Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!

1…458459461463464…947

Comments

  • PontiacPeggy
    PontiacPeggy Member Posts: 6,778
    edited February 2016

    ChiSandy, that is a challenge having an alley. 4WD is very helpful. I drive a Chrysler minivan after having SUVs forever. However, it got to be too difficult for me to throw hubby's walker and wheelchair into the Escape (I'd never have been able to put anything into the Suburban I had prior to the Escape). But it was a cinch with the minivan and easier for him to get in and out of. Glad you have such wonderful neighbors to help you out when you get stuck.

    PinkIDC51 Glad your surgery is over and you survived. Hopefully you'll heal quickly. There are all sorts of criteria for chemo. Many also use the Oncotype score to help make the decision. You might check here on BCO and read about chemo and the criteria. But, as with everything else about BC, one size does not fit all by a long shot. Take care and take your pain pills!

    HUGS!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mustlovepoodles
    mustlovepoodles Member Posts: 2,825
    edited February 2016

    Blamoms, The best over the counter med for constipation is Miralax, hands-down. It's a powder you can mix into any liquid--water, coffee, juice. It has no flavor or texture. It's very gentle, so it doesn't cause cramping and diarrhea, just a normal "go". It works well for adults and children.

    Molly, sorry you had jury duty. We have lived here almost 33 years and I have never been called up. Knock on wood, because I would make a terrible juror. My attention span is short and I have concentration issues. Not that those things would get me kicked off a jury, but it sure wouldn't help me make any decisions.

    eelllek, My heart goes out to you. Your feelings are not bad or good, they just are. It is not uncommon for someone to develop anxiety and depression after experiencing something frightening or life-threatening, such as a serious illness, accident, or warfare. My suggestion to you, since this is causing you so much pain and difficulty, is to talk to your doctor. You may also want to seek out a therapist who could listen to your story and help you find ways to process it.

    The other thing I wanted to address is the genetic testing. You have enough going on right now. Getting tested will not change your genetic makeup, therefore, it's not something that has to be done RIGHT NOW. So don't allow yourself to be pushed into doing it until you're ready. Now, that said, I found genetic testing to be a relief to me. It answered so many questions, like, how come so many people in my family keep getting cancer. Oohhh, that's why. It really kinda "let me off the hook", so to speak. It wasn't anything I had done or not done, it was this stupid gene mutation. As a result of getting this information, I've been able to talk with my other doctors and get a treatment or surveillance plan rolling. So, for me, genetics testing was a good thing. But not everyone wants to know all that information and they shouldn't be bullied into getting it.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LovesToFly
    LovesToFly Member Posts: 1,133
    edited February 2016

    good luck pink!

    Yeah for no chemo Sharon!

    "Last night I was thinking that BC has given me an entirely new outlook on life. I'm grateful for that. I am now very keenly focused on my own mortality, which is a reality for everyone, but most don't ever think about it. The keen focus keeps me motivated to do things that I love to do and things that matter, instead of spending time watching TV or other pointless activities. It seems easier to be nice to everyone, too. I don't have time to waste on silly conflicts."

    ^^^ I feel the same way, except for TB. I don't watch a lot of TV but I do enjoy it on the days I'm off work and recovering from chemo therapy, and it is also something my husband and I enjoy doing together in the evenings! I have really begun to think about and focus on being a kinder person, not that I wasn't kind before I've never been a bitch or anything, but just thinking a bit more before I speak, not always being brutally honest if it's going to hurt somebody, etc.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • HappyHammer
    HappyHammer Member Posts: 1,247
    edited February 2016

    Pink- Glad you are at home and recovering...that was a lot to have done! I agree with Peggy, stay ahead ofngthebpain with the meds as needed. Ice was my BFF...please use it if your BS allows...it really helps1 I also rec Colace ofr a few days after surgery with or without pain meds...so many meds in your body that can mess up your system. NOT the time to be dealing with that, too! As for the chemo- I had it but it was due to HER2pos and grade 3. Am sure others will chime in. Take good care- take the Ativan if you have trouble sleeping at night- too many things can get you off your reg sleep patterns.

    Moondust- thanks for the reminders about good veggies to increase fiber. Popped some delicious artichoke hearts on our dinner salad tonight and they were yummy! SO important that we keep things moving along the systems. I too have used Fibercon and like it because it's so easy to take if needed.

    Great news for those NOT having to need chemo!

    LTF and Moon- agree about the whole mortality thing. Trying to really evaluate who and what is important to me and spend more time being with those I care about the most and doing things that I love. Sometimes hard to figure out what is important and what you think SHOULD be- working on it, though. I must say, though, that I have had some very serious issues with anxiety and depression over the years. Know that my DH and sister were very concerned that bc might take me over the edge again- it just hasn't. Instead of worrying and keeping things all in my head to mull over and worry about- talking things out has been so helpful- therapy has made all the difference- individual and couples counseling. DH and I are on the same page and are a united front for whatever comes our way. We know that as we age there will be more and more difficulties but we are also trying to live in the moment with humor, grace and some FUN!

    Sloan- sorry you have the crud! Hope rest helps and you are feeling better soon!

    For those of you dealing with snow- happy for you that you have neighbors who are helpful and that you know what to do with the white stuff. We in the deep south have no idea- but, have to admit- I love it!

    Am still not wearing underwire bras all day since lx and then rads...I can do it for a meeting or something but usually just wear the comfy non wire ones instead.

    MLP- so sad that time didn't permit my making the cookies today- had to take our precious little 12 y.o. Maltese, Mac, in to the vet today- all of a sudden he was in obvious pain- yelping when he walked much or tried to lie down...little tail down and very sad. Turns out, he has some kind of bacterial infection in both ears. UGH! Has to be so painful- ears were yucky and so- have been babying him since getting him home.

    He is my special buddy especially since 2012-13 when DH was deployed to Afghanistan for a year and our youngest son went to college- it was just me and the pets. I get attached anyway but goodness- if it weren't for Mac the Maltese, Cooper the boxer and our two felines, Nike (doesn't pay to let your children name the pets sometimes) and Flossie Mae Jones (very Southern, right?)...would have lost my mind!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • brithael
    brithael Member Posts: 224
    edited February 2016

    Yea Queen and LTF - great news for both!

    I met with my LE therapist and she did some manual drainage massage - felt really great and did ease the feeling of a "cuff" on my upper arm. Next week, she's going to teach me how to do it at home.

    Also met with the RO, looks like 31 rads for me. My simulation is next Tuesday, and then we'll start the grind the week after. Anything's better than chemo!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • HappyHammer
    HappyHammer Member Posts: 1,247
    edited February 2016

    Brit- that sounds good! Gad you LE news was so positive! I am wondering if we might not all benefit from the LE massage? Anything to help the lymph system do it's job has got to be good, right?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jclc83
    Jclc83 Member Posts: 246
    edited February 2016

    Hi Everyone, it's been a few days since I posted. I've been a bit busier since going back to work and doing rads (so far a breeze) and trying to establish a regular sleep cycle. I've been trying to catch up on all the posts. Whew! Welcome to the newbies! Healing hugs all around. I admire all of you.

    The other night, my kids, grandkids and I went out for dinner. We sat in the waiting area while we were waiting for our table. I noticed this 50 something woman standing near me. I was about to offer her my seat. All of the sudden I realized that I was the one with a bald head and I was the one with cancer. I actually forgot about it for a minute or two...amazing!! By the way, dinner was awful but that's another story.


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LovesToFly
    LovesToFly Member Posts: 1,133
    edited February 2016

    I had my fuzz shaved off. Much better. If I'm gonna be bald (and show it) I'd rather be smooth (unless the fuzz is regrowth!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Eleanora23
    Eleanora23 Member Posts: 91
    edited February 2016

    Hello everyone, This is the thread I need to be looking at this week. I'm trying to get my information in smaller doses as get upset and anxious and have to stop for a while. Tomorrow I have a meeting with BS to set up the surgery, I believe. I know I have to get a pre op clearance and all that first. Wish me luck - Ellie.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PontiacPeggy
    PontiacPeggy Member Posts: 6,778
    edited February 2016

    Eleanora, Welcome! Glad you found us. We're here to help and support you. You might find Dr Susan Love's Breast Book helpful. It contains everything you ever wanted to know about BC. Do check and make sure you are getting the edition that came out last fall. Of course, if you have any questions any time, ask away and we'll try to answer you. Where are you located?

    It's a very hard, scary time when you first embark on this unwanted journey. But it is doable.

    HUGS!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sloan15
    Sloan15 Member Posts: 896
    edited February 2016

    Re : outlook on life and being nicer discussion... I am giving people a break, too, but maybe that has more to do with my retiring and not being rushed anymore either. This bc experience made me think of what type of friend I am. I determined that I'm LOYAL. I can go weeks or months without talking to my college best friend, and we can pick up where we left off. I guess this comes from really only wanting deep friendships. My bff now doesn't know how to help me, but she bought me organic veggies and we cried together when I found out I had bc, and that's just what I needed. Even on this site, I will be forever tied to April, Molly, and moondust because I met them and truly care about them, and obviously i have come to "know" a lot of you. So, the biggest way I've changed in this journey is not to merely be content with my cohort of besties, but to seek out friendships with others along the way and try to develop deep friendships when I can.


    Pink - I'd get the oncotest. My ki67 was high at 27%, so I did chemo. My oncotest came back a 12 or med -low risk for recurrence so I stopped at 3 chemos. I'd certainly get a 2nd opinion on the type of chemo. The "A" in your regiment is the one that can be hard on your heart. So if oncotests say no chemo and doc is pushing ACT, I'd really look for second and third opinions.

    LTF - my head felt better when I finally buzzed mine! You might even want to buzz it one more time at the end of chemo! I left the strays thinking I'd have a jump on regrowth, but I regretted it. Have em all come in together later on! Also, I used baby shampoo on my head. Hey, it works for babies

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sloan15
    Sloan15 Member Posts: 896
    edited February 2016

    Awww, welcome ellie! We'll take care of you.

    Pink and ellie - my best advice is to keep the wraps tight when they send you home from the hospital. Then, I wore a soft tshirt under the wraps and under my bra for a while. I had no problems. Good luck!

    HH - You playing any golf lately? I'm thinking of playing again next week after a 6 mo hiatus. I was worried about my LE...

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • 1step
    1step Member Posts: 110
    edited February 2016

    Glad to hear so much good news!

    HH- hopefully your little furbaby will be feeling better soon. Usually ears respond quickly to treatment.

    Pink- I have a similar diagnosis, and I'll be starting chemo tomorrow, AC-T. The reason for me is because there was a positive lymph node on biopsy.

    My LE therapist was very impressed with how much improvement I've shown in just one week! Yippee. Tuesday night my coworkers took me out for a surprise dinner, and they all contributed gift cards to restaurants. It was such a great moment. I think I'm about ready as I can be for my first chemo tomorrow.

    Happy thoughts to all of you!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LovesToFly
    LovesToFly Member Posts: 1,133
    edited February 2016

    thanks Sloan!!


    Welcome Ellie. Make sure to write down a list of questions you want to ask the surgeon and bring it with you, so you don't forget anything! I did that with all my consults, and it really helped.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PiNKiDC51
    PiNKiDC51 Member Posts: 61
    edited February 2016

    1Step - Yes - the reason I'm being recommended for chemo is because I had 3/3 left nodes positive with extronodal involvment (or something like the latter). However, it is my understanding that chemo has more to do with the ki -67 score than strictly nodal involvement (though that understanding is VERY limited at the moment as I've only started researching chemo as before I needed to research other things related to my treatment). The point with chemo is that it goes after cells that replicate quickly (that's why hair and fingernail cells are affected). However, when a cancer replicates slower, it seems the chemo is much more likely to kill other cells in the body before successfully finding the cancer cells. This makes sense to me as it is why it is given before surgery for folks with aggressive cancers - it both kills the cells and reduces the size of the tumor. I had a good size tumor 2cm with satellites (to attempt to get the satellites with the tumor and clear margins my BS expected to have to take 5-6 cms). When I saw the MO she did not recommend taking the chemo drugs to reduce the size of the tumor prior to the surgery because the likelihood of the chemo doing so would be slim. So, if it's so slim that it won't even reduce the size of the main tumor, how can it possibly be effective searching and destroying random cells in my body. Just doesn't seem logical to me. And, yes - I'm aware that the A in AC-T causes heart problems, which is a problem for me as I already have mild regurgitation in 3 of my valves. I'm not happy about the backup protocol that has Taxotere in it. As it causes at time permanent hair loss, there is now way ever I am taking that. Oh, and for some reason (the number of positive nodes or some crap) I'm not eligible for the ONCODX - type test. So, not sure what that leaves me.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Moondust
    Moondust Member Posts: 510
    edited February 2016

    That's a good piece of advice about bringing the list of questions to all appointments. My BS took the paper out of my hand, read it, and answered all the questions! She is funny.

    1step, good deal with improving in the LE department!

    LTF, I agree that smooth baldness is better than stubbly baldness. Like legs.

    I'm getting such a warm feeling of belonging and being loved by reading all the posts. I'm almost teary-eyed, and I have to admit it takes a lot to get me that way. I didn't cry about my cancer Dx, I haven't cried for years when another of my beloved pets die (even though I love them), and I've toughened up so much I sometimes wonder if I will ever cry about anything again. Thank you, everyone. You are all terrific and very special!!


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • 1step
    1step Member Posts: 110
    edited February 2016

    Pink- When the cancer metastasizes, the characteristics change from the original tumor, which makes chemo effective. I don't know about the other chemo choices, but I can tell you that my MO ordered an echo done prior to starting chemo to make sure my heart was in good shape first. Talk to your MO about your concerns, especially in regards to the Taxol, as I've heard that there was a specific brand that had the permanent hair loss associated with it. In any case, good luck with all of this. At then end of the day, you have to be comfortable with your decisions. As I've seen so many times here, make the best decisions you can with the information at hand and then don't look back.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • 614
    614 Member Posts: 851
    edited February 2016

    Welcome all of the newbies and good luck.  I wish you the best.  Everyone has already responded and I agree with what was posted so I am not going to add anything to what was already stated.  Congrats to LTF and to Queen.

    Today, I took care of myself.  I came home from work and took a 3 hour nap!!  In addition, I was able to walk 10,000 steps today.  Yay.  Although my goal is to walk 1 hour per day, it is hard to accomplish that goal due to the extremely long hours that I work (including my long commute).  Basically, I am exhausted.   However, tomorrow is Friday :):)

    I am so glad for this site.  Everyone "gets" everyone else and we are such a support for each other.  It is great that people feel comfortable enough to post personal information.  My heart goes out to all of you who have suffered with depression and/or have family members who have/are struggled(ing) with mental illness.  I am glad that you (and family members) are all ok now. 

    I went through 1 episode of severe depression 16 years ago when my husband left me for another woman and we got divorced.  He got remarried 7 months after he left me.  We had just had my son (he left me the day after my son's 1st birthday). We got pregnant through science (artificial insemination) after going through fertility tests, etc.  I felt like I was in a pit that was enveloped with fog.  I couldn't stop crying.  Everything seemed gray and heavy.  I went for therapy and I took an anti depressant - Zoloft - for 1 year.  The Zoloft was great because it stopped my depression and it also lowered my sex drive.  That was such a help.  In the end, I became so much stronger.  I am glad that I went through the depressive episode because I am a Counselor and my experience has helped me to relate to people who have gone through depression.  I am also glad that I am no longer with my x-husband because he was not a positive influence in my life.  I am much better off without him.  Being a single parent to two children for 16 years has been difficult but I know that I can handle anything.  I also have a very positive attitude about life and that helps too.  I am truly blessed with a loving family and good friends.

    Have a great night everyone.


     

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Molly50
    Molly50 Member Posts: 3,773
    edited February 2016

    Hi ladies, brief check in. Annika, Thanks for responding. I sent you a pm. Sloan, I feel a closeness to you as well. My lifestyle makes it hard to maintain in person friendship so having all of you is so wonderful. I hope you feel better soon. Welcome Ellie and Eellek! I had genetic testing done and I found it very helpful in planning both my monitoring but also to know I made the right decision about having a BSO when I had my hysterectomy. I still don't know if I want to remove my remaining breast or not.

    Hugs to anyone I didn't mention. I got a rare night out with some co-workers. I am exhausted.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Molly50
    Molly50 Member Posts: 3,773
    edited February 2016

    This is an interesting read. Are Local treatments really local?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PontiacPeggy
    PontiacPeggy Member Posts: 6,778
    edited February 2016

    Molly, That's fascinating. I hadn't seen that article. Appears to be a promising line of research.

    HUGS!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LovesToFly
    LovesToFly Member Posts: 1,133
    edited February 2016

    Interesting article! I love reading about things like this. Even though I know that they probably won't help me now, it makes me worry a little bit less about records, that there are always new things they are learning about treatment!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MLP3
    MLP3 Member Posts: 534
    edited February 2016

    Ta da!!!

    image

    image

    image

    Who's that hot blond over there...?

    And that's my wig! A little too light and long for me so I'm going back in next week for low lights and a trim. My DH loves my buzz cut!! Thinks it's sexy... Omg

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MLP3
    MLP3 Member Posts: 534
    edited February 2016

    pink- I had an aggressive grade 3 with 0/6 nodes. There were so many variables that pointed in the direction of chemo for me and my oncotype confirmed. I also had a echo done prior to AC... It's mandatory.

    Queen- yay for no chemo!!

    Ltf- so happy you're feeling better!

    Welcome newbies;)

    Moondust- such a great group isn't it?

    Jclc- I find myself doing the same thing! I held doors for FedEx men yesterday and apologized to someone that my bag was on a stool next to me!! We are so strong;)

    Sloan- I feel the same way about relationships. And the great ones are the ones that you don't NEED to talk to everyday.

    HH- sorry to hear about your dog. My guy has chronic ear infections due to allergies. I'm going to try a raw diet for him.

    Brit- glad to hear that you're getting some relief with the therapist.

    Catching up here, so I apologize if I've missed anyone.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Queen_Sharon
    Queen_Sharon Member Posts: 39
    edited February 2016

    Good morning Ladies!

    WOW, who is that sexy blond! You look mahvelous!!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Queen_Sharon
    Queen_Sharon Member Posts: 39
    edited February 2016

    614 - so sorry about your ex-husband and the dark depression that followed. Glad you were able to somehow get through it and come out on the other side a stronger more confident person. Congratulations to you for overcoming!!

    Sending sincere and heartfelt wishes of comfort and healing to those going through chemo, radiation, fear, doubt, post-lumpectomy pain, and those of you just feeling blah.

    Thank you for caring enough to put your pain and personal issues aside to lend a compassionate ear and shoulder to those in need. This place feels like a warm fire in the middle of a cold winter storm. My thanks to all for the warm welcome.

    Take care! Hugs!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Molly50
    Molly50 Member Posts: 3,773
    edited February 2016

    Queen Sharon, you are a sweetheart. Glad you joined us. Mlp3, you have amazing cheekbones! No wonder your DH likes your buzz cut. Off to jury duty again.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PontiacPeggy
    PontiacPeggy Member Posts: 6,778
    edited February 2016

    MLP3, I love both looks. How cool that DH likes the sexy buzz cut. It does look good. And I like that shade of blonde on you. You rock!

    HUGS!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sloan15
    Sloan15 Member Posts: 896
    edited February 2016

    MLP - hahaha. I'm on my phone and had to look closely at the pic, then I laughed aloud at your comment.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • stellamaris
    stellamaris Member Posts: 384
    edited February 2016

    WOW MLP3 - you are gorgeous in both styles!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories