Any October 2011 Surgeries out there want to wait together?
Comments
-
One more thought - I went to my first support group meeting today. I was the youngest there, and the earliest in terms of treatment. It was interesting and helpful, and I'm sure I'll get to know them all well (I already knew one of the women - we're sort of going through this thing together), but I don't think it will be nearly as supportive and helpful as what I've found here.
0 -
Susanella,
Welcome to our group. It's been a very emotional week for all of us, because some of the surgeries didn't turn out as expected. I know you're terrified, I am too. Especially the closer it gets to surgery day. I'm not having reconstruction, so I can't help you there. I just don't want any more surgery then I have to have. I'm new at this too, so don't know too much. But you have come to a group of amazing women, who have a lot of love and support to give to each other. We have a long road ahead of us but we have to keep moving forward and be determined to beat this. There are set backs and disappointments, but there is always hope. You're doing the right thing, in that you're trying to learn all you can to make good decisions. Hang in there.
0 -
Oh girls, I'm so sorry about the set backs GamerGirl, survivor, who am I missing? CLC, that you girls are having. It is SOOO disappointing.
Who was it that asked about the hyst/ooph? Susanella? I'm having it done because my downstairs girls are sh!tty friends! First the mess up my cycles to the point that I sometimes have 2 week periods (and thought ALL women have that...), I was WAY ER+ (PR, too), and, to top it off, can't take Tamoxifen and probably most other chemo meds. Really the only choice I had was to rip out my frenemies and hope the instant menopause isn't too bad. HTG, I am ready to be past this.
My PS said something revealing the other day when we were discussing my failed one-step recon..."most women with breast cancer want to be through with it and back to their normal lives ASAP. The truth is, it takes a LONG TIME, and 'normal' will never be what it was before. You have to find a new normal." I SO wanted the post-surgical inflatable implants to be the way to go, but they have fallen into my armpits and I want them out. Both DH and PS say no one can tell I've had a BMX unless they stare, but I'm SO uncomfortable with my tits in my pits! Even the Marines wouldn't be able to remove them from their location. I wanted to have that exchange before the ooph/hyst, but PS's schedule doesn't work with mine:( . All told, the recon process is about 18 months, no matter how you slice it.
I don't know about anyone else, but I'm done playing in CancerLand and would like to go home now.
0 -
Ann Alive, thinking of you today...will post properly later as in a rush and have no time to read pages I've missed...love to all
0 -
Rachelvk, I had the same exact experience when I went to a local support group. I found this online support group to be much more helpful.
0 -
Shayes37- I am having oopharectomy because I am ER+, PR + and need to rid my body of estrogen. I am also BRCA2+ which puts me at greater risk for ovarian cancer and there is no good way to screen/monitor for ovarian cancer. I am determined to get rid of BC and not get OC.
I have already had BMX and am doing exchange surgery on 10/27. Once healed a bit from that I will do ooph.
0 -
rachelvk- I agree this board is so supportive and so much more immediate when you really need a response from someone. I am thankful for it everyday!
0 -
SHANNON - !
Yes, I loved your list and PM - been trying to respond and keep . . .getting . . .pulled . . . . away! Look for PM in a bit . . . .
Are we down to 4 days? Oh my . . . . cancer diet strikes again. . . ugh.
0 -
gamegirl I am soo sorry your deginosis changed after surgery. You are a strong lady and I will be praying for you.
Ann-- my wait at the hospital before surgery seem to fly - hopefully yours will too.
Well ladies I am two days out from surgery and we see the PS today for a follow up. I have one drain that isn't producing anything so I am hoping he pulls that one today.
Gentle hugs to all those who have had surgery and best wishes to those who are yet to go.
FYI it wasnt as bad as I had thought it would be.
0 -
Great! Iwas worried it might have gotten lost in cyberspace. I hear you, I wanted to lose weight, but not like this! My mind feels like scrambled eggs!
0 -
MargieC...I am so glad you are doing well.
0 -
Margie, I am so happy to see how well your surgery went and how quick you are recovering. It helps those of us coming up to read about how well it can go. I don't want to say I am a negative Nelly, but my mind seems to fixate on the worst case scenarios. Your recovery is an inspiration. Please keep sharing about your experience!
0 -
Claire,
What a bummer about the delay with test results. One thing BC seems to teach us is to stay resilient. As soon as you feel you've got your head around the situation, you must brace for the new hit.
Your words to Gamergirl were so inspirational, now you must try to reach within yourself and listen to your own words.
0 -
Solange, I am from Arkansas also. It looks like we have almost the same type of cancer. My surgery is scheduled for 10/23/2011, but my MRI showed only 10% decrease in my tumor size. I haven't heard from the PET scan. My first PET showed Lymph involvement but the sentinel node biopsy was negative. This is all so confusing. I'm concerned now, that they may change my surgery plans.
I would love to visit with you sometime. denise
0 -
rk85...Thank you. I am. The set back that I just had is small and I took it in stride. But...I was describing gamergirl's experience to my dh and said that I feel like I am riding a wave. Trying to stay in balance. My news about the brca test didn't make me fall, but if I wake up after tomorrow's surgery to find that my low grade dcis is really idc with node involvement, then I will crash right into the waves with gamergirl. And I will see her down there in the water with me... Or maybe by then, she'll be back on her surf board and inspire me...
0 -
Rk85-- i was scared to death going into the hospital -- so your being nervous is normal. I will tell you my biggest issue is the muscle spasm - they have brought me to tears a few times. My advise don't be a hero take your pain meds I let too much time get between mine and my spasm were worse.
0 -
CLC, you might sink for a while, but you won't drown..I'm glad you're keeping yr original date for surgery, as it is what you wanted. One thing at a time, try to not think about BRCA results (I know not easy), just think of one day at a time right now..it's the only thing we can do.
Gamergirl, so sorry to read that you are going to have chemo and rads and that this all came out of the blue, but the point is that f------ bc always does! If it helps you at all, I've had 8 cycles of chemo, have pretty much recovered from it, and hopefully it's done the work it had to do...after my bmx I'm also having a month of rads, but remember if it gets rid of this f------- bc then it's worth it!!!
survivor, sending all my support and healing thoughts, eema, yr implants sound uncomfortable, what are you/docs planning to do next?
susanella & shayes, hello there, and welcome, loath as I am to 'welcome' newcomers here, actually it's a very supportive and friendly place.
I just thoguht I'd mention the 'Goldilocks" mastectomy, which I'm considering having done (I mentioned it earlier on but not sure any of you noticed it as we were all freaking out about waiting!) For those of you having a bmx, and who need to have rads straight after, and who are debating whether they can face reconstruction, or have decided, like me not to have it at all, and who have big breasts, you might consider this procedure...you can google it and see for yourselves. Result not perfect, but probably better than being completely flat...you might want to have a look...
MargieC: WELCOME BACK! Great to hear you are so well!!
Can't mention you all by name..can't keep up, but glad to see i'm sharing a date with you GrandmaRose, and positive vibes to everyone else...WE WILL MAKE IT THROUGH do not fear!
0 -
MargieC...The nurse at presurgical testing said to me the same thing. She is a runner and had all 4 of her children naturally...no pain meds. And when I said I avoid taking anything...she said...don't be a hero. She said, if you can tolerate pain at a 6 (on a 1 to 10 scale), then ask for pain meds at 4. She said I will heal faster because I will get up and move sooner. Less likely to have problems with lungs and fluid, more likely to regain range of motion...everything. I intend on taking her advice...and yours...:)
0 -
Kellyconboy
Sherylh72
clc
Jesslove29
Nell2109
GO GIRLS GO YOU WILL BE FINE
0 -
Hi Denise, it's great to see someone else from AR. I'm in Little Rock.
. I'm sry about your MRI. Maybe your PET scan will be better! Have you received the results yet? I'm expecting a call today to schedule my surgery. I'm wanting the week of the 24th. I will be having it at Baptist Hospital. Do you see your Onc tomorrow?
Diana0 -
Margie C - you keep it up girl! give us that hope! Get on those pain meds . . .I've heard the same thing - stay on top of your schedule . . .
Eema - thanks for the reminder on the timing of this entire experience - it is a process to get back to a NEW Normal. . . very well said. What ARE your docs doing next?
Maria_Malta - goldilocks - fascinating! I'm reading and would love to know more - share when you can!
CLC - it's all a wave, isn't it?
10/7 Girls - keep the faith. . . . we're all behind you . . . . many hugs!
0 -
solange,
Yes, I see him tomorrow. I thought about calling and getting the results faxed to me, but I chickened out. I'll be having surgery at UAMS. I typed a misprint though, my surgery is 10/28/2011. I supposed to have BMX with immediate recon. I'm concerned now, that those decisions may change. Oh well, I'll have to wait until tomorrow. It sometimes feels as if I take 1 step forward and 3 steps back. I'm sorry, I don't mean to be "doom and gloom", I have just found myself in a funk. I have been positive and upbeat this whole time and all of a sudden I have fallen into a big black hole.
It is great to make a connection with you, denise
0 -
kelleyod...ain't it though? well, we are certainly catching some waves here in our little thread...
0 -
Just came from the OT. I had a little 48 hour virus I'm sure my DS brought home from 1st grade and I spent Monday night and Tuesday in the vomitorium. Those of you who've had your surgeries w/reconstruction will be able to feel the pain I've been having... the same muscles that were so scarred up from the BMX and recon were spasming in dry heaves by the time I was done. I never knew a person could throw up that much! The spasms have hit my healing diaphram (or whatever the muscles are!) and I couldn't sleep last night--got two or so good hours. OT wrapped some kind of ace-like bandage under my healing hooters to give some support--I also have scar tissue growing under the fold--the PS went just a hair too far and cut into the fold. (PSA: Ladies, if you have a choice, tell your PS you DO NOT want to be cut into the fold. A bra is out of the question). That and the spasms have me in agony.
So what is the PS going to do? I have to have these implants (that were supposed to be one step) out and have new silocone girls in. The typical route, except that I went for the post-surgical expandables so I could avoid the TEs! Soooo frustrating, but I guess it is going to be 18 months whether it is two 9 month periods or nine 2 month periods. 18 months is 18 months. So, Nov 15, three weeks after the ooph/hyst, I'll go in for the exchange. He will also do some pocket work to bring my cleavage back to where it is supposed to be. I'd better heal fast, because I have to go back to work Jan 16, no questions about it! The good news is the hooters WILL be out of my pits, it will just take a while. This is NOT on my time schedule! If it was, I would have been done in August and back to work in September!
I think if we give up trying to steer the ship when we can't, it will go much easier. However, most of the women I've met in CancerLand want to be past it all in a month. Cancer doesn't play like that, and since it is CANCER and a b!tch, we have to make sure it is all gone and will never, ever come back again. Oh, I also have to have some dermatological surgery this month. I had melanoma and now have two spots that have to come off. I'm more worried about that than I was the BC!
0 -
fpiraino, do you work for the company? I find your post a little intrusive... especially when I saw the price of your device!
I apologize if that isn't your intent.
0 -
Eema..thank you for your post. I had the same reaction...
0 -
And I can tell any of you girls how to contain your drains with long shoe laces and large safety pins. Also hands-free, and if you use a shoe lace you already own, almost free, not $49.95! Ooh, I'm set off now, so I will stop and go take a nap before something comes out of my mouth (well, fingers) that I will regret later!
0 -
Hi Ladies, I am behind on everything, but for those of you recovering...keep on keepin on! I am praying hard every night to bring speedy recoveries to you. I know AnnAlive's surgery is today....thinking about you today and praying hard. To my beautiful sisters going tomorrow, I am praying for you as well. Guess I will have to break out the cheerleading uniform for all of you.....trust me.....YOU WOULD ALL LAUGH FOR SURE!!!! A 36 year old, crying, about to be boobless, to big to button my uniform cheerleader! What could be funnier than that? Blessings to all! Go Get 'Em!!!!!
0 -
Hi all! I'm two days out over here. Flew home last night and feel so much better to have slept at home rather than the hospital. I had a right side mast with a TE placement. Pain is manageable with the drugs. Because of the travel last night I got a little behind on it and learned that staying on top of the pain is key! As others have said, don't be a hero - take those drugs! Hugs to all, we will make it through this.
0 -
Brilliant! Welcome home mauimom!
0
