Breast Cancer in Other Boob

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  • kane744
    kane744 Member Posts: 461
    edited June 2012

    Appreciate all your support.  Have tried some of the other forums but here is where I feel most at home.  Binney, am having pretty good weekend.  Shopping (of course). Needed button blouses (everything is pull over my head), pull up pants, silky PJ's to make it easier to get out of bed, little pillows for support, long scarves to hide my soon to be boobless state until I heal enough for foobs.  As you know, I'm good at turning every negative thing into a shopping experience!  Still working on new living room furniture but so far DH has not given in.  Ours is quite dog worn after 15 years. Plus it is not hot and humid for which I am so grateful.  Coolest June on record thus far.  Gotta love that.  

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  • Marple
    Marple Member Posts: 19,143
    edited June 2012

    Kane, you can layer, and may not feel the need for foobs. 

    Silk pjs to slide out of bed.  I NEVER thought of that one.

    Hugs Kane.

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  • LindaLou53
    LindaLou53 Member Posts: 929
    edited June 2012

    Kane, I am so sorry to hear about your new primary dx.  I can certainly understand that sinking feeling and sadness surrounding a second breast cancer.  My second dx which was also a new primary in the other breast came 5 years after the first.  I also opted for bilateral mastectomy without reconstruction.  I honestly can say I have not had one moments regret regarding the decision not to reconstruct.  I wore foobs briefly off and on the first year, but now go completely natural which I find to be most comfortable and hassle free.

    I am so glad you have a supportive oncologist and plan to utilize a LE therapist both pre and post surgery. When it comes to clothing for the immediate postop mastectomy period, I found loose smock tops with snaps and large pockets on both sides great for ease getting off and on. You can find all kinds of smock tops in a uniform store that sells to nurses and medical staff.  They come in all colors, prints and fabrics, long and short sleeved. 

    My surgery was 6.5 years ago now, but I would be happy to share my experience and any little "tips" you might find useful.  Just let me know if you have questions concerning the post-op period. Thinking of you and wishing you a speedy and event free recovery.

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  • BeckySharp
    BeckySharp Member Posts: 935
    edited June 2012

    Kane--I wish I had some advice for you but I don't.  I am thinking about you and hope all goes well.

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  • BoobsinaBox
    BoobsinaBox Member Posts: 550
    edited June 2012

    Kane, I'm thinking of you too and hoping all goes very well. I had a bilateral in 2006 and have gone flat and worn foobs. There are lots of options either way. And there will be plenty of time to figure all that out, after you get through treatments.



    Dawn

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  • Suzybelle
    Suzybelle Member Posts: 920
    edited June 2012

    Kane, I just read your post for the first time (have been horrible about being regular visitor on here) and my stomach flipped.  I'm so so sorry you're having to go through this.

     I had a bmx with no recon, and no foobies...a bra hurts my le and it's just too dang much trouble.  I layer some, but like today, I go totally flat too. 

    It takes a lot of acceptance, but I still feel pretty (most days, anyway) and try to maintain a 'screw you if you don't like it' attitude, which helps a lot.  Tongue out

    Glad you're still able to shop!  I am praying for you.  Please pm me if you want to talk more about this.  I know it's a tough thing for a woman to face.  Cancer is scary as crap without having to amputate body parts.

    Love and good thoughts to you.

    Suzanne

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  • Momine
    Momine Member Posts: 7,859
    edited June 2012

    "Cancer is scary as crap without having to amputate body parts."

    Ain't that the truth! 

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  • kane744
    kane744 Member Posts: 461
    edited June 2012

    Suzybelle!  Have been wondering about you and afraid to ask.  That's one of the most awful parts of being a "cancer survivor"! I understand being away because I was, too.  I just needed a break.  Now I need my sisters. Will PM you in a day or two.  Am frantically trying to get everything ready.  My DH is super great, but it's better if food is prepared and put up for him to feed me and him, all laundry caught up, etc.  

    Met with my surgeon yesterday and HE needs immediate surgery for a ruptured disc!  I swear, me and my surgeons.  So he anticipates being back in two weeks and I could wait for him.  However, I know docs make the worst patients and I know it'll be soonest a month for him.  I asked what's the longest I could safely wait and he said three weeks.  He recommended another surgeon in the practice just like him.  That rare combination of skill AND bedside manner, so I decided to switch.  Just want that bloody alien gone from my body ASAP.  I meet with new guy on Monday.  I imagine things will move rather quickly.  

    They are much in tune with my LE.  I will have IV and blood pressure in/on left leg.  Can wear sleeve on right arm, put in an order for my LE therapist to come wrap both arms soon as I'm in my hospital room.  Have ordered a sleeve for my left arm as preventative but won't have to wear it all the time and was measured on both sides.  They will take single node even if they don't find the sentinel rather than full dissection with the understanding I may have to go back for full.  Boy, do I ever understand.  Can't do more than that. I can even have home care if I want but I'm sure between the two of us and friends if we need, we can handle this.  

    Will do quick update when I have surgery date.  I'm sure all will be OK.  Even though I'm done with boobs, I know that first look will be a shocker.  Doc said I wouldn't much like it but I've learned to live with and without lots of things in my life.  If it's too hard, I just won't look for awhile.

     

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited June 2012

    Kane, it sounds like you have all the bases covered for LE care during surgery. That is absolutely awesome! I'm keeping you in my thoughts. 

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  • kane744
    kane744 Member Posts: 461
    edited June 2012

    I owe my "togetherness" to all my sisters on this site, whose willingness to share their hardearned knowledge has made having LE a bit easier to cope with.  We can moan, groan, complain, and bitch freely.  We can laugh at the craziness of it all.  Even share "fantasy" brownies when the going gets really tough. What a blessing you have been in my life!!  You all are appreciated so much.

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited June 2012

    Kane, YOU are appreciated!Kiss And you also have done an incredible job of lining everything up. Wow--so impressive! LOVE the part about the therapist making her timely appearance post surgery. Beautiful!

    As for viewing the new chest "geography" afterward, you'll know the right time. I was all set to be shattered and miserable and was amazed instead at my own courage and even pride. Scars have all kinds of meanings, and loss is only one of them--these are all about the courage to live and the determination to keep on making life meaningful for ourselves and our loved one. 

    Onward!Cool
    Binney

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  • Momine
    Momine Member Posts: 7,859
    edited June 2012

    Well said, Binney. I had a similar experience.

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  • hugz4u
    hugz4u Member Posts: 2,781
    edited June 2012

    Kane, Are you OK? I think you got  PET and MRI done this week.  No doubt you are having the life sucked out of you and are tired. Still we would like to hear from you, if only but a quick check in.

    If you are to tired to write in then that is ok to. Just try and get some rest and try to get your diagnosis off your mind for a few minutes. Can you paint your nails a cool color or call a good friend or wallk a bit or  google, you tube on "I love lucy" show.  she is so funny.

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  • hugz4u
    hugz4u Member Posts: 2,781
    edited June 2012

    Kane, just saw your posts after I posted. I am glad to hear from you. Yes.. we are all in this big mess together Cryso we may as well reap the benefits of the saying "two is better than one!"Smile  We are here for you!Kiss

    tons of hugz

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  • kane744
    kane744 Member Posts: 461
    edited June 2012

    Hugz, my PET and MRI were clear which made me do a happy dance for sure.  Have had all my pre-op stuff done except for chest xray which will happen Monday before I meet my new surgeon.  Gettin' a big anxious now.  Trying to keep it together.  Oh yeah, one other thing has crept up to add to my thrills.  Last Nov. had a growth removed from my foot.  No big deal at the time.  However, the dissolving stitches didn't and three times they've cropped up to bug me and now the fourth.  But docs won't do anything until after the BMX for fear of infection setting in.  If it becomes infected now, they will put me on antibiotics prior to surgery.  So far, not, but it is getting painful.  The "old" surgeon said he thought there might be one more in there the last time he removed what popped up but said any more would require outpatient surgery.  Was hoping to combing BMX, port, and foot in one fell swoop.  Guess not.  Least I asked.  

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  • bak94
    bak94 Member Posts: 1,846
    edited June 2012

    Ahhh Kane, so sorry you are having to go through this again. I have had triple neg twice also, although I am actually 3% er pos this time and I get the joys of taking aromasin. ( I still consider myself triple neg!). I had lumpectomy the first time and bmx without reconstruction this time, although I may do delayed reconstruction but have not made any firm decisions yet. I have been fighting slight lymphedema on my original diagnoses side.

    Hang in there and nice to "meet" you!

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  • kane744
    kane744 Member Posts: 461
    edited June 2012

    Nice to meet you, too, bak94.  I am doing everything I possibly can not to get LE on left side and to avoid a flare on the right.  My surgeons have been most cooperative in agreeing to everything I wanted in regard to LE.  I played that cancer/LE card like I was gonna win a million bucks.  The reason I decided against recon is my age, 68.  I want to heal and get back to living ASAP without more surgeries and pain.  I figure it's 5 pounds off me, too.  The beginning of a ten pound loss that I plan to do post surgery.  

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  • Marple
    Marple Member Posts: 19,143
    edited June 2012

    Kane, I'm so happy for you about good scans.

    Love your new avatar.

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  • kane744
    kane744 Member Posts: 461
    edited June 2012

    Thanks, Marple. That's Cigar, a 22 year old champion racehorse retired at The Kentucky Horse Park, where I volunteer.  During his career he won 16 consecutive races and earned just a few dollars shy of ten million dollars.  He's magnificent and my horse boyfriend!

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  • kane744
    kane744 Member Posts: 461
    edited June 2012

    Bilateral mastectomy scheduled for June 26.  I'm trying to relax.

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  • hugz4u
    hugz4u Member Posts: 2,781
    edited June 2012

    If cigar won that much at the races not doubt his good fortune will rub off on you and thus you will have a great surgery! Love that horse boyfriend.Wink

    I took mega doses of omegas and that really helped with my BMX.

    You will do just fine!

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited June 2012

    Great to have a date set!Cool Bummer that it's two weeks away.Frown But it looks like Cigar will be a great help in both relaxing and passing the time. And if he can help with that, he's worth WAAAAAY more than $10,000,000!

    Hugs, prayers,
    Binney

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  • BeckySharp
    BeckySharp Member Posts: 935
    edited June 2012

    Kane--The waiting game begins!  I know it seems like forever away.  Cigar is beautiful.  DH must be jealous of that boyfriend!  He will be your good luck charm.  Let us know if we can do anything.  Becky

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  • Marple
    Marple Member Posts: 19,143
    edited June 2012

    ((((Kane))))  Waiting is the worst.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited June 2012

    Glad you have a date, Kane. Waiting is no fun, but it has given you time to prepare. Be good to yourself - visit with family, see an exhibit, listen to music, whatever makes you feel relaxed and happy. Or distracted. Cigar is a handsome boy! 

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  • Marple
    Marple Member Posts: 19,143
    edited June 2012

    Kane~I'm so curious as to how a race horse got the name Cigar.  It may be a combo of Dam and Sire? 

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  • kane744
    kane744 Member Posts: 461
    edited June 2012

    Marple, Cigar's name came from a navigational term on a plane.  Forget the technical term of it, but to me will always mean that beautiful horse. There are loads of racehorse names that stagger the mind trying to figure out but they must be no more than 18 letters with spaces between words counting. At the Horse Park there are a number of famous champion horses who've been retired there and each day at The Hall of Champions, people can view videos of their glory days then are treated to seeing each one live and in person for picture taking.  They seem to love the attention.  Cigar always puts on a show.  He is the star and knows it. 

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  • Momine
    Momine Member Posts: 7,859
    edited June 2012

    Kane, what a beautiful horse, and what a great place to volunteer. We have three dogs, and I found that spending time with them really helped during treatment.

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  • Marple
    Marple Member Posts: 19,143
    edited June 2012

    It must be amazing to touch such a beautiful creature.

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  • Marple
    Marple Member Posts: 19,143
    edited June 2012

    Thinking about you (((Kane))).

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