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

Options
1…188189191193194…204

Comments

  • Jackbirdie
    Jackbirdie Member Posts: 4,693
    edited February 2016

    Renee- so glad you got the all clear. Phew! Right? Here's to a great year.

    Jen- I'm glad you are taking your time. And glad you are talking to your husband. I think it's important he knows that the NOOBS will not function as a pleasure center, since there will be no feeling. So he (and you) need to be clear on how that's going to help sexually. It may be time to think outside the box. Bad pun, sorry. But going through several surgeries for insufficient reasons us something to really think about. It is a very personal decision, and please know I support you either way. Hugs.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited February 2016

    Tamoxifen seems to require me to be more intentional in daily life. My actual thinking capacity is only a little low--I assume that's a combo of my fatiguing year, no estrogen, and continued disrupted sleep.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Scarlett152
    Scarlett152 Member Posts: 175
    edited February 2016

    I'm going to use the "more intentional" wording! A lot better than "I can't remember shit!"

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bluedog
    bluedog Member Posts: 212
    edited February 2016
    Re chemo brain, I feel like I've been having a little trouble retrieving information. My reasoning ability seems to be fine (or at least as good as it ever was - hah), but my memory seems a bit off. Might just be normal aging, though.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • littleblueflowers
    littleblueflowers Member Posts: 2,000
    edited February 2016

    Chemo brain: Oh man I thought I got off pretty good, but I didn't know what I didn't know, ya know? Only now am I encountering huge blank spots in my memory from this summer. Its kind of scary.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited February 2016

    It's quite common for people not to remember a lot about their treatment (even without chemo). Busy living it/in emergency mode; not laying down a detailed narrative.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited February 2016

    Hey, littleblue:

    T-Rex Hates Push Ups T-Shirt Fitness Apparel Workout Shirt Workout Shirts Funny Workout Shirt Gym Clothing Gym Shirt Gym Shirts

    https://www.etsy.com/listing/225624147/t-rex-hates...

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • littleblueflowers
    littleblueflowers Member Posts: 2,000
    edited February 2016

    Sometimes its hard to be a lizard/tiny arms,itchy gizzard

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • slothabouttown
    slothabouttown Member Posts: 449
    edited February 2016

    I find myself constantly referring to something that happened "last year" and my friend or co-worker will correct me that it was actually two years ago- then I remember that pretty much all that happened last year from New Year's day to 4th of July was surgery, chemo, radiation and getting through it. At the time I felt like I was keeping up with normal life, not missing work, doing some things for fun, but now that it's in the rearview mirror the impact it made is more apparent. I think "emergency mode" describes it well.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • AndreaC
    AndreaC Member Posts: 220
    edited February 2016

    Hi all!

    Renee, so happy to hear about the "all clear" mammo!

    Re chemo brain - I have always been a bit scattered so it's hard to say if I am still having chemo effects. My memory is not too bad but I do have my moments. My daughter laughs at me because I can't tell jokes. I have to back-track to make the punchline funny. She says that listening to me tell a joke is funnier than the actual joke. Well, as long as I make people laugh.

    Dizz, when is your ultrasound? I am having one on Friday. I got the results of my bloodwork...everything is perfect! My tumour markers are negative...big relief. If the ultrasound and MRI (next month) are normal I can stop worrying about recurrence. For a while, anyway. I am glad I am having all the tests, if only for peace of mind.

    Tomorrow I am going with my daughter and granddaughter to Vancouver for a few days! She is attending a conference for work and is taking baby Kate because she is still nursing at night. I am going along to keep Kate occupied during the day. I am looking forward to it!

    Have a great week everyone!

    Andrea



    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited February 2016

    Enjoy Vancouver--a lovely city.


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • DizzParkMom
    DizzParkMom Member Posts: 316
    edited February 2016

    WELL...I just came from my u/s appt, but didn't actually get my u/s because the mammogram tech (different from the u/s) tech was out. Apparently they can't do breast u/s unless both mammogram tech and u/s tech are there...regardless of whether or not I have boobs to mammogram or not. Wtf!!! Rescheduled for Wednesday as a double booking, so they will squeeze me in. Plus...since the receptionist decided to be super loud when questioning me, I decided to match her tone. When she asked if Wednesday would work for me, I responded loudly with "since the u/s is needed to see if my BREAST CANCER has come back I am more than happy to come back ASAP." Too much?



    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jackbirdie
    Jackbirdie Member Posts: 4,693
    edited February 2016

    Not at ALL, Dizz! I'm pissed off onyour behalf for the hassle and rudeness. Nevertheless, a small snicker scared when I read what you said...

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited February 2016

    Renee, Great news!

    Dizz, That sucks that you have to go back. How frustrating. I do like that you matched her tone. I might have added, "I'm sorry if I'll be a little grouchier when I return since I am sure I will not be able to get any sleep between now and then"...just because I am from NJ and every now and then my inner Jersey girl creeps out in situations like that.

    Andrea, Glad your blood tests are good. Enjoy your trip!

    No cancer related appointments for me, but I have a huge work physical. We are supposed to have them every year, but mine has been postponed for 3 years...twice due to chemo and once due to surgery. I have blood work, urine tests, hearing test, eye test, pulmonary function test, and a cardiac treadmill test. I hope it all comes out ok! I have not had my cholesterol tested since 2012, and I used to be borderline. I am a little afraid to see what it'll be! Most of the physical is tomorrow, but the treadmill is Thursday. I'll just be glad to get it done!


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • DizzParkMom
    DizzParkMom Member Posts: 316
    edited February 2016

    First I was just annoyed that they had all morning to call me and didn't. Then, she asked why I wasn't having a mammogram. I leaned in (should have been her hint to tone it down) and quietly said, "I've had a double mastectomy and don't have any breasts to mammogram." She looked at my chest and asked "what are those?" I thought about saying "kleenex", but instead I said, "not boobs!"

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jackbirdie
    Jackbirdie Member Posts: 4,693
    edited February 2016

    oh no she didn't!!!!! She looked at your chest and asked you that?

    I would be writing a letter of complaint RIGHT NOW. That is abuse. Not kidding now.

    What an asshat. I'm so so sorry you had to be put through that. I might even talk to an attorney.

    Your information should be in the record. If it wasn't, your tactful explanation should have been enough. For her to challenge you in that manner is harassment. I really can almost not believe it.

    😡😡😡

    Steaming in Oregon

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited February 2016

    Ugh! She needs writing up.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited February 2016

    I know most of you like your hair longer, but I like mine short. The curl was flattening out and I looked a little like Groucho and Ronald McDonald's love child, so away it went. Not sure how much curl I have now, but I'll know more after I wash out the conditioner.

    image

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • littleblueflowers
    littleblueflowers Member Posts: 2,000
    edited February 2016

    Dizz! Omg that woman. I am shocked on your behalf. She deserves a punch in her boobs! Poor you to go thru that and still not get an ultrasound. If I was you I'd be spending my non sleeping freak out time composing a nastygram, even if you are too nice to send it! Although...nice compliment on your recon, I guess. Speaking of, did you do diep? Did you have tissue expanders at all? Sorry if that's a dumb question. I am lurking on the diep thread too but there is a lot of info to sift thru!

    On an interesting note: just realized one of the stupid fit, super hot girls at my gym has no breasts. I thought she was just wearing a sports bra but nope. So...kind of a game changer!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • littleblueflowers
    littleblueflowers Member Posts: 2,000
    edited February 2016

    dizz- duh. Your SIG says you did DIEP. Sorry.

    Ksusan, pix please, if for no other reason than so we can copy style tips and admire your perfect complexion.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited February 2016

    Added pic. My complexion is good but not excellent. We will see what tamoxipause does for my acne.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • littleblueflowers
    littleblueflowers Member Posts: 2,000
    edited February 2016

    nice hair. And yeah. Perfect skin. :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jackbirdie
    Jackbirdie Member Posts: 4,693
    edited February 2016

    Ks- LOL. Groucho and Ronald. Now maybefinally I can meet my birth parents!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited February 2016

    LOL. I appear to have a varmint in the mix, too.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited February 2016

    ugh. Acne. Mine has gotten horrible on Letrozole. I am grateful that's all I have to whine about. It is annoying nonetheless.

    Dizz, You absolutely, positively need to write a letter and document exactly what she said. It was rude and uncalled for. In addition to an attitude adjustment, she needs education on reconstruction. I admit before BC, I had no idea about reconstruction, so she likely does not, but someone working in her position, with s mouth as big as hers needs the education. You will be doing all future patients a favor by writing a letter or asking to see the director when you're there tomorrow. You should mention it to every tech you see tomorrow as well as the radiologist. You deserve an apology.When I had my ultrasound, they did still have me do a mammogram; they just cannot squish very hard or do multiple views.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • DizzParkMom
    DizzParkMom Member Posts: 316
    edited February 2016

    Well, I had hoped that would have put my mind completely at ease, but it didn't. Whatever it is is very small (2-3mm) and too small for them to to biopsy. Without my history, the indication would be watchful waiting. Since I have surgery scheduled in 3 weeks, they recommend excision/biopsy. At first, the tech thought it looked like part of a vessel near the skin. Maybe the scar tissue was suddenly pushing it closer to the skin and that's why I felt it 'suddenly'. However, after talking to the doctor who reads the radiology reports on the phone, she said it seemed like more of a sebaceous cyst. It definatley isn't necrotic tissue, but also doesn't automatically send off any warning bells. I guess i just have to wait. I am going to call Chicago and have the p.s. office request the u/s images today so that they can get their own opinion on it.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited February 2016

    I wish you had more definitive answers. Can they move your surgery up a bit?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Positive_spirit
    Positive_spirit Member Posts: 218
    edited February 2016

    Oh...smiles.

    Happy to hear the good news.

    Lovely to see ksusan smile - too cute.

    Littleblue - reconstruction is a lot to think about. Glad you are taking your time. I can't feel a thing in the reconstructed boob area ..no sensation. I found a pic of me with my real boobs before surgery. One was lopsided and the diseased breast did look funny, like distorted. Hmm.... My breasts now look and act okay, but there's this scar tissue that seems to radiate down towards my belly.

    Dizz - I am going to throw something at that woman that almost wrestled you into a mammogram and wanted to check out your chest. UGH! The nerve.

    Jackiebirdie - how are you? You have a small dog, right? A picture of a small dog comes to mind. :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jackbirdie
    Jackbirdie Member Posts: 4,693
    edited February 2016

    positive- yes...the love of my life. He's my therapy dog but I share him with others at local hospitals, nursing homes, etc., and the library, where the children read with no judgement or interference from adults, to the dogs. It helps me get out if my own miserable head too. Thanks for remembering. Here he is:

    image

    On our way to "work" abov

    image

    This second shot is a bit blurry, but I love it anyway.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited February 2016

    Jack!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories