Starting Chemo in September?? where are you ladies

Hello all.

Paxton that's some great fish.

Due to my size, I was unable to to have reconstruction after bilateral.  PS says have to loose weight first.  I have been investigating having the lap-band surgery to help with the weight loss.  What do ya'll think?  This would mean lap-band surgery, implant surgery (probably at least 2), surgery to remove loose skin from arms, leg lift, butt lift, stomach lift.    I am only 47 (but due to Arimedex feel 67) but hate to think my life was over.  As a single woman just the thought of meeting someone new without any breasts is horrifying.

Is it worth this much pain and trouble?  I don't know.   Would love some feedback.

How is everybody?  Check in once in awhile.  This is a weird but great time.  Tx seems a lifetime ago yet not.  I had my ear surgery on the 11th.  Its hard to say if its working.  I've had a few moments of improvement and the doc says recovery will be slow.  Our house deal isn't working out.  Bf has horrible credit so I've had to take over his finances to hopefully get things back in order for him.  I found out he hadn't paid our rent in 6 months.  I called our landlord and had a little chat about what's been going on.  He was real good about it.  We got paid up.  He said we could stay thru July and possilby longer depending on the guy's schedule who will be doing the remodeling.  But I'm sort of hoping that if our landlord sees we'll continue paying our rent on time, that he won't have time to do the remodeling and will let us stay for now.  Then I can have some time to get our finances in order and then work on our house plans.  I really dont need all of this stress. 

I'm also trying to decide what to do for work.  I'm thinking of maybe going back to school.  Lots of decisions to make. 

 Well, hope everybody's doing great!!!!

I got a job sort of unexpectedly on Friday.  Bf's relative runs adult care down the road from us and needed some part time help.  So I worked friday, Saturday and today.  Now I won't work until next weekend.  I like it so far and its close which is nice.  And its part time so I can keep my disability for the time being.  I don't think bf understand why I don't look for full time.  But if I work part time and keep my disability, I will make the same or more than if I worked the same job but full time.  Why should I kill myself?  I'd rather work part time and get back into the swing of things.  And with this house/moving business I've had an awful lot of stress.  I just don't need any more. 

I'm done with treatment.  I had my ear surgery and now I'm done until 2 years when I get my port out.  I'm not seeing much results from the surgery either.  I've had a day here and there where I could balance pretty good so there is hope.

Thanks for the writing tip.  I never thought of seeing if people would pay for some short stories.  I might check that out.

I saw an ad in the paper for artists to submit stuff for an exhibit this fall on the female form.  I have a few drawings with women in them so I might submit some stuff and see what happens.  It doesn't pay money, but it would be kind of fun.  I'd like to save some skins from trapping next fall and make some craft stuff to sell the following summer.  All kinds of possibilities I guess.

Glad to hear your pain is getting better.  I try and appreciate that I don't have much pain when I'm frustrated with my balance.

Forgot to mention.  I would continue part-time with disability pay for as long as I could.   Much to my dismay, the recovery time for this beast is not just 6 weeks after the surgery.  This looks to be long term with side affects at each stage.   It seems like I take at least 1/2 a day each week and still do very little during the weekends.  However, I plan on starting a walking regimen soon (where have I heard that before?),

I'm still here.  Quick update - I now have diabetes type II brought on by the steriods given during chemo.  (Doc says no but I checked my pre-cemo pathology reports and all my levels were well within normal guidelines.)  Lost 80% of eyesight, extremely thristy, nauseated and got real dizzy.  My brother suggested we check my blood sugar level - sure enough it was 599.  Rushed to the hospital it was 612 - stroke level!  Scared me half to death.

The possible loss of my eyesight is worst than the lost of both breasts.  This happened on July 3.  After getting infusions in the hospital for a coulple of days, I was sent home with 3 more prescriptions, needles and insulin.  Due to the high blood sugar levels I was required to test and give myself shots 5 -7 times per day!  I quickly got on the internet and found that the low-carb diet would be the best way to get it under control.  No way do I want to live like that.

In just 3 weeks I've lost 12 lbs and only require 1-2 shots per day.  The dietician says to limit myself to 45 carbs per meal.  Forget that!  I have been limiting myself to under 25 total carbs per day.  Eating nothing but meat and salads. 

I don't blame it all on the steriods, but they pushed me over the line.  I had been having lots of stress at the job, overweight and a smoker.  Since I didn't change my habits after breast cancer, this just might do it.

Breast cancer and chemo.  Gifts that keep on giving.  But I will get this under control.  (Of course I sure do miss my fried chicken.)

Hope everything is going well for you ladies.

Hi Stillkicking!

CONGRATULATIONS on your one year anniversary!!  And MORE CONGRATULATIONS on your weight loss!! YAY for you!!  Tell us about your low carb diet-- are you on Atkins, South Beach, or other plan?  I need inspiration from you!  I am still stuck, trying to make at least one good effort each day, but I've not lost any weight.  I've got to really step it up though-- I'm getting back to feeling like I care what I look like now so that is motivating me to try harder.  I really think I would feel much better with a low carb plan, but not sure I could keep it going forever...  (me big chicken)  So, I would love to hear about your low carb plan.

Again, many congratulations and best of luck with the reconstruction decision!!

And my best to all the rest of our chemo gang!  It would be nice to hear how ya'll are doing!

Hugs,

Mary Jo 

ps-I just "celebrated" my one year anniversary from my lumpectomy re-excision on Aug. 20, but I think I was the only one who noticed it... and I know I sound like a big cry-baby   No one in my family said anything about it--  not even husband or parents and it kinda hurt my feelings because I consider that my "cancer-free date".  I know that sounds childish, but I just wish someone would have acknowledged it.  Nevertheless, I am very thankful for my good health right now and for each and every day I have on this Earth!

Hi and thanks for the congrats! And I appreciate the info about the low carb websites-- I plan to check them out asap.  I appreciate the inspiration you've given me!

Gee I am sorry you're stressing over the lump, but I bet everything turns out ok. I know it is worrisome, but it sounds to me like your dr. doesn't feel like it is a real biggie or she would have ordered tests immediately.  Lordy I know what you mean about the doctors-- I have begun to hate anything associated with the medical field, while being thankful at the same time.  I have had some pain around my SNB scar and in my lumpectomied boob, but I so dread just picking up the phone and calling for an appointment, so I have put it off.  I must say it feels better but I really should have it checked, I guess...

Hang in there and let us know what you find out about the knot-- wishing you the best of course.  Best of luck with your diabetes treatment and on your weight loss goals!  And keep making that lemonade! 

Mary Jo

I haven't stopped in here since summer.  Thought I'd stop in and say hello.  Doesn't look like others stop in much either, but maybe once in awhile to keep in touch.

I'm feeling a little lost at times, but mostly pretty good.  I haven't lost much weight either, but I gave myself the summer to camp and have fun so I ate lots of camping food.  We're still living in the rented farmhouse.  I'm still working part time at the adult foster care house.  Had my 9 month post chemo appt.  In Jan I'll have another MRI.  I had one done at 6 mos and it showed glowing areas but nothing present so they want to redo it.  If that comes back ok, then I think I'll relax. 

My lumpectomy and SND area is tender at times now, too.  But I'm pretty sure for me its just because the nerves are coming back.  It was numb most of the time which was nice, then I didn't have much pain from the surgeries, etc.  It doesn't bother me too much.  I wish I could get the port out though.  They say in 2 yrs from being done.  I can feel the tubing with my fingers going up into my collar bones.  I guess its not so bad but it creeps me out and having to go back every month to have it flushed.  Bleh!!

Well, we're all past the year mark.  My parents came to visit around my birthday (aug 15).  Seeing Christina Applegate going thru this has been interesting.  She's been brave.

Ok, I'm done. 

ps.  MJ: I shot my first duck and your grandbaby is a honey

Oh gads, sorry the photo is so big!  I'll try to fix it!

Yea, so I have some news.  Apparently the night I shot my buck, I got pregnant.  Can you believe that???  I have my first prenatal appt tomorrow.  I was scared to tell my onc but I called her right away and she basically said we'd just cancel my MRI in January and I'd still see her to check in. 

I'm making a little headway on trying to get a place on bf's folks' land.  I was able to find the physical description of the acre we want to put something on which was a God send.  I was getting really aggravated trying to press his parents for any information.  We might consider buying a nicer used single wide now just with the economy and not wanting to be tied down to a huge payment. 

We've had so much trouble where we're renting that I want to get a place sooooo bad.  The roof was leaking all summer and dripping down from the bathroom light.  The light socket actually stopped working now the same day the water heater went out about 2 weeks ago.  And then the day we got that fixed, the hose from the washer was spraying the whole back room for God knows how long.  And the pipes still freeze up constantly. 

What a crazy, crazy life.   

Hey Paxton!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!  

I just got your PM and wrote you back before I just saw your other posts!  Gee, I need to get on here more often and keep up w/my September buddies.  I also sent you my email address, so keep in touch! 

Good luck with the land/single wide, too.  That's what we own.  We live happily in our little "sardine can"-- I even have a sign over the doorway that says "Don't laugh, it's paid for". 

Talk to you more later!

Mary Jo

Congratulations Paxton!  I was/have been a lurker her for all this time.  I was in the August group just as you all and triple negative like you.  I am so excited and happy for you!  I see your sweet little one so clearly.  Just wait for the happiness they bring.  It will help push this cancer crap away. I was 8 months pg at diagnosis and know that I could not have made it through my battle without the distraction of my new little girl and 5yr old son.  Bless you and your new family!  

I also want you all to know that your conversations here were my lifeline just as I am sure they were/are for the many others that were "lurking".  Thank you for allowing me to easedrop and giving support you never knew was happening :-) 

Oh God, Cheryll, I am so very sorry.  How absolutely crappy.   I am sure you did nothing bad in your past life or this one either!  In your post, you sound strong and positive, so keep fighting this ALS crap!  And we will still be here help to you anytime.  I cannot even begin to imagine how overwhelmed you must feel, so don't go it alone-- come here for help, ok?

Thank you for the sweet comment about my grandbaby.  And don't be so sure you won't see yours. 

Your words "live each day to the fullest" are ringing in my ears-- thank you for reminding us all.  We should always hold those words close, because none of us are promised tomorrow.  God bless you and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.  Keep hanging in there and thank you for checking in here.  Please post here as much as you can, ok, and always feel free to PM me.

Big hugs to you,

Mary Jo

Nobody comes on this thread much but I figured I'd update anyway.  I had my little boy, Gage, on July 29th.  He's super cute and its been fun.  But my cancer is back and looks like I'll be going through all this bullshit again only now with a baby.  Guess at least I don't have to spend a lot fo time researching what everything means.  I still have my port in.  Not looking forward to having db mast though.  So bittersweet here.  Hope everyone else is doing well. 

So sorry to hear about the beast coming back.  Good news is your darling Gage.