Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!

PontiacPeggy

Marijen, I don't think so. One of the best things about this group is that we can discuss all aspects of our lives since all aspects are affected by our breast cancer.

HUGS!

Molly50

I think you should ask your MO or BS about birth control. You definitely cannot do rads if you are preggers. That being said...Hooray for the wonderful relief and closeness of physical intimacy!!

HappyHammer

Wow- took a day off for Herceptin infusion/BS followup yesterday and you gals went crazy on this thread! Lovely to hear from so many.

Mel- OMGoodness- you are beautiful and that long wig...who would know it was not your hair?! The short one...well, you and LTFly rock those cute really chic styles for sure! Hope the transition back to work goes well. Thinking of you!

Chi- haha- agree with you about LTFly and a tat for LE...she would rock it big time. (Glad she isn't going to have to do it) Thank you for the egg cream recipe....it actually does sond delish. I drink seltzer all day every day so think it would be great as a dessert- which I have cut out completely since BC- so again, thanks for the recipe. Had to LOL about smoking the herbs.

Sloan- En.JOY your beach trip. You are right- looks like everyone is "stepping it up". For me, knowing y'al are also doing it and seeing my steps puts more accountability in it which apparently, I need. That dang Jill- whoa- even on chemo day. Way to Warrior ON, right?

Maire- Glad you are back over here instead on rads board. Personally, I think it's better emotionally not to lok to far ahead. And, as many have said all along- remember- a lot of times, people are on the boards when they need help- many, many, many people have NO SE's. So...welcome back here for awhile! Great for the sex- please try not to worry. At 56 without ovaries, can't relate but am sure others will chime in.

MLP- Heading over to your FB page for recipes- thanks! Sounds great and am always looking for healthier (but GOOD) recipes! How are you feeling after your movie adventure? Just saw your last post- yes, my tumor was larger than they thought prior to surgery. Am grade 3- no nodes- but did have chemo- as Peggy would say- not easy but doable!! Enjoy the time with your daughter!

HappyHammer

While I was posting so were y'all- wow, cannot keep up but love reading your posts!!! Hugs to all..so glad we are in this together!

HappyHammer

1Step- so sorry about your mom. It is so hard when you don't have that support. Know that we are all here for you. My mom is finally doing better with my dx. She took it so personally and to heart. Not sure if she thought I would be radically different or what. Now we have all settled in and am hoping that will happen for you. HUGS!

HappyHammer

Peggy- you are right...all aspects. And, this thread is such a great place to say, discuss and talk about things you might not be able to express to friends/family quite so easily as we all have BC in common.

Hugs to all!

Praline

Thank you for the welcome. I am doing very well. I never had any pain all after surgery, not even enough to take a Tylenol. I don't have much appetite yet but maybe because I have not done much to get hungry. The only problem I have had is a rash between/ under my breast ??? I am seeing someone this afternoon to check it out.

PontiacPeggy I live about 15 minutes outside of New Orleans. I have lived here for over 30 years. I grew up in Canada, moved Massachusetts in the early 60's with my family, then here around 1980.

Molly50 I am not sure what kind of oncologist I am seeing. I just have to look it up. I have only talked to my BS and his nurse since surgery. BS is out of town this week. I hope he did not go to the northeast or I may not see him for a month. lol The only thing mentioned so far was radiation. I don't think I would agree to Chemo.

Peachy2 You made me laugh out loud! Yes we eat praw-leens not pray-leens.

PontiacPeggy

Praline, I kinda figured you were in NO from your "name." Most of us have 3 oncologists: BS (which you already have). MO, medical oncologist, who does any medical treatment such as chemo or anti-hormonals (which you won't have being ER/PR negative). And the RO, radiation oncologist, whom you will see soon. Glad you are doing so good.

Don't reject any treatments out of hand. Listen to why your oncs think it is necessary, what benefit it will provide, what are the consequences of not doing the treatment, and what are the side effects of the treatment. Only YOU can decide what is best for you. And whatever you decide, after carefully balancing it all out, don't look back!

Radiation is almost always prescribed after an Lx. Chemo - depends on so many different factors. Be sure to ask about it at your next appointment - it is a vital conversation.

HUGS!

Peachy2

Praline, we have reversed routes. I grew up in Baton Rouge, though spent a lot of time in New Orleans since my grandmother lived there. I have lived and worked north of Boston since '89. I had a surgeon who I adored, though I did need to do a little prodding when it came to what happened after surgery. She mentioned "when you meet with your medical oncologist" but I had to ask "Can you help me get set up with one?" And for radiation I was asked where I might like to have treatment, closer to work or home, but I had to make the selection and ask for a referral. There are times that you wish that it was like booking a flight from Boston to New Orleans without having to plan the connection. Though as everyone knows, you're going to have to decide if you stop in Atlanta or somewhere else. So, you may need to ask your surgeon "What is the next step in my treatment?"

Melclarity

1step - I think its super hard for parents, my Dad was my rock through Chemo as I was so sick and I needed him for about 3 days to look after my kids each infusion every 3 weeks. This is a man who never said 'I love you' but is petrified of losing me after losing my Mum nearly 7yrs ago.

MLP - I love the juices too!!! I got a Ninja for Christmas, I love that recipe you have, Im going to try that one! I think all of it helps absolutely!! I'll checkout your FB page! I have a horrid time with Anaestetic too, uuugh!!!! for me that was the worst part not the surgery. I recovered no problems and quickly. Its not unusual for the size to be different of the tumor from US to surgery, awww its like mine was I was 2.5 and Grade 3 and that was the decider of Chemo, plus because I was a recurrence. Re: Wigs, mine are only synthetic but its because my hairdresser cuts them into style...very hard to get a wig off the rack that doesnt need restyling. Got my at hair www.shinywaywigs.com.au Aussie site but my wigs are by Jon Renau if that helps

Uuuugh Im back to work today, its double nerve racking as been off for quite a few months and Im going back to my original school of 2014, feeling super mixed. However...normality will be good!!!

Something dawned on me this morning...my tx was aggressive for DCIS 4yrs ago, lx, rads and tamoxifen. Now Ive had a recurrence they cannot use Rads...this is WHY theyre pushing for a mx because they dont have anywhere else to go. So hard to know!!! maybe they should have saved rads for now!!!!

Peggy - I love that you are our Ambassador!!! Go to Gal!!!! Love it!!! so wonderful with everyone that is new coming through all the time.

Praline - So sorry you are here, youve got some great advice already, keep asking questions!!! Hugs.

Happyhammer - Hope youre doing well, with tx.

PontiacPeggy

Praline and Peachy, I was so lucky with my oncs. My SIL went with me to one of my appointments where my BS was asking who I wanted to see for rads and my MO. She gave me several suggestions and I went with the ones that were closest to me. I loved my RO - he was bright, caring and terribly sarcastic (a very appealing trait to me). The recommended MO is even older than me (hard to imagine, isn't it?), a bit paternalistic in a very nice way and also very caring. My BS is very gentle and caring. I was glad for the recommendations since I didn't know anyone. The BS was a recommendation of my PCP at the time. Not everyone find their team so easily and with such good fits. BTW, my BS never pushed me towards the oncs she had recommended.

Melclarity, thank you for the very kind words! I do try to be welcoming - we are all so scared when we first come here. We don't know anything and have to learn it yesterday. Don't even know what we don't know or the questions to ask. With such a wide variety of experiences, diagnoses and treatments, we are equipped to share what we have learned with our newbies and help them become informed breast cancer patients who know the questions to ask, a good idea of what to expect on their journey and how to cope along with the way. And I am glad that we are including "life" issues now in our discussions. We all need to know that there is life, love, sex and good times along the way.

HUGS!

MLP3

Thanks for the back up Peggy;) It is hard talking to family and friends about our journey, feelings, surgery fears, treatment anxieties and SEX. I never talk about things with friends and family like I do here and I have to say... It's so nice to have people understand. I have one friend who has had a double mx and she's the only one I can talk to about certain things without sounding like a complete moron.

This group has become like family and I'm so glad I found it. I'll tone down on the sex and half naked Gronk pics;)

Thanks for the wig links! Mel... Same size and grade as mine... I'm going to start shopping around for some wigs just in case;)

I had the nicest walk around the "Old Town" section of town but might have overdone it. 3.4 miles and I was soooo dizzy. I think I'm a bit more bruised than I was when I left. I purposely checked before I left. Maybe I'll shave off a mile tomorrow!

I need Botox...😁

Melclarity

MLP - You are beautiful goodness!!! NO botox!!! Think youre amazing, and youre doing better than you think!!!

Hi Ho HI HO its off to work I go LOL

mairew

Mel, best of luck on your first day back

Yes MLP you look gorgeous.

PontiacPeggy

MLP3, No need to tone down the naked men photos. My late husband's mother always told him that if you're not looking, you're too old to do. Yup. Good for your walk. Take it easy since you bruised. And you do look great - no Botox!!!

MelClarity, good luck with the work! It has to be hard after being off so long.

HUGS!

LovesToFly

mlp you look gorgeous! I'm so glad you got out for a walk.

Melclarity I hope your return to work goes smoothly just gets easier and better.

Peggy you rock. So welcoming to everyone, and I certainly agree that nothing should really be off topic here. Some of us don't have anywhere else to talk about these things, I really feel like I don't, I'm so glad to have you ladies

I just got home from my second chemo infusion. was better than the first, she got the IV in the first time no problems (3 tries last time!). My husband had to work this morning so he met me there, planning to leave one car if he had to drive me home, but I was fine to drive myself home and even stopped at the drugstore to run some errands. I'm feeling OK right now, but if it's anything like last time the queasy will start kicking in early evening. This time I will learn from my mistake, and take the prn antinauseant as soon as it does!

My hair is so brutal, a buzz cut with bald patches everywhere. I'm wondering if I should borrow a clipper from someone and just shave it? Give it a good rub with the washcloth every shower, but the hair on the top is still holding on and really I would rather it just be gone st this point since I no longer feel comfortable without my head covered anyway.

MLP3

If Peggy says it's ok... It's ok!

Good luck at getting back to work Mel! Might be a nice distraction;)

Ltf- There's a great company called Skida in VT. My daughter and I are addicted to their hats and neck warmers... I'm wearing them in my avatar. Their hats are so soft and they donate to chemo patients. They have some cool prints and are very reasonable. Big with the ski crowd but catching on in the breast cancer world😊

Happyhammer- how are you doing?

Welcome Praline! I think I spelled that wrong😬

Melclarity

Lovestofly - Im running out the door LOL Id shave it with clippers yes, thats what I did and that way its just stubble left that will fall and left with bald. You're doing great!!! my nurses told me how you are first time usually dictates how you will be for each infusion, and youre well ahead of things.

Thanks everyone, am bit nervous lol but its a planning day too, so I get to catch up and be social with lots of old friends!!! Students tomorrow whoa!!! decided to where my long wig as this is how they all remember me, then will rock in with my short one and throw them all off haha!!

Have a great day/night everyone!

HappyHammer

LTFly- drove home...that is awesome! Glad they got things going on first try (Do you have a port!?) You know you are the boss of your hair- don't let it get you down- you can just take it off and be done if that will make you feel better- and, more in control. Your wigs are just so darn trendy and cute- know it's not your real hair and am sorry- but you are rockin' the wigs. Hoping you feel ok but if not- yes! Take the meds. Hugs!

Love it, MLP- "If Peggy says it's ok, it's ok!" DO rest some, please. You have done a lot today! AM feeling better- especially since I got my lazy self motivated with the help of a Fitbit Challenge and walked about 2 miles to get some steps in. Fresh air and some sunshine- very healing! Just ate a black bean with a little avocado salad- now headed to town to tackle a few errands.

My DH started his contacting job today- he took a package from his telecommunications job last January earlier than we had planned at 55. He really missed working-you know, it seems that a lot of men get their ego strokes from their work. Did some contracting work in the summer which required some travel in our state. Neither of us liked the travel part too much. The whole not working full-time was a blessing once I was dx in May with BC- really pretty amazing how it worked out. Now, my treatments are winding down... Sooo, he started his own business and went back to his old company as a contractor starting today! He was excited but nervous and they were thrilled to have him back. We will see what he says when he gets home tonight, haha.

Peggy- smart MIL! Love it! (DOn't think it needs toning down- I thought the eye candy was funny and, like LTFly said- not too many to talk with about what we and our families face once you get the BC dx. We can do it all here.

Mel- It's great that you are starting back on a work day..gives you time to catch up with folks before the kids come back. Hope it goes well!

Sloan is right...anyone want to join in on the Fitbit group? SOooo motivating!

PontiacPeggy

LovesToFly, That's why I said what I did. Many of us have no one to ask some of these very personal, intimate questions. Your friends who would gladly answer you don't quite understand all the issues that go into the question of: sex or no sex, e.g. I certainly don't have anyone I could ask. DH and I weren't able to have a sexual relationship for several years prior to his passing so I really can't offer any help but I certainly can listen. Hope you feel much better than last time!

HUGS!

ayr1016

MLP: Can you post your recipes/ingredients for your juices? I am very interested in juicing. Or, I will check your FB out. I'm not a vegan (yet?), but I have been vegetarian for the last 10 years. Cinnamon in the coffee sounds good. I have given up coffee (temporarily, maybe? lol) in favor of green tea. Still need my caffeine but now I don't have the extra cream and sugar. Although, I do add raw local honey.

Marie: We should meet up some time. I will message you

I am super impressed by the wigs. They look so freaking natural. I would not have known otherwise. These are not your mother's wigs (as they say)

Question: I was at my PCP office yesterday and the lady taking my blood pressure asked which side I got my node biopsy on. I said "oh, I haven't had surgery yet" and she told me "Ok, well, don't ever have anyone take your blood pressure on the arm that has had node biopsy". I asked if it was because of Lymphedema, and she said yes. I have not discovered that yet on the boards or just in my general researching my diagnosis/treatment. Is that accurate info?

I'm forgetting to respond to so many.

HappyHammer

Ayr- my doc did suggest not having blood draws and/or bp taken in arm where I had the lx. Saw BS yesterday for follow-up and she said since I had a low possibility of LE that it would be fine to do BP on that side, but, hey...why tempt fate? Hugs!

LovesToFly

ayr yes, I've been told I should have no procedures, even blood pressure checked, on the right side where I had lymph nodes removed from. Unfortunately this is for the rest of our lives, not just after surgery, because once the lymph nodes are gone they are gone.

I'm so relieved it's my right side for two reasons!

1. I am right-handed, that means I can still easily text, eat, etc. when I'm hooked up to IV

2. I have a tattoo on my right wrist that my husband hates and would like me to remove. He can no longer ask me to remove that!

Peggy reading about your husband makes me so sad for you I cannot imagine going through what you did, and then having your own health issues as well. You are truly a hero.

Mlp thanks I'll check then out.

PontiacPeggy

Ayr1016, that's what I've done since my Lx. I'm also at low risk but what's the harm in following that generally accepted wisdom? Most medical personnel don't care which arm they use but I do.

HUGS!

Peachy2

Ayr1016, just chiming in on the blood pressure arm choice. After seeing hospital where I had chemo always use the other side, my husband got curious and asked. They said that the protocol for this has changed somewhat, but most facilities will still use the opposite arm standard. Same is true for injections, which also need to be in the opposite arm. The nurse who came for our office flu shot clinic at work set up the chairs so that she would give everyone injections on the left, and fortunately didn't question why I said "I need to use my right."

MLP3

ayr- here's a link to a delicious juice. If a juice recipe calls for apples, use green apples as they are lowest in sugar. https://www.facebook.com/thedailyveganbymichelle/p...:0

Another juice I have daily is spinach, kale, lemon, cucumber, celery, romaine and with or without green apple. I really just grab anything green but this is the base recipe and sometimes I omit and add(parsley is great in it too). It's so cleansing and alkalizing. Did you know... That all cancer patients have a ph level that is acidic? It's so hard to live a green and alkaline lifestyle, but they say if you can start your day with this green juice, it helps.

And yes... No BP, no blood draws or anything to your arm on the same side as surgery. The nurse told me that some women get a medic bracelet just in case. I think I'd need one that looks like a Tiffanys bracelet

Molly50

Praline, keep an open mind for treatment options when you meet your MO and RO. You can always run things past us. Many here have been done the chemo and rads road. Mel, yes it is too bad you can't do rads again. Maybe MX is the answer. Then the question is bilateral or uni? Good luck with your first day at work. MLP3, you are gorgeous. Do not change a thing! You don't need any 'work". Okay back to work

MLP3

Ayr- ps... A super green tea drink recipe that is one of my favorites is a green matcha latte made in a blender!

Combine 1 cup of hot water, one cup of almond milk, 2 tbsp of powdered matcha and 1-2 tsp of pure maple syrup. Blend until foamy. Makes two cups.

I like this brand of almond milk that's at wfs and its non gmo and not full of bad additives.

1step

Mel- good luck for your first day back!

I'm not sure how I'll handle getting a medical bracelet. Im not much for jewelry due to nickel allergies.

Happy Hammer- I haven't seen you on the lists as a friend, so haven't been able to add you on Fitbit, but I've added Sloan, Sally and Rona. Love getting motivation from all around.

LovesToFly

I didn't get a bracelet. I lost two lymph nodes so my risk is pretty low, I figure if I'm so badly injured or sick that I'm unable to tell them, then lymphodema probably isn't my biggest concern.