ANA Discussion Forum
AN Community => AN Community => Topic started by: Kathy M on September 02, 2010, 07:46:17 pm
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Hello to my AN friends!!!
I've been away awhile and wanted my AN family to know that I'm finally done with treatment for BC. My chemo started in in March and ended iin June. Radiaition began in July and the last treatment was August 27!!! This has been quite the ordeal - it is truly amazing what the human body can endure in such a short amount of time. I'm not sure how one goes thru such challenges without love, prayers, and support. There are no guarantees in this life, but let me tell ya - I am moving forward and closing this chapter. I have regular appointments with a host of people to keep a watchful eye on me. My husband will also be watching me like a hawk...and I am very self-aware and will take nothing for granted. I'll start my hormone therapy drug in a week or so - hopefully, I'll tolerate it ok. Arimidex, I believe, is the name of it. I'll take that for at least 5 years. I have met so many breast cancer warriors throughout my ordeal - they have been such an inspiration for me and I am so grateful to have met them. Helluva a reason to cross paths, but nonetheless, I'm thrilled to know them!!!
Can you believe I'm still waiting on this AN incision to heal? I guess with 4 surgeries in the exact same spot during a 12 month period, that thin layer of skin can only take so much...that combined with chemo which trashed my immune system for a good while. Anyway, after I finished the 10 weeks of IV antibiotics, chemo started and they told me to just forget about the incision healing during that. Then came radiation, and the position I had to be in rubbed in just the right place on my head to keep it ruffled up!! So, it's still a mess. I finally am seeing a wound specialist, since there is now no evidence of infection at this point. She is trying all kinds of things to help it along and I'm willing to stand on my head for her at this point! She did say that sometimes, wounds just won't heal for all kinds of reasons. I'm not ready to give up on the healing thing just yet (and thankfully, neither is she - she just wanted to warn me!)
I've continued to work part time since the 2nd chemo treatment and throughout all but the last 2 weeks of radiation. The easy-bake oven finally got to me and had to take some time off, since the dress code at work does not permit topless. But, I go back next Tuesday, fully-clothed and ready to roll!!! I'll stay part time for a few weeks and then I'll be fulltime. My husband and I are going away for the weekend for a nice little getaway - I CANT WAIT!!!!!
Anyway, enough about me. Just wanted to let you all know that I am out of that tunnel and into the light. I've said it before, but I'll say it again....thank you so very much for your prayers, messages, and gifts along the way. I absolutely don't know what I would have done without you...and I'm glad I didn't have to.
Much love,
Kathy
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Kathy, thank you for checking in. I am so very thankful to read your report. I will be keeping you in my prayers, but switching to prayers of thankfulness and rejoicing!
Have your doctors ever mentioned the possibility of using a wound vac on your AN incision? They are quite helpful for diabetic wounds that do not heal and for patients with spinal cord injuries. Might be worth looking into now that you are through the cancer treatments.
Take care and God bless.
Sara
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Kathy .....
So glad you have turned the corner on the Big C Beast and now can concentrate on healing that pesky wound.
Prayers continue. Have a wonderful, relaxing week-end before returning to work!
Clarice
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Glad you are through with treatments ....
Mom is on Arimidex after they had put her on Tomoxifin (who knows how either are spelled ) and she couldn't take the Tomoxifin ... Arimidex she is tolerating it well ... continued healing to you
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Kathy -
I'm so thrilled to hear from you, and I'm thrillled as well to hear that your breast cancer treatment is finally over.
AN incision still not healed :o on top of everything else ??? You've been through way too much!
Your sense of humor and attitude are incredible - very refreshing. I think I can safely speak for my fellow Forumites and say that you have been an inspiration to us.
I'm hopeful I'll get to Cincinnati for the symposium and will finally get to meet you.
Best,
Jan
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Kathy, so great to hear from you. Glad to see you've still got the strong spirit. I remember our PM's from almost 2 years ago. You've been through a lot and like Jan says, you're a true inspiration to all of us. All the best to you and your family....keep in touch.
Patrick
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Kathy~
SO GREAT TO HEAR FROM YOU AND THAT YOUR TREATMENTS ARE OVER!!!!
Just a huge prayer of thank-full-ness! Enjoy your weekend get away - if anyone ever deserved it, it is YOU!
K ;D
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Kathy,
Wow, what an inspiration you are, with you AN, BC, working through it all, and your positive spirit.
Makes the unhealed AN incision look like peanuts in comparison to everything else you've been through. :o
We will continue to say prayers for a fast recovery from all this.
Have a wonderful weekend.
You are amazing!
Maureen
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Hello Kathy,
I am also thrilled that your treatments are over, and that chapter in your life is finally ending. You are right about going through trials and meeting great warriors
on your pathway. Though we may have never met in person, we all share a common bond and that is love and encouragement to each other when times are difficult.
Yes, dear one, you are an inspiration and I thank you for that. May your healing be swift and may your Blessings be many.
Love and prayers,
Jackie
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]Break out the champagne!! This is cause for celebration! ;D ;D ;D
Kathy, you are a walking, talking hero for what you have been through. Your attitude is amazing, and I wish for you the very speediest healing for ALL of you! Keep us posted as you head into the home stretch.
Priscilla
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Wow, Kathy, ye has certainly spent some time in Davy Jone's Locker!! Talk about bein' a survivor! Time to swim to the surface and climb back aboard! It'll be cooling off soon, so ye'll be able to don the Steve-o Watchcap which, I hears, aids in the noggin boo-boo healing process. I, too, hope you will make it to Cinncinnati fer our bi-annual group hug-fest. I have been to 2 of 'em and they are so much fun! Actually all the medical stuff can be pretty boring, but meeting up with all these GREAT scurvy forum scallywags and wenches is incredible and strengthens the bond we all have sooooo much. I got to room with Phearless Phyll and all we did was giggle the whole time!
Best wishes to my partner in the dual diagnosis club!
Capt Deb(http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee60/Captdeb_photos/pirate-smiley-12.gif)
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Hey, Kathy!
Congratulations on successfully completing your breast cancer treatment! We knew you would beat this. Prayers are answered and spirits are high around here, today!
Your can-do attitude is infectious and most welcome. You're an amazing lady. I'm sure that incision will heal - eventually. Meanwhile, thanks so much for posting. Your kind words are much appreciated. Now, go and enjoy yourself this weekend! :)
Jim
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Kathy,
I'm so glad to hear that your treatments are finished. I too have been diagnosed with lobular breast cancer. I had a lumpectomy and a sentinal node biopsy on August 12. I have an appointment with the medical oncologist and the radiation oncologist next week to find out what my treatment plan is. I was diagnosed with a 2cm AN back in February and I was suppose to have my translab surgery this fall. It is now on hold while I deal with this breast cancer treatment. I have been in shock these last few months to find out I have a brain tumor and now breast cancer. The story of your journey has given me courage to face whatever I may have to face in the next few months. I just want to get this treatment over with and get on with the AN surgery that I have been waiting so many months for. Thanks for your courageous inspiration.
Carrol
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Kathy,
So nice to read your inspiring update. I have thought of you often and prayed. Continued thoughts and prayers for your damned AN scar. That is just nasty!!! Keep on your war wound doctor, make sure "she works hard for the money" or else she will have some "'splaining to do!!" ;D
Carrol,
Good luck to you.
Anne Marie
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Kathy I'd love to meet you. I believe you are a true inspiration for everyone. You continue to move forward, looking to the future, dreaming, doing, living. Good for you! Good for us. Lead on!
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Kathy so glad to read a post from you thank God all the treatments for the BC is over.........You and your husband deserve more than a weekend but I am sure you are happy to settle with that......How are your children doing I am sure they are glad that the treatments are finished ... So sorry to read about your wound I hope the wound specialist will be able to help now that treatments are done and as you get stronger the wound will get to heal ...
You are a true inspiration to us all for what you have gone through and kept the faith, humor and your concern for us as well..
My sincerest wishes go out to you and your family ..
Pat
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Kathy,
Thanks for posting, what a journey you have been through.
Liz
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Thanks so much, guys, for celebrating with me! One day at a time is the new phrase for me. Steve and I had a fabulous, relaxed, weekend - just what we needed. Today, it's a bit more relaxing since I'm returning to work next week (part time, but methinks I'll still be weary!). But...there will be a smile on my phase and a lil'skip in my step this week. I intend to celebrate things a bit more, laugh a lot more, and love my family and friends even more than before. (can you feel the hugs going your way?)
Barring any unforeseen adventures, Steve and I will be at the symposium here in Ohio next August. I hope to meet many of you there!!!!
On our way to Amish country on Friday, we stopped at the infectious disease doctor so that he could culture the damn head wound again. Can't wait to talk to him today and see what it grew out this time - can you believe this nonsense? Since Jan. 09 - the original AN surgery, I can't go more than 3 1/2 months after the run of antibiotics (whether they are oral or IV) without the wound deteriorating back to its original state. Methinks I may need to explore further avenues - different doctor (what should his/her specialty be?), different health care system (gotta be covered by my insurance!), a trip to a voodoo doctor? How 'bout a voodoo doll - I could ask my husband to make one in my likeness, send them you guys - it will have the exact spot on my head marked appropriately. Then you guys could apply various potions and lotions on it and it'll close up. There HAS to be something out there!!!!
Ah well, nuff 'bout me - I'm off to get my day started. Shower, laundry, then playtime!!!!
Love to you all!!!
Kathy
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Kathy .....
You are such an inspiration with your upbeat attitude! I know you have days when you would like to forget it all, but your ability to turn all of this to a positive is amazing.
..... and if voodoo dolls would work, we would soon have the medical profession out of business!! Loved the thought of it, though.
Have a fun playtime today!
Clarice
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Wow can't believe the wound won't close. I had a hard time with my wound after my CSF surgery, but it was only a couple months of it. There are wound specialists you could probably seek out, but not sure of the insurance implications.
Keep up the great attitude, but remember no to over do it, especially when it comes to work 8)
Liz
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glad you had a good weekend ...
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Hi Kathy!
I've been out of the loop for quite a while, but have kept you in my thoughts and prayers. I am so thrilled for you that your cancer treatment is OVER! It must feel great. I hope the wound specialist can help get your head to heal soon, once and for all.
Best wishes,
Wendy
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Congratulations, Kathy!
As a twenty-four year survivor of breast cancer and the treatment I remember well the day I was told "no more". If I could have done hand stands I would have! Start some new adventures and support all of the people you hear about going through the same thing. It is indeed a sisterhood.
Hugs,
Brenda
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You got it, Brenda!! 24-year survivor - spectacular!!!! The company I keep in the BC sisterhood and AN family is an awesome source of inspiration and support. Thanks, all, for the well wishes!
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Kathy,
Congratulations to you for being the ultimate survivor--for making it through all you had to! My friend Ruth had breast cancer 5 years ago and the cancer is all behind her now.. Yes the treatment is nasty but I am so glad to hear you are well now and can go on with your life!!!
Best always,
Mary (aka Grammie "Mimi") ;D
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CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!
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Kathy! So glad you're finished! You were amazing through it all - an inspiration to all! With Breast Cancer month (October) coming upon us, this is perfect timing for a success story! Hope all of you ladies have had your mammograms ;D
Cindy
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Hi Kathy,
I took a long break from the forum (unintended; just got too busy). I've been on regularly for the last couple of weeks and have been wondering about you. I finally found this (buried under all the support group meetings!)
I'm so glad your treatments are over and I hope and pray by now more progress has been made with your AN incision site.
We are all so blessed and inspired by your outlook and hope!
Keri
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Thanks so much, Keri! I'm not on the forum very often and it is hard to keep track of everyone!!! I am so appreciative of the support from all of my AN friends!!!!
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Ok, why am I just seeing this under "unread topics" now???? >:( Darn computer!!!
Anyway, Kathy, sooooooo good to hear from you and I'm so glad you're doing well!
Your attitude and energy is uplifting! You are definitely SuperWoman!!! Maybe Steve can knit you a cape? ;D
Now to get that noggin healed....
Add some more hugs from me!
Lori