Feelings about single mastectomy

@anniez1943 is Verzenio an AI? I ask, as a friend of mine is taking Anastrozole and found an herb supplement that worked wonders for her pain and stiffness. When she showed the bottle to her doctors, I think two oncologists- they said No, as it contains Turmeric and doesn’t allow the AI to work effectively. I was unaware of this until I research her product and then researched the contradictions of the two.
Just curious, does your rib area get inflamed/sore after you have used your arm? I have to be so careful either the forward reaching (window washing) movement. ((I don’t do windows. 😆)) I also did a food diary for a few weeks. Turns out every time I ate cheese I would have a rib/ shoulder episode. I now am dairy free & has made such a huge difference. You may research inflammatory foods. It’s worth a try. Please stay in touch. We can learn from each other. Blessings.

@sequoia Yes, Verzenio is an AI. I am ER Positive. Too many hormones at 82???? OMG I didn't know I still had it in me. LOL. I'm silly, my way of staying "postive". The reason she prescribed Verzenio. Hopefully, after 2 years, I'll be free with no returning of the C word. My arm doesn't seem to bother me with reaching etc. I do have awful osteoporosis of my spine. I'm thinking that maybe my soreness is from the curve in my Thoracic spine. I'm pursuing those issues, now that I have a pretty good regimen in place with the cancer meds, etc. I'm having a scheduled massage, beginning this Saturday of that area so I will see how that works. I stopped by my oncologist's office yesterday (she's 2 miles from my house) to be sure she got my message about a Certified Lymphedema Therapist. That's still in the works. Have a lovely day. Be Blessed!!!!!!!

Yes, this is such a normal feeling. It’s a change in body image, even though you will wake up with a small breast mound from the expander. Losing any part of your body, especially something that is so related to being a female, is difficult to deal with. It’s ok to allow yourself to grieve. It’s ok to be scared. You are doing the right thing by reaching out to others to discuss your feelings and see how others coped. I have to say, I cried a lot in private before the surgery. I was shocked when I woke up that I viewed my chest differently than I thought I would (double mastectomies). In some way, it was a relief to know that the surgery was over and the cancer gone. I knew that being flat was temporary and this was the beginning of my journey to being cancer free. Like I said, I was shocked that I didn’t feel immense sadness and grief when I woke up. I don’t know if anyone else has experienced this other than me. Praying for you and sending hugs. I know this is a very overwhelming time.

@lorrainepink I had 1 breast mastectomy and would like to get rid of the other one. I'm 82, very active, leading quite a life with my fiance' of 4 years. I was fitted with a bra with prosthesis that can be removed with ease when necessary. I'm feeling quite fine with one boob and I am just so thankful that the cancer is GONE!!!!! I decided that I will keep the one good one for "old times sake". LOL

@jjjw I am very pleased with my double reconstruction. The plastic surgeon used some skin to create a very light slight projection of nipples which was then tattooed. I never thought that being returned back to “normal “ (after a single mastectomy) would have been such a great psychological boost! It was really underplayed by the medical profession. I guess they want to save money…

@sequoia Yes, Verzenio is an AI. I am ER Positive. Too many hormones at 82???? OMG I didn't know I still had it in me. LOL. I'm silly, my way of staying "postive". The reason she prescribed Verzenio. Hopefully, after 2 years, I'll be free with no returning of the C word. My arm doesn't seem to bother me with reaching etc. I do have awful osteoporosis of my spine. I'm thinking that maybe my soreness is from the curve in my Thoracic spine. I'm pursuing those issues, now that I have a pretty good regimen in place with the cancer meds, etc. I'm having a scheduled massage, beginning this Saturday of that area so I will see how that works. I stopped by my oncologist's office yesterday (she's 2 miles from my house) to be sure she got my message about a Certified Lymphedema Therapist. That's still in the works. Have a lovely day. Be Blessed!!!!!!!

@anniez1943 how are your massages working out? I hope they are helpful in the thoracic area. Were you able to get in touch either a Lymphedema Therapist? Just checking in on you! Blessing and have a great weekend. ❣️

@sequoia Hi Sequoia, How sweet of you to check on me. YES, I found wonderful MT. In fact, so wonderful that I cancelled my appt with a lymphedema therapist as well as a PT for shoulder issues. She has, literally, "fixed by 90%", my pain. I am going every 2 weeks for 4 sessions, and then will reduce to once a month. I am so happy! How are you doing? Pray all is well with you. Blessings to you also and we shall keep in touch. Hugs.