My update!

Well, the last few weeks have been difficult..neither incision is closed yet after almost five weeks...alot of drainage so now I have to go back to Hamilton for an ultrasound to see why this is happening. Until yesterday, I was feeling very weak and unable to do much of anything..today I am finally starting to feel human again. I hadn't said much because of a number of reasons..didn't want to sound whiny...lol...Derek says I'm just plain stubborn. *s*

Today I met my Oncologist on Hamilton...well, I get to keep my hair..no IV Chemo…instead, because this cancer is hormone-sensitive, I will get the newest technology, a pill that lowers the estrogen level in my body...one pill/day
for five years. Of course, it has it's own side effects but they feel that the IV chemo does more damage and has less advantage than this new pill does for my particular type of cancer.  I had started my periods at 11 yrs old, very early in those days and stopped periods at 59..so I’ve been exposed to estrogen for quite a long time, add to that my first pregnancy wasn’t til I was 26..apparently that is considered old…lol…and it’s that same estrogen that has caused my breast cancer, both times.Side effects will be avoided as much as possible by regular bone density checks, high calcium & vitamin D, watchful for blood clots in my legs. Oh Joy, I get to go thru menopause...LOL..hot flashes and all the trimmings *s* Apparently this pill is THE newest and most effective treatment for hormone-triggered cancer...also, a very pricey biopsy test in California (not available in Canada yet) so they have to apply to the govt for approval..it will check my biopsy results and determine the ratio of recurrance..this will give them some guidelines as to what and when to watch for. (I INTEND for NO reccurrance.) It will also give further definition to the type of cancer and why it happened.Knowing this gives better understanding and also for others in the future as well. Also will be helpful for genetic concerns for my sons, my sister and her three kids as normally, people are not checked for cancer that young and they are cutting costs now by making the age for monitoring even older...thank you Mr Harper.

I am now booked for bloodwork next week, ultrasound on Wednesday and bone density testing in a week or so, all at the Juravinsky Cancer Centre in Hamilton and a followup with the Oncologist, on Dec 30th...by that time, the results will be back from the bloodwork, the test in California and the bone density..also, the incisions may hopefully finally be closed so they can book radiation starting Jan early...Once my incisions heal well, radiation starts.

Nancy B I take the pills at the same time so no waiting because of the medication. At least now, I have some concrete plans in place *s*.

Hi Nancy...so glad that you are FINALLY feeling better again!! Hope this new medication is approved for you and it works well!!!!

Prayers and Hugs

Nancy....I continue to keep you in my prayers. You are such a strong woman!!

HUGS....connie d

 Hi Nancy,
I hope the docs can figure out why you aren't draining properly.  I also hope your new med that you take orally does not have any negative side effects.

Still praying,
Hugs,
Trish

My prayers are with you. 

BTW, I remember the doctor telling my aunt that estrogen-sensitive breast cancer is less aggressive and more responsive to treatment.

Hope God and his angels watch over you as you battle with the Big C.

Nancy,

Sounds like you are on the slow road to recovery, which is not a bad thing, but for someone like you, in many ways I'm sure it is torturous.  Us "strong" types are used to doing, not used to being in the position you now find yourself in.  I am glad that you are on the mend, even while it is not going as perhaps it should and hopefully you will be healed up when you get to Hamilton on the 30th.  I pray that each day finds you stronger and just give your body what it needs to heal, via rest, eating right and believing that you have all that you need to beat this again!  you also have many who are praying that you get well, so there is that added bonus of strength in numbers. . .

Sending positive, healing thoughts your way, Laureen

Hi Nancy,

Are you taking Tamoxifen?  That's what they're giving me. We're sisters in the war!

Hugs. you are one strong, determined and courageous woman. I read recently that 1 in 15 women will experience breast cancer in her lifetime. The longer we live the more there is to catch up with us.

 So many ladies on this board are setting great examples of courage and determination when faced with the challenge of cancer  or other health issues. It helps me to realize that if and when I too have to face it that I can because you all have. I wiill not try to name names so there are probably some that I don't even know about. I can think of at least 10 people on this board who deal with cancer, serious WLS issues, bad ulcers, and other internal problems. Your "bring it on and get it taken care of " attitude is what has to be done. I'm sure at times it masks the internal fear that goes with these dreaded diseases, but doing nothing is certainly not going to do any good. Thank  you.