MIDDLE-AGED WOMEN 40-60ish
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I immediately thought clothes line but then someone else said it so I didn't bother posting. It looks like wire covered with a clear plastic.
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Joining the tea party. I prefer scones with my tea please!
Pass the jam!
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I LOVE clotted cream!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sounds sick, but OH SO GOOD!!!!!!!!!
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i cant keep up with ya all! But put me down for some clotted cream:)))))
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Hope everyone is having a great weekend.
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WTH is clotted cream?
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OMG it is an English treat for high tea. Heavy cream is another word. It is thick and spreadable like butter, but more like a yoghurt texture. Like eating solid whipped cream!!!!!
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Hi Ladies,
I just finished making a batch of chocolate orange spice muffins! I'd like to join the party! Boy do I need a party! I am 44, was diagnosed in July, had a lumpectomy with close margin in Aug, re-excision in Sep. Still close margin. Now I find out I have IDC/DCIS/LCIS and I am thinking about BMX. I am so confused. The docs say it is up to me. I just feel like another re-excision and rads are not going to be enough to prevent a bc recurrence. I do have kids and I want to be around for their kids. How did you all make your decisions about surgery and treatment?
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I've been lurking for the last few days - no time or energy to post. Early Tuesday a.m. - like 1:00 a.m - my soon to be 93 yo Dad decided to go for a walk, in the pouring rain. He managed to get about a mile from home before the police picked him up. He had fallen and had some abrasons on his face, but was otherwise fine. He spent the night in the hospital. He definitely has some form of dementia - no short term memory at all, not oriented to current date, asking for people long dead. But he still knows all his children, knows what to do with household objects, usually exhibits common sense and still has some problem solving capabilities - a very different profine from my mother's Alzheimers. He's never wandered before.
He lives with my DB #2, who is currently on vacation in South Africa. DB #1 is staying with him and slept through Dad leaving the house, the police ringing the door bell and numerrous phone calls from DB#4 before finally waking up from his ambien induced slumber. Up until now, we've felt ok about leaving Dad alone for short periods of time and overnight on Saturday. That obviously will have to change. He hasn't been left alone since his midnight adventure.There's no apparent change in his day to day mental function. DB#1 installed an alarm on the front door and put a note on the door telling Dad not to go outside by himself. He's always been able to respond appropriately to notes left around the house - I don't know about this one. Once DB#2 gets back from his vacation, we have some decisions to make - not looking forward to that at all.
Janis - sorry you're still so weepy and sore. Your skin has got to start healing soon. I can't imagine the amount of pain and discomfort you're in.
Kay - Glad your rads are going more smoothly. 4 down ??? more to go? Sorry about the LE. I have very slight swelling in my arm. It's been stable since my original MX. The only time I notice it is when buying new tops and the L sleeve fits, while the R is slightly tight. I don't know if you know the answer to this, but why do they recommend wrapping and not a compression sleeve? Wouldn't a sleeve be easier to put on and take off?
Welcome to all the newbies. Sorry you had to join our club. We hate getting new members, but we always welcome them with open arms.
Lynda
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Welcome Victoria. Sorry you have to be here and all I can say is follow your heart as to what you need to do. Listen to your Dr's recommendations but listen to your heart and you will do what is right for you. It is all a very personal choice and what is right for you is not neccessarily right for the next person. Good luck with the decsion and come here and ask question or vent any time you want.
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I had the talk with Dad and he has decided to continue to do chemo and give it a fight even though he is aware of all the continuing SE's and possible being in and out of the hospital.
Went to see MO yeserday and blook work is good but I still have to wait for my tumor markers and Vit D. will get that next week. Will go for 6 month mammo and US. Don't have a day yet for that. Had a long talk with MO about my MX decision and everytime I talk about it I just get frustrated. First my BS never gave me an option of MX and no radiaiton or lump and rads. She just told me what to do I was in shock and did it. Found out too late into rads that there other options. So my MO hates to see me go through sucha major surger of MX and diep recon after I have had treatments. He thinks getting screened every 6 months for life and try dealing with my pain best I can is better than major surgery. Told him thanks but no thanks I want my life back. I feel like a live on a roller coaster that I can't get off of. He said I would have to be screened every 6 months because my tumor was not palpable or did it show on mammo. Was found accidently when looking at something else. REally wants a yearly MRI but I told him I can't afford that every year because of deductible and out of pocket. So I told him with everything put together I want to go through with it. Oh and add all the breast pain that i have from rads nerve damage even though I am aware there is no guarantee that will go away from the MX but BS and PS seem to think I have a good chance of it helping. So I'll take my chances. Now if I can just get the weight gained that I need.
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Victoria, Welcome!! Did you mention chocolate??
Baked it just for you, no carbs, no sugar, no dairy no refined sugar and best of all no CALORIES!!!! I wish I had an answer for you TX options. Did you think of a second opinion? You will make the right decision for you, just ask as many questions of your doc as you can, right them down in advance and have a friend of family member go with you and ask the questions so you can listen. Make them take notes, so you can go back and reread the options. You do have time to make a decision, don't think everything has to be done NOW. I agree with Sherry, follow your heart.
Hauntie, I am so sorry to hear of your your father. Sounds like you have a good support system with your DB's. I'll be thinking of you.
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Welcome to the club Victoria - sorry you have to be here but this is a great place to be for support and information. The decision you are facing is a tough one and also a very personal one. Like Sherry and the others have said, collect all the information you can and then follow your heart. You will do what is best for you.
Did I see chocolate cake? Yummy! I just finished lunch so will wait awhile before I dig in to that - LOL
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Sherry, have some of that clotted cream. I think it would be like putting fat right on your abdomenn. For me it would, any way.
Hi Victoria, welcome to the club no one really wants to join. I may be wrong, but it sounds like you want to get the mastectomy from your post. There is no right or wrong answer. You have to take in all the info and do what feels right to you. I just had a MX with DIEP Aug. 17. I didn't have a choice of lumpectomy, but on the good side, there should be practically no chance of reoccurence in that breast any more and I am pleased with the aethetics. On the down side, there isn't feeling there like you would have with a lumpectomy. It was major surgery to recover from, but after about 2 weeks, I felt pretty good. I am sure there are lots of other things to consider too.
Hauntie, sorry about your dad. My mother was in that position, but now is in a wheel chair and can't walk from a fall she took. I think the fall took other things out of her too. Mentally, she seemed to have a big drop after the fall. It is hard to watch someone you love experience dementia, that is for sure. (((((hugs)))))
The current plan is for rads to go through Nov. 11. The lady in charge of scheduling told me my RO sometimes adds more in though. We'll see. So far it seems doable and reachable. I hope by the time it doesn't, I'll be just about at the end. I am doing the wrapping to get the swelling down. They measured before surgery and right arm was 4% larger than left which is normal for your dominant side. When they just measured it this week, it was 20% larger. So the plan is to get the swelling down and then move to a sleeve to keep it stable there. I think sleeves help you maintain where you are, but don't help to get it reduced. At least that is my understanding. The therapist thought I was going to do well since the swelling is really soft. If LE progresses the swelling can become hard like fat and then it isn't reversible. The therapist also said he isn't sure I have lymphedema. He thinks it might just be swelling from the rads and when I'm done I may not have to keep up with treatment. He says if it is true lymphedema, the regimen should be a sleeve and glove always during the day and wrapping or special compression night garments every night. I am just happy we're treating it now and not waiting until after rads as the first therapist said since it might not still be as treatable then. Will deal with the rest as needed.
That is my educational post for the day. If I got something wrong, hopefully Binney will see it and correct me.
Have a great weekend everyone. Weather is beautiful here.
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Victoria welcome to the family. These decisions are not easy and you need to know all of your options. You have to figure out which course is best for you, for long term outcome, etc. Get a second opinion if you are not sure. I always ask my doctors "If this was YOUR wife, what would you want for her"? In the end it will come to you. I wish you the best. Please keep us posted.
Sherry....I am really sorry for all the confusion and frustration you are going through. You have had so much on your plate lately. I am glad your dad came to terms with his cancer and is going to continue treatment. That was a huge decision and a brave one.
Hauntie.....wow, you have also been dealing with a lot. So glad your dad was not seriously injured when he fell. Dementa is so cruel. I know you have some tough times ahead when you can all get together and talk and make some decisions. These things are never easy and I am sorry you are facing it now along with the good old breast cancer. Rest and take good care! Big hugs to you!
Claire....I think I have gained five pounds already from all of your goodies. I am going to have to stop coming here. Self control was never my strong suit when it comes to desserts. Clotted cream....I have never had it, but from the description I know I would love it. Scones, and all those cakes. So tempting and I am trying to lose weight. Not good!
You have exquisite taste though.The past few days I have been having shooting pain in my breast. Feels like it comes from deep inside the breast, not from the burns. This is new and different. Does anyone else experience this?
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I had shooting pains too. My MO said that all of the tissue inside is damaged. Fortunately, mine weren't too bad and never lasted for more than a few seconds at a time.
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Welcome, VictoriaB! You were also planning to do a hormonal drug like Tamoxifen, weren't you? That will lower risk for recurrence too if you decide on another re-excision. Mx does take the risk down about as low as it can get, and not as many follow-up appointments. There is no wrong choice; just gather all the info. and go with what is best for you. Here we mave many that have gone either way. It really is a personal choice.
janis, Shooting pains are very normal. You have some inflamed nerves in there right now, so expect a few zingers. They should be fleeting and not last long when you get one. These can occur even some months later, as the nerves heal in the surgical area. I also mentioned that your ribs could hurt, but what I meant was your ribs could be slightly sore when you press on them, but they should not really hurt in an aching, lingering way. Keep your RO posted if something worries you, but you know they often say "not a S/E of rads" when you read about 10 other women having it on the rads thread. Don't forget, the rads effect can actually build up a bit more the first 1-2 weeks you are finished with them.
You all could do worse than stare at the luscious treats featured so often on this thread. You could go to family day at your son's college and actually shove a couple of those calorie-laden badboys into your mouth. I know I did. Yum-yum-yum, but now the wave of guilt. Desserts have been my downfall lately, as I wrote about my sampling lots of them just two weeks ago at the brunch with Chrissyb. Yes, I have a sweet tooth, and Halloween time is always a challenge, and it's rightaround the corner. Uh-oh!
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Hi all,
It's good to catch up on the last few pages. I have been working too hard (but never catching up!).
Went back to see my BS as some here recommended and found out that yes, that red peeling patch around my incision is rad burns even though I had brachytherapy. Incision is finally all healed after 7 weeks! That has to be radiation too, right?
Anyone here know a lot about lymphedema? I'm terrified of it but BS says no reason, 6 nodes removed not enough to put me at real risk ... maybe the lack of external rads contributes. Anyway she thinks I can let them draw blood from my "affected arm" once a year with no real danger. I want that because I have no veins worth a damn on the other side (had to use my hand). Opinions on this are welcome.
7 days on Femara generic, no SE, fingers crossed!
Best wishes to you all. Love how welcoming and supportive this group is.
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Victoria, welcome and good luck hon. I made appts with two breast surgeons who came highly recommended, and I researched them online as much as I could. When I met with the first one, we instantly connected and I cancelled my appt with the other. I decided to trust my doctor and follow her recommendations. It gave me a freedom that felt really good. I felt I did my homework ahead of time, and her decisions for me weren't against any normal protocols. Notice I didn't say what surgery I had, because like everyone has said, you have to make the choice that's right for you.
Kay, I developed lymphedema 2 1/2 yrs after my surgery. Everything you wrote is correct. Luckily mine was caught early while my skin was still soft also, and I was at least 20% larger too. Weeks of "mummy wrapping" as I called it got me to under 10% and I've been wearing a sleeve/glove combo for the last 3 1/2 yrs, every day. In my case, doing manual massage after I take off my garments after work has kept me from having to wear anything overnight. Each case is different and I hope you have a good therapist - one trained specially in lymphedema treatment. There are such therapists so if yours is a general PT or OT, try to find one who is specially trained. And good luck!
Eli, don't make me come there and smack you - guilt over enjoying food? Not allowed!!!! Of course we should all try to do things in moderation and eat healthy foods and make good choices. But we also need to enjoy ourselves too, so if you enjoyed those treats, just think of that part, not the guilt part hon
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Quick in & out. Mystery picture: waxed string, magnified like dental floss maybe.
Zumbagirl came to my town today & we met & I whisked her off to DQ for an afternoon, dessert before dinner gabfest. Had a blast. She had a young 20 something take a picture of us on her phone. When she gets home tomorrow she will post here!
This is my 2nd meeting of a BCO friend--it's incredible how much besides the disease there is in common!
Hope everyone has a fun Columbus Day/Canadian T-Giving weekend!
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Ok cuz everyone gives me grief for my high calorie snack choices, I thought I would supply the fruit this morning.
Well, at least it looks like fruit. Can I have a venti pumpkin spice latte with that?
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treeskier, do NOT let your doc fool you!!! Even just messing in the nodal area and rearranging the lymph drainage can cause problems. 6 nodes is a LOT. As you saw with Marlegal, LE can show up at any time. Not saying it will, just to be cognizant. I read that 30% of breast cancer patients will develop LE. Some from rads, some surgery - that's a LOT!
Victoria, your heart will tell you what to do. I had a double mast with no recon and am very happy STILL with my decision 3 years later. You CAN have no recon. So you see, there are so many different ways to do this.
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Claire - I have no problem with the high calorie foods - it is virtual you know so NO Calories, No Fat, etc. The fruit does look good though
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I agree with the not messing with the affected arm. My veins are shot on my right from years of giving blood but my mo said positively no blood draws on my left. I don't want to risk the LE, not worth it. They can draw from your hand or even your foot. But then I still have my port. (but only MD Anderson uses it).
Janis, I still have shooting pains, they don't last long either. Both MO and RO said nerves regenerating, blah, blah, blah. And I have that rib pain too if you touch my ribcage. I thought what doesn't kills us, makes us stronger. Don't feel much stronger tho. . . .
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Hi Ladies,
Sherry thanks for that yummy chocolate raspberry cake! And thanks Claire, Jo, Kay, Janis, Elimar, Ellen and Barb, and everyone. I did get a second opinion from a surgeon and I'm glad I did! The second surgeon said I have to do what is comfortable for me, but that we have to go in again in any event (whether 2nd re-exc. or MX) to get a clean margin. It is amazing how surgeons can differ in their communication with patients and their treatment plans. I also went to a PS who said I do not have enough fat for a flap! I am hoping my second opinion PS this week tells me I can do a GAP flap. Has anyone done that? I have thought about no recon. How does it affect what you wear--like in the summer when it is bathing suit weather (Barb are you in Canada--do you have bathing suit weather?).
Ellen, I don't have LE but I have axillary web. The first surgeon said it would go away spontaneously! Well after weeks of excruciating pain and near paralysis I went to a PT who has been stretching my arm for about 6 weeks. I almost have full range of movement now. I also have a LE sleeve for when I fly. I read a new study about how early PT helps women who have had SNB to prevent LE. Go to this website to find a PT in your area: www.lymphnet.org. I was told not to have ANY blood drawn on that arm, and to protect against bug bits, gardening, etc. Bummer since I have like no veins and they always stick me twice!
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Victoria, good for you for being pro-active on your possible LE!!! Caught early it is SO manageable. Make sure your surgery cuts do not go too high in your armpit and back so that tank tops cannot be worn. As for bathing suit weather in Canada, once our igloos melt, we have a VERY short period of time. I don't even wear bathing suits here, but only when I travel.
After my double mast with no recon, I went to a 5-star destination wedding resort for my DD's wedding. I strutted around the pool as if I had the best two out there! I wore a tankini. I cut out the foam inserts and 'shelf' so I just had the top. Worked perfect!! (I wore bottoms, too, by the way!)
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Thanks Barb for adding you did wear the bottoms also. That would have given going topless at a beach a new meaning, lol! And I told my sissys and bros about your what you call clotted cream last night. Lets just say I will keep it g-rated here.
Firepit last night was a blast. I musta ate 2 dozen roasted (burnt to a crisp, yummy) marshmellows. Im glad I didnt get a belly ache. I did miss having the little bro there though. He lives a few hours away and couldnt make it. I need to learn how to do skype on my phone so he can have his pit going while we have ours going to. A good time was had by all.
Have a fun filled Sunday everyone. Since the hubs has been working 12 hr shifts we really havent had much time together, so we are going for a yummy steak dinner today, yahoo. Plus it will be free because I got a gift cert. for Christmas and wasnt able to use it because of chemo so now Im gonna enjoy it! Oh and thanks Clarire for the yummy fruit. Thats my kinda fruit!
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VictoriaB, I had lumpectomy + SNB. I was stretching when my SNB stitches were still in place, very determined not to end up with one side with less range of motion, I was doing great, then got rads treatment and the whole side just kind of tightened all over again, plus more fluid came into the breast area due to rads inflamation. I got 6x PT for edema in chest, tightening in armpit from SNB, and breakingup/softening the scar tissue from surgery. That was at about four mos. out, when rads was finished. I knew to do this, thankfully, from the suggestions on this website. It all helped and I am 98% good on the treatment side now. The missing 2% is that I will still stretch from a door frame almost daily to keep that side just as linber.
Elimar's Door Frame Stretch (for Lumpectomy + SNB)
When I told the PT the first one, she suggested the second. 1) Both hands on the frame in the 12:00 position, letting your body sag down till you feel the stretch in your armpit. 2) Hand in the 10:00 & 2:00 position on the frame and lean forward till you feel the pull. Hold in each position for 3-5 seconds. Do a few times daily at first, then as often as you need to stay limber.
If you are not able to do these positions, you probably need to work with the PT to get to a point where you have the range to do this. Most women with lumpectomy and only a few nodes out should be able to regain their flexibility very close to the pre-surgery state.
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Some of us Texas gals met last weekend in San Antonio. A really nice article was written about us. I can't seem to copy the link so I will just type it here or you can go to facebook and click the link there.
Traveling Pants sisterhood provides support
www.mysanantonio.com
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Just trying to catch up. Hello everyone!
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