Dis Breast Cancer Survivors Part IV - GAGWTA

[snappy]

I agree, Peg, Smiley, your photos are so enjoyable. It was helpful to see the progression of your hair growth too. I did not go through chemo treatment, but I feel I benefit from the info that is shared here, just the same.

I operate under the motto, knowledge is power.

Hope your girl is doing well, Linda. Snappy is hanging in for the time being too. One of her toe nails had become infected so I had to bring her in last week. I thought I was going to lose it when the vet assistant tried to pick her up and put her on the table as Snappy starting growling. They used a muzzle and Snappy seemed to calm down. The vet was gentle and quick so it was over soon and the antibiotics definitely have cleared it up. Administering the large capsules along with the med for the kidney disease is tricky but both DH and I have become proficient. Snappy went for the pill pockets I bought at the vet clinic for only a few days, now we are using peanut butter and putting it on the top of her palate. It is better than trying to hide it in the canned kidney disease food which was causing us so much stress when she turned up her nose.

I realized she was spending all her time licking the infected toenail, and was completely distracted from eating. Now she is eating the canned food and the dry which is an improvement. No walks during our winter event but I have taken her the last 2 days. It's not much of a walk, more like a smellathon but she certainly loves it and I can't deny her a single smell.

I am so looking forward to when my brother and his friend are coming down this Thursday. We have a nice late lunch planned at the French quarter location of Emeril's restaurant Saturday, then mom and I are staying overnight at the same hotel as Tom, and will do the tourist thing. It's just before Mardi Gras so while it is always crazy, it should not be at its peak yet.

At least we should not have any snow or sleet!

Had a blast last weekend down there staying overnight with my friend Cindy. Her new apartment is 2 short blocks from the quarter, so we experienced a fun night. Great views of the Mississippi from the quiet of the rooftop seating area of her building. I'll try and post a picture or two.

We are making our NOLA jazz fest plans. DH is planning to actually take a vacation day to go doing the week. I was shocked to say the least. It is so much more manageable during the week so I am grateful. DD18 also wants to attend so it looks like a twofer this year since she has to go during a weekend day.

Thinking of everyone in treatment as well as your son, LMP.

And congrats on the 5 years, LMP! My 10 year is approaching in April. Hard to fathom where the time has gone. I am grateful for every minute and every trip I have splurged on since becoming a survivor, the first one being Mardi Gras 2005.

Another WDW sojourn in the works for after DD18 graduates. Working on the details and who all is going now. I have a reservation for part of the time at the Boardwalk, as usual but I am also pursuing extra days at Bonnet Creek again in a larger unit, without breaking the bank. Our expenses in 2013 were high , and I was really on a spending spree the last few months of the year. Disney is not a good place to vacation though frugally to say the least.

Did someone say frugal????

Forgetaboutit

GAGWTA!

 

[snappy]

From the rooftop, not the best shot



St. Louis Cathedral looking from Jackson Square



Jackson Square

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Laurie - I know your db will be glad to come down to NO this week with all the snow we will be having! Have a wonderful time! He times his trip right for a snow getaway for sure! Wonderful views from Cindys apt!

jillyb - thinking of you. Glad smileys pictures are encouraging to you.

PrincessK - hope you are healing and glad the surgeon is watching you. I am sure it is something you wish you didnt have to deal with.

Peg - how is the cold?

kofslinky - hope you have a wonderful trip to. Good to be out of the snow and cold for sure!

Linda - how is your dog?

Well we are suppose to get up to 8 inches of snow today. Oh yest. I finally saw my nice green/brown grass. Short lived for sure. Now they say we are getting snow Tues. night and then on Sun. night too. This is getting weary to say the least.

Ds2 goes to the ortho tomm for a re xray. I wish they would give him an aircast or boot but due to the type of fracture I dont think it will be possible. Ds thinks he will still be non weightbearing. I dont know how he will get around the campus in the wheelchair with all this snow. sigh.

Ds3 is missing his peds clinical today as college is closed and now with this new snow prediction he might miss it next monday too. This is so not good for him. The rule is if the college is closed you dont go to the clinical rotation. He really wants the experience.

And dh has informed me he will be off to Calif. again next week. He will be missing his birthday and valentines day here. Oh well,. Such is life. Next month he is suppose to go to Siberia. Hope its warmer there then here, lol!

GAGWTA. Thinking of you all.

 

[CherylDan]

Hi ladies.....just a quick hello and a thank you all for all the good thoughts, prayers and well wishes. Had my first treatment last Thursday (Iexempra) and it is kicking my butt. I have a lot of bone/muscle pain adjust cannot get comfortable to sleep. I also have a ton of fluid buildup in my abdomen, so will get that drained again next week when I'm feeling better.

Laura, love the pictures.....always so nice to see what everyone has to share.

Smiley, I'm sure Hawaii was amazing! Can't wait to see more!

Hope everyone is keeping warm.....the actual temp here this morning was 16 below! They just reported that so far this year we have had over 50 inches of snow. Blah. That's 50 inches too many for me.

I'm following along with everyone, will post more in a few days.

GAGWTA!!

 

[Feralpeg]

Cheryl, You've been in my thoughts. Hang in there! Praying for you to get through this without a lot of issues.

My cold is better! These radical changes in the weather haven't helped, but I'm feeling much better...just tired.

Thinking of all you getting the snow. Two days ago, it was cold and rainy here(30s-40s). Today, it was in the low 80s. Nuts!

Thinking of you all!

 

[snappy]

Cheryl, sorry the chemo is causing you such discomfort. Losing sleep is not good. I hope the pain tapers off, and that you get relief from the fluid build up too.

I cannot fathom 15 below. We southerners are true wimps when it comes to cold. The receptionist in our office is young but her desk is about 12 feet from the door. She cranks the heat up to 80 before the rest of us get in and we walk into to what feel like a oven.

Maryann, did you get the 8 inches? How in the heck does any get around in it?

I agree with you Peg that the changes in the weather can't be good for us. I wear layers and peel them off. I seem to feel the cold more since I lost weight but I can't be in a room that is 80 degrees with maybe 20% humidity due to the heater being on for hours.

How do you guys up north deal with the impact of the low humidity on your skin? I am flaky and itchy. Sorry for too much information.

I am shocked by the amount of snow that is being dumped on you guys up there. Everyone is going to be so ready for spring this year.

I hope you all get a break from it soon, but don't send it down here!!

I decided we needed to change our reservation for Saturday to a different restaurant last night when DD18 reminded me that we went to the one my brother settled on last June when DD23 and her BF were in NOLA to be in her friend's wedding. We weren't wowed by the food and DD18 had little choice with her vegan agenda.

It's really hard to accommodate my 83 year old mom who has her own "agenda", get an authentic New Orleans meal, and make a favorable impression on my brother's friend who has never visited New Orleans.

At least we agreed on the hotel. . .

 

[jillyb]

Smiley, Great pictures! It really gives those of us still in the early stages of growing our hair back something to shoot for!

I agree! Gives me hope that I will someday have hair again! LOL Your hair looks great in all the pictures.

 

[jillyb]

Sorry you're having such a rough time right now Cheryl

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Cheryl I hope subsequent treatments get better. Maybe your body will adjust to it. (I hope!) The fluid must be very uncomfortable. Even a small amount of fluid causes a great deal of pain, and I know you have a lot. I had a patient last month who was accumulating fluid around her heart. (I have a special fondness for cancer patients that this happens to, though we don't see too many of them.) Thankfully we were able to help her feel a lot better. Are you doing any type of complementary therapies? Keeping you in my prayers.

lmp, my girl is doing pretty well hanging in. DH supercharged her wheelchair this weekend (well, not really but he fixed it so it worked better for her, lol) and she had some nice walks and even play with her balls outside. Her legs in the house are very weak, though. She is still my usual girl in every other way, though. Still doing most of the things she always did, just has trouble getting there. We might hear about the puppy soon. I'm hoping she is still with us when the puppy comes home as I think it will be a good thing for all of us, including her. Will let you know when we hear.

I enjoyed all the pictures. I have to get out using my camera more myself. It's just been too cold to really stay outside very long, and most of the environment is yuccky after a day or so, although today it's really beautiful out with white snow still on the trees. Maybe I'll try to get a few shots today. Thanks for the reminder.

GAGWTA

 

[snappy]

Yes Linda your photos are amazing! Try and take a few.

Touching to hear about your new pup and the plan to have the pup in residence while your girl is still with you. I hope it works out. I know what you are going through.

 

[smiley_face2]

Snappy... Love your pictures! New Orleans is on my bucket list.....for now I make do with New Orleans Square in Disneyland, but one day I will make it to the real deal!! It's funny what captures us in life....I have been fascinated with NO since I was a little girl! England, Hawaii, and of course California too, but NO was the first place. I love all things old and gothic and historic and I love a hot climate so that is probably what all that is about! Anytime you want to post any pics of your beautiful part of the world you will be making me very happy!
Peg glad you are feeling better....mine has moved into my sinuses again I am so mad!!
Cheryl I am really praying for you, for strength to get through this and for healing.
GAGWTA!

 

[Dancind]

Cheryl, sorry to hear you are having a hard time. I know it is controversial, but I planned to fast if I had to have chemo to lessen side effects. Turns out, didn't have to have chemo. But you might ask your doctors what they think about this study:

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/fasting-might-boost-chemo/

You are in my thoughts! As we say for a friend waiting for a liver transplant: PPD! (Prayers and Pixie Dust)

I am not doing a lot of planning for our May trip to Napa and Healdsburg yet, though our accommodations are booked. Trying a private cottage in Healdsburg found through Home Away, and our timeshare place in Napa. We know we love it there! We like to get a kitchen and cook breakfast and a couple of dinners. With my dietary restrictions, it always helps.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I've been doing well. The plastic surgeon is pleased with my mastectomy healing for the most part. I have had some fluid removed from one side a couple of times.

I did have an interesting conversation with a cancer nurse who says I should see a Medical Oncologist about hormone markers? And that whoever I choose would be coordinating future tests or treatments if needed.

I met with one oncologist early one in my process who I absolutely didn't like and that person made no mention of hormone markers.
Of course it could have been because I had non-invasive DCIS and I already knew I was doing the double mastectomy and reconstruction.

I coordinated my own surgical doc and plastic surgeon appointments and they worked together for the surgery.

I have also had the blood draw done for the BRCCA test already on my own through my gyn office and am just waiting on the results of that.

I don't know if the medical oncologist is necessary at this point. The breast cancer is 100% removed, it was non-invasive, and I don't need chemo or radiation.

I kind of feel it's not necessary to have a Medical oncologist at this point. What do you guys think?

 

[tarheel618]

2 weeks ago I found what I thought was a pimple on the upper part of my left breast- almost straight across from my arm pit. I actually found it because if felt like a bug had bit me. It is probably pea size or smaller but you can see the lump when just looking at my skin (or at least I think you can) and it still is raised (red) area but I am very pale skin.

It hasn't gotten any bigger and sadly it hasn't went away like I thought a pimple would (and when I did try to squeeze it, only blood came out no puss that was 2 weeks ago). If it wouldn't be for the location, I probably wouldn't be as freaked out about it.

I just had my mammogram the last week in Oct and all was clear. I know that I need to call the doctor but I guess I am just looking for other life experiences and if anyone experience something similar.

 

[snappy]

I can tell you what my experience has been, Gasleepingbeauty fan. I too had non invasive DCIS, with the exception of 1 mm area of invasive component. After my surgeon went over the pathology that was done after the mastectomy,1) he told me that there was no further area of invasion in the full breast tissue over what was discovered after the biopsy. 2)my tumor area tested positive hormone receptor wise 3) he recommended that I take Tamoxiffen for 5 years and 4) he offered to follow me as an oncologist would during that 5 year period.

I really like the surgeon, his main nurse, and the office staff a lot, and his office was convenient. I never considered obtaining an unknown quantity of an oncologist once he offered to follow me.

What was your interaction with your surgeon? My surgeon is an oncological surgeon, who although he does lots of breast surgery, was not exclusively a breast surgeon. He also was highly recommended and at the time the doctor that MD Andersen used here locally to follow cancer patients treated there.

It was a good way to go for me and I have no regrets. He even gave me the heads up when he thought it was a good time for me to consider having delayed reconstruction. He recommended that I wait for reconstruction when I saw him after I was first diagnosed. I never quizzed him on why he wanted me to wait but I have always thought it was because my DCIS was so spread out throughout my breast that he thought it was likely that other areas of invasion would be found when the slides were done on the entire breast.

Luckily, I dodged that bullet, and like you did not need chemo, or in my case even radiation. I imagine I would have had better results with the reconstruction had it been immediate but waiting like I did made the decision to do it easier since I discovered how difficult it is to wear a large prothesis in the south. I became very motivated to find the right plastic surgeon and be brave enough to face the surgery.

I actually have been very pleased with the results just as they are, scars and all and I seldom even think about it, other than times like this. I feel very fortunate and I know that my surgeon did a very thorough job removing the breast tissue, following me for 5 years, and that my plastic surgeon is an artist to be able to arrange the tissue from my stomach to fill in the concave area where my breast had been. It feels normal to me, numbness yes, even in my abdomen, but I can certainly deal with numbness in that area.

Let me know if you have any other questions I can help with.

GAGWTA!

 

[snappy]

2 weeks ago I found what I thought was a pimple on the upper part of my left breast- almost straight across from my arm pit. I actually found it because if felt like a bug had bit me. It is probably pea size or smaller but you can see the lump when just looking at my skin (or at least I think you can) and it still is raised (red) area but I am very pale skin.

It hasn't gotten any bigger and sadly it hasn't went away like I thought a pimple would (and when I did try to squeeze it, only blood came out no puss that was 2 weeks ago). If it wouldn't be for the location, I probably wouldn't be as freaked out about it.

I just had my mammogram the last week in Oct and all was clear. I know that I need to call the doctor but I guess I am just looking for other life experiences and if anyone experience something similar.

Sorry, I have not experienced anything similar, but others may chime in.

Like you, though, I see the wisdom in having a doctor look at it, if only to give you peace of mind.

Two weeks is not a long time to assess something like this but i would still go ahead and call to make an appointment since sometimes it can take a while to actually get the appointment scheduled.

Will you see you Gyn doc?

 

[tarheel618]

Yes that was my plan to call my gyno. I can seem to keep from messing with it so I am wondering if I am aggrevating it. I'm going to give it one more week and then call and not mess with it at all. Its placement is right under my bra strap so I think that is what draws my attention to it. I don't notice it when Im working or busy but when I don't have a lot on my mind- it drifts to it and then I mess with it.

Hoping it goes away.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

GsSleepingBeautyFan, you should at least consult with an oncologist. Do you know what your hormone receptor status is? And whether it's recommended that you take something like tamoxifen? They are usually the ones who oversee that.

tarheel, they tell you not to touch and irritate any spot because it becomes uncomfortable and makes you more aware of it and worried. You should have it looked at. You could go to either your primary care or your GYN, but they will likely refer you to a breast surgeon. If you can make your appt. directly with a breast surgeon, it would probably save you some running around. Let us know how you make out.

 

[Kachina]

Hi everyone.

It's so wonderful to find so many common interests here on the DIS.

Diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2009, and had a full hyster that year at the old age of 34. It was definitely a shock.

Hubby was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma in a finger last year, which had spread to his armpit lymph nodes before it was caught. Had entire fat pad in his armpit removed along with all the nodes there, and underwent radiation and chemo. He's had a break of a few weeks, and although his most recent scans came back clear the doctor offered another round of a different chemo to mop up any stray cells they may have missed. Unfortunately it's a pretty rare cancer, and even rarer in a man in his early 40's, so they don't really have any set curriculum for treatment. He's doing well, I'm a frazzled mess, but we're both optimistic.

You guys give me hope.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Wow, Kachina. You've both been through a lot at relatively young ages. I don't think I've ever heard of such extensive treatment for squamous cell carcinoma! Someone did a great job figuring all of that out. How is his arm doing now in terms of functionality? Welcome, too.