It is good to see familiar names again. I think of my extended "family" often, though I don't get here too much. I am doing fine at 13+ years since diagnosis. Gave up on seeing onc several years ago...
You did not ask a question, so I am not sure what to say to you. Researchers have identified gene mutations in some women that may make them more likely to have breast cancer. Yes, there are some...
Thanks for letting me know, Joyce. I knew this day was coming, but it is not any easier losing another of our circle of friends. I will always remember her wonderful attitude and winning smile. Such...
Oh, MK, I am so sorry that things have taken this turn. I can't imagine how difficult the decisions must be at this time. I remember my Dad as his life ebbed and it was so sad to see him failing...
How frightening, MK. I can't imagine the panic you must have felt. So sorry life is giving you such serious challenges. Know that comforting thoughts are coming your way. Sending a big cyber hug,...
Thanks for the update, Joyce. I don't get over here very often any more, but think of Cathi often. Glad she is in a good place. Sounds like a great facility. We have a residental hospice not far from...
Hi, MK, glad you got good news about Chuck, but so sorry he has chronic pain. I know how dibiliating that is. I have sore feet that no one seems to be able to help. And, arthritis in my back is...
I'm coming in kind of late on this thread, but do want to echo what others have said. I have thought of you so often, Cathi, wondering how you were doing. I am so very sad for the pain you have...
Hope your fourth decade brings you nothing but the best, Lori. Congratulations on the nine years and the milestone birthday. What a sweet time for you. Hugs and love, Lauri...
Thanks for the follow-up, Gail. I recognize the name, but it has been a long time since she was posting at iVillage. Lauri...
Has your mother's doctor considered giving her Herceptin? It can be useful in treating mets to the bones. A friend of mine (who has now passed on) took Herceptin for several years after her...
You are right, Joyce. I don't know if this is a new cancer or a recurrance. Fran called it a recurrance. Could be a new primary, but the coincidence is too close IMHO. I will keep the HW group posted...
That may be the case, Gail. I just don't remember seeing her on the iVillage board in the last few years. Mostly it's been newly diagnosed. The club is ever growing, unfortunately. It is sad, but...
MK, Fran posted that she found a new lump in the same breast where her cancer was first found. She had mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy before posting the following: "I just heard from the...
I don't think she came back to the iVillage board, Gail. Do you remember her screen name? I Could search for a post in the past year. Sorry I can't be more help. Lauri...
Congratulations, Joyce. 10 years! Great, great, great!! Funny how so many of us are thinking about Louisville today. What great fun that weekend was. I miss everyone. Hugs and love, Lauri...
Thanks for posting this information, Glenda. I heard from Shelley too and came over to share Fran's news. Hugs, Lauri...
You are having pain in the radiated breast? I still have occasional pain in my radiated breast -- more focused in the underlying muscle (and it's been more than 12 years since diagnosis and...
Awww, you guys are so sweet!! A little update from the village: This morning they posted a message on the MN board telling us that it will stay open (at least for now). I guess they read all the...
Thanks for your kind words, MK. We have had no troubles on the BC Board for a long time now. I was just so mad that they merged our MN board out of existance without discussion, input or warning. I...
DD had a fatty tumor that had t0 be removed from her tailbone. She had it since childhood and had it removed on winter break her last year in college (while she was still on our medical insurance --...
Good going, Kathy. I know going back to school is not easy for non-traditional women (read more mature), so give yourself a big pat on the back and know that you did the right thing. Keep up the good...
This will be meaningful only to those who came here from iVillage. After about 5 years as CL of the Breast Cancer Support Board, I have folded my tent and left. What happened is iVillage merged the...
How kewl. Bust your motherly pride buttons, Annette. How exciting for your DD. Hugs, Lauri...
Nine years!! Way to go, Lori. Seems like only yesterday we were getting acquainted in St. Louis. Good luck with the grope-and-smash. I am sure you will come out of it just fine. Hugs, Lauri...
You've done the right thing in making an appointment with your doctor. Anything like this needs to be checked. Best advice I can offer is don't worry until you KNOW you have something to worry about...
I had a fairly solid area in one breast that showed up as fibrocystic mass on my mammogram. Many years later there was a small bump on that mass. It was not painful at all, but it was cancer. Some...
(((Cathi))) I think about you every time I come here and wonder how you are doing. I am so sorry to hear this latest news. There are not adequate words to provide the comfort you need. What courage...
Hi, and welcome. sorry you have need to be concerned, but the nurse gave you good advice when she said try not to worry. Can't change what is. Eighty percent of breast lumps are not cancer. That...
What a great number to reach, Candy. So glad you are doing well. Glad the PET scan was OK, too. Stay well. Hugs, Lauri...
Thanks for fixing the error, MK. I did not realize there was a problem. Hope those Stage IV gals find the article helpful. Hugs, Lauri...
This is really off topic, but I thought I should let you know that DH and I leave Sunday for about two weeks in Alaska. We fly into Anchorage, have 6 days of touring on a bus, then board a cruise...
Oh, Dee, it's never easy to learn you have cancer. My aunt, my mother's sister, was diagnosed early this year. She had a very early cancer and had a small area removed. No other treatment. You've...
I know that a BSE found my cancerous lump at 6 mm, pretty tiny. A benign biopsy is a small price to pay for knowing something is not cancer, IMHO. But, I know all those biopsies are a cost for the...
I have not had reconstruction, but did have radiation. It is my understanding that radiation restricts the amount of stretch in the skin, which may eliminate an implant. I do not know if the same...
There is some excellent information on mammograms at www.imaginis.com. I would suggest you check it out. Really good solid, reliable information. Good luck on Wednesday. We will be with you in...
Mary Kay, my heart aches for what you and your daughter are going through. Know that prayers and comforting thoughts are always coming your way. Hugs, Lauri...
I would start with your former surgeon by phone, then follow up with your primary care physician in the Twin Cities. If you don't have one,send me an e-mail and maybe I can offer a few suggestions. I...
This is what Imaginis.com has to say about calcifications. "Calcifications (also called microcalcifications) are mineral deposits in the breast that may be caused by dried-up secretions, trauma to...
I just read your post about your mom and her refusing treatment for recurrent cancer. I am so sorry you are in this situation. It must be so hard to be so far away right now. I would call the...
I had a needle biopsy in 2000 for microcalcifications that showed up under my lumpectomy incision from four years ealier. The needle biopsy was recommended by a surgeon covering for the one who did...
Only a surgeon can perform a surgical biopsy. It is not something a radiologist can do. I had mincrocalcifications that showed up under my lumpectomy incision four years later. They were benign, That...
Oh, yes and I am still hauling it around with me. :-( Everyone is different, but most I know gained weight. Kathy is one of the lucky ones. Lauri...
Here's an article from a great resouce, CURE magazine. It may not speak to your exact situation, but offers hope to those who are at Stage IV. Jackie, great to hear from you any time. Hugs, Lauri...
Wire guided sounds worse than it is. I was nervous about it the first time, but it was easy. The nurses told me the surgeon I had does nearly all his biopsies with a wire guide so he does not miss...
Sorry about the positive diagnosis, Lori. Certainly not fair, but then we all know that cancer is not fair, right? Hope your recovery goes smoothly and you are back on your feet in no time. And,...
Sorry, I can't help you with information on what to expect next with brain mets. Probably radiation treatment of some kind. You say this person is a "close family member" but did not say what the...
If it is any comfort, I was diagnosed with Stage 1 cancer 12 years ago. I had lumpectomy, neg. nodes, followed by 6 1/2 weeks of radiation and tamoxifen for five years. Best wishes to your daughter....
I'll make it three votes for seeing a doctor. Lauri...
My experience is much like Lori's. I've had two surgical biopsies. Went back to work after the first (with a cancer diagnosis!), but was advised to go home and rest after the second one (no cancer...