Dancing in Limbo from summer rads 2014

Rosiesride

Laura...good thoughts for you on Tuesday! Wow...I assumed they would do a diagnostic and include the other breast! The appointment was made through my surgeon for the 23rd...but I am seeing my gynocologist...the one who made the call to me last December 10th that I had suspicious tissue(uggg).... So I will be sure to ask her and make sure they check out lefty too!! Glad you mentioned that sunshineinky!!

Have a lump on the right side of my neck for about 2 weeks so I went to get it checked out yesterday...in the middle of teaching doc called to say they had a 12:00 so I had to scramble and leave for appt....it's these little things that totally bring me back to last year ...same setting...same people I have to "hide" things from (including my sister down the hallway) , fellow teachers, parents, etc., and it's like post traumatic stress! We have a very close knit school which is awesome, but it's hard to sneak out in the middle,of the day without friends asking where I am going...and I am terrible at lying! Thankfully doc didn't think it was anything and I got an ultrasound...I will find out details this afternoon....not worried just drained from dejavu...and the thought that we are never really free from the disease...I guess...depending on your stage. Dancing in limbo....

Well, keeping positive thoughts for us all! Have a great Friday everyone! Rosie

Rosiesride

My favorite...

rettemich

Hey everyone! I hope you all had a Great Thanksgiving. I have been gone for a while. Still dealing with issues. Doing better, so far, on the Aromasin. I go for bone scan and first mammo tomorrow. I don't understand why they only are going to do the one as the other is almost on it's year anyway. Dumb. I had a small surgery last month from my PS of course nothing goes according to plan. The surgery was just a "clean up" from my reduction, but somehow I managed to rip open the incision on one side and have been packing it twice a day. Fortunately, that is the side that is still numb, so it doesn't hurt. But I think that is how I opened it to begin with. Couldn't feel it when I over did it. That area made a Great Walking Dead look LOL.

At this point in time I wish I had listened to myself and never did the radiation. It has just caused more issues than I think it really solved. I found out that it can cause your glucose level to rise and now I am considered a diabetic. Of course it was never monitored. Oh I could go on and on .....but I won't.

Sunshine I am so happy that you posted. You have no idea how often I think about you. If things don't change I maybe joining you in the lap band. No matter what I do I can't get the weight off. They just want more drugs. Guess the drug companies are hurting. Sorry I don't mean to sound so bitter, but I guess I am.

Just a tid bit, I was watching a commercial the other day for one of the cancer centers bragging about how they can deliver the highest dose of radiation in one treatment. I just starting laughing hysterically. Seriously?! Guess that was suppose to make people feel better.

Now if they said we can offer the LOWEST amount of radiation and achieve the same results, THAT would be worth bragging about.

Rosiesride

hi gals! Just had my year " cancerversary" day after my birthday...the week of December 15 th at school is filled with hustle and bustle and celebration...it was a weird time for me, but it's over now and on Christmas break! Woot woot!

I go for my diagnostic mammo on Tuesday...I am going to make sure they do both! It's also a year since my last one that showed the cancer lymph node I felt...still trust self exams more than scans and tests!

Wishing you all a joyful and healthy holiday and new year!! Rosie

Rosiesride

hi friends! Wish this board was more active, but I understand why it's not! Besides getting back to our lives after BC, December is a busy season!

Going for my first diagnostic mammo this morning...hoping it doesn't hurt too bad!! Then seeing my surgeon to go over results...never had a mastectomy and wonder if that may be in my future...will cross that bridge whenever!!

Glad this Christmas we will be able to celebrate and enjoy it more...last year at this time I was newly diagnosed and we all know how that felt!

Blessings for a healthy 2015 to all my bc buddies!! Much love and peace, Rosie

lyzzysmom

Rosie good luck with the mamo. Hope everything goes well and we can all have a happy and HEALTHY new year!!

Love Santa in his PJs

Happy holidays everyone!!

This was taken at a hotel. I am too lazy to do stuff myself!

Rosiesride

lyzzysmom ....merry Christmas! They screwed up my mammo appointment and scheduled me for just a screening...REALLY? My screenings nevershowed my cancer...anyway, I have rescheduled for a diagnostic on Monday and will see my surgeon January 8 th...not worried, but will be glad when it's done!

Hope you have a blessed Christmas and very healthy 2015!! Rosie

ohiofan

Good luck with the mammo, Rosie.  I will have a diagnostic on the non-cancer breast in a few weeks for the clinical trial.  ?????I have no idea why.

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to all!!     Thanks for being here this year!!

jen1

Hii ladies I also had rads in summer. Being in limbo is a perfect way to describe how I feel. I have been going and going. I am a teacher I worked through cheno tiook time off to have surgery in may. Started rads in June finished in July went back to work Aug 13. I feel so overwhelmed.

Rosiesride

Merry Christmas ladies!!

jen1...I am also a teacher...kindergarten! Can't believe you worked through chemo...no wonder you feel extra overwhelmed!! I was dx last dec. 17...the last week of school before break...I had surgery before school was back in session but took a medical leave February 3 when I began chemo...I think I would have freaked with germs and all...plus I was ready for a little sabbatical...focused on me and taking care of myself! Hard to do when you are teaching! Don't know how you did it girl!!

I ended rads august 13 and, like you returned to school right after that...been going and going ever since! Love being back to my routine and in my classroom, But I think it helps me not think about things...probably not a good thing from a mental health standpoint but that's how I deal with stuff...

It all hit me in October...so I wanted to start this board and I got help getting it going...I bought a book ...Dancing In Limbo, which talks about how we feel after a year of treatment and doctors...now what??...so, maybe more ladies will be visiting this board...great to see old friends from summer on here!!

Many blessings for a healthy 2015!! Rosie

jen1

Thank you Rosie. I was diagnosed in Oct 2013. Started chemo first in Nov I am also a special ed teacher. Working helped take my mind off things .It was after treatment that it seems like all the stress came on me. I am glad someone understands.

rettemich

Hope everyone had a Wonderful Holiday and Hope the New Year brings joy and health.

I had my first mammo, just on the side that was treated, on the 19th. The Radiologist told me the results. All is good for another 6 months. Yeah!

Now if everything else would be good. I had a DXA scan as I started on Aromasin. To get a base reading on bone density. W-e-l-l of course they found Osteopenia in one of my hips. Great! See the Dr. next month. I'm beginning to feel like I am just living to take meds. I'm sure they will prescribe something, have to keep the drug companies in business. Ugh

Talk about feeling in limbo will it ever end? Vent over......................for now. LOL

Rosiesride

hey rettemich...sorry about bone scan...I had my first diagnostic mammo dec. 29...wished I had asked to speak to radiologist...technician just came out and said it all looked good...REALLY?? Compared to what?? And no ultrasound either...I am scheduled to see surgeon January 8 th to go over results...I told tech I wanted an ultrasound too for my baseline after treatment...she said radiologist didn't feel like it was needed...so I called my surgeon so she could order one...still have not heard! Frustrated, but on the other hand, deep down I don't think any scans are good at detecting things...found my lump with self exam...

But I did ask if both breasts would be done...I feel like my other one has been neglected and that something is lurking in there...ugggg...

Well, hope we all have a healthy 2015 and forever! I am doing our annual Dolphin Dip here in surf city NC...taking a swim in the frigid waters on New Year's Day...last yea at this time I wasanticipating my surgery and treatment...wow...what a difference a year makes! Happy New Year friends!! Rosie

mripp

Happy New Year my friends!! I'll down at the Washinton coast for a few days and relaxing. no work til Jan 8th!! Whoo hoo!!!

lyzzysmom

Oh, I do hope 2015 will get better. Just had the perfect end to a stinking year. Got a call today that my stepfather has died. I only spoke to him Saturday. he was such a sweetie and he was 85.I have known him since I was 16. He had heart issues but went suddenly. He has no close family, only me and a young lady who is his other honorary stepdaughter and who rang me to let me know. I am feeling beat and don't know how I am going to handle everything from 3000 miles away and then I need to go to the funeral. I can't expect this young lady to do everything and she has 4 kids and has taken his old dog that she promised to look after if anything happened. She had to pick her up from the pound where the police took her, poor thing.

I just want to grieve his loss but everything is going to be so complicated that I don't know where to start.I will call his lawyer when they open after the holiday as there is a house choc full of stuff to be sold and a lot of credit card debt and bills that she found going through some of his papers today.

As I am so far away she is his next of kin for the hospital records so I will not be able to get any info from the hospital on when he will be released to funeral home. She and I get along OK so we just need to coordinate what info each of us can get and then I need to arrange for his funeral where he will be buried next to my mum at a beautiful marble church in North Wales but I feel like just keeping my head under the pillow and hoping to wake up and find its all been a bad dream. Hope DH helps out a bit. He DID ask if I want him to go to UK with me. Its a big expense but not sure I can handle any of it myself. I have to get to Manchester England (can be 2 flights if I cant get a direct easily) and then rent a car.

It takes longer to get from London to his house than to London from Boston and I just don't seem to be able to bounce back since rads..

Was supposed to see onc for a check up this month but was procrastinating so thats going to have to wait until I get my act together if I do.

Curlyq1974

Ohhh Izzysmom!  ((((HUGS)))) 

I am so sorry for you loss.  And then the travel and ugg!!  I'll be thinking of you and praying for safe travels. 

ohiofan

I'm with all of you......happy to see 2015 arrive!

Deepest sympathy, Iyzzy.  These things are hard to handle when you are in the same community. Another hemisphere.....wow. Nothing is ever simple.  ( My great grandparents were from Wales.) 

I have my first mammo scheduled for Jan. 13th.....only on the "good" side.  ????? I think it is for the clinical trial. I had one scheduled for April 2nd for both sides, but I see it is off the schedule.  Insurance probably won't pay until another 6 months.  Must do some checking next week.  sigh..

Happy New Year to All!

 

Rosiesride

Izzy...so,so sorry about this great loss for you...hope your travel plans pan out and you find peace...glad to see 2014 hit the road...

Praying only good things ahead for us all...blessings to you all, my friends! Rosie

rettemich

Izzy... I'm So sorry for your loss. That is a lot to deal with. Hope you and your hubby were able to go. I am glad this last year is over. Can only hope this year is better. I totally agree with you on the Rads. Seems like I've had nothing but issues since I finished and just can't seem to recover. I still have pain and areas of swelling.

My incision is finally healing up. Have a line of scabs that itch like crazy LOL

I just saw a PT for some girl related issues, didn't even know there was such a thing. She is working up a treatment plan for me. I actually can't wait to get started, maybe Something in my life can go back to normal.

The Osteopenia that was found on my hip is -1. So it's no too bad. Dr. said she would wait and see and not start any more meds. Just lots of calcium, vit D and weight lifting.

Hope everyone had a Great Holiday.

Sunshineinky

Just wanted to say hello to my favorite ladies! Life is busy. Parts of it suck and other parts are fantastic.

Hope you are all well and happy.

Izzy I'm so sorry about your stepfather!

Rosiesride

good to hear from you Sunshine! Life is busy and maybe we are all moving away from our cancer "life".... So that's a good thing! It's not consuming anymore...hope everyone is well ! I know I will be checking in on here, but haven't been on as much...you all are special ladies! Rosie

gavinsgrandma

Joining, great thread and I too was a Summer Rad, 2014 and defiantly going to get the book.😄

Shary

Louanne

Hi all you special ladies! Have been very busy. My second grandchild was born! No longer on Tamoxifen. Had neuropathy in my calf and foot on one side after 6 months. I'm now on Arimidex. Only for a week though. Completely different than Tamoxifen. Hope you are all doing well. Congrats on school Laura! Welcome Shary!

rettemich

rosie, that is what happened to me. They did a mammo on the treated side, no ultra sound here either. Especially since they are always telling me I have dense breasts. They said they would do both in June or July I forgot. Don't have calendar in front of me. At that point I am going to see if they will do an ultra sound. I will talk to my MO.

Suneshine, it's good to hear from you. I think about you all the time. Hope things are getting better for you. Sending Hugs.

Is anyone still dealing with any Pain? I still have constant pain on my radiated side. Sometimes I don't think it will ever go away.

My MO over rode my regular GP and put me on Fosamax for my bones. Just took second dose yesterday. Keeping fingers crossed no side effects. She also put me on a script of Calcium and D. Didn't know that even came in a script. LOL

I also had a basil carcinoma removed from my good breast. It was just done with a local. Doing good margins are clean.

Geeze it never ends!

Hope to hear from some of our missing warriors.

ohiofan

Rette, I wouldn't say I have pain, but discomfort in the surgical area.  My incision was in the underarm.  When I raise my arm I can feel a pulling and soreness.  A cord did pop up and I had OT for that, but that "pulling"is still there.  I, too, had a basal cell removed, but it was at my hairline.  Wispy bangs cover it.  Wispy because of my thinning hair!  Oh well,  I guess we are lucky to have problems...beats the alternative.

Hope everyone is doing well.

Ohio

 

Sunshineinky

Hey ladies! I was just missing you all and thought I'd check in!

Congrats on the new grandbaby Louanne! Mine is now 4 months old.

Rette, I don't think the pain ever ends. I've noticed really weird pains lately in the affected underarm. The weird but good thing I guess is I now have hair growing there and need to wear deodorant under that arm. Who would have thought that would make me happy!

I worry about the tamoxifen not working. I have zero side effects and while maybe that's good, it could also mean my body doesn't metabolize it.

Anyhow, hope all are well! It's hard to believe my one year anniversary is a month away!

💗 you ladies!

rettemich

Sunshine, It's so good to hear from you. I can't believe he's 4 months already. I'm sure the Tamoxifen is working and be thankful. I had to switch and now on Fosamax for my bones. And my blood pressure keep creeping up. Going to Dr. tomorrow about that.

My daughter turned 21 a few days ago. OMG I feel old. LOL Where did the time go.

ohiofan, Yeah I get pain in the area where the cancer was, also lately I've been getting weird ice cold feeling that travels from outside to inside. Like someone is hold and ice cube there until it travels to the center. Really strange feeling.

Hope everyone is doing well.

CoastalXPat

Hey, I just saw this thread and figured I'd pop in a hello, I did my rads last summer too. Louanne it's so nice you started this. I can very much relate to what others are saying, from that feeling of limbo to worrying about that first mammogram, to getting discomfort from the radiation (just 3 weeks ago I got a "cord" over my ribs on the radiated side, apparently Mondor's disease). Am still massaging and massaging and hoping life will settle down to a reasonable new normal. All the best to everyone -

rettemich

Well I went to the Dr. and she put me on Another blood pressure med. Just to add to my collection of meds.

I sure hope the combo gets this down. Geeze I am SO tired of all the meds.

Hope every is doing well.

Louanne

Thanks Laura, congrats to you also on the new grand baby! Hope your pain goes away! There is a blood test you can get to see if you metabolize Tamoxifen, CYP2D6. I remember reading about it not so sure it is very accurate though.

Happy 21st to your daughter Rette!!

Rosie hope you feeling well!!

Hello CoastalXPat, I remember the name! The idea for this list was Rosie's she just didn't know how to set it up so I volunteered. Hope the cording is going away.

I'm having some problems with medications, but, really can't discuss it on here. If any of you have the time to PM me I'd really appreciate it.

Have a GREAT rest of the weekend ladies!!