Guest guest Posted February 1, 2007 Report Share Posted February 1, 2007 Tammy - Warm welcomes to the group. Boy oh boy - you've been through it all. Hard to believe that they misdiagnosed it initially - scary really. Thankfully, its been found and you are in treatment. Hang tough girlfriend - we're all fighting battles and it sounds like you are working hard at fighting yours. I know what you mean about friends and family " understanding " how you feel. Some things can only be understood by sister survivors - and here we are! Again, welcome, Ellen > > I have been reading some of your stories and now I don't feel so alone. I was sure I was the only one. Thank You. I was convinced no one was having the same side effects, problems with drs, etc. etc. With the very first thing I read I felt I could relate. My family/friends are wonderful but you get that look from them of not understanding. You know what I mean? Anyway I am so glad you are out there. I need some positive with all this negative. I had a mammogram in April 06 that was good. Late August I started having shooting pain in my left breast with small lump next to my breast bone. It kept getting bigger and pain became constant. My primary said you don't have a good mammogram in April and BC in August. He sent me for diag mammo and ultra sound which said I had cancer. Then went to surgeon with my results and she also said it looks like cancer. Went for biopsy they took 5 samples from what was by now a very large and painful lump. Results came back > NO CANCER. This was a result of Fibrocystic Breast Disease is what they told me. So I went home de-stressed and decaffinated and waited for this monster to go away. By the middle of October I was taking 800 mg of Ibuprofin every 4 hrs. The surgeon agreed it needed to be removed. Which resulted in a very large hematoma. Tumor was 5cm. The next day she gave me the news. Cancer stage III. I have not had mastectomy yet. April 07. I am on 5 of 8 chemo trtmnts. Dr doesn't know if I will need radiation. Don't know if I am doing reconst surg or not. I am still researching all the pros and cons. I am 43 and I honestly thought before I found this site that I was the yongest person with BC ever. You can't believe how much you all have helped. If any one has had similar experience or any good advice please let me know. I need everything I can get. Thank You Tammy > > > > --------------------------------- > 8:00? 8:25? 8:40? Find a flick in no time > with theYahoo! Search movie showtime shortcut. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 1, 2007 Report Share Posted February 1, 2007 Tammy welcome to the group. I was 44 when diagnosed and will be 62 in Oct. We have ladies in their 30's that have breast cancer. The best advice is to stay positive and take it one day at a time. We are here for you if you have any questions or want to vent. I will keep you in my prayers. Hugs nne Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html BreastCancerStories.com http://www.breastcancerstories.com/content/view/433/161/ Angel Feather Loomer www.angelfeatherloomer.blogspot.com Check out my other ornaments at www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.html Lots of info and gifts at: www.cancerclub.com new to the group I have been reading some of your stories and now I don't feel so alone. I was sure I was the only one. Thank You. I was convinced no one was having the same side effects, problems with drs, etc. etc. With the very first thing I read I felt I could relate. My family/friends are wonderful but you get that look from them of not understanding. You know what I mean? Anyway I am so glad you are out there. I need some positive with all this negative. I had a mammogram in April 06 that was good. Late August I started having shooting pain in my left breast with small lump next to my breast bone. It kept getting bigger and pain became constant. My primary said you don't have a good mammogram in April and BC in August. He sent me for diag mammo and ultra sound which said I had cancer. Then went to surgeon with my results and she also said it looks like cancer. Went for biopsy they took 5 samples from what was by now a very large and painful lump. Results came back NO CANCER. This was a result of Fibrocystic Breast Disease is what they told me. So I went home de-stressed and decaffinated and waited for this monster to go away. By the middle of October I was taking 800 mg of Ibuprofin every 4 hrs. The surgeon agreed it needed to be removed. Which resulted in a very large hematoma. Tumor was 5cm. The next day she gave me the news. Cancer stage III. I have not had mastectomy yet. April 07. I am on 5 of 8 chemo trtmnts. Dr doesn't know if I will need radiation. Don't know if I am doing reconst surg or not. I am still researching all the pros and cons. I am 43 and I honestly thought before I found this site that I was the yongest person with BC ever. You can't believe how much you all have helped. If any one has had similar experience or any good advice please let me know. I need everything I can get. Thank You Tammy --------------------------------- 8:00? 8:25? 8:40? Find a flick in no time with theYahoo! Search movie showtime shortcut. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 1, 2007 Report Share Posted February 1, 2007 Tammy That is terrible - I'm suprised that the mammogram couldn't pick up a 5 cm tumor... I am also young (40) - My tumor was 4.5cm and very noticable to the touch, however - my sonogram/ mammogram only showed a 1.5 cm tumor. When I discussed this with my onologist, he indicated that it is not uncommon for a mammogram not to pick up the " whole thing " . Funny you mention the pain - they say breast cancer is not painful, oh horse balls - it is very painful. Did anyone give an explaination of the biopsy coming back negative? Are you opting to get the mastecomty? Were your margins clear when they did the lumpectomy? No, I'm not nosey, just want to compare notes because I've had a lumpectomy, a reincision and still do not have clear margins - next move another reincision or mastectomy, I haven't made the choice yet, I'm going to wait to get my 2nd opinion and get the results of the CT and Bone scans. Best of luck. Rose > > I have been reading some of your stories and now I don't feel so alone. I was sure I was the only one. Thank You. I was convinced no one was having the same side effects, problems with drs, etc. etc. With the very first thing I read I felt I could relate. My family/friends are wonderful but you get that look from them of not understanding. You know what I mean? Anyway I am so glad you are out there. I need some positive with all this negative. I had a mammogram in April 06 that was good. Late August I started having shooting pain in my left breast with small lump next to my breast bone. It kept getting bigger and pain became constant. My primary said you don't have a good mammogram in April and BC in August. He sent me for diag mammo and ultra sound which said I had cancer. Then went to surgeon with my results and she also said it looks like cancer. Went for biopsy they took 5 samples from what was by now a very large and painful lump. Results came back > NO CANCER. This was a result of Fibrocystic Breast Disease is what they told me. So I went home de-stressed and decaffinated and waited for this monster to go away. By the middle of October I was taking 800 mg of Ibuprofin every 4 hrs. The surgeon agreed it needed to be removed. Which resulted in a very large hematoma. Tumor was 5cm. The next day she gave me the news. Cancer stage III. I have not had mastectomy yet. April 07. I am on 5 of 8 chemo trtmnts. Dr doesn't know if I will need radiation. Don't know if I am doing reconst surg or not. I am still researching all the pros and cons. I am 43 and I honestly thought before I found this site that I was the yongest person with BC ever. You can't believe how much you all have helped. If any one has had similar experience or any good advice please let me know. I need everything I can get. Thank You Tammy > > > > --------------------------------- > 8:00? 8:25? 8:40? Find a flick in no time > with theYahoo! Search movie showtime shortcut. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 1, 2007 Report Share Posted February 1, 2007 Unfortuneately they don't even suggest a mammogram until you are 40... they oughta lower the recommended age to 30. They say if you can feel the tumor, it has been growing between 5 - 10 years... that would make me between 30 - 35. If only I knew. > > Tammy welcome to the group. I was 44 when diagnosed and will be 62 in Oct. We have ladies in their 30's that have breast cancer. > > The best advice is to stay positive and take it one day at a time. We are here for you if you have any questions or want to vent. I will keep you in my prayers. > Hugs > nne > Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life > http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html > BreastCancerStories.com > http://www.breastcancerstories.com/content/view/433/161/ > Angel Feather Loomer > www.angelfeatherloomer.blogspot.com > Check out my other ornaments at > www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.html > Lots of info and gifts at: > www.cancerclub.com > new to the group > > > I have been reading some of your stories and now I don't feel so alone. I was sure I was the only one. Thank You. I was convinced no one was having the same side effects, problems with drs, etc. etc. With the very first thing I read I felt I could relate. My family/friends are wonderful but you get that look from them of not understanding. You know what I mean? Anyway I am so glad you are out there. I need some positive with all this negative. I had a mammogram in April 06 that was good. Late August I started having shooting pain in my left breast with small lump next to my breast bone. It kept getting bigger and pain became constant. My primary said you don't have a good mammogram in April and BC in August. He sent me for diag mammo and ultra sound which said I had cancer. Then went to surgeon with my results and she also said it looks like cancer. Went for biopsy they took 5 samples from what was by now a very large and painful lump. Results came back > NO CANCER. This was a result of Fibrocystic Breast Disease is what they told me. So I went home de-stressed and decaffinated and waited for this monster to go away. By the middle of October I was taking 800 mg of Ibuprofin every 4 hrs. The surgeon agreed it needed to be removed. Which resulted in a very large hematoma. Tumor was 5cm. The next day she gave me the news. Cancer stage III. I have not had mastectomy yet. April 07. I am on 5 of 8 chemo trtmnts. Dr doesn't know if I will need radiation. Don't know if I am doing reconst surg or not. I am still researching all the pros and cons. I am 43 and I honestly thought before I found this site that I was the yongest person with BC ever. You can't believe how much you all have helped. If any one has had similar experience or any good advice please let me know. I need everything I can get. Thank You Tammy > > > --------------------------------- > 8:00? 8:25? 8:40? Find a flick in no time > with theYahoo! Search movie showtime shortcut. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 1, 2007 Report Share Posted February 1, 2007 tammy, welcome to the group. i was 39 when i was diagnosed - stage 3, er and pr positive- had lumpectomy, chemo,radiation, now on tamoxifen for 5 years - a little over 1 year cancer free - hang in there , we are there for you. hugs,sheri --------------------------------- Get your own web address. Have a HUGE year through Yahoo! Small Business. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 1, 2007 Report Share Posted February 1, 2007 Tammy: You have been through a lot. Breast cancer is no picnic but it is not a death sentence and is doable. I glad you found this support group. I am glad that I did. Unfortunately we can't physically hold your hand or give you hugs, but you will feel them through the e-mails you receive. I guarantee that from my own experience here. I was diagnosed on November 16, 2006 with invasive duct carcinoma. Had a mastectomy on December 11, 2006, at which time the surgeon told me the sentinental node was clear. My oncologist told me on January 3, 2007 that the cancer was gone. I am now on Arimidex. Haven't had chemo or radiation but am having a lot of side effects from Arimidex. Keep us posted on things. Peace and blessings, Jan Koelsch Why are they delaying your mastectomy until April, 2007 Tammy Yesford tcy510n4@...> wrote: I have been reading some of your stories and now I don't feel so alone. I was sure I was the only one. Thank You. I was convinced no one was having the same side effects, problems with drs, etc. etc. With the very first thing I read I felt I could relate. My family/friends are wonderful but you get that look from them of not understanding. You know what I mean? Anyway I am so glad you are out there. I need some positive with all this negative. I had a mammogram in April 06 that was good. Late August I started having shooting pain in my left breast with small lump next to my breast bone. It kept getting bigger and pain became constant. My primary said you don't have a good mammogram in April and BC in August. He sent me for diag mammo and ultra sound which said I had cancer. Then went to surgeon with my results and she also said it looks like cancer. Went for biopsy they took 5 samples from what was by now a very large and painful lump. Results came back NO CANCER. This was a result of Fibrocystic Breast Disease is what they told me. So I went home de-stressed and decaffinated and waited for this monster to go away. By the middle of October I was taking 800 mg of Ibuprofin every 4 hrs. The surgeon agreed it needed to be removed. Which resulted in a very large hematoma. Tumor was 5cm. The next day she gave me the news. Cancer stage III. I have not had mastectomy yet. April 07. I am on 5 of 8 chemo trtmnts. Dr doesn't know if I will need radiation. Don't know if I am doing reconst surg or not. I am still researching all the pros and cons. I am 43 and I honestly thought before I found this site that I was the yongest person with BC ever. You can't believe how much you all have helped. If any one has had similar experience or any good advice please let me know. I need everything I can get. Thank You Tammy --------------------------------- 8:00? 8:25? 8:40? Find a flick in no time with theYahoo! Search movie showtime shortcut. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 2, 2007 Report Share Posted February 2, 2007 Hi Tammy, I am 43 also, dx in August 06 with Stage 3 also. Mine also was 5 cm and fast growing. I had presurgery chemo, mastectomy and oophrectomy, and am in postsurgery chemo now - to be followed by radiation. No one wanted to say I would definitely need radiation until I saw the radiation oncologist, but he had no question. So I would recommend being mentally prepared for that. Cancer sucks, but you've come to the right place! Hang in there. > > I have been reading some of your stories and now I don't feel so alone. I was sure I was the only one. Thank You. I was convinced no one was having the same side effects, problems with drs, etc. etc. With the very first thing I read I felt I could relate. My family/friends are wonderful but you get that look from them of not understanding. You know what I mean? Anyway I am so glad you are out there. I need some positive with all this negative. I had a mammogram in April 06 that was good. Late August I started having shooting pain in my left breast with small lump next to my breast bone. It kept getting bigger and pain became constant. My primary said you don't have a good mammogram in April and BC in August. He sent me for diag mammo and ultra sound which said I had cancer. Then went to surgeon with my results and she also said it looks like cancer. Went for biopsy they took 5 samples from what was by now a very large and painful lump. Results came back > NO CANCER. This was a result of Fibrocystic Breast Disease is what they told me. So I went home de-stressed and decaffinated and waited for this monster to go away. By the middle of October I was taking 800 mg of Ibuprofin every 4 hrs. The surgeon agreed it needed to be removed. Which resulted in a very large hematoma. Tumor was 5cm. The next day she gave me the news. Cancer stage III. I have not had mastectomy yet. April 07. I am on 5 of 8 chemo trtmnts. Dr doesn't know if I will need radiation. Don't know if I am doing reconst surg or not. I am still researching all the pros and cons. I am 43 and I honestly thought before I found this site that I was the yongest person with BC ever. You can't believe how much you all have helped. If any one has had similar experience or any good advice please let me know. I need everything I can get. Thank You Tammy > > > > --------------------------------- > 8:00? 8:25? 8:40? Find a flick in no time > with theYahoo! Search movie showtime shortcut. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2007 Report Share Posted February 3, 2007 > > > > I have been reading some of your stories and now I don't feel so > alone. I was sure I was the only one. Thank You. I was convinced > no one was having the same side effects, problems with drs, etc. > etc. With the very first thing I read I felt I could relate. My > family/friends are wonderful but you get that look from them of not > understanding. You know what I mean? Anyway I am so glad you are > out there. I need some positive with all this negative. I had a > mammogram in April 06 that was good. Late August I started having > shooting pain in my left breast with small lump next to my breast > bone. It kept getting bigger and pain became constant. My primary > said you don't have a good mammogram in April and BC in August. He > sent me for diag mammo and ultra sound which said I had cancer. Then > went to surgeon with my results and she also said it looks like > cancer. Went for biopsy they took 5 samples from what was by now a > very large and painful lump. Results came back > > NO CANCER. This was a result of Fibrocystic Breast Disease is > what they told me. So I went home de-stressed and decaffinated and > waited for this monster to go away. By the middle of October I was > taking 800 mg of Ibuprofin every 4 hrs. The surgeon agreed it needed > to be removed. Which resulted in a very large hematoma. Tumor was > 5cm. The next day she gave me the news. Cancer stage III. I have > not had mastectomy yet. April 07. I am on 5 of 8 chemo trtmnts. Dr > doesn't know if I will need radiation. Don't know if I am doing > reconst surg or not. I am still researching all the pros and cons. I > am 43 and I honestly thought before I found this site that I was the > yongest person with BC ever. You can't believe how much you all have > helped. If any one has had similar experience or any good advice > please let me know. I need everything I can get. Thank You Tammy > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > 8:00? 8:25? 8:40? Find a flick in no time > > with theYahoo! Search movie showtime shortcut. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2007 Report Share Posted February 3, 2007 hello, I just read these emails, and I wanted to say some things. I had a mamo and ultrasound birads 4, had the biopsy, came back negative, still have pain, still have swollen lymph nodes and still running low grade temps. Monday I go for a MRI, The doctors are really leaning towards a reaccurrance of cancer for me, I had a lumpectomy 14 years ago that had cancer cells in it, at that time I was 27, I will be 40 next thursday. I feel like crap all the time physically, or at least 98% of the time, and mentally well I am also bipolar, and off my medicine right now, so there I am swinging from extremely positive to outrageously down several times a day. I had to print this email though because my boyfriends family all keep saying that the biopsy was negative so I don't have cancer, they act like I am making up the way I feel physically and keep repeating that I need to get a job since our finances are so bad. they act like I am mooching off my boyfriend, and stuff like that. Like I really need that kind of attitude on top of being bipolar and dealing with the physical crap I am. I just want to say thank you I don't feel like such a crazy person anymore. I read all the messages here and I think I would go completely nuts if I didn't have this group and my mom to turn to. Thanks ya'll Lori Re: new to the group > > > > I have been reading some of your stories and now I don't feel so > alone. I was sure I was the only one. Thank You. I was convinced > no one was having the same side effects, problems with drs, etc. > etc. With the very first thing I read I felt I could relate. My > family/friends are wonderful but you get that look from them of not > understanding. You know what I mean? Anyway I am so glad you are > out there. I need some positive with all this negative. I had a > mammogram in April 06 that was good. Late August I started having > shooting pain in my left breast with small lump next to my breast > bone. It kept getting bigger and pain became constant. My primary > said you don't have a good mammogram in April and BC in August. He > sent me for diag mammo and ultra sound which said I had cancer. Then > went to surgeon with my results and she also said it looks like > cancer. Went for biopsy they took 5 samples from what was by now a > very large and painful lump. Results came back > > NO CANCER. This was a result of Fibrocystic Breast Disease is > what they told me. So I went home de-stressed and decaffinated and > waited for this monster to go away. By the middle of October I was > taking 800 mg of Ibuprofin every 4 hrs. The surgeon agreed it needed > to be removed. Which resulted in a very large hematoma. Tumor was > 5cm. The next day she gave me the news. Cancer stage III. I have > not had mastectomy yet. April 07. I am on 5 of 8 chemo trtmnts. Dr > doesn't know if I will need radiation. Don't know if I am doing > reconst surg or not. I am still researching all the pros and cons. I > am 43 and I honestly thought before I found this site that I was the > yongest person with BC ever. You can't believe how much you all have > helped. If any one has had similar experience or any good advice > please let me know. I need everything I can get. Thank You Tammy > > > > > > > > ------------ --------- --------- --- > > 8:00? 8:25? 8:40? Find a flick in no time > > with theYahoo! Search movie showtime shortcut. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2007 Report Share Posted February 3, 2007 Lori, The last thing you need is someone telling you these things. I believe you should never judge a person till you have walked in their shoes. Please go back on your meds. I will continue to keep you in my prayers. Hugs nne Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html BreastCancerStories.com http://www.breastcancerstories.com/content/view/433/161/ Angel Feather Loomer www.angelfeatherloomer.blogspot.com Check out my other ornaments at www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.html Lots of info and gifts at: www.cancerclub.com Re: new to the group > > > > I have been reading some of your stories and now I don't feel so > alone. I was sure I was the only one. Thank You. I was convinced > no one was having the same side effects, problems with drs, etc. > etc. With the very first thing I read I felt I could relate. My > family/friends are wonderful but you get that look from them of not > understanding. You know what I mean? Anyway I am so glad you are > out there. I need some positive with all this negative. I had a > mammogram in April 06 that was good. Late August I started having > shooting pain in my left breast with small lump next to my breast > bone. It kept getting bigger and pain became constant. My primary > said you don't have a good mammogram in April and BC in August. He > sent me for diag mammo and ultra sound which said I had cancer. Then > went to surgeon with my results and she also said it looks like > cancer. Went for biopsy they took 5 samples from what was by now a > very large and painful lump. Results came back > > NO CANCER. This was a result of Fibrocystic Breast Disease is > what they told me. So I went home de-stressed and decaffinated and > waited for this monster to go away. By the middle of October I was > taking 800 mg of Ibuprofin every 4 hrs. The surgeon agreed it needed > to be removed. Which resulted in a very large hematoma. Tumor was > 5cm. The next day she gave me the news. Cancer stage III. I have > not had mastectomy yet. April 07. I am on 5 of 8 chemo trtmnts. Dr > doesn't know if I will need radiation. Don't know if I am doing > reconst surg or not. I am still researching all the pros and cons. I > am 43 and I honestly thought before I found this site that I was the > yongest person with BC ever. You can't believe how much you all have > helped. If any one has had similar experience or any good advice > please let me know. I need everything I can get. Thank You Tammy > > > > > > > > ------------ --------- --------- --- > > 8:00? 8:25? 8:40? Find a flick in no time > > with theYahoo! Search movie showtime shortcut. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2007 Report Share Posted February 3, 2007 thank you marianne, I would go back on my meds but no money for my prescription. so am just trying to get by. Its not very easy today has been really hard. thanx for the well wishes Lori Re: new to the group > > > > I have been reading some of your stories and now I don't feel so > alone. I was sure I was the only one. Thank You. I was convinced > no one was having the same side effects, problems with drs, etc. > etc. With the very first thing I read I felt I could relate. My > family/friends are wonderful but you get that look from them of not > understanding. You know what I mean? Anyway I am so glad you are > out there. I need some positive with all this negative. I had a > mammogram in April 06 that was good. Late August I started having > shooting pain in my left breast with small lump next to my breast > bone. It kept getting bigger and pain became constant. My primary > said you don't have a good mammogram in April and BC in August. He > sent me for diag mammo and ultra sound which said I had cancer. Then > went to surgeon with my results and she also said it looks like > cancer. Went for biopsy they took 5 samples from what was by now a > very large and painful lump. Results came back > > NO CANCER. This was a result of Fibrocystic Breast Disease is > what they told me. So I went home de-stressed and decaffinated and > waited for this monster to go away. By the middle of October I was > taking 800 mg of Ibuprofin every 4 hrs. The surgeon agreed it needed > to be removed. Which resulted in a very large hematoma. Tumor was > 5cm. The next day she gave me the news. Cancer stage III. I have > not had mastectomy yet. April 07. I am on 5 of 8 chemo trtmnts. Dr > doesn't know if I will need radiation. Don't know if I am doing > reconst surg or not. I am still researching all the pros and cons. I > am 43 and I honestly thought before I found this site that I was the > yongest person with BC ever. You can't believe how much you all have > helped. If any one has had similar experience or any good advice > please let me know. I need everything I can get. Thank You Tammy > > > > > > > > ------------ --------- --------- --- > > 8:00? 8:25? 8:40? Find a flick in no time > > with theYahoo! Search movie showtime shortcut. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2007 Report Share Posted February 3, 2007 Lori, Talk to your dr about free samples and also see if you qualify from the drug company to receive your med free. I get my Celexa free. Hugs nne Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html BreastCancerStories.com http://www.breastcancerstories.com/content/view/433/161/ Angel Feather Loomer www.angelfeatherloomer.blogspot.com Check out my other ornaments at www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.html Lots of info and gifts at: www.cancerclub.com Re: new to the group > > > > I have been reading some of your stories and now I don't feel so > alone. I was sure I was the only one. Thank You. I was convinced > no one was having the same side effects, problems with drs, etc. > etc. With the very first thing I read I felt I could relate. My > family/friends are wonderful but you get that look from them of not > understanding. You know what I mean? Anyway I am so glad you are > out there. I need some positive with all this negative. I had a > mammogram in April 06 that was good. Late August I started having > shooting pain in my left breast with small lump next to my breast > bone. It kept getting bigger and pain became constant. My primary > said you don't have a good mammogram in April and BC in August. He > sent me for diag mammo and ultra sound which said I had cancer. Then > went to surgeon with my results and she also said it looks like > cancer. Went for biopsy they took 5 samples from what was by now a > very large and painful lump. Results came back > > NO CANCER. This was a result of Fibrocystic Breast Disease is > what they told me. So I went home de-stressed and decaffinated and > waited for this monster to go away. By the middle of October I was > taking 800 mg of Ibuprofin every 4 hrs. The surgeon agreed it needed > to be removed. Which resulted in a very large hematoma. Tumor was > 5cm. The next day she gave me the news. Cancer stage III. I have > not had mastectomy yet. April 07. I am on 5 of 8 chemo trtmnts. Dr > doesn't know if I will need radiation. Don't know if I am doing > reconst surg or not. I am still researching all the pros and cons. I > am 43 and I honestly thought before I found this site that I was the > yongest person with BC ever. You can't believe how much you all have > helped. If any one has had similar experience or any good advice > please let me know. I need everything I can get. Thank You Tammy > > > > > > > > ------------ --------- --------- --- > > 8:00? 8:25? 8:40? Find a flick in no time > > with theYahoo! Search movie showtime shortcut. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2007 Report Share Posted February 3, 2007 Lori, I'm so sorry you are having such a hard time. Have you asked your doctor about herbals like St 's Wort or Valerian Root? Maybe some of these things that you can try from the healthfood store might help you and be less expensive. Also, try reading up on meditation. I meditate when I'm having a really stressful time. It helps me only temporarily but it does help me get through those times when my thoughts are just overwhelming me. I have had lots of periods of depression over my lifetime and have taken just about every depression medication out there; I only went off of them (again) right before I found out that my cancer had returned. I have found it really hard to believe that I HAVEN'T needed to go back on them but so far so good...either I've been really lucky in that respect or I'm kidding myself, not sure which. I'll keep you in my thoughts, just try to breathe and get through one day at a time (and ask your doctors about the herbal remedies...you never know) > > > > > > I have been reading some of your stories and now I don't feel so > > alone. I was sure I was the only one. Thank You. I was > convinced > > no one was having the same side effects, problems with drs, etc. > > etc. With the very first thing I read I felt I could relate. My > > family/friends are wonderful but you get that look from them of not > > understanding. You know what I mean? Anyway I am so glad you are > > out there. I need some positive with all this negative. I had a > > mammogram in April 06 that was good. Late August I started having > > shooting pain in my left breast with small lump next to my breast > > bone. It kept getting bigger and pain became constant. My > primary > > said you don't have a good mammogram in April and BC in August. He > > sent me for diag mammo and ultra sound which said I had cancer. > Then > > went to surgeon with my results and she also said it looks like > > cancer. Went for biopsy they took 5 samples from what was by now > a > > very large and painful lump. Results came back > > > NO CANCER. This was a result of Fibrocystic Breast Disease is > > what they told me. So I went home de-stressed and decaffinated and > > waited for this monster to go away. By the middle of October I was > > taking 800 mg of Ibuprofin every 4 hrs. The surgeon agreed it > needed > > to be removed. Which resulted in a very large hematoma. Tumor was > > 5cm. The next day she gave me the news. Cancer stage III. I have > > not had mastectomy yet. April 07. I am on 5 of 8 chemo trtmnts. > Dr > > doesn't know if I will need radiation. Don't know if I am doing > > reconst surg or not. I am still researching all the pros and cons. > I > > am 43 and I honestly thought before I found this site that I was > the > > yongest person with BC ever. You can't believe how much you all > have > > helped. If any one has had similar experience or any good advice > > please let me know. I need everything I can get. Thank You Tammy > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------ --------- --------- --- > > > 8:00? 8:25? 8:40? Find a flick in no time > > > with theYahoo! Search movie showtime shortcut. > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2007 Report Share Posted February 3, 2007 I don't know about Valerian but I do know St 's Wort is a BIG no no when you are on chemo. Hugs nne Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html BreastCancerStories.com http://www.breastcancerstories.com/content/view/433/161/ Angel Feather Loomer www.angelfeatherloomer.blogspot.com Check out my other ornaments at www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.html Lots of info and gifts at: www.cancerclub.com Re: new to the group Lori, I'm so sorry you are having such a hard time. Have you asked your doctor about herbals like St 's Wort or Valerian Root? Maybe some of these things that you can try from the healthfood store might help you and be less expensive. Also, try reading up on meditation. I meditate when I'm having a really stressful time. It helps me only temporarily but it does help me get through those times when my thoughts are just overwhelming me. I have had lots of periods of depression over my lifetime and have taken just about every depression medication out there; I only went off of them (again) right before I found out that my cancer had returned. I have found it really hard to believe that I HAVEN'T needed to go back on them but so far so good...either I've been really lucky in that respect or I'm kidding myself, not sure which. I'll keep you in my thoughts, just try to breathe and get through one day at a time (and ask your doctors about the herbal remedies...you never know) > > > > > > I have been reading some of your stories and now I don't feel so > > alone. I was sure I was the only one. Thank You. I was > convinced > > no one was having the same side effects, problems with drs, etc. > > etc. With the very first thing I read I felt I could relate. My > > family/friends are wonderful but you get that look from them of not > > understanding. You know what I mean? Anyway I am so glad you are > > out there. I need some positive with all this negative. I had a > > mammogram in April 06 that was good. Late August I started having > > shooting pain in my left breast with small lump next to my breast > > bone. It kept getting bigger and pain became constant. My > primary > > said you don't have a good mammogram in April and BC in August. He > > sent me for diag mammo and ultra sound which said I had cancer. > Then > > went to surgeon with my results and she also said it looks like > > cancer. Went for biopsy they took 5 samples from what was by now > a > > very large and painful lump. Results came back > > > NO CANCER. This was a result of Fibrocystic Breast Disease is > > what they told me. So I went home de-stressed and decaffinated and > > waited for this monster to go away. By the middle of October I was > > taking 800 mg of Ibuprofin every 4 hrs. The surgeon agreed it > needed > > to be removed. Which resulted in a very large hematoma. Tumor was > > 5cm. The next day she gave me the news. Cancer stage III. I have > > not had mastectomy yet. April 07. I am on 5 of 8 chemo trtmnts. > Dr > > doesn't know if I will need radiation. Don't know if I am doing > > reconst surg or not. I am still researching all the pros and cons. > I > > am 43 and I honestly thought before I found this site that I was > the > > yongest person with BC ever. You can't believe how much you all > have > > helped. If any one has had similar experience or any good advice > > please let me know. I need everything I can get. Thank You Tammy > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------ --------- --------- --- > > > 8:00? 8:25? 8:40? Find a flick in no time > > > with theYahoo! Search movie showtime shortcut. > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 4, 2007 Report Share Posted February 4, 2007 And when you are on Tamoxifen. There is another supplement which is better for that. It is a precursor to serotonin: 5-HTP. Check it out. It has been helping me. Re: new to the group Lori, I'm so sorry you are having such a hard time. Have you asked your doctor about herbals like St 's Wort or Valerian Root? Maybe some of these things that you can try from the healthfood store might help you and be less expensive. Also, try reading up on meditation. I meditate when I'm having a really stressful time. It helps me only temporarily but it does help me get through those times when my thoughts are just overwhelming me. I have had lots of periods of depression over my lifetime and have taken just about every depression medication out there; I only went off of them (again) right before I found out that my cancer had returned. I have found it really hard to believe that I HAVEN'T needed to go back on them but so far so good...either I've been really lucky in that respect or I'm kidding myself, not sure which. I'll keep you in my thoughts, just try to breathe and get through one day at a time (and ask your doctors about the herbal remedies...you never know) > > > > > > I have been reading some of your stories and now I don't feel so > > alone. I was sure I was the only one. Thank You. I was > convinced > > no one was having the same side effects, problems with drs, etc. > > etc. With the very first thing I read I felt I could relate. My > > family/friends are wonderful but you get that look from them of not > > understanding. You know what I mean? Anyway I am so glad you are > > out there. I need some positive with all this negative. I had a > > mammogram in April 06 that was good. Late August I started having > > shooting pain in my left breast with small lump next to my breast > > bone. It kept getting bigger and pain became constant. My > primary > > said you don't have a good mammogram in April and BC in August. He > > sent me for diag mammo and ultra sound which said I had cancer. > Then > > went to surgeon with my results and she also said it looks like > > cancer. Went for biopsy they took 5 samples from what was by now > a > > very large and painful lump. Results came back > > > NO CANCER. This was a result of Fibrocystic Breast Disease is > > what they told me. So I went home de-stressed and decaffinated and > > waited for this monster to go away. By the middle of October I was > > taking 800 mg of Ibuprofin every 4 hrs. The surgeon agreed it > needed > > to be removed. Which resulted in a very large hematoma. Tumor was > > 5cm. The next day she gave me the news. Cancer stage III. I have > > not had mastectomy yet. April 07. I am on 5 of 8 chemo trtmnts. > Dr > > doesn't know if I will need radiation. Don't know if I am doing > > reconst surg or not. I am still researching all the pros and cons. > I > > am 43 and I honestly thought before I found this site that I was > the > > yongest person with BC ever. You can't believe how much you all > have > > helped. If any one has had similar experience or any good advice > > please let me know. I need everything I can get. Thank You Tammy > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------ --------- --------- --- > > > 8:00? 8:25? 8:40? Find a flick in no time > > > with theYahoo! Search movie showtime shortcut. > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 4, 2007 Report Share Posted February 4, 2007 Lori, Not sure what meds you take, but I know Lilly offers assistance with it's meds...https://www.lillycares.com/index.jsp > > > > > > I have been reading some of your stories and now I don't feel so > > alone. I was sure I was the only one. Thank You. I was > convinced > > no one was having the same side effects, problems with drs, etc. > > etc. With the very first thing I read I felt I could relate. My > > family/friends are wonderful but you get that look from them of not > > understanding. You know what I mean? Anyway I am so glad you are > > out there. I need some positive with all this negative. I had a > > mammogram in April 06 that was good. Late August I started having > > shooting pain in my left breast with small lump next to my breast > > bone. It kept getting bigger and pain became constant. My > primary > > said you don't have a good mammogram in April and BC in August. He > > sent me for diag mammo and ultra sound which said I had cancer. > Then > > went to surgeon with my results and she also said it looks like > > cancer. Went for biopsy they took 5 samples from what was by now > a > > very large and painful lump. Results came back > > > NO CANCER. This was a result of Fibrocystic Breast Disease is > > what they told me. So I went home de-stressed and decaffinated and > > waited for this monster to go away. By the middle of October I was > > taking 800 mg of Ibuprofin every 4 hrs. The surgeon agreed it > needed > > to be removed. Which resulted in a very large hematoma. Tumor was > > 5cm. The next day she gave me the news. Cancer stage III. I have > > not had mastectomy yet. April 07. I am on 5 of 8 chemo trtmnts. > Dr > > doesn't know if I will need radiation. Don't know if I am doing > > reconst surg or not. I am still researching all the pros and cons. > I > > am 43 and I honestly thought before I found this site that I was > the > > yongest person with BC ever. You can't believe how much you all > have > > helped. If any one has had similar experience or any good advice > > please let me know. I need everything I can get. Thank You Tammy > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------ --------- --------- --- > > > 8:00? 8:25? 8:40? Find a flick in no time > > > with theYahoo! Search movie showtime shortcut. > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 4, 2007 Report Share Posted February 4, 2007 Lori: You are not nuts. You are a woman with lots of issues you have already dealt with and more to come. You are courageous, brave and have a right to feel anyway you want. You are also a fighter and need to continue to stick to your guns. What do these people know about breast cancer? It's like I told my oncologist, " Have you had breast cancer or a mastectomy lately? " Until they walk in your shoes, they just don't know. You do, we do. We will continue to support and love you. Jan K Lori Wadsworth stickmanslady@...> wrote: hello, I just read these emails, and I wanted to say some things. I had a mamo and ultrasound birads 4, had the biopsy, came back negative, still have pain, still have swollen lymph nodes and still running low grade temps. Monday I go for a MRI, The doctors are really leaning towards a reaccurrance of cancer for me, I had a lumpectomy 14 years ago that had cancer cells in it, at that time I was 27, I will be 40 next thursday. I feel like crap all the time physically, or at least 98% of the time, and mentally well I am also bipolar, and off my medicine right now, so there I am swinging from extremely positive to outrageously down several times a day. I had to print this email though because my boyfriends family all keep saying that the biopsy was negative so I don't have cancer, they act like I am making up the way I feel physically and keep repeating that I need to get a job since our finances are so bad. they act like I am mooching off my boyfriend, and stuff like that. Like I really need that kind of attitude on top of being bipolar and dealing with the physical crap I am. I just want to say thank you I don't feel like such a crazy person anymore. I read all the messages here and I think I would go completely nuts if I didn't have this group and my mom to turn to. Thanks ya'll Lori Re: new to the group > > > > I have been reading some of your stories and now I don't feel so > alone. I was sure I was the only one. Thank You. I was convinced > no one was having the same side effects, problems with drs, etc. > etc. With the very first thing I read I felt I could relate. My > family/friends are wonderful but you get that look from them of not > understanding. You know what I mean? Anyway I am so glad you are > out there. I need some positive with all this negative. I had a > mammogram in April 06 that was good. Late August I started having > shooting pain in my left breast with small lump next to my breast > bone. It kept getting bigger and pain became constant. My primary > said you don't have a good mammogram in April and BC in August. He > sent me for diag mammo and ultra sound which said I had cancer. Then > went to surgeon with my results and she also said it looks like > cancer. Went for biopsy they took 5 samples from what was by now a > very large and painful lump. Results came back > > NO CANCER. This was a result of Fibrocystic Breast Disease is > what they told me. So I went home de-stressed and decaffinated and > waited for this monster to go away. By the middle of October I was > taking 800 mg of Ibuprofin every 4 hrs. The surgeon agreed it needed > to be removed. Which resulted in a very large hematoma. Tumor was > 5cm. The next day she gave me the news. Cancer stage III. I have > not had mastectomy yet. April 07. I am on 5 of 8 chemo trtmnts. Dr > doesn't know if I will need radiation. Don't know if I am doing > reconst surg or not. I am still researching all the pros and cons. I > am 43 and I honestly thought before I found this site that I was the > yongest person with BC ever. You can't believe how much you all have > helped. If any one has had similar experience or any good advice > please let me know. I need everything I can get. Thank You Tammy > > > > > > > > ------------ --------- --------- --- > > 8:00? 8:25? 8:40? Find a flick in no time > > with theYahoo! Search movie showtime shortcut. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 4, 2007 Report Share Posted February 4, 2007 Lori: I know you have said that you are on Medicaid. Since you are now on what is called " Standard of Care " , Medicaid may pay for your meds. It did my Celebrex, the Arimidex, even my thyroxine for thyroid. It has been a great, I mean really great, lifesaver. I don't think we could afford this cancer stuff without it. Just a suggestion. Jan K Lori Wadsworth stickmanslady@...> wrote: thank you marianne, I would go back on my meds but no money for my prescription. so am just trying to get by. Its not very easy today has been really hard. thanx for the well wishes Lori Re: new to the group > > > > I have been reading some of your stories and now I don't feel so > alone. I was sure I was the only one. Thank You. I was convinced > no one was having the same side effects, problems with drs, etc. > etc. With the very first thing I read I felt I could relate. My > family/friends are wonderful but you get that look from them of not > understanding. You know what I mean? Anyway I am so glad you are > out there. I need some positive with all this negative. I had a > mammogram in April 06 that was good. Late August I started having > shooting pain in my left breast with small lump next to my breast > bone. It kept getting bigger and pain became constant. My primary > said you don't have a good mammogram in April and BC in August. He > sent me for diag mammo and ultra sound which said I had cancer. Then > went to surgeon with my results and she also said it looks like > cancer. Went for biopsy they took 5 samples from what was by now a > very large and painful lump. Results came back > > NO CANCER. This was a result of Fibrocystic Breast Disease is > what they told me. So I went home de-stressed and decaffinated and > waited for this monster to go away. By the middle of October I was > taking 800 mg of Ibuprofin every 4 hrs. The surgeon agreed it needed > to be removed. Which resulted in a very large hematoma. Tumor was > 5cm. The next day she gave me the news. Cancer stage III. I have > not had mastectomy yet. April 07. I am on 5 of 8 chemo trtmnts. Dr > doesn't know if I will need radiation. Don't know if I am doing > reconst surg or not. I am still researching all the pros and cons. I > am 43 and I honestly thought before I found this site that I was the > yongest person with BC ever. You can't believe how much you all have > helped. If any one has had similar experience or any good advice > please let me know. I need everything I can get. Thank You Tammy > > > > > > > > ------------ --------- --------- --- > > 8:00? 8:25? 8:40? Find a flick in no time > > with theYahoo! Search movie showtime shortcut. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 5, 2007 Report Share Posted February 5, 2007 Lori, Have you contacted the Patient Advocacy Service they maybe able to help you find someone to help with prescriptions. Talk to someone at the American Cancer Society also. I was truely amazed at the number of options I had after speaking with them. I to am struggling to pay for insurance and prescriptions. Hang in there be positive and something will work out for you. You never know when you might meet your Angel. Tammy Jan Koelsch jkoelsch1950@...> wrote: Lori: I know you have said that you are on Medicaid. Since you are now on what is called " Standard of Care " , Medicaid may pay for your meds. It did my Celebrex, the Arimidex, even my thyroxine for thyroid. It has been a great, I mean really great, lifesaver. I don't think we could afford this cancer stuff without it. Just a suggestion. Jan K Lori Wadsworth stickmanslady@...> wrote: thank you marianne, I would go back on my meds but no money for my prescription. so am just trying to get by. Its not very easy today has been really hard. thanx for the well wishes Lori Re: new to the group > > > > I have been reading some of your stories and now I don't feel so > alone. I was sure I was the only one. Thank You. I was convinced > no one was having the same side effects, problems with drs, etc. > etc. With the very first thing I read I felt I could relate. My > family/friends are wonderful but you get that look from them of not > understanding. You know what I mean? Anyway I am so glad you are > out there. I need some positive with all this negative. I had a > mammogram in April 06 that was good. Late August I started having > shooting pain in my left breast with small lump next to my breast > bone. It kept getting bigger and pain became constant. My primary > said you don't have a good mammogram in April and BC in August. He > sent me for diag mammo and ultra sound which said I had cancer. Then > went to surgeon with my results and she also said it looks like > cancer. Went for biopsy they took 5 samples from what was by now a > very large and painful lump. Results came back > > NO CANCER. This was a result of Fibrocystic Breast Disease is > what they told me. So I went home de-stressed and decaffinated and > waited for this monster to go away. By the middle of October I was > taking 800 mg of Ibuprofin every 4 hrs. The surgeon agreed it needed > to be removed. Which resulted in a very large hematoma. Tumor was > 5cm. The next day she gave me the news. Cancer stage III. I have > not had mastectomy yet. April 07. I am on 5 of 8 chemo trtmnts. Dr > doesn't know if I will need radiation. Don't know if I am doing > reconst surg or not. I am still researching all the pros and cons. I > am 43 and I honestly thought before I found this site that I was the > yongest person with BC ever. You can't believe how much you all have > helped. If any one has had similar experience or any good advice > please let me know. I need everything I can get. Thank You Tammy > > > > > > > > ------------ --------- --------- --- > > 8:00? 8:25? 8:40? Find a flick in no time > > with theYahoo! Search movie showtime shortcut. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 11, 2007 Report Share Posted March 11, 2007 I was diagnosed in January with hypothyroidism. I had not really educated myself on what the symptoms of it were, so had not even mentioned most of them to my regular doctor. (she rarely asks any questions!) Now that things are really bad (symptom-wise) the proper tests were done and I started Synthroid (50mcg) near the end of January. I had only gotten a phone call from the doctor's nurse, to say that I needed to take a thyroid pill every day for the rest of my life........that was the extent of the information given! I was in such a fog that I just said okay. Did not ask for my test results, etc.... never even thought of it! I usually got up tired in the morning, and then just got more tired as the day went along...........really hard with having a design business to keep up with and to do the work. My hubby would take me out for an easy dinner each day, and I kept telling him that should not be so tired that I feel like I could just lay my head on the table! I had stopped cooking a few years ago, as it was just too much energy and too painful with the messed nerves in my legs and arms. (some bad spine problems) I had gone into Amazon.com and ordered some books Did not know if what I was buying was good or not, but I see them listed in this group as things to read. (I appreciated the comments on them!) I did read as much as I could right away, but some of it was " over my head " at the time. I will read them again later when my thinking ability and memory are doing better. I did decide after reading the books, and joining another thyroid group, that I might do best with my condition if I went to an endocronologist to take over my care for whatever was wrong with my thyroid, so I had made an appointment. My mother had to start thyroid meds when she was in her upper 30's, but I really did not know why, as I was young at the time. My brother was diagnosed some years ago when he was in his 50's. It was helpful to know (from my new endo doctor) that what I have is Hashimoto's Disease, and that have nodules on my thyroid. There were antibodies in my bloodwork. I had already been on Synthroid for 6 weeks when I saw my new endo, and my temperature at 11 a.m., in her office that morning, was 96.6. The endo took the time to explain things to me and told me that she would be treating me to get my TSH below " 2 " . From what I had read in the books, and on-line, and from the other group, I knew that she seemed to be following the newer guidelines for TSH levels. The endo is very easy to talk to and seems to be wanting to do the best to get me feeling better. I am giving my body time to adjust to getting the thyroid med and will see how my symptoms are addressed, and then if things are not where I feel they should be, I will question the endo about changing my med or adding Armour to my Synthroid. My hair is falling out somewhat less, I still don't have the outer half of my eyebrows (been gone for 5 years!), the numb fingers are now very seldom, but they can still get too chilled and hurt at times. My fingernails are still very dry and splitting, but seem to be getting a tad better. My memory is doing a tiny bit better, but my speech is still having the same problems. It feels like my tongue will not go where it is supposed to go to form words........very odd feeling. (Has been going on for a couple of years, but I had thought it might have been caused by some extensive surgery to my c4,c4,c6 vertebrae, that was accessed through the front of my throat.) I thought that my deep fatigue was due to battling the nerve pain in my arms & legs all the time, that was caused before my 2 spine fusion surgeries.. I had had terrible insomnia problems for some years, and my regular doctor gave me some sleeping meds to take occassionally, as I was terribly sleep deprived. (don't know if that was related to my Hashi's or not) My doctor never looked into what the true cause of my sleep problems were. I kept thinking all the problems were from something else. The awful water retention in my legs/ankles/feet and hands (which my doctor kept giving me a diuretic for off and on for some years) has totally disappeared with the Synthroid. Hooray! I still have a lot of fatigue, and have to pace all my activities. I had about 4 days when the fatigue was not quite as bad, but then it slipped right back most days to where it had been before beginning treatment. My cholesterol levels had risen from where they were a long time ago, and my endo will be watching to see if the levels go down when my thyroid med is at the proper level. I refused the statin drug that my regular doctor wanted me to get the week before the thyroid test came back. I told the nurse that I would try to get it down in other ways. Now I know that the rise in cholesterol might be from the bad thyroid. (I cannot figure out why that regular doctor had not waited for the thyroid test to come back before trying to start me on statins.....my guess is that she didn't know the connection that there could be with hypythyroidism.) My endo said that my reg doctor has me on too much steriod medicines for my asthma and allergies, so wants me to go to a specialist to have those conditions evaluated and get off the steriods. Hope I can get off them. My endo says she will do a blood test at 12 weeks from my start date of the Synthroid to see how to adjust the dosage. She said that doing it sooner would not give a true picture of how my body is doing. I have decided that I have to be my own advocate in this and am trying to learn as much as I can about all the options for treatment. If my foggy brain would cooperate, it would be easier. I have to triple check everything I type on the computer to fix all the dumb things I have typed. Words that were always easy for me to spell now take great concentration, if I can even think of the word I want at all. Never had to do that years ago! (I am 63 years old, so should still have some of my thinking ability.) Sorry to be so lengthy.......just wanted to get it all out at one time, and now I will go back some months on this group and read as many messages as I can. Wishing for you all to have really good days! -- Carolyn http://www.carolyndesigns.com Cottages, Artistic florals & more Quality Original Machine Embroidery designs http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Embroidery_Designs_by_Carolyn/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 11, 2007 Report Share Posted March 11, 2007 hi carolyn, glad you are here and it sounds like you have a pretty decent endo. i had the asthma etc. until i went to a naturopath who did a detox and then i went onto armour meds and from around 4 per day for asthma and about 8 others for other symptoms i am now only on thyroid and bp meds. so once you get stabilized it is more than likely that a lot of the symptoms will either be gone or close to it. as your body adjusts to the meds usually the 6 week time you could feel like the meds are no longer working, it just means that your body is now in need of more medication. this will go on until you have reached what we call the sweet spot and that varies with each one of us. if you are feeling that things arent going to well at the six week mark you may want to contact your endo and see about an increase because IMHO 12 weeks is being very conservative but maybe that is better than some who have been given increases every 2 weeks and found that they have gone hyper with the meds. brain fog etc does go as the body adjusts to the meds. dont be too hard on you we all have days when we have probs with memory etc and things dont come out right. main thing is to take care of you and everthing else will fall into place. dawn cdn > > I was diagnosed in January with hypothyroidism. I had not really > educated myself > on what the symptoms of it were, so had not even mentioned most of them to > my regular doctor. (she rarely asks any questions!) Now that things are > really bad (symptom-wise) the proper tests were done and I started > Synthroid (50mcg) near > the end of January. I had only gotten a phone call from the doctor's > nurse, to say > that I needed to take a thyroid pill every day for the rest of my > life........that was the > extent of the information given! > I was in such a fog that I just said okay. Did not ask for my test > results, etc.... > never even thought of it! I usually got up tired in the morning, and > then just got > more tired as the day went along...........really hard with having a > design business to > keep up with and to do the work. My hubby would take me out for an easy > dinner > each day, and I kept telling him that should not be so tired that I feel > like I could just lay my > head on the table! I had stopped cooking a few years > ago, as it was > just too much energy and too painful with the messed nerves in my legs > and arms. > (some bad spine problems) > > I had gone into Amazon.com and ordered some books Did not know if what > I was > buying was good or not, but I see them listed in this group as things to > read. > (I appreciated the comments on them!) > I did read as much as I could right away, but some of it was " over my > head " at > the time. I will read them again later when my thinking ability and > memory are > doing better. I did decide after reading the books, and joining another > thyroid group, > that I might do best with my condition if I went to an endocronologist > to take over > my care for whatever was wrong with my thyroid, so I had made an > appointment. > > My mother had to start thyroid meds when she was in her upper 30's, but > I really > did not know why, as I was young at the time. My brother was diagnosed > some years ago when he was in his 50's. > > It was helpful to know (from my new endo doctor) that what I have is > Hashimoto's Disease, > and that have nodules on my thyroid. There were antibodies in my bloodwork. > I had already been on Synthroid for 6 weeks when I saw my new endo, and my > temperature at 11 a.m., in her office that morning, was 96.6. > > The endo took the time to explain things to me and told me that she would be > treating me to get my TSH below " 2 " . From what I had read in the > books, and on-line, > and from the other group, I knew that she seemed to be following the newer > guidelines for TSH levels. The endo is very easy to talk to and seems to > be wanting > to do the best to get me feeling better. I am giving my body time to > adjust to getting > the thyroid med and will see how my symptoms are addressed, and then if > things are not > where I feel they should be, I will question the endo about changing my > med or adding > Armour to my Synthroid. > > My hair is falling out somewhat less, I still don't have the outer half > of my eyebrows > (been gone for 5 years!), the numb fingers are now very seldom, but > they can still get too > chilled and hurt at times. > My fingernails are still very dry and splitting, but seem to be getting > a tad better. > My memory is doing a tiny bit better, but my speech is still having the > same problems. > It feels like my tongue will not go where it is supposed to go to form > words........very odd > feeling. (Has been going on for a couple of years, but I had thought it > might have been > caused by some extensive surgery to my c4,c4,c6 vertebrae, that was > accessed through > the front of my throat.) I thought that my deep fatigue was due to > battling the nerve > pain in my arms & legs all the time, that was caused before my 2 spine > fusion surgeries.. > I had had terrible insomnia problems for some years, and my regular > doctor gave > me some sleeping meds to take occassionally, as I was terribly sleep > deprived. > (don't know if that was related to my Hashi's or not) My doctor never > looked into > what the true cause of my sleep problems were. > > I kept thinking all the problems were from something else. The awful > water retention > in my legs/ankles/feet and hands (which my doctor kept giving me a > diuretic for off and > on for some years) has totally disappeared with the Synthroid. Hooray! > > I still have a lot of fatigue, and have to pace all my activities. I had > about 4 days when > the fatigue was not quite as bad, but then it slipped right back most > days to where it had > been before beginning treatment. > > My cholesterol levels had risen from where they were a long time ago, > and my endo > will be watching to see if the levels go down when my thyroid med is at > the proper > level. I refused the statin drug that my regular doctor wanted me to > get the week > before the thyroid test came back. I told the nurse that I would try to > get it down in > other ways. Now I know that the rise in cholesterol might be from the > bad thyroid. > (I cannot figure out why that regular doctor had not waited for the > thyroid test to > come back before trying to start me on statins.....my guess is that she > didn't know > the connection that there could be with hypythyroidism.) > > My endo said that my reg doctor has me on too much steriod medicines for my > asthma and allergies, so wants me to go to a specialist to have those > conditions > evaluated and get off the steriods. Hope I can get off them. > > My endo says she will do a blood test at 12 weeks from my start date of the > Synthroid to see how to adjust the dosage. She said that doing it > sooner would > not give a true picture of how my body is doing. > > I have decided that I have to be my own advocate in this and am trying > to learn as > much as I can about all the options for treatment. If my foggy brain would > cooperate, it would be easier. I have to triple check everything I type on > the computer to fix all the dumb things I have typed. Words that were always > easy for me to spell now take great concentration, if I can even think > of the > word I want at all. Never had to do that years ago! (I am 63 years old, > so should still have some of my thinking ability.) > > Sorry to be so lengthy.......just wanted to get it all out at one time, > and now I > will go back some months on this group and read as many messages as I can. > Wishing for you all to have really good days! > > -- > > Carolyn > > http://www.carolyndesigns.com Cottages, Artistic florals & more > Quality Original Machine Embroidery designs > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Embroidery_Designs_by_Carolyn/ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 11, 2007 Report Share Posted March 11, 2007 Hi Carolyn, welcome to our little family, nice to meet you!!! and no, your post was not too long..... It's good that you have a doc that is caring... hopefully you can keep things going in the right direction... With Hashi's... it seems to work much better to keep the TSH under 1.0.... or, better yet, approaching zero... more important than that though is the level of thyroid hormones (specifically Free T4 and Free T3) AND symptoms.... I would venture to say that getting the frees checked an up is going to relive more of your symptoms. But we won't know without a look at your labs. Waiting 12 weeks for labs, might be a bit long.. for most, six weeks is a good time frame... but it's better a bit long verses a bit short (time wise) it's important to see how the body is responding to the dosage and not still be in a flux state.... Have they talked to you about the best way to take Synthetic T4 (that includes Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levothyroxine, etc)? ..... on an empty stomach, keeping calcium and iron supplements well spaced from the thyroid dose, etc? How about food type things to avoid.... like HFCS (high fructose corn syrup) and soy products, as well as other goitrogens? You're just starting out.. and already doing a lot of reading, even so, please don't hesitate to ask questions... there are plenty of folks here that will be able to share what they've learned and experienced... I'd like to thank you for your donation too, it will be used for computer parts to keep these ole clunkers running a while longer!!! Topper () On Sun, 11 Mar 2007 14:58:30 -0500 Carolyn Faulk cfaulk@...> writes: > I was diagnosed in January with hypothyroidism. I had not really > educated myself > on what the symptoms of it were, so had not even mentioned most of > them to > my regular doctor. (she rarely asks any questions!) Now that things > are > really bad (symptom-wise) the proper tests were done and I started > Synthroid (50mcg) near > the end of January. I had only gotten a phone call from the doctor's > > nurse, to say > that I needed to take a thyroid pill every day for the rest of my > life........that was the extent of the information given! > I was in such a fog that I just said okay. Did not ask for my test > > results, etc.... > never even thought of it! I usually got up tired in the morning, > and then just got > more tired as the day went along...........really hard with having a > > design business to > keep up with and to do the work. My hubby would take me out for an > easy dinner > each day, and I kept telling him that should not be so tired that I > feel like I could just lay my > head on the table! I had stopped cooking a few years > > ago, as it was > just too much energy and too painful with the messed nerves in my > legs and arms.(some bad spine problems) > > I had gone into Amazon.com and ordered some books Did not know if > what I was > buying was good or not, but I see them listed in this group as > things to read. (I appreciated the comments on them!) > I did read as much as I could right away, but some of it was " over > my head " at > the time. I will read them again later when my thinking ability and > > memory are > doing better. I did decide after reading the books, and joining > another thyroid group, > that I might do best with my condition if I went to an > endocronologist to take over > my care for whatever was wrong with my thyroid, so I had made an > ment. > > My mother had to start thyroid meds when she was in her upper 30's, > but I really > did not know why, as I was young at the time. My brother was > diagnosed some years ago when he was in his 50's. > > It was helpful to know (from my new endo doctor) that what I have is > Hashimoto's Disease, > and that have nodules on my thyroid. There were antibodies in my > bloodwork. > I had already been on Synthroid for 6 weeks when I saw my new endo, > and my > temperature at 11 a.m., in her office that morning, was 96.6. > > The endo took the time to explain things to me and told me that she > would be > treating me to get my TSH below " 2 " . From what I had read in the > books, and on-line, > and from the other group, I knew that she seemed to be following the > newer > guidelines for TSH levels. The endo is very easy to talk to and > seems to be wanting > to do the best to get me feeling better. I am giving my body time > to adjust to getting > the thyroid med and will see how my symptoms are addressed, and then > if things are not > where I feel they should be, I will question the endo about changing > my med or adding > Armour to my Synthroid. > > My hair is falling out somewhat less, I still don't have the outer > half of my eyebrows > (been gone for 5 years!), the numb fingers are now very seldom, but > they can still get too chilled and hurt at times. My fingernails > are still very dry and splitting, but seem to be getting a tad better. > My memory is doing a tiny bit better, but my speech is still having > the same problems. > It feels like my tongue will not go where it is supposed to go to > form words........very odd > feeling. (Has been going on for a couple of years, but I had > thought it might have been > caused by some extensive surgery to my c4,c4,c6 vertebrae, that was > accessed through > the front of my throat.) I thought that my deep fatigue was due to > battling the nerve > pain in my arms & legs all the time, that was caused before my 2 > spine fusion surgeries.. > I had had terrible insomnia problems for some years, and my regular > doctor gave > me some sleeping meds to take occassionally, as I was terribly sleep > deprived. > (don't know if that was related to my Hashi's or not) My doctor > never looked into what the true cause of my sleep problems were. > I kept thinking all the problems were from something else. The awful > water retention > in my legs/ankles/feet and hands (which my doctor kept giving me a > diuretic for off and > on for some years) has totally disappeared with the Synthroid. > Hooray! > > I still have a lot of fatigue, and have to pace all my activities. I > had about 4 days when > the fatigue was not quite as bad, but then it slipped right back > most days to where it had been before beginning treatment. > > My cholesterol levels had risen from where they were a long time > ago, and my endo > will be watching to see if the levels go down when my thyroid med is > at the proper > level. I refused the statin drug that my regular doctor wanted me > to get the week > before the thyroid test came back. I told the nurse that I would try > to get it down in > other ways. Now I know that the rise in cholesterol might be from > the bad thyroid. > (I cannot figure out why that regular doctor had not waited for the > thyroid test to > come back before trying to start me on statins.....my guess is that > she didn't know > the connection that there could be with hypythyroidism.) > > My endo said that my reg doctor has me on too much steriod medicines > for my > asthma and allergies, so wants me to go to a specialist to have > those conditions > evaluated and get off the steriods. Hope I can get off them. > > My endo says she will do a blood test at 12 weeks from my start date > of the > Synthroid to see how to adjust the dosage. She said that doing it > sooner would > not give a true picture of how my body is doing. > I have decided that I have to be my own advocate in this and am > trying to learn as > much as I can about all the options for treatment. If my foggy > brain would > cooperate, it would be easier. I have to triple check everything I > type on > the computer to fix all the dumb things I have typed. Words that > were always > easy for me to spell now take great concentration, if I can even > think of the > word I want at all. Never had to do that years ago! (I am 63 years > old, > so should still have some of my thinking ability.) > > Sorry to be so lengthy.......just wanted to get it all out at one > time, and now I > will go back some months on this group and read as many messages as > I can. > Wishing for you all to have really good days! > > -- > > Carolyn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 11, 2007 Report Share Posted March 11, 2007 My pharmacist told me (and gave me printed info) on taking my Synthroid an hour before any other food or meds. (and to take it the same time every day) I have been following the instructions carefully. I wait to take my calcium and multi vitamin til afternoon, and it seems to work out well. I am eating low-carb most of the time, so don't get much HFCS at all. I do eat some things that have some soy in them, so am not sure how I will change that. I had read (someplace) that it is suspected that soy messes things up, but had also read a report about a study that showed no difference between patients who ate soy products and those who did not. (with regards to thyroid meds) I thought I had bookmarked that site, but I have so many sites bookmarked for thyroid stuff that it is nearly impossible to find the right place for that info, or I forgot to bookmark it. I went a little nuts searching for thyroid information, and my brain would not absorb it all. Thanks so much for taking the time to give me information. Nice to "meet" you, ! Have they talked to you about the best way to take Synthetic T4 (that includes Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levothyroxine, etc)? ..... on an empty stomach, keeping calcium and iron supplements well spaced from the thyroid dose, etc? How about food type things to avoid.... like HFCS (high fructose corn syrup) and soy products, as well as other goitrogens? You're just starting out.. and already doing a lot of reading, even so, please don't hesitate to ask questions... there are plenty of folks here that will be able to share what they've learned and experienced. ... I'd like to thank you for your donation too, it will be used for computer parts to keep these ole clunkers running a while longer!!! Topper () -- Carolyn http://www.carolyndesigns.com Cottages, Artistic florals & more Quality Original Machine Embroidery designs http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Embroidery_Designs_by_Carolyn/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 16, 2007 Report Share Posted March 16, 2007 The soy stuff can be confusing... I'm anti soy but that is beside the point right now.... If you consume soy products, or any of the other goitrogens (foods that negatively affect thyroid gland function and/or thyroid hormone conversion) the trick is to be consistent with how much and how often you eat it and then adjust your meds accordingly. In a body with a healthy gland the gland just adjusts to compensate for the change in diet. Since we are dependant on the hormones that we take, and we can't adjust the amount we take correctly for timing and amount, we have to control what we consume... If you love broccoli or whatever... and find that it's pretty good to have it two or three times a week and that makes you happy... try to eat it pretty consistently that two or three times a week (or everyday or once a week, what ever makes your body smile) and if your labs are showing good, and if your symptoms are backing off you have your balance. There are MANY good nutrients, and good tastes, in goitrogenic foods... so we just have to learn how to incorporate them in our diets in a way that allows them to be positive for us and not negative. Kinda get the idea?? I have two items with soy in them that I love.. there are versions that are soy free, but they are more expensive... and my budge pretty much forces me to make some choices... So I still have my salad dressing on my sammys and I still have my crunchy peanut butter.... There are other things that I choose not to have cuz of certain ingredients... I can't have my favorite chip dip any more... it has soy and carageenan in it.... I can't have cheap BBQ sauce any more cuz it has HFCS in it. I still have soda, but only as a treat, usually between Thanksgiving and Christmas, a friend brings me a case for an early Christmas present, and then I get a case for my birthday during the summer... So I've gone from a 'case plus a day' to about 2 or 3 cases a year.... I'd say that is a bit of a reduction. I've just eliminated one thing from my food choices.. and I'm still pretty broken up about it.... I was buying frozen chicken hind quarters... I LOVE chicken and these were cheap... but I've found that this type of product is soaked in soy protein... it's riddled with soy... I choose to avoid that if at all possible... and, well.... I'm avoiding it.... I'll have to find a store that is selling the bulk bagged non-frozen hind quarters that I used to get... the store that used to carry them sold out to a bigger chain, the new chain doesn't carry them, so I went to the frozen ones (at a higher price). Topper () On Sun, 11 Mar 2007 20:28:00 -0500 Carolyn Faulk writes: My pharmacist told me (and gave me printed info) on taking my Synthroid an hour before any other food or meds. (and to take it the same time every day) I have been following the instructions carefully. I wait to take my calcium and multi vitamin til afternoon, and it seems to work out well.I am eating low-carb most of the time, so don't get much HFCS at all.I do eat some things that have some soy in them, so am not sure howI will change that. I had read (someplace) that it is suspected that soymesses things up, but had also read a report about a study that showed no difference between patients who ate soy products and those who did not. (with regards to thyroid meds) I thought I had bookmarked that site, but I have so many sites bookmarked for thyroid stuff that it is nearly impossible to find the right place for that info, or I forgot to bookmark it. I went a little nuts searching forthyroid information, and my brain would not absorb it all.Thanks so much for taking the time to give me information. Nice to "meet" you, ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 19, 2007 Report Share Posted April 19, 2007 Hello, My name is Tonja, I am 27 years old and found out I have hyperthyrodism back in 2002. Since then I have been treated with the radioactive pill twice and no longer have the gotier. But I recently had my levels checked and was advised that my thyriod levels are suppressed. I have no idea what that means. I do not that I get no slee but always fill drained. My muscles are always aching. I feel like my body is going through more changes. Is there someone who can answer my questions. God bless Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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