please help

NancyD

Just a quick note to say I'm feeling pretty good. I went swimming for the first time this summer over at my brother's (not just sitting around looking at the pool) and, low and behold, while I was in the water all my breast pain stopped! I swam a couple of laps, but mostly floated around and did some surface diving (but no plunges off the diving rocks).

My breast muscles and nerves, which have been giving me hard time since the surgery (quite understandable but nevertheless painful) totally cooperated. Of course, after I got out and dried off, the pain returned. Anyone think it might have been something about the temperature of the water (76 degrees F)?

Of course, I will go back tomorrow to retest my miraculous discovery!

I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend. We're having such lovely weather now; its a shame I'm ready to enjoy summer when it's nearly over :-(

Karen, I will say special prayers for your Dad tomorrow, and Fumi, a few for Scotty, too.

Ka-Loni

Hi There, Oh Goodness Sue! Those darn periods! Well, I had all my women parts taken out, so I do not have to worry about that. That is one less hassle. I do hope your feeling better besides the periods. I have not been on in a few days. I have been busy too. And, just checking in. Well, you get your rest sweetie. Take Care. Bye.

   

God Bless,

Love,

Kaloni

honeygirl

Hi everyone.xxxx I'm so sorry for not posting. Things have been "hectic" around here. My SO was having double vision and I took him to the emergency room. He ended up going by ambulance to the University hospital in Cleveland. And at the same time , my boss went on vacation , so I HAD to work , and Saturday too. I am so tired. I am so tired of being sick and tired. And of my SO being sick and tired. I will telling you more later. I just wanted to let you all know I am here. But to tired to write more now. Say prayers ladies and UB. Love you all. Melodyxxxx

geebung

Mel - much love to you and your SO. I hope he feels better soon and they are able to fix his whatever it is that is giving him trouble. And I hope you can have a break from working so hard - you need a holiday. Praying for both of you.

Nancy - the water therapy sounds very soothing. I haven't any idea why it works but I hope you can get in the pool as often as possible. 

Hi Kaloni! Good to hear from you - hope you are continuing to improve after your surgery.

Karen - love & prays for you and your dad and family.

xxx 

portiasproudmom

Hi everyone.  What a difference a day makes.  My dad has developed an infection where they had taken out his picc line.  Also, his kidneys are starting to fail.  They are trying him out on another medication to help the kidneys, but the med is going to be hard on his heart.  This is all so discouraging. It's just one thing after another.  I broke down at the hospital and cried my eyes out for the first time since he was admitted.  Things aren't looking good at all.  Thank you all for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.  Hopefully, I'll have some better news tomorrow.

Mel, I hope you and your SO start feeling better.  I'll say extra prayers for you both.

Lisa, I'm sorry that you have to have surgery, but I'm glad that you won't have non-stop periods anymore.  What a pain in the neck!  How did things go with Dennis tonight??

Nancy, I'm glad you found relief in the pool.  Hey, whatever works!!

Love and hugs to you all,

Karen

geebung

((((((Karen))))))) - I am so sorry to hear about this latest trial that your poor dear father is going through - and all of you are suffering with him. I am praying that whatever is best for him will happen. I hate that you are all going through this.

((((((Lisa)))))) - I am sure it must be hard to be looking at yet more surgery - you must be so sick of this! However, I am sure that, once you have recovered you will feel much better, you poor love.

Mountain trip delayed - planning to go tomorrow now.

Love to all of you - especially those who are going through sad, worrying and traumatic events.

Jane 

Anonymous

Karen, I'm so sorry. You must be utterly drained. You are facing another difficult journed. Love, hugs, and understanding are coming your way. Please call if you just need to cry on a shoulder.

Nancy, I'll bet the buoancy of the water took some pressure away from areas pressing on nerves and the stimulation of sensory nerves overcame pain nerve signals. Whatever, I'm thrilled to here that you found a little relief. Way to go!

Oh, Mel!!! It sounds awful, whatever it is. And working during a scary crisis it horrible. Hang in there!

Kaloni, good to see you!

Jane, I'm sorry you had to delay your trip. You are hereby ordered to go tomorrow, snow or no snow!  

Lisa, it sounds like you made a good decision. I hope the surgery goes smoothly for you.

Thanks to each of you for the uplifting, honest, sensitive, kind, and tough messages you leave here. I gain something from every one, and know that we are a good thing.

 I'm exhausted, but wanted to say things are looking up in the vast wasteland in my headbone, so no worries. I'm going to make it. It has been a very, very good day.

Wishing the same for each person who "lives" at this fabulous address,

Judie 

nowheregirl

Hi all,

         
I have been sort of glued to TV these days, which doesn't happen always as I have never been a big TV person.

We have two major high school baseball championships twice a year, one is in Spring and the other in Summer. Although I don't watch the pro baseball anymore, I still do enjoy those championships as the boys are a lot more dedicated and innocent than any pro baseball players. They solely play to win for the honor, not $$. And I used to play baseball in a team myself when I was in school.

And now we have the Olympics. Personally I prefer the Winter Olympics as I love figure skating but that's not to say I don't watch the one in Summer. Personally I find it a lot more addictive to watch the individual events than the team sports. Mainly because I'm not familiar with most of them, and don't really know the rules etc. So far, I've been enjoying to watch Judo, Swimming, Gymnastics and am looking forward to Synchronized Swimming and Athletics (Track & Field in the U.S.?).

It's kinda interesting though, to see they broadcast different events in different countries. For instance, Scotty said he enjoyed watching Hockey today but I don't believe they broadcasted it here except for some highlights on the news. I'm almost sure they wouldn't cover Judo in the States?

Speaking of Scotty, thanks for the prayers for him. I appreciate it. Please keep them coming. It's getting closer and closer until I meet him in person and of course I'm getting excited. He has booked leave from work from the day I arrive (4th) to the second Friday I'm there (12nd) , which should give us entire 11 days to be together 24/7. Though unfortunately on the second week (from 15th Monday to 22nd Monday), he will be on-call 24/7 and should be busier than he usually is. Even if he didn't get called out, he would have to pop off in the evenings to be back to work to do the regular maintenance work and wouldn't be back till late midnight or early morning. But he said I could tag along with him so it should be fun looking at him work his butt off. I wil just have to make sure I'm taking good care of him and our meals are ready to eat before I go with him.

        

             
Jule - I too am worried I will gain all the extra pounds back once I'm back from NZ. I have been more patient than I usually could be and haven't had much of my favourite stuff since I started doing a diet. I've been doing a low-carb diet and the hardest part of this is I can't eat as much rice as I used to eat. In Japan, we do live on rice so it's really hard to stay away from it. Maybe the best way not to gain the weight back is to make a pinky promise with Scotty to do the get-together again next year.

         

                  
Sue - Sorry you got your period back but you're too young to go into menopause. I haven't had mine since I started taking Lupron in February of 2006 and not sure if I will ever get it back when I finish Lupron in January of next year. As much as I don't want it back, I kinda miss to have it because it's one of the factors that make me a woman and I've already lost my boob and I'm single.

           

            
Sheila - How are you doing? Miss seeing you here. Hope you are doing great.

        

           
Valerie - Thanks for the prayers. Aren't you exhausted anymore? That's so great UB's port will be removed soon. Must be a huge relief for you. And nope, no room in my suitcase for you, silly girl.

        

         
Judie - Have I told you I love your avatar? I am so glad you had a lovely time with your son and grandson. What an adorable prince you have! Loved the pictures. Thanks for sharing.

              

          
Shirl - Thanks for the kind words but you don't *necessarily* have to be in NZ in spirit with me. I wouldn't be enjoying "this and that" with him if you were there with me in spirit.  *lol*

      

             
Jane - Thanks for the prayers for Scotty. I guess your prayers should be arriving before ours because you live the closest to him! Sorry you couldn't make it to the mountains today. Hope you have a lovely time there tomorrow. Wow can't believe you have snow over there. I can send you some heat anytime!

             

               
Susan - What are your favourite nursery rhymes? I loved Mother Goose, though I only learned it when I was much older for the nursery rhymes. Any chance we could see your grandson?

             

             
Karen - My heart goes out to you sweetie. I am so sorry about your dad. He, you and your entire family are in my thoughts. Thinking of you hon.

           

              
Lisa - My fingers and toes and everything that is crossable are crossed for Olivia! Also I'll be sending a lot of positive thoughts and healing vibes your way when you have a hysterectomy.

           

Nancy - I'm not really sure but would agree with Judie. It must have been the buoyancy of the water. I've heard that walking in the pool as rehab for a broken bone in your leg can make fast recovery. Anyway I hope you get to go swimming as often as you can!

              

             
Kaloni - So good you dropped by. I hope you are doing well and that things calm down soon for you. Miss you girl.

           

                 
Melody - I was about to ask everyone how you were doing. Glad you checked in but so sorry about your SO and that you had to work when he was sick. I pray that things start improving for you two real soon. Hang in there sweetie.

        

          
OK about time to back watching the Olympics. This time I posted from my photo collections that were all taken by me. Hope you all enjoyed to see what my country looks like and that you are having a fabulous weekend!

           

          
xo
Fumi

sueps

 Hello Sisters!!!!

I am saying big prayers for all of you ..... and all my love...hang in there xxxxxx

I love you all xxx

Well my period is still WAAAAAAA !!!

 Here is one of my hair!!  

Do you thinK it is growing

I went out with work this week for some team bonding....we went ten pin bowling!!

After a few drinks the pictures of me were somewhat STRANGE!!!! HEHEHE

I am sorry the pics my colleague took are so silly.... I will bounce him when I see him LOL

I am saying lots and lots of prayers for all beautiful sisters and families having rough times...I hold you in my heart and thoughts xxx

Fumi your pictures are gorgeous ....your posts are stunning .... I love the Olympics too...the figure skating is great....as is the field and track... xxx

Much Love xxx

livesstrong

Sue - I ABSOLUTLEY LOVE YOU HAIR!!!!  I think you should leave it like that. Yes, it is definitely growing.

Nice bum by the way. Ah, to be young again.

Love ya,

AE 

sueps

AE    I still need to diet !!!

I love yoooooooooooooooooooooooooo xxx

I am feeling soooooo much better now I know my sore breast was hormonal WOOP WOOP ...

I go for my check up in September then am looking to book Spain for October if all is ok ...then I am gonna draw up definite plans to drop by some of you ....... probably after xmas early next year...maybe Spring!!!   I feel so normal again lately!!

xxxxxx

livesstrong

WOOP WOOP!!!  I am so glad you are feeling better !!  Spain?????   I am so jealous - have you ever been there?  You better get over here next year - UB & I can't wait to seeyou.

sueps

I have been to Spain a few times but the last time was a few years ago when David was a baby...here he is in Spain !!

I cant wait to see you AE xxxxxxx and UB XXXXX

livesstrong

hahahahahahaha - love the picture - can't wait for you to get here - we are going to party!!!! woop woop!!

Shirlann

Oh Fumi, you are a riot!  I promise not to cyber look at you in NZ.  When you close the curtains, you are safe from ALL types of Moms! 

And, sadly, I heard that synchronized swimming had been dropped from the Olympics, I hope I am wrong, but I don't think so.  And I just loved that event, too. If you keep on with those gorgeous pix of Japan, we will all move there, and then you will be sorry!!  A bunch of loud, obnoxious Americans, you definitely don't want!

Sue, darling, you look so adorable!  You look better, and your little bum is sweet, ah to be young again.  Hey, kiddo, my middle son (the one who lost his wife) is coming to England and will be in Birmingham on business.  Is that anywhere near you?  I need to know, he says he will look you up for me and give you a hug, warning he is 6' 4".  hahahaha So I need the address of the Subway, in case you are at work.

Judie, tomorrow you hear about the Colonoscopy????  Be sure and come to tell us.  But it will be good news.  If you had cancer, they would have been a lot different acting.  And pre-cancerous polyps don't matter, they are gone, gone, gone.

We record the 5 hour Olympic broadcast, then fast forward through the borrrring parts.  Ads, TV talking heads boring us silly and "at home" scenes with the athletes.  We get the 5 hours down to about 2.  The US took 1,2,3 in fencing?  Who the hell cares?  Well, I guess their mom's do. 

Oh Karen, honey, so sorry your dear dad has taken a turn for the worse, just when things were looking so good.  He seems like a very strong, tough guy, maybe he will make it through this too.

Love you all, dear sisters, Shirl 

portiasproudmom

Hi all my dear, sweet sisters.  We found out today that my dad's body is completely shutting down, so there's no chance that he'll recover from this.  They are going to discharge him from the hospital in a couple of days, and we're going to take him home.  We'll be meeting with the hospice people tomorrow.  My mom is taking it pretty well, but I know watching him die at home is going to be horrible for her. 

This really sucks.

I love you all.  I can't begin to thank you enough for all the support you've given me. 

Hugs,

Karen

Ulla

((((((((karen))))))))..wat can i say in those hard times with ur dad?? i cant express how i feel for u..i will depend on ur knowing howmuch i love u dear sister,,,

fumi..the pix r amazing..just like dear shirlann said..i was thinking about moving there if u kept putting such beautifull pix..hope ur scotty gets good results soon..

oh god sue,,u look sooo beautifull in the pix..ur hair is so nice and its really longer than mine..i dont know why my hair is not growing fast like urs..sigh...

shirlann..i am still waiting to c ur old picture smiling for me...plz put it back...

lisa..am sorry to hear about more surgery for u but at the end its better for u..go girl ..live ,,love..worry for shit....

sheilla,mel,jane,wren,nancy,judie,kalony,and all my other lovely dear sisters..

I LOVE U

Wren

Towhee, I love your new photo! Very cute!

Karen, I'm so sorry about your dad's health. I will keep your family in my prayers so that you will all have strength.

Sue, your hair is adorrrrable! Good to hear your body is returning to it's new 'normal' and that you feel so good.

Mel, I hope things settle down for you so you will be able to get some rest.

Ulla!!!!  I'm so happy to see you are feeling better!

Fumi, you have quite a talent for taking amazing photos! I love them all! Thank you for sharing them with us.

I'm doing OK too... had a slight infection in one of my scars where a stitch wouldn't dissolve, but it looks to be clearing up thanks to antibiotics. I see my PS on Wednesday so I'll know more about any adjustments and when we can make nipples, etc.

I think of you all every day and send good wishes your way.

Hugs!

Ulla

and to be honest i dont know why DEAR AE AND UB NAMES DIDNT SHOW IN MY LAST POST,,I SWEAR I TYPED THEM...STRANGE!!!!!!!!!!!

LOVE U SISTERS

lvtwoqlt

I'm here at least for now. I didn't post much last week. trying to stay busy at work.

AE - glad to hear that you had fun at PinkStock. I have met with Brenda from NC a couple of times. She is about 20 miles from me. She took some funny yarn that I bought cheap but was unable to crochet, it does better knitted and MaryBeth said that she could use it for the Afghan project so I donated it to the cause.

Sue, I know that the periods are a PIA but as the others said, it shows that we are still young (my niece's husband didn't believe that I will be 48 in October). We need to just enjoy our youth. My surgeon brought up removing my ovaries because of the ovarian cancer in the family but he felt it best if I keep my ovaries for my bone strenght and if I have any problems removing them at that time. My sister had real PIA periods for about 18 months before she had to have her ovaries removed. Imagine having a period for 30 days straight every 6 months. Also Sue I love your hair, glad to see it is coming in nice.

I can't rememer who changed their avitars but I love the new picts.

Karen I will be praying for your family at this time. It is hard to lose a very close family member.

I am going to call Anne tonight, she is at her dad's place in Burke county and we are to meet in the morning and go to Asheville and meet Earleen (tattooist) I can't wait! I have my camera ready and will see if I can get picts to post.

I need to get back to work, Sorry I don't have time to post to everyone, but I am thinking about all of you.

Sheila

NancyD

Full work week for me, for the first time since sometime in June!

Karen, I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. Your family is in my prayers for strength to get through this time.

AE- I loved the pics from Pinkstock over on the other thread. Reminds me of one of my typical family reunions. 

Sheila - have a good time with Anne and Earleen. If PhotoBucket won't let you post on this website, you could put them up on Fumi's private site.

I'm getting closer and closer to finishing up my treatment (one chemo, then rads to do) so I'm starting to get more interested in reconstruction. I spent Saturday night dinner explaining the different methods to my family (adult's table). None of them knew there were so many. 

My mother never had recon for her mx. In fact, my father just told me that he doesn't ever remember seeing my mother's mx scar...she kept it very private, even from him. She died four years after her bc from another cancer. She was actually doing quite well with the bc treatment. Tamoxifen had just started being used as the standard treatment for hormone responsive bc, and she was taking that. She did not need chemo, and if lumpectomies were as routine as they are now, she would probably have only had that procedure.

If she had not been such a diehard smoker, she would likely still be alive today, as she was ten years younger than my father. So, please, anyone who still is addicted, give it a real shot at quitting. I'm hoping my non-smoker status will give me an extra boost to overcome the strange set of physical ailments that I seem to be shadowing from my mother. So far, I'm up to three.

Love to all.  

lvtwoqlt

Nancy if it was up to me I would post them but it is under the discression of the Internet Guru at the corporate office that dictates what sites we can go to or not. Chat rooms are off limits as well as personal sites. I have a password to Fumi's site and was able to look at the photos last year but they have since blocked that site as too graphic. I am fortunate that they have not blocked this discussion board (but chat room at bc.org is blocked). I have tried to look at some of the bra sites looking for new styles of bras but they are blocked also. I have already emailed picts to Jule and she posted them here for me, that may be an option.

sheila

livesstrong

Karen - my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family -

 " 

Anonymous

Oh, Karen! What can I say. I'm so sorry. We are here for you.

        

Wren, good to hear how your are doing. I've wondered about you, my fellow bird lady!

Sue, I agree about your hair and your butt...both adorable. I'm sooooooo glad you are beginning to have moments of feeling normal.

Ulla! You sound so much better, too. That's awesome.

Gorgeous picture, AE. I'm the angel on the lower right...I remember posing for it a few hundred years ago before I was born.

Nancy...you just never complain. I admire your attitude. You are approaching your last chemo! I'm amazed. It must be a great worry to keep following your mother's path, but you're determination to not smoke will be a big factor. You will follow a different path and be a cranky old lady one day. At my surgery a year ago, I was adamant about no recon. Flat is fine, imo. Now I'm revisiting that decision and will meet with a surgeon to discuss options because flat is fine if you are skinny. Flat is not fine if you lose that shelf that used to drape your shirts in a way that hid your belly.

Must run. Each person here remains daily in my heart and thoughts. Be well...

Judie 

my3girls

(((((((((((((Karen)))))))))))))) honey....I am so sorry you are going through this.  I lost my mom almost 5 years ago, so I know how difficult it is to watch one of your parents in ill health and dying. My thoughts and prayers are with you sweetie. Please know we are all here for you and we love you so much!!!!!!!!!!!! Just a quick hello....I am trying so hard to get things accomplished out in my yard today. I promise to read up on all the posts this evening when I have time!  I will fill you in on my wonderful night with Dennis!! I am IN LOVE!!! Sue...I love, love love your hair!! Do you straighten it?  It's so cute! I added a new avatar...but my hair is longer now...this was taken back in May. Well..your prayers and positive vibes must be working. I am waiting to hear from Olivia's agent...he called this morning, saying they wanted Olivia's size for making her costume...but it wasn't official yet!! So keep those positve vibes coming, until we get the final work. Mel..thinking of you honey! Much love...bbl xoxo Lisa

Shirlann

Judie?  Have you heard about the thingys?

Sue, you are thin enough, my goodness, you look about 14!  Do not diet until you get completely well, too much stress on your poor body.

Karen, my prayers and thoughts are with you as you journey through this difficult time.  I am so sorry.

Sheila, don't worry, we love to hear from you, any old way you can!

Ulla, sweetie, I will bring back a pix of me when I get a newer one.  But I have to lose a little weight first.  Until then, it is Cleo, she is thin.  hahaha

Nancy, I know exactly what you mean.  I have cancer (completely on my Dad's side), I have high blood pressure, (completely on my mom's side).  I feel like I am getting every freakin' thing either one of them ever had!  NOT FAIR!!!!

Sue, we need to work out where everyone is, so if you come over the pond, we can all be there.  So who is where?  I am in San Diego.

Hugs, Shirlann 

Anonymous

Seattle here.

No report on the thingies...they said 10 to 14 days and it's only 6 days today. Patience, Shirlann. I'm the one supposed to be antsy!!!

The "force" or whatever is with me today...

It's a beautiful day. I went for a long walk. I passed the store where I got my breast prostheses. On a whim, I stopped in to see if they might have a product I could use to make my fake boobs stick to my chest. Because I had a bilateral mastectomy without recon, there is nothing to anchor my bra in place and I constantly have to check to be sure my boobs aren't around my neck or in my armpit

The salesperson was wonderful, really trying to understand what I wanted and find solutions. She finally said that the ideal for me was one of the prostheses that stick to the chest. She showed me one, and I was thrilled...just what I want. Not too heavy, stick to the chest...I asked the price. $425 EACH! Medicare pays for one set every two years, so I'm not due, and I doubt they would be on the approved list.

Marjorie (my helper) said that the company that makes them is having its annual training workshop to certify fitters. They use models and I would qualify, but it is tomorrow and everything is probably set. Just for fun, though, she called the teacher, who gladly worked me in as a third model because I am a "bilateral". The pay is either a $75 gift card useable anywhere, OR......drum roll...........stickon prostheses and a bra! That's like nearly $900 worth of merchandise just for letting people measure my chest and try on different styles of boobs. Count me in. I also get a free lunch. I am now a highly-paid model. Eat your heart out Olivia!!!!

Judie!

portiasproudmom

Check you out, Judie!  You're a model!  I'm impressed!

Well, ladies (and UB), we met with the palliative care doctor at the hospital today.  She told us that there was a good chance my dad wouldn't live another 24 hours.  That was at around noon today.  If he hangs in there until tomorrow morning, they will evaluate him to determine whether he's stable enough to survive the ambulance ride home.  She pretty much told us that he'd be gone by the week's end.  He hasn't eaten in three days--how long can a person go without food??  He's holding onto water because they've taken him off the diuretics, so dehydration won't set in as quickly as it would otherwise.

This is all just so awful.  My heart literally hurts.

Love to you all,

Karen

portiasproudmom

AE, the angels are beautiful.  Thank you so much.  They touched my heart.

Love and hugs,

Karen

my3girls

Good morning sisters...heading off to work.  Thanks to Judie (the whiz!).  She made my avatar larger...so I wasn't so squished!  She gave me 3 to choose from...so I may change it up a bit later! Karen...my prayers are with you sweetie!! I hope you feel the love and support coming your way..wrapping around your heart to help it feel a little less pain.  I love you! xoxo Lisa