Dis Breast Cancer Survivors Part IV - GAGWTA

[Dancind]

LMP, you need to go to San Diego with DH! It's gorgeous there, and the weather is perfect 99% of the time.

Smiley, beautiful photo. DH said HDR! Whatever that means. We spent a week at a place in Los Osos, which is across the little bay. We could see the rock. If you are foodies, there are so many fabulous restaurants in SLO. I don't think we ate in Morro Bay, but did buy something to cook at one of the fish markets. There are many parks with hiking trails, but they do have wild animals around. A local told us that the animals are much more aggressive these days, looking for food because of the drought.

Beach Club Villas is one of the places we own, the other is OKW. Bought BCV on the pre-sale I think $60 or $65 per point, could not imagine paying the current prices! DD was the perfect age for Stormalong Bay at the time. It's still my favorite place to stay because of the location. The newer villas (Kidani, BLT etc) have 2 bathrooms in the one bedroom villas, which is so, so nice.

 

[Caropooh]

Hi...
I'm hoping someone can explain this to me in English, please. First a bit of back ground. I'm a 53yo mom of 2 daughters. My mom was a 10 year survivor of breast cancer before she passed away 7 years ago (on Monday) of lung cancer. It had been dx'd 3 weeks before. She was 65 (I believe) when dx'd. My sister is also a 3 time cancer survivor. 2 brain tumors back in the 80’s, breast cancer 10 years ago and then endometrial cancer in May. They both had mastectomies and my sister also had a hysterectomy (ovaries left). I had a total hysterectomy 9 years ago due to adenomyosis and have been on hormones since.
I have mammograms every year since around 45. And they always come back fine. After my sisters cancer in May, I was approved by insurance to have the BRCA testing. It came back negative for the gene mutation. That was a weight off my shoulders! I had my annual mammogram last Friday (10/17) and received the letter in the mail on Wednesday saying everything looked good. Yesterday I received a message in my online electronic medical chart
(MyChart) that there’s an addendum to my results.


Narrative
MAM ADDENDUM

Findings: Current study of 10/16/2014 is now compared to the prior
examinations of 9/10/2013, 9/11/2012, 9/12/2011, and 9/2/2009. There are
grouped microcalcifications in the upper outer right breast at
mid-posterior depth.
Impression
Impression: Grouped microcalcifications in the upper outer right breast.

Recommend spot magnification craniocaudal and true lateral mammographic
projections for further evaluation.

The patient will be contacted by the imaging center for additional
imaging.

Final Assessment:
BI-RADS 0: Incomplete - Need additional imaging evaluation.



Per National MQSA guidelines, a breast imaging result letter will be
provided to your patient.
.......And just to add more worries to my life, DD15 had a brain MRI yesterday. She passed out 3 times in 5 days and has been having headaches. We should get those results sometime next week. She’s also been referred to a Pediatric Neuroligist.

I'm quoting myself so people get the whole picture.
Well, had a 2nd mammogram on Oct 28th and was able to receive the results right then since the radiologist was there. He wanted me to have a biopsy. I had that last Thursday and got the results today. Not what I wanted to hear…
I have 'single focus of Lobular Carcinoma In Situ/Atypical Duct Hyperplasia (0.2 CM) with associated micro calcifications. The Nurse Navigator said that basically its a very small area of abnormal cells (pre-cancerous) in one of my milk glands. She recommended I talk to my PCP to get a referral to a Breast Surgeon. When we left there, we immediately called his office to see if we could come talk to him. The receptionist left a message with the nurse to call me back. We decided to just go ahead and go to his office to see if we could see him. By the time we got there and got into an exam room he had already started the ball rolling on getting me in to see a surgeon. He says it is cancer, so I'm a bit confused on if it is or isn't. I do know that it needs to come out though. PCP said I should be able to see the Breast Surgeon by the middle of next week and we'll go from there.
I'm so scared and overwhelmed rich now.

 

[smiley_face2]

Linda, hope we hear from you soon re your procedure and how you are doing!
LMP I agree....you should so try to go to San Diego!! what a beautiful place!!!
Cheryl, hope you're feeling ok and getting lot's of special time with dear little Zoe!!
Dancind... yes it is HDR....I read about what that is, I have used it a few times on my photos, but generally I prefer it without it turned on.
Oh yes we sure are foodies!! where we stay is usually determined a lot by what there is to eat in the area! I remember when Cheryl was going to be staying in Cambria and we suggested places for her to eat, I mentioned Madelines and you said you had not had the chance to try it....have you yet? I see they have made it to number one on trip advisor now! we will have to go there again this trip I think. Dear daughter is not due till March 2 so I thought we would be safe travelling in January, but she is already having such a hard time, it worries me. We may have to cut our trip a little shorter to get back and help out, if we can go for sure....I sure hope it will work out. We were going to be gone for about 28 days all together. We will see
Caropooh....I am sorry you got news you didnt' want, but that is so good it was caught so early!! I really hope it goes as good for you as it possibly can!! I will be saying prayers for your dear daughter....the only thing worse than having a medical issue, is when one of our kids has one...that is so hard!!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I'm quoting myself so people get the whole picture.
Well, had a 2nd mammogram on Oct 28th and was able to receive the results right then since the radiologist was there. He wanted me to have a biopsy. I had that last Thursday and got the results today. Not what I wanted to hear…
I have 'single focus of Lobular Carcinoma In Situ/Atypical Duct Hyperplasia (0.2 CM) with associated micro calcifications. The Nurse Navigator said that basically its a very small area of abnormal cells (pre-cancerous) in one of my milk glands. She recommended I talk to my PCP to get a referral to a Breast Surgeon. When we left there, we immediately called his office to see if we could come talk to him. The receptionist left a message with the nurse to call me back. We decided to just go ahead and go to his office to see if we could see him. By the time we got there and got into an exam room he had already started the ball rolling on getting me in to see a surgeon. He says it is cancer, so I'm a bit confused on if it is or isn't. I do know that it needs to come out though. PCP said I should be able to see the Breast Surgeon by the middle of next week and we'll go from there.
I'm so scared and overwhelmed rich now.

I'm sorry to hear you have to go through this. I hope this will ease your mind a bit. From breastcancer.org (a reliable site):

Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) is an area (or areas) of abnormal cell growth that increases a person’s risk of developing invasive breast cancer later on in life. Lobular means that the abnormal cells start growing in the lobules, the milk-producing glands at the end of breast ducts. Carcinoma refers to any cancer that begins in the skin or other tissues that cover internal organs — such as breast tissue. In situ or “in its original place” means that the abnormal growth remains inside the lobule and does not spread to surrounding tissues. People diagnosed with LCIS tend to have more than one lobule affected.

Despite the fact that its name includes the term “carcinoma,” LCIS is not a true breast cancer. Rather, LCIS is an indication that a person is at higher-than-average risk for getting breast cancer at some point in the future. For this reason, some experts prefer the term “lobular neoplasia” instead of “lobular carcinoma.” A neoplasia is a collection of abnormal cells.

http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/types/lcis

Basically it was caught before it left its place of origin, i.e., it is non-invasive, which is always a good thing when it comes to cancer cells, because it's the ones that get away that cause problems elsewhere in the body. A local area of abnormal cells can generally be taken care of completely successfully with surgery and often radiation alone, the radiation being designed as a local treatment to clean up any abnormal cells left behind after surgery. HTH

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Thank you for your prayers last week. I underwent a complete hysterectomy for abnormal pain and bleeding that had gotten pretty bad. I am wiped out (and was going into it) but now on the path to recovery. Still at the stage of trying to find some energy somehwere; taking it easy and with baby steps. If anyone has gone through this I'd be interested to hear your stories.

 

[Feralpeg]

Caropooh, if you have to have cancer, this is the best scenario. It is small and confined. You may not need any treatment but surgery. If the doctor suggests radiation, let me assure you. It really isn't bad. More of a pain because of having to go in for a treatment each day, but I did not find the side effects any big deal. Please know I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[smiley_face2]

Thank you for your prayers last week. I underwent a complete hysterectomy for abnormal pain and bleeding that had gotten pretty bad. I am wiped out (and was going into it) but now on the path to recovery. Still at the stage of trying to find some energy somehwere; taking it easy and with baby steps. If anyone has gone through this I'd be interested to hear your stories.

that is a huge surgery! from the women I know who have had it done, you will be recovering for a good 6 weeks!! so don't expect too much from yourself! I am so glad you are ok and on the road to recovery!!
what you posted for Caropooh was such good clear information! and if it were me would really help put my mind at ease!

 

[Dancind]

Oh yes we sure are foodies!! where we stay is usually determined a lot by what there is to eat in the area! I remember when Cheryl was going to be staying in Cambria and we suggested places for her to eat, I mentioned Madelines and you said you had not had the chance to try it....have you yet? I see they have made it to number one on trip advisor now! we will have to go there again this trip I think.

No, we haven't been back since May 2013! Sounds like a good reason to go again, absolutely loved Central Coast. The places we remember most fondly were Ciopinot in SLO and Artisan in Paso Robles. Fabulous meals. Ciopinot's menu is meant to go with Pinot Noir, and corkage is free (get the Cioppino!). And Artisan might be the best meal we've ever had. Though my nephew is the Executive Chef at a place called Farm and Table here in ABQ, and I have to say he is competing!

Caropooh, you are getting good advice. Only thing I would add, ask your surgeon to be aggressive. I had a random spot in my pathology report that appeared to be a "seed" from the biopsy. Sorry to say that.

Pea-and-me, I should have done that. Had the same symptoms, heading into menopause, but toughed it out. No doubt the origin of my ER+++ tumor.

 

[Feralpeg]

Peg - are you planning on going to MVMCP? The only day that worked into our schedule was Dec. 11th I think. Its Pop warner week and that date was sold out last year I think. I looked it up somewhere.

LMP, We've not decided to attend this year. I enjoy the Halloween party more than the Christmas party. I am sure we will go to Magic Kingdom to see the decorations and the castle lighting another night. Our favorite thing is to attend the Osbourne Lights at the Studios.

Hope you're feeling better. I had a really bad cold about a month ago. I thought I would never get over the cough.

 

[smiley_face2]

No, we haven't been back since May 2013! Sounds like a good reason to go again, absolutely loved Central Coast. The places we remember most fondly were Ciopinot in SLO and Artisan in Paso Robles. Fabulous meals. Ciopinot's menu is meant to go with Pinot Noir, and corkage is free (get the Cioppino!). And Artisan might be the best meal we've ever had. Though my nephew is the Executive Chef at a place called Farm and Table here in ABQ, and I have to say he is competing!

Caropooh, you are getting good advice. Only thing I would add, ask your surgeon to be aggressive. I had a random spot in my pathology report that appeared to be a "seed" from the biopsy. Sorry to say that.

Pea-and-me, I should have done that. Had the same symptoms, heading into menopause, but toughed it out. No doubt the origin of my ER+++ tumor.

I am a pinot noir girl! and Cioppino..... oh what can I say?! I have made a note of that in my phone, and will make a stop there for sure! thanks for the tip!
Look what I found online!! http://articles.latimes.com/2012/nov/15/news/la-dd-dinner-tonight-no-work-cioppino-recipe-20121114

 

[Dancind]

I am a pinot noir girl! and Cioppino..... oh what can I say?! I have made a note of that in my phone, and will make a stop there for sure! thanks for the tip!
Look what I found online!! http://articles.latimes.com/2012/nov/15/news/la-dd-dinner-tonight-no-work-cioppino-recipe-20121114

Uh, that "no work" must mean you don't have to shell stuff to eat it, because making it doesn't look easy. It was tasty, I remember that.

Ok, a couple of recommendations. Taste of the Valley Wine Shop in Pismo Beach is a nice little place with lots of Central Coast wines to try. And in Edna Valley is a winery with our favorite Pinot of the trip, called Kynsi. If you get up towards Paso Robles, do a tour and tasting at Tablas Creek. Their wines are great, we joined their club, and their vineyards are biodynamically farmed. Let me know if you're going, maybe we can get you a special tasting. We've bought enough wine, somebody ought to get something for it!

 

[smiley_face2]

Well a trip to the dentist for hubby on thursday, resulted in an estimate of about $4000 that is our portion with the dental plan paying 60%
Not sure the holiday in January will still go ahead.... we will see. At any rate if we do still go, it will be on a much tighter budget! ah well.
Next Saturday we are off to see Disney on Ice with our grandsons, that is going to be a lot of fun!
Peanme...I sure hope you are feeling ok!

 

[luvmarypoppins]

caropooh - sorry you are dealing with all of this. Hope the breast surgeon visit goes well and you will get a good plan in place. Wishing you all the best.

Linda - how are you feeling?? Saw your other thread on your side effects. Hope you are resting and healing. Sending prayers for you

smiley - sorry your dh has to deal with the dental issues yet again. I am sure its not a pleasant experience. Hope all goes well for him.

Peg -heard about the terrible weather there. Hope you are ok. I guess I will wait to see the weather forecast before I decide on what to pack. I like to do layers or capris for day and pants at night.

Just did the last trip things I need to do today - booked the wheelchair and booked the town car. 2 weeks from today!!! Dh says he is just so stressed at work. He really needs a vacation. They just expect him to solve everyones problems and be the company or division miracle worker. sigh.

Ds3 liked the new school. He got to do tube feedings etc. They asked him if he was coming back and they practically begged him. hmm, I guess people might not stay there? and he is only the sub. He said they said, oh we heard we were getting a male nurse, lol

I am blessed to "know" you all and I am so encouraged by all the strength and determination you all show. Have a blessed Thanksgiving everyone!!

GAGWTA.

 

[Caropooh]

Thank you so much for all the good wishes and information! Really, really appreciate it!
This is what I posted on FB, so it's a rather simple explanation of what went on today.
Feel so much better after talking with the breast surgeon. He was very thorough explaining everything. What I have is NOT considered breast cancer anymore. I am at a much higher risk of developing breast cancer though. 11% in the next 5 years and 60% by the time I'm 90; normal is 2% and 10%. I do need to have the tissue removed, but it's a simple out patient surgery. No radiation needed after either! I would be on a cancer prevention drug for the next 5 years (tamoxifen, raloxifene or exemestane).

I do have to have a breast MRI before the surgery is scheduled, just to rule out anything else going on. After that the surgery will be scheduled. Hoping to have it done during the holidays since I have Dec 20-Jan 4 off.

 

[Feralpeg]

Caropooh, That's great news! So happy for you!

Ladies, Happy Thanksgiving!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!

I am hanging in with my recovery. A few bumps but working them through.

 

[robinb]

Thank you so much for all the good wishes and information! Really, really appreciate it!
This is what I posted on FB, so it's a rather simple explanation of what went on today.
Feel so much better after talking with the breast surgeon. He was very thorough explaining everything. What I have is NOT considered breast cancer anymore. I am at a much higher risk of developing breast cancer though. 11% in the next 5 years and 60% by the time I'm 90; normal is 2% and 10%. I do need to have the tissue removed, but it's a simple out patient surgery. No radiation needed after either! I would be on a cancer prevention drug for the next 5 years (tamoxifen, raloxifene or exemestane).

I do have to have a breast MRI before the surgery is scheduled, just to rule out anything else going on. After that the surgery will be scheduled. Hoping to have it done during the holidays since I have Dec 20-Jan 4 off.

I am hanging in with my recovery. A few bumps but working them through.

Great news from both of you! Carpooh, be prepared for that MRI. It was (seriously) the worst part of my entire treatment.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I don't always participate, but I am very thankful for this thread .

 

[snappy]

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Glad to hear good news Caropooh and Pea n me.

smiley, sorry about DH's dental issues. No fun at all.

 

[Dancind]

Much to be thankful for today! Love to come and read good news.

Cooking "gourmet" gluten free Thanksgiving. Decided it's much easier to stay home than to haul all the extra GF sides to SIL's. So got a nice, expensive pastured turkey. Hope it's worth it.

Have a blessed holiday, everyone!

 

[CherylDan]

Happy thanksgiving ladies! We are in Chicago today, DD is making dinner. So not only don't I have to cook, I get to play with Zoe!

Glad to read good news!

Will update more later....GAGWTA!!