MIDDLE-AGED WOMEN 40-60ish

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  • iatigger
    iatigger Member Posts: 447
    edited December 2012

    Eli- Sending very positive thoughts your way!!!

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  • TAB55
    TAB55 Member Posts: 198
    edited December 2012

    Eli:  Adding {{{hugs}}} and all positive energy your way.  With all this positive energy going for you, I don't see how you can be anything but top 20%!  I also add my support for yogurt.  Greek yogurt especially has lots of protein and that what your cells need to heal.

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  • LindaKR
    LindaKR Member Posts: 1,577
    edited December 2012

    Cheetos were my favorite, but I don't buy them because I'll eat the whole bag - so I was at a Relay for Life with some friends a couple weeks after my first chemo and they had an endless supply of Cheetos, so I was going to take full advantage of the situation - much to my disdain they tasted disgusting - CARBOPLATIN ruined the taste of Cheetos - a true tragedy. Cry And they tasted so bad that it took me a more than a year after chemo for me to be able to eat them again!

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  • elimar86861
    elimar86861 Member Posts: 7,416
    edited December 2012

    Thanks again, all you Middies.  I might miss some individuals in my thanks, but I am just sitting back and appreciating each one who has posted a rally cry for me. 

    I feel a little uncomfortable with too much focus on me (and my non-B/C issue.)  Even tho' half the time I am acting out in a desperate attempt for attention on this thread, sometimes it just feels like too much me.  Remember I didn't even want to write about this saga at first, but there seemed to be a curiosity about it.  Also, I have actually said (a few times) that this thread is for "real women with real stories," and my story now has the unwelcome chapter of C/C in it, so you are getting that too.

    Something I have been feeling good about...That my tale of woe lit a fire under a few who had been putting off their own colonoscopies for a while.  I'm so glad that they have done it and that no problems have been reported.  If anyone else is putting it off, JUST DO IT.  You cannot afford to be harboring even the smallest little something that could become cancer.  Tell 'em Elimar sent ya.

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  • elimar86861
    elimar86861 Member Posts: 7,416
    edited December 2012

    LindaKR,  That just moved me to tears.  Truth be told, I could not even think of putting something that scratchy into my mouth now.  Well, maybe the ones that are "baked to a delicate crunch" but definitely not the "fried to a crackly crunch" ones.

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  • Sherryc
    Sherryc Member Posts: 5,938
    edited December 2012

    dechi-yeah for the nips!

    Eli heck I hate your mouth is giving you so many problems.  I used that magic wash right after this last surgery because my intabation caused trauma to my uvula.  It was swollen and a big blister on it.  The magic wash tasted terrible but really worked.  At least i could eat after i swished.  My MO has me on 8 billion accidophilis a day.  He is a big believer in probiotics and puts all his patients on them.

    Eli I am prayer you are in the 20%. I'll join your focus team!!!  And I so agree with you that your saga has inspired some to get their colonoscopies and not put it off.  As you know I had mine done 3 months ago and they found pre-cancer polpys.  Even though I am now on the three year plan I am so thankful that it was pre and not cancerous.  And my MO gave me a serious talking to about keeping up with my schedule.  So If any others out there have been putting it off PLEASE go and get it done.

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  • mostlymom
    mostlymom Member Posts: 466
    edited December 2012

    Eli - We all feel blessed to have you share your life with us.  We love you.  It does us as much good to hear from you as it does for you to tell us.  Please never hesitate to include us in your life.

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  • barsco1963
    barsco1963 Member Posts: 2,119
    edited December 2012

    Eli - I am sure that by now you are aware of how much love and support you have here - no matter what the subject. We are "sisters on-line" and are here for each other unconditionally. Nobody goes it alone!

    We are here to help you achieve the 20% that you are aiming for. If we have to lift you onto our shoulders, we will. Maybe we could do a pyramid of supporters that you could climb atop - whatever it takes. Sending you healing vibes and prayers for better days ahead for you.

    This has been my favourite thread since joining BCO due to all of the wonderful support, encouragement, laughter and honesty that everyone gives.

    ((hugs))

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  • staynsane
    staynsane Member Posts: 213
    edited December 2012

    Like Barsco1963 said, this, too is my favorite thread, especially now that my BC decisions have been made and I have had my surgery.  Many of us were informed we had BC after having no symptoms.  It has given me a wonderful feeling to know that my story inspired family members and friends to get their mammograms.  One friend had not had one in 10 years!  And blessedly, not one was given a BC diagnosis.  But they all feel good about being checked out.

    So Eli, I know how you feel about inspiring others to get colonoscopies, and how good that feels.  Only by communicating what we are experiencing can we affect the lives of others.  And so many cancers are semi-related and more prevalent in women who have had BC.  So even though this is a BC forum, I am grateful for the sharing of any cancer experience here, because then I can take steps and be vigilant and try to live my best life cancer-free.

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  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited December 2012

    There has been a great visual ad here in Canada over the years. A poster of what you begin to realize is a closeup of a butt with what looks like blush on it. The text reads: Don`t die of embarrassment. Get checked.

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  • Cindyl
    Cindyl Member Posts: 1,194
    edited December 2012

    Eli, don't be silly. We talk about all sorts of things that challenge, annoy, and confound us. We post about friends, coworkers, family and doctors. We post about flu and le.  We share our challenges and triumps.  You beating the beast one more time is just one more thing that we share.

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  • Lily55
    Lily55 Member Posts: 3,534
    edited December 2012

    I thought the only risk was if cuts got infected? 

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  • elimar86861
    elimar86861 Member Posts: 7,416
    edited December 2012

    Lily55,  Other traumas can cause LE flare-up, like too much pressure from a blood pressure cuff (especially if it is a machine pumping it up and especially in instances where you are cuffed for repeated monitoring like during a surgery.)  I know that people wear the compression garments when they go on airplanes, something about the change in cabin pressure and having to sit for a long period of time too that hampers the normal circulation of the lymph fluid.  People that are immobilized by an illness have that problem too.  Others, with more knowledge, can probably answer this one better.

    Barbe,  Yep.  That sign is so true.  We have to put aside our modesty and get our private parts checked just like all our other parts, maybe with even more vigilance because of how silent and deadly some of the diseases are.  (Story:  I had some dealings with a female attorney some years ago.  She was not "high-powered" but knew her stuff, had great attention to detail, and had a commanding, no-nonsense presence about her.  She was respected in her field to the point of being appointed President of the State Bar Association.  I was a little shocked when she died a few years later, not even yet age 50, from ovarian cancer.  Turned out she had been having some symptoms, but she felt self-conscious about going straight to her gyn doc because she had recently packed on a lot of weight.  This was an educated woman who should have known better, but her embarassment made her wait until it was too late for her.  A sad story, indeed.)

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  • firework1068
    firework1068 Member Posts: 160
    edited December 2012

    Hi all, different subject (about me!) has anyone had capsular contracture issues? What will the treatment plan be?

    Thanks,

    Lorraine

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  • elimar86861
    elimar86861 Member Posts: 7,416
    edited December 2012

    firework1068,  That is one topic I don't think we have had on this particular thread, although you may get some answers here anyway.  Since that is an issue with recon., check in the reconstruction forum or use that toolbar at top left to do a search for those keywords.  Keep us posted and let us know how your issues can get resolved once you find out.  Sorry to hear it is another problem lumped in with the many others of B/C.

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  • Eph3_12
    Eph3_12 Member Posts: 4,781
    edited December 2012

    Happy Sunday Middies.  I hope everyone is having a decent weekend.  It's been 2 weeks since I did the lovely prep for my colonoscopy.  I'm 58 & had been putting off the "baseline" videoing due to who knows what.  Elimar's diagnosis was my catalyst.  I am thankful that I became a memeber of the 10 year review club...I urge any of you, 50 on up who haven't done so, do so.  The prep isn't that bad & the procedure really is easy.   Family & friends are depending on us to stick around.  Don't get blind-sided, in the blind side.  And you will be another notch in E's belt for those she's inspired!  Headed to church to pray for that healing power for ya E!

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  • elimar86861
    elimar86861 Member Posts: 7,416
    edited December 2012

    I noticed a BCO is getting bi-lingual on the dashboard page.  Hmmm, I wonder if I should attempt bi-linguality on this thread?

    Hola, hermanas!  Tienen Uds. cancer de mama?  Que un "bummer!"  Ahora, "WTH" van hacer?  Le deseamos bien.  Queremos que sobrevivan!

    ~~~Todos nosotros mujeres de mediana edad.  Smile

    (I use a more formal address than BCO, not yet being acquainted with our Hispanic sisters.  I also threw in some slang, just for fun.)

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  • Joanne_53
    Joanne_53 Member Posts: 1,477
    edited December 2012

    Being from Canada I automatically think of French when someone says bilingual.

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  • firework1068
    firework1068 Member Posts: 160
    edited December 2012

    Hola hermana, espera a superar el cáncer y vivir mi vida con todos mis BCO hermanas esapnol de escuela no de buena!



    Lo~Lo ( my name in Spainish) I made it up"

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  • elimar86861
    elimar86861 Member Posts: 7,416
    edited December 2012

    Yo hablo espanol como una nina de dos anos.  Una nina que es no muy inteligente.

    (I also have no clue how to get the use of a tilde on my keyboard, so reverting to my native tongue.)

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  • heartnsoul76
    heartnsoul76 Member Posts: 1,648
    edited December 2012

    Well, I'm supposed to start my prep tomorrow night for my 1st colonoscopy so I just got back from the store with my supplies.  2 Dulcolax tomorrow night, followed by a day of Miralax mixed with Crystal Light lemonade.  They said I could have Gatorade, but just the thought of Gatorade makes me want to puke!  I wonder if I can have my Miralax/Crystal Light cocktail on the rocks?

    Yes Eph, I have put this off long enough.  Elimar's nudging plus the fact that I've met my deductible have finally pushed me to do this.  I've met my deductible the last 4 years, and I hope I DON'T make it next year.  Going to finally have a bone scan, too, the following week.

    Elimar, I hope your mouth is feeling better!  Constant, constant swishing of Magic Mouthwash should hasten the healing.... well, that's what worked for me but it didn't all begin with a reaction to contrast dye, then piled on with shellfish, THEN the chemo!

    No tengo ni idea de lo que estás diciendo, pero mi hijo le gusta cambiar mis gadgets a español sólo para confundirme.

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  • marlegal
    marlegal Member Posts: 2,264
    edited December 2012

    Answering as I read ... Eli, my vision definitely improved after stopping Tamox. My eye doc wanted every 6 mos visits too, and she isn't generally an alarmist at all so I complied. Once I was off Tamox, we went back to a year.

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  • luvmygoats
    luvmygoats Member Posts: 2,942
    edited December 2012

    I could have any clear liquids so made mango jello and drank room temperature apple cider along with room temp water (I can't chug cold things).  I recommend the apple cider.  Best idea and you could warm it if needed.  I can't handle Gatorade.

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  • marlegal
    marlegal Member Posts: 2,264
    edited December 2012

    Shaving under arms - am I the only one whose hair never grew back under my arm? I figured that was common, but after reading lots of posts here, apparently not! I had the one sentinal node positive, so axillaries taken. Maybe I got more rads in that area even though no axillaries positive? I have to remind myself to shave under left arm ... even though no rads or surgery on that side, that came back really light too. To those who still have to shave and prefer regular razors, I highly recommend the Schick Intuition - I think I've only nicked my legs once in about 10 yrs of using that razor, and no shave cream/gel needed - the head of the razor itself contains a lubricant bar. Pricey, but for me, well worth it.

    Eli, don't even start about how some recent pages have been more about you than you'd like. Let's scroll back over a few hundred pages and check to see how many you posts you put out there to each of us with encouragement, guidance, knowledge, humor ... I can't even cover it all. So please continue to honor us by letting us feel that we're maybe...just maybe...helping you now by giving you a safe place to vent, to ask, and yes...to continue to educate us by keeping us in the loop about your treatment. I'm among those who love you and will boost (no pun intended) you into that 20% so this can all be ... ahem ... behind you before you know it.

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  • LindaKR
    LindaKR Member Posts: 1,577
    edited December 2012

    I had about 5 hairs grow back on rads side, and my leg and other underarm arm grew back really sparsely, I wasn't really hairy before, but this is way less, my eyebrows, eyelashes are more sparse too.  My hair on my head is actually thicker.

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

    LOL, on the Spanish. The only Spanish I know is from amusing myself on the NY subway back in the day by deciphering Spanish ads for roach killer. Sadly, I have to inform you that this background is sufficient to understand your posts Tongue Out

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  • Joanne_53
    Joanne_53 Member Posts: 1,477
    edited December 2012

    In Canada bilingual is french ... So my Spanish is very limited ...



    2 cervezas por favor

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  • elimar86861
    elimar86861 Member Posts: 7,416
    edited December 2012

    Good Morning Ladies,  I am having my breakfast with you today.  I can no longer have my habitual cup of hot tea.  It hurts too much.  I'll have some later at room temp.  I'm having a scrambled egg.  It hurts too, even after the lidocaine in the Magic Mouthwash (which has not worked it magic on me,) but I have to get something down even if it feels like razor blades in there.  A few days ago, I could chase everything down with apple juice, but the juice is stinging the back of my throat this morning too.  There's not too much I can eat anymore.  I lost three pounds this week.  At this rate, it'll be up to 18 lbs. by the time my chemo is over.  I really only have about 5 to spare, so this is not working out too well.  This is my day to see someone at the MOs.  I hope there is some way I could have a break (even tho' it has only been a week) because I need to heal.  I wonder if steroids could help, not that I want MORE drugs?  Being sedated in a hospital with a stomach tube is starting to look good because every swallow brings tears to my eyes.  Otherwise, I just feel a little tired, and that is probably just the Benadryl. 

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

    Ugh! That sucks! How about milkshakes with a straw, could that work?

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  • elimar86861
    elimar86861 Member Posts: 7,416
    edited December 2012

    It hurts to work a straw and any form of swallowing is painful.  This is so unfortunate because I KNOW this (and radiation) is having the desired effect on my C/C.  I had less blood by Day 2 and now just a very little.  The treatments are making me feel better, all places except the mouth.  I know the ones of you who had had chemo and who got mouth sores might be relating, well, I don't know if it feels the same or different.  I do have mouth ulcers aournd my entire lips, the two corners of my mouth have ulcers and to open my mouth wide makes them bleed.  The tip of my tongue hurts, and the taste buds (?) look swollen in the back.  I can't see what up there, but my soft palate feels bumpy yet raw and it goes all the way to the back of my throat.  It feels like strep throat in there, except the main pain is down the center and not on the tonsils.  If you had something like this, then you probably know exactly how sore this feels.  I only take Tylenol during the day (almost useless) and save the Vicodin (helps a little) for 2:00 a.m.

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