Illinois ladies facing bc
Comments
-
Zap Pakistani at Sabri Nahari I think you went there a while ago on my recommendation. I now think about you every time I go.
0 -
Just wanted to add my two cents. I was diagnosed July 3rd. Had surgery August 4. Initially I was adamant about wanting lumpectomy only but unfortunately was forced to having mastectomy due to location of everything. In the name of symmetry I opted to do the double then and haven't looked back. I have 3 kids and wanted to do everything I could to stay around for them. I have no regrets and know I did everything I could do. Taking tamoxifen now for the next ten years. Feeling good. Hope that helps in your decision process. I know it's hard. Hugs to you and know that you are not alone!
0 -
"Life is like a camera. Just focus on what's important and capture the good
times, develop from the negatives and if things don't work out, just take
another shot."-- Author Unknown
0 -
Keep your mind on the great and splendid things you would like to do; and then,
as the days go gliding by, you will find yourself unconsciously seizing upon the
opportunities that are required for the fulfillment of your desire, just as the
coral insect takes from the running tide the elements it needs. Picture in your
mind the able, earnest, useful person you desire to be, and the thought you hold
is hourly transforming you into that particular
individual.
Elbert
Hubbard0 -
"View your life with kindsight. Stop beating yourself up about things from
your past. Instead of slapping your forehead and asking, 'What was I thinking,'
breathe and ask yourself the kinder question, 'What was I learning?'"-- Karen Salmansohn
0 -
Great quote! Thank you!
0 -
Kindness in words creates
confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving
creates love.~Lao Tzu
0 -
Hi ladies - I am an old-timer from this thread and I am just popping in to share that today is my 7 year cancerversary (hate that word)! I had a huge ILC tumor (10+cm) and was so scared when I was diagnosed. I remember that day like it was yesterday. My DD was in Kindergarten and DS was in 4th grade. My DS is now driving and looking at colleges and DD is in middle school. Surgery, chemo, baldness, rads - I got through it. It was hard, but Illinois Gals are Tough! I guess I still think about bc everyday (when getting dressed in the morning) but for the most part it doesn't occupy my every waking moment anymore. I pop on here and lurk every once in awhile but I think about you all frequently. Hugs and prayers to everyone here!
0 -
Let us sometimes live—be it only for an hour, and though we must lay all else
aside—to make others smile. The sacrifice is only in appearance; no one finds
more pleasure for oneself than the person who knows how, without ostentation, to
give him or herself to procure for those around them a moment of forgetfulness
and happiness.Charles Waggoner
0 -
CONNIE, NOTHING LIKE A SUCCESS STORY LIKE YOURS TO BRIGHTEN MY DAY! THANK YOU!
0 -
Congratulations Connie!! good to see you
0 -
I just wanted to share some good news with you ladies. During my initial diagnose in May of 2013, I had series of scans done due to finding some suspicious lung nodule and two lesions on the iliac bone. The follow up scan was done this morning and the radiologist was kind enough to give me the preliminary results: all findings are stable, they did not change. Very happy. I can now start planning my vacations.
0 -
Great news, Daninayd!
Congratulations, Connie!
I wish I were that far along and off these AIs. When I see my MO on Monday, I may bargain with the devil and ask for vaginal estrogen in trade for extra years on an AI. Or will it be a choice of sex and UTIs or no sex and no UTIs? And I haven't made it past 3rd base with my guy!
0 -
Doxie-
I found that vaginal moisturizers made ALL the difference. If you haven't given that a shot, I would! I use Replens every 3 days and it works well.
Good luck!
corpor
0 -
Daninayd that's great news.
Doxie I had that problem after chemo. I was directed to use Replens (or Refresh) every day for 30 days then 2x a week after that by my NP. I also used astroglide. Made a huge difference... and eventually didn't need Replens at all. It doesn't work for everyone but I had pretty good luck with it. Also if you don't drink a lot of water time to start. Best way to avoid those UI infections is to drink a lot (non caffeinated, non alcoholic). Granberry juice hasn't been scientifically proven but way back when, when I had the issue I found it helped.
You can also check out this thread: I want my mojo back
0 -
According to my gyne AI's don't increase the frequency of UTI's. Ha! But I think I've found a solution. I take two cranberry extract pills a day. So far so good. I discussed this with a pharmacist and she agreed that they do work. Hope that helps.
As for the estrogen cream...my onco recommended it but I was not willing to go near any more estrogen. I think it was a good move as it turned out that I did not have a UTI, I had endometrial cancer and it feeds off of estrogen. I don't know that it would have been effected by the cream but I'm glad I didn't take any chances. The risk factors for endometrial cancer are the same as for breast cancer, i.e. too much estrogen.
0 -
Look steadily on the bright side of life.
Cultivate the grace of a good
hope. Imitate
the fine optimism of those of whom it is said
that they
could see stars where their neighbors
saw only an unbroken expanse of
clouds.
George
Hodges0 -
Hooray for all those with good news and solutions. I know it helps so many people when all of you let everyone in on the things you found that worked.
Connie....always wonderful to see your name light up here. Great for those who haven't as much time under the belt yet to view life going in, working fine, and being able to reach that great place where you and the word cancer aren't walking hand in hand much anymore.
Jackie
0 -
Thanks for the good wishes everyone. Glad to hear your good news Daninayd! Nothing like planning a good vacation to make you feel better!
0 -
So I had my exchange surgery yesterday and am SO happy with the results! One side is marginally lower than the other but I can live with that. Both my youngest and my hubby are enjoying hugging me without the boulders of the implants in the way! I did the anatomical implants and it also got rid of the "divets" at the top too.
Pain is also very tolerable with this surgery, and I was really worried. I can't take narcotics, so that was a real issue with the mastectomy, but they put me on Tramadol this time and it's made all the difference.
So much of this journey has been hard, it's great to have something that really went well!
corpor
0 -
Congratulations corpor! Nice you got the anatomical. They weren't approved yet when I did this. I have one that is a little lower than the other. We really aren't that symmetrical. No one will notice. I don't like narcotics either but I have a high tolerance to pain... or I'm so numb there that I it wasn't a real issue for me. What is this Tramadol? When I had shingles I think I would have liked something stronger than Aleve... narcotics just make my dizzy, nauteous, etc.
0 -
Lago- Tramadol is an opiate analgesic, but not a narcotic. The narcotics also make me dizzy and really nauseous. I switched to motrin and Tylenol after the double mastectomy because I was so sick on the narco. I wish I would have known about this! I'm a little light-headed, especially right after I take it, but I don't feel "stoned".
Hubby said that if I had not pointed out that one was higher than the other he wouldn't have noticed. He is thrilled with the permanent implants too. So much better than the temporary ones!
0 -
Hi, ladies, hope you don't mind if I join in....I start chemo on Thursday at NW....very frightened!!! I hope to catch up with this board and all of you. Thanks!
0 -
jmg welcome, welcome. I'm so glad you found us. Of course, all, including yourself I know, would rather it be for a different reason, but some choices are not ours. The women here have been through it all and are able to help you with many questions, offer comfort and understanding, and just be a rock to lean against.
I do feel this is something you can't help being a little terrified about since we pretty much were all first-timers and began with scant knowledge and understanding. Fortunately....there was a BC. Org with many, many women who have all walked in the same shoes. Some of us ( thinking of myself here ) had not only never experienced cancer or its treatments before, we/I had never tried to be on a blog before and hadn't the foggiest what I was doing. Six months of chemo and 7 wks. of radiation and I'm here. Long time back for me now. Started the journey 2007 late in the year --- so the sun comes back out while we are holding your hand helping you get from where we have been to where we are now. You do it because your life is important to you and important to the people who love you.
We are great at hand-holding so come as often as you need to. It is a wonderful caring group.
Blessings
Jackie
0 -
jmg58 We all where scared. For most of us we just sat there waiting for something to happen... and nothing ever did. It's a long boring day. Be sure to bring a book, ipad, video games or something to get through the day. 1st day they go slowly with the infusions to be sure you don't have a reaction. Also don't do chemo on an empty stomach. I'm not saying eat a bit meal but you do need something in your tummy. And also drink lots of water!
BTW I live less than 3 miles from NW.
0 -
We have all been placed on this earth to discover
our own path, and we will never be happy
if we live someone else's idea of life.James Van Praagh
0 -
Doxie.....glad there is a new guy in your life! Go sista!!!
JMG - we have all been there and know your fear. Three years ago at this time I was about 1 week after my first chemo. I remember how scary all of it was. Three years later....life is great! Look to the future....we are here for you! Hugs!
Just popping in to say HI to all. Hope you are enjoying the balmy weather:)
0 -
The greatest gift you can give another is the purity of your
attention. ~ Richard Moss0 -
Saying a happy good morning. Good temps. will take place in my part of the world today. Will be in the 70's and though I'll have a drippy sinus nose for it, I will love it anyway. I'm really ready for winter to fade now. This one has proven to be a bit harsh and I'm ready for Spring renewal.....flowers, leaves, lilac bushes.
Hope you all have a wonderful day.
Blessings
Jackie
0 -
Thanks, mdg. Yes, I've found a guy via eHarmony. I think he's a keeper. I can talk to him like no one before. It's rather amazing.
So my MO is not keen on estrogen unless nothing else works. He wanted me to try something with shea butter and cocoa butter. Unfortunately I'm allergic to cocoa butter. Have also found suppositories with palm oil and coconut oil. Allergic to the latter too. Dang! Anyone know of anything else along these lines with neither cocoa butter or coconut oil? They worked so well until they gave me the hives.
lago, I've got Astroglide for sensitive skin and Replens. Will use the latter until I find something my MO prefers, but I am worried about growing sensitive to it in time. I have all kinds of weird allergies. I'm tired of feeling like a crispy critter down there.
0
