Oh dammit. I am thinking of you and sending all my good thoughts and vibes.

Every day I hear stories of total recovery at the cancer center of the hospital where I work. Sometimes it just turns out to be a minor blip on the radar screen of life. I hope that's how it turns out for you.

How wonderful that gardengrl sent Happy Jam at just the right moment!

Hugs and kisses.

Cloud, I am sending prayers for quick, pain free healing. May the chemo go quickly and easily too, with a minimum of discomfort. Hugs are being sent for some emotional support as well. May G-d guide the hand of your surgeon and all of your medical providers. Please check in when you can. ((((Cloudswift))))
DONNA

Cloud.....don't borrow trouble! How do you know you will be facing chemo? And why do you think you won't be hanging around here? I was back about 4 days after a mastectomy and lymph excision...That was 10 years ago next month!
3 of my best friends are survivors, one 17 years, another 16 years and the 3rd 6 years.
Chemo's not fun, but it's not the worst that can happen....I just wore my wig ( and got many compliments on my new shorter hair do too! LOL!) and carried on....I ate out, Iw ent to bed early and often took a nap, Iw as president of a local charitable group during that time and never missed a meeting, from one where I said Iw ill be going in for surgery next week, to the one a month later where I said...well I had my first chemo yesterday!
Hang around here.....we'll keep your mind off of your troubles!
Linda C

Hey CS sweetie I hope your surgery went as well as can be expected and I hope you know that I am praying for you and you're in my thoughts. One of my best friends is a cancer survivor and I know it is a tough row to hoe, no two ways about it, but we are rooting for you and are here for you! Geeze, how many garden metaphors can I shove into one sentence?!
:)
One day at a time, don't try to go it alone, keep us posted!
Lpink

I'm home from work and checking in to see how you're doing after surgery. I'll be away for a couple of days, but I'll check in as soon as I get home and back to the computer. I'll keep thinking about you, though!

Sally

Oh Cloud -- I'm so glad you posted so we can all be keeping you in our hearts and prayers... Hope the surgery went smoothly and that your recovery will be swift... Sending a big virtual hug...

Emily

Hey Cloud, hang in there. You'll beat it. They are very good at stopping breast cancer in it's tracks nowdays. Please check back in when you get home.
James

Just a short update and apology for not posting earler. The surgery went well. I was at admitting at 6 AM and left for home at 10 AM. The pain pills made me pretty sleepy earlier and then I spent some time with my family, especially my baby granddaughter because she was worried about touching me. She had been told I was going to have a "big oowie" and wouldn't be able to pick her up, so I needed to spend time with her to reassure her that I was okay and she relaxed after a while to being appropriately careful but not looking so worried.

It doesn't hardly hurt anymore - mostly it is just that the dressings are annoying, but I think I'll take a half pill before bed just in case.

They had warned that the after effects of anesthesia might make me quesy, but I haven't had any trouble and just had a nice, easy dinner of grilled chicken boneless skinless breast sprinkled with Penzy's Singapore spice mix and potatoes and carrots with paprika and herbs.

Linda, based on the biopsy results, I expect to need chemo. The analysis of the cancer cells showed it to be moderately aggressive and Her2+. Her2+ cancers left to themselves are very aggressive but there is a targeted drug that works very well against them. And I decided I wanted to conserve the breast so I got the lumpectomy which means I'll need radiation. But I will get some more results from the surgery and will check on my risk with and without chemo after I get them.

I'll also be trying to keep up working full time during radiation and chemo so I may need to conserve energy and rest so I expect to have to simplify my cooking for a few months during chemo and not have much time for reading and posting on the cooking forum. But I expect to be back more often when treatment is over.

Of course, there are many different chemo drugs and the extent of the side effects depends on the person so maybe it won't be that bad. I'll just have to see.

Thanks for checking back in and let us know how you are doing Cloud. I'm glad things went as well as they did and sorry you will have to have chemo. Just glad there is chemo that will help. I hope your side effects won't be bad. Do you know when they will be started?

Cloud, I was so happy to see that you posted after your surgery. It sounds like everything went well, and I'm praying so hard that you will have a minimum of pain from the incision.

Herceptin is a wonder drug for Her2 positive tumors, and it sounds like you'll be starting on that one, or one like it, ASAP. From what I remember with my MIL, there were little to no side effects from the Herceptin, at least for her. I hope it will be the same for you. As far as the radiation went, mom was tired from it, no doubt, and her skin was tender for the six weeks that she was taking the radiation. But for the peace of mind it offered (substantially less risk of local recurrence), it was worth it.

We're all pulling for you Cloud, and wishing you a full recovery ASAP. Please take it easy on yourself, and get help around the house, as well as emotional support too. I hope you fly through the chemo and feel well during it. There are many medicines available to help minimize the effects of chemo, and take them when they are offered. We have many survivors here that can say more helpful things than me, but I just want you to know that I'm thinking of you. Take care, Cloud.
DONNA

Cloud Swift, I'm just checking in here to see how you are doing, it sounds like you're OK for the time being.

I agree, get as much help as you can with the house, the cooking, whatever you can get help with. You'll need some strength just to recover from the treatments, I think.

I'm still sending prayers and positive healing thoughts your way.

CloudSwift, glad you came through the surgery with flying colors! You have such a positive attitude, and it's good that you're planning to get back to work soon and return to "normal" life as soon as possible. It sounds like your wonderful family is very supportive, too (be sure to let someone else cook the dinner for the holidays--you can "supervise" from an easy chair). Hope you will heal quickly and soon feel 100%.

Sue

You are amazing!

I second what Barnmom said!!!! Keep that positve attitude! We are here for you!!!!! Gina

CS, I am amazed! You are awesome! Now take care of yourself and check in when you can or if you need an ear. We are here for you.

Peppi

All that and no whining. What a woman!

Wow, you are amazing, and such details on your dinner. I couldn't help but giggle that you gave such details after surgery! Lots of positive vibes headed your way.

janet

High fives to you, sweetie!!!
Stay ahead of the beast!
Linda C

Cloud Swift, I sent a private message (with reference to a name I used to use). Did you get it okay?

Cloudswift, thanks for posting.

I am so glad your surgery went well. I wish you didn't have to go thru the chemo, but if it means saving the breast, I'd have chosen the same thing, I think.

Hang in there, we're here for you and sending healing vibes to you!

Linda

sushipup, I got the message. I haven't been checking that email everyday, but I'll send a reply today.

Thanks everyone for the support. Now I'm waiting for the results from the surgery which I expect by Friday and then an appointment with the oncologist. Friends brought over food Sunday evening so we have plenty to eat without much cooking.

[Glad to see ya back sushipup, love the name]

[cloud, sushipup is good people. I ALMOST had her staying at my house during a nearby dog show but life got in her way]

Cloud, I so admire your courage and positive attitude. You can be sure my best thoughts and good vibes will be with you through your journey.

PS: There are easier ways to avoid cooking!!!!

Sharon

I also thought that sushipup was too familiar!!
Great to see you back!!
And Cloud....please keep us posted....we care.
Linda C

I'm glad you didn't get a lot of discomfort with the surgery. I would like to chime in with something from experience. If you start chemo make sure a nurse or a friend that knows where the nurse is with you with any infusion. We had a couple of bad scares with my wife with Taxol and a related drug who's name I forget (taxotere? or something like that). I don't mean to sound like I'm preaching but if you haven't already done it go to the M.D. Anderson or some other leading cancer centers web site check things out. You'll be a lot better prepared when your doctor suggests treatment. Cloud, I speak from the heart, educate yourself from the atomic level about your situation. It will make any decision about treatment easier.

Sushipup? Hey it's great to "see" you again!

Cloud, I'm amazed at how resilient you are to get back w/ us so soon. Take good care and rest up while you wait. I know that relaxing isn't totally in the cards, but take it easy!

Cloud, I had a busy day today and will have another one tomorrow, so I'll have to wait to respond. Take care of yourself!

And to the others---yeah, it's me. And we are expecting a new bunch of Sushi pups on Oct 12, if all goes well, keep your fingers crossed!

Hey there Sushipup! Glad to see you!

Cloudswift, I had to chuckle, also, when I saw you post about your after surgery meal! I wish you all the best during your treatment.

Sally

I just snapped. Did Sushipup send someone a dancing bee in a swap a few years ago? It's sitting right in front of me.

Who, me???? ;-o

sending positive thoughts your way for good news coming up!

Hi sushipup. :-)

LOL chase.

Stacy

Cloud, I will be remembering you in my prayers. Keep up the good attitude and I hope your treatment will be easy.

Oh Pat, I'm right there holding your hand. Been thinking about you lately.

As Annie would say, "Knockers up girlfriend!" You're gonna get through this with lots of support and all of us rooting for you.

((((HUGS)))))))))

Kathy

Just checking in, for current news.

Hey, sushipup, I'm gonna want pictures, since I no longer have a pup of my own! Live vicariously, you know.

CS, definitely, Knockers Up!!

Annie

Not much news yet. The doctor had hoped to have the pathology report today but it isn't in yet. I'm really hoping for clean nodes and clean margins because I don't want more surgery. Recovery has been pretty smooth but not pain free. The incision under my arm was hurting more so I went in for him to have a look at it. Its fine - he took off some of the suture strips and it hurts less - I guess they were pulling. Also he said that the area is numb right after the surgery and then after a few days the nerves are healing which is why pain can increase.

I'm trying to decide whether I feel up to making challah today - all that rolling the ropes for the braids.

Cloud , Hang in there this is the worst of it, the waiting for the treatment plan. I am an 11 year BC survivor.
You go girl!

Two years out and I agree with Cooper...waiting is the worst. I know way too many people dealing with cancer and I have to say, now that I'm 'educated', I am amazed at what those docs can do.

Good luck, and do set aside time for yourself. Don't try to be superwoman...trust me on that :)

Don't even think of challah. I'll come up and whup you. HEAL! HEAL! HEAL! Challah later!

Or as sushipup would say, HEEL! Just kidding.

Okay Jessy, I didn't make challah Friday. But I made it for Rosh HaShanah and it was so very good and so much better than store bought that I'm glad I did. The bread machine does all the kneading and turban challahs for Rosh Hashanah don't take as much work to form as the braids. I plumped raisins and dried cranberries to put in one.

And I got good news from the surgery pathology! Only part of the lump was cancer so I'm stage I. My nodes are clear too.

Hooray, good news! That's just what I was looking for.

Now, heal up, stay strong. Knockers Up!

(Oh, and enjoy the Challah)

Annie

YES!!!!
So no chemo? Just radiation?
Linda C

Hurray! Great news to begin the New Year!

CS That's great news!!Knockers Up!!!!!!Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.. Gina

Cloud, your wonderful news made my day! I'm so very happy for you and your terrific test results. May you continue to heal and stay healthy and strong. I was wondering, same as Linda, what's the next step for you? ((((Cloud Swift))))
DONNA

Hey girl, you are an inspiration. I know that the doctors are giving you good treatment but nothing is better to expedite healing than a grandbaby. Things will only get better.

(((Cathy)))

Oh that is wonderful news. The odds are strongly on your side. I'm so glad to hear it.

Cathy, you are sure right about that. She just melts my heart when I hear her call for me.

I do wish this annoying stinging under my arm from the sentinel node biopsy incision would go away. It's getting better and it should go away after a while. The surgeon says that the nerves get damaged when they cut to take out the lymph nodes. The stinging means they are healing (and at least I don't have any numb spots). That and not being able to take a shower (I'm so tired of sponge baths) make me feel like whining but I hate whining so I try not to.

I'm so glad that they don't have to go back in to take out the rest of the nodes. And I get to take showers again starting this weekend - only one and a half more days! I try to focus on the positive.

And I'm not suppose to pick up my granddaughter for a while (though sometimes I do - I try to be very careful and mostly use my other arm).

Donna and Linda, what is next is to meet with the oncologist which happens next week. And I also meet with the doctor who does the radiation. I'm not sure. My cancer cells have some aggressive features so I think they may still recommend chemo.

With stage I for my cancer characteristics (if I'm using the tools right - I'll need to check with the oncologist), the recurrence risk is still in double digits and chemo cuts that in half (to less than 10%) so I'm thinking that chemo may be worth it to cut down the chance that I have to deal with this again. And it cuts the risk of dying from the cancer in the next 10 years something like from 4% to 2%. So it is around the point where it is difficult to weigh the risks vs. benefits.

I'm hoping that the oncologist can suggest a lower side effect / lower risk set of chemo drugs.

Cloud....chemo is not as bad as it once was....and I am speaking form 10 years ago....things have to be even easier now.
I was not nauseous...but once when I thought I feel so well, why am I taking this stuff....and stopped taking the compazine a day after chemo...Big mistake!!
If the oncologist in any wayb recommends whatever treatment, go for it...your mind will rest easier 5 years from now knowing you did everything you could do to prevent recurrence.
Linda C

Stage I...yesss! And I'm glad to hear those sentinal nodes were clear. Mine was Stage I also, invasive but not aggressive. The oncologist ordered some genetic tests and said chemo wouldn't help my odds. But I know lots of people who didn't slow down a bit on chemo. They'll give you your options and you'll be able to make an informed decision. It'll be good to talk to the oncologist and then you can get on with it.