Starting Chemo February 2009?
Comments
-
Oh Michele if I am down there I would love to see you
Just be prepared I talk a lot.....:) I am looking at either the S-Gap or I-gap for surgery and I think that I maybe able to explain it to my insurance as to why they should pay for it out of network...yeah I used to do this of arguing at my old job at Johns Hopkins. I should be hearing from NOLA sometime in the coming week so I am going to get my pictures ready to send to them. Nothing like a shocker when you have to take almost naked pictures of yourself....ewwwee...I have been dizzy again today...I think that I have fluid in my ear. Speaking of fluid my left side has fluid build up that is gross. It's like my body is trying to regrow my boob so I guess Tuesday I will be looking a needle to drain the fluid. I am once again supposed to be packing but instead I have been shopping with my 3 favorite people.
Did I mention how much I love weekends.?? -
Well, I am taking the lack of activity here as a good thing - everyone out living their lives!!
There is a big storm coming here today - 100km/hr winds and thunderstorms. Hello Fall!
Enjoy your Monday....
-
hopefully we all are feeling good (and I'm hope Jamie and Michele and those aren't zipping along in merriness have a great fruitful week)
I have so many responsibilities and things to do. It's a good thing I'm feeling pretty good.
-
Kerry- Oh that sound scary... please be safe.
Do you know we are still not packed...lol... How is that for slacking?? I am still in laundry hell but I made the kids Mickey T-shirts so I get to be Mom of the year
. Did anyone have fluid after their mastectomy ?? I go back to the PS tomorrow and I am really hoping she doesn't have to drain the fluid out. I did remove my stitches yesterday. My DH was so mad he wanted to take them out but I handle things better when I am in charge.
-
Okay so I went and got my prost. and some more bra's today. I don't think the fitter was happy with me because I just took what the insurance company gave me. I get 6 bra's a year so that isn't bad so I am good now I have 6 of them. They are not the prettiest things in the world but I feel fairly normal in them so they will work. I tried on one that pretty much put my prost. into my armpit which made me laugh so while I would have liked to have been done with reconstruction I am doing okay. It does stink that I had to put away all of my low cut tops (yeah, Kerry it's sad isn't it..lol..).
Finally got some packing done but not too much. I should finish in a couple of hours and then I can start cleaning up before we leave. The only thing I really want to do is take a nap today ..lol.. I hope everyone is having a great day!
-
Hi guys...been a busy week....they sent my DH off to work a few hundred miles away, so I'm on my own for the week at least. He's never, ever gone away for work before, so this is new for us.
Jaimie: I have been dizzy on and off ever since that bout of vertigo a couple of weeks ago....I'll be dizzy for days, then it just goes away....weird.....I just noticed this last week that I have some fluid on the side of my body, I can feel it when I lay my arm against my side...I also noticed that it coincided with wearing my mast bra now that it's not hot out any more. So I've loosened the bra up, and hope that will help.
Michele: I sent a PM
Kerry: love the new pic, you look great! It surprises me that our weather is always the same....I mean, I'm right near Windsor, but Toronto is far, yet we always seem to have the same weather. The winds were really kickin up about an hour ago, but it's calming down a bit now.
I had an echocardiogram last week....lots of heart flutters, so I went in to my cardio...they never did give me a follow up echo after chemo anyway, so I figured what the heck. I have an MRI scheduled for next week to look at the nerve branch in my neck---funny thing is, the arm pain has stopped (yay), but still have dizziness, so might just have them do my head, just to make e feel better.
Hope everyone is feeling well, and I will try to get on here more often again....darned facebook!
Hugs
Judy
-
Judy - great to hear from you. Hope the week without hubby goes OK, Angus occasionally goes off to conferences, and I hate him being away. How did the drive into Detroit go? Yep, it is funny about our weather, who will get the first snow, do you think!!
Jaimie - I only got covered for 2 bras, lucky you getting 6! If I got paid for 6, I would have bought 6 too.
Storm has come back - looks yuckky out. Guess this is the beginning of Fall. all downhill from here!!
-
Okay I an finally packed ...lol. It's a good thing as we leave at 6 tonight ...lol. I went to the PS today and got drained. My ps had a med student with her today and she actually had to leave the room because she felt sick. Poor girl I was fine but she was turning colors. PS told me today that she would like for me to wait until the end of Feb before I do anything or anymore surgeries. I still love my PS even if my body doesn't like implants. She has gone above and beyond what she had to do
So we start are drive tonight and should be there in the morning. -
Jamie ~ That poor med student, lol! I'm glad you're getting to have this trip.
-
Hi guys! I'm physically feeling alot better today...my asthma is better, my aches and pains have diminished greatly over the last week or so, and I'm not really dizzy, just lightheaded on and off...so all in all, it's good!
I saw my cardiologist today, and my cholesterol is too high so he wants me to start taking meds....really don't wanna add more meds to my life right now. I need it to drop by about 20-30 points. My echo was good though, yay!
Kerry: I'm sure you'll get the snow first, lol. It's cold and rainy here again, but I think the sun is supposed to come out tomorrow, so I'll send it your way! I should check and see if my insurance will cover bras....I doubt it though, it sucks.
Jaimie: Have a wonderful trip! You deserve some fun.
Now for the bad news....Julia is coming home from the hospital today, but her gastro doc has decided it will be a good idea to stop giving her TPN (you know, the stuff that is keeping her alive basically) and see how she does. I'm absolutely shocked and Julia is petrified. They seem to think she can do without it even though she is still throwing up everything she eats. This is insane....
-
I will be praying for Julia. I am sorry about the sporatic jumping in, life is catching up with me. Yea that girl was for real, I feel sorry for her. My boss yelled out in front of a bunch of us at a dinner, "hey Gracie, do you know that the back of your hair is curly?",...well yea....she later came to me in private to say, Oh you have to comb your hair like a man does now........I wonder do you all have problems with people wanting to rub your head? My family played with my hair always, my husband and kids, so them doing so now is normal.....but other people? Someone said that my head was like a pregnant belly now, everyone can't help but touch it.
I am so very happy that I am worrying about my hair, (or lack of) now and not how I am going to get across the room without falling. I am in pain still when I get up and down and of course my arm has never been fixed yet. I go back in November for another MRI. Two more procedures to do for my reconstruction. I seen my onc last week, blood work is good, Peri menapuase.....explains alot. I have a lump at the bottom of my sternum, but the doc does'n' seem to worried.....I will watch it and if it grows any at all....I will raise enough cain that some one will take it out...............never ends does it?
I'm rambling, but I worry and my husband is convinced that I am perfectly okay and will always be and hates my stinking thinking. I actually met a women the other day who said that her bc was 9 years ago and she forgot to write it down on her medical hystory..........I can't wait to be there.
I read all about you all and beleive me you are in my prayers, even if I don't get back here. November 15th is the buddy's' race for the cure, two departments are running in my honor...they want to write up my story for our main paper and another is racing in my honor for Suzan b Komen race for the cure.....................I don't understand why all of this attention, I am not the type for the spotlight, but if it helps even one. They ask me today about designing our t shirts, I told some of my story and she came up with, Cancer can not be fought alone, so lean on me.............I know that i would be dead right now if it were'nt for my family,neighbors, friends, co workers..........some times complete strangers and of course all of you. Like now letting me vent.
Love you all
-
Jaimie - are you checking in while you are gone?? If so, hope the drive went well, hope you have a fantastic trip!! Enjoy, relax, have fun, laugh, and forget about all the crap with your boobs!
Grace - great to hear from you! Mine is all curly too, and I have no idea what to do with short hair. None. It looks a little crazy, but I think it just has to grow through this awkward stage....
Judy - oh, honey, I hope all goes well with Julia. You guys just don't need this right now. Hope it all works out, I can imagine how worried you all are.
Well, I have Onc tomorrow, and Rad Onc on Friday. So I'm feeling a little stressed.....haven't heard back about my MRI, am too scared to call the BS to check up on it (I am thinking oif it was bad i would have heard already...) Will ask my Onc about it tomorrow.
OK, may a good day be had be all!
-
Vitalis works pretty good for my hair.. it's add control, lustre and protection.. my curls are gentle rather than brushy.
just a dab will do ya.. (or VO5 for men)
-
Ok....I do want an MRI....the dizziness/headaches are still lingering....so why am I so scared now that one has actually been scheduled??? And how the heck am I going to stay in that machine for 2 1/2 hours??? I don't know if I can do that. I am scared to death. It is now scheduled for Oct 9th at 9:30 pm----it was either that or 2:30 in the morning!
ps: they are looking at my head, my cervical spine? and my brachial plexus (nerves) and said two and a half hours to look at all 3 areas.....
*sigh*
-
Oh, no, Judy, 2 1/2 hours in the machine.....that sounds like no fun at all.
But you will feel better when it is all done with, and they find nothing - well, I hope they find your brain!
So at least you have 10 days to worry in....
-
Judy - That is a rediculous amount of time for an MRI. I had no idea. I will be thinking of you. The fun just never ends!!!!
Kerry - Tim mentioned to me that you had a new photo. You are so stylish. And, the bangs are coming too! Good luck with your appointments.
I will be waiting to hear clear results from both of you.
Take Care,
Bev
-
Hey guys!!! Everyone looks great!!! It's felt like ages since I was on last!
Judy--your niece looks great!! I bet you are so proud of her!!
Jaimieh--Glad to hear your kidney surgery went well!!! Hope you're recovering !!! Have fun at Disney!!!
Kerry--Glad you're feeling better too!!!
Talk to you guys later
-
Hey guys!!! Everyone looks great!!! It's felt like ages since I was on last!
Judy--your niece looks great!! I bet you are so proud of her!!
Jaimieh--Glad to hear your kidney surgery went well!!! Hope you're recovering !!! Have fun at Disney!!!
Kerry--Glad you're feeling better too!!!
Talk to you guys later
-
Kerry I am checking in at least for the next couple of days
We are here safe and sound. My sinuses have started acting up and I am dizzy still....grrrr..... Taking mucinex which I haven't bought in forever trying to feel better we actually had to show our license in order to buy it. Crazy, crazy...It's wonderful here. I love the warm weather!!! Oh and i forgot my phone in the car today and NOLA called. So I will be calling them back in the morning.
-
Oh, Judy, of course you're scared, honey! Any of us would be. Can you be sedated for the MRI? I think I would need to be; I was able to sleep through the 45 minutes one, but over 2 hours is something else. I'm sorry you're having to go through this. And my goodness, poor Julia. I'm so sorry that she's so sick.
Kerry ~ look at you with all that hair! My hair is looking pretty crazy, too, but as you say it has to go through its awkward stage... I keep thinking of babies and how wacky their hair can look as it grows in, and that makes me laugh.
I go tomorrow to get my lymphedema sleeve and start physical therapy. Should be interesting.
Love and hugs to all of you!!
Artemis -
Judy~ When I have my brain MRI's, I'm in the machine for 30 min and then they pull me out to give the contrast... then back in for less than 30 min. So, I doubt you'll be in there CONTINUOUSLY for 2 1/2 hrs. Still a long time though... What if you have to pee?
-
Oh, I always have to go to the toilet 10 times when I am in the waiting room for the Breast MRI - it is worse, I think, because you lay on your tummy. Same before Surgery, if I go once I go 5 times!! Usually once I am in there, I don't think about it. I am thinking with a brain one you would at least be on your back - I hate the face down thing. So uncomfortable. And nothing to look at. Once during Radiation, my machine broke down, and I had to use a different one - I lay down, and looked up at a wonderful painted mural on the ceiling - a patient had donated it. They should think about things like that when designing these things.
So, I have convinced myself that something bad showed up on my MRI and they are waiting so my Onc can tell me in person today - my husband thinks I am insane!! LOL!! I am hoping that they would have got in touch by now if there was anything nasty - in my experience the wheels start to turn pretty fast when they suspect cancer.
Freezing cold on my walk this morning, and I don't even get to see the sun rise anymore - it is still dark now, actually. Yup, winter is not far away.
Jaimie - hi hi!! Glad you checked in. Warm weather, bah. Enjoy!!
Artemis - hope it goes well today. I would be interested to see what you do. I have had no problems yet (touch wood) but the risk is always there, I think.
Judy - hope your dizziness is getting better. Try not to owrry too much - yeah, I know, easier said than done.
Bev - great to hear from you too!
Well, I have my appt at 9:30. Man, I hate this!!!
-
Good morning ladies. thank you for the support, I appreciate it so much. Today is Julia's birthday, she is freaking out because she is turning 23....she always hated getting older, even when she was little....as much as she loved the birthday celebration, she would cry and be scared of getting a year older....strange kid!
Question for all: Did you guys get any flu shots this year??? I've never had one before, but as an asthmatic, am wondering if I should...
Kerry: I'm sure you're right, and if there were any problems with your MRI you would've heard by now...try not to be too nervous. Here's a (((((hug))))) for you!
Michele: I was suspicious about that timeframe as well, but they say it's because I am having 3 areas done...I asked if I got any breaks, and they said if I had to pee, so I guess they'll let me up for that!
Jaimie: enjoy that warm weather, I am sooo jealous! : ) It's 38 deg here this morning, yuck.
Artemis: Thanks, I plan to take some xanax, but they said not to take too much! We'll see about that.
And a big hello to Bethie and Bev, hope you guys are feeling good!
I'm off to do laundry....it's supposed to warm up to 63 today, so I'm hoping to get the pool vacuumed and the cover put on....fun times...
-
Goog luck Kerry! Let us know!!!
Judy, Have they pulled her TPN yet? How is she doing?
-
Hi, I am home. Feeling much more relaxed now! So, she pulled the results of the MRI - no cancer anywhere!! Yah! All my nodes are clean, no problems noted. The ALH they were monitoring is stable - which she said meant it was completely unchanged from the last time they looked. She said that was the best case scenario - if chemo had removed it, it would have been a cancerous condition. As it is, it is really a benign condition, I could have it removed if I wanted, but usually they just leave it alone. So, I will talk with the BS at my next appointment, see what she recommends.
Other than that, she said I was doing well, all looks good, see you in April!
-
I thought I just posted this, but think I clicked preview by mistake so will try again. I am in TX after having several appts with an onco at MD Anderson regarding treatment. I knew I did not want to have any chemo with the same family of drugs as Abraxane since I had and still have SEs from it. The onco here has recommended I go back on Aromasin which I had great success with for many years. He feels I may have been taken off of it prematurely just because there was a jump in my CA 27/29 and says often if you wait the numbers go back down....he thinks this since the scans at that time did not give any indication that the cancer was growing. Sooo, I am going back on Aromasin when I return to OH and am really happy about this since I have little if any SEs with hormonal treatments. I will also continue to get my monthly zometa infusion. The onco here specializes in hormonal treatment and also in BC that is nonresponsive to chemo and I cannot say enough good things about my experience with MD Anderson. I am not returning to OH until Sat. so now my friends and I are just going to do a bit of sightseeing and enjoy the warm weather and have a few celebratory margaritas. Hope all you ladies, have a wonderful day. Now I am looking forward to my 60th and being able to say next year I have been Stage lV for 12 years.
-
Kerry~ Glad to hear all is good
WHHHOOO for your next appt. being in AprilMarybe~ I am glad to hear that you trip was well worth it. Have a great time with your friends.
It's so nice here but I am still in the house after a doctors appt. this morning. Yup I came 1000 miles just to go to the doctors
I have another sinus infection but hopefully the meds will kick in soon and I will be out and about. I don't really have a choice we drive to Disney Sat. Morning at 5 am. -
Jaimie~ feel better soon!!
Marybe and Kerry~ Woot!!! so happy!!!
-
Yea Kerry and Marybe!
Jaimieh, Hope you have a great time at DW. Your kids are the perfect age for the magic!
Judy, You can do it...week before last I had three MRIs --in tube one hour for pelvis, was given head phones to wear; pulled out of tube; head phones taken away--given foam ear plugs--back in tube for MRI of lower, then upper spine; halfway through, pulled out and contrast dye injected, then back in the tube. Total in tube time was 2 hours, 42 minutes. I felt like a yo-yo, but I've learned to close my eyes and make my mind go somewhere else (nice beach). You'll do fine.
-
wow... so much news.
i'm sorry i can't respond individually.
thinking about all of you.
Categories
- All Categories
- 679 Advocacy and Fund-Raising
- 289 Advocacy
- 68 I've Donated to Breastcancer.org in honor of....
- Test
- 322 Walks, Runs and Fundraising Events for Breastcancer.org
- 5.6K Community Connections
- 282 Middle Age 40-60(ish) Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 53 Australians and New Zealanders Affected by Breast Cancer
- 208 Black Women or Men With Breast Cancer
- 684 Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer
- 1.5K Caring for Someone with Breast cancer
- 455 Caring for Someone with Stage IV or Mets
- 260 High Risk of Recurrence or Second Breast Cancer
- 22 International, Non-English Speakers With Breast Cancer
- 16 Latinas/Hispanics With Breast Cancer
- 189 LGBTQA+ With Breast Cancer
- 152 May Their Memory Live On
- 85 Member Matchup & Virtual Support Meetups
- 375 Members by Location
- 291 Older Than 60 Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 177 Singles With Breast Cancer
- 869 Young With Breast Cancer
- 50.4K Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis
- 204 Breast Cancer with Another Diagnosis or Comorbidity
- 4K DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
- 79 DCIS plus HER2-positive Microinvasion
- 529 Genetic Testing
- 2.2K HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
- 1.5K IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)
- 3.4K IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
- 1.5K ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)
- 999 Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis
- 652 LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
- 193 Less Common Types of Breast Cancer
- 252 Male Breast Cancer
- 86 Mixed Type Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned
- 189 Palliative Therapy/Hospice Care
- 488 Second or Third Breast Cancer
- 1.2K Stage I Breast Cancer
- 313 Stage II Breast Cancer
- 3.8K Stage III Breast Cancer
- 2.5K Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
- 13.1K Day-to-Day Matters
- 132 All things COVID-19 or coronavirus
- 87 BCO Free-Cycle: Give or Trade Items Related to Breast Cancer
- 5.9K Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results
- 86 Coping with Holidays, Special Days and Anniversaries
- 828 Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues
- 101 Family and Family Planning Matters
- Family Issues for Those Who Have Breast Cancer
- 26 Furry friends
- 1.8K Humor and Games
- 1.6K Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts
- 706 Recipe Swap for Healthy Living
- 704 Recommend Your Resources
- 171 Sex & Relationship Matters
- 9 The Political Corner
- 874 Working on Your Fitness
- 4.5K Moving On & Finding Inspiration After Breast Cancer
- 394 Bonded by Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Life After Breast Cancer
- 806 Prayers and Spiritual Support
- 285 Who or What Inspires You?
- 28.7K Not Diagnosed But Concerned
- 1K Benign Breast Conditions
- 2.3K High Risk for Breast Cancer
- 18K Not Diagnosed But Worried
- 7.4K Waiting for Test Results
- 603 Site News and Announcements
- 560 Comments, Suggestions, Feature Requests
- 39 Mod Announcements, Breastcancer.org News, Blog Entries, Podcasts
- 4 Survey, Interview and Participant Requests: Need your Help!
- 61.9K Tests, Treatments & Side Effects
- 586 Alternative Medicine
- 255 Bone Health and Bone Loss
- 11.4K Breast Reconstruction
- 7.9K Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 2.7K Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment
- 775 Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results
- 7.8K Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 50 Immunotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 7.4K Just Diagnosed
- 1.4K Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
- 5.2K Lymphedema
- 3.6K Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
- 591 Pain
- 3.9K Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 8.4K Surgery - Before, During, and After
- 109 Welcome to Breastcancer.org
- 98 Acknowledging and honoring our Community
- 11 Info & Resources for New Patients & Members From the Team