Calling all TNs

Meadow great news on your wound I'm so glad to hear it. I too will only have one boob. With my amputation they have to remove my implant and won't be able to have reconstruction again. I'm not going to let it bother me because my breast almost killed me and losing an arm too cause of it.

I have to be at the hospital at 5am and surgery is at 7:15. After surgery and recovery they are putting me in ICU to monitor wound and blood flow. I will post as soon as I can.

Thank you all again for your prayers. You are all so kind and thoughtful! You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Any news on Annie?

(((((Hugs))))),DIV.

Thank you all for your positive thoughts.

DiV, you are on my mind and heart today! We all can count so many costs that BC has brought in our lives, very few have paid the price you are today. I am humbled by your brave spirit. "God, give her strength and peace, and healing today.Amen"

DIV...thinking of you today and hoping that all went well. Just remember...changes to our body do not change who we are inside our heart and soul. In the short time we've gotten to know you, it'a evident that you are one in a million. Sending prayers and waiting to hear from you.❤️

DIV - along with so many others - praying for you - convinced that you are a strong person that is going to make it over this hurdle and come out on top! You are obviously a strong person both mentally and physically. So much love and support coming your way 👍🙏🏻💪

Hi ladies!

I posted a few times in 2013 when I had just gotten diagnosed, then I just couldn't. I browsed topics from time to time but I was overwhelmed and the only way I got through it was putting my head down and working like a crazy person all through treatment. Cancer is just as much a head game as a physical one, I find.

I was 39 when I felt the lump and it grew from golf ball to softball size in 2months. While that was happening, it was red, hot, peau d'orange, I was put on antibiotics for "mastitis".... sounds a lot like IBC. My first biopsy was inconclusive and I had a piecemeal huge excisional biopsy with a drain that confirmed IDC. Surgeon thought huge tumor caused inflammatory response and the affected skin was mostly gone by the time the oncologist ever saw me, so I was not diagnosed with IBC.

I've done my best to put it all behind me, but it's been hard. I am pretty sure I have some PTSD from the treatment and the pulmonary embolism I had right after completing radiation.

I went a year with no follow up (divorce and moved across the country with no insurance) and once I got insurance again I had a PET-CT which showed increased uptake in ovary and endometrial lining, then an ultrasound with a complex cyst that has since resolved and thick endometrial lining. Gyn panicked and did a CA-125 tumor marker test which came back elevated (not useful for screening, but she wouldn't see me anymore and wanted me to see an onc gyn, who wouldn't see me because no biopsy.) after 5 months of referrals (hmo) I had the biopsy and it was NORMAL. Whew.

Now I'm pursuing reconstruction and finally to the point that I feel like I can help others who are going through this and have some support while dealing with surgery again.

Sorry for the very long post- it's nice that people here totally get it.

Red <

Welcome back Red. Glad to hear you are doing well.

DiV, ditto what loves said.

DiV! "Doing laps' and posting ALREADY!! You are amazing!! Wishing you a speedy recovery!!

Wow DiV you are so impressive. Take care and I hope the recovery is smooth. It sounds as though it has gone as well as you could have hoped. That is great news. Sending love and healing thoughts.

Hi ladies and Mike & Kathy.

Well I'm doing better this round of chemo now the infection has cleared. My appetite has increased hugely which will help me to fight. I was worried as I lost so much weight but hopefully I will put some back on (but not on my tummy!!). I've now got a week and a half of good days before the next one. My oncologist said if it decreases in size again I may have to have radiation on my chest and oesophagus but I'm a bit worried about not being able to eat again. Has anyone had this done and if so can you tell me, honestly, what it is like so I know what to expect, hate those darn cancer surprises.

Simple I'm so pleased you were able to come to NZ and liked it. It's a pity you couldn't get down to Lake Taupo it's only an hour from Rotorua. Did you get down to the South Island? the scenery is absolutely stunning. If not maybe on your next visit!!

Mike can you just imagine what I would be like if I went 'down below'. I'd probably say "put that darn fire out right NOW". You do make me laugh which keeps me going.

gmmiph just love you posts and all the funnies.

LUV I have been meaning to ask how you like your new home that you built. Hopefully you have settled right in with your dobbies and are happy.

Meadow love you so much. Love all these ladies and gents so much.

Another, hell yes we could meet in the pub or inn and have a good chin wag, as we say in NZ. It's such a shame we all live so far away from each other because I would love to meet every one of you. We would have a blast.

I wish this darn computer would go back and let me read posts without losing mine. Great technology.

At the moment the cat is having an argument with the dog. The dog is 6 and the the cat is 18 and is winning.

I think of you all so much and hope that you are all winning this bloody cancer war. To all of you going through treatment or having problems take one day at a time and you will get through this, I'm living poof of that. Keep smiling, enjoy every day that you can, and I pray the tough times will be easy on you and help you cope.

Love you all. Annie. xxxxx

Annie I had Etopiside and radiation. I had the worst sore throat of my life. Ate creamed soups, mashed potatoes and gravy, Ice cream really helped. I'm like you I want to know e everything up front. Annie I'm praying tumor shrinks.

Annie and DIV...so great to hear from both of you. You are both so totally amazing. Keep going strong‼️ Sending lots of love.

Well said Meadow! I echo what you said about Annie and DiV. Wow! What a pleasant surprise to hear from both of you!

Annie, we are enjoying the new house. The dobies love having so much room to run around and explore! My husband has planted lots of trees and plants and things look really nice now that the yard is established. I'm praying with the other's here that your tumor continues to shrink. It's so so great to hear from our dear sweet friend!!! Love you so much!!

DiV, it's great to hear from you too! I'm also praying for you for a smooth recovery. You truly are an inspiration girl!! Keep on checking in and let us know how you do.

I need to get caught up on everyone but have just been busy and am tired at the moment. Love all you guys and gals!! I really do!

Prayers and HUGS forall of you!!

Annie & DiV,

I am so happy that you are both fine. With God's help, you will both overcome the odds, along with all the beautiful people on this thread.

Please continue to be our inspirations!

More blessings and happy days to come!

Best Regards,

Gina