CALLING ALL STAGE I SISTERS

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  • charmainejensenvoisine
    charmainejensenvoisine Member Posts: 369
    edited July 2010

    Hello Ladies,

    I have not been on the forum here since at least June 20th...  so have missed many of you and see there are many new ladies.

    I also have not been on the net as often, just checking in with FB (Face Book) from time to time.

    I am now nearly 6 months post chemo as of August 2nd and hair started growing from April 9th and I have quite a bit and the back is amazingly curly (not enough hair yet to get first trim.  (hairstylist suggested to grow it at least another inch) But still allot of hair...  will have to soon get an updated photo ... :)

    Just over 4 months post radiation therapy...

    There are still many days where I feel very tired, and where I also tire easily.

    Oh on another note, about a month or so ago, my MD had me do a urine test and results came back that I had an E Coli Bladder infection.  My MD feels that I have had this infection for quite sometime and more than likely originated from the colen and also more than likely caught it either two ways (when I was in the hospital getting my 2 surgeries last fall for my tumors or when I was at the hospital in Scarborough going for chemo).

    Also, my BC Surgeon has me scheculed for a colonoscopy in November 23.  As there has been blood in my stools for awhile now and I had brought this to his attention...   I have had problems with my colon for several years - so he feels he needs to look more into this.

    So here is my update.

    Charmaine

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  • mimi1964
    mimi1964 Member Posts: 2,163
    edited July 2010

    Hey Charmaine good to have an update from you.  Keeping you and the colon problem in my prayers that all is o.k.  May be nothing more that hemorrhoids (TMI), but if you take Tamoxifen or oral medications they do cause constipation problems which lead to that and often cause the rectal bleeding.  If it is bright red and isn't a lot it is usually the hemi's but when is has the odor, is dark brown or tar colored or the color of coffee ladies you really need to tell your doctor.  Better safe than sorry.  (There is your free informational nursing update for the day)Surprised

    Hugs 

    Renee

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  • charmainejensenvoisine
    charmainejensenvoisine Member Posts: 369
    edited July 2010

    Renee,

    I have a history of 'Diverticulosis' and IBS.... and yes I already have hemorrhoids (have had many years of history of that too.   My surgeon feels there may be a possibility of polyps ....

    He is going to give me a sedative for the procedure and also put me under a general anaesthetic.

    Will keep all up to date of this...

    Charmaine

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  • Valjean
    Valjean Member Posts: 1,898
    edited July 2010

    Trying not to think about my onc appt this coming Monday. Or, to worry about the results of my blood work-up......

    I hate this SFBC !

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  • Valjean
    Valjean Member Posts: 1,898
    edited July 2010

    Welcome Karen & Julie!

    Karen ~ My first mamm after rads was three months & then I went 6 months, then one year. The whole thing does get a little less stressful the further down the road you get, but, then, if you read my previous post, you will see that there are those stressful, worrisome times still.

    I would be lost without these sister-friends. They are my rock.

    {{hug}}

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  • raeinnz
    raeinnz Member Posts: 815
    edited July 2010

    Valerie - I hope you are able to get through your appointment without too much stress.  I know exactly how you feel.  Having to face follow up mammograms with the worry of what might or might not be found in that breast, or the other one for that matter, was one reason I opted for a BMX (just too much stress for me) -  I take my hat off to you ladies who choose lumpectomy and rads - very, dare I say it?, brave.  We have little follow up care for early stage BC in NZ which, although it makes me feel a little under cared for, does save me from the stress of many appointments which is a good thing for me.

    My thoughts will be with you on Monday (my Tuesday)

    Rae

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

    Unfortuneately the waiting for results doesn't get any easier the further away from dx you get.  I have had several questionable mammos which have required follow up.  At least my BC team now calls me right away, rather than waiting for the Rad/mammo center to alert me by mail.

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

    Rae, thanks for sharing and clarifying your choice.  I wondered, as I opted for lumpectomy and rads.  To me you are the brave one for going for the BMX!  Fortunately I tend to not stress over routine follow-ups and only get antsy while waiting for them to read the 6-month digital mammo (which they do immed while I wait).

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  • chabba
    chabba Member Posts: 5,065
    edited July 2010

    Glad I found you ladies.  No chemo. My radiation starts Aug. 9.   The closer that date approches the more aprehensive I become.  I helps to know I'm not alone.  Thanks.

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  • raeinnz
    raeinnz Member Posts: 815
    edited July 2010

    Sorry you have joined us chabba but WELCOME.

    Come to these boards whenever you need some REAL understanding - we have been there before you and do understand.  Sharing and caring helps us all get through our BC experience.

    The waiting for appointments, treatment, results is the worst.  Once you start on your treatment you will feel less stressed.

    Best wishes that all goes well on 9 August. 

    Rae

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  • chabba
    chabba Member Posts: 5,065
    edited July 2010

    Thanks Rae

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

    Welcome Newbies♥

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

    Val....I know how you feel.♥

    Rae...i didn't really choose either way. My BS said definitely a lumpectomy. We are all brave women we are here and can talk about itWink

    chabba...welcome to our circle of friends. You will do fine with radiation. Its just going every day to treatment becomes little annoying.♥

    Hi patoo...so nice to see you my sister.

    Charmaine...good Luck with your procedure. I had colonoscopy done 2 years ago.

    ((((HUGS))))

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

    Yuck, I have colonoscopy scheduled for 8/20.  Get to drink that wonder elixir (doc says the pill I heard about doesn't work)

    Welcome chabba!

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  • Valjean
    Valjean Member Posts: 1,898
    edited August 2010

    chabba ~ Welcome! If you have any Q's about rads, throw them out there! I found it to be very easy, & as Sheila said, it becomes annoying to have to go every day (Mon-Fri), but I found it to go by quickly. I will be with you Aug 9. {{hug}}

    To anyone who gets their mammo results immediately, you are lucky. I asked my Dr. before my last mammo & they said, "No, we don't do that." I made sure the technologist knew I was anxious for the results & she sent the notification letter out the very next morning & I rec'd it the following day. I also called my onc's office & they returned my call with the results the same day I rec'd results in the mail. A 2-fer!!  LOL  MUCH better than the previous time which was 6 days before I rec'd the results in the mail after I called numerous times to find out. NOT a happy camper! Next mammo this year will be early Nov.

    Thank you all for being here. ♥ 

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  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited August 2010
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  • charmainejensenvoisine
    charmainejensenvoisine Member Posts: 369
    edited August 2010

    Thank you so much Sheila and when the procedure comes around - will keep you all up to date on the results.

    Charmaine

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

    (((((((((((((Valerie)))))))))

    I'll be thinking of you tomorrow.

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  • Valjean
    Valjean Member Posts: 1,898
    edited August 2010

    Sheila ~ While I'm waiting in the outer waiting room, while I'm waiting for the nurse to take vitals, while I'm waiting for the NP to come in, when I feel myself getting anxious, I will think of those loooooong yellow arms & LOL. And I will not care who hears me!

    Thanks Sis!  ♥

    {{hugs}} 

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  • Valjean
    Valjean Member Posts: 1,898
    edited August 2010

    Great news! All went well at the onc's.

    Blood work all normal with my CA 27.29 at   <12.

    Thank you all for your hugs & caring thoughts.

    I could not do this without you all.

    ♥♥♥♥   Ô¿Ô   ♥♥♥♥♥

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

    Yea Val!!!! So happy to hear all went well!

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  • mari65
    mari65 Member Posts: 131
    edited August 2010

    Sorry it took me soo long to get back here.  I did finally find out I do have to see a medical onco for Tamox and will see him every 3 months and I will go back to Mayo Clinic to see BS for my 6 month check. My going to Mayo Clinic is my husband's doing, he feels they can care for me better than our local docs.

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

    Good news, Valjean!!!

    Mari, it is nice when our DHs step up and show how much they care about our care!

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

    Sisters are dancing Wink

    Valerie....Thank God one more appointment is behind you.

    (((Hugs))))♥

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  • raeinnz
    raeinnz Member Posts: 815
    edited August 2010

    Great news indeed Val.  Hope Sheila's long yellow arms did the trick!

    Rae

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  • Redbarb804
    Redbarb804 Member Posts: 299
    edited August 2010

    Great news Valerie.  I am so glad for you.  I am waiting for my BS to call with my date for a MRI.  They are going to do a MRI to check to see if there are any more tumors before I start rads.  When they did my reexcision they found 2 small tumors.  they got clear margins, but not as clear as they would have liked so we are doing the MRI (If insurance will approve it.)  I am anxious to get a MRI to see how successful the chemo was.  I will keep everyone posted.  I am hoping to start rads by the 3rd week of Aug.  I will be checking posts of those of you who have already started rads.  Keep the updates coming.

    Barb

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  • Sugar77
    Sugar77 Member Posts: 2,138
    edited August 2010

    Val - wonderful news!  

    Sheila - that was the most adorable flashy yellow smiley face hug.  I will think of it when I'm awaiting my mammogram results in September!

    Sherri 

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  • Eph3_12
    Eph3_12 Member Posts: 4,781
    edited August 2010
    Sugar-lucky you - your memory must be outstanding!!!!  I think it's cute too, but had to go back and look at it to see what you were talking about!  I keep saying I come by it honestly: 1) chemo 2) 56 3) dad with Alzheimers Embarassed
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  • raeinnz
    raeinnz Member Posts: 815
    edited August 2010

    Know what you are talking about eph3. No chemo, 53 and no dad - what is my excuse?  Femara?

    Rae

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  • raeinnz
    raeinnz Member Posts: 815
    edited August 2010

    GREAT EXCITMENT!!!!  My daughter Tess has been chosen for the 2010 NZ high school jazz orchestra - 23 chosen nationwide from auditions and usually all boys!  She plays a mean trombone and thoroughly deserves it.  This is why I am fighting BC with every bit of emotional and physical strength I have - these are the moments I don't want to miss out on in my daughters lives.

    Enjoy your day ladies

    Rae 

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