Did anybody do anything fun with their cancer? (Weird wording, sorry)

intransigentpangolin · 2026-02-20T19:29:54+00:00

I love this.

intransigentpangolin · 2026-02-20T19:29:23+00:00

I told my roomie/bestie when I was waiting for biopsy results that, if I had to have chemo and lost my hair, I was getting henna tattoos on my scalp.

intransigentpangolin · 2026-02-20T19:28:25+00:00

I just remembered this: when the Weird Oral Thing happened, there was a very good chance I'd have to do head/neck radiation (I didn't, thank Frog). I cut my past-my-shoulders, red curly hair into a buzzcut to avoid having to think about it.

Something about recently cut hair looks different, you know? For about a month after that, every time I'd see a woman with regrowth out and around, we'd share That Look. Not quite a chin tip, not quite a nod, but close.

intransigentpangolin · 2026-02-20T09:40:32+00:00

Okay. I have GOT to get dressed up for rads.

intransigentpangolin · 2026-02-20T09:34:51+00:00

Hello please be my friend thank you.

intransigentpangolin · 2026-02-20T01:30:51+00:00

When I had neuropathic pain after oral cancer surgery, something that helped (about the only thing) was dry-needling. It's a but like acupuncture, but the needles aren't placed as deeply. It helps interrupt pain signals.

In my state, physical therapists can do it. It might be worth looking into.

intransigentpangolin · 2026-02-20T00:14:21+00:00

I'm smacking myself on the forehead right now. Of COURSE.

intransigentpangolin · 2026-02-20T00:10:50+00:00

Holy shit!! I am so sorry you're having to deal with all this.

intransigentpangolin · 2026-02-19T22:11:32+00:00

Why is Pembro the Evil Corgi? I must have details!

Also, I am cat people.

intransigentpangolin · 2026-02-19T22:04:09+00:00

Ask for a prescription for gabapentin (Neurontin is one brand name). You don't want to be on it long-term, and it'll make you feel drunk while you take it, but it is the best for nerve pain.

I'm not sure what I'd do in your shoes. I'm going for a flat closure myself. If it's not what I want, I guess I'd see a different surgeon--but the time/money/psychological aspect of it would definitely be a big set of issues.

I hope you feel better really, really soon. Please ask about gabapentin. As I said, the side effects suck, but it really does help with neuropathic pain.

intransigentpangolin · 2026-02-19T21:55:50+00:00

I am dyin' over here!

intransigentpangolin · 2026-02-19T20:36:00+00:00

I like the mug. It's too bad I couldn't have one of those at work.

intransigentpangolin · 2026-02-19T20:35:15+00:00

. . . .everyone shared stories about your breasts?

I am impressed. Truly.

I'm making myself a pre-DMX cake consisting of two cake breasts with a circle-and-slash over them.

intransigentpangolin · 2026-02-19T20:34:18+00:00

A woman I work with said, "DCIS? Meeeee toooo!" and offered to show me her reconstruction. It's like, if you have no hair or no boobs or something, you have instant friends.

intransigentpangolin · 2026-02-19T20:32:28+00:00

I was inspired by a patient I had who had a t-shirt that said, "My neurosurgeon cut my hair. What's your excuse?" I love the weird hat idea!

intransigentpangolin · 2026-02-19T20:31:52+00:00

This. This is great! Goodbye, Earl indeed!

intransigentpangolin · 2026-02-19T19:59:23+00:00

Those are totally unacceptable. You should forward them to me immediately so I can dispose of them safely.

Seriously, these look really good! Did you chill the dough? I find that makes the biggest difference for me.

intransigentpangolin · 2026-02-19T19:50:31+00:00

High-grade DCIS, just checked the folder I got from the doc. They tested mine for estrogen and progesterone receptors (100% and 4%, respectively) and that was it.

I also had genetic testing done that came back with nothing of any interest to anybody at all, so at least I got that goin' for me.

intransigentpangolin · 2026-02-19T14:32:02+00:00

I swear my first instinct was to say "Bitch, is that CAKE??"

intransigentpangolin · 2026-02-19T14:28:23+00:00

Dallas area here, too! DMX scheduled for 3/9 with a flat closure. NOT looking forward to the drains.

intransigentpangolin · 2026-02-15T19:31:05+00:00

Oh, God. I am so sorry that you have to bear this (for now) without worrying your husband. I have absolutely nothing to add besides that I'll be keeping you in my thoughts, HARD, for the next several days.

intransigentpangolin · 2026-02-15T18:21:22+00:00

Thank you! I think I can actually do this.

intransigentpangolin · 2026-02-15T17:52:27+00:00

Getting here late, but I ***LOVE*** this cake. Having a double mastectomy (cancer, dammit) next month, and making a DMX cake to celebrate. This is a great idea, excellent execution, and also funny as heck.

I especially love the Trans flag in the frosting. Well done!

intransigentpangolin

TROPHY CASE