Dis Breast Cancer Survivors Part IV - GAGWTA

[Sha]

Hi ladies!!!! GAGWTA!!!!

Lisa... hugs love!! I hope you feel better today. Im sorry that you have had such a rough time.

I havent been on much, too much busy work etc. I have some good news to share though... Melanie is clear!!!! I have a link to her newest blog. I want news like this for ALL of you!!!! (that is one of my prayers).

http://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/yoursay/blogs/melanie_oneill/9594068.No_going_back_to_cancer/?ref=fbrec

headed to bed so I can get up early and get paperwork done. Love you all!

 

[snappy]

Sha, I sure like Mel's positive spirit.

MaryAnn, I am sorry you are experiencing discomfort. It is nice that your DS20 is caring. I hope he gets acceptance news soon.

Did they get lots of pictures from their trip? You need to get those ADRS! I made two last week for my June trip, one at Cali Grill about a half hour before the fireworks, and one for the Lunch with an animal specialist at Sanaa. I think DD16 would like that.

DH shocked me this week and asked me for the dates of the trip. I had no idea he was ready to go back to WDW as he took last year off. Unfortunately, I picked the worst period of the month to avoid my work conflict days. He is trying to figure it out. I also have a one bedroom not a 2 bedroom booked. I am thrilled he wants to go. He is burned out period, so I know where this is coming from.

Cheryl, have a great time in Vegas, baby!!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Laurie, clean out your PM box!

 

[fortwildernessishome]

Anyone have any "well meaning" people send you cancer information. Dh has a friend whose wife has the rare uterine cancer, had chemo and rads etc. Is doing well, except for neuropathy and memory loss.

Well once before he sent me info about taking a spoonful of asparagus paste or from a can mushed up etc, once a day will help the cancer etc. Well today he sends me an e mail that you should (not me personally), just a general e mail that taking a teaspoon of real lemon lemon juice once a day is better than chemo at fighting cancer. Gheesh, I love this guy but dont want to comment to him. I dont even want to say thanks fearing he will send me other things etc. I know he means well. I guess I should be happy that he just thought of me etc. Anyone else have friends like this etc?

GAGWTA.

Yes, I have some friends like that too!!

A little background, I was diagnosed with both uterine and ovarian cancer last July. I just finished chemo on Feb. 8th. Both of my cancers were caught early and I have a good prognosis.

The best "gem" I received was from a flaky Mom of my of my sons friends. She had read an article about ovarian cancer and what warning signs to watch out. She was saving it for me, so I could read it. What the heck??? I ALREADY have ovarian cancer....my overies have been removed.....why on earth would she want to give me an article about the warning signs for ovarian cancer. Obviously, I am far, far beyond that.

The worst though, are some family/friends who find it necessary to inform me of all the people they know or a friend of theirs knows, that has passed away from one of my cancer.....yeah, like that is a real pick me upper......

 

[luvmarypoppins]

fortwildernessishome - welcome to the club that none of us wanted to join. Glad you are here though. Great to hear your chemo is over and you are doing well. The ladies here are a great bunch. Lots of love,support and encouragement and knowledge. I have thyca and they have adopted me and let me hang out here with them. Wishing you all the best.

Lisa - hope you are resting and healing and that you are able to find some things to keep down. Thinking of you and prayers for you.

Sha - loved Mel's blog. Her attitude is amazing.

Cheryl and Linda - enjoy your trips

Laurie - glad to see you made some adrs. Good to hear your dh wants to join you. How is your ds job hunt going?

Well after Cheryl and Laurie bugged me to make some adrs. I actually did the ones that required the credit card right now. Citricos for our anniv. since the food is good there, and then Hollywood Brown Derby, Cape May Buffet since my dh can never get enough crab legs and Le Cellier for lunch. Why do I want that soup when its going to be be like 90 degrees out, I will never know Its the pretzel bread, has to be the pretzel bread.

Praise God ds got his first acceptance. He got into the nursing program at Drexel in Penn. Now we have to wait on the rest of them. We will see where God will open the door.

GAGWTA. Enjoy your week end ladies.

 

[snappy]

Hi, fort wildernessishome. Welcome!

MaryAnn, DS23 is working as an extra in another movie in lake view in New Orleans. He got the part because he is the right size for the suit!

He is an usher at the magic show that the movie is about. They film late into the night. I don't expect to see him to the middle of next week.

He is still looking for something more permanent but he is having fun.

DD21 is back home from her spring break in South Beach. Her very generous roommate's father hosted all 3 room mates, DD21's boy friend and one of his friends for a week in his amazing condo right on the beach, and took them around in his boat or yacht.

They all brought their dog friends too so they had quite a crew. DD21 says the dashchund her boyfriend adopted last fall really enjoyed riding in the boat. She called me at work Wednesday from an island they cruised to in the Keys.

She told me she will never stay at a place that nice again.

She finished midterms last week- home stretch before graduation and hopefully gainful employment.

By some miracle I was able to change the dates for our upcoming WDW trip to start earlier so DH can go if he can get away from work. The earlier time frame was not available in the morning but suddenly appeared in the afternoon. I was even able to switch to boardwalk view! It was meant to be!

I am still working on adding a few days at the end of the trip in a presidential unit at Bonnet creek as I just adore that place. The owner I have worked with since 2009 is actually in Orlando and staying at Bonnet Creek this weekend but was kind enough to look up availability for my dates earlier today. If he can book at the 60 day mark, we get an awesome deal.

MaryAnn, we should get to Orlando on the 28th with this new plan, maybe late though. Will you and your DH still be there?

Congrats to your DS20 on the acceptance letter. I know you are celebrating!

Was that his first choice?

It is turned to summer here, a breezy low humidity summer, which is really not our summer, must be somebody else's summer but I sure will take it. I have had a wonderful day off today.

DD16 is supposed to go for her first ever interview for her first other job that is not either a volunteer thing or a dog or baby sitting gig. A yogurt shop! The lady who talked to her was very impressed with how mature she looks for 16. Must be that haircut. I am still trying to get used to it. It feel like i am living with a stranger, that is how dramatic her transformation was.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Laurie - we are suppose to be there May 17-23. That is if everything works out with ds22. We shall see. If not then we are changing our plans I guess. I will not be happy.

I think PatsMom will be there the same time frame you are. Hope she can post to update you. How about Sha too?

This school was actually the 7th place ds applied to. He only did it as a back up and that they didnt charge him an application fee since he is in that honor society. The school is right next to the school where my aunts grandson goes, so if he goes there he might be able to get a ride to NJ, that way it would cut down on the travel for us to see him etc.

Hope your dd gets the job. Sounds like fun and at least its not as many calories as ice cream and maybe she can bring you home some samples too.

Ds24 texted me that he just had his job review. He got some things he didnt agree with , but he got a pretty nice raise I think in this economy, considering that my dh got a 1% raise for only 1 year out of the last three, then ds24 did really well. Dh leaves again in 3 weeks, sigh.

 

[snappy]

Ah yes, samples.

Definitely not on my diet.

DH and I have not had a raise, me since 2009, DH for who know how long, unless you want to call it a raise when they gave back the 10% cut that he got in 2010.

How in the world these kids today will ever be able to buy houses and save for retirement I will never know.

Sha, you think you can squeeze in a trip at the end of May?

Hope you finished all your paperwork.

I am sitting her looking at disorganized stacks of pictures I need to scan into the computer so I can get them in some semblance of order.

It is daunting.

I think I will just work in the yard tomorrow instead.

Happy St. Patrick's day everyone.

 

[smiley_face2]

Lisa, I am keeping you in my prayers, and you have absolutely all of my sympathy. I hope and pray to never be that sick again, and the fear of it is always there in the back of my mind. But we are tough, and hopefully it is doing/has done us some good. I think the only thing I had for along time was vanilla carnation instant breakfast.
Laurie, my youngest daughter was an extra in a movie filmed locally one time
Yay on the upcoming trip!!
maryann, congrats to your son! I'll keep my fingers crossed for your trip to work out the way you want!!
I hope you ladies can post a few pictures when you get back!
Cheryl, good to see you and so exciting about Vegas! I've never been and am looking forward to seeing it this summer! where are you staying? we are going to be at the Mirage.
Oh, yes and well meaning friends....family....people you barely know!

 

[NHAnn]

Hello all!
It sounds quite odd to say I am taking a break from warm, sunny, sweaty yard work on March 18 but I am!!

Lisa, thinking of you and sending my thoughts and prayers that you catch a break soon from feeling so poorly.

JSG, it's nice to "see" you and glad your mom is well...but sad to learn of your cousins condition, that will be a tough road.

smilie, loved the California pictures, thanks for sharing!!

fortwilderness, I see yet another NH person has found this thread...welcome (as someone before me said) to the club that you don't want to join. There is a wealth of info, support and also diversion here.

To all the rest of you ladies I'll fall back on our Greetings And Good Wishes To All catchphrase!!

I am excited to tell you all I have not one, but two, Florida trips planed next month. A long weekend in the Tampa area for Easter weekend. My sister had it lodging and car planned with her DH who passed away in an accident last month...and she did not have to twist my arm too much to convince me to accompany her, and Southwest. We'll be taking in the NCAA Frozen 4 hockey championship tournament the 5th and 7th, and some sun and fun as well.

Then the third week in April DH and I are headed for the happy place with my stepdaughter and her DH and grandkids Mady -9 and TJ 7. It is their school vaca week. Going to have to dial back DHs and my style of park touring and eating - and focus on the kiddos ....we are looking forward to it!!

Thinking of you all!!

 

[love2disney]

Well I am back. Lots of news and lots of questions too

Well it did come back breast cancer. Invasive ductal carcinoma to be precise. Last week went but with ct scan, bone scan and muga scan. Got a port in last friday. I start chemo on 23rd. AC protocol 4 times over 8 weeks and then T for 12 weeks. Nulesta after every AC.

Told my folks and while I convinced them not to come immediately they will come in first week of May. I wish everyone stopped saying they were sorry when the hear about this. I wish they just said it sucks!

Nervous about chemo. The plan is to get it on Tuesdays so when DH comes Thur night he will be around to thelp with the kids when the side effects starts hitting friday sat.

Now questions:
Everyone keeps saying fatigue. How bad is it. Is it can't take care of the kids basic needs fatigue or fatigue but I can still do basic stuff?
What is a good forum for breast cancer patients? To discuss stuff like meds and treatment?

I am nervous about the chemo

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Thanks for coming back and updating love2.

My twins were 5yo when I was diagnosed - IDC also. I was also working. I remember my doctors saying to save whatever energy I had left over for my kids.

The symptoms from AC can be different from those with T. Fatigue and agita from AC for me were really bothersome but not intolerable. But it seemed to be cumulative. The Taxol was hard physically with a cramping type of pain all over, but I did it every two weeks X4 and some doses were better than others. I understand there are some things they do today that weren't available when I did it, like taking claritin and doing it over 12 weeks, so maybe it's better now.

I wasn't used to it, but I found I really had to lean on others for help. DH and friends and often took the kids out so I could rest. People wanted to help and it was a great help if they even cooked some meals. But basically I was always able to get up and do what I had to do except for one period for a couple of days after I started taxol.

I have a friend going through the same chemo right now, though, and she's done great, barely had any symptoms at all, continued to work, take care of family, etc.

I think everyone's a little different, but most people do have some side effects.

I wasn't on any support sites (though I did go to a support center) and got the idea to start this group here about a year or so after I finished treatment, so this is really the only place I've ever posted. I'm sure others can point you in a different direction. Wherever you go, know we're always here as well.

PS Try the Susan Love website and also breastcancer.org forums.

 

[smiley_face2]

Well I am back. Lots of news and lots of questions too

Well it did come back breast cancer. Invasive ductal carcinoma to be precise. Last week went but with ct scan, bone scan and muga scan. Got a port in last friday. I start chemo on 23rd. AC protocol 4 times over 8 weeks and then T for 12 weeks. Nulesta after every AC.

Told my folks and while I convinced them not to come immediately they will come in first week of May. I wish everyone stopped saying they were sorry when the hear about this. I wish they just said it sucks!

Nervous about chemo. The plan is to get it on Tuesdays so when DH comes Thur night he will be around to thelp with the kids when the side effects starts hitting friday sat.

Now questions:
Everyone keeps saying fatigue. How bad is it. Is it can't take care of the kids basic needs fatigue or fatigue but I can still do basic stuff?
What is a good forum for breast cancer patients? To discuss stuff like meds and treatment?

I am nervous about the chemo

Had my diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma, triple negative, stage (just over the line into ) 2 back in November of 2010. I had a partial mastectomy on Jan 7 2011, and began my chemo on Feb. 23 of 2011. in between surgery and starting chemo is when our son was killed, which delayed my beginning chemo and made everything from then on a whole lot harder. I had the same protocol as you did, and the AC affected me very badly. I don't want to say anything to worry you because my sister who had breast cancer 5 years before me sailed right through her AC!! but if you are affected by vomiting and diahrea, please don't suffer in silence! even going to the hospital for iv fluids will help so much and there are all kinds of meds they have to help. I lost all my hair too, but it started growing back when I finished the AC and switched to the T. everyone is so different in how they react. by the time I was finished the chemo, and was to begin my radiation, the cancer had already grown back bigger than it was originally so the chemo did not work for me. I had extremely close margins right at the area it grew back, so they considered it a surgical failure as apposed to a reoccurance. I then had my second surgery at the end of august 2011. I got through radiation pretty well, and am am now 4 months post radiation. I had a lot of problems with seroma, and lymphadema, and anorexia, and I would have to say my fatique was extreme, but I was going through grief over my son at the same time which I think has played a huge roll in how the whole thing has gone. I just had a clear scan result a week ago, so I'm on holiday from dr.'s untill August unless anything happens. My hubby and I are seeing a councillor every week for grief councilling and of course we discuss my cancer as well. Like I said, don't suffer in silence, ask for help, and don't worry about stuff like keeping the house or yard spotless. We put the word out to please phone first before visiting, so I was not overwhelmed and made even more tired. Lot's of times there would just be a knock at the door and when we went to answer there would be a casserole, or something there for us. While my 2 remaining children are grown, I do have 5 small grandchildren I have always been extremely involved with, and I missed being able to do stuff with them, but even just having them sit and color with me, or watch movies was good. Lower your expectations, and ask if friends or relatives can do some things like giving them rides to school, or dance class etc. having them go for sleep overs at gramma's if available to give you a break. Talk to their teachers etc. so they know to be more considerate of their feelings and maybe they can help organise help for them in regards to school activities. Breast cancer . org is a great forum, but you can scare your self silly reading too much there!! I'll try to post more things for you as I think of them, and if you have questions I will try to help. Have you had surgery?

 

[snappy]

Chemo was not part of my treatment, but I am glad Pea-n-me and Smiley posted.

I would agree that everyone's experience varies. I think a lot depends on your age, your overall health, your predisposition to gastro issues, so many factors.

I also agree with Smiley that reading forums can be scary, actually for the same reason. Since everyone has a different experience, you can be scared or just the opposite, overly confident after reading others' stories.

This thread is golden in my opinion since in addition to the stories, questions, support, we also discuss everything on the planet.

We sure get "off topic" but I think it lightens the load.

For me, finding a breast cancer support group was important.Ask you caregivers if that appeals to you.

I also felt more in control when I asked for all test results and kept them in a binder.

Sorry you joined our club, but I am glad you came back to let us know. I hope you continue to post here during treatment.

GAGWTA!

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Love2 - sorry that you have to join the club too. I cant really comment too much as I have a different form of cancer (thyroid), but as others have said,
everyone reacts to things so differently.

Yes having cancer really does suck, we all know. Sometimes people just say, so sorry to you because they dont know what else to say. Most people at my church say I am praying for you etc. They barely mentioned the "c" word. They already see how I am with all I have gone through etc. One guy always says to me : You look marvelous". Its his way of speaking to me. I guess after being alive after the lst 3 surgeries and almost dying and being in a coma..then I do look marvelous! PTL.

Also dont be afraid to accept any help. I really dont even have anyone other than my immediate family (most of our relatives are deceased and out of state). So our church family really helped with lots of meals for us.

Also check out and see if they have Cleaning for A cause by you. Its a free program for breast cancer patients.

Also I think the support group is a good idea.

Just take it one day at a time and keep a note book if you need to for appointments, symptoms you want to discuss or questions you have etc.

Wishing you all the best.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Its such a beautiful day here weather wise!

Lisa - how are you feeling? Hope you can keep something down and regain your strength.

Ann - sounds like you are gioing to have some wonderful trips. Its good you can be with your sister.

Laurie - did you dd get the job?

Just finished the adrs. (Kona,Coral Reef,Chefs,LTT)I left 2 spots open. I think I remember last year it being so hot and not wanting to eat alot. The only place we couldnt get is Tutto. I guess they will hopefully open up adrs as the rehab gets done. Guess its taking longer.

Ds nursing school stuff is head spinning. The one place in Va rejected him due to a pre req not being met The place in PA that accepted him is $$$ and seems to take even longer to complete. This might be a no go financially for us. Then the other place in PA sent him a strange letter. He has called and those who can answer his questions are sick. This is the place that is in accredidaton trouble/warning etc. He also called the Lutheran college. They basically said he has to be there a year just to take 2 religion classes and then the 3rd one the next fall, but they might wave that so he can do it during clinicals. So a whole year wasted and $$ - think that is out too. So now we wait to hear from the remaining 3.

Best news ever on the answering machine today...My latest blood test was good. Didnt leave any numbers, but I really wanted to speak to the endo. I wanted to tell her how I am tired, bones hurt and short of breath stuff etc. I guess I will have to call. But I am and thanking God for sure

GAGWTA

 

[Pea-n-Me]

DS has been practicing outdoors and had his first outdoor scrimmage of the season this past weekend.

Always love when baseball season starts back up again!

It has been in the high 60s here and is going to be a beautiful week.

 

[snappy]

Maryann, glad you got most of your meals scheduled. Is your son still waiting on other acceptances?

Glad the weather is nice in Boston and NYC.

It is going to horrible weather here tomorrow and the non-profit I work for is going to the state capitol tomorrow to set up an exhibit with a lot of our expensive equipment. I am dreading it. Mostly I am doing shuttle service to pick up people from the office and bring them down in shifts and then go back and pick them up.

Hooray for baseball season! It must be spring!

Yes, DD16 got the yogurt job, she is going to train sometime in the next week. It should be good experience for her.

I am trying to work out graduation plans. It is tricky as there is a universal ceremony at 9 am and then the ceremony for individual schools at 3 pm.

Trying to coordinate with the boyfriend's family too.

I am so glad DD21 is graduating. She did much better on her mid terms that she thought, during that busy week before she left for her spring break and working a lot late into the night. One night she did not even go to bed-just studied after she got off work at midnight because the exam was at 8am. She still got an A.

Now if she can get a job.

GAGWTA!

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Good afternoon sistas

Lisa - thinking of you . Sending you a virtual bouquet of good wishes.

Linda - baseball, yeah!! Its spring!! Does your ds want to play ball in college one day? My poor ds player who broke his leg playing basketball now cant play baseball this season either. Feel so bad for him.

Laurie - hope your trip to the capitol was manageable

I took ds22 to college today and when I was driving home I was singing with the windows open. Ahh..spring has sprung, but sat. is going to be like 20 degrees colder and rainy sunday.

I sent Candy a text. I have her cell number. But she has not responded. I am getting worried about her. Remember how she said the tumors in her neck were causing her pain too?? I hope and pray she is ok.

GAGWTA. Have a great day everyone.

 

[wdw4us2]

I had my last radiation treatment today. Seeing the oncologist and having chemo tomorrow. I will probably be out of commission for a week. I will check back after that.

I enjoy reading all your updates, but I don't have the strength to answer all of them. Know that I am thinking about all of you.