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Mastectomy coming up
I have a consult with my surgeon and plastic surgeon regarding my upcoming mastectomy soon. I was wondering what sort of support garments, clothing, and anything else I will need for when I get out of the hospital and for recovery. I will not be working during this time so "comfy" clothes are okay. I just need to know what…
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Dear New Chemo Patients
There are quite a few posts from women having a lot of ugly side effects with chemotherapy lately. Prior to my chemotherapy a year ago, most posts were about how few side effects women were having. Or, maybe it was just lots of encouragement that chemotherapy was "doable". While I was, of course, pretty uptight about…
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It's a Small World - Today I Met a Sister... SPARKLE
Wednesdays I volunteer at Lynn Sage Breast Center - Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago. I escort women to the dressing room who come for diagnostic breast testing. I am always talking and during the course of conversation with Rhonda, I found out that she also is on this discussion board. Her name is Sparkle. I got so…
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The waiting is over ):
It is cancer.. I don't know what else to say today. I haven't had much sleep I am sick to stomach, and off to see a surgeon this morning. Is there anything I need to make sure and ask?
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Went to American Cancer Society yesterday
Just in case my hair falls out again, I'll be prepared. My sis and her daughter took me to help decide. They had a human hair blond made by Pantene Locks of Love. It took weeks and 6 ponytails to make. I took that one. My niece has a beautician who will alter it for me. The 26th ? I go to Look Good Feel Better. I sure…
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TC chemo starts Wednesday. Any suggestions?
My TC chemo starts Wednesday. Does anyone have any suggestions to make it easier? Nurse told me to eat breakfast and a light non greasy non spicy lunch and to drink lots of fluids before getting there. Any thing else I can do?
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BC and Heart issues?
Good morning Sisters, here is my question, is there a link between BC and having heart issues? I had bilateral BC in 2009, surgeries in Jan 2010..lumpectomy and mastectomy ok yes chemo and radiation..now issue with my aortic valve?!!! Where is this comming from, anyone have an idea is it the chemo, what????
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Im a first time gma!!!!
So everyone understands this is a bitter sweet situation. I have a family member...lets call her bitchzilla. She put a wedge between me and my daughter years ago. Not only did she put this wedge between us but also her own sisters and brother. (i have 4 kids...3 girls and 1 boy). Then bitchzilla did it with my whole side…
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Hi ho, hi ho Taxol sucks!
Well the powers that be won't let me work part time but because I'm not officially approved for short term disability I get to go back to work today to fulfil my contract. I'm telling you ladies I thought Taxol might be tolerable....it's NOT! My oncologist said it was an "easy" chemo I would like him to take it. I can't…
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Treatment plans, Side Effects, you Kindreds know, the usual!!!
I have had trouble being able to get onto the boards~ not sure why! No other site is so problematic and thus discouraging! Today I was able to, so I will let the Kindreds know what's happening with me on my journey. A week ago I started Zometa infusions and Faslodex injections..and of course I had to get all of the listed…
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HMO and out-of-network coverage
Has anyone here had any luck getting approval to be treated in an out-of-network cancer center? My sister was (2nd sister in 10 years) diagnosed last month. Is trying to get treatment in an out-of-network center with WAY more experience than the local or other in-network centers. Is she just chasing her tail? Or can she…
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femara users please reply
First off I have to comment on the beautiful words you ladies offer each other. I have been reading the posts. My Mom just had a mastectomy 3 weeks ago, she is doing well. We went to see the oncologist and he put her on femara. Please reply on any side effects or what experiences you all had with this drug. My Mom is 77…
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MyTurnNow, Debbie - How are you?
I thought you were suppose to see your oncologist this week to get your treatment plan Debbie and I just wondered if he had a plan for you now. Good thoughts and prayers, Lex
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Cleaning for a Reason (for cancer patients)
http://www.cleaningforareason.org/cancerpatients.html
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Tamoxefin and Effexor and exhaustion
So I'm starting month 3 of tamoxifen and week 2 of Effexor 3.5ml and am exhausted all the time. I think the only time I'm not tired is when I'm asleep!! Just walking up stairs winds me. After this week my dosage of Effexor will be doubled! Will I be a walking zombi?! Sometimes I wonder if all these meds are worth it! I'm…
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How long till your breast heals from Rads
Hi everyone. I need your help and advice again: ) I finished rads 1 week ago today!!! After I finally get myself moving I feel pretty good each day, though that takes a few hours. My problem is my breast. Underneath from all the rashes and burns is still hurting. It's still pretty raw under there and that's also where the…
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aromasin
Hi, I was just sswitched from tamoxifin to aromasin for 5 years. Has anyone else been on aromasin and what were your side affects?
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Chemo Brain fog
I know we are all different....BUT, just wanted to say that after a year out of chemo.... the fog is lifting. I really noticed it this week all of a sudden!!!! So, I wanted to share this for those of you in 'the chemo-brain fog'..... it may pass, it just takes time. Today is my hubby & my 41st anniversary........ I am so…
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Why do many Dr visits?
Can anyone explain why after treatment we have to go back every 3 months, then eventually 6 month until finally once a year? I don't have insurance and it really galls me that the oncologist breezes in and out and it cost me $500 bucks. I have had a double mastectomy with no reconstruction. I check my scars for lumps and I…
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"Mr. Gorbachev,, tear down that wall!!!!!!"
Visited the remains of the Berlin Wall today, as well as many other sights in Berlin. The difference between East and West Berlin are remarkable!!!! Hugs, Kathi
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Taxotere/Cytoxan side effect - severe stomach pains?
Hi ladies, Had my 1st Taxotere/Cytoxan infusion last Wed. and have been having increasing problems with stomach ache/intense cramps/bloating. Have shooting pains throughout my body but mostly on my left side abdomen. I think some of these are "normal" side effects ie: ears hurt, bit of a sore throat/esophagus, some nausea…
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help
Hi...just saw about making a blog on this website and can't figure out how to do it...I emailed the main site over a week ago with no response and didn't know if any of you all know how...I was thinking about creating a blog to keep everyone filled in on how my mom is doing her treatments, etc. and post some pictures a few…
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It crept up - my 40th High School reunion
Yep, me - out of school these many years agreed to go. And I really want to go! I'm certainly not going to win any Hot Pants contests or wear a micro mini, but I think I look pretty good considering the last few years. I need to brush up on the Hustle. & I will get my hair done, though! Vanity, thy name is .... Susan! Sue
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Food ideas???
I haven't been this sick to my stomach since I was pregnant. I've had lots of different chemos but holy moly!! If I eat one more bowl of soup, eat one more cracker or taste one more turkey sandwich I KNOW I will barf. What foods have helped you through the nausea? I take anti-nausea meds but they just don't help, I still…
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Breast Center
I had the run around with my doctor about doing a excisional biospy then he said he knew nothing about it.Well why would I be in the office if I wasn't called for a consultation for that. He was changing to a needle biopsy suddenly.Called the breast center and that nurse is on it and told me what to do. So phone calls from…
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I don't understand why a Hematology Oncologist Denies a Side Effect
For the life of me I am trying to understand why a doctor who supposedly knows all the side effects to the hormone therapy drugs denies that you are having side effects. My first hematology oncologist poo pooed my question that what I was experiencing were side effects to Arimidex. My side effects were spreading like a…
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My confidence is in the toliet, I hate chemo side effects.....
Ever since I started Taxol 3 weeks ago I have become a hermit. I don't have the energy to go out and do much of anything. I can't seem to even get it together to go buy groceries. I just loaded the dishwasher and felt like I was drunk doing it. I have had other chemos and sure a day or so of "chemo brain" but I feel like I…
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Bye Bye hair!
After 52 years of blow dryers, hair products and such, maybe I won't miss my hair all that much. It came out in handfuls this morn, but on this journey, that is the norm. So after a tear fell...I figured what the hell. Things could always be worse, I always say, so wigged or bald, I will go out and proudly face the day!!
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blog help
Hi...I really need help...don't know if any of you all can help but I saw an ad in a breast cancer magazine ( my mom has stage 2 her2neu positive ductual bc and it said about creating a blog that your friends and family can follow about how they're doing... emailed the main contact over a week ago with no response but I'm…
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drug shortage ? really ?
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/07/us-cancer-drugs-shortages-idUSTRE75653V20110607 Sad state of affairs...... all about profits!