Another wife with cancer

[Fred W]

I too am sorry to hear of these wives' troubles and wish them both the very best of luck in beating their nemeses. Because of the importance of this warning, I will chime in with my little story:

Someone very close to me went in for her regular mammogram screening and they thought they saw a shadow.

They had her return for a repeat test (I think it was Ultrasound) as sometimes there are false positives in mammogramss, and sure enough they saw something in the same place again.

Doctor says, "Meh, we'll just keep an eye on that."

Patient, who happens to be an ex-nurse, says,"No, we'll do a lumpectomy / biopsy now please."

Biopsy comes back positive. Another test is done to determine the closest lymph node to the tumor, and that is excised and tested. Luckily that comes back clean indicating the cancer had not yet spread from the primary site. This means that the extended treatment consisted of tamoxafin only. No radiation or chemo therapies.

Moral of this story is:

The mammogram screening may find the lump before you can feel it. You want to do these

Or you may feel it before the mammogram can detect it. You want to do self checks regularly.

Either way, you definitely want to catch it as early as possible. You do not ever want to "wait and see".

PS - The patient is alive and well and fully enjoying her life...

 

[Patriot]

thanx Jer and Terri...asked the AIW (Angelic Italian Wifey) when was last mammy gram...answered 2008

immediately grabbed her by the hair and she punched me

naw...handed her the phone and said call the PCP doc...scheduled for the first day school lets out for summer (she's a teacher)

I will report any complications

She says it's uncomfortable...I told her we can practice here...using the George Foreman grill (unplugged of course)

She says I have a warped sense of humor

 

[Tyler]

She says it's uncomfortable...I told her we can practice here...using the George Foreman grill (unplugged of course)
She says I have a warped sense of humor

I think I would have to agree with her... I should probably schedule mine for sometime this year as I missed last year's cause, well, you know...

 

[rogdeb]

Though this is heart rendering news that neither you or your wife want to hear, keep up the fight! The doctors don't know everything, and they don't know your wife yet. Things often happen that doctors can't explain, so keep up the battle! :assassin:
You and your wife will be on my heart...I know this is your guy's battle, but just know that many here, myself included, are on your side and will be cheering heartily for you guys! :clapping:

What Mark said ..... and many, many good thoughts are coming towards Terri .... and you Jer.

Deb had her battle with breast cancer 3 years ago. Surgery, chemo, radiation, and now 3 years on Arimidex (2 years to go) and all tests are still good. Hang in there .....

Rog n Deb

 

[happyPuppy]

Best wishes and Prayers to both of you. Hang tough and take it a day at a time.

 

[Patriot]

Hey Jer...how's Terri ???

saying some prayers for good progress and health...

 

[YooperDick]

Hey Jer,

Be sure to offer all the encouragement to your wife that you can. My wife has been in the battle for thirteen years following diagnosis. Absolutely the most courageous effort I ever witnessed.

Having grown up in the stock yards of Chicago, I thought I knew some tough guys. All I can say is they don't know what tough really means.

 

[Tyler]

My mum just had a mastectomy of one breast with reconstructive surgery following. She is doing well. Caught early it is possible to live as "normal" a life as possible. I'm going to schedule my mammogram when I return from Canada... hell, after everything I've been through. a **** smushing is a piece of cake! :lol:

Still sending lots of good thoughts to you both and all those who have or are dealing with the big "C".

 

[Jer]

Hey Jer...how's Terri ???
saying some prayers for good progress and health...

Terry is playing golf and going on with a normal life, but she does and probably always will have to have a chemo drug administered every three weeks. She has no ill affects from these treatments and meets a lot of interesting patients and their support. She is very excited that her hair is growing back and can quit wearing wigs and head covers in the near future.

Patriot, thanks for all of your kind words and prayers and that goes to all of the great people on this forum.

Jer

 

[Jer]

My mum just had a mastectomy of one breast with reconstructive surgery following. She is doing well. Caught early it is possible to live as "normal" a life as possible. I'm going to schedule my mammogram when I return from Canada... hell, after everything I've been through. a **** smushing is a piece of cake! :lol:
Still sending lots of good thoughts to you both and all those who have or are dealing with the big "C".

Tyler, sorry to hear about your "mum". I am sure she thinks your are a good girl for going for a **** smushing. Prayers for a quick recovery and and a negative test for her daughter.

Jer

 

[Frushlorton]

We're praying for Terri and for your strength in helping her during treatment.

 

[flyball]

Jer,

Glad your wife is improving and getting on with her life. My wife's mother is going through the same thing right now. Chemo and 5 times a week radiation. She is 72 and it is difficult as you well know.

My wife and daughter will be participating in a 3 day, 60 mile walk put on by the Susan G Komen foundation in November. They will carry with them the names of people they know who have or had breast cancer. They would love to put your wife's name on that list as well if she approves. Best wishes to your wife as she fights this battle.

 

[Silver Penguin]

Jer,Glad your wife is improving and getting on with her life. My wife's mother is going through the same thing right now. Chemo and 5 times a week radiation. She is 72 and it is difficult as you well know.

My wife and daughter will be participating in a 3 day, 60 mile walk put on by the Susan G Komen foundation in November. They will carry with them the names of people they know who have or had breast cancer. They would love to put your wife's name on that list as well if she approves. Best wishes to your wife as she fights this battle.

I've particpated in some of the Susan G Komen events. Seeing the posters on the trees, and the names on walkers' bibs makes it all very real. It is an honor to join such an event, knowing that those who are fighting the battle against cancer, are being helped.

Best wishes to all who are struggling with cancer, and all who are trying to help.

 

[lonesoldier84]

My doctor friends tell me that treatment now is much better. I trust your wife will return to golf and life after this turbulent period is behind you.