Illinois ladies facing bc
Comments
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Hope you are SUPER close I am so happy your surgery went amazingly well! Thanks for the postive story I need more of that
. I too have never had a stay in the hospital expect having my kids which was 20 years ago.. I would love a get together as well I am certain I will be ready the end of July for some BC love!0 -
BoatinGirl glad you are home. You will find every day you will feel better but you will need rest. Your body is healing and that's what's sucking up your energy. Do what you can but don't push yourself. You need your energy to heal.
As far as the bra, ask your PS (plastic surgeon). They all do things differently. Mine sent me home in a soft loose cami type bra. He did not want me to wear something tight. I didn't have nipple sparing. But then many women do go home with something tight. Also ask your PS when you can be fitted with a mastectomy bra. I doubt s/he will want you to wear an underwire right away. My gut though is it's a bit too early for that.
Amy as far as I know they didn't do a pregnancy test on me. I think they figured I was 49 and never pregnant that it was a non issue.
Granted my friend out east, who was 48 was order to get one. She told them to go shove it. (She's been divorced for several years and hasn't got into the dating scene yet… and she's Jewish so she doesn't believe in immaculate conception either.) I did have to get a blood test. I also had to get a chest X-ray. I would ask if you can have your prescriptions for the pain meds before you go for surgery so you can get them filled ahead of time. Getting narcotics filled can be a PITA sometimes. Almost as hard as getting decongestant (the stuff you can make crystal meth out of).
BTW this whole breast cancer thing was pretty sureal for me at the beginning too. I remember waking up from my BMX (I think the next morning) thinking about that scene from Rosemary's baby: linky Granted I was also surprised when I woke up that I wasn't in terrible pain. I was sore but not too bad for me. Granted I found out I have a high tolerance to pain. I never took any pain meds, not even a tylenol after surgery. Didn't even use the pain pump. I hope you're like me.
As I mentioned to BoatGirl you will feel better everyday. And if you are in pain they really do give you good meds. They won't let you go home till your pain is managed. I had surgery on a Tuesday evening and was going out to eat for lunch that Saturday. Actually asked the nurse if I could go to an Art Fair on that Saturday. She told me she didn't think I would have the energy. Good think I listened. I wouldn't have lasted that long.
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Sorry I've been MIA everyone. Working full-time right now and doing some freelance. New gig is going well.0 -
Do not rail against life. [Do not complain about life.]
Make positive contributions where you can.
Practice gracious acceptance elsewhere.
And express daily gratitude for all of life.
- Jonathan Lockwood Huie0 -
Amy, whenever I would get nervous about surgery, I thought about all the others on the board who did it too. It is pretty scary but if we can do it, you can do it. Oh and I was 50 the first time and got a pregnancy test! Now the second time at 52, they asked me to sign that I declined a pregnancy test.
Boatingirl yes they have Fruit of the Loom sports type bras that hook in the front. Very handy. I got mine at Walmart like others suggested. But my PS did not recommend them for about 4 weeks as I recall.
Spunky what a cute dog. They are good companions and entertainment, although I tell my dog every day, "Why don't you rub MY back".
I am 10 days after first chemo treatment and surprised how crappy I still feel. It's going to be a long summer waiting for this to be over.
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Two Hobbies....don't despair....your next chemo tx. could get actually not give you anywhere near the same sensations.....of course, we hope it is not worse.....but I think for the most part it tends in general to get less worse. If it really feels not so good.....do be sure and ask if there is something else you could do....or something you maybe should be avoiding.
I will be hoping for you that it starts to get better and better.
Peace and love
Jackie
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TwoHobbies--
I had the same chemo (mine was every 3 weeks, without neupogen) and I felt pretty crappy for 10 days then pretty okay for 10 days. I'm hoping that you will feel a bunch better tomorrow!
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Thanks for the advice on the bras at Walmart. You are all probably right - too early. I have felt well enough to be out and did lunch today. I just feel so odd, being flat as a pancake :0) So much so, I have felt funny to come to the door and accept all the wonderful dinners friends have brought. I just wish I had a little bit more of a silohuette so, I don't know, it wouldn't be so obvious?? I don't know what my problem is, but that is how I feel.
I find this is like recovering from having a baby, in that when you start to feel just a little bit more like yourself - you push it and end up wiped out. You can't help it - you just have things to do!! But you do have to stop yourself and relax. So here I sit in bed. Not going to do the laundry I am DYING to do.
I think I might start a thread on things you wish someone had told you about the surgery. I know I have a few. You really can't stop sharing ideas because everyone's experience can be so different. What might be pertinent to one woman, has little relevance to another.
Thanks for all the support in IL!
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If, like a Cherokee warrior, I can look at the new day as an opportunity to stand on new ground, then strength and courage are on my side. I will remember that things do work out, bodies do heal, relationships mend – not because I said it, but because I believe it. But it is time to make things right, to stay on the path. As water runs fresh and free from the woodland spring, so new life and meaning will bubble up from my own inner source. I will be still and steady, because there is nothing to be gained by showing fear in a chaotic world.
Joyce Sequichie Hifler0 -
Thanks, Virginia and Jackie for the words of encouragement. I am hoping the second treatment will go smoother.
And imagine my surprise to see your quote this morning as I am part Cherokee and my mother knew Joyce Sequichie. This is a good reminder to summon my Cherokee warrior and know that new life will bubble up.
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Hope, Catey, Amy, Mdg, please count me in on a get together at the end of July! I had my exchange surgery last Tuesday, going to get the drain out in an hour. All in all things went well, pain has been tolerable. More of a burning/searing Pain than with the MX. I'm trying not to look at/ think about the new girls yet. I am afraid that when the swelling goes down I will be disappointed. Oh, what a crazy emotional ride this continues to be!
Leah0 -
Amy-Welcome to the board and good luck next week, I'll be thinking of you and sending positive vibes!
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Spunky... that is one cuuuute little dog. I still miss having a dog around but we are committed to remaining dogless as it just makes traveling, etc easier.
We left home last Wednesday morning just after the big 4-5 inch rainfall. Most of the neighborhood was flooded, but we were okay and the sump pump was busy doing its job so we hit the road with fingers crossed. Got home last night and all was dry and well, except NO internet, TV or phone service. Sooooo.... ATT cannot get here until Tuesday afternooon for repairs. Making do okay without all that modern technology. I work from home, so it is a bit of a challenge. Thinking I may as well go out to the driving range and hit a few.
Welcome Amy. Will be thinking of you next week. I will always remember what my PS told me the morning of my BMX and reconstruction surgery.... "this is a good day cause you are getting rid of the cancer". Rest easy and know that you are on the road to recovery.
I had Dr. H at NW Memorial in the city also. I think that I remember that I had my pre-op physical with my local PCP and they did ask for a chest x-ray and the usual blood work.
TwoHobbies... hope that you are feeling better. Chemo sucks, but then it's over.
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Leahv, Hope, Catey and MdgHope, Living well in Geneva has a mx support group with the next meeting Wed. 7/10 from 7:30 - 9 any of you interested in going? it will be the night before my bmx.
Spunkyboobs, thank you for your thoughts
Much Love,
Amy
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pre-op with my ps today and crazzzy nervous, I can only imagine the day of surgery
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Human beings are made of body, mind and spirit. Of these, spirit is primary, for it connects us to the source of everything, the eternal field of consciousness.
Each of us is here to discover our true Self... that essentially we are spiritual beings who have taken manifestation in physical form...that we're not human beings that have occasional spiritual experiences that we're spiritual beings that have occasional human experiences.
--Deepak Chopra0 -
Amy we are heading out of town. I can't make the 10th. We can plan a lunch later in July on the west side. I know my son will be in a camp the week of July 22nd so lunch would be easy for me that week. I am open every day that week. Is anyone available to do lunch towards St Charles or Geneva area? I have to pick up my son in Geneva at 2:15pm but I am open anytime before that.
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I'd love to lunch with the western contingent, but I'm out of town that week-perhaps another time!
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Amy. I am planning on going to The Well on the 10th. I have been part of that group since Feb.
Mdg. I can do lunch anywhere in Geneva/st. Charles area that week. Anynday is good for me.
I so look forward to meeting you all!
Leaj0 -
Myers421 - what a nice idea to meet live. Might be able to make the 10th. Depends on whether we end up having work done on the yard that day. Hang in there. Having had my BMX last Wednesday, the feeling of anxiety is so fresh. But I have to say, the surgical experience itself was "better" than I imagined. Including the recovery from the surgery. Just take it slow. Though it is tempting to want to do more around the house as each day you feel a little better, try and hold off.
Sending good thoughts.
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myers421 I agree with BoatinGirl. I mean removing boobs sounded pretty painful to me. I was shocked when I woke up and it wasn't too bad. I expected to be in the most intense pain ever. Didn't happen. I've never given birth but that has to hurt a hell of a lot more because the BMX wasn't even close to what I imagined. Actually the node area was a bit more tended than the boob area. And if it does hurt they do give you good meds I hear.
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I just LOVE my PS he is awesome made me feel so comfortable and confident of the whole procedure. I thought I had to choose my implants today however, I don't have to until the exchange so I will have more time for research. Thanks so much for all the advice and sharing your experiences it is definately comforting.
Leah, I am going to try and make it the 10th but after thinking about it.. the day b4 may be too stressful but I def plan on going I've heard great things about the group. = )
mdg, St Charles and/or Geneva is fine with me I am flexiable as my babies are 24 and 20
Much Love,
Amy
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Myers I went to the dentist the day before my BMX. Lunch sounds like more fun
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Oh I took this off my favs. by accident, I guess I was so happy I learned something that I'll never be able to do again I hit the wrong thing.
Well anyone new--and for whoever just got BMX rest when u can u do need it. And Getting a Bmx is the easiest thing that u go thru like lago said--I thought they didn't do it, no pain so really relax if u can and it's an easy surgery for u.
Chemo is so different for everyone and mostly it's not a fun time--but the time goes by and u have a great support group here and some other threads if they are to u'r liking.
Ok back on favs. so I can keep up better.
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Camillegal-good to "see" you-I noticed you hadn't been on and was getting concerned. I hit the remove button sometimes and then panic I won't remember how to get it back.
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West 'lunch ladies'...I am in town the week of 7/22... Friday would work best for me 7/26 since I'll be working from home that day. Hope to be able to join you! Leslie
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camillegal didn't notice you missing since we are on other threads together.
BMX wasn't painful for me but I was sore. I too was one of those that didn't even need a Tylenol but if you are indiscomfort they have drugs for you. I did sleep a lot. Chemo was more annoying for me but didn't start to anoy to me till after tx4.
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It’s simple things, like a glowing sunset, the sound of a running stream
or the fresh smell in a meadow that cause us to pause and marvel
at the wonder of life, to contemplate its meaning and significance.
Who can hold an autumn leaf in their hand, or sift the warm white sand
on the beach, and not wonder at the Creator of it all?
Wendy Moore0 -
Hi Ladies:
I post seldom as frankly you all say it better than I can! But I read a book you might like (will be made into a film titled Running from Crazy ). The book is Running With Nature by Mariel Hemingway. Her grandfather was Ernest Hemingway and she genetically inherited an array of mental issues. It is pegged as some "...."steps to a healthier, happier life...) and I am listing the chapters here
1. Get Outside
2. Sleep Well (easier said...my comment)
3. Breathe Consciously
4. Live Silence
5. Eat Wholesome Food
6. Drink Pure Water
7. Cleanse and Heal
8. Laugh and Play
9. Adventure
10. Be Mindful in Relationships
Sounds simple and in fact the book is not complex. If any one is interested, I can send my copy to you after I read it in entirety.
Zap from Olden Days (Susan)
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I have been remiss in getting out the contact list for our IL Ladies. I assure that it is done, but I just want to make sure that I have not missed anyone since we have some new ladies. If you want your contact info included and have not yet sent it to me, please just send in PM through here. I promise to get it out in the next couple days. That will make it easier to make personal contacts and plan some get togethers.
I may possibly be able to meet up with the West side ladies. I am north West, just up Randall Road in CL. Might be good to plan something around I-90/Randall Road exit sometime as I think there are many ladies who would find that convenient. Heck, you can all come to my house, if you want to take a drive up north. We could go for a nice walk along the lake.
Zap, the book sounds very interesting. I am way behind in my reading. A book called "Amish Grace" was just highly recommended to me and I really want to get to that this summer.
Hope that everyone has a nice holiday weekend. Looks like our weather will cooperate. Our son and his wife from NC will be arriving this evening and we are excited to see them again.
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West side ladies and anyone that wants to drive out this way - how about lunch on Friday, 7/26 then? I can meet up around 11:30am. That will give me time before I need to pick up my son from camp. Any restaurant recommendations??? I don't eat out all that often.....flexible on the location. Ideas? Send me a PM if you plan to attend. I will post a reminder that week in case anyone else misses this part of the thread. The more the merrier! I have it in my calendar! Looking forward to seeing you and meeting the new girls.
Amy - you pix doesn't make you look old enough for kids in their 20's!!!
Have a great 4th everyone. We are heading to Breckenridge for most of next week. Hiking, horseback riding, panning for gold (I have a 6 year old that wants to do this!), rodeo tickets, swimming and whatever else we can come up with for fun. Will check in when I get back. Happ 4th to all and special prayers for those still going through chemo, rads and surgery!
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