MIDDLE-AGED WOMEN 40-60ish

There has been very little cancer in our family either.  My mom died of lung cancer, but she was a heavy smoker.  Her berother had colon cancer, and her only sister also died of lung cancer.  Prertty sad.

I was trying to fix the vacuum this morning as it developed a clog.  We were getting ready to steam clean so of course needed everything thoroughly vacuumed.  My nipple has been so sore, so going braless in the house and using a combo if lidocaine ointment mixed with Aquafor.  So I am wrestling the vacuum and just brushed my arms across my chest somehow.  Instant YIKES!!!  Now that smarted and I barely brushed it across my shirt.  So went to the bathroom to look, and damn if that nipple and all the surrounding skin isn't just a peeling away!  Not much liking this part, plus the underarm incision where they took the nodes is itching now.  All in all not great today.  I am really tired right now but ran like a madwoman all morning baking cakes and then getting ready for the steam cleaner.  I put some more of the lidocaine/Aquaphor combo on and that does help with the pain.  My poor old body seems to be protesting!

Otherwise I am great and hope you are all too.  Have a wonderful Saturday.  Hugs to all you ladies!

Elimar - When I first read, Weekend Mystery Pic, I read it as Weekend Mystery PIE. I'm thinking, "since when did we start doing a weekend mystery PIE - I'm guessing chocolate fudge."

Now that I understand that it's the Weekend Mystery PIC, I'm going along with some of the others and guessing that it's a pomagranate.

Obviousle I can't type anymore either.  I don't think my brain and fingers are compunicating any more.

Janinnj - chemo brain - ahh, yes - I remember it well. Although at the time I couldn't remember s**t. That's actually what chemo brain is like - a severe case of CRS. That was almost 17 years ago. I don't know how long it lasted, but I remember how frustrating it was. It was so bad. I would stand in the elevator of the office building, I worked in, trying to remember which button number I was supposed to push. Towards the end of my treatment, I was at an event that included oncologists and other medical professionals. A woman, newly diagnosed with BC asked a question about chemo brain. The medical professionals denied it's existence. The ladies with BC were all shaking our heads in disbelief.

Janinnj - It does go away. A few years after completing treatment, I decided to change careers and went back to school for occupational therapy. I graduated with highest honors. The brain cells were all back and working just fine.

OG56- not sure what you mean about seroma or fat necrosis.  I had the Mammosite HDR in August and I am a month out now.  Only SE I've had is fatigue.  The site where the balloon catheter was is well healed and does not give me any problems.  The doctor and nurse that was caring for me did say that they were using a new style of catheter so maybe that might be something that has changed since your 3.5 years ago.  If you want to PM me about your experience I'd like to hear.  As for me I'm very glad I did it because I'm pretty much feeling back to "normal".  Still some healing of course, but nothing problematic.  Janis - Sorry to hear about your skin peeling and the high sensitivity.  Keep up with your skin lotion.  I have also used aloe lotion and shea butter.  The RO was impressed with how soft my skin still was.  Hope everyone is doing well and getting some rest this weekend.  Kitty

Lori - That was more than 15 years ago. I think the medical community has finally listened to the complaints of those of us who experience(d) it and realize something is giong on. There is research being done. Google chemo brain. There is a lot of info out there now.

Waiting - - - it so frustrating!!!  Waiting for some test results, waiting for my appt with the surgeon, which is this Thursday. 

Trying NOT to be totally pissed about everything!!!  We were leaving for Arizona last week - had to put that off while we wait to know more.  Since June, I've been training for the Komen 3day in November in AZ - that's been blown away.  Walked 200+ miles to hear "you've got cancer AGAIN!"  Have a trip to Mexico the end of November & a BC Thrivers Cruise in April - - but now everything has to wait for cancer to control my life AGAIN.

And knowing "most" of what is going to happen to me for the 3rd time, is probably worst than not knowing. 

This is the only place I can say what I think - - no one knows the feelings - - especially with a 3rd time diagnosis.

 

I am so sorry Sandi.  I cannot imagine what this must be like for you.  Wish I had some profound words of wis]dom.  All I can offer is a shoulder, and a warm cyber hug. 

You're right Sandi, there's no way I could know how you feel. Just know that us gals are here for you. This is the place to vent, we can take it. Positive thoughts and energy heading your way and I offer you hugs and shoulders.

Sandi, I feel for you and can't imagine what you must be going through.  I'll be praying for you.

Samdi - mot only is it NOT FAIR (my favorite phrase). It  totally, absolutley SUCKS beyond all levels of suckage. So sorry - I don't know what else to say. You know, we're all here for you, whenever you need us. Hoping for the best with your appointment on Thursday. I don't know if you know about our "pocket pals support program." It's all virtual, but I was amazed at the calm and comfort, it brought me, when I had to have some scary testing recently. Imagine yourself wearing something with big pockets, we'll all jump in and be right there with you, in spirit, during this appointment. Hoping for the best news possible on Thursday.

Sandi - The third time?  That is so wrong.  This has got to be maddening.  At least you are loaded with information that a first timer would not have.  No, that is not any consellation but it is true.  Hope for the best on Thurs.  Please let us know how it goes.  ((((HUGS))))

Wayyyy too many pages to read, but I did start with the page of the mystery pic. I saw a few chocolate brownie guesses and a couple pomegranate guesses ...

My guess for mystery pic - portabello mushroom

Welcome to some newbies, and my most special gentle hugs to those still in treatment. To those waiting for results, know you're in my prayers this week.

Hugs all around

I hope we have good weather for our lunch next Sunday. A little bit cooler than this weekend would be nice, but I just want it to be sunny. I checked Pickety Place out on the web and it looks like a nice place to explore.

Debbie - I was up in Chelmsford yesterday. I did the Walk From Obesity charity walk with my DB and SIL.. I was the last to finish the 2 mile walk, but I was also one of the last to start. Considering that 2 years ago I could barely walk, I was quite proud of myself. A big thank you to my othropedic surgeon for my new knees.

Over the last week, I've seen a big improvement in the nerve irritation from my PMX. But, I'm still so tired. I know I did too much yesterday. It wasn't the walk that did me in, it was everything I did the rest of the day. I've spent all day today in bed or my recliner. I'll have to pace myself next Saturday, so I have enough energy for Sunday.

I actually watched a video, of a modified radical mastectomy on youtube today. No wonder why I've felt such nerve irritation. Even though this time ALL I had was a simple MX - it is very big surgery. My curiousity was aroused by a book I'm reading, "Bathsheba's Breast" that describes the history of breast cancer treatment - from ancient Egypt to this century. It's facinating, but also discouraging. The treatments just seem to be earlier versions of what is still being done today. So far, I haven't read anything in the book for research on prevention or a cure. Jo - your response to one of my posts several days ago is exactly what I'm thinking - where is all that money for research going????