Illinois ladies facing bc

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  • IllinoisLady
    IllinoisLady Member Posts: 29,082
    edited March 2015

    The more authentic you become, the more genuine in your expression, particularly regarding personal experiences and even self-doubts, the more people can relate to your expression and the safer it makes them feel to express themselves.  That expression in turn feeds back on the other person's spirit, and genuine creative empathy takes place, producing new insights and learnings.  -Stephen Covey

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  • doxie
    doxie Member Posts: 1,455
    edited March 2015

    Redhead1,

    Aromasin is "steroidal like" but not a steroid. Someone on the boards explained it thoroughly. Maybe she will see this and answer. If it was a steroid, I couldn't take it. Steroids send me into a very uncomfortable mental state, cycling rapidly between depression and hypomania. Really, really uncomfortable.

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  • IllinoisLady
    IllinoisLady Member Posts: 29,082
    edited March 2015

    This is a very old favorite of mine.  I have a calligraphy picture of this that I've had in my house for 18 years:

    Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there, except those that sang best.

    Henry Van Dyke

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  • badger
    badger Member Posts: 34,614
    edited March 2015

    So sad to read about Adey, thanks for letting us know.

    image

    ((Adriene)) glad we got to meet in Chicago. ♥
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  • Redheaded1
    Redheaded1 Member Posts: 1,600
    edited March 2015

    Badger---thank you for posting that!!!!!


     

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  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited March 2015

    Sorta wish the Exemestane did have some steriod in it. I like being full of energy.

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  • doxie
    doxie Member Posts: 1,455
    edited March 2015

    Exemestane does perk me up a bit. Also sleep better on it than arimidex. But the memory is still handicapped. I'm finishing a huge 9 month project in a few weeks that has been zapping my brain. After that I'm going to tackle my tonge tied memory loss. This morning I can't remember a co-worker's daughter and husband's names. Geez!! I was bad enough before BC

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  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited March 2015

    I sleep better on Exemestane than on Anastrozole. Go figure.

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  • MimiL55
    MimiL55 Member Posts: 86
    edited March 2015

    Redheaded1-sorry I'm just now getting back on the site, to answer your question, I tried both Femara and Aromasin (the generics) couldn't handle the joint pain so Onc put me on Tamoxifen. Don't really like it but the pains aren't as bad.

    DH and I took a much needed vacation to the Outer Banks of North Carolina-nothing quite like walking on the beach to give me peace.  I could definitely live there if only I were rich  Smile.

    Got results from spinal MRI-no tumor but severe stenosis in lumbar region-I had a fusion years ago and the area right below it is really messed up. Having severe back and leg pain when walking-having to use the friggin cane again-grrrr! So I am waiting for referral to neurosurgeon-the one who did my fusion has since retired so hopefully his replacement is just as capable.

    Hoping everyone is well, having clear scans, adjusting to treatments, etc.

    Wishing you all a painfree, peaceful day!

    Mimi

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  • IllinoisLady
    IllinoisLady Member Posts: 29,082
    edited March 2015

    We bless the life around us far more than we realize.  Many simple, ordinary things that we do can affect those around us in profound ways:  the unexpected phone call, the brief touch, the willingness to listen generously, the warm smile or wink of recognition.
     
    Rachel Naomi Remen

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  • NavyMom
    NavyMom Member Posts: 1,099
    edited March 2015

    Oh dear sweet Onward, Thank you for posting and letting us know about Adey. I sat with her at the holiday party at Maggianos. We got in trouble together for going downstairs to have a glass of champagne at the bar! A search party was sent out to scold us to get back to the table so the party could get started. Such a sweet memory for me. I am so sad and pissed that such a great lady was taken by this monster called cancer.

    Glad to see you post Onward...have a good memory of you too......remember taking your wig off and trying to stuff it in your little purse right at the table during an afternoon lunch get together?? gosh we had fun that day. Miss you and your laughter

    Lago, Thank you for posting those pictures. Meant so much to see Adey's smile.

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  • Redheaded1
    Redheaded1 Member Posts: 1,600
    edited March 2015

    I'm confused, my research on Aromasin says it is a non-reversible steroid type drug. It also says FDA has not approved it as a monotherapy, however some drs are prescribing it that way.  If I am understanding what I read, Arimidex and Femara are reversible--ie- when you stop taking them, your estrogen will return, as it just knocks it down.  The Aromasin actually kills the ability to make it.....?  I also saw that there had been a study that said the Aromasin was more effective at preventing distant reoccurrence, in the bones.. but it does have less side effects on your cholesterol.
    I have a 9 am appointment to see my MO  I am not goingto take Femara anymore, in fact I stopped last night.  I am itching too boot on top of the body aches and pains...

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  • kkhalle
    kkhalle Member Posts: 20
    edited March 2015

    Hi, everyone, I am 30 days from my 5yr mark. So what happens, I get my period in which I have not had one since July 2010. I was on Tamoxifen for 7 months and then switched to Arimidex. I saw my gyn and had a blood test and uterus scraped. The blood test came back saying I was post-menopause and the pathology report from the Uterus stated I was pre-menopause, go figure. So my onc put me back on Tamoxifen. I am now waiting to see if I'll have another period, First, has this happened to anyone and 2nd I am thinking about having my ovaries removed.

    Mimi, I have a similar situation. I have had a fusion and severe disk degeneration and stenosis. Now I have a rib which apparently suffered some truma to it. My left side is in constant pain. Had MRI, X-rays and bone scan. Thankfully, no bone mets. Stay strong!!

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  • dltnhm
    dltnhm Member Posts: 873
    edited March 2015

    kkhalle -

    Sorry about all of the confusion and mixed results. The postmenopausal point is not as simple as some once thought. Mind you / I don't mean you or your doctors. More thinking about the 2 year cessation line.

    I'm definitely playing it by ear. No periods since 2/2012 when chemo started. But not even premenopausal at that time. Tamoxifen for 2 1/2 years now. Estradiol falls in postmenopausal range but LH & FSH levels not. We've been doing 6 month labs. When I read a first person account like yours it helps in a way to know that it's possible to be this way.

    Lately though I keep wondering if I should try ovary suppression or an oopherectomy so that I could start an AI. Other days I'm quite thankful to be on Tamoxifen now with the plan to switch to an AI once the numbers align.

    Wondering about your age at diagnosis. I was 48.

    Anyone else have a similar experience?

    Diana

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  • kkhalle
    kkhalle Member Posts: 20
    edited March 2015

    Diana, I was 48 too. It thru me for a loop. At diagnosis my estrogen and progesterone receptor were at 99%. I believe my BC was totally generated by my hormones. So I am nervous about this.

    Kay


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  • IllinoisLady
    IllinoisLady Member Posts: 29,082
    edited March 2015

    Nature has given to each conscious being every power she possesses, and one of these abilities is this:  just as Nature converts and alters every obstacle and opposition, and fits them into their predestined place, making them a part of herself, so too the rational person is able to finesse every obstacle into an opportunity, and to use it for whatever purpose it may suit.  -Marcus Aurelius

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  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited March 2015

    kkhalle I was 49 at diagnosis. Finished chemo 2 weeks before my 50th. My last period was 2 week before chemo in September 2010. I actually started on Anastrozole. I was perimenopausal ( lighter periods). Based my sister and mom my MO and I both felt my cycles wouldn't come back. I was tested for 5 months. The AIs are working because I do have SE.

    Really stinks that yours came back but I'm sure you are perimenopausal and you will go back into menopauses sooner than you think. Your gyno will be able to advise.

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  • Redheaded1
    Redheaded1 Member Posts: 1,600
    edited March 2015

    MO is putting my back on my anastrazole with Lipid panel to be done every 3 months and ok to use my Fish Oil and Garlic supplement if I like.  Said to wait a week or 2  before starting back so the Femara can clear my system. 

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  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,223
    edited April 2015

    Mimi, I am sorry that you've got back issues but glad that there was no tumor. I hope your neurosurgeon can give you more answers and come up with a "fix."

    Redeaded.... It sounds like our favorite MO is going to keep a good watch on you! Hang in there!

    We'll be heading past your "turn-off" tomorrow Jackie! We will smile and honk! Hope to be home tomorrow night. We've stopped in Prattville, Alabama for the night at a very nice LaQuinta motel that has a pet friendy floor.

    Rita

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  • IllinoisLady
    IllinoisLady Member Posts: 29,082
    edited April 2015

    While ideas such as discipline and focus are undeniably important, so is the idea of having fun.  With a small amount of effort, we can extract all the fun and joy out of most parts of our lives--our relationships, our work, even our leisure time.  We can put so many restrictions and should's on everything we do that our very lives become dull, overly ponderous, and routine.  Before long, we find ourselves living up to a set of rules--and we're not certain where the rules came from or whose they are.  Let yourself go.  Have a little fun with life.  Or, have a lot of fun with life.  If you've spent years being extremely disciplined, reliable, and somber, maybe part of achieving balance is having a decade of fun.

    Melody Beattie

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  • IllinoisLady
    IllinoisLady Member Posts: 29,082
    edited April 2015

    I'll be listening Rita.  I'll be waving and wishing you a safe, completed journey home.  Glad you will get there today.  Not sure of your area, but tonight we get a big rainstorm here with rain thru Thurs. and Fri.  Sigh and double Sigh !!!!!  The temps won't really plummet though so we just have to get through that darn rain.

    Blessings

    Jackie

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  • IllinoisLady
    IllinoisLady Member Posts: 29,082
    edited April 2015

    “Suffering is necessary until you realize it is unnecessary.”
    Eckhart Tolle

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  • IllinoisLady
    IllinoisLady Member Posts: 29,082
    edited April 2015

    There never was any heart truly great and generous, that was not also tender and compassionate.

    Robert South

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  • Suzannecarol
    Suzannecarol Member Posts: 97
    edited April 2015

    Rita Jean, just saw your post and that you started chemo in January. It is now April. So how are you doing? I hope it is going well for you.

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  • TwoHobbies
    TwoHobbies Member Posts: 2,118
    edited April 2015

    KKhalle, I was 50 at first diagnosis and showing some peri-menopausal signs. I was put on tamoxifen. My periods stopped for about 3 months after surgery but returned and were very regular and I had a recurrence, so they put me on ovarian suppression and an AI. Now the problem is they don't know when or if I am in menopause. So I will have to stop the ovarian suppression, get off the AI until they can do bloodwork. Well I'm super paranoid to be off medication or on taxmoxifen (that didn't work for me) for even a month. So the decision has been to do the ovarian suppression for two years and then make another decision. Some days I do wish I'd had my ovaries removed, but my oncologist says I don't need to. I'm 54 now, dear god menopause must be soon, right?

    I am sorry to hear about Adey. I had not met her but only knew her from the board. It's good to see old "faces" around here though. I have kept busy on the exercise thread but don't check in here very often. Wishing everyone health.

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  • IllinoisLady
    IllinoisLady Member Posts: 29,082
    edited April 2015

    Judge each day not by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant.
    - Robert Louis Stevenson

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  • Redheaded1
    Redheaded1 Member Posts: 1,600
    edited April 2015

     

    great quote Jackie----thanks.  As a gardener, and it being spring, it is perfect.

     

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  • Redheaded1
    Redheaded1 Member Posts: 1,600
    edited April 2015


    Everyone, have a Happy Easter--Holy week is dear to me, as a I became a Catholic at the Easter vigil 2000.  You are all treasures in my prayers, as you have helped me so much with your humor, compassion and the  sharing of your experiences and perspectives  so freely.  God Bless you always.

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  • IllinoisLady
    IllinoisLady Member Posts: 29,082
    edited April 2015

    Thank you Redheaded 1 -- I hope you have a wonderful Easter renewal as well.  We don't do much here, but you know colored Easter eggs have a special flavor, don't they.   And who doesn't love a chocolate Easter bunny.  Happy Easter to everyone here. 

    Blessings

    Jackie

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  • Vanmama
    Vanmama Member Posts: 103
    edited April 2015

    I had a bad experience with my first chemo on Thursday! Within 2 minutes of starting Taxotere, I went into an anaphylactic allergic reaction. I told the nurse I felt a bit short of breath and she jumped up immediately. That quick I felt my face turning red hot and it felt like it was blowing up like a balloon. I began to feel faint so closed my eyes which quickly started swelling shut. I had 4 nurses working with me, so calmly, so I was never really frightened while it was all happening. There was time for that later!

    So now I meet with the doctor on Friday to see where we go next...no more Taxotere for me!!!

    Laura

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