Dis Breast Cancer Survivors Part III - GAGWTA!

[luvmarypoppins]

Good afternoon sistas

Lisa - wishing you all the best with your test and appt. today.

Olla - hoping your visit goes well today

Candy - saw your other post, hmm, makeup is something I never had to deal with. I guess I should be thankful for 3 ds. A friend of mine who has 3 girls told her dh, girls come with accessories

Merry - glad you had a good trip

Linda - maybe a strange ?, but do you think a community physician should know enough info about specialists in a nearby teaching hospital in order to refer a complex case?

Well my ? to Linda was based on my dr. visit yest. Got my flu shot, B12 shot and got out with mammo and blood test scripts. Pretty painless, yeah! He did comment on he cant find the pulse in my L lower leg, hmm, wants me to go see a vascular guy. I know the best one around here locally is my dh friend from volunteer work and he does NOT take our ins. So my gp tells the office manager to get me a name etc. I tell her, I would rather go to the univ. hospital not the local one. She then gets all in a huff and says, well, I dont know anyone there to give you a name of.. I said, dont worry I will look it up on line.

I guess I am just dumbfounded. This also happened when they told me to go and find my own thoracic surgeon when they thought the original mass was in my chest. I just cant believe they dont know a specialist to refer a patient to, its beyond me. Is this normal? Anyone else experience anything like this?

GTAGWTA

 

[Olallamom]

Today I saw my oncologist. He had mostly good news for me.
We went over my pathology report from surgery and I am stage IIa.
My tissue samples are being sent to California to have the Oncotype DX test done.
The results take about two weeks to get. If my score is low then I will just need to take Tamoxifen and will not need to have chemotherapy.

I will see my oncologist on November 3rd after my Disneyworld trip.

Meanwhile I will be reading up on the risks of long term tamoxifen use.
Cancer treatment is a game of weighing risks versus benefits.

 

[wdw4us2]

Olallamom - It sounds like you received the news you were looking for. Waiting is the worst part. Don't let this interfere with your trip to WDW. You will find that once you get there, this will be out of your mind - at least temporarily.

MerryPoppins - You had almost as much rain as we did this weekend!

Candy - Glad the rinse helped your DD with her braces. It gets easier from here on out. Just remember to always have her take Ibuprofen before all the orthodontist visits.

Had my PETscan yesterday. Uneventful and not stressful since I know all of the techs there since I've been through this so many times. Wish I could say the same for my visit to the nephrologist. Second time I've seen him, second time I had to wait over an hour and a half to see him. I understand that sometimes doctors have emergencies, but I don't consider overbooking to be an emergency. In that case, the people with prior appointments (mine was booked two months ago) should be seen before the add ons. It takes a lot for me to be out lately and cooling my heels in a doctors office for hours is not at all helpful. I'd love to be able to bill the doctors for my time.

For all of you walking this weekend - good luck and I'll be thinking of you.

 

[Candy30]

Lisa- I can't tell you how much I hate that about doctor's appts. They will cancel you if you are late. I wish we could charge for our time too!! Hope you have good weekend and hope treatment goes well.

LMP- Yeah she is 14 and never really expressed an intrest before now. My girlfriend's daughter does make up really well and she is going to model for her website and show her and her friend how to apply make up. I just made arrangements for her today. So I helped her wear a little glittery girlie make up today. She was thrilled! Another hurdle I have crossed. Lisa you would be proud of me...those apron strings are getting loose! LMP I have had that problem when I don't like the one suggested. It seems like they have their own network of referral doctors. Once I told them how horribly I was treated there and they said that was not the first time. The next time my DH needed a referral they sent him to someone else. I do think they should have more than one person in mind.

Olalla- Glad you appt went well. I agree with Lisa that now you can enjoy your vacation and not think about it. Have fun!!

 

[CherylDan]

Lisa.....I hear you on doctors and the overbooking! I dealt with the same thing today with the neurologist. Sat there for 45 minutes and not one person was called back - so I told them I was leaving. This is the second time this has happened with this guy, and since I didn't really feel like it was all that important that I see him, I decided the heck with it. I was just there for a follow up....following up what, I have no idea....I suspect just a way of getting more money from insurance. I hope your visit was productive after you finally got in....glad your PET scan was uneventful!

Olalla....here's hoping you won't have to do chemo. There are quite a few of us that have done/are still on Tamoxifen....feel free to ask about it if you like.

LMP....sorry to hear about your experience with the office manager. I think I would insist on asking the doctor if he was aware that she was unable to help you. It sounds like she was being rude....even if she didn't know anyone, that's no excuse to treat you rudely.

Anybody here watching that new show on ABC, Revenge? I really like it, hope it stays around awhile. Seems like shows come and go so quickly these days.

I've been on an ice-cream making kick the past few weeks. We bought a small ice-cream maker and it's been put to good use! Last batch was a vanilla base flavored with brandy, then I added a salted caramel swirl.....sooooo good!

GAGWTA!!!

 

[wdw4us2]

CherylDan - That ice cream sounds delicious! I usually end up eating ice cream for dinner a few time during the week following chemo. I was watching Revenge, but I'm now hooked on American Horror Story. When I said the PETscan was uneventful, I just meant the administering of the test. Won't know the results until tomorrow afternoon, hopefully.

Went for a nice drive out by the beach today. It was an absolutely beautiful day here today. Chemo tomorrow, shot on Saturday and then out of commission for a few days.

Have a great weekend everyone.

 

[Sha]

Good morning ladies... as far as I know Laurie is at WDW. I got a text before she boarded the plane. I will hug her for everyone when I see her, maybe later this evening???? all depends upon work. Yard sign isnt finished so sharpies are going with me and spool of ribbon too. I can finish that up this evening.

I am $60 away from my original goal of $500!!! Hoping I will reach it before Sunday.

Olallamom- the worst thing I know about Tamoxafen is the hot flashes as per my Aunt who took it also. She is now on Arimedex, as is my mom. My mom didnt have any other treatment either, but didn't get on this med until her second time with breast cancer. That is great about no chemo.

Cheryl- ice cream is always good.

I have to get going on some paperwork before work today. Those of you with FB will see some pics first. Hope so anyways! LOL

 

[snappy]

Yes Sha made it in record time yesterday. Actually got to orlando at 11:30. Got my car around noon, made a target stop and got into my room at OKW before 2 pm. Some kind of record.

Impressed with OKW. Very lush. Have not stayed here since 2007.

I am ready for the race girls, although I overdid walking epcot and later downtown Disney last night.

Glad to hear good news Olallamom. I took Tamoxifen for 5 years. I was 50 and it took me straight into menopause in one month. No other issues. But I was exactly like you. I read up incessantly on the drug because it had been used for a long time. I probably would hesitate to take it preventively if I did not have cancer but I think it is good if your tumor responds to hormones.

I hope you are able to get the name if a doc, Maryann. I hate that you got the run around. I would probably have a chat with the doc about it.

Sorry to not acknowledge everyone but posting on the iPhone is a challenge.

So I will say to all you sistas, GAGWTA!!!!

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Good morning ladies

Sha and Laurie - glad to see you both made it ok. Hope you have a wonderful time and a great race.

Lisa - hoping your chemo is uneventful today and the shot goes well too tomm.

Cheryl - that ice cream sounds yummy

Candy - has your dh started the night shift yet?

Well yest. was the dentist. He did such a good job fixing my tooth. He said normally he does a cap but he put something else on it. I know the radiation has ruined my teeth etc. too. I think he will be seeing me alot for sure.

Worse, he said ds21 needs all his wisdom teeth out. So I am doing some research about the dental plan paying for some of it versus our medical plan. I need to call the medical plan and see if it is a covered expense since it will be surgery with an oral surgeon and sedation etc. My head is spinning again. He did give us 2 names. but unfortunately I am only going to make my decision based on the lowest out of pocket cost for us. One I already had oldest ds to and they were good. The other ones I dont know, a group etc.

GTAGWTA

So I am so sick of needles and being poked etc. In the last month I had the 6 needles in my eyes, the 2 shots and now yest. 2 dental injections. Enough!!

 

[Candy30]

Cheryl- I think that is cool you can make your own ice cream. The combo you have sounds gooood!

Lisa-I love the beach and sunshine. Lifts you sometimes.

Sha- Have a GREAT race! Enjoy your stay w Charlie!!

Snappy- Have a good walk/run! No better place to over do things than at Disney!!

LMP-I am so happy your dental appt went well!!! Wow all Wisdom Teeth!

I love that show Revenge!!! It had me after the first episode. I also like Prime Suspects. I love the main character.

 

[snappy]

Oh my the weather is heavenly today. Low humidity and a breeze. Hot , yes in the sun.

Got to meet and talk at length with the artist who created the image for the posters and many items for food and wines festival this year, Maryann Schmidt.vehement is from Née York, upstate I think she said. Very personable lady. I admired some items yesterday and was told the artist would sign its for you. I proceeded to wander all over creation looking for her. Today I returned to one of the event kiosks and there she was. Got a large cutting board, a great bag with the signature image and sprang for two matted prints. She signed them all. What a good time I had. Off to Sanaa at Kidani.

I am in my element.

 

[Sha]

I have another week (less than!!!) before I spend it with Charlie (aka R.)

Am happy to say that I have been told I will meet my original goal of $500!!! I am currently $20 shy.

Will be meet Laurie in the morning and go over to the site to get our packets and drop off the yard sign, give Laurie her shirt and drop off donations.

 

[MerryPoppins]

So cool that some of you are getting together this weekend. I'm thinking of you.

Still busy, busy. Got a lot done in prep for the sale today. I'll be so glad when this is over. Although now we're talking about moving, so we'll be doubling up our work around our house.

 

[MerryPoppins]

I was on Tamoxifen about 4 years. My doc let me quit early since it was messing with my digestion (unusual side effect). I wish it had thrown me into menopause, but it didn't. I got lots of aches and pains & got very dry. It also caused me to pretty much lose my libido and that has never returned. Not sure in my situation I'd take it again under my circumstances, but probably would if I'd have been at a higher stage. I wish I'd had other options. Know what I mean? But many others take it and have no issues...so I'm not saying it's a bad drug.

 

[smiley_face2]

I can't believe it's been so long since I posted! I have been reading on my iphone on the way back and forth to the city, but trying to post from it is so hard, I always think I will do it when I get home then I'm too tired. It's 4:40 am and I've been up since 2. I'm so exhausted from the travelling and treatments, and here I am unable to sleep. even though I had my CAT scan a few short weeks ago and it was fine, I have some bumps around my scar that are worrying me, and so much pain in the arm on that side. I'm hoping guessing it's just changes due to the radiation, but I'm worrying again. I had an MRI done on wed. so hopefully next week they will tell me to quit worrying. I have my ultrasound on monday for the spot on my liver too. I've nicknamed myself Nemo cause of the way I am so lopsided now We finally got our daughter into the hospital and they will be keeping her until her day to check into the treatment center. I mentioned about the family member with the addiction to alcohol problem and that's who it is. She just has not been able to cope with her brothers death, and my cancer, and the relationship with her husband has always been a more bad than good one. It's about all the heartbreak I can take for a while. We were so terrified we were going to lose her. Now she has legal issues to deal with as well thanks to her wonderful partner. That will be hard to do from where she is, and the fact that she can not afford a lawyer, and neither can we, and we can't even be here to try and deal with it due to being away every day for my radiation. I am so angry at himright now, I'd love to really tell him off, but at the moment with our daughter being in in hospital, he is the one looking after our grand son and I don't want to say ordo anything that will allienate him and have access to our grandson cut off. The have been together 7 years, and for the first 6 of those he was a complete idiot. We tried to gether to leave him. Now we all get to deal with the mess. I feel bad coming here and complaining about all my problems andnever having the time or energy to comment on everyone elses lives!! I promise I am reading all your posts and thinking about all of you!!

 

[snappy]

Smilie, I am sorry you are hurting do. I wish you could get results sooner sj you can put that aside.

I can somewhat understand your worries too about your daughter. We had faced similar issues with multiple family members. very concerned about my brother's 2 children, and they ard in costa rica.

I hate to hear how grueling your radiation schedule is on you, not to mention the side effects. Just know I care and will be thinking of you and your family, especially your daughter tomorrow during the race and always.

This goes also for all the rest of you, whether breast cancer if other cancer. You all are special ladies and dear ones.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Lisa - hope you are resting up from your chemo

smiley - I am so sorry that there always seems to be so much on your plate. I am sure it is so overwhelming for you, all the personal stuff besides worrying about the cancer treatments , testing etc. I am sure your heart is heavy for your dd and your dgs. I bet you feel like a rubber band that has been stretched too far. Sending you my thoughts and prayers.

Merry - hope your sale goes well today. We did this for my moms house on several occasions. I wa so thankful my fil really didnt have anything so we didnt even need to have a sale, just tossed almost everything except for the papers.

Laurie - sounds like you and Sha are having a great time. That is so neat that you got the artist to sign the merchandise. I think we will have to put Sanaa on our to do list for May. I know Dh would love that food, me not so much the food but I think watching the animals would be neat.

Sha - thanks for supporting everyone here. Give our love to your mom too.

Well I am doing the and its not for me though. Ds19 has finally found a volunteer position. He is going to be working in the Cardio-thoracic ICU step-down unit. They asked him if he wanted to do clerical work or patient interaction, he said definetly patient interaction. So I think he starts this coming Friday as they need to complete the background check first. His one friend is doing her clinicals on the floor but she goes on Wed.

I have cooked for tomm. So now its laundry, then shopping later.
Have a good week end everyone

GTAGWTA.

 

[snappy]

We finished the race, all 5 k of it. So fun, although early and a long distance from WDW. Lots of friendly faces waiting in line. We were graced with perfect weather. Took a lot of pictures, posting will have to wait from my camera and phone. Sha may be able to post earlier. What a gem she is to le me hitch a ride. Thinking of all of you throughout. The Hakuna ma ta team name caught a lot of attention and comPlements. And for good reason-Sha did an amazing job. The yard sign with everyone's screen name and first name was prominently disPlayed near the finish line.

Great day.

 

[Olallamom]

Laurie and Sha:
So glad that you finished the race and had a wonderful time.

 

[Candy30]

Sha and Snappy- Thanks for representing!!!! You are great!!! I can't wait to see the pictures. I feel excited all the way here. Glad it was good weather for you.

Smiley-Lots and lots of ! That is such a back against the wall situation. Please keep praying and try not to stress too much. I am glad she took the steps to get help and now its the baby steps to get better. When you begin to feel overwhelmed take a deep breath and say a prayer. It's hard to stay peaceable in situations like this. Hang in there. Don't worry we know you love us!

LMP YEAH on your son getting his volunteer position! That is great! Did you find out for sure if your DH is going to China in Nov? Great news! My hubby doesn't have to go to night shift for another 6 months. I am so happy about that because after we were robbed i know I would not be able to sleep for some time.

So my friend is a make up Artist and wanted my daughter and her friends to model for her web site. The pictures turned out very nice. And she did have make up on!!! But she looked nice.

I hope everyone had a good weekend!