping to get to know you better. We are pretty open here. I guess it comes with the territory with breast cancer, you can tend to let it all hang out so to speak.

Oh my, I am letting my age show with that kind of language, huh?

 

[TruBlu]

Wow! I can't believe it took me this long to find this thread. I guess it was only now that I felt comfortable typing "breast cancer" in the search function. I'm still adjusting to being part of this particular club. A little background - I went for my mammogram 2 weeks after my 40th birthday last fall and was diagnosed with Stage IIA IDC. Lumpectomy in November, chemo December thru Feb, radiation ended May 1. So I figured it is over, right? Well, no - right now my whole family is gathering for a vacation in Cape Cod, one specifically planned for this time so that I would surely be feeling well enough to come and here I sit, stuck at home with a staph infection. I surely was not expecting this so long after surgery. I'm still holding out hope that these antibiotics kick in and we will be able to make it for at least part of the week.

I am, as ever, shocked to see how many of us there are, and inspired by the level of support. These boards and the podcast have been my refuge during these past 9 months, and I am eagerly awaiting our first Disney cruise in December (my 1 year survivor present to myself).

Blessings to all! And I look forward to getting to know you better.

You have definitely found a place filled with some wonderful ladies to love and support you! They are all amazing!!

My mom was diagnosed with Stage 4 IDC last April. She had chemo, then a radical mastectomy. Since then she has had about 3 staff infections in the scar. It is very painful, and twice she's ended up in the hospital. I'm so sorry you are having to go thru this, too. Did they give you steroids? That helped Mama more than anything. With this last one, they started the steroids right away and she was able to avoid going into the hospital.

I hope you feel better really soon.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Good evening sistas

sarabi's cubs - the ladies here are so great. You have found a good place to come to!! Sorry to hear about the staph infection. I am sure you feel like its one step backwards when you want to go forward. Your trip to celebrate your one year survivorship sounds wonderful. I did that too last year in december at the Yacht Club. My dh pushed me around in the wheelchair most of the time. I hope you will be on the road to recovery and will be able to join the trip to Cape Cod. My one cousin lives in Columbus, she is trying to sell her condo right now and my other cousin lives in Perry County. I use to love going to the state fair when I was growing up!!

I dont have breast cancer, but thyroid cancer and I asked the sistas here if I could tag along and be adopted by them and they welcomed me with open arms. Last year I had 3 cancer surgeries, almost died after surgery 2, needed 7 pints of blood and ended up in a coma for 2 days, then I was starting a very special diet before the radiation and I developed a bowel obstruction, that took another 4 operations and now last week, yup 9 months after the last surgery I have just developed a seroma and have a 50/50 chance of needing more surgery, that will be talked about next week with the surgeon. So just keep hanging in there. My faith brings me alot of comfort.

Lisa - How are you feeling? I hope they can give you a diagnosis from the testing.

Tracey - how are you feeling? I hope your pain is much better.

Laurie - I hope the party is wonderful. Cant wait to hear how it turns out.

Well today was "the day of mattresses". Ds20 ds 18 and dh and I are the proud owners of new mattresses that will be arriving tomm. That ordeal was enough in itself. Dh took the 2 ds and I just went later for him and I.

Oh and Aug. 14-19 dh is taking ds22 (he is quitting his job by then) and ds18 to california for a father/son bonding time so ds20 and I will be together. Oh that should be interesting. Then Aug. 26-Sep2nd dh is going to China again. I am not happy about this as I am not feeling well etc.

Today I made an appt. for wed. to get the bone density test and a mammogram. (its been like maybe 3 years, heah cancer got in the way. I have so much scar tissue from the fibroadenoma they took out on the L side that it gets interesting. I was only called back once and not even for that, so ds 20 is taking me. Finally I am getting done the things that need to get done. Next I am calling the eye dr. on mon.

GTAGWTA. Have a great week end everyone. Blessings always.

 

[TruBlu]

Tracey - how are you feeling? I hope your pain is much better.

I am doing quite a bit better. It still hurts when I move, but I'm down to advil in the day and tylenol pm at night. I only have one more week, then it's back to work full time. I'm not exactly happy about that. I've had a great few weeks at home with my boys. BUT - they are ready for me to go so Granny can come back. They are really missing my mom! OH - update on her - she got her chemo today!!! That makes 6 out of 12 - but, today the oncologist told her that he is only going to be able to give her 2 more. Her reactions have been so bad he doesn't want to push it any more than that. She's really worried that it wont be enough, but we just have to trust the doc. Anyway, hopefully she will feel like keeping the boys until school starts back up. She's missing them as bad as they are missing her.


AND - I have mattress ENVY! We bought our first ever bedroom suite (after 15 years of marriage) right before my surgery. For some reason we didn't think we needed a new mattress, too. That was a mistake! I want a new one really bad now. Especially since a local company keeps running an add on TV saying that your mattress weighs double the weight after 8 years because of dead skin and dust mites. I'm working on DH.... hopefully we'll be getting one soon.

 

[wdw4us2]

Sarabi's Cubs - Welcome! You have found a great place and a bunch of great women to help you through the aftermath of this dreadful disease. Your time of treatment almost exactly matches mine. I am currently still receiving Herceptin infusions every three weeks and am due to have my reconstruction completed in October of this year.

Tracey - Glad to hear you're starting to feel better. As for the mattress commercial - yikes!

LMP - Can't believe your DH is going to China again. I hope you and DS 20 make it through the time your DH and DS 18 are away.

Laurie - I am so sorry to hear about your DH's diabetes diagnosis. Sometimes it seems as though it pours on us, doesn't it? I bet you have your hands full planning your Mom's party, but you'll have a great time as a result.

I heard from the surgeon yesterday. I have a hematoma under my pectoral muscles on the left side. The surgeon told me to stop lifting weights, but I can continue swimming so long as I go slowly. I called the plastic surgeon to let him know and he asked that the ultrasound scans be sent to him. I will probably hear from him on Monday. He is concerned about where the hematoma is and might want the surgeon to drain it. It's less painful now and I've really been taking it easy the past week.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

GAGWTA and welcome to Sarabi's Cubs (my age, case and timeline was similar but I think I was a B). to all who need one, and a special one to Lisa I think it's very understandable why you'd be so emotional at the cemetery. I would have been, too - I get that way when I visit my father's grave, especially when there's something going on in my life that's stressful. I bet that hematoma's really painful. I still have a seroma left over in my breast from my 2003 surgery and it still kills - I can barely sleep on that side and forget it if one of the kids "bumps" me.

My BIL had coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG) this past week. He had a rough first night when he reacted badly to the morphine and vomited all night. I can only imagine how painful that must have been, especially since they had difficulty treating his pain with anything, apparently. Hopefully he'll sail through the rest of his recovery without any major problems. DD (his Goddaughter) and I are planning to go help him out for a couple of days when he comes home.

lmp, it wouldn't be a bad idea to keep a pain diary, although it will keep you "focused" on it quite a bit when maybe it might be better to not focus on it if you can help it? Not easy, I know. I'd keep a fairly low threshold for going in if the pain gets worse, or if you develop a fever or other signs of infection, given that you have drainage so presumably something's going on in there, unfortunately. Hang in there.

Laurie, so sad about your friend. Ann, I hope you figure out what's going on. Glad your MRI was ok.

You won't believe this but my sunroom is finally well underway (after, what, a 3 yr wait?). They have the walls up and they started on the roof yesterday. I can barely contain my excitement!

DH's baseball team made the playoffs, we'll see how they do today.

I hope everyone has a nice weekend.

 

[Sarabi's Cubs]

Thanks so much for all of the supportive comments! I am actually in the hospital now. Started feeling worse last night, just nauseous and like a truck had hit me and DH had enough and took me to the ER. They admitted me and put me on IV antibiotics. I think I am starting to notice a little improvement. The infection is cellulitis, not at the lumpectomy site and the fluid in my seroma was not infected when they aspirated it, so I don't know how I picked it up. I just hope it clears quickly. My parents left early yesterday with my 3 kids DS 12 DD 9 and DS 4 to join the rest of the family on Cape Cod. So grateful to them since it's been a loong time since they've done a 14 hour drive with 3 kids. My nephew's baptism is next Sunday and I'm really hoping things clear up before then and we can at least make it for a couple of days. It is nice to know that the kids are with grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins so I don't have to worry about them while I'm stuck in here.

Laurie - My name is actually Laurie too. I hope things go smoothly with your DHs diagnosis and that you're able to get it under control quickly.

luvmarypoppins - I was surprised about the seroma - nothing about it in any of the breast cancer books I bought like crazy when diagnosed but it seems like alot of people get them after surgery. It's frustrating because I kept being told that was normal so I think I dismissed early signs of the cellulitis thinking that the swelling was just related to the seroma and nothing to worry about.

 

[snappy]

Laurie, small world, isn't it?

I sure hope the IV meds clear things up quickly. I think your DH did the right thing bringing you in.

I am glad your kids are able to go to the reunion with your parents. That is a long drive, but I bet they do fine.

I am a bit worried about my DH. His blood sugar was 370 on the fasting test they gave him and it is high today, before and after eating breakfast.

I guess the oral meds take a while to work. He took the first two pills last night.

It is not slowing him down, he did the yard work and went off to work. He had two doctor's appointments yesterday and did not get much done at all at the office.

I just finished the final touches on my pages for mom's memory book. Been standing up for too long and need to veg out.

My brother Tom should be arriving any minute. I will head to mom's house after I go by and pick up the flowers for the table and her corsage.

Busy day!

 

[snappy]

My BIL had coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG) this past week. He had a rough first night when he reacted badly to the morphine and vomited all night. I can only imagine how painful that must have been, especially since they had difficulty treating his pain with anything, apparently. Hopefully he'll sail through the rest of his recovery without any major problems. DD (his Goddaughter) and I are planning to go help him out for a couple of days when he comes home.

lmp, it wouldn't be a bad idea to keep a pain diary, although it will keep you "focused" on it quite a bit when maybe it might be better to not focus on it if you can help it? Not easy, I know. I'd keep a fairly low threshold for going in if the pain gets worse, or if you develop a fever or other signs of infection, given that you have drainage so presumably something's going on in there, unfortunately. Hang in there.

Laurie, so sad about your friend. Ann, I hope you figure out what's going on. Glad your MRI was ok.

You won't believe this but my sunroom is finally well underway (after, what, a 3 yr wait?). They have the walls up and they started on the roof yesterday. I can barely contain my excitement!

DH's baseball team made the playoffs, we'll see how they do today.



I hope everyone has a nice weekend.

I hope your BIL is on the mend. How wonderful that you and your DD are going over to help him out for a few days. You have a great family!

Hurray for the sunroom getting started! I suspect this will be one of the best things y'all have done with your renovation. I can't wait to see the pictures!

Congrats on your son's team going to the playoffs. How did they do yesterday?

The BIG party is today. My mom was a bit unnerved with the ipad gift my brother thought of, although a few weeks ago my sister had worked with her for a while showing mom the things my sister' s DH's ipad can do. She just can't seem to remember how to turn it on, etc.

Not sure if the ipad is going to work for mom.

She is going to love the party today, I sure hope people showed up. We did not rsvp on the invitations so we will be surprised right along with mom to see who actually shows up. My sister did get a lot of material for the memory book, so that was good. She has been very busy. She found pictures to go with each package she got from the guests, along with any they sent. My sister is a saint.

It took me hours to find, select and put together the ones for our little family. The heart of this is the letters in my opinion. Although mom has two grandchildren in costa Rica, she has not seen them except in pictures, so our three children are really close to her. The letters they wrote were very touching, as I guess I have posted. My DH's was in his usual sarcastic vein, but I "sweetened" it up a little.

He seems to be a bit down about his blood sugar thing. His numbers are off the chart and he can't see being able to bring them down. I hope the meds kick in soon as I think he is starting off on this discouraged.

I am going to go with him to meet with the dietician. I think I can benefit greatly from the same diet. I am hoping if we take this on together it will make it easier and bring us closer. This will take a lot of planning as he does not care for many fruits and veggies.

Big changes for a 58 year old male. He has always been there for me. Now it is my turn.

 

[wdw4us2]

Laurie - I hope you and your entire family have a wonderful time at the party!

 

[NHAnn]

I'm also a little down today. It would have been my Mom's 83rd birthday, so I took flowers to the cemetery as I usually do although the kids are usually with me and they weren't today as I went right after the ultrasound. For some reason, I was very emotional while I was there. I don't know if it's because of what I've gone through the past year or because I'm remembering what she went through with cancer. It's been 33 years since I lost her and I was very surprised by my reactions today. Anyway, I'm still feeling a little weird about it.

I completely relate to this and think it's to be expected, especially after the week you have had. Hang in there. I've been a bit weepy myself lately thinking about both my parents.

LMP...I hope you are doing OK...I hate that feeling of something bad around the corner. I hope that has lifted for you.

Linda--wow what a rough night for your BIL!! I hope he is has a swift and complication free recovery from here on. Glad to hear about your sunroom...I too eagerly await pics...and want to hear about your sons' playoffs, too!

Sarabi-Laurie...welcome, as the other Laurie said "to the club no one wants to join"...but I can tell you one of the blessings (and yes, there ARE some) of cancer is the wonderful people that will touch your life and even become part of it....like the "sisters" here on this thread. Good that your DH got you in ASAP to catch that infection, and I hope you can join your family soon for a little break!

snappy-Laurie....I hope the party is a smashing success!! Please give my best to your wonderful DH, I like your plan to adjust your diet along with his
to make the transition to a "new normal" easier for you all.

Update on my issues...saw my primary care Thursday and my head has been spinning since: she asked me a ton of questions about the fatigue and the heartburn and listened very carefully to the answers. She did an EKG in the office and it was fine. Set me up for a stress echocardiogram as a precaution/baseline...that will be Wednesday. Ordered a bunch of fasting bloodwork which I went in for early Friday. Called in a script for Nexium.
Yesterday I got a letter dated Friday--yes letter, no call which surprised me, I'm glad the letter came yesterday as opposed to taking til Monday . Anyway, it said cholesterol and triglicerides (got the actual numbers on those), as well as electrolytes, potassium, blood sugar, kidney and liver function, and complete blood count were all normal or better than normal. But as I suspected-- thyroid function was abnormal and instructions for me to up the synthroid dosage and have it rechecked in 4 weeks. So while a bit annoyed that it was a letter instead of a call to me, and that she didn't tell me the TSH #, I am a bit relieved that it is likely the cause of the fatigue as opposed to a heart issue. Still have the fun of the stress echo to look forward to though!

GAGWTA

 

[KJ Luvs Pluto]

Wow - I've been busy for a few days and this thread has been very active.

Sarabi Laurie - Welcome! Although it's with a heavy heart that a welcome is issued because no one here wants to hear that another woman is traveling the road we are on but there is such great support here that it's also a uplifting welcome. Hope that's not too convoluted .

I was diagnosed in October of 2009 and had a mast. then chemo and rads and am looking forward to my final reconstruction in November (hopefully). I had ILC and am on Tamoxifen for five years as well.

There's also a lot of informed ladies here so if you have any questions, ask away, we'll be happy to help (I'm not one of those who is informed but I'd be happy to answer what I can).

To everyone else who is having difficulties right now - I hope those problems are short-lived and that brighter days are ahead for all of you. You all deserve to have some stress free days.

GAGWTA

 

[MinnieTink]

Hi everyone...just checking in...

Welcome Sarabi!

Well, my mom is getting her port put in tomorrow morning. (any input on the procedure and pain/discomfort level for the first few days?) She is a trooper. She starts chemo on Thursday. We are all nervous for her but we are being strong because of her strength. We went wig shopping about two weeks ago. I can't believe how nice the wigs were! I'm sure there are many people wearing wigs around that I don't even realize. My mom went in there so nervous that she was going to look like someone kicked her in the *** and her "hair-hat" fell forward, because that is what her friend at work looked like in her OLD wig. LOL. Instead, she looks so cute and she is feeling so much better about it. It was funny tho, the girl at the wig shop told my mom she could not wear the wig while cooking. My Italian mother responded, Oh? I guess I'm not going to get much use out of it then, I'm always standing over the stove! LOL. So...onward we go!

About 3 weeks ago, my father was diagnosed with bladder cancer. I know. I know. When it rains it DOES pour. He had surgery to remove the tumor. It was small. They also did some kind of chemo "wash" during the surgery. That is all he will need, for now. He has to have cystoscopies every 6 months or so.

I am hanging in there. I had some rough times in the past and they didn't kill me so they made me stronger.... I am an only child and very close to my parents and now they both have cancer at the same time. Pretty much a nightmare. But they are both very tough. And there are worse things. I lost my best girlfriend to cancer at a young age (21) and I often still think of her mom. I am having a hard time watching my parents fight the monster, I cannot imagine having to watch a child succumb.

I wish you all PEACE.....

 

[KJ Luvs Pluto]

MinnieTink - I don't have any advice for your Mom and her port - they just poked my veins every time, sorry. But I wanted to say that I would be thinking about her and you while you are going through this. I loved the story about the wig shopping. I didn't have a wig either. I just wore a hat to wherever I was going (it was winter in WI afterall) and then went topless inside at work and at places where people knew me. They really got used to seeing me bald and I got used to people rubbing my head . What is it with pregnant bellies and bald womens heads . It always made both sides laugh though and I looked for laughter every day.

I'm sorry to hear about your Dad. I hope that he's doing much better now. What a tough time you have had of it. to you and your family.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I only have a minute, but wishing everyone well.

Laurie, your DH has to watch breads, rices and pastas (starches) as those turn into sugars on breakdown. Whole grains and complex carbs are best (not refined) and he should include low fat proteins with meals and of course watch his salt (as a cardiac pt). Also review portion sizes - they're actually about half or less than what we're used to eating. I tell my patients that having diabetes and heart issues makes nutrition issues quite complex, but it can be done, and I know that the two of you will come out healthier than when you went in. The nutritionist will guide you. Also the ADA has great info on their website.

Ann, I'm glad you found a quick answer. I agree a phone call would have been nice for ?s and a little personal touch.

Laurie (SC) I'm glad your infection wasn't in your breast and I hope you make it to the Cape soon.

Minnie Tink, good luck to your Mom.

Well we had a great playoff game - back and forth: we were winning, then they were winning, then we were winning, then they were winning, and then we tied. Went into extra innings when a boy from the *other* team hit a home run to win the game. for us but for them. So our season is (finally) over but that was a very exciting game. DS was sad the season was over but yesterday he said he was ok. He had a great all day pool party with his friends to take his mind off it.

Sunroom's looking great, they're doing the roof now, quite tricky to attach to our house but will be nice when done.

GAGWTA

 

[snappy]

Ann, it is good to know so many possible issues were eliminated. I understand the type of tiredness you describe when thyroid levels are off, as that happened to me several times. Thankfully, I have been stable for a good while at 1.125 mg. of Synthroid. Give the new med level time to work. It is such a gradual fix but when you neeed a higher level of meds it seems like you hit that wall suddenly. I confess I do not understand why it happens that way.

Linda, glad your son is taking it in stride. Pretty exciting games when they go into overtime like that.

Thanks for the diet tips for diabetes. We only eat Oroweat health nut, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, and that has been for many years. I know a little bit about the portion controls. He has been better in the last few month, has actually lost 12 or so pounds over a period of time, 6 pounds in the last 6 weeks.

He also eats salads alot, but only apples int he fruit department, and few veggies.

I think the oral meds will have to do the heavy lifting, along with portion control. I am anxious to get more info from the dietician.

I was so busy at the party yesterday I could not really observe what he ate. He said he had a small piece of cake, I imagine it was more like 2 small pieces.

The party was lovely, mom was truly surprised. The flowers, the cke, and the table really looked great with the hydrangeas on the plates, napkins. The high point was definitely the slide show as it was almost unbelievable, it was organized so well both chronologically and between families, with specially chosen music selected for each group. Our three kids were amazed as there were many pictures they had not ever seen or not in a very long time.

I ended up in tears when the pictures from when each of them were born was played. What really got me was the music. My sister had asked what music I wanted for the pictures from our wedding, and I told her Cat Stevens-Morning is Broken-I was fine during that part. But when the beautiful The first time ever I saw your face by Roberta Flack with the pictures of our kids as newborns started up, I absolutely lost it.

Music gets me every time. It was kind of embarrassing as I was sobbing but I managed to contain it after a little while.

One of mom's brothers and his wife and four of their five kids and one grand children, most of whom live in the New Orleans area came to the party. Her brother never goes to any parties so we were thrilled to see him. We had other cousins there as well, and of course my brother was in from NYC.

My mother's other sister-in-law is quite ill, and no one from that side of the family could come (all live in New Orleans).

Mom loved the memory book, it came out quite well. However, the slide show was fantastic as everyone could see it at the same time on the big tv and there was so many comments and cheers.

It was interesting to see the changing clothes and hair styles. I kept wondering, what were we thinking?????

I hope everybody has a good week. I am still recovering.

 

[Sarabi's Cubs]

Laurie - so glad to hear things went well with the party!! Those slide shows always get me too, but doing something like that and a memory book is so wonderful!! I'm waiting to be discharged now and feeling much better. I can't wait to get out and see my kids!!!

 

[PatsMom]

Hello ladies. I did complete the Susan G Komen 3 Day for the Cure in Boston last weekend. It was an absolutely amazing experience. Walking sixty miles in three days is quite a challenge, especially since Saturday was the longest day from a mileage standpoint and also it was the day with all the hills. And it was in the mid nineties! Drank lots of water!

I ended up walking against medical advice. My endocrinologist had given me the OK months ago to walk with diabetes as long as I was careful to check my feet for blisters (I have spots with no sensation). But ten days before the walk, I had a cystoscopy and was confirmed to have bladder cancer. Because I had some really heavy bleading the week before, the urologist told me not to walk. I talked to my primary care doctor and she conferred with him. The risk was that I would start the tumor bleeding again. I decided to take the risk and I am glad that I did. I had no issues.

This Friday I will undergo a transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (TURBT). There are at least two that were identified on the cystoscopy. Then there will be a chemo was of the bladder. Then I wait a week and a half for the pathology results which will dictate the next steps. If I am lucky, the cancer will be non-invasive and I will just go on repeat cystoscopies to watch for recurrence. If the pathology comes back indicating one of the tumors is invasive, then we talk about treatment options.

My team was easy to pick out at the 3 Day - we were the ones with the yellow bandanas in honor of my bladder cancer!

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Good evening ladies

Minnie Tink - I hope your mom did well with the port and so sorry to hear about your dads dx. They are blessed to have you but as the only child I am sure its lots on your shoulders.

KJ - Sending a big hi and yes its still bunnies but its harder to see them as ds hasnt cut the grass lately.

Linda - So sorry to hear what your bil had to go through. Glad the sun room is making progress

Ann - I hope they get to the bottom of your problems and you get a dx.

Laurie (SC) - glad you are coming home. Hope you heal quickly. My favorite saying in the hospital was "theres no place like home". I wrote it on my whiteboard in my room. I guess seromas are as common with the breast ca as they are with the hernia surgery I had.

Pats Mom - amazing that you did that. I dont think I could even walk a 1/2 mile. So sorry about the dx. Wishing you all the best with the upcoming surgery.

Lisa - sending a shout out and hi. I hope the surgeon gave you some good news today. When does your dd go back to college? Soon I guess.

Tracey - I hope your mom tolerates the treatments she is getting. Enjoy your last week off. I am sure your ds are looking forward to spending time with your mom too.

Laurie - I am so glad the party turned out simply amazing. Seems like you all had a great time and every detail was covered. That was so nice that so many people were able to attend. I am sure I would have been emotional too seeing lots of family memories. Your music choices sounded fun too. Hope your dh can adjust to all these changes etc. I know he is blseed with you being there for him.

Well hmm, whats new. DH and I, and ds18 and ds20 all have new mattresses. I feel like ours is ...climbing into a monster truck. At least my back doesnt hurt any more. Its easy to get out of, hard to get into and worse to try and get dressed on. This will take alot of time to adjust to for sure. It seemed the best one in the store. etc.

Its like a foot higher than our old bed and deeper. So we need new linens. I sent the 2 ds to bed bath and beyond. DS 20 calls and told me he left the coupons down and someone stole them. I said no way then will I pay full price. If he wants it he can pay for it and I will do the coupon difference that he will have to pay for being his usual irresponsible self. When will this young adult get "with it". Someone called for him and didnt leave a message. I hope its for a job interview. I asked him about working on campus. He aid he is not interested in that. Fine. he gets no money from us for sure except a new pair of shoes and a haircut. He says he needs new clothes. He did lose like 30 lbs but with his behavior I am not financing that at present. Only church stuff possibly so he can look decent there. I am a mean mom.

I did well at the dentist. I thought the drill was going to sound like a volcano becaue that happened after surgery with sounds being amplified etc. But all was well PTL. Oh dh is not going to china at the end of august, good as that is when the surgeon could do the surgery if I have to have it, but..he is going to china in september, like the 3rd week and now they are talking about throwing in New Zealand too, so thats like around the world again, hmm, I hope its an airline where we want the ff miles from. Hmm...I see a free or greatly reduced trip to the yacht club in May in our future

GTAGWTA. Have a great day everyone.