Single life after a mastectomy
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omg just finished reading post I missed.
Bb so sorry you are so sick, yes like jazz says you need lots of fluids if you can have soup, do you have any protein power to add to your drinks? I sometime do that if I get hungry but have nothing really good in my fridge. Or get some ensure drink.
I didn't go for my walk instead I felt sleep like an hour. Cuz my tumy hurts like my period is coming. Yes it must be silent periods time for me. I hate it cuz i feel the symptoms but yet not real period very light spots. Plus acne in my face as if I am back been a teenager.
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oh Bb, I am used to been on my own and somehow I get through sickness alone lol I have a dear friend who will take me home that day after that I will have a nurse who will come see me every day till drains are out. It does not worry me or bother me at all I actually prefer it that way.
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BB - Glad you're feeling better already, and I hope they can take care of your tooth soon so that you can move on with your other checkup. Right now I have a large hole in one tooth but not much pain, so I've been putting off going to the dentist. I'd better make an appointment soon myself.
Enerva - Sorry your sister is still having such a difficult time. It's good that she has you to talk with. Your friend sounds like a nice guy, especially after saying that he misses you. :-)
Piper - About "the conversation" - I can only judge by what the ex's reaction was. There was one other person I told, but I did nothing more than tell him. I did handle the conversation very well that time. But, having "the conversation" seems to be a big barrier to even thinking about entering the dating game, I guess, because some people are more squeamish than others.
All - I love the way we can talk to each other safely here - at least I hope it's as safe as it seems - as we all understand each other. I know the topic of "chemo brain" came up before. Lately, I've really become scatterbrained. (lol) Could it be chemo brain, lack of sleep, or just stress? I wonder...
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hi life lol funny you mentioned chemo brain, its been in my mind a lot cuz of how I fail those exams last month but I know that I was under a lot of stress last month. I do still have insomnia and now menopause is bothering me and a voice in my head always says it's chemo lol
I hope you all have an amazing week I can't wait to get my exam s results
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Hi ladies- I did not have chemo, but do have more mental lapses. I think it is lack of estrogen in my case. On the AIs, I am pretty much down to nadda! When you naturally go through menopause, you can have some mental challenges with the estrogen decline but many of us here have even more with the meds.
I am trying to keep my brain active, not just through my work, where I am always learning new things on each project/contract I do, but I play music too and also taking a class this fall. Learning new things is good for the brain. So keep doing things to keep your mind sharp like cross world puzzles or whatever else suits you. Enerva is learning and taking tests and believe it or not, I know that is helping her!
I think the bco threads are a safe place to talk. We all live in a different world now than many of our female friends and family members. My friends, even those who saw me through, don't really ask me anything anymore about how I am doing or what is like is life post treatment. They see me working, taking care of my house, traveling but they don't realize everything is harder now. And I have those "arimdex days" where I just don't feel like doing anything. We can talk about all this here because we do live it every day. We understand each other.
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gentle hugs to all and wishing everyone a restful night.......
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
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Piper- I hope you can get some rest and good luck working the next three days. I think just getting out there slowly and seeing how things go is the next step for all of us. It is harder to date now too as folks come with exs, children, elderly parents, and health problems just like us.
I am going to see Natalie Cole and Smokey Robinson this week at an outdoor amphitheater concert. Going on my own for this one, and I had the wild notion "hey, maybe I will sit next to some cool guy that likes the same music I do!" We shall see.
Sleep well my friends.
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how should i react when husband describes teenagers that women have 2 sexual character primary is boobs and sec ovaries .sorry my ovaries removed last june when i was 39 and boobs are man made its ok for me .lots of actresses does boob jobs so they look good so wots the big deal .vigina plays a part for sex its 100 percent real am i rite .
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Milkyway- some men see women as an assemblage of body parts for their needs, not as human beings with value beyond that. Apparently that is the way your husband sees women. I would not even dignify that kind of BS with a response. When does this ass move out?
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i also hope milky loses her150 / lb soon lol
So I am reading more about this low estrogen levels
Estrogen may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
breast pain or tenderness
upset stomach
vomiting
heartburn
constipation
diarrhea
gas
weight gain or loss
leg cramps
nervousness
depression
dizziness
burning or tingling in the arms or legs
tight muscles
hair loss
unwanted hair growth
spotty darkening of the skin on the face
difficulty wearing contact lenses
swelling, redness, burning, itching, or irritation of the vagina
vaginal discharge
change in sexual desire
cold symptoms
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:
bulging eyes
sore throat, fever, chills, cough, and other signs of infection
pain, swelling, or tenderness in the stomach
loss of appetite
weakness
yellowing of the skin or eyes
joint pain
movements that are difficult to control
rash or blisters
hives
itching
swelling of the eyes, face, tongue, throat, hands, arms, feet, ankles, or lower legs
hoarseness
difficulty breathing or swallowing
Estrogen may increase your risk of developing cancer of the ovaries or gallbladder disease that may need to be treated with surgery. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking estrogen.
Estrogen may cause growth to slow or stop early in children who take large doses for a long time. Estrogen may also affect the timing and speed of sexual development in children. Your child's doctor will monitor him or her carefully during his or her treatment with estrogen.
I am in such trouble reading all the low estrogen can do
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Forgot to say good morning all lol
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Enerva- good morning to you too! I bet I have had some of those lesser symptoms at one point or another, although I do believe those can be associated with many other things too.
I did not sleep well last night and was up early this am to finish getting the house ready for painting. Almost done with just a few more things and they should be here soon to begin. I am hoping that maybe they will start in the main part of the house vs. the bedroom, so I can hang out in here today. No other place to rest besides this room as the spare bedrooms are full of storage.
Hope everyone has a good day!
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BB- I hope things go okay today. Take it slow and easy and hopefully the dentist will get you through what you need to have done. Most people don't know this but in addition to sliding scales, many have payment plans for unexpected things like this. Even if you pay $10 a month. Do ask about that too, so it takes away the financial stress. Right now you need to get better. Dental infections are serious business. And my guess is the infection is probably making you dizzy along with not having eaten much the past few days.
I think talking to the MO about the hair loss and the AIs is a good conversation to have. There are 3-4 med choices and not all have the same SEs. Some women choose not to do the hormone therapy either as the SEs are too much to bear. Just know if you decide to opt out of them what type of reoccurence risk you are living with (I think your onctotype score was around 20, right?) I know my risk was 15% with 23 score and cut in half with the AIs. Informed choice is a good choice.
Let us know how it goes and feel better soon. Things will get better, really.
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so my period came today and I am so confused 😕
Also got a msg from my friend telling me they will be setting up by the beaches today that if I Am free I should stop by to take that board padding class
I don't want to go do sports now with my period gdi. NOW I Feel I am an a ss cuz this is the second time he tells me about it and I don't go lol oh well I don't know but I will see if I feel like it in a few more hours .If my estrogen was low last months does it means it's now back at normal levels? How often will they be able to check it? I wonder what is going on with my hormones
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Enerva- well it sounds like it came. I would not want to paddle board today either (although learning how to would be fun!) Maybe just take it easy today and take care of yourself and go some other time. Paddle boarding will be there for you when the time is right, if not this year, next year.
When are you scheduled to see your gyn again? Maybe make an apt with him/her to make sure everything is okay. Or you could also ask your MO if you are seeing him/her to see if this is normal after chemo? Or post a question on the a chemo thread here on BCO to see if other women have experienced the same?
I am glad you have a friend to help you with rides and the nurse to check in on you too after the recon surgery. We single folks are resourceful with getting the help we need when we need it around these things. We will be here with you as you are preparing for, going through and coming out of the upcoming surgery.
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BB- my friend I went to Aspen with in June had this exact same thing happen to her right before our trip. She ended up having to get her tooth out right after we got back. Dental problems very painful and expensive too. Sorry this is happening on top of the rest.
Definatly go see the specialist and find out what the options are. Is this a molar/back tooth or something towards the front?
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Oh, BB, what a coincidence. I've been worrying about my own tooth and hoping they don't want to pull it. I've lost so many body parts. I hope not to lose a tooth now, too. :-(
I agree that you should go for a second opinion. I know it's costly though.
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BB, I remember I was told to do a teeth cleaning or teeth repairs before chemo cuz i could not do anything during treatment and then I read our teeth are prompt to getting damage during chemo
I have to make an appointment soon to get a molar repair cuz it recently cracked but it does not bother me the porcelain broke a little. It scare me cuz i already need to get a fake molar which I lost when I was 20 the dentists took it out and I never had 2800 to get it replace now it's over $3000. I hope you find a dentist to save your tooth cuz once we lose it it's very expensive and I am not even sure if we are candidates to get a fake tooth now cuz after bc I am not sure dentist can put a fake tooth on us. My period is here and I don't need to ask my onco cuz my family doctor already told me I am going through menopause my levels are very low for the estrogen and she check everything else. She told me it was possible to get a period but also possible not to get it. Until this stage passes I can't really know what is it. Like jazz says I can experience silent periods or light ones or none. All part of menopause. I have to admit I feel sick today my tumy hurt and overall just bloated plus I can even go for my walks until it passes I always get heavy p.
My friend said he will text me tmw in case I feel like going downtown and grab lunch with him lol he is doing a great effort now to hang out I like that humm not sure what is really going on. I wonder if he likes me even a little? I am such not a great reader of people, I can never tell when someone likes me cuz men sometimes act so flirty but yet it may just be that lol I will go to lunch with him if he asks tmw.
Have a great night all
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its midnight n here I am starting at my ceiling, took two Tylenol
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E - You're right that men can be very difficult to read. It's funny because most men complain that they can't understand women. They say we're not straightforward enough. Really, they're the ones who don't seem to be straightforward. But, your friend might be different. Maybe he really is as nice as he sounds. :-)
Sleep tight!
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Enerva- I hope you feel better. I did not know chemo can affect your teeth. That friend who had the dental problem had liver cancer and chemo not that long ago either. Maybe that was what was going on with her tooth too. That sucks that chemo wrecks your teeth.
I used to over analyze everything, and learned to go a bit more with the flow like that post up there you shared. I have had to do a fair amount of trusting things would work out when things were at their worst and I did not think I might survive. If your friend wants to get together with you, you go and enjoy that if you are up to it!
I am exhausted from the day. Going to bed and up early to be ready for another day with the painters. Hope everyone got through Monday okay!
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ok so the most important is to visit your dentist before chemo and I mean right the month before chemo so the dentists can take the Xr and make sure your overall mouth is in good shape. So maybe there was a tooth problem with bb or your friend and they did not know then undergo chemo treatment, thats maybe what happen. Read these
number of cancer treatments may affect a person’s dental and oral health. Dental and oral health refers to the well-being of the entire mouth, including the teeth, gums, lining of the mouth (mucosa), and salivary glands (the glands that produce saliva). Dental and oral side effects may make it difficult to eat, talk, chew, or swallow.
Besides your usual dentist, there are several other types of dental health professionals who can help with your oral care before, during, and after cancer treatment, including:
- An oral oncologist, a dentist who specializes in the dental and oral health of people with cancer
- An oral surgeon, a dentist who specializes in surgery of the mouth and jaw
- A periodontist, a dentist who specializes in diagnosing and treating gum disease
- A prosthodontist, a dentist who specializes in replacing teeth or other structures in the mouth
Types of dental and oral side effects
Side effects of the mouth caused by cancer treatment may include:
- Dry mouth (xerostomia)
- Mouth sores (mucositis)
- Tooth decay
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Difficulty chewing or opening the mouth
- Infection
- Bone disease
- Inflammation or pain in the lining of the mouth and tongue
Some side effects may disappear shortly after treatment is finished, while others may be long-lasting or permanent.
Causes
Not all cancer treatments affect the mouth, teeth, and jaw. However, the following treatments may cause specific dental and oral side effects. To learn more about your personal risk of experiencing these side effects, talk with a member of your health care team.
Radiation therapy to the head and neck. Side effects from radiation therapy to the head and neck may include dry mouth, tooth decay, loss of taste, mouth and gum sores, bone disease, and stiffness in the jaw. These side effects may be temporary or can continue for several years after treatment. Because the risk of developing some of these side effects is linked to dental disease, seeing a dentist before cancer treatment begins is important. During this appointment, the dentist will examine your mouth, teeth, and gums and address any areas of concern, such as broken, fractured, or infected teeth; poorly fitting dentures; and gum disease to help reduce the risk of potential cancer treatment-related side effects. During treatment, your dentist may recommend special fluoride treatments to help prevent dental decay and infection that can be caused by not producing enough saliva during radiation therapy. Learn more about the side effects of radiation therapy.
Chemotherapy. Common side effects of chemotherapy include mouth sores, pain in the mouth and gums, peeling or burning of the tongue, infection, and changes in taste. Chemotherapy may also cause a temporary decrease in your body’s ability to produce infection-fighting cells. Therefore, treating and eliminating any areas of infection in the mouth or teeth should be a priority before starting treatment. Also be sure to let your dentist know you will be starting chemotherapy so he or she can eliminate any potential sources of new infection or irritation. In general, fixed orthodontic appliances like braces should be removed before chemotherapy begins. Dental and oral side effects from chemotherapy usually go away soon after treatment ends. Learn more about the side effects of chemotherapy.
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Oh, no, how many of us are still awake? lol
I can't sleep at all. Everything went wrong today, and I'm too stressed to fall asleep.
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lol I woke up around 4am and went to sleep around 12 midnight so only got 4 hours
Hope you are sleeping now
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its 5 am now I didn't know you were awake when I posted and went looking at Se from chemo lol
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I'm still awake. I've been up all night. lol I hope you were able to get more sleep.
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Good morning ladies- sorry to hear it was a sleepless night for so many.
Enerva- thanks you for that info. I will have to pass that along to my friend in case she is not aware of that (she may be, but maybe I am the one who is unaware given I did not have chemo). That info is probably very helpful to BB too. I never knew there were dental oncologists either, although I would expect there could be given there are people who have head, neck and mouth cancers too. Wow.
Life- what is going on? Anything you want to talk about here? PM me too if you want?
BB- I hope you are feeling better today and got some rest after your stressful day yesterday.
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Well I was able to sleep one more hour till my neighbour started his reno bright and early lol so I got up and went to get a coffee and bread so I could get away from the noise. LIFE me too you can Pm me anytime if you need to talk about anything. My period is still here so day #2 of a full one lol in a way I am happy about it I have been thinking maybe stress had something to do with it not coming back in April may June July. There is something that happen to me which I didn't tell any of you .
I just didn't want to worry you guys but when I went back home there was another reason beside my sister s situation. I had a brother who got dx in March with bone cancer and he past away a week after I came back. He was very healthy and all of the sudden he got pain in one leg then got mdx in November last year then the pain never improved and in March an MRI revealed it was cancer
you see my stress level has been very bad I think this is why I couldn't pass my exams during those months I cry a lot every day and I was nit sleeping nit eating. Anyway I am ok I am trying to be positive that my sister will survive this crap, I told milky the day we met and after blue past away I share my history with the ladies from the insomnia tread cuz there are a few there with bone c. Just so they know I understand what they are going through. Life hadn't gotten any better for me yet, until my sister survive this I know my stress will continue plus I am having nightmare about my surgery which is scaring me a bit. Anyway don't feel bad cuz i really want just to share this but I am not in need for pity I am strong stronger than what you may think
Milky this is so truee
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