January Mastectomy

bookart

For anyone with lymphedema, try adding 400mcg of selenium - selenomethionine is the easy to absorb kind.  I've been on it for a couple of months, and I think it has really made a difference.  There are some studies that say it helps reduce problems with LE.  It doesn't hurt, at any rate.  Only don't take it if you are pregnant.  Just throwing that out there.

jizogarden

Hi ladies....been offline for a while. 

Andrew, Smudge and I went to Cape Cod last week and now I'm getting ready to begin teaching my classes.  I have lots of students this year so I'll be pretty busy

The Cape was wonderful....I was a little nervous about going because I had a second visit to the ER with a racing heart. But this time it was not as extreme and since having my blood pressure med doubled all seems to be good.  We walked a lot I felt pretty good....very little breathlessness....even when walking on the sandy beaches and over a few dunes  We saw humpback whales off shore; breaching, tail flapping and waving their fins!  It is such a blessing to see the whales they were pretty far off the coast but we could see clearly  We also saw many seals...the seals are so funny....they poke their heads out of the water and look right at you...it's hard to tell who's looking at who.....I'm sure they think we are very odd looking beasts  We ate lots of Wellfleet oysters (my favorite) and seafood until we nearly popped  We stay in a small rental on the bay....looking over the sea......  It was all so nice....walked and walked and walked..Smudge is exhausted /' . '\

Debbie congratulations on your book!  It looks like a beauty

Robin sorry your back on crutches...hope you heal up soon......

Kat sorry your divots are back.......and hope just one more round of tattoo ink gets you where you want to be....look forward to seeing the finished results  Hope your husbands stones resolve soon......

Becky my implants still feel very snug.  My implants were only 20cc's smaller than my TE's so I am still aware of them. I also have an annoying pain under my armpit...where my breast pocket connects to my ribcage.  I think this is scare tissue (maybe a nerve thrown in).  The same place was quite sore during the months that my TE's were in....and I hoped it would disappear when my TE's came out....but it didn't  I felt the pain all the time at first....now several months later I feel the pain on occasion.  If I wear my bra (no underwires) it keeps my implant from pressing against the spot.......when I take my bra off I can feel it......but it is better.  Hope this helps.  Oh and yes I still feel by implants all the time......I hope that as the pocket muscle relaxes they will feel less apparent.  Cross fingers....

I have thought on occasion that I wish I didn't have reconstruction....but I'm hoping the day will come when these bumps on my chest don't feel like such strangers...... 

Elaine....I hear ya!!!!!!!!

Sally so sorry to hear you not so DH is being so hard to deal with  I wish I had some way of making things better for you......I hope coming hear...talking to us helps....

Kim....my body wont tolerate tape at all!  So sorry your skin is so inflammed...hope it's better soon.  My doc used stitches only...the first few days when the incision needed covering he just placed gauze under a surgical bra. I sure looked like Frankenstein with all the little stitches..but it was my only option =/ Hope your feeling better by now

Kim hope you get your nips when you've healed enough....it's hard to be patient...think how far you've gone.....so much accomplished.....your almost done

So I'm ok.....looking forward to teaching tomorrow....but I do admit that I feel like my heart, the ER visits, and all the cardiac appointments stole most of my summer break

My apple blossom (watercolor) is finally done....at least my heart didn't get in the way of finishing this piece

 

 Healing and strength xox Laura 

bcincolorado

Laura:  How beautiful!  Thank you for sharing!

faithandfifty

Breath-taking.

Laura, I visited your blog and became FASCINATED with your work. I love seeing it come to fruition. So glad that you had restorative time at the beach.

I'm sure that you'll move carefully into your teaching schedule.

(((((((((Sally))))))))))))

Love to all of our team!!!!!!!

bookart

Laura - very nice work.  I've only finished one piece this entire 8 months since surgery.  Tomorrow is studio day, and I've decided to do a atypical piece - loose and fierce.  I think I have some emotions I need to work out before i can truly go back to my usual calm, almost zen-like works.

jizogarden

Thank so much Debbie, bc and all.... 

Debbie I enjoy your website very much....I especially like your angels ♥ 

Bookart I love your piece.....I work in more abstract/zen pieces as well and find they give me a release that is different from my more controlled pieces.  I have them on my website and on my section of digital art in Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/jizogarden/sets/72157623227752626/ I really love playing digitally and then using the studies for large pieces on paper. You will see one of my pieces done just after my surgery called "Surgery".  I would love to see more of your work...do you have a website or any place that they can be seen?  Did you use graphite to create this piece?

Got to get ready for the day....have a big class to teach today.....back to work.......

Best to all,

Laura 

faithandfifty

Off to Denver in the morn..... then on up into the mountains with our CO family which includes 3 grandsons: whoooohoooooo.

Everyone take good care of yourselves. Be kind. Be kind. Be kind.

xx00xx00xx00xx

Strength and courage.

Strength and courage.

Strength and courage.

bcincolorado

Have fun in Denver and the mountains!  I heard this morning the aspens are turning and it should be beautiful.

bookart

Debbie - I'm jealous!  I love the mountains, but it's been at least 10 years since I've been; lots of reasons.  Enjoy the fresh, crisp air and the aspens for me, OK?

Laura - this is my flickr page.  The drawings are charcoal on paper.  The most common question from other artists is "how do you keep them so clean?" and the answer is I'm incredibly anal about it on these.  So when I do a freer piece in pastel or paint, it's a real release.  I had a BS appointment Wed morning, and I'm sore today from all the poking and prodding she did.  I'm glad I got the one piece done before I got so sore.  I only have one studio day a week, if I'm lucky.  And I'm broke right now, which is another reason I'm doing loose pastels instead of my tight charcoals - I'm out of my good paper and can't afford any more right now.  I teach computer graphics, also - but I usually use Photoshop - I was curious as to whether you were using a drawing tablet with your software for your digital work.  It looks very free and fun - a real difference from your watercolors.

jizogarden

Morning Bookart,

I have been to your flickr site and love your work.  Your stone installations and floating spheres and drawings are all very meditative...controlled and transient.  Thanks so much for sharing your work.  

I found a simple program on line and that's where I play with most of my digital pieces.  I just use my fingertip on the touch pad of my computer.  I have a printer who is going to reproduce them for me in large scale on large sheets of watercolor paper...I look forward to seeing them off the screen and on paper.  Here's the program....you might enjoy it http://www.onemotion.com/flash/sketch-paint/ 

The nice thing about computer graphics is it doesn't cost us a thing  Unless we want to get it out of the computer.

I also work on my ipad and iphone with Brushes when I just want to play digitally.  Most of these digital pieces were done as studies for bigger paper pieces...either in graphite, charcoal or graphite dust.

Finding time to work now that summer break is over will be more difficult...once I start teaching time for my own work gets pushed more to the side...but it pays the bills and I do get inspired by my students....very lucky. 

thanks so much for sharing your work......it's powerful and beautiful......

strength and healing,

Laura 

jizogarden

Debbie enjoy the mountains.......I haven't been is so long.  My family is from Colorado.  We have an old family cabin in Estes Park....I have so many memories of the beauty, crisp air and mountains

Enjoy!

xox Laura 

burley

I think Sallly and I should move in together and combine houses...my husband just called me lazy.  ????  Because I didn't do much around the house for the month after I had both breasts removed?  Then during the 6 months I was going through chemo?  And now after I had implants put in 3 weeks ago?  I'm flabbergasted.  I had some choice words to say back to him which didn't go over well.  This should be a horrible, uncomfortable weekend.

Other than that......I'm doing fine.

neversurrender

{{Kim}} Start packing girl, you'll have to move to Ohio..I just couldn't take the heat our there

I'm sorry you are having to deal with his insensitivity now on top of everything else.  It is hard for me to understand this type of behavior from those who are supposed to be closest to us.

 Never Surrender !

jizogarden

Geez Sally and Kim.....so sorry your husbands are being such dicks! Scuze my french...maybe I should bite my tongue but this is just wrong on so many levels >=.(

(((((((((Be good to yourselves ♥)))))))))))))

Laura 

robinlbe

Oh, Sally and Kim....my heart hurts so much for both of you.  I can't imagine having such non-supportive husbands.  I was just at the most wonderful marriage seminar last night, taught by an old college friend and her husband (go to www.forkeepsministries.com for the website to learn more, if you're interested).....how I wish you and your hubbies could go......In the meantime, I will be praying that your husbands' hearts soften and truly understand all the physical, emotional, and womanly stuff you all have been through.  There is NO way they can truly understand, and like my own son - they can't put themselves in your shoes, and they aren't even trying.  Oops...sorry.  Shouldn't be so opinionated.

I have got to say....there are THE *MOST* talented ladies in this group....I am *so* impressed by all that you ALL can do!!!!!!  The art work by all of you is beautiful...so inspiring.  I couldn't draw a circle to save my life. 

As for the tightness of the chest...I'm there with the rest of you.  I'm a flatsie-watsie, but the tightness is *still* there....I wonder when (or IF) it's ever going to go away.....and get back to normal.  But I think I've come to the same conclusion as the rest of you.....I think we're going to have to come to the conclusion, that there is a new normal.  ugh.  Just like when a beloved familiy member dies.  It's never the same.  It never goes back to normal.  But there becomes a new normal.  We've lost a part of our life.  It will never go back to *that* normal...in any way, shape, or form.  BUT, we have life.  And for that, I'm grateful.

And hey....as of yesterday, I've been released OFF my crutches!!!! yippee   My ankle is still twice its size and looks as if it's wearing a huge donut (or something) around it, and most of the time my ankle and foot turns purple, but I *can* see improvement!!!  Can't stand on tiptoe, or wear heals, or even anything more than my special flip-flops or tennis shoes, but eventually I'll get there (I hope!!)  This has *only* been going on since the beginning of JUNE!!!!!!!!!

Komen walk, here, is in three weeks!  Hope i can walk then   Gina and I are going to the pre-walk kick-off dinner!!!!  together   We'll get pictures and try to get them posted.....

ALL of you (even if I didn't mention your name) are ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS  in my thoughts and prayers....with everything each of you are going through.....love you all!!.

blessings...robin

neversurrender

Laura, I just about wet my pants with your reply...love it...and it is soooooo true !!!!

frosty1

Sally and Kim -- I'm so sorry you are dealing with such difficult people.  They have to truly be in a bad place to take it out on you ... I hope they can come to grips with their issues. 

I know I haven't been on much lately ... I didn't have reconstruction so can't relate to a lot of your joy.  I finished chemo the end of June but still have Herceptin chemo drip every 3 weeks through the end of February.  And started Tamoxifen.  Don't want any estrogen starting back up and feeding that tumor.  And the weather in the PacNW was horrible this summer. 

Right now I have hair that is about 1/4" long but thick.  Looks like I have some sort of rad hairstyle.  Patches of gray.  We'll see what it turns in to.

Being a uniboober with no reconstruction I'm faced with a rubber boob.  Some days I can just feel it hanging there and it drives me nuts.  But I just can't face another surgery. 

Saw a guy with a "flash your boobs" bumper sticker -- I leaned over and asked my mom if she wanted to hold mine out the window.  We laughed so hard we cried.  It was a great release. 

Hugs to all

CinD

Good morning all!

Frosty, your flashing almost made me spit my coffee on the computer screen! Thanks for the laugh.

I'm sorry for those having problems.  Sally and Kim, I'm sorry about your husbands' behavior and hope that things change for the better soon. Maybe a swift kick in the butt would speed things up? 

Such lovely artwork! We really do have some talented people here.

Robin, congrats for getting off of the crutches. You probably want to run, hop and skip, but please take it easy.

I'm doing really well. I did something I never thought I would do, I joined a local breast cancer support group. I've never been a joiner, so this was new to me. These women are amazing! One has been a survivor for 23 years, others are approaching their 20-year mark.  Many seem to have the same wicked sense of humor I see in so many of us, so I felt right at home. They don't dwell on the disease but just enjoy living. It is great to sit across the table from someone who you can discuss cancer with who doesn't give you "the look." And, they truly understand.  The group has helped me to make the transition from patient to survivor by showing me that many go on to lead long, healthy lives after cancer.

I'm also making a habit of meditating, which seems to be helping a lot. I'm calmer and sleeping better.  And, I'm back to walking with my Leslie Sansone walking DVDs and doing some non-strenuous yoga.  It feels so good to move the body again.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Cindy

bookart

Sorry for insensitive mates - I think that there is a limit to most people's understanding and forebearance with any illness or disability that goes on for more than a few weeks.  Their own fear and self-involvement gets in the way.  Some people have more patience, some don't.  But name calling and acting out - that's just childish.  I expect that from my teenager, not my spouse.  They need a reality check. 

At my BS appointment on Wed we discussed whether I should have a PET/CT scan or not.  I was concerned because I recently went through my late mother's pathology reports and her dx was the same as mine - DCIS grade 3; they never found anything in her other breast, but she ended up with mets to the bone and eventually brain and she died just 5 years from dx.  BS said that happens in very small percentage.  BS said unless I was showing some symptoms such as new and persistent fatigue, joint/bone pain that does not have an apparent cause and lasts for two weeks or more (not like pulling weeds and having a sore back), or headaches that re-occur, again without cause, that PET/CT scans have too much radiation (I think she said 140 chest x-rays worth) to be worth it for "just in case".  So now I at least know what to watch out for, and I know that if it comes back, it just is how it goes.  We can only do so much.  I know my mother had pain in her lower back that her internist treated as a bladder infection (due to a glichy hysterectomy) for at least 6 months.  I remember her oncologist being mad and saying that anyone with a history of cancer that had back pain that persists should get checked out, even if it seems to have another possible cause.  Just thought I would share this with all of you - it was really bugging me for awhile.  But I've decided I can't live in a state of constant vigilance.  That stupid phrase - "it is what it is" - that's how I feel most of the time - new normal and all. 

bcincolorado

frosty:  I love that idea!  Made me laugh too!

bookart:  WOW!  I can't believe they have that much radation in those tests!  How scary!  Would an MRI help at all?  I know I have "stupid boobs" (dense tissue) and had an MRI done before my uni-mx to make sure nothing was on the "good side" hiding that the mamo didn't pick up.

bookart

MRI is for soft tissue; CT scan includes bone - BS can easlily mets to bone.

Lynbob

Mornin' Glories  

It has been a long time. I have been in a whirlwind of activities with the kids with school starting, doctors appointments, sports, etc... Please note that none of this was for me, just the kids!  Now that some of the smoke has settled I thought I had better check in with my January Team. I have missed a bunch!  Please know I am here with you, encouraging, crying with you and cheering us all on! Go Team January!

"there are THE *MOST* talented ladies in this group"  ~ I was thinking the very same thing!  I am in awe of all of you. And Brenda, *snort*, thank you for my laugh of the day!

Debbie, the gloriest of mornins' thanks for always checking up on me {hugs} 

Our local Komen Walk is Saturday September 25th. My kids and I are walking. Well, I am going to try. My knee has been pretty gnarly lately and the lymphedema is way out of control. I have been fitted for a sleeve, glove and socks. I feel like I am swelled up like a poisoned dog :-/  Elaine, I am going to check out the selenomethionine, thank you.

Love you ladies {hugs} Go Team January!

burley

Does anyone else have some "lumps" in their new boobs?  At first, I thought it might be the edge of the implant...but that doesn't make sense, since the implant is round.  Maybe it's scar tissue?  Right in my armpit.  I don't my PS for another 3 weeks, so I'm curious if anyone else has some lumps and bumps...

Claire82

could it be clogged ducts?

are you seeing a PT?

msphil

hello honey, you and family are in my prayers, I too lost my dad, he was my best friend, and I was diagnosed while making wedding plans but for the Grace of God,I made it through and married 16 yrs and cancer free for 16 yrs so God does not put on you more than you can bear and HE sees us through our trials and tribulations.  msphil 

ariesrottie

Good morning January Sisters...

Just sitting thinking how in December I found you girls... You helped me through so much... I was concerned about Senior activities for my son. DD going to new college, Bon jovi concerts and my 25th wedding anniversary .... Well they are all here and done.. Today we celebrate 25 years of marriage. I know this has been rough and some of us have had their ups and downs.... I still pray for all my sisters... That they are well and happy.

Tomorrow pre -op testing for surgery on the 28th... 

Wishing everyone a happy day. I will check in on you girls later.

Love, Donna 

neversurrender

Hello Donna !  Happy Anniversary !  What are you having done on the 28th? 

Lynbob

 Donna, the 28th is your hysterectyomy, right? Are you having it done vaginally or laparoscopy (sp?)

pbebow

Hi Ladies!  I tried to read everything and get caught up but I just don't have enough time, I'll be leaving soon and I have been thinking about you all and wanted you to know that I am here, at least for a minutes...  life seems to have taken over... new job, kids in school, soccer, gymnastics, bowling (yep, I'm bowling again... the first ball I threw was a strike!)... but this will be my last week for a little while, I am having surgery again on Friday.  After taking the summer off I went back to my PS on Monday and he really feels that we need to exchange the 450cc implants out for 550cc implants along with doing the fat grafting.  He said that the extra volume will push my boobs up and help to fill in my very significant divots/step off and then along with the fat grafting, I'm hoping to be happier.  The step off really has been bothering...   Anyway, so that is this Friday, guess I'm going bigger afterall!  After all of that whining about wanting to be bigger and then I decided I was happy with the size and now I'm going bigger!  haha!  You just never know!  So, Kim, don't give up, if you truly aren't happy with the size (but do give it time to drop and fluff, it is amazing!), let him know, you aren't done until you feel that you are done!

Anyway, gotta run, I'll be back!

Paula

faithandfifty

Just flew in from our nearly-a-week in the Rockies.

Daughter picked us up with the wee wonders at the airport. Son-in-law had stopped off at my hubbsters office to pick up an over-nighted package containing two advance copies:

It's a book!!

It's a book!!

It's a book!!

I'm now headed to the fridge to open our box-of-wine.

oh, how I wish everyone could stop by tonight.

I'm sitting here giggling.

Smiling ear-to-ear.

Jumping for joy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If I was ever capable of cart wheels, now would be the time.

xx00xx00xx00xx