I joined a new club: Cancer Survivors- my story and a reveal :)

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MedtechCarol

MedtechCarol

Mental Rubik's Cube
O.G.
Aug 1, 2011
1,918
0
#1
I haven't been around and I have only shared my story with one of my friends here on TPF. Well... in January I had an abnormal mammogram and was told to followup for another zoomed-in picture, which revealed multiple areas of microcalcifications (which are sometimes associated with cancerous cells) and led to a core biopsy of the areas. I was told only 2% of the biopsies for microcalcifications come back as cancerous. We OF COURSE I am in that 2%...nothing like being special, right?

I'm only 41, and the type of cancer I was dignosed with (DCIS) generally doesn't spread anywhere else. However, I have a strong family history of breast cancer and multifocal disease increases the odds invasive cancer might be present. I started dating my husband 25 years ago when I was 17- I know it's the reality of getting older, but living without each other seems impossible. I have never seen him look the way he did that day. We told our girls (young teens) in the best way we could, and on I went with a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction.

I spent 5 days in ICU, came home and tried to put my life together after, had a few setbacks, but just had my second surgery to tweek everything, hopefully no more. I have to spend the next 5 weeks stuffed into a compression suit, it's horribly uncomfortable, I live in Texas and it's HOT. I have stiches and bruises, but...I am alive and can offically come out of this thing on July 23rd. I will probably burn it. I am considered cancer-free right now- margins were clear, lymph nodes clear, and don't need any radiation, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy. My statistics now for dying of cancer are about 1-2%. There are no guarantees in life, so I will take those odds!! :tup:

Now onto the bag porn- they aren't from the sale or new from the site. My bag needs were minimal the last few months due to lifting restrictions. So I have been using this little clutch/wristlet, which my sister gave me and I freaking love it- I forgot the bag style though:



Right before my surgery I needed a large, fairly lightweight tote to haul papers, a sweater, etc... from appointment to appointment; I found this lightweight megatote on ebay to fit the need:

Madison Op Art tote 13001:


Here's what fits in her about 1/3 full, this bag is HUGE:


I've had some medical bills, and some home projects that need money, so I'm not spending much on bags. But DH told me to get something for myself and I found this at a bargain price, literally brand new condition, packed perfectly. I'm only showing the packing pics b/c it looks like it came from the coach website- I literally squealled! We missed the FEDEX truck, but called and the driver let us meet him at a gas station yesterday! Yes ladies, desperation comes into play when a bag is threatened to be held hostage over the weekend!







Pics of the bag continued.....
 
#2
I admire your strength and courage. I pray you live a long and healthy life. We just went through cancer w my dad and I know the trials and tribulations it can bring. Sounds like you have a very loving and supportive family to help carry you through. On a lighter note, lovely bags.
 
#3
Here is my new bag- Abby! I love her to death, and she's lightweight exactly as I need in spite of the hardware. I know this bag has been revealed somewhere on here before. But I'm posting anyway! :smile1:
Seller even wrapped her hardware:

Unwrapped:


Here's what I will put inside her (she's stuffed with paper still because I haven't apple'd her yet)


And finally next to her fraternal sister:


Thanks for reading and don't forget, ladies:

:D
 
#4
I very sorry you had to go through all of this. I have had four close friends with breast cancer that were 42 and younger when diagnosed. I walked the 3-day 60 mile walk three times and have walked along with survivors.

So, congrats to you lady for having incredible courage that must of us can't even fathom, for being so very strong, and for fighting with all you had!! That is quite a promising prognosis!

Your bags are gorgeous and your husband is a gem for understanding that yes, sometimes doing something just for yourself can get you to a better place.

So the countdown begins until July 23rd!! In the meantime, think about how you are gonna rock that Beautiful Abby when you get out of your suit!!!
 
#6
Jb32purse said:
I admire your strength and courage. I pray you live a long and healthy life. We just went through cancer w my dad and I know the trials and tribulations it can bring. Sounds like you have a very loving and supportive family to help carry you through. On a lighter note, lovely bags.
Click to expand...

I'm so sorry about your dad. I went through it with my mom and now that I have been the person with the cancer, I can honestly say I am not sure which side is harder to be on. I understand and know how hard it is for the family. I was constantly sending my husband on errands and telling him to get out and take a break. I even bought him tickets to a motorcycle race just so he would get out of the house and do something fun just for himself- it's so hard to be the family taking care of someone who is sick. So definitely make sure you take care of (and time for) yourself. Prayers for you....
 
#7
abwd said:
I very sorry you had to go through all of this. I have had four close friends with breast cancer that were 42 and younger when diagnosed. I walked the 3-day 60 mile walk three times and have walked along with survivors.

So, congrats to you lady for having incredible courage that must of us can't even fathom, for being so very strong, and for fighting with all you had!! That is quite a promising prognosis!

Your bags are gorgeous and your husband is a gem for understanding that yes, sometimes doing something just for yourself can get you to a better place.

So the countdown begins until July 23rd!! In the meantime, think about how you are gonna rock that Beautiful Abby when you get out of your suit!!!
Click to expand...

Awesome on the walk! I am working toward that. I will probably return to my walking routine that got interrupted once I get out of the suit! But my oldest daughter has said she wants to train with me and we are working toward doing the walk next year, very exciting! And yes my new treasures give me a little frivilous something to look forward to! :smile1:

Weekend shopper said:
I hope that you continue to get better:hugs: Love your Abby and your other goodies.
Click to expand...

Thank you, every day is better than the last. :smile1:
 
#10
Wow, I am speechless after reading your thread. You have the best attitude and outlook, your family sounds great. All the best to you in your hot suit in Texas and i will cheer for you to be out of that suit!
 
#11
So glad you are doing well! Can't wait for you to be done with the compression thing! That will be a good day! Take care and I love your bags all of them are so pretty.
 
#12
Your bags are beautiful! Love that Abby...I remember it and there weren't many around...I think the small bag is the flight wristlet?

YOU are are strong, brave, a rock, all those things they said about Angelina Jolie and MORE. And so is every woman who deals with breast cancer. (Oh, yeah I forgot courageous...doubly so because you already had the worry of having BC) It's great to see you on here again...

I remember that giant tote. I think it's very chic and I love the smooshiness.
 
#15
Reading this brought tears to my eyes. I am not here often but saw your name and had to see what was up...
I'm so happy that you are gonna be ok. And I am doubly happy for your hubby and girls. I'm sure this has been a lesson in how not to take things for granted.
Your bags are lovely but they cannot compare to you. What a blessing to have gone thru and survived what you have.
I will keep you in my prayers and hope that you never have to go into the hospital again.
Hugs and kisses from me and Abby.
 
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