Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!

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  • Hopeful82014
    Hopeful82014 Member Posts: 3,480
    edited January 2015

    Dear Kay - You can't pass BC 101 without knowing that the guiding mantra is "Always get a copy of every report." :)

    It would be really great if all our providers just got in the habit of providing these reports. Mine do, and I appreciate it a lot, but I can see how easy it would be to forget to ask, if it weren't automatically handed to you. We have SO much going through our minds during these consults!

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  • kayfry
    kayfry Member Posts: 481
    edited January 2015

    Yes, thanks! I also always ask for a hard copy, and I'm a little annoyed with myself that I didn't manage to get it yet today. I asked on my way out; there's an online thing that Hopkins has (called "My Chart") that is actually pretty nice. I asked and was told that "probably" my path report would be posted there, but haven't seen it yet. If it doesn't show up, I plan to call tomorrow and ask if they can fax it to me.

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  • kayfry
    kayfry Member Posts: 481
    edited January 2015

    So true :) I had to ask for the path report from my original biopsy, but I did get it. I will get this one too.

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  • Hopeful82014
    Hopeful82014 Member Posts: 3,480
    edited January 2015

    Sometimes those My Chart postings have a lag time that can be pretty nerve wracking. Other times, it's there almost instantaneously. (I think the speed is in inverse proportion to one's interest in it.)

    Three cheers for the good, old-fashioned fax machine. Even in this day and age I can't imaging doing without it.

    Oh, and sorry for all of us piling on your about getting copies, Kay. We know that you know that. We just don't want you to have to re-take the course. :)

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  • kayfry
    kayfry Member Posts: 481
    edited January 2015

    Bikerbabe, you are awesome! This sentence:

    I so need to get my hair done, but I really don't want to spend money on that, especially if I'm just going to lose it soon. That seems silly, I know. But I could get a couple of pretty hats instead.

    I love this so much. You will be fine.

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  • kayfry
    kayfry Member Posts: 481
    edited January 2015

    Hopeful, I'm laughing. I also don't want to have to retake the course.

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  • kayfry
    kayfry Member Posts: 481
    edited January 2015

    Peggy, I am totally positive that your positive attitude has been a huge factor in the fact that you've sailed through your treatments with no difficulties. That is a powerful reminder of how important that mind/body connection is. I'm so glad you're doing so well, and as I say, you always make me feel better. And safer :)

    I do like my doctor. He's not only smart; he seems like a very caring guy. Means a lot.

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  • Mm68
    Mm68 Member Posts: 64
    edited January 2015

    Shaz, my thoughts and prayers go out to you for a succusful sugery.

    I had my radiation work-up today and start 2/10, which will be 7 weeks out from my sugery. Still feel the nerves connecting and nipple finally perking up. My MO also wants me to wait until after rads before I start taking Tamoxifen.

    To all you getting hit by the storm-stay warm


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  • PontiacPeggy
    PontiacPeggy Member Posts: 6,778
    edited January 2015

    I'm glad, Kay. I am usually a very positive person. Since I had other distractions going on, BC was rather something that I was doing "on the side" while concentrating on the "real" stuff in my life. I also think there is a strong mind/body connection. I know I was somewhat concerned about starting Arimidex. A high school classmate of mine and his wife were in town and we had lunch together. She's been battling BC for many years. She reminded me that she's been on Arimidex for several years with no problem. She said don't worry about it. So I quit worrying and haven't had problems. And feeling safer is a wonderful thing. I'm very glad I can give you that.

    A smart, caring doctor is priceless. While none of mine are as prestigious as yours, they are all caring and good. I got lucky.

    MM68, 7 weeks post Lx sounds good. Those nerves seem to take quite awhile to tame. Quite annoying. Waiting to start your tamoxifen is fine. My MO also recommended that. Of course many women start it right away. Depends, doesn't it? Glad you're doing well.

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  • kayfry
    kayfry Member Posts: 481
    edited January 2015

    And I don't think having a "prestigious" doctor is what is important, in and of itself. I am lucky to have an institution in the neighborhood that is known to be of high caliber, and our personal experience with that institution in the past has borne that out. But there's nothing miraculous about it, and I hope no one thinks I'm bragging about the JH connection. Caring and good is what matters, and I don't pretend to have any exclusive corner on that. I'm quite certain caring and good doctors are to be found everywhere. I feel lucky to have found this particular doctor at this particular time, and that's all I wish for everyone. I'll figure out the details as I go along, I guess. I am prone to over-thinking things, am married to a doctor who tonight has been finding a zillion studies related to the questions at hand to read to me, and I've about reached my saturation point for tonight.

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  • PontiacPeggy
    PontiacPeggy Member Posts: 6,778
    edited January 2015

    Kay, I think it's marvelous that you are going to JH. I probably would if it were close to me. I was so relieved that good oncs were 10 minutes from me. It made everything so much easier. Tell DH that the brain has worn out :)

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  • kayfry
    kayfry Member Posts: 481
    edited January 2015

    I know, I sent him to bed :) Hope everyone sleeps well. I didn't last night, so I'm hoping to make up for it right about now!

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  • Mary59G
    Mary59G Member Posts: 139
    edited January 2015

    shaz101, prayers and my thoughts are with you during this time and all times as we struggle thru..........we will get thru this!!

    Positive thoughts your way and hope to hear from you soon. But take care of yourself first!

    Mary

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  • jeanelle
    jeanelle Member Posts: 179
    edited January 2015

    kay - Great news!

    Shaz - Good luck with the surgery. My thoughts and prayers are going out to you.

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  • Bikerbabe17
    Bikerbabe17 Member Posts: 116
    edited January 2015

    Shaz, sending lots of gentle hugs your way. You seem to me to be a very strong woman, and I have all the faith in you for an easy and speedy recovery. You and all of the rest of us will beat this.

    Kay, what fabulous news to share with us, I'm so happy for you. I have several friends who have done rads, and other then the fatigue, they both found it ok. One is 10 years out and the other 7! Both women are doing fabulously.

    We aren't getting much snow, still it's nice to be home. My dr's appt. was moved to Thursday, so I won't have to wait to long for the details.

    Mm68, Chandler sounds familiar, is that anywhere near Prescott

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  • Hopeful82014
    Hopeful82014 Member Posts: 3,480
    edited January 2015
    Shaz - I hope your surgery went smoothly and you'll heal quickly. I know it's more involved than the sentinel node biopsy and can be more restrictive during recovery. :(

    Here's hoping your path report comes back quickly and that you get the all clear. In the meantime, take it easy and know that we're thinking of you.
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  • Purple88
    Purple88 Member Posts: 7
    edited January 2015

    I am raging over it, and trying to prepare for the stereotactic on Thursday 01/29...they said I have to wait until Tuesday 02/03 to get the results in person!!! This all started December 3rd with a routine mammo and still I wait....I too am in Pa.....I am sending prayers and hugs to all recently diagnosed. Mine is a BIRAD 4B- fine pleomorphic calcifications in a cluster, the new clinic said they are starting to form a linear pattern also..

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  • Purple88
    Purple88 Member Posts: 7
    edited January 2015

    I am raging over it, and trying to prepare for the stereotactic on Thursday 01/29...they said I have to wait until Tuesday 02/03 to get the results in person!!! This all started December 3rd with a routine mammo and still I wait....I too am in Pa.....I am sending prayers and hugs to all recently diagnosed. Mine is a BIRAD 4B- fine pleomorphic calcifications in a cluster, the new clinic said they are starting to form a linear pattern also..

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  • Hopeful82014
    Hopeful82014 Member Posts: 3,480
    edited January 2015
    Purple - what a horrible experience. Hang in there.uck

    You might also give serious consideration to changing your 'care' team (using the term loosely) and finding someone whom you can trust will look after your best interests.

    Good luck.
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  • PontiacPeggy
    PontiacPeggy Member Posts: 6,778
    edited January 2015

    Boy, Purple, that's hard to understand. As Hopeful said, if it is possible, I might consider finding another care group. It's certainly disappointing to have to wait this long. The time from the core biopsy to results is reasonable. The time for everything else seems to be rather long. Inquire as to why it is all going so slowly. Perhaps there is actually a legitimate reason.

    HUGS to you. Take a deep breath and have a big glass of wine!

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  • Gatomal
    Gatomal Member Posts: 483
    edited January 2015

    shaz, prayers and hugs for a straightforward surgery and good pain control. Hugs!

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  • Purple88
    Purple88 Member Posts: 7
    edited January 2015

    I changed my clinic/hospital/surgeon immediately following the botched excisional biopsy on Dec 19th, just had to wait and heal enough to get compressed by another mammo. (He took the whole auxiliary tail of my left breast and still missed) My Gyno referred me to this new hospital and says they are the best...we will see...

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  • PontiacPeggy
    PontiacPeggy Member Posts: 6,778
    edited January 2015

    Well, crap! I hope you're right about the new hospital and team. You might consider making your dx, treatments, etc public. It makes it easier to help you if we know what you have experienced thus far. FINGERS CROSSED HUGS!!

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  • MarieBernice6234
    MarieBernice6234 Member Posts: 202
    edited January 2015

    Hi All -

    Has anyone heard from Shaz or is it tomorrow? I hope that all of the women who live in the area affected by Blizzard 2015 are okay. We got at least 24 inches of snow here in Massachusetts. So far we haven't lost our power.!!!


    MarieBernice6234

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  • Hopeful82014
    Hopeful82014 Member Posts: 3,480
    edited January 2015

    Hi, MarieBernice - I'm so glad your power's stayed on through all that snow. That's pretty impressive and I hope it stays on.

    Shaz's surgery was yesterday, her time. If they kept her overnight (as is usual here for that procedure) she may still be in hospital.

    How are you doing - did you get a snow day today to curl up with a book and a hot mug of chocolate?

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  • Mm68
    Mm68 Member Posts: 64
    edited January 2015

    bikerbabe-praying you get good results Thusday. Chandler is about 2 hours South of Prescott, SE of Phoenix. I did live in Prescott 6 years.

    Pegg-yes nerves can be annoying, every so often can feel them reconnecting

    Kay-I agree about the care, we have Cancer Centers of America & Mayo here yet I choose not to go to either and am very happy with my surgeon. She knew when she did the biopsy it was cancer just by the look of it, but of course we waited for path to confirm - only two days. And I am fortunate she got clear margins with LX. Of course I did my research and was impressed with her track record. As you said - it is who each of us are comfortable with

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  • Nash54
    Nash54 Member Posts: 837
    edited January 2015

    Peggy...how was your yoga class? I've been doing yoga for years and really enjoy it. No crazy headstands for me...just strength building and stretching. Great for flexibility and balance.

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  • Hopeful82014
    Hopeful82014 Member Posts: 3,480
    edited January 2015

    Peggy - I'm joining you in yoga! It will probably be a couple of weeks until I can get into the class due to a bunch of travel for work but I've picked up a couple of DVDs that look promising. I hope you're enjoying your class; it's great that you and a friend can do it together.


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  • PontiacPeggy
    PontiacPeggy Member Posts: 6,778
    edited January 2015

    Nash and Hopeful, my class was okay. I think I am at the wrong studio. Here I am a total newbie and the gal leading the class would not and did not model one single pose. She said start with "child" then to "cat" then this then that. I was clueless. So I'm trying to watch the other 2 ladies in the class, one who had been there a week to figure out what the hell to do. Frankly, I was unhappy. I have a friend who teaches yoga (but not near me :( ) and she was horrified. I will have a chat with the owner and complain. That's no way to treat new students. I liked what I did and was worn out after the class. I just resented not being TAUGHT. So make sure that someone is going to teach you how to do the poses and breathe correctly. At this rate, I may just get DVDs and do it at home. There aren't any other studios that are convenient. My friend is going to come in and work with me next week but it isn't an option for her to do this very often.

    My review is mixed. Yoga is good; where I went was bad. Thanks for asking!

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  • tgtg
    tgtg Member Posts: 266
    edited January 2015

    Peggy--Sorry that your class was so unsatisfying as an intro to yoga. Suggest you try to find a class that does Hatha yoga--it's the gentlest form and yet a good workout. You might try looking at a local Y for classes--ours here in the Philly suburbs pretty much all offer a variety of classes in several types of yoga, and the Y is more reasonable than a for-profit place. In fact, some Medicare supplemental policies even kick in either a reward if you attend x number of times per year or even a free membership under "Silver Sneakers" or "Silver and Fit" programs. And at our Y all fitness classes and the use of the fitness center are all included in the membership fee, even the senior rate.

    Gaiam publishes some good DVD's too--I especially like "Yoga Conditioning for Weight Loss" (that was my goal years ago when I bought it years ago--but I still use it and like it). It offers several levels of yoga instruction and routines, and an added attraction for those of us in the snowbelt is that the yoga is all done in the beautiful Red Rocks scenery of Sedona, AZ. Kind of like being at a spa in your own living room, with arctic air and a blanket of snow outside! Namaste! Trudi

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