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Exchange City

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Comments

  • fairy49
    fairy49 Member Posts: 536
    edited August 2009

    Hi Ladies! Quick check list of supplements to take: Of course the multi is a given, the others are powerfully protective for us.

    1. high quality multi

    2. DIM

    3. Vit D3

    4. Tumeric

    5. Calcium D Glucarate

    6. CoQ10

    7. B6/B12 Folic Acid

    8. Omega 3 Fish Oil

    9. Iodine

    10: high dose Vit C

    I could go on and on, but if you can take these you will be good!

    L

    ox

  • lifegoeson
    lifegoeson Member Posts: 57
    edited August 2009

    Hi all,

    I had my exchange surgery yesterday.  Into the OR at 9am, home by 3pm. I had some pain last night but NOTHING like after the mastectomy/LD flap/TE placement.  Today I have what I'd call "discomfort" but not really pain, and I'm only taking Tylenol.  

    Tomorrow I get to take a shower, yay!

  • 4greatkids
    4greatkids Member Posts: 89
    edited August 2009
    Congrats Lifegoeson. Happy healing and good luck with your shower/unveiling tomorrow!
  • Cheri2
    Cheri2 Member Posts: 185
    edited August 2009

    That is great lifegoeson!!!!  I am still anxiously awaiting mine!!! (I hate being last! I feel like I am in elementary school and everyone is getting to go down the slide while I sit back waiting!!!!)   So happy to hear everyone recovers so quickly.  

    I can say one thing about fish oil!  I have been taking it regularly for about 2 years and after my surgery my breast surgeon asked me- what do you eat?  what vitamins do you take? She told me, my blood was a different consistancy than most folks.  And whatever I was doing to keep doing!!!  (although maybe red wine had something to do with it too, as I have my fair share of that!)

    speaking of husbands!  Mine has his first colonoscopy Thursday morning and told me today he is bummed that he won't be able to eat for 24 hours.  He said "I have to tell you honey, I am pretty nervous about this whole thing"...I didn't say anything but felt like saying "WELCOME TO MY WORLD"!!!  I was good- bit my tongue and was very empathetic! But, grrrrrr.... :)

    Deborah- I like your "how am I supposed to know"s- haha! I love it! 

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028
    edited August 2009

    Lordy Lorraine.  Will I have time for other activities?  It will take me forever to swallow that many pills.  LOL!

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028
    edited August 2009

    Cheri:  Well, Val's husband started it!!  It did not originate with me!  LOL! 

    Well, tell your DH that I worried and waxed and waned and put off having my colonoscopy for YEARS and when I finally bit the bullet and had it....PIECE OF CAKE!  Actually, it was entirely painless and the drugs they give you for a colonoscopy, boy howdy - I don't think I have ever felt so happy in my life!   I came home after the colonoscopy, sat on the sofa and started organizing some files and I felt just giddy with joy and felt like I had not had so much fun in my entire life.  Whoa...ORGANIZING FILES?  But those drugs made me perky and happy and what more can you ask for out of such a mortifying procedure?  It is just consuming the nasty stuff BEFOREHAND which is so annoying. 

  • malleme
    malleme Member Posts: 164
    edited August 2009

    Hello,

    One week since exchange surgery and I haven't needed anything more than Tylenol in 3 days and walked over a mile last night and again this morning.   I have the Saline Textured implants and I have to say so far I can not feel anything thru my skin.  Sleeping on my back is a real pain.  How long after surgery are we supposed to keep sleeping on our back??

    LIfegoeson-  I am so happy for you that the exchange is done.

    malle

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028
    edited August 2009

    malleme:  Saline?  Did we know you were getting saline?  This is fine but I thought you were getting silicone....but great news that you are doing so well.  Give it another few weeks on your back and then you can try some side sleeping.  Wait until your sutures dissolve.  Jean [mykidsmom] sleeps on her stomach - I think she went back to this position not long after her surgery.  I sometimes sleep on my stomach, if only to give my implants a good workout.

    So, I'm off to Whole Foods with Lorraine's list of supplements in hand.... 

  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 2,966
    edited August 2009

    Lorraine.. I do take all those except the DIM . Isn't that for hormone + ladies?

    Deborah.. I understand your frustration. My sons say I am cured all the time. I think it helps them.

    I am happy for those who are out of surgery and home... heal well all!

  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 2,966
    edited August 2009

    HER2+ gals...

    CoQ10 is VERY important to you as Herceptin can cause heart issues. If you took Adriamycin also.. even more important... FYI!

  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 2,966
    edited August 2009

    Ok.. one more thing...

    Ladies... and Lorraine.. if I made add ONE more really really important supplement.

    I eat about 1-2 oz of raw Brazil nuts daily for the Selenium. But you can also get this in supplement form. I feel this is VERY important, free radical fighter... HUGE in my book. would not be without it today. Never took it BEFORE BC... :(... I wish I had.

  • fairy49
    fairy49 Member Posts: 536
    edited August 2009

    Laura! DIM works for either, its just a really good supplement to take, it metabolizes estrogen (2:16 Ratio), so if you are er+ it will do what tamox does but without the side effects, for er- and if you are premeno or postmeno it will help with meno symptoms like sleeplessness, fatigue, aches, pains etc. Oh! I forgot to mention melatonin, important one, especially if one is taking tamox it helps you sleep.

    Deborah! I had a hard time at first with all the pills, but I now have my routine so I manage to choke them down quite easily Yell

    Congrats! Lifegoeson! I remember waiting to have a shower, oh the joy!!! its the little things isn't it!

    L

    ox

  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 2,966
    edited August 2009

    Well, I def.. have the aches and pains.. I will look into it . Does NOW make one?

  • Cheri2
    Cheri2 Member Posts: 185
    edited August 2009

    Oh I forgot to tell you all- since you were talking about menopausal symptoms- I have not had a period in about 3 months and I am only 44.  Never had that issue before surgery now it is all over the place...one month I will have my period- one month not and now haven't had it since May!!!! My surgery was March and I am NOT on tomixifen and no rads or chemo either!!!!! Bizarre huh?  I have decided to change my OB/GYN in the midst of all this so I am not scheduled until Dec. just thought it was worth mentioning if anyone else is having similar issues!

  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 2,966
    edited August 2009

    Peri-meno.... at 44.. it happens sister!

    I was peri-meno at  GET THIS...... 28. CAN YOU BELIEVE... thus why I only have two children... I took estrogen for 10 yrs... then the breast fibros were so painful.. I just said DONE!.. I had about 5 periods a yr until BC. The chemo shut me 100% down. I was 40 when dx.

    OH... and this might be interesting... I was Highly Her 2+ and 0%... yes...0% er/pr.

    My docs were floored... I want that ESTROGEN BACK NOW and no one will give it to me...~wink~

  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 2,966
    edited August 2009

    maybe this is why I am so moody and emotional...Embarassed.... Lord have mercy..

  • swest
    swest Member Posts: 140
    edited August 2009

    I am perimeno at 42.  It sucks!  After chemo I've only had one period (May and chemo ended in Feb).  I keep thinking they will return.....?????

  • malleme
    malleme Member Posts: 164
    edited August 2009

    NO periods yet for me since surgery in Jan 09 --chemo til June.  Gyn told me about 60 to 80% never get their periods back so ya never know. 

    ok Vitamin's what is DIM? I am starting Tamoxofin next week  so anyone with advice and info please send it my way. I''ll be on the herceptin til mar 10 and tamox 5yrs.  and yes I am getting Estrogen Cream to help with the side effects.  That's why I delayed taking the Tamox because I wanted the complete assurance that I would be the cream (due to my sisters problems from Tamox).

    Implants yes they are saline and I believe submuscular- but I will find out tomorrow at appt with PS. I will be so happy to sleep on my side thank you.

  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 2,966
    edited August 2009

    Lorraine... I KNOW this is exchange city... and I am on the alternative forums.. but cannot keep up with it all...too many threads to read... and of course.. chat on...hehe

    ok..from your list

    1. high quality multi.......................TAKE

    2. DIM................. Will look into

    3. Vit D3...................2000IU

    4. Tumeric...............I cook with it daily and take 1400 mg of Curcumin

    5. Calcium D Glucarate................1200 mg

    6. CoQ10......................200 mg

    7. B6/B12 Folic Acid..........B6/2mg B12/6mcg Folic Acid/1200mg

    8. Omega 3 Fish Oil ......... 1200mg

    9. Iodine.................. 150 mcg

    10: high dose Vit C......... 60 mg

     Can you give me your thoughts on the amounts I take. Do you feel I should up the Vit.C?.. or anything else for that matter...

    TY... :)..... I know you have been active in treating from the inside too. I have STACKS of education... some.. not for me..... others.. doable... :)

  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 2,966
    edited August 2009

    Lorraine... I KNOW this is exchange city... and I am on the alternative forums.. but cannot keep up with it all...too many threads to read... and of course.. chat on...hehe

    ok..from your list

    1. high quality multi.......................TAKE

    2. DIM................. Will look into

    3. Vit D3...................2000IU

    4. Tumeric...............I cook with it daily and take 1400 mg of Curcumin

    5. Calcium D Glucarate................1200 mg

    6. CoQ10......................200 mg

    7. B6/B12 Folic Acid..........B6/2mg B12/6mcg Folic Acid/1200mg

    8. Omega 3 Fish Oil ......... 1200mg

    9. Iodine.................. 150 mcg

    10: high dose Vit C......... 60 mg

     Can you give me your thoughts on the amounts I take. Do you feel I should up the Vit.C?.. or anything else for that matter...

    TY... :)..... I know you have been active in treating from the inside too. I have STACKS of education... some.. not for me..... others.. doable... :)

  • Celine
    Celine Member Posts: 44
    edited August 2009

    Ladies, I was at Walmart today and bought me an Omega-3 Fish Oil, 1200 mg and Vit. D-3 2000 IU. I've never taken these supplements before but I thought I would try them because there's nothing to lose. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Lifegoeson, glad to hear from you. Hpe everything is well and fine. Goodnight everyone. Celine

  • bobcat
    bobcat Member Posts: 526
    edited August 2009

    Ladies -  The picture of the three of you is BEAUTIFUL!!  Thanks for posting. I have been reading and not posting much lately.  I too take tons of supplements but wasn't told anything about avoiding soy.  Someone earlier on here said maybe there is a difference between whether you are taking tamox or arimidex.  I am on arimidex but don't avoid soy.  I will ask my onc next appointment.  Saw my regular MD today and he was please with all the bloodwork and cholesterol levels etc...  He came in with the AMA article about lymphedema and exercise and I told him I already knew about it!!   He was surprised but told him word gets around on BCO faster than anywhere else - it was a funny moment but I was glad that he thought of me before even coming in the room and brought the article.

  • pam1565
    pam1565 Member Posts: 2
    edited August 2009

    I have a new name for the "breast mounds" because, for some reason, I just don't like that term.  I call them "BIPS," or Boobs In Progress :-)

    My dbl mast was April 23rd and my exchange surgery is Sept 4th.  I am counting the days until I can be "soft" again!

  • pam1565
    pam1565 Member Posts: 2
    edited August 2009

    I have a new name for the "breast mounds" because, for some reason, I just don't like that term.  I call them "BIPS," or Boobs In Progress :-)

    My dbl mast was April 23rd and my exchange surgery is Sept 4th.  I am counting the days until I can be "soft" again!

  • Orlandogator
    Orlandogator Member Posts: 5
    edited August 2009

    Has anyone had exchange surgery while takeing Herceptin?  Did you have to skip a treatment?  My exchange is scheduled for October 2nd and when I originally asked my oncologist he said that was okay to have the exchange and then yesterday he said no...My plastic surgeon didn't think it was a problem and his practice is about 90% breast cancer patients...

    Thanks!

    Diane

  • Annabella58
    Annabella58 Member Posts: 916
    edited August 2009

    Hello my dears, just checking in on everybody ...congrats to all after surgeries!!

    As to vitamins: my onc nixxed soy products, as the phytoestrogens are taking a beating in the medical community these days.  Soy foods, such as tofu, mimic estrogenic qualities and the jury is out as to whether they are bad for us.  For now, anyway, and this will most likely change tomorrow (ha ha); I am nixxed to soy foods, flaxseed, multi grain breads, all very high in phytoestrogens, so the estrogen ++ gals might wish to consult on this with oncs.

    He said no no to the fish oil caps.  The expensive ones, that are not made with farmed fish might be OK< the Walmart brands and Costco are no nos, as farmed fish can be given food that may be estrogen+ type, or the capsule itself may be made with bovine materials and I heard a host of other reasons, but anyway, it was nixxed for me.

    OKd to the calcium (12-1500), Vitamin D3 (make sure it's D3), 1000 mg., multi.  And lots of weight bearing exercise for the old bones.

    I miss estrogen, but not the periods! :).

    love you all

  • Celine
    Celine Member Posts: 44
    edited August 2009

    Hi Ladies, I would like to know why soy is not good.If it mimics estrogen what can happen to us? I hate myself to ask a dumb question. Celine

  • kookiesmom
    kookiesmom Member Posts: 57
    edited August 2009

    Hi, today is  day 3 after exchange and I am feeling pretty good.  I am just taking xtra strength tylenol during the day - I did take vicoden last night but still didn't sleep too good - hot flashes mostly.  I asked my PS about sleeping on my side and he said if I could get comfortable that it was OK.  Hmmmm now I wonder why some of you can't and I can.   I know I am going to be small - only got 400s put in so maybe that is why.  I also don't have drains & he told me to go braless during the day  & sports bra by night.  So different from what I've read here - not that I am complaining.  I put moisturizer on last night and they are so soft!  What a difference  from the expanders.  Hope everybody else is doing good!

  • flowerpetal
    flowerpetal Member Posts: 7
    edited August 2009

    Hi.

    someone had asked for more info on the "gummy implants" 410.  I found this on the manufacturer's website. this document is for the use of the 410 in Canada since the product is approved there.

    Important Information for Women About Breast Reconstruction with INAMED Style 410 Silicone-Filled Breast Implants 2006

    http://www.allergan.com/assets/pdf/M1247-01_Can_RECON_410_PatLab.pdf

  • Celine
    Celine Member Posts: 44
    edited August 2009

    Glad to hear from you and you are okay,kookiesmom. I can't wait for my time. Celine

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