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wallan
wallan Member Posts: 1,275
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer

Hi girls:

    It is great to read the 5 year + survival post and see all the positive posts! I too am one of them for I am 6 years out this coming March. NED still.. and counting.

  Last time I posted I told you all about my unrelenting depression. Well, it is under control somewhat. Drugs really work. LOL.. I am starting an exercise regime too and I know this will really really help. Hopefully I will lose treatment induced weight gain!

  As well, off topic, I have been hard-of-hearing since my teenage years. I am 47 now (almost). I wear hearing aids in both ears and have for 25 years. Anyways, last week, I had surgery on one ear to improve my hearing. It was risky and  there is a chance it won't work.

Well, it worked!! I was at the surgeons office this morning and they tested my hearing in that ear and it is normal!! It is incredible to be able to hear. I didn't appreciate how deaf I really was. I mean, the sounds I hear now. I almost thought my hearing issue was more of an inconvenience than anything. Most of the time my hearing aids were broken so I didn't wear them much. But now, I notice what I was missing. Music is so sweet! I didn't know cars were so noisy when driving. I have turned the volume on the radio down from 22 to 7!! I can hear my dog bark. I know these sound trivial, but to me it is a miracle.  My 13 year old son says I hear better than he does now!

Once I have been stably hearing for a few months, I can have the other ear done.

There is life after all this BC crap. You just have to have faith and believe there is light at the end of the tunnel. Hang on girls! You will get thru it!

Wallan 

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  • everyminute
    everyminute Member Posts: 1,805
    edited February 2010

    I am so happy for you, Wendy! 

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  • pupfoster1
    pupfoster1 Member Posts: 1,484
    edited February 2010

    Wow,

    Great post Wallan, and one I needed to hear as I am a relatively new stage 3er.  You give me hope and inspiration for the future. Thank you for that!

    And congrats on the successful surgery! Hope all goes well so you can get to the other ear asap!

    Take care,

    Sharon

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  • lexislove
    lexislove Member Posts: 2,645
    edited February 2010

    Thanks for the update Wallan.

    Another long timer out living her life. Just what we all like to hear!

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  • clariceak
    clariceak Member Posts: 752
    edited February 2010

    Congrats on the succesful surgery and thanks for sharing your story.  We love these positive threads.

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  • YATCOMW
    YATCOMW Member Posts: 664
    edited February 2010

    I so hope you will put your story with the other girls on the "pinned" five year thread so it doesn't get lost....... I know Sherri's idea of having everyone post in one place just gives everyone sooooooo much hope that they will be in your shoes....

    Thrilled for you on the hearing.......must be sooo cool.

    Jacqueline 

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  • Gitane
    Gitane Member Posts: 1,885
    edited February 2010

    Hi Wallan,  This is nothing but good news!  6 years out is good; I sincerely hope to reach that mark in 2 years.  You inspire me!  Being able to hear well now must change so much in your world.  I'm very happy this surgery was able to do this for you.  It's also wonderful to hear that the depression is slowly beginning to lessen it's hold.  It takes time.  The exercise will really help move things along, too.  Your update has made my day. Thanks. G.

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  • JacquelineG
    JacquelineG Member Posts: 282
    edited February 2010

    What a wonderful story - thanks for sharing!!!

    Jackie

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  • karen1956
    karen1956 Member Posts: 6,503
    edited February 2010

    Great news!!!  What type surgery did you have for your hearing?  I have a moderate hearing loss in right ear and have most if not all of my life.  It was first picked up when I was 5 or 6 or something like that.  I am convinced that my hearing has gotten worse since finishing Tx...but of course I have not had a recent hearing eval.  I do have a hearing aid, but haven't worn it for 4 years....I had it only a year when Dx and when I went bald, I quite wearing it....then it hasn't been working and I have not gotten around to having it checked.  One of these days, a hearing eval will be added to my agenda, not just thought about!!!!  I',m so happy for you.  Karen

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  • helena67
    helena67 Member Posts: 357
    edited February 2010

    Wonderful that you are doing so much better!!!

    -Helena.

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  • KerryMac
    KerryMac Member Posts: 3,529
    edited February 2010

    Wendy - so great to hear you are doing so well! I can even tell by the tone of your post that things are going better. I am really happy for you.

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  • caaclark
    caaclark Member Posts: 936
    edited February 2010

    Wendy,

    I am so glad you posted.  You sound like you are doing much better than the last time you posted.  I am really glad things are improving for you.  The hearing thing is amazing!

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  • lexi4
    lexi4 Member Posts: 1,074
    edited February 2010

    Wendy,

    It is good to see your post. I am excited that your ear surgery was succesful! That is great!! I am thankful that you are feeling better.

    Hugs,

    Lexi

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  • jenn3
    jenn3 Member Posts: 3,316
    edited February 2010

    Wonderful - thank you for sharing your story!!!!

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  • SpunkyGirl
    SpunkyGirl Member Posts: 1,568
    edited February 2010

    Wendy,

    That is so awesome!  Congratulations.  I think this is a great example of the many things that most of us take for granted!  Maybe it will help ease your depression also to gain so many new experiences.  I hope your other ear surgery goes just as well. 

    Hugs

    bobbie

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  • NancyD
    NancyD Member Posts: 3,562
    edited February 2010

    Thanks for posting such an uplifting story! I'm always happy to hear that one of us has "recovered" enough to face another challenge...and beat it!

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

    That's such great news!  It helps to hear positive outcomes with fellow stage 3ers.

    image

    Barb

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  • AsiaYM
    AsiaYM Member Posts: 2,216
    edited February 2010

    Excellent!  So happy for you.  I am curious about the type of surgery you had as my DH has hearing problem too. Karen

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  • wallan
    wallan Member Posts: 1,275
    edited February 2010

    Hi gals:

      For those enquiring minds, I have otosclerosis in my ears, meaning that the stapes bone in my middle ear is frozen because of abnormal calcium deposits.

      So, the surgery is called stapedectomy - the surgeon removed the stapes bone and inserted a prosthesis. It is microscopic surgery -- so cool!

      The surgeon is an ear, nose throat specialist -- an ENT.

    Thanks for all your support :)

    Wendy 

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  • lkc
    lkc Member Posts: 1,203
    edited February 2010
    Wendy, So glad to read your post and you are doing well.
    Rock on!
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  • SoCalLisa
    SoCalLisa Member Posts: 13,961
    edited February 2010

    Wendy, what wonderful news..a whole new world again

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