January 2017 Surgery Group
Comments
-
3bears - I was talking about tattoo markers for radiation treatment. I would totally get areola tattoos if I had a mastectomy and they couldn't save my nipples. They do such a good job. I am always amazed by the art of tattoos (even though I don't have any). I don't have a creative bone in my body, so anyone with that talent just blows me away!
0 -
Like💪🏻👍
0 -
3bears, we are talking about the little freckle size blue tatoos that you get to mark you for radiation. I have 5 spread out over my back. You have to look close to know that it isn't a freckle or mole.
0 -
I am sorry that I haven't been around. I had surgery last week. No reconstruction until after radiation. I spent most of January in the hospital so surgery was delayed. Margins were clear and one node of 9 was positive and it was a lower one. She thinks they got it all. For some reason I don't see MO until the 31st which seems like a long time since the surgeon said they want radiation to start between 2-6 weeks after surgery.
I hope you are all doing well. I am so glad that chemo is over and I am finally starting to feel better. I actually got quite a bit done yesterday and I am feeling it a bit today but I am having a hard time sleeping since surgery.
0 -
The tattoos are the markers for radiation. I'm not sure why they call them tattoos not even sure how they do them.
0 -
For the tattoos, they put a dot of ink and used a needle to prick it in my skin. I don't have any real tattoos so not sure but I think that is how they are don
0 -
mine were the same as cowboys. tiny tiny blue dot injected by syringe just under skin. i was lying on my back for radiation, so i have 1 in each armpit , 1 in inframammary crease and 2 around nipple. i think tattoo is a bad word bc it makes it sound like a huge ordeal, but its really not - i have a hard time finding them even when im looking for them!! they were painless. barely felt the pinprick.
as for nipple tattoos, the work I've seen online is so amazing, and you could either get something realistic or go for pretty flowers and vines. just spend lots of time finding the artist you feel the most comfortable with - there are some amazing talents out there!!
beachbabyk, hope your first day went ok!
chemo girls, stay strong!!
xxoo
0 -
Speaking of nipple tattoos, on one of the boards they were talking about 3-D tattoos which blow the reconstructed ones away apparently!
This is the pioneer of the method - If I do anything for nips down the road, I would definitely tattoo as opposed to having the PS "build" one...I like the foobs with flowers on them & artwork too. The good news is the needles won't hurt! I can also see myself being "done" with everything after the exchange surgery & just leaving them alone...who knows? that's so far away for me right now. Chemo #2 tomorrow, on steroids today so I'm buzzing!!!!!!
http://vinniemyers.com/section/386299_Vinnie_Myers...
0 -
Thinking about you tomorrow Pugsmama. You got this.
Tomorrow is my dry run and then Thursday I start my radiation. My husband is taking the afternoon off on Thursdsyand will take me to lunch before my appointment. Then going to dinner with my friends. I'll make the best of having radiation on my birthday. Just thankful to have more birthdays!
0 -
cowboy-up: happy birthday! Love your new hairdo btw...looks fabulous!
0 -
PugsMama positive thoughts are being sent your way tomorrow. I have another surgery tomorrow too. So let's meet at the cabanas for a drink and companionship when we're done
Cowboyup - love the new do! Happy early birthday 🎉. I will be sending you positive thoughts as well.
Love hearing from everyone. I agree, this board is a Godsend.
Love you all and am thankful for our friendships.
Xoxox
0 -
good to hear from you Angela and congrats on finishing your chemo. That has got to be a relief. The 31st does seem like a while, but enjoy the cancer break while you can . It is such a whirlwind! Glad you are up and about .
Happy Birthday CowboyUp.. you are gonna do great and rads will fly by . You are looking beautiful .
I am 15/20 .. so nearing the home stretch . Love you ladies ❤💗🌸have a good nigh
0 -
Leftcoastie, we started this journey together, my Jan. 4 surgery sister! Seems like a long time ago, doesn't it?: is it your exchange surgery tomorrow? Sending positive thoughts for a great outcome with no complications! See you at the cabana...xox
Angela: congratulations on getting off the chemo train
Elem: 3/4 done! Yay!!
0 -
I'm doing the 3-d tattoos - my PS has someone who does them. I have to say that everyone who sees my scars and current state foobs is really impressed - when I tell them who my PS is they say "of course" he's the best. So I really feel like I lucked out with him.
Had my first PT today and I do have mild cording. It was really good meeting with the Therapist. Going in weekly and she's putting me in an at-home program since I used to lift weights and worked out before - apparently I have "discipline" LOL. It looks like a really great routine and will give me something to work towards. I don't have 180 degrees with either arm but the left is at 173 so nearly there. Right is 143 - so I should get there. The funny thing is that my left bicep (non-cancer and non-dominant) is bigger than my right. I was working out pretty seriously before surgery so I guess I really got my left side in shape! Made me feel pretty good as for now that means no LE signs. She said LE usually sets in around 14 months post surgery and the size and severity doesn't really matter as much as having something that causes trauma. She has had women come in 10 years after surgery but had a biopsy or some other trauma and BAM - LE. Sucks because I'm high risk since I had all nodes removed and I'm having radiation. So I'm going to do all I can to minimize. Maintaining a healthy weight is important so that's more motivation for me to work out.
2nd chemo a week from today and I'm already dreading but having a few days feeling good at least gives me the hope that I'll get through it and feel better eventually. Chemo fog is for real and my clouds are just starting to part.
Hugs to all - going to bed.
0 -
PugsMama - I wish it was my exchange. I'm still battling with my right nipple. Had surgery last Monday to remove scab. Have been wearing a wound vac since last Monday and will for at least another week! Tomorrow ps is exploring some tunneling and debleeding? There is a 50-50 chance that this will work, if at anytime my tissue expander becomes exposed then he'll have to remove it, lay my skin flat, let me heal, then start the process with tissue expander all over in 3-4 months. Ugh this is a long journey. Thankful I have you with me.
Ladies - I say yes to the tattoo nipples! Wish I could go back and start all over again. I never would've chosen nipple sparing mastectomy. My breasts are never going to match, it's depressing. I keep looking at the positives as much as I can, I have to keep going!
Shellybeans you are an inspiration! Thank you 💪🏼
I'm giving you all some shuga
Xoxoxo
0 -
I know ... I feel like Jan 4th was so ling ago . That was my first surgery day as well . Here we are moving right along. I really am finding it hard to push myself out of the nest though, I haven't felt alone in so long . I feel I may not be ready ! Co dependency setting in! Bottom line is , I could not have done this without you girls!
So grateful ! 😍
0 -
PugsMama and shellybeans - wishing you a good day (if there is such a thing with chemo) sending good ~~~~vibes~~~~ to you both.
Elem- I'm was alone for the first time last night for a few hours and it was weird at first then I kind of enjoyed it. My girl had gone to spend the night with her momma (she didn't want to stay ;o( ) and DH was still working.
Leftcoastie- drinks will be waiting! Prayers for you!
Today is BABY DAY!! Could everyone say a prayer for my daughter Candace for quick safe delivery. Last delivery was 31 hours!
Thank you ladies and here's some suga to!
0 -
Wishing you all a beautiful day
such an amazing strong group of women.Our days aren't always easy but we can get through them together.
0 -
I'll post after my PS appt this morning. See what he has to say.
Pugsmama-- thanks for the link to the 3D tattoos.
This all makes more sense now why you girls were talking about tattoos on your back . Lol!)
0 -
3Bears: it's exciting to start planning the reconstruction! Something to look forward to after chemo! (I was confused about the rads tattoos also LOL)
Vargadoll: the only alone time I have is while I'm here at chemo! That's why I don't want anyone with me. Hubby's retired & his 92 year old father lives with us. I pretend I'm at the cabana with you guys while I'm here!! I still think your daughter's having more than one LOL
Leftcoastie: hope things go well today & your TE stays under wraps!
love you all!
0 -
WOW!!! So much going on since I was last here... so sorry for the long (5 days!) absence... had a long weekend at a spa with my girlfriends, and it tuckered me out so much that I haven't had the energy to do anything since... how can a relaxing weekend do that?!
So much news... I had to start taking notes.
Cowboy, LOVE the hair, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Good luck with the rads today... and the tattoos?!
Annoyingboob... congrats on finishing rads... how is the tamoxifen going? I started Friday too, we should compare notes. So far, not sure I've had any side effects, although having trouble sleepeing... but have been having trouble sleeping since my surgery, so not sure that is related. I have literally had only 3 full nights since then... god I'm tired. And am jealous that you have started strength training. I'm not sure I feel 80, but definitely feeling my age. Last year was a big strength training year for me, and am dreading that first workout... starting over sucks. But will be out on the water within a week... not in the boat, but with a coach in the launch, just to be out there. ... no rowing for me for awhile! Also -- LOLOL on the Fennel... Love fennel... but that was hilarious.
Shellybeans... so glad you are getting hte PT... worked wonders for me with the cording. Glad it is not a huge issue for you... and thinking of you with the chemo... hope the second round is easier.
Bev, been thinking of you lots, the service sounds like it was amazing...hope the ongoing issues with the nipple are beginning to resolve.
Pugsmama... good luck today with Chemo! Cannot tell you how many days I've had where your smiling face got me through... hope today is easy.
Vargadoll... BIG day for you... BABY DAY! Can't wait to see pics of the new grandchild... and have your daughter in my thoughts for today. Hope you've found some help watching your grandson. You are amazing.
Beachbaby... good luck with Rads today!
Angela -- Congrats on chemo finish! Such a huge milestone... WOO HOO
Leftcoastie... thinking of you lots. Hope the Nipple saga resolves well. You are a warrior, woman... a true warrior. Sending healing vibes your way.
Elem -- when you are ready, you will take the plunge on getting out/being alone... maybe just a short walk, or an hour to yourself... but I will tell you, I now LOVE having the house to myself again ...
So, a few things that I have to comment on re: thread. First, Vit D3. I take 2000IU daily, after my physician noted my low levels a number of years ago... had to take a prescription at first to bring them up, now just maintaining normal levels with the supplement. I think most women our age have trouble maintaining recommended levels of D3, so definitely recommend everyone ask their doctors about it. It is so important for bone health in addition to everything else.
Hair-- OK, so my first surgery was scheduled on 21 December -- which happened to be my hair appointment day, so cancelled it... here we are a week into March, and still haven't been back. My highlights are now "ombre" and my gray along with it... and I am in desperate need of a cut. But how about this: my stylist called me last night, worried about me!! What a sweetheart he is. LOVE HIM! So, had to give him the whole saga, and will be calling to schedule something with him asap... He always loved "the girls"... I think I was dreading telling him they were gone. Anyway, hope to have the hair back in control soon.
For those of you without nipple-sparing surgery... what is your plan? I figure there are four options: 1. Go for the barbie look (i.e., do nothing); 2. 3D tattoo; 3. Origami nipple (+ tattoo?) or 4. beautiful artistic tattoo. At first I thought the 4th option was what I wanted... go bold, and own it. But now I'm thinking that might get old after awhile, and perhaps should try for something more "normal"... so, then the question is headlights (origami nipple) or just 3D tattoo? Curious if others have put some thought into it!
OK, lovelies... have written forever, and will post now... have a wonderful day to all, esp those doing rads/chemo/PS visits!!
XOXOXO
0 -
Hi Varga, Pugs and 3bears and everyone. I start my boosts tomorrow and finish up next tues. Exciting times indeed! I feel like an end is in site , but later today I have the MO appt. Then another decision must be made Aromatase I's or not ! I will be pondering that decision until I get there. Still haves?'s. Anyway , have an awesome day ladies 🌸X
0 -
Guys. I'll catch up later, just wanted to show you me wearing a tshirt for the 1st time -- just TE's and cadaver tissue, a real lumpy mess underneath, but mostly looking like a regular person going for a walk. Tomorrow will be 3 weeks out and I have a ways to go with the fragile radiated side and healing, but I feel great today and wanted to share that progress does happen! ☀️
0 -
BEVMOMDUCK YOU LOOK AMAZING! Glad you are feeling well.... you go girl!!
S
0 -
Let's have a baby (or 2?) today!! GOOD LUCK!!!!!!
0 -
Hi my friends! Eating my lunch at work and popped on to see how everyone's doing.
Loving the pics and as usual all the encouragement and support...I'm missing that these days. I miss you all so much!
I had physical therapy this morning and they advised they are cutting me loose after 4 more visits. I'll be done on March 20th and it made me strangely emotional. It was similar to the last day of radiation...I'm happy to be done but have a weird feeling. I was talking to a co-worker and they said maybe those feelings have to do with not being watched by anyone anymore? I think that is it. I'll be totally on my own until the next onc visit in August and then of course my lovely 6 month mammo. Wanted to share this because some of you are headed there soon...
I feel strangely detached from things like all of you...it's nobody's fault for that but I am pretty much done and don't have much to share anymore except "what to expect after BC"...I of course continue to think of you all and root for you every single day but I miss feeling a part of something also. It seems pretty silly because I'm thrilled to be done but at the same time I'm having a hard time letting go of it all and really moving totally forward.
Tons of love and gentle hugs my friends. May time fly for those deep in the fight and may those nearing the end easily find their way back to "normal" life.
0 -
Ok ladies who are worried about letting go, don't. We have all made friends here. No newbies will probably join because we are long past surgery. Some of us are still going through treatments but we still want to hear more about you and the world outside of cancer. Stay wih us.
I just got done with my simulation. Kind of uncomfortable laying on my stomach but it did seem quick. Met some ladies in the waitng room that I will probably see everyday. I am by far the youngest there. They have a volunteer in the room giving you water and chocolates and starting conversations between everyone. It was nice.
Yay Bevmomduck for shirts! You LOL great!
So awesome to hear from so many this afternoon
0 -
Thank you Cowboy-Up, I don't want to totally let go by any means...not of you ladies EVER...but it seems weird writing most things. It may make more sense to you when you are on the other side. Of course, I will never forget the friendships made here...they mean the world to me.
I find myself in an in-between state...I do need to move on with life in many other ways and it's sort of strange not being monitored by doctors anymore and I'm back to work and all that comes with that...basically I'm back to my daily grind but somehow it still feels strange because the impact of the last several months was huge. So even though 4 months of my life was almost entirely devoted to cancer and much more of my life has been "normal", it is hard. I guess I don't know how to explain it well. I was trying to put it into words that may help the next graduate!
0 -
A better way to put it...while in treatment, you feel like you are doing something to kill cancer cells and you have this whole team of doctors and stages/decisions/options to go through and then suddenly you are left alone hoping and praying that everything you did wiped out all the cancer and there is nothing else floating around...nobody is watching closely anymore and it's weird. Does that make better sense?
0 -
Fightingirl: My mom said the same thing when she ended treatment 25 years ago. She was a little fearful that she wasn't being so closely watched anymore & here she is, totally cancer-free! And also, don't forget the PTSD factor here, it's hard to turn the "off" switch on BC just like that.
Please keep sharing your transitions out of the all-consuming world of BC to the "new normal." We're not too far behind you & it gives us something to look forward to...it's how you can still support those of us in treatment (no pressure, only if the spirit moves you, of course!)
Love you guys!
P.S. Two treatments down, two to go....halfway there!!! whoo hoo!
0
