January Mastectomy

KatRNagain92

Hi All..

Very important late breaking news!  Today at my appointment I was telling the PS about my red circles under my incision lines.  It turns out that when I laid out for 20 minutes (20 minutes!) I put myself at a huge risk.  The red circles are sun burns and he has known women who have burned complete holes through their skin flaps and their implants!   OMG!  I had no idea.  I've been tanning all my life...always laid out in the sun.  I guess one little bikini top to separate your precious new foobs is not enough!  He said whenever I am out in the sun I need to wear multiple layers over the foobs...and never black!  What a deal.  How is this going to work if you ever want to go to a pool?  He said he knows of a gal that went to the Talladega (sp) and was there all day in just a tank top (no bra) Since she was numb (like all of us) she didn't even know this was happening!  Burned a complete hole through her skin and her implant needed to be replaced.  Her skin was worse than a radiation burn and needed grafting.  I'm just sick...but also grateful that I only was out for 20 minutes and didn't do permanent damage.  Be careful out there mowing Paula!  E-gads.   He also said that gals who have DIEPs are even more at risk...why I don't know but just be careful out there!

The appointment otherwise went well.  My right side is longer than my left now but he does agree I should start wearing a bra.  I can also start massaging in a circular motion: 
In-up-out-down and repeat.  He didn't say what to do about the longer side except respect the process and wait it out.  I see him again in a month and we'll talk nipples then.  He said I don't have to be put under (unless I want fat grafts which I don't) so YaY to no more anesthesia!  

The scar treatment he recommends is Kelo-cote.  https://www.kelo-cote.com/  He said it was almost pure silicone and of course paraben free.  I'm going to order some online tonight.  I still have steri-strips on but I'll let those come off naturally. 

Cathy...I'm a huge fan of Tamoxifen but I know I'm in the minority...it might not hurt to try it for a couple of months.  I sleep better than I ever had (I take it at 8pm every night) and I've lost weight.  It also makes me feel like I"m doing something to prevent a recurrence...I was so full of estrogen I wonder if 20mg is enough to eradicate it all!  I actually get another estradiol level drawn in August so I'll be anxious to find out how I"m responding to it.

Well, good luck tomorrow Becky! 
Sorry about your family issues Maura!  I'll pray for your brother and for strength for you.

Hang in there Team January...it's almost June! 
Kat

Anonymous

Becky, good luck tomorrow.  Let us know how you are doing when you feel up to it.

Maura sorry for everything you are having to go through.  We are here for you if you need to vent.

Almagetty, Welcome!  This is a scary time right now, but you will feel so much better once you are on the other side of this.  This group of ladies, we call "Team January" was a God send, and helped tremenously.

Kat, thanks for the heads up on suntanning! OMG, I had never heard or read anything about this. I wonder if it is because you are so numb and don't feel yourself getting burnt? and in the case of DIEP, your stomach is also numb.  I think that lessens over time, but I know myself right now my belly area is very numb.  How is yours Sally?

Have a good night ladies, sleep well.  I slept in my bed last night for the first time since I have been home.  Nice to move from the reclining sofa and the recliner.

Take Care

Cathy

ariesrottie

January sister! I miss you... Hope everyone is well... You are in my prayers everyday.

Kat- How did you make out today....

Becky--{{{Hugs}}}

EVERYONE- {{{ HUGS}}}

Went to the PS on Friday- He gave me another fill. up to 650cc.. Is that a lot???? My TE hurt, got a new bra and they are doing so much better..... To under wire or not to under wire... Under wire feels better with the new fill.. Going back on June 8th to schedule my exchange. I really want to finish with this......But more important I WANT MY HAIR BACK!!! That's got to be the worst for me... Wearing this wig in the temp..... Not fun... Don't have the courage to go wingless.

When we started this journey. I was so upset for having this horrible disease, Chemo and hair loss... I knew I had to do things. I am doing the things that need to be done. Tomorrow is BON JOVI at Giants Stadium. Going Thursday and Saturday also... Can't wait... My son's Prom is next Friday... So alll the things that I needed to do I am doing.... It's you girls that got me through this... I thank you.

Hope everyone is helaing... You are all in my thoughts and prayers morning and night time.

Love,

Donna

pbebow

Cathy, congrats on sleeping in bed!!!  Whoohooo!  That is a huge milestone!  I was so happy when I made it back to bed... after my exchange my DH asked if I was going back in the recliner and I said NO WAY!!!!  Have been in bed ever since!  Love it!!!

Donna, I'm so sorry about the hair and wig, I can't imagine wearing a wig in this heat.... maybe a soft thing scarf would feel better?  I Dont know, just a thought!  So happy that you are going to see Bon Jovi - twice!!!  Rock on!!!  Blow him a kiss for me!  I've never seen him in concert but would like to someday.  Yes, life does go on and we have to go with it!  And let's make the best of it!  We know all too well how it can change in a heart beat!

Bless you all Team January!!!!

Paula

binga

DONNA- Wow, girl I though I was Bon Jovi's number 1 fan but I think you have outdone me.  It must be amazing to see him at Giants Stadium. Of course I am of the mindset that it is pretty darn amazing to see him anywhere!  I was 15 the first time I saw him in concert and he just gets better and better!  I hope you have a fabulous time.  You deserve it!

Thanks to everyone for all the well wishes for tomorrow.  I got a call from the surgery center today and my nips are scheduled for 4pm but I have to be there at 1 to register and the worst is that even though it is only planned as a local they don't want me to eat anything after midnight and nothing at all after 7am just in case.  I am pretty bummed about that!  Oh well, as you said Paula, this too shall pass!

Becky 

faithandfifty

Call me simple-minded.

Or maybe just a bit dingy.

I simply love to come on at the end of a long day

and see so many posts from so many of our team.

Just checking in.

Doesn't need to be upbeat. Reality is fine.

Even when it's challenging.

It just brings me such a sense of calm to hear from so many.

We are indeed a team.

I haven't read the other "month" teams.

I hope that they are supportive & caring.

Almagetty. You can do this.

You're welcome to be our tag-along.

Thanks for introducing yourself.

Yesterday at my PT appointment, she measured my shoulder (that's been frozen) and I am 'suddenly' able to move it to 158 degrees. Literally less than a month ago it was at 105 degrees. So that is indeed getting better. It's not just my imagination. Oh HAPPPPPPPPY day.

Ever onward team.

Ever onward.

xx00xx00xx00xx

Strength and courage.

Strength and courage.

Strength and courage.

*****Oh, Laura. Your iris photo was simply breath-taking. Glorious. Beautiful. So Georgia O'Keefe. The colors nearly had me in tears, when I pulled it up on my laptop. (I'd had a peek on my cell phone on the drive home.) Thank you sooooooo much for sharing it. Please, please, please remember to share your treatment in paint. I'll look forward to that. Simply inspirational.

neversurrender

Wow, what a chatty bunch today   Debbie I agree, I love when I check in and there are so many new posts !

Cathy, I am numb about and inch or 2 above and below my ab incision.  My breasts have much more feeling.  I only have a few small spots on my breasts that do not have sensation, and the circle of skin from my abdomen.  Absolutley take it slow and easy.  You don't want to pull anything or set yourself back.  Patience is the key for diep.  You will feel close to normal a long time before all of your restrictions are lifted, and it will be tempting to do things---but you must be patient .

Kat - I had never heard about the issue with the sun.  I will add that to my list of questions for my PS.  I am very happy to hear that all went well at PS.

Maura - sorry you are having so a rough time.  It is good to hear from you.

Becky - good luck tomorrow !

Donna - enjoy your concerts !   I am so thankful that I found this board also....Team January kept me sane !

To all Team January, have a restful night.

Robin and Brenda, haven't heard from you two lately.  Pop in and say hi when you have the chance.

Oops almost forgot.....enjoy lawnmowing - no     laughing gas - yes 

faithandfifty

Today while I was in MI.

My grands were caught in the same pic frame, At the park.

Nearly looking in the same direction.

Thought you might like an extra smile.

bcincolorado

formykids:  Good luck at your onco appointment tomorrow!  I hope it goes well.  You'll have to let us know what he says.

Sunshow:  {{{hugs}}}  I'm sorry you are dealing with so much with your brother and your dad's estate.  It is hard at any time of life to deal with those issues but especially when you are recovering from cancer.  I didn't go to Catholic school (I'm a Lutheran) but still am pretty conservative and shy about things.  I am not one to even want to see photos or post them.  I have a hard enough time with the "mug shots of my chest" that I had to take at the PS office!

faithandfifty:  How precious!  Thanks for sharing!

All this talk of laughing gas is almost making me willing to go to the dentist for my cleaning after my exchange and hope I have some cavities so I can get some!

 jizo:  Love the mowing with laughing gas idea!  As long as you had a push mower you'd be ok since you wouldn't be "driving under the influence"!

burley:  Enjoy the teenager while you have them home!  Mine left and now we are "hiring out" to get ours done.   Oh to have my boy home again!

almagetty:  I had a left mx with TE placement (after 2 lumpectomies) and will do exchange June 11th.  So I'm a "uni" too!  There are a few of us around.  You are welcome here, even though you are a June person.  If you need more support, I'm sure any of us are willing to respond to any questions you have in a PM about our experiences that might help calm your nerves.  There is light at the end of the long tunnel!  Hang in there!

Paula:  You were using a roto-tiller?  WOW!  Those are tough to handle!  Good for you!

Kat:  Thanks so much for the info on sunburn dangers!

pbebow

Let me just say that the rototiller was not a good idea!  I am quite sore this morning in the boobage area... I think that might've been a little too much too soon.  But my guys wouldn't do it for me, kept saying "I'm not doing it, this is your deal" so I had to show them... see if they get any of my salsa or jalapeno jelly this fall!!!!  My DS did end up helping me in the end, but I did half of it too...  He seemed more concerned about my welfare then DH, or should I say H....  I shouldn't be too upset, he is a farmer and this is his very busy time, so he doesn't have a lot of time... but it irritates me anyway.

I just keep thinking about the no sunning thing and I just don't like it!  Plus, when you look at a lot of the pictures, there are so many women that have bikini tan lines, so they are obviously out in the sun.  Obviously we have to be a little more careful, but that is crazy that he thinks you burned in 20 minutes, through a swim suit?!  I just don't get it...  I don't like it!

Hmmm, maybe I shouldn't post today, seems I am very negative, maybe I woke on the wrong side of the bed today!  

Try to have a good day ladies, I'll try to cheer up!

Paula

TNgolfer

Kat,

I responded to your post of the EC thread.  I can only think that the example your PS used was an extreme case and there had to be other circumstances.  I agree we all need to be careful in the sun, but I am going to research this one.....going to see what implant mfr's have to say about it.  It may have something to do with the heat reacting with the silicone, but those implants are pretty protected under those muscles. 

I was by the pool most of yesterday and while the rest of my body is a beautiful brown, those thighs and upper chest are pink today!  My implants are fine --- nothing fried or boiled or exploded.  Just can't believe that the sun could burn through clothing....

Thanks for sharing the info, but I am going to check it out -- you know me.....have to find out why and how often it might occur and under what circumstances.

Marianne

pbebow

Oh Marianne, please bring us back some good news!!!  I am very upset over this whole thing... this could've been a deal breaker for me in making my BMX decision, it was never mentioned... nor has my PS ever mentioned it since.  I am so hoping that it was an extreme case.  I'll be honest, I am sitting here typing in my bikini (no, I am NOT bikini worthy, but there isn't anyone around aside from my 5 year old son to see) and I was outside basking in this beautiful sun!!!  I wasn't out for too long, because my son got tired of swimming and I'll only allow myself to lay around and be lazy while I have to be there watching them swim anyway, otherwise, I have to get back to work.  But it was a lovely 20 minutes, will probably keep it on for a while in case he decides to swim again before school.  And there is always after school, they'll both be in there swimming then!  Yay for sunshine!  I really need to get this lilly white belly some color, everything looks better when it's tan, right?  right?  please tell me I'm right!  Okay, maybe sun and lipo!!! haha!

Paula

jizogarden

Kat thanks so much for the scar gel.  My gp says the main thing is to keep the scar hydrated and out of the sun  I've been happy with calendula cream I use...my skin likes it and I have no allergic reaction to it.  But this silicone sounds interesting  I'll give it a try.

I'm wondering if the sun warning is aimed at all the bc patients who have had to have radiation...skin is so much more sensitive......  My sun bathing days are far behind me...so I'm not freaking out

Faithandfifty love the photo of the beautiful grandchildren!

Good luck tomorrow Becky! 

Healing and strength to all,

Laura 

binga

Finally home from my surgery.  It only took about an hour but we had to go to 2 CVS pharmacies to find my antibiotic.  It went well and I the only thing I felt was the first shot of lidocaine.  It made me a little nervous that I felt it but after that the only thing I could feel was the pulling of the stitches.  I have to see the PS tomorrow.  Right now I have these weird nipple shields on and I sure hope he doesn't expect me to wear them long.  I can see them through the shield a little and they look huge.  His resident told me that shrink down to about 1/3 of the size they are now.  Boy I hope so!  I'll post pics when I can.

Let me know the low down on the sun exposure too!  I am a lot more careful now than when I was younger but I still like to get a little bit of color.

Becky 

burley

No sun for this white gal!  You'd think I would be tan living in Arizona, but I'm just plain tired of the heat after being born here.  Plus with the chemo, I'm much more susceptible to a sunburn so I have to be careful.

Going camping this weekend, so I may get a little bit.  It will be so nice to get away from the house for a few days.  I definitely need a change of scenery.  Normally I indulge in alcohol while we're camping, but this time I won't be.  We'll see how much fun I am! 

KatRNagain92

Oh good Becky!  Glad to hear things went well....any bedside manner stories for us?   Glad you didn't feel it...well hardly at all anyway.  I asked my PS if he could just plan on making them as flat as he can. (he just laughs at me)  He said out of all the nipples he's ever done only 2 women asked him to make them flatter after 6 months.  When I look at everyone's nips on the the picture forum I'm convinced with each set that it's the right thing to do for me....so I'm pretty excited:)

Sorry your crabby today Paula...did you know there's a huge Jupiter Saturn opposition out there? and add to that a full moon?  My goodness, Given all that, I think you're doing great!   I admire you green thumb gals.  I know you get a lot of satisfaction from gardening and I can't wait for your pepper jelly!

On the sun thing....I truly think I picked the worse time of the day.  I wanted to wait until church got out (because I can see the parking lot from my back yard and I didn't want to you know...expose them to this) so it was 12:15 on the hottest day...no breeze at all.  Just the sun searing down on the same spots for 20 minutes.  (I can't lay on my stomach and I was afraid if I tried to get on my side I would fall out of the chaise lounge.  I had on a black strapless bikini.  The lower lobes are much more exposed and the skin is still more fragile in it's stretched state.  When you think about it too....you laying (lying whatever) in one position and the implant is presenting the rounded 'circular' portion of it.  To make two perfect red circles directly under my incisions makes sense to me that the implant was acting as a damn magnifying glass.   In any event, I'm so glad you're on it Marianne!  Thanks for researching this....if the worst thing I have to do is throw away that particular bikini then I will.  I'm hoping to play golf maybe on Saturday...maybe just 9 holes but I wanted to wear a sleevless polo so we'll see.  

Laura, I wish you could come over and help me bra shop!   The bras I ordered haven't come in yet and I need to go for a bra fitting.  Maybe this weekend.  I'm going to see if there is a Nordstroms in Bloomington. 

Debbie, those babies are beautiful and look a little like Grandma!

Sweet Dreams Team January
(I'm sleeping on my side again!  whoohoo!)

Kat

bcincolorado

Kat, I'm so jealous!  I just can't get there.  Maybe after exchange. 

Anonymous

Debbie your grandchildren are adorable! Thanks for sharing the picture.

Becky glad you are done and seem to be recovering well. Thanks for sharing the details, this kind of information always helps the ones coming behind you on what to expect.  Sounds like it is not too bad, with the exception of the size until they calm down.

Kim hope you can get out and just enjoy the weather and the camping with your loved ones.  It has been a tough time for you and you deserve to have some fun.

Kat I am soooooo jealous, I so wish I could sleep on my side.  I think I will have to wait a few weeks before even trying.

I went to oncologist today and it went pretty well, I guess.  Looks like there will not be any tamoxifen for me, he said I am post menopausal. Hmmmmmm, I was a little suprised.  I am only 47, and although I have been experiencing hot flashes and not had periods since November and time before that March 2009, I thought that it may have been more to do with stress. I had blood tested for hormone levels and he said they are post menopausal.  So it will be armidex for me.  I will have to do some research on that. He wants me to start right away, but I think I am going to give my body a little more of a chance to heal from this surgery, before giving it something else to deal with.  He had also checked my vitamin D levels and they are in the normal range.  I was about to increase my IU from 1000 to 2000, but he said thats not necessary.

Sleep tight

Cathy

cewoliver

I was wondeing if any body else has been diag. with A.S. after breast cancer. I had never heard of it until my diag. I had all the symptoms though and just thought it was a part of the osteo. following tmts and hysterectomy . I am now on methotrexate . Hope that it works for me although I now think I will just add milk to my daily dose of pills. I would have never believed I would be in this shape 5 years ago. I ran 3 miles a day. Oh well God is still Good always just get a little of that I feel sorry for me sometimes and I do not have anybody I will share that with. So thanks for letting me vent . Elaine

robinlbe

Hi J-team laides

It has taken me several days to get caught up on everyone's ventures, adventures, surgeries, updates, sunburns, etc, etc.....but I feel as if I'm back in the loop now.  (thanks for those who noticed my absence...I feel loved ) 

Nothing new to report here....just more swelling, puffiness, arms aching...gets worse after a day of teaching and/or wearing the bumps.  I have a call in to an LE consult in the cancer group.  Hope I get an appt. when the puffiness is at its worse.

BUT, I am grateful...when I read about those of you going through chemo and wigs and all, I realize I have *nothing* to complain about....a continuing tight chest and this puffiness is nothing.  It's like when pregnant ladies would complain about being uncomfortable in their final months and MY baby was in the NICU on a ventilator fighting for her life.  I would have done *anything* to have been pregnant and miserable.  So, I'm sure you all would rather be chemo-less and uncomfortable....because you're probably uncomfortable anyway.....

That being said, it's the final countdown of school....I'm in three schools, and I have 5th graders in all the schools, and each school has their 5th grade graduation at different times....so that is next week...busy, busy.  At one school, we're playing handchimes, and when I asked if we could play in the hallways during our classtime, the principal asked if we could have a mini-concert at the beginning of the day for the entire school (600+ kids)...so we're doing that tomorrow.  Apparently no music teacher has done this there before....so I'm kind of excited (and nervous!!) 

At one of my schools, I teach alongside a kindergarten teacher who was MY 2nd grade teacher.  This school has the same name as the school I attended, and is on the same land, but is a new building (they tore the original building down)....anyway, when I had this lady in 2nd grade, she left mid-year for a maternity leave.  I cried and cried and cried.  She is teaching K now, and is finally retiring....she turned 70 in March of this year.  Can you believe it?!?!?  She *really* doesn't want to retire, as she just LOVES teaching and loves her kiddos....she's not letting anyone make a big to-do about her, and won't attend anything retirement-related. 

Ok....now, see...arent' you glad I'm not on here every day??? Once I get started, I can't stop..ha!

Oh, hey...btw...I have a friend who wrote me last night....she's a little worried, and I wanted to see if any of your BC was caught this way....she has an area in her breast that is sunken in and it's tender.  I *think* I remember reading of others whose BC was caught like this, but I cant' remember exactly.  She is having to wait a WEEK for a mammo....her gut feeling is that it's BC, so I've told her about this site....just in case.  But I was wondering if any of you had this...  Mine wasn't.  Mine was found with calcifications on the routine mammo.

Have a great day, ladies...we're enjoying sunshine here, but I can't get out without being miserable because of the tree and grass pollens ...

blessings...robin

TNgolfer

Robin,

Not to alarm anyone, but it is known that "any change in the breast" can be a sign of bc.  I was prompted to go in a little early for my annual mammogram because the nipple seemed to be changing direction....it looked like it was trying to turn inward.  Nothing showed on the mammo and only a slight suspicion on the sonogram; 2 needle biopsies were benign....but I had a very diligent breast surgeon and she did a hook-wire excisional biopsy and resulted in the diagnosis (it was pleomorphic invasive lobular carcinoma).  Locular carcinoma (in the lobe vs the duct) presents in only about 15% of bc and is harder to detect.  Advise your friend to be diligent; my breast surgeon's philosophy was "something" is causing the change and in her 20+ years as a breast surgeon, I think she knew from the beginning.  The key is finding the right physician.

Still researching the "sun" issue.....so far the sun is definitely a no-no for those who have had radiation and are going through chemo and also those on certain medications....still tracking down the correlation with the implants....

Y'all have a great day!

Marianne

bcincolorado

Cathy, That is interesting they decided you are post-meno now.  I had been told by my team that until I'm 1 year with no period they won't declare me post-meno.  I know all the meds have their own side effects.  Hope yours goes well.  I think there is a thread for people on other meds too so you can compare se.  Hope they are few.

Elaine:  I think none of us realize the impact all of this is taking on our bodies.  I have no energy and used to work out every day in some form at least walking 1+ miles at a minimum and doing areobics (I just love my Richard Simmons tapes--I know cheesy!).  Since my first biopsy in August I've had no energy at all and it has been one surgery after another.  And one pound after another.  I just know at some point it will get better and I'll be able to move faster and sleep better and get into shape again.  I'm sure you will get there too.  Try to not get too discouraged, you are definitely not alone.

Robin:  Great to hear from you!  It is defintely a busy time of year for teachers.  I hope all your end of the year concerts go well.  I'm sure traveling to all the different schools is tiring on you too.  Just don't over-do and take care of yourself.  That teacher retiring at 70 doesn't surprise me.  It seems like people who teach have such a heart for the kids and just love them so much and don't want to leave.  It is such a special calling to teach.

I hope all my January sisters have a great day!

jizogarden

Kat, thanks for the Kelo-cote information....did I already say this...I'm completely lost.  I wish I was closer...I would love to go bra shopping with you.

Robin nice to hear from you...glad all is going "well"

Elaine I agree with bc....I have also put on at least 10lbs between diagnosis, surgeries and today I look forward to being off restrictions and moving again.  I know my pocket work still has some tender spots and I shouldn't push it....so I am trying to be good.  I think we all just want our lives back.....your not alone....we can do it

Cathy hope you get to sleep on your side soon.  I started sleeping on my side as soon as my drains came out after my dmx.  Gingerly at first...more of a 3/4 side sleep instead of a full on side. Since my exchange side sleeping has been fine...I think it even helps encourage my implants to stay forward

Healing and strength to all,

Laura 

TNgolfer

Ladies,

After Kat's warning about sun exposure, I did some research and posted the results on the exchange city thread.  But the summary is this.....it has nothing to do with implants.  It has to do with the surgical disruption of our skin.  Skin has been (or is being stretched with TE's), blood vessels have been disrupted, nerve endings cut, etc etc, so the characteristics of the skin have changed and may be more sensitive to sun exposure.

Use at least SPF 30 and be careful, but enjoy the sunshine!

Marianne

burley

Thanks for the sun info, Marianne.  Very good to know!  Not that I plan on being in a bikini (or even a bathing suit) anytime soon, but that all makes a lot of sense.

Robin-good to hear from you!

I've been sleeping on my side forever now, it seems.  I can't fall asleep any other way.  And my TE's are spaced far apart.  I don't care.  I just deal with it.  Plus I wear a sports bra at night, so it's not like they're going anywhere.

I haven't exercised since before the surgery.  I'm basically a slug.  But the chemo has made me lose my appetite, so I've lost about 8 pounds since this all started.  I'm wondering if I'll put it back on with the Tamoxifen.  I look better with a little more weight on me, so hopefully I'll put some back on once I can start tasting food again.

I hope everyone has a great evening!

neversurrender

Hi ladies !  It has been a busy week here with working and trying to get all of us packed and ready to go for the weekend.  My youngest DD left this evening for WV to spend the long weekend with my parents.  I will be taking middle DD and going to Canton Mi for a soccer tourney, and DH will be taking oldest DD and heading to South Bend In for a soccer tourney.  So much for a fun, relaxing holiday weekend.  Well, it will be fun....all the parents hang out together in the hotel and have a few drinks and talk all night.  But so much driving !

It is good to see so many of our Team January posting.  I love to see what is happening with everyone.  I hope you all have a wonderful holiday weekend.  Kim, enjoy your camping !  Robin - so good to hear from you (don't stay away so long!) Debbie - grandbabies are beautiful !  Marianne - thanks for the sun info, I guess due to it being a skin disruption, it probably will affect us diep girls also.  Cathy - continue to heal !  Kat - have your red areas disappeared ?  You are all in my thoughts. 

Hugs Team January !

bcincolorado

I'm so glad so many of you are out ther enjoying life!  It is encouraging that there is a "regular life" at the end of this long tunnel!

For those of you going away, may you have a safe long holiday weekend!

KatRNagain92

Good morning ladies,

bcincolorado...sleeping on your side is nice but still completely over-rated.  When I wake up in the morning, the first thing I do is lift my pj top to check out the girls and inevitably, they're all shmooshed up with lines and bumps.  They take about an hour to 'iron' out back to looking half way normal.  I did similar to what Laura did and slept partially on my side before going all the way....try lots of pillows because even with my TE's I was doing well on my side. 

Kim, I've been losing weight too and it's somewhat alarming since I'm not on chemo.  The Tamoxifen hasn't caused weight gain for me yet and I'm saying it's just the opposite.  I too like a little extra weight...being too thin ages you I think.  With the holiday coming up maybe I can add a couple of pounds...from the beer cart if nothing else!

Marianne, thanks for your research on the sun exposure.  No more black bikini for me! 

Becky, how are the nips?  Hope you're healing well.

I also hope everyone has a great Memorial Day Weekend!  For the past almost 10 years, our small town (population 6,000) hosts the famous annual 'Summer Camp' and it's a bit like Woodstock.  Seriously...thousands of people (who don't bathe for 4 days) in a huge field all flock to Chillicothe...Now, I like a good hippie as much as the next guy but being a 'townie' with 15,000 people swarming in and out of your grocery store, gas stations...it gets positively filthy by Monday when they all leave.  The music is good though and we can hear it from our porch...last year they had Willie Nelson.  Oh, and you wouldn't believe the number of cops!  It's good revenue for us all the way around though with citations and purchases...it's just better when it's over.  I'm not a huge fan but I know a lot of folks that go to it.

Well be careful out there..it's a jungle you know!
Have a good one,
Kat

jizogarden

Marianne, thanks so much for the research on sun and implants....it's good to know. I'm not much of a sunbather..but I am in the sun gardening, walking etc. So I'll be sure not to garden in a black bikini  hee hee

Kim, I can't imagine not being able to taste food and I know so many of you ladies go through this... my neighbor had throat cancer and he would imagine how food was going to taste and then it would burn his mouth and make him miserable  He was so sad.....now after time has passed he is enjoying all his foods again...but it sure was a rough patch. 

Sally.....you are going to be super soccer mom this weekend...I hope you enjoy yourself and your kids all have a wonderful time

bc...hope you have a good weekend...do something that makes you happy

How are you doing Becky....happy healing to you  

Kat, Willie Nelson from you porch!  Can I come! can I come!  

Today I will be cleaning house (lightly) and working on my iris painting.  We have nothing special planned just puttering in the garden, watercolors and chillin

Oh, quick update on boobies....I think I am definitely seeing fluffage...it will be 5 weeks since exchange this Monday. 

Hope all you January ladies have a nice weekend! 

Strength and healing,

Laura 

binga

Hi everyone.  I am doing pretty good.  I am having a little bit of pain.  It is not horribly bad but I am surprised at how much feeling I do have.  Not necessarily a bad thing.  I saw my PS yesterday and found out I am supposed to wear these nipple shields for 2 weeks.  They look ridiculous- like if you had a hollow hard plastic ball-cut it in half and tape it over your nipples.  Yeah- Madonna has nothing on me!  They are still bleeding a little so I have to wear a pad in my bra to catch any blood. After all this and I am padding my bra.LOL!

Wishing all of my Jan team a great weekend!

Becky