DIEP 2013

Anonymous

Cherrie....been in those shoes....no, they don't ever go away...they can get shoved to the back of the closet....but they are always there for us to slip back into, unfortunately.



Hugs and prayers to you.



And yes, those classes were at Lemmen Holton. I will get the name of the series for you when I return.

Janet_M

Cherrie - By now your ultrasound must be about an hour away. I bet you're exhausted. In my mind, I am joining you in the waiting room and quietly holding your hand. 

Sbelizabeth - I like the way you roll.  And I love the stories of you and Jerry. Good luck today - sounds like you've got this thing covered. A sense of humour, love of life, and faith in your team.  

Even though I'm not that kind of girl - I feel like giving you huge 'high five'. Smack!

Lehala- Yes yes yes. I've got that 'spasm' thing too. Almost always in bed, but sometimes when I stand up in the morning my stomach does a bit of weird flexing on it's own, and my thighs also get in on the action. Very odd sensation, and this morning I was thinking 'what IS this?!' They just do their own thing for a few seconds and then relax.

I haven't measured my 'smile' yet, but I'm going to go looking for a tape measure.

hrf

Sbe, best wishes for today.



Cherrie, sorry you have to go through this worry once again. I might be wrong but I thought an MRI could often determine what a mass could be. Maybe it's good news that the MRI couldn't identify an area of enhancement, but just the mass.



Bluebird, hope you are doing ok



Sherry, hope your move goes smoothly. My son went to school in London (UWO) a number of years ago.

Janet_M

45 cm!

(That's 17 1/2" for our American lovelies, and also for us Canadians over a certain age)

Liefie - Thank you for the compliment. And thank you for reading. I'm glad my thoughts come across clearly -  cus you wouldn't believe the chatter inside my head. 

Janet

Goodie

SBE - thinking about you today!  What an awesome way to spend the night before you surgery!  You truly have an awesome husband!  

I am so thankful for bco and especially this thread.  I've been mostly a reader because it helps  so much to be in such awesome company!  This thread has got to be the best thread ever!  I can't explain the comfort I have knowing you all understand.  

The past few days have been truly helpful too answering SBE's request.  I agree with Nihahi and others about how "they" tell us we have breast cancer.  My doctor who was doing my biopsy said point blank to me "I'd be surprised if this wasn't cancer." WHAT????  I truly went in thinking it was benign since I had three breast exams by two doctors and a nurse practioner and no one could find a lump and my mom had calcifications to and a biopsy that was benign.  My right breast had just a tiny unexplained rash that they first started treating with antibiotics for a week before the mammo etc....  

It is an amazing journey these past two years.  But I must say that friendships are key to carrying on and the kindness of the community and neighbors.  I am blessed to have them in my life!  

I am also amazed at people who just don't get it and think bc is like having an appendectomy.  I just don't understand some people who I thought we be there for me.  My "best friend" from college only lives 40 minutes from me has only seen me once since my diagnosis.  She kept saying how much she misses me in our daily emails and finally I told her to stop saying it.  She also went on and on about how much her boyfriend loves her long beautiful hair during that one visit.  Really?  I'm bald!  Ugh.  Yes, I could make the effort and see her too but I'd rather use my energy to see the people who are sincere and care.  

Sorry for the rant.  I could also rant about pinkoctober too Nihahi!  It makes me sad because I was diagnosed September 27th (26th if I go by the biopsy comment.)  It's crazy all the things that become pink.  I do have a friend who is an 18 year survivor and she loves all the pink things.  It makes her happy. 

sweetpickle

Goodie- Some doctors are just dumb when it comes to conveying difficult information. So sorry that happened!



nihahi- Im with you on the commercialization of the pink stuff, it should be about the people.



Sbe- Thinking of you today an cant wait to hear how things turn out.



Bailey- Enjoy camping and dont forget your bug spray. :-)



Cherrie- You are in my prayers and know that we are all with you. Hoping its nothing!

hugs to all of our new sisters and lurkers. :-)



I just found out yesterday that my sins fifth grade teacher was arrested for taking indecent liberties with a child. Talk about a hard conversation to have, he is in seventh grade now. He seems fine but weirded out by our conversation but I had to find out if anything went on while he was in her class. Ugh!



I have also made an appointment with a therapist to deal with my anxiety, its just to uch for me know. I have a horrible cold and I flashed back to chemo and was crying my eyes out last night. Poor dh, he was a trooper though and got me medicine and tucked in bed. You guys are so right abiut how this will stay with us always, at least in the background.



I really appreciate everyone who is a part of this thread, you help me so much by sharing your stories. I truly believe that we are all here together for a reason and that collectively we can provide each other with positive energy and love!

Colette64

In response to hrf concerns about the bruise and the pain, I had the same things exactly, very sharp pain that really stopped me and made me moan, and some bruises that looked so worrisome to me. My PS also said it is normal and not to worry.

The good news is that it all went away, I am 6 weeks after, and zero pain, bruises are fading out and PS was right.

It did take time though, I kept hurting and suffering until after the third week, and then it progressively got better.

Just hang in there, it gets worse before it gets better, but it does get better :-)

Colette64

Hi all!



Was anyone recommended silicone sheeting for scars healing?

I have started putting them on both breasts, belly scar and even the nasty drain scars.

Any success story to share? Any preferred brands? I have tried a couple, and so far the cica sheets are the most promising.

Thank you!

Colette

hrf

Colette, thanks for sharing your experience. I am only at 2 weeks so good to know that things will definitely get better.



Sweet, going to a therapist is a good idea. At the cancer centre I go to, everyone gets access to a therapist because this is a tough road for us and sometimes we need help. Continue to take care of yourself.

Anonymous

I am at work and sneaking peaks here to see what is happening lol....in the interest of full disclosure....I AM NOT CAMPING. My body will not take a night on the ground in the cold (it gets cold at night in the U.P. this time of year. Too many femara aches and pains and leftover neuropathy from chemo. And I think I am still too close to stage 1 flap sx to endure three nights of poor sleep. So wilderness by day....hotel with warm bed and hot shower at night!



Got you all in MY pockets...you are now with me wherever I go! I got a chill when I read your post Sweetpickle. I think we were all meant to be friends as well. I often think it is harder for some of us to seek help for depression and anxiety than it is to suffer in silence. You are doing the hard thing but I bet you won't regret it. You don't have to be brave....you just have to show up. Got your hand, sister.

Anonymous

Nihahi did I ever answer you on putting a quote in your profile? Go to My profile, settings, signature....in the signature spot there is room for your name or a quote. Cya !

Janet_M

Bailey - SO glad you're not camping. Almost choked on my coffee when someone wished you a good camping trip. I camped two weekends ago, joining my sister briefly, and the whole campground probably heard my tires squeal when I said good-bye to the campsite. Hotels are good.

sweetpickle

Thanks Bailey :-) Shew, glad to hear you arent camping, enjoy nature!

sbelizabeth

Good morning, sisters!  Since zero-hour is still 5 hours away, I'm chugging a cup of black coffee, and yes...I intend to lie when they ask if I've had anything to eat or drink since midnight.  In five hours, my coffee will be just a happy memory to my digestive system.

It's a beautiful morning in SoCal, and we've got the time, so Jerry and I are going to jump on the bikes for a quick hunt for legless reptiles.

Cherrie, you're in my prayers, dear one.  Like Bailey said, you don't have to be brave, you just have to show up.  We have all done a lot of showing up, haven't we?  But I'd bet my next paycheck the MRI finding is something scrambled by your surgery, and nothing ominous.

I'll need to shop for some of those teeny, tiny, high-heeled sandals, the kind that Barbie wears.  See you on the flip side! 

Cherrie

You were all right!! Radiologist came in and feels it is a fat necrosis related to surgery. I burst into happy tears. I have a repeat MRI in 6 mo. Thanks everyone, I truly felt you in there. You are my breast friends.



Thinking of you Katy!!

ssla01

Cherrie, your ultrasound must be over now. We are all that with you. Know that you are being loved and prayed for.



Sweetpickle, so sorry your night was bad. We have all cried too many tears.



Sbelizabeth, can't wait to see the Barbie pictures!

nihahi

CHERRIE..CHERRIE...CHERRIE.....WOOHOO....AWESOME......WONDERFUL.....HIGH FIVE...WAY TO GO WILBUR!!!!!!! That is such wonderful wonderful news. Dance on the table girl, you've earned the right to CELEBRATE!!!!!

sbe...you KNOW we're all in your "pseudopockets" today...enjoy that rebellious cup of joe...can't wait to hear how things go for you. Seriously...you don't know what he's going to be doing??? Wowzer! Could be an interesting wake-up!

sweetpickle...it's hard, it's really hard...but I believe it takes great courage to ask for help when it's needed, than to need help, and not ask. You're gonna get "there"...we ALL are gonna get "there"...like everything else on this crazy ride...we just take different paths. I am so proud of you....sorry about the cold...summer colds just seem worse, hard to snuggle up in flannel pj's and sip hot soothing drinks when it's hot and sticky outside. Wow...re: teacher...not a conversation any parent wants to have to have with their child!

bailey...thanks for the siggy info...I'll give it a try a bit later. Hot shower and hotel bed.....nothing wrong with that scenario AT ALL. Camping and Civilized are good partners!!!! Hope you have a wonderful time.

Janet..you are SO gifted in how you use words. So glad you are part of us. 

Can't remember who asked about the silicone strips....it is used sometimes for scarring on burns. The theory is that the silicone (sheets, gel, whatever) holds moisture and heat "in" the areas that are healing....which puts less "stress" on the scar....which then results in less "aggressive" scar formation. Works for some, not so much for others, since how we "scar" is partly pre-determined by our body. You'll never know if it is truly helping you, unless you use it on some areas, and leave a few areas "silicone free". If you see a significant difference in a week or two, you can always "catch up" on the test areas..scars take a long time to resolve..you wouldn't be compromising your long term result.

42cm/16.5 inch smile here....iron plate and swelly belly almost a thing of the past. Have good days ladies, I'm going golfing for the first time this summer! and NO, I won't be hitting pink golf balls !

Jeannie57

Yay, Cherrie! So relieved for you! Prayers were answered!



Sweetpickle, good for you and your therapy decision. I have considered it. I have such anxiety when I have to have an IV/blood draw from my foot or neck. I'm only making it more difficult as the vessels spasm from my anxiety.



Sherry, thinking of you as you pack that wound and wait for your new wound vac. You can do this!



I hope Bluebird is okay.



Bailey, hotel "camping" sounds great! We gave our tent to a daughter...



Sbel, you sound so good pre-surgery! You will sail through it. Hope you find your tiny shoes and I'm glad you have such a supportive "Ken."



Nihahi, enjoy your golf! I'm sure you'll get LOTS of walking in---remember, if you get a high score you will get your money's worth!



Everyone else, I read your posts and smile or say a prayer as I go. I'm so glad we have each other.



Now off to get ready to go to the zoo in the RAIN! My husband's company is having a shindig there so must attend. Will the animals take cover??? Seattlites don't usually use umbrellas but today is going to have to be the exception. We've had such a glorious, warm, dry summer. I'm not ready for gray days! BUT I am thankful for any day after what I --and you--have been through.

Jeannie57

Oops, Nihahi, just because this is the first time you've golfed this summer doesn't mean it's the first time you have golfed! Sorry...

Tracy516

Cherrie!!!! Yeah !



Baliey !!! That's my kind of camping!!



Hugs to all those healing!!

May Wilbur be with those going into surgery!!



Went to see BS today. I am CANCER FREE!!! She said there was so many noninvasive tumors that my left breast would be gone anyway. Right breast had nothing but that's ok;) BS said my breast looked great and large!! Lol my stomach is angry but not infected! Yea! Now if the burning tingles would go I'd be happy!!



Also now gonna measure my SMILE too;)

goldie4040

Yeah, Cherrie!  Awesome news.  You will sleep good tonight, or maybe even this afternoon.  

sweetpickle

Cherrie- Yay!! Doing the happy dance for you!



Tracey- That is awesome news and doing a jig for you too!



Im still on the couch working on my second box of kleenex. Sudafed has given me a little relief which is great. Waiting on kiddos to get home from school and then trying to figure out some kind of dinner. We had pizza last night because I was down. It might be a sandwhiches dinner tonight, lol.

goldie4040

tracy,

Yeah, for a good check up.  Your  tummy till get better every day!

faith729

Hi ladies sorry it's been a while..sorting through all this cancer BS as in bull S not breast S I have loads of reading to catch up on. I met with the first surgeon and wasn't a big fan. After keeping me waiting 2.5hrs past my appointment time which I understand a bit since in these situations that can mean he's thorough and kind. Wrong not in this case. At one point he mentioned that the nerve that rests on the vocal cords can be damaged causing permanent loss of speech and I remembered back to my 2.5 hr wait in the waiting area and the guy who came in with no voice ! So needless to say I'm meeting a different surgeon next Wednesday.



Hearing the words its malignant or you have cancer takes the wind right out of you. For me at least I felt like I heard the words and then only heard bits and pieces of everything else he was saying. Somehow I managed to execute a few important questions but I still don't know where I got the strength to do that in the moment. Everyday im still shocked when I think about the cancer but some days it just hits harder.



Over the course of seven years I had approximately 15 mammograms, 14 ultrasound biopsies, 9 contrast MRI, 4 surgeries and a mammogram needle guided biopsy. So im glad that chapter is closing.

I understand and relate to what Jeannie said about behind the smile scraming Im not strong Im scared.



Ok ladies gotta get back to work now the baby is awake more later enjoy your evening.

Jeannie57

Yay, Tracy! Great news!

Sweetpickle, that cold needs to scram!



Don't gasp but my "smile" is 20"! It's a nice wide smile that goes almost to the backside. I wish it were a little less "happy" so my underwear wouldn't bug it so much. I am at six weeks today and everything is nervy. Maybe I'll go commando! Off to the zoo in pouring rain....

Jeannie57

Faith, I'm sorry that dr. wasn't a fit. I hope the next one is! My best friend was diagnosed with a rare, incurable lymphoma and a short time later with thyroid cancer. She had the t. surgery. She still has her voice but she can't talk for long periods of time or her voice goes out. Several other women I know are perfectly fine after surgery. Praying you are one of those! You have been through so much and still face more but we are all cheering loudly for you! You are never alone with us around. Towanda! Thanks for the update.

Morningsun1

(((((Faith)))))

liefie

Cherrie, so very happy for you! Hope you are celebrating this - it's worth celebrating. MRI's are notorious for false readings, but it is still scary to wait for the results.

Janet M, that noise in your head is the BOOK wanting to be put on paper, or on computer, or whatever writers do today. We will all buy it, guaranteed!

Sbe, I hope Barbie's all stitched up nicely by now, and fighting to get away from Wilbur, and closer to Ken - LOL. 

Sweetpickle, sandwiches sound good! You just get better now. Good for you on getting help; you will be glad you did eventually.

Faith, I would also have run from that doc - lol. Hope you find a doc that's right for you soon.

jlbloom

Cherrie, so happy to hear your good news.  We all rejoice together for good news.

Tracy, those are some very special words to hear.  Congratulations!

Faith, wishing there were words to help.  Praying for strength for you!

I've been reading everyone's posts, but so often I don't know what to say.  Glad there are folks on here that do.

You all are in my thoughts and prayers.  ...Julie

hrf

Cherrie, I'm toasting you with a glass of champagne! Wonderful news



(((Faith))). But I am impressed that you are strong enough to make good decisions and not to feel pushed around. Once you find the right doctor, I'm sure you will feel confident about him/her. It's these long waits that are so difficult.



Sweet, nothing wrong with a good sandwich. Take it easy.