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sunbearz View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote sunbearz Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan 24 2008 at 1:38pm
 Thank you. I live in florida. I certianly need a backup plan.I would be foolish to think nothing is ever going to happen. I took another day off from work today.Had to have more sleep. I feel mentaly  better. I see the Dr tomorrow and will discuss this with her.Thanks Texas girl for your research and time , and everyone who has helped me dig myself out of this hole.
Dx 1998 mast.Bone mets 2003
ac/xeloda,zometa,taxotere,,doxcil,rads to hip
triple neg brca-gemsar
Abraxine
2008 -gemsar/taxol combo
Taxotere ,Ixempra,liver, lung
Mets
Testosterone
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote texasgirl Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan 24 2008 at 2:13pm

Hi Sunbearz, gald to hear that you are going to talk to your doctor about disability.  He will need to sign documents that state you are Stage IV so its best to get him the document ready.   Below is a link to Florida insurance issues.  If you read through it there is a number that help you with assistance on applying for benefits.   There is also pharmacy assistance.  My sister who is a single mom with premies twins so she could not work and she got Medicaid right away and they decided to pay for her employer's insurance instead of getting Medicaid.  Good luck!

dx 5/11/07 (Age 41), Stage IIIC, Grade 3, 12 weekly taxol, 4 FAC, 8.5 cm, Extensive positive nodes, Masectomy 0/17 nodes, 30 Rads, Currently NED
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trip2 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote trip2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan 24 2008 at 3:17pm
Yes Sunbearz, tell the doc everything that is going on and hopefully they can help you with some of this and take some of that pressure off of you, you don't need it.  Let us know how it goes tomorrow,
 
 
Texasgirl thank you so much for sharing this information, that's very kind of you.
Stage 2 2003
Stage 1 2007
BRCA 1+
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Sadie-Rose 2 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Sadie-Rose 2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan 24 2008 at 7:37pm
sunBearz,
Just thinking about you today and hoping your appointment goes well tomorrow. I'm sending you lots of positive energy~~~~~~~~~~

Warmly,
Sadie
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Ronda View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ronda Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan 25 2008 at 7:50am
Dear Sunbearz,
     My heart aches for you.  You're fighting the good fight for yourself, your family and all of here on this site.   You sound soooo tired.  Drastic times call for drastic measures.... have you read "The cancer battle plan" yet?   This may be the answer you're looking for regarding nutrition.  There is alot to alkalizing and detoxifying your system and the has been many miraculous recoveries when we oxygenate the blood, not just from cancer, but from other ailments as well. 
     Vitamin D and B complex (plus taking a sub-lingual b 12) will help with energy (don't take B comlex on an empty stomach, it will make you hurl).  If you can find someone who pratices chinese medicine, I've heard amazing stories with regards to side effects and rads.  If you'd like I can try to get you a referral, we have a teaching center here in Portland Oregon. 
     I also had Reiki energy work done by a Reiki master, it did help with my energy levels, but not as much as the vitamin D did.
     Life is complicated enough without having to go through what you're going through and when you're tired, it's easy to want to give up just so you can rest.  I wouldn't focus as much on the excercise as I would  the nutrition.  Nutrition is your life source, so if you pick one, pick that. 
     "The Ph Miracle" is another good book with recipes to help, we need to get your energy back quickly in between treatments.
     This is kind of wierd, but I recently discovered Edgar Cayce, He was a well documented psychic that died in the 1940's.  He had no background in medicine in a day an age when the doctors had only a very primitive knowledge of medicine themselves.  He had many revolutionary healing techniques that are still in use today.  There are volumes and volumes of his readings.  Some of his prophicies have been realized, some have not.  What he spoke of regarding cancer is alkalizing the system, detoxifying the body through elimination and oxygenating the blood with UV lights and animated ash (I think this is was vitamin d helps with).  I believe there is truth in this, but it's not an easy process.  I have been doing alot of the stuff, but it's hard.  I'm finished with my treatments so I've been a bit flaky (denial) about sticking to it, but I'm mostly good!  The gal in "The Cancer Battle Plan" was stage 4 BC and got it out of her body in 5 weeks using these methods. 
    Let's face it, we put our lives in the hands of these doctors to cure us, and they poo poo the nutrition and alternative stuff, but the truth is, they're not that good at it.  When they chemo 100 women to save 12 using their morbid horse race calculations and then send all 100 chemo'd women to fend for themselves pumping them full of pharmacueticals that have there own side effects to deal with the side effects of the chemo.  But we do it cuz that's all we got.  But we can do this other stuff too.  I wish it were easier 'cuz food is sometimes our only comfort in this crappy ordeal, but it also is the key to recovery. 
     I will help you in any I can, we're all in this together.
 
Hugs,  Ronda 
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sunbearz View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote sunbearz Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan 25 2008 at 4:47pm
Well Had a long talk with my Dr.I solved a lot of issues today.
 Im cutting down my work hours and its ok with them. Ive been offered a less taxing position-same pay.The Dr said Stage iv patients are elgible for disability and she would sign papers any time I wanted.Im going to look into it even though Im not quite ready for it yet. But I want it ready if I do.
 They are going to stop the Chemo for the 4 weeks I have rads.
She said Im a good candidate for many new Chemos coming out soon.
 I asked about Vit. treatments ,Detox and all the things Ive been reading.
She said I could get other opinions if I wanted, But the truth is the cancer is throughout my body and noone knows where it travels and the Chemo has helped me for over 10years.As I look back at the posts I realize everyone is pretty much on the regime, just different stages.
Of course good nutrtion plays a big part in helping us feel better, but as far as the cancer. Its there and thats all there is to it.In stage iv its systemic.
I commend those who are trying all kinds of different ideas-you never know.Some things can be harmful mixed with Chemo and can interfere with blood levels.
So thats where Im at.I am going to look into aspects of healing with relaxation and that area.I will take my vitamins and try to exercise more to get more oxygen-slowly.
  Thank you all
Dx 1998 mast.Bone mets 2003
ac/xeloda,zometa,taxotere,,doxcil,rads to hip
triple neg brca-gemsar
Abraxine
2008 -gemsar/taxol combo
Taxotere ,Ixempra,liver, lung
Mets
Testosterone
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote texasgirl Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan 25 2008 at 5:30pm

Great news about your job.  Obviously, your employer realizes your contribution to your company and is willing to work around your treatments.   Your doctor is right there is so many new treatments for Stage IV TN BC.  Just look at the clinical trials posted on this website.  You are an inspiration to me and others on your 10 year battle to fight this beast.

dx 5/11/07 (Age 41), Stage IIIC, Grade 3, 12 weekly taxol, 4 FAC, 8.5 cm, Extensive positive nodes, Masectomy 0/17 nodes, 30 Rads, Currently NED
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sunbearz View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote sunbearz Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan 25 2008 at 6:49pm
 If It had not been for you wonderful ladies ,I would still be in my box, working myself to death . You have turned my thinking around and have given me options and did footwork for me I couldnt or wouldnt have done.
 Im feeling really free tonight and happy.
 My daughter said tonight "Its about time you started thinking of yourself"She said all you have done is given and worried about others.
 She and my son gave me a gift cert at a day spa for christmas , but they wont do massage, but they do have REIKI and other things I can do. Now I have a day off I can do it.Big%20smile 
My dr also gave me a Disabled parking papers because my hips have been radiated and at times when its cold, they are painful and stiff.At 53 I thought Gee I can walk. My daughter said "mom sometimes I see you limp and know they hurt"I wanted to say "Oh no Im fine". Instead I said youre right .Why should I try to endure more than I have to.She said Mom you have worked so hard all your life"Take all that is offered. How can a 28 year old have more common sense than me?Confused
Im getting my old fight back again for the real reason-to find a cure.I dont take medications and I want to plough through all these Chemos for the one that works.I know its there.Im living proof they work. And a good deal of thanks goes to those before us.
Dx 1998 mast.Bone mets 2003
ac/xeloda,zometa,taxotere,,doxcil,rads to hip
triple neg brca-gemsar
Abraxine
2008 -gemsar/taxol combo
Taxotere ,Ixempra,liver, lung
Mets
Testosterone
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Sadie-Rose 2 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Sadie-Rose 2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan 25 2008 at 8:27pm
Sunbearz,
You have such wonderful kids. How thoughtful of them to give you a day at the spa. I hope the spa treats you like a queen. You are an inspiration for us all.
Sadie
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote shellieh51 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan 26 2008 at 4:43am
You sound so much better and I am happy for you.  I think that part of the battle is learning to live with the limitations - we are not the same people.  Kudos to your company for cutting your hours and taking care of you.  Bless you - you are in my prayers.  I know I post this site frequently but feel it has been good for my well being - www.thecancercrusade.com.  They have weekly affirmations that are very inspiring to me.
 
Take care.
dx 11/6/2006 1.5cm IDC, Gr3, TN, BRCA-, lump, partial breast rads 1/2007, 4 AC, 12 wkly Taxol. Completed tx 8/2/2007. NED 12/2007. Malignant parotid tumor 4/2008. Clear head 4/09 & bones 11/08 -
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ronda Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan 26 2008 at 11:53am
Good For You Sunbearz!    
    Where ever you can pull your strength from singing Janis Joplin at the top of your lungs to silent meditaion in nature this is YOUR life to LIVE how YOU need to.   Before I was first diagnosed I could feel my life leaving my body, it was very validating to know there was something wrong and that my life WAS leaving my body.  I remember one night lying next to my husband and crying becauuse I felt so guilty wanting to rest (and maybe even die).  I never told him any of this, but it was in that moment that I realized that I really needed to learn to take care of me, because after all without me they would all surely starve to death and have miserable lives (o.k. so I have delusions of grandeur!)   So I have been selfish for the last year eating what I need, reading what I need, sleeping when I need it, cleaning when I want to.  Now there is much more of me to give because I feel good inside and out.  I know the docs do there best to save our lives and they are getting better at it.  We're all in this together and every little bit helps.  It's o.k. to take care of yourself how ever you choose to.  I'm glad you're getting your fight back!
 
Ronda
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote trip2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan 26 2008 at 12:21pm
I am so happy for you Sunbearz.Hug
Stage 2 2003
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote sunbearz Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan 26 2008 at 6:02pm
Your Right Ronda. I know what you mean. I was feeling the life was being sucked right out of me and I didnt care. Especially work. Thanks to all of you I have options.I feel alive again.Today I learned an important lesson.
Being out in public around other people is so important.
 I live in a beautiful area on the west coast of Fl. Havent been to the beach in 2 years. Some relatives showed up today and decided to show then around town ,and beach areas.I had forgotten about nature ,birds and dolphins,people fishing. The sound of the waves, salt air.Just talking to regular everyday people.Eating hot dogs on the beach.
 It dawned on me that I havent been living, only existing. Work, treatments, home,tv, sleep.
 I was watching the tourists who spend hundreds of dollars a year to experience what I can, any day any time.The beautifull sunsets,rainbows, with seagulls and pelicans flying their last flight of the evening.You couldnt get any closer to God.Gods beauty at my finger tips and I have been looking the other way-or have forgotten whats really important.Also a lot of Vit D in the sunshine.
 
Thank you for pouring your hearts out for me , your words and actions
 
with quick helpful info that I needed Immediatly.Im also there for you.Smile
        
Dx 1998 mast.Bone mets 2003
ac/xeloda,zometa,taxotere,,doxcil,rads to hip
triple neg brca-gemsar
Abraxine
2008 -gemsar/taxol combo
Taxotere ,Ixempra,liver, lung
Mets
Testosterone
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Ronda View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ronda Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan 26 2008 at 7:23pm
Wow Sunbearz,    You're in paradise...you actually get Vitamin d for FREE!!!  I'm stuck in cold dark Oregon for the season praying for the tulips to bloom,  thats how I know I survived another Oregon winter.  You sound like you're doing much better... I highly recommend Pat Benetar's Greatest hits... especially  her song "All fired up"  "....now I believe there come's a time when everything just falls in line.  We live and learn from our mistakes, the deepest cuts are healed by faith...ALL FIRED UP!!!"   
 
Now that'll get some oxygen flowing through your blood and send the seagulls flying singing that at the top of your lungs!
 
Have a good night!
 
Ronda
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Sadie-Rose 2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan 26 2008 at 7:32pm
Sunbearz,

I was reading your last post and enjoying your rediscovery of the beach, nature and wonderful sensory sensations you were feeling.

I also read your heartfelt thank you to the lovely and caring women here. A sense of appreciation and gratitude deeply touched me. I realized as you were saying thank to us that we were really the ones who owed you a thank you. Thank you for sharing your intimate feelings with us. Thank you for letting us journey with you. Thank you for high lighting the richness of life. Thank you for sharing the story about your kids.

Your story brought up a memory for me that was filled with sensations too. When I finished treatment and my hair had just started to grow in, I stood in the walkway to my house and just enjoyed the wind lightly tousling my hair around my ears and face. I just stood there and enjoyed the cool breeze blowing across my forehead. The sun was warming my cheeks and I remember thinking life is so good.

So I thank you too for helping me relive that memory.   Have a wonderful weekend.

Warmly,
Sadie
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sunbearz View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote sunbearz Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan 26 2008 at 8:48pm
Ronda and Sadie,It warms my heart That maybe Ive helped you too.
 Rhonda I love music ,I,love melissa etheridges song "Refugee" after her breast cancer.The video shows a fight to live. I love Pat Benatar.I also like Yanni . Metallica ,when Im mad ,but dont tell anyone. After all ,Im 53and a mother.
Sadie, we are all on this journey, some deeper than others. Because of what you said , Tomorrow Im taking my bandana off to feel that breeze. I have some hair and I too ,want to feel the warmth.
 Im here for the real deal. not to whine, but get to the gut of what were  dealing with.It comes from the heart and reality. 
 When we have to deal with reality we need answers and help that are
 genuine.
I will be thinking of you and the lessons I have learned. We are helping each other.One persons downfall is anothers uplifting.
We have to suceed in this journey.It cant fail.We have too much to offer others.I pray that God saves us to help others.
Dx 1998 mast.Bone mets 2003
ac/xeloda,zometa,taxotere,,doxcil,rads to hip
triple neg brca-gemsar
Abraxine
2008 -gemsar/taxol combo
Taxotere ,Ixempra,liver, lung
Mets
Testosterone
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote shellieh51 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan 27 2008 at 7:58am
Sunbearz,
I am so happy to hear that you are feeling better and are appreciating the little things in life - stopping to smell the roses.  You are in my prayers.
 
Take care.  Hugs.
Shellie h
dx 11/6/2006 1.5cm IDC, Gr3, TN, BRCA-, lump, partial breast rads 1/2007, 4 AC, 12 wkly Taxol. Completed tx 8/2/2007. NED 12/2007. Malignant parotid tumor 4/2008. Clear head 4/09 & bones 11/08 -
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ronda Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan 27 2008 at 8:25am
Amen Sunbearz!!   Metallica...Wow, you're a bit of a rebel.  I've always had a soft spot for AC DC!!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote trip2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan 27 2008 at 11:04am
Sunbearz taking that bandanna off today and feeling the breeze sounds wonderful.  I wish I could walk with you, I would just throw my cap into the water.Smile
 
The breeze, water rolling in, the birds, all of those things sound so relaxing and hopefully bring some peace into our hearts and minds. I will
be there with you in thought and a big hug.
Stage 2 2003
Stage 1 2007
BRCA 1+
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote sunbearz Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jan 27 2008 at 6:40pm
 When I labeled this topic "didnt see this Coming"is so true to all breast cancer survivors, what ever stage were in.From the first words of we have cancer to the latter stages of struggle, and all the in between.its something we didnt think was going to happen to us.
 Thank God we have each other. Its from the first experience of loosing hair,taste,operations, treatments, scans.The fear of are we ok or not.The experiences of something has gone wrong or I dont feel quite right.Is what I feel real or not. Financial situations.work.
 What a load to put on women who thought everything was going to be normal forever.
We compare treatments, look for whatever we think might help us and others.
We are a group of proactive women.Gee we could all be President of the United States.
 Im going to fight hard and win. Ive lost my hair 3 times,and my nails and Im almost back to normal physicaly.Appearance wise.
 I came to this website because people here take the time to help others and is not superficial like other sites.
 Thank you all for giving your time and knowledge to me. As I will you.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dx 1998 mast.Bone mets 2003
ac/xeloda,zometa,taxotere,,doxcil,rads to hip
triple neg brca-gemsar
Abraxine
2008 -gemsar/taxol combo
Taxotere ,Ixempra,liver, lung
Mets
Testosterone
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