#mylifeafterbreastcancer

[shaysharpespinkwishes]

I’m sure I’ve had at least 50 Dr appointments this year, and I have at least 25 to go! 😖 WTF! #mylifeafterbreastcancer ~ Madame President :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: #sspw #blessed #prayforshay #youngwomencananddogetbreastcancer #cancer #breastcancer #shaysharpespinkwishes #breastcancersurvivor #exhausted #fatigue #tired #sideeffects #copays #cancerfineprint (at Shay Sharpe's Pink Wishes) https://www.instagram.com/p/B1rxjn4hGTB/?igshid=a84uek79z1xt

[shaysharpespinkwishes]

Did you know that many people CANT return to work after their cancer treatment? ::: I personally went back to work part time after my treatment and it was SO hard! Between the non stop appointments, horrible aches, treatment side effects and brain fog, it was just too much. #MyLifeAfterBreastCancer ~ Madame President :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: #shaysharpespinkwishes #sspw #cancer #breastcancer #job #work #disability #unemployed #youngwomencananddogetbreastcancer (at Shay Sharpe's Pink Wishes) https://www.instagram.com/shaysharpespinkwishes/p/Bw9nFEQB_VK/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=stgy91wsezer

[shaysharpespinkwishes]

What type of Chemotherapy did you or are you taking? What side effects have you had to overcome? Any advice for someone who is about to start your form of chemo? ~ Madame President :::::::::: Chemotherapy drugs kill or disable cancer cells. Chemotherapy is a treatment option for most types of breast cancer. The decision to use chemotherapy is based on the tumor stage and certain #tumor characteristics (such as #hormone receptor status), as well as your age, overall health and personal preferences. ::: Chemotherapy for early and locally advanced breast cancer After breast surgery (adjuvant chemotherapy) For those with early breast cancer, chemotherapy is usually given after breast surgery (called #adjuvant chemotherapy), but before #radiation therapy. Adjuvant chemotherapy helps lower the risk of breast cancer recurrence by getting rid of cancer cells that might still be in the body. ::: Before breast surgery (neoadjuvant chemotherapy) Chemotherapy is sometimes used before surgery (called neoadjuvant or preoperative chemotherapy). In women with large tumors who need a mastectomy, neoadjuvant chemotherapy may shrink the tumor enough so a lumpectomy becomes an option. In women with locally advanced breast cancer, neoadjuvant chemotherapy can reduce the size of the tumor in the breast and/or in the lymph nodes, and make it easier to surgically remove the cancer. (Susan G Komen) :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: #sspw #shaysharpespinkwishes #cancer #breastcancer #chemo #chemotherapy #support #sideeffects #mylifeafterbreastcancer #women #breastcancersurvivor (at Shay Sharpe's Pink Wishes)

[shaysharpespinkwishes]

SSPW does way more than educate, advocate and grant wishes for breast cancer patients.. ------------------------------------------- Every year for Shay Sharpe's Pink Wishes birthday {July 15th} and Thanksgiving, we perform acts of kindness in the community. {coat drives, jean drives, sock drives, toiletries collection, feeding the homeless, etc.} ------------------------------------------- After watching a very impactful video on social media, we have decided to collect and distribute feminine hygiene products {tampons, pads & new underwear} for women in need, whether homeless or residing in a shelter. Please join us! ------------------------------------------- Many of us who have been affected by cancer entered into menopause decades earlier than any of us would've predicted, thus not having to buy tampons or pads anymore, so we may have forgotten how integral those items are to women. We all need a hand sometimes.. ------------------------------------------- Tampons, pads, new female underwear, etc., can be dropped off at: Katwalk Boutique 1709 Aliceanna St. Baltimore, MD 21231 Tuesday - Saturday 11am til 8pm Sunday 11am til 6pm ------------------------------------------- Product & Monetary donations can be mailed to: Shay Sharpe's Pink Wishes P.O.Box 11763 Baltimore, Maryland 21206 Donations can also be made via our website, www.ShaySharpesPinkWishes.org or PayPal.Me/SSPW. ------------------------------------------- Even if you are unable to donate, please share this post. We thank you in advance for your unwavering love and support. ~ Madame President ------------------------------------------- #IAmMySistersKeeper #sspw #community #Baltimore #Maryland #501c3 #homeless #shelter #shaysharpespinkwishes #cancer #breastcancer #philanthropy #CommunityPartner #mylifeafterbreastcancer #women #WeAreAllInThisTogether #CountYourBlessings (at Katwalk Boutique)

[shaysharpespinkwishes]

Did your ability to swim or learning to swim change after your breast cancer diagnosis/surgeries? ::: I didn’t know how to swim or float prior to my breast cancer diagnosis. After my breast cancer diagnosis, I developed a love for traveling, especially water destinations. I figured it would be an awesome time to learn to swim... One problem, my arm doesn’t rotate the same as others thanks to all of the surgeries I’ve had on my torso. I also tried learning to swim with a group of disable folks and that didn’t work either. I definitely think I need private lessons with a very patient teacher, who has experience with women who also suffer with the same issues. My life after breast cancer. ~ Madame President :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: #justkeepswimming #survivor #swim #exercise #sspwfitnfab #sspw #shaysharpespinkwishes #breastcancersurvivor #cancer #breastcancer #lymphedema #mastectomy #bilateralmastectomy #swimminglessons #Baltimore #mylifeafterbreastcancer #youngwomencananddogetbreastcancer

[shaysharpespinkwishes]

In Santa Barbara, California at Surf Camp. Yes, I went to surf camp even though I didn’t learn how to #swim, during my swim lessons that summer. 🐠 #justkeepswimming. This was the look on my face after reading there was a shark siting in the area, while we were at lunch. Needless to say I didn’t get my cute ass back in the water that day. ::: Tbt. Not sure of the year.. 2012 maybe? I recall waiting the required time to have my DIEP Scar tattooed. At this point I was on my 3rd Breast reconstruction, after my 1st breast cancer diagnosis. I had just “kinda” fell in love with these boobs when the cancer came back in 2014. Sigh.... My life after breast cancer. ~ Madame President :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: #blackgirlssurf #diep #scar #cancer #sspw #breastcancer #survivor #california #ocean #surf #mylifeafterbreastcancer #firstdescents #breastreconstruction #breastcancersurvivor #ilovetheocean #melaninpoppin #sunkissed (at Santa Barbara, California)

[shaysharpespinkwishes]

This was the first time I saw my HUGE @thescarproject photo in an art gallery. It was mesmerizing! ✨ ~ Madame President, Shay Sharpe ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: #sspw #iamart #tbt #shaysharpespinkwishes #art #melanin #houston #breastlessbae #beautiful #cancer #breastcancer #breastcancersurvivor #mylifeafterbreastcancer #lovingyourselfafterbreastcancer #kisses #gallery #mastectomy #advocate (at Houston, Texas)

[shaysharpespinkwishes]

These past couple months have been tough. On top of this being Shay Sharpe’s Pink Wishes busy season, I was given the news that I had 2 masses on my liver and 2 on my left breast wall. : : : Due to my already stacked schedule, the holidays & to avoid the constant “what did the dr say”, messages I tackled the non stop STAT messages, calls, appointments, biopsies, labs and bedside procedures privately.... almost. : : : I say almost, because a couple of you knew and held it and me together. Thank you! I spoke to God about all of you! 💜 Thanks for feeding me (literally & figuratively), hanging out with me all day, as I shopped for our Wish Recipients.. before taking me for scans that lasted hours, being at the other end of last minute phone calls to meet me out of town because I was too bloody, sore or sedated to drive myself home, for capturing what was feared to be my first and last family photo, for climbing in my bed with me, for calling/texting at the very moment I needed you, for loving & hugging me, for being scared for me and my favorite gesture of them all.. thanks for not asking any questions and allowing me to be silent. : : : Let me conclude this message by saying, I’m ok! I received a call right before Christmas saying everything is benign! No Evidence of Cancer. Just in time to enjoy my first Christmas as a grandmother. Enjoy your holiday, health and those who love you. See you in 2018~ Grandma Honey aka Madame President 😉 ::: #MyLifeAfterBreastCancer #BreastlessBae #PrayForShay #sspw #shaysharpespinkwishes #breastcancer #flatandfabulous #NED #2xbreastcancersurvivor #mastectomy #cancer (at Baltimore, Maryland)

[shaysharpespinkwishes]

Be sure to check out my article in Huffington Post! 🌺 ~ Madame President ..................................................... #cancer #breastcancer #prayforshay #huffingtonpost #huffingtonpostwomen #huffingtonpostblackvoices #women #sspw #October #survivor #mastectomy #mylifeafterbreastcancer #shaysharpespinkwishes #youngwomencananddogetbreastcancer #Maryland #breastlessbae (at Huffington Post)

[shaysharpespinkwishes]

Left 2004. Left 2014. ~ Madame President :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: #youngwomencananddogetbreastcancer #sspw #cancer #breastcancer #left #right #bilateral #survivor #mbc #mylifeafterbreastcancer #shaysharpespinkwishes #mastectomy #recurrence (at Shay Sharpe's Pink Wishes) https://www.instagram.com/p/B1dxEeShk5j/?igshid=zs4nsgiyki9e

[shaysharpespinkwishes]

Last week there was a male patient being loaded into the glass HBOT chamber with a urine bottle, so that he could relieve himself if needed during his 2.5 hour “dive”. I was pissed, literally, because I was never given this option, well today, I was given my own bottle. 🥴😂. The thought of trying to maneuver my body over this bottle, while laying flat in a snug glass chamber, under bright lights, with a tech sitting directly next to me, is way too much excitement for me. I would end up wetting everything inside the chamber. Pew! Nah! I pass. 😂 #mylifeafterbreastcancer ~ Madame President ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: #StopWantingEverythingYouSee #sspw #cancer #prayforshay #breastcancersurvivor #brokenribs #humor #gottalaughtokeepfromcrying #hyperbaricoxygentherapy #youngwomencananddogetbreastcancer #shaysharpespinkwishes (at Shay Sharpe's Pink Wishes) https://www.instagram.com/p/B1Y6VrLBdrg/?igshid=idptbiemoxuy

[shaysharpespinkwishes]

How are you today? REALLY! (Don’t just say fine if you aren’t!) :: I’m tired, achy & exhausted, but I’m excited that it’s the weekend and I don’t have therapy today! ~ Madame President ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: #thankful #sspw #prayforshay #weekend #blackandwhite #howareyou #breastcancersurvivor #cancer #breastcancer #hbot #howyoudoin #shaysharpespinkwishes #mylifeafterbreastcancer (at Shay Sharpe's Pink Wishes) https://www.instagram.com/p/B1RacL2BhqI/?igshid=mj2uum5f2oeq

[shaysharpespinkwishes]

In 2004, I recall paying $10 to park at the hospital for every appointment, then daily for 7 weeks for radiation. It added up fast! I was thrilled when my 2014 radiation was given at a community location and I no longer had to pay. #MyLifeAfterBreastCancer ~ Madame President ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: #sspw #prayforshay #parking #copays #cancer #breastcancer #shaysharpespinkwishes #patientassistance #chemo #radiation #patient (at Shay Sharpe's Pink Wishes) https://www.instagram.com/p/B1MpgojBCpw/?igshid=w75mywachy6i

[shaysharpespinkwishes]

EVERYDAY before my Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy session, I must see a Dr to check my ears and lungs, to ensure they are both clear. My vitals are also taken by a tech immediately prior and after my session (Dive). Transportation costs & daily copays are tiring but thankfully the hospital gives me a free coupon so I don’t have to pay for parking. It’s the little things that get you over this cancer journey.. #MyLifeAfterBreastCancer ~ Madame President ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: #sspw #prayforshay #cancer #breastcancer #hbot #brokenribs #radiation #breastcancersurvivor #igetbywithalittlehelpfrommyfriends #hyperbaricoxygentherapy #mylife #shaysharpespinkwishes #osteoradionecrosis (at Maryland) https://www.instagram.com/p/B1KFn47B4zL/?igshid=1j3f7clu1idt6

[shaysharpespinkwishes]

Many of you have asked why must I undergo #HyperBaricOxygenTherapy. I underwent radiation in 2004 and again in 2014, when I had a breast cancer #recurrence. Due to the double dosage of radiation and the bone altering meds I’ve taken during my cancer treatment, three of my ribs are fractured. The condition is called osteoradionecrosis. ~ Madame President :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Osteoradionecrosis is bone death due to #radiation. The #bone dies because radiation damages its blood vessels. Osteoradionecrosis is a rare side effect that develops some time after radiation therapy has ended. It usually occurs in the lower jaw, or mandible. The lower jaw is at risk of osteoradionecrosis because it has a limited blood supply. Very rarely, osteoradionecrosis can start in the upper jaw, or maxilla. Osteoradionecrosis is caused by #radiationtherapy to the bone. It may develop years after radiation therapy for head and neck cancers. The risk of developing osteoradionecrosis increases when the dose of radiation received is greater than 60 grays. It is also higher if the bone treated with radiation is exposed. :: Managing Osteoradinecrosis. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized room. It is done in a special chamber where the pressure inside is higher than the normal pressure of the atmosphere. The higher pressure allows more oxygen to get into your blood, which can help heal damaged and infected tissues. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used in combination with wound care and surgery. The treatment plan often includes 20 treatments before surgery and 10 more treatments after surgery. This #treatment plan may be adjusted based on your personal situation and how well the #osteoradionecrosis responds to the hyperbaric oxygen therapy. {cancer.ca} :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: #prayforshay #educate #cancer #breastcancer #brokenribs #survivor #2xbreastcancersurvivor #mylifeafterbreastcancer #youngwomencananddogetbreastcancer (at Shay Sharpe's Pink Wishes) https://www.instagram.com/p/B0_lGcYBsQL/?igshid=1qwj2tdqtffm9

[shaysharpespinkwishes]

HBOT Tech: Don’t take this the wrong way, but the Dr asked me if this is your real hair. Me: YES! This is my hair, Sir! I have #sisterlocks. Please know that if I was buying a wig or weave, I wouldn’t buy this short hair, I like my hair touching my butt! 💁🏽‍♀️. :: I can’t wear wigs, weaves, nail polish, lotion, deodorant, pins, glue or hair products during my daily Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy sessions. #mylifeafterbreastcancer ~ Madame President ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: #youngwomencananddogetbreastcancer #sspw #hair #shaysharpespinkwishes #postcancer #sideeftects #osteoradionecrosis #blonde (at Shay Sharpe's Pink Wishes) https://www.instagram.com/p/B0_iYZ7BPPM/?igshid=1p06bbyg6w7rv