MIDDLE-AGED WOMEN 40-60ish

luvmygoats

Valerie - Hope you got some gooood sleep. I'm with you today. Positive thoughts only. I know what you mean about 5 years. I finally on last visit questioned BS on how long I would see her and she said every 6 months for 5 years but maybe going to yearly in January if things keep going well. I haven't asked onco yet. I never asked any of that in the beginning. I couldn't look any further forward than what do I have to do next week. Do you have a nice treat for yourself lined up for afterwards?

elimar86861

Val, I like how you have factored in a time segment in which to freak out BUT, girl, please don't let the anxiety take over.  You have one of the better prognosises around these parts...I just cannot imagine that your markers will be elevated.  I think you will pass with flying colors (and none of them pink!)  I am looking forward to celebrating the 5-year milestone with you.

Don't get me wrong, I don't think you are being over-anxious.  I don't exclude the scenarios where early stagers get some of the WORST surprises.  That is because we are led to believe that statistics are on our side, so it is all the more shocking if something does occur.  To me, there is greater shock when a woman goes from Stage 0 to Stage IV, (like our Marybe did,) because you rarely see that coming.  I'm not saying any stage should just expect to recur or not, but just commenting on MY OWN sensibilities about his kind of thing.  I do go to my B/C exams now EXPECTING to be all fine and dandy.  Hopefully I will not fall to pieces if the news is ever otherwise.

Speaking of pink, no one has mentioned Pinktober yet.

I'm sure I will be posting some pinkness in the top photo later this month, but I thinik it is only right to start with something else that October brings to mind.  Be careful lifting one of those things with your treatment side arm...a full one is pretty heavy!  Mastectomies might want to just use a straw and sip from a stationary position. 

Katlebbie

Good Morning All, sorry I have been away for awhile, I really wasn't expecting as much pain as there was. (going back to work after three day didn't help matters, but being self employed I had no choice, the PS wasn't happy about it either) Any way things are so much better the pain is still there but much better the PS said she wasn't surprised because of all the pocket work and reconstruction she had to do. Let me tell you guys that fat grafting is pain full and that will take the longest to heal. On the positive side I am loving the results. The scars are healing nicely and yesterday I was given to go ahead to start walking again!

I am so glad that this forum is not closed, that would have been so sad! Well wishes to all I will try to catch up later just wanted to post and let everyone know I was doing better!

Happy Fall Happy October to everyone! Keep those cowboys coming they always put a smile on my face!

Kat

barsco1963

Val - don't know how I missed your post. I guess I didn't realize there was another page (doh). I do hope all went well today.

Kat - good to see you again. Sorry that the pain is still hanging on - hopefully it will ease up soon. Sounds like all went well for you - is good to know you are happy with the results. Here's a big YEEHAW for you!

Valjean

It is an absolutely BEE-U-TEE-FULL day !!

Increased heart rate, hitting the "head" a couple of times (TMI ?? - yeah!), shaky....

All for naught!

I'm good to go for another 6 months! Labs were normal, the things I'm usually on the low side of were low as usual, which is normal for me. I always sit & compare current lab stats against previous labs. Be sure to get copies of EVERYTHING, gals!

That dreaded CA 27.29 was 12.8. God, I hate stressing over that!! Yes, I am so very glad that test is run & I know it is not always (probably more than not) reliable. But, damn, it's still scary to wait for.

I am scheduled to see the Onco again in six months, as Feb is when I started my Aromasin (after my Rads ended), so she wants to see me again & then I suspect it will be once a year. She didn't say, I'm just surmising here. I asked her what was her opinion on taking Aromatase Inhibitors after 5 years. She said there is nothing to prove it is beneficial after that five year mark, but if one has an early stage cancer (as me)..... She wants to wait until my next appointment to discuss further tx - I will have had my bone density test (awaiting call from the Call Center) & will be almost finished with my current 'script. If one has had minimal side effects (me) & my bones are doing well (osteopenia in lumbar spine - left hip is normal as of Jan 2011),   I think she would let me continue. I told her if all results suggested I was a candidate, I would be open to continuing.

So that is my news.

Thanks for the pep talk, E~. I should have said something sooner about this upcoming appt., then maybe I would have been a bit calmer. I truly think I get more anxious the further "out" I get.... I know we are only one scan away.......

Have a beautiful day sistas!!

♥

Valjean

Kat, I hope your pain is less today than yesterday. Gentle, very gentle, hugs.

Thanks for the encouragement, luv & Barsco! Much appreciated!!

elimar86861

Val, I. Told. You. So.  And I like being right!  Big congrats, keep up the good work; and will you really sign on for five years more of AI?  Glutton for punishment?  Can't get enough of those hot flashes?  Seriously, that--like so much else about B/C--it a matter of choice, so don't mind what I have to say. 

Loral

marlegal

Hello hello hello! Made it back safe and sound, just severely sleep deprived

I either won a little or only lost a little...I truly am not sure which, but I know I played longer on my initial deposit than any other time in my life. Found a machine that I bonded with and we became best buddies over four days!

I can't begin to describe how it was to meet up with 36 sisters, total of 51travellers. One of the most fun trips I've ever taken, and filled with warmth too. I definitely would travel with this group again. This was their fifth year going to Vegas and I hope they keep it up. The hotel (Aria) was amazing too...would highly recommend.

Missed my nightly visits here though! Just not enough hours in the day. They had a great schedule of events with just enough free time. Truly a great time.

Glad for so much good news while I was gone, keep it up!

Hugs hugs hugs

heartnsoul76

Thank you, Loral & barsco!  This place always gives me encouragement when I'm feeling down in the dumps.

I do love that burgundy cape!  When I told my son I bought a cape, he was picturing me swooping around like Batman.  Then he thought of George Castanza's father's lawyer, lol.  I don't remember that episode from "Seinfeld" but I can just imagine what that cape was like.

Marlegal - so glad you had a great time!  I've never been to Lost Wages but hoping to go soon.  Did you see anybody famous?  My mother fondly recounts getting kissed by John Davidson during his show.  Kids today would say, Who?  But I know you ladies remember him - he was a cutie pie.

Val - I can totally identify with the fear of the CA 27.29!  I'm so glad it was fine, and of course we should KNOW it's going to be fine BUT... I get it done every 3 months and I thought about asking to go to every 6 months but then I thought it might make me even MORE nervous.  I wish this was something they did stealthily and only told you if something was worrisome.  Elimar, I'm going to have to practice adapting your attitude before my next visit.

Yes, it's October - time for a little beer:

chrissyb

Hi girls!  I'm not sure but some of you may have been aware that I have been preparing for my DD's wedding over this past year..........well, it happened last weekend!  For those who wish to see pics, I have posted some on my 'Journey' thread for all.

Eli, I'm so glad you are scheduled for your reversal surgery in a couple of weeks and I bet you are feeling good about it too.

Diannarose I was on Arimidex to begin with and instead of being 57 I felt like I was 97...... I didn't smile or laugh and I could hardly move.  My doc changed me to Femara and literally within a couple of weeks, I was moving so much better, the muscle and joint pain had almost gone and even my children commented that it was nice to see me smile and laugh again.  If you are feeling so bad it really is worth talking to your doc about a change of meds.   Good luck!

Have a great day all!

Love n hugs.   Chrissy

elimar86861

Marlegal, That is a sizeable group, wow!  Nice to hear you had a rollicking good time out in Vegas.

chrissyb, So, the date finaly arrived?  Yes, I know you had lots of preparation to do...and the tables looked very pretty.  Your daughter looked beautiful (and she sure does not look forty!)  Both of your daughters look like they have your smile, chrissy.

chrissyb

Thanks Eli.........they are both over forty, the bridesmaid is eldest daughter and she is 43!......they make me feel ancient......lol.  I have a GS turning 18 in a few weeks as well so beginning to really feel old age creeping up on me.......and no, it's not my DH!!.....hahahaha!

Love n hugs girls!    Chrissy

elimar86861

Ahahaha!  Give him credit, if he can still do some creeping. 

chrissyb

Nah, his creeping somehow went west a long time ago........lol.

barsco1963

Marlegal - sounds like a wonderful time had by all. And a little extra cash as a bonus? Nothing wrong with that. Glad to seee your smiling face back here again.

HNS - I couldn't place John Davidson so I googled him - and yes he is familiar (and a cutie)

Chrissy - we don't see enough of you here. I hope now that all the hoopla is over that you'll have more time to stop by.

Momine

Chrissy, where is the thread with the wedding pics? Congratulations!

In other news, just had my annual staging scans and they are, drum roll, CLEAN!

barsco1963

Give me a H.....give me an O....give me another O.....give me an R....give me an A.... give me a Y.......

What d'ya got?  HOORAY Momine!!

marlegal

HNS, John Davidson had one of the lead roles in the last production of Wicked that I saw. One of those 'I know him but forget where I know him from' things. Then checked the program at intermission and laughed, knowing my niece, even though 40, would have no clue about him!



My doc stops all blood tests and scans after 7 yrs absent any objective reason. On the one hand it takes away the fear while waiting for results,but on the other hand, I find that I miss the reassurance of the 'all clear' I thankfully got. Has anyone else's doc stopped testing?

Katlebbie

Barsco and Valjean thanks for the kind words. Getting better a little each day.

I wish everyone a pain free good night. Sweet dreams to all!

luvmygoats

I had a huge crush on John Davidson. Those dimples. I know girls, who looks at dimples. Check out his website for his current look. Not bad, not bad! I like grey hair.

ChrissyB - I loved the wedding pictures. They look so happy and so do you and your DH.

Speaking of creeping which he might be b4 it's over - my DH is painting the outside of the house later in the month. Ladders, high places, oh my. Though it is only single story. Do you think it's too much if I ask him not to paint if I'm gone say for about 2 hours?

HNS - How the heck did that girl drink outta that glass? I'd have poured the entire contents down my front and then smelled like beer the whole night.

Kat - glad your pain is easing. We need to be gentle with ourselves.

elimar86861

Momine, that is GREAT news!   You said annual staging scan...so is that a CT or a PET?  Or other?  How often do you go in to see your MO?  Just curious if your intervals are about the same as here in the U.S.

Kat, my friend who had a large lumpectomy got a bit of fat grafting afterward to make her look even, and she said the same...that the grafting was a literal pain.  Actually, she said she did not know how people could undergo lipo because she just had that little bit and was so sore.  Can't remember how long she stayed sore.  Just try to take it easy and don't forget to eat your proteins so you will have the building blocks to heal.

I have some questions for all you chemo gals:  Who got hand or foot neuropathy?  How long did it take for yours to go away, or do you still have it?   I have to say I have some foot neuropathy now that really only started to get bad two weeks PFC.  I thought I was being so careful about that but I just could not see this coming (and they say once it gets here, it is already too late.)  I am taking Vit. B6, also some L-glutamine.  Have heard L-carnitine is also good?  What type of things has anyone else tried?  Did it do any good or not?  I have Googled and read lots of first hand accounts, but I don't think I've asked on this thread.  Please share your neuropathy stories with me.  I would hate to think I will have feet that feel like this for the rest of my life.

Momine

Thanks for the good thoughts. I am VERY relieved.

Eli, I see my breast surgeon AND my onc every 3-4 months, with a full blood panel including tumor markers. My breast surgeon is the boss of the team, which is sort of unusual, but so is he. 

Staging scans mean, in my case, a CT of head, lung and abdomen and a bone scan. However, given that these, the 2-year ones, were clean, we will drop down to an ultrasound of the liver and a regular chest X-ray, unless there are symptoms or other concerns. The way I understand it, the 2-year mark is prime time for recurrence/mets, so clearing this hurdle is considered a good thing.

Momine

Eli, on that neuropathy, first of, sorry to hear it.

I only got minimal problems in some of my fingertips. I am 18 months out from last chemo, and I can still feel it sometimes. It is, unfortunately, a 2 steps forward 1.5 back sort of deal. It will improve, but slowly and in fits and starts.

I had nerve damage in my back from the epidural when DD was born. It is like a fist-sized spot halfway up my back. In the beginning it was either completely numb or else hurt in pins-and-needles fashion. That went on for several years. Then slowly, the pain lessened, but there would still be numbness on and off. Now, it only bothers me if I am already really tired or worn, and it rarely hurts, just feels slightly numb.

However, you should ask a PT for advice, I think. Apparently they can do stuff that may help in waking the nerves up again.

chrissyb

http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/34/topic/773915

Momine the address above is where the pics are or you can search 'Journey' and find my 'My Journey has just begun aka Chrissyb's USA Adventure' thread.

Sorry but I don't know how to make the link acive for you.

Yay for your good results!!!!

Momine

Chrissy, thanks!

Moderators

Momine, we're glad to hear all your tests were clean. Congrats on such good news!

The Mods

marlegal

Hey buds - guess who I just saw on TV???  Reesie's kids!!!! Megan and Chris are doing the local 3-day Walk and were interviewed live on our local news station. I was half-awake, getting breakfast before work, and heard the reporter say they were live at the Walk which was about to start so I turned around and the first person they went to was Megan and I'm looking at the name Megan Giebel on screen wondering...why do I know that name? And then it hit me I started to tell hub who it was, and then the interviewer went to Chris, who has a pink ribbon shaved into his scalp, and I just grinned and grinned ... Reesie would be so proud

(For newbies...Reesie/Marie was one of our BC sisters who unfortunately died in August 2012 but who lived decades in the years between her diagnosis and death. She was one of the funniest posters around.)

Okay, on with the day, and onto the weekend!!!! In honor of Reesie, here's a dragon boat pic with some pink in it ... she loved dragon boat races.

elimar86861

Marlegal, Thanks for sharing that story.  It is so nice to hear that reesie's kids are honoring her in this way.  I also liked your description that she "lived decades in the years between her diagnosis and death."  I'll always remember when she met up with a few others from BCO and a foob fight ensued!

Moderators, I saw your post congratulating Momine on her clear scans.  While that is nice enough, I am not really sure why you singled her out, since you have never been on here before to congratulate another single person for getting a clear scan (and there have been plenty.)  Personally, I wouldn't want any of those other women to think that they are not as worthy.  Furthermore, your post served to indicate your omnipresence of just being there "reading over our shoulders" so to speak, and I don't know too many who need a reminder of that fact.  I hope you can see what I mean.

chrissyb

Yup, and it was my foob!......hahahaha!  She was a lovely, lovely lady.