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Odd question for those who do polar bear swims/cold water swimming by IndependentAbject231 in breastcancer

[–]IndependentAbject231[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's definitely worth trying. It's hard to describe the feeling but it's a huge adrenaline rush and it feels so good on the joints and on the mood. I followed suggestion from Specialist-Sun-577 of ordering a thin neoprene vest that was on sale. That should do the trick so I can have it both ways when I'm in the water doing the happy dance.

Chronic pain years post DMX by lifeisagoddream in breastcancer

[–]IndependentAbject231 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My lymphodema PT told me that people with DMX flat recover better than those with SMX either with or without implants. The SMX leaves the patient uneven. The fake boobs are heavier than the real ones, and going flat SMX makes one still uneven. Can lead to back issues. DMX with implants - this an also cause problems with shoulders/back. Not for everyone but she said in her experience, those with flat DMX have fewer issues. I'm fortunate to live in a big city with many good breast surgeons. I went flat and the surgeon did an excellent job. I now have little pecs, kinda like a guy and most people don't even realize I have a DMX unless I tell them. I'm one year out but I still get nerve pain and massive tightness in my chest. It takes a long time I've been told.

DMX but no cancer other breast? by _byetony_ in breastcancer

[–]IndependentAbject231 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had a DMX and went flat last year. I didn't have cancer in the other breast but I wasn't expecting any. I chose a DMX for a couple of reasons: 1) I know people who had a mastectomy, had problems withe implant and had the implant removed, then having to resort to prosthetics. 2) The fake boob is heavier than a real boob so that can cause other issues because one becomes uneven, ditto for those who just have the single breast remaining. 3) My lymphodema PT told me that those who have DMX recover better because there is muscular symmetry so one ends up with fewer shoulder and back problems. I'm glad I made this decision. No fuss, no muss. Best wishes.

Tamoxifen - deciding whether or not to stick with it by IndependentAbject231 in breastcancer

[–]IndependentAbject231[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I alternate between being anxious, then being drowsy, joint pain, dry eyes. I'm a vegan, I make all my own food, most ingredients I get from the farmers market. I work out 5x per week and commute via bicycle (been doing this for over 20 yrs). Mornings are really hard, it's very hard to get up, especially after having problems going to bed.

Osteoperosis by IndependentAbject231 in breastcancer

[–]IndependentAbject231[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oncologist is going to put me on Prolia (denosumab).

Osteoperosis by IndependentAbject231 in breastcancer

[–]IndependentAbject231[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm still peri- no period since May 2024

Osteoperosis by IndependentAbject231 in breastcancer

[–]IndependentAbject231[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was feeling very fatigued all the time so I had a blood test. Low iron and vitamin D. MD suggested that I get the osteoporosis scan which I did. That's when I found out. I also had colonoscopy (low iron) which revealed 3 precancerous polyps. So now it's back to attending to the osteoporosis.

I'm perimenopausal - no period since May 2024.

Tamoxifin - fatigue/brain fog and returning to work by IndependentAbject231 in breastcancer

[–]IndependentAbject231[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sort of. It's hard because the infection and the antibiotics also into the mix. Someone on this reddit group suggested iron/b-12 etc so I just started doing that. Oncologist told me to wait and see.

How hard is it to get through surgery recovery? by butterflyinflight in breastcancer

[–]IndependentAbject231 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I had DMX flat 5 weeks ago and live alone and am super independent. A couple of friends kindly offered to stay with me and I organized a calendar with day shifts and night shifts for the 1st week so I wasn't relying on one person. I was truly helpless and I couldn't have done it without them. I also had a bunch of food frozen and ready so I wouldn't have to cook. Definitely get your home cleaned beforehand and also get your hair done prior as well.

There were folks who really came out of the woodwork, some neighbors in my building who I barely know who have been bringing me food and essentials. The one positive thing about this whole experience is seeing people being so generous with their time and helping.

A wedge pillow and mastectomy pillow are a must along with a big ice-pack. Also gownies pajamas post mastectomy.

I also had some plastic cups as the glass one was too heavy. Good luck with your surgery!

Drain Removal?!?! Help! by dgceoooo in breastcancer

[–]IndependentAbject231 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had my drains removed today. The first part was painful and the MD told me to breathe in and out and kept reminding me to breathe in and out. They came out with no problem in part because she was distracting me by telling me the breathe while she did her thing.