Charleston Bound, part 2

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  • PinkHeart
    PinkHeart Member Posts: 1,193
    edited May 2013

    Cascader,



    Yay for you in enjoying your summer to fullest! You've been through so much the past four years dealing with physical, emotional, and financial side effects of breast cancer. I'm so looking forward to summer of 2014 to NO surgeries or treatments relating to BC! Love Charleston, but hope to go on a REAL vacation, instead of traveling for medical or business.

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  • Catie2013
    Catie2013 Member Posts: 1,023
    edited May 2013

    Pink, no my DD, Maryanne and her 9, 6, & 2 yr old are with me. Very emotional night last night with DD sopping up my tears. Crazy dreams afterward but DS woke me up with a call a few minutes ago and glad to get off those crazy dreams!



    Beautiful sunny day today so will go celebrate with him today. Probably first time in 25 years or more to celebrate my bday with him! He never forgets to send a card and my brother sent one in his place but told him I would give it back to dad so he could give it to me today in person🎂. Little things but so big at the same time!



    I've always been a daddy's girl ( no sisters so not a problem) just 2 brothers and only 3 yrs apart from me and the youngest!

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  • Catie2013
    Catie2013 Member Posts: 1,023
    edited May 2013

    Pink I feel the same way. Trying to preserve hubbies what he has left of vaca days for something fun - but it may be 2014 before we get there!

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  • cascader
    cascader Member Posts: 599
    edited May 2013

    Happy birthday Catie!

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  • cascader
    cascader Member Posts: 599
    edited May 2013

    FYI: there is an upcoming online symposium on surgical intervention for lymphadema by Dr. Chang. I could not get the address to post but you can google lymphatic research Dr. Chang

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

    Cascader,



    Seriously, Cathie and I have been saying a girls-all- done reunion next year could be fun. Lots of places along the coast near Charleston and a week is not bad if several divide the cost. Could be something to look forward to. Our experience is not something even our best friends or family can completely understand ...

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  • Cherrie
    Cherrie Member Posts: 1,423
    edited May 2013

    You bet! I am done in September and there will be a CELEBRATION!!

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  • Catie2013
    Catie2013 Member Posts: 1,023
    edited May 2013

    Thanks, Cascader, a bittersweet day. I hope to see my dad again in early June, but part of me thinks this was the last kiss today. He sang to me, held my hand, and gave me a beautiful card he had bought a long time ago (he was great for buying cards for everyone in the family and then having them ready in order of birthday to send out) I will treasure this card as it will be the last he will send, and the one he handed to me (after my brother sent it to me for him). He sleeps most of the time and the hospice team says that is normal. But so sweet to see him with his great grandchildren. I hate to leave.



    Yes, for sure, we need a reunion in 2014 for sure!!! In Charleston to boot! Such a nice city, have really grown to be very fond of it. Always something to do! Deidre, I'm in for sure!



    Hugs to all



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  • cascader
    cascader Member Posts: 599
    edited May 2013

    Did I call this nipple protector genius? Well it certainly protects but starting to drive me crazy and the tape holding it in place is staring to become irritating as hell and the glue left on incisions is so itchy! Good thing I can work from home and have no close neighbors as I spend as much time as I can topless. Part of nip still black, Dr K says can take 4 or more weeks to fall off. Back on tamoxifen and really feel it, the hot flashes have returned big time and with it interrupted sleep. Sigh... The tamox holiday was good while it lasted. Rant over.

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  • 5andcounting
    5andcounting Member Posts: 232
    edited May 2013

    Catie-sorry about your dad. Peace to you and your family.

    Cascades-hope time passes fast.

    Would love to meet you all some time.

    Got my drains out today!!!!

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  • cascader
    cascader Member Posts: 599
    edited May 2013

    Crs319, yay for getting rid of your drains! Will make life siuch easier. Hard to tell from your pic, but I think maybe you were in waiting room at Dr K & C office the Friday before Mother's Day? With husband and daughter I am guessing? I had my follow up that day, it was very busy as dr Baron was also there seeing patients. Sewanee and I crossed paths that morning in the parking lot.

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  • PinkHeart
    PinkHeart Member Posts: 1,193
    edited May 2013

    Cascader,

    Thanks for ranting. Really it helps us all know what BC brings. I hope it heals quickly and you are posting more great results on picture forum.



    CRS, yay for getting to ditch the d$mn drains. Always such a great feeling of relief. And lucky you with a surgeon friend to remove them.

    Do you have a date yet for Stage two? I hope your chemo goes as easy as it can be though not easy no matter what. Is your daughtef still cancelling her study abroad?



    Take care everyone!

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  • cascader
    cascader Member Posts: 599
    edited May 2013

    It has been a tough day, feeling depressed and do not want to do anything and tears are close to the surface. Hate feeling like this, so unlike me.. I remember this happening to me also last surgery at about 2-3weeks out. I know this too shall pass, but wonder if this happens to anyone else? Could be the tamoxifen or maybe anesthesia after effects??

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  • PinkHeart
    PinkHeart Member Posts: 1,193
    edited May 2013

    Cascader,



    IMO it's the tamoxifen. Did you go off it for other surgeries, and then have a hard time adjusting when you resumed tamox?



    I applaud you for keeping up your tamox. I could not deal with side effects on top of everything else, so I'm a quitter ....



    Peace and hugs!

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  • Catie2013
    Catie2013 Member Posts: 1,023
    edited May 2013

    CRS - thank you, so very much.



    Cascader I think the 3 week mark has been a tough one for many if us, me for sure and is generally not long lasting but I blame the anesthesia for sure. Hoping it will run its course quickly with you too!



    Hugs

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  • slh_tn
    slh_tn Member Posts: 61
    edited May 2013

    Cascader- Definitely the tamoxifen!   Same think happened to me when I started taking the tamoxifen again after surgery -a rollercoaster of emotions, joint pain returned, and not being able to sleep at night.   Then I switched over to aromasin late January and went through a whole new list of side effects.   You have been through alot....not sure about you but I'm ready for this to be over.   Just take it easy on yourself.  

    Hope everyone else is doing okay.   Sending healing prayers to all of you and your families. 

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  • Cherrie
    Cherrie Member Posts: 1,423
    edited May 2013

    Cascader- I had a real hard time during that same time period. I cried for three days and probably drove my hubby nuts. It passed and drains came out. It helps to get outside and walk a little. So sorry you are feeling this way. (((Hugs)))

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  • 5andcounting
    5andcounting Member Posts: 232
    edited May 2013

    Cacader-I was there w my dye and hubby. So wish I had met you! I looked pretty rough though



    Don't be worried about emotions-I cried this morning bc I couldn't get my bra on. Cried for 20 minutes. Still weepy. Our bodies have been through it.



    Pink heart- my dtr is staying home from china. She's been my angel, did all my drains and shots. I'm making her leave for a 2 week vacation tommoriw so she gets a little rest. Again thank you for the recommendation. Dr. Kline is awesome. Stage 2 after chemo. I'm guessing November. Lot to wade through but we will get there.



    Love to all of you!!!!

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

    Cascader,



    Two thoughts. One - thanks for ranting ... Lets the rest of us feel more normal. Reminds me of a small group Bible Study I was in once ... We were having a discussion and the topic of insecurity came up. I decided to be a big girl and admitted I sometimes felt insecure ... But then no one else in the group said they did, LOL.



    Two - I had the same emotional period of time about two weeks after surgery. Don't know why ... The first time I attributed it to pain meds but I'm not on them now, and I've experienced the same thing. This too will pass - for both of us!

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

    Crs319 -



    So sorry I missed you. And sorry about the bra episode. I had the same thing happen to me - only it involved a dress.



    My husband had a firm event and I went as "the wife." I somehow managed to get into a zip-up- the-back dress using a pair of kitchen tongs to pull up the zipper. After the event, I stayed up and DH went to bed. After DH had gone to sleep I realized I had to somehow get the zipper back down, with my serious range of motion issues since stage two was 1.5 weeks before this. Took me 45 minutes, a lot of tears, a mirror, and the kitchen tongs to get that zipper back down ... (Sigh)

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  • cascader
    cascader Member Posts: 599
    edited May 2013

    Omg deidre that is so funny about the kitchen tongs. And just to let you know, I am insecure at times too :)

    Thanks everyone for the support, now that the end us in sight I forget how much our bodies and minds have been thru. This too shall pass.....

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  • Catie2013
    Catie2013 Member Posts: 1,023
    edited May 2013

    Deidre, had I been in your Bible study, I'd have jumped up also!!! We all have those insecure times, but very funny that none admitted it! They were probably surprised that you admitted it!



    Cascader, you are the 'paver' for many of us. The HBOT, (and Pink), the various stages, the nipple recon - you are the person that is steps ahead of me and I look so much to your opinions and experiences having the same Dr. K and seeing what is 'next for us'!



    I am not on Tamoxifen, but experienced the weepies at the 3 week mark big time this go round. Tamoxifen wouldn't work for me with ER-/PR-. Never have figured out if that was good or bad. I personally think that the fact that you are 'doing' something about your bc with the Tamoxifen or other like drugs is a plus! But knowing that I am not a candidate I haven't ventured too far down that rabbit hole to see what that means to me in the long run!!! Sorry, though for the SE.



    I have been weepy wendy lately - too much stuff happening all at the same time! Wonder if the IV fluid can leave my body through my tear ducts???? LOL



    CRS - so glad you found Dr. K. Such a well guarded secret! (smile) I am so very very happy that I found ECPS as well.



    Hugs to all



    Catie

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  • MartyJ
    MartyJ Member Posts: 1,859
    edited May 2013

    Deidre - you gave me quite a laugh with the dress and kitchen tongs.  Just a couple of days ago, I put on a tank with a built-in bra to go for a long walk.  It felt too tight so I decided to take it off.  Then I realized I was stuck as my arms wouldn't pull it off (once the implants came out, my pecs work differently).  I grabbed a pair of scissors and cut the darn thing off.

    Dr. M told me I can work out after 6 weeks so I have an appointment with a personal trainer to work on pecs, abs/core 2 times a week for 8 weeks.  Then I go back under the knife.  This trainer is really good with women over 40 and with people who have medical conditions that might impair motion.  Maybe she can train me to get out of my clothes?

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  • cascader
    cascader Member Posts: 599
    edited May 2013

    Love your story Marty, so funny. And good for you being proactive in getting your strength back. It's hard to get motivated when you know that you will have to start all over after next surgery. Sounds like you found the perfect trainer, that can be difficult sometimes.

    Also wanted to tell you, loved the ginger ale. I am a Michigan girl originally and it reminds me a little of Vernors but I like the SC version better!

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  • cascader
    cascader Member Posts: 599
    edited May 2013

    Btw, thanks for the laughs gals, keep them coming! Lets hear more ridiculous stories that only we can understand! Who wants to share?

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  • MartyJ
    MartyJ Member Posts: 1,859
    edited May 2013

    Cool - so glad you got the Blenheim's.  Because it isn't widely distributed they are really able to keep the ginger high.

    BTW, I went for a mani-pedi today and was chatting with the woman next to me.  Amazingly, she had her DIEP in 2004 as one of Dr. Craigie's first patients.  We had a grand chat and I think she will be seeking Vinnie for tatoos (the only thing she never had done).

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  • Catie2013
    Catie2013 Member Posts: 1,023
    edited May 2013

    Don't have anything close to Marty's tank top or Deidre's tongs but have sure used the ability to pick things up with my toes to the extreme - however soap isn't possible while wet. Have learned to have two bars of soap available when showering with no one else at home!

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

    Marty - LOL! I swear, we women can be so creative when called for. Makes me proud, notwithstanding the tears.



    Cathie - (((hugs))) and thanks. Also, as for use of toes ... Wish y'all could have seen Dr Kline's face the day I proudly told him I could pick the mail up off the floor with my toes and that my best friend was horrified when, after she asked where in the fridge did I want the meal she'd brought me, I pointed with a toe, as I pulled open the vegetable drawer (also with the toe), and said, ". Just put it in there." I'd completely forgotten that while at home alone I'd been doing that to avoid bending and pulling ...



    Cascader - Blenheim's rocks!



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  • Catie2013
    Catie2013 Member Posts: 1,023
    edited May 2013

    Now, that's a new one even for me!!! I can do the dishwasher lower rack with my toes, can pick up money, pills (but don't use them unless I'm just out of the shower), mail, blankets, pillows, but haven't done the veggie drawer in the fridge! Probably couldn't anyway as mine is the freezer at the bottom, then double door fridge with veggie tray more in line with my waist! But that had me smiling, Deidre and will remember your toes are more agile than mine!!! LOL!



    So, I broke a toe a couple of times, and I can do "live long and prosper" Star Trek style on my left foot! Always! Toes are stuck that way!!!! LOL!



    Wow, can't imagine how strong our thighs will get with the toe carries!!!!



    Marty, sorry you had to ruin a tank top! But clever idea to just cut it open! I've not had a problem with most over the head things, but that's because I can duck my head towards my chest and not raise my arms high to pull them off, but not sure what I'd do in your situation - probably wake DH!!!! You are a sweetheart to let him sleep! And, so are you, Deidre!

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  • cascader
    cascader Member Posts: 599
    edited May 2013

    Oh my, what a talented  group we haveLaughing  Love the stories, definitely helping with my low mood. Here is a little story and what prompted me big time to give reconstruction a second try. A few years ago I was arriving a little late attending the local high school graduation(small town, everyone goes) and as I was trying to sneak in quietly I kicked over a metal water bottle that was left by one of the grads on the gymnasium floor. I bent over and tried to quickly pick it up as it was bouncing along, my prosthetic fell out of my sundress and landed on the floor!!! My daughter's Spanish teacher( knowing my situation) picked it up and handed it to me. I was humiliated and quickly found a seat with girlfriends and we were laughing so hard that of course we made a spectacle of ourselves. We settled down and I immediately received a text from one of my daughters who was across the gym...the text said..."nice mom"! OK, so this maybe more embarrassing than funny, but you just have to laugh what else is there to do? A defining moment....call Dr. Kline.

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