Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
Comments
-
Thanks MLP and HH! (Yes, that is my wig. ;-) ) The last photo was taken mid-chemo time, so I felt it was time for a new one.
0 -
Yaaaaaay Peggy!
Octogirl and I will get up to see you eventually!
0 -
HMMM. The new article on Breast Cancer.org and in the news is 80% of Breast Cancer Patients have PTSD symptoms. Seriously, who is NOT having symptom #2?
0 -
Congrats on the new home, Peggy.
0 -
Yay, Peggy!
Sloan- no joke! And, the memory/concentration issues as well as the startle thing. Literally jumpy! Think it helps to talk with you all and try to push on. If any of it gets in the way of living one's life- seeking counseling/medical help is def in order! SO important.
0 -
post traumatic... I'm not even half way done with all treatments and I can relate to several of those! I'm sooo startled. Flashbacks of past 2 infusions make me nauseous, memory loss and.... I'm constantly being called out for thinking I said something and I didn't! I really thought I explained something last night and my dd and dh husband both said that I never uttered those words... We all laughed but inside I was like..." But I thought I said that out loud...😳
0 -
Sloan, I'm 6 for 10 on your PTSD scale. My psychiatrist diagnosed me just a week ago. Thankfully, the meds are kicking in and I'm not walking around sad and sighing all the time (well, not as much anyway.) How could anyone not have some level of PTSD after what they go through with BC? Especially, if they have complications.
Happy Hammer, I think your Charleston trip sounds AWESOME! Maybe we can do that in late September or October? I could easily tack it onto one of my bi-annual business trips to Savannah. Of course, my DH would have to tag along (he always goes with me to Savannah--it's the seafood, I'm tellin' ya). I have something already scheduled for Oct 13-16, but otherwise I'm wide open. (and hopefully these stupid wounds will be all healed by then so I can play in the water--note to self: find a mastectomy swimsuit before summer.)
0 -
MLP, I believe that's called "chemo brain." Sorry to tell you, but I had it, too. I'm 11 weeks PFC and I'm still struggling with it. My words get "hung up" in conversation; I can't remember anything for shit, not even if it happened 5 min ago; I think I've done things that I didn't do or I didn't do things that I should have done. Honestly, if not for my DH keeping me on target, I'd be walking around the neighborhood in my pajamas picking up stray cats.
0 -
Congratulations Peggy.
0 -
Poodles- lol! I'm also finding myself say to dh and kids... "I'm sorry, but did I already mention..." and their response is "yup... You did!"
I have to say that my family has been very gracious and patient with me. Letting me rest and just be an airhead around the house. They take care of the laundry and food shopping... Things I want to do to remain normal, but I'm just exhausted this round.
0 -
MLP, I was the same way all through chemo, and for sometime after chemo. I just didn't have energy to do anything. I didn't start regularly grocery shopping until about 3 weeks after chemo. Then I had the horrible BMX and all its complications, so I really didn't have the energy to cook much until about 2 weeks ago. If our Sunday School class had not stepped up we would have starved to death (or had a heart attack from eating fast food.) They kept it up 4 months, 2-3 times a week.
And my house looks like a pack of wolves lives here. Everywhere I look something needs to be fixed, washed, dusted, swept, tended, filed, or tossed. I just have no energy to deal with it. DH and DS29 just don't have it in them to keep any of this up. But I have to give them props for taking care of me. They've been good nurses!
0 -
Sloan, I'd love it!!!
HUGS!
0 -
I must have really looked forlorn last night. First my oldest DS gave me a big hug and let me talk things out that were bothering me. Then I am walking through the living room and DH called me back and said "you look like you need a hug". Neither of these two are huggers!
0 -
Poodles, I think you're doing amazingly well! I'm sure it does bother you how the house looks. It doesn't matter. Just you healing and feeling better is important. Eventually you'll take a shovel to the house and get it ship shape but until then just be blind to it. Your Sunday School class certainly stepped up to the bar to help you out. That's wonderful. Rest and heal. You WILL feel better!
HUGS!
0 -
((hugs)) Molly;)
0 -
MLP3: my first dx test was ultrasound, but only because I had found a palpable lump. I have been told that US is only done first if there is a lump. I will never know for sure, but I believe the lump was a fibroid tumour growing over the ILC. The first dx after the core biopsy said it was a benign fibroid tumour. The pathology office sent a corrected report to my doctor the next day. They were actually relieved that my dr. had not shared the original report with me yet. That lump basically saved my bacon. I'm sorry to admit that I have always been careless with my boobs, because I have had 'lumps and bumps" (cysts) all my life, in breasts and ovaries. Checking out the lump was actually an after thought, because I was at the doctor's office for an antibiotic prescription for something else.
Peggy: Congrats on your new home. How lovely that you are so close to your son - I am very happy for you
Poodles: You have permission to heal without worry and stress. Hugs
Ten Rules for Good Housekeeping
1. It is time to clean out the refrigerator when something closes the door from the inside.
2. Keep it clean enough for healthy, dirty enough for happy.
3. Never make fried chicken in the nude.
4. Do not engage in unarmed combat with a dust bunny big enough to choke the vacuum cleaner.
5. Make the beds, you do the dishes and six months later start all over again.
6. To hang up more clothes buy bigger door knobs.
7. Sweep the room with a glance.
8. Thou shalt not weigh more than thy refrigerator.
9. Cobwebs artfully draped over lampshades reduce the glare from the bulb, thereby cre ating a romantic atmosphere.
10. When writing your name in the dust on the table, omit the date.
Everyone: Sending healing vibes and ongoing hugs for whenever you're feeling blue.
0 -
congrats on the house Peggy!
I definitely have chemo brain, the whole family makes fun of me!
Actually don't know if I'm OK or not. My body aches are pretty well gone, and my energy is coming back, but I have had a brutal headache for the last two days. I don't know if it is from chemo or not though because it has been overcast and damp here, and this kind of weather always gives me horrible headaches. Hoping it's the weather, because if it is then it took me about a week to get over the chemo, which I can handle. I have headaches with my bones hurt, but it felt more like it was coming from my skull bones and for my head. This is more like a typical migraine, so I think it is the weather, and I'm just pissed off that when I should be feeling better I'm not. Have to admit, I've been taking my prescription painkillers (from surgery) for the headache, normally I would never do that but I figure I've got them so why not. Specially since I would normally use Advil and I'm not supposed to use advil much during chemo
0 -
Stellamaris, I love, love, love your housekeeping rules! Scary how many of them have applied to me for years. Work, commuting, cooking, and hiking have all had higher priority. I only care how the house looks when someone comes to visit, which is maybe once a year, and even then I don't care that much. And I'm not even doing chemo yet, so it's not likely to improve any time soon.
Peggy, I'll try to join the California contingent for visiting!
MLP, thanks for clarifying that the no gardening rule is for chemo. I guess I'll have to rely on DH to keep my plants alive when I start. I live in such a rural agricultural area that I'll constantly be in danger of all kinds of stuff floating around, when I think about it. One of my dogs got Valley Fever several years ago. Oh well, one day at a time.
Poodles, as far as chemo brain, I think I've already got that even before chemo. I call it being old. CRS syndrome. But maybe it will get worse? Luckily, I've already developed many coping mechanisms including self-forgiveness.
Sloan, yes on #2. And #10. And more bad dreams than usual, even though not about cancer.
Molly, you've got a special DH if he actually noticed you needed a hug! And here's one from me, too
{{}}Peachy, great new photo!! I'm planning to get a short hair cut the last week of rads. I'd like to get a wig (and start wearing it) before I start chemo. Only one person at work knows anything about my cancer, and I'm going to try to keep the rest of them in the dark! Since I only work 10 hours a week I might be able to do it.
0 -
Moondust, would love to have you. ANY BCO'er is welcome to visit once I get moved. I would love the company. I *think* I'm not so very far from Yellowstone but I have no clue - my knowledge of the area is limited to Spokane and a quick visit to Coeur d'Alene; where anything else is? Who knows!
LTF Chemo brain is definitely real. And it is a pain, according to my DIL. Take the meds you need to function!
HUGS!
0 -
peachy - love the new photo! So beautiful.
Sloan: BC PTSD totally makes sense to me. Thanks for sharing. I have backed off reading and researching so much since I did it non stop the first two months after diagnosis, so I appreciate you all posting the important articles, etc.
0 -
Poodles- walking around the neighborhood in pj's picking up stray cats- if my DH hadn't taken such god care of me and helped me keep it together during and after chemo that would've been me, too! I still have to ask DH, "Did I tell you blah, blah, blah?" I honestly cannot know if the words actually came out of my mouth or not. Finished chemo mid Sept and am still not back to pre-chemo brain. Wow-just realized it's been almost 6 months. Am SO very glad for you that the meds are kicking in for you- you have had the hardest time and I think it was just bad luck. That stinks and I am so sorry you have had to go through it. A trip to the SC/GA coast sounds like just the reward for you AND DH!!
Let's look at late Sept/early Oct. We are actually going to a very neat place over near Edisto Island in the fall- haven't worked out dates yet. You might start looking on VRBO- there are many great houses at Wild Dunes/Isle of Palms and some on Sullivan's Island that are great for couples or singles and couples as they are large enough for folks to have BR and private bathrooms. Also, the Boardwalk Inn is very nice and if we get a block of rooms am betting they would work with us on rates. Especially if we pull the BCO group card. Staying there or in Wild Dunes is nice because it's a resort so there are tennis/golf courses/a spa/ several pools with great areas to sit and visit- plus, Charleston and all it's glory is about 20 mins away. Very fun to think about having time with y'all at the coast!
0 -
I say, go for it, Happy Hammer! I don't know a thing about Charleston or Edisto Island, but both sound great. We love the beach AND we love historical stuff. And DH knows when to join in and when to get lost, LOL. If you know the area, perhaps you could make some inquiries. My birthdate is 9/28, so that would be a fun birthday present!
Stellamaris, thank you for the housekeeping rules! I am instituting them RIGHT NOW! I know that eventually everything will get clean. DH wants to call a real estate agent to come in and tell us what we need to do to get the house ready for sale. We're not actually going to put it on the market right now (I don't think!) but we need to know whether to fix up the bathrooms, put flooring down in the basement, refinish the wood floors, paint trim and walls, etc. We're in an entry-level 1500 sq ft house, so some buyers will want to buy it at a lower price, fix it, and flip it. Others would be willing to pay a higher price to have the cosmetic stuff done. I'm leaning toward NOT doing a lot of work on it. There is no point in spending $15,000 to fix things up when we probably wouldn't get it back.
0 -
I think my PTSD was actually worse during the two weeks between diagnostic imaging and biopsy/diagnosis (the latter events were only a day apart). It nearly ruined a great work-study vacation in New Orleans--all I could think of, once I heard the term BIRADS4b, was “I might have cancer. I could have cancer. I probably have cancer. What am I gonna do?” It didn’t help that, after scheduling the biopsy, when I asked the nurse what my chances were, instead of saying anything hopeful she replied “It is what it is.” Great way to start the waiting period.
After finishing my CLE course in entertainment law (and my beignets & cafe au lait at CDM), I phoned my best friend back here in Chicago and confessed what I was going through (because she had to deal with an eventual diagnosis of scleroderma)--and she termed my thought pattern as “that rabbit running around” in my head, which was how she felt when she learned that what she’d assumed was just RA turned out to be scleroderma. The only things that got me out of my gerbil-on-the-wheel worryfest were my coffeehouse gig (you have to be in the moment when performing) and being able to strike up conversations with other solo travelers at dinner. When I got home, the long Labor Day weekend before my biopsy was incredibly nerve-wracking. I was running a couple of songwriter showcases at a folk festival, and except when I was performing and performer-wrangling, I was obsessed with cancer-worry, to the point where on the second day of the festival after my duties were over, I couldn’t stay around and jam or listen to the other performers--I had to drive straight home and then to O’Hare to pick Gordy up from his weekend in Austin. When I went for my biopsy, I had pretty much resigned myself to hearing “malignant” so the only shocks I got were that the results came in so fast and that it was grade 2 invasive rather than DCIS. From then on I was in planning mode. (Yes, I did sweat the OncotypeDX and genetic testing waiting periods, but "chemo vs no-chemo" and "bmx vs let the lx stand and go ahead with just rads” were nowhere nearly as traumatic as worrying I might have something that would likely kill me.
It’s pretty common these days to go several hours without thinking about cancer, and thinking about it only when I’m visiting BCO.
0 -
Poodles, I currently live in a neighborhood established in the 1920s. I also asked my realtor whether I should spruce up like you are considering. He said no, that the new owners will want to put their own stamp on it and live in it or flip it. My basement is truly a basement. Great storage with a wonderful 3/4 bath (never figured that one out since it was nicer than the main bath when we bought the house). I have 2300 sq ft plus the basement. And storage coming out the kazooie. New house is 1720 sq ft, no basement, one floor. Perfect for me. Best, it has a 2 car attached garage so no more scraping snow off the windshield!
So what I'm saying is make sure the house is clean (hire a company to clean it, I spent $400), declutter (ugh). The communal areas have all been painted in the last 5 years, bedrooms...well, not in a very long time. I did replace the sink in the MBR. DH's Parkinson's caused him to drop stuff into the sink and it was chipped badly in one spot. That's all I've done. And I do not plan on fixing anything that might show up in an inspection. I'll reduce the price and the new owners can do it themselves. My wood floors have not been done in the 48 years I've been here. Mostly they were covered by carpeting. The ones not covered by carpeting look great for some reason!
That's my advice. It may not work for you but at least consider it. Do NOT start cleaning now! Wait till you feel better.
HUGS!
0 -
I just started reading responses so I have not gotten through very many posts. However, I must wish ItalyChick good luck on your MRI. Close surveillance is a relief as far as I am concerned. MRI's give me peace of mind. I am glad that your brain scan was normal. I wish you the best on Friday.
Dear Eleanora: I wish you good luck too.
Dear Pinki: It sounds like most of your pain is originating from your SLNB surgery. Good luck with your recovery. I hope that you do not have LE.
0 -
Stella- haha! There really IS a balance- being neat and clean but not being OCD about everything...saving time to enjoy the day!
0 -
Dear JCLC: You are so positive. Your post made me laugh. Good luck getting through rads and I hope that your skin holds up.
Dear Hawaii: Yay for finishing chemo. I hope that the fatigue and achiness go away quickly.
Dear Peggy: I love the house.
Now back to reading all of the posts...
0 -
Dear MLP: Thanks. I am wishing you well through tx.
Dear Brit: Good luck with rads. Glad that chemo is over.
Dear Fightergirl and LTF: I agree. I have met many women who have had BMX for early stage cancers without lymph node involvement. I was told that LX + rads is = to BMX as far as survival rate. It seems that some doctors push for MX. I'm glad that my doctors did not push for MX. I am very happy with my double lx. However, if I needed to have MX, I would have had a BMX rather than a uni.
Dear Molly and Peachy: Thanks for the articles.
Dear Ayr: I can certainly understand your stress. Good luck with your decision.
Dear Poodles: I am glad that you enjoyed camping and that you are finally healing.
Dear Bluedog: I am glad that the yoga is working for you. Yoga is stressful for me due to my complete and total level of being uncoordinated as well as my lack of any athletic ability or balance. (Most people point and laugh.) ( I fell in front of my entire school during a pep rally and I detached my ACL and tore my meniscus. Yes, I was playing basketball. However, no one touched me and I fell for no reason.) Walking is my what I am good at. That being said, I love to walk.
Now that I have finished reading this page, I will try to finish reading the rest of the pages....(I am the little engine that could... I think I can, I think I can....lol)
0 -
Like I said before, I go into a cave when I'm stressed. I got some good news and some uncertain news.....
Tomorrow I go in for another biopsy. There seems to be something growing in the tumor bed of my lumpectomy scar. We're HOPING it's scar tissue. The surgeon said the path report gave 3 recommendations: watch it for 3 months (uh, no!), ultrasound guided biopsy, or MRI. I asked my surgeon, and she said it was up to me because she thinks it's to soin for a recurrence. But, I'm 6 months out AND I have that high CEA marker! So, I opted for the biopsy. But, Italychick and 614 are talking MRIs, and now I'm second guessing my decision.
Thoughts?
Italychick - Good luck. I'm nervous, too.
0 -
Oh Sloan- goodness! Can't a girl get a break?!?! AM so sorry you are having to go through this but think the biopsy is where I would go at this point. The other tests may or may not get the info you need/want. IN YOUR POCKET!!!
0
