January 2017 Surgery Group
Comments
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I'm totally on board with the "we are in this together" approach... and w a Jan. 2018 reunion irl! (Whose idea was that?! Brilliant!)
Vargadoll, that baby is absolutely chewable! Love a fresh chunky baby.... congratulations!!!
I've often had to remind myself that this is a marathon, not a sprint... feeling that today. Down, cause can't get my groove back... tired all the time. I've been doing half days at work a couple days the last two weeks, which feels so good... but maybe I'm taking things too fast? I miss normal... and the weather is so nice, want to be out rowing or hiking.... feel like a wimp given the real challenges our chemo and rads girls are facing. Today I feel 80
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vargadoll - congratulations on the new sweet baby! She's beautiful 💞
Bevmomduck- you look fantastic! Hope you enjoyed your walk.
My surgery went well yesterday. TE is still in place. I will be wearing wound vac for at least another week. It is really working.
I'm here with you ladies until the end! I miss you all so much when I'm off for a few days.
Love the birthday cake and the donut boob pug! Hilarious 😂
I hope all you chemo and rads ladies are staying strong. You're all in my thoughts and prayers. You've got this! 💪🏼😘💃🏼🌈
Light hugs and lots of shuga for all!
Xoxoxo
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Oh Vargadoll, Congrats!! Sorry that you weren't able to be there, but from the sound of it, it would have been harder on you than your daughter! Seeing your children in pain, even for such a glorious outcome is soo hard! What a treasure though! Certainly makes all of this worth it! I hope that you get to visit them both very soon.
Pyrrh - so glad that the chemo train passed you by! Not happy about the info you got from the class on Tamoxifen! I wouldn't even let the MO tell me about them yet since I'm not starting until after rads.
Cowboy-up: Happy Birthday!!! I hope that you get to celebrate either today or even all weekend long! The rads (for me) is just a few minutes of sitting on the table in a not completely comfortable position and counting howe many times the machine moves around. I try to just close my eyes and rest and there really isn't much else that you can do. I did get the tattoos (2 itty bitty dots) yesterday. I was reluctant as they are on my front, not my back and I didn't want a reminder... They are definitely not something you would ever notice unless you were really looking for them!
Pugsmama - Oh no, no leaks! They need some type of stuff you can put in there like you use on a flat tire that blocks the hole!
Be mentally prepared for the change in weight of the new TE's! I'm sure it'll be quite a change!Isn't it funny, as much as we hate the constant Dr.'s appt and cancer-related things, they are also the strangest form of security blanket! I've also noticed that the appts seem to come in spurts; some time away, then a bunch all at once.
Have a beautiful day Ladies! After today I will be 1/9th the way done with rads! (4 out of 36- can you tell I am a total numbers geek??)
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Congratulations Vargadoll! What a beautiful thing to see first thing in the AM!
The pug pic...oh my gosh!
Pugsmama, so glad to hear Winchimed is doing well! We always appreciate the shuga!
Can't get motivated here at work this morning...hoping that it's a slower day than it's been lately because I'm just not sure i have it in me to really bust hump today. So glad tomorrow is Friday!
We just paid off all my medical bills that have come in so far...ouch. Put those in the mailbox yesterday morning and was painful. I looked at all my claims on mycigna.com and so far they have paid over $98,000!! I think each radiation visit alone was some 7k. Unbelievable isn't it? I'm grateful to have the insurance coverage for sure.
Have a great day my beautiful, strong, amazing friends!
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Vargadoll - what a DOLL! My babies were always tiny because they came early - but they chunked up over time. Just love chunky babies - nothing like a little sugar from the neck.
I'm swamped at work so just been speed-reading and catching up.
Hugs to everyone!
Oh - Bevmomduck - you look fabulous in your T-shirts, Cowboyup - Happy BD and beautiful hair!!
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Vargadoll - beautiful grandbaby! Congratulations to you and your daughter
Beachbaby I am so sorry if I messed up your "need to know" moment about tamoxifen. The good news is I took one last night, and everything is just the same this morning. Nothing of note different.
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Happy birthday Cowboy-Up! Hope you get to do something special for your day!
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Hey everyone!! Need some advice!
I had a bilateral mastectomy with TE on 1/18. Pathology results showed one of the lymph nodes removed had cancer. Long story short, I have received 2 opinions and both doctors are recommending radiation. That's fine. However, I am struggling because one doctor thinks I should do the whole chest wall, while the other believes I should localize the radiation under my arm. I just don't know what to do! The physician that recommended the whole chest wall, has indicated this is a proactive approach to reduce recurrence. Which I like. But I am also aware that there are some risks involved with doing more radiation. I guess I am primarily concerned about reconstruction issues. My plastic surgeon has already started filling my TE's in preparation for radiation. I am leaning towards the whole chest wall, even though there are more risks. That being said, when I met with both doctors, I still like the personality of the one that recommended the more localized treatment. Anyone else in a similar boat? How did you decide what to do? Has anyone ever spoken to a doctor about their 2nd opinions and wanting to still treat with their doctor, but do something based on another doctors recommendation?
Thanks everyone!!
mama2BC
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Guess who got her that bow? ME-
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mama2bc, you don't have your stats public so it's hard to give advice without knowing how big and what stage you were.
Vargadoll, the baby is perfection. The bow puts it over the top!! Those cheeks! Little baby nose and lips - I want to smother that baby w kisses!! Congratulations!! Keep the pics coming and let us know when they choose a name. Hope you survived with your girl AND grandson and now this little gem. You are wonder woman!!
Pugsmama, hang in there. I know you mentioned exhaustion will really hit this weekend, so just give into it and rest and recover!! And send winchimed all our love - I miss her suga!!
I met my ps yesterday and he said I'm a good healer - yay!! His eye is so precise, he pointed out a little imperfection I hadn't even seen in leftie. He's happy to do a tummy tuck but it's not covered by my insurance so I'm just waiting to hear how much that would be. The hospital billed $52k for Jan surgery, so if it's that high, I'll have to keep my little muffin top, lol. I'm going to wait a few months and try to get into good shape and firm up my abs, but the tamoxifen makes me a bit lazy, and moving seems like SUCH an effort. Or maybe I'm just lazy, it's possible!
Have a great birthday cowboy and hope your first zap was uneventful
Elem, only a few more days left - I know you are red and throbbing so ice and lube - the finish line is so close!!
Xxoo
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Vargadoll, she shares my birthday!!!!! Congratulations!
My first zap was uneventful. 1 down, 30 more to go.
Love the cake Annoyingboob
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Vargadoll - OH MA GA!! What a beautiful baby! That picture could be on a greeting card. Congratulations to you and your family.
I've been awol for a while; I've been checking in but haven't had time to post. Everyone seems to be doing great!
Happy birthday Cowboyup!
I hope all those on the chemo train continue to tolerate it well. Those were tough days for me.
I went to the big annual dermatology meeting this past weekend in Orlando and showed off my new hairstyle. It was strange walking around like that, but empowering at the same time. I felt more self- confident than ever, and even mentioned my diagnosis to a few of the contacts I was making (playing the cancer card, lol). My attitude towards life has changed because of my breast cancer and I feel the need to squeeze every last moment out of my days.
Hair growing in fast:
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hi ,
I think with a lymph node positive for ca. I would opt for whole breast chest wall . Do you know what stage and the size of the tumor ? There is a section to put the info in and it will help others give you feed back based on similarities to their dx's. Good luck Mzma2BC
Omg Vargadoll , she is a beaut. She looks so peaceful . Love the beautiful bow.
Docmama, good to see you re entering life after BC . I love the hair . It looks awesome. Your smile is beautiful .
Hope everyone has a good weekend plsnned 🌸💗
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docmama, I have to say, I'm loving that look on you!! Who knows what you looked like before, but the short white is really stunning! And your skin is perfection!! You will need to change your name to hotmama!!
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Bevmomduck you look awesome!
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Beautiful grandbaby Vargadoll! She has such a sweet face!
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that baby is DELICIOUS! So adorable!!! Docmama, gorgeous pic... love that short hair on you!
Xoxo, all... going to a whole WAREHOUSE of used books tomorrow... rested all day today so I can take full,advantage... hopefully a good day awaits.
PugsMama, hope you are relaxing, and have lots of tlc this weekend... who else is in need of a boost?! Love to all....
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Docmama - Looking Good my lovely chemo sister! I'll be so happy when I can no longer see my head through my hair...mine is much darker than your's and by the looks of it a few weeks of growth behind. I'm still wearing hats right now. I think I'll be ready to go hat less in a month or so.
Pyrrh - No worries!!! I knew the gist of the SE's, just refuse to read it in black and white yet.
Vargadoll - OMG! She looks so beautiful and peaceful.... I'm sure the peaceful part won't stay that way!
dcbc- If your body needs to rest, please rest! We have all been through so much and sometimes you need to take some time to recover.
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Docmama - you look so great! I'm in Orlando - would have been nice to meet up!
Vargadoll - that is the most adorable baby - please smother her sweet cheeks with kisses! Babies always fill me with such hope - just imagining the amazing life that she has yet to embark on. We all started like that - full of sweetness and love. Gives me hope and fills me with awe.
I went to yoga class tonight for the first time since pre-surgery. Every time I do something that's from my pre-surgery and chemo days it's so empowering - gives me control that this BC is not going to control what I can and cannot do! That being said I am plain ole' worn out! But, being me, nothing happens without a little excitement. My daughter decided to make popcorn and it burned. Set off the fire alarm and firemen came to the house. Had my phone on silent and didn't hear the 12 calls during yoga! The good news is she handled it all really well. I told her it was good to have a "practice' of what a real emergency would be like. Oh, and she said the firemen were nice looking and very polite.
That's enough excitement for me!
Good night all!
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Thanks ladies! I didn't even realize I hadn't made my stats public. Would love anyone's thoughts on the radiation? I am going to call my preferred doctor to discuss but I know that the decision is ultimately mine. Below is the original question. I appreciate everyone's help!!
I had a bilateral mastectomy with TE on 1/18. Pathology results showed one of the lymph nodes removed had cancer. Long story short, I have received 2 opinions and both doctors are recommending radiation. That's fine. However, I am struggling because one doctor thinks I should do the whole chest wall, while the other believes I should localize the radiation under my arm. I just don't know what to do! The physician that recommended the whole chest wall, has indicated this is a proactive approach to reduce recurrence. Which I like. But I am also aware that there are some risks involved with doing more radiation. I guess I am primarily concerned about reconstruction issues. My plastic surgeon has already started filling my TE's in preparation for radiation. I am leaning towards the whole chest wall, even though there are more risks. That being said, when I met with both doctors, I still like the personality of the one that recommended the more localized treatment. Anyone else in a similar boat? How did you decide what to do? Has anyone ever spoken to a doctor about their 2nd opinions and wanting to still treat with their doctor, but do something based on another doctors recommendation?
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Vargadoll-- congratulations on your beautiful grand baby! Babies make life worth living don't they?
Annoyingboob-- I agree that we are all in this together, supporting our sisters until each one of us has crossed the finish line. Thank you. As far as staying out of the hospital, I hope so. I get bloodwork today at 10. Next week is my nadir.
Docmama -- it thrills me to see your hair growing so thick and fast! That is extremely healing to see. It gives me hope that I'll get there too this summer. It IS an empowering "haircut". Do you remember Susan Powter? She was a fitness guru in the 90s who shaved her blond hair. That's who I feel like when I look in the mirror. ( well now im getting pretty bald but before that I did) You look beautiful!!
I've been so focused on chemo I almost forget about my breasts or lack of breasts. It's so hard to imagine them being reconstructed. I know I'll get there.
BeachBabyK--I haven't spent much time thinking on tamoxifen SE yet either. God knows I will when I cross that bridge.
Here's to another week in paradise.🍹
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All of you ladies are so inspiring . I just continue to be amazed at the positivity I see in you through so much adversity. I am in awe.
I will be starting that tamoxifen pill next week . I am hoping that somevof us going on it can remain close to compare notes. I want to be positive and do whatever I can to avoid recurrence and I am burned to a crisp on my rads , but I only have 3 more. I might be exaggerating a bit, but its red , sore and the nipple is super dark .
I decided not to go to work today because of it and I think I need to rest up. Tomorrow, hopefully I will feel better.
Love to you all . Have an awesome weekend.
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Elem - I started tamoxifen the end of January. I am doing ok, maybe better than I expected. I historically have had difficulty taking medications.
I do feel more tired than normal, but it isn't sleepy tired, maybe more of a weak tired, I actually am having trouble sleeping.
I had some leg cramping but it seems to have gotten better.
Hot flashes aren't to bad .... get worse when I get stressed.
I also seem to be more thirsty than normal.
I met with my MO last week and she suggested taking the pill in the morning instead of at night, it hash't really helped my sleep issues.
Hope your remaining sessions go well.
Let me know how you are doing when you join the tamoxifen train next week.
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Docmama: you rock the white hair! Love it!!
A-Boob: maybe your boobs need a little fat grafting from your tummy to perfect the boobs? Just a thought...I'm going to milk that idea to the extent possible with my foob job lol!
Shelleybeans: you sound like you're in a great space! Glad you're able to do positive things for yourself that make you feel good! You have great energy through this...that's fabulous!
Glad to hear you're all adjusting to the tamoxifen...
Snow day here today...prescription to veg out!
Xoxo
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haha - I asked PS if we could make up some excuse for tummy and he said insurance asks for photos now for cosmetic procedures!! I think the boobs look great - in fact a friend of mine just said 'I wish I had dcis so I could get a free lift' lol - I wouldn't go that far to wish this upon anyone.
Week 1 of Tam Xed off the calendar. I just started taking full dose at night before bed, so I'll let you know how that goes. This week I have that beauty makeover, which is pretty needed as I haven't worn makeup in 5 months and my hair is a rats nest. Then fri I have a brain MRI just to make sure there is brain tissue in there somewhere. Really looking forward to another noisy machine and confined space....not.
Happy weekend to all my sisters! The rain in NorCal has stopped and we are blessed with a gorgeous sunshiney day!
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Thanks Farmsteam , I will let you know how I do . Ugh , I just dread having to take a pill for so long , but surely feel like I couldnt do this again either! Here's to cancer free living!
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Thanks Farmdream , I will let you know how I do . Ugh , I just dread having to take a pill for so long , but surely feel like I couldnt do this again either! Here's to cancer free living !🌸👍💪🏻
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docmama - I love the new hair. You look fabulous.
Vargadoll- she is so sweet. Love the bow/flower 💖
All my sisters going through chemo, I hope you get lots of rest this weekend.
Shellybeans you inspire me. You have a great attitude.
Happy Friday my friends, enjoy the weekend 😎
Xoxox
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Good morning girls!
Good to take a minute to catcheck up. Sounds like everyone is in some pretty good places. We have snow in the forecast this weekend. After a few days of beautiful 70 degree weatber. My Carolina sister's will get it!
I slept without a bra last night. Lol I was slow to let that go. Did keep a camisole on. Tuesday is my oncologist appointment. (What's the abbreviation for that?)
Baby girl has a name! After 3 days my daughter decided on Charlee-Lynn Louise. Charlee because it sounds good with Chance (brother who is 22 months) Lynn after my sister who died in 2015 and was like her second mother. Louise is my middle name. Baby Charlee is in the NICU. Has been since Thursday. Her heart rate is a little high and her breathing is heavy. Mom is doing ok and Daddy got the flu! It's an epidemic at our hospital. There are strict visiting orders in place. I haven't even been to see the baby yet.
Have a cozy weekend.
PS annoyingboob - I don't need a MRI to tell you got lots of brain tissue! I can read it! ;o)
You can see her IV in her little hand. Hurts this Gowa's heart just a little!
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