November 2009-Starting Chemo

Nette, when I was first diagnosed I read a great book called "cancer is a word, not a sentence".  It was great and helped me a lot to get over my chemo/ cancer/ radiation fears.  It was easy to read and I would highly recommend it.

(((((((((((LINDA))))))))))) All the best!!!!

Thanks Melinda.

Brenda - how are you!!!

 Hi girls - I'm in my second full time week at work - boy do the days go fast!!!

Only 5 weeks until we go away.

Hope you are all good!!

Sue

LINDA ! sending up big prayers for a smooth surgery tomorrow.  Thinking of you.

HUGS !

Alicia

Interesting read, from BreastCareSite.com: 

Step Into the Summer Sun: First Major Vitamin D Study
posted July 6, 2011
According to a new study conducted by the University of Rochester Medical Center, low levels of vitamin D are linked to more aggressive tumors and poorer outcomes for breast cancer patients. Many oncologists have long suspected these findings.

In this first major study to research vitamin D and breast cancer progression, researchers linked vitamin D deficiencies with weak scores on every biological marker that helps physicians assess breast cancer outcome.

"There has been suspicion that vitamin D is related to breast health in some way, although the particular pathway is still unknown," says Dr. Laurie Kirstein, a breast surgeon at New York City's Beth Israel Medical Center. Many oncologists are already following vitamin D levels in their breast cancer patients, and recommending supplements for low levels. To link vitamin D levels to the aggressiveness...of breast cancer is an interesting finding; one that should be validated with a controlled trial."

The human body makes vitamin D from sunlight on exposed skin. Other sources of the element include fatty fish and fish oils, fortified dairy products, and oral supplements. Research has shown that African-American and premenopausal women tend to have lower levels of vitamin D when compared with white and older women.

"The magnitude of the findings was quite surprising," said lead researcher Luke J. Peppone, Ph.D., research assistant professor of Radiation Oncology at the URMC James P. Wilmot Cancer Center. "Based on these results, doctors should strongly consider monitoring vitamin D levels among breast cancer patients and correcting them as needed."

Linda!!! How are you??????????????

(((((HUGS)))))

Thanks Alicia

Looks like Michele's ploy to get us "out" worked!  

I, too, have just been busy with life in the summer-lane...DD is working 40 hrs. weekdays and to keep from buying a car, I take her to work and pick up everyday, and her schedule changes every week.  DS just got contact lens and will be getting all 4 wisdom teeth out next week, so between both docs, he's kept me busy.  All's well with me, though.  Am still trying to get an appt. for my 6 mo. check with my onc.  They're going to have to work me in sometime in Aug.  I can't believe she has no opening all month.  What does that tell you about the increasing need for oncologists?!  Sad.  Recent blood work showed a normal thyroid that having a scare that I would need medication for hypothyroidism.  That was great news!  

Thanks, Alicia, for giving the update on Linda.

Happy Monday, everyone!   

Nothing much going on here, surgery is Friday, did my pre-op stuff yesterday. Also had my 3 month echocardiogram yesterday. I assume everything is hunky dorry. Nervous about surgery and just ready to get it over with.

Hugs to all you ladies! 

Melinda - ((((((((((BIG HUGS))))))))))) for the surgery. I hope that beau is still hanging around

I was thinking I should make my mammo/MRI appts for the end of Sept before we go away. I'll do that next week. I have a Zometa infusion on 29th Sep, so I'll see big onc then.

Only 3 weeks until we go away!!! I'm starting to freak out. The people who owe DH money haven't paid yet and he is about to send another big bill out. I did go and buy 2 new ultra light suitcases yesterday - mines purple.

Sue

Melinda:  we're here for you!!!!  prayers for calmness and peace until Friday and then prayers for healing!!!!!!!!!  Nette  

Thanks Ladies, I will check in as soon as I can.

Melinda - Hope the surgery went well. Let us know when you feel well enough.

Linda - where are you???? Hope you're OK

Sue