2012 sisters

Hello Ladies



First of all sorry I haven't chimed in lately but I felt that I did not want to share my post chemo surgery negativities with everyone that is going through treatments right now. Then I realized this is best place to share:) It is 3 am and once again I am woking up by pain. I have been trying to work with PT and doctors but they are not really helping me at time. They gave me some at home exercises but I got what they call a frozen shoulder after surgery and it is really crappy. My range is motion in my rgt arm is pretty minimal. I guess this is pretty uncommon and they don't know what causes it so chances are none of you will get this. Funny I felt pretty good after surgery for first couple of months and this has gotten worse. I am back to work and my job has always been insane but I don't want to try and keep up anymore so after I get through my exchange surgery in jan and hopefully find a solution to my pain issues I can try and find a new life.



I am seeing a massage therapist who specializes in this next week and I am counting the minutes so hopefully she can help me:(



I believe I read above about the fear of remission and it is hard not to think about this but I try to not let it consume my thoughts daily but it does put it into perspective about making some choice in life to find what makes me happy and do what I love.



My friend sent me a photo of a saying that was on a shopping cart that she saw on her vacation in Hawaii "Motto to Live By: Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other,body thoroughly used up totally worn out, and screaming, WOO HOO, what a ride! ...for me this may not mean drinking or eating choc but I am going to make dam sure I try and enjoy this ride as much as I can! And this does not include working 12 hour days anymore:) oh yes and I guess now the only body part that is going to look preserved is my fboobs:)





I am sorry for all that has had to join this group but like everyone said it is the right place to be. And everyone else I have missed you and hope you are doing well. My hair is coming in crazy thick and I probably should get a trim soon. One thing about short hair it is way easier to get ready! Having long hair all my life, it is something I miss but not the hour it took to dry.



Have a great Thanksgiving!



Hugs

Michelle

Mcook, missed your posts so much, and was worried about you. It sounds like u are pulling yourself up, setting goals, and being deliberate in how u choose to live you're life. You're a brave lady, and I admire you.

Susannah....what kind of GI issues????

Susannah....as you know, I'm on Letrozole but have had none of f those symptoms, but Inhave heard some of the ladies talk about heartburn and feeling bloated. Perhaps

you will get some advice from them. Sorry you're going through this.

Hi ladies! I've been reading, and reading, and reading.... I'm working now and you are all posting so much that by the time I'm done reading I don't have time to post...! Yay for Sunday!!!



First; Mcook- was thinking of you last week. Glad to "see" you; sorry about your locked arm. That absolutely sucks! It's just one challenge after another,isn't it! My hair is starting to cover my head in feel, but it's not long enough to all be seen yet. (Update your avatar would you?!)



Those entering the black hole... (((HUGE HUGS))). I can honestly say that those holes were the worst depression of my life. Coupled with the hot flashes and other SEs... Well.... HUGS!!!! It seemed impossible at the time that I would ever feel good again, but I feel GREAT again... Finally.



This has been such a long year. I joined this site in May. Women like 2friedeggs, soya, Tazzy, JPmom, Websister, Ramols were there to share this journey with. Since then there are so many more wonderful women here sharing in this journey. Carrying each other at times. I would send my tears off into the great electronic world and get love, support and compassion back. I would also be made to laugh out loud when no one else around me had the ability to understand my twisted cancer humor. (Well my DH was pretty good at it some days!). I also got ALL of my information and education HERE. I was prepared for every medical appointment with lists of questions based on the experiences of those who had gone before me.



Anyway, as some of us see the light at the end of the tunnel and our busy lives intrude on our posting time, I'd like to start a new thread next month. 2013 survivors!!! I'd like to see you all there, and MAYBE next year we can plan a long weekend to meet somewhere and plan some type of retreat!! Thoughts?????



I am now 12 days from my squishys!!! My niece thinks my boobs are too big! Lol! She is a mini me; everyone says so. My husband says she's just jealous!!! She has my small boobs. Truth is, I miss my small right boob. That boob had FEELING/sensation; but it tried to kill me so it had to go. I do worry that my left might revolt one day. I don't want to live in fear of recurrence. The feelings post treatment don't just stop. I feel great, but I'm forever changed. I hope our new forum will help us get through check ups, etc for the next 5 years. I don't think anyone else will understand my panic before that first mamo (yes I am totally projecting).



I love you all!! I hope those USA based have a great holiday.



Tazzy; happy trails to you as you travel across the pond!

Keetmom: welcome to our group!



Mcook and juneaubugg: good to see you posting. I was also thinking about all of us who started this journey together and how far we all have come. I am definitely there for the 2013 survivors group. Let us all know when the group begins.



Been fighting a cold for over a week now. Ended up at the ONC office to see my doctor on Friday. Was worried that I might have strep, since it is going around at the boys' school right now. She put me on antibiotics to be on the safe side. I am glad. Don't want anything to stop me from getting my last Taxol on Weds. My white blood cells looked great but then again it's probably because my body is fighting something.



As I am getting ready for Thanksgiving this week (working off a list since I can't remember anything with this chemo fog) I just wanted to say that one of the things I am thankful for this Thanksgiving is that I have all of you in my life. You have helped me get through the worst part of BC and although I am usually pretty silent in posting, I am here reading often and have found that you have given me strength and hope when I have needed it most. I share everything with my DH but there are some things about this journey he cannot understand. Knowing I can come here 24/7 and laugh, cry and vent with those who understand is a gift that I am extremely grateful for. Thank you everyone!



Take care everyone!!

Mcook, I has problems with my shoulder and went to PT after surgery, during radiation and again a few months after treatment ... Have you tried acupuncture ... My PT can do that and it really helped.

I just want to say a heartfelt thank you to all of you who have been here for each other as well as for me. I too would love a 2013 survivor thread. I don't think I would have made it through a lot of this without yall. You all have been a major support system for me. I have cried and laughed with all of you. I hope I have given the support that you all have givej me. I do not "know" all of you personally but I consider you all family. I love you all!

Christy

A big FAT YES for a 2013 SURVIVOR thread.  As most have said, couldn't have got through this crap without you all.  (((hugs))))

Mcook: I have had acupuncture recently. I don't think it effects lymphadema as there is no fluids being drawn or affected. BUT I'm no Dr....



I will start the survivor thread, I promise!!!!

Joanne_53; who cares!!! All are welcome.... Just like here. Was it shakespeare..."what's in a name?" Lol!

Agree with juneaubugg and Chrisrenee: You were diagnosed, you survived. The different types of diagnosis/treatment/surgery doesn't matter, we survived.

You rock Juneau.  And I agree, we all were dx'd with cancer.  Cancer is cancer.   We all heard those words 'you have breast cancer'.

rock on sisters !!

M cook--My Mom had a frozen shoulder after sugery for a broken shoulder. It is caused from a build up of scar tissue like stuff in the joint.  As you know, scar tissue is not pliable.  They had her in PT but it was so painful for her...the only option for her was surgery.  They went in and removed all that scar tissue from the joint and she is fine now.  She did not want to do the surgery, but the alternative was to continue with pain to see if maybe it would work itself out. The MAYBE wasnt good enough. Recovery from the surgery was only a few weeks as compared to the months or years it may have taken.

Teeballmom--My 2 year old is just that...2.  He is a pain in the ass because he antagonizes  his brothers, gets into stuff, is mouthy, and just all the fun 2 year old stuff. He is pretty oblivious to my illness. My 4 year old is angry sometimes, but is actually improving his old behaviours and turning into a boy who is better able to cope with his emotions.  He used to (like 1-2 years ago) throw tantrums that would last up to 2 hours. It was maddening. Now he will actually take his own time out in his room if hes angry. He started that all on his own. My 16 year old girl. Shes fine-gets good grades, has a job, helps with kids and the house. She is a teenager so its not perfect, but pretty close.
Now my 5 year old, Calvin, is the problem. At home he is whiny, bawls about everyting (time to shower, have to go to the store, time to put shoes on, cant wear a certain jacket), plays rough with his brothers till someone gets hurt. He is having a hard time at school, usually worse when Im chemo sick. He doesnt focus well, cant keep his hands to himself, plays too rough, impulsive, etc. His teacher is very understanding and they are trying different approaches and alternatives for him so he isnt always bringing notes home....but I dont know what else to do to help him.  He is seeing a counselor. He seemed to be doing better for a bit but all behaviors are worse again. He is in Tae Kwon Do even.  At least its only one kid I have a problem with.

JenLex: so glad you decided to post finally. I totally agree; it hardly seems that it's been so many months of treatment; it's like the year that wasn't. I hope you are starting to recover and feel more yourself (whatever that has become). I know my new self is not the same as the woman who was diagnosed all those months ago.



Anyway, welcome.