April 2015 Chemo Crew... Starting in April? Please join us!

Jackbirdie: Not sure on the insurance issue, but thanks for bringing that up, I definitely will have to check on it. The BS said that her patients tell her how painful the dog ears are! She also said to remove them is typically not an extensive surgery because its removal of skin and fat only, but it can extend to the back which would make for a large scar. Please keep me posted on what your PS says..I'm not sure when I'll be seeing one. I still have a month to go on Taxol and rads are still up in the air...so it may be after the first of the year before I'm ready to explore that.

Yes, that's a sandhill crane, but a pretty young one, so willing to walk right into the facility - the doors open automatically. I figured once in he would panic and get hurt, so fortunately he went the other way when "shooed".

For those looking at reconstruction, see if you can find a good female PS who deals with breast reconstruction. My experience thus far is that my female PS has a much better understanding of all the issues involved in reconstruction and a great understanding of the female side of things. I'm not planning on reconstruction and she totally gets it....even said she might not either given her age, but we both agree the flappy little dog ears are definitely strange. However, I definitely don't want any more surgery right now. The first [male] PS was overcome with horror that I would pass on reconstruction.

well ladies tomorrow I go for my recon surgery and my port removal. Just waiting on a time to be there. I can't wait to get these expanders out. The port doesn't bother me so much. I've had no issues with that and don't even notice I have it.

3D mammogram completed. No lumps.. today will be a good day. Littleblue... your turn for good news!

Thanks for all the congratulations everyone. I would never have made it without each and everyone of you. Whether you knew it or not, you were there for me in the middle of the night when I couldn't sleep and anxiety would peek. I knew I could grab my phone and read the words of women just like me....just as scared as me....and trying to be brave just like me. You've encouraged me and answered those questions that just need answered. AND most importantly, no one here has ever made me feel like a lunatic for flying 3000 miles round trip every 3 weeks fir treatment. So once again THANK YOU for EVERYTHING you are, everything you've done for each other, and Everything I am sure you will continue to do.

Steph and Addie....I know your surgeries will go well this week and I wish you both the easiest, pain free recoveries possible.

Gingerchi, those taxols will be over before you know it. So close. I know you wish you were closer. I hope these last few are easy on you. How's the P.N.?

I know there are a couple of others still finishing up with chemo. good luck to you as well. Just know that it will feel so good to get that last one and know that it used to be so far away.

Those of you undergoing radiation, um...have fun with the schmaltzing the emu oil? I've has such dry flakey skin during chemo my naturopath has recommended replacing moisturizer with coconut oil....the kind you cook with. Does he not remember my skin cancer issues? I guess it will work if I have no plans in the sun. ???

We are at the airport on the way home...I am already feeling it in my mouth and throat, so by tonight I'll be pretty miserable. See you all in a few days when I come out of my chemo fog. 💓

YAY for a clear mammo, mamajen! Congrats!!!

All the best to you tomorrow Addie!!! Will be praying for you. Let us know how you are when you feel up to it!

Lynne, glad you checked in, I'd been wondering how things are going with you?? Update us when you can!!

Littleblue, waiting to hear from you....you're in my prayers as well!

Taxol #9, DONE! 3 more to go!

The Radiologist and the MO said they are 98% sure its scar tissue, but if I want peace of mind they will get me in wth my BS tomorrow. Same rodeo as initial Dx. I can't even see the top of the rabitt hole right now.

thanks! Engaging in unhealthy coping now. I wish I had kids or a Dh to keepmM&%3re sane...

I just want to get too drunk to care..not proud of that but I don't lie here. Probably in sick tomorrow,. I asked for better anxiety meds and was refused.

Jen- what Kbee said. About PTSD and about asking for someone else to talk to. In the meantime, I hope you can feel us all around you.

Addie- best to you tomorrow. Thinking of you and setting up a mojo drip. Hugs.

Jen, the vision in the Arizona desert is what you should keep thinking and dreaming about. It is PTSD catching up in our head. It really tries to mess us up, don't let it in to do that. What other new things are you doing with yourself these days? What are you looking forward to tomorrow and for the weekend? For me some days just hopeful to get a dunkin donuts cup of coffee! LOL We have been strong and brave and that catches up. I get it....keep posting and updating us on what is next...

Last week had huge panic anxiety returning to work. Sadness that I wasn't returning in a clinical role and yet excited to get back to healthcare business, a daily "normal" and get the focus off myself. As I recover and get my immune system back the office position I'm in will at least keep me busy and pay the bill$. This week wondering if I went back too soon. The pink and bit of swelling is coming from rads plus the fatigue. But I'm pushing thru and glad to be busy. Kind of hard to realize the summer is gone and while others talk about their trips, fun times they had all summer we all get to reflect and remember chemo and all the fun of that! Hard to explain or for anyone to understand unless they have been there. Thank God for our coming together and supporting each other in this group!