**NEW** Starting Chemo March 2009

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  • pickle
    pickle Member Posts: 1,409
    edited February 2010

    Helloo Ladies:

    I am doing well. I got my drain out yesterday...yeah! I had some redness and hotness in a large patch but the surgeon wasn't concerned. I am on antibiotics and it looks much better today. Last night was the first time that I slept for any length of time and it feels good to get some rest. I will go back in 2 weeks for a fill.

    Francine: Thanks for kindness. I really am doing ok. How was you BS appointment? Did you get all of your questions answered? Good for you for signing up to be a patient navigator. You will be so well suited for that and I am so proud of you for doing it!Smile

    Dawn: Miami...heat...sun...sounds like a great time. That is really cool that you are meeting a BCO friend and it's nice that you have so much in common....you'll have lots to talk about!

    Dayla: You are on your way...wow the time went so quick! I look forward to your stories whenever you check in.

    Patti: It's always nice to hear from you. How do you feel about your cancervesary coming up? I wasn't sure how I'd feel about mine but I surprisingly embraced it and celebrated it. I was so amazed with how much I had been through in the last year and how fast it all went. I think I will always celebrate it...kind of like a new birthday for me.

    Janine: NYC! That's awesome. It will be wonderful to meet you! You are doing  the1/2 marathon. That is fantastic...inspiring. Have a great time.

    Rachel: That's too bad about your blog. You have such writing talent. Perhaps you could start something new or could you password protect your blog?

    Hugs

    Beth P

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  • nasharayne
    nasharayne Member Posts: 139
    edited February 2010

    Hello Ladies,

    This weekend I noticed something very hard in my BC breast near my scar which is of course near where the bc was.  I saw my surgeon today and he scheduled me for a Mammo, US and possible biopsy next week.  He said he doesn't think it's anything but, just to be on the safe side...... I'm trying not to worry about it but, the last time I heard those exact words, it was something.  Thanks in advance for your thoughts and prayers.  I know you ladies are always there with your kind words.

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  • pickle
    pickle Member Posts: 1,409
    edited February 2010

    Nasharyne: so sorry you are faced with some worry. I had to have a biopsy a few months ago so I know how anxious you must be. I think that doctors are always going to be very didligent with all of us that had breast cancer. It's a double edged sword....we want them to be on top of things...but we don't want to be freaked out each time. Take it one step at a time. Get through the mammo & US and maybe you won't even need a biopsy. I took Ativan when I went for mammo, US & biopsy. ...it really helped relax me. I will say extra prayers and send lots of positive vibes your way. Breathe.....we are all for you.

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  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited February 2010

    HI Ladies,

    Not a good day for me on the BC front.

    I went to the BS this morning and she felt what the onco had felt on my good breast which had been lifted . She said it was probably fat necrosis from my last lift. Nobody had felt the "good" breast since  the November surgery until last week. Well she said I should get a mamo and an ultrasound. She got me an appt for this afternoon. Well they took so many pictures and then did a very comprehensive ultrasound. They told me at the hospital that they had spoken with the BS. Well upon leaving the hospital I called her. She still told me not to worry but a biopsy would set my mind at ease. So I said how about now. Well I went around the corner to her office and she did the biopsy. She said that she really feels the tissue looks like necrosis. She said I should get my results by Thursday or Friday. What a day!

    I then told her that I had been thinking for quite some time that if I had a biopsy then I would have another mastectomy. She said I should not make any rash decisions. She said I should speak with my husband. He said I should wait and see what happens. The BS did say that she would monitor my lifted breast to make sure she knows all the lumps and bumps. I do feel a little better. But as Nash says one never knows.

    I must say the BS was so compassionate and sweet to me. It's funny because she was the one who cut too much skin off during the mastectomy and put me in the postion I am now . Many of you know I have had 7 surgeries because of this. I told her I had weathered this past year well and I am afraid to have to go through this stuff once again.

    I do feel a little better now. I just came home and now are beginning to pack for my cruise. Now with the predicted weather we may leave a day early.

    Beth..Glad you are feeling better and had a good night sleep.Congrats on winning the Ice dancing gold. Tessa is just so pretty. What a lovely couple and such great athletes.

    Nash..We are all here for you and do hope for the best.

    Rachel..Too bad about your blog. But we do so appreciate hearing from down under.

    Hugs,

    Francine

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  • PattiB
    PattiB Member Posts: 421
    edited February 2010

    Beth - I do feel it is a celebration.  Hard to believe I was bald and now have a head full of curly hair.  I also celebrate that I was stronger then a thought I would be.  I do notice lots of lumpiness in my radiated boob, so I am also a little anxious too.  I am planning on putting a little ink dot in a few places where I think I feel a lumpiness or have pain, so I can just have my onc check those spots that concern me a bit.   Continued well wishes for your post surgery recovery.

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  • ChrisC433
    ChrisC433 Member Posts: 553
    edited February 2010

    Nasharayne and Francine...I am so sorry to hear about your recent testing.  I pray that nothing significant is found and this is just another false scare.  I hate to think this is what we have to look forward to for years.

    Francine...clear your mind and enjoy that vacation.  Are you flying out of NY for your trip?  Is the weather looking bad enough to reschedule for a day early??  I leave out of Atlantic City Sat. morning.....now you've got me wondering!!

    Take care....sending good vibes to all you ladies...

    Chris

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  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited February 2010

    Chris,

    By Saturday the storm should be over. They keep predicting bad weather. We probably will not make our decision till tomorrow.

    Francine

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  • pickle
    pickle Member Posts: 1,409
    edited February 2010

    Oh Francine.....I felt sick when I read your post. It must have been a really crummy day ...especially if you said so ...because you are always so good at looking at the bright side. As I said earlier to Nasharyne....double edged sword but we have to be thankful that the docs are being proactive instead of reactive.

    I am so impressed that you got your biopsy today. Good for you to speak up instead of waiting for them to book it. It sounds like you have a good BS who is willing to get things done quickly for you. When are you cruising? Pack a bit...sip of wine...pack a bit...sip of wine....lol

    I will keep everything crossed and send positive vibes your way. You are such an inspiration to us all and a bonafide trooper!

    Patti: I totally understand you being a little anxious. I was too. We do have a lot to celebrate but there is that lingering uneasiness sometimes. I think that's all normal and part of this whole process. I was determined to be all "Pollyanna" about my cancerversary...lol

    The ink dots are an excellent idea. I think it would be good to take a pic of where you put ink marks for future reference too. Wow, I never would have thought of doing that.

    Hugs to all

    Beth P

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  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited February 2010

    Beth..Thanks for the comforting thoughts.

    I was proud of myself for speaking up. Last year at my diagnosis it took weeks to get all done. The BS really did not want to do the biopsy as I take a baby aspirin and would bleed. I pleaded and she did it. She seems so positive ..but unfortunately we all know there is no such thing.

    ladies..Please keep me in all of your prayers.

    I do feel a little better but at times it is hard to do. Yes I am packing , sipping , packing , sipping..

    Tomorrow is another day..

    Hugs,

    Francine

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  • pickle
    pickle Member Posts: 1,409
    edited February 2010

    Francine: Big Hugs and tons of prayers!

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  • sakura73
    sakura73 Member Posts: 467
    edited February 2010

    Nasharayne  and Francine I am keeping you both in my prayers. Since we have all been on the losing end of the 'it is probably nothing' game it is so hard to be positive when a new possible threat arises. But I know you know that the odds are in your favour - it probably  IS nothing and I pray that you can both be calm and comforted until you get the all clear again.

    Pickle - glad to hear the drain is out and you are feeling okay.

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  • ChrisC433
    ChrisC433 Member Posts: 553
    edited February 2010

    Francine, I am praying, praying, praying!  Way to get things done, yesterday.  You have your team under your thumb!!  Hopefully this is just a "false" scare and you can go on your vacation with a clear mind and more to celebrate!

    Take care,

    Chris

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  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited February 2010

    Ladies,

    Thks once again for your kind prayers. I am feeling a little better . Yes I am thrilled that I had all done in one day. I spoke up which the old Francine never would have done.

    TheBS did empathize with all that I had been through. It's funny of all the doctors I have seen in my journey she is the only one who seems to have "feeling" and sort of knows me. The PS whom I have seen so many times sees me just as another case or maybe a little more. But no real connection.

    Well we are packing and tomorrow we will leave very early in the morning. My DH and I are bringing our Netbook so I will be in touch either on Thursday or Friday.

    Thanks so much for being there...Sakura, Beth, Chris..

    Another big storm coming here. Better batter down the hatches.

    Hugs,

    Francine

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  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited February 2010

    Beth..

    How are you feeling today?

    How did you sleep?

    I know you feel so much freer without the dreaded drain.

    Keep improving each day.

    Hugs,

    Francine

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  • pickle
    pickle Member Posts: 1,409
    edited February 2010

    Francine: I am feeling so much better. The redness is mostly gone and I slept well last night.

    Great to hear that you'll be keeping in touch with your netbook.

    We will keep the prayers going for you and Nasharyne and Karen.

    Has anyone heard from Karen???

    Hugs

    Beth P

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  • ChrisC433
    ChrisC433 Member Posts: 553
    edited February 2010

    Beth...glad to here you are feeling better.  Just being able to sleep makes a world of difference! 

    Francine....keep those positve thought flowing!  You are such a strong person, who has already been through so much.  I really hope this is a minor speed bump.  You have been an inspiration to us all!!

    Getting ready for another winter storm.  I purchased travel protection incase we can't make it to the airport or the flight is canceled.  Sometimes things just work that way  :(

     Take care,

    Chris

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  • jdeking
    jdeking Member Posts: 408
    edited February 2010

    *Hugs* to Francine and Nasharyne! I hope everything turns out ok with both of you, and I will keep you in my prayers!

    Nasharyne - you are probably feeling scar tissue or a seroma. I will cross my fingers that is all it turns out to be.

    I agree with you Francine, I always say if it comes down to biopsying either of my boobs, I will just go for the bilat mx at that point. My radiated boob is also lumpy and swollen like Patti's. And I have "benign-appearing" cycsts and calcifications in both sides... which is ok, but my 1st tumor was also labelled "benign-appearing" until they got the biopsy results! It makes one worry..

     Rachel - sorry to hear about your blog. I agree, you should start another and password protect it!

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  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited February 2010

    Ladies,

    Thanks again for the good vibes.

    Beth..you sound good. Great..

    Janine- Now that I am in the situation of having had a biopsy I do not know if I want to have another mastectomy. Now I am leaning toward not having it. Assuming good news comes ..

    Chris- Hopefully by Saturday things will be better and you will get out... I can't wait till Cozumel...

    It's funny that I also talk and meet with a group of women on this board from New York. I just don't feel that close to them and did not write about my biopsy. You ladies are my support and friends. I did tell two good friends about the biopsy but my dearest and best friend is away in Florida on vacation. I could call her but do not want to upset her. Hopefully I will tomorrow to  retell my story. My DH has been a great support ..

    I went today for a manicure and pedicure. I look so nice.. all packed.Just a few odd things to to.

    We are leaving tomorrow.. hopefully the weather will hold up for us to get out.

    Hugs to all my dear BCO friends who have given me such strength..

    Francine

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  • jdeking
    jdeking Member Posts: 408
    edited February 2010

    Have so much fun on your cruise Francine! I love the Carnival cruises, and mine back in Sept. was fabulous.

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  • kim40
    kim40 Member Posts: 904
    edited February 2010

    I am soooooo far behind on this thread!  I apologize for not staying in touch with you wonderful ladies that have gotten me through the most roughest time in my life last  year.  All of you have so much going on!

    Francine and Nasharyne - I'm praying for you both.  Sending lot of hugs and positive vibes your way.  I hope you both get the results you are looking for and soooo deserve.

    Pickle - How are you feeling? 

    Rachel - So sorry to hear about  your blog - hope you start a new one. 

    Well, things are going ok for me.  Having some ups and having some downs.  My MIL has been d/x with bowel cancer.  Pretty depressing really.  My husband is  having a hard time accepting this as first it was his wife last year and now this  year his mother.  She will be doing chemo - she is due to start on Monday.  It  just seems at times that it never ends.

    I am still getting Herceptin.  I have 7  left!!  I will be done in July.  I so can't wait for that part to be over.  As I didn't get a port when I was d/x, my veins are getting a little worn out.  The nurses are starting to get a little upset with me for not getting the port.  But with only 7 Herceptin left, I'm surely not going to get one now!

    On a couple of pages back, someone mentioned about being  ER+ and getting an oomph.  Well, I'm still crusading in getting that done.  No gyno wants too touch me.  I am getting so frustrated by it all.  My chart keeps getting bounced back and forth between my family doc and the cancer center.  My family doc told me to let it go for now, but we will start fighting again in April.  I don't understand why so many oncs can have so many different standard forms of care.  If I was in Toronto, it wouldn't be a problem.  So in the meantime, I am doing the Zoladex shots every 3 months along with Femara.

    I have a question.  Is everyone getting their bloodwork done at there 3 month appt and getting their CEA's checked?   My onc hasnt ordered any blookwork for me, but I'm just wondering if it is because I'm still taking Herceptin.  Your feedback would be appreciated. 

    Hope everyone is doing well and I promise to stay more in touch!

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  • ChrisC433
    ChrisC433 Member Posts: 553
    edited February 2010

    I get complete bloodwork done every 3 months.  I see my onc and then 3 months later my BS.  They alternate so I am not seeing them both at the same time but am being  monitored every 3 months.

    Francine....waiting for some good news!

    Beth...hope you are healing quickly.

    Chris

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  • pickle
    pickle Member Posts: 1,409
    edited February 2010

    Kim; So nice to hear from you but so sorry to hear about your MIL. I am sure you will be a big inspiration to her. Regarding ooph, it hasn't even been mentioned to me and I really haven't asked much about it. If you feel that you should do it then keep pushing. I am sure you are so frustrated with it all but hang in there and keep asking. I don't go back to my onc for a year unless anything worrisome arises. My GP will see me evry 6 months now and will do bloodwork at that time. It does seem that there are different protocols at different centers. I imagine they will continue to monitor you because you are still doing herceptin. BTW what is CEA?

    Sending nig hugs to you today and I am sending prayers for your MIL.

    Francine and Chris: Have a wonderful time on your cruises. Can't wait to hear what's been left in Cozumel.

    Beth P

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  • PattiB
    PattiB Member Posts: 421
    edited February 2010

    Well wishes to everyone.

    Beth - I tend to not be really focused (chemofog) during my appointments, so the ink dots will definitely bring attention to my concerns.  I'll also take some notes with questions.  Hope you are feeling better.

    Another snow day in Philadelphia.  Since I work for a school I am off today.  The work is another big one next week (farmer's almanac prediction).

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  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited February 2010

    GOOD NEWS...B9 ,B9,B9 ,B9....................

    The BS called today to say that all was fine. She is just so sweet and asked how my biopsy site felt. Who really cares? I am fine and can go on my cruise with an clear mind.The mass was fatty necrosis.

    Our cruise leaves out of Tampa tomorrow.

    We were lucky and got out of NYC yesterday..Thursday morning on a 7:30 flight to Florida before all the storms came. My friends back in NYC say there has been much snow..over a foot and a half. I hope my friend can get out tomorrow to come and feed my cats.

    Beth..how are you feeling.

    Chris..how does your flight look for tomorrow.

    Kim..sorry to hear about your MIL.

    Re followups. I go to my BS every six months..mamography and ultrasound at that time once a year. My oncologist sees me every three months and always does blood...

    Yes I am so relieved ..I have learned and all shoudl that after your breast to lifted it should be felt so the docs can know about scar tissue etc. I will see the BS again in three months this time just to check me out.

    Ladies..thanks again for being there for me..

    Hugs,

    Francine

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  • ChrisC433
    ChrisC433 Member Posts: 553
    edited February 2010

    Oh Francine....I have been waiting to hear from you.  I am soooo happy for you. You enjoy yourself and celebrate a little extra!

    Flights went out today so I am hoping tomorrow will be fine.  We have to drive 4 1/2 hours to get to Atlantic City tonight...hoping the roads are O.K.

    I probably won't post till I get back next week, so.....take care everyone!

    Chris

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  • pickle
    pickle Member Posts: 1,409
    edited February 2010

    Francine: WooHoo....High Five...Yippee....and more. Smile Have a wonderful trip

    Chris: Drive careful...be safe...and have a blast!

    Patti et al: You gals in the East are really getting hammered with the weather eh! (said in a Canadian accent eh)

    The USA just pummeled Finland in the hockey semi-final. Canada will be  playing Slovakia tonght. If they win then Canada and the USA will play  for Gold on Sunday. It will be a very exciting game!

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  • Dawnmrn1
    Dawnmrn1 Member Posts: 446
    edited February 2010

    Hey Ladies!  Greetings from Sunny florida!  70's and much better than an ice storm in NH!!!! We have no power in NH!!!! Love being away!  lolI'm so happy for you Francine, enjoy your trip!  Beth! Happy to hear you are on the mend!  Chris safe travels!  Will catch up when I return home!

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  • ccbaby
    ccbaby Member Posts: 985
    edited February 2010
    Francine....That is wonderful news!! Now you can enjoy your trip with no worries!
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  • NanaA
    NanaA Member Posts: 293
    edited February 2010

    Kim, I am going to be doing my  last herceptin on March 16 and I have had to do bloodwork before every herceptin treatment and see onc at every other one.  I am surprised you have not had to have bloodwork every time.

    Francine - Glad you got out ahead of the storm and that your news was good.  We leave next Tuesday for our cruise out of Ft Lauderdale on Holland America and I have been watching the forecast for central Illinois to make sure we were not in any danger of not getting out. We live just out side of Champaign and the forecast looks good for Tuesday.  I am ready for warmer weather. 

    It does not seem possible this year is almost over with all everyone has been thru and for some still going thru.  A former co-worker who I had seen when I was in having my herceptin treatment the last few months and he was having chemo for abdominal  cancer finally passed away this week, funeral was today.   He had lost about 80 lbs and was skin and bones but he never wanted to give up the fight.  He had a 16 year old daughter and was only 48 years old.  I feel very grateful to be cancer free right now and hope all of us continue to remain that way.  Hugs to all Annette

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  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited February 2010

    Ladies,

    Enjoying cool Tampa..48 degrees now and rainy.

    But we are soon to board our ship and leave for the Carribean.

    Thanks once again to all for being there ..It was quite a difficult week for me. Now we only look ahead again.

    Had a fun day in Tampa yesterday as we visited the Yankees spring training site. We saw almost all the players up close. Also I was emailed by my SIL that Dillards was having their big sale so we went there also and bought a few nice items at really great prices. Luckily my suitcase was not full.always room for another bargain.

    I will write on Thursday to tell all about our nice cruise.

    Looking forward to the BC walk on the ship which I did in the fall.

    Hugs,

    Francine

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