January 2014 Surgery Sisters
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LOL Mary - love the pic!! I'm thinking of you and sending you lots of positive vibes. I still have months before I get "squishy" so I'm living vicariously through all of you who have already done this!
{{hugs}} to Anne - sounds like you're having a bit of a rough go of things. I'm sorry. It's tough when people try to "baby" us, isn't it? Yes, we need help sometimes, but we're still capable! Cancer didn't paralyze me or make me stupid....sheesh.
I saw my MO yesterday. Another horrendous wait (1 hr 55 min) for a ten minute appointment. So frustrating. Anyway, it was uneventful. Told him about my upcoming hysterectomy and he was a little unsure of what that will mean in terms of my taking Tamoxifen. He cited two different theories - that arimidex is actually slightly better but there's no real data for taking it longer than 5 years, and there's also a study that says tamoxifen for 10 years is the better deal. Sigh. I see my gynecological onc Aug 8th for my pre-op and I'm going to ask her what her opinion is. I also asked him about routine scans and he said he wouldn't object if I request one "for reassurance", but he didn't see any need to send me for one. So I guess no periodic checking for me. I have mixed feelings. I'd love to have a scan and say "ok, you're good".... but with so many tests, procedures, doctor's appointments, surgeries, etc... why add one more if it's not needed? Hubby said to get through my hysterectomy and reconstruction and then this winter we'll see how I feel. He said I'll be a year post-BMX and if I want to have a scan to see where things stand, then we can ask. Sounds like a plan.
Speaking of Tamoxifen....I accidentally doubled-up on my dose yesterday. Oops. I switched from taking it at night to taking it in the morning because it helps my restless legs, but I guess I forgot and put it in my PM container yesterday. As soon as I took it (I had already taken one in the morning) my legs went crazy and I got the worst headache. Stupid chemo brain. Just what I wanted right before bed. LOL
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Beverly, I will be taking hormone suppressing therapy called Tamoxifen to keep the estrogen levels negligable. I will be on this for 5-10 years.
Ann
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Thinking of you Mary, I think after you are done with this surgery you can get to a better place and just be for a change. Loved the "funny" .
Michelle, I am getting an MRI in January. I am looking forward to hearing the "all clear" I think it is reasonable to request one. Anything that has the potential of easing one's mind about our health is good. Love your new pic.
Anne , hope your family can come to a place where they cut you a break. We still need our independence. You should be having the time of your life, not feeling stifled by what is well meaning ideas but dumb none the less.
Diane, I keep forgetting to ask how the 17 yo is doing with her pulled hamstring. Hope she is healing quickly.
Hi Laurie! Glad you popped in. No work until Sept. and golfing everyday, sounds like a plan have fun!
Pretty quiet around here. Which is lovely. My son Sean, will be home in a few days...YAY! can't wait for that hug.ttyl
love
Eve
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Mary...you'll do great and I can't wait to hear about it!! I need to learn from you
. Michelle: how frustrating. Sounds to me like that office needs some practice management education on process and efficiency. The good news is that a short appointment means that your doing great. I talked to my MO about scans last week and they too say no routine scans unless there are symptoms and/or blood work that supports it. Scans would also increase our exposure to further radiation and who needs that?? BTW...try not to overdose yourself again, unless its with chocolate. LOL!!
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Eve,
Sounds like a ridiculous question but what's am MRI? How does it check for reoccurrence or other problems? Would it would for gyno exam too? Not sure how they'll do annual now that I removed everything lol
Also, this morning I woke up with a red pimple like bump on my cancer side. It's on the top of the breast about 2-3 inches from top of my vertical incision from BMx. It's red... Should I be concerned?!?
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Omg! I'm ready to throw in the damn towel!!! My abdominal incision hasn't closed up after 3 weeks I'm sore can hardly move and now, now I just got out of the shower and noticed the scab that was at the base of my breast incision came off and there's a flipping hole in my breast!!!!!!! A hole! I can see inside!!!! Omg this is never ending!!! My 4 kids are like mom can we go in the pool? What's for lunch? Dinner? Snack? I'm bored etc and I'm hardly able to walk with an opening in my abdomen and now in my breast!!! I can't deal!!!
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Oh my Beverly,
You have had problems all along with healing. I had my incision open up on my breast also. I just left it alone, no Neosporin or anything except keeping in clean and dry. It took a while but healed up just fine. I do have a wide scar there though. I think the skin was especially thin there because the BS had to take atumor very close to my areola. I too have a red spot with a lump under it, pretty much in the area you describe. I go to the BS on the 5th so I'll know more then, pretty sure it is just scar tissue.
here's hoping.
Sounds like you are doing too much. I know it is hard with little ones.
Your oldest can help with snacks. Mine could cook by the time they were 10yo, with supervision. Challenge them to fend for themselves, ask your oldest to get snacks. Granola bars, yougurt...you know the drill. Believe me they will step up if you make them.
My son at 9 yo decided he only wanted burgers for dinner. OK, I bought him ready made patties and had him cook his own dinner. The little stinker did, for 4 weeks, every night...lol. So they can do it!
Now, an MRI stands for Magnetic resonance imaging. It uses a huge magnet and radio waves to get images of your body, no xrays, so much safer. That is how all my tumors were found, they couldn't see them on the mammogram. That's what I'll have on a 6 month or yearly basis from here on out. I am not taking an aromatase inhibitor so they will keep a closer eye on me than if I were. I am ok with that!
Enjoy being bored....things will heat up pretty soon when you go back to teaching.
be well,
Eve
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Eve,
Gosh if I had my kids cooking I'd probably be calling the fire department!!! Lol that's not an option but they do help around the house. They just have way too much energy right now and always want to be on the go- which I feel bad that I can't be with them it's summer after all...
This spot that opened up has been a nightmare since the start. This is where after the BMx it opened and oozed and she had to scrape away skin and re stitch. I think it had to do w the day I fell on the ice.
. Anyway it's been an issue like 3 times now. The second time was after the exchange. The glue was hang off so I took it off and the scab came with it opening it just like now. I'm sure tomorrow it won't look as bad when I see ps last time it closed a bit and she said I was good to go. I need to heal damn it!!!! Gosh if I felt crying like a baby would help I'd sob all day!!! Between my abdomen and breast ( and it's not even the cancer side!!) The pimple like thing I have isn't a scar, it's just on the breast skin... Guess I can ask her about that tomorrow too!! Ugh!!!
My sister and husband are trying to talk me into going to myrtle beach sc August 8-16. I just can't see it right now. It'd be my parents, my 2 sisters and my 4 kids (my husband used all his time to take care of me after my surgeries so he won't be able to go). Not sure if I'm up to the 15 hour drive, fighting amongst the kids etc....
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The kids will get over it.
Your trip sounds like a respite from all the things you have been through. But it IS quite a journey. If you feel up to it GO! Just tell the kids to deal with the drive. Girl, if you demand excellence you will get it.
I wasn't suggesting that the little ones cook, but your oldest can surely throw some cheese between two tortillas, throw it into the microwave and make cheese quesadillas. A great snack.
Best wishes at the PS tomorrow. I am sure everything will be OK.
Eve
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Thanks eve!
Something since I've been kinda hanging around. I always wanted to speak with people who served in the Vietnam war with my uncle who didn't make it back. I was born in 1972 and he was killed before that so we never met but he was in my moms wedding etc. I thought it would be neat to talk to guys he served with. I came across a few guys and we may meet in August. One guy, lives in my town!!! He was going to be the best man in my uncles wedding!!!! Crazy huh? Oh well just wanted to share that. It has been cool they've sent pictures and stories of their time together.,.,
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Well just got back from my ps office. She didn't like what she saw. She cut away the skin around the hole and re stitched it. She said if it gets infected I'll lose the implant.omg I can't believe this £}>%. she put me on doxycycline for 5 days and I go back to see her on Tuesday july 29. As she was cutting and stitching I was able to feel it!!! What an awful feeling! I'm done feeling like a cutting board, pin cushion, damn science experiment!!! My mom went to the appt with me because I'm not driving yet after my hysterectomy. I told her if I lose the implant I'm staying flat- ill use a prosthetic. She told me not to jump ahead, but my goodness enough is enough!
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mommyathome- Gosh darn you have had a tough time of it lately. Hang in there. You are strong and you can get through this. Know that when you want to vent, we are here. You certainly have reason to feel frustrated...we get it.
Here's hoping you have a very uneventful, relaxing, healing time between now and your appt on the 29th.
Hugs!
Ally
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Thanks ally!
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Well hells bells! I have a fever of 101.4. I had a UTI and have been taking antibiotics for 9 days. Tomorrow was supposed to be the last day. Now I guess I get to go back and see what the heck is up. I don't have time to be sick. I thought I just had a neck ache, so I went to class of course, but it was 90 degrees inside tonight, and I was literally a hot mess afterward. I ache all over. I'll be taking some Tylenol and heading to bed. Think cooling thoughts!
Mary - how did it go? Are you feeling okay?
Eve - our injured teenage black belt is better, but still being careful. Thanks for asking.
Bev - will think healing thoughts for you too.
Laurie - I hope your nips ultimately turn out to be okay. I'll be joining you next month.
Love all of you...even if I am delirious!
Diane.
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Hey Mary,
how did it go? Hope all is well.
E
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Hi ladies,
Well I get to take my bandages off today after my ps did a little "revision" because i had a hole in the base of my incision and I'm nervous!!! I go back to ps on Tuesday to see if it's healing or I need to have implant removed.... Last night I was rubbing the other incision and felt something hard. Come to find out I think it's a stitch sticking out!!! Wth?!? Is this ok?! My exchange was June 2... Wouldnt you think it would dissolve?
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Hi ladies,
Well I get to take my bandages off today after my ps did a little "revision" because i had a hole in the base of my incision and I'm nervous!!! I go back to ps on Tuesday to see if it's healing or I need to have implant removed.... Last night I was rubbing the other incision and felt something hard. Come to find out I think it's a stitch sticking out!!! Wth?!? Is this ok?! My exchange was June 2... Wouldnt you think it would dissolve?
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Beverly & Diane - Hope you both are doing better.
I'm having a relapse of my summer cold. Blah. I'm sick of my runny nose and cough! I thought I was on the mend. And the fatigue! OMG. I think it's a combination of residual effects from treatment & surgery this past year, plus two years ago I was diagnosed with Lyme disease and Epstein-Barr virus (the virus that causes mono). While neither of those two are active now, I think they contribute to my compromised immune system, so it takes me a long time to bounce back from the littlest things.
On the plus side, I spent hours out in the pool with my kids today. We played volleyball, grilled burgers... I even made brownies with my daughter. Felt like a normal summer day and I'm grateful for those.
Here I am getting a vitamin D fix, with my crazy hair and foobs...haha
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You look FABULOUS Michelle!
Bravo for normal days.
Eve
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You look fantastic Michelle!! Your foobs look fab.
So sorry you are not better yet. Nothing sucks more than a summer cold. Hear's hoping you get better soon. You have really been through it woman. You are my hero for sure! Glad you had a normal day. No one deserves it more.The doc says I have a nasty virus and if I don't rest it could turn into something ugly and bacterial, so I literally slept most of Friday and today. I'm feeling better, but won't be doing anything stupid like training. I've had bacterial pneumonia before...no thanks. My son is with his dad in hopes that he'll escape getting this, and I just ordered Chinese delivery. Life is good and I don't dare complain, because we all know...things could always be worse.
Be well my friend,
Diane.
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Love, pure and simple. that's me and my girl.
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Beautiful.
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Thanks, Diane. I really wasn't sure I was up to attending our local Relay for Life event that started today. However, a good friend sent me a text this morning letting me know she purchased a luminary in my honor and I had known she was sponsoring a tent so I thought I should stop out to thank her. I went to the event, walked with my friend and others I knew, and before the afternoon was over the woman who runs our Look Good, Feel Better program and wig bank asked if I was willing to talk at an upcoming event to promote their program. So, the woman who doesn't want to be known as Cancer Girl on August 13 will speak on the benefits of this program at the annual Make Strides Against Cancer dinner fundraiser. Nervous, Hell ya! I don't like speaking I front of large groups and I have no idea yet how large the group is. I live in a small but influential town in Michigan so I am assuming approx 200.
But, I digress. The event was so great that I went back to walk twice and the second time was with my daughter. The picture I posted was before she left on her own for the night heading back to join friends at the event. So proud of her!
Have to admit in full disclosure, though, that I was not emotionally ready to join the Survivor walk this evening. I had a few come up to me and ask if I was going to join that part and I told them it was too early. I am not even through treatment. When does one become a survivor? Have I survived? I am alive so I guess the answer is YES! But, the emotions are still too raw so we will wait until next year to add that portion of the event to my repertoire.
DD just sent me a text to see if it was ok to stay out extra late at RFL tonight. She wants to walk until 1-2 am. Sheesh, yeah! There is so much hope in our young adults! We need to give them more credit. My dd is so much better than my late 70/early 80 teenage self!
Love to all!
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wow, these pics showcase some beautiful and strong women. Thank you for sharing and love to all, Marissa
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Oh Ann. I just know you will inspire so many when you speak. I don't know how everyone else feels, but in my eyes you are definitely a survivor.
Love,
Diane.
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Michelle and Anne,
Thanks for posting those pictures that display a moment of regularity! Gosh, cancer and hysterectomy have seemed to put me in bed most of the time. My son plays baseball and has another tournament in Brooklyn so I'm trying to rest up and heal so I'm up to the trip- leave jy 31 until August 4 or so.
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Hey Beverly, just a thought....didn't you say your parents were going with you on this long car trip? Just wondering if they would be willing to take the kids without you so you could stay home with hubby and get some much needed rest without the kids around to help you heal? You have been through so much. Just thinking out loud.....
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Yes, or just stay home alone. All of my postops I've been alone and it can be very helpful not to feel like you have to take care of everyone else and just rest. I know you don't want to miss, but maybe if you allow yourself time to heal you will be in a better place.
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Thanks ladies. This trip is for my sons regional baseball tournament in Brooklyn. July 31-aug 4 or so. My parents aren't going and they're keeping my 4 year old and 10 year old (she starts cheer leading aug 1 so they'll take her). it's about a 2 1/2 hour ride to Brooklyn
The longer trip, to myrtle beach sc is aug 8-15. I decided not to go on that trip. They will be taking my son since by then his baseball season will be over. That week I'll probably have our sitter come help. But this is about when I need to get in my classroom and prepare for the new school year.
Boy I'm not looking forward to that!!! I lay around all day now. It's going to be a BIG transition!!!! Hoping my abdominal incision heals and stops hurting this week and I get good news from ps Tuesday!!!! It's almost August!!!
I think going to Brooklyn will be good. Honestly, laying around the house 75% of the time isn't healthy either. I'm just tired of the pain from the hysterectomy! I feel if I lay around it'll heal better!!! But I know I should be moving around more than I am....
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Hi everyone
Ann- you and your DD are both beautiful. Wish we could all be there when you give your "speech"
Michelle & Diane-hope you feel better soon
I am having a great weekend. My youngest GS spent the night Fri night for the first time in almost a year. As soon as we went to bed and I went to turn the TV on, he said, "grandma, aren't we going to read books first?" Then yesterday we went to get him his school supplies for Kdg. He was so excited. Today, I am going over to meet youngest sons girlfriends family, and he will be surprising her with a proposal while we are there. Then my GD will be coming this afternoon to spend the night. Normal!!
Anne
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