First time talking to anyone outside of family

If you have any questions about your insurance (if you have it) and breast care products like bras, prostheses, garments, wigs, skincare, please feel free to post. I have not had breast cancer but have worked with breast cancer patients (as a Mammographer) and have been in the DME/Breast Care business for a very long time. I know newly diagnosed women are going through SO much and have a lot to digest in a very short amount of time. Am glad to answer any questions you may have about this topic.

Seems you're feeling pulled in all directions.  Everything comes at once.  We each have different experiences but remain supportive of one another. Congratulations on the new job!  I like your employer already, being willing to work with your surgery and treatment schedule. That is a huge positive.  Let your DR'S guide you along this journey, and many of us can answer questions based on our experience, as well. Things will settle and adjustments must be made along the way. Please return to vent.  We've been there and still ask advice.  Take care of you. Hugs, Linda 

First of all, I am sending you a big hug! I also had trouble with the port and they ended up taking it out in emergency surgery.   It might help if you tell us what chemo you are on because it is all different and they have different side effects.  Take good care of yourself!  Drink lots of clean water. 

What works for some, might or might not work for another.  That is why these discussion boards are so helpful....Water water water to flush the toxins out of your system.  Chemo goes in, chemo has to come out.   Please contact your onc to let them know this and how you are feeling. 

Mine suggested and it was helpful to get some good lotion for your hands and feet, not a salve.  Sadly, to add insult to injury, the lotion they suggested and work the best was Udderly Smooth hand cream. You can get it at your local Dollar store.   I also found it good to soak them in lukewarm water and slowly make it cooler.  You may get blistering of the feet and hands, keep clean.  Mine did it 2 X.  For weeks I had a hard time walking and had to only wear soft soled slippers.  Over time, my palms and the bottoms of my feet peeled all the way off.  That was last year and my feet have remained sensitive since. 

We are all different on how our bodies handle this.  Make a journal of ea. day and you will find a pattern to be able to combat the side effects. 

That neulasta, oh it made me so so sick.  Over the counter meds to combat.  I am sure your onc has gave you suggestions.  If not or they are not working, call your onc and let them know and they can make some more suggestions. 

 I ate light and bland.  Such as applesauce, toast,  boiled potatos, cooked veggies such as spinach and greenbeans.  I could not handle milk products at all.  I had to drink warm water to room temp water.  too hot or too cold seemed to make me cramp.  Boulion, chicken noodle soup, watermelon.

 Please keep us updated on how your doing.  My prayers and thoughts are with you through this difficult time. 

Hugs,

Annie

Joined yesterday, totally new to how to proceed. Logged off too confused after tapping here and there.

I've been cancer free for almost 2 years. I had the lobular invasive carcinoma. I choose to do the bilateral, according to my husband, I had the look of terror on my face. I don't recall much of those early days after being diagnosed, meeting with the surgeon, choosing an oncologist & radiology doctor plus a plastic surgeon. I recall only that I was in a state of fog, I heard people talking but I wasn't listening, may be a word here & there. I treadmill now, every once in awhile I need help. I share my frustration with my husband, but I sense at times it's too much for him. I tried locating a support group closer to home to meet, learn, and share. They were always way too far( an hours drive away). So, instead I listen to the radio, and every once in a while the song is meant for me. I know I'm not alone. Sometimes the twinges are down right annoying and random, it drives me crazy & to think the worst. Which is a red flag or just healing? I try to busy myself, to keep those thoughts at bay. 

U2nora said:

Just venting

Joined yesterday, totally new to how to proceed. Logged off too confused after tapping here and there.

I've been cancer free for almost 2 years. I had the lobular invasive carcinoma. I choose to do the bilateral, according to my husband, I had the look of terror on my face. I don't recall much of those early days after being diagnosed, meeting with the surgeon, choosing an oncologist & radiology doctor plus a plastic surgeon. I recall only that I was in a state of fog, I heard people talking but I wasn't listening, may be a word here & there. I treadmill now, every once in awhile I need help. I share my frustration with my husband, but I sense at times it's too much for him. I tried locating a support group closer to home to meet, learn, and share. They were always way too far( an hours drive away). So, instead I listen to the radio, and every once in a while the song is meant for me. I know I'm not alone. Sometimes the twinges are down right annoying and random, it drives me crazy & to think the worst. Which is a red flag or just healing? I try to busy myself, to keep those thoughts at bay. 

Blessing you are cancer free...Im feeling blessed also that i found my mass early and demanded additional testing! 

Enjoy life and be thankful...there is always someone worse off then we are.....its hard sometimes with thoughts in your head...but im not claiming anything thats not there!!!  continue to be POSITIVE...LIVE!!!

Dear Willow, and U2nora!

It is SO hard, we all can agree to that. I have to agree 100% with Denise (Disney fan)--- if I hadn't had my sister with me at my early appointments, I couldn't have handled it. I, too, was in a fog, and a dense fog at that. And, those closest to us, like husbands, suffer along with us, and they deserve a break too.

I chose not to do chemo or radiation, so I can't comment there. I did have, though, maybe the worst time ever with my bilat mast, because I developed post surgical neuropathy (PMPS), which is chronic pain that seldom let's me forget the surgery, 3 years ago.

We are all different, but I do think we are all the same in that we need to do our research and make the choices that WE want, not what anyone else wants. Oh, and computer support groups are great!

Best wishes, and may this too pass! A S A P - lol!