Brand New-and thank you

RNHF1986
RNHF1986 Member Posts: 26
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I just wanted to introduce myself. I'm Becky and I am post bi-lateral mastectomy coming up on 2 years this month. I also had chemo (FEC+taxotere+some taxol), but no radiation because I had previous radiation for Hodgkin's when I was 19. I am now 43. I've also had my thyroid removed (no cancer) and lymphedema. I have Barrett's esophagus. I have an extremely supportive family and husband and actually am a fairly well-adjusted person despite the "big events" in my life. I just wanted to introduce myself and tell you all that I am here, ready to listen, ready to take what I need and give what I can. You all are amazing people and I feel extremely lucky to have been encouraged to come to this network. You all have helped already. Look forward to checking in.

Comments

  • cabbott
    cabbott Member Posts: 1,039 Member
    #2
    Hi Becky!
    I can't say that this is a club anyone would choose to be a member of, but the support here is great when you get stuck with cancer. When I read your post, I hoped someone had advised you on treatment of lymphedema. Some friends of mine have it and they found some folks that knew how to reduce the swelling with specialized massage treatments. Another was prescribed a pump that helped some but took a lot of time. I try to keep up with the list of do's and don'ts to avoid getting or worsening the problem. There was a whole book on lymphedema in my public library that helped, but these days I usually just check the internet for that kind of information. I have a right mastectomy with no radiation or chemo (stage one so far) and I'm missing part of my right lung thanks to finding lung cancer this year (not a met!). I think I'm lucky to have caught this beast early both times, though I am angry we don't have a cure yet. Good luck in your fight!

    Carol
  • LesleyH
    LesleyH Member Posts: 370
    #3
    Hi and pleased to meet you. You sound as though you have been through a lot. We look forward to more of your wisdom and exprience.

    Hugs.

    Lesley
  • Susan956
    Susan956 Member Posts: 510
    #4
    Welcome to our crew.. You will finds lots of love and support here.

    Take Care... God Bless....

    Susan
  • babs49242
    babs49242 Member Posts: 193
    #5
    hi Becky!I've been a survivor since 2004. I pretty much went thru the ordeal by myself..I think it made me a stronger person.
    Prayers are lifted for you.
    bunches of hugs!
    Cindie
  • RNHF1986
    RNHF1986 Member Posts: 26
    #6
    cabbott said:

    Hi Becky!
    I can't say that this is a club anyone would choose to be a member of, but the support here is great when you get stuck with cancer. When I read your post, I hoped someone had advised you on treatment of lymphedema. Some friends of mine have it and they found some folks that knew how to reduce the swelling with specialized massage treatments. Another was prescribed a pump that helped some but took a lot of time. I try to keep up with the list of do's and don'ts to avoid getting or worsening the problem. There was a whole book on lymphedema in my public library that helped, but these days I usually just check the internet for that kind of information. I have a right mastectomy with no radiation or chemo (stage one so far) and I'm missing part of my right lung thanks to finding lung cancer this year (not a met!). I think I'm lucky to have caught this beast early both times, though I am angry we don't have a cure yet. Good luck in your fight!

    Carol

    Hi, Carol. Yes, I had some help with the lymphedema. The oncology place I go to actually has a breast cancer coordinator--she recognized the lymphedema when it started. I went to a specialty PT who works with bc patients/lymphedema. She came to be a very important caretaker in my life. I had PT-massage and learned how to do it myself. I was also fitted with a compression glove and sleeve and was encouraged to exercise. Right now I can go without the glove and sleeve, but have definite swelling in my hand (my problem area). I have found though that my arm is losing some muscle tone and probably need to exercise it more. I think that I have probably babied it a little because I didn't want to have to wear the sleeve and glove. I think that sometimes I just want to walk down the street without anyone knowing what has happened to me. Thanks for replying and good luck to you, too!

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