January 2014 Surgery Sisters
Comments
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Mary, hang in there like everyone says! You'll be glad to get those TEs out and your babies in! You will protect them for awhile, lift less for awhile and generally make 'em feel welcome without banging 'em around too much. There isn't anymore discomfort with them than the TEs, actually, it's less cause you don't have any fills. Diane is rest, you get to sleep on your side sooner. Just spend the first few days relaxing and sleep however comfortable you can get, maybe with pillows again. My PS didn't have me wear anything so I stayed in t-shirts or loose tops, whatever I felt like. I tried a bra here and there if I felt like it. I ended up getting the soft slipover kinds but only with certain tops. Some docs have you wear certain bras so just roll with it.
The scars do get better. It's a good feeling to know you are done with getting these things in. Gets you over one more hump. I love getting to see my PS and giving him hell for making one a bit smaller than the other. I guess I'm in for a little more fat injections! YAY...take any amount you want. I am not going for another size, happy with it as I'm 61 and who the heck wants to look at boobs this old? I would like to get a cute tattoo instead of the old regular areola tattoo but PS won't do it. I wanted a circle around a nipple that reads "shit fire."
Heck, lost part of my post. Hate when that happens. I think I was talking to our Mommy. Great example for your girls, watching how you can show emotion while educating them on BC. Your emotions are not bad. They are necessary to make good decisions, to teach and to learn. Keeping emotions bottled up make frustrated, fearful and angry people. You can't take emotions out of decision making, we are human beings and everything we do comes from our emotions balanced with being rational.
I haven't read this book, but my DH (I don't like that dear stuff) swears by it because he teaches people management skills at times. Its called "A Whole New Mind" by Daniel Pink. It is about using your emotions in a positive way. I used to work with a group of men and they always said I was too emotional. I didn't get that at all.
Okay, off my pedestal again. I get to see my PT today and I love that. She does the lymphatic massage and has taught me how but she does it better! Hope all has a great day and meditates or does yoga or runs or exercises...whatever makes you feel good! (((hugs)))
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Thanks Polly. I asked my hubby to take 2 weeks off after my exchange, but I know it won't be all about taking care of me. We are going up to our lake cabin and he plans to work on some projects during that time, although we'll see how that goes, lol! I'm thinking it'll just be a low key vacation.
Tell me more about the lymphatic massage. I don't believe I've ever had it done.
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My PT has been doing this for my cancer side, left, because I have some swelling under my arm that has been hard to keep down. We want to stay ahead of the lymphedema! Anyway, the technique is using very light strokes from the center lymph nodes which are kinda in the middle of your chest.
She makes very slight movements in a "C" form all the way to the location and moves back toward the center. It moves the lymph fluid that is congesting those pathways. If that fluid isn't moving, then you get swelling. It takes someone well-trained so you wouldn't want to go to any place to have this done, if you get someone that doesn't know what they are doing it can make it worse. My PT can feel every lump where fluid is not moving. Sometimes, moving the fluid causes another congestion so it has to be released back to the lymph nodes, which in breast cancer patients is the center of the chest if they've been cut under the arms.
I try to do it myself at home but I just don't have that light touch and I can't feel the congestion like she does. But I do notice my underarm is not as swollen and the flap is down too when she works on it. I'm asking my PS for another 6 wks with her.
Look it up, it's pretty interesting stuff. We forget we have things cut up in there that needs some help and the lymph system is one of them. Gosh, I read this again and it's sounds like gibberish but maybe it will get you started!
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Hi Ladies! Just signed up for a BC 5K this Saturday for the American Cancer Society that is being sponsored by my MO. It's literally 20 minutes from my house. Weird that I had to learn about it from the Starbuck's bulletin board this morning and no from my MO, but there you go. I'll be putting all your names on my shirt somewhere!
Love,
Diane.
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bc101, here's more information about lymph massage, which is actually called Manual Lymph Drainage:
http://www.stepup-speakout.org/manual_lymphatic_dr…
Since all of us who have been treated for breast cancer are at risk for lymphedema, any member of your healthcare team can write a referral for an evaluation by a qualified lymphedema therapist. Here's how to find one near you:
http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Finding_a_Qualified...
S/he will take baseline arm measurements for future reference, give you some personalized lymphedema risk reduction tips, teach you a gentle lymph massage you can use prophylactically, and fit you for a compression sleeve and gauntlet (fingerless glove) to use for exercise and travel.
All good!!
Be well,
Binney0 -
Thanks Polly and Binney4! Lymph massage sounds amazing - wish I had learned about it sooner. My arm seems to be getting less and less swollen and congested all on its own, but I'll certainly ask for this next time. The more you know...the more you can heal.
Diane - you go girl! Thanks for including us - I'll be there in spirit cheering you on!!
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Hi binney, the massage has helped me a lot. I won't have to wear a sleeve and while I'm not diagnosed with lymphedema, this type of movement should help all women avoid it in the beginning. Good info.
Diane, you are one go girl! I admire your strength.
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Diane, not sure our time difference is but while your doing your 5k....I'll probably be recovering from my Relay for Life.
The relay here is June 20 starting at 7pm.
I love your idea of including us in your walk/run. Would you mind if I steal your idea....and include you all in my survivor lap? I don't know anyone here walking the survivor lap....this way you can all be there with me!
Night everyone!
LL
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hey everyone, I've been MIA for a few due to busy work and living life!!! Love the boxing cat, love that Diane is getting all fit and doing a 5k this weekend, love that Eve had a great visit with her MO, Diane's son is so sweet looking and finally I have to say a big "happy cancerversary" to bc101!!!!!! What a year it has been. My cancerversary is coming up next week; is it wired that I'm excited?!? I feel like it is some sort if right if passage/milestone. I still have to figure out how I will celebrate.
Well I saw my pS last week and I have a bump in the road...no tissue expansion for me. We discovered that I have a "kink" in the tubing that runs from my port to the expander on the affected side. He tried to access and fill but no luck. The only way to fix is with another surgery.
But it's a minor surgery. It's done on son outpatient basis . I guess he will need to make a small incision on the affected side and either untwist the tube or replace the expander completely . Just got my date for surgery, it's June 27. Still hoping to move to the squishy side before the end of the year. Merry Christmas to me. Saw a lymphadema OT today to get baseline measurements. No lymphadema for me but I just wanted to be proactive; research shows that those at risk should have baseline measurements not only to have as record but also for education. It was a one time only visit.
Gotta run do I can finish watching Mistresses; it's a guilty pleasure. Blessings, Marissa
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I love that show!!!
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Hi Marissa! Sorry to hear about the kink. What a bummer! Oh well at least it can be fixed fairly easily and you can still get your exchange done this month. Thanks for the recognition!
For me it's just a passing-glance-over-my-shoulder type of milestone. I'm looking forward to celebrating the first anniversary of when I was pronounced cancer-free, which was the date of my BMX. Laurie - That would be awesome to walk with you "across the miles." I haven't had a chance to do any Relays due to time constraints, so yes, I for one would be happy to be in your pocket!
Gosh, we need a calendar feature to keep track of all these events and dates!
I'm off to mom's tomorrow for a few days. Also going to attend an orientation at Health Crisis Resource Center where they do holistic health and wellness classes - for FREE!!!
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Marissa - Wow, sorry that you have a kink, literally, but so glad it's a fairly easy fix. Hang in there. You will be squishy before you know it.
Laurie - Love the idea that we could be walking together, but you are only 3 hours ahead and my 5K walk starts at 9 a.m. on June 21. I would be honored to be included in your survivor lap. You are so awesome!
Polly - you crack me up! Love the tattoo idea! I hope you and Mary get that pain under control soon!
Love and hugs,
Diane.
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Just saw this on another site and had to share...
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I absolutely love this! Thanks for sharing!!
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I probably didn't mention but my MO ordered an abdominal ultrasound I had last week. My uterus lining has apparently gotten very thick. I'm on day 37 of my cycle ( used to be 28). So now in headed for an MRI. He told be to head to emerg if I start to bleed abnormal amounts. Hmmm....well that kinda scarred me. So maybe D&C?
Anyway they asked me questions about my health and other stuff that might affect an MRI....one being metal in your body. I said no...no metal in this bod! Surprise surprise...called my PS....and of course there is metal in the ports.
So now I'm bit sure what they'll do. My surgery to have the ports removed is July 4.
Anybody want to tell me what an MRI or D&C feel like?
Laurie
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So sorry Laurie that you have to deal with this.
So is the MRI for your uterus? I am assuming so. The reason you can't have any metal in your body is because the MRI is a huge magnet.....It would pull the metal right out.....yuk and ouch. So the MRI. I HATED having one. Having said that, the procedure is not painful, I am claustrophobic. I had no idea I was THAT claustrophobic until 20 minutes into the scan. It is LOUD even with ear plugs.
You lie ...for a breast scan face down, you may be face up. You have a bulb you hold in one hand in case you want out of the chamber or to just talk to someone. Ask if your scan will be with contrast, they start an IV at the onset and towards the end shoot the contrast into your vein. It's only a few minutes after that and then you are done.
HERE IS THE THING...ask to be knocked out for the MRI. I didn't know I could be loopy for it. My BS is all into knocking me out for the next one...yes and yes...I'll be as loopy as I can get.
Now my dear chickee....that is me. My first MRI....so you may be all laid back and AOK.
But you asked...and you know I'll be honest.
So, you know it is the Tamoxifen that is creating the thickness in the lining of your uterus? Yes?
Pleas ask your MO what is going on moving forward....
love you
Eve
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Laurie,
The MRI to me was no big deal, but as Eve said, if you are claustrphobic, just let them know. The only thing is that someone has to drive you if you take meds. I wouldn't worry too much about a D&C. It is a procedure done under anesthesia (I had one when I miscarried) and yes you are sore, but it isn't bad, and may not even go that route.
So sorry you are dealing with this. . Like Eve said, ask lots of questions and let us know.
Great big hugs!
di
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thanks Eve and Diane. Just a bit nervous. I'm guessing the MRI will wait till the ports come out now. Not too much longer.
Laurie
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Camping was awesome. We have already decided we are going back during spring break next year.
Kiku learned how to swim...we couldn't keep her out of the ocean....sooo fun.
super tame...almost touched him
oops...a double pic....beautiful sunsets
campsite and hubby taken from the water
OMG literally 
lady in pinkDaniel
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yes...the MRI is for my uterus. And yes they said the unusual thickness is common when in tamox. I'm also very moody lately...say the last 3 weeks.
Laurie
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Eve your camping trip looks perfect! I love the nice little camp area...so quaint!
I bet it was ver relaxing!
Laurie
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yes Laurie,
the camp ground was very "old Florida" you will often hear me bemoan living in central Florida. So new, no real historical architecture...mostly because Disney World came in and changed all of that. However, when you go out and look for the real Florida, it is pretty amazing. I can just imagine the pirates and early explorers running allover the shores and the early slaves in the sugarcane fields. If you look and follow the trails into the brush the true Florida heritage bursts forth. The beautiful flowers and scrub palms...the sea grapes..the panther tracks and this weekend dozens of cardinals and a few raccoons, along with the herons and eagles. Not to mention the fabulous sunsets and spectacular if not scary thunder storms.
We are definitely taking out kayaks next time.
love
Eve
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WOW Eve! Just... wow!!! That's looks like the ideal vacation to me. The tent looks very 'Cleopatra', lol! Thanks for sharing. Where is this place exactly if you don't mind saying? Just curious.
Laurie - good luck to you. Hope it's one of those "it's nothing, you're fine...we'll just keep an eye on it." I've already had a scare myself and after the US it was such a relief to hear "it's not cancer."
Tomorrow I go to a Yoga for Survivors class. Wish me luck!
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Good luck tomorrow Mary! I wish I could join you
. Eve - beautiful pics. So glad you all got some R and R together. The lady in pink transported me back to my childhood Florida summers....gorgeous!!
i had an invitation to go away with friends to their home down near Yosemite (they'll retire there in 3 years, but can't really ease up on training/diet. They are big on food and wine. My diet is drag to be around. plus now I have my Making Strides walk on Sat. It did sound like fun. they have a pool and gave me a rain check, so maybe after I heal from my surgery I can put on my tankini with less trepidation.
I'm down 14 lbs in 3 weeks, and will keep going for another 3 weeks. After that I'll just focus on eating sensibly and working on my stamina for the remaining 3 weeks before the testing and hope I can make it through...did I mention the testing is all day?! The time is just zooming by.
Laurie, so glad you shared what is going on with you. This is our safe haven, so don't hesitate ever.
Night everyone!
Diane
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Eve- love your pics from camping! I had no idea Florida was so beautiful! Glad you had a great time!
Laurie- I will be praying all goes well for you! I am on tamoxifen now also. Seem to be gaining weight and moody- yuck!
Diane - yeah for you on the weight loss! Good luck!
Going to get my nails done. So not a girly girl but after chemo lost a few and just want to feel good about me!! My DH is paying for fake nails- first time ever and not sure it is the best idea but for awhile I want to like looking at me!!! ((Hugs to all!))
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Hi Mary,
The campground is inside Ft. De Soto State Park. I never liked to go camping because the kids dad would have me do all the cooking and cleaning and kid watching....just no fun. Of course with Nate I don't have to do anything. I do, but I don't have too. Anyhow, this campground is located south of St Petersburg, at the head of Tampa Bay. The area is made up of inlets and islands.
Someday we will have an RV, but I have to say , our tent is 8'by 20'. We have a queen sized blow up mattress and to sleep under the stars is incredible.
We found the place because we were looking to take our dog with us. Just fabulous. There is an area that does not allow dogs. I love camping because there are people there with $500,000 RV's and then people like us with a tent. Everyone is on the same page. The kids are riding bikes or fishing....just perfect. Have fun at Yoga class. There was a couple on the beach doing Yoga. It looked so hard but so serene.
Laurie, you know my heart is with you. I'll bet everything is fine, thank goodness your medical team is taking good care of you. Be strong my friend.
Diane...Tell me your diet again....I am trying to loose weight...just not working. I just know you are going to kick butt for your test. Love you!
New nails always make you feel pretty. I had fake ones a couple of times but I can't do anything with them. Such a clutz. Enjoy 2 Boys mom.
Today Nate and I had an appointment with the dermatologist. All my weird hives and funky skin stuff is aok...just weird stuff...that may take a Claritin once in a while. YAY!
However, Nate has to go to an eye,ear, nose, and throat guy....Doc said he wasn't freaking out about the brown spot on Nate's lip but he is very concerned. Crap CRAP and Crap!!!!! So here we go with the biopsy and waiting game....send Nate good thoughts...this just can't be the c word...just can't.
love you ladies,
Eve
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Diane - that is so awesome with your progress! You are so disciplined - keep going, girl!
Eve, thanks - I"ll add that park to my bucket list
))It gave me chills to read about Nate's spot. But I'm sending lots of positive energy your way and hoping it's benign!
I finally got through to someone at my cancer clinic about some of the swelling problems I've been having and was referred to a lymphedema specialist. Yay! I had some swelling in my wrist and arm a few weeks ago but the therapist at my local clinic didn't seem concerned. Then I got that weird swelling on my chest and while the ultrasound didn't show anything concerning, I spoke with my RN who said that ultrasounds don't pick up on lymph fluid. So I'm going in for a consult tomorrow morning with an LE specialist to learn self massage and to be fitted for a sleeve - mainly for protective measures. One PT I go to poo-poo'd the sleeve, saying they don't work in preventing LE, but others have said otherwise. Between the frozen shoulder and this swelling, I've been going bonkers ... just kind of obsessing and worrying. But I have better things to do! How can I get on with my life when I'm still dealing with all these annoying little problems?
Ok. I'm done. Thanks for letting me vent!
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Diane, you'll have to post that diet for all of us as I know I'm getting desperate. Back on the treadmill but not so good on the foods. Eve, it sounds like a great break you had and so pretty. I'll keep Nate in my prayers tonight. He's blessed to have you by his side, it always helps to have a worry partner and we all worry during times like this.
Mary, so glad you are getting ahead of your LE. My PT isn't doing the sleeve for me yet but I'd be okay with it if she did. She wanted to determine where I would be with my pre-LE treatment in the final evaluation. Like all of the BC issues, all the opinions are different! I do get a lot of relief from the lymph massage she taught me. Her touch is very light and I'll never do it that well but when I feel swollen, it does help to be able to stop and relieve it. The fluid seems to be moving and both my hands are less swollen. The non-cancer side when measured was more swollen than the other so it's been great to learn ways to get comfortable! It's so ironic that we learn so much through this stupid disease.
Of course, I will say one thing, and I mean this respectfully, I think walking around the house rubbing my chest and pits is really affecting my husband's idea of turn-ons
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Okay ladies. Thank you for all your words of support. The diet is not mine...It's Michael Thurmond's 6 Week Body Makeover. He has different plans and types of food, depending upon your body type, which he determines with a questionnaire. I checked, and it's $99 on Amazon (way less than I paid years ago) , but I also saw used versions for much less. If any of you are serious, you should look into it and see about getting the whole package and of course, checking with your doctors first. My PS said it was okay.
It I remember correctly there are 3 different plans (and they are different for men & women) so what works for me might not work for some of you, but to give you an idea, a typical day for me goes like this:
Breakfast - 2 oz protein, 1/2 cup carb, 1/2 fruit (I usually have a smoothie with banana, counts as fruit and carb and 1 scoop of whey protein powder with spinach or cale)
Snack 3 hrs. later - 2 oz protein/1/2 carb (usually 2 hard boiled egg whites and boiled potatoes or brown rice cake)
Lunch 3 hrs. later - 2 oz. protein, 1/2 C. Carb, Veggies (baked chicken breast, 1/2 brown rice/potato (sweet or boiled baby), raw or steamed veggies)
Snack 3 hrs. later - 2 oz. protein 1/2 C Carb (usually right before I go to class, so I do another smoothie)
Dinner 3 hrs. later - basically the same as lunch
Snack -3 hrs. later - 1/2 cup berries or apples (I like frozen blueberries)
Then there is the list of don'ts - No alcohol, no dairy, no red/fatty meat (this is different on some of the plans), no oil when cooking (use chicken broth), no wheat or pasta, only whole grains and only berries, apples or grapefruit as my fruit. I think you are also supposed to stay away from soy products and keep the salt low, but I have very low blood pressure, so I literally have to have it and salt everything.
It's been worth the investment I made and it works, but you really have to be completely ready when you start. I roast my chicken breast on Sunday night and weigh out 2 ox. portions, which I throw into baggies, so I can grab them and go during the week and I bought his cookbook, which is very helpful, so I don't get in a rut with just chicken and potatoes.
It helps if you have a goal, like going to a party next month, or like my testing.
Hope this helps.
Love and hugs,
Diane.
P.S. Mary - Rant on and I think you should get out your tiara!
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Mema,
I have to admit, i am technologically challenged!!! Lol I don't know how to up load pics onto forum. Most of pics are on cell phone and I don't think I can do it by cell phone!!!! Help me out here lol
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