please help

Beth1128

hi...I just want to say sorry you are going thru all this and {{hugs}} . to you....Beth

geebung

Lisa - big gentle hugs to you. I so hope that you can get these problems sorted soon. You've had enough to contend with in recent years and it's time you got a break. I'm happy that you are going on another date with that guy. Even if your feelings don't match his at this stage, it's a great boost to know that somebody nice likes you.

Wow Judie - you have done so well to move this quickly! I know you still have the big stuff to move...but hey - you have really worked hard. I love the sound of church bells!

(((Nancy))) - I know you are in hospital but I just wanted to you to know that I am thinking of you and praying that you have a very successful surgery and don't feel too bad afterwards. Looking forward to hearing from you. 

Today I have been ruthlessly cleaning out my bookcase, packing up the books I want to keep and forcing myself to donate others to charity. There is so much to do! I must think of Judie and get inspired. 

Beth - hi! Nice to hear from you.

Hi to all of my sweet sisters. Must get back to my packing.

Love,

Jane xxx 

Anonymous

No, Lisa, it never ends. What does end, if we make the decision, it allowing it to affect every moment of our lives. What a challenge you are facing! I'm glad you aren't just sitting back and assuming everything is ok. You also mustn't assume everything is horrible. It's the waiting game again. Bless you. My heart is with you.

Jane, I have to laugh..."to move so quickly", you say. It's been nearly three weeks of intense work every day, and I'm just moving out of a single room, not a whole house. I had already pared down. I've moved an entire household in less time! Keep on packin'! You'll make it.

Ulla

dear sisters,,

i love u..

dearest lisa,,i feel so bad for u,,but hope the best ,,i have read that all wat u said can happen due to the hormonal drugs that we r taking,,its not necessary to be bootface at all honey,,

plz keep ur lovely spirit up (i know how hard is that as i am waiting till now to know about my chest x/ray results and sooo worried too)

i just came to tell u am here even if i didnt post,,

thanks judie for ue nice words,,

thanks alot jane for thinking about me..

love u so much sisters

lvtwoqlt

Judi and Jane, I know where you are coming from in moving/packing things up. I need to get busy and clean John's room out. I have used it for my sewing/computer room since he left 4 yrs ago. It still has his bed in it but I put a shelf in there with my sewing stuff on it, moved my computer desk and file cabinet from the kitchen in there, and hung my out of season clothing in the closet. I also have loaned the TV from that room to my mom since my atenna doesn't go to that room. We still don't know exactly when he will be returning home but we are pretty sure that it will sometime early fall.

Ulla, we know that you are taking a break from the boards and we still think about you and how you are coping.

Lisa hope you do get things sorted out soon with the doctors and get some relief. The woman who runs the local support group had to have a hyster done because of fibroids that kept growing. She just turned 40 (she graduated high school with my hubby). Good luck on your 2nd date!

got to get to work. Love and (((hugs))) to all.

Sheila

livesstrong

Lisa - I am so sorry you have to go through this.  Sometimes the not knowing is the worst part of the entire ordeal.  Stay strong, chin up - we are all here for you.

Keep us posted.

AE

NancyD

Lisa,I had a cyst on an ovary sixteen years ago. The gyn watched it for six months and then decded it had to come out. Turned out it was precancerous, so it was good that he did it. I have had sonograms every other year to check to other ovary, but you know, half the time I can't remember which side was removed! It's not like you can see it, and the scar is right in the middle.

But compared to the bilat mx I just had yesterday, it was a more difficult recovery. I've heard, though, that they're done laproscopically these days and recovery isn't nearly as bad. Everything has advanced in the last few years.

I'm home, less than 30 hours after I went into the hospital. .I feel really very good, considering. Just a little tired. No mobility issues and very little pain...more like discomfort from the drains if I move a certain way.

I hope your onc takes their concern to your gyn. BC and OC are very linked. And if you feel you are finished with your baby-making, having your ovaries removed might give you more peace of mind.

Judie, glad to hear the moving process is almost over, and that you're settling in.

Ulla, tests are just that...tests. They're not a diagnosis, so don't get down about having one. More often than not, they are clear results. Anyway, good thoughts are coming fom here for you.

Jane, books sell well at garage sales. I got rid of almost all of the ones I put out. 25 cents each/5 for $1. It was the only way to get rid of them. The local library wasn't taking any except on certain days to sell them, too.

AE, Shirlann, Julie, Karen, Sue, Sheila, et al...your good thoughts have carried me through and I'm very grateful for info, support, and general good cheer (and normal, everyday thoughts). It's kept me sane when work and illness threatened to take me apart.

Now back to our normal broadcast. Anyone want a great recipe for Syracuse Salt Potatoes?

Shirlann

Hi dear sisters, please realize that most of us suffer from some form of Post Traumatic Stess Syndrome, just like the vets.  I think it is partly due to the time frame.  It takes so loooong, and then no real answers.  Tries the heart and patience beyond belief.

Oh my, I sell all my books on Amazon,com.  They deposit the money directly into your acount, and all you have to do is mail the books, media mail.  They take care of all the money. I average about $150 a month.  Of course, it is an odd thing, the really, really popular ones are only worth .01, maybe you make a dollar on postage, but the strangest ones bring big bucks.  The site lets you see the prices of other people's same books.  So if you don't want to fool with the penny ones, you can find this out before you list them.  It is quite a money maker.  I have all my relatives clean out their bookshelves periodically, I have done this for several years. Oh, DVD's too, raid your kids, ones they are not using or wanting anymore.   It is quite amazing.

Ulla, I hate the testing crap.  It just wears you out.  Here in San Diego, at least, they do tell me immediately if my mammo is okay.  I just wait for a few minutes for the radiologist to read the mammo, he tells me okay (so far) and I am done for another year.  Whew, I am so old, I was hoping to stop all this, but they say no.

Syracuse Salt Potatoes, ummmmm, sounds delicious.  I am salivating!

Lisa, if your family is complete, get the whole kit and kaboodle out, if you can.  I wish I could, but with HMO's we don't get to "ask" for things without a symptom or two.  I wish the little stinkers were GONE.

I am sending Sue some vitamins, maybe they will get her back to square one.  I hope she will take them.  Nothing magic, but I know she is run down.

Hugs and kisses to all you lovely ladies, Shirlann 

portiasproudmom

Nancy, I'm so glad you posted!  It sounds like you're doing so well.  You amaze me with your strength and wonderful attitude!  I had two cycles of TAC before my onky switched my cocktail to TC only.  I NEVER did as well as you did.  I'm in awe of you and am so glad you're home and not feeling much discomfort. (((((((Nancy))))))).  I'd love the potato recipe!  Can you pm it to me?  Either that or just post it here.  I'm sure everyone could use another good recipe.  It sounds wonderful!

Judie, I had no idea you were such a computer whiz!  I wish I'd read your post sooner, because my laptop is already at the shop.  I've used these guys before and they really seem pretty decent and honest.  He didn't seem to think that the total cost would be too outrageous.  I guess we'll see.  Sigh.......  Next time I'm coming to you, Judie!!  It sounds like you're settling in nicely.  I hate moving so much.  It really is exhausting work.  I'm already dreading it, and it's still about nine months away for us. 

Ulla, Nancy is right.  The tests are just tests.  You haven't been diagnosed with anything yet.  I've had so many x-rays (chest, ribs, etc...) in recent months, but they've always been clear.  Yours will be too!  ((((((((Ulla))))))))

Shirlann, I'm once again amazed by you and Walt.  You two are incredible!  I hope to experience adventures similar to yours before I die.  So far, my life has been pretty darn boring.  I've been to Europe a few times, but it was always to visit relatives in Germany.  We spent some time at a resort in Austria, but I was too young to truly appreciate it.  I haven't traveled much as an adult at all.  For the time being, I'll just have to live vicariously through you .

((((((((Lisa)))))))).  I'm so sorry that your ultrasound resulted in such a worrisome report.  Maybe you should just have the ovaries removed.  I've actually considered having mine taken out so I wouldn't have to take the Tamoxifen anymore.  My mom had a partial hysterectomy about 15 years ago.  She chose to have only the uterus removed.  I never could figure that one out.  I would have had the ovaries out as well.  They're just another female organ that's suseptible to cancer and other problems.  Have fun on your date tonight.  I hope it takes your mind off your worries.  Love you, Lisa!

Love to AE and UB, Sue, Sheila, Mel, Jane, Jule, Kaloni, Anne, and anyone else I may be missing.

Hugs,

Karen

portiasproudmom

Hi Shirlann!  I'm going to have to check out the Amazon thing.  I didn't know you could sell stuff there.  Is it sort of like e-Bay?  We have TONS of books and dvd's that no one is interested in anymore. 

Hugs,

Karen

lvtwoqlt

My surgeon made the suggestion about watching my ovaries with tv-ultrasounds last yr after my surgery, he said that at my age (47) and with my spine problems, he wanted to leave the ovaries in so I would not have extreme bone loss due to lack of estrogen, but if I had problems they were going. My mom had complete hyst in the early 1980's when she was in her mid 40's because of endemetrosis and was put on HRT, after her dx they told her to quit taking it cold turkey and put her on tamox.

Sheila

portiasproudmom

Hmmm..... you just made a good point, Sheila.  I already have decreased bone density, so I may want to hang onto the little suckers. 

Hugs,

Karen

lvtwoqlt

I think that if you are past meno you can take Evista (Raloxifen) to strengthen your bones as well as help protect against BC. After my 2nd biopsy showing ADH my surgeon wrote me 2 scripts, one for tamox and one for Ralox but wanted to check and see if the Ralox had been approved for pre-meno but it hadn't so I went on tamox. Ralox is not supposed to have quite as many se's as tamox.

Sheila

portiasproudmom

I'm actually already taking Fosamax.  Is that pretty much the same as Evista?  I thought Evista only protected those who have never had bc?  Does it protect against another primary?  I can't wait to go to nursing school so I can better understand all this complicated stuff.

Hugs,

Karen

lvtwoqlt

I am not sure about protection after dx of bc but in the original study with nuns (according to Dr Sarantou) on bone density, it reduced bc in addition to strengthened bones. The STAR study comparing tamox and ralox on BC was just completed in 2007 and that is where he got the info that he gave me. The STAR study was done on post meno women. I was put on tamox before my dx because I was in a high risk group and he said that it wasn't a matter of if I developed into bc but when. I wanted the ralox because of the lessened risk of uterine cancer and blood clots than tamox.

edited to say: I just looked up the star study http://www.cancer.gov/STAR and it did say it was done on post meno women at higher risk of BC and when he suggested it to me I was pre-BC.

Sheila

NancyD

OK here's the recipe for Syracuse Salt Potatoes. I first had them when I was in school in Syracuse, but just recently came across the recipe in a cooking magazine my SIL had, and made them last week.

1-2 lbs small or new potatoes, well-cleaned but with skins on

1-2 cups kosher or non-iodized or sea salt (this is important--iodized salt makes them taste funny)

Butter

Fresh chives

Dissolve the salt in a large pot of water and start to heat. When the water is just starting to make small bubbles, add the potatoes and cover. Cook until the largest potato is forked easily. Remove the potatoes and place them on a rack to dry. The salt will condense on the skin, but they won't be too salty to eat. Melt the butter and add the fresh chives. This can be used for dipping or pouring over a serving.

These will be the smoothest and creamiest potatoes you've ever had. The salt brings the boiling temperature of the water up so high that the potatoes cook that way. I'd go into the science of it, but I don't think that's necessary. They're just so-o-o good.

isobel

Hi,  Don't know if this note helps but I was diagnosed with breast cancer 4 years ago next Sept.  had mastectomy, chemo and readiotherapy.   On tamoxofin now.   Feel fine. Worked through it all.   Felt terrible some days but ticked off the chemo sessions like hurdles - one at a time.   All I am saying is that there is life after it!   I know its in your family but in a way it is worse when its not and its totally out of the blue.    Eat well and remain positive - even when you have to force yourself to do so.  Surely our brains dictate to our bodies.   Chin up and you will come out at the other end - stronger and more appreciatative of life.   take care.   Isobel

honeygirl

HI everyone. Lisa , big hugs to you honey. I HATE all this sh@t that is keeping us on edge , scared , nervous , tired , and ANGRY!!!!!! It reminds me of a big snowball that just keeps rolling and collecting more snow! Damit! I want the sun to shine bright and melt all this freakin snow , so we can relax , and not worry about "the next" whatever. Boy Sue , I need you to have a good rant for me right now!

Lisa , I think it is the tomx. causing your lining to increase in size. I know , the waiting sucks big ones. Hang in there girl. Theres nothing worrying can help right now. So try to concintrate on your date! I'm so glad you are going out with "Mr.X" again. Are you going downtown for dinner since you are going to the Indians game? Just relax , and have fun. Taking it slow is good. But I don't blame him for being goo-goo for you already! Your one hot momma!

Hows Olivia and Oliver doing? I hope both are well. Take care Lisa.xxxx

Jane , I think you have gotten alot done so far. And yes , Judie you are really on the ball! I feel for you both , I always hate packing up to move , but I'm glad though , cause it makes me get rid of alot of clutter that I wouldn't have gone through. Good luck girls , it will all be worth it when you can collaspe in your new surroundings and go ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!xxxx

Ulla , still thinking of you daily sister. Praying for good results for your tests. We are always here for you. Come here when you can sweetie.xxxx

Nancy , so glad you are home and feeling good. Take care and I hope you continue to heal well. Thanks for the rescipe. It sounds delicious. Although at first , I though 2 cups of salt!?! But I am gonna give it a try. I've got a big box of kosher salt and I just bought some fresh , home grown red potatoes. Thanks again.xxxx

Hi Karen , I have been seeing comercials about evista cutting womens risks of getting IDC bc. I wanted my ovaries taken out , but my onc said my insurance probably won't pay for it cause there is nothing wrong with them , YET. I know I feel pretty domed with estrogen. My fat makes it , a gland in my brain , and I have both ovaries. tick-tock, tick-tock...

Sheila , Shirlann , Jule , Wren , Sue , AE , UB , Kaloni , Suebee , and all my other sisters , hope your all having a good moment. love you , Melody

portiasproudmom

I was thinking of Suebee today.  How are you doing, sweetie?  Please post to let us know you're okay.

Wren, I thought of you too.  How are you?? 

Hugs to everyone.  Hope you're all having a good day.  I'm headed outside for some vitamin D!

Karen

geebung

((((Nancy)))) - it was so good to see your post! I am very glad that you are doing so well. Yes, those drains are certainly uncomfortable. It was such a relief to have mine removed. I hope you are getting lots of rest. Thanks for the potato recipe - I am mystified as to how the potatoes don't taste too salty!

Ulla - so great to hear from you too. It's so hard not to think the worst but try not to put yourself though more worry. The tests are sure to be negative! Big hugs to you and please remember that we all think of you.

Sue - I know you are flat out and probably exhausted - I think of you each day and hope and pray that you are coping. You are so good at coping but please don't overdo it!

Judie - you are quick compared to me! My problem is that I have so much of my sons' stuff here and I am trying to sort through it, guessing as to whether things should be kept or thrown out. I plan to put all their things in one room and then rent the rest of the house.

Shirlann - that is a great idea to sell the books on Amazon. Trouble is, postage is so expensive...I might try to have a garage sale first and see how that goes.

I would hate to have to wait for my mammo results. Perhaps I have just been lucky but I've never had to wait for more than a few minutes to get them. The technician always leaves the room to show the film to the radiologist, comes back and either tells me to get dressed (all is clear) or that they have to do more tests.

Karen and Sheila - there are so many things to consider. Estrogen is good for bones, libido and general well being but hormone positive bc...not good at all. It's a real dilemma.

Love to all,

Jane xxx

PS - I've decided to call my kitty Possum. 

Shirlann

Well, first of all, books and DVD's go "Media Mail", second, Amazon pays for the postage.  Usually, you make a little on what they allow for postage.  Amazon takes a small commision, but since they do all the money stuff, it is sooo easy.  Might give it a try.

Hugs, Shirlann 

geebung

Ooh yes - Suebee - how are you? Haven't heard from you for a while.

(((Lisa))) - I have been thinking of you too - hope you can have some relaxing time this weekend - you sure need it! 

Mel - great to hear from you! Hope you have a great weekend.

I hope everyone has some happy, relaxing moments over the weekend. xxx 

geebung

Thanks Shirlann - I'll look into it.

Now, I must turn my heater off, put on some warm clothes and attack the day!

Wren

Nancy, You are doing so well! It's great to hear from you. I plan to make those potatoes too; they sound delicious.

Karen, thank you for asking about me. I just finally feel like I 'turned the corner' and it's been four weeks since my exchange surgery and liposuction. I think the lipo was the horrible part, but the swelling is going down and I can actually get my pants on again, ha! I am liking my new breasts more and more. My plastic surgeon said she'd wait three months before doing anything to even them up or whatever they may need because they change so much. She is right. They are looking more like breasts every day and softening up. I am so happy to have them. My PS told me, just remember they are "girls" not "twins"... haha! I love her way of explaining things. I never had even breasts anyway, the left one (my cancer boob) was always a bit bigger... so I actually think I have a better match in size now that they are the same.

Shirlann, I have sold our books online too, but I use half.com. My daughter showed me that link because she's in college and she buys and sells her textbooks there.

Ulla! It's great to see you posting. I just know each day you are getting back in to being busy and getting closer to being able to work as a dentist again. Thank you for dropping in every now and then to say hello. I miss you.

Sue, I sure hope you are having a nice rest and that you will eventually post and let us know all the interesting things you are up to. I miss you too.

Hugs to all of you--I still get nicknames and real names mixed up; but to whomever is moving to the new place, I hope you are getting nicely settled in.

Take care my dear sisters. I think of you every day; you have a special place in my heart.

Hugs!

geebung

Wren - great to hear from you and to know that you are healing up well. Your new girls sound great! It must be so good to have your main surgery behind you and I hope that any future surgery to even them up is only minor.

 I'm the one who is moving. I just spent the day cleaning up and packing my room up. There's still a huge amount to do!

Well, I'm sitting with my sweet Possum tucked under my arm. She likes to watch the words appearing while I type. One paw is resting on my hand. I will try to post some pics of her in a few days. She's only a tabby but she has such a lovely character. I am besotted with her!

Jane xxx 

Jane 

Ka-Loni

 Hi there, I am popping in to shine a little sunshine on you. Sue, I hope you are doing OK. Just thinking about you. I sure hope you have a wonderful day.

God Bless You All,

Love,

Kaloni   

nowheregirl

Posting for my dear Shirl.

             

          

                

             

              

           

           

            

xo

Fumi

my3girls

Hi sisters.

I am at work today...so I wanted to quickly post.

Thank you all for your words of encouragement!! You all mean the world to me!! I wish we were closer, so when I feel bad...I could just knock on one of your doors for a hug and support.  I need a hug right now...feeling very down about all of this.

Nancy...you are doing amazingly well.  But that does not surprise me. You have been a trouper and upbeat through all of your journey!  I think the potatoe recipe sounds great!

Mel....Olivia is doing ok.  Still driving me crazy at times...lol.  She is not working right now...so I have given her lots of chores to do at home. Oliver is doing great...no accidents for quite awhile!! He got a cute little haircut..he looks so handsome!

I will see my oc next thursday...I will talk to her about just removing everything.  I don't really want to go through another surgery..but cysts and thickening uterus lining...sounds like it's always going to be a problem.  I hope Mel you are right and the thickening is just from the tamox.

Today, my lower back hurts allot.  It seems like everyone who ends up with bone mets..complains about lower back pain.  It really freaks me out!!

Well...I had a pretty nice time last night.  It was a beautiful night to be at the ball park! My team..who has lost 10 in a row..won 13-2!!! Yeah...4 home runs..so that was good.  But this guy is nice...but just not my type at all.  I see no future there...which is fine...but I will have to tell him somehow.  Oh...just another bump in the road.

Love to all of you....I read all the posts..but can't comment on all of them...sorry.

Special hugs to Nancy...Ulla ...Sue...and Wren...hope you are all feeling well today.

xoxo

Lisa

portiasproudmom

Oh, Lisa.  Sigh.......it's just such a rotten hand we've been dealt, isn't it?  Who else would worry about lower back pain?  EVERYONE experiences it at times, but we worry ourselves sick over it.  I read some posts from a dear bc sister with mets who had numbness on her face.  I've had tingling and numbness, on and off, on the tip of my nose (of all places), and I worry that I have brain mets.  I just hate this stupid disease!  Hang in here, hon.  You're going to be just fine!  I wish I was there to give you a huge hug.

Fumi, thanks so much for posting our dear Shirlann's pictures.  You've had such an exciting life, Shirlann!  I want to be just like you!

What a cute name you've selected for your kitty, Jane.  I love it!  Possum sounds like such a sweet cat!  Makes me sad that my dh dislikes cats so much.

I love what your PS said about your new boobs, Wren.  They're girls, but not twins.  That's great!  My boobs have always been very symmetrical.  Now, of course, one is bigger than the other.  I'm amazed though, at how well my lumpectomy scar is fading.  In a couple of years, it probably won't even be noticable.  My MIL tells me that she has to search for hers and sometimes forgets which breast it's on.  She's very well endowed though, and I'm quite small chested.

Take care ladies!  Special hugs to Nancy, Sue, Ulla, and Lisa.  I hate it when some of our dear sisters are having a hard time, or are recovering from surgeries.  Love you guys!

Hugs,

Karen

my3girls

thanks Karen...I will take that hug!! I need it!

I just read a post from a few other women who had their periods return on tamox...and it sounded all very familiar.  It made me feel a little better.