Dis Breast Cancer Survivors Part IV - GAGWTA

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

Wow, it sounds like everyone has been so busy.

I'm all set for a bi-lateral mastectomy on Dec. 30. The surgeons had a cancellation and I snagged that.
I just want to get it all done with - especially since I've met my insurance deductible for this year so it will save us some money. My husband and both teens are home that week too so I will have plenty of help.

I had my surgeon pre-op appointment today and booked the one for the plastic surgeon for early next week while I was in their office waiting. I needed to change my arrival time at the hospital for the surgery because they added a sentinel node biopsy to the surgery since the MRI I had showed some extra things but the ultrasound didn't.

I also called my OB-GYN to see if they got the results in of my BRCA testing yet but had to leave a message.

And I've left a message with the anesthesiologists office for their pre-op questions that I will have to answer. At least that is done over the phone.

Add in having to get a permanent crown done on Dec. 24th (I cracked a tooth - figures) and the normal Christmas craziness, I'm surprised I'm sane.

One of my sisters was joking around with me and said I am too busy to go insane - either that or I am already and just don't realize it. LOL

Have a great holiday everyone if I don't post again before Christmas.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

Sounds like everyone is doing well. Glad some of you got good news.

GASleepingBeauty, sorry you are going through this, but glad you seem to be taking charge and hitting it all head on. I wish you a speedy recovery.

I hope no one was offended but I decided to step away for a while. As you may recall further biopsy surgery is on 12/26 and I decided that while some things might be out of my control, the way I deal with things isn't. So I decided to put this all on the back burner until the surgery. I've also decided I'm telling the surgeon I don't want to know any results until after the New Year, regardless of what it is. I will not allow this to invade my thoughts and ruin my holidays. I've been worrying about this all since the beginning of October. Time to focus on the joy of the season and my family. It's been hard as I tend to be self-absorbed (maybe because I'm an only child )? And let's face it, it's always on my mind but I will not allow myself to be consumed. So I've stepped away from this thread, although I have been reading and following.

So thank you all for your encouragement and guidance. I wish you nothing but peace, health and happiness. See you after the New Year!

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Peg - so happy to hear your good news

Cheryl - great news about the condo

PrincessKsmom - I know what you mean about not wanting the news to ruin your holidays. I had gone to disney and had a pet scan.Of course I didnt know what a pet scan was for etc. But I heard all the bad news before christmas and it was hard. I kept decorating the tree crying my eyes out etc. So I can understand where you are coming from for sure.

GAsleepingbeauty -wishing you all the best. Its great that your family will be there to help you .

Getting sick of the snow here. Dh is away in Calif. again. We have our tree up but not decorated. I have started to work on the christmas cards and we had a nice girl take our family christmas picture at church sun.

I try to focus more on the religious aspects of the holiday since we dont have family etc. We might go to see my one aunt after the holidays. I call her aunt, but she is really my moms best friend. She is like a mom to me.

Oh and my mammo results were good so I am happy. Now to see about the stress test. Probably after the holidays because at the end of Jan I do my 6 month cancer check up and testing which runs into the first week of feb. and that is when the new internist wants to see me too. Add in finding a new dentist etc. Happy new year to me

GAGWTA. Thinking of you all.

 

[clh2]

I feel like I am butting in on a very long thread-probably many of my questions would be answered, if any of you could offer some words of wisdom, I would be appreciative.

My 50 yo sister called tonight, she had just got her mammo results. They said she had a calcification in her right breast, and a mass in her left breast. I did ask how long since her last one (16 months ago ).

The clinic wanted to do some follow-up mammogram scans as well as an ultrasound on January 7th. My sister was beside herself, and pretty much demanded an appointment Monday (12/23).

My sister is divorced, so really doesn't have a support system in place. I offered to go with her on Monday, which she took me up on.

I am trying to downplay this. She does not have a cancer diagnosis, just a bad mammogram. But I am concerned about her driving home from the appointment if it is bad news. I offered to pick her up and take her back home, but she said she would drive herself. Geographically, it doesn't make sense. My sister lives near a major mall that will have heavy traffic. The appointment is probably 20 miles from her apartment, near a different major mall in the Milwaukee are. While I am trying to downplay this, if she gets bad news, I can't let her drive home, but the clinic is probably 35 miles from my house, so how would the car get picked up ? I know none of you will have an answer for that, I'm just trying to figure this all out.

But if any of you have any words of bad mammograms that turned out ok that i could share with her, I would be appreciative!

Thanks!

 

[Feralpeg]

clh2, Telling your sister not to worry won't work. It's just impossible not to, but there is a very good chance that it will turn out to be nothing. I had multiple biopsies on my right breast that turned out to be nothing. Unfortunately, they can't always tell without doing the procedure.

Please tell her that a lot more women have bad mammograms that turn out to be nothing than those that turn out to be something bad.

I'll say a prayer for her tonight!

 

[smiley_face2]

clh2... Unless she is having a biopsy that day, they won't be able to tell her anything.... and even if she did have one, they would not know for at least a few days, so the chances of her getting bad news that day are very slim. I hope it all works out for you
GaSleepingbeautyfan.....I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers! I also had my surgery at this time of year, jan 7 2011.
Peg.... Yay!!! enjoy the holidays even more now!!
LMP...I'm sorry hubby is away again right now, if it helps any, the weather the last couple days there hasn't been that good and hurray for good results!!
PrincessKsmom...I do know what you mean!! I had an mri and didn't want to know until after the holidays...I had to go for a sinus infection and she just went ahead and told me! Thankfully it was good news, and the results are hanging up for all to see and rejoice with us Lol.... but if it had not been good, I would have been upset.
Jillyb....hang in there...you are nearly through it!!
Cheryl....glad your sale went through!! don't envy you the reno work...we are still not done ours...that's what January and February are for right? lol.... Pelican Inn is only 2 doors away from where we stayed at the Sand pebbles! that stretch of beach and the boardwalk.... you will love it!! there is a restaurant just down, like 4 buildings.... from your inn called the Sea Chest. It's supposed to be amazing, no reservations and only take cash. It's right next to where we stayed and we were supposed to eat there...but they were closed on the Tuesday night!! lol...... It's so fun to think you will be staying there soon...I hope you love it as much as we do! I am really praying for good weather for you while you are there!!
first off hubby couldn't wait to give me my Christmas present...lol I don't mind!! He got his already too...ipad mini 2 I've never had anything so pretty before!!

 

[smiley_face2]

Now on to some pics from our trip.... Cheryl these are for you.... sunset at Moonstone beach, right where you will be staying! make sure and open your window at night so you can go to sleep listening to the waves!!
sunset at moonstone beach:

dinner at Madelines:

moonstone beach:

San Simeon Beach, just down from Hearst Castle:

daughter and her bf admiring the view of Bixby Bridge:

In San Francisco, at the Boudin Bread Factory, such good food there!! and the weather at the very end of November was better than we've had in any of our 3 times there in July or August!!

awwwww

drinks at The Tonga Room, thanksgiving dinner

our $25 bowl of flaming icecream for dessert! lol.... was so yummy!

the boat in the pool with the band playing

Full size gingerbread house in the lobby of the Fairmont, the smell was unreal!!

front of the Fairmont....hubby in one of his rare occasions of being dressed up and without his hat!! lol

 

[snappy]

Your pictures are amazing as usual, smilie! The diamond earnings were the crowning glory. All I can say is WOW!

I hope your hubby likes the iPad mini. DH and I decided to treat ourselves to those this year, even though we both have iPads. DS uses DH's iPad, and I wanted the iPad mini for carrying around to work, etc. since its smaller and lighter than the my iPad. We got them in the madness when Walmart had their one hour guarantee sales Thanksgiving. Actually it wasn't really that bad as we did not get there early but just got to pay and received a card to "order online" once we got home. Still don't have them, but they are "supposed" to arrive by Dec. 22. I already had the cases delivered from Amazon!

DH also talked me into meeting him at the Pandora store a week or two ago and let me pick out some new charms. I guess he figures he can't go wrong that way. DD 23 suggested I do a wish list for future consumption.

Cheryl, congrats on the condo. We will need photos, of course.

Clh2, what Peg and Smilie posted is very true. Your sister won't know much more unless and until she is sent for a biopsy. It may vary these days, but it is unlikely to happen on the next appointment. A biopsy is ordered usually by a surgeon, so she would need to be referred to one first, I believe, although maybe things have changed in that department.

I will add, though, even though she won't know definitively what is going on during the next visit, I think it is very helpful to have someone accompany a patient for further followup. I remember my mom went with me for my first diagnostic mammogram after the screening one that showed calcifications.

As far as calcifications go, they are not indicative of cancer in and of themselves, as most women have these occur over time. My understanding is that it is the shape and size and placement of them that leads to further testing, if they are tiny, irregularly shaped, and clustered. Also, if there are significant changes from one mammo to another, I believe they are looked at harder.

The long and the short of it is, even though it is nerve-racking to go through this, it is the better course for the doctors/radiologists to err on the side of caution than to dismiss anything that looks suspicious.

I applaud you for wanting to be there for your sister, especially with the distance involved in going with her. You sound like a wonderful sister!

Kofslinky, glad you are healing.

MaryAnn, I don't remember you posting much about your trip. Did you have a good time? Glad to hear about your good test results!

GAsleepingbeautyfan, good luck with your surgery. Sorry about the problem with your tooth. Did you receive the results from the BRAC testing? We will be thinking of you!

Princessksmom, I think you are wise to enjoy the season and deal with your things on the 26th. Good luck with the further biopsy. I hope you get the best results possible.

Peggy, yea for the negative results on the liver. You are due for some good news, dear.

This thread is becoming a wonderful source of info on travel options along the west coast. I love it. Don't know when I'll ever get over that way again, so I am living it vicariously.

We have such an active thread right now, I am sure I have left someone out.
So I'll close with GAGWTA!!!!!!

 

[smiley_face2]

Your pictures are amazing as usual, smilie! The diamond earnings were the crowning glory. All I can say is WOW!

I hope your hubby likes the iPad mini. DH and I decided to treat ourselves to those this year, even though we both have iPads. DS uses DH's iPad, and I wanted the iPad mini for carrying around to work, etc. since its smaller and lighter than the my iPad. We got them in the madness when Walmart had their one hour guarantee sales Thanksgiving. Actually it wasn't really that bad as we did not get there early but just got to pay and received a card to "order online" once we got home. Still don't have them, but they are "supposed" to arrive by Dec. 22. I already had the cases delivered from Amazon!

DH also talked me into meeting him at the Pandora store a week or two ago and let me pick out some new charms. I guess he figures he can't go wrong that way. DD 23 suggested I do a wish list for future consumption.

Cheryl, congrats on the condo. We will need photos, of course.

Clh2, what Peg and Smilie posted is very true. Your sister won't know much more unless and until she is sent for a biopsy. It may vary these days, but it is unlikely to happen on the next appointment. A biopsy is ordered usually by a surgeon, so she would need to be referred to one first, I believe, although maybe things have changed in that department.

I will add, though, even though she won't know definitively what is going on during the next visit, I think it is very helpful to have someone accompany a patient for further followup. I remember my mom went with me for my first diagnostic mammogram after the screening one that showed calcifications.

As far as calcifications go, they are not indicative of cancer in and of themselves, as most women have these occur over time. My understanding is that it is the shape and size and placement of them that leads to further testing, if they are tiny, irregularly shaped, and clustered. Also, if there are significant changes from one mammo to another, I believe they are looked at harder.

The long and the short of it is, even though it is nerve-racking to go through this, it is the better course for the doctors/radiologists to err on the side of caution than to dismiss anything that looks suspicious.

I applaud you for wanting to be there for your sister, especially with the distance involved in going with her. You sound like a wonderful sister!

Kofslinky, glad you are healing.

MaryAnn, I don't remember you posting much about your trip. Did you have a good time? Glad to hear about your good test results!

GAsleepingbeautyfan, good luck with your surgery. Sorry about the problem with your tooth. Did you receive the results from the BRAC testing? We will be thinking of you!

Princessksmom, I think you are wise to enjoy the season and deal with your things on the 26th. Good luck with the further biopsy. I hope you get the best results possible.

Peggy, yea for the negative results on the liver. You are due for some good news, dear.

This thread is becoming a wonderful source of info on travel options along the west coast. I love it. Don't know when I'll ever get over that way again, so I am living it vicariously.

We have such an active thread right now, I am sure I have left someone out.
So I'll close with GAGWTA!!!!!!

Hi!! that is why hubby wanted the mini also.... we spend a lot of time travelling, and waiting in appointments etc and this even with the cover fits perfectly in his inside coat pocket! but it is so much better than his old ipod! he can actually see this! I still have my old laptop, which still works really well so don't qualify for an upgrade in that department yet
I could not sleep last night, so went onto facebook at 2 am and read the status update of our daughter in law..... married. trying to find out if they actually did get married yesterday or what. Not that I guess it's any of our business anymore but it would be nice to know. the 3 oldest grand daughters are coming to stay with us for a week after Christmas so we are pretty excited about that. the youngest who is still 3 is just too much to add to the party yet! this old granny can't do 4 kids anymore!! Did I mention that her and her new fella are expecting? got that news on our holiday....I was glad we were away and distracted and with our daughter, helped to ease the pain from that one. death by a thousand cuts this process is.

 

[snappy]

I believe you did mention it.

As if having a new relationship, moving your granddaughters away, and then getting married was not enough to deal with.

I am glad you two had that wonderful trip with your daughter and her BF to distract you.

You qualify for the steel magnolia award, like I did a while back, can't remember who described me that way, maybe Ann from New Hampshire?

Strong, but able to swing when the wind blows.

GAGWTA!

 

[smiley_face2]

I believe you did mention it.

As if having a new relationship, moving your granddaughters away, and then getting married was not enough to deal with.

I am glad you two had that wonderful trip with your daughter and her BF to distract you.

You qualify for the steel magnolia award, like I did a while back, can't remember who described me that way, maybe Ann from New Hampshire?

Strong, but able to swing when the wind blows.

GAGWTA!

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I just finished reading the 24 pages of pre-surgery paperwork that the plastic surgeon sent me to be read before the pre-op appointment tomorrow.

Yikes - that was alot of info but at least I'm prepared for the appointment. The mastectomy surgery with the placers is only a week away now.

I ordered some button down shirts from Woman Within that arrived Saturday but they were awful so I'm sending them back tomorrow for a refund.
I ran over to Walmart today and into the mens section where I picked up a couple of mens denim button down shirts. They seem comfy enough so I'll be using them for my after surgery shirts.

I've done everything I am going to for Christmas which is good. I just have a quick grocery stop to do tomorrow after the appointment for the Christmas dinner items.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

 

[smiley_face2]

I just finished reading the 24 pages of pre-surgery paperwork that the plastic surgeon sent me to be read before the pre-op appointment tomorrow.

Yikes - that was alot of info but at least I'm prepared for the appointment. The mastectomy surgery with the placers is only a week away now.

I ordered some button down shirts from Woman Within that arrived Saturday but they were awful so I'm sending them back tomorrow for a refund.
I ran over to Walmart today and into the mens section where I picked up a couple of mens denim button down shirts. They seem comfy enough so I'll be using them for my after surgery shirts.

I've done everything I am going to for Christmas which is good. I just have a quick grocery stop to do tomorrow after the appointment for the Christmas dinner items.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Do you have some do up in the front sports bras to wear as well? the inexpensive ones they sell at walmart are perfect. hopefully your nightgown is easy to get on and off as well. I couldn't get anything remotely tight up over my head and shoulders for quite a while.

 

[CherylDan]

Smiley, awesome pictures! They make me very excited for our trip! You and your DH look like a couple of kids having such a good time. . I sure hope we catch such a beautiful sunset! Whatever the weather, it's sure to be better than what we are having here - our high temp tomorrow is only going to be 12 degrees! Ewwww!

I like how Snappy passed on her steel magnolia award to you......you sure have had a hard time with your DIL moving and expecting and now married again. It seems like at least she could have told you herself before the fact, just not something you should have to read about on Facebook. I'm glad you have your visit with your granddaughters to look forward to. I bet they are looking forward to it too!

GaSleeping, I ended up doing the same thing with the men's button down shirts. They were nice and roomy, and easy on/off. Sounds like you are well prepared for both your surgery and Christmas! We will all be thinking of you.

Laurie, sounds like you had fun shopping at the Pandora store! What type of charms did you pick out?

We have been busy with the condo rehab. I'll post some before and after pictures when we finish. DH and DD are working hard! I haven't actually been able to do much work - my back has been killing me the past week or so.....feels like a knife twisting. Also having some issues with abdominal swelling. Since my mets are to the abdominal area, I'm not feeling very good about that. I'll be calling my oncologist when we get back from vacation. I probably should have already called, but I really want to celebrate Christmas and take our trip without having it mucked up with cancer stuff. And so it goes....

I want to wish all of you ladies a very Merry Christmas, and say thanks for being here - this thread is wonderful!

GAGWTA!!

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Greetings from Sickville. Now 2 of the ds have what dh brought back from Calif. I sure hope I dont get this because coughing with a neck dissection is downright horrid!

GaSleeping beauty - I am glad that you found some comfy shirts. It seems like you have things under control. Wishing you all the best. Just curious about the woman within shirts. I was thinking of ordering a coat from there. I am big, ask Laurie, lol!


Cheryl - I hope you have a wonderful trip to Cali. Hope you have a great time and great weather. Thinking of you. Sorry you have the symptoms to deal with too.

smiley - so sorry you had to hear that news on facebook. Yes, as laurie said you should get the steel magnolia award. I also think of a willow tree. You have to bend alot but you dont break. I am glad you are spending time with your dgds. Loved your pictures.

Laurie - enjoy your christmas with your dd and her bf. I did comment a little on our trip. It was good weather wise, swam twice. Hated the Boardwalk room location but it was a nice big room. Like the Candlelight processional and saw some christmas parade taping. Also went to MVMCP. That was fun. We ate at Rose and crown, Brown Derby, Be Our guest, Cape May, Liberty Tree lunch, Chefs and the only place we didnt like was Garden Grove dinner. We usually do the breakfast there and that was ok. I walked a lot for sure this time.

Going out tonight for ds26 b day. I think at least. We shall see. Only 2 more christmas cards to go. The weather here was great over the week end.

Wishing you all a joyous and blessed Christmas.

You are all a blessing to me and you all inspire me with your courage and strength.

GAGWTA

 

[Dancind]

The problem after surgery is dealing with the drain pouches and tubes. I bought a couple of super cheap dusters with pockets, button front. Cut a hole at the top of the pocket and ran the tubes through there, putting the pouches in the pocket. It was comfortable, but really didn't want any company coming over!

 

[snappy]

GAsleeping beauty fan, I used men's shirts too after my mastectomy. I found the pockets sewed onto the outside were really handy for pinning the drains onto since it was extra material and more "sturdy."

As Smileyface posted, it is better to have a nightgown that buttons up or at least one you can unbutton enough so you can "step into" it.

If you have nodes removed, you really can't put the arm above your head for awhile.

MaryAnn, I remember the Boardwalk room was not a good fit for y'all. Sounds like you had good food and good weather though. I have never been to MVMCP. I need to do that one year, maybe next year since DD18 will be in college.

Cheryl, I am sorry you are having pain, but I like that you are going to go forward with your trip first.

I think my charms from Pandora are a pine comb, a carriage and one other that I guess will be a surprise for me, and 2 clips to hold "my collection" in place on the bracelet thingie. I seem to like them highly oxidized and with a touch of gold somewhere on the charm. I think DD18 is in the Pandora store at this second buying me a teapot charm ( I suggested that one) since I am such a tea fanatic these last few years.

DD23 is getting me a bangle from a store in Soho to wear with my bracelet.

Their plane is going to arrive 3 hours late. I am glad their flight is tonight, not tomorrow night.

I wrapped everything last night, except the shirt for DS25 I picked up today. So now, I am gathering the things I order, the oysters, the oyster patty shells, the shrimp for my merliton casserole.

Duck breast dinner for tomorrow.

Much to do, so Merry Christmas, sistas!

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

Greetings from Sickville. Now 2 of the ds have what dh brought back from Calif. I sure hope I dont get this because coughing with a neck dissection is downright horrid!

GaSleeping beauty - I am glad that you found some comfy shirts. It seems like you have things under control. Wishing you all the best. Just curious about the woman within shirts. I was thinking of ordering a coat from there. I am big, ask Laurie, lol!


Cheryl - I hope you have a wonderful trip to Cali. Hope you have a great time and great weather. Thinking of you. Sorry you have the symptoms to deal with too.

smiley - so sorry you had to hear that news on facebook. Yes, as laurie said you should get the steel magnolia award. I also think of a willow tree. You have to bend alot but you dont break. I am glad you are spending time with your dgds. Loved your pictures.

Laurie - enjoy your christmas with your dd and her bf. I did comment a little on our trip. It was good weather wise, swam twice. Hated the Boardwalk room location but it was a nice big room. Like the Candlelight processional and saw some christmas parade taping. Also went to MVMCP. That was fun. We ate at Rose and crown, Brown Derby, Be Our guest, Cape May, Liberty Tree lunch, Chefs and the only place we didnt like was Garden Grove dinner. We usually do the breakfast there and that was ok. I walked a lot for sure this time.

Going out tonight for ds26 b day. I think at least. We shall see. Only 2 more christmas cards to go. The weather here was great over the week end.

Wishing you all a joyous and blessed Christmas.

You are all a blessing to me and you all inspire me with your courage and strength.

GAGWTA

The Woman Within shirts that I received were really thin - I could see my hand through them - and the seams didn't look very sturdy. I was thinking they wouldn't last long at all and there definitely wasn't a good place to pin the drains to.
I've had good luck with their pants in the past so maybe their coats would be fine.

I totally forgot about needing a front clasp sports bra or 2. I guess it will be another trip back to Walmart after Christmas and hoping they have my size. I do have 3 pair of button front pj's so I'm good there at least.

So much to think about when having surgery. Blech.

 

[NHAnn]

I believe you did mention it.

You qualify for the steel magnolia award, like I did a while back, can't remember who described me that way, maybe Ann from New Hampshire?

Strong, but able to swing when the wind blows.

GAGWTA!

Yes, that would be me

Blessings to you all this holiday season. I am not on here much... but read and try to play catch up now and then....and you are ALL (old friends and you more recent ones here) close to my heart every day. Love and peace to all!!

 

[Feralpeg]

Now that I am finished with my treatments, I'm actually trying to have a life! lol. I've been getting out and about and making some new friends. Nice!

Even though I'm not on as often as I was prior, you are all still in my thoughts and prayers.

If I don't get a chance to post tomorrow, I hope you all have the very merriest of holidays! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!