CALLING ALL STAGE I SISTERS

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  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited January 2010

    Erika...glad you were able to make the decision that was right for you.

    And you are already hiking and feeling good.

    Hugs

    Sheila

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  • C130sunshine
    C130sunshine Member Posts: 174
    edited January 2010

    Erika.....Glad that you stood up for yourself and did what you needed to do....WAY TO GO!!!!!

    o2bhealthy...if you are worried about lymphedema call your provider/team.  There is no reason to sit at home and worry...you have been through enough.  I had a slight case of lymphedema while I was still going through chemo.  I have given some great exercises to do which helped tremendously.  Keep smiling.

    kim

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  • Nicole112
    Nicole112 Member Posts: 327
    edited January 2010

    GOOD TO HEAR Erika!

     O2BHealthy- Urghh, I want to share, I had similar symptoms as you have with the boob and the back puffiness... got diagnosed with truncal lymphedema... with this said, I had gone to get massages 3 times a week at first and I am DOING so much better! Also, had a bone scan done as I was so paranoid of the backache my mind was going crazy, GOT the all CLEAR on that, too! So, in the big scheme of things, if it ends up being lymphedema, it is important to get in and start treatment... much like cancer, there are stages to it and you want to start treatment early so you will have the best outcome.

    I hope this helps!

    Have a great night ladies!

    Nicole

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  • o2bhealthy
    o2bhealthy Member Posts: 2,101
    edited January 2010

    Thank you Kim and Nicole!  I live in a rural area and there are no GOOD LE certified therapists in my area...I don't want to 'settle' so I am still looking for someone in the surrounding areas (hopefully less then two hour drive). 

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  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited January 2010

    Hi Michelle, When you go for your Herceptin let the DR at least look at it, so you know exactly what you are dealing with. If you need a LE therapist then you travel.

    Hi Nicole..Anything new with the house hunting?

    Good Night Sisters!

    Sheila

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  • Jaimieh
    Jaimieh Member Posts: 2,373
    edited January 2010

    Erika~ It sounds like you made the best decision for you :) 

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  • hollyann
    hollyann Member Posts: 2,992
    edited January 2010

    Erika, so glad you are healing well and doing fine.......I also chose a bilat but with TRAM recons instead of implants.....sounds like you made the right decision like I did......

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  • Erika09
    Erika09 Member Posts: 145
    edited January 2010

    Hi to all  - Thank you for all your nice words.

    I realize that BC is an ongoing process. I got through the first part and now I am finding myself debating over Tamoxifen! I went into surgery with the knowledge of only one small IDC .4mm nodule in the right breast, and I was almost certain about skipping Tamoxifen. But now, with my pathology report showing three different cancers in both breasts plus usual ductal hyperplasia multifocal in both, I am questioning if I shoud just go ahead and take it! I am going to see my oncologist soon but I doubt she'll say OK to go without it even though all three were .4mm and smaller. I heard the side effects of Tamoxifen is really bad for some people!

    I would love to hear your opinion, thank you! Erika

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  • Hannahbearsmom
    Hannahbearsmom Member Posts: 431
    edited January 2010

    Erika:  I have been on tamoxifen since October and have really not had any side effects to speak of. I may wake up a time or 2 during the night feeling hot but it goes away quickly and I fall back to sleep without any trouble. With an ER+ bc it's pretty standard to get tamoxifen if you are premenopausal. I decided that I would take it, hopefully not have problems with it, and if I did have trouble then I would deal with it then. There is a great thread called "Bottle of tamoxifen" with lots of info and support. Good luck!

    TCK  

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  • Erika09
    Erika09 Member Posts: 145
    edited January 2010

    Thank you hannahbearmom! I just found Bottle of Tamoxifen site.

    Best wishes to your journey! Erika

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  • musiclovermom
    musiclovermom Member Posts: 452
    edited January 2010

    Erika09

    I have been on tamoxifen since November. No bothersome side effects. Still having my period too.

    Glad you are doing well!

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  • o2bhealthy
    o2bhealthy Member Posts: 2,101
    edited January 2010

    Tamoxifen for two months and so far no bothersome SE's either!

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  • elimar86861
    elimar86861 Member Posts: 7,416
    edited January 2010

    Tamox. since November...having mild hot flashes (which could be menopause anyway) and I felt moody for about one week during that time.

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  • Nicole112
    Nicole112 Member Posts: 327
    edited January 2010

    Tamoxifen and Lupron for a year, was premenopausal, threw me into menopause!... I heard this may be temporary as I thought at the eginning this was a done deal... so much to learn!!!

    Sheila- We are going skiing this weekend,the whole family.. and getting the house prepped to sell. So much going on, I just love the hustle and bustle of LIFE! We are all so fortunate.

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  • Meece
    Meece Member Posts: 19,483
    edited January 2010

    Nicole, where are you going skiing?  It's good that I don't have any Drs appointments today, snow has the grapevine closed.  With road closures all over, I figure it will make for good skiing IF you can get there.

    I love hustle and bustle,too. But, I really want to stay home and get some more organization done, and possibly do some sewing.

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  • Grakenmom
    Grakenmom Member Posts: 169
    edited January 2010

    Hi Erika09 - I've been on Tamoxifen since late Nov too, with only some se's - very similar to Hannabearsmom. Wake up hot on occasion, a little moodiness, still having periods (but lighter), and a little "mentally fuzzy" - but that could also be from after-effects of anesthesia.  A trusted nurse told me that since I've only been on it for a few months, the "fuzziness" is rather normal and will abate as time goes on. Best of luck with your next decision. And I think I'll join you too on the Bottle o' Tamox thread.. :)

    Erika (the other one) 

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  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited January 2010

    Good Night Everyone!

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  • nanaskay
    nanaskay Member Posts: 2
    edited January 2010

    Hi Sheila,

    Thank you for the response. Makes me feel a lot better. Doctor said the first treatment they do slow to make sure no reaction. I believe that it is once every 3 or 4 weeks. I am nearing the end of my radiation now. Seems it never ends. I chose to wait for the herceptin so I start that in March. Lost my hair in three days when I had my 2nd treatment of chemo. Finally growing back so I am glad to hear that HER does not effect that.

    TLK TO YOU SOON

    THANKS AND GOD BLESS YOU AND THE REST OF MY SISTERS OUT THERE

    MILLIE

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  • AStorm
    AStorm Member Posts: 1,429
    edited January 2010

    The cat is wearing a reindeer costume. His brother wore a Santa costume and my daughters took photos to create a custom greeting card with a "Night Before Christmas" theme. Happier times.

    Had my exchange to 450cc saline implants on Wednesday. Still sore. and lumpy. I'm trying not to panic -- PS says things are sill changing and they will look better with time. They are much softer though and once I get rid of the drains I think I'm going to be ok.

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

    Seyla,

    Yes, Zometa is in IV form. I get it every 6 mo, am in a trial to prevent bone mets, and I have osteoporosis. Mostly its given for bone mets. You should be on something if your bone density is getting low. Zometa has helped my bones, but now facing dental issues, and Zometa has a risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw. Im going thru blood tests prior to surgery. I would have been on Fosamax or Boniva early on, but have stomach issues, hence the Zometa.

    Blessings. Angie

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  • LauraM
    LauraM Member Posts: 251
    edited January 2010

    Ericka09 -  You are such an inspiration to me!  I also spent lots of time on these posts screaming Mastectomy/lumpectomy.  Everyone kept telling me to listen to my gut, took me lots of time going back and forth before I really knew what my gut was telling me.  I am scheduled for a dmx on February 22nd.  I am nervous of course but am looking forward to getting this cancer out of me!  It has been amazing how I have transformed from a woman who really LOVED her breasts to one that looks down at them and only sees Cancer. I never thought I would be that way, but I guess you don't know how you will react until it is you that is faced with that situation.  My doctors recommended a single mx after they couldn't get it all and the path reports were not good from the lumpectomy but they absolutely did not think I needed a double.  I too am going against what they recommended and getting myself a set of "healthy ones".   I would like to steal your saying from above, it is the best one I have seen. 

      -"Dam right they are fake! The real ones tried to kill me!"

    Have a wonderful day!

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  • Erika09
    Erika09 Member Posts: 145
    edited January 2010

    Hi Laura, I am feeling a bit shy to be responding and helping others  because I still feel like I am such a novice and not ready yet to contribute, but I am very happy that you found my story helpful to you!

    On November 2nd, after being diagnosed, I felt like my world had turned upside-down, and I quickly realized that I had to take full control of what I had to do instead of relying so much on the Doctors. I am not complaining about them because I think they are so gifted to do what they do, but they also follow the medical guidelines too closely. It is hard to find one who's more progressive and willing to step outside their safety box. I tried very hard to have nipple sparing mastectomy because I knew they can check for abnormal cells in that area during surgery but they wouldn't do it because I was diagnosed with IDC type!  Even though I was aware that with nipple sparing there is a 1-2% increased chance of recurrence  I was willing to try....Now with the pathology report showing so much more then I originally expected, maybe it was good to remove them, after all.

    Right now don't think of my nipples or my breast anymore and I've been seeing pictures of reconstruction that looks amazing, and I am focusing on being free of cancer and to have perky new breasts in a few months!

    By the way, the tee-shirt logo is not mine! I borrowed it from Val61 because I thought it was hilarious! It brought me and my family great laughs! You can find her and many other very knowledgeable ladies on Exchange City thread.  If you have not found them already, I encourage you to also check that thread for information. They're great!

    Best wishes to you and please stay in touch.  Let me know if I can be of anymore help to you. I am happy see that you are following your heart, and you'll do just great! Erika

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  • brando1mar
    brando1mar Member Posts: 2
    edited January 2010

    So great to see this site.  I have been reading your comments all along while getting treatment for for Stage 1 IDC.  I have my last treatment tomrrow, so graduation, but still not looking forward to it.  I was doing well emotionally, but have started down the road of recurrence fear.  I am 40 years old and still don't believe this, but I guess I am not a spring chicken anymore.  If I read about 5 year survival one more time I may scream.  I wan't to hear about the 40 and 50 year survival stats - cause I know they're out there.....ONC Type 17.  Any positive feedback is good feedback. And to one of sisters, my tumor was 2cm.

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  • cakeisgreat
    cakeisgreat Member Posts: 660
    edited January 2010

    Hello, All!

     I'm back after 11 DAYS!  I got so busy, I didnt realize that I had been away so long!  Did anyone miss me?

    Laura and Erika--I am with you on the BMX...I've posted before that I am going in (now) on March 4 for a bi-lat MX and DIEP recon because I got the lumpectomy back in June and I live in constant fear that there is something else in there that the mammos are not picking up.  I had rads, so this will be interesting to see how it heals, but I'm doing it anyway.  Sometimes I think I'm crazy, but I know I will not rest until these pups are gone!  I am nervous about going in for this surgery and about the recovery, but hopefully this will be it!  No more!  Hopefully.... 

    To chime in on Tamoxifen...I've been on it since October and no SE's so far.  Very cool.

    Hope everyone's doing well!

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  • deborye
    deborye Member Posts: 7,002
    edited January 2010
      I Missed You! 





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  • labarbera2006
    labarbera2006 Member Posts: 63
    edited January 2010

    Well I am back and finished with all my tests.  I have a recurrence which is localized in the same breast.  I will be having surgery Wednesday morning.  They are going to remove the tumor and implant, as well as the other breast and some nodes.  I am hoping for a comfortable recovery and then on to my txs.  I will overcome this one too.  Hugs to all and thank you for your prayers and support.

    Labby

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  • deborye
    deborye Member Posts: 7,002
    edited January 2010

    Hugs Labby and yes you will overcome this one also.

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  • Meece
    Meece Member Posts: 19,483
    edited January 2010

    Congratulations on your last tx, brando!  I plan on being one of the 40 - 50 year survivors.  I made it past the 3 and 5 year landmarks for my version of the beast, so I count myself blessed.  My tumor was over 1.5cm.   6 years and counting....

    meece

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  • cakeisgreat
    cakeisgreat Member Posts: 660
    edited January 2010

    Hugs and prayers Labby

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  • Meece
    Meece Member Posts: 19,483
    edited January 2010

    Labby, I am sorry I missed reading your post.  ((((Hugs)))) and prayer for your surgery Wednesday.

    Meece

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