Any Texas Hill Country BC Warriors?
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Zelda - in your pocket...thoughts&prayers for good results and speedy recovery.
Shewolfpg - you have a great team! Great Dad! It's so nice to have the extra support. Moving quickly a lot to process...Terri is right it will soon be in your rear view mirror!
JWoo - hope your LE is behaving in the heat&humidity.
Vic - taking pics, supporting Zelda
Holli - summertime fun ...weeks out of active tx
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Yeah it is a lot to process but it is giving no time to dwell. That makes it easier.
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Hey all -
I saw Zelda today. I also met her oldest daughter Stevi. What a lovely young lady! Zelda is lucky to have her home to help during recovery. Zelda looks amazing and is feeling well considering. She is craving chocolate....so I brought her lots of variety to choose from. She should be going home tomorrow. Prayers and good juju her way that healing goes well.
Going forward we should refer to Zelda as Princess Zelda after a fairy princess nutcracker she has...with blonde hair even!
Welcome to our newest members Sorry you have to be here, but you came to the right place. We are an amazing group of women!! All ages and stages, but very caring and supportive to all. Love you gals!!
Holli - nice meeting you. Love the dog! Zelda was telling me about a S. Austin support group, so the odds are good that she was there.
Cindy - cute puppy! I can tell you are in love already.
JWoo - Whoo Hoo on the checkup, training and diet. You go girl! You can do it!! Great advice to the rest of us to keep moving!
Chaos - hang in there girl! Sending you cyber hugs and happy thoughts! Hope to meet you soon.
Terri - Lookin' good! Thanks for your sound advice, as always, to our newest members.
Can't wait until our next get together!! How about Gruene in September?
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Vicki, thanks for the update on Zelda. Tell her hi for me when you see her again. Wishing her a speedy recovery!
I looked online and tickets for the Gospel Brunch in Gruene for the Sept 14th show, go on sale August 10th at 1pm, I believe. I think they tend to sell out fairly quickly. Maybe $30/ea if I remember correctly.
Here is a link: http://gruenehall.com/calendar/ . It will have a link from the calendar to the ticket sales once they go on sale.
If that doesn't work for some, that's fine...just throwing it out there.
Kelsey, Chaos, everyone deals with their TX decisions and SE's differently. There's no right or wrong way, just whatever is best for you. Losing your hair can be hard. I tried to keep looking at the big picture and it seemed well worth it in the long run. If you go to your local American Cancer Society, they can help you with wigs, scarves, etc. I think you can get one free wig, if you are interested in that. There is also a place online that will send you a free scarf. You might also want to look into the Look Good Feel Better class. It's free and they give you tons of tips and free make up. It's a lot to think about, but remember, there are a lot of resources out there to guide you through...and someone is always here for you, too!
I hope all of you are having a great week!
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Keepthefaith,
Thank you. I think I will make sure to kick this cancers butt. But knowing there is a place to get the scarves makes it easier. Also just found out I am triple negative. So very glad with my choice to get the total Masectomy. I think my doc feels like it is better now as well. But upped my chemo weeks.
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Hey everyone, finally feeling almost normal again! Just in time to enjoy about 4 days before my next chemo!
Hair... it has been my biggest battle besides feeling exhausted from treatment... I finally couldn't take the prickly uncomfortable feeling anymore and razor shaved my head... it was hard, but I am dealing with it... what else can you do right?
Hope that everyone is doing well!
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know what would be great? If we all did a brief overnight somewhere beautiful, relaxing, and fun. Maybe a b and b somewhere close. With hiking or horses or water or shopping. Just where we can chill and enjoy each others company. In the spring. Just a thought.
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That sounds like an awesome idea!
BBL!
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Princess Zelda - speedy easy recovery vibes...Vic thanks for the update...everything is better with chocolate:)
I'm game! Hubby will watch my hunky chunky monkey Hunter!
Yeah, for LGFB!
Chaos - yippee a good day...breathe. Hang in there your doing good...(((hug)))
Terri - do we need to buy as a block or separate and we get to sit together...
Tomorrow...separation anxiety...going to the Dell Diamond game...we've never left our boy at home alone! He had a fit today in his pin when we put him on and sat outside...he was relaxed later with the door open and he could come and go as he wanted...gosh, a latch key pup
Looking forward to the fireworks! ...at the game:)))
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All - Think about the where and when for a ladies weekend, either in the spring or next fall. I want most, if not all, of us to be chemo'd, radiated, lumped or lopped, and reconstructed so we can all truly relax after months of "crap". If anyone still has a little to go, the rest of us can be on pamper patrol. Enjoy some red wine, good food, solitude when we want it, company when we don't, some exercise of some sort.
Ahhhh, I'm chillin' just thinking about it.
Meanwhile, I am all for Gruene in September.
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Cindy, As far as I know, you buy the tickets individually. The place is first come first serve, just a big, old, open dance hall with tables. May be kind of hot...so, dress comfortably; but I believe they have fans. I think it starts about 11...? When it gets closer, I'll post a reminder about the tickets being on sale... August 10th. Enjoy the game. I'm sure little one will be fine. Better to get him crate-trained now than later. You will be glad you did. Soon, it will become his "safe place." Bribing with treats usually works:).
Vicki, that sounds great. There is a place out in Smithville that has a great cabin, on a big ranch, but not sure how many people it can accomodate. It's close to Buescher Park...hiking, and not too far from Bastrop...shopping and eating:). Maybe everyone can throw their two cents in and we can have a vote when it's closer.
Zelda, I hope you are comfortable and at home being pampered!
Chaos, hang in there!
Jen', how are you doin'?
Holli, are you out there?
Kelsey, so glad you are feeling good about your TX decisions and your Dr is on board! That means a lot when you are facing the unknown.
Have a wonderful week-end, ladies! I am going to DD's to get my fill of grandsons today and spending the night:), after babysitting, of course!
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Oh a weekend getaway somewhere in the spring sounds so wonderful... will give me something to daydream about for now... and wine *Sighs* I have really missed my wine- though thinking about it now, I'm not even sure that I cannot have any, I just assumed- may have to ask the onco when I meet with him before my next chemo Tuesday. I am such a wino! I blame my grandmother lol who was out of grape juice when I was a child (sha spoiled me rotten) I was throwing a fit because I didn't want apple juice but she never had a license and didn't drive so she couldn't give me what I wanted so she improvised... she took some homemade grape wine, added water and sugar and gave that to me with my breakfast! I would only drink her grape juice after that though at the time I didn't know it was watered down wine and sugar lol she told me the story as an adult over a glass of wine and we had a good laugh!
Until March of his year I lived off University Dr, -Terravista- in RR... could see the fireworks after the Dell games from my patio... Really miss RR.
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Cindy,
Thanks for letting me know about this forum. I found it!
Hi everyone! I am living in North Texas but I am originally from the Houston area. This is a crazy ride we are on but I am glad we are all here to support each other.
~Marisa
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Marisa, welcome! I used to live in Wichita Falls...do not miss it at all! We may be having a meet up in September. Would love for you to join us. Just come here for updates.
chaos, that's a funny story! My grandmother used to make her own wine...out of whatever she could find...rose hips, blackberries, blueberries, mulberries...!
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Chaos - I live in Paloma Lake - literally down the street from your old stomping grounds!! I think you can have wine...I know you definitely can after chemo but I don't know about during. And... red wine is preferred according to what I've read. Regardless, if we need to, we will wait a bit if you can't have wine yet. After all, gotta have for a girls weekend
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I am all for that if I am better by then. Masectomy Tuesday followed by 20 weeks chemo and 6 weeks radiation. 1 Jan I may be done then I can finally think of getting new boobs. Man first ugly cry last night. This fucking sucks royally. Sorry for cursing but man this sucks.
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Kelsey- scream and cry and curse all you want. This is a great place to vent because we "get it". Nothing off limits. It is so good to ask a question or express a concern and get several replies from other women with the same stuff going on. Helps you to know that you're not alone. Good luck on Tuesday. I'd be happy to share with you things that worked well for me during/after surgery if you'd like. Just PM me. :0)
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Thanks. I actually am a little scared of the Masectomy compared to chemo. Every time the chemo doc calls she has worse news.
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Shewolfpg - Breathe! Do you and hubby have something on your to do list? Go have an adventure this weekend! Just have fun. In your pocket!
Since you are new to SAT, do you have any support system in place? Have you considered CaringBridge to help? Look back on this thread there are a few ladies in SAT
Vic, JWoo aka Jen, RHGSR aka Holli, Sandra, Luvmycanadian aka Marisa - may have some last minute considerations or suggestions to help with the next few weeks...on bmx recovery so ask!
(((Hugs)))
Cindy
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Shewolfpg -
Surgery is never fun and a mastectomy is no different. My perspective is a bit skewed because I had a bilateral mastectomy, but I think a lot will still apply:
The surgery will take a lot out of you. I didn't realize this until I tried to go back to work. A full day exhausted me, even though I was putting in 1/2 days from home for a week. Luckily, my boss was smart enough to know that what I thought I could do and the reality were two different things, so she insisted that I leave at noon every day that first week. What a blessing!
Sleeping on a recliner the first couple of weeks was a must for me as I needed to sleep propped up and on my back. Actually, except for hitting the ladies room when necessary and bathing, I lived in the recliner. Small underarm pillows help a lot! Actually, I felt best when surrounded by pillows.
Let others help you. I am so stubborn and independent that this was the hardest part for me. I got a lecture about letting others help from my PS before he let me out of the hospital (I started reconstruction the same time as my surgery, so PS watched over me at the hospital instead of the surgeon). We have a "sick" bell that I rang when I needed something. I felt bad using it, but my family got onto me when I didn't.
DO NOT try to open doors, the fridge, the freezer, etc. It may not be so bad with only one side, but avoid anything that pulls on your chest muscles. Let pain and your body be your guide.
Recovery time, for me, was two weeks before I could drive (I worked 1/2 time beginning week two....from home). I think the same is true for mastectomies. My drains came out in about 10 days. However, that being said, your really don't have your strength or stamina back for weeks. I think I finally felt close to normal about six months out. To be fair, I was going through reconstruction at the time, so that definitely played into the time frame. I am thinking that if you have chemo or radiation after surgery, finding your "physical normal" could take about the same time. Other ladies here can speak better about chemo and radiation effects on overall recovery.
Rest, eat healthy, and let others pamper your for a while. You need to get ready for a 2015 spring or fall ladies weekend!!
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Well both will be cut off on Monday. They won't let me do reconstructive surgery until all the treatments are done. I will also have the port put in on the right side during surgery. The chemo doc filled out my fmla paperwork yesterday so I can get donated leave and looking at that I won't be done with all treatments until January at the earliest. Which means I will get my new smaller boobs sometime after that. My dad will be down her through recovery and first 2 weeks of chemo. Work has been awesome. So even if I don't get donated leave they will advance me 240 hours. Plus the leave I have saved puts to where u can be out til end of October and financially be okay. I do want to go back to work before January as I will go nuts. But every time I talk with the chemo doc it ends up sounding like I am really going to hate going through this and be miserable. I also do have a few people here to call on. But financially we don't have the money to do something fun this weekend. Also don't have the money right now to get a recliner yet. I am hoping soon the VA will get the hubby his disability payment though I told him if it comes in then he is to buy me a recliner asap. Thanks for the info though on places around here to give me a hand.
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Ladies -
Here are several links for free cool stuff for breast cancer patients. Zelda already got selected to swim with the dolphins! I signed up for Casting for Recover in the spring (even though they don't have a date for that one yet - we'll see). I am also signed up to volunteer for a Jewish charity (even though I am not Jewish but I am willing to help and not many have my type cancer). I have already received some stuff from these charities and donated to many of them. Here is a brief list:
http://breastcancerfreebies.com/
http://www.cancerresourcemama.com/
http://www.1uponcancer.com/freebies-and-discounts-for-cancer-patients/
http://rhondasclub.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=47&Itemid=48
Cherie Matthews also has links to other sites on her Heal in Comfort site. For those of you getting ready to have surgery, if you do not have a heal in comfort shirt or kit, ask someone to get you one in lieu of flowers. The shirt is the bomb! Pockets for drains, comfy, etc. I loved mine and recycled it to Zelda!
Happy healing, all!
Shewolf - Hang in there! We are all here for you. Let us know when you go in for surgery, what hospital, etc.
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Found this for free wigs and scarves:
Hats & Scarves
(For Breast, Ovarian, or other Women’s Cancer Patients)
(Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas)
France Luxe “Good Wishes Scarves”
Wigs
(By appointment only at Norwalk, CT, Ridgewood, NJ, and Long Island, NY offices)
(Female Breast Cancer Patients only)
(Children under age 21 only)
(Women only)
(For underinsured or uninsured cancer patients only) * np-tag med
(Children ages 3-18, Michigan)
(Arizona, Breast Cancer Only, maximum of $250.00 value)
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Shewolfpg - Breathe! We are ready for Mondays pocket party...please post when you can or have DH post...or if you've exchanged phone numbers with anyone on thread they will post for you...we get rowdy checking in on you. Please pamper yourself and be kind very kind so many emotions...
Hope you had fun this weekend. Is your dad here now? Nice having family near...it will be hard on him seeing his baby girl going through all this and not being able to fix it...our dads:)
Vic - jackpot on all the links...Thank You! Hope you win the Casting for Recovery lottery...it's so much fun!
Zelda - speedy healing
wow, swimming with the dolphins Ooo who in another life I got kissed by Shamu at Sea World San Diego ...hee hee pics look like my head is down his throat! Chaos - thought of you with each fireworks burst:))) hang in there!
Terri - hope you are feeling great! Enjoying GKs and your boxer
Holli, Jen, Marisa - thinking of you! Marisa, Breathe...the ride continues...front seat arms up wheee!
(((Hugs)))
Cindy
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Well I don't know why I put surgery for Monday. That is pre op day. Tuesday is surgery. My dad gets in at 445 that afternoon. I did get myself a recliner this weekend. That was my fun part. I had gone to Rooms to Go and found one I loved. The guy was really nice and electric. But it was slightly out of my price range so I had to walk away. I did tell the guy why I was there and why I needed it so soon. Well he ended up calling his area manager and got the price down to what I could afford. He gave me a call today and I was able to purchase it. Very awesome guy. He mentioned how it tore him up that he couldn't get it for me the first day. His mother in law had gone through the same thing but stage 4. Needless to say I got it and I have him to think. It is so nice to see that there are good people in this world. I have a list of people and places my husband has to let know that I made it through surgery. It is becoming so real now. Tomorrow's pre op starts the beginning of my new life at least for the next few years. A life without two things part of me that have given me joy and recently lots of pain emotionally and physically. I have two bras left out for tomorrow and Tuesday morning. The rest I plan on tossing or possibly burning one as a way to say good by to these DDDDs. It sucks. Told my hubby that it sucks I had to get cancer to get my boob job. But I am going to get this crap out of me
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And your right my daddy is going to have a hard time. But at least he will be here to make it easier for me instead of being far away and not able to help. I just hope he doesn't fall down my stairs. He doesn't do well getting around.
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Shewolfpg -
Good luck on Tuesday! Congrats on the recliner. I lived in mine the first few weeks....with lots of pillows. If you don't have a heal in comfort shirt, then PM me your address and I will get one to you. Trust me...it will be your best friend while you have the drains.
I named my boobs post diagnosis: Pebbles and BamBam (pebbles was the cancer one); Lavern and Shirley during reconstruction, then Thelma and Louise for the final product. My family had a going away party for Pebbles and BamBam, including my grandbabies. They thought their Nana was silly. But we had fun.
It is nice that you are looking at the "up" side as well. Remember, the new girls will be covered by insurance for life! How's that for a great deal!
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Do you have a picture of this so called shirt. All I have is some very large tank tops and some comfy moomoo type things. And a lanyard to help these drains everyone tells me about. I am looking forward to the bra burning.
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I posted it in my blog. Here is the link:http://vjbishop.tumblr.com/page/7
I had one and it was a life saver. Inside pockets for up to two drains each side. I repurposed mine and gave it Zelda for her surgery. Is there a breast cancer resource center in SA? If so, you may want to call them tomorrow and see if they have the shirts or anything else that would be helpful. The one here in Austin provides the Heal in Comfort shirt, a camisole w/drain pockets, underarm pillows (another must for bilateral mastectomy patients!), and other stuff. The creator and owner of Heal in Comfort, Cherie Matthews, is a BC Survivor (ILC like me) and lives in Austin....so she donates hundreds of these shirts to the Austin BCRC every year. I am hoping an SA BC resource center also has them.
Let me know if you would like one. I will make sure one is shipped to you. PM me your size, color preference (pink or blue), and address.
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Happy Monday!
Good luck with your post-op today Kelsey. So glad you got your recliner!
Zelda, congrats on your Dolphin adventure! I hope you are recovering well.
Vicki, congrats on your CFR, too! Great links.
Marisa, Chaos, hang in there!
Jen, Holli, Cindy, I hope you all are well!
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