Dis Breast Cancer Survivors Part III - GAGWTA!

[luvmarypoppins]

Good afternoon sistas

smiley - welcome. Wishing you all the best with your surgery. I planned another trip as a way of encouraging myself to get better and a little reward for being a patient patient. Well sometimes I was not too patient. It took 7 operations etc. later but I got there.

Marci - hope the treatments are bearable for you

Lisa - how are you feeling? Heard you had great weather, hmm, why couldnt it have been warm when I was there?? When does Meg go back??

Laurie - Thanks for reading my dining report

Seems like the cipro is working. But then again, thats what happened last time, it worked and as soon as I got off the problem came back, so we will see what he says this week about more antibiotics. I will do anything to avoid more surgery for sure. Also my bones ache, so I better get on my reclast run around quest again(*In honor of Cheryl) I won a $10 gift card in a contest.:, hmm, of course its never a disney trip. Well in a few weeks, I have to time it right, I will need another blood test to see if the cancer is playing nice, oh what fun!!

Looked at our photopass pictures. It was almost a disaster. Part of the code rubbed off. Most of them were at night and way too dark. I will see if ds19 can help me. I wanted to make a photobook, but dont know if we have enough pictures etc.

GTAGWTA. Have a great day everyone.

 

[snappy]

Anyone see the news about the new blood test invented at Mass. General that can spot a single cancer cell among billions of healthy cells?

In my lcoal paper the article said it has potential to transform care for many types of cancer, especially breast, lung and prostrate.

Still in the study phase which will be at major cancer centers but it sounds amazing.

One comment in the story bothered me-the scientists are finding that more cancer patients harbor stray cells in the blood than was originally thought, that they may enter the blood stream soon after the tumor starts.

At least they have something now that can detect the cells. I think we may see more agressive treatment very soon.

 

[smiley_face2]

Thankyou for the welcomes
The type of breast cancer I have is called invasive ductal carcinoma. It was 2.5cm back on November 12th, according to the diagnostic mammogram done then. It is aggresive, type 3, and the growth rate is 50% which is considered high. Nothing showed in my lymph glands on the mammo so that's good, but the surgical oncologist said they will be taking the sentinal nodes after some kind of injection, to check them to see if it has gone there. I had my ultrasound assisted core biopsy on Nov. 13, and got the call from the dr.s office on November 23. I'm sure you all know how that feels, to get that news. It was a funny kind of day...hubby had some time off work unexpectedly and even though this was going on, we didn't know at that point, and we were having such a good day spending time together. It was a bright sunny day, but freezing cold, a really beautiful winter day, and I heard a meow at the kitchen door...we don't have a cat so it was a suprise! There stood the most beautiful pitch black cat I've ever seen; I opened the door and it came running in the house meowing away at me. It had stunning green eyes, and was black right down to it's whiskers! It did a whole tour of our house, running upstairs and down looking around and meowing at me.... finally wanted to go back out so I let it. I got my call about 2 hours later. Have not seen that cat in my neighbourhood ever before that, nor since. I'm not a superstitious person, but I do not want to ever have a black cat at my door again
Hubby and I have been together for a total of 35 years, 30 years married. Yes we started dating in highschool We have 3 grown children, and 5 grand children. Our youngest daughter was going to be applying to go to school in England but has now postponed that until this is all done with, so of course I'm feeling guilty about that I've never seen hubby do so much crying as with this, I feel so bad for putting them all through this.
Our youngest daughter who moved back home with us a few months ago when she was finished school, had converted us to an organic healthy diet, but the only thing left was sugar...I was a sugar junkie!! about the same time hubby got word that he was borderline type 2 diabetic, so we have completely stopped sugar. we only use 1/2 teaspoon of honey in our tea once a day or so, and 1/2 teaspoon of agave nectar in our coffee (only 1 cup a day though!) both have a low glycemic index so good for the pre-diabetes, and I'm hoping the cancer cells don't respond to them like they do sugar. I read some information on an old diet that was made for cancer, using flax seed oil, mixed with cottage cheese and honey, but absolutely no sugar, so I'm guessing the honey is ok in extreme moderation.
Hubby's blood sugar is already back to normal after only a bit more than a month! and we both lost weight, him about 25 lbs, me about 12 lbs. right now I'm only thinking in terms of what is healthiest, boosting my immune system, NOT feeding those cancer cells!

 

[smiley_face2]

Anyone see the news about the new blood test invented at Mass. General that can spot a single cancer cell among billions of healthy cells?

In my lcoal paper the article said it has potential to transfer care for many types of cancer, especially breast, lung and prostrate.

Still in the study phase pr will be at major cancer centers but it sounds amazing.

One comment is the story bothered me-the scientists are finding that more cancer patients harbor stray cells in the blood than was originally thought, that they may enter the blood stream soon after the tumor starts.

At least they have something now that can detect the cells. I think we may see more agressive treatment very soon.

Yes I did see this! they said clinical trials would be starting later this year...I"m going to be asking about it at the cancer clinic I will be going to!

 

[snappy]

MaryAnn, hope the antibiotics are working. Maybe a maintenance dosage of the antibiotics could help? Which day is your appointment?

Sorry your photopass pictures were disappointing. It is a pain always looking for the photographers. I need to get serious and play around more with DH's new camera. We are doing work around the house, carpentry, etc. in the garage. We also picked up the Christmas decorations but I need to box them up and get them up in the attic before work intervenes with life.

Against my better judgment I went in to work some today and ending up staying all day. I am so very behind. The IT guy is supposed to be on his way driving back from Michigan. I hope the weather cooperates and he arrives safely. I am hoping to be fully functional with access to my accounting software again by Wednesday afternoon.

Smiley face, thanks for sharing more of your story. Your husband and children all sound very supportive which is going to mean alot during the next few months.

The story of the strange cat was in a word, strange.

I would definitely inquire about the blood test. It sounds like a very good diagnostic tool to see if a particular treatment is working in real time.

I am very intrigued by how this works. Everyone is going to want this test, and then further tests depending on the results.

I just don't see how you can be too cautious with cancer, I don't care how much the new test costs. It would seem to me that this new test might help reduce health costs in the long run if it identifies the errant cells early before they propagate, and indicates if one course of treatment is working or if another course needs to be switched to. Does that make sense?

Love your picture by the way with Jack Sparrow.

Congrats to your DH with getting his blood sugar under control, my DH was also diagnosed with Type 2 during the summer and is doing well too with diet, lots of exercise and metrophorin. He has his glucose numbers under control but is struggling with losing more weight. He has a very high stress job and spends long hours behind a desk, which is definitely causin havoc with his metabolism.

DH and I too have been together many years, we met Sophomore year in high school-spring of 1969, but did not marry until 1978 after being separated for 5 years.

Your healthy eating is most definitely helping you get ready for surgery and treatment. You are getting a running start. Please keep us in the loop, maybe your DH could post? Isn't your surgery this week?

All the best, Laurie

 

[CherylDan]

Howdy all! I hope everybody had a great Christmas!

Finally back from our 17 day adventure....was super busy, but a great time. We drove 2400 miles round trip with our two dogs. Spent the first week taking our time getting to WDW, and one week there, then raced home over the weekend so DH could get back to work today.

Spent a few days in Nashville - the Garth Brooks concert was awesome. The proceeds of the the concerts all went to flood relief -over $10 million was raised for the people affected by the floods there last summer.

Also spent a few days in Atlanta. We visited the "World of Coke" which was pretty interesting. At one point in the tour they have all the coke flavors from around the world to sample...over 60 in all! And yes, they do have the Beverly there! We also visited a few of the restaurants from the Food Network "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives". Yum!!!!

Made it to WDW on Dec. 23 and checked in to our rental house, got some groceries, and settled in. Picked up DD, her friend, and my mom at the airport the next morning. Mom came to hang out and stay with the doggies while we were at the parks - worked out great. Had some really good meals - Fulton's, LeCellier, Grand Floridian Cafe, Raglan Road & believe it or not, 50's Prime Time! I wasn't very fond of Cape May or Tusker House, Kona was so-so for lunch but the creme brulee was good! Tried the new caramel place in Germany....got a caramel apple, but frankly I like the ones from Main Street better. Also ate at Le Chefs, Plaza, Momma Melrose, Whispering Canyon...they were OK, nothing really stood out.

It was cold!!!!! Woke up a few mornings to temps in the 20s! Wow....that made for some very brisk mornings, as we always arrived before opening. Crowds were crazy by lunch time, so we were out of the parks by then every day. Went back in the evenings to use FP we collected earlier. I love being there at Christmas, and we managed to do everything we wanted....never waited more than 15 minutes, if that, for anything. Love love love the Osborne Lights. Oh, and the New Years Eve fireworks at Magic Kingdom are incredible.... And even though there were a few cold days, overall the weather was still pretty good. the girls even managed to go swimming 3 or 4 days.

GAGWTA!!!!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

The type of breast cancer I have is called invasive ductal carcinoma. It was 2.5cm It is aggresive, type 3, and the growth rate is 50% which is considered high. Nothing showed in my lymph glands on the mammo so that's good, but the surgical oncologist said they will be taking the sentinal nodes after some kind of injection, to check them to see if it has gone there.

Welcome to the thread. I thought you might like to know that that's what I had, similar size, same grade. I also had three positive nodes on sentinel biopsy and was triple negative. Diagnosed in 2003. Hope that gives you some comfort.

Welcome 3pirates, too. A lot of people have gone to WDW while getting chemo, but for me, it wasn't something I wanted to do. My mind just wasn't in a good place, and my body was beaten up pretty badly. The post treatment trip was spectacular, though. Everyone's different. Have a wonderful time if you decide to go.

Cheryl, you sound great, as does everyone else.

We had nice holidays, but I'm glad they're over. I was absolutely exhausted this past weekend!

 

[marcij]

Thankyou for the welcomes
The type of breast cancer I have is called invasive ductal carcinoma. It was 2.5cm back on November 12th, according to the diagnostic mammogram done then. It is aggresive, type 3, and the growth rate is 50% which is considered high. Nothing showed in my lymph glands on the mammo so that's good, but the surgical oncologist said they will be taking the sentinal nodes after some kind of injection, to check them to see if it has gone there. I had my ultrasound assisted core biopsy on Nov. 13, and got the call from the dr.s office on November 23. I'm sure you all know how that feels, to get that news. It was a funny kind of day...hubby had some time off work unexpectedly and even though this was going on, we didn't know at that point, and we were having such a good day spending time together. It was a bright sunny day, but freezing cold, a really beautiful winter day, and I heard a meow at the kitchen door...we don't have a cat so it was a suprise! There stood the most beautiful pitch black cat I've ever seen; I opened the door and it came running in the house meowing away at me. It had stunning green eyes, and was black right down to it's whiskers! It did a whole tour of our house, running upstairs and down looking around and meowing at me.... finally wanted to go back out so I let it. I got my call about 2 hours later. Have not seen that cat in my neighbourhood ever before that, nor since. I'm not a superstitious person, but I do not want to ever have a black cat at my door again
Hubby and I have been together for a total of 35 years, 30 years married. Yes we started dating in highschool We have 3 grown children, and 5 grand children. Our youngest daughter was going to be applying to go to school in England but has now postponed that until this is all done with, so of course I'm feeling guilty about that I've never seen hubby do so much crying as with this, I feel so bad for putting them all through this.
Our youngest daughter who moved back home with us a few months ago when she was finished school, had converted us to an organic healthy diet, but the only thing left was sugar...I was a sugar junkie!! about the same time hubby got word that he was borderline type 2 diabetic, so we have completely stopped sugar. we only use 1/2 teaspoon of honey in our tea once a day or so, and 1/2 teaspoon of agave nectar in our coffee (only 1 cup a day though!) both have a low glycemic index so good for the pre-diabetes, and I'm hoping the cancer cells don't respond to them like they do sugar. I read some information on an old diet that was made for cancer, using flax seed oil, mixed with cottage cheese and honey, but absolutely no sugar, so I'm guessing the honey is ok in extreme moderation.
Hubby's blood sugar is already back to normal after only a bit more than a month! and we both lost weight, him about 25 lbs, me about 12 lbs. right now I'm only thinking in terms of what is healthiest, boosting my immune system, NOT feeding those cancer cells!

I had sentinel node just a few weeks ago if you have any questions I'll happily pass on info. I believe I have the same kind of cancer as well. 2.1 centimeters with more smaller tumors but have had the surgery (and they found the tumor to be more aggressive then originally thought and pre-cancerous on the left side so I'm glad I had them take both sides). Chemo for me starts tomorrow. Ask if you have any questions.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Good afternoon ladies

Barbara - that was so sweet watching your granddaughter. I think babies are so life affirming. I love it when they "talk" in church too.

Marci - hope the chemo goes well for you

Linda - I am sure that test is all the talk on your news up there, especially since they inented it at MG

Lisa - how are you doing sista.? Sending you lots of

smiley - sounds like you are on the ball with the healthy eating. I am of the mindset that I will just eat what I want, except when I have to go on the horrible diet I must endure for 2 weeks before some of my cancer scans.

Cheryl - sounds like you had a amazing trip and much better weather then we had. We never got to swim. We saw a brave soul at the GF and 2 kids at storm along bay once. I am sure your trip was refreshing. Hope your dd likes the cp program. Sounds like you ate alot of good food too. I did a little dining review of our meals.

Laurie - My appt. is not until Feb. lst. We did this so it would be a 3 week course of then off a week so he could check it out.

I think I would like the blood test if it applies to my cancer. I would rather do that then drink 2 jugs of berry smoothie have a cat scan or sit on the table for an hour for the pet scan et. It seems pretty sensitive to pick things up. I would be interested in the microscopic stuff too since my surgeon already mentioned it and I know mine could go to the lungs etc.

Well as of now they did not call a new script in for me. I will have to call the surgeons secretary back as I know he is operating all day tomm. Sometimes he checks in with her, we will see. Also since its suppose to start snowing maybe thurs. and def. friday and sat. I would like to get thise over and done with. Oh and now dh says after he comes back from china then the next week he is going to california for a few days. Plus they also asked him to go to England next week, he finally said NO! Yeah and that was to 2 big bosses.

I have decided to wait on the reclast since I will most likely be doing more antibiotics.

They still have not offered ds a permanent job but at least he is still there so that is good for now.

GTAGWTA. Blessings to you all always.

 

[MerryPoppins]

I'm here being a good listener. Still having trouble with posts. May try yet another browser. Prayers for all.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Too bad that's happening to you and Barbara, Merry. That would drive me crazy. (Especially with some of my long winded posts, lol.)

 

[smiley_face2]

Welcome to the thread. I thought you might like to know that that's what I had, similar size, same grade. I also had three positive nodes on sentinel biopsy and was triple negative. Diagnosed in 2003. Hope that gives you some comfort.

Welcome 3pirates, too. A lot of people have gone to WDW while getting chemo, but for me, it wasn't something I wanted to do. My mind just wasn't in a good place, and my body was beaten up pretty badly. The post treatment trip was spectacular, though. Everyone's different. Have a wonderful time if you decide to go.

Cheryl, you sound great, as does everyone else.

We had nice holidays, but I'm glad they're over. I was absolutely exhausted this past weekend!

absolutely that is comforting!! and we are like you, going to start planning a big family trip at the end of this year, when hopefully things will be better for me.
Marcij...you will be in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow!
Luvmarypoppins.... I'm not being 100% good....sometimes a sweet georgia brown is the only thing that will make me feel better and I refuse to feel guilty about it!!
I am sooooo grateful I found this part of DIS....

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Good afternoon ladies

Marci and Lisa - thinking of you both

Merry - I hope your posting problems will get resolved

Laurie - your new furniture sounds nice. We made the mistake of having the furniture before the new tv. We dont have a tv in the bedroom though as that would be more cable and more $$.

Well I am . I have succeded in the cipro quest and all is right in my antibiotic world. Ds is picking it up now.

Glad I got the flu shot. It seems its rampant around here along with some bad cough thing.

Ds19 got accepted into the honors program at the comm. college. He is thrilled as this will go very well for the state univ. appl. in the future. He got a 3.4 for the semester and needed a 3.5 for deans list. So close.

Tomm. we get a nice gift of 6 plus inches of snow. We were suppose to go to NJ to see my aunt but I am sure the roads will not be condusive to a long drive. Oh Well. We will try again sometime.

GTAGWTA. Blessings to you all always.

 

[snappy]

Yea, Maryann!! You scored cipro! Way to go!

Congrats to your son for getting into honors. Our tv in the bedroom is way better than the one in th living room. I would not give up laying in my new comfortable bed watching House on my new Sony LED for all the tea in china (well, maybe not ALL the tea, I do need my Tea Forte pyramids.

My goodness, they were charging I think $6 each for those puppies at the Waldorf New Orleans. I am really treasuring my hoard more now.

Good luck tomorrow, smilie. What is a sweet georgia brown. I am really thinking I should know this info in case there is ever a test!

Good luck with chemo, Marci.

Glad you have not given up entirely on posting, Merry! Short posts are better than no posts at all. Seriously, I would not be able to function, without all these l o n g sexy posts as Popdaddy, a poster from long ago and far away might say.

Troubles with computer still. Getting creative with workarounds but it is getting old. May give up and work from home.

Note to self: need massage.

 

[marcij]

Chemo -- first day fine. Second day fine -- did too much but it was my son's birthday party, invites sent out weeks ago. I did have help. Took my shot before going to the party. Woke up this morning feeling wonky but not really nauseous. Had coffee and oatmeal which is what I've had the other days and boom -- 2 hours of agony. Took three of the anti-nausea meds and slept for four hours. Woke up feeling better. Had a grilled cheese and sipping some flavored water.

My question is, I know everyone is different but what could you tolerate eating/drinking while taking a/c? Any suggestions?

GAGWTA

 

[MerryPoppins]

Maybe God is trying to teach me to say only what is important? Not sure it's working.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

marci, the bottom line is that you eat what you can tolerate. There are no hard and fast rules, and everyone is different. At one point for me it was pepsi and potato chips. I knew it was crap but that's all I wanted. Also, try not to eat your favorite foods right now as you can develop "negative associations" with them later on. I always loved grilled peppers/vegetables but they aren't what they used to be for me as I had them for lunch that first day. (So much for trying to be healthy. ) Try to make things as nutrient dense as you can, but you have to be able to tolerate what you eat. And make sure to push fluids if you can. I don't like regular water but I drank a lot of seltzer water. If they recommend a regular regimen of anti-emetics before and after your chemo, try to take them. That helped me a lot. Hang in.

 

[snappy]

Linda's advice is sound as always, Marci! Hope you can get the nausea in check.

Laurie

 

[CherylDan]

marci...I also did a/c, and it was almost like clockwork at the 48 hour mark that it would just knock me out. Not with nausea, I was lucky enough to advoid that, but just feeling very very tired and achy with no appetite whatsoever. So I just didn't worry about, tried to force down liquids but pretty much skipped food altogether for that day. When my appetite did return the next day or two, all I wanted was sweets! Kinda like Linda and her potato chips, I just ate what I wanted on those days. I figured it was hard enough to deal with everything else, so if a bowl of warm chocolate pudding made me happy, so be it! Hope it gets better for you soon!

lmp, glad to hear you got the prescription you needed. Hope you didnt get too much snow.

Laurie, still in need of that massage?

Hey Merry, sure hope you get to say more that a line or two someday!!

I know I'm missing some, sorry....I need to get back in the grove of posting more.

It's been a crazy, crazy month for us, cant remember ever being so busy. Still trying to get all caught up with stuff after our trip...finally got Christmas all put away yesterday, still have some laundry to do. LOL, I hope I get caught up before Thursday because that's when we leave again to take DD down to start her CP! We are driving down with her and then flying back so she will have a car there. Ugh...can't believe I'm signed up for another 1200 car ride again so soon! And then the day after we get back I have an appt with my onc, so it's back to the roller coaster of trying to find out if and where there is a recurrance. Blah. I can't tell you all how much I've enjoyed having the past few weeks off from dealing with it.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!
GAGWTA!!!!!

 

[snappy]

You sure are a busy lady, Cheryl! Being busy is good to hold down the worrying though.

Yes I still need the massage, Cheryl. My accounting data is so far corrupt beyond repair. Not sure how long we might have to backup. Job security that I don't need.

I see a very long hot stones massage in my near future.

I also added a location request to my Boardwalk studio reservation for Mardi Gras. Not sure if I will even be able to go if I am busy rebuilding my accounting system application, but heck, might as well dream on!

I need to work on dining reservations. I am not sleeping since my mind is on hyperdrive thinking of work arounds for my system problems. Might as well be working on reservations.

It is very cold and drizzly and yucky here. It was nice yesterday so I wished I had done more then. We have all the Christmas stuff boxed up and ready for the attic. I also got my new piece of furniturefor the bedrrom delivered yesterday. It is actually a buffet but doubles very nicely as a TV console for the bedrroom. It has 6 drawers and doors on each side over two shelves. I still can't believe what we paid for it. We paid the closeout floor model price for a piece that was still brand new in the box.

Like winning the lottery.

Also, my new best friend forever, a systems consultant in Denver has processed my payroll for next week. I have been without a computer except for email and internet access at work now for 3 full weeks. I don't even have Excel or Word, nor any of my many spreadsheets.

I have to wait for those until I get my accounting application back since that is top priority.

I think a beer is calling my name right now.