Dis Breast Cancer Survivors Part IV - GAGWTA

[Pea-n-Me]

I forgot to say we finally finished our bedroom renovation! (Well, it's about 90% done, still need to finish the closet and put up a new entryway door and moulding, which we'll do this weekend. If you recall, we'd started it exactly a year ago, but got sidetracked when MIL became ill just after Thanksgiving and then required round the clock care much of the year, etc.) It was the first time we'd done anything much to the room in 24 years! We went from eggshell to a mango color for a big boost and got some new furnishings and a king size bed, finally. It feels so modern and restful now. Definitely improved the Chi in that room.

 

[kofslinky]

Welcome to the thread pitterpint23- sorry you have to be here, but as a relative newbie here on this thread I can say it's a great place!

snappy- sorry to hear about your dog. It's always sad when our four legged furry friends get sick like that. I'm glad she seems to be doing better- hopefully it's a course of treatment for her that gives her another few years of happy life! (We had a dog that had a heart issue- one pill every day and he was good for many years.)

I had another talk with the research nurse, and I managed to convince her that we should try doing the CAT scan with an IV rather than a port. (I can't believe I even suggested it! IVs and I don't mix!) I talked to the surgeons office, and he's not doing any surgeries the week of Christmas and won't be back in the OR until after the start of the New Year. I wanted to schedule my surgery during that time since I'm off from work (the bonus to teaching) and didn't want to take off more time. We're going to give it a try and see what happens. If the IV doesn't work then it's a new port for me in the New Year. I'm hoping the IV actually works and I can put off a port. (I'm also hoping the scan will show no signs of cancer still so that I can stay off of treatment for a while; I was having scans every 8 weeks for the clinical trial, and now I haven't had a scan in about 18 weeks, which feels strange. I don't think there will be anything, but I'm always prepared for the worst now.)

I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving this week, and also Happy Hanukkah to anyone who celebrates!

 

[CherylDan]

Kofslinky, that would be great if you can manage to get by without another port! And, of course, good scan results = even better.

Linda, your new bedroom sounds lovely, congrats! Pictures, please!

Hi Jess, welcome to the thread......you've found a great bunch of ladies here.

LMP, glad your DH is home.....hopefully he won't be leaving again before your trip?

Laurie, sorry to hear that Snappy is not doing well. Sounds like the meds are helping, hopefully she have many more happy times with you. Congrats to your DD on the new job!

Peg and PrincessK, wishing you both all the best with your upcoming surgeries.

Smiley, I hope you are taking lots of pictures of you vacation! I'm sure you are having a great time.

We are going to DD's for Thanksgiving this year for the first time. Looking forward to it. I'm in charge of pie, making pumpkin and pecan. Luckily for youngest DD she is off tomorrow from both jobs......seems that so many big retail stores are open, she is glad to be working at one that isn't.

According to my mom, she is doing just fine. Which is wonderful, except for the fact that she neglected to mention to her doctor about the evidence of previous stroke. Seems to me that that might need some folllow-up. Ugh.

I was thinking today how it was seven years ago at Thankgiving that I was first diagnosed.....seems like a lifetime ago. In a way I guess it was. After the initial surgery/chemo/rads and then the recurrence four years later, and even now with everything so tentative, life after BC is quite a bit different than life before BC. Different priorities, for sure....

I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving, and enjoy your time with family and friends.

And to anyone brave/crazy enough to battle the crowds, happy shopping!

GAGWTA!!

 

[Aliceacc]

Hi everyone, and Happy Thanksgiving! I've thought about you guys a lot, but never seem to get to the computer when those thoughts pop up-- school and family are keeping me pretty busy.

Jess, I'm the Alice that Pea referred to. I had a Phyllodes tumor 5 years ago. I woke up one night and found it there, the size of a grapefruit-- it was 10 cm in diameter when they removed it. I'm not a real big woman, so there was no doubt that I was losing the breast-- I knew that for sure before I even went to a doctor.

When they took it out, the margins around the tumor were 1/10 of what they were supposed to be, so I did 6 weeks of radiation, just to ensure that it hadn't jumped the chest wall. Fortunately, it's been 5 years since that, and I've had no additional issues.

(As to the tags: I'm a high school math teacher. During the course of my radiation, I was starting to burn, and the doctor told me I would have to go braless for a while. I responded as any reasonable patient would: "Are you crazy?? I teach in a coed school. I give extra help, one on one, to 15 year old boys!!! The breast that isn't being reconstructed is 50 years old!!!! "

Well, needless to say, I lost that battle and went braless. I was commisserating with one of my friends, who greated me every day that week with "How's it hanging, Alice???" I started that whole week laughing.)

My Phyllodes tumor was only the 3rd my oncologist had ever seen, and Long Island is famous for its incidence of Breast Cancer. But he was fairly certain that there was no reason for my kids to be concerned. Of course, each person is different, and your family history is much different from mine-- I'm the first in my family to have any sort of difficulties along these lines. But do your research and speak to other doctors before that expensive testing.

You will find, though, that this thread is the single best resource for support that you'll find, and you'll be glad you joined!!!


Once again, a very Happy Thanksgiving to all. Jess, feel free to PM me if you want.

 

[Feralpeg]

Good news! I finally got to speak directly to the doctor. The results of the biopsy did not show cancer! It showed atypical cells. Because I had basil cell skin cancer removed from that area a few years ago, she just wants to be safe. I will have surgery on Dec 12 to remove an area, but it won't be a big deal and nothing further will need to be done. Yea! Now, that is something to be thankful for! lol!

Happy Thanksgiving, ladies!

 

[kofslinky]

Very happy for you Feralpig!! Congrats on the news!!

 

[CherylDan]

Peg, that is great news!


I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving. Ours was wonderful! DD made a fantastic dinner......but the very best part was the news they shared with us......
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WE ARE GOING TO BE GRANDPARENTS!!!!! Baby is due in July.

DH is already making plans to build a treehouse! LOL

GAGWTA!!

 

[kofslinky]

WE ARE GOING TO BE GRANDPARENTS!!!!! Baby is due in July.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

 

[snappy]

Hi, Alice! Good to see you and to hear you are doing well.

Yea, Peg! That is great news! My mom had a squamous cell area on one of her legs at the same time as her diagnosis and surgery for breast cancer in 2008 while we were waiting for and dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Gustav (trees down everywhere in our yard).

She has not had a recurrence, knock on wood.

Congrats, Cheryl! Lovely news!

Linda, I am anxious to see your room makeover. You guys did such a wonderful job in the kitchen and living area.

MaryAnn, I bet you are busy getting ready for your trip. I hope the weather is wonderful for you and you enjoy every minute.

Kofslinky, I sure hope using the IV for the cat scan works. I will keep my fingers crossed.

Pitterpint23, I can appreciate your interest in gene testing. My understanding (I did it myself a couple years ago) is that if another family member who has had the testing and is a carrier, the tests on other family members are less extensive because subsequent testing on other family members can be targeted to the findings on the earlier tests results. I would ask a lot of questions before I do the testing. Is there a counselor you could talk to? There is no geneticist where I live but the breast cancer surgeon specialist that I went to has the same training. I tested even though she told me the odds of me being a carrier were low. I have a lot of confidence is this particular doctor and once I asked her what she would do in my position, and she said she would have the test, I knew what I needed to do. Since my mother was diagnosed in 2008, and I have two daughters, the doctor explained that if I was a carrier my daughters would need to start having mammograms much earlier than if I was not a carrier. I did it for my daughters. My sister was also on my mind at the time.
Personally, I would have had any prophylactic surgery that was recommended as well. After my mother was diagnosed in 2008 (I was diagnosed in 2004) my sister decided against genetic testing as she thought she would not choose prophylactic surgery (she has had too much surgery over her lifetime, has significant health issues, and lives with a disability in chronic pain).

I am in the midst of serious house cleaning. We bought a deep cleaning pet stain carpet cleaner. This is hard work! We have to do something, and I can't see the point of changing the carpets right now.

I will win the cleaning war! It is the perfect day for it as it is chilly and dry. We have the windows wide open, which we never do (too much humidity even in the fall/winter).

One thing for sure, I am not quitting my day job to be a house cleaner any time soon!

Back to work!

GAGWTA!

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Jess - welcome to the thread but sorry you have to be here. The ladies here are the best, very inspiring and encouraging.

Alice - so glad you stopped in. Nice to see you.

Cheryl - Congratulations! What wonderful news! I smiled when you said about the treehouse. I thought of that peanut butter commercial and the dad building the tree house for the little girl.

kofslinky - I hope you can get by without the port. Wishing you all the best and good test results!

Peg for your great news too. That is awesome. Hope the surgery goes well.

Laurie - you are one busy lady. Sorry you are missing the trips but good you can get some christmas time with your dd.

Linda - I hope you are enjoying your new bed. We could never fit one in our room. It would be way too smal. The new color sounds nice.

Well one more load of laundry to do. I have done a lot of my packing yest and dh is all done except for some socks. He is in Boston today.

Found out our flight down is completely sold out. Yeah again for the Southwest cattle car in the sky.

Yest. we went to the viewing. They had so many pictures of the ladies trip to disney. It was touching and then they had hanging up her disney jacket. I remember her wearing it a lot. Very touching. It was also nice to see her grand daughters who used to babysit my kids and now have kids of their own.

GAGWTA. Hopefully I can check in every now and then.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

beautiful weather here, swam yest, now off to mvmcp.

 

[snappy]

Thrilled to hear the weather is good! Enjoy! Wish I was there. Rainy in New Orleans.

 

[smiley_face2]

Oh my goodness so much has been happening!! sounds like some congratulations are in order...Cheryl! Our grand babies have been a huge part of the healing from our sons death, they are such a blessing
LMP, hope you have as good a time on your trip as we did on ours!! It was really awesome!! Some serious good bonding time with our future son in law, and we love him We had loads of fun at Disneyland, went to Knotts Berry farm as well, also Huntington Beach, the weather was awesome and we were so happy to be in t shirts and shorts knowing back home it was cold and wet the kids absolutely loved the drive up through Big Sur, and as many times as we have done it, it is awe inspiring every time!! We had so many amazing dinners....I gained about 6 pounds, daughter much to her chagrin gained 10 and even future son in law gained almost 10 pounds!! lol.... We brought home a whole case of a delicious wine we got in Cambria, Moonstone Cellars.... we had the wine with the amazing dinner we had at a little place called Madelines (Cheryl if you stay in Cambria, you have to go there!!) so had to go back next morning to buy a case we spent hours on the beach looking for moonstones, and watched the most amazing sunset any of us had ever seen in our lives!! We spent 3 days in San Francisco and had fun on the hop on hop off tour, got to see lot's of the city, it was warm and sunny the whole time which was a real treat, we have been there in the pea soup fog before!! and one time in July it was so cold I had to buy a jacket!! so for November this was a real treat. We had our turducken Thanksgiving dinner in The Tonga Room at the FAirmont....it was amazing! Cheryl hope you can do a dinner there too!! The hotel was all decorated for Christmas and it was just amazing!! It is on my bucket list now to stay there at least once!!! That's just a brief rundown of the trip, I will come back and put up some pictures, especially of that sunset at Moonstone Beach in Cambria.... Tomorrow is our 33rd anniversary, and we are off to the big city for my MRI but we will be going for a special dinner after at a very nice restaurant meeting up with our daughter and 2 grand sons to ride the special Christmas train at Stanley Park, that will be so much fun! the weather here is clear and sunny but soooooooo cold!!! well below freezing! but I still like it better than rain!! We had some interesting news while we were away..... our daughter in law, and her new partner are now expecting. It seems far too soon to us, but they seem happy and he is very good with our grand daughters and they really like him so for that we are grateful! It was quite a shock though and caused us a lot of tears I'm afraid. Take care all, will be back soon!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I forgot to say we finally finished our bedroom renovation! (Well, it's about 90% done, still need to finish the closet and put up a new entryway door and moulding, which we'll do this weekend. If you recall, we'd started it exactly a year ago, but got sidetracked when MIL became ill just after Thanksgiving and then required round the clock care much of the year, etc.) It was the first time we'd done anything much to the room in 24 years! We went from eggshell to a mango color for a big boost and got some new furnishings and a king size bed, finally. It feels so modern and restful now. Definitely improved the Chi in that room.

 

[fortwildernessishome]

Good news! I finally got to speak directly to the doctor. The results of the biopsy did not show cancer! It showed atypical cells. Because I had basil cell skin cancer removed from that area a few years ago, she just wants to be safe. I will have surgery on Dec 12 to remove an area, but it won't be a big deal and nothing further will need to be done. Yea! Now, that is something to be thankful for! lol!

Happy Thanksgiving, ladies!

Just read this today, what GREAT news!!!

 

[smiley_face2]

somebody likes the changes!! It looks great from what I can see!! lol..... we did ours this summer too! also first time for a king size bed, like sleeping on a cloud!! we went with a soft blue with just a tiny hint of green called harbor fog, and a seaside cottage theme, I love mine too!!

 

[CherylDan]

Smiley, I'm sure it was hard to get the news about your DIL. It does sound like your granddaughters are doing well, so as you said, that is something to be grateful for, for sure. Your trip sounds like it was amazing! I'm looking forward to seeing your pictures. Cambria sounds great, I will have to look it up because I have no idea if we will be near there. We are splitting our trip between San Francisco and Monterey/Caramel. Honestly, we have been so busy that I still haven't planned much of anything, except for making hotel reservations. I really need to get busy!

Linda, looks like your doggy is enjoying your new bedroom as much as you!

LMP, glad you are having great weather. I think you picked a really good time to be there, the weather here is sooooo cold! But at least we missed out on the ice/snow that a lot of people are dealing with. I hope you are having a great time!

Laurie, you sound so industrious with all that cleaning! I need some of your ambition!

I've been doing a lot of Christmas shopping on-line again this year. It's so much easier. I used to really enjoy all the hustle and bustle, but not so much anymore. Amazon is my friend!

Still trying to get the condo purchase wrapped up, apparently there are some issues with the condo association and a large sum of back fees that the previous owner never paid, and the bank that foreclosed on the property absolutely will not pay........so now they think we should. Our attorney disagrees, so we shall see how it all works out. The title company won't issue title unless the fees are either paid or waived.

I hope everyone is having a good weekend. GAGWTA!!

 

[smiley_face2]

Smiley, I'm sure it was hard to get the news about your DIL. It does sound like your granddaughters are doing well, so as you said, that is something to be grateful for, for sure. Your trip sounds like it was amazing! I'm looking forward to seeing your pictures. Cambria sounds great, I will have to look it up because I have no idea if we will be near there. We are splitting our trip between San Francisco and Monterey/Caramel. Honestly, we have been so busy that I still haven't planned much of anything, except for making hotel reservations. I really need to get busy!

Linda, looks like your doggy is enjoying your new bedroom as much as you!

LMP, glad you are having great weather. I think you picked a really good time to be there, the weather here is sooooo cold! But at least we missed out on the ice/snow that a lot of people are dealing with. I hope you are having a great time!

Laurie, you sound so industrious with all that cleaning! I need some of your ambition!

I've been doing a lot of Christmas shopping on-line again this year. It's so much easier. I used to really enjoy all the hustle and bustle, but not so much anymore. Amazon is my friend!

Still trying to get the condo purchase wrapped up, apparently there are some issues with the condo association and a large sum of back fees that the previous owner never paid, and the bank that foreclosed on the property absolutely will not pay........so now they think we should. Our attorney disagrees, so we shall see how it all works out. The title company won't issue title unless the fees are either paid or waived.

I hope everyone is having a good weekend. GAGWTA!!

I totally agree about the shopping thing!! sending good vibes your way for your condo purchase, surely they must realise making the sale and getting the money coming in again is better than losing even more by being stubborn about it
Carmel/Monterey is at one end of the Big Sur area, Cambria at nearly the other end. while the distance is only about 90 miles, the road is so twisty and narrow, it requires a greatly reduced speed, and the views are so stunning you just have to keep stopping to get out and just look!! Even if you don't do the whole thing, you have to drive at least an hour or 2 down the road!! It is not something to be missed!! ideally you would drive down one day, spend a night then drive back. If you can fit it in you should try, but at least drive for a couple of hours down there! Have you got a place in Carmel picked out? The Mission Ranch is owned by Clint Eastwood and is really beautiful! Where did you end up finding in San Fran? while we were happy enough with the Columbus, it seems to be slipping a bit, the rooms were very tired and need some refreshing. The switched our room type reservation on us without any notice, and we had trouble getting the desk person to get us a cab for our dinner. I was actually kind of glad you couldn't get in there, I was thinking "Cheryl would have been disappointed in this place" and that would have been embarrassing! If and when we make another stay right in San Fran, I will be searching for a new place I am glad there is such a big cold front extending all the way from up here where we are, down into California, with people having to bundle right up at Disneyland, now! Because it will almost certainly rebound for your trip then!!

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Quick check in. We are at the Boardwalk now.

Laurie - I know this is your favorite resort. Unfortunately I am not feeling the Boardwalk love. Well this is the Inn and not the DVC part. My only request was to be near an elevator. So we are on the first floor by a quiet pool and so far we have had to walk down 3 hallways. Its like a maze. Now to figure out how to get back to the boardwalk for the boat.

The bathroom is so dimly lit, if you open the bathroom door and someone is at the sink you will hit them in the butt and the refrig is not by the beds at the beach club its by the bathroom sink area near the front door.

Oh well at least i an say been there, done that and not going back. I feel better that we actually didnt have to pay to here so that helps.

I would rather be at the Swan. Its not so spread out etc.

 

[snappy]

Sorry you are not feeling the love, Maryann.

I have never stayed on the Inn side. However, I know what you mean about the long hallways. I actually don't mind to be at the end of the hallway since the boardwalk view is better if you are a bit further down.

Also, we have been so dang many times that we know shortcuts to stairs, etc.
We always ask to be on the top floor and have had pretty good success with that.

I think the studios, and I know the one bedrooms and 2 bedrooms we stay at have different bathroom setups. The one and 2 bedrooms have huge bathrooms with a pedestal sink in the large area with the shower and a huge counter top, lots of drawers and cabinets in the area outside in the area of the bathroom where the jacuzzi is.

But the studios don't have a jacuzzi.

Be sure to go out and see the entertainment in the evening. If the weather is bad some of them will perform in the lobby.

Is it raining there? You need to be a duck to go outside here. Just ridiculously wet and cold but warm enough that there is no danger of ice, thank goodness.

I can live with this but can you say gloom.

Speaking of ducks, DH has been hunting all weekend. He is kind of late so I guess he is driving through the messy weather. I'll be glad when I see his car drive up.