Yes, I am Breast Cancer Girl!!!

juli0212

veggy:  I 'presume' you are on thyroid medication for life now?  That also affects mood.  Makes sense to wait til your system adjusts to your surgery before retesting.  If you are changing antidepressants, you are bound to have various side effects.  Talk to your doctor if you don't feel any better though.  You don't need to feel that badly.  You DO deserve medical help.  Here's hoping that you feel better real soon...but if not, that's what we are here for!   Keep talking, girlie!

~juli

Anonymous

I'm on synthoid, generic version. BTW the results from the thyroid came back B9. I have a scar for nothing. I know I should be grateful it wasn't cancer but I could accept the scar better if it was. I called my health care counselor and my family doctor. I looked up effoxer withdrawl symptoms and discussed it with both of them. They agreed. I started up the new antidepressant today. My family doctor said to call on Thursday if I don't start feeling better. I just took some Maalox I had in the cabinet. I just remember that I got it when I was going through chemo. My headache feels like I walked full force into a wall. Ouch! Its time to cook dinner. Its nights like this I wish we had leftovers. With two teenage boys in the house that rarely happens.

Thanks for letting me vent and carry on.

juli0212

veggy:  I also have a 'Z' looking scar from my parathyroidectomy...and that was a redone surgery ON the scar, I look like the mark of ZORRO hit me!  (I did have a tumor that needed to be removed, as it was leeching calcium from my bones)...be grateful you did NOT have cancer (my tumor was benign as well).  It sounds like you are having withdrawal symptoms from the antidepressants?  So sorry about the head pain (I have daily migraines, I can relate).  And, gosh, 2 teenagers!!!   THAT alone is enough to warrant some venting/ranting!      Carry on...hope today is a better day for you.    ~juli

Anonymous

As my sister asked me this mornig... "Has my Eyeore cloud passed over me yet?" I replied "My little black cloud is starting to lighten up. Maybe the sun will return some day."

I called the doc and he said to start the next one. It took a few hours but I stopped crying. Today I have the swollen eyes, headache and back ache. I have to take my friend to the radiologist soon. She's stage 4. We are a miserable team.

Sending hugs to you!

Valerie

juli0212

Ah Valerie, now I don't have to call you veggy!  You are a good friend, very sorry to hear about her being stage 4.  Misery does love company.  Glad you called the doc, and hoping this will help, but remember it takes time to get in your system.  Take it 1/4 day at a time, that's what I have to do.  (((HUGS))) backatcha!    ~juli

Anonymous

Juli

Just got back from taking my friend to her appointment and shopping and shopping and shopping. I'm tired out. I did good shoppin until I saw dog food with pink ribbons on it. The I started looking at cards. Picked up and read one about cancer...wanted to rip it up. I'm just glad the stores didn't have pink bags for this month.

Somewhere along the line I ran out of patience. I used to sit and patiently wait when my son had to to for therapy (speech &occupational), homeschooling, chemo, test results, phone calls etc... I want a happy pill that instantly works. Wouldn't that be nice? So far today the crying has stopped but I have a nasty headache from yesterday.

Today for the first time in my life I went to a tattoo parlor. I felt that I was doing something really naughty! I wanted to see if they could just put a natural color over the black tats I got from radiation. He said no but he could give me a nice pink ribbon tattoo to conceal it.  No. No! NO! no pink ribons for me. He said tha he is learnig how to remove tats and ask back in a little while. I just want those black tats gone.

Hubby is taking me out for dinner tonight. Bought a frozen pizza at the store for the teenagers. We will be leaving in a half hour. I wish I knew how to post pictures here. I followed the instructions and it didn't work.

Hugs

Valerie

juli0212

Valerie:  It's good to read your posts, I really enjoy them.  Yeah, 3 1/2 years after radiation, my 'tats' are still there too.  And here they kept 'renewing' them each week, hell, do they EVER go away? 

OMG on the PINK stuff today after this thread...karma, huh?!!   :O   Yes, I also have VERY little patience since the cancer.  I simply don't tolerate things as well that are unnecessary.  So, I definitely hear ya there.  You have kids, so that makes it a bit tougher for YOU.

YAYYYY on the hubby taking you out to dinner~!   KUDOS to him and hope it helps you feel some better.  Sorry about the head pain, bet it's the change of meds.  Hope you rest well tonite after your dinner and get to relax with the hubby, and a better day tomorrow.  Wishing you always the best...you deserve it.   (I don't know how to post pics either, but someone on the hair,hair,hair thread offered to help, cannot recall who it was though?)

HAVE FUN TONITE girlie~!     (pink tattoo...pink dog food cans...arrrrghhhhhh!)    ~juli

Suzybelle

I am howling/feeling nauseated over the pink ribbon dog food and the tattoo guy...ugh and double ugh!!!!

juli0212

Sep 21, 2010 08:55 pm CoolBreeze wrote:

http://butdoctorihatepink.blogspot.com

I'm one year out now and documented it all. 

Just saw this on the 'blog' thread, LOVE the blog name!    ~juli
**DISCLAIMER:  I sent CoolBreeze a PM that I posted her blog on here**

1Athena1

Agreed - it's a great name!

Marple

We were going to have mushrooms with our steak tonight but alas, they were in a pink container.  My tolerence for pink things has hit an all time low.  We will do without the mushrooms. 

Great thread Suzanne.

And now my DH is sure beyond a doubt that I've completely flipped my lid because I had such a fit over the 'pink' mushroom packaging.  LMAO, he's likely right!

Leah_S

At least the lid you've flipped is not a Yoplait one, waiting to be mailed to the company for a teeny tiny donation.

Leah

iodine

Eight years ago, yesterday, I had my mast./recon.(first one).  The only other hospitalization dates I remember are my kids' births  .  And I've had more hospitalizations than I care to count--all with a surgery.  But no ports.  LOL

The first few pink years were ok, but then they started crap like---yeah, lick that yogurt top and drop it in an envelope to us, and I could just barf. Just donate the freekin' money and not send germy metal lids thru the mail! 

 I have become a pink cynic.  I don't believe they are actually getting very far, and are associating themselves to me, and some of my good, kind, beautiful sisters, and it pisses me off!!!!!  They make money on the pain and fear of we "thriver's" ---saw that today for the first time and like it a lot better than survivor/victim. 

And we'er all supposed to rise, applauding , at their generosity---I have deleted every bc email I've rec'd for the past few days and will continue to do so all month.

Suzybelle

The yogurt thing makes me nuts.  I joined the Breast Cancer Action group - check them out.  They started the "think before you pink" campaign.

 They are AWESOME.

I am hooting over mushrooms in a pink container.  I think that's a sign of the apocalypse.

juli0212

I actually bought my BF Yoplait, and could not FIND any without pink lids, he was SO happy (not!).  BUT, no, sorry we don't save the lids and mail them in either, they are trashed.  This pink has gotten outta hand...mushrooms containers?  DOG food???    UGHHHHHHH   *pbbbt*

CoolBreeze

Hi, thanks for the PM.  Love this thread!

True story:  I am not a joiner.  I wasn't a cheerleader in high school - I was one of those snarky kids who sat in the back and looked at all the cheerers in amazement that they would waste their energy on a rally.  (I work in a high school now, got my payback.)  I occasionally go to a baseball game with my husband but I sit there and read.   I always thought the pink awareness campaign was stupid but it meant nothing to me.

The day I was told I had breast cancer, the FIRST thing I thought of was "I have to blog this" and the name has to be "But Doctor, I Hate Pink."  

I felt like I didn't have a disease, but that I'd been drafted into a movement.

I saw in Better Homes and Gardens or some magazine a Breast Cancer Awareness garden.  For $40.00 they would send you seeds to pink flowers.  

 Ick.

But, I really like the tree with pink ribbons and boobies on it.  I think that's a fabulous idea.  I think only women who have had breast cancer should put them up though, and all month long people will have to mail us pink wrapped gifts to put under the trees.  No foobs or wigs or false eyelashes allowed, though, we are talking pink sapphires with diamond accents.   

  I may have to blog this idea, lol.   

Anonymous

I am home from having dinner out. I'm stuffed. Crab bisque, salad, steak with mushrooms, mashed potatoes with gravy, and key lime pie. Hubby had shrimp scampi with linguini (spelling) and chocolate mousse. I didn't eat my mushrooms either. Coincidence... naw...I just don't like them. I was good. I didn't have any alcohol just water with lemon. Now I'm stuffed.

I wanted to shop but could not deal with any more pink ribbons. We visited friends instead. They are trying to help work through this. Most of the way I feel is exaggerated because of the mediation switch. Even though I know that, I still feel that way. UGH! I got some good hugs out of the deal.

I refuse to wear pink this month. I am determined to mock and ridicule all the pink paraphernalia and make sure I do so in a voice that will be heard by others around me.  Strangers will have no doubt of my disdain. They may even get a chuckle out of it or may even get a clue how annoying this concept of pink really is. All in favor?

 Now I'll check out Coolbreeze's blog spot.

juli0212

I NEVER wear pink, but I'll admit to wearing a black cap sent to me by my best friend with a PINK ribbon on it:  ONLY when I MOW~!   

CoolBreeze:  WELCOME!   LOVE that blog name!  Nope, not a joiner here either!

veggy:  Glad you had a good dinner with your hubby, key lime pie sounds delish!  ~juli

Anonymous

I just read this one...

 http://www.wnep.com/news/countybycounty/wnep-luz-cancer-benefit-pink-streak,0,1829829,story

But atleast 100% goes toward cancer. Now I want pink hair! NOT!!!

Im not sure is the O is an O or a 0. It must be a zero.

Angel40

I came across this website and they have a blog about Think Before You Pink.

http://bcaction.org/

http://thinkbeforeyoupink.org/?page_id=1088

This is good that we know somebody is taking action for us. 

Angel40

We could print this and place it in the adds/bulletin board for public at grocery stores or any stores.

http://thinkbeforeyoupink.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/TBYPPostcard2.pdf

I will do this at Weis and Giant near my place.

juli0212

How about the newest?  A Barbie doll dressed in BLACK with a 1-carat PINK diamond necklace to be auctioned at Christies this weekend.  They expect $300-500,000 to be donated to the BC Organization.  I would prefer the diamond to be around any of OUR necks or FINGERS!!!  A barbie???   Really???   Money is for research...okay, I give.  If it helps my DAUGHTER, okay.

~juli

Suzybelle

I was in Walgreen's this a.m. and saw (in this PINKTOBER display) the following -

 pink orbit gum packs, pink Bicycle playing cards, pink socks, pink sharpies, and my fave, pink troll pens.

All of this was in sickening baby pink.  UGH.

Playing cards????  For real????

1Athena1

Angel - Breast Cancer Action is a great group - they have tried to hold the pinkwashers accountable and it is a great place to sign petitions for their "Think Before You Pink" campaign. It is sad that there is internecine warfare in the advocacy community of a single illnesss.

I just wish the pink movement was less selfish and exclusionary and joined with ALL cancers. IMO, that is a much better way to find a cure.  That has bothered me from the start - the triablism in the bc world. And you see a lot of that on bco with the ridiculous number of forums.

Let's just have one cancer ribbon!

Lowrider54

Suzy...this thread is great and I got to see the pic of the handgun to go with my pink buck decal!

Now, my treatment is scheduled for the 29th of October - I always wear a costume to work if the Halloween falls on or close to a Friday...it happened during chemo 11 years ago and I was the Nanny (I drove the center nuts with that thick Fran Dresher NY drawl).  So, here it is again...so far, I have a set of fangs and pink and black striped stockings - pink and black for stage iv awareness - fangs for the sucking the blood out of us - I pick up stuff as I go along but I don't know quite what I am going to 'be'.  I have a really cool black witches kinda dress and a long black wig but I need to mean something - ideas?  I am anti pink but stage iv aware...

juli0212

PINK streaks in your hair for the witch costume!   Even anti-pinks can have fun~!  

~juli

1Athena1

Pink and black striped streaks across your face and carrying a bouquet of pink and black roses. Macabre, but then that's bc.....

Suzybelle

Lowrider,  that is hysterical - you are going to have to post a photo of that!

I think you are going to be the "PINKTOBER DEMENTOR" like the Dementors from Harry Potter. 

shells43

You must hear my Pink Ribbon story. It made me so mad! Let me preface it by saying that I have never liked pink, AND I DO appreciate those who participate in the pink ribbon campaigns, because I know they think they are helping. Alas.

So... I went Sept 19th to Belk (a fancy dept store in FL) that I never shop at except if they have a sale. A flyer had been posted in the chemo ward, and all around town, about this big pink event, with a fashion show, Avon reps, free bra fittings, makeovers, etc. I was one month post chemo (PFC?), bald, cranky, and eyebrowless, and thought it was my chance to get some free stuff, including an eyebrow drawing lesson (I don't do makeup). This event was advertised to be on until 6 pm. I had been in the next city over for a reunion (another story) and made a point to get back in time to go to this thing. So I arrived about 4:15. The Avon lady had her car parked at the door and was loading up. I checked my watch. 4:15. Checked the flyer POSTED ON THE BELK DOOR, yep says until 6:00 pm. Walked in and all of the store employees were wearing pink shirts, even the men. All of the vendors were packing up. Here I am, in my bandana and foob, port sticking out of my v-neck. I walked the loop of tables around the cosmetic counters in the center of store where all of the activity had clearly been, pink balloon arches still intact...Not one person spoke to me. Venders just looked at me with that "sorry, you're too late" look. Finally, I asked a lady at the Lancome cosmetic counter why everyone was leaving since the their ad said it was going on until 6 and she said, "oh the fashion show is over. That sort of wraps everything up". Then she asked if she could help me. I confessed that I was there mostly because I needed some eyebrows. She volunteered to show me how to draw them. I thought that was really nice. As she finished, she proceeded to try to sell me a $23 eyebrow pencil, and if I spent another $12 I could get their effing pink makeup case with $50 worth of makeup inside for free! I was floored. This experience convinced me they are just out to make a buck off BC patients and anyone else who will fall for this crap. I took my eyebrows and left. Oh, and the flyer on the door advertising the hours had been taken down. Exit time - 4:30.

raincitygirl

I love this thread, enough to raise the topic with my husband and with friends today.  My friends were very surprised that I would not be a big fan, they found it overdone themselves but had thought I would be moritified to know that.  My husband mentioned that the other night there was a pro football game with players wearing pink socks/sneakers. 

I wish I had some funny words to share but you all have done a great job with that - so happy to find something to laugh about whenever I can.  When I sent out my "announcement" of breast cancer email, my closing line was "I love you all, I know you want to help, so let me tell you two important things - I don't want casseroles or pink things". I did get people who brought things by just after my surgery with notes like "please note it is not a casserole, nor is it pink".  

Suzybelle - the reason I did an email was that as soon as i mentioned my diagnosis to a few, I started getting advice and stories.  I didn't want advice or stories from those who have never had breast cancer - I wanted to make the decision before I spoke to most people.  Thankfully, I then received no articles or stories.....thanks for doing this thread.