2011 Sisters

justmejanis

RJ....I am so glad to hear you are doing so well.  That is awesome.  Hey recliner time is good, and if you can sneak in a nap, even better!  I did not have a drain either so really can't help you there.  It sounds like you have it figured out though.  I hope it works.  Continue to rest when you can and feel better.

Kitty.....not a chance I will forget my sisters here!  You ladies have already helped me more than you know.  I would never dream of calling someone in the middle of the night.  If I am upset, can't sleep, at least this will be a place to come and talk about things.  Maybe someone else will be up that late, you never know.  The gals from Angel Care were great, but I feel here like we are all going through this together.  That is a special bond. 

Jenn welcome back to reality......sorry it came crashing back.  I understand all the anxiety you are feeling, and especially the WAIT.  We all hate that part.  I sure hope you had a fabulous time.  Deep breaths....if you do the lumpectomy/rads/Tamifoxen route you will do just great.  One day at a time I know.  Keeping you in my thoughts always as with everyone else here.  I hold you all close to my heart.  Everyone take good care, hope you are all doing well.

Hugs and more hugs,

Janis

Knicastro2

Welcome tssheps, and greetings to everyone else who has been writing. This is a group of wonderful women who will provide the support and Information you need to get through this bump in the road. We all know how mind consuming this diagnosis is. You will never be alone here. My kids have been wonderful through this and you know that your family is just as scared as you. I forgot about that many times. You have our thoughts and prayers with you all the time.

I also just had a lumpectomy so my recovery from surgery was easy and I did not have any drains.

I did use the cold packs for about a week and that kept the soreness and swelling down.



Justmejanis-I hope that score is low this week!!

I start radiation tomorrow. I really like the team I am with and I am very lucky that I have access to such good health care here in massachusetts.

Love to you all!

KRomanoFight

Hi Jenn, are you having the MRI biopsy?  I had the same stuff going on after the dx.  I had MRI biopsy for 3 other spots.  They turned out to be nothing, but you're right the wait is the worst.  Honestly it seems like just getting to the next step is where you get hung up.  Thinking of what could be and your mind starts racing.  Taking it one step at a time really works for me. 

I tried to get the front closure sports bras today but they all ran right across where my incision will be.  Didn't see the FOL ones.  So I got a bunch figuring I could use them anyway.  Guess I'll head out somewhere else to find them!

To all good luck and good vibes

jenn333

Hi KRF - no, just MRI for now. Have already had fine needle aspirations on 6 other things in addition to the core biopsy on the tumor we know is cancer. The path report for the FNAs didn't find cancer, only 'mild atypia'. BS thinks probably fibroadenomas but wants MRI to see whatever else may be in there before scheduling biopsies on the additional masses. That sure should be a fun day!



At this point I just want to know the full picture so I can wrap my head around a mastectomy if that's what it will be.



Re bras have you considered bandinis? They're stretchy enough you can step into them if ROM is an issue. So comfy.

jenn333

Thanks Janis. Renewing my acquaintance with Ativan ... Stops me getting too far ahead of myself.

we're off to the airport in 15 minutes so vacation is officially over. Here we go ...



Good luck to all for the coming week, especially those waiting on test results.

meholly

Hi all,

I have been poking around on the site and it has really helped me.  I start chemo on Fri. 

I had to switch docs and hospital so i am closer to home for everything I need since got diagnosed at a hospital that can be an easy hour away with traffic.  Also my husband and I felt we got no answers from the oncologist when the pathology came back.  Beware the "free screening" doesnt really turn out to be free. haha.

So I am 43 with and 8 year old.I had my lumpectomy and nodes done on 7-11 and looking at the next step of chemo.  Took a few days this week trying to decide which day to do mine on since they told me you can't switch once you start and i work in a resteraunt that my busy money day is Sat.

From what i gather from alot of people on here the 1st and 2nd day are okay but the 3rd day is the "worst".

Thanks all before me for helping with answers, also have to try to get my port before friday, yikes!

Also will be getting more testing since the BRAC gene mutation was not found but they only look in 3 places where most have the defect and now they want to look closer.  

justmejanis

Hi Holly and welcome to our group.  I know it is no fun having to discover you have cancer.  Still, we are all in this boat together and we can offer all the love and support and hopefully answers you need.

I had my surgery the same day you did!  I will find out Friday if I need chemo.  That is when I will get my test results back, including the Oncotype test.  I also had a bone scan.  So I have been on pins and needles regarding the wait. 

I am sure chemo is different for everyone.  I would suggest you talk to your oncologist to see what he suggests.  Also talk to your boss at work so they are aware you might have some bad days ahead.  Hopefully you can work out a schedule that is best for you.

Good luck and welcome to the group.  I hope you stay and let us help you through this journey.  Everyone here is warm and wonderful!

|Good luck, and hugs to you.

Janis

KittyGirl2011

Hi Holly, Welcome on board the BC boat.  I think this boat is full of wonderful women who will pitch in and help us all make it to our next port-of-call.  I know it has helped me ALOT and making new friends has been very uplifting to the spirit.  Drop in whenever you need to vent, cry, or just find some humor in this journey.  (((Lots of hugs to you and all my sisters here))).  Kitty

Kymn

Hello ladies, wow I havent posted on this thread for about my  month and am very sorry to see all the newbies here. Welcome and sorry you got drafted to this group but sure is the best place to be for support and information and just somewhere to vent your fears and frustrations.  I am finsihed 6 rounds of chemo 6 weeks PFC and am now in my 3rd week of radiation. It does get better I promise. I have full fuzz on my head lol and hoping in about a month will be able to go without any coverings. Radiation is so much easier than chemo and everyday I feel a bit stronger. I just turned 42 last month and plan on having many many more. Hope you are all doing the best you can and just breathing

Hugs Kymn

TinaT

Kymn:  Good to hear from you!  Sounds like you're hanging on.  I'm sure you look just as beautiful with fuzz as you do in your avatar .  Thanks for checking in and giving those just starting chemo and/or radiation a ray of hope. 

Hugs to all!!!

rjbaby69

Hi Ladies!  Hope you are all doing well today.

Had my doctor's appointment this morning.  As many of you know, I have a drain from the lymph nodes that were taken out.  Well I was so hoping the doctor would remove my drain.  Not to be!  I was so disappointed!  He said that I continue to have more fluid draining off then they like.  My has been anywhere from 30 to 50 cc.  He said the target was less than 10 cc per day.  Dang!  One more week of this noose!  At any rate, he went over the reports with me again.  Everything looked good.  He got all the tumor and clear margins!  Next step is chemo since I had 2 nodes with cancer in them.  I am scheduled to see my doctor on Monday the 22nd.  Please pray that the drain will come out then!  After I see my doctor, I then go meet my onc for a consult and to see where we go from here.  He is a very well-known and respected onc so I feel like I'm in good hands.

Hugs!

KittyGirl2011

Hi RJ, Glad you had clean margins but sorry to hear your still stuck with the drain.  Try to think of it as a side step toward recovery.  You'll soon be back on track and ready for the next phase.  (Hugs) Kitty

justmejanis

Hi RJ....sorry you weren't able to ditch those pesky drains.  Hoping for you for next week!  Sorry about the upcoming chemo but I have read that is standard when any nodes are involved.  I hope everything goes well for you. 

Kymm I am so glad that chemo is behind you and rads are so much easier.  What a relief. 

Hi Kitty!  Hi everyone else.....hope you are all having a real good day.

Always sending those hugs out to you all....

Janis

TinaT

I'm hoping no drains in my future next week, but I realize they serve a purpose.  Unfortunately, my PS is of the "no showers until the drains come out" school.  I had the drains for about 3 weeks with my BMX - hoping the exchange is a bit less invasive so they either won't be necessary or will be in a shorter time!

Take care!

rjbaby69

Thanks everyone.  Hoping it will come out Monday.  I'm anxious to meet my onc doctor.  My step-brother has some sort of blood disease and he takes the chemo pills.  His doctor will be my doctor!  Feel pretty good about that.  A lot of the other women I know that's had cancer has had this same doctor.  So I feel fortunuate.  My doctor did release me to drive my bus again so that lifted my spirits alot.  I start driving the bus tomorrow.  I will also return to my third (yes third) job tomorrow night.  I work at a convenience store part time.  And of course, I still have all that transportation office work to do.  That's what I do in between bus routes.  I am the transportation coordinator for my school district.  Busy, busy, busy!  Although, I realize I may not be able to do all of these things while I'm in treatment, so I will listen to my body and do only what I can.

Hugs!

KRomanoFight

Jenn, good luck with the other biopsies, I totally understand wanting a clear pic before going ahead with anything.  Thanks for the info on the bras.  I ended up finding back closure sports bras.  Still the same concept just have to hook it differently.

To the new comers, sorry but welcome to the club.  This website/blog has been so helpful.  I hope you can find information you are looking for here.  Also to hear encouraging stories and get helpful advice.

Good luck and good night to all!

justmejanis

Wow...I was supposed to get my Oncotype test Friday.  My Navigator, Nanette, called about an hour ago.  The results are in and she made me an appointment for TODAY at 2:00 to find out.  My husband just left early this morning to drive our grandson back to Wyoming.  He will be upset, but I said yes to the appointment today.   I need to know.  Is this the right thing to do....excluding him?  My friend karen was here when the call came and she offered to take me so I said yes.  I have no idea how upset he will be.  Hoping not a lot as this waiting has been terrible for me.  Wow, I am surprised I will know in just a few hours.........I just had to say yes.  Hoping he will understand this!

LovesChristmas-Barb

I would have taken the appointment too Janis! He sounds like the kind of husband who would understand from what you've written...

I'm saying a prayer you get a low score!

TinaT

justmejanis:  I'm sure your DH has been as anxious as you so he should be happy that you can find out a few days sooner.  My fingers are crossed for you!!!

justmejanis

Thanks everyone!  I talked to my husband and he is okay with it.  He totally understands why I need to go today.  He is upset of course but said he knows how long I have waited.  He just asked me to please call him the minute I get out of the office.  That I can do!

KittyGirl2011

Hi Janis,  I'm sure he will understand and is just as anxious to know too.  You had to say yes just for your own peace of mind.  It's okay to make yourself number one right now.  Take care an let us know ASAP your score.  Kitty

justmejanis

NO CHEMO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   Wow I am so happy.  My Oncotype score was 16.  My bone scan was normal.  My Vitamin D level was low, but he said I can take a supplement for that.

I go back Friday to set up the schedule for radiation.  From all I have read, it is nothing to worry about.  I will also start Arimidex, just not sure when.

Thanks everyone, my head is just spinning right now.  Joy!!!!!

juliet62

congrats janis!

justmejanis

Thank you Juliet.  I feel so fortunate yet so bad for all that have to go through chemo.  I will be with you all in spirit. 

Big hugs to all you great ladies!

Janis

KittyGirl2011

  AWESOME JANIS!!!!!!!!!!  YOU REALLY MADE ME SMILE TODAY!Kitty

Knicastro2

Justmejanis, that is great news!! Did you find that report interesting. I can't believe they can get all the information from the specimen. We are lucky to have the onco test as how many women were put through chemo unnecessarily years ago. My husband was not able to come with me either on the day I got the results, they understand how anxious we are and you know it is on their mind also. I have had 3 rad treatments and they are easy. The nurse in the unit recommended Jeans Cream for my skin and all the techs have been wonderful. Once the setup is done, the treatments are quick. I am in and out in no time. I also have to have the bone scan for the arimidex after radiation.

RJ, sorry about the drain removal and You know that we are all with you during whatever treatment you will have. And that goes for all the new sisters. I open this discussion as soon as I get home and feel I know you all in a very special way.

Kathy

KRomanoFight

Yeah Janis....great news!!!!  Good for you and hubby.

Wish me luck, having my lumpectomy and SNB tomorrow AM.

Good night.

KittyGirl2011

KRomanoFight,  All my good wishes for you tomorrow.  Hoping for clean margins and no node involvement.  Rock on girl and you'll do well.  Kitty

TinaT

justmejanis:  EXCELLENT!!! 

TinaT

KRomanoFight:  Best wishes for a smooth and uneventful surgery!!!