Bummed about my Sis

[Terri B]

Ladies and Gents:

She came through her surgery like a champ. She had a small incision around her nipple, and another in her armpit. Piece of cake.

Yesterday, she got the results of her path. 6 out of 7 nodes positive. Plus, her surgeon and pathologist are still mulling over the report to try to make sense of some of the "abnormal" cells that were found. They said that her margins were clear.

This seems strange to me because it was so "microscopic" that she had to have an MRI guided biopsy even to find the cancer. HOW could it have spread to nodes ALREADY??? I'm thinking there is something else going on in there and i'm freaking. It's okay when it was me, but this is my SISTER!! It's different!!

I have a whole new respect for you guys that are caretakers. Any words of wisdom?

CONCERNED SIS

p.s. I had my second MUGA today and it was 65%!! Much better than my first one! Go figure!

[mariapiedra]

Hi Terri, You've answered several of posts for advice and have found your words of wisdom comforting. I'm sorry about your sister, I wish there had been no node involvement or better yet no cancer. You will be a great source of strength for your sister. Prayers & Blessings for you both.

[juanita]

My mugas went up too, so no problem there. Hope that things go good for your sister. Is she er/pr+ or her2 +?

[Bill]

Hi Terri! I'm glad to hear about your latest MUGA scan. You hang in there, girl, and keep doing what you're doing. I'm glad you sis had a "smooth" surgery. My advice to you, and her, is to keep after those docs, and if you haven't done so already, start a notebook/journal with all info. you receive and jot down all questions that you have. Keep pressing all of your medical providers for answers that make sense. You have educated yourself about your condition, Terri, and if your stamina and situation permits, do the same with your sister's particulars. The more you know and can do and get "hands on", the less helpless and panicky you get. If I were you, I would even ask my own docs and nurses about Sis's situation. I used to pump everyone for information, even the janitor mopping the floor in the chemo. room. There's no such thing as too much info. You gather it, and sort through it, and discard the BS.

[Sheila]

Terri
Glad to hear about the increase in your Muga...you go girl.
Sorry that there were so many positive nodes for your sis...I know you will keep on top of things for her...and get all the documents and ask all the right questions...she is so lucky to have you!!!

[Joan M]

Terri,

Sorry to hear your sister. It does seem unusual that the tumor was very small, yet there were positive nodes. She's in my prayers.

I'm glad your muga score went up. I always sweat that out, so I know it's a relief when the score is good.

Joan

[Patty F]

Terri
I was in the same situation as your sister. My breast tumor was very small and yet I had many lymph nodes that were positive. You and your sister are in my prayers.

[Becky]

Dear Terri

I am so sorry about your sister. I agree, our situations could be better but I never, ever want any of my sisters, brother, children, husband to get cancer or any life threatening disease. When first diagnosed, I prayed to God that it didn't matter what happened to me, just let everybody else be alright with their health and the outcome of mine.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your sister.

[WomanofSteel]

Terri, sorry about your sister, but at least she has you to support her and is not going through this alone. I will pray for you both.

[Terri B]

Thanks all for the well wishes. You have, once again, pulled me back down to earth.

It's very easy for me to become a screaming mimi when it comes to my family. This really bites.

[Terri B]

Sis starts chemo on monday.. same regimen that i was on: weekly taxol (minus the herceptin). Then she will do FEC just like me.

We will both be doing this on Monday, so there will be times that i will actually be doing chemo with my sis!!

HOW CRAZY IS THIS??? SOMEBODY PINCH ME PLEASE!!

[juanita]

At least you'll both have support!

[Believe51]

Anything new in your sister's journey? Just thinking about my Sweeties here and sis has been on the ole mind lately. Holding you both close and sending loving, healing energy to you both!!>>Believe51

[Terri B]

Funny you should ask!!

She started chemo today (taxol weekly x 12). I was at work enjoying my monday off (treatment) and thinking about her. How was she doing, how she was tolerating it, worrying about her getting her port (tomorrow) and all her scans (Friday) WHEW!! Well, while i was doing all this thinking, Sis texts me and said "where are you? Aren't you supposed to have blood drawn today??"

Ha!

I was so wrapped up in what was happening to her, that i forgot my own appointment for labs!

Thank you for asking!

[CindyE]

Terri,
So sorry to hear the news about your sister. I have been praying for her and your family during this time. Give her a big hug from me and tell her how so many are pulling for her here. I know its a difficult time, but lean on us and I hope soon news will be better.

[Believe51]

Hahahaha!! Bad girl. Let us know how she is making out with her treatments, I have been thinking alot about you two. Try to behave Terri, I'll be checking up on you now. Looks like you need some guidance girlfriend. And yes, I am still laughing!!>>Believe51

[Terri B]

I need something.. not sure what.. Got to keep my head together!! ;)

Sis had her port placed this morning. All good.

Thanks for trying to keep me together. That's a full time job lately!

[Mary Anne in TX]

Terri, she'll learn the most by watching you and asking how and why. She's so lucky to have you. If you will take care of yourself, she'll learn to do the same. Take 100 deep breaths and commit to doing your best for you and teach her how to do the same. One day and week at a time and you'll both be teaching others the same thing one day! Best wishes to you both for successful treatments. ma