Kiwi ladies who need encouragment, but all welcome.
Comments
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Hi all
thanks Kruise - so first couple of hours at work today...how weird it is after a three month break, like some sort of time warp. Glad I insisted of a different spot, feel more relaxed already. Just wondering, do you use any cream or anything on the radiated area?
Shazza - good to hear the taxol is working! As far as wigs are concerned: I wear my wig quite a bit when I go out. At home I wear a beanie, maybe I'll wear a scarf when it gets hot. Imagine that it could burn quite easily..When I went for the wig fitting I had a no 3 done on my hair as I figured it would soon all fall out anyway. Most of it did, but there was still a wispy covering, which was mostly grey. But strangely enough I was a bit attached too it until I realised that it really didn't look good. So last weekend I had my DH shave off what was left, so now I am completely bald. I can actually feel a bit of stubble on my head so it must be growing a bit! But back to the wig, I chose one that looked great but was quite different from my old hair and people keep on asking where I got it cut.. I bought two others on Trademe for a bit of variety, but neither of them feel or look as good as the orignal one that I got, which is a synthetic one.
KT - hope your surgery goes really well0 -
All the very best for surgery kt!
Shazza hope you wig shopping was a giggle and that you found one you like.0 -
wig shopping was fun. The wig shop lady shaved the last of my hair and I don't look to bad bald if I can say so myself. Will try and get a few pictures up later. Was great having my 16 yo along to give advise. We had such a giggle.
Chemo today for me. Hope you all have a great day.0 -
You look great Shazza. It's so neat to find the humour & fun in this stuff.
Well ladies. I have a window bed in a 6 bed room with only 2 of us in it. It's a brand new elective surgical unit & it feels like a private hospital. Wonderful!
I have minimal pain so I think all went well
The scar looks longer than I thought it would (yes I've looked already-it has a new fangled dressing on it!)
It's also a 4 bed room not a six- I can't count when I'm groggy!
Hope you all have a good night
Cheers
kt0 -
Well done kt, good to hear!!!!0 -
That's great to hear the op went well kt and hope you are doing good today. I had to laugh at your comment about the 6 beds/4 beds...lol. At least you were up for commenting on here. I just want to keep sleeping after anaestic!
Did you do the LGFG today Ange? Hope you had fun and got a few goodies to take home also.
Your new pic looks lovely Shazza and how wonderful you and your daughter had a giggle together getting the wig sorted. Have you worn it a few times now - any nice comments?
Nice to hear you are back safe n sound Alyson and that you had a fab trip. What a neat thing meeting up with some of the ladies you have met through here.
I imagine you are nearly back from your holiday in Fiji by now too Kiwimum. Trust it was sunny, warm and beautiful for you all.
How is work going Woody - does it feel like you were never away now that you've done 3 days? Lol. Has the person you shared the space with said anything to you yet about why you moved?
Yes I have cream to put on for rads - several in fact. I think that the first one they gave me called FattE Health Cream or something might have made my neck itch - so have just plain Aqueous cream now, plus Mebo cream which my naturopath recommended for when I start to go pink or get burning symptoms.
I found out I don't have the BRCA 1 or 2 genes - so that was some good news in amongst the bad in as far as future options for me go. Also good news for my two girls :-)
I have just heard them talking on the radio news about the new machine available now to treat breast cancer so that you don't need all these weeks of radiation treatments. Apparently they zap you at the time of original surgery. Anyone else see or hear about that? It may be on TV tonight. Typical me to be in the last lots of women that have to do it the long, slow, painful way. Lol. Isn't it great how they are always developing treatments and things - we should always keep optimistic that new things will be discovered treatment wise.
Anyway / time to go relax again before gymming again tonight. I've been 4 times now - doing well. Haven't weighed in lately but I did do 1.4kg in first 2 days!! Hoping for some more good results when I weigh in Friday
X0 -
Excuse me breaking in here, but we are looking to show your faces, names and quotes at our fundraising event in October (www.rockforbreastcancer.org), and would love your help. This event is one of our largest fundraisers of the year and we'll be joined by hundreds of generous donors.
Specifically, we will have two projector screens up during the event, and want to show the people attending the event YOUR faces--- the women of our community, the women who use and rely on BCO ! Having the opportunity to share your photos and quotes that night will reinforce to our donors, in a meaningful and personal way, just how vitally important their contributions are to our community.
For this, we are looking for people willing to share a photo of themselves (either alone or with family, friends, pets, other BCO members, etc.), allow us to use your first name, say where you are from (it can be from anywhere in the world!), and give us a quote on how important BCO is to you. We are looking to have at least 40 people and have (only) a few weeks to work on this.
If you are interested, could you please email Melissa at mjenkins@breastcancer.org, with your photo, first name, where you live, and your quote? Also, PM us if you have any questions!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for helping us!!
Melissa0 -
Hi all
I hope chemo & rads are going ok for those of you on them.
Hope LGFB was good. I got given a form for that while I was in hospital. I prob won't do it again tho.
Well, I can't wait for things to settle down around my mx. It's still quite uncomfortable. I am a bit shocked at how it looks- my breast bone seems to be quite prominent. I guess I was thinking I'd be flatter.
The scar is longer than on the other side (no lymph nodes taken this time, so I thought it would be shorter). I find myself thinking 'what have I done?' but I guess when things settle down I'll feel better
I hope you all have a good day. It's looking pretty yuck outside up here...
kt0 -
Kt, hope you get more comfortable soon. The main thing is that it is done and you won't have to worry about anything happening on that side. Are you home already?
Kruise - work is going ok, office politics & back stabbing are still rife, so nothing new there. If I could I would much rather be somewhere else, but applying for other jobs in the middle of treatment is probably a waste of time. Still working on my nipple prosthesis idea.
Good news about the genes though! I have read several things about iodine being useful for se of radiation?0 -
Hey ladies,
Kt I hope you get more comfy soon hun, you certainly will feel better as time passes, and wounds heal and don't look so fresh.
I bloody loved the LGFB, it was just what I needed, was a good laugh - one of the ladies said it was like the Road Dahl movie "witches" when we all took our scarves and hats off - a real hoot and so liberating, you get a good bounty of goodies don't you, super jealous of the one that won the raffle.
I had my picture in our local rag yesterday promoting breast examinations - very cool and went along to a Pink Ribbon breakfast at Mitre 10 this morning, was awesome - loving getting involved and feeling useful.
Bleak day weather wise and kids driving me crazy - my 6 year old flew a paper dart into my head before and it says "to Mum, hop your here grows bak soon" hehe, me too!!! Looking forward to hair.0 -
Thanks for the well wishes
I came home on Wednesday. Nice to be home, but I really liked the bed I had in the hospital- controls for everything & very comfortable!
Well, I've just had my drain removed. Didn't feel a thing, phew! It'll be nice to have that gone.
The nurse that removed has a sister in Aus who is having a bmx next Friday so I've told her about this forum.
I hope you are all having a good weekend.
kt0 -
Jeepers it's a windy and wet and cold day here today! I'm feeling tired today and haven't done much. Just into hospital for my #11 zap and to the supermarket. My partner Tim and I zoomed up to Mount Maunganui for the weekend to see family and were on the go so that might be why I'm tired today My skin and boob still doing ok. Hopefully I can get some energy back but I know rads can take it out of you.
Kt - I hope you are feeling a lot better this week. I'm sure once swelling goes down and time heals the scar you will feel a lot better about it all. And just think of the great reasons why you did it in the first place. I know what you mean about those beds - I could do with one at home or a massage chair...lol.
Ange - wonderful you had a blast at LGFB - it is a nice fun time. The note from your 6 year old was very cute! So no sign of any of your hair growing back yet? Can't be far away. I'm still waiting patiently for my eyebrows and eyelashes to reappear but my hair is growing away slowly. Good for you being in the paper and supporting the cause at the breakfast.
Woody - I'm on 2 drops iodine a day at moment as naturopath wants to keep it at a minimum while I'm doing rads - but once I've finished I will step up the dose to help flush the radiation effects out of my body. I can understand how frustrating the office politics must seem - and how pointless - but yep just do the work you need to do and exit the building!
Hope you are all warm and safe. Blessings to all. K.xx0 -
Hey Kruise, I'm definitely on hair watch - have a bit of fuzzy peach hair coming through but no action on the eyelashes or eyebrows, really looking forward to those coming back!!! Fingernails are going to come off though - both the little ones have just about come off and the others are all following suit, hope they all grow back in properly and don't look too heinous.
Hope everyone's well xox0 -
Ange - oh that's a bummer about your fingernails. Mine are hanging in there - a bit black and blue in places but I'm so happy they haven't fallen off. They are all quite long at the moment - and I've been painting them. I used to bite my fingernails for years and years - and thought it would be typical that now when they are beautifully long they'd fall off. Lol. However someone must be looking out for me (maybe my Mum)
Can't say the same about toenails though. A couple of them are on their way out!
Exciting about hair growth too!!! I think the eyebrows and eyelashes must take a bit longer. Anyone else got any ideas when Ange and I might start seeing those come back? It's been just over a month since my last chemo.
I'm nearly halfway through my rads now! Tomorrow will be 3 weeks down - 3 to go! Yabba Dabba Do0 -
Hi girls,
I hope you're all having a good weekend
Finally having some nice weather up here.
It doesn't sound fun to lose your fingernails, Ange. I hope they grow back quickly! Along with your hair! (Yours too Kruise)
I hope all you girls having chemo & rads are going well. Here's to treatment being finished & healing beginning.
I'm feeling less tender all the time. I had my checkup & the dressing (clear) removed & another small one put on. The problem I have now is that I keep forgetting not to use my arm too much & find myself picking up something that's too heavy or stretching too far! Now I have raised hard lumps under my scar where I think I've done damage!
Hopefully they'll go away? Otherwise I may need surgical revision one day (I think I might anyway to get rid of a small 'dog ear' under my arm... It's such a shame I couldn't have the surgeon I had the first time- he made such a nice flat scar.
Such is life. For now I'm glad that I'm feeling better each day. It'll be nice to get back to normality & I won't have to wear a bra or prosthesis unless I want too. Yay!
Hugs
kt0 -
Hi Girls, did you see New Zealand story last night about Halena, the 34year old who had BC. she was saying how she never took her pills or went to Doc appointments and now she is paying for her dis reguard for her condtion, her words, i did not look after myself and it went to her liver. but is this because she did not take her pills or go to doc, would this happen anyway. she had chemo and rads and then did not take her pills and she is basically saying, don't be an idiot like me, look after yrself. But do these pills really stop it coming back?
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Hi all
well had the Docetaxol last Wednesday. Initially was great, walk in the park, no nausea etc, was so relieved! But then on Friday afternoon hit me like a sledgehammer, was difficult to drive home, didn't feel good, really tired and now I know what bone pain feels like. Heart palpitations as well and can feel my nail beds are sensitive... On the plus side, only 2 more chemo's and I'm done.
Beautiful day here today, in between naps managing to do some work in the garden.
Kt- I also kept forgetting that I shouldn't use my arm, don't think it has done any damage. Glad to hear you are recovering well.
My eyebrows are starting to disappear, but eyelashes seem to be hanging in there.
Work is going ok, sort of quiet still, as my phone still hasn't been connected, but plenty of catch up work to do.
Going outside now to plant some more veges with my daughter:)
Hope you all are keeping well.0 -
Hiya midnight. Good to see you.
Yes, I saw the program on Helena last night. Wow, she's really making the most of everything. Probably her cancer would have come back anyway- she shouldn't blame herself.
As some people say 'its a crapshoot'.
I hope you & your hubby are well.
Woody, hi. I hope you're feeling better. Yay for only 2 to go!
It is a great day, just been outside watering the garden & feeding the alpacas & sheep & goats.
Had a nice quiet day...
Hope you had a good day too
kt0 -
I missed the programme on Helena (what was she on as might be able to see it on TV on demand?). I have read her story etc in the women's day or somewhere like that and it's very sad but she is very inspirational too.
Woody sorry to hear you were knocked about with the docetaxol. Hopefully with some rest and sunshine over the weekend you are feeling a bit better. And yes on the plus side only 2 to go.
Kt that is great you are feeling a bit better each day after the op. You need to let everything heal properly before you can really decide about the cosmetic type surgery in the future. You may find it's all perfectly ok
Has anyone thought about getting a tattoo at all after all this surgery etc? I know a lot of women get the pink ribbon. I don't have any tattoos nor have ever wanted one but now I find myself thinking about getting something small near my scars. Not a pink ribbon - I don't want to wallow in bc - but more something that symbolises strength or angel wings or something like that.
Keep going strong ladies. Xx0 -
hi Kruise.
The program about Helena was on 'NZ Story' on TV one at 7pm.
I haven't thought about getting a tattoo. I don't really like pain! I'm a woossy
Have a good night
kt0 -
Kruise - I'm planning to get a tattoo, but more over the scar on my waist, maybe curling up over my new breast. The pain doesn't bother me too much, especially since part of it's numb anyway (might as well make use of it:). A pink ribbon doesn't appeal to me either, for me the whole bc thing is something that's happening on the way and it doesn't define who I am. Feeling a bit better now, and planning on going to work tomorrow - see how it goes.0 -
Thanks kt - I watched it today on demand. Thanks midnight for drawing it to my attention. Was quite well done and she certainly has some wise points to say. All of us really need to make the most of the moment.
The area I have my scars is pretty numb too Woody - so I don't think I'd feel much either getting a tattoo. It would just be finding the right thing to get done.
I have just been to the gym again tonight - but really have been slack. No movement at all on the scales. Had #16 rads today so slowly getting there - 14 to go! Skin still holding up but a bit itchy now.
You'll hear the celebrations on the 11/11 when I finish my last one and 11 months of dealing with breast cancer! Who knows what's ahead but I'm going to start living again that's for sure.
Love n light to you all. K xx0 -
hi everyone. Hope you are all going well. Off to taxol number 6 this morning so half way through. No real problems so far. Long may that last. enjoy the good weather while it lasts. I'm hoping to get out in the sun today.0 -
Hey lovlies,
Kt - how are your lumps??
Glad you ladies are going well with your rads, and chemo's on the downward count.
I've been feeling like shit, some days I can barely scrape my arse off the couch and it's getting me very frustrated with myself, would just love to feel energised, I know it takes time but it feels like I've been an absent mum for so long and now treatment is over I'm busting to get amoungst it and be a good normal mum, sorry to vent - some days are poo and emotional and this must be one of them.
On the good front there is some good fuzz happening on my head!
xox0 -
Ang, stop being so hard on yourself. it is going to take time and you might just have to accept a new normal. things have changed and your body has had to with stand a battering. Children do understand and realise that Mum is still Mum even if she can't do everything she did before. Take time and be gentle with yourself.
Big hugs.0 -
I'm sooo tired, so a quick hello before I pop off to sleep.
I hope the chemo went ok today Shazza and you are feeling well.
You're getting there with your rads Kruise
Ange, I think it takes as long as you've been in treatment again to get over treatment (if you see what I mean!) You will get back to your old energy levels again one day, it just takes time.
My chest is sore today- I've been doing my exercises trying to get ROM back. Mustn't push too hard I guess. Lumps are still there... Hope they go soon
Rest well girls
kt0 -
So how did your long weekends go ladies? Hope you all got a chance to enjoy some sunshine and spend time with loved ones.
I'm so excited....lol....I have some eyebrows finally growing back! It feels like Christmas. I don't think anyone else but you ladies would understand how happy I am about my eyebrows and eyelashes returning. :-)0 -
Ohhhhhh Kruise you lucky ducky!!!!!
I took the kids down to hamilton to stay with grandparents and went strawberry picking - was heaps of fun!!!
Right, I'm off to check my eyebrows lol0 -
Ange yours can't be too far away either. I think you had your last chemo a week or two after I had mine - so yep they'll be coming. Mine are coming back en masse so once they get a bit longer I'll have to shape them or pluck them a bit. Whoop whoop!
And yum the strawberry picking sounds great fun! Plus they are soo yummy - bet the kids loved that.
We had Tim's (my partners) brother and wife come to stay and was nice to see them. They only live in Palmie Nth but don't see them often and they are expecting their first baby in January. I worked Sunday avo/night for St John at a Folk Festival and then spent Monday pottering about home but it was nice.
Hope everyone is doing ok.
Karen x0 -
Hi
Hooray for eyelashes & eyebrows growing back Kruise & Ange!
Glad you had a good weekend...
We did too. My DH was racing at Hampton Downs & my DD went to Armageddon for a couple of days. DS had a friend come & stay & I enjoyed pottering about quietly at home mostly.
I drove today & for the first time the seatbelt didn't make my chest feel like it was on fire- yay! I'm going to start rubbing vit E on the scar now & keep working on ROM. I'm feeling so much better. Work next week, so its just as well.
Yesterday I had ph call from a research nurse who noted that I'd had a MRI 2 years ago & could they use my pics in some research for 3D breast imaging (or something!- I'll know more when I get the info & consent form). Great to know that research is being done right here in NZ...hope they find out some good stuff
Have a great day
kt0
