please help

KAK

Sueps, how are you?  Haven't heard from you here in a bit.  Wassup?

Mel, like you don't have enough stress...... oh, it would kill me to have to leave pets behind, even temporarily.   WAAAAA!   Besides, I used to be allergic to cats when I was a kid & took dimetapp, which always worked great & is now sold over the counter.  And I grew out of it eventually.  So, maybe you could hand out some to your bff's son!  But listen, find a decent local library where ever you end up, because you'll get to have free access to a computer there so you'll be able to keep in touch!

Cyber-hugs (((((((Mel)))))))

Kathi

TannB

Hello,

I'm sorry to hear your Dx. The waiting is the hardest. are you having a double mast? Have you had the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic testing?

KAK

ulla, what part of Sweden do you live in?  My grandmother came from Stockholm.  Kathi

my3girls

Happy Monday morning sisters.

Mel...(((((((((((((((((MEL)))))))))))))))))))))))))))...honey, I am soooooooooo sorry you are going through this!!! I know you were somewhat prepared for it, but it's still so difficult. I am here for you...you have my phone #...PLEASE CALL ME, if you need anything, even just to talk!! I am here for you Mel. I love your prayer, and God will take care of you, he will lead you in the right direction.  You have already been through so much.  We never know where life will take us, do we?  Like you said, you would have never guessed 8 yrs ago that this would be happening.  That's how I felt last year...you just never know. God put's us in situations for a reason, there is always a learning and growing experience from all of them.  Hopefully your temporary stay at your friends won't be too long, and you will be reunited with your girls sooner than you think.  I so wish that there was someplace close to your family in Tenn. where you could find a job...I know being close to them would be good for you too. However then you would be away from Adam...sighhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

Ulla...how fun...back to school shopping for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!

well...I must have had some kind of bug on Saturday. I came home from work early...went straight to bed..and stayed there. I woke up in the middle of the night Sunday...early am...with the worst pain in my head that I have ever experienced!! It was horrible. I took two pain killers...and they did NOTHING! I tried to sleep, but couldn't. Then in the morning..I was so scared by my pain, that I found some excedrin migraine pills, took 2 of them...and in about 30 min. had relief. I called my onc...and I have an appt with her today.  She thinks I had a migraine. But why?? I am not stressed...in fact I am happier now than I have been in a long time??? I stayed in bed all day yesterday.  Dennis and I were to go biking and out for the evening, but I had to cancel..there was no way I could move. Today I feel better...just a bit stiff from lying in bed. I don't understand what brought on that pain?? Sisters...I can take pain..but this was horrible!!!

Well...off to get ready for the onc.  See you all later. Love to you all! Mel...esp. to you!!

xoxo

Lisa

lvtwoqlt

Mel, I am sorry that you are having to move and possibly have to give away your cats. Sometimes it seems that we can't win for losing.

Ulla, I am glad you had fun shopping for school, You are a great person and will do great there. I predict you will be the star student!

I need to get back to work, I will check in later. Love to all, I can't remember all the names but I do care for all of you.

Sheila

1Cathi

Well Lisa I hope you get a big fat 'NOTHING" from the Onco -  maybe your body was just telling you "you need a day of rest" and because we are sometimes stubborn  - it slams us with a good one so we have no other choice but to rest. 

Hope everyone else is well and happy-  Mel thinking of you and hoping for all the best turn outs for you and the kittys.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Anonymous

Lisa, I'll be thinking "migraine" all day. It does sound typical and the pain can be excruciating. They can come out of the blue, without stress or any other indentifiable trigger. It sounds awful.

Ulla, Keep on Shopping girl! Today is the first day of class and I'm thinking of you. Soon you will be back to dentistry.

How are you feeling Cathi? Are things anything like you imagined? It's quite a trip, isn't it!

Sheila, names are hard to remember and I worry I've forgotten someone so I rarely try to send greetings to each one. I just assume they know I care and receive the warm greetings I send.

I live across the street from the cathedral for the Archdiocese of Seattle. I've been wanting to check it out. They do a solemn mass on All Souls Day (November 1) every year using Mozart's Requiem.

I went 1 1/2 hours early to be sure to have a seat. Turns out there was a regular mass just preceding the Requiem. I went in, not wanting to take a chance on not getting a seat for this very popular event. So I'm thoroughly churched...two masses back to back! I loved it.

The Requiem was beyond awesome. Having the music performed as intended...a mass for remembering those who have died...in a gorgeous cathedral was breathtaking. Lots of tears of remembrance of my parents and sister, and tears responding to the beauty mingled as one.

Today is the feast day for St. Martin de Porres, the patron saint of social justice, the poor, and others. The Cathedral is doing a mass that day for the homeless who died this year. For many of them it is the only remembrance there will ever be. I'm touched. I plan to attend. Having a cathedral across the street might be dangerous! I'm agnostic teetering on the brink of atheism, but I love the ritual and community of church...sigh.

Here's the jacket and hat I made for Connor. He didn't want to have his picture taken so it was a challenge. The hat was really, really cute until I had to cut off the band and make it into a beanie to fit his big head. The pattern said size 3 to 6. Hah!

Love to all, especially Mel at this difficult time. You can do it honeygirl!!!

Judie

rosied51

I am so sorry for your loss I know first hand as we had to put our beloved brandy to sleep and had her cremated although she remains home with us on our mantle with her picture in front of her. My heart goes out to you. Sending a very gentle hug.

1Cathi

Hi Judie - Love Conners outfit - he is a sweetie.  Well this journey has been a little diffrent in some ways. Aside from the one major breakdown in the store last week, I am amazed and proud of myself I might ad at my most positive MENTAL BEING -  I have no prosthesis yet of coarse and truthfully don't look all that changed in the cloths I have been wearing - I know I have to make some slight alterations/adjustments, but so far so good.  Ed has seen my chest (and he still loves me) although neither of us has seen the scars yet as they remain covered by steri strips that I think are adhered with super glue -  my daughter said I look sexy  - so hey I guess life is good as far as that goes.  I am a bit surprised and maybe discouraged at the healing process - I guess I thought I would be less tired and be able to do alot more alot sooner - some days taking a shower is all I can manage.  ,That I would be able to be walking and riding my stationary bike by now  -  but I guess all good things come in time. Driving is still tricky and a bit painful 9seatbelt) I have only gone about 2 miles to my favorite coffee shop, Ed is my chauffer for a bit more I guess.

XOXOXOXOXOXOX -LOVE TO ALL

portiasproudmom

Oh, Mel.  I'm sorry you're being put in this situation.  I don't blame you for not wanting to send your girls with him.  Maybe Judie's idea regarding the cleaning off of their coats will help.  I'm allergic to every type of animal they tested me for---BUT I take allergy medication and I'm not too horribly uncomfortable around my dogs.  Two of them even sleep in my bedroom at night.  I can't imagine my life without pets. 

I'm glad you're feeling better, Lisa.  Cathi's right--your body was probably just telling you to rest.  Take care of yourself, sweetie!

Ooooohhh, a shopping spree!!  I'm jealous Ulla.  You deserve it though.  You've been through so much and have accomplished so much.  Enjoy the new wardrobe. 

Judie, that outfit is too cute!  Connor is such a doll.  I love asian babies!  Do you ever watch Jon and Kate Plus 8?  Those Gosselin kids are so cute!  Their mom doesn't even mind that they look nothing like her (Jon is Korean and I guess those asian genes are very dominant).  I love that show.  The Cathedral sounds beautiful.  When I was 13, we visited my relatives in Germany and did some traveling to Italy, Austria, etc.   Some of those old churches were breathtaking.  I didn't appreciate it then the way I would now.  Hopefully, I'll have another chance to travel to Europe now that I'm all grown up!

Well, Tinker's at the vet's today.  We are doing a water deprivation test to see if her urine concentrates as it should.  The last couple of samples they've taken have been completely neutral.  I've never seen a dog's urine look like that--totally colorless.  Hopefully, they can figure out what's going on with her.  My dh hates her and suggested putting her down.  I just about slugged him!!!

Hugs and love to all,

Karen

livesstrong

Hi all -

 First of all - Welcome Newbies - stop by more often - we would love to get to know you.

Lisa- sorry you are feeling so crappy. Makes you want to pull the covers over your head and not come out.

Mel - how are you holding up??? Hang tough, it will get better.

Judie - OMG, Connor is just adorable. I was born & raised Catholic and I have to say I prefer the old style of Mass.  I love to listen to choirs and the Mass in Latin.  

Karen - friends of mine have a dog with Cushing's and she is doing great on medication.  It's been over a year now and she is fine.

Sue - are you getting ready for your holiday? Can I come, PLEASE???????

Cathi - seems like you are doing well physically & mentally.  Good for you!!!  75 degrees is COLD????  You crack me up.

Ulla - don't be such a stranger - nothing like a little retail therapy to put you in a better mood.  How are you doing with your weight? UB & I joined a gym - I'm going to a personal trainer twice a month.  I need someone to keep my in line!! lol. So far it is working out well. 

Jane - have you  disappeared down under again?  We miss you.

Shirlann - where are you?? Driving around in that new car of yours??

Jule - missing you as well - how is your boss?

Nancy - bet you can't wait for tomorrow to be over with.  Check in lady.

Did I tell you ladies my biopsy is scheduled for the 13th? Can't wait - NOT!!!

Gotta run,

TTYS,

AE

1Cathi

AE  -You are amazing at getting everyones personal detail addressed .   You know I am hoping and praying for just a big FAT NOTHING on the biopsy -but I know (as everyone does) how crappy all these scares can be - they reek havioc on ones mind sometimes.  Yeah 75 is cold I know that sounds crazy but when you are used to 95+ for 5 months or so a 20 degree drop is cold.  But these nest 8 months or so are absolutely the best down here,  windows and doors open smelling the Ocean air  - makes the humid weather all worth it.  I spoke to my DD in Ny yesturday (upstate  - just West of Albany) said they were headed for 29 degrees over night - NOT FOR ME  -NEVER AGAIN.

We were in PA this time last year for my father-in-laws funeral - OMG -  Thought we were gonna freeze to death - it was so cold and gray the entire 2 weeks we were there.

Hope everyone is having a GROOVY night - 

XOXOXOXOXOXO -Cathi

Anonymous

((((((((Tinker))))))))))

((((((((AE))))))))))))) Durn biopsy crap

Sorry you are chilling, Cathi. With all my hot flashes these days, 75 would be a furnace. Bring on the cold!!!

You've all probably already seen this, but it's the best yet!

 

'night all!

Judie

1Cathi

Thats awesome Judie -I had not seen it before.  It so relates to one of my biggest most likely "forever"fears - have I passed this stupiid disease on to my 2 daughters or their daughters.  I know that I am BRAC negative - but from what I understand they are still at increased risk because of me and espically as I was DX before 50.  I will pray hard each and everyday that BC is  one trait I have not passed along.

XOXOXOXOXOXO- Cathi

lvtwoqlt

Cathi, John also thinks that anything under 60 is freezing, since he was stationed in Honolulu. We went to the Pumpkin Festival Saturday in Statesville and at 8:00 am is the 'Pumpkin Chunkin competition'. My brother's best friend is the professor of physics at the local community college and they put on this contest of building catapults that throw 3-4 lb pumpkins and they have a target that they try to hit, it is not just throwing it as far as they can, they have to be accurate. My brothers have made one the past 4 yrs and we go and support them. It was about 40 degrees when we got up and around 50 when the competition started. John said he was freezing. Eric lost by 20 points, they tried for the bonus target (25 yds closer than distance target but double points) one shot and that knocked them down the 20 points, they missed the target by inches. Here is a link to skill tv who was there and taped part of the activities the day before during practice shots. http://www.plantservices.com/industrynews/2008/137.htmlThey interviewed my family since we have a family of engineers, out catapult was not like the one in the video but looked like an erector set on steroids with large garage door springs used as the method of propulsion. I will check back to see if they put on the shots they did Saturday.

Sheila

dink

Cathi,

I was wondering - my surgeon has asked my to see a genetic counselor and I did.  I'm not sure if I want to have the testing done, my daughter and my nieces know that there is always a chance they could get breast cancer due to genes but they are educated on how to care for themselves and what to look for and the need of teaching their daughters, etc.  According to the genetic counselor it looks as if I would have inherited the gene from my dad's side of the family and if I came back positive it would kill him - I'm the baby, at 44 years old, and I think it would really hurt his feelings.  Has anyone else done this.  I go 11-20-08 for a colon screening with the GI doctor.  I'm just a little confused and all of these tests are crazy but it looks as if I am falling apart.  Sorry, pitty day.

Leesa

1Cathi

Oh Leesa,

Your so right all these tests can drive one crazy. These are just my personal feelings regarding why I have had such extensive testing from top to bottome. But understand you must do what is right for you. 

I had no 'documented" family history of BC, however my mom passed from liver CA (unknown primary) and her mom died of Lukemia -  so a cancer history in the family.  I was DX pre-menopause before the age of 50. 

Because of chronic stomach problems over the past few years and my history and my moms it was recommended I have a colonscopy this past March -  I did (no big deal on that if your nervous the prep is the worst and thats not all that bad) I did have 2 B9 Polyps found -YEAH

Like your daughter mine realize the risk factors they now have , and not a week goes by that I do not ask them about BSE, etc. I believe once I was DX  - they were at increased risk. THE BRAC testing for me was just another way for them to have more knowledge - and be more proactive in their lifetime.   If I had been BRAC positive I would have oped for Ooph/hysterectomy, at this point I have not.

I do worry if I have passed this disease on to my daughters, but knowledge is POWER, and I want to enpower them with as much information they possibly can have  - if God forbid this rotten disese ever crosses their path, it would be so wonderful to put it all on the back buner and forget it ever happened but as a mom I have a responsibility to teach them no matter how old they are-  while  your dad might be upset if he does have such a mutation in his genes as to effect you or anyone  else - I would bet he would also want you to have the KNOWLEDEG AND POWER to make proactive good decisions TO SAVE YOUR LIFE!  We can inherit alot of illness, both my parents were insulin dependant diabetics, my dad lost a leg and his life to renal failure -  they could have passed that on -  my mom also had very bad heart problems (open heart surgery x2) and she was also receiving diaylis before her liver CA was detected. 

All I am trying to say Leesa - is "LIFE HAPPENS"  no matter what we do or don't do sometimes. I am for sure your dad wants you around for a good long time - I am for sure he wants you to do all in your power to fight anything that might come your way - 

XOXOXOXOXOXO -Cathi

1Cathi

UGH- #$@$%^%$#!!!

On another note - I just spent the last hour on the tele W/BCBS and I do think a 15 year old Rep -  I saw the BS this AM she said all is going well and she will give me my prosthesis script when I come in on the 18th - my insurance changes on 12/1 and she thinks just to avoid any possible problems/delays we should get prosthesis issues taken care of with BCBS. 

So I come home and call to see how much my coverage is -  $%$#@! - 

#1 -  Don't think Hanna Montana ever heard the word Mastectomy before

#2 -  Hanna had no clue  a mastectomy was medically necessary - not just something one does for fun!!!!!

#3 - Hanna also never heard the word "prosthesis" either (thank God I don't need an arm or leg)

#4 -  After about 10times on hold -  Hanna (her exact words)  said "oh is it one of those plastic things that go in your bra?"

Now I can laugh - but boy was I holding my tounge -  I HAVE SORES NOW -LOL

mumito

erika(canada)

Hi there I am having the same procedure as you on Monday.  I also went through chemo before my operation.  Is recovery of arm movement that slow when all your lymphnodes are removed under the arm?  My family wants to travel one month after my surgery do you think it will be possible for me.  My surgeon said to go for it but I would rather have your opinion since you have been through it all.  Kathy

lvtwoqlt

Cathi, I know where you are coming from with the insurance. After my first lumpectomy which left me obviously lopsided (a cup/c cup), my surgeon gave me the script for mastectomy products. I called BCBS and they wanted to know the codes that it would be filed under before they could answer my questions. Of course I didn't know the filing codes. Fortunately, the woman who fits in this area (over 20 yrs) knows the various insurance companies and what they will and won't pay for and gets you the maximum number of bras she can. Also, if you have met your deductible, she accepts what the insurance pays as 100% of the bill. She managed to get me 6 bras (2 leisure/sport bras, 4 various other styles of bras) and 2 prost so I had a spare one. She said normally they allow only 4 but she knows how to file to get the leisure bras too. I am donating my prost to her for her boob closet for uninsured women.

I wonder what she would have said if you called about a 'cranial prosthesis' which we know as a wig?

But I won't go into the denial by the insurance of the use of AlloDerm in my recon, they paid for the actual AlloDerm on the hospital bill (3,500) but refused to pay the PS fee for putting the AlloDerm in (1000). Of course we appealed it for 6 months before they approved the bill.

Sheila

sueps

God Cathi I would have turned the air blue and slammed the phone down xxx

 My gosh .... TERRIBLE!!!

hello sisters xxx

I have been grief stricken all week...and now I am rundown...my tongue is yellow now...just like it was with bootface!!! and I am whacking it in case..... its BACK ...YES ... bootface.... gitlost!!

Hey I am jetting off to the Canarys tomorrow.... I hope to flush this illness away with some sun....

Well just want to say hi...and I miss you all...I have been hanging on by a thread this week...and I will bounce Zippy when I get there xxx

Mel .... I wish I lived near you ...why are things so complicated ..... xxxx I am praying for you and your furbabies..... god I would look after them in a shot for you xxx

Wherre is Shirlann xxxx

12 hours til I check in to Manchester Airport an I aint even packed .... typical .... xxx 

sueps

TWO WEEEKS OFF WORK!!!

And my next flight will be to yous lot!!!!

Say around February.... if thats ok xxx 

lvtwoqlt

Kathy, I had bilateral done last June, The first couple of weeks were not easy but doing the arm exercises every day helped get the arm movements back quickly. Some were surprised when 21 days after my surgery I attended a AA Baseball game where they were honoring women with BC, I didn't drive but enjoyed the game. I was back at work 4 weeks after surgery.

Sheila

lvtwoqlt

Sue, you know you are welcome to come anytime!

Sheila

1Cathi

SUE ENJOY YOUR VACATION -REST RELAX AND HAVE FUN -  Do not waste one single second of this wonderful time thinking of Bootface.

Shelia -once I got off with BCBS  -I called the "Boutique" where I will be shopping, I have already visited there once - I have completely met my Deductible this year W/BCBS -  but on 12/1 my insurance is changing-  "thus part of the reason" for getting this done ASAP  -per surgeon and the boutique - BCBS will pay 100% now, and the owner of the boutique who is also a BC survivor said that I would be covered for a complete set  - 4Bra's and also the Radiant Impressions (form fitting one) so we shall see when I go in on 11/18 .

I was just awe struck at this little girls complete lack of knowledge about anything medical - (terms, needs etc) - we pay $100.s of $$$ every month to have a 15 year old W/pimples approve or deny our health needs - CRAZY! 

portiasproudmom

Have a wonderful time, Sue!  I want to see pictures when you return!!  Love ya!

Cathi, I know it's not funny, but your story about "Hannah" had me giggling.  What a complete dolt!  Why would they hire someone like that?  She obviously doesn't know diddly squat!  She's lucky you're a very tolerant woman.

Tinker's home and I'm waiting for the results of her urinalysis.  Thanks for the encouraging info AE.  I'm hoping it's just something a daily pill will take care of.

Hugs to everyone,

Karen

portiasproudmom

Judie, that picture of the baby is priceless!  I'd never seen it before either.

lvtwoqlt

Judie, I got that pict about 4 times last month in my email. but I still think it's cute.

Sheila

1Cathi

Oh Karen I am laughing now too -  just crazy  -  sometimes I am to tolerant Ed says  -  he would have been through the phone after the 3rd time on hold I am sure  -  thing is she must not have been close to anyone else who new what a prosthesis was either as no lie it took her 10 attempts to come up with the "plastic thing in your bra"   Just think Hanna Montana and Dora  can approve or disapprove our medical requests!

Of coarse on the other hand if it were Hugh Heffner answering the phone - we would all be walking around with fake double D's  -  NO QUESTIONS ASKED - LOL

livesstrong

Sue - I just want to wish you a HAPPY HOLIDAY!!!  Go and have a great time, enjoy your boys and forget all about bootface!!!

We'll miss you around here.

AE