January 2014 Surgery Sisters
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Diane, I will be in SD not San Fran. Darn, wish the state wasn't so long and I had more time to make a road trip. I am looking forward to the trip, though. I have had my wings clipped for so long and I love to travel.
Wishing you the best with your RA. You are pretty amazing still doing TKD with it. Not many women are as strong as you.
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Hi everyone!
LOL, Beverly! Yes, I'm sure these implants will outlive us. I remember asking one PS how long they will last (meaning when would I have to replace them) and he said, "FOREVER!"
Good luck Ann as you begin this new chapter in your treatment. That was the approach my team had suggested, too, if I had to have rads - implants first.
Diane, when did you find out you had RA? Is that why you were having joint pain with AIs? Wow, your workouts sound really tough, even if you think they're the easy ones. I can barely manage getting up in the morning, lol!
I think I had mentioned before that I met with a local oncologist thinking I'd switch from the long distance cancer clinic for my follow ups. I'm still not sure about that and have been going back and forth between the two. I still feel so lost - still stuck in the dreaded what-do-I-do-now-that-I'm-done-with-treatment syndrome. I still don't believe what the one MO said - that I was essentially cured. So, here's the thing...the local doc was willing to do a blood test for me that my other team didn't offer since they follow the ASCO guidelines and don't do any tests at all. Since he offered to do it, I said yes, so he did the CA 27.29. And guess what....my tumor markers came back high! We are going to retest in 3 months. I know I've read that this test isn't reliable or specific for tracking those who've completed treatment. The numbers can be low when you have a recurrence and high when you don't. Do any of your docs use this test or any other blood tests? I'm trying not to worry, but I have to admit, I'm scared. This is not fun. I'm starting to see why they don't do tests and I wouldn't recommend it.
Good news - I have gained almost complete range of motion when reaching my arm straight overhead and functional range from the side. I'm so excited!!!! I have been struggling with tight muscles and rotator cuff issues since January. I've been to two different clinics and 5 different PTs. But my new therapist is amazing. I'm so glad I found her - she really knows what she is doing. I still can't raise my arm up behind my back to fasten a bra, but we are going to work on that next. AND, the swelling in my arm is almost gone except for a small amount in my forearm. I am still bandaging, which is getting really old, but each time she leaves it up to me as far as when I want to quit and start wearing a sleeve. So yesterday I said, okay, let's try one more week so she put in a foam piece and now it looks like a cast! Oh well...it'll be worth it to get rid of the excess fluid.
More good news. I am going on a retreat up north for breast cancer survivors. I was lucky enough to get a scholarship from Susan G Komen, so all expenses are paid. It will be a small group of us at a resort on the north shore of Lake Superior. It will be like a support group, but with a focus on healing techniques using the mind-body-spirit connection. The facilitators are survivors, too. I'm really looking forward to it! The only thing is that our weather can be bad that time of year. Remember the song The Wreck of The Edmond Fitzgerald? That song was written about the Lake Superior and gales of November. Oh well, it will be an adventure and I'm up to it!
Hope everyone is feeling well.
xoxo
Mary
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Eve - how are you doing? Did you have your blood tests done? Hope your colonscopy was good.
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What a pleasure to hear from everyone.....I miss our robust posting,
LOL Beverly, my implants have been in place for 24 years. They are hanging in there, I would expect to keep them far beyond the grave, although like Diane I too will be cremated....wonder if they will burn? Ok somewhat macabre, it is almost Halloween..ya know.
Mary...what a lucky lady to be going to your retreat. Sounds lovely. Kudos to Komen. I have had experience with your tumor marker blood test and I wouldn't get too worried. it is very unreliable. Rob had it done after colon cancer and it came back very very low, however he had a brain tumor at the time??? go figure. I don't understand the "no tests" mentality until one is symptomatic. I was greatly relieved to have had the most recent MRI. The all clear results cleared my mind and helped me to move on. My BS is having me come in every 3 months for a check up for the next 2 years....anyone else doing that? Happy to hear you are regaining ROM. baby steps....but steps forward at any rate.
Ann, yes good luck with the rads. Pain in the neck but if it keeps the BC at bay well woth it. Your trip to SD is at the perfect time of the year. The weather should be awesome. Thanks for all you do to help others with BC again you are an angel.
Diane...boo hoo you can only do 10 knuckle baby push ups...lol you are such an inspiration for me. I am like Mary getting out of bed is my goal. I screwed up my back, again, so I am having a hard time even getting up my 3 stairs. So sorry you and David have had a cold...Daniel too. Maybe you all will be done for the cold and flu season.
Blood tests are the 25th and haven't had the colonoscopy yet. But I will. Soon!
You all take care....
love
Eve
PS...OMG LOL...I just called the colon assist place and was instructed to leave my phone # for a call back...I went totally blank...I mean blank...creepy! So you are not alone in having brain Farts (sorry, but that is what it was)
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Mary, your retreat sounds lovely. I hope the weather holds for you. Even in the middle of the mitt there are no guarantees with weather on the Great Lakes in November. You so deserve a break like this!
Get my rads simulation next Thursday and start the following week. 6 weeks. I can do this. Was really positive about the whole thing and then got sort of sad this afternoon. I think it is wearing these iron maidens for another 7 months.....a total of 1.5 years before exchange. RO prefers no implants. Treatment trumps cosmetics. Hoping for a clean start to 2015....
Should have worked out tonight after work but just didn't have it in me. Drinking wine with hubby instead. He reinforced when I second guessed myself today that the real second guessing would happen later if I DIDNT go through with it. I know he is right.
Eve, where is Apopka? My parents are snowbirds in Lakeland......
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Hi all!
Good luck tomorrow Ann! Don't doubt your decision - you'll be just fine!
Eve, thanks for your input. I'm going to forget about the local doc's blood test and go back to my team at the cancer clinic. I sometimes feel like I need someone closer, but I realize that's not the best way to choose health care, so I'll go the distance. Good luck with all your tests coming up!
Getting ready to go see mom tomorrow. I'm trying to see her on a more regular basis - at least once a week. Still so hard to see her there. I'm always racking my brains for what to do when we're together. My latest project is a garden book with pictures of her flower garden and garden quotes. I'm also putting together some tactile objects - yarn, sewing items, aprons, linens and embroidered pieces to put together into a sort of a rummage / memory box.
Lately I've been feeling nausaus and dizzy. I think it's the Lexapro, so I quit taking it. I also broke up with my therapist because she just doesn't get it - she just doesn't know how to deal with bc survivors.
Trying to get up the energy to wash windows today - wish me luck!
xoxo
Mary
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Diane, have you met your doctor on RA yet? I ask because I wonder if the discomfort you are experiencing in your joints is due to tamoxifen. My hips and lower back have been getting progressively worse over the past week. I know I haven't been moving much and sitting through days of conferences hasn't helped. If it continues much longer after I rerun and get back to normal exercise I will be calling my MO. I feel like my body has aged quickly and I don't like it!
Mary,
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Ann,
I saw the rheumatologist this morning. I do not have RA. What she said was that the joint pain is due to the drop in my hormones. I had the pain before I was on Tamoxofen so I can't really blame it. The only good thing is that she found some bursitis in my left hip and gave me a cortisone shot. Hopefully at least my hip will be better. It's discouraging but I guess I'm aging fast too. I refuse to let it keep me down. She did say exercise would help and referred me to PT.
More later...on my phone and class is starting soon. 💜
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hi Diane , so glad you don't have RA but sad you still have joint pains. I feel like I'm in the same boat. Since ending chemo back in December, my joints in my hands have swelled, my hips and feet ache, and I feel all over "stiff" if I have been sitting for too long. I have asked 2 different MO's about this and have learned that for me, this is a latent affect of chemo and possible side effect of being thrown into chemopause. I'm not on any hormone blocking meds. My doc said that this may clear up but to give it at least a year!!! I'm so happy to report that over the past month I am finally feeling better and the best news is that I can finally wear my wedding ring again; I haven't been able to do that since last February. Hang in ther my friend. The best news is that my exchange surgery is on Friday!! Finally!!!! So excited. Ann you may be getting the award for longest wearing TE but I think I'll snag the award for having my port in the longest. It's been in since july 2013. The plan is to get it out by February. If my math is right that will be 19 months but who is counting?!?!? LOL!!
Hugs to all xoxoxo
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Marissa - Congrats on finally getting your port out. You are going to be so happy to get rid of the TE's. Please check in with us and let us know how your surgery goes. It's a little discouraging to have joint pain like my 75 year old mom, when I'm only 54, but I'm not going to let it get me down...at least not today, LOL. Thank you for your support and encouragement. It's nice to know that things might even out some.
Ann - I am realizing that I simply have to get up and move around during the day if I don't want to be walking like a cripple when I leave work. It's probably good for me on many levels. Instead of walking down the hall to the ladies room and straight back, I make a big circle. It seems to help. They do want be to see the PT. Given my lack of time, I'll probably just go once, get some exercises, and try them at home.
Mary - You are just the little engine that could. I'm so amazed at how much you have on your plate. If your therapist isn't cutting it, I say move on. None of us have time for doctors who don't help us.
LOL Eve - that happens to me with names...ALL the time. It's gotten pretty embarrassing. Let us know how the blood work goes.
Next step for me...see the Endo guy next Tuesday and set an appointment for my colonoscopy. Yay!
Going for a short camping trip to Big Sur this weekend and down to Santa Maria for the grand opening of a studio of one of Master P's students with a group from our dojang. David is staying home, since we don't get back until Monday late, and he has school. This will be my first vacation since last October, when I went to outdoor ed with my son's class, which truly felt more like work that this will. I'm so looking forward to it!
Thinking of all of you!
Love and hugs,
Diane.
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Hi all,
I went to my PCP appointment, yay one down 3 to go....let's hope! The nurse, who took my BP, is in the beginning stage of fighting BC. She was one day away from getting her double mastectomy when her insurance company called and told her they wouldn't cover reconstruction. WHAT!!!!! She has the BRACA1 gene and her aunt died of BC plus her mom has/had ovarian cancer. Ins will pay for 3 month monitoring via US until her cancer is full blown.....from what she described she has LCIS. I just felt so badly for her.
Anyhow, had a bunch of blood tests and am on a new BP drug...a very low dose so hopefully I won't have the zombie effect that other BP drugs have given me. I have been walking and rowing almost everyday which makes a huge difference in my energy levels and mood. I should have my colonoscopy scheduled this week.
Ann, Apopka is about 15 miles north and west of Orlando. Years ago Apopka was known as the indoor foliage capitol and was basically orange groves, now the land is filling up with McMansions. Sad. We have huge lake Apopka, but it was killed by the fertilizer funoff from the orange groves. The lake is on its way back but I wouldn't be surprised if we see some 3 eyed 2 headed fish coming out of it. Eek.
I hope you find a way to resolve the pain. Very hard to live with. I too have the hip and back pain. Diane and marissa also....related to the surgery?, our hormone levels naturally drop do to the loss of breast tissue? How was the first round of rads? Hope all is well.
Diane, just like Ann and Marissa I am sorry you are in pain. Hoping the cortisone shot helps. I know you are tough but take care Yay for no RA. What a relief. How did your camping trip go? I am watching the World Series, being a California girl, The Giants rock! Looked a bit chilly at the ballpark last night so I hope you kept warm.
Mary, I agree with Diane, no time to suffer docs that don't help. I absolutely would seek out a doc that has experience with cancer survivors. Hopefully your retreat will bring you the peace you need. Your book for mom sounds lovely.
Marissa, Hopefully the longer you are out from treatment the better things will get. Is there a reason you aren't taking Tamox? or AI's? Just curious, hope you don't mind me asking.
Just to say, I had a wonderful week...Spoke with my son in Okinawa and spent a few hours with my son here at home. The weather has been purely perfect. We picked up my stepson's cello on Saturday......oh my, the learning curve is gonna be a blast. he is so dedicated to getting "it" right that the dog covers her ears after an hour or so ....I am really proud of him. We are going to see Phantom of the Opera at our brand spanking new performing arts center in downtown Orlando....in December...Nate's company is buying the tickets in lieu of the Christmas party. Fun stuff....HOWEVER my dear hubby only owns cargo shorts and t-shirts, with a few collared casual shirts. I told him that none of those items are suitable for an opera. Do you think he can get by with a dress shirt, jeans, his nice cowboy boots and a sports coat?
I know I've seen all kinds of dress in NYC on Broadway....Just not used to dressing my husband UP!!
gotta go
love love love you all,
Eve
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Hello,
Diane, I hope you had a great trip - I will be going to Big Sur for a hike for a friend's 50th birthday on Saturday, it's so beautiful down there.
Regarding pain: I have it as well, hip, knees, all over, hands, thumb ..... painted our formerly navy-ship grey bedroom in a happy buttermilk color on the weekend, but now everything hurts. Man, I am 43, and my mom at 74 has less joint pain than I do. I think it's the Tamoxifen. I hope it gets better for all of us.
I have a question: I have my reconstruction surgery (one breast, plus a little implant to the other to make them even) in two weeks. How long does the recovery take, i.e. how long should I stay home from work? My PS says at least a week, other people need 4 weeks, I was thinking about 2 weeks. Not sure. I appreciate any input you can give. Everyone is different, but it helps to have some information. Thanks so much in advance.
Alexandra
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Thank you ladies, for all of you words of encouragement and empathy. The good news is that the cortisone shot did help, not only my hip, but the rest of my joints. I'm aware that it will likely only last a few months, but I'll take it.
My hip was feeling so good. I was going for it, maybe a little too much. I took a wrong hop going a drill and sprained my left knee. It happened Friday night, and I did wear a knee immobilizing brace for a day (yep, drove around in a cart at Walmart), and babied it until Monday. I just really wanted to do one of my forms with the other ladies as a demo at the studio opening, but the minute I tried to turn, I got shooting pain in my knee, so had to just sit there while the rest of the students demonstrated. I had a complete meltdown in the car on the way home. Luckily, my friend has been there with injuries and understood. The thought of being out again for weeks on end...I just lost it. Why is it I can take all the big stuff, but something like this...I fall apart? At least it felt good to let it all out and the knee will heal, I just need to be patient. I am seeing an orthopedist who specializes in sports medicine and knees tomorrow to see what he thinks. My insurance year ends on 12/1, so if I need an MRI, I need it before then. Sigh.
Eve - so glad you are getting all your "stuff" done. Here's hoping this BP med is the bomb and makes you feel better. It is outrageous that they won't pay for reconstruction for your nurse. That can't be legal and it makes me sad that things like that still happen.
My colonoscopy is scheduled for Nov. 25. We can compare notes later, or not since it might be TMI, LOL. My mom loves the idea that I'll be all cleaned out and ready for Thanksgiving.
I found out that they have a new med for the prep called Suprep, which sounds way better than drinking the gallon of salty swill they used to pedal. Check it out. Alexandra - We ended up at Santa Margarita lake instead, because we couldn't have a fire at the camp sites at Big Sur. It wasn't the best place...very rustic, with a lake that was so low it was more of a pond, but we had a magical evening of music. Master Powell's bank mates were with us and played late into the night under the stars around a roaring fire. Hopefully, someday I'll get to Big Sur.
Hugs to you. It really is no fun to be in pain, or feel like we are old before our time. I truly believe that things will even out for all of us.. I already feel better emotionally than I did 3 weeks ago (even if you couldn't tell Monday night). I stayed home for 1 week after my exchange, and 1 week after my fat grafting/nipple recon. If you are worried, maybe have your doctor write you for 2 weeks and come back early if you feel okay. Eve - Love, love love Phantom. Have fun and take pics!
Love to all,
Diane.
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hi all..just wanted to check in. I've been working only part time this week as I heal up from my exchange and nip surgery. Still sooooo tired but sooooo glad to be at this point in my recovery. Eve, you asked why I'm not on hormone replacement treatment. Well that's an easy answer..because my tumor was not driven by hormones. You can see from my dx that I was ER/PR -.....only women who are positive for hormones need Tomoxifen etc; it is a targeted therapy for that population. For me, my targeted therapy is Herceptin since I was HER2 +. The only problem with Herceptin is that its inconvenient; not available in pill form and because of that I have to go to the infusion center every 3 weeks for a year. Since I'm also on a clinical trial , my year is extended out until the end of January. I'm almost to my finish line and so grateful for everything. After that I will just continue yo reciver and think about getting tatoos for new foobies. Love:)
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Hi all! Happy Halloween!
Sorry I've been MIA. For weeks now I've been wondering what happened to this thread and why no one was posting anymore. Then this morning I discovered I had accidentally clicked off the Add to My Favorite Topics link! Ha! Makes all the difference. I have a lot of catching up to do!
Marissa, how are you liking the new girls? Hope you are having an uneventful recovery.
Good luck Alexandra on your upcoming exchange surgery! I'm the wrong person to answer questions on recovery. I was in a lot of pain. Not sure why, but for me it was really tough. Glad that's all over and done with.
I have my first follow up with my PS on the 5th when he'll probably just check me out and say okay, unless you want nips, you're done! I'm thinking I might have tattoos done and am looking at pics on the Internet. I might go wild with some flowers and swirls - who knows. Ya only live once.
Diane, sorry you hurt your knee! I hope you heal up quickly. Thanks for the pep talk. Yes, I feel a lot like The Little Engine That Could, but aren't we all!
The latest news on mom isn't good. She has had some pretty serious behavior issues recently and they are recommending medication. Just exactly what, I don't know. I am still trying to talk my brother into moving her and looking at other options. It's been very stressful to say the least.
I found a new depression program at my local clinic that uses a team approach. I just started a new medication which I hope will work. Between the (former) crappy psychotherapist and the medication I was on, I went headfirst into a downward spiral. I went from a 5 to 15 on the depression scale, which isn't a good score. But I just know it's gonna be uphill from here! I think I can, I think I can!!!
Good news! We are finally making progress on finishing the cabin. We installed new windows and I FINALLY was successful in convincing DH into hiring a contractor to finish the trim and siding.
So, it's almost done and it looks amazing. It's like a dream come true. Well...Almost. It's as good as it gets:)Eve, I hope all your tests are negative. Wow, the Phantom concert sounds like it'll be awesome! Have fun with the hubby makeover
Here is a recent pic of me and mom.
Have a wonderful weekend everybody!
Love,
Mary
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Hi all,
Mary, you and mom look AB FAB!!!! I am praying that you find your way with the depression and the meds that can help. I have been there done that...the group therapy can be a real help. I found after a few sessions I didn't want to be around other depressed people. People that seemingly wanted to stay in the "victim role"...my group was all about abuse, so different than yours. It was very cathartic very quickly for me. I hope it is the same for you. Mary, you are such a supportive compassionate woman. You are an integral part of all of our healing...don't ever forget that. I have valued your posts over this past year....so keep going.
Can we get pics of the cabin? Your place sounds so wonderful.
My beloved Aunt Annie also had issues similar to your mom. Turned out she had a bladder infection that had been going on for months. She had sever dementia and couldn't tell anyone of her discomfort. After the infection cleared...she improved immensely. Just a thought.
As far as tats....go for it!!! I love the tat I have...although it is on my thigh... I would go for the flowers and scrolls and etc. for sure! Psuedo hippy chicks YES!?
Girlstrong..I'm bad. Should have looked at your siggy....then I would have known why you aren't taking hormonals. Almost done...fell well girl.
Hey Diane, So sorry about the pain....I have it also, in the same places as everyone else. I would have thought that it was a result of the hormonal drugs...but now not so much. Could it be from the mastectomy surgery itself? Having that amount of hormonal producing tissue removed could have an effect? I'll ask my BC next time I see her. My colonoscopy is....drum roll...on the 7th of November. Yay! Here's hoping I am clear. I am a little concerned because my mom had colon cancer and I do have some problems with IBS but (ha ha) I am optimistic that everything will be AOK. How is David doing? My friend's son is dealing with bullying right now...what is the problem nowadays?
It is going to be 53 degrees tomorrow morning with 20 mph wins...a blustery day.
What day is it..asked Piglet. A good day ...answered Pooh.
love to all
Eve
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Hi girls!
Mary, just love the picture of you and your mom. Your cabin sounds wonderful. Is it winterized so you can use it all year round? What a great retreat to have.
Marissa, I am sooooo happy that you joined the squishy side and are healing well. It has been quite a year and then some, right?
Alexandra, is your surgery this week? I still have my expanders so I don't have much advice for you on the recovery time. My PS has always told me to expect approx 2-3 weeks off work and 6-8 weeks of doing nothing. I am not having my surgery for another 6-7 months so I am not focusing on it too much. Other than there goes another summer not being able to use my kayak or jet ski! Sending positive vibes your way.
Eve, Phantom will always have a special place in my heart. My husband and I used some of the music in our wedding almost 25 years ago, travelled to Toronto's Pantage Theater to see it back in the day and locally many times since. Love it!
Diane, hope you are feeling better. I understand your frustration. I have been trying to get back to Muay Thai pad work the past few weeks. However, I am finding the contact bothersome for my neck which troubles me because I have cervical disk issues. Having to be extra gentle and work my way back much slower than I anticipated. As for all the aches and pains, YES!!! I am convinced they are an SE from tamoxifen. I am finding that I MUST move or they are worse in my hips, legs, arms and hands. I have read that Celebrex helps but I really don't want to add another drug and associated SEs to my body. I did take your suggestion on night sweats and I now keep several cotton nighties next to me to switch into when I am damp. Switching to dry gowns when I sweat is definitely helping my comfort level. Thank you!
10 weeks PFC on Tuesday and otherwise feeling great! I didn't realize just how bad I felt until (other than the aches and pains ) I felt better. Wow! Never want to go through that again! Rads begin tomorrow and I am planning on it being a relative non-event.
My pondering for the week....how can I have a persist itch in a spot that is completely numb? Weird but true!
Have a great week, friends!
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Mary - Great picture of you and your Mom. I'm so sorry that things are so difficult, but happy to hear that you have found what may be a better fit with the group therapy. You have so much on your plate. Wow, that cabin sounds nice. I loved being able to get away, even if it was only for a few days, so it must be wonderful to have a place to run off to.
Alexandra - Keep us posted on how you do after your surgery, which must be soon, right?
Marissa - Welcome to the squishy side. You had nips too? Mine are now just over 2 months post op, and have decreased in size considerably, so if they seem huge, don't worry
. I'm very happy with the way they look now. Fingers crossed that when I see my PS a few weeks from now, that I've healed enough for him to refer me for tattoos. Ann - I can't even wear night gowns because I get too warm, which can trigger the hot flashes. I sleep in tank tops and undies or boxers, usually with my hair tied up on top of my head, since it makes me hot too. I also have a print that is still in the plastic wrap on cardboard and since it is 1' X1', it makes a nice fan when I get hot in the middle of the night. If I can stop it before I get too hot, I can usually go back to sleep. I'm so sorry you are having neck trouble. I have to think that all of this pain we are all feeling will eventually get better. I don't think it is the Tamoxifen that is the culprit behind my joint pain, since it started before I was taking it. I do think Eve may be right, that just getting rid of the breast tissue probably lowered our hormone levels. Mine went down when they took me off HRT last December. The Tamox is not supposed to block production of our hormones, only keep it from attaching to cancer cells, but who knows. Good luck with the Rads. I hope that it is just as much a non-event as you are hoping for, but let us know how you are doing.
Eve - I'll be sending positive thoughts out for a clean bill of health on the colonoscopy Friday. One more thing to check off your list.
David is going okay. Things seem to have calmed down a bit at school. I'm sorry your friend's son is dealing with bullying too. It is a sad state of affairs to be sure. Well, I have been trying to stay off my knee....no class for over a week now, but was trying to help David with his forms at home and pivoted on my knee to throw a low side kick (not even really throwing it for real) and my knee gave out on me again. It's pretty discouraging. I can walk, but anything involving twisting or impact is completely out. Most likely, it will be at least 2 or 3 more weeks. I'm steadily gaining weight, which is almost as depressing as not being able to kick. TKD was keeping me sane. I simply have to heal quickly.
Hope everyone remembered to fall back!
Love and hugs,
Diane.
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Happy Monday!
Thanks for the support Eve, Ann and Diane! You guys are the best! I'm actually not doing group therapy. I don't think that would be a good fit for me, either. The new program I'm in ensures that I am being tracked by my PCP, a nurse coordinator, and a psychiatrist who consult together on my "case" to make sure I don't fall off the radar. I go in and visit with the nurse coordinator for "reflective" therapy on a regular basis. I'm going to try to stick with this new program and this new med - I really need something during the fall and winter months because I have SAD. Plus I have all those anniversaries coming up! My first surgery was one year ago this Thursday. I tend to ruminate about all those unsuccessful surgeries before I found my new team. It was an especially frightening time because the treatment didn't go as planned, so just before my BMX I changed clinics and I'm so glad I did!
I will post pics of the cabin as soon as it's done. Only one side left - whoohoooo! Yes, Ann, it will be year 'round. Our next project is to open us the the former "porch" area that has large windows so that we can enjoy lakeside views everywhere. I am so glad we found a great contractor. To be a survivor and thrive, every woman should have a top notch medical team, a cancer rehabilitation plan, AND a great contractor, lol!!
Tomorrow I finally get my new sleeve and glove. I can't wait! I've been bandaging for several weeks now and I'm sooooooo sick of it!
Have a great week everyone!
Mary
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Thanks all for your answers about recovery time after exchange surgery. I have two weeks plus Thanksgiving (but we are hosting a potluck of yet uncertain size ...). That should be sufficient. I have started running on the treadmill, and I am a bit sad that I have to take yet another break, now that my body is doing better. My exchange surgery (exchange on the right and implant and lift on the left, as I was a uni MX) is on 12/11.
Diane: hike ended up being in Point Lobos, not Big Sur, as it was raining in the morning and we got a late start. (Any non-California ladies: if you ever visit around here, Point Lobos is a beautiful State Park on the coast, with crashing waves, lots of hiking and just the California coastal beauty, especially on a clear day after a rainy day). Hope your knee will feel better soon.
Mary: this sounds like a great program, I trust that this will help you, especially as you get through the Minnesota (I believe that's where you are) winter (my hubby's family lives there, so I know how it is, and I don't know how people do it).
Mmtagirl: I hear you about the drugs ... I don't take anything, I just deal with it, and yes, it's true, the more I move, the better I feel. Although after a 4 hour hike on Saturday, I was pretty much done! I am now almost 3 months PFC, and my body feels pretty much back to normal, except for the joint pain. I can run 30 minutes on the treadmill, and it feels so good to sweat and work out, I almost forgot that feeling. Helps the sleep issues as well.Have a great day everyone,
Alexandra0 -
Alexandra: Good luck with your exchange. We'll all be with you, but let us know you are okay. It's fantastic that you have been running and hiking. The increased circulation will help you heal more quickly for sure!
Mary - you never fail to make me smile. I hope you know how much sunshine you bring into our lives.
Well...I had my annual GYN appointment, which was sort of disconcerting. My appointment was not with the doctor, or the NP whom I've known for 15+ years, and who saved my live a year ago, but with a different NP that I had never met. I realized when I left that I was expecting to be able to talk with my doc or the NP I have known for the past 15 years and get their opinion on my new foobs and the hormone issues I was having, but none of that happened. I left is a sort of daze, feeling a little sad and somewhat violated for having to tell a complete stranger how I spent the last year and bare my reconstructed chest for her. She was perfectly nice and I'm fine, but am thinking it might be a night for a nice big glass of cab. I so wish I could go to class.
Love and hugs,
Diane.
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Thanks, Diane.
I checked on Michelle's blog, and it looks like she has her exchange surgery today. Please send good thoughts to her.
Wishing everyone a good day without joint and other pain and some sunshine!
Alexandra
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Diane, wished I would have read your post last night so I could have enjoyed that big glass of cab with you! I went to class instead and my hip flexors are screaming today, but, in a good way:-) Had a great work out.
Alexandra, thanks for checking out Michelle's blog. I had been meaning to do that and had not gotten around to it. Sending good thoughts her way!
Keep us posted on yours...
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Hi all,
hope everyone is doing well and/ or feeling better.
Well, done with the colonoscopy thing. Prep/cleanout wasn't as bad as I had anticipated. The gallon of stuff was ok. I just made up my mind to drink it and get it over with!....The colonoscopy was great!!! Seeing as how I slept through the whole thing
I have to say I love the Versed sedation...la la land is a wonderful place. I did end up having 3 small polyps removed...doc wasn't worried about them, we'll see what the path says...not even thinking about it. Fingers crossed though. The only thing that bothered me was I felt like I was on the colonoscopy production line. One in one out. No personal attention from the doc at all....the nurses were awesome however.Next Thursday is my Gyn visit..then I am done, done, done!!!! I don't want to take my clothes off for anyone for a long time.
I had a thought about the aches and pains...When ever I get an IV with the saline solution the pains are lessoned. So I was wondering if those of you that are experiencing the night sweats might be dehydrated and lacking electrolytes? Just a thought.
Hope you all have a great and peaceful weekend.
ttyl
Eve
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Congrats Eve on getting thru the dreaded colonoscopy! Yeah, they really know how to knock you out with drugs, that's for sure! Wishing you good results!
Diane, sorry you had such a downer of an appt. Those things happen sometimes. Thanks again for the nice comments. You are an inspiration to me. I think of all you do with your classes and .... well, I'm just in awe.
I'm trying my best to get through these dark, depressing fall days. I'm working on setting some goals to kickstart my personal rehab program into gear. Next week I go to my breast cancer retreat for a long weekend on Lake Superior. I'm really looking forward to meeting some fellow warriors!
I went to my 1st follow up since the exchange with my PS on Wed. Of course he wasn't in the room for more than 5 seconds, lol! Took one look, asked if I wanted nips, and when I said no, he turned around and walked out. Such a lovely man, lol! I talked mainly with the PA about some minor concerns and possible next steps - tats? I'm not in a hurry to do anything further right now. After she answered all my questions for one last time, we chatted briefly, acknowledging what a long journey it has been, then hugged and said goodbye. I got dressed and thought to myself. Yep. I'm DONE here. I walked out the exam room door, past the snooty schedulers, past the grim-faced patients in the waiting room, down the elevator, to the parking ramp....done, done, done I thought to myself with each step away from the doctor's office. I felt like I was walking on air! I got in my car, drove down the ramp, through the streets to the freeway, thinking all the while, "I'm outta here!" I don't have to come back except for followups, which I hope will be non events. While heading home I found myself smiling and singing to myself - wishing I had someone with me to share the moment. Halfway home my cell phone rang - it was my best friend's daughter. She had the best news ever - she is coming home for Christmas!
The perfect thing for me to look forward to. I can't wait to see the whole family - her two little boys and the new baby. Seems like a great reward for getting through all this. Hope everyone is doing well!
Love,
Mary
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Eve - Yay! I'm so glad it went well. I had polyps too on my last colonoscopy. My doc explained to me that they just like to remove them, since they can cause issues and that's why I have to go every 5 years instead of every 10. LOL, I guess we'll both be on the 5 yr. plan together.
Mary - I wish I could send you some California sunshine to brighten your day. It does really help. Maybe I've just been cooped up too long without any TKD, but I was so annoyed reading about your PS's attitude that I wanted to punch something. Good for you that you were able to find the light in that situation. Let us know how the retreat was, it sounds nice. Super nice that you have you friend's daughter coming for Xmas. It makes such a difference to have something to look forward to!
Marissa - How are you feeling? Have you had your unveiling yet? Thinking of you.
Alexandra - I'll be thinking of you Tuesday. It is also the anniversary of my DX, so focusing on someone else is a welcome distraction. I just know you will do great, but will be focusing my energy your way. I checked Michelle's blog, but nothing since the post the morning of her exchange surgery. Hopefully, she is doing okay.
Ann - I would have loved to raise my glass with you, but fantastic that you made it to class! I hear you on the hip flexors, but totally worth it if you had a great workout!
So one of my TKD friends knows a woman who is a massage therapist and just purchased a BEMER system. The treatments are supposed to increase circulation and promote healing. The best part is that she is not charging for treatments yet, since she wants to see what sort of results she (and her clients) get. I'm very excited to be a test subject to see if it will help heal my knee, which is still really unstable and doesn't seem to be getting better. I'm seriously going stir crazy and am gaining weight, which isn't cool at all. Fingers crossed that it works. It would be so great to get back to TKD before the end of the year.
Wishing you all a very lovely weekend!
Diane.
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I have been on Tamoxifen for 5 years, have another 5 on it since I was premenopausal stage 2 invasive and still get my period, although not every month. I have had pain for 3 years, had ultra sounds and biopsies and all was ok, until my gyno looked at my lining, oh it's enlarged, 14mm, double the size, I guess we should take it out......:.saw a pelvic surgeon, uterus is though I'm 7 months pregnant, no wonder I have a belly I can't get rid of!! I am scheduled for a TAH/ BSO 12/9 and I cannot wait!!! Get this out of me so I am truly finished with cancer and have no more worries!!!
Let's be strong together ladies!
We are survivors!!!!!
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Alexandra - How are you doing? Wasn't your exchange Tuesday?
Okay - RANT ALERT!
Ladies - I'm officially falling apart. I pulled my mcl in my knee and have been off TKD for 3 weeks, have tendonitis in both elbow joints and bursitis in my left hip. Last night, I was just walking around the house and took a step and it felt like a knife in my hip. It's so bad today that I can't walk. I am beyond frustrated. I'm also suffering from pretty severe mood swings all the time, overreacting and getting angry at the most trivial things.
I know that I got off easy, but am really struggling on the Tamoxifen and have decided to stop taking it. I wish I could feel okay with this decision and not be worried that I'll end up with a reoccurrence or mets somewhere because I am unwilling to live with the SE's. I know that I have a low chance of re-occurrence than most of you ladies and should be grateful, but today don't have the energy for it. Supposedly, only 10 percent of women are supposed to have this level of SE's from Tamox. I can deal with the loss of about 1/3 of my hair and the hot flashes, but minimally I need to be able to walk. I'm sitting home today when I should be working and just got off the phone, having left a message for my MO, telling her I was done. I only hope the damage isn't permanent.
Sorry for the rant. Usually I can rally, but as you can see, not today. I'm meeting some girlfriends for dinner tonight, so I'm sure I'll pull myself out of this soon. I am thankful to have a place to vent...even if I sometimes guilty doing so.
Eve - I know...I should have listened to you, but I wanted to be able to tell David I did everything I could to be healthy.
Mary - I would love to hear about your retreat. Tell us how it was!
cport115 - Welcome to our group. I'm so sorry you have had such a rough time. Yes, let's all be strong together!
Love and hugs,
Diane.
P.S. Celebrated my 1 yr. diagnosis on 11/11 (Veteran's Day), and see my PS next week...hopefully I'll get my tattoo referral.
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Dear Diane,
I hope you don't think I would ever say "I told you so". So not me. My heart goes out to you. AND I am angry that a medicine that is supposed to help has done nothing but hurt you. At least you tried and yes David is the perfect person to try for. As far as a reoccurrence.....that little rouge stem call that MAY develop into cancer.....can go kiss my rear!!! I refuse to feel like crap for ten years on the hope that a crappy little pill will save me. :P Besides in 10 years.....there will be better treatments, I am convinced of it.
So now to heal. Your bones are strong, your mind is tough, you have a goal to get back to TDK. Remember Master Powell's suggestions for supplements? Revisit those and see if that might be of help. Personally I think a huge problem is inflammation. I am going to start taking low dose aspirin to see if that helps with the pain.
You know me, I can be awfully opinionated, ;0 (there is a lot of research behind that). So, hang tough. You have inspired me with your "go girl" attitude. Remember that black belt? Remember that nasty hematoma? Remember your boss being, well, not so nice? Helping David with the bullying, ADHD, You have won all along! You beat cancer's a$$ and you will beat this....to a pulp!
love you lady
E
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Thank you Eve. Love you too!
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