Any October 2011 Surgeries out there want to wait together?
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Oh, how I wish I could have my exchange prior to chemo! I won't have my first fill until this coming Monday, and I assume I'd need three or four. I've heard they won't do exchanges within a few weeks of chemo because of immunity issues. So..... I guess I'll be carrying these things around for 5 months. Sigh. I'll talk with my PS Monday and see what he suggests. AJ and Margie - good luck with finding the right size. It's great that we get to choose, but I guess once we do, that's what we're stuck with.
I feel as though I've put on a few inches around the waist in the past few weeks. Not sure if it's my imagination, or all the chocolate/cookies people got me to help me feel better and more sedentary life. All I can think is that it's mocking me: see, if you had gotten that DIEP.... ah well. I'm glad that I can be up and around as much as I am. That's meant a lot for my morale.
Thanks for the wishes and thoughts about my fertility decisions. So many unknowns.
Wishing everyone a good Thursday.
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HA Ginger!! And I just read you teacher post and couldn't help but wonder if we're somehow secretly sisters. Your feelings about telling the students, parents, and colleagues mirror mine.
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AJ - it was scary putting my pics up, but ater I did it helped me deal with how things look and moving forward. I need to take a pic from this weeks fill and put up. Is your PS going to do fat grafting? Mine is going to harvest fat from my thighs and inject it into the chest after the exchange to fill in to give me a more natural look.
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MargieC: What is fat grafting? When do they do it and for which types of recon do they use it? Thanks!
-J
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Cookiemonster -- Next Tues is hopefully my last fill and we will be sitting down then with the PS to go over all the steps/issue/risks with fat grafting. I have read some about on http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/44/topic/763239?page=61#idx_1825 this string. I will let you know what I learn Tues.
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Oh, I am only dreaming of the exchange (sitting here at 5 weeks post op). The good news is that I slept a whole night in my big girl bed!! I slept half on my side with a pillow propped up behind me. It did feel great to get a good night's sleep. YaY!!
MargieC-I signed up for the photo site and got approval but it doesn't let me in. Something about my password is incorrect. I dunno...guess I will send a message to TimTam again. I hate to bother her!! I am so curious to see other's TE's and recons though.
Where is Gamergirl?? Has she been on lately?? Has anyone heard from her?? She started the thread and I wonder how she is doing through her chemo treatments,etc...
I have 3 doctor appointments tomorrow. Please, Lord, let me get this last drain out!! It is getting a bit ridiculous. I haven't even had a fill yet!!
Rachel-I think my stomach is bigger too. I was asking my PT about it and she said all the fluid goes downward and showed me some easy exercises to do to help (plus she wants me to walk 10-15 minutes daily). I wasn't sure if my stomach was bigger or if it was just because now that my boobs are gone I can actually SEE it! LOL. I feel like the exercises have helped. Ask your PT...
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iLUV2knit - it took a couple of messages back and forth for me to get into the photo site too.
iLUV2knit and Rachel - my tummy is a bit bigger too - some how I gained 3lbs between Mon and today. Now I did have a fill Tues but he just put in 80cc. For me I think it is a couple of things - I am not working out like I use to - my last two fills have been painful so I am not sleeping all night and I haven't been eating like I should. That being said - I am going to watch what I eat and try to up the exercise a bit.
Yea Gamegril we haven't heard from you in a while I hope you are doing ok.
AnnAlive I hope you are doing ok too.
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iLuv2knit - Did you respond back with your user name and category? I just signed up yesterday and there were specific instructions of what to do once you got YOUR username and password - check your message about signing up.
MargieC - Thanks for the link, I'll definitely take a look
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On that note, I am heading out for my daily walk (missed yesterday with all the rain). I've been meeting the PT in my PS office, but starting the 28th he wants me in his regular office so he can get me on the treadmill to see how I'm doing and get me going with a ramped up exercise program. He said it will be really important during chemo. I've read some scary accounts of the weight gain from the steroids on chemo (though I've been on decadron in the past for a completely unrelated issue, possibly smaller dose, and never noticed a marked increase in weight) - though other women seem to lose weight! All I know is I want to be healthier when I get through this, and slimming down a bit would be great.
I've seen Gamergirl posting on the November Chemo thread, so you can catch up with her there. I'm slowly getting to know the December chemo group - but I'll try to stay in touch here. I've really enjoyed getting to know everyone on here and think we've done a great job at sticking together.
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Rachel~ YESSSS; I think it's great that you'll be seeing your PT for more advanced training. Keep us posted on the types of activities he recommends for you
With your determination, I have no doubt that you're going to sail through these next steps of your journey. BTW, great job getting out for your walk today! ILuv2Knit~ Excellent news re: getting a full night of sleep... and in your BED! It's crazy how much sleep affects EVERY facet of our lives. I'm still trying to find a do-able pillow setup so that I can get somewhat comfy on my side. I'm managing about 3 hours of sleep per night right now... with an occasional 30 minute nap some days. It's frustrating but I keep telling myself that this too shall pass (right?!?!) Here's wishing that you can say a big ADIOS! to that last drain tomorrow!
Margie~ PS and I haven't discussed fat grafting at this point but I'll def ask at my next fill on Tuesday. I'm a bit concerned with a remark he made about my bone structure/rib cage and intend to ask for some further clarification. I'm coming to terms with the fact that I probably won't ever be able to train my chest heavy again... but that's okay since I'm more of a Back and Shoulders kind of girl
I'll PM you if that's ok. It looks like we're at a similar point in the recon process. Quick update: So happy to be back to work. While I'm definitely easing myself back into the groove, it feels so good to get back to my clients.
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Cookie- we must be east coast/west coast sisters!
My PS did some fat grafting right over the implants the day of my exchange. The lipo areas are what caused most of my discomfort but it looks pretty good now that the bruising is gone.
I have definitely gained weight since my BMX in June. It is frustrating but understandable due to all the sleep issues, lack of exercise and being home with all this FOOD all day long. I have just started walking 30 minutes a day and am hoping that will kick me in the right direction.
Good to hear from everybody...hang in there!
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Hi-
Just checking in ... Day 24 after BMX with DIEP & free TRAM surgery. I can't believe it ... all is well. I was drains free by day 9. (Dr said it's because I'm skinny) I'm able to drive and don't have to nap! I'm off Norco for almost a week. The wedge pillow was the best thing I purchased ... it keeps me in place while sleeping in bed. The only thing I needed in the hospital was my Chap-Stick. I wasn't able to move to much to do anything. I'm DR free till mid-Dec ... and stage II sometime in 3 months. I still want ooph sometime next year.
My last chemo was 9/1 and my hair is growing back really fast. Being a TN, I don't have any other drugs to take. This surgery was the final thing I can do again BC in me.
Thanks and I wish you all peace ...
-LA
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9911 - Nice going, and great progress considering you did the TRAM/DIEP! And glad to hear the hair's coming back quickly. I hope things continue to go well.
AJ - Well, taking a walk was great, but I also found another box from Mrs. Fields on my doorstep this afternoon. I'm glad for the well wishes, but.... well, guess I just have to try another toffee brownie. Sigh. Glad you're getting back into your work routine.
I had another personal accomplishment last night. I've been able to ditch button-down shirts on occasion for loose (very loose) t-shirts (though the PT assistant had to come to my rescue yesterday when I tried to wiggle out of my sweatshirt, which was much harder to get off than on). Well, last night I pulled out one of my Victoria's Secret nightshirts that I fell in love with a few years back and managed to get into it. Okay, I do miss my old top (and my belly is too big!!) but it was nice to see that I look pretty normal in it, all things considered. Just a few more months of recon to go.
Nite all.
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Hey ladies! Been more than a week since I've checked the ol' thread and I'm glad to see ya'll are dealing and moving right along. You guys are all so damn strong, you have no idea. Here's what's going on with us: to recap, Mrs Clams is 7 weeks (Sept 28) post-prophylactic BMX/abdominal flap recon. She's doing great and looking great. The plastic surgeon is thrilled with how she looks and she's got the next procedure (I call it nipple reconstruction - but not sure what it's really called) scheduled for a few days after Xmas. All in all, everything is great. The only negative is that she's kind of hit the wall in her recovery. I would say she's back to about 75% of normal. But that last 25% is proving hard to come by. All of her restrictions have been lifted, but she's still getting really tired and sore at the end of each afternoon. She just can't seem to turn the corner and get back to normal. Are any of you girls going through that too? Does anyone have suggestions? Sorry I have not been on here in a while, but I do think of you guys all the time and I pray for you when we light the candles for shabbat every friday night. Good luck, get healthy and stay healthy.
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Clams- Nice to see you here and thanks for the update. I think 75% at 7 weeks after that procedure is pretty good. It takes a long time to get to 100%. Hang in there!
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Checking in. My TE is infected again, so I am on antibiotics again. I have family arriving for Thanksgiving week on Sunday, and fortunately, my daughter-in-law will take over the kitchen. I'm concerned about the future of my TEs. They are awkward to live with, but I want to proceed normally!
Have any trouble gaining weight during treatment? After chemo with the steroids, and then 6 weeks recovery from surgery and eating anything I feel like having, I have really put on the pounds and had to go buy some bigger clothes today. Sad. And I have rads to go, where I have heard on one of the rad threads they don't want you to lose (or gain) weight during the 6-7 weeks of treatment because it will throw off their precise measurements. Anyway, I think it will be hard to think of losing any weight until after the holidays. Maybe I'll be doing well just to not gain more. It was hard trying on tops that aren't button-down. Stiff left arm from the AND. I'll see a PT in 2 weeks.
Good to read your updates. Most seem to be moving right along...
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Ann - sorry to hear your TEs are misbehaving again. A few of us were bemoaning weight gains earlier today and yesterday. We're in a tough bind - limited options for exercise, we aren't even doing most of our regular activities like walking back and forth to the car a few times a day, and in many cases we have friends/family feeding us well and sending us wonderful carepackages jam-packed with calorie laden comfort food. Do you have much time between starting PT and rads? But I think you've got a good approach - make it through your rads, and then focus on the weight issue as part of your get-back-to-more-normal plan.
I have one question I'm wondering if anyone else has had, odd though it might be. The SNB incision in my right underarm is healing just fine, but I've developed occasional (but really bad) itching - and a pink rash that comes and goes - under my left underarm, which had nothing done (other than having a TE butting up against it from the inside). I did shave that side a week or so ago, but I can't think of anything else that could have irritated that area. I forgot to ask the PT or my gyn today. Benadryl cream doesn't seem to help, so I'll look for a cortisone cream tomorrow. Anyone have anything similar?
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Rachel, I've also gained weight since surgery. I'm pretty sure it was all those casseroles and sweets from friends plus all my recliner time. Now I have the holidays here too and I'm about to start chemo with Taxotere listing weight gain as a side effect as well as the steroids. Yikes!!! Anyway, could your rash be caused by irritation from the TE rubbing? I had a little bit of that on my left side, also not my lymph node side, but it has gone away. I didn't do anything for it. My TE's feel like they go under my armpits. You might ask your PS.
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Rachel - it looks like I will have PT and rads at the same time, but I don't know much yet about the scheduling nor whether they might be difficult to have at the same time, say if the rads cause burning or rash, would PT be harder? I don't know what to make of the rash you have -- I hope you find relief soon!0
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Hi Judy -- I have gained 6 pounds since surgery and like you I believe it is all the comfort food everyone brought us and the reduction of my activity. I can tell you that I didn't gain any weight over the 4 months I was on TCH. Hopefully you will have the same experience.
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I enjoy everyones posts. Margie C~ We do have a lot in common! (I was diagnosed the same day with the same IDC, HER2+, We're the same age and I sure appreciate your posts!)
Ann~ Sorry to hear about the infection, you're in my prayers!
Rachel~ I like the idea, make it through your rads, and then focus on the weight issue as part of your get-back-to-more-normal plan.This is what I need to do! As far as itching, I did have itching on my body, and at first we thought it was the cat, but it eventually disappreared. One of those weird off the wall side effects I guess.
Judy~ I was on taxotere as well (6 rounds total) I hope I can say I was one of the few whose gained so much weight (25+ lbs
)I think continuing to eat like crazy has something to do with this....hmmm, yeah, it doesThanks for the updates Mr. Clams, you and the Mrs. continue to be in my prayers!
9911~ Thanks for the update! You are so strong!
Dukes~ Yay! Back at work! Makes me smile!
My little world~ Just trying to find my place. I found another lump in my other breast, my only breast left. I went in last Friday for a core biopsy and go in for Herceptin tomorrow, 9 of 17. I have to travel by flight an hour to the next city for this (there now) and I'm missing my kids. Tuesday will mark 1 week I've been gone. Hoping to get in early tomorrow to fly home tomorrow aftenoon. I'm feeling so down tonight, read an article in the newspaper about a woman who is having a reoccurance (?) and it's terminal. I have not allowed myself to EVER even THINK this could be me, and as I sit here alone in the hotel room, the thought looms. But I can't imagine that. I need a little uplifting ladies... thanks...
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Athabasecanwarriorprincess- it has to be hard to travel that far for treatment. Wow can believe it was 7months today we started this journey. We do have a lot in common. I am getting my herceptin right now. I am 1 treatment a head of you today is 10 of 17. I am sending tons of good thoughts your way. Close your eye and feel the hug I am giving you. I hope the lump is nothing and you get home to you kids soon. Try to put "C" in the back of your mind and enjoy Thanksgiving.
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Yeah, I am fat. I will admit it. I have gained weight, a few pounds since my BMX, but realize that with my double D's gone, I seriously need to lose the 30 pounds I gained after my stress eating when my Mom died last Sept from cancer. My foobs are going to look so nice, I HAVE to work on the belly!!
AnnAlive- I STILL have my drain!! I think that after my 20 minute walk today, it is actually putting out less??! Plus, I found a bottle of antibiotics that my BS ordered but was a duplicate of what the PS sent me home with. I started taking them Saturday after I couldn't get warm (chills in a house that was 78 degrees!!). I slept all Saturday and all of Sunday, and today feel really good. Have I turned a corner??? I certainly hope so!!
Clams-I'll bet your wife looks amazing. That is a HUGE procedure she went through. She may not feel 100% for a couple more months. I had an awful surgery a few years ago and it literally took me about 4 months to feel semi-normal. Time heals....
Hi Rachel!!! I bet you look awesome in your tee shirt and Victoria Secret nightie. I am still sleeping in a tank top and pj bottoms with my drain tube pinned to the tank top. Lovely attire :-)
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Hey everyone. Thought I'd check in after the weekend. I'm exhausted emotionally and physically. But more on me later.
Athabascan - I'm so sorry to hear about that new lump. I really hope it turns out to be nothing. I know how easy it is to read stories about the negative outcomes, but now is the time to focus your energy on overcoming this new bump in the road with an eye to recovery. If it turns out to be cancer, you've been through it, you know the ropes. It sucks, but you know you've got what it takes to kick its butt! I wish you the best - and easy travels.
iluv2knit - Oh no! I'm sending really pushy vibes your way to ward off all that remaining fluid. You've more than paid your dues, girl! Good luck on losing weight. I'm going to have to find a way once and for all to get beyond the "It's just... (a cookie)(a chocolate bar)(popcorn)(one bowl - ooops! two bowls - of ice cream)(insert other carb-laden no-no here)." A few years ago I did manage to lose about 12 pounds (which when you're 120 to start is pretty good - but I'm barely 4'8) by going low-carb, and it's the only time I've been able to pass up cookies and other snacks regularly. Trying to reconnect with that part of my brain that was in control at that point.
Mr. Clams - Thanks for the update. Sounds like she has recovered well, and from what I've heard, that last recovery lap really is the toughest. Hang in there. Let her rest up when she needs it and I'm sure she'll rally soon and get back on track. If you're interested, there is a thread under Spirituality to list Hebrew names for a MiSheberach list, as well as a few others about being Jewish with cancer. I'm sure the High Holidays were extra stressful for your family this year, and some of us found some comfort in sharing our thoughts about that.
As for me.... I overdid it a bit this weekend. Saturday was quiet, but yesterday I went to a movie with a friend (I drove 15 miles each way); then my boyfriend drove us an hour each way for a concert (he was giving the pre-concert lecture, and I was so proud of him and decided after everything he's done for me, I wanted to be there) - though we left after the intermission; after getting back to my place, I grabbed some things and drove with him to the train station, left my car there, and we drove to Philly so I could stay over night and be in the city for my PS appointment this morning. We got to Philly after 11 pm and I was wiped out - and I STILL couldn't get a decent night's sleep.
Had my first fill (60 cc) at the PS today. He's very pleased with my recovery. Sounds like I'll get a few more and then take a break for chemo before having the exchange. Then it was off to meet with the reproductive endocrinologist. The odds are really bleak, but I haven't decided to forego freezing my eggs just yet. Apparently my insurance will pay, but at a 10-15% success rate (and not being able to even think about getting pregnant for 2 years, which makes me 45 - sending kids to college at 63???), I may have to submit to reason over emotion. However, during her exam, she found some calcifications on my uterus lining. She said it's probably nothing, but having found them, is now sending me for an MRI. Does it ever end?
Okay, time to relax and make some dinner. Benadryl is going to be tonight's sleeping aid of choice - surprisingly, I hadn't tried it yet because I had run out. And I have a lot of thinking to do. Wishing everyone a good evening.
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sending a HUGE (((((((((HUG))))))))) to Rachel.....we are here for ya girl ,truly!! I will pray for a good outcome on the MRI. Dammit....sometimes, perhaps, we do not need to know EVERYTHING at once, right??!!! Like, couldn't they wait to find more stuff until you are over this hurdle. It is alot to take in, but we are here, we are here...I wished I lived closer, I would be on your doorstep helping you in any way I could.
I am saying an extra great BIG prayer tonight for you.
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Hi Ladies. Been a while since my last post. I am doing okay, I guess. I have had 2 fills 25cc in each both times. Both times the PA hurt the heck out of me!!!! I had my port placed on Nov. 11, and it still hurts really bad. I am so sick of not feeling good. I finally broke down and went to a therapist for a little help dealing with all of these emotions. It was helpful. I start chemo on Nov. 29. At least I will get to have Thanksgiving before I feel terrible. I am sorry I have not been on here in a while. I have been updating my caringbridge page, and that is a lot of work, so I have not been posting on here as much. I have been reading though. I am praying for all of you every night. Happy Thanksgiving! Sending much love and hugs.
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Shannon - Love and hugs back. I'm glad you've found someone to help you deal with all these emotions. I hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving.
iluv2knit - Thanks much. You're definitely on my destination list when I get through everything and do a road trip. I've noticed there are some get-togethers planned regionally by women on these boards - maybe someday we can try to find a place where us Octobers can meet up in the future. I think we're pretty spread out, but who knows?
I'm feeling better after dinner. I am enjoying being able to do most things around the apartment, like cook and clean the dishes - though it's better when the BF is here to do it! Laundry is still an issue - I can put things in the washing machine, but I'm too short to reach in and pull the wet clothes out and put them up in the dryer in my current situation.
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Just a quick hello from me . . . . Been praying for you all as I've lurked on and off with spotty wifi - STILL out of the house due to fire. Hoping to be back in around 12/1 . . . I'm catching up slowly as I read but know that I've been thinking about our little October group and sending gentle hugs to the list. Rachel - you need several! Ann - enough with the TE infection - ! I am cringing for you. . . . Iluv2knit - praying that drain gets out sooon! Shannon - press on, surgery sister . . press on.
More on me later - just a quick hello . . . . hugs and positive vibes....
kelley
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My goodness; I go off computer for a day and there is so much to catch up on.
Shannon- good to hear from you; I have been following your caringbridge pages and praying for you!
Kelley- I can't believe you are still out of your house; come on December...
Rachel- sending hugs your way; you sure have some tough choices to make but I believe it is going to work out for you in the long run no matter which way you choose to go.
iLuv2knit- I am waging the battle on fat with you; the last year has not been kind to my waistline. 2012 is going to see me attack that and shed these pounds.
Athabasecanwarriorprincess- sending hugs to your hotel room; hang in there. I can't imagine how hard it is to ward off those thoughts when you are far from home.
I saw my PS today and she gave me the go ahead to schedule my ooph for December so it looks like I can head into 2012 surgery free!
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Hey Girls,
Well, I had my drains out today, and I am in so much pain! I am in lockdown and not supposed to move much for 72 hours, which is really going to F up thanksgiving for me! I can't cook! Most importantly, I can't shop! Not even to run into the supermarket to by some stinking granola for lunch! My MIL, who will be 80 next month, G-d bless her, had to do the shopping for me, and of course she can't find the pretzel crisps I want! I feel bad even asking her to go--she broke her shoulder and collar bone falling in front of our house in May and hasn't been the same since.
I'm beginning to see that even little motions like typing on the iPad are making me swell, so it is going to be an all day movie festival for me tomorrow and Wednesday. I had to find a day camp for Wednesday because I can't watch/tend to my little boy properly if I can't move. Oh, yeah, no school on Wednesday, thus the day camp.
Ok, back to being motionless! Love you all!
Oh, Ginger- the ooph/hyst wasn't so bad compared to this. Not fun, but you can do it!0
