Illinois ladies facing bc

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  • Juliechicago
    Juliechicago Member Posts: 200
    edited April 2011

    Hi all, Well-- update. Path results in this am. Mixed bag.

    It's bc again.  But- DCIS.  Small area. Grade 3 comedo type (same as my prior), but all contained and no invasion.  They took a lot of samples and none of them are showing any invasion- thank God.

    So-- next step-- I will have another mastectomy. I've already consulted with the plastic surgeon and he, and BS, feel there's no issue with having the same procedure on this side-- subcutaneous nipple sparing mast with immediate implant. No expander.  Worked well on my left. As I had reduction surgery on my right, there is potential issue with saving the nipple as the areola is has a scar around it, but he thinks it's mature enough that it might be ok. I'm willing to try.  Also- he does not feel, much to my surprise actually, that a SNB is necessary.   Barring any surprises, no radiation or chemo are indicated.  

    It looks like the date will be early May.

    Right now, I'm exhausted and don't know quite how I feel. I expect it will be a lot of ups and downs the next few weeks.  So, not too eloquent tonight. Just wanted to let everyone know what happened.

    Susan- I kept trying to send you a private message the other night and internet kept bombing out. I'm so sorry for your loss-- I could tell from your earlier messages how much you cared for your friend.  I lost my friend Jessica a month ago and still feel her presence very much.....

    -julie

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  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited April 2011
    Julie thankgoodness it's not invasive. No chemo or rads!
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  • buddy1
    buddy1 Member Posts: 750
    edited April 2011

    Hi Gals,  I know its been a while since I have posted.  I hope you are all well.

    I have a question for you......I was sent for a bone scan due to some back and front pain.  Onc says no bone cancer and the pain is damaged nerves from the tram dorsi flap surgery.  However , dye was diffusly in my legs/  It had spread to upper legs since 1 year ago it was only in lower.  At that time I was told it was probably artheritis.  He is now sending me for pulminary test saying its lack of oxygen.  What does this sould like to you and have any of you experienced this.  Thanks bunches as usual.  Love Budder

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  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,223
    edited April 2011

    Oh Julie...............I'm sending all the hugs that I can "bundle up" to you.  It makes me so angry that you have to go through another surgery, but we all will be here for you and will help you through this.  Of course you are exhausted.  Try to get a little rest if at all possible.  You are one tough lady!

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  • buddy1
    buddy1 Member Posts: 750
    edited April 2011

    Gentle hugs Julie

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2011

    JULIE! - Thank GOODNESS! I am so happy it's contained...no chemo - no rads. Great news...thought about you all day! Honestly, I think having the Mast will really help put your mind at ease. So HAPPY...I know you'll have a "trying" couple of months, but perhaps you can, for the most part, put it behind you. Woo-Hoo...

    LISA - Thursday you will take one step closer to moving on through this journey. You did great! Celebrate this weekend, BIG TIME!

    buddy - Wow...long time! Don't know much about your issues...wish I could help. Perhaps you can post more specific info...

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  • joan888
    joan888 Member Posts: 810
    edited April 2011

    Oh, Julie... sort of bad news, good news but I'd concentrate on the good news parts.... contained, no rads, no chemo.  You can do this.  Surgery is never fun but I am sure that you are anxious to get er done and get on the recovery wagon ASAP.  (((Hugs))).

    Buddy... don't think that we have met but hope you get some answers to your issues.  Any ideas how to treat your damaged nerves.  I have back issues also with some sensitive nerves... no fun.  Have been doing PT mostly.

    Five days post exchange for me.... things are going well, but I can tell that I am going to have a really hard time dealing with the physcial limitations the next few weeks.  But then, I don't want to cause any problems for myself so I will get back on the couch again now for awhile. 

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  • conniehar
    conniehar Member Posts: 954
    edited April 2011

    Julie - so sorry you are having to deal with this again.  But, thankful that it is contained and that surgery will take care of it.  Hope you can get some rest.

    Buddy - good to see you posting again.  Are you saying you had pain in your lower legs and now it has spread to upper legs?  The lack of oxygen thing sounds strange, but what do I know?

    So sick of this cold weather!  We need the sun!

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  • IllinoisLady
    IllinoisLady Member Posts: 29,082
    edited April 2011

    Julie  I am so sorry to hear that you have to deal with this again.  I'm sure you are very frustrated right now and that would make the exhaustion even worse. You probably feel a little numb.  When the time comes you will fight because you have a strong spirit and so many people that love and need you. Hoping you come to peaceful terms with this soon and can move on in confidence.

    Hugs, Jackie

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  • IllinoisLady
    IllinoisLady Member Posts: 29,082
    edited April 2011

    Big hi to Buddy....long time-no see. 

    Hmmm, I don't know anything either except it just sounds like your blood flow isn't sufficient in your legs....but I'm not very medically inclined if I ever was. 

    Hope everything else is well with you. 

    Hugs, Jackie

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2011

    JOAN - What about swimming and long distance walking?

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  • buddy1
    buddy1 Member Posts: 750
    edited April 2011

    Thanks Gals,  I was able to get the Lung test scheduled for tomorrow.  He wants me to try Lyrica for the neverve pain.  Now I know why my legs hurt and I get winded.

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  • DonnaDio
    DonnaDio Member Posts: 905
    edited April 2011

    Morning !! Work today anjd a quick drop by.

    Hi buddy!!!good to see you and wish I knew more on all that you are goin thru, but I am not versed in that area. I am sure someone will be though! be well and good luck with test!!!

    Laura.. met with Dr Rashid yesterday and when I come back will let you know! I started her protocol of bio's and already feel better and slept!I am so impressed with this Dr and breifly met Linda (vivre) outside for a quick hello!!

    Be well all and those in TX's ,tests and appts...all good thoughts goin!!!!KEEP goin and Do NOT give up..one more day and it is all a gift!!!

    Donna

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  • CarylC
    CarylC Member Posts: 230
    edited April 2011

    Good morning everyone.  The sun is shining although I'm pretty sure it's deceptive!  For the first time since dx in January, I found myself bopping around the office dancing and singing again, like I used to for no reason.  I hope that continues after chemo starts, LOL!  Can't sleep and the doc wanted to give me antidepressants for that, I told him I was no more depressed than anybody else would be upon finding out they had cancer, so no thank you.  Guess I'll have to figure that one out for myself.

    Buddy, a friend of mine took Lyrica for nerve pain after a car accident and it helped tremendously for him with little SE.  Hopefully you will have the same results.

    Hope everyone's day is as good as it can be.

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  • NavyMom
    NavyMom Member Posts: 1,099
    edited April 2011

    Sending Hugs to you, Julie.  Lisa so glad that chemo is almost done!!!  Mak, you need a re-do on your vacation.  Laura, did you start your new job yet?  Budyy, it is good to hear from you!  Your comment about being winded sounds like you might need a cardiac work up too.  Joan, glad that your exchange surg is done.  It does take awhile to get used to the new girls.  Lago, your date is scheduled?  Hey, ELF!!! hope you are settling in and finding some good places to buy shoes!  And everyone else Hello,  Hello, Hello.  Sorry my post is messy..just the mood I'm in I guess.

    Navy

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  • Adey
    Adey Member Posts: 3,610
    edited April 2011

    Good morning.

    Hugs to all that need it... and congrats to all that have milestones coming up.

    Enjoy the day ladies.  (c:

    Week four, workout one done, the pace picked up a lot this week, sweaty fun.

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  • IllinoisLady
    IllinoisLady Member Posts: 29,082
    edited April 2011

    For Julie:

    I gather strength from life's storms.
    - Jonathan Lockwood Huie

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  • IllinoisLady
    IllinoisLady Member Posts: 29,082
    edited April 2011

    Caryl, my Dh's Dr. prescribed anti-depressants to him as they do help sleep.  He was in a very severe accident yrs, and yrs. ago.  I felt the same sensations when I heard....that he was not depressed -- but it was just how it worked.  Still, since I am always cautious with meds and think the less you HAVE to take the better I didn't like it, but Dh tried it for awhile.  He didn't feel that he got that much benefit.  Others might.....or maybe he just didn't like listening to me about se's which was my song and dance for ages.Still is I guess. 

    I have heard people talk about melatonin ( health food store ).  Hate to tell you my remedy.  I turn on my t.v. in the bed room, set the timer for the most boring program I can find, and within ten mins. or less I am asleep in self defense.  The t.v. ( which you are told never to have in a bedroom )  is the cheapest, easier, no se's, remedy I've ever had.....and one will last forever which makes it cheap.  It only has to play a few minutes every few days. 

    Wishing you well and hi to everyone else.

    Hugs, Jackie

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  • IllinoisLady
    IllinoisLady Member Posts: 29,082
    edited April 2011

    Don't focus on the challenges or the unexpected obstacles but instead celebrate all of the wonderful things that life has to offer and that you are lucky enough to be blessed with. ~ Darcee Matlen

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  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited April 2011

    Nice to see everyone here along with the sunshine. Spring is so close.

    Joan I too worry not behaving after exchange surgery. Need to discuss with the PS if I will be able to carry my portfolio around. Hard to look for a job as a designer if you can't carry your portfolio.

    I got my exchange surgery date confirmed this morning. May 27th! Yay. I am so done with these expanders yet I have 1 more expansion tomorrow. This last one hurt for days. Actually still uncomfortable. I have a feeling my PS snuck in a little more last time.

    Adey how long will they make you wait till you do an exchange?

    CarylC  I hear you about all these ant-depressent/anti anxiety drugs. They had me purchase them before surgery and chemo. Never used any.

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  • wendyk13
    wendyk13 Member Posts: 1,600
    edited April 2011

    Morning all!  Beautiful sunshine but it is chilly....watching the landscapers spread 8cub ft of red mulch...tried to do it myself a few years ago and nope....not even trying that again!  Plus, we have a huge hill behind our house that I would have to wheelbarrow up.

    Julie....I am so sorry that the monster has found you once again.  But you have learned your lessons well...you already have your plan pretty much in place and know where you are going.  You did not want to go down this path, but for you the waiting/planning is done so that has to be some relief.  AND...you did catch this so early so that is great!

     Lisa....almost done!  And when you get over feeling crappy this time, it is OVER FOR GOOD!

    Caryl...dance away!!!!!

    Budders...so good to see you back on line!  I don't have any other suggestions...sounds like you are following up on this to get it all checked out.  How's the corn? 

    Elf....yes..did you find some good shoe stores????

    Rita...how's the car?  Have you been able to put the top down yet?  I could have last Sunday  but it looked like rain and was windy so I didn't chance it.  Gonna be 74 here on Sunday...but rain.

    Everyone else....hope you are doing well, that tx is not treating you too badly.  Enjoy the sunshine...hear its not going to last.  Oh well....can I say it...

    April showers bring May flowers!!!

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  • joan888
    joan888 Member Posts: 810
    edited April 2011

    Lago.... yeah for you getting your exchange date!  I bet you are going to go crazy counting down the days. I nearly did.  BTW, I didn't think that my DH was sharing my excitement about my new improved, softer foobs so I told him to feel me up a bit.  He says, "gee, they feel just like normal boobs again".  Now, maybe he gets it!

    Lago... I don't know how heavy your portfolio is, but I think that I am supposed to have a 5 lb. limit right now.  I started to carry a rather full laundry basket down the stairs yesterday and that did put a strain on things.  Luckily, my DH is home this week and hovering around so he makes me behave.  I haven't asked about swimming yet, because I'm sure that is out especially with the incisions healing.  I soooo miss the therapy pool.

    Election Day.  Although there is nothing really to vote on in our district (too many uncontested candidates) I am going to take a 10-block walk over to our polling place just for the exercise.  I am getting anxious to buy a pot of pansies to throw out on my front patio.  Nobody seems to have their garden stores open yet so I guess I just have spring fever.  Just want some color.  Everyone stay strong today and good luck to all goign through TX.  Lisa.... your last day is coming!

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  • makmak
    makmak Member Posts: 632
    edited April 2011

    Hello. I'm in Seattle now. Just got my vaccine and will be going home in a bit. The onc here listened to my lungs and they are clear so I'm thinking it's a side effect to something.



    The baby got a bad case of diarrhea since Sunday.. Poor thing now cries when she sits on her raw bottom.. I tell you.. What a vacation!!



    Hope all are doing well today.. Thinking of Julie...

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  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited April 2011

    Joan glad the DH finally gave them a "test flight" Tongue out  Pun intended

    Most men are very squeamish about surgery, blood etc unless they are or were in the medical field. Thank goodness my husband worked in an ER many years ago. He's better than I am.

    Portfolio is currently 9.5lbs but I also carry a bag with some stuff that has to be 1-2lbs.

    makmak great about the lungs… not so good about baby diarrhea.

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  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,223
    edited April 2011

    Oh makmak!  I"m so glad your lungs are clear.  I hope the baby gets better, too.

    Nice to see a post from you buddy!  I really can't offer any insight into your problems but it sounds like you are on top of it.

    Wendy, I love the car.  No, I've not had the top down yet............maybe Friday or this weekend.  It looks pretty good here until Sunday. 

    I really need to get into my yard and dig in my flowers.  I love doing that and have some hydrangea to get planted soon I hope.

    Congrats on the exchange progress, Joan.  You'll soon be able to exchange notes with lago and you two gals will be looking pretty good!!!  I'm glad it's going well for you.

    Jackie, has it warmed up in the southern part of the state this week? 

    Well I need to run into the library and make a stop at the grocery store so I'd better get moving.  I hope everyone is having a good day.

    Thinking of you especially today, Julie and hoping that you're find some peace in the midst of the storm and getting your thoughts together.  They caught this early and that is such a big plus.  Hugs!

    Rita

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  • NavyMom
    NavyMom Member Posts: 1,099
    edited April 2011

    I just got home from my Oncology appt.  All good news.  My PET scan was good.  The pesty Lymph node on my cancer side is GONE!  I go back in 6 months to see the Dr.  No scans unless something is bothering me.  I am having some champagne with dinner tonight(Dr. Orders)

    Hugs to all us that continue to fight the fight.

    Navy

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  • blackjack
    blackjack Member Posts: 1,010
    edited April 2011

    Happy Tuesday to all. I see we have some good news and some not. I am trying to play catch up reading. I have been soooo busy at school and with my mom again. Just very crazy busy around here. Only 45 more days of school !!!! But who is counting!lol

     Zap... I am so sorry to hear about your dear friend. I hope that your happy memories of your friend easies the sadness for you. I have a dear teacher at school who just lost her brother, mother and dh in the last year to cancer. Oh I hate this disease.

    Julie....I am glad that you have a plan in place. Please try to get some needed rest.  You got the good kind...so leave it at that. Yes a goodbye party is needed. You let us know and I will plan it. Sending you a big hug.

    Makmak....sorry to hear about your sad not so restful vacation. Time to plan another one just for you. Have you tried pedilyte for the baby's diarrhea. The BRAT diet works well too.

    Joan...congrats on getting your new girls. Hope your dh likes them. lol Yes and you need to rest too.

    Lago...you getting your new girls soon too. hey for you.

    Navymom...congrats on clear scans. Yes do enjoy that bubbly to night.

    Rita...top down fists up coming soon for you.Would love to see a pic of you in that new car! Enjoy the wind in your hair. I saw my fish moving today in my pond. Can't wait to open it up and hear that waterfall  running again.

    Laura...have fun at the poles. We had them at school today. Way to many people in the hall ways.

    Wendy....when you are done landscaping can you find my beach chair. lol

    Adey ...sent you a pm

    Well just wanted to stop by for a quick hi to all. To all in tx remember the end is all most there.

    Off for a run now....have a great evening. 

    BJ

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  • joan888
    joan888 Member Posts: 810
    edited April 2011
    Navymom..... whooopeee!  Bottoms up with the bubbly!
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  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,223
    edited April 2011

    Great news NavyMom!  You deserve some bubbly!!!!!  Celebrate and get on with the rest of your life!   YEA!!!!

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  • saltykm
    saltykm Member Posts: 125
    edited April 2011

    Awesome news Navy!!!

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