Guestbook
I'm 52 & it's now 6 weeks since I had a (L) Radical Mastectomy for ductal carcinoma in situ (Grade 3). Fortunately, although I had all the lymph glands removed, there were no traces of cancer in them or in the tissue immediately surrounding the 2.5 cm tumour. So I managed to avoid chemotherapy for now, & am taking tamoxifen. Incidentally, I also am dependent on a cardiac pacemaker, so am unable to receive radiotherapy.
I feel great! I started riding me motorbike again last week & also did some cycling this weekend. I want to thank you for this encouraging web site & for all the messages of hope I read in it today.
Do you ever hear from male sufferers of b/cancer? They must get just as frightened & worried as we women do, yet we never hear anything of them here, in Australia.
My best wishes to all of you out there who are going through the most worrying time of your lives. Hang in there - you are among friends!
Thanks again for the opportunity to share with you all.
Clare. HELLO, I just wanted to let you know what a wonderful web site you have. I work in radiology, mammagraphy, and cat scan. I see many who are affected by breast cancer daily. Last week I was doing a brain scan on a patient who was diagnosed with breast cancer 4 months ago, and while the IV therapy nurse was starting an IV, my patient looked up at me with tears in her eyes and said in a soft voice, "I only hope I was half as good as the two of you". I asked her what she meant by that and she told us that she worked in the medical field for nearly 30 years doing the same things as us. Then she began to cry more and stating she was not ready to die and leave this world just yet. At that time tears started flowing from my own eyes and my co-worker, the IV therapy nurse, began to talk to her, asking her what it was that made her so afraid of dying. I would have to say this was the first time I have had a patient open up so freely. I was so affected by this lady because just earlier that week my sister-in-law who is 31 was diagnosed with infilterating ductal adenocarcinoma. My sister-in-law has undergone surgery and will start chemo on Dec. 17. I hope that this web site will be very helpful and a spark of sunshine for many who are touch by breast cancer, I know I was. THANKS!! KYLA WAY <RADCTLADY@AOL.COM> SELAH, WA USA - Monday, December 07, 1998 at 02:06:00 (EST) I'm 52 & it's now 6 weeks since my radical mastectomy for (L) ductal adenocarcinoma, Grade 3. I feel terrific! I just found your Web site today & am thrilled to be in contact with other sufferers. I think I've been extremely lucky as so far I've managed to avoid chemo as even though all the axillary glands were removed, there was no cancer found in any of them, nor in the tissue surrounding the 2.5 cm tumour. I started cycling again this weekend (one of my favourite pastimes) & am back riding my motorbike as well! Do you ever get any males suffering b/cancer? They must get as frightened as we do at times but we never hear of them here in Australia. Thank you folks for all the help I got reading all those messages on this Website. You're really helping people out there! Clare Dixon <cdixon@pnc.com.au> Sydney, Australia - Monday, December 07, 1998 at 00:06:46 (EST) HEATHER <WHCMERC@ALLTEL.NET> ORANGE PARK, FL USA - Sunday, December 06, 1998 at 01:05:40 (EST) Hi guys :) Your site here is wonderful...very informative and user friendly! I am an eight year survivor of breast cancer! I had a modified mastectomy in May of 1990 (infiltrating ductal) with a 4.5 cm tumor with several positive lymph nodes. I had chemotherapy and radiation. What an experience all that was! Wow, thank goodness for family and friends with a sense of humor and endless support! I experienced lymphedema about 2 years post surgery and that is my biggest problem today...but it's just another challenge! So keep the faith...remind your friends about the importance of breast cancer awareness and self examination....my cancer went from stage I to stage II in only 14 months time! Be PRO-active in your healthcare! Take care...HUGS...Cheri Cheri Jones <kada@communique.net> New Orleans, LA USA - Saturday, December 05, 1998 at 19:30:45 (EST) My two kids and I just brought my wife home from the hospital. She went in for a lumpectomy which turned in to a partial mastecomy which also included removal of several lymph nodes. We won't have any "news" for about one week so are trying to find our own information/news/etc. We saw this web site listed in a recent inssue [how recent if we read it in the hospital lounge?!? collective ;-)] of Chatelaine. Thanks for an informative site. Matthew Robertson <matthew@globalserv.net> Milton, ON Canada - Saturday, December 05, 1998 at 17:37:02 (EST) Your site was very helpful. Keep up the good work! JASVIR CHANDAN VANCOUVER, BC CANADA - Friday, December 04, 1998 at 19:00:43 (EST) I am glad that their is support to fight this. My grandmother died of breast and brain cancer about six years ago. I hope for the future we can be rid of this retched disease known as breast cancer. Marie Moore <htlips1@yahoo.com> Du Quoin, IL U.S.A. - Friday, December 04, 1998 at 15:38:44 (EST) Anna Roberts Lawrence, Ks USA - Friday, December 04, 1998 at 09:58:04 (EST) Diagnosed with breast cancer 10/27.Lumpectomy & axillary dissection 11/6- scheduled for mastectomy 12/8-any info from those who've been through it would be appreciated. I've read a lot - just when I think I'm being extremely positive, I get scared and cry. Family is an emotional wreck. Thanks for your support. Linda Bily <collmom@yahoo.com> Selden, NY USA - Wednesday, December 02, 1998 at 09:49:55 (EST) I have discovered a lump in my left breast - to say the least I am terrified. I keep telling myself that it is probably nothing, but until the doctor tells me so, I am in panic mode. I have a doctor appointment tomorrow morning. My sister-in-law passed away a year ago with breast cancer and makes this seem even more real. This is a wonderful site - Please keep your fingers crossed that everything will be ok. Thanks for listening. Ginger Tate <guarext@guarantyexterminating.com> tulsa, ok 74133 - Tuesday, December 01, 1998 at 08:55:39 (EST) I will be visiting this site again after my appointment with a surgeon. I have a "worrysome" area that my regular doctor wants to be further looked at. I hope all goes well. I'll find out more after my appointment. I'm glad there are sites like this to help people find out any and all information on the treatment of breast cancer and find out that life can go on. Sally Ryan <salsara@aol.com> Lancaster, PA USA - Tuesday, December 01, 1998 at 05:34:14 (EST) Chrissy C. St.pete, FL U.S.A - Monday, November 30, 1998 at 10:21:15 (EST) I am 27 and have been diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ. My mother is a 5 year breast cancer survivor (after chemo and radiation treatments). Because of the comedo type of DCIS I am to have a mastectomy and reconstruction with the abdominal flap in January. I have done a lot of research on the web (what an amazing tool these days!) I am scared and don't know emotionally what to expect. Any advice would be very appreciated. Thanks. Gwen <eipmgmt@iquest.net> Indianapolis, IN USA - Sunday, November 29, 1998 at 11:02:31 (EST) I am writing to you from the "underground", as one of millions who are disenfranchised by the current sociopolitical climate in the United States. Although I am not behind bars, I am a political prisoner in my own country, as my private behavior is dictated by laws which I did not participate in creating, and I am governed by officials who were elected in a political process fueled by money and handshakes. My direct democracy is limited to voting on irrelevant local ordinance propositions, and my ideas are not reflected in most corporate-owned media sources. I am grateful for the First Amendment rights I have, and I am morally compelled to exercise them, struggling against apathy, cynicism, and nihillism. Federal legislators recently decided to subvert democracy by refusing to tally the election results on Initiative 59, after nearly 70% of Washington D.C. voters decided to allow medical marijuana in their district. By appealing to an constitutionally specious law which forbids them to spend any money on relaxing marijuana policy, our legislators are playing politics while cancer, AIDS, glaucoma, and spinal cord injury patients are suffering. They refer to legalistic obligations, but the past decades have demonstrated that they are willing to break the law when it serves their economic and political interests. If "conservative" Republicans want to "get government off our backs", they could start by hopping off the back of the quadriplegic spinal cord injury patient I provided personal care to. I personally witnessed the benefits of medical marijuana on this Vietnam veteran. He experienced painful spasms from retracted tendons and atrophied muscles, but after using marijuana the spasms completely subsided for the remainder of his physical therapy. It does not serve the cause of justice to deny relief to the sick, or to deny voters the right to democratic due process. When will our government prioritize compassion and democracy over paternalistic control and arbitrary morality? It seems unreasonable that we throw people in prison, strip them of their right to vote, confiscate their property, destroy their families, allow patients to suffer, and subvert democracy, all because we cannot tolerate a natural herb which has no fatal side effects, was used medically for thousands of years, and is less harmful and addictive than tobacco and alcohol. Our descendents may one day mock our folly. Sincerely, Christopher Jon Largen 213 Coronado #206 Denton, TX 76201 (940) 387-2361 jeb0030@unt.edu or lbmail@gte.net Chris Largen <jeb0030@unt.edu> Denton, TX USE - Sunday, November 29, 1998 at 09:51:02 (EST) I went to see a surgen today and he wants to take a biopsy of a lump on my right breast, close to my ribs. My birth grandmother died of breast cancer. I would like to hear from people. Need support. Thanks. Nancy Nasser-Marsh <Nassermarsh@cwix.com> Portland, OR - Thursday, November 26, 1998 at 02:13:41 (EST) This page really touched me. I came here expecting to stay for a couple of minutes for a health assignment ended staying all night reading the Cancer Quilt. My deepest regards and sympathy and most of all respect for all the women who have had to face this deadly disease Cancer. Even though I'm only 14 I think this page is great info and all the stories touched me. I hope I am as strong as all these women if a become a victim of this devil cancer. Melissa Smith <megasmit@nettrek.com.au> Perth, WA Australia - Wednesday, November 25, 1998 at 08:13:02 (EST) I'm 34 and I have just been diagnosed with breast cancer.I have infiltrating ductal carcinomas with lobular features:3areas in the right breast with in-situ carcinoma present.I'm afraid...& I feel for anyone going through this...please email me...I'm also on ICQ ...I'll be happy to give that # out as well. My prayers are with all those whose lives have been affected by cancer. This site is very helpful. Thank you Carrie <carrie.carvalho@snet.net> CT USA - Wednesday, November 25, 1998 at 07:08:17 (EST) My lovely wife Mamiko for 49 years old removed her left breast in June 1994 in which the cancer was found. It was the important operation to prevent spreading breast cancer cells to another parts of her body. It seemed to be complete operation and she gained her health again. Nevertheless cancers appeared in her breastbone and her lungs in August 1997. Then her surgeon began to treat chemical treatment. First treatment was done from September to December in 1997, this treatment was effective because her breast bone cancer became smaller, the surgeon recognized. Second was from this July to September. The name of the chemical medicine was TAXOTER which is latest new chemical medicine I heard. This treatment was failed, because some new strong cancers appeared in her lungs but the cancers on breastbone were diminished. Apparently, the second treatment failed. And now according to Surgeon's recommendation, ray treatment on breastbone began, but it is said that it's not effective on lung cancer. Surgeon says effective treatment for lungs are chemical but her white blood has now decreased extremely and he doesn't recommend those kinds of chemical method any more because it's very dangerous now. So that I think her lung cancer cells are spreading rapidly just now. Doctor says that lung cancer will have a possibility of losing her life in near future, and he has no effective way to save her life any more. Three weeks ago, her right hand has changed to be hardly movable and she can not write letters by herself , moreover grip power of her right hand has changed to be extremely weak I recognized. By the result of MRI check, it was revealed that her cancer cells had moved to her brain and planted, so that she has lost the control function of her right hand and right foot. It's very dangerous stage. Now she is trying to treat radioactive treatment simultaneously on her head. I think that the specific medicine will be appear in near future and now the best way of cancer treatment is to prolong patients' life as soon as possible at any cost, so they may have a chance to receive the blessing of the new medical treatment. The new medical treatment will bear in USA, I believe. Sincerely Youres Eiichiro Kakehashi address 303-311-17-1 katakuracho yokohama JAPAN tel 045-491-6038 E-mail e.kakehashi@crs.co.jp Patient: Mamiko Kakehashi eiichiro kakehashi <e.kakehashi@crs.co.jp> Yokohama, Japan - Tuesday, November 24, 1998 at 23:40:17 (EST) Kristy Hodgin <hodginkl@juno.com> Lawton, OK United States - Tuesday, November 24, 1998 at 17:42:56 (EST) Your website is a part of our breast cancer awareness project at the Univ. of Cincinnati College of Nursing. My fellow presenters (RN's finishing our BSN) thak you. Nancy Russo <nrusso@one.net> Cincinnat, OH 45249 - Monday, November 23, 1998 at 19:38:56 (EST) Hi, my mom is going to the hospital today to have a catscan. The doctors said that there is something wrong with her liver and breast. I am really scared of the outcomes...I am only 14, and have been doing a lot of research on breast and liver cancer. I am really scared that it will be cancer of the liver, and the outcomes of that aren't too good. It makes it even worse that both her liver, and breast have something wrong with it. Can you tell me of smaller diseases that might affect her liver or breast? I would be very thankfull for any information!! annabella <vanillagal_17@yahoo.com> San Diego, CA U.S. - Monday, November 23, 1998 at 14:13:58 (EST) jaclyn hardy fresno, ca. u.s.a - Saturday, November 21, 1998 at 23:55:18 (EST) My very best girlfriend, Jan, was just diagnosed yesterday with Breast Cancer. I have never been close to cancer anywhere in my family and friendship circle. I am not ignornat of it's rage against women, but am now more aware due to it's personal exposure in my life: I WILL indeed watch and learn and NOW, will join actively, the fight against it. Barb Kuzma <reeree@isd.net> Eagan, MN USA - Saturday, November 21, 1998 at 17:12:21 (EST) PATHOLOGY REPORT INCONCLUSIVE A SECOND BIOPSY WILL BE DONE IN TWO WEEKS 11/19/ GLORIA TYNDALL - Thursday, November 19, 1998 at 20:06:40 (EST) I am a three year survivor of breast cancer. I was diagnosed with an agressive tumour - estrogen fed - and two lymph nodes were attacked. I underwent chemo & radio and sailed through them both - to my amazement. What I have discovered the most throughout this ordeal is wonderful friendships that have come about, love of every day that I wake up, a stronger faith and the pure joy of a loving family. I am trying to give back what I have received by doing volunteer work with cancer patients that come from out of town to receive radio treatements - they give me so much more than I can give them. I would love to exchange with others who have gone through this. Sandy Thibodeau <micthibo@netrover.com> Brossard, QC Canada - Wednesday, November 18, 1998 at 21:13:14 (EST) Great info and personal accounts of real-life experiences. Keep up the good work! Mary Meade <meade.m@ghc.org> Seattle, WA USA - Wednesday, November 18, 1998 at 13:11:22 (EST) Thanks. Sherrie Lee-White <slee-wh@cctech.org> Shaw AFB, SC USA - Wednesday, November 18, 1998 at 08:16:28 (EST) May the cure be soon. Daina Bohr <dmbohr@iupui.edu> Indlpls., IN USA - Tuesday, November 17, 1998 at 20:23:29 (EST) Thank you Marianne Casey <casey@greene.xtn.net> Greeneville, TN usa - Tuesday, November 17, 1998 at 20:20:56 (EST) I thought I had the world in my hands, I had just graduated college, and was looking at facing the world as a new person, that is until on 11-16-98 I found out that I had breast cancer. I'm scared but as I see I am not alone hear. I read "8-10 women get breast cancer" why me, what did I do. I thank God for people like you that have taken the time to create these web sights for breast cancer patients and survivors. There is a cure out there, I believe and someone right now is mixing a formula for everyone of us out there. Chelsa Linnertz <one2kissu@hotmail.com> Phoenix, AZ - Monday, November 16, 1998 at 23:48:17 (EST) had changes in my breasts. Dr. says everything is fine, I don't believe him. Christine Miller <triplec@lanminds.net> Dacono, CO USA - Sunday, November 15, 1998 at 23:42:41 (EST) Justine Taylor near Sarnia, Ont. Canada - Sunday, November 15, 1998 at 17:34:39 (EST) so glad there is support out there im going thr alot of stress i have a breast lump and i have many scary deciding factors to deal with LINDA PAPPAS <vnusnstn@aol.com> salem, or usa - Sunday, November 15, 1998 at 17:06:30 (EST) Last year, 1997 I lost my sister to a type of breast cancer called cystosarcoma phyllodes tumor. I have been able to find very little information on this tumor, especially since it was malignant and had spread to her lymph nodes. After only 6 months following mastectomy, my sister succumed to the diseas at 56 years old. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who knows of anyone who has this type of breast cancer. It would be beneficial for the female members of my family to learn what they can about this rare form of breast cancer. We have not met one other person who has heard of this in a malignant form. Thank you. Sadie Durance <bdurance@sprint.ca> Toronto, ON Canada - Saturday, November 14, 1998 at 19:29:12 (EST) It has been one year since my two lumpectomies. I also had radiation which I completed last February. I feel good most of the time, still tire easily but I am so grateful to get on with my life. Even though it shall never be the same again, I treasure each day and have new perspective on "living". Keep sending in those words of encouragement. Patty Martindale <pmartin@valverde.edu> Perris, CA U.S.A. - Friday, November 13, 1998 at 19:11:02 (EST) Patty Martindale - Friday, November 13, 1998 at 19:01:04 (EST) It's almost 3 years since my lumpectomy and radiotherapy. I've stopped tamoxifen because I had too many side effects. I had been on HRT for 10 years and now have menopause/hot flushes and weight gain. It's no fund being 53, but at least I'm alive and kicking. sue whitaker <swhitaker@oxfordenglish.co.uk> oxford, uk - Friday, November 13, 1998 at 08:15:43 (EST) I am a seven year survivor of BMT for Inflamatory Breast Cancer. I am interested in hearing from other BMT survivors, an or Inframatory Breast Cancer patients. Zana Culpepper <zzsvcs@surfsouth.com> Meigs, GA Colquitt - Wednesday, November 11, 1998 at 15:26:14 (EST) My wife, Susan was diagnosed yesterday with Stage 1 Breast Cancer. I am just starting research. Thank you for your help. John Keedy <johnkeedy@netvalue.net> Glendale, AZ USA - Wednesday, November 11, 1998 at 03:11:43 (EST) I think this is wonderful on what you did. Tyatione Lyric Brown-Bailey Phila , PA Usa - Tuesday, November 10, 1998 at 10:56:04 (EST) Hello I appreciate you all taking out the time to help people like me. I have been a survivor for about 4 years. Thank you so much! With out you all I don't know where I would be today. Much Love Shavone Thames Shavone Thames Charlotte , NC - Tuesday, November 10, 1998 at 09:54:54 (EST) I enjoyed looking at all of the information that you have on your web page. Thank You Thank You so much! It has really helped me. Jennifer Brown Jennifer Brown Charlotte, NC - Tuesday, November 10, 1998 at 09:50:29 (EST) I am looking for information and/or statistics on preteens developing breast cancer. My girlfriends daughter is 12 and they just found a sac with around 9 lumps under her left breast and around 5 or 6 lumps in her right breast. The doctor also believes there are lumps under her left arm. I will accept any and all info and input on this that you can give me. I am perplexed, her mother is terrified! So much so, she has not talked to her about this yet. Pray for us at this time.Thanks Georgianna <gmburk01@aye.net> Louisville, KY United States - Tuesday, November 10, 1998 at 00:04:33 (EST) jenni <haisu.tm.net.my> kuala lumpur, malaysia - Monday, November 09, 1998 at 22:03:48 (EST) Thank you....I am working on a presentation on breast cancer, and I needed info. on after you've been diagnosed -- like the mastectomy, radiation treatment and chemo. I'll be e-mailing your also. Annette Novakoski <annette@accesscomm.net> Houston, TX USA - Sunday, November 08, 1998 at 21:59:24 (EST) I have bi-lateral breast cancer. I just completed the second of two lumpectomies and will be starting chemotherapy this Friday. I especially found your section on chemotherapy and its side-effects very informative. I am now trying to decide if Tamoxifen is the right way to go as far as preventative medication is concerned. I have done much research about it and I find the side-effects to be frightening. I have been trying to search for alternative medicine or natural treatments to take the place of Tamoxifen. If you have any information in regard to this, please feel free to e-mail me. Thank you Jeanette Cocozello <jet3@gate.net> Palm City, FL USA - Sunday, November 08, 1998 at 19:43:02 (EST) Charlene Fernandes - Friday, November 06, 1998 at 22:59:12 (EST) I am involved in a 10 year Breast Cancer Research Study group with Dr. Norman Boyd at Princess Margaret Hospital. I am also building a web-page (Personal) as part of a college project. I am looking for links to place on my web page to give others information about Breast Cancer. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you. Heather Shay <hmshay@hotmail.com> Toronto, Ont. Canada - Thursday, November 05, 1998 at 12:53:55 (EST) I am a three year breast cancer survivor. I was diagnosed when I was 29yrs old. I had three months of chemo and I am expecting my first baby on Feb. 14th. Thank you for this inspirational website. Marie <hpair5> West Palm Beach, FL US - Tuesday, November 03, 1998 at 21:15:34 (EST) Diagnosed 2 2/1 weeks ago with DCIS. Have had a lumpectomy and waiting final pathology results. Would enjoy hearing from others in similar situation. Karen Bloomfield <ksb2w@virginia.edu> Charlottesville, Va. USA - Tuesday, November 03, 1998 at 14:50:05 (EST) I would like to review the events that have brought me to write this letter. My mother June H. Nelson (age 63) was diagnosed with breast cancer approximately 12 years ago. The breast cancer had some nodal involvement and was receptor negative at that time. Mrs. Nelson underwent a lumpectomy, chemotherapy (CMF) and radiation. For the past 12 years Mrs. Nelson has been the pinnacle of health, she is a non-smoker, slim build and very active. Approximately 2 years ago Dr. David Decker an oncologist (of Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak, MI) decided to conduct a case study, and prescribed PREMPRO. In July 98, Mrs. Nelson had a chest x-ray (due to shortness of breath) which showed the lungs had been comprised, quite extensively I might add. The radiology report indicated the prognosis was most likely cancer and that further tests were recommended. June Nelson immediately set an appointment with Dr. David Decker, which I attended along with my entire family. Dr. Decker stated it did not look like cancer and Mrs. Nelson did not fit the profile for reoccurrence, and suggested it was probably viral, but further tests would be necessary. After a cat-scan (inconclusive), broncoscopy (inconclusive), and finally an open lung biopsy (all performed at St. Johns Oakland Hospital), it was determined both lungs and the chest wall had been severely infiltrated with metastatic breast cancer. Mrs. Nelson has begun treatment with Dr. Berkovic (of St. John Oakland Hospital Madison Heights, MI). Mrs. Nelsons treatment includes doxorubicin, paclitaxel, and tamoxifen because Mrs. Nelson is now receptor positive. The purpose of my letter is that I need anyone with similar experience to write me. I have been able to do extensive research via mostly the internet regarding metastatic breast cancer. To my surprise (and severe disappointment) I believe that the PREMPRO prescribed by Dr. Decker was the only possible cause for such a rapid onset of the metastatic breast cancer. PREMPRO is contraindicated by the manufacturer, contraindicated by every oncologist I’ve spoken to, and contraindicated by every research paper I have read. I believe the public with prior breast or ovarian cancer need to be aware that ERT can double the likelihood of reoccurrence. What do you think? Sincerely, David B. Collins David B. Collins <mrproperty@aol.com> Troy, MI USA - Tuesday, November 03, 1998 at 10:18:10 (EST) Mark Fontenot <mfontenot@eatel.net> Lafayette , La USA - Monday, November 02, 1998 at 22:31:11 (EST) jenny green Du Quoin, Il USA - Monday, November 02, 1998 at 10:28:20 (EST) |