Single life after a mastectomy

Hopefloatsinyyc

enerva- your reconstruction INCLUDING revisions are paid for by OHIP (I think that's what Ontarios health care is called).... Don't accept being pushed off- or ask your nurse navigator for another referral... It's covered- no lottery required!!

jazzygirl

Hope- good to hear about the help with the twins and from your mom. I went through treatment over the holidays, breast surgery before Thanksgiving, rads that started right after New Years, etc. I had enough help, but folks were busy with their families, company, etc. Summer much the same way. I found I did not need a lot of people, just enough and the people who wanted to do it just showed up and I took their help.

No real tips on the seromas. The body sometimes just responds with those, but not always.

E- I am tired too. I got really fed up again at work today and wanted to just leave, but told myself to finish out the day and focus on what I can. I think my client has picked up the vibe I am about fed up with the politics and push back there. She was in yesterday for awhile, but ended up being out today with a sickly kid. So she is not really back into her role yet and won't be until next week. I am submitting a nice invoice for the month of June tomorrow with some OT in it and that will help me for next month. I am really glad I made the decision to take a week off in July. Need to get away from them for a week.

E- when do you think you will take a break and go to Mexico?

jazzygirl

Thought this was funny too....

Enerva

lol jazz that is funny

As per my plans well I have my weeks off in august but still not much money to take the trip. I ll know by mid July if I ll be able to afford it.

Hope I was turned away by a ps once and that hurt my feelings then I was referred to the one who was able to fix me up in terms of getting the right implants, but the rad has caused trouble last year I went to see him he said we must wait another year in his mind he needs to wait till it gets worse other wise he won't do anything. I am just not wiling to argue about it I waisted time when I saw him last year. I wish he could agree to cut the internal scars which feel like a tumor now but I don't know why he won't.

I figure they think I may get sick again so what is the use ? I had no luck here in Toronto n I lost faith on all Dr.

Hopefloatsinyyc

enerva- that makes me sad and angry. I am so sorry you dealt with such insensitive and inept doctors. No one deserves that. I wish I knew someone to recommend. My office is actually in Mississauga- and pre-DX I would be in the GTA every few weeks- I'm now staying closer to home until the fall... But let me know if there is anything I can do.

Enerva

hope that is so nice you sometime are close I am now in GTA and next time you are in town I ll love to meet you in person. I want to take a drive to USA in the future to meet bb ,jazz simplicity June life and all .I went to Denver once and was very close to meeting another sister from insomnia treat ha ha ha that would be so cool to sit at a patio and laugh and vent lol

Yes my road was not easy with my recon cuz I kept my nipples and I had large breast before bc so they treated me with attitude they one ps even said to her assistant in front of me." Oh her issue is that she is from BRASIL" and I got so offended I got up and I told them I am not from brasil and my issue is that I intend to keep my body as close as what it was before and I left her office . I was dealing with morons here you see they were aginst my decisions on keeping my skin and my nipples and they talk about me in my face as if I was not in the room. Even remembering makes me ungry .

I am OK one day I ll make them take this scars out lol

I got up at 10am fist time in so long I so needed it .

I wash the last episode of game of throne last night and I was so sad it is over lol

My pleasures in life ha ha ha

Enerva

OK so dI laundry then I said Humm do I start to study or paint haha simplicity I made two more rocks

Hopefloatsinyyc

owl is so cute!

So DARN - as fearedI managed to get 2 seromas likely due to my drains pulled early (which I welcomed)... Getting them aspirated tomorrow am by my PS. Hoping he doesn't put the drains back in. Ex is taking me for the procedure.

jazzygirl

Hi ladies- glad to be done with work. I stopped on the way home yesterday to buy some new plants for my pots, some of them just cooked the plants inside during the heat wave in June. The monsoons are here and the weather is only in the 80s today. Got some light rain going on this afternoon, hope we don't get rained out at the jazz concert tonight. Going to see one of my besties tonight for smooth jazz at the zoo!

Here is the new dragon's breathe at the bottom I bought at Lowe's last night. Just loved it, flower and the pot it is in too!

Hope- sorry about the seroma's. Just hard to know when to pull those drains out and what will happen. Glad you have plans to get the fluid removed. That will hopefully go easy. Your ex sounds like he has been helpful.

E- OMG, I watched what I think was the season finale the other night of Game of Thrones. Holy smokes! They just seem to recycle their cast every season. And I love the owl rocks!

We should all find a meet up place sometimes! Denver is easy for me to get to, but think many here are more on the east coast or up north?

Simplicity- how are you doing with your recovery? Will you get to see E for any July 4th celebrations this weekend?

Melp- how are you doing? It must be winter there now? What is that like where you live?

Wishing everyone a good weekend, for those celebrating July 4th or just working to heal from all that has been.

Enerva

wow jazz that plan is beautiful

I love it

So I painted one more lol

jazzygirl

BB- it seems like an intensive program may really help you through all this. Can your sister help with the mother care for awhile? We women feel so responsible to do for everyone else and then find depleted by life and it's circumstances. Can you put yourself first here for awhile to give this a try?

I was out with a friend last night and talked to her about going to visit my friend tomorrow. She said it will not be easy, but i will be glad I did it later. I spent time with many people in my family at the end and know it can be a very frightening time and that people just need to have others be there and to feel loved. That will be my job for tomorrow.

jazzygirl

BB- that is very sad about the woman who was so kind to you and lost her battle with cancer. After my brother died, I was so devastated and a friend's brother died from AIDs and went to the funeral about three months later, but clearly was not ready to deal with any other losses. Then my brother's best friend who was good friends with our entire family died (he was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer the last year of my brother's life). I was watching all these thirty something people dying all around me, and it was so god awful. I could not go see my brother's BFF, who was like another brother to me, or go to his funeral. I got together with his wife some time later and just explained it was all too much. She understood and knew the terrible time our family had gone through. Sometimes we just can't do it. Tomorrow I will be able to though. We do this when we can.

I am wishing you better days sister.

melp27

Yeah its winter here. Its super cold!!! My mental health has been up and down lately but im slowly recognising when my thinking is wrong and trying to remedy it. Physically I have an abdomen/chest CT scan coming up to check how everything is going there and if treatment needs to change. Will see my oncologist on the 8th by then he will have blood test results and the scan report.

melp27

hi bb yes i had a good time with my mum. She is visiting my sister at the moment but she will be with me when I see the oncologist. Thank you I do feel very safe posting here!!

jazzygirl

Melp- good to hear from you and that you saw your mum, and finding ways to cope through this emotional roller coaster. It is hard for anyone to understand what a cancer patient goes through emotionally. I learned quickly that outside of a couple people, the only safe and non judgmental place I could really openly talk about things is here. We will be in your pocket during your scans, blood tests and follow up apt. I am glad your mum is going with you to the apt.

BB- that book sounds good. Things that help us to see what is ours and what we need to respond to and everything else are so valuable. I hope the book continues to be good for you!

E- Happy Canada Day a bit late. Friday was your holiday yes? Are you getting some time to relax over the long weekend?

I am hoping to go visit my Hospice friend today. I called his daughter a little while ago to see if today would still be alright to visit. No answer on her cell phone or VM to leave a message. So I will wait for a bit and try again. And if today is not good, I can go tomorrow too. Going to try to see him this weekend if possible.

Enerva

hi ladies yes this c business has force us in a road we never imagined

I adentify with all of you

I now kept going as if there is no tomorrow but is what keeps me going . I must check our lottery tickets tmw lol

I study and chill this weekend my place needs lots of cleaning and organizing but I was not wiling to move a finger thus weekend.

Went for a nice walk and also got my bicicle from a friend so garage who was so kind to store for me is a new bike I bought back when I was getting out of bc. To start moving my legs

I got a rack for the back so I ll be able to carry my bag. But my dilema now is that I can't find the bike s lock lol

Is like I have no recollection as per where I put it .

When I find it I ll start taking it to work and school.

Simplicity

Morning Ladies!

O I cannot catch up lol

Enerva, those are beautiful!! I'll have to upload a recent coloring.

Recovery is going slow, and frustrating. I have stayed busy thou. I had training last week for 3 days and my body seemed to handle that well (sitting all day. A class environment). E had a Hazmat trainer come in and it was the same price for up to 10 people. Given some things implied, and the state of the State Budget, it gives me a backup employer wise. Other than that, our time together has been limited.

Five friend from 5 states from my single parent support site organized assisting a friend in another state (next state over from me a 1.5 hour drive), so my oldest drove me there to meet another friend from another state to help this friend. Ha. confusing? lol I moved very slow and was very mindful, and rested when I needed to. We got a lot done and it felt good to get out and help a friend I worry for her thou. Pill addiction...she seems to...ugh. I am very watchful of that stuff and may be sending a message to our other friends.

I think 4 of us are heading to PA on the 7th for a wedding celebration on the 11th. I am only riding, clearly. So I think I will do fine.

Going into the office tomorrow for 4 hours. The working from home Wed then PA thurs. I just have to go in tomorrow to update my system lol I may try to VPN in tonight and take care of it, doesnt always work thou. Back on the 11th to resume working from home for 4 hrs a day until I can head back full time.

I hope all others are doing well. You ladies are always on my mind.

Enerva

HI bb good to see u are busy. Nah I didn't ride yet .

Tobe honest I stored my bike at a friend and I am not in the mood to go out there cuz I haven't been exercising and I need to be in good shape both mentally and phisical in order to handle my bike. Last thing I need is to lose balance and drop her lol

I am just trying to focus on school for now

Simplicity ya rock painting is so much fun I love all that has to do with craft I am in the wrong business it seems when I retired if I am alive I ll dedicate to that lol

Simplicity

Morning ladies,

BB, the incisions look very good. Thou I have 3 holes now (4 if you count the one that is technically only separated by skin from the other). What my nurse friend suggested in dressing change is working awesomely!!

Enerva lol Not sure rock painting is a habit I want to pick up just do to how much stuff I have around already haha

Hope all have a good day

Simplicity

Just called the Dr for more pain meds. Morning and nights are the worst. "The PA is not comfortable writing you pain med script"

Does the PA know I have 4 holes in my stomach???

He does not have abdominal dehiscence in my chart. This is the 2nd time I have encountered this? Why would he not have that in my chart???

They called back and are writing the script, I just have to pick it up, an hour away I understand why the FDA did that, but O what an inconvenience.

jazzygirl

A flower for your day ladies. From the side of my house and from a stray seed that found a place to root and grow!

Simplicity

Beautiful Jazzy! I wish or some time, I will have my natural area in the back.

Bloodwork clear from the Onc's Was kind of nervous with all the wounds and such. Lots of wound changes, other than a 4th pencil size hole, (2 small, 2 long) all is looking good! Takes to the NP and she weote me a script for pain meds. I hate pills. Always have. Ive seen them destroy many homes, lives. But um, I have hole in my stomach. Packing, unpacking, debriding your own wounds is not only painful physically, but mentally also. I just cried n cried last night *sigh*

Overall, the healing is coming along.

Ooh!! Oooh! Im leaving for PA Thurs after a stop in VA to help a friend! All ladies from my single parent support site I am so stoked!!! Got to meet the one last weekend thats celebrating her new marriage Sat, the reason were coming from 5 different states Everytie I meet a new friend, in person, its like we dont skip a beat from online to real life.

BB, yes. It's good for the soul. Love that you did that with your kids. Did you get your box out? I am more than sure it is appreciated. I have a letter I need to write to a dear friend, she's a lifer Such a beautiful remarkable woman

Nite everyone. 4 hours of work from home tomorrow Was nice to be in my office this am. Sweet dream

jazzygirl

Simplicity- your single parent support group sounds pretty awesome to me. We have to go where the people are who get us, care about us and will help in times of need. I think you have discovered these folks are keepers, yes?

I am glad your apt went well and that you are coming along. Your recon has sounded so hard to me. I know there are so many different kinds they do. Cuts to the abdomen are very hard to deal with. Like BB, I am squeemish and could not even look at my own body for a long time after all the cuts I had in a few short months. But the good news is, the body is amazing at healing and a few months, year, etc. things will look better.

Have fun with your friend this weekend. Let them do all the work!

BB- I love the packages for the military folks. When my nephew was in Iraq, I would send him packages with supplies and lots of extras to share with his platoon or whatever they called it. He is in the ARMY still. I heard today that they are sending more troops back in to Afghanistan because things are destabilizing again and plans to keep them there through the decade. My nephew did one tour of duty but am thinking he may get sent back.

Work was great yesterday, pretty gnarly today. Going to end my day with yoga at the gym though! Tomorrow I start a music class for four weeks! Girls just gotta have fun!

Enerva

hi ladies hope all OK

I have been going cucu trying to absorb the material for my exam ; (

I wanted to share a video of one of my kind of girl lolif only I could lose the fear of dropping my bike lol

Also a cute video no sure if u saw it before.

Enerva

and the cute one lol

melp27

Getting my blood test and scan results tommorow at the hospital. Bit apprehensive but no signs to me that anything is hurting more than usual. Still have my lymphadema that's big biggest annoyance at the moment

Enerva

oh Melb I wish all is OK with the results .lymphadema is so painful. I was terrify of getting that so much I send you healthy waves, I wish they find the cure for all this mess

Wishing u all a better day

I have an exam tonight and I fall asleep wile trying to study last night

jazzygirl

Melp- will be in your pocket during your visit tomorrow. I am glad you are feeling okay, sorry about the L. It is in one arm or somewhere else? I remember you said your mom was going with you to the apt.

E- you sound very tired girlfriend. I love the photos and the video you shared. Seen the video before and excellent commercial. Most commercials are pretty lame these days, that one is creative and captivating.

Already to Friday again tomorrow! Looking forward to another weekend on the horizon.

I wonder if Life has gotten herself accepted in to the new college program and if she is starting school again this fall?

melp27

Yeah its in the left which is the hand I write with.

jazzygirl

BB- those young men and women will so appreciate what you are doing for them.

I know you and I both did environmental work once. In the 1980's, I was working on a haz waste site and wearing Level B and C protective gear in 100 plus degree weather. We could only do that for 30 min at a time. It was brutal and cannot imagine wearing heavy gear like that in the heat all day long. I expect showers are hard to come by as well.