January Mastectomy
Comments
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Donna,
The thread is actually called: NEW Oncotype Dx Roll Call Thread under Chemotherapy, before during and after.
Marianne
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I'm back ladies and I didn't get a 9 but I did get a 16 and in my onc's opinoin, I should NOT have chemo!
I'm skeptical of course asking her all these questions and she said...if you want me to poison you I will be happy to do it. My husband is looking at me like I'm from Mars and asking why am I not jumping for joy? I said because I didn't get a 9 and that's what I wanted.
Onc says...here's your 9....10% chance of recurrence with Tamoxifen only and a 9% chance of recurrence with Tamoxifen and chemo combined. Is chemo worth 1%? No, I guess it isn't!
She drew 2 labs today...one to determine if my liver can metabolize the Tamoxifen and an estradial level to determine my place in the menopausal time line. Her plan is to keep me on Tamoxifen for 3 years and then do the 'big switch' to Armidex. She claims that there is OVERWHELMING evidence that Tamoxifen switched to Armidex within 3-5 years is as ideal as the cutting edge technology of 2010 is dictating.
And who am I to argue with the cutting edge technology of 2010? Not this little lab rat
I'm off to get my hair cut and colored !:) Praise the Lord!
KatOh PS....something I did not know (and probably should have) no more soy foods! She said they have estrogen in them and she doesn't want anything remotely resembling estrogen near my body. Guess I'm going to have to some research on naturally occuring estrogen.
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Hey Cindy-funny about the hat and the neighbors! And good for you that your hair is still hanging in there! I need my hair colored so bad I almost wish it would fall out...I don't want to pay to have it colored, then have it fall out the next day. Everything I read about the drugs I'm having said it will fall out...not to mention, everyone I've talked to about the same drugs. But who knows...I'm going to give it another few weeks, and if it doesn't fall out after my second treatment on March 4th, then I'll get it colored. I may cheat on my hairdresser and use a box color just in case.
What is your regimen? Mine is 4 rounds of AC, followed by 4 rounds of T...
Oh and Kat-MUCHO CONGRATS ON THE 16!
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Hi Girls. I did get into seeing the oncologist and its done.... I start my chemo on Thursday the 25 exactly 1 month after my BLM......Oh well move on...... I have an appointment with the wig lady tomorrow and Sunday. I guess I didn't really have a choice today when 2 oncologist come in and say I am in the middle but with my mothers history (deceased -----ovarian,pancreas,lung) I have no choice.....They also want me to have my ovaries out when the 4 rounds on T-C are done. I'm thinking ovaries........ what the hell take it all........ I will be sporting my new wig for the Bon Jovi concerts at the end of March which I really do not want to miss. I wish it was summer for all of us . To be behind all this stuff. I guess down deep I knew I was going to have to do this. Any one have stories and feelings about their first round. Feel like sharing?
Thank you all my BS for being there for me... You encourage me to get through this.... without you girls I wouldn't know what to do....Thanks{{{HUGS}}}
Debbie- what a great picture..... I wish I was there just taking it all in.
Kat- Hope your news is better then mine.
Marianne- thanks for the info
Cindy- thanks for the nudge in the right direction... It was easy to make the choice after hearing the oncologist.
Talk to you girls later... Mentally pooped.
Donna
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Kat,
I am jumping for joy for you....forget your favorite # sister. Your lucky number now is SWEEEEEET 16!!!!!! No chemo for you; what a relief! I knew about the soy. The library is a great place for research; lots of recent books on breast cancer and lots of fun facts (like the soy one)!
Pray I'm in that low round too!
Love,
Marianne
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WHOO HOO!!! That's great news, Kat! A 16 is very good. I know how relieved you have to be, and I am so happy it worked out this way for you. That's great how you asked the hard questions, sort of making your oncologist prove to you why this is the best path for you. So now you go forward knowing you're doing the right thing and getting your life back. I guess all that's left, except for the medicine of course, is to finish up your fills and get the implants. Then back to living life to the fullest! I've heard that about soy. The thing that bummed me out was giving up wine, since that ups the estrogen big time. I loved maybe 3 or 4 glasses a week, but when I found out how estrogen positive I was last year, I gave it up.
Kim, I've got four rounds of TC. One down, three to go.
Cindy
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Kat ----- Just read your post CONGRATS.... I'm in tears I'm so happy for you.... You go girl ! One of us did it......
Thank god. Prayers are answered somewhere
Talk to you later,
Love-Donna
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Cindy- How was your first round of TC? I start on Thursday? Any heads up?
Donna
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Donna, I'm sorry you have to join us for chemo. If you get a chance, come over to the chemo board. We have a February 2010 start group I post to where we share our experiences with chemo. Honestly, I've had a very easy time with my first treatment. The worry was worse than the actual treatment and aftermath. I may just be lucky, but there are a lot of us over there who have had the same experience.
Did you get a prescription for steroids? Most of us are told to take steroids the day before, the day of, and the day after infusion. Some may get it in their drip. This is to fend off any potential allergic reaction to Taxotere. Your first infusion will go slower so they can monitor you closely. Mine lasted something like five hours. Most importantly, remember to hydrate well before and after. They want you to flush it out quickly.
You'll get thru this, and we are all there to help. Try not to worry (I know, yeah, right), but I am amazed at how easy this chemo thing has been so far.
Marianne, I'm still praying for a low number for you!
Cindy
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Cindy- Thanks for the encouragement... I did post on the Chemo board. You girls sound so strong and amazing. I did get the steroid prescription for the day before,of, and after...Unfortunately this chemo experience is not new to me. My mother had several round for different types of cancers.... The worst part is the hair loss. I am not looking forward to that.
Thanks everyone for all your help,
Donna
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Hi everyone!
Been a while since I posted and thanks so much for asking about me ariesrottie- feels good to be missed! This week has been a real bummer for me. I guess the emotions finally caught up to me and I have cried more this week than I can remember. I didn't even cry when I was diagnosed. I have tried to be so strong and finally this week the pity party came and I just couldn't get past it. I feel a little ashamed about it at times because all though I am not married or have kids I have so many family members and friends who love me and would do anything for me but you know how it is sometimes when you just don't have the answer to what would make you feel better. That was just how I was feeling. Any little thing would have me boo-hooing. I have decided that if I need a good cry than I will just let myself have one at this point.
Although I was really afraid I went for my 2nd fill Tues and the PS decided we should just wait another week after the amount of pain I had after the first fill the previous Tues. Normally I really have a fairly high pain tolerance so I don't really know what the problem is but you know I have decided to just accept it for what it is and make him slow down and do this the easiest way possible. I am praying this Tues I will have an easier time and get back on the path to my much anticipated recovery.
On the bright side it is a little warmer here today and my sister was going to run an errand and then bring me lunch and I called her back and said just come get me I am going with you. I did and although I am a little tired I feel pretty good and am proud of myself for just getting out. I am determined to do what I can to make myself feel better.
I really admire you women who have been able to get back into the "real" world so much quicker, but I know we are all different.
Hugs and much love to all of you!
Becky
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Oh, Debbie!!! Thank you for that gorgeous seascape! It is soooo appreciated here in gray and snowy Syarcuse!
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Kat - my surgery buddy, I am so happy for you. I can just picture your husband's face, after all the agonizing and praying for no chemo, you question the dr on the 'no chemo' answer
He probably thought you had lost your mind. Good for you for getting the specifics and having her give you the % so that you can be comfortable with the answer. Enjoy that cut and color !Donna - I hate that you are now facing chemo, but glad that your onc was able to help with the decision.
Marianne - when will your test come back?
To all of my January sisters who are facing chemo, I pray for you that it will go smoothly and with as few side effects as possible.
{{{{{hugs to all}}}}}
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Becky,
It's okay to be depressed. It's ok to cry. You said you didn't cry when you were diagnosed....my guess, is this may be a delayed reaction or that all of this has just built up and the flood gates had to open. Cry it out!
cleo100 (Linda), My stepson, daughter-in-law and 2 granddaughters just visited from Syracuse. I want you to know they brought the snow with them. It snowed everyday here in tennessee while they were here! They left yesterday morning early, and the sun has been shining since. Sorry they brough that grey sky back there. I remember what it was like. The toughest adjustment for me when we moved to Tennessee was to get used to all the sunshine!!! I sent you an email.
Marianne
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Sally,
My test won't be back for 2 1/2 to 3 weeks!!!! Seems like all we do is wait for results, have another test, and wait for more results!!!! I will try to make the best of my time (more reading and research)...you know, just enough to make me nuts before I get the results.
Marianne
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My mortage company just sent a property inspector to make sure my house isn't vacant...guess they're checking up on us since we're two payments down. Just not what I need to deal with right now. I was already crying from being so bored and lonely.
Not to mention my husband got put "on call" at his job as of Tuesday. He's doing work out of the house, but there's not a weekly paycheck coming in right now.
And! Bonus-he just chewed me out that I'm stressing him out...today is just too much to take. Think I'll take a Xanax and go to bed...
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(((((((((((((((((((((burley)))))))))))))))))))))))))
xx00xx00xx00xx00xx
Strength and courage.
Strength and courage.
Strength and courage.
This is EXACTLY the situation that calls for Xanax.
Better living thru pharaceutical support.
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Today there was a 45 minute stretch where the sun came out and the temperature was warm enough by the pool to put on bathing suits. First time all week.
I am going to post this picture in an effort to encourage those of you who have not yet had your recon. This is me in a bathing suit. Period. No fluffies. No foobies. No padding. Suit on skin. Period.
Anyhow......
I was able to go down to the public poolside, amidst all of the bikini clad, tanned bodies and not bat an eyelast. I didn't even require my happy pills.
No one ran from the pool screaming.
It was a complete "non" event.
Today is 5 weeks out for me.
There's hope, girls. There's hope.
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You go Debbie !!! 5 weeks out and rockin' the bathing suit
Marianne- it seems all we do in this journey is "hurry up and wait".
Becky - good to see you back. Let the tears flow, it isn't wrong or anything to be ashamed of. Your life has been to heck and back in the past 3 months - we all need a good cry sometimes.
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{{{{{Kim}}}}} I agree with Debbie, Better living thru pharaceutical support.
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Debbie!!! I love the picture
You look awesome!! And you can't even tell.....I've gone this entire week not even trying to hide under my shirts....flat as a pancake I've gone....even bought a couple of shirts clearanced at Target that where lower necked and tight....they actually are a little baggy-ish around the bustline area, but you know what? I don't even care Maybe I'll try on my swimsuits tomorrow morning just for the "fun" of it...ha! (I did buy some bath net thingies that people talk about to put into the cup areas, just in case....maybe it's time to play with those...) Of course this is crazy....we still have SNOW on the ground...
GO Kat!! yippee
Still praying for those waiting, those who are facing the chemo and all those hard, hard changes.
My oldest son (the freshman in college) informed us tonight he plans to transfer to another college in the fall. The one where he turned down his full-ride to last year....he likes the school where he is now, but the computer dept. isnt' as good as he thinks it should be (in comparison to the other school, where his friend is- who is telling him all about it).....The school he is now is our Alma Mater, and one we love. Of course, he needs the best for his future career, but we're not convinced that school #2 is the best place for him socially. Why can't life ever be easy....sigh.
Becky - Last week was MY week to cry and cry and cry. Couldn't even open my mouth without succumbing (did I spell that right??) to tears. Awful week...This week has been better. I'll be praying extra hard for you. This whole thing is such a roller coaster.
Ditto on the soy stuff....my oncologist told me to avoid it...my daughter, too! My daughter would always drink soy milk, and like tofu stuff. Well, no more. She's switched to almond milk.
Praying for all of you...blessings...robin
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Debbie-Look how beautiful you look... you go girl.....Glad you are in the warm weather better then here in the 30's.
Enjoy your time.
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Donna, sorry to hear your number fell where it did. I hope you don't have to wait too long to see your oncologist and find out what their recommendations are. Maybe this will help once you have a plan in place and know what and when you will have to do.
Debbie, I love the beach picture. As much as I am enjoying the cross country skiing right now, I would trade it in very quickly for a beach.
Congratulations Kat on the news of your score and not needing to do chemo. Treat yourself to that cut and colour.
I should be cutting and colouring my hair, but I am almost afraid to, thinking that will just jinx myself. I will wait for my oncotype score comes in. Marianne, I was told mine will also take 3 weeks, so likely won't find out until next Thursday.
I am supposed to leave next Friday to take my son on out of town hockey tournament in the Twin Cities, so if its good news, would be nice to know before I left.
Cathy
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Kim I hope you did get to bed early and find tomorrow brings a better day. Sending you hugs and prayers.
Cathy
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Big day for me today ladies. I have 2 basketball games to go to for my girls. There will be no 'hiding' this time, like I did at the concert. I will be right in the bleachers (maybe, might have to use a folding chair with a back) with the rest of the parents. I am nervous, and don't really understand the way I feel. I have changed my clothes 4 times already. Each time deciding I look to much like I am trying to hide in my clothes, which is dumb because these are the same clothes I wore before surgery. I really don't look much different, so I don't know why I am obsessing. We are going to try to go to lunch in between the games, so I will be gone for 6 hours total. I am hoping that 6 hrs will not be to long for me. I don't want to fall asleep during the 2nd game
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Morning January Sisters...
WoW...what a day. I'm getting off the roller coaster of decisions and getting on my knees to thank God for my blessings.
I really like my onc now...not that I didn't not like her before...that didn't sound right. I guess I just wanted more sympathy at the first visit and she's just very no-nonsense and won't play into it. I believe she truly is an advocate for me and not just practicing defensive medicine. She is just so confident and happy for me...it's amazing.
I'm going to start the Tamoxifen as early as today but will probably wait until Monday....I'm not sure what dictates the 'start date' except your own prepartion for it...in any event my script awaits me at the pharmacy. I'm excited about the stronger bones that is a benefit from taking this drug...I read somewhere in this vast land of forums that when you have joint pain, that you just have to remind yourself that the pain is really the bones getting stronger and then you can endure it. Sounds like a plan!:)
Debbie...loved your picture! Your chest looks like mine! lol
How are everyone's incisions doing? Mine seem to be doing well...a couple of spots I have to keep my eye on though. I'm using paper tape every day on them now that I'm a little more active. I only wear cami's (plug for Spanx here) and they give me enough support and I feel shapely in my clothes. I've been wearing lots of scarfs which double as necklaces which I can't wear now anyway...so it's all good!
My cut and color yesterday was fabulous! My stylist brought a bottle of wine and we enjoyed a toast with another friend who popped in to watch the process. My husband and I even enjoyed a little romance last night....all in all I think it was one of the best days I've had since the start of this journey!
Have fun at the game today Sally...My prayer is for everyone can find their grace today!
Enjoy your Sat
Kat -
Kat- good for you on the hair cut and color. It great that your husband and you enjoyed each other.... Thanks goodness for the DH. Mine is starting to get alittle better....Finally took a shower for the first time in 2 days.... Thats how bad he was..... But today he is getting a haircut and we are planning to go out for dinner with our neighbors..
Sally- enjoy the basketball games. 6 hours is nothing when you are enjoying yourself with friends and family. Have fun.
Cathy- Thanks for the encouragement.. I did talk to my oncologist and I decided to go ahead with the chemo (4) of TC.. So today I am going out for lunch with a friend and looking for a wig.... I'm going wig shopping..... Sure wish my daughter wa here for she is my biggest critic.....
Any way girls wish you a wonderful feel good day.....
HUGS,
Donna
P.S. Kat- I'm glad you are still around here.... We need you....XOXO
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Dear Jan gals, Hope all is feeling good. I wanted tell you about a book that really help me. It is by Dr Susan Love -Breast Book"the breast cancer Bible" you may already have, but if not it worth getting.
Debbie you look so good! Awesome in the bathing suit !!Thanks for sharing.
So Glad all you all are doing great & making me smile when I read your post! Thanks for all you great Info !
Kat, I think I may have an answer to taken Iron & Vit C . They like to give you Vit c with iron because the vit c help with asborstion of iron & help it stay in your body. I do know ( Because Iam a big Tea drinking) Tea will delete your Iron so be careful not to drink as much Tea when taking Iron.
Prayers & hugs to all my Jan friends!
well I hope you have a great day!
Hugs to all!
Gina R
PS I am Now over 3 week post -op Still have drain & still havn't got my 1st filler to expander. But I am learning to take it day by day! Drainage today was 62 cc UGH!!!
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Gina- sorry to hear about your drains... I had mine for 3 weeks.. The only reason they took mine out was for I had infection from ingrown hair...... No matter what I did I still filled up... Since they pulled mine... I am fine and still on antibiotics.... Hang in there. Wishing you well.
Donna
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whoooohoooo kat!!!!!!
so gina,now i have to give up tea too????? my momma raised me on fudge, snickers bars, homemade cinnamon rolls, and tea.....maybe this is all her fault.
debbie, you do look great, and am so wishing i could go for a swim, maybe it would get these sore spots out....
just got my second call in two days from the hospital checking up on me after getting the port placed....the first time i thought it was sweet....now i am getting suspicious....did someone lose a watch or something????
donna, how is that infection looking? clearing up?? so not something to mess with these days & wishing you quick healing there. you said you are doing tc, right? lucky girl, only 4 rounds. do you have to do the neupogen shots with that also?
tata all
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