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Anyone regret going flat?
I'm finishing up chemo next month and will have to make a final decision about whether or not to do reconstruction. I'm planning on having both breasts removed. I do not want implants, so I'm choosing between going flat or DIEP fat grafting.
A few weeks ago, I was just fed up with the whole multiple surgery, lengthy recovery idea and just wanted to put cancer behind me, so I decided to just go flat. My concern is how I am going to feel later. I realize that no one can tell me how I'm going to feel about having no breasts, but I don't want to make the decision to go flat and then regret it later; from what I've read, its better to start reconstruction right away or at least leave skin, if they're able to, and then have it later.
If I go flat, I would probably wear some type of prosthetic to give the appearance of having breasts, at least in public. Not sure that I want to mess with the hassle of prosthetics, but in all honesty I don't think I can be comfortable without them in public. I just keep going in circles and haven't been able to come to terms with either option.
stauggie
Re: Were you diagnosed young (under 45) with breast cancer? We'd love to hear from you!
Thank you @moderators for this thread!
No video for me... certainly not until I have freaking eyebrows again. The form was not hard to fill out though.
kks_11
Re: Stage IV MBC Fitness
I swam 1100 yards yesterday and walked 4 miles today. My HFS from the Xeloda is flaring up.
aj
Re: Stage IV MBC Fitness
Glad to hear D3 is important cause my drs check my levels frequently. I produce little naturally and take 5000 units with K2. But I'm bad about remembering daily. I'm outside alot too.
I'm a little bothered about this talk of normal D3 levels. I hate to think this is all that was said about test results. The average range is quite wide I think and a normal minimum isn't enough to benefit us. My levels were only 17 ng/ml. My dd was 12! Drs could be satisfied with 35 but my onc wants to see at least 50. "Optimal" range is 30 to 70. Then again different tests and different drs. Ugh. Does anyone know???
No, tougholdcrow, I can't bring bike upstairs. Not the best exercise for us and our bones anyways as it's not weight bearing.
For exercise this week I worked in the garden for 4 hours and walked in woods briefly today till the mosquitoes chased me out!
gailmary
Re: My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
Lost my lenghty post. sigh………… Hi everyone. Weatherman said major drop in temps in a number of states in next few weeks. Didn't mention Florida though. DRATS.
I wonder how many have had an increase in infections since starting treatment. Seems monthly for me and having to use keflex, amoxoclavin, etc. I retyped my post three times now, so I 'll just call it a night. Storms in the area. In pockets for all and all your needs.
Re: Ribociclib/Kisqali with Letrozole - Any one on this combo?
@tougholdcrow at first I didn’t even know this existed , then I was told I don’t have children so no. Now it’s to have future treatments in place. My parents never had cancer but I don’t know my history beyond them. I think when you’re under 50 when dx de novo could be a qualifier. Chek2 is in the list. I added a photo , the 17 with an X will get tested.
I consented the university can use my dna for research.
forza
Re: My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
@mara51506 When my last kitty died I decided not to get another one. I can't bend over well either and knew I wouldn't be able to keep her box cleaned up, etc. It was a tough decision, but I know it was the right one. This is the first time I have not had a cat since I left for college 50 years ago. Before she passed we switched to using pellets and it was easier than the sandy stuff in many ways. I have to content myself with my DGD's small dog (almost exactly like Mel's) so I at least get to lap and pet her. But I miss my cats!
We are having a nice rain storm tonight. I feel sorry for those in the path of the hurricane though. We have had a lot of rain this year in the Rockies. It means that we also have more dense growth that increases the fire danger. Hopefully winter will arrive before the fires and hopefully we won't have more snow than normal.
Re: My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
@mkestrel - Great pictures as always. Thanks for posting them. I am especially partial to Rose of Sharon bushes (yep, that's my name). My father planted one outside my room when I was a kid. After he died and the house was sold, that plant was one of the first the new owners took out, and they put a deck there. It so disappointed me, but that's the way it goes. I'm enjoying seeing a lot of them around here these days when I'm out on my walks. It's nice that they are one of the things that bloom a little later and keep things going for the summer.
Re: My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
@candy-678 Thanks for updating us on Mel and Gabby. I think about them every time I’m on here. Can’t even imagine her level of worry. May God give them the strength to get through.
cookie54
Re: My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
Well, another decent sleep, no dreams.
Nothing on agenda for today, have left the heating tower/tent up for drying clothes, it worked well for my pants. I plugged into living room power so I can use my microwave or breville oven without flipping the breaker which is good. I seem to have converted washing my clothes to a mesh bag, spin it out and hang to dry, works pretty well, no damage from heat which is a lot better.
Still exhausted from the Herceptin, no concerns about that, it is not unusual for the first couple of days. To combat the fatigue, I will make my own sort of rice bowl, including beef, will use frozen burger for that, chipotle beans and possibly an egg. Running low on those so I may also place a grocery order later. EDIT, waiting til end of day for the rice and all.
Also had an accident when scraping out litter on my ottoman, too hard to stay bent over so floor is a mess. Sweeping and using vacuum sweeper and proper vacuum, planning to use my shopvac on the dry function at some point. I also bought a free standing dust pan and broom set so that I can sweep directly in there. I also need to dispose of the robot vac that no longer works at all. All of this elicited a stream of foul language but it will get done. First priority is clearing and wiping out box. Cannot use tub for that so will use damp cloths with vinegar on them. This may take a couple of days, not sure yet but as long as the area is clear. Almost did an impulse purchase of a wet dry standup vac and mop but thankfully put the kibosh on it as it is a couple hundred for something that is not really needed since I have sufficient mops, brooms and vacuums. The new standing dustpan will be helpful and in future, it will not be necessary to clean such a terrible mess. Not going to use as much litter.
Finally got the litter pan mostly clean, enough to wipe the sides and bottom. That is really difficult to do. Realize I need to bend over as having it on the ottoman caused huge messes. Taking a break for a bit then will change litter for the cats, less to put in should mean easier to scoop out before cement city. Pouring sweat and super exhausted, thinking I will take the litter and sweep under where the oven and microwave sit. I am glad I did it because the house smells decent now but it was very hard to do. Need a better system for everything. Once the floor is fully clean, run my microfibre along, I usually do a spray of vinegar as it gives a nice non scented clean smell
Gifted myself a box full of Hersheys Chocolate almond bars. The dustbin and the chocolate arrive tomorrow.
Hope all have had a good day and in pockets anywhere I am needed.
