Dis Breast Cancer Survivors Part III - GAGWTA!

[PatsMom]

CherylDan - dealing with diabetes isn't too bad once you get used to it. Hopefully your doctor is going to send you to a good nutritionist and a Certified Diabetes Educator. They'll give you lots of great practical tips for dealing with the disease. One key thing that helped me is that there are really no "off limits" foods. You can still have some pasta, some potato, etc. But they need to be worked into a balanced diet and counted as part of your carb intake. I save them for treats since they are really "bad" carbs! Kind of like eating a chocolate donut for breakfast.

Have they talked to you about medication to get the diabetes under control? My diabetes doctor was pretty definite that I needed to keep good control so my body wasn't distracted from fighting the cancer. So we have actually increased my meds. I used to be able to control much better but stress does funny things to your blood glucose. And the treatments I am doing right now leave me so tired and worn out that my exercise level is way down. And that has a big impact on control. I can't do more metformn which is the first drug they often prescribe, and I am doing the max dose of Byetta. If my next A1C isn't good, we will probably discontinue the Byetta and go back on insulin.

If your doctors suggest it, don't be afraid of injectable drugs. Compared to cancer sticking yourself with a short, thin needle is nothing. And neither is a finger stick to check your glucose level! I've seen so many people who are just terrified at the thought and I was one of them a few years back. Now it is just a routine thing.

You'll do fine! There used to be a thread for diabetic Dissers but it seems to have fallen by the wayside.

GAGWTA!

Linda

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Good afternoon ladies

Marci - wishing you all the best next week

KJ - sorry you have to wait some more, but heah its good they caught the "mri/metal thing". gets me thinking now if I can ever have one of those since the mesh is secured with tiny titanium tacks in my stomach?

Lisa - I hope you stop "draining" so you can get the drains out. Wow I think it took me almost a month to get to 25cc and also he said I could only have yellow drainage, if it was red no way would the drain come out etc. Wishing you all the best too sista

and why is that smilie you may ask. I finally got to talk to dh. Got him on the cell from siberia. Good to hear his voice. Spent more time on the phone again today. Even ds took a whole long shower and said - are you still on the phone. So far - the receptionist told me the dr. has my blood reports on his desk. I said well has he EVEN looked at them from 3 weeks ago etc. All she could answer was they were put on his desk for review. She says...I will tell him you are very interested in the results (thinking to myself, yes I have stage 4 cancer, I am very interested etc. etc. Gheesh. I did make an appt. for dh and I. Flu shots, etc. med refill. I think we will be out of there after that. I had to leave a message with the endo about the reclast. That should be returned in 48 hours. I feel like I am getting the health care run around. Its do or die for my yankees tonight.

GTAGWTA. Have a great week end everyone.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Well the endo office called me back and

Cheryl - did you have to go and get the reclast yourself and bring it for the infusion. They told me that is what I need to do. I already have the script from the dr.

Of course the gp never called me back

ds20 has come home and brought his usual big dose of nastiness with him. Even ds18 commented about it.

 

[CherylDan]

Lisa, here's hoping those drains come out soon!

LMP, wow, are you ever getting the run around! Maybe it was different for me because my oncologist ordered the reclast, but I just went to the oncology clinic...the chemo room, actually, and it was done as an IV infussion, same set up as chemo. I didn't have to do anything, including dealing with the insurance company for pre-approval...they took care of all that. I don't understand why they are saying to pick up the medication yourself?? Sounds kinda crazy to me.

Linda, thanks so much for the info! I have an appointment Monday with the doc, so I'm guessing my "formal education" will start then. He did say that I would be seeing a nutritionist and a nurse educator. At this point I have no idea if I'll get a shot at diet and exercise or just go straight to drugs. I did make a rather exciting discovery in the store yesterday...discovered Extra sugar-free dessert gum, Strawberry Shortcake! Who knew???

KJ, good call on that MRI!!!

GAGWTA!!!!

 

[wdw4us2]

The plastic surgeon went into the office today to take my drains out.

I'm a happy camper!

 

[snappy]

The plastic surgeon went into the office today to take my drains out.

I'm a happy camper!

Wow! Congrats, Lisa! What a wonderful doctor! I know you are relieved. when can you startw swimming again?

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Lisa - way to go, so happy for you and what a nice surgeon you have!! Awesome that he came in on Sun.

I remember the stomach surgeon told me once "I never operate on a Friday, I am only doing this because I want to get it over with., Sheesh. He made me feel really "special".

Cheryl - I hope your drs. visit and education goes well tomm. I am sure its probably overwhelming at first. Oh and I think they want everyone to get their own reclast as they said some ins. companys dont cover it and they dont want to get stuck with the bill etc. I did ask was it shelf stable, needs to be refrigerated it. I will do that in the next 3 weeks for sure.

am I. I got to talk to dh from Siberia and today from Beijing. Except today I was in the church basement at a b day party so the reception was bad.

GTAGWTA. Blessings to you all always.

 

[wdw4us2]

Wow! Congrats, Lisa! What a wonderful doctor! I know you are relieved. when can you start swimming again?

Thanks, Laurie. I can't go back in the pool until after the stitches are out. My appointment for the removal is on Nov. 3rd. I plan on going back in as soon as I get home!

Went for a 2.5 mile walk this morning. It took me five minutes longer than usual. Guess I'm still healing. . .

 

[KJ Luvs Pluto]

Lisa - 5 minutes longer for 2.5 miles - WOW that's really good for just having had surgery. I have something to aspire to now - I better stay in shape, well get in shape first I hope you are healing quickly and feeling good. I bet you feel soooo much better without those drains though.

LMP - So glad you got to talk to your DH. It must have made your day.

Cheryl - Wishing you well today.

GAGWTA

 

[minijeanie]

aah..yes.. drains out a good thing.. life will be better from nere on in.. drains are a drag

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Good afternoon ladies

Cheryl - hope your visit went well. I am sure your head is swimming with information etc.

Lisa - hope the healing is going well

PatsMom - Hope your treatment goes well tomm.

Quiet around here. Ds20 is not speaking to me. Oh well. I do need to go to the grocery store and I dont know when that will ever happen.

My cousin just got back from Disney. He loved the food and wine and he said at the hoop de doo (thought of you KJ) they picked his dd's father in law for something, Bad thing..they ate at Mama Melroses and my cousin and his dd shared from each others plates (diffferent entrees) and they both were sick for 3 days. He said it was horrible.

GTAGWTA. Thinking of you all.

 

[CherylDan]

GAGWTA!!

Saw my doc about the diabetes, my A1C was fairly high, so he started me on an oral medication along with diet and exercise. Got my handy little meter too. Picked up a few books so I'm all set to learn how to control this.

Hope everybody is doing well.....

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Good afternoon ladies

Lisa - hope you are healing

PatsMom - hope the treatment is bearable today

Linda - I will have to answer your candy post

Cheryl - hope the diabetes education is going well.

Havent heard from dh since sun. Ds20 took me grocery shopping today. Bill Clinton is speaking at his college today. Hmm, he chose his cancer cranky mom over bill, I guess he knows if he didnt take me I would just be more cranky Today Alyssa is 20, what a miracle! Oh and now I cant watch the world series tonight because our cable co. is fighting with fox etc. sigh, sigh.
Its raining here and due to the wind the leaves are disappearing fast!

GTAGWTA. Thinking of you all always.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Good afternoon ladies

Hope everyone is well

So what are your big week end plans? I will make up my candy bags tomm. The ds have been eating too much candy. I think I should get around 50 kids. Last year I think it was in the 40 range. Some parents asked me if they could have candy too???

I missed dh call as usual but he is in New Zealand, so I begin the countdown, yippee

Oh...and just in case you were interested here goes another day in the reclast run around. The pharmacy does not stock it. She told me to try 2 specialty pharmacys. I know one should be in my ins,. plan but have to see if they have it too. This is so frustrating, but this other pharm did get me some rare $800 buck supply of bp ills last year when they thought I had the adrenal tumor too. So maybe they might have it, oh well...another day...another reclast phone call

GTAGWTA. Have a great day everyone.

 

[snappy]

Glad the days before your DH returns are dwindling down, MaryAnn. Any luck yet tracking down the reclast?

Marci, how did you do this week?

Cheryl, sorry your glucose numbers were high. DH only had the one screening test which obviously showed he had diabetes.

He never had a followup visit except with the dietician so he has changed doctors. He is having the A1C today. Also the new doctor is recommending DH go on a healthy meal replacement diet. We are considering it. It is pricey and very low calories for 13 weeks, and going to a weekly support group. However, he would be in the program with high medical supervision with both nurse and doctor visits to closely monitor the effect of the diet on his glucose ( blood tests, EKG, etc.)

Anyone had exerience with HMR? It is meal replacement entrees you just heat up, shakes, special energy bars and vitamins. It is offered at medical centers usually connected with a hospital all over the US. The location is very convenient. According to the BMI table they gave us at the info meeting, DH is obese and needs to lose over 30 pounds.

The weight loss would help with the diabetes, heart issues, sleep apnea. DH is worrying about the cost. I want my husband to be healthier. He lost a lot at first after being diagnosed with diabetes but is at a plateau, even with working out 4-5 days a week and reducing her food intake.

he is not much of a fruit and veggie eater so it has been difficult.

I think the 12 hour work days behind the desk that he often does might possibly be part of the problem and there is no end in sight with that, unfortunately.

I kind of think having those entrees would be convnenient for him. I make him salads with lean chicken 3-4 times a week, but he stills runs out for quick food sometimes. He is off sugar so that is good, but can't lower the weight anymore on his own it seems.

Lisa, you still walking, girl?

I am done with PT now, at least that is what the insurance company says! . I think I have full range of motion, minimal pain. However, I have to keep doing the stretching and strength exercises at home, at least for 6 weeks. Going to the orthopedic who gave me the platelet injection Wednesday. Can't wait to see what he says.

Big homecoming weekend for DD14 this weekend, also the church fair which is an extravaganza. I buy as many books as I can drag many times to my car at the annual used book sale. I will be exercising my shoulder big time this weekend.

DD will also be 15 on Monday, sigh. I can't wait to see her and her date Saturday night for the homecoming dance. She looks so pretty in her strapless black dress and new heels. We are having her long red hair done in curls down her back tomorrow. I will try and take some pictures.

The parents are all invited over to one of the boys house before the dance for food, etc. His parents built a big house right on river road (next to the Mississippi)just south of Baton Rouge, complete with horse stables, and some kind of man made water way for skiing. I am very intrigued.

 

[marcij]

The plastic surgeon went into the office today to take my drains out.

I'm a happy camper!

Yeah!

GAGWTA!!

Saw my doc about the diabetes, my A1C was fairly high, so he started me on an oral medication along with diet and exercise. Got my handy little meter too. Picked up a few books so I'm all set to learn how to control this.

Hope everybody is doing well.....

Sounds like you are well on your way to taking care of the diabetes. I was gestational diabetic and it felt so overwhelming at first trying to change my diet, but I did manage to keep it under control and had healthy babies. Good luck to you!

 

[marcij]

And now an update. I had my pre-surgical physical and it seems everything looks good. My blood pressure was 165, when it usually runs 110. My doc knows it's just from stress but she put me on a mild beta blocker until after my big surgery. Vit. D low and anemic, so I'm taking vitamin D now, and she gave me some Ambien to take a few times a week to try to get some rest. Blood surgar was good, and overall cholesteral ok but triglycerides need to come down some, but she said we'll tackle that after surgery. I bought an electric blood pressure cuff and it's staying around 125 or so now, so much better. Chest x-ray and ekg were good, so hopefully I'm ready to go. I meet with the plastic surgeon's office on Monday to get more info on the surgery, which is on the 15th.

I had the injection for the sentinel node mapping on Wednesday, and I must say that is the worst thing I've been through as far as injections for tests etc., but it did ease after a couple of hours. Had the node surgery yesterday. Everything went as expected. I'm just sore and sporting a big scar under my arm, but it's the first of many.

Question -- have any of you done WDW in a wheelchair? We have a trip scheduled for Dec. 17th. Plastic surgeon said he thinks it would be a good idea for me to go. He said I'll probably need a wheelchair and won't be able to ride the coasters, but I'm fine with that. Have any of you used the wheelchairs at WDW? Should I use one of those, or would it be more comfortable to rent one? I don't think I want an electric one, just a regular one. Any thoughts/ideas?

Thanks to everyone for continuing to welcome me and list me up. You are all terrific!

 

[snappy]

Gosh, I did the gestational diabetes dance too with our youngest, who was born when I was 42. I did well with the diet control as mine was sort of borderline. My doc did tell me to be careful throughout life about weight to avoid ending up with type 2 diabetes.

My sister and her husband are going to Disney next week, 3 nights at Wyndham Bonnet Creek, then a week at the Wilderness lodge villas in a 1 bedroom. She has mobility issues. She is going to use her ECV though, they are driving and they have a nice big Sienna van so it is a no brainer to bring the ECV.

She did Christmas at Disney in a wheelchair back in 1997, with a group from her classmates at Tulane when finishing up her Social work masters. She just took things slow but was in intense pain. She still had fun, she was in the Wilderness lodge and just loved the decorations, the Christmas carols, etc.

I think as long as you go with the idea to enjoy the ambiance and be with your family, I think you will do ok.

I have never been at Christmas though.

I think MaryAnn often goes at Christmas time and I know she uses a wheelchair at times.

She will be able to weigh in here.

I will say I love that your doctor is encouraging you. He sounds like my kind of doc!

 

[wdw4us2]

Laurie - I'm still walking every day. My time is not coming down yet, though, which has me a little annoyed. I am a very impatient person. I'm hoping the plastic surgeon gives me the okay to get back in the pool next Wednesday when I have the stitches out.

I had gestational diabetes when I was pregnant with DS. I didn't have to do the injections, just the modified diet. It sounds as though your DH needs to increase his cardio workout if he has hit a plateau in weight loss already. I haven't hit mine yet and I've been dieting/exercising/lifting weights for 6 months (no weights right now, though). He needs to to cardio for 45 - 60 minutes daily for optimal weight loss. It sounds like you're doing most things right with his diet. If he needs to get fast food occasionally at work, tell him to stick with wraps instead of burgers or sandwiches. The Chick-fil-A chargrilled chicken wrap with no dressing is tasty and very filling. Tell him not to get discouraged - just keep plugging along! I also hope your DD has a great time at her Homecoming!

MaryAnn - I'm sure you're looking forward to your DH's return.

CherylDan - I hope your adjusting to your new meds well. Hopefully, everything will be under control soon.

Marcij - Sorry you had such a bad time with the sentinel node biopsy. Mine was done during my mastectomy surgery, so I was out and didn't experience the pain you're going through. As for the WDW trip, you'll probably be okay in the wheelchair. It will probably start getting crowded there the day after your arrival since most schools start their Christmas Break the next week. I think it's great that your Dr. said you should make the trip. WDW always takes my mind off this disease!

I heard from my oncologist the other day. She has been conferring with the oncologist at University of Miami. The extra pathology on my most recent mass came back and they determined it is not metastatic breast cancer. So, now I have to see a gynecologist/oncologist at U of M on Nov. 8th for more tests. They think the mass may have been ovarian in origin even though nothing showed up when I had the oophorectomy back in June. Something else for me to look forward to - not! Good thing we're going to WDW over Veteran's Day weekend. I need something to get my mind off all of this!

Have a great weekend everyone!

 

[CherylDan]

Marci, I had a trip already in the works when I was diagnosed. By the time the trip came up, I was in the middle of chemo. I just didn't have the energy to walk, so I used an ECV for most of the trip, and a wheelchair for one day. I liked the ECV much better for many reasons, but the ones that stand out the most to me was that I still felt independent and DH was able to walk along side me rather than behind me. It worked out really well. That trip was in January, so didn't have the crowds to deal with, but even if I did, I'm thinking I'd still prefer the ECV.

Hope you get good results on the sentinel node, and heal quickly!

Lisa, sorry to hear you are in for more test. All the waiting is just soo draining. Cancer sucks!

MaryAnn, how's the hunt for Reclast going? Glad to hear your DH will be home soon. I must have missed it, but what does he do that he is gone so much? And to such a variety of such far flung places?

Laurie, hooray for the end of PT! Sounds like quite a busy weekend coming up for you. I've never heard of the meal plan that was suggested for your DH, but if he is open to the idea, then I'd say give it a shot! The more I'm learning about diabetes, the more I am realizing that they really mean it when they say to lose weight. Easier said than done.

I have my appt with the nutritionist next week. Should be interesting. My doc wants me to drop 30 lbs, so far I've lost a whopping 3 lbs! But it's only been about a week, so I guess that is ok. I'm trying to make adjustments slowly, hopefully that will help with them being long term.

Just got a call from the hospital scheduling department....my next set of scans starts Monday with the CT. Feels like somebody just let the air out of my balloon. Here we go again......unfortunately my oncologist seems to think it is just a matter of when, not if, he finds something. I'm feeling very stressed lately. Which makes me want to eat.....chocolate. Yep, cancer sucks.

No Halloween plans here....we live in a rural area, so we don't have trick or treaters - they all go into town. Probably a good thing that I dont have any candy laying around!

GAGWTA!!!!