In shock

Dakota212

Jennie -



I did BMX, my sister did single 5 years ago and said if she had to do it over she would do both. She has had a bunch of surgeries due to gravity taking over. Benny-

How are you??

Edi-

Traii-

Cmbear

Everyone else hope u all are well!!

carlads

Good Morning Ladies,

I found out my surgery date..  December 4th.  I meet with the PS tomorrow.  cbear, I am still in totally shock just when I think I am doing ok it hits me!  I have chose to have a bi-lateral Mastectomy.  It wasn't even a question in my mind.  I am 51 nursed all four of my children so I figured I should just go for it.  I have never had a major surgery so I am nervous but I also know I will be ok.  Reconstruction starting at the same time I will know more tomorrow after my appt. 

I do have a question for everyone.  I had a core needle biopsy.  It came back IDC grade 2, size according to biopsy 1.7cm but ultra sound said 2.  I am seeing on some post that they were able to tell the stage by a biopsy, my surgeon said they wouldn't be able to stage until surgery?  He did say it looks contained and no swollen nodes at all..     Like I said I go every year and found this lump right before my scheduled mammogram.  I was a little surprised it was a grade 2.. 

Prayers everyday for all of us,

Carla

liefie

Carla, so glad you now have a surgery date to get that bc out of you. As far as your question, I think it is pretty standard that you only get the stage after the surgery once the pathology is done. I guess by the size of your tumour that you will be stage 1, but it may also depend on whether you have positive nodes, and how many. Will pray that the nodes are all negative! I had a 1.8 cm tumour with micromets in one lymphnode, stage 1 grade 1. That changed the game, and I had to get chemo as well as rads.

Jennie, I also had only one breast removed with a TE placed in. Next year I will get DIEP flap recon surgery done on that breast, and the plastic surgeon already told me that the other healthy breast will need some 'work' afterwards to even things out, so to speak. I am seriousy considering to have that breast removed, and get the DIEP done on both at the same time. So yes, in retrospect it probably would have better to have had a bilateral mastectomy.

Dakota, how are you doing?

edithesther

Traii, how's the hair ? mine still here so far touch wood, ha ha. Keeping out of strong breezes. 

How awful that something that cured you all those years ago caused your BC.:-(.

 Hope you are still SE free, I feel pretty good , just come back from dinner at my little brothers. It was yummy, Mum would have been so proud of him as he cooked it all ! Only Se still lurking is the loo one. Luckily one of his toilets is downstairs. lol

cbear, hope you are a bit more informed after being on here. Just get as much advice as you can. Your diagnosis sounds really positive, please don't rush into something you may regret if it isn't necessary. Get second opinions  if you are not sure of next step.Chin up.

Bingo with the rest of the mad old biddies tomorrow, then GD for tea and craft session sticking and glueing like mad !!

Hope you all have a good Wednesday.

Edi.

Dakota212

Lie fie-



I am doing good. I hope the rest are as good. My calves are so tight not sure if its the nuelasta or being dehydrated but I will perservere. I actually ran for the first time since my BMX. that was very strange but hope to get back in shape. How about u?

Traii

Hey Ladies,

I'm doing good....Edi, hairs slowly coming out...at times theres like about 10 strands at once , others a couple here and there, just keeping out of the wind...lol i even got mum to drop me off closer to the door at the shops....yes I need the excercise but whilst windy I'd like the hair to stick around a little longer if i can...lol

Its horrible that radiation has caused this but I know it gave me 17 extra years of life and this now will give me MANY more birthdays until I live to a ripe old age

So good of your brother to cook.....my brother would burn an egg....lol

SE free at this stage (knock on wood) good to hear your hairs still sticking around...I'm still blow waving mine and straightening it....not on hot hot heat but cool....

Good to hear your SE free too -- the loo bits finished for me......THANK GOODNESS I say...it wasn't bad but enough to give me the 'shits' ..... lol

Saw my onc today and surgeon...surgeons happy with the healing however did discuss and make appt for plastic surgeon early in the new year and I've decided I'm going to have a bilateral Masectomy to be on the safe side ..... with flap or something I think they mentioned but once i see the plastic surgeon I'll find out a little more info and go from there...... excited now about getting my perky boobies ... lol .(as excited as you can be I guess) !!

Hope everyone is SE Free and if you feeling down.....get back up in no time.

First 5 days are the worst...told my onc that the steriods make me feel high as a kite and he laughed at me then told him I felt like a sooky sooky la la on day 3 & 4 and he laughed.....I said i went from cleaning to blah......which is all normal....I was ready to give up by day 5 saying no more chemo and I said to him now my attitudes changed to well if I have one week of ups and downs and 2 weeks of feeling normal, I CAN DO THIS......we ALL can do this

Take care lovely ladies

Momine

Dakota, the more you are able to exercise the better it is, both for your health and for your head. I don't run (terrible back, doctor's orders), but I walked just about every day of my treatment, sometimes a little, other times a lot, but it helped me in so many ways.

curveball

be-----nnny, where a------re you?

How are you and the Giant Plush Toy doing these days?

Dakota212

Trai and edi I think I am a week behind please keep me updated on the hair. I ordered my wig Monday. Surreal ....

Momine-



I used to run faithfully but when the kids got to heavy to push I had to stop trying to get back in it. I love it when I am done... Haha😄😄😄

bennymuffins

I am here Curve. Haven't been posting but still reading and glad to see everyone's doing okay. My chemo starts tomorrow morning at 0930. I have a list of pills to take: ondansetron (sounds like an interactive disco dance computer game), dexamethasone, aprepitant (peter piper picked a peck of pickled peppers), and metoclompromide prn. I've got a TUBE of EMLA cream and a Rx for Ativan. The only thing outstanding is I don't yet have transportation there and back. Gotta work on that today. I have been spending every day all day with the giant plush toy and we've had some great bonding moments and rides together. Diamond is keeping me sane. The oncologist has encouraged me to keep going out to the farm to see her and doing my farm chores, but stay away from anyone with a cold. I am taking a small horse plush toy (looks just like Diamond!!!!) to the hospital with me, along with a photo album of things that are important to me (Benny, Diamond, my friends at the farm, my truck (yeah I know, that's weird), and my Heartland DVD collection. I wish I had a laptop so I could tap into BCO here. Will do so asap after chemo. Despite all my preparation, I am terrified and I know I'll be a mess tomorrow morning.

Dakota212

Benny -



Good to hear from u!! Glad ur keeping busy. It is scary, did my 1st one last week but you've got this. Keep talking girl u know we are here for ya!!!

edithesther

This is third time I have tried this only to have it flippin vanish. Will do again short and sweet this time.

Benny, We will all be with you in spirit tomorrow. All will be fine honestly, we were all scared witless and all are still here and fine. My second session in five days and I am almost looking forward to it. Please report back as soon as you can as we all care about you and will worry if we don't hear anything.

Dakota, hair still here at the moment. Wig and scarves all ready. It's only for a short time in our lives . :-)

Traii, you are an inspiration !! I still give gentle tug of hair each morning but as now so short haven't noticed any coming out yet. Your Mum dropping you near shops made me chuckle. Avoid messing with mine once combed into place in the morning, quick spray of cement type hair gel and that's me ready lol.

Your future op sounds very promising and perky boobs are a definite bonus.

Second session next Tuesday hope that you and I can keep up the not to bad SE's. Sick of the sight of bathroom, DH has been given orders to get us a new one ! Didn't realise how drab and boring it is until I spent so much time in there ha ha. Seems to be bit better today but don't know when it's going to happen. Feel like towing a porta loo behind the car.

Take care all you lovely ladies.

Happy SE free Thursday.

liefie

Dakota, glad to hear you are doing well, and good for you on the running! The exercise is important as Momine told you too. I was so wiped out by chemo (Taxotere and Cytoxan) that I had zero energy for exercise most of the time. Did some walking whenever I could, but it was not much. Since finishing all treatment in July, I've gone back to the gym three days a week for strength and interval cardio training, and on the other two days I do yoga. I also try to walk the dog daily when the weather allows. My energy came back, and I feel back to my old self these days.

Benny, you will be in my prayers and thoughts tomorrow. The first chemo is the scariest because you don't know what to expect. After that it becomes just something you have to do to beat the beast. You will see other people there also getting chemo, and it will actually have a calming effect on you to see more people in the same boat, and that you are not the only one fighting this. I remember the morning of my first chemo so well. As we were walking towards the chemo room, my husband asked me how could I be so calm, because he would have been on antidepressants by then if he had to get chemo. Although I was literally trembling with fear, my answer was that this was what I had to do to get rid of the cancer, there was no other alternative, and by being upset and emotional I would just make it harder on myself and those around me. I was psyched up to do battle, and to win this fight. Take deep, slow breaths, and think of the chemo killing the cancer. That is what you are there for after all. (((BIG HUGS!!!))) Keep us posted. Diamond sounds like a real champion, and I am so glad that he gives you such joy and pleasure. Animals are just wonderful and amazing!

Edith and Traii, your sense of humour in the face of what you are going through is truly amazing. Keep it up - I'm looking forward to your posts! You go, girls!

Dakota212

Edith and Traii -

I love ur posts as well. U make me laugh. Especially when intake about the loo, have never called it that.

Liefie- thanks. I am about to force myself on the treadmill again as soon as I am done. I think it helped me sleep last night as well.

Benny -

Hope u found a ride, i wish we were neighbors I would take the ride with u, we will be with u in spirit. Please keep us posted!!

As I have seen on another thread a pocket party ....😄😄😄

bearcub

Benny, I wanted to let you know today I finished my last chemo, I was taking the same drugs for nausea that they have given you. I never got sick or nauseous once. You will do great, hang in there. Tell yourself that you are going to see the plush toy everyday that you can get out there and make it your goal. You are on your way and we are here, and before you know it you will be finished too. Did you buy a wig yet, or cut the hair a bit shorter. You are going to look great!....we're you ever able to go to a look good feel better class? Are there drivers for people doing chemo in your area? Talk to your cancer coordinator she may be able to help you with that....ps...I could have easily driven home from chemo but they wouldn't let me.




Edith I have had the same problem with my posts....write them and then poof don't post.

It sure is frustrating. You have such a good attitude, you are right the hair will grow back, hopefully you are flushing that cancer down the loo...lol


Today I am officially growing my hair back.



Ladies we are all doing this!...We are Warriors!

bennymuffins

Oh Bearcub, that last sentence is so uplifting!! I'm wearing my war paint and I have a large spear in my hand........ chaaaarrrrrge!!! LOL

Congratulations on the last chemo.  You must be so relieved to be done. So if hair grows on average 1/2 inch per month, you should be sporting some serious locks by summer! Perfect timing! I hope I am as lucky as you with the side effects. I am worried tho' because I am so sensitive that aspirin knocks me out. I can't imagine what all this is going to do to me. That Emend is expensive stuff! Thank goodness for Alberta Blue Cross. Each Emend tablet is $38.00 (yes, I calculated it out). For that price it had better be good!

I did buy a wig but haven't paid for it all yet. It is an expensive one because it's human hair and it's long. Not sure how I'm going to pay for it but I'll worry about that later. It's called Bergmann Aquila. It is not the blond shown. The one I'm getting is almost identical to my hair color.

http://www.bergmann.de/produkt_damen.php?produkt=504

There's a Look Good class on November 22 so I am going to try to get to that.

Dakota, I did find a ride to and from so all is well. I'm glad your first one went smoothly.

Liefie, I know I will be trembling too but I am trying to think of the chemo as extinguishing all the bad stuff. I was thinking I might even try to envision the molecules of the drug in side me killing off any floating cancer cells, kind of like a little video game. Anyone remember Pac-man? I think I am showing my age haha!

Edith, thank you for the kind words. I so enjoy your posts as you see the humour and lightheartedness of every situation. Weren't you writing a book? have you started it yet?

I've been losing posts too! I've started copying the whole text before I click submit just in case I lose it all.

Here's another pic of the giant plush toy. She's quite full of herself but she keeps me going. I wonder about the timing of life sometimes. She came into my life at just the right time. Coincidence?

edithesther

Benny, you sound so positive and upbeat now. Well done fellow Warrior ( love the mental picture, you on Diamond and us all running along with you ) Love the pac man too going to imagine that next week !Saw a lovely pic on facebook last night and thought of you, it was a girl with her horse and don't know how but its front leg was around her body. Looked as if the beautiful creature was hugging her. Underneath it said " horses are angels without wings " If I knew how to get it on here would send it to you.

I keep chunnering on about that book. I really must get started, thanks for the reminder.

Glad you got a lift, there are volunteers at our hospital who will pick you up if needed.

We have Look good, feel better workshops here and I am ringing this morning to book one. Large bag of polyfilla and a trowel should work fine on this old face lol.

Going to pick up a fringe today ( bangs I think you call it ) When you wear a pull on hat or scarf it velcro's inside the front and the" I have BC "look turns into nice hat/scarf look. synthetic hair but very effective.

Liefie and Dakota, you have put me to shame ! running! gosh must get my act together. Think fast walk about my limit ,but as sun is shining and have to post a letter I will start today.

Bearcub, Cancer down the loo, now that makes  all that racing to the bathroom worth while lol.

Congratulations on last chemo, well done :-)) You must be so relieved. Next thing you know you will have a mop of maybe curly hair. You do look beautiful in your  scarf  now by the way.

Will finish this shortly as have a feeling the internet fairy is about to wave her wand and pow !! no more post.

Hugs to all fellow Warrior ladies. CHARGE !!!

Traii

Well Ladies I worked all day today and it was great ... not at home with my son but at work work...lol and it was great fun (i normally work 4 hours only today i did a full day)

My hands are a little peely, so dry at the moment, moisturise, moisturise, moisturise they say !!

Dakota, hairs shedding, started a tiny bit day 13 now its a little more but not noticable YET I just don't let my son give me great big hugs with his arms pulling at my hair.....would be devestated if a chunk comes out in his hands!

My husband says I'm malting just like his mums dog does..(umm well thanks hunni for the comparison to a bloody dog ) ..... such a DH ( oh thats darling husband not D&*! Head ladies )

Edi , YOU are an inspiration !!! Oh , I use to tug a little too, then I tugged and oh boy did I tug and hair in my hands......so don't go tugging too much....lol It's good you cut your hair short, I left mine shoulder length.....

yes, my mums a darl...she said "oh don't be crazy, your hair won't fly off in the wind"!! I replied "ummm hellloooo I'm not taking that chance darling mother, just please drop me off at the front" !!

Second session next Wednesday for me (which is your Tuesday really) hope that you and I can keep up the not too bad SE's too.....my onc said they will be same as last cycle but hoping that icing will get rid of the blah blah tongue thing I had going on for a few days......and hope that the loo loo thing doesn't go on....pity I didn't loose weight...felt like I dropped a few kilos though but the scales yesterday didn't say that!! I think they were lying really !!!

Oh too funny Edi, at least that will give your hubby something to do......brighten up your loo!!.... Hopefully you don't spend too much of your time in there next week !! Maybe you can take paper and pen in there and write away for your book

Bearcub, CONGRATS, you finished chemo, so good to hear and hope you are feeling well Grow that hair I say...and hope it grows super fast for you

Benny, Love love love your wig, its gorgeous and will really suit you, its just like your hair now by the looks of your profile pic..... I bought my wig for a quarter of the price that they sell human hair wigs here in Australia, I purchased it from a website in China and I had it delivered in under 2 weeks so was really happy with that. I got it coloured and styled just like my own....I'll try uploading a photo 

I am in love with your giant plush toy, and so glad to hear you have a little plush toy to keep you company during your treatment.....:)

I went to a LGFB class when I had Hodgkin's it was really really good... I didnt go this time around...they actually made me show them how to apply make up because they asked what I was doing there (in a nice way) because I didn't need help with mine...but its good to go to I encourage you all....you get free products too ... bonus

Have a wonderful day ladies and hope you all have a SE free day

I'd better go to bed as my son loves garbage trucks and tomorrow is garbage collection day so he'll be up at the crack of dawn at the window checking out the bloody bin truck ahhh gotta love toddlers

Dakota212

Traii-

Thanks for the tip. I circled day 14 on my calendar unfortunately that is also round 2, oh well hoot the rig is on by then. Congrats on working the whole day!

Bearcub- congrats !! Yahoo!!!

Edi-

Love the idea about the bathroom!!!

Benny-

Love the picture !



We are warriors, having u girls and going thru this has made me such a stronger person in my god awful personal life. I don't have a DH as u girls do I have the D***H, and u all have made me such a stronger person. So Thank you all!! Hope everyone in S/E FREE!!!

edithesther

God I love you girls !! You really are my lifeline.

Just logged back on to break the news, sorry Traii hadn't read the dont tug bit in time ! was putting on my face and pulled front of hair over forehead and guess what ? it ended up scattered down the front of me flippin jumper  :-(  Slight wobble of lip then deep breath and thought HERE WE GO. Won't do that again in a hurry.DH bought me a soft sleep cap and that is going on tonight to stop having to hoover the bed in the morning.

Ok now, but they are pretty spot on with when its going to happen. I had the strangest sensation yesterday. It was almost like a gentle( not unpleasant) lifting feeling in my scalp, hope this may help warn you a bit Dakota.

DH's are classic aren't they mine just rang from work and when I told him about the hair he just says " Well for once I will have more hair than you " Empathy is not their strong point, but you gotta love them, saves serving life for murder lol.

Whole day's work Traii, go girl !!, I would so love to get back to my little waitress job in our pub. Miss the company and the workmates. Might check if ok to do so at hospital next week.

Peely hands, I have Aqua cream which is supposed to be effective.

With all our visits to the loo we should be like Twiggy but noooo. Did think of putting notebook and pen in there to start the book, didn't like to say in case it grossed anyone out !! If I do write it u can all say we knew her before she was famous and she wrote that in the Loo. ha ha.

Dakota, you are doing so well, I can see the change in you, strength flows out of these post's and will flow into you.  ((( Hugs )))

Come on girls let's kick the BC Bitch into touch.

Here's to Fun and a giggle today for you all.

Dakota212

Edi-



I love u!!! U make my day, cracked up at the Hoover. People at work think I am crazy laughing in my office my myself. Yes I will take life over murder. Any day. I will take ANY hair advice. I think it will be a real confidence booster being bald and taking on the world!!! Bring it on!!!! 😃😃😃

carlads

Good Morning Ladies,

I love reading all these post it really brings my spirits up.  I had my consult with the PS yesterday so things are falling into place.  It is a little overwhelming at times but I know it is a a bump in the road ( A BIG BUMP) and I will get through it. 

Prayers to all,

Carla

bennymuffins

I am here and IV is in eeewwww ! Websister is here with me keeping me sane and from running out the door. Nurse Stephanie is very good at the needle stuff. Hand burning wee bit but bearable. It is pretty red. Okay the red stuff is in. Nurse Stephanie says my veins are fabulous! Okay, so far so good. Be back later, Warrior. Gir

Dakota212

Yay Benny!!! Huge hurdle. U go girl!!

Traii

Yeh benny u go girl! Glad u have good veins! Drink drink drink



Going to get ready for work...check in later.



Take care and i second that Edi giggles and fun and to our shedding hair!! xx

bennymuffins

I am sooooooooooooooooooooo tired. Can I give in to it and take a nap or should I keep on keeping on? I am soooooo tired

edithesther

Benny, bet u didn't sleep last night. If you want a nap u have one. Just relax drink lots and lots as Traii says. You did really well, worst fears met head on. If the same red stuff as I had, going for wee good fun, looks like rose wine in the loo. Mouth may feel yak today or tomorrow lemon drops really help. Hope you are SE free brave warrior sister.

Dakota, glad u liked Hoover, you keep laughing it is a better tonic than anything and raspberries to the office from me lol.Chin up chuck, as we scousers say.

Carlads,We will be holding your hand over all the bumps, don't you ever forget that. The smooth road is just over the horizon. (( HUG ))

Traii, Don't you work too hard ! I look like a demented hedgehog right now lol.

Sweet dreams to you all, and a fabulous Friday to one and all.

liefie

Benny, good for you on finishing #1. Sleep all you want, you need the rest. That Websister is an angel for going with you. She is a darling, especially since she is going through chemo herself at the moment. Hopefully none of you will have too bad SE's. Like your Pacman comparison. I remember sitting there in the BGC chanting under my breath, KILL, KILL KILL KILL!!! You are a warrior indeed!

Edith, you can name your book The Loo Diaries - will be a smash hit! It will be good for the world to know the particulars of what we go through, even the loo tales - LOL!

Here's another hair story for you. My adult son lived with us during my chemo. Every morning he would playfully tug at my hair to see what happens. One morning he tugged again, and came away with a handful of hair. The expression/consternation on his face was priceless. I first acted outraged to get a little more mileage out of the situation, but then cracked up laughing. He still kept on apologizing, as if it was his fault. It was hilarious, and something I will never forget. Laughter is indeed better than any medicine!

All you other girls, hang in there, you brave warriors! THIS TOO SHALL PASS.

bennymuffins

Just woke up. Six hours after the infusion and no nausea, no headache, no weird taste, just tired and head feels like a ton. I slept through Dr. Phil. Going back to bed with me water and gatorade. Will check in later again. Much love to my warrior sisters!!!

bennymuffins

Metal taste in mouth and still very very weak, woozy and tired. +|+

Feel a headache coming on. Stomach feels bloated.