Starting Chemo April 2009

Hi Everyone,

I haven't had the energy to check the last 2 weeks. I thought I had pains from the surgery, but turned out I had a flaming UTI from the catheters. I'm finally feeling better after a week of antibiotics. In the meantime, I was trying to teach middle school honors math to my 6th grader. What a humbling experience. I feel like I've dropped the ball on my kids' school work this past year.

For those of you who have gone through menopause either naturally or surgically, what do you do to keep yourselves hormonally balanced without any additional estrogen? My eyes are already feeling dry. I have started Omega 3s and Vitamin E capsules per my readings on this. I've also noticed that I'm breaking out in my T -zone on the face. And I have these little bumps that are popping up on my face.

Amy, Ruby is really cute! Love her hair and her lips.

Judy, I hope your sleep is better, so you can be rested before your surgery.

Helen, your lengthy walks are great! I'm so amazed at your progress in just 7 weeks.

Geri, how did the wedding go?

florbo, sorry that you have been unwell. Menopause isn't fun but some manage to get fewer symptoms than others. For me the not sleeping at night is the worst.

Judy, good luck with your surgery. Just keep your eye on the goal.

I go back on Monday for a revision. Wish I didn't have to do this so quickly but PS feels it's time now. It's been 9 weeks. I'm nervous ...... But I think any surgery gets us nervous. I hope that there is not a long recovery from this.

Hi all, hope you are all doing well today.

Helen, good luck with the revision - how long should it take? How are you feeling now after 9 weeks?

Amy, sorry you were unwell, it sounds quite unpleasant. Glad you are feeling better now.

Thank you for your support - I hope to take it easy next week and prepare myself for the surgery as best I can.

Florbo, hope you are feeling ok.

Hugs to you all, Judy x

Helen, thanks for the information. I hope your revision goes well and that you have an easy and quick recovery. Sending you much good luck!

Hope everyone is feeling well today. and hope you all have a good weekend.

Big hugs to you all, Judy x

hi everyone,

I now have a wonderful son-in-law, and I am the mother of a very happy bride. The wedding was last Saturday, one of the most beautiful days weather- wise all fall. The ceremony was outside at 5:00 PM with 200+ guests in attendance. The pastor they chose to perform the wedding ceremony gave a beautiful sermon, very personalized for them. The doctor from Columbia Presbyterian, here in NY, who headed Kim's medical team 20 years ago when she almost died from an aneurysm was my guest of honor and he was brought to tears to see her marry - very special moment. The entire night could not have been more perfect. I'm sure you all know the feeling of thankfulness I felt, that I was there and sharing her wedding day. I have to figure out how to add some pictures to share with all of you - Amy, I know you put some up of Ruby...how did you do it? Anyway, all the planning and arranging that have been like a part time job is over, and I think tonight is the first time that I feel as though it's ok to just relax. I admit, I sort of miss it though!

I have been reading over these months, and I am happy that everyone has gotten through some health issues. Judy, you are next for the Diep, right? When is your surgery scheduled for?

One other thing about the wedding - my daughter and her husband had a beautiful framed statement that in lieu of traditional wedding favors, they were making a donation in honor of the guests at their wedding, to the Making Strides Breast Cancer Walk that is tomorrow - so proud of them!

Geri, thanks so much for sharing those beautiful details and moments from your daughter's wedding. May the happy couple enjoy many happy and healthy years together. With all the planning, the day goes so fast, doesn't it? I'm glad the weather cooperated to ensure a perfect day.

Judy, all the best for Wednesday. You will do fine. I am happy I did it. Check out the DIEP 2013 thread here for lots of advice and support.

I have my revision surgery tomorrow. It's only 9 weeks since the DIEP but the PS wants to remove the necrotic tissue. She said it will take only about 90 minutes and I can go home as soon as the anaesthetic wears off. Always something, isn't there?

Helen, best of luck, please let us know how it goes.

Amy have a great vacation! Where are you visiting?

Hope everyone is doing ok, hugs to all, Judy x

Amy, have a wonderful holiday.

I had the revision on Monday. It took about 90 minutes in the OR although total amount of hospital time was longer than I expected. Mostly because my BP now seems to be on the high side. Don't know why when 10 weeks ago it was ok.

But I can tell you that I have had zero pain. Nothing at all. Didn't even need a Tylenol although they gave me a script for stronger stuff. I have no aftercare to perform. I am bandaged with clear bandages so I can see everything and she did a great job of removing the necrotic tissue, matching up the other side as well, and it doesn't seem that I lost much volume....just a little bit. I go back to see PS next Tuesday so I guess I'll know then how the healing is coming along. That is my only concern....that this heals properly now. I feel fine. But am taking it easy because they did do major cutting and I don't want to disturb anything.

No question that DIEP is a difficult surgery but after the first few days, you do feel much better. It is definitely worth it. What is your date, Judy?

Kim's wedding - will post one more (proud mama

Helen, so very glad that your revision went well and that you have NO PAIN! It's so great to hear you sounding satisfied with the results...now we just have to get Judy through hers...you ladies are giving yourselves boobs for your 5 year anniversary! Hard to believe we're coming up on that number.

Amy, I realized that on the task bar where you write. Post, there is an icon (looks like a tree in a frame) that allows you to upload a picture directly from your computer or iPad, which is what I did. It will be bittersweet seeing your "L" at the top of the mountain, but I know I think of Lena at the strangest times...like when I am food shopping, or hear someone talking about a video game...still miss her and rat pack, but they haven't been forgotten.

Hope everyone is doing well

Geri

Helen, so good to read that your revision went well - Your posts are so encouraging for me - thank you.

Geri, fab photos! You look just great! As do your daughter and her husband of course...So happy that you had a wonderful day - thanks so much for posting.

Amy - hope you have a good vacation and thanks as always for your support.

So, I spent yesterday in the hospital - they invite you for a day to make sure that all your papers are in order, meet some of the doctors, see the ward etc. It was a very long and tiring day with hours of waiting around. After each meeting, I became very emotional and kept on asking myself "can I really do this?", but then I calmed down and told myself, that of course I can. Having your love and support means so much to me.

The doctors were very kind and spent a lot of time explaining how things will work, before, during and after. I feel better having an idea of what is to come - although it is not always entirely accurate, it was good to have that information.

My surgery is on Wed 30th and I will be going into hospital on Tuesday afternoon.

My sister is here for the weekend and I saw her yesterday - it was so good to spend time with her. She looks good and seems to be coping quite well with her treatment. She has one more on Wednesday and then she is done : - )

I will come by again soon, thank you all again for your love and support.

Have a great weekend and hugs to you all, Judy xxx

Geri, thanks. I think the surgery is scheduled for about 8am here (I am 7 hours ahead of the East Coast)

Knowing that you are all with me virtually is a huge comfort for me. I will be glad when it is Thursday.

Helen, how are you feeling?

Am feeling nervous and agitated today, hugs to you all, Judy xxx

Judy, I think you have about 4 hours to go (if my math is correct) . Prayers are with you for a swift and easy recovery.

Hugs

Geri

Thank you all, we are leaving now for the hospital - my surgery is Wednesday morning.

Thank you all for your love and support - I will be in touch again as soon as I can.

Love to all and hugs to all, Judy x

Judy, sending lots of (((hugs))) and wishing you a pain free procedure. I will be watching for a note from you.

I didn't have a recliner but I purchased a big wedge pillow that I put under my back. I put a pillow on top and that kept me in a good position. Also my bed was a little high so my niece (the PT) created a step for me to make it easier to get in and out of bed. She just used a metal box that I had in the house. She put it on a yoga mat so that it wouldn't slip around. Both have worked very well for me. The step was actually brilliant.