Best Of
Re: New Protocols
Thanks so much! I'm leaving tomorrow to fly to NM to be with her for the surgery.
katmil
Re: Stage IV MBC Fitness
@threetree Great news! So glad the Xeloda is working and you were able to get out for a walk.
I'm off for a walk myself this afternoon-so nice to see the sun and we've hit 50!
Re: Stage IV MBC Fitness
@threetree Wow, that's great news. It's so good for morale. This will give you the courage to continue playing Xeloda. I have the same dosage and frequency as you and my results have been good for 1 year. Keep up the good work with Xeloda!
Re: All about Xeloda
I find the zoom support group meetings through Breastcancer.org extremely helpful
aj
Re: Stage IV MBC Fitness
@threetree so glad to hear the treatment is working. Hopefully there will just be an adjustment period and as the weather improves so will your/our energy levels.
It's been delightful outside this week and for the first time since October I've been able to get our for a short walk. Must ease into physical activity slowly as I've done little over the last 1 1/2 years!. 2 days i walked a half mile and 2 days I helped stack some brush from a few fallen trees. I must be more careful that I don't over do it. It's so hard when it's been habit to work outside in the garden and woods. I must continue to do my therapy and as my dr friend said i have to "train" for my spring workout. Winter isn't over yet!
gailmary
Re: Bone Mets Thread
unfortunately, I have the same experience as you with my oncologist. The message section on MyChart states that responses may take up to 3 business days and I have sometimes had them go longer. The nurses screen the messages and will not always pass them along to the MO. Even when I address my question specifically to the MO, the nurse will respond instead. I have requested a consultation with another MO at the same facility and am considering switching.
eleanora
Re: Bone Mets Thread
@norah2024 do you have a palliative care doctor? They’re very helpful dealing with side effects. I also second the recommendation for ondansatron.
aj
Re: So...whats for dinner?
Have some of the dinner leftover from yesterday. So that is tonight's dinner. Planning a meatloaf, steamed veggies and a side for tomorrow. Have to make it for noon since my hubby's job has him working during what used to be our dinner time. He started this job a few weeks ago and so what was our lunch time normally has become dinner and dinner is now lunch.
m0mmyof3
Re: how about drinking?
Good Morning, Loungettes! Happy Saturday! I went to visit with Mom yesterday. It was like being with 2 different people. When it was just the two of us she was going on about things disappearing from her bathroom, things getting moved in the living area, how miserable her phone is that won't work, how hard it is to not be able to get in the car and go shopping, on and on. The minute someone else was around and when we went out to the dining room for lunch she was all smiles, joking with the staff, introducing me to her table mates (for the umpteenth time) and looking very happy. I keep reminding myself that her situation is a difficult one with lots of adjustments needed, that aging is not always fun, and that I am a safe person for her to complain to and express her frustrations to and that doesn't mean she is totally miserable and unhappy. But sometimes it's kind of hard listening to those things and not being able to fix them. Although I do think I found a fix for the things in the bathroom going missing and other people's things getting put on the counter. She mentioned that when she sees something that isn't her brand, she throws it away hoping to discourage whoever it is to stop messing with her stuff, instead of buying her more full sized toothpaste tubes, I ordered her a bunch of travel sized tubes, a box of individually wrapped disposable razors, and a box of travel sized deoderents. I told her we'll keep the boxes in her dresser and just put one item in the bathroom so if/when it gets taken she has more. I know some of the things she said were not hers were actually hers, because I bought them and brought them in. If I didn't know better I would swear that Mom has fronto-temporal dementia.
Wally--having options is a good thing, even if all the options are difficult ones. Hugs.
Msaly007--I'll join you in the toast! And welcome to the lounge. Everything about a bc diagnosis and treatment is complex and there are rarely any clear cut answers to the big questions. I'm sorry about your BF leaving, and curious about what he was scared of?
mOmmy--$1k to $1.5k for cleaning teeth????? How the heck did the Vet justify that cost?
Teka--oooohh, maple cream is so yummy!
Love Potion #9
Ingredients
• Peach schnapps: 1 oz(30ml)
• Cranberry juice: 2 oz(60ml)
• Lime juice: 0.5 oz(15ml)
Recipe
- Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
- Add 1 oz of peach schnapps.
- Add 2 oz of cranberry juice.
- Add 0.5 oz of lime juice.
- Shake well until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a lime wheel.
From
Re: Shopping/packing/to-do list for surgery + recovery....
Additional advice from Vanessa, who emailed us the following:
After undergoing three surgeries for breast cancer, including a mastectomy, an emergency repair, and an implant exchange; I learned firsthand what makes recovery a little easier.
Many women shared their wisdom with me early on, and I’m paying it forward here with a list of must-haves I found truly helpful for the hospital and healing at home.
In those early days, other women generously shared their experiences and advice with me. That sisterhood of information became my lifeline. I’m now sharing what I found most helpful in hopes that it eases your path just a little, too.
Hospital Bag Must-Haves - (You’ll likely be discharged within 24 hours)
- A soft, button-down dress or shirt – Easy to get on/off and comfortable over drains. A dress is ideal in warm weather.
- Slip-on shoes – I loved having Birkenstocks and slip-on sneakers.
- Baseball cap – Helpful for covering unwashed hair.
- Phone charger (and extra battery pack)
- Chapstick – Hospitals are dry!
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and hairbrush
- Face wipes – Especially useful if showering isn’t an option.
Skip: Deodorant. You likely won’t shower for at least two weeks with drains in place, and your skin will be extra sensitive.
At-Home Essentials (Immediate Recovery)
- Soft, button-down pajamas & tops – Target and Amazon had great finds.
- Satin pillowcases – Easier on your skin and hair.
- Breast pillow – Crucial for car rides and protection while sitting or resting.
- Recliner or wedge pillow – Sleeping flat or on your side is not advisable. A supportive setup helps immensely.
- Grabber tool – You won’t be able to bend or reach for a while.
- Laxatives or stool softeners – Trust me, you’ll want these. Pain meds can cause constipation.
Post-Surgery Bra Recommendations
I was advised to wear a bra 24/7 during recovery for optimal support and healing. These were the best in each stage:
- Masthead (The Pink One): Great for the first two weeks. It held drains in place and was provided by my hospital—what a gift!
- Marena: Compression and support, especially helpful for larger sizes.
- AnaOno: Beautifully soft bras designed by a fellow survivor. My favorites:
- Leslie Leisure Bra – Ideal for sleeping.
- Niya Pullover – Great for lounging around the house.
- Trish Molded Cup – Supportive for going out and starting to feel “normal” again.
Self-Care & Confidence Boosters
- Professional blowouts – Not being able to wash your hair for weeks is rough. A fresh blow-dry can lift your spirits.
- A sense of humor and self-love – The most essential things you can pack.
I hope this list helps you feel a little more prepared, a little more grounded, and a lot more supported. Surgery is a big step, but you’re not doing it alone.
With love and solidarity,
Vanessa
