2012 sisters

Ellendou

Thanks Firestorm makes me feel better, my eyes seem to change every day, especially when using the comuter.  Hope you have a good day. 

mcook301

Hello Ladies



I am feeling half way alive this morning so thought I would try and catch up with everyone.



Not sure what I might have typed after surgery but things went better than I expected so far except for pain but that seems to be getting better today. My bf has been a freaking saint! I don't know what I would have done wo him. I did not realize how much help I would need and that my mom would not be able to do this so that was a lesson learn on that one. I had a very rough first night but also a lesson learn take max pain pills LOL holy moly was I sore.



My bf friend and I have gotten the giggles a couple of times about random dumb things like him thinking he was being helpful trying to get my electric toothbrush ready but instead flung that tp all over me and my bathroom so funny but so hard to laugh, we were a mess.



Oh yea and we messed up one of my drains too ....long story but had to go to local clinic to get it fixed.



I have to wait till Monday to get my path report:( let pray the dam chemo did it job!



Thanks for all the well wishes on my recovery. I appreciate it! I hope everyone is having a calm weekend. It makes me mad that I see all of you new ladies on here! Mad because I don't want any of us here or going through this! I send hugs your way! And also throwing around my dam it doll for all of us today!



I will touch base a little later and you know what would make me happy today? If I could just poop sorry I hope that made some of u laugh!

Soyaandpepper

mcook301-Really glad to see that you're doing better, and fingers cross for your path report. 

welcome to those new ladies, sorry you had to be here, I wish no one would be but such is life. Its really a great group of women and we all support each other! 

lostinmo

Good Morning Everyone!

Wow we have had a lot of new people join us. Sorry that you all find the need to be here, but welcome

Juneau and firestorm the haircuts look great!

Tazzy- glad you finally got the drains out! Hope you are enjoying a drain free weekend.

I see several have had vision changes, guess I will break down and get bifocals that I've needed for the last two years. 

I love the big stuffed animals. I had a lap quilt that a friend made that I took to chemo with me. Very bright and cheerful.

Tina-hope you get to ditch to wound vac.

Mccook-hope you are recovering well

Cindyl-yay for no sign of cancer!!

Aruba-so glad you are happy with your decision and getting sleep.

It's been busy here. I had my first rad Friday and it went well. Everyone was really nice and made me feel very comfortable. The hard part will be staying away from my family. It's too far to drive each day so I will be staying at the Hope Lodge all week.

We've been getting the rv ready to roll out and the guys leave out the 4th , I will fly out to meet them in Oct. Best part is I don't meet with my MO again until Jan. !!! I'm trying to decide if I want to be a part of a clinical trial using Metformin (?). I would have to take it twice a day for 5 years. I can barely remember to take my iron pill.

Hope everyone has a good Sunday!
.

Moonflwr912

Sorry to all of the newbies, but welcome. Mccook, yes, it is important to laugh! And, it is even more important to take your pills and stay on top of your pain. Now is not the time to be brave. Lomo, my morning pill load is 13 now and only 4 are suppements. My night load is 4. The ones I forget are any temporary ones like antibiotics or magnesium that need to be taken mid day. Oh well, we do what we have to. Much love to all.

lostinmo

Moonflwr-all I can say is uggg. I would spend all day wondering if I took them all.

Tazzy

Cottontail... all part of the process... this is the longest, scariest roller coaster ride you will be on.   I can be feeling quite 'normal' one moment then the next a babbling wreck.  I just go with it now and do not even attempt to hide it - can be quite embarrasing when out in public (only kidding)

Tina_jason - happy you checked back in - crappy you still have the wound vac and hope you lose it soon, especially as you will be going back to work soon.

Juneau.... Rocking the ‘do' sister.  My eyes were definitely blurrier when on chemo.  Saying that, as soon as chemo was finished (about a month after) I went and got my eyes tested and were happy tor eport that they really hadn't changed that much in a year.  And yes, it's the only
way our DH's can get any kind of rest

Firestorm - great advice on the eyes from you chemo team..how much sense does that make.

Mcook: happy you are laughing your way to recovery - you know they say laughter is the best medicine.

Lostinmo - yay drains are gone... what a relief.   And the joy and bliss of a proper shower afterwards.  The simple things in life eh?  Good luck with the rads - waiting for my schedule.

Guess I should start to look here for a Fall/September Rad thread - anyone ??

Welcome to all the new ladies here - sorry you had to join the club that no one wants to be in but really it's a great place for laughter, screaming, ranting, tantrums... whatever your emotion you can share it here - its been my sanity on more than one occasion.

I know I haven't addressed you all - but thinking of you all nonetheless.    Went to Costco with a
friend yesterday - got my GlaxoBase cream in preparation for rads - then we went and had a nice early supper.  Today off to other friends for a BBQ.   I am still finding after surgery that 4-5 hours is my activity limit... then I am in serious need of a nap.  But at least I am getting out eh?

Praying for you all in the path of Issac that it fizzles to nothing more than a summer breeze.

Ellendou

Tazz - do you know when you will be starting Rads?  I think i will be starting about the middle of Sept or a little later.   I have to travel into Edmonton for mine, and will be staying there -- not sure how many treatments I will be having.  Have an appointment at the Cross Cancer Institute....on the 29th and hope to find out the next step in this journey. Think I better get myself some cream and start using it.

Hugs and enjoy your day. 

Tazzy

Ellendou.... reckon about the same time as yours.... I am just waiting for my first appt for the mapping.   If I haven't heard from them by mid-next week I will call and find out WHY??  A cancer patient with NO patience    I am so lucky that I am only 20 minutes away from the Cancer Agency here in Kelowna - so at least I can still get home for my home comforts.... but hey?  we can hold each other's hand through it if you want?

Tazzy

PS Ellendou... start moisturizing now if you haven't already... that's what I have been told anyway.  I have been told 5 weeks - so 25 treatments.

NYCchutzpah

I finished my radiation in the beggining of June. RT is very easy tho the SE of fatigue was like nothing I had expected. I could sleep almost anytime and anywhere. Do moisturize a lot and maybe you can avoid the burn. Almost back to my new normal glad to say that I gotten some of my energy back, altho I still can't do very long days like I used to.

Cottontail

Well, I think I've figured out why I've been so tired this last week.  Not general fatigue tired, but sleepy tired.  I fall asleep just fine, but I wake up every two hours through the night.  Almost to the minute.  I've struggled with insomnia for several years now (and believe it to be a contributing factor in my bc), but it's always presented as an inability to fall asleep in the first place, and the tired feeling was different.  This is just weird.

I take my gabapentin at night, as it makes me feel sleepy, and I have been taking melatonin in the evenings, as well, but still I wake up frequently.  Maybe tonight I'll try doubling the melatonin and see if that helps.  I really don't want to take a prescription sleep aid.

jpmomof3

Good morning Ladies!  I see we have new people.  Welcome.  I am glad that you are here with us.  I am always dismayed at how many of us are diagnosed.  But thank goodness for websites like this.  It has helped me immensely.

 Mrscich, good luck with your decsion on surgeries.  Thats a lot to decide in one weekend.  I had a lumpectomy so I cant really help but lots of ladies here have no doubt gone through the same decision process that you are.  Big Hugs.

Firestorm, those chemo buddies are great!  you will never be alone.  Good luck!

Jess, welcome! exhaustion is so very normal and multifactorial.  Sounds like you are working out the details and how to deal with them.  It does get better.  I am super glad that you are done in one big round.  Now its just healing physically and emotionally.  Use us to help!

Hug to you Cottontail. There is probalby no way to make you stop worrying about the surgeries completely but I found it helped to stay busy to keep my mind off it.  And take a sleeping pill if it is keeping you up at night.  We dont need to be shy about medications at these times of our lives.  You will be done with it before you know it and it is almost never as bad as you think it will be.

 Tina, big hugs. I will be with you guys in rads.

Wow juneau, you look hot!  I am with a lot of those above, my vision definietly seems different.  I bought a huge supply of contacts before my diagnosis, so I am going to use them before I go get checked though...

Welcome patricia.  you found the best group in this awesome website.

Mcook, welcome back!

My energy levels have improved a lot over the past week.  I am not looking forward to rads knocking me back again, but just another thing to get through on this journey.  By the sounds of it this is nothing like chemo or surgery so the worst is behind me though.  I am having increasing pain and cording in my arm though.  I wll see PT eventually but just stretching for now.  It does seem to help for a while anyway.  

Have a great sunday and may everyone SE's and pain improve. 

Ellendou

Tazzy I think I get my mapping on the 29th when I go in to see Dr. Kruse at the Cross in Edmonton, she said it would take all afternoon, also said I would be getting a CT scan, she is so good and knows how far I have to travel.  Have no idea how many treatment I need.

Have an appointment tomorrow with my Intuitive Healer in the city only an hour away, so will stop off at Costco and get myself some of the cream...or do you recomment something else.

I am familiar with your area, have friends that have a place along the lake in Westbank.  Also a niece and her husband have just moved to your area, her Mom and Dad are also moving there shortly.  Have spend some time around there, it is beautiful.

Hugs 

taraceta28

Can we say MOOD SWING! I wish atleast one person on here was nearby cuz i could really use a hug today damn tamoxifin or surgical menpause has gotten me down in the dumps mood wise. trying not to be miserable to my family but its really hard. I say mean things sometimes and right after it comes out of my mouth i feel terrible. How is it that we know we are being grumpy but do it anyway.

Thankyou for my place to vent. i feel better already!

Tazzy

Ellendou... my RO recommened any of the following... Glaxal, Keri Lotion, Lubriderm, Dermal Theraphy, Aquaphor/Eucerin, Natural Care Gel and Aloe Vera Gel (of which I already have some at home).   It was on another thread here (the Canadian Women one) that Ossa told me about Glaxal Base.   So if its good enough for her and I find it comforting to take advice from others that know.  Also soaps... Dove, Ivory, Neutrogena, Basis and Baby Soap.   And if you ever come visit this way you must let me know

For taraceta - sorry its not in person, but hope you can feel our arms around you. 

juneaubugg

JPmom: I am in PT for cording. One thing I have to do is GENTLY massage the cord as much as possible. Also extend the arm out then bend my wrist away from my body and spread fingers to stretch it. You hear a pop when the cord breaks. It's really strange.

Ellendou

Thanks Tazzy and yes will let you know if and when we head down that way.....may head to the Island after I am finished my Radiation.....we were there just before I started this journey.

Tazzy

Love the Island... have friends up near Campbell River - they are in Black Creek.   Just rains too much.

Isabelle2

So hard to name names.....have to keep referring back...okay if I just  post????

I had right lumpectomy May 24th & 12 nodes removed 3/12 cancer.....no chemo (my choice) .  Femara ( I am on day 60) so far side effects are emotional but getting a little better.  

Tomorrow I have# 15/25 rads. a little pink, using lots of Glaxel, fatigue is setting in....slept 4 1/4 hours friday afternoon & then slept all night.  Almost the same last Friday & again this past Monday.   Have never been so tired in all my life.   Today not so bad, slept late this a.m. & have prepared a good dinner including baking a pie.

 Been on this roller coaster since  discovering my lump end of April.....but am handling it.    Did not think I could....I know that life will never be the same....you can all do it and you are.

websister

Hello everyone



Welcome to everyone who is new



Juneaubug - thanks for asking about me, I love your hair, mine is Tuesday, I'll update my avatar after. Yes my vision seems to be changing also I was thinking about you as we go into next week. I think your second chemo will be this week? Mine will be Sept. 4th due to the long weekend. Pre-chemo bloodwork etc. on 31st.



Firestorm - you are all set now, I'll be thinking of you. Not liking my port either, bra straps and seatbelts rub, it sticks out and it's not very often that I'm not aware of it but it is better than the first week with it, hope yours settles down soon for you.



Mrscich - I was nine days also from diagnosis to surgery, it is a whirlwind, on top of everything else there's often preop scans and bloodwork also. I can't contribute to the discussion re: nipple sparing, it wasn't an option for me as the nipple was involved. Wishing you peace in whatever decision you come to.



Tazzy - hope the energy is holding out. You asked about thenLook Good Feel Better class, I wrote a post about it on my blog if anyone wants to know more but I enjoyed it, got some great tips and, for the most part met some great people. One participant kind of monopolized the class with her own story, interrupting the class several times. Afraid I didn't feel very patient with her as we were all at various stages in our own cancer stories and it seemed to be all about her. My rant for the day.



Mccook - great to hear from you!



Tina and Taraceta - virtual hugs (((())))



I have had a busy few days. My husband's birthday was Thursday, I organized a brunch at our house yesterday to help celebrate, lots of preparation but went really well. Third son (25) brought his girlfriend home to meet us, big for him, last girlfriend he brought home he was 16. This one seems like a keeper . Went out for supper last evening, then over to friends for dessert. Pleasantly tired today, going to see my mother in the hospital this evening. Dr. Says they are looking for long- term care for her. A little difficult as she doesn't remember my visits. A new nurse who didn't realize this called on Thursday evening while I was at my class and told me I needed to come and see my mother and didn't I know she was in the hospital and needed me. I had just been there.



Better end and start the nap I told my husband I was taking

Cottontail

Well, I don't currently have any Rx sleeping pills, and won't be seeing a doctor again until my surgery on Thursday. I'll take an extra melatonin tonight and see if that helps.



If nothing else, I hope to at least sleep well the day after surgery.

MrsCich

I'm so lost. I understand that people care about me and my diagnosis is as big a shock to them as it was to me BUT.....why on Earth do people hold it against me for not wanting to go into debt jumping from Dr to Dr because THEY think I should get a 3rd, 4th, etc opinion. A biopsy is a biopsy. If it comes back as cancer.....it's F*•%ING cancer. Am I right???



I can understand if I was diagnosed by MRI or some other method but a tissue sample is pretty specific. This was my second opinion, also. My first Dr and Radiologist said "it's probably a ridge of breast tissue." I'm the one that demanded an MRI through another Dr (my current BS).



Just because someone told you that they're wife had to fly to New York to get "undiagnosed" because a Dr here was wrong-obviously didn't have a biopsy. I don't know.



My point is this...even though I appreciate their support and love...I feel they have no right to think I'm selling myself short because I don't want to go into debt to keep getting opinions. The longer I wait to get this out of me, the worse it could get. Not only that, if I have accepted it then I think they should all keep their f&@$ing mouths shut and accept it as well. Their reason for pushing it on me...because I told them I didn't want to have to go through it. WELL OF COURSE NOT!!! WHO THE HELL DOES?!?!



Sorry ladies...I had to vent. My husband thinks I'm over reacting but this isn't the first time I have to smile and say "thanks maybe I will look into it" when in all actuality I want to slap the shit out of them and tell them to be diagnosed before judging. Ugh!!!!

internutz1

Soteria205 - I am a licensed Agent for Life and Health. Provided you bought COBRA coverage to cover you within those 60 days when your husband was not employed - you are covered with the new employer. If you DID NOT (due to how expensive COBRA coverage is... have him make a call to his old HR dept and ask if it's too late to take it. If it is not, beg, borrow or steal to get the money and pay it. If you have any lapse in coverage between jobs - your new company can deny coverage.

BUT - Google this as my husband (an Agent for 40 years) thinks there is a new rule that says the new employer's coverage must cover your expenses.

I hope he is right - this is the last thing you need to think about.

internutz1

Just found this for folks in a position where you might not get health insurance because of a pre-existing condition... http://www.healthcare.gov/law/features/choices/pre-existing-condition-insurance-plan/index.html#benefits

firestorm531

Mrscich - exactly!!! I got that too... I finally just started showing pictures of my tumor and the suggestions of 2nd and 3rd opinions finally stopped. So vent away hon!



As for me...I had to be put in timeout today...I had a mood swing hit and found myself belittling Siri and her inability to do something as simple as CALL HOME. I think I might be a little stressed out ROFLMAO

Soyaandpepper

Mrscich-I know what you mean! Its really hard the beginning when everyone has an opinion and they might mean well but you alone has to deal with this. Vent all you want, we are here to listen! 

Anonymous

Internutz1



My husband wasn't unemployed at all. He left his job, and started a new job the next day. I was covered when I was diagnosed on July 27. Last day of coverage was July 31.

We have a letter from former insurance company, stating that we had been covered for 12 months prior.



My understanding is ( as your husband said) that since he started a new job immediately, there will be no pre-existing clause.



Thanks for the link. I'm checking it out.



Blessings

Paula

Anonymous

Wow - busy ladies this weekend! There is no way I'll be able to respond appropriately - so sending you all big hugs and hoping you get some good sleep.

Busy family weekend here (complete with pink eye and collecting stool samples for my little one; thank goodness this happend before chemo started!) to take my mind of the things to come this week. Was able to find me a lot of happy with my hubby and boys this weekend. And we hired someone who will hopefully work out for the nanny position. She's set to start after labor day and the boys are set for a full week of day care this week so I can have the house to myself a bit. Phew! So now I can focus on my muga scan tomorrow and my first round of chemo Tuesday.

Jpmom - don't wait too long for PT. I feel like my cord is easing up a great deal just from two sessions. I'm sore from the bit of exercise he has me doing, but I think the massaging and "exercising" is actually doing something.

Juneau and others who have shaved and shared your avatars - you go ladies! I might almost be excited for my turn with the buzzer. You look beautiful! Thanks for inspiring others of us to rock the do!

To those of you who have had to join us - I'm so sorry you're here and going through that initial whirlwind. I remember my first few weeks after diagnosis as being pretty dark days. The tunnel lightens up a bit and you can start to envision the other end - I promise! Hang in there and keep coming here to vent, cry and share your news. This thread really helped me get through those dark days.

And as for the discussion of nipple sparing - I have to go with websister here. My nipple was pretty loaded with cancer, so I had no choice but to bid it goodbye. Not sure what I'd have done had I had the option to keep it. Good luck with your decision making.

I know I left out so many people that I wanted to respond to - but I must put myself to bed. Thanks all for sharing - as it was a nice way to end my day reading all your posts and catching up with you all. Sleep tight lovely ladies! 

Jessfili

Mrscich- I had the same thing. Everyone had their two cents about what I should do. Lumpectomy vs MX vs BMX. I even had a friend who called another hospital asking for advice for me!! I was very upset because I was the one at the appointments. I was the one hearing my options! And I'm the one who will have to live w my decision! I realize people want to be helpful but unless they're a dr or have personal experience w BC I didnt want to hear it!



Jess