January Mastectomy

ReginaR

Sally, Thinking of you! Let us know how your doing.

 Kat, Your In My Prayers , We will be thinking of you tomorrow!

Sending {{{{{{hugs}}}}} to all my "TEAM JAN" Love you all!Gina

neversurrender

Thinking of you today Kat.  (((Kat))).

sunsnow

I hope things go smoothly today, Kat. And I hope you receive your results quickly so you can get your plan of action in place. 

Sally, I hope your ablation provides relief for you and that the procedure was uneventful. My uterus is the one thing I've had removed that I REALLY don't miss.

neversurrender

Everything went smoothly with the ablation yesterday.  A little sore today, but doing fine.  Thanks for all the well wishes.

Sally

faithandfifty

Sally good to hear that everything went smoothly.

Thinking of you Kat -- as you begin the countdown.

Wanting you to know that I hold you in my prayers as you are navigating the waters at hand and on up ahead.

One step at a time.

Praying for kindness in the technicians, ease in the process and complete accuracy of the testing process.

We hold you up -- collectively, each sending prayers.

xx00xx00xx00xx

burley

Happy belated birthdays, December girls.

Thinking about you Kat.  Big hugs! 

Carolanne03

 Jan 30-My first time posting after finding you a few wks ago. Noticing that there was a spot for me on Jan 30th, I realize that it's time! I was diagnosed w/ stage 0 DCIS in November 2011 and have elected to have a bilateral mastectomy with possible same day recon/ or TE. I have 2 children (boys) ages 11 and 16 who are wonderful , helpful boys, and a fantastic hubby who just underwent his 3rd back surgery. Good days, lousy days a plenty. Overall, I feel really lucky that this was found now instead of later. 

KatRNagain92

Sally...I'm so happpy to hear you're doing well!  I'm with Maura...my uterus has not been missed!  I hope this stops any heavy bleeding for you!  You will have a whole new quality of life!  YaY!

My PET scan almost didn't happen!  Why you ask?  Because they had to stick me 14 (count em) 14 times to get an IV access.  I told them I am not leaving this place until I am scanned.  I don't know what the problem was...I was plenty hydrated.  They just couldn't use my right arm because of my axillary node dissection but I was this close to giving them clearance to do it.  I prayed real hard and they finally got it on my left arm  (I cried a little bit)

The scan itself is nothing.  I about slept through the whole thing.  I am emminating radiation though...I'm a microwave!  I have to stay away from small children and pregnant women.  I guess my little dog and my big husband are ok?  hmmm.  I could sleep in the guest room, but the doctor said it was up to me...it wasn't mandadory.  What to do, what to do?  I don't want Stella getting radiated! 

Well, I'm going to go get some food.  I'm starving.  All I've had since 0530 was a no carb breakfast.  It was really hard at work with all the Christmas cookies and candies out.  But I just kept focused and drank my 6 bottles of water. 

Going to sleep well tonight and hope my arm doesn't look like I was in a horrible fight or anything.     Results on Friday so I will just remain calm and enjoy the holiday until I don't.

Thanks for being there for me Team!

xoxo

Kat

lisak7290

My double mast is jan12

jizogarden

Kat thinking about you so much....hope your results come soon.....Wishing you a Christmas surrounded by family, love and comfort......courage.....and some great presents

Wishing a Merry Christmas and best of the season to all......sounds odd when we worry so much about %@#** cancer but I'm wishing it anyway.....

Wishing the best to all,

xox Laura 

burley

Carolanne03 and Lisak7290-we all had mastectomies in January of 2010.  We couldn't change the name after it was created to let people know that.  I'm sure there is a group of January mastectomy ladies for 2012.  But you're welcome to join us if we could be of help!

Glad to hear the scan was relaxing for you Kat.  Thinking of you  

robinlbe

Kat....SO glad you have one more hurdle behind you, despiite all the horrible pricks,sticks, and pokes (ugh!  what a trooper you were! but I don't' blame you for NOT leaving!!!!!)  You know, I protected my arm that was at risk (where four nodes were taken), and it was my right arm (where only one aux. node was taken) that ended up with lymphedema!!  Go figure    It's mostly in my armpit and trunkal area, but what a PAIN.  When i've needed IV's, now I get them in my ankles if at all possible.....and blood draws I'll do in either arm as long as they don't use a tourniquet.

But I digress.....you continue to be in my mind....my thoughts, my heart, and my prayers.....as does your entire family.

Sally - I, like, the others have had an ablation...the first day I experienced a LOT of pain, but it was so wonderful for the next two years!!!!!!!!!!  But then the lining of my uterus began to grow back - which actually got me into my gyn. a few months earlier than normal (back in Oct. 2009),  which made my mammogram a few months earlier than normal....and that's when my BC was caught.  Last December (2010), I did end up with the hysterectomy (leaving the ovaries), and it was a piece of cake!  The worst part was the gas they used to blow me up   I can't even see my scars any more....the funny thing is, though, my ovaries still cramp each month....you'd think at 52.5 years of age, they'd be ready to give up!!!! 

And to the rest of the J-team.....I love, love, love you alll!  Happy two (almost) years of us being together  - going through all kinds of things together...the highs, the lows, and the in-betweens....Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukah to all

blessings....robin

KatRNagain92

Here you are carolanne and lisak:  http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/91/topic/779236?page=1#post_2764763

Prayers sent to you and all your new January sisters.  May they be there for you like we have been here for each other.  It's great to have support of friends of family, but it's even more awesome to have a group of women who hold each other up AND know exactly what you're going through at the same time.

God Speed!

Kat

pbebow

Kat,

Sorry I haven't been on as much, but I am thinking of you always and I have been checking in.  Just doens't seem to be much to say, I seem to be at a loss.  Praying for good results from your scan,  whatever they are, you are strong and I know that you can handle this!  You will kick cancer's ass again!!!  Please let me know if there is anything that I can do for you.  

Merry Christmas to everyone!  

Love you all!

Paula

neversurrender

Kat, just wanted to pop in and let you know I am thinking of you. ((hugs)). 

Cathy, have a wonderful birthday tomorrow !!

Team January, I hope you all have a peaceful and blessed holiday.  I love ya ladies !!!!

Sally

faithandfifty

Kat. Just stopping through to let you now that you continue in my prayers.

Holding you up.

Sounds like you've been a master at compartmentalizing and that's a skill you could teach others. Truly. There's no point to borrow emotions ahead of time.

It sounds like you've been going to work? Have you confided in your boss. I don't remember reading what you decided to do on that issue?

We just spent a few days with my parents/family and are now back to sunny FL. It was 83 today and glorious. I guess that's why got our lives organized -- to be able to appreciate just such days as this.

Sending you sunshine and encouragement.

Know we are all cheering for you.

Jan 2012 gals: may you have a group such as ours -- who have been holding each other up from the very beginning.

xx00xx00xx00xx00xx

jizogarden

Ouch Kat!  So many needle sticks...your poor arm....poor you!  Glad that they finally got a vein and were able to give you the scan. My thoughts and prayers are with you......waiting for Friday =\

Happy Birthday Cathy wishing you all the best!  

I've been on my blog lately updating life and art if anyone wants a distraction your welcome to visit. http://www.jizogarden.com The best news is Smudge is doing very well again...the last scare was accute pancreatitis not cancer....at least not this time.

Looking forward to a quiet Christmas with Andrew and the pets....

Merry Christmas to all you lovely ladies and strong friends.....wishing you everyone the best of the season in all it's celebrations....surrounded by love and blessings ♥ xox Laura

KatRNagain92

Praise God Laura that Smudge is a continued joy in your life!  I will welcome the distraction of your blog...:)

Everyone's posts tonight just...well, they're exactly what I need exactly at this time.  I've been doing great up until now...putting on the psuedo brave face and holly-jollying it through the week. 

My appointment's early.  0745.  Then, we called a family meeting for 5pm...but how in the world am I going to wait 8 hours before we can tell people?  The waiting has been long enough!  We're in such a small community, and everyone knows and is praying, and then there are you good people so it's all huge feeling of insecurity like I can't even begin to explain. 

And truthfully, I'm scared shitless!

But I know I just need to remain calm and get a good night's sleep. 

So, thanks for 'speaking cancer' and letting me express what I'm feeling. That in itself is huge.

xoxo
Kat

pbebow

Oh Kat, you have every right to be scared shitless!  Any one of us would be, hell, we all are scared shitless too!  I know that you are going to be able to do this, there isn't any other choice!  As far as being able to wait til the family meeting to tell... well, that's what we are here for.  You come here and talk and tell and bitch and moan or yell and scream, whatever you need to do, you do it here, and we will all be here for you.  You are and will continue to be in my prayers, night and day... you pop into my head and the weirdest times, you don't even want to know... LOL.  But I am thinking of you always, keep the faith.  Positive attitude!  You are stronger then cancer! 

Hugs & prayers,

Bless & Release!

Love you!

Paula

Anonymous

Kat you have been on my mind and I hope you can get a good nights sleep tonite. I'm glad your appointment is early, and you can get your results and know what you have to do next. Once you have a plan in place, you will know what you have to do to beat this nasty disease. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Sending you big, cyber hugs.

Laura thank goodness your smudge is doing better.  Our pets are so important to us.

How are you feeling Sally?

Thanks for the birthday wishes. This is my last year of holding onto to the forties, next year will be the big one. And to think that in the medical world, some think that it isn't even necessary to start having mammograms until you turn 50. By the time I turn 50, I will have had this horrible disease for 4 years already.

Take care team January

Cathy

sunsnow

Kat - It's going to be crowded in that room tomorrow morning and at your family meeting tomorrow, because every time you have to face another challenge in this journey, we are ALL there with you, holding you up when you need it. None of us is alone in this. We travel this awful road with so many women, and all of us were lucky to find each other when we started our personal journeys. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers--especially tomorrow.

Cathy - I'm so glad you had a nice birthday. I'm sorry I didn't wish you a happy birthday sooner.

Laura - Your news about Smudge is the BEST. My Abby is snuggled up against me as she has been most nights of her almost 12 years. I couldn't have made it through this BC nonsense without her. I can only imagine that Smudge has had a smiliar role for you.

Time to make dinner. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah to all. Maura 

binga

Kat-just wanted to pop in and let you know you can count on me to be praying for you tomorrow. I have been thinking of you and praying for you several times a day! You are on my mind so much.

The whole Jan team is rooting for you for good results and the strength to deal with it whatever it may be!

Love you girl!

Becky

jizogarden

It's early morning and you are your appointment....your are in my thoughts and prayers Kat.... I would be scared shitless too.....we all would......I'm so sorry this is happening.....time to get rid of every bit of this cancer....praying...praying...praying....thinking of you xoxox with love, Laura 

pbebow

Thinking of you Kat!  Hope you're appt is going well!  Please let us know when you can!

Bless & Release!

Paula

neversurrender

I am holding you close in my heart this morning Kat.   Sending prayers.   (((Kat))).

Hugs and Love,

Sally

Never Surrender !!!!!

KatRNagain92

Hi girls...I'm here report.

(Happy birthday Cathy by the way!:)

Ok, Here's my news.  It's all in my lymph system...mostly nodes in my chest wall (8) my left lung apex (not in the lung, just getting ready to go to my lung) my 8th rib on the right side, the hilar node (this is the opening where the pulmonary artery accesses the lungs and then they are found  mostly in the cutaneous soft tissue and muscle all surrounding my chest wall.  I also have one that is in the abdominal cavity right above the belly button and get this, on on my R upper outer quadrant of my right buttock! 

It is not in any vital organs, no liver or bones.  Maybe the lung though so we have to act fast I guess.

We were still waiting until literally 5 minutes ago for the er/pr her2 status because the original lab really screwed up there but It has been confirmed this afternoon that it is ER+/PR+ and Her2Neg so that is what we were hoping for.  She was a little concerned that this recurrence is presenting so odd so she was saying I had a chance of it being triple neg which would have been really bad because then it might not have even originated from my breast cancer but more from somewhere else, like the lung.  But praise the Lord, it is estrogen postive so at least we can deal with this beast easier than neg. 

I'm stage IV but I don't qualify for a clinical trial (which I really wanted..the petuzzomab) but you only get that if you're triple neg. so I just will have to have the standard chemo.  I get my port inserted next thursday, and then Wed the 4th I have an echocardiogram (to ensure my valve intregity is fine to disperse the chemo throughout) and then I have 'chemo teaching' on that day too.  On Thursday the 5th I have my first treatment of Taxol and it will only be given to me1 time every 3 weeks. 

I will not have to have any more surgery to cut out any of the nodes.  She said the nodes will continue to metastatsise (sp?) so there is no reason to keep mutilating me.  I also get to keep my implants so big YaY to that. 

I don't have a prognosis yet of how long this is supposed to give me so I'll just go along with the program until I don't. 

I'm encouraged that it's only once every 3 weeks but at the same time discouraged that it's only once every 3 weeks because it seems that's not very aggressive and she's just 'doing something to be doing something'  Having it in my lymph system is kinda bad so she just is going to treat me systemically. 

So, that's all I have to report now.  I'm glad I know....it will be business/Christmas as usual because I feel pretty good.  So you all have a blessed holiday and thank you again for your prayers and support!  I guess I may pop in on the Stage IV forum, but you ladies are my true heart and soul...I hope you know that!

Love you Team!

Kat

binga

Wow Kat seems like a lot to digest. Glad to hear it hasn't gotten to any vital organs. I will be keeping you in my prayers that this chemo will really do its job. I think the stage IV forum will be a big help to you as so many of the ladies on there know their stuff and can help you along the way but of course Team January will always be here for you!



I hope you and the rest of our team have a merry Christmas!



Love you all so much!



Becky

burley

Kat!  Just came on to see how you're doing.  I applaud your attitude/outlook-that will help with the battle.  I understand your concern about it being every 3 weeks-that's what mine was (although I had the ACT combo.)  I don't know much about Taxol on it's own, but I'm sure they're doing what is exactly appropriate for your.  So glad to hear it's not in any vital organs, and hopefully the Taxol will do it's job to not have it move into your lung.

I know it's frightening, but your family, your community and especially all of us here are rallying behind you and have full faith that you will conquer this.  We love you lots, and I'm sure we all wish we could be there for a group hug and prayer.  I hope you feel all of our support.

Have a terrific holiday if I don't talk to you before-that goes for everyone else as well :-) 

faithandfifty

(((((((((((((((((((((((Kat))))))))))))))))))))))))))

((((((((((((((((((((((Kat)))))))))))))))))))))))))))

(((((((((((((((((((((KAT)))))))))))))))))))))))))))

It's at times like this that I wish I was brilliant. I wish that I understood everything from your complete report to us. I know that you have a grasp on what you've been told & for that I am so grateful that you have such a sharp mind + a background in medicine.

You are uniquely qualified to be your own advocate. We will be here cheering and screaming at the same time.

When you're ready you can reach out to the Stage IV boards and they will rally you like crazy, answer all your questions and hold your hand as needed.

Sending you all the holly-jolly distraction and genuine joy that the weekend can immerse you inside -- down to your tippy toes.

xx00xx00xx00xx00xx00xx

Strength and courage.

Strength and courage.

Strength and courage.

faithandfifty

Kat and Team January.

I just wrote a blog post -- dedicated to our team here.

Here's the address:

http://www.rainbowswithinreach.blogspot.com/2011/12/blue-christmas-re-run.html

It's a 're-run' of a post I wrote exactly two years ago..... before I had my mamo that set everything in motion, before I met all of you!

It's dedicated to Kat and everyone else who may need some support in the face of the holidays.

It's entitled a "Blue Christmas" and based on reflections from a unique church service I attended two years ago tonight.

xx00xx00xx00xx