Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
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NORMAJeAN, thank you. I will check that out.
DENVMOM, was the lipo painful at all? You mentioned needing another session of lipo. Did the first session make a noticeable difference? Was your arm a lot or only a little more comfortable? I am a little overweight but did not have big breasts. I'm anywhere from an A cup to a B depending on how the bra was made. But my fat slab would make one think otherwise. I keep wondering where I should put my deodorant since it looks like I have 2 armpits. :-( And it is ridiculous that reconstruction will be paid for but not this.
~Heidi
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Having had only a lumpectomy, it’s not clear to me, when a mastectomy is done and the patient doesn’t want recon, why does the surgeon leave the dog ears?
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There is overwhelming evidence that the higher the level of self-esteem,
the more likely one will treat others with respect, kindness, and generosity.
People who do not experience self-love have little or no capacity to love others.
Nathaniel Branden0 -
Happy Saturday to all
I had BMX because I didn't want to be trying to "match" sides. I did not have reconstruction. I did have dog ears, especially on the cancer side. My surgeon removed them about a year later- maybe six month, I'm not sure, but Medicare paid for it- or maybe the secondary insurance (VA 100% Disabled widow) paid. The one on the left is gone, but I still have the dog ear on the right. It is much smaller, but still there. I also have lymphedema on that side, which could contribute to the dog ears. I wear foobs every day because without them, my balance is off, and the dog ears seems to swell and hurt if I go braless. For many months I had to wear an empty sports bra to bed because of the swelling overnight. It has taken 3 years to find bras that are comfortable. Medicare pays for 6 bras a year. Don't know if any of this is relevant to you, Heidi, but I guess my point is, regardless of individual circumstances, it takes a while to find what makes you happy. I go to a place that specializes in post mastectomy bra's. Maybe they would have better advice to you, Good Luck,
Anne
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Norma Jean - like Anne, I had 'touch up' work and medicare paid the full 80%. I believe that Sandy is correct and Medicare should pay for the re-do's. Maybe the doctor's office used the wrong billing code and Medicare thought you were having "cosmetic" liposuction instead of breast cancer follow up. Or maybe that doc just didn't accept medicare. Both of those things happen a lot.
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Thank you ChiSandy, Anne, MinusTwo..........both mastectomy surgeries were suppose to be skin sparing. They were done by the same surgeon yet the affected side has a TINY bit of skin and the other side is flat w/ the exception of a sizable lump near the sternum combined with the "dog ears" they are very noticeable when I wear my bras or a bathing suit. (Now I won't even go swimming it's so ugly.) The dog ears look like loose skin on the side under the armpit that use to be attached to "something", ChiSandy. Yeah, my boobs. I would like to have ONE scar from one side to the other and look like a 10 y/o boy. I was never more than a C cup depending on the bra, then only a B cup. Maybe at this age it shouldn't matter & I should just deal with it. And NO I will not go back to the same BS. Spiteful witch........just b/c I didn't want to use her PS. Both pathology reports states Simple Mastectomy. It's one of those coulda, shoulda situations. DH was layed off last Oct. then decided to retire thus the Medicare plus Tricare for Life from his military which picks up the other 20% like any other supplement.
Again, thank you all. I appreciate the feedback.
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Of course, if I had half a brain left I could always call Mediare.
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sorry DenvMom.......I forgot to include you in the thanks. Just a little rattle brained right as DH cut the tip of his finger off this afternoon while "playing" with his new Ninja chopper. He has had leukemia and his platets will never be normal so it's difficult to get him to clot.
Everyone have a great remainder of the weekend.
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Heidbird.........here is another forum that might help you.
Forum: Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy → Topic: HOW TO MAKE A MICRO BEAD BREAST FORM
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Hoping everyone is keeping warm tonight. The cold air is persisting even on the coast. But it is nothing like the temperatures in the interior of the country.
Welcome to the new ladies who have posted in the past few weeks. This is a wonderful thread for sharing, hanging out, relaxing, talking about BC or gardening...we do it all.
It is a busy time and yet BC does not take a holiday.
From reading the posts of those with post surgical issues, it just confirms that BC is not a disease with a quick fix. Women go through a lot after diagnosis and surgery. It doesn't show on the outside, and nobody wants to hear about it anyway...and this is all the more reason that BCO and threads like this are so important to our sanity and recovery.To all my friends here who sent birthday wishes to us Thanksgiving birthday turkeys, thank you so much.
Wren, I loved your image with the quote about older women running things...it happens and will continue to happen more and more. My DD attended Annie Liebowitz's photography show in New York. Gloria Steinem was there and DD had tickets to a small round table discussion. I told her she stole my generation's icon. The message was that the time for protesting is past and women should be active in their issues and position in life. BC is certainly an issue, and I am glad we can share so openly on this site.Sally, I am glad you are past the exchange and looking forward to getting your life back. I hope you continue to feel better as you adjust to your reconstruction.
Sandra & Mike, I am wishing you a good few weeks of the holiday season - that you may spend some peaceful days at home. I do hope that Mike has been able to eat and that the gall bladder issue will soon be resolved.
Jackie, I am glad the new furnace is all set and that you will be warm! I don't know how this happens, but so often your quote is exactly what I am thinking about for the day.
Puffin, it has to be a tough time of year. I am so happy to hear that you got to spend time with Lew's family and your granddaughter (congrats on the golden Mickey).
Wishing you a peaceful and safe holiday.Termite, it must be hard to know you won't be seeing your kids. I hope you find peace in your holiday time as you adjust to these life changes. All my kids have moved away and now family dynamics are changing so I am seeing a lot less of everyone. I try to adjust to the "new normal" and stay as positive as I can.
It's a pretty typical December here....my three DD's brought the grandkids to New York to the Radio City Christmas Show. We had a wonderful day. The show closes with a live nativity with camels and sheep on stage....and Christmas carols are sung. There are not many public venues that present this story of Christmas.
It was hard to say goodbye to my grandkids. I will not see all of them for Christmas. Many changes are taking place and I am doing my best to float along with a smile and acceptance.Time for bed....lots to do tomorrow as I am still working long hours Monday-Friday. I will be ordering on line mostly, and finishing the decorating tomorrow. Tree is 3/4 done.
I feel determined to finish up my "tasks" so that I can be free to visit a few people who cannot get out and to think about how I can give a little more of myself this season.Hugs, prayers & a warm space is wished for each of you.
Joan
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Any human being who is becoming independent of conditionings,
of religions, scriptures, prophets and messiahs, has arrived home.
He has found the treasure which was hidden in his own being.
- Osho0 -
We have been enjoying some cold weather here in south Louisiana. Or at least I am enjoying it. But the warm up is on the way. Back to 70's this coming week. With warm temps comes the likelihood of rain. I brought in some plants in pots for a couple of days but they are back outside in the sunshine. My two pots of geraniums we brought home from MN are huge. I thought I would try keeping them over the winter instead of abandoning them and buying new ones next summer when we arrive in MN the first of June. DH loves red geraniums.
Jackie, it's good to think of you warm and comfy with your new furnace. We've had the heat turned on during the day the past three or four days. We don't run it at night since we like the house to get cold for good sleeping.
Joan, the trip to Radio City with your grand kids sounds like a lot of fun for them and you.
As ChiSandy said, medicare should pay for any procedure that is a followup of bc surgery. The billing must be done correctly. I could have had revision surgery to improve my reconstruction but I chose not to.
Happy Sunday to all.
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Have unpacked and washed clothes. We've dropped to below zero temps (headed for -15 this week, not windchill but actual temp) so I've been organizing my photos from the Florida trip.
Here's one of me with Lew Jr, his wife Carey and the 2 grandkids, Noah and Cierra. The second one is from Cierra's performance, and the 3rd one was taken of Cierra at Clearwater Beach at sunset.
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Just checking on everyone. I think of all of you often and thank god you have always been there since I began my adventure. God bless you all and merry christmas! Shuf
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Cierra is one talented young lady indeed, Puffin. Glad you’re enjoying some fun in the sun.
5” of snow here by the lakefront (up to 8” inland) and still falling till late tonight. Bob is stuck down at Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn because the roads are awful and we’re not sure he can even access the alley & garage. I can’t check, because my back is still so stiff & sore I’m using a Rollator to get around and can’t get outside to see. Lidoderm & Flector patches (alternating), TENS, Tylenol & Celebrex BID and a Flexeril at bedtime, and alternating ice & heat have barely made a dent since I went to the Immediate Care clinic on Tues. Am forcing myself to get up from my chair and push the Rollator around my first floor every 15 min. or so. Tried to do the exercises they gave me…..OWWWWW!!!!
And I’m supposed to get a nail-repair mani tomorrow so I can play guitar on the radio (the station is in Glen Ellyn, 30 miles away) Tues. night. Yeah, right….
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Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries.
Without them humanity cannot survive.
Dalai Lama0 -
Ah, cool today, but no signs of snow. Maybe it will be awhile. It did rain during the night, the night before and off and on during yesterday and last night as well. I think the rain kept it warm enough to not snow here, but I do know it is more a question of time. The deck this morning was fairly dry -- so fingers crossed. It should otherwise be a good day here. I likely will have to hit Walmarts again --- the store I just can't seem to by-pass most days. I was there yesterday ( drat ) and hadn't noticed how low the dog food was getting -- so another trip in my very near future --- this afternoon, after work. Sigh !!!!
I have a number of things to work on and complete within the next couple of days. Due to costs, I don't send out many Christmas cards, but do have some and those need to go out. Nothing that won't have plenty of time to get where it is going --- but I'm going to have to write DISIPLINE in real big letters all over the house.
Hope you are all going to have a marvelous Monday.
Jackie
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Hi Ladies........can I come play with all of you.............LOL.......I kind of remember being on this thread before, but darn if I know where it went in my favorites.............I remember so many of you, and still keep in touch..........so is it ok if I come aboard.....Lord knows I qualify.............probably am the oldest one here.......anyone older then 81........OMG, that sounds ancient.............hugs ladies...........and oh it's cold here too.....
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Imagine how our lives might be if everyone had even a bit more of the Wisdom that comes from seeing clearly. Suppose people everywhere, simultaneously, stopped what they were doing and paid attention for only as long as it took to recognize their shared humanity. Surely the heartbreak of the world's pain, visible to all, would convert everyone to kindness. What a gift that would be.
Sylvia Boorstein0 -
Hey Ducky, I'm sure a lot of us remember you as well. It has been a very long time. We ( those who remain from olden times ) and those who started later on while sometimes quiet, have continued the enjoyment of sharing our days with each other long after treatment is over. We value the encouragement, and just sharing and caring.
We had sleet here this morning, and I think it would like to turn to snow, but other than an errant flake now and then, I think we won't see much. I also think due to moisture up above us we might have this going on the next couple of days or more. It is just going to be fairly cold. I can't complain too much. After all it is December and you start to expect winter. I love a good snow most of the time but I'm never anxious for it. I just hope it is the kind I can really enjoy when it comes.
Going to be a long day here for me. There is a bit of ill health in my patient's family so I'll be doing some extra duty. It will be okay though. I'm glad when I can relieve someone else's burden a bit.
See you all later.
Jackie
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I went to the doctor today about my ears being plugged for 13 days. No infection, allergies have caused my eustacian tubes to swell shut. I'm to take 600 mg of ibuprofen every day for 3-4 days to decrease the inflammation and a prescription antihistamine/decongestant twice a day. Guess I'm allergic to Disney.
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Hey Ducky......welcome back. I'm a sorta newbie & don't post much at all but I could have sworn I was probably the oldest. You beat me by 11 yrs. My DH didn't get the cartoon pic......I explained it then he laugh heartily. Thanks.
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Ducky - good to see you.
NormaJean honey, you're probably one of the youngest at 70!!!
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Great to see you here, Ducky! We are currently living that cartoon here in Chi-town. (Going down to 0 in the city tonight—it was already -1 when I left the radio station at 11:30pm—and facing a high temp of 9 degrees tomorrow.
Puffin, you might want to add some OTC steroid nasal spray (e.g., Nasacort, Clarispray, etc.) or saline sinus spray like Ocean or Ayr. (When I had “serous fluid buildup" behind my eardrum during the height of hay fever season, that's what helped unclog my Eustachian tubes). I wouldn’t do a full sinus flush (like Neil-Med or a neti pot) with plugged-up ears.
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Thanks for the suggestion Sandy
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Ethics is knowing the difference between what you
have a right to do and what is right to do.
Potter Stewart0 -
Brrr Sandy --- which though I don't post much there I left as well on the Illinois thread. I am a super old-timer there ---- having started back in 2007 and most of the wonderful gals I was with there still read from time to time --- and even post a bit now and then, but we have pretty much gotten out of the way for the newer people.
Sandy, glad you could give Puffin some GOOD suggestions. I have things happen so seldom ( feeling deep and lasting gratitude for that ) I tend to have little experience nor seldom even an idea of where to go to get it. It is part of the big treasure of staying connected here with friends. Someone has been through it and either has some 'suggestions' to share or whom one might see if they can. That is what friends are for and I feel I have made so many.
I spend time on three different BC. Org forums/threads and feel the same about each person on each thread. A friend for whom I want life to go well feeling that they wish for me the same in return. Win-Win.
Hi to all on this sunny but cold day. I did mention on the Illinois thread how the temps. this morning will surely help me remember to buy those great little gloves at Walmarts. They are thin, but with care can shield your hands well as you wait for the temps. to go up in your car. Also help you put some distance between your hands and a very cold steering wheel. My car temp. gauge said 16 degrees this a.m. and I know just how many blocks it takes for it to actually start warming up. When it starts --- oh the gratitude I feel for the easing of that discomfort --- especially when you have foolishly forgotten to purchase those said gloves. Just yikes. See you all later.
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I just turned 67 this month.
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Many people do not know that they can strengthen or diminish the life around them.The way we live day to day simply may not reflect back to us our power to influence life or the web of relationships that connects us.Life responds to us anyway.We all have the power to affect others.We may affect those we know and those we do not even know at all. . . . Without our knowing, we may influence the lives of others in very simple ways.
Rachel Naomi Remen0
