2012 sisters
Comments
-
Ramos, speedy healing! You are cancer free now! Hope you feel better soon.
Soya, chemo is rough stuff and if the stats don't show a major improvement in your recurrence stats then I think you are making the right decision for you. It has it's risks. This is all complicated stuff and each of us is different and our cancers are as unique as we are. All have to make our own decision with the best information available. Thank goodness they are doing so much research on this stuff!
Diana, hoping for benign on that second lumpectomy and cleanl nodes and margins!
Tazzy, great new on the scans!
I just got out of my pre op appointment with my bs, it took minutes. 12 days until surgery day.
Best wishes for post op recovery and minimal side effects! -
DianaPrince: hoping for the best news on the path reports - keep us posted.
Ramols: Yay... you did it and are back, take that cancer!
Websister - enjoy your walk.
I am off to meet a friend today for shopping and lunch. Weather is beautiful and I am going to make the most of my time feeling well(ish)
Wishing each and every one of you brave wonderful ladies a happy day with lots of smiles.
-
Soyaandpepper, you must do what is right for you.
I just want to throw out there that if you believe (as many do) that supplements and homeopathic remedies can help you, you must also consider that they can cause harm if not used correctly, just like any other pharmaceutical. That's why good doctors and nurses will always ask you about your herbals and supplements during check-ups, pre-op surgical clearances, and hospitalizations. They do indeed affect your body! Good luck to you on your journey to health.
-
Soya, you may know I just went through those decisions too. The first two were easy, since rads and chemo were not recommended for me. Not taking the HT is a much harder decision. My estradiole score before treatment is a 3.9 and I am still questioning myself on that one. But I'm taking DIM, Activin, Curcumin, and eating lots of cruciferous vegetables and Brassica tea, among other things.
Tazzy, don't know if you have enough time, but I got a "Surgical drain belt with pockets" from TLC online. It was pretty handy, and only cost about $20. It came with four pockets that you put the drains in, then they just stuck to the belt. I used it more than anything.
This is such a positive thread, I love coming here and reading up on you ladies and superheroes.
-
Sending you tons of healing energy!!! Take it easy during your recovery.
-
DianaPrince, it's tough waiting for that path report. Remember we're all waiting with you.
JPMomof3, the clock is ticking on your 12 days until surgery - don't forget we're all waiting with you, too.
I'm starting to feel anxious about chemo; this whole cancer process is focus on one scary step, get through it and get set to worry about the next thing.
Tazzy - what I meant about the 1/2 size too small tops is that I have felt that I need some support for my breasts, purely for comfort's sake, so I don't do the jostle-and-ouch dance. Since my BS removed all the tape that was holding my wounds together, including the axillary incision, am supersensitive and can't wear a bra. I feel like I have abrasions in places where I don't, so a snug fitting soft shirt holds it all partially together.
I hope your lunchies and shopping were enjoyable.
Peace and and healing, all. -
Wow, so much has happened since I last read these posts. Hoping everyone is doing well.
Soyaandpeper: When I read your post it was like reading something I would write myself. In fact, while I was reading your post my holistic pharmacist stopped by to see me while I am sitting here in the Big Girl Chair. I have always believed that we all have cancer cells that for most people stay dormant. Mine didn't. I am doing traditional treatment, but I am also taking a holistic approach. I figure it can't hurt and I want to know that I am attacking those rogue cells with anything I can. My supplement list is huge, but definitely doable and the fact that a pharmacist worked on it with me, makes me feel really good. -
ramols - so good to see you're able to send some thoughts our way. Every day will get better. Hang on!
websister - glad your drains are out. Hope you enjoyed your walk this morning.
-
MaddyMac: i kow how you feel, I'm right there with you on the next steps for Chemo, definitely fearing the unknown right now. I appreciate that many here who have gone through it will help us through!
Hope everyone is doing well today -
My turn to complain. I had 16 nodes taken out during my surgery, all negative. 14 of them were in the breast tail. Have had a terrible time with the part of my incision that ends with the nodes, very swollen on both sides so that I have a "ditch". It got infected, of course, and I did 10 days on antibiotics. It did get better.
Now it's back, 7 weeks out. There's a leaky red hole and everything feels more swollen. Good thing I have a follow up appointment with my surgeon tomorrow. No doubt I will be on a very scary antibiotic for a while. Told DH that we need to have a nice bottle of wine tonight.
No bras or foobs for me for a while. Going out of the house is a bit of a challenge clothing wise. On the other hand, I got my shiny new compression sleeve today and found out I get to wear it for 30 days. yay! If my surgeon oks it, that is.
-
@ MaddyMac: "This whole cancer process is focus on one scary step, get through it and get set to worry about the next thing."
Truer words were never spoken!
-
DianaNM: With all we have to worry about, infections are diarrhea icing on a shit cake. (How's that for a visual?) Best wishes for a speedy--and permanent--end to your infection.
-
Diana, sorry to hear you are having so much trouble with that area, I hope the surgeon helps you get that under control. is the compression sleeve a precaution or preventive treatment or are you developing lymphedema? That is a big fear of mine... My surgeon today said he will send me to a lymphedema clinic after surgery to get some evaluations and hopefully preventive treatments and exercises.
I don't know why I did this but I looked up some studies on alcohol and breast ca. Apparently there is a 2009 study that shows that women that drank 3 or more drinks a week had a 34 percent higher recurrence rate. And they suggest that ER+ people are likely to have more risk. I am really really bummed about that. I like alcohol. I only drink once or twice a week and not that much but it sure as shit is more than 3 a week. That is not really much at all. Ugh. -
jpmom, I hear ya. A lovely glass of wine is the highlight of my evening. I've given up sugar and carbs, it's my last vice. I don't want to give it up, especially with a nice collection of California boutique wines in our wine fridge.
Because my surgeon took 16 nodes (all negative), and the swelling I've had, I'm considered at high risk for lymphedema. I guess I don't have it yet.
-
hello jpmomof3,
I had my mastectomy in January and after this the same treatment with you. I'm in in#5/12 Taxol/herceptine now( I'm in the trial with herceptine) - doing very well and working part time .I didn't have lymphedema and no problems with the surgery no infection. the drain out after few days. and I was in vacation and had swim after1 month. I started the chemo in 12of March. If you are active and doing yours exercises-you'll receive the infos about the exercises from your surgery - ( very important to be active - and I think you are like me) any problems. I have started to use my arm after 2 days after surgery ( cook, laundry, dishes , work few hours)- I have 2 kids also, without exaggerating of course. so don't worry you'll be ok. just try to use your arm normally.
good luck , you are a model for me
-
Thanks Ashley, it's good to hear encouraging news. I plan on getting back into exercising as soon as I can after surgery!
I of course want to do everything I can within reason to fight off BC and keep it from coming back but I have to live too, having a couple (or few..)drinks on Friday or Saturday night is part of my fun and relaxation. I may cut out the occasional beers with a meals at other times but one thing BC has taught me even more than before is we have to enjoy all life has to offer. Enjoy the little things and the big things and don't let the little stuff bother us. I am keeping that vice... I really hope they don't start showing that tea is bad for me too. If it is I don't wanna know about it, I am not looking it up.
I got a little too into reading research articles yesterday and got myself worked up. I slept pretty well last night and am feeling pretty good. Going for a walk now before I head into work.
Healing thought to all that need them! -
jpmomof3: I agree with you on the drinking thing, I enjoy a few glasses (more than 3) a week on occasion and I don't really want to give that up as well, I was concerned when I read your post on the research because of the recurrance rate and that does concern me but my god, how many things do we have to give up! I'm with you, I'll at least try to reduce it here and there. Enjoy your walk!
-
Still slogging through hopefully the last of it. Now officially 3 weeks PFC and hoping, as Dancetrancer said, each day my body will be happiers. Watery eyes and nails are my main SEs, and sore legs (Why??) Still have eyebrows and most eyelashes but waiting to see. Energy better overall.
My PS called me with a date for exchange surgery-Aug 7. I needed one that first week if I am to be able to start preparing for school which starts with teachers Aug. 24. That would be 7 weeks PFC.
I am kind of nervous, in some ways I want to get it all over with and not have it hanging over me; on the other hand my TEs are fine and doing it in November would be a break. Not sure. I see him Monday and we will discuss, I guess. I worry if there were any complications it would screw things up-having been off the last 2 mos of school I am very motivated to swing back into gear and be there for my staff.
drinking, yes. So far wine still doesn't taste good to me. DH and I went out for a Drink at a bar the other night and that was fun. I worry, my sis definitely drinks every day (7 yrs post cancer, preventative BMX this year due to BRCA1, no cancer at this time) I know she destresses with it (2 very challenging and mouthy teen daughters, etc) but I wonder if it is too much, though like you all I feel like ya gotta have some fun on this go-around!
-
We have to take these research studies with a big fat grain of salt. It is just one study that says that for the recurrence rates. There are others that show increased risk of getting breast cancer with alcohol too, so I am sure there is some type of correlation. These are not very large studies and I haven't seen if it is different for different people ( hormone receptor status, weight, other medical issues may change the stats). The other thing they do in these studies is pick a fairly random cut off pointl. With all these studies for some reason they pick three drinks a week or more for one group and 2 drinks or less for the other. So people that drink three drinks a week are lumped into the same group as people that drink three drinks a day. There is a huge difference in my mind between someone who drinks every day versus someone who drinks a couple of times a week. It is probably much more a matter of degree. They have show that people that drink 1-2 drinks a week have no increased risk compared to people that don't drink at all. There is not a magical sudden increase for people that drink 3-4 drinks a week.
These studies can be very misleading at first and until they study thousands and thousands of women over many years and account for other factors I don't thin we know all that much.
So I am going to have a little fun on my Friday night movie night and have a beer with my pizza. You can't have pizza without beer.... -
Right on!!
-
Jpmom... that really is sucky news - and there was me thinking a daily glass of red wine is good for us.
But like you all said, we cannot stop living because of our dx, and as you rightly pointed out there are so many stats out there..... so cheers !! and enjoy your pizza and beer
Lisa... there is a thread on this board for August surgeries: Any August 2012 girls? (in forum Surgery - Before, During, and After)I hope everyone else is managing a good day with minimal SE's.
-
My chemo treatments will begin on the 24th, they have me scheduled for IV infusions right now but I wanted to know for those that have been through chemo what you're experience has been with IV vs Port? I didn't ask about this at the time I met with my MO ? I guess I can still have a Port inserted but wanted to know you're experience before I call.
-
Hi Jaz. I didn't have a port. I do have good veins and had no trouble with the iv/blood taking. If you dont go the port way, make sure you drink plenty of fluids before them taking blood or your chemo tx as this plumps the veins up. Good luck with your choice.
-
jaz, they didnt give me a choice. they said that some of this stuff is pretty rough on the veins no matter how good your veins are. though that did make me wonder what it is dong to my subclavian vein (the big vein they use for the ports) which takes the poison straight to my heart... i try not to think of it. Not sure what to tell you since it seems you have a choice but i think you are getting the same stuff i did. 16 2-3 hours infusions may be a lot for your arm veins. Though it sounds like tazzy had no trouble. the port is not a big deal, but it is still another surgical procedure...
-
did you guys see the study that came out last year that indicated that red wine (not white, just red) can decrease risk of bc? http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/235283.php
-
jazz- I had a port and would do it again if I needed to. It makes this really easy one stick and everythings in place for labs and tx. It's doesn't hurt but I can feel the tube in my neck. Hope this helps some.
-
susiell - I like this report..LOTS - cheers to us
-
Oooh red wine here i come!
-
Red wine sounds good to me too! Thank God something is swinging our way!
Thanks Tazzy and jpmom: Thanks for your help, it helps that each of you had a different but positive experience either way so, at this point I'm waiting for a callback on this to see what the MO says.
-
I'm sorry lostimo: I missed you're post earlier, thanks, that helps, kinda weird feeling it in your neck though, oh, well, we'll see what he says.
Categories
- All Categories
- 679 Advocacy and Fund-Raising
- 289 Advocacy
- 68 I've Donated to Breastcancer.org in honor of....
- Test
- 322 Walks, Runs and Fundraising Events for Breastcancer.org
- 5.6K Community Connections
- 282 Middle Age 40-60(ish) Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 53 Australians and New Zealanders Affected by Breast Cancer
- 208 Black Women or Men With Breast Cancer
- 684 Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer
- 1.5K Caring for Someone with Breast cancer
- 455 Caring for Someone with Stage IV or Mets
- 260 High Risk of Recurrence or Second Breast Cancer
- 22 International, Non-English Speakers With Breast Cancer
- 16 Latinas/Hispanics With Breast Cancer
- 189 LGBTQA+ With Breast Cancer
- 152 May Their Memory Live On
- 85 Member Matchup & Virtual Support Meetups
- 375 Members by Location
- 291 Older Than 60 Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 177 Singles With Breast Cancer
- 869 Young With Breast Cancer
- 50.4K Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis
- 204 Breast Cancer with Another Diagnosis or Comorbidity
- 4K DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
- 79 DCIS plus HER2-positive Microinvasion
- 529 Genetic Testing
- 2.2K HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
- 1.5K IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)
- 3.4K IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
- 1.5K ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)
- 999 Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis
- 652 LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
- 193 Less Common Types of Breast Cancer
- 252 Male Breast Cancer
- 86 Mixed Type Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned
- 189 Palliative Therapy/Hospice Care
- 488 Second or Third Breast Cancer
- 1.2K Stage I Breast Cancer
- 313 Stage II Breast Cancer
- 3.8K Stage III Breast Cancer
- 2.5K Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
- 13.1K Day-to-Day Matters
- 132 All things COVID-19 or coronavirus
- 87 BCO Free-Cycle: Give or Trade Items Related to Breast Cancer
- 5.9K Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results
- 86 Coping with Holidays, Special Days and Anniversaries
- 828 Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues
- 101 Family and Family Planning Matters
- Family Issues for Those Who Have Breast Cancer
- 26 Furry friends
- 1.8K Humor and Games
- 1.6K Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts
- 706 Recipe Swap for Healthy Living
- 704 Recommend Your Resources
- 171 Sex & Relationship Matters
- 9 The Political Corner
- 874 Working on Your Fitness
- 4.5K Moving On & Finding Inspiration After Breast Cancer
- 394 Bonded by Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Life After Breast Cancer
- 806 Prayers and Spiritual Support
- 285 Who or What Inspires You?
- 28.7K Not Diagnosed But Concerned
- 1K Benign Breast Conditions
- 2.3K High Risk for Breast Cancer
- 18K Not Diagnosed But Worried
- 7.4K Waiting for Test Results
- 603 Site News and Announcements
- 560 Comments, Suggestions, Feature Requests
- 39 Mod Announcements, Breastcancer.org News, Blog Entries, Podcasts
- 4 Survey, Interview and Participant Requests: Need your Help!
- 61.9K Tests, Treatments & Side Effects
- 586 Alternative Medicine
- 255 Bone Health and Bone Loss
- 11.4K Breast Reconstruction
- 7.9K Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 2.7K Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment
- 775 Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results
- 7.8K Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 50 Immunotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 7.4K Just Diagnosed
- 1.4K Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
- 5.2K Lymphedema
- 3.6K Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
- 591 Pain
- 3.9K Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 8.4K Surgery - Before, During, and After
- 109 Welcome to Breastcancer.org
- 98 Acknowledging and honoring our Community
- 11 Info & Resources for New Patients & Members From the Team