Guestbook
Hello Ladies, I have just read your guestbook and what a wonderful place to reach out to each other.In Nov. 1994 ( just when we had tickets bought for our first trip) I found out I had breast cancer. I was 51. i was promptly booked in for mastectomy and made out very well with Stage 1 cancer to the point Dr. felt it was a closed subject. Then 6 wks. later i see an egg size lump on the other side and when I saw dr. for a check up we both felt it had to be a cyst or abcess so went right in for an ultra sound. IT WAS SOLID so again booked for a biopsy which was arranged to test on site and if not good proceed with another mastectomy........awoke and....you guessed it! Another mastectomy. So 2 in 6 wks. time. Needless to say i set a new record in my area. I am fine now I can report. I did 6 mo. of CMF chemo which I dragged my little feet in to do but did. now on the 5 yr. program of TAMOXIFEN and all is well
I am very lucky in that I have a great outlook on life. NEVER ONCE DID I SAY "WHY ME" or get upset that I lost 2 breasts. HONEST. I felt so glad the situation could be taken care of that the lose was nothing compared to saving and giving me the rest of my life. I now am with the REACH TO RECOVERY PROGRAM for the CANCER SOCIETY up in my area and speak 1 to 1 with any lady who would like to talk to someone who has been through this. To you readers....I invite any gal who chooses to e-mail me and I,d love to chat with you. BEWARE...I have a wicked good sense of humor as we say up here. Best to all of you.
FONDLY , CAROLE I've bookmarked your excellent site. I've had breast cancer twice so created "Dancing Tree Frog" which includes the Dream/cancer Survey and Belly Dancer Breast Cancer Survey. Visit me sometime and sign my guestbook. Diana DeMille <Artemis@tcsn.net> San Luis Obispo, CA US - Wednesday, June 17, 1998 at 21:53:56 (EDT) Unfortunately, for the 3rd time my mother has been diagnosed with breast cancer. The first time was 13 years ago, the second was 7 years ago, now it was yesterday. This time its called "Inflamatory Breast Cancer". The previous 2 times she had operations within a week, now consultations and other tests have to occur and will drag the waiting until mid-July. This is because funding cuts have "forced" the hospitals to merge, there is a shortage of scanning equipment and increased delays have occurred. Complaining to the hospital administration has dampened my spirts as they say their hands are tied. If they only knew how my heart has ripped to pieces watching my mother suffer with pain. Infamatory breast cancer causes severe swelling in the breast and a lot of pain. Yes, more than sad, I am mad and frustrated at this. I will not give up, and I hope I have the strength to help my mom through another tough time. Good luck to all and please perservere for yourselves and family who are affected by this awful disease. MJC Mary J. Costa <mcosta@ca.pmc-vacc.com> Mississauga, On Canada - Tuesday, June 16, 1998 at 18:41:40 (EDT) Would appreciate hearing from others who have experienced phantom breast or phantom nipple pain following mastectomy. Can't find much in the literature. Hazelanne Lewis <p.lewis@cxwms.ac.uk> London, England - Sunday, June 14, 1998 at 17:01:49 (EDT) Hi everyone. I've actually left a message further down the page. I just thought I'd write to give an update. I've been for my scan and the doctor COULDN'T find the "thickening" that was there the week before!! I believe this is answered prayer. I still have to go back, but we're still praying. Thanks Gloria for your help and prayers. Wanda Wanda Oulton <john.oulton@virgin.net> - Sunday, June 14, 1998 at 07:46:45 (EDT) Thanks for making so much information available in one place! I was diagnosed w/breast cancer 4/94...still kicking and hopefully free of it. Wendy Levy, Denver, Colorado Wendy Levy <wlevy50@aol.com> Denve, CO USA - Friday, June 12, 1998 at 19:59:09 (EDT) I am a 38 year old mother of three diognosed with breast cancer Nov 97. I have just finished 3 months of chemo & 7 weeks of radiotheropy. I have had a look through your guest book and have found no australian contacts. Surely there must be others out there. I would love to talk to someone and share there thoughts. This guestbook brought tears to my eyes. It's great. Kay Moir <kayster@hotmail.com> Gold Coast, QLD Australia - Friday, June 12, 1998 at 08:25:16 (EDT) Thank you for a terrific web site. Norah Baker <Irisheyesareasmiling@prodigy.net> Waterford, MI USA - Friday, June 12, 1998 at 00:09:18 (EDT) Thanks for having such an informational site! This is absolutely wonderful! Dori Winskie <Dori Suzan @ Aol.Com> Tulsa, OK US - Thursday, June 11, 1998 at 14:09:45 (EDT) Great informational site. I'm gathering site information to include on a breast cancer support group Web site for the Santa Cruz, CA area. As an eleven year survivor (yeah!), I still think information is the key. The more women know, the better! Thanks for all your hard work. - Linda Linda Stevens <lstevens@surfnetusa.com> Santa Cruz, CA USA - Wednesday, June 10, 1998 at 16:27:11 (EDT) I've been browsing the net looking up info on microcalcifications. Evidently I've had them for years (unbeknownst to me) but am now told they have significantly increased and will go in next week for biopsy on both breasts. As I am on coumadin for an artificial heart valve I have to go in the hospital two days before the biopsy to go on heprin. Good luck to us all. Nancy Nancy <nlck88@nut-n-but.net> FL USA - Wednesday, June 10, 1998 at 13:32:52 (EDT) Hello - one of my closest friends was diagnosed yesterday with breast cancer. She is 35 years old. Her mother died of breast cancer at age 36 when my friend was 9 yrs old. I am in total shock. Her only wish is to see her children grow up - they are 3 yrs and 1 yr old. I want to support her in any way I can and came on to the net to start searching for info and quidance. Thanks Joelle Joelle Lavigne <boone@golden.net> Linwood, OON Canada - Tuesday, June 09, 1998 at 09:07:33 (EDT) This site is very informative. My mother has just received the results from her second mammogram and will have tissue samples taken next week. There is no lump, but there are two spot on the left breast that look suspicous. I am very scared because of our family history (she has a sister that underwent a mastectomy 6 years ago). Please include all of us and all of those on this site in need of prayer. Love you all. Stephanie <Cannons4@msn.com> Cedar Hill, tx dallas - Tuesday, June 09, 1998 at 01:36:42 (EDT) IT IS MY OPINION THAT EVERYWOMAN SHOULD HAVE A SONOGRAM AS WELL AS A MAMOGRAPHY. I live in Nassau County, Long Island, New York, which is one of the most densely populated breast cancer areas. I am 54 years old, no breast cancer in the family. Had yearly mamography, did self exams, had one in October and only because I was in to discuss having a hysterecomy with my Gyn, did she do a yearly check-up and found a lump, then ordered mamography and SONOGRAM. HOW MANY WOMEN ARE NOT DETECTED BECAUSE THEY DO NOT HAVE A SONOGRAM. Had a lumpectomy and lump nodes removed-2 were cancerous. I did not want to have chemotheraphy until it was explained that I had no choice. I want to be around for a long time to see my grandchildren grow and to live many years with my second husband of 5 years. Susan Brozinsky <mbrozinsky@hoflink.com> West Hempstead, NY USA - Sunday, June 07, 1998 at 15:58:36 (EDT) My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer two days ago, I'm very scared. Holly Street Columbus, OH US - Sunday, June 07, 1998 at 12:06:00 (EDT) I've just been told that I have a "thickening" in my breast. I also have a discharge with blood from the same breast, as well as unusal pain going up through my arm. If anyone has any thoughts I would love to hear from you....... Wanda Oulton <john.oulton@virgin.net> England, UK. - Friday, June 05, 1998 at 13:52:03 (EDT) Rhonda Till <till@netunlimited.net> Kernersville, NC USA - Friday, June 05, 1998 at 09:28:01 (EDT) Patrick O'Byrne <patio@sk.sympatico.ca> Prince Albert, sk Canada - Friday, June 05, 1998 at 00:19:09 (EDT) Sorry, this my real email adress: olivier.achterkamp@brunel.nl Oliver Achterkamp <olivier.achterkamp@brunel.nl> Oostwold, GN The Netherlands - Thursday, June 04, 1998 at 20:47:05 (EDT) Each time again it's astonishing how many women have to battle with breast cancer, she has had several treatments over a period of two years allthough she was given only one to go at first. My wive died last year at the age of 35. She was a strong minded women and I gracefully think of her each day. Finally she was allowed to take her own decision and with dignity and courage she has gone. Anyone who wants to know about treatment I can give information. This site should be goldplated and known around the world to anyone concerned. Lots of love and live! Olivier Olivier Achterkamp <olivier.achterkamp> Oostwold, GN The Netherlands - Thursday, June 04, 1998 at 20:42:45 (EDT) My mother was diagnosed today with intraductal and infiltrating cancer. We really do not know what this is. Any information on the subject will be greatly appreciated. Jamie Dehnel <jdehnel@i-55.com> Hammond, LA USA - Wednesday, June 03, 1998 at 21:43:26 (EDT) I am a newly recent breast cancer patient . I was diagnosed on April 1st (not an April Fools Trick) I had a lumpectomy- had 2 positive nodes and just started AC chemo. I will have radiation following the chemo. Since I had positive hormone receptors, Tamoxifen will also be given. I am having a hard time getting past the postive nodes... anyone out there with encouraging words??? Gail Miller <lmiller@servtech.com> Manlius, , NY USA - Tuesday, June 02, 1998 at 22:33:37 (EDT) Michael Silvia <fyou@pacbell.com> Fremont, CA U.S.A - Monday, June 01, 1998 at 23:44:25 (EDT) I was diagnosed with medullary breast cancer 5 yrs ago at age 39. Younger sister diagnosed with same at age 36 2 years ago. Both of us are doing well! Bette Hovelson <coreysma@ICTC.com> Buffalo, ND USA - Monday, June 01, 1998 at 22:08:53 (EDT) I was diagnosed w/breast cancer in Jan of 1997 and have completed chemo and radiation and so far I am doing fine except I have developed mild lymphedema and I seem to have paid throughout my arm. Im not on the website but I would appreciate any info from anyone concerning this at my home in Frankfort NY 13340 Jane Brekka Frankfort, NY - Sunday, May 31, 1998 at 16:08:45 (EDT) I have been fighting breast cancer since 1989 had chemo for 6 months and it came back. Then had 36 radition treatments. Then a couple of years later it came back it my back it are up some of my back bone. I had 27 treratments of radition then. Then it came back in my right hip. Had to have 12 treatments of radition there. So I glow in the dark! I'm still not over it but am fighting it as hafd as I can. Need prayer. And would love to hear from someone who is still fighting it.My e-mail address is rrcarpenter@kih.net whould love tohear from someone. Ramona Carpenter <rrcarpenter@kih.net> Livingston, Ky U.S.A. - Friday, May 29, 1998 at 22:54:01 (EDT) I am the daughter of a survivor of breast cancer. I am doing preliminary reasearch about breast cancer for my daughters Girl Scout troop. We are planning on hosting a walk for breast cancer in October in Warrenton, Virginia, our county seat. It gives me a terrible feeling inside knowing that every day someone else has been just diagnosed with this awful disease. I hope that we can help make a diffrence and make women and men more aware of this deadly diease. Thank you for the information from your site. Laura Thompson <lrathmpsn@aol.com> Markham, VA USA - Thursday, May 28, 1998 at 16:48:32 (EDT) I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1995 and had a mastectomy and then 6 months of chemotherapy. I was able to work part-time while taking chemo and my boss never knew until after my last treatment. I have had bi-annual checkups and so far so good. I do have trouble with lympohedma in my left arm and since I am left handed I'm not able to rest it as much as I should. Any advice on what I can do to alleviate the swelling would be appreciated. Enjoyed your web site, lots of good information. Betty Mohninger <bjmgraphics@paralynx.com> Grindrod, BC Canada - Monday, May 25, 1998 at 20:07:49 (EDT) Hello! I am 30 years old and was diagnosed with breast cancer last October. After 6 months of chemo followed by sugery, I am beginning radiotherapy next week and would like to know what to expect (sideffects, etc.). Nathalie Benoit <lsacripa@aei.ca> Montreal, Qu Canada - Sunday, May 24, 1998 at 20:32:53 (EDT) Marie Krenbrink <krinkle@elkvalley.net> Elkford, B.C. Canada - Tuesday, May 19, 1998 at 20:30:06 (EDT) My sister was diagnosed and treated for stage 1 breast cancer three years ago. Last week she was examined for recurrent coughing which turned out to be a malignant 5 cm tumor in her lung. She lives abroad, and is awaiting diagnostic test results. Most likely though is stage 4, metastasized. Any info. specific to this condition relating to treatment options and prognosis would be very helpful. Thanks. Jacob Navon <jnj@msn.com> Westport, CT - Tuesday, May 19, 1998 at 11:55:27 (EDT) Thank you for providing informations so badly needed to all those diagnosed with breast cancer.Your site is very interesting and informative. Paulette Leroux <jean-paul.leroux@sympatico.ca> Embrun, On Canada - Monday, May 11, 1998 at 21:31:29 (EDT) This is a wonderful site. I felt that I was alone. I have just been diagnosed with breast cancer and am scheduled for a mastectomy. I have been doing alot of praying, it gives me courage to face what I must face. I have always believed God will provide. Thank you for a wonderful site, it really helps to know you are not alone. Linda Hannan <mscooter@dcache.net> Oak Harbor, Oh USA - Sunday, May 10, 1998 at 18:15:44 (EDT) I am a bc survivor of three years now. Diagnosed at 31 w/ stage III...6 of 36 nodes +...7.5cm tumor..MRM and radiation, chemo. Now on Tamoxifen and doing well..thanks for the site. Trace <trace@n-link.com> TX USA - Saturday, May 09, 1998 at 14:11:26 (EDT) Susan Hodge <susan@pmcdirectmail.com> Bellevue, KY USA - Thursday, May 07, 1998 at 00:31:13 (EDT) I recently found out that my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. I have been looking for every tid bit of information I can get my hands on. This is one of the best sites I have seen so far! Thankyou so much for putting such effort into it!! Rachael Rachael <emlith@hotmail.com> Ia Usa - Wednesday, May 06, 1998 at 20:17:52 (EDT) Doing an article on breast cancer in high school newspaper. thanks for info. Rachel <rachie_99@hotmail.com> - Wednesday, May 06, 1998 at 18:02:51 (EDT) I was diagnosed with breast cancer over 4 years ago. I was twenty-four at the time and had a difficult time in getting any doctors to believe that iI had developed breast cancer at such a young age. Almost three months went by and several tries with different medication to treat what they thought was a plugged milk duct I finally found a doctor to believe me. I had a full mastecomtomy and all lymph nodes removed. I went through 6 months of chemo and eight weeks of radiation. Last May I had another scared and found a lump in the remaining breast. It turned out to by fibercystic and was removed. I wish I would have listened to my Family doctor and done regular breast exams but I thought I was to young to get breast cancer. My boyfriend and I were to be married and he could no longer take living with the fear of a relapse so I know find my self single and learning to deal with the dating scene in a whole new way. Your site was amazing my only complaint is I wish I knew about it four years ago. Kelley Carrothers <KCARROTHERS@LONET.CA> London , Ont Canada - Monday, May 04, 1998 at 21:11:22 (EDT) I was diagnosed with breast cancer Feb 4 1997. I had a mastecomtomy and 4 round of chemo A/C. I am now on tamoxifen and will be for 5 years. I feel great and plan on being here to see my grandchildren. Millie Vaught <Vaught_Mildred_L@Lilly.com> Indianapolis, In USA - Monday, May 04, 1998 at 10:47:28 (EDT) I was diagnosed in 1993 with Lobular carcinoma of the right breast.I had a mastec. & immediate saline implant. Two years later I had a profilactic mastec on my left breast. Again with immediate saline implant. I have been on tomoxifen for 5 years, and my Oncologist is putting me on Raloxifene. I am looking for information on this new antiestrogen, and found your web site. Linda Fink <jfink@ee.net> New Albany, OH USA - Saturday, May 02, 1998 at 11:11:21 (EDT) I have no lumps. But I feel pain in main duct and radiating throughout breast. Haven't lactated for 13 years. Still working on insurance so can get check up. Question: What are the different things that pain (not the typical 2 week out of the month pain, this is new and constant) can signify? Can't find any info in books. Not scared to know the facts. Wonderful site. M.M. <dovewing@kachina.net> USA - Friday, May 01, 1998 at 20:06:09 (EDT) M.M. <dovewing@kachina.net> USA - Friday, May 01, 1998 at 20:01:52 (EDT) Diane Carey <Diane@clemson.edu> Clemson, SC Clemson - Friday, May 01, 1998 at 17:09:56 (EDT) my two sisters had brestcancer at the same time they were both on estrogen they would like to know about tamoxfin thank you jean jean <pauljean@sprint.ca> halifax, n.s canada - Friday, May 01, 1998 at 09:21:21 (EDT) I detected a lump during a monthly self exam, immediately arranged a mammogram which confirmed my suspicion. I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma. I had a lumpectomy with lymph nodes removed in Nov, 1998. I started Adriamycin/Cytoxan treatments the first of Dec, completed them the first of March, then started radiology which I will finish in a week. Then tomoxifen. I'm one of the lucky ones!! Regular breast self-checks make a difference! I'm still scared of re-occurance. What if I miss it next time? Joann Fox <foxlee@iquest.net> IN usa - Wednesday, April 29, 1998 at 21:10:33 (EDT) I am 35 years old and a graduate student at Harvard University. I am in my last semester, trying to graduate while undergoing surgery and treatment. I was diagnosed with lobular carcinoma in left breast and have undergone dbl mastec. Results=node neg. no lympovascular invasion. Would like info on implants, chemotherapy, and tamoxifen. Page is a great idea, especially for those a little too shy for groups. Best wishes and prayers to all. L. Merritt Malin <lmmalin@mindspring.com> Boston, MA USA - Tuesday, April 28, 1998 at 23:34:42 (EDT) My mother was just diagnosed with breast cancer and we go to the dr. tomorrow to see what to do. She and I are very scaredabout this. She is my best friend. Just reading your comments are helping me cope colleen <oldcolonial@customnet.com> me - Tuesday, April 28, 1998 at 17:24:46 (EDT) Our old friend (..not so old..mid 30's) Traci has been diagnosed with Breast Cancer. We wept and prayed for Traci, Stuart, Nelson and Spencer this morning...we are keeping them in our thoughts and prayers constantly. I came here searching for info and you have provided me with all I need and more. Thank you. Kim Mears <kim@baygroup.com> Atlanta, GA, USA - Tuesday, April 28, 1998 at 13:54:57 (EDT) Eliana Stefanitsis <Eli8686@aol.com> - Monday, April 27, 1998 at 20:16:30 (EDT) Joan L. White SC USA - Monday, April 27, 1998 at 14:21:37 (EDT) S. Hobbs <motor@mediaone.net> Jacksonville, FL USA - Sunday, April 26, 1998 at 20:18:47 (EDT) very informational Myra Truong San Jose, CA US - Saturday, April 25, 1998 at 15:03:45 (EDT) |