how about drinking?

ChiSandy

Second: Read, read, and read some more! Best source by far is the latest edition of Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book (available as hard-copy or download). It's our "secular Bible." Another excellent one is Dr. Elisa Port's The New Generation Breast Cancer Book. There's even Chicken Soup for the Breast Cancer Patient's Soul. Of course, the knowledge base of articles here on BCO is a great tool--I'm sure the Moderators will have already sent you suggested articles. MyBCTeam.com and WhatNext.com are also good online peer communities (though the latter is an all-cancers site). The American Cancer Society and Komen are redundant of what you'll find here and in those two books.

Third, get your ducks in a row. You have a month before your surgery date. Use every day of it. Locate a breast cancer support group in your area (if you're lucky enough to have one). Keep a calendar--one that's cross-platform for all your electronic devices (computer, cell, tablet), though a paper one or datebook is better than nothing. See your PCP for a basic pre-op exam, including EKG, and bring all your immunizations up to date. If you haven't seen your GYN in a while for a basic pelvic & pap, get that out of the way. Get routine dental work out of the way. Get measured (my surgeon's NP did it a week before surgery) for compression wear--you don't have to buy it yet till you get back to traveling, working out, gardening, spending time outdoors in the heat, going to high altitudes (even fast elevators to the top of skyscrapers). LympheDivas.com has a 2-day turnaround (and some really, really great colors & patterns). Much easier to prevent than to treat LE. If you have pets, take them to the groomer to have their nails or claws trimmed. A scratch is no joke when you're weak from surgery and immunocompromised,

Now for pampering. Do you color your hair? Then get your roots touched up and a good trim (perm or straightening too if you normally get those). Facial & mani-pedi, too--but not dark polish. Transparent "French," even if you have gels or acrylics, is even better (the anesthesiologist will need to see if you're properly oxygenated).

Fourth, call in the troops. Ask your friends & family if they'd be willing to drive you to & from visits for which it'd be unsafe (much less prohibited) for you to drive yourself, take public transit or a cab or rideshare. Let your job know what's up and put in for sick or personal time. Buy as many frozen meals as your freezer can hold, gather up take-out menus or get s GrubHub account. Of course, your video streaming services should be current--you may not feel like going out to movies or events for a couple of weeks (more if you're getting BMX). If you don't have a rideshare app, get one and set up an account. Arrange for pet care (dog-walking, cat-feeding/sitting, playing) if it would be too strenuous for you. Have someone take over temporary "grandma duty" if you're normally your grandkids' sitter. (I'm assuming that at 55, if you have kids at home w/o special needs, they're old enough to help you rather than need a sitter)

Fifth, supplies. Get a pillow that slings over your shoulder to cushion your armpit & breast incision, and a smaller one to keep your seat belt off your breast. If you indeed will be having UMX or BMX, get some drain-friendly clothing (sleepwear, under-vests, shirts, etc.) with interior pockets. For showering, connect two kids' terrycloth wash mitts with sturdy cloth ribbon long enough to hang over your shoulders and hold your drains without pulling on your incisions. Ask your surgeon (or their NP) whether they will be sending you home in a surgical bra or just a big ACE wrap (they stuffed my poor oversize "girls" like sausages into an "XL"--hahahaha--surgical bra several sizes too small). Find out if there is a breast cancer boutique (freestanding or in a lingerie store, or corner of the lingerie dept. of a dept. store) in your area and ask about bra options--preferably non-wired (for the first few months) and front-closing. Stock up on button-up or front-zip sleepwear, loungewear and shirts; you might not be able to pull stuff on or take it off over your head. I was lucky in that I not only did have enough mobility to do that, but also that my incisions were located outside my bra underwires' "line of fire." If you don't want to look "unsupported," go a couple of sizes too big in your shirts & blouses. And if your bedroom is upstairs, prepare a living room or other first-floor room sofa, recliner, or daybed with a good view of your TV, and plenty of outlets for your phone & computer cables. You might be too fatigued to climb stairs for the first few days.

I'm sure others can chime in with stuff either I forgot or that helped them.

janky

Welcome happyperidot - is your birthday in August? This is a great thread for us, whether drinkers or non drinkers, I have been imbibing more lately - warm, summery days, my bloodwork is not doing what it is supposed to, making me 'thirstier' (grumpier) - but I do feel grat!

goldie - glad your temp is down, it is so darn difficult to find decent food that is not processed or full of sugar, I am sure your DH was doing what he thought was a good purchase for you I get my eggs from a local girl and they are really decent, free from everything and the money is going to her 2 young sons who 'help' her - I think not, but apparently they try to help.

Happy weekend to all! Cheers!

ChiSandy

Oh, and you don't have to teetotal. Redefine what you consider a "drink," and downsize the portion if necessary. We ER+ gals have to avoid things that'd keep our meds from doing their jobs to minimize circulating estrogen. The standard max for us is three five-oz. glasses of wine, three regular cans or bottles of alcoholic beer, or three shots of booze (straight or in a cocktail) a week. Now, I'm a serious oenophile (a wino with a credit card), so wine is my alcohol of choice. For cardiovascular health, you don't need more than 2-3 oz. of (preferably red) wine a day. 3 five-oz. glasses a week are the same as 5 three-oz. glasses--15 oz., round up to a pint, a week.

Life's too short to play cheap guitars, drink bad (or instant) coffee, and drink wines I don't absolutely love. (I don't like to get buzzed, so I've stopped using my MMJ card and just get over-the-counter CBD instead). Except for wine-tasting dinners (for which I save up my "allowance" but don't drain my glass for every course--total for the meal is still <5 oz) or serious tastings (where I swish & spit), I tend not to drink wines without a paired food. That means I often go several days, even a week, without wine. One thing that has helped me immensely is a Coravin. Not only does it let me sample great wines in my cellar without opening & finishing off the bottle w/in a couple of days, it lets me enjoy as little as an ounce, just perfect for the protein on my dinner plate. If I have any left over in my glass, it goes to Bob, who's delighted to finish it. And what's in the bottle stays good until the last drop (I still have a Bordeaux--an Haut Medoc--I Coravined back in 2015.

And yes, it's much less healthy to teetotal and then binge (3 or more glasses) than to have a steady small consumption.

karen1956

Welcome Happy - and happy 55! I hope you will be able to enjoy your celebration.

Lori - glad to hear that your temp is down and you want to eat. We were all worried about you, but you know your body the best. Hugs to you.

goldie0827

Sandy, no no no! We take water from home and a huge case of bottled water.

Janky, my eggs are free. But we do for each other, she is a good friend. My temp is all over the place. Last night about 11:00, I started shivering something horrible, and the coughing. I knew it was a fever coming on, but too dang cold. Finally I had DH get me some acetaminaphine, and in about an hour I was able to stop shivering and go to sleep. Then a bit later, the fever is starting to break, I'm sweating and need to be uncovered with fan blowing on me.

Karen, I have wanted to eat, but there was nothing here, since we had just returned from camping. I think I'll have a smoothie for breakfast with a whole banana, some other fruit and maybe toss in some nuts. Then I'll boil a couple of eggs and have a couple of those for lunch. I know I have to go slow and mild.

NativeMainer

Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy Saturday!Got up and went to work early to do a special session with a couple of staffers, got stood up by one. She forgot. Sigh. A little discouraging, that was. Anyway, Sadie and I have been up and to the Vet, she is now caught up on all her shots and can go to work with me. I'm really looking forward to taking her in for a visit to see how she does. She's feeling a bit abused cuz she got her toenails trimmed and she really doesn't like having her paws messed with. I keep reminding her that she got a dozen treats PLUS peanut butter while she was there! Not to mention her own box of Munchkins on the way!She's not spoiled, not at all.

Goldie--Yup, you can have clear lungs and have an upper respiratory infection.When you can hear the gunk in the lungs it's no longer an upper respiratory infection, it's a lower respiratory infection, more often called pneumonia. The nose, sinuses, throat and bronchial tubes are the upper respiratory system, the lungs and bronchioles that branch off the bronchial tubes are lower respiratory system. If you are practically passing out when you get up then you must be severely dehydrated, and they can rehydrate you by IV at the hospital. DO NOT let this go on verymuchlonger, the low blood pressure is damaging to the kidneys, liver, heart, brain and a few other organs. A temp of 103 and a low blood pressure are indicators of sepsis, and you are immunocompromised by the chemo and so at risk of sepsis.PLEASE go to the hospital, tell them you are a cancer patient on chemo and get a properwork up done.

Chi--Hooray for Thelma and Louise being good for another year!Glad the broken tooth doesn't hurt. That's a bonus.

Goldie--glad your temp is down, but don't slack off on the self care.People with stressed or compromised immune systems cannot maintain a fever for as long as others, and a drop in temp does not necessarily mean all is well. There is a natural cycle of the temp going up gradually through the day, highest late afternoon/early evening, then going down gradually to the lowest in the very early ayem. Covers can raise the temp a half a degree or sobut not much more unless there is some other underlying problem.

Welcome happyperidot!Belly on up to the bar and tell us about yourself. Bummer with the bc crap and your birthday happening so close together.

Chi--good point about the limited vocabulary we have to deal with. I hope that changes as the taboo about talking about cancer and other illnesses continues to fade away.

Where's Cammy Cat today?????

camillegal

camillegal

Mornin' ladies,

oh I was MIA but following Lori for sure, just didn't have any tips, all I know is upper respatory< I can't spell this word> keeps u down for a while, Leslie always gets those. And like I said before it's so much harder to get rid of now. But this fever is really hanging on. But it did break which is good. But if things don't change much get back to ER tomorrow. It wouldn''t hurt that's for sure. U might need something stronger and yep u r taking it easy. For u to say much about this I really know ur sick, but I couldn't help u Lori I just said my extra prayers for u at night. This infection can be rough and I think too with ur circumstances ur Onc. should know, but that's me. <<<HUGS>>>

Welcome Happy <I thought it said period> at first, oh u'll get to know me. Sandy gave u fantastic advice, really couldn't add any more but maybe celebrate like u always do and enjoy. I personally don't drink, but my sister has never stopped her 2 glasses of wine at night <She's Stage IV> And thru the yrs. she doing really well. We both got it at the same time and staged the same, so maybe i should have a glass of wine at nite this is a great group and I've settled down here and there is never any judgement for anything we do or how we think. These women have helped me in so many ways even when I just blabber about nothing they take it. Their. from all walks of life and they are wonderful. As crazy as this disease is I found this place and share with us whatever u wish to and someone will have answers and help for u. Sorry I'm blabbering.

Marty's cousin is here, her stupid DH not so dear, has asked her for a divorce and moved in with a 30 yr. old. They're in their 50;s They've been together for 30 yrs. and really look great, he's such an ass <and yet I've known him since he was 10 and really like him> not for this of course. I told u before out of all of Marty's family she's my best love there. We've been talking a lot, what else is there to help actually. I just feel sorry for her.

Well my SIL is really cray cray now, more than before and thinks she's going back to her home this week, so this should be interesting or more crazy. At least her kids take turns and someone sees her everyday. It's only an hr. visit but of course my nephew thinks it's 55 minutes to long, but he goes. And for the type of mother she was I give them credit, I feel bad cu I don't feel sorry for her, she never had any friends except for my brothers friends and they tolerated her because of him. How can anyone go thru life without 1 friend.

Oh I just talked to my sister for almost an hr. She talks more than I do, but I love her like crazy. sooooo....

LUBS U ALL

ChiSandy

Went to the Palm for an early Father's Day dinner. DOTD was Nicolas Feuilatte Brut Champagne--would you believe I was able to limit myself to only 3 oz. of it (not because of ER+ BC, but because of the carbs)! Bob was glad to drink up the rest.

Going to Ravinia tonight to see Peter, Paul (and no Mary, RIP). Probably take along some leftover salad and cut either leftover lobster or roast beef into it. Bob might buy a gourmet sandwich. Maybe have some sparkling wine there---but we're driving to & from the train, so maybe seltzer instead. (Too cold and my muscles hurt too much to walk). Thank goodness we have pavilion seats! (Only hope there are enough chairs & benches for sitting & eating, because no food allowed in the pavilion. Restaurants were all filled up, so no reservations available.

goldie0827

I do believe I AM severely dehydrated. I will go to the dr tomorrow and ask him to put me in the hospital for at least 1 night, if not 2. I was hoping I would feel better after the anti b, but I don't. My temp has gone anywhere from 96-202.I'm hoping for IV fluids and maybe IV anti b. Current one is Cephalexin 500mg, 2 pills morning and same 12 hours later. I do have a little drainage now in the back of the throat. I am eating a little, just not much of an appetite. I'm suppose to start my FU pills tomorrow, but I think I will hold off. There really isn't much my onc can do, other than put me in a hospital down in Phoenix, I don't want to do that. So we will just see how tomorrow goes.

On the plus side, I think I have lost about 8 lbs, that's the only good thing about this!

Sorry to make this all about me, not my style. But I know you guys care and want to know how I'm doing.

Cami, waiting to hear more in the future on SIL. And Marty's brother, his he another FF??? LOL

Hello to everyone.

JCSLibrarian

Please take care of yourself, Goldie! Get to the hospital ASAP for fluids. The IV antibiotics will help also. Any kind of infection should be taken seriously. Tell the doctors you are a cancer patient currently on medication. You would tell others to do that. 🤪

We postponed Father’s Day until tomorrow. My oldest will be back from Peru and the youngest is off work then. My father taught me how to persevere when things are against you. He greeted each day with a smile, never met a stranger and lived life as best he could. In his last years, he dealt with major physical problems, heart problems and vision problems. Still his smile shown bright. I have always wanted to make him proud.

Love your families while you can! Worked hard this weekend and have several doctors appointments next week. Things could be different come July.

Take care all!!!

NativeMainer

Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy Monday Monkey day!I just realized that I didn't post yesterday, not sure how that got past me. Did get quite a bit done around the house before the cold symptoms started in. Yup, I've caught me a cold, and at the start of my busiest week at work of the month.Sigh. There's been a virus making its way around the nursing home, and several staff are working sick, so I guess I shouldn't be surprised that I caught it.Wed and Thurs I start work at 5 ayem, so probably won't be on.Should be back on Friday ayem.Going to take Sadie's shot record in with me and get it on file so she can come to work with me. I might even take her with me on Thursday, I go in early but also get out early, but I'll have to think about it.

Cammy Cat--nope, you are no quitter, and finishing up doing nothing is exactly the right thing to do!Poor Marty's cousin, sounds like the about-to-be-ex is a real PIA. Did your SIL get placed somewhere where she is getting care? Dealing with dementia is so heartbreaking and so difficult. Hugs to all.

Chi--sounds like a great concert.

Goldie--If you have lost 8 pounds you are SEVERELY dehydrated.You need IV fluids. I don't care if you get admitted or not, you will feel so much better after getting a couple liters of fluids. It sounds like the Aunty B's are kicking in, I'm not sure you need IV antibiotics, but you definitely need IV fluids!

Librarian--Your Dad was a good role model!

Summer Tea Cocktail

Ingredients

• Makes about 4 servings
• 4 cups water
• 4 bags of Peppermint tea
• 5 tbsp sugar
• Fresh mint leaves
• Lime and lemon slices
• 1/4 cup Gin , optional
• Ice cubes

Directions

1. In a large saucepan bring the water to a boil. Remove from heat and add tea bags. Cover and set aside for 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags and stir in the sugar.
2. Refrigerate until chilled. I let it overnight.
3. Before serving add gin if desired. Add ice in the serving glasses, pour the tea and garnish with mint, lemon and lime slices and serve.

From <https://www.homecookingadventure.com/recipes/summer-tea-cocktail>

goldie0827

JCS, I did tell them I was stage IV cancer. I also told them that I felt like I was severely dehydrated. And they could see that when they did the urine, as it was so dark.

Kim, I really don't feel like the anti b has done anything. We are friends with the doctor, so I can make suggestions. I will also give him my oncs number, in case he wants to talk to him.

I'll keep in touch.

ChiSandy

Get thee to an ER STAT, Lori! Make sure the docs take this seriously. We need you!!!

Well, Ravinia took pity on us and moved the concert from the open pavilion to the nice warm theatre. Yarrow & Stookey were fantastic, and I’ve never heard Noel in better voice (and that’s saying a lot because I’ve been going to PP&M concerts since the 60s). Peter is showing signs of Parkinson’s, but not when he sings or plays. (His notoriously sensitive hearing and pitch were driving the soundman nuts, and several times he found which of Noel’s strings needed re-tuning—without a tuner). We’re sitting on the train waiting to leave, silent because we all have laryngitis from singing along (mandatory)

Jazzygirl

Just a quick hi and a pic of my view up over the patio this ayem

happyperidot

Hi everyone and thanks for the warm welcome.

ChiSandy, thanks for your thoughtful and comprehensive posts. I like your plane crash analogy. So far, that's about how I feel.

goldie, I'm sorry to read that you're still not well. I hope you feel better real soon.

NativeMainer

Good Morning, Loungettes!Just a quick poop in, need to leave a bit early this ayem, VERY early tomorrow and Thursday ayems.Sadie is going to be put out with me. I'll have to figure out some way to make it up to her!

Goldie--I hope you've been to the ED by now. And make sure to tell them that you are on Chemo--that makes a huge difference in how your case should be handled!

Chi--sounds like it was a great concert!Glad it got moved inside.

Jazzy--WOW!!

Good morning, Happy!

goldie0827

Jazzy, you get some really nice close ups of the balloons.

Ok, here is just what I put on FB....Let me start by saying, after 3 liters of IV fluids, this morning I feel 98%. However, after 13 hours between dr and hospital, all the same tests again, liver enzimes still going through the roof, of course they are all thinking that the liver is loaded with cancer, so CT scan of chest and abdomen. WELL, they see not a thing anywhwere, everything is clear! They can't see a damn thing. So now they are going to check for hepatitis.

janky

goldie - great news that 'nothing' is there, but omg now what?! Sometimes the unknown is so much more distressing, I am hoping they figure this out sooner that later!

NM - it will be interesting to see how Sadie gets you back for all the weird hours Looking forward t a giggle!

Jazzy -- what a gorgeous sight to wake up to!

chi - I am glad you got moved indoors - we have such inexplicable weather here, that I really avoid outdoor concerts, we can go from hot and sunny to snow in just a couple of hours, totally ridiculous!

JCS - your dad sounds like mine! Positive, despite ongoing health issues, now taking care of my 887 year old mom who has moderate dementia, which is making dad 'crazy' sometimes, and has never, ever met a stranger! He turns 88 in September!

happy - is peridot for August birthday?

Well I am off to begin another busy day filled with ?? I don't seem to get much done, yet always feel busty and pooped by days end I do have a doctor appointment for refills, and a friend coming over to try a new wine I found on the weekend, hopefully the sun cooperates and stays shining!! Cheers!

happyperidot

janky, you're almost right. peridot is in my username because I was married in august and both kids were born in august. my birthday is actually today. 55. :-)

camillegal

Wait.,

camillegal

I'm just pooping in cuz I saw a notice on my screen about Lori. OK now I'm so glad u got help for ur dehydration I know that helps a little on how u feel and super happy that no can cer showed up, but now I'm really confused. So something is going on with ur liver now??? And obviously a fever not going away is some kind of infection going on. I'm sorry I haven't read anything else, but right now I'm worried about Lori, BUT Loi not so worried tat u won't start feeling better soon and they'll for sure figure this out.

I'll be back

LUBS U ALL

janky

happy - Happy, happy birthday, just a sweet young one at 55!!! I wish you many more healthy, healing years!

cami - so glad to see the kitties are back!

A friend is coming over and we are going to enjoy some fruit infused blackberry merlot, hopefully outside in the sun, if not, my living room works fine Cheers!

illimae

Goldie, while I wish you had an answer to what ails you, I’m so glad it’s not liver tumors.

Happy birthday happyperidot 🎉🎂

ChiSandy

Kelley, happy birthday, you young li'l whippersnapper!

Lori, glad they were able to rule out the worst stuff--if it's hep (any variety), there are antivirals they can give you. Meanwhile, keep drinking...fluids.

First week on my low-carb diet I'm down 3 lbs. I did the math and decided my main goal is to get out of the plus size dept., but to get my BMI down from "moderately obese" to "overweight." (The last time my BMI was below 30 I fit into size 12-14, even 10 in some clothes. I'd be deliriously happy with that). The achy-dizzies, I realize, were probably from carb withdrawal. This is the lowest-carb plan I've been on since Atkins "induction" phase, which is flat-out keto.

Have a critical decision to make, though. Thurs. night is Cellars' Trentino/Alto Adige wine dinner. If I have seltzer as my aperitif and keep my dry wines to an ounce or so per course, I'll be fine. But there are some starches on the menu like polenta and white-flour pasta that are mega-no-nos (not even permissible as "carb treats"); and as to dessert (and a late harvest wine), uh, don't go there. I RSVP'ed yes before I realized that this diet would be so rigorous. But I haven't been there in a while (haven't been up to walking--Bob has gone in my stead, bringing me back food) and I want to remain a loyal customer. Do I cancel? How much damage would I be doing--one meal (most of it packed to go) wouldn't set me back a whole week, would it?

camillegal

camillegal

camillegal

Almost mornin' ladies.

I'm thinking about u Lori hoping that temp. gets under control cuz that's the best sign. Do u still feel dehydrated or u feel better with that. I love when they tell me I'm dehydrated just by looking at me, I usually tell them that's just crepey ugly skin, but they always know and u can't afford to loose 8 lbs so u'd better nache on whatever tastes good.

Jazzy I can't get over how close those balloons are to ur home. U know they could spit on u if they wanted.

Janky drink wherever ur comfortable , that's always fun.

Happy u've got to be flying high with ur son coming back from Peru, ee that;s so far away. My sister's grandson came home just for a week then he goes to Irag <he's a Navy Seal> but that all he says about it. He's nuts as is his brother <same thing> Well it's their choice, they're in their mid 20's and that's what they want. Well u have lots going on in August,

Sandy u sound like u had a great time and got inside too. U've lost u voice before Missy, since u sing u've got to tale care of it. Did u ever put a tape on here so we can hear u??? I can't remember. U must have something so that we can hear u sing. That would be nice for us.

Dan was here last nite and I had to confess that the work I was putting thru started with Joey putting it thru, thank goodness he just laughed at me, but I did put 2 jobs together on my own.

QUESTION....Leslie started with Tamoxifen and she's really having a super hard time taking it. What else can she take. She's 48 and still has ovaries nd stuff but isn't there anything else, I don't member.

Kim Sadie must really miss u when ur not around, but isn't it nice going home to her. Janky I'm waiting to hear too what she does. LOL

OK trying to go to sleep now, my days and nites are still screwed up and right now I think every day is friday cjuz the next day Joey is home.

LUBS U ALL

illimae

Cami, I also take tamoxifen and the first few months can be hard but it does get better. Another option is a lupron shot (shut ovaries down) with an AI like arimidex or similar. The joint pain and stiffness are issues with either one but I think Effexor is given to those with bad hot flashes, if that’s the trouble she’s having.

FYI, New England trip begins today! 😁 ✈️

goldie0827

Janky, oh my! I'm cracking up at your mom being 887 and your 87 yo dad taking care of her! I hope you and your friend got to enjoy the merlot outside.

Cami my love, I'm doing just fine. The IV's have helped the most and if I feel I need more, I will go back to the doctor and get some. I'm sure the 8 lbs will find it's way back. I was getting close to 150, which I like, not the 160 I was at. What kind of problems is she having? SE's? I took Arimidex, I was achy, but not bad enough to quit. Did that for 5 years.

Sandy, will they let you swap out the starches for some greens or fruit? If not, then maybe just a few bites and take the rest home……for BOB!

I got pictures from my step daughter of grandson. He has a horrible case of acne and I asked if he was doing anything for it, she said no, she can't even get him to clean his ears. I said, well that one's easy, no video games until you clean the ears. She replied back, we're working on it thank you. I also said I hope they don't bully him at school, she says, he's a pretty big kid I don't think they will bother him and we're hoping it will be gone when school starts. He's tall and very skinny with Aspergars, and it won't be gone by the time school starts. But I think I pissed her off, she didn't even call her dad for Father's Day, just sent a text.

Might call my neighbor today or tomorrow and see if she wants to come by for a bit with the 3 grandchildren (all girls), which I adopted as mine, so I get to be Nana Lori