October 2018 Surgery Support Group

best wishes, Dani. I had my implant before radiation too and so far no issues. I constantly slathered myself with aloe and aquaphor for the skin. I may have just been lucky the implant seems fine. I hope you’re lucky too

Dani, it was fruit of the earth. I got it on amazon but I see it at cvs and such places. I don’t think there’s anything special about it. I looked for 100% aloe. I have tons of bras with grease stains post radiation too.

I found bras really irritated my skin, even the softest wire free ones I could find. At the RO they recommended going without a bra, but the PS said i needed to wear one most of the day. I want to give you a heads up to ask your doc about that just in case.

Dani444, thanks for the info for the YMCA program.

FYI, my local Y doesn't have the Livestrong program, but it does have a free cancer support program through the hospital where I had my BMX. I had no idea! Gonna check it out.

DIVA56, welcome to the group, but I'm sorry you have to be here. I'm a generally positive person, but it's hard to keep that up day in and day out with this disease. I have my sad moments, for sure (my double mastectomy was the same week as yours).

I'm not sure whether you were recently diagnosed or have gone through a lot of your treatment already, but know that a lot of survivors (I think i remember 80% or so?) get post-traumatic stress after their diagnosis. It's perfectly all right to cry - this ordeal is overwhelming a lot of the time. Be kind to yourself and give yourself time to heal both physically and mentally.

It's one thing to go through spells of being sad for what we've lost, but if you are finding yourself crying and depressed more often then not, please talk to your doctor (oncologist, surgeon, primary care doc - anyone you feel comfortable with). It isn't a weakness to seek emotional help after going through this. There are groups on this website that can help you feel supported (I have no idea how I would have gone through this without my chemo group on here) and in-person support groups, not to mention medications that can help you get through this. Hang in there, you aren't alone. Sending big cyber hugs your way.

Diva56… this is a crappy disease with difficult treatments. You've already been through a lot! Crying, feeling angry and or anxious is normal. I still have not cried yet and am worried because I know the tears are in there. Hugs

DeedeeT, tell your RO where you are in recovery from surgery. Radiation isn't bad but requires that you keep your arms above your head for a few minutes. Hugs

Purplecat, I started answering this on the December thread, but got interrupted. I'm really struggling with the naked vulnerability thing. It is causing me deep distress, so much so that I called our local cancer patient services to ask for a list of counselors who work with cancer survivors. I hope you feel better about it soon. Rads should be no big deal, but it is...

It certainly doesn't help that it gets dark at 4:30....makes us gloomier. Question: why would someone take hormone therapy if hey had a BMX? I thought that was just to prevent recurrence in breast. But no boobs=no need ? Perhaps someone has info about this. Have a wonderful night and i hope some internal sunshine

Chiliaddie - yes, the darkness has been part of it too! I was the last patient of the day for my first treatment, and when I left the building the sun was down. It made everything feel more difficult.

hello ladies,

i can totally relate to everyone of you going through the sadness and crying. When my OC told me that pathology report came positive and i have to go through the chemo again, i was so shattered and cried so much. Radiation was already in my treatment plan so I was okay with it but Chemo was definitely not. On top of that the weather is also not favoring. Its snowing and cloudy most of the time here in OH. But I am excited to go AZ to see my family during holiday time. Except these group and my family and husband, whenever i try to explain to other people what is going on i do not think they actually understand and all they say is stay strong. Sometimes i even hate when people say stay strong , i guess its just me :-).

So Diva66, we all have our phases and i think its okay to feel sad sometimes and to go through the roller coaster of our feelings.

Hugs to you and all of you ladies and stay warm.

Take care

My doctors warned me that when you're done with treatment is often when it becomes most emotionally difficult. You're not seeing doctors as regularly and may not be talking as much about your illness and how you feel. And if, like me, you're at the end of reconstruction, or close to it, and still not sure how you feel when you look in the mirror, it is really daunting. I think I am now mourning my breasts and my "normal"ness in a way I didn't during treatment.

Star, that was my experience when I had colon cancer. It's like we're on a treadmill w something to do and treatments to endure, while being closely monitored by doctors. Once we're left to our own devices, we have to start processing the incredible medical Odyssey we just experienced and it's overwhelming. I was diagnosed with PTSD after my colon cancer and it is rearing it's ugly head once again. Ive already called our local cancer patient services to get a list of therapists who work with cancer patients. Our local agency pays for 6 free therapy sessions and I plan on taking full advantage of it.

hello ladies,

Lately i have been scrolling and googling few articles regarding the natural healing for cancer. I came across this one book called "Chrisbeatcancer". According to his book after the surgery, he healed himself by following strict diet and did not do chemo. I tried to read the online reviews and it was mixed. I know we are here to help each other with genuine heart and opinions.

Have anyone know about the natural healing process or strictly following nutrients. Since my pathology report came positive and OC recommend for chemo, I am confused about it. After the surgery, the cancer is removed from my breast and lymph node. So i am wondering how would the OC will know when to stop the chemo or whether the chemo is effective or not.

Could you please share your thoughts on this and help a confused lady.

Thank you

Naesha, my twin sister followed a strict diet and took supplements for 4-5 months and her breast cancer grew quite a lot in that time but she felt a lot healthier for having such a good diet. How much a natural diet helps probably depends a lot on the details of which type of breast cancer you have. Now my sister is having chemo and it's helping but she's still following a natural diet and that helps to lessen the side effects of chemo. It would be good to talk with your oncologist and if you're interested, to also find a natural practitioner who could guide you about a natural diet and supplements. There's a section on this forum about natural treatments too. Best of luck and I hope you find the right treatments for you.

Naesha, please make sure you’re getting enough protein. Your MO may work with a nutritionist who can guide you.

I never had an onco type test either.

New thread in hormone tx forum. All are welcome!

New thread