Calling all TNs

...I know it sounds odd that my mets to lungs would be found on bone scan, but they were, thank goodness. A follow-up contrast CT scan was done for confirmation and then the CT guided bx. to confirm bc mets. Just had my port put in, again. I had it put in at my local hosp. this time instead of driving 2 hrs. to VT. My surgeon was wonderful - he even gave good bear hugs! I am a "huggy" person, so I appreciated how personable he was. Very sore and tired today, but have nothing planned, so I am going to curl-up with kitties, my granddog, hot choc. and a movie I do not have to think about! 

As always, you are all in my thoughts. 

Sherry

adagio - I'll say an extra prayer for you on the 20th.  Hoping to be feeling okay for that day as the 20th is my DD birthday!!!  Get my first treatment on the 16th.

Kim - thanks for the encouragement.  I think you're right it's just wondering how I will react to treatments.  I'm going to try and work thru all of this and that I know is weighing on the brain. Hoping to push the work from home option if this zaps the energy too much.  I have an hour long commute. 

Moe0279 -- Congrats!!!  Participating in the Komen walk sounds wonderful!  Hope you get a good report from the doctor!

Thanks for words of comfort and support.  PET scan is scheduled for Tuesday am.  I will be busy on Wednesday taking my mom to Chicago to see the "I Love Lucy" musical.  I guess when I was a little girl about to enter school I told her I should just stay home to watch the I Love Lucy TV show with her!  So this little outing means alot to her (and me too).  I have been trying to make more regular visits with my folks.  They are in fairly good health and very independent but still need to see me and visit now and then.

Seems to me there are so many new names on this thread.  Please forgive if I can't seem to keep up.  As always special prayers for those just starting this ride and for those dealing with reoccurances. 

Adagio  Perhaps you could talk with the infusion nurses at your cancer center about a port.  They should give you advice based on their observations.   Good luck.

Bernie - Very interesting information on CRF.  Thanks

Thinking of all our stage 4 sisters.  Holding you close.

Jan

Hi all,

Its been months since I've posted, but I visit periodically to check on familiar names and 'faces'.  Will always miss MJB and Laura but happy to see Inmate fighting the fight!  

I've had a bunch of scans over the last 2 years in fear of a recurrence but it was just the normal aches and pains of being 59, post chemo. What can I say...I needed the reassurance despite the $$$$.

After 2 yrs of uncomfortable implants, I"m having the new teardrops put in the 30th.  Can not wait !!  But, I might have to wait because...I have new symptoms and I wanted to know if anyone here has had or knows anyone who has had this.  A month ago my lower molars began hurting like crazy and gums were swollen with a red ring around the teeth.  The pain spread to my whole jawbone. It hurts terribly to swallow, chew and talk.  I have an earache. I saw my dentist, an oral surgeon and an endodontist and I do NOT have teeth problems.  Its not TMJ. The all knowing internet lists these as the exact symptoms of oral/throat cancer.  The ENT did a thorough search and he said there is nothing to biopsy.  Swollen neck does not show nodes needing biopsies.  I spent 8 hrs in the ER the pain was so bad, and 2 ct scans showed no infection,no absess, no masses.  I've had 3 rounds of prednisone/round of antibiotice/on magic mouthwash/anti-inflammatory/muscle relaxers for 3 weeks.  Also, massage.  My ent agrees that it reeks of cancer, but just not finding the source.  At this point..I just want relief of some sort other than hydrocodone x10.

Is this just my body betraying me once again with random things to prevent me from ever getting over the bc? or is 'it' back?  Either way, I am anxious to get to the bottom of this. Anyone have any ideas?  I go back Wednesday for another 'probe'. 

Ruth - So very sorry for your pain and worry.  Wishing you quick resolution.  Jan

Hello Ruth,

I was so sorry to hear that you are in so much pain and I do hope you will find out what is wrong. I was wondering whether you have been taking any bisphosphonates. They are widely prescribed for osteoporosis which can result from cancer treatment, and they can cause jaw necrosis which is serious. It is just a thought.

Wishing you well, Sylvia.

I fell off the wagon yesterday, and ate so bad!  I had at least 7 pieces of Snickers, and made my husband take the rest of the bad to his work today.  He has a hiding place in the kitchen (which I don't know the location of) and sometimes, at my request, he will hide the treats from me.  On top of that, I had 3 taco shells last night, and the list goes on! And so far today I haven't done my 90 minute work out yet, and it's almost 2:00 PM.  I'm finishing up a writing project and hope to get out the door soon.  If I skip today's exercise, and go instead tomorrow morning at 6AM, will that be okay?  It's only 16 hours from now. )

Hi Everyone,

Titan ... thank you!  Your post makes me feel much better. You have a long way to go to catch up to me on the Snicker's count though.  lol

NavyMom .... I will be thinking of you on Tuesday!  BTW, My Mom and I both used to watch I Love Lucy.  I have the entire series, and actually keep it on during the day when I'm working from my home office.  I think it's the comfort of an easier lifestyle that draws me to it.   Sometimes MadMen or Boston Legal competes with I Love Lucy though.

Ruth ... could it be a bad pillow causing your neck problem, and extending that up to your jaw?  I will be looking for your update to see how you are doing ... wishing you good news on your appointment next week as well.

Have a nice evening everyone - treat yourself to something you like and don't forget to put yourself first for once.

Bak, I agree with Inmate, I don't know what happened as I don't post much and try to limit my time on the boards for my anxiety level but I don't think you should go.  I've always enjoyed your posts.

Hallowe'en candy has been my weakness this year for some reason?!  We had a TON of fun trick or treating with the kids.  They loved every second of it.  My 4 year old actually sat down on a neighbours porch chair for a rest at one point.  She was laughing at him needing a rest.  It's hard work to trick or treat when you're 4 and 2. 

Update on my teammate and the bald hallowe'en costume - I tried to talk with her but she refused.  So my manager pulled her and I into his office in hopes that she'd answer some of my questions and talk but she refused and stormed out slamming his door.  She claims that she did nothing wrong and she didn't understand why I would be upset.  I did manage to ask her why she felt it was appropriate to be bald and she replied, "Well how else are people to know we're cancer survivors if we are not bald?!"  I told her that bald (to me) meant sick, chemo, fighting for your life, cancer patient; not a survivor.  So, I have accepted that she is ignorant and I have moved on.  She's not worth my time or my stress. 

I have my 1 year follow up mammo tomorrow - same day as I had my biopsy last year.  So my DH is taking the morning off to come with me.  I hope it's quick and they find nothing.  After a BMX, I'm really curious to see how this goes. 

Wishing you all a wonderful Sunday xoxo

Thanks for the update Maggie.  Glad to hear you're recovering after what sounds like a long and involved surgery.  Rest and be kind to yourself.  Sending you gentle hugs xo

Ruth so good to hear from you but so sorry to hear you are going through this pain.  I wonder if you have a condition called trigeminal neuraglia which is a very painful condition that affects the face and jaw.  If you look it up on Google  it will explain more fully.   Hope this helps in some way. Annie