Any October 2011 Surgeries out there want to wait together?
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Hi Girls,
Im so glad you are all doing well, and Trinity, I like the "do it yourself" drain removal idea! Way to go on inventiveness!
I had DH take a look at my path report last night (he has been living on a houseboat in DeNial up to now, when I was worried after the biopsy he'd yell, "you don't have cancer!" Then, after the excision and the doc said she got it all, he'd yell again, "see! You don't have cancer!"). He needed to be updated, because he felt the approach was a bit extreme, I felt. After really analyzing it, I realized my left tit was just a cancer bomb waiting to explode! Atypical lobular hyperplasia, apocrine metaplasia, PASH, and all other types of pre-cancerous delicousness. Righty was a bit better, but still has PASH and florid ductal hyperplasia. I appeal to all my BC sisters to get your path report so you have a clear understanding of what's going on in your body.
Here's my question of the day for you ladies: did any of you suffer illness or pain or any other non-discharge related symptoms before your diagnosis? I was really, really sick last year. I should have had my mammo in Aug of last year, but the illnesses made me delay till Dec, then I didn't get the results till MARCH!!! That is a whole 'nother Oprah... But what I learned was that you have to be your own advocate, you have to be diligent, and if you believe a doctor wasnt thorough enough or whatever, TRUST YOUR GUT! Im SO glad I don't have those cancer-bags on my chest any longer! Now, as soon as we get the titsinpits taken care of, we'll be cooking with gas! I went to my first BC support group Friday, was the youngest woman there, and had the old girls in stitches with my comic breast cancer stylings. I recommend finding a "real life" support group, if you can find one. This one is great, too, but a live one can offer more sometimes. Mine, for example, gave me little pillows with ribbons to hang on my arms after the BMX. They helped a lot! I had first gone to a support group for "cancer survivors," but found I didn't have much in common with many of the people, and I certainly wasn't going to show my titsinpits to people who didn't have BC! (yes, I did show and tell at the BC support group--dressed, but barely). It is important to have a system of support that is similar to your experience.
Ok, today is all sports all day long for my DS, so I'd better get some coffee fortification. See, in a couple months, if not before, you too will be returning to your normal activities, boobies or no boobies! The difference for me now is if I get hit in the boobs with a soccer ball, as I have in the past, my inflatable airbags will protect me! HA!
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Hi TracieM,
Glad to hear that you're on the road to recovery. I just checked the list to see what type of surgery you had, and saw that you had a DIEP procedure (which I'll be having sometime in the future). I just had a bmx (with TEs) on Monday. I'm relieved to hear that you're doing well. I've heard the DIEP takes some additional recovery time, so take it easy on yourself, and don't overdo it! You're in my thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery!
HUGS!
Trinity
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Eema - your comic relief has been a true blessing for many of us ... you crack me up at times! As for my DIY drain removal, yes yes, I can be quite the clever one (or stupid one) ... you decide! hahaha I actually think I was a bit too forceful when "stripping" the drains ... so, I've now started using an alcohol swab, which slides gently down the tubing ...
As for your question about feeling ill before dx, I actually was quite fatigued for months prior, and I'm normally quite an active woman and couldn't figure out what was going on. And, I also should have had a mammo months before I did. But, that's water under the bridge at this point. All I can do now is hope and pray that it was caught in time (if you know what I mean)
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I'm so nervous I'm shaking. Developed a cold or allergies, and was afraid to call my surgeon for fear of postponing my surgery. But I did call her and she calmed me down a lot. She told me to take benedryl, tylenol, and sudefed to see if we could dry it up. Then we will determine tomorrow afternoon if I have to postpone or not. I hope it's gone by then. But she assured me that she would fit me in just as soon as I'm better. I hope so. I had to wait a month for this surgery date. I just feel like since my biopsy it has spread a great deal. Couldn't feel my nodes before the biopsy and now you can. I'm just hoping I can still have surgery Tuesday.
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Hi Ladies. I am happy to say I have gone to the bathroom
. We went out and bought child laxative and between then and smooth move tea (in additional to the prune juice, fiber, stoll softener and water I had been doing) I finally have been able to go to the bathroom. I recommend if you are having issues and can not tolerate laxatives to they the children ones they got me moving after 4 days without all the issues I have had with regular laxatives.
Tomorrow I am off to PS to hopefully have 1-2 drains removed since they are not producing more then 1 ml per day. My other two drains are putting out 60 ml per day each.
I tried sleeping in the bed last night with a bunch of pillows propping me up -- theat didn't work too well. I will be back in the recliner tonight.0 -
GrandmaV - I'm glad you were able to reach your surgeon. Waiting is really scary. Hopefully you really are just a few days away and you can move on from there. My allergies have really acted up in the past few days and I heard from others who are having trouble, so hopefully yours really is just allergies. Good luck!
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Thanks rachelvk, I think allergies are really bad this year. I hope that's all it is too.
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GrandmaV, sending you a box of kleenex and a hope that the surgery goes on as scheduled.
Kelleyod and slgarcia, I sure hope you are doing well today, and resting for your big days tomorrow. You'll be back on the road to recovery before you know it!
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If I can be added to the list I'd appreacite it. I just got scheduled for my 3rd excision (lumpectomy) on Oct. 27, exactly a month after my 2nd excision. I'm hoping this will end the surgery part of my BC saga and we can move on to the next steps.
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Margie - so happy you finally had success!!!
GrandmaV - so hope you get feeling better soon!
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If I can be added to the list I'd appreacite it. I just got scheduled for my 3rd excision (lumpectomy) on Oct. 27, exactly a month after my 2nd excision. I'm hoping this will end the surgery part of my BC saga and we can move on to the next steps.
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gamergirl and dancetrancer, thank you so much for your kind comments.
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GrandmaV...Thinking of you. Waiting is one of the hard things in all of this. When I thought that I might have to postpone, I fell apart. I hope that you are feeling better quickly and surgery goes on as scheduled.
MargieC...So glad to hear the news. I am glad the child's laxatives worked. I am having a hard time sleeping, too. I don't even know how to go about improving that. I feel a lot more pain at night and I get emotional at night... I hope you find your way out of the recliner soon.
Cookiemonster...Welcome to the club...sorry you have to join, but you have found an awesome group of women here (and one ultra supportive husband).
I had a big disappointment yesterday at the hospital. I found out that my compression bandage is staying on for ten days. That means no mirror yet. I really wanted to get to that and move on. Yet another instance of waiting. It is hard to wait. I hate waiting. I am recovering well, otherwise. Sleeping for a few hours, then walking around a little. Sleeping for hours, then walking around a little. This won't be a time in my life I look back fondly on, that's for damn sure, but it is doable.
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CLC...am curious..how long are you staying in the hospital?? What type of surgery did you have?? Maybe I am confused, but are you still in there???
Gamergirl...congrats on the poop! it happens :-)
just an fyi...I had a horrific surgery 3 years ago, unrelated to cancer, but 2+ months of recovery. I was on pain pills for months and months--awful-- anyway, I was always constipated due to the opiates in the medicine. I found that if I took 3-5 stool softeners (not laxatives, they are too harsh) and also maintained high fiber in my diet, I had a successful trip to the potty every morning. I also weaned myself down from the stool softeners and was able to take 1 or 2 plus drink Citracel every night. Citracel is wonderful stuff and doesn't taste bad either (like Tang...remember Tang?? lol) Start slowly with the stool softeners and increase as needed. They won't hurt you..like the saying goes "they don't MAKE you go, they just make it EASIER to go"
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iLUV2knit...I had umx without recon on Friday morning. Home yesterday lunch time. I am recovering pretty well, sleeping a couple of hours, then up and around...unfortunately also that pattern at night... But, really, I was up and around quickly on Friday and I am getting stronger steadily.
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. . .well let me be the first to say MY nerves are on edge today . . . . although it has been a bit a decently productive day. . . church in the AM, last minute family portrait, got my nerve up for a cleavage shot (no, the family wasn't in that one - hahahaha), time with the kids. I heard you all in my head saying, "Do something YOU want to do. . . " I just wanted to be with my kids. It has been good.
I am losing it so can't remember all I want to say to specific peeps but . . . whomever has been recommending the local support groups - Amen! I mentioned that a week or so ago . . . I think it's a great resource! not as good as y'all mind you.
But if you find one locally, it's so worth a shot. Eema - where have you been with this sense of humor? I am loving it. Edith does too. . . she and I are just so at odds lately though. #not nearly as much as I am with my left breast though - ha)
Grandma V - I hope you're doing better - I know how you feel. It was my impending doom feeling a week ago when kids ALL were sick and I just knew strep throat was coming my way - I escaped though. Stay positive. . .
Margie C - hahaha - I'm callin' YOU after surgery when I can't go. . . you know all the tricks by now don't ya? I'm calling you and ILuv2Knit . . .
CLC - I'm so sorry on the disappointment . . . One step at a time. I thought of you today when I was thinking of my steps - first surgery, 2nd initial surgical path, 3rd mirror, 4th poop, 5th final pathology;
Gamergirl - it's so good to hear your voice. . . .you've been like a rock to me. . . I'm glad you're getting back into action. . . .I'm hoping you'll pull me up after this surgery if I"m not standing.
Shannon - my surgery sister - I'll be cheering you on in the OR. . . .and I"m sure my OR team will shake their heads. . . .hold my hand ok?
Rachel / AJ - can't imagine that type of pain you've been referring to . . . I'm blessed in that regard. All I can say is that sometimes hope brings other blessings where kids are concerned. . . stay involved in some child's life . . .
Tracie / Mauimom / Survivor - so glad you are on the road to recovery - keep on truckin' . . . . show me how it's done, will ya?
I know had / have more to say . . .to Caryn, Rk, Ginger . . . Maria . . . and It probably will come to me at 2am (ha - maybe I'll log back on) . . . sorry - time is my enemy at the moment.
One thing to you all, named, not named, etc. . . . a VERY heartfelt thank you for all of the support, laughter, answers to questions and concerns . . . . You've helped me out of the POWI (props to either Rvk or Rachel - I stole that from one of you . . .love the phrase - so appropos) you've helped me form a beginning strategy at least and seen me to BBB day (I think I stole that from Margie but I love it) . . . this forum has been a solace, a respite, and a place where I can find people who know exactly what I am feeling & going through. Thank you all.
Wow - long post from me - eek - sorry. . . . I've mentioned to the DH that he could log on and update y'all on me. . . . ha. . .that could be interesting. He's not exactly Clams. . .hahahaha but he is the DH. . . . bear with him.
Thanks again girls. . .for everything . . . I'll post on the other side of surgery if I'm not awake at 2am....
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Hola Chicas!
CLC- Oh why are I NOT surprised that you're my fellow Halloween enthusiast? I've always loved it. No stress, no pressure--- all fun! I'll gladly come Trick or Treating with you in spirit. As for the costume I had previously planned, well, I was going to be "Laverne" and my bestie was going to play "Shirley." I insisted on being the one to wear the big cursive "L" on my soon-to-be-gone little sweater kitty!
On a more serious note, I'm really bummed that you have to wait 10 days for compression bandage removal. I know this will be such an integral part of your emotional acceptance/healing.
Re: nursing~ Yes--- C nursed until he was just shy of 3 yrs old. We both had a very rough start (he couldn't latch onto my "nips" that have been inverted since birth.) So... I pumped non-stop for the first 9 months of his life. It wasn't until we had a family emergency in which I had NO bottled breast milk on hand for him so we tried yet again. BAM--- he finally got it! And once he got it, he did NOT want to give it up!
rachelvk~ I'm offering up giant hugs. While I haven't been in the exact same situation as I do have one child, I know how much it hurts to want a baby and not knowing if that will ever be a reality. My ex husband and I were days away from starting fertility injections when I finally got a positive HPT. My current husband and I have tried to conceive since 2004. I have not wanted to take aggressive measures due to my breast issues. That was probably really hard to follow.. sorry! At any rate, I hate how much BC can try to take from us. Glad that you have a little peanut (neice or nephew?) in your life right now. I know it's not the same as having your own child.. but still a really awesome part of your life.
TracieM~ So happy you got some great sleep last night! Hope it continues on!
Eema~ I was nodding my head whilst reading your entire post. Right on Girl re: always requesting full pathology. I'm become a stickler for this. Also, I'm very happy that you found a great "in-person" support group. Strangely enough, I've been wanting to get involved/volunteer my services (fitness instruction) to our local Cancer Community Center for a while now. Just didn't know that I would eventually be on the receiving end of their support services.
Hope you had a great sports day with DS. While I normally bitch about "Soccer Mom Saturday", I enjoyed every second of his game yesterday. This shit certainly helps one put things into perspective, eh?
To answer your question re: feeling poorly before DX---- I've been feeling fatigued for well over a year but I've always attributed it to overtraining. While I don't have a definitive BC DX yet, I'm pretty sure there's an association here.
trinity927~ I'll be sure to remember the drain stripping tip re: using an alcohol swab. I can just see myself accidentally ripping one out...
GrandmaV~ UGH! So bummed to hear that you're not feeling 100%. I'll be praying that this doesn't postpone your surgery on Tuesday. I ALMOST suggested taking a whopper of a dose of Vit C just in case this is a cold... but then quickly remembered that Vit C needs to be discontinued prior to surgery! Keep us posted on how you're feeling in the morning,k?
MargieC~ Hope you don't mind that I'm doing a little celebratory potty dance here for ya! Hope you can get some sleep tonight in that recliner. I've got mine my recliner ready and waiting (and have told my husband to not even THINK about using that chair until I'm back in my own bed!
I'll be wishing you the very best at your PS appt. tomorrow. CookieMonster~ Love your name. Good to meet you. I'll be wishing you the absolute best outcome for your upcoming surgery. I see that your procedure is scheduled soon after mine... we'll be recovering together.
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Random thoughts~
I wasted a completely gorgeous summer-like weather day today. While I made it to the gym this morning and had a strong workout. I spent the afternoon reading a mindless book and then napping for almost 2 hours. So much for tackling my To-Do list!
Night My Sistas!
XO~
AJ
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kelleyod~ Loved your post! So glad to know you enjoyed the day with your kids--- and kudos on getting the photo shoot done
I'll be thinking of you like crazy tomorrow. What time do you have to report to the hospital? HUGS HUGS HUGS! So happy DH will be updating for you! Try to sleep! Night Champ!
~AJ
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slgarcia05~ Hey there Girl! I hope that you were able to enjoy your day today. Doing ok tonight? We're ALL be thinking of you tomorrow.... go get 'em SuperTrooper!
Hugs~
AJ
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Shannon and Kelleyod - Good luck tomorrow. I'll think good thoughts for you.
Cookiemonster - I'm glad you found our group. I hope your upcoming surgery does indeed wrap this part up for you.
CLC - Sorry to hear about your setback. But glad to hear you're up and about otherwise.
GrandmaV - Hope the allergies have pulled back a bit.
AJ - Thanks for the encouragement. I'm actually planning to find a hospital with a children's cancer ward and see if they need storytellers. I love reading to kids. And I've thought about being a foster parent, though I'll have to wait until my situation gets a little more stabilized.
I hope everyone found a way to enjoy the weekend. I played in my orchestra concert today. I hadn't orginally thought I'd be able to, but when my surgery date was so late, I figured I might as well try to learn the music and sit in. A few of the other violinists are also BC survivors, so they've been good support. I'm hoping chemo doesn't mess my brain up too much to play in the spring.
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Thanks to rachelvk, gamergirl, dancetrancer, CLC, Kelleyod, Dukes Up. I am feeling a little better this p.m. But it's a little hard to tell with all this medication I'm taking. Benadryl makes me very sleepy. All the ladies on this thread are amazing women. Thank you.
Kelleyod and slgarcia05 - my thoughts are with you for your surgeries. Hope everything goes well and you have a speedy recovery
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Eema- You really are sooo funny; keep it up. we need that here.
To answer your question, I was feeling really badly for about a year prior to my cancer being found. I had huge inflammation that was gut based and found out I was vitamin D and B12 deficient. They said it was an absorption issue I was weak to the point of not making it through a day without lying down.I have been gluten free for about 5 years since my mom got diagnosed with celiac. I have worked hard with a naturophathic dr and nutritionist to resolve some of this and then came the BC diagnosis along with BRCA2+. I too am glad to have those "cancer bags" gone and now look forward to getting these coconut shells off as well.
MargieC- congrats on your bathroom success. It really does make a difference, doesnt it?
Gamergirl- welcome back! Hope you are feeling better soon. Thanks for the original post that has brought us all together.
CookieMonster- looks like we will be surgery sisters. my exchange surgery is on the 27th as well.
clc- waiting does seem to be the name of the game and it really does suck...hang in there!
GrandmaV- hope you are feeling better soon.
Sigarcia05 and kelleyrod- we will be right there thinking of you tomorrow. Try to get some sleep tonight.
Dukes_up- I think the way you spent today sounds positively perfect and not one bit wasted...the to-do list can always wait till another day.
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Dukes up . . . No I have not made a date yet . . .they offered Oct 26, Nov 1, and Nov 17 . . . I don't want any of them!
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Dukes up . . . No I have not made a date yet . . .they offered Oct 26, Nov 1, and Nov 17 . . . I don't want any of them!
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Ladies,
Thank you all so much for your well wishes. About to take my ambien and hit the hay. I wish I could thank you all personally, but I cannot concentrate at this time. But believe me from the bottom of my heart, I am thankful to each of you. Kelley---already holding your hand! "Go get 'em!" So much love to all of you. Post when I can after surgery!
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Good luck to all the ladies scheduled this week. Will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
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Good luck, slgarcia and kelleyod...I hope everything goes smoothly!
Thank you all for your sympathy on my waiting frustrations. I am settling into it. I am using the time with the compression bandage to look at my shape without looking at the scar. Maybe it is better this way...one thing to get used to at a time.
Dukes Up...schlemiel, schlmozel...hazen...something, something incorporated....I used to like that show... I have not given any thought to a costume because I thought I wouldn't be up and running by then...but I think I'd better give it some thought, now...:)
I am glad you got to nurse your son. Wonderful memories. I am sorry bc is shutting that door with finality for you. Another way to mourn the loss of our breasts. I'm sorry.
kelleyod...I like your steps... It is a good way to break it all down to one thing at a time.
Well, everyone...wishing you all strength, fortitude and good days...
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Kelleyod and Slgarcia05 - hopefully you are both asleep right now getting good rest. I'll be thinking about you tomorrow and I hope everything goes well. Before you know it, you'll be back home again.
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Hello ladies, due to frequent napping during the day, my hours are all off and I'm wide awake at 1:30 in the morning. Reading the constipation issues above, I remember reading someone else's post about Raisin Bran and so had my DH get me some day before yesterday. Worked like a charm, no stool softeners needed. I definitely recommend having a box on hand for all you presurgery people. Have appt. with PS tomorrow, hoping I'll get these drains out. Otherwise feeling good except for getting used to the 10lb weights on my chest where I used to have soft squishy breasts. I'm wondering if these expanders ever get more comfortable, anyone know?
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Good luck to all facing surgery this week with me! I hope your nerves are kinder to you than mine are to me. It is great to hear how well you ladies are doing who have made it to the other side.
CLC-I'm sorry your delayed in bandage removal. I am watching, and waiting for your post because I think this is my biggest fear....looking at what is left.
Eema-I had pain in my breast for about three weeks prior to requeting a mammo. Many websites and EVEN my PCP said pain is a good sign that it is NOT BC.....
Thanks to all who post regularly and give the rest of us hope that we too can make it through this! Continued healing thoughts to those who have had surgery and nerve calming thoughts to those waiting!
Dawn
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