January 2014 Surgery Sisters
Comments
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That sounds awesome, Diane! It's so nice to have these choices, isn't it?
I'm glad that my exchange surgery isn't scheduled until mid-July. That'll give me a chance to work on healing my shoulder. My PT thinks I have rotator cuff issues
I'm doing stretching and exercises with small weights every day and am getting motivated to tone my arms at the same time (silver lining). My first Yoga for Survivors class is on Thursday and I'm really looking forward to it.How are you doing with your joint pain? Did it go away? I still have some slight residual pain sometimes when going down long stairways (no Cinderella castles for me), and I don't know....I haven't even tried gardening yet. But I'm just soooo grateful that the Aromasin seems to be working for me.
I posted a profile pic of me and my mom that was taken last fall. Don't have any recent pics of me - I plan to get a makeover before I do that!
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Hi Mary: My joint pain is okay this week. I just have pain in my hip and tailbone, which I'm accustomed too, but I'm also not doing any TKD. My MO and I decided that I would table the discussion of the AI's until mid May and see if all the SE's are gone. I'm glad you are doing your exercises for your shoulder and that you have time to get stronger before your next surgery.
Yesterday, my Mom and I walked over to the shopping center that is about 2 blocks away, to get my hair washed at Supercuts. (I didn't think it was a good idea to have my 74 yr old mother try to bend over me to wash it for me, and thought it would be good to have someone with me to see if I was up to the walk). LOL, I would not have thought it was possible that they could make my hair look that bad! I left the salon with crazy frizzy witch hair. My son said it looked horrible, and he's usually my biggest fan LOL, but at least it's fairly clean today.
My mom left last night, so I'm on my own now. There is another salon only slightly further away that I'm going to try walking to tomorrow. I have to go with my son's dad to a school meeting tomorrow, so don't want stinky bed hair
. I slept last night without taking anything...no Tylenol or Ativan from about 11:30 p.m. until the alarm went off at 6 a.m., then got up, made my son a smoothie and a muffin for breakfast and went back to bed shortly after he left from 8 .m. until 11:30 a.m. I think the exercise and fresh air made the sleep possible, so will rest today and go for round 2 tomorrow!
Here's hoping all of you have an UP day!
Love and hugs,
Diane.
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OMG - I just wandered over to the Nipple Reconstruction thread, and they were all talking about Rub On Nipples. I checked a few of the websites, and you can just order them. I think they sound like great fun! They just go on like my son's fake tattoos. Check it out!
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Diane - good for you for getting out and walking! And no meds at night! Super woman!!
I told Hubby the only reason I would go for nipple recon is if he wanted me to have them so there'd be something to "feel" (for him). After nursing two kids and having to buy padded bras to conceal my nipples, I'm just as happy to NOT have headlights on all the time! So unless he really protests, I'll be doing the 3d tattoos instead.
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I hope you are all looking forward to having the more aesthetic choices.
I'm thinking for me it is a good thing that I don't have (get) to explore my options. Knowing me, I would look at the catalogue of tats, 3-D, 2-D, nips no nips.... SHOW me the funkiest, prettiest, or wait , I'll design it myself. My paintings are big, bold, bright, expressionistic....I'd be in deep trouble. tee hee. not the first time.
Mary...I get the rotator cuff thing...I tore mine 15 years ago. It took 3 years to be able to sleep on that side. And now it is acting up again.I don't know why but this surgery has been particularly hard on my muscles . Everything is tight and achy. Very strange. I do walk everyday and walked just about 3 miles with DH and DSS (darling step son) and DD (darling dog) yesterday. It is as if all the stuff my body needs to heal my surgery site has neglected the rest of me. I think everything will even out.
Love your new avatar. Mine is actually from my wedding to nate ..almost 4 years ago....I think instead of a makeover, I want a lifestyle lift, what are those new teeth implants, want those too and then a glamor shot...pro lighting and makeup. Yeah!...that will do it.
Yoga sounds awesome. I try to just keep moving.....even if its from the couch to the kitchen and back to the couch...lol
I tried to scrub, yes scrub the outside of the North facing wall of our house today. The HOA Nazis seem to think the little bit green color there....is violating HOA commandments. ...Sheesh I live in Florida for crying out loud. It has been wet and cloudy so , like, I dunno know, algae grows when you live under a canopy of oaks. So there I am with a hose that does not want to cooperate, Simple green cleaner and a scrub brush on a pole. Funny stuff, my surgery scars and the area where the drains were still burn when I pull on them too much. So I am trying my best to scrub the siding.......guys are driving by in their golf carts ( I live in a retirement community) and smiling....WTH...I was wearing a (drum roll) white tank top , without a bra....don't need one anymore......omg So I guess I was giving the neighbors a 58 year old BMX wet T Shirt fantasy...hey if you still got it flaunt it yay baby! lol lol
I hope all our sisters are ok today. Michelle, Linda, thinking of you.
Beverly, hope you had a good weekened with your kids and DH..hang in there, everything will work out.
love you guys
Eve
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hi girls!
Tomorrow afternoon is the big day. I will have 4 rounds 3 weeks apart of Cyclotan and Taxotere. I am going to have my hairdresser rock me out in a Jennifer Lawrence pixie cut and start shopping for wigs, hats and scarves this weekend! I like nothing more thN an edgy hairstyle. I think I will play with multiple styles in the coming months.
Eating my favorite Thai curry for dinner as I write this just in case I don't like the taste in the weeks to come.
Will keep you posted.
Hugs,
Ann
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Hi Ann: I know you will be strong and will totally rock in a pixie cut! I had curry for dinner too.
Keep us posted and know that you are loved and supported!
Diane.
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Ann - Good luck tomorrow!!! I didn't have the same chemo cocktail, but I did have cytoxan (with adriamycin). Make sure you take your nausea meds around the clock the first 3-4 days after and hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Your taste buds will most likely go haywire, so you'll have to keep trying until you find something that tastes good. Drink a cold, icy drink during chemo to ward off mouth sores (my favorite was a grape slush from Sonic). Also, paint your nails a dark color - someone told me to do that and I had zero nail problems (I had taxol, not taxotere, but same family). I would put a layer of nutrinail on first, then either a dark purple or blue..... after a few days I'd take it off and just keep putting the nutrinail on until the next one. You can also ice your fingers and toes during chemo to try to avoid neuropathy. I only ever had tingly, weak fingers, but a lot of people get neuropathy from taxotere. I had eight chemo treatments (four adriamycin/cytoxan, four taxol) so if you have a question, I probably have an answer. LOL
{{{hugs}}}
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Well crap to the max Ann....
wish I could sit with you tomorrow.....I know #1 is a long day.
I also know that you can handle it. Can't wait to see your new rock'in mama hair cut. How about a little maize and blue color for the Wolverines?
My hands are holding yours and my heart is wrapped around yours. Stare into my eyes if you cry and I will be there for you.
love and hugs
Eve
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thanks to you all for all the support. Michelle, I am sure to have some questions as I go through this and I know you experienced it all!
Eve, my daughter would kill me if I rocked maize and blue. She will be a MSU Spartan in the fall. Go Green! Alas, so not in my color wheel, though, lol!! She did happen to pick out some cool wigs on vogue.com to consider.
Love all your support. Will keep you all informed!
Ann
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Oh well dang...try for a grayish green...a la sage that is the only green I can wear.
bravo for your daughter....my sons....would just tell me to rock bald....sigh.
love
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Ann: good luck tomorrow!! I'll be thinking of you and sending good thoughts your way!!
BTW, thanks for all the talk on nipples. Looks like I have some new research to do
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Ann,
Good luck today at your first chemo!!!
I'm sure you'll be taken good care of. Sending warm healing light and gentle hugs!Mary
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Good luck today Ann! Sending you strength and love, Princess Warrior!
Mary - I meant to tell you...love the new photo of you and your Mom!
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Thanks Diane! My mom is my greatest hero. She had cancer, too although it was basal cell carcinoma. She has had multiple areas of BCC over the years. I think it runs in the family so I try to be very careful with sun exposure (Swedish skin!) and get a skin check every year. One spot spread from her eyelid and affected her eye. She went through radiation and almost lost her eye. She now has mid-stage Alzheimer's and of course doesn't remember it.... We didn't tell her about my cancer because it would be too upsetting. She had always been my biggest fan and I miss her so much! She is such an amazing, strong, generous, loving and kind woman! I know she'd be happy that I have a great support base in all of you
Finally got my taxes back from my accountant and taken care of. Whew, that was close! We are going to have a huge refund this year due to all the medical deductions. Yes!!!!!
I have an appt. with another psych nurse this morning. This one is close to home so that's good - no long distance driving. She supposedly specializes in breast cancer survivors. I hope we "click."
Enjoy the day!
Mary
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good luck today Anne. We'll be waiting to hear from you.
Laurie
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thanks for all the hugs!
I am home now after about 5 hours on the IV drips. Getting tired but that can be related as much to not sleeping last night because of the steroids. Had even more steroids today so I hope I don't experience it a again tonight. My pocketbook won't be able to handle another 3 am online shopping spree! And no wonder the fatigue sets in!
DH is at the pharmacy picking up my anti nausea meds. Poor guy, he was more anxious than I was today. For some reason I was not bothered by this....but, boy it sure hit him the past few days. I think it brings back the fact that this cancer thing is very real and is with us forever. I can hide the TEs under clothes but it's difficult to hide cancer girl even when I am rocking my fun wigs. I will post pics :-)
Hope you are all having a wonderful sunny day!
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lol ann
you are amazing with your sense of humor....I keep shopping but I don't buy anything...yet! looking for a bathing suit that flatters a flat chest, a flabby middle and flabby thighs.....help anyone?
Can't wait for the pics. I know you will look beautiful.
It is harder on our hubbys than we think. I was on the other side a few years back....not easy....but I know we have to let them love us. Sometimes in their own way.
Love and hugs girl
hoping for a restful and peace filled night for you.
Eve
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How 'bout those retro-style swimsuits???
Yeah, I keep wondering what I'm going to wear this summer at the lake. I haven't been in a bikini for ummm...over 20 years or so! I'm just trying not to gain weight while on Aromasin. Like you, Eve, I'm old enough to be living in a retirement community! Heck, I DREAM about living in a retirement community, lol!!!
They do have some cute cover ups at TJMaxx....
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LOL...I have a 6 inch diagonal scar on my stomach from surgery to remove an 8 cm benign liver tumor, so the bikini thing is OUT, even if I can lose the extra weight I've put on, but I'm thinking tankinis and can't wait to wear all those tank tops, off the shoulder numbers! For you ladies without the samurai scar, you could try board shorts with a bikini top. Why not flaunt those foobs?!
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Coverups are key. For me I was fine lying flat....bit if I had to get up and walk around....on went the coverup!
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Ann: so glad your done with your first round...can't wait for fun wig pics. Thinking of you...0 -
Hmmm....well that seemed a waste of a 4hr round trip to the PS. She looked at them....asked if I had any questions...then sent me on my way. ??
Kinda thought she do an adjustment. Not until July when the ports come out.
Hope everyone is enjoying their day!
Laurie
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Well, I have some time to shop for swimsuits. We are having what I hope is the last snowstorm for the winter. Hope Spring comes back soon!!!
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I was undecided at the time of surgery whether I wanted recon or not, so I have pockets and flabs as well as a scar that goes from one armpit to the other- I am open to any suggestions out there for bathing suits. Although I have lost over 30lbs (silver lining) I am not a bikini or tankini body and never have been. Not much of a sun or swim type either, but do get in the pool with the grandkids sometimes.
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Oh well Diane...
I think I can beat you with the liver scar....hold on a minute I have to find my measuring tape...well well! mine is 7 inches from having my gallbladder removed when I was a mere 19 years old. Plus, plus, I have a 4 inch scar from my belly button down that produced a 10 lb breech birth baby boy. HA! so there...lol lol. Now along with our foobie boobie scars we have a true road map of our lives.
Thing is 4 years ago I weighed in at 114lbs. I had to buy pants in the husky boys dept at sears inorder to find something to fit.
THAT was BAD. and all attributed to stress.
soooo Miss Mary I love your idea of the retro suit..ala Marilyn Monroe.....oooola la. I did look at some on Walmart's and our local Bealls websites...
I thought I still had one of those sliming suits....from Spiegel.....lots of bucks....can't find it...but I remember I could barely get the dang thing on or off for that matter. Let alone breathe while wearing it....
Laurie...you looked awesome in the pics without a cover up...
I don't get it. SIGH....heavy sigh!!! While walking my pup...I see things that one should never ever have to look at. WHY, oh why ladies do men seem to think they can walk around without a shirt....old guys, fat guys, skinny guys, gray hairy chested guys....could you put a shirt on Pleeeeeeease????lol lol
Oh and it's not like they don't HAVE a shirt...it (the shirt) is usually hanging out of their back pocket.....gotta love the south
Looooove you guys you are the BEST!
Ann hope you are doing ok... thinking about you
you too Beverly
and as always...Michelle ...my thoughts are always with you...how's the team doing?
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Wow Laurie, that's got to be disappointing. You would think she wouldn't make you come that far for nothing. I guess it's good though that she didn't see anything wrong.
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All I gotta say ladies is be proud of what you have....scars and all. On my trip down south I saw all shapes and sizes wearing bikinis....tankinis.....full piece with sexy side cutouts! IT'S ALL GOOD!
We are all beautiful strong women!
I wish we could have a big foobie hug! Anybody find our hugs are not as close anymore....my foobs don't squish against people....the keep me at a distance! LOL
Laurie
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ditto to what Diane said, Laurie.....really....can we save some petrol? glad to know the girls are aok.
well gee wiz, Mary...look at that snow....my son in Rhode island had snow also....wth? is up with that... Talk about cold weather crops.....I don't think my squash, limes and lemons would be happy. I do remember my first year in Iowa....great laugh for my neighbors....I planted a ton of stuff in march...everything promptly was frozen 2 weeks later. ha...yah, ha...the girl from Florida is stupid..ha ha....Ya well I still ended up with an out of sight garden....;P
as far as swim suits....I have seen some surprisingly horrid looks at the pool. And everytime I wonder why I worry about how I look. So lets make a pact...we are BC sisters of jan. 2014 and we will wear what ever we want ....And if you don't like it world...the tiara will come out and the tiara power will bring you to your knees. HA!
love
eve
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EXACTLY LAURIE
FOOBS FOREVER!!!
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