Cancer Support and Caregivers Who Are Trail Blazers!

[mustangjeano]

My biopsies were all clean. NO malignancy! YAY!

I see my Oncologist next week for tumor marker levels and my regular 3 month FU.

Thanks for all the kind words, warm hugs, and loving support from all of you here..means the world to me...:). I <3 you all...:)

Clay, that is great news!!!! Thanks for sharing it--I have had a real tuff week and your news really gave me a big smile. Jean

[deb_U_taunt]

My biopsies were all clean. NO malignancy! YAY!

I see my Oncologist next week for tumor marker levels and my regular 3 month FU.

Thanks for all the kind words, warm hugs, and loving support from all of you here..means the world to me...:). I <3 you all...:)


GREAT NEWS!!!! lots of hugs and love to you

[deb_U_taunt]

Great news is it isn't cancer. Its heart damage from radiation.
Not sure what isn't going to mean long term or how much damage.
More tests coming up.

[Tommi]

Great news is it isn't cancer. Its heart damage from radiation.
Not sure what isn't going to mean long term or how much damage.
More tests coming up.

Let's hear it from the band......Drum Rollllllll :drummer:

deb, I bet It means you can't donate your heart to an athlete after all is said and done, and ..then who cares..

Thanks for coming back to share you Good news deb.

:pile: :breakdance::chaplin::indiangirl::danceparty::danc e1:


_

[clay]

Clay, that is great news!!!! Thanks for sharing it--I have had a real tuff week and your news really gave me a big smile. Jean

(((((((((((((((((((((((Jean))))))))))))))))))))))) )

Sending you extra special hugs and much love. Sorry for your tough week! Hoping things are looking up and much better. Know I care about you, my wonderful friend!!

Thanks...your always warmth and caring words...mean so much...love you, my friend..Clay

[Genesis]

Clay I am very happy to hear of your good news..Keeping you and yours in my prayers. Deb_u_tant sending all my prayers and positive energy your way. Thank you both for sharing your updates. Julieisafemme, thank you for your kind words. Thank you all in this group for your kindness, patience and most of all love for a complete stranger who needed a place to share... Thank you....

[mustangjeano]

Great news is it isn't cancer. Its heart damage from radiation.
Not sure what isn't going to mean long term or how much damage.
More tests coming up.

Deb That is great news about no cancer. I hope they will soon have some answers on the heart issue. I also have a small heart problem which I am sure is a result of the chemo and/or radiation. Sending you a big hug. Jean

[clay]

Clay I am very happy to hear of your good news..Keeping you and yours in my prayers. Deb_u_tant sending all my prayers and positive energy your way. Thank you both for sharing your updates. Julieisafemme, thank you for your kind words. Thank you all in this group for your kindness, patience and most of all love for a complete stranger who needed a place to share... Thank you....

Thank you, Genesis! Your kind words are welcomed!
May you receive gentle comforting energies from us here as well.
Sends you warm hugs....take care of YOU!

[deb_U_taunt]

Deb That is great news about no cancer. I hope they will soon have some answers on the heart issue. I also have a small heart problem which I am sure is a result of the chemo and/or radiation. Sending you a big hug. Jean

I feel they just know I haven't met my deductible yet. lol

[Tommi]

The dreaded phone call came on Friday.

"We need you to come back for a follow-up as the Pap results showed some atypical cells. Doc wants to do a Colposcopy"

A what?? I can come in tomorrow, I mean Monday"

"The first appointment we have available is on the 19th at 7:00AM, and in case he needs to do a biopsy it will be done at that time." ...
What is a colposcopy anyway? ......as I am Googling it...Endometrial cancer, follow-ups for atypical cells, a magnifying light, acetic acid...oy vey*

as the Nurse is saying ....These things are just routine, and negative 9 times out of 10, just a little burning, and uncomfortable cramps possibly for a day or two and..... as my mind wandered off to the beach.

Who the hell can call this routine after 9 years of negative pap smears /post total radical hysterectomy with 16 lymph nodes donated to science***I thought it was "my prostate" surgery in the first place.

I hate waiting. So, to wile away the team, so I gessoed a huge canvas...:artist:
Hmmm. either a peaceful landscape or a rolling stormy seascape 3 X 4 feet

*Rolling stormy seascape in progress*

Thank you for the good karma and thoughts sent my way. .
Home for the day. Out out brief spot. Biopsied "a spot" this AM. Sent out for tests. "We'll call you, or send you a card" . *CALL ME*** Now another Wait. Then recheck in either 3 or 6 mos. depending if it is atypical or...something else, worst case radiation.

I found this on Google...and it left off alot of things on the lists of what-to-do while waiting.

""""Awaiting Cancer Test Resluts? Ways to take control of your anxiety and not let it control you

How much information do you need to feel comfortable? Are you the kind of person who feels better when you know every detail of every procedure and the information it will reveal? YES>

If so, it’s a good idea to ask questions until you are satisfied. ll.

Focus on the “what-nows," instead of the "what-ifs.” Keep your focus on the present: Look at the test as a valuable tool for your doctor to use in finding the best treatment for you. Other strategies for keeping your mind in the present while waiting for test results include:
Exercising
Listening to music
Reading what you enjoy the most
Doing hobbies that you enjoy the most
Relaxing or meditating, such as lying down and slowly breathing in and out while focusing on the movement of your breath
Talking about your feelings with family, close friends or a support group

Reminding yourself of your spirituality, and whatever faith or belief that comforts you "

What about
Chocolate milkshakes, banana splits, mad wild monkey sex.
My BFF's are willing to go sky diving with me. (take me there, but not jump) and go paint-balling when I am ready.

I don't have any ice cream, or banana's, thus I think I will just check my phone list and find a monkey girl .
For now, go make PenPal artist trading cards ,then , slamming the canvas---with paint..unless ;)

[Genesis]

Hang in there Tommi... sending my positive energy and prayers your way....

[deb_U_taunt]

a postcard? are you able to log into your medical chart? I have online access to mine and it sure helps with the wait.

I agree exercise helps. I walked and hiked a lot! :)

Love and hugs to you

*Rolling stormy seascape in progress*

Thank you for the good karma and thoughts sent my way. .
Home for the day. Out out brief spot. Biopsied "a spot" this AM. Sent out for tests. "We'll call you, or send you a card" . *CALL ME*** Now another Wait. Then recheck in either 3 or 6 mos. depending if it is atypical or...something else, worst case radiation.

I found this on Google...and it left off alot of things on the lists of what-to-do while waiting.

""""Awaiting Cancer Test Resluts? Ways to take control of your anxiety and not let it control you

How much information do you need to feel comfortable? Are you the kind of person who feels better when you know every detail of every procedure and the information it will reveal? YES>

If so, it’s a good idea to ask questions until you are satisfied. ll.

Focus on the “what-nows," instead of the "what-ifs.” Keep your focus on the present: Look at the test as a valuable tool for your doctor to use in finding the best treatment for you. Other strategies for keeping your mind in the present while waiting for test results include:
Exercising
Listening to music
Reading what you enjoy the most
Doing hobbies that you enjoy the most
Relaxing or meditating, such as lying down and slowly breathing in and out while focusing on the movement of your breath
Talking about your feelings with family, close friends or a support group

Reminding yourself of your spirituality, and whatever faith or belief that comforts you "

What about
Chocolate milkshakes, banana splits, mad wild monkey sex.
My BFF's are willing to go sky diving with me. (take me there, but not jump) and go paint-balling when I am ready.

I don't have any ice cream, or banana's, thus I think I will just check my phone list and find a monkey girl .
For now, go make PenPal artist trading cards ,then , slamming the canvas---with paint..unless ;)

[Tommi]

This oncology group doesn't have online stuff yet. I got nursey nurse on phone this afternoon, and asked her when the specimen goes out, average length of time before results come back, and if they do, and my Doc is to busy to call me, if any of the residents, fellow's etc will. She duly noted that I was willing to take call from anyone, and not just the primary guy. SO, taking action helps one's psyche.

Yep deb, I start my day in the pool around 5:30 AM, then jacuzzi, shower and off to work or play..take more steps than I ever wanted to, but I feel the exercise kicking my butt, and the rush afterwards lasts all day. Takestairs, skipping elevators, and walking the cart back inside after shopping, walking and one more step every day.

Eating healthier has helped my mind, body and soul recently too. I quit drive-thru's in March, GAVE UP DIET COKE --ohmygawdthatwashard. and stopped anything fried years ago.

[mustangjeano]

*Rolling stormy seascape in progress*

Thank you for the good karma and thoughts sent my way. .
Home for the day. Out out brief spot. Biopsied "a spot" this AM. Sent out for tests. "We'll call you, or send you a card" . *CALL ME*** Now another Wait. Then recheck in either 3 or 6 mos. depending if it is atypical or...something else, worst case radiation.

I found this on Google...and it left off alot of things on the lists of what-to-do while waiting.

""""Awaiting Cancer Test Resluts? Ways to take control of your anxiety and not let it control you

How much information do you need to feel comfortable? Are you the kind of person who feels better when you know every detail of every procedure and the information it will reveal? YES>

If so, it’s a good idea to ask questions until you are satisfied. ll.

Focus on the “what-nows," instead of the "what-ifs.” Keep your focus on the present: Look at the test as a valuable tool for your doctor to use in finding the best treatment for you. Other strategies for keeping your mind in the present while waiting for test results include:
Exercising
Listening to music
Reading what you enjoy the most
Doing hobbies that you enjoy the most
Relaxing or meditating, such as lying down and slowly breathing in and out while focusing on the movement of your breath
Talking about your feelings with family, close friends or a support group

Reminding yourself of your spirituality, and whatever faith or belief that comforts you "

What about
Chocolate milkshakes, banana splits, mad wild monkey sex.
My BFF's are willing to go sky diving with me. (take me there, but not jump) and go paint-balling when I am ready.

I don't have any ice cream, or banana's, thus I think I will just check my phone list and find a monkey girl .
For now, go make PenPal artist trading cards ,then , slamming the canvas---with paint..unless ;)

I stand beside you my brother--and sending lots of good energy your way. Waiting SUCKS but your list has a lot of good ideas-- I am going to copy this for the next time I have to wait on anything. Jeano

[Genesis]

Hello Everyone. Sending love, healing and positive energy to each and everyone of you whether you are the one going through the journey or like myself, are the companion along the road. My Mom has been suffering a lot with her stomach and we finally got to get the results of her PET Scan and CT Scan. Turns out she has quite large gall stones intruding with her tummy. So we will be going to go see a General Surgeon in July... they did notice an active area in her diaphram area so they will keep an eye on that. I am releived is not worse... because you know... it can always be worse... so we will take this one with our heads up and in stride... Hope everyone is having an awesome day ^_^

[Genesis]

Please keep my Mommy in your prayers. On our way to emergency room... she is doing really bad... thank you....

[Genesis]

Good afternoon. Just wanted to inform you that as of right now my Mom is doing better. They were able to stabilize her pain and we will be seeing her primary on Monday. Thank you for your energy, love and concern. They are greatly appreciated. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

[Tommi]

Genesis,
Thanks for the update on your Mom. Hoepfully they can get those gallstones taken care of, maybe as an outpatient real soon. That kind of pain can wear you down.

Big hug to yoyu for being there, and sharing some strength and hope to hold you up in the days to come. Let your Mom know that she is on the thoughts and prayers of your friends.

http://www.fullcircleconnections.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/healing-hands.jpg

[Genesis]

Sooo... am still fighting and pushing and yelling... for her surgery to get done as soon as possible... I am so spent, it's not even funny.... I see My Mom in pain and I can't back down... Thank you for listening, your thoughts, prayers and support. They are truly welcomed and appreciated. Sending my prayers, positive energy and love to each of you going through your own journeys...

[Lady Pamela]

http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq3/crystalalbum/WhiteCandleAndRoses.gif?t=1262070150

[Tommi]

Genesis, may all your needs be met, finding strenght, and rest as you carry this torch for yourMother.
May your mother be sent the miracles of healing and the speed and expertise of healthcare professionals that she needs.

Come to know that we journey a road together, and our love and prayers, light and energy can help the sick to heal.

http://www.luckymojo.com/healing-candle-label.jpg

[LeftWriteFemme]

I saw this in The Weekly Purge http://24.media.tumblr.com/avatar_84e06e96e9cc_128.png

I thought it might be of interest to readers and contributors on this thread.

Please meet Rose Perkins, CEO of Children’s Cancer Fund of America, her ex-husband James Reynolds, President of the Cancer Fund of America, and their son James Reynolds, Jr, CEO of The Breast Cancer Society. A family trio of hard working fundraisers helping fight cancer in America. Wrong. These three individuals use their foundations as fronts. The Cancer Fund of America pays it’s president over $230,000 a year and admits it spends less than 3% of all donations on cancer patients, mainly giving them moonpies and stuffed animals, and the remaining 80% goes to “fundraising". The Breast Cancer Society reported 13 million dollars in 2011 to the IRS, but also claimed that only 2.4% of those donations went to patients. It’s no better with Rose who reported 6 million in cash, but cannot show what that money went to pay for with patients.

[deb_U_taunt]

LeftWriteFemme,

Sad, but true. WAY too much money never gets to research or to help people in need of treatment.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pink_Ribbons,_Inc.

Deb

[DapperButch]

Went to oncologist today. Blood work looks good, which is positive. :praying:

By now you all may know that I take little solace in things like blood work, however. Just like CAT scans. The shit has to be pretty out of control before it shows up on scans or blood work. However, it is still nice to have positive results, that is for sure. :)

Yes, I know, I am a Debbie Downer. :|

Last CAT scan was in January 2013, and now I am on the yearly rotation, so next scan won't be until January 2014.

[deb_U_taunt]

http://files.smokingmeatforums.com/smilies/others/congratulations1.gif



Hugs and congrats, Deb (not a downer lol)

Went to oncologist today. Blood work looks good, which is positive. :praying:

By now you all may know that I take little solace in things like blood work, however. Just like CAT scans. The shit has to be pretty out of control before it shows up on scans or blood work. However, it is still nice to have positive results, that is for sure. :)

Yes, I know, I am a Debbie Downer. :|

Last CAT scan was in January 2013, and now I am on the yearly rotation, so next scan won't be until January 2014.

[Sparkle]

Hi Everyone, and thanks Dapper for pointing this thread out to me.

I'm caring for my best friend who has breast cancer.

She had her double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery yesterday. Everything went really well in the surgeries and her lymph nodes were clear. It was a really really long day. Her wife and I wept with relief when the oncologist surgeon called to say the nodes were clear and that her part of the surgery went beautifully. The tumor was contained and the tissue surrounding it looked very healthy.

The surgeons are a dream team, among the very best of their peers (in their specialities) at one of the best hospitals in Massachusetts. I'm grateful she has health insurance that is robust enough to allow her to go there.

It's all been such a roller coaster, I didn't anticipate that.

I'm exhausted, I feel like I could sleep for a week and we've not even begun the long at home recovery process or learned the pathology of the tumor and what that will mean for her post-surgical treatment options.

I can already see how hard it is going to be to balance caring for her and her family, and taking good care of myself at the same time. I'll have to work on figuring out how to do that. Luckily she has many family members and friends who love her and live near enough to help. I've set up a care calendar. I'm struggling to manage competing priorities right now though.

Thanks again to Dapper for directing me here, and to Tantalizing for reaching out to me and sharing your experiences.

[deb_U_taunt]

My best friend put her life on hold for me, too. The world needs more people like you. Love and hugs to you.

Lymph nodes clear is a great sign and with a double mastectomy, depending on staging it could mean no chemo and radiation. Breast cancer in early stages is very treatable. She will be in my thoughts and wish her and her family the best. :)

http://www.inkace.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/f/i/fight_like_a_girl_3.jpg


Hi Everyone, and thanks Dapper for pointing this thread out to me.

I'm caring for my best friend who has breast cancer.

She had her double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery yesterday. Everything went really well in the surgeries and her lymph nodes were clear. It was a really really long day. Her wife and I wept with relief when the oncologist surgeon called to say the nodes were clear and that her part of the surgery went beautifully. The tumor was contained and the tissue surrounding it looked very healthy.

The surgeons are a dream team, among the very best of their peers (in their specialities) at one of the best hospitals in Massachusetts. I'm grateful she has health insurance that is robust enough to allow her to go there.

It's all been such a roller coaster, I didn't anticipate that.

I'm exhausted, I feel like I could sleep for a week and we've not even begun the long at home recovery process or learned the pathology of the tumor and what that will mean for her post-surgical treatment options.

I can already see how hard it is going to be to balance caring for her and her family, and taking good care of myself at the same time. I'll have to work on figuring out how to do that. Luckily she has many family members and friends who love her and live near enough to help. I've set up a care calendar. I'm struggling to manage competing priorities right now though.

Thanks again to Dapper for directing me here, and to Tantalizing for reaching out to me and sharing your experiences.

[DapperButch]

Debbie has it right, your friend seems to be in the best position hoped for (clear nodules/double mastectomy).

Glad to hear that your friend has more than just you (for your sake!). Tantalizing stayed home from work for a week or so with me, and then I think the poor girl was only back to work for a day or two before she had to come home to bring me back to the ER. Lovely second surgery. I was at mom's after they discharged me from that one.

Honestly, I really don't remember a lot of it, but Tantalizing was there every step of the way, just like she was with her mom a year later, as her caregiver for breast cancer. I am glad you and she got to talk, Sparkle.

It is good that you are thinking ahead to taking care of yourself and I love the idea of the care calender.

Make sure you come back and keep us updated!

[deb_U_taunt]

Please, send out energy to my friend Meredith. She was told today she is running out of outpatient options. This is her second stomach cancer fight and she isn't winning this time.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kbBBOIfRxHc/UKBnuqeUbWI/AAAAAAAACEg/3WVpOVN9chI/s400/RibbonImage.jpg

[DapperButch]

Please, send out energy to my friend Meredith. She was told today she is running out of outpatient options. This is her second stomach cancer fight and she isn't winning this time.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kbBBOIfRxHc/UKBnuqeUbWI/AAAAAAAACEg/3WVpOVN9chI/s400/RibbonImage.jpg

I'm sorry to hear about your friend, and will say a prayer for her.

I must ask did she adjust her eating style after the first cancer bout...more to whole food plant based diet...organic...vegetarian/veganish type food? Or did she eat the regular American diet that includes red meat, preservatives, white flour, sugar, etc?

[deb_U_taunt]

I'm sorry to hear about your friend, and will say a prayer for her.

I must ask did she adjust her eating style after the first cancer bout...more to whole food plant based diet...organic...vegetarian/veganish type food? Or did she eat the regular American diet that includes red meat, preservatives, white flour, sugar, etc?

She didn't change her diet and still won't. The dr told her this week to eliminate gluten and I don't think she will. She has always gotten a lot of exercise and felt that was good enough. :(

[DapperButch]

Anybody ever think of asking their veterinarian to do a CAT scan on their pet just to check things out?

I'm a freak like that due to the knowledge that over 50% of dogs over the age of 10 die from cancer. They have to be bad off though before there is any way to know they have it, so that is why a scan makes sense.

The problem with doing the scan though, is that every CAT scan we do is exposes us to radiation, which actually increases the growth of any existing cancer cells.

My Vet would probably tell me I am being a nut job. That happens a lot when I talk to my Vet. :blush:

I dunno, I think the next time they have his little butt knocked out for a teeth cleaning (which he is well overdue for), they should do a quick scan.

[mustangjeano]

Anybody ever think of asking their veterinarian to do a CAT scan on their pet just to check things out?

I'm a freak like that due to the knowledge that over 50% of dogs over the age of 10 die from cancer. They have to be bad off though before there is any way to know they have it, so that is why a scan makes sense.

The problem with doing the scan though, is that every CAT scan we do is exposes us to radiation, which actually increases the growth of any existing cancer cells.

My Vet would probably tell me I am being a nut job. That happens a lot when I talk to my Vet. :blush:

I dunno, I think the next time they have his little butt knocked out for a teeth cleaning (which he is well overdue for), they should do a quick scan.
Hi Dapper, Would an ultra sound be helpful in spotting potential doggie tumors without the radiation?
Jean, who has had so many cat scans that he glows in the dark.

[DapperButch]

Hi Dapper, Would an ultra sound be helpful in spotting potential doggie tumors without the radiation?
Jean, who has had so many cat scans that he glows in the dark.

Holy crap. I didn't think of that! Thanks, Jean!

http://pmcofedmond.com/edmond-veterinary-services/veterinary-x-ray-pet-ultrasound-edmond-oklahoma/

"Radiography allows us to visualize bone, cartilage, foreign objects, and some kinds of tumors. Ultrasound is more useful in seeing inside of the organs and detecting soft tissue pathology such as tumors, liver and gall bladder disease, kidney disease, cancer and other degenerative disease of the organs."

Looks as though this is a good idea.

Sometimes I wonder if my Vet is going to take my dog and put him into foster care I am such a nut about him. I remember the time I made her do an x-ray for a toothpick he swallowed even though waiting and seeing was a fine idea (this was before my cancer and prior to learning I should avoid x-rays when possible), and the other time that I wanted to have such a long discussion about an acceptable bone for my dog that she said, " sometimes you should just let your dog be a dog. So what happens if his tooth happens to chip when eating too hard of a bone? My dog has a small broken piece off of a tooth or two. Let your dog enjoy life".

BUT, I am still going to ask! He just turned 8 years old.

[deb_U_taunt]

You are not alone in this lol I have a dog and about the only time she is alone is when I go grocery shopping. She is 11 and its scares me to death she is starting to get older. AND she has better health insurance than I do.

Holy crap. I didn't think of that! Thanks, Jean!

http://pmcofedmond.com/edmond-veterinary-services/veterinary-x-ray-pet-ultrasound-edmond-oklahoma/

"Radiography allows us to visualize bone, cartilage, foreign objects, and some kinds of tumors. Ultrasound is more useful in seeing inside of the organs and detecting soft tissue pathology such as tumors, liver and gall bladder disease, kidney disease, cancer and other degenerative disease of the organs."

Looks as though this is a good idea.

Sometimes I wonder if my Vet is going to take my dog and put him into foster care I am such a nut about him. I remember the time I made her do an x-ray for a toothpick he swallowed even though waiting and seeing was a fine idea (this was before my cancer and prior to learning I should avoid x-rays when possible), and the other time that I wanted to have such a long discussion about an acceptable bone for my dog that she said, " sometimes you should just let your dog be a dog. So what happens if his tooth happens to chip when eating too hard of a bone? My dog has a small broken piece off of a tooth or two. Let your dog enjoy life".

BUT, I am still going to ask! He just turned 8 years old.

[DapperButch]

You are not alone in this lol I have a dog and about the only time she is alone is when I go grocery shopping. She is 11 and its scares me to death she is starting to get older. AND she has better health insurance than I do.

Well, my dog is a Jack Russell, so he is quite annoying. He is up my ass 24/7. Subsequently, from time to time I leave his butt and have no problem with it. I do feel guilty when I am at the beach because I can be at the beach all day and then out to dinner, etc. at night. Therefore, I will sometimes give him to my mom during those times. He also gets these wicked allergies at the beach because my R/V there is among trees, so he gets scratch crazy. I don't want him miserable and I don't want to put him on any medicine.

He loves it at my mom's because he has a huge yard to play in, lots of bunnies to chase and poop to roll in (much to my mother's chagrin), she feeds him snacks SHE purchases and passes over the healthy ones I give her to give him, and she always has new toys for him.

So it is a win-win! After about 3-4 nights he starts to get sad mom says and just lays around lethargic. I'm usually missing the mutt by then, too!

Insurance? I have chosen to take the risk. Honestly, my mother (who loves the dog, see above), is my insurance policy if he gets sick. :o

[deb_U_taunt]

A friend went into hospice a couple days ago and is telling people goodbye.
Another friend has brain mets and was told she has 6 months a couple months ago.

I am feeling a bit of survivor's guilt today.

[deb_U_taunt]

My mom sits for mine, too. Mine gets separation anxiety if I am gone grocery shopping for an hour. Yep, we are pretty much joined at the hip. lol

Well, my dog is a Jack Russell, so he is quite annoying. He is up my ass 24/7. Subsequently, from time to time I leave his butt and have no problem with it. I do feel guilty when I am at the beach because I can be at the beach all day and then out to dinner, etc. at night. Therefore, I will sometimes give him to my mom during those times. He also gets these wicked allergies at the beach because my R/V there is among trees, so he gets scratch crazy. I don't want him miserable and I don't want to put him on any medicine.

He loves it at my mom's because he has a huge yard to play in, lots of bunnies to chase and poop to roll in (much to my mother's chagrin), she feeds him snacks SHE purchases and passes over the healthy ones I give her to give him, and she always has new toys for him.

So it is a win-win! After about 3-4 nights he starts to get sad mom says and just lays around lethargic. I'm usually missing the mutt by then, too!

Insurance? I have chosen to take the risk. Honestly, my mother (who loves the dog, see above), is my insurance policy if he gets sick. :o

[deb_U_taunt]

I am loving this mastectomy cover up!

http://www.nodeju.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/flower-bra-tattoo-cover-up-removed-breasts.jpg

[Sparkle]

Hi Everyone,

It's been three weeks since my best friend had her double mastectomy and simultaneous reconstructive surgery and she's started to turn a corner in her recovery, at last.

It's been a crazy, tumultuous, exhausting ride. I feel really grateful that I am one of a team of people who love her and have cared for her the past three weeks. It's been a full-time job, I don't know how anyone can do it round the clock.

Being present while she was in such incredible pain was the hardest part. :(

Since the last of the four drains came out the pain has been easier to manage with medication. She's weaning off pain medication now.

When I first saw her incisions I was shocked, they looked so enormous across the middle of both breasts, one side to the other, and so swollen and angry and Frankenstein like. It was alarming but I had to keep that to myself because she was feeling very distraught both with the pain and with how she looked.

But now, at the three week point, I am simply amazed at how her incisions are healing. It's like MAGIC! Her plastic surgeon is the head of plastics at Mass General in Boston, so we knew he had to be *good* but I am actually gobsmacked at how good he is. She is going to have very minimal/barely perceivable scars, the incisions are healing in such a way that they look like french seams, perfectly joined and turned in to one another and smooth; almost seamless.

They were not able to save her nipples and that's been a bit of a struggle for her. If she wants nipples (or the look of nipples) the plastic surgeon will discuss options when they next visit. As I understand it they now use a few techniques to recreate nipples including tattooing. I've suggested she tattoo leopard print pasties in place of nipples. :)

The pathology has come back on her tumor, it's grade II and estrogen receptor positive. A bit bigger than they had originally thought from the MRI, which may mean that it grew quickly.

Her lymph nodes and the tissue in her other breast were all clear and there were clear margins around the tumor. All very good news. She will see her oncologist next week to discuss various options for post surgical treatment. It's quite likely they will suggest a short course of chemo or anti-estrogen therapy.

She's probably also going to need to schedule a hysterectomy sometime soon. the anti-estrogen drugs apparently increase the risk of uterine cancer. And my BFF's mother has already survived cancer in 9 different locations (mainly reproductive organs).

So, this looks to be the beginning of a longer process than we originally thought, and that was very discouraging and disheartening for her when she found out. But I think that now that the pain has lifted a bit - everything else is feeling a little less overwhelming.

I was feeling quite overwhelmed with everything myself until this weekend when I was able to catch up on my sleep and relax at home a bit. But wow! It's been challenging, to say the least. Trying to be responsive to her needs, being helpful and supportive to her wife and children and acting as crowd control to a cadre of (well meaning) friends - while working two jobs - was crazy making. I think I spent week two feeling quite frazzled and cranky and perpetually exhausted.

I have incredible respect and admiration for all of you carers!

Wishing you all good health!

[DapperButch]

I am loving this mastectomy cover up!

http://www.nodeju.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/flower-bra-tattoo-cover-up-removed-breasts.jpg

Wow. That looks great!

Sparkle, glad to hear your friend is improving. Yes, it is a lot of work for the carers. Thanks for updating us!

[Genesis]

Hello Everyone... I hope and pray everyone is doing well... It has been so long since I posted on here. The last few weeks have been nothing short of a long and twisted roaller coaster ride with loops, backturns and topsy turvy curves. I am very happy to share that my Mom finally got her surgery and she is slowly and steadily recuperating well. It was a tough battle, so much fighting and maintaing and keeping hope alive without wanting to pull my hair out more than I care to share. My positive energy, love and prayers to each of you who is going through this journey and those of us who are coming along with them. Have a wonderful weekend everyone. While we got breathe and life, let's make these moments amazing...

[hagster]

My mom is dying. Regardless of the positives we recognize on a daily basis, regardless of the positives we invent and find relief in, regardless of the denial I'm constantly battered with, she's dying. In front of my eyes.

I feel guilty for recognizing this, for knowing it as fact, when I'm told over and over again to think positively, that miracles happen. Fuck miracles. I need someone here to be my partner in reality. Reality is a lonely business.

I left my home and moved to this emotionally repressed and depressed environment to be here for my family, to help in any way I could, to add stability to an unstable situation. I moved here out of love and the fear of regret. Unfortunately, I don't speak the same language they do; we don't share the same needs. The staunch, cold demeanor that says if we don't talk about something then it's not real is damaging to me. I need to cry, to let someone know I do feel. I need to talk practicalities while we still can. I need a hug most of all. My family and I are strangers to one another.

I knew this would be hard. The reality is beyond language capabilities. I did get hospice set up and they are fantastic. My job, as it's turned out, has been as taxi service (no one here drives), to listen but not be heard and financier of things I can no longer afford. My schedule has been such that job searching is severely limited. The money stress combined with the emotional stress has been overwhelming and I have to go back home. It seems I can do more long distance than I can right here and that breaks my heart. I love my mom, I'm thankful for what my sister's continuing to do, but for my own survival, I have to go back to my friends and the family I've built with them. I'm unable to be supportive in this situation without my own support.

Everyone who's been through this knows there is more between the lines. Anyone with less-than-ideal family dynamics knows it even more. I try to be strong every day when I start out; I try to find the necessary energies to deal with the different personalities; I try to function without the sleep that's eluded me for weeks now. I have nothing more to give to this vaccuum.

The guilt is immeasurable, the reality unbearable. I'll come back for the end, which could be a couple weeks, it could be a couple months. I don't know what's right anymore. I know, however, that if I stay through this I will not survive. Dramatic? Yes, but this is reality. My mom is dying and I have to say this goodbye before our final goodbye.

[Lady Pamela]

May I first say, my heart goes out to each and every one of you having to endure any form or stage of cancer.

And truely amazed at such loving and caring support and caregivers and all you do.

I basically am just venting tonight because though I am a posotive person, My heart is heavy tonight.This month has been very tough.

I have been dealing with check ups to follow nodules in my lungs and will be doing another soon. If there is growth then I will have a biopsy on them.
I seriously thought this was hard to deal with. But yesterday I was reminded that my strength is needed elsewhere.

My daughter went in for a check up and ended up having 4 biopsies done and a scraping from her cervix. She is 25 years old. And the doctor said it didn't look good.We will find out results within 7 days.
They also found a lump in her breast that they will be watching as well.

If she ends up having cancer, this will make 2 daughters that have had cancer. My other daughter had it at 14. But survived and is doing well.

Having heard and been there through this painful test. It truely put an end to any small pitty party I may have been having. But still have fear.

My focus has turned to my daughters needs. Though I am doing all I can to keep myself up.

On top of all of this, my friend of 30 some odd years, I just heard today that we are waiting on her mothers test results as of today. They believe she has lukemia. Shes like an adopted mother to me. And I can't be there for her or my friend other than via phone.
Very hard .

Also a very close friend of the family is having cancer surgery tomorrow.

Can I just say,
I HATE FREAKIN CANCER!

Sorry, don't mean to be a cry baby. Truely I am a get it done type. Just at a low this night for a minute.

Keep up the posotive attitudes and again..Thanks so much for this thread. It helped me just to speak out.

Blessings to you all.


.

[Genesis]

Can I just say,
I HATE FREAKIN CANCER!



Lady Pamela this forum has become my support for going through the journey with my Mom. This is the place where we can say things like that... Thank you for your honesty and vulnerability. This journey is so hard for each person, the loved one or loved ones with cancer and the care taker(s) who go together on the journey together. Each person on this thread has been a column on which I had to lean on with their words and their own journeys and emotional reactions. Whether positive or negative they are appreicated and learned from. Please know my love, prayers and positive energy are going out to you, your daughter and friend. If you wish to speak more feel free to PM me. If I have no words at least know you got an ear and a shoulder if needed.
We are strong even in our most vulnerable moments....

[Lady Pamela]

Lady Pamela this forum has become my support for going through the journey with my Mom. This is the place where we can say things like that... Thank you for your honesty and vulnerability. This journey is so hard for each person, the loved one or loved ones with cancer and the care taker(s) who go together on the journey together. Each person on this thread has been a column on which I had to lean on with their words and their own journeys and emotional reactions. Whether positive or negative they are appreicated and learned from. Please know my love, prayers and positive energy are going out to you, your daughter and friend. If you wish to speak more feel free to PM me. If I have no words at least know you got an ear and a shoulder if needed.
We are strong even in our most vulnerable moments....

Just wanted to thank you very muh for such kind words.
And this waiting is killing me..So I may end up taking you up on the offer.
Thanks again for your sweet spirit and may blessings and strength be with you and yours also.
Namast'e

[DapperButch]

Lady Pamela,

I am sorry to hear that you have all of this going on. I hope that everything is ok for your daughter and your friend's mother. Also, being sad and afraid for yourself is not a pity party...it is human!

Hang in there. :rrose:

[Lady Pamela]

Lady Pamela,

I am sorry to hear that you have all of this going on. I hope that everything is ok for your daughter and your friend's mother. Also, being sad and afraid for yourself is not a pity party...it is human!

Hang in there. :rrose:

Thank you for such wonderful support.
Also for reminding me it is ok to be a little fearfu;..smiles
Sometimes when your a caretaker that part gets lost..ya know?

You have always continued support in my smoking journey..and now here.
Thanks again!

Blessings to you in your journey as well.
May you always have the courage ,strength and fight you need.
And may your own health issues be blessed and protected.


.

[mustangjeano]

Please don't hesitate to share and/or vent here Lady Pamela--that is what we love about this thread. You have an enormous load to carry right now and your are doing a great job managing it with strength and positive energy. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. JeanMay I first say, my heart goes out to each and every one of you having to endure any form or stage of cancer.

And truely amazed at such loving and caring support and caregivers and all you do.

I basically am just venting tonight because though I am a posotive person, My heart is heavy tonight.This month has been very tough.

I have been dealing with check ups to follow nodules in my lungs and will be doing another soon. If there is growth then I will have a biopsy on them.
I seriously thought this was hard to deal with. But yesterday I was reminded that my strength is needed elsewhere.

My daughter went in for a check up and ended up having 4 biopsies done and a scraping from her cervix. She is 25 years old. And the doctor said it didn't look good.We will find out results within 7 days.
They also found a lump in her breast that they will be watching as well.

If she ends up having cancer, this will make 2 daughters that have had cancer. My other daughter had it at 14. But survived and is doing well.

Having heard and been there through this painful test. It truely put an end to any small pitty party I may have been having. But still have fear.

My focus has turned to my daughters needs. Though I am doing all I can to keep myself up.

On top of all of this, my friend of 30 some odd years, I just heard today that we are waiting on her mothers test results as of today. They believe she has lukemia. Shes like an adopted mother to me. And I can't be there for her or my friend other than via phone.
Very hard .

Also a very close friend of the family is having cancer surgery tomorrow.

Can I just say,
I HATE FREAKIN CANCER!

Sorry, don't mean to be a cry baby. Truely I am a get it done type. Just at a low this night for a minute.

Keep up the posotive attitudes and again..Thanks so much for this thread. It helped me just to speak out.

Blessings to you all.


.

[Lady Pamela]

Please don't hesitate to share and/or vent here Lady Pamela--that is what we love about this thread. You have an enormous load to carry right now and your are doing a great job managing it with strength and positive energy. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Jean

I wanted to say thank you so much for the support you and others have shown me.
Wishing you all the best of blessings and strength as well.
And extend my ear as well if anyone should need to vent.

Thanks again!

Namast'e



.

[Lady Pamela]

Ok, where to start...
This week waiting for my daughters results has been extremely nerve racking.
I am a posotive person and one who looks for the good in everything usually.
I am also one who finds a way to rise above it all in most situations.
And have done my best to do so and help my daughter Reah to do so as well.

Tomorrow we should get her test results back unless they needed further testing on them.
I must say, the closer I get to tomorrow, the more scared I am becoming.

Yes I know we will get through it. And yes I know that either way we will have the answer. But I have to work and may have to call off for a couple hours to make sure I am there for her.
And honestly..I am scared to death.. If she has it, this will be my second child who has had it.

Anyways..releasing the fear now and trying to look at one moment at a time till we get it.

Blessings to you all. And may the strength and guidance you need be with you.

Namast'e


.

[Lady Pamela]

Update on my daughter:


Tests results came back
NO CANCER..Yippeeeee

Thanks for all the support given and energy as well.

[Sparkle]

I can't recall if I shared this article before, it is a great piece posted in the LA Times in April, the title is "How not to say the wrong thing" I think it's a great model, and one worth sharing with everyone.

http://touch.latimes.com/#section/-1/article/p2p-75241622/

/snip:

"How not to say the wrong thing
...
(She) developed a simple technique to help people avoid this mistake. It works for all kinds of crises: medical, legal, financial, romantic, even existential. She calls it the Ring Theory.

Draw a circle. This is the center ring. In it, put the name of the person at the center of the current trauma. For Katie's aneurysm, that's Katie. Now draw a larger circle around the first one. In that ring put the name of the person next closest to the trauma. In the case of Katie's aneurysm, that was Katie's husband, Pat. Repeat the process as many times as you need to. In each larger ring put the next closest people. Parents and children before more distant relatives. Intimate friends in smaller rings, less intimate friends in larger ones. When you are done you have a Kvetching Order.
...
Here are the rules. The person in the center ring can say anything she wants to anyone, anywhere. She can kvetch and complain and whine and moan and curse the heavens and say, "Life is unfair" and "Why me?" That's the one payoff for being in the center ring.

Everyone else can say those things too, but only to people in larger rings.

When you are talking to a person in a ring smaller than yours, someone closer to the center of the crisis, the goal is to help. Listening is often more helpful than talking. But if you're going to open your mouth, ask yourself if what you are about to say is likely to provide comfort and support. If it isn't, don't say it. Don't, for example, give advice. People who are suffering from trauma don't need advice. They need comfort and support. So say, "I'm sorry" or "This must really be hard for you" or "Can I bring you a pot roast?" Don't say, "You should hear what happened to me" or "Here's what I would do if I were you." And don't say, "This is really bringing me down."

If you want to scream or cry or complain, if you want to tell someone how shocked you are or how icky you feel, or whine about how it reminds you of all the terrible things that have happened to you lately, that's fine. It's a perfectly normal response. Just do it to someone in a bigger ring.

Comfort IN, dump OUT.
....
Complaining to someone in a smaller ring than yours doesn't do either of you any good. On the other hand, being supportive to her principal caregiver may be the best thing you can do for the patient.

Most of us know this. Almost nobody would complain to the patient about how rotten she looks. Almost no one would say that looking at her makes them think of the fragility of life and their own closeness to death. In other words, we know enough not to dump into the center ring. Ring Theory merely expands that intuition and makes it more concrete: Don't just avoid dumping into the center ring, avoid dumping into any ring smaller than your own.

Remember, you can say whatever you want if you just wait until you're talking to someone in a larger ring than yours.

And don't worry. You'll get your turn in the center ring. You can count on that."

[Lady Pamela]

Just checking in to see how everyone is doing?
Haven't seen many posts so thought I would ask.

[Lady Pamela]

Having a hard night tonight. Had x-rays done before the weekend and find out the results Tuesday or within a couple of days from that.
They are looking at the nodules they found in my lungs months ago and comparing them to the new ones to seen if they have grown.
I have to do this every 3 to 6 months.
If there is growth then I will have to go in for the biopsy of my lungs.

I am a strong person but still scarey to face and the waiting is really hard.

Thinking posotive and keeping my fingers crossed that this time is still no growth.

[DapperButch]

Having a hard night tonight. Had x-rays done before the weekend and find out the results Tuesday or within a couple of days from that.
They are looking at the nodules they found in my lungs months ago and comparing them to the new ones to seen if they have grown.
I have to do this every 3 to 6 months.
If there is growth then I will have to go in for the biopsy of my lungs.

I am a strong person but still scarey to face and the waiting is really hard.

Thinking posotive and keeping my fingers crossed that this time is still no growth.





Hey, Pam. That is GOT to be hard, doing that every 3-6 months. Know you are in my thoughts.

[deb_U_taunt]

Having a hard night tonight. Had x-rays done before the weekend and find out the results Tuesday or within a couple of days from that.
They are looking at the nodules they found in my lungs months ago and comparing them to the new ones to seen if they have grown.
I have to do this every 3 to 6 months.
If there is growth then I will have to go in for the biopsy of my lungs.

I am a strong person but still scarey to face and the waiting is really hard.

Thinking posotive and keeping my fingers crossed that this time is still no growth.





Waiting is the hardest part! Sending lots of wonderful energy your way.

[Lady Pamela]

Just wanted to stop in and say thank you to everyone for such beautiful support and energy.

They read the x-rays tomorrow so anytime between tomorrow and the next week I will know the results of this test atleast.

Even if it comes back bad, atleast I will know what I am working with.
I am scared as hell to have the biopsy if they have to though. Keeping my fingers crossed that will not be the case.

I can only hope they will put me to sleep for it if so.
I truely don't know enough about that part yet.


Anyways, sending energy and love out to all of you.

Blessings to you and yours.

[mustangjeano]

Just wanted to stop in and say thank you to everyone for such beautiful support and energy.

They read the x-rays tomorrow so anytime between tomorrow and the next week I will know the results of this test atleast.

Even if it comes back bad, atleast I will know what I am working with.
I am scared as hell to have the biopsy if they have to though. Keeping my fingers crossed that will not be the case.

I can only hope they will put me to sleep for it if so.
I truely don't know enough about that part yet.


Anyways, sending energy and love out to all of you.

Blessings to you and yours.

Lady Pamela, I am sending good energy for the news tomorrow. Try not to worry about the possible biopsy--yeah, I know that' a crazy thing to say but let me assure you that it is really an easy procedure--I was really scared before mine but they gave me some kind of fantastic drug and I have no memory of the procedure. When I came to I was like..."have they done the biopsy already" You are in my thoughts and prayers. Jean

[Lady Pamela]

Called for results today and they said the tech still has my x-rays..grrr
It will be sometime within the week.
I hate the waiting process.
Either way, todays a new day and I have work so this will have to be set aside so I don't go nuts..ha

Have a great day everyone. And stay strong.

[deb_U_taunt]

Called for results today and they said the tech still has my x-rays..grrr
It will be sometime within the week.
I hate the waiting process.
Either way, todays a new day and I have work so this will have to be set aside so I don't go nuts..ha

Have a great day everyone. And stay strong.

Funny how a vacation or a fun day can fly by so fast, but waiting can make time DRAG on.

http://blog.beliefnet.com/blissblog/files/2012/07/patience.jpg

[deb_U_taunt]

I need some of that damn inner peace right now! lol

Friday is the quarterly tumor marker blood work. Will this ever be easy on the nerves?

[mustangjeano]

I need some of that damn inner peace right now! lol

Friday is the quarterly tumor marker blood work. Will this ever be easy on the nerves?

Deb, for me , the yearly ct scans never got easy--well. the scan was no problem but waiting for the results was nerve wracking. After waiting a week for my doctor to call with the results I was a basket case so the next year I made arrangements with the imaging facility to pick up a copy of the results the day after my tests. That was a lot easier for me. I will be thinking of you and awaiting good news. Your friend, Jean

[DapperButch]

I need some of that damn inner peace right now! lol

Friday is the quarterly tumor marker blood work. Will this ever be easy on the nerves?

I don't know the answer to that. Am I correct in assuming that the result will tell you for certain you have cancer in your body (I know that sounds like a dumb question)?

I honestly don't get too anxious when I get a CAT scan because I know the tumor has to be a decent size before it will show up (in my case). So, I never trust the scan. I find it to be meaningless. I think I have talked about this before.

ANYWAY, I am pretty certain that it is different in your case! I think that if I were in your shoes I would feel great anxiety, but great relief when it came back clear! I would guess that over time continuing to get an "all clear" result each time that your anxiety will decrease? Will you ever no longer have to do it quarterly?

The thing to keep in mind, deb is that you do everything that you can to keep yourself free of cancer. I know that like me, you believe in the power of eating a certain way/supplements. Every day you continue to create a inhospitable place for cancer to grow. Try to take solace in that fact. The research continues to show that you are cutting your chances down BIG TIME!

Let us know right away! I will be thinking of you!

[deb_U_taunt]

Thank you Jeano!
Only one time did I leave without the results in my hand. I sat on the website WAITING for the results to post! Part of the stress has been, it takes a few tries to get a vein, but has gotten easier to give the blood. Veins seem to be healing and the nurse hit a vein the first time the last time. That takes a lot of the stress out of it.

Deb, for me , the yearly ct scans never got easy--well. the scan was no problem but waiting for the results was nerve wracking. After waiting a week for my doctor to call with the results I was a basket case so the next year I made arrangements with the imaging facility to pick up a copy of the results the day after my tests. That was a lot easier for me. I will be thinking of you and awaiting good news. Your friend, Jean

[deb_U_taunt]

Thank you Dapper :)

I feel almost the same about the blood work. Its not really going to catch it if its really early stages. They check organ function and for cancer cells.
I do eat healthy and have been working with a nutritionist. I have lost enough weight I needed a new wardrobe. lol
I think its next year its moved to every 6 months. It would help the stress if I didn't have walk past everyone in chemo to check in. :(

I don't know the answer to that. Am I correct in assuming that the result will tell you for certain you have cancer in your body (I know that sounds like a dumb question)?

I honestly don't get too anxious when I get a CAT scan because I know the tumor has to be a decent size before it will show up (in my case). So, I never trust the scan. I find it to be meaningless. I think I have talked about this before.

ANYWAY, I am pretty certain that it is different in your case! I think that if I were in your shoes I would feel great anxiety, but great relief when it came back clear! I would guess that over time continuing to get an "all clear" result each time that your anxiety will decrease? Will you ever no longer have to do it quarterly?

The thing to keep in mind, deb is that you do everything that you can to keep yourself free of cancer. I know that like me, you believe in the power of eating a certain way/supplements. Every day you continue to create a inhospitable place for cancer to grow. Try to take solace in that fact. The research continues to show that you are cutting your chances down BIG TIME!

Let us know right away! I will be thinking of you!

[pynkkameleon]

Checking in on some of my favorite people around... It's been ages since I posted last but I do peek in from time to time to see how everyone is. Same ol', same ol' with me for the most part. I just hit my "3 years since my last treatment" mark and have officially been moved from seeing the Onco every 3 months to every 6. A big milestone in my book :)

Sending all of you much love and positive energy.

[DapperButch]

I just hit my "3 years since my last treatment" mark and have officially been moved from seeing the Onco every 3 months to every 6. A big milestone in my book :)

Sending all of you much love and positive energy.

Awesome! Congrats!

[deb_U_taunt]

white cell, some lymph counts are all low. more labs tomorrow. love this crap shoot

[Tommi]

Hello to the Thread Readers and supporters, .It's been a while since I posted
I posted this in the What Are You Thankful For thread, and realized, it had a home here too.

Cancer Support is so important. With it, I breezed through three months of radiation treatment, tests, and occasionally fast moving side effects.

With A new wonderful lover at my side, or just a phone call away during working hours, she kept my mind and body happily occupied.

I am thankful to be where I am today. I am strong, courageous and alive, and in love. I am thankful for the love that came along at one hella time. We weren't lookin and Cupid hit us both. I am thankful I didn't get furloughed. So many many things...*
just a few

Celebrations and dates are funny things. We remember things by calendar days, lengths of time. birthdays, marriages, separations, when we met. I had uterine cancer 9 years ago May 15,

A wonderful woman who has taken me by surprise came into my life on Father's Day, 4 months ago. Two days after that I found out I may have recurring uterine cancer from 9 years ago. "Suspicious cells from a pap smear" or as I said my prostate was actin' up.. I went through the PET scans, and blood and other imaging tests and was silent until it was confirmed. When I told her, and said the recommended radiation for 3 months, she said, well, no big thing, we can get through this together. So we will have another 9 or more years, so let's just do it.

I could have had my "targets" tattooed, but I chose not to, so had spots glued on instead. No biggee she said.

She said , so let's get matching tattoo's. MY very first one...the Kanji symbol on my signature line which I have had for a very long time is now on my bicep., she has the other two symbols on her right hip. We Celebrated our tattoo's at Bennihanna's, where the manager blushed and grinning said..Ohhh..you the Boss, ..she Ummm, the Bosses girl ...Yea, sorta ;)

I took a break from treatment in Sept, and we went to Little Rock and had the greatest time with the family full of love and orneriness, and we were loved and cared for by so many. Thank you to...all. :rrose:

5 days a week I had external radiation to my pelvis since the end of August (except for 3 days when we escaped to be with Chosen Famiy. We took off for the Reunion :))

She went with me that week to celebrate as two of the women in our "Dorm" finished breast radiation treatment. They brought donuts and brownies and laughed about life. I gave them daffodil bulbs to plant and watch for in the spring. We were all thankful to be there. A Club we didn't want to join, but are lifetime members.

Yesterday was the second of three weekly internal treatments.

One week to go. One more brachytherapy treatment next Wed.

Celebrate: We are going to Coronado Island Resort to celebrate the beautiful sunset tomorrow night, and go to a party in San Diego.

I Celebrate life every day cuz, damn it can just get away from you like the sand in an hourglass.

http://instruction.elgin.edu/orientation/images/hourglass_sand_pouring_lg_nwm.gif

[pynkkameleon]

Tommi,

Thank you for sharing. I was so moved by what you wrote, for many reasons.

We DO move on.. No matter what life throws our way. We have to. I try to remember and live that that every day but every once in a while I need that swift kick in the rear. I thank you for that reminder.

I am so happy for the love that has come into your life. I love that you got tattoos together to mark this time in your journey. Your post leaves me with a smile. Not because of your recurrence but because of your love for life. It's a beautiful thing.

[Lady Pamela]

So I guess I should give an update but it really isn't one.
I have been so beside myself over this I didn't even know what to post.
I am being seen in a clinic that helps people who don't have medical currently. For now atleast.
The did the chest xray for the lung nodules..for the second time.
And when I called for results, was told my lungs are perfect.
I didn't understand why they would say that considering I have emphysima and nodules.
Well come to find out, the tech wasn't informed apparently what she was looking for. And assumed it was for something else.
4 weeks I waited to hear I have to wait more..wow was I ticked.

Long story short, I am working on getting it fixed or I will have to pay the old doc to read them and compare xrays.
I am much less upset now so again, I am working on finding out this run of tests results.
Will let you know when I do.

[DapperButch]

So I guess I should give an update but it really isn't one.
I have been so beside myself over this I didn't even know what to post.
I am being seen in a clinic that helps people who don't have medical currently. For now atleast.
The did the chest xray for the lung nodules..for the second time.
And when I called for results, was told my lungs are perfect.
I didn't understand why they would say that considering I have emphysima and nodules.
Well come to find out, the tech wasn't informed apparently what she was looking for. And assumed it was for something else.
4 weeks I waited to hear I have to wait more..wow was I ticked.

Long story short, I am working on getting it fixed or I will have to pay the old doc to read them and compare xrays.
I am much less upset now so again, I am working on finding out this run of tests results.
Will let you know when I do.

Lady Pamela,

Sorry the whole thing is such a mess. That is horrible for a person to go through. I would suggest doing what you can to get the original doctor to compare the x-rays. If not, make sure who ever reads them has the old x-rays for comparison.

Take care.

[Tommi]

Tommi,

Thank you for sharing. I was so moved by what you wrote, for many reasons.

We DO move on.. No matter what life throws our way. We have to. I try to remember and live that that every day but every once in a while I need that swift kick in the rear. I thank you for that reminder.

I am so happy for the love that has come into your life. I love that you got tattoos together to mark this time in your journey. Your post leaves me with a smile. Not because of your recurrence but because of your love for life. It's a beautiful thing.

Thank you so much for this post Pynk.

Tomorrow at 9AM will be the last Brachtherapy treatment. My girl is on a business trip across the country, my BFF's are vacationing in Paris, so, I knew I could come here, because the Planet is a place we can share.

The support from those I told about this has been wonderful. The smile kaijira gives me has taken it all away, and believe it or not, I looked forward to the appointments everyday. I knew iI had to do it, and just get it over with. So, we planned something for every weekend since August to be together and make sure I got that big smile, and we enjoyed the heck outta life.

We did, we are, and , next weekend we will celebrate radiation therapy being OVER. Camping in Malibu at a Shamain ritual...:moonstars: ( My first and which she is doing part of the ceremony) ..so, a new chapter , hell no.

This is a whole new book. So, guess I will have to start writing again :)

[DapperButch]

Wow, Tommi, I had no idea you were going through all of that. I made the assumption when you didn't come back to the thread that things were clear. I should have asked. I tend to "hide out"/slink away/whatever fits here, too when I get bad news, so I should have thought about that and asked! Sorry, brother. :(

I didn't tell hardly anyone I had cancer prior to my colon resection. I had a whole week and only told my best friend and the people who had to know at my work.

I am very, very glad that you shared with us now. It is fantastic that you had a new love by your side through all of this. I know it would have been much harder for me if I didn't have my partner.

It sounds like you went through a lot. I am so glad you are on the other side.

Please take good care of you!

[DapperButch]

I am loving this mastectomy cover up!

http://www.nodeju.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/flower-bra-tattoo-cover-up-removed-breasts.jpg

Deb, for some reason I keep going back to this picture. It really is very beautiful. I think what makes it "work" so well too, is the band she has on her arm. Somehow it makes it "flow".

I am not a person who is big on tattoos. I tend to think that most are unattractive, but this is just fantastic. Fantastic!

[deb_U_taunt]

Wow Tommi, so glad to hear you have so much love and support during this bump in the road. :) Hope you are getting your strength back quickly.
HUGS

Thank you so much for this post Pynk.

Tomorrow at 9AM will be the last Brachtherapy treatment. My girl is on a business trip across the country, my BFF's are vacationing in Paris, so, I knew I could come here, because the Planet is a place we can share.

The support from those I told about this has been wonderful. The smile kaijira gives me has taken it all away, and believe it or not, I looked forward to the appointments everyday. I knew iI had to do it, and just get it over with. So, we planned something for every weekend since August to be together and make sure I got that big smile, and we enjoyed the heck outta life.

We did, we are, and , next weekend we will celebrate radiation therapy being OVER. Camping in Malibu at a Shamain ritual...:moonstars: ( My first and which she is doing part of the ceremony) ..so, a new chapter , hell no.

This is a whole new book. So, guess I will have to start writing again :)

[deb_U_taunt]

Wow, Tommi, I had no idea you were going through all of that. I made the assumption when you didn't come back to the thread that things were clear. I should have asked. I tend to "hide out"/slink away/whatever fits here, too when I get bad news, so I should have thought about that and asked! Sorry, brother. :(

I didn't tell hardly anyone I had cancer prior to my colon resection. I had a whole week and only told my best friend and the people who had to know at my work.

I am very, very glad that you shared with us now. It is fantastic that you had a new love by your side through all of this. I know it would have been much harder for me if I didn't have my partner.

It sounds like you went through a lot. I am so glad you are on the other side.

Please take good care of you!

I tend to hole up and slink away myself. Today (in an hour) I have a bone marrow biopsy. I had only told a few. Scared.

[DapperButch]

I tend to hole up and slink away myself. Today (in an hour) I have a bone marrow biopsy. I had only told a few. Scared.

Oh, shit, deb. Please come back and share. Good thoughts sent to you.

[pynkkameleon]

Deb,

I always seem to be a day late :/ Sending lots of positive energy and tight but gentle hugs your way. XOXO

[mustangjeano]

I tend to hole up and slink away myself. Today (in an hour) I have a bone marrow biopsy. I had only told a few. Scared.

Geez Deb, This is the first time I've been on the thread for a wk. or two. I had no idea you were going thru this. Can I send love and support retroactively? Big hugs to you!!!!
Jeano

[mustangjeano]

Hello to the Thread Readers and supporters, .It's been a while since I posted
I posted this in the What Are You Thankful For thread, and realized, it had a home here too.

Cancer Support is so important. With it, I breezed through three months of radiation treatment, tests, and occasionally fast moving side effects.

With A new wonderful lover at my side, or just a phone call away during working hours, she kept my mind and body happily occupied.

Tommi, thanks for sharing your wisdom. You are an inspiration to me. I am so glad that you have a loving woman by your side. Jeano

[LeftWriteFemme]

Today has been a very long day,
I went to see the oncologist with one of the women I sponsor a 12 step recovery program.
We waited over two hours to see the doctor.
He said what I thought he would which is that she has cancer.

Specifically what her biopsy results said was that:

Poorly differentiated ductal features and lobular features
10 MM
In-situ ductal carcinoma

I read before this diagnosis about a new clinical study with a drug called reparixin

http://www.fccc.edu/information/news/press-releases/2013/2013-12-12-SABC-trial-promising-in-early-breast-cancer.html

Since I trust this doctor I am thinking of having her get her second opinion at Montefiore instead of Fox Chase.

I'm scared and appreciate any experience, strength and hope that you might have to share.

Thank you in advance for your help.

[Lady Pamela]

Today has been a very long day,
I went to see the oncologist with one of the women I sponsor a 12 step recovery program.
We waited over two hours to see the doctor.
He said what I thought he would which is that she has cancer.

Specifically what her biopsy results said was that:

Poorly differentiated ductal features and lobular features
10 MM
In-situ ductal carcinoma

I read before this diagnosis about a new clinical study with a drug called reparixin

http://www.fccc.edu/information/news/press-releases/2013/2013-12-12-SABC-trial-promising-in-early-breast-cancer.html

Since I trust this doctor I am thinking of having her get her second opinion at Montefiore instead of Fox Chase.

I'm scared and appreciate any experience, strength and hope that you might have to share.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Sending energy, prayers and offering my ear if your ever in need of someone to talk to. Stay strong and know people are out here who care.

[DapperButch]

Today has been a very long day,
I went to see the oncologist with one of the women I sponsor a 12 step recovery program.
We waited over two hours to see the doctor.
He said what I thought he would which is that she has cancer.

Specifically what her biopsy results said was that:

Poorly differentiated ductal features and lobular features
10 MM
In-situ ductal carcinoma

I read before this diagnosis about a new clinical study with a drug called reparixin

http://www.fccc.edu/information/news/press-releases/2013/2013-12-12-SABC-trial-promising-in-early-breast-cancer.html

Since I trust this doctor I am thinking of having her get her second opinion at Montefiore instead of Fox Chase.

I'm scared and appreciate any experience, strength and hope that you might have to share.

Thank you in advance for your help.

I'm sorry about your friend. Hopefully someone who has had breast cancer will come along and share some information. Welcome to the thread!

[DapperButch]

I tend to hole up and slink away myself. Today (in an hour) I have a bone marrow biopsy. I had only told a few. Scared.

Hi, Debbie. You haven't circled back around to the thread. I just wanted to check in and tell you I hope you are ok. Happy Holidays to you and yours.

[Tommi]

Today has been a very long day,
I went to see the oncologist with one of the women I sponsor a 12 step recovery program.
We waited over two hours to see the doctor.
He said what I thought he would which is that she has cancer.

Specifically what her biopsy results said was that:

Poorly differentiated ductal features and lobular features
10 MM
In-situ ductal carcinoma

I read before this diagnosis about a new clinical study with a drug called reparixin

http://www.fccc.edu/information/news/press-releases/2013/2013-12-12-SABC-trial-promising-in-early-breast-cancer.html

Since I trust this doctor I am thinking of having her get her second opinion at Montefiore instead of Fox Chase.

I'm scared and appreciate any experience, strength and hope that you might have to share.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Beth Israel, Appel-Venet Comprehensive Breast Center may be a place to consider. Having been an activist for years, I have heard great things from patients about Beth Israel, and visited there several times.

[TheLoneStranger]

Today has been a very long day,
I went to see the oncologist with one of the women I sponsor a 12 step recovery program.
We waited over two hours to see the doctor.
He said what I thought he would which is that she has cancer.

Specifically what her biopsy results said was that:

Poorly differentiated ductal features and lobular features
10 MM
In-situ ductal carcinoma

I read before this diagnosis about a new clinical study with a drug called reparixin

http://www.fccc.edu/information/news/press-releases/2013/2013-12-12-SABC-trial-promising-in-early-breast-cancer.html

Since I trust this doctor I am thinking of having her get her second opinion at Montefiore instead of Fox Chase.

I'm scared and appreciate any experience, strength and hope that you might have to share.

Thank you in advance for your help.

I am sorry. I have no advice, but ALL involved are my prayers.

[LeftWriteFemme]

Beth Israel, Appel-Venet Comprehensive Breast Center may be a place to consider. Having been an activist for years, I have heard great things from patients about Beth Israel, and visited there several times.

Your endorsement means a lot, thank you. Her doctor is affiliated with Beth Israel so it sounds like we are heading in the right direction. We meet with her breast surgeon on Monday, Dr. Lennox Alves, so I hope to have a clearer idea of the path ahead of her after speaking with him.

[Tommi]

On line Research shows Alves is a General Surgeon not a Breast Specialist.
No obvious litigation though. So meeting with Another specialist may be covered by insurance as second opinions by specialists can be life changing. best wishes to Everyone involved

[LeftWriteFemme]

On line Research shows Alves is a General Surgeon not a Breast Specialist.
No obvious litigation though. So meeting with Another specialist may be covered by insurance as second opinions by specialists can be life changing. best wishes to Everyone involved

Wow, yes,I'm sure you are right, she has top shelf insurance, a specialist should be covered. It never occurred to me that Doctor Anderson would send her to anything other than a breast cancer specialist. I'm so grateful that you caught that Thank you. I've got calls into several of the oncology hospitals and hope to hear back soon, I'm sure it being the holidays is affecting this somewhat. Again I really appreciate your help and expertise, thank you.

[LeftWriteFemme]

Okay so yesterday, we went to see the surgeon. He was quite surprised when my sponsee was disappointed that she wasn't going to have more of her breast tissue taken. He said he had never had a patient say that to him before. I think she was harboring a secret hope that a side effect would be the breast reduction she has always wanted. I explained that it would end up like one of those cosmetic counter make-overs where they only do one side of your face......not the nice even reduction she dreamed of.

The surgeon is sending the films to the radiologist on his team. He reminds me of a careful carpenter, you know, measure twice, cut once. We are still not sure that this is the surgeon that will be doing the cutting. Her second opinion will be at an oncology hospital and I'm thinking they will most likely take charge of her case, but I don't know that definitively.
Monday we will be seeing the hematology oncologist, but that is less nerve wracking, since she has been treated by this lovely doctor three years ago when she had an unrelated blood issue.
Thank you again for all your support it means so much, I can't begin to tell you!!

[pynkkameleon]

LeftWriteFemme~ Sending your friend lots of good energy. It sounds as if she is in very good hands. I was diagnosed 4 years ago with invasive ductal carcinoma. I am far from an expert but I do have my own experiences with navigating the system. If you have any questions or just need an ear, please don't hesitate to send me a message.

Wishing all of you a Happy and healthy New Year..

XOXO

[clay]

To all of you...gentle hugs!!!!
I, too, have tended to be away for some time!!
DEB: I love you, my friend!!! Sending you peaceful energies, hugs, and support!!!
LRF: May your friend find some answers, get treatment she needs, and beat this! Much wishes for that for her...and hugs to you for being so strong for her and being there for her during all of this!!
TOMMI: Bro, I had no idea that you had gone through all of this either!! I am really happy for you that you have a wonderful woman by your side and to go through all of this with you!! Good luck on success of your treatments and do come back and let us know. Love you, bro!!!
PYNK: Good to see you here posting also. Have a wonderful New Year!!
JEANO: You always have so much by way of kind words, hugs, and just general all around support for each and every one of us!! Love you, bro!!
DAPPER: I always look up to you and all the wonderful insight, support, and compassion you have for all of us here!!! Love you, bud!!
Lady: Good luck in your journey and may you get nothing but wonderful news!!

I had quite the scare myself, and was out of my mind for 6 weeks!!! My CT Scan showed "apple core lesion" near splenic flexure! BUT a colonoscopy and a PET scan showed nothing there. How the inital "image" was seen then nothing on follow up will remain a mystery to the oncologist and me I suppose.

I recently had my yearly mammo. I am waiting for stereotactic biopsies of both breasts now. My mammo digital follow up and US shows "clustered microcalcs....BIRADS 4! This puts me in the 80/20 category for DCIS! My odds of these being benign are 80% and being malignant 20%! So, once again, I am "waiting"......waiting"....

I was very blessed last year with a wonderful lady....who has been by my side through all of this!!! We take one day at a time, and I try to live life to the fullest!!

We spent a weekend in a Hilton on the Beach when we found out that I didn't have a return of the colon cancer....and celebrated joyously!!

We have a trip booked to the Caribbean in May. Regardless of the outcome of my biopsies, I aim to go and enjoy that warm, wonderful Caribbean life.

So, like Tommi, I want to soak up life, enjoy my love, and share life with my honey!!! I want to look on my brighter side of things and be around many more years!!!

To each one of you....gentle hugs...and I love each and every one of you.
Thanks for all of your kind words, support, and love throughout the last 3 years!!! May life and live and prosperity be with you each one...Happy New Year!!!

[mustangjeano]

To all of you...gentle hugs!!!!
I, too, have tended to be away for some time!!
DEB: I love you, my friend!!! Sending you peaceful energies, hugs, and support!!!
LRF: May your friend find some answers, get treatment she needs, and beat this! Much wishes for that for her...and hugs to you for being so strong for her and being there for her during all of this!!
TOMMI: Bro, I had no idea that you had gone through all of this either!! I am really happy for you that you have a wonderful woman by your side and to go through all of this with you!! Good luck on success of your treatments and do come back and let us know. Love you, bro!!!
PYNK: Good to see you here posting also. Have a wonderful New Year!!
JEANO: You always have so much by way of kind words, hugs, and just general all around support for each and every one of us!! Love you, bro!!
DAPPER: I always look up to you and all the wonderful insight, support, and compassion you have for all of us here!!! Love you, bud!!
Lady: Good luck in your journey and may you get nothing but wonderful news!!

I had quite the scare myself, and was out of my mind for 6 weeks!!! My CT Scan showed "apple core lesion" near splenic flexure! BUT a colonoscopy and a PET scan showed nothing there. How the inital "image" was seen then nothing on follow up will remain a mystery to the oncologist and me I suppose.

I recently had my yearly mammo. I am waiting for stereotactic biopsies of both breasts now. My mammo digital follow up and US shows "clustered microcalcs....BIRADS 4! This puts me in the 80/20 category for DCIS! My odds of these being benign are 80% and being malignant 20%! So, once again, I am "waiting"......waiting"....

I was very blessed last year with a wonderful lady....who has been by my side through all of this!!! We take one day at a time, and I try to live life to the fullest!!

We spent a weekend in a Hilton on the Beach when we found out that I didn't have a return of the colon cancer....and celebrated joyously!!

We have a trip booked to the Caribbean in May. Regardless of the outcome of my biopsies, I aim to go and enjoy that warm, wonderful Caribbean life.

So, like Tommi, I want to soak up life, enjoy my love, and share life with my honey!!! I want to look on my brighter side of things and be around many more years!!!

To each one of you....gentle hugs...and I love each and every one of you.
Thanks for all of your kind words, support, and love throughout the last 3 years!!! May life and live and prosperity be with you each one...Happy New Year!!!

Hey Bro'
It.s great to read that your tests showed NO return of colon cancer. I will be holding good thoughts of you getting great news on the breast biopsies. Clay. you are always so loving and supportive of everyone on this thread and I' pretty sure that it's ok for me to speak for everyone and sayin' thank you friend. Happy New Year to you and your Lady. Jeano

[clay]

my dear friend Jeano....YOU are such a bright ray of sunshine here!!! Your kind words and compassion are such gentle hugs across the miles. Never change, my friend!!
Happy New Year to you as well from us!!
I am confident my bx. will be benign!!! :).
Have a great weekend, Jeano!!

[Tommi]

Okay so yesterday, we went to see the surgeon. He was quite surprised when my sponsee was disappointed that she wasn't going to have more of her breast tissue taken. He said he had never had a patient say that to him before. I think she was harboring a secret hope that a side effect would be the breast reduction she has always wanted. I explained that it would end up like one of those cosmetic counter make-overs where they only do one side of your face......not the nice even reduction she dreamed of.

The surgeon is sending the films to the radiologist on his team. He reminds me of a careful carpenter, you know, measure twice, cut once. We are still not sure that this is the surgeon that will be doing the cutting. Her second opinion will be at an oncology hospital and I'm thinking they will most likely take charge of her case, but I don't know that definitively.
Monday we will be seeing the hematology oncologist, but that is less nerve wracking, since she has been treated by this lovely doctor three years ago when she had an unrelated blood issue.
Thank you again for all your support it means so much, I can't begin to tell you!!

Glad you are on top of this,and you can come here to discuss with those that have been there, or know others that have, and can understand the importance and the need for support.


pynkkameleon's offer is something sweet, as we know sharing can help in so many ways, like any program, and life.

Hoping for the best during this scary time.
Survivor's, caretakers, friends and family are one hella support system. Take care and be well.

[Tommi]

https://d3ui957tjb5bqd.cloudfront.net/uploads/2012/12/Happy-New-Year-by-Sweet-Tooth-Studio_small.png

[TruTexan]

Yesterday I did a mammogram for my yearly. I've always had good results come back and there have never been any call backs to do any more re-takes of my breasts.
Today the Ross Breast Center from Mother Francis Hospital called me and told me the radiologist thought he saw something on my right breast mammogram results and he wants me to do 2 more mammograms to be sure.
That phone call has set off my ptsd and anxiety through the roof. I don't take stress on any level at all. My ptsd and anxiety are running amok right now. I am trying to remain positive that it's nothing, maybe fibrous tissue or fatty tissue. I am praying it's nothing. I called my sister in TN for support. She wants me to call her and let her know what they say when I take the other mammograms. I haven't told my mom yet and I can't until I'm sure there is something to worry about because that is exactly what she will do...worry herself too much over possibly nothing. I asked my grandma to put me on their prayer chain at church tonight and also asked my apt mgr to do that same thing for me. I know if they find something that there will be things I will go through, and I have no idea what all that entails. I do know that I won't allow them to remove just one breast, I will ask them to take them both so I don't have to worry about going through it again on the left breast later. I dont' know that I will do reconstructive breast implants or just tell the doc to get a plastic surgeon to just leave me flat chested and put in some pecs so I look half way decent. I don't mind not having breasts because they often get in the way of things I do. The only time I have enjoyed having them is when I am partnered with a femme that loves to make love with me and devour them as much as the rest of me.
I asked my ex gf whom has been talking to me about getting back together with me if she would still want me with no breasts, my being flat chested and having pec inserts put in, she said YES, even though she loved my breasts and loved touching and sucking on them when we were together before. That made me feel a little better.
I don't have much of a support system where I live. My younger sister lives in TN and my mom is a huge worry wart. My dad is ill and lives with my grandmother 5hrs away so does the rest of my family members that I am close to.
I don't know what all to expect if I have breast cancer tumor in my right breast. So if someone could help me prepare for the worst and know ahead of time what i may be dealing with, I would greatly appreciate it.
I know that some form of cancer treatment would be done, just don't have a clue as to what all that may entail.
IS there anyone here on BFP that can talk to me about this stuff because they've been through it?
Please post if you have or pm me. I retake my mammogram on my right breast on Friday it's the earliest that I could get in. I am hoping that I won't have to wait thru the weekend to get a call about the results.
Thanks,
Justy

[C0LLETTE]

No experience to share but wishing you good healthy results on Friday.:praying:

[*Anya*]

I don't want to either negate another's fear or discount it.

I am going to only share my experiences.

I am doing this solely because, as women, we know so many women that have dealt with breast cancer, that when we have anything untoward; naturally, that is where our mind is going to go.

It does not always turn out like that.

I had my first benign breast tumor at age 22.

Since that time ( speaking breasts only) I have had two cysts removed and two fibrous tumors removed. All were benign.

I have had needle biopsies and needle-guided ultrasound in my breasts.

I have had a marker inserted. I think it is still there.

I have had screening mammos and diagnostic mammos.

None of them were shown to be cancer.

Of course it could have turned out differently.

My thyroid cancer had nothing to do with breast CA-they were separate issues.

First things first: get the repeat mammo.

I will hold very good and positive thoughts for you.

Let us know. We do care.

[TruTexan]

I don't want to either negate another's fear or discount it.

I am going to only share my experiences.

I am doing this solely because, as women, we know so many women that have dealt with breast cancer, that when we have anything untoward; naturally, that is where our mind is going to go.

It does not always turn out like that.

I had my first benign breast tumor at age 22.

Since that time ( speaking breasts only) I have had two cysts removed and two fibrous tumors removed. All were benign.

I have had needle biopsies and needle-guided ultrasound in my breasts.

I have had a marker inserted. I think it is still there.

I have had screening mammos and diagnostic mammos.

None of them were shown to be cancer.

Of course it could have turned out differently.

My thyroid cancer had nothing to do with breast CA-they were separate issues.

First things first: get the repeat mammo.

I will hold very good and positive thoughts for you.

Let us know. We do care.

Thank you Anya. I will post when I know something more. I go in Friday to Tyler to Trinity Mother Francis Ross Breast Center for more diagnostics as they put it. I went yesterday to their local breast center here where i live in to do the mammogram. I guess they have better diagnostic equipment at the Tyler Office Breast Center there for the Hospital. The woman didn't say much to me other than what I posted earlier. Hell she didn't even tell me the appt. I made with her was for Tyler. I just now got a phone call reminder from them telling me it was for Tyler TMF Ross Breast Center there.
Yeah I am kinda scared but trying not to worry too much. Taken my anxiety meds has helped and I have a therapy session tomorrow so I can use my therapist for support if needed. I don't know what will show up, hopefully nothing to worry about. I've never had any problems with my breasts, that's what has me worried, that they think they found something that wasn't there last year or didn't show up last 2 mammograms the last couple of years. Thanks for your support Anya, you seem to have been through this and I appreciate it very much. I hope that you are doing well lately. I'll keep you in prayers too.

[DapperButch]

Yesterday I did a mammogram for my yearly. I've always had good results come back and there have never been any call backs to do any more re-takes of my breasts.
Today the Ross Breast Center from Mother Francis Hospital called me and told me the radiologist thought he saw something on my right breast mammogram results and he wants me to do 2 more mammograms to be sure.
That phone call has set off my ptsd and anxiety through the roof. I don't take stress on any level at all. My ptsd and anxiety are running amok right now. I am trying to remain positive that it's nothing, maybe fibrous tissue or fatty tissue. I am praying it's nothing. I called my sister in TN for support. She wants me to call her and let her know what they say when I take the other mammograms. I haven't told my mom yet and I can't until I'm sure there is something to worry about because that is exactly what she will do...worry herself too much over possibly nothing. I asked my grandma to put me on their prayer chain at church tonight and also asked my apt mgr to do that same thing for me. I know if they find something that there will be things I will go through, and I have no idea what all that entails. I do know that I won't allow them to remove just one breast, I will ask them to take them both so I don't have to worry about going through it again on the left breast later. I dont' know that I will do reconstructive breast implants or just tell the doc to get a plastic surgeon to just leave me flat chested and put in some pecs so I look half way decent. I don't mind not having breasts because they often get in the way of things I do. The only time I have enjoyed having them is when I am partnered with a femme that loves to make love with me and devour them as much as the rest of me.
I asked my ex gf whom has been talking to me about getting back together with me if she would still want me with no breasts, my being flat chested and having pec inserts put in, she said YES, even though she loved my breasts and loved touching and sucking on them when we were together before. That made me feel a little better.
I don't have much of a support system where I live. My younger sister lives in TN and my mom is a huge worry wart. My dad is ill and lives with my grandmother 5hrs away so does the rest of my family members that I am close to.
I don't know what all to expect if I have breast cancer tumor in my right breast. So if someone could help me prepare for the worst and know ahead of time what i may be dealing with, I would greatly appreciate it.
I know that some form of cancer treatment would be done, just don't have a clue as to what all that may entail.
IS there anyone here on BFP that can talk to me about this stuff because they've been through it?
Please post if you have or pm me. I retake my mammogram on my right breast on Friday it's the earliest that I could get in. I am hoping that I won't have to wait thru the weekend to get a call about the results.
Thanks,
Justy

I understand your anxiety, but it is really not that all uncommon to get a call for retakes.

I guess what I am saying is try not to worry until you find out there is something to worry about. It sounds like not telling your mom is a good decision, as well.

Often, for retakes, they expect that the person may want to hang around until it gets read. You could ask about that.

And yes, there are people here who have had breast cancer and can support you if you find this is what you are up against. Hang in there and try not to stress.

[Tommi]

Dear TruTexan,
Breathe deep.Friday is a long way off for someone going through the "Oh my gosh what does this mean"...

Drink lottsa water, and stay hydrated. Before your re-visit,Don't wear any deodorant, any cream, etc. , even though you may feel stinky, they don't want aluminum, talc, glitter, by-products junking up your mammo.

Millions of mammograms done annually for screening are done.

Occasionally something looks "different". Not really "suspicious" of anything.

A mammogram takes your pyramid shape (triangle ~sort of:) and tries to squeeze it into a rectangular shape..,

Sometimes a normal area may be peeking at the Doc head on, like looking in a pipe directly, versus along the length of it.

An area that was once appearing one way can have absolutely norma calcifications with it, thus , they want to squish you around and look at it from another angle.
Maybe even take an ultrasound, just rubbing gooey stuff on it and letting sound waves bounce back for a wiggly image, to see if it is just a normal ole'cyst, which many of us have and never know it.

Data shows thousands of breast cancer biopsies come back negative.

So, if you think about it , we have some things that we may need to go through that scare the hello out of us, and we know others that have been there ahead of us.

Come back and let us know...(f)

[TruTexan]

As soon as I know something more definite. I will come back let you all know what's going on. Thank you all for your support, I do appreciate each and every one of you , you're some awesome folks here.
Thanks for listening to me and responding to my post. I do appreciate it very much.

Justy

[Tommi]

As soon as I know something more definite. I will come back let you all know what's going on. Thank you all for your support, I do appreciate each and every one of you , you're some awesome folks here.
Thanks for listening to me and responding to my post. I do appreciate it very much.

Justy
Great to hear you are going to a dedicated breast center for follow-up.

So glad you can come here 24 hours a day and write about what concerns you, or about, ~~~anything.

Fear is better when exposed, so, sharing is really caring, and glad you are here.
Some of us have had the big old scary diagnosis and know how good it is to be able to talk about it.

Hang in there Justy. Thanks for posting.

Tommi

[TruTexan]

Thank each and everyone one of you for the positive energy here and for understanding my fears. And for welcoming me so lovingly in to this thread. I do appreciate each and every one of you that have posted to me. It means a great deal. I will be using this thread for a support system since I don't have one here at home.
I am grateful to all of you here for welcoming me with open arms and without any pressure to post. I will keep the thread posted about my results after the second diagnostics that are going to be done on Friday, just as soon as I know something myself. I called a couple of people to start a prayer chain for me so I will be covered spiritually and allow God's grace to come in and help me get through this. With his help and all of you here, I can not lose my mind in worrying at this stage while I'm waiting to go and waiting for more results. I"m just a worry wart over things like this, it's pretty natural to be I guess.
Thank you to all of you here for the helpful posts you have allowed me to read. I needed to read them today. :)

[Tommi]

http://i1242.photobucket.com/albums/gg535/Carbinzhuang/candle%20lights/777777.gif

Rainbow candles, prayers and thoughts to light your way.
Sleep well, and I hope the beautiful colors of the rainbow will surround you.

Blue skies ahead. :)

[mustangjeano]

Thank each and everyone one of you for the positive energy here and for understanding my fears. And for welcoming me so lovingly in to this thread. I do appreciate each and every one of you that have posted to me. It means a great deal. I will be using this thread for a support system since I don't have one here at home.
I am grateful to all of you here for welcoming me with open arms and without any pressure to post. I will keep the thread posted about my results after the second diagnostics that are going to be done on Friday, just as soon as I know something myself. I called a couple of people to start a prayer chain for me so I will be covered spiritually and allow God's grace to come in and help me get through this. With his help and all of you here, I can not lose my mind in worrying at this stage while I'm waiting to go and waiting for more results. I"m just a worry wart over things like this, it's pretty natural to be I guess.
Thank you to all of you here for the helpful posts you have allowed me to read. I needed to read them today. :)
Hi , Sorry to be late in posting a response but haven't been on the site much lately. I wanted to add my support. I have been thru breast cancer twice and know the anxiety of waiting for tests and results. I'm sure that most mammos turn out to be clear or non cancer blips, So the odds are deffinitely in your favor. I will be holding good thoughts for you and look forward to your posting the good news. You are not alone in this--many of us are with you in spirit. Jeano

[TruTexan]

Today I went back to the Trinity Mother Francis Hospital Ross Breast Center for more imaging. They did 2 more different Mammograms on my right breast along with an ultrasound. Unfortunately, it wasn't a bad screening the first time. I do have a dime to penny size area on my right breast that is suspect. They can't tell from what they did today what it could be, so the oncologist wants a biopsy done. I go next Wednesday Jan 22 for the biopsy at 150 central time. I got to see what they were talking to me about on the mammograms and on the ultrasound. It's actually something there but just not sure what it is. So, it's a precautionary move on the doctors part to do that biopsy on my right breast which will tell him an answer if it's cancer or benign tumor, or fibroid tumor or whatever. My right breast is hurting so bad from that last two mammograms it's not even funny. Squished the shit out of my breast. LOL
I wanted to say thank you to each and everyone of you rendering support to me, it's helping me remain calm. I also had to tell mom today about what is going on so she knows. My sister called while I was telling mom and I had her on speaker phone. Mom is really worried now. I told her there's a good chance it's nothing to worry about and that I am not going to worry about it until they tell me I need to worry.
I"ve thought long and hard since the first call back this week. I've decided that if it is cancer, to have both breasts removed so I don't have to deal with it a second time in the other breast, just to get rid of them and that way I won't have to wear a damn bra anymore. LMAO I can joke about this today and be okay with it. Thank you all for your support. I will post more when I know the results of my biopsy.

And to all those dealing with cancer, I commend you on your bravery. I support you in every way possible even though I haven't posted here before.
I watched my uncle go through 6 1/2 yrs of dealing with brain cancer and he finally gave up his fight a yr ago, on Nov 10 2012 he passed away from it. He was the longest living brain cancer patient his oncologist had. He lived 6yrs longer than his oncologist expected him to and he lived those last 6 yrs loving his family and friends and loving me like he was my dad. He was a brave man and a loving gentle person. I couldn't have asked for a better uncle.
So, if it turns out I do have cancer, I will be just as brave as he was in his fight and live my life just as he taught me it should be lived, loving those you love the most, and letting them know how much you love them everyday.
Justy

[Tommi]

A BIG TRU TEXAN
http://www.ourordinarylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/shout-out.gif

Thinkin aboutcha! Yep, some scary stuff comes up. Glad your Mom knows now, because, I bet know you want her support, love and prayers. Even though she will be worried and scared and the whole thing, sometimes just knowing you are in good hands, you are following up on it and can talk about it is a good thing for some.


Hang in there, come on back and chat.:hangloose:

[TruTexan]

Tommi, A BIG THANKS to you today for the shout out. Yes, I did need my mom to know. I told her lets not worry until I find out further from the biopsy, but being my mom that she is, she's OMG stage now. I know she's probably stressing out more than I am today. I told her it's not necessary for her to go with me to get the biopsy. My neighbor is going to drive me there to Tyler, an hour away from where I live to get the biopsy done at the Breast Center at the hospital. I am just more worried today about my mom's stress level, but if I hadn't told her and she found out she'd be pretty upset with me and never let me live it down, it would be a huge issue that I didn't tell her about it and what I'm having done. She's very scared of getting cancer because my grandmother , her mom, died from colon cancer or ovarian cancer that had spread. She is so afraid of cancer it's not even funny. I know I"m in God's hands and if it's his will I have it and have to go through treatment for it, then so be it. I have a positive attitude today and today is all I'm going to worry about. My ptsd and anxiety are bad enough to take meds for, but it's under control . I just hope it's nothing to be honest. That it comes back benign.
Thanks for your shout out and support Tommi. I need it from friends online. I have really have no friends in my tiny town here. I only live where I live so that I can be mom's caregiver and help her when she needs help, take her to her doctor appts. etc. I'm the only child she has that was able to move here to help her after my stepfather passed 4yrs ago this month. My younger sister lives all the way in TN. I called her yesterday about it and today about what they said. She's afraid too. I told her don't be, I can handle it. That my spirits are high and that I will just have both breasts removed if i have cancer and she laughed and said it would make me more butch looking. I laughed. we joked, she teared up, I laughed some more she laughed more. She's the onlyi sister I have that I talk to and not very much, she's so busy with her job and family there. She works really long hours in IT for the state of TN. And is rarely able to talk to me. my older sister is a nut job, I don't speak to her anymore. Anyway, I thank you and all of you in this thread that have reached out to me in posts, it' means a lot to me. Thank you and God Bless all of you here.


PS. Maybe this just hasn't hit me yet like it should. I don't know. I'm kinda feeling like I am in limbo and nervous about it all.

Justy

[TruTexan]

Just bumping the thread for some support please. thanks.

[RockOn]

TruTexan, I am sending positive, uplifting thoughts your way. Hang tight! I wish you did not have to wait to know exactly what is going on with that breast.

Best Wishes,
Brock

[TruTexan]

today is almost over and I'll wake up with a new day and for that day I will try to only focus on it instead of the what if's because the what if's will only drive me crazy with more fear. Thank you for your support here. I need friends right now the most.
Justy

[mustangjeano]

Tommi, A BIG THANKS to you today for the shout out. Yes, I did need my mom to know. I told her lets not worry until I find out further from the biopsy, but being my mom that she is, she's OMG stage now. I know she's probably stressing out more than I am today. I told her it's not necessary for her to go with me to get the biopsy. My neighbor is going to drive me there to Tyler, an hour away from where I live to get the biopsy done at the Breast Center at the hospital. I am just more worried today about my mom's stress level, but if I hadn't told her and she found out she'd be pretty upset with me and never let me live it down, it would be a huge issue that I didn't tell her about it and what I'm having done. She's very scared of getting cancer because my grandmother , her mom, died from colon cancer or ovarian cancer that had spread. She is so afraid of cancer it's not even funny. I know I"m in God's hands and if it's his will I have it and have to go through treatment for it, then so be it. I have a positive attitude today and today is all I'm going to worry about. My ptsd and anxiety are bad enough to take meds for, but it's under control . I just hope it's nothing to be honest. That it comes back benign.
Thanks for your shout out and support Tommi. I need it from friends online. I have really have no friends in my tiny town here. I only live where I live so that I can be mom's caregiver and help her when she needs help, take her to her doctor appts. etc. I'm the only child she has that was able to move here to help her after my stepfather passed 4yrs ago this month. My younger sister lives all the way in TN. I called her yesterday about it and today about what they said. She's afraid too. I told her don't be, I can handle it. That my spirits are high and that I will just have both breasts removed if i have cancer and she laughed and said it would make me more butch looking. I laughed. we joked, she teared up, I laughed some more she laughed more. She's the onlyi sister I have that I talk to and not very much, she's so busy with her job and family there. She works really long hours in IT for the state of TN. And is rarely able to talk to me. my older sister is a nut job, I don't speak to her anymore. Anyway, I thank you and all of you in this thread that have reached out to me in posts, it' means a lot to me. Thank you and God Bless all of you here.


PS. Maybe this just hasn't hit me yet like it should. I don't know. I'm kinda feeling like I am in limbo and nervous about it all.

Justy

Hi Justy, Thanks for posting about today. It sucks to wait for another test but whichever way the biopsy turns out you will know what your next step is and that is much more empowering than the waiting part. I'm in your corner Buddy. You are doing GREAT!
Jeano

[Tommi]

Happy Saturday night everyone.

Watching the SAG awards . eating nacho's. :mohawk: kaijira and the Mom are doing A thousand piece puzzle....I help with the edges only.

Knowing Justy is just about to learn a whole lot waiting. It will all be okay. Imagine next year. This will all be over. You will have memories of now, and you will post in this thread for someone new.
Love and hugs to ya. Ever want to talk PM us, and we are like be extended family all over the country . You are not alone

:hangloose: :rubberducky::fastdraq: :byebye::cowboy::batman::hk13::2femme: :pile::harley::laundryday::hiding::stillheart:

[TruTexan]

I'm doing ok today, staying into just today. Been watching movies and keeping my mind off what next week will bring and the waiting game afterwards.
Thanks Tommi.

[Tommi]

I'm doing ok today, staying into just today. Been watching movies and keeping my mind off what next week will bring and the waiting game afterwards.
Thanks Tommi.
GAME! Football
Glad to hear you are hangin out. Game. game :football::football: :footballpass: :football:

:football::sumo:

Tomorrow ! Go. Denver
Go 49ers

[LeftWriteFemme]

TruTexan, you're in my prayers. Sorry the wait is so long, but you are handling it so well. Caring for your mom and facing your own medical uncertainty is no small feat, I wish you all the best and hope that dime sized object turns out to be something harmless and benign!!!

http://pastordawn.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/world-in-gods-hands.jpg

[LeftWriteFemme]

Great to hear you are going to a dedicated breast center for follow-up.

All I can say is, What a Difference going to a dedicated breast center has made!! After having been to three doctors (all working as a team mind you) in three consecutive weeks, who A. seemed surprised to see my sponsee who has breast cancer and B. had to be told why she was there..........even though I was in the office with the first doctor when he made the phone calls to the other two......I was not happy.

This Monday when we went for a second opinion at the Livingston Breast Center:
:loveBFP: (http://www.barnabashealth.org/Ambulatory-Care/Our-Services/The-Breast-Center.aspx) (< link)
We saw Doctor Sarah Schaefer, who has been the doctor for my sponsor Nan and also for close friends of my sponsee's. Amazingly she knew exactly why we were there. None of the other doctors had managed to get the pathology report, Doctor Schaefer and the Center use something called Nurse Navigator and had those results with in 5 minutes and was able to lay out a plan with us during the first visit.
Also I had been looking at a study using Reparixin, the other three doctors, blew it off though they had never heard of it, Doctor Schaefer looked it up right there and we talked about the pros and cons and how she would cooperate with Montefiore if my sponsee chose to participate.

Tomorrow my sponsee is going to see Doctor Dean R Cerio, who is a plastic surgeon who works in cooperation with the center. The plan is that my sponsee will be getting the breast reduction she has always wanted as a part of the lumpectomy.....which is also amazing because the other three doctors had told her there was no way.
As part of a small personal victory, my sponsee is going to see this surgeon with her friend who is also a patient of this doctor and I am going to have my mamo and then see a pulminologist (I failed my spirograph test)
I realize that the bigger the team the easier this is going to be for all of us.
My grandmother used to say 'many hands make light work' and she was sure right. Having the support of the people on this thread and the folks we know in recovery, plus our friends and family has made this lonely thing feel like a group effort and quite survivable. Thank you so much!!!

[deb0670]

I lost my Step-Dad to Cancer in November.
In January, he was diagnosed with bladder cancer and he went out and did everything he possibly could do to fight it. He did the chemo, he changed his eating and drinking habits, he started exercising more.. you name it.
The cancer spread too fast to his lymph nodes, so they could not do the surgery they were going to do. He fought so hard to beat it.. but he just couldn't. My mom was by his side the whole time. He was her true soul mate and the only man she was ever really in love with.
It hurt me so badly watching from a distance what she had to go through.. i could not even imagine.
I was never really close to my step dad due to him never really wanting to be close to anyone, including his own kids. But my mom.. i love her dearly. When she called me to say he just had a matter of days, all i could do was pray and try to comfort her the best i could.
Then when he passed, she called trying to sound so brave.. but broke down. I felt like such a horrible daughter because i could not be there for my Mom when i felt like she needed me the most. She lives in California and we are in Georgia, and we just could not afford the trip.
She said it was ok and she understood.. but still.. i. should. have. been. there.
She is still in the grieving process, and will be for quite sometime,
They were together for 16 years and married for 14. They were mini-storage managers and lived in an apt above their office. So now, Mom has to go upstairs to an empty apt and go to work without him every day.
She was going to move out here to be with us in about 6 months.. but she decided to go live near her sister instead.
i have mixed feelings about that.
Anyways,
sorry for the book.
i am still keeping y'all in my prayers.

[DapperButch]

All I can say is, What a Difference going to a dedicated breast center has made!! After having been to three doctors (all working as a team mind you) in three consecutive weeks, who A. seemed surprised to see my sponsee who has breast cancer and B. had to be told why she was there..........even though I was in the office with the first doctor when he made the phone calls to the other two......I was not happy.

This Monday when we went for a second opinion at the Livingston Breast Center:
:loveBFP: (http://www.barnabashealth.org/Ambulatory-Care/Our-Services/The-Breast-Center.aspx) (< link)
We saw Doctor Sarah Schaefer, who has been the doctor for my sponsor Nan and also for close friends of my sponsee's. Amazingly she knew exactly why we were there. None of the other doctors had managed to get the pathology report, Doctor Schaefer and the Center use something called Nurse Navigator and had those results with in 5 minutes and was able to lay out a plan with us during the first visit.
Also I had been looking at a study using Reparixin, the other three doctors, blew it off though they had never heard of it, Doctor Schaefer looked it up right there and we talked about the pros and cons and how she would cooperate with Montefiore if my sponsee chose to participate.

Tomorrow my sponsee is going to see Doctor Dean R Cerio, who is a plastic surgeon who works in cooperation with the center. The plan is that my sponsee will be getting the breast reduction she has always wanted as a part of the lumpectomy.....which is also amazing because the other three doctors had told her there was no way.
As part of a small personal victory, my sponsee is going to see this surgeon with her friend who is also a patient of this doctor and I am going to have my mamo and then see a pulminologist (I failed my spirograph test)
I realize that the bigger the team the easier this is going to be for all of us.
My grandmother used to say 'many hands make light work' and she was sure right. Having the support of the people on this thread and the folks we know in recovery, plus our friends and family has made this lonely thing feel like a group effort and quite survivable. Thank you so much!!!

Glad things went so well for your sponsee (and glad to hear that you are taking care of yourself, too!)! Yes, I have heard it does make a big difference if you are at a breast center. Oncologists are more motivated because it is their life's work, instead of all cancers.

Glad to hear so many are pitching in to help. They say one should have a "cancer team" when facing this. I can't remember all the different roles, but Keith Block, M.D. wrote about it in his book ("Life Over Cancer"). I'm sure you can find the concept in other places. Roles include for example, the "researcher" who looks up information, goes to all the appointments, and organizes it all, then there would be a person who had time to do driving to chemo/radiation/testing, someone may be good at making meals, etc. It is too much for one or two people to manage. I know it was a lot for just my mom and girlfriend. However, I was able to do a lot of things for myself for the bulk of my treatment (during chemo), so it was only about two months I was useless (after surgeries). My brain was never really clear though during all that treatment. I think I even wrote some idiotic stuff on this website during that time!

[DapperButch]

I lost my Step-Dad to Cancer in November.
In January, he was diagnosed with bladder cancer and he went out and did everything he possibly could do to fight it. He did the chemo, he changed his eating and drinking habits, he started exercising more.. you name it.
The cancer spread too fast to his lymph nodes, so they could not do the surgery they were going to do. He fought so hard to beat it.. but he just couldn't. My mom was by his side the whole time. He was her true soul mate and the only man she was ever really in love with.
It hurt me so badly watching from a distance what she had to go through.. i could not even imagine.
I was never really close to my step dad due to him never really wanting to be close to anyone, including his own kids. But my mom.. i love her dearly. When she called me to say he just had a matter of days, all i could do was pray and try to comfort her the best i could.
Then when he passed, she called trying to sound so brave.. but broke down. I felt like such a horrible daughter because i could not be there for my Mom when i felt like she needed me the most. She lives in California and we are in Georgia, and we just could not afford the trip.
She said it was ok and she understood.. but still.. i. should. have. been. there.
She is still in the grieving process, and will be for quite sometime,
They were together for 16 years and married for 14. They were mini-storage managers and lived in an apt above their office. So now, Mom has to go upstairs to an empty apt and go to work without him every day.
She was going to move out here to be with us in about 6 months.. but she decided to go live near her sister instead.
i have mixed feelings about that.
Anyways,
sorry for the book.
i am still keeping y'all in my prayers.


Hey, deb. It is a couple of months after a person's death that supporters tend to wander away and go back to their lives. They think about the survivor less and contact them less. It is when the fanfare of support/activities around the death, dies down that the survivor really needs someone. The best thing you can do for your mother is to save your money and fly out there when you can. She STILL needs you. You can still be there for her. It is not any less important than it was right after her husband's death.

[TruTexan]

LWFemme, I am so glad your sponsee is going to a dedicated breast cancer center. That is where I go for mammograms every year and this year they found something about the size of a dime to a penny or so and the doctor was so cautious in his choosing to go ahead with a biopsy just to make sure. I wish your sponsee well in her treatment plans and in her recovery. I can't tell you enough how important it is for us as women bodied individuals to have those mammograms done every year and at the same place every year so they have your records to compare and refer back to.
I wish I had a woman doctor, but I did have the chief of oncology come to talk to me about my results and look at the ultrasound himself. He was very sweet and caring individual. I'm glad to have the opportunity to go to a dedicated breast cancer center locally, I think it makes a world of difference that those doctors are dedicated to that special area of our bodies.

As for me, I shall try to remain focused into today and not worry about things to come or even about tomorrow, for tomorrow hasn't even come yet.

[deb0670]

Thank You, Actually she is flying out here in May to see her new great-granddaughter when she is born. My son lives three houses down from us and he and his wife are having their first child and it is our first granddaughter and my Mom's first great-granddaughter. While my mom is here, we are driving up to Illinois so she can see her two great grandsons for the first time.
So, that will be good for her.



Hey, deb. It is a couple of months after a person's death that supporters tend to wander away and go back to their lives. They think about the survivor less and contact them less. It is when the fanfare of support/activities around the death, dies down that the survivor really needs someone. The best thing you can do for your mother is to save your money and fly out there when you can. She STILL needs you. You can still be there for her. It is not any less important than it was right after her husband's death.

[DapperButch]

Thank You, Actually she is flying out here in May to see her new great-granddaughter when she is born. My son lives three houses down from us and he and his wife are having their first child and it is our first granddaughter and my Mom's first great-granddaughter. While my mom is here, we are driving up to Illinois so she can see her two great grandsons for the first time.
So, that will be good for her.

Yes, that is fantastic. Plus, it gives her something to look forward to....a very good thing!

[deb0670]

Exactly. She has a lot of friends near her and work with her, plus my Aunt is only a couple of hours away from her, so at least she has support around her.. i just wish we lived closer to each other.

[Tommi]

Knowing we don't need to carry a heavy load alone helps the scary days and lonely nights.

As a caregiver over the past several years, and losing one friend to cancer, and an estranged ex to Alzheimer's, then my second cancer adventure and surviving therapy.there is so much to be said about all of us sharing here on the Planet.

No matter what goes on in our lives and those of the ones we know and love, we have this cyber connection of understanding, concern, advice, and bonding.


And I have NFL today

[TruTexan]

Today has been a hard tough day for me. I am getting more scared as the days pass closer to my biopsy on wednesday. I am taking my anxiety meds and trying to remain in the day I am living in, but it's not working well for me today.
My back is killing me so I know it's stress related. Everytime I have major stress, it all goes down into my injured back and its excruciating today. UGH.
I am not happy to go through this with no support at home other than my mom stressing out over it. She isn't much support for me. I have only this thread to talk to others about my fears and I am grateful that you listen to me and help me make it through the day when I speak my fears. Thank you.

[Tommi]

Hi there Justy, every day can be so darn different. Up one, down the next, and then any old pain just wants to wipe ya out. :goodluck:

Wondering ? There is a pretty good group of members on the Planet that live in Texas.
I knowTexas is big, and the Planet is worldwide, but wanted you to know you may have someone close by that you could shat with, or maybe just meet for some Texas BBQ.

I forget about cancer. I am reminded when I get that call for an appointment. Otherwise, I kind of just move on with my life.
One Day At A Time, is what I can handle. Of course Aug.through Oct. daily radiation to my pelvis was a kick in the :seeingstars: every day, but it went fast, and I had minor side effects. Soon as it was over, life begins anew again.

Just For Today, I walk tall (I am height challenged ;) , fixed my sprinklers, and watered my lawn, and hope there is someone else in the world that a smile can help. :moonstars:

[TruTexan]

Hi there Justy, every day can be so darn different. Up one, down the next, and then any old pain just wants to wipe ya out. :goodluck:

Wondering ? There is a pretty good group of members on the Planet that live in Texas.
I knowTexas is big, and the Planet is worldwide, but wanted you to know you may have someone close by that you could shat with, or maybe just meet for some Texas BBQ.

I forget about cancer. I am reminded when I get that call for an appointment. Otherwise, I kind of just move on with my life.
One Day At A Time, is what I can handle. Of course Aug.through Oct. daily radiation to my pelvis was a kick in the :seeingstars: every day, but it went fast, and I had minor side effects. Soon as it was over, life begins anew again.

Just For Today, I walk tall (I am height challenged ;) , fixed my sprinklers, and watered my lawn, and hope there is someone else in the world that a smile can help. :moonstars:

Thanks for this Tommi. You hit the nail on the head about living in the day, the moment. It's all I can handle most days too. I"m kinda nervous today about tomorrow's procedure, but I"m working on staying into just today for one day at a time.
As for members here in Tx, yeah there are a bunch of them, but none close to me. I can't travel cause I have no funds for that during the month, living on my disability check doesn't allow for much more than rent, bills, some groceries. Never allows for me to have anything different. Even when I go to visit my dad and grandma and my cousins, my dad helps me with gas money to and from. I'm doing all I can to keep my costs at home on the minimum and doing without things that aren't basic necessity.
I wish I was still working, but my back, ptsd and anxiety, depression won't allow for it. I can't handle being around people larger than just a couple or maybe 4 tops. I"m okay with family because I know them all my life so they don't make me nervous or anything. Sometimes even they are too much for me to be around.
Anyway, I've gotten a couple of numbers from friends online that I"ve called and talk to them about all I am about to embark upon. So I do have a reach out and touch someone plan when I need it. And they are good folks too.

Thanks again Tommi, for posting and helping me to remain into today.

Justy

[MysticOceansFL]

Just wanted to let folks know who are dealing with cancer I really do "feel" for you although I'm not a caregiver...... after I got out of the Military back in 1983 I had a year left to spend with my mother and care for her and be there if she needed anything, she passed away in 1984 with bone and lung cancer, Please I don't want sympathy I just wanted those to know who are dealing with it there are people here who do care a great deal!!!!!

[Tommi]

Just wanted to let folks know who are dealing with cancer I really do "feel" for you although I'm not a caregiver...... after I got out of the Military back in 1983 I had a year left to spend with my mother and care for her and be there if she needed anything, she passed away in 1984 with bone and lung cancer, Please I don't want sympathy I just wanted those to know who are dealing with it there are people here who do care a great deal!!!!!

Hello:
Thanks for that kind of support MysticOceansFl. When you are close to someone who who has had, or know someone who is ill with a dreaded disease, it helps to know someone else understands, knows, and has shared the pain, confusion, loss and love we may know.

[Tommi]

"The goal is to live a full, productive life even with all that ambiguity. No matter what happens, whether the cancer never flares up again or whether you die, the important thing is that the days that you have had you will have lived."
Gilda Radner

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/cancer.html#YhVrU2A2Scv8lUmV.99

[mustangjeano]

Thanks for this Tommi. You hit the nail on the head about living in the day, the moment. It's all I can handle most days too. I"m kinda nervous today about tomorrow's procedure, but I"m working on staying into just today for one day at a time.
As for members here in Tx, yeah there are a bunch of them, but none close to me. I can't travel cause I have no funds for that during the month, living on my disability check doesn't allow for much more than rent, bills, some groceries. Never allows for me to have anything different. Even when I go to visit my dad and grandma and my cousins, my dad helps me with gas money to and from. I'm doing all I can to keep my costs at home on the minimum and doing without things that aren't basic necessity.
I wish I was still working, but my back, ptsd and anxiety, depression won't allow for it. I can't handle being around people larger than just a couple or maybe 4 tops. I"m okay with family because I know them all my life so they don't make me nervous or anything. Sometimes even they are too much for me to be around.
Anyway, I've gotten a couple of numbers from friends online that I"ve called and talk to them about all I am about to embark upon. So I do have a reach out and touch someone plan when I need it. And they are good folks too.

Thanks again Tommi, for posting and helping me to remain into today.

Justy

Hi Justy, just dropping by to say that you are in my thoughts tonite and tomorrow. Tell them that you want the biopsy results ASAP (grin)--but seriously, hopefully you will have the answer very quickly. Hang tough Buddy. You are doing great. Jeano

[TruTexan]

Hi Justy, just dropping by to say that you are in my thoughts tonite and tomorrow. Tell them that you want the biopsy results ASAP (grin)--but seriously, hopefully you will have the answer very quickly. Hang tough Buddy. You are doing great. Jeano

Thanks Jeano, I appreciate ya buddy. I am going in for that biopsy this afternoon, have to be there at 150pm central time. I may not know the answer to the results of the biopsy for up to 2 wks if they send it out for second opinion , and that's the part that will drive me nutty. The waiting part, the fear of the unknown. But I'm going to take it one moment at a time during the day I live in one day at a time. And pray that it comes back to mean nothing to worry about.
We'll see. I may not feel like going online tomorrow, I don't know how much pain my boob will be in after the local wears off. I might feel like that needle is still in there probing around LOL. I'll keep posting to stay in touch though it may be a day later. Thank you all for your support and love.
Justy

[TruTexan]

I had my biopsy done, man does my breast hurt. OUCH! Ok so now the waiting game begins and this is the part that can make you go mad crazy if you think think think about it too much. OK I"m gonna stay in the moment of one day at a time and this will keep me sane. He took 3 samples for biopsy today and I felt every bit of the snipping even though he deadened the breast as much as possible with a local there. Still kinda feels like that needle is still in there but I"m sure it will be better tomorrow and expecting bruising too from what he said.
I'm using ice packs on it for the next couple hours to help prevent blood clot at biopsy site and to help minimize the bruising.

On top of that stuff going on, my lower back is killing me today so that is taking away from me focusing on my breast hurting or thinking about what's he gonna say now?! I"m ok, I"ll be ok. I"m good to go and ready for anything that may come. At least I at this very moment I am. He's going to call me when he has the results of the test to discuss it with me. Whew, glad the biopsy is over with.
I hope that every that is a caregiver or cancer patient is doing better today, stay strong, stay into today, keep your head high and know you aren't alone.

Justy

[Tommi]

http://news.talkqueen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/lumosity-300x225.png

Hey Justy, Glad that is over with , I am sure. Ice helps, so does getting some solid sleep after this ordeal.
While waiting you could play some brain games,

Do these everyday, or some kind of challenge.

challenge yourself, and see when your moods, your sleep, your pain, and everything else contribute to your braininess. :hangloose:

I love Lumosity. I got a years subscription as a Christmas present, and it is awesome to see how it works. I think they have free games too. :fastdraq:

[TruTexan]

http://news.talkqueen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/lumosity-300x225.png

Hey Justy, Glad that is over with , I am sure. Ice helps, so does getting some solid sleep after this ordeal.
While waiting you could play some brain games,

Do these everyday, or some kind of challenge.

challenge yourself, and see when your moods, your sleep, your pain, and everything else contribute to your braininess. :hangloose:

I love Lumosity. I got a years subscription as a Christmas present, and it is awesome to see how it works. I think they have free games too. :fastdraq:


Yeah I"ve seen that advertised. I have trouble focusing let alone reading. I wonder if that would help me to be able to focus better. hmm, I'll have to check it out. I get bored easily too, so maybe these won't be boring to me to play. I play in the arcade here and yahoo games too at times when I am bored. I also record movies on my tv so I can watch them later when I am bored. LOL As you can see, I have tons of time on my hands, I"m disabled and no longer work, and there are no places to volunteer here nearby. It gets old really quickly everyday, thanks Tommi. I will check into it. maybe they will have some free games i can afford to play. Thanks again.

[TruTexan]

My doctor called today with Good news!! My tumor is BENIGN and doesn't need removing at this time. I have to go back for more mammograms in 6 months to recheck the growth and go from there. For NOW I am cancer free Thank God!


Thank you all in this thread for your tremendous support while I endured my journey to find out. I very much appreciated and am very blessed to have your support and friendship online. If I could hug each one of you I would.
(((((((((((((HUGS TO YOU ALL)))))))))))))))))

Justy

[Rockinonahigh]

My doctor called today with Good news!! My tumor is BENIGN and doesn't need removing at this time. I have to go back for more mammograms in 6 months to recheck the growth and go from there. For NOW I am cancer free Thank God!


Thank you all in this thread for your tremendous support while I endured my journey to find out. I very much appreciated and am very blessed to have your support and friendship online. If I could hug each one of you I would.
(((((((((((((HUGS TO YOU ALL)))))))))))))))))

Justy

Fantastic news,big cyber hug to you,now take a deep breath you handled this like a champ.

[TruTexan]

Fantastic news,big cyber hug to you,now take a deep breath you handled this like a champ.

With help you from you too bro, a brother from another mother, and everyone else in the thread, I felt like I did a pretty darn good job in preparing myself for my journey.

Thank you Rockin.

[Tommi]

TrUTexan sighs of relief felt around the Planet. Glad your news was god, and was speedy too.
So, take care and be thankful. (f)

[Tommi]

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b7JkzoeWQzY/Tvy95hqDfhI/AAAAAAAAAnA/o7bEdO9bhdw/s1600/live-learn-quotes-picture.png

[Genesis]

Hello Everyone ^_^ I hope everyone is doing good. That each of you is being supported, nourished and loved in your own personal journeys and on the journeys you are with family, friends and loved ones. It has been so long since I posted... It's been some very challenging months where my characte has been shaped and challenged. I am very glad to share that my Mom is doing great.
We are growing stronger as the days go by. She has surgery for her left leg.The ortopedic surgeon will be removing a steel rod that was placed in her
left leg femur because of the broken bone due to her multiple myeloma. When we saw her x-rays last month I was beyond thankful to God because you could see how clean and beautiful her left femur looked.... no traces of the brokenness and destruction the cancer had done before in her legs... like it never happened....
I am very well aware that I will never see it or feel it like my Mom sees these things... because she is the one going through it... nonetheless... it's miraculous to see her every single day... Sometimes I stop and observe her and remember how many close calls she has had with the multiple myeloma and yet here she is.... Please do not get me wrong... we have our moments where we break down and cry... and then we hug eachother and get up and keep moving forward... Please never forget your life is meaningful... you are special and you do have so much to give... so if you must rest a while do so... if you must go through your emotions... do so... then hug yourself and keep moving forward....

[TruTexan]

Hello Everyone ^_^ I hope everyone is doing good. That each of you is being supported, nourished and loved in your own personal journeys and on the journeys you are with family, friends and loved ones. It has been so long since I posted... It's been some very challenging months where my characte has been shaped and challenged. I am very glad to share that my Mom is doing great.
We are growing stronger as the days go by. She has surgery for her left leg.The ortopedic surgeon will be removing a steel rod that was placed in her
left leg femur because of the broken bone due to her multiple myeloma. When we saw her x-rays last month I was beyond thankful to God because you could see how clean and beautiful her left femur looked.... no traces of the brokenness and destruction the cancer had done before in her legs... like it never happened....
I am very well aware that I will never see it or feel it like my Mom sees these things... because she is the one going through it... nonetheless... it's miraculous to see her every single day... Sometimes I stop and observe her and remember how many close calls she has had with the multiple myeloma and yet here she is.... Please do not get me wrong... we have our moments where we break down and cry... and then we hug eachother and get up and keep moving forward... Please never forget your life is meaningful... you are special and you do have so much to give... so if you must rest a while do so... if you must go through your emotions... do so... then hug yourself and keep moving forward....

I"m glad you're mom is doing better and that her femur is healed now. I shall keep her and family in my prayers, if you don't mind.
My mom's been through a lot in her life as well with surgeries but not cancer issues. Our mom's are a lot stronger than we sometimes think, we just have to give them room to breathe and let go of anxieties and go through the emotions they need to go through, then when they need us most, they will let us know from there. Standing by a parents side while they go through so much is important for them for strength and comfort. I'm glad your mom has you around. She needs you, as well as mine needs me.
God Bless you and your family.

Justy

[mustangjeano]

My doctor called today with Good news!! My tumor is BENIGN and doesn't need removing at this time. I have to go back for more mammograms in 6 months to recheck the growth and go from there. For NOW I am cancer free Thank God!


Thank you all in this thread for your tremendous support while I endured my journey to find out. I very much appreciated and am very blessed to have your support and friendship online. If I could hug each one of you I would.
(((((((((((((HUGS TO YOU ALL)))))))))))))))))

Justy

Yay Justy
I just now saw your good news. It is so nice to see this result. Jeano

[Rockinonahigh]

With help you from you too bro, a brother from another mother, and everyone else in the thread, I felt like I did a pretty darn good job in preparing myself for my journey.

Thank you Rockin.

Tex ,thank you for allowing me to be part of the support system for you,your strength and will power will get you a long way in life.

[TruTexan]

Tex ,thank you for allowing me to be part of the support system for you,your strength and will power will get you a long way in life.

Thank you my brother for being there for me. I appreciate you. Your kind words of support helped a great deal.

[TruTexan]

Yay Justy
I just now saw your good news. It is so nice to see this result. Jeano

Jeano, thanks so much for your kind words of support to me, it helped me to remain positive and have faith. I appreciate you.

[TruTexan]

A huge thank you to all of you here in the thread for your kind words of support and wisdom. They helped me to remain positive and cope well until the outcome of my tests came back. I appreciate each and every one of you. Each of you are Rocks of Gibraltar in your own journey. Thank you again.


Justy

[LeftWriteFemme]

Well, when it rains it pours.....or in our case when it snows it pours. In the midst of 55 inches of snow descending on us blow after blow. My sponsee readys herself for surgery on February 27 and all that is great, they will do the lumpectomy and the breast reduction, take her sentinel node and do the pathology right in the surgical suite and it's going to be fine I'm sure. What we weren't prepared for was the phone call about her brother who contracted 2 forms of viral pneumonia, the H1N1 and Virus A on top of which he has emphysema and COPD. He was taken into the hospital and medically paralized and sedated which caused him to have cardiac arrest. It's been a very stressful time. He is in the infectious ward and we all have to gown up to visit with him. My sponsee's sister and nephew flew up and stayed with me. It's been really intense. I am worried that my sponsee might contract something while she is preparing for her own procedure. Today they preformed a tracheotomy and put in a feeding tube. I feel like we are buying a little time with this. I really don't want my sponsee to have to face the death of her brother the week of her surgery. I am hoping for the best, but I am aware it is out of my hands.
Thank you all for being here. I'm excited for all the good news I've read in this thread recently!!

[clay]

All of my scans came back clean!!! ....yay!!!!
I want to send a warm hug and say "thanks" to all the wonderful people here who offer kind words, offer support, and always lend a listening ear.....I love you all.....Clay

[TruTexan]

All of my scans came back clean!!! ....yay!!!!
I want to send a warm hug and say "thanks" to all the wonderful people here who offer kind words, offer support, and always lend a listening ear.....I love you all.....Clay

This is GREAT NEWS! I"m so happy for you Clay.

[mustangjeano]

Well, when it rains it pours.....or in our case when it snows it pours. In the midst of 55 inches of snow descending on us blow after blow. My sponsee readys herself for surgery on February 27 and all that is great, they will do the lumpectomy and the breast reduction, take her sentinel node and do the pathology right in the surgical suite and it's going to be fine I'm sure. What we weren't prepared for was the phone call about her brother who contracted 2 forms of viral pneumonia, the H1N1 and Virus A on top of which he has emphysema and COPD. He was taken into the hospital and medically paralized and sedated which caused him to have cardiac arrest. It's been a very stressful time. He is in the infectious ward and we all have to gown up to visit with him. My sponsee's sister and nephew flew up and stayed with me. It's been really intense. I am worried that my sponsee might contract something while she is preparing for her own procedure. Today they preformed a tracheotomy and put in a feeding tube. I feel like we are buying a little time with this. I really don't want my sponsee to have to face the death of her brother the week of her surgery. I am hoping for the best, but I am aware it is out of my hands.
Thank you all for being here. I'm excited for all the good news I've read in this thread recently!!

LR you surely have a lot on your plate--but having met you in person and reading your book I know you are a rock for your sponsee--she is so lucky to have you by her side. Sending good energy for you, your sponsee and her brother. Jeano

[mustangjeano]

All of my scans came back clean!!! ....yay!!!!
I want to send a warm hug and say "thanks" to all the wonderful people here who offer kind words, offer support, and always lend a listening ear.....I love you all.....Clay

You just made my day brother. I am dancing the happy dance right now. Thanks for sharing the good news. Jeano

[clay]

You just made my day brother. I am dancing the happy dance right now. Thanks for sharing the good news. Jeano

:hangloose:....right along with you!!!!
As always, you are one amazingly compassionate friend!!! I heart you my dear friend!!! THANK YOU for being YOU!......

[Tommi]

http://ak.imgag.com/imgag/product/postcards/3280128/graphic1.jpg

[LeftWriteFemme]

I'm leaving in a few minutes to go pick up my sponsee, today is her surgery. I didn't think I was nervous, but I couldn't get to sleep last night and 4:30 am came much earlier than you might expect, it was earlier than I expected for sure. Everything will be fine, but I do appreciate all the support here, your prayers and well wishes mean so much. Oh, on the very happy news side of the world, my sponsee's brother breathed on his own for 8 hours yesterday and is surprising all of us with his consistent improvement. Thank you again, Sherrie

[DapperButch]

I'm leaving in a few minutes to go pick up my sponsee, today is her surgery. I didn't think I was nervous, but I couldn't get to sleep last night and 4:30 am came much earlier than you might expect, it was earlier than I expected for sure. Everything will be fine, but I do appreciate all the support here, your prayers and well wishes mean so much. Oh, on the very happy news side of the world, my sponsee's brother breathed on his own for 8 hours yesterday and is surprising all of us with his consistent improvement. Thank you again, Sherrie

LWF, I think it is fantastic the way you are staying by your sponsee's side. I know your role in her life is to be available to her for emotional support, but to me (in my limited knowledge of the Sponsor/sponsee relationship based on people I know), this goes beyond the call of duty! People are lucky if their family will be as supportive/involved as you are.

l bet she is grateful to you. I can tell you as one who has had cancer, this is our most vulnerable time and a time we are really clued in as to how much we need others. With this need comes feelings of gratefulness (or it should!)

I am so glad she has you!

[Tommi]

Sharing about Difficult Days and Nights. For today.
One of the joys of survival is when someone special is there, and can just listen. Knowing you are there, and have always been there will be good medicine and a great example of the tools .

Keep us posted.

[LeftWriteFemme]

I am blown away by this whole process. Yesterday, whirled by at a breakneck pace and today is just a blur. My sponsee's 5 and a half hour surgery was a success and she was taped up and sent home at 9:30 pm. The anesthetic was Propofol, which has a very short half life and her incisions were seeded with lidocaine and she was wrapped up tight. She has so little discomfort all she has taken is Tylenol. She has two drains. The oncology surgeon showed me the films and told me the margins look really good. They took two sentinel nodes, but didn't check them in the surgical suite as she had first told me they would. Instead they will take a look and present their findings at the tumor board, which I think meets on Wednesday. So at this point she is delighted to be home and delighted to have had her breast reduction. Having the cancer taken out has been reduced to a footnote. My guess is it will be back in the headlines when the radiation treatments begin in a few weeks. Thank you for your love and support I couldn't have managed this without it. Please keep those thoughts and prayers coming they are doing us a world of good!

[LeftWriteFemme]

It's hard to believe, but my sponsee returned to work today! Both the oncology surgeon and the plastic surgeon think she is doing great. The medical oncologist has sent her tests out to preform some equation that will take three weeks to get the results and from that they will determine if she will need chemo, but no one thinks she will. She will however have radiation and she hasn't visited with the radiologist yet, but she will soon. We are all confident that the radiation will be simpler due to the fact that 9 pounds of breast tissue was removed from each breast so that is 18 pounds less tissue to radiate. Plus, it gives a new meaning to clean margins......all the doctors are impressed with how well her skin is healing, we mainly contribute that to the recommendation of Dr. Henning to eat lots and lots of cucumbers, it seems to have made an impressive improvement in healing which we are all grateful for.
Again, thank you for all your support and encouragement. This has been a team effort and I think that is a major part of why it has all gone so well. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers we are still working our way though this process and need all the strength we get from all of you!

[Tommi]

Awesome. So glad for the Great news.

Having a Team, helps with the scary times, questions, and aloneness that comes with that diagnosis, which, used to always be so deadly.

Good friends, good care, good doctors, good medicine, and a Higher Power pulling for you keeps the bad juju away.

Tell her she gets to wear a special T-shirt if she does the American Cancer Society RELAY FOR LIFE (http://www.relayforlife.org/). :)

http://www.relayforlife.org/

[LeftWriteFemme]

Awesome. So glad for the Great news.

Having a Team, helps with the scary times, questions, and aloneness that comes with that diagnosis, which, used to always be so deadly.

Good friends, good care, good doctors, good medicine, and a Higher Power pulling for you keeps the bad juju away.

Tell her she gets to wear a special T-shirt if she does the American Cancer Society RELAY FOR LIFE (http://www.relayforlife.org/). :)

http://www.relayforlife.org/

I will let her know about this! She and her sponsee are signed up for a 37 mile walk in NYC: http://www.avonwalk.org/new-york/ I think they are going to get hooked on doing these walks!

Thank you for the encouragement and guidance it has made all the difference as she has had to face the sea of unknown medical choices! You expertise is a godsend! Thank you again.

http://www.avonwalk.org/assets/2012/images/content/city/new-york/slide3.jpg

[LeftWriteFemme]

Okay, so today my sponsee went to the medical oncologist's office and her number is 17 and this means she will have to have both chemo and radiation. 4 rounds of infusion chemo and 28 treatments of radiation. She will begin the chemo in a couple of weeks. I am shocked.......none of us thought she would need chemo. I haven't stopped crying since I found out and I am going to have to get a grip because I will not show her how upset I am, she needs my strength not my distress. I simply don't want her to have to go through this and I have no control....none of us do. She is being a trooper, I offered to come get her or go stay with her or have myself and others come take her to a meeting, but she says she's okay (her sponsee is away this weekend)

Any advice you can offer about surviving the chemo....or the radiation for that matter is appreciated.

Earlier this week the cosmetic surgeon had to cut away her dead skin....it freaked her out, when I asked her why she said because he did it right there in his suit......guess she thought he would gown up??? This has been such a learning experience.

The medical oncologist says when this is all done her chance of occurrence will be 10% so I'm going to hold on to that......until I can find something better!

Thank you again for all the support and encouragement, it really helps!

[TruTexan]

Okay, so today my sponsee went to the medical oncologist's office and her number is 17 and this means she will have to have both chemo and radiation. 4 rounds of infusion chemo and 28 treatments of radiation. She will begin the chemo in a couple of weeks. I am shocked.......none of us thought she would need chemo. I haven't stopped crying since I found out and I am going to have to get a grip because I will not show her how upset I am, she needs my strength not my distress. I simply don't want her to have to go through this and I have no control....none of us do. She is being a trooper, I offered to come get her or go stay with her or have myself and others come take her to a meeting, but she says she's okay (her sponsee is away this weekend)

Any advice you can offer about surviving the chemo....or the radiation for that matter is appreciated.

Earlier this week the cosmetic surgeon had to cut away her dead skin....it freaked her out, when I asked her why she said because he did it right there in his suit......guess she thought he would gown up??? This has been such a learning experience.

The medical oncologist says when this is all done her chance of occurrence will be 10% so I'm going to hold on to that......until I can find something better!

Thank you again for all the support and encouragement, it really helps!

Many prayers said for your sponsee. I know she is in need of your support and you need support of us here at BFP. I haven't done much online posting , just reading and forgot about reading this thread as well. I"m here and I support you.
A wife of my cousin is finishing her chemo this week, she had ovarian and uterine cancer which spread to her lyphnodes. She starts radiation therapy next week and should be finished with it by the 1st of next month. It's been a long road for her as well as those of you that have gone through having cancer and getting treatments. Chemo and radiation take a toll on the patients involved and they all need support as much as they can get to keep strength to fight the fight. I commend you LWF for being so diligent in your support to your sponsee. Keep up the good work. I will keep you in prayer as well as your sponsee and all members here that are dealing with the this.

God Bless you all.

[LeftWriteFemme]

FeaO2BrrIf8

[DapperButch]

So, i had a little freak out yesterday. I was calling my doc's office to find out when I should schedule a CAT scan. It had been a long time and couldn't remember what the plan was as the time frame changes on various tests the further out I move away from when I had my surgery/chemo treatment.

I found out that I actually missed a CAT scan appointment 4 months ago. I am pretty pissed because I am confident that they did not call me to tell me that this was scheduled. I recall the conversation with the assistant I had at my last oncology appt. She was to set it up when it was time for me to get one and let me know. She of course thinks she DID tell me. I don't recall that phone call, or receiving those prescriptions.

It doesn't matter at this point.

I was pretty freaked out that it has been 1 year and 3.5 months since my last CAT scan and it was to be done at one year. In my head, I mixed it up with how soon I was supposed to have a colonoscopy which is every 1.5 years (I think? Shit, maybe that one is sooner, too).

With both CAT scans and colonoscopies you want to be careful with how often you do them for health reasons.

It hasn't helped that for the last couple of months I have been having that same tired feeling I had before I was diagnosed. It is hard to explain, but it is this certain type of exhaustion I get. This is what got me thinking about calling to begin with. I actually thought it was supposed to be at 1.5 years and I was ahead of the game.

I will get my blood work done today and we will see how that goes. For most cancers though (the ones that I would typically get next), wouldn't show up in the blood until it was pretty bad, so that it not really a helpful gauge.

The CAT scan is Monday. I am glad they figured out a way to get me in so quickly.

I hope everyone else is doing well here.

I have a question for those who have suffered from cancer (for some reason I don't like the word survivor). How often do you think about it? How often do you worry it will come back? What is the intensity of the worry when you do think about it?

Thanks.

[clay]

Hey Dapper:
Glad you were able to get in and have this scheduled soon!
I understand where you are coming from on wanting to get the FU's done according to "schedule".....as per one's respective providers and timelines.
Once having cancer, surgery and/or chemo, we are predisposed to "living" on a timeline, so to speak.
My previous oncologist said I would need to be seen every 3 months, with the tumor marker levels done then, for life. So, in my subconscious, that is the "timeline" I lived on.
My current oncologist is from a different school of thought, following a national organization's gudielines. With my levels being stable at around 1 to 1.33, no new symptoms, etc. I can now go to once every 1 to 2 years before having CT scans. I don't have to get colonoscopies for a couple or 3 years unless something new comes up.
I had to re wrap my brain around this new set of guidelines, but am doing good with that. I was "hesitant" at first though.
Last Sept. I was given quite a scare. Had to get new colonoscopy, 5 months after previous one. BUT sometimes, the films do pick up "artifacts" or such....soooo.
Then in Nov. I had something "suspicious" show up on previously normal mammos. Again, I was terrified, put through wringer with more compressed scans and tests. Luckily, it was all benign....soooo...I get my mammos yearly without fail!
I had my regular eye exam a few months back, and again, I was given a scare. Further workup and MORE tests showed I didn't have acute narrow angle glaucoma as previously thought!
Now, my cancer wasn't as advanced , and I dodged having to have chemo/rads, but every check up does leave me with slight trepidation.





How often do you think about it?

Initially I was with some concern each time I had a follow up. I wondered if my cancer would return, what if my tumor marker levels were up, etc.
In time, I was able to relax and think on the positive side of the spectrum.

At times, I do think of it, and wonder if there are any new mutated cells running
amok inside of me. It's almost impossible to NOT think like this at times, for myself, anyway.

These answers apply only to me....as a sidenote....


How often do you worry it will come back?

Again, I am able to think more along it won't return, staying as focused and as positive as I can.

I don't want the fear of cancer to rule my life. I could drive myself insane with wondering about the "what ifs" if I let that consume me.



What is the intensity of the worry when you do think about it?

Last September, I was a royal mess when the films showed an "applecore lesion" on my splenic flexure of my colon (left side of colon). I was scared out of my mind for 6 weeks, until I had further workups to rule that out. It involved another colonoscopy and CT Scan with/without contrast, and bloodwork.

I was so down and worried sick. Here I was in a new relationship, just starting to settle into life again, and this ugly scenario cropped up. I couldn't focus on anything BUT cancer.
Thankfully for my loving, positive, and supportive partner, and an amazing network of friends who were supportive and loving, I was able to come out of that post test results!

Next month I am due for tumor marker levels, then pending those results, I am going to yearly FU's. Of course, if I have any changes in bowel/bladder, etc I will go in sooner.

Each of us are unique and each respond differently to our situations. But I know I will always have some trepidations regarding this ugly disease recurring inside of me. But I also refuse to let it consume me. I have my crafts, hobbies, friends, and this wonderful thread as diversionary. I always come to the Planet to see this thread in particular.

I feel at ease here, I like to read about each of us, and to share of myself with each of you. I like to catch a glimpse into each one of your lives, and see how life is going for everyone else.

Will it ever get less stressful? Probably not....because we each live on some sort of a "timed guideline" for further tests, FU's, and that deep down, nagging little thought of "is it back". What does this tiredness mean?

I have been more tired as of late, and I attributed it to the recent total knee replacement surgery I had. My hemoglobin is low, BUT rebounding. My BP is low, staying low, and I catch myself nodding off several times a day, if I sit still long enough. Of course, one's bowel habits and consistency does change...a lot...post cancer of the colon, so when asked if it has changed, I am always like...well, that is hard to say...unless it is bloody or something frankly obvious....how does one gauge that? as to "has it changed" ?

So, I hope I have given you some semblance of what it is like for myself...and I don't think any one of us is "alone" per se, in these same feelings...one way or another...and probably always will have these variances of feelings, fears, and "what ifs".

Dap....good luck my friend. I am with you in thoughts & spirit. Please let us know when you are ready to, your test results.
I look up to you, BTW, in so many ways. YOU were an amazing source of information, support, and encouragement to me when I faced my own colon cancer and surgery!!
I can only hope to be of the same to you....take care, Dap!!! fondly....Clay

[Genesis]

Sending positive energy and prayers to you DapperButch, Clay and everyone else in this group. Gosh, I feel like I have been out of the loop for a while.
As of now, my Mom had left knee and leg surgery. One of the screws was digging into her knee and she was no longer able to walk. She has two months left of limited mobility, and then she can begin physical therapy. It has been a learning experience trying to make sure she is wise and patient and not force herself to walk sooner than she should and making sure my Dad and I do not burn out.
It has been an interesting balancing act, but totally doable. Learning to know when to ask for "me" time... With Mother's day coming next month... my mind is already planning what my Dad and I will be doing for her on Mother's day. I am thankful for every single Doctor, intern, nurse and health personnel that has been involved in my Mom's care... even the bad ones... learned lessons and wisdom and strength gained. My prayers, positive energy, and love to each of you on your journey and your loved ones that walk this journey with each of you....

As for the questions:

How often do you think about it?
Since beginning the journey with my Mom almost 6 years ago... I do not think of mine so much... I make sure I stick to my annual check ups and blood work. Since I am so involved in my Mom's process... I do not think of mine often...

How often do you worry it will come back?
I worry mostly when I go do my blood work or annual check up. Once I get the results... then I deal with it....


What is the intensity of the worry when you do think about it?
It's not as intense as it used to be before. I just figured when it's time for me to go... It's time for me to go... If it comes back am going to give it hell.....

[DapperButch]

Hey, Clay. Thank you for the support and being so open and sharing in the way you did. You rock.

Genesis, yes it makes sense that if we have others to worry about, we worry less about ourselves. Glad to hear you have not forgotten about yourself and follow through on getting the tests you need.

[clay]

Dapper:
You are so very welcome! Thank YOU for your continued friendship and support with your kind words!!!
Take care of yourself, Dapper!!

[clay]

Genesis:
I echo my friend, Dapper's sentiments to you also....take care of yourself, too.
An instructor in nursing once told me something that stuck all these years.....if my own bucket isn't full, how can I possibly fill someone else's....
So take time for YOU.....know I am here as well with you in spirit.....keep us posted on mom's progress.
I am just 4.5 weeks post op with a total knee myself..those are rough, to say the least....
Hugs for you my friend....Clay

[Rockinonahigh]

Genesis:
I echo my friend, Dapper's sentiments to you also....take care of yourself, too.
An instructor in nursing once told me something that stuck all these years.....if my own bucket isn't full, how can I possibly fill someone else's....
So take time for YOU.....know I am here as well with you in spirit.....keep us posted on mom's progress.
I am just 4.5 weeks post op with a total knee myself..those are rough, to say the least....
Hugs for you my friend....Clay


Total knee replacement,my friend I do feel for you.I have had knee issues for the last two months so finely I see the knee orthopedics to morrow morning to find out how bad it's going to be,i'm thinking it won't be to good considering the pain I am dealing with.I'm taking pain pills but they only help me live with it better.Clay,take care and do what the doctors tells you to do.

[Tommi]

Okay, so today my sponsee went to the medical oncologist's office and her number is 17 and this means she will have to have both chemo and radiation. 4 rounds of infusion chemo and 28 treatments of radiation. She will begin the chemo in a couple of weeks. I am shocked.......none of us thought she would need chemo. I haven't stopped crying since I found out and I am going to have to get a grip because I will not show her how upset I am, she needs my strength not my distress. I simply don't want her to have to go through this and I have no control....none of us do. She is being a trooper, I offered to come get her or go stay with her or have myself and others come take her to a meeting, but she says she's okay (her sponsee is away this weekend)

Any advice you can offer about surviving the chemo....or the radiation for that matter is appreciated.

Earlier this week the cosmetic surgeon had to cut away her dead skin....it freaked her out, when I asked her why she said because he did it right there in his suit......guess she thought he would gown up??? This has been such a learning experience.

The medical oncologist says when this is all done her chance of occurrence will be 10% so I'm going to hold on to that......until I can find something better!

Thank you again for all the support and encouragement, it really helps!

We are all so unique in the way sickness affects us, but many common side effects from radiation and chemo. Knowing that reading and understanding some of them will be helpful to you and yours, here are a few basic's to get you started. From here , you can explore many topics, as I know being informed helps the crazy committee to be calmed and quieted.

Rad. Therapy sessions took less than 15 minutes. Waited in a lounge with 4 or 5 others, we were all ready and waiting for our names to be called, dressed in those fashionable clothes. I saw, for the ones with breast cancer, the skin gets extremely sensitive, and the radiation nurses and or Doc gave them creme's and ointments to use. Also, staying really well hydrated helped.

Pelvic Radiation for me, was a walk in the park, I drove myself to the external radiation appointments 5 days a week for 7 weeks every morning at 7 Am, then went to work.., and to the 3 final brachytherapy appointments that followed. Fatigue hit me for several months afterwards, where I wanted to sleep in, and not go to work, which was uncommon for me. I needed more than the usual 4 or 5 hours of sleep too.

Chemo is different for everyone. I didn't have chemo, so am not versed in it for myself. My Mom had lung cancer, and never got sick during it.

My best wishes for warp speed through this period of life. The experience you gather could make a great book for support for those who get the news and those that walk alongside. "just sayin' "

I love the smell of coffee too, and now have a Keurig that I can stand in front of as it brews; :):rrose:

Resource Link for Chemotherapy information
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/coping/chemotherapy-and-you

Chemotherapy and You: Support for People With Cancer

Chemotherapy and You is written for you - someone who is about to receive or is now receiving chemotherapy for cancer. Your family, friends, and others close to you may also want to read this book.

This book is a guide you can refer to throughout your chemotherapy treatment. It includes facts about chemotherapy and its side effects and also highlights ways you can care for yourself before, during, and after treatment
There are some great resources on NIH and American Cancer Society pages.
Cancer
About This Book
Questions and Answers About Chemotherapy
Tips for Meeting With Your Doctor or Nurse
Your Feelings During Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy Side Effects
Chemotherapy Side Effects At-A-Glance
Side Effects and Ways To Manage Them
Foods To Help With Side Effects
Ways To Learn More
For More Information
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:moonstars:

[LeftWriteFemme]

We are all so unique in the way sickness affects us, but many common side effects from radiation and chemo. Knowing that reading and understanding some of them will be helpful to you and yours, here are a few basic's to get you started. From here , you can explore many topics, as I know being informed helps the crazy committee to be calmed and quieted.

Rad. Therapy sessions took less than 15 minutes. Waited in a lounge with 4 or 5 others, we were all ready and waiting for our names to be called, dressed in those fashionable clothes. I saw, for the ones with breast cancer, the skin gets extremely sensitive, and the radiation nurses and or Doc gave them creme's and ointments to use. Also, staying really well hydrated helped.

Pelvic Radiation for me, was a walk in the park, I drove myself to the external radiation appointments 5 days a week for 7 weeks every morning at 7 Am, then went to work.., and to the 3 final brachytherapy appointments that followed. Fatigue hit me for several months afterwards, where I wanted to sleep in, and not go to work, which was uncommon for me. I needed more than the usual 4 or 5 hours of sleep too.

Chemo is different for everyone. I didn't have chemo, so am not versed in it for myself. My Mom had lung cancer, and never got sick during it.

My best wishes for warp speed through this period of life. The experience you gather could make a great book for support for those who get the news and those that walk alongside. "just sayin' "

I love the smell of coffee too, and now have a Keurig that I can stand in front of as it brews; :):rrose:

Resource Link for Chemotherapy information
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/coping/chemotherapy-and-you

Chemotherapy and You: Support for People With Cancer

Chemotherapy and You is written for you - someone who is about to receive or is now receiving chemotherapy for cancer. Your family, friends, and others close to you may also want to read this book.

This book is a guide you can refer to throughout your chemotherapy treatment. It includes facts about chemotherapy and its side effects and also highlights ways you can care for yourself before, during, and after treatment

:moonstars:

Thank you!!! Thank you, yes, it is a great book, she is about halfway through it and is feeling the relief knowledge brings!

The plastic surgeon has said she will be ready in two more weeks......so now we are having the debate of should she have her first treatment on Friday the 2nd or Monday the 5th, because May the 3rd is the Newark Women's Retreat and she is the MC and I am the retreat master. She has read that she will be full of energy the day after the treatment due to the steroids and will crash Sunday, and I will be able to be there and care for her on Sunday. Of course this makes sense in a perfect world where everything goes as planned and we have......ha, ha, ha, 'control' I of course am worried that having to do anything the day after her first chemo is a concern especially something as taxing as MCing a big event.
My sponsor Kris says, chemo is cumulative and the first session shouldn't be that bad.......I don't know, I just worry, though at this point the thing I am more worried about is that this week she locked herself out of the house and instead of calling for help.........CLIMBED THROUGH HER BEDROOM WINDOW!!!!! (I'm a little upset....can you tell??? :blink:) She is bruised beyond belief and I am without words, seriously she is not even completely healed from the surgery and she's climbing though windows........at 52. I've been shaking my head a lot, I am just as powerless over her craziness as I am her cancer. I will say her friends are teasing her like wild......one friend from work texted her while she was and the plastic surgeon's office to remind her that she could use his door, she didn't have to crawl out his office window...she laughed out loud at that, but I think it made the point better than all my fretting and hand wringing.
And you are right, of course you are right, this experience will make a great book........I am hope it will be a comedy, though in that dark place in my heart I still fear it could end up a tragedy. Kris, keeps reminding me that it's 'only' 4 rounds of chemo, only 4, that still sounds like a lot to me when we were expecting only radiation, but I am holding on to the fact that it's only 4.

Your new coffee maker sounds like fun! I've seen all the pretty little K-cup packs and it looks to be an elegant system! Enjoy!!

Again, thank you for all your support. I don't know why cancer is so much scarier to me than other diseases, but it really is. :candle:

Here is a link to the Fresh Air podcast where Edie Falco talks about many things including how she dealt with her breast cancer: http://www.npr.org/player/v2/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=3&islist=true&id=13&d=04-09-2014 http://media.npr.org/assets/img/2014/04/09/nurse_jackie_110_0132_wide-faf879c8b52f529f7faa33ca8803485aa4eee221-s1-c85.jpg

[DapperButch]

So, I found out on Friday that my best friend's father has colon cancer. She has been my best friend since 5th grade, so I know he him well. He has been my mechanic for years.

It is bad. BAD. He lost 25+lbs over the last couple of months and has refused to go to the doctor. He finally went because he was so exhausted he could not function. Doc could feel his tumor with a rectal exam.

Anyway, they are moving quickly, even having a surgeon come in on Good Friday when the office was closed to check him out (family doc knows the surgeon).

Chemo/radiation first. Dont' know why that is. My friend only knows so much. I told my friend after he gets all the info. I can sit down with her parents if they want. He is such a proud man (he has had symptoms for 6 months and ignored them), but I figure maybe he would be willing. I would think he might have a question or two about tx I could help him with.

It's got to be bad though, guys, if they could feel it. I don't want to tell my friend this and when she called me a couple of months ago, I told her it was a very treatable cancer. I don't have the heart to tell her that is it treatable when you catch it early....

Anyway, keep my friend's Dad in your thoughts and prayers please. He gets the results of his CAT scan tomorrow (they are searching for more tumors).

Thanks.

[DapperButch]

I just went for my CAT scan. I was talking to the receptionist while I was waiting. After I told her I had had colon cancer she told me her sister in-law had Stage 4 colon cancer 3 years ago. She said they took "everything out they could" (organd), and did chemo, etc. Anyway, it came back 6 months later. The docs told her there was nothing they could do at our local hospital (which actually has a pretty extensive Cancer Center). The woman went to that Cancer Treatment Center of America and they did more surgery/chemo. She is now 1.5 years clean of cancer.

It is nice to hear those stories.

[Tommi]

I trimmed my hedges, and brought in the ripe tomatoes and roses. I sat looking out the window at the birds zipping in and out of the flowers I have lovingly planted around my house. The nine beautiful rose bushes, one planted for each year since my cancer diagnosis..

Realized, I have some damn pretty roses out front and back.

Salad with the home grown tomatoes was wonderful.

The Keurig coffee pot is calling me, and I will be spending the weekend with loving people. Struggling to find where the pieces go, while doing puzzles with an Alzheimer's puzzle queen. She is fast and fun, and will be getting 5 new 500 piece puzzles today. :rrose:

I need to take some tomatoes with me...Living a good life, One day at a time.

[DapperButch]

My CAT scans were clean! Yippee!

Did you know that one CAT scan is equal to 100-200 x-rays. Yep, that's why they don't like us to get them.

Anyway, I am 3.5 years out from cancer diagnosis. Oncologist says that there is more of a chance of me getting a second colon cancer tumor than there is of me getting it in the liver, lung, etc., due to the first cancer. So, this is good. Good indeed.

It is good because colon cancer, when found early, is treatable. With regular colonoscopies they will find the next one and then we can get on it, quick! The colonoscopy finds the tumor more easily than a CAT scan would. Subsequently, I feel more comfortable with the time between the CAT scans lengthening. Very good stuff here, people.

My friend's Dad got the surgery for his colostomy bag. Like I said before, they can't remove the big tumor because it is so freakin' large, but they found another one behind it they removed. Then they closed the guy back up. He will do radiation and chemo by pill. When the tumor gets small enough, they will go back in and cut it out. They think it is possible that the cancer hasn't spread. Please continue to keep him in your thoughts.

[Tommi]

http://www.animalnetwork.org/I_Cartoons/CARTOON_CATSCAN_2-1-06.jpg

YEAH....thanks for sharing the Good news DapperButch. Those rads running around you, and telling the good news and giving you that glowing feeling ;)

For me, That time of Scheduling, Having the tests, the waiting are when it hits me...oh yeah, I belong to that special club...

then celebrating..
:pile: .and , on with life, forgetting about the club dues. :)

Hope your Dad's friends journey is successful.

[clay]

My CAT scans were clean! Yippee!


My friend's Dad ..... They think it is possible that the cancer hasn't spread. Please continue to keep him in your thoughts.




Excellent, Dapper!!! Most excellent news!!! Yay!!!

Thanks for update on your friend's dad as well. Will send up/out positive energies to them as well!

[Tommi]

http://www.zingerbug.com/holidays/glitter_graphics/happy_may_day_maypole_with_stars.gif
Created a Maypole for a weekend celebration. Having fun with painting, 10 foot x 3" PVC drain pipe, rocks, duct tape (of course) umbrella stand, whiskey barrel...and ...
It has to be portable, no digging, everything that goes into the state park, has to be removed.

Living life to it's fullest , one day at a time.

May 14th I have /Gyn/Oncologist appointment for my 7 month post radiation follow up for recurring CA found one year ago on my routine papsmear, and confirmed by colposcopy. Endometrial cancer originally diagnosed and treated with radical surgery and lymphadenectomy 10 years ago May 14th.

Someone posted earlier about how often do you think "it" ,about having had cancer, how do you handle it, etc.

For me, It comes up on anniversaries, of just before appointments, otherwise , I forget I ever had it.

I have heard, that some people worry every time they get an ache or pain, headache, tummy ache, etc. For me, that doesn't creep in. I know I have overworked, strained and sprained muscles and back, and/or eaten some nasty hot spicy greasy things.

So, off to Michael's for a flower wreath for the top of this POLE. and and and..an egg McMuffin and vanilla sugar-free coffee ;)

[LeftWriteFemme]

One down.......(well sort of, down)........and three more chemo treatments to go (plus 28 applications of radiation)

Friday morning (May 2) my sponsee went with a friend of hers to have the first treatment it took all day long and she was told by the doctor that she would not be allowed to MC the Newark Women's Retreat, which made sense to me, all that immune suppression and them an exposure to a large cross-section of the world.
She has born up really well. I got a cheerful call this morning that my suggestion that she sleep with her heated rice bags had worked and she slept through the night for the first time since she got the treatment.
We are still hoping that she will not lose her hair, I offered to shave my head in solidarity, but she doesn't feel that she will need that much support....lol

Thank you for all the encouragement, prayers and well wishes! This is a long battle but knowing that we are not fighting alone means so much!!!

[Genesis]

Near the end of June it will be 5 years since we began this journey.
I am a bit speechless because my Mom was "not supposed to survive" past the two first years... Five years later... I cannot even begin to tell you nor could I even voice or put into coherent words what this journey has been for her, for me, for my Dad... for the three of us... All I honestly say is that I am truly grateful to God, The Universe, Life, Mother Earth, People's kindness, prayers, positive energy and love... All amassed healed my Mom, held us three up and gave us strength, love and gratitude to move forward… I know I have not posted much on here… Real life gets busy and I’ve gone through my own miracle as well… This is a reflective time for me before the day of the 5 years is here… Just know that I appreciate each and everyone of you who thought of me and mine. I keep each of you in my prayers and send my love and positive energy your way… I might post more later... but just in case I do not...Thank you…

[Tommi]

Had my annual check (10 year)up last Weds. It was also 9 months post radiation follow-up for last years 9 year recurrence

Awaiting results of path report: that little post card in the mail with a smiley face saying "Normal results", or a dreaded phone call for follow-up.

Had a fantastic weekend, and life is good.

One day at a time.

[clay]

Had my labs done last week. My CEA levels are great. Mine is at .7...yayyyyyyyy. I see oncologist soon for my 6 months check up. December will be my 3rd anniversary post colon resection. I am doing great!!!!

Great news from all of you...Tommi....Genesis....keeping everyone of you close and in my heart!!!

Hug someone today....it will make their day....:)....love to you all...clay

[*Anya*]

My GF and I were in Palm Springs 3 weeks ago.

I took care to put 50 plus SPF on the whole time we were there.

I looked down on my thigh the first day we were there and noticed a strange little round growth that just seemed to pop up.

I watched it for two weeks and it got bigger. Sometimes, even as an RN, potentially negative things that many people would not give a second thought-I don't either.

A week ago, the light bulb went off: non-healing growth or sore- yes.

I got an appointment with a dermatologist yesterday and she biopsied it.

She said it looked like squamous cell CA but we won't know for sure till pathology comes back-up and it may take up to a week. Now I wait.

I have had thyroid cancer-clean for 14 years now-that potentially could have been much worse but I wanted to remind everyone:

Any suspicious non-healing growth or sore: get checked out!

Oh, the doctor said if it is squamous cell, I did not cause it by my couple of days in the sun.

It is usually caused by all those cumulative years of sun damage, such as in my 20's when my girlfriend and I would baste ourselves with baby oil! Yikes! Hard to believe I was so dumb.

Glad for those with clean bills of health and prayers and best wishes for others that are dealing with their own or love ones' cancer.

Here is a small factoid about squamous cell CA:

"Squamous cell carcinoma is second most common type of skin cancer, after basal cell carcinoma. Squamous cell cancer spreads faster than basal cell cancer, but still is usually relatively slow-growing. It can spread (metastasize) to other locations, including internal organs. Squamous cell lesions should be removed surgically as soon as they are diagnosed".

[LeftWriteFemme]

So, the third Chemo is in and my sponsee is hairless and not minding it one little bit. She has found the free time she has due to not having to do her hair or shave her legs a true boon. She is experiencing some nausea, but not nearly as much as she had anticipated. Her next Chemo which is her last Chemo is on July 3, she returns to school on July 7. I of course am a trifle reluctant to see her in a college environment..... all those people.....all those germs, but I'm sure she will be fine.

I must say all in all this has not been as difficult as I thought it might be, but then again I have heard from her friend that the radiation was the hardest for the friend, so I'm still holding my breath a tad and reserving judgement until the radiation is over.

Again, thank you all for your support! This burden is much lighter, you have born it with us and things sure are easier when we are not alone!

I wish you all every happiness and health!

[WingsOnFire]

my brother unexpectedly passed away from Colon cancer today I am devastated. . I'm not ready to talk about it but I think this is a safe place to start. I am lost right now. I hope it's ok to post this here.

[Tommi]

my brother unexpectedly passed away from Colon cancer today I am devastated. . I'm not ready to talk about it but I think this is a safe place to start. I am lost right now. I hope it's ok to post this here.

This is the perfect place to post. What devastating news for you. Please come back and write out what you want, this is the perfect thread as so many have walked this way.

My condolences to you and to those who were close to him.

[DapperButch]

my brother unexpectedly passed away from Colon cancer today I am devastated. . I'm not ready to talk about it but I think this is a safe place to start. I am lost right now. I hope it's ok to post this here.

I'm so sorry you lost your brother. Feel free to talk here. Colon cancer is what I had, so if I can be of any help, let me know. Feel free to PM me.

[clay]

my brother unexpectedly passed away from Colon cancer today I am devastated. . I'm not ready to talk about it but I think this is a safe place to start. I am lost right now. I hope it's ok to post this here.

(((((((((((((((((((((((Becca)))))))))))))))))))))
My deepest heartfelt condolences to you & your family!!
As others have said, this is the perfect place to come and share whatever your heart may feel.
I, too, had colon cancer 2 years ago!!
Feel free to PM me as well if you need to. All I can do is send you virtual hugs and let you know we are beside you here.....fondly, Clay

[Genesis]

my brother unexpectedly passed away from Colon cancer today I am devastated. . I'm not ready to talk about it but I think this is a safe place to start. I am lost right now. I hope it's ok to post this here.


My deepest condolences to you and yours during this time.
This group has been a source of strength and support for the journey we (My Mom and me) are going through her cancer.
Sending prayers, positive energy and love to you and yours...

[Tommi]

http://www.scatterweb.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/3-Our-time-on-earth-is-limited-300x247.jpg

[*Anya*]

The dermatologist called me last night and it is squamous cell cancer.

Friday, she will excise it down to healthy tissue and then suture it.

I am not worried that it is cancer.

It is because I have had so many painful surgeries and procedures, I am freaking out much more about the pain. I think I am almost phobic about pain now.

The biopsy was very painful. It was the two syringes full of Lidocaine into the growth, before it finally got numb, that almost made me scream. It has hurt totally out of proportion to the size ever since-kind of like a continuous drill into my thigh.

I haven't taken pain meds for quite a while but think I need to before I even go.

I did not even write this last week because I feel so badly about it but it is weighing on me. My GF came with me last week. Because it was a new MD, I wanted to have it known from the beginning that she was more than my friend.

When the doctor and LVN came in, I said: "This is my significant other_______" and I said the name of my long-term ex that I haven't been with for probably 14 years now.

I promptly burst into tears, saying: "I don't know why I said that".

My sweet girlfriend said, "It's ok hon" and turning to the doctor, apologized for me and said: "She's just really nervous".

I still feel badly about it but love her even more for how she handled it.

[LeftWriteFemme]

http://www.markmallett.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Tiger-in-cage-at-zoo1719_000.jpg


The Warrior Waiting

Is there word
Is there word
The Warrior is waiting
Waiting to hear if there is further incursion
Waiting to know if cancer has again
Turned Hys body into a battlefield
Schrodinger’s cat sat in a box in anticipation
But caging a tiger is different
Is it war or is it peacetime
The pacing wears on the might
The waiting wears out days better spent
Rumination is for cows
Fights and freedoms are the business of heroes
Anticipation is its own test
The Warrior is waiting
Prepared whatever the word


6/27/14 7:35 am

[*Anya*]

I just got home from the doctor.

My GF D spoke with the doc yesterday and D explained about my (undiagnosed, except by me) medical PTSD.

The doctor ordered Valium for me to take an hour before the procedure which was the best idea ever.

I could tolerate the lidocaine and they gave me so much I didn't feel anything during the procedure.

12 internal and 12 external sutures.

Hopefully she got it all. Another pathology report within a week.

D is more logical than nurturing by nature but has been absolutely awesome.

:bunchflowers:

[Tommi]

Anya and D,
Glad to hear this part of the trip is over. Doc sounds nice n reasonable and willing to listen. That's so helpful.

Go do something fun. I suggest watching the sunset at the ocean, sitting in the car, talking and having some ice cold tea or lemonade. Waiting on path reports is never a fun time, so , I go into hyper mode and overdo activities, and..insomnia.
:moonstars:
Best wishes, and keep in touch.

[mustangjeano]

http://www.markmallett.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Tiger-in-cage-at-zoo1719_000.jpg


The Warrior Waiting

Is there word
Is there word
The Warrior is waiting
Waiting to hear if there is further incursion
Waiting to know if cancer has again
Turned Hys body into a battlefield
Schrodinger’s cat sat in a box in anticipation
But caging a tiger is different
Is it war or is it peacetime
The pacing wears on the might
The waiting wears out days better spent
Rumination is for cows
Fights and freedoms are the business of heroes
Anticipation is its own test
The Warrior is waiting
Prepared whatever the word


6/27/14 7:35 am


I LOVE this. Thank you for posting it. Jeano

[*Anya*]

I was so anxious about having my squamous cell cancer removed because for the last few years, everything medically that could go wrong: has.

This time, it was no different.

By this past Friday, a week after it was removed, I knew the surgical site was infected.

I went back to the doctor Friday morning. She cultured it and started me on antibiotics.

I went back today and found out it had cultured MRSA. She changed my antibiotic.

Now, I am petrified of getting C-Dif again.

[Tommi]

Geeesh Anya, what a journey. Cancer is taken care of, but the side effects keep on comin~

Sure hope that new antibiotic kicks butt quickly, and C.diff stays out of the mix. Best regards, and I know you are drinking lots of water, getting lots of rest and ,well. ya know.

http://img4-2.myrecipes.timeinc.net/i/Campbells/swanson-sensational-chicken-noodle-soup-l.jpg
Tommi

[Tommi]

I decided it was time to terminate the experiment called "Waiting". Vacation over, back home, and still no news, or phone message from my tests.

I had watched the mail, waited for the little post card long enough, the one with check boxes:

Waiting for it to read, "negative findings, normal biopsy" with the little happy face drawn on by the nurse/tech, or "Please call to make a follow-up appointment. "

It had been long enough. I picked up the line and called the cancer center, extolled to the person on the phone I had waited over 3 weeks, for something that for nine years took a week...except when there was a recurrence last year, and ...well it was over 3 weeks to find out, then had to have 3 months of treatment and radiation and ..well...I was pissed.

Wait on the line while she looks up your chart....

Then, "Oh, everything came back Okay. Sorry we didn't let you know!" We stopped mailing out the cards, and expected you to call for the results. OMFG.

SORRY, not being good enough I let her know my true feelings, as I am sure many cancer survivors have done before...hoping that this time, they will get it....a sigh of relief and , back to life and wanting

POPCORN :rrose:

[clay]

YAY!!! Doing a happy dance for Tommi!



Enjoy that popcorn, bud!!!! Whoohooo.....:)

[clay]

YAY! My CEA levels are .7!!! My 3 year anniversary is Dec. 9 and I can go for 5 years (unless become symptomatic) before next colonoscopy!! Hip Hip Hooray!!!

I am doing really well and am thankful for that!!!

I did have a "suspicious flat, black spot removed by dermatologist today. I am confident it will be "benign"!!!

Leaving everyone here warm, gentle hugs. Have a great day!!! Much love...Clay

[DapperButch]

YAY! My CEA levels are .7!!! My 3 year anniversary is Dec. 9 and I can go for 5 years (unless become symptomatic) before next colonoscopy!! Hip Hip Hooray!!!

I am doing really well and am thankful for that!!!

I did have a "suspicious flat, black spot removed by dermatologist today. I am confident it will be "benign"!!!

Leaving everyone here warm, gentle hugs. Have a great day!!! Much love...Clay

Congrats, Clay! 5 years? Wow, that's the same schedule all adults over age 50 use, isn't it?

[clay]

Congrats, Clay! 5 years? Wow, that's the same schedule all adults over age 50 use, isn't it?

Thanks, Dapper!!!

Don't know about that....my previous oncologist said every year for 5 years Post Hemicolectomy!

My newest oncologist follows a different guideline. It is individualized for the most part, I assume!

I am just happy with my progress each subsequent year!!!

[LeftWriteFemme]

The rubber met the road when my sponsee was going through the chemo......but with the radiation she seems to be laying the rubber down. She is wiped out and it's only day 5 of a 28 day sentence. I am wracking my brain to think of things to lift her spirits. She is taking the treatments during her lunch hour and then going back to work. She is walking 4 or 5 nights a week to keep her strength up, making plenty of meetings and eating really well. The only think I've thought of so far is to feed her juvenile sense of humor......I will post the clip I sent her today, but if anyone has anymore dignified suggestions please let me know......if you have less dignified suggestions....I'll take those too, I really want to help her stay chipper.


tjJc8xLYhak

[Tommi]

LWF,
Sleep is nice.
Eat lotsa Banana popsicles, fudgesicles, save the sticks , tie them up and make little rafts to float down the street in the rain

Send her Something fun in the daily mail. A crayon a day with a blank piece of paper with a scribble on it. She has to turn the scribble into a picture.

Start a story about her journey, mail it to her, have her write a paragraph or page, and send it back to you, add to it, return it, etc.

Buy her 4 pairs of Funky socks.mix em up, send a mismatched pair one day, another mismatched pair the next week, then a match to one of them, etc.
Then her treatment will be over.

Wish her the best.

[clay]

I did have a "suspicious flat, black spot removed by dermatologist today. I am confident it will be "benign"!!!

Leaving everyone here warm, gentle hugs. Have a great day!!! Much love...Clay

It WAS benign. The spot itself is healing slower than I prefer! :(.......:eatinghersheybar:

[Tommi]

For over a year, I have learned to really appreciate every single day, and the steadfastness of one hella- caretaker.

I went in for my 11 month post-radiation pelvic exam-follow-up exam at 7:30 AM. I found the 405 freeway roundtrip to be the most harrowing part of my day.

And, for my dear ones day to days. I have watched Alzheimer's steal the memories of the days and nights of her beloved Mom. The last few weeks getting more and more difficult with the daily routines of getting Mom to bathe, to dress and to eat. Her Dad in and out of the hospital over the last year for CHF and other ailments. Numerous agencies of daytime caregivers who come and go.

Evenings after work, and on weekends she cooks full meals, setting down together to eat, and the chit chat of what is seen and heard. Knowing her elderly parents living with her, are safe, at home, loved, and cared for is a journey of true love and devotion. You don't know from day to day where this life journey carries you, just that we are along for the ride, and hope to have both oars in the water, steering as best we can, and enjoying the scenery

:pirate-steer: :rubberducky:

[DapperButch]

It WAS benign. The spot itself is healing slower than I prefer! :(.......:eatinghersheybar:

I'm so glad to hear this, Clay, Congrats!!!

[Tommi]

I held my breath when the Gyneco-Oncologists nurse returned my call this afternoon.

"""Your test results from your Sept 10th tests all came back negative.""" Breathing again, I said thank you, and, see you in 6 months.

One year ago Today I was 1/2 way through radiation therapy for recurring endometrial cancer. �� which came back after a nine year absence. I had just met someone who stood by me night and day and It all okay.

2Nd time around, I feel privileged to call & not wait for that little note in the mail box. ��

I feel every day is a gift all wrapped up new and shiny.

my RickiRacer kitten Just brought me her curly pipe cleaner so I can toss it. She hockey pucks it across the hardwood floors, ricocheting and returning it for another toss. Life is good
Life is all good.

[DapperButch]

I held my breath when the Gyneco-Oncologists nurse returned my call this afternoon.

"""Your test results from your Sept 10th tests all came back negative.""" Breathing again, I said thank you, and, see you in 6 months.

One year ago Today I was 1/2 way through radiation therapy for recurring endometrial cancer. �� which came back after a nine year absence. I had just met someone who stood by me night and day and It all okay.

2Nd time around, I feel privileged to call & not wait for that little note in the mail box. ��

I feel every day is a gift all wrapped up new and shiny.

my RickiRacer kitten Just brought me her curly pipe cleaner so I can toss it. She hockey pucks it across the hardwood floors, ricocheting and returning it for another toss. Life is good
Life is all good.

Ah, Tommi, so glad to hear, so glad to hear. Congratulations!

I delayed for a couple of weeks in calling to schedule my colonoscopy (I received a note in the mail). Finally made the call on Friday, but haven't heard back. This thread is a good reminder. I think I will call them again.

We all continue to be in this together, so I am glad when someone comes back to update. Congrats again.

[clay]

Yay, Tommi!!! Thank you for the update.
My tests are coming up in December, when I will be 3 years post op cancer free!!!
As DB said, this thread is a reminder...for us all...we have come long journeys!!! And to keep those appointments! And to call..and ask! It is our privilege to know ASAP!




I held my breath when the Gyneco-Oncologists nurse returned my call this afternoon.

"""Your test results from your Sept 10th tests all came back negative.""" Breathing again, I said thank you, and, see you in 6 months.

One year ago Today I was 1/2 way through radiation therapy for recurring endometrial cancer. �� which came back after a nine year absence. I had just met someone who stood by me night and day and It all okay.

2Nd time around, I feel privileged to call & not wait for that little note in the mail box. ��

I feel every day is a gift all wrapped up new and shiny.

my RickiRacer kitten Just brought me her curly pipe cleaner so I can toss it. She hockey pucks it across the hardwood floors, ricocheting and returning it for another toss. Life is good
Life is all good.

[Tommi]

Ah, Tommi, so glad to hear, so glad to hear. Congratulations!

I delayed for a couple of weeks in calling to schedule my colonoscopy (I received a note in the mail). Finally made the call on Friday, but haven't heard back. This thread is a good reminder. I think I will call them again.

We all continue to be in this together, so I am glad when someone comes back to update. Congrats again.

Yay, Tommi!!! Thank you for the update.
My tests are coming up in December, when I will be 3 years post op cancer free!!!
As DB said, this thread is a reminder...for us all...we have come long journeys!!! And to keep those appointments! And to call..and ask! It is our privilege to know ASAP!

Yes. Keep it up..
To ALL Survivors, Caretakers, Caring Family and Friends We can all walk the walk and talk the talk together. This kind of sharing is caring.

A favorite saying from a favorite meeting.."Keep coming back, it works if you work it and it won't if you don't "...

[clay]

Just saw my oncologist last Thursday. My CEA (tumor marker levels) are WNL (within normal limits).
Dec 9 is my 3 year anniversary of being diagnosed with Stage 1 Colon Cancer. I had major abdominal surgery to remove half my large intestine as well as a total hystero. I did not have to have any chemo or radiation, I was so very lucky!!

So now I can go to every 6 months testing CEA. I am so thrilled to be a survivor.....so many are not.

I like to say I kicked cancer's ass and made her my bitch! My GYN oncologist loved it!!! when I told her that! With such a diagnosis, I think our humor is wonderful medicine!

I know when I was having to drink so much of that nasty prep, the humor from friends here in this thread helped me get through! Thank you each and everyone for walking this journey with me. I <3 you all!

[DapperButch]

Just saw my oncologist last Thursday. My CEA (tumor marker levels) are WNL (within normal limits).
Dec 9 is my 3 year anniversary of being diagnosed with Stage 1 Colon Cancer. I had major abdominal surgery to remove half my large intestine as well as a total hystero. I did not have to have any chemo or radiation, I was so very lucky!!

So now I can go to every 6 months testing CEA. I am so thrilled to be a survivor.....so many are not.

I like to say I kicked cancer's ass and made her my bitch! My GYN oncologist loved it!!! when I told her that! With such a diagnosis, I think our humor is wonderful medicine!

I know when I was having to drink so much of that nasty prep, the humor from friends here in this thread helped me get through! Thank you each and everyone for walking this journey with me. I <3 you all!

Congrats on everything staying in the clear! :thumbsup:

Don't bring up drinking that prep, I have to do it next month! Ugh.

[mustangjeano]

Just saw my oncologist last Thursday. My CEA (tumor marker levels) are WNL (within normal limits).
Dec 9 is my 3 year anniversary of being diagnosed with Stage 1 Colon Cancer. I had major abdominal surgery to remove half my large intestine as well as a total hystero. I did not have to have any chemo or radiation, I was so very lucky!!

So now I can go to every 6 months testing CEA. I am so thrilled to be a survivor.....so many are not.

I like to say I kicked cancer's ass and made her my bitch! My GYN oncologist loved it!!! when I told her that! With such a diagnosis, I think our humor is wonderful medicine!

I know when I was having to drink so much of that nasty prep, the humor from friends here in this thread helped me get through! Thank you each and everyone for walking this journey with me. I <3 you all!

Hey Bro, It made my day to read your good news.

[clay]

Hey Bro, It made my day to read your good news.

Hey Jeano....thank you my friend!!! You are such an amazing ally & supportive friend. Your kind words always warm my heart! Thank you for being my friend!!!

[clay]

Congrats on everything staying in the clear! :thumbsup:

Don't bring up drinking that prep, I have to do it next month! Ugh.

Hey Dapper:
Okay, I won't...lol. That is the worst part of the whole thing. I mixed my own pre (after searching for the recipe online) of Miralax into 64 oz. Gatorade....it is so much better tasting. I used the orange Gatorade.

Keep us posted my friend!! We are all on this journey together!!

[pynkkameleon]

Just a lil note to say how thankful I am for this safe place and for every one of you in it.

~ Blessings, love and light to all

http://www.clinicalhypnosissolutions.com//assets/images/The-Research-on-Gratitude.jpg

[DapperButch]

Hey Dapper:
Okay, I won't...lol. That is the worst part of the whole thing. I mixed my own pre (after searching for the recipe online) of Miralax into 64 oz. Gatorade....it is so much better tasting. I used the orange Gatorade.

Keep us posted my friend!! We are all on this journey together!!

I think that Miralex plus the original Gatorade is the ticket. The most important thing is to keep it cold. Personally, I like the original Lime for this event.

My process includes holding my nose while drinking, and after swallowing, take a drink of coffee immediately.

Everything was in the clear for me when I had my colonoscopy, by the way. Sorry I didn't follow up, guys!

[Tommi]

Hello Everyone, I hope you are all well, and enjoying the wonderfullness of spring around the corner.

staying busy, and healthy and happy takes energy. L) :moonstars:

March of 2004 was my first diagnosis of endometrial cancer, followed by total radical hysterectomy, oopherectomy, and 16 lymph nodes surgery. Normal paps for 9 years, then recurrence , months of external and internal radiation therapy,MRIs , etc. Oct. 2013. Now, pap smears every 3 months to watch ***

All in all , it is a good year so far. Doc sgugested I can go to 6 months exams...after the results from last Weds come back. (Just had my follow-up exam/s those nasty pelvic examS ) going from every 3 months to every 6 months, checking for recurrence would be nice

So, on the happy side of life, it just keeps getting better.
We went to a fabulous 3 day mini vacation in a log cabin in the mountains and communed with nature, light snow, birds squirrels. and wonderful fireplace.

Looking forward. Biz trips to Montreal next week, then to Phoenix, then San Diego. Then first week in April, to Tampa and going to introduce the fiance to the bio-famiy. Then in May we are getting married. More Biz trips, then BFP Reunion, and Nov. her bucket list trip to Galapagos Islands. WE ARE GOING TO VACATION ON OLIVIA CRUISE TO THE GALAPAGOS.

She works full time in a high tech, demanding professional career...And as her parents Caregiver for over 10 years. cares for her parents from Friday night to Monday morning, has a lady with them in the day time. then comes home cooks dinner and spends the evening with the folks. .

kaijira's Mom, has slipped into the final stages of Alzheimer's, her dad , just hanging on watches TV 12 hours a day watching his wife of 60 years disappear before our eyes. They still toddle off to bed together every night after TV. Celebrated 60 years anniversary, and soon the Mom's 81st birthday/

So, I know this is just the place that I can post what's going on, and you all get it, as we do so , every now and then.

One day at a time, sober and clean for over 30 + years, I get my high from living life to it's fullest.

.

[clay]

Have to get US of abdomen.......seems some blood levels are elevated! Of course, I am positive results will all be negative.....if not, I will don my gloves and make cancer my bitch should it rear its ugly head again! I got this! :praying:

[clay]

absolutely post here, Tommi! For yes. We do get it and understand it. Everyone here has had their own journey....united we stand...that is why I love this thread! I am very thankful for the support, encouragement, and kindness on my own journey 3 years ago.....countyfem was my hero during that time! She was such an amazing caregiver to me...a complete stranger and she is a lifelong friend! I just felt a shout out to her was warranted!

[DapperButch]

absolutely post here, Tommi! For yes. We do get it and understand it. Everyone here has had their own journey....united we stand...that is why I love this thread! I am very thankful for the support, encouragement, and kindness on my own journey 3 years ago.....countyfem was my hero during that time! She was such an amazing caregiver to me...a complete stranger and she is a lifelong friend! I just felt a shout out to her was warranted!

Yes, what happened to her? She like dropped off the face of the earth (BFP) after you got well.

[mustangjeano]

Have to get US of abdomen.......seems some blood levels are elevated! Of course, I am positive results will all be negative.....if not, I will don my gloves and make cancer my bitch should it rear its ugly head again! I got this! :praying:

Holding good thoughts for you and awaiting your news my friend. Jeano

[DapperButch]

Have to get US of abdomen.......seems some blood levels are elevated! Of course, I am positive results will all be negative.....if not, I will don my gloves and make cancer my bitch should it rear its ugly head again! I got this! :praying:

When are you getting this done?

[clay]

Holding good thoughts for you and awaiting your news my friend. Jeano

thank you jeano! You are wonderfully supportive!

[Tommi]

sliding into 3rd...base...

and Clay , what's the latest Bro?

Anyway, the Oncologist has extended my every 3 month recurrence check up ( you know the kind) to every 6 months for a year,. So, that is good news. :) then after that it goes back to Stirrups once a year. :police:

I have been sick as a pup for weeks. IN BED--* ALONE****with some kind of nasty germ that took me down,.Upper respiratory infection that was so bad I went to the doctor about it. Couldn't breathe , swallow, ribs felt like they were broken, coughed till , well, it was nasty.

Doc said, you probably caught some kind of virus while traveling ( flights to Montreal, Toronto, all over USA .MY BRAIN...screamed EBOLA...nope, just bronchial pneumonia kind of thing. and guess my immune system isn't what it used to be.

Hummingbirds chirping about their feeder, colorful landscape, , looking out the front window at my beautiful spring garden in bloom.

Wish you all well.

[clay]

sliding into 3rd...base...

and Clay , what's the latest Bro?

Anyway, the Oncologist has extended my every 3 month recurrence check up ( you know the kind) to every 6 months for a year,. So, that is good news. :) then after that it goes back to Stirrups once a year. :police:

I have been sick as a pup for weeks. IN BED--* ALONE****with some kind of nasty germ that took me down,.Upper respiratory infection that was so bad I went to the doctor about it. Couldn't breathe , swallow, ribs felt like they were broken, coughed till , well, it was nasty.

Doc said, you probably caught some kind of virus while traveling ( flights to Montreal, Toronto, all over USA .MY BRAIN...screamed EBOLA...nope, just bronchial pneumonia kind of thing. and guess my immune system isn't what it used to be.

Hummingbirds chirping about their feeder, colorful landscape, , looking out the front window at my beautiful spring garden in bloom.

Wish you all well.
Hey Tommi......my US was all clear! Thanks for asking. Take care....

[DapperButch]

Hey,guys.

Looks like I never updated you. In Jan 2015, I got my colonoscopy (I suppose it had been a year out since the last one), and I had a pretty big polyp. It was benign, but he was concerned how big it had gotten so fast. He said I needed to get another in six months. Sooo, guess what time it is? Yep, 6 months later. Fun. I am playing phone tag right now with scheduling

It is also time for my CAT scan so that is scheduled for the end of July.

I will keep you all updated.

I hope that everyone is healthy.

[Daisy Chain]

Hello to all,

I am thankful for being directed to this thread.

I have spent some time reading back learning of other peoples journeys and the support you offer each other.

I was very very happy to hear so many of you coming out the other side and living full, happy and healthy lives.

I will share a little of my own story later.

Wishing you all gentle days.

Daisy :bouquet:

[clay]

:bunchflowers: Welcome Ms. daisy! Glad you came in to post! Everyone here has made journeys! The folks here are so warm & kind! You will receive a very warm welcome! Feel free to post as little or as much as you want! We are great listeners and give wonderful hugs! I am thankful to be meeting you...and offer a hand of friendship....any time! Sending you gentlest of hugs....take care beautiful friend! I am so happy you are here! Clay....:goodluck: next week! Hello to all,

I am thankful for being directed to this thread.

I have spent some time reading back learning of other peoples journeys and the support you offer each other.

I was very very happy to hear so many of you coming out the other side and living full, happy and healthy lives.

I will share a little of my own story later.

Wishing you all gentle days.

Daisy :bouquet:

[clay]

Hey,guys.

Looks like I never updated you. In Jan 2015, I got my colonoscopy (I suppose it had been a year out since the last one), and I had a pretty big polyp. It was benign, but he was concerned how big it had gotten so fast. He said I needed to get another in six months. Sooo, guess what time it is? Yep, 6 months later. Fun. I am playing phone tag right now with scheduling

It is also time for my CAT scan so that is scheduled for the end of July.

I will keep you all updated.

I hope that everyone is healthy.

hey Dapper! Good luck with your colonoscopy and CT scan! I have to get one soon also! Let us know my friend...hugs! Clay

[TruTexan]

Hello all, I wish each and everyone of you a healthy happy journey.

[Tommi]

Wheeeee:pirate-steer: Life goes on.

We got married May 2, 2015. . No time for cancer. Time for each other, time to travel, time for her folks who are in the sunset of their lives. Time to blend 2 pet families, and households of furniture. What a wonderful woman, what an amazing two years since we met.

No time for thinking about that recurrence the month we met. Enjoying the sexiest apron clad cook that feeds me healthy stuff, and waits on me hand and foot, without even realizing how wonderful she is. I want for nothing but time, lots more time. :firetruck::fireman::fireman::fireman::fireman:

[girlin2une]

So, I got up the nerve to post in here mainly due to Dapper Butch's post in the Zombie thread, encouraging others to post... my story is relatively new.
End of February/beginning of March is when I had radiation...I won't go too far into detail as I have been so very private about everything so far and just need an outlet I think...*I digress...* I have been dealing with cervical issues since my daughter (now 6) was 2...
I'm very reluctant to go into great detail... (can you tell?) and this year has been a year of big things for me... mostly hard...but... I will say this... my last biopsy since radiation is negative... that's a good thing... :bow: now to stay in the clear for 5 years... then I will be considered cancer free...!!
(f):bouquet:

[DapperButch]

So, I got up the nerve to post in here mainly due to Dapper Butch's post in the Zombie thread, encouraging others to post... my story is relatively new.
End of February/beginning of March is when I had radiation...I won't go too far into detail as I have been so very private about everything so far and just need an outlet I think...*I digress...* I have been dealing with cervical issues since my daughter (now 6) was 2...
I'm very reluctant to go into great detail... (can you tell?) and this year has been a year of big things for me... mostly hard...but... I will say this... my last biopsy since radiation is negative... that's a good thing... :bow: now to stay in the clear for 5 years... then I will be considered cancer free...!!
(f):bouquet:

I'm so glad you decided to join us. I understand you wanting to not share. I actually didn't tell a single friend about it until after the surgery. Just my mom and girlfriend.

Share when you are ready, or if you need to. Congrats on your last biopsy being fine.

[Daisy Chain]

{{ Tommi }}

Congratulations on your wedding !!

Sounds like you are very blessed to have her love and care, *smiles*

I hope you continue to heal, stay well and enjoy every moment with the people you love and who you love you.

Daisy :bouquet:




Wheeeee:pirate-steer: Life goes on.

We got married May 2, 2015. . No time for cancer. Time for each other, time to travel, time for her folks who are in the sunset of their lives. Time to blend 2 pet families, and households of furniture. What a wonderful woman, what an amazing two years since we met.

No time for thinking about that recurrence the month we met. Enjoying the sexiest apron clad cook that feeds me healthy stuff, and waits on me hand and foot, without even realizing how wonderful she is. I want for nothing but time, lots more time. :firetruck::fireman::fireman::fireman::fireman:

[Daisy Chain]

I too am glad you decided to post.

Don`t feel any need to go into detail about your cancer, nobody needs to know every detail. Its just nice to know you can drop by here on good and bad days and touch base with others who understand how it feels and how it ripples out and effects so many areas of your life, often in surprising ways.

I`m am so glad to hear you have had some good news too !!

Daisy :bouquet:

So, I got up the nerve to post in here mainly due to Dapper Butch's post in the Zombie thread, encouraging others to post... my story is relatively new.
End of February/beginning of March is when I had radiation...I won't go too far into detail as I have been so very private about everything so far and just need an outlet I think...*I digress...* I have been dealing with cervical issues since my daughter (now 6) was 2...
I'm very reluctant to go into great detail... (can you tell?) and this year has been a year of big things for me... mostly hard...but... I will say this... my last biopsy since radiation is negative... that's a good thing... :bow: now to stay in the clear for 5 years... then I will be considered cancer free...!!
(f):bouquet:

[clay]

welcome girlin2une! I am glad you are here. To echo sentiments of the others.....share as much or as little as you wish! You will have support here in many ways! We each walk our path in the way that is unique to our own self! People here are amazing, supportive, and oft times...one just needs gentle hugs! Take care of you and know we walk with you!

[Tommi]

welcome girlin2une! I am glad you are here. To echo sentiments of the others.....share as much or as little as you wish! You will have support here in many ways! We each walk our path in the way that is unique to our own self! People here are amazing, supportive, and oft times...one just needs gentle hugs! Take care of you and know we walk with you!

Well said clay
We experience cancer in oh so many ways, from that first diagnosis to support of caregivers, those anniversary reminders, and moving on.

so girlin2une, join in reading our words, the cyber-hugs , the understanding that goes without saying any words..., So, for now..maybe some toast and Just a hug, and some tea. :tea:

[clay]

thanks tommi!!!!!

[girlin2une]

thank you everyone.
steph
:bunchflowers:

[Luv]

Has anyone here had to deal with bone marrow cancer either yourself or someone you know? ,What can you share with me? Moms 82 and a few weeks before had congestive heart failure

[Daisy Chain]

Hello Luv,

I`m so sorry to hear of your Mom. Personally no, I am in remission from blood cancer and dont know anyone who has battled bone marrow cancer.

Keep dropping by here though....someone may do. The people here are very kind and encouraging I have found so it will be a good resource for comfort and support and hopefully more information.

Sending you and your Mom love and strength.

Daisy :bouquet:


Has anyone here had to deal with bone marrow cancer either yourself or someone you know? ,What can you share with me? Moms 82 and a few weeks before had congestive heart failure