Chemo May 2013

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  • kacee311
    kacee311 Member Posts: 5
    edited December 2014

    Regarding nipple/areola tattooing...I decided NOT to get a nipple reconstruction. I spent my whole life trying to HIDE them under silky smooth tops that showed "bumps" to no avail...why on earth would I just have them reconstructed (at permanent "attention" no less). I opted for the 3-D tattooing...I am in Houston so it would have been a trip to New Orleans to have Vinnie do them, plus he is about 7 months on the waiting list. I opted for Renee Maschinot from Florida, who is flying into Houston periodically to the breast reconstruction center here to do about 12 patients at a time. Renee also trained under Vinnie. I had mine done last Tuesday and am VERY PLEASED with the results. (By the way, last I heard Vinnie's charge is $600). Renee charges $700 for two and yes, it is generally covered by insurance as part of the reconstruction. When I showed my husband, his jaw dropped. He couldn't believe how realistic they are. From 5 feet away you cannot tell AT ALL. Now I have my nipples but don't have to worry about wearing a bra (restoration left me with perfect shaped breasts) or clingy tops. YAY!!!!!!!

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  • Teresa_G
    Teresa_G Member Posts: 259
    edited December 2014

    Kacee good to hear from you and I am really glad that you are happy with the results of your new breasts and nipples.  I wish I would have done some things differently, if I would have known then what I know now.  Lol.  I am actually pretty happy with things and can have a revision at some point as well. 

    Merry Christmas everyone! 

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  • carla53
    carla53 Member Posts: 264
    edited December 2014

    Kacee311 congratulations on your reconstructions and tattoo outcome. I still of one revision to do with my reconstruction and then decide what to do in re to tattooing etc Thought I would take a long break before the next surgery.

    Teresa Thanks for the Merry Christmas. :)

    Hoping everything is going well through this Christmas season. I've been working a lot. Grateful to have the jobs and the stamina to do them. Rang the bell for Salvation Army and am looking forward to our daughter to arrive on Friday from New York. It will be so nice on Christmas Eve to have my mom, dad, 3 girls, 3 grandsons gathered together. :)) oh and of course my husband, 2 son in laws and a dear sister type friend.

    Blessed Christmas to you.

    Carla


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  • Teresa_G
    Teresa_G Member Posts: 259
    edited December 2014

    The closer Christmas comes the harder things are.  I don't think my beagle will make it until Christmas, she is wheezing more and coughing.  She is still in good spirits but how good can she really feel with lymphoma throughout her body?  I am also pushing Chuck away more, this time of year is just hard.  My daughter is struggling this year, really missing her Dad.  I try to be strong but I miss the hell out of him too.  I am still seeing Chuck but not quite as much as I was, which was a lot.  We still spend weekends together and for Christmas he will spend Christmas day with me and go to my sister house with some of my family for Christmas dinner.  I'm just not going to have him with me for Christmas Eve and Christmas morning.  That will be time with my daughter and her husband. 

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  • carla53
    carla53 Member Posts: 264
    edited December 2014

    Teresa I'm guessing your precious beagle is now in doggy heaven since Christmas has already passed. If so, my condolences. If not, I hope he is still in good spirits. It sounds like it was a tough Christmas season for you and your daughter. Hoping Christmas Day went good for both of you.

    We had a nice Christmas. The family was all together. The kids had a blast. The thing that it really lacked was acknowledging the birth of Christ. Gotta work on that next Christmas seeing as we're Christians.

    Wishing you a Happy and Blessed New Year.

    Carla

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  • Teresa_G
    Teresa_G Member Posts: 259
    edited January 2015


    Well my sweet beagle didn't make it until Christmas. She was coughing and wheezing bad through the night of the 15th and got no rest, so on the 16th I took her to the vet one last time. She was still in good spirits but the vet said it was definitely time. So I said goodbye to her. I didn't think it would be possible but my BIG puppy is even more snuggly, which I am really enjoying. I was more worried about him without her than me, he is doing ok....he whines and looks for her and isn't eating as often as he should. She basically raised him and trained him in many things for me. She was his Mommy since I brought him home at 14 weeks old, he is now 19 months old. Hopefully this will pass soon.

    Chuck and I are no longer in a relationship.....many things this month led up to it. I didn't ask him if it took him by surprise or if he was expecting it. We are going to try to still be friends, I can do that but he wasn't sure if he could. It became very clear to me that he wanted and needed someone to take care of him, heck I can barely take care of myself. I want someone to take care of me, lol. Actually I want someone who will be my partner, not a lost puppy dog who wants me to take care of them and tell them what to do. I found out that love to some people mean different things than to others as well. It was more important to say and hear I love you than to actually be sensitive to the other person needs for Chuck.

    Anyway life goes on as we all know. I had a really nice Christmas and spent a lot of time with my family. Life is still good and a new year is upon us. Smile

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  • carla53
    carla53 Member Posts: 264
    edited January 2015

    my 3rd attempt to send something within the last week or so. Just figured out that something pops up to have me add a pic and then i lose what I've typed. Ugh

    Teresa so glad your beagle was in good spirits until the end and that your other pup is more snuggly. That's got to help. In re to Chuck, can't blame you for your decision. Having to take care of someone else, especially someone who can take care of themselves sucks. We're too young and have a life to live of our own. It's great you are still friends.

    Am sending this off b4 i mess up again and delete everything. Will write more later. :)))

    Carla

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  • Teresa_G
    Teresa_G Member Posts: 259
    edited January 2015


    Carla it was great to hear from you.  How are you doing other than the computer issues with this site?  I hope your holidays went well.  Smile

    I am actively involved with some singles groups and there is at least one activity each week which is really nice.  I also have a four day trip planned for the first week of February, I am flying to Phoenix Arizona to spend time with my in-laws and warm up.  I love being able to go there during the winter months and thaw out, lol.  I don't have any plans while I am there but to visit with family, so I will just go along with what they're doing.  My daughter and husband are going to take care of Rosco for me while I am gone.  He will like that, he will get to play with their dog.  He is back to eating his regular meals and is doing better.

    Teresa

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  • carla53
    carla53 Member Posts: 264
    edited January 2015

    Hi Teresa - Christmas was great. My husband and I went one if daughters home for Christmas Eve. Our other 2 daughters, 3 grandsons, 2 son in laws and my mom and step dad were here also. It was really nice. On the 1st went to Glendale, in southern California, where we had celebration of life for my brother. There were approx 50 relatives there to honor him. It was beautiful and I will ever forget it. Well unless dementia takes me over.

    Right now I am on the chair at the dentist office waiting to get two cavities filled. Really happy to finally get them done.

    Gotta go.

    Carla

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  • Teresa_G
    Teresa_G Member Posts: 259
    edited January 2015


    Carla it sounds like you had a very nice turnout for the celebration of life.  That is great!  Dementia isn't going to take over your mind, just tell it no!

    I have started to take better care of me and want to be a better me.  Happier, healthier and more friendly.  I haven't had a soda since last Friday and have started working out with a friend at a gym.  She is doing all natural Dub Nutrition and has gone from a size 16 to a size 6, so I am trying that also.  See how it goes.

    Take care,

    Teresa

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  • carla53
    carla53 Member Posts: 264
    edited January 2015

    o.k. Teresa I will start with your advice early. No dementia. No dementia. No dementia.

    Congratulations on beginning to take better care of yourself. You will feel so much better because of it. Please educate me on Dub nutrition.

    Carla

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  • Teresa_G
    Teresa_G Member Posts: 259
    edited January 2015


    Carla,

    I'm using the Burner and Muscle supplements and will let you know how it goes.  The thing I like about them is that they are all natural.  So I am working to be healthier but am using these pills to help me get going.  The one thing I don't like is that it is an MLM thing.  So I am helping Cheri out by joining under her.

    I've been depressed the last couple of days again, ugh I hate these pills.  I keep saying just four more years, one down and four to go.

    http://www.dubnutrition.com/#/#supplements

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  • Pattysmiles
    Pattysmiles Member Posts: 954
    edited January 2015

    hey Ladies....Happy New Year!

    You have been very busy!

    Theresa, sorry about the dog and Chuck.

    Carla, sorry about your brother!

    Is anyone still getting bills for their surgeries? I received one for pathology from my Oct 2013 surgery....geez! I called all mad. I told the lady "you are bringing this all back, I want to be done! Where has this bill been that I am getting it for the first time now!" Really, I can't take the BS!

    Well the weight isn't going down and lately it is creeping up. The more upset I get the more I am eating. I need to move it and get to the gym. I am stressed. I need to feel good about myself. Theresa....how did you know you need to take a pill to help you mentally? I am seriously considering if I should seek help...though it's the same damn stress that is getting me...the husband and kids! Ugh.

    Pat

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  • carla53
    carla53 Member Posts: 264
    edited January 2015

    Teresa thank you for the info. Looking forward to hearing how it goes. In re to the pills, my hats off to both you and Pat for taking them. The se's are so harsh. I am a chicken.

    Pat there ought to be a statue of limitations when it comes to how long someone can bill a person for something. It would have ______ me off too if it had happened to me. When it comes to being reminded of the big C, I am reminded often with the after affects of treatments or different or periodic body feelings that have me wondering, has it come back?

    My husband is on lexapro. Without it he would spiral into deep depressions. I have been on prozax and switched to lexapro for anti anxiety. It helped immensely. While I was on them, the problems didn't disappear but I was able to deal with them better and and the anxieties and stress were relieved for the most part. Stress kills. Pat, why not try it for a couple of months? If you don't think it helps, or you don't like it, then stop taking them....slowly. if you are being consumed with the stress then it's worth a try.

    Carla

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  • Teresa_G
    Teresa_G Member Posts: 259
    edited January 2015

    I haven't had soda for three weeks and am down 5 pounds in two weeks.  So far so good. Happy


     

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  • carla53
    carla53 Member Posts: 264
    edited January 2015

    Very good Teresa. That is a healthy amount to lose in 2 weeks. I would love lose 5 lbs. 10 would even be better. ;) what is your goal?

    Carla

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  • Teresa_G
    Teresa_G Member Posts: 259
    edited February 2015

    I don't really have a goal other than a happier, healthier me. My Mom says I look like I feel better and healthier now than I have since this whole ordeal began. I do weigh more now than I ever have so 30 lbs would be awesome but we will see how it goes. I haven't had those aches in my legs and feet since I starte this either. So bonus there, hopefully they will stay away now.

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  • carla53
    carla53 Member Posts: 264
    edited February 2015

    Teresa. Sounds like a winning situation. The fact that you feel better is big.

    Making an appointment for my yearly mammogram this month. It's 2 years since I found my tumor. What a journey we've been on.

    Wishing you a really good weekend.

    Carla

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  • Teresa_G
    Teresa_G Member Posts: 259
    edited February 2015

    Good job on getting your mammogram scheduled, I don't need mine for a few months. I do have a friend that is going with me, she hasn't had hers done for years. I told her I would take her anytime but she won't do it, she did promise to get hers done when I did mine. I had a really nice time in Arizona visiting with family. I didn't lose anymore weight while I was gone however I didn't gain, not too bad for being on vacation. I am pleased with that. I did have ice cream a few times while I was there. Now back to eating right and exercising. Have a great weekend!

    Teresa

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  • ItIsWhatItIs2013
    ItIsWhatItIs2013 Member Posts: 541
    edited February 2015

    Wow...

    It's been a while since being on the boards for me and you guys sound like you are all doing well... I'm glad to hear it!! Although I am sorry to hear of the losses...

    The third brand of Tamoxifen I use to talk about was the Mylan brand. Other than hot flashes, I don't feel any other issues... A few times the pharmacy messed up and tried to give me the Teva brand and I refused to try it. I said "I don't have any side affects right now, I'm not gonna risk any with another brand" So they stock it for me.

    Not much to mention health wise for me... other than a broken leg last june, then a broken ankle last october.... they said it was due to bone weakening from chemo and the tamoxifen... So be careful out there!!

    Oh... on a cool note..... I got a tattoo.... a pink ribbon above my wrist... I love it!!

     

    Take care all of you!!!!!!

    Happy thoughts!

    Lorrie

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  • Teresa_G
    Teresa_G Member Posts: 259
    edited February 2015

    Lorrie-I would love to see a picture of your tattoo. Glad to hear you are doing good on Tamoxifen. Sorry to hear about the broken bones though. damn side effects!!!!


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  • carla53
    carla53 Member Posts: 264
    edited February 2015

    oh my goodness. It's nice hearing from you Lorrie. The side effects suck. Looks like you've been on tamoxifen for close to two years now. I would like to see a pic of the tatoo too. I've fantasized getting a tattoo on my right breast after the next surgery. Figure if I don't get a Nipple, maybe some beautiful tattoo engulfing a good portion of it...ha...don't think it will go past fantasizing about it. :))

    Teresa glad you had a great time with your family. Love that family time. Any more weight loss? I'm trying to lose the few pounds I gained. I think I lost 1 lb. :))

    Carla

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  • Teresa_G
    Teresa_G Member Posts: 259
    edited February 2015

    The weight loss is going good. I had two weeks off from the gym......not totally on purpose though. I was in AZ with family for almost a week then a couple of days after I got back I ended up with vertigo. Now I know what my Mom is talking about when she says she has a dizzy head. I love amusement parks, the fast the ride goes the better. Up, down, spinning.....I love it all. The vertigo dizzy is a whole different ball game. I didn't drive for three days. It took me longer to get back to normal completely, about six days. Doctor says I have a 30% chance of it happening again. Anyway, I made it back to the gym finally at the one month mark of my diet and gym going. I have lost 7 pounds. It has also been 5 1/2 weeks since I have had a soda pop. This is a big deal for me, longest I have ever gone in the last 35 years is a week. I have been addicted to Mtn Dew for a LONG time. So it is going good.

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  • carla53
    carla53 Member Posts: 264
    edited March 2015

    Hi Teresa - How time flys. How's it going? Your last posting sounded promising with your new way of food and beverage intake. Let me guess how much you have lost now. 12 lbs total. Let me know how close I am. I have gained 5 lbs in a year. :( I eat 99% healthy food. But healthy food can be fattening too....like nuts. And healthy food can have too much sugar...like fruit. :) well there is the occasional taco or french frys.

    Had my mammogram last Friday. Haven't heard anything. No news is good news.

    Our daughter from N.Y. came out here (California) on Wednesday. She had her birthday here for the 1st time in 5 years. Tomorrow she and a friend are taking a road trip to Texas. Awh to be young and single. :)

    Other than that, pretty much working and spending the remainder if my time with my hubby. Except a couple of times picking up a grandson or two and doing something with them. Love that.

    Carla

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  • Teresa_G
    Teresa_G Member Posts: 259
    edited March 2015

    Carla,

    You were right on! 12 pounds in two months. I haven't been to the gym yet this week to work out and weigh again. I am hoping to make it tomorrow. I feel like I am super busy all the time and don't get to relax and have the down time I want. I am back to working full time now. I need the pay, my part time status killed my bank account. I do have a trip to CA planned with my daughter and husband the last week of May. I am excited and looking forward to it. I got my bill from the hearing and balance center when they tested me for two hours after my vertigo issues. My insurance made them write off over $500 but I still have to pay $777 ouch! Well that will make my deductible met for the year.

    I am getting my team together for the Susan G Komen race for the cure May 9th. We are doing our own team shirts with my team name on them, Gunn for a Cure. I'm pretty excited about that. Hopefully I will have more on my team this year than last.

    That is awesome that your daughter was able to come see you! I agree that no news is good news on your mammogram, mine will be in May. It was good to hear from you!

    Teresa


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  • carla53
    carla53 Member Posts: 264
    edited March 2015

    Teresa- $777 is definitely an ouch. Know what you mean by not having even time. With working as much as I have lately my house is looking pretty cluttered. Just haven't had it in my to unclutter. Oh well, glad that my health is such that I can work. :)

    May seems like it's going to be a busy month for you. What part of California are you coming too? I am hoping to go to N.Y. for 4 days in May. My husband's health makes it difficult, but I am hoping to go anyway. Maybe a caregiver a cpl hours a day.

    Carla


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  • ItIsWhatItIs2013
    ItIsWhatItIs2013 Member Posts: 541
    edited March 2015

    Here's a pic of the tattoo..... then I got my hubby's name on my wedding ring finger, but my rings cover it. Glad to hear about the weight loss.... NOT here.. LOL... I go in on the 14th of April for my next mammo... I can't believe its already been 2 years.... when 2 years ago, I thought the misery would last forever... hah

    Happy thoughts, ALL!!

    image


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  • ItIsWhatItIs2013
    ItIsWhatItIs2013 Member Posts: 541
    edited March 2015

    Oh yeah... mentioning my upcoming mammo...

    I had a dream last night that I was going on "Survivor" haha... But they had to do a breast exam first. when the nurse came over to me she gasped and as I felt my boob... there were lumps everywhere that I didn't know were there. I woke up checking my boobs and freaking out...... Dreams! Ugh

    Lorrie

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  • Teresa_G
    Teresa_G Member Posts: 259
    edited March 2015

    Lorrie I love the tattoo! That is a scary dream, I fortunately haven't had any of those.

    Carla we are spending five days with a Disneyland hopper pass. Flying in on Sunday then Monday thru Friday at the parks and flying home Saturday. What area of CA do you live in?

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  • carla53
    carla53 Member Posts: 264
    edited March 2015

    Lorrie I too love the tattoo. Don't think I've ever seen one before. It is amazing two years have gone by. I am hoping in 20 years we will be saying the same thing. :)

    Teresa you and your family ought to have a blast. Disneyland is so much fun. We live about 20 miles north east of Monterey.

    Have a great weekend you two.

    Carla

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