Dis Breast Cancer Survivors Part IV - GAGWTA

[snappy]

I have a hug for you. Can you call tomorrow and see if you can be seen? It will be hard to focus on anything else until you receive some answers.

Sorry this is overshadowing your birthday and family events.

I don't have any input on a pea shaped lump. Where is it?

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I have my breast MRI on Monday as a routine check since I have the brca1 mutation, but last night I found a lump. I just went hot and cold all over. NOw I'm so scared...its round and smooth, like a hard pea.

My cousin is visiting me for my birthday tomorrow and I have a wedding to go to on Saturday and a family reunion. Everything feels pretty lousy now.

Just need some virtual hugs and hand holding.

S

Have you let your doctor know? I found a "lump" and it did not feel like a pea - it just felt like a hard area. Cancers are not usually round and smooth, they're splotchy and ugly. (Nodes are, though!) Hope that helps you somehow. They may want to do something besides the MRI.

 

[slg]

I have a doctor's appointment on Thursday morning...earliest I can get it. I also have a breast ultrasound on Sept. 5 for a follow up on some calcifications found on my right breast 3 months ago.

My mother had breast cancer 4 years ago,and now has terminal ovarian cancer. I had my ovaries removed 3 months ago, but with my high risk mutation, everything is very scary.

Thanks for the hugs. I am trying to not worry about it as there is nothing I can do.

 

[Sha]

sending a hug. At your appt, ask your doctor if you can move the US up as this is really scary for you. Maybe they can work it out to get you in sooner.

 

[snappy]

I agree with Sha, ask and maybe under the circumstances, you can get in quicker.

I did this back in2004, just to get a followup diagnostic mammogram. Af first the date was XX, but when I called a second time and explained how stressed I was waiting, the appointment was moved earlier.

Wishing you the best today, and hoping your cousin's visit gives you a distraction for a little while.

Happy Birthday, sweetie, sending you another hug this morning.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I have a doctor's appointment on Thursday morning...earliest I can get it. I also have a breast ultrasound on Sept. 5 for a follow up on some calcifications found on my right breast 3 months ago.

My mother had breast cancer 4 years ago,and now has terminal ovarian cancer. I had my ovaries removed 3 months ago, but with my high risk mutation, everything is very scary.

Thanks for the hugs. I am trying to not worry about it as there is nothing I can do.

If they want to look at it further on Thursday, they will. I doubt you would have to wait for an US so I wouldn't worry too much about that. (But I don't know the Canadian system.) If they think it needs to be biopsied, they might schedule that. I'm not sure how that would fit in with the MRI. But "don't bleed before you're shot" - just wait and see how tomorrow goes! Hang in there!

 

[slg]

Thank you ladies. I will wait and see what the doctor says.

Trying to stay positive.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

slg- Sending you lots of thoughts and prayers. So sorry you are dealing with this. I am sure you are anxious. Hoping all goes well on Thurs. and that you can get the testing that you need to put your mind at ease and have the answers you are looking for.

Meanwhile...
Happy Birthday. I hope you have a wonderful visit with your cousin today. I am sure it will do your heart good to spend some time with her.

 

[ols386]

I have a doctor's appointment on Thursday morning...earliest I can get it. I also have a breast ultrasound on Sept. 5 for a follow up on some calcifications found on my right breast 3 months ago.

My mother had breast cancer 4 years ago,and now has terminal ovarian cancer. I had my ovaries removed 3 months ago, but with my high risk mutation, everything is very scary.

Thanks for the hugs. I am trying to not worry about it as there is nothing I can do.

Sending positive thoughts your way.

 

[smiley_face2]

Thank you ladies. I will wait and see what the doctor says.

Trying to stay positive.

for what it's worth, when I discovered my "lump" it was more of an area sort of oblong shape that felt firm. It felt nothing at all like a hard round pea. I go next thursday for an ultrasound on the side I had my surgery, just an in between check because he knew I was so worried. Then next wed I go for the final cat scan to check that spot on my liver, if there is no change we are going to basically ignore it. The good thing is, last cat scan they observed my chest as well, and it was all mentioned in the report, the surgical site, the area of seroma, the fact the other side looked completely clear, that the nodes in the area looked fine, so even though I don't go for an MRi until October at the earliest, and a follow up mammo in the spring, I know they will get a peek and I am counting on, praying that, being positive that there is nothing growing there or anywhere!!! But it still causes me stress. the last 2 weeks of August are always very hard for me anyway, it is when my mom went into hospital and then died on Aug 30.

 

[snappy]

Slg, my cancer was DCIS, so also, there was no lump. The nodes could be felt a little (by one of the surgeons, not me). But they tested clear.

It is difficult when we have responsibility for checking for lumps, but we really don't have the experience to assess anything. I know intellectually that it is more of a screening thing, but it is still hard.

I attended a presentation at the office of my long time employer in NOLA years ago when a breast surgeon was engaged to talk about early detection of lumps. He had silicone type models with lumps your could feel to get an idea of what doctors look for when they examine you. The lumps were buried deep in the "tissue."

It was informative, I don't know if that type of "display" is out dated now, I suspect maybe so.

But one thing I have noticed is that there is a difference among doctors in the way they conduct breast exams. My surgeon did what I called the exam of a lifetime from the first visit.

My understanding is that a lot of breast cancers grow for many years before detection. The lump you found seemed to spring up quickly. Perhaps it is due to monthly hormonal changes.

As Linda said, although it seems impossible, don't bleed till your shot, a nice bit advice re: trying to hold the worry at bay until you know what you face, coined by the DH of one of our long time posters here, Ann, who is a hunter.

I know your status with BRAC diagnosis is a worry, but you have taken the steps advised by doctors, which is so good.

Praying you receive info tomorrow.

I hope your visit with your cousin was enjoyable.

GAGWTA!

 

[minijeanie]

SG - keeping you in my prayers.. Please keep us updated..

on happy note: 4 days to I go to WDW

 

[snappy]

Thinking of you today, SLG. Please let us know how everything goes when you can.

Have a great trip, MiniJeanie. Stay hydrated!

 

[snappy]

Quiet here. How are you, SLG?

 

[Dancind]

we have only been home a week, and I am jealous of your upcoming trip!! I so wish we could move there, or win a lottery and buy a part time place there. Have you been to those places very often? do you have favorite places to stay or eat? I would love to have any hints and tips you have if so.... We've been through that area a few times now, each time staying a little longer and discovering more things and favorite places. I can not wait for Oct/Nov to come now so we can be on our way down there again When are you going?

I am not being very good about checking in with the DIS! We spent a week in Napa in May 2011, we actually have a timeshare there that I bought on Ebay for $15! Turns out that we like it very much, it's called Riverpointe Napa Valley. The "cottages" are actually single wide mobile homes that are nice and very comfortable, and by the river not far from downtown. This year we repeating only one restaurant (Celedon) and about three wineries, everything else is new to us. There is soooo much there. Would be happy to PM about it, though.

Unless you are talking about the Monterey area, we haven't been there in probably 20 years. Dh wants to take photos at Big Sur. I hope highway 1 is in good shape these days!

Oh, and I want to move there too. Was actually looking at houses in Santa Rosa on the internet. Love the climate, the humidity, the FOOD. We were blown away by the fresh organic produce there. Thats what happens when you live in a desert.

 

[Dancind]

Now I'm caught up.

Slg, will be checking back for your update. PPD for you.

LMP, we are arriving at WDW on Halloween, one day after you leave!

My update: it seems I have truncal lymphedema. Not diagnosed yet, but if I walk on my treadmill, or do anything sweaty, I swell up. It's three months since surgery now. I need to get some compression garments for it before we fly at the end of October. Don't want to be miserable while I'm there.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Good afternoon ladies

slg - thinking of you. Wisihing you all the best

Lisa - prayers for you dear sista

Diana - sorry you are dealing with the lymphedema

minniejeannie - have a great trip

Laurie - though of you. Got an e mail from something I subscribe to. One of their deals was a haircut at the Setai!

This morning I got up bright and early to start calling disney at 7 am to make adrs for the Be Our guest rest. It was over 4 hours before I finally got through. Then I was on hold about 45 minutes. I gave the cast member 5 dates. And there was NOTHING!! I am so,so sad. I really wanted to eat dinner there. Oh well, I guess we could eat counter service there for the lunch instead. Glad we still have adrs at the Plaza and LTT for dinner.

The cast member said to call back tomm. and see if anyone is cancelling but I doubt it. I was so I just hung up.

I read on the other boards that the DVC members had a separate phone line to call too etc. so add that in too. Oh well, such is life. At least we will be there then but I am thinking the counter service wont be no where near the atmosphere of a sit down dinner etc.

And our dishwasher died. Dh took out the old one. We went to the store to get a new one and they were not in stock. So its coming in today they said. Its not what I wanted but dh said what he picked out is better. Its cheaper and they dont last long anyways, so I will try and figure that out this week.Glad dh is installing it himself. The fee was $179.

Dh has also informed me that after the Greece trip he is going to California, Seattle and Michigan again. Right when our church picnic is. I wish he was going to be here, oh well. This traveling is not sitting to well with me these days.

Oh and while I was on hold for disney, Dr. Waste My Times office called and said I am due for some blood work??? She will mail me a script, um, I dont know about that. I already had stuff from the endo, a basic met, panel, so I am going to see what he wants. I would like the B12 level checked etc.

Sorry so long. Thinking of you all . Blessings always

GAGWTA

 

[snappy]

I have truncal lymphedema as well, dancing, although my case I think is relatively mild. I found a number of reasonably priced camisole knit tops that work well as compression garments at TJ Maxx.

I also go once a month to a therapist who is trained in the Vodder method of lymphatic drainage.

LMP, the hair salon area at the Setai is located in the spa which I asked to see when I was there. It is a nice place.

Can you send me the link for the place? I added subscriptions to some NYC deals before we went to NYC but I never got anything that I used.

My brother is in from NY for a few days. We have been having great meals and going to see movies. DS24 came up from New Orleans over the weekend. I love it when my brother is here. After he leaves here he is going to London and Paris for about 10 days, lucky duck.

Smilie, sorry about August being a tough time for you

LMP, sorry you did not get a reservation for the new restaurant. It looks interesting. I did not even try to get a reservation for our September trip yesterday, as I went to the office for a little while, and spent the rest of the day with my mom, brother and sister and her DH. Maybe on a future trip?

Appliances seem to be made to last only a short time these days. My washer continues to leak, only on certain cycles on certain days? Can't figure what that is about. But it is only a little water, and I never leave home while it is on. I just hope it holds out to when the new set will be delivered on Sept 10.

DD22 went to a Yankees game over the weekend with two friends she has been close with since 4th grade. She was wowed, although truly, the LSU football stadium that is about a mile or two from our house holds about 100,000. I think it was more the history than the size that hit her.

She is loving NYC, my brother took her and her BF to see another play, a musical called Nice work if you can get it. I think that was it. It was not that great, but still, it is Broadway.

I need to get myself together and drag into work. I am not used to doing stuff on week nights. We saw a very interesting movie last night, Beasts of the Southern Wild. There are some very creative people in this world. I just don't know how people come up with these narratives. The visuals were amazing.

I also want to see Life of Pi, judging from the trailers. I may have to wait a while and catch up on my sleep first.

GAGWTA!

 

[snappy]

Where is everybody?

Hope all of you are well. Sha, I bet you are watching Isaac, as are we here.

Got hurricane supplies yesterday, just in case. It looks like it will his more towards the Alabama coast, but once it enters the gulf, all bets are off in my opinion. Katrina was not expected to impact us either. Gotta be prepared.

I was so shocked to see the shootings in NYC yesterday. It happened about 2-3 blocks from where we stayed several weeks ago. I hope all the bystanders who were injured recover quickly.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Sha, Lisa and Laurie - hoping you all will be safe from the approaching storm.

Laurie - hope you enjoyed your visit with your brother. Yes that shooting was all that was on the news yest. Its just part of living in the city unfortunately. Youngest ds was talking about going to the city yest, so glad he didnt go.

Talked to dh. He is safely in Greece via Geneva Switzerland and Athens I think.
He made sure to pack a big jar of peanut butter, crackers and nuts. He hates greek food, especially lamb and feta cheese. He is having computer issues with some files so he has called here a few more times and ds22 is trying to help him.

I have been cooking most of the day for tomm. at church. I am tired.

Mon,. I start driving ds22 to college again. I think this time some of his classes are at 8:30 am. We wills see how that goes. If the traffic is too bad I think he will take the train.

Friday is the day of one of his big meetings that I have to drive him to an hour away. I dont know what will happen, but hopefully it will be the end of one phase of this situation.

Got my blood work script from the dr. I cant remember it all but he is doing the B12 so that is good.

GAGWTA. Blessings to you all always.