Single life after a mastectomy

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  • Enerva
    Enerva Member Posts: 2,985
    edited May 2017

    wow Arista such sllow process ; ( but I am glad no need to epen it back up yet the body sometime needs time to heal yes try to just clean with non alcohol soap it should heal. So 3 more weeks should be enough for him to see if it needs to be open. Wish u heal soon.

    Sending u all a big hug.

  • jazzygirl
    jazzygirl Member Posts: 11,974
    edited May 2017

    E- good to hear from you! Yes, I am parking the whole bc discussion now and appreciate your thoughts on this too. I was thinking I am taking my own advice which I have also given here before, wait until you are sure there is more reason to share those kinds of details with someone? Not always easy to talk about, nevermind receive a reaction around. I told myself this morning that given the large amount of time since we were together long ago, it is really like starting over in many respects. I know, you but I don't? I need to make this visit just a fun time for us both!

    I get few questions about my bc anymore. Most everyone just thinks I am "done with that/over it". The only ones who get it are those who understand the process/follow ups/living with the what ifs? There is a woman on Hermits that has a great saying to share with people when they ask "check ups all good/no signs of reoccurrence" and then change the subject. You answer the question then move on. I dislike the lectures on what I should be doing to keep it from coming back too.......

    Artista- wow that is good news about no infection! I had to use hydrogen peroxide during my internal rads treatments and around the tubes in my boobs. A crazy thing like you cannot imagine, but that was the highest risk around the treatment process. They had me cleaning around the holes with that for awhile. It really does help!


  • Lily55
    Lily55 Member Posts: 1,748
    edited May 2017

    I agree with BB Jazzy.......and I don´t think we should ever feel obliged to share this info, just to do it when its right.  You are braver than me, I am tearful just thinking about the idea of going anywhere near a man......I long to be held in a lovely spoony hug but then i know I would just dissolve in a heap as the breast they took away was always held when I was spooned in my last relationship.....enjoy..

    BB - how are you doing??

  • jazzygirl
    jazzygirl Member Posts: 11,974
    edited May 2017

    Hi Lilly- thank you for your insights as well. The more I have thought about this, the more I realize what I would really like right now is to just go out and have some fun. Just the idea of some nice male companionship without the pressure to make it in to anything bigger or more right away. The guy coming to see me is not doing that, he made that clear to me the ball was in my court on that one. So I am going to try to "lighten up" and just find some enjoyable things to do with him while he is here and have a good visit.

    There is also another guy here in town I have known for a long time who I think is also interested in me (a friend who knows him tell me he has been for awhile), but seems very shy when we are around one another. He is a good soul too, someone I have always liked and would go out with if he asked. I am going to be an an event on Wednesday where he will be doing a panel discussion and will see what is going on there. The same girlfriend tells me I may need to find a way to let him know I would be open to a date.

    And honestly, I have not been looking for any of this to happen. I have slowed down a bit this year again with my work and as a result, other things have floated in. I am not necessarily wanting the complications that come with a relationship, been awhile since I have been in one. But tell myself not to rule out anything. Just enjoy some quality male companionship and the rest will sort out. Some of this is my own anxiety playing out......

    BB- I like body pillows too. I hope the medications are helping some......

    E- I think too about aging and what that will look like? I have a lot of single friends in the US who talk about buying a communal property where everyone can live and help one another. But you also need to have younger folks/help as you get older. I don't have any good answers on this either. You and I don't have children to help us as we age, but also don't feel many children help their parents these days like we did either? Seems different now....

    Where is Simplicity?

  • Enerva
    Enerva Member Posts: 2,985
    edited May 2017

    hi friends

    Bb yes it is a butterfly house which I got from a garage sale years ago lol always thinking one day I would have a house with a garden?

    Anyway is just on the corner of my rental city balcony lol

    I hope the medication they gave you helps.

    I am still having hot flashes and insomnia plus other related se from m pause hoping it goes away soon.

    Hope somplicity is ok

    Jazz I wish you the best luck

    I must say sometimes I wish i had a companion to just hang out. But I have no desires for more anymore. Maybe it is the hormones that I have no balance so I can remember last time I missed been with a man. Is as if I am done with all of that.


  • Artista928
    Artista928 Member Posts: 1,458
    edited May 2017

    It certainly feels weird with a bit of pain to top it off. My suture is under the breast, not across the middle like some ps's do so I have to be wary of twisting, bending too much, deep breathing and stretching or ouch.

    BB- Sorry to hear it's hard for you. Being on anti-depressant is a great idea. I've been on meds for major depression and anxiety for years. If zoloft doesn't work there are others. Just make sure it doesn't interfere with Femara/Letrozole. Pcps aren't psychiatrists and may not know what may interfere with what. Let your MO know you are on it to make sure zoloft is ok.

  • Enerva
    Enerva Member Posts: 2,985
    edited May 2017

    I looked In the internet and there are a bunch of so call natural suplement to help with m pause symptoms so tmw I ll go to the health store to look around I am sick of the hot flashes I feel like I am on chemo all over agan. SickTired

    Bb I hope you feel better soon. Arista my scars are also under my breasts and yes I know what you mean I still have a kiloide on one side which gets irritable with my bra. Even though my healed years ago it still get red sometimes.

    Good night girls hope all sweet dreams I ll take a sleeping pill cuz I can't sleep other wise



  • Enerva
    Enerva Member Posts: 2,985
    edited May 2017

    I just took the pill hopefully I ll sleep

    Almost mid night here.

    And eyes open

    Shocked

  • jazzygirl
    jazzygirl Member Posts: 11,974
    edited May 2017

    Good morning friends!

    E- insomnia is the curse of women without estrogen, but think it plagues many in midlife (meaning men too). Plus you are not technically there yet, but may be there soon. Try melatonin, it really helps with sleep. I try to check with my MO on any suppliments I take to be sure they don't have any contradictions with anything else I am taking to reduce my estrogen. That being said, I know you are not doing those drugs so maybe less of an issue. Mine was okay with melatonin. I hope you got to sleep.

    And what you shared about companionship is really what I would like at this point too- girls just wanna have fun.....

    Artista- I hope you continue on your path to healing. I have had bouts of anxiety through out my life, often triggered by certain events. It is good to recognize it and think so many women have it.

    BB- sending you much love today and wishing easier times for you and the family. Hugs for your mom too!

    Hearing more today about the terrible tragedy at the concert in England. You go to a concert for fun, but come away injured, murdered, or completely terrified. I will say I have become more selective about going to large group events, because I feel it can be a magnet for violence of any sort.


  • Enerva
    Enerva Member Posts: 2,985
    edited May 2017

    image

    I bought 2 things

    image

    Lady from the health store recommend for me to try those which are natural and supposed to help. She seemed very knowledgeable so I bought and now I will see I honestly don't know what is going on with my body anymore. That lady told me stress can play a huge deal with my hormones? And I don't know what to believe anymore . I just need the sleeping under control

    Been a leo born in august sleep for me is just the most important part of my day lol so I ll let you all know if I find any change taking this 2 natural medicines.

  • jazzygirl
    jazzygirl Member Posts: 11,974
    edited May 2017

    E- I agree with BB, just be sure you know what you are taking and what impacts it can have. If you were ER positive with your cancer, there are things that can be estrogen behaving. I used to take tons of stuff and now just down to a few things for bone health and joint issues.

    What helps me the most with better sleep is exercise. Also, no caffeine after 4 p.m. Since you are in school at night, my guess is you could be drinking coffee or related to get through the long day. Watch that too.

    Good news on this end is my weight is continuing to drop slowly and blood sugar has been good. Got my blood draw today for my A1C and some other things and will see my endocrionologist in a few weeks. I should see the results on the portal by end of the week.

    I also did my personal best today in the pool and swam 70 laps for the first time in 6 years, and before bc came around. This feels huge for me and has been another milestone with showing me how far I have come. Going back to the big pool has been so good for me these past few months.

  • Artista928
    Artista928 Member Posts: 1,458
    edited May 2017

    I agree. Unless you are 100% certain supps "natural" or not don't interfere with meds and keeping your estrogen level at minimum, I wouldn't take any of them. Plus they can come with their own se's. I know lots of people who pop "natural" supps and herb capsules think therefore it is natural and can cause no harm. We should all be careful about any supp. We certainly don't want to possibly interfere with remaining cancer free.

  • Enerva
    Enerva Member Posts: 2,985
    edited May 2017

    ok I promise I ll look into it but I am frustrated with feeling sick. Specially at night I love coffee but I only have one in the morning . I make sure no coffee after noon . I will see more about this suplement and see if I feel better after a week if not I will no take it . My strogen is supper low and ya I needed it that way but I must find a balance. I feel really sick these days

  • Enerva
    Enerva Member Posts: 2,985
    edited May 2017

    I will go to sleep now since last night did not had a good sleep. I also received a letter from mami which made me happy.I think I ll change my vacation for when I am done with school and try go vest her.

    I ll see tmw

    G nigjt here is her letter. Lol

    image

  • Enerva
    Enerva Member Posts: 2,985
    edited May 2017

    Here is the other one.


    PRODUCT NO. F_VITX__FA04DBF42B43B8ED)


    Vitex Combo

    Used in Herbal Medicine to help relieve: (1) symptoms associated with menopause; (2) premenstrual symptoms; (3) pain associated with menstruation; (4) muscle and joint pain associated with rheumatic conditions (such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and/or fibrositis), as well as pain associated with neuralgia (such as sciatica); (5) nervous tension (calmative).

    NPN 80040806

    Femance® Vitex Combo - Clear Sailing Through Menopause

    Femance® Vitex Combo is a model in itself of the equilibrium it brings to a woman's body during a difficult phase of life changes. The seven ingredients that comprise Femance® Vitex Combo work together in a matchless synergy of complementary herbal actions.

    Femance® Vitex Combo contains plants with natural hormone-balancing properties as well as herbal adaptogens which effectively address key symptomatic issues related to menopause, ranging from mood problems to hot flashes. (Adaptogens are healing agents that help the body to adapt to physical and emotional stresses.)

    A superlative product, Femance® Vitex Combo provides a safe, naturopathic alternative to hormone replacement therapy.

  • jazzygirl
    jazzygirl Member Posts: 11,974
    edited May 2017

    E- just a thought, you have been pushing hard with both work and school for awhile now. Sometimes when we are exhausted, we can't sleep either. This has happened to me when I have been taxed on projects and with other things I am doing at the same time or that come up. The body is so wired all the time, it cannot allow itself to rest. It works against what we think exhaustion looks like, but this has different phases.

    You really may need to take a break after these classes and give your body a break to feel better. Just think about it.

  • Artista928
    Artista928 Member Posts: 1,458
    edited May 2017

    Enerva- You don't know what herbs and all is in that vitex combo you posted about above. I'm wary of the word natural replacement for hormone therapy. This implies to me that it's estrogen like properties if not a form of estrogen. HRT is receiving estrogen and maybe progesterone during menopause to ease the lousy symptoms of it. I wouldn't take it.

    I'm with BB on this. Don't go for these supps unless every herb/ingredient is spelled out. You don't know if it can affect you. Being post bc we need to be more alert and careful now not to possibly contribute to recurrence if we can. The only supps I take is low dose aspirin since I take Tamoxifen still have my port and so I'm a risk for blood clots, 5000 iu Vit D3 with coconut oil (by sports research) which shows it can help in recurrence among many other things, Dr. Mercola liposomal vit C and calcium. I may pop magnesium if I feel cramps.

    For hot flashes you can ask your MO for rx gabapentin which helps many or tumeric curcumin with black pepper helps many as well with hot flashes. These have been vetted and do not interfere with hormone meds or increase estrogen.

  • Enerva
    Enerva Member Posts: 2,985
    edited May 2017

    Humm ok well two days and I felt no change so I will stop

    Thank girls yes jazz I ll take a break at least a month of no school

    I am supper tired and glad the one class ll end in June so I ll then have only 2 days a week school

    I ll be better

    Night

  • jazzygirl
    jazzygirl Member Posts: 11,974
    edited May 2017

    E- I think that sounds perfect. Summers are short where you live so why not enjoy some of it? You are doing so well with the classes, and then having a break, going to visit your mammy in France, etc. would be so good for you. All work and no play is no good.....

    I went to a conference today and was hanging out a lot with the other guy here I like. One of my friends told me awhile ago he really likes me and I need to up my game and flirt with him a bit more. So I tried that today (trust me, flirting is not my forte). It was a good day. Nothing major happened, but still think I will leave that door open.

    It is like the past and the present is both staring me in the face.

    I am going to just relax and enjoy it!

  • Artista928
    Artista928 Member Posts: 1,458
    edited May 2017

    BB- Does the place you go to have an online medical chart for pt access? I always read my results before I get them from the doc.

  • jazzygirl
    jazzygirl Member Posts: 11,974
    edited May 2017

    BB- my thought is that you would have heard something by now if there were any findings? Because I go every six months, I get my results on the spot, but know when I move to yearly (probably after this summer), will go back to waiting. They do make things hard.

    I actually did invite the guy this week out to lunch earlier in the year. He came to a talk I did and told me he wanted to get together, so I followed up with some suggestion and then nothing. Not into chasing. I have seen him a good 3-4 times since then too and know he has been traveling a lot and maybe just can't right now. We never know what is going on with other people and what can be in the way.......

    Every time I run in to my old BF from 7 years ago, I ask myself what I was thinking? He seemed really nice for a long time until he "got me" and then I saw the real jerk he was. Now when I run in to him, I avoid eye contact and talking to him. We change and people also show us who they are through time?

    Running off to the hot springs and wishing you all a peaceful weekend!

  • Enerva
    Enerva Member Posts: 2,985
    edited May 2017

    jazz have an amazing time at the hot spring .I wish we could all met u there lol

    Bb I laugh u make me laugh when I read " I was bipolar on tamox how did I like that creep " ha ha ha bb I tell you I am so with you. I must be really depressed now or lacking lots and lost of strogen I feel like I am such a dry person now. No interest at all on finding a guy. And then I read my hormone results and see how low my female hormone is ha ha ha I am in big trouble.

    I must say i was so piss today that fking squirrel came back and messed all up again

    Tmw I ll clean my balcony again .

    I am sick of that squirrel what is her fking problem?

    Lol I am also working tmw at 4pm so I ll try to go for a walk in the morning but I must sleep in a bit tmw I am super tired .

    How is simplicity?

    Hope ok

    Oh I also bought some drops to help sleep

    No sure I ll but I ll try

    Liquid melatonin

    image

  • jazzygirl
    jazzygirl Member Posts: 11,974
    edited May 2017

    E- good luck with the melatonin. I hope it helps?

    Stupid squirrel.......

  • Enerva
    Enerva Member Posts: 2,985
    edited May 2017

    hi jazz lol that squirrel is silly I hope she stops coming around.

    I had a better night so yes it helped

    I ll try to finish cleaning and organizing early to go for a walk.

    Also ll stop at ikea to check out what I saw in the flyer this week. They may have the zebra Calathea lol

    Hate that I woke up early and could not sleep in :(

    As per the break I ll take. It ll be just here . I can't afford to travel for a wile now. I ll just study for my final exam during my week off :(

    I keep in touch with grandma so hopefully she ll still be there for a while. Her health and situation is not great. I wish I could do more

    Hope all have a wonderful weekend

  • Enerva
    Enerva Member Posts: 2,985
    edited May 2017

    bb, I am working now from home .connected to work to monitor a production implementation. Went earlier to ikea . I also stopped at sheridan gardens I love that place .

    I am determined to find an indoor plant which I saw in the internet but yet never saw in person lol

    I found one of her relatives and I bought it along with a pink pot to match the pink lines on the green leaves. Lol here is a pic

    image



  • Enerva
    Enerva Member Posts: 2,985
    edited May 2017

    bb last night before I felt asleep I watched a movie called. A sense of an ending. It was good but sad in a way. Wonder if you heard about it?

    I hope your mom is doing better bb.

    I am supper cold and it is not bad out today. Usually don't like having coffee in the afternoon but I need one now I feel I want a nap but I can't SickTired

    How is your day ? Any chance of getting out to a movie with your son ? Hope they are both well

    I am here if u need to chat girlfriend, sometimes the tread is very silent but it is due to busy schedules everybody have?

    That reminds me I have something to tell you about some late drama in my life lol

    I ll be right back tye dev team is calling me lol

  • Enerva
    Enerva Member Posts: 2,985
    edited May 2017

    ok I worked till 9pm :(

    Ok here is the latest drama. So I got a call from my ex building complaining about the dogs barking . It's been back and forth tenants say is not their dogs. The office says yes its their dogs.

    I hope my tenants don't decide to move ; (

    So silly .the building is a pets friendly place but the condo Corp is very strick and they don't do the investigation before they blame the units.

    I dropped off an apology card for my neighbors on the floor .there is not much I can do.

    Anyway hope you are all asleep now

    G night

  • jazzygirl
    jazzygirl Member Posts: 11,974
    edited May 2017

    paradise......

    image

  • Enerva
    Enerva Member Posts: 2,985
    edited May 2017

    ha ha ha jazz yes I agree love your paradise enjoy and send some sun my way please ;)