May 2013 surgeries

Hey I have a dumb question. My cancer side where I had the axillary dissection is swollen. Im not sure if its my implant that I feel in my armpit or if its swelling or what. It doesnt hurt really bur it feels tight. How long did it take for your surgery side to go down to normal size? I had lymphedema about 2 months after my bmx but it was in my hand. I feel like my armpit and side are swollen. It has been a hard week at work. My neck an back are killing me but my chest feels ok.

Any thoughts?

Melanie-Don't feel bad..I forget mine every year almost..not really the date I forget..I generally lose track of the actual date of the month that I am in. You are one ahead of me. We were married in June of 1999.  I'm feeling a bit better than I have all day.  Eggs/grits really helped.  Thanks for asking!  ....and Happy Anniversary!

Heather- I was in your Pinterest today..love all your new pins.  I need to straighten up my Misc file..I tend to throw pins Im poss going to use for different boards..whenever I get them up.  I looked at my food one..almost all of the dishes have cheese in some form..lol

Well, I think I am going to wait on reconstruction (although am still going to do consult) as onc nurse said today that I would need to wait, at least, 2 months after chemo to get my cells back and that some places wanted you to wait 6 months for the Diep after chemo..I believe, from reading post, that you need to be as healthy as you can be going into this so they won't fail..AND...this is my big reason!...that will throw me into Thanksgiving/Christmas time. How long did you wait Heather?  I know yours is doing well, right?

Happy Anniversary Mel! Sunday is our 29th anniversary. Lots has happened in those 29 years!

Happy Anniversary Mel! 

It's been a few days since I have been able to get on.  With working and appointments and treatments this week, it's been busy.  Today I ended up brushing my hair and now I have very little hair left on my head. It's day 16 for me.  I was told by day 17 it would be gone.  Well the doc was right.  The rest is being shaved later today.  I just put a scarf on to cover it up. I don't want to scare the kids yet as I had a good cry on Dh's shoulders.  I love my man.  It just makes it more real when you lose your hair.  It's tough. But well.. I will be going out today with the scarf and put my big girl panties on and go live my life.. because I AM HERE TO LIVE IT! Cancer won't beat the shit out of me! 

This second chemo went better than the first.  Not feeling as tired, and I of course don't have the migraine that I had during the first dose which is helping me cope.  

Gotta run.. I am wishing everyone a happy sunday!

Honey buns, don't worry about scaring the little ones. Kids are stronger than we think!

Melissa-I love that your kids were so in there for you!  I , also, love the way you write...its funny and one is able to live the moment with you! Take care..Im sure you are down for the count today. Hugs and prayers of rest for you.

Thanks ladies. My kids are at camp right now for parents who's kids have or had cancer. Silence for 5 days.

thanks Mel... too bad I got a call today that Alicia had a sore throat and they have to send kids home with those symptoms to protect the other campers/families.  I completely understand.  I am more upset for her that she has to miss almost 3 days.  So now she is with a friend for 2 days and if she is clear, meaning no more sore throat/symptoms, she can come home.  I didn't want to catch anything, especially with chemo on friday and I am already feeling a few ugly things.  So still... all quiet on the home front 

see doc tomorrow with round 3/4 of AC Friday.  can I get off the speeding train now?

ckmoss.. I have my chemo tomorrow.  saw my onco today.  well, I saw the associate that he works with.  

Today wasn't so a pleasant day.  I was ready to rip her a new ass! My symptoms are NOT  caused by chemo my butt!! You can get diahreah on chemo.. oh they said.. not the one your on.. riiiiiight...   Oh your swelling isn't caused by chemo... riiiiight it only started AFTER CHEMO!! Oh.. did you know you can get a stroke from chiropractic??? YES! I don't care! I know the odds 1 in 150000 .. how many are gonna get cancer in their life...  1 in 2.... I'd die from cancer before I get a stroke from my chiropractic adjustments!! OHHH I'm so fuming from my appointment today! 

Honey- Im sorry you are having a tough day. I hate how some medical professionals dissmiss our concerns sometimes. I had it happen to me too during chemo. They would say I was the rare exception with my extreme bone pain but on the internet there are thousands of people that have that. I hope your day gets better.



Mel- Ouch! I hope you get some relief soon.

Well, I got some good news today. We all need to hear good news, so I am sharing.



A week ago I turned all my paper work (biopsy results, doctor notes, etc.) over to a gynecologist oncologist for a second opinion. I think I told you, I got two different recommendations from my oncologist, about 2 weeks apart. Very confusing! Anyway, igot a call from the specialist's office today: he agrees with the gynecologist, and with the second statement from my oncologist: I do NOT need a prophylactic oopherectomy. Yeah! I feel such relief at getting this second opinion. I also met with the gyn this week. I have been suffering for months from mid-cycle bleeding and cramping. After hearing all the options, I think I'm going to try an ablation. If that doesn't work for me, I can have a partial hysterectomy. I am so excited to find out that there is a minimally invasive solution! I've had enough with surgeries these last two years!



I see my plastic surgeon and oncologist next week. Hopefully I will find out about nipple reconstruction and how to resolve some minor issues with the right side. As for the oncologist, I just hope there will be no surprises!

Steph=Congratulations!  I am so happy for you!  And I have had the emblasion as I was having monthly constantly and heavily.  It worked for a year for me..No monthly at all!...then after it started back..it took about another year to get back bad again..so I did again..this time..only worked for 3 months.  So have just been dealing with it..but never did get back as bad as it once was...well heavy wise anyway.  However, my co worker had it 4 years ago and is working for her still....its worth it either way, I must say.

Heather-Did that hole ever heal and is that where you are sore and sensative?

Hey gals,



Not yet Cyndie, itd almost all filled in now though so we are getting there. It isnt bothering me as much now and I keep silverdene and a bandage on it.

How are we all doing one year out? 

Wow...hard to believe it's been a year! Strange to see the names we used on BCO after having the FB group. Have to relearn everyone's names again!

I wish everyone well! Celebrate your cancerversaries.....may we all have many of them!