Single life after a mastectomy
Comments
-
Enerva- how nice you and Milkyway met up! So wonderful you live in the same area. Nice to have bc cyber friends but also great to have real bc friends to spend time with! I hope you had a fabulous time together!
0 -
Omigosh, E, you look terrific! So glad you and Milkyway were able to meet and spend time together. :-)
0 -
yes we live relatively close, she is sush a happy person it's great to meet people like that, she said she is not so positive but I saw it different ha ha ha it was nice meeting her and she says she would love to go on a road trip maybe next year when we feel 100% better to USA maybe we can meet some of you lol that could be amazing.
0 -
Yeah, that would be amazing! It's great that you two live so close to each other.
0 -
We are around 30 or 45 minutes apart. She lives toward Usa so west of me lol ok so I am going to study some more now
Good night ladies
Look at this beauty
0 -
nice meeting you Enerva its good to know someone who gone through same pain as you and yes we see the world differently we relate to each other its ok to laugh in bizzare situation .
0 -
Life- around the time I got diagnosed with BC, I ended up with major abdominal surgery and a hysterectomy as part of it. I had almost not had my period for a year and was close to menopause, but that surgery threw me immediately into hot flashes, crying spells, and aching bones. That slowly subsided and by the time was through my surgery and rads the following five months, I was not as bad. I will say I was a bit of a zombie emotionally during that time.
The SEs for me that are the worst from the AIs are the stiff joints and very stiff feet, but have learned what to do to cope with those. I still have the occasional hot flash, had one in the airport traveling back last week actually. .
I think everyone's situation is different and if your hormones are higher and go down to zero fast, it throws you for a loop no matter what brings you there. I think it is hard to know what contributes to our problems some times as our bodies are complicated, and so we have to be honest with our docs when we are having problems and quality of life issues. All the treatments have SEs, some we can deal with, others that make it really hard to have a good day ever. I think all the info we talk about here is meant to help everyone in some way.
BB- I hope you are okay here at the end of the day.
Enerva- I hope your studying went well.
Good night friends!
0 -
bb, google iron deficiency what does to hair.
I read one chapter now moving to the next lol
Good to see you too milky and yes it's nice to talk to people we can relate to,
Bb a few more
0 -
my painting
0 -
me and my 3 kids we are flying
0 -
again me and kids
0 -
wow milky those are great. I did some in the past but never went back to it.
Nice job, love the horse lol bb and piper or jazz or life can't remember which one we love horses lol
When I win the lottery I ll get one lol
0 -
Nice paintings, Milky. :-) Thanks for sharing them here.
I'm awake late tonight, as usual, looking for work.
Jazzy, I'm sorry that you're experiencing those SEs. Like you, I had major abdominal surgery, too - mine was immediately after chemo ended - but I didn't have to have a complete hysterectomy. Maybe that's why we're experiencing different SEs. I also happen to have two close relatives who have/had no SEs from Tamox or arimidex, not even hot flashes like I got. So, it seems that everyone is different.
For me, I had major problems with the first chemo - the first treatment nearly killed me. And everything else that could possibly go wrong that year went wrong. (I'm so lucky to have had great doctors who, IMO, literally saved my life.)
BB - I remember my hair thinning the way you described every time I gave birth. I read it was because of the sudden decrease in hormones. Each time, my body must've readjusted because eventually the hair would grow back. Maybe your body will readjust. Also, remember you practically just finished chemo, and your hair might still be growing in. Plus, the stress your ex is creating for you can't be helping. With all that said, let me add that, since my 20s, although my hair always has been thick, when I pull it back from my forehead, it looks a little bit like a receding hairline. Most people would never notice, though. ;-)
{{BIG HUG}} for all my sisters here. Goodnight!
0 -
Life- what kind of work are you looking for?
I heard there was a tornado in the Boston area last night. I hope no one here was affected by that.
0 -
Ladies you want to know something, I am sure it is iron deficiency cuz my sister I spoke to her the one that lives in Europe I asked her what was it that makeover hair thin back a few years back? She told me it was iron she mentioned her pubic hair, legs and arm pit hair also fall out and she said she was put on 600mg so 300 in the morning 300 at night which was very hard cuz iron pills made her sick but she said after 3 months her hair went back to normal. Also she says it also happened at the time when she was dealing with menopause.
That been said I also need to say my hair line is also very residing but it is in my family we all have it like that, funny thing is that when I wear my hair dark it shows less I think it's cuz of the tiny hairs they create an ilusión vs when they are light it just shows my scalp, do I make sense? Lol
Now I am going to turn my hair dark again cuz it's becoming a bit dry from the Color. Need to give it a break lol I am happy it's getting a bit longer now so won't look so bad I just hate dark hair when it is so short it looks Wierd to me.
Anyway I will study today and every day this week
I must focus on clauses 0 -
i found this and wanted to share with you all
Four new genes have been added to the growing list of those known to cause increased breast cancer risk when mutated through the efforts of researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) at the University of Utah, who lead an international consortium working to find more gene mutations that cause inherited breast cancer susceptibilities.
"BRCA1 and BRCA2 aren't the whole story when it comes to inherited breast cancerrisk. We've known for a long time that more genes had to be responsible and several have since been discovered, by us and by others," according to Sean Tavtigian, Ph.D., an HCI investigator, professor in the Department of Oncological Sciences at the University of Utah (U of U), and one of three joint-principal investigators on the study. "Originally, the gene we are currently studying, called RINT1, was not considered a human cancer susceptibility gene. But then we discovered there was a two- to three-fold increase in risk for breast cancer in families that carry a mutation in that gene." The RINT1 findings were published this month in the journal Cancer Discovery.
Surprisingly, RINT1 was also found to increase risk for a broad spectrum of gastrointestinal and gynecological cancers in these families. "Many genes responsible for a strong increase in cancer risk at one or two sites in the body are also connected with lesser increases in risk at other sites," said David Goldgar, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Dermatology at the U of U, an HCI investigator, and another of the study's joint-principal investigators. "However, with RINT1 mutations, the increased risk for other cancers is about equal to that for breast cancer."
In another study led by Tavtigian, mutations in three other genes—MRE11A, RAD50, and NBN—were also confirmed to increase breast cancer risk, as reported in the journal Breast Cancer Research June 3. "The proteins encoded by these three genes form a tight complex that is involved in DNA repair, and the three genes had been considered likely candidates.
Interestingly, RINT1's name is an abbreviation for 'RAD50 Interactor 1,' and it's just one step downstream from the MRE11A, RAD50, NBN complex in a biochemical sense," said Tavtigian. "But we don't know yet if that biochemical connection explains RINT1's cancer susceptibility role."
Now almost 50% of the familial risk for breast cancer can be explained by the ensemble of rare mutations in known breast cancer susceptibility genes and more common genetic variation in about 75 areas of the genome each of which is associated with only a small increased risk of breast cancer according to Goldgar, compared to about 30% only five years ago. The consortium's ongoing efforts continue to enlarge the panel of genes known to account for increased occurrence of breast cancer within families with a history of the disease.
Interesting..... I now wonder more and more
0 -
I had a really difficult time on Tamoxifen. My hair loss was substantial as well as the depression, foot, hip pain, vision disturbances, hives, etc. Cannot say I was remotely interested in sex or worried about my drive. Who is in the throws of treatment. I had very regular periods and still do. My MO said this is a good thing since some estrogen really is healthy for us. However, I will be interested in asking her opinion on creams and such when that time comes. My mother never had issues on Tamoxifen other than some hot flashes. I, however, was COLD all the time. It takes a while after treatment to really feel....anything....????? besides centered on our treatments and surgeries. I remember thinking I needed more to focus on than recovering. But I am impatient too and was always anxious to move on. Even today I struggle to get back to me knowing that I may need to embrace the newer and an older version of me.
That said, I have spoken to many women in their 40s and early 50s who are having multiple physical complaints of vaginal and skin dryness, hair thinning, mood swings and waning sexual desire. None of whom are on AIs or SERMs. Many are complaining of the same need for an emotional tie which so few men seem to be interested in these days. So, with age, some will experience the dreaded menopausal symptoms and relationship difficulties while others will not in such a drastic manner.
We really all all so different.
Love the horse pics, baby pics, weather pics and Milkys too.
The Blues Fest was fun with my cousin and I went to Male BFFs friends house, which was just down the street from the festival. Just a few of us hanging out, made a fire and had a very young man hit on me. LOL. My BFF says all young men dream of being with an older woman and when they get older they all dream of being with much younger women. As women I suppose we can win both ways, however, that does not address that most here are feeling mistrustful of men in general. Therefore, cannot imagine any type of intimacy because I inherent being is not being respected.
Intimacy is 1000% better when there is love honesty and respect. I also know that for me, I have not been emotionally driven for some time and have occasion to get a physical need met. Mostly not as fulfilling as if I were in a deeper relationship. I am not sure how deep CB is willing to get and honestly he sent me a text to the tune of being exclusive. Which would be great if he were more persistent about having some sort of relationship and seeing each other on a more regular basis.
Oh well. I am taking my Bffs girlfriend out around town tomorrow. Need to get some housework done. I have ignored it for too long.
Hoping everyone has a wonderful day and will try to stop in later
Piper
0 -
Enerva- I had the latest generation of genetics testing during my Feb follow up with the breast surgeon that includes BRACA 1 and 2 (I had those done in the beginning due to the bilateral condition). Next generation included CDH1, PTEN, STK11, and TP53. All negative too. My BS believes mine is likely genetic as almost all bilateral usually is. We don't have a strong history of cancer in our family, but my sister and I both got it at the same time and one uncle (prostate) and distant cousin on my father's side (diagnosed in her 30s) were the ones who had it before us. So there could be something there. So it sounds like there are even more new ones they have found to test so most likely, I will have another round of those during my next check up in 2015.
One thing I will tell you about with respect to all the genetics tests, they are very hard to get paid for by your insurance for those in the US. For those in Canada, you may want to find out in advance if they will pay for it. I am still working to get the last tests paid that were done in Feb 2014 through appeals with BSBC. I went through similar hurdles with both the BRACA and Oncotype genetics tests that were done back in 2012-2013. It is good information to have, especially if you have or are starting to see a family pattern. In the end, they usually get paid for but if you ask for it and your insurance won't pay for it, the cost is hefty (anywhere from $5000-$8000 per test). Just an awareness. Something good to talk to your BS or MO next time you see them!
0 -
Jazz thanks for mentioning it, to be honest I only did the braca1 /2 cuz i like you had bc in both breast at the same time, at that time we did not know my sister had it too. No history from my father or mother side either but my test came back negative, now my sisters took the same test well 4 of them cuz the others don't have insurance and 4 results for braca1/2 were negative. bI am not planning to take the other test cuz i can afford it, but I am glad that they are finding more genes which could cause this bc cuz at least it gives me an explanation as per why I got bc. I am not religious any more and I rely on cience to give me answers. I mean now I can think to myself it must have been the gene I carry cuz i don't want to believe what others say that it was written in some book that I was to go through this sh I t. Lol or god has a plan for each of us bla bla bla sorry don't want to hofend anybody. Please ignore me. I do respect everybody's opinions. It's just me I need a logic answer or I get mess up in my head lol
changing the subject, I got a phone call from my friend, telling me to forgive him, he got all busy and even had to take his little cat to the vet cuz he got stunned by a bee 🐝 n they kept him over night and went on and on. I told him not to worry that i figured something must had happened . He also said he may give me a call soon and that he will send me his mom # too.
After we hang up I felt better, in a way at least he made an effort to call ( a few days later) to explain why he never got back to me that other day. Lol
Am I waiting for him to call me these coming days? , hell no ,I can smell it's no going to happen ,my friend is very busy and has lots of friends and is always around people. He has no idea I am most time hiding in my cave and my only scape is my daily walks with my loud music lol so no one interrupts my path. Lol
if he finally sends me his mom s number then I ll take her out where I love to go for a drive to the flowers markets if not then I won't ask him any more. I asked already a few times and don't want to seam Wierd lol
0 -
0 -
oh , Bb I wish I could be there to go with you to your appointments, wow I was there for my mom to do a colonnoscopy n it was a horrible test, mom and I slept in the toilet she had to drink some terrible liquid n then be on the toilet all night. I wish I never took her to the hospital I feel like I should had prevented all the bad test they did ;( bb, have you ever done one? I will keep my fingers crossed you do well on those test.
Jazz love the picture, just what we need
Thanks for posting it.
.jpg?1406657292)
This is going to be me one day ha ha
0 -
Enerva- I don't know if we will ever have an answer to this, why it happened. I know I have had this conversation before, maybe here, maybe somewhere else too on BCO. I feel like my BC started the year my mother became very ill and my sister and I had to take over everything. Summer of 2004, and I got diagnosed in 2012. My oncologists say that 7-10 years after a major stressful life event for a person is when it often happens. The stress in your life can "flip the switch." My mother died in March of 2012, my sister and I both got diagnosed four to six months after. We were so looking forward to moving on to do some things after all we went through with taking care of her all those years. From elder care straight into medical crisis. But I don't think that is uncommon either. 2012 was so far the crappiest year of my life, but I made it through!
BB- glad we can help. The purpose of these threads is to have women to talk to about the various things we experience as we go through all this and after. What day is your colonoscopy? We will be here with you as you go through it. I see colonoscopies as the same as mammos, one of the few screening tests to find cancer early while it is very treatable. You are taking good care of yourself by doing this. I go again for my next one in two years.
I do think there is a link between many of the cancers. The last genetic test I had tests genes that are tied to other cancers too, which is why they wanted me to get it done. I am going in Thursday to see my dermatologist and getting my full body check for skin cancer. That runs in my family and my sister has had it twice and out here in the SW, higher risk with that.
0 -
i finished reading book 2 minni chap review. I will now review sample exams.
JAZZ something is so truth I will never forget 2012. Yes stress was with me since 2006. So I believe stress has lots to do with my bc.
I am a bit upset cuz i send a msg to my sister to know if she went to the clinic to inquiere about her report and she didn't she was in court today trying to get a permit for her child to travel to Europe on Saturday. I get piss cuz yesterday she had a different excuse but I know she just trying to avoid the report. She is like a child and she thinks everything is fine and avoiding thing makes it go away.
Hopefully she ll go tmw
0 -
Enerva- is this a pathology report your sister is waiting on?
I hope your studying is going well. I signed up for the course I want to take at the university here this fall and am looking forward to it. There will be homework but no tests. I hate tests.
0 -
lol yes me too specially cuz i realized chemo did a # to my ability to remember things.
Yes this is the pathology report we need to know the next step for her. Please forgive me but she keeps saying how the report will be clear cuz god will help her n things like that but then she is like avoiding getting it.
Its no easy to be far away, cuz even though I am younger she listen to me, my other sisters and brothers loses their patience and let her do what ever. I know if I let her she could not even go back to the onco by saying the tumor is gone and god will take care of the rest. Yes that is how my sister see life. ;(
I need her to get the report and then get rad. Then scans n then follow up with what ever comes next.
( I know she is an adult but I just can't stay out of it.
Anyway she said tmw she ll go. Let's see what happens
0 -
Happy studying E. Wow......sorry about sissys avoidance. I know how anxious you are about her health and dx.
Glad you and MIlky had a nice time.
Nice that you have painting to relax you Milky. The only thing I can paint is my toes and that is stretching it
Life Hugs back at ya.
Hi Styx
BB. CB threw it out there in a text. Sorry, but I can only take him seriously if he is willing to step up his presence in my life. I would be suspicious of him really just preferring I save my physical activities for him. I could do that if our relationship on an emotional level were more serious. I do not want to sleep around or with just anyone, but I am not going to wait around for ever. I have thrown dates out over the next month to get together. I have told him of times I have off and wished he would visit. I feel like I am talking to a brick wall. I need someone to meet me half way. We all have responsibilities and jobs and parents and kids and and and.........It cannot be all about his difficulties or life.......so then I know, he is most likely considering this a FWB situation. I can walk out my door and find that. I tried to have this conversation before and he simply said he did not know where this would go and to give it time. And perhaps this week, I have decided to wake up and not be taken for granted. Doesn't mean I won't try, but if our conversations do not improve and I meet someone else so be it. And yep......maybe I am just a loose middle aged cannon ready for her mid life crisis.......LOL!!!
In so far as BC the info is interesting.
I cannot subscribe to the stress theory only because I have been up and down with stress all of my life. Really cannot say any one thing would have caused or triggered my cancer. I do believe it is a combination of things. I also believe we have cells that can go rogue in the right environment.
The genome research is surging. However, as much as everyone would like to see a genetic link it may not always be present. Only 8-10% of breast cancers, at this point, are genetically linked. Which is why this is such a complex and difficult disease.
I did not have enough compelling factors during counseling to warrant testing. If my Sister would develop CA, then that would probably warrant a closer look. My Breast disease and my mothers breast cancer were completely different in respect to age, menopausal status and tumor presence. Also she was on long term HRT which my sister and I believe contributed to the tumor. It was small and well encapsulated and she has not had any other issues since her lump/rads/tami, over 16 years ago. She doesn't even dwell on her experience with it.
In regards to 10yrs of an AI or Tam, I would really look at the statistics regarding each individual. I think it is beneficial for a small group. But I wasn't really impressed with the over all value of extending the therapy. Maybe I missed something in the info.
I have had the most lazy day ever. I cannot party and then work like I used to.
This is my total recuperation day. I hate getting older................... period.
0 -
Niceeee bb, u see there is some good news lol
Let's hope this brava is really what you need, I am not in for that lol looks as a very complicated surgery. But what ever works for you
Piper I love the way you are thinking lol girl I am with you 100% ha ha ha
0 -
Glad the insurance woes are now limited and you are able to get some necessary testing and appointments out of the way.
How long have you been divorced BB. I know you said he took assets, however, the house etc.....was it evenly distributed. I know nothing about divorce and alimony. Do they place a time frame on the amount of time a spouse receives money? Is he trying to get the amount reduced...sorry I cannot remember if you told any of this. I am just curious.
I know things are different now. I know my sister is still bitter about the little my mom received, but they did split the house and she let the papers sit in court because she was covered under his health insurance. Eventually, he desired the divorce. My sister got mad......but it was time to end things as far as my mother was concerned, however, her statute of limitations ran out for receiving alimony....I think I remember that. They were living apart without having followed through with divorcing for too many years to mention .
Have you ever considered perhaps working as a companion for older folks?
My mother did that for many years as well as working as a hostess in a nursing home. They were not difficult jobs and payed ok.
Just a thought for some extra cash. Some jobs she could work under the table. My friend is doing this right now too as she and her hubby are separated and not much is coming from him
0 -
Milky- I love the paintings too. I did mention it before, but keep looking at them. The one with the owls is my favorite, but I love the others too. You are very talented. Do you have your paintings in all your rooms throughout your home?
Enerva- even though I am the younger of the two of us sisters, and am always reminding my sister of things too. My sister prefers to live in her own world. I think if your sissy gets bothered by the question, you can just say you want to help her with the info when she gets it, so she has someone to talk to about anything further she needs to consider.
Piper- LOL, I am with you, getting old sucks! And I was surprised to hear that guy wants you to be exclusive when he is not around much. Like you say, maybe he just wants friends with benefits. It is harder to date as we are older, but the bottom line is, we make time for what is important. If he is always busy with everyone else, it will be like that in a relationship too. He sounds like he would be better to see once and awhile, and leave yourself open to others maybe too?
Tired after a busy day putting things into boxes for the painting. Also had the appliance repair people here, and roofer too. Time to veg.
0 -
BB. Hugs to you!!! Sometimes this crap hurts!!!!!
0
