January 2014 Surgery Sisters
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Happy Mothers weekend to all! Have beenosting more on fb than BCO lately. It is good to come back and see what everyone is up to.
Beverly, I recently started magnesium and vitamin d a few months ago definitely is helping me with aches and pins in the joints.
Anne, I love reading all about your grandma pursuits here and on fb. I think it is awesome you have such a close relationship with them. I am going to check out Big Oven recipes...sounds interesting.
Good luck with your walk tomorrow, Mary. I am glad that Kumen is moving their branding from awareness to cure. It is a step in the right direction.
I am joining the menopause side myself. It started with chemopause and it has officially been one year since I last saw Flo. I don't miss her at all. I get night sweats primarily but not as severe since i am on my tami holiday. And, the soft belly.
Well, I took a peek at the new girls today. I have some weeping and needed to change my dressing and wash the surgical bra I went home in yesterday. I am wearing a tight sports bra in the mean time. I ended up with naturelle MF 525ccs anatomical shaped. I guess those are the gummy bears. They look very natural as compared to my expanders. My sports bra fits about the same which is encouraging because I think they look smaller. I had dog ears from excess ski on the inside of each Breast. He took care of those but it meant he had to use the entire scar line from the BMX horizontally.
DD came home for winter break on my last day of rads and moved out of her dorm yesterday when I got my girls back. Maybe we will tattoos together in a few months😛
Love to all, ann
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Happy Mother's Day Ladies! Love you ALL!
Diane.
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Ann,
Congrats on the new ta-ta's!!
I have the same ones - Natrelle MF 640. I also had to have (new) horizontal incisions just below the foobs - about 3 inches long. I wasn't happy about that, but I guess that's the only way to get those babies in since they don't really fold up. Hope you like them. I love mine. They are so comfy I barely notice I have them on, lol! Although I must admit I still wear bras - even at night. I think I just got used to it and it feels better to wear one. I know most ladies like to go without, but I seem to need the support.I've recovered from my walk. The group I walked with was a really fun group of ladies. We got a lot of press due to our outfits and our "chant", lol! First time I've ever done anything like that. We got there at 6 a.m. and walked around, took photos, did some dancing, then the 5K finally started at 9 a.m. I'm not used to being on my feet that long, so it was kind of tough, but I made it. Whoohoo!
Take care,
~M
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hi ladies. Well last week as I was driving my vision got screwed up. It was almost like my eyes were crossed. Luckily I was at a red light. When the light changed I pulled over. I thought I was going to have to call my husband to come get me. Well after a few minutes it got better and I drove home. Last night I was sitting on the bed talking to my husband and all of a sudden I couldn't see clearly. There were floating black gray and white zig zags. It was really weird! It lasted about 20 minutes. I called my sis who is a nurse and she said call ur dr. So I did. My dr then told me to go to ER to rule out retinal detachment or tear, ocular migraine or stroke. So off to the ER I went. They ended up doing a mri. The results: ocular migraine and they saw a cyst on my brain! Ladies I just wanted to cry! It seems I can't catch a flipping break! Now I need to scheduled the consult with my neurologist that I've been putting off because i already had appts with endocrinologist, bs, primary...it just seems like this downward spiral is never going to end. Mother's Day I spent the day peeing in a bottle because the endocrinologist feels that my low vitamin d is more than just due to menopause and she wants to rule out thyroid issue and a few other things. I have so much to do for school and my kids sports etc now I need to worry about a cyst on my brain, possible thyroid Or something else issue and visions issues. Oh goody
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Beverly,
I'm sorry this is happening. I did some quick searching and it seems like it will really depend upon what type of cyst it is and where it is, but I think you can be thankful that it is a cyst and not a tumor. Thyroid issues are easy to treat with meds. I take been taking Synthroid every day for years with no side effects. Hang in there and try not to worry. I know how it feels to have things go wrong when you really feel like you should be done with doctors and medical issues. It will be okay. Just a few more weeks until summer. You can do it 😊
Hugs,
Dia
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Diane
Thanks! I felt a hug while reading your post.
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oh I forgot to mention... As I was getting ready for my mri, the woman was asking me a bunch of questions. One was about surgeries. I rambled off all the surgeries I had. One of which was bmx. Then she asks if I'm breast feeding! I was like um no, I don't have breasts!!!! Omg she was mortified. What could I do but laugh.
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hang in there Beverly! like, Diane, I take synthroid daily. It will be 2 years this July that I had my thyroid removed and started the hormone replacement. I have had zero side effects that I can tell. I also take vitamin d to help with joint stiffness. It seems to help. I am sure that the possible brain cyst is weighing on you, especially with everything you have been going through. Hopefully, you will have answers soon.
And omg on the questions! You sure can tell that sometimes they get so caught up in the process of the questions they forget what they are even asking
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Miss Beverly
I wrote a long post to you. was lost n the ether net world...sigh.
just want you to know am thinking about you and hope everything works out.
took synthroid for years with no side effects except that I felt great and was at a great weight. I miss tacking it.....the eye thing sounds like a migraine without the painful headaches. I get that every few weeks. I just wait it out and am ok. I used to get really awful mgraines so I'll take the funky eye thing any day.
As far as the brain cyst...now that is worrisome, but like Diane said it all depends where the cyst is located.
You have so much on your plate...wife, mom, teacher...my heart goes out to you.
hang in there...... summer break is coming....take care lady
(((((((((hugs))))))))
Eve
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Beverly, all I can say is hang in there, sister! So far, so good. I know it seems like one thing after another, but It sounds like you are surrounded by good people who are watching out for you - and that counts for a lot! When I had an MRI for my fibroids, they downplayed the whole thing by saying they are stable, it's all okay, you're good, and then said...oh by the way....you have a cyst on your cervix and I'm like WTH.....but the nurse and other docs told me it's no big deal. Ok, but I don't tend to think along those lines. I'm very paranoid whenever it comes to my body and I think it's natural considering what we've been through.
About the nursing comment - wow, that one takes the cake, lol! You are so right - sometimes you just have to laugh!
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Sooooooo laughing about my last post.
The misspelled words are just bad, bad bad. lol
I just texted my husband asking him if he was waiting on a truck...(he is a warehouse manager and often has to stay late for UPS) the text came out as....are you waiting on a trick......oh my...funny stuff.
hope you all had a nice weekend
E
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LOL, Eve - that's a good one! Hope he got a kick out of that!
A few days ago my DH said he'd be late because he had to get his glasses fixed. I just got suspicious, don't know why.... just the way he said it. But he showed me his glasses and they were actually broken and I saw the receipt and everything so I knew he wasn't stepping out. SERIOUSLY?! What is wrong with me?? I know he'd never do that.
To everyone who still reads this thread - have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!! DH took off Friday and Tuesday so we're going to have a nice long weekend at the cabin. AND I think we're in for some halfway decent weather. Traditionally Memorial Day weekend is cool and rainy, so I'll take whatever I can get.
Eve, thanks so much for the offer to help with gardening
. It's so nice to know I can always count on you, lol! BTW, I could use a little help up at the cabin, too!Love to all!
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hi ladies. So I spoke with the nurse at my primary drs office. She said I need to see a nuerogist asap to have them compare my last mri and one I had done a few months ago (on brain/head). I have to call them tomorrow to set up appt. She also told me that the urine and blood work came back. It showed high levels of calcium in my blood and low thyroid results... Anyone know what this means?! I have to call the endocrinologist tomorrow also to get some clarification. Ok, so now I'm dealing with low thyroid results, high calcium in my blood and a cyst on my brain!!! I feel a tad bit overwhelmed!! I am getting ready to end the school year on June 16- can't wait!! One less thing to worry about on a daily basis. I have one last big meeting with my principal this Thursday and one more big assessments for my kids on wednesday. Good news is that 78% of my students reached the goal set by administration. I needed 60% to reach the goal so im happy. Hey let me know if anyone know what high calcium in blood or low thyroid indicates. Off to bed I just got back from my sons tournament we we're away all weekend his team came in first place!! So proud! They played 5 games and won them al
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Beverly: My guess is that your doctor will just prescribe Synthroid. The quick search I did suggested that the high calcium might be another indicator of low thyroid, which is highly treatable. The really good news is that it speeds up you metabolism and you are less tired, and may even lose a few pounds. I've had Zero side effects, as has my BFF, who has taken it for years.
Try to just get through these next few weeks, and make that appointment with the neurologist right away.
Stay focused on all of the great things that are happening. It is fantastic that your students are doing so well, and that your sons team took first place! YAY!
My son and I are in homework hell again, trying to get his book finished and the report written that is due Wednesday. He's finishing the last 50 pages now. June 11 is our last day, and it can't come soon enough for me!
Beverly - don't beat yourself up. We all have our moments when we worry about things and later think how nuts it sounds. I think dealing with all this stuff just turns our worlds on end and we loose our bearings.
All we can do is laugh and move forward I guess, but this was a rough weekend for me too. It started off really well...with a wonderful visit from my BFF from Colorado Friday night and for a few hours Saturday morning. Although she calls me every weekend (and every day when I've been home for all 5 of my surgeries), we hadn't seen each other in 8 years! It was so nice to sit down and talk in the same room.
...and then she left. I felt so alone, and my son was at his dads, and I spent all day Sunday in the recliner, watching TV, feeling sorry for myself. Around noon today, I finally realized that I need to at least look like I was capable of taking care of my boy, so I got up, did the laundry, and got myself together. I realized about an hour into the process, that I felt better, and realized that I just have to keep moving.
Happy Memorial Day to all of you lovely ladies!
Love and hugs,
Diane
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Diane...I totally agree with you about keeping on keeping on! I literally can sit all day. ugh. Just tired. But I have been redecorating the past week..so yes I am tired. I cry very easily...watching HGTV of all things. lol I don't understand the hyper emotional thing....it is not sadness just crying at good things. funny. So glad you were able to spend time with your BFF. Mine is 20 minutes from me and I rarely get to spend time with her. If we had to pay per minute for phone time we'd both be broke. Get the homework hell also. We don't have a lot of time with Daniel. And his mom isn't very involved in laying the law down about schoolwork and making the grade. Very frustrating. My boys were straight A students.....Not by coercion but because I tried to instill that responsibility. They are having a blast in college right now....David will be ok....you are a role model for him...it will pay off.
Mary...I truly wish I could make the trip and help with the garden and cabin. I painted our bathroom, and put in a new floor. Still have the base moulding to do but it looks so fresh and pretty. I am also going to replace all the outlets and wall switches through out the house...I just want nate home when I am dealing with electricity just incase I try to toast myself... I get the thing with hubby....I worry too sometimes...but nate just laughs at me...and loves the heck outta me. His "baby momma" is so unpredictable and I know she wants him back...every time I see her she is all kissy face with nate...he just ignores it....sigh.
Also have been on the phone for hours this last week with my son and daughter in law.They have decided to divorce. So very sad. But they have had a rocky road from the beginning. sigh. Trying to be supportive of both of them. It is what it is. My DIL is from Thailand and has no family here so I am determined to be non-judgmental and help her through this. The kids are being very mature and making a sad situation the best they can....
Hang in there Beverly...you know all you can do is get the tests done and take it from there. Congrats on a job well done with your own kids and your kids at school. Lots on your plate but you are pulling through. Awesome.love you ladies.
E
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Beverly - I hope you get some answers soon. In the meantime, enjoy all the good things you've worked for and hang on tight to those precious good times with your kids.
Diane - I know that feeling of someone leaving whose company you've really relished. But at least you had that time together. The motto 'Just Keep Swimming' is so true. I was at a conference a couple years ago where the motivational speaker who was military told a true story about flying a plane and the door falls off and some other parts go flying out the door and the instruments go haywire. The pilot radios in and the guy on the radio says, "Just keep flying the plane...." I have to remember that.
I've been crying a lot too lately. Not crying so much as getting misty-eyed and choked up. I'll be up at the cabin and just looking out from the porch at all the beauty and I feel so much in awe of nature and so happy at all we've accomplished. We worked so hard for our dream cabin and fought long and hard for it and now it's come true and I'm so happy, but then I'm thinking - what if my time here is cut short? Not good to sabotage my happiness like that, but I don't know how to get past that feeling. Plus I feel like I am losing a lot of friends and becoming even more isolated from other people instead of closer as I am healing and getting stronger. I feel like one big scar. Tough, not smooth. But I'm also very sensitive to what others say. Even a casual remark from friends or in-laws are suspect, like "How are you feeling?" can set me off. Me: "Oh now you ask me how I'm feeling but last year when I had my surgery you were nowhere to be found... all year and no phone call, nothing." Or...."Well, I'm feeling all sorts of things - do you have about 2 hours and I'll tell you everything I've been feeling these 2 years since I last saw you...." But that's pointless of course because they will never understand what I'm STILL going through. I know what my psychotherapist would say - Let it go! So I do, but that piece is really really tough. oops, I better get going to Yoga.
Talk to you later!
~M
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thanks Mary. In waiting room now. Originally neurologist said couldn't see u til August... My dr called them this morning and voila I have an appointment! Here's hoping for good news. My staff was so understanding and helpful. They took my class and told me to go. I needed to upload things today, the deadline is first thing torrid morning and just got email from co worker that she'd upload it for me
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nuerologist thinks it's all about migraines. He put me on topamax. He didn't get the films from hospital so he couldn't say much about cyst. Ugh!! I need to go to hospital to get films to bring to him. He doesn't think it's much of anything though...
Endocrinologist called as I was leaving the hospital... She said my vitamin d is low. It's 25.5 they like 30 or higher so she put me on 4000 iu of vitamin d3 and 500 mg of calcium. When I asked her about the low thyroid and high calcium levels she didn't know what I was talking about! She said she didn't get those results yet. My primary de gave me that info they didn't know what it meant moving forward though...
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So far, so good. Keep razzing 'em! It sounds like it would be a good idea for you to always ask for copies of all your medical records since they aren't all connected in one place. Keep us posted!
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Mary...totally get the tears at the drop of a hat thing. The scars are rough and I don't know if they will ever smooth out. But I do what I can. Your cabin sounds wonderful. The pics on FB reminded me that we are going camping in August, so I will get a bit of that beauty. Hopefully we will find our land by then and be on our way to having our own little piece of paradise.
Beverly, sounds as if you are on your way to having some answers. I take the D and calcium along with b12...seems to help. You are doing a good job...hang in there.
As a mom, really having a hard time helping my son through his divorce. he is taking half his retirement money...which is very substantial and giving it to his wife. he gave her 10 grand last year...and now a lot more. I told him not to turn over any more money until the divorce was final. I hate being in the middle but I have to look out for my son. I always had the feeling that she married Steven for his rank in the Marine Corps ...turns out I was right....HATE THIS. I really like his wife....so hard....I am glad they didn't have any children.At least that is a plus. sigh
So yes...keep flying that plane...even if its by the seat of your pants.
love
E
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Eve, is this the son that recently moved back and you were helping them find a house? I'm so sorry to hear that. Yes, it's good they don't have kids, but still very devastating. And very hard not to get involved ... sending HUGS to you!
Beverly, migraines sound like no fun at all. I've read that Yoga is good for that, as it is for a lot of things.
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sorry for dumping on you guys.
Yes, mary this is the son that just got home. I am not surprised and was afraid that the huge change would break them. They have had problems for years and I guess this was just too much. I have been divorced and it can get ugly. I told my son to not let that happen. Or he would have to answer to me!
Beverly...will your docs try Relpax (I think) or maxsalt (I think ) for your migraines. I have taken both before when I was having problems...come to think of it ...my migraines coincided with menopause. The pills, while expensive would knock out the migraine in 1/2 hour. Really amazing. Hope you are getting some answers.
Hope everyone else is doing well.
E
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eve,
My dr put me on topamax for the migraines. Hoping it helps! He said it said side effects, like everything else. Some bad, some good. He said it may make me sleepy.... I was like good!!! I don't sleep at night!!! He said it can also make me lose weight! Good!!! Since I'm overweight already!!! Anyway, here's to hoping it works. I met with my principal today for my end of the year conference. He had so many positive things to say!! My class of kindergarteners showed the most growth in the whole k-3 school!!!!!! I was like yes, they did!!! He wants me to take more of a leadership role at the school next year. He said even though this was my first year at the school he sees such good things I am accomplishing and hears from other staff that he wants me to branch out. More and get out of my comfort zone. I was like ok. He wants me to sign ups for wirkshops and then bring back new knowledge to the teachers etc. it was such a good meeting! I'm on a team with 2 other kindergarten teachers. The one I get along with the most is moving up to first grade next year. I'm saddened about that. My youngest daughter is coming to kindergarten in the fall and I was hoping she would have had her. I'm just hoping I can be as helpful to the new teacher as this teacher has been for me
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Hi Ladies. I logged on, since I thought it was odd that I hadn't seen any emails...yep I managed to turn off my notifications! I feel bad that I didn't see any of the posts after mine.
Eve - I'm so sorry to Steven is going through this. At least he has your support, which I know has to help. People do some crazy things while they are going through a divorce. It so good that he's home, so he can talk to you and Nate. Hang in there!
Mary - It is difficult not to be pissed at friends who just haven't been there for you. I think it's okay to acknowledge the feeling, but try to let go of them. There are friends who used to invite me to the occasional party or bbq who I never hear from anymore, other than a comment here and there on FB. I try to tell myself that they just didn't know how to deal with it, but basically, they will forever be in the acquaintance category, and are no longer "friends". The ones who do get it, and have stood by me, have a place in my heart.
Beverly - I just know this is all going to even out. Isn't it amazing how well you did this year with everything you had going on? It makes me think there will be no stopping you next year.
Well I have a weird painful bump on my ankle, so I'm off to see an ankle guy next week. My MO, who I saw for my checkup today (all okay with the foobies) says it's probably a ganglion cyst, which he can drain or remove. Let's hope they can drain it, cause no more surgeries please!
Thursday is Tattoo day! I can hardly wait and yet am nervous about it. Let's hope she gets them right the first time.
Next week I start agility PT. It's so weird. I'm a John Muir Network patient with HealthNet HMO. For some strange reason, John Muir HMO patients are no longer allowed to go to John Muir PT facilities as of June 1, so I have to go to a completely different facility and start over with a different therapist. The doctors and the PT facilities all think it's crazy. I would hate to be the schedulers.
Day 2 of my diet. Lost a pound yesterday...49 more to go, but you gotta start somewhere.
Hope all of you are enjoying the first week of summer!
Love and hugs,
Diane.
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Diane,
I only have a minute- just checked to see if my sisters posted... That's for being so positive!!! Yes next year there's no stopping me!!!! Lol I laugh when the teachers tell me they have like 100 sick days ! R u kidding me? Well I'm carrying 1.5 into next year with me so next year I'll have 16.5 lol I'm getting there lol take care off to see my 10 year old sing in a concert tonight at the high school.
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I have been MIA from here. Don't ask why- just couldn't find the energy to post. Between work and home so much has been going on and I tend to look at Facebook more often these days.
Where to start...May was filled with funerals in my family. We lost one to suicide and another to a massive stroke. Both women in their 50s. I had my exchange 4 weeks ago. Finally! All was going very well and looking good until a few days ago whe I noticed drainage from the incision. The radiated side isn't healing as expected and now I am waiting for the results of the culture taken from the hole and am on an antibiotic. Hoping it doesn't get worse, although this morning it looks more red. I really don't want to lose the implant. Next week is also decision time on Tami vs AI. My 2 month holiday ends.not looking forward to it
Diane, I need to go on that diet with you. No exercise for the past month has made me soft, grouchy and unable to wear some clothes. I am in denial and can't bring myself to step on the scale. Can't wait to hear how you like your tats. When the time comes I am going with 3d tats, too
Eve, I know how happy you were to have your son and Koi in Florida with you. Don't you wish you could take the pain for your kids so they don't have to?
Mary, I cry at the drop of a hat, too. Happened as recently as last night. I song came on that took me right back to chemo land a year ago and I was reliving it all again. All I can say is that recovery never ends but at least I am. It crying every single day like 2014. That is improvement.
Hang in there, Beverly. Look how much you accomplished at school this year even with all the complications. I just know it will work out.
Wishing everyone a great weekend
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Hi Ann: I am so sorry you are having issues with your incision, and really hope that the antibiotics take care of everything. I know it is tough to bounce back when it seems like things should be getting better, and you have a set back.
All I can say about the weight gain is try to be kind to yourself. I put on weight with every operation. This time, it's a crazy amount of weight, and as I watched it going on, I seemed to be powerless to do anything about it. The good news is that when you get there mentally, you can do it. I started Monday, and have lost 4 pounds. If I can take off 10-15 by the 19th when I leave for my trip to Big Bear with David, I'll be happy, and yes, I'll probably put some back on, and start again when I get home, but I feel ready to do it.
Okay Ladies - So about my tats (LOL, that's something I never expected to say)! I was very nervous, but the woman that did my tattoos clearly knew what she was doing. She drew circles on my chest with what looked like lip liner and we looked...they were too big I thought, so she made them smaller. I showed her my before picture on my phone and we were zooming in on my old nips, which was comical, to me anyway. I was so glad that I had taken that photo. The minute she saw it, she seemed to know what I wanted and said that she would thin the color so it would be translucent, a mixture of pink and a little brown. I started to feel better.
The actual tattooing was okay, but we were both shocked at how painful it was. It wasn't great to be in pain, but I was so happy, because it meant that the nerves were coming back...even in my little nubs that I now call my nipples! Only the 'first pass" of color was painful. After that, she was able to apply lidocaine and I felt no more pain. I did have to lie with my arm over my head, which wasn't very comfortable, but the actual tattooing probably on took an hour. They oozed some that night, and were really sore, but nothing that some Aleve didn't fix.
As for the result...I think they are going to look great once they heal. She said that they would fade significantly, and even since Thursday they have gotten lighter. Looking at them with my magnifying mirror, I could see just how much of an artist she is. Right now, they mostly itch. My friends with tattoos all say that this is the worst part, since you can't scratch. They are already sort of scabbing up, which is normal and when the skin sloughs off, I think I'll have a better idea of how they will look. I go back in 6 weeks and she will add color wherever I need it. I will report back in another week and let you guys know how they look, but for now, I'm pretty happy.
Next Wed I start agility PT and have to go see an ankle doc to look at what my doctor thinks is a ganglion cyct on my ankle. I've already rehearsed my reaction to him telling me that he will need to operate to remove it. No more surgeries in 2015, unless they are life threatening situations. Period If he wants to operate next year...okay.
Today I'm going to get my hair cut for the first time in nearly a year. Although I did get to my hair, I have lost nearly a third of it and it breaks all the time, probably from lack of hormones and all of the anesthesia. I know my hairdresser is going to be shocked, but he is really talented, so I'm excited to go. The new me is coming out of the ashes soon. I wanted to share something with you all that my sister posted on FB. I made me feel better. Love you all! Diane.
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so sorry Ann for the funerals and the angst of the suicide and the heart break of the stroke. I am trying to wrap my head around the fact that I will die someday . It is coming. Yes? I just want to live as long as possible. I so enjoy my time here with Nate. But it is about carpe diem and make every day count...etc. Like you all, it is difficult at times to get to that place.
Hope your implant behaves and it is a non issue.
As far as weight...holy cow...this! I have gained a ton of weight. I never had to worry about my waistline...now...there is NO waist line...call me fatty bimbo latty. WTH. I don't eat a lot, but I don't exercise either...just no motivation. But with my back hurting I don't feel like jogging 3 miles a day...oh wait I never did that anyway...lol
The son and dil thing is getting OLD. Long story...but get it over with already. Sheesh.
We were on our way to buy our new house today and I get a call fromDIL...she is freaking out and crying....I have said many, many times that I cant fix the marriage...then they started to have an argument on the phone. I just hung up on them. Cant fix it and want peace in my life...
Good news...we are buying 5 acres in the country...St Cloud (Mary....like you...we will both live in St Cloud.) The property has an acre pond, which is stocked. Our deck and porch will overlook the pond and we will fence in an acre for the pup to have free range to run. Lots of room for gardens. It will take a while to cear properly but with some luck and prayers we will be THERE by November...woot woot.
Diane your tats sound fabulous. Yeah that pain is a good thing...I am surprised at how much feeling I have. My hair has thinned too. Oh well...Love your sisters post. Simiar to....Bloom where you are planted.
love you ladies....
E
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well that huge blank space is weird......
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Eve, your new home purchase sounds wonderful. Pond, acreage, house with deck....sounds perfect! So happy for you and Nate. I can only imagine what garden you will have🍆🍅🍓!
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