2012 sisters
Comments
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Miranda - I had pain in my shoulder blades and back as well and I also had cording. PT did wonders to improve the cording and my range of motion. As for the shoulders - I don't remember exactly when it went away, but I promise you it does. I'm 3 months out of surgery and don't really feel any remaining effects. I think I've even gotten used to the feeling of the expanders being in there. And I think I felt good like this maybe around the 2 month mark. So take heart. You'll feel better and "normal" again soon. And the fills are a breeze. Don't sweat them. For now rest up, listen to your body, and ask your Dr for a PT referral so you can get that cording taken care of. Hugs!
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Back from the Thanksgiving weekend, and what a blast it was! My new son-in-law declared that this will now be a new tradition that the whole family go somewhere together for Thanksgiving every year. We all went on a horseriding adventure in the mountains on Saturday with a steak cookout included. Not that we are good riders; the horses just walked basically with a little trot now and then. My horse once tried a little gallop, and I promptly let go of the reins, and wound my arms tightly around his neck. My daughter, the only good rider in our group, talked me through it, and calmed the situation. Fortunately my horse was a real sweetie, and obviousy realized what precarious load he had on his back, LOL. My behind is still sore with a few bruises here and there, but it was such fun. On Sunday we indulged in a sumptious Thanksgiving brunch. Everything was right in my world, feeling strong and healthy again with DH and all our children gathered around us. I give thanks indeed.
Jpmomof3, I am genuinely so happy for you about the seroma. You have had enough already, really. Yes, the chemo curl has attacked me too. Don't really know how to handle it, but I'll take it. It's better than being bald - LOL! Good wishes for the rads too..
Juneaubugg, glad to see you are doing well. Only one more time in that BGC, and you're done. So proud of you, and you are one lucky girl to have your hair grow back so fast! Mine took 8 full weeks after the last chemo to show any signs of growing.
Websister, hope you are enjoying your holiday! I sent you a PM.
Tazzy, so you've started rads already? Best of luck to you. I found it extremely easy after chemo. Apart from a little redness and soreness towards the end, my skin held up well, and I never had that fatique that I had during chemo. I did sleep a lot, however. Some mornings I only woke up at ten. In fact, I just got stronger and stronger as the rads went on. Just slap on that aloe vera immediately after rads before you get dressed. It cools that hot skin right down.
MrsCich, so sorry to hear about your skin issues. Isn't it weird that chemo has such a different effect on everybody? Hopefully it will get better soon.
Ramols, it is so inspiring that you keep on finding the happy in small everyday things! It's a lesson that I also learned during this experience, to find joy and satisfaction in my daily life, to stop wishing for 'one day', and chase after things that don't really matter. Somebody once said that each day is a gift from God; that's why it's called the present. That sums it up nicely, I think.
To everybody else in treatment or recovering from surgery: May today be a good day. Hang in there; it will pass. Best wishes to you all!
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Ok ladies I have a stupid/strange question. What types of bras did/do you wear after you had your TE's placed? I am still wearing the surgical bra, it is the only comfortable bra I can find. I don't want to wear just a sports bra. However, when I sleep I do wear a sports bra. That's the only way I feel I can keep the "bowling balls" from killing me at night.
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Not a stupid question Chrisrenee!
My PS told me to buy a front clasping sports bra from Sears. Walmart has them too. Originally I bought a zippered one but if you get uncomfortable you can't in clasp the bottom. The ones from Walmart are pretty good. I was a 36DD before my BMX w/TE placement but the sports bra is a 40 because I was so swollen. You might as well buy a few because you'll be wearing them a while! Hope this helps. -
Anyone have discussions with their MO about Luminal A and B cancer? After the big surprises of my post op patholgy compared to my core biopsy pathology I did wonder what that was about. Since I am strongly estrogen positive, I was surprised about the aggessiveness of my cancer since this is usually a slower growing type. But the MO told me last week there is Luminal A and B and B is rarer and it seems this is what I have. Lucky me! I know that is why they are trying to get my chemo going ASAP, with the extensive lymphovascular invasion especially. While I was waiting for discharge after the port procedure on Friday, I read what was in my chart and see why my MO has added the mitigating circumstances to the notes for the chemo waitlist of having to have already waited 6 weeks for surgery. This was due to what she calls "summer closures." Of course I was aware that the wait was due to surgeons all busy or away and OR's full but it is too bad that now it seems that we need to speed things up as a result. I did complain about the long wait for path but this is our system too. "Hurry up and wait" is what I am calling all this.
Marian -
Mrscich- I bought a bra from Victorias Secret before I had my surgery, I tried it on the other day and it was just so uncomfortable. I don't want to keep wearing sports bras because it doesn't do anything for the "New girls" haha. I'm just so proud of these even if they are TE's. Now I just have to get rid of the constant back pain that I've had for a couple of weeks.
I never know what is too personal/ to stupid to ask on here. But thank you for answering. -
Hellloooo ladies!
Chrisrenee - not sure if this might help but when I started rad my nurse suggested either an all cotton sports bra or a nursing bra so the underwire doesn't irritate. I went with the sports bra but maybe a nursing bra might help then you can always "pop the cups" for some air! Sorry if I'm offending but the visual gave me the giggles and when something makes me laugh I love to share!
MrsCich - I too had skin issues during taxol. My skin turned bright reddish purple and then peeled off! It was on my face and hands. Talk about a "chemical" peel! Think I'll stick to facials.
Have a beautiful night ladies! -
Karen- the visual was perfectly timed with the movie Steel Magnolias. I also had to giggle. I will definitely look into those as well. Thank you
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OMG! My favorite movie! But I'm kinda mad at Lifetime. Love the actresses but wasn't thrilled with the remake. My 2 besties and I quote that movie all the time. I think I know every line. Especially the pink is my signature color speech.
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Karen- completely agree. I think the actresses were great. But that is a HARD movie to remake. The original wad just perfection at its best. My favorite line is Sam doesn't know whether to scratch his watch or wind his butt. Haha
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Marian - sorry about your bad news, hopefully they'll get you into the system soon!
Chrisrenee77 - my upper back pain was bad after surgery, two things helped me: one - just plain old laying on the floor (I guess my little nest of pillows curved my back to the point of eventual soreness), and two, I kind of cracked my back by lying on top of some soft plastic balls (designed for that purpose, called "Miracle Balls" - yes, really.) But not until I was well healed and able to stand that, because it also stretched out my chest at the same time.
I too am having the bra trouble - I have a TE on the LHS, and on the right I had a reduction done to my pre-surgery 36DD, so I guess I am a C-ish now. Because they over-inflate the TE, the left is round and high and proud, and the RHS, well, isn't
, and the question is, do I buy to hold the larger one? or the smaller one? You said we could ask anything! -
Shockd- the sizing with my bra was the same. My left side is bigger due to more skin left after BMX. The right side is smaller due to lack of skin. so my left side filled the cup and my right side had so much space between. So i would say fit for the bigger size. I'm still in the process of fills so my PS said we were going to start focusing on the left side to get it symetrical. My PS said he wouldn't leave me "lopsided". I definitely had to laugh at that.
I've been trying to pop my back but seems like everytime I do I think I hurt it more. And I so agree about the mound of pillows. I don't know how i'm going to sleep now that my hubby is home. He works off shore 3 wks on 3 wks off. So we will see how this works out tonight.
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Chrisrenee - the mound of pillows was crucial - my husband works in LA/LB harbor, and he's 2 wks on, 2 wks off (but October gone 3 wks - bah). Anyhow, re-introducing him into the bed was NOT happening right after surgery, but we are finally sharing again, now that the surgery pain is gone. Although two nights ago I whacked him with my extra pillow (to prop up the MX arm - watching for the lymphadema ghouls, you know), anyhow, gave him a mighty whack, getting rid of the pillow, forgot he was there. He woke up to being hit in the head (at least it was the back!) haha. (Interested - what does your husband do?)
Thanks also for the bra advice. I'll try that, and try the Sears/Walmart thing the other ladies mentioned too.
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shockd- he's a paramedic. He's been working offshores for 6 yrs now, been a medic for 13. He's my nurse/dr when I have my surgeries. I was reading him all this and his response was "i'll tell you how that's going to work out, my butt is going to sleep and you aren't going to mess with me". haha. Thankfully he knows what he's doing when he's taking care of me after surgery. What does your husband do?
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I had surgery in January and I still sleep with pillows under my arm/shoulder and at my back ... I cannot sleep without them.
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Chrisrenee77 - Having a paramedic for a husband must be awesome, especially with what you're going through. Good luck to him (he'll be getting bashed with a pillow too, I'm sure!) You'll forget he's there and wham! haha
Joanne - I can totally identify with that, I have two little ones, but a big one by my side for whenever I need to sleep on RHS, to prop up MX side. Had to wean myself off the other three to make room for the Dear Husband.
My husband is a tractor tug Captain, assisting ships in and out of Los Angeles/Long Beach harbor. I am on leave, that is my job too (as a Mate - but there are two Captain positions open now, I might get my Captaincy - wouldn't that be something, good news in the midst of all this crap). As mate, I was operating for two six hour periods of every day (opposite to the Captain's watch), so I had to take leave, couldn't do treatment AND be gone two weeks of every month. I miss my job. (and my hair, and my boob, hahaha) I hope I'm not offending anyone with my sense of humor, hugs to all.
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Schokd, What an AWESOME job! So cool and different!!
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Thanks, I admit, I love it!
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Growth. Crap--the Death Star is growing!
Pretty bad when your already large boob feels bigger and then you feel it--and the Death Star has increased its orbit. Maybe this isn't so bad, though. The lesion in my back grew too. And according to my doc--and the FDA Tamoxifen info--this is a common thing and is "sometimes associated with a good tumor response."
Still not happy about this, though. It's creepy and scary. No control over this stuff--it happens and you can't see it. Never could wrap my head around anything I couldn't see for myself with the naked eye (ie. cells and molecules).
BTW, totally stopped the Oxycodone. The trade off isn't worth it in the long term. That stuff is scary.
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Scorchy - I don't blame you for not being happy, but hopefully it will turn out to be "good tumor response", right? How do you find out? Sending you hugs and positive wishes.
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Shockd- yes he might get an intentional pillow to the head if he starts snoring. Yes he made me face the initial viewing head on in the hospital after the BMX. He hasn't seen the "girls" for 3 wks. So of course I'm excited telling him to look and his response is yeah you have boobs now. Ha he hasn't been to a fill yet so next Monday will be his first. I love to be out on boats however I prefer night rides. I'm so pasty white that I don't tan I burn. It's great that you do something you love. I've been in the medical industry for 16 yrs and I absolutely love it. Yesterday was my first day back but was unable to get into my system so today was official work me til I die day. But loved every minute of it.
Scorchy- so the tamoxifen is making the tumor grow? And that's normal? I'm still so New and dumb when it comes to the whole cancer thing that I'm still having to learn. So what is the next course of action? -
JP-congrats about the great news, about time we have something good to cheers about in all this bullshit of a diesase, I found out last week that my husband's cousin living in India and she's 44 years old has stage 4 lung cancer and also today that a friend's father got leukemia. When will it ever end????
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Scorchy, that must be disturbing but I do recall reading somewhere tamox sometimes grows tumors before it shrinks them. What torture though to have to wait and see.
Soyaandpepper, that's awful, there's just too much damn cancer in the world. Only 44, that's so wrong.
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Ann and Chrisrenee,
According to the FDA literature: "Increased bone and tumor pain and, also, local disease flare have occurred, which are sometimes associated with a good tumor response. Patients with increased bone pain may require additional analgesics. Patients with soft tissue disease may have sudden increases in the size of preexisting lesions, sometimes associated with marked erythema within and surrounding the lesions and/or the development of new lesions. When they occur, the bone pain or disease flare are seen shortly after starting Tamoxifen and generally subside rapidly."Though I will say that "shortly after" is pretty broad since I've been on TFK for seven weeks. Scary and unsettling.
The oncologist knows, in fact I will call and leave a message today about the Death Star growth so he's aware of that (he suspected that this is what is happening in the lower back). I'll also call the breast surgeon and make an appointment so that he is aware as well.
Soya,
That's is awful news; so sorry to hear it.Cancer, in all of its forms, is a nasty business.
I hope everyone out there is having a good day.
Scorch
Tazzy: I love this .gif so much! I'm so glad you posted it originally.
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Soya That is terrible-it seems everywhere we turn someone has cancer of some sort. Hope all is going well with you-I know you're back to work and working out which is a good thing but miss chatting to you!
Chrisrenee After surgery I bought several bras. My favorite turned out to be the Genie Bras (as seen on tv-sold in bed, bath,beyond and lots of stores) I bought them a couple sizes big because they are a very lightweight stretch. The nice thing was that they have little pouches in them and I "added" a little pillow batting to the pouches until I got more fills and continued to add and subtract from one side or the other to even things out. The bottom sits lower too so you don't have any interference with incision lines. There is no clasp but you can still step into them. I slept in mine all the time with the TE's. So glad to have that process over and done with as the implants are much more comfy.
Scorchy That sucks we'll hope that it is that good tumor response.
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I guess I missed the posts or questions about skin and peeling? I got flushed red for a day or two after AC chemo and notices extra dryness so I really got into using lotions at least a couple times a day on my face and scalp, sometimes my body too. With the Taxol I'm also getting a little flushing and definite peeling but moisturizing 2 or more times a day is helping that a lot. I think I moisturize my face 5 times some days (I don't wear foundation most of the time) and am not breaking out very much at all. Like I've had one zit in the last month! Which is weird, it used to be if I'd moisturize that much, it would contribute to breakouts.
a "Genie" Bra, eh? I've been wearing Hanes sports bras (I get at Target or Kmart) since my LX.I will wear one of my old underwires occasionally but find that they are uncomfortable under the surgeried boob (right.) I'll have to look into the Genie though, it looks a bit better construction for giving some shape to the girls and the pouch may be necessary since my right is smaller than the left. It always has been but even more so now.
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I am four weeks out of a double mx with expanders and just love the Aerie tanks with shelf bras. I step into them and we are done. I am flabbergasted that people squeeze themselves into sports bras. Doesn't it hurt? How do you get them over your head?
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Well, today is 11 days since my first TC infusion. Yesterday I was brushing my hair and there was a little tangle at the end so I gently tugged and my first clump of hair came with it. 😢 I didn't cry but for some weird reason I saved it. I think I want to make a scrap book. Not sure why I want to remember this part of my life but it is still part of my life however I look at it!!!! I want to know that when its over I came out on top!!!! I want to laugh at my bald head as I do at say, how much weight I gained when I was pregnant.
Tomorrow evening my 2 youngest daughters, 7 & 4, are cutting my hair however they want and then shaving it on a high number guard. Friday I have my labs (praying my WBC is up) and then I have an appointment pick up my wig and get my head buzzed to the scalp. The PinkHeartFunds.org is a local (even though they do have means to ship nationally) organization that does it all for free. I've sat with the founder twice and looked through a book at wigs and found the color that best matches my hair. I'm nervous yet anxious. Once my hair is gone I will feel as though the chemo is working. I will know it is at least killing SOME fast growing cells. My entire journey, as I'm sure most of yours, seems like its a hurry and wait game. I feel like nothing is happening even though all of my procedures and treatment has happened very fast.
I hope you ladies have a wonderful day. -
NYBubbles, they make sports bras that have clasps in the front. I actually have one tht zippers too. There is NO WAY IN HELL we could put one with front clasps over our head after surgery. Yowza. I'm 6 weeks post BMX w/TE placement, this Friday.
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MrsCich - I saved my ponytail, not sure what I'm gonna do with that. That's great you're gonna let your girls get involved, maybe take the trauma out of cutting your hair. I whole heartedly agree with having someone else buzz it to the scalp after, I shaved mine with 4-5 razors, and what a panic! Took too long and made me cry Glad you're feeling better now.
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