Starting Chemo in JAN 2007
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Hi ladies, hope all are well. I had my appt. at the Lymphedema clinic yesterday and I do have a bit in my right forearm. It's not really noticable, except there is a 1 1/2 cm difference (which could be muscle as I am right handed), and the veins in my right arm are less visible, which is a sign. So I'm to wear an over the counter sleeve when I exercise. I am depressed about it, but glad that it's caught early. The therapist was very positive.
It's back to work today - I feel like the first day of school. I'm wearing my navy suit and I bought red heels to wear with - do you think that's too much? I love those shoes, they're my talisman.
My husband told his mother that since he couldn't come to my appt. yesterday, he certainly wasn't going to go sit with her because she had a headache. She said "yes, it's too bad everything is happening at once." (WTF!!!) It's so hard to prioritize between your wife having cancer and your mother having a headache! I remind myself that she probably has a diagnosable personality disorder and it's foolish to expect normal behavior from her - I've known her 33 years, so this is not a snap decision. Still, it's hurtful.
Hope all have a good day. -
Dar- I just had to chime on on the subject of MIL - I've known mine since 1980 - she's never had a good day - and she's a "one-upper" - if I have a cold - she's running a fever and coughing. If I feel a bit tired,she's exhausted. A very needy attention demanding old lady. She's genuinely sorry I have cancer, but hints periodically that her son has to spend more time now with his wife than her - This has been going on for years - There are 4 siblings, my SIL - who has never gotten along with her mother, barely even to this day, an older brother, who has lived either in Boston or San Francisco and we are in Toronto, do you get the distance factor, and my husband's fraternal twin brother, who basiccally has not much to do with his mother unless she's handing out money - then he's the sweetest son ever. So basically my DH has been listening to and attending to his mother over the years, and finally in Jan 06 he suffered a brain aneurysm, which I blasted his siblings about - I really feel that his blood pressure and the stress of taking the brunt of her crap caused that to happen. Luckily he has come through it, and his sister has really come around and stepped up to the plate to take a more active role in looking after my MIL -
I'm just not used to her kind of behaviour, because I had wonderful parents who loved their kids tremedously, - my mother and I are very close - she had me when she was just married over a year, so she's only 19 years older than me. And don't even get me started on my late father, who passed on in 1991 - his family was the most important thing in his life. He had a binder of sales figures that he would take to business meetings, and in the front of it he had an 8 x 10 glossy picture of our family with the heading "This is the reason I do what I do". Never a word of complaint from either of my parents...
So Dar you're not alone out there with MIL from you know where -
caya -
Lynn, it is nice to see you back. You are so conscientious about keeping up with everybody. Thank you; from now on I can read your summaries and not feel so out-of-date!!! Hope the fog doesn't settle in too thickly this time. And congratulations on your hair!!!
The lilacs were disappointing!!! I drove about 20 miles to a farm where I've been very impressed with the lilacs in the past, but they're weren't at all impressive yesterday. Maybe they weren't pruned enough. I'll have to find some lilacs elsewhere another day.
For you gals that are doing radiation, my energy is BACK!!! I feel almost entirely normal. As long as I bike 7 miles instead of 10, and don't try to do as much aerobically, I'm OK. Exercise is still very impt, but less. I am putting in full days gardening, house cleaning, meeting with friends, cooking...I am really beginning to feel that the chemo treatment is ending. I have two more weeks of rads after this one, then I'm DONE.
Hormone therapy is still a big concern. Most of you are pre-menopausal and worried about whether or not your periods will come back. I am post menopausal; what I am worried about is the thing the doctors never want to talk about: L I B I D O!!!! Let me tell you ladies, it doesn't go away afer menopause. I can vouch for that. But I am worried what the hormonal therapy is going to do to me.
If I take an AI, and it prevents all the androgens from turning into estrogens, am I going to start growing a beard on my chin? Will I start to look masculine? I am not sure I evev want to experiment and find out!!! My understanding is that tamoxifen acts like a weak estrogen and perhaps like a weak HRT from the waist down. Help!!!
Woke up to a wonderful thunderstorm this morning. Earthshaking, sky cracking; it was nice to lie safely in bed and feel nature wreaking her havoc. Also nice to sleep and know I didn't have to go anywhere. The kittens were missing though; when I got up they emerged from the closet. Poor things. This was the first thunderstorm they had ever experienced!!!
Mizsissy -
Lynn I got the package. You are so thoughtful. Its on my desk where I will see it all day as I work. It is my company address but its my company and I check the mail, so no slow down there! I have always joked that our mail carrier is a bit of a slacker (same guy for home and work address). He often delivers mail to the wrong address. Ive met some good friends in my neighborhood after delivering their mail to them after it was put in my box. Last year they fired one of our mail carriers because if she didnt finish her route at quiting time she would just leave the mail in her car and finish the next day. Can you imagine! Anyway, the package did arrive and I LOVE it!
Oh, and Lynn call your oncs office and see if they can add something else for nausea (there are more pills, trust me).
Robertin what a wonderful celebration. Its great that the nurses recognized it. Love that you took all of that great food with you.
Dar The red heels sound perfect. Ugh, that MIL. I am sorry that you have to put up with that at any time and especially now. A headache!??!?! Please!
Mizsissy glad to hear your energy is coming back. Its nice to hear some evidence that there is light at the end of the tunnel since I cant quite see it yet. I am sorry that you are having such a struggle with hormone therapy. A subject that I dont know anything about except for what you have told us here.
My last chemo is Friday. Cant say that Im looking forward to it. But I will be glad to have it behind me. I just hope I have a vein left in my arm for them. They pushed the epirubicin faster last time and that vein still looks OK. -
Hey Robbinjaye i forgot to say happy birthday Happy belated birthday and a new tent ! what kind is it ? big ?
You must be looking forward to camping , know I am we are going in August for 2 weeks .
Joni : I had a blood test at the Dr and yes I am menopausal , man everything is hitting at once .
Lynn , congrats done ........ take it easy , i found i was expecting to get out of my last chemo quicker but that has not been the case . Hope your nausea gets better .
Robertin too congrats ...... yippee we are all getting there slowly but surely ... i am almost 3 weeks out for my last and still feeling the effects .
Caya : Good luck tomorrow on your last . I am off to Sunnybrook for rad planning on Friday . I will then know when I start my rads. Plan now is to drive everyday to the hospital , I want to try and get the earliest appointment I can so I can drop hubby off at work in the morning . Try and beat the traffic ...... that should be fun
Mizsissy energy back !!!!! yippee i am looking for mine still in body meltdown .
Jan wow you too last chemo this week ( last of your ed koolaid) Do not look ..... before you know it the crap will be done hang in .
I am still struggling with fatigue sleeping at least 12 hours a night with hot flashes galore ... sheets on sheets off.... I do not get up in the morning until 9:30 - 10:00 now but am up all day doing chores and odd jobs that use my body (washing windows ) Waiting for the hump day next Monday which would have been a chemo day but now will not be . Maybe its psychological . Joni everybody should have post chemo counseling .... Alberta has a good idea there .... it takes a long time for your body to recoup and your mind to get back to everyday things . Blocking out the cancer thoughts are tough . Putting it in the background i think is the next step most of us are having to take . Getting beyond the chemo .....
hair growing back helps us mine is a kiwi waiting for some eyelashes and eyebrows now ........... -
Lynn - have you tried eating more frequently to stop the nausea? I found a little bit of food helped even though nothing seemed appetizing. The mail in Michigan must be the slowest around!
Nancy, Sorry you're so tired. Maybe you should call the dr and get your blood checked?
Lilacs -- Every time I see them I think of you guys!
Robertin - congras on being finished with chemo - hope you feel ok.
Caya - I know what you mean about being raised differently. My inlaws are/were strange. It is true that when you marry, you marry the whole family.
Jan - good luck on Friday, I'll be thinking of you.
Shorti - I want the last rad appt of the day - I hope everyone else wants the early ones. How long between chemo and starting rads?
Mizsissy - good news that you can still exercise. Everyone is warning me that I am going to be tired when I start rads but I hope that I can do something.
I am trying to figure out the coconut/kiwi hair thing. Does a coconut have hair?
I overdid it today, went to the gym (don't tell my dr) and tried to take it easy then went shopping, then came home and cleaned. I feel great but I am draining more. Those of you who had drains and got them out soon after surgery, did you lay around - did that help? I guess I better taper off for the next few days or I'll never get this last drain out. I feel soooo good, it's hard for me to do nothing. I also got a good referral from a friend for a new gynecologist so I'll have to find out when I make an appt. I was hoping to get the rad simulation done soon but I know the drains have to be out and swelling down. I talked to a trainer at the gym today who had Stage IV lymphoma and it surrounded his heart. They tried a new drug that only two other people had had, and it worked for him. This gave me great hope. My son made the Dean's List again so that made me very happy.
Hi to Dar, Rebecca, RobbinJaye, Skye, Amera and anyone else I forgot. -
Since I am the senior lady here in more ways than one (first finisher, post menopausal, and eldest?!), I'll pass on what wisdom I have about finishing chemo.
SLEEP. After you are done, sleep as much as you can every night. Sleep late in the morning. Just lie there blissfully, listen to the birds sing, and don't feel guilty. One of the wonderful things about having cancer and recovery is that it gives you some time out on life. Time to be quiet, listen, pay attention to what is going on around you, readjust your goals. You don't HAVE to be busy. And spring couldn't be a better time to recover.
DELEGATE. Do what you can but go ahead and let your husband or others make dinner, do some cleaning..only do what you feel up to. Find little jobs to do to get your life and house back together, use small segments of time to clean a drawer, organize a shelf, etc. I've read about some women here who let everything go to the point it was so overwhelming they couldn't deal with it after treatment.
EXERCISE. I read something interesting in a flyer sent to me by my health provider. A ten-minute walk can energize you for up to two hours, and is more effective than a cup of coffee. Keep the exercise going, walking, biking, just don't overdo.
EAT HEALTHY ...and start getting your body back in shape. Avoid sugars and processed food...fruits, vegies, lean meats and fish. Avoid dairy and snack foods. Old fashioned oatmeal is a great way to start the day and sticks with you.
SPIRITUAL GROWTH and awareness is very important now. Let's face it, we're now more aware of our mortality; it's a good time to sort out relationships, strengthen important ones and eliminate toxic ones from our lives....also, to get ready to move on and transition from this world to another, because now we know the time will come sooner or later. Religion is more important now. Also, find creative things to do to feed your spirit.
Wow...didn't mean to sound so much like a moralizing Pollyanna.
Mizsissy -
HOW MANY HOT FLASHES DO YOU HAVE PER DAY, IF ANY?
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Mizsissy, great advice! I'll try to remember it all. Yes cancer and recovery is suppose to give you some time off to lie there blissfully and listen to the birds sing. For me, that's the hardest part.
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This was posted on another thread so I'd thought I'd share it here...
Dear friends:
I spoke with a colleague who free-lances for PEOPLE magazine today and
they're looking to do a story on the following profile. If anyone knows of
any potential candidates for this story, please contact Macon Morehouse
directly at macon_morehouse@yahoo.com or 202-441-2319. Thanks!
PEOPLE is looking to potentially do a story on how patients are coping with
the high costs of medical care, in particular, the costs associated with
some of the pricey new cancer drugs such as Gleevac, Revlimid, Avastin,
Tarceva, Erbitux, etc. The magazine is hoping to profile a patient --
ideally a woman in her 30s, 40s -- who has run up staggering medical
bills/debt trying to pay for her care [editor is hoping for bills/debts in
the 100s of 1000s -- if that is unrealistic, please let me know] and who is
doing everything she/ her family can to juggle those costs and creatively
handle at least some of the debt [such as taking out extra mortgages,
selling family heirlooms, dipping into the kids college funds, taking on
extra jobs, or the kids taking on extra jobs, living on PB&J sandwiches,
holding bakesales, etc. -
QUOTE: I went by the supermarket to pick up the fruit platters. When I told the cashier it was my last chemo, she high-fived me. Then on to the bakery to pick up the cake and fruitcups and the girl who took my order and brought it to the car gave me a big hug.
HA-HA ROBERTIN....SO GLAD THERE'S ANOTHER "TELLER" IN THE GROUP. I'VE DISCUSSED MY SITUATION W/STRANGERS AT THE GROCERY, ETC. HEY, I FIGURE IF I NEED TO TALK, I WILL DAMN IT. MOST PEOPLE ARE VERY NICE ABOUT IT. I DON'T RELATE TO THAT STUFF I READ ABOUT YEARS AGO IT WAS CONSIDERED "SHAMEFUL", ETC. AND PEOPLE DIDN'T TALK ABOUT IT... HOW RIDICULOUS.
YOU NEED TO GO TO COLDSTONE TOO! CONGRATS! -
QUOTE: also, to get ready to move on and transition from this world to another, because now we know the time will come sooner or later. Religion is more important now
MIZSISSY, THIS IS THE PART I CAN'T HANDLE. AT 41, W/TWO KIDS UNDER TEN, I JUST CAN'T EVEN GO THERE. THIS IS THE PART THAT KEEPS ME ON ATIVAN. -
Tina,
Quote:
MIZSISSY, THIS IS THE PART I CAN'T HANDLE. AT 41, W/TWO KIDS UNDER TEN, I JUST CAN'T EVEN GO THERE. THIS IS THE PART THAT KEEPS ME ON ATIVAN.
With your diagnosis & prognosis, having to "transition" to the other world is not a likely scenario for you, but it's nice to have a plan, just like it's nice to have life insurance. You have to pay for it, but it doesn't cost much for what you get in return. I don't have kids, so I can't even imagine how I would feel, but I have imagined how I would feel if either I or my husband had a sudden accident, and we've planned and talked about it, how we would deal financially, emotionally, etc. I feel much more calm about life now...but enough of the moralizing!!!
You've been taken tamoxifen for a month now. How is it affecting you?
Mizsissy -
Well, tomorrow is my last chemo. I have a friend who does cookie baskets out of her house so I ordered a huge basket of assorted cookies for the nurses and a smaller one for my onc. She dropped them offtoday, they look amazing. I am ambivalent about it being my final chemo, but of course they won't see the last of me for about a year because I'll be back for the Herceptin.
Jan- it's you and me kiddo to finish this week - yippee!!
shorti - check at Sunnybrook to see if they hav a BC social worker there that you can speak to if you want to get post chemo counseling - I had one at PMH where I had my MRM and I did call her once, she was very nice.
Mary - I did spent alot of time on the couch after my mast. - it still took almost 3 weeks for the second drain to come out - but like I said, I healed great. Congrats on your son making the Dean's list.
Mizsissy - thanks for the post chemo advice all good ideas.
I am going to speak to my onc. this week about what anti-hormonals he's going to put me on, but I think they will have to redo my hormone blood work - before BC I was still premenopausal. Plus I still have the ovary issue. My GP called last night with the report from the gyn onc. I saw last month - everybody thinks I should wait to decide when I get my BRCA test results back- so I will wait.
RobbinJaye - do night sweats count as hot flashes - cuz I get a few night sweats everynight - shorti - I hear ya - sheets on, sheets off - and cap on, cap off...
Tina - It is against the Jewish religion to get tattoos - good enough reason for me to NEVER do it...
Nancy - glad you chimed in - hang in there - great about your hair...
hugs to all
caya -
Quote: With your diagnosis & prognosis, having to "transition" to the other world is not a likely scenario for you, but it's nice to have a plan, just like it's nice to have life insurance. You have to pay for it, but it doesn't cost much for what you get in return. I don't have kids, so I can't even imagine how I would feel, but I have imagined how I would feel if either I or my husband had a sudden accident, and we've planned and talked about it, how we would deal financially, emotionally, etc. I feel much more calm about life now...but enough of the moralizing!!!
You've been taken tamoxifen for a month now. How is it affecting you?
Mizsissy
OH, I KNOW MIZSISSY.... I SHOULDN'T BE WORRIED ABOUT THAT STUFF. THAT'S JUST WHEN MY IRRATIONAL FEAR SIDE SHOWS UP.
TAMOXIFEN HAS BEEN TOTALLY FINE. NO PROBLEMS AT ALL. -
I just wrote a long post catching up on two days worth of stuff, and it's lost - do you know how frustrating that is?? Don't know that I can do it again - I may just have to declare myself caught up and call it good. Please just know that I've been reading the past two days and paying attention, but for some reason haven't gotten up the energy to post. Not that I'm particularly feeling bad - actually today I felt better than I have in several weeks, I think! Of course, that is with 12 hours (or more) of sleep, but still... My weight was down 2 lb. today and I think yesterday also, so the fluid is coming off, and the legs look like legs again.
Just a couple things...Congrats Lynn and Robertin for being done with chemo, and Caya and Jan for being done this week also. Who's next?
Jan, glad you had a good lunch with goldnmom - I knew you'd love her, she's a great lady!
Caya, your story about your father and his family photo brought tears to my eyes - what a special guy he must have been.
Everybody else, I love you, I'll keep up better, I promise!
Mel -
Hi everyone,
Lynn,
I hope you start feeling better real soon. When you do, you can start packing and looking forward to your Florida trip. That will be a lot of fun.
Robertin,
Congratulations on your last chemo. Sounds like you had a perfect day- even with the chemo tx! It is great that so many people acknowledged you. You deserve it!!
Dar,
Sorry about your lymphedema problem. Sounds like you have a good positive therapist. Mil's can be rough!! She's lucky to have you and your dh!
Jan & Caya,
Good luck on your last chemos!!! Isn't it great to finally see the end of all this chemo crap!! I hope you go out and celebrate soon!
Tina,
My aunt has tatooed eyebrows and they look so fake. Didn't they see pictures first?
Mary,
I am so glad you are feeling better. Going to the gym so soon after surgery was so brave- but please do not overdo. I know it must be hard to do nothing, but when else can we have the excuse to do nothing? Congratulations on your son making the Dean's List.
Nancy,
I hope you feel better soon.
Mizsissy,
Good advice. Someday I will try to accomplish some stuff on your list. I can do the sleeping and some delegating. The rest will have to wait awhile- at least for now.
Chemo tomorrow and then on Friday I finally get to meet Dr. Lee- the PL in Boston who performs the Diep surgery. I will finally find out if I have enough stomach fat for two boobs!!! I am excited about that!
Catch you all in a few days. They drug me so much tomorrow that I cannot write anything. It all comes out fuzzy.
Viddie -
Mary, so glad you finally got your path report back. Are you sure she said 7mm? That is actually a very small tumor and should not require radiation. She might have said 7cm, in which case you would need radiation. Us lobular gals tend to have the larger size tumors (mine was 7.5 cm). To answer your question about activity and drain removal, I literally laid around from the time I got home Monday until Friday when I had my post op and he removed the drain then. I was so happy. Good news on the nodes and margins! J
Skye, congrats on 3 week heceptin instead of 1 week. That must be such a relief!
T4t, boy oh boy, Tae sure has had enough. Glad the Onc didnt fell as though she needed the last taxotere, sounds like she had just as hard of a time that she did on Taxol. Shes on the road to recovery and that fabulous she can look forward to visit from family! Thanks so much for the update.
Mel, thanks for the link on Spanx. I think Ill give them a try. I saw them on Oprah one day and Oprah herself wears them all the time. Is there any style in particular you like? So sorry to hear youll need 2 surgeries. Wow, only a month difference. Not that you would go back and ask if they already made their decision, but how about meeting in the middle?
Mary, where did you get the stat on anyone over 5cm is stage 3? I believe that is true if you have positive nodes, but if you are negative nodes, you are stage Iib with tumor over 5cm. Here is the link to ACS. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_3X_How_is_breast_cancer_staged_5.asp?sitearea= Looks like you are stage IIB, just like me.
Skye, I dont ride a motorcycle, but am the biker babe on the back! J Im too scared Id lose my attention span just long enough. Not sure how much Ill ride this summer though.
Joni, looks like youre heavily involved in your flowerpots how nice! Do let us know more about the Breast Cancer supportive Care Center.
Amera, thanks for the update on your rads. Hope the new cream works. We were talking about getting a dog today and decided against it. Schedules are too crazy.
Robertin, I dont remember if I officially graduated you on finishing chemo yippee! Thats so sweet they celebrated with you!
Dar, sorry about the lymphedema, but glad they caught it early. Hang in there. You go girl with your bright red heals.
Mizsissy, go glad your energy is back, but try not to fall back into the exhaustion by doing too much. You sound like you have so much energy all the time and get frustrated when you can stay with your usual routine. Please dont get yourself back to where you were not feeling well. I just finished up chemo and still have no interest in sex
Mary, I do feel worse when my stomach is empty, but sometimes its so hard because nothing appeals me. Once I do get eating, the nausea subsides. Based on history, I expect it will be better tomrrow.
Mizsissy, thanks for all the post chemo wisdom! I will try to do the best I can. Working and family usually prohibits getting enough sleep. Also the steroids dont help in that department either.
Caya, big hugs and best of luck at your last chemo check in with us when you can!
I have the BC board open and scroll through, then when I find something I want to post, I put it in a word doc. I then dont have to keep scrolling up and down on the message board and never lose the post . Just copy and paste from word into the message board, works like a charm.
Ok, I am officially caught up! Whew! Sorry again for such long posts, just wanted to make sure I was up to date.
I think about 5 people still ahve not received their gift. Hopefully tomorrow...
love and hugs! -
I second that!
Congratulations to both of you.
Cindy -
My daughter Abby (she was insistent on attending my appt.- wanting to know what's happening with Mom!) and I met Dr. Warren, the radiologist. He's reviewed my records. We talked about what the pathology signifies, at least his interpretations of the information.
The simplified version of our discussion is:
a) I am not the typical breast cancer patient. The relatively small size of tumor, 1.1 cm, and having only one involved node puts me in a grey area. National Comprehensive Cancer Network, NCCN, recommends that radiation be discussed. But it's not a 'have to' situation.
b) According to Dr. Warren, usually node involvement correlates to tumor size - the larger the tumor, the greater the chance for node(s) involvement. He's concerned that my tumor had affected my sentinel node at such a small size (it didn't feel that small when I found it!), indicating perhaps some virulence.
c) He's also concerned that the sentinel node was greatly enlarged and it was not encapsulated but had 'extensions'. He says that increases the chances of recurrence.
We discussed the possibility that radiation would increase my chances for lymphadema in my right arm. The field of treatment typically is from above the clavicle on the treated side, the entire chest wall of that side and the axillary area (armpit). The lymph nodes that are just above the clavicle are part of the lymphatic system affecting the arm, radiating that area and them could cause problems in fluid in the arm draining appropriately. We discussed the surgeon's concern about this as the armpit area has already been disturbed.
I don't want there to perhaps be a recurrence in a few years and wish that I had done more now - radiation. It seems like I've been through so much already, going through radiation won't be that much more.
Dr. Warren is going to call the surgeon and talk with her. He's going to compromise and reduce the field of treatment so it will be below the clavicle and those lymph nodes are not involved. I am agreeable to that.
I will have some preliminary tests and preparations this week starting with a CT of my chest tomorrow. 6 weeks of radiation will start next week when they've got me marked and ready.
I didn't sleep well last night. Jeez, this mess called Cancer is like the gift that keeps on giving.
Cindy -
Dear Cindy,
I hear your pain. I had a mastectomy, and as such I did not think that I would have to do rads either...but lo and behold I was recently told that there is a chance that the rads would help me (based on some relatively recent research). Like you, I had an aggressive cancer, and a single node involved. I also came to the conclusion that I would never forgive myself if I passed this up and then later wound up with a recurrance.
Remember that we get ONE CHANCE to do this right! You are making the right decision. A bit of discomfort now so that you do not risk missing something fun later down the line.
Together we can do it!!!!!! -
Hi all. Thanks for the good wishes. Work went well - they had a fruit tray "welcome back" in the coffee room for me. The red shoes made me smile. My husband asked if they were comfortable - but that's not the point!
I got a sleeve for my arm yesterday. As it happened, they only had one in my size and it had been a display, so they gave it to me! I think they run around $100. I'm feeling a bit funked about this, but I sure want to keep it under control so will wear it, at least while exercising and travelling. It feels good on, but it will be hot in the warm weather.
Cindy, what a good daughter you have - that's the kind of caring that counts. Sounds like you have reached a decision you can live with and that's the best we can do. -
Well things are never boring around here. Yesterday I went to pick up the kids from school, and Frances came off the schoolyard complaining that her thumb was hurting her. Apparently her regular gym teacher was absent and there was a sub, who allowed them to play a version of dodgeball
(which is fine) but did not enforce any of the rules that would ensure the safety of the children (which is NOT fine). Frances was pegged while she was bent over picking up a ball and her thumb was bent all the way back. 5 hours in the ER later, we thankfully find out that it is not broken, but she is in a lot of pain....and championships are in two weeks!
UGH UGH UGH
There is nothing that aggravates me more than incompetance and apathy....particuluarly when someone gets hurt as a result. .....and it turns out that SEVERAL kids were hurt during the course of this game because it got out of hand and violent. I am going to go speak to the principal of the school today, because I do not want my children engaging in sporting activities under such incompetant supervision....this would NOT have happened if her regular gym teacher had been in attendance I am sure (the regular teachers are awesome).
Just had to vent....it was an awful afternoon. By the time DH got to the hospital to releive me I felt like a limp rag. I hope I did not pick up any nasty germs while I was there either.
My dad who (thankfully) was at my house was a great help because he took care of the two little ones for me, but he did give me a very hard time and wanted to take Frances himself. He was insulted when I said no....but besides the fact that he has no legal authority to give consent to treatment, I think that Frances needed a parent there for sure...what would have happened if it was broken? She would have freaked because then her season is over!
ahhh well....back to grading papers....almost done with the semester! just a few strays and then post grades...and THEN a cup of tea out on the deck! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH -
I meant to say 7 cm. -- sorry I work better in inches. It is comforting to know that it is not uncommon for large sizes with that type of cancer.
I determined my stage according to the breastcancer.org site which says:
Stage IIIA
Stage IIIA describes invasive breast cancer in which:
the tumor measures larger than five centimeters, OR
there is significant involvement of lymph nodes. The nodes clump together or stick to one another or surrounding tissue.
Since mine is larger than 5 cm, I think I qualify under that site, but I see under your site I'm Stage II? Another question for the onc.
I didn't sleep well again, hot/cold, hot/cold, and having strange dreams - dreams about trying to go to the gym and not being able to exercise! I will take it easy today, but I did nothing last night after I emptied my drain except sleep and I still got 30 mm in one empty and I still have to add onto that what I empty tonight, so it's going to be a long road I'm afraid. -
Rebecca, sorry you had such a bad day. I too would complain to the principal, and I would have gone to the hospital. A mother can never be away from her sick children. Hope today goes better.
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Mary thanks for the affirmation. My dad had me doubting my judgement and I wound up very defensive even though I knew in my heart that my place was at Frances's side.
Please everybody cross your fingers that she heals in time for States! She will be very upset if she can not compete -
Cindy, I like your decision. I agree w/Rebecca....do all you can now. Rebecca, didn't realize you did rads w/mastectomy. I didn't have any positive nodes, but I wonder if I should have done rads too. Although, I think I did a lot more chemo than a lot of people in similar situations...or so it seems.
Guys, went to lunch yesterday w/about 5 women from my street. I had the hoop of hair on under a scarf. It was soooooooooo itchy, I went to the restroom and removed the hair and just wore the scarf. When we got up to leave and walk out, the place was packed. You can't believe the number of heads that looked up and stared at me... it's like people can't help themselves..."look at the train wreck!" kind of thing. I'm not bothered by it...my self esteem is pretty intact, but I just found it so interesting being on this side of the fence, to watch that... must be my psych. background. : ) -
"You can't believe the number of heads that looked up and stared at me... it's like people can't help themselves..."look at the train wreck!"
What I am finding is that after they stare, they turn away- "Turtle faces"
More annoying is being ignored- When I go into stores and such and speak to people, of course not my friends, just people who are acquaintances I meet in stores or elsewhere, and no one acknowledges me. What gives? We have been meeting with quite a few people, some couples, for estimates for a new septic system. They do not say a thing. It is like I am invisible. Maybe they think they would be rude by mentioning anything, I do not know. Does anyone find that after speaking to someone, they do not mention anything?
Viddie -
Cindy, there are standards out there what indication radiation with mastectomy (tumor over 5 cm or 4+ positive nodes) but here are other indications that would benefit patients as your doctor suggested. I agree with your choice to do it. the though of a recurrence is not an option I want to consider had I not done everything I coud. I too had a mastectomy and joining the radiation club because of my 7.5cm tumor, my radiation onc says it's all aobut hte statistics and it will give me benefit. I will only need to be radiated to the 2 angles to the breast area because my nodes were negative.
Dar, Good for you to get the sleeve, and for free! It's probably not too comformtable, but better than lymphademia.
Oh Rebecca, poor Frances. I really hope she heals in time for States. I agree that she needed a parent there, one who she can trust to make the right decisions for her.
Mary, yes, I checked this site as well and it would make me IIIA as well. Although my surgeon staged me at stage IIB. American Cancer Society's goes into more detail on stage II as well. I'm not sure, just think I'll follow the ACS rules and be IIB. Hang in there, the drains are a pain but will be out eventually.
I think I got far less turtle faces going topless than I do with my scarf.
My mom came over to take care of my yesterday since DH was supposed to go to work and stay overnight. Well, DH is sick and ended up staying home. He has a bad cold with a nasty cough. great! So I'm staying down on the couch is he is upstairs in bed (I'd rather be down here). Mom stayed, cooked dinner, watched a movie with us which I in turn slept through and then left htis morning. It was nice to have her here. Now all I have to do is NOT get his cold in time for our trip to Floriday late next week.
I'm feeling pretty darn foggy today. Nauseau is better. I think it's helping me a bit when I go outside in the fresh air, so am getting more of that today.
Have a great day my friend! -
Hi Ladies,
I'm writing from beautiful downtown LaCrosse again, tagged along with the dh on his business conference and am meeting my friend Terri, a fellow survivor (10 years out) for lunch. I'm wearing the wig because like you have all said about the heads turning for the train wreck or the invisibility, it gets a little annoying. And while I enjoy staring back at them and smiling, just to see them look away in embarrassment, that gets annoying too. What I want to do is scream, "Haven't you ever seen anyone with cancer before?" But I don't. Sometimes after they look away they will look again and so I just catch their eye again and smile again. It's quite disconcerting for them. In Walmart last week after a man did that THREE times I said to my dh (so that they guy could hear) "Honey, that man is staring at me." Then he stopped.
Anyway, Robertin I forgot to congratulate you on last chemo day, and Rebecca, much sympathy for Frances. I used to sub between teaching jobs but there was no way I would sub for a phy ed class, I knew I was way out of my league. Supervising playground duty was bad enough. Always someone falling off the monkey bars or something.
Caya, my dh and I also prefer the Luxor! We'll have to meet you and your dh in Vegas next time you go! We enjoy taking long weekends there because it is so different from Wis., we rent cars and drive around in the desert, even went to the Little Ale'Inn on the ET highway.
Lynn, I'm so proud of you for going topless and glad your nausea is better. I will do away with headgear as soon as I have a proper crewcut at least and no scalp is showing. I also have my hair dye ready, I got the kind that eventually rinses out as I figure I'll have to redo several times as it keeps growing.
Mary I have had really strange dreams ever since I started chemo. I think it does things to our brains ...besides the chemo fog.
Hope everyone has a great day -- Skye
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