Re: NEW TO GROUP

[Guest guest]

Hi Kats, thanks so much for taking the time to answer me. At the time of my dx my labs were thyroid peroxidase AB 193 lab range <= 35 Thyroglobulin AB 45.2 <20 Thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) 234 Lab <=125% TSH<0.01, FT4 4.0, T4 totall 18.4, FT3 995, T3

total 374 5 weeks later FT4 1.1 lab 0.8-1.8, T4 total 7.6 lab 4.5-12.0, FT3 330 lab 230-420, T3 totall 167 lab 60-181 I've been on 200mg PTU for 3 1/2 wks. I have to have my blood work today for appt on 8th . My muscle pain and weakness has been a complaint from the beginning. MD said it was a hyper symptom due to muscle wasting and bone loss. I have a very mild case of TED. Supplements really help w/ it. I know it sounds strange but zinc seems to help my eyes as well as my muscles. I can't take a full dose of zinc because it will increase my hyper symptoms. Thanks again for your

help! kats3boys wrote: > > Hi, I'm new to this group and learning alot. I had my first child and > six months later was dx w/ Grave's. I was given 300 mg PTU and > started supplements. 5 wks later my thyroid was in normal range. My > meds were

reduced to 200mg daily. But I think I went hyper for a > short time. Can someone tell me what to do about this muscle pain. I > take a small amount of zinc and that seems to help a bit. Also why am > I so tired. I told my MD about it and she looked at me like I was > crazy! Thanks > Your symptoms actually sound hypo..you maybe on too much medication. Do you have labs to share? How long ago was your last set of labs? How long have you been on 200mg of PTU? Kats3boys __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) 234 Lab <=125%

FT4 4.0,

FT3 995,

5 weeks later

FT4 1.1 lab 0.8-1.8,

FT3 330 lab 230-420,

I've been on 200mg PTU for 3 1/2 wks. I can't take a full dose of

zinc because it will increase my hyper symptoms. Thanks again for

your help!

For TED flaxseed oil helps..so does keeping yourself from going

hyper or hypo as the thyroid does effect the eyes.

Zinc or anything else that stimulates the immune system is a no go.

Your first labs confirm Hyper and confirm Grave's...I erased all the

labs that don't mean much as these are the labs you are looking at..

As a general rule it takes 4 weeks to bring your numbers down and

then you need to be on a maitnance dose of ATD's ( PTU)..

You had a dose change in 5 weeks..but look how low your T4 went, now

3 1/2 weeks on a lower dose but still a higher than normal maitnance

dose chances are your T4 is now below the range..

Although the girls at this board are great and you will get a lot of

information in dealing with thyroid in general I also go to another

board..

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/graves_support/

Almost everyone on the board is on ATD's so either PTU or Tapazole

and they can help explain to you what I mean and what is happening.

About 1/2 also have TED some severe and they can direct you in that

department too.

Please check in here too though so we can see how you are doing.

Kats3boys

[Guest guest]

Thanks! I don't know why I didn't think of that. kats3boys wrote: Thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) 234 Lab <=125% FT4 4.0, FT3 995, 5 weeks later FT4 1.1 lab 0.8-1.8, FT3 330 lab 230-420, I've been on 200mg PTU for 3 1/2 wks. I can't take a full dose of zinc because it will increase my hyper symptoms. Thanks again for your help! For TED flaxseed oil helps..so does keeping yourself from going hyper or hypo as the thyroid does effect the eyes. Zinc or anything else that stimulates the immune system is a no go. Your first labs confirm Hyper and confirm Grave's...I erased all the labs that don't mean much as these are the labs you are looking at.. As a general rule it takes 4 weeks to bring your numbers down and then you need to be on a maitnance dose of ATD's ( PTU).. You had a dose change in 5 weeks..but look how low your T4 went, now 3 1/2 weeks on a lower dose but still a higher than normal maitnance dose chances are your T4 is now below the range.. Although the girls at this board are great and you will get a lot of information in dealing with thyroid in general I also go to another board.. http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/graves_support/ Almost everyone on the board is on ATD's so either PTU or Tapazole and they can help explain to you what I mean and what is happening. About 1/2 also have TED some severe and they can direct you in that department too. Please check in here too though so we can see how you are doing. Kats3boys __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi Ann!!!

WELCOME to the group!!!! I hope this goes through for you, it sounds

like you need the extra push this surgery gives you to lose the

weight (I did!!).

Hugs!!!

>

>

> [] Hi!

>

> My name is Ann,

>

> I just moved to Tulsa,Ok. with my boyfriend and 14 son and 15

> daugther. My life has been a roller coaster, and now I am ready to

get

> rid of one of the coaster rides in my life and that is my wieght

issues.

> I have been overweight most of my life,went I started to have

kids ,the

> weight went up and didnt go down. I was pretty much in self denile

on

> how I really felt about my weight for a long time, tho I go thro the

> poor me thing ,I just ignored it. My heavist was 310 which I tried

as

> many have all the diets that the supermarket tabloids and the book

gurus

> told me that would make my life good. Even done the weight watchers

and

> other type groups. But with limited success and with a tight

budget,just

> got put aside. About 4 yrs I took a fall that tore my right knee up

> ,that I couldnt even walk or stand on it for 8 mos, no sooner had I

had

> it out of the leg brace then I retore my knee again, another 10 mos

be

> inmoble and here I am . I dont know how heavy I really am, several

> months ago I went to join Craig which I loved thier

program ,they

> didnt have a scale that could weight me, because of funds I only

did a

> week of eat but hope to restart it again as it will help with the

meal

> control part. At this point in my life I know I weight over 410 or

so

> ,with so limit moblitly life is basically living from sitting on my

bed

> or to a comfy chair,before I had some moblitly because we had a

house

> but we have moved to my boyfriends fathers house and we have the

living

> room as our bedroom ,so this is now where I am stuck at. I can

hardly

> stand for a few mins at a time. I am looking into gastric bypass

here in

> Tulsa now, I was looking into it in Utah with a Dr. Halverson but

for 2

> yrs all I got was the runaround , I am hoping to find a quialfied

doctor

> here. I am hoping to make friends and learn from others what they

have

> learned from going thro this surgery and any tips or suggestions

you all

> have. My other interests are, gourmet cooking, making

fairys ,jewelery

> making,stained glass,Lampworking,polymor

>

clay,crocheting,knitting,scrapbooking,drawing,sewing,painting,breeding

> and raising parrots( 10 pairs of birds)I have 3 ferrets,3 kitties, a

> sunconure.

>

> I guess I should end this long typed intro =) Thanks for letting me

join

> and hope to get to know everyone!

>

> Ann

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Prayers and positive thoughts will travel with you through this journey.

--

Angel (A.K.A. Mari)

mfgershman@...

Please click each day to help others, IT'S FREE!

http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/CTDSites

[Guest guest]

Welcome Sue. Glad to hear you are doing ok so far. I will keep you in my

prayers.

Hugs

nne

Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life

http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html

BreastCancerStories.com

http://www.breastcancerstories.com/content/view/433/161/

Angel Feather Loomer

www.angelfeatherloomer.blogspot.com

Check out my other ornaments at

www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.html

Lots of info and gifts at:

www.cancerclub.com

New to Group

I have posted a couple of times but thought I should introduce

myself.My name is Sue,I was diagnosed with ILC last December and had a

modified radical mastectomy with SNB and lymph node dissection (5/20+).

Did chemo 4 dd A/C and 4 dd Taxol and finished on May 4. Also did 28

radiation treatments with this new machine that gives targeted

radiation. I went into menopause after second A/C. I have been on

Arimidex since August 1 and so far no side effects. In September I had

a prophylactic mastectomy on the right because ILC tends to be

bilateral and since it does not image well I decided I did not want to

take any chances. The pathology on that breast came back as atypical

lobular hyperplasia so the surgeon said having it removed was a prudent

decision. I am 50, have five children ranging in age from 22 to 9, two

boys, three girls. I work at home as a medical transcriptionist which

was a blessing when I was having chemo. My mom had breast cancer (the

only one in her family to have it). Undecided yet whether to get

genetic testing. I am one of three sisters, the youngest and the only

one to have bc. Glad to join this group.

Sue

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[Guest guest]

Sue,

First, Sorry about what you are going though. Yes, so many decisions

and options to go through your head. First things first, take care

of yourself and get all the facts.

Heres a link I thought might get you started in reading pertaining

to getting pregnant and breast cancer...its just a start.

http://www.breastcancer.org/fertility_pregnancy_adoption.html

Secondly, seek out your dearest friends and family to help you

though this. Make sure you have someone qualified to handle the

business while you are away even if it is family if that is possible.

Things are going to go fast, there are going to be tears and

confusion and anger and mostly fear. Let it all work its way out.

Crying releases the tension. Talk to family and someone close, talk

until you are sick of talking, then get educated and grow strong.

Stay positive above all.... thats the first thing this group told

me !! SMILE THis is the time to think about " yourself " and whats

best for you. Think of nothing else but YOU.

hugs

char

>

> Hi All,

>

> New to group and here is my saga. Found a lump end of August.

Had

> my first mammogram at the age of 39 on Sept.8th. Had my first dog

> get really sick on Sept.12th he was diagnosed with a cancerous

tumor

> on his heart wall the next day he was only 10. We did a procedure

to

> buy him some more time but were told it could be 3 days to 3

months.

> Had my biopsy done on Sept.18th. Still wasnt too concerned as my

> obgyn was pretty sure it was fibrous tissue and I was more

concerned

> about the dog. My dog took a turn for the worse that night and we

> had to have him put down on the 19th,, and the 21st my obgyn

called

> with the " I wish I had better news " statement. He rushed me to a

> surgeon and I had my first surgery Oct.3rd and then onto the

> oncologist. Few days later I was called and told that my margins

> were clear but not wide enough and that my suspected 1.5cm tumor

> came out as 2.8. and two positive lymph nodes and hormone

negative.

> So the second surgery was set for Oct.20th,, went back to the

> surgeon on Oct. 28th thinking I was just having the incision

> checked. Well thats when she told me that the second surgery cut

> back further and revealed 4 more mini-tumors not even large enough

> to be detected by mammogram or ultrasound. So now she is

> recommending a mastectomy and the cancer gene test.

>

> Oncologist is also recommending the test to decide if i should

have

> a double masectomy and/or my ovaries removed. I have no children

and

> was giving myself at least 1 more year to decide if I wanted them

or

> not. Perhaps this is my answer, especially since the 8 treatments

of

> chemo they are recommending has the chance of forcing my system

into

> early menopause. Everything has happened so fast. My life has

been

> turned upside down in the matter of 6 weeks and I don't even know

> what to grieve or cry for. I also own my own business and am

> concerned how I am going to continue that while I am undergoing

> treatments,can't afford to close the doors. My doctors have me

on

> anti-depressants, but some days,,, it doesn't seem to be enough.

> Sorry this is so long, just seems like I have this black cloud

> hanging over my head and I don't know when it will blow away.

>

> Good thoughts to the rest who are going through this horrendous

> ordeal.

>

> Sue

> New York

>

[Guest guest]

Sue welcome to the group. A breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming for

sure. But it DOES get better. Remember breast cancer is not the death sentence

it was once thought to be.

I had my mastectomy May 24, 1990. I had a 2.5cm tumor, one node out of 23 was

bad, 6 mo of chemo, no radiation or reconstruction. I was 44 at the time. Its a

little over 16 yrs for me and I am doing fine.

I will keep you in my prayers.

Hugs

nne

Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life

http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html

BreastCancerStories.com

http://www.breastcancerstories.com/content/view/433/161/

Angel Feather Loomer

www.angelfeatherloomer.blogspot.com

Check out my other ornaments at

www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.html

Lots of info and gifts at:

www.cancerclub.com

new to group

Hi All,

New to group and here is my saga. Found a lump end of August. Had

my first mammogram at the age of 39 on Sept.8th. Had my first dog

get really sick on Sept.12th he was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor

on his heart wall the next day he was only 10. We did a procedure to

buy him some more time but were told it could be 3 days to 3 months.

Had my biopsy done on Sept.18th. Still wasnt too concerned as my

obgyn was pretty sure it was fibrous tissue and I was more concerned

about the dog. My dog took a turn for the worse that night and we

had to have him put down on the 19th,, and the 21st my obgyn called

with the " I wish I had better news " statement. He rushed me to a

surgeon and I had my first surgery Oct.3rd and then onto the

oncologist. Few days later I was called and told that my margins

were clear but not wide enough and that my suspected 1.5cm tumor

came out as 2.8. and two positive lymph nodes and hormone negative.

So the second surgery was set for Oct.20th,, went back to the

surgeon on Oct. 28th thinking I was just having the incision

checked. Well thats when she told me that the second surgery cut

back further and revealed 4 more mini-tumors not even large enough

to be detected by mammogram or ultrasound. So now she is

recommending a mastectomy and the cancer gene test.

Oncologist is also recommending the test to decide if i should have

a double masectomy and/or my ovaries removed. I have no children and

was giving myself at least 1 more year to decide if I wanted them or

not. Perhaps this is my answer, especially since the 8 treatments of

chemo they are recommending has the chance of forcing my system into

early menopause. Everything has happened so fast. My life has been

turned upside down in the matter of 6 weeks and I don't even know

what to grieve or cry for. I also own my own business and am

concerned how I am going to continue that while I am undergoing

treatments,can't afford to close the doors. My doctors have me on

anti-depressants, but some days,,, it doesn't seem to be enough.

Sorry this is so long, just seems like I have this black cloud

hanging over my head and I don't know when it will blow away.

Good thoughts to the rest who are going through this horrendous

ordeal.

Sue

New York

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[Guest guest]

>

Hi Sue. Boy, it never just rains does it? You have really been socked by life

recently. The

ani-depressants are a good idea; you need to be able to make decisions and act

on them.

My advice is to get family and friends to give you a hand. Don't hesitate to ask

for help;

now is your time of need. Get the genetics test done first, then you can decide

if the

bilateral mastectomy and oophrectomy (ovaries removed) are the way to go. If you

don't

have the gene mutation, then consider all your options and don't feel rushed

into making

a quick decision. The standard 8 chemo treatments (4 AC followed by 4 taxol or

taxotere)

can render a woman menopausal. But usually when women are younger than the 40's,

the

ovaries will bounce back eventually (it could take months or even a couple

years). There

are some medications that can help protect your ovaries if you want to preserve

their

function for later on. You also can freeze eggs (not a fantastic success with

subsequent

pregnancies) and can freeze embryos (if you have a current partner that you

planned on

getting pregnant with). I know women who have used donor sperm to create frozen

embryos so that they could preserve the opportunity to have a pregnancy later

on. So

there are a lot of choices. Maybe too many choices? Perhaps you should sit down

with a

counselor or good friend who can help you sort through all your priorities and

choices.

Best of luck to you, Anne V. P.S.- So sorry about your dog! I know how hard

that can be.

> Hi All,

>

> New to group and here is my saga. Found a lump end of August. Had

> my first mammogram at the age of 39 on Sept.8th. Had my first dog

> get really sick on Sept.12th he was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor

> on his heart wall the next day he was only 10. We did a procedure to

> buy him some more time but were told it could be 3 days to 3 months.

> Had my biopsy done on Sept.18th. Still wasnt too concerned as my

> obgyn was pretty sure it was fibrous tissue and I was more concerned

> about the dog. My dog took a turn for the worse that night and we

> had to have him put down on the 19th,, and the 21st my obgyn called

> with the " I wish I had better news " statement. He rushed me to a

> surgeon and I had my first surgery Oct.3rd and then onto the

> oncologist. Few days later I was called and told that my margins

> were clear but not wide enough and that my suspected 1.5cm tumor

> came out as 2.8. and two positive lymph nodes and hormone negative.

> So the second surgery was set for Oct.20th,, went back to the

> surgeon on Oct. 28th thinking I was just having the incision

> checked. Well thats when she told me that the second surgery cut

> back further and revealed 4 more mini-tumors not even large enough

> to be detected by mammogram or ultrasound. So now she is

> recommending a mastectomy and the cancer gene test.

>

> Oncologist is also recommending the test to decide if i should have

> a double masectomy and/or my ovaries removed. I have no children and

> was giving myself at least 1 more year to decide if I wanted them or

> not. Perhaps this is my answer, especially since the 8 treatments of

> chemo they are recommending has the chance of forcing my system into

> early menopause. Everything has happened so fast. My life has been

> turned upside down in the matter of 6 weeks and I don't even know

> what to grieve or cry for. I also own my own business and am

> concerned how I am going to continue that while I am undergoing

> treatments,can't afford to close the doors. My doctors have me on

> anti-depressants, but some days,,, it doesn't seem to be enough.

> Sorry this is so long, just seems like I have this black cloud

> hanging over my head and I don't know when it will blow away.

>

> Good thoughts to the rest who are going through this horrendous

> ordeal.

>

> Sue

> New York

>

[Guest guest]

>

> Sue welcome to the group. A breast cancer diagnosis can be

overwhelming for sure. But it DOES get better. Remember breast cancer

is not the death sentence it was once thought to be.

> I had my mastectomy May 24, 1990. I had a 2.5cm tumor, one node out

of 23 was bad, 6 mo of chemo, no radiation or reconstruction. I was

44 at the time. Its a little over 16 yrs for me and I am doing fine.

> I will keep you in my prayers.

> Hugs

> nne

> Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life

> http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html

> BreastCancerStories.com

> http://www.breastcancerstories.com/content/view/433/161/

> Angel Feather Loomer

> www.angelfeatherloomer.blogspot.com

> Check out my other ornaments at

> www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.html

> Lots of info and gifts at:

> www.cancerclub.com

> new to group

>

>

> Hi All,

>

> New to group and here is my saga. Found a lump end of August. Had

> my first mammogram at the age of 39 on Sept.8th. Had my first dog

> get really sick on Sept.12th he was diagnosed with a cancerous

tumor

> on his heart wall the next day he was only 10. We did a procedure

to

> buy him some more time but were told it could be 3 days to 3

months.

> Had my biopsy done on Sept.18th. Still wasnt too concerned as my

> obgyn was pretty sure it was fibrous tissue and I was more

concerned

> about the dog. My dog took a turn for the worse that night and we

> had to have him put down on the 19th,, and the 21st my obgyn

called

> with the " I wish I had better news " statement. He rushed me to a

> surgeon and I had my first surgery Oct.3rd and then onto the

> oncologist. Few days later I was called and told that my margins

> were clear but not wide enough and that my suspected 1.5cm tumor

> came out as 2.8. and two positive lymph nodes and hormone

negative.

> So the second surgery was set for Oct.20th,, went back to the

> surgeon on Oct. 28th thinking I was just having the incision

> checked. Well thats when she told me that the second surgery cut

> back further and revealed 4 more mini-tumors not even large

enough

> to be detected by mammogram or ultrasound. So now she is

> recommending a mastectomy and the cancer gene test.

>

> Oncologist is also recommending the test to decide if i should

have

> a double masectomy and/or my ovaries removed. I have no children

and

> was giving myself at least 1 more year to decide if I wanted them

or

> not. Perhaps this is my answer, especially since the 8 treatments

of

> chemo they are recommending has the chance of forcing my system

into

> early menopause. Everything has happened so fast. My life has

been

> turned upside down in the matter of 6 weeks and I don't even know

> what to grieve or cry for. I also own my own business and am

> concerned how I am going to continue that while I am undergoing

> treatments,can't afford to close the doors. My doctors have me on

> anti-depressants, but some days,,, it doesn't seem to be enough.

> Sorry this is so long, just seems like I have this black cloud

> hanging over my head and I don't know when it will blow away.

>

> Good thoughts to the rest who are going through this horrendous

> ordeal.

>

> Sue

> New York

> Hello Sue,

My name is Sandy in Los Aegeles, i joined the group in the

beginning of October 2006. You are soooo right. Everything happens so

fast. I found out on the 6th, had the lupectomy on the 17th. Have

seen the radiologist,but was told to have the chemo first(Dec 1st)

Sue, for me my two sons and busy lifestyle(2 full time jobs and a was

awarded a contract to an Adult Residential Facility in June 2006 for

June 2007.I'm saying to myself, " I need to get this stuff out of the

way, to look for property. My friends and family think I need to be

focusing on my health(I have hepatitis C and now this)That's Jesus

and the doctors jobs! This has been my dream for 15 years(I ve been

managing facilities for a family member for this long)I guess what im

telling you and anyone who reads this, " Don't let your dreams die,

whatever they are and Laugh, Laugh, Laugh " . Sue, you'll be okay, the

business will be okay. Joining this group was the best thing we

could've done. The day i lose hope, feed me Purina, cause I'll be a

sick puppy!

Peace and Love

Sandy

>

>

>

>

> --------------------------------------------------------------------

----------

>

>

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>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Isn't it great to know that you're not the only one? I have to say,

when I read that you were diagnosed 12 years ago, it gave me so much

hope. I am a 28 year old woman and was diagnosed almost 2 weeks ago,

and my family and I are trying to underdstand as much about PSC as

possible. I know that every case is different, but it's good to know

there is still time for me. Thanks for posting your message.

>

> I would like to introduce myself. My name is Patti Malmquist, 52

> years old, live in southeast Michigan. I was diagnosed with

> Crohn's/UC and PSC in 1995. My liver enzymes have always been

> extremely high (refused for life insurance due to high numbers)

but

> not symptoms except prior to diagnosis when an ERCP was done and

an

> incision made to open bile duct. My Crohn's and UC have been

active

> since diagnosis. My PSC became a problem in March 2006. I was

under a

> lot of stress at the time. I have lost considerable weight and

muscle

> tone and experience extreme fatigue. I was put on transplant list

in

> June 2006. I went on medical disability this past February.

>

> It is comforting to know that I am not the only one with this

> disease. I get tired of trying to explain to people what I have

and

> my future. They think that I will get a liver transplant anyday

and

> be back to normal in 2 weeks.

>

> I broke my foot several weeks ago when I signed up to this

service.

> My foot fell asleep and I fell on it. So I haven't been able to

get

> on the computer until today.

>

> My biggest complaint right now with the disease is the itching. I

> have sores on my legs and rash at my waist line. They have given

me

> different creams etc. but nothing seems to work.

>

> Again, I appreciate this website and forum and find it very

> interesting to hear your stories. It gives me hope. Thank you for

> your sharing.

>

> Patti

>