February 2012 MX

DebbieOS- that info surprises me. I wonder why it doesnt stay? I think it sucks that woman may go through this just to end up the same in a few years.

Yes Deborah2012....let us know. I am hoping to get mine the sametime as the OOPH on the 10th, but no word back on that yet....

Oh Fabulous Feb Females, how I've missed you...

I don't think I can begin to comment on everything, nor would you want me to, so for all of you who have received good news congrats, and those who are struggling, you're in my prayers as always!!!

Deborah,

If the PS uses pigskin, does that get you a discount to football games?  Tell your husband not to get any funny ideas, just cuz there is pigskin involved does not mean it is a football!!!

Beth,

You have definately earned the Queen of the Grunge!!!  I'm so glad you finally got the luxurious shower you deserve and that you will be able to shower after the PICC.  We, the humble servants of the court of grunge, stand in awe of your strength!!!

Just got back from my Vaca. It was wonderful to get away, and also somewhat frustrating to see that I am still not back to my normal self. Normally my husband can't keep up with me, this time I found myself in bed numerous times by 9PM and sleeping in too. We did the equivelent of the geriatric tour of the Grand Canyon...shuttles to each point with no hiking  But next time...

I have that lump of fatty necrosis in the upper part of my L breast, which I now refer to as the deck of cards.  I guess it's not quite that large, but that's what it reminds me of.  Funny, it wasn't much help to have it , even in Vegas...maybe cuz I don't gamble...

I did realize that going back to work with reduced hours to start, is definately the way to go.  After trying to be normal last week, I'm certain I'm not ready to pull off the 12 hour midnights yet.

Anyways, so nice to check back in with all of you.  Smiles and hugs to everyone!!!

Carolyn

Hi All!

Beth- from what I've read, the reason the breast lifts don't last longer than 2-3 years for women 40+ or 50+ is due to the lack of collegen in the breast tissue...EVERYTHING just wants to go south, let's face it!  BUT, it sounds like Deborah's doctor may have a plan using pigskin!

Cajmi (Carolyn)- I truly understand the tiredness....I went for a 3 mile strenuous (lots of hills) hike yesterday...felt fine throughout it...thought- "yeah, I'm back to my old self"....sat on the couch and fell asleep for an hour!!!!  I've never taken a nap in my life unless I'm sick, so give yourself a break and remember that ALL of us Feb MX/BMX'ers are still recovering. 

Beth- speaking of giving oneself a break.....ALL OF US JUST HAD OUR BOOB(S) CUT OFF!!!!!!  And, if that wasn't a big enough deal to make one feel depressed at times....WE ALL JUST HAD (or have) CANCER!!!!!  And, if that wasn't enough, most of us are going on some kind of anti-hormonal therapy for 5 years or chemotherapy for an extended period, or going through radiation.  That'll keep reminding us EVERY FRICKEN DAY of what we could come down with again.  Gosh, if we weren't depressed some times, it would be a little strange. Please use this board to vent and vent and vent and vent.  We all understand perfectly.  Big hugs!

Well Docs are working real hard to schedule dual but it's not looking to promising so recon will be but on the back burner until ready for surgery after the OOPH...Friday I will get the definit...uugggh...

Layla2525...I saw this line on another post but it is still worth repeating....

"Depression isn't a sign of weakness. It's a sign you've been strong for too long" 

We have all been strong for very long. This whole process takes a certain kind of strength that no one else can quite understand and sometimes we just need to rest and vent and cry. This is the best place for that because we all understand. Big hugs and a kleenex....I am starting to carry some in my pocket...lol

Maybe the docs started doing a lobotomy first, then switched to a MX?  Or, maybe breast cancer is just a good excuse for a lot of things....

Oh I just love all of you!  You make me laugh, I think about all of you and I'm glad we can all be so candid.

That sucks, listen to my crap...... I'm supposed to be feeling thrilled about my squishies.  But I'm NOT! I thought I was.  But nooo, now it's sinking in that I'm going under the knife again.  I just got healed.  I just got rid of the earthworm, I just got back to exercising, I just got back to work.  I can almost sleep in any position without pain.  It is bugging me to realize I'm going under anesthesia for another 2.5 hours.  I just did that 2 months ago. I am going to have to start this damned circus all over again. Sh*#t!

I tell my PS (he's a great physician- honestly) that to this day my sternum and under my foob it still hurts.  Let me say that it is a ever present dull soreness.  I told him it's rock hard in one area (but not a lump).  He said it's still the deep sutures that are apparently are directly attached to whatever inside chest because they removed all the other tissue with the cancer and that I have thin skin etc.  I asked him if he could "cool it" next time around with the implant sutures- ouch!? He tells me my natural breast is the one that will be more painful.  And not just because I HAVE NO FEELING IN MY FOOB! 

Have any of you done this test?  I thought I had sensation in my foob.  So, I took a straight pin and lightly pricked my breast- I could feel it.  Next, I pricked my foob. Nothing- puro nada! All I had been feeling was pressure or weight and my own hand. 

Deborah2012 

Hi All,

Hey, I met with the geneticist today.  VERY INTERESTING.  She said that due to my family history, I should definitely have annual MRI's, not just regular mammograms like my MO said.  She also stated that she's going to write up her recommendations and send them to my MO, which is great!  Also, she said that after determining my (21-yr-old) daughter's lifetime risk of cancer, she's going to recommend that she receive a baseline MRI within the next several years due to her family history.  With her recommendation, insurance will pay.  Anyhow, I'm pleased....

Haha...the magnets in the TE's should be at the top of your chest...Tom and I debated saying they were on the side so I got a "light hair clip" paper clip will work and put it on my chest and it stuck to the spot with the magnet...the games we think of when stuck at home, yes my brain has some mush

And, Bern, glad to know that I'm not alone with mush brain...

Deborah 2012    My last fill was Tuesday 70 ccs , just like the two previous ones.  He said that typically he goes 60ccs and doesn't want me to hurt.  But each time going to 70 ccs has not been bad, just tightness and somewhat uncomfortable (but no real pain).  Not even taking any pain reliever. 

 Beth    Your life has been altered and it is not something any one of us expected but we've had to accept this unfortunate piece of crap.  I wanted to crawl in a hole.   You have every reason to be angry, upset, drained, and oh yes depressed.  So go ahead and get it out, we know how you feel, unlike some who tell you it is going to be OK.  How do they know?  Everything has been altered and now we have to deal with it.  What a blasted thing !     But we can't let it define us as a person, we are still the same inside.     Just know that we are all here to listen, we'll get thru this together.       

 All of you enjoy your Easter weekend. 

Alrighty Magnificent MXer's and Recon Rockstars!!!

Just wanted to pass on a little tip.  I bought the mepitac tape from amazon which is apparently similar to the scar away, but much cheaper and after 2 weeks, drum roll please...  My scars are definately fading and maybe a little less ropey.  I'll keep you updated.  I wasn't able to use it until 7 weeks out, as it took a long time to arrive.  It stays on well, even with showering.  I think they say you can leave it on for 7 days, at least with scar away.  Mine stayed on even longer, as I forgot to take replacement on vaca.  It isn't sticky like regular tape and is close to my skin tone, so if nothing else, it covers up my ugly 24" scar  Anyhow, just thought I'd share in case anyone was interested.

I hope you all have a wonderful Easter weekend.  May you find LOTS of CHOCOLATE in your baskets:>

Carolyn 

Cajmi,

I never heard of that tape. I may check it out.

I now have foob lingerie.  Yes, I do!  I took a piece of beige scalloped lace and taped the scalloped edge directly over my scar.  Ya know, kinda decorated it.  Bern, are you listening to this- Ms. fancy-schmanchy tattoo?  It's my "my foob may be in the mood" signal. Ha, ha. I'm currently exploring different adhesives.  Regular tape for gauze works, but I'm going to try that photo album sticky thready stuff? 

Like Cajmi I hope you find chocolate in your Easter baskets, chocolate on your Passover matzos (yes, some Safeway's do sell the chocolate ones!), and chocolate anything this weekend because we're easily corrupted.

Good news for me today ladies!  My oncotype dx was 15!  No chemo for me.  I will be taking tamoxifin.  My onc wanted me to join a clinical trial using metformin (diabetes drug) so I am going to participate in that also.  Hope you all get better every day!!!

Hi Galsal,

I started Arimidex several days ago and now I'm starting to get "blue mood" issues too!  I think it's this crap we're on.  I also contacted my doc yesterday because I'm nauseous and headachy.  She told me to get off of the new meds and try again next week in case I actually am fighting a normal flu.  We'll see....but, yes, I'm feeling the same as you....