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Cancer Support Thread - 4/5/2010 12:47:02 PM
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LibererlaFemme
Posts: 1307
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: PA, USA
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Here is a place for we who have been diagnosed with cancer (any kind), whether undergoing treatment yet or not, to commiserate, kvetch, vent, ask questions, lend support, share stories, teach, learn, etc., etc., etc.
I believe we can be a valuable support to each other. I know of only one other here so far, but there must be more. Let’s help each other!
PLEASE NOTE – NON-CANCER PATIENTS ARE WELCOME TO POST. We can learn from you too!
I’ll post my own story below.
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><> Pam
From the rising of the sun til the sun goes down, let the name of the Lord be praised!
< < my sweet Toby {1997-2010}
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RE: Cancer Support Thread - 4/5/2010 12:56:42 PM
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LibererlaFemme
Posts: 1307
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: PA, USA
Status: offline
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I was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer on March 4. I didn't find the lump, neither did my doctor, the mammogram did.
(Public Service Announcement: "Feel your boobies!")
I had a lumpectomy on March 22. The first two days after were a piece of cake. I wasn't sore or anything. Then on the third day (why does that sound so familiar?  ), I was at my home group and felt a lot of ouchy tingling. When I got home I saw that I had swelled up, was terribly deformed, and badly bruised. To my relief, the doctor said this was normal. (Whew!)
The swelling is down a bit, but healing is slow. The surgeon in the follow-up appointment said I was still in stage one, and I was scheduled with a medical oncologist and radiation oncologist. The radiation is a certainty, but he's not sure about chemo or hormone therapy. That's what the medical oncologist will determine.
I'm hoping to begin radiation soon, maybe this week. I want to get on with this!
I guess that's my story so far. I realize I'm much better off than many cancer patients. I think my prognosis is very good.
But even so, I maintain that "my bags are packed and I'm ready to go." Dying doesn't frighten me. But I'll admit that I'd like to enjoy earth for awhile longer. 
Does anyone else think it's strange that "Health" is in the "Fun" folder? 
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><> Pam
From the rising of the sun til the sun goes down, let the name of the Lord be praised!
< < my sweet Toby {1997-2010}
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RE: Cancer Support Thread - 4/5/2010 2:09:21 PM
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wfisaac
Posts: 299
Joined: 3/18/2007
From: Tip of the Mitt
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Thanks so much, Pam, for starting this. I am looking forward to being encouraged and hopefully to be of encouragement to someone.
My story is for a couple years I didn't feel right. I couldn't put my finger on it but I just didn't feel right. I kept thinking it was stress from a major move and then I thought it was emotional stuff from being at a job I hated. I kept going to my normal yearly physicals and thought if there was something wrong, it would get picked up. But each year everything would come back "normal". My last yearly was in October and again I got the "normal" feedback but by January I thought I better go in and hash things out with my doctor. She right away sent me to a specialist and in a week I was diagnosed with what they thought was uterine cancer. They schedule me to have surgery on March 8th to do a full hysterectomy. The pathology from after the surgery showed that I had actually had Stage 3b Ovarian Cancer. On March 23 I started my first round of chemo. I will have to go in every 21 days and if all goes as planned my last one will be July 6th. That will be a total of 6 sessions.
Since my first chemo I have had everyone of the typical side effects associated with the specific drugs involved, Taxol and Carboplatin. The only thing I was thankfully spared of this time was the nauseousness. But everything else was right on schedule. The intense muscle and joint pain that lasted several days straight. That has eased up and now I just have random aches and pains. And last night my hair started to come out. I thought I had come to terms with this happening but when I saw that first glob of it last night I started crying like a baby. And have been crying on and off since as I see more and more come out.
Right now my big struggle is the surgery took one part of me that made me feel like a woman. And now my hair is being taken away from me. It is very hard emotionally.
Since Pam added a "public service announcement", I have one, too.....if you notice some changes, like for instance a significant change in your monthly cycles, don't ignore it. Tell your doctor. And if your doctor doesn't seem to give much heed to it....get a new doctor! Also, sometimes it may be hard to pin point so it might be hard to ask about it. That was one of my problems....I didn't know exactly what was wrong so I didn't know what questions to ask. But I would just sit there at home and I kept telling myself "something isn't right". So when I finally made that appointment with my doctor they asked what I wanted to see her for....I just said "I really don't know, but something isn't right". And I just went in and told her every little detail even if it seemed minor. I'm thankful she didn't blow me off and she right away got the ball rolling. I had my diagnosis within 2 weeks of making that appointment. I really wish I had made that appointment much sooner.
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Veronica
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RE: Cancer Support Thread - 4/5/2010 2:16:01 PM
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wfisaac
Posts: 299
Joined: 3/18/2007
From: Tip of the Mitt
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By the way, Pam, I am so glad yours was caught in an early stage. But, I still realize it is a scary thing to go through regardless. I know you have a relationship with Christ and I know that gives us such a great hope and peace...but there are still those moments that can be hard. So, I am praying for you through this journey.
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Veronica
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RE: Cancer Support Thread - 4/5/2010 2:54:03 PM
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wfisaac
Posts: 299
Joined: 3/18/2007
From: Tip of the Mitt
Status: offline
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Yeah, Pam, I try to remind myself that those things aren't what makes a woman. But, it's hard when those things are taken away to not feel like a little part of you is being taken. I remember before, even though I sympathized with a woman going through losing her hair, I don't think I quite grasped how hard it could be. I know it's just a temporary thing. And you're right...it beats the alternative.
I wasn't even going to think about getting a wig but then I found my insurance will cover one so I am looking into it. I went to get fitted for one last week but because I still had a full head of hair it was hard to get a good measurement. We decided to wait until it is gone, which will be any day now. And I have had so many people blessing me with all sorts of hats and do rags. My sister is making me several hats and cool looking turbans. Her boss bought me a variety of hats. A former college friend made me several do rags which are absolutely beautiful. Guess I'll get to show them off soon now.
How soon will you find out when they will do treatment? And does it look like it will just be radiation at this point? Or are they considering chemo in addition?
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Veronica
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RE: Cancer Support Thread - 4/5/2010 3:15:21 PM
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LibererlaFemme
Posts: 1307
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: PA, USA
Status: offline
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Tomorrow is the medical oncologist appt., where I guess I'll find out if I'll need chemo or other therapy. Radiation oncologist appt. is Wednesday. The surgeon told me last week that I will definitely need to receive radiation treatments. So I guess it could still be just radiation. That would be best case scenario. And I hope it starts soon! (Let's get on with it already!)
That's great about the hats and stuff! So, once the hair starts to go, it doesn't take long? I was thinking that if mine started to fall out, that I'd go and have my head shaved rather than watch it fall out little by little. But if it goes rather quickly, well ...
I think that we're embarrassed by the hair loss. But I believe society is, or should be, more understanding. And it's not as uncommon as it used to be.
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><> Pam
From the rising of the sun til the sun goes down, let the name of the Lord be praised!
< < my sweet Toby {1997-2010}
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RE: Cancer Support Thread - 4/5/2010 3:44:39 PM
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wfisaac
Posts: 299
Joined: 3/18/2007
From: Tip of the Mitt
Status: offline
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My cousin works at a salon where the owner is a cancer survivor and she has a heart for helping women deal with this. She has told me that when I am ready she will shave it. All day I have been thinking I should call her and make an appointment but I just haven't been able to do it yet. I will see how I am feeling about it tomorrow. As of right now, it's not noticeable to someone because I don't have any bald spots. I have thick hair and it's just thinning down right now. But at the rate it's going today I am thinking I should make that call tomorrow.
This lady is great. She provides a bunch of beauty services for women going through this in an effort to help them feel "pretty" because she understands how tough it can be. She will help you find your own style as far as hats or scarves or whatever. And she will do manicures and pedicures at no cost. I think it's wonderful when someone takes a battle and turns it into a ministry to others. I pray that I am able to find a way to minister to others as well because of this.
You are right, that it's not so uncommon to see women who you can tell have had hair loss due to cancer. You notice it, but it's not an oddity.
Well....I am hoping that you find out that radiation will be the only treatment you need. I know it has it's challenges as well...but I am hoping you will be spared the chemo route. My one aunt had to do both a few years ago for breast cancer and she actually did okay with the chemo...but still, I pray you don't have to do that.
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Veronica
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RE: Cancer Support Thread - 4/5/2010 4:48:17 PM
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LibererlaFemme
Posts: 1307
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: PA, USA
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That's so cool about the salon! It's always great to have professional advice, especially in this case!
_____________________________
><> Pam
From the rising of the sun til the sun goes down, let the name of the Lord be praised!
< < my sweet Toby {1997-2010}
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RE: Cancer Support Thread - 4/5/2010 8:36:35 PM
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LibererlaFemme
Posts: 1307
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: PA, USA
Status: offline
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To all lurkers: (I know you're there, I'm watching the hits)
It just occurred to me that this thread probably looks like a private conversation between Veronica and me. But please feel free to jump in and contribute whatever you desire. Like I said in the OP, you don't have to have cancer!
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><> Pam
From the rising of the sun til the sun goes down, let the name of the Lord be praised!
< < my sweet Toby {1997-2010}
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RE: Cancer Support Thread - 4/5/2010 8:56:40 PM
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wfisaac
Posts: 299
Joined: 3/18/2007
From: Tip of the Mitt
Status: offline
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Yes, please do feel free to join in. Whether it's to share your own journey or if you have any insight that you think would be helpful. Or even questions. We just want to provide a place for anyone to share.
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Veronica
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RE: Cancer Support Thread - 4/5/2010 9:11:31 PM
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mutinywxgirl
Posts: 4412
Joined: 4/29/2005
From: St. Petersburg, FL
Status: offline
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I am presently dealing with one of my dearest friends watch her son (7) struggle with a form of Kidney cancer. He's finally on the down side of it but his chemo lasted for 32 weeks....they have about 8 more weeks to go. I was the first person she called when she got the news. I was able to get her laughing....especially as I got her to see how the Lord had brought all the people into her life who have helped her physically get through this with him.
This has even strengthened her relationship with her husband, and they were having some rocky times. His walk with the Lord has grown stronger too.
It's been truly a blessing to them. They're going to Disney on May 11th through Make A Wish Foundation. They live in upstate NY.
Are you familiar with Caring Bridge? Here's his link and story. Might be something for you both to consider.
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When blood and water hit the ground.
Walls we couldn't move came crashing down.
We were free and made alive.
The day true love died. The day true love died.
Lisa is happy THE ROWDIES ARE BACK!
14 (go Tony!)
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RE: Cancer Support Thread - 4/5/2010 10:03:58 PM
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LibererlaFemme
Posts: 1307
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: PA, USA
Status: offline
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That's a really nice site, Lisa. And a really good idea.
About you and your friend - yes, even good things can come out of what seems to be crisis.
I'll be interested to see how things go for Deegan. I'd never heard of kidney cancer before.
_____________________________
><> Pam
From the rising of the sun til the sun goes down, let the name of the Lord be praised!
< < my sweet Toby {1997-2010}
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RE: Cancer Support Thread - 4/5/2010 10:12:05 PM
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mutinywxgirl
Posts: 4412
Joined: 4/29/2005
From: St. Petersburg, FL
Status: offline
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Actually it's a Wiln's Tumor (located in the kidney), and he also had spots show up on his lungs. Thankfully the treatments have been working, and with a Wiln's Tumor, there's about a 70% recovery rate.
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When blood and water hit the ground.
Walls we couldn't move came crashing down.
We were free and made alive.
The day true love died. The day true love died.
Lisa is happy THE ROWDIES ARE BACK!
14 (go Tony!)
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RE: Cancer Support Thread - 4/5/2010 11:14:52 PM
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wfisaac
Posts: 299
Joined: 3/18/2007
From: Tip of the Mitt
Status: offline
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There's always been such a special place in my heart for little ones having to battle cancer. I will keep this little guy in my prayers. I'm going to trust that he is going to be in the 70% that recover.
And thanks for the link, Lisa. When I got all my paperwork in the mail from my insurance they actually had a flyer in there about this site but I had lost it and couldn't remember enough to find it. So, thank you so much.
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Veronica
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RE: Cancer Support Thread - 4/6/2010 12:26:10 AM
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Ps103
Posts: 13114
Joined: 4/16/2005
From: Here, now
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Hi Pam and Veronica. Just popping in to say I am praying for you both, and for Lisa's friend's son, too.
And that I am pretty sure everyone knows someone who has lost their hair due to cancer treatments, so there is no reason for feel uncomfortable about it.
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Fasten your seat belts...it's going to be a bumpy night.
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RE: Cancer Support Thread - 4/6/2010 7:56:50 AM
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justaparent
Posts: 2
Joined: 4/6/2010
Status: offline
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Hello, my name is Nanette, 14 years ago I entered my 8th pregnacy and had a actual live , healthy fetus, then we found out it was two. The next day they also told me I had cervical cancer and wanted to perform a abortion.
I opted not to, one baby was viable and she is now 13 years old, and our only child. I had a hysterctomy after her birth and we are both cancer free. We both are checked annualy and I did have her take the gardisil shots.
I knew God had a plan with all the failed pregnacies. I must say my daughter is my own personal Angel, with out her they would not have run tests and found the cancer.
I will pray for each of you daily to be cancer free.
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Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly!
Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably .
And never regret anything that made you smile.
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RE: Cancer Support Thread - 4/6/2010 8:09:09 AM
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CoeurdeLeon
Posts: 1957
Joined: 12/30/2007
From: Inside my head
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Ps103
Hi Pam and Veronica. Just popping in to say I am praying for you both, and for Lisa's friend's son, too.
And that I am pretty sure everyone knows someone who has lost their hair due to cancer treatments, so there is no reason for feel uncomfortable about it.
Me, too. Subscribing so that I can keep up to date with what's happening with y'all and praying.
And what Ps103 says about losing hair is true. My best friend had breast cancer and lost her hair from chemo. When it started to fall out her daughter shaved her head for her and her husband and son shaved theirs in solidarity. It was really sweet. Anyway, she got a nice wig that was a different but really cute style which made it look like she'd just changed hairstyles. After a day or two, it didn't look 'different', it looked right on her just like any time you change hair length or style. (did that make sense?)
And there are so many women who have hair and wear scarves that completely cover it that no one will necessarily think you're wearing one for any reason other than you want to.
I guess what I'm saying is that other people aren't really going to notice the way you imagine they will. And your friends look at your face and eyes, that's what they see and focus on.
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I will admit that the Lion is, in general, weird.
~Kerrlaw~
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RE: Cancer Support Thread - 4/6/2010 9:29:20 AM
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wfisaac
Posts: 299
Joined: 3/18/2007
From: Tip of the Mitt
Status: offline
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Welcome Nanette! And what a wonderful story that both you and your daughter are cancer free all these years.
Thank you Ps103 and CoeurdeLeon for the words of encouragement.
I think today I am going to cowboy up and make the phone call to get my hair shaved. I was thinking I would hang on to what I could for as long as I could but it's to the point now where it's quite messy. Showering this morning wasn't fun. And plus, it kind of hurts. I have been told if you shave it at this point it will help with that discomfort.
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Veronica
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RE: Cancer Support Thread - 4/6/2010 9:57:40 AM
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wfisaac
Posts: 299
Joined: 3/18/2007
From: Tip of the Mitt
Status: offline
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Okay....I did it! I called and got an appointment made.
The owner is out this week and she's the one who usually does this so the soonest they could get me in is Thursday. But, I'm okay with that. I have a sense that I took the step and now I can relax a little about it.
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Veronica
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RE: Cancer Support Thread - 4/6/2010 12:58:11 PM
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LibererlaFemme
Posts: 1307
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: PA, USA
Status: offline
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Just a quick update for today:
Saw medical oncologist today. Won't need chemotherapy. Will start taking hormone pills. Prognosis is really good.
_____________________________
><> Pam
From the rising of the sun til the sun goes down, let the name of the Lord be praised!
< < my sweet Toby {1997-2010}
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