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Any October 2011 Surgeries out there want to wait together?

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Comments

  • Kim137
    Kim137 Member Posts: 105
    edited October 2011

    Hello All! I will be having my BMX w/ TE placed on Thursday October 13th....9 days And counting....

  • sherylh72
    sherylh72 Member Posts: 6
    edited October 2011

    Here's hoping the girls who had surgery Monday are recovering easily and are doing okay.

    Good luck to everyone else this week!

    I'm procrastinating packing and getting ready for Friday. I'm freaking out inside and wish I'd just taken this whole week off of work.

  • CLC
    CLC Member Posts: 615
    edited October 2011

    sherylh72...  I am with you on the work thing.  I have surgery Friday, too.  I had planned on Wednesday and Thursday off...but at the last moment added today.  (Not that I am not working...I brought a bunch of work home with me...but it will give me room and space to do it quietly).  It is becoming a looooooong week...sigh

  • gamergirl
    gamergirl Member Posts: 53
    edited October 2011

    Okay, I think I have all the changes in.  I know, I know, my breasts are being removed this morning, so I should not be on the computer... but I couldn't sleep.  And I have a half hour before we leave and I have nothing to do. 

    Thanks for waiting with me ladies.  I'm so glad to have "met" you all.

  • Maria_Malta
    Maria_Malta Member Posts: 667
    edited October 2011

    Just logged in....well done gamergirl for a wonderful job keeping thread up to date... beyond the call of duty!!!  Thinking of you today xxxx

  • Mardibra
    Mardibra Member Posts: 194
    edited October 2011

    Well done gamergirl! Relax!

  • slgarcia05
    slgarcia05 Member Posts: 154
    edited October 2011

    October 4th Ladies, You are being bathed in prayer!  We are with you right now.  Praying for speedy recovery for you all.  God bless!

    shannon

  • slgarcia05
    slgarcia05 Member Posts: 154
    edited October 2011

    Kelley...........I am so not ready for the party.....I haven't bought a dress or party shoes, or....oh wait....THAT party!  LOL.  I am terrified, but ready for it to be over.  Went and got button down jammies yesterday, slippers, and a few other items that were suggested on here.  We will be strong together my dear sister.  Hang in there!  I am under you if you fall!~~Shannon

  • GrandmaV
    GrandmaV Member Posts: 1,045
    edited October 2011

    My thoughts are with everyone with surgeries this week.  Hope all goes well. 

    My oncs nurse called yesterday to set up an appointment for 2 weeks after surgery to discuss chemo.  That jolted me out of my complacency.  Hadn't been giving that part much thought, just concentrating on preparing for surgery. 

    I really appreciate being able to come to this thread everyday and reading everyone's encouraging posts.  Thank you.

  • slgarcia05
    slgarcia05 Member Posts: 154
    edited October 2011

    GrandmaV~~Oh my goodness!  I am sorry to hear that!  We will be with you through all of it!  Hugging you right now!

    Shannon

  • Clams
    Clams Member Posts: 34
    edited October 2011

    You guys should all know that Mrs Clams is doing great at home.  She's about 5 days post BMX (surgery last Weds, got home Sunday afternoon) and is feeling so much better already.  Still tired and sore of course, but better each day, finally sleeping and using the bathroom regularly, eating, etc.  After the operation she had 6 drains put in - 2 in each armpit and 2 in the lower abdomen.  2 of the armpit ones came out before leaving the hospital and 2 more (not sure which) will be coming out today.  She still needs help showering, doing stripping the drains, getting dressed, etc, but she's already had a couple of girl friends come and visit and she's now returning all the emails and texts that accumulated last week.  The percocets have helped.  So you see, all of you can and will get through this.  Be determined and get tough!  Good luck..

  • CLC
    CLC Member Posts: 615
    edited October 2011

    Clams, I am so glad you guys are seeing the end of the tunnel!!  I have to tell you that I have looked forward to your posts, because you have such a great perspective on this...You are not the one with the cancer (well, in Mrs. Clams case, the surgery is prophylactic, right?  But you know what I mean), but you are as supportive and involved as anyone could possibly be.  Your posts have been really helpful to me in figuring out where my husband will be in everything...How things will look from his point of view...  Thank you for being a part of this thread... 

  • GrandmaV
    GrandmaV Member Posts: 1,045
    edited October 2011

    Shannon,

    Thank you.  When I read your post, I actually could feel your hug.  Here's a hug back to you.

  • survivor11
    survivor11 Member Posts: 430
    edited October 2011

    Trinity and Rocky hope you guys did well, sending my love.

    So, ovaries and portacath came out well, just sore in the stomach today. However, when PS took out Lt TE he said it looked like the inside of a boil. So when I thought I'd wake up to two squishy boobs, instead I woke up with with same old rock hard RT TE and a left concave chest. I haven't stopped crying since yesterday. Think I've hit rock bottom, don't have anything left. Thought I was done, thought I was going to get on with my life. Instead I'll be having surgery again Thur or Fri for another wash out, don't know if I'll wake up with more skin being removed from the LT or if I'll get to keep my Rt TE. PS doesn't know what's wrong, no fever, cultures all fine, WBC normal. Family, BF and PS all so upset, PS said he didn't sleep at all last night cause he doesn't know what's wrong. This is worse than my BMX cause atleast I woke up with something now I feel like a mutlilated freak, Have a C cup on Right and concave on Left-how am I suppost to do this. I need your support cause no one can understand what it's like to wake up from surgery and slid your hand up to your chest thinking how great the squishy boob is going to feel and feel your hand slid into a big hole. Family and BF have been so supportive over the last 20 hours but I don't know how BF can see this horrible looking chest and still ever see me a sexy again. I've tried to be so upbeat and positive through all of this, but I don't know how I'm going to get through this one. I just can't seem to stop crying. Help.

  • Clams
    Clams Member Posts: 34
    edited October 2011
    CLC - Yes her surgery was prophylactic - she was (Smile) a very high risk for BC due to radiation treatment for hodgkin's 20+years ago and a recent diagnosis of LCIS.  Anyway, from the husband perspective, the whole thing is obviously really, really hard.  Not hard in the way that it is for you women, but hard in the sense that you've got to watch someone you love go through a lot of physical pain and emotional torture, and also in the sense that you've got to be that rock who holds the family together.  That shit's not easy!  We made as many arrangements in advance as possible (pick up supplies to pack for the hospital, stock the house with food, take off or make time for work, coverage for the kids, the dog, the house, etc) and then you just get ready to bear down and get through the 5 hospital days.  We've been married 18 years and when you think about it, there aren't really too many times that you've absolutely positively got to be there to take care of your spouse.  Well the way I see it, this is one of those times.  So you just stay awake, make time for everything you've got to do, and get it all done.  But even as much as you try to prepare and be there, so much goes on that you have absolutely no control over.  I'm not an overly religious guy, but you just have to have faith in the decisions that you've made and in the doctors and nurses you've chosen.  I'm glad that a lot of you have been following our experience this past week.  It's been hard for Mrs Clams, especially those last few days before and the first couple of days after, but I hope you guys see that you all can do it.  Stay positive!
  • sherylh72
    sherylh72 Member Posts: 6
    edited October 2011
    Oh Survivor11    I'm sorry to hear what happened with your TE swap.  That stinks.  I don't know what to say but I'm thinking of you and hoping you hear some good news later in the week. 
  • CLC
    CLC Member Posts: 615
    edited October 2011

    Thanks, Clams for the pearls...pun intended...Or is that oysters?  Anyway...thanks...

     Survivor, your name says it all.  I don't know who I am to think anything I have to say can help...but it can't hurt I don't think...  So here goes...  There is so much to each of us that has nothing to do with breasts.  I have always struggled with how my husband could see me as sexy when I have been overweight, then saggy and flabby.  Even with breasts.  Somehow, though, he keeps wanting to have sex with me.  Somehow over 17 years, he keeps putting up with my nagging and hypercritical nature and everything else.  At some point, I realized that it's not the body that counts.  It's all of the stuff in it.  And...if it had been the body that counted for him, I never would have put up with him.  I am worried about how our sex life will fare when I have only one breast (I am not doing reconstruction), but hell, life (and our lives together) is about so much more... 

    Also...you have just been hit with really shocking surprising news.  Once the impact of it wears off... you may see a light at the end of the tunnel.  It is hard to remember at the darkest moments that we can weather them, and life goes on and gets better.

     Survivor...I know that none of this can really make it any easier...I guess the most important thing I can offer is...hang in there... 

    I will be thinking of youl

  • Dukes_Up
    Dukes_Up Member Posts: 112
    edited October 2011

    Oh Dawn~

    I'm struggling to find some words of comfort for you. I am SO terribly sorry to learn what has happened.  I feel like stomping my feet and yelling "This Just Isn't Fair!"  You've been through so much already and you certainly didn't need this huge disappointment.  I am so thankful that you have your family and BF with you.  Lean on them as much as you can.  You are STRONG and you WILL get through this next hurdle. 

    I wish there was more I could do...

    XO

    AJ

  • Clams
    Clams Member Posts: 34
    edited October 2011

    Survivor - Whether or not your BF loves you has nothing to do with your boobs.  He loves you for YOU, not for your body.  Try to look at this as yet another delay on your road to recovery.  You're gonna get there, it's just going to take more time and more aggravation.  I'm sure it's got to be almost impossible, but have faith.

  • GrandmaV
    GrandmaV Member Posts: 1,045
    edited October 2011

    Survivor,

    That's devastating.  I'm so sorry.  It doesn't seem like it now, but things will get better again.  It may take some time, while the doctors figure this out, but you're in good hands and they will figure it out.  As for your BF, I agree with Clams, he loves you for you and that's not going to change.  Just like if it was him with some disfiguring surgery, you would still feel the same way toward him as before.  We all care for you and your well being and are in this with you.  In fact, I may need you to help me get through chemo next month.  Hang in there, you're doing the best you can and making good decisions and will continue to do so.  Lot's of hugs.

  • slgarcia05
    slgarcia05 Member Posts: 154
    edited October 2011

    Survivor, We are here for you for anything you need.  Your BF loves you, or else he would not support you through this.  Let me tell you, I have never met you or seen what you look like, but YOU ARE A BEAUTIFUL, STRONG WOMAN.  There are no boobs in the world to compare to what is in your heart!  Please do not dispair, it will get better.  I will soon know what it is like to have my boobs taken away, and I know I will be right back here for comfort.  I am praying so hard for you and sending you positive thoughts.  I wish I could hug you tight right now! (but it might hurt...lol..my attempt at a funny.)  I know you feel lost at sea right now, but the light house is there!  God bless you!

  • slgarcia05
    slgarcia05 Member Posts: 154
    edited October 2011

    S--- Sexy

    U--- Ultra- sexy

    R--- Really sexy

    V--- Vixen sexy

    I--- Incredibly sexy

    V--- Vavava-voom sexy

    O--- Outrageously sexy

    R--- Ridiculously sexy

    THAT IS YOU!!!!!!!  HANG IN THERE YOU SEXY THANG!!!Kiss

  • deniseday
    deniseday Member Posts: 75
    edited October 2011

    I had post chemo MRI and PET scans on Friday.  The Radiologist called with the MRI results and it only showed a 10% shrinkage.  I meet with my ONC on Friday.  I sure hope this doesn't change my surgery date of 10-23-11.  I was very disappointed, as I was hoping for a lot more shrinkage after going through 8 chemo treatments. 

    I'm trying to look on the bright side that at least the tumor hasn't grown.

    Denise

  • Kelleyod
    Kelleyod Member Posts: 125
    edited October 2011

    Ok, Dawn . . .    stop. . . right here. . .right now. . .BREATHE . . .  just once . . . exhale . . . now BREATHE again. . . .   You are the ultimate survivor.   outwit, outplay, outlast.   You have given ALL of us kicks in the virtual bums. . . .hugs and pats . . . .   Picking us and setting us back on our feet.  YOU can do this. . .   you realize this is a bend in your road love.  It just is.   I wish to hell I knew why - wish they why . . .  but we have to pray for your medical team to have wisdom . . .and get back on the straight path you've keep us on. . . . You are an amazing, upbeat, sexy, funny (oh goodness are you FUNNY) woman . . . you are strong and you are simply fantastic.   put on that fantastic game face Clams said we all need - and get back in the fight. . . . .  I'm holding your spit bucket - SPIT (really - everyone, right now - SPIT)  -  and get back in there.  YOU can do this. . . YOU can do your part for them to figure out what is going. . . .  get that hole cleaned. . . .and get you back on track!  OPTIMISM. . .do it.  we love you. . . we support you and we are behind you.  (BTW - yes, it sucks. . . not diminishing that at all - but I know you will outplay this bend in the road!

    WE BELIEVE IN YOU!

     XOXOXOXOX 

  • survivor11
    survivor11 Member Posts: 430
    edited October 2011

    Thanks guys, your words of wisdom and love really do help Just trying to gather my strength again for another sugery this week and trying to be realistic about all this. I know I'll get through it and I am so grateful for my family and love of my BF. I do know he loves me no matter what, I just hate that he has to go through this as well.

  • Kelleyod
    Kelleyod Member Posts: 125
    edited October 2011

    . . . just re-reading our letters of support to Dawn, our ultimate survivor, ultimate cheerleader . . . 

    Clams, You are indeed a great guy. 

    CLC - I love what you wrote - gives me a smile.   I keep wondering too after 15 years.  Very worried how it will be for me since I'm going Unilateral with a TE. . . .  but must have faith. . .

    Shannon - nerves are betraying me.   In major denial right now - avoiding any preparation at all!  hahahah. . .

    Denise - you keep the faith - you got a 2nd place answer - BETTER THEN 3rd . . .there IS a bright side.

    Grandma V - get in the fight, Girl!   I haven't gotten THAT call yet but I know it's coming.  I don't want it either ..  .but we MUST get closer to the prize . . .   get our healthy bodies BACK IN ACTION.   This is one step in the journey. . . we are here to support you throught it!

     Lots of hugs & prayers today ., . . . .

  • slgarcia05
    slgarcia05 Member Posts: 154
    edited October 2011

    Ahhh, Kelley, I understand about the nerves.  I am going to have the cleanest house in the world!!!!!!!  I still feel like someone pours acid in my mouth when I say the words, " I have breast cancer."  Feels like I step out of my body and it is someone else.  I am an "OCD planner", so I am pretty much put together for my trip to the hospital.  It helps me cope.  I figure getting ready now is better than putting it off until later.....that is just me and my nutty personality.

    Survivor---I am still cheering you on!  I will even put on my old HS cheerleading outfit (prob would NOT fit) and do a cheer for you if I thought it would make you smile!!!  It would be funny just trying to watch me squeeze my big hiney into it!  Lots of love to you dear!

  • Eema
    Eema Member Posts: 403
    edited October 2011

    Dawn,

    I'm sitting hear bawling my eyes out for you!   You poor thing!  I know that is NOT what you expected, and how disappointing!  But we are here for you--lots of warriors who have walked your path before and are willing to lift you up when you aren't strong enough to carry the load.  

    I thought I was going to be the lucky recipient of TWO surgeries in October, the ooph/hyst AND my exchange, but my PS doesn't have time that works for me till Nov 15.  I'm bummed out.  I was supposed to have a one-step process with the Mentor post-surgical inflatable hooters, but it is turning out to be a two-step process as my implants are living happily in my pits.  I was really sick yesterday and this morning, and every time I lost my cookies (sorry), I could feel my right implant rising out if its pocket and rubbing on my ribs.  I was sick like 7 times, so this wasn't the best thing in the world.  I was supposed to have a pain injection in the neck this morning, but couldn't do it because of my pukiness.  Blah.  

    So, instead of having two surgeries in October, I get to play in another waiting game thread.  Not that it isn't great to be with you girls, but I'm kinda done playing in CancerLand and would like to go home now.

  • Maria_Malta
    Maria_Malta Member Posts: 667
    edited October 2011

    Survivor, there is a thread here for women who have had mastectomies and have decided to do without reconstruction...and their general message is that their womanliness is not determined by the fact that they have breasts, but goes far beyond.... I'm not suggesting you should not have reconstuction, or whatever, but just that your BFfancies you for a million things...so try not to worry too much AND GOOD LUCK for the next op...it'll be ok....

    Will be thinking of you tomorrow, TracyM (I should be having my op done tomorrow..wish I still was), now sharing  the date with GrandmaRose (nice to meet youLaughing).

    Best wishes to you all on this thread xxxx

  • Dukes_Up
    Dukes_Up Member Posts: 112
    edited October 2011

    Good Evening All!

    How I wish we were able to get immediate surgery updates from the whole group but I realize that wouldn't be such as easy task. 

    survivor11/Dawn~ I think I really understand how you feel about BF going through this too.    Until recently, I was so focused on my own feelings that I gave very little consideration to how my husband must feel.  As the others have said, it's not about the boobs.  Your man loves you for the incredible woman that you are.  And by incredible, I mean INCREDIBLE.  

    To Gamergirl, MargieC, Stephanie33, DanaDane, mauimom, and LOGeek02--- can't wait to know that you're on the "other side" of BMX Land.   I hope that you're all receiving the very best care, love, and support tonight!  

    GrandmaV~ You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.  It's clear to me that you are a super tough and resilient woman who will kick this BC shit in the PANTS!   Go get 'em!

    eema~ ARGGGGH!  How frustrating. So sorry to hear about the additional surgery date.  How is your stomach doing now?   That R implant must be so freakin' uncomfortable in your armpit....

    Kellyod~ Just so ya know, I made a giant SPIT contribution :) 

    deniseday~  Glad you're looking at the positive side re: your scans showing no growth.  I'll be thinking of you on Friday at that Onc appointment.  Please update us as soon as you can... 

    Clams~  Your updates are so very much appreciated.  I hope you'll keep them coming! 

    More soon~

    AJ

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