Dis Breast Cancer Survivors Part III - GAGWTA!

[snappy]

Happy Birthday Laurie!!!

Just checking in aagain. My biopsy is a week from tomorrow. I am not really that scared of the procedure, more of the results then anything. I don't have a gut feeling either way.

I have been knocking out alot of home improvement projects just in case though. We put new flooring in my moms room, next is my sons. We also got some COOL furniture for my son that is retro and needs to be sanded and stained. I am hoping to have this all done by the time my biopsy comes. I am not sure how realistic that is??

Have a good day and disney dreams to all.

Wow, you have been busy, lady! So cool! I love the way you are dealing with the impending test.

I sort of did the same before my reconstruction. It was time to have our wood floors refinished as the icemaker had a sprung a leak and proceeded to back up into the living room.

I had to box up our many doodads, we have movers move furniture in the garage and the refinishing guys did their magic for a week, living room dining, foyer, and long long bedroom hallway. We had to park our sorry selves at my mom's house a mile away and this was before college so their were 5 of us.

While everything was awry, we painted said rooms, well, DH did it.

Had my free tram flap scheduled, so it was a race and we made it.

Only bad thing, was that standing up so much ruined my feet. I now have lovely neuromas on both feet. They complain a lot if I try to walk much in any but the most comfortable shoes.

So, please don't over the top over do. However, I admire your spunk and love your way of dealing with this.

When you are don with your house, you mind coming to visit me. I could use some inspiration and elbow grease.

LOL.

 

[snappy]

Thanks everyone for the birthday greetings. I will be thinking of one and all at 9:09 am.

I am enjoying my coffee. DD13 filled up the bird feeder for me that hangs outside the window by the computer. I jsut fedd my fish. All is good in the world.

I am starting the training for the Come Lord Jesus training again. It is a program for the 8th graders where they meet in small groups with a leader once a week and talk about the upcoming Gospel and how it relates to their lives. The first training is today, but since I have done it before, I am not too nervous.

Great beginning for my birthday.

One downer, DH looks very iffy for the trip now. I am wavering but am still waiting to cancel. It is beyond his control so I am not upset with him. This trip never did seem "actual." I am not letting it spoil the mood of the day. No way.

GAGWTA and thanks for all the sweet birthday wishes. You girls are special.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

GAGWTA, Ladies!!

Laurie, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Candy, I hope things improve soon!!

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Good afternoon ladies

Monique - Its good you are keeping yourself busy. I was doing things too before my surgery and my dh asked if I was having the nesting syndrome

Candy - I am so sorry you are having all those problems. I hope things will work out real soon for you and at least you have your trip to look forward to. Can you appeal the drug stuff? Well can your dr,. I should say do it for you?? I am sure your family will just be happy to be at Disney and try not to worry too much about the spending money. My ds didnt really ask for anything that much. Maybe lke $20 each etc.

Laura - Hope you are feeling better each day

Alice - Hope school and your post op recovery is going well

Well I called the reg. dr. as his witchy nurse/office manager who I cant stand called me back with my blood tests results, YES the tests I had 1 Month ago. There are internet reviews about her that say she is horrible so its not just me. They said my B12,iron and folic acid are low. I dont know if I should call the endo about tis?? I told them I already am taking the prescription vit d. I did take the folic acid but they told me before I could stop as the level was good and they told me to come in and get a B12 shot again. My head spins, I just want to be normal and somewhat well. Ds started school today. He already has a bus problem and I dont know what to do. They have to pick up a little boy from another private school by his and they have to wait 20 min. on the bus for him. He is in K and my ds met him while lifeguarding this summer, so I would feel bad to say something but I dont think its fair as his bus ride is now over 1 hour home, I hate to think of the little kids on the bus who would have to "hold" it for like an hour etc. I am debating what to do yet.

GTAGWTA, thinking of you all.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Thank you for the birthday wishes, guys. Yes, DH, then me, then my mother all have birthdays this week. Today is mine, tomorrow's is Mom's. I am taking her out to buy her present today (she wants a large George Foreman grill, LOL) and I might do manicures (which she's never had; and I've only had twice) and lunch somewhere nice. I feel fortunate to be here each bday, and I'm fortunate to still have her as well. She looks incredible (turing 84 tomorrow). DH's was Tuesday. DD made his cake this year and DH made me a cake to take into work which is always fun (nurses cake!). We generally eat way too much cake this week every year, but it's ok.

Laurie, hope you had a nice day yesterday.

GAGWTA

 

[TruBlu]

Hi Ladies,
I am so sorry if I'm being a pest, but I have another question....

My mom is having her modified radical mastectomy next Wednesday (16th). Is there anything I can get for her to make is easier? What kind of pj's work best? Will it be easier for her to have shirts that button, a big loose t-shirt or a pull-over dress to wear home from the hospital?

Sorry, I guess that was more than one question.

 

[laurabelle]

TruBlu-
Put a small pillow in the car and put it between your mom and her seat belt.

Clothes:
Oversized button-down-the-front shirts.
'Yoga' style, below the waist, pants or leggings, stretch or sweat pants
Slip on shoes
Comfy socks
Cotton camisoles
sports bras that open/zip in font

Bring along with you gum or mints, lip balm, hand lotion
Contact info. of friends and family

Best wishes for your mom...

 

[Candy30]

Hi everyone,

TruBlue- My Mom faired better with button down pajama shirts when she had hers. I pray and hope for the best for your Mom and her surgery.

Everyone thank you so much for your encouragement. I am going with what I got and determined to have a good time.

The medicine is avandia and they put me on Glucophage. My doctor has written a letter and has not heard back on that. I know there are many side effects and even law suits with this medicine but it works fine with me. No problems. Glucophage keeps me running to the bathroom.

Honu- Girl where are ya!?!? How are you?

LMP- I am glad that things are looking good. How is it that this woman still has a job and there are so many public complaints against her?

PNM- Manicure is a great treat. Enjoy it!!!

MP- I hope you are healing well.
Alice- Hope you are recovering well
Sha, Annrae, Snappy & Jacks-Thanks and

GAGTWA!

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Good afternoon ladies

I am definetely not feeling well. My stomach hurts. But I am glad the dr. is back from vacation just in case I really need him. Havent heard about the ct scan yet. DH said he wil call tomm. for me if we dont hear anyting today. Tomm. is physical therapy and its suppose to rain cats and dogs. Even ds19 said I dont look good today. We will see what the rest of the day brings.

GTAGWTA. Thinking of you all.

 

[MoniqueU]

Candy I am here just trying to keep busy with the home improvement projects to keep my mind off things. Out neighbor comes to lay the floor this afternoon in my son's room. I have spent most of the morning cleaning out his pigstye.

I agree on the button up PJs. My grandma got my mom some that were satin button up and elastic waist. I know my mom treasures those. My mom also overheated alot at the time from the treatment so we did anything we could to keep her cool. Not sure if that is an issue in your part of the country but here in so cal she had her mastectomy the day the gulf war started and that was in Jan I bellieve and even in the winter here with the treatments she was miserrable.

My DH birthday is coming up and my MIL will be gone for it in NY. I made plans for dinner the day of my biopsy. My biopsy is at 8 am and dinner is at 6 is this realistic? I think I should be firn right?

I hope everyone else is doing well.

 

[honugirl]

GAGWTA all! I got home from Seattle on Tuesday night, very late. We had a great weekend. Yesterday I went to karate class and jiu jitsu. I went to karate again this afternoon and then I'll go back again tonight. Tomorrow I've got a bunch of stuff to do and Saturday I've got a hockey thing in case I get healthy enough to skate later this season. Sunday I'm going to a Greek festival.

I'm doing OK. Still having ups and downs and am trying to figure out med dosages to keep myself from feeling sick. I'm now either allergic to my necklace (leather and metal) or my own sweat 'cause I've got a rash, so I'm waiting for my doc's office to call back with a referral to a dermatologist because they may have to do something different since I really shouldn't take prednisone.

Hugs for everyone!

Oh, and I'm thinking about entering the US Open Karate tournament next year and it's at WDW!!!!!!!!!!!!! Woohoo! Coronado Springs is the sponsor. I talked to the owner of my school and we're going to train for technique and forms, one with music and one without. If I'm healthy enough we're going to maybe try sparring, depending on if my endo says it's OK.

 

[Aliceacc]

GAWTA ladies!!

School is in full swing and I'm swamped; consider this a drive-by.

Peter got me a gorgeous bouquet of flowers to celebrate the 1st anniversay of my mastectomy. Hard to believe that it's been a whole year.

Monique, I agree with the oversized button down shirts. Also, when I went back to work, I wore blazers a LOT!!( as in: ALL of last school year!!) They do a great job of disguising your shape once you're able to get out and around.

Avoid anything that has to go over her head, as she won't be able to lift her arms that high for a while.

Here's hoping she has an incredibly easy time.

 

[MoniqueU]

:iv,u,aru[p[[oms, I am very sorry you are not feeling good today. I hope you are resting well this evening. I hope PT goes well and the CT scan is ok as well.

Do any of you ladires recall having any symptoms before you were diagnosed other then feeling lumps if yuu did? I have some pain in the breast where they are doing the biopsy but I am not sure if it is in my head or not???

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I did have some discomfort, Monique, which was what made me notice my lump in the first place. Just remember, though, that any lump that has swelling associated with it will probably have a little discomfort as edema is painful. So it wouldn't necessarily have to be cancerous to be uncomfortable. Most lumps aren't cancerous. Let's hope that's the case for you.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Had a nice day yesterday. Took my mother shopping, then made it to the nail salon. Had a nice mani/pedicure. My mother had her fingernails done, but outright refused to do her feet even though me and everyone in the salon was egging her on. She does not like the way her feet look (poor family, ill fitting shoes as a youngster during Depression ). She saw everyone having it done, though, and is going to think about it for later. When DD came home from school she was disappointed we went without her, so we may try again next month for DD's bday, the three of us. Later we had dinner with friends. DH bought me a nice big bouquet of fall colored flowers. Gosh, I love fall.

Speaking of which, this may be a dumb question, but do those of you in other parts of the country "get into" fall? Just wondering if this happens in places where there's no foliage. How do you decorate? I love putting up my fall decorations. Bought a few new ones yesterday.

 

[MoniqueU]

Pea I don't get into fall other then I love that it's football time. Other then that the only orange and brown we see here is when the fires come. I always hope for it to cool off for Halloween so my kids aren't sweltering in their costumes but we have had many a boo day with temps over 100.

 

[snappy]

:iv,u,aru[p[[oms, I am very sorry you are not feeling good today. I hope you are resting well this evening. I hope PT goes well and the CT scan is ok as well.

Do any of you ladires recall having any symptoms before you were diagnosed other then feeling lumps if yuu did? I have some pain in the breast where they are doing the biopsy but I am not sure if it is in my head or not???

No symptoms, no lumps for me. I was shocked there was anything there.

 

[snappy]

Linda, glad you enjoyed your birthday. Manicures and pedicures are a great way to celebrate any occasion. I bet your DD will enjoy hers on her birthday too.

I love fall. We have lots of trees (9 less since Gustav) so it means raking. Sadly, not much folliage to view here. But I love the cool dry air you only get in the late fall in south Louisiana.

I have tons of fall/Halloween decoration, most in the attic. DD13's birthday is Nov 1 so we have had lots of Halloween themed parties. DD19 gave me some lovely hurricane candle lamps for my birthday this year that have hand painted grean and orange leaves. They inspired me to decorate some but I have much more in the attic for outside decorating. One year at the church craft fair in New Orleans I bought these cute ghosts made out of wood and hand painted that we hang all along our front porch. We have them strung up wish fishing line and they swing in the breeze. Those are my favorites.

DH bought these very ugly ceramic pumkin that lights up and that is made up like a very ugley witch, warts and all.

That too is a family classic.

So I guess my decorating is more Halloween than fall per se.

I used to love the folliage in North CArolina when my parents lived in Charlotte. Fall trips were my favorite.

Here we are still mired in humidity and heat right now. Still summer except that it stays dark later in the morning.
That is the only difference for now. Oh, and they did close the club pool.

How are you Maryann?

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Good evening sistas

Linda - Glad you had a great birthday and your mom too!

Alice - That was sweet of your dh. I thought of you as ds17 is in pre calc and wants to drop it. I told hm no way as he needs to do even a harder class in college if he wants to be a pt etc.

Lisa - Glad you had a good visit. Wow, you amaze me with what you do physically. Hmm, so what is your favorite greek food. Of course I love baklava, spinach pie and greek salad. My dh hates all of it and some nice lady from church gave us a gift certificate to a greek restraunt when I was sick and we havent even used it yet etc.

Laura - Thinking of you and your dds at the Night of Joy. Of course my favorite is Chris Tomlin. I think even ds said he cried when he heard him sing once.

O.K. Lets play "Guess who" - who feels like pooh? Who is going for a ct scan at the hospital tomm? Who went to therapy today with Mr. Coffee? Who found out that you must schedule your pt visits and they just dont automatically give you the same time every week etc? Guess who is going to get stuck with Mr. Coffee again next week because of that? Guess who's ds tv that is 10 months old has decided to go kaput? Oh yeah, the answer is ME!! So before the ct scan tomm. I have to do some cooking for our annual church picnic on sun. I cant eat for 4 hours so why not look at food right? Maybe I will do a pop in tomm. and tell how things are going.

GTAGWTA. Thinking of you all.

 

[Candy30]

Hi All,

LMP-Sorry about your PT Follies! When I worked as the secretary at a PT office. I automatically started scheduling new patients appointments a month out. Frustrating. Glad you are feeling well enough to cook.

PNM- I knew you were going to love your spa time. It's great! It's even more fun when you are with family and friends. I love fall colors and especially when it's a wedding with fall colors and decorations. It's warm and inviting.

Alice- I am glad you are recovered and back to school. I know you must be swamped.

Moniqu- I am glad you are keeping busy and ahead of the game. I love football season toooo! I am a Steeler fan and we won our first game!! My husband is a Browns fan so at Football season it's interesting in our house. Especially when we host parties.

Honu-Girlfriend you are GO-ing! I can't see how you can do 2 classes in a day. I am glad you are keeping up with your hockey. You never know. It's good to see you in such great spirits.

Snappy-Fall is a great time to visit around here. There is a place in PA that is called Saw Mills that you can drive through and see all the trees in yellow, orange, red and in between. We used to drive there when the kids were younger. It really is beautiful!

I have three days ladies! I got called in today to work a catering job so that was unexpectedly nice!! So depending on the tip, I will have more money for the trip. I also am having a gold party on Sunday. So I have to get off of here and clean and then get ready for work.

I am starting to get excited again. I will have a trip report when I come back. I can't take our laptop. Just too much to worry about.

GAGTWA