Winter rads 2014-2015

CoyoteNV

Quiggy, Mqt64 and (MeanMom) ~ My thoughts are with you on all of your healing issues.  I think most of us have and expect some sort post bc issues but what you are going through is way way beyond that. I know it is not easy to change doctors (I did it), but when things continually go so very bad, you really have to consider it - even if it means going to a major medical center somewhere else.  Is that any possibility?  This whole thing reminds me of that recent news article stating that scientists have determined getting cancer is basically just "bad luck". I think "not".  There is a problem somewhere and you just might need an entire new medical team.

Love you guys.

CoyoteNV

Guess I didn't tell you that I've had a run of issues and news myself.  Some good, some not so much.  Good news first: I had scans last week and I found out yesterday that I am cancer clear.  Yipee!  Not so good news: I apparently came out of this process with Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease.  Further tests are being done because there are differences of opinion about that determination.  I guess chemo can push diabetics in that direction.  Really super awful news: My precious Sunny cat passed last week from feline renal failure. This has really taken the joy out of the good news department.  Not coping well with it. 

PoppyK

Sorry all of your news isn't good, Coyote! All of this cancer treatment is so hard on our bodies. Of course, cancer free is fantastic news. The death of a furry baby is difficult. We love them so much, spent so much time with them and they are always glad to see us. My furry pets were a great source of comfort and companionship as I went through treatment. ((Hugs))

WndrWoman

I agree with PoppyK about our animals standing by us, giving comfort and love and reassuring routines during treatment. I am so sorry Coyote for your loss. It leaves a hole in your heart. What does the kidney thing mean in terms of impact and treatment for it? Still we celebrate your NED status regarding the breast cancer. Terrible though the damage left in the wake of that treatment.

zjrosenthal

Coyote, glad for the no cancer news. My condolences on the loss of your furry friend and on your kidney issue. Love, Jean

Nancy6540

Coyote that is really super awful news, I am so sorry for your loss! Great news about the cancer screening though. {{Hugs}}

Quiggy, Mqt64, and MeanMom, sending good thoughts to you for quick healing, I can't imagine what you are all going through. God Bless you! {{Hugs}}

It's funny, I have always been shy about writing on forums. Scared that someone would pick apart my feelings that I express. So I "read" more than I "post". This forum however, feels like I know each of you personally, like "old friends". Thank you for this outlet, it has been a lifesaver for me during this horrible disease.

Nancy

kayfry

Hey, everyone. I've been absent, for the most part, since a little while after I finished rads at the end of March, and kind of assumed this group had kind of moved on. I"m so sorry to see that some of you are still having major issues. Coyote, so sorry for your loss. Quiggy, this sucks, stay strong. Mqt64,same.

Once I finished treatment and started to feel more like myself (probably 3-4 weeks after finishing rads, since I also caught a bad flu-like virus about a week out), various family and work issues kicked in and I just haven't found enough energy to be here as much. But I think about everyone here a lot, and hope things are getting better.

I have been pleasantly surprised at how my rads skin has healed up after about 6 weeks. I continue to apply Miaderm (which I'll soon be out of) twice a day. The redness and even the brownness has pretty much faded away, my skin feels normal—not rough or hard—and the Lx scar has also diminished more than I could have guessed (now about 4 months out from Lx). I still have the big dent on the underside of my breast where the Lx was, so things are misshapen, and I think the swelling from rads has gone down enough that yes, maybe there's some shrinkage of my breast. Or maybe that's just the chunk that was taken out in surgery, which was larger than expected going in. I didn't have much to start with and I don't love it but am undecided (leaning against) about doing PS in the future. I found bras that work and I just feel like getting on with my life at the moment.

I follow up with BS (with mammo) in July, will also follow up with PS to discuss potential options that month, then follow-up with radiation nurse practitioner in November. After that I don't know what my follow-up regimen will be. I'm not doing hormonal therapy so have no MO in the picture.

It's never over but for me, it feels sort of over for the moment. I really hope everyone still struggling turns the corner to better times very soon.

mqt64

Coyote, so glad about your cancer- free news! Hopefully they will get your kidney issues sorted out soon. So sorry about your kitty. Our furry friends are always our most constant true comfort buddies.

My news is mostly good. Just goes to show what a good night's sleep and a sense of some control can do! Went to hyperbaric treatments today and my PS happened to be the supervising doc checking ears and lungs. (A doc always has to check your ears and lungs after every treatment.) Anyway, I took the opportunity to voice my concerns and he was wonderful! He took the time for an unscheduled visit and examined "the breast " and agreed with me that more surgery is likely to effect a complete closure.He also wants the best odds of post- radiated tissue to heal. Thus another week of HBO and I see him on June 1st to figure out what's next.I guess the bottom line for me is that he listens and explains rationale for his decisions. Culture results still pending. Can't wait to get out of Dodge for my niece's wedding in Ohio this weekend. My dad is 93 and every chance to spend time with him is a blessing. He is funny and just finished painting his basement floor after "supervising" putting 2 sump pumps in! Smart as a tack and very wise. He is a treasure! !

I am rambling. So sorry. Looking forward to going home. Haven't seen anyone since my diagnosis. And I will truthfully tell them I'm OK.

Beachbum1023

Coyote, I am so sorry about your special furry friend. Our pets are all truly family and very dear to us all. Good news on cancer clear!! I am so very happy for you. That is the brass ring we all want and need. You got it! I do hope they can resolve the kidney disease and make it easy for you. You have done so much for all us, we are all here for you, we got your back! Take Care, Cheryl

Reader425

I've seen a couple of ladies say this - I thought our winter rads group had packed up. Good to see its not so however I'm definitely saying prayers for those of you struggling with lingering issues. I am okay and tolerating arimadex pretty well. First bilateral mammogram scheduled for August and have my MO and RO follow up visits now and all seems ok.

Kind thoughts, prayers and hugs to all.

Sjacobs146

Coyote, sending hugs to you. So sad to hear about the loss of your beloved pet. I have been there, and somehow it can be harder than losing a human.

CoyoteNV

Thank you all for your kind thoughts.  I feel the hugs.

I wish my scan results for all of you. It is a step in the right direction for sure.  Maybe it is just my current state of mind, but I realize that I will still be looking over my shoulder.  If NED meant forever, I wouldn't be scheduling an appointment with my MO in three months.  I'm content to be happy about today.

The kidney disease (damage?) thing is going to require more tests, more dietary adjustments and perhaps a specialist.  The new blood work that my MO ordered did indicate that there was a pretty substantial change in the pre to post chemo numbers.  There is a bit of difference of opinion about what that means as far as severity of the situation goes.  In an off the record conversation with a nurse that had renal failure and received a kidney transplant (information beyond textbook knowledge - she lived it!) the numbers indicate that there was some damage, but not enough to be life threatening "at this time".  Hooray.  Hmm. Diabetes - Limit carbs.  CKD - Limit the things that you eat when you don't eat carbs - protein, fats, and a lot of the yummy yellow and green fruits and vegetables. A couple of the surprising ones are tomatoes, broccoli, cooked spinach, and cantaloupe.

I have occasionally substituted baked sweet potato for baked white potato because of glycemic load considerations for the blood sugar thing. For CKD, it is the exact opposite.  I honored the new dietary restrictions and had hash browns for  breakfast yesterday.

Hugs back to you all. Fight on.

quiggy

Hi Coyote, so happy for your NED report!!! Saddened by the kidney dx and the loss of your beloved Sunny.

Hopefully with your changes you can keep the kidney issues controlled.

Please be sure to keep us posted! I feel such a strong bond with all our sisters.

quiggy

Hi everyone...

Thanks foR all the support. I just love all you ladies!!

BS appointment this morning. Not sure what will happen. Yesterday two blisters appeared near the infection site, no idea what the heck that mean, guess I'll find out... or who knows.

quiggy

Its official, today SUCKS!!!!

Have to go through surgery on the 9th. The plan is to cut out the tissue that's not going to heal, look for other issuesand biopsy. He's concerned about a cancer potential.

To start this new hell, I'm having mammogram and ultrasound this afternoon. Wouldn't be a problem but my poor boob is so painful.

I tried to go back to work but can't quit crying. I'm devastated.

PoppyK

Quiggy, I just logged in and am so sorry you are going through all of this cr@#! I hope they take it easy on your poor boob during your mammo and ultrasound. I'm in your pocket this afternoon while you go to these appointments.

More surgery, additional biopsies.... there are just no words to describe what you are going through. I care about you and am thinking about you and praying for you. ((Hugs))

I wish I could be there to offer my support in person. :-(

ladyb1234

Ah Quiggy, my heart goes out to you. I want your issues and pain to go away! Like now!. I hope you feel the hug virtual hug I and many others are sending your way. I am praying that your biospy comes back clean, clean, clean!

Coyote, big hug to you also. I am sorry to hear about your Kitty Sunny -- it is very hard. Rejoicing that your scans were NED and hope you are able to get the Kidney usage managed and sorted out very soon and that it because easier for you.

Mtq64, how are you doing?

Take care, -Angie

WndrWoman

Oh, quiggy, you so deserve a break. I am sorry, sorry, sorry for all you are going through. Hoping there will be not so much pain. Sending major hugs.

As Kayfry said you don't know if it ever ends. That's why I objected to my program using the name survivorship for the post - treatment group. Anxiety and side effects linger even when NED.

Mqt64 - looking brighter which is good.

Nancy - all feelings accepted here. Life with cancer opens up the whole Pandora's box.

zjrosenthal

Quiggy, I'm sorry you have to go through this. Please post a reminder on the 8th so those of us who pray, can prat you through the surgery. Praying for you right now. Love, Jean

cbooklvr

Quiggy sending you big HUGS, hope things improve soon. I don't remember if you are happy with your doctor, but 2nd opinion is always an option before having more surgery.

I know it's , way past Winter but I am finally done with Rads. Yay! I have 3 open red areas but overall my skin held up well. Just a few more months of Herceprin and 1 more surgery to go.

Cherice

CoyoteNV

This is our list of Winter Warriors as of May 20, 2015 - We made it to the finish line.  Just look at all of us! Remember when we thought we would never get there?

October / November Start

MeneK – Oct 24 .................... MagicalBean - Oct 28......... Mmtagirl - Nov 3

MarieBernice6234 - Nov 4  ... Hope50 - Nov 5 ..................  dennyvol - Nov 5

CAS4 - Nov 6 ........................ Beachbaby65 - Nov 4 .......... CoyoteNV - Nov 10 

Lush61 - Nov 13 .................... Rosa54 - Nov 13 .................  Beachlady28 – Nov 17

Nomatterwhat - Nov 17 ......... LMVerma  Nov 18 ................ katieC12 – Nov 18

Lorrilynne - Nov 18 .............. Gongshow18 - Nov 20 .........Yikes1 - Nov 20

Birdgirl11 - Nov 23 .............  Perfectlyimperfect39 - Nov 23 Singsing1020 -

December Start

Pita119 - Dec 1 .................. SandyLovesLucy - Dec 1......... AnasNana - Dec 1

 HockeyCat - Dec 3 ......... . CanuckMom Dec 4 ................  MeanMomto3 - Dec 4

JustJean - Dec 5 ...............  runningcello - Dec 9 ............... carynbrit - Dec 10

 ForHisGlory - Dec 10 ........ Davida58 - Dec 10 ....................SCMom - Dec 11

eileenpg - Dec 16 .............. Linzer – Dec 16 ....................... WndrWoman - Dec 16

 sweetbanker - Dec 16 ........  labelle - Dec 17 .......................  Slavrich - Dec 27

InGodshands - Dec 18 ....... Catie57 - Dec 18 ........................ lilactulip - Dec 18 

 PoppyK - Dec 29 .............. kpmacmill - Dec 29 ....................  Jlynn13 - Dec 29

 gretchy - Dec 29  ...............Bellegirl - Dec 30 

January Start

reader425 - Jan 2 ................ILCMom - Jan 2 ....................... Purrrrana99 - Jan 5

Cath57 - Jan 5  .................. Professor50 - Jan 5 ....................fossf - Jan 7

Lulubelle1 - Jan 8 ............. lescover - Jan 8 .......................  Nancy6540 - Jan 12 .

Saltygirl - Jan 12  ...............aj103014 - Jan 12 .................... Fionascottie - Jan 13  

Magdalene51 - Jan 15  ...... quiggy - Jan 19  ....................... Annie88 - Jan 19

chtease - Jan 19 ................ Bippy625 - Jan 20 ......................Dacre - Jan 20

feelingoverwhelmed - Jan 20 ....KYBLUEEYES - Jan 20 ......Beachbum1023 - Jan 22

Cavalier - Jan 22 ................ mqt64 - jan 26 ........................... Sjacobs146 - Jan 26  

Windgirl - Jan 28 .................. Hotrodmommy - Jan 29

February Start

JeniferE - Feb 1 ..................  LARock - Feb 2 .............  Chrissie29 - Feb 2

gemmafromlondon - Feb 2 .keri71 - Feb 6 ....................  ladyb1234 - Feb 9

Mm68 - Feb 10 ................... CassieCat - Feb 12 ............ Texas94 - Feb 16

Leslie58 - Feb 16 ..............  farmerma - Feb 23 ............. Dotwithkitties - Feb 23

SunnySydeUp - Feb 23 .... Allmodestyisgone - Feb 24 .... brandyrose - Feb 26

Scubawoman - Feb 26

March Start -

sybilskelton - Mar 2 ............gtlucky - Mar 2  .....................  Viceroy - March 3

Kayfry - Mar 4  .....................  WheelyGirl - March 5 ............ Booklady1 - Mar 9

Hygeia - Mar 13 ....................  zjrosenthal Mar 16 ................. Shelleym1 - Mar 16 

Rad Sisters transferred to the Spring Group

Redhead01 - Mar 23

cbooklvr - April 13

Special Sister Warriors and Warriors who stopped for a visit, but for various reasons didn't stick around. No start date determined.  We wish them well.

Minnielee; surrrana99; Coloradocancermom; Shuf; bjeaneg, knittingPT, Shayne36, KGotThis, ckr1956, funthing42, MaggieCat, intothewoods

No Rads needed !! Hooray!!  ThinkingPositive .....................Mary59G

= Reported Complete

 = Should be Complete by now.

That's a Wrap! Or Not!  It sounds like the Marines but, Once a Warrior, Always a Warrior!

Best of Luck to All my Winter Warrior Sisters!  Love, Hugs, and Prayers to you all.

Jana aka "CoyoteNV"

 

quiggy

i will Jean, thank you so much.

Got through the mammogram and ultrasound this afternoon. Tough day. Brought all the horrific memories of the last time down this path. I cried through most of it, maybe more than the last time.

Now to face my DH who's been wonderful but he's suffered immeasurably through this, now have to drag him here again.

I'm searching for the strength to get through this.

CoyoteNV

Quiggy ~ The word "cancer" is very scary to us, but these tests can rule it OUT as well as say that it is there. The tests can be your friends.  I know you have been through so much and it does wear you down physically and emotionally; it seems so very difficult to bear the weight of that last straw that wants to break you. Go deep inside and find the strength. Clearly it is there. I've read it in your posts. All you need is the tiniest thread of strength to get hold of; pull on it to gather enough strength to weave a super woman cape to wrap around you. We are all sending energy your direction to support you in this.  Can you feel it? 

Years ago, I woke up one morning and had a story buzzing in my head.  I went to my computer and started typing in words. More words came. The words turned into pages and the pages turned into chapters and the chapters turned into a book.  How this fits this situation is that I did not write that book.  It materialized under my fingers as if there were strings from Heaven guiding them over the keyboard.  The energy is out there waiting to be accessed.  Each of us is sending you strength and energy through our thoughts and prayers. Gather it in my friend, my sister, the Warrior Woman! Throw that cape over your shoulders and know you can and will handle it.  Does NOT mean you gotta' like it!  #itching and screaming is allowed.

Sending strength and energy.

Beachbum1023

quiggy, I got your back. I am so sorry that you have another bump in the road. I wish you the best! Cheryl

mqt64

Quiggy, my dear friend, at least that is how I think of you. I can't imagine starting over again with the mammogram and US. But as has been mentioned they may bring you some peace on the cancer front. The thought of another surgery is daunting,I know. Mine is pretty much assured. I have no brilliant advice but to wrap yourself in the love that surrounds you and when the load is too heavy let that love carry it for you. Cry and scream if you need to. It's Ok. Just as you have pulled through before you will do so again. I'm counting on it. Together we warriors can do anything.

My preliminary culture came back positive so am back on antibiotics. Hopefully the right one as the sensitivity is not back. Another week of hyperbaric treatments and then the surgery will be decided upon. What a long strange trip it's been. Keep on keeping on. Hugs. Marge

quiggy

Thank you my cherished friends. I do feel like we're all friends, can't share what we've shared and not have a bond.

Yesterday was pretty awful. It brought back many horrible memories of our initial journeys. Hearing them talk about tumors and cancer and procedures, being poked and mauled .... This time I knew what they were saying and I was scared, sad and angry... To my core!

As we've all done before, now comes the waiting for test results, waiting for next procedures waiting to see what will happen to me. Remember that awful part.

The 9th will be here, I'll do the surgery and hope for a clean biopsy. Then hopefully no more infection or pain. Maybe July will begin a better path.

Thank you all for your support and love. I need it so very much right now. My inner strength is less then it needs to be. Your support helps more then you know.

kayfry

Thinking of you, Quiggy.

ladyb1234

Quiggy, thinking of you and here for you. Wish I could be right there with you and have a good girlfriend chat and give you a huge (((((HUG))))).

-Angie

quiggy

Thanks everyone, I can't tell you how much your support and true understanding means to me.

I'm hoping the lump is benign but terrified it will be more cancer. Either way, it's so hard to wait and face this scenario again. I wonder if this will be my "New normal.". Wonder if it's not, if ilk win this round.

Im in pain, scared, in denial, angry.... you get it.

Ready for the 9th so I can get this crap moving.

CoyoteNV

Quiggy ~ I know that the idea of a second time around is really frightening and disheartening.  I can tell you first hand that it happens and that you could get through it if that is the circumstance.  Yes, I believe, to a degree, that what you are going through is all of our  "new normal".  Not the infection and struggle with getting it cleaned up, but the mental struggle with a lump, a pain or any other suspicious body change.  Yesterday, I had an ultrasound in an attempt to figure out what is going on with my kidneys. Yesterday, I looked at a several year old scar from a benign biopsy on my leg that is now festering for some reason and said to myself that I need to show that to my MO when I see her in June.  My doctors all told me that my best defense is "vigilance".  To me that says that "when and if" it comes back, we need to catch it early.  It does not say that "we got it" and go have a stress free life.  One thing that will come of this ordeal, whether this is a false alarm for you or not, you will never, never, never, become complacent and assume that you are not at risk for recurrence (as if that were ever a real possibility).  This changes us - adversity has a way of doing that. 

Hugs to you.