Best Of
Re: Starting Chemo May and June 2024 Support Thread
@Love4All I thought so, but just wanted to make sure. I ordered the cream you suggested. Thanks for that! 😘
Re: Starting Chemo May and June 2024 Support Thread
@Love4All The stylist was planning to take it all the way to the scalp but I stopped her lol. There are some painful spots and I'll check out the arnica cream. I'm not familiar with that. And I do have a tape roller and have been using it a few times a day, just like you say. So glad your dad was able to come and visit. He looks wonderful as do you! Don't forget to put sunscreen on your scalp! Enjoy his company!
Re: Starting Chemo May and June 2024 Support Thread
Saturday, I just wasn't ready to let go of my hair. Sunday, it got to the "too messy" point and I was emotionally ready. Monday, a stylist friend I've known forever buzzed it, at no cost, which was sweet of her to do. She wanted to take it down to zero but I asked her to leave a little on it. I read about the possibility of ingrown hairs; she hadn't.
Tuesday was day 1 of Cycle 2…. moving right along
@sarahjunefox @bailey.boo I switch up depending on what I can handle. I do jigsaw puzzles, diamond art, and I crochet. I started working on a shawl for fall, but not convinced it's right so I'm fixing to rip it out and start over. I also am going to do some chalk crafting, it's DIY home decor. I don't have much of an imagination, so I need guided projects. Let me know if y'all have any other suggestions. I'm retired and need to keep my mind busy!
Re: Paget's or something else
I was able to see a dermatologist today. I also have an appointment next week with a breast specialist (surgical oncologist) that my PCP referred me to. The dermatologist said it might be as simple as eczema but she said it definitely needed a biopsy. She asked if I ever had eczema or any other skin conditions in the past (I haven't). And whether there has been any irritation on the areola too (there hasn't).
I knew I would push for a biopsy if she tried to say one wasn't needed but there was a part of me that hoped she would say she was certain it couldn't be Paget's or it is definitely something else. But she never said that. I'm glad I didn't have to push for the biopsy but I'm scared because she seemed concerned.
I should have results back in a week she said.
cmre00
Re: IDC and Mental Health
Yesterday's rads session was canceled due to statewide internet outage. Ugh!!! I'm having SE already to my first rads tx. I've been feeling some numbness, heaviness, a sharp pain accompanied by a crackle sound, tender, thick, swollen nipple/areola.
I cried last night when I was feeling these and thought "Wow, I've only had one session and I'm already having these SE!" "Calgon, take me away!!"
Re: Reconstruction?
Hello @ann5631, and welcome to the community! Thank you so much for sharing your experience and tips about prostheses and bras. We're super glad to hear that your recovery after surgery was smooth and that you’re happy with your decision. Feel free to share more about your story or ask any questions you might have. We’re all here to support each other!
Best wishes,
From the Mods
Re: My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
Good morning, all.
What crazy weather almost everywhere. We're fine here in San Diego, especially near the coast where we live.
I'm adjusting to the new medication (Afinitor) and am using the dexamethasone to prevent mouth sores. Got the results from the 3rd Guardant360 test yesterday. I don't see much different from the last one. I did note that the Tumor Mutational Burden went from around 63 in 2023 to about 130. I think that means there are more targets to hit, but I'm not sure. My next MO appointment is in two weeks. Biopsy of the omentum is on 8/14.
I did reach out to an oncologist friend and sent him a copy of my latest PET scan and the Guardant360 test. It will be interesting to see what he has to say. If you happened to read my most recent blog post, he's the MO we were having dinner with when he talked about the future of AI (as opposed to AIs.)
Am looking over our trust and see that I need to update it. I need to change some of the people listed as contacts, etc., and specify one person in particular that I do NOT want to have any decision-making authority for me. I did get a medic alert bracelet that says, "DNR, NO CPR" along with DH's phone number.
I'll hanging out in the corner with my Kindle and my iPhone if anyone needs me. 😍
Love to all,
Carol
Re: My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
Irish - I'd forgotten all about the term "close" for humidity. I also remember older relatives using it.
A really tired and wiped out week for me, so haven't posted nearly as many responses to people as I would have liked, but I have been following along. Shots later this morning, so I imagine my week will continue to drag. We've had excess heat here the last several days, and I think that's part of what's causing my lethargy. Our heat here in the PNW doesn't compare to what many of you have experienced over the last week, but it is a lot for here, and if you're not used to it…
Well, have a good day all. You are the best! Mel, thank you so much for allowing us all to use your living room 😊.
Re: My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer
Hope you had a wonderful birthday Goldens. I'm only 6 months behind you. My wish for you is many painfree days in the future. Oh yes, and remission that lasts and lasts. I wonder if they make a birthday card like that?
Mara, I marvel at your cooking sensibilities. Sounds so good, too. My diet consists of lots of cereal and chicken, turkey, mashed potatoes and rice. I miss eating what I want, when I want it. Since DH does the cooking now, it's a lot of frozen dinners, but I am appreciative that he takes care of me. I sat on the stuffed recliner and enjoyed the Phillies game tonight. Just enough rain came to sprinkle the grass and flowers. But it made going outside terrible humid, sticky and as my Grammy use to say, close. I totally understand labored breathing, but I believe it's extra difficult in 100 degree weather.
I hope all were safe from the storm. Hoping we all can dodge any more hurricanes this summer.
In pockets for scans and life in general.
Re: The tests seem neverending
in the breast cancer world, it is a lot of hurry up and wait. I’m not saying you have cancer. A cancer diagnosis is not a medical emergency although it sure feels like one. So anyhow there’s a lot of waiting and wondering. Keep doing the things you love and make you feel good. Whether this is cancer or not is unfortunately out of your control. The only control you have is the present moment. Try and live there. Easier said then done. I know. Before my cancer diagnosis I had “busy breasts” so I know what you are experiencing.
hang in there