January 2014 Surgery Sisters
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LOLOL!! 35 (thirty-five) pounds!! I shouldn't try to type without my glasses! Vacation is just a long weekend trip to Big Bear Lake to celebrate my sister's inlaws 50th wedding anniversary. I haven't had a vacation in 2 years, so am really looking forward to it!
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Um, 3 lbs...I'll take that, lol! I've lost 10 lbs. since my diagnosis but even at that I'm sure I'm heavier than anyone here. I won't say what I weigh, but doc says to lose 10 to 15 lbs for my ideal weight. So, that's my goal.
Eve, I'm sorry to hear that you are in such pain. I hope you find a solution.
I recently had xrays that confirmed osteoarthritis in my spine & hip. Also have it in one knee. The Dr. was astounded that I don't have pain in my back with all the weirdness - swayed back, scoliosis, one leg shorter than the other, and lots of other things I can't even pronounce. Guess I'm lucky in that I don't have back pain, but do with the knee and hip. Also saw degenerative arthritis in the long list. Every time they do an xray they see stuff. Guess I'll take that over cancer. The Doc gave me some tips and recommendations - one is to avoid stairs. Really??? The best take-away from that appt. is that I need to sell my house, lol!
I'm still struggling with trying to find the right kind of exercise. Doc says some of the Yoga poses are too hard on my back and knee and that Tai Chi would be better.
Next I'm going to try some arthritis water exercise - aka - the old lady club!
Happy May Day everyone!
Just saw your last post, Diane!
Have a wonderful trip!0 -
just curious.. After a bmx how does the dr check any suspicious lumps? Ultrasound?
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Geez Mary. That doesn't sound like fun at all, but you are looking at it in such a positive way. I've always wanted to try tai chi. It's wonderful that you have taken off 10 pounds and are basically within spitting distance of your ideal weight. With 35 lbs to lose myself, it is daunting to be sure, but I'll take a page from your book and set realistic goals and try to remain positive.
Beverly - I'm sure every BS is different, but my friend just went through the suspicious lump trauma after BMX 11 years ago. They did an ultrasound and when that was inconclusive, did a PET scan, because they didn't want to risk rupturing her saline implant with a biopsy. Everything is clear. Did you call your BS, or are you waiting to see if you feel it again? As your husband said, it could be from the FG.
So happy that it is Saturday!
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
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Beverly,
I had an MRI for a lump. No big deal,,,just scar tissue. I have to have an MRI once a year...just to be sure.
Well, yes Mary the pain is A ROYAL pain.
But I find the more I move the better it gets as the day goes on. Tai Chi seems so peaceful. I'd like to try that too. On the other hand, hubby and I finally fulfilled our Christmas gift to Nates parents and installed their new kitchen floor today. I thought I was going to die from crawling around on the floor and cutting and measuring. LOL I am a tired mess right now....But hubby just told me I was absolutely wonderful.That I knew what I was doing and he is so proud of me and he is going to cook me dinner....wow! Feeling really good right now! Have a bit of an inflated/elevated ego...It just felt so good to do something for my inlaws. They are very religious and I had to tell dad I was about to start swearing because one tile was a pain in the butt.....He just said swear away if it helps. Gotta love 'em. we had a blast and the kitchen looks amazing.You know ladies, about the weight gain. I know it is about how you "feel" about your image....I feel the same way, but really I don't care. I am alive and reasonably healthy...the weight is secondary. It will come off, but 10lbs 30 lbs I think maybe we have the weight because our bodies need it right now. And if we eat healthy food with a bit of goodies thrown in we'll get to our "happy place".
k gonna watch The Kentucky Derby.
love you BEEEEEEUTIFUL women
E
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Mary,
did the docs recommend any pain or arthritis meds for you? I hate the side effects that are associated with the current meds. Just scary. I am sorry you have all this going on in addition to dealing with the aftermath of BC. sigh
I also have the hip pain. I am pretty sure that my back pain is the result of a very, very old injury to my tailbone. My mom and my aunt also had rheumatoid arthritis.... so I am pretty sure that is what I am facing. Even if I get the x-rays and MRIs I really think I wouldn't take any of the drugs available...just don't trust them...look at Boniva...turned out it was NOT the be all end all drug. It is really hard to subject myself to more inconclusive tests that reveal what we already know. Even after crawling all over the floor today and in pain...I am ok now....so I think I'll quit my complaining and do more physically Really seems to help.We'll see what tomorrow brings...lol
Have to take pup to the dog park tomorrow. I'll walk a couple of miles around the perimeter while hubby runs with her. Better him than me.
I am NOT giving up.
love to all
E
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Diane, I like how you put that - spitting distance, lol! I'm hoping I can break through that wall. I lost the 10 lbs. without even trying so you would THINK I could lose the rest by actually trying.
Eve, No more drugs for me either. My hip isn't that bad as long as I don't sit too long. Long car rides can be tough. It's really more stiffness than anything. The hard part for me is trying to tell what's what. If I have joint pain - is it the osteoarthritis, the statins, the AI or something else. So far it's tolerable but I can see how stairs are going to be a problem for me in the near future.
Beverly, I've had ultrasounds for any lump or suspicious surface things. If you feel something - anything at all - don't hesitate to call your docs.
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I forgot to tell you ladies that I am walking in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on Mother's Day. I'm joining a group of women from a support group I occasionally attend. They extended the invite and I decided hey....why not! I think it will be a great experience and I'm looking forward to it.
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hi ladies. You have been so wonderful and supportive! I have my appointment with the bs today. When the office called to confirm it they said I'd be seeing the pa. Ok. I just hope she listens to me and checks this out. I almost canceled the appointment. My husband and my mom think I'm paranoid and the doctor can't do anything since the lump was there one day- a grape sized lump in the left breast! And now I can't feel it. I felt it my husband felt it!! He thinks it must be scar tissue and because it's gone, I should just let it go and cancel my appointment. My mom asked if I wanted her to go with me and I said no -I feel bad! I just feel like she will sit there and tell me and the dr that I need to except the new me and move on. My mom had invasive cancer diagnosed about 6-7 years ago. She had a huge lumpectomy, radiation and chemotherapy. When I had my fG and any other surgery for that matter she thought I was nuts. Her exact words were are you going through a mid life crisis? I don't think she realizes how hurtful some of the things she says are and I just don't want to deal with that at my appointment.
My question for you ladies is, what can I do if the pa or my bs feel the breast and say I don't feel anything you're good. I felt what I delt. Could it be hid under the implant? What if they refuse to do an ultrasound? I just want this checked so I can breathe!
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Beverly - it's your life and your body. You have a right to be concerned. They may give you the option of doing an US just to see what they can see. If nothing else, just to reassure you. That's what they did for me just recently when I had abdominal pain - they did an MRI to check it out. Because I pointed out they couldn't say for certain whether or not my symptoms were caused by ovarian cancer, which was my main concern, so they were obligated to check it out, especially considering my history.
BTW, I've ONLY ever seen CNPs and PAs during almost all of my med-onc visits. They are all awesome - very thorough and very experienced. I always call my team with any concerns and really, I don't care what they or anyone else thinks of it.
Good luck!
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thanks Mary
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You bet...Let us know how it goes!
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well she asked me what it felt like, I said the size of a grape. She asked if it was hard or squishy.. I was like I don't know. She felt for it and then did ultrasound. There was nothing. She said it was probably a fatty deposit. She noticed my implant has quite a bit of rippling on the left side. I told her the ps wasn't sure if it flipped. She said it may have, there's alot of rippling/bumps. At the point where my nipples would be you can see like a point of the implant.... I don't know anymore. Smile and move on, right?
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Hmmm.....one of the purposes of FG is to help hide rippling and smooth it out, right? That being said I can feel some slight rippling in one side, but it doesn't visibly show. I wonder why no one is investigating whether or not it's flipped? Does it look okay to you? You're the judge. If it were me, I'd want a better explanation other than....it may have. But that's just me.
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Mary,
I am probably going to end up calling the ps back. I just know that right now I can't afford to have another surgery. I have like 2 days left of sick days. I'm done w school on June 16 after that I'll make an appointment for her to check it out. I'm seeing more rippling too soI'm thinking some of the fat didn't take.
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At least it doesn't sound like something that's urgent and you have summers off, so that's a good thing.
I'm due for a one year checkup in July so I'll have her check mine then, just out of curiosity. But I'm happy with what I have. As long as I'm lump-free and more importantly - cancer free, I'm good!
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Hi all,
Haven't been on for a while - busy recovering from "clean up" surgery two weeks ago - having some excess skin and fluids removed. Then the incision got infected. I go back to the surgeon tomorrowand hopefully he will clear me to travel. Need to be in Fl next week for my grandsons band concert.
Beverly- it sounds like you can wait till school lets out, but then I would push until I got a definite answer. "Probably" and "May have" just don't do it at this point. With what we've all been through, and living with the possibility of re-occurrence, we deserve a thorough and complete investigation and answer. You didn't imagine the lump you felt, and neither did your husband. The fact that it cannot be seen right now doesn't change the fact that it was there. I get so frustrated just reading how casually they reacted to your legitimate concern. Hope the actual Dr will be more thorough.
Anne
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thanks Anne
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Hi Anne,It sounds like you have had a rough time. Good luck with your appointment!
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Hi
Sorry to say, the infection has not cleared up. The Dr put me on a new antibiotic and needs me to come back again next week to check it. That means I will miss the band concert. I am disappointed, but am not comfortable with transferring to a new Dr in Fl with this. I have made reservations for next Thurs. I hope he gives me the okay then. He knows how badly I want to go.
Anne
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Anne..
so sorry you are having problems healing...you are such a wonderful grandma. I hope I can be like you when my son and dil have a baby.
Thinking of you...get better
E
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Eve
Being a grandma is so much more than I ever expected. I have always been child oriented, and was blessed to have 3 biological children. Then we became foster parents to more than 20 children over five years, 2 of whom we adopted. I ran a small home daycare, then taught a preschool class for a year. I was the head of the nursery at our church. Then I went to work in the office in a middle school for 15 years. So, it was pretty clear that I loved kids. When my oldest told me she was pregnant, I was overjoyed. I thought I was ready. Then Michael was born. I cannot put into words what happened. It was so much more than I ever imagined. The first time he recognized me and smiled just for me was beyond incredible. Shortly after Michael was born, I found out that my brother was going to be a grandparent for the first time. I called and tried to prepare them for how great it was. I got the same response I had given others - "yes, we're so excited, can't wait". I tried to explain that it was going to be so much more intense than they were prepared for. Got nowhere. I talked to them a few months after their first grandchild was born and I could feel the glow over the telephone lines.
I have since asked many, many grandparents if being a grandparent was what they expected. With a few exceptions, they have all agreed it is way beyond their expectations and that why it is so much more is impossible to put into words. And, it doesn't just happen with the first. I have six now and have such strong bonds with each one. That is why I travel so much. When my oldest moved to Ga 5 years ago, I thought I would die. They had lived 3 minutes from us for 10 years. That's why I travel so much - I don't want to lose the incredible bonds I have with each one of them, and am working really hard to create that bond with Lucia, which is hard because I only see her every few months, where with all the others, my house was as familiar as their own, and none of them ever cried when left with me. I don't think Lu would cry either, but I've never had the chance to find out.
Trust me- you will feel that incredible bond the minute you meet your first grandchild, whenever that may be.
Anne
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Anne..
what a beautiful tribute to being a grandma. I am a kid person also. I worked in a daycare with the one year olds...sooooo much fun. I adored being a stay at home mama. And very grateful that I could do that.
My best friend has a 9 month old grand son. She is over the moon about this little boy. he has just arrived home from a week long stint in the hospital. He had a high fever...the docs couldn't figure out why????? very frustrating for everyone. So far he is ok now. He was a premie and spent his first weeks in the nicu. If you go on my FB page there are videos and pics of him...such a cutie. Her children call me Aunt Eve and my neighbors kids are always stopping by to say hello.
My step son and I are like two peas in a pod and I am sure we drive my husband nuts ....we talk a lot...lol
take care
love
Eve
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well I had my appt with the endocrinologist today. She's concerned about me being 42 years old with a bone scan of t score -2. She wants to make sure nothing else is going on. She referenced thyroid and other reasons why my body may not be processing Calcium correctly. I need to do a 24 hr urine catch and have more blood work done. She told me in addition to the 1000 mg of calcium and vitamin d I need to add 1000 more of vitamin d. Once she gets the urine and blood results we will go from there. She wants to do a bone scan again in a year, which she said insurance will fight because they cover one every two years...so we will wait and see. Need to also eat more healthy and add a half hour of walking daily. Sounds easy but it's 730 just left basebal and I'm in mcdonalds drive thru for dinne
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Anne, you are amazing! Happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful moms in case I don't post before Sunday.
Beverly, I hate to say it, but welcome to the other half. That's....the other half of your life when you have to worry about bone health and other postmenopausal-type issues. I know it's earlier than what should be normal for you, but it's good you're getting info on bone loss due to estrogen deprivation. For 2 years now I've monitored my calcium intake and managed to go from osteoporosis to osteopenia. My physical medicine doc I saw recently asked, "How did you do that?" She was amazed and impressed. But we don't know if it's the Zometa or just that I'm eating better and taking calcium supplements (with Vit D3). I have learned tons about nutrition after being sent to at least 3 dietitians since my diagnosis. I'm also seeing an integrative medicine doc who is helping me with even more tips on staying healthy. I've gone from obsessing about my disease to obsessing about my health, which can only be a good thing. I've been sedentary most of my adult life so I"m trying all sorts of new activities and having fun doing it. I'm also learning how to set goals and finding ways to get motivated. It's not easy! I was recently diagnosed with osteoarthritis which in a way is a relief because now I can't blame the AI for all my aches and pains. I'm sure you've heard that exercise reduces your risk of recurrence. That's been THE most important message in all of this. These are all things within our control.
Sorry...I'll step down off my soapbox now, lol!
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Hi All,
Just wanted to say, Bev, I've been in your shoes. I remember telling a Dr once that if I didn't eat fast food, I wouldn't eat at all. Having 5 kids with a 14 year age span between them, I lived in my car, chauffeuring them all over town for sports, jobs, friends houses, etc. Maybe you could pack something to eat during the practices and games? And walk the perimeter of the field during the game? I know it's a lot easier said than done, but I also know how impossible it seems to find time to concentrate on you.
I know when I was working and raising the kids, I used to fill my freezer 3x a year. We would go and buy several hundred dollars worth of meat. Then I would go home and make meat loaves, pkgs of meatballs, cook up the rest of the ground beef for tacos, spaghetti with meat sauce and lots of casseroles that used ground beef, which I would then freeze in meal size packages. Iwould cook, then cut chicken breasts into casserole size pieces. I would cut steaks into stir fry pieces or into stew meat, etc. then I would freeze it all. It took my DH, DD#1 and me a full day, sometimes 2 to get it all done. But it made dinner a whole lot quicker and easier to make. Because I worked at a school, we would do it at the end of summer, over Christmas break and again over Spring Break.
I also planned menus at least two weeks ahead. If I didn't do that, we ended up alternating hot dogs, spaghetti and pizza because I never could decide one night what to cook the next night and remember to take meat out to defrost. With my posted menus, I looked in the morning as I was getting breakfast, and grabbed a package of meat to defrost.
I know what I did may not work for you, but maybe it will give you some inspiration on how you can work your own needs into your life, without having to choose between your health and your family.
Anne
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Happy Mom's Day to you all!
Beverly, I totally agree with Mary and Anne....welcome to the post menopause side...lol It's not that bad. I went into menopause at your age and I am so glad I haven't had to deal with periods and such for a great many years. BUT your body does change. It does take a bit more effort to keep the pounds off and stir up the energy. I walk almost everyday and on Sat. at the dog park I run a bit with pup and walk around the perimeter of the park. Today I am shampooing carpets...ugh...takes forever but well worth it and I am exercising at the same time.
I try to remember that even though my back is killing me (but getting better by the way) and I am certainly not as pretty as I used to be (getting wrinkely and jowly) my sight is going,I am super gray...but I have hair....and hair dye
The world is pretty sucky right now...but my little world is really good. I am 59yo my former husband died at 45, my SIL at 42 from BC. I am alive and can still make a positive difference...for all of my complaints....I am breathing, with options for living longer. Don't mean to be preachy, but life is what you make it. The supplements are right on for bones and BC...especially a little bit of exercise. D-3 is essential.......You live in the north east right? so you may not be out in the sun for a good part of the year...the sun is what allows our bodies to create D-3. I take 2000mgs everyday even though I live in Fla. I am allergic to the heat and sun...go figure. So I don't go out as much as I like. I also take B-12...fabulous for everything...especially energy.
having said all that, keep pushing your docs for answers. Like Mary I think I'd go to a naturopath. be well my friend.
Anne, we do the same thing with stocking up on stuff. have a major trip to Sams Club tomorrow. and a day of sealing all the meat and cheese with the food saver machine.
k...have to finish the carpets...and make Tacos.....ummmm....
love you all
E
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Speaking of meal planning - that is my greatest challenge. Even though it's just the 2 of us, I still find it very hard to plan, shop and prepare healthy meals every day. I figure I'm good if 80% of the time I eat "right" and 20% of the time is reality. I'm on the road a lot for appointments, classes and commuting back and forth to mom's. On the weekends we go up north. So when I go to fast food places I opt for salads.
I use Pinterest not only for recipes, but for meal planning systems. Still haven't found the perfect one. I try to plan so that I don't end up running to the grocery store every other day, but I still go more than I'd like. I try to keep stocked up on fresh produce so that if all else fails, I can just make a smoothie. Here's a tip: cut up fruits and veggies for "finger foods" into small baggies and put in a small cooler for quick snacks on the go. It's so much easier to eat healthy in the summertime with all the farmer's markets. I love summer!
I've recently started taking Magnesium. It's supposed to have many benefits - good for your heart, stress, bones, blood sugar, just to name a few: http://naturalvitality.com/natural-calm/
Wish me luck. On Sunday I'm walking in the Race for the Cure. I know Susan G. Komen isn't real popular these days, but a local group of bc survivors invited me and I decided to go at the last minute. Problem is I haven't been feeling well the last few days - some kind of stomach bug, I think. Anyways, after I finish I'm going to visit mom dressed in my pink getup. The Race will be within spitting distance of her 'apartment.' I know she is with me in spirit. This Mother's Day has been really hard for me. When I went to go look for a card I almost cried in the Hallmark store. I never cried all during my cancer journey, but this journey with mom has been really tough to take.
Hope you all have a wonderful weekend with your families! Enjoy!
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Hi all
Mary, I think if you are eating well 80% of the time you are doing pretty good. Last night I had chocolate chip pancakes for dinner- definitely not healthy, or what I would normally eat, but DGS and his GF decided they wanted to cook us dinner and since neither of them have ever cooked, they picked something "easy". Which was really funny, because neither of my DD's or I can make pancakes. We can't get them round or cooked evenly. So we were glad to have them and especially glad to see that Michael hasn't inherited our inability to cook pancakes.
I also wanted to mention there is a website called Big Oven that has thousands of recipes on it. And it has a planner, so you can plan for up to a month at a time. That is all free. For $20 a year, it will even make a shopping list for you. We have found some really good, really easy dinners on there. You can add your own recipes or just put the names of them in the planner.
Wishing all of you a wonderful Mother's Day
Anne
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Good Luck Mary.....you go girl!
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