2012 sisters
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Welcome Donna, I am new a well . I am fie weeks out double mast and just completed my first chemo today. I love the picture you look beautiful . I just cut my hair short last week and actually love it now let's see how I will look when my husband shaves it
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First of all, (((hugs))) for all who need them.
Mrscich, I met with my MO, my RO, and a PS all in the same busy afternoon about a week after my dx, before I had gotten a treatment plan. (My nurse navigator set up all the appointments.) It made my head spin, and was completely terrifying, but at least I got to meet them and talk a little bit before making any decisions.
I had my post-op checkup this morning, and got awesome news!
My initial MRI had an estimated tumor size of 3.5 cm (it was visible just by looking at my breast). I also had a positive node, identified by biopsy.
I did neoadjuvant chemo to shrink the tumor. At the time of surgery, the actual tumor was only 0.5cm!!! Margins were clear, so I do not need resection. Woohoo!
My surgeon took 9 lymph nodes, and they were all clear. My nurse is pleased with how my incisions are healing.
My stage has been downgraded from 2b to 1a.
I need to see how things go with radiation, but as of right now I probably won't be doing plastic surgery. I had been expecting my breast to look much worse than it actually does. In clothing, I can't even tell anything is different.
My drain is still putting out around 100mL of fluid every day, so I'm stuck with it for awhile.
I feel like I should be out dancing! However, I also saw a physical therapist this morning, and just the movements for her to get my baseline measurements left me so achey and sore. This is by far the most pain I've been in since the surgery. I'm supposed to start the exercises tonight, but I'm not sure of I can.
I'm also still battling nausea, and the vomiting is making it difficult to stay hydrated. (My nurse just recommended that I continue taking Compazine and do my best to hydrate.)
It is such a relief to be done with the second phase of my treatment, and with good results! -
Cottontail: what wonderful news. Hopefully the nausea and pain will pass soon.
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Cottontail,
Woot! What wonderful news to read about the stage downgrade!
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Juneaubugg~breads are my weakness and homemade sounds divine..please butter a hunk and eat it for me!
2friedeggs~congrats on the squishes..Enjoy!!!
Ckolender~your family sounds incredible, and you made me laugh out loud about the conversation with your Dr.
Country singer Kelly Pickler was on GMA yesterday. She let them buzz her hair off on the show in support of her BFF who is starting chemo for BC next week.
Liefie~I too have stood in the mirror thinking how I don't want to lose my breast (even though, at this stage of life, I could probably tuck them into my pants). If I didn't have a husband, I'd go for a bmx and forgo recon.
PAeagles~thank you for all the great tips! Even though, I'm still almost 2 months from surgery (10-22-12). I'm reading everything you girls have to say and storing it away for if & when I need it.
Blessings
Paula -
For any Judy Blume fans out there, she recently announced her BC diagnosis and has some nice stuff on her blog: www.judyblume.com/blog.php
Sounds like a mix of news today for folks. Hang in there everyone!
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Soteria205- You made me laugh out loud with your tucking them in the pants comment!! Hang in there gang...this is one hell of a roller coaster ride..and I hate roller coasters. I find out which arm I am on in the clinical trial for rads tomorrow. So think in either case will be starting in next 2 weeks.
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Cottontail: Way to go, girl! What wonderful news to be 'demoted' to stage 1 - that's why one has to wait for the pathology report.
Soteria: You're so right about no recon if there was no husband - same here. My 'assets' I can't tuck into the pants, but to give you an idea, my husband lovingly refers to my my remaining breast as 'the raisin'. I guess for his benefit the raisin will also have to undergo some tweaking so that it can become a little plumper and more palatable, and at least be able to compete with the recon one - LOL! DH has been so wonderful and so good to me during all this time that some reward will be in order . . .
Juneaubugg: How did the bread come out? Funny, but during chemo I also did a lot of baking (and eating), more to prove to myself that I could still read and interpret a recipe, and had not lost my mind completely, even though some days I felt really crazy. Let's just say that some of my baking efforts during chemo I will never be able to recreate - hahahaaa!
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Update Ladies....baking postponed until tomorrow. And I will let you all know how it goes.
Im outside my gym and about to go in to try Pilates for the first time since June. Im so damn scared of the looks my bald head will get. So stuck in the fear... Shit!! I'm going in anyway.
Ramols... I LOVE Judy Blume. Was actually thinking of 'are you there god its me Margaret' recently and thinking how different kids books are today.
Ok enough stalling. Wish me luck! -
Go get 'em juneau! You can do it!
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Wow you guys are an active bunch. I have been trying to catch up all day while at work and everytime I think I have caught up there is more to read. This is great!
Ramols, Glad you had a good, normal sounding day. I cant wait for the day when everything is normal and there is no more to do for breast cancer than take a pill once a day.
Tina, Glad you can see the light at the end of that tunnel. We will all be there soon!
Best wishes MarianeElizabeth on your surgery tomorrow!
Teeball, glad that the first taxol wasnt bad. You will be done before you know it. Hope you are still feeling good.
PIP, sorry to hear that mastectomy is probably in your future. My cancer responded some to chemo but not nearly as much as i had hoped. Not sure about your whole situation but I am tiny breasted and had a 5 cm area of DCIS with a 2 cm IDC that shrunk about halfway with chemo. but the DCIS didnt change (wasnt expected to). They still did a lumpectomy on me. Unless the CA is getting into surrounding muscle or structures or is in multiple areas I am not sure why they are definitely recommending mastectomy with you. If you are strongly prefering lumpectomy you may want to push the issue with your surgeon or get a second opinion. Some older surgeons in particular just want to do mastectomies on everyone.
Definitely talk to a plastic surgeon to get all your options. there are skin and nipple sparing mastectomies, and a large number of different types of reconstructions. You can get a lumpectomy and have reconstruction. Mastectomy is a big surgery and there is no going back. But lots of people prefer it because of the reassurance it gives that they got as much of the breast tissue gone as possible to reduce recurrence. Very big and very personal decisions. Your doctors can give you all the information but it is your decision.
Ckolendar. Cant wait to see your updated avatar, it isnt showing yet! Good for you for taking control of your hair. What a great family you have! that must have been a sight! You kick ass!
2fried, congrats on the squishies! Are you done with treatments and surgeries now?
Cheerio, welcome to the best group on the best website for breast ca. I hope we can all help your journey through this mess.
Cottontail, Great news! So awesome your nodes were clear. You will be dancing soon enough! Heal fast!
Finishing up my second 12 hour shift in a 2 days. I have tomorrow off, but I have a RO apointment. Getting my tattoos tomorrow. goodygoodygumdrops.
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Ramols - great tip on the cytoxan as I still have that darn headache
Luvmygoats - I'm in The Woodlands...just a wee bit south of you LOL
CKolander - I'm so sorry you're having to go through all that but I must say - you phrased it wonderfully and I couldn't help but chuckle at your comments 'um no doctor silly' LOL *hugs* I hope things get better...
Squishies WOO HOO! Have fun with em ;-)
I spent most of my time sleeping with Ted today at the cancer center and curled up under my fuzzy blanket...I got another round of anti-nausea meds and a big ole jumbo sized bag of fluids...I did find some regular Claritin this morning as I as walking around blowing off time before I was due at the cancer center. The neulasta shot didn't hurt a wee bit; my nurse gave it to me to warm it up and she pushed it in nice and slow...but I can say that my knees just HURT and my elbows are trying to put in their 2 cents worth. But at least today I'm getting some sleep, so I'll count my blessings. Nurses did say that the next few days were going to be brutal and to call if I needed anything... No appetite tonight...seems I lost it somewhere during lunch because I only ate half of it. 'Dinner' ended up being an asian pear and a cup of tea. I'm going to try and get some brown rice in or some quinoa so that I'm not a walking popsicle LOL
*hugs* to all
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Has anyone noticed their breast get hot and red? My right one is noticeably red and hot to the touch...same breast where I had my lumpectomy on July 16th...
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Firestorm, My lumpectomy (July 20) side is a bit uncomfortable. Yest, RO said it was a bit red and swollen with chords still down side. Have a feeling rads are not gonna make this better. I still use an ice pack at night to soothe.
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Firestorm at least let your team know about the swelling and pain.
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Cottontail- That's REALLY great news indeed! Sending you healing vibes!
juneaubugg-Way to go on your pilates and I really think you're rocking your blad head!
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Scorchy, I've been thinking about you a lot since you got the Stage IV diagnosis. I felt so badly. I had just met you, read your blog, found it so witty and insightful and I just connected.... I felt terrible. A glimmer of hope, even a glimmer, is better than nothing. If I were religious, I would send prayers. Alas, I am not. What I can send are healing vibes and the very best wishes. I hope for the best. There is nothing fair about this fucking disease.
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firestorm, PLEASE let the doctors know asap. My PS's office has drummed it into my head. Redness, heat, swelling - those are things that could be caused by infection. On the other hand it could be minor but you don't want to go through the crap I've been through with an open scar healing in slow motion so no TE til god knows when. Again, it's probably nothing, but hot and red requires a doctor's call at least. Good luck....
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I'm so tired today, I wish I could just stay in bed all day. I've been sleeping ok (for a change), but maybe this is from being dehydrated. Grrrr.
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I haven't posted in a few days...but I have finally read and caught up.
One week today I had my NSBMX and TE placement. I weened myself off the pain meds a few days ago. I don't hurt, I get uncomfortable sometimes but I take 800mg of Ibuprofen.
I had my post op with my PS yesterday. NO MORE DRAINS!!!!! YAY! He took off the little pads that were sewn over my nips and I got a glimpse of them. I cried. They are so dark purple and dented in. I'm not sure what I was expecting to see but regardless, I wasn't prepared. PS says to put vaseline on a small piece of gauze and change it out daily. I cant do it so my DH is. I watch his face and cry because I feel as though he wants to cringe while looking at what used to be his play toys. He then says something witty (one of the reasons I fell in love with him 9 years ago) and we giggle as I cry. None the less, I dread having to change the gauze because I try so hard to not look but I'm anxious for them to get "normalish." I read some of your posts out loud to my husband sometimes and he cries. He never knew there was such a community that shared their stories and came together through the good and bad times. He's so glad I stumbled onto this site in the very beginning when my mass wasn't found on the u/s. He hears the chemo stories and doesn't want me to go through it all but I think it prepares him for SE's that I may have should I have to do it. Thank you ladies for teaching me (us) so much and staying so positive and strong through it all.
2fried, I'm so happy for you and your new squishies. I CANNOT WAIT and I'm only a week in with the TE's. Granted I was given 500cc initially so I'm ahead of the curve I suppose.
juneau, did you say how your palates class went? I love you bald head and I hope I can look as good, if I lose my hair.
All my love ladies....I get to go take a shower now...first time in a week!
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Checking in - as expected, feeling a little moe tired today
Juneaubug - good for you! Hope all went well with the Pilates. I have actually seen a lot of ladies (maybe just noticing more?) around my city walking around 'topless' and it looks great, so much more comfortable too, especially during an exercise class. No procrastinating on the baking today
Ramols - thanks for info re: Judy Blume
Cottontail - pamper yourself, good news/bad news - it all takes a toll on our bodies at this time
Firestorm - I agree re: checking out that breast, especially with chemo causing WBC count to go down, need to be on top it
CKolander - hang in there, enjoyed your humor - Haldol?!
Tazzy - good to hear from you
2friedeggs - enjoy those squishies! You have definitely earned them.
Mrscich - enjoyed your post and how you share from this forum with your husband
Jpmomof3 - enjoy your day off, let us know how the RO appt goes, hope their is at least a little time in your day just for you
To all I have missed, wishing you a good day! -
Morning all. This is a busy thread eh?
Juneau: wish it was a metaphor. You rock girl... let us know how pilates went.
Cottontail... woo hoo on the good news.... Doing the happy dance.
Jpmom... enjoy your finishing of those 12 hour shifts ! Let us know how the planning session goes. Got mine on the 18th.
Firestorm... get that boobie checked out... better to be safe than sorry.
MrsCich... your DH sounds wonderful. Worth lots of brownie points for that. Happy the drains are out. Oh! the freedom.
Websister... get that rest in while you can.Sorry for those I missed.. doesn`t mean I am not thinking of you - cos I am.
Peace and love to you all xxxx
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Firestorm, I agree with everyone else, warm and red is BAD.. Call the DR ASAP!!
Looks like Tazzy, JPMom and I will be in the rads boat soon... I have an appointment with RO next Wed so he can go over all of the reports from MO and BS and have me sign 6 1/2 weeks of my life away to him. This will be my second meeting with him (1st one we were still waiting for chemo decision.) and I think I get a month till they will start treatments. My goal is to be finished by Thanksgiving, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
Glad to see you are up and about a bit Mrs Cich. YAY on having the drains out already... hope you enjoyed your shower.
Juneau probably put those pilates babes to shame with her bad-ass bald look
Has anyone seen that Kellie Pickler had her head shaved to support her friend? Nice of someone so high profile to do something like that. She's going to be performing here in PA at a State fair in a few weeks. -
For those starting rads there is a thread called "Fall 2012 rads .. Come on in" under Radiation therapy..before.,during..after forum
Firestorm. Did you get hold of Dr? -
Good afternoon ladies!
Mrscich, I am impressed that you are off pain medicines so soon. Great job. Sorry that the nipples are such a shock. I just had a lumpectomy but it was large and took the tissue under my nipple. It is scarring such that part of the areola is pulled in and the nipple is somewhat too. Hopefully yours wont stay that way though once all the swelling goes down.
Web sister, hope the side effects go away fast. Cotton tail, more energy coming your way!
For my my breast (or what is left of it) looked better the first few weeks after surgery. Now that the swelling has gone down, That side looks like a mans chest now but with big ugly scars. I hate it. I hate that this has happened to me. I wear a tank top all the time at night now. (used to sleep with just undies). I hate looking at my chest now. Maybe I made the wrong decision about the surgeries and should have gone for reconstruction. Not sure. It might be too late after radiation. I just don't know. It all sucks so goddamn much.
I had my second radiation planning appointment. They drew all over my chest and neck in black and red markers and gave me five little black dot tattoos. They hurt a little but not bad. Especially with all the oth ER crap I have endured. The RO was pleased with everything and said that things are positioned very well. She will be able to radiate my infra mammary lymph nodes without destroying too much of my lung. I guess I am supposed to be happy about that. I fucking hate this.
I saw that the marks go way up my neck. I asked the RO about hurting the thyroid with all this. She said that the radiation shouldn't get to it. But she said that breast cancer and low thyroid disease are associated. I never knew that. Anybody out there with hypothyroidism? Another thing to worry about. Did I tell you how much I hate this? I was healthy until 1/26/2012 or so I thought.
On a better note I went for a jog today and ran more and felt better. off to Walmart. A necessary evil. -
Aruba, thatnks for letting us know about that new rads thread. I was hoping one would start up.
O yeah, firestorm, hope you are at the docs now about that redness. You had surgery a while ago and unless you are getting rads now there shouldn't be any redness. Let us know how you are doing. -
jpmom... fucking cancer and its treatments... never knew about the connection with low thyroid either. Does this fucking gift ever stop giving??
Aruba - thanks for the info on the rad thread... I'll check it out.
Hugs to all xxx
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jpmom - i think we all second guess some of our choices along this journey. But there is no going back. We just have to remember that we made the best decisions we could make at the time we were forced to make them. None of them are easy, nor made lightly. So don't beat yourself up. I liked your previous idea about doing some tattoo artwork on that boob. Sending hugs your way - and to all others!
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ramols - nail on the head. We can only go forward, and we make the best decision we can with the info we have.
Did anyone ever play the video game robotron? If you ever turned back, you died and the game ended. Good practice for cancer and it's tx.
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My RO said 20% chance of hypothyroidism over the next 5 years from scatter radiation. I'm getting bilateral so my risk may be higher.
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