August 2010 Mastectomy

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  • Carrol2
    Carrol2 Member Posts: 2,903
    edited October 2010
    well lago hopefully you put her in her place now letting her know you were not someone to mess with and she will have to stay on her toes. he wont be able to cover up that sloppy behavior now.
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  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited October 2010

    Nah she emailed me back after with her story of what happened and putting the blame on Walgreens and the insurance company… totally leaving out her errors. My favorite quote:

    " I have made a diligent effort to be responsive to getting this taken care of for you, despite the fact that it took an entire week."

    If it weren't for her 2 errors it would have taken less than 2 days instead of entire work week.

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  • Carrol2
    Carrol2 Member Posts: 2,903
    edited October 2010

    well i would hang onto that playing card then. If she give you any more lip you may have to discuss with the doctor. She knows you are aware of her mistakes, and she knows you can get her into trouble. 

    sorry does that seem mafiosa? You can take the girl out of Brooklyn but you can't take the Brooklyn out of the girl. Well Long Island really, but my parents  grew up in Brooklyn. lol

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  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited October 2010

    I have copies of ALL our email correspondence. Habit when working with clients. Yes I can CYA too ;-)

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  • Carrol2
    Carrol2 Member Posts: 2,903
    edited October 2010

    Way to go Lago so keep that leverage.

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  • Nbb1032
    Nbb1032 Member Posts: 74
    edited October 2010

    Hi Everyone,

    A special hello to everybody that is going through chemo.  You are all very brave.

    Re: PET Scan.    When I was diagnosed as Stage 3 with PR- HER- and only ER + of 20%  (a very agressive cancer and almost "triple Negative" the drs were betting that the cancer had spread even though the tumor was small.   The MRI was clean so in retrospect, I think the PET was a little drastic and not really necessary.   That said, I now know about the "lung nodule" that the PET Scan found and will be able to keep an eye on it just in case.   Since I am not having chemo I will be having another PET scan next month.  It still surprises me how many different protocols there are out there.

    On a happy note, my "exchange" surgery has been moved up to November 9th!   I am excited but not eager to go through recovery again.   Also, just last week I started having nerve pain again under my left armpit.   Hoping it is not the beginning of "post mastectomy pain syndrome".   

    Other than that I am doing fine and trying to get back to a "new" normal life.   Because this month is "Breast Cancer Month" I seem to be reminded of the disease every where I turn.  It is good for awareness but the constant reminders are upsetting sometimes.

    Will keep you updated on what the exchange surgery is like.   I think one of us is having it the end of October - not sure which one of you.    Hope it goes well.

    Nancy 

        

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  • kad2kar
    kad2kar Member Posts: 336
    edited October 2010

    Greeings from AZ. I have been following this forum since just after my R mastectomy with tissue expander. Im 64yrs old(or) young. Ive had 2 lumpectomies on L and 1 on my right side since I was 18 and mammos every year since then. My Mother is a 42yr survivor of a VERY RADICAL mastectomy, so when I had a DX of   DCIS stage 0 I opted for surgery. BS told family all gone, Path report later was different story. No rads and the chemo onc just shrugged his shoulders and said he didnt know what to tellme and put put me on Arimidex (ins put me on generic). Now im waiting to have my transfer and the tiny flat L side done on 11/17/10. After reading what you all have gone through I count my Lucky Stars and Thank God for not giving me more than I can handle. You are wonderful helping each other and probably even more,who like me was afraid to join in. Love to you all.

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  • smurfiep
    smurfiep Member Posts: 33
    edited October 2010

    Hello all,

    Haven't posted in a while mostly because I am back at work and sitting in front of the computer for too many hours already. I also like to try to live in denial for some time and refrain from spending too much time thinking about breast cancer :-D.  Although I have to say that October has been particularly challenging to my attempts to live in denial, what with all the pink ribbons everywhere. I walked down one of the main pathways at Walmart last week and there were at least five end-of-aisle pink/bc displays. Let's see, a pink mesh sports chair, pink spiral note pads and pens, NFL pink footballs, and my favorite....pink bubble wrap (wt??). It was like one huge pink nightmare. Very surreal. Pink used to be one of my favorite colors. Not so much anymore.

    I have my exchange surgery scheduled for Wed 10/27. Feeling uneasy simply because I am grappling with the fear of post-surgical discomfort, infection, etc. I am getting the gummie bear implants and have been reading all sorts of posts on this site where women say they are much harder than they expected (gulp). I actually got to feel one a few weeks ago and they are quite firm. I just hope and pray that it is an improvement to my TEs which have been extremely uncomfortable after the last two fills.  On the positive side, some women said they went shopping or out to lunch after their exchange surgery.  I'll let you know how it goes. My goal is to be back in the swing of things by Thanksgiving! 

    Nancy, so glad you were able to move up your exchange date!

    Hugs to all,

     Maria 

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  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited October 2010

    Just wanted to wave hello to those of you who didn't have to join us in the October chem thread. Hope you're all healing nicely and can reach above your head by now. keep those shoulder back ;-)

    I just had my chemo #2 yesterday and still feel fine. Hair of course is falling out but I still haven't had the need to wear a scarf/wig yet. My part is a bit wide though.

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  • Halah
    Halah Member Posts: 352
    edited October 2010

    Hi lago (waving back),

    I've been reading but not posting much because many of you are still undergoing tx whereas I have just started arimidex. I just take one little pill every day and I feel like I am moving on. It all happened so quickly and now I am moving on. I have mixed feelings about this because many of you are not done with tx.

    I know I am not cured, but I am dancing with NED. I guess I am truly "on the other side", and y'all will be, too. :) If there is anything I can do for any of you ladies, please let me know. And know I am still listening here.

    Mindy xxx

    P.S. Still working on range of motion and not at 100% just yet.

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  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited October 2010

    Mindy I would love to hear your experiences with Arimidex… that's what I'll be doing next.

    I too am working on range of motion. I had to stop on my left side for 3 weeks because of port surgery. I stopped all physical therapy for 2 weeks. I just started up again. I can reach up all the way though but my shoulder ended up curling forward… I didn't have that problem before. I think it might have been due to the lower back issues I was having as a SE from the chemo.

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  • Halah
    Halah Member Posts: 352
    edited October 2010

    Your shoulder curling like that, I can't imagine how that is. There must be a zillion SEs from chemo. Are you in a lot of pain because of these back issues? I never had physical therapy. My range of motion is better on my right (where cancer was) than on the other side. Go figure.

    Started Arimidex on the 16th and so far so good. I see my ONC on Tuesday and am getting my questions all together, like how much will arimidex decrease my risk of recurrence.

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  • kad2kar
    kad2kar Member Posts: 336
    edited October 2010

    August Ladies.  I finally feel like I can add something to the thread. From reading and following you all I have learned How Lucky I was. Diagnosed DCISstage0 dont know grade just they took nodes Her2+ and I started Arimidex 9/3/10. My Rbreast mast was August 3 and my exchange w/be 11/17 along with stuff and fluff on my Left breast  Im on generic Anastrozole(lovethatname). The only SE Ive had ,have been Horrendous HOT ROLLING Flashes.No hair lose or weird moods. my motion has been fine and last 3 days been moving furniture,boxes and more boxes to help our kids move. I see my breast surgeon in December. I really want to give you all a RESOUNDING THANK YOU,and say You have all been very brave for sharing your stories with everyone. GOD Bless Each and Everyone of You.

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  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited October 2010

    Last time I was in a lot of back pain on the 6th & 7th day only. The pain now is quite doable. Hasn't stopped me from doing anything. I was out power walking yesterday and walking around doing errands in the intense 40mph winds we are having here in Chicago.

    There are a zillion SE from chemo but no one gets all of them. Seems I'm getting some typical ones but I'm not getting any nausea, headaches and my taste buds have been fine so far.

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  • dawney
    dawney Member Posts: 211
    edited October 2010

    kad2kar, not trying to question your treatment but I am wondering how you got around chemo if you are Her2+.  My onco said if I was Her2+ I would need chemo no matter what.

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  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited October 2010

    Dawney I don't think that is all that unusual that kad2kar is only being treated with armidex for DCISstage0

    You can check out theNCCN Guidelines for Patients, 2010 version in pdf form online: http://nccn.com/patient-guidelines.html


    Very useful for understanding treatment for your diagnosis.
    *National Comprehensive Center Network

    -------------------------------------------------

    kad2kar I do hear that some of those SE get less intense in 3 months, some take a year. Of course there are some that really suffer too.

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  • dawney
    dawney Member Posts: 211
    edited October 2010

    Thanks lago, I didn't consider the stage and type when I looked at it, I just saw Her2+ and was wondering why I was told something different, although I know all treatments aren't the same.  Thanks.

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  • kad2kar
    kad2kar Member Posts: 336
    edited October 2010

    Dawney and Iago---- since Im 64 the chemo dr just shrugged his shoulders and threw up and said he didnt know what to tell me. 10% chance of long time survival w/o 20% with. I read all chemo info, took my Husband,Mother,D-in-law to talk to breast surgeon.  then we conferred w/both sons & other D-in-law and decided just the Arimidex for 5yrs. My system is not strong enough to fight the chemo. Im not brave,BUT ALL of YOU are. God Bless

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  • kad2kar
    kad2kar Member Posts: 336
    edited October 2010

     CHEMO DR DIDNT THROWUP he threw up his hands

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  • Paula1231
    Paula1231 Member Posts: 456
    edited November 2010

    Kad2Kar..I am LOL on the throwup!!

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  • kad2kar
    kad2kar Member Posts: 336
    edited November 2010

    Hello, I have iffy news.Yesterday I spent over 2 hrs in mammo & ultrasound on my Lbreast in prep for exchange on the 17th. LOTS of suspicious gonings on in that breast. Reccomendation--at least least 2 biops on breast. Waiting to hear where I go from here. I thought I was sailing too gentle on this journey. Im hoping you all are starting to have smoother sailing. GOD Bless You All.  Kathi              

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  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited November 2010

    Kathi OMG I really hope it's nothing. Remember 80% of the time are benign. Please let us know when you are having the biopsy and how it turns out. (((hugs)))

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  • Carrol2
    Carrol2 Member Posts: 2,903
    edited November 2010

    Kathi sorry t hear about the scare. It's probably nothing. But I am sure we all know how scary thsee things all sound to us now. Try not to get upset and assume it will be fine.

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  • kad2kar
    kad2kar Member Posts: 336
    edited November 2010

    THANK YOU for your good thoughts and great advice. Lm just taking it one day at a time.

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  • kad2kar
    kad2kar Member Posts: 336
    edited November 2010

    well, surgery cancelled. biopsy scheduled for 11/30.  the breast surgeon is going to look at ultrasounds to see if he thinks another mastectomy needs to be done. i should here from him torrow late or friday. BLESS you all.

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  • RobinLM
    RobinLM Member Posts: 143
    edited November 2010

    I'm really sorry to hear that Kathi, but I'm sure you will get the best advice on the next course of action. I've had both mine removed prophylactally in august and haven't had a moments regret. If that's what it  takes for you to be healthy then it's for the best. I'll be thinking of you

    Robin x

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  • Paula1231
    Paula1231 Member Posts: 456
    edited November 2010

    Hello All,

    Wanted to wave from the Oct Chemo thread.  Hoping this finds you all doing well,  Kad2kar, I am praying for you.  I have a cyst in the good boob and often worry if things will take a turn for the worse.  I wonder if I should have done the double MX at the beginning.  Oh well, lets both cross that bridge when we get there.

    Huggs..Paula

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  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited November 2010
    Paula My mom has had cysts for years she's 73. My sister had a cyct removed once she's 53. Neither of them have/had breast cancer.
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  • kad2kar
    kad2kar Member Posts: 336
    edited November 2010

    EVERYBODY.....you all are so terrific in your support and compassion for each other. Im always sending little quick memos to God to make you all well again!!  When you all talk about your exercising and getting back into normal routines you inspire me to do just that. My exercise consists of SHOPPING!!!!  That always fun even though I dont buy a darned thing (DH just doesnt get it.)  I think I was just in a pissy mood the other day. Im OK now. I had my 1st cyst removed at 18 and over the years diagnosed with fibrocystic breast disease,dense breasts(tho they are tiny).  Thank you again for caring. God Bless each of you QUICKLY. I KNOW I AM GOING TO BE FINE!!

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  • kad2kar
    kad2kar Member Posts: 336
    edited November 2010

    HI....Drs office called and wants to see me friday to talk. If it was a "dont worry" that probably would have been on the phone, "come in to TALK"? I figure the worst. Just venting. I say take it off now. Thanks for listening.

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