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

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#47
I'm so glad you are doing so well! Wishing you a great continued recovery, and hope the time passes really quickly until July 23rd! Thank you for sharing your story and your beautiful bags with us!
 
#49
Hi Carol,


Had been wondering why you have not been on TPF and figured you just moved to another brand or lost interest here as so many who just vanish. I am sorry to hear it was due to the story you told. I am glad to hear you are on the road to recovery now. I know it has been tough. Good to hear you have a supportive husband. Hope you continue to do well. Great reveal! You definitely deserve a closet full of pretty bags after that!

My mother (70) just went through the same thing as you. But only one breast. They did reconstruction and it went badly and now she has the lopsided look as she opted not to do so again., I always felt confident I would not get cancer before that because no one, I mean no one, on either side of the family ever had any types of cancer going back 3 generations. We get heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimers. Now I am terrified as my odds just went up to like 50%. I know it is stupid but I am afraid to get a mammogram. I asked if I could get an ultrasound or CT scan instead and they said no, even though they know I won't get a mammogram and my insurance would pay for it. I met a man on a plane who has something to do with making this mammogram equipment and I blasted him out for not creating something that does not squish women's breasts like pancake. Telling him that if we had to squish men's private parts in order to diagnose, I bet they would come up with an alternative in short order. It amazes me after so many years they have made ZERO advances in how they diagnose this horrible and all too common cancer. Mammograms seem so brutal and archaic. Maybe someday I will take 6 tranquilizers and have the nerve to get one done.
 
#50
melissatrv said:
Hi Carol,


Had been wondering why you have not been on TPF and figured you just moved to another brand or lost interest here as so many who just vanish. I am sorry to hear it was due to the story you told. I am glad to hear you are on the road to recovery now. I know it has been tough. Good to hear you have a supportive husband. Hope you continue to do well. Great reveal! You definitely deserve a closet full of pretty bags after that!

My mother (70) just went through the same thing as you. But only one breast. They did reconstruction and it went badly and now she has the lopsided look as she opted not to do so again., I always felt confident I would not get cancer before that because no one, I mean no one, on either side of the family ever had any types of cancer going back 3 generations. We get heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimers. Now I am terrified as my odds just went up to like 50%. I know it is stupid but I am afraid to get a mammogram. I asked if I could get an ultrasound or CT scan instead and they said no, even though they know I won't get a mammogram and my insurance would pay for it. I met a man on a plane who has something to do with making this mammogram equipment and I blasted him out for not creating something that does not squish women's breasts like pancake. Telling him that if we had to squish men's private parts in order to diagnose, I bet they would come up with an alternative in short order. It amazes me after so many years they have made ZERO advances in how they diagnose this horrible and all too common cancer. Mammograms seem so brutal and archaic. Maybe someday I will take 6 tranquilizers and have the nerve to get one done.
Click to expand...

I was terrified before my first as well! I've had three now and I was actually pleasantly surprised after the first that it didn't really hurt, it was just a bit uncomfortable for a few seconds. More pressure than anything else. Only once did it hurt because my breast was in the wrong position, but the minute I yelped, the tech released the plates. I just make sure not to look down and see my boobie all flat! lol! It only happens every few years, and I've had far more painful tests! I'm a needle-phobe, so I'd rather get a mammogram than get blood taken! :p
 
#51
MedtechCarol said:
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.....
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This has turned out to be quite a year for you. So very glad to hear you are cancer-free! Welcome to the Club. Yeah, it's one of the clubs you never wanted to join but here you are. I'm also a breast cancer survivor; I was diagnosed on 6/26/07 at age 44, had right breast mastectomy without reconstruction on 7/13/07, followed by six cycles of chemo and one year of herceptin via port. Thank goodness you don't have to do chemo. It blows. The double mastectomy was a good move. If I would have known my surgery recovery was going to go as smooth as it did, I would have pushed for a double. Not having reconstruction made recovery go faster. My sister had a double with reconstruction, she had quite a long recovery period.

On to the bags!! LOVE them all! Especially that teal Abby and that white Flight wristlet! LOVE! This is fun part of life. Enjoy it and spoil yourself shamelessly always!
 
#53
melissatrv said:
Hi Carol,


Had been wondering why you have not been on TPF and figured you just moved to another brand or lost interest here as so many who just vanish. I am sorry to hear it was due to the story you told. I am glad to hear you are on the road to recovery now. I know it has been tough. Good to hear you have a supportive husband. Hope you continue to do well. Great reveal! You definitely deserve a closet full of pretty bags after that!

My mother (70) just went through the same thing as you. But only one breast. They did reconstruction and it went badly and now she has the lopsided look as she opted not to do so again., I always felt confident I would not get cancer before that because no one, I mean no one, on either side of the family ever had any types of cancer going back 3 generations. We get heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimers. Now I am terrified as my odds just went up to like 50%. I know it is stupid but I am afraid to get a mammogram. I asked if I could get an ultrasound or CT scan instead and they said no, even though they know I won't get a mammogram and my insurance would pay for it. I met a man on a plane who has something to do with making this mammogram equipment and I blasted him out for not creating something that does not squish women's breasts like pancake. Telling him that if we had to squish men's private parts in order to diagnose, I bet they would come up with an alternative in short order. It amazes me after so many years they have made ZERO advances in how they diagnose this horrible and all too common cancer. Mammograms seem so brutal and archaic. Maybe someday I will take 6 tranquilizers and have the nerve to get one done.
Click to expand...

Mammograms are better than they used to be...they have a new "plate" (breast squisher) that makes it more comfortable...If you take a Xanax and a couple of ibuprophen that will help...but it really isn't bad...you tell the tech when it starts to get too uncomfortable so you control it. But you want to get a good reading so I try to wait as long as I can before telling them to stop. It really is fine...and quick. And only once a year...!
 
#54
Wow, you've been through so much! I'm happy to hear you don't have to go through chemo or radiation- thats a blessing all it's own. I hope the rest if your recovery is smooth!

Congrats on your Abby, too! It's absolutely gorgeous & WOW what a great color!!
 
#55
You know, I'd noticed that you hadn't posted in quite awhile. I'm so sorry you had to go through all of that, but also very glad you have good news now. ((HUGS))

Your bags are beautiful - Congrats on all of them!
 
#57
I'm overwhelmed with all of the beautiful replies. What a fabulous group of ladies! Honestly, just reading the posts brought tears to my eyes (my husband would say it's awful dusty in here!)

I know cancer has touched many, many lives. I doubt many of us can say we haven't felt the pain of knowing someone who has had cancer of some kind. I am very lucky and even today as I grumped at my Dr's office about this suit and bleeding after some stitches were removed my husband gently reminded me my next appointment was to have more stitches removed, one step closer to being healed, how amazing I look (sweet!) and that I didn't have to go to chemo or radiation in between surgeries. I know...perspective it's all perspective and I never forget that.

Bless you lovely ladies, thank you ALL for the kind words and well wishes for health. My new baby Abby is now weather protected and ready to go when I am!

It's not just getting a new bag, it's being well enough to lift my new bag at the root of my excitement. Goals, frivilous and not so frivilous have kept me going. Life goes on and I'm learning to live it again. :smile1:
 
#58
MedtechCarol said:
I'm overwhelmed with all of the beautiful replies. What a fabulous group of ladies! Honestly, just reading the posts brought tears to my eyes (my husband would say it's awful dusty in here!)

I know cancer has touched many, many lives. I doubt many of us can say we haven't felt the pain of knowing someone who has had cancer of some kind. I am very lucky and even today as I grumped at my Dr's office about this suit and bleeding after some stitches were removed my husband gently reminded me my next appointment was to have more stitches removed, one step closer to being healed, how amazing I look (sweet!) and that I didn't have to go to chemo or radiation in between surgeries. I know...perspective it's all perspective and I never forget that.

Bless you lovely ladies, thank you ALL for the kind words and well wishes for health. My new baby Abby is now weather protected and ready to go when I am!

It's not just getting a new bag, it's being well enough to lift my new bag at the root of my excitement. Goals, frivilous and not so frivilous have kept me going. Life goes on and I'm learning to live it again. :smile1:[/QUOTE

Well said! I am wishing you a speedy recovery and all the best health wise :)

Now, go rock that Abby - it's a stunner! :D
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#59
melissatrv said:
Hi Carol,


Had been wondering why you have not been on TPF and figured you just moved to another brand or lost interest here as so many who just vanish. I am sorry to hear it was due to the story you told. I am glad to hear you are on the road to recovery now. I know it has been tough. Good to hear you have a supportive husband. Hope you continue to do well. Great reveal! You definitely deserve a closet full of pretty bags after that!

My mother (70) just went through the same thing as you. But only one breast. They did reconstruction and it went badly and now she has the lopsided look as she opted not to do so again., I always felt confident I would not get cancer before that because no one, I mean no one, on either side of the family ever had any types of cancer going back 3 generations. We get heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimers. Now I am terrified as my odds just went up to like 50%. I know it is stupid but I am afraid to get a mammogram. I asked if I could get an ultrasound or CT scan instead and they said no, even though they know I won't get a mammogram and my insurance would pay for it. I met a man on a plane who has something to do with making this mammogram equipment and I blasted him out for not creating something that does not squish women's breasts like pancake. Telling him that if we had to squish men's private parts in order to diagnose, I bet they would come up with an alternative in short order. It amazes me after so many years they have made ZERO advances in how they diagnose this horrible and all too common cancer. Mammograms seem so brutal and archaic. Maybe someday I will take 6 tranquilizers and have the nerve to get one done.
Click to expand...

I am so sorry about your mom. I chose to do prophylactic mastectomy on the unaffected breast for several reasons, but everyone is different and my age was part of the equation as was the type of reconstruction I was having, family history, etc. I think how uncomfortable the mammograms are depends on factors like breast size, position, height and how good the tech is at not pinching skin. It's not horrible, but I completely understand not wanting to go. I love the story about squishing men's parts- so true! I am the same way about getting my teeth worked on. I take an anxiety pill and have nitrous getting a cavity filled- it doesn't improve pain but I am able to get through the process. Definitely talk to your doctor about options to get through a mammogram process. After the first one you will be ok. :smile1:
 
#60
jailnurse93 said:
This has turned out to be quite a year for you. So very glad to hear you are cancer-free! Welcome to the Club. Yeah, it's one of the clubs you never wanted to join but here you are. I'm also a breast cancer survivor; I was diagnosed on 6/26/07 at age 44, had right breast mastectomy without reconstruction on 7/13/07, followed by six cycles of chemo and one year of herceptin via port. Thank goodness you don't have to do chemo. It blows. The double mastectomy was a good move. If I would have known my surgery recovery was going to go as smooth as it did, I would have pushed for a double. Not having reconstruction made recovery go faster. My sister had a double with reconstruction, she had quite a long recovery period.

On to the bags!! LOVE them all! Especially that teal Abby and that white Flight wristlet! LOVE! This is fun part of life. Enjoy it and spoil yourself shamelessly always!
Click to expand...

Oh my, you have had a very big recovery hurdle. If I had needed chemo I'm not sure I would have made the same choices. It changes everything when you need a port and drugs or radiation. My mom had it for two years, I was really afraid knowing what she went through. Also I've done enough CBCs on cancer patients to see the effect physiologically. I never wanted to be in this club, but yes here I am. Life changes on a whim. Thank you so much for sharing! :hugs:
 
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