Canadians in British Columbia

Thanks Carrie for your response. Now you have to make more decisions and I am sorry for that.

I will be proactive in my care but do have to say that my MO has been great in her pro activeness on my behalf. I know the that some of you have been misdiagnosed or have had doctors who have not been what you expected but I think that we need to take a step backwards sometimes and realize that we are all human and that for the most part our care at BCAA centres is some of the best in North America.

Before cancer I had some health issues that turned into surgical interventions and even then I had to be assertive. I am in no way minimizing the problems that some of you have had, but I also believe that it is important for those who come here looking for support and some positive reinforcement, that we support rather than criticize at times.

Having said that, I did just come from a 3 day mindfulness retreat (silent for most of it) in the valley. A donor to BCCA allowed 17 of us to have this opportunity and I am grateful for it~~it was not just BC women and in fact there were 2 men and many different cancers but we all shared so much, even silently with a brief time for vocal sharing at the end. Bottom line~~love, compassion and kindness are some of our most important tools.

You're right Marian, I shouldn't be so quick to criticize our health care system...compared to most others our standard of care is excellent. I guess just dealing with the latest news of progression has left me feeling like everything I've done has been in vain. Cancer can be such a guessing game, and when the doctors don't know what to do I'm left with a feeling of helplessness.

Thankfully I have a strong faith, and know that all things are in Gods control...

I think all reactions/responses are valid and should not be minimized or criticized. I think it is being in the moment and being true to our nature that helps us to achieve homeostasis in the long run. Some people have a calmer temperament but those who don't should not be stifled in my opinion. When we hear the word "cancer" our immediate response is "I could die". That is heavy heavy stuff (<<< 60's hippie here). I agree that it is not helpful to sustain anger and resentment forever but if your doctor makes a mistake your survival might be at stake. That is scary and reacting to fear with anger is "normal" for some.

DeltaLady: I am glad you find the article useful, and thank you for letting me know! To realize there is a problem is a big step towards fixing it. Before my DX, I thought I lived a healthy life by eating lots of organic foods, vitamins, etc. It is a cliche to say that BC is such a wake up call, I have found many things that I can improve, first being mindset, positive thinking, it is also very important to stay away from toxic contacts (friends) when you are still building up your immunity. Change is not easy, but we need to do it to survive, and it has turned out a lot easier than I thought, and am a lot happier. Even though this is my first winter after BC, I am not as depressed in the greyish weather as I used to. Something has worked, my mindset, or the increased vitamin D, or the coffee enemas! Take care!

Carrie61: Thank you so much for the info on the ND, and I am very sorry about the development in your case. Considering chemo after all the Vc, hyperthermia and mistletoe must be extra hard. Everything we do helps, and trying the complimentary stuff takes a lot ofcourage. BC has a lot to do with emotions. You are entitled to how you feel, getting it out here is part of the healing. Bless you!

She! Send me a PM with your phone number. It got lost on my cell phone when you called. Or go back on PM's and find mine? Yes, my get-together potluck is Jan. 9 and so happy you can come this time! But please call!

Marian

Hi ladies,

Regarding the sentinel node biopsy timing... I am a Nuclear Medicine Technologist any have performed many, many of these. It is simply a matter of scheduling. It can be done the day of, or the day before. The tiny amount of radioactivity injected can be detected in the sentinel lymph node(s) for about 2 days.

Kelly

Bone scan yesterday~~extra pictures in right leg (really old fracture is my take) and then off to another room with a different machine for 3D of lower back. 3-5 business days for results and I am glad it is holiday time and busy so not much time to dwell. I think it is aging as CT scan for a hernia showed some degeneration in lower lumbar area. At least that is my story and I am sticking with it even though the tech did say they are looking for mets. Appt. made for Jan. 8 to see bone specialist and another bone density test~~AI's no doubt the cause of osteopenia heading for osteoporosis and probably I will be encouraged to add yet another drug; bisphosphonates. Still a CT at MSJH to be booked I think for an old nodule that I doubt has changed.

What has changed is cording and that bugs me the most. Unusual to have it worsening at this point way past mx and axillary dissection. The one that I have had over a year twinned in the summer and my PT has worked at keeping it at bay. But a really big one appeared almost overnight and leads from just below my shoulder/armpit to under the pectoral major muscle. ROM still good but I attribute that to lots of yoga. Am following a lead for a RMT on Commercial but she specializes in lymphatic drainage and I have never had any issues with lymphedema and my cording does not go down my arm or into my trunk. I left messages at MSJH for referral to my BS but no replies. Thursday I emailed my MO and she emailed back within the hour saying she had made a referral to MSJH for my my BS or a colleague and to get back to her if no response by end of the month.

That is my pre holiday whine! Happy holidays to all of you and I look forward to our get-together Jan. 9 at noon at my house. More on that later.

Marian

Merry Christmas to all! I am looking forward to seeing many of you Jan. 9, 2016 at our get-together.

Marian

Merry Christmas ladies and all the very best for the New Year.

Wanted to wish everyone on this thread a very Happy New Year. I read all your posts and feel your joys and sadness. Let's hope the New Year brings lots of joy for everyone.

A big reminder to everyone and please pass it on! Our 2016 potluck get-together is Saturday, Jan. 9, one week from today. It will start at noon and is a potluck. I plan on making the dessert so anything else goes~~even more dessert if that is what you really want to bring! Potlucks always seem to work out no matter what we bring.

We look forward to meeting old friends and making new ones. I know some people have offered car sharing so PM's will work for that. If you do not have my address or can't remember it please PM me.

Marian

Marian hello could you please PM me your address as well?

Wendy...everyone attending the potluck is having a different battle. As well,,,we are all not talking cancer. I think you would enjoy yourself.

Please come.

Kosh

Yes, nothing sinister from bone scans says MO but lots of osteoarthritis in entire lower lumbar area and knees and shoulders. Who would have thought shoulders! Am seeing a bone specialist on Friday with yet another bone density test and probably bisphosphonates. Saw BS Monday for what I thought was cording but she thinks capsular contracture. Have an appt. March 2 with PS and am on a wait list anyway for an implant exchange. But BS and I both agree that I keep on trekking~~good old weight bearing exercise.

I am really looking forward to Saturday! Think it is time for name tags though~~my memory is good and not so good!

Marian

Marianne!  Oh good news!!   I'm there with you with the osteo stuff. I gave lots of wear and tear and sports injury!

Wendy!   Yay!!

Kosh