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January 2014 Surgery Sisters

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Comments

  • girlstrong
    girlstrong Member Posts: 299
    edited August 2014

    hi girls...been MIA because I've been on a long weekend vacay. This is significant  because this is the first time I've been away from my house since diagnosis!!!! The family went up to historic Mackinaw Island. Absolutely gorgeous . The weather, the scenery, the food..it all was great. I went the whole weekend without my wig (not that I liked it but it was a good growing pain for me).  Here's a pic of me and my sister on the ferry ride to the island. So proud to know you all. 

    image

  • Dtkd
    Dtkd Member Posts: 422
    edited August 2014

    Wow Marissa!  You are both gorgeous!!  Is that really you without a wig?  You look amazing!

     

  • pinktiara
    pinktiara Member Posts: 716
    edited August 2014

    Yes! Marissa! you are totally beautiful! I love your hair cut.  Dump the wig. You don't need it.  Your smile is just illuminating.  Bravo for great weekends.

    Diane, you know me, I do my research! Everything you are doing I find fascinating.  My daughter in law is Thai and a Buddhist. She has such a peaceful, excepting, healthy way of living. Good thing because my son, the Marine, can be kinda anal. They are good for each other. I have never had your dedication to anything other than for my kids and my husband.  No apologies, just me. I too would like to try Thai Chi. But my soul cries out for kick boxing..not my bones and muscles so much.lol  I will get there...if you and Ann can do it....so can I. snap!

    Mema.......

    Not so sure I am doing this with grace but I try to be positive. That all comes from life experience. Quite simply, I have learned I can not control much of anything except my thoughts and feelings. I will never discount those, however I use a huge amount of discernment about what is important and what gets a pass.

    In the BC walk, I have a ton of experience to draw from in my former, now deceased husband's, walk with brain cancer. Lots of dishonesty with high level docs in that regard. Scientists wanting to further their research in their interests, NOT in Rob's interests.

    So sad and scary.

     soooooo to your question about not taking AIs..... I did hours and hours of research on aromatase inhibitors. If we are er+ that means our tumors are er+ but not our whole bodies. The er+ tumors like estrogen and feed on that estrogen. Yum yum.  Soooo the reason for taking AIs or tamoxifen is to suppress as much estrogen in our bodies as possible. OK I get that.  But if you are post meno pausal you only produce estrogen in your adrenal glands or in andiose tissue ie fat. hmmmmm. AND a lot of recurrence breast cancer presents with a different mo. It can come back as a completely different type of tumor...er- pr- her+ ....

    so I don't think anyone has a freaking clue yet. Plus they only tested the AIs for 3 years before they were approved for use in our treatment, in effect we are still gunie pigs....

    I have degenerative disc disease in my neck and back, AIs can and do have a debilitative effect on your bones. So I am not risking it.

    NOW this is IMPORTANT!!!!!! If my BC was more advanced....I would have taken the whole arsenal of chemo etc. and asked for more.

    K, I have to look up an Italian dressing recipe, we ran out and DH needs some....

    loving life

    Eve


     

  • pinktiara
    pinktiara Member Posts: 716
    edited August 2014

    Not to bore you all,

    but, I have been very fortunate in having exemplary children and my husband is the absolute bomb!

    My older son was a real challenge, super high IQ, but he did try to commit suicide many years ago.  NOTHING is easy or given to you in life, you just take what comes your way and digest it and say ok, where do we go from here and do it in the best way possible. I don't always meet my own standards but I try.

    I want for nothing. I don't need anything. I'd like a lot more than I have, but those are just things and stuff.

    I have a peaceful, spartan life, I enjoy everyday. I love my puppy, my cat, my loved ones...pretty simple, but those are the important things in my life. With BC I've had a wake up call. Mostly about the crap in our food and water. Who knew, I wasn't aware or paying attention to GMO's or soy or estrogens in our meat....I do now.

    My blood pressure medicine was killing me. Just awful stuff. So Now I am off of it and I am feeling better everyday. I am finding ways to lower my blood pressure naturally. I even ran around the dog park with my pup today! haven't been able to do that in a year.

    K, i'll quit. just ....DON"T take anything for granted. look at side effects of the meds you are taking...and question your docs.

    Sorry if I am too passionate about this but I have seen some bad stuff and bad docs.

    love

    Eve

  • Ally2345
    Ally2345 Member Posts: 96
    edited August 2014

    Girlstrong-  You rock!!  Woohoo on the vacation...sounds like a beautiful spot!  I have not seen any pictures of you in a wig but you look stunning in that pic!!  

    Ally

  • mema4
    mema4 Member Posts: 484
    edited August 2014

    Eve, I'm so glad to hear you say all of that. I've always thought the data was inconclusive and it data is only a group of results, certain times, at certain places. It can change the very next day but those results will not be calculated. So, what we know from data today, will be different tomorrow if we tested the very same group.

    Ironic you should say degenerative disc disease in your neck! I too have had that for years. I've just had two neck injections - the kind of procedures that require you to be sedated so they can inject in-between the discs and it has to be in an outpatient setting  Last week, I finally set my Crestor aside and started weaning myself from it. It is making a big difference in my cognitive abilities. Now, I'm working on some other meds with one of my physicians. I've had all this research but just not doing a thing about it. I am learning to not depend on physicians for every decision I make. I have a doc in my family and he is appalled at my attitude.  I love that!

    I am sure your son felt he was at the end of the road, for whatever reason. I understand that feeling as I too at one time thought suicide would be my only way to escape the pain. I'm grateful I wasn't successful but was disappointed at the time.  Yes, life changes. I hate this disease. I can add it to my life as a horrible burden that requires much from its victims. My issue now is to find a balance that you and others seems to have found. I'm not giving up. Just eager to find it.

    Those people around me, even those I know that love me, wants me to ignore all of this. They don't believe it was a "bad" cancer since I didn't have chemo. I am so very grateful for that but I'd have it if I needed it for sure! Now I just have to be quiet about everything, say I'm fine even if not and try to find an outlet. Crap.

    Thank you for replying!

  • Mommyathome
    Mommyathome Member Posts: 876
    edited August 2014

    Hi ladies! Exhausted!!! But wanted to say as a proud mom, my son hit an out of the park home run today at his Wirld Series in Brooklyn New York!!! I ran down the bleachers and across the street to recover the ball- so proud of him!!!!

    We went into the city yesterday and saw times square, 9-11 memorial, I rOde a subway for the first time and a ferry... Oh it was great!!!!

  • mema4
    mema4 Member Posts: 484
    edited August 2014

    That sounds like so much fun!

  • mmtagirl
    mmtagirl Member Posts: 325
    edited December 2017

    Marissa, I agree, no more wig for you!  You look fantastic and had a beautiful weekend for Mackinac island. I haven't been there in years and every summer put it back on my list of things to do.  Congratulations on getting out!

    We had a family wedding.  My niece and goddaughter was married on Friday.  It was all beautiful.  My dd was one of the attendants. Such a great day, fun reception.....I even danced! Best part is that she married a great guy and I wish them a blessed married life.

    Been a tough week for me with fatigue and yucky taste buds.  I did get out and mowed the lawn and then took a 4.5 mile walk.  It helped a lot.  After tomorrow only 6 more treatments.  Woot woot!

    Good luck tomorrow, Diane.  You've got this!

    Happy Monday, all.

  • lighthouselady
    lighthouselady Member Posts: 248
    edited August 2014

    Oh how I remember the yucky taste buds.  I felt like my tongue was coated in filth throughout chemo.  HORRIBLE!  Two things I found helped.... cinnamon red hots candies and lemonade.  The strong flavors kind of cut through the yuck.  That, and rinsing your mouth with Biotene every couple of hours.

    A home run in the World Series??  How amazing is that?!??!  Woohoo!!!!

    Diane - I'll be thinking of you this weekend.  You've worked soooooooooooooooo hard for this.  We'll all be in your pocket on Saturday. 

    Marissa - NO MORE WIG!  Gosh you look amazing!  What a great picture of you and your sister.  

    So today begins months of craziness.  My daughter's softball league is having a "mix it up" and she'll play a game (or two) every weeknight for the next two weeks.  Friday I go to Dallas for my pre-op testing, and Hubby and I are spending the weekend for a little getaway.  We have concert tickets Friday night, and then we're staying at the casino until Sunday.  Woohoo!  My hysterectomy is Aug 14th.  School starts Aug 25, my son will be playing 7th grade football and fall softball for my daughter starts Sept 8th.  Who has time for cancer??  LOL

    I love sports, though, so I'm excited for both of them to start back up.  Just not looking forward to surgeries and a school routine.

  • Ally2345
    Ally2345 Member Posts: 96
    edited August 2014

    mommyathome-  Woohoo!!  How awesome to hit an out of the park homer.  Even better that you were able to get the ball. So proud of you for taking in the sights.  Enjoy!!

    Mmta- That stinks about your taste buds.  Yuck.  So glad you were able to enjoy the wedding!  Wow, a 4.5 mile walk...that is great.  My stamina is still pretty low but I am getting there.  6 more treatments...we will count them down with you!!

    Lighthouse-  I am with you, I love sports. Wow, your month sounds super busy but it may help the days pass without over-thinking your surgery. Enjoy Austin, the concerts and casino!

    Ally

  • girlstrong
    girlstrong Member Posts: 299
    edited August 2014


    Happy Monday....thanks girls for helping gain some much needed confidence.  I am getting there :)  I am so glad that we all seem to be enjoying our life.  Weddings, sports, vacations, black belt testing...who knew this could be done while simultaneously fighting the big "C"!!!  What this means to me is that we are all a group of strong women.  Since being diagnosed, I have come to realize that those who are faced with this journey are not the weak.  Every.single.person I have met has been smart, independent, courageous, and strong.  God only gives us what we can handle.  Right??  I have the most respect for all on this journey (past and present). 

    Michelle, you will do great on your surgery.  compared to chemo this is cake!!

    As for the taste bud comment....the only thing that helped me were icy cold popsicles.

    Now I gotta run and eat my peach for lunch :) 

  • girlstrong
    girlstrong Member Posts: 299
    edited August 2014


    Oh I forgot to mention...after all of the posts on restricted range of motion I just have to chime in.  Yes this is something that needs to be managed by a Physical Therapist.  At this point in our recovery...most will need to stretch regulary.  Make stretching part of your every action.  Stretching while in the shower is great because your warm..even better is stretching after exercise because your muscles are warm and will stretch easier (don't bounce when you stretch, stretch slow and hold for a prolonged period of time).  Stretch during your normal activies--i.e. while cooking, cleaning, reaching for things etc.  Your body will adjust the more you incoporate motion into your life.  Also, please be mindful of body mechanics and posture. The better posture you have, the better range of motion you will have. Also, stretching that hurts beyond the normal "stretchy or tight" feeling is not normal.  Tell someone.  

    Ok..I'm off my soap box now .  Love you gals :)

  • pinktiara
    pinktiara Member Posts: 716
    edited August 2014

    Thanks marissa for "getting on your soap box" didn't seem that way at all. The information is very much welcome.

    Yay Beverly, your son sounds like a great hitter, you must be very proud of him. How are you healing?

    You girls that have yukky tasebuds...so sorry you had to go and still are going through the chemo process...my heart is with you. brave, brave women!

    OK RANT ALERT!

    Went to my appointment with the BS this morning. Well, really her PA.  Ok, one, seemed as if they were really over booked. Took forever! Not usually their way of conducting the practice. Anyhow, I told you guys that I felt a lump. My BC grew very quickly.  Sooooooooo the PA does an exam....hmmmmmm, she utters. Is this it...ah NO check here, oh yah, now she feels the lump.  Well here we go again...need ultra sound on both boobs/foobs. " It" is not scar tissue, might be a cyst...never had a cyst in my life, might be, well it might be , cancer( read like Mike Meyers saying satan on an old snl skit). Lovely. Ok not going there unless I have to.

     The other thing that pissed me off.....BS prescribed  Ativan for me back in April!. 60 pills, I just last night finished the script.  A little over 4 months. So I am not sucking these pills down. I asked for a refill, CRAP! you would have thought I was an addict or Dr. shopping. sheesh, she, the BS, prescribed the damn things. So she gave me 30 more but told me I have to ask my PCP for anything else.  Well THAT sounds like Dr. shopping to me. 

    Just a weird, cold visit. Not happy.

    Rant done.

    I usually don't feel like this. I am a positive person, Just feel like the wind was taken out of my sails.

    K, now I am going to beat the hell out of some pork loin chops. Then I will dredge them in flour, dip them in egg and smother them in bread crumbs, The chops will be fried in peanut oil. I am going to make buttermilk biscuits and pepper country cream gravy and serve with a corn soufflé.  HA! Down home (bad for you) southern comfort food. Might as well clog up my arteries.

    thanks for letting me vent.

    love you ALL,

    Eve

     

     

     


     

  • Dtkd
    Dtkd Member Posts: 422
    edited August 2014

    Jesus Eve. They had the nerve to tell you you need an ultrasound and then give grief about a few Ativan? I would say she is lucky you didn't lose it altogether. This is clearly rant-worthy. Let's hope the US just shows a cyst, or something equally benign, but pound that pork and let it go until you know for sure. Love you lots lady. I'll throw a few kicks and punches for you tonight.

    di

  • Mommyathome
    Mommyathome Member Posts: 876
    edited August 2014

    Eve,

    Sorry you had a bad experience at the doctors! Geez don't they realize how freaking stressful this #&$@ is without their crap!!!! That makes me so mad!!!

    Hope you get good results as you go on. Lean on that strong man of yours and us!!! 

    Yes I was very proud of my son! They came in 5th place out of 14 and bunches of teams that didn't make the World Series. 

    I have a physical tomorrow. It's with a doctor that I haven't seen since my diagnosis so it should be interesting!! Then I go to ps on Thursday to see how that damn spot is healing on the incision. trying not to think about it.... I'm very nervous and well not overly optimistic. 

    I am going to the school next week to start set up my class and start planning- ready or not, right? At this point I'm behind on ALL my bills, we are down to one car (and need two at end of August)!!! I need to go back to work got no time for problems right now!!

  • mmtagirl
    mmtagirl Member Posts: 325
    edited December 2017

    Eve, rant away.  You deserve it after the day you had and a nice glass of something with your comfort food.  When is the US? Sending positive energy your way! 

  • pinktiara
    pinktiara Member Posts: 716
    edited August 2014

     Diane, thanks my dear friend...kick some a$$ for me,

    I forgot to add....the PA asked me when I was going to see the plastic surgeon again for my fat grafting....WTF.....Ok, she talked about my visit with the MO and that I was not going to take an aromatase inhibitor aka AI......But no where on my chart does it say I don't have or have ever had a plastic surgeon involved in my care? I just said hey! I am 58 yo, the boobs are what they are....I thought they looked pretty good. Such a bad day.

    I am ok now,( well sort of) my comfort food dinner turned out to be really great.

    Moving on with grace....

    another chapter.....

    love Eve


     

  • pinktiara
    pinktiara Member Posts: 716
    edited August 2014

    Well, I posted when you all were...

    Thanks Beverly, yes it is a bunch of crap.  I also do not have a car. Sold my little lovely sports car when I lost my job.....so I have to depend on my BFF and my brother. I hate having to depend on them, but, like today, spending time with my brother is priceless. he is happy to take me wherever.....just the best times.....we laugh about being kids together and remember lots of fun times during our childhood...again totally priceless.

    Thanks to you also Ann,  truthfully I hate to be negative when I know you and others are facing far more than I.  But today just hit me hard. The decadent country gravy was the answer....like a ...I don't care I am going to eat it anyway....yum. Yes and some really good wine....

    thanks all for your support. I truly don't know what I would do without you.

    love and hugs

    Eve

  • girlstrong
    girlstrong Member Posts: 299
    edited August 2014

    wow Eve, this just goes to show that there are a lot of stupid people out there despite their advanced degrees. I mean how hard is it to show compassion??? A big hug sent your way. Keep us posted on the US; well all be in your pocket for that appointment . 

  • lighthouselady
    lighthouselady Member Posts: 248
    edited August 2014

    I'll try to post more later, but please please say prayers for my dad and my family. He had a heart attack and stroke late Sunday night. I found out yesterday morning, spent all afternoon packing, all evening flying, and 12 hours at the hospital today after 4 hours of sleep. He is in very critical condition and I'm so sad and scared. I was just up here three weeks ago having ice cream with him and he took my kids fishing! He played golf Sunday... And now this? 

  • Dtkd
    Dtkd Member Posts: 422
    edited August 2014

    Oh Michelle.  I'm so sorry.  Of course we will keep your dad and your family in our prayers and let us know how your dad is doing.  Wishing I could wrap you in my arms and take away your sadness and fear.  Your dad is loved, and you are there for him, which is what matters most.  ((Hugs))  Diane.

  • mmtagirl
    mmtagirl Member Posts: 325
    edited December 2017

    Michelle, big hugs your way!

    Eve, we all haves our ups and downs in life and just because you didn't need the chemo doesn't mean what you have been dealing with is any less troubling.  Geesh, I am in awe on how you have inspired a group of ladies to come together on this thread through your sheer strength of spirit. You did all this even after having lost a husband to cancer, gained a husband who has some potential health issues, son in Afganistan, no car, etc.  

    you are the heart and soul of this sisterhood.  When you hurt, we hurt.

    Now, has anyone heard from Mary?  I am worried we haven't heard from her.

    Hugs and love to all!

  • Dtkd
    Dtkd Member Posts: 422
    edited August 2014

    Mary was scheduled for exchange surgery on 7/24. Her last post on this site was 7/23. She had posts in the implant sizing group, but nothing after her surgery date. I'm worried too. If anyone has any way personal contact information for her, please use it and find out if she is okay.

  • anneb1149
    anneb1149 Member Posts: 821
    edited August 2014

    Michelle - lots of prayers  for your Dad and the whole family. 

    Eve-what a horrible day. I would have been right there with you eating comfort food. It's obvious medical schools do not offer any courses on compassion and tact. I think, though, those qualities are inherent, and cannot be taught. 

    Years ago I was considering becoming a preschool teacher and went to find out what courses would be needed. After listening to some of the ridiculous classes, I said to the lady "I strongly believe that good teachers begin with a gift for teaching. You can teach almost anyone the "skills" to teach, but if they don't have the gift, they will never do more than rote teach. Gifted teachers really reach the kids and teach so much more than the academic stuff". She agreed. It's the same in any profession- you can teach skills, but you can't teach compassion, kindness , empathy or caring. 

    Anne

  • pinktiara
    pinktiara Member Posts: 716
    edited August 2014

    Michelle, so sad to hear about your dad. I know you are scared and the emotions are raw right now. I think if I were your dad I would want to hear about all the good things he has brought to you and your kids. I hope he is much much better this morning. hang in there, lady. We are here for you! much love coming your way.

     

    You all are so kind with your comments about my day yesterday. I am much encouraged after feeling your support.

    My comfort food dinner was yummy, having leftovers tonight to keep the comfort going. ThumbsUp

    When I look at yesterday, the crappy part was just an hour of time. I spent some wasted time on being angry, but the majority of the day was spent with my brother, and talking with my BFF and my son. Sooooo....seeing the silver lining now.

    The imaging place will call me to set up an appointment for the US. If they don't call by 3pm I will call them.I've slipped through the cracks before so not taking any chances this time.

    My reference to Mike Myers was incorrect, should have been Dana Carvey my bad...lol

    I am off to surf the net for an outfit that exudes rock n roll for our trip to Tampa to see Tom Petty. Nate says jeans and a t-shirt...ha ha! Not. I know I have something in my closet that will be fine, but a little retail therapy never hurt anyone.

    I too am worried about Mary.  It will be awful to never know what happened. Just pray everyday that she is just fine.

    love you ladies

    Eve

  • bc101
    bc101 Member Posts: 923
    edited August 2014

    Hi everyone!

    I've been offline up north since my surgery - sorry I didn't have any way to get in touch. Wow, lots of things going on, basically - went up north to the cabin 2 days after surgery even though I wasn't feeling up to it, I went anyway. DH took 2 weeks off and we had planned on going to the cabin, so off we went. But the recovery has been rough - much harder than I thought it would be. Lipo and FG are not for sissies! Today is the first day I haven't taken any narcotics or Tylenol, so I'm feeling much better. Finally.

    No complications from surgery (yet), but I have a nasty rash near my incisions from the tape. They say it will take 3 - 6 months for the foobs to take on their final shape, so don't look.

    Had my post op visit. Drove down to my cancer clinic in stages with different family members driving different legs of the journey on different days - kind of like a relay race! Since I was way up north and my clinic is way down south, it took some major logistics. I wanted DH to stay put this time and give him a break. It's been lots of time on the road, which has really worn me out! I'm home now just to check my mail, do laundry and get more supplies, then we're heading back to the cabin again. I'm willing to do all the finagling because I just love it up there. It's been a wonderful healing place to be. 

    More later,

    Mary

  • pinktiara
    pinktiara Member Posts: 716
    edited August 2014

    yay YAYHappy Mary,

    So super happy to know you are safe.  Enjoy your happy place.

    But don't worry us again. Sounds nutso but I started looking at the car accident reports in Michigan....looking for a VW convertible. Thankfully I didn't find anything.

    Love you much, hugs

    Eve

  • Dtkd
    Dtkd Member Posts: 422
    edited August 2014

    Hi Mary:  Sooo glad you are okay.  We care just like family, but can't badger you like they would, so all we could do is worry like crazy.  I'm sorry that recovery was rough.  I am following you closely....getting my Lipo/FG on the 18th.  I don't do well with narcotics, and only get a week off to recover, so I'm hoping for the best.

    Eve - did you get your appointment and your fun rocker outfit?  When do you and Nate go?

    Michelle - You and your dad have been on my mind all day. Continued love and hugs to you and all of your family.

    Beverly - Good luck with your appointment tomorrow.  I find that often when I get to where I just have to step up...like you will have to when it's time to go back to work, things just get better.  Maybe it is the adrenaline or just knowing you have no choice, but I'm guessing you will find a way to make it work and end up on top of it.  We are all stronger than we every thought we would have to be.

    Countdown...2 more nights before testing.  People keep asking me if I'm ready, or excited, or scared.  I feel really calm, which isn't at all like me at all.  It is an interesting feeling.

    Sleep well ladies!

    Diane.

  • pinktiara
    pinktiara Member Posts: 716
    edited August 2014

    Yup, scheduled my US for next Thursday the, 14th. At least I got in fairly quickly. Should be fun!

    I found some cool stuff on Ebay, including a pair of boots. BOHO style. Thinking I am just going to wear black jeans with a gold sequined, spaghetti strap tank top. With a sparkly shawl , the arena is always too cold. I have some BOB's black sparkly flats that are super comfy. We are walking from our hotel to the arena so they are more practical than boots.  However I love, love boots, just not practical for Florida. THINK Stevie Nicks, a la Fleetwood Mac. Kinda witchy woman....heck she is 66 and can pull it off so why not me. Although the top hat with the ostrich feathers might be a little over the top....or maybe not.   We leave on September 20th and come back on Monday.   

    Diane, you are fully prepared for your black belt.....feel the force, and kick that brick! I am so excited for you. I know you have had to wait for this.....you have got this. I can't wait to hear about your test.  Be well.

    My son and his best friend are coming over on Saturday for Nate's smoking ribs and some porter and stout beers. A manly brew.  Good times ahead.

    ttyl

    love

    Eve

     

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