Any of you Bonaire Talker friends ever had breast cancer? I have to have a double mastectomy next week and I'm freaking out. All I want to do is get to Bonaire and relax. They are going to do reconstruction surgery at the same time so I'll still look presentable in a bathing suit.... I'm not a diver, just a snorkeler, relaxer and Polar/Amstel drinker....
Just want to know if anyone has gone thru this mess before and when is the earliest I am good enough to deal with an American Airline adventure? Thanks for listening. Maybe I'll get to meet some of you at Gibi's yummy dinner thing one of these days...... Swanee

Swanee, first of all (((((BIG GIANT HUGS))))) to you, and secondly, this is a new age. A whole new world, esp where cancers are concerned. I hope someone can give you better answers than me, but I do know one woman who did like you are going to do, and she was fine and dandy in (80%) in 2 months, and though she had some restricted arm movement at first, she had the perfect POSITIVE mindset and is better than ever now. Medicines are so advanced now, and so is the surgery. And we all know now how important the positive mindset is in this, and it sounds like you have it.

I lost my mom to what started as breast cancer, and so I fear it like nothing else in this world. But I keep reminding myself, that it's not the 70's, 80's or 90's anymore, that it's a more advanced world now.

We'll hold your hand and send you all our positives and hold you in the light and pray for you if you'll let us. You were right to share that here.

Maybe someone has some really current or personal experience info to share with you. I hope so. I'd like to hear the good news, too!

Swanee....I work for Surgeons in Portland, Maine. They do the reconstruction that you are speaking about. I personally haven't been through this but have witnessed countless of patients go through this in the 5 years I have been working there....including 2 co-workers! I can tell you that most are doing fantastic at this point. One of my co-workers is having her expanders replaced with final prosthesis on 7/3, and she only had the mastectomies 4 or 6 weeks ago (I think), and she is doing wonderful. The doctors think her golf game will be mostly back by the end of summer!
I do know that a positive attitude and a strong support system are both contributing factors in the healing process! The one piece of advise that I have heard, that seemed to make so much sense to me, was to plan something wonderful for yourself for after this is all done....to give yourself something to look forward too, and as a reward for going through it all! A trip to BON sounds like a wonderful reward!!!
If you want anymore info from me....you can e-mail me through the board with your e-mail address, and we can chat!!!!!

I send you (((BIG HUGS))) and warm thoughts!!!!!

LaDonna

OK this is a toughy for sure !!!! You have indeed come to the right place, I believe that Earth angels hang out on Bonaire Talk !! I am sure that someone with experience will come forward and enlighten everyone. and this is a great topic for everyone to learn more about.. In the mean time HUGE hugs from me..

Swanee, so right to share this w/us. I have not gone through any of this but I am sure someone will share info. Lots of hugs and be positive about everything -- know that we'll be thinking about you and keeping you in our prayers.

Please let us know how all went.

Swanee, Hugs from me also! My best friend since 4th grade (many years!) Is going through what you are experiencing.
She denied her problem for some time before calling for advice. You are doing the right thing in reaching out for info. Please get more than one opinion and search your area for the best doctors possible. Every day something new is learned in the field of medicine...But most important is your mental well being....
Positive...postive..positive! Whatever we can do...please let us know....

Swanee, HUGE HUGS TO YOU!! My Mom had breast cancer and she went through everything you are going through and kept a positive attitude (although at times it was difficult). I can't find the right words but I will say, we are here for you and you will be in our thoughts and prayers. I'll be waiting to hear that you have made it through just fine! I too, like Kathy fear this more than anything but I know the medical advances they have made from just a few short years ago are major! I feel good vibes and I'll send them your way.I hope that one day we will meet in Bonaire. Keep us posted and know that from the bottom of my heart I wish you a speedy recovery and healthy well being.

Hi Swanee.

I've had breast cancer - and came to my 5 year period in January.

E-mail me privately if you'd like to ask any questions....and GOOD LUCK -

Positive thinking heals.

Love,
Annette

Swanee,

Hang in there girl. Stay positive and strong. YGM.

Swanee,

Keep your wonderful attitude - you'll be just fine. I know people who have gone through surgery and are all fine. It is so very different from years ago - healing time weeks, and getting back to your normal routine very quickly.
Thoughts, prayers and many hugs are with you.
Please keep us updated and feel free to e-mail me if you like.
We are part of your support team

Swanee, I ditto everyone's response. My mom went through what you are going to go through, and she was just 52 years old when she did. I agree with everyone, it's a new age. Early diagnosis, treatments have advanced, and you have BT behind you all the way!!!! {{{{{BIG MOOSE HUGS}}}} to you

Annette, congratulations! I bet you did a little celebrating

Swanee, please feel free to come here when you need a hug, support, or anything else! I wear a breast cancer support bracelet in support of another BT'er who has gone through what you are going through, (Cindy Reed made the bracelet for me). I'll think of you too now when I wear it

Swanee
just logged on to post about a fun surprise nyc bt mini meet last Sunday but saw your post and decided to post pone that one till later. My mom didn't have breast cancer but almost died from colon cancer in 1997 but she is healthy and doing great now. I believe her positive attitude and great faith helped her along! Hugs and prayers coming your way! You have a great community here supporting you, wishing you strength to get through this tough time
Kristin

Swanee, add me to the list of growing hugs.... happy vibe BT hugs !!! I have found that reaching out to BTers is even better than family sometimes. Do not underestimate the power of BT. My best advice before surgery was from one of our very own BTers... Alaska Dan... Not the same surgery as yours, but it was scary for me, too.

Let us surround you with our positive Bonaire sunlight.... it's quite healing for the soul.

HUGS.

Kelly

More SWANEE
Having had more than one friend and my mom go through the surgery (different kinds, depending on the tumor) I know it is very scary! But it really is amazing what the surgeons and medical oncologists have to offer and my best wishes are with you!

Swanee, I have had breast cancer and almost at my six year mark. I did not have the reconstruction done at the time on the advice of my surgeon because I was going to have to have both chemotherapy and radiation therapy and radiation causes scar tissue. I had a partial mastectomy (lump removal) so still have a fair amount of tissue. Will eventually have a reduction done on my good side so I match again. With all that I went through I did not dive for about a year because it took that long to regain my strength.

Email me direct if there is any thing else I can help you with.

Hugs and lots of love to you.

Andy

www.thebreastcancersite.com
this is a place where we can all help

Swanee,
I will keep you in my prayers. Here in st petersburg their is a hospital in clearwater called the moffitt cancer center have heard it is the best in fl. I don't know how far it is from you but if you would like for me to call and do some research for you I can and find out who they recommend in your area.

Swanee,

Good luck! My girlfriend had a mastectomy of her left breast seven years ago--she had her re-construction last year. She said she wouldn't do her new "*its" until her five year window was past. Well, she has some great new "*its". I won't get into all the fun names they have now, but she does seem darned proud of both of "the girlfriends".

Be happy and positive--and, make sure your man/partner is the same. Mo and I will keep you in our prayers! Again, good luck, this is survivable.

Swanee,
No personal or family experience with breast cancer here, but lots of good healing hugs/vibes coming your way. A former co-worker was just diagnosed (and she's only 34 or 35) and is going through chemo before her surgery (and she is having a double mastectomy along with complete ovariohysterectomy due to the genetic tests), then radiation. She is planning a cruise with her hubby and little boy after the radiation so DO plan your Bonaire "reward" and keep us posted on your progress.

Swanee, I am sending a big hug to you and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I too feel that keeping a positive attitude in situations like this, really does help the healing process.

Swanee, my grandma had breast Cancer and had a mastectomy. She was in her 70's and she recovered. Early detection is key when you are dealing with any cancer. I lost a friend last year to cancer who was in major denial. It's a shame because they could have saved her life if she would have let them.

I send you positive prayers and healing energy to get through what God has in store for you. Keep in touch with us through BT and let us know how you are doing.

Andy, congratulations on passing the 5 year mark

Swanee, Good luck with your operation and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery. I have not yet had breast cancer, but know modern tech. can work wonders. Sending big (((((HUGS)))) your way, hang in there and keep thinking positive thoughts. You will be back on Bonaire before you know it!

Swanee, Good luck and big hugs to you . I work in a hospital and have seen many operations like this. You will be fine and cancer free for many years after this. You are in our prayers. Hugs and lots of love.

Swanee, I had cancer, it can be beaten, here I am!
Many of my wife's tennis friends have battled breast cancer and won, in fact all who have had it won. I posted for the last time yesterday, but felt it important that you know that even perfect strangers are thinking of you, and want you to be as positive as you can. You will beat this.

Swanee, hugs, good vibes, prayers and good wishes coming your way. Let me dig around and find my stash of pink ribbon beads. You need a bracelet. It's not much - but when you wear it, you'll be reminded that you have people that care about you.
CindyR

Well, I don't remember now what I said to Kelly, but to you I would relate my experience--no, not with breast cancer, but cancer of the left sublingual gland (i.e., cancer of the saliva gland under the left side of the tongue). Scared the **** out of me. However, after the initial surgery to remove the gland, I did three things: first, I got several different opinions on my options--I was amazed at the range of options; second, after the initial blow, I stayed positive. NEVER let yourself get discouraged. The body is so attuned to your emotions that discouragement will do nothing but impede the cure and healing; third, pray. The power of prayer is awesome, both in its own effectiveness and in keeping your mood positive.

I've never been through breast cancer, but had a coworker (male) who did. Yes, men, too, can get it. And I've known several women who have had it. With today's medical knowledge, all of them have come through with flying colors.

Think well, be well, and know that all of us are behind you. Don't forget to keep us informed. We care.



(Message edited by Eliff on June 15, 2006)

Swanee, the thoughts, advise and love given above are truly priceless. In my health struggles (including a partial mastectomy and most recently, a brain hemorrhage), family, love, support and prayer and yes - my beloved dog, Maggie, have been truly critical for me. Planning a trip to Aruba and Bonaire (which I get to do late July) really keep my spirits up and give me something wonderful to do, while dealing with all the other difficult things. I will keep you in my heart.

In dark moments remember that there are a lot of us that are happy to soak up the anger and fear because other BTer's have done it for us. We are only a mouse click away and if you want to use really bad language e mail me direct

Swanee - no personal experience for me either but tons of endless hugs, encouragement and huge shoulders are here for you ~ just a mouse click away.
After reading all these posts I'm quite sure there is Heaven on earth and it is here
Stay positive and let us be there for you.

I wish I knew the right words to say, I read this post earlier but I still do not know. I offer you my hugs and my healing thoughts.

Dear Swanee, read your post again and after a lot of thought, decided to try to put down some practical guidelines I have used when travelling while during the medical recovery stage. My two sons and I have made many trips to Aruba from NY (my brother and family and friends live there) during times when my youngest son, Aaron was extremely ill, and my other son, Joshua and I had some very acute post-op issues. I hope they will give you some direction, peace of mind and encouragement to plan a wonderful trip to Bonaire.
1. Must have doctor(s) clearance/approval.
2. Must have enough meds on hand for the trip - plus at least 1 week, just in case!
3. Let your doctor(s) know where you want to go and what you would like to do on your trip so that they can make informed decisions as to what restrictions may apply, ie: how much sun (especially on scarring), swimming ( strain on the arm due to surgery), etc.
4. Know your physical limits. It's so easy when in Paradise to forget how much the sun saps your energy. Our guidelines during the tougher times was to stay in the shade/indoors form 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. We used that time to eat lunch, read, due any shopping, and best of all, visit with old and new friends. There are still many wonderful daylight hours before 11 and after 3! Example: My son Aaron, two years in a row, needed to have a platelet count every day at the hospital while we were in Aruba. The staff was wonderful. Afterward we went to Baby Beach and had a wonderful time, and then came back to the room for a rest! Last year, I was not allowed to snorkel, (which I LOVE!!!!), so I got an inner tube, snuggled in that and placed my mask on the water and was able to see a great deal of the beauty under the sea while my loved ones snorkeled and dove. With some imagination, it's amazing how much you can do, even with restrictions!!!
5. Bring a summary of any applicable medical conditions. This can usually be found in your hospital records and at your physician(s). This enables the local doctor to make an informed decision regarding any necessary medical treatment you may need during your trip.

Hope I'm making sense. Just wanted to share what has helped me and by sons to have some wonderful times during some very difficult times. Use the time while recuperating to plan a wonderful get-a-way to Bonaire. It will really lift your spirits. Only the doctors and you, however, can say when you will be well enough to go.
You are in my prayers.
Thinking of you.
Mar

just wanted to add some support. i have had 3 friends who are breast cancer survivors. they have all passed their 5 year mark! my thoughts and prayers are with you.

I am walking proof that Cancer can be beat. I have been cancer free for almost 6 years. I didn't have breast cancer, mine was cervical cancer. I had one surgery and caught it early enough that I didn't need any additional treatment. I have looked at everyday since as a blessing and I don't take a minute of my life for granted. I keep a positive attitude no matter what life throws my way. You will get through this. You have a lot of caring people that are sending prayers and hugs your way.

I do not even know how to express my gratitude to all of you wonderful people for sending me hugs, prayers and information. I always knew that Bonaire was the best place on earth and now I know that even more after getting all of these uplifting messages and encouragement from all of my new supportive friends. The surgery now has been put off due to doctors and hospital operating schedules.... so now I'm just getting more and more anxious waiting... Thank you again and I promise to give you guys an update when things are on track... Big big hugs to all of you guys! Thanks for being so cool and caring to a stranger. Love, Swanee
Hope to meet up with lots of you at Gibi's in March!!!!!!!!!!

Good luck, Swanee...we are all here behind you. Carole

Swanee...every thing will be fine....my email is Sgiamporcaro@comcast.net
I am sure the worst is the unknown.. My friend was in the dark on everything about her doctors findings and the procedures. She just was not a medical person and everything seemed overwhelming.
When everything was done...she was more relaxed than us!
Waiting is upsetting...but friends will be with you along the way...give us a call.

Greetings, Swanee!!

What a strange time to discover your post......

You see, I am a Survivor's Caregiver. That is the title they gave me last Friday, when I joined my beloved Mrs. Turtle, Karen, on the Survivor's Lap of our local Relay For Life!!

Last year, Karen also did the Survivor's Lap - but then, with no hair. This year was much more touching, because we have been through it all!!
The Mastectomy, Chemo, Taxol, Taxotere, Neupogen, and Radiation.

Keep your spirits up!! And accept Great Big Bear Hugs from the great, but not so white North!!

I will ask Karen to look at this, and see if she will add anything.

In the meantime - take care of yourself, and smile, Dammit!!!

Bill

Hi, Bill's wife here,
Not sure what to write except that you will get through it. Many different positives happened last year. Saved on shampoo, deodorant, gas to get to work, and hubby learned to cut grass and cook more often. I even have curly hair now.
There will be a great deal of attention paid to you at first, then people will not know what to do. Please urge them to keep calling and reminding you that you are important because you are.
I am not much into entries for Bonaire talkers but my hubby got a tremendous amount of support as it was no easy task for him either.
I had single mastectomy April 9th, 2005 and have only just returned to work part time. I was in to see the surgeon and he asked if I would like reconstruction. I told him what use to be 38 B's are now 38 LONG. Gravity has set in. and I would save the bother by having my remaining one just pushed over to the side that is missing. Sure would keep it off the ground.
I have not made up my mind to have the surgery done. I just want to get strength back and stay out of hospitals for a while.
Your hospitals in the states are far better than the Canadian ones with more up to date treatments and I know you will do well.
Check out the support groups for cancer. It does make you feel better when you are able to help those going through it too.
Hoping for the best.
Karen

I was out last week, but want to add my prayers and hugs to all our wonderful BT'ers. Cancer isn't fun and it is scary. We'll be praying for you while you go through it all!

Hey you guys! All of your big hugs and thoughts and prayers worked! I found a new doctor since the first doc that was very horrible and mean. As it turned out he was a trauma surgeon that specialized mostly in car accidents, etc. when people needed immediate surgery on their legs, etc.... I guess I was unlucky to have been referred to him...... but I think some of my instincts kicked in, or vibes, or God........ and I got to see a wonderful doctor last Tuesday who said I am a perfect candidate for just a lumpectomy. This nice doc actually looked at my ultrasound reports and read my biopsy reports unlike the first doctor that did not seem to have time to review the documents... This month has been so crazy and I just want to say again, thank you to all of you guys who have been thinking and praying for me.... If all of this mess goes well, I will see you all for a giant bowl of goat stew at Gibi's! Love, Swanee

That is such wonderful news!! We have several family members in the medical profession and they all say, get a second opinion and always go with your gut feeling. If a surgeon/doctor gives you bad vibes, find another one! Well Swanee, you gave me something to smile about, Good Luck! I'm still praying for you and sending good vibes!

Swanee, that is fabulous news!

We are all happy for you, and the good news.

Swanee, so glad you chose to seek out another Dr and got some better news. I will continue sending prayers your way!

Swanee, That is great news!!! I am so glad you listened to your gut feeling!! Hugs Darlene