Guestbook
In 1994 my 50 year old mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She survived, but only after the full realm of treatments and 3 long years. I am 38 years old now and my interest in preventative measures for myself and younger sisters is growing daily. What do any of you recommend? This is the second time I'm signing the GuestBook. I signed back in Aug 98. I just wanted to say that I am free and clear of Cancer. I completed my treatments as of Jan. 1998 was very rough, but I made it and am living my life again. I prayed a lot and still continue to pray a lot! I had my first yearly mammogram of my right breast - everything was fine. I go for my first round of testing 3/29 (pulminary function test, CT Scan, blood work, etc) and then again in Sept. U of Chicago will be following my progress twice a year for the next 5 years. I am feeling wonderful, working again, my kids are now 6 and 7 and things are back to normal. FINALLY! HANG IN THERE, KEEP THE FAITH, STAY STRONG, THERE IS AN END IN SIGHT, DON'T GIVE UP - GOD BLESS YOU!!!!!! Lisa Kuipers <lmkuipers@webtvlnet> Mokena, IL USA - Wednesday, March 17, 1999 at 17:16:14 (EST) I am now four weeks recovering from a left masectomy due to invasive intradutal carcinoma. But under that they found another form of cancer, a moderately differentiated infiltrating adeno carcinoma that I will begin receiving chemo for soon. I go in the morning, 03/18/99 to receive a port for the treatments. Please anoyone who reads this just pray for my God to give me strength to go through the many weeks ahead. I also pray for each of you for whatever you need at this time in your life. LaDonna Pritchett <hdglass@bellsouth.net> Alpharetta, Ga USA - Wednesday, March 17, 1999 at 16:07:43 (EST) I think this is a wonderful thing, to be able to talk with others who have gone this road ahead, or just to be able to compare, making sure we are getting the proper help we need. joanie petrisko <petrisko@surfshop.net> Barnesboro, PA USA - Wednesday, March 17, 1999 at 11:09:22 (EST) My mom was diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer in November 1998. She has now completed 4 Treatments of Adriamyacin and Cytoxan and very strong Chemo. along with the chemo she has changed her diet, she now eats only vegies and fruit aslong with fish,chicken that is organically grown and is taking a large amount of vitamins and herbs. The cancer that was in in her lung is completly gone the spots on her liver and the cancer in her right breast is 75% gone. She is going to have a double modified radical mastectomy on 3/19/99. She will have to go through some radiation and a stem cell transplant but we are very pleased and excited with her progress. We researched how vitamins and diet can prevent and stop cancer and now we believe that it is possible. If anyone is interested in what she has done with her diet and the vitamins I would love to talk to you. Lori Glenn <jlgroperbwn.net> Roggen, CO USA - Tuesday, March 16, 1999 at 20:53:19 (EST) I came here to see if I could by myself figure out what's that strange zit-look-a-like thing on my left breast. Pray to God it ain't cancer because if it is, then my life is going to be ruined... I am only 20 years old... No one deserves a thing like that... ever. What I am asking for is some advice on what that might be and what I can do to get rid of it. I squeezed it and something yellowish-white came out of it, but it's too big to be just a normal zit... and it's close to the nipple... Please, if you've got some pictures of what breast cancer might look like, send them to me... And last but not least, I wanna wish good luck to everyone and God bless you all. love:Gergana Gergana <lesmis_@hotmail.com> Vantaa, Finland - Tuesday, March 16, 1999 at 17:37:38 (EST) I just finished treatment in Feb. for stage III breast cancer and am now in the wait see mode. I am taking Tamoxifin with no side effects! I think this is a great website for exchanging info. Jami Buck <jab76@aol.com> Frederick, MD America - Tuesday, March 16, 1999 at 17:32:12 (EST) Great Website! I've just had a biopsy/lumpectomy. Path report says "Nonspecific periductal chronic inflammation w/ focal marked intraductal hyperplasia; negitive for malignancy." That was for left breast leasion. And "mild fibrocystic change w/moderate intraductal hyperplasia. Nonspecific perilobular & periductal chronci inflammation." Doc says wait a year, have a mam, wait & keep an eye on it. Any advice? Should I get a second opion? An oncologist maybe? It's all new to me. Help? :) Dee <virtual@xyz.net> Homer, AK USA - Tuesday, March 16, 1999 at 04:19:21 (EST) I am going through my second battle with mestatic breast cancer. It has moved to my lungs. Would appreciate any information on adriomycin and stem cell replacement that anyone would be willing to share. Thank You. Gaye Tyler <bgsbt@juno.com> Mt. Washington, KY - Tuesday, March 16, 1999 at 03:58:41 (EST) A very informative web site... I am looking for information on Herzeptine which is an experimental drug on clinical trial in Los Angeles at this point. I would be grateful for any information you or your guests could furnish. Sincerely, Helga Helga Lueth <cflueth@beeline.ca> Orangeville, ON Canada - Sunday, March 14, 1999 at 17:32:28 (EST) - Sunday, March 14, 1999 at 02:15:02 (EST) i really need information on tamoxifen. i have been taking it for 7 weeks and i feel odd. i don't know how to discribe the feel. thanks. cecilia cecilia <cecitw@aol.com> ca - Sunday, March 14, 1999 at 02:12:46 (EST) Ten days ago, I wrote in a very anxious state because I had just learned I needed a stereotactic breast biopsy. I'm more thankful than I can say to learn that the biopsy was benign; but for any of you who are facing the stereotactic biopsy for the first time, I wanted to tell just a little about how that was. The hospital staff involved were all so understanding and kind, explaining everything fully beforehand. They know this is such a fairly new experience for most people, and they realize the nervousness on the part of the patient. I've never had an open biopsy, but I can just imagine how much easier the stereotactic type is for the patient! I can honestly say there was no pain--just an uncomfortable feeling very briefly, and that was probably more just from my mind's image of what was happening. You need to lie completely still for between 45 minutes and an hour, and it wasn't the MOST comfortable thing, but really was not horrible. One nurse talked to me through most of the time, and it really helped distract my mind. It was over before I knew it. After the local anesthetic wore off later that day, there was the usual soreness, but nothing that Extra Strength Tylenol didn't relieve. Even the initial injection of the numbing agent for the procedure was not bad at all, which surprised me. To all of you who are suffering and coping with breast cancer, you have my deepest compassion and prayers. God bless you all, and thank you to Carol and Stan for providing this wonderful place to turn for support. Carol Stange <stange@wichita.infi.net> Wichita, KS USA - Saturday, March 13, 1999 at 14:19:41 (EST) LAbsolutely great website.four years cancer free.an experience that has altered my life,and i'm happy to have the opportunity to console and encourage those of you who are depressed or scared,i work full time,have four children,am married and life really does go on. Sarah <jskitsmi@yahoo.com> West Union, OH United States - Friday, March 12, 1999 at 11:45:10 (EST) I love your website. Tessa <tessababes@yahoo.com> S.Lake Tahoe, CA USA - Thursday, March 11, 1999 at 18:44:15 (EST) we are doing a project on Breast Cancer and your page was very colorful and informative thanks anyway! Check ya later! Jessie&Katy;&Kelly; <no way jose> leth, ab canada - Thursday, March 11, 1999 at 11:57:17 (EST) Your web site helped me alot becuse I had to do a report in Science on breast cancer and now that I know alot about it I am going do my senior project on it Heather Ludwig Jersey Shore, Pa USA - Thursday, March 11, 1999 at 11:01:15 (EST) I AM A HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT AND YOUR WEB SITE HELPED ME OUT A LOT WITH A BIOLOGY PROJECT I DID ON BREAST CANCER. THANK YOU DEBRA GALLEA DUNDAS, MN AMERICA - Wednesday, March 10, 1999 at 18:51:33 (EST) I WISH EVERYONE THE BEST OF LUCK. I HOPE YOU CAN LIVE YOUR LIVES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT. Dani Curry <jrc@sosbbs.com> Towanda, PA UNITED STATES - Wednesday, March 10, 1999 at 18:24:31 (EST) Greetings from Australia and the Anti-Cancer Council of Victoria. We came onto your page looking at creative ways of providing information and support for women with breast cancer. Its a terrific page. Sheila Hirst <shirst@accv.org.au> Australia - Wednesday, March 10, 1999 at 17:51:22 (EST) I had a masectomy this past July and started taking tamoxifin 13days ago. I would be interested in hearing from anyone who is also taking this drug. I am interested in both the bad (side effects) as well as the good things about the drug. Sandy <MDG400@aol.com> Commack, NY - Wednesday, March 10, 1999 at 16:22:04 (EST) I'm thinking of all of you in your times of need. God bless all of you and keep the faith Leesa Lepore <Eash013> Royal Oak , Mi U.S.A - Wednesday, March 10, 1999 at 09:16:36 (EST) MY DOCTOR JUST TOLD ME TODAY THAT I HAVE TO HAVE A BIOPSY DONE, SOMEBODY PLEASE TELL ME WHAT THEY DO WHEN THEY BIOPSY , I'M SCEHDULED TO MEET WITH THE GENERAL SURGEON FRIDAY MARCH12TH. I AM REALLY UPSET AND SCARED I DON'T WANT THIS DISEASE, I KNOW NONE OF THE REST OF YOU DID EITHER, PLEASE SOMEBODY SEND ME SOME INFO. GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF YOU AND I TRULEY WISH THE BEST TO ALL OF YOU AND GOD BLESS! SHIRLEY MCCOMIS <MSSAMINC@JEFFERSONENERGY.COM> LOUISVILLE, GA USA - Tuesday, March 09, 1999 at 20:24:30 (EST) Hi, I just brought my wife home from the hospital where we found out that the two tumors we thought (*hoped*) were fibroids were in fact both malignant. We had our third child one year ago, and my wife had been breast feeding up until the holidays. One of the tumors was the size of a twinkie, the other a golf ball. The doctor told us that it was infiltrating ductal carcinoma, and recommended double radical masectomies. She has two lumps under her armpit and they are going to check those when they do the masectomy. Is radical the way to go? What is the mortality rate? I need to know. We meet with the doctor tommorow to discuss, do I want to let him inform my wife immediately or after treatment? Chris. Chris Terp <chris@autosupersale.com> Eden Prairie, MN USA - Tuesday, March 09, 1999 at 18:11:55 (EST) Doing research for a friend. I hope I can find some answers here. Kathie Norris <kathiebrad@yahoo.com> Katy, Tx USA - Tuesday, March 09, 1999 at 17:12:58 (EST) My Mother-in-law had both breasts removed ten years ago then 2 years later had a tumor removed from under here arm. We thought everything was ok till dec 98 when I took her in to the hospital for almost fainting. They kept her a week and released her. Jan. 99 she went for a medical appointment and they hospitalized her, two days later I was told she had stage 4 breast cancer. She had to have a complete hysterectomy and her stomach lining removed. For years she had massive fluid in her stomach area and they never told us what it was. Now she has had one 5 hour chemo treatment and the fluid has not come back but her hair has all fell out and she is very weak. I'm worried about her and if we should get a second opionion for her. Lisa Bowden <www.lisa0905.aol.comm> Richmond Hill, NY 11418 - Tuesday, March 09, 1999 at 15:57:08 (EST) My mother was diagnosed with infiltrating ductal carcinoma and since Oct. has had a lumpectomy, more surgery and then a masectomy. She is undergoing 6 mos. of chemo. I asked her to ask her DR. why she was not being treated with tamoxifin ans she said he said it was not used for her kind of Ca. Is this correct??? Paula Gregory <ppgreg@parknet.pmh.org> Carrollton, TX USA - Tuesday, March 09, 1999 at 14:06:43 (EST) I just found out yesterday that I have breast cancer. I'm looking to find a crash course to educate myself about breast cancer. Vicki Gurney <torie@nmsua.nmsu.edu> Alamogordo, NM, M USA - Tuesday, March 09, 1999 at 11:15:25 (EST) You are all in my thoughts & prayers. Erica Sargent <bsargent @ ultranet.com> Leominster, MA USA - Monday, March 08, 1999 at 17:19:47 (EST) My mother has advanced Breast Cancer, was diagnosed 2 years ago. This site is really good for background information.Keep up the good work Stan and Carol. Kari Knutson <knutson.kg@xtra.co.nz> ChCh, New Zealand - Sunday, March 07, 1999 at 21:48:12 (EST) Mary H. Graham <johnmary@net1inc.net> Atmore, AL USA - Sunday, March 07, 1999 at 21:39:58 (EST) Hello, I appreciate all the work you have put into this site. I am currently experiencing chemo and radiation. I had a lumpectomy and 8 lymph nodes out on Oct. 30, 98. They got a clear margin around the lump and the lymph nodes were not affected. I am interested in corresponding with women going through chemo and radiation at the same time. I would also be interested in a chat room about breast cancer. It is a difficult journey that will hopefully have a good destination. Lynne Lynne Porter <porthut@idirect.com> On Canada - Sunday, March 07, 1999 at 17:36:27 (EST) My mother-in-law was just diagnosed with Inflamatory Breast Cancer a week ago.This type is more aggressive and unlike most breast cancer, if you have current specific information about Infamatory Breast Cancer please e-mail us and let us know about it , we will be at this address until October 99. (i.e. books, web sites, support groups ect...) Thank You ! Sheryl Watkins <nswatkins@interquest.de> Kansas City, Mo. USA - Sunday, March 07, 1999 at 04:56:45 (EST) A friend of mine has advanced breast caner. Your sight has given me hope that she could survive. She seems to have some of her hope back and has started the war against this monster with no mercy. We all hope she will win. Once again thanks for your site. Mark <aaron@alaweb.com> Opp, Al USA - Saturday, March 06, 1999 at 17:45:39 (EST) HI. MY WIFE JUST WENT THROUGH A MASTECTOMY AND RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY LAST MONTH. HER NAME IS AIMEE. HER RECOVERY IS GOING WELL. FRED MINKLE <MINKLE@PHILLIB.NET> KOREA - Friday, March 05, 1999 at 00:23:26 (EST) Jane Smith <sfmini@yahoo.com> Mt. Airy, NC USA - Thursday, March 04, 1999 at 21:58:02 (EST) I am going through chemotherapy,have had five ,five more to go,am on temoxifin .I would like to hear from people in same situation. My leasion was two cm.& had three nodes positive. VIPULA SURANA <SSURANA@EROLS.COM> AVENEL, NJ USA - Thursday, March 04, 1999 at 19:12:31 (EST) Thankyou for the great site.. It has been very helpful. If anyone has info regarding.. cancer recurrance in the lymph node of the breast removed.. And if chemo and radiation are perscribed what is the prognosis for the patient.. I would really appreciate this information.. Thankyou. ALLY 7RN <Ally7RN@aol.com> - Thursday, March 04, 1999 at 18:41:03 (EST) men get breast cancer also. jeff ramos <PrncssLo@aol.com> denver, co usa - Thursday, March 04, 1999 at 10:01:09 (EST) I'm hoping someone out there can give me some positive thoughts to hold onto in the coming weeks. Three weeks ago, I had my second annual mammographic finding of "calcifications." Last year when I had this, a follow-up magnification view failed to see the calcifications in question. This year, there are more calcifications, same side, and the fact that they're coarse in appearance and more localized to one spot rather than spread throughout makes the radiologist and my doctor both feel that a stereotactic breast biopsy should be my next step. I have to wait a whole week now just to have that done, then will probably take 5 or 6 more days until I get the results of that biopsy! I think the waiting is the worst part. In the meantime, has anyone out there had similar findings that yielded benign results? I know there are a few benign reasons possible for these calcifications, but the anxiety of not knowing is about get the best of me! The radiologist told me that sometimes the ones that LOOK suspicious do end up being benign. I would so appreciate any encouragement from anyone who was told they had suspicious-looking calcifications that did turn out benign on biopsy. I know there are no guarantees, but holding onto those positive thoughts can sometimes help get you through the waiting period. Also, would love to hear any positive comments on the stereotactic biopsy experience?? My calcifications are located fairly deep and behind the areola, which sounds like it could be difficult to get to? I'm VERY anxiety ridden about this, and want to thank you for this website and any help that any of you can offer. You all have my deepest admiration for your strength and courage, and God bless you all. Carol Stange <stange@wichita.infi.net> Wichita, KS USA - Wednesday, March 03, 1999 at 14:08:30 (EST) I am doing research on breast cancer and your web site is terrific! Patty <abbygail@bc.sympatico.ca> Cranbrook, BC Canada - Tuesday, March 02, 1999 at 15:54:33 (EST) My wife has been chemotherapy last week. Now she already one cycle get arest for 14 days. I want to ask what kind of medicine or drugs to help her, because a blood lab give information about lecosyte 1100, and low thrombocyte, haemoglobine 10500. if you dont mind, please sent to us the latest information to help her. Thanks alot. Sincerelly yours, Harry. Harry Soedigno <dkv@elga.net.id> Bandung, Indonesia - Tuesday, March 02, 1999 at 06:06:21 (EST) Shared Experience is a collection of first hand accounts by cancer patients and the people who love and care for them. Our goal is to gather hundreds of thousands of stories in a searchable database and make them freely available on the World Wide Web. There is an almost overwhelming amount of medical and technical information about cancer treatment on the Internet: MEDLINE, Cancerlit and PDQ databases, medical school and research organizations, pharmaceutical web sites, as well as "for the layman" attempts to describe the disease and its treatment. Shared Experience focuses on a different area. Because this is a collection of experiences told in the first person, there is alot of "Quality of Life" and "how I reacted to the treatment" type information. Terry Halsey's Shared Experience <terry@sharedexperience.com> new york city, ny usa - Sunday, February 28, 1999 at 22:24:52 (EST) I have Invasive Ductal Carcinoma stage three in my left Breast and am looking for more info on this type of cancer. Margot Harker <rick_harker@bc.sympatico.ca> Vancouver, BC Canada - Sunday, February 28, 1999 at 19:29:49 (EST) OOPS MY EMAIL ADDRESS FOR TRACEY IN DENVER IS FLYMIESTER@MINDSPING.COM - Sunday, February 28, 1999 at 18:49:11 (EST) I WAS TOLD I HAVE THICKING IN MY LEFT BREST BUT NOT TO WORRY BUT STILL AM SHOULD I BE?IM 35 NO HISTORY IN MY FAMILY tracey <wwwfltmiester@mindsprings.com> denver, co usa - Sunday, February 28, 1999 at 18:47:09 (EST) I WAS DIAGNOISED WITH R BREAST CANCER MARCH OF 97'. MY LUMP WAS 2CM WITH 3 NODES POSITIVE.I HAD A MASECTOMY DONE WITH 25 NODES REMOVED. CHEMO FOLLOWED. NOW MY DOCTOR WANTS ME TO TAKE TAMOXEFIN.I HAVE FAERS OF DEVELOPING UTERIN CANCER FROM TAMOXEFIN. AND ACCORDING TO MY DOCTOR THE INCIDENCE OF DEVELOPING UTERIN CANCER IS UP FROM 0.7% TO 1.3%.AT PRESENT I AM TAKING HERBS TO BUILD UP MY IMMUNE SYSTEM. I NEED FEED BACK ABOUT THE OVER ALL POSITIVE EFFECTS OF TAMOXEFIN. THANKS. SANDERS DETROIT, - Saturday, February 27, 1999 at 02:46:24 (EST) I had a mastectomy Jan 12, 1995. Have had reconstruction. I am on Tamoxifin. Would like anyones feedback on Tamoxifin. Sue Comen <lcomen@snet.net> Trumbull, CT USA - Friday, February 26, 1999 at 19:24:52 (EST) I am a BREAST CANCER survivor for the past Nine years. I had a Lumpectomy, chemo, and last but not least radiation. I hated every minute durning this process of treatment, but I real thankful for each day of life , that GOD has given. lpequena <lpequena@excite.com> Woodland, CA - Friday, February 26, 1999 at 12:51:51 (EST) I just had a reoccurence of breast cancer after 18 yrs very unsual but likly my oncologist tells me. I had a thickning on my scalp and when biopsy came back it was a reoccurence of my cancer 18yrs ago. I didn't have any lympnocdes with cancer at that time so I didn't have to have treatments I was very fortunate since this reoccurence I was floored. I am on tamoxfin and have to take radiation to the scalp where the cancer was I have to have 20 radiation treatments. I will only loose a circle of hair I will have a bald spot oh well I will get me a wiglet. I enjoyed the guestbook. Jeanette Richardson Williamsburg, KY Whitley - Friday, February 26, 1999 at 08:24:04 (EST) In 1988 had a radical masectomy at Sloan Kettering, followed by chemotherapy CAF as the cancer had spread to the 3rd level lymph nodes and through the blood system. I thank God that I was sent to S.K. by my local doctor and followed through with the treatment. Elise C. Hornbeck <ehornbec@tvcs.mhrcc.org> Grahamsville, NY USA - Thursday, February 25, 1999 at 20:07:42 (EST) I was diagnosed with BC in May 1998, praise God my lymphnodes were clear. I had 6 months of chemo and radiation and am now taking tomaxifin. I'd like more information about it, does anyone know where I can attain info? Sharron Lea Reed <treed@crbenefits.com> Temecula, CA USA - Thursday, February 25, 1999 at 13:15:22 (EST) I am a four and a half year survivor of stage 111 breast cancer. I am 45 years old and went through 4 rounds of chemo, followed by stem cell bone marrow transplant and radiation. I thank God each day for health each day. God bless each of my "partners in crime" or fellow survivors! Fran DiBiase Fran H. DiBiase <bushwoy@infoave.net> Camden, SC America - Tuesday, February 23, 1999 at 18:41:44 (EST) Wonderful web site ! What I would really like is a chat room for women with breast cancer .Anyone know of one ? Ursula Eissner <eissner@mb.sympatico.ca> Souris, MB Canada - Tuesday, February 23, 1999 at 16:36:10 (EST) I do not have breast cancer but have had my left breast removed because of fibroid cyst. Now my right breast is producing tumors that are not fibroid cyst yet they are still not cancerous. I am facing my 29th surgery in the next couple of weeks. I have been on the tamoxifin off and on for the past 6 years it helps to slow the growth of the tumors and helps to ease the pain. Right now as I wait for surgery I am in horrrible pain my breast feels like it is on fire, has any one else ever experienced this kind of pain?? This is a new feeling to me. I am 40 years old and have been having breast problems since I was 30. Any feed back would be helpful. Genine Larson <randy@fn.net> wichita , ks sedg - Saturday, February 20, 1999 at 21:48:44 (EST) I am 42 years old. I was first diagnosed with stage 11 breast cancer when I was 36. I had a lumpectomy ,radiation and was put on Tamoxifen. Last year I was diagnosed with metastic cancer with two umors being located. One near my chest wall and the other under my arm. I received CAF ,then I underwent a bone marrow transplant, then radiation. I am doing great, but I would like to get more information from others who have had a bone marrow (peripherl stem) transplant about long term side effects and follow-up. I have great fear of another recurrance. I live in a small town with no support groups. Thanks, Jill Lazarus Jill Lazarus <laz@surfsouth.com.> Moultrie, GA usa - Saturday, February 20, 1999 at 18:16:08 (EST) Was diagnosed with Infiltrative Ductal Carcinoma in Sept 1998. I had a lumpectomy in October where the tumor and clear margins were removed. They did a sentinel node biopsy and I only lost the first node as it was negative. I have had 4 rounds of Adriamycin and Cytoxan which I tolerated very well, praise the Lord. I have had one round so far of Taxol and despite the neuropathy which follows a few days after treatment, I am doing well. Of course, I am bald and hate that. What really gets me is my eyelashes being so sparse! After Taxol I have 5-1/2 weeks of radiation and then I am expecting to live a cancer-free life. I am a vegan most of the time. I believe that prayer is a powerful weapon against this disease and always send out prayer requests before I have chemo. I am 44 and a single mom and would enjoy corresponding with others who have walked down this path. God bless you all. Linda <catlady@stage1.net> FL USA - Saturday, February 20, 1999 at 18:06:37 (EST) I was diagnosed with breast cancer May,1998 and have had a lumpectomy with radiation. now I am on tamoxifin for 5 years. Does anyone have any feedback on being on tamoxifin for that long? mabel bryden <aljtiki@ns.sympatico.ca> halifax, ns canada - Saturday, February 20, 1999 at 15:27:42 (EST) I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCER EIGHT MONTHS AGO. HAD A LUMPECTOMY, CHEMOTHERAPY AND AM NEARLY AT THE END OF MY RADIOTHERAPY. WILL THEN KEEP MY FINGERS CROSSED AND HOPE THAT I WILL BE O.K. IT IS GREAT TO READ STORIES FROM OTHER WOMEN AROUND THE WORLD. maureen brisbane , australia - Friday, February 19, 1999 at 20:28:38 (EST) |