Class of 2010

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  • KatieMom
    KatieMom Member Posts: 127
    edited April 2010

    Got the first zap done this morning.  1 down, 33 to go.  The tech is super nice, news on the tv.  But 33 more....  sheesh, I am tired of cancer.

    Katie 

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  • etk02038
    etk02038 Member Posts: 150
    edited April 2010

     It must be good to have the first one under your belt, Katie. I had #10 today....22 more.

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  • Pickles
    Pickles Member Posts: 80
    edited April 2010

    Hang in there Katie!



    Call someone to cook you dinner this week Or try to do something or call someone that makes you feel like laughing!



    I've put my friends "on-call" and told them I may call at odd hours and need to laugh or cry. So far everyone I've called has made me feel better.



    Artsy Mom-



    I'm seeing PS tomorrow and plan on asking if I can take a bath...I miss my tub so much.



    Went to Chemo class last week and didn't feel like I got any info that wasn't already covered by my Oncologist. But I guess repetition is good concidering my attention span is aweful lately!



    Dublin and the Chemo post on this site have given me more everyday info. Thanks Dublin!!



    My Mom and Dad are coming to town this week to help chauffeur me around to appts. Poor hubby really needs to work! I think it will be good for him to get some "normal" into his life. He really is a saint in norweigan clothing...I've been calling him Prince Uf-dah.



    Dublin-



    I'm praying your "cumulitive" effects stay manageable, you've been an inspiration for me! Thank you!



    Happy Monday,

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  • soulswithin
    soulswithin Member Posts: 154
    edited April 2010

    Hello everyone. I'm Linda. It looks like I am joining the class of 2010, having recent diag of IDC. I'm still in the middle of anxiety/exhaling mode trying to ward off the trauma of it all and the long, did I say, LONNGGG wait to surgery. First meeting with surgeon next week, and another needed biopsy which will be my third, before surgery... yuk, not a great day to answer the phone....Tongue out so I have a long way to go.

     You all inspire me, calm me and make me realize I am not alone. Bless you all.<<<<and I don't say that very often. ;~) I was a rated athlete in my past life, but you guys are champions in my book.

    Thnx for helping me through this time, even before my first post! I have so much to learn. I'm sure I will have sane days where I can handle reading it all. Coming soon.

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

    soulswithin,

    WELCOME!Smile

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  • KatieMom
    KatieMom Member Posts: 127
    edited April 2010

    Soulswithin:  welcome aboard the pink train.  I was a competitive athlete also, cycling both track and road.  I still do it a lot, but not competing since the birth of my only child 6 years ago.  I ride for fun and am relatively fit right now.  I can hang on the GGnarly fast Saturday ride - 45 miles and am riding about 150 miles a week.  Nothing compared to what I used to do, but still fun.  Having just started rads, we'll see how long this fitness lasts.  That's okay, I'll get it back when its all over.

    Katie (close to you in Pasadena) 

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  • LINDAGARSIDE
    LINDAGARSIDE Member Posts: 345
    edited April 2010

    Welcome Linda...(don't you love your name?).  You are right...there is a wealth of information on this site/discussion board.  I've found it also a good place to vent.  Don't hold back...just let it out!  Here is my latest beef:  I'm about half way through my rads...all seems to be going well except the frustrating peau d'orange on my breast...grrrrrrrrrr.   And, I'm having problems sleeping.  I'm sure it's the tamoxifen but man oh man it is frustrating.  And then, when I feel like dozing off finally...my stupid hips start to ache like the dickens.  Both sides!  So now I'm having dreaded evil thoughts that cancer is attacking my bones and starting with my hips.  My husband doesn't like me to talk like that so I'll say it here and be done with it.  OK, I've vented and now I feel better.  LOL.  Ok pink peeps...what's your beef?  Anyone got something to whine about?  Let's have a little whine with our cheese here.  Why not.

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  • Dublin4
    Dublin4 Member Posts: 158
    edited April 2010

    Welcome to all the new people, as Linda said you will find a ton of support and information.

    Pickles- I am glad to help someone in someway...I am feeling totally normal expect for the raw emotions that still peek out at the strangest times.  You think you have it all under control and then someone says something or calls and the tears just turn on out of no where.  I think for me if I could have missed the chemo train I would be doing great I mean really great.  I am so at peace with all of the choices I have made up to this point and there outcomes.  The whole chemo thing is just a tough pill to take, but for me a necessary one.  So I am doing it with as much grace, dignity and humor as I can muster. 

    As for the friends part I have to say I am on the really really blessed and on the lucky side.  Everyone and I do mean everyone (even distant friends) have rallied around me.  I am still totally humbled by the acts of kindness and love I am getting everyday.  I have dinner taken care of 3 nights a week until the end of my treatments in May.  They got a house cleaner for me every other week.  They are having all my windows and screens cleaned, they are going to appointments with my when my husband can't, they are carpooling my kids everywhere and the list just goes on.  I know that I am SO lucky and I would not be in such a good place emotionally with out my own person army!   My work has also rallied around me and although I only worked PT, my job is there when I am done and ready to come back.   

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  • etk02038
    etk02038 Member Posts: 150
    edited April 2010

    Hi Linda and welcome.

    Other LInda, I have been having right hip pain and lower back pain. I am having the same dreaded thoughts. I won't even mention it to my husband! I am sure it is just from being active but it freaks me out! 

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

    Hi,

    Finally surgery day is coming tomorrow, after what it seems like a long, long waiting. Lumpctectomy with SNB, what worries me most is that the surgeon said that depending on how it looks like she may need to take more nodes Frown, and that I have 50% chances of node involvment Frown.

    So, hoping for the other 50% . I'm getting so much support from this forums and was hoping for some good energies sent toward me for tomorrow. 

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  • LINDAGARSIDE
    LINDAGARSIDE Member Posts: 345
    edited April 2010

    Hi Danielaes!  Here's hoping for the other 50%! 

    I was told the same thing as you before my surgery and that I might have to have a drain in place.  But in fact when I woke up from the surgery I didn't have a drain and they only needed to take out two SN's.  I think the surgeon needs to prepare patients for the worse so they don't get too shocked or upset afterwards if things don't turn out as planned.  I could be wrong on that point...but it makes sense to me.  Try not to worry too much...but concentrate on the future and being at home, recovering and looking forward to the next step....  gentle hugs you way!

    (((((((((((((((((((((((((( DANIELAES ))))))))))))))))))))))))))

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

    Thank you! I really hope that it will turn out the same way than yours, my tumor is bigger 4cm so that is one of the reasons she says that it may have gone to the nodes.

    Anyway... trying to concentrate in the healing and next steps and ;looking forward to finally know what are they going to be. Knowing what to expect will be really helpful. 

    Thanks so much for the hugs!!

    Daniela

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  • KatieMom
    KatieMom Member Posts: 127
    edited April 2010

    Danielaes - I had the same and he took 9 nodes, no drain no positives.  It will be okay, just let the time pass....  You WILL get through it although the waiting is the worst part!!!

    Katie 

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  • Lynbob
    Lynbob Member Posts: 140
    edited April 2010

    Welcome Linda {{hugs}} I am sorry you are joining the group girlie. I remember that long wait for surgery, mind boggling! How hard it was to go through your day being normal with this hanging over you. But hang on! This journey isn't easy but we are here for each other.

    Daniela, I will be thinking of you tomorrow and praying for clear nodes girlie {{hugs}}

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  • irish47
    irish47 Member Posts: 109
    edited April 2010

    Danielass, good luck with your surgery. And Linda no. 2, welcome to the club nobody wanted to join..

    Linda no.1, my whine is that I am still doing the whole tamox/no tamox debate.  Have decided to get a 2nd opinion from another oncologist.

    Zap no.8 done today, still no side effects.  I think perhaps i am getting away lightly since i started my treatment on a Wednesday so only 3 zaps that week, then 4 last week and this week because of the Easter holidays so I am  having more recovery time. 

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  • LINDAGARSIDE
    LINDAGARSIDE Member Posts: 345
    edited April 2010
    Hi Irish..I sure hear you.  My onc told me it was up to me to take tamox or not...and figured I'd take it due to the extra margin of survival it offers.  So far, I've noticed: a yeast infection to die for; sleepness nights to die for; hot flushes to die for; night seats to die for.  But, other than that, there have been no side effects.  Tongue out
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  • retrievermom
    retrievermom Member Posts: 522
    edited February 2011

    danielass:  Approaching surgery was the worst time for me.  I had all sorts of thoughts going through my head.  Would I have a drain?  Lymphedema?  Node issues?  Would the surgeon have to take more than she thought?  Second surgery?  I was ready to go to a mountain top and jump off.  All the fears are normal.  I am thinking of you and your surgery tomorrow, and hoping you will get lots of good news.  Give yourself time and space to heal afterwards.  There will be swelling.  Use ice packs and whatever pain meds they give you. 

    souls:  The waiting is hard.  Also thinking of you.

    Hate the emotional roller-coaster all this causes.  I do well at work all day, then snap at my DH, then cry.  I'm constantly taking my hats/scarves off/on at home, feeling flushed, then cold.  I think if it would stop snowing and I could get back outside, life would look much ... sunnier?

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  • Pattyfish
    Pattyfish Member Posts: 27
    edited April 2010

    It's been a bit since I posted.  Welcome to all the newbies.  These women are the best!!! 

    Linda BC, here are some thoughts on the sleeplessness, etc.  I take femara and I take it at night along with two ibupropen PM .  The key, I think, is to take both at night. My onc said that was OK.  I also take Vitamin D, 1000 mg. once a day, and it helps with the aches.

    Hope this helps.

    Pat

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  • codavis
    codavis Member Posts: 122
    edited April 2010

    Like most of you, I never thought I'd be here, but here I am. It helps to know that others have been here and that we can benefit from their experiences.

    I had a mastectomy of the right breast in February and started chemo (CMF - daily cytoxan pills and weekly infusions of  methotrexate and 5FU) two weeks ago. It's not a picnic, but the side effects aren't that bad. It's going to be a long 6 months, though!

    I had a tissue expander placed at the time of surgery and have had 3 fills. I get quite sore afterward for a few days but take valium to ease the muscle spasms.

    I, too, have been lucky to find amazing support. Not only my family and friends, but at work and on these message boards too. 

    For those of you getting ready for surgery, I'll be thinking positive thoughts. Remember to take the time you need to heal and adjust. It won't be easy, but you can do it!

     

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

    Hi,

    Thank you all, I will take your hugs and good wishes with me to  surgery tomorrowKiss

    Retrievermom, same fears, same thoughts...nodes, another surgery, drain...it looks like we all have to go through the same roller coaster. I'm happy to have the surgery tomorrow and to finally have a better idea of what I'm dealing with. 

    Daniela

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

    danielaes,

    GOOD LUCK!Smile

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

    codavis,

    Welcome!Smile

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  • dutchgirl6
    dutchgirl6 Member Posts: 673
    edited April 2010

    Ok Linda, you wanted whine with the cheese?  Here it comes.  The day that I had my surgery #2, (axillary node removal), I discovered that I had a slight case of cellulitis in my left breast.  Surgery went ahead as planned, got a very strong antibiotic which got rid of the infection, yay!   But, I had heartburn for the entire duration of the prescription, two weeks.  The day that I finished the antibiotic, I developed an allergy it, so walked around for a week with itchy spots and taking prescription strength antihistamines, which helped to clear up the allergy, yay!  Then, last week, I had some bowel trouble, which my GP thought was viral, but now turns out to be C-difficile, a SE of the antibiotic, boo!  Now, I am on a brand new antibiotic, hopefully the C-diff clears up.  I finally have my first appointment with my MedOnc on Thursday, but I know that my chemo will be held up until I am better and off the Flagyl.  This has been one long, frustrating ride, and all because of that mammogram I had in November!

    Sorry ladies, but I just needed to moan and groan.  I really am a much more pleasant person than it seems, but my frustration level is rising.

    I wish you all restful nights, mild SEs and ((( ))).

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  • sannie
    sannie Member Posts: 2
    edited April 2010

    Hello Everyone,

    Another new member here, if you have room.  Smile  Received my diagnosis of IDC on March 18, 2010 and had my first round of chemo last Friday.  So much to learn...so much I've already learned, though, thanks in a large part to you ladies!   Now I just need a few more hours in each day to learn ALL I really need to know. 

    Well, just thought I'd intoduce myself before jumping in. Take care!

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

    sannie,

    Welcome fellow triple negative!Smile

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  • jakhope
    jakhope Member Posts: 133
    edited April 2010

    Hi Peeps,

    I can't believe it is two weeks since my last radiation treatment. I saw my surgeon yesterday and he gave me the all clear and said to come back in December a year from my diagnosis. I took my first pill of Arimidex and so far so good. I also had a bone scan, I guess to have a baseline for any problems from the meds. What ever it takes to keep the beast away.

    Thinking and praying for you all for health, peace, and strength.

    GP Jeannie here

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  • jakhope
    jakhope Member Posts: 133
    edited April 2010

    Linda- I have just been reading back on some of the posts and I want you to know I too have had some really troublesome nights of no sleep. I hadn'tt even start the meds yet. I wonder if it has something to do with a reaction to the radiation....

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  • KatieMom
    KatieMom Member Posts: 127
    edited April 2010

    Jeannie - I am so jealous.  Congrats on being done with the zapping.

    I had my second zap today, no problem, but I have the sorest booby in town.  I can barely touch it.  It is not yet sunburned, just sore on the inside like at period time but more.  Anyone experience this?

    Katie 

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  • LINDAGARSIDE
    LINDAGARSIDE Member Posts: 345
    edited April 2010

    Hi pink peeps...and welcome sannie!  I'm sure you would rather have joined a different club than this one but what can you do?  You are welcomed with open arms!

    Katie, I'm about 2 weeks or a bit more into rads and so far no pain at all.  But, I have the most amazing breasts.  Perhaps this is why?  I mean, they are perfect and quite firm and .... LOL.  Just kidding.  I'm tired (from not sleeping very well) and when that happens I often get a bit crazy.  Tee hee.

    Not sure why you are having so much pain so quickly.  GP, did this happen for you?  Katie, did you mention it to your zappers?  Maybe they've got you on a dose meant for Super Woman or something.  I know we are all different...but wow...that's quite different don't you think?  I think there is another board with a thread totally dedicated to radiation issues.  Why not post your question there and see what our fellow experts say?

    GP...thank God you are now well on your way to recovery.  Hope your husband is well also.  You've been through quite a lot in the past 6 months.  Time for a vacation don't you think?  If you ever think of coming to beautiful Victoria in British Columbia Canada, we have lots of room and would love to have you.

    I feel a hot flush coming on so I'm going to sign off for now.  Oh my.  I love this.  Menopause all over again...it is making me feel younger.  LOL.

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  • etk02038
    etk02038 Member Posts: 150
    edited April 2010

    Danielaes...Good luck with your surgery, the waiting is the worst. My tumor was about 4cm also which included dcis and idc. I didn't know if I would wake up with drains or not. But all was well with just isolated tumor cells in sentinal nodes.


    Sannie...welcome.

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