So Annoying

We sound like bionic women what with all the extras we have to add when getting ready.Once you are fitted for your prosthsis you will feel so much better- evenly weighted and comfortable.I still get abit down when I'm getting dressed or undressed and I see my scar.But once the prosthesis is in place I pretty much forget about it.I think it takes quite awhile to adjust to not having a boob.  The reason my hair took so long to grow was because of the chemo drug Docetaxil- it's harder on your hair follicles.My hair started to fall out about 2wks after 1st chemo.It was hard to take.Some woman get it shaved off but I couldn't.Your scalp actually hurts when the hair falls out. Are you going to take some time off work during chemo?Hope you are over that infection now.

                                       luv Tonya xx

We sound like bionic women what with all the extras we have to add when getting ready.Once you are fitted for your prosthsis you will feel so much better- evenly weighted and comfortable.I still get abit down when I'm getting dressed or undressed and I see my scar.But once the prosthesis is in place I pretty much forget about it.I think it takes quite awhile to adjust to not having a boob.  The reason my hair took so long to grow was because of the chemo drug Docetaxil- it's harder on your hair follicles.My hair started to fall out about 2wks after 1st chemo.It was hard to take.Some woman get it shaved off but I couldn't.Your scalp actually hurts when the hair falls out. Are you going to take some time off work during chemo?Hope you are over that infection now.

                                       luv Tonya xx

Is it taking so long to grown because of the Tamoxafin? I went to the hairdressers on Friday and had it coloured and cut short just incase it falls out.I know what you mean about colour regrowth, my Mum's grew back white where it had been in the early stages of salt and pepper and was actually straighter than before just had a slight wave where it had been curly. At this stage I am just looking forward to getting a prothesis as the soft berlei bra is not very comfortable and rides up, and I can't stand it on for long as still very tender from the infection, so am a bit of a recluse at the moment, in hindsight wish I had both done as I have big boobs and when there were 2 didn't notice how saggy they are!!!! but very noticable Tshirt and no bra... one droopy boob....not a good look.

There is not as much difference in the wig prices is there? Maybe I will have better luck with comfort as it will probably be winter?I would only be wanting it for work purposes mainly. How long after you started chemo did your hair fall out?

I will have to get up an hour earlier when I go back to work to get everything on.....the boob, the hair, massage the vitE cream into the scar tissue, glasses and makeup not to mention getting dressed...ha!ha!

Cheerio for now,

Jacqui

Hi Jacqui,hope those antibiotics have kicked in today.Don't get me started on the hair!!!!!!-it's like watching paint dry.I had the chemo-Taxotere(docetaxil)and it's alot harder on your hair follicles so beware.After I finished chemo I remained completely bald for 2mths and then it slowly started coming through- mousy grey and curly(as opposed to blonde and straight).And the advice that it comes back thicker and better than ever-forget it! Being bald really was the last straw so to speak.I became quite depressed about it and  taking Tamoxifen didn't help either.I bought a nice human hair wig when my hair fell out but I haven't worn it much -it was about $380.It doesn't fit very well,I feel fake in it(like people know I'm wearing a wig)and it's hot and uncomfortable in the heat.I get hot flushes and want to rip it off.With human hair wigs you have to wash and maintain them.You don't have to with acryllic hair wigs-they are cheaper but look abit more shiny and wiggy.You'll still pay up to $200 for a good one.It's good to have a wig if you have some special occasions coming up but otherwise I'd save my money.I mostly got around in cotton bandanas/scarves and caps/hats. I made some soft cotton squares 55cm x55cm,overlocked the edges.You can fold into a triangle,over your head and tie at the back for washerwoman/peasant look! As my hair grew,I folded them over a few times to create a thick headband that tied at the back.I've also made some other headbands 50cms x 7cm(fabric doubled so 14cm wide)and put thinner ties at each end. There is a great American website that you can order all sorts of head gear and wigs too -much cheaper,delivered to your door. www.headcovers.org.

 After 8mths hair growth I only have about 2cms in length but good covering. I plan to get it coloured and trimmed next week so fingers crossed that I don't come out of the hairdressers in tears!

                                      Tonya xx

Hi Tonya, not any better if anything it feels worse building up like a boil that you just want to pop, but still early days for the antibiotics to start working.

Hubby finally hobbled outside this arvo.

Do you make your own bands? how long has it taken for your hair to grow back? Did you use a wig?

I am hoping this infection doesn't put off when I start chemo as I just want it over and done with.

Thanks for the kind thoughts will keep you posted.

Jacqui  xoxoxox

Hi Sharon thanks for the tips I am looking forward to putting them into pratice, I only have a fuji camera but it does take a good photo and now that Harvey Norman have such cheap prints every so often it is even better than doing them at home.

If you don't mind me asking why did it take 2 yrs for your treatment, and what was your diagnosis? How do you feel now and how long did it take for you recover from surgery/chemo? nosy aren't I.

I am still feeling really awful and very painful today, feels like a boil that you want to just burst...oh oh too much info sorry.

Do you print your own photos? I do but wanted a lot for a scrapbook and it only cost me $18 for 180 photos when HN had there special on I couldn't have done them for that and the wear and tear on the printer, but I do enjoy doing some of them .

Well hopefully good news tomorrow.

Hi Jacqui, Here's hoping the pathology comes back all good and you start getting some relief very soon.

I am quite a way out from all the surgery and treatment, I was diagnosed in 2002 and finished my treatment in 2004.

I have just gone an got myself a new digital SLR camera, went all out this time and I have a Canon D60, I'm still in the early throws of learning but the biggest tip is to keep a steady hand and don't take photos too far away of the kids...good luck.

I find it very therapeutic and love getting out and about in the bush.

Take care

Sharon x

Hi just back from the doctors, has sent a specimen to pathology to make sure he has given me the right antibiotic, I have some hard lumps so do not really know what is going on, he said without cutting it open hard to say what is happening I said no thank you. I will discuss it with the BC Nurse tomorrow shame she is so far away and the surgeon is even further. I bought some anica cream which may help if there is a haematoma there as well as the old blood. Anyway the anitbiotics should kick in within 24-48 hrs if they are the right ones so am looking forward to some relief.

I would love some pointers on photography with the new grandchild coming I may be able to take some good photos and of the older one as well, thank you.

I am glad that you were able to start on the recon road, wish I had have been able to but after this probably the surgeon was right, anyway can always have it done later and I will just have to hope that the fitted prothesis is comfortable until then.

Hubby is hobbling around without the crutches today so he is on the mend thank goodness as I haven't been able to change the sheets I can take them off but can't get them on.

Grreat to chat with you talk again soon,

Jacqui

 

Hi just back from the doctors, has sent a specimen to pathology to make sure he has given me the right antibiotic, I have some hard lumps so do not really know what is going on, he said without cutting it open hard to say what is happening I said no thank you. I will discuss it with the BC Nurse tomorrow shame she is so far away and the surgeon is even further. I bought some anica cream which may help if there is a haematoma there as well as the old blood. Anyway the anitbiotics should kick in within 24-48 hrs if they are the right ones so am looking forward to some relief.

I would love some pointers on photography with the new grandchild coming I may be able to take some good photos and of the older one as well, thank you.

I am glad that you were able to start on the recon road, wish I had have been able to but after this probably the surgeon was right, anyway can always have it done later and I will just have to hope that the fitted prothesis is comfortable until then.

Hubby is hobbling around without the crutches today so he is on the mend thank goodness as I haven't been able to change the sheets I can take them off but can't get them on.

Grreat to chat with you talk again soon,

Jacqui

 

 HI Jacqui

I hope you have been able to get to the dr and check our your pain - how annoying.  

You asked me about the prosthesis - I have had a sub cutaneous mastectomy with a tissue expander inserted - all my breast tissue and my nipple was removed and I had an axilla clearance too - 14 nodes taken out.  So I have effectively an implant under the muscle - it's not a reconstruction but prepares me for one further down the track - at the moment it is only half full so I have a small puckered breast with no nipple.  I too can't stand the prosthesis that came with the bra so I am not bothering but I look like I have a "sort of" breast just smaller than my other one.  I saw my surgeon yesterday and he is happy with my healing but we agreed I wouldn't tolerate having my expander filled up yet - I am still taking some pain medication and only just started driving again with a bit of difficulty and limited arm movement still.  I am booked in to see him again in a fortnight and hopefully we will fill the expander a little more.

 

What a pity your husband is unwell too!  I hope the two of you are ok. :-)

I have been studying photography for a few years - there are also some great online resources if you are interested I could steer you in the right direction.  I had to withdraw due to my treatment this year but I love taking pictures of babies, children and families and hope to make it my business in the future.  

I really hope that you are doing OK and the pain in less.  Do you have a little cushion for under you arm?  I sleep with one and it helps me.  I also second the My Journey kit for the information and personal stories.  A great resource.

And as for the emotions - wow it's a roller coaster!

Talk Soon,

Amanda xx