Why was I stronger DURING treatment than I am now?
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2tabbies- I hope that you continue to feel better, both physically and mentally. I hope your hubby also continuing to feel better. You have had a lot on your plate.
I hope everyone else has had a restful week.
I have been relaxing and resting this weekend. My right breast has been excruciating since my fill on Thursday. I am hoping it is more tolerable tomorrow. I can't decide whether I should keep my fills at 30ml on that side despite the pain...so that the length of the pain is shorter than less fill over a longer period of time. Not sure which way makes the most sense.
I went to the young survival coalition again. It was a good meeting & helpful hearing others experiences. One of the things that came up that I thought was interesting. One of the gals said she could not get echocardiogram because of having tissue expander. I still have to get echoes every six months because of Herceptin lowering my ejection fraction. Have any of you heard that?
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thanks 2tabbies, we are in midst of heatwave here 30C at 07.45 this morning! Hits the 40s during day sooo hot, does not help breathing a lot, which is my biggest concern at present, have to go to doctors each week still .......but i am getting some quality sleep since stopping Aromasin, the never ending fatigue is lifting a bit........little things that mean so much!
How are you doing? 2tabbies? Wintersocks? Purl? Smarts hope u in less pain today
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wintersocks, have you had your results yet?
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Hi Lily,
You are sweet to remember, Yes I got them yesterday. The lump is a keloid scar thingy. Apparently, some skin types are more prone to get them. Usually good healing but gets lumpy apparently. That is also the case with the abdo scar, it seems they can inject steroids into them to kinda of break them down. Now I am waiting to see the boss consultant to get the go ahead for stage 2. So she said perhaps about 4 weeks to see him. She was lovely, a young Greek plastic surgeon I saw. Couldn't believe how well she go a grip on all the medical terminology. Amazing.
Have you got the hot weather there? Apparently Britain has the hottest day ever, on record today. We are not used to it 'Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun' is so true. Lots of lobsters hanging round!
Are you ok? how are you feeling?
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Lily, we're sharing your heatwave. Our high today was 98F (37C). I hate it. It wreaks havoc with my lymphedema. I got the drains from my exchange surgery out today and can shower tomorrow. That's a a relief. I'm glad to hear you're sleeping better and are less fatigued.
Winter, I'm so glad your lump is just a scar. Keloids, from what I've heard, are a nuisance, but at least it's not a tumor. We Oregonians aren't used to this heat either. In fact our climate is fairly similar to yours, I think. So we literally feel your pain.
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Fantastic news Winter...........
Pure rose hip oil massaged in to keloid scars helps a lot, so does castor oil............
I will be glad when my breathing gets sorted on steroids for first time ever, but i am getting better quality of sleep now, I actually feel a bit rested when I wake up.....
We have another heat wave starting, night time temps are above 20C, one day here it was 49C..............looks llike it will be in top 30´s or early 40´s for next week and government has issued warnings to us...............
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Lilly, 49C is awful. We used to live in Arizona where it routinely got that hot in the summer. I hated it. We're still in a heat wave too, but not that bad. High today is 37C. I hope you have air conditioning.
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lily, I hope things continue to get better with your breathing and comfort. I am glad things are improving for you.
Wintersocks, keloid is much better than the alternatives. I am happy for you & that result.
2tabbies, I am happy you got your drains out. I am hoping you are feeling well. I hear the exchange is usually easier, but have no idea if that is true. I am sure the shower was a delight. I hope you are pleased with the results so far.
The heat sounds a little unbearable. I am not sure I would be able to keep my sanity...with the hot flashes and the irritability I would probably combust. My poor husband has been freezing in our house because I cannot tolerate it about 70 degrees F. We are having pretty decent weather in the 80s and partial sun.
My radiated breast is still really painful. I had a 30 ml fill on Thursday, and have been miserable since. I think I have to take a break for a couple weeks, and then maybe reduce fills to 15 to 20 ml. The left side is fine, but the radiated side is so unearably painful. I am at 330 ml right now, and I was hoping to get to 400 ml. I had been thinking I would power through...but I just can't. I am not sure what size I would be right now...I am hoping to get to a good B.
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It seems my hot flashes only torment me at night as during the day I'm usually cold. We haven't had much heat here in Ontario....still only 12 some mornings.
Smartass- maybe your body needs a break. There is no race...so be sure to take the time you need.
I see my MO in 2 wks. I can't tell if I still have fatigue or if it's because I'm back to work, moving in 3 wks and I have a 19 yr old DD that is driving me crazy??? I'm 6 wks post rads, the boob is still swollenand most days I can't wait to go to bed. Staying up til 11 feels late and I'm getting tired of being tired.
That's my vent for today. Sending good thoughts out to everyone.
JJ
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Smart, I'm sorry to hear you're in such pain. My PS, much to my dismay, wouldn't do TEs/implants on irradiated tissue. He said that every time he does, he swears he won't do it again. I guess you're experiencing some of the issues he was talking about. I know some women end up with a successful outcome without needing a flap. I hope you're one of them, and this painful part is temporary.
Yes, the exchange has been a much easier surgery than either the BMX or the LD flap. The jury is still out on the results. So far, I can say that the size is about right, and the symmetry looks pretty good. I understand things change considerably over a period of months so I'll just have to wait and see. I don't like the patched up look from the flap and the scars, but I guess I'll learn to live with them. Or get them tattooed. There's something I never thought I would ever do.
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thanks 2tabbies. I hope the pain part is temporary too. It has improved .Enough where I can function. I am planning to do 1/2 a fill on Thursday instead of a full fill. I am up to 330 ml so if I can maybe do 3 or 4 of those, I think that will be enough.
I am glad the exchange has been easier for you. I hope that it is for me too. I have a 3 month wait after I get my last fill. I don't know for sure about the tattoos. I think I will do then. Perhaps more for the husband than me. I think it might distract him from the scars. He has trouble with feeling like they must hurt so he feels guilty about intimacy when he sees them.
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I have a question that I was looking through the threads to see if other people have posted on it...so far nothing specific.
I went to my Cardiologist yesterday. I started seeing him after I was on Taxol and Herceptin. My ejection fraction of the Left Ventricle had decreased, and they wanted to do more tests. That was in March 2014. I have echo tests every 3 months, and most recently had a green light to go 6 months because everything was holding steady with my blood pressure med & a heart protector med he prescribed, Toprol. I ended Taxol in June 2014 and Herceptin in March 2015.
Now, I had an echo last week, and the Left Ventricular Internal Dimension -diastole (I had to look all that up), has increased in size. From 3.9 cm in March 2014, to 4.1 the other tests, and now to 4.8 cm. He put me on a new med Lisinopril, and I am stopping the water pill. I have to go back for blood work, and another appointment to go over it.
I asked a lot of questions about med interaction because of all of the crap I am on, but I forgot to ask how long I will be a patient in cardiology? on the old med? on the new med? is this all permanent? I had been hoping to be able to cut him out of the lineup of doctors...no such luck. Most stuff I read on Herceptin says people return to normal, but I have not seen good data on AC, Taxol and Herceptin with folks similar to what I have going on...it is all very general or written for doctors. Anyone on this thread have these issues?
If not, I can always ask questions on the 17th when I see the provider again (which I will anyway). But any first hand insight would be helpful as he does not specialize in Cardiology Oncology.
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Smart, my husband hasn't touched my chest since my mastectomy almost 2 years ago. I tell him it doesn't hurt. In fact I can't feel anything which grieves me to no end. I'm sorry I can't answer your questions about the cardiologist. I know what you mean about wanting to drop at least one specialist. I'd love to drop some of the meds I'm on.
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Hey, Smurf! Excuse my ignorance on this (and SO many other topics!) but your message has me asking, can your MO refer you to a Cardiologist who specializes in Oncology cases? If you have to mess around with another "Ologist" it seems like you should have one that knows what you are dealing with. I'm sorry you have to deal with this - all my best to you, Linda.
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Lisonopril is a common ace inhibitor drug most often used for blood pressure reduction, provided you do not develop the persistent cough that some people do you can stay on it very long term with no real ill effects......
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2tabbies, I am sorry. Just sorry for all of us.
Booklady, you bring up a good point. I might do some research on the providers at my Medical center.
Lily, thanks for the insight on lisinopril. I knew it was an ace inhibitor, but didn't know how long term it is. My other one Toprol is a Beta blocker. I don't know if that is a long term one either.
I have another fill tomorrow, I am going to have them reduce it to 15 ml. Hoping it is less terrible.
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Smart, I hope this fill is easier on you.
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Thanks Tabbies. Last night was hard, but it has been easier than last week. If I can do 4 more at 15 ml each week I can be done with fills the first week of August. I have my fingers crossed.
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Smart, I'll cross mine for you as well!
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it has been pretty quiet in these parts. I hope that is a good quiet for everyone.
I had my 6 month check up with my breast surgeon yesterday. All is well as far as a physical exam goes. Had a fill yesterday afternoon, so I am up to 360 ml on each side not feeling too bad today, so that is good.
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Smart, I'm glad to hear you had a good checkup with your surgeon and are not feeling too bad after your fill.
It has been quiet around here. I've gone back to work halftime after my exchange surgery so have had a bit less time to spend on the internet. I'm still really tired. I hate to whine, but I'm also not thrilled with how I look after my exchange. I guess I had a picture in my mind of how I used to look, and what I got is very different. The PS seems thrilled with my outcome. I guess it's all a matter of perspective. I was hoping to look more like my original self so that maybe I'd start to feel more like myself. DH says I look fine. (What else could he say?) Others say I look great. So why am I depressed? The new foobs will change over the next few months so we'll see what happens. I don't expect radical changes, but maybe they'll improve. Or I'll get used to them.
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Hi Ladies!
I am still here! I am just overwhelmed with health issues [Cushing's Disease, Kidney, Breast, Sugar etc]. I am also working FT now, which is too much for me - but I have no choice.
I have only had Stage 1 of DIEP - over a year ago - and I am tired of looking at my scars and my foobs. I can't even wear a bathing suit since I am still healing from skin grafts due to radiation.
I try to "be in the present" because the BC diagnosis has changed me forever.
Sending hugs to all.
Lisa
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I see my MO on Monday for my first 6 month check up. I'm up to working 6 hours a day and I'm wiped. My DH doesn't get it and it's frustrating. We move to our new house in 3 wks and stress is at an all time high. I kept telling myself during treatment that our pace of life needs some balance but I'm finding it difficult. On top of that my mother in law actually asked me out loud "don't you think you are milking it by not working full time by now???. My boob is still really swollen (getting that checked on Monday) and my nipple is still scabbing) I'm trying hard to find "normal". At least I know I'm not alone thanks to you guys!!
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JJ - Your Mother-in-Law can kiss my grits!!
Some people really can be judgmental and down right rude. No you are not alone; continue to take good care of yourself. Six hours is a longggggggggggg day when you are healing physically and emotionally. I see you have daughters too. Wow; I can't imagine. HUGE hug and let us know how your appt. goes. I hope you can do something really special just for you soon cuz you sure deserve it JJ.
Love, Purl
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JJ....I would tell your mother-in- law to jump in the lake! She has no business saying that. Does your husband know what she said? But, I see you said he doesn't get it either. I am do sorry. Stick to your guns and fo not overdo with the move! You deserve some TLC. Sending prayers and hope that you will find peace and get through this difficult time. I take Lexapro and it helps keep me level.
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JJ- AYFKM? She was WAY OUT OF LINE! Milking it my ass.
I'm calling for a junk punch AND a bitch slap!
I'm so sorry you have to deal with this. A gentle hug coming your way. Do not overdo it. Do not succumb to their selfish, uneducated pressure.
Katy
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JJ milking it? I'm not able to work PT yet and my surgery was in Dec too. After all we have been through?!?!
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LiLi, you've got a boatload of health issues to deal with. Hang in there. BC has changed me forever too so I get it. It's not easy.
JJ, your mil needs to butt the hell out. I'm so sorry your husband doesn't get it either. Maybe send them both in to talk to your oncologist. Better yet, get your local breast cancer support group to stage an intervention with them both.
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JJOntario - I don't know what a 'junk punch' means, but whatever it is, your mother-ln-law deserves one, along with a bitch slap, and a kick in the head for your husband. What a ridiculous thing for her to say. I have no idea who this woman is but I kind of hate her this morning. Why the f*ck would anyone milk a bad situation? She has no idea how we long to get back to some sort of 'normal' and the fact that our bodies won't accommodate us is beyond frustration. Grrrrr.
Not only is a six hour day a an exhausting day when you're still recovering, but moving is one of the most stressful thing on the planet, physically and mentally. As far as I'm concerned, husband should be hiring some burly men to carry you around on a throne while you point your finger.
Moving & Cancer. What a combo. Please take care of yourself.
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You guys are so awesome!! When she said that to me I was a bit stunned but I shouldn't have been. I've been her daughter in law since I was 20 and I'm so tired of trying to be nice. This is the same woman who wanted my father in law to drive me to treatment as she felt it was really stressful for her son to do it every day. WTF?? I'm so done with her. What sucks is the little voice in the back of my mind who wonders if I should be this tired and trying to gauge how much time other people take to get back to "normal"... Sort of how you watch your child to growth charts and other kids. Everyone caves to myMIL because sometimes it's easier. I joke that the next guy I marry has to be an orphan...(sorry...that's not really funny). I lost my Mom 10 yrs ago and sometimes I really miss her unconditional support.
This will be our second move in 6 months. We bought a lemon of a house and the new one is brand new. I think I'm also a bit cheesed at my DH although his intentions are good. The timing just sucks. Everyone has their struggles...it just seems mine have been coming all at once!,,,
Hugs and thanks to all!!
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