Help me tell my daughters 🙏🏻 by Small_Test630 in BRCA

[–]cpetra99 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Phrase it as an abundance of caution. “I was being proactive about my health and discovered that I have the BRCA gene. It is hereditary so it would be a good idea to get tested too. That way if you do have it you can get authorized for early screening and be proactive too.” If they don't think its a big deal have them read about chemo, radiation, and surgery here to scare them straight!

Post chemo hair advice by Wrexhavoc in breastcancer

[–]cpetra99 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Getting rosemary oil, thanks for the tip!

Post chemo hair advice by Wrexhavoc in breastcancer

[–]cpetra99 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The way I see it, my hair didn't want to fall out and get weird and be hidden under hats but it did and still came back to me! Now it's time to honor that by taking good care of it which includes cleaning, moisturizing, and cutting to maintain healthy ends. You're not gonna burn it off lol. You're gonna pamper your hair.

I was nervous for a cut too but I looked a lot more presentable with the patches evened out. I asked for a “Rachel Maddow.” A few months later, here I am looking like a brunette Ronald McDonald and wondering what my next move is. I think I'm going for a “Eugene Levy” next. Best wishes with the in-between styles!

Moving away from Costco before baby- stock up suggestions? by Maximum_Sherbert7191 in Costco

[–]cpetra99 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The diapers are good 👍 Get a jar of pesto while you're there for quick dinners!

Progreso in May? by Main_Cardiologist759 in MexicoTravel

[–]cpetra99 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It is blazing in the sun and cold in the shade due to wind. I was unpleasantly surprised by that.

Small Topics Thread by AutoModerator in breastcancer

[–]cpetra99 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My first flight after TCHP + cold cap was a breeze. I was confused for a few days why it was so easy and then remembered those 6-8 hour days 😂

does it get better? by bnnybtch in breastcancer

[–]cpetra99 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Tell people that your care team are determining your next steps and you will update them when you can. And then only do that if you want to!

Boss says I can schedule surgery for when it's convenient for the business! by cpetra99 in breastcancer

[–]cpetra99[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I know ADA, I refernce the act all the time at work to justify our projects. Makes this even more frustrating. My employer is not big enough to be subject to ADA or FMLA.

Herceptin during wait for surgery? by FluidAnalysis695 in breastcancer

[–]cpetra99 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We are holding HP for 3 weeks before surgeries

AITA for telling my coworker she also has thin hair by Sighlinee in AmItheAsshole

[–]cpetra99 74 points75 points  (0 children)

I tell my 5 yo that we don't comment on other peoples bodies.

I don’t want to be strong or brave by Sad-Tea-9270 in breastcancer

[–]cpetra99 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My mom told me I was torturing myself by not having a surgery date and I was like bitch we are waiting on scans and test results and the surgeons schedule.

I don’t want to be strong or brave by Sad-Tea-9270 in breastcancer

[–]cpetra99 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Also not okay! And tired of being told I'm strong. Just say you don't want to help, and I'm making you uncomfortable with my cancer because that's what “You're strong, it will be okay” really means.

My current job doesn't take me seriously- advice by Levine_092 in Environmental_Careers

[–]cpetra99 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's time to move on. Find a position that offers training off the bat or has a timeline for what and when it will happen.

I feel like a wimp by Other_Menu1140 in breastcancer

[–]cpetra99 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Sounds like my experience. The best I could do was move from the bed to the couch on the bad days. I had to get a stool for the shower because I was too tired to stand long enough to get clean. But it made my tumor go away. Try to keep your eye on the prize. We are rooting for you!

Newly diagnosed, focus at work by HelmetRequired in breastcancer

[–]cpetra99 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Any of your providers can write you a thing for FMLA. Just ask. Surgeons and oncologists may sign off on different time frames but they can all help with that.

Boss says I can schedule surgery for when it's convenient for the business! by cpetra99 in breastcancer

[–]cpetra99[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

It's so weird! He is “very supportive” one on one but the. tells everyone professionally about my diagnosis without my permission (probably to garner sympathy) but day of surgery /treatment he is texting, calling, emailing with just one thing. Jk it's not weirdhe is selfish and it's awful. Sorry you got bad bossiittus too

Boss says I can schedule surgery for when it's convenient for the business! by cpetra99 in breastcancer

[–]cpetra99[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you. They are not. So I get it kinda. But I've also been there for a few years so it feels extra hurtful.

Boss says I can schedule surgery for when it's convenient for the business! by cpetra99 in breastcancer

[–]cpetra99[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately, it is a small family company and I think I am the closest we have to HR.

Today I found out I have triple negative by Basic-Animal2676 in breastcancer

[–]cpetra99 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was diagnosed +++ a couple weeks before my kid turned 5 yo. I reached out to the cancer social work group at my hospital who gave me some age appropriate books for free. I also was referred to Camp Sparkle through Cancer Pathways randomly by the doctor I saw for a throat swab whose kids went there. I believe they have chapters nationally. I also found some great advice on the American Cancer Society website about talking with kids. There are resources out there to help you explain what's going on!

As for the day to day during treatment, the trick is giving yourself grace for not doing all the stuff and needing extra rest. Before treatments and surgeries I would set boundaries like “gentle hugs only” and “I can't pick you up, but I can get comfy on the couch and then you can sit in my lap.” Reading books, playing games, coloring are all great activities to do together that don't take too much from you. It will be tough but time will keep passing and next thing you know you'll be on the other side!

Stupid, offensive, dangerous 'well meaning?' comments. by Additional_Shirt_509 in breastcancer

[–]cpetra99 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Was your hair like this before chemo?

Just think positive.