|
|
12-07-2012, 03:14 PM
|
#41
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 508
|
Re: New Battle
Hello girls. I am only a little uncomfortable since the removal of the plaque yesterday. My much smaller patch can come off tomorrow, when I will begin eye drops and an antibiotic in my eye. Marcia, the testing is supposed to take about three months. I still have trepidation about having the testing done. If I find out that it is a class one tumor, I'll be vastly relieved. But if it is a class two, there isn't much to do about metastatic liver cancer. There is a Dr. Sato who will talk to me, if the genetic test warrants it. Nerve wracking times, for sure!
|
|
|
12-07-2012, 04:34 PM
|
#42
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Bradenton,FL
Posts: 977
|
Re: New Battle
Barb,
The testing is being done is to determine the characteristics of the ocular melanoma. BRCA testing is different in that identifies mutations in the BRCA genes (which are tumor repair genes, which if working properly do just that) We all have 2 copies. It is done via blood draw. The reason I brought it up is because of your prior history of two non related cancers. There are targeted therapies much like Herceptin available in clinical trials for those who test + for one of the mutations.
I know this is a lot to digest right now.. No hurry.. But thought discussing it with your Oncologist might be helpful.
With love and prayers,
Marcia
Last edited by Soccermom; 12-07-2012 at 04:37 PM..
Reason: More info
|
|
|
12-08-2012, 09:30 AM
|
#43
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 508
|
Re: New Battle
Hello everyone. I was able to take the ligthweight patch off of my eye this morning and begin putting medications in. They had me all prepped for seeing a nasty, nasty eye. It's not pretty, but not really as bad as I anticipated. I am having double vision, but was prepped for that too....had to cut muscle to get the plaque in. Muscle is now reattached, but will need some time to strengthen. Vision is crappy right now, but hoping it will improve with healing. (Just in time for the radiation damage to "kick in") My fears are still about mets.....know you all understand that. Thank you all so much for listening to me.....I've invaded your bc group with a totally different cancer...You are gracious and kind to respond so lovingly.
Barb A.
|
|
|
12-09-2012, 06:19 PM
|
#44
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,210
|
Re: New Battle
You stop that right now, saying you have invaded our group! Besides, you once had BC so that makes you one of us forever!
I'm sure everyone would agree that we are here for you. And you are making us aware of an area that was unfamiliar. A part of our education.
Keep the faith.
__________________
Bonnie
Post menopause
May 2007 Core biopsy, Rt breast
ER+, Pr-, HER2 +++, Grade 3
Ki-67: 90%
"suspicious area" left breast
Bilateral mastectomy, (NED on left) May 2007
Sentinel Node Neg
Stage 1, DCIS with microinvasion, 3 mm, mostly removed during the biopsy....
Femara (discontinued 7/07) Resumed 10/07
OncoType score 36 (July 07)
Began THC 7/26/07 (d/c taxol and carboplatin 10/07)
Began Herceptin alone 10/07
Finished Herceptin July /08
D/C Femara 4/10 (joint pain/trigger thumb!)
5/10 mistakenly dx with lung cancer. Middle rt lobe removed!
Aromasin started 5/10
|
|
|
12-09-2012, 06:30 PM
|
#45
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 508
|
Re: New Battle
Thank you, Bonnie. This is certainly a loving, caring group. I have appreciated you from the beginning of my sis's bc journey, but I'm especially grateful for all of you now. I'm gradually seeing a bit more out of my affected eye and I'm glad that while it is uncomfortable, it is not painful. I'm having a miserable time with the emotional end of this .....lots of being scared and weepy. Bless you for being here!
|
|
|
12-09-2012, 06:31 PM
|
#46
|
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Hershey, PA. Live The Sweet Life!
Posts: 2,005
|
Re: New Battle
Barb, I am afraid you are stuck with us and us with you FOR A LONG, LONG TIME! Glad to hear the eye is less shocking then predicted, but sorry to learn you must deal with double vision. I think that would make me battier then usual! How do you cope with that?
Might be headed your way this week. Never did get that Christmas tree, so if I can steal a bit of time I will trek north to clean up the cabin after the intrepid hunters and grab a tree. Think you might be up to a cuppa coffee? I can come to you. No worries if you do not feel up to visiting and no guarantees I can get away.
__________________
Smile On!
Laurel
Dx'd w/multifocal DCIS/IDS 3/08
7mm invasive component
Partial mast. 5/08
Stage 1b, ER 80%, PR 90%, HER-2 6.9 on FISH
0/5 nodes
4 AC, 4 TH finished 9/08
Herceptin every 3 weeks. Finished 7/09
Tamoxifen 10/08. Switched to Femara 8/09
Bilat SPM w/reconstruction 10/08
Clinical Trial w/Clondronate 12/08
Stopped Clondronate--too hard on my gizzard!
Switched back to Tamoxifen due to tendon pain from Femara
15 Years NED
I think I just might hang around awhile....
|
|
|
12-10-2012, 07:20 AM
|
#47
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 508
|
Re: New Battle
Good morning, Laurel. I'm continuing, one foot in front of the other, as is the only choice. The eye feels better each day. I'm doing ok about the double vision because my doctor assurred me that it would clear when the muscle recovers.
I'm having a miserable time with fear of metastasis. And even as I say that, I know that I'm writing to a group whose sisters deal with mets.
If you come to the area, I'd love for you to visit. Do you still have my phone number?
Barb A.
|
|
|
12-10-2012, 09:49 AM
|
#48
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,210
|
Re: New Battle
Barb, do you still have Ativan? I recommend a bit to take the sharp edge off the anxiety and keep the faith
__________________
Bonnie
Post menopause
May 2007 Core biopsy, Rt breast
ER+, Pr-, HER2 +++, Grade 3
Ki-67: 90%
"suspicious area" left breast
Bilateral mastectomy, (NED on left) May 2007
Sentinel Node Neg
Stage 1, DCIS with microinvasion, 3 mm, mostly removed during the biopsy....
Femara (discontinued 7/07) Resumed 10/07
OncoType score 36 (July 07)
Began THC 7/26/07 (d/c taxol and carboplatin 10/07)
Began Herceptin alone 10/07
Finished Herceptin July /08
D/C Femara 4/10 (joint pain/trigger thumb!)
5/10 mistakenly dx with lung cancer. Middle rt lobe removed!
Aromasin started 5/10
|
|
|
12-10-2012, 10:12 AM
|
#49
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 508
|
Re: New Battle
Thanks, Bonnie. I am taking the Ativan, and I'm sure it's helping, but I'm still mighty shakey. My daughter is dealing with some problem with her esophagus and anxiety and I'm also very concerned for her. She's trying to work while worrying about me, fearing pain in her chest and making mistakes at work. Praying, praying, praying......
|
|
|
12-10-2012, 10:45 AM
|
#50
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,210
|
Re: New Battle
Just read a good quote from Abraham Lincoln: "the best thing about the future is it only comes one day at a time". Keep the faith.
__________________
Bonnie
Post menopause
May 2007 Core biopsy, Rt breast
ER+, Pr-, HER2 +++, Grade 3
Ki-67: 90%
"suspicious area" left breast
Bilateral mastectomy, (NED on left) May 2007
Sentinel Node Neg
Stage 1, DCIS with microinvasion, 3 mm, mostly removed during the biopsy....
Femara (discontinued 7/07) Resumed 10/07
OncoType score 36 (July 07)
Began THC 7/26/07 (d/c taxol and carboplatin 10/07)
Began Herceptin alone 10/07
Finished Herceptin July /08
D/C Femara 4/10 (joint pain/trigger thumb!)
5/10 mistakenly dx with lung cancer. Middle rt lobe removed!
Aromasin started 5/10
|
|
|
12-10-2012, 11:56 AM
|
#51
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Bradenton,FL
Posts: 977
|
Re: New Battle
Barb, as Bonnie said, you are one of us.. Period!
My heart is so heavy for you and I am praying!
Ativan was my friend (still is) when the anxiety us overwhelming , don't be shy about needing it. We've all shared your feelings at one time or another and we care.. We truly do care. I wish I could make this all go away for you and everyone else living in limbo,
Gentle loving hugs,
Marcia
|
|
|
12-10-2012, 01:06 PM
|
#52
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 508
|
Re: New Battle
Thank you, Bonnie and Marcia.
|
|
|
12-10-2012, 03:23 PM
|
#53
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Michigan
Posts: 1,173
|
Re: New Battle
Barb, You can count on me for prayers. You and your family are in mine everyday. Gods blessings to you and your family.
Peace my friend,
Nancy
__________________
dx 11/12/09 IDCI
Stage 3a
ER 98% PR 80%
Her2 +3
4/12 nodes
6 rounds TCH
Herceptin 12 months 3weeks
Rad. 30 tx
Tamoxifin 6 months stopped
Arimedex stopped 9/12 (side effects)
Aromasin 10/12
|
|
|
12-10-2012, 03:41 PM
|
#54
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 508
|
Re: New Battle
Those prayers mean the world to me, Nancy. Thank you, thank you. Please continue.
|
|
|
12-10-2012, 07:03 PM
|
#55
|
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Hershey, PA. Live The Sweet Life!
Posts: 2,005
|
Re: New Battle
Barb,
I totally get the anxiety crescendo you are experiencing and I agree Ativan is a godsend in times such as these. I think I will be able to get up your way at the end of the week. I will PM you to confirm and yes, your number is in my cell.
I am really sorry you are going through this nightmare, Barb. Hope to bring some cheer your way!
__________________
Smile On!
Laurel
Dx'd w/multifocal DCIS/IDS 3/08
7mm invasive component
Partial mast. 5/08
Stage 1b, ER 80%, PR 90%, HER-2 6.9 on FISH
0/5 nodes
4 AC, 4 TH finished 9/08
Herceptin every 3 weeks. Finished 7/09
Tamoxifen 10/08. Switched to Femara 8/09
Bilat SPM w/reconstruction 10/08
Clinical Trial w/Clondronate 12/08
Stopped Clondronate--too hard on my gizzard!
Switched back to Tamoxifen due to tendon pain from Femara
15 Years NED
I think I just might hang around awhile....
|
|
|
12-14-2012, 08:56 PM
|
#56
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Bradenton,FL
Posts: 977
|
Re: New Battle
Thinking of u,Barb..XOXOXO
|
|
|
12-15-2012, 06:08 AM
|
#57
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 508
|
Re: New Battle
Thank you, Marcia. The eye is healing as it should, I think. The mental, emotional healing is slower....Praying, resting, giving myself pep talks, relying on the love and prayers of family and friends. Bless you for thinking of me!
Barb A.
|
|
|
12-15-2012, 10:44 AM
|
#58
|
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Hershey, PA. Live The Sweet Life!
Posts: 2,005
|
Re: New Battle
Barb,
It was wonderful visiting with you and Brooke this week. I hope those books are lifting your spirits and fortifying your faith. I have your adorable snowman needlepoint by my favorite recliner (we old farts all have one of those, don't we? LOL!) and he reminds me to pray for you every time I glance his way.
When I was diagnosed and living in the awful limbo of "what if-ville" I used to sing to myself that song from Veggie Tales called God is Bigger Than the Boogie Man!
Oh God is bigger than the boogie man
He's bigger than Godzilla or the monsters on TV
Oh God is bigger than the boogie man
And He's watching out for you and me!
BTW, everyone, Barb's eye looks terrific. If you did not know she had surgery on it, you would not ever notice anything was remiss.
__________________
Smile On!
Laurel
Dx'd w/multifocal DCIS/IDS 3/08
7mm invasive component
Partial mast. 5/08
Stage 1b, ER 80%, PR 90%, HER-2 6.9 on FISH
0/5 nodes
4 AC, 4 TH finished 9/08
Herceptin every 3 weeks. Finished 7/09
Tamoxifen 10/08. Switched to Femara 8/09
Bilat SPM w/reconstruction 10/08
Clinical Trial w/Clondronate 12/08
Stopped Clondronate--too hard on my gizzard!
Switched back to Tamoxifen due to tendon pain from Femara
15 Years NED
I think I just might hang around awhile....
|
|
|
12-15-2012, 11:47 AM
|
#59
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 508
|
Re: New Battle
Hi Laurel,
The eye continues to feel a bit better each day....still bloodshot some, but not uncomfortable until the end of the day. Probably eye strain. Fighting for attitude in a big way. Praying, reading, resting and praying some more. I'm thinking that some radiation fatigue is setting in.....I'm really tired.
I so appreciated your visit. Touched me hugely that you would come to see me. Bless you, bless you.
Barb A.
|
|
|
12-16-2012, 10:02 PM
|
#60
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Philly Suburbs
Posts: 1,709
|
Re: New Battle
Barb,
So glad that you're on the road to recovery! Rest all you want! It's likely just the thing you need.
Sending a warm hug, and healing prayers your way!
Denise
__________________
1/11-needle biopsy
2/11-Lumpectomy/axillary node dissection - Stage 3c, ER/PR-14/17 nodes
3/11 - Post-op staph infection,cellulitis, lymphedema,seroma,ARRRGH!
4/12/11-A/C x 4, then T/H x 4, H only,Q3 weeks
8/26/11 finished Taxol!!!
10/7/11 mastectomy/DIEP recon
11/11 radiation x28
1/12/12 1st CANCER-VERSARY!
1/12 Low EF/Herceptin "Holiday" :(
2/12 EF up - Back on Herceptin, heart meds
4/2/1212 surgery to repair separated incision from DIEP recon
6/8/12 Return to work :)
6/17/12 Fall, shatter wrist,surgery to repair/insert plate :(
7/10/12 last Herceptin
7/23/12 Brain Mets %$&#! 3cm and 1cm
8/10/12 Gamma knife surgery, LOTS of steroids;start H/Tykerb
8/23/12 Back to work
12/20/12 Injure back-3 weeks in wheel chair
1/12/13 2nd CANCER-VERSARY!
1/14/13 herniate disk in back - surgery to repair
1/27/13 Radiation necrosis - edema in brain - back on steroids - but not back to work - off balance, poor cordination in right arm
5/3/13 Start Avastin to shrink necrosis
5/10/13 begin weaning steroids
6/18/13 Brain MRI - Avastin seems to be working!
6/20/13 quarterly CT - chest, abdomen, pelvis - All Clear!
7/5/13 finally off steroids!!
7/7/13 joined the ranks of the CHEMO NINJAS I am now Tekuto Ki Ariku cancer assassin!
7/13/13 Symptoms return - back on steroids
7/26/13 Back on Avastin - try again!
8/26/13 Not ready to return to classroom yet :( But I CAN walk without holding onto things! :)
9/9/13 Brain MRI - fingers crossed
“ Life is a grindstone, and whether it grinds you down or polishes you up is for you, and you alone, to decide. ” – Cavett Robert
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
All times are GMT -7. The time now is 12:52 PM.
|