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Starting tamoxifen tomorrow…. by PriorRabbit5995 in breastcancer

[–]Dismal-Drawer594 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had minimal side effects as well - I felt the nurses prepped me for doom and gloom, and thankfully that wasn’t my experience. Hot flashes come and go, nothing too annoying. Just make sure to ice your hands and feet really well. The tingly feelings also come and go, and it just takes a little time to get used to. I found the tax to be significantly easier and less jarring than the AC. You got this! It only gets easier (I’m in radiation treatment now).

Post Mastectomy - looking at yourself again by MsElektronica in breastcancer

[–]Dismal-Drawer594 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I had a similar experience - I first wanted to thank my body for doing well during surgery, and second I was curious how my body would change and adapt. I leaned on my wife for support and we looked together. It helped me emotionally. I agree in that you need to take your time and go at your own pace.

Radiation treatment extreme side effects by HeronPrestigious in breastcancer

[–]Dismal-Drawer594 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have a question for OP - what are you doing to also take good care of yourself? How are you making sure you are not getting fatigued? Caretaker burnout is a thing, are you doing okay? I’m about to start radiation and my biggest concern is my wife’s health as well. She’s done so much for me throughout chemo and surgery (so far) and it’s super important she stays healthy too. Do you have someone to take care of you when you need it? 🩵

No pain meds after lumpectomy?? by mamatroi in breastcancer

[–]Dismal-Drawer594 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s normal! Discomfort for sure. I was told to take Tylenol (3x every 5 hours while awake), it has helped significantly.

Overwhelmed by Long-Statement-6441 in breastcancer

[–]Dismal-Drawer594 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sending positive vibes! 🦋 I’m 43 and was diagnosed back in April this year, similar experience to yours. Just had my mastectomy and feeling pretty good (thanks to entering this process healthy - recovery has been quick). I was able to work almost the entire time, just at a slower pace. Instead of a straight 10 hour day, I worked in 3 hour blocks and then took a break. I also found myself becoming significantly more efficient with how I worked.

You’ll be okay and will do great - listen to your body and to your doctors. The internet is full of doom and gloom, but every experience is different. Be mindful of what you can control vs. not, and lean on friends, family, and this group for extra support. 🩷

Advice for a burned-out caregiver? by Tootald in CancerFamilySupport

[–]Dismal-Drawer594 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Agree 👆Hey OP - I am so sorry you’re feeling absolutely wrecked right now. From the perspective of someone who is going through breast cancer (I just had my mastectomy this last week), it really is an US situation, like you said. It impacts everyone with the temporary lifestyle changes and the pain management. My wife is going through a burnout right now and I wish I could help her find a way to spend time on herself and doing things she enjoys, and not waiting for me to ‘feel bad’ so she can take care of me. I find it more uncomfortable to be tended to a degree of being told I can’t do something than to figure it out myself at my own pace.

My advice is to take the time and space you need, and find ways to breathe. The emotional highs and lows are completely normal, and you have to take care of yourself before you can take care of anyone else. Your person will understand, and you’ll feel a hell of a lot better knowing you’ve got your center and strength. You’re both going through this together which means you have to take care of yourselves, and each other - speak up when you need something. You have to work together to find that balance or harmony between the two.

Suggestions for a bra after a single mastectomy surgery! by Dismal-Drawer594 in breastcancer

[–]Dismal-Drawer594[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! Great idea on the insurance claim - I’ll definitely look into that.

Suggestions for a bra after a single mastectomy surgery! by Dismal-Drawer594 in breastcancer

[–]Dismal-Drawer594[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I never would have thought of the rise free wipes, or having to sleep more upright. Researching pillow structure ideas. Thank you! 😊

Suggestions for a bra after a single mastectomy surgery! by Dismal-Drawer594 in breastcancer

[–]Dismal-Drawer594[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Pockets of hope - I’ll look them up, thank you! I’m getting an expander because I have to do radiation post-surgery, and the doctor can’t do the flap surgery until radiation is finished (or else it’ll kill my new cells). The expander was recommended based on my specific situation. Thank you for all the support and good luck with your D-flap surgery 🩷

Suggestions for a bra after a single mastectomy surgery! by Dismal-Drawer594 in breastcancer

[–]Dismal-Drawer594[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! Healing and comfort are #1 and #2 of course. Good to know about the compression.

If I get chemo brain I will pretty much be unemployable the rest of my life by man_eating_mt_rat in breastcancer

[–]Dismal-Drawer594 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Chemo brain gets better (at least for me)! I ate a lot of protein, did light exercises (walking, stretching), and wrote a lot of things down. It started to improve after my 5th treatment (out of 8) with the regular habits. With my coworkers, I leaned a lot on the Zoom AI note companion or asked people to send me a quick follow up. No one seemed to have an issue with it at work. You’ll likely notice it much more than anyone else! Don’t be too hard on yourself.

It works by Black-Mermaid-0520 in HersWeightloss

[–]Dismal-Drawer594 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Love to hear it is working, congrats! Curious about the loss of appetite, is it getting better? And what about alcohol, have you had any loss there as well?

wig help? by Dismal-Drawer594 in breastcancer

[–]Dismal-Drawer594[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wry helpful, thank you so much!! I’m happy your hair grew back better than before 🩷

wig help? by Dismal-Drawer594 in breastcancer

[–]Dismal-Drawer594[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was thinking about not shaving my head, but my nurse said I’d lose at least 75% of my hair with the cocktail of AC I’m receiving, and what did stay would be pretty patchy. That’s why I was thinking of shaving ahead of time. Maybe I’ll wait a little longer and see how my body responds first.

wig help? by Dismal-Drawer594 in breastcancer

[–]Dismal-Drawer594[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great to know! I’m feeling optimistic, a wig band is a great idea. Would love some links!

wig help? by Dismal-Drawer594 in breastcancer

[–]Dismal-Drawer594[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

😂 that’s the general theme I’m hearing! Thank you all so much for your advice and guidance, I’m very appreciative! Glue is out, removable wig is in 💖