January 2013 chemo group

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  • Skigirl72
    Skigirl72 Member Posts: 478
    edited January 2013

    Has anyone ordered a wig on line?? I bought one from a wig shop. I like it and now that I know what type I like I want to try to find another one.

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  • LeeA
    LeeA Member Posts: 1,660
    edited January 2013

    Skigirl, I didn't order my wig online but prior to buying mine I found a site that showed actual customers wearing the wigs they had ordered.  I found it much more helpful than looking at models and/or frozen-in-time mannequin heads.  I'll look at my bookmarks and see if I can find it.  It's kind of interesting to see how the same wig can look so different on each person. 

    --

    Bryona - LOL @ the image!  I sent it to my husband with the subject line "YOU are NOT like this but I think it's funny nonetheless" - OTOH, my mother has said countless times that my ex-husband would have been awful during all this (had I stayed married to the @ss! Oops, did I say that?).  

    I'm not an English teacher (nor do I play one on TV*) but one of my majors was English (the other was journalism).  I went to college on a creative writing scholarship but ended up in advertising (yes, the lure of the $$$ ).  And fwiw, my favorite poem of all time is The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock.  What's yours?  Also, thanks for the comment on the new avatar (I like yours as well!  I assume the other one was you as well?).  Also, thanks to Paula as well. I was so traumatized after watching all that hair fall to the floor yesterday that I came home and had my husband take a few photos of the so-called new me.  I've hid behind my hair for years now.  Nothing like teenage acne all the way into the fifth decade of life!  Well, in retrospect, acne comes in a distant second to this breast cancer cluster-you-know-what.  

    --

    Everyone - thanks for the wealth of information.  Once again, I'm taking screen shots of all the tips that have been posted since late last night!

    --

    *that's an old commercial reference that the elders among us might get - and yes, I'm counting myself in as an elder at age 54. 

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  • russell33
    russell33 Member Posts: 48
    edited January 2013

    Hi Ladies, I have a question have any of you experienced acne on your face after chemo?   I feel like after the first week after chemo my face has really broken out as has my chest also.  I can't seem to get rid of this awful taste in my mouth. It has been like 4 days and nothing taste normal.  Really sucks because I'm craving some yummy food. Iv'e heard many of you complain about the metal taste also.  I hope it goes a way soon. Tuesday will be 2nd week from first treatment and I feel fine except for those couple of things.  I was very lucky that I did not experience nausea just awful pain after shot and lots of fatigue. First week and 1/2 was not fun but next week should be a good one.

    I wish alll of you the best!  Anne

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  • LeeA
    LeeA Member Posts: 1,660
    edited January 2013

    russell33 - I have wondered if some of the acne looking stuff isn't related to the steroids.  

    ETA: the first two days my cheeks were very ruddy and broken out - also, I've wondered if, for those of us with rosacea tendencies (if there are any here), the chemo doesn't wreak havoc on those controversial little follicular mites that are thought to contribute to rosacea breakouts (by wreaking havoc I'm thinking of poisoning them to death).  I've heard that when you have "acne" as an adult it's typically related somehow to one of the different varieties of rosacea. 

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  • ablydec
    ablydec Member Posts: 124
    edited January 2013

    I'm eight days post my first round (seven post the Neulasta) and I still have a little bit of twinges in weird spots.  I also feel my hair a little tingly.  When do they say it starts to come out.  I had blood work on Friday, and the Neulasta bumped my white blood cells up WAY beyond the normal range.  Don't they do a lower dose?

       Also, anyone else dealing with an onoing sore throat?  Or (this one just started) indigestion feeling?

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  • LeeA
    LeeA Member Posts: 1,660
    edited January 2013

    In case anyone is thinking I've lost my mind about little mites in little follicles - here's a link.  

    Are Mites Causing Your Rosacea?

    Bacteria From Tiny Bugs May Be at the Root of Troubling Skin Condition

     

    August 30, 2012 (WebMd) 

     

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  • SeattleMama
    SeattleMama Member Posts: 147
    edited January 2013

    I didn't think you had lost your mind, but I was like "mites" ? huh? o_0
    :P

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  • LeeA
    LeeA Member Posts: 1,660
    edited January 2013

    ablydec - I had a sore throat going into chemo.  I have a feeling it was due to the tube they stuck into my nose during the port surgery but whatever it was, it lingered for about 7-10 days and it doesn't feel like it's ever completely gone away and I'm at day 18 (post chemo TX #1). 

    Re: the indigestion sensation - thanks to the suggestions from a few people on this thread and others I started on Prilosec (generic) about five days ago (for indigestion) and I intend to take it all the way through chemo.  

    Re: your sore throat - from what I understand, acid indigestion can cause a sore throat as well and chemo goes after rapidly dividing cells and apparently our alimentary tracts are full of rapidly dividing cells.  

    Re: hair loss - the chemo nurse said between days 16 - 18 and I've read many comments from people on the boards who reference day 16.  On the other hand, look at Paula/Soteria!  She is growing hair in the midst of chemo! 

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  • Wendie
    Wendie Member Posts: 2
    edited January 2013

    I am having burning in my stomach... I try ice water milk jello nothing seems to work. I had first chemo treatment on the 11th of jan. does anyone know, can I try tums or do you know how I can get rid of this. I'm on AC and Taxol for treatment and so far pills i have take care of everything else except the fatigue of course.

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  • Skigirl72
    Skigirl72 Member Posts: 478
    edited January 2013

    ablydec- My hair started to fall out on friday evening. That was 14 days post TX. I can very easily pull out 30 or so with a gentle tug. My scalp tingled the last few days and it started to hurt this morning. Nothing major in the shower drain. We are buzzing my head tomorrow afternoon so it will be easier to have it fall out. Just one more hurdle to overcome in this battle.

    I was told to watch out for reflux during TX. I take prilosec daily for GERD and she told me to have TUMS around for any problems.

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  • Wendie
    Wendie Member Posts: 2
    edited January 2013

    Thank you trying tums now will get Prilosec in morning.. Thank you thank you thank you!!!!

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  • LeeA
    LeeA Member Posts: 1,660
    edited January 2013

    Wendie, I had the burning and I've read that others have experienced it as well. 

    I took Pepcid Complete and also have been taking a probiotic.  

    It was relieved (somewhat) by going to the bathroom.  Additionally, I think the Gin Gins lozenges may have helped a bit as well (ginger supposedly helps calm the stomach).  I found the Gin Gins at Cost Plus World Market but found out about them from the cancer navigator at the Disney Center (where I'm being treated).  They included a little bag full of them in an envelope that included a cookbook and a brochure about chemotherapy). 

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  • Bryona
    Bryona Member Posts: 214
    edited January 2013

    Lee, I want to be you when I grow up. I so wish you weren't here, but I'm so glad to have you! My favorite poem is "anyone lived in a pretty how town" by E.E. Cummings. I'm glad you asked that, since I generally don't have favorites. My students want to know my favorite poet, favorite novel, favorite food, and I'm useless--to enthusiastic about everything to choose just one. But I do have that poem. Until I go read another one. :)

    And the other avatar was me, too, in one of the shirts I made for walking in the 3-Day several years ago. I have to say, I find it a bit disturbing to look at my new 'do. Every time I look in the mirror, I'm reminded that I had this same haircut in 1983. Yes, that's disturbing, to say the least. I hope no one else is having THAT problem!

    Shoshana, I have no answers for you (thank goodness for the wisdom of our other ladies!), but I'm hoping your sore throat and indegestion clear up soon.

    Buona notte, belle, e sogni d'oro!

    (Look! I'm learning Italian!)

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  • LeeA
    LeeA Member Posts: 1,660
    edited January 2013

    Re: wigs - I don't know anything about this site other than the fact that I like that you can see what they call "fan photos," i.e. customers who have sent in their photos wearing the wig they ordered. 

    http://www.voguewigs.com/

    For example - five customers sent in their photos wearing this style: 

    http://www.voguewigs.com/runway-fashion-forever-young-wig.html#!prettyPhoto

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  • LeeA
    LeeA Member Posts: 1,660
    edited January 2013

    Bryona, I shall look up that poem right now!   

    Re: 1983 - hmmm, I think I may have had a similar short hairstyle to the one I'm currently sporting at some point in the eighties.  I made the mistake way back when of telling the hair stylist to just do what she thought would look best on me (doh!).  I made the same mistake in the summer of 1999.  These horror shows come in cycles...

    Even though the BMX was traumatic I think the HAIR THING has probably bothered me more than being left with these smooshed hamburger buns (I'm borrowing that from someone on the November surgery thread).  I really don't miss my old breasts.  Time and gravity had had their way with them and I'm kind of reveling in this newfound pre-teen budding breast look.  Mind you, I don't like the way they look unclothed (gack! the word maimed comes to mind) but I prefer walking around the track at the gym sans pendulous breasts.  This is my new "(bra) cup half full" outlook on life. 

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  • kiwikid
    kiwikid Member Posts: 204
    edited January 2013

    Hi girls



    Yes Russell I had acne the first week or ten days after my first chemo. I'm going back in the morning for more, ugh!



    Bryona what age do you teach? Are you ladies working through treatment? I teach secondary students who have disengaged from regular school in a new concept school which merges traditional school quals with practical tertiary skills. Our school is in a technical institute but I teach high school English. Our classes are small 15 - 20 and our students call us by our first names, we don't have bells etc. we expect a lot from our 15 year olds but we get great results and I love it. That being said, our academic year starts next week and I'll be hitting the ground running with a brain full of chemo. I'll also be the bald teacher to the new kids - can't wear a wig, it's way too hot!



    Lee thanks for the info on your bmx and recon. I have heard so many people say the hair loss is worse, in a way, that it makes me confident I will be ok with new foobies!



    Better go to bed and get some sleep for chemo, I had a few (too many) glasses of Moët today to celebrate my mums birthday. I even took my scarf off and rocked the patchy number 1 when it got hot. Oh dear.



    Kia kaha

    Holly x

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2013

    The 80's...WOW! I'm pretty certain I had the dreaded mullet. But, at that time it was the style. I think Olivia Newton John started in a way with her Lets Get Physical video.



    Kiwi~Do you keep the chemo fog? For me it just lasts a day or so. I can't imagine having it all along.



    I had AC #3 on Friday. My fog usually hits on Wednsday. Then Thursday & Friday it's chills and constant peeing. I can't imagine teaching on those 3 days.



    I wish you the best Lovey.



    Paula

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2013

    Byrona, thank you for the "-to enthusiastic about everything" comment. I have never had "favorites" of anything really either and always thought it was more about my lack of commitment. LOL  But I am stealing your line because that is so much more appealing and accurate.

    Russell 33 and LeeA I've noticed in recent pictures that my complexion looks rosacea like. But, I haven't broken out and it isn't noticeable in the mirror.

    ablydec my hair loss started day 14, right on the money - exactly two weeks post tx #1. Friday it was shedding and I could pull hair out. Yesterday, Sat., day 16 it was ALL over.

    Seattlemama that is interesting about the parsley helping you. I do recall hearing that tip at sometime, unrelated to the big "c" discussion boards and will be looking it up for more information. In a quick search I did find that it helps with bad breath (which I'm worried about now from using the Biotene - it just doesn't "feel" like it gets the job done, but I might be paranoid). But, it also is suppose to help with kidney functions and constipation. I wonder about that and how well it works since the constipation is such a factor for many of us close to tx days.

    Zorina, love the pic!

    Skigirl, I am 38 and have an 11 yo . . . . okay I'm really 39 and also have an 18 yo.  Have you seen the move "This is 40"? Hilarious! Leslie Mann doesn't want to be acknowledge she is 40 on the big day so her husband gives her a b-day cake with a "38" candle on it.  We decided that since I can't celebrate the big 40 this year I will put it off till next year.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2013

    Well ladies, I got the $400 hair cut yesterday, and it was one of the worst and best days of my life. And, yes here I am again at 4 a.m., wide awake. WTF?? Actually have been up since before 4, but finally got out of bed at 4 to jump on-line instead of tossing and turning and keeping DH up. So, here is my hair story.

    Yesterday I had already decided would be my last day to wash and style my hair. There is no way I could have done it another day. I could barely style it because every time I touched it there were strands all over my hands. After blow drying it my bathtub looked like it grew a fur coat. LOL  I already had an appointment for a wig fitting, so four DGF's and I went out for brunch and then to the wig store. They were so supportive and helped me find many wigs to try on. The lady helping me is a 30 year survivor and owns the shop and does amazing hair. Last time I was in there I had put a wig on hold. The cut/shape wasn't for me, but it was all about the feel. It had a different kind of cap and fit like a glove and I just loved that. But, I didn't like the style. So I ended up trying on several other short styles. Well the lady helping me said we needed to get through trying on the wigs because she still needed to style me and had her next customer waiting. I was so overwhelmed by that and all the support my DGFs were trying to give in providing their feedback on the wigs, I finally broke down. I got up out of the chair and just had to walk out of the store. I hated all of the wigs. No matter what they said all of them just looked and felt awful to me! But, I had to suck it up.

    As the beautician later told me, this is not by choice it is by necessity. It isn't like going to a store and picking out a beautiful, perfecting fitting shoe. You really can't take it or leave it. So, the one wig that everyone said looked the most like my hair is the one I left with. Had my head buzzed and left there wearing the wig. I told my DGFs I NEEDED A DRINK, and so the first place we saw we immediately stopped. In fact so immediate we made a very speedy, illegal turn to get to it.

    Here I am, in this Irish pub feeling like Joan Jett and thinking everyone must be looking at me and wondering why my hair looks like a helmet on my head. It was tight and uncomfortable too. We had a great time, laughing and sharing stories. And at one point I asked them all what they thought everyone's reaction in the bar would be if I just ripped off my wig. So I did! And they all laughed and hugged me and said the look on my face changed immediately from despair to relief.

    Here is the ironic part. My real-life name is Melissa. After taking off my wig the jukebox started playing the Allman Brothers song "Sweet Melissa". That is one of my alltime favorites too!

    So when I say it was the best and worst day, it is all the love and little bits of irony and humor that stand out. I'm so disappointed though in the wig. And perhaps it will be fine, but I'm seriously thinking I'm going to end up wearing the hats and headcoverings to work instead. I completely dread the thought of walking into work Tuesday with that thing on my head - even though everyone says no one would probably be the wiser. I'm just wondering if it is because of the cap and if there might be others out there that actually will fit/feel better - or if it will always be me thinking/knowing in my mind it is a wig and that I will never get past it. I will post pics later.

    Avere un giorno benedetto!

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  • forest
    forest Member Posts: 25
    edited January 2013

    I WANT TO SHARE THIS IDEA FROM A TEENAGE GIRL WHO RECENTLY LOST HER HAIR.  TAKE THE HAIR OUTSIDE AND LET THE BIRDS USE IT TO MAKE THEIR NESTS. LOVELY IDEA.  ALSO FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE NOT STARTED CHEMO, READ THE INFORMATION FOR  USING COLD CAPS TO MINIMIZE HAIR LOSS. DEFINATELY WORKS FOR SOME CHEMO DRUGS.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2013

    Sweet Melissa~I'm not happy with my wig either. It's supposed to be a short layered bob in my color, auburn. It feels fine, but for the life of me I can't stand it's look. It's just too much hair for me. I wore it to church once. I got it the day of AC #1. Since then I've worn hats, scarves, & t-shirt wraps, which are my favorite.

    I've been thinking of seeing if I can take the wig back and have it trimmed more to my liking. I got it at Hopes Boutique in the Breast Center where I get tx.



    I had a very restless night too. Finally got up at 6 am so as not to disturb DH. I leave for church at 10, so I need to get in the shower. Thank God & chemo, I don't have to style my hair. It will be a scarf today.



    Blessings paula

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  • Watta
    Watta Member Posts: 22
    edited February 2013

    I'll be two weeks post treatment 1 on Wednesday, and yes I have acne again....just bought a mild exfoliating wash, hope it helps. The metallic taste has gone away though.



    Skimommi, I feel for you. I bought two wigs yesterday, the lady ordered them and they'll be in next Saturday. I'm just the opposite of you in that scarves and head wraps really aren't my style and I hate the thought of wearing them. I'd much prefer a cute wig and my baseball cap.



    I lost my tatas, doesn't bother me... I love being breast free, except that now my belly really shows up (gotta work on that). Lost my hair, fine, no problem....happy to give wigs a chance, I've always had bad hair anyway.



    Doing everything my doctors recommend (not blindly, I ask a lot go questions so I understand, but I take their recommendations). I'm a fighter, not going to take this lying down, just not going to. In fact, I'll take ANY side effect if the treatment will reduce my recurrence probability.



    But here's my story. Once we have BC, we are changed forever. We'll always live with it. Now I always have a deep sadness for my loss of a regular life, my innocence so to speak. I live on Cape Cod where there are a LOT of unusual cancers, and mine is unusual too. My doctors dont know what will work, so im having it all...surgery, chemotherapy, rads, hormone therapy for 10 years). Thus, I expect to live for 10 years. Now, believe me, I'm not giving up, I have lovely grandchildren to look forward to loving, a satisfying life, a wonderful man and family, much to live for. I know there are many long-term BC survivors. And there is the rub...I'm sad because I don't expect to live as long as if I didn't have this disease and I don't want to loose those years, I resent loosing those years. I've outlived my mother by 13 years and know how full and rich with love and life my life has been that she didnt have. I haven't expressed these thoughts to anyone, they are buried within myself...and here. That's my sorrow.

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  • gr8flmama21
    gr8flmama21 Member Posts: 31
    edited January 2013

    skimommi-I was just telling my daughter yesterday about time I saw Irma Thomas at an outdoor festival and she was in the middle of a song and was like had enough and ripped her wig off so you have me roflmao about your day!  Hugs. 

    I have a wig "on hold" but not sure I will ever wear it if I buy it so I asked the lady to give me until end of Feb to decide, which she agreed on. My friend's supposed to come cut my hair before Wednesday. I already wear it short but want it cut alot shorter before I start. It'll grow back whether I lose it or not. My mom had lung cancer that mets to her brain and when she had it shaved for surgery,hated wearing the wigs and rocked her baldness....missing her alot lately but know where I get my fighting spirit fromSmile

    Thanks to everyone for their tips-been taking lots of screen shots for when I hit the bar on Wednesday for my first cocktail.  Definitely feeling better health-wise-not sure if tamiflu helped or not but what a difference a week makes!  My dd turns 15 tomorrow so we're taking her and her buds to dinner tonight (crab fries place-uck!!) and then having five of them for a sleepover. Hoping that the sound of teenage laughter will help immensely:)  And then I have to be at hospital at 6am for my port---pretty much guessing will not sleep well tonight either way!

    I use the bright yellow carmax tube for my dry lips...hoping it keeps working! 

    Went to dinner with some friends last night....told them that I was getting my port but this wasn't quite the cruise I was expecting when my ship came in.  Keep on rocking ladies and thanks again for making me laugh!

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  • Skigirl72
    Skigirl72 Member Posts: 478
    edited January 2013

    OMG I feel so similar to everyone about the wig. I like the style and it fits my personality pretty good. BUT, I think it will be uncomfortable to go out in and wonder around. I really think It will just sit on that stand and look like Cousin It from the Adams Family. I pick it up on the 30th so I have to do this for a week without 'it' around. I have a couple of BUFFS and a bunch of hats and scarves. I think I will walk out of the shop and get a few minutes down the street and rip the thing off my head. I've never been a vain person and I've never cared if I wondered out with out makeup on my days off. I wonder how this whole wig thing is going to make me feel. We will see.

    I'm going to be 41 on March 4th. It does fall in the Monday before a Friday treatment so I think a birthday party is in order. I even get to have a couple of beers !! Not a big party, but a party non the less...

    My eternal clock has me up at 6am every damn morning. I would be ok with this if it were the summer and light outside at 6. Just think what my garden would look like if I could get out there uninterrupted.

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  • ablydec
    ablydec Member Posts: 124
    edited January 2013

    LeeA and Bryona,  Thanks for teaching me something new.  I don't usually read poetry, but felt like it's providential that I met you all - this is a good time to open myself up to learning something new!

    Thanks for the idea about Tums, etc.

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  • gr8flmama21
    gr8flmama21 Member Posts: 31
    edited January 2013

    Hugs Watta!  And Forest what a great idea about the hair. My neighbors already think I'm crazy so why not!

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  • LeeA
    LeeA Member Posts: 1,660
    edited January 2013

    Skimommi, your account of yesterday's ups and downs - and ultimate triumph (tearing the wig off your head with friends) is so poignant that I had to read it twice.  Not only was it poignant - it was almost cinematic.  

    Regarding the jukebox coincidence - just remember what Carl Jung said (loosely paraphrased): there are no coincidences.  This link describes synchronicity ( http://www.carl-jung.net/synchronicity.html ) and when I think about a few of the song lines in Melissa - wow - synchronous indeed! 

    Crossroads, seem to come and go (you were definitely at a crossroad yesterday) 

    Bearing sorrow having fun (reminds me somewhat of the description of your entire day!)

    I'm going to listen to that song right now - in your honor!  It's been one of my favorites since high school.  Then after that, I think I'll listen to Synchronicity (Police) - in honor of Carl Jung.  

    --

    kiwikid, re: the BMX - one thing to keep in mind is this:  I'm 54 and my breasts (which required a bra by the fourth grade) had turned into the equivalent of two large fried eggs hanging on a couple of nails.  I can't remember how old you are but if I recall correctly, you are much, much younger and your breasts are probably anything but matronly.  I might have missed my 30 year old breasts - perhaps even my 40 year old breasts, although they always felt in the way and running was out of the question because it was too uncomfortable.  

    Please keep in mind the following:  there is little to no feeling/sensation after they are gone.  I'm thinking that might even be the case with a nipple-sparing mastectomy - although I'm not positive.  I could have had a nipple-sparing on the right but I'm a Libra and I'm all about things matching!  (I'm all about things matching but I'm pretty sure it doesn't have much to do with my birthdate Smile).  

    All that said, when I get into the shower I have the strange sensation that I'm wearing one of those little monkey vests, i.e.

     

    I just mentioned that I have no sensation but I guess in its own way, numbness is a sensation and I don't think that will ever go away.  It's kind of odd but definitely doable and I'm sure I'll get more used to it as time goes by and from what I understand - the implants feel much different (in a better way) than the tissue expanders but nonetheless, nothing about them feels the same.  As another example, my DH (who must have always harbored fantasies to be a doctor) would do the caretaking of my right breast after the second surgery (infection/tissue expander) and if I would close my eyes I couldn't even tell when he was putting the antibiotic ointment over the stitches with a cotton swab.  No.feeling.whatsoever.  

    Maybe some of the other women here will chime in on this as well.  

    It's a big decision but my reasons for making it at 53 were much different than they probably would have been in my twenties, thirties or forties.  

    Whatever you decide - I wish you luck.  

    ---

    gr8flmama21, lol re: the port and your ship coming in.  Amen, amen, amen!  Good thing we all found each other via this shipwreck called breast cancer.  The camaraderie makes the entire process much more palatable. (Editing to add - I'm sorry to hear of your mom's passing).

    ---

    Paula, ha ha re: the dreaded mullet!  The eighties called and they want their mullets back.  A thought: Let's Get Physical kind of coincides with what happens once we're diagnosed.  I hope your restlessness passes so you can get some rest later today!

    ---

    forest, what a great idea about the hair.  My hair wasn't nice enough/long enough to donate to Locks of Love but perhaps it can go to the flocks instead.  We have a lot of hummingbirds around our yard.  I would like to imagine my rat's nest becoming home to a lot of little baby hummingbirds this spring!  Thanks for sharing.

    ---

    Watta, so true regarding the feeling of having been changed forever.  I posted this (below) on another thread but it resonates so much that I think of it almost every day (it's a line I read on a breast cancer survivor's blog):

    "I lost what my sister-in-law calls the luxury of careless living"  

    --

    Regarding the wig - I just happened to have it out last night and can see it from where I'm sitting.  The Cousin It description is an excellent analogy, Skigirl.

    I put the free black scarf (from Good Wishes*) on top of it so it has that Steven Van Zandt thing going on as well.  It's a little longer than the hair I had chopped off the other day.

    I wore it to pick up my husband the day that I bought it (with all my real hair underneath - pre-chemo) and we went out to dinner on the way home.  The worst part was that with every bite and subsequent chewing of food I could feel it creeping up my head.  Perhaps I'll need a chin strap attached to it for restaurant forays.  More than likely, it will stay on its stand and I'll wear a scarf or a Buff because eating out should be fun - not (literally) creepy.  

    Best wishes to everyone for a good day and week!

    Editing to add - in case there's anyone who hasn't heard of Good Wishes and their free scarf program: 

    http://www.goodwishesscarves.org/

     

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  • Skigirl72
    Skigirl72 Member Posts: 478
    edited January 2013

    kiwikid- I had just the left removed and reconstructed with my belly fat. YAY!! I have zero feeling in the breast mound. So, the nipple tattoo will be no problem. I have many tattoos and know exactly how much they hurt. I was imagining the holy crap that's gonna hurt thing when I heard they would tattoo a new nipple on. But, no gonna be an issue. Cant feel a thing. It took a bit for me to understand that is going to be forever.

    My decision to only have one done was a hard one. It came down to a few things. My genetic test was negative. My rt one was fine and I was afraid of the loss of sensation in my chest. I had no idea at the time that I needed radiation so that did not factor in to my decision. I have mixed feelings sometimes about my decision to only remove one. Ultimately, I made the right decision for my situation. Whatever you decision, it will be your new normal. it will take time to get used to it.

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  • SherylB
    SherylB Member Posts: 450
    edited January 2013

    Lee are you sure that the avatar is you? You definitely don't look 54, and I know what that looks like cause I am 56. LOL

    Sheryl

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  • SherylB
    SherylB Member Posts: 450
    edited January 2013

    Wendie, everything suggested should be run by your MO. (That is my disclaimer LOL). You can take Tums just let them melt in your mouth rather than chewing and hopefully they won't irritate your mouth. (my mouth is super sensitive right now). You probably need a proton pump inhibitor (keep body from producing so much acid) like Prilosec (Omeparzole) Prevacid etc. The other stomach drug is a H2 blocker which blocks acid once it it produced...

    The walmart brand of Omeprazole is about $13 for a months worth. Be sure to ask doctors but most of us were already on a stomach medicine or prescribed one when we started chemo.

    Sheryl

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