Single life after a mastectomy
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Going through my six month follow up this week. Part 1 with the mammo and ultrasound done yesterday and no new findings. Whew. Always so stressful. Part 2 on Friday with my MO for blood work and exams, plus my Prolia shot.
BB- the only way to know what any food does to your system is to test your blood sugar two hours after to see how far it spikes. Could not say what a slice of pizza does to your glucose, but if your doctor gives you the testing stuff, you can find that out. It has helped me to avoid some foods that really spike my sugar. If you get diagnosed with diabetes, they will give you that and also have you meet with a nutritionist. They can advise you how many carbs per meal to stick to.
I love pizza but rarely eat it anymore
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BB- six months because I had bilateral cancer and due to another major surgery I had right around the time of dx, so BMX was not an option. My BS pretty much said I would not have survived too big surgeries six weeks apart. Therefore, I had the double LX, and so they watch both sides closely, especially the tumor beds which have a lot of scar tissue. I was a very complicated case.
If my BS says this summer can be the last of the 6 month mammo/ultrasound, then I should go back to the regular annual screening in 2018. I will say the whole five year concept was daunting at first, but am amazed how fast it has gone.
I am on the AIs for 5 years and that ends next March, so I know I will keep seeing him until next January, maybe longer. My MO has not indicated yet whether we will go for 10 years on the AIs. He wanted to do a test last January that is another type of genetics test that can indicate risk vs. benefit for extended endocrin therapy. Not enough tumor left to do it (my IDC was less than half a cm and used for oncotype too), so we were unable to answer this with the test. He said we would discuss it again closer to the time as there is new info coming out all the time on the benefits of 5 vs. 10 years.
https://www.answersbeyond5.com/
Took me two months to see my endocrinologist. Now I see her every other month. They are few and far between in my location. The first time I saw a dermatologist here, it was 4 months. This was even with referrals!
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BB- I think for people who have more advanced diagnoses including node involvement, the 10 years is a given. I have a good friend from these thread who has ILC and has been told she will be doing 10 years. ILC is more aggressive and does not respond well to things like chemo (she did a trial instead), but it does respond to AIs from what she has shared.
There is a sister on another thread who said she wished she had continued on the AIs. She said within six months of going off the AIs after five years, she got mets and now very worried for her (she is not doing well).
Do I want to be done with this in five years? Absolutely. Tired of the sore joints, achy feet, blood sugar issues, weight gain, and bone loss concerns. Prolia has helped to take care of the later and also helps reduce re-occurrence too. Because they learn more with time around these things, it is worth check in year to year on this on any new research around the long term use of these drugs and the ongoing risks vs. benefits. My MO is good about answering questions. I need to put some together for Friday.
The junk on the other side that showed up during the MRI that was done on the other breast was DCIS, but had to come out and also had internal rads on that side too. I am a unique case.
Simplicity- yes how are things with your friend? I hope you are able to keep things light and stay in touch. I know you both care about each other.
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bb if you have instagram the lady who did my eyes liner is in instagram her name is @permanentlyfab
You can see all her work she also tatoo eyebrows lol
I am home now I will try to do a few exercise's for tmw 's class then I will crochet a few small pieces for my next rose. Crochet is the only thing that relaxes me .
Wow I admire you guys ta king all the medice I would not deal with it. My MO is very upset and he is a new one I lost my good one and this one has an attitude but I don't really care for him much I will just go there do my blood test and then nothing till next year.
I wish I see my bs though I ll try to get an appointment with her.
Good night all let me know if you see the permanent make up stuff
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Morning ladies.
Ugh Jazzygirl "BB- I think for people who have more advanced diagnoses including node involvement, the 10 years is a given." I have heard the same thou the plan for me right now is 5 years. Hate the thought of getting to what you think is the end and the Dr says 5 more years. Bleh. Not sure if it's the anastrazole or this ick I have but I have been very achy lately, especially my hands and legs.
Enerva, I hate all these med's. I was a fairly healthy 40 yr old, no med's, then boom. March 31st marks 2 years. It seems unreal sometimes. A different life. A different time.
BB, I didn't know you had skin cancer as well? How scary. I had a mole removed in my surgeons office that's bothered me for years on my lower back right where my waist line of pants hit. So glad to have it gone. And a large one on my left breast. but no worries with either.
Smooth? Ha. Him and I, yes. His kids, not so much. I think his boy may have pushed the final button last night. We shall see. There is so much pain there, and it is so obvious. So much anger. I went to stay last night and Alex wasn't supposed to be there, he was supposed to be in rehab. So I am cleaning a bit, getting E's sheets in the wash, and in he walks lol
An eventful evening. He just wanted to be alone. I sat on the couch to study, waiting for E to get home. Alex is just staring at me. Long story short, he made his point prior to E getting home, respectfully. He didn't want me there, and wanted me to leave or at least go study in E's room. Um. No. I did ask if he was okay and if there was anything I could do. I got a head nod 'no' to each question.
E got home and Alex got rude with him and E was not happy. Alex wanted us both to leave. So we went to get some dinner, and brought him and his gf some dinner back. After they ate, he got loud with me in front of his girlfriend. She's trying to calm him. I just told him I was sorry for his pain, but I didn't do it, and that if he ever wants to talk, I am here for him.
"I know you are (gruntled raised voice)."
Told him I loved him the other night. He didn't like that too much haha
LMAO. He (Alex) gives me way too much power over him
I am very empathetic and can sense emotions when I walk in a room; hate, anger, walls (such big walls), love, joy. A stranger told me a couple weeks ago that my aura was very calming and inviting. Alex's girlfriend doesn't carry the same negativity that him and his sister do. Much more accepting of differences amongst humans.
So, idk. I have taken a new approach and not letting myself be consumed by the negativity, and countering it with love, humor, joy-or trying to haha I just hate seeing E so stressed out.
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Good morning ladies- well I got a call from the MO office saying my provider won't be in the office on Friday for my apt, so I am waiting to hear back on a new apt. I want to get this done before I go on my trip to Vegas in a few weeks (and want to be past the side effects of the Prolia shot that goes with this visit). Sigh.
Simplicity- that statement I made about more advanced cancers is based on what I have heard from other sisters here on the threads about doing 10 years; many are surprised I am only doing five. They are no picnic, as you know. And you are starting the Prolia now as well to counteract bone loss. I would trust what your MO says for your particular case, but be armed with the facts on the current research when you get to that time. I will be facing that decision in another year, you have more time sister.
Your friend, E, having a son in rehab must be difficult.
Got more to do things today and heading out in awhile. Blessings to you all for a good day
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BB- that is good news about the endocrinologist. I think the nutritionist will help you too, they can help with the carb management process. I learned a lot going through that, like a flour tortilla could be more than all the carbs I should have for one meal. Hence, I don't eat those anymore (and okay with it). The challenge will be around foods you may really love that are carby. I eat a lot of lean proteins and veggies.
Will she see you again in a few months?
The trip to Vegas is for fun. Meeting my sister there and going to see Elton John. He has been on my bucket list forever. We are going for four days. I am not a big Vegas person, so I won't be doing the casinos, etc. Pool time, getting a facial, some good food, will be perfect for me.
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BB- I am sure your endo is focusing on the areas that need the first attention. It is too bad doctors can't give you more time to go over more, although my endo easily spends a good 1/2 hour with me, where as my PCP and others might give me the standard 15 minutes. Instead you end up with multiple appointments and often co-pays or go away feeling you wish you had more time. Doctors are pushed to get as many patients seen a day as they possibly can.
The nutritionist will help you figure out where to get your protein. You sound vegetarian for the most part, so things like eggs, cheese, and maybe fish if you don't have any concerns here will be good options. If you are more vegan, it will be harder. You can often get small portions of fish at the grocery store to make meals, I do that all the time, and then cook up a veggie with it. Pre-made salads are often a good option for single people. My fav breakfast food is a yogurt that is low sugar and called Siggis. Very fun flavors too like orange, strawb rhubarb, coconut.
Be sure to tell your nutritionists where you feel your challenges are with food. Only have a certain budget, foods that you dislike, challenges with cooking for one. There are resources on line for both single folks as well as diabetic recipes I am sure she can help you with.
Glad you are getting this help. Our systems really do change after all we go through, especially with the systemic treatments like chemo or AIs.
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BB- the wonderful thing about these threads is being able to share without judgement or concerns. I don't talk to too many people about my health anymore, people still act weird about the whole cancer thing.
Glad to be able to listen and help!
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Ok so here i am, sorry i was away but there is something that happened which got me down this week.
so glad the week is over. i am now home but waiting for 7pm to log in to a production release . should not take more than one hour
i have been very busy and tired this week so much that i could not go to the therapy yesterday morning instead i slept in till 9am then went to work the late shift 11 to 7 pm.
bb i have to be honest i hate cooking for one
in fact i now cook on a Sunday afternoon then i freeze as much then warm up every day but i dont enjoy eating the same thing every day. I started doing it cuz i was expending too much eating out but i do not enjoy the cooking for me alone.
so i know how u must straggle to find a balance food for one. i now eat mostly 2 meals and fruits as my dinner and sometimes not even that just a tea. it is not good but i got use to it now. in the breakfast i have my bread with a slice of Swiss cheese and little to none butter , if i have time i may do an egg too. but most times i bring the bread and cheese with me and toast at work so no egg ;(then around 1pm eat what ever i bring for lunch then in the afternoon a fruit or yogurt and that is so boring i hate it. but i do look forward my bread in the morning lol now that you mentioned i should try and cook some beans this weekend i haven't in a long time and beans have lots of protein so they say. but the issue is i only want to eat it once a week and if i cook it then it will have to be for every day ;((
Jazz is so smart with the food thing i remember she also knows how to make some very good dishes but i lost interest in food not sure when maybe when i went back to been one person only.
Simplicity my heart goes out to you , i admire how well you handle the situation with e 's kids
you go girl, you deserve to have him in your life i hope one day the kids see the person you are and how he is happy around you.
i am trying to crochet a little this weekend and Sunday is the final skating class i can beileve a month went by so fast.
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ha ha ha bb I am far from super woman lol I kick my sorry a 's 's every day out of bed lol
Tomow I ll sleep in I need it so badly
At least till 9am
The bread for breakfast is as good as it gets these days lol
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E- good to hear from you and I feel the same way about cooking stuff you end up eating for too many meals. I do freeze some things and that helps. I don't have the same desire to cook the way I used to though. You sound exhausted and hope you can get some rest this weekend.
Maybe we can share recipes here we find along the way that are good for us single gals?
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ha ha yaaa always have my red lipstick handy
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BB- I think I have mentioned the bco site to my sister and a few friends in passing, but know they think it is just a place to research things around cancer, maybe get updates on things, etc. They don't realize the strong community of people that talk and help each other. My sister was not interested in it after I found it, but she wants nothing to do with anything social media. I think sometimes people just equate everything with Facebook, which as we know is a free for all and less private.
I try to not eat after 6 p.m., but if I do eat anything later, it is usually some popcorn. See if you can find some Skinny Popcorn at the store. 1 cup is like 40 calories. Like 5 carbs too. I usually can have a cup or two and it is filling and also not too bad. Fruit is too glycemic to eat at night, no way to to burn off the sugar.
I found some sugar free cookies that are wafers and taste like oreos! They are so good, I get them once and awhile when I need a cookie fix. Can't remember the name but will let you know next time I get some.
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BB- wow, my fasting blood sugar was REALLY good this morning; 83! I have never seen it that good, so the combo of the meds, exercise and eating is doing something right. I think I can have some carbs for breakfast?
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good morning ladies. Jazz carbs in breakfast for me are a must I hope you can eat some too.
I am so hungry in the mornings. Today I will go to cosco with a friend who has a membership and I haven't seen her in a long time. She is a lady from el salvador and I met her when I first came to Canada so is been like 19 years since we met. She also have no one in canada she has an African grey bird his name is polly and like bb 's friend she neglect the bird a lot on the sence that he never leaves his cage and she is always going out and he is most time alone in her bachelor apt in his cage. I feel terrible for him. But I try telling her many times to change for him and she just can't. She loves him and could never let him go but she also does not understand he needs lots of attention and care. I gave her books about him and hoping she learns but is been so many years of him treated that way that she feels he is use to the way things are. Anyway I ll go to cosco with her hope I find honey I need some.
I use honey as my sweet for coffee
I just can't drink it with no sweet
Hope you all have a great day
I will post later maybe ll take pictures today
I found my camera lol it was in a box I unpacked
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Enerva- glad your friend is taking you to Costco. Hopefully you can find some goodies to stock up on.
BB- I am trying! My endocrinologist suggested I meet with this guy who is kind of a weight loss/food coach but also said she was not sure he would be a good fit for me. She said he can be a bit overbearing, and have dealt with those types before and don't think it is helpful for us cancer survivors. Most people don't get the whole cancer thing and that these drugs cause us a lot of SEs including weight gain you have a tough time getting off. I told her I would go have a consult with him and going to plan it for February but have very limited expectations of this. If I don't think he has anything to offer me or is going to be too intense, I won't return.
When I worked with the personal trainer a few years ago on getting my fitness back after all the surgeries, we talked a lot about the weight loss stuff. As we were finishing our time together, I took her out for a nice breakfast to thank her for our time together (she was moving out of state). Long story short, after that breakfast when I worked with her at our next session, I got a big lecture about how I eat too fast and that is why I have weight problems. I just stared at her in disbelief, I thought were were just having a meal together? Anyways, I was glad were finishing up after that. She helped me to get my core strength back and mission accomplished.
I was reading an article on BCO yesterday about how so many women struggle with issues in the post treatment world because they have no real "survivorship". I think that is true of just about everyone I have met here. You get treated and spit out and not much down the line. I have had those generic conversations about eating right, exercising, etc. but nothing I would call a real plan. I had to figure out a whole lot on my own and with the help of this site. Anyways, if I ever win the Powerball ticket, I will set up a foundation specific to help women in the post treatment world. I think this area so absent for all survivors and desperately needed. Not only how to take care of yourself but even help with those conversations with others that you are not the same, that you are never "done with cancer", etc.
http://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/untreate...
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well my friend is supposed to call me when ready but is past 1pm and still no sign I hate cuz she is a dear friend but she likes to go and comeback late and I have other things to do my plan is go get what we need then back. I can never make her understand that
Jazz I saw the movie u recommended hidden figures it was good a bit sad but good. Sad to see how many woman have made a difference but the world never acknowledged them and only after their death people look at what amazing assets they were.
Regarding your trainer comments lol I am just like you I eat so fast my ex used to tell me to breath ha ha ha I have always eat so fast and I like it and I don't give a dame lol al my friends has said that to me in the past and I usually tell them. " ye's yes I know is not good for me but I have been eating fast all my life and I have no intention on changing that I try and it's not something I want to change." So get over it . Is me not you so stop looking at the way I eat and worry about your plate not mine lol
OK she just called I am out the door ll post later to tell u what I find at cosco
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BB- I am just trying to get to a healthier weight. I was thin in my teens, twenties, and early thirties, but did have a weight problem as a child and now and it came back in my 40s to now. When my mother got ill in my early forties, I was definitely doing a lot of comfort food, and put on a good 20 pounds, but took off the weight and then lost a bunch (40 lbs) when I had surgeries . It all came back after I went on the AIs.
I talked to my endocrinologist about finding a good weight to target it and would still have me in the overweight category but she said that was okay. She believes in midlife you need extra weight on your bones for a number of reasons. I have lost 15 pounds recently, including about 7 since end of December.
And thanks for reminding me to be kind to myself about this. My doctors outside of my BS tell me to focus on diet and exercise. My BS is like a size zero and lectured me repeatedly about my weight. Fortunately I don't see her this check up, get a reprieve and may be done with her this summer (least fav doctor).
Enerva- my first serious boyfriend I dated in college used to be obsessed with my weight (I was very thin then too) and often made comments about me eating too fast. He was like my mother, she was another one who was obsessed with her weight and everyone else's. Funny how you pick people like your family, even if you don't like the behaviors. If I am hungry, I am going to eat fast. The US is not a place where you sit down for a leisurely meal, unlike Europe and other countries.
It sounds like your friend may be coming for you later for Costco. I like going during the day and having the ability to get stuff in the house (meaning not in the dark) to get things unpacked. Hard to wait around for people.
I have been getting things done around the house, but heading out shortly for errands and a swim at the gym. Love my pool!
June- are you out there and how are things your way?
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I am still struggling hugely with breathing issues, get out of breath doing anything, am on antibiotics finally, but they are not making a lot of difference, Doctor has said if i do not improve I am going in to hospital..............I am already on visits to get oxygen each day..............not at all happy and nightmare scenario for me hospitals. lopsidedness etc etc........just HATE anyone knowing or seeing I am deformed.........and do not trust this hospital as it was the one who lied to me repeatedly re reconstruction etc........................am so freaked out at idea of going in there I may even refuse...................although I really do not feel well......
I have never had such breathing problems before and am sure it is down to radiotherapy.......four weeks now and still cannot shake it off.......
BB - can you not go on the attack with this piece of dog pooh? I hate that anyone can treat you so shabbily.....................
Have a good Sunday everyone
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Oh Lily- so sorry to hear about your respiratory problems. There is a bad resp virus going around here in the US this winter that has everyone so sick. I had it Nov and again in Dec. But what you have sounds different, especially if you are short of breath and needing O2. I hope you can get through this and not have to go in the hospital. I understand your not trusting this place either.
Hugs sister, please keep us posted and we are here for you
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oh lili I so wish this pass and u feel better soon. I cant imagine not been able to breth
I just got back from cosco and Walmart. Lol
OK so I spend too much but I am happy about what I bought I found organic honey and maple sirup which is my coffee sweet now since I stopped buying the white sugar .I know honey is still bad but I think as long as o don't use too much I just need a bit of sweet. So cost $7.99 vs 10.99 at the regular supermarket.
Got yogurt 15 in a box at least $12.99
Got a vegan protein powder for $39.99
2 in a pack of parchment paper big ones $6.99
Wallnut. Cranberries and almonds I think those where pricy $11.99
Also stopped at Walmart and got shampoo and contioner and some dry corn to make pop corn. Cuz jazz reminded me that is anot OK snack for some times.
I wanted to buy so many things but my budget just not great these day's but loved to see so many things there lol
Drove my friend home and came back.
I ll shower and try to study a little
I want to also watch some TV before bed .
Bb the food thing is just crazy I love my food and even by eating fast I do taste my food and enjoy it. Ha ha ha but I try to eat slow before and I lose interest somehow and I just don't like eating slow . People say we are supposed to shew 100 times before we slow down our food lol I am like 3 or 4 most and is gone ha ha ha. People should just worry about their business and leave us fast eaters alone. Lol
I also found some dark chocolate gluten free snacks I will bring to school nights. Sometimes student are eating and I get hungry too. Is like if I see it I want it lol
As I drove back snow started coming down and I kept thinking about spring I can't wait for sprint ...
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E- I carry snacks in my purse as I have to keep my blood sugar steady, especially if my meals get delayed. Good that you found something to take to have in the evening at class! Sounds like lots of goodies today.
I have been thinking about spring too. When I was at the gym today soaking in the hot tub, this one guy said "who is ready for summer?" Summer? I am looking forward to spring!
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ha ha yes jazz me too I am really in need of spring lol I can't say is horrible but still I am not a fun of winter. I do enjoy the skating so maybe next winter I will plan a trip to do lots of that but for now I had enough of the cold I just want it to end and see a sunny day and bright afternoon's now is just dark early and yes I also hate to go shopping late I feel as if the day is so short.
I never have snack's but I see other people do and I always say in my mind ." Girl do not even think about it. Do not look that way " lol
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E- I know you are disciplined about not eating after 6 p.m. When I am working late or taking a class, that pretty much changes. A protein snack is good too, like some nuts?
I really like the seasons but also admit we have a milder winter there. That is why it makes me laugh when people are ready for summer by January. We have a very long drawn out spring. It can be colder here with bouts of snow until the end of April. But usually by March, it starts feeling like spring. And March is actually a month away almost (Feb starts next wed).
Just finished my 1099 filing for my business and going to relax and go to bed early. I am heading to visit with one of my BFFs here tomorrow afternoon (wine, noshing and conversation.....)
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wow I just read a friend's post from the imsoniac tread and it made me so sad. It's so sad what some have to deal with. I honestly wonder why . Is just brutal and as always there is no reason for people to have to fight so much to have a decent life with health ,happiness and love.
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E- I read the same post and have the same feelings. Sometimes cancer is just one of many things folks here are dealing with here
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HI friends . Just got back from my last skating class lol I passed and I am glad is over ha ha ha it's fun but I have now the basic to move forward on my own.
Yes I went to bed thinking on our sister from insomnia tread . Me too bb I would know how to manage her situation. I also try to put myself in the shoes of her dear h. Cuz he also is going through the fact that his is losing her slowly. Is just a horrible situation and I just send thoughts of strength to her and her husband but I didnt post I know there are no words that I can say to help
(I myself feel like you bb I am better off focused on me for now. I am still helping a nephew in Mexico but soon he ll be on his feet and that is the last time. I need to care for my debts and my future starting this year. Also when I find myself sick I ll just deal with it on my own.
Sending you hugs bb I hope you manage with the test. Or is it Monday?
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oh yes bb. I think about that every day. Specialy after I lost the good % insurance I use to have now I am only offer a basic which is 35% of my salary if I ever have to take a leave. It is very hard cuz we survivors are left with the low options and we can't do much about it just hope I don't get c back. I will try to get on my feet financially again I know I can get in lots of trouble if I get sick again. Do not worry I am OK I hope your back gets well so u can do more outdoor activities you like so much.
Give a huge kiss and hug to ur mom every time u see her lol if she ask what's that for you tell her just cuz I love you mom. Lol
I just finished drying my afroo I ll have a tea and start doing some accounting review lol
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it is very hard but I think we must be there for her. What ever she decides I respect her decision.
( Wish we could change the world just by wanting to like in the Disney kids movies
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