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  • Susug
    Susug Member Posts: 25

    Hey I'm an East Tx girl. Floundering around on this forum trying to figure out were I belong . Dx 6/20 was told all I need is radiation. BUT!!! haven't started yet they are doing genetics testing ugh,,,, if this is positive everything changes. It's been hurry up and wait. I'm seeing my RO Monday just in case this comes back neg. I can start radiation next week. SO GLAD I FOUND THIS WEB SITE. everyone is so helpful. Have been reading a lot maybe by next week I will figure out where I belong on here until then I think I will hang out with y'all. Susu

  • vbishop
    vbishop Member Posts: 332

    Kelsey -

    Drains come out in about 10-days to 2 weeks.  I didn't have a bra thing.  Zelda and I both had what looked like lots of cotton and a huge ace bandage around the chest.  When it was time, the doctor cut mine off.  Hang on a sec...checking my blog to see how long before he did that.  Okay - the bandage came off six days after my surgery and the drains came out at the 10-day mark.  You don't want to rush things.  Infection is the biggest risk and is not fun.  I have a friend fighting an infection now and it has delayed healing and further treatment by up to one month.  So.....take it easy, rest, be good to yourself.

  • shewolfpg
    shewolfpg Member Posts: 73

    Well I couldn't take it anymore and took it off. I figured if I was allowed to shower I could take it off. The shirt will hold the drains. 

  • vbishop
    vbishop Member Posts: 332


    Kelsey -

    You're allowed to shower?  Already?  I had to wait a week.  Lucky you!  Hope you're doing okay.

  • vbishop
    vbishop Member Posts: 332

    Welcome Susug -

    We're a great place to "hang" until you feel you need to move on.  Hope you don't.  Let us know how you are doing,  We are all different ages and stages, so if you have a question, I would venture to say one or more of us has experienced it.

    Sorry you had to join this place, but happy you found us!!

     

  • keepthefaith
    keepthefaith Member Posts: 856

    Hi ladies, I hope everyone is doing well!

    Welcome Susu! We are always happy to have someone new join us, although we hate why you are here. 

    If anyone is wanting to go to Gruene hall Sept 14th for the Gospel Brunch, speak now or forever hold your peace! Tickets on sale today at 1pm.  $30/ea. You can google it under Gruene Hall. If not, maybe someone else has an idea....?

  • shewolfpg
    shewolfpg Member Posts: 73

    Yeah was told 2 days. I waited until Sunday though as I was too scared. So weird looking at my once large chest being so sunken in. The drains are slowing down and I hope soon I can get them out. The Valium and Motrin seem to be working. Trying to stay off the percocet as I never really liked that stuff. Also haven't needed the. Nausea stuff. That patch used before surgery was great. Funny how quickly Valium works. But it keeps the spasms way down.  

  • jwoo
    jwoo Member Posts: 931

     ladies- i am sorry i have been out of touch.  ((hugs)))

    I will be so for a little while. I had a dear friend get into a very serious accident and am trying to set up fundraising and a support schedule for him and his family. just wanted you to know i will be out of touch for a bit. If you need me for anything at all, PM me and I will get back to you when I can.

    Love you all and hope you are all doing okay.

    please drive safely.

    xoxoxox- jeni

  • keepthefaith
    keepthefaith Member Posts: 856

    Kelsey, I'm glad you are recovering well so far! Keep it up!

    Jen', praying for your friend. Wonderful that you can help in such a way. Seems like every time I hear the news, there has been a tragedy on the roads. Yes, drive safely!

    I applied for CFR also. 

    Vicki, Cindy, how long did it take for you to hear back from them?

    I went ahead and bought a couple of the Gruene Gospel Brunch tickets. A dear friend is turning 60 next month and I decided to take her. I'll give you a review! Gristmill caters it. If any of you all decide to go, let me know. 

    I hope everyone has a wonderful week of healing, comfort and recovery!!!

  • vbishop
    vbishop Member Posts: 332


    Terri -

    I applied for the one closest to Austin for Spring 2015...and they didn't even have a date yet.  So I may have to re-apply.

  • keepthefaith
    keepthefaith Member Posts: 856

    Vicki, yeah, I saw that, too. I'll let you know if and when I see a date.

  • rhgsr
    rhgsr Member Posts: 179

    hi ladies!! I've been MIA. Struggling with some depression. But also have had a cough for 3 weeks. Got really scared. I've copied an update from my blog below. I will also post this in another forum so forgive me for the cross post. Hope everyone is doing well. - Holli

    -----------

    Talked to oncologist this evening.

    NO cancer in my lungs!! Praise God!!

    BUT.... It isn't just allergies...

    I do have some radiation damage. He said the area of my lung that was under the radiation area is inflamed. He said it's similar to a very bad case of poison ivy - red, swollen, and "oozy". His words not mine :0). So I will be on steroids for at least a month. He is my medical (chemo) oncologist so he will start me on the steroids but will contact my radiation oncologist tomorrow. I believe he will be the one to manage it.

    I'm assuming I will start the steroids tomorrow and also talk with the radiation oncologist to see what else we need to do. I should find out more tomorrow.

    Thank you all for praying for me today! It was definitely a stressful day for all of us. Please continue to pray for healing for my lungs and minimal side effects from the steroids I start tomorrow.

    God is good...All the time!!

    Holli :0)

  • vbishop
    vbishop Member Posts: 332

    Holi -

    Sorry you are having to go through this.  Would you mind sharing a link to your blog?  I have one because it is therapeutic...and fun....for me. Right now I am focusing on things that make me happy and trying to lead a healthier lifestyle.  Still working on that part.  I have had a thing for ice cream almost daily, which can't be good, long term.  I also gave up sodas, but I slide every now and then.  I am drinking a diet Dr. Pepper now, feeling guilty with every sip.

  • rhgsr
    rhgsr Member Posts: 179

    hi ladies. Wanted to share my latest blog post.

    --------

    I'm so frustrated today. I was beginning to slowly get a little energy back. In the past few weeks I was able to take kids to the library and to ride the train in zilker park (not on the same day). Of course both activities wore me out... BUT... I was able to do it. I had even been exercising some and keeping my house semi picked up. But as the cough got worse I became more winded. Having trouble breathing has significantly lowered my energy levels. Now I'm short of breath and coughing with exertion and sometimes just walking to the next room.

    UGH!! I want my life back. So much so that I probably over do it (I know those of you who are nodding their head in agreement) when I feel an ounce of the energy returning. Not sure if that led to this new road block or not, but I'm frustrated that I can't bounce right back into my old life. I'm frustrated that the treatments to save my life have and may continue to change it. God keeps telling me to slow down but I don't know how. I don't know where I fit into my new life. If that makes sense.

    So today after physical therapy (I know I've said this before, but I love physical therapy) I heard on a Christian radio station a quote I had never heard before.

    "The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it" Henry David Thoreau

    I found a website that offers an explanation of this quote in terms of money. But I kind of see it applying to cancer and going through treatments to fight for my life. I'd love to hear y'all's thoughts on this.

    Here is the website with several inspirational quotes:

    http://brightdrops.com/best-inspirational-quotes

    Many of you know how very very special my grandmother (nanny) was to me. She passed away in December 2003, a year to the day before Grace was born. I spoke to my uncle Bill yesterday and he mentioned that my Nanny always said "tough times don't last, but tough people do". In looking for the Thoreau quote and coming across the site above, I found this:

    "Tough times never last, but tough people do" Dr. Robert Schuller

    Thank you God for this reminder. Thank you Uncle Bill for sharing that with me. Thank you God for the years I was able to spend with my Nanny. She had tough times for sure but her faith in God was unwavering.

  • rhgsr
    rhgsr Member Posts: 179

    I just want to clarify that with the tough people lasting... That doesn't necessarily mean that the fight is won or you've reached the other side. It is staying the course. It is finding your inner strength. It is doing your best. 

  • vbishop
    vbishop Member Posts: 332

    Roll call =

    How is everyone doing?  Me?  Busy being Popcorn Kernal, which should finish up this week.  Then I play race photographer 5 weekends in a row, one of which is in Corpus.  I'm tired just thinking about it.

    Hope everyone is doing well!!

  • rhgsr
    rhgsr Member Posts: 179

    hey Vbishop! Thanks for checking on us! I'm trying to get this lung junk under control. Tuesday will be a week on the prednisone. Just increased it from 40 to 60 today. Cough isn't as frequent. Which is a good thing :0). 

  • keepthefaith
    keepthefaith Member Posts: 856

    Hi ladies,

    All is well here. Oldest grandson spent the night last night, for one last time before he starts kindergarten! Wow! He and his Mom lived with me from the time he was 3 months old until 2 1/2 yrs, so we are pretty close. I'll take him home later today. 

    Has anyone had a follow up mammo with 3D imaging? St Davids' in Austin sent me a letter saying they have it now. I normally get mine done at ARA in Round Rock...actually have it scheduled for next week. I think I am going to call my BS this week and see what she recommends.

    Nice that we have some options! Wondering if insurance companies are up to speed on this!

    Vicki, sounds like you've got some busy days ahead! Real estate has been crazy busy also!:)

    Holli, I hope your healing continues. That must be frustrating for you. I don't think I could tolerate steroids for that long...cannot sleep when I am on them. I'm sure your Dr's are on top of things for you. Thanks for sharing the inspirational quotes. 

    I am reading Dr Weiss's book, "Living Well beyond Breast Cancer." So far, it's been helpful. I guess she (they) are the reason we are on this forum!!! 

    Kelsey, Chaos, susu, Cindy, Jen, Zelda, anyone I may have forgotten, I hope you all are well!

    Have a wonderful week!!!

  • rmlulu
    rmlulu Member Posts: 1,501

    Hi Y'all

    Ooo who! My company left this morning and the house is quite!  Poor pup doesn't know what happen to his extra playmates...he has doubled in size over the past 3 weeks amazing.

    Vic - 5 race weekends snapping pics...fun:) you are a busy popcorn kennal...post some photos. Are you in Corpus for Labor Day!

    Holli - ugh :( so sorry for the rad SE...darn these trade offs in treatment.  Hope the prednisone works and not too many SEs form the added steroid.  How are your kiddos? Ready for school? Gosh the summer has flow by...thanks for the bright drops :D grandma knows best.

    Terri - yeah, closing! Donate that wig and celebrate:))) I do 3D mammos...team seems to prefer so alternate mamo/MRI. Kindergarten...everything we need to know we learned...wash your hands say please thank you yell the truth be kind I'm sure he's very ready and will have so much to share for. His ever expanding world

    Jen - whoa, busy sending calm restful thoughts with extra energy ...Duracell

    Missing some voices...wishing all well Kelsey, Zelda, Chaos, Susug...

    Tomorrow going tubing at Gruene...hubby has puppy duty:)

    Have a great week!

    (((Hugs)))

    Cindy

  • vbishop
    vbishop Member Posts: 332

    Hi all -

    Checking on our ladies recovering from surgery or in treatment.  How is everyone doing?

    Zelda?  Should be heading back to work soon, right?

    Chaos - how is chemo going?  Hang in there.

    RHGSR - how are the lungs doing?

    Kelsey - healing from surgery okay?  Ready for the next step?

    Susug - hanging tough?

    Jen - how's the training and the diet going?  I know you've been through emotional hell the past few weeks.  Hope things are settling down.

    Hope to hear from you all soon!

  • shewolfpg
    shewolfpg Member Posts: 73

    Well I am doing okay from surgery. Been tired. Still can't use my left arm that great. Finally got to do a bath which was nice.  No large balls floating. All went under the water. Met with the medical oncologist today and she has me meeting with a chemo teacher tomorrow and Wednesday start my treatment. Below you will see what I will be doing. The AC for the first 4 cycles and the T as the last cycle. Each cycle 14 days. So 16 weeks if all goes well. 

    Last week had an appointment for my daughter and she may have scoliosis so she and all will be having mother daughter physical therapy. We are going to try to have those on the Mondays before I have to take Chemo again. As that is when I guess I am supposed to have energy again. 

    My dad has to leave on the 16th so luckily he will be here for at least 2 treatments. God I thought surgery sucked. But this is really going to suck. 

  • keepthefaith
    keepthefaith Member Posts: 856

    Kelsey, I'm glad you are feeling somewhat better. Give yourself some time. Good luck with your Chemo TX's. Remember to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Call your MO at the first sign of SE's. They have an arsenal,  if you need it. 

    Anyone going to the RFL for  RR/Hutto in Sept?

    MO appt in a bit. Keeping my fingers crossed. 3 mo follow up....

  • Susug
    Susug Member Posts: 25

    Hi All,

    I'm still waiting on my genetic testing to come back  this waiting is worse than knowing at least I can be moving forward toward getting this all started . I'm ready either way I have done a lot of research and know who I want to see about surgery  . There are 2 docs in Dallas I have in mind  thank for asking  hope everyone is doing ok  

  • vbishop
    vbishop Member Posts: 332

    "Anyone going to the RFL for  RR/Hutto in Sept? "   What's that and when is it?

    Thanks for checking in, ladies! 

  • rhgsr
    rhgsr Member Posts: 179

    thinking of you Kelsey. How are you feeling?

    Lungs are better ladies. Thank you all for asking. Still get short of breath and it has pushed me behind on regaining strength and energy but at least I can breath. Steroids suck (only word for it).  On 60 mg. and starting to now "see" the SEs (bloating, moon face, etc) as well as feel them. Keep telling myself it is only temporary but it sucks none the less. 

    Any of you ever been on a Littke Pink Houses of Hope retreat?

  • keepthefaith
    keepthefaith Member Posts: 856

    Vicki, RFL is Relay for Life...American Cancer Societys' annual walk. RR/Hutto is Sept 20th at the Dell Diamond. I got an invite for "survivors" to go from 6pm-12am. I have been years ago, but always supporting someone, never as a survivor. It has always been fun and emotional. Participants form a team, stay over-night, decorate their tents, walk, etc.  I think Cindy said she went to Georgetowns' this year. 

    It's kind of funny, because I got a survivor invite last year, but hadn't been diagnosed yet, so, I am always saying that is my sign that I will SURVIVE! They are having a complimentary dinner on Sept 6th also. I guess you need to go online www.relayforlife.org/roundrocktx to register for the survivor/caregiver dinner. Also says you can RSVP to Natalie rrhevenchair@gmail.com or 281.728.6047. 

    Holli, I'm glad you are feeling somewhat better. I sympathize with you having to take those steroids. UGH! 

    Have not been on the LPH of Hope retreat. Sounds interesting. I will look it up. 

    I am not looking forward to Pinktober myself. My surgery date was October 18th a year ago. MO follow up yesterday went well. She is checking my Vit D levels-will know in a few days what they look like. Hoping a huge improvement since taking my supplements. If not, I told her she could refer me to an Endocrinologist...not wanting to see yet another Dr. . Blood counts were normal and she said 4 months before I have to see her again. Yay! Mammo on Friday...praying for good results.

    I hope the rest of you are doing well~

    Happy Hump Day!

  • Txsurvivor13
    Txsurvivor13 Member Posts: 12

    Sorry I went MIA. Been a crazy August with work and all. Wow! Can't believe it is about to be September.

    Kelsey, I am glad you are on the mend. It is a slow process and it gets frustrating. But know it will get better.

    Cindy, you asked about my avatar. :) Well during my chemo that story was making the rounds on Facebook about the husband that went around the world in a pink tutu taking pics. Well my husband has a friend that makes tutu's and she sent us two. So we wore them to the Susan G 5K I ran in.

    Vic, I will have to try to find that Texas Runner magazine. Didn't even know there was a magazine specifically for Texas runners.

    I did get my NED news!!! So exciting! Now I am preparing for my surgery on the 3rd. Having my implants swapped and nipple reconstruction.

    Hope everyone has a happy hump day!!

  • rmlulu
    rmlulu Member Posts: 1,501

    Hi Y'all

    Wow, Labor Day weekend! Cooler temps soon 

    Luvmycanadian - ah! Yes the tutu man...<3 video yippee! NED dance Ooo who :))) sending calm confident thoughts and prayers for Thelma&Lousie xoxo in your pocket!

    Kelsey - whoa, 3X that just €##£ :((( yeah! the shower but sorry you are still waiting results :(( glad dad is here to help and be there for y'all.  Hoping your dd PT goes well and you tolerate chemo well, that's an oxymoron. Be kind to yourself and allow your body to heal....this is a slow process...but you will make it!

    Terri - in your pocket for MO checkup...breathe! RFL is fun, but it's so different being a survivor...the tears as you take your lap will surprise you.  Always have gone to support family&friends, but it's so different when it's you..and look at your name on a luminaire:) you are a Survivor :)))  local gals want to meet at the Dell for a stroll?

    Vic - our photo shot snap snap gal!  Looking forward to the holiday weekend pics:))) the coast right?

    Holli - gold you are breathing better...ugh those SEs :( but if it's doing the job and helping you feel better than yeah.  We are all so much more than moon face, foobs, lumps, challenged hair, fragile bones...so are you going to the Little Pink House of Hope?  Hope y'all put in for CFR in Jan and make the draw...how's that boxer and your kiddos? Hang in there!

    Susug - yippee! You know who you want on your team...breathe, the wait will be over soon...it just seems like forever before things can be seen in the rear view window...press harder on the gas...vrmmm in your pocket:)

    Jen - how's the work out diet queen?  Hope you get to sneak away for the long weekend and just enjoy life 

    Zelda - xoxo 

    Chaos - sending gentle hugs to you in chemoland {{{squeeze}}}

    Hubby's been very ill....everyday RoundRock ER, DR, tests, pup and I sat outside in the heat with pup under a tree waiting on more tests...could not stand the idea of a longer crate time so went home between waits and brought pup back to wait outside...he's able to slink through our rod iron fence...a month or more to go and not an issue.  Killed a baby rattler in yard the other morning ugh...time for bath and then a good walk and thenThe BIG adventure to doggy park!  Gosh, I hope there's a playmate :)))

    (((Hugs)))

    Cindy

  • rhgsr
    rhgsr Member Posts: 179

    hi ladies!! Wanted to share a post from my blog about the color pink. 

    ------------

    At the beginning of this journey, I hated pink. Let me rephrase that... I loved pink. Its a great color. "Pretty in Pink" is one of my favorite movies ( gotta love Ducky). And of course my all time favorite movie nuptials are colored "Blush and Bashful". But once you get diagnosed with Breast Cancer, pink isn't so soft and innocent anymore. When your in the middle of the diagnosis, the shock, the fear, the fight, the pain, the sickness... The last thing you want to look at is that glowing pink ribbon that says "save the Ta-Tas", "support breast cancer research", "Boobies".... Etc... You're mad. You're mad at cancer. You're mad it picked you. You're mad you have to burden your family and friends. I especially didn't want to wear anything with a pink breast cancer ribbon. I mean... Who wants to advertise that they have this awful disease. My bald head, port, and scars were all the reminders I needed.

    At the beginning of all this mess, my beloved husband bought me a pair of hot pink tennis shoes. I quietly cringed (sorry honey) but I appreciated his meaning behind them. Ronnie called them my cancer kick'in shoes. I've worn them to just about every single treatment. I joked that when this was over I was going to have a ceremonial burning of them. I'm proud of them now. I have truly walked in those shoes.

    But after this week... My opinion of pink has been altered. It could be contributed to the fact that I'm beginning to gain some distance from this disease. It's hard to reflect when you're in the midst of it... But I think it truly has to do with what and who I experienced this week.

    Little PINK Houses of Hope!!

    I'm going to keep you on the edge of your seats with this one. Much more to come this week about this amazing organization (including pictures).

  • rmlulu
    rmlulu Member Posts: 1,501

    image

    ha ha :) hubby sneaked in and took pic...flaked out from playing...guess I didn't hear hubby ring his bell...didn't know he knew how to take pics...his 1 st adventure out of bed...hope that's a good sign....shirt in mouth to avoid doggy kisses...nap time bow wow

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