2013 Survivors!!!
Comments
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Juneau- ask your ps if she think any fat graphing would be needed for touch up on fboobs then lipo is free of charge because of BC:) mine asked me if I wanted it and I said heck no because recovery would have been much longer and lipo I hear is not easy on you:) it will come in time for you! Just keep doing what you are doing and screw a little tummy it has not yet been a year! Hang in there!
Ok need to get back to work but yes def no men in retirement home only visitors
JK
I got a good chuckle reading everyone's post from last night:)
Have a good day!0 -
My boobs look amazing. Don't want to mess with them. Just want my belly gone!
Forgot to welcome shianne... See I'm OBSESSED! So welcome. 😁
Re retirement home: no men so I can't come. I don't want to be away from my DH for a second. Can't we just have a "ladies only" wing where they can't enter. Then we can make that cat free too for Joanne, because I also can't leave my kitties. Thoughts?0 -
Maybe we could add on an additional wing just for the cats? One of mine is elderly. She could use a retirement home with all the tuna she can eat and hot tomcats dancing on the tables.
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Lmao how about a wing for the men and cats? That way we could 'visit' whenever we wanted to but they wouldn't disturb our table dances hehe
Thanks for the welcomes :-D sucks that I have to find a place like this but so glad I found you xo
Question.... Did any of you have like a chemo "flashback"? I ended chemo on December 11 and since then, about every 2-3 weeks I get the chemo flush. You know, where your face feels like its on fire, tight, and red. It's not a hot flash, although I get those too lol. My eyes get puffy and dry, interestingly enough when that happens I also have the taxol pain (not as severe but same type) and the chemo neuropathy for a few days before and after. Has anyone had this?0 -
I think a separate wing for animals and men is the perfect idea.... animals can stay 24/7 - men visitors only.
Juneau: IMHO I think it is too soon for you to think about more surgery for your belly..... really I do. Be patient with yourself and be kind to yourself... it will shift if you are exercising and eating healthy.
Hugs to everyone xxxxxxx Whoever decided that we should work 5 days and only have 2 off???? Shouldn't it be the other way around ?
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Shianne, no, I've never had those flashbacks that you describe; fortunately it seems I've been spared, because I'm nine months PFC. Phew!!! Can't be pleasant, but then what about bc is? Roll with the punches is all we can do, and then smile about it. Aren't we amazing?
I want to book a space for my Siamese princess too in that cat wing - she and DH can room together - will be cheaper. Lol.
Juneau, have to echo Tazzy re the tummy surgery. I also had an epic struggle since beginning of January to start losing weight. Nothing happened although I exercised and stayed within my daily calorie limit. Became quite desperate, and whined a lot on this thread. Then I took the advice of these clever ladies here, decided to stop obsessing about the scale, just focussed on eating very healthy every day, and I upped my cardio, doing something daily instead of just 3 times a week. I'm almost to scared to say it in case it changes again, but I'm down 3 lbs in the last two weeks. It is starting to move in the right direction. My tummy is visibly flatter too from all the ab exercises. DH commented on it this weekend, and I can see it. Just keep on doing the right thing. The rest will follow. Easier said than done, but better than another surgery. Pep talk over!
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We were away for almost a week and it has been tough catching up with all of you. I see that you are still working hard at the weight loss and good to see that Scottiee is still cracking the whip.
Yesterday was my 64th and though I did get some good exercise biking with one of our sons to a surprise sushi lunch, last night I drank a couple of glasses of good Okanagan white wine that I could actually taste and lots of salt and vinegar chips. Pavlova for dessert and not a guilty moment.
Liefie, sounds as though you are patiently awating the DIEP. My surgery is getting close, just over two weeks away. I am not thinking too much about it other than trying to pack lots of yoga in as I know that will be off the list for awhile. I am finding that now in month 8, I am impatient and frustrated often. I only hope that spring will lift my spirits. Too much grey and rain here on the west coast though it is not cold and lots of plants are poking up.
Marian0 -
marianelizabeth; Happy belated.... glad you got to relax a bit. I have learned not to count the months... they sure do stack up don't they. (((HUGS)))
Liefie... I'm TRYING - I really AM. To not obsess. I have been exercising 5 to 6 days a week for well over a month now. I am just so TIRED. If I have my belly lipo'd it won't come back... ever. I have no trouble keeping my weight stable, I just can't seem to lose it! I know... you're right... I should wait... It's just the idea that I can get rid of this belly forever. If weight comes back, it won't be there. I seriously LOOK PREGNANT....!
I am so struggling with not living in self loathing when I look in a mirror. Between the hair, weight and frankenboobs... *sigh* maybe I just need to take down all my mirrors. I feel like I am allowing the outside to poison the inside and I don't know how to stop it. I just want it gone already.... Typical addict.. I want what I want, and I want it NOW!
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Marian, I hope you had a lovely birthday, and a good time away from home. That pavlova sounds delicious. I just love, love meringue in any form, and love making it too. Never fails to impress, and it is so easy to do. You've probably mentioned it here before, but are you also getting a DIEP done? Good for you on the yoga; every little bit helps to make you stronger which helps you recover sooner from the surgery. I am doing the same; never ever again want to feel as weak as I did during and after chemo. It was downright scary. Sorry to hear that you feel frustrated and impatient, but I guess it is well within the parameters of normal given what you have just gone through, and it is still not over. As you say, our weather does not really help much... Hugs to you! This will pass, this will pass, this will pass.
Juneau, so good that you recognize the 'addict immediate gratification' behaviour (which is not the real you at all, by the way!) Maybe what you need is a day at the spa where you can totally relax, be pampered a little, and feel good about yourself again. You are indeed a beautiful woman, and we all admire your strength and honesty. We all have those days where we don't like at all what we see in the mirror, but fortunately we know that the outside is just the packaging. The contents inside is so much more important . . . BIG HUGS!!!
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Juneau, taking Tamoxifen should help with the estrogen concerns. In the meantime, think of it this way: you are REBUILDING MUSCLE after cancer treatment. Once you get those muscles metabolzing, it will be easier to lose weight. In the meantime, how about setting a realistic goal you know you can achieve? Like losing one pound by the end of March?
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And Happy Birthday, Marian! Many more good birthdays to come.
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liefie, no DIEP for me as no fat and also some scars from previous surgeries. Immediate recon with T/E and I think you and I went back and forth awhile back as I know yours did not work out but I will hope for the best. It is my only recon chance with radiation following. Again I will hope for the best that rads do not wreck it. I am having the alloderm support which should help.
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Happy Birthday, Marian! The one with the most birthday's wins. Great smile!
Juneau - I would put another surgery on the tatoo list - no more needles for me!
The retirement home sounds like great fun. It does require someone to buy the lottery ticket. I vote the for West Coast or maybe even Hawaii - any place that is warm. My DH would have to come too. Cats don't bother me but what about dogs. I couldn't leave my Poodle. So many special needs, glad that we are the group that doesn't let anything stop us. Ah - it's nice to have dreams. No cards for me. I like computer games! Montezuma 3 is my current favorite. I could dance on a table.
Yes, Adam is a cutie! Glad the Voice is coming back soon. Yep, Blake is a cutie too. I'd love to see either or both of them in person. Tickets to that concert were a great gift!
I've been reading all week end but haven't had a minute to write. Hopefully all of the running around will take care of the vacation weight I picked up. I am never giving up! Although Cherub probably best describes me.
Next month, I start up with my blood tests and Doctors appts again. It's like a never ending cycle. So far so good for all of us. Each cycle it seems to get easier. I certainly don't want to be the one to break our chain. Let's keep it going!
I don't have any flash backs from my journey but I still get phantom pains from the surgery. I wish my boob looked great like Juneaus. My stomach is fine.
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Marian, I had rads with the TE in place, and it went really well. Instead of the new 16-day Canadian protocol which was prescribed, it was stretched out over 25 days. Same allover dose of rads, but just less per day to protect the TE. They do amazing things these days. Rads did tighten the skin and tissue around my TE, but the PS says she has enough skin to work with. Fortunately my breasts are small - I have no aspirations to look like Dolly Parton at 58. Realistic expectations for us, hey? You will do well too. Keep on blogging too - it's good to read!
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SherylB, you made me smile. To be sure, I am NOT a domestic goddess. I am however a Surgical Scrub. I visited the oncologist today and start TH-C on Thursday after receiving my port Wed. More later....
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Hello
Well for those finishing taxol at first I had extreme joint pain for about two months but it is way better now. There were days I would get up after sitting and it seemed to take an hour before I could really get my body moving. It was so frustrating but it pass, Thank Goodness!
Ahh I had a dream last night- just me and my sisters in a home on a beach:) but bonus! Adam was there so I left all your asses and took off with him:) HA!
Yes men are invited and dogs of course:)0 -
Marian.....happy belated birthday!!!!!
Love the idea of a wing for men and animals.....hmmmm
Going for my six month check up tomorrow with the MO then will visit my BF who lives nearby. Our relationship has changed since my dx.....just wish she would validate my feelings sometimes.....it's always the usual response about how "lucky" I am ....stage 1...
no chemo...blah blah blah....time to move on, stop thinking negatively blah blah blah..
so when she asks how I am, I just say oh I'm fine and I move on quickly to talk about silly, insignificant mundane things where deep down I want to just let it all out with her...not going to happen...thank God I have you people in my life....love you all❤❤❤0 -
Marian, Happy Belated birthday!!
Scottiee, in your pockets tomorrow..I hear ya with the small talk....bring the real talk here!
Iluvtoscrub..will be sending good thoughts down I71 on Thursday!
Liefie-Dolly Parton at 58 could bring boys like Adam to watch that dance on the table! I had to check out who Adam was (not my type..too many tats) but did find a very umm revealing picture in my hunt he did as donation to prostrate cancer research. Sounds like many of you would be happy to google that! Gotta love this group
I am going to play mah jongg tomorrow with a friend and two others..excited to meet new people! Then full physical on Weds morning.
Hugs to all!
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Scottie: make sure those pockets are big enough... jumping in.
Juneau: hugs xx
Hate small talk, dont have the fucking patience for it anymore !!
mcook: you only did what we would all do
Hugs sisters xxxx
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Ooops... sorry and hello to everyone I missed - love you all xxx
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liefie, I thought that the T/E failed? Isn't that why you are having a DIEP?
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Marian, the initial plan was for an implant when the TE comes out. I then had to get rads due to unexpected positive lymph node, and we then decided that DIEP is a better way to go. Capsular contracture is very possible after radiation with an implant, so we'll be avoiding that.
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Dear ladies:
I am a newbie, diagnosed July 2012 with IDC that showed up as a tumor in axillary breast tail tissue under my left armpit. After a lumpectomy with IORT in August, an MRI on both breasts (which showed no other lesions, thank God!), daily whole breast radiation for a month and a half, two rather contradictory genetic tests of my tumor (one indicated no need for chemo, one suggested it would help -- even my oncologist was confused, but ultimately recommended no chemo), a bilateral salphingo-oophorectomy in December, I am on the "recovering" side, taking anastrozole (arimidex). I have my own small law firm, and kept it going -- just -- with lots of help from my husband and also from my partner -- through six months of BC treatments.
However, now although I should be feeling better, I am having a very rough time emotionally, and with varying, but generally still low, energy levels. The hot flashes of instant menopause are not fun, but not unbearable -- but the sleep disruptions suck. So all in, I've had a less painful and less disruptive BC experience (no surgery on what I consider my breast, though 6 inch scar under my armpit, no chemo so got to keep my hair)-- and I feel like a big baby for being so exhausted all the time. Can't talk to clients about this -- it would kill my business; husband is reasonably supportive but I've been the major breadwinner for years and he seems unaware of the pressures I feel to perform at my job.0 -
So I hit the wrong part of the iPad and it posted. Guess I'm just venting a bit, and seeking any words of wisdom from any of you. I've gleaned lot of great information from your posts on this discussion page, and would welcome any suggestions about how to handle the fatigue and sadness that seem to engulf me, even though the worst should be over!
Thank you in advance,
Embok0 -
Welcome Embook. You've found the greatest group of ladies in this group. Tonight I might be the only one who is still up.
My diagnosis was in April 2012, lumpectomy on May 1st, radiation 6 weeks later and Arimidex. Life isn't normal yet but it is good. My energy level isn't great. I've been hoping that our exercise group would help. So far I'm just tired but I do have a reason.
So many emotions to deal with - I'm not sure it gets easier it does go father into the background. I am not a good chit chatter but you will get some good comments on here. You are definitely not alone.0 -
Embok, welcome to the club no one wants to join. Having said that, you have found a group here that welcome you with open arms to vent, compare, complain and connect. I too, was diagnosed in July, had a lumpectomy, tests on tumor and decided on no chemo but did complete a month of rads, and have been on arimidex since November.
As for sleep disruptions, it's 1:30 AM and here I am
...thank heaven for BCO being available 24/7. I think many of us have come here to this comfort zone at any hour of the day. You have been thorough alot and the physical part is the part we basically follow orders, make drastic decisions and do what we need to do. It's this part after treatment that comes with no directions and leaves us with the emotional Side Effects that are equally tough to endure. Be kind to yourself! We have all been thorough alot both physically and emotionally and healing from both takes time. You also have the stress of keeping a law firm going and trying to keep everything as it was while you have gone through so much.I think the Arimidex can cause some sleep issues as well and I don't know how long you have been taking it, but many say the side effects can calm down over time. I am sure your MO could give you some sleep aids or advice from the gang here on natural remeidies as well. Please come back here often and know that we all get it! Hugs!!
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Hi all. It's been a while. Just trying to figure out this new normal. My fuzz is coming in nicely. Still too short to tell if it'll be curls. I had very straight hair before DX. My MO is giving me some "off time" to get my post chemo self straight and to have a surgery or two. I'm having the oophorectomy and convinced my PS to do a tummy tuck at that time. I've had all these non-elective surgeries that by golly I'm getting something I actually WANT! ☺ I also have to have work done on the frankenboobs.
Question for you all on Tamoxifen. Are there any side effects I need to know of before I start it in a few months?
On a side note, DH and I leave for a short 4 day cruise to Mexico next Thursday. I'm so ready to get away from it all for a bit and just think about nothing.0 -
Embok....sorry to have to welcome you here. I'm a 65 yr old school teacher who decided
not to retire due to a lot of emotional "stuff" which I believe comes mostly from being onLetrozole. The fatigue is also frustrating at times. Finally trying to find my new "normal" so between being on an anti-depressant, anti-anxiety, work which I love and keeps me distracted, regular exercise and a healthy diet, take my L at night and these women here.....oh these women here are the most amazing bunch of people I've had the privilege of meeting, some face to face, I'm hopefully getting there, but it is still on a day to day basis. I was never a pill popper until BC and now I take what I need for some
QOL....You will find your new "normal" also, some of us get there faster than others.
I can tell you from experience that this is the best place for comfort, understanding, advice and, very importantly, a good laugh at times. No one else in the world will understand your thoughts and feelings like we do here, not your DH, BFs, colleagues
or family members, in a way thank God for that. Ok...enough....psyching myself up
to get ready for my six month MO check up...love my drugs....lol0 -
MrsCich...good to see you here! Good luck with the surgeries and Tamoxifen.
I have been on Tamoxifen for 3.5 months and have not had any real SEs. I started taking it at night and had a bit of insomnia, so I switched to the morning. The odd warm flush and an occasional ache, but I do have arthritis, so how do you know what's what?
I have been walking each day for a half hour and I think it does help to keep active. And the odd Advil.
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Thank you gals.....yes big pockets and lots of them.....My MO is a very knowledgeable
man, however, lacking in warmth and/or emotion really. His only concern, I guess I should be OK with that) is making sure I have no new lumps or symptoms...doesn't
hear anything else you might want to talk about...ok fair enough, there are other professionals for that, but I still hate this appointment....I feel I have a robot for a doc...
might as well....same procedure....same talk....lol0
