Cancer Support and Caregivers Who Are Trail Blazers!

[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.

Originally Posted by Tommi

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.

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.

[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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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... ( 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!

[deb_U_taunt]

Originally Posted by 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!

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]

Originally Posted by deb_U_taunt

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]

Originally Posted by deb_U_taunt

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

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by deb_U_taunt

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.

[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

Originally Posted by Tommi

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... ( 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

[mustangjeano]

Originally Posted by 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.

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...st-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]

Originally Posted by 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...st-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]

Originally Posted by 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...st-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!

[Tommi]

Originally Posted by 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...st-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.

[LeftWriteFemme]

Originally Posted by Tommi

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]

Originally Posted by 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

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.