Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
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Thank you all for the good advice and giving me the confidence to prioritize caring for the sentinel node incision. Kind of "glad" to know it's the most troublesome area for others as well, maybe now I won't worry as much. @Gardennerd I LOVE youridea of cutting an old bra in that spot, don't know why I didn't think of that! Love and best wishes for healing to all of you.
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Epic, if you are near an upscale mall with a Nordstrom or better yet, Rigby & Peller, get a consultation with an expert fitter who can steer you to bras with lower sides. Expensive, but buy one and then you can buy add’l colors in that model more cheaply online. In the meantime, clean white T-shirt material, hankies (some stores still sell them) or nursing pads placed beneath your skin & the bra side can cushion the area. (When my SNB seroma burst and I had sutures for 2 wks, I found the nursing pads much comfier than large gauze pads).
Angela, most likely you have a bruised rib as an aftermath of the “scoline syndrome” described several pages ago. And the sharp “zaps” are nerves that were severed in the surgery reconnecting.
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I have a question. I had my lumpectomy on May 5. I was told I was ER+, PR+, HER2 -. Well today I got the results of the Oncotyping and it states in ER-, Pr-, HER2-. Why has this changed?? Also my onco score was 44 so I need chemo before radiation. Has this change happened to Any of you? And is a triple negative worse?
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Hope everyone had a good weekend!
Tappermom - please tell your husband thank you for his service. May we never take it for granted!
I think I am doing ok. Tomorrow will be one week since my LX and SNB. Thankfully the scoline syndrome is gone - that may have been the worst part of the LX for me. thank you Sandy for reminding me of that! At least I knew what I was dealing with. Thanks for all the suggestions on bras. My lymphedema therapist suggested some at Wal-Mart and they are ok. They are Danskin and zip in the front - can also step into them and pull up. My right breast seems a bit more swollen since I switched to that bra rather than the surgical bra - hope it is ok. I am going to look into some that you all have suggested as well. I also do hear some "sloshing" from time to time - my BS had warned me about that. It is really weird!! Thankful he warned me or I would think I was losing my mind. I am still having waves of nausea and not much appetite. Is that normal? I had chemo first, but my appeitite was returning and food was tasting good again until surgery
.Kim - did your MRI indicate lymph node involvement? Mine did not, but I have met others whose did not and then when they had the SNB it came back positive. So - holding breath on that til I see my BS on Monday.
I was good about mammograms, but missed one last Spring 2016. I have always been told I have dense breast tissue. I found my lump - would love to say it was when I was doing a self breast exam, but it was one of those where I put my hand on the spot out of the blue and immediately new it didn't feel right. My son had surgery the next week, so I put it out of my mind until he came thru ok. Called my OBGYN the next week and she got me in for ultrasound and mammo right away and the rest is history.
I think most drs do not put as much emphasis on staging as they used to. I know my BS does not. Everyone keeps asking me what stage and my BS has never said. He will tell me now that I have had LX and SNB, but he focuses on the specific type of cancer. He hardly gave me any info until all my statistics came back. He did tell me he was concerned, but that we would treat this. He is amazing and positive. What many do not realize is that you can be a Stage 1 and still have a very aggressive type of cancer - or you can be a Stage 2 or 3 and the cancer not be as aggressive. My oncotype and mammoprint indicate that mine is high risk and aggressive - but since I was able to have a lumpectomy, people assume mine is not "that bad". I took mine being aggressive and turned it into "good - that means it probably hasn't been in my body that long". I don't really give lots of details to family and friends to avoid the drama. It is what it is and leave the deep thinking to my drs and follow their plan. My initial instinct was to have a BMX, but after lots of discussion with my BSO and MO - I realized I wasn't increasing my chances for survival. As my BSO said - 10 years ago - you were rushed to the OR at the initial dx and both breasts were gone. Thankful we have come so far. My BS says that new studies show that women who can have LX do much better on down the road. My tumor was completely gone after chemo. All that was left was the clip they placed at time of bx. I think people just get fixated on the stages and don't really understand - I know I was clueless when this all began. I wanted this tumor out and was thrown for a loop when my BS said I would have chemo first. Guess we just have to realize unless others have walked in our shoes - they just can't understand. So sorry if anyone makes anyone feel less than. Cancer is a scary journey no matter what. Having been through this with my son - I learned not to share too much info. He is 15 now and he sure doesn't want me sharing his business ha ha!!
Sarasotalady - hope you are continuing to heal well!
Epicsquirrel - my BS wants me to wear a bra for 2 weeks. Sandy's suggestion of the nursing pads is great! Definitely hard to get comfy. I had my port taken out on my left side - lx on my right breast and mini lift on both sides so having to be gentle with both sides. Hope you find what works.
Blooming - hope you are healing well from your reduction.
Blessings to all - have a good night!
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Susie, As I recall, your tumor can be composed of different ER/PR/HER2 values. So it is not so much changed as they found a different reading from a different site than your biopsy. Even without the Oncotype test, I believe that chemo would have been in your future. You might want to read what BCO has on this site about triple negative cancer. There's excellent information here. Just search on the homepage. The info there will be more accurate than my recollections.
HUGS!
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Susie, oncotype uses a different method of testing than pathology does. You can still use your pathology report as your ER PR and HER2 results but I would guess your results were low ER PR. Oncotype uses PCR. Here's a link Oncotype Dx
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ML, According to my MRI, BS thought my lymph nodes were ok. Then 6/7 were not. Of course, she thought she was only taking 2, 3 were clustered and 4 were clustered, so my final pathology was 3/3 and 3/4 lymph nodes as positive. Try and relax until Monday. (So easy to say.) I pray a great report for you.
Looking at your diagnosis date vs treatment/surgery date, it is interesting they began your chemo prior to surgery. I am going to ask MO tomorrow why mine was LX first and now treatment. I assume it was because they thought this to be much smaller initially? The more I learn, the truly less I understand or follow. I guess for me, the best way to process is that no two cases are "exactly" alike. I truly don't want to get too hung up on staging. I saw 3A worded as regionally advanced. If I think about that, I can say, we can keep this to that region and not worry about it getting further. My best friend of 40 years reminded me today that she has known a lady with stage IV BC for over 10 years. She's barely missed work in all that time (demanding career as a school principal) and is just a remarkable example of defying "odds." I also just heard briefly today that Olivia Newton-John has metastatic BC, and I remembered she had it decades ago. Need to google details.
After all the bra chat, I realized that while my favs are supportive, they did go up so high on the sides that perhaps that is irritating while the SNB site heals. I will try and do the same to cut away an old bra to dip down, but I must remove the underwire first.
Oh, and I got a nail in my tire today upon picking up my dog from the vet after her teeth cleaning. Thought it could be repaired, but I have to get a new tire! Luckily DH flew into action and ordered one to be delivered to a local shop. No one had one in stock locally. Car is just 1.5 years old. What a shame. If there is nail in the road, I have proven many times through the years I will find it, but never to the tune of a puncture to the sidewall!
I will attend my first support group Thursday night at a local cancer center. It's ladies mid 30s-mid 50s. They call it a "young" group. Glad to know I still made it in there...lol
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Back when I was younger, thinner and a true 38DDD, I could walk into a dept. store and buy Wacoal bras. But after only a couple of wearings the wires poked through, despite sewing them back in and padding the ends with band-aids. So I gave up and pulled out the wires. The girls sagged, but not to half-mast (though they did bounce).
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Susie - I know my BSO mentioned that the oncotype can come back differently than the other test. He relies mostly on the oncotype. I am sorry. I know it throws you for a loop when you think you are headed one way and now a big u-turn. I have a good friend who is triple negative - she is doing very well so be encouraged. Chemo is not fun, but it is doable.
Kim- Chemo before surgery was new to me as well. My BSO explained that he does it prior 1) so he can see that the tumor responds to the chemo - if not, we may need a different chemo 2) if tumor responds- he has less breast tissue to remove if a lx is done. It made sense once he explained even though I wanted that tumor gone. I have met many who did it the opposite and are doing well too. My BSO has some youtube interviews explaining oncotype and how he decides who needs chemo. It helped me to understand a little better. He relies heavily on the oncotype and if that score is low even with positive nodes .... he doesn't always do chemo. Mine was high so I was having chemo no matter what. The process seemed really slow. Not sure if ok to put his name in here. If you are interested in watching those interviews - maybe I can private message you? I am like you - it all gets so confusing I don't even know what questions to ask! And yes - I think cancer cells must be like snowflakes - no two alike. I have yet to meet a woman whose treatment has been exactly like mine. But how great it is that they can get so specific now to treat us.
I understand abt the nails .... our septic tank is all messed up. Of course I just had surgery, kids are out for summer, and now toilets and showers are overflowing. Ugh! One of my good friends and I joke often and sing that song .... if it weren't for bad luck, we'd have no luck at all
. Then we have a good laugh. Praying for clear direction for our paths .....
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ChiSandy you know so much about manicures/pedicures! I normally don't do anything with my pathetic nails, but someone bought me a mani/pedi recently, and I'm reallllly liking the look! Especially since most of my chemo meds come with hair loss. I like the idea of pretty nails. But my MO said he doesn't recommend nail salons during treatment. Bummer. Not sure I can afford it anyway. But even if I do the nail trimming and filing myself, I'd like to go to the salon to get this nice, durable, gel nail polish that's cured with some kind of blue light. I did see gel polish and topcoat advertised at a local pharmacy, and wonder if that's any good. I'm pretty hard on my nails, and can never find polish and topcoats that dry good and hard and last a long time. This stuff from the salon is GREAT! Hardened right there in the salon, and it's lasted at least 3 weeks so far.
But they do have the massage chairs and bubbly tubs. What's wrong with those? And why shouldn't they file down callouses? (My salon soaked the foot first, then used a power tool on the rough patches.) My immune system is seriously depressed after my first chemo, so I reluctantly realize I have to be very careful. I'm not a natural germ-o-phobe, so this cancer business is a real learning curve. I wondered something--the salon doesn't open a new bottle of polish for each client. Is there something in the polish that kills germs? Or should I insist on a new bottle or buy my own?
Looking back at your post...there were no masks or fumes at this salon, everything seemed nice and clean (but I have no idea if they sterilize their tools...didn't check) but they did have some power tools...can't remember why...oh, I think it was for the calloused feet. What's wrong with power tools? The owner and some of the staff do speak English, but my tech didn't speak a word. But I really liked his work, so I'd use him again if the owner will convey my concerns to him.
So I don't know what to do. Would love your feedback. And curious, why do you know so much about nail care?
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And now for the update on my cancer treatment...
Thanks everyone for your sympathy about the shingles. Honestly, it's been a really mild case, from what I can tell. I've been taking CBD hemp oil tincture orally for a few months, and as soon as I read about shingles and learned that it's due to inflamed nerves, I started applying the tincture topically twice a day. The stuff has neuroprotective qualities, and two people suggested I use it topically (a supplement specialist at the health food store and the staffer at the hemp dispensary). Plus my doctor put me on an antiviral. Between the two treatments, I've really had very little itching or pain. Lucky lucky me! I guess shingles is usually pretty awful.
And just when I thought I was going to sail through the time until my next infusion, I started having mild ear pain and mild sore throat pain off and on, on just the right side. Okay fine, tolerable with Tylenol. But noooo, my body decided I needed more challenges. SEVERE tooth pain, top and/or bottom, right side. So bad I have to take narcotics just to dull the pain. Well, I just had my annual exam at the dentist, and just had a few minor fillings. Everything's okay in there.
So yesterday I was on the phone all afternoon, trying to figure out who to see and what to do. I was sitting on the fence, trying to make some decisions, when at 4pm I had to pee. MAJOR PAIN!!! So today I've got an appointment with the PCP to check my urine and have her look at my ear and throat and sinuses. Oh, and as a peculiar side note: No fever whatsoever. In fact, my temp has been 97.7 for days. No chills, no nuthin'.
The oncology nurse said it's fine if the PCP puts me on antibiotics. I'm just supposed to come in for my next scheduled chemo infusion on Monday.
Such an adventure!
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NCBeachGirl - so glad to hear the shingles aren't too bad. What chemo are you on right now? Cytoxan is very irritating to the bladder and causes pain when peeing. I had that each round of chemo - yes very painful! My MO told me to use AzoStandard. It helps so much! Ask if that is ok for you to use. Also drink, drink, drink. I also had throat pain etc. Are you taking neulasta? Sometimes that happens because your body is producing so many white blood cells aftet the neulasta. My MO had me take Claritin everyday - took care of all those aches and pains etc. She told me to take Day 1 thru 5 of chemo, but I just took everyday. Also had super sensitive teeth the first time I brushed my teeth after chemo - thought I would go through the ceiling. My dentist had me use Biotene toothpaste, mouthrinse, and spray. She also had me coat my teeth with flouride the night before each chemo treament. Never had issues again. Don't know if this will help any because we all have different side effects.
As far as pedicures - my MO said it was ok to have them as long as it was when my counts were at their highest and to not let them scrape and pick. This is to avoid infection. And of course make sure it is a place that sterilizes their equipment. My girl had me bring my own tools so that they weren't used on anyone else.
Hope you get to feeling better soon!
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Just to share info that might help others. I had staples removed from SN incision today (large breasted, so not sure everyone gets staples). The incision and armpit have just felt so chaffed. Surgeon recommended applying a antifungal powder. Girls the removal of the staples was a nice change BUT the application of the powder was even better. Definitely an AWHHHH moment. The nurse advised she uses the powder under her breasts during the summer at times. Also can be used for men and their chaffing areas.
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Molly50 you are correct, my biopsy showed a weakly positive HR and PR. When my BS came into the room yesterday and started going over the results with me I thought she had me confused because she said I was triple negative and I said no I'm positive, positive, negative. Then she showed me it was a weakly positive on the biopsy, therefore I am triple negative according to the onco.
ML1209 Thanks for responding. Yes it did throw me for a loop, now I have to research triple negative and how it affects me. Thanks for the encouraging news regarding your friend. It helps!
PontiacPeggy Thank you for responding and helping me get a better understanding as to how or why that changed. You are very knowlegable about BC, it really is helpful to us newbies. I only read a few minutes about triple negative but so far what I'm understanding about my cancer is it's very aggressive. I guess it's a good thing I caught it early.
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Susie., glad to help out. And it is definitely better to catch BC early.
HUGS!
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Those whirlpool footbaths have been breeding grounds for bacteria & fungi, especially when there’s backflow into the jets. And cutting calluses can cause infection (my salon applies a softening cream after soaking my feet in a stainless steel bowl and then uses a pumice stone to buff them down). I started getting manis when I began performing on guitar, because I detest using fingerpicks—I always lose them and can’t feel the strings as well. Tried using nail hardener (commercial and the DIY clear-nail-polish-&-garlic mixture they use in S. America), but even before intermission I’d have worn notches into my index & thumb nails. I play steel-string, so bare fingers won’t cut it (they’d get cut). And I have to have my L (fretting) hand nails clipped down to the quick so I can finger chords cleanly.
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I am SO far behind...going to attempt to catch up and comment on everyone's posts.
ChiSandy, you area a hoot!!! I have that apple middle too and even though I'm exercising more and eating better and losing weight, that middle seems to be getting bigger. Hoping when this is all over to start on some core exercises to hopefully tighten up those muscles to hold the bulge in a little!
MJ, I can't say my whole breast is smaller, but it does look like a chunk was taken out of it. I saw the BS today and he said everything was fine, come back in 6 months. I'm not sure if I'll need padding or not.
As for bras, I bought a couple different ones. The latest one I got on Amazon and it seems to be the most comfortable and I don't have to step into it or put it over my head and try to stretch it over the ladies.
Fruit of the Loom Women's Front Close Builtup Sports Bra
I just had my #5 treatment and I'm starting to have some discomfort along my incision. So, I think the sports bras are going to be "it" for awhile.Blooming: Thanks for your perspective on how people treat Stage 1 BC. The comments I've gotten that seem dismissive are from people who probably don't know much about it and have never had it. There are a couple who have had BC say "that's nothing, you'll do fine" and I think they are trying to be reassuring. But for the most part, anyone else who has BC has said what you heard too...it's ALL difficult.Kim: Glad you are not researching until you talk to your MO. There have been SO many advances in treatment, that I'm sure the prognosis will never be as dire as those things you can find on the internet.0 -
SJI: Holy crud, someone intimated that it was your fault somehow for getting cancer? Hope that wasn't a good friend!!!
KB870 I'm very upbeat and positive too...in fact,several people have noticed and mentioned it. I don't expect anybody to be wailing and gnashing teeth, but that "oh that's nothing" attitude was a surprise to me. Because to ME, cancer is SOMETHING!
My mother had a total mastectomy in 1981. They weren't even doing routine mammograms back then. When she finally saw a doctor about it (who missed it on physical exam just a month prior) it was golf ball sized. She had some positive nodes, but never had chemotherapy!!! She had radiation which was primitive back then and I'll never forget the thick,raised, puffy raw looking fire red sunburn she had and how much pain she was in. Not surprising,but 2 years later, she had mets to the lungs,brain and bones and passed away only a few months later.
Poodles: That sounds like something out of a horror movie!!!
Kim: Glad that you have found a support group.
NBeachGirl: It really depends on the nail salon you go to. If they don't clean out those tubs properly, there can be "stuff" growing in here. The salon I went to while on vacation in Florida had plastic liners in the tubs which they removed when done, so everyone gets a new one. They also don't cut callouses, but put on cream and then you soak again and then they buff the callouses.
If they accidentally clip a cuticle, you can get an infection. If they are using their polish on you after you've soaked, etc.technically they should be ok. I guess with a suppressed immune system, I'd do my own. I've used the gel polish from the store that doesn't use the UV light. It's nice,but doesn't last as long as the salon gel does.
Glad the shingles have calmed down and it's not too bad now. Hope they can get your other pains and infections under control now!
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Sally Hansen used to make a gel polish that they sold with a tiny (one finger, tops) UV light. Another company earlier (I forget the name) sold a kit with base, color and topcoat, plus a larger light that would fit an entire hand. (Never could get the hang of their French mani kit—I always put the white tips on crooked and sometimes they didn’t peel off the backing without flaking). Both types, after curing the last coat, require you use an alcohol wipe to truly dry the nails—otherwise they stay sort of tacky for awhile and don’t develop a shine. Sally Hansen, Revlon & Essie now all make no-light gel polish, but acc. to Allure magazine, Essie is far and away the best for ease of application and durability. Regardless, a swipe with an alcohol prep wipe will work to truly “set” the stuff. My manicurist does that before smoothing the tips’ edges with a crystal file and then applying almond oil.
I don’t do my own toenails, except to touch up chipped polish between pedis. I’m not very flexible, and when I can get the toes up where I can see them, the angle is all wrong. Needless to say, it’s “aim & pray” that I will be touching up the chip and not smearing polish everywhere.
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Gardennerd, can I ask what the name of the antifungal power is? Thanks
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Met with my ONC yesterday, whom I truly like. I love a compassionate and determined doctors. She made me feel confident with the protocol chosen for me. I must admit by the end of the consult, the reality of what I am now facling hit me like a ton of bricks. As I continue to heal very well from surgery, wouldn't it be nice if that was all there had to be? Alas...
Looks like chemo will start June 16th. The nurse should call me back today to discuss. Until then, I have arranged for my echocardiagram and should get a call back today for port placement next week. I am struggling with whether to have it in the typical upper chest area or arm. She said the arm has smaller veins and has more potential for blood clots, yet she says her patients say it is a more comfortable area and the scarring is less noticeable. At this point, unless I change my mind today and because I would have to see if the special surgeon can do the arm (not just radiology at the hospital), I am going the traditional route. If anyone has an opinion on that, I would welcome it.
I will have the ACT chemo regimen - Adriamycin & Cytoxan together first every 2 weeks for 4 treatments, then Taxol weekly for 12 weeks. I will get the Neulasta white cell booster shot one day post the A&C chemo only. My ONC told me the A&C chemo will be the toughest. ?? Then I will breathe for 4 weeks and start my radiation. So, I am hoping if I stay well and stick to a schedule, I will be off the month of November and can plan a getaway - or is that a runaway? All other previous travel plans will be canceled this week.
I have to admit I felt numb after that meeting. Listening to the possibility of serious side effects, and the reality of hair loss - an emotional side effect, which I know they have to tell me, I just thought, "Can I do this?" I guess this will surely be a test of my strength and determination to fight this battle, that just six weeks ago I didn't know existed.
Interesting that she said my ER and PR were ++. She literally wrote two + marks on a sheet of paper where she was describing a few things. I need to research that more. She did say at my age, 49, she expects this will throw me into menapause. She said that could be very helpful to me going forward, though she did indicate she expects I will need to be on the hormone therapy for 10 years!! ?! One plan at a time, right? I think I need to just focus on one step at a time, and celebrate when that step is complete. This whole process will take about 9 months in my estimation, and I guess the result at the end is the birth of a cancer-free life.
Y'all have a great day! It is going to feel like being in the South today, and I am honestly grateful for that. Right now I do not take for granted all the tiny blessings/gifts around me.
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NCBeach, I am truly sorry for all your pain. I hope you can get some relief, and I am glad at least the shingles are mild.
Garden, Chaffing is the word! That's exactly what the area around SNB feels like. Good to know you have found relief.
I'm going to probaby have one more professional pedi prior to chemo starting, then I will just do it myself. I don't want to take any unnecessary risks during chemo time. Besides, people will be drawn to my shiny head instead of my shiny toes!
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KimPossible- I am so happy that you have an oncologist that you are comfortable with. When I met mine, I felt the same and I told him I was glad to meet my life time friend. Now granted "life time" might have been an exaggeration but I know it will be for a long time. He smiled at my characterization of our relationship. But I wouldn't want it any other way and neither should you.
You are absorbing a LOT of information and so your plan of one step at a time is probably wise. Geez, I know I would I would have to do that.
The ER/PR + is a good thing. Not all cancer is the same. Yours is one that responds to medication well. This is important to your hormone therapy. As you've read on this forum BC has improved over the years. And preventive medication is one area in which it has. Types and time periods have changed.
No doubt you will be educating yourself and so keep in mind that BC treatment has changed and you should focus on data that is up to date. At first I was reading EVERYTHING and it somewhat muddied up my learning. Mostly as what was done 10 years ago is not necessarily what they do now.
And YES, you will find yourself celebrating as each milestone passes. And we all will be right here along with you. You are not alone.
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Okay, need some help to clear the mind. Just got a call from Genomic Health that tells me that my doctor ordered a Oncotype DX. I vaguely remembered reading on this site as others referenced it. I was kind of blind sided on this as oncologist did not mention getting the test done two days ago. So at first I thought it was a company drumming up business (I do have a suspicious nature). She advises me that my insurance will cover 85% and that my part will be $639. I'm thinking, wow this is an expensive test and why am I needing this? and she has access to my insurance info??? (again suspicious)
Put a call in to oncologist - answering machine?
So . . . I kind of gather it is another preventive test to assist in treatment with a quick review of their site (while I wait for the doctor to return a call I'm sure won't be soon) (smile)
I would like some opinions, please.
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GardenNerd, I had the Oncotype test done. Luckily Medicare paid for it. Here is the BCO information on it: Oncotype Information. It will indicate if chemo is necessary or desirable and also if you will benefit from anti-hormonal therapy such as Tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor. I don't think they "drum" up business. The test runs about $5,000. They have your insurance information because it was submitted along with the tissue sample(s). It is legitimate. You definitely should talk to your oncologist and find out why it hadn't been mentioned.
HUGS!
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Gardennerd - so sorry your doctor didn't explain this well and that you were caught off guard by the test. My BSO relies heavily on the Oncotype DX to determine treatment. He says this test changes the treatment plan in about 30% of his patients ..... a pretty big percentage in my opinion. It gives good information on if your tumor will respond well to chemo or not and the risk of it coming back. Glad you have already put the call in to your dr and hope they will explain it to you. My BSO does this test on all ER + patients.
Kim - my son had his port in his upper left chest - worked beatuifully the entire time. Mine was in same place and we never became friends. They could give chemo thru mine, but could not draw blood. It was a stinker. Praying yours will work beautifully each and everytime. I have never met anyone with it in their arm and was not given that option. Maybe pop in on the chemo sites and ask there??? I had the same chemos. Did Donse Dense .... 4 cycles of A+C, then 4 cycles of Taxol .... every 2 weeks. Yes Taxol is easier but the A + C were ok. Would feel off abt 3 to 4 days, but then was able to carry on with being a wife, mom, and worked some etc. In between. I love PontiacPeggys signature - everything is doable -not easy, but doable. That is what I said about chemo all along ..... not fun, hope and pray I never need again .... But doable! My husband and I even took a little weekend trip for our anniversary during chemo ... just plan for when counts are high. My MO was thrilled ... she said oh yes! I love trips
. You will rock that beautiful bald head and my MO was ok with pedicures as well as long as when counts were high and that I went to a clean, reputable place. We are here with you. 0 -
ML, Thanks for the detailed feedback on your port and chemo. Sorry you had a difficult time with that getting your blood. I am sure I can do what I must for sure. I am spending the afternoon canceling my trips. I do hope that we will have an option to do the same, a long weekend getaway nearer my 50th. That will just have to do. Will NOT be a fan of hopping on an airplane during that time, unless someone sends a private jet! HA!
I did get a dental appointment for next week, too. My old insurance required you to wait 6 months in between. My new doesn't, just 2x anytime in a calendar year. That worked out, since I went last in February. I need shiny, white teeth (which I have never had) to match my future, shiny white head.
This is the first day since LX I feel the armpit is really going to cooperate with me! It's the small things!
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Kim - I had the same thought about my armpit today as well. Yes - so important to celebrate each and every victory! Still sore but seemed to have turned a corner today. Can't wait until I can walk my sweet dog again! He looks at me with such a pitiful look and then runs to the door. My sweet mom took two of my children for the week and my third is at camp .... so mom and puppy are missing them. And chemo did throw me into menopause. It is not pleasant I will admit. I suggest sleeping in drifit shirts and have a fan blowing at all times. I often stick my head in the freezer as well
and feel I need a hat that lights and sirens come on to warn my sweet family when I am having a moodswing. Ugh. So sorry you are having to cancel trips. My kids keep asking what we are doing for summer and it breaks my heart. Hoping we can squeeze in some weekend trips btwn radiation. They will be fine I know, but it still makes me sad. Especially for my son who has already been through his own cancer journey. We have planned a beach trip for Fall though - my husband said we all needed something to look forward to. Can't get here soon enough!0 -
Pegg and ML- Thanks for the feedback. I've got my head wrapped around it now. Site says 500,000 women have used so far. They gave waived the $639 as we met financial criteria. Said results in 2 weeks. Must admit disappointed with oncologist last appt. and this just added to it : (
Kim- sorry you had to change plans for vacation but glad you have weekend getaway in mind. You are to funny about white teeth and white scalp. You've got this!!
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