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  • sewingnut
    sewingnut Member Posts: 1,129
    edited December 2012

    Just had the new 3D mammogram done. Very interesting. It is so much clearer than a regular mammo. I had to have 2 extra compression views. Guess they are just being cautious. Trees up and shopping is done. Ho Ho Ho to everyone =:0)

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  • ohio4me
    ohio4me Member Posts: 491
    edited December 2012

    All is well - I think it's time for coffee again :)

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  • TonLee
    TonLee Member Posts: 2,626
    edited December 2012

    Brrr!!!

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  • Kelloggs
    Kelloggs Member Posts: 965
    edited December 2012

    ohio4me - I agree! 

    Tonlee - I agree!   LOL

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  • TonLee
    TonLee Member Posts: 2,626
    edited December 2012

    I was sure we'd have snow by now.

    How often does this state let a mild winter (like last year) go by without some blizzard like vengeance the next?

    Keep looking up!

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  • Kelloggs
    Kelloggs Member Posts: 965
    edited December 2012

    My DH and I are heading to Vegas on January 4th for some fun....just pray for no snow and ice then.  I am nervous enough flying!

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  • Eileenohio
    Eileenohio Member Posts: 460
    edited December 2012

    Oh Kelly, Have a great time.  I have not been to Vegas since my husband died ,he and I use to go at least twice a year.We loved it...Win lots of money,see some great shows and eat,eat,eat!!!  Great way to begin the New Year.... 

    Have a wonderful Christmas .    Hugs  Eileen

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  • Kelloggs
    Kelloggs Member Posts: 965
    edited December 2012

    Thanks Eileen!  I have never been there and I am so excited!  I am a huge fan of Chopped on the Food Network (I love to cook) and we have reservations to eat at Scarpetta (Chef Scott Conant's restaurant..he is a judge on the show).  I am looking forward to that the most! LOL  I am not much of a gambler but I will certainly give it a try!

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  • TonLee
    TonLee Member Posts: 2,626
    edited December 2012

    Have fun Kelly!  Vegas sounds like a wonderful trip!

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  • ohio4me
    ohio4me Member Posts: 491
    edited December 2012

    My keys to successful air travel are: I do the Lebed opening and thorough MLD before the flight. I wear my sleeve and gauntlet in flight and for at least post flight. I 'exercise' during flight: deep breathing, arm stretches while making fists, at least one glass of water and modified MLD in flight. Modified meaning I clear my neck and do MLD through my sleeve. There is no proof that MLD through the sleeve is effective but I have been on many flights in the past year and this routine has worked for me. Once at my destination - lots of water and MLD an hour after flight or when settling into hotel.

    Repeat on return. Have lots of fun. I love the lights.

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  • volleymom77
    volleymom77 Member Posts: 92
    edited December 2012

    I'm new to this post life's been tough i am hanging in there, always need hugs.. miss going to my kids bball games ugh... sad day

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  • TonLee
    TonLee Member Posts: 2,626
    edited December 2012

    I don't have LE so I don't wear a sleeve when I fly.  I've flown several times, both short and long trips.  No problems.

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  • ohio4me
    ohio4me Member Posts: 491
    edited December 2012

    TonLee - if you had nodes removed you are at risk for LE. Unfortunately, there is no rhyme or reason to when 9or if) LE decides to rear it's ugly head. You may want to check with your doctor or a therapist to see if you should use a sleeve as a precaution. You may be one of the lucky few that never has LE but one never knows just what will trigger an LE flare up, it could be moving boxes 10 years now. Maybe you will never be sensitive to altitude which would be wonderful.

    Volleymom - you have found a good place to chat. Welcome to the forum. Hope all goes well with your chemo. I met with a nutritionist that helped guide me to the proper diet during chemo. My blood levels were good throughout and I never missed a treatment. You can call Stewart's Caring Place in Akron and schedule a free consult. Good luck to you as you start treatments.

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  • TonLee
    TonLee Member Posts: 2,626
    edited December 2012

    Ohio4me,

    I did see an LE specialist after node removal.  She said the sleeve can CAUSE LE in women who wear it that don't have LE already..

    I also flew an especially long flight with a stewardess that was a BC survivor...full axilla dissection.  Her LE specialist fitted her for a sleeve but told her NOT to wear it unless/until her arm started to swell.  So she is still in the having it, but not wearing it stage.

    It's not just node removal.  Anyone who has had a MX is vulnerable to LE even if no nodes are removed.

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  • roadwarrior28
    roadwarrior28 Member Posts: 301
    edited December 2012

    TonLee - such differing opinions! I see an LE specialist on a regular basis although I don't have LE (I had 8 nodes removed). She told me there were no concrete studies about the effectiveness of wearing sleeves while flying, but she recommends wearing it just in case for prevention. 

    I've also seen some mentiones here and other threads about weight lifting causing LE. Everything I've read suggests otherwise. My LE specialist got me started on weight lifting (I do 5 lbs in each hand) as soon as I was healed. She always tell me to start with the unaffected arm first  - it's supposed to get the lymphatic system moving or something like that. The perk is that I have much nicer arms than before my surgeries!

    My breast surgeon also told me with 8 nodes removed my chance of LE is about 13%, so I don't spend every day worrying about it. I know weight is a big factor in developing LE so I'm just doing my best to stay trim and keep moving.

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  • TonLee
    TonLee Member Posts: 2,626
    edited December 2012

    Road,

    I had 4 removed, plus the ones in the breast with MX.  I also had rads.

    I lift heavy.  Like you, no problems so far.

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  • Kelloggs
    Kelloggs Member Posts: 965
    edited December 2012

    Thanks for all the discussion ladies!  I am going to get a sleeve, don't know if I will wear it or not yet but I want to be prepared.

    Volley - welcome to our little thread!  I started chemo last year on 12/8 so I know this is a tough time for you.  Chemo during the holidays sucks, but before you know it you will be done.  Hang in there and come back any time you need advice, to vent, or just for a cyber hug. {{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}

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  • ohio4me
    ohio4me Member Posts: 491
    edited December 2012

    Kellogg - there is place at Mercy in the Cancer Center where you can get measured for a proper fitting sleeve. Very nice ladies, did a good job fitting me. Didn't wait long for an appointment. They will bill insurance. Called the Mercy Boutique. Don't have the number handy but it's located in the Cancer Center behind the hospital. Easy access and parking.

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  • volleymom77
    volleymom77 Member Posts: 92
    edited December 2012

    Got to see my girls play today and they won yeah!!!!! Sat far way from people. My head sure does hurt, guess my hair is getting ready to fall out. Had it cut short thought that would help, ouch hope it happens soon. Anyone think I should call my doc about it, its about a 6 on the pain scale and that's with me taking a ultram ugh.

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  • roadwarrior28
    roadwarrior28 Member Posts: 301
    edited December 2012

    Volleymom77 - may want to ask your doc just in case but my head hurt too after 2nd chemo. And I remember others saying the same. I felt like I had needles stuck in my head. I just shaved all the hair off and that helped

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  • kidsandlabs
    kidsandlabs Member Posts: 138
    edited December 2012

    Just had treatment 5 of 6. One left to go on this journey. Can't wait for it to be over!

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  • ohio4me
    ohio4me Member Posts: 491
    edited December 2012

    After #4, I marked my calendar with the days until it over. Sort of like a countdown to Christmas :). It helped me to see the days go by. Good luck to you.

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  • sewingnut
    sewingnut Member Posts: 1,129
    edited December 2012

    After tx4 I bought a bottle of champagne and put it on the fireplace. Hubby asked what that was for and I told him I was going to crack it open after my last tx. The next day he brought me 2 helium balloons to tie to the bottle. It was a nice reminder that I was almost to the end of the hard stuff.

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  • roadwarrior28
    roadwarrior28 Member Posts: 301
    edited December 2012

    Sewingnut - that's awesome! I was actually bad and still had a glass of wine here and there during chemo. We used to do "chemo dinners" every other week before my treatment, and I even had some wine the nigh before chemo and seemed to do fine...I'm sure my ONC wouldn't be happy if she knew!

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  • GirlPowerDebbie
    GirlPowerDebbie Member Posts: 213
    edited December 2012

    I hope you all had a nice holiday.  The snow yesterday was pretty but not fun to drive in. 

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  • Kelloggs
    Kelloggs Member Posts: 965
    edited December 2012

    Hello ladies!  It's nice to finally be at a point where I am not on this site everyday, but then I miss so much! 

    Ohio4me - thanks for the tip. Aultman actually has an LE clinic now and I called them. They referred me to Discount Drug Mart who have 2 certified fitters.  My sleeve came in today and I get to pick it up after work, just in time to go to Vegas next week!

    kidsandlabs - you are almost done!  Make sure you plan something special for yourself to celebrate (after you get over any SE's) cuz finishing chemo is quite a milestone and you deserve it!

    volleymom - glad you got to enjoy a game.  My head hurt when the hair started falling out.  It felt like it does when you've had a ponytail in all day or too tight.  I finally broke down and shaved it and it felt much better.  Once you get past the emotion of shaving your head, you will feel better.

    roadwarrior - I did chemo through the holidays last year and my MO encouraged me to have a New Year's drink if I felt like it.  She said there is nothing wrong with a little alcohol as long as it appeals to you.

    GirlpowerDebbie - I love the snow!  I am disappointed we only got 6 inches but I here there are a few more on the way tonight!

    To everyone, have a great weekend and a safe and Happy New Year.  May 2013 be better for all of us!

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  • ohio4me
    ohio4me Member Posts: 491
    edited December 2012

    Kelloggs - Did you like the fitter at Discount Drug Mart? I like the gal at Mercy but her appointment schedule is sometimes difficult. I ordered my last sleeves online but will need a fitting for the next set.

    I knew Aultman opened an LE clinic but I haven't checked it out. What did you think of the Aultman clinic? I need to find out what they offer. I'm looking for a place with a perometer. I suppose I could find it if I head towards Cleveland but I'd like something more local.

    Have fun in Vegas.

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  • GirlPowerDebbie
    GirlPowerDebbie Member Posts: 213
    edited December 2012

    I used a fitter at the Drug Mart on Portage a couple years back when I had some veins removed from my leg (compression stockings).  The fitter was awesome.  I did make an appointment. 

    Kelloggs - have fun in Vegas!  You deserve this trip.  $5 on red, and be sure to make time to watch the fountains at Bellagio and go thru their garden inside.  Maybe it will still be decorated for Christmas.  Bellagio is eye candy central on the strip.  I have actually cried watching the fountains - it is the Italian opera that gets me.  :)  Would love to have coffee & hear about your trip when you get back - PM me & we will connect. 

    Wine ... I could not drink at all during chemo.  Even a tiny sip (beer, wine, alcohol) reacted the same as anything carbonated ... I called it the "splashdown".  I could feel it hit my stomach and it would just turn me in knots.   Once I got all the chemo out of my system it went away.  I used all those calories for comfort food - YAY Bob Evans!

    I see we got a little more snow this morning ... everyone be safe.  My goal today is to get disappear all the Christmas decorations, and get my hair trimmed.  I really do miss my old hair ... sigh.

    Hugs to all!

    Debbie     

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  • ohio4me
    ohio4me Member Posts: 491
    edited December 2012

    Love the snow fall but I don't have plans to go anywhere today. Well, maybe down the road to my parents if my brother-in-law cleans the drive. If not - I will stay put.

    I didn't drink much before chemo but have totally given it up since. I used to like to sip a mojito in the evening but now very little alchohol has big effects. It makes me very tired and depressed. I just gave it up. It wasn't worth the 'side effects' to keep trying periodically. I miss it a bit. I would really miss it if I were in Vegas where you get free drinks while gambling :) I can just imagine asking for 'water on ice' while playing the slot machines.

    I thinks it is time for another Starbucks run when Kelloggs returns from Vegas.

    Diane

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  • jojo69
    jojo69 Member Posts: 26
    edited December 2012

    Hi, I'm sure this isn't the exact right forum, but someone else directed me here.  I'm from the Akron Ohio area & was just dx about 1 1/2 weeks ago.  I was wanting to conncect with some other women from my area.  I've just started this journey & would love to hear from others near me about where they had surgery, which surgeons, PS, etc.  I'm from a small town with a small community hospital & thinking at the very least of going to Akron for treatment.  Did most of you have surgery in Akron, or did you go to a bigger cancer center like in Columbus or elsewhere?  I have an appt for a second opinion in Akron, but can't get in until January 16.  I hate waiting while this cancer is possibly growing inside me.  I wondering if I should be seeking out other options.  Any advice?

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