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2013 Survivors!!!

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  • shianne29
    shianne29 Member Posts: 282
    edited June 2013

    Shared this on Facebook page but I know some of you are on there. I think every oncologist office should give this out.



    The 10 Commandments of Breast Cancer

    1. Thou shalt give thyself time to think. When you're diagnosed, you may feel like you have to do something right now. You don't. Take a deep breath. Give the spinning in your head time to slow down before you make any decisions.

    2. Thou shalt not judge thy neighbor's treatment or reconstruction choices or attitude toward their diagnosis. I honestly have not seen people in the breast cancer community judge each other's treatment or reconstruction choices, either online or offline. The real armchair quarterbacks are the people who have never been through it. They need to be mindful of who's actually on the playing field. Attitude gets a little trickier. No one has the right to tell you how you should feel. Some people would have you think you should be able to overcome your fluffy pink cancer by being all shiny and happy, or that you should be grateful for some life lesson. That's a BIG fail. But you may be the naturally optimistic type. You may actually be grateful. And we all need to remember that's okay too. We're all wired differently. I always say that telling you how you should feel about your diagnosis is kind of like saying you should be six feet tall or have brown eyes.

    3. Thou shalt honor thy own feelings, whether shiny and happy or tired or angry or scared. And don't be surprised to feel all these things within the space of 15 minutes, several times a day.

    4. Thou shalt love thyself as thy neighbor. Women are so darn hard on ourselves. Give yourself the same break you would to a loved one going through a big diagnosis.

    5. Thou shalt not beat thyself up. You don't have breast cancer because you ate the wrong things or didn't breast‐feed your kids or exercise enough or the right way. You have breast cancer, because.

    6. Thou shalt allow others to help you. This is a tough one for many of us. But your family and friends want to be able to do something for you; let them.

    7. Thou shalt not bear false witness against science. You may or may not decide on a certain course of treatment. (See Commandment 2.) You may or may not have a good experience. We can learn so much from each other's honest recounting of our experiences, but that doesn't make us medical experts. Celebrities and politicians have a special responsibility here.

    8. Thou shalt ask thy doctors questions. Do not be afraid to ask, "What is the risk if I do A or B?" or "What does that word mean?" or "Could you repeat that?" Good doctors welcome your questions and concerns. Not‐so‐good ones need to be reminded there's a person attached to the breast.

    9. Thou shalt seize the day. There's no doubt cancer is the elephant in the room. But sometimes you just have to pat its big ugly flank and say, "Excuse me, elephant, but I'm going to the beach, or the movies, or the back yard with my kids. I'll catch you when I get back. Right now, I'm off to have some fun."

    10. Thou shalt remember you are more than your cancer. Cancer is all about cells run amok in your body. It will do its best to claim your identity as well. You may be a woman with cancer, but you are also a wife, mom, sister, daughter, employed person and friend. Let the extent to which cancer becomes part of your identity be your choice, not its choice.

  • SwgeeWi
    SwgeeWi Member Posts: 199
    edited June 2013

    I LOVE that, Luanne!! I took a screen shot of it and saved it so I can print it out and remind myself of 3,4, 9 & 10, especially! Thanks so much for sharing it with us! Xxxxxx

  • shianne29
    shianne29 Member Posts: 282
    edited June 2013

    I printed it out too. Taped to my fudge now so I can look at it everyday several times!!

  • shianne29
    shianne29 Member Posts: 282
    edited June 2013

    And by fudge I mean fridge... Lmao, Freudian slip maybe?

  • Layla2525
    Layla2525 Member Posts: 465
    edited June 2013

    Congrats to your son,Karen! Mine is a techno genius but he wanted to go to med school. go figure?

    Hey Scottie, I am good. Got my implant surgery to do over again on July 1st. I havent been on this site lately cause my jet pack fried itself somehow so the computer couldnt go.

    Wondering if I should do a malpractice suit on the count that I will have to take time off work and do copays all over again. I was going to get nipples but the new surgeon says the implants are all wrong and must be replaced.

  • liefie
    liefie Member Posts: 761
    edited June 2013

    So true, Luanne! We need to be reminded often . . .

  • Believe777
    Believe777 Member Posts: 540
    edited June 2013

    Shianne - love the list, thank you for sharing it.

    I think my case of black tongue is pill related too. I finish the penicillin today. If it doesn't go away, I will bother my dentist and doctors, for now, I will practice keeping my mouth shut.

  • Tazzy
    Tazzy Member Posts: 1,442
    edited June 2013

    Thanks for posting that Shianne.   I have seen it before but this time I have printed off - definitely need to be reminded.

    Believe, hope the black tongue soon goes and good luck with practicing keeping your mouth shut.  Wouldn't work for me Surprised

    Hugs and love to you all xxxxxxxxx

  • Joanne_53
    Joanne_53 Member Posts: 714
    edited June 2013

    Shianne, I like that you put it on the FUDGE ... lol

  • shianne29
    shianne29 Member Posts: 282
    edited June 2013

    Layla, that sucks!!!! Dr should be held accountable some how. I had an image in my head of some futuristic flying device when I read jet pack lol.



    Jo, fudge!!! I'll bring fudge for our trip!!! I was going to say I'll make some but I don't do that lol. I'm sure in this land of liquid gold aka maple syrup I can find some.

  • Momof3GreatKids
    Momof3GreatKids Member Posts: 285
    edited June 2013

    So I went to my surgeon today and he told me that the hernia is the size of a musk melon and therefore he has to cut me open for surgery and I will be in the hospital for a week then at least five more weeks out of work. I didn't stay that long in the hospital for each of my 3 c-sections. The only good news is that he will also do a bit of a tummy tuck at the same time since once the hernia is removed there will be lots of extra skin. I am going to go stur crazy in the hospital that long! At least my DDs will be away at camp so they won't have to see me in the hospital. They told me that I will have a Foley catheter, drains and a tube down my nose for at least 3 days. When I had my hysterectomy and oopherectomy in January I made them take the foley out a couple hours after surgery because it burned and really bugged me. How will I stand it for 3 days?



    Thanks for letting me vent! Can we also plan several pocket parties to keep me occupied for a week? I will ask for the Johnny with large pockets for everyone!



    Shari - yay on finishing rads!



    Shainne - thanks for sharing. I will defenitely be printing it out and re-reading it over and over again.



    Websister - I am glad your supervisor has been so nice to you. I wish mine was at least half that nice. I dread going to work tomorrow and telling her that I will need at least 6 weeks off starting July 15th.



    I know I have missed so many, but my mind is really pre-occupied at the moment. Hugs and Love to everyone!!!!!!

  • shianne29
    shianne29 Member Posts: 282
    edited June 2013

    Momofthree, jumping in your pocket with lots of goodies and wine. With you for the long haul. Hopefully they are just over estimating the time frames and you'll be up, around and out in half that time.

  • Scottiee1
    Scottiee1 Member Posts: 1,790
    edited June 2013

    Oh momof3great I wish we were all nearby to take turns in keeping you company while you're in the hospital. You WILL get through this , heck you've been through much worse over the last year. We will help you get through it....hang in there....❤

  • marianelizabeth
    marianelizabeth Member Posts: 1,156
    edited June 2013

    Believe, Flagyl makes my tongue black and furry so it may just be the Penicillin for you.

    liefie, that massaging of your DIEP scar sounds "interesting" but I know it has worked out well for you so I guess it is a small thing to have to work on. I will continue to hope that my T/E holds up now the rads are done. I think my yoga and weekly P/T has to help against more scar tissue.

    Swgee, glad to hear that all the work you are having to do for the cellulitis and L/E but if it goes away in the end, it will be so worth it. 

    For the rest of you, I am so tired that I can't write anymore but I am reading all your posts and thinking of you all!

    :) Marian

  • iatigger
    iatigger Member Posts: 269
    edited June 2013

    Well it is my Friday at work today. Taking off tomorrow for a quick trip to Houston for a surprise 90th birthday party for my aunt. Hope the surprise of it doesnt take her out :). Get to see a bunch of relatives I havent seen for years so should be a great time.



    So shianne is bringing fudge? Lol



    Dont have time to comment on everything so hugs to all.

  • cmbernardi
    cmbernardi Member Posts: 853
    edited June 2013

    Ms. latigger:

    Safe travels here to the BIG state of Texas.  Get ready for some hot and humid days but of course everything and everyone lives in the air conditioning so you will be fine.  Happy Birthday to Auntee and have fun, fun, fun!

    Flowers

  • Tazzy
    Tazzy Member Posts: 1,442
    edited June 2013

    Jumping in pockets.

    I will wear big pockets today too for anyone want to join me.   My 3 monthly clinical trial drug and check in at the cancer agency.   Not worried but would be a fun pocket road trip.    Oh! getting a hair cut at noon too..... hair is like a crazy birds nest.

    Hugs and happy Thursday to all xxx

  • Believe777
    Believe777 Member Posts: 540
    edited June 2013

    Tazzy - in your big pockets, I will bring the cookies. I love getting a hair cut. My hair is so thick, I think it's worth a loss of at least a pound.

    Momof3 - I can see why you wanted to put your surgery off. Still better to get it in your rear view window. I'm in your pockets. It will be a slumber pocket party. Sorry you have to go though this but you can do anything at this point.

    Iatigger - still working on my Moms party. Would love some tips from your Aunts party. Please share and have a great time. Stay cool.

    Marian - glad to see your post.

    Make it a great day.

  • Shari0707
    Shari0707 Member Posts: 260
    edited June 2013

    Hey my pretty ladies... I want fudge too! Wish I could join u all on the trip! When is it again?

    Thanks for all the congrats in finishing rads.. Wish I had my tamoxifen prescription so I can start right now but I get it a week from tomorrow along with metformin.... Along with getting the port removed.. I pray to god this whole cancer thing will be a distant memory.. One I won't have to deal with again.. Will never forget but don't want to remember daily.

  • websister
    websister Member Posts: 405
    edited June 2013

    Momof3 - that surgery does sound pretty major, hope your manager is more understanding than you are anticipating



    Marian - love the updates on your DH's trip, please keep them coming.



    Tazzy - in those big pockets, maybe I'll ask for a trim around the ears while you get your hair cut. I have some grapes and Gouda cheese I will add to the party



    iatigger - enjoy your weekend, quite a milestone to reach for her. Celebrate well :)



    Shari - that will be quite a day next week with all of that happening, one more big step forward and closer to seeing all of this in a rear view mirror for you



    Thanks to all re: comments about my manager, I think it is impressive that he is a single male but still gets it, maybe more than some of the female managers around who should be more understanding.



    Today is my one year cancerversary, what a year! I also have Herceptin this afternoon so once agin celebrating an anniversary in the chemo area.



    Take care everyone!

  • liefie
    liefie Member Posts: 761
    edited June 2013

    Shari, good wishes for the road ahead. You have come so far, and soon this will be a distant memory. At your age you have sooooo much living to do - NO room left for those thoughts - you go girl!

    Momof3, surgery is always a bummer - sorry to hear! Tummy tuck is something to look forward to! As a new DIEP flapper, I can tell you that my tummy is as flat as a plank, and I am so pleased - my reward after all this bc stuff I had to go through.

    Marian, that TE will hold up, I'm sure. I exercised my ams and upper body, and did yoga with the TE in place, slept on the TE side, no problem. There was a little contracture around the TE eventually, but nothing the PS could not correct during DIEP surgery. Best wishes to you!

    Websister, in another year you will be like Shari - this will be a distant memory. You are not far away from August, and the end of Herceptin. Almost there - big hugs!

    Shari, this is especially for you: Microwave Caramel fudge (very quick and easy)

    125 g butter/marge, 500 ml berry sugar(fine white sugar), 1 can condensed milk, 25 ml vanilla essence, 15 ml vinegar, pinch of salt

    Line a 20cm x 20 cm dish with tinfoil, spray with nonstick spray. Microwave butter 1 min. open in a big, 3,5 litre glass bowl at 100% power. Add sugar and condensed milk, do not stir, microwave one min. at 100% power. Now stir well with a wooden spoon. Microwave for 10 min. open at 100% power, stirring every 3 minutes. Now add vanillla, vinegar and salt. Beat with wooden spoon until it thickens. Pour into prepared dish, and flatten on top. Let cool a while, and cut into (small!) squares. Let cool completely. You can have one, maybe two pieces a day - lol. Enjoy!

  • Tazzy
    Tazzy Member Posts: 1,442
    edited June 2013

    Crap... just lost my post - dont you hate that ?

    Thanks for being in my pockets and bringing the snacks.   All clear and MO happy with my progress so am happy dancing at those words.   I said to my MO that I knew I was feeling better when I started bitching about the every day stuff.... luxury problems.

    liefie:  that recipe for caramel fudge sounds divine... just what my butt needs.  

    Oh! the hair cut felt good.  She cut about an inch of this crazy birds nest - cant call it a style... and I was a little sad as the curls were being cut, but when it dried they all returned - I am so enjoying having curly hair.

    Hugs and love to all xxx

  • websister
    websister Member Posts: 405
    edited June 2013

    Yay, Tazzy - happy dancing with you!



    Liefie - that fudge recipe does look great. You are a great cook and a great encourager.

    Just finished my Herceptin treatment and managed to get home even with lots of road and neighbourhood closures due to flooding. Quite the incredible day here in southern Alberta! Are your kids still OK, there have been a few more areas of the city evacuated?



    15 more weeks and I will be done my last Herceptin :)

  • Tazzy
    Tazzy Member Posts: 1,442
    edited June 2013

    counting the weeks down with you websister.    Wasnt the rain crazy today.... felt like I should've gone to the cancer agency in a boat... not a car.    Stopped now thankfully.

  • liefie
    liefie Member Posts: 761
    edited June 2013

    Websister, I spoke to my son a while ago. He maintained that he had invested in a small boat, engine and lots of spare batteries - was teasing me, and laughing at my concerns . . . Their apartment building is on a hill out of the way of the Bow River, so they are okay. Thanks for asking! Glad you could get the Herceptin today, and get home safely. News from High River and Canmore looks bad, and it seems the end is not in sight yet.

    Tazzy, yayyyy!!!!!!! You are also lucky to still have curly hair! Mine went ramrod straight after the third haircut PFC . . . LOL. One perk is that I now have very few hair on my legs, soooo nice if you've always had dark bushes of the stuff, and had to mow it down regularly.

  • cmbernardi
    cmbernardi Member Posts: 853
    edited June 2013

    Hello All

    Hugs, Peace, Prayers, Luv and Blessings to you all.  TGIF!

    Carolyn

  • Tazzy
    Tazzy Member Posts: 1,442
    edited June 2013

    ditto to that Carolyn.

    liefie - your post made me chuckle with the leg hair but I know what you mean, that for sure is a perk.

  • websister
    websister Member Posts: 405
    edited June 2013

    Liefie - noticed that about the leg hair also, at first it came back with a vengeance (thought I might need to shave twice a day ;) but now it is very sparse again. I'll take it. Anymore news re: DS, has he had to take the boat out? It really is quite incredible here, I've lived here all my life and have never experienced anything like it. If DS or anyone else you know here needs anything, let me know, Ok?



    My DIL is due anytime - 39 1/2 weeks - hoping she doesn't go into labor this weekend

  • Believe777
    Believe777 Member Posts: 540
    edited June 2013

    Liefie - funny about leg hair. I still shave every day - just in case I get lucky!

    Websister - how exciting to have a new family member. Boy or girl! I love babies! Sorry about your bad weather up there. It's been just beautiful here. We are spoiled in CA.

    Just weighed. My scale noticed I've been good. Great start to the week end.

  • websister
    websister Member Posts: 405
    edited June 2013

    Believe - your weather does sound wonderful! Between Liefie's offer of hot soup and warm blankets and your description of your weather I might be 'sailing' west soon :)

    Our newest grandbaby will be a girl, her name will be Paisley Adeline - that will even our the numbers for our grandchildren - 2 boys, two girls. Can't wait to meet her but I would prefer it not be until flood situation gets a little better

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