Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
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Sandy ... I have back problems from all of the above..spinal stenosis, herniated disks, bone spurs, arthritis and an old fx neck injury so I understand your pain Elizabeth had all the right things to do but when it is achy sometimes nothing helps me but my physical therapist. Hope you feel better soon..I figures for me age too!
Peggy...my BIL and family all live in Spokane ..next visit I must come meet you.
Goincrzy....I have wondered too how long we have to wait for a massage? Not sure if I could lay on my stomach though!
Yesterday I thought my daughter was taking me to the Nutcracker and she said she had left the tickets at my house so as we drive back and I'm saying we are going to be late for the show we pulled up to such a surprise. It's a group ..Fresno county Pink Heals and Clovis PD & Fire department organize it. I was blown away and wanted to share a few pictures.
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I felt like the Bachlorette as theyall gave me pink roses & a hug...couldn't stop crying 🌹
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I'm also a big fan of massage. Unfortunately, I had a lot of trouble healing after my BMX, so I couldn't lie on my stomach for about 5 months. I wasn't allowed to get massage until about 7 months post-op. By then i had tremendous cording in my ribs, axilla, and all the way down to my wrist. Thankfully, by that time I was approved for massage AND my massage therapist is proficient in myofascial release. I had about 12 sessions with her and fixed me right up.
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When I had my surgery, i coded in the recovery room. I came back after a minute and a half of CPR and a shot of something. My surgical spot did not hurt, but my chest was awful, because of the CPR. So once again to the Chiropractor and Masseuse. I took a flat pillow with me so I could lay on my stomach and that was awesome. I only waited about 6 days after my surgery to go. My Masseuse also does Lymphatic Drainage massage. Boy did that help with the pain.
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Cali -- Such awesome pictures... and you look beautiful.
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Caligirl, what a wonderful surprise! You look great!
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Nash, that's great that massage helps you so. I just have to remember to stretch regularly (which, of course, I don't until I'm uncomfortable) and that seems to help.
CaliGirl, oh please do come see me when you're visiting family here!!! I'd love it. #1 son and wife live in San Diego. It'll be awhile before I get there. Love the photos and what a fantastic surprise. You look beautiful!
Elizabeth, wow! You certainly did bounce back quickly. And that is really good that your massage therapist also does LE.
HUGS!
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Tatootsie,
My Oncotype DX score was also a "5"! I was elated as well! My medical oncologist said that I did not need to take chemo, I am currently beginning radiation - just completed round 3. I have been scheduled for 30, so 27 more to go. I am worried about this as it is my left breast but was told by radiation oncologist that it has been routed to bypass my heart and only my lung would be scarred and that would be a very small part of it. I have told the radiation oncologist staff that I will take as much as I could tolerate, if I see that I am not tolerating well, I can always stop it. After radiation, my MO is going to put me on an anti-hormone medication depending on my menopausal status - which we don't know yet.
Celand
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Celand, Way to go on the Oncotype score! To help your breast get through rads, make sure you use the creme that the RO recommends.
HUGS!
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Caligirl what a great surprise
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Hi, All - I know that I haven't posted in a while, but I have been busy with life in general and then recovering from two accidents since September. Tomorrow I go for my mammogram, which was rescheduled from September. Other than the general snxiety and anticipation that we all experience, I am particulary anxious because my last estradiol level was extremely elevated when compared to the previous ones - it was 633 from single number values. My BC was estrogen sensitive. How can my value be so high and not suggestive of a recurrence? I am currently taking Evista instead of Tamoxifen.
MarieBernice 6234
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PontiacPeggy,
Thank you! I was recommended a brand by the Pharmacist but did not find it, so I have been using Lubriderm lotion, I have also been using Dove soap for showering, and also bought some Aloe Vera Gel to use. My skin has really not began to turn pink yet, although I did feel some fatigue after my second session, the technicians told me that it was not due to radiation, that fatigue would not set in until about two weeks into it. I was quite busy, so maybe I have been trying to do too much, with it being the holidays, etc. I will try to relax a bit now that I am off for the next couple of weeks (although I will need to go to office to catch up prior to when we return in January).
I have had racing heart a couple of days ago, but I have hyperthyroidism and that happens when I drink too much coffee (have been eating a bit of chocolate as well) - I will probably have to give up both for awhile or significantly reduce the amount that I consume. This time of year is so hard with all of the food goodies all around us!
Celand
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MarieCeleste, sorry that I can't offer any information on the estradiol levels since neither of my MOs believe in testing (at least me) for it. Hopefully it is an anomaly. Good luck with your mammo!
Celand, hard to go without coffee and chocolate.
Good luck with that!HUGS!
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Celand, congrats on the low onco score! Good luck with radMarieBernice, good luck with your mammo. I don't know anything about estradiol levels. As far as I know I haven't been tested. Hopefully it's nothing to be concerned about.
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Pontiac Peggy,
Yes, I will definitely have a hard time giving up coffee and chocolate! I will have to reduce the amount of both - I just can't give them up, unless Dr. says that I must! And I don't like decaf coffee!
Tbalding, thanks, I will need all of the luck in the world to get through radiation - there is just so much information available especially on side effects of it that sometimes show up years later - that is what worries me. But I feel like I must do it to significantly reduce chance of micro cells that may have escaped so that cancer won't set up camp elsewhere in my body. Even if that does happen, I know that I will have done everything possible to decrease that possibility.
Celand
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caligirl , I am crying seeing your pictures and reading your post .
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Caligirl, What a wonderful tribute to you! Thanks for sharing the pictures.
J
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Cali, amazingly wonderful and touching—shows how deeply you are loved!
MarieBernice, estradiol levels don’t really tell us anything if you’re taking a SERM (Tamox. or Evista) instead of an AI—SERMs don’t reduce the estrogen in your body or prevent its production, but rather block your tumor cells’ hormone receptors' access to it. After two years perhaps it’s time to discuss ovarian suppression (pharmaceutical or surgical) so you can switch to an AI—which inactivates the enzyme—aromatase--your liver makes which converts the androgen (androsteinedione) made by your fat cells and adrenal glands into estrogen. Ovarian suppression alone—whether by natural or induced menopause or by oophorectomy—only addresses the estrogen produced by the ovaries. Losing fat by whatever means (diet, liposuction, etc.) doesn’t address the androgen made by your adrenal glands, which glands we can’t live without. So keeping the androgens from turning into estrogen is how we postmenopausal (and the small number of male) patients starve the tumor cells (sometimes simply blocking those receptors isn’t enough).
Celand, mazel tov on that low ODX score! You might sail through rads—maybe not even get that fatigue. But it’s good to be prepared. At night, I used calendula cream and Fruit of the Earth aloe vera gel (alcohol, dye, & fragrance-free). Before my session I showered with Dove Unscented for sensitive skin. And right after each treatment (in the changing room) I immediately applied the samples of Aquaphor they gave me. I didn’t use deodorant or antiperspirant on the surgical side, as I didn’t sweat and my armpit hair didn’t grow back after the first pre-rads shave until three weeks after finishing. I used my regular Dove antiperspirant stick on the other side; and because of the location of the rads field and my incisions, I was able to go back to wearing my old underwire bras during the day (Leading Lady front-hook “leisure” bras—Genies & Coobies were too small in the cup—for sleep).
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ChiSandy,
Thank you - I am hoping to sail through radiation with few problems or side effects. I did have a racing heart and mild chest pain over the weekend, however, I have been evaluated by cardiologist and that report stated that my heart was ok other then some PVC's (premature ventricular contractions). But rad tech said that it was missing my heart - he said that he could see my heart during treatment. I also have anxiety, so that could explain my heart issues - I told them all of that as well. As I have stated previously, if heart issues show up, then I can always stop the rads.
I will bring my Lubriderm to dressing room to apply right after treatment. I also bought some Aloe Vera Gel but I like Lubriderm better right now - it is not greasy. I don't really wear an underwire bra, too uncomfortable for me - I have just gotten to be able to sleep braless again - should I wear a bra all of the time until after rads are over?
Celand
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Celand, I didn't wear a bra during rads. I'm also a small A cup. Sweatshirts insured that no headlights appeared
HUGS!
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Thank you all for your kind word regarding my surprise visit. It sure snapped me out of my blues. I was still tearing up when I thought about it Molly till I saw the news video they posted .. I looked like a frumpy old lady..haha but a greatful old lady!!
Sandy ...thank you for the bra tips ... I wear an underwire and have wondered what I'll do.
Peggy...you are so funny...no headlights please specially when I go back to work. Don't want to scare the children and flop around.
First rad down this morning 32 to go ya...I'm heading in the right direction
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ArtyMom...how are you doing? Had you in my thoughts & prayers...hugs!
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CaliGirl, you definitely don't want to flop and scare the kiddos!
HUGS!
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I have LOL. I had a biopsy done on my mole on my back. The NP wanted me to only dress it for two days. Well it is exactly where my bra hits so I am not wearing a bra today. I am lopsided because my radiated TE is high and tight and my other TE is more natural looking. Our HR Director stopped me to tell me I am lopsided. Not to be mean but out of concern in case I didn't know lol. I told her I know and really just don't care anymore.
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Molly, "LOL"? But how annoying you can't wear your bra.
HUGS!
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Anyone know if a pet scan can be done with a drain still in?
My mom's final drain did not come out today, and her pet scan scheduled for tomorrow
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That's a good question, Traci. How's she doing? Much love and strength being sent your way.
HUGS!
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Peggy, annoying yes but LOL because she was so concerned and I just don't care anymore. 4 surgeries and at least one more to go...I give up looking anything like myself.
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