Any October 2011 Surgeries out there want to wait together?
Comments
-
Sitting here in puddles of tears. I am so glad I am not the only one going through this. My name is Rhonda. I have 3 children, 2 on the verge of teenagehood and a pre-schooler. I had a MX October 5. Most of my pain tonight is around the last tube that's still in, but I am PRAYING I can have it taken out tomorrow as it was draining 35 today. I had 6 rounds of chemo starting in May and my last "intrusive" chemo on September 14. I haven't posted much in this website, I'm more of a lurker. Thank you all for your posts, you are all inspirations!
0 -
Rhonda - I'm glad you found us and that we've helped. Hang in there, and good luck with the drain removal. We'll be here for you.
0 -
Rhonda- We are all familiar with sitting in a puddle of tears. Glad you found us; there is a lot of support here.
0 -
Rhonda, we are all here to support you thru your journey. Your puddles of tears will flow thru our river of hope
0 -
Rhonda, We have so much incommon. I was diagnosed the same day as you, started chemo in May and had my BMX the same week. I am here for you. We have all had those moments and can relate. I get so much comfort from the ladies and gentlemen on this board. They understand that some days you just want to cry. -- My down day was one day last week I was watching The Talk and it was all about breast cancer and they had a specialist on and she was talking that there is no cure for breast cancer - I knew that, but for some reason it was so upseting to hear that.
sending you gentle hugs and hopping you get that last drain out.
Margie
0 -
HI All
update on me... I went to the PS this morning and he pulled my last two drains. They scheduled me for PT starting tomorrow (it will be good to learn what I should and shouldn't be doing). PS was pleased by how the incisions are healing. I am still to continue to wear the tight sports bras to keep the swelling down but otherwise doing good.
sending gentle hugs to those healing and special thoughts to those getting ready to have surgery.
0 -
Dearest cyber sisters.... I got back home yesterday and I'm feeling surprisingly well... op went well; I had a bmx, but, as I mentioned higher up, it was a skin conserving bmx, and the way in which the incisions were made, and the subsequent stitching up has left me two small mounds, which I would have called boobs in a previous life..the surgeon also managed to divide my left nipple into 2 to graft onto my new 'breasts'. Although there is no guarantee that these will 'take', the bs was pleased with the result when he checked them for the first time yesterday. Have to go for another check on Friday, and like so many of you, won't get my path report until about a week later.. I was kept in longer than expected as I had to have a blood transfusion, but drains were taken out after three days, and I really must say that the pain wasn't half as bad as expected.. I was on morphine for the first 24 hours, and since then have managed on panadols..today I haven't had anything... I imagine those of you with TEs would have a tougher time.
Have tried to read all the pages I'd missed, but have only managed to retain a few thoughts..nothing like different bc treatments to scramble the brain! Like MargieC, I've come home with a cotton sports bra and wear it 24/24, and find it quite comfortable...I must say it became a lot more comfortable once the drains had been removed. I couldn't find one with an opening, so my DH helps me take it on and off...I wouldn't manage alone. Drain removal was OK... the nurse told me to breathe slowly and deeply, and although not pleasant (but not actually painful), it happened a lot quicker than I thought it would.
Melissah, yr surgery was on the same day as mine, and I too suffer MADLY with itching..it comes and goes, but when I get an attack it's really difficult, and there is nothing to do.. I press my hands softly on the itchy bits and keep them there for a while...it seems to help, or mayb it's just my imagination!
Judy47 Well done, Anne Alive congratulations, and you do need to have a course of simple exercises. The PT visited me in hospital and showed me what to do for the first week or so, and then I have an appt to go back next week when I'll be given some tougher ones to follow on with. I think arm exercises are pretty important to avoid possible LE.
Radiation after mx: I was told by my onc that regardless of outcomes of chemo (I had 8 cycles pre op), and surgery, he would still want me to have rads for a month post surgery...Not sure whether he is being extra cautious, or whether it is because my tumour was (brilliant I can say WAS here
) large, or because I am TN..will let you know more once I meet him again...I am filled with admiration for those of you who are going thru this with young kids to look after...Rhonda, my youngest is 18, thus totally capable of looking after herself, and my DH, son (20) and her, are looking after me...and it has not been unknown for me to burst into tears....so your feelings are ENTIRELY normal and natural. jmz, I too am an independent type, but have learned that not only is it in our best interests to put ourselves first in our situation (those of us who can that is), but that friends and family really need to feel needed as they feel powerless to cure our illness, but at least can contribute in other ways...So we should accept their help as we need all the ret we can get right now!
Hello to all new ladies who I couldn't welcome earlier, and hello again to those on original list...can't mention you all, but thanks for your kind wishes and thoughts xxx GOOD LUCK to those of you with surgery this week.
Gamergirl: thinking of you and sending calming and healing thoughts
And finally, on a slightly disgusting note, I haven't had any problems with constipation BUT BUT BUT, like iLuv2Knit, I have serious problems wiping my a _ _ _ clean, as my arms can't reach round far enough.... solutions anyone?????
0 -
Okay...I cannot possibly keep up with the posts anymore...and I apologize in advance for not responding to all...
Rhonda...I am glad you have found support reading the thread (I know I have) and have decided to pop in and speak up... I think I can safely say we have all had a few puddles around us... As a mom of a 7 and 10 year old, I can understand why they are first in your description of yourself... That speaks volumes. I know for me, my children have been at the forefront of both my worries and affirmation of why I fight to stay strong and healthy. I hope that your drain is coming out, but if it cannot, at least know that the bs isn't pushing it too fast and leading you to swelling. I wish you all of the luck with it. I know that getting my last drain out yesterday was definitely a huge relief. Yours will come out, too. If not today, then soon... I will be thinking of you.
Margie...I am so glad that you are progressing well...:)
jmz...I am sorry for the difficulties with your son. One of the things I have found difficult about all of this is letting go of taking care of everyone else all the time and instead being sure to take care of myself. I am glad that you are able to do just that.
iLUV2knit...it's good to "see" you on this side of surgery...it's good to know that your only motion limits are the potty...:) I have no suggestions on that front, short of investing in a bidet... I do know that my drain sites didn't have to be bandaged at all. I only had my dh put new ones on when their being able to move around become a little painful. Did you ask bs? Okay, now I know I can't keep up...I already said this to you...lol...sorry...
spunkyboobster...welcome...you've found a great group of women here...
GrandmaV...I am so glad surgery went well and recovery is going equally well...
______________________
As for me, I now have drains out...YEAH...
Onc has told me he wants me on tamoxifen, but I am not sure I will...in the throes of decision...
DD is fully on board now, getting very comfortable with how it all looks, now that drains are gone. She says that without the drains, I am normal again. I guess I didn't mess it all up after all. Let's hear it for children's resilience. DS and DD just want me to feel all better now (so they can really hug me and so I will start doing more of the work around the house again...little do they know that we aren't going all the way back on this...:)
Starting to consider when I am going back to work. Trying to increase the amount I walk each day. Trying to figure out how much I should really be moving that left arm...don't want to end up with a locked up shoulder, but don't want to rush anything and end up with LE...
I hope all of you out there are doing well. There are several of you that have been very quiet of late...and I wanted you all to know that I am thinking of you and hoping things are going as well as they can...
Claire
0 -
Maria_Malta...I am glad to hear you are doing so well!
0 -
I am just back from my appt with the 2nd opinion Dr. He was wonderful and he pretty much confirmed everything I've been thinking about. One of the best things was when he said that doing the three different biopsies had been a really smart thing to do. Made me feel good about my surgeon. So I'm now sure I'll be having an MX, most likely with SNB. We discussed recon but he was very good about just pointing out all the factors and not influencing me in any way. One thing he said which was new: he said that if/when I get a reduction on the other side that I need to have an MRI beforehand to make sure there is nothing there. Said that a reduction could cause future problems if a mastectomy was needed. Something to do with the way the incisions are made.
So I have decided to stick with my first surgeon and hospital, just minutes from home, since the two Drs. are very much in agreement. I see my Dr Monday morning and surgery will be scheduled for Wed, Thurs or Friday next week.
Oh, one of the things he emphasized was the large size of the cancerous area. I could tell from the biopsy that it was large but it's pretty amazing that it went from a clear mammogram to this size cancer in only 366 days. I've never been particularly religious in my approach to these things but I've been telling everyone I know that these things can really come on fast. I would never have thought it.
CLC - I've gotten stumped by the three needle knitting thing and am going to have to have some tutoring before I get much further on my knitty titty.
Susan
0 -
Hi everyone, just a quick note before I go under the knife tomorrow. I just got home from the SNB dye injection and despite my worst fears, it was just as do-able as everything else has been. I rated the pain around a 5 during the injection and it was over within minutes.
I know my surgery isn't nearly as extensive as what others are doing, but I am still trying to work through the apprehension of what's to come. Praying for a good night's sleep tonight. I will have to head into the hospital around 6:30 am but hope to be home to sleep in my own bed (fingers crossed on that one - node involvement could be extensive).
Sending good vibes to all my cyber-sisters!
0 -
kks_rd...best of luck tomorrow...I hope all goes smoothly...
0 -
sott...you are a braver woman than I...I have no clue what to do with those knitting needles...
0 -
Kat
Good luck tomorrow I hope it all goes smoothly.0 -
Kat- All surgeries are big for the one going through it-sending you wishes for a smooth surgery tomorrow..
0 -
A Big Hello to all of the ladies on this discussion board. I am relieved that I had my BMX with TE on October 14th--- Physically, I am recovering nicely. The diagnosis on the disussion board is based on biopsies beore the BMX. Psycologically, I am not doing so hot. I know from the day of surgery that my sentienal node, previously beleived to be uninvolved, was positive. As a result my BS removed some surrounding nodes and tissue for testing. I am an absolute wreck waiting for the results. I may have some of the pathologIy results on Friday, but the complete results will not be in until OCT 24th, my post-op is OCT 25th. I was hoping that my nodes would test negative making chemo a remote possibility. Looks like I most likely will be facing chemo in my future. Could use some words of encouragement from others that have been anxious waiting for their final pathology results. LOVE, Hugs & Prayers- Rose
0 -
Just got my date its thursday OCT 20 .Excited/scared all the emotions i got em .oh yea mastectomy is what i am getting ...
0 -
Kat- know that you are wrapped in the protective wings of all your sisters-in-kind. Love, Hugs & prayers will be with you tomorrow.
Rose
0 -
justme1- I'm right there with you. The wait is difficult, I just completed a 5 week wait for surgery on OCT 14th. Be exited that the bc will be removed from your body in just a few days! Love, Hugs & prayers- Rose
0 -
TexasRose21... so your done ? How are u? Yes the BC will be gone .Thats a great way to look at it. Thanks : )0
-
Hi Rose,
I know it can be a big emotional hurdle to deal with a post op diagnosis that is more complicated than originally believed. I thought I was stage 1 with no node involvement. Final path put me at llb with 1/15 nodes. I really went through shock and then mourning for how much more complex my situation had become. I also learned that additional dcis was behind one of my spared nipples so had to have additional surgery to remove the nipple and yes, I will need chemo. It eventually sinks in and then I move forward and do what I have to do. Oh, and a little Ativan does help too!
Caryn0 -
Rose, I'm sending you a private message.0
-
Thank you for all the great info. What an amazing group you are-I am so happy to have found you. As unfortunate as our circumstances are, I am encouraged by all of you.
0 -
She's not out of the woods yet, but doing better each day. Almost 3 weeks post bmx/recon and.... healing nicely, going out for lunches with girlfriends, doing some light exercises recommended by the visiting physical therapist, going on family dog walks, folding some laundry, organizing some winter clothes, and helping with small stuff around the house. Still getting tired and sore, especially late in the day, and getting tired of being so dependent on everyone for everything, but all in all.... it's fucking great to be alive, ya know??? Hang in there ladies...
0 -
Maria_malta - Good to see you back. Sounds like things are going well - and we'll be praying for a good path report for you. Thanks for the info on rads. I was pretty much told not to expect rads with a bmx, which is why I get nervous every time I see and example of someone who did need it. But whatever it takes!
CLC - Good luck with those decisions. I know my decision on when to return to work is going to be difficult, especially since I have no idea how chemo will affect me. Really hoping to miss a minimal amount of time at work in the next year, but I have to be realistic.
Rose - So sorry about the node. That's all of our nightmares, and having to wait a week for the path report is really tough. {{Hug}} - our thoughts are headed your way.
Kat - Sleep well, and we'll look forward to hearing from you post-op when you're up to it.
Sott - Glad you've made your decision. That's the hardest part. Now just look ahead to surgery.
The growth rate is a weird thing. I read that it takes 29-250 days for a cancer cell to divide, with the average being about 100 days. Yet when I asked my doctors whether taking 2-3 months to schedule surgery was risky, they said "Oh, we've researched this, and they grow so slowly that it doesn't matter." Guess I'll find out with my path report. In the past week, I've noticed my lump edging into new territory, so I probably have passed the 2 cm mark (putting me at Stage 2, sigh).
Have a good night, all. We'll get through this. I'm really glad I've had this forum to help me deal.
0 -
Mr. Clams - thanks for the update. Yes, being alive is a great thing. And it sounds like your wife is doing great, even if it's less than she'd like to be doing. I hope she can be a role model - lunch with the girls is great; laundry, no so much, though.
0 -
Margie amd CLC-yeah for drains out.
Maria_Malta-glad surgery is over for you, send prayers for speedy recovery.
KKS_rd-good luck with surgery tom. Will be sending prayers your way.
TexasRose21-the waiting sucks, I remember. Like everything else you have to mourn your previous thought of diagnosis and the thought that you might avoid chemo. From my experience, chemo did suck but was very doable. You have to give yourself a few days to wrap your brain around all that is ahead then you will find the strength I know you have and you will get on with the business of living. Sending you healing thoughts.
0 -
Okay, getting a little worried. Everything has been going so well but Saturday felt bad all day with low grade fever. Sunday night developed redness right side and I just had drains out and first fill Thursday. Saw BS Monday and she put me on antibiotics and told me to call PS if it got worse. Not exactly worse, but not better. I feel fine now and not anymore pain in that side than the other. Scared PS will want to take TE out and start all over. Do they take them out or do they give them time to clear up. Anyone know? Waiting on call from PS.
0 -
Mr Claim --- glad to her the Mrs is moving along.
Maria_Malta-- so good to hear your surgery went well.
CLC-- I am in the same boat about going back to work. I work virtual so no driving but long stressful days behind a computer screen. My DH wants me to stay out till I get through 1-2 fills ( he knows once I go back I will jump in with both feet) That would have me out 4 weeks 2 days which is not that long I guess. My surgeon wrote me out for up to 6 weeks. Plus I didn't take any time off durning Chemo (I actually worked from the chair). I oversee a team of 6 really hard working ladies and I feel guilty with them having to pick up my work load. -- can you tell I am a workaholic. ---0 -
Hi ladies. Sorry I have not been on here lately. I hope ya'll are all doing ok. I am 10 days out from surgery and I'm still in pain. It's better, but not enough that I can stop my meds. Anyway, just wanted to say hi and update my diagnosis since I met with my onc yesterday. The update is now 1.8 cm, grade 3, stage IIa, 1/12 nodes, ER/PR+. The pathologist is running more tests to figure out my HER2 status. It will determine my treatment. Either way (+/-) I'm looking at 18-20 weeks of Chemo. I'll have a port put in regardless. I am very afraid and Pissed off. Much love to all of you.
0
