Breast Cancer Awareness ----- Give me your BOOBS!!

[SassySheDevil]

You look fantastic

Thank you.

Thank you...
Sassy, "friends" that word has so many different meanings to people....myself l choose my friends a little more wisely now.

I felt broken hearted when l realized what the words meant, " you don't sound the same" discarded you could say...

Hugs to you Sassy

Honestly. I think most people assume that something like this makes you grab on to everyone, and before I knew what my fight would entail. I did a lot of reaching out, thanking people for being a part of my life in some way or another. But some of their reactions are what made me actually pull back more than I thought.
I think I've stepped farther away from people, more than I've grabbed on.

But I also have a different appreciation for the right people.

Close enough for me.. I still get the feeling

I love that quote and you look fabulous!!

Thank you Tali.

 

[RoperTrace]

This is a fear of mine. Other Cancers. Well. Face it. I'll be scared of Cancer every time I have an Ache or pain.


You may Bare your chest any time you feel like it. It is a great chest!! Thank you for your Moobs, and for posting.

Yes, my wife has been in that mode for a while now. She was certain she felt a new lump this summer. Her lady surgeon, didn't set an appointment, but said come right in. She did an ultrasound and showed us both the images that it was clear. We're always waiting for the other shoe to drop, but not being morbid about it.

One of her good friend's daughter has it now and is being treated. She met her for breakfast yesterday at Panera's for 9 a.m. They didn't leave there until almost 3 p.m. People need to have hope, but check their boobies.

 

[SassySheDevil]

Yes, my wife has been in that mode for a while now. She was certain she felt a new lump this summer. Her lady surgeon, didn't set an appointment, but said come right in. She did an ultrasound and showed us both the images that it was clear. We're always waiting for the other shoe to drop, but not being morbid about it.

One of her good friend's daughter has it now and is being treated. She met her for breakfast yesterday at Panera's for 9 a.m. They didn't leave there until almost 3 p.m. People need to have hope, but check their boobies.

I was getting Massages for a while, and the pressure they were putting on my back, somehow was leaving my boob bruised and pained. At first, I didn't realize it was from the massages, cause they were massaging my back.

So I reached out to my Doctor freaking out that my cancer was back. My whole boob was bruised and sore.

Within a couple days, I realized it was from the Massage. So I reached out again, told him I'd figured it out and apologized for freaking out.

This was my first real realization that I would forever freak out over anything.

 

[tnman03]

When your not so perky boobs don't fit the shirt the way it was meant.

Sassy, you just keep on being you. All I've ever seen is a beautiful woman with a wonderful heart. The picture is great.

 

[SassySheDevil]

Sassy, you just keep on being you. All I've ever seen is a beautiful woman with a wonderful heart. The picture is great.

Thank you Tnman.

 

[SassySheDevil]

I joined a few support groups when I found out about Cancer, and I wanted to share something that someone in there wrote. I did not write this, and I will take her name out of it because I don't know that she would want it shared outside the Breast Cancer groups. But I thought it was good to share here.




"What’s it like to go through cancer treatment?
It’s something like this:
One day, you’re minding your own business, you open the fridge to get some breakfast, and OH MY GOD THERE’S A MOUNTAIN LION IN YOUR FRIDGE.
Wait, what? How? Why is there a mountain lion in your fridge? NO TIME TO EXPLAIN. RUN! THE MOUNTAIN LION WILL KILL YOU! UNLESS YOU FIND SOMETHING EVEN MORE FEROCIOUS TO KILL IT FIRST!
So you take off running, and the mountain lion is right behind you. You know the only thing that can kill a mountain lion is a bear, and the only bear is on top of the mountain, so you better find that bear. You start running up the mountain in hopes of finding the bear. Your friends desperately want to help, but they are powerless against mountain lions, as mountain lions are godless killing machines. But they really want to help, so they’re cheering you on and bringing you paper cups of water and orange slices as you run up the mountain and yelling at the mountain lion - “GET LOST, MOUNTAIN LION, NO ONE LIKES YOU” - and you really appreciate the support, but the mountain lion is still coming.
Also, for some reason, there’s someone in the crowd who’s yelling “that’s not really a mountain lion, it’s a puma” and another person yelling “I read that mountain lions are allergic to kale, have you tried rubbing kale on it?”
As you’re running up the mountain, you see other people fleeing their own mountain lions. Some of the mountain lions seem comparatively wimpy - they’re half grown and only have three legs or whatever, and you think to yourself - why couldn’t I have gotten one of those mountain lions? But then you look over at the people who are fleeing mountain lions the size of a monster truck with huge prehistoric saber fangs, and you feel like an asshole for even thinking that - and besides, who in their right mind would want to fight a mountain lion, even a three-legged one?
Finally, the person closest to you, whose job it is to take care of you - maybe a parent or sibling or best friend or, in my case, my husband - comes barging out of the woods and jumps on the mountain lion, whaling on it and screaming “GODDAMMIT MOUNTAIN LION, STOP TRYING TO EAT MY WIFE,” and the mountain lion punches your husband right in the face. Now your husband (or whatever) is rolling around on the ground clutching his nose, and he’s bought you some time, but you still need to get to the top of the mountain.
Eventually you reach the top, finally, and the bear is there. Waiting. For both of you. You rush right up to the bear, and the bear rushes the mountain lion, but the bear has to go through you to get to the mountain lion, and in doing so, the bear TOTALLY KICKS YOUR ASS, but not before it also punches your husband in the face. And your husband is now staggering around with a black eye and bloody nose, and saying “can I get some help, I’ve been punched in the face by two apex predators and I think my nose is broken,” and all you can say is “I’M KIND OF BUSY IN CASE YOU HADN’T NOTICED I’M FIGHTING A MOUNTAIN LION.”
Then, IF YOU ARE LUCKY, the bear leaps on the mountain lion and they are locked in epic battle until finally the two of them roll off a cliff edge together, and the mountain lion is dead.
Maybe. You’re not sure - it fell off the cliff, but mountain lions are crafty. It could come back at any moment.
And all your friends come running up to you and say “that was amazing! You’re so brave, we’re so proud of you! You didn’t die! That must be a huge relief!”
Meanwhile, you blew out both your knees, you’re having an asthma attack, you twisted your ankle, and also you have been mauled by a bear. And everyone says “boy, you must be excited to walk down the mountain!” And all you can think as you stagger to your feet is “f*ck this mountain, I never wanted to climb it in the first place.”

 

[Todger65]

Sassy, that is so poignant. Really hits the nail on the head.

 

[SassySheDevil]

Sassy, that is so poignant. Really hits the nail on the head.

Yes. When I read it, I was pretty floored.

 

[SassySheDevil]

Recovery from the Lumpectomy/Lymph Node removal, was slow. But not horrible. I spent weeks sleeping in a lift chair because I was unable to do much with my right side. I couldn't push myself up (So no bed) I couldn't lift anything with that side. A friend of mine who is also going through her own battle, gave me a lift chair when she bought a better one for herself.
So it became my bed. My place to heal. Mentally. I suffered a lot while unable to do much for myself. You start to see all of the things you cannot do when you are unable to use a half of you. You have to let go of your vulnerabilities and allow people to help you do things. I was so worried about infection (like my Biopsy) that I was afraid to even push myself a little. But I still hated feeling so useless.
My family was pretty fucking amazing, and I am so grateful for all the help. Friends chipped in and got us gift cards for food services to help.

I even got a wonderful care package from a few Litsters here, which truly helped in a lot of ways.

After all my testing came back good from the Lumpectomy/Lymph Node removal. The second opinions were done, and retested. It was decided that because they felt it was gone, and it was originally so small. I could skip Chemo, and go onto Radiation.

When they felt I was recovered enough. My next Phase would be 6 weeks of Radiation.
Again. I cannot stress enough how lonely this is when no one can come with you. Everyone kept saying "well. your husband can at least drive you right?"
Technically no.
Someone had to keep working. Radiation is every day. You literally drive 45-50 minutes (in my case) to lay on a table for 8 minutes.
My Mother in law offered. But again. Why have someone drive me, just to sit in a car (because they cannot go in) and wait for me.

https://www.***********/s/amhyt20wc5bht3t/PicsArt_04-29-10.43.21.jpg?dl=0

That first day. Walking in to get everything set up. This is your longest appointment. You walk in. Get your temp checked, an Extra mask is given and you walk back into the Waiting room to wait. They take you back. Lay you on a table and line you up for the positions you will lay in for Radiation. You are given Temp "Tattoos", which are markers for them to line you up with.
tattoos...

https://www.***********/s/b2ffqvzk3d3g70v/20210421_074653.jpg?dl=0
https://www.***********/s/tc97raeqz4ww6fy/20210421_075521.jpg?dl=0


You are given your routine. You come in. Change into a gown, wait in the waiting room, and they call you back when it's your turn. You lay on the table, they line you up, and the machine turns on. You stare at the ceiling and hope everything goes good.
In my Case. The room ended up being the same room my Dad fought his Cancer in. So every time i laid on that table, and stared at the ceiling. I saw him.
Unlike my situation. I was able to go with him. I was able to take him to all his appointments, and stay with him. So the waiting room. The room. It was all a huge reminder of my Dads fight. One that he did not win.
In those early days. I almost always ended up in tears. The Tech team totally understood. But again. This is where the loneliness comes out. You walk out of that room trying your best not to bawl your eyes out, just to get in the dressing room to lose it.
You lotion the crap out of your skin after every appointment. 3 times a day for me.
After Radiation, Sometime around dinner time, and once more before bed. I had 3 different kinds of Lotion to use. (My choice) They give you a list of recommended items to use. Lists of things they want you to do to take care of your skin.

My go to was a gross spray on lotion after Radiation. An Oncology cream around dinner time, and Vitamin E at bed time. I wish I had found that Oncology cream sooner. It was a cooling sensational feeling. Eventually, I ended up using that one right after Radiation.

Every day. The same routine. You get to know your daily people so well, they become like family. I LOVED my Tech team. I hated my Doctor. I made sure many knew that. He was one of those people that did his job, and that was it. Thursday was Doctor day. After Radiation. I'd go in. The Nurse would ask me a bunch of questions as to how I was feeling, how my skin was going. She would offer me different bandage options for the areas getting extra fried, and then dick head would come in. Ask me how it was going, take the quickest peak ever at my skin, ask me if I had questions and then say "Okay, see you next Thursday" It was Robotic, and unfeeling. I got to the end and just started saying "I'm fine, see you next Thursday" I confided any concerns in the wonderful Nurses, who would hook me up with whatever I needed, and that was all I needed.

My skin did really well through the whole Process honestly. By the End. I was extremely sore. My skin was often on fire. I had a couple stiches pop through the Surface from irritation, which was scary. I had always assumed they'd have dissolved by then. But learned they stick around for quite a while. The area under my arm actually hurt more than my breast. I wore a lot of bandaging when I was not in Radiation.

Stitch popping through.
https://www.***********/s/l7qcw5umzxi3hol/20210508_094651.jpg?dl=0

I had a stitch pop through in my armpit also. That one was really sensitive because of the rubbing. Another reason I wore bandaging while not in Radiation.

Radiated skin.. Mild
https://www.***********/s/9aeb7i4trqbvkg5/14722cf3-8af4-447b-82f7-47fcff249959.jpg?dl=0

When all of the Radiation was coming to an end. The last week or so, they do what is called a "Boost" which is a highly concentrated zap of Radiation in the area of your Cancer. In my case. The breast. Which I was grateful for. My armpit was getting really sore, and this meant it would take it off that area.

By the time I was finished. I was almost sad to no longer see my Tech team and Nurses. They had become such a highlight of my Journey and helped me feel strong.
I make candy. So I did. I made a bunch of Pink ribbons of Candy. I made Pink Banana bread, I made Pink Brownies, and for my Doctor. I made a Chocolate Dick. After all. he was a Dick. So it seems fitting.
I got all my cute little bundles together and gave them to all the people I'd miss.

The Doctors. I left on his desk.

https://www.***********/s/zamt9fgzfu7hda7/FB_IMG_1633973750292.jpg?dl=0
https://www.***********/s/c11qlnvetglnvva/FB_IMG_1634919087402.jpg?dl=0

On the last day. When I gave them all their goodies, they gave me a Certificate of completion, and some carnations. I bawled my eyes out and told them that as much as I loved them, and appreciated their help. I hoped to never see them again.

By this time. I was starting to have issues with High Liver enzymes, and was starting to go through more testing to make sure Cancer had not spread anywhere else. So of course. I was nervous.

But I walked out with high hopes and happy memories of their kindness.


https://www.***********/s/6xkguxa4j4y9h6c/PicsArt_10-11-10.40.36.jpg?dl=0

Radiation Complete!!!

 

[SassySheDevil]

I still want to see more boobs. It was never my intention to take over the thread and end up being only myself posting.

 

[TheRealFlash]

I still want to see more boobs. It was never my intention to take over the thread and end up being only myself posting.

You know I can't resist when you ask

Thank you Sassy, this thread is a important message, as well as an inspiring story. And, I do appreciate you and the difficulty of the journey you're on. Here's one more, an older one in support of breast cancer awareness:

https://imgur.com/c5EEIs7

 

[talikat]

I still want to see more boobs. It was never my intention to take over the thread and end up being only myself posting.

I've learned a lot in reading what all the ladies and yourself have gone through and it's much appreciated, Sassy, thank you!

 

[javajug]

These are for you, as a toast (jiggle?!) to your amazing strength.

https://imgur.com/a/75Phmxj

Just continue to amaze!

This is about the best I can do in terms of boobs...

 

[SassySheDevil]

These are for you, as a toast (jiggle?!) to your amazing strength.

You know I can't resist when you ask

Thank you Sassy, this thread is a important message, as well as an inspiring story. And, I do appreciate you and the difficulty of the journey you're on. Here's one more, an older one in support of breast cancer awareness:

Just continue to amaze!

This is about the best I can do in terms of boobs...

Thank you all so much!!

I've learned a lot in reading what all the ladies and yourself have gone through and it's much appreciated, Sassy, thank you!

That is my hope Tali. Thank you.

 

[Todger65]

Thanks Sassy for your explanation in words and pics of your journey. So much better to hear it from someone who has been through it, rather than doctors who understand the theory and practical treatment, but not the emotions and feelings of the person they treat.

My neighbour was the same, 65 minute drive each way, 10 minutes to walk in to the department, all for less than 3 minutes treatment. In her case the laser zap was less than one second and then on to the next point. She had six spots to treat. Luckily her husband was allowed into the waiting room with her.

 

[PattiJolene]

Because some of you have privately asked me to keep going with my journey, l will post a bit more for the cause…

I had my hair cut short as a suggestion from my chemo doctor.

All my meds were ordered to the pharmacy. I had numerous pills to take before and after treatments, most were for nausea l assumed…it was all so overwhelming. Pills pills pills…l felt like a walking pharmacy.

Arriving at the clinic with a family member by my side l remember how terrified l was to think what lied ahead for me.
After visiting the doctors, they escorted us to the clinic. I was greeted with numerous nurses welcoming me into this very large room. Big comfy chairs were spread out on all angles…some looking out the windows, others were facing big screen TV’S …. A few ladies were settling into their chairs to begin treatments. They took me to a private room for my first treatment. Nurses came and went monitoring my blood pressure and temperature always assuring me l will do just fine. I was told 7-8hr would be the length of my treatments scheduled at the clinic.
My first poke in my chest port hurt like heck…. It felt like a tac was punched in my chest. Ouch…but once it was pushed into place it was fine. The nurse gave me a small tub of freezing cream to take home with me…She suggested in the car before entering the clinic to rub some on my area of the port and it would be help when time to get my jab….

The treatment went relatively well…l didn’t feel much different, maybe a bit fuzzy when l stood up that was all.
It was the following days l was more concerned about. I had lots of fatigue and absolutely no appetite, just the smell of food made me nauseous. I had this awful sulfur taste develop in my taste buds…yuck, my hair was falling out in fistfuls…4 days later the affects from the treatment wore off and l started to feel a bit more like myself again.
Then it was time to regain my appetite and strength and gear up for my next one. 11 more to get through…then a 6-week rest period before getting measured up, tattooed body forum made for a very long session of radiation treatment scheduled daily for the next months following...

The best advise l could give anyone going through treatments for cancer is to keep a positive attitude. This is so very important, best medicine ever….Be strong and remember you aren’t the only one going through it… l made it for now, and hope for a healthy future.. l live everyday to the fullest. You never know about tomorrow...Take care all you.

 

[Crownvic]

Because some of you have privately asked me to keep going with my journey, l will post a bit more for the cause…

I had my hair cut short as a suggestion from my chemo doctor.

All my meds were ordered to the pharmacy. I had numerous pills to take before and after treatments, most were for nausea l assumed…it was all so overwhelming. Pills pills pills…l felt like a walking pharmacy.

Arriving at the clinic with a family member by my side l remember how terrified l was to think what lied ahead for me.
After visiting the doctors, they escorted us to the clinic. I was greeted with numerous nursers welcoming me into this very large room. Big comfy chairs were spread out on all angles…some looking out the windows, others were facing big screen TV’S …. A few ladies were settling into their chairs to begin treatments. They took me to a private room for my first treatment. Nurses came and went monitoring my blood pressure and temperature always assuring me l will do just fine. I was told 7-8hr would be the length of my treatments scheduled at the clinic.
My first poke in my chest port hurt like heck…. It felt like a tac was punched in my chest. Ouch…but once it was pushed into place it was fine. The nurse gave me a small tub of freezing cream to take home with me…She suggested in the car before entering the clinic to rub some on my area of the port and it would be help when time to get my jab….

The treatment went relatively well…l didn’t feel much different, maybe a bit fuzzy when l stood up that was all.
It was the following days l was more concerned about. I had lots of fatigue and absolutely no appetite, just the smell of food made me nauseous. I had this awful sulfur taste develop in my taste buds…yuck, my hair was falling out in fistfuls…4 days later the affects from the treatment wore off and l started to feel a bit more like myself again.
Now it was time to regain my appetite and strength and gear up for my next one. 11 more to get through…then a 6-week rest period before getting measured up, tattooed body forum made for a very long session of radiation treatment scheduled daily for the next months following...

The best advise l could give anyone going through treatments for cancer is to keep a positive attitude. This is so very important, best medicine ever….Be strong and remember you aren’t the only one going through it… l made it for now, and l live everyday to the fullest. You never know about tomorrow...Take care all you.

Thinking about you Patti....will say prayers for you...

 

[SassySheDevil]

Because some of you have privately asked me to keep going with my journey, l will post a bit more for the cause…

I had my hair cut short as a suggestion from my chemo doctor.

All my meds were ordered to the pharmacy. I had numerous pills to take before and after treatments, most were for nausea l assumed…it was all so overwhelming. Pills pills pills…l felt like a walking pharmacy.

Arriving at the clinic with a family member by my side l remember how terrified l was to think what lied ahead for me.
After visiting the doctors, they escorted us to the clinic. I was greeted with numerous nursers welcoming me into this very large room. Big comfy chairs were spread out on all angles…some looking out the windows, others were facing big screen TV’S …. A few ladies were settling into their chairs to begin treatments. They took me to a private room for my first treatment. Nurses came and went monitoring my blood pressure and temperature always assuring me l will do just fine. I was told 7-8hr would be the length of my treatments scheduled at the clinic.
My first poke in my chest port hurt like heck…. It felt like a tac was punched in my chest. Ouch…but once it was pushed into place it was fine. The nurse gave me a small tub of freezing cream to take home with me…She suggested in the car before entering the clinic to rub some on my area of the port and it would be help when time to get my jab….

The treatment went relatively well…l didn’t feel much different, maybe a bit fuzzy when l stood up that was all.
It was the following days l was more concerned about. I had lots of fatigue and absolutely no appetite, just the smell of food made me nauseous. I had this awful sulfur taste develop in my taste buds…yuck, my hair was falling out in fistfuls…4 days later the affects from the treatment wore off and l started to feel a bit more like myself again.
Now it was time to regain my appetite and strength and gear up for my next one. 11 more to get through…then a 6-week rest period before getting measured up, tattooed body forum made for a very long session of radiation treatment scheduled daily for the next months following...

The best advise l could give anyone going through treatments for cancer is to keep a positive attitude. This is so very important, best medicine ever….Be strong and remember you aren’t the only one going through it… l made it for now, and hope for a healthy future.. l live everyday to the fullest. You never know about tomorrow...Take care all you.

I appreciate all of your Posts Patti. I know you kept your journey pretty private, so I appreciate what you have shared.
I didn't do Chemo, so I can only speak on my experience with that because of my Dad. But I didn't Physically go through that. Watching my Dad go through that, was horrible. So I can only imagine the Mental of actually going through it. I fully prepared for it, but I was also thankful when I was told that I would get to skip it.
I did the rainbow hair to prepare for losing the fun. I was one step away from cutting it short, when they said I would get to skip it.

 

[PattiJolene]

Thinking about you Patti....will say prayers for you...

thank you hoping to see that 5yr mark clean....soon.

I appreciate all of your Posts Patti. I know you kept your journey pretty private, so I appreciate what you have shared.
I didn't do Chemo, so I can only speak on my experience with that because of my Dad. But I didn't Physically go through that. Watching my Dad go through that, was horrible. So I can only imagine the Mental of actually going through it. I fully prepared for it, but I was also thankful when I was told that I would get to skip it.
I did the rainbow hair to prepare for losing the fun. I was one step away from cutting it short, when they said I would get to skip it.

Thanks Sassy....it's hard to put into words the journey each of us face.

My mamo is coming up again....5 yrs is the lucky number clean of cancer. l hope to see that soon.

 

[SassySheDevil]

thank you hoping to see that 5yr mark clean....soon.



Thanks Sassy....it's hard to put into words the journey each of us face.

My mamo is coming up again....5 yrs is the lucky number clean of cancer. l hope to see that soon.

I know it is. Sometimes words just can't relay thoughts and feelings.

I will be thinking of you!!

My first scans will be in January. So I know it'll be a long road ahead. You pave the way for both of us

 

[PattiJolene]

I know it is. Sometimes words just can't relay thoughts and feelings.

I will be thinking of you!!

My first scans will be in January. So I know it'll be a long road ahead. You pave the way for both of us

You are always in my prayers Sassy

 

[hairball18]

I still want to see more boobs. It was never my intention to take over the thread and end up being only myself posting.

It is important to share every experience. Some will be horrible, some not so horrible. If by posting all you went through, saves one life, then we don't mind you taking over your thread. Keep fighting sweet Sassy.

 

[PattiJolene]

My treatments are long over and l'm so happy for that. l have gotten many message well wishing me with my treatments. So l thought l would clear this up... l was just posting my journey to help Sassy and anyone else going through it some support.

Thank you for all the warm messages....so many kind hearted people here.

 

[Todger65]

Very true Patti about keeping positive. My sister wasn’t, she withdrew, wouldn’t talk to anyone including her husband. With her though, it was the early denial that didn’t give her much chance. She ignored the lumps she found until it was really too late. The original surgery appeared to have cleared it along with the other treatments to follow, but it hid away elsewhere until it returned soon after and attacked major organs.

My neighbour on the other hand has remained positive throughout her 4 surgeries and treatments over many years. Even now having just finished her treatment for the current cancer, she is convinced it is beaten. She is in to her 80’s now.

 

[SassySheDevil]

You are always in my prayers Sassy

My treatments are long over and l'm so happy for that. l have gotten many message well wishing me with my treatments. So l thought l would clear this up... l was just posting my journey to help Sassy and anyone else going through it some support.

Thank you for all the warm messages....so many kind hearted people here.

You are still my hero!

It is important to share every experience. Some will be horrible, some not so horrible. If by posting all you went through, saves one life, then we don't mind you taking over your thread. Keep fighting sweet Sassy.

The only reason I am sharing. I really hope it does help in the end.

Very true Patti about keeping positive. My sister wasn’t, she withdrew, wouldn’t talk to anyone including her husband. With her though, it was the early denial that didn’t give her much chance. She ignored the lumps she found until it was really too late. The original surgery appeared to have cleared it along with the other treatments to follow, but it hid away elsewhere until it returned soon after and attacked major organs.

My neighbour on the other hand has remained positive throughout her 4 surgeries and treatments over many years. Even now having just finished her treatment for the current cancer, she is convinced it is beaten. She is in to her 80’s now.

I learned this one quick. In my case. It meant shutting down. It meant pushing away a lot of people so I could focus on me. I had to surround myself in positive people and energy.