It’s been quite a while since I’ve popped up on these boards, so I just wanted to swing by, say hi to everyone, and send nothing but the absolute best vibes your way! My mom, who has been battling breast cancer, is actually doing stable right now, and we’re just waiting on her next checkup later this month—fingers crossed for some great news... We're staying optimistic! Honestly, I really hope that becoming a grandmother in just a few days will give her that extra boost of strength and keep her spirits high. That’s part of the reason I’ve been a bit quiet lately; during my pregnancy, I really wanted to take a break from thinking about all those heavy, difficult days we went through... Sending so much love to you all! Kisses
Home ›
Carol Sanchez2 › Posts
Posts by Carol Sanchez2
85 posts shown.
Breast Cancer
It’s almost been a full year since my mom had her surgery. She’s been through the whole gauntlet—chemotherapy, radiation, and now she’s on hormone therapy. She’s been doing every single checkup under the sun, and so far, everything has looked great. But then, she tells me today that she felt some kind of lump on the side where she had the surgery. I honestly don't know what to think; I'm desperately hoping it’s just some sort of swelling or scar tissue from all those heavy medications, but what if it isn't? What if we have to go back to square one? It’s enough to make you lose your mind! And to top it all off, she hasn't even been able to get an ultrasound for that area yet because her doctor is being absolutely impossible about squeezing her into a slot. Doctors always say the same things, like "just be patient," "wait a little longer," "we need to run more tests first," blah, blah, blah... but this might be the most critical test of them all. I’m terrified because her cancer was quite large, and the statistics suggest there's a higher risk of recurrence... I know, I know, people say you shouldn't look at the statistics, but...
It’s almost been a full year since my mom had her surgery. She’s been through the whole gauntlet—chemotherapy, radiation, and now she’s on hormone therapy. She’s been doing every single checkup under the sun, and so far, everything has looked great. But then, she tells me today that she felt some kind of lump on the side where she had the surgery. I honestly don't know what to think; I'm desperately hoping it’s just some sort of swelling or scar tissue from all those heavy medications, but what if it isn't? What if we have to go back to square one? It’s enough to make you lose your mind! And to top it all off, she hasn't even been able to get an ultrasound for that area yet because her doctor is being absolutely impossible about squeezing her into a slot. Doctors always say the same things, like "just be patient," "wait a little longer," "we need to run more tests first," blah, blah, blah... but this might be the most critical test of them all. I’m terrified because her cancer was quite large, and the statistics suggest there's a higher risk of recurrence... I know, I know, people say you shouldn't look at the statistics, but...
cosmicridge5 said:Thank you all so much for the support—I’ve honestly been flooded with private messages from people on this thread, you guys are seriously wonderful, everyone is just so 🙂)
I totally broke down last night... I can manage to get through the day, but then evening rolls around, everything goes quiet, and that's when it hits me...
Dad is doing a bit better today 🙂
Honey, you are so incredibly strong! Your words really prove that, because you’re seeing everything for what it is—you understand your upbringing, both the good parts and the messy bits, and you're facing the reality of Dad's health head-on. I've been right there in your shoes, feeling like I was living under a glass dome, and once Mom got sick, I suddenly realized just how fragile everything actually is. Mom and Dad are my absolute rock in this life, and the thought that one day they won't be here...
The fact that you can step back and see the big picture like this just shows how much grit you have!!! Better days are coming, I promise, but until then, I am sending you so much strength. You aren't alone in this, not by a long shot!🙂
Hey, I honestly think our best move is just to tune out Emilli and indigo22 entirely! Angela Wright — you gave them such a stellar response, seriously, you are always our absolute rock!!!! 🙂 Anyway, let’s get back to what really matters... checking in on the health of our loved ones.
Nancy Hernandez43, I’m feeling a little scattered right now and I can't quite remember if you already posted about how Mom's checkup went or if she hasn't had it yet? There are just so many posts flying by that I lose my place sometimes! Maybe it would be a super helpful idea if we all included the specific type of cancer in the thread title? It would save me from having to scroll back through old posts just to figure out what everyone is talking about, since having that quick reminder right there in the subject line would be so much easier. Or am I just being forgetful? 😵
Nancy Hernandez43, I’m feeling a little scattered right now and I can't quite remember if you already posted about how Mom's checkup went or if she hasn't had it yet? There are just so many posts flying by that I lose my place sometimes! Maybe it would be a super helpful idea if we all included the specific type of cancer in the thread title? It would save me from having to scroll back through old posts just to figure out what everyone is talking about, since having that quick reminder right there in the subject line would be so much easier. Or am I just being forgetful? 😵
Sandra Martin60 said:Hey there, wonderful people! I don't find myself popping onto Reddit very often, but I really wanted to reach out because I have just one single question for everyone here... If someone were to tell you that a cure actually exists, and that things like chemotherapy aren't even necessary, and that a person doesn't have to go through all that suffering, what would your reaction be? What would you do?
Don't you feel a little bit uneasy even bringing up a question like that? 😠
Grace Fowler - seriously, you just made my entire day!!!!🙂
Elizabeth Gonzalez55- huge congratulations on the little one!!!! Your baby is truly the best medicine there is!
electrictinker40 - I know everything probably feels like a complete whirlwind right now, but that initial shock will definitely wear off, and once things settle, you can just take it one clear-headed step at a time. Just look at the situation for what it really is, be her biggest cheerleader, and try to keep those positive vibes flowing!! There is absolutely no giving up!!
electrictinker40 - I know everything probably feels like a complete whirlwind right now, but that initial shock will definitely wear off, and once things settle, you can just take it one clear-headed step at a time. Just look at the situation for what it really is, be her biggest cheerleader, and try to keep those positive vibes flowing!! There is absolutely no giving up!!
Dina, Welcome and here is a huge high-five!
I am so bummed I missed the feature on the Association, but please, please make sure you upload it to the website so the rest of us can catch up and watch it! Seriously, major props to you all!
I am so bummed I missed the feature on the Association, but please, please make sure you upload it to the website so the rest of us can catch up and watch it! Seriously, major props to you all!
The One!;12448390 said:My mom passed away this morning at 10:05, just three and a half months after her diagnosis... Even though I'm going to miss her terribly and I know I'll
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss! Please find some peace in knowing you were right there by her side through everything. I always like to say in times like these that your mother will continue to live on through you.
Hey everyone!
So, I spent the day with my mom today—she’s been fighting breast cancer—and we just finished up her follow-up appointment, and honestly, everything looks great so far! This was actually our very first check-in since she wrapped up her treatment just a few days ago. Her tumor markers are all within the normal range, and none of the other scans showed any signs of metastasis, which is such a relief. She has to head back in two months for more testing, but for now, we are just celebrating this win and keeping our chins up... We definitely know that from here on out, her life is going to be a constant cycle of doctor visits and scans, though. Just to give you some context, she was at Stage III with lymph node involvement, so it feels like the therapy really did its job. I am just praying so hard that there won't be a recurrence...🙂 I still have this lingering, heavy feeling in my chest, though, where I can't help but worry that something might be lurking in the shadows; it’s scary, and I know we're entering this phase of month-to-month waiting, just hoping against hope that every single result comes back clear. Sending kisses to you all, we aren't giving up!😉
So, I spent the day with my mom today—she’s been fighting breast cancer—and we just finished up her follow-up appointment, and honestly, everything looks great so far! This was actually our very first check-in since she wrapped up her treatment just a few days ago. Her tumor markers are all within the normal range, and none of the other scans showed any signs of metastasis, which is such a relief. She has to head back in two months for more testing, but for now, we are just celebrating this win and keeping our chins up... We definitely know that from here on out, her life is going to be a constant cycle of doctor visits and scans, though. Just to give you some context, she was at Stage III with lymph node involvement, so it feels like the therapy really did its job. I am just praying so hard that there won't be a recurrence...🙂 I still have this lingering, heavy feeling in my chest, though, where I can't help but worry that something might be lurking in the shadows; it’s scary, and I know we're entering this phase of month-to-month waiting, just hoping against hope that every single result comes back clear. Sending kisses to you all, we aren't giving up!😉
mellowcanyon36 said:Hey everyone, hope you're all doing wonderful today!
Hi everyone, I’m the new girl on the block! I’ve spent the last two days just diving deep into every single post here, and honestly, I feel like I know all of you better than some people I actually hang out with in real life! It's been such an intense experience, though—every time I read a post about someone passing away, I get this heavy, sinking feeling right in my stomach. My heart truly goes out to all of you, and I am sending so much love and strength your way as you keep moving forward.
Well, I’ve got a story to share too! It all started just a few weeks ago with my Dad, right around the time we were getting ready for Christmas. 😢 So, he’s been diagnosed with throat cancer, specifically right at the base of the tongue. At first, everything seemed almost manageable—the doctors were actually telling us it was just the very beginning stages because he was having such a hard time nursing, you know, just struggling to swallow properly—but man, they were so wrong about that. It turns out it’s much more serious than they initially thought, especially since his neck on the right side is already full of metastases. It's just one of those things that hits you all at once. 😢 So, Monday, January 21st, is the big day—he’s heading into surgery over at the Cleveland medical center in Akron, but honestly, we’re all just sitting here feeling so uncertain about what to expect! It turns out he still has one of those old-school metal fillings in his mouth, and apparently, that metal causes such a massive glare on the CT scans that they can't get a clear enough look at the outlines to see if the cancer has already started spreading toward the throat. I can't even begin to tell you how much I'm shaking with fear right now, especially after seeing how many people pass away just a few short months after their diagnosis... it's just overwhelming. But even through the panic, I'm staying glued to my reading because I want to be as informed as possible; I am praying so hard that the surgery goes smoothly, and once Dad is finally back home in a month, I want us to be ready to go, fully geared up and prepared for whatever comes next!!!
He’s such a strong person, really, but honestly, he’s terrified of getting sick—like, scared out of his wits! He's got a major case of pathogenophobia, and I can't help but worry that all that anxiety might actually slow down his recovery process. He’ll be turning 54 in just a month, and physically, he’s in great shape right now; he’s been eating like there's no tomorrow because he knows there will be a period where he won't be able to eat much, so he's putting on some weight, which I actually take as a really positive sign!
I’m reaching out to anyone who has faced cancer in that specific area—if you have any advice or stories to share, I would be so incredibly grateful! I’m especially looking to connect with cosmicsailor91, because she mentioned earlier that her father was completely cured, and honestly, hearing something like that just fills me with so much hope!
Beatrice
Oh, honey, please just keep checking in with us! We’ve all been exactly where you are, feeling that same weight on our shoulders, but I promise you—you eventually get used to the rhythm of it all. Just try to embrace it and find a way to weave this whole situation into your life as smoothly as you can. There is absolutely no giving up!
Blaise Pascal wrote:
This fight demands every ounce of strength we possess, including that deep reserve we didn't even realize was tucked away inside us.
When one of our own passes on, the rest of us just keep pushing forward, carrying their spirit through different means and in our own unique ways. Please, take care of yourselves out there. 🙂
Honestly, I don't talk about any of this with anyone else nearly as much as I do with all of you. Looking back, I’m actually so incredibly grateful for the people in my life who never call to check in or ask if I need anything—they’ve actually made me tougher. 👍
But, I just don't love them the way I love you guys. 🙂
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: :::::::::::::::
Hey, that was such a beautiful thing to write! You are seriously the sweetest! We love you too!!!!
This fight demands every ounce of strength we possess, including that deep reserve we didn't even realize was tucked away inside us.
When one of our own passes on, the rest of us just keep pushing forward, carrying their spirit through different means and in our own unique ways. Please, take care of yourselves out there. 🙂
Honestly, I don't talk about any of this with anyone else nearly as much as I do with all of you. Looking back, I’m actually so incredibly grateful for the people in my life who never call to check in or ask if I need anything—they’ve actually made me tougher. 👍
But, I just don't love them the way I love you guys. 🙂
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: :::::::::::::::
Hey, that was such a beautiful thing to write! You are seriously the sweetest! We love you too!!!!
Laura Kelly91 said:My dear friends,
I haven't been around for a little while, and unfortunately, some really terrible things have happened. My dad passed away on January 10th after suffering through several days of intense pain. Things just took such a sudden, sharp turn for the worse... it was truly awful, and honestly, it still feels that way. He left us just eight months after my mom, who fought against cancer for twenty days before she lost her battle. He had been diagnosed with a tumor about three and a half months ago... At least they are together again now, even though I am feeling endlessly sad—actually, more like I've just gone completely numb.
But now, I want to be here to support all of you in your own fights. Despite everything I've been through, I truly believe that winning is possible, and we have to try every single avenue because there are so many beautiful success stories out there. So please, just keep pushing and keep fighting, because you can never, ever give up!
Oh my God, losing both parents in only eight months! If it absolutely had to happen this way, then I suppose it's better that it happened quickly so they didn't have to suffer for longer. Hang in there, and please know that they are living on through you!
Things are pretty rough on our end right now... Dad has been stuck in the hospital since Sunday after the paramedics rushed him in. What really gets to me is how none of the doctors will actually tell us anything; they just leave us hanging! He’s so weak, constantly vomiting, dealing with terrible dizzy spells, and his head is killing him. He needs an urgent brain CT scan, but of course, the machine at our local hospital is broken... 😠Mom is heading in to talk to the doctor today, so we'll see what happens. I can't even go visit him because I'm stuck working extra hours all day long—it's like nobody at work has any empathy at all, honestly. Ugh... Sending love to all my fellow fighters out there, hang in there! 👍
Honey, stay strong! Try to be by his side as much as you possibly can, because trust me, nobody at your job is going to thank you later for staying late while your dad is lying in a hospital bed. You have to look out for yourself and your dad! Kiss
Hey there!
Plant-based remedies can be absolutely amazing too... my mom actually used this specific herbal cream that we picked up on a recommendation from a shop in Pula to help with a wound, and she even used it when she was undergoing radiation therapy... it worked wonders for her burns and her skin recovered so incredibly fast! It's entirely plant-based, and if you think something like that might help or if your mom needs it, I would be more than happy to pass along the contact info for you...
Sending tons of positive energy your way,
best,
Jessica Booth35
I find myself over in Pula quite often (assuming you mean the one in Istria!) so would you be a total sweetheart and let me know where I can grab some of that cream? Kisses!!!
Plant-based remedies can be absolutely amazing too... my mom actually used this specific herbal cream that we picked up on a recommendation from a shop in Pula to help with a wound, and she even used it when she was undergoing radiation therapy... it worked wonders for her burns and her skin recovered so incredibly fast! It's entirely plant-based, and if you think something like that might help or if your mom needs it, I would be more than happy to pass along the contact info for you...
Sending tons of positive energy your way,
best,
Jessica Booth35
I find myself over in Pula quite often (assuming you mean the one in Istria!) so would you be a total sweetheart and let me know where I can grab some of that cream? Kisses!!!
...Well, we'll just have to wait and see what actually works best... right now, Mom is totally open to exploring every single option on the table... at this very moment, she’s applying some sort of Swedish twig compresses to the affected area... she actually had a chat with a woman who absolutely swears by those Swedish twigs... you know... the most important thing is that she has this incredible will to fight... and that she still has the energy to go after it...
Thanks again and all my best,
Jessica Booth35
She should definitely stick with whatever she truly believes in. What matters most is that she doesn't lose hope and that you all keep a positive outlook through all of this. It's the exact same way with my own family; we find ourselves laughing and joking around constantly, even though, if we're being honest, there are moments where we all feel that heavy lump in our throats.
After her radiation treatments are finished, my mother is planning to visit a specialist who prepares herbal remedies. To me, that feels like a much more solid plan compared to that whole bio-region thing we haven't decided on yet—and honestly, I don't think Mom ever will...
Sending kisses! Hang in there!
Thanks again and all my best,
Jessica Booth35
She should definitely stick with whatever she truly believes in. What matters most is that she doesn't lose hope and that you all keep a positive outlook through all of this. It's the exact same way with my own family; we find ourselves laughing and joking around constantly, even though, if we're being honest, there are moments where we all feel that heavy lump in our throats.
After her radiation treatments are finished, my mother is planning to visit a specialist who prepares herbal remedies. To me, that feels like a much more solid plan compared to that whole bio-region thing we haven't decided on yet—and honestly, I don't think Mom ever will...
Sending kisses! Hang in there!
Jessica Booth35 said:Hi everyone,
I just signed up for this forum today... I was searching the internet for information, help, advice, or maybe just a little bit of hope, and that’s how I stumbled upon all of you...
Basically, my mom was diagnosed with breast carcinoma just under a year ago... she had her entire breast removed, but unfortunately, the cancer spread to the nearby lymph nodes... which meant Stage III... she’s already gone through chemo and radiation... then about a month ago, during a routine checkup, her markers spiked, and after running all the tests, they found out the cancer has metastasized to her liver... She starts a new round of chemo this Thursday... Taxotere plus Xeloda... I’ve researched everything about it, and people say Xeloda is a "good, smart drug"... but unfortunately, while digging around, I ran into things I really didn't want to read... stuff like 5% five-year survival rates and things like that...
Trying to wrap my head around all of this... since there isn't a "cure" but rather ways to improve (and maybe slightly extend) the quality of life, I came across Biobran (I saw it online, but I've actually heard mentions of it over this past year while Mom has been fighting)...
I wanted to ask you all if anyone has experience with Biobran? Do you know if she can take it while she's undergoing chemo, or should she wait until the cycle is over? (I don't know how many cycles she'll need yet; for now, the doctor said 10, which would mean one full cycle)... and of course, I would be so incredibly grateful for any advice, experiences, or help you can offer...
Thank you so much, everyone!
Best wishes and hang in there,
Martina
Sweetie, my mother also has Stage III B breast cancer, and her lymph nodes were involved too. She went through Taxotere chemotherapy (which they say is the best option available right now) and is heading into radiation next. During her chemo, she had some minor issues with her blood counts, so she decided to try taking Beta-glucan, and it really helped her! Once she started on the Beta-glucan, she didn't have to delay her chemo sessions anymore. I haven't personally heard of Biobran, though what Grace Fowler mentioned sounds good... any supplement that has a natural base and aims to boost the immune system is a good thing, but everyone reacts to them differently.
How is your mom doing? How is she holding up? Mine is doing very well; she handled the treatments quite well, and we'll see what the results show!!! No giving up!
Grace Fowler - Good luck! Hang in there! We are all thinking of you!
I want to wish everyone so much health and happiness in 2008! This Forum has truly been such a massive help to me while navigating my mom's battle with breast cancer—it honestly feels so much lighter having all of you by my side...
Angela Wright, as soon as you find out how we can officially join the Association, please let us know!
Sending kisses to everyone!!!!
Angela Wright, as soon as you find out how we can officially join the Association, please let us know!
Sending kisses to everyone!!!!
Dearest Dina,
I am sending you absolutely mountains of strength and all the positive vibes in the world! Just remember, there is no giving up, okay? You've got this! Sending you a huge kiss!
I am sending you absolutely mountains of strength and all the positive vibes in the world! Just remember, there is no giving up, okay? You've got this! Sending you a huge kiss!
slyseal28 said:My wonderful husband just got his chest CT results back and they are absolutely FANTASTIC!!!
The report says: "...No evidence of suspicious mediastinal lymphadenopathy is noted. The trachea and both main bronchi appear normal in diameter
Oh my goodness, everyone, we are doing so well and feeling so incredibly blessed! Both of us have birthdays coming up this week, and honestly, this clean scan is the most beautiful, precious birthday present we could ever ask for! We totally beat that cancer monster!!!
Bravo, bravo, bravo! Keep pushing forward! I am just over the moon happy right now! 🙂