January 2017 Surgery Group
Comments
-
Good morning ladies! I miss you all so much. Hope everyone is doing well.
PugsMomma & 3Bears - 2 more to go.... You got this!
Docmomma - I love your hair. The boob photo is hilarious.
Fightingirl - Good luck on your new vegan lifestyle. You would think being diagnosed with cancer would be the enough to send me into eating healthy. I am still just a pig. I love food darn it!
I go to PS today. I am still wearing wound vac. I think I will be for a few more weeks at least. Other than packing this thing around I feel pretty good. I am back to work full-time (actually have been since end of January) and resuming most normal activates. Whew life is busy :-)
Love you all and miss hearing how everyone is doing.
xoxoxo
0 -
hi Leftcoastie,
Glad all is going so well with you . Wow been back to work full time since January. That's great? Did you have radiation? I feel so fatigued in the afternoon and I am about a week oug from rads. I miss everyone as well . But am happy so many arr moving forward .
Take care 💗
0 -
Hi everyone! Well, I'm done, done, done! I was discharged from physical therapy this AM. I will just have to wear a compression sleeve for air travel and watch for any signs of infection on the upper left quadrant of my body for life but I'm really all done now. I teared up in the elevator. Not only was it strange to be done, I will actually really miss all the people at my physical therapy office.
Leftcoastie, I love food too!! I thought this was going to be really hard BUT I have already noticed a huge benefit which will make it hard for me to go back eating the way I was...my blood pressure is normal if not a little low! I have been on blood pressure medicines on and off since my early 30's. I have not taken my medicine since last week and each night my blood pressure is normal...I can't remember the last time I saw that even when I was on medication! Even if it doesn't do anything else, I have to stay vegan to stay off blood pressure meds! It's also giving me something to do with myself...more research, a challenge to keep me busy after the whole cancer thing...I at least get to feel like I'm still trying to do something in lieu of the tamoxifen. Hope you are healing well and get that wound vac gone soon.
This page seems to be getting pretty quiet lately...I hope that means more and more are feeling better and getting back to "normal". Continuing to pray for the ladies still making their way towards graduation.
0 -
hello to all my breasties!!
I fell off the wagon with a big loud THUMP this weekend. had a family get together for pop's bday and ate ate ate and ate! mostly healthy - sushi, healthy Mexican, organic salad, but the last night was thin crust artisanal pizza with soft serve ice cream topped with caramel AND chocolate. I think I gained 8 lbs, but im hoping at least 2 of those are clothes!! and we did go on long hikes, but still... it was intense indulgence!! hoping to hop back on the healthy train this week.
congrats fightingirl on being done done done!! I hope your seroma is soon a thing in distant memory.
leftcoastie - good luck with todays appt.
chemo girls - so close now - hang in there - you can power through!! we are lining both side of the finish line, cheering for you!!
I swapped tamoxifen at night to taking it in am bc I was having a hard time falling asleep. will see if that has any difference. I wish there was a magic pill I could take to do my taxes for me....
happy healing all!!
0 -
leftcoastie, I think of your you and your old friend, carry-around vac. My dear you are a superwoman to be admired! I'm sure you will reap the reward in the end.
fightingirl- discharged! It seems like everyone who is officially finished just doesn't feel that way, or at least not quit ready to be released back in to the wild......bet you will find yourself stronger than you realize
elem- work. I started back to work today after a hyperbaric session and final check appt.out with oncologist. Then I got to work -- ha! I believe I was missed! But I'm beat! And my node arm is swollen and painful so I will try to be proactive tomorrow by stretching and stuff. All I know to do is from google bc I haven't even started PT yet but craving some stretching
You're right, activity here has seemed to slow down, but I know we still have each others' backs and ❤️ and only want good things for each other all the way to the finish 👍🏼💪🏼😘
AND. When I got home this afternoon, wiped out and hurting.....what to my wondering eyes should appear, but this shirt ( worn by Parisian women this year ), forwarded from our own dear annoyingboob! Sure brightened up my day, ❤ and makes the deflated, knobby boobs look cute somehow 😉
[found out yesterday that my deflation due to nipple removal will last 1 more week and then 3 months to inflate for TE replacement so I'm adjusting to another new normal. Again. But life is change and adjusting to it. It's ok ]. Peace
0 -
hahahahha - that's the best!! seems to fit like a dream and crazy adorable on you!! I realized I forgot to enclose the card I wrote - it was lost in my pile of taxes ppw, so sorry bout that!!
I feel for all you working girls. it is such a huge drag. I just went part time a few weeks ago - not that I can afford it, but I feel like mentally, I cant afford NOT to!! I wish I could retire completely. if anyone knows any sugar daddys out there, let me know, lol...0 -
So awesome to hear from everyone today. I am stuck in radiation land. 9/31 done. I cut down to working 3 half days instead of 5. I seems to be doing well with that and radiation every afternoon. It gives me a couple of mornings for doctor appointments and pony time.
0 -
So great to hear more and more people finishing up their treatment!! It is definitely weird to be on the other side. Praying for all of you still in the thick of it - hoping that the time goes by fast and you are SE free.
Bevmom - oh my. You are stinkin' adorable!! Love that shirt on you and your expression is classic
Fightingirl - Yay with being done with PT. One more thing to check off the list. Bummer about having to wear the sleeve, but glad you have relief from the cording effects. That's awesome about your blood pressure. Who knew just meat/dairy could have that much effect!
All of you who are doing so well cutting out sugar/eating healthy - more power to you. I think I took everyone's cravings and went to town with them. The benefits of the stress diet I had been on are clearly gone! I guess when I have my fat grafting for my reconstruction the PS will have plenty to work with. YIKES!!
Miss everyone, but glad it means people are moving on beyond their diagnosis. It is the healthy thing to do. I hope people will periodically pop in and let everyone know how they're doing.
HUGS!!!
Kelly
0 -
Hello my friends, been reading all your posts but little time to write. On my feel good week, I have to do 2.5 weeks of work bc I'm off & useless for a solid week after chemo. I'm blessed to have so much flexibility at work but these "good" weeks end up being super busy...
Remember my deflating TEs? Good news is my MO cleared me to get filled on Tues when I see my PS, who's going to swap the air for saline...then I'll have that until my exchange surgery, probably sometime over the summer. I expect they'll be a lot heavier. So much for ditching the bra I'm assuming...
More good news...I don't have to start the aromatase inhibitor until I get back from the cruise!
A-Boob: I fell off the sugar wagon too (the Irish soda bread killed me!) but will easily get back on it next week after chemo....I've decided if I don't come out the other side of chemo lighter, I'm going to be really pissed!! LOL!!
Bev: love the tee shirt!!
I have done zero exercise. Felt like I needed to share that LOL! I'm also in taxes hell here. If I can't get it together, I'll just file an extension...I have limited time in between treatments when my brain works so we'll see...it may come down to that...
Congratulations to those who are done & almost done! We chemo gals are right behind you!!
Love you all!
0 -
I was so excited to read so many post!
Bevmomduc- love the shirt! Your expression was priceless!
PugsMama- goodnews is always welcome! Glad that flat will be getting repaired soon! I have slipped a little off the wagon to! Not bad but a fig newton here and there. ;o) I do feel better without the sugar so its worth the effort. Hope you are getting closer to the finish line with the chemo!
DCISinAZ- I bet the PS will not have any extra to work with. That was funny!
Cowboyup- you are almost to dobble digits on the rads! I just got my tatts yesterday and lots o permanent marker lines on my boobs. I will have one more 2.5 hour appointment then I get to start the real deal. 6 weeks worth of hustling to get to tx with my girl.
annoyingboob- I think I heard that thump here in NC when you fell off the wagon! Seriously, it was worth it and I bet you have a great celebration for your Dad's birthday! I strted he tamoxifen on Wednesday a week ago. No SE. The only thing that has changed is I'm slepping the best I have in many years! I sleep so sound I am afraid I will not hear my girl if she gets up.
Fightingirl- you are the first one out of the cabana, right? The done part sounds feeing and scary at that same time. Congratulations on the healthy eating and improved blood pressure! I wish I could have the determination to change my diet that much! With all the grandkids, DH, DD, SIL and my girl there is to much food in my house always! My BP was 144/100 yesterday at my RO appointment. Stressed alittle..why that's a possibility!
Elem- I am seeing a pattern with being tird with rads. Guess I will find out soon. Hope you are doing well otherwise.
Leftcoastie-dang! Still dragging the vac around?!?! Kick it to the curb soon! Glad to hear you are doing well otherwise!
I have been reading along and checking daily (sometimes many times a day) I still obviously need lots of support. My circle in real life is so small. The one friend I talk to the most is notea supportive with my choices. Doesn't think I need radiation or tamoxifen. Its all a money racket and I can do things a more natural way with natures medicine and clear thinking blah blah blah. I wish I could just throw caution to the wind and risk it. I can't. My FIL had a sier die from breast cancer a few years ago. She was mid 50's and lived in FL. She chose to not do radiation or medication. Just had a LX with clean margins and a tew years later the cancer returne and she passed away. With tears in his eyes my FIL said please do all they ask. I should start rads next werk.mI'm mapped and tattooed! Just waiting on the call for the next appointment.....more waiting
much love to you all ! You are my people!
0 -
Rocking that shirt Bevmomduck!
0 -
the hills are alive!!! What are normally brown hills are a stunning green from all of our rain. Here is a pic from my hike today - you can see SF way in the distance on the bottom pic. Absolutely gorgeous - I wish all you girls were here to enjoy it!! Hope you survived snowpocalypse and the snow melts into gorgeous flower blooms!
0 -
one more - coyote bouncing into rabbit hole looking for lunch.
0 -
It really is nice to see everybody posting on here. I think Pugsmama and I have just been focused on chemo . I am glad ( in a way) that we are all moving on. But I'll be honest. It will make me sad too when we don't connect anymore. It really is like we were in a battle together. But it's true I don't focus much on my January mastectomies anymore. Once my chemo is done (only 2 more) then I'll want to talk TE surgery. And then after that it'll be about fills and implant exchange and all your favorite--/// tamoxifen! Holy crap , I've still got a lot of things to check off my list after chemo.😱
I'm so thankful for all of you. I would have been a basket case without you all. I do check in here often still. So keep losing away ladies
0 -
wow , how nice to hear from everyone . I check everyday because I no longer get many notifications in my email. Probably because , I haven't written much on here . I was on the Feb . rads topic more. But boy, a lot of you here today checking in . It was such a pleasant surprise . It is definitely bittersweet with us all moving on . But yes, we are nearing the end of this chapter in our lives and hopefully, for ever! It's been the most difficult 4 months in my life and without everyone, I would probably have been a basket case. Love you all and appreciate your friendships . I am 3 days in on the Tamoxifen , and so far , I am not noticing any difference. My breast is healing . Aloe straight from the plant is my miracle. My body is using all left over energy for healing , I have crashing fatigue . But this too shall pass!
As winchimed would say, giving y'all suga.. xoxo
0 -
Oh my so happy to hear from everyone. I have missed you all so much.
Bev - you are adorable!!! Love the shirt ❤
Well I'm still wearing this thing at least 2 more weeks. I am healing, not as fast as I wish, but many of you have so much more going on that I am not complaining.
Figtngirl - you give me motivation. My best friend changed her diet in November and she feels and looks incredible too. I'm so proud of you and hope you continue to feel better!
Annoyingboob - beautiful hike. Looks a lot like OR, only we have nothing but rain here ☔️
Cowboy - you're doing great! 💪🏼
Vargadoll - You're my people too.
Love all you ladies 😘
Xoxoxo
0 -
It has been really great to see everyone checking in.
Bev - love your pic in the shirt
Annoyingboob - the pictures are stunning, what a beautiful place to walk.
Cowboy-Up - glad you are finding pony time. I am heading to Ohio this weekend. It will be good just to see the horses and the farm.
I am back to work full time, they are letting me work from home until I finish my TE fills, my whole body feels uncomfortable, I go to PT twice a week to try and work out the cording.
Anyone have their exchange date?
I am suppose to have 1 more fill and then wait 6 weeks for exchange.
I have probably said it before but i am so glad I found all of you
0 -
Hi ladies -- sorry to have been away for awhile... maybe we all just need some room to adjust to post-surgery life and the next phase of our treatment and recovery? I told my husband this week that I find myself feeling a little fragile these days... Now that all but tamoxifen and exchange is completed, letting ones guard down leads to all kinds of weird emotions (also, who am I kidding? SLEEP DEPRIVATION stinks). I'm ramping back up to full time at work now, which is exciting and exhausting all at once. I'll miss the days of hookie!
I've also been obsessing about size... I've decided that I went one fill too many (remember, my silver lining is a down size from 36 F to something between a C or D cup)... luckily I spoke with the PS office and they said they can make adjustments... I don't want to be the bustiest woman in ANY room!
No date yet on exchange, although hoping for April.Re: Sleep, have found that smoking a little weed, taking a weed tincture, and one melatonin keeps me sleeping most of the night... although I wake groggy. Meeting with the MO on monday, so hope to have some thoughts from him on sleep issues.
We will definitely ahve to find a way to keep in touch as we each find the revolving door out of treatment and back into 'normal' life... It would have been so much harder to do this without you wonderful women!
XOXO
0 -
Hi! I have been off for a while. Everyone has posted so much of their progress, and all seem to be in a pretty good place, Fightingirl, I am happy for you being done, done, done!!! I am just about there, done with fills, exchange is scheduled.
On another thread I was advised to have my microinvasions tested for HER2. I asked my nurse nav about it. She said they actually tested the DCIS for HER2 after BMX, and it came back neg, so I am in the triple neg group. She said the "foci of microinvasions" dound in stereotactic biopsy were too small to test. Her advice to me was to say to myself, "the cancer is gone, I did the BEST possible treatment I could have done for myself" (BMX instead of UMX). It is a little scary, as the 1st BS I had who diagnosed me said since I am ER/PR -, that takes away a "weapon". So my weapon is faith that the surgeon got it ALL, and refusing to allow myself to dwell on anything negative. If a thought starts to creep in my mind, I shoo it away and replace it with lovely thoughts. Those of you on Tamoxifen, I am happy to hear you are not having problems with SE!!
Annoyingboob, the hike pics are lovely!! I used to live in norcal, Lake Tahoe, south shore. Oh how I miss it!!!!!!!
Bevmomduck, that shirt is adorable and so are you!!! Pugsmama, great news on the green light to re-inflate! I can't relate to the air, but the saline isn't that bad, just hard as rocks when at capacity!! I haven't gotten much exercise either. Our house is being remodeled, there is construction dust EVERYWHERE, and it has been too darn cold for me to go outside much. But it is now Spring, so I will be walking my cute little doggies more often. Once the construction is done and I get my house back, I will restart my at home yoga. Waiting til after exchance surgery to start PT, if I even need it.
Vargadoll, good luck with the upcoming rads! So sad about your FIL's sister. I am glad you are doing everything you can. The way I see it, even though I am a proponent of natural therapies for some things, cancer is nothing to take a chance on. Gotta bring out the big guns and do whatever it takes!!
Elem, I too would have been a basketcase without being able to share with all these special ladies. I am glad you are healing, aloe is awesome!! One of my aloes got root rot, so I have it in the fridge and am trying it on my dry winter cuticles.
Leftcoastie, darn that vac has to be annoying!! I had mine 5 days and you are talking 2 more weeks!! Sending prayers for a more speedy healing!
Farmdream, sorry about the cording. I thought I was getting it...suddenly developed pain in armpit. Turned out to just be nerves waking up. I hope the PT helps! I do have my exchange date, May 4, but am hoping someone will cancel so I can get in sooner. The PA had told me I would be getting my exchange in April, but I had to slow down my fills at the end and my PS is SUPER BUSY, so May it is. My skin is very thin and shiney. I hope the shininess goes away after the exchange in time...
dcbc, it is normal to be fragile off and on, we have been through hell and back!! I obsessed about size for awhile too, I hope you get what you want!! Have you checked out the thread implant sizing 101? There is good info, but I got tired of obsessing and when my PS said I had to stop fills due to thin skin I just said "good"!! I am ready to be done!! They were only planning on putting 25 more ccs in anyway.
I pray for those still in chemo, 3bears and Pugsmama, not sure who else I am sorry, but praying for strength, minimal sickness, and plenty of time to rest and recoup.
Hugs to everybody, we are chugging along and it has definitely been a journey.
0 -
-It really has been wonderful having you all to walk with through this. I can't believe how well I've done emotionally. I chalk it up to you girls. If I'd have gone through this alone, I would have been such a mess of fear and depression. But there is strength in numbers!
When I finish chemo ( a little over 3 weeks praise God!) I'll be gearing up to get my TEs. So many of you are already on the implant exchange I will probably have to hook up with a group that will have surgery in April or even May so I can go through fills and implant exchange with them. Don't worry --- I'll still check in here.
This HAS been the weirdest, scariest year of my life. Glad we are all going forward!🌈🐞🐝
0 -
3bears -- THREE WEEKS!! after everything, that seems like it is coming right up. Congrats to you. TEs are no fun, but there is a certain amount of satisfaction over the control you have over the process... I'm sure that is what fuels the obsession over size... we finally get a say in something going on with our bodies! I think of this -- pain and all -- as the silver lining in the whole thing... getting to 'shop' for my boobs 2.0.
And solidarity in this whole thing has also been a silver lining... could not have done it w/out all of you!
XOXO
0 -
PS -- Leftcoastie, been thinking of you... I only had the vacs for the first night after surgery, and I panicked a little when they removed them so soon... but carrying them around for weeks can NOT be fun... hope your patience is holding, and that they yield the results you deserve!!! Hang on, woman!!!
0 -
Ladies -- for those still looking for bras that work given your current treatment: https://www.anaono.com/ They make styles for radiation, post surgery, etc...
0 -
dcbc- thanks for sharing the website. I took a quick peek while I wait in the car rider line. Picking up no 1 grandson.
3bears- keep counting them down! You are almost done! I still have started radiation yet! I am all mapped out and ready to go just waiting on the phone call for my dry run.
I feel so lonelyat times. I have kept my distance with my friends because of the BC. My husband was by my side for almost 3 months. No he is back to work doing double time and here I am...lost without him. Now that the weather is starting to warm up I hope to be outside more shaking this feeling off! I know when the rads start I will be back is rush mode again. DD is managing the 2 babies so well. I couldn't be prouder of her! I just I'm in tbe what now phase of all the BCBS!
I hope you all have a lovely weekend. I have a women's banquet at church and am looking foward to it.
Oh yeah, the cancer center has a few excellent classes coming up. The survivorship one I have read about in some post, a nutrition class, an exercise class and a few others. There s a total of 6 weeks one night a week. When I signed up I was told NO.... your not done yet? !? WTH! I have to be completely finished with everything before I can take the classes. When they actually start I should only have 2 weeks of rads left. I wouldn't care that they told me no except the next group of classes is in the fall! Really? Why wouldn't they offer them every 8 weeks? I don't know that I will even know when the next round starts. I shouldn't have any reason to be at the cancer center. (Fingers crossed )
0 -
I know we are all at different stages of our "storm"... hoping for all of us to reach the most beautiful rainbow
0 -
My view today. Unfortunately won't be doing much more than walking for awhile. Tried to trot and had some breast pain in my radiated breast
0 -
so pretty cowboyup!! you must be about halfway through rads now? i hope you are ok lying on your tummy. i know you went part time, and just a reminder to keep that up for a week or 2 after rads, bc there is some delayed exhaustion we have all felt. lots of lube and hydration, too!!
im in taxes hell - buried in paperwork that gets deeper and deeper. im already dreading next year with itemizing all the medical stuff. ugh. the gift that keeps on giving...
have a lovely healing weekend ladies! xxoo
0 -
I will be at the halfway point on Wednesday. Just started feeling some fatigue on Friday and breast soreness. Skin isn't too bad. Just swelling and the nipple is getting a little sore. I have been thinking about keeping up my shorter work schedule for a couple of weeks longer. I'm just hoping I can keep up at all. I see so many ladies at radiation that's have the longer 30+ schedule and they look like they have been through hell. Kind of scares me but taking one day at a time.
0 -
Cowboyup -I will start radiation soon. I can't believe I'm so far behind everyone! I have no clue what to expect at this point. It almost like staring all over! I have to do the full 6 weeks to. This is a never ending cycle of waiting for what's next!
Annoyingboob - we haven't even talked about our taxes yet! We just filed last year's this past October! My DH is self employed and with his rental properties I am glad he takes care of all the tax return. My income is not taxed so it's not included. How is the tamoxifen going? I think I almost had my first hotflash! I started to feel hot them it went away! I'm always cold so I was like oh hell no! I might have talked myself out of it! Haha
Have a great weekend!
Teresa aka Vargadoll
0 -
hi vargadoll,
I haven't had any hotflashes, but that may be bc im also taking a little Lexapro for panic which likely takes the edge off. I was hoping to get off the lex this summer, but I may stay on it afterall to avoid the hotflashes!! im doing well on the big T. I had started off taking it at night, bc girls mentioned its fatiguing and they liked getting flashes at night rather than the day, but for me, taking it at night gave me insomnia. so now I take it in the am and I don't have any SE other than the occasional muscle ache. soooo, everyone is different. my advice to the group is to at least give it a go if your numbers show it will make a difference in recurrence. I cant promise you wont get SE, but if you do, you can stop. I also feel like over time, things I was feeling are going away - like the fatigue and aches. so if you can power through some minor inconveniences, its worth it. I haven't had my period yet - due next week - so that will be the big test. fingers crossed it is really light instead of heavy!! lately though, im taking it and not focusing on every twitch - its more just a part of life, so that's good.ive been part time at work for a few weeks now - loving it!!! I feel healthy and kinda strong again, but I want to be gentle with myself and more mindful with my life, rather than on the guinea pig habitrail I was running in circles frantically on before. I haven't had my paycheck yet, and im sure to feel the burn when I see it, but im going to try to do this for a year if I can afford it, and just really simplify life and enjoy little moments. I was super burned out from overworking myself before the diagnosis, and im sure that altered my chemistry and allowed those little cells to get naughty, so im hoping to get into a routine of fitness and just get as healthy and happy as I can this year.
I also recommend you girls follow that paige previvor girl on instagram - shes a super young brca pos girl who had a prophylactic bmx in jan with us, and she is just now starting a 90 day health kick to get her in shape for her exchange - not a bad idea. shes super cute and has the inspiration and innocence of youth. and she'll be doing her exchange about the same time lots of you will. im excited to see what you all choose - big/little, tattooed nipples or reconstructed - finally you get to call the shots for once!! may all of your breasts turn into the boobs of your dreams!!!!!
xxoo
0
