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August 2011 Surgery Group

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Comments

  • rockym
    rockym Member Posts: 386
    edited September 2011

    Thanks NancyJill.  I'm now at day 3 after chemo and feeling a little run down. Woke up a few times last night and went back to sleep, but finally up at 5:30a. These are kinda early mornings for me. I did a nice 30 min. bike ride around the neighborhood and then some gardening this morning. I had a few errands to run, but by 12:00p I was starting to hit the wall.

    I guess this is the fatigue they talk about ;-). I'm now in bed with my laptop trying to rest a bit. Haven't felt any bone pain (thanks goodness) and maybe the Claritin helped with that. I did take a nausea pill a few moments ago since I feel it coming on and don't even want to go there. Also took a couple of colase pills today.  I'm so used to having a cup of coffee in the morning (which I haven't stopped) and then being regular.  Not happening these past couple of days.  Bummer :-(.  Don't know what is worse... the feeling of a flu without the actual symptoms or not being able to go the way I always go ;-0

    Okay, so now that all my ailments are out in the open :-)... how is everyone else doing?

  • profbee
    profbee Member Posts: 305
    edited September 2011

    Hi, gang!

     I posted this on my other group, but I thought I'd share here too.  

    My first AC today went well.  I just took 2 Ativan to go to sleep so hopefully I won't have to deal with any nausea until tomorrow!  :)  They sent me home with 3 different pills and a shot to give myself..fun.  Fingers crossed that I'm one of the lucky ones!  Oh gosh...and how could I forget?!  First fill today.  I'm going to have an awesome rack!  :)  Smiling like crazy. I told the doc that I wanted them bigger than before and he said, "Oh, they  will be bigger than before."  :)   My son even noticed and asked if he could snuggle up on them.  I let him lay his head on my breast gently.  Then the little curious bugger pulled down my tank top really fast for a look.  ugh.  I grabbed where the scars were and told him that's not nice and my boobs are private, but he must have gotten a good quick peek because he said, "Mommy, you don't have those pacifier things."  Nipples!  LOL!!!  One more fill before the exchange and my hubby is already calling me Loni  (for Loni Anderson.)  Rocky, you may need to Senakot on top of the Colace to get it moving.  After surgery I had to take EVERYTHING for constipation..ugh.  The worst.Love to all...I'm hitting the sack! 
  • profbee
    profbee Member Posts: 305
    edited September 2011

    Rocky...the part I pasted changed the font--don't worry.  I didn't post anywhere else about your constipation.  LOL!

  • dixiebell
    dixiebell Member Posts: 170
    edited September 2011

    Hi all: Geez my daughter had a GI bleed and in hospital since Sunday. This is just to much so I had to miss all my appointments. Just tired!!!

  • profbee
    profbee Member Posts: 305
    edited September 2011

    No WONDER!  Can you go home, take a pill, and get some rest?  You need to be good to yourself now. I know, kids come first forever, but if there could be someone there with her for a bit, maybe you could induce a nice long nap at least.  Take care.  Sending you light and love!

  • joan811
    joan811 Member Posts: 1,981
    edited September 2011
    Eema - what a day!  Good luck with the implants - you deserve nothing less than the best results, so keep pushing for that.  You made me laugh when you said you had to clean for the house cleaners.  I spent four hours yesterday removing the clutter for my cleaners.  I got it down to 3 boxes that I still have to empty. 
    Rocky, sounds like you had a lot of input with your treatment.  I hope I can get informed quickly.
    I hope you can catch up on sleep tonight. 

    Nancyjill - In some ways, it sounds easier to not have a choice about chemo.  Thoughts and hugs for you - you sound positive and ready to knock the heck out of BC.

    NEWS for me - I now have an oncology appointment this Friday instead of Oct 6.  There was a cancellation and I took it.  I cannot believe I did that because I like where I am right now - almost recovered from lumpectomy, working, feeling 'normal' - and now I have moved up my re-entry into the reality world of BC.  My oncotype test is in the works so it won't be ready for Friday, but at least I'll get a feel for what to expect.  Oh, I had to take an appointment with a different doctor.  I researched and decided it could work for me.  So, a big change in plan.
    Oral surgery next Monday - I am glad to have the onco appt. so I can run this by her and get a timeline for healing from the dental work before treatment. 
    Can anyone suggest a relatively straightforward and easy-to-digest website about chemo drugs, what each is for, and SEs? I want to start reading up in case this comes up Friday.
    Dogeyed (GG) - Your tips and insights about chemo are definitely realistic and, though we don't like any of it, most of us want to know what could be ahead.
    Thanks & wishing a night of rest to all.
  • FLwarrior
    FLwarrior Member Posts: 614
    edited September 2011

    Joan811, try chemocare.com it lists the drugs and SEs.

  • Eema
    Eema Member Posts: 403
    edited September 2011

    OMG, what a job this cleaner did! I've been having a man come and clean and paying him big bucks, but Cleaning for a Reason is a service that provides cleaning for women with cancer or in treatment (because I've been cancer free since Aug 2! Yay!). Since I'm recovering and still have surgeries to go, I qualified. Last time they sent someone 85 years old, I kid you not. This time they sent someone 22 who even cleaned the base boards! I felt bad, I was working in my dining room on the lap top and I heard her walk into a room and say, "OH MY G-D!" I didn't ask why, I don't want to know!!! I'm just guessing it was DS's room!



    ProfLoni-- yay for big girls! My little guy saw a pic of my new boobies on my blackberry and ask, "Eema, why was there blood???" he saw an early pic w/incisions. I had to insure him I wasn't still bleeding and was healing nicely, and no, he couldn't see them now that they have "grown up", even if they are fake and even if he wants to be a doctor when he grows up. Men!

  • Eema
    Eema Member Posts: 403
    edited September 2011

    Sorry, ensure him, not insure him. I think. I forgot how to spell:).

  • rockym
    rockym Member Posts: 386
    edited September 2011
    profbee, No problem :-).  I'e gotten to the point in my life where I don't care who knows about my s**t (or lack of) ;-).
  • mags20487
    mags20487 Member Posts: 1,092
    edited September 2011

    Hi my friends...had my first taxol chemo yesterday..we are doing 4x taxol then 4x ac every two weeks.  The infusion was uneventful but having it done at the hospital due to my stupid insurance and not at the lovely doc's chemo room was a 24 hr event.  Hospital did not get my blood labs so had to do their own.  Pharmacy sent taxol but not the preloads so we got there at 12 noon yesterday and got home today at 9:45 am...infusion did not begin til 8pm and ended at 12 midnight so the nurse did not call the doc as she did not want to bother her so late.  I was so tired from the benadryl etc just slept til morning and ran out of there as soon as I was discharged.  Did not anticipate spending the night so not totally prepared for that but just happy to have the first one behind me and it went well so far.  Had to go to onc's office today for the Neulasta shot then went to lunch--mexican--hope I do not regret that then home for a nap.  No Nausea yet just tired from yesterday's ordeal.  A little heartburn right now and slight headache from the Zofran but feeling good.  Warm bath tonight and early to bed.

    Maggie

  • bobeena
    bobeena Member Posts: 46
    edited September 2011

    dixiebell I hope your daughter is improving quickly! GI bleeds are scary.  Just remember to take care of yourself too! 

    To everyone starting Chemo, I am sending virtual hugs your way.  You are all strong women and I have no doubt that cancer's ass will be kicked by all in this group!

  • joan811
    joan811 Member Posts: 1,981
    edited September 2011

    It doesn't pay to try to plan ... or should I say it doesn't pay to stress when plans don't work out....
    I moved up my onco appointment to today; and now my dental surgery is canceled for at least another week.  I wonder how I'll work it all in.
    Has anyone had dental work done during rads? 

    Mags20487 - wow, what a day for you.  I am thinking you were definitely not expecting the overnight.  Glad you felt well today and now that's one down for you. 

  • Natters
    Natters Member Posts: 19
    edited September 2011

    Joan, there is somebody in my Sept2011 rads group who got her teeth pulled and new dentures right in the middle of rads. Her handle is "dogeyed" if you want to look up her posts about the experience or maybe even contact her directly.

    I just realized that my surgery was a little over a month ago now and I feel perfectly normal until I look at myself naked in the mirror. I do have an ugly scar but I am relieved to that that cr@p out of my body. And I have a sore lump of scar tissue, I guess, but I had one from the biopsy so that is nothing new. But it's nice to be back to normal life and almost never thinking about a wound. I realize from reading all your posts that not having a SNB makes all the difference in recovery time. I am glad that nothing in my biopsy or MRI suggested I needed one *phew*

  • dixiebell
    dixiebell Member Posts: 170
    edited September 2011

    Glad to report my daughter is home and I am so happy. They carterized all her bleeding esopogeal ulcers and she is on carafate to reduce the acid. I am scheduled for my next surgery on Nov 11 to place the fat injections around my breast. My cording had gotten better but I reached for a rx out the window at the drive up window of CVS and now its back but extends from my shoulder to wrist :( I had been so excited it was going away it really hurts.)  Anyway I am going work for a company like the one I owned but they have 150 employees (I only had 3). I got the job today. They just raised my health insurance to $1798 a month per person so I had to do something.  Now I will have disability benefits (although I assume their will be some sort of existing clause waiting period). I decided I don't need the stress of managing my own right now. I will stil travel every week but they built in 8 weeks vacation so wow right. I just could not pass it up. So things are looking up, God is listening and has blessed me with this and my child is better at least! I am praying for you ladies along with my self every night!

  • joan811
    joan811 Member Posts: 1,981
    edited September 2011
    Dixiebell,
    So glad to hear your daughter is home.   It is so hard to manage the stressful things while dealing with BC.  Congratulations on your new job!!! Awesome, and it sounds right for you.  And you have your next appointment which should be a good one for you.
    Can you please tell me something about the cording?  I had an unscheduled check up today for lumping and tenderness under my arm nowhere near any incision.  The NP mentioned cording, but I don't know....mine started under my arm and has just started to move an inch or so toward my arm.
    Last week, no swelling or lumpiness but now it's pronounced.  Did yours start in one area and move?  I do not have any pulling or limited range - just discomfort and tenderness.
    Am taking Advil and using ice to sooth.
  • joan811
    joan811 Member Posts: 1,981
    edited September 2011

    Natters, I have been in touch with dogeyed and happy to hear that dental work is possible with rads.  Thanks!  Continue to feel better!

    I had my first onco appointment and oncotype dx not back yet.  That will be used to determine my course of treatment.  Chemo was explained to me - CMF x 8 followed by rads.  So now I wait for the numbers.  My onco group uses much lower numbers for a 'low' score.  I think unless I come in at 10 or less, chemo will be recommended.   I can choose not to have it.  I should know soon....
    Nite to all us insomniacs....

    Joan

  • dogeyed
    dogeyed Member Posts: 84
    edited September 2011

    JOAN, yeah, I woke up really early last two days from dental pain, several of my teeth were pulled, and wow did it swell up and hurt like crazy!

    ALL, for anybody else interested in dental work during rads, my cancer doc wouldn't let me do it during chemo, then he said we'd skip it for surgery, but he said I could do it during rads.  I am on antibiotics from my dentist visit, but since I'm taking pain meds for my bad back, the dental assistant suggested to the dentist that I wouldn't need pain meds.  Well, I'll tell you what! getting one or two teeth out is one thing, but getting a half-dozen out is a whole diff ballgame.  Thrice I thought I was going to faint from the pain, legs felt so weak and head was falling off, twice the first day and once the second day. 

    So, next time I think I'm going to experience something like a downed satellite crashing into my mouth, I will say to anyone who says I don't need pain meds, "NO, those pain meds are for my regular health issues; I will need drugs on top of it!" and I'll explain how I've had to double and triple up what I usually take just to make the mouth pain stop, and that means I will run short just before refill.  I did put some orajel on my sore gums, that DID indeed help.  I also swish baking soda in my mouth, also eases discomfort.  This is the third day out from dental demolition, and I've got chipmunk cheeks and STILL very sore, I cannot believe it.  You know, I've really got to have a regular doc again, there was some confusion when the free clinic moved to a new building, so I have to start all over with my records.  Sigh.  But if I had one, THEY would give me pills to cover this sort of thing, I should think.  I just wish I had called the dentist that afternoon and explained what was happening. 

    There is no way I could have had this done with all this discomfort either during chemo or just before or shortly after surgery, altho that was not the reason my doc felt I shouldn't have it during surgery part.  He said something about how anesthesia might affect it somehow, but I don't remember the facts.  I will say this, I'm early enough in rads (one week and three days) that my skin is not bothering me (yet), my surgery had plenty of time to heal up, I'm not doing reconstruction from the mastectomy, and my understanding is most people get rather tired from rads towards the end.  So, I apparently timed it right doing it towards the beginning.  It REALLY could not wait another second (I had had a painful molar since chemo started and a front tooth was knocked out by anesthsiologist).  Oh, and I do recall hearing about people who DID do emergency type dental work during chemo, even tho I was instructed not to. 

    QUESTION:  Anybody else who is further along in rads have those dog ears on either side of the incision?  What I want to know is, do they get smaller as you go along?  I'm just a week in and one seems smaller but the other the same.  Whenever I get some more money together again, probably a year or two from now, I might have a plastic surgeon smooth those puffy places out OR I'll get a tatto on it to cover the ravages of the scar.  I saw a fabulous pic of tattoed morning glories, it looked so natural, couldn't tell there was surgery at all.  Thanks for any info.  GG

    GG   

  • nanadeb
    nanadeb Member Posts: 19
    edited September 2011

    I havent been around  much.
    It was a crazy week.
    I had Doctors appointments. Wayyy to many....
    Surgery to put in the Power Port under the skin for chemo.
    It was just crazy...All that after two of Tom and our neighbors died of lung cancer last week.VERY upsetting to us :(

    I start chemo Thursday.(Is there a chemo group for us?) I then go back for a shot Friday to boost my white blood count, then to my surgeon Friday also.
    I tried to write it all down in my blog.
    But I've been pretty down this week.
    No need posting when you're Debbie Downer...lol

    I go back for another stress test /echo Oct 11th so they can see it the results are still showing a blockage.
    But this time will use a chemical instead of me trying to do the treadmill, since I didn't do well with my COPD.

    They have to find out if I do have a blockage before I have the next surgery for cancer that is in both sides of my chest yet. :(
    I will find out Friday when they are doing that.
    I am so sick of hurting already. I can't imagine how its going to be when they go deeper this next time.

    I am so worried about chemo...I have such a touchy stomach anyways...I am so worried I will get very sick.
    I am already very under weight.

    Any helpful idea's to prevent nausea I would appreciate.
    They did give me a prescription for Compazine. Which I have to take every month already for migraines.....


    Please continue to keep me in your prayers.
    I will try to update you as I can..or the blog.I just dont know how much of this I can do...I am getting very depressed about it all. (((hugs)))
    Debbi  http://atoosassygal.blogspot.com/

  • mags20487
    mags20487 Member Posts: 1,092
    edited September 2011

    Nanadeb...there is a Sept chemo group...just had my first on Wednesday...a real non event for me...had Taxol first then will move on to AC.  The experience has been nothing like I pictured...no nausea at all.  Got more nausea from the surgeries--anestesia I guess gets me bad.  Hope you will have the same success!  I have compazine and Zofran for the nausea

    Maggie

  • JanaJ
    JanaJ Member Posts: 7
    edited September 2011

    Well, I got my drains out on Sept 12 but my right side continues to drain from the incision site.  I am wearing a large thick dressing to soak the drainage but it still sometimes leaks through to my clothes.  Seen surgon Monday (9-19) they tried to aspirate some fluid from the area but got only 25 cc.  Got staples out of left side but not right side.  Had rad on right side 2 years ago so its not healing as fast.  Anxious to get started on reconstruction.  Don't have TE or anything as of yet.  Will do that when healed.

  • profbee
    profbee Member Posts: 305
    edited September 2011

    Oh, women.  I'm so sorry to hear all this bummer news.  

    Joan and Dogeyed--I remember needing a root canal when I was in my early pregnancy with my son (after miscarrying twice it made me quite nervous).  I had them do it without the anesthesia.  But it wasn't anything as extensive as you've gone through!  YIKES!  Oh, and I also had a filling done right before chemo (like 2 days) without anesthesia.  I can't imagine extractions though!  Sheesh!  I can't believe the dentist continued!  

     Debbi--so much coming at you from all corners these days.  I'm sorry.  Don't worry about being a downer.  We've all come on here from time to time at our worst times.  We're here for you.  Hang in there.  

    Jana--Bummer that it's still draining for you, but good that they are taking it slowly with the recon and making it sure that you're all healed up first.  I get so impatient sometimes with all of this, but then I keep thinking that in the end, we'll be glad that they do what they need to do in the longrun and not rush through.

    Gotta run!  Love and light to all of you!! 

  • joan811
    joan811 Member Posts: 1,981
    edited September 2011
    dogeyed - LOL about the downed satellite....they haven't found it yet so maybe that was what hit you Surprised    be well today!
  • dixiebell
    dixiebell Member Posts: 170
    edited September 2011

    Joan 811

    • Cording occurs as a result of the lymph glands and lymph channels being removed from your axilla region or armpit
    • Cording often shows itself as a palpable tight and painful band of tissue (like a cord - hence the name) running down the arm towards the hand. It feels like a small rope under the skin.
    • Cording can be felt at any part of the arm 
    • Cording is a kind of soft tissue tightness usually seen in the axilla.
      It can extend from the mastectomy or lumpectomy or even the drain scar down the arm to the wrist. It is painful and can sometimes recur. The pain of cording can settle in a few weeks or can last for months. It can be more painful than the actual surgery when extending the arm. 
    • Some physical therapists say that the cords can be stretched or massaged and that this can lead to an immediate improvement in range of motion and a decrease in pain. Some women say that massage is too painful to tolerate
    • Cording is probably due to changes in the arm's lymph vessels and can appear six to eight weeks following surgery or even months afterwards. (mine at 4 weeks)
    • Cording usually gets better spontaneously, though you may need physiotherapy to stretch the cords and some doctors may give you antibiotics as treatment
  • bobeena
    bobeena Member Posts: 46
    edited September 2011

    Debbi -  Never feel bad about writing how you are feeling.  We are here to listen.  

    Dixiebell - glad your daughter is doing so much better, and congrats on the new job!  Thanks for posting the info on cording too.  Sounds like I might have some cording, but it is not down my arm.  I have long, tendon like fingers running vertically down my ribs since last week (very painful when stretching).  Did anyone else have this?   

    I had my first day back at work since surgery.  I thought I was in pretty good shape before and have been active since surgery, but wow, I am achy!  Surprising how quickly your muscles weaken!  I will be calling first thing Monday am for a PT appt!

  • Eema
    Eema Member Posts: 403
    edited September 2011

    Glad I have some cording friends here. Boy" does it suck!

  • dogeyed
    dogeyed Member Posts: 84
    edited September 2011

    DEB, wow, instead of you just having a garden variety of breast cancer, you have all this other!  It is no wonder that you are so sad, dear one.  Too much on your plate.  Hopefully soon things will settle down to a dull roar, and you can just be a regular sick person instead of an irregular one.  Smile.

    PROFBEE, usually when I've had one or two teeth out, it's no big deal at all.  But THIS ttime they took out so many, I guess that's how come my mouth felt like some blasting went on in there, plus one was rather infected.  Fourth day out and SLOWLY my mouth is getting better, so there's hope!  Also, was running short on one of my pain meds, but then discovered the refill date on it is sooner than the other three, so I'll be able to get those just in a couple days, so I won't run out now!.  GG

  • blondelawyer
    blondelawyer Member Posts: 104
    edited September 2011

    I had cording after my surgery (pretty severe according to the PT), but the PT was able to massage it away.  It is amazing how much of a difference it made!  My range of motion is so much better and reaching for things doesn't hurt nearly as much. 

    I am still not healed from surgery.  I go in tomorrow for the surgeon to take some of the tissue off and reclose the incision.  Hopefully that will help with the healing because I am anxious to start rads and chemo.  I am also going to see my ND to see if he has some recommendations and the exercise doc is sending me to a nutritionist to see if some food changes might help with healing. 

  • treegirl
    treegirl Member Posts: 13
    edited September 2011

    I am also not yet healed from surgery 8/23. Incision separated last week and I have been packing it like you Blondelawyer. PS says no way he'll let me start radiation until I am more healed though I want to get it over with this year. Back at work with maxipads over nickel size wound in my boob!

  • js1960
    js1960 Member Posts: 1
    edited September 2011

    Had my mastectomy on August 12th - right.  No need for chemo/radiation ... thank God!

    I was not put out for the surgery which helped me a lot.  The anesthesiologist gave me a pain block for the surgery.  This was wonderful and I was totally awake right after surgery.  I didn't hear or see anything.  I did have a colasped lung after the surgery which was horrible, but was quickly taken care of.

    Doing well ... back to work full time.  I am still tired and naps are more fun right now than doing other things.  But I keep hearing that will change and get better eventually.

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