Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?

Thank you Jackie for your kind words and for welcoming me.  I've read a lot of the posts on this thread and loved the humor and positive energy reflected in everyone's posts.

When I was first diagnosed 23 years ago, I was asked to join support groups and opted out.  I thought I would be so over-empathetic with everyone else's cancer that I wouldn't stop thinking about it.

It's different now and I'm older. My heart is much more charitable.

Thanks again for your warm welcome. I feel very comfortable being here.

Catherine aka nancydrew

HUGS 

Thanks catherine i dont think so, mine was 1996 >2009 14 years n it ha been almost 5 years, although i took myself off of chemo in july.

Sandra, yes, Avatar and Franklin!

Anne, pleased that brother is doing OK.

Jackie, I wish all feral cats could be neutered or spayed.

Catherine, try to have a restful night then tomorrow good results from Biopsy!

Time to recline and watch the new 2 hour *Finding Bigfoot* show!

Welcome Nancy Drew. It's quite possible you might not need chemo. If it is small and low grade, they may not need to get out the big guns. I had a mx and anastrasole, no chemo or rads. In any case, the biopsy will tell and you'll soon know your path. Just knowing what's next makes it a little easier. With eating right and exercising, you're probably very healthy which gives you a head start. We'll be with you in spirit tomorrow.

Hi forum friends,
I have been away for a week with no computer and really busy with grandkids...
I had my phone but it is hard to read much on that little screen.
Just saying hi - I have about 4 pages to read back but tomorrow is my busiest day at work.
I was at Disney with DD#3 and my 2 granddaughters (3 and 7) - it was the  7 year old's birthday.  She met 12 friends there and I went along for the nice weather, great hotel, and to help her with anything.  Turned out I had a great time and they "fast-passed" me in sync so I could join them on the shows and rides.  I made it to Space Mountain and a few other coasters with the kids. 
I got home Wednesday and went right to work from the airport...then Friday DH and I drove to Washington DC to visit DD#1 and my 2 grandsons (5 and 9).  Just got in tonight after 6 hours of driving.  Whew! 
I had two espressos on the way home so cannot sleep...but will try to catch a few hours now.
Anyway, I look forward to catching up with everyone here.
It was very cool in Florida until our last day.  It really feels like fall in NY.
Holiday plans are shaping up...but I am still resisting the music and décor in the stores since October.
Back soon,

Joan

Thank you to each and every one of you for your encouragement and support. It means so much to me. I'm so fortunate to have found you.

My best friend, Mary, picks me up at 10 for an 11:30 procedure.  It takes time to get to anywhere from where we live.  Gen, the Breast Navigator, told me to take 1/2 an Ativan when I leave home and another one when I get there. Apart from the sting of the needle to anesthetize, the rest should be uneventful.

I'm so ashamed to be such a coward compared to what you all have endured.  I'll get better at it, I know.

Also, you have all these cords, tubes hanging out of you for about a week... You have to go a few times to get it adjusted, filled, and when it is in the right place, THEN they can start your treatment...

And they would give you Anti-biotics because your body does not take kindly to these new "things" hanging out of your body... But that's minor. Then when they "remove" it.... "easily".... I say 'HAH! Man that hurt! It was like yanking out a garden hose ! But it only lasted for a second... And after you catch your breath, and get up off the floor, you are DONE! But yes, I would do it all over again.... so ask about it.....

Nancydrew was the name of a series of mystery books designed for 10-13 year old girls to read back in the 50/60's. They were wonderful and if anyone kept theirs they would cost a fortune on eBay. I think the boy's version were called the Hardy boys.

Chevyboy this growth showed up on the mammogram in the same breast that had a lumpectomy with radiation 23 years ago. It was my 23rd annual screening.  It's on the side of the scar and the surgeon said small and he is certain as is the radiologist that it's a primary.

The skin on this radiated breast is very thick, so that frightens me about inserting the needle. The reason I questioned about "internal" radiation is because I read that they could do that on an already radiated breast.  I don't know, I'll have to wait and see.

But, in thinking through all this, if it is a primary, and the way I feel (victimized) I will have both breasts removed. At age 70 it is not an issue for me and not for my husband as well. 

Most of the accounts I've read on these threads leads me to think, that while uncomfortable, it is manageable.  The hanging bags are a nuisance, but you know they're temporary.

My mind is whirling around hitting a thousand different targets.  Someone wake me up, it's a bad dream.

Catherine

Nancy - there is no rhyme or reason to what you area experiencing now, but we will be here for you. Enjoy your snuggle time with your dogs and cats. My dog just left my lap for a sunbeam

Good Morning everyone,

We are bracing for cold here.  The few leaves still on the trees will likely be making a fast exit.  It won't arrive fully until tomorrow, but it is causing that "feeling of change" that gets stirred up inside when a major difference in things is about to happen.

Joan, sounds like you had such a delightful time.  As I recall ( my recall as you all know is almost non-existent ) you thought you'd pretty much be a third wheel, but seems to have worked out just fine.  I do know sometimes ( how many times can you do it though since you never know when it will actually work out that way ) when we are able to have no expectations one way or the other -- and just go with the flow -- actually be the will 'o' the wisp, almost magical things seem to occur and life falls into a fantastic place -- one we almost would have never hoped for. 

Puff -- how great to "beat" the weather system and have a grand 'early' Thanksgiving.  In my book, the only thing better than Thanksgiving is getting to have a second one.  That way, the pie you didn't have for the first one -- you can make for the second.  Last yr. for the first time I had Cranberry pie and it was just scrumptious.  I hope to learn how to make it.  Also, I think you can make a cheesecake layer on your pumpkin pie ( have to google that ) to give some of the old favorites a boost.  Glad you beat that nasty old weather and had a good time.

Chevy -- what can you say -- I'm so glad you had that Mammosite so that yo9u can share with others about how they work.  We have come a long way in 23 years and hopefully newer things yet will be turning up soon.  I can't imagine looking back to here in 23 yrs. and maybe thinking -- wow, we were just a little backward, weren't we. 

Teka -- hope all goes well for you on your Dr. visit today.  Also good you are getting a flu shot.  I think the winter this yr. may be rough.  I usually just get one every other yr. but maybe will get myself into the Mt. Vernon office of the V.A. and do it again this yr.  I think you have more coverage over-all when you don't skip. 

Catherine -- you ( as Chevy put it so well ) are not a coward -- you are just terrifically apprehensive.  Big difference!!!! I think most of us ( were we in your shoes ) would pretty much feel just the same.  After 23 yrs. getting a new primary is just a real blow and I would think  that nearly anyone would be feeling so many different emotions  -- contributing to your feeling some inability to feel any sense at the moment of stability. 

You will know more I think after this biopsy and you will hopefully be able to fully discuss any fears, upsets, diagnostic information, tx. options and begin to get the feeling that you are in charge, your abilities are great, and you can deal with this easier than it feels right now. 

I'll see you all later on.  Hope you are going to have a marvelous day -- bring on the sun.

Blessings

Jackie

Morning all-

Welcome Catherine. I was and am an avid reader from as far back as I can remember- and I remember many happy hours reading both Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys. Also the Cherry Ames nursing series.

I am glad you will not be reading this until after your biopsy, because that was the most painful procedure I have ever been through. Good luck, and I hope your pathology requires minimum treatment.

Chevy, just want to let you know I had a dbl mastectomy with chemo before the surgery, so I was officially cancer-free by the time of surgery, but had 33 radiation treatments as follow-up. The treatment just depends on so many different factors. I also chose not to have any reconstruction.

My cousin's daughter, with the pancreatic cancer has been sent home, with a follow-up appt with an Onc later this week, and my brother, though still in the hospital, is doing well. Because he is 70, and has had both knees replaced, they want to do some physical therapy with him before he leaves.

My daughter took me and her son to "The Melting Pot" for dinner last night as a celebration of our birthdays. For those who may not have heard of them, they are a fondue restaurant. It was very good. Dougie enjoyed "cooking" his meat, but didn't like the cheese appetizer. He ate the bread, veggies and apples without coating them with cheese, and did the same with dessert- ate the fruits, cakes, brownies, etc without dipping them in chocolate. I thought it was all delicious.

Have a great Mon, everyone and Catherine- we are all waiting to hear how your biopsy went

Anne

Nancy/Catherine -- take slow deep breaths.  No two Dr.'s see things the same way.    I have never heard anyone ( I have to say though that I don't visit other threads and forums but on rare occasion )  refer to fuzz on top of anything having to do with biopsies and or tumor etc. 

Hopefully, your Navigator can clear this up.  I'm sure there is a very reasonable and non-threatening explanation for this "new difference" and that nothing much will have actually changed but maybe "descriptive terms " used for your condition.  It would be nice if Dr.'s would or could find  ways of talking to you by pretty much the same 'terms' all the time -- but they seem to develop a style of speaking which is comfortable for them -- no matter how much it might frighten you. 

Just know that you are not alone, and that though I know it is one of the hardest things you can do -- do your best to do as little worrying and fretting as possible till you are completely clear about what you are actually fretting about, if anything.    I guess that used to be said as -- " Don't put the cart before the horse " and I do know that for almost all of us -- anything that has much of anything to do with cancer is rather terrifying.  Just breathe, go to an island of peace where calm relaxation soothes your concerns and know that the Universe loves and cares for you along with all of us. 

Jackie

Catherine, glad you had no pain with your biopsy, hope the results come back quickly and that a plan is developed for you. It's all so much easier once you have "The Plan"

I too was an avid reader of the Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys and Cherry Ames series. I remember trying to read in the in the bathroom after I was supposed to be in bed, and while trying to slip a night-light into the socket to read by, my fingernails went into the socket and I got a shock instead. My yelping gave me away and I had to go back to bed.

I loved Cherry Ames too. My clock had a night light. I could read by it if it was all the way down to the page.

Puffin, I loved the picture in my mind of that incident.