January 2017 Surgery Group
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Fightingirl-♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
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exactly what vargaNCdoll said
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hello my loves! Great catching up with everyone...I've been on Aromasin over a month now & so far so good! I do have hot flashes but I expected that. No joint pain to speak of & that was my fear with the AIs. My exchange surgery (with fat grafting) is August 3. I understand my tummy will be pretty sore but a small price to pay for a free tummy tuck if you ask me! Not going to do anything about nips or tattoos for quite a while. I think I'll want a break from procedures after the exchanges. I see the MO & BS in Sept, then I'll be on the 6 month schedule for a couple of years.
A-Boob: I had pretty bad fibroids too which is why I had my uterus removed when I had the ovaries out. Best thing I ever did!
Love you all!
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Hi everyone! I had my Herceptin infusion today and my husband and I had a chance to discuss Nerlynx with my MO this morning. In case any of you haven't heard, is this medication was just approved by the FDA for women with HER2+ breast cancer and it seems to help prevent recurrence. It's a pill that is taken for one year following completion of treatment with Herceptin.
My MO has been involved with one of the studies that just concluded. In a nutshell what he said was the he would prefer for me to wait to start it as there is still data coming out on the details regarding the exact protocol for prescribing. This data needs to be parceled out for each individual patient. For example, I'm hormone receptor negative but HER2+, node negative and I also received Perjeta in addition to Herceptin. The women in the trial had many different factors; about 52% were also hormone receptor positive and had positive nodes. They also varied greatly with the type of chemotherapies they received. Anyway, he wants to wait a couple of months before he makes a decision whether this would be good for me and doesn't want to jump right in. Apparently significant diarrhea is a major issue with this medication. We have a window of 1 year following the last Herceptin infusion, so there is a bit of time to wait. I would rather take a breather anyway from all of this and enjoy my trip to Spain in November.
Good news is that I thought I had 2 more Herceptin infusions after today, but it turns out that I only have one! I've been able to move my exchange surgery & port removal that was originally scheduled for 9/11 to 8/28.
Blessings to all! We are all traveling this road together remember, and no matter what stage of the journey can all lean on each other for support. Have a wonderful weekend y'all!!
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Docmama - whoot whoot!!! One more! Then boobies! Then Spain!!!! What a journey this has been for us all! You are so right about no matter what stage of this BC trip we can always come here for our spirits to be lifted.
Have a great weekend! It's 91 in tbe mountains today. We are grilling out with my in-laws and floating in the pool (which has to be drained AGAIN so the liner can be smoothed out. It's bumpy and DH said he isn't paying for the pool until it's smooth) I also have a question for everyone. Have any of you ladies that had radiation been in a pool? I get a bumpy rash on my chest and both arms. It's feels more like scales and you can't see it just feel it. It doesn't itch. I have never had this happen before. If it was just in my radiation field that would make more sense but it's elbows up on both arms and across my chest above my nipples.
Happy Saturday!
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Docmama - whoot whoot!!! One more! Then boobies! Then Spain!!!! What a journey this has been for us all! You are so right about no matter what stage of this BC trip we can always come here for our spirits to be lifted.
Have a great weekend! It's 91 in tbe mountains today. We are grilling out with my in-laws and floating in the pool (which has to be drained AGAIN so the liner can be smoothed out. It's bumpy and DH said he isn't paying for the pool until it's smooth) I also have a question for everyone. Have any of you ladies that had radiation been in a pool? I get a bumpy rash on my chest and both arms. It's feels more like scales and you can't see it just feel it. It doesn't itch. I have never had this happen before. If it was just in my radiation field that would make more sense but it's elbows up on both arms and across my chest above my nipples.
Happy Saturday!
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Varga - maybe it's sun sensitivity and not the pool? I've always gotten red bumps on chest from sun, but I'm extra careful now post xrt and I blob on the spf 50 and keep covered as much as possible, but even with that, I get a bit red and bumpy. Boob itself did ok in pool and ocean. I've also been using that 'bio-oil' product very liberally on scars since surgery and I think it has really helped. Scars seem less noticeable and more smooth with time.
Once the pool liner gets fixed, you will be in heaven. I've always dreamed of a home with a pool. Maybe someday... sounds divine!!
Docmama, congrats on one more infusion!! That finish line is getting closer and closer!! Big smiles for all these new milestones everyone is passing!!
Xoxo
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Today is mammo-day! First one since surgery. I'm a bit nervous! 3:05 will not be here soon enough....just want to get it over with. I hate that I am going alone. DH will need to keep my girl (probably a grandkid to) fingers crossed that I will be strong ladies! You gals get it!
XOXOX
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Will be thinking of you Vargadoll. I go on Friday after work...I'm also going alone it's about 3 minutes from my work and hubs can't go back with me anyways. I wish you only the best!! Much love!
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Vargadoll - you're in my prayers today. Will you get results immediately? Please update us as you are able. Xoxo
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Thanks Figthingirl and DCISinAZ! My husband actually did get to go with me. My girls mom wanted her to spend the night and that is a rare thing on a Monday. I didn't expect him to he just said let's grab a pizza when we are done.
I actually got the 3D mammogram and insurance covers them as if June 1st. They had me wait for the results and I got an ALL CLEAR!! Last time I was in that waiting area was after my wire lock procedure. I almost wanted to walk in circles like I did before surgery! The tech that did the scan said I was so lucky the BC was found in December. She said that it was so deep that it could have been over looked. Thanks be to God that it was found early. I go back in November for my regular scheduled mammogram. Then in June for my right breast. I'll get 2 a year on the right and one on the left.
You girls are all always in my thoughts! We have come so far in the past 7 months. I can't imagine this journey without you!
XOXOXO
Teresa
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SO HAPPY FOR YOU, VARGADOLL. That your husband was able to come with you, too. Excellent, excellent news!! Enjoy your evening ❤️❤️
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Hi ladies! I haven't been on here much but popped in to see how everyone is doing. I'm doing well on the Tamoxifin. No hot flashes or joint pain and it took my menstual cramps away! Been so busy. I have one daughter getting married this month and my other one is moving to Colorado! Life has been crazy. Plus we are going on vacation to Rivera Maya this weekend. Looks like I have a lot of reading to do. Hoping everyone has had good mammograms and are doing great
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I forgot to add. My SIL has unfortunately joined our club. She is to have chemo first before surgery. She starts tomorrow
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Howdy Lovely Ladies! We just got back from a much needed family vacation and love to see so many people in a better place on their journey than when we all started here 8 months ago! I have 2 more infusions of Herceptin, then my mammogram, and finally port removal! I can't wait! (I consider the port removal as my actual graduation). I have been on Tamoxifen for 2 months and the only noticeable the side effect is hot flashes... which my MO prescribed Effexor and since then, it's been smooth sailing.
Vargadoll- So happy to hear you got the all clear!!!! That's what we all want to hear! I hope everyone will continue to let us know as you have them and we'll be here for you if you have to wait for the results!
Cowboy-up I am so sorry to hear about your SIL! We really don't want any new members in this club. I'm sure that you will be a much needed support system for her and she can always post here and gain a new group of sisters that have her back!
Best of luck to all of you ladies going through exchanges, nips, tucks, grafts, etc. Remember if you need us, we are here... it just may take a little longer to respond!
Maybe we should set up a contact list... Christmas cards, little notes, etc? Let me know your thoughts...
Love to you all!
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yes - sign me up for the xmas card list!!! You are all my second family!!
Congrats Varga - that is just the best news and I hope all of us follow your lead!! Good luck to all of the follow up mammos!!
Good luck to pugs mama on her exchange later this week!!
Continued healing to bevmom!!
Happy babies and weddings and vacations and REAL NONCANCER LIFE to all!!
I've been pretty good with the exercise but not so good with the sugar ban. time to stop the gelato again. Boohoo.
Keep the posts coming until all ports are out and everyone has graduated - we are here for thick and thin until we can hold hands and cross finish line together!! Xxxooo
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I'm in for the Christmas card list to!!! You ladies are my ta-ta sisters for life! We have been here for each other and the freedom to unload whatever is on our minds!
Cowboyup - exciting things are happening! Enjoy your get away! Hugs to you SIL for having to join our club! I look are so many women when I am out and in my hear I ask myself "are you the 1 in 8?"
BeachbabyK- graduation is so close!!! I know you are so ready to be done!
Annoyingboob -that ice cream truck is hard to avoid! (No matter what kind!) I'm trying to do the frozen fit pops but every now and then you just got to have something creamy!
I went to PT today. LE in the arm is doing excellent! My measurements are smallest ever. Bad news I will be getting a compression bra...the boob and armpit just won't go down. Doesn't help that I got a bug bit (probably spider) a few inches from my incision. Life is good otherwise.
XOXOXO
Teresa
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Yay for clear scans!! So happy for you Vargadoll and everyone that is making there way to the finish line. I'm also in for the cards! Love you all to pieces.
If you think of it on Friday...say a little prayer that I get the all clear like Varga. Much love and so glad to see everyone checking in and doing well.
Meredith
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Hi Varga ,
I know the feeling . I went last week and all was well in the one breastvthey did the mammo on . Left!
It was ok . I was nervous and of course am glad it was not bad , but I still freak when having to get tests . Early detection, I keep telling myself. It saved my life once , so being monitored is actually good!
Good Lyck fightingirl and anyone else going in for their first checks !
Love and Strength
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Hi all, I haven't been here in ages, sorry. I kind of tried to do it all by myself, am crashing now though. Seeing a new oncologist for a second opinion today. The first one recommended Tamoxifen, but it was so soon after my first surgery I can't remember a darn thing she said. She just threw all kinds of statistics my way. So I had my second surgery in May, and I should be done, except I have such pressure in the breasts it feels like I am wearing a sports bra that's 5 sizes to small, all the way around the back. So my surgeon said if I don't get better by September she'll consider removing the implants and putting them on top of the pectorials, which is what I wanted to begin with. The only thing holding me back is the thought of doing lipo again, that's just too long of a recovery. I am still way swollen from that. Anyways I am whining. Reading all the messages I realize I should have come here more often. I feel like I lived in a box all those months and having to see the Oncologist today, I am forced to face my situation finally. Thanks for listening, Andrea
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Hi Andrea, I'm sorry for how you are feeling today. I hope at least reading back through some of our messages helped you find some light! This is a lovely bunch of ladies and though we aren't posting as much as before, we all feel like we are in this together until everyone has "graduated"! You have been through a lot and are still going through it so don't ever feel like you are whining here. No judgement...we all totally understand! If you ever want to private message or just post here...I know it will be welcomed and responded to by one of these lovely ladies. Getting closer to my first scans, I know others are doing the same so I've been coming back more to check in on everyone. I hope the oncologist goes well today. I have to tell mine in a couple weeks that I decided not to take the tamoxifen so I'm a little nervous about that. Take good care and we're always here for you.
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Cowboy Up...I meant to write a note the other day that I'm sorry to hear about your sis in law. She is lucky to have you to talk to! I wish her nothing but the best and glad to see you are doing well and handling the tamoxifen well. That's awesome about the cramps! Have an awesome vacation!
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quick unrelated question - my neighbor here is starting chemo and radiation for throat cancer and has been complaining of a dry mouth after treatment. Did any of you girls have that and are there any non sugar candies you can suck on to help it? Any tips appreciated. Thanks!!
Ps - pugs!!!
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AnnoyingBoob, I highly recommend the Biotene spray. Biotene comes in other forms, like mouthwash and gum, but I have only tried the spray. I had horrible dry mouth during my chemo and thought this would be gross, but it wasn't. It has a mild mint flavor. It worked really well for me and everyone I know who has used it. I hope this helps.
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Aboob - I contacted Queasy Pops when I was going through Chemo and they sent me free samples. May kill 2 birds with one stone!
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thank you ladies!!! She has 7 weekly sessions of chemo and 35 rads ahead of her, so I'm putting together a little care package for each chemo week. Just ordered the biotene and queasy pops - great ideas, thank you!! I'll do some lotions and oils for her skin. Then some plants/flowers and books. If any other great ideas come to mind, let me know. Love you girls and your compassion x
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Fightinggirl, I am in the process of deciding, Tamoxifen is out for me, because I take Sertraline, and I refuse to quit that. So know they want to chemically induce menopause with monthly shot and then put me on Anastrozole. I am not sure all the side effects are worth the outcome. Sometimes one has to consider quality of life. The other option is taking out the ovaries, but I al already possibly facing another breast surgery. And I am so very slow in recovering. Thanks for listening.
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Elem-excellent news! I only had the one boob done. I get them both in November then another single in 6 months after that. The only part that scares me is I was given the all clear in August last year. So did they miss it or did it just develope that quickly!? I had a mammogram and an ultrasound in August. The BC was in a different area than my doctor was concerned about. We just got to keep on keepin' on!
Figthingirl - you are in my thoughts and I'm sending lots of good vibes! You will total rock your scan tomorrow. Mine did not hurt at all if you have thought about that. Just being in the building made me want to cry!
Maulwarf1-this is the place to be! I haven't read one post that I considered whining! Every emotion, thought and feeling is justified here! Come on back anytime. I check the post daily. Now that it's summer I'm a lititle busier with the grandkids but I try to respond as soon as I can.
Annoyingboob - the biotene spray is the bomb! I am pretty sure the tamoxifen is making me have dry mouth now. I use it every night before I go to sleep. If I don't I wake up feeling like the Sahara Desert! I also read that lemon drops are really helpful for chemo patients. I have made 2 care packages now. For my friend who had the BMX I put the biotene, small tube of Aquaphor hand lotion, a travel size pillow and pink Mardi Gras beads. After all the people who saw my boobs, wrote on my boobs, moved my boobs and photographed my boobs I felt like I had earned some damn beads! So I got my friend a set. The other person I got a lipsense kit "kiss for a cause" it's a bright pink lip tint and part of the sales goes to cancer research and a pretty bracelet that has the "hope, strength and courage" in it.
Got to answer a text...I'll be back!
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I'm back! I have a question. Do any of you have LE? I have handled it well (I think) but I'm feeling a little angry. I can't weary pretty bras and I am tired of hiding this dang compression sleeve. That's like waving a flag "I had BC" so many people don't know (like my parents, still haven't told them). Anyway, I started just researching LE. I'm a little embarrassed to say I know so little about it since my background is OT. I focused mainly on pediatrics (not surprising huh?) So in my late night Google search I found tamoxifen and radiation connected to LE. Radiation I knew could cause some LE so that wasn't a surprise. The tamoxifen piece was news to me. I'm just curious if anyone else taking tamoxifen is having LE. Plus...I have had a period since January. My oncologist said that tamoxifen will not cause menopause or cease my cycle. My PCP is worried that if my hormone levels indicate I'm not in menopause then I should be "bleeding". I will be addressing all this in the next few weeks I guess. I see both my RO and Oncologist the first of September. I am rambling now so I with hush! Much love to you all! Thank you each and everyone for what you bring to our group!
Teresa
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Thanks for the thoughts and good vibes Teresa! I am mostly afraid of going into the building as well. My bad news came from that building, my radiation was done there and my oncologist is there also! Not exactly a happy place! I'll manage...I'm actually kind of feeling a sense of calm about it today. I'm just ready to go knock it out and be done for another 6 months. I can't speak too much on the LE...I had cording and basically on LE watch for the rest of my life. I only have to wear a compression sleeve for flying...I'm being fitted for mine next Tuesday. I wish you the best and hope you are back in your pretty bras soon! That is alarming about the tamoxifen though! I also opted not to take the tamoxifen so can't really speak on that either...my cycle is on like clockwork and each month I think I'm ready for menopause!
Keep us posted on what the oncologist thinks. I still have issues from my cording from time to time...nothing that's required a 3rd round of PT thank goodness but I find my arm and often my hand around my thumb will hurt if I push it too much with certain things like mopping. Happy Friday to all! I'm looking forward to the end of this day when the mammo is over and I can relax for the weekend. I have nothing I have to do this weekend and sometimes those are the absolute best weekends! Much love!Meredith
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