Starting Chemo in June 2005

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  • RebeccaH
    RebeccaH Member Posts: 72
    edited September 2007

    Dana, Congrats on the biopsy results.  Hopefully, the MRI will confirm all is well.  I haven't posted in a while, and I was shocked to see that you were going through another scare.

    I took the plunge for genetic testing.  When I took *me* out the equation, the decision to have it done was very easy to make.  I kept saying if *I* had the gene, then *I* would have to have more surgery and of course, *I* would want some wonderful, non-lopsided, non-blue (yep, still blue from SNB over 2 years out).  *I* didn't know if *I* was ready for all of that.  Then I looked at testing through my 18 yo daughter's eyes, and all of a sudden, the decision was crystal clear.

    I had the blood drawn on Wednesday, and I am already scheduled for an appointment on Oct 3rd to get the results.  I asked the counselor what she thought about me having the gene, and she thinks it will come back positive for BRCA1.  She did say that she has been wrong before.  Her reasoning is being diagnosed young, and being a triple-negative.  My research has shown that those who test positive for BRCA1, 80% are triple neg.

    I also had a follow-up with my onc, and my tumor marker was down--which I contribute to the fact I've lost 23 pounds since my last appointment.  He also re-affirmed my decision to have genetic testing.  I have been having a pain in my butt, which I have attributed to walking, and being cramped up in a car/airplane for 4000 miles.  My onc wants to do a bone scan just to be sure.  His NP wanted me to do stretching exercises.  What a difference of opinions, huh?

    Can't believe the *pink* month of October and Breast Cancer Awareness is fast approaching! Sealed

    Hope everyone will start to enjoy the cooler temps and the beautiful colors that fall has in store for us!

    Rebecca

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  • danahollis
    danahollis Member Posts: 161
    edited September 2007

    Hi Girls... My breast MRI came out fine.  No... those aren't very fun at all. All that loud gonging and clanking... eeewww... it was nerve-wracking for sure.

    Watson... glad to hear everything is peachy... well... even with Bursitus! Wink

    Guess what? I, too, have pain in my butt... right side and my right hip and sometimes some achiness in both legs. I'm having an ANOTHER MRI next Friday to make sure that it's not cancer. My instinct tells me it's not. I think I'm just in poor shape... not flexible, I sit too much... yada, yada, yada... but I want to be sure. 

    Rebecca...I had the genetic testing done. I'm triple negative too and was diagnosed young, at 35, no family history, etc... and my test was negative. My guess is I have a bad gene that hasn't been identified yet... but I don't let that bother me. 

    It's good info to know for your daughter though. I mean, information is power. Not knowing doesn't make the outcome different... you can't hide from reality. We all just make the best decicions we can and then just move forward. Wink

    Yeah... the Pink month... it kind of makes me nervous...Sealed

    Tomorrow is my BIRTHDAY! ;) Woo hoo... I'll be 38! Love those Birthdays! Bring 'em on, baby! Kiss

    I'll check back in later!

    Hugs,

    Dana 

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  • Watson
    Watson Member Posts: 1,490
    edited September 2007

    Dana,

    Happy Birthday and woo hoo for the MRI results.  I'm sure your hip leg thing is nothing as well.  I have MRI's for that on Wednesday too.

    I was considered 'young' being dx at 42 with triple negative BC.  I decided NOT to have genetic testing.  I might change my mind later, but for now I don't really wanna know. 

    I gotta keep my head in the sand about something! 

     Watson

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  • rmmom
    rmmom Member Posts: 168
    edited September 2007

    Dana Happy Birthday.

    Sorry I missed it.  Here is belated wishes to you of many many more birthdays.

     I have a sinus infection I think.  Feel like the bottom of a shoe and all I can think is the last time I felt this bad was BEFORE I found out I had cancer so I keep doing some mental checks like is that pain in my kidneys(probably from all the meds I am taking for my head) cancer?

    I wonder if we will ever be able to wake up with a headache and not think cancer?

    Anyway I am calling the doctor to rid of this thing so I can feel normal again.

    Miss talking to all of you

    Bev

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  • danahollis
    danahollis Member Posts: 161
    edited September 2007

    Hi girls... :)

    Thanks for the Birthday wishes.  Kiss

    Well, my pain has nearly completely subsided in my hip and butt... but now my opposite shoulder hurts. Ya know... my instinct tells me I need a new mattress. It's only 8 years old... but is that old for a mattress? I don't know... but I think it sags ever so slightly where I usually lay and that seems to cause me issues. I even tried to test it by laying all the way over on the egde, nearly falling off... or right smack in the middle, nearly encroaching on dear husband's space... but he doesn't mind too much. ;) It definately feels more comfortable on the edge or the middle.

    Ya know... I don't think we'll ever get over the fear of every ache and pain being cancer. We really should be treated for post traumatic stress disorder! But... we all trudge on and just do the best we can, right?

    Watson, I'll be thinking of you. Keep us posted with that MRI and I'll do the same. 

    Logic tells me that there are thousands and thousands of women and men out there in the real world LIVING with breast cancer. There are so many long-term survivors, we just don't hear from them because they are busy getting onwwith their lives. So take comfort in that. ;)

    I'll check back soon.

    Hugs,

    Dana 

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  • rmmom
    rmmom Member Posts: 168
    edited September 2007

    I found out something new today.  That I didn't have a sinus infection but a kidney infection!  Who knew!  I'm a teacher so going to bathroom a lot is normal after so many years of teaching.  And I wasn't having any of that kind of pain.  But I was told it is normal to get bad headaches with a kidney infection.

    That explains why Jeff pumping me with OTC meds wasn't working.  He was giving me the wrong stuff.

    LOL

    See I feel better already.  After a shot and one dose-I can't wait to get my second dose before bed tonight.

    Bev

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  • Watson
    Watson Member Posts: 1,490
    edited September 2007

    Bev,

    I'm glad you found out what your infection was!  Now you can take the right meds and be on the mend.

    Dana,

    I am soooooo in agreement about the mattress.  My husband and I went mattress shopping last weekend.  Mine is about 7 years old.  But I think I need to add several years to that total because I layed around in it so much during that treatment year!  We are trying to decide between Tempurpedic or regular mattress.

     The breast MRI was fine.  I go tomorrow am for more MRI's for spine and neck to rule out pinched nerves, herniated discs, etc.  Orthopaedic gave me no indication they were looking for the C word.  But I will admit I chose this orthopaedic because he has surgery priveliges at MD Anderson here in Houston.  I thought it wouldn't hurt to have an extra set of trained eyes around.

     I also agree that most people get on with their lives after treatment and we don't hear much of the good stuff. 

    Make it a great day! I will post my results as soon as I know.

    Beep Beep (says my VW bug)

    Watson

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  • Watson
    Watson Member Posts: 1,490
    edited September 2007

    My MRI's are looking good!Cool  See, my future's so bright I gotta wear shades!

    Watson

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  • rmmom
    rmmom Member Posts: 168
    edited September 2007

    That is GRR8T NEWS:)  I am so happy for you!

    finally feeling better here.  I don't think I'll do the kidney infection thing again.  The whole thing reminded me of the past too much.  And the med is making me GRUMPY

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  • rmmom
    rmmom Member Posts: 168
    edited September 2007

    lol  I KICKED MYSELF out of my message.  LOL

    Good night

    Bev

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  • Watson
    Watson Member Posts: 1,490
    edited October 2007

    Hello?

    Anyone out there?

    Watson

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  • 2frogs1princess
    2frogs1princess Member Posts: 120
    edited October 2007

    Ok, so I haven't posted in over 2 years. Just a reminder, dx at 30, right mastectomy, chemo, rads, herceptin, neg. genetic testing, the whole ball of wax. I went ahead and decided to get a prophylactic left mastectomy this year and had it on Aug. 30th. I have been receiving Zoladex injections for 2 years now and take Arimidex. 

    I decided to come back to the forums to see if I could find anyone who had been through this situation:

    So, on Thursday the 27th, my world was rocked. I take a home pregnancy test----and it's positive! The  onc has been concerned that the Zoladex hasn't been suppressing my ovaries enough(I guess not!) I thought I had the stomach flu that was just hanging on forever! Here's the worst part: I got pregnant right around getting a zoladex injection Aug 23rd. I had surgery with general anesthesia on Aug. 30th. AND I got another zoladex injection Sept 20th. I went to the doc yesterday had an ultrasound. 7wks 4days pregnant. We saw the heart beat and heard it too. 156 beats per minute.

    I am soooo freaking out.......what are my risks? My onc doesn't seem to alarmed, just shocked that I actually got pregnant after being shut down for two years. My gyn is concerned about the effects of the zoladex on the fetus. Have any of you ever heard of this happening to anyone else? I would love to talk to someone who's been through it. I really don't even know if I will be able to carry this baby to term because of all the meds I have been given. I'm not quite 8weeks along, so I guess it is a waiting game for now.

    I'm going to go back and read the past posts a little at a time, but do see familiar names on here and am glad you all are doing OK and still posting.

    Mindy

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  • RebeccaH
    RebeccaH Member Posts: 72
    edited October 2007

    Happy Belated Birthday, Dana!  Each birthday gives us one more reason to celebrate!

    I had a bone scan for the pain in my butt, and there is no sign of cancer.  Doing a happy dance!  I still have to get a copy of the report because my butt still hurts, and I'd like to think since a bone scan is pretty aggressive test that it would tell me if my pain is a bone pain or not.

    I also got the results for genetic testing.  I do not have either gene.  What a relief!  The counselor was actually surprised that I didn't, but it just goes to show that you can beat the odds.  It would be nice to know what caused my cancer, but I'm glad that it wasn't something genetic. After reading an article in the newspaper about DDT, I am pretty sure that I can add chasing the mosquito fogger as a child as a risk factor.... I am still convinced that unhealthy lifestyle of eating the wrong food and a seditary lifestyle were the biggest culprit.

    I'm convinced that my tumor marker dropped almost 10 points because I've dropped almost 30 pounds.

    Here's to a great October and the constant reminder that we are survivors!

    Rebecca

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  • rmmom
    rmmom Member Posts: 168
    edited October 2007

    Oh Mindy I can't say anything but you are in my prayers.  I hope everything works out for the better and this child is a miracle of joy and hope.

    Bev

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  • rmmom
    rmmom Member Posts: 168
    edited October 2007

    Rebecca-doing the happy dance here for you :):)

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  • rmmom
    rmmom Member Posts: 168
    edited October 2007

    I have a question- is there anyone else out there still exhausted?  I am so tired.  Not all day but by 7:30 I am just counting the minutes until I can go to bed.  Last night Megan and were watching TV upstairs when Owen came to sit betwen and I told him it was bed time right then.  I looked at the clock and it was 7:45-on a Friday no less.  Poor little guy, wanted to stay up just a little longer please.  By 8:30 Megan had put a blanket over me and that was that.  Plus the whole way home from visiting Ryan for his birthday I slept in the car(last weekend) I NEVER sleep in the car-I am the one to take because I keep the driver alert.  Is anyone else still this tired?

    Bev

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  • 2frogs1princess
    2frogs1princess Member Posts: 120
    edited October 2007

    I put my info on the hormone therapy thread, but since I put it here to I wanted to update.  So far I am still pregnant - 8 weeks 4 days to be exact. I am awaiting another visit at the OB office to have another ultrasound to check on viability of the fetus. All the research and case files that I have been given does not show increased risk for me or the baby. I'm not excited about this yet.......I've had a miscarriage before and not up to going through that emotional tumoil again.

    How about this for being unbelievable.........I'm due May 16th. That is the day I was diagnosed in 2005.

    Mindy

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  • Watson
    Watson Member Posts: 1,490
    edited October 2007

    Wow Mindy,

    That is some kinda amazing karma!  Sending happy thoughts to you!

    Bev, I would say that I am much more tired than I was before chemo but not as much as I was in the beginning.  Does that make sense?  For months after chemo I was soooooooo tired.  Hard to get out of chairs, cars, etc.  I'm feeling much better but do get wiped out by days end.  Of course, I'm pretty lazy all the time so it's hard to know the difference.  lol

    Watson

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  • rmmom
    rmmom Member Posts: 168
    edited October 2007

    Mindy you are still in my prayers.  I am going to put you on the prayer list at church if you don't mind.

    Poor Owen-with this feeling of being tired I keep trying to put him to bed at 7:30 LOL..because if I don't tuck him in his dad or siblings will have him up until midnight.

    I think it is this house!  We all feel so much better away from it.

    Stay in touch

    Bev

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  • 2frogs1princess
    2frogs1princess Member Posts: 120
    edited October 2007

    Thank you so much Bev and Watson! I really would appreciate the prayers as I have not told alot of people here~my kids don't know yet-they are 7 and 3.

    I have an appt. on Monday the 22nd for another ultrasound and doc visit. They will be doing all the high level early pregnancy tests that they do for high risk patients. I'm not going to be able to hide the pregnancy for much longer. I'm starting to feel it when I lay on my tummy. I'm only 10 weeks along.....geesh.

    I'm tired too......even before the pregnancy. How old are your kids? That might have something to do with it. It does for me. They still require the same (if not more) attention that they did before we were diagnosed. I feel like the chemo added some years to my age. Technically, I'm 32. Wonder how old I am in chemo years..........

    Mindy

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  • rmmom
    rmmom Member Posts: 168
    edited October 2007

    Oh Man I don't even want to know how old I am in chemo years LOL

    My children are older.  The youngest is 7, will be 8 soon but while I don't need to follow anyone around I still have to drive them around.  The 18 year old isn't driving yet (tapped the cones in the parking test and hasn't gone back to try again)

    Let us know about the doctor.

    Bev

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  • Watson
    Watson Member Posts: 1,490
    edited November 2007

    Hello?

    Wow, that made such a cool echo sound.  lol

    Watson

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  • rmmom
    rmmom Member Posts: 168
    edited November 2007

    Watwatwatsonsonson. 

    I heard it too;)

    I was thinking about the box the other day.  Did we ever begin a new box?

    Mindy-how is everything?

    Where is everyone?

    LOL

    This reminds me of when I was about 8 and a cousin told me about the end of world and how only the good would go to heaven and I was so bbbaaaddd I would be left behind.  For MONTHS I would go from room to room calling out names.  Then my mom and sister wasn't home when I came home from school one day.  They have to give me medicine to calm down.

    Know the best part of story: that cousin was SO BAD my grandparents wouldn't let her stay with them. I was the good kid LOL

    Bev

    rambling because that is what one does when no talks to one ramble ramble ramble

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  • NancyM
    NancyM Member Posts: 289
    edited December 2007

    Happy December, y'all!  I feel badly that I haven't been checking in very often.  But in a way I'm proud that I was able to stay away for so long...that's supposed to be progress, right?

    I'm thinking happy thoughts for the Junies to have a good holiday season.  I know we all still have health and/or family stresses, but in spite of that maybe we can have some measure of peace and happiness. 

    The last I heard of the box it was on the way to Australia, I think Kim had mailed it to Fi.  No one has started a new one that I know of.  I still have all the addresses, but I don't want to sent a box to people who are not expecting it.

    Love you all, Nancy

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  • LizFL
    LizFL Member Posts: 377
    edited December 2007

    Hi All...hope you are all having a good and healthy holiday season.  Doing well here....have routine scans coming up in January...always hate waiting to have them and waiting for the results.

    I know I rarely post, but got a surprise Christmas card from Jen and it made me think about the great group we had here and how we all helped each other through chemo.

    Just want to tell you all I am grateful for all the support offered and wish you the best for the New Year!

    Liz

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  • Watson
    Watson Member Posts: 1,490
    edited December 2007

    Hello,

    I'm still here as well!  That was a nice surprise getting a card from Jenster.  I didn't keep a list of the addresses.  Nancy, would you mind sending me the list? 

    Wishing you guys the best!!!!!!!!

    Watson

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  • rmmom
    rmmom Member Posts: 168
    edited January 2008

    Happy New Year my dear buddiesLaughing

    This the first time in weeks I have been able to get in to post a line.  I kept getting kicked out-and DD has had the computer as well.  LOL

    I  wish all of you a very healthy new year

    Bev

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  • rmmom
    rmmom Member Posts: 168
    edited January 2008

    Just was wondering if anyone had heard anything about Mindy?  And how NoSurrender is doing?  I don't really check around these boards so may be information I am missing-anyone know?

    Bev

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  • rmmom
    rmmom Member Posts: 168
    edited January 2008

    Just moving this incase anyone checks in.

    Waiting to go to bed and not scare my family because it isn't even 8:00 pm.

    I think the germy kids have got to meeeeeee.......

    Bev

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  • LizFL
    LizFL Member Posts: 377
    edited January 2008

    Hi Bev,

    NS is undergoing radiation treatment, which of course is no fun.  I stay in touch with her and she sounds good in spite of all that she is dealing with.

    Just had routine PET/CT and a CT w/emphasis on the thorax.  All clear except for some minor scarring on my lungs from rads.....markers normal...so all is well for nowSmile

    Hope 2008 turns out to be a wonderful year for all of us.

    Liz

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