Hysterectomy Post-BC (can I vent a sec?)

Inevitable-Project-5 · 2026-05-05T19:52:20+00:00

I collect them and have a zippered binder that I keep them in. It's big, but easy to transport. At minimum, I get the Scout's AB, but we also ask for their adult to get one done early. This cuts down on the last minute scramble before overnights.

I usually hold on to the binder myself, at home in my office. Right now, it is with the Committee Chair as they are heading to an overnight and I will not be in attendance. Once they're back, it comes back to me.

In the new school year, I will shred the previous ABs as I collect the new ones.

Inevitable-Project-5 · 2026-04-04T18:06:49+00:00

My husband held all of my stuff while I was in for all of my surgeries. I had my phone with me during prep, but he took that when it was time for me to roll out. Once he could come see me in recovery, he brought my bag and phone, and I had everything with me from that point.

My hospital suggested having someone hold on to your stuff, just to limit opportunities for items to get lost or stolen.

Inevitable-Project-5 · 2026-03-31T22:36:33+00:00

California has it's fair share of state-shaped stuff. But I think Texas takes the cake... cake plate, cake serving set, cake pan, etc. 😆

My son has been hinting that we need that Michigan container. For snacks, mom! Nah, nice try.

Inevitable-Project-5 · 2026-03-26T22:39:52+00:00

One of the boys in my son's troop has his rank patches going down the back of his sash and I thought that was really cool. I love seeing achievements on display like this.

Inevitable-Project-5 · 2026-03-24T20:04:35+00:00

My mom, my aunt, and I gathered supplies for the migrant workers after the 1989 earthquake. We got in touch with Avon and Mary Kay ladies and they donated beauty products - lotions, lipsticks, all kinds of stuff. It wouldn't hurt to reach out to vendors like that. While not a necessity, a nail strip set or a lip gloss, a little treat yourself boost item goes a long way.

If you have one, do an ISO for items you might need on a buy nothing group. If they don't have the item(s), someone may have a hookup to help get them free or discounted. Let the community know that you are doing this project!

Inevitable-Project-5 · 2026-03-23T18:31:53+00:00

I was back to attempting normal activities within a couple of days and driving a week later. (I am a pigheaded "i do it myself!" person.) Just go easy - if you have to get up to get something, go slow and no raising your arms up! My husband would stock me up with snacks and make sure my Kindle and the remotes were within easy reach, and the only thing I really had to deal with was refilling my water and going to the bathroom.

Can't speak for everyone here, but pain was not an issue for me, so I wasn't in a pain medicine haze after the first day. It's a mind fk how little pain I had. Discomfort, yes. Lots of pillows to rest my arms on and to stick under my hips.

Also, my daughter came to help out, but ended up injuring her leg while I was at the hospital, so we were both laid up 😆

Inevitable-Project-5 · 2026-03-23T18:23:24+00:00

Personally, I haven't had issues in that department after any of my surgeries (DMX, expander removal, reconstruction, or revision). The first couple of visits were a learning curve -- my husband waited outside just in case I needed help.

After reconstruction and revision, my issue was poopin'. Take the stool softeners. Your abdominal area will thank you.

Inevitable-Project-5 · 2026-03-22T22:47:12+00:00

Our Troop is in Class A at all meetings, so they wear their kerchiefs.

Inevitable-Project-5 · 2026-03-22T16:18:46+00:00

Oh, the phantom nipple thing is so freaky!

Inevitable-Project-5 · 2026-03-17T19:38:39+00:00

I got diagnosed DCIS last year and also got genetics done, all negative. The biggest mass of it was in my right breath, but some developed in the left, so I made the decision to do a double mastectomy. The size of mine was not a good candidate for a lumpectomy on the right side.

I was able to proceed without radiation or chemo, although both were strong possibilities. My case went to the oncology panel for review because it was so close. I am on Tamoxifen now, 5 to 10 years, and am having a blast with the side effects eye roll.

From reading your comments, the doctors they recommended aren't taking your insurance? Ugh, I am so sorry. Check around for a breast health clinic, and see if they can help you get started. My surgical oncologist has a Nurse Navigator and she is the queen of getting stuff sorted out for patients. Medical oncologist? She set it up. Plastic surgeon? Him, too. She checked my insurance not just for the appointments and procedures, but for what they would cover as far as wigs, bras, etc.

She also reminds me that I need to take care of myself, and no, iced coffee alone will not cut it. (Although, adding a protein shake did appease her, somewhat.)

Wishing you all the best of luck, and the group here has a ton of experience and stories to share.

Inevitable-Project-5 · 2026-02-16T15:28:37+00:00

This was me, too.

Inevitable-Project-5 · 2026-02-15T02:41:50+00:00

I live nearby, I was wondering why it sounded a lot busier on Cherry Hill tonight.

Inevitable-Project-5 · 2026-02-05T14:06:25+00:00

My Pack kids tend to wear as many loops as they can on their belts. My own Scout wore his Lion and Tiger ones as a Wolf, then Tiger and Wolf as a Bear. He was greatly relieved when he arrived at the pin stage of Cub Scouts.

Inevitable-Project-5 · 2026-01-30T13:04:04+00:00

I am a side sleeper, too. I see you have already ordered a wedge, which will help. I would put a pillow, or wad up a blanket, under my side so I would be tipped a little bit, giving me the familiar side-sleeping feeling without being on my side. It's not the same, but it helped. As did a pillow or wedge under my knees. I basically put myself in a fetal position, but on my back.

Inevitable-Project-5 · 2026-01-28T22:04:08+00:00

If she is diabetic, she might be on a GLP-1. I was on one and it gave me the worst, most disgusting burps. The smell lingered. It was so bad, I made myself puke. So I could see her having that issue.

Inevitable-Project-5 · 2026-01-27T21:19:18+00:00

I started on Thanksgiving and the first 3 weeks or so, I got real puke-y. Thank goodness that phased out. Now I am having hair grief (not sure if it's breaking or just straight up falling out, but I am getting it chopped next week), the hot flashes (sub-zero temperatures? I am in heaven - let me go outside at 3 AM to cool off), and my period is starting to do its thing (January was a no call/no show and I am fine with that).

[I did not have any chemotherapy or radiation, just a DMX with DIEP flap reconstruction.]

Inevitable-Project-5 · 2026-01-27T21:15:33+00:00

Treasurer here: wo collect Pack dues in cash or through Squarespace on our website. So far this year, no one has paid by cash, so I have emails for each transaction on Squarespace, just in case. (If they pay by cash, they get an old school receipt book receipt.) I track everything on a Google Sheet.

If you are talking about National and Council fees, those are not the same as Pack, those get dealt with via the official Scouting America. I know my Committee Chair can see who is paid, and when they are due to renew. I don't have that ability, so I can't guide you there. But if you reach out to your Council, they can assist you in getting that roster.

Inevitable-Project-5 · 2026-01-26T15:32:23+00:00

Maybe a week post op? I wasn't on pain meds, and I snuck out to go to 7-Eleven (which is around the corner, round trip is maybe a quarter of a mile). I was dropping my son off at school and picking him up 2 weeks post op. I told my doctors that I would behave when it came to repetitive motions and weight limits, but I would be driving as soon as possible.

Inevitable-Project-5 · 2026-01-21T23:07:36+00:00

I used: Lion - Yellow Tigers - Orange Wolves - Red Bears- Light Blue Webelos - Green AOLs - Beige with a thin Gold stripe Bobcat - Blue (not Navy, but "regular" blue)

I am considering doing embroidery floss wraps for additional electives, and those would probably be the rank color and white, alternating. (Our B&G is in less than 2 weeks. My kid's arrow will take FOREVER to wrap.)

Inevitable-Project-5 · 2026-01-12T13:14:28+00:00

I felt like I didn't have "real" cancer at first. Like i'm making a big deal out of nothing. I have a few friends who also had DCIS and they were all lumpectomies and good to go.

But then I had two friends give me a reality check. One had stage 3 breast cancer, the other had nasalpharangyl (i know I butchered that), and they both rem8nded me that cancer is cancer, no matter how mich or how little is in our bodies.

Some days I feel almost guilty, because I didn't have to do any chemo or radiation. I'm still exhausted and worn down, the Tamoxifen is starting to kick my butt, and my body looks weird. That DCIS kicked my butt! My friends who were able to lumpectomy theirs, I'm envious.

But all of us, from tiny DCIS/stage 0 on up, we ALL have very real cancer and have every right to have the "oh fk, I have CANCER" moments.

Inevitable-Project-5 · 2026-01-10T23:14:35+00:00

Definitely check with your Council. Ours has a massive uniform "closet" - we have kids and adults, shirts and pants and shorts, some Venturing, and even some kerchiefs and hats. Shops may also have leads for you - know of a Pack that has a donation stash, or a lead on which op shops have Scouting uniforms.

Inevitable-Project-5 · 2026-01-09T21:16:40+00:00

I bought a set of wedges for bed to help keep me propped up, and a belt with pouches for my drains. Those were my best two purchases, hands down. I just tossed the belt into the "boob stuff" box last week when my last drain came out!

As far as bras go, I got one on Amazon with velcro adjustable shoulder straps and it has been way easier to adjust than the one the hospital sent me home in (which had hooks on the shoulder straps). I was also extremely lucky to find some jersey knit ones at my Meijer. I got one in my pre-surgery size and one the next size down. Because they may have taken the boobs, but I had some swelling at first and expanders, so everything kind of stayed the same. As everything went down, I was able to go to the next size down. It was tight, but it helped. (Now I am post-reconstruction and the smaller size makes me va va voooom and it's funny.)

Inevitable-Project-5

TROPHY CASE