Starting Chemo May 2008

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  • otter
    otter Member Posts: 6,099
    edited December 2008

    Jean, at this moment I'm about 50 miles downriver from you ... and I am NOT liking your weather.  On our drive north from Kansas City yesterday, the roads were clean and dry; but there sure were a lot of cars in the ditch along I-35.  Most were upside-down.

    Now, I'm looking out the window and my poor Subaru has two inches of snow on top of it. 

    I know Minnesotans are tough, but you are going out for a run when it's 15 degrees???  I lived here for 30 years, until I finally got tired of the winters and moved south.  I guess I wasn't tough enough.  :(

    otter 

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  • sueper13
    sueper13 Member Posts: 1,224
    edited December 2008

    Otter, something tells me you were tough enough, that your degree of toughness wasn't the problem.

    On a different and unrelated subject, is or has anyone here had or are you planning on having reconstruction?  The reason I am asking is because TODAY I made appointments with two different plastic surgeons and I have decided to have a phophylactic mastectomy on the right side and bilateral DIEP (abdominal free-flap) reconstruction.  And I guess I need to talk it out with all of you. somehow.  Or something.  And get your opinions, I guess.  And know that you will support me....like you have in the past. 

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  • rock
    rock Member Posts: 1,486
    edited December 2008

    Yes, Sue, we are indeed human brasierres  -- always there to support one another.

    sorry to post something stupid and run but life is barrelling along at top speed. Am home for an hour then leaving again. Intend to spend at least 52 minutes sleeping.

    Homemade chex mix. Fudge. THAT is what I need right now.

    My big sister arrives tomorrow.

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  • sueper13
    sueper13 Member Posts: 1,224
    edited December 2008

    Rock,

    A big sister is a wonderful thing.   Have a nice nap today, and a great visit with your big sister.

    Love,

    Sue 

    P.S. HAM. 

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  • Sable
    Sable Member Posts: 738
    edited December 2008

    Sue~ LOVE LOVE LOVE the new pic daulink! You look fabulous! As for the recon.... I think I want the tummy tuck one myself. I just have to find a surgeon that I trust for that. I'm kinda scared of going thru the pain again and the drains and the yadda yadda of it all. I need to take all of you ladies with me and hold my hand I think.

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  • KristyAnn
    KristyAnn Member Posts: 793
    edited December 2008

    Sue,

    I just recently made my appointment for a PS consult- in June- but I have to wait 12 months from end of rads for any surgery. I called for basic info and her office suggested the summer appointment and then if I decide to proceed I will be able to schedule in November or December when she is normally really hard to get scheduled for surgery. I am not sure I want to go through it or what type I will have- gotta get through a hysterectomy and ovaries out first and then will think about it.

    HAPPY NEW YEAR!

    Kristy

    PS Lindt milk chocolate truffles

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  • LorenaB
    LorenaB Member Posts: 937
    edited December 2008

    Sue, I'm scheduled for a unilateral DIEP on March 25th. I can't wait!

    Happy New Year to all!

    Lauren :-)

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  • otter
    otter Member Posts: 6,099
    edited December 2008

    Dang it, rock, I want a big sister.  That must be what I'm missing.  There's no other explanation for the fact that I got tears in my eyes when reading your post.  While I was laughing at the "support" comment, of course.  Have a very, very good time with your big sis.

    Sue, I'm tough about some things but a real wuss about others.  Recon was one of the wuss things.  I just couldn't imagine complicating my mast surgery that much, or worrying about fills or doppler monitors or abdominal hernias all the while I was trying to recover from BC.  But, I guess for some (most?) women, having recon helps them focus on recovery.  Me?  I just wanted to get past it all as quickly as possible.

    But of course we'll listen and help you weigh the arguments, if that would help; and we'll support you (metaphorically), no matter what you decide.  And we'll even swim back across that river with you.  Rock may have more creative ideas about support, considering that website she posted on the Pepto Bismol thread.

    otter

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  • Gracie713
    Gracie713 Member Posts: 302
    edited December 2008

    Rock-please give your big sister an extra big hug from me.  I have 2 big sisters and I would love to give them a hug, but there are just too many miles between us.  My sis in Colorado has been supportive, and my sis in Cleveland has been, well, her usual self--her way is like an ostrich-stick your head in the ground and all the bad stuff in life can't affect you.  But I love her just the same.  I've talked to her twice since diagnosed and both times, I called her.

    About recon--I don't know a thing since I had a lumpectomy, but I have big shoulders and am a great listener and I promise to be here for you no matter what.

    Have a great "extra" at the rads center I go to--they have 2 massage therapists on staff and you and your family members can get a half hour massage for $5!  DH and I are going to sign up for one soon!

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  • familyroks
    familyroks Member Posts: 575
    edited December 2008

    Rock - So glad to see you post and so glad that you get to see your big sis.  Enjoy your time together.

    Sue - I am on the fence on recon.  I just don't know what to do.  I'm only 44, I think living the rest of my life as "one lump" isnt' ideal.  Yet I just can't think of going through another surgery.  I've had 2 emergency C-sections and a another that was planned (so 3 C-sections).  Having my gut, which I'd love to have flattened, cut into again....well, it just isn't something I look forward to.  I have a "standard" follow up with my surgeon in 2 weeks.  I'm thinking about addressing this issue with him as the last real decision he heard from me was "take it off".  I never thought I'd consider recon, but realize I don't even look at my mast side (except for making sure the scar is clean and healthy) and ignore my healthy side altogether.  Its just part of pretending this whole year didn't exist.

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  • drcrisc
    drcrisc Member Posts: 836
    edited December 2008

    I'm with you all on being thankful for good days over the holidays.  I kinda "barreled" through them energy-wise and then crashed over the weekend.  Maybe it was all the exercise from the Wii...

    Kristy - Congrats on the milestone of being "released"!

    Sue - I don't have any direct advice as I am also in the lumpectomy camp, but feel free to talk, whine, worry, debate or just unload.  We got your back, sista (or, um...your front...?)  BTW, love the new av!!

    I have my first follow-up with the rad onc on Friday.  I'm going to ask again (!) about the possibility of lymphedema.  My right shoulder/arm has not felt the same since I pulled the muscle back during Thanksgiving.  I'm certain there is swelling because I have other tell-tale signs (like not being able to get my wedding ring off) but I don't know if it's still from rads or not.  Sigh. 

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  • drcrisc
    drcrisc Member Posts: 836
    edited December 2008

    BTW, this is not me (just in case you were wonderin') - this is the 5 y.o. trying out her "make up" Christmas morning.  Thought you all would appreciate it...

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2008

    Sue.....you do look great! That's wonderful that you are wanting to go for recon, and of course I'll be in your cheering corner too no matter what. Me tho, I'm like Otter, just could not fathom more surgery at the time. I just wanted out quick and back to my life. I don't know if I'll ever get up the nerve for it but if I did, I think about doing it with expander/silicon. So Sue, if you go ahead on this I'd really like to know how it goes for for you.

    Lorena...good luck with your recon too!

    Happy New Years All!

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  • Sable
    Sable Member Posts: 738
    edited December 2008

    Happy New Year and TO US for making it thru last year!

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  • otter
    otter Member Posts: 6,099
    edited December 2008

    Not only was the temperature a single digit this morning, but there was a HYPHEN in front of it!!!

    <sigh>

    otter 

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  • KristyAnn
    KristyAnn Member Posts: 793
    edited December 2008

    Sueper,

    I am considering reconstruction but undecided at this time- which is fine since it is not an option until 12 months after rads.

    Kristy

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  • roberta37
    roberta37 Member Posts: 371
    edited December 2008

    Sue  - love the picture.  Just over from April board to say hi and was thinking of you.  You'll have to let me know what you find out about reconstruction.  I'm on the fence right now but am getting them to schedule me an appointment with the plastic surgeon to find out my options.  That won't happen until late Spring

    How are you finding things?  My energy level is no where near where I want it but I'm a Sag and we're known for our impatience.  

    I read the May thread a lot and enjoy the humor and caring that you all share. 

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  • Roxi65229
    Roxi65229 Member Posts: 462
    edited December 2008

    Love all the avatars....

    Sue, I had immediate mast with tissue expander in May with plans for diep surgery this spring. I called my PS yesterday and I need to wait 6 months after rads. That puts me at April to ensure the rads didn't dmage my skin too much, but I have plans to ditch the belly this year! BTW, I HATE the expander. It looks okay but is so uncomfortable.

    Christine, your daughter is adorable.

    Rock, have a blast with your sister. My oldest sister is going to Obamas innaguration. Hate her, just kidding...

    Saw my internist yesterday. Just bearly osteopenia so fosomax for a few more months, more blood work in March.

    Signed up yesteday for more information regarding the Avon three day in Chicago in June. Gonna try to get a team together.

    Happy New's Years all.

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  • ewesterman
    ewesterman Member Posts: 417
    edited December 2008

    Women,

    In case I don't get back to this page today, I wish each of you a very happy, healthy, peaceful and cancer-free New Year.

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  • Gracie713
    Gracie713 Member Posts: 302
    edited December 2008

    Happy New Year to each and everyone of you!  You have all been such an important part of 2008 and I hope that 2009 brings us all good health and happiness!

    Love you all!

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  • ewesterman
    ewesterman Member Posts: 417
    edited January 2009

    Sable,

    Did Santa ever make it to your house with that telescope?

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  • ewesterman
    ewesterman Member Posts: 417
    edited January 2009

    Am interested in recon talk.....have herceptin for the year so no need to even consider until over but now that the ovaries are gone, I will need to think about removal of my other breast and/or recon. Can't wait to chat with you all as we make these decisions. Love to all of you. I wrote a long post on my web about this dark year, but know that you all made it lighter. XOX

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  • rock
    rock Member Posts: 1,486
    edited January 2009

    HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

    (Otter, I'd be honored to be your big sister, though I suspect I might have to arm wrestle a half dozen other women for the honor.  Though, of course, one CAN have more than one big sister.)

    HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

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  • Sable
    Sable Member Posts: 738
    edited January 2009

    Eddie~ nope to telescope.... found out that he really meant bionoculars LOL.... my sister got him a pair of those. Now we have to keep him from trying to watch tv with them.. goofy kid.

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  • Jeano77
    Jeano77 Member Posts: 237
    edited January 2009

    Good morning and Happy New Year!!!  Thank you all for being such a significant bright spot in my 2008.  Wishing everyone great health and happiness in 2009!

    Otter . . . . where are you?  If you are looking at single digit temps with a (-) in front, you must be close!  :)  I did not know that you had lived in MN for such a long time and no question that you would be tough enough to live here.  I will admit, warm sounds nice right now. 

    Sue - I followed the same path as Mary - mast with tissue expander in April and diep surgery this spring also.  Also, hate the expander! 

    Love the new avs!  Have a great day!! 

    Jean

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  • sueper13
    sueper13 Member Posts: 1,224
    edited January 2009

    Happy 2009!  Is anyone else glad that AWFUL 2008 is over?  Thanks for all the thoughtful replies.  Kristy, my rad onc and PS both said 6 months after rads for recon...and there's a surgeon in Dallas that does the DIEP surgery. PM me if you want to know more....and I think the longer you wait after rads, the better, but it's less of a factor if you are not doing implants.  Anyway.  Lorena, looking forward with you!

    Hope everyone has a good day and a great, healthy and happy 2009!!!
    Sue

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  • sueper13
    sueper13 Member Posts: 1,224
    edited January 2009

    Did y'all notice that we passed 4,000 posts on this thread?

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  • drcrisc
    drcrisc Member Posts: 836
    edited January 2009

    Happy New Year!!!

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  • otter
    otter Member Posts: 6,099
    edited January 2009

    Yay, Happy New Year to everybody!  DH and I went to bed around 10:45 but woke up briefly at 11:58, just in time to whisper Happy New Year to each other and fall back asleep.

    Jean, I went to school at the U. of Minn. for more years than I like to admit.  Most of those years were spent on the St. Paul Campus, which I think is pretty close to where you are.  Right now I'm in the small town of Red Wing, about 50 miles southeast of the Twin Cities.

    Rock, I just might take you up on that offer.  The trouble is that I'm older than you are.  Does that matter?

    otter 

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  • Sable
    Sable Member Posts: 738
    edited January 2009

    OH NO! guess what is worse than hat hair on a chemo paitent...... turbie towel hair.... good gravy! Thought I'd feel normal for a bit this morning after the shower and put on my turbie towel to dry off my head.... now I have swirls in my hair. Good thing I still travel outside of the house with a hat on.

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