SEPTEMBER 2008 rads group

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  • TexanCupig
    TexanCupig Member Posts: 1,539
    edited October 2009

    Good afternoon, y'all.  I'm glad everything turned out for the better, Nancy!  I'll be flying back to Anchorage, at the end of this month, for my last follow-up of the year, thank GOODNESS!!!

    Well, the last couple of weeks have been rough for me and my life partner.  His mom passed away, this past Saturday, from renal failure.  Her final wish was to come home and die, instead of moving to Anchorage, for dialysis.  It's been rough for me too, because this brings a lot of pain back, when my adopted mother passed away, and I'm kind of scared, because I certainly don't want to go through the pain of depression AGAIN.

    There's been a LOT of chaos in Steven's household too, because his older brother is here, not only with his four kids, but Jackson also brought his life partner here.  Compared to how I grew up, these kids don't know or have ANY idea what quiet is?  Hopefully, Jackson will be flying back to his other village, with family in tow, on Saturday?!?

    Anyway, I hope y'all are doing well!

    Take care and God Bless y'all!

    P. S.  I just wanted to update y'all.  Helen's funeral was yesterday, and I have to say, it dang near reminded me of my adopted mom's passing.  When it was the 'in-laws' turn to view Helen, I lost it.  Steve's oldest sister told me to calm down, while Steven was comforting me.  I think I'm doing allright today.

    I'll write more later!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2009
    Awesome Nancy!!!!  Cool
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  • TexanCupig
    TexanCupig Member Posts: 1,539
    edited November 2009

    What happened...did everyone fall off the bandwagon, or what? SurprisedSealedEmbarassed

    Well, I went to my last follow-up, for this year, but it was anything but anxiety free, as I had to get a biopsy done.  I ended up staying in Anchorage for a couple of extra days, with good news...I'm still cancer free.  I slept pretty good, when I got home from ANC.  I'll be going back, in January, not only for follow-up, but for a round of Zometa.

    We're getting snowed on, today.  Unfortunately, the snow and cold weather are something I'm not looking forward to?

    I hope each and every one of y'all are doing well!

    Take care and God Bless!

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  • nancy258
    nancy258 Member Posts: 162
    edited November 2009

    Sharon, glad your biopsy came back okay!!!  I guess this will be something we'll all have to get use to.  The doctors seem to be extra cautious with us now.  I've had three biopsies since last year.  I have surgery scheduled for Nov 23 to fix my lumpectomy defect and he's doing a bi-lateral lift at the same time.  I've joined the November Reconstruction thread.  Anyone else doing reconstruction or plastic surgery?

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  • KAK
    KAK Member Posts: 1,679
    edited November 2009

    Sharon, so happy for you!  Good luck, Nancy!  I have to wait probably another year before thinking about recon.  Rads one year ago is still affecting me greatly -  I have to get some PT again for new underarm cording & shoulder tightness.  So, no surgery for a while.

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  • Makratz
    Makratz Member Posts: 12,678
    edited November 2009

    Great news Sharon.!!!!!! 

    BTW, keep the snow, I am not ready for it yet!

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  • NancyD
    NancyD Member Posts: 3,562
    edited November 2009

    From one Nancy to another..GOOD LUCK!!! I hope your recon is beautiful.

    I had originally scheduled for 11/15 but put it off after my father died. Looks like it will be 2010 before I get my double DIEP.

    Sharon, SNOW!  Like Linda, I'm not ready for that yet. I have a front walk to get fixed before it starts that Winter stuff here. Frost...OK.  Snow...NOT OK.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited November 2009

    Hi Girls,

    Just wanted to say hi - hope everyone is keeping busy :)

    Hope all goes wonderful Nancy - Wink let us know how you are doing.

    Fortunately my lumpectomy doesn't look bad. I still feel like I'm healing - and I don't think the soreness had ever completely went away.

    I think I have another mammo coming up in Dec. I don't know how our bodies take all this radiation.

     Well, going to be a warm weekend here - close to 80. I'm ready for SNOW :)

     Hugs~ Smile

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  • nancy258
    nancy258 Member Posts: 162
    edited November 2009

    Thanks girls!  Hope the snow holds off for another month, but I'll take a white Christmas!

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  • TexanCupig
    TexanCupig Member Posts: 1,539
    edited November 2009

    Good morning, y'all!  I should be working but I feel like a slacker, this morning! Embarassed  And if things shouldn't go wrong with me...THEY HAVE!

    Depending on who is talked to, I've been 'let go' or 'laid off' from my job as finance specialist.  I was 're-hired' as the tribal court clerk.  I work a measley eight hours a week, but I'll be going to Anchorage, for a week.  My 'new' boss wants me to go there, because there's going to be a BIA conference, and I'm thinking, he wants me to get a grasp at being a court clerk???  I've been told I'll be getting paid per diem, and whatever perks come with conferencing?  This is the first time I've ever been to a big conference.

    Anyway, I hope you're doing well, nancy258, and Rose47, would you care to trade places??? Laughing  I have to say, I miss being in the Texas heat...sometimes?

    Well, I'm out for now!

    Y'all have a great weekend...and...HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

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  • KAK
    KAK Member Posts: 1,679
    edited November 2009

    Oh, Sharon, that stinks!  'Sup with that anyway?

    Nancy, good luck this Monday!  Let us know how you do.  You'll do just fine, I know.

    I'm getting PT for the cording that developed in my armpit & the tissue tightness in my chest & shoulder.  Already feel better, three treatments later.  And the fatigue is slowly but surely lifting, I'm happy to say!  It's subtle -- it's not like I feel energetic yet -- but I can tell I'm feeling better because the brain fog is lifting.  I still forget stuff left and right, but at least I know when I'm forgetting something!  LOL

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  • nancy258
    nancy258 Member Posts: 162
    edited November 2009

    Sharon, haha.  I'd love to VISIT your great state sometime.  I hear it's beautiful.  However, I think as I get older my tolerence for the cold is getting lower.  I'm thinking I'd like to head south, if anything!  Sorry about the job.  I hope everything works out for the best.

    Good luck Kathi, sounds like the therapy is working.  Hoping you keep moving in the right direction!

     After a very anxiety filled and restless night, I had my surgery this morning (Monday).  (Fix lumpectomy defect and bi-lateral life)  Everything went smoothly.  I was home by noon, and I'm not in as much pain as I expected.  Sore and tender, but bearable for sure, especially with the help of Percocet.  They also prescribed Duricef 2x a day for three days.  I believe that's an antibiotic.  I'm all bandaged up and wearing a surgical bra.  After 2 days I can remove the bandages for a shower.  Then put the surgical bra back on and wear at all times for two weeks.  No lifting, laying on stomach or side.  Follow up with PS in two weeks.  I'm so glad it's over, the anticipation is stressful.  Looking forward to my first look on Wednesday.  I'll continue to stay off the tamoxifen for three more weeks to prevent blod clots.  The hot flashes have stopped completely, but haven't got my period back (and hopefully won't).  That part is wonderful!  They told me to expect the radiated side to heal slower, so I'll be real careful and follow all their directions.  I have some before pictures on timtam's site and I'll post some after pix as I recover.  Thanks for all your well wishes!

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  • KAK
    KAK Member Posts: 1,679
    edited November 2009

    Nancy258, you & I have had a similar path & probably a similar recurrence risk.  For what it's worth, I think I mentioned here that I stopped taking tamoxifen about 8 weeks ago because of desparation with the fatigue, and I have felt soooooo much better since.  When I saw my med onc, I told her that wild horses couldn't make me go back on it, because my QOL has sucked for so long & anything that makes me feel better I'm going to keep doing.  And you know, she agreed with me.  She said that with my profile, the tamoxifen is only chopping off about 8% from my recurrence risk anyway, and she agreed that it's not worth sacrificing QOL to stay on it, especially since I am being followed conscientiously by docs/mamms/etc.  So, if you feel better off of it, don't think you're missing out on some huge benefit by not going back on it.  The best thing we can all do for prevention anyway is to feel hale and hearty, not weighed down by side effects from drugs, etc.

    Well, that's my story and I'm sticking to it....I'll get off my soapbox now.

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  • nancy258
    nancy258 Member Posts: 162
    edited November 2009

    No, Kathi, you're right.  Our situations are very similar.  When it came down to the tamoxifen, my oncologist said he felt good enough about my prognosis that he didn't feel I needed to take it.  He left it up to me so I tried it and it really hasn't been too bad.  Once I'm off it for another three weeks I'll be able to tell if there is a big difference.  The vitamin E I was taking took care of the hot flashes which was my only big SE.  I agree with you that you are probably fine without it and especially if you are having much better QOL.  I think the less drugs we have to take the better!

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  • TexanCupig
    TexanCupig Member Posts: 1,539
    edited November 2009

    Good morning, y'all!  Is everyone ready for Thanksgiving?  I think Steven and I are about as ready as we can be.

    I hope Kathi and nancy258 are doing well?  Y'all got me thinking...about the tamoxifen thing, that is...I'm wondering if my onc will let me stop taking it too???  The light's on, and I'm thinking...SurprisedUndecided

    I hope all of y'all have a great Thanksgiving, and God Bless!

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  • KAK
    KAK Member Posts: 1,679
    edited November 2009

    Hey, we're all still here...so Happy Thanksgiving for that, girls!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited November 2009

    I 2nd that Kathi!  We have alot to be thanksful for Laughing

    Thanks Kathi - Happy Thanksgiving to you too.

    Happy Thanksgiving ladies ~ Enjoy the beautiful day!

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  • TexanCupig
    TexanCupig Member Posts: 1,539
    edited November 2009

    Good morning, girls!

    I like the verse that you picked, Rose47, 'cause I'm feeling a bit troubled, or maybe it's just a hormonal thing?Cry

    I think our Thanksgiving dinner went pretty well, and thankfully, I didn't overcook the turkey!  I'm thankful for that, I'm thankful that I got to talk with my brother, my dad and stepmom downstates, I'm thankful that y'all are here, but most of all, I give thanks to God, for being alive!

    Well, are y'all ready for Christmas?  I actually got most of my shopping done, for the family downstates, anyway.  I still need to shop for Steven, and my dogs.

    I hope y'all have a great weekend and next week too!!!  Looks like we'll be leaving tomorrow, for Anchorage, and the BIA conference.  It'll be nice to be in the city, for a minute!

    Take care and God Bless!

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  • KAK
    KAK Member Posts: 1,679
    edited December 2009

    Hey, any of you hear of radiation pneumonitis?  Any of you develop it?  I think I have.  I looked it up, and I think this lingering asthma-like chronic cough & shortness of breath I've had for a month or two may be it.  Seeing my pcp in a week or so.  An inhaler & antihistamines didn't helpt.  Robitussin cough syrup capsules have quieted it down somewhat so I can sleep.  Very weird & a little scary & definitely on the fried side.

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  • NancyD
    NancyD Member Posts: 3,562
    edited December 2009

    That sounds like what I had a few months ago, especially the shortness of breath. I couldn't seem to build up any stamina even though I was gtting lots of exercise.

    I'm glad to say it seems to have passed, but it took a long while and there was some backsliding. But I can make up the stairs from the subway without almost passing out.

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  • KAK
    KAK Member Posts: 1,679
    edited December 2009

    Oh, Nancy D! Just noticed your ?new signature byline! LOL...parts missing indeed.
    I am discovering that with many things in this adventure, pneumonitis is yet another that we don't get good info on. Sure sounds like you had a bout of it. Nancy. It does sometimes pass on its own from what I've read but not for all of us and it can progress to fibrosis which is permanent. They treat it with prednisone.

    The fun never ends!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2009
    Happy Holidays!!! Hugs to you all Smile
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  • KAK
    KAK Member Posts: 1,679
    edited December 2009

    Oh, hi, Rose!  Yes, happy holidays to you all!

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  • KAK
    KAK Member Posts: 1,679
    edited December 2009

    Happy Holidays, all.  Sharon, I'm way behind on tee-shirts, but I'll get yours out as soon as I can.

     

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  • Makratz
    Makratz Member Posts: 12,678
    edited December 2009

    Merry Christmas!

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  • TexanCupig
    TexanCupig Member Posts: 1,539
    edited January 2010

    Good morning, and VERY BELATED Merry Christmas, and belated Happy New Year, to y'all!!!

    How is everyone doing?  I'm doing as well as could be expected.  I go back to Anchorage, at the end of this month, not only for a check-up, but a dose of Zometa too.

    That's cool, KAK!  At this point, the tee-shirt might be a wee snug, as I gained a bit of weight, when I went to Anchorage, last month!  On top of that, my knees feel like they're all but shot, so I haven't been walking/exercising too terribly much. Foot in mouthEmbarassed

    Anyway, I hope y'all had a great Christmas, and have an even better year, this year!

    Take care and God Bless!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2010

    Hi all,

    Well, had another mammo and checkup this week - all was clear.  Another in 6 months and then if there is no problems I can go back to yearly exams.

    KAK and Nancy- how are you feeling?

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  • nancy258
    nancy258 Member Posts: 162
    edited February 2010

    Congrats Rose!!!  Once we get to the annual check ups I think we'll start feeling more normal with more time to relax in between.

    Still waiting for my radiated side to heal from surgery back at the end of November.  They said it might be slower, and boy were they right.  The incision opened a little end of December and I've been wearing gauze ever since.  I think it's finally getting close to closing.

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  • TexanCupig
    TexanCupig Member Posts: 1,539
    edited February 2010

    Good morning, girls!  I have to say, it's good to be back in the village again!

    I went for my follow-up, Zometa treatment, and I had to get a few tests done, because I've been having a lot of aches and pains, and Dr. Marino wanted to make sure there wasn't anything that's not supposed to be there?  I had a CT scan, bone scan, and a brain mri, all to find out that my knees are arthritic! Yell  So, I'm good for another three months, which I can't be thankful enough for???  I hope that Rose and Nancy are doing well???

    Anyway, I thought I'd come say hi!

    Y'all have a great rest of the week!

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  • NancyD
    NancyD Member Posts: 3,562
    edited February 2010

    Hi all!  I'm doing OK recovering from my bilat DIEP two weeks ago. Still sore and DYING to sleep on my stomach, but otherwise steadily improving and getting used to the new "girls."

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