Exchange City
Comments
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Bec -- hope you are feeling just a little less overwhelmed. Lilah is right that the treatments can cause arthritis-like pain. I'm on Femara and feel like I'm 90 some days.
Just called PS's office and they want me to come right out. Renewed faith??? Well, maybe not quite, but it's nice to be taken seriously. I'll post later and let you know what he says.
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Lilah - yes, it's like arthritis pain and I do have a touch of Rheumatoid arthritis, runs in my fam - lucky me ;-) but it's only ever affected my two index fingers. Hopefully that's all it. Wait - did I just say hopefully it's just arthritis in my hips, lol. You guys know what I mean. Thank you for the hug!
Bonnie - Thanks! I am so glad you are going to see the doctor! Yes, please let us know how it goes.
As I was just in the shower, which thank goodness I can take with this drain in because I feel so good during and after for at least a couple of hours, I was thinking how things could be so much worse. As I was shaking the stupid drain bulb to try and break up the clumps of me in it so that I could properly empty it after my shower I was also thinking how much better things could be. I just had to shout one thing I think every single person on this board would agree with & about what Lilah said ...
I F'ing HATE breast cancer. It SUCKS!
Now I'm off to try and put on makeup to cover my puffy eyes and get ready for my 14 (almost 15) year old son to come home from school and my sweet, sexy, wonderful husband to come home from work. We're going to go get our Christmas tree and I'll feel fantastic for it thanks to a couple of percocets.
Best to all you ladies! Will check in later.
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Bec -- I share your sentiment totally about F'ing BC!! It sucks majorly!
Went to the surgeon this morning and he started out, before even looking at the problem area, by saying that he didn't think it could be an infection because there's nothing in there to get infected anymore. I'm sure he was referring to the fact that the implant was removed almost 4 weeks ago. Then he looked and said there was a pocket of serous fluid that was likely infected, so I reminded him of what he had just said to me and he responded with "I didn't say that - I said you probably didn't have an infection, not that you couldn't have infected fluid". It was really irritating, but it also didn't seem like a good idea to have an argument over semantics when he was expressing fluid from the seroma on my chest. At any rate, my incision has a couple of small openings and the PS was able to express quite a bit of fluid. I'm supposed to do this every day at home (gross!) and will be taking antibiotics for 10 days. I have to see him again next Monday and call sooner if I don't feel better. Thanks, sisters, for making me go to the doc today.
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Bonnie,
Please find a new PS. You deserve it!
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Bec9861 - YOU GO GIRL!!!!! Love your posts, I'm with ya...enjoy tree hunting and have a blast! :-)0
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Whew, I am so glad you went...NOW you're on your way to feeling better! JUDY
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Bec9861 - hey you looklike Julianne Moore the actress, picture okay to view, just hit me I was thinking god, who does she look like! Have fun!0
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Lilah - GREAT site, thank you!0
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8 days and counting down to exchange. Yes.....
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Bonnie - I'm so glad you went to the doc. I agree with Claire82 - you deserve a new PS. I'm sorry but the one you've got sounds like a goober.
Stephanie - Thanks - we did have a blast getting the tree. Hmmm. Julianne Moore, that's one I've not heard before. When I told my hubbie he said "Amber Waves"??? You have to have seen Boogie Nights to know who that is, lol! He went on to say, I'm going to start calling you Amber.
pepper_cook - Good luck! Honestly, it was one of the easier surgeries I have had. Now if I can just get this last drain taken out.
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Bonnie, so glad you saw you dr. and are on a course of tx. I really hope you heal soon and trade your current ps in on a new model. Someone who has to be right all the time is not a good partner for us bc gals.
Bec, why do you have to wait until Feb for your scans? Just wondering...patience it not my strong suit when I am worried and hurting. Hoping you feel better soon!
On the Christmas to do's, when I was in chemo two years ago and having surgery, I tried to think of easy ways to accomplish tasks that would still give the "feelings" of the holiday. So we got a prelit tree and I made big bows to go around the top with ribbon twirling down the tree. It's really a beautiful effect and takes little time. Also, online shopping helps as does buying many of the same gift that will work for lot o' folks. Things like scents, foods, music, and wine work well and you don't have to shop at a million places, just one or two. Gift cards also are a big help when you can't get around as much.
Wishing all you ladies with upcoming exchanges the best!!!!!! deekaay
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Lots has been happening on EC!! 3 surgeries last week, 7 this week and 4 next week- including pepper_cook. Wahoo! You girls are gettin' it done!!! Hugs, healing, and good luck to all of you!
Bec, those drains are the pits. I feel for you. I had one that was rather pesky to get rid of. I asked the nurse if there was anything that I could do to facilitate the process. She said that some people swear by eating fresh pineapple.??? I ate lots, just in case. I have no idea whether there is any truth to this home remedy, but it might be worth a try. Your husband sounds really sweet, Amber : )
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bec9862 - Hang in there. I was like that and went to my family physician who is very up on the naturals. Had never done it before, but just broke down in tears in his office and this was very shortly after my exchange. He likes natural supplements and had me take 5htp as well as something else for anxiety ,,,wait....thianine 100. It helped me a lot, just calmed me. give it a try.... let yourself focus on what you need to tackle next. you'll get there. Big Hug - Pam
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Bonnie - So glad you went to the doctor today. I'm sorry you have an infection, but hopefully now that you're on antibiotics, you'll be feeling better in 3-4 days. I've had three post-surgical infections and was on antibiotics for 10-14 days each time, but I usually felt better after 4 days on the antibiotics.
Bec - I completely agree with your sentiment about BC - it sucks! I also can relate to feeling there are so many things to get done, but being in too much pain or not having enough energy to do them. I had my exchange surgery a few weeks ago and just recovered from my latest infection, so I'm finally starting to feel well again, but I'm still not feeling near 100%. Unfortunately, now I need to start looking for a job. I left my last job right before I got diagnosed (if I hadn't left that job - where I was working ridiculous hours - I probably wouldn't have gotten my mammogram for another 6-12 months, so it's a good thing I left that job when I did). Unfortunately, it's such a terrible time to be looking for a new job and with all the stress of this past year, I just can't deal with more stress. It's nice to be able to both share and vent on this board. Everyone's advice and support is so helpful.
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I'm way behind on posting so forgive me...
vanderlady- So glad things went so well. I know it's a hard decision to go for a revision so I really hope that all your issues are resolved!
deekaay- You posted pretty far back, but thanks for the supportive comments. I really needed it today.
Lilah- Thanks for the link! Always looking for unique gifts for people!
Bec9861- I've had more than a few days like you were having. (My husband and I call them my "freak outs".) My mind has a tendency to go to the dark place, too. Glad you're feeling better! BTW, I have a 14 year old son, too! (And a sweet sexy wonderful husband- so much in common! LOL!)
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I also need to look for a job now that treatment is finished, but I am still traumatized. I don't feel mentally ready to start a new position (was in mortgage industry) with new people, new body parts and hiding a very bald head under a scratchy wig, lol. And all I've been thru the last 9 months....it still blows my mind that this is what happens when you get the diagnosis of breast cancer! Only those of us that have endured the drains, surgery, pain, terror, chemo, rads, crazy doctors understand how disruptive and hateful this is. Clearly, I'm not 'over it' yet~
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ps Does anyone know what the legalities are in the job market regarding disclosing why we have been out of work? Can we not refer to cancer? Should we?
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tnbcRuth- I can empathize with you and I don't have the bald head/wig issue. I feel like I have lost a lot of confidence and I don't think I am over it, either. My DH is likely going out on disability soon so it is critical I start looking but BC has really pulled the rug out from under me. I did speak to a career counselor and she said we are not required to disclose the cancer (unless applying for a job where they would specifically ask about your health history-then you shouldn't lie) nor should we. If asked about a gap in employment I think we could just use the economy as an excuse. The funny thing is any employer would be lucky to have a BC survivor- we've shown how strong and resilient we are!!!!
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Good morning everyone! Thank you all for taking the time to respond to me. I really can't tell you how much that helps!
I'm feeling better this morning. Slept well other than the usual hot flashes. I'm so glad my husband doesn't mind sleeping in the cold. Sleeping in the buff with the heat turned down to 62 and the ceiling fan on high, lol - and I still kick the covers off. I think I've found either the true reason for global warming or the answer to the energy crisis, if someone could just figure out how to harness our hot flashes. ;-)
Still have my stupid drain in and I know it's better to keep it than to take it out too soon. Before my surgery I had seroma back up in my chest, at least 5 needle aspirations and two failed drain tubes. I ended up with a NASTY infection that knocked me on my butt and took two rounds of antibiotic to kick. So, I know it's better to leave it in for now. I've talked to my manager at work and to another co-worker and told them I can't risk coming back with this drain still in me but that I can do some work from home. Hopefully, I can make that happen until I can get back to the office.
deekaay - My onc scheduled them for Feb. I guess to give me time to recover from treatments and surgery. I'm good with that. Although I'm hoping for the best, there's a part of me that would really like to get through the holiday season without finding out the worst - if that makes sense.
kansasmom - I'll give pineapple a try. Do you think it would work equally well if mixed into a pina colada? I could start drinking a blender full of those a day to test the theory. ;-) Yes, my husband is something else. Thanks to him, I don't think there's been a day since he & I first started dating over 3 years ago that I haven't smiled at least once. I don't know where I'd be without him.
vanderlady - I'll have to checkout some of the natural supplements you mentioned. The PA at my onc office prescribed an anti-anxiety med that I take occasionally. The main effect it has on me is it makes me very sleepy. Well, I guess I can't freak out if I'm sleeping.
LG300 - Good luck with your job search. I think 2011 is going to be a better year - hang in there!
Kate33 - 14 year old, sweet sexy husband, and BC - yes, we do have things in common - even your sig line. I bought a t-shirt that has that on it right before I had my bi-lat. I'm a little apprehensive to wear it out because I'm afraid it might offend some folks. Anyway, it made me smile when I saw it online and just had to buy it.
tnbcRuth - So true! Even though friends and family may be helping support us every step of the way, unless you've "walked the walk" you can never really understand how crazy all this is. As far as your job search, my sister is an HR director and has told me that not only do you NOT have to disclose your health issues but, by law, a prospective employer may not ask you any questions regarding your health. Of course, if you were applying for a job that required physical labor, you would be asked if you had the ability to do the tasks involved. If you have any detailed HR questions you'd like me to ask her, feel free to send me a PM and I'll get the info. for you. She is VERY good at what she does.
Oh Bonnie dear, how are you?
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Wow ladies so much chat since just last night!
Bonnie - so glad you saw your doctor and got the care you needed. Sorry he continues to be such a dolt. I understand you don't want a new doctor right now... so hopefully the need for him will end swiftly and if you decide to pursue other options down the road PLEASE see someone else!
Bec -- you are a riot! I love the Pina Colada idea
Ruth -- I also believe you are protected by health privacy law and not required to discuss it. And I think you can just say you've been looking since your last job. God knows it's a tough job market. I bet you they won't even ask you why you haven't worked... 9 months is not that long to go jobless these days (sadly).
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There isn't any way that I can catch up here! Bonnie: Lose your PS--he's an a**!! So glad he finally saw you, but really.
Kate: I recommend starting out slowly with Iodoral. Take one pill for a week or two. Know the signs of detox as there are many. Gradually increase your does until you feel comfortable over time. I get really jittery and achy if I take too much. Mine is monitored by a dr and they recommend dr's on the site. Something to consider. I am only on 12.5 mg per day right now but I am doing many other things combined with it plus I eat tons of sea salt and seaweed so I get my iodine through food, too. As for massaging the breast, I go to a PT now who does alot of that. You need to do this after every MX I think.
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Good morning, all. I'm encouraged this morning because I feel a little better -- guess I just didn't realize how terrible I felt before. It was really tough getting to sleep last night because I got the chills and then these awful body aches -- finally had to get up and take a Vicodin and was finally able to sleep most of the night. Expressing the seroma fluid is very easy because my incision has a couple of openings, so the plan is to express fluid twice a day and keep the area as sanitary as possible -- I figured that out on my own, of course.
My PS is pretty insensitive and almost insulting at times, but I'm not sure another PS would want to take me on at this point, so maybe the best thing is to stay with this one until the infection is gone. I have another appointment next Monday and if that doesn't go well, I'll call my BS and ask for a referral to someone else because this is getting ridiculous. At this point I am terrified of pursuing reconstruction again, but maybe that will change over time.
I'm thinking of all of you today, but just don't have the energy or the brain power to do or say much more right now. Have a good day and smile a lot -- it's good for the soul.
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Bonnie - I know it's hard to change a doctor. I wonder if you went to your BS and asked for help/treatment for the infection and seroma for now, if she/he wouldn't be glad to do it. It sounds like you like your BS better. I can understand not wanting to find another PS at this point... wanting to wait to find one once you've healed and decided what you want to do next (if anything). But right now you are in need of considerate care and this PS is, as MBJ so eloquently stated, an a$$! Anyway I'm really glad you are feeling better. Did your PS mention putting Bacitracin on the wound? (Please don't do it without doctor consult but I just wondered because after my drain removals they had me do that for a day or two).
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Hi all!
Had my nipple recon yesterday. Also, a purplish, mole type thingy removed from my chest that I've had for years! That hurts worse than the nip!! (Course, no feeling there!)
I was awake the whole time and had fun cracking up my PS! I look absolutely ridiculous with this plastic cap over me. My shirts look really lopsided and I have to wear this for 2 weeks! Looks like my right side comes to a point. haha Just call me Madonna back in the day.
See my PS this afternoon. The 2" nip has already gone done. He doesn't want me getting my tat for another 5 months.
Am on an antibiotic every 6 hours. Feel pretty good. I just hope it's even w/ my left side!
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Awesome on that nip job!!! gentle hugs to you as you recover....taker her easy now! xoxo
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Bec--accupuncture or effexor for the hot flashes. I take the effexor, but am still planning on seeing an acupuncturist. The effexor I take one time release capsule at night. It's a very mild anti-depressant, but one of the side effects is it helps dissapate hot flashes! Hope you're feeling better
All those who had exchanges and are healing....woohoo for you! May you continue to heal.
Those looking forward to the BIG day, hoping things go well for you.
Bonnie--am hoping this is IT. No more!!
Can't catch up. Whew! Blessings to all.
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MBJ and Lilah -- My PS is definitely not a good communicator, but I think he is treating me adequately for now, so I'll make a decision next Monday about whether to call the BS for help. My BS is amazing, but also extremely busy because she is probably the top BS in our city.
Lilah -- My PS wanted to prescribe Bactrim and Bacitracin, but I'm allergic to sulfa and penicillin so choices are limited. He put me on Clindamycin 4x a day for 10 days and said he may have to add an additional antibiotic if this one isn't enough.
Sorry ladies, but I just can't seem to catch up today. Have a good one.....
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Ruth - I feel the same way as you about not being mentally ready for a new job. I feel like I barely have the energy to make it through the day, much less having to prove myself at a new job. As other people have noted above, you don't legally have to disclose your health issues. You can explain the gap in employment as due to the economy, which is pretty common these days. Although a lot of people have been out of work for awhile, I don't want people to think that I've been looking all this time and couldn't find a job, and I want to provide a reason for not working (part of it is for my own self-esteem). I have been doing some consulting (part-time), most of it pro bono, but I'm in nonprofit, so at least it gives me something to list on my resume. Prior to my diagnosis, I had just changed jobs and had only been at my last job for a couple months, so I don't even include it on my resume (as advised by an exec. recruiter I worked with in the past when I worked in the private sector), which extends my gap in full-time employment. I've been explaining in my cover letters and interviews that I took off some time off due to family health issues (which is true, I just don't mention I'm the family member with the health issues). That seems to cover things well. Although employers always seem to prefer to hire people who are currently working, this is a valid reason (and the true reason) for why we haven't been working. Best of luck to you, Kate, and the rest of us looking for jobs. Good luck to those with upcoming surgeries. And best wishes for easy and speedy recoveries to those who have just had surgeries or complications.
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Bonnie -- Bacitracin is an ointment. You have an allergic reaction to that as well? You poor dear! I agree he is doing what is needed (barely if you ask me -- he should have reacted when you called on Friday). I totally understand why you're staying with him... so hoping you heal and can finally drop him
If you do anything further in the future -- even if you need attention for wound care -- I hope you will consider someone else, though.0 -
Reading some of the posts which mention hot flashes and remedies has me wondering what you all will think of my recent therapy.
I am 55 and have been struggling with night sweats and sleep disruption for the last 5 years. I knew it was all hormone related, but I did not want to take HRT because of the potential risk of BC especially given my strong family history of breast cancer. Well, that strategy didn't work at keeping BC away... so now after BC and BMX, I asked my dr re: HRT to help with sleep. I do not have problem falling asleep, but cannot stay asleep. My breast oncologist said the risk of HRT to me is very low. I have been taking Activella- a very low dose estrogen / progestin pill for about 25 days. I was skeptical that this would work. But the results have been immediate and pronounced. I have slept all night long every single night. What do you think? Bad idea?
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