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Any October 2011 Surgeries out there want to wait together?

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Comments

  • CLC
    CLC Member Posts: 615
    edited October 2011

    Oh my gosh...the pace today on this thread was frantic...

    DukesUp...I did get my first decent night's sleep last night.  5.5 hours, small time up, 3 hours...woo hoo!!!  I am doing pretty well...  My dh can't handle the sight (or mention) of anything medical normally (he actually did not see our kids born...when my daughter was born and I screamed he foolishly tried to comfort me by telling me it would be over soon, and I exclaimed that it was and he'd missed it!!!)  Anyway, he helped me with my drains and bandages and bathing and managed not to turn white.  Maybe you will have the same success :)

    Kelleyod...it's so good to "see" you.  I am totally with you on your bmx comment.  I don't know how everyone with bmx is coping.  I wish all of the bmx folks extra help and support during recovery!!!

    I hope everyone has a good night...  Again, good luck to tomorrow's surgery girls...

  • CLC
    CLC Member Posts: 615
    edited October 2011

    Oh my gosh...the pace today on this thread was frantic...

    DukesUp...I did get my first decent night's sleep last night.  5.5 hours, small time up, 3 hours...woo hoo!!!  I am doing pretty well...  My dh can't handle the sight (or mention) of anything medical normally (he actually did not see our kids born...when my daughter was born and I screamed he foolishly tried to comfort me by telling me it would be over soon, and I exclaimed that it was and he'd missed it!!!)  Anyway, he helped me with my drains and bandages and bathing and managed not to turn white.  Maybe you will have the same success :)

    Kelleyod...it's so good to "see" you.  I am totally with you on your bmx comment.  I don't know how everyone with bmx is coping.  I wish all of the bmx folks extra help and support during recovery!!!

    I hope everyone has a good night... 

  • slgarcia05
    slgarcia05 Member Posts: 154
    edited October 2011

    That is good advice...thank you!  I will bring that up tomorrow. 

  • Kim137
    Kim137 Member Posts: 105
    edited October 2011

    Ladies, words cannot express what I am feeling right now but I know that you all can relate! I'm oddly calm about my BMX w/ TE tomorrow....more anxious than anything...I obviously can't sleep. It's 11:30 here in GA and 5:30 a.m will come quickly. My Mother, son and boyfriend are all fast asleep.....or at least pretending to be. Surgery is at 9:50 and is expected to be about 5 hours long. I hope and pray that all goes well.



    To my fellow 13th Ladies, Kcobb & iLUV2knit, I hope that you are both doing well. I pray for your speedy recovery and acceptance of the things to come. We can, and will survive this journey!



    Love to you all!!!

  • rachelvk
    rachelvk Member Posts: 564
    edited October 2011

    Kim137, Kcobb and iLUV2knit - All the best for tomorrow. We'll be thinking about you.

    I read the posts for today and will try to catch up tomorrow. Had a great day in Philly w/ my boyfriend - hospital pre-op, museum trip, and visit with PT. So I have exercises to do for the next 2 weeks, and orders to eat lots of protein and dark green leafy veggies to keep my iron up. Oh, and to take evening walks w/ my BF - keeps us communicating and boosts red blood cells. I can deal with that. 

  • Rockysg1
    Rockysg1 Member Posts: 11
    edited October 2011

    Good Evening Ladies,

    I am so sorry to post so late after surgery just got my internet up and running in the new home. Post Surgery was more painful than expected and I ended up with 4 drainage tubes instead of 2 and I still have them:( but overall I feel better everyday and have been doing my regular chores including driving since day 3 after surgery. Trinity and Survivor thank you for taking this journey with me my thoughts were of you guys on surgery day as well, and everyone who has had or is pending surgery this month godspeed...I pray for your quick recovery.

  • MargieC
    MargieC Member Posts: 302
    edited October 2011

    Kcobb, iluv2knit and kim137. You will be in my thoughts and prayer



    AJ-- love your attitude



    Jerry-- you sound like a wonderful husband.



    I can't remember who mention their chest feels like their is an elephant sitting on. That is how I felt the first few days after surgery but each day it does get a little better (now I might change my tune once the PS starts my fills in a week)



    Have a good evening evyone. I am hope to go to sleep



  • shorfi
    shorfi Member Posts: 437
    edited October 2011

    Shannon...how sweet of your husband to tell us how you are doing. He sounds like a "gem". Just wanted you to know that I have been thinking about you and sounds like you are doing okay. Will check in on you a little bit later.

    Take care dear and Jerry...take care of "our" girl Smile. Your love and support will help your wife have a speedy recovery.

  • SalSpecht
    SalSpecht Member Posts: 6
    edited October 2011

    Dukes_Up - Thank you.  I don't have any specifics on the dx until the full pathology after my surgery on Monday.  All I have been told is "you have breast cancer." 

    Best wishes to you on your upcoming surgery.  I completely relate to the lack of emotional attachment to the boobs. 

  • slgarcia05
    slgarcia05 Member Posts: 154
    edited October 2011

    Today Shannon is doing 100 percent better than she was yesteday.  The pain doctors were successful in getting the pain under control.  She was up and walking today. She had a good morning with breakfast and sitting in a chair.  Tomorrow we go home for sure and will be more comfortable there in her own home.  I told her I have the mower all gased up and ready for her to get back to work.  LOL! 

    She is looking better but mobility is still very limited and slow.  She looks great!

    We are still waiting on the pathology reports, so no news yet....keep praying! 

    Jerry G.

  • dancetrancer
    dancetrancer Member Posts: 2,461
    edited October 2011

    Wonderful news Jerry G. - so glad to hear her pain is well controlled now!  

  • CLC
    CLC Member Posts: 615
    edited October 2011

    Rockysg...so glad to hear you are recovering...you are amazing.  I am on day 6 post op and I am doing many things, but I tire out quickly.  Glad you are doing so well.

     Jerry...so glad to hear the good news...thinking of you and Shannon and the waiting for the path report...

    DukesUp/WNB...I am thinking about you as we get closer to your surgery.  I hope you are still seizing every lovely fall day with your family...

    ________________________

    I got my path report today...confirm all clear on node... Yeah!!  Got first of my two drains out!  Yeah!!  I needed that news.  I was starting to feel negative.  That always happens if I can't get out and run and do my other exercise.  I knew it would start, but it doesn't matter that I know why I am getting down and out.  Without working out, I get stressed.  So...I will start to up my moving a little, but try not to overdo it.  We'll see.  Hopefully I won't end up with a seroma or something...

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

    I had my surgery.  I had a lumpectomy, port a cath and SNB.  I went home the same day.  Was pretty much asleep all day yesterday, until evening.  I started having a slight fever Wednesday evening.  My BS said it's not unusual to have a slight fever after surgery, but she also said it may be due to what I came down with over the weekend and not related to the surgery.   They're going to start an antibiotic just to be on the safe side and hopefully avoid infection in the surgical incisions.  None of the incisions look red.  I'm just glad I got my surgery before the fever started.  The highest it got was 100.7 degrees.  The pain pills I'm taking make me sleepy, and am afraid to let them wear off.  The most painful area is my neck.  Where they made an incision to place the port.  But it's tolerable with the pain meds take care of it.  I will write more when I can keep my eyes open.  Thank you for all your encouragement.

  • Judy67
    Judy67 Member Posts: 213
    edited November 2011

    Drains out today!!  Also got my first post-op fill - 100cc's, I thought I was tight before, yowza!!  My first fill while I was under was 300cc's.  Now I only have 3 - 50cc fills left to do.  Also learned why it is so important to not be doing so much with my arms. Apparently, now that drains are out, if I do too much it can cause fluid buildup and prevent the alloderm graft he did under the skin and above muscle from adhering to the skin like it is supposed to.  That scared me enough to make me slow down.

    Mr. Garcia, so glad Shannon is doing better today and you're right you are more comfortable at home.

    Grandma V - glad you're back home already and I hope the antibiotics take care of everything.  Here's to a speedy recovery.

    Texasrose - good luck tomorrow, hope everything goes well!

  • CLC
    CLC Member Posts: 615
    edited October 2011

    GrandmaV...Man, am I glad to hear you are through surgery and recovering!  Hopefully, their caution will keep you feeling well. 

    Judy67...glad your drains are out...good luck taking it easy...that can be a challenge all its own.

    Texasrose...best of luck and strength tomorrow!

  • MargieC
    MargieC Member Posts: 302
    edited October 2011

    CLC great news on the path report and congrats on getting the drains out.

    Judy67 great new on the drains.  I hadn't heard that about not using the arms too much due to the alloderm grafting.  Now I am worried I have done too much.  I am suppose to see  PS tomorrow and I am going to be sure to ask.

    GrandmaV glad you are home..  rest and sleep it is the best thing right now.

  • Rockysg1
    Rockysg1 Member Posts: 11
    edited October 2011

    Good Evening,

    For those of you who have had your drains removed, was it painful? I have four that I hope to have removed tomorrow. Thanks 

  • ginger48
    ginger48 Member Posts: 1,437
    edited October 2011

    Rockysyg- I did not have any pain when they removed the drains and two of mine had been in for 2 weeks. The area where they were attached was a little sore but the actual removal was not bad. I think I had to take a deep breath and blow out or something. It was in July so I can't exactly remember. Good luck!

    CLC- congrats on the great path report.

    GrandmaV- take it easy and let your body heal.

    Jerry- glad Shannon has turned the corner. Getting out of that pain cycle is key to recovery!

  • Dukes_Up
    Dukes_Up Member Posts: 112
    edited October 2011

    Good Evening Ladies~

    Just a quickie tonight as it's been an exhausting day and I am officially beat.   I had my BS pre-op today in between clients so I've been rushing around pretty much all day.  Just now sitting down to eat dinner... no bueno!

    CLC~ As you know, I am just SO DANG HAPPY to hear your report.  Too soon for a celebratory glass of wine? :)

    GrandmaV~I'm so glad to see your post.  Try to rest as much as possible and I'll be hoping that antibiotic does the trick. 

    Shannon/Jerry~ So glad to hear of the great improvement today!  And you can bet that I'll keep praying for clear pathology :)

    Judy~ YAY for drain removal!  Great to know about the Alloderm as my PS is using that too.  I'm already fretting about having to slow down!

    Sal~ Thank you for your good wishes!

    Rocky~ Sending you good vibes for drain removal tomorrow!

    K Ladies, my brain is slowing down here so I'll continue tomorrow.  Rest up everyone!

    Night~

    AJ

  • rachelvk
    rachelvk Member Posts: 564
    edited October 2011

    Looks like a mostly up day for us October gals! We can always use more of those.

    CLC - So glad to hear all your good news. And it's great that your husband seems to be dealing with it okay.

    Jerry - Keep being the great support you are for Shannon. She's a lucky woman to have you, and I'm glad she's continuing to feel so much better.

    Kim, kcobb and iluv2kit - Thinking of you and hope that all went well today. 

    Rocky - Wow, what a trooper. I hope you are still finding ways to take it easy.

    Sally - Waiting to hear more is the common theme of this disease. Good luck with your surgery and the final path report.

    GrandmaV - Sorry to hear that you've developed a fever, but it sounds like your doctor's on top of it. Best wishes for a quick recovery.

    Judy - Sorry the latest fill was so uncomfortable, but it sounds like the remaining ones should (?) be less bothersome. I'll be in the same boat in a couple of weeks. Good advice about taking it easy - I know we all want to get back in the swing of things quickly, but we have to remember to take care of ourselves.

    Hope everyone else is doing well, whether pre- or post-surgery. My MRI came out clean (except for 'the lump' of course), so I don't have to worry about SNB on the other side, and presumably the chest wall is okay. I stocked up on protein and iron rich foods today, per my PT; bought broccoli rabe for the first time and realized how easy it is to cook. This weekend I need to focus on deciding on a new apartment (lease up at the end of the year and really can't afford to stay here) and convincing BF that it really IS time to move in together. Anyone have any spare boxes....?  ;)  I'd better get packing before surgery.

  • slgarcia05
    slgarcia05 Member Posts: 154
    edited October 2011

    Shannon Garcia Update:  This evening we recieved the pathology reports.  Shannon's cancer had spread to a lymp node.  They removed 12 nodes during the operation and found 1 hot node.  She has been staged as a T1, N1, M0....I am a little versed on what that is but not sure I have my head around it...she will undergo chemo and has had a CAT scan today.  It came back negative.  I am not sure what is ahead for us now.  My wife is worried as she should be and is concerned about losing her hair.  She is so beautiful, way to pretty for me!  I believe my wife will outlive me but I am just unsure, unaware, bewildered...you name it I have it.  I will continue to post for my wife as she recovers. 

  • rachelvk
    rachelvk Member Posts: 564
    edited October 2011

    Jerry and Shannon - I'm sorry to hear that. I'm not sure about the terminology, but it is good that the CT scan came back negative.

    I think after the prospect of losing one's breast(s), the thought of losing one's hair is one of the worst things about getting a bc diagnosis. If she has long hair (at least an 8" pony tail), there are places that will make hats and scarves with a lock or ponytail of your own hair to wear. And I've heard of some women who like what their hair comes back as after chemo. When she's up to it, there are several threads about hair - including one that talks about 'cold caps' that potentially can reduce hair loss. I'm seriously considering it.

    I wish you both the best in the days and weeks ahead. You seem like a strong team.

  • trinity927
    trinity927 Member Posts: 479
    edited October 2011

    Hi to all!

    I'm home from JH ... and, thank you all for the support and thinking of me while I've been away .... 

    Dukes_Up (AJ) - thanks for asking about my drains ... actually, all my drains were removed Wednesday ... this time I decided to let the nurse remove the remaining ones instead of my "do-it-yourself" version ... lol ... it feels soooo much better without having them in ... I've never been a back  sleeper, so being able to sleep on my side for brief periods of time has been great ... 

    Ginger48 - I was also told to breath in, and then breath out ... and, while you're breathing out, the nurse pulls out the drain ... Surprised  

    Rockysg (my surgery sister) - glad to finally hear from you, and that you're on the road to recovery ... I've been thinking about you ... you asked whether there's any pain when the drains are removed ... from my experience, it's a strange sensation, but not very much pain (if any) associated with it ... trust me, it's a cake walk compared to everything else we've been through ... :)

    I also got my first fill ... 100 ccs on the right to match the left ... I was a bit lopsided for a while ... Tongue out  I was told I have at least two more fills to go ... I'll be having 100 ccs on both sides next week ... it certainly feels tighter after the fills, and I was a bit sore yesterday and today, but it seems to be getting better ...

    Survivor (my other surgery sister) - soooo good to hear from you also... glad to hear you're feeling better!  Smile

    clc - great news about your path report ... hooray!  The waiting is the hardest part ... I was so nervous waiting for that "final" report, but "clear" sailing for both of us ... I definitely know what a relief that is for you! :)

    Judy67 - thank you for mentioning the alloderm graft, and why it's important to take it easy and not use your arms too much ...none of my doctors mentioned that to me ... great advice, thank you!

    My apologies for not being able to keep up with all the upcoming surgery dates for everyone, but everyone is certainly in my thoughts and prayers ... 

    Love~Joy~Peace

    Trinity

  • survivor11
    survivor11 Member Posts: 430
    edited October 2011

    Rocky-has 6 drains after BMX and 2 with this last surgery. Never ever hurt coming out. Don't worry, it's the only benefit to some or most of your chest being numb after surgery.

    Mr. &Mrs Garcia-so sorry to hear about your disturbing news. I can't imagine what it's like but what I do know from reading so many threads is that one out of what 11 is good. Yes chemo sucks ass and losing your hair sucks ass, but I swear it goes by rather quickly and you get use to it alot faster than you think you will. Just have to keep your eyes on the prize of getting to NED (no evidence of disease). One day at a time..

  • slgarcia05
    slgarcia05 Member Posts: 154
    edited October 2011

    Thank you survivor11.....we have a long road ahead of us.  We are scared but we will get though it as a team.  Thank you!  Any words of wisdom from anyone anywhere anytime is needed and welcomed.  Thank you!

  • trinity927
    trinity927 Member Posts: 479
    edited October 2011

    I just read through other posts, and need to respond to one in particular (that I regretfully missed reading the first time)  ...

    I'm sending out special healing thoughts and prayers to Shannon and her husband ...

    I strongly believe in the power of prayer ... so, let's all keep Shannon in our prayers ...

    BE COURAGEOUS, HAVE FAITH, GO FORWARD!  

        

  • survivor11
    survivor11 Member Posts: 430
    edited October 2011

    the Garcias-you already have your very best defense agains this bitch called cancer-you have each other and honest to God it is the most important thing along with a positive attitude. Right now you both need to allow yourself the time to mourn, to grieve, to be angry, to be pissed. You both have the right to this. Live in it, lay down and sleep with it, scream at it, then when your done-and you'll know when you are-get up and fight. Fight with everything you have and keep in mind that one hot node does not mean the end. Just means you caught the sneaky bitch before she really got going and now you have to kick her ass. Will keep you guys in my thoughts.

    Trinity-hey girl, how you feeling? Recovery going well?

  • CLC
    CLC Member Posts: 615
    edited October 2011

    Shannon and Jerry...  I am so sorry to hear the news.  I don't know what it is to be given that news, but I do know that your love and support of each other is one of the main ingredients for coping with and conquering adversity.  Another is the determination you both have.

    As for hair, a woman that I know is a bc survivor who lost her hair.  She is the kind of woman who has real finesse with her appearance and always looks perfect.  It was one of the most difficult parts of the disease for her.  She was able to get an absolutely beautiful human hair wig  with insurance that cost thousands of dollars.  Today, 6 years after being with NED, she still proudly owns and lends her beautiful wig to those who do not have insurance.

    I know that a wig is not the same, but a wig became a symbol of survival for her.  And strength.  And now meaning from cancer.  She says that she was kept on this earth to be able to help those of us following her, and she is such a wonderful support.

    I offer you both my wish for your continued strength, faith, courage and determination.

  • CLC
    CLC Member Posts: 615
    edited October 2011

    Rockysg...  I had one drain out today.  It hurt, but it didn't hurt like hell.  I was worried about how it would feel, so I told my husband I wanted to hold onto him while they took it out.  He took hold of me and that helped, too, but was hardly necessary.

    The key thing about it is that it is fast.  I mean reaaallllly fast.  It's over before you have time to think about it.  That was my experience anyway.

    My husband watched (he's becoming such a medical pro) and said "all that came out of her?"  I guess there was a lot of tubing, but even still...fast....

    Good luck with it!

  • CLC
    CLC Member Posts: 615
    edited October 2011

    Sheesh...looking at my post of my good news clearly shows I was getting down and out...what a depressing post for such good news! 

    I want to thank everyone for your "hoorays" and "woo hoos".  You all helped me out of my funk.  Thank you!

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