new and future flat sister, with questions
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Morning all!
Oh how I love to see another "GutterGums!" (my nickname)
in the morning! LOL
Hello otceb, Merde! You are going to kick ass! I am sorry you have to go through all this, but I love your attitude!
Yes, separation anxiety is Dex's problem. I don't know how to fix it, other than leave him more often, so he gets used to it. It isn't good for him to be this way, and I would love to change it. Funnily enough, he loves going to the kennels to stay for longer times. He can't wait to get out of the car, or to go with John if he comes here to pick him up. He is a strange little guy, with many issues.
I am looking forward to getting this Dog Ear off. It is the final thing about this surgery that is holding me back from feeling pretty normal. I doubt the numbness will ever go. It has improved, but has been the same level for some time now. I can easily deal with that, but this Dog Ear is a nuisance, that has to go!
Hugs to you! M x
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Hello All ,
Apologies to everyone I am reading but not posting . I am on day 3 of trying to get a hot water heater PROPERLY installed . Its a long freaking story .....will write later . I am losing my will to live without hot water . Bobo I swear to god as soon as my Vitamix arrives I am making a HUGE Margarita. The hell with the MO and no alcohol !!!
I am hoping some can help me with this question??? How long is it going to be before my "plucked turkey breast chest" can take cold ? This winter is killing me . I keep putting on more layers to go outside and nothing seems to help !!!! Fingers crossed this goes away at some point.
Still sweating and swearing and now back to the hot water heater from HELL !!
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Airom, sounds like the dr appt went well! And yay for getting rid of the dog ear!! Sounds like you scored at the Oppies!! All in all sounds like you had an awesome day!
I am feeling better today, so looks like no serious problems with my back. Definitely am technicolor though!!
Zills, a good purge every now and again is a good thing! The exercise class sounds great! Basketballs!?? No thanks here either! So sorry about the calf!! This unusuall cold is hard on more than us peeps!!
bobo, so sorry PT was so hard for you. As otc said it is still early for you, the scars will improve and flatten out some. I think it is $hitful, they insist on having observers in when you pointedly asked for them to leave!! Teaching hospital or not, your request should be honored.
otc, glad things are falling into place for chemo. Glad all blood work and scans were good too. Sorry about the F*****sleeve and gauntlet!!
Hugs for everyone!!
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Hi Fia, posted while I was still typing!! Love the poster, you find the most perfect ones!! Man, you just can't catch a break with the leak and water heater!! Going w/out hot water sux!! Have to do it almost every Winter when the power is out for days. Thank goddess I have a natural gas fire place and kitchen stove so I can heat water there.
As to the cold, I do tons of layers too and it seems to be OK. We all lost layers of fat that insulated us from the cold, so we have to compensate with clothing. I never was much affected by the cold so maybe that is why this is not so hard for me.
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Poor Fia. Can't catch a break. So sorry. We heated hot water in the turkey fryer when our power was out for a week. Makes you wonder how our ancestors made it. Also makes you appreciate those friends who offer you a hot shower or a cup of coffee.
OTC. You sound great. I got the tie dyed sleeve. Might as well have fun with it. Kids won't lose me in the airport.
Has anyone had a beerita? Cross between a beer and a frozen margarita?
Still cold here. The calf is cute. Dark red with a few white patches. Tail is red with a white tuft on the end and some red hairs at the tip. Holds it straight up and runs around the stall.
The cold doesn't seem to bother my chest. Toes yes. I wear a fleece under my jacket and always a hat. Maybe it's my personal summer.
My scars have flattened out. I'm 8 months out. I didn't really look at them either. Just yanked my shirt up, applied vit e oil and off to something else. Now my area is dry but I assume it's rads and winter. How often do you have to go to PT?
Have to get ready for tomorrow. Having "twin" day at school. He and another little boy are wearing ties, vests, jeans and boots. Will look sharp. Boys are easy.
Hello everyone else! Stay warm! M stay cool.
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I second Fia's question. It is freezing here (snow tomorrow!) and has been for weeks, and my area is miserable when it is cold. And when it is warm, but the temperature is plunging. I wear something like four layers. That was the main fat I had, and there was a lot of it.
OT, you sound great! And F0ck LE! And by the way, F0@k percentages, while we are at it. I just read in my MORE magazine -- they were talking about women making a choice for mx, although all in this article did recon -- there was a surgeon quoted there who said, I tell my patients that there is a 40 to 50 percent chance [with recon] that they will have to have additional surgery. Forty to fifty percent chance? That does not sound like .7 percent to me. Check my math.
You guys might not understand -- I have deflated TE on one side, gouged out and puckered and strangely lumpy and layered other side. That's what I have to "massage." So, when I'm doing it, it is incredibly upsetting to feel that. I find it ironic that I, the starter of this thread, am in this situation. The TE on the left is spasming like crazy after the stupid PT.
It is going to be incredibly cold tonight -- if we had chickens, as many here do, I would be bringing them inside the house. Poor chickens! They are going to be freezing tonight. I don't know why they don't freeze solid. I'm very worried about them.
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Hello all!
This is a very active site. Miss a few days and miss a lot.... Lol. I started back to work PT on Monday. Glad to be back, but this chemo brain is awful. Feel like I am starting a new job that I haven't worked at. I did start the Femara as well. So not sure if that is part of it. The Femara has increased the hot flashes, loss of appetite. I just hate the hot flashes. Any recommendations on how to lessen them would be great! Will give the femara a try for a week or so. When I come home I need to take a nap as I am just exhausted.
Ready to get my prosthesis. Went to PS yesterday and he said everything was healing well but he wasn't ready to take the stitches out or give me a script for prosthesis. Go back next Monday. I will be glad to not to have to be running to the dr every week.
Bobo I understand how you feel as far as the way it looks. My skin looks all bunched up and it is caved in. My sternum is so pronounced. I feel I look like kermit the frog. Flat on top and then rib cage sticks out. My chest is so tight. Oh well it is temporary! I just need to heal. Will not rush into implants this time until all infection is cleared up. Probably will be able to try again in 6 months. I know I am crazy to even be thinking about it again. I just can't seem to get use to how I look and feel. If I had decided to go flat after the masectomy I don't thing it would be such a problem for me mentally. Since I had another picture in my mind and it didn't work out I want to try to get what I want. I am a feisty fighter to get what I want!!
Fiaranch1 I luv the saying you posted. Sounds like me. Good luck with your hot water heater. Sounds like a nightmare.
Ariom glad you will be getting the dog ears taken care of. I have terrible dog ears not sure how they are gonna work with the bra and prosthesis. I guess they will just hang out the side. My ps would definitely have to clean it up if this was permanent. Sounds like you had a great time shopping. I need to do that soon as soon as I am up to it. I have lost so much weight..... none of my clothes fit. I really have no desire to gain it back, but people say I look thin. Trust me I have plenty of fat left!!
Zills I am originally from KY lived there nineteen years and then moved to Florida. Usually KY doesn't get much snow in the winter, but this year you sure are. The temps are frigid there. Poor livestock.
I just luv the dog pictures. What cuties. I have two elderly Jack Russell's. They have finally settled down after 15 years!
Wishing everyone well!!!
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Hi again, Bobo, I am so sorry about your visit to the PT, what is wrong with these people? Do they need it written in crayon? If you're not comfortable with onlookers, then piss the F off! It makes me furious when I hear what they are putting you through.
I can understand your reticence about touching your chest as it is now, but it will be easier after the revision. I know you probably want to slap me, but you know I am a big believer in the massage and PT. I am still doing the massage twice daily, and I did the PT 4x a day for many months. It helps a lot with acceptance too. I know.....I know, I am ducking for cover, as I know you are swatting me right now!
Togetherness, you're right about this being an active thread, I love to get up and read what everyone's been up to.
The dog ears are a nuisance, and mine is very hyper sensitive, like there are a bundle of cut nerves zinging away in it. I can't wait to not have to think about it any more. It sneaks out and over the side of my bra, oooh it is revolting! Can't wait to see the last of it!
I had awful hot flashes from menopause, but got a lot of relief from Evening Primrose Oil capsules. I don't know if they work for medication induced flashes, or even if you are allowed to take them, but might be worth asking the question.
I sure did have a fun time yesterday. I love to shop! Take care now, it won't be long till you are healed enough for you to get a prosthesis! M x
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Zills, my girl, where do you find these things? A cross between beer and a margarita????? I never!
I haven't heard of Twins day either, but sounds like fun.
I hope you're having a good time with the exercise class, stay warm! M x
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gB, so glad to hear there isn't any real damage after your fall. The rainbow of color will pass soon. Take care of yourself! M x
Fiaranch, you are the feisty one. I am so sorry about the hot water service, what a pain.
I found that the cold wind could literally take my breath away. My chest was pretty sensitive in the cold. I bought 2 little baby hot water bottles, very cute, one a penguin and the other a teddy, I digress, they are small enough to tuck into my shirt to keep my chest warm while walking in cold winds.
I hope the heater is fixed and you can take a nice hot bath...M x
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Nice visit with the PT today. I have some pretty simple exercises to do and an appt in 2 weeks. She would have done 1 week, but didn't have any openings. She wants me to sit with a lumbar roll, so I bought a foam one and will cover it.
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Together, my MO rx'd low dose Effexor for the hot flashes. It has helped, not depressed. Can't wait to see how it works in summer.
Bobo, are you shitting us? SNOW where YOU are tomorrow?????? How much? I've seen it snow here twice, in 84 & 89. I heard it snowed in Tallahassee the other day. Pensacola had inches of ice.
To quote Jimmy Buffett again "I gotta go where it's warm""
A. I'm on the next plane to you! I HATE SNOW AND COLD
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Hi guys. I'm still reading the thread...just trying to remain quiet as I contemplate my next steps. I'm scheduled for surgery mid-February...and just to add to the insanity, I scheduled the radiation too (supposed to start on Thursday). Yup, still can't make up my mind on which way to go, and the sand in the hour glass is almost out. Times up.
Sitting here tonight thinking that no matter what I do, life will never be the same. When I try to imagine my life after surgery, the hardest part for me is the scar and the emotional impact it will have on both myself and my daughter's life. That daily reminder that I had cancer will always be looking back at me in the mirror. I don't know how you all do it, because, I am fairly certain I am not strong enough to overlook the obvious.
When I think of radiation and the possible SE's, I know in my heart it is not for me. I had endometrial cancer 3 years ago, and I cannot convince myself that 5000 rads of radiation spewing around my body could possibly have a positive impact on my already cancer loving genetics. What is that? The equivalent of 200 CT Scans a day for 33 days?
Speaking of radiation, I think you feisty ladies would have had a good laugh last week during my rads simulation! When the tech informed me that there was more radiation in the prone position than the supine because they do a ct scan EVERY day to position the laser...I was so pissed. That damn RO knows how freaked out I am about radiation, but failed to tell me this? I got up and walked out! I'm pretty sure they don't see that everyday! LOL
I am to a point where I trust no one in the medical community anymore, and this journey is starting to look like a scene from the Wizard of Oz...there's a lot of smoke and mirrors, and when you try to pull the curtain away you hear the famous "Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!". Well, ok, maybe they don't say that. No, instead they say shit like "there's no way to know if this will affect xyz because everyone is different". I believe that is secret medical code for "crap shoot".
Anyhow, I just wanted to vent and say I am still lurking...and you are all as entertaining as ever. Carry on
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PRB, Have you talked to them about a shorter course of radiation? They offered to give me 3 weeks instead of 6. Your stats seem fairly similar to mine. I'm probably much older and I'm sure they think I'll be gone from other causes before BC is ever a problem.
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PRB. I hated my RO initially. He and his kooky resident wanted to sell me on rads and discuss prognosis. I didn't want to hear it. Now they are my favs.
My RO sat down with me weekly, took seriously every complaint/fear I had. Made me feel like a person not a patient.
The kooky resident went over my scans in detail, switching back and forth from the first one to the last one.
I'm sorry you're still struggling. We are here if you need us.
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togetherness. Where in ky? I'm close to Lexington. Go Big Blue!
The lack of appetite should settle down in a week or so. I had the same issue when I started tamoxifen.
My JS lady said to put your right hand on your neck when you feel a hot flash. Should lessen the intensity. It did for me.
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PRB, I am so sorry to hear you are still so conflicted about which road to take. Good advice, as always, from our Zills. She's been through it all very recently, and with 2 small children too.
I know how easy it is to have a very negative perception of all the options available. I also accept that we aren't all the same, but we are all very resilient creatures!
You may actually be surprised at how you process all of this, after the event.
Come here to vent whenever you want. M x
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Spookiesmom, "Come on down!" but, we are revving up for another heatwave.
I am so over it.
My garden is such a mess, but the new sprinklers work a treat! I just have to make sure they come on well before any of Colin's carers arrive in the morning. I can imagine the screaming if it all suddenly went off, as someone comes in the gate.
Thinking of all of you! M x
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Zills, I'm willing to bet our ancestors were not nearly as fastidious as we are, and I'll bet baths and clean clothes were a rarity. A beerita, that's different!! Never heard of "twin day" either but it sounds like fun.
Togetherness, patience grasshopper!!
You need to be completely healed to go for a fitting. If you still have stitches, you aren't quite ready yet. (((PRB))) I too am so sorry you are still struggling.
Wren, glad you had a good PT session. Hope the lumbar roll helps.
Zills, I am going to try that JS move for hot flashes. I have several every morning before I get up. I kick off the comforter for a few minutes, then am freezing cold (I always sleep with my bedroom window open) and pull the covers up again.
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Grammab you would have thought I would have learned patience by know going through the whole BC thing. I try!!...... Lol looking forward to getting those things!!
Zills you are gonna laugh when I tell you the town I grew up in. It is called Flatwoods. It is outside of Ashland. Parents are deceased but I still have relatives in Grayson and Nicholasville,Ky. Go Wildcats!! Oh how I hope to get my appetite back. I have to force myself to eat and it really isn't fun! Plus chemo has whacked out my taste buds. I will try the remedy with the hot flashes. They are awful. Like drenching in sweat. I only have them at night thank goodness.
Bobo what part of Florida are you in? We can compare scars...... I bet I would win!!!
Spookiesmom if I can't control my hot flashes I will ask about Effexor. I am just waiting for the ball to drop with this Femara, but so far so good. Minimal side effects!
Ariom I was on a European cruise in 2012 and the couple that was at our table lived outside of Sydney Australia. They lived on property and they showed pictures of kangaroos in there yard just like we have squirrels. It was so cool. I would love to visit that area sometime. Luv to travel.
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Togetherness, I think we are not supposed to say our town, but I will give you a hint: it's near the big college. I will definitely win the scar contest. I promise. I can't imagine you have uglier scars than mine right now! They look like someone gauged my area with a tablespoon.
I so know that feeling about forcing myself to eat. Do you have a Vitamix? Do not get me and M started. You could make frozen yogurt right in the bucket: two cups yogurt, one bag frozen berries (or frozen banana), blend and it immediately makes frozen yogurt: you scoop it out. Or ice cream. Or hot soup. You just pour the hot soup right into your bowl. I like warm curried squash soup, or coconut-based soups. That's good calories, I think (coconut milk). And, of course, you can make protein shakes, and fresh vegetable juices.
If I am at home, and I have plenty of fresh veg, I can eat out of the Vitamix all day. I even make homemade applesauce for the kids. Now watch. I bet Ariom will jump in. She has been making the best Vitamix soups.
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Good Morning from Downunder! Good evening to everyone!
Can't stay, got a hair appointment and have to call in to the Op shop to see the girls. Gardeners coming back to finish watering system.
I have a girlfriend coming for a visit on Monday, so have to get organized for that too.
Togetherness, I love cruising! Used to love to travel, but hate flying these days. We have kangaroos around here too. Not in the garden, but only minutes from here. Lots of Koalas in the trees and a friendly Echidna that visits, along with very large Blue Tongue and Shingleback Lizards.
When we first moved here. I didn't drive the 12 minutes to our next big town because I was so afraid of hitting a Kangaroo on the road. I'm over it now, but still never drive at dusk or dawn when they are most likely to cross the road.
It is a great place to visit. I used to work for United Airlines, so I saw Americans every day. I don't think I can remember even 1 who didn't like it here.
I have been to Florida, and loved it! I was sitting in the apartment one night and a Raccoon came to visit, at the window! That was amazing to me!
Take care everyone, I will be back later...Take it easy M x
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OMG! M, we were posting at same time! Although you are probably off to hairdresser's. XXX
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Hey Bobo, just got in, I love it when we're doing the tandem posting!
I have been to the Opp shop to see my gorgeous friend, who has Ovarian Ca. She's the sweetest lady, always gives me a "real" hug, not one of those"Butt out, I don't want to touch you!" hugs, that are prevalent after Dx. She isn't doing too well, but nothing fazes her, and she always remembers if I have had an appointment. Aren't there some amazing people around!
Had my hair cut, got home rewashed and dried it my way. My hairdresser in Melbourne used to just hand me the drier and the brush after she cut my hair, I always did it myself.
OMG, Bobo, don't get me started on the Vitamix, I love it! Frozen stuff or hot stuff, what a great machine, and 2 cups of water, three quick pulses, and it's clean...woo hoo! Need to make my own Macadamia milk, keep forgetting the Macadamias. Carrot and ginger soup was sensational! Any soup, throw in a handful of Cashews and it is creamy, no hassle, perfect every time. Just has to live in the laundry because of the 7 minutes of noisy time!
Off to town now, need some spongy matting for spa to sit on.....more lettuce, everything else went to seed, but my tomatoes are incredible, as are all the herbs. My kitchen smells like Sweet Basil..love that!
Catch you later..M x
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Ariom sounds like you are a pro with the vitamix. I luv soups even in the hot summer in Florida. Yes there are amazing people around and you are so blessed to have a wonderful friend. The kangaroos sounds like deers that we have in the US that cross the roads. It was just so cool to see the pics.
Bobo I had no idea that you were not suppose to say where you are from..... Oops. The only big college that I know of is FSU...... Lol. I have an eighteen year old that will be going there this fall. Go Noles!! I know there are the Gators too, but I don't claim them..... Lol. I do not have a vitamix but I will definitely be looking into it. Sounds like a fabulous machine. Protein shakes sounds like what I need. I just need to start eating!! It is not healthy for me not to eat. I just need to build up some strength. So tired all the time. Started back work pt and when I come home I have to take a nap..... Ugh.
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Ariom - I love your hair color. I may have to try it, if my hair ever grows back in.
Finally got my surgical date today-- 2/21 for a UMX. Recuperation is not as long as I expected- Doc says 3-4 weeks without recon. Now, if I can get over the thought of them cutting my boob off, I might be OK.
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Together
FSU Tallahassee
UFGainesville
USF Tampa
UCF Orlando
UM Miami
That's the "big football, party" schools here. There's quite a few more private and smaller state schools. Football in the south is almost like religion to some.
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Hi! Just got back and made some lunch!
Togetherness, I am no pro with the Vitamix, but once you get your head around the way it works, yo can do anything. You can do cold soups too Gazpacho, perhaps? I'm not mad on cold soups, but have served them in shot glasses as an appetizer.
I have the opposite eating problem to you. I have to force myself to stop eating! I can't tell you how good the Protein shakes are. I love Naturade because there is no Dairy in them, but there is soy in some of theirs. My Doctor told me soy was fine for me, but I am loving the new Naturade Vegansmart, it has so much in it, and can still have frozen banana and berries added if you like that. It is worth a look, as is Green Vibrance, which is different, but adds so much into your diet if you are having trouble getting the balanced nutrition you need. I have much more energy when I am having these every day. M x
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Go Gators! Daddy went to U of F on a football scholarship in the late 30's. FSU did not even have a football team team until 1947.
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Hi Clickchick, Thank you for the compliment! I went grey very young, and this platinum white is just how it went, naturally. I am very lucky that it isn't coarse and dull like a lot of white hair. Just had it cut today, have to do it every 3 weeks because if it gets too long, it just sits flat an looks dull. I don't mind having it cut that often because I save on color! LOL
Awwww, I know it is a big step, and scary knowing you're going to lose a breast. We will be with you if you need us. There are a few of us who are Uniboobers here, I am one, and I have to say that it wasn't anything like I had imagined. For me, it has been a pretty easy transition. The others will give you more info on how it has been for them too.
I enjoy finding things that make dressing easy, and I really love to push the envelope a bit and wear stuff that you wouldn't expect to work, with one boob.
Feel free to ask anything, there's no such thing as TMI here, we've discussed just about everything.LOL
I wish you all the very best for your surgery in 3 weeks. Let us know if we can help with anything in the meantime. Take care M x
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