Single life after a mastectomy
Comments
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Melp- I am so sorry to hear of the mets to the lungs. Are they going to try to get the one out of your lungs?
Jazz-yes it's manageable. Itching like crazy these days and apparently stretched real good yesterday morning-Whooops. That hurts.
Enerva-I appreciate the pics. You look very good!
Bb-Because I'm having rads, I hadto do the delayed reconstruction. I may still have implant options, but he wants to see how I handle rads first.
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melp I am sending you hugs.
Simplicity hummm I am surprised your DC did not place a expandex in place for filling the space .I haa a expanded and radiation then had to wait 9 months after radiation in order to replace the expander I think all this ps do things differently but yes like bb says it ll get much better but we all suffer so much at this point where you are.
.you too will look good just keep thinking we here were in your shoes and got much better .I hope the medication reduce the tumors melb .
I was able to see my dentist today and I am glad she did a filling which was looking loose then cleaning ll be done this Wednesday but that is it she found nothing more .holy I did not see her in almost 3 years so I was waiting for horrible news .
Just got home ll shower then eat a salad cuz I had no lunch today only fruit
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my friend dh wrote to me today.
Cxxxxxxx
Denyse est trés touchée de ton soutient, elle garde le moral.
Demain mardi 15 septembre elle a rendez-vous avec sa gynécologue
qui fera le bilan des examens passés la semaine derniere.
Son opération s'effectura le vendredi 18 septembre.La nous serons
fixé du degré de gravité.
Nous te remerçions pour les photos
gros bisous
Denyse Françis
Basically she ll see her Dr. Tmw to know the results of the test
but surgery is on Sept 18 that means the Dr is already surtain of her bc. Ladies I am so tired of bc hunting our lives
I was thinking about the donations too today and jazz u are right me too I ll donate to this site. I have no idea what would I have done without all of you.
I also wonder if we could ever get to meet each other. I ll keep on playing if I win the lottery we must all go somewhere and have one amazing week together . The ladies in the Inmsonia tread do meet once a year I think that is so cool.
Maybe one day we will all do that.
I found one strong pain killer which has codine and I tooknit instead of the sleeping pill lol now I feel so drug I remember taking those 3 or 4 together when I had my surgery I am amazed how much pain I had to be able to take these drug as if it was candy
Good night all
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Thanks for the encouraging words everyone. I know it'll look better eventually, just feel so horrid looking.
Bb, yea, my new motto through this has been #whatthefuckever.
Hope all have a great day!
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Enerva- it feels so many days like everyone has cancer. I hope your friend does okay through her procedure and that it is not cancer. I knew the radiologist knew mine was when he came in to tell me we needed to biopsy. They work with this stuff all the time, they know. I think having been through it, we can be a resource to others who are going through it as we do here.
The other thing about having had it is that I think we all get to hear a lot more of people's cancer stories. I remember reading an article early on during my dx that once you get diagnosed, you will have people tell you all their cancer stories. Simplicity, I think of you and you may be hearing a lot of that, but hopefully not. I think the only time it is helpful is when they let you know they either had it and to help you understand the process or supported someone else, and as a result also get it.
I had a friend from a former job whom after I went through everything, started telling me about everyone's cancer. She has a best friend who has had been battling colon cancer, and the husband has some kind of cancer too. I saw her for a concert this summer and she had just been to visit the friend, whom seems like she is not doing that well. She always talks about everyone else, she never asks me how I am doing interestingly enough. Anyways, I don't really keep in touch with her anymore, don't feel the need to listen to her cancer stories.
Please be careful with the sleeping pills.
Simplicity- I am sure you feel so raw and awful right now. Nothing about this is easy, and a BMX is a double assault to the body. I hope you are continuing to heal, feel better, etc. I know you must be really looking forward to taking a real shower when you get the drains out. I remember living in the sponge bath world with all my surgeries for a long time. I came to really value being able to take a shower (I always felt that way after traveling in Europe too and the lack of consistent hot water in older hotels......)
Melp- continuing to keep you my thoughts and prayers for good medical care with everything you are going through. I hope your family is able to hep you through this.
Got an important meeting today and must get going. Wishing you all a good day.
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girls I got a msg from my family Dr. Secretary saying that my potassium levels where too high in my blood and that she wants a repeat. Wth I have no idea what does potassium high mean
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Enerva- I know when potassium and sodium are out of balance in the body it can create issues with blood pressure. Usually people who have blood pressure problems (me) have sodium issues.
I don't know but you should ask Sassy on Insomniacs. She knows a lot about blood work things.
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ok but I feel bad cuz I haven't been to the tread in a wile so I had a look at my blood results now and how I did not see that lol
Look
Is 6. Should be under from 3 to 5.4max
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Enerva- I did read some medications can affect your potassium levels. Are you taking and over the counter pain killers? How about the sleeping medications? They could be the culprit. Your AIC is good (blood sugar average through three months).
I think BB and other have had some off blood work. They will re-run to make sure it is not a fluke. Could have been high the day of the blood draw. Dehydration can throw of a lot too.
I hope you can get the blood work redone soon so if it is just a fluke, you don't have to worry. I cannot find anything on line that links potassium with anything around bc.
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I found this
Mobile-friendly - High potassium level is a problem in which the amount of potassium in the blood is higher than normal. ... certain chemotherapy, or certain infections; Disorders that cause blood cells to burst (hemolytic .
Makes sense .maybe I had the infection over all cuz after this blood test I got a urine infection and I went to the walking clinic and the good Dr gave me antibiotics she said they where good for all kind of infection. I got well soon after that hummm I am surprised cuz I don't eat much specially sodium .oh well tmw I ll be at my dentist at 7 am then ll go do this blood test I ll do it fasting too same as the last one. We will see what it shows up by the end of the week. Or maybe next week
Night all
Hope my kidneys are ok
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E- that is right, you had the bladder infection. That can throw things out of balance. You are right that it could be a risk to kidneys, but only long term. Drink some water and stay hydrated.
Good luck at the dentist and with the blood draw. Keep us posted?
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Yes for sure jazz . Also I know that after my sick scenario in france I was not feeling well 100percent so all makes sense . I ll drink lots of water and I ll keep u ladies posted.
Thanks guy big hugs
Melb how are u today?
Simplicity hope u too are good .I am with you on the whatever lol I am big on saying that these past years lol
Night night
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Sorry, I'm just getting back to the forum now. I found out there's still one more piece of legal work to do, and now I think one of my sons needs help, such as counseling. :-( So, we're in crisis mode right now.
Melp - I've been out of touch here for some time, so I probably missed some updates. It sounds as if the lung met is very small. Thank goodness they caught it and are watching it. I had an ovarian something (they never quite figured out what) that became very large, and it turned out to be benign, too. Please keep us posted as to what's going on, if you can.
Simplicity - I had immediate tissue expanders during surgery, and I had only implants. But many women who've had other types of reconstruction are happy with the results.
Enerva - I think your scars look fine - hardly noticeable. I don't have a lymph node scar; my BS must've gone through the breast somehow (??). And, at first, she left me with a round scar that healed to resemble a nipple. It was amazing. But then everything went wrong later (long story), and I ended up with multiple scars -- one across each "breast," one under each "breast," the port scar, and the long tummy scar from the abdominal surgery for something else (not BC). All within a year or two. I am just a walking scar now. lol
Jazzy, BB, June, everyone - Goodnight. I have to look into these urgent matters first. But I'll be back soon.
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Life- sorry to hear about your son needing some counseling. I hope you can find someone good to help him with the support he needs.
Like you, I ended up with five scars through my medical problems and related surgeries. I remember looking at my body for the longest time and cringing. Not so much now. It took me away to look in the mirror and see a stronger surviving woman these days. Now my scars are my battle wounds.
Hoping you can get through things and your son is doing better soon.
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Sorry Life. Have you ever checked into equine assisted therapy? My kids and I did it for about 5yrs. Great results. Im not sure of your sons age or the circumstances, but horses are great for therapy for various situations.
E-hope you're feeling better today.
Glad to hear your perspective Jazz. Gives me hope for the future of what Im looking at now
They are starting to 'fill out' a bit? Not as concaved as they were. Does that have any connection with the drainage tubes & fluid build up? Dr appt today. Hoping to get a drain or two out (of 3). Tired of these damn things.
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Not sure if any of you ladies know who Tig Notaro is or have seen her documentary on HBO. In the film, she does her stand up show and talks about her BMX after being diagnosed with bilateral cancer. She talked about everyone staring at her chest all the time. So what does she do? She takes her shirt off and does the rest of the show topless. No recon. It blew me away when I saw it.
Today she was on Ellen and just sort of like what she said about her scars. I thought it might help Simplicity. I like what she said about her scars as a symbol her body had healed.
http://www.ellentv.com/episodes/scott-foley-tig-no...
She is awesome.
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jazz thank you for the link. I have no idea who she is. I am so disconnected with TV lately
I called my family Dr. Secretary to ask about my blood test and she said they ll call me tmw after the Dr review the results and let me know if I must come see her or if I can just pick up the copy of results. Basically she did not say anything so I am waiting to hear tmw
I send my annual review to my manager and I must now wait for his feedback also told him I do want to make the move to the other team .he said we will discuss it next week. I am not sure what is there to discuss.
Anyway
Jazz I ll pm u
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E- I was thinking about you tonight on my evening walk and wondering if you heard anything on the blood work. I hope the doctor looks at them and gives you a thumbs up and all is well.
So what is the story with the boss? He is still trying to control things. Probably wants you to do a bunch of training or something before you go to the other team. He will probably come to find out quickly how much you did to hold things together in that area. I hope you can get away from him soon.
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Jazz - For me, it was the opposite: I started out looking at my scars as battle scars, and I felt like a warrior at first. Now I'm kinda sick of the scars. lol I think I'll feel better with tattooed 3D nips. I'm familiar with Tig Notaro's comedy and her battle with BC, too.
Simplicity - My sons are teens. I've never heard of equine therapy, but I'll look into it. I know the drains are frustrating. We all hated them. But, soon they'll be gone. :-)
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Morning ladies!
Thanks Jazz. Not sure that it's the scars with me as much as it is no boobs. I never thought my boobs were great, just boobs. Saggy after 3 kids. Hardly ever saluted anyone anymore. But they were my boobs. And looking at a pitcure I took before BMX, I never gave them the credit they deserved lol They WeRe nice looking boobs!
E-your scars look great to me. Nice color, placement of scars on the boob-under-is great! I already had a lot of scars, so that really doesn't bother me. Besides, you're beautiful, with or without them.
Life-you're getting the 3d tattoo's? So jealous! Where are you going to have it done? I have a friend who is heading west with another bc sister to get theirs done.
I think I may skip nipples & just go with tattoo's down the line of flowers to highlight the nipple area.
Well, suppose it may be time for my first hot shower in 2 weeks
A bit scared to take off the drain hole bandage. Afraid goo may come out lol Amazing to me that those holes just closed right up. Feel much better this morning with two drains out (YAY!) and antibiotics started. Plus Im tightening up my pain med schedule (I have a pill phobia-addiction runs in my family), and do feel better this morning. Hope everyone has a great day!
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Simplicity- yes, the no boob thing is most certainly a shocker. I had a double lumpectomy (both sides) and would have had the BMX if I had not had the ruptured appi at the same time. But remember once you are done with rads, you will have something in place. And maybe perkier too? I have seen some beautiful tattoos that women have done with recon and without. I think I would do the same.
I saw on your FB group you got your shower done. I remember on several occaisons not being able to take a shower for long periods and never appreciated them more. I always appreciated a good hot shower after traveling in Europe because a hot shower is hard to find there, but never like I have since having surgery. Have someone change your sheets so you sleep in fresh clean sheets too tonight.
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So potassium is down to 5.1 so I guess ok?
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E- yes, potassium looks good. I have another observation though. Will PM you.
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E - I'm completely clueless about the lab work. What does your oncologist say about the results?
Simplicity - Flowers sound nice. I thought of that, but I decided to go with 3D nips. I'm financially broke. But my oncologist's office referred me to a school where the instructors do the 3D nip tattoos free-of-charge. I suppose that means I'll be part of a demonstration, though. lol I haven't set up anything yet. I'm still finalizing this split from the ex first.
Many of the women here are happy with their reconstruction, but the process can be frustrating. I hope you don't mind if I ask - are you doing radiation? My first breast surgeon/plastic surgeon team planned to give me a skin-sparing mastectomy and then radiation before putting an expander in place. I ended up going to different surgeons who told me that rads without a tissue expander in place would destroy the skin. I don't want to worry anyone, but I thought you might want to know that information.
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hi hope all will sleep well tonight. The blood hummm well looks like my red counts are low which could explain me been tired and maybe anemia .iron is low too I think .
I have appointment with my new oncology on Monday I will show this results to him and see what he thinks .
Other than that I am OK ll try to exercise tmw maybe a walk by the lake
Sending u all hugs
Night
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E- glad you have an apt coming up. Good to bring those results to your doctor. I think I told you this already but my friend who finished chemo this spring has struggled with anemia. They told her she would recover in time, but some women have problems with it. Anemia is something they can treat though. I hope you have a good apt and get something to help.
I got another offer for a new project yesterday. Looks like I am about to be very busy!
Melp- thinking of you and hoping you are getting through. We are hear to listen (or PM with) if you need to talk. All so overwhelming.
Simplicity- I hope you are continuing to feel better and can enjoy a hot shower every day now with those 2 drains out. I see you coloring and need to pull out my book this weekend too. I love adult coloring books.
June- thinking of you this weekend too. I love NYC in the fall. Still hoping to get to NYC one of these days. The friend I usually go with is traveling so much with work, just hard to plan. I am going up to northern NM end of Oct and invited her to come out and do that with me. She desperately need a vaca.
Life- I hope things are getting better with your son. I have something to share with you on PM that might be helpful to you.
Everyone have a good weekend.
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Morning ladies!!
Life-yes I have to do rads. From what I understand, my options with implants is very limited. PS wants me to see him midway through to see how my skin is holding up & discuss recon options. As of now, Im a good candidate for DIEP. My PS says implants with radiated skin is very rough and allows no 'give' on radiated skin.
Jazz-Congrats on the offer! Thats great! May I ask how many contracts you're currently working? Yes, get your coloring books
It really is great stress relief. Has anyone talked with Melp outside the forum? Hope her & LL are holding up okay.
Yea feeling a lot better since other drains came out, tightened my pain med schedule, and enjoying showers! Ahhh!! Now if I could just feel/dress comfy without boobs
E let us know what the Doc says Monday.
Life-thanks for that. I see my surgeon again Thursday. I'll ask her about that.
My moms coming up to stay the night tonight
Kinda excited. Think were going down to the neighbors for a bonfire, drinks & laughter. Should be fun!Hope everyone enjoys the day! It's a beautiful one here. Hate I can't do much. O'well. Soon. Very soon.
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Simplicity- one contract in progress, second one offered. I have to figure out the timing to see if I can do both. Sometimes they both want FT to start to get things going. I would have to clone myself.
I was going to go play music today but realize I have a number of things to do to be ready for a trip back east for a wedding in 10 days. My sister and I are both flying in to Vegas where we will catch a direct flight together to NY. But my connection is tight and started worrying about the bag not making it with the 45 min in between. But I discovered there are four more flights after and so my bag should make it there by midnight before we have to drive south the next morning. I decided to take a few items with me in my carry on (including my outfit for the wedding two days later) just in case. Fingers crossed everything shows up in good time! The joy of flying......
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ok jazz followed ur advice went to the lake and enjoyed s 6km walk
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