Illinois ladies facing bc
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Why do my posts always disappear when I try to post?
I'm home since Wednesday, and off the pain pills since I got home! Go Me!
I've been a bit sad and bitter (a young lady walked past the house in a tank top all bossomy and my first thought was "Bitch!"), but I'm trying to look to the future full C cups....
DH has been wonderful, the cats & dog have been protective and watchful. Friends & family keep bringing beer and chocolate when they visit, I wonder what that says about me...
Post-op questions: How long do the drains stay in? How long until I can get my arms up high enough to shave my underarms? Is that first post-op shampoo always so orgasmic?
What is this zometra that is kicking Nancy's behind?
Stay cool ladies!
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Heidi, glad to hear you're doing well. Hell ya for beer and chocolate! Had to laugh, 'cause the word bitch goes thru my mind for the same reason atleast once a day!
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Heide good for u about the pain pills. When I got my dbl. Mast. it was amazingly painless.Drains,hmm it should only be a couple of weeks but again we're all different in our healing stages. And I love how our pets are careful--they are so smart.
Rita Mazy is doing OK I talk with her on chat room when I can stay up. I fall asleep early lately and wake up during the night.
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HeidiL Glad you're dong better.
I googled up Zometa. It's an osteoporisis drug.
Zoledronic acid (Reclast) is used to prevent or treat osteoporosis (condition in which the bones become thin and weak and break easily) in women who have undergone menopause ('change of life,' end of regular menstrual periods). Zoledronic acid (Reclast) is also used to treat osteoporosis in men, and to prevent or treat osteoporosis in men and women who are taking glucocorticoids (a type of corticosteroid medication that may cause osteoporosis). Zoledronic acid (Reclast) is also used to treat Paget's disease of bone (a condition in which the bones are soft and weak and may be deformed, painful, or easily broken). Zoledronic acid (Zometa) is used to treat high levels of calcium in the blood that may be caused by certain types of cancer. Zoledronic acid (Zometa) is also used along with cancer chemotherapy to treat bone damage caused by multiple myeloma [cancer that begins in the plasma cells (white blood cells that produce substances needed to fight infection)] or by cancer that began in another part of the body but has spread to the bones. Zoledronic acid (Zometa) is not cancer chemotherapy, and it will not slow or stop the spread of cancer. However, it can be used to treat bone disease in patients who have cancer. Zoledronic acid is in a class of medications called bisphosphonates. It works by slowing bone breakdown, increasing bone density (thickness), and decreasing the amount of calcium released from the bones into the blood.
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"I demolish my bridges behind me ...then there is no choice but to move forward." - Fridtjof Nansen0
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HeidiK glad to hear you're doing well. drains are different for everyone but I got rid of mine in a week. Your PS/BS depending on who's doing your follow up care will give you exercises to increase your range when your ready. I week post-op I went to the hair dresser to get my hair washed. After that I washed it in the kitchen sink with the sprayer until I could reach the top of my head easily.0
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stjude10 - I felt really bad after the bitch thought, but I wouldn't take it back, so it's nice to know I'm not alone in that thought.
Kjiberty - So, it's not enough to lose the breasts, we have to lose bone mass???? Who invented this BC thing?
Cami - The cats are what amaze me. I have a part Maine Coon who has scarred me for life, bites, scratches, etc. but since the BC he has been so gentle. I keep asking him what is wrong with me, am I no longer tasty? But as a cat, he looks at me then licks his behind...
So ladies, what can I expect next?????
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Heidi hahahahaha--things get better and maybe u'r cat will stay nice to u.
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I was dx'd with Stage 1 IDC in March 2012, surgery in April and am currently on my 3rd round of 6 chemo treatments. I've done good, both physically and emotionally up until this week when it seems like the bottom has dropped out. I developed pnemonia a couple days after my last treatment and which put me down for longer than the side effects of the chemo would have. I have always been a "depend on myself" type of person but find that its getting harder and harder. Although some of my friends have been supportive, I still do not feel that they truly know what the effects of chemo and this disease has on a person. I dont think anyone really can unless they have or are going through this. While I know I will survive to live many, many more years, it helps, at times, to have someone grab your shoulders to hold you up.
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Oh C2--alot of us have gotten pnemonia--I thing our immune system go beserk beside feeling miserable alot of the time. And it's true no one thinks it could be so bad------ emotionally draining. It seems funny cuz there is so much on TV and in the news--but I guess when u haven't hd to be involved u kind of ignore it. Use u'r support system when ever u need to--they want to do things for u really and let them. They can be a real help.And some might have some fear cuz they don't know how to act--but some may come in and help so much it will mean alot to u and them.
Well u can always talk and vent here there are wonderfully amazing and intelligent women here (Not me) I'm learning tho. LOL
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C2: This has been the BEST support system anyone could ask for--seriously! I did a "straw" pole on another website asking if anyone attended any support groups. I asked only because I felt between the threads I was on here, all the gals were giving me the emotional support I needed (outside my friends and family). The women on these threads possess such knowledge, wisdom and experience. I seriously don't know how I could have gone through this journey (still on it) without them. Feel better soon, C2. We are here for you!
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c2belevit Yes sometimes chemo leaves our immune system to open to get something that is more challenging to deal with than chemo SE. I got shingles 3 months PFC. It was the only time I tried to take narcotics (made me feel worse so I didn't continue.) We all need a little help sometimes. I also remember all the ads on TV and in the paper all being about hair. OMG I never realized how many hair products and tools are out there till I lost mine. That can get to you too.
No your friends will never understand unless they've been through it. They are trying their best though. Remember, not long ago you didn't understand either. Ah wouldn't it be nice to still be in that state of ignorance! Hang in there. It really does get better just not exactly when we want it to.
HeidiK we all eventually lose bone mass as we age. BC treatment can speed it up. First year after menopause too. Since some of us went into chemo-pause it's a double whammy but doesn't mean you will. So far I'm doing OK and I started off peri-meno, osteopenic, family history, small frame, former smoker, former heavy diet soda drinker, Caucasian, etc. I'm the damn poster girl for osteoporosis risk factors.
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Laugh at yourself and at life.
Not in the spirit of derision or whining self-pity,
but as a remedy, a miracle drug, that will ease your pain,
cure your depression, and help you to put in perspective
that seemingly terrible defeat and worry
with laughter at your predicaments,
thus freeing your mind to think clearly toward the solution
that is certain to come. Never take yourself too seriously.
- Og Mandino0 -
C-2......take heart and use our strength when yours is low. We have all been in that unenviable place. I do think ( it will be a while ) when you emerge from the other side of what you are going through now you will marvel at yourself. This is one of those bad times, but there is an end to it. You are so right....many of the people in our life are not going to REALLY understand. As Lago pointed out -- most are well meaning but this is one of those things that doesn't compute well. if you don't have the total experience yourself,a lot won't make sense.
camillegal -- yes you are intelligent. You found this place didn't you??? We do learn here and find compassion and comfort and a very friendly supportive atmosphere to laugh, cry, rant and rave because shared burdens get so much lighter when they are felt and understood.
A big Sunday hi to everyone and I hope you have a fantastic day -- compliments of the Universe.
Hugs, Jackie
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Good Sunday morning to all. Welcome to C2.... I do not remember hearing from you earlier but could have missed something. This discussion thread has been the best support group for me the past couple years. These ladies are always ready to share experiences and make me feel more "normal" just when I am sure that I will never see normal again. Your best friends who have not had the opportunity to experience BC will never truly understand. That used to make me angry, but, like Lago said, there was a time that I was ignorant and was not able to offer support to someone going through BC.
Heidi.....it is called "boob envy". Isn't it amazing how much you pay attention to everyone else's boobs now? You will get yours back in time. I too used to notice all the ads for hair products when I had no hair.
I have been trying to follow along with all of you while recovering from back surgery. My doc was not kidding about being in major discomfort the first couple weeks... It has been 10 days now and I have learned to get along with Norco. Spending a lot of time lying down in between my walks. I am working my DH pretty hard. He finally drew the line yesterday. He refuses to paint my toenails! LOL. I think that he thought he crossed his line when I had him shaving my legs in the shower. He definitely gets the HOTY award for all he has gone through with me the past couple years.0 -
Joan888: Feel better soon. I can relate to the back surgery. My DH shaved my legs as well. What would I have done without him? He would draw the line on the nail painting, I think, but if I politely whined, he would have done it. I love that man! We will be celebrating our 32nd this Thursday. I have a big surprise for him! He has done so much for me during this most recent journey that I have plannined a romantic dinner. A chef is coming in and preparing a 5-course meal or us, including candlight, tablecloth, etc. He is coming in, preparing, cooking and cleaning. We just have to sit and enjoy. It's the least I can do for him after all he's done or me.
Heidi: I second what Joan says about this great spport group and all the hair ads. Especially today with the Ulta ad in the paper. I try to turn everything around into something positive, though. For example...think of all the money you are saving on hair products?
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Karen, lest I forget on Thursday:

What a fantastic way to celebrate.
Hugs, Jackie
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Haven't posted in a while but wanted to share some words of hope and optimisum...
7 years ago (July 21, 2005) I heard those three dreaded words: "You have cancer". Two days later, my dh found this site. Ever since then, I have been quite fortunate to have "met" you girls at this thread, and hundreds of girls throughout the many other threads. I said it back then and I say it often...with hope there are possibilities.
For those starting or going through treatment...hang in there! For those beyond treatment...be well!
THANKS so much, ILLINOIS LADIES!
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Oh Laura.....Just this morning I thought of you......wondering and wishing we could see a little more of you. How great to give you today a virtual hug and a super huge:

on how far you've come and how far I'm sure you will go. You are proof that all the angst and distress fades, and while the new normal is NEW you do reach a point where every day is a good day again. Where every day is a hopeful day.....a great day to dive into moving forward and exploring all the possibilities there are just waiting for your notice.
BTW....I love the avatar. That a wonderful smile to duplicate. I hope I'm around in 7 yrs. to tell you all this again.
Happy hugs,
Jackie
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LauraGTO.... Congrats on reaching the 7 year milestone! So glad to have met you. I have really enjoyed sharing our journeys at our little lunch get togethers. Many, many more!
kjiberty Karen...congrats on your upcoming wedding anniversary. What a nice surprise you have planned for your DH. Sounds perfect!
I guess my DH must have started feeling guilty. He just offered to paint my toenails if I really wanted him to. I told him "no, that I was only kidding". He would do a terrible job.h0 -
Joan: YOu are too funny!
Jackie: What a nice message. thank you!
Laura: Jackie expressed my sentiments exactly. I hope i am around in 7 years to rejoice!
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Laura I've been asking about you. so glad to see you. Congrates on the 7 years!!! Time to get your dance on.
Joan there is no way in hell I would ever let my husband paint my toenails. I'm sure they would be a disaster. I think he'd rather bring me to the salon and have them done.
kjiberty I remember celebrating our 16th anniversary 10 days after my 1st chemo. Thank goodness we finally got the right drugs to control the heartburn by that weekend! I even had a glass of wine. (Don't think your supposed to do that on chemo but no one told me not too). Congratulations to you as well.
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Lago: Thanks. I have had wine week #3 with each treatment. Now I am done. I will be opening a BOTTLE this time around, but make sure it's red. How was yesterday's get together?
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How would you like to rehearse that dance four times before taping................................love the picture. I see Julie and you Lago, along with Adey and Ruth....don't know the other two ladies. Your all sparkling though.
Jackie
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It's badger from Wisconsin standing in the middle & hbcheryl from California on the right. Thanks for the great time lago, Adey and Corinne (whom we were delighted to assist in a little carbohydrate loading as she was running a half marathon today
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We really had a great time. BTW we did not arrange ourselves like that on purpose but it's a good thing we ended up in those spots. all those stripes and patterns could have been fighting each other.
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Great photo ladies. Wish I was able to join you.
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Great pic I wish I could have been there!
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The simplification of life is one of the steps to inner peace.
A persistent simplification will create an inner and outer well-being
that places harmony in one's life.
- Peace Pilgrim0
