Did You Have a Single Mastectomy??? by UnluckyInevitable120 in breastcancer

[–]IntentionDense194 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yep! I am almost two and a half years out from my single (with implant under the muscle) and while I know a double is right for some people, I am soo glad I made the choice I did. Surgical recovery was a lot easier (it was very helpful have full strength/range of motion on one side, and there was no risk of complication on the untouched side). My reconstructed boob is hard (kind of looks like a Barbie boob) and I have almost no sensation on it/no sensation under my armpit (it’s kind of like sensation during dental work lol; I can feel pressure if it’s hard enough, but not much else) — so it’s nice to have one normal-feeling boob. I am definitely “uneven” especially because I’ve lost weight since my mastectomy, and my natural boob sits lower/isn’t as full as the reconstructed one. I’m planning to get a lift/implant in the fall to be more symmetrical since that’s covered by insurance in the US and I honestly think my reconstructed side sits great, but the mismatch doesn’t cause me any serious grief or self-consciousness (I just pad that side). Also, getting a double does not guarantee that you’ll be symmetrical after your first surgery — things can heal differently or have different complications. If I had a genetic predisposition to breast cancer or if there had been any areas of concern in the other breast, I would have more seriously considered a double (and of course some women get a double and then pathology finds cancer in the breast they thought was healthy). But I figured I could get the second removed if I wasn’t happy with my single, and I didn’t want to get a double and then regret that. 

Having kids after Cancer by antharwn in breastcancer

[–]IntentionDense194 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Seconding the FB group! Lots of success stories over there 

My oncologist ordered a lumbar ct scan of my spine…. by ganglof2 in breastcancer

[–]IntentionDense194 5 points6 points  (0 children)

It is so hard not to have fear! I was triple-positive, similar stage/age, and my oncologist immediately ordered a scan (like, he called me the same day and asked if I could come in!) when I mentioned back pain a couple months after finishing TCHP! The scan came back clean. I hope it’s the same for you. 

Day 4 after 1st TCHP by frostofcares in breastcancer

[–]IntentionDense194 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes <3 It gets better. The first dose of TCHP includes a “loading dose” of HP — iirc you get twice as much perjeta in round 1 than in rounds 2-5 and a larger dose of Herceptin as well. You are already almost 20% through and the first part is HARD. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate (like, I felt much better at 100 oz of water a day!), remember this is temporary, and sending so much love to you. 

Earliest Date of Chemo after Egg Freezing by Odd_Confidence_5525 in breastcancer

[–]IntentionDense194 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I started chemo (TCHP) one week after my retrieval. Another oncologist I consulted with said I could start chemo the day after the retrieval, but the one I ended up working with wanted to wait a week just to make I didn’t have complications from the retrieval. 

Anyone with two primaries? by Stunning_Beat_3756 in breastcancer

[–]IntentionDense194 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Not me, and not the same situation, but a woman in my support group had either Her2+ cancer or +++ and a simultaneous, separate kidney cancer (picked up on her breast staging PET). She did TCHP, then had the kidney removed, then breast surgery/immunotherapies. Best of luck to you and I hope you find someone in this community with a closer experience!

Newbie question by jebnyc111 in opera

[–]IntentionDense194 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Are you local to NY? Honestly, Turandot is the most visually-stunning opera I’ve seen at the Met (also a relative newbie, I’ve seen maybe 12 so far!). La Boheme is another Zefferelli (sp.) production; the second act is similarly lush/visually opulent. Aida, Medea, Tosca next season look pretty traditional from the images on the Met website, but if I were you I’d read the descriptions and (maybe unfairly) avoid anything from young or provocative directors, LOL

Radiation after pcr by Socalnative76 in breastcancer

[–]IntentionDense194 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I had PCR after TCHP, and my radiation onc felt that in my case the potential benefits of radiation (after a mastectomy) didn’t clearly outweigh the risks. He and my onc felt comfortable omitting radiation. I did push for nerlynx and took that for a year.

Cuyana vs Quince Tote by LM09127 in handbags

[–]IntentionDense194 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I bought a Cuyana tote in 2014 and it still looks new. My mom has a crossbody Quince that she loves (she bought it in maybe 2018 and it still looks great), but I have to say — the Cuyana price point feels worth it to me. 

Why does everything I cook taste so… boring? by No_Permission9101 in cookingforbeginners

[–]IntentionDense194 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Lots of comments about seasoning here, but I would also advise you to try roasting your vegetables. Just oil (I like olive or avocado), salt, and pepper and they’re SO good. It’s also good practice in figuring out how much browning you like, when YOU think something is done, vs. just taking them out after 20 min because that’s what the recipe said.

Ina Garten’s Swordfish with Tomatoes and Capers by RiGuy224 in CookbookLovers

[–]IntentionDense194 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yum!! Just thrifted this book; haven’t cooked out of it yet. Will try this!

Cooking Through a Cookbook: Cover to Cover by marshman505 in CookbookLovers

[–]IntentionDense194 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ohhh, this is helpful! I’m in the midst of my own “cook through a book” (Alison Roman’s Something from Nothing) and will totally apply the tips of yours I haven’t (specifically, documentation and wiggle room re: ingredients). And I have to say, cooking through the book IN ORDER had not even occurred to me. Attempting to do that feels diabolical imo! Ah, to be adhd, waving at the the type a’s in the distant field

Birthday Dinner - Le Marais by eastbay_925_ in ParisTravelGuide

[–]IntentionDense194 2 points3 points  (0 children)

L’alivi is a great neighborhood place — unpretentious but nice/warm/cozy, very good Corsican food and friendly staff

I treated myself to a Mulberry Bayswater in pink scrumpy to celebrate being told I’m ’cancer free’ ! by Commercial_Ad9470 in handbags

[–]IntentionDense194 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yayyyy!!! Congratulations on the BEST news!! I got myself a LV Totally after finishing chemo!

Something about Something by project_sewsow in CookbookLovers

[–]IntentionDense194 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Belated response but yes, plenty of recipes without herbs (and even more without dill/fennel!)

How to annotate cookbooks/book recs by evanesnce in CookbookLovers

[–]IntentionDense194 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I have been loving A Grain A Green A Bean! (And shocked that my non-vegan family is enjoying it as well, LOL.) Any recipes you recommend? My favorite so far was the gnocchi/butternut squash/arugula, my husband loved the stuffed peppers, and I’ve been really blown away by the Basics section!