January 2014 Surgery Sisters
Comments
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Thanks, Mary, then I can hope that the crazy lady moments get less. Man, I used to be a levelheaded person ... I miss that.
Alexandra
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hi ann, just had to chime in on rads. Like you, I was not 100% convinced or told that I absolutely needed rads. I did my research and in the end I made a decision that I knew I could live with. For me, I just wanted to do everything possible without regrets. You will also make the right choice for you; I know it. In the end, rads are not bad. Just a pain in the ass that you have to go to the center every.single.day!!!!!
Ps I am still waiting to get the "go live your life "speech too......
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Thanks, Marissa. I think I am in that same space. I see my MO on Thursday who I consider my número uno cancer doc. I will confirm my decision then but believe I will go for it....
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Hi all!
We had an absolutely gorgeous weekend up north!!! My DH took Friday and Monday off for a long weekend. The fall colors were peak, the weather was sunny, and temps were in the 80s for 3 days straight. John actually went swimming! But then it turned on us fast (as usual here in MN), and we are back to cool and cloudy. Bleh.
Tonight I can't sleep
Last week my new PT introduced me to the technique of lymphedema bandaging. I'm not enjoying this at all, but I'm hopeful. She is being proactive. I only have mild swelling and fluid in the affected arm but this is the first time a therapist suggested it. She really seems to know what she's doing. Makes me realize how many bad PT's I've been to in the past year. If only I'd found her in the beginning. Oh well....
So, I've been wrapping my hand and arm with two bandages, but after this weekend I had some swelling in my fingers. I called my PT today and she said I may have to wrap the fingers, too. Noooooo! I'll find out on Thursday. Crossing my fingers (haha) that's not the case, but we'll see!
Anne, how are you doing with your arm?
Michelle, did you ever get your pink camouflage sleeve and if so, how do you like it?
Tomorrow I'm going to my first Yoga class so I better get some sleep
Namaste!
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Hi all,
Mary, my arm is doing ok for now. When I went back to Fl for the summer, my daughter found out that the mother of one of her sons friends was an LE therapist. It took weeks to get the paperwork cleared, so I only had her help for two weeks before I came back to Georgia. What bothered me is that the first time she checked it, as a friend before we even submitted paperwork, she said I was developing some hard fibrous tissue in my lower arm. She said it needed to be wrapped with little pieces of foam ( I guess) to break up the tissue. Then a good month went by before she came back. She wrapped the arm several times, but never put the little pieces in it. Each time I mentioned them, she said she forgot and would do it next time. Never got done. She did wrap me pretty tight for the plane ride and told me to keep it on for 3 days, but I only got thru 2.
In Fl, I wore my sleeve and glove every day. Now I wear it occasionally and I really don't see much difference. I am very conscious of not putting stress on it, I have learned to let others do the carrying and lifting, and even changing the sheets on my bed- the mattress is too heavy for me to lift. I will wear the sleeve and glove next week, because I will be visiting my 15 mo, old granddaughter, and I can't not hold her or lift her on to my lap as often as she will allow it.
Otherwise, doing well- had my port removed Mon. Off traveling again starting this weekend- will be with my son in So. Carolina from the weekend until Fri, when I will fly to NY for almost 3 weeks for a reunion with my siblings, especially my sister, who is borderline agoraphobic, and tried to visit me here in Ga during my treatment, but couldn't do it because there was no direct flight. Then it is back to Fl for a grandson's birthday at the end of Oct. I have to be back in Ga for routine check ups with my MO & BS in mid-Dec.still haven't decided where I am spending the holidays yet.
Anne
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Anne,
Sorry to hear that it didn't work out with your friend's LE therapist. I've been learning a lot these past few weeks and this much I do know - it's soooo important to find just the right LE therapist to work with you.
This website http://www.stepup-speakout.org/wrapping_bandaging... has been very helpful in learning about lymphedema bandaging and more. I know it's not a fun look, but I'm already sold on it. They say it's especially helpful for softening fibrous tissue. Plus it's more customized than a sleeve. My PT said that the problem with sleeves it that they can stretch out and then you swell according to the sleeve's larger size. Yikes! Wrapping isn't easy, and you really need a lot of instruction, practice and coaching along the way to get it right. My therapist wants to get rid of any fluid before I'm fitted for a new sleeve. Tomorrow I'll find out how successful I've been this last week with all the bandaging.
I hope you can find someone to help, especially with all the flying you do. Exercise in general is supposed to be the best thing for LE, just like with everything else. And then of course there are specific LE exercises to and manual lymph drainage, which I'm sure you've heard about. I've read that the Lebed method is the bomb for LE and is available on DVD, which reminds me I need to order that.
Have fun with that new grandbaby! And it sounds like you're going to have an awesome time at the family reunion! Yes, I've been wondering myself what the holidays are going to be like this year...especially the celebrations with mom. She's going downhill fast, but we do what we can.
Take care,
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Hi ladies,
So...I'm seeing a local MO on Friday for this one small area under my right foob. I'm sure it's just scar tissue, but it's been bugging me ever since my exchange surgery. I just had a 3 month follow up at my cancer clinic, but somehow it got overlooked as we were talking about other things. Ugh.
I still don't have an established MO at my cancer clinic and I don't like that. They have been restructuring the department. I'm trying to make a transition to someone local in preparation for the winter months when I know traveling 3 hours will be an issue. This local MO is really nice, but I'm nervous about going to my primary clinic where it all began. I think I will use him just for misc. things as long as he's willing to see me. I think he's also more open to do more tests that my cancer clinic will not do as a matter of course.
Hope everyone is having a nice Fall so far!
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Good morning ladies!
Anne and Mary - I really hope you both get the LE issues under control. I can imagine that it is challenging.
I've been dealing with a bunch of bullies at my son's school who have been threatening to beat him up after school on the way to the teen center, which is basically daycare about 2 blocks from school. The school is on it, but it is discouraging. It is so tempting to just let him fight, but with seven of them, I'm worried they will really hurt him.
I seem to be getting used to the Tamoxifen, and feel a little better, but the RA pain seems to be back. I had hoped that the cortisone shot would keep it at bay longer, so am bummed out. I will call the rheumatologist and see about rescheduling the musculoskeletal ultrasound they were planning to do. I might as well get it out of the way this year, so it is paid for and I know what my options are. Thinking I might do the colonoscopy too, since it would save me $750 in copay after January. I also found out yesterday that my office is planning to change to the affordable health care system in January so I don't know what next year will cost or how I will affect my coverage.
Ann - Thinking about you and your decision for your rads. I would probably go for it too, given what they are saying. It is a crappy situation but know you are up to it. Let us know how you are doing. We're here for you.
It's amazing how fast this year has flown by. The BC part sucks, but all of you have brought such joy to my life. You are my silver linings.
Love and hugs,
Diane
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Hello all,
Decision made....hi hi, hi ho, it's off to rads I go. Just finished telling my daughter on the phone. I am really at peace with the decision. After talking to my MO about it today it was a no brainer. I made it through chemo, rads should be much easier and I am strong! I can get past my personal vanity should the recon not look as good as I was expecting. I wonder if there is a prize for keeping TEs in the longest? Have to tell my PS on Monday. He will be surprised.
Diane, I was soooo mad reading about your son being bullied. Made me want to get my gloves out and use them! I wish I had some comforting words for you on how to deal with it. It is scary, I am sure. Sending energy your way to deal with it! Get your colonoscopy done! A colleague at work kept putting hers off and was diagnosed with advanced colon cancer. After all the BC stuff you have been through the colonoscopy will be a breeze. As for the RA--dang! Just when you were doing so well with getting your body back to its former strength. Your mind and spirit will make up for it!
Mary, namaste!
Anne, good to hear from you. What a busy schedule you have!
I am a little worried about LE myself. I learned last week I have a 2cm difference in my upper arm. The doc said it was in the range of normal but it concerned me that she could notice it right away. First I had heard that.
Hugs to all!
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Hi Ann - So wonderful to "hear" the positive energy coming from you. I can feel that you have your path before you, and will kick rad butt! I'm wondering if the TE's are the culprit with your arm. They seemed to push into my armpits in a way that the squishy implants don't, so maybe it will simply go away after you win your booby prize for keeping them around so long (an never really complaining about them either, now that I think about it). I'm sure that Eve will have a special tiara or pair of MT gloves for you.
I am so discouraged that my son has to go through this. They were all torturing him in grade school, and we really thought it would stop since there is no more recess, but not so. It is a sad state of affairs when you fantasize about spin kicking 11 yr. old bullies in the head, while at the same time trying to tell your son that he should avoid fighting if at all possible. The principle at the school is on it, so hopefully things will calm down. I have no doubt that one day David will end up ringing the leader of the pack's bell good...hopefully when he's about 16 and a foot taller.
I saw my PCP today, and now have appointments for my ultrasound for the RA the 14th, and with the endocrinologist the 21st. She says we got behind on everything when the BC happened, and.apparently I'm overdue for my colonoscopy. It's my 2nd one, and although they did remove a few small polyps last time, they were benign, so I'm not worried...just not looking forward to it.
Anne - how do you find the energy for all that moving around? It sounds exciting, but exhausting.
Wishing you all peace and love,
Diane.
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Hi Diane, so want to strangle those bullies with you!! So sorry and concerned that you son gas to face this harassment. I can only hope that his school is on top of this. No excuses. Ann: glad to hear you made your rad decision and yes it is wayyyyyyy easier than chemo. I did my rads with TE's in place too. Rads is mostly just a nuisance to your schedule . You can do it!!!!! I'm i ago I g that your exchange will now be deferred
but on the bright side, when you do get your exchange..it will be the icing on the cake for this long journey you have been on. I've been doing pretty good but more tearful the past week. All this Pinktober stuff makes me relive what ice been through, where I was at this time last year, what I'm still going through. Wow, I guess I'm having a pity party and better snap out of it! 3weeka until my exchange..that is what I'm setting my sights on. See my MO next week for my Herceptin ; only a few more left to go. I'm going to a surprise birthday party tonight and am excited and nervous at the same time. I really don't want the "how are you feeling" or "your hair is growing" comments. I just want to live without the constant reminder of "c" . I'll get over it; just feeling annoyed. Have a Good Friday friends..TGIF! 0 -
hi all,
sorry for being AWOL.
Diane, keep on the principle of David's schools arse, I know you will. Sean went through that in 8th grade...I finally had to pull him out of school and homeschool. What a mess, the powers that be at his Jr. High felt powerless to stop it...me thinks it was a problem entrenched in being too PC. These brats should be suspended and have to take classes along with their parents on being nice and just do your dang school work!
Edited....to state...the PC stuff....was about the bullies that were smacking my son on the back of the head in the hallways were upset and after Sean because he was very , very smart and did his schoolwork and was raised to respect others. While, they, had little respect for anyone and could careless for getting an education. The bullies received extra help aka tutoring to bring them up to speed. While the smart kids received nada, nothing to help them go even further in their education. So , yes, that made me angry!
I am so relieved to hear that the SE's from Tamox are easing. AND I too am going to get a colonoscopy. I will schedule (or at least start the process) on Monday. I found an organization that will set up the appointment with a doc here in Orlando. The cost is $950 for everything including pathology. So that is doable. Otherwise we were looking at thousands...eeek. The organization also helps out people with insurance that have high deductibles.
I wish BC docs could partner with organizations in the same way.......maybe they do? I haven't found one yet.
Good for you Ann. Somehow once the decision is made and we are moving forward...that light at the end of the glows brighter. You can do it! By the way how is your daughter doing at school?
Anne! Your life sounds like a fabulous whirlwind of fun. post pics of the grandbaby. My son Steven is separating from the Marine Corps and will be home with his wife in February...they will start on a family then..woot woot....I can't wait to be a grandma.
We need someone to invent a shunt that would drain the lymph fluids into ones stomach or intestines...I know they do it with your cerebral fluids so why not?
mary, Your weather sounds lovely, how is yoga going.
Marissa....It is such a crappy process...this BC thing. Two steps forward, one back. Take your time. The pinktober stuff brings it back for me also. But....last night we were watching football and they showed the team from Oregon...so hilarious in their pinked out uniforms....really went waaaaayyy overboard. Their hearts are in the right place but the uniforms were just too too much.
enjoy your weekend everyone..it is going to be 58 degrees here on Sunday ( dog park day) morning....ahhhhhhhh sweet
love eve
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Hi ladies,
For anyone here who has had fat grafting, can you tell me about the process and recovery? My ps is recommending it due to, well for lack of words a deformity after the implant settled it left right above the implant rather flat . The pa said if I had fat taken from abdomen on a Thursday ( she said its out patient- how long is procedure?) I should be good to go back to work on Monday. Does that sound realistic?!
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Hi-- sharing with you a clip from the news article in my local paper today that I was featured in. Anything to help the cause but wish it was focused on a cure... One step at a time. Silver lining Sunday.
Love to all,Ann
Ps. I am in the scarf in case you couldn't tell. Lol!
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Hi Beverly: I had my fat grating and nipple recon together. I had some flat spots, and the FG took care of all of it. I am really happy with the results. Honestly, I needed a full week to recover. I had surgery on a Friday and came back to work 7 days later, on a Tuesday. Every PS seems to be different, so maybe this is realistic for what their procedure, but if I were you, I would schedule it for Thanksgiving or Xmas break, so you are sure to have enough time to recover in case you need the time. There isn't any reason to rush is there? I put mine off for several months because of my BB test, and think I actually got a better result by waiting and letting things settle a bit.
Ann - I promised you a progress report on the nips. I'm really happy with them. They continue to go down in size and now, even when I wear a thin sports bra without a liner, they flatten, and are basically invisible...something I never had with the originals.
I can see that things are going to look more natural when I finally get the tattoos in Nov or Dec.Eve - LOL.. We can get our colonoscopies together. I'm glad you found a good deal. We need to take care of ourselves. It sounds like we switched climates. We've been having our Indian summer heat wave...and it's been in the 90's for the past 4 days here. I gotta say...I love the heat! David is doing better. Hopefully, next Wed. will go by without any incidents.
Marissa - I ran into one of the moms who volunteered every year at our elementary school auction, and whose husband is the local boys baseball commissioner. When David was on the baseball team in 2010, I was training for the Avon Walk for my friend and she had walked several years before. We got to talking and she told me about her own BC. She had UMX on the right side with a silicone implant and reduction on left. What she said to me, when we were talking was this...you are so very new to all of this. It will get better and easier. I think maybe we need to just give ourselves a break. This beautiful woman, 7 years after her own battle, had tears in her eyes for me, telling me that this is still raw, but it will get better. I know this is true, because I remember where we all started.
Our wounds, both external and internal, are still healing, but we will get better and come out of this stronger. Sending you all big fat hugs and kisses!
Diane.
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Thanks for sharing the article Ann! You look beautiful!
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Eve - I didn't go to Yoga class yet
I'm still wrapping my arm in bandages and it's kind of restricting. Plus I feel kind of self conscious. But I've been practicing beginning poses at home and trying to do some basic stretches. I'm sooo out of shape! Once I get my new sleeve I'll start the classes. I'm really looking forward to it Diane - glad to hear things are going better with your son. It must be so hard to see him go through that. Sending hugs to David!
Thanks for passing on the tip about survivors .... it's so reassuring to hear that we are still new at this.
Ann - wow, you are a celebrity! I know if I had gone through chemo I would have had a hard time dealing with the hair loss. Might have something to do with the fact that I used to be a hairstylist. I'm sure you look good no matter what - your beautiful spirit always shines through.
Beverly - I don't know if I'm the right person to answer your question, but here goes.... I had fat grafting during my exchange and had a hard time afterwards. I was in a lot of pain, but most women don't have much pain at all so I must be unusual. I think the worst part is that I had to wear compression garments that were really uncomfortable. Be sure to ask your PS if you have to wear compression shorts and / or a bra. If so, they should recommend a brand or a shop nearby where you can get them. At my clinic they are really strict about this. I've heard that sometimes the harvest areas where they take the fat from can turn out lumpy or have a ridge if you don't wear compression shorts. I know of at least one case where this was true. Not trying to scare you, though! On the plus side, fat grafting is wonderful for filling in defects and other problem areas. Before my exchange I had really deep prominent ridges above my TE's from where my BS removed tissue during the mastectomies. The fat grafting filled in these areas very nicely and I'm very happy with how they look and feel. I agree with Diane, don't rush into it - and especially with your schedule - try to have it done when you'll have plenty of time to recover...just in case.
xoxo to all!
Mary
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Ann: way to advocate!! Awesome news pic:) Diane thank you for the post. You are so right when you say that we're all still healing and probably will be for some time. I was grocery shopping just yesterday and was overwhelmed by everything "pink". They even had pink decorated pumpkins all To advocate for breast cancer month. At checkout I boought a $5 card to support American cancer society and breast cancer research. I wrote my name on it along with the name of my young and beautiful friend who died last month. She only had BC for 16 months!!!!! Once in my car, I broke down. All the "pink" and words if "breast cancer" all over the place got the beast of me; brought back all of the emotion of this last 15 months. Glad my hubby was with me. He understands. As for me...I keep in faith and keep my "eyes on The prize" . I'm actually looking forward to my exchange surgery on October 24th. I'm getting nips too so I love to hear all of the wisdom that flows from you ladies. Thank you....
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Marissa - sending hugs! So glad you have a supportive hubby! Focus on your upcoming exchange and try to ignore all the pinktober stuff. I know, I know - hard to do because it's everywhere! Wow, just think - you're almost DONE!
Beverly, I should clarify that my fat grafting was done during the exchange, so yours should most definitely be easier than mine was in terms of recovery. Everyone is different so it's hard to say how long it takes. I'd go by whatever your PS says.
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Thanks ladies! Yes I'm planning to wait awhile. My bs suggested waiting a year. My ps is new with the procedure and the machine they use so I don't want to be a guinea pig!! I was thinking maybe next summer or during April break.... Not sure. Just wondered about recovery. My pa/ps seem to down play everything!!! I'm thinking go in Thursday and go back to work Monday?!?! Didn't seem very realistic. She said when/ if we do it shed take fat from abdomen probably. How do they make sure you aren't left with unevening there? Don't want to trade in one problem from another! Plus I just had TAH/BSO in july... I'm thinking it'd be a good idea to wait! Lol The other thing she said was it was outpatient. Is that true!?
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Ann, you look absolutely beautiful. thank you for your commitment to advocate for all of us. You truly are an angel.
marissa, not too much longer...whoo hoo! I thank Diane also for reminding us that this is a process that we don't have to rush. Pinktober is rather annoying. I get upset that BC is used as a marketing tool and if you delve into the financials of some of these companies that "support" BC it is pretty depressing to see how little money actually goes to BC.
FYI.....ColonoscopyAssist....also helps out people with high deductibles...I am sorta looking forward to getting this done. My mom had colon cancer when I was 7yo...so I am looooong overdue for this. Should be fun!
Cooking fried pork loins with sliced fried taters....using a little salt, lots of pepper and the baked in the oven to finish off. Oh, used butter to fry.....soooooo bad for you but this is comfort food!
love you guys'
Eve
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so, I was going through surgeries, swelling etc so I took off my engagement ring, wedding ring and anniversary ring. I decided today to go try them on to see if they fit with the swelling down and no scheduled surgeries. I can't find my wedding ring!!!I'm freaking out!! I was looking through various jewelry boxes etc but can't flipping find it!!! Ugh!!!!!! Gosh! If it's not one thing it's something else!!
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Beverly - you're not the only one. I've done that so many times! That's not a good feeling. I'm sure it'll show up sooner or later.
Talk about losing stuff. I think I'm losing my mind!! Recently I spent some time with my brother and visited mom and it wasn't good. She's having some swallowing issues. After an impromptu family meeting at few nights ago I just felt totally drained afterwards. I tend to stay away because I know stress isn't good for my health, but then I feel guilty because I feel like I'm neglecting mom. So....anyway, I drove home and then went for a walk. It's been warming up lately with lots of sun and gorgeous fall color, so it felt good to get out. When I got home I discovered I had taken the wrong key chain so I was locked out of the house!
I sat around for while, then got in the car and drove around (I at least had the car keys) then went back home and fell asleep in the car until hubby got home. He doesn't get home until 6 pm. so I had a long wait!! I feel like I can't do anything right. Case in point... A few days ago I was getting a glass out of the back of the cupboard and dropped it on top of some other glasses and broken pieces of glass were everywhere - on the counter, the floor, in my silverware drawer. So that took some time to clean up. <sigh>
Then I discovered I hadn't paid my property taxes yet. So I need to get down to the courthouse today and get that check in. Plus the one for up north needs to be paid, too, so I'll have to overnight it
Oh, and a few days ago I brought my cat, Lena, in because it looked like she was having UTI issues. They did some tests and I'm giving her meds for that. But then the vet called back saying her white blood cell count is high and so her slides were sent to a pathologist. I sure hope it isn't bad news, but I'm bracing myself.
And some other stuff, too, that I won't go into here...so yes, I'm not feeling the best. I feel like I can barely function. Oh well....today will be a better day I'm sure.
Thanks for letting me vent.
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Eve,
Good luck with your colonoscopy. I had mine done, too, several months ago. I had a couple of flat polyps, but they were okay according to the doc.
Mom has had numerous polyps removed and according to my brother, she told him several times before she had memory issues, that my grandfather had colon cancer. That is something I'd not heard before, so I've requested his death cert. My genetic counselor recommended more genetic tests that have just become available within the last year or so. BreastNext is a panel of tests that looks for breast, ovarian and colon cancer gene mutations, among others. This is such a new area and still so much is unclear, but I thought I'd do it as long as I qualify for it, mainly because cancer is in my family and I test negative for the BRCAs.
I'm sure you'll do fine!
Take care.
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Hi Ladies..have been off the site for awhile - thought I was doing real good...completed reconstruction in August, have lost 30 pounds and was feeling great. Started to have pelvic pain and had ultrasound and within 7 months on being on tamoxifen I now have an enlarged uterus, 10mm endometrium thickening, 2cm ovarian cyst and a 1.2cm fibroid. The ultrasound that I had when I started tamoxifen in Feb. was perfect. So, I am now scheduled for a full blown hysterectomy. I refuse to play the wait and see game.
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hey all,
Mary, thanks for sharing how you are feeling. I feel super tired still, and as if "something is just not right". I am hoping a slew of blood tests coming up will reveal something. Something easy.
I forget stuff all the time also. Age and stress....you know. I have a house key hidden so if I forget my keys I can still get in. man oh man ....you just have to laugh at ourselves. Sorry Mom is not doing as well as you would like. You still need to take care of yourself!Really interesting about the gene thing. I'll ask the colon doc about it.
Dancer....wow, now a hysterectomy....that stinks....all because of the Tamox. On the upside you won't have to worry about any cancer down there...yay...sarc off.
We have Daniel this weekend, after a months absence. he always is fun to be around and makes my days a lot more energetic.. I am making homemade pizza so I'd better get the dough tossed and on the pans.....
love to all,
eve
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Mary,
Hey thanks for showing me its not just me that's losing my mind... And other things. I was getting ready for my daughters cheer competition this morning and I heard my husband yell my name. Of course I went running thinking something was wrong and sure enough he's standing in the bedroom holding my wedding ring!!! The flipping thing was in my underwear drawer!!!! Of all places!!! I have no idea how it got there. Since my surgeries back in November I put my rings in my jewrely box on my drawer because I was in and out of the hospital and too swollen to fit them . How it got in my underwear drawer I will never know. And only 1 out of the 3 rings... Oh well at least I have them back on my finger now!
So I'm thinking ahead about this fat grafting thing. My pa mentioned in on a thursdayfor procedure and back to work on Monday- doesn't seem practical, is it?! I teach 20 kindergarteners... On the floor, on my feet all day etc... Only a long weekend and I'm recovered?! Seems overly optimistic. Have any of u had it done? She's talking about sticking a needle in, sucking far out of stomach, it goes through a machine and then injected into my breast.... Does it leave the stomach deformed?!? Don't need to add problems at this point... I was so pissed off at ps the last time I was there that I walked out and didn't schedule a consultation for fat grafting. She said to schedule an appt to come back in 2-3 months to set up an appointment for the surgery. I'm pretty sure I want it done, as I have divots and flat spots etc but that day I was not happy with the way they handled my care.
My colleague went in on Thursday for a lumpectomy. Hoping she's doing well... Of course she came to me for info on what happens and what to expect... I had trouble answering her as I have had 11 surgeries/procedures that they all get jumbled. Anyway... Starting to feel more positive about my long term prognosis and not as worried as before just looking at making things better cosmetically. Still debating on nipple reconstruction... I think I might do tattoos instead... Like colorful picture tattoos... Not sure though....
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Hi Diane, glad the nips are going well. It will be so good to feel like you are finished, right? Hope you are doing ok with Tami. I am noticing now that if I don't exercise even a little bit every day that my lower back and legs ache. I guess it is one way to get me back to the gym. Martinez is near San Fran, correct? I am headed to San Diego on Sunday for a conference and if I thought there was half a chance we could meet I would play hooky from the conference. Wouldn't that be fun?
Dancer, sorry on the Tami and hysterectomy. Several of the Januaryngirls have had one now and I am sure can provide good advice.
Losing things and not remembering? Oh yeah! Happens all the time. Thought it was the chemo and being slammed into menopause....I have to put my wedding ring in the same place every night or I would lose it.
I will be getting fat grafting, too. Just not sure when. I say take more fat than needed from my belly. I won't complain!
Eve, how did the C go? Hoping for a clean report.
I meet with the RO tomorrow. Hope to get clarity on the plan and when it will start. My PS would prefer to do the exchange before rads but needs to work with the RO on the plan. So, I may have exchange before end of the month or have to wait until next summer......sorry if I am repeating myself!
And, as much as I have drawn strength from being an advocate in my community for BC, I am ready for October to done. I can't say this to my friends and family who are Pinking it out in my honor this month but I am ready to move on....one last walk on Saturday. But, I am not anti-pink like some because for the majority it really is their way of showing support for loved ones. The intention is honorable and that is always good. And, hot pink is on my color wheel
Mary, thought of you and your mom with the Glen Campbell video he recorded that is going viral. Hugs to you.
I think I have rambled long enough.....cheers to all!
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So, here's kind of a morbid-weird question... I know when people die eventually the body decomposes and your left with just bones. What happens to the implants?! I don't know just something that popped into my head....
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Ann - I'm about an hour from San Francisco depending upon the time of day (traffic), or a 45 minute BART ride from my office, but won't you be in San Diego? If you are thinking of a detour up to SF, that would be awesome! I am leaving myself to go with the TKD group on Sunday the 26th, but am generally around otherwise. PM me and we can chat about it if you think something might work.
I hope you get things worked out with your RO and that it works out on getting the exchange done sooner, since I'm sure you will be happier with that.
I'm actually a fan of the Pink, but it can rain on your day when you have finally managed to stop thinking about BC, and are slapped in the face with all things Pinktober. That said, I am going to a seminar Saturday put on by my MO's office for survivors. I'm hoping to get some useful tips for moving forward and staying healthy, and maybe help a few other ladies smile while I'm at it.
I seem to be doing okay on the Tamoxifen, and am much more focused at work. Last week I missed 4 days of TKD, between David being sick with a cold Monday-Tues., and fighting it off myself Wed-Thursday. Everything hurts. Mixed in with class last night were 50 double jump back kicks and tonight we were doing lunges...plus knuckle pushups at the end of class. Before any of you even think of being impressed, know that although I held my plank on my knuckles, I only did 10 and they were very shallow baby bend pushups. My doctor said to stay off the Aleve and Motrin so that the Rheumatologist can see what is really going on with the RA, so I'm feeling a little like I was run over tonight...LOL.
Dancer - I'm so sorry about the Tamox. I've heard that can be a side effect, but that it is pretty rare. I don't blame you for not wanting to take any chances and going for the Hysto. Know that we are all pulling for you.
Eve - Did you actually schedule your C yet?
Mary - I blame lack of sleep for my memory issues, but it's probably also stress. I am constantly forgetting things and putting stuff in the weirdest places. You have so much going on, I don't know how you manage. I'm so glad to hear that you are able to say no once in a while.
LOL Beverly - The implants are forever (pretty sure I saw that on an episode of Bones once) just like jewelry or anything else that isn't biodegradable that you have buried with you. I'm not too concerned, since I'll be cremated, and can't imagine I would care, regardless.
Closing in on November...when many of us (me included) will be one year out from dx. I'm still not sure how to mark that occasion, but am working on it.
Michelle, Anne, Laurie, Linda, Polly, Marissa and Alexandra - thinking of you lovely ladies!
Hope everyone is hanging in there.
Love and hugs,
Diane.
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