Hey All

Booberta

I've been reading here for a couple of weeks and finally decided to jump in.

I'm (gasp) 59 years old. I've always done my breast exams in the shower. Note to self-you can miss a lump until your left nipple goes south. Surgeon explained that you should do self exams dry and lying down. Not much help now.

Anyway, July 2, I found the lump. July 8th, I went for a mammo. Mammo turned into a diagnostic mammo which turned into a breast biopsy. Holy cow!! Not looking good.

Path report 4.2 cm lesion which "dumbelled" to a 1 cm lesion below the nipple. Hmmmm. I've got breasts about the size of a teacup, a lumpectomy makes no sense to me. Taking out the lumps and the amount of tissue they would need to to get clear margins leaves me with what?

Mastectomy in my future. I'm ok with that, its just the surgery that scares the bejesus out of me. I'm a longterm smoker and a chinless wonder, a combination that nurse anesthetists don't love.

But that is I have said in the future. My surgeon (whom I love) and my med onco (not so much) have suggested a course of femara for 4-6 mos before surgery to shrink the tumor. As my tumor is >90% ER positive, 86% progesterone positive and Her2nu negative, I think this is a swell idea.

My surgeon (did I say I love him?) also suggested Zometa to build my bones since I have osteoporosis in my spine and my hip. He also suggested that it has benficial effects o breast cancer.

Let's see, what else. Oh, I talked to the plastic surgeon. He's kind of a pocket doc. very small and young. I think I probably have shoes older than him. But I liked him. Very informative and he insisted that I bring family to the next meeting. He recognizes that I can only absorb so much. He really was leaning towards a trans flap even though I'm a smoker. Big surprise. Surgeon did not approve.

I also have an appt. to see the radiologist in a couple of weeks. I have it on good authority from co-workers that this guy is the bomb.

Just because live is always an adventure, my husband has placed his mother in a nursing home. She needed to be there two years ago but they were able to get help in home for her. Her care giver discovered 2 weeks ago that she had cancer in her liver, spine and lung. She died this past Monday. She was such a wonderful person it is so sad. Needless to say, my husband is a wreck. His mother has Altzhimers and even though the staff keeps her active and engaged, every time he goes to visit, she just wants to go home. Judy the care giver became so much of a friend that her passing just broke his heart.

I'm very fortunate in that I have the most wonderful duaghter in the world and a sister who is a natural care giver. Becky is there for support and Kitty is there to kick a@@ and take names if needed and even if not needed (she bears watching). This relievs my husband of some anxiety about being supportive of me for now.

So that's pretty much it, except that Becky and I are heading to Disney World at the end of Sept. I've gone back and forth on this because the medical bills are coming in. I've just decided that I'll toss it up the the universe, do what I can to pay the bills and get a really good tan.

Love and Peace
Roberta

taleena

Roberta.... I am sorry for
Roberta.... I am sorry for the reason that you are here, but so glad you found us. You will no doubt find a lot of support and information here... somewhere in the group someone will have walked at least close to your shoes.... It sounds like you have a solid team backing you up, that is important...and I say to heck with the medical bills... get the tan! Again welcome... glad you found us!

Hugs,

~T

lanie940

Kool! Glad you are going to
Kool! Glad you are going to Disney World, you need some fun with facing the Big Casino, Damn I hate cancer. I'm going with my family on this Sunday morning. We are staying at the Carribbean Beach Resort. Hope I can get my mind off of this BC. I have Dr. appointments several days when we get back starting Aug 31st.

jnl

Welcome Roberta. You seem
Welcome Roberta. You seem to have it all together. You know what is going on and what you have to do. I am a little surprised that your plastic surgeon will operate on you. A lot won't if you are a smoker. They usually ask you to quit for awhile before they will operate, since smoker's heal slower and sometimes not so well. I hope you can quit anyway, just for general purpose. I used to smoke and I know it is hard, but, it can be done. I hope you have a great time at Disney. Enjoy it!

Leeza

cats_toy

Welcome Roberta
hopefully all will go well with the surgery, smoking etc. My aunt had her mastectomy almost 6 years ago, and has just recently decided to give up the idea of reconstruction instead of quitting smoking, her doc said absolutely not until she quits. But she has smoked for 60+ years, and now believes she can't quit. Whatever decision you make, be sure you will be happy with it in the future. good luck to you and let us know how it goes
Cat

Booberta

cats_toy said:

Welcome Roberta
hopefully all will go well with the surgery, smoking etc. My aunt had her mastectomy almost 6 years ago, and has just recently decided to give up the idea of reconstruction instead of quitting smoking, her doc said absolutely not until she quits. But she has smoked for 60+ years, and now believes she can't quit. Whatever decision you make, be sure you will be happy with it in the future. good luck to you and let us know how it goes
Cat

Thanks
Thanks all for the warm welcome. The smoking does have to go!! We too are staying at the Carribean Beach.

I know that this is going to be a long process. However, after reading on this site I see that it is doable. Not easy, not pretty but doable.

I am looking forward to giving and recieving support. You are all fabulous women and men.

Akiss4me

Booberta said:

Thanks
Thanks all for the warm welcome. The smoking does have to go!! We too are staying at the Carribean Beach.

I know that this is going to be a long process. However, after reading on this site I see that it is doable. Not easy, not pretty but doable.

I am looking forward to giving and recieving support. You are all fabulous women and men.

Welcome Booberta....
Love the screen name! Just wanted to welcome you. Also (for encouragement) I guit smoking May 17th, 3 days before I saw Doc to get the "news". Wanted to proudly announce I was an ex-smoker just incase I needed surgery!! Hubby blew it with details! Who needs details?
I smoked 35 years. It's been 3 months (OMG, never thought about it till now!). I feel really great since I quit! No wheezing, not stinky, and a whole bunch more money for "me" things!! It really is a great investment in yourself. I figured I wasn't going through all this treatment just to kill myself with cigarettes (and the occasional cigar!).
If you decide to quit....you can do it!! It will be a piece of cake compared to this. Cake....did I mention cake? OK, gotta run....off to find some cake! ♥ Pammy

rjjj

Akiss4me said:

Welcome Booberta....
Love the screen name! Just wanted to welcome you. Also (for encouragement) I guit smoking May 17th, 3 days before I saw Doc to get the "news". Wanted to proudly announce I was an ex-smoker just incase I needed surgery!! Hubby blew it with details! Who needs details?
I smoked 35 years. It's been 3 months (OMG, never thought about it till now!). I feel really great since I quit! No wheezing, not stinky, and a whole bunch more money for "me" things!! It really is a great investment in yourself. I figured I wasn't going through all this treatment just to kill myself with cigarettes (and the occasional cigar!).
If you decide to quit....you can do it!! It will be a piece of cake compared to this. Cake....did I mention cake? OK, gotta run....off to find some cake! ♥ Pammy

Booberta
I welcome you to the most amazing group of sisters in pink. We will be here wit you to cry, vent, laugh, celebrate and encourage. It sounds like you are very positive. That will get you far.
Love, Jackie

VickiSam

You are a Pistol!! Love it ...
Roberta:

Love Love Love your spin on life. Telling it the way it is .. has always worked for me, good or bad.

I am extremely impressed by the information and team already in place to help you fight breast cancer.

I too plan on having a mastectomy (double). My right breast shows not indication of bc, however, I am pass the child bearing age. Don't ask .. okay ..okay I'm 39 and holding. I am seriously thinking about going up a cup size, as a treat for all the hell my breast cancer is putting me thru.

Let us know when surgery is so we can keep an eye on you.

Have a wonderful vacation with Becky.
VickiSam

VickiSam

You are a Pistol!! Love it ...
Roberta:

Love Love Love your spin on life. Telling it the way it is .. has always worked for me, good or bad.

I am extremely impressed by the information and team already in place to help you fight breast cancer.

I too plan on having a mastectomy (double). My right breast shows not indication of bc, however, I am pass the child bearing age. Don't ask .. okay ..okay I'm 39 and holding. I am seriously thinking about going up a cup size, as a treat for all the hell my breast cancer is putting me thru.

Let us know when surgery is so we can keep an eye on you.

Have a wonderful vacation with Becky.
VickiSam

Reikigemgirl

Welcome....
and drink lots of water while down here at Disney. I'm in Florida and this month and next are the hottest, so I would suggest a hat too to keep the sun off of ya!! You will have a blast at Disney. Sounds like you have it all "going on" with your medical team so that is great.

There are great people on this board so glad to have you join us!

Love and Light,
Vicki

Alexis F

Reikigemgirl said:

Welcome....
and drink lots of water while down here at Disney. I'm in Florida and this month and next are the hottest, so I would suggest a hat too to keep the sun off of ya!! You will have a blast at Disney. Sounds like you have it all "going on" with your medical team so that is great.

There are great people on this board so glad to have you join us!

Love and Light,
Vicki

Hi and Welcome! Enjoy your
Hi and Welcome! Enjoy your time at Disney! And, good luck with your treatment.

Tinker Lex♥

Booberta

Alexis F said:

Hi and Welcome! Enjoy your
Hi and Welcome! Enjoy your time at Disney! And, good luck with your treatment.

Tinker Lex♥

Thanks again
For your encouragement and good wishes. Vicki Sam- Go big girl, go up 3 cup sizes!! You deserve it. My surgeon, whom I love has suggested implant for reconstructions and another on the right side to "ballance" the effect.

I was talking to my DH and Becky about this and considered going really big, like 38DD. On second thought we decided that I would probably end up falling on my face about every other step. I must admit though, I now spend and inordinate amount of time looking at other women's boobs.

Vicki- Thanks for the tip on FL. I thought that we would be going during the "cool" time. I'll load up on water. I know its not healthy, but I plan to come back with a killer tan.

Tinker Lex- I love your ativar. Thanks for the welcome.

lolad

Roberta
First of all i want to welcome you to the site. Everyone here is wonderful and so supportive. They have all helped me so much when ive needed it. Im so sorry for what you are going through. I had a double mastectomy in june and had tissue expanders placed in at the same time. I go every two weeks or so and have them filled with saline, and when that process is done i will have another surgery for permanent implants. I am also going thru chemo right now. I have my second treatment on Tuesday. Im 36 and a single mom of three wonderful kids. Im also sorry for the loss of your mother in laws passing away. Wow, it was so soon after her finding out she was sick too. Thats great that you like all the drs so far and i agree that next time you need to take someone with you. If nobody is available to go, then take a tape recorder and record the visit. Thats wonderful that you have such a good support system with your daughter and sister and i think its great they can help ease your husbands mind. Go for the vacation girl! You will be glad that you were able to get away. The bills will get worked out one way or another. Take care of yourself and keep coming back here.

laura

tjhay

Roberta
Yes welcome to the family, I have to agree with Vicki, as a true blue Florida Cracker (yes I am proud of that) lots of water, maybe a bottle or to of gatorade, hat to protect your face and this is important SUN BLOCK you will still get a tan but it will protect you from getting burned, and this is prime burning time down here. Even us Crackers that have permantly sun stained skin use sun block this time of year.
It sounds like you have a great team, and a wonderful support system, do remember though that you have a bunch of sisters in pink now (and some brothers) that will stand by you the whole way. We will reach out our hands and steady your steps when ever you need us.

tjhay

fauxma

Akiss4me said:

Welcome Booberta....
Love the screen name! Just wanted to welcome you. Also (for encouragement) I guit smoking May 17th, 3 days before I saw Doc to get the "news". Wanted to proudly announce I was an ex-smoker just incase I needed surgery!! Hubby blew it with details! Who needs details?
I smoked 35 years. It's been 3 months (OMG, never thought about it till now!). I feel really great since I quit! No wheezing, not stinky, and a whole bunch more money for "me" things!! It really is a great investment in yourself. I figured I wasn't going through all this treatment just to kill myself with cigarettes (and the occasional cigar!).
If you decide to quit....you can do it!! It will be a piece of cake compared to this. Cake....did I mention cake? OK, gotta run....off to find some cake! ♥ Pammy

Booberta,You positive
Booberta,
You positive attitude will go far and be such a boon for you during this journey. So sorry about her hubby's mom. Always so tough to lose those we love. There are lots of us here to support you and assist you and even make you laugh. My prayers are there for you.
Stef

Pammy,
I knew you were an ex-smoker but I didn't know that cigars were a part of equation. I can just picture you in the gentlemen's club demanding entrance and a good Cuban cigar, maybe with a nice snifter of brandy. Do they even have gentlemen's clubs anymore? I am so dating myself. Anyway, glad you quit. It does put some extra coin in the pocket.
Stef

Tux

Roberta, welcome to this
Roberta, welcome to this board. Sorry to hear of your MIL's passing. I want to wish you the best in your treatment. Stop in often & let us know what is going on with you. I hope you have a wonderful time on your trip!

PS - To those who think 38DD is a desirable size, let me tell you that it isn't! Clothes don't fit - too tight across the bust & loose & sloppy everywhere else. Also, my doc told me that "due to my generous size," I prob. would not have found the cancer with self exam for 2 more years. Thankfully, a mammo found it.

Actually, I was considering breast reduction when all this bc came along. It is on hold for now.

Kylez

Tux said:

Roberta, welcome to this
Roberta, welcome to this board. Sorry to hear of your MIL's passing. I want to wish you the best in your treatment. Stop in often & let us know what is going on with you. I hope you have a wonderful time on your trip!

PS - To those who think 38DD is a desirable size, let me tell you that it isn't! Clothes don't fit - too tight across the bust & loose & sloppy everywhere else. Also, my doc told me that "due to my generous size," I prob. would not have found the cancer with self exam for 2 more years. Thankfully, a mammo found it.

Actually, I was considering breast reduction when all this bc came along. It is on hold for now.

Hi Roberta
Roberta, I would also like to welcome you to this amazing board of bc survivors!

♥ Kylez ♥