Dis Breast Cancer Survivors Part III - GAGWTA!

[lookingforward]

OK, OK. I know there's an element of trust involved in making such a promise, and over the internet, that's difficult... But I think it could help you and I just want to hear that you'll try it.

Here's what it is. I'd like to see you start practicing a little meditation and affirmations. Make some time for yourself, light a candle, put some soft music on, etc. Plan to shut out the rest of the world for at least 15 minutes or so, better if longer. Now relax. Concentrate on relaxing and breathing - from your abdomen, not your chest. Feel all of the muscles in your body relax, from your head, to your neck, arms, trunk, back, butt, thighs, calfs, feet. Work it. This will put your body in a relaxed state, and it's been shown that being this way for even a few minutes can have lasting benefits to you for the rest of the day (endorphins and all that). It can take several minutes to become relaxed. Enjoy those minutes. Work it.

As for your mind, put yourself somewhere pleasant while you're becoming relaxed. A favorite vacation spot, perhaps the beach. FEEL the sensations of your favorite spot - smell it, see it, hear it, feel it, taste it, live it. Don't allow anyone or anything to interrupt this time which is YOURS. Bring yourself there anytime. The more you do it, the better you become at it.

Now the really fun part. After you're relaxed and you've enjoyed being at your favorite place for a while, now you're going to go to a new place. The place you want to be, perhaps a year from now. You are in school in the front of your classroom teaching your students. You are wearing a lovely, comfortable outfit in a smashing color. It fits you absolutely perfectly, with your "new figure" and all. You've gotten a zillion complements on it today alone. You feel and look great. Your mind is at peace. You are happy, settled, have a new appreciation for life, etc. At home, you admire your new figure. It really looks great now that it's healed. Amazing that something like that can be done when so many Sistas before us were left incomplete. I have a lot to be thankful for (list these). Etc.

When your mind goes to a place that's unpleasant, you have the power to take it somewhere else. Practice it, I promise it will help you if you do it regularly.

Great idea! I have been doing positive affirmations to myself when I feel like I am getting down (which is often). It seems to help me, but your idea is even better.

I went on and then off effexor, it made me feel numb. I like to be in more control. I feel more at peace with myself now, even during my most sad times.

I am bummed, the cancer comedian that was coming to the Improv here cancelled. I was really looking forward to it. My entire family is doing weight watchers. Its been so much fun planning and cooking yummy and healthy things. I feel really good about it.

Sending hugs and best wishes to you all! OH.. I booked bay lake for an October visit...so I am so psyched about that. Gotta have something brewing for disney to daydream about And then a 9 night cruise on Norweigan for Christmas. YEA!

 

[Sha]

OK, OK. I know there's an element of trust involved in making such a promise, and over the internet, that's difficult... But I think it could help you and I just want to hear that you'll try it.

Here's what it is. I'd like to see you start practicing a little meditation and affirmations. Make some time for yourself, light a candle, put some soft music on, etc. Plan to shut out the rest of the world for at least 15 minutes or so, better if longer. Now relax. Concentrate on relaxing and breathing - from your abdomen, not your chest. Feel all of the muscles in your body relax, from your head, to your neck, arms, trunk, back, butt, thighs, calfs, feet. Work it. This will put your body in a relaxed state, and it's been shown that being this way for even a few minutes can have lasting benefits to you for the rest of the day (endorphins and all that). It can take several minutes to become relaxed. Enjoy those minutes. Work it.

As for your mind, put yourself somewhere pleasant while you're becoming relaxed. A favorite vacation spot, perhaps the beach. FEEL the sensations of your favorite spot - smell it, see it, hear it, feel it, taste it, live it. Don't allow anyone or anything to interrupt this time which is YOURS. Bring yourself there anytime. The more you do it, the better you become at it.

Now the really fun part. After you're relaxed and you've enjoyed being at your favorite place for a while, now you're going to go to a new place. The place you want to be, perhaps a year from now. You are in school in the front of your classroom teaching your students. You are wearing a lovely, comfortable outfit in a smashing color. It fits you absolutely perfectly, with your "new figure" and all. You've gotten a zillion complements on it today alone. You feel and look great. Your mind is at peace. You are happy, settled, have a new appreciation for life, etc. At home, you admire your new figure. It really looks great now that it's healed. Amazing that something like that can be done when so many Sistas before us were left incomplete. I have a lot to be thankful for (list these). Etc.

When your mind goes to a place that's unpleasant, you have the power to take it somewhere else. Practice it, I promise it will help you if you do it regularly.

I may copy that and post it in a note on Facebook.... I have a audio tape for relaxation from college in 86-87 that I really need to get to disk and then to my iPod so I have it. I just don't know exactly how.

Linda, your post reminds me of the relaxation sessions I had with a wonderful counselor back in the early 90's when I was struggling with continuing to work in an extremely fast-paced enviornment with 2 kids under the age of 3.

The exercises were very helpful me to me. I still listen to soothing sounds of the sea pretty much every single night when going to sleep. My bedroom CD player has a setting where the CD plays over and over. So the first sound I hear as I am awakening in the morning is the sea.

Not I repeat NOT an alarm clock.

Good thing i am not expected in the office early in the morning.

Maybe I should try this before and after the bingo session tonight?

This will be my 5th session attending. I do not stay the entire 6 hours of the session. I made it perfectly clear my role was to help the bingo workers and board member volunteers understand how to complete the paperwork the state and parish gaming offices insist on.

When they get comfortable (we have some people who shiver at the sight of numbers) I am outta there.

I actually have bingo nightmares. Who would have thought such a simple thing would become an albatross?

I gotta quit complaining, there are so many here that have such serious issues. I am just trying to inject a little humor, albeit lame, as is my usual pattern.

You can put me on ignore if you like.

Anyway, GAGWTA!!

Would never put you on ignore!!!

 

[honugirl]

Snappy, can I come to Bingo with you? I freaking love bingo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

On a more serious note, on my left side I've been having a lot of pain in the breast area, over on my side (it's actually painful to touch in parts from my armpit to about halfway down my ribs), and the top half of my ribs are painful. This is also the side that tends to leak more and the nipple has grown a bit. I'm just wondering if any of you had pain or anything like that. I can't feel any lumps or bumps, but I'm a little chunky right now... I haven't done any sports or anything, haven't fallen down, so I'm a little perplexed as to why it would be painful like that. It actually aches constantly.

With screwed up hormones like mine have been for so long, who knows what problems I could end up having.

Thanks!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Glad you liked it, ladies.

Hopefully Alice is gettin busy.

I think I need to do mine myself today. DS just broke our front picture window with a golfball. Man, it's a good thing I love that little bugger so much. He's always breaking something.

I am going on vacation for about 10 days (with two baseball tournies thrown in there, one this w/e and one next). I will have my netbook with me so will try to stay in touch. I am looking forward to having some R&R.

Also wanted to add, I'm thinking about Laura(belle), and hoping she's finding some R&R and peace, too. Keeping you all with me in spirit!

 

[snappy]

Snappy, can I come to Bingo with you? I freaking love bingo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

On a more serious note, on my left side I've been having a lot of pain in the breast area, over on my side (it's actually painful to touch in parts from my armpit to about halfway down my ribs), and the top half of my ribs are painful. This is also the side that tends to leak more and the nipple has grown a bit. I'm just wondering if any of you had pain or anything like that. I can't feel any lumps or bumps, but I'm a little chunky right now... I haven't done any sports or anything, haven't fallen down, so I'm a little perplexed as to why it would be painful like that. It actually aches constantly.

With screwed up hormones like mine have been for so long, who knows what problems I could end up having.

Thanks!

I think I could actually start to like bingo if you would go with me.

I have experienced what you describe. My cancer was only detect by seeingthe microcalcifications by mammogram all over the state of Texas on my lefty breast.

It wasn't there or at least not detectable the year before, then poof.

So not pain and no lump.

I believe I would have it looked at, honugirl. I think it is always better to see a specialist as general guys do not always recognize stuff.

So I guess I am saying see your gyn. If you get referred further, go with it.

Please keep us in the loop on this. I guess having lived it, I lean towards being over cautious. I just do not see any downside of tipping the scales that way.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Guess who sistas

I told ya'll to not have too much fun. This will be quick The 3 hr operation turned into 45 min, he cleaned out the infection, ripped out the old gortex and put in the alloderm graft. I am up on the orthopaedic floor, my dr. is off for the week end,they are still deciding about the wound vac machine. He told dh it was better than he expected, so less cutting.

GTAGWTA

 

[Sha]

guess who sistas

i told ya'll to not have too much fun. This will be quick the 3 hr operation turned into 45 min, he cleaned out the infection, ripped out the old gortex and put in the alloderm graft. I am up on the orthopaedic floor, my dr. Is off for the week end,they are still deciding about the wound vac machine. He told dh it was better than he expected, so less cutting.

Gtagwta

that is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Aliceacc]

Guess who sistas

I told ya'll to not have too much fun. This will be quick The 3 hr operation turned into 45 min, he cleaned out the infection, ripped out the old gortex and put in the alloderm graft. I am up on the orthopaedic floor, my dr. is off for the week end,they are still deciding about the wound vac machine. He told dh it was better than he expected, so less cutting.

GTAGWTA

Wow, sounds great, though I love the choice of words ("RIPPED OUT the old...)"

But I'm glad it went well, hope you're feeling OK.

 

[Aliceacc]

Thanks for all the pep talks. I went to my sister's for a while this afternoon-- that helped a bit.

 

[honugirl]

I think I could actually start to like bingo if you would go with me.

OMG! We would have the bestest time! Bingo is so much fun! I used to love the show Bingo Night in America (yeah, I'm a nerd!). It was only on for a season, but I'd print of my bingo cards, I had the dobbers out, I was ready.

I think it's time for a Bingo get together. And I promise I won't sing, "there was a farmer had a dog and Bingo was his name-o. B-I-N-G-O!"

I have experienced what you describe, My cancer wa only detect with microcalcifications all over the state of Texas on my lefty breast.

It wasn't there or at least not detectable the year before, then poof.

So not pain and no lump.

I believe I would have it looked at, honugirl. I think it is always better to see a specialist as general guys do not always recognize stuff.

So I guess I am saying see your gyn. If you get referred further, go with it.

Please keep us in the loop on this. I guess having lived it, I lean towards being over cautious. I just do not see any downside of being tipping the scales that way.

Thanks Snappy!

I currently don't have an OB/gyn, I usually see my PCP for my annual exam. I'm still down at my parents house which is near OHSU, big medical institution here, I think I'll call up on Monday and see if I can see one of their docs about it. Some days I wonder if I'm making too big a deal out of things, but with the fact that my disease can be caused by lung tumors, I've had whacked out hormones for so long, and also that Cushing's can cause osteoporosis I should have it looked at.

Guess who sistas

I told ya'll to not have too much fun. This will be quick The 3 hr operation turned into 45 min, he cleaned out the infection, ripped out the old gortex and put in the alloderm graft. I am up on the orthopaedic floor, my dr. is off for the week end,they are still deciding about the wound vac machine. He told dh it was better than he expected, so less cutting.

GTAGWTA

Hi LMP! Check for hot orthopaedists for me, OK? Usually they're pretty cute. I prefer around 6 feet, dark hair, blue eyes, single. If you need a picture of me, I'll gladly forward over a picture of Jaclyn Smith. I look exactly like her. If you add about 70 pounds, cut the hair shorter, and make her about 25 years younger....

Happy to hear that things went well. Now hurry up and get back here and play with us. Snappy and I are going to Bingo.

 

[NHAnn]

GAGWTA!

Typed a long post yesterday and lost it...trying again.
Still either struggling with DD's Macbook or trying to get a few minutes on DH's Dell which is DD's old limping- along one.

I got fly-fishing gear for my birthday last week! Have an amazing DVR disk from Casting for Recovery with tons of pics of my weekend set to "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" Also a few e-mailed to me from my river instructor that I will try to get posted...sometime!!

I m missing Laurabelle and hoping she is OK.

Thought of both Linda in Mass and Melissa in OK last week when there were some bad weather days - rain/ahil/wind in Mass and heat in OK. Hope all is well!

Alice... I love Linda's relaxation/affirmation suggestion and it's a big reminder to me to get back in that habit too.

I feel so out of the loop here lately, not being able to get on as much and and then not being able to post when I do. But know I am thinking of you and miss you all!

P.S. I LOOOOVE Bingo!! LOL Try to time my visits to Dad's nursing home to play Bingo with him!

GAGWTA!

 

[lookingforward]

Guess who sistas

I told ya'll to not have too much fun. This will be quick The 3 hr operation turned into 45 min, he cleaned out the infection, ripped out the old gortex and put in the alloderm graft. I am up on the orthopaedic floor, my dr. is off for the week end,they are still deciding about the wound vac machine. He told dh it was better than he expected, so less cutting.

GTAGWTA

I am happy to hear that it was less then they thought. I hope you are feeling better soon!

 

[lookingforward]

I LOVED BINGO! I wish they had somewhere here I could play. The military has awesome bingo, but I think I already said that? Anyhow, hoping you are all doing well today. I am having my dad over for our Sunday dinner. Then, tonight, the long awaited ENTOURAGE! Its my favorite show on HBO. My son wants to be an actor and so for each show we make quacomole and watch it together. A little tradition. Of course, tonight, it will be low fat quacomole (if there is such a thing) and baked chips.

 

[snappy]

Glad to hear your surgery was shorter than expected.

Glad you posted.

Get some rest and may the healing begin!!!

 

[annrae]

I know it has been awhile since I've posted but I try to keep up with what is happening in your lives and think of all of you so often. We just returned from Maine (Portland and Freeport) where we met my sister and her husband from New Brunswick Canada. We spent the weekend in Portland and then went on to New Brunswick for a few days. It was a lovely vacation - I love the LL Bean store!!

So nice to see you on the boards Ann - I probably was not too far away from where you live when we went through New Hampshire. The photo you posted of you and your husband was truly lovely.

Thank you for posting the relaxation techniques Linda - I'm trying very hard to change my way of living under self-imposed stress - I always seem to think it is necessary to do two things at once and to "fix" everyones' problems and it is beginning to take its toll.

I think of Laura often and hope she is feeling better.

Laurie - it sounds like you are having a busy summer. At least it is summer where you are and not this crazy weather we are experiencing in the East. The humidity must be very difficult to handle though! Could you just send a very "little" our way?

Melissa - Hi! Are you almost in the process of getting ready to send your daughter off to college? Remember January 2010!!!!

To all of you - I send hugs and good wishes for feeling better, feeling stronger and being given the strength to go on one day at a time.

Barbara

 

[luvmarypoppins]

0n ds nintendo . dr. today said my dr. plans to do the vac tomm. we will talk. told him before if dh can't do it, then forget it. told him my home is my sanctuary where i get away from all the healthcare professionals, lol. today would have been my sister's 50th b day. sigh and sad.

 

[Sha]

another stress buster... quit wearing your watch!!! one of the best things I ever did for myself, and just hate putting it on now. Have a spare in my car when I go to see patients in case I forget it.

 

[Sha]

Okay... I have just read a book I have had sitting around for about 2 years... maybe you all have read it, and maybe not. It's a quick read and sad.... and yet, beautiful. It is titled "Life on the Refrigerator Door" by Alice Kuipers. Have a box of tissue nearby!


love you ladies!

 

[Notatourist]

GAGWTA! all...

working through neulasta pain again and the lovely insomnia that comes with it.

Luv-you made it through this part...yay...

Honu-keep doing research-you're going to find a fit for your needs...

And for others, forgive me, chemo brain is wearing me out again...

Happy Monday All

 

[Candy30]

I felt left out. I couldn't find the thread. Granted I couldn't look everyday because I was crazy busy. I sent out an SOS post to find everyone. Thanks Jessica R for directing me!!!!!!

So much to catch up on. LMP!!! And ALICE!! I am so glad your surgeries went well.

Honugirl- How are you? I was sad to read that you can't make it in September to Disney but I am glad you are waiting until you feel better and can enjoy it!

Snappy How are you? Are you going in September? I will be in Disney 16th-22nd.

Sha-I love reading. I have to look 4 that book.

Linda-great technique. I coulda used it this weekend.

Nota- Hang in there honey. We don't care if you have chemo brain. We understand that language too!!

We had our garage sale and made total $400.00. I also have been on the phone with health care for 2 days and found out they made an error and I don't owe $500.00 but $250.00. So I can pay that and some on my Disney!!!! Is anyone else going in September?

Glad to have found you all! GAGWTA.