Any 40-ish survivors?
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Eema - sending prayers but have to say I agree with Profbee, fry 'em!
Sherry67 - You are my hero. I think if I had to have the TE's any longer, I would have ripped them out. Hang in there and hopefully the wait will be over soon.
Profbee - mine aren't uncomfortable but noticeable too. great description.
Hope any of you in Louisiana or on the Alabama coast weather the storm well. Stay safe and have a great Tuesday ladies!
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Hmmmm, where to start????? Foobs or seasons??? FOOBS!
I want mine out!!!! I hate them. They have no feeling and they are just there. DH says they are fine. He's happy with them, but I just don't know. What would they look like without anything??? I'm not much not, just bumps in the road, but they still hurt.
(they 'don't have tears) Just talking about it makes me think about it. I wish, when they did my bottom end surgery, that they would take my top too!!!! I could hope huh???OK, better subject!!!!
I have to laugh at Kim (boy, I hope it was Kim that said that!!!) talking about the days getting longer and Spring is on it's way!! It's funny to believe that we actually have FRIENDS in another hemisphere!!! It would be AWESOME to be almost Spring!!! Then school would almost be out
and Summer would soon begin!!!! LOL I could wish huh!!! Enjoy those days of the daffodills & tulips blooming!!! It's a beautiful time of year!!! I'm awaiting the fall colors.....Ahhhh, mountains with layers and layers of yellows, orange and reds!!!! It's amazing to have 2 of the most beautiful times of year going on at the same time!!!!!I'm HORRIBLE!!!!! Sad and crying one minute and dreaming about the seasons the next!!! That's life for ya!!!!
You all are a beautiful, wonderful and inspiring group!!! Love ALL of you without even knowing you!!!!
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Oh Debbie, you sound like you could use a hug. I think the emotional rollercoaster is normal and probably made worse by tami.
Don't know what it is like to have the recon, but maybe time will heal some. I had inflamation in my ribs (little muscles/ligaments in between) after rads. Finally starting to improve, but I am so tight. Radiated boob is still rather hard and so it feels fake some days. Only have one bra that I can wear without feeling like I am being tortured. Need to wear one as BC boob and other don't match and bra helps to hide it. Have to stretch every day before I get out of bed so I can keep moving. Both legs and arm. I don`t know if this is normal for everyone.
I think that sometimes drs contribute to our frustration. They always tell us how great everything is going to be. How can we not have high expectations.
Some people seem to to move through treatment with less SE's, but I don't think that makes it wrong for those who don't to be very frustrated and upset that things don't go the way we expect. You did not ask for BC!
I too am a Spring and Fall person. Love the colour and more moderate temperatures.
Coming up on my cancerversary in October. If I get through BC awareness month without killing someone, I hope that the next year will bring better things for all of us.
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Debbie, I was just telling my therapist today that if I had it to do over again, I wouldn't do recon. I think the real plus is that I don't have to futz with anything to wear a dress that fits, but ugh...they're not the dream "boob job" people think they are. And yeah, Jane, my plastic surgeon keeps telling me when it's all done I'll be happy, but I really don't think so.
School just started here, so back to work! ugh...Although there are some good things about being back to work and getting dressed up and feeling like my capable self, oh how I wish summer was just starting!
Love to you all!
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You know, I've thought the same thing, too. I think many of us try to deceive ourselves into feeling better about having to get the mx in the first place by falling into the propaganda that it will be some sort of boob job, that it will look as good or better than the ones Mother Nature gave us. Then we realize we can't feel ANYTHING, no matter how hard our partners may try. I don't know, ladies with flap surgeries...do you feel anything?
I'm ready to have mine taken out for something much, much smaller. I'm certain the big ol' hooters are causing pain in my neck and probably adding to my degeneration. (HA! I'm a degenerate!). I was big to begin with, but they seem heavier when they are filled with silicone. I'm waiting till 'gummy bears' are legal in our hospital and then going for a small C, large B, which is what I went in for.
Have a good day, everyone! The important thing is to love yourself no matter what you have up top!
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I changed my signature and want to see if it shows up.
Love you girls. Remember who you are and what you are made of...sugar and spice and everything nice!
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OK, edited it again.
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Eema... My foobs look and feel like the originals.. my sensory is not the same though. No nipple feeling, but imagine if I were wearing a skimpy bikini, I feel outside the bikini line, but not under it. I am pleased with my flap boobs. No pain, no replacement later and a flat belly and lifted butt. (I had a Body Lift procedure - DIEP and GAP).
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Hi All, a quick visit as I am suppossed to be working from home (and already walked kids to first day of school, went to get blood drawn and went to gym, lol). Vacation was GREAT! Can't say enough good things about it. Mt. Rushmore didn't even make any of our top 3 lists. Highlights were Devils Tower, Badlands, Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Jewel Cave, Wind Cave, Mamosite, and trip to Coors Field.
Burley & KiwiMum, like your new pics. KiwiMum, how was the Olymics??? I've been excited to hear!
Jane, very sorry to hear about your dad, great that you could spend so much time with him this summer though, I'm sure that meant a lot to him and your mom.
I also definately have reduced odor! I switched to Toms of Maine. My underarm hairs grow very slowly now, much slower than my legs.
My foobs, I can feel all around the foobs, but not the nipple area.
Eema, hope you get good news from the courthouse and I love your new sig.
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Hi, Kiwimum, so glad your trip went so well and it sounds like you really did luck out with your olympic events - what great ones to see. I watched a lot of the swimming and gymnastics on TV, not as much as the Track and Field.
I'm glad it's Friday also. We are having our annual Block Party tomorrow and everyone is so excited. We just sold 125 tickets, so I'm happy as we should break-even. The bouncy obstacle course and the lights are going up today and the rest will be set up tomorrow. The kids love it, now we are crossing our fingers that the rain holds out till later tomorrow evening, at least after dinner.
So, when I went on my trip I completely forgot to take my lymphadema sleeve for flying. I know it crossed my mind once during the days I was finishing the planning, but then I forgot all about it. I don't have lymphadema, but feel I am very susceptible as my fingers still swell up overnight. I rushed around ordering it and stressed about it not getting here in time last summer for my sisters wedding, and it did come. I wore it on the plane ride down, but then we drove to my mother-in-laws house for a few days and I completely forgot, again, on the plane ride home. Urgh... Luckily, no apparant swelling as of now.
So, went and got my blood retested yesterday. I figure I will find out Tuesday what the result is and move on to scans from there. I am feeling well, so I didn't even think about it once during vacation, which was good.
I understand some threads are negative here and why Facebook may be better and easier. Just not there yet for me. I am usually so rushed when I come on, I look at this thread and a few others and that's it. I don't look at the active threads, actually with the new format, I'm not even sure where they are anymore.
Have a great weekend everyone!
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KIWIMUM!!!! Yippee...Oh I hope you get to come..yes, it is actually 10 miles from my house. Derby is the biggest thing in Ky. (you would think anyhow) The parties begin the week before and each day something is going on. The day before Derby is Oaks and it is really fun too. The Derby you sip Mint Julips and the Oaks it is a Lilly drink. It is all about the fight against breast cancer. I will be crossing my fingers and hoping we can sip julips together and have a big time! Lol....Oh Lord now I will be so excited and it is so long to wait!! LOL..it would just be awesome if everyone could come ( all of us I mean). You will have to keep me posted and if you need any information just hollar ( as they say). Yippee!!
Meegan I am so happy your trip was so wonderful. I had thought of you. Your block party sounds like fun,how great to have friendly neighbors.
Eema..I like that sig line very much
as for reconstruction...I am happy ..are they victoria secret great..not so much..but I will say in my case they are more shapely etc than my real ones..mine had seen better days before preganancy/breast feeding...so if they come along with great ones I will trade in Lol...with mine now though even in bathing suits..I do not think you could tell
Happy weekend everyone...Kiwimum love the new picture..you look fantastic!! I am so proud of us and far we have come...I love us very much!! LOl
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Boo! Typed a response then switched pages.
Catnz-if you're reading, I just your message on Facebook. I sent you a friend request, then I can add you to the group
Regarding recon: if I had know I would be in pain and they wouldn't have any feeling, I may have opted for no recon. Like Prof, my hubby never touches them (except to grab them in the kitchen once in a while), and they're uncomfortable all the time. When they need to be replaced in 10 years or so, I may decide to just have them taken out. Oh well.
I hope everyone is having a great week!
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That would be so great!!....i had to tell you because it struck me funny..I really do think Kentucky people see the Derby as the Olympics!! It is that important..even school is closed..lol.. I am crossing my toes and my fingers!! I would meet you all anywhere in 2014..cruise ship..beach...Kentucky maybe together we can come up with the best place to do that...That would be such a special time...just thinking about it makes me grin.
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Kiwi.. I had DIEP and Hip flaps and I love my recon. They are soft and warm and no pain. If I were you though I would do DIEP, not TRAM. TRAM takes a part of your core muscle, which can affect you forever. DIEP is a microsurgery, but HAS to be done with an experienced surgeon, one who does many per week. I flew across the country to go to the most experienced with this procedure. And I wasn't a candidate for DIEP alone, and very few do the Hip flaps.
Meegan, I know you had healing trouble, yes??
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Hello all, I just found this thread and thought I would start following it. I am 42, diagnosed in April, now doing neoadjuvant chemo. My onco told me the average age of breast cancer diagnosis is 66. I used to think I was getting old. Now suddenly I feel young again! Well, except for the chemo-induced menopause and hot flashes.
But overall I think it's got to be easier going through treatment at our age than for these poor women in their 60s and 70s. We're in the prime of life!
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Hi Stride and welcome. I hope chemo has been not to difficult. How many treatments will you have? For me, I had 6 then 28 rads. I really did pretty well through it all. I am 46 and was DX at 43 had my bmx right before my 44 birthday...I am now 2 years out from last chemo and doing well..I do have some LE in my arm ( also put into chemo induced menopause) I guess if this is the worst from the BC ..that will be ok. Look forward to your posts and just know the light at the end of the tunnel is very bright.
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Hope everyone is having a great cancer-free weekend.
Welcome to you Stride. I was dx at 46 - sometimes it is nice to be told I am young by my MO. Sometimes treatments have made me feel older. But mostly, I am still me. Took me awhile to realize I did not need to be anything new & transformed after BC, just me because I was pretty happy before.
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Welcome Stride... I was dx at 40 and am a year out now.. Hope treatment passes quickly.
Hope everyone is having a great weekend. I managed to squeek out a long weekend so I can see the BS tomorrow (routine follow-up/social visit).....
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I can't keep track of FB & BCO
I keep jumping back & forth to find out whats going on!!!! Thank you Christy & bgirl for your thoughts & hugs!!!!! I'll get through this too!!! I'm almost becoming an expert!!! An expert at driving the nurses & drs. NUTS!!!!!!
AND Kim, I'm with you!!!! When they touch my foobs again, they are coming OUT!!!!! PS lied when he sid he would make me look perky!!! Yah right!!!
Weekend goes by TOOOOOO fast! Time to go back to school. Hoping to keep my job. Too much time out to handle my "issues" and now I'm taking 6wks more:/
Oh well, we will see. Theyvare suggesting short term disability. I"M NOT DISABLED!!! Just falling apartand needing repair!!!!! lol
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Welcome Stride! So glad you found us!
Someone named Joyce friended me on Facebook-I accepted her request, but I don't know who you are! So sorry. Let me know.
I am really struggling with my 12 year old daughter right now. She is totally pushing my buttons. I understand you have a broken hand, but either let me help you, or quit the constant literal whining. I love her to death, but I refuse to be her punching bag.
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I'm a 40 'something' survivor, hello all
So the last time I came on here I was filled with dread, anxiety.
This site helped to calm my fears and nerves. And now I'm back to share the light.
My avatar photo was taken in June 2011. I travelled with my sister through Europe (while my darling husband stayed home and looked after our children). Before C, I planned for the future - now I live my dreams n the now - creating wonderful memories for my family and I.
Doing the Milford Track for my birthday in December an plannikng a trip to the Northern Hemishphere for 2013.
Anyone care to come with?
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Hello all, thanks for the welcome! I'm in the fourth of six rounds of TAC. So I've been posting on a couple of the chemo threads, but like the idea of a 40-something group. I probably don't really count as a "survivor" yet, but I also don't think of myself as a cancer patient. More like a healthy person with a little cancer problem to solve. I had been telling people at work I had a "minor" health issue, but realized I had to be a bit more specific when I learned my hair would fall out.
For those of you who did chemo, how long did it take to really recover fully from the side effects, particularly muscle weakness? And how long was the recovery period for radiation?
kmur when I read survivors' posts it does seem like LE is the most common lasting issue. But it's great to hear you're doing well otherwise!
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Stride the only side effects that I have had are chronic fatigue, some muscle aches an mild LE to my right arm and upper back..Radiation was much easier than chemo..good luck with the rest of your tx and everyone is different some have no lingering SE..
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Hi EVERYONE!!!
SMILES!!!Now can I complain
MY FOOBS HURT!!!!! I just dont get it!! They even woke me up (maybe it was the nightsweat too) and I had to take an IB. I have noticed that they are swelling. I had on a (constrictive) bra thingie and I had to take it off because it wasn't fittine anymore! How's that...... Grow 1 size during the day and shrink at night!!! LOLOpps, Bell rang. Class switch
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Debbie, sending you another cyberhug - at least that shouldn't make your foobs hurt more!
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Kiwi - The block party did not have great weather, but it was great fun anyway. We took about 1/2 hr - 1 hr break when it poured and everyone ran to different houses, but most people came back out again. It did end earlier, most kids left at 10pm, where we might go closer to midnight other years. But this is our 4th year and first rain, so I'm not complaining.
Unfortunately, my blood work came back still elevated. But still at the same level as August the CEA is 5. So it was 3.4 in Feb, 4.8 in June and 5 in Aug and Sept. My MO is not worried and suggests continuing the normal timeline, which would be scans in October, although I will probably try to do late Sept. My past scans have been a CT scan and a bone scan. I have never had a PET scan so this time we are doing a CT scan and a PET scan. Of course I'm worried, esp. as I am getting a lot of headaches this week, although deep down I really believe it is because my eyeglass presciption needs updating.
I would love to go to the Kentucky Derby - never been to a horse race at all, even though there are some tracks near us, including Belmont.
Kiwi - as for recon, I would highly recommend DIEP or free flap TRAM, but not a "regular/pedicule TRAM". With a regular TRAM, they tunnel up through the muscle and you can lose a lot of core muscle stength. I am very happy and have no core issues at all. A free flap TRAM is 90% like a DIEP (and I wish they would have a different name for it) as you need a microsurgeon to do it and they only use a postage stamp size of muscle. The most important thing is to get a skilled surgeon that you are comfortable with and that will honor your wishes. Unfortunately free flap TRAM seems to be used to also cover surgeries that take more than a postage stamp size of muscle, so it's important to talk to your surgeon to know their intentions and your wishes. Happy to PM about it.
My issues after surgery were due to the prior radiation on my left breast, which is not reconstruction's friend, and my left boob shrank and lost much of the fat. Same thing happened in stage 2. Now deciding if I want to pursue anything else or leave it be...I took the summer off from thinking about it!
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Hi KeepingFaith!
My lingering issues are fatigue, truncal lymphedema, various aches and pains (mostly in my joints), pain in my feet everyday (which I can figure out...maybe neuropathy), thin and short hair...now I'm having issues with my teeth. I hope you don't have any remaining problems!
Debbie-sorry your foobs hurt. I hope you can find some relief with Advil or Tylenol.
Meegan-sorry you're having trouble with your bloodwork. I'm glad you're getting a PET scan. They're not that bad-I've had 3. I do always take a Xanax before, so I typically sleep while I sit for an hour with the IV, then I'm really relaxed when they stick me in the tube. I was also having a lot of headaches, but it was the Femara. Once I switched to Aromasin they went away. Are you taking anything like that?
If I don't pop on, have a great weekend ladies!
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Off for first mammo Monday. Thinking good thoughts.
I know I posted this on another thread, but I thought I would repeat it here for you ladies. My 25th wedding anniversary is on Wednesday. My husband came home the other day with new rings for me and got down on one knee in our living room and asked me for at least another 25 years. I love this man, the rings are nice, but most importantly he has been by my side for the last year and doesn't appear to be going anywhere. There is a kick in the butt to cancer!!!
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What a beautiful story Jane!! Happy anniversary and many more!
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Happy Anniversary Jane !!!
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