January Mastectomy

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  • frosty1
    frosty1 Member Posts: 420
    edited February 2010

    Regina - I too had only one removed -- leftie.  Rightie had nothing going on, so I decided to keep her around a bit for old times sake.  It is a bit of an issue being lopsided, but I got my whipped gel foobie this week and feel great.  Don't stress and regret ... you have more information now and can make more informed decisions as you move forward.  I got my hair cut short yesterday, get my port on the 25th and start chemo on March 3.  That was not what I had expected when I got volunteered on this journey in December.  Enjoy your one lone boob ... she may never bring you harm!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2010

    Cindy it sounds like you are coping with the chemo fairly well.  I can't imagine the difficulty that must have been to try to decide to have chemo, especially with having the low oncotype score.I think we all hope when having the test that it will be a stong number, preferrably on the low end, but if not then strong at the other end.  Don't we all hate the gray zone?

    It has only been a week since I say the oncologist, so I know they don't have results from Oncotype test yet, but even still every time the phone rings, I can feel my heart skip a beat.

    For all of you celebrating the removal of the drains, congratulations and for those that are still struggling with TE's and fills, one step at a time.

    Susan sorry to hear of your new staging. sending you ((hugs))

    Sally congratulations on your first outing.  It is difficult to try to pretend everything is normal isn't it.  Yet everything just continues.

    Tiffany I think it is really good for you to see the medical oncologist as early on as possible.  I think they are able to give so much insight and additional information to women to help make these very difficult decisions.  Let us know how you made out. Like the other ladies have said, each of us has to make the best decision, that is right for you.  For me, one thing that I found on this forum for other ladies experience was this: the women who had bilateral, after the surgery, had no regrets, and never looked back.  the women who had unilateral, seemed to have the constant worry still there, and wondered if they made the right decision, and or ended up having the other side done, either because of recurrence or peace of mind.  You will know what is best for you.

    Paula have a great weekend.  I am very curious especially about the hot tub thing.  Is it true that once you have had sentinel node that you shouldn't have hot tubs.  I read that somewhere and this is really upsetting.  I love hot tubs and was thinking of putting one in this year.

    Wow this is such a busy place, it is difficult to keep up with everybody, but so nice to see and hear everyone's experiences.

    Take Care

    Cathy

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  • faithandfifty
    faithandfifty Member Posts: 10,007
    edited February 2010

    You are so welcome Cindy. Those of you going thru or approaching chemo have my complete and utter respect and admiration. You can do it!!

    And now Peaches I will be adding prayers as you move into active treatment. Battles with the depression are so important to recognize and ultimately conquer.

    Regina. I am the "cautionary tale" that you probably don't want to hear about, BUT I can tell you my experience with Tamoxofin. I took it for 2.5 years and truly didn't feel any impact/side effects what-so-ever. I was VERY concerned upon taking it in the beginning (I was most concerned about the decrease in mojo, LOL and was convinced if I experienced that change in QOL I would insist upon stopping.)

    Now. I had a heart-to-heart w my onc a couple weeks ago and looked him in the eye and said, "Don't you suppose it's safe to say that the Tamoxofin was pointless in that I had this second cancer to deal with -- while on the prescription????" He very calmly pointed out that if I wanted to be the optomist that he knew me to be, that he would attribute the T for another stage 0 cancer being detected and for having kept it from going invasive.

    My experience. I am a firm believer in doing everything we can under our own power to combat this disease -- hence my decision for the bilateral and no recon. I think that you can always schedule a subsequant mast for your remaining breast as time unfolds. You have done everything under your power to be assertive and to move forward as quickly as could unfold. I completely understand and support your decision to move forward. Now breathe. You will be "watched" like a hawk and for that you can be grateful.

    I'm rambling now, but I just wanted you to know that my experience w/T had no frustrations. Now don't get me started about my experience w/Effexor...... which just again shows you that every story is unique. I hope that you tolerate it well.

    Today is four weeks out for me. I seriously think that I can imagine the light at the end of the tunnel. I am so amazed by those of you who have returned to work already. WOW. I can imagine that day will arrive for me too. LOL.

    Progress, girls. Progress.

    Celebrate what you can: it's the weekend. Find something to bring you happiness.

    xx00xx00xx00xx

    Strength and courage.

    Strength and courage.

    Strength and courage.

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  • ariesrottie
    ariesrottie Member Posts: 260
    edited February 2010

    Good morning. Better day today then yesterday. My daughter is home from Cortland and she is taking me for a mani pedi.,.Yeah she washed my hair I look pretty good considering that I still have 2 drains and a boil infection...(Ha) I'll have to see what Monday holds. Slept really good last nigh until my husband woke up at 6 with a nightmare. (Not handling the situation as I thought he  would)... Money Money Money. I guess he's worried about my salary not being there. Sorry I didn't mean to get sick.

    Tiffany- I agree with the girls Bilateral. I am happy with mine. not to go and have to worry about the other side. I made a right decision with mine for I had A typical cell in the good breast. Think about it.

    Gina- still have my implant drains in from the 25 Monday is another day. There is hope for us                                                                                                                                                   .Paula Paula- have a nice weekend, enjoy yourself.

    Talk to you girls later.

    Donna

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2010

    I forgot to mention too that I went to a breast cancer support group meeting here in my city the other night as well.  I had been trying to go for the last few months, but because they meet once per month, kept missing it because of surgeries, biopsies etc.  Anyway it was good and a little bit like this forum, except you can see people face to face. The other difference I found, which has its pros and cons, is everybody is at such different stages, with different types of diagnosis - some 15 year survivors, some uni/bi mastectomy etc.  This forum is better is some ways because as you go into the different threads, you can find people in almost exactly the same situation, at the same time to go through with you.  That is why this thread has been so helpful for me. 

    One of the ladies gave me a poem, and I thought I would share it with you. I found it very inspiring.

    The Oak Tree

    A mighty wind blew night and day

    It stole the oak tree's leaves away

    Then snapped it's boughs and pulled its bark

    Until the Oak was tired and stark

    But still the Oak tree held it's ground

    While other trees fell all around

    The weary wind gave up and spoke.

    How can you still be standing Oak?

    The Oak tree said, I know that you

    Can break each branch of mine in two

    Carry every leaf away

    Shake my limbs and make me sway

    But I have roots stretched in the earth

    Growing stronger since my birth

    You'll never touch them, for you see

    They are the deepest part of me

    Until today, I wasn't sure

    Of just how much I could endure

    But now I've found, with thanks to you

    I'm stronger than I ever knew.

    by: Johnny Ray Ryder Jr.

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  • grdnslve
    grdnslve Member Posts: 310
    edited November 2010

    cathy, that is beautiful.  i don't know how faithful i will be going to the support group, because you are right on about this forum.  however, the info about local resources was pretty great.  think i will watch the schedule & topics and may pick & choose which meetings i go to.  on the other hand, maybe there is some value to the different stages, as i felt sandwiched between the hope of seeing the old survivors & the encouragement of seeing those in/ending treatment.  and one day, maybe going will be my purpose in extending hope to someone else.

    girls--i am so scared about telling my folks this weekend.  had been so sure this was going to be nothing and they would never need to know.  my folks are of the 'everything that happens is Gods will' school, and emotionally that is something i have a hard time dealing with. 

    had a pedicure yesterday--got nice red toes with hearts --  figured i better do it before i start treatment.

    ta ta for now

    lola

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  • faithandfifty
    faithandfifty Member Posts: 10,007
    edited February 2010

    Lola. I am so very "there" with you about telling your parents. My first dx nearly 3 years ago, I didn't tell them for about 6 months..... until surgery & radiation was completed.

    Telling others is indeed acknowledging that the unthinkable has happened.

    I will be sending you good thoughts and encouragement thru the weekend.

    You deserve support from every possible corner.

    xx00xx00xx00xx

    Strength and courage.

    Strength and courage.

    Strength and courage.

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  • neversurrender
    neversurrender Member Posts: 508
    edited February 2010

    Cathy - loved the poem.  It brought my first tears since surgery.

     Lola - good luck with your parents this weekend.   I wish their was more I could do for you than a {{{{{{{hug}}}}}}} from across the country, but you will be in my thoughts this weekend. 

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  • neversurrender
    neversurrender Member Posts: 508
    edited February 2010

    Now that my drain is out, my mom has left to return home.  It is a relief is some ways, as she would never have left if she didn't feel I was doing great and could handle things myself.  It is a little disappointing also, now I will be at the 'mercy' of my husband's house cleaning and laundry skills. :)   I will also be alone a lot more now.  My husband works out of town through the week, and the girls are all in school all day.  A lot of quiet time to sit and think.  I am making a promise to myself though, to use the time alone to walk, exercise more - just get myself healthy and lose some weight.  If I am going to have awesome new breasts, and a flat tummy - need to work some on all the rest  :)  

    I work in daycare - lifting and carrying babies and toddlers.  With my diep, I am restricted to lifting under 10lbs for 12 weeks.  So I will be off of work for a minimum of 12 weeks.  I am glad for the time off, hoping to use it to my health advantage, but 12 weeks is a long time without that normal part of my life.       

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  • KatRNagain92
    KatRNagain92 Member Posts: 522
    edited February 2010

    Sally...my January sister...we are paralled here in so many ways.  We dropped Mom off at the airport today and I too am now at the mercy of my own defenses.  More quiet time indeed.  Even the dogs sleep during this time of the day.  I'm beginning to get more excited about the future and taking better care of myself.  I'm embracing this challenge and learning the lessons that life is so carefully teaching me.

    I am the Director for an Indp/Asst Living facility and I miss the residents so much.  They all remember the time when women were carved down to the ribs and they're very anxious for me.  I'm going to try and go next week just to visit.  I have 8 weeks off and having or not having chemo is really going to determine if I take all 8.

    We went to the PS today and I didn't get a fill but will next Friday. 60cc he says...100 tops. (slow and steady wins the race...right Paula?)

    I know I've been vacillating here about the chemo...yes, no maybe so...and I apologize for that.
    My husband and I had a nice talk on the way home...I was bringing up chemo brain and the oncotype test again and he said...you know...don't they ever look at what this poison is going to do to your body because they're so focused on the cancer?  If you end up having liver damage or an early onset of anything because of it, are you supposed to say "but at least they licked the cancer?"  If I have a low number and they can say "98% chance it won't come back and 99% if you take chemo?  Are the damages really truly weighed in this big equation. 

    But I'm just going to drive myself crazy (and all of you as well!) so I'll just be patient and wait until Friday and we will go from there.

    Happy Valentines weekend to my January Valentines :) 

    Kat

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  • grdnslve
    grdnslve Member Posts: 310
    edited November 2010

    kat--try not to drive yourself nuts with this, get their recommendations, and get a 2nd, 3rd opinion if you are still unsure..ask them to present your case at cancer conference if they haven't already.  their mission is life isn't to poison you--they want to give you the best results with the least risk.  and remember, there are no guarentees no matter what we decide to do.  i had a patient going through treatment whose son had, after years of battling cancer, been finally declared cancer free, and 6 short months later was killed in a car accident.  so where is the answer in that for the grand purpose of life??? 

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  • binga
    binga Member Posts: 140
    edited February 2010

    So happy I really did get my last two drains out today!  That alone makes me feel so much better.  I am not sure how some of you gals do it, but as I said before I got 100cc in each side on Tues and I was in so much pain for the last 2 days.  I told the nurse today that I only want maybe 60 or 70 this time and see if that helps.  Maybe it is because I am kinda small. I weigh around 120 and was only a full B.  I am still on Percocet and Valium and although I hate the hazy filling it gives me I like it better than the pain.

    So glad to hear so many good things from lots of my fellow Jan gals!

    Becky 

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  • TNgolfer
    TNgolfer Member Posts: 253
    edited February 2010

    Becky,

    I don't think it is our tolerance of pain re the TE fills; I think it might have something to do with what size TE's they put in and the size of our chest frame.  Don't think it has anything to do with what cup size we were.  Believe it or not, I feel about the same size I was before surgery (how's that for small).  I am very tall, but remember that I always thought my breasts were too low on my chest (could it have been gravity and old age???).  Seriously, even when I was younger, they appeared to be low.  Now after only 100cc in each TE, my breasts are right up under my collar bone.  Who knew that's where they were supposed to be all along.  So, even though my breasts were very small (just a B) there was a lot of vacant room on my chest.  I really have no desire to be bigger than I was.  This was never about looking like a pin-up; this is about being cancer-free and being comfortable in my own skin. 

     So, please don't think that you're a woose and I'm not!  We know we are all different.  I also can't imagine 6 more fills at 100cc.  I will want to see my feet!  Also, I don't want breasts to get in the way of a golf swing.  Guess I'll know when to say that's enough.  Right now I am just glad this last fill didn't bother me at all.  Let's hope the next one is the same; but I don't imagne it will be.

    Glad your drains are out.

    Kat, I, too am starting to agonize over chemo as well.  Will see him on Wednesday.  Trying to remain calm.  And we do know from the past that the waiting is always the toughest!!

    Blessings to all.  Stay strong.  If you can't just log on here and vent.  We are all here for each other.

    Marianne

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  • faithandfifty
    faithandfifty Member Posts: 10,007
    edited February 2010

    sending hugs and encouragement to any of our clubhouse who are in the "waiting" mode this weekend........... waiting & wondering has always been the hardest part of this journey for me.... second hardest part is the making of the decisions. once the decisions are made & there's a plan then it's full speed ahead.

    know that we are all here for one another -- to encourage & support.

    we won't leave anyone behind. we will support each other thru whatever emerges on the horizon for each in our crew. we can do this, because no one ever need feel alone or estranged.

    gooooooooo January!!!!!!

    xx00xx00xx00xx00xx

    Strength and courage.

    Strength and courage.

    Strength and courage.

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  • KatRNagain92
    KatRNagain92 Member Posts: 522
    edited February 2010

    Happy weekend everyone.  (not the weekends really feel any different except I get to have my family home! Smile )

    I had an out of house experience last night...my girlfriend and I went out for Mexican food and I had 2 (count em) 2 Margaritas!  yummmmy!   I'm such a light-weight though.  I was home and in bed by 8pm.  HA! 

    Tonight is church and maybe something nice for VD day tomorrow....baby steps! 

    Have a great day everyone

    Kat

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  • neversurrender
    neversurrender Member Posts: 508
    edited February 2010

    My girlfriend will be here in just a bit, she is taking me out for Italian.  She has said maybe something 'fun' after...don't know how long I can endure, but I am up for it!  My sister in law came to town and got my girls last night and is keeping them for the whole weekend.  They are staying in a nice hotel and having a "girls" weekend out.  With mom gone, and girls gone, I am hoping DH and I will get to have nice VD day tomorrow also.... :)

    Strength and Courage!

    Sally

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  • ThereIsHope
    ThereIsHope Member Posts: 62
    edited February 2010

    Hi... just popping in for a moment to share my great "find" in the way of an inexpensive camisole to wear.  I am about 5 weeks out from my bi-lateral mastectomy.  I don't know if anyone else has posted about this, so apologies if this is "old news."  I received one of those expensive camisole-type tops with pockets for the drains, etc. when I left the hospital.  They are very nice, but also expensive.  Since I no longer need the drain holders, I got creative.  I just purchased a "nursing type camisole" at Walmart that nursing mothers would use.  It is white and has a small "snap-type" clip on each side where the strap meets the camisole.  I simply slipped my "pouffy fluff" inside each one and they are snug and secure.  The velcro on the "pouffy fluff" adheres to the camisole nicely.  I am wearing a v-neck sweater and the cami is high enough to compensate for the deptch of the "v" and it looks great!  Price??? Only $13.00 !!!  Much less than the $50-$60 range of the others.  I am not planning on reconstruction, so this will work for me just dandy!  If you are on a limited budget like I am, this may help you, too!  Karen

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  • 4Sophia
    4Sophia Member Posts: 23
    edited February 2010

    Hello sisters:

    Just wanted to update you all on the latest news.  Again, I am in awe of each of your strength and so appreciate your support.  Met my medical oncologist 2/12. Have first round of chemo scheduled on 2/26. Tomorrow, I get CT's of abdomen, chest, and pelvis.  On the 23rd, bone scans and muga scan.  Felt really anxious before appointment, in fact my blood pressure sky-rocketed.  Felt a sense of sadness, despair, and fear during appointment.  I have my first round of chemo scheduled for the 26th. I am hoping to have my chemo closer to home as I have had my treatment in Columbus, OH.   I have decided to get my hair cut this afternoon.  I am feeling a sense of lost now, not necessarily for my breast, but for the me I used to be.  I now have to become dependent on others, which of course I know I have always been during my life.  I am so needing words of encouragement, sisters. 

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  • bookart
    bookart Member Posts: 564
    edited February 2010

    I'm late getting to this thread, but my bilateral mx was on January 12, 2010.  I haven't read all the posts but saw something about kids.  My stepsons took it pretty hard but didn't show it right away.  My youngest ended up having to be checked into a psych ward for a few days right after my surgery.  At 17 he just wasn't ready for the emotions or the extra responsibilities we were asking of him.  He's better now, but that was quite a stressor for us all right after surgery!  I'm glad I took 7 weeks off from work instead of the dr advised 6 weeks, as I need the extra week.

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  • ReginaR
    ReginaR Member Posts: 287
    edited February 2010

    HAPPY VALENYINES DAY TO MY JANUARY BUDDIES!

     HOPE WE ALL GET SOME COMFORT FOOD! CHOCOLATE  ALWAYS WORKS FOR ME.

     HOPE ALL IS FEELING STRONGER EVRYDAY!

    HUGS  GINA R

    ps STILL GOT MY DARN DRAINS, ONE IS 51CC, BET I DON'T GET THEM  OUT TOMORROW?

    THESE DRAIN ARE DRIVING ME CRAZY!!! I THINK I NEED COMFORT FOOD!

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  • faithandfifty
    faithandfifty Member Posts: 10,007
    edited February 2010

    Welcome bookart. I can't wait for you to tell us about your 'name'. You have me very curious. It sounds like you've been juggling a lot with your dx, surgery and keeping everyone on the homefront taken care of.

    We're glad you've found us. It will probably take you some time to sort out who-is-who.....(I'm still trying to keep everyone straight in my swiss-cheese-for-brains head. LOL)

    Suddenly we have quite a few Buckeyes in our January cluster. I can sense a meeting in the future!! We actually live in Reynoldsburg, east of Columbus -- but are pretending to be snowbirds and will be in FL for the next month ++.

    Tiffany, I am sure that you are on a roller coaster of emotions. Know that is quite natural and allow yourself the luxery of every feeling that presents itself. Sorting thru all of your initial tests and appointments in itself is a mamoth undertaking. Take a deep breath and feel the warmth, kindness and support here.

    xx00xx00xx00xx00xx

    Strength and courage.

    Strength and courage.

    Strength and courage.

    ***We went dancing last night for Valentine's Day. DH got them to play "our" song and we had a great time. All with 'fluffies' velcroed into my sports top w/shelf bra, layered with red blouse. Quite sure that no one was the wiser. One step at a time. We could do nearly all of our 'swing' dance moves. My arms are still lacking in ROM, but I am making progress. Can't wait for PT to help w/issues.

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  • KatRNagain92
    KatRNagain92 Member Posts: 522
    edited February 2010

    My prayers are with you today Tiffany...I hope you are able to turn this afternoon's event into a Valentine pampering of Tiffany...sport a new look and celebrate that you are winning this battle every single day!

    ROM is still an issue.  For a Valentine treat for my husband this morning I made some tastefully simple jam bars and I used those damn heavy stones....I just move very very slow and methodical...I do have have better ROM on the L side but I'm also R handed which makes the extra Axillary node dissection scar more of a hindrance.  I also still can't fully shave all the way yet because my armpits are still to arched to get in there...so I'm patchy in places.  (lol) 

    I've been researching implants and nipple 3D tattooing all morning (well except when I was making the jam bars)  This site has such amazing women and information on it.  Praise the Lord I've found my way here.

    My incisions are doing well....the patchy scabs are off and there isn't white skin underneath as I had feared...(PS said from tanning, BS said from hx of smoking...Onc will probably have something to say as well...sigh) 

    I'm also experimenting with short periods of side lying rests...and that is positvely heaven!

    Wishing you all romance today!:)
    Kat

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  • faithandfifty
    faithandfifty Member Posts: 10,007
    edited February 2010

    Kat.

    I'm with you on the ROM, right-handed, right 'extra' surgery side. AND the shaving of the arm-pits. I had been able to keep up with my left, but not the right at all. Yesterday I went to extreme lengths and was able to manage 'most' of my right-pit. You are definitely in good company on that issue.

    It was my Valentine present to DH. LOL.

    The crazy parts of this treatment plan.

    xx00xx00xx00xx

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  • bookart
    bookart Member Posts: 564
    edited February 2010

    Thanks for the welcome, FaithandFifty.  Bookart is my user name for a lot of things - I am a big reader and own an online bookstore, and I'm an artist, gallery manager and teach college art.  So I combined my two favorite things - books and art. 

    I feel so blessed (and have some survivor guilt) because although I chose a bilateral MX because of breast size and family history, I had an easy surgery (had post-op suggestions made while under anesthesia - helped a TON+ great surgeon), had all my drains out in under two weeks (no reconstruction) and have no chemo, radiation or even tamoxifen.  All my friends keep telling me "you're only 4 weeks out of major surgery - it's ok to be weak/sleepy/useless-feeling/etc" but I look at everyone who is going through more and I feel like I'm sliding or something.

    My partner got me a massage for Valentine's day - it was a shadow of the massages I usually get, but still felt GREAT!

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  • KatRNagain92
    KatRNagain92 Member Posts: 522
    edited February 2010

    That's pretty funny faithy....yes...nice shaven armpits for my husband...I'm going to really really try for that today.  :)

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  • 4Sophia
    4Sophia Member Posts: 23
    edited February 2010

    TexasPeaches:

    Thank you for talking about your experiences with the oncologist.  I felt really down and out when I spoke with my oncologist's nurse.  I felt so sad, helpless, and afraid.  Interestingly, my oncologist (who is female yay!) was awesome.  She was so attentive, wanted to know who I am, and looked me in the eye. I am off to "chemo bootcamp" CT's tomorrow, muga scan and bone scans on the 23rd.  I am sure the port will be placed sometime during this since my first round is on the 26th.  I am going to have the dense dosing schedule as well with AC x 4 (Biweekly for 8 weeks) followed by Taxol for 12 weeks.  Then on to radiation and Tamoxifen for 5 years.  I haven't even begun to think about reconstruction.  I am however, about to go out and purchase myself a Wii-Fit Plus.  I figure I can get off my bootie and have some fun while going through this.  Your words have truly been inspiring, as the rest of our sisters.  Oh, here's another bit of info my oncologist said.  She has 80-year old women on this treatment and they do just fine.  This is doable.  With love, strength, and courage.

    Tiffany

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  • neversurrender
    neversurrender Member Posts: 508
    edited February 2010

    Kat- My PS gave me the ok to sleep on my side again, I was so happy - back sleeping is just not for me.  I was so excited and tried my side, but I can't do it :(   When I lay on my side, it feels like my breasts are pulling.  If I put a pillow under one and hug another pillow up toward the other, I can get away with it for a little while, but I am so disappointed.  If I don't use aany pillows, they feel achy when I move.  I can't wait until I can just go to bed and lay down and not worry about where my breasts are positioned :)

    Faithy - I am acutally Pickerington, so right next door to you.

    Bookart - welcome!  Sounds like you have been dealing with quite a lot.  Try no to let the guilt get you.  I know it is hard sometimes, and I struggle with it also.

    Tiffany - The next few weeks are going to be very busy for you.  Allow yourself the time to cry and rage and vent.  Come to us anytime, we are always here for each other.

    Cathy - I was thinking of you yesterday when I was looking at all our snow.  Cross country skiing -- WOW!

    My girlfriend took me out last night.  We had a great meal out and went to a book store.  It was nice to be out and feel 'normal'.  She is my closest girlfriend, so of course, we had to have a "viewing session" before we went out.  She is very impressed with my surgeons.  She kept echoing someone earlier from the boards (I think it was Kat)..."I can not believe they got all of that in and out and done through those two little holes?!?!"  

    To all my January sisters - have a wonderful Valentine's Day !  I hope you get to spend it with the ones you love. 

    One step at a time ladies.

    Strength and Courage !

    Never Surrender !

    Sally

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  • 4Sophia
    4Sophia Member Posts: 23
    edited February 2010

    Welcome Bookart to the sisterhood.  I would say, to heck with the guilt! We all have our different journeys to take.  Just glad you found us for support.  Even in my few days, having these sisters have helped tremendously.  I am feeling better, thanks ladies for your words of encouragement.  Partner brought over a bouquet of chocolate-covered strawberries from Edible creations, or whoever they are Smile.  I am now about to make some lunch and start laundry.  I am also going to get back into my schoolwork.  I am in my last two semesters of my doctoral degree in of all things, PSYCHOLOGY.  It goes to show that we all need support and my degree doesn't mean a damn thing on this journey.  I am however, looking forward to the internship match process where I will find out where I will be going for supervised training for 1 year.  I will find out if I have a place to go on the 19th and where on the 22nd.  At least I was able to interview and complete my dissertation prospectus during this time.  I am now reflecting and seeing that I have so much to be excited for.  Oh, I am about to get me a Wii-Fit.  I think this will help during the chemo.

    Again, much love to each of you.

    Tiffany

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2010

    Tiffany, we are all here for you.  That must have been difficult appointment with your oncologist, but you can do this. It must also be very difficult trying to get through all of this, while getting your doctoral degree.

    congratulations to all of you who have been relieved of your drains.  It really is a day worth celebrating when that happens.

    Welcome bookart.  We share the same surgery date,  there were quite a few other ladies that same day.  I also have a 17 year old son.  Sometimes I think it is even more difficult for him than my 9 year old daughter, because he is not really sure how to talk about his mother's breast.  It is such an ackward age to begin with.  My daughter on the other hand is really trying to step into the nurse role, and be as helpful as possible.

    Sally it sounds like your surgeon must have done an amazing job.

     I went out cross country skiing again on Thursday, so two days in a row, and yesterday, I was sure paying the price for it.  I think things were starting to seize up from not doing so much for the past month. It is so good to get out there and be active though, so the pain is worth it.  The physical pain is helping the emotional pain. 

    Happy Valentine's Day to all of the January Ladies here.  Hopefully you are able to do something special today.

    Cathy

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  • neversurrender
    neversurrender Member Posts: 508
    edited February 2010

    Kat, Donna, and Pudding - Raise a glass, it is 3 weeks !!   21 days...such a short time and yet a lifetime ago.

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