Class of 2010

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  • LINDAGARSIDE
    LINDAGARSIDE Member Posts: 345
    edited March 2010

    Hi Marm...yes, I've heard of that as well (radiation even though a masectomy was done) in some cases. Clearly that is what they seem to be telling Shopper ...curious why they didn't tell her right up front.  Let's hope she gets some answers soon.  It's hard enough for all of us to wait for information without having to wonder if we've been given ALL the information.

     The more I learn, the less I know.  LOL.  One thing I am learning for sure is that no matter what...our tumours are unique to us...and no two are exactly the same (given the pre and post menopause factor and other points) so no two treatment plans will be exactly the same. 

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  • etk02038
    etk02038 Member Posts: 150
    edited March 2010

    Michele- I hope your bones feel better tomorrow.

    Lauriez- Hi and welcome. I was told the same thing about lumpectomey vs mast. I went with a lumpectomy but I understand why some women choose a mast. It is a tough personal decision and I wish you luck with it. The best advice I got was make your decision and then don't look back.

    I start radiation tomorrow and I feel good that finally treatment is starting.

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  • LINDAGARSIDE
    LINDAGARSIDE Member Posts: 345
    edited March 2010

    I had my first radiation today.  It went well.  I suspect it will get a little sensitive as time wears on.  I did purchase the nursing bra and the radiologist tech thought that was an EXCELLENT idea.  We all have our own GP to thank for this great tip. 

    The cancer society here picks you up at home and brings you back again for appointments...free of charge.  Isn't that great?  Tomorrow I will have a ride ready to pick me up at 7:45 a.m. and afterwards, she will take me to work.  (I wonder if they do windows?  LOL).

    I don't know why...but I've not been sleeping too well lately.  Perhaps it is the tamoxifen?  I recall when I first started menopause (some years ago), initially I would wake up in the middle of the night for no apparent reason.  After a few years, that stopped and my sleep pattern went back to normal...except until now.  Hello, I'm back to waking up in the middle of the night.  UGHHHHHHHHHH. 

     I'm also starting to get hot flushes once more.  Again, I went through all that a few years ago...but they're back...boo hoo.  I should just be thankful that I've got a good hormone blocker.  Shut-up Linda you big baby.  OK, I needed to hear that.  Thanks.

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  • Teka
    Teka Member Posts: 10,052
    edited February 2012

    lauriez, 

     PLEASE keep talking to your doctors.  When all said and done you and only you will decide breast-cancer treatment.

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  • Teka
    Teka Member Posts: 10,052
    edited March 2010

    lauriez, 

     PLEASE keep talking to your doctors.  When all said and done you and only you will decide breast-cancer treatment.

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  • Dublin4
    Dublin4 Member Posts: 158
    edited March 2010

    Hello girls...latest update for me...Onco score of 30....chemo starts this week.  4 rounds every three weeks.  Should be done by the end of May and moving forward.  The fun just never ends.  You are all a bright light in an otherwise dark place.  Thank you!

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  • Teka
    Teka Member Posts: 10,052
    edited February 2012

    Dublin4,

    Good Luck!

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  • Dublin4
    Dublin4 Member Posts: 158
    edited March 2010

    Thanks!  I am just so scared about chemo.  I know that I have to do it...but I don't want to...but I will.  Does anyone in our every growing class of 2010 have and suggestions on how to manage the chemo phase.

    Thanks to all! 

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  • Ezscriiibe
    Ezscriiibe Member Posts: 598
    edited March 2010

    Dublin, hugs to you. My chemo was 4X, one every three weeks.

    It's not a walk in the park, but it's very doable. Just pay very close attention to the instructions, don't wait for an SE to get "bad" before you take the remedy (especially in the constipation dept. I started on Senekot-S the day before my first infusion. Don't take them according to the box instructions, for us we can take a higher dose. I have yet to have an issue with constipation. I take the first day of infusion and for 4 or 5 days past. 

    Also, I'm a week and a half out from my second infusion, and this is the very first real bone pain I've experienced. Again, it's not horrible, it is something I can handle, and I know it is only temporary. 

    Be sure to drink plenty of fluids the day BEFORE the day OF and the day AFTER each infusion. My onc recommends at least 3 liters each day. Makes a HUGE difference.

    If your chemo cocktail has hair loss as an SE, again, it's all a mental game. Mind over humiliation. I feel much better now that I shaved it all off (it actually HURT while it was trying to shed) and it's remarkable how you reset your priorities. No. Hair does not make the woman. It's what's inside that matters. And we can get past all this.

    All my best to you and know that there are those of us who have had your exact same fears and trepidation. One thing for me, though, is that the SEs remind me why I'm doing this, and that it's working. I envision each rogue cancer cell biting the dust. 

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  • Dublin4
    Dublin4 Member Posts: 158
    edited March 2010

    Michele,

    THANK YOU.  It helps to know that I will get though it as I see others who have already walked the path and are successful.  Just very nervous and worried.  Blessing to you all! 

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  • LauraM
    LauraM Member Posts: 251
    edited March 2010

    Lauriez - I too had your struggle on whether to have a lumpectomy or mastectomy.  I went to two different doctors, one recommended a second lumpectomy and one a mastectomy.  I went back and forth for over a month with my decision, I actually liked my boobs and really didn't want to part with them.  I kept hearing from everyone on this site to listen to my heart and just follow it.  It seemed like such a hard thing to do when it seemed like I couldn't even hear my heart.  I was changing my mind multiple time everyday, sometimes two or three times while I was in the shower.   A friend of mine told me to pick a decision (either one) and try and not change my mind for three days.  I picked having a double mastectomy (worried about reoccurance in other breast) and found that once I picked it I really felt liberated and could finally sleep and didn't change my mind once.    I pray that your decision will come to you and you will be at peace with it.

    If you have any questions, we are all here to listen and help.

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  • lauriez
    lauriez Member Posts: 41
    edited March 2010

    Thank you Linda and irish47. I read my post, I kinda sound like a spazzzzz. Actually, I'm a nurse, and have been since 1985. I'm pretty level headed about most things, including my children. How I am feeling at this time (periodically) makes me nuts because...this is NOT ME. I don't spaz. Normal stuff I know that you have all been through. (the waiting game and anxiety that goes with it) It's ticking me off that I'm struggling with this. Oh well.....all is good and I know I'll be able to go through whatever is next. Thanks for responding,

    Laurie

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  • LINDAGARSIDE
    LINDAGARSIDE Member Posts: 345
    edited March 2010

    Dublin...hang in there.  As Escriibe says...this is very doable!  I've also heard that drinking a lot of water really helps with SE.  My sister had to take chemo and radiation (different kind of cancer) but I can tell you that she did have yucky side effects but she made it through (because it IS doable)...her hair grew back in....she has a new appreciation for life....and over 5 years now and is still cancer free and plans on staying that way.  She was stage 3 and grade 3.  She is quite a trooper....so proud of her.  My sister Lorna, in beautiful Nova Scotia.  Dublin, I'm thinking about you....cyber HUGS your way ((((((((((((( DUBLIN ))))))))))))))))

    LauraM...wow...what excellent advice to take when you really are not sure what to do!  YOU ROCK...and so does your excellent friend who gave you such a good idea.  What I like about it is that is is very safe.  You know you don't HAVE to do that thing...you are only thinking about doing it for 3 days and see how it fits.  Sort of like trying something out at home before you decide if you want to take it back to the store or not.  Too bad we can't do that with the darn bc.  Oh well...I can dream or hallucinate is more like it.  LOL.

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  • irish47
    irish47 Member Posts: 109
    edited March 2010

    Hey Laurie,

    I am a nurse too, doesnt make it any easier eh? but we will get there!

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  • dutchgirl6
    dutchgirl6 Member Posts: 673
    edited March 2010

    LaurieZ,  this is a huge decision, one that you will be living with forever, and there is certainly nothing wrong with you if you feel like you want to vomit, or spazzzzz, or whatever it is you need to do to help you through it.  I chose lumpectomy with rads. I had pretty much made my mind up about it before I even met my surgical onc.  He did give me the stats regarding recurrence and survival rates, but I stayed with my original decision.  I just wasn't ready to lose a breast.  My mother and one of my sisters also had BC, even with my family history the surgeon supported my decision.   As it turns out, I have node involvement, so it will be chemo and rads for me.  We have to do what feels right.

    Dublin, I echo your sentiment.  I am scared and nervous of chemo too.  I still don't know when I will start, my first appt with the MedOnc is April 8, and I have too much time to think about it.  I know that it is doable and that I will get through it, but I think that the unknown is what worries me.

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  • Misquam42
    Misquam42 Member Posts: 3
    edited March 2010

    Hi Ladies,

    I was diagnosed with breast cancer DCIS on Feb. 22 after having a biopsy a week prior. Had the needle localization and biopsy on Mar. 2. Went back for results and margins not clean.... had a small amount of invasive cancer 2mm, so back to surgery on Mar.16. I had more tissue removed and a sentinel lobe biopsy with 2 lymph nodes removed. I return for the results tomorrow. What can I expect next if the lymph nodes are clear which I am hoping they are? I have been reading I should ask for all my reports. I am not sure about the scientific language of cancer. I just know the cells are hormone positive.  Thank you so much for this site.

    Pat

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  • Teka
    Teka Member Posts: 10,052
    edited February 2012

    Misquam42,

    Welcome!   Definitely get pathology reports with all test results.   Written not verbal.   Have witness go with you to all appointments with doctors.   Good Luck!

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  • LauraM
    LauraM Member Posts: 251
    edited March 2010

    dutchgirl6 - you are right on what a personal decision it is.  Even though I have never second guessed my decision, I found out yesterday that I have also have node involvement.  I will be meeting with the oncologist on Thursday to see when I start Chemo. 

    Have a great day!

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  • KatieMom
    KatieMom Member Posts: 127
    edited March 2010

    Test results are back for me, but I have to wait to see the med onc tomorrow to get them.  Waiting is killing me.  I read all of you who had surgery and have done chemo and rads in the time I have been waiting.  I'm glad my docs are being thorough, but this sure is taking a long time.  Lumpectomy on Dec. 15.... still waiting.  Sorry, just venting.

    Katie 

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  • artsymom
    artsymom Member Posts: 61
    edited March 2010

    Hi Everyone,

    Tried catching up on posts here for the last few days.  Still have the drain in wishing is was gone and getting crankier as the days go by.  What is that about?  Thought the surgery would be the worst part, WRONG!  That was by far easier.  Nurses at your side, meds, etc. it is adjusting at home with 2 kids and a husband and help from MIL (thank God) that is taking time to get used to. Can't wait until the drain it out and gone!  I understand it is a cheap complaint compared to many but so sick of the damn thing.  Drained 40 ml yesterday and have to leave it in until it only drains 25 ml in 24 hour pd.  Have been on antibiotics for over a month now and the md suggested continuing them for 5 days after surgery and now for the 3rd time in a month I think I have thrush (again).  Felt like my skin hurt yesterday.  Feeling like I'm neglecting my kids and their needs, hygiene, ya right, my hair resembles a chicken's butt.  Phew, sorry girls, just really cranky today. Took some lorazepam and hope it lifts this mood.  And yes, will take the lorazepam until my path results are back and this drain it out of here.  Not sure why I keep thinking I need to avoid taking the good meds and fighting this. Last week I walked 25 km and this week back and forth between couch, chair, bed.

    Michele - I absolutely love your spunk and the green head covering.  Would have loved to have been a fly on the wall in that school.  I am a teacher and when I go back if I have no hair they better get ready for some pretty interesting paintings on my head. Did you see my son's haircut? His school was totally behind him and commended him on his efforts.  I think your granddaughter's school needs to quit majoring in minors and look behind the behaviours to see the honour there.  

    Linda sorry about your son.  It sucks when our kids hurt.  That is the worst type of pain. My son is getting a new neurologist. My husband met with his gp and got results from his EEG and CT and MRI and there is epileptic brain patterns in the right frontal lobe.  We are seeing a new neuro however would like to meet with the former one who changed the meds without tests just once to bop him right in the beak! I read about epileptic seizures online and it was exactly the way I explained it to him why he thought it was only seudoseizures is beyond me. He is back on his former meds and doing well.  Has a cold today though so will stay home with me and my MIL. The two of us can whine together.

    Lauriez - I had a lumpectomy March 17th. Decided on that choice after much thought. Regardless of the choice I just knew I just had to be grounded in my decision. My surgeon helped with this decision and for me I felt I could move forward if needed to from a lumpectomy and not backward from a mastectomy, however that isn't the same for all people. Others are more grounded in a mx for their own reasons. I did a lot of praying, meditating and research too.  I will pray that your decision becomes clear to you soon.

    Jeannie-Glad to hear your husband is doing better.  I had blood poisoning once from an ingrown toenail botched surgery and ended up on IV but didn't have it near as bad as what your husband did.  So glad to hear he is on the mend.  Today is your last radiation day! Yay! So glad for you!

    To everyone else, I am still getting names and faces straight.  Hope everyone has a happy day and some sun shines your way.  Looks like it is making an appearance here today, will open the blinds on our South faced windows and soak it up while I watch the World's Curling Championship.  Interesting note it is coming from my hometown. My Mom will be in the crowd. She offered to come and help after surgery. Never happened, not surprised as kids have always been low on her priority list. Couldn't come to help Fri because she had 3 big house deals and then not afterwards because there was a cold in her office (although didn't sound like she had it yet) and of course she had tickets to the curling games this week.  Not sure why I thought bc may trump other things in her life but nope. Wouldn't hurt so much but I dragged my kids when they were little to her bedside and to my Dad's to help her through 5 years of illnesses.

    Sorry I digress to another session.

    Sunshine, will try to soak up the sunshine and hope you all can too.

    Tammie 

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  • Teka
    Teka Member Posts: 10,052
    edited February 2012

    lauriez,

    I am an LPN and told my surgeon that I just wanted to live, and was OK with a mastectomy, he recommended a lumpectomy.   I had a lumpectomy and come April will be starting chemo treatments.   I'll keep you in my thoughts!

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

    Teka: Your kitten is SO cute.  I love kitties - I have 3 and the one in the picture is my oldest "baby" - his name is Chester and he is almost 16!  He's a love machine and comes when you call him.  My cats cheer me up immensely - the other 2 are sisters and about 3 years old.  The runt, Aphrodite, is a perpetual kitten - she races around, gets into all kinds of trouble, and eats like a pig.  Her sister, Phaedra, is more gentle and laid back but is easily influenced by Aphie.

    Linda: Thank you for the warm welcome.  Seriously, your words were like a nice big hug. : )  I'm sorry we have to meet this way, but I am looking forward to learning more about you as you have stellar personality written all over you.  **wink**

    shopper: I am sorry you are having the blues.  Dealing with the unknown is horrible and causes so much anxiety and unfortunately, depression.  I am praying that your nodule is benign.  I also know about SS disability as I worked for a disability atty for 2 years (I was let go in December due to financial problems with the business).  You have my full support as you go through chemo - I will be joining you shortly...

    irish47: I thought I'd introduce myself and let you know that I worked for Allied Irish Bank here in the states from 2000 to 2007 when our office closed due to, you guessed it, financial constraints.  It was by far the best company I have ever worked for and man do I miss it!  We had a LOT of fun and I am still in touch with many of my former colleagues.  My old boss, Cormac, was one of the nicest human beings I have ever met, no joke.  AIB has been really supportive of me during this effing crisis, too, which helps.  Working for a European bank beats working for an American bank ANY DAY.  I worked for Bank of America prior to AIB and the philosophy is so totally different.  OK I'll get off my soapbox now - LOL - sorry didn't mean to be so "verbose." ; )

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  • Teka
    Teka Member Posts: 10,052
    edited February 2012

    sslepski,

     Does Chester keep busy playing with the sisters?Wink

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  • jakhope
    jakhope Member Posts: 133
    edited March 2010

    Hello Newyby's- I am sorry you are here, but this is a great place for support and knowledge.

    I am done my last radiation today!!!! I am trying to imagine next week with no treatment and the funeral of my mother behind me. Terry went it the hospital again yesterday. It turns out he had an abcess in the groin and it burst. They were going to do surgery to drain, but they released him today and will nature take its course and drain. He is still on antibiotic drip for awhile. He IS feeling much better.My one brother arrives in an hour and the rest of the  family tomorrow late. The funeral is on Friday, so you may not here from me for a few days.

    Stay strong all you peeps. There will be better days ahead, I am starting to see a light.

    Hugs from

    GP Jeannie here

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  • Dublin4
    Dublin4 Member Posts: 158
    edited March 2010

    Hello all....

    Start chemo on Friday, 4 rounds every 3 weeks, will be done at the end of May.  June 1st never looked so good to me!  Got last drain out today. PS says I look wonderful and will have a fabulous end results. Good to hear!  Will start fills next week and continue through chemo.  Should have exchange sometime in July.  Went wig shopping today and found an awesome human hair one.   March is becoming a blur and I hope that April and May will as well and then June will bring peace, recovery and a new normal.  Much love to you all! 

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  • shopper
    shopper Member Posts: 7
    edited March 2010

    thanks for all your answers and concerns.   yesterday was better than the last chemo but today is crappy.   constipated.   taking senokot s which seemed to have helped up until today.  oh well.  this is a totally new experience.  just feel full and bloated and miserable.   hopefully once i go i will feel better....it is so hard to wait so long and then find out they don't know what it is and what to do.   will keep you posted.....i appreciate this site very much.  

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  • irish47
    irish47 Member Posts: 109
    edited March 2010

    Susan, have banked with AIB for last 22 years, good to hear the testament!

    Jeannie, so glad you are at the end.. have my first treatment tomorrow.  And Hi Linda, reckon you are the mama on this site, mean that in a good way, you are so supportive to all of us here.

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  • lauriez
    lauriez Member Posts: 41
    edited March 2010

    Hi Teka-sorry to be dense...I'm still learning, but I have a question. Chemo is recommended because ??? Is it your triple neg status?

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  • Teka
    Teka Member Posts: 10,052
    edited February 2012

    lauriez,

    I have breast cancer that has been surgically removed but has features that could indicate a significant risk of recurrence.   Worst feature is aggressive cancer cells.   The best treatments for my triple negative breast cancer is chemo and radiation, which will mop up any remaining cancer cells.   Remember, there is no one in any chat room that can take the place of your doctors.   Stay positive!

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  • Dublin4
    Dublin4 Member Posts: 158
    edited March 2010

    Teka and lauriez

    Chemo is recommend for me for the same reasons as Teka , higher risk of recurrence so the chemo will finish of any stay cells that some how may have be missed with the surgery.  

    Teka are in chemo now if not when do you start?  I start Friday. 

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