2012 sisters

Chrisrenee77

Thanks Tazzy- I tried to get her on here and she said that she's not into this whole computer thing. She's not into sharing about her history, because back then all they did was cut the breast off and send them home and they didn't talk about it like we do. They were made to feel ashamed of it all. She's the strongest woman I know.

Scottiee1

Hi Ladies....I met a lady today who told me about her husband......he is a 29 yr survivor

of lung cancer....I know it's not BC, but some women do end up with mets to the lungs

So it gave me great hope for them.



Chrisrenee.....thanks for sharing your gran with us....a hug from me also.

Chrisrenee77

Thanks Scottie I will.

Tazzy

chrisrenee... shaking my head ?  Can you imagine that happening - OMG !  I cant, but then like everything it was different in those days eh?  Wow ... what a lady.

Scottie.. 29 year survivor from lung cancer - which is still the biggest killer - amazing. Something to be celebrated.

Ladies, I will bid you goodnight.  Watching the US Elections.  I have to say that I find Canadian Politics quite boring compared to the UK and US ones - sorry, but that is of course only IMHO   In fact, I have always been interested in US politics.. even when I lived in the UK and since the Kennedy's.

maryah930

Tazzy, we love Canada and also want to buy some property in or around Tofino, one of our favorite places.  My MOL, at age 68 (now 74) bought property in St. John, NB, during the last administration, built a one-room cabin (with assistance, but an active particpant), it has an outhouse, no real indoor plumbing and last year gave it to my hubby and me in case we ever had to flee the country.  She still spends every summer there by herself.  Depending on the results tonight, it will be our vacation home or our new home.  

jenjenl

I meet my Onc dr yesterday (he actually treated/cured Rick Hendrick's rare cancer).  People either said that you like him or don't.  I loved him, although I did have to correct him once on the pathology report (which i was proud of...i know what's up).  He wants to change the approach (original: chemo, surgery - both breasts, rads) to surgery, chemo, rads.  He says he can not feel these lumps at all so can't really check the progress and with the mammary node involved he wants to get it out. 

An hour later the breast surgeon called (I mean I am shocked at how integrated all this is) and said the plan is (if the biopsy on the left breast comes back -) to remove the right breast, chemo, rads, then take the left off at recon time.  His thought let's go after what we absolutly have to during the critical time.  He knows how strongly I feel about both being removed.

So within a 24 hour period the plan changed 3 times.  Tomorrow I have the big tests I have been stressing about the CT and bone.  Also, the biopsy on that other lump the MRI found - even if they say they don't think it's anything I'm going to make them biopsy it for peace of mind. So, I will be at the hospital from 930 - 5 tomorrow...like a job!

Surgeon says by Tuesday I will have the full picture/plan and surgery date. They also are going to insert a chemo port bc my veins are crap.

Today I have hope, but I am going to be a wreck tomorrow.  I just wish my back would calm down and not hurt so much. 

I am SO happy the elections are over!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a good day Ladies.  I can't wait to be a little less self absorbed and ask about ya'll and get to know you.

Cindi74

jenjenl,  If the doctor gave you anxiety med and pain pill of some kind, now is the time before scans.  Especially if they have trouble finding veins.

Scans are a breeze if you are calm and they can find a vein.  Knowing that you have some pain protection (not from scan but from vein stick) will calm you and make it easier for the nurse.  Hope you have good friend or hubby to go with you to drive,

Sounds like you have  a great team who is on top of it.  Hugs, Hugs, Hugs.  In many ways it gets easier after this. 

You will love the port.  Ask for numbing cream prescription.

PaEaglesFan

Chrisrenee, Wonderful picture, you both look radiant!
And thank you for sharing your grandmother's wonderful outcome.  Hearing results like hers have gotten me through my own treatment.

juneaubugg

Jen; not sure I'd want to go through a mx recovery period twice. If you want both removed why wait for recon? I'd ask about it. If you will need TEs then they'd have to put one in and you'll have to wait sn additionsl 6-10 weeks for your final exchange surgery. Are you having immediate recon after your mx? This way they remove the breast and put in a TE at the same time. Then you get expanded and go through chemo.



Perhaps private message Ramols. She has had the exact same order of treatments (surgery with recon., chemo, and she's have rads and her final reconstruction/exchange surgery). I don't know about that part since I didn't need rads.



Hope that helps.

Anonymous

In the BGC watching the rain and wind out the window. My MO ordered a brain CT scan for right after txt today since i have had this headache for over a week. She thinks all is fine but wants to be sure. Trying not to freak out but... At least I will get the results today. Hope you are all good.



Jen - I would be happy to chat with you.

liefie

Chrisrenee, your granny's story is exactly what we need to hear - thanks for sharing it!

Jejnjenl, it sounds as if you've got a medical team who are trying to find the best solution for you. I had one breast removed with TE placed, chemo and rads. Will have the other breast removed next May when I get DIEP flap reconstruction for both. Just hang in there for tomorrow. The scans are not painful at all, and hopefully you will get those results pronto so that you can relax. (((BIG HUGS!)))

Ramols, thinking of you in the BCG. One less to go after today - yay! Don't worry to much about the CT scan - chances are excellent it is nothing. I think it is Sandy that gave you that headache - lol.

teeballmom

Jensen: Sounds like you have a great team. Thinking of you.



Ramols: Thinking of you during your Brain scan today. I'll be in your pocket.



So I am sitting in the BGC right now getting my 10th Taxol/Herceptin. Yay! Only 2 more Taxol to go and then rads. I am not too sure what that will entail. When I spoke with my ONC it sounds like she is going to be in charge of that also or oversee it. Made me feel a lot better. She is definitely my security blanket.



Take care everyone.

liefie

Teeballmom, so you're almost done with the Taxol? Yay! Rads are easy after chemo, and it is good that you have so much faith in your onc. That helps a lot!

halfcan

That's awesome Teeballmom!  It's gotta feel good that the end of chemo is near!  I too will have rads after chemo.  I saw my RO last week for the first time and she told me I will be only doing the minimum 16 but they will be intense.   I hope the same number for you!

teeballmom

Thank you liefie and halfcan. I am a little nervous about being away from active treatment where I see my doctor regularly but definitely excited.



Take care.

PaEaglesFan

Don't worry Teeballmom.  You will have follow up appointments with all of your Dr's and it seems mine are going to work out that I see one of them each month for the 1st 6 months.  RO is next week and BS is Mid-Dec.  When I asked at my RO's office about follow ups and she heard that I already have those 2 scheduled, he will probably want me to come in January.  
I think they know our anxiety about being 'alone' and set it up this way so we can be weaned lol

PaEaglesFan

Oh... and don't forget your 'regular' Dr visits.  I have one of those next month too!

jenjenl

Ok ladies they just called me and I have my surgery scheduled for monday at 1130.  I have an US tomorrow to see if what is in the left is suspicious...if it is both breasts come off on monday, if not then only the naughty one but the other will be removed at reconstruction time.  (I will also post to the surgery forum but want to hear from you!)

I need to understand recovery time?

Condition to deal with kids?

The worst part?

What kind of clothes should I buy?  Just comfortable, button up, etc?

I get 12 weeks paid at 100%, then 12 weeks at 65% pay.  I want to save some of the STD for when I need recon.   I would like to at least do a good recovery and get the 1st chemo treatment before going back to work.  I want to work during chemo to save some time.

Thoughts from the wise women???

Chrisrenee77

Whohoo done with fills now the wait starts. All paperwork is being submitted to insurance today. Oh crap this is really happening! Eeeek!

jenjenl

juneaubugg

I had the same concern to which I will be addressing with him on Friday. I will have the breast removed and then the TE placed.  I had my mind set remove both, TE, chemo, rad, recon.   I don't know all the short hand yet.

liefie

Jenjenl, recovery time will depend on a few factors. If they remove only one breast with sentinel/axilla node biopsy, it will be easier to move, because you will have full use of your arm on the unaffected side. I would say within a week you will be able to function reasonably well, although you will not be able to do much with the arm on the operated side. Don't think you will be able pick up kids with that arm soon, because it will be too painful. Better to sit down and let them come to you. Kids are amazing, and will soon catch on that Mom needs to be handled with care.

When you have a double mastectomy, it is a whole different ball game. There will soon be ladies along to tell you what that is like. The worst part is the drains that you have to empty a few times a day. It is like a puppy that is attached to you 24/7. Button-up clothes are the best. I found a mastectomy bra/vest type of garment that zips in the front. It has four little bags sewn in to hold the drains out of the way, otherwise they snag on door handles etc. when you walk. You should be able to find something like that in the bra department of any big store.

If you get radiation with TE's in place, the further recon surgery will probably be postponed to give your skin and tissues time to settle after rads. I have to wait about eleven months to get a DIEP flap done. It is always better to be patient. In the meantime I can exercise, get fit and strong, and mentally prepare myself to face that surgery so that I will recover from it quickly.

Some women sleep in a recliner after mastectomy. I could sleep in bed, but I had only one removed. Hope this info helps a little. You have a good attitude and sound ready to do battle - way to go! We'll be here to cheer you on.

Chrisrenee77

jenjen- I had a BMX back in June. Liefie is correct about not being able to pick up kiddos. You won't want to pick up anything heavier than a glass. As far as recovery goes, I was back to work 3 weeks later. The BMX doesn't hurt as bad as what your head tells you. The drains are the most uncomfortable part of it all. I only had mine in for a week. Sleeping is another story, I didn't get to sleep in my bed until around a week and a half. I slept in my recliner, it was the most comfortable thing ever. When you get to sleep in your bed, use a body pillow to somewhat prop yourself up with if you are a side sleeper.

hope this helps.

christy

PrincessPincushion

It's been a while since I've been here, but it looks like you all have been busy! I had my first round of chemo yesterday, and it wasn't nearly as bad as I'd feared. Did anyone else have serious facial flushing the next day? I feel like my cheeks are on fire! Also, I had to go in this afternoon for a neulasta shot. My doc said to take a Claratin last night to help with the pain, and I did, but now my jaw is killing me! Did this happen to anyone else? Owie! It's a good thing I have a soft-foods dinner for tonight, but it wasn't even planned that way.

Is it odd for me to be almost excited about losing my hair? It's strange, but my little girls and I have made some fun plans for when I'm bald, such as painting me like a Christmas ornament, and letting them decorate me with sparkly temporary tattoos, that now I'm almost looking forward to it.

I think that's where I've found my sanity - in laughter. My husband and I get the oddest looks at our appointments, because we sit and laugh over everything. It's amazing what it can do for you, and how well it dispells fear.

Take care, my BC sisters!

SharonS

Hi Ladies

I have IDC again in the other breast. It is still pretty hard to wrap my brain around. Found a stain on my bra while getting dressed which started all the testing. Decided on BMX and reconstruction. Surgery scheduled for 20 Nov.

Hate to meet people this way but the communities were a lifesaver for me last time

Chrisrenee77

sharon- so sorry that you have to do this again. I think this is one reason why I decided to do BMX. I couldn't and didn't want to go through all the emotions again. We are here for you, if you need anything let us know.

hugs

christy

SusannahW

Oh Sharon, I am so sorry to hear your news. It must seem like a repeating nightmare. I think it will not be so difficult this time, you will know what to expect, and will not be so frightened. This time you know you can get through it, you've done it before.



We are all here for you, and care about you.

Xoxo

Scottiee1

Sharon, ditto from me and, as you know, you will get all the support you need here from these wonderful women.

liefie

Amethyst, welcome back! So glad your first chemo went well. Yes, I had the red face too. Apparently it is caused by the steroids (Decadron) that you take to prevent an allegic reaction to the chemo. Good to involve your children in the hair story. That way it will be fun for them, and not so scary. And yes, laughter is the best medicine.

Sharon, so sorry to hear the news that nobody wants to hear. 20 November is not that far away, and we will be here to talk you through the whole thing. Keep us posted, please.

PrincessPincushion

Oh, I'm so sorry, Sharon! I have no words beyond that. {{{HUGS}}}

KarenZ0305

Sharon I am so sorry. {{{{{BIGHUGS}}}}}