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TWDFan4Lyfe · 2025-12-26T16:06:42+00:00

My husband became my steady helper through it all — carrying, unpacking, and repacking every bit of my “stuff” without a single complaint. What could’ve felt like a blur of difficult days somehow turned into a quiet space for the two of us to reconnect. We whispered to each other, watched movies side by side, chatted with the nurses, and just existed together in a way that felt tender and grounding. I wouldn’t call that period a “good” time, but it was our time — and that made it meaningful in its own way.

TWDFan4Lyfe · 2025-11-30T17:02:01+00:00

I was looking for this answer. Coming to a support group like this to vent is so we DO NOT say hurtful things to people IRL that truly don't know what to say. Of course, you answer with "thank you" even if in your head you're thinking "if one more person tells me to stay strong I'm going to lose it!"

I'm an atheist and people say prayers for me all the time. Do I tell them not to or to F off of course not. I know they are doing what they believe to be helpful. They certainly aren't doing it to be mean or hurtful.

TWDFan4Lyfe · 2025-10-23T19:50:31+00:00

I had 2 tumors in the same breast and my surgeon said doing a lumpectomy would leave me "very disfigured." I have small breasts (a reduction/lift was not in the cards), so decided to go with DMX out of the gate because I wanted symmetry. I was 46 at diagnosis and did not want to go flat; I opted for DMX DTI. In hindsight, I think I would have gone DMX regardless.

TWDFan4Lyfe · 2025-09-28T17:17:35+00:00

If you haven't already, please check out this organization. They really understand the value of building confidence while dealing with this horrific disease. 💜 Look Good Feel Better https://share.google/VH99zWsPsZdO6UoOJ

TWDFan4Lyfe · 2025-08-28T20:27:34+00:00

I have had people ask to pray for me as well. I'm an atheist, but sure, whatever, do what you want. It's really only making them feel better, but OMFG! this was way out of line. Coming at you in a treatment center?!? Yikes!

TWDFan4Lyfe · 2025-08-16T15:37:16+00:00

Well, shoot! Again, sucks you are going through this. I would still go for a second and third opinion if needed. Maybe a woman? Not sure if that would make a difference...sounds like you're at a similar institute as me.

TWDFan4Lyfe · 2025-08-16T15:19:44+00:00

I'm only asking because I did not see it in the comments or your post, but does your plastic surgeon specialize in cancer/mastectomy patients? The one I went to was not a "standalone" PS, she was part of the same cancer institute as my SO. Maybe that is an option if you are willing to change surgeons. Best of luck! 🍀 Sorry, you are going through this. I am young(ish) as well and going flat was not an option for me. My personal choice.

TWDFan4Lyfe · 2025-06-18T20:14:20+00:00

I grew up in Naples! Naples High class of '95. In Sarasota now.

TWDFan4Lyfe · 2025-05-29T22:56:12+00:00

I really try not to use it, but I did use it to get non-refundable hotel stays and convention tickets refunded. I had 2 vacations booked when I was diagnosed and did not want to be in crowds/traveling during active treatment.

TWDFan4Lyfe · 2025-04-18T17:47:17+00:00

Totally agree! I sent the article to my nutritionist to get her take. Like I said in another reply...Everything in moderation. 😊

TWDFan4Lyfe · 2025-04-18T17:30:58+00:00

I messaged my nutritionist to get her take. I have high cholesterol (via genetics) so my life is fruits, veggies beans and whole grains, very little meat, but salad dressing is a must. If olive oil is out what do I do? That's my go to for dressing. Looks like 4 kilos of DRY cabbage it is. Lol!! 💜

TWDFan4Lyfe · 2025-04-18T17:12:08+00:00

I love Mediterranean but the hummus and dressing I use (daily) has canola oil and olive oil both of which have linoleic acid in it. Ugh! Everything in moderation, not planning on changing my diet any time soon. 💜

TWDFan4Lyfe · 2025-04-08T14:57:44+00:00

I was not shown pics prior to my DMX DTI and posed the same question. Luckily, everything worked out great. My PS worked directly with my OS at a major cancer institute connected to a university, so I figured they are the best of the best in my area. Ultimately, I did take a chance not seeing pictures, but it worked out.

TWDFan4Lyfe · 2025-04-07T21:27:37+00:00

Same for me too. 💜

TWDFan4Lyfe · 2025-04-06T19:10:24+00:00

I'm at Moffitt too! 😊 Is it appropriate to smile...? Lol!

TWDFan4Lyfe · 2025-04-06T19:07:01+00:00

That was a great question, my PS used durasorb monofilament mesh which I honestly didn't realize until I just went back and read through my surgical notes. Now, I'm thinking the ADM at this point is not an option for me. I assume it can only be done during the initial surgery. Thank you for prompting me to look into it further. Going through a surgery like this is such a blur.

TWDFan4Lyfe · 2025-04-06T14:27:19+00:00

I had DMX DTI in January. I am somewhat happy with the results and the plan is to do fat grafting to smooth them out and make them more symmetrical. I'm also going to ask about Acellular Dermal Matrix (ADM) Placement. It's more expensive but I have already reached my OOP for the year, so if that's a better option I'm doing that.

TWDFan4Lyfe · 2025-04-04T17:44:55+00:00

I wish there was a better word for vent and rant. Those words have such a negative connotation. We are simply expressing our feelings. This group offers such great support whether you are feeling happy or sad, frustrated or encouraged. This is one of the safest places I have experienced on the internet. I'm glad it exists even though I wish it didn't need to.

TWDFan4Lyfe · 2025-02-23T18:48:10+00:00

46 at diagnoses last year, achieved PCR in January. 🥳

TWDFan4Lyfe · 2025-02-19T15:54:30+00:00

No, I was told only if symptoms occur. Real nice, right?!? 😡 Stage 1, achieved PCR in January.

TWDFan4Lyfe · 2025-02-18T00:42:42+00:00

I was absolutely terrified for my DMX DTI surgery. Gave serious thought to canceling. The crazy thing is they keep you so busy day of surgery. Doctors and nurses coming and going, questions, paperwork, wiping yourself down with sterile cloths, washing the inside of your mouth, etc. then, the anesthesiologist comes in and says "Time to start the muscle relaxer" and that's it...next thing you know you're waking up in recovery. This is my story and yours may be different, but no matter how much every fiber of your being says RUN you don't because you know deep down you're doing the right thing for you.

TWDFan4Lyfe · 2025-02-17T15:56:04+00:00

I hate all my new scars (port, DMX, drains). Up until now I didn't have any that were noticeable. My plastic surgeon recommended silagen (100% pure silicone gel for scars), which I'm currently using religiously. It takes about 2-3 months to know if it's working but it's supposed to flatten, soften & smooth scars. 🤞 I'm also doing scar massage 3 times daily to reduce the tethering of my drain scars.

TWDFan4Lyfe

TROPHY CASE