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Hello, My name is Valerie and I'm a 1 year survivor. After several months of trying to convince someone that something was wrong I was finally dx on March 6, 2009 with Stage 2b Breast Cancer. I had 2 surgeries, Chemo & Radiation. I am also taking tamoxifen. As of Dec 2009 I am in Remission. YEA!! I’m not doing to bad except for still being very tired, oh yea and now having Diabetes due to the Chemo. My incision site is still very touchy and is full of fluid. I will be seeing my surgeon this week to see what they will be doing this week. I am so tired of being poked and prodded. I am getting ready for our Local Relay for Life which in a few week and I will be doing the Susan K walk in June. I have been so thankful for all the support I have had from my Family & Friends.
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Introduction 1 year survivor
MultiQuote
#2
- Advanced Member
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- Group: Members
- Posts: 278
- Joined: 10-March 10
- Gender:Not Telling
- Location:Europe/US Ex-Pat
- Interests:Culture, cinema, travel, hiking, skiing.
Posted 18 April 2010 - 09:31 PM
Welcome. You've really been through it. BC is bad enough, but now to have to deal with diabetes--I'm so sorry. Are you coping with this okay? I remember being so tired of constantly being touched by someone, even though they were mostly very kind. Hope we can be of help to you. Ask any questions you want.
DCIS, Surgery, Radiotherapy
BC Listener at cancer centre
Yoga instructor
Teach English as 2nd language
Widow
Wanderer
"On s'approche de la fin du voyage. Mais la fin est un objectif, pas une catastrophe."
("One approaches the journey's end. But the end is a goal, not a catastrophe.")
--George Sand
#3
- Advanced Member
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- Group: Members
- Posts: 102
- Joined: 17-February 10
- Gender:Female
- Location:Texas
- Interests:I enjoy knitting, sewing, baking, gardening. I've got a supportive husband of 16yrs, two wonderful children--daughter 15yrs old and son 12 yrs old.
Posted 18 April 2010 - 11:02 PM
Hi Valerie,
Congrats on your 1 year survivorship! My BC was dx'd last year March 11th, so we almost share that anniversary
!
Good luck with your walks you've got planned. The energy from the other walkers should give you a boost of adrenaline! I haven't done any walks myself yet, thinking about the 3Day in November.......if I do, I'd better start upping my miles now!
Glad you are here. Everyone here is very supportive.
Lani
Congrats on your 1 year survivorship! My BC was dx'd last year March 11th, so we almost share that anniversary
! Good luck with your walks you've got planned. The energy from the other walkers should give you a boost of adrenaline! I haven't done any walks myself yet, thinking about the 3Day in November.......if I do, I'd better start upping my miles now!
Glad you are here. Everyone here is very supportive.
Lani
Age 46 yrs in Feb. 09 when this journey began
Routine mammo Feb. 09 abnormal
Digital mammo & US Feb. 09 confirmed mass
Steriotactic biopsy Mar. 09 confirmed/dx cancer
Pathology: triple negative breast cancer
Partial mastectomy/Sential node biopsy Apr. 09 (right breast)
Tumor: <0.5mm; margins clear; lymph nodes (3) negative
June 1-July 23, 2009: 33 rad tx's
Nov. 09: BRAc2+
Jan.-March 2010:more md visits/consultations to prepare
for BLM and for total hysterectomy
March 26, 2010: switched medical/surgical onc team
numerous md visits/consultations/tests
April 5, 2010: MRI done-no suspicious areas found
May 6, 2010: BLM (no reconstruction) and SNB (of left breast): SNB neg;
pathology found LCIS in left breast! No signs of reoccurance in rt breast
May 21, 2010: Bilat chest wall incisions become infected and split open
abx's and special wound care treatment started
June 10, 2010: begin OT and Lymphedema therapy for "cording" &
lymphedema of right arm and rt shoulder impingement
due to surgical scarring and rad tx
July 2010: mid month--both incisions had finally healed up;
con't exercises at home to improve ROM & swelling
Routine mammo Feb. 09 abnormal
Digital mammo & US Feb. 09 confirmed mass
Steriotactic biopsy Mar. 09 confirmed/dx cancer
Pathology: triple negative breast cancer
Partial mastectomy/Sential node biopsy Apr. 09 (right breast)
Tumor: <0.5mm; margins clear; lymph nodes (3) negative
June 1-July 23, 2009: 33 rad tx's
Nov. 09: BRAc2+
Jan.-March 2010:more md visits/consultations to prepare
for BLM and for total hysterectomy
March 26, 2010: switched medical/surgical onc team
numerous md visits/consultations/tests
April 5, 2010: MRI done-no suspicious areas found
May 6, 2010: BLM (no reconstruction) and SNB (of left breast): SNB neg;
pathology found LCIS in left breast! No signs of reoccurance in rt breast
May 21, 2010: Bilat chest wall incisions become infected and split open
abx's and special wound care treatment started
June 10, 2010: begin OT and Lymphedema therapy for "cording" &
lymphedema of right arm and rt shoulder impingement
due to surgical scarring and rad tx
July 2010: mid month--both incisions had finally healed up;
con't exercises at home to improve ROM & swelling
#4
- Advanced Member
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- Group: Members
- Posts: 1059
- Joined: 21-July 09
- Gender:Female
- Location:rhode island
- Interests:there are many hobbies i enjoy.reading, photography, knitting crocheting, scrapbooking and enjoying nature at the pier.also like fishing and gardening.
Posted 19 April 2010 - 01:32 AM
hi valerie. welcome to these message boards and congratulations on your one year. that is great to hear. the walks sound terrific too. continued good luck to you. hugs from bobbiejayne.
#6
- "F" Bomber...
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- Group: Members
- Posts: 1128
- Joined: 27-October 09
- Gender:Female
- Location:Illinois
- Interests:My kids!! Fav thing to do is watch my boys play sports, which includes my husband who will still not give up his basketball or football league even though I have told him that I WILL NOT push him in a wheel chair when he is old because he has sprained/broken so many body parts!! (Although after all of this BC crap, I might have to take that back) I love hanging out with our family who all pretty much live within a 2 mile radius of us!! Reading, lunching/daily phone convos w/ my BFF of the past 25 years (Love Ya, girl), lazing by my MIL's pool in the summer, planting and watching flowers grow (until about August, then I usualy am OVER it) That's about it, pretty simple, just the way I like it!!!
Posted 19 April 2010 - 01:20 PM
Congrats on the BIG "1"!!! For all of you who celebrated it recently. I cannot wait to get there myself!! Good luck with your upcoming walks Valerie!! Hope to do some next year when I am done with all of this crap!! And I toatlly hear you about the "poked and prodded" stuff. I no longer support animal testing 
Just kidding, but seriously, ENOUGH ALREADY!!!
Laurie
Just kidding, but seriously, ENOUGH ALREADY!!!Laurie
Sept 09 - Felt lump while putting on bra
9/29/09 - Mammo, U/S, Biopsy (Scary look on surgeon's face told me EVERYTHING)
10/5/09 - Got "the call"
Path = Triple Negative, Grade 3, IDC
Tumor = 3cm, grew to 5 cm in one month....shit!
BRCA-
CT Scan & Bone Scan = CLEAR!!!
Participant in NSABP B-40 Clinical Trial
Chemo started 11/18/09
4 rounds Taxotere, Xeloda, Avastin every 3 weeks DONE
4 rounds A/C, first 2 w/ Avastin every 3 weeks DONE
BLM with TE's scheduled for 5/26/10 DONE
Left TE replaced 6/26/10 due to skin necrosis and infection (OUCH!)
Avastin infusions every 3 weeks started 8/17/10
Radiation started 8/30/10
WORRYING does not take away tomorrow's TROUBLES, it takes away today's PEACE.
9/29/09 - Mammo, U/S, Biopsy (Scary look on surgeon's face told me EVERYTHING)
10/5/09 - Got "the call"
Path = Triple Negative, Grade 3, IDC
Tumor = 3cm, grew to 5 cm in one month....shit!
BRCA-
CT Scan & Bone Scan = CLEAR!!!
Participant in NSABP B-40 Clinical Trial
Chemo started 11/18/09
4 rounds Taxotere, Xeloda, Avastin every 3 weeks DONE
4 rounds A/C, first 2 w/ Avastin every 3 weeks DONE
BLM with TE's scheduled for 5/26/10 DONE
Left TE replaced 6/26/10 due to skin necrosis and infection (OUCH!)
Avastin infusions every 3 weeks started 8/17/10
Radiation started 8/30/10
WORRYING does not take away tomorrow's TROUBLES, it takes away today's PEACE.
#7
- Advanced Member
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- Group: Members
- Posts: 251
- Joined: 09-March 10
- Gender:Female
- Location:Mannford, Oklahoma
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Interests:Inflammatory Breast Cancer, 2 year survivor,
I love my kids & grandkids,
Amatuer Photographer
Posted 29 July 2010 - 07:14 PM
Hi Valerie,
Welcome & congrats! I understand still being tired, it took me long time to get some energy back. Still get tired but not quite as bad. Hang in there!
Love & prayers. NJ
Welcome & congrats! I understand still being tired, it took me long time to get some energy back. Still get tired but not quite as bad. Hang in there!
Love & prayers. NJ
~Norma June~
Nov 10, 2007 First Sympton of IBC, itching & peau d'orange
Nov 10 day - Round Antibiotics
Dec, 2007 Mammogram & Ultrasound: clear
Dec, 2007 First Biospy, negative
Jan, 2008, MRI, 3mm mass
Jan, 2008, Second Biospy, positive
Jan 10, 2008 Diagnosis of IBC, Right; ICD, ER-PR-Her2-
Jan 26, 2008 - Dense Dose AC X's 4
March, 2008 - 2 Units Blood
March, 2008 - Taxol, 8 single doses
June 13, 2008 - Taxotere,3 1/2 doses
July 10, 2008; Simple Mastectomy Left
July 10. 2008; Modified Radical right, Complete Node Discetion, 5 positive
Aug 2008, Radiation
Oct 2, 2008 Last Scar Boost
Nov 10, 2008 Cancer Free!!!!
Dec 2008, Wound & Frozen Shoulder PT
Still dealing with anemia but getting better!
Nov 10, 2007 First Sympton of IBC, itching & peau d'orange
Nov 10 day - Round Antibiotics
Dec, 2007 Mammogram & Ultrasound: clear
Dec, 2007 First Biospy, negative
Jan, 2008, MRI, 3mm mass
Jan, 2008, Second Biospy, positive
Jan 10, 2008 Diagnosis of IBC, Right; ICD, ER-PR-Her2-
Jan 26, 2008 - Dense Dose AC X's 4
March, 2008 - 2 Units Blood
March, 2008 - Taxol, 8 single doses
June 13, 2008 - Taxotere,3 1/2 doses
July 10, 2008; Simple Mastectomy Left
July 10. 2008; Modified Radical right, Complete Node Discetion, 5 positive
Aug 2008, Radiation
Oct 2, 2008 Last Scar Boost
Nov 10, 2008 Cancer Free!!!!
Dec 2008, Wound & Frozen Shoulder PT
Still dealing with anemia but getting better!
#8
- Advanced Member
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- Group: Members
- Posts: 618
- Joined: 13-July 08
- Gender:Female
- Location:Colorado
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Interests:I've worked for a Neurologist for 20 years and still work out of my home for him. I've raised five very successful children (with my husband's help) and we have 5 beautiful grandchildren.I enjoy Yoga and taught it at a Long term Care Center as a volunteer.
I love reading. I would like to help other women facing cancer and I try to post on this site when I feel I can contribute from my experience.
Posted 04 August 2010 - 03:45 PM
Hi Val, Welcome to our sisterhood. Hope we can help you through some of the rough spots with our experience.
I wanted to put in this info I just read on taking Vitamin D3 -make sure it says that on the bottle. We need from 1000 to 2000 units daily and it can help lose weight, fight depression and all sorts of things. But this one about breast cancer is the best for all of us.
"Vitamin D and Breast Cancer from Web MD"
"Low vitamin D may worsen the prognosis for women with breast cancer. In one study, women deficient in vitamin D when they were diagnosed had a 94% greater chance of the cancer spreading. They also had a 73% greater chance of dying over the next 10 years. Other studies suggest that vitamin D may even offer protection against developing breast cancer."
That may sound negative but most of us were getting the daily requirement from fortified milk and being in the sun without sunscreen but now that we all know we need more, lets get some and take it everyday to prevent a recurrence. I take 2000 units daily and that is kind of the upper limit for supplements. My oncologist always checks my Vitamin D level with my other blood tests so I guess the word is out that we need it.
Love and prayers,
Barbara
I wanted to put in this info I just read on taking Vitamin D3 -make sure it says that on the bottle. We need from 1000 to 2000 units daily and it can help lose weight, fight depression and all sorts of things. But this one about breast cancer is the best for all of us.
"Vitamin D and Breast Cancer from Web MD"
"Low vitamin D may worsen the prognosis for women with breast cancer. In one study, women deficient in vitamin D when they were diagnosed had a 94% greater chance of the cancer spreading. They also had a 73% greater chance of dying over the next 10 years. Other studies suggest that vitamin D may even offer protection against developing breast cancer."
That may sound negative but most of us were getting the daily requirement from fortified milk and being in the sun without sunscreen but now that we all know we need more, lets get some and take it everyday to prevent a recurrence. I take 2000 units daily and that is kind of the upper limit for supplements. My oncologist always checks my Vitamin D level with my other blood tests so I guess the word is out that we need it.
Love and prayers,
Barbara
Diagnosed: 2/26/08
Surgery: 3/26/08
Biopsy showed small piece of tissue with ILC. No grade given as no CA in pathology postop.
ER+PR+ Her2 neg.ILC L Breast, MRI showed spot on R Breast
Bilateral Mastectomy with immediate implant reconstruction.
Had implants replaced with round shape on July 26th.
Pathology after surgery: No sign of cancer cells in breasts and 2 nodes on each side.
Medications: None
Hist: Lost 3 sisters and father to cancer
Married 52 years, 5 children and 4 grandchildren. Added 5th granchild in April 2009- in picture with me.
"NONE OF US WALKS THIS ROAD ALONE".
"Far away in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead."-- Louisa May Alcott
Surgery: 3/26/08
Biopsy showed small piece of tissue with ILC. No grade given as no CA in pathology postop.
ER+PR+ Her2 neg.ILC L Breast, MRI showed spot on R Breast
Bilateral Mastectomy with immediate implant reconstruction.
Had implants replaced with round shape on July 26th.
Pathology after surgery: No sign of cancer cells in breasts and 2 nodes on each side.
Medications: None
Hist: Lost 3 sisters and father to cancer
Married 52 years, 5 children and 4 grandchildren. Added 5th granchild in April 2009- in picture with me.
"NONE OF US WALKS THIS ROAD ALONE".
"Far away in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead."-- Louisa May Alcott
#9
- Advanced Member
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- Group: Members
- Posts: 57
- Joined: 01-January 10
- Gender:Female
- Location:Houston, Texas
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Interests:Married for 25 years.
I enjoy breeding russian blue cats for show. Its my hobby which takes up a lot of time... a life saver during my cancer treatment so far... I can pick up a kitten when I get sad and it changes my mood.
Posted 13 August 2010 - 05:51 PM
Hi Valerie, we at least have the name in common and also survivorship. Congratulations on making it to 1 year. Im working on my 1 year now that my treatments are DONE. Im deciding not to do Tamoxifein at this point. But I do natural hormone blockers that I hope will help. Be good to yourself.
Hugs,
Valarie
Hugs,
Valarie
Valarie
Age 52
Lump felt in right breast Oct. 09
Set up Mammogram 11/4/09; called back for Diagnostic Mammogram of the Left Breast and
Ultrasound of Tumor in Rt breast - fibroadnoma
Mammogram showed calcifications in left breast, suspicious for malignancy.
Sterotactic Needle Biopsies of 2 calcifications at 3 oclock and 6 oclock left breast 12/16
Path report: 12/23 Diagnosed with DCIS grade 1 and 2 noninvasive - thru 2 calcifications ER/PR+
MRI done on 12/27
seen 1st breast cancer surgeon 12/31/09 - Happy New Year
will seek 2nd opinion week of 1/4/10
2nd surgeon opinion 1/6/10 - more conservative approach, decisions,
1/28 - Plastic Surgeon consultation. Recommending breast reduction after surgery.
Decided on 1st opinion, wide lumpectomy plus reconstruction
Lumpectomy scheduled 3/3/10, then wait on Pathology results 3 days
Reconstruction (Reduction) scheduled for 3/10/10,Marking 3/2/10
Pre-Op 2/23/10, met with oncology nurse navigator
3/3/10 Surgery. 3 Lumpectomies, 2 from left to remove DCIS and 1 from right to remove fibroadnoma. Sentinel Node Biopsy - Negative, woo hoo.
3/10/10 - Bilateral Breast Reduction.
3/16/10 - Pathology Report on breast reduction - No more cancer found, Praise God!
7/8/10 - Started Radiation Therapy 25 treatments
8/11/10 - Last Radiation Treatment - DONE!!
9/23/10 - appt. with surgeon
Age 52
Lump felt in right breast Oct. 09
Set up Mammogram 11/4/09; called back for Diagnostic Mammogram of the Left Breast and
Ultrasound of Tumor in Rt breast - fibroadnoma
Mammogram showed calcifications in left breast, suspicious for malignancy.
Sterotactic Needle Biopsies of 2 calcifications at 3 oclock and 6 oclock left breast 12/16
Path report: 12/23 Diagnosed with DCIS grade 1 and 2 noninvasive - thru 2 calcifications ER/PR+
MRI done on 12/27
seen 1st breast cancer surgeon 12/31/09 - Happy New Year
will seek 2nd opinion week of 1/4/10
2nd surgeon opinion 1/6/10 - more conservative approach, decisions,
1/28 - Plastic Surgeon consultation. Recommending breast reduction after surgery.
Decided on 1st opinion, wide lumpectomy plus reconstruction
Lumpectomy scheduled 3/3/10, then wait on Pathology results 3 days
Reconstruction (Reduction) scheduled for 3/10/10,Marking 3/2/10
Pre-Op 2/23/10, met with oncology nurse navigator
3/3/10 Surgery. 3 Lumpectomies, 2 from left to remove DCIS and 1 from right to remove fibroadnoma. Sentinel Node Biopsy - Negative, woo hoo.
3/10/10 - Bilateral Breast Reduction.
3/16/10 - Pathology Report on breast reduction - No more cancer found, Praise God!
7/8/10 - Started Radiation Therapy 25 treatments
8/11/10 - Last Radiation Treatment - DONE!!
9/23/10 - appt. with surgeon
#10
- Advanced Member
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- Group: Members
- Posts: 83
- Joined: 30-March 10
- Gender:Female
- Interests:gardening,reading,spending time with grandkids
Posted 18 August 2010 - 09:54 PM
hey valerie, welcome to this board., and congrats for your first year. by then, all the pushing and prodding has "gotten old " i can identify. im 1 1/2 yrs. out, but had new surgery, to pretty things up, get rid of "dog ears" left from ist surgery, dont ya know , complications, and another hospital visit..! anyhow, they wont operate on me anymore, so i'll now get the rest i need. still tired all the time. im going to look into the vit d3 i read earlier. sending you good energy. light and love, 3jaysmom aka cherie.
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