making a decision

I had come to the conclusion that I wanted to proceed with the
lumpectomy/sentinel node biopsy and then, when the final path report
is back about spread and need for chemo, I can decide to leave the
lumpectomy alone and get radiation, or get the mastectomy. I don't
want a mastectomy for cosmetic reasons--which was the surgeon's
initial recommendation.
I called her office and left a message that my vote was for breast
conserving surgery, but I'd follow the tumor board recommendations.
She called and left a message with my husband that the MRI showed no
additional disease, the same 1.8 single cm tumor and the estrogen
receptor status is 3+, which makes me an excellent tamoxifen
candidate. She now concurs with the lumpectomy.
I guess she called and said to him: "It's all good news." Which makes
me realize what a toll this takes on her as well.
My internist had called--she had just got the message, and we
discussed the options, and she told me that she strongly supported my
decision. She has also had patients and colleagues who had issues with
reconstruction, and wouldn't chose a surgery based on wanting a
reconstruction.
With the lumpectomy, they can always take away more, when all the
information--node status, PR/Her are back. Also if the pathology is
suspicious.
But a mastectomy for cosmesis just didn't make sense to me. For
prevention of further disease, yes, but for looks--no.
Judy

"judy.n" <judy.nudelman@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:b318c8c9-b402-4669-b054-d2f9e65e1b1e@f36g2000hsa.googlegroups.com...
>I had come to the conclusion that I wanted to proceed with the
> lumpectomy/sentinel node biopsy and then, when the final path report
> is back about spread and need for chemo, I can decide to leave the
> lumpectomy alone and get radiation, or get the mastectomy. I don't
> want a mastectomy for cosmetic reasons--which was the surgeon's
> initial recommendation.
> I called her office and left a message that my vote was for breast
> conserving surgery, but I'd follow the tumor board recommendations.
> She called and left a message with my husband that the MRI showed no
> additional disease, the same 1.8 single cm tumor and the estrogen
> receptor status is 3+, which makes me an excellent tamoxifen
> candidate. She now concurs with the lumpectomy.
> I guess she called and said to him: "It's all good news." Which makes
> me realize what a toll this takes on her as well.
> My internist had called--she had just got the message, and we
> discussed the options, and she told me that she strongly supported my
> decision. She has also had patients and colleagues who had issues with
> reconstruction, and wouldn't chose a surgery based on wanting a
> reconstruction.
> With the lumpectomy, they can always take away more, when all the
> information--node status, PR/Her are back. Also if the pathology is
> suspicious.
> But a mastectomy for cosmesis just didn't make sense to me. For
> prevention of further disease, yes, but for looks--no.
> Judy

Sounds like you have a plan..... good luck sounds like smooth sailing for
you.

"judy.n" <judy.nudelman@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:b318c8c9-b402-4669-b054-d2f9e65e1b1e@f36g2000hsa.googlegroups.com...
>I had come to the conclusion that I wanted to proceed with the
> lumpectomy/sentinel node biopsy and then, when the final path report
> is back about spread and need for chemo, I can decide to leave the
> lumpectomy alone and get radiation, or get the mastectomy. I don't
> want a mastectomy for cosmetic reasons--which was the surgeon's
> initial recommendation.
> I called her office and left a message that my vote was for breast
> conserving surgery, but I'd follow the tumor board recommendations.
> She called and left a message with my husband that the MRI showed no
> additional disease, the same 1.8 single cm tumor and the estrogen
> receptor status is 3+, which makes me an excellent tamoxifen
> candidate. She now concurs with the lumpectomy.
> I guess she called and said to him: "It's all good news." Which makes
> me realize what a toll this takes on her as well.
> My internist had called--she had just got the message, and we
> discussed the options, and she told me that she strongly supported my
> decision. She has also had patients and colleagues who had issues with
> reconstruction, and wouldn't chose a surgery based on wanting a
> reconstruction.
> With the lumpectomy, they can always take away more, when all the
> information--node status, PR/Her are back. Also if the pathology is
> suspicious.
> But a mastectomy for cosmesis just didn't make sense to me. For
> prevention of further disease, yes, but for looks--no.
> Judy

I sent an e-mail with an address for BCANS--it might have died in yourspam
filters. Nancy R did a survey of undocumented effects of tamoxifen you
might want to be aware of as you start. Some get along nicely with it, but
some don't.

"judy.n" <judy.nudelman@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:b318c8c9-b402-4669-b054-d2f9e65e1b1e@f36g2000hsa.googlegroups.com...
>I had come to the conclusion that I wanted to proceed with the
> lumpectomy/sentinel node biopsy and then, when the final path report
> is back about spread and need for chemo, I can decide to leave the
> lumpectomy alone and get radiation, or get the mastectomy. I

Hurrah!

....

> She called and left a message with my husband that the MRI showed no
> additional disease, the same 1.8 single cm tumor and the estrogen
> receptor status is 3+, which makes me an excellent tamoxifen
> candidate. She now concurs with the lumpectomy.

Great news. Don't be put off by hard stories of tamoxifen, they're in the
minority.

....

> My internist had called--she had just got the message, and we
> discussed the options, and she told me that she strongly supported my
> decision. She has also had patients and colleagues who had issues with
> reconstruction, and wouldn't chose a surgery based on wanting a
> reconstruction.
> With the lumpectomy, they can always take away more, when all the
> information--node status, PR/Her are back. Also if the pathology is
> suspicious.
> But a mastectomy for cosmesis just didn't make sense to me. For
> prevention of further disease, yes, but for looks--no.
> Judy

It's very hard for us, as mere survivors and not experts - even our beloved
Tim doesn't know everything - to give unbiased opinions but I'm very glad
that you've made a decision AND that you've decided what you have.

I'm also very happy to read your measured words, it seems that you're much
calmer now. It affects all of us when someone is very upset because it's so
hard for us to find the words to use. We all have different experiences.

I'm going to be away for the weekend but I hope to come back and find that
things are still going well for you.

In the meantime, continue planning for the wedding :-)

Hugs,

Mary

On May 15, 1:37*am, "Mary Fisher" <mary.fis...@zetnet.co.uk> wrote:
> "judy.n" <judy.nudel...@gmail.com> wrote in message
>
> news:b318c8c9-b402-4669-b054-d2f9e65e1b1e@f36g2000hsa.googlegroups.com...
>
> >I had come to the conclusion that I wanted to proceed with the
> > lumpectomy/sentinel node biopsy and then, when the final path report
> > is back about spread and need for chemo, I can decide to leave the
> > lumpectomy alone and get radiation, or get the mastectomy. I
>
> Hurrah!
>
> ...
>
> > *She called and left a message with my husband that the MRI showed no
> > additional disease, the same 1.8 single cm tumor and the estrogen
> > receptor status is 3+, which makes me an excellent tamoxifen
> > candidate. She now concurs with the lumpectomy.
>
> Great news. Don't be put off by hard stories of tamoxifen, they're in the
> minority.
>
> ...
>
> > *My internist had called--she had just got the message, and we
> > discussed the options, and she told me that she strongly supported my
> > decision. She has also had patients and colleagues who had issues with
> > reconstruction, and wouldn't chose a surgery based on wanting a
> > reconstruction.
> > *With the lumpectomy, they can always take away more, when all the
> > information--node status, PR/Her are back. Also if the pathology is
> > suspicious.
> > *But a mastectomy for cosmesis just didn't make sense to me. For
> > prevention of further disease, yes, but for looks--no.
> > Judy
>
> It's very hard for us, as mere survivors and not experts - even our beloved
> Tim doesn't know everything - to give unbiased opinions but I'm very glad
> that you've made a decision AND that you've decided what you have.
>
> I'm also very happy to read your measured words, it seems that you're much
> calmer now. It affects all of us when someone is very upset because it's so
> hard for us to find the words to use. We all have different experiences.
>
> I'm going to be away for the weekend but I hope to come back and find that
> things are still going well for you.
>
> In the meantime, continue planning for the wedding :-)
>
> Hugs,
>
> Mary

Judy,

It's great that you've been able to weigh this staggering amount of
information and put it all together so fast. Considering I got my
diagnosis a few days before you, you're way ahead of me.

You mentioned having a breast MRI; does anyone know if they're the
usual thing? I was told by the biopsy clinic that since my tumors are
almost invisible on a mammogram, I should have an MRI to see what else
is in both breasts. But yesterday, my physicians assistant said a
breast MRI is not protocol and the program I'm on won't pay for one.
I'm sure if I do get one, it will mean another two or three week
delay. At the rate things are going, it'll be July by the time I have
surgery.

Glad you're getting some sleep, Judy. It must be a relief to know
what's going to happen and when.

Les

On May 15, 4:39*pm, downwinder <desertny...@cwo.com> wrote:
> On May 15, 1:37*am, "Mary Fisher" <mary.fis...@zetnet.co.uk> wrote:
>
>
>
> > "judy.n" <judy.nudel...@gmail.com> wrote in message
>
> >news:b318c8c9-b402-4669-b054-d2f9e65e1b1e@f36g2000hsa.googlegroups.com...
>
> > >I had come to the conclusion that I wanted to proceed with the
> > > lumpectomy/sentinel node biopsy and then, when the final path report
> > > is back about spread and need for chemo, I can decide to leave the
> > > lumpectomy alone and get radiation, or get the mastectomy. I
>
> > Hurrah!
>
> > ...
>
> > > *She called and left a message with my husband that the MRI showed no
> > > additional disease, the same 1.8 single cm tumor and the estrogen
> > > receptor status is 3+, which makes me an excellent tamoxifen
> > > candidate. She now concurs with the lumpectomy.
>
> > Great news. Don't be put off by hard stories of tamoxifen, they're in the
> > minority.
>
> > ...
>
> > > *My internist had called--she had just got the message, and we
> > > discussed the options, and she told me that she strongly supported my
> > > decision. She has also had patients and colleagues who had issues with
> > > reconstruction, and wouldn't chose a surgery based on wanting a
> > > reconstruction.
> > > *With the lumpectomy, they can always take away more, when all the
> > > information--node status, PR/Her are back. Also if the pathology is
> > > suspicious.
> > > *But a mastectomy for cosmesis just didn't make sense to me. For
> > > prevention of further disease, yes, but for looks--no.
> > > Judy
>
> > It's very hard for us, as mere survivors and not experts - even our beloved
> > Tim doesn't know everything - to give unbiased opinions but I'm very glad
> > that you've made a decision AND that you've decided what you have.
>
> > I'm also very happy to read your measured words, it seems that you're much
> > calmer now. It affects all of us when someone is very upset because it'sso
> > hard for us to find the words to use. We all have different experiences.
>
> > I'm going to be away for the weekend but I hope to come back and find that
> > things are still going well for you.
>
> > In the meantime, continue planning for the wedding :-)
>
> > Hugs,
>
> > Mary
>
> Judy,
>
> It's great that you've been able to weigh this staggering amount of
> information and put it all together so fast. *Considering I got my
> diagnosis a few days before you, you're way ahead of me.
>
> You mentioned having a breast MRI; does anyone know if they're the
> usual thing? *I was told by the biopsy clinic that since my tumors are
> almost invisible on a mammogram, I should have an MRI to see what else
> is in both breasts. *But yesterday, my physicians assistant said a
> breast MRI is not protocol and the program I'm on won't pay for one.
> I'm sure if I do get one, it will mean another two or three week
> delay. *At the rate things are going, it'll be July by the time I have
> surgery.
>
> Glad you're getting some sleep, Judy. *It must be a relief to know
> what's going to happen and when.
>
> Les
Les, I read one article that said it should be protocol, but honestly
it was the first time I'd heard of it, and I have far
too many patients with breast cancer and I've never seen it done
before. But I guess it's being used more and more. Ideally they like
to do it when you're beyond mid-cycle if you have menses.
They did it with contrast.
Unfortunately, I'm not sleeping that well, but I think it's nature's
way of sedating me....
Les, I pushed this through really fast, and I have excellent health
insurance, and people cut me a break because they work with me--I
talked to a psychologist today who works at the Breast Health Center,
ironically someone I've known for 20 years and he happens to work
there, and he tells me that some women ask to slow things down, while
others need a more rapid pace--psychologically. And for me, there was
the pressure of wanting to be at my daughter's wedding, while
personally desiring some action be done to address the diagnosis.
I just heard from the surgeon, and while she's still not happy about
cosmesis, she's agreed to the lumpectomy tomorrow.
My daughter is struggling to be happy about her wedding right now,
and I've tried to tell her that a celebration of love and hope is a
good thing at this time.
Judy

Judy

On May 15, 2:52*pm, "judy.n" <judy.nudel...@gmail.com> wrote:
> On May 15, 4:39*pm, downwinder <desertny...@cwo.com> wrote:
>
>
>
> > On May 15, 1:37*am, "Mary Fisher" <mary.fis...@zetnet.co.uk> wrote:
>
> > > "judy.n" <judy.nudel...@gmail.com> wrote in message
>
> > >news:b318c8c9-b402-4669-b054-d2f9e65e1b1e@f36g2000hsa.googlegroups.com....
>
> > > >I had come to the conclusion that I wanted to proceed with the
> > > > lumpectomy/sentinel node biopsy and then, when the final path report
> > > > is back about spread and need for chemo, I can decide to leave the
> > > > lumpectomy alone and get radiation, or get the mastectomy. I
>
> > > Hurrah!
>
> > > ...
>
> > > > *She called and left a message with my husband that the MRI showedno
> > > > additional disease, the same 1.8 single cm tumor and the estrogen
> > > > receptor status is 3+, which makes me an excellent tamoxifen
> > > > candidate. She now concurs with the lumpectomy.
>
> > > Great news. Don't be put off by hard stories of tamoxifen, they're in the
> > > minority.
>
> > > ...
>
> > > > *My internist had called--she had just got the message, and we
> > > > discussed the options, and she told me that she strongly supported my
> > > > decision. She has also had patients and colleagues who had issues with
> > > > reconstruction, and wouldn't chose a surgery based on wanting a
> > > > reconstruction.
> > > > *With the lumpectomy, they can always take away more, when all the
> > > > information--node status, PR/Her are back. Also if the pathology is
> > > > suspicious.
> > > > *But a mastectomy for cosmesis just didn't make sense to me. For
> > > > prevention of further disease, yes, but for looks--no.
> > > > Judy
>
> > > It's very hard for us, as mere survivors and not experts - even our beloved
> > > Tim doesn't know everything - to give unbiased opinions but I'm very glad
> > > that you've made a decision AND that you've decided what you have.
>
> > > I'm also very happy to read your measured words, it seems that you're much
> > > calmer now. It affects all of us when someone is very upset because it's so
> > > hard for us to find the words to use. We all have different experiences.
>
> > > I'm going to be away for the weekend but I hope to come back and find that
> > > things are still going well for you.
>
> > > In the meantime, continue planning for the wedding :-)
>
> > > Hugs,
>
> > > Mary
>
> > Judy,
>
> > It's great that you've been able to weigh this staggering amount of
> > information and put it all together so fast. *Considering I got my
> > diagnosis a few days before you, you're way ahead of me.
>
> > You mentioned having a breast MRI; does anyone know if they're the
> > usual thing? *I was told by the biopsy clinic that since my tumors are
> > almost invisible on a mammogram, I should have an MRI to see what else
> > is in both breasts. *But yesterday, my physicians assistant said a
> > breast MRI is not protocol and the program I'm on won't pay for one.
> > I'm sure if I do get one, it will mean another two or three week
> > delay. *At the rate things are going, it'll be July by the time I have
> > surgery.
>
> > Glad you're getting some sleep, Judy. *It must be a relief to know
> > what's going to happen and when.
>
> > Les
>
> Les, I read one article that said it should be protocol, but honestly
> it was the first time I'd heard of it, and I have far
> too many patients with breast cancer and I've never seen it done
> before. But I guess it's being used more and more. Ideally they like
> to do it when you're beyond mid-cycle if you have menses.
> * They did it with contrast.
> * Unfortunately, I'm not sleeping that well, but I think it's nature's
> way of sedating me....
> * Les, I pushed this through really fast, and I have excellent health
> insurance, and people cut me a break because they work with me--I
> talked to a psychologist today who works at the Breast Health Center,
> ironically someone I've known for 20 years and he happens to work
> there, and he tells me that some women ask to slow things down, while
> others need a more rapid pace--psychologically. And for me, there was
> the pressure of wanting to be at my daughter's wedding, while
> personally desiring some action be done to address the diagnosis.
> * I just heard from the surgeon, and while she's still not happy about
> cosmesis, she's agreed to the lumpectomy tomorrow.
> * My daughter is struggling to be happy about her wedding right now,
> and I've tried to tell her that a celebration of love and hope is a
> good thing at this time.
> Judy
>
> Judy- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

Judy,

This is going to be quite an emotional time for both you and your
daughter. It's all very dramatic; you should feel like a couple of
war horses by the time it's done. Like you say, the wedding should be
therapeutic after what you're going through, as long as other people
take care of the arrangements.

The slow pace of my treatment is not my idea. I really wish I could
get things done as fast as you are. The fact that my tumors were
shredded and beaten to a pulp during the biopsies makes me very
apprehensive about cells spreading. A lot can happen in the months
between my biopsies and the surgery. I'm hoping I can do without a
breast MRI, simply because I know it'll slow things down even more.
I'm basically a poor hillbilly living in a rural backwater, on the
bottom rung of the medical hierarchy, so I can't expect much.

I can't sleep either. The main reason I took estradiol for two years
was because it stopped the night sweats and helped me sleep. It was a
real blow having to stop that stuff cold turkey two weeks ago. I've
noticed how much easier it is to have a good attitude after a good
night's sleep. Did you take hormones before your diagnosis?

Hope it's all going well for you.

Les

On May 16, 3:48*pm, downwinder <desertny...@cwo.com> wrote:
> On May 15, 2:52*pm, "judy.n" <judy.nudel...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
>
> > On May 15, 4:39*pm, downwinder <desertny...@cwo.com> wrote:
>
> > > On May 15, 1:37*am, "Mary Fisher" <mary.fis...@zetnet.co.uk> wrote:
>
> > > > "judy.n" <judy.nudel...@gmail.com> wrote in message
>
> > > >news:b318c8c9-b402-4669-b054-d2f9e65e1b1e@f36g2000hsa.googlegroups.com...
>
> > > > >I had come to the conclusion that I wanted to proceed with the
> > > > > lumpectomy/sentinel node biopsy and then, when the final path report
> > > > > is back about spread and need for chemo, I can decide to leave the
> > > > > lumpectomy alone and get radiation, or get the mastectomy. I
>
> > > > Hurrah!
>
> > > > ...
>
> > > > > *She called and left a message with my husband that the MRI showed no
> > > > > additional disease, the same 1.8 single cm tumor and the estrogen
> > > > > receptor status is 3+, which makes me an excellent tamoxifen
> > > > > candidate. She now concurs with the lumpectomy.
>
> > > > Great news. Don't be put off by hard stories of tamoxifen, they're in the
> > > > minority.
>
> > > > ...
>
> > > > > *My internist had called--she had just got the message, and we
> > > > > discussed the options, and she told me that she strongly supportedmy
> > > > > decision. She has also had patients and colleagues who had issues with
> > > > > reconstruction, and wouldn't chose a surgery based on wanting a
> > > > > reconstruction.
> > > > > *With the lumpectomy, they can always take away more, when all the
> > > > > information--node status, PR/Her are back. Also if the pathology is
> > > > > suspicious.
> > > > > *But a mastectomy for cosmesis just didn't make sense to me. For
> > > > > prevention of further disease, yes, but for looks--no.
> > > > > Judy
>
> > > > It's very hard for us, as mere survivors and not experts - even our beloved
> > > > Tim doesn't know everything - to give unbiased opinions but I'm veryglad
> > > > that you've made a decision AND that you've decided what you have.
>
> > > > I'm also very happy to read your measured words, it seems that you're much
> > > > calmer now. It affects all of us when someone is very upset because it's so
> > > > hard for us to find the words to use. We all have different experiences.
>
> > > > I'm going to be away for the weekend but I hope to come back and find that
> > > > things are still going well for you.
>
> > > > In the meantime, continue planning for the wedding :-)
>
> > > > Hugs,
>
> > > > Mary
>
> > > Judy,
>
> > > It's great that you've been able to weigh this staggering amount of
> > > information and put it all together so fast. *Considering I got my
> > > diagnosis a few days before you, you're way ahead of me.
>
> > > You mentioned having a breast MRI; does anyone know if they're the
> > > usual thing? *I was told by the biopsy clinic that since my tumors are
> > > almost invisible on a mammogram, I should have an MRI to see what else
> > > is in both breasts. *But yesterday, my physicians assistant said a
> > > breast MRI is not protocol and the program I'm on won't pay for one.
> > > I'm sure if I do get one, it will mean another two or three week
> > > delay. *At the rate things are going, it'll be July by the time I have
> > > surgery.
>
> > > Glad you're getting some sleep, Judy. *It must be a relief to know
> > > what's going to happen and when.
>
> > > Les
>
> > Les, I read one article that said it should be protocol, but honestly
> > it was the first time I'd heard of it, and I have far
> > too many patients with breast cancer and I've never seen it done
> > before. But I guess it's being used more and more. Ideally they like
> > to do it when you're beyond mid-cycle if you have menses.
> > * They did it with contrast.
> > * Unfortunately, I'm not sleeping that well, but I think it's nature's
> > way of sedating me....
> > * Les, I pushed this through really fast, and I have excellent health
> > insurance, and people cut me a break because they work with me--I
> > talked to a psychologist today who works at the Breast Health Center,
> > ironically someone I've known for 20 years and he happens to work
> > there, and he tells me that some women ask to slow things down, while
> > others need a more rapid pace--psychologically. And for me, there was
> > the pressure of wanting to be at my daughter's wedding, while
> > personally desiring some action be done to address the diagnosis.
> > * I just heard from the surgeon, and while she's still not happy about
> > cosmesis, she's agreed to the lumpectomy tomorrow.
> > * My daughter is struggling to be happy about her wedding right now,
> > and I've tried to tell her that a celebration of love and hope is a
> > good thing at this time.
> > Judy
>
> > Judy- Hide quoted text -
>
> > - Show quoted text -
>
> Judy,
>
> This is going to be quite an emotional time for both you and your
> daughter. *It's all very dramatic; you should feel like a couple of
> war horses by the time it's done. *Like you say, the wedding should be
> therapeutic after what you're going through, as long as other people
> take care of the arrangements.
>
> The slow pace of my treatment is not my idea. I really wish I could
> get things done as fast as you are. *The fact that my tumors were
> shredded and beaten to a pulp during the biopsies makes me very
> apprehensive about cells spreading. *A lot can happen in the months
> between my biopsies and the surgery. *I'm hoping I can do without a
> breast MRI, simply because I know it'll slow things down even more.
> I'm basically a poor hillbilly living in a rural backwater, on the
> bottom rung of the medical hierarchy, so I can't expect much.
>
> I can't sleep either. *The main reason I took estradiol for two years
> was because it stopped the night sweats and helped me sleep. *It was a
> real blow having to stop that stuff cold turkey two weeks ago. *I've
> noticed how much easier it is to have a good attitude after a good
> night's sleep. *Did you take hormones before your diagnosis?
>
> Hope it's all going well for you.
>
> Les
Les,
Had the surgery--lumpectomy with sentinel node biopsy on Friday,
under local with IV sedation. I feel much better than I had expected.
The surgeon, as she helped me onto the table, told me I made the
right choice.
But, I'm allergic to ceftin, and I heard her give the order to give
me IV ancef--a cephalosporin--and I had to tell them, to change it to
cleocin....
I was a bit awake despite the sedation. and the last thing she said
was that she wasn't happy with the looks, and I opened my eyes, and
said "But I don't care about looks."
In recovery, she told me that she's my neighbor, gave her cell
number and said she'd come to the house this weekend if there was a
problem.
This being a small state, the recovery room nurse is my patient, and
the woman in the next bed told me that my husband is her dentist. So
much for privacy.
My receptor status is very good: ER+3/ PR+3/ HER-. if there's no
spread and the oncogene number is low, the next step would be
radiation (and the radiation oncologist told me there's a protocol for
partial breast irradiation that sounds promising) and tamoxifen.
Yesterday I was sleepy and sore, and fell asleep in the middle of
trying to watch "Spaceballs" with my husband and daughter.
Today, it's my older daughter's college commencement--she actually
graduated 6 months ago, but I encouraged her to do the ceremony, and
I'm home and kind of pacing around.
Did take a shower and see the cosmesis--so what? A bit upsetting,
but my husband is a trouper and so supportive. No body is perfect. I
just want to be here for my family and myself, and I know the surgeon
did the absolute best she could.
Through this initial process, some people amazed me--my internist
has been wonderful--thoughtful and kind, family and friends have been
great. work colleagues as well, and my gynecologist has been a real
disappointment.
Oh well.
Les, do you qualify for Medical? I only know a bit about California,
because my family lives in the bay area, and my younger sister is a
Kaiser executive. My older sister is a starving artist, but pays for
her own Kaiser.
Judy

On May 18, 9:53*am, "judy.n" <judy.nudel...@gmail.com> wrote:
> On May 16, 3:48*pm, downwinder <desertny...@cwo.com> wrote:
>
> > On May 15, 2:52*pm, "judy.n" <judy.nudel...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > > On May 15, 4:39*pm, downwinder <desertny...@cwo.com> wrote:
>
> > > > On May 15, 1:37*am, "Mary Fisher" <mary.fis...@zetnet.co.uk> wrote:
>
> > > > > "judy.n" <judy.nudel...@gmail.com> wrote in message
>
> > > > >news:b318c8c9-b402-4669-b054-d2f9e65e1b1e@f36g2000hsa.googlegroups.com...
>
> > > > > >I had come to the conclusion that I wanted to proceed with the
> > > > > > lumpectomy/sentinel node biopsy and then, when the final path report
> > > > > > is back about spread and need for chemo, I can decide to leave the
> > > > > > lumpectomy alone and get radiation, or get the mastectomy. I
>
> > > > > Hurrah!
>
> > > > > ...
>
> > > > > > *She called and left a message with my husband that the MRI showed no
> > > > > > additional disease, the same 1.8 single cm tumor and the estrogen
> > > > > > receptor status is 3+, which makes me an excellent tamoxifen
> > > > > > candidate. She now concurs with the lumpectomy.
>
> > > > > Great news. Don't be put off by hard stories of tamoxifen, they'rein the
> > > > > minority.
>
> > > > > ...
>
> > > > > > *My internist had called--she had just got the message, and we
> > > > > > discussed the options, and she told me that she strongly supported my
> > > > > > decision. She has also had patients and colleagues who had issues with
> > > > > > reconstruction, and wouldn't chose a surgery based on wanting a
> > > > > > reconstruction.
> > > > > > *With the lumpectomy, they can always take away more, when allthe
> > > > > > information--node status, PR/Her are back. Also if the pathologyis
> > > > > > suspicious.
> > > > > > *But a mastectomy for cosmesis just didn't make sense to me. For
> > > > > > prevention of further disease, yes, but for looks--no.
> > > > > > Judy
>
> > > > > It's very hard for us, as mere survivors and not experts - even our beloved
> > > > > Tim doesn't know everything - to give unbiased opinions but I'm very glad
> > > > > that you've made a decision AND that you've decided what you have.
>
> > > > > I'm also very happy to read your measured words, it seems that you're much
> > > > > calmer now. It affects all of us when someone is very upset because it's so
> > > > > hard for us to find the words to use. We all have different experiences.
>
> > > > > I'm going to be away for the weekend but I hope to come back and find that
> > > > > things are still going well for you.
>
> > > > > In the meantime, continue planning for the wedding :-)
>
> > > > > Hugs,
>
> > > > > Mary
>
> > > > Judy,
>
> > > > It's great that you've been able to weigh this staggering amount of
> > > > information and put it all together so fast. *Considering I got my
> > > > diagnosis a few days before you, you're way ahead of me.
>
> > > > You mentioned having a breast MRI; does anyone know if they're the
> > > > usual thing? *I was told by the biopsy clinic that since my tumorsare
> > > > almost invisible on a mammogram, I should have an MRI to see what else
> > > > is in both breasts. *But yesterday, my physicians assistant said a
> > > > breast MRI is not protocol and the program I'm on won't pay for one.
> > > > I'm sure if I do get one, it will mean another two or three week
> > > > delay. *At the rate things are going, it'll be July by the time I have
> > > > surgery.
>
> > > > Glad you're getting some sleep, Judy. *It must be a relief to know
> > > > what's going to happen and when.
>
> > > > Les
>
> > > Les, I read one article that said it should be protocol, but honestly
> > > it was the first time I'd heard of it, and I have far
> > > too many patients with breast cancer and I've never seen it done
> > > before. But I guess it's being used more and more. Ideally they like
> > > to do it when you're beyond mid-cycle if you have menses.
> > > * They did it with contrast.
> > > * Unfortunately, I'm not sleeping that well, but I think it's nature's
> > > way of sedating me....
> > > * Les, I pushed this through really fast, and I have excellent health
> > > insurance, and people cut me a break because they work with me--I
> > > talked to a psychologist today who works at the Breast Health Center,
> > > ironically someone I've known for 20 years and he happens to work
> > > there, and he tells me that some women ask to slow things down, while
> > > others need a more rapid pace--psychologically. And for me, there was
> > > the pressure of wanting to be at my daughter's wedding, while
> > > personally desiring some action be done to address the diagnosis.
> > > * I just heard from the surgeon, and while she's still not happy about
> > > cosmesis, she's agreed to the lumpectomy tomorrow.
> > > * My daughter is struggling to be happy about her wedding right now,
> > > and I've tried to tell her that a celebration of love and hope is a
> > > good thing at this time.
> > > Judy
>
> > > Judy- Hide quoted text -
>
> > > - Show quoted text -
>
> > Judy,
>
> > This is going to be quite an emotional time for both you and your
> > daughter. *It's all very dramatic; you should feel like a couple of
> > war horses by the time it's done. *Like you say, the wedding should be
> > therapeutic after what you're going through, as long as other people
> > take care of the arrangements.
>
> > The slow pace of my treatment is not my idea. I really wish I could
> > get things done as fast as you are. *The fact that my tumors were
> > shredded and beaten to a pulp during the biopsies makes me very
> > apprehensive about cells spreading. *A lot can happen in the months
> > between my biopsies and the surgery. *I'm hoping I can do without a
> > breast MRI, simply because I know it'll slow things down even more.
> > I'm basically a poor hillbilly living in a rural backwater, on the
> > bottom rung of the medical hierarchy, so I can't expect much.
>
> > I can't sleep either. *The main reason I took estradiol for two years
> > was because it stopped the night sweats and helped me sleep. *It was a
> > real blow having to stop that stuff cold turkey two weeks ago. *I've
> > noticed how much easier it is to have a good attitude after a good
> > night's sleep. *Did you take hormones before your diagnosis?
>
> > Hope it's all going well for you.
>
> > Les
>
> Les,
> * Had the surgery--lumpectomy with sentinel node biopsy on Friday,
> under local with IV sedation. I feel much better than I had expected.
> * The surgeon, as she helped me onto the table, told me I made the
> right choice.
> * But, I'm allergic to ceftin, and I heard her give the order to give
> me IV ancef--a cephalosporin--and I had to tell them, to change it to
> cleocin....
> * I was a bit awake despite the sedation. and the last thing she said
> was that she wasn't happy with the looks, and I opened my eyes, and
> said "But I don't care about looks."
> * In recovery, she told me that she's my neighbor, gave her cell
> number and said she'd come to the house this weekend if there was a
> problem.
> * This being a small state, the recovery room nurse is my patient, and
> the woman in the next bed told me that my husband is her dentist. So
> much for privacy.
> * My receptor status is very good: ER+3/ PR+3/ HER-. if there's no
> spread and the oncogene number is low, the next step would be
> radiation (and the radiation oncologist told me there's a protocol for
> partial breast irradiation that sounds promising) and tamoxifen.
> * Yesterday I was sleepy and sore, and fell asleep in the middle of
> trying to watch "Spaceballs" with my husband and daughter.
> * Today, it's my older daughter's college commencement--she actually
> graduated 6 months ago, but I encouraged her to do the ceremony, and
> I'm home and kind of pacing around.
> * Did take a shower and see the cosmesis--so what? A bit upsetting,
> but my husband is a trouper and so supportive. No body is perfect. I
> just want to be here for my family and myself, and I know the surgeon
> did the absolute best she could.
> * Through this initial process, some people amazed me--my internist
> has been wonderful--thoughtful and kind, family and friends have been
> great. work colleagues as well, and my gynecologist has been a real
> disappointment.
> Oh well.
> * Les, do you qualify for Medical? I only know a bit about California,
> because my family lives in the bay area, and my younger sister is a
> Kaiser executive. My older sister is a starving artist, but pays for
> her own Kaiser.
> * Judy
Les, I forgot to answer you--never took any hormones, not even the
pill. I'm 49 (50 next month, and still in the peri-menopause), I had
my first daughter at 26, second at 29 and breast fed both. My family
history is of some older great aunts getting breast cancer in their
70's. I once went to a lecture where they said the majority of women
who get breast cancer don't have the classic risk factors.
You do the best you can, but things happen.
Judy

On May 18, 7:04*am, "judy.n" <judy.nudel...@gmail.com> wrote:
> On May 18, 9:53*am, "judy.n" <judy.nudel...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
>
> > On May 16, 3:48*pm, downwinder <desertny...@cwo.com> wrote:
>
> > > On May 15, 2:52*pm, "judy.n" <judy.nudel...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > > > On May 15, 4:39*pm, downwinder <desertny...@cwo.com> wrote:
>
> > > > > On May 15, 1:37*am, "Mary Fisher" <mary.fis...@zetnet.co.uk> wrote:
>
> > > > > > "judy.n" <judy.nudel...@gmail.com> wrote in message
>
> > > > > >news:b318c8c9-b402-4669-b054-d2f9e65e1b1e@f36g2000hsa.googlegroups.com...
>
> > > > > > >I had come to the conclusion that I wanted to proceed with the
> > > > > > > lumpectomy/sentinel node biopsy and then, when the final path report
> > > > > > > is back about spread and need for chemo, I can decide to leavethe
> > > > > > > lumpectomy alone and get radiation, or get the mastectomy. I
>
> > > > > > Hurrah!
>
> > > > > > ...
>
> > > > > > > *She called and left a message with my husband that the MRI showed no
> > > > > > > additional disease, the same 1.8 single cm tumor and the estrogen
> > > > > > > receptor status is 3+, which makes me an excellent tamoxifen
> > > > > > > candidate. She now concurs with the lumpectomy.
>
> > > > > > Great news. Don't be put off by hard stories of tamoxifen, they're in the
> > > > > > minority.
>
> > > > > > ...
>
> > > > > > > *My internist had called--she had just got the message, and we
> > > > > > > discussed the options, and she told me that she strongly supported my
> > > > > > > decision. She has also had patients and colleagues who had issues with
> > > > > > > reconstruction, and wouldn't chose a surgery based on wanting a
> > > > > > > reconstruction.
> > > > > > > *With the lumpectomy, they can always take away more, when all the
> > > > > > > information--node status, PR/Her are back. Also if the pathology is
> > > > > > > suspicious.
> > > > > > > *But a mastectomy for cosmesis just didn't make sense to me.For
> > > > > > > prevention of further disease, yes, but for looks--no.
> > > > > > > Judy
>
> > > > > > It's very hard for us, as mere survivors and not experts - even our beloved
> > > > > > Tim doesn't know everything - to give unbiased opinions but I'm very glad
> > > > > > that you've made a decision AND that you've decided what you have.
>
> > > > > > I'm also very happy to read your measured words, it seems that you're much
> > > > > > calmer now. It affects all of us when someone is very upset because it's so
> > > > > > hard for us to find the words to use. We all have different experiences.
>
> > > > > > I'm going to be away for the weekend but I hope to come back andfind that
> > > > > > things are still going well for you.
>
> > > > > > In the meantime, continue planning for the wedding :-)
>
> > > > > > Hugs,
>
> > > > > > Mary
>
> > > > > Judy,
>
> > > > > It's great that you've been able to weigh this staggering amount of
> > > > > information and put it all together so fast. *Considering I got my
> > > > > diagnosis a few days before you, you're way ahead of me.
>
> > > > > You mentioned having a breast MRI; does anyone know if they're the
> > > > > usual thing? *I was told by the biopsy clinic that since my tumors are
> > > > > almost invisible on a mammogram, I should have an MRI to see what else
> > > > > is in both breasts. *But yesterday, my physicians assistant saida
> > > > > breast MRI is not protocol and the program I'm on won't pay for one.
> > > > > I'm sure if I do get one, it will mean another two or three week
> > > > > delay. *At the rate things are going, it'll be July by the time I have
> > > > > surgery.
>
> > > > > Glad you're getting some sleep, Judy. *It must be a relief to know
> > > > > what's going to happen and when.
>
> > > > > Les
>
> > > > Les, I read one article that said it should be protocol, but honestly
> > > > it was the first time I'd heard of it, and I have far
> > > > too many patients with breast cancer and I've never seen it done
> > > > before. But I guess it's being used more and more. Ideally they like
> > > > to do it when you're beyond mid-cycle if you have menses.
> > > > * They did it with contrast.
> > > > * Unfortunately, I'm not sleeping that well, but I think it's nature's
> > > > way of sedating me....
> > > > * Les, I pushed this through really fast, and I have excellent health
> > > > insurance, and people cut me a break because they work with me--I
> > > > talked to a psychologist today who works at the Breast Health Center,
> > > > ironically someone I've known for 20 years and he happens to work
> > > > there, and he tells me that some women ask to slow things down, while
> > > > others need a more rapid pace--psychologically. And for me, there was
> > > > the pressure of wanting to be at my daughter's wedding, while
> > > > personally desiring some action be done to address the diagnosis.
> > > > * I just heard from the surgeon, and while she's still not happy about
> > > > cosmesis, she's agreed to the lumpectomy tomorrow.
> > > > * My daughter is struggling to be happy about her wedding right now,
> > > > and I've tried to tell her that a celebration of love and hope is a
> > > > good thing at this time.
> > > > Judy
>
> > > > Judy- Hide quoted text -
>
> > > > - Show quoted text -
>
> > > Judy,
>
> > > This is going to be quite an emotional time for both you and your
> > > daughter. *It's all very dramatic; you should feel like a couple of
> > > war horses by the time it's done. *Like you say, the wedding should be
> > > therapeutic after what you're going through, as long as other people
> > > take care of the arrangements.
>
> > > The slow pace of my treatment is not my idea. I really wish I could
> > > get things done as fast as you are. *The fact that my tumors were
> > > shredded and beaten to a pulp during the biopsies makes me very
> > > apprehensive about cells spreading. *A lot can happen in the months
> > > between my biopsies and the surgery. *I'm hoping I can do without a
> > > breast MRI, simply because I know it'll slow things down even more.
> > > I'm basically a poor hillbilly living in a rural backwater, on the
> > > bottom rung of the medical hierarchy, so I can't expect much.
>
> > > I can't sleep either. *The main reason I took estradiol for two years
> > > was because it stopped the night sweats and helped me sleep. *It wasa
> > > real blow having to stop that stuff cold turkey two weeks ago. *I've
> > > noticed how much easier it is to have a good attitude after a good
> > > night's sleep. *Did you take hormones before your diagnosis?
>
> > > Hope it's all going well for you.
>
> > > Les
>
> > Les,
> > * Had the surgery--lumpectomy with sentinel node biopsy on Friday,
> > under local with IV sedation. I feel much better than I had expected.
> > * The surgeon, as she helped me onto the table, told me I made the
> > right choice.
> > * But, I'm allergic to ceftin, and I heard her give the order to give
> > me IV ancef--a cephalosporin--and I had to tell them, to change it to
> > cleocin....
> > * I was a bit awake despite the sedation. and the last thing she said
> > was that she wasn't happy with the looks, and I opened my eyes, and
> > said "But I don't care about looks."
> > * In recovery, she told me that she's my neighbor, gave her cell
> > number and said she'd come to the house this weekend if there was a
> > problem.
> > * This being a small state, the recovery room nurse is my patient, and
> > the woman in the next bed told me that my husband is her dentist. So
> > much for privacy.
> > * My receptor status is very good: ER+3/ PR+3/ HER-. if there's no
> > spread and the oncogene number is low, the next step would be
> > radiation (and the radiation oncologist told me there's a protocol for
> > partial breast irradiation that sounds promising) and tamoxifen.
> > * Yesterday I was sleepy and sore, and fell asleep in the middle of
> > trying to watch "Spaceballs" with my husband and daughter.
> > * Today, it's my older daughter's college commencement--she actually
> > graduated 6 months ago, but I encouraged her to do the ceremony, and
> > I'm home and kind of pacing around.
> > * Did take a shower and see the cosmesis--so what? A bit upsetting,
> > but my husband is a trouper and so supportive. No body is perfect. I
> > just want to be here for my family and myself, and I know the surgeon
> > did the absolute best she could.
> > * Through this initial process, some people amazed me--my internist
> > has been wonderful--thoughtful and kind, family and friends have been
> > great. work colleagues as well, and my gynecologist has been a real
> > disappointment.
> > Oh well.
> > * Les, do you qualify for Medical? I only know a bit about California,
> > because my family lives in the bay area, and my younger sister is a
> > Kaiser executive. My older sister is a starving artist, but pays for
> > her own Kaiser.
> > * Judy
>
> Les, I forgot to answer you--never took any hormones, not even the
> pill. I'm 49 (50 next month, and still in the peri-menopause), I had
> my first daughter at 26, second at 29 and breast fed both. My family
> history is of some older great aunts getting breast cancer in their
> 70's. I once went to a lecture where they said the majority of women
> who get breast cancer don't have the classic risk factors.
> * You do the best you can, but things happen.
> Judy- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

Judy,

Thanks for thinking of me, and congrats on getting your surgery so
fast. It sounds like you're getting along great.
I'm envious of course; every step has taken so long. A month's wait
to get in for referral to a radiologist after feeling my lump, then a
couple weeks to the biopsies, then more weeks for my first doctor
appointment, then a cancer specialist the week after next. I hope
they don't tell me I need a breast MRI, because of the weeks that will
add. I've been assigned to a medical oncologist, so will call him
about the possibility of pre-surgery chemo.

As of Wednesday I'm on a federal program, the Breast & Cervical Cancer
Treatment Program. It's a lot better than nothing, even if I'm on the
lowest level of the medical hierarchy. Actually, the lowest level is
for women whose households make over $22,000 a year and have no health
insurance. I've lived my adult life in remote rural areas where
health insurance is a rarity and there are no HMOs. Only full-time
government jobs include insurance. My husband and I only worked part-
time.

At least it looks like I don't have an aggressive cancer, though I am
worried about the fact that my tumors were shredded and beaten to a
pulp. My bigger lump was quite round and visible before; now it's all
flattened out.

I'm 55 and maybe three years postmeno, though it's hard to know
because of my hysterectomy for cervical cancer. I took a half-dose of
estradiol for 2 years for my severe symptoms--which are back with a
vengeance. I have few female relatives, none with breast cancer.
They all had babies by age 17 so maybe that saved them. There's some
smoking-related cancer in the family. My mom has leukemia. My major
risk factors are having no children, being tall, and toxic exposures
like the 814 nuclear tests, two oil refineries, and upwind
incineration of the Army's chemical weapon stockpile.

I have the same hormone profile as you, though I thought that would be
a percentage so am confused what +3 means. I'm also Her-2 negative.

Thanks again Judy, and have a swift recovery.

Les

"judy.n" <judy.nudelman@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:cac057fe-9bea-48d7-8127-2594f78876e9@34g2000hsf.googlegroups.com...
>
Les,
Had the surgery--lumpectomy with sentinel node biopsy on Friday,
under local with IV sedation. I feel much better than I had expected.
The surgeon, as she helped me onto the table, told me I made the
right choice.
But, I'm allergic to ceftin, and I heard her give the order to give
me IV ancef--a cephalosporin--and I had to tell them, to change it to
cleocin....
I was a bit awake despite the sedation. and the last thing she said
was that she wasn't happy with the looks, and I opened my eyes, and
said "But I don't care about looks."
In recovery, she told me that she's my neighbor, gave her cell
number and said she'd come to the house this weekend if there was a
problem.
This being a small state, the recovery room nurse is my patient, and
the woman in the next bed told me that my husband is her dentist. So
much for privacy.
My receptor status is very good: ER+3/ PR+3/ HER-. if there's no
spread and the oncogene number is low, the next step would be
radiation (and the radiation oncologist told me there's a protocol for
partial breast irradiation that sounds promising) and tamoxifen.
Yesterday I was sleepy and sore, and fell asleep in the middle of
trying to watch "Spaceballs" with my husband and daughter.
Today, it's my older daughter's college commencement--she actually
graduated 6 months ago, but I encouraged her to do the ceremony, and
I'm home and kind of pacing around.
Did take a shower and see the cosmesis--so what? A bit upsetting,
but my husband is a trouper and so supportive. No body is perfect. I
just want to be here for my family and myself, and I know the surgeon
did the absolute best she could.
Through this initial process, some people amazed me--my internist
has been wonderful--thoughtful and kind, family and friends have been
great. work colleagues as well, and my gynecologist has been a real
disappointment.
Oh well.
Les, do you qualify for Medical? I only know a bit about California,
because my family lives in the bay area, and my younger sister is a
Kaiser executive. My older sister is a starving artist, but pays for
her own Kaiser.


You see, Judy? I knew you would be supporting others on the group before
long :-)

Mary

"judy.n" <judy.nudelman@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:2a7f5c37-27f7-44e8-bca8-29d862ad88a2@f36g2000hsa.googlegroups.com...

> You do the best you can, but things happen.

That's absolutely true.

At the weekend I was talking to a fellow trder, a musical instrument maker
whose wife died of eye cancer last year. Kath's last months were full of
determination, energy and she made things happen, knowing that her condition
was terminal. He said it had made a big change to his life because, apart
from her company, she made many decisions he didn't know about. But her
death had also made a difference to many of his friends and colleagues, they
suddenly realised that things come out of the blue and that every day was
worth living and treasuring in case there wasn't another. There's no point
wasting our lives worrying about things which might not happen.

And if it hadn't been cancer it could have been something else. I always
talk about 'the bus', it's just a symbol for anything else.

Stuff does happen and none of us is immortal.

Hugs,

Mary

On May 19, 4:23*pm, "Mary Fisher" <mary.fis...@zetnet.co.uk> wrote:
> "judy.n" <judy.nudel...@gmail.com> wrote in message
>
> news:cac057fe-9bea-48d7-8127-2594f78876e9@34g2000hsf.googlegroups.com...
>
> Les,
> * Had the surgery--lumpectomy with sentinel node biopsy on Friday,
> under local with IV sedation. I feel much better than I had expected.
> * The surgeon, as she helped me onto the table, told me I made the
> right choice.
> * But, I'm allergic to ceftin, and I heard her give the order to give
> me IV ancef--a cephalosporin--and I had to tell them, to change it to
> cleocin....
> * I was a bit awake despite the sedation. and the last thing she said
> was that she wasn't happy with the looks, and I opened my eyes, and
> said "But I don't care about looks."
> * In recovery, she told me that she's my neighbor, gave her cell
> number and said she'd come to the house this weekend if there was a
> problem.
> * This being a small state, the recovery room nurse is my patient, and
> the woman in the next bed told me that my husband is her dentist. So
> much for privacy.
> * My receptor status is very good: ER+3/ PR+3/ HER-. if there's no
> spread and the oncogene number is low, the next step would be
> radiation (and the radiation oncologist told me there's a protocol for
> partial breast irradiation that sounds promising) and tamoxifen.
> * Yesterday I was sleepy and sore, and fell asleep in the middle of
> trying to watch "Spaceballs" with my husband and daughter.
> * Today, it's my older daughter's college commencement--she actually
> graduated 6 months ago, but I encouraged her to do the ceremony, and
> I'm home and kind of pacing around.
> * Did take a shower and see the cosmesis--so what? A bit upsetting,
> but my husband is a trouper and so supportive. No body is perfect. I
> just want to be here for my family and myself, and I know the surgeon
> did the absolute best she could.
> * Through this initial process, some people amazed me--my internist
> has been wonderful--thoughtful and kind, family and friends have been
> great. work colleagues as well, and my gynecologist has been a real
> disappointment.
> Oh well.
> * Les, do you qualify for Medical? I only know a bit about California,
> because my family lives in the bay area, and my younger sister is a
> Kaiser executive. My older sister is a starving artist, but pays for
> her own Kaiser.
>
> You see, Judy? I knew you would be supporting others on the group before
> long :-)
>
> Mary
Thanks Mary,
And wouldn't you know--my gynecologist called and told me she'd been
thinking about me all weekend and was concerned. People do the best
they can.
The only advice I have right now, is don't log onto oncology sites
without full information and try to run your personal risk rates--
guaranteed to do nothing but freak you out and yield no useful
information.
Mary thanks for your support during the last wild week.
It's not over yet, but I took the first step.
Hugs back at you.
Judy

>

And wouldn't you know--my gynecologist called and told me she'd been
thinking about me all weekend and was concerned. People do the best
they can.
The only advice I have right now, is don't log onto oncology sites
without full information and try to run your personal risk rates--
guaranteed to do nothing but freak you out and yield no useful
information.
Mary thanks for your support during the last wild week.
It's not over yet, but I took the first step.
Hugs back at you.
Judy

Sounds like the worst is over. Next step radiation and then you are done !

"judy.n" <judy.nudelman@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:f873a566-fb33-4528-85d1-a9a3999864a6@l64g2000hse.googlegroups.com...

....

> The only advice I have right now, is don't log onto oncology sites
without full information and try to run your personal risk rates--
guaranteed to do nothing but freak you out and yield no useful
information.

They've never freaked me out, I just treat them with disdain.

Your advice on that is sound - but before we know anything about the (ANY)
condition we simply can't judge what is sound and what is not.

There's also a lot of unsound 'information' on newsgroups, sadly. We're
unbelievable fortunate here to have Tim, who isn't a doctor but has the
great skill of sorting wheat from chaff and dismissing purveyors of snake
oil. He puts 'risk rates' into perspective and shows that they can be
alarmist by not putting the true picture. But in any case, one individual
has the 'risk' (or opportunity) of being one of many who prove the tables.

> It's not over yet, but I took the first step.

It's not over but I really believe that if you continue to treat the matter
with more subjectivity you'll find it an interesting process - and come to
understand the differences in approaches of both practitioners and their
patients. It can be a positive experience - if you let it be.

I think your daughter's wedding will be even happier for her because of your
growing strength, you'll be a fine example to everyone in your life :-)

Mary

>
> Sounds like the worst is over. Next step radiation and then you are done
> !

alas, no, surgery isn't the last step (for any of us?). The meds come next.
I am not liking mine.