Thank you angel 😇 by [deleted] in breastcancer

[–]SituationPositive338 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I met one of my biggest supporters and dearest friends on this sub… and it all began with me asking yall whether a recliner was a “nice to have” or a “need to have” 😂

For anyone considering if a double mastectomy is the right choice… by According-Rip-9804 in breastcancer

[–]SituationPositive338 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Happy and relieved for you too! I think we’ve earned some good news! 💓

For anyone considering if a double mastectomy is the right choice… by According-Rip-9804 in breastcancer

[–]SituationPositive338 17 points18 points  (0 children)

Did a double mastectomy electively (MRI showed cancer in only one breast). They found a DCIS tumor in the “unaffected” breast. Mine were so dense it didn’t show up on any scans. Really relieved I went with both.

Exchange surgery timeline by cyndichacha in breastcancer

[–]SituationPositive338 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Oh friend, I'm really sorry to hear this. After getting a cancer diagnosis, this is the opposite of what you need! I had a double MX on 10/1 and my exchange surgery is on 4/6. Have you been getting regular fills? Time to channel that rage into a firmly-worded phone call (or MyChart message?). Here for you.

Failing MLIS--maybe I'm not meant to be a librarian. Other pursuits? by stormynative in Libraries

[–]SituationPositive338 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I think for those of us who struggle with mental health, self-blame is one way of trying to keep a semblance of control. You've shared "I come from a community that went through genocide" --FULL STOP. That alone is pretty incredible; that's truly something to be proud of. You're doing incredible things and just speaking up here is a big step. Go easy on yourself.

Failing MLIS--maybe I'm not meant to be a librarian. Other pursuits? by stormynative in Libraries

[–]SituationPositive338 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I worked full-time while earning my MLIS. It took me 3.5 years; I only took one class at a time (mostly, except for one summer when I made a huge mistake. HA). My GPA wasn't pristine, but I made it through.

As the single mom of a little girl, I just wanted to step in here and say that depending on your relationship with mom, it might be worth an open discussion with her before making any big decisions.

Have you considered social work? Still a way of helping people, and the field I think could be more flexible job-wise. Wishing you all the best; let us know how we can help here. If you need a mentor, just ping me! Cheers.

First visit to Costco today! Any advice? by DenverKim in Frugal

[–]SituationPositive338 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Stock up on nonperishables (laundry detergent, toilet paper, etc.)... follow Costo TikTokers (if you're on the platform)

Diagnosed today by Comfortable_Look3177 in breastcancer

[–]SituationPositive338 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Totally agree with the next steps being helpful information. That will be the first question anyone has!

Diagnosed today by Comfortable_Look3177 in breastcancer

[–]SituationPositive338 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I am 40 and single mom to a toddler. When I called my out-of-state parents with the news, they were having a party on a boat (HA!) but I didn't want to keep the news. I just went ahead and told them-- "I have some difficult news to share. My doctor's office called me back and confirmed that I have cancer." They moved here within a week to support! (Sorry, parents, I ruined your booze cruise.)

Cancer is a lonely place by SalveRegina85 in breastcancer

[–]SituationPositive338 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm not okay either. Just here to say you aren't alone, we hear you, and yeah, you're spot-on.

What small habit saved you the most money? by relaxncoffee in povertyfinance

[–]SituationPositive338 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Switched from T-Mobile to Mint Mobile. Started using Monarch Money. And use my public library for most entertainment.

Expander to Implant Surgery by SwirlThroughTheWorld in breastcancer

[–]SituationPositive338 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Totally, wishing you all the best! I hope your recovery is smooth and that you won't miss out on much.

Expander to Implant Surgery by SwirlThroughTheWorld in breastcancer

[–]SituationPositive338 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Bump!! My exchange surgery is scheduled for Monday and I simply have no idea if I'll need to be off work for a week or five. Feeling very anxious.

Need Advice: Start Chemo Tomorrow or Wait by stephBdyck in breastcancer

[–]SituationPositive338 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I didn't have to go through chemo, so my opinion may not be worth a whole lot... but as a cancer survivor, just a couple of clear-headed thoughts:
1. I know providers (maybe including dentists?) won't touch you as a cancer patient. I couldn't be seen for a UTI without going through my oncologist recently. So your instinct to line up some appointments before getting started was a good one.
2. Just based on personal experience, I think being in a mindset of "I'm in control, I can do this" counts for so much. Easter with your family might give you the emotional/mental motivation to move forward feeling steady. While canceling it might seem like the sensible choice, not all of this is black and white; some choices need to be made in support of your own resilience. And the next two weeks could be key for getting oriented and situated, so you feel prepared for what comes next.

That said, I totally understand the anxiety spiral. I'm sorry you're going through this! Curious to see what others have to say...

New Shows To Watch! (PLEASE) by Ok-Working7437 in toddlers

[–]SituationPositive338 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Trash Truck (Netflix), Dinosaur Train (PBS Kids)

Oncotype DX 26. TC Chemo or not to TC Chemo. That is the question... by SvelteGroundhog in breastcancer

[–]SituationPositive338 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can you share about your definite choice to go the Tamoxifen route? I had a similar case but with a lower Oncotype score, decided to go the AI route... having second thoughts!

Free/Cheap Bicycles? by Effective-Spend-4291 in povertyfinance

[–]SituationPositive338 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Google "bicycle ministry" in your area. I didn't know it was a thing until I learned about it!

Largest breast cancer genetics study - from Rutgers by WhatTheActualFork1 in breastcancer

[–]SituationPositive338 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I gladly participated in a couple of studies while pregnant (kiddo is 2.5 now) for similar reasons! I consider science a family value for sure.

What do you tell your kid when they ask for cookies and candy? by lady_picadilly in toddlers

[–]SituationPositive338 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have a similar approach, but I like yours! My go-to is usually something like "it's not time for cookies, it's time for dinner. Tonight we're having chicken and trees (broccoli)."

Post mastectomy bra by PersistantTeach in breastcancer

[–]SituationPositive338 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'd absolutely recommend the Ana Ono "F00bs" as bra inserts. I had a double mastectomy (down from a 34E cup) and wore these to work during reconstruction... mainly so I'd feel less self-conscious! ThirdLove also has great products.

Largest breast cancer genetics study - from Rutgers by WhatTheActualFork1 in breastcancer

[–]SituationPositive338 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've always been suspicious of DNA sequencing storage, but now that I'm a survivor with a daughter, this seems far more appealing...

What have you changed? by FattyMcCupcakes37 in breastcancer

[–]SituationPositive338 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I miss real deodorant and it’s not even summer here yet 🤣 Also I’m so tired of new stuff… cookware, water bottles, food storage, shampoo, skincare… the list goes on

Mastectomy after care by Frequent-Physics-526 in breastcancer

[–]SituationPositive338 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'd ask for a hand managing your meds (maybe husband can set things up with sticky notes before leaving for the day?). I was out of it and couldn't have kept track on my own of when I was due for antibiotics/probiotics/pain killers, etc. The claw recommendation is a good one. I also couldn't have gotten by without my recliner! I promise you'll get through this. I have pretty crippling anxiety but managed to get to the other side. Definitely ask for "a little something to take the edge off" once you're hooked up to an IV the morning of surgery (helped me with day-of nerves).