Any October 2011 Surgeries out there want to wait together?
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kind of off topic, but I found out through my human resources that I am not qualified for FMLA when I have my exchange surgery March 28th. I am a part time employee so didn't have enough hours to qualify... So basically I guess I can get cancer, treated-- and fired for it too. I only went part time less than a year ago, after TEN years with the same company.
My main boss said, she "would not let me go that easily and just because I am not qualified for FMLA, I will still have my job when I come back from surgery". The catch...I can't take time off without being paid via vacation time or sick time. Of course my sick time is nil after the year I have had, and my vacation isn't enough time except to cover a week or so.
So....if my recovery has complications, and takes more than 3 weeks, I will be returning to work anyway because if I don't, I won't have a job. I guess it is a good thing I didn't need chemo, huh? Cancer sucks.
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iluv2knit - That's a lousy situation. I hope your job is safe and secure when you're ready to come back.
I could be wrong, but my understanding is that the exchange is an outpatient procedure, and that the recovery should take less than a week (of course, barring those lousy complicationd!) So hopefully you won't have to miss that much additional time off. But I understand. My boss is being really flexible with my hours, which is good because my offical time off available is dwindling close to zilch - and I have to head to a wedding over the summer and would like to take a few real days of vacation, too.
And yes - it IS good you don't need chemo, for lots of reasons!
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OK ladies, can you help my stupid brain? About 2.5 weeks ago, my upper back and lower neck started hurting. I figured it was just a normal muscle thing and would go away - I pinched a nerve or slept on it funny or something. I've used Advil some, tried muscle relaxants (they just made me want to go to sleep but didn't help the pain or make it get better), heating pad, a bit of massage (but DH says he can't feel a knot there), and such. Well it's still not better yet. I've swum with it and it hurts off and on, I skipped swimming last week but it still hasn't gotten better. It hurts when I look left or right and my range of motion of my head seems less than usual.
It's worst 1st thing in the morning sometimes making me not want to lift that arm (it's on the opposite side from my UMX) and it's hard to get up sometimes. (I'm only 41, BTW)
Of course, after 2 weeks of this, my brain finally says, "maybe it's BC related, maybe it's mets." I rationally think that's an insane explanation. I can't get my brain to shut up about it though. I also now worry that every ache and pain will automatically become BC related in my head so I have to worry about it. UGH.
I may e-mail my MO just so that she can tell me I'm crazy, might shut my brain up, I don't know.
Any sage words of advice or anyone want to kick me in the head? Ha ha ha!
Edited to add: This started before I started on tamoxifen so I can't blame that. Also, I've tried a different pillow, two pillows, one pillow, to no avail.
Thanks.
-Judy
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Judy - I'm trying to rememer - did you wind up having to do chemo? (Assuming yes, as you have a MO). I've seen a lot of cases where one lingering chemo SE is bone/joint pain. I'm having issues now with an old knee injury that I re-injured in January, but now roars back almost randomly and then disappears. Good luck in figuring out what's causing your pain. Did you do any PT after the umx so that you could check with the therapist?
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Judy- Do you have any swelling? I have LE and it is causing swelling in my chest, neck and back and your symptoms sound like mine. Also I am getting the joint pain from the AI so maybe Tamox is making it worse? I also had a lot of muscles that were tight after having those TE's and they have yet to return to normal.
Hope you get some answers soon!
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Send some positive thoughts my way, October sisters. I have found 2 lumps in my upper breast near my underarm on my cancer side. I am thinking maybe they are enlarged lymph nodes and am seeing my BS on Friday morning in Boston to see what she thinks. I am really ready to be done with all this worrying...
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Oh, Ginger, I'm sorry to hear you have new things to worry about. {{Hugs}} and very positive thoughts heading your way.
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No chemo or rads for me (I got lucky). I have not seen any other signs of LE. Also it's on the left and my SNB and UMX were both on the right.
Oh my, Ginger. HUGS coming your way, big time. I hope it's nothing, after all, didn't you have a BMX to avoid this stuff? Hang in there and let us know what the Dr. says.
I have an MO and an RO, saw both before I had any surgery (way back in August). The MO is managing Tamox., giving input on when to have scans (mammo & MRI), and other general BC support. I've only seen the RO once, and then didn't end up needing her for treatment, but UCLA docs had me seeing them all early, it seems every organization does things differently.
Thanks for the thoughts so far. I may just e-mail the MO to have her tell me either to come in or that I'm nuts.
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Hello my October sisters ....
Iluv2knit --- this stinks.... I am so sorry.... I used fmla in October too which came back to bite me when January surgery rolled around. Never even thought about it at the time.... What I did learn was that I qualified for ADA leave this time around.... Maybe that is an option for you . . . . Hang in there . . . I hope things come together.
Cookie --- i hope this gets better. . . Ugh. One thought for relief (assuming not a SE) - have you tried a chiropractor for help? A really good one may be abler to work miracles ...... I like the PT double check too . . . I have cancer paranoia too . . . Email the MO IMHO - get some peace....
Ginger --- oh love. . . . I am with you. Just remember that there could be numerous explanations. . . Definitely keeping positive thoughts and prayers coming your way. . . Keep us in the loop!
Rachelvk ---- been checking out your dec T/C forum, thank you!!! Trying to get my hands on reality should that be my path . . . I really appreciate any other Words of wisdom / must do's you can share. Your sanity is much appreciated!
sending lots of hugs and prayers for some good rest and painless days . . .
Kelleyod0 -
Ginger- Hang in there girl. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you wait for your Friday appointment. Praying you get good news
HUGS, Rose
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Judy, of course you're not nuts to worry!!! Most natural way to react after what we've been through, but given that the pain appears to be spread over a fairly extended area, upper back and neck, imho I suspect it is probably some kind of muscular strain, possibly exacerbated by chemo-induced weak muscles, tas Rachel suggested, that is if you had chemo. I would just go to see your MO and be done with the worrying.
Kelleyod, Taxotere is no picnic, but Rachel is going through it, and I had 4 cycles of it too before my surgery, after 4 cycles of FEC. You still don't know what's happening, so keep calm and hope for the best and maybe it won't happen...but be prepared for it as well knowing that it is definitely doable...I finished all chemo 6 months ago now and am pretty much back to normal. Will send you lots of tips and things if you do need to start it.
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Ginger... yes, you'd have thought you've done enough worrying, but it seems it's never enough when it comes to this dreadful disease. Sending you much love and caring thoughts and holding you close... will be thinking of you on Friday and hoping for the best.
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Boy I don't like hearing these things... I hope everyone gets back in the game soon! I'm in a waiting pattern. Blah. I also think I have a hernia from my hyst/oof and am waiting going to the doctor till spring break next week. Like everyone else, I have used up my sick time...
OK, so we had this case local of a woman faking breast cancer. Here's my take. Tell me if it is too mean.
https://cancerchmancerpoopoopoo.wordpress.com/2012/03/01/faking-it-21/
Be well, my sisters!
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Good Morning Everyone~
I absolutely hate being so far behind in catching up with everyone's updates. It seems I never have time to respond personally, so for now I just want to make sure you ALL know that I'm keeping you close to my heart and wishing the very best outcomes for those continuing to struggle with all of these REALLY shitty issues. Personally, I feel like I can't handle one more developing issue with my health. It just doesn't stop....
The soonest I can get in with my surgical onc for the mass PS found on my left ribcage is March 21. And that's just for a consult and ultrasound. Freakin' waiting game, here we go again. Still no results from my Rheumatology appointment re: my reactive lymph nodes. I don't know what could be taking so long but I'll be calling again today.
In better news, I'm having Phase 2 of my nipple reconstruction this afternoon (my PS does it in 2 steps.) So with any luck, I'll be sportin' new nips by the end of the day
Not sure how long I'll need to wait for areola tattooing (I believe 6 more weeks.) Hugs to All of my Oct Friends!
AJ
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Dukes Up - Let those headlights shine the way....! One of the women in my support group (Young Survivors Coalition, if any of you under 45ish want to look into it in your area) did a 'show and tell' last week after getting her nipple tattoo (she went for the 3-D tattoo) and it was pretty impressive. So sorry you've got something else to wait for now. With everyone's news recently, I did a quick self-check of my own. So far, so good, but I'm also not thrilled with the prospect of spending my life worrying about every twinge.
Eema - A hernia, oy vey! It never does end. And faking breast cancer? I'll check out your blog for details. What's that saying, an eye for an eye.... can we force her to undergo a prophylactic bmx so she can't try to claim it again? And throw in some chemo while we're at it.
Kelly - Anything you need, just ask. I feel pretty lucky in that my SEs, while annoying, seem to have been far less severe than what some of the other women have gotten. But feel free to ask anything. It really does a number to your body - but you have to just believe that whatever your normal cells are dealing with, any rogue cancer cells are getting it tenfold and hopefully being wiped out. There are some great hair/hat resources out there. My favorite suggestion - get big, flashy earrings. I think I've only left the apartment once or twice without a pair of dangly earrings, and it's helped me feel really good. I treated myself to a really cool pair, and then splurged on the matching pendant. Gotta find the silver lining in this somewhere.
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HI Ladies
I feel so bad that I have been IMA for weeks. Things have been crazy busy.
AJ -- I am sending you tons of prayers that the lump is nothing. I'm excited for you getting your new nips one more step completed.
Judy -- neck issues -- you may want to have it check by a Dr. all the work they did on us in surgery has effects on our muscles.
iLuv2knit -- exchange -- I was only out of work for 4 days with my exchange in Jan so I am hoping yours is similar so you do not have to worry about work. We have enough on our plates.
Ginger -- sending you tons of payers that all is ok.
update on me... I started back to traveling for work in Feb and it felt so good to get back at it. I have had some set backs (2 steps forward 3 steps back). I had to go to my GP with shoulder pain - I was scared it was LE but thankful it wasn't, but I have a sprained rotator cuff and I am now in PT for a month. Yesterday I had my muga and my heart pumping percentaged droped by 19% in the last 3 months. They took me right in for an eco and thankfully there is no permanent damage, but my herceptin is now on hold for a month. It really hit me hard. I had so planed to have my herceptin down early May (13 months after diagnosis). My 50th bday is end of May and really wanted this cancer crap behind me. Now I will be going into June with treatments, but I have to keep telling myself better to take a break let my heart recover or I could end up with permanent heart damage.
Today I feel that cancer really sucks.
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Good Morning Ladies!
Margie~ No worries re: MIA but I can certainly relate. Just glad to see you back! Totally bummed to hear about the MUGA scan yesterday but feeling thankful that it showed no permanent damage. Good call to hold off on the Herceptin for a month.
Rachel~ You cracked me up w/ "let those headlights shine the way!" Let's just say that I HOPE they shrink with time.... 'cause they looked heeeeee-uge when I caught a glimpse of them yesterday (uh-oh!) Love your attitude.... and you go girl with those flashy earrings!
Eema~ ACK--- now a hernia?!? I am SO sorry you're dealing with even more crap.
Maria~ It's so good to see you... and I'm very happy to know that you're feeling back to your "normal" self!
Ginger~ I'm thinking of you today. Please update asap on your appointment in Boston, k?
CookieMonster/Judy~ How are you feeling today? Did you reach out to your MO?
ILuv2Knit~ Really hate hearing about the FMLA business. I think this just sucks. Thinking positive thoughts that it will all work out.
So... I guess I wasn't expecting to be all wrapped up like a mummy again after yesterday's nip recon. Bandages in place for 5 days - no showers- no workouts for 10 days- and no bras for 2 weeks. These headlights had better be worth it!
I'm totally late chiming in re: juicing but I'm starting to get more consistent with it. I have a book with some really neat juicing recipes if anyone is interested, I'd be happy to post 'em up! I make mine with a high powered blender (VitaMix) that I got for an early 40th Bday gift.
Wishing you all a smooth day...
Hugs~
AJ
PS- Do you all use Facebook? I'm starting to get a bit more active with it if any one wants to "friend" me. Just shoot me a PM!
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Happy Friday ladies ....
Let's keep our fighting spirits going . . . . We can not afford to let this beast get us pushed too far back! Look how far we have come .....
Ginger - thinking of you today - we all want to heAr how it goes ....praying!
Aj - get those nips baby! Remember things will calm down in Terrims of size, swelling, etc..... All my plastic progress is on hold so I am rooting you on! Praying that lump is nada, zip, zilch .....don't give it any energy. Let's face it on 3/21.... Good thoughts sent to you....
Eema - no hernia!!! Pls -! Let's stop the madness! I agree! Hahahaha ..... I can't believe your local news on "the faker" ..... Unreal! No punishment kis too hard. Maybe we should create our reality show vis a vis Scared Straight?
Judy - any progress on neck? Hopefully some answers / feeling better....
Margie - this stinks... But remember the date is relative. I can so relate to the " wait - I wanted to be done" disappointment ..... Recover! Resume! Get 'Er done!
Rachel - thanks so much for offer on my own q / a session! I will take you up on that should the need arrive .... I will start calling you Sensei.... You may address me as grasshopper ....
I'm treading water in the waiting pool of Eema's cancer land timeshare..... Trying to feel normal hitting the Honda classic golf tourney today with DH (D will probably not stand for dear by end of day! Hahaha!). Trying to resist the urge from introducing myself as "hi - I am Kelley. I have cancer....". And you know they'll say " you do? You look fantastic!". Hhahaha. .... Let's hear some good news today folks! Praying for my oct sisters!
Take care - kelleyod0 -
Hi all,
First, I want to apologize for not sending out individual hugs and wishes to each of you when things are rough. I read everything and you're in my thoughts, I just don't have the time or energy to do individuals usually. I hope things look up for everyone.
As for me, my back felt better this morning when I got up (meaning it wasn't horribly painful), but it's still not good. I've sent off an e-mail to my MO and my BS, as DH pointed out to me that it could be just that I've changed shape and things are shifting around on my body and it's adjusting to the changes. We'll see what they have to say. Worse comes to worse, I see the PS on the 12th.
Sending out healing hugs and vibes to all!! Happy Friday!
-Judy
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Can I also send a group hug? Just came from the health food store in town. No Whole Foods in my city... Anyway, I'm wearing my "biker" head gear sent to me by a biker friend (I don't ride a motorcycle, but appreciate the fashion). One of the sales lady told me I looked great and that I was "rockin" the biker look! LOL! Now I feel cool!
In good news, I started on keflex and the belly pain disappeared. Weird, huh? Still have a bulge, but it doesn't hurt so badly.
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Hi Ladies-
I am home from Mass General and it is good news. The lumps were diagnosed by ultrasound as lymphoceles. As I understand it they are little pockets of lymph fluid and we do not need to do anything about them. I just need to keep up with my compression sleeves and manual lymph therapy. So big sigh of relief! My BS sent me down to PT to talk about lymphedema and I ended up with the diagnosis of "frozen shoulder" as well. She says that frozen shoulder resolves itself but takes about 1 to 1 & 1/2 years to do so. She gave me some handouts on it and I will be reading up on it. She said basically do not do anything that hurts.
Her recommendation is to slowly add more exercise which will help the LE and to reduce my BMI. I have gained about 25 pounds since my BMX in June and got hit with surgical menopause in December. I really want to lose this weight so I am going to try.
I have not gotten a juicer yet but it is on my list of things to do and then I am going to want recipes!
I read a couple days worth of postings just now and want to tell everyone I hope things turn out for the best. We seem to be kind of an active group right now and not in the greatest way if you know what I mean?
Kelley-I am on facebook. PM me your info. I think the June BMX group actually formed a facebook group to continue their discussions. Probably more private I guess.
I thank you all for your kind words. I did not really tell a lot of people in my "actual life" what was going on because I don't think they would really understand how it feels. But you guys are always here and do "get it" and I am so thankful for that!
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Just a quick update: BS says sounds muscular to me, give it a few more weeks, if it gets worse now or doesn't get better in a few weeks, call your PCP. She also says - try not to go down the cancer road with every ache and pain you get (DUH!). I thought that making it 2.5 weeks before going down that road was pretty good. And the MO agrees.
The morning after I sent that e-mail it was already feeling better, of course.
Ginger - so glad it's nothing to worry about!!
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Ginger - Good news! Though I'm sorry to hear about frozen shoulder. Which reminds me, I've slacked off on my PT exercises for 3 weeks - and I'm no longer going to see him, so I need to be more disciplined. Good luck in your recovery.
CookieMonster - I hope you do get some relief from that. And yes, 2.5 weeks without another C scare is good. Looking forward to the days when they become fewer and farther between!
Being very lazy today. Should try to get a few things done since Thursday is another treatment, which means another week or so of minimal productivity.
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Hi my October sisters....I just celebrated my big "five OH" yesterday. Sometimes I can't believe I actually made it....!! It felt great to read all the happy birthday wishes in cards and on facebook. Facebook can be such a wonderful thing!!
I read everything, but can't respond to most. Just know I am here reading, praying and only a private message or posting away if you need me for ANYTHING.
Eema..did I miss something?? are you having chemo?? Ginger...I am really relieved for you that your lumps were nothing to worry about further. whew! Cookie...hope your back feels better (mine does--had some issues there too) Rach....you are rocking your red hair.. LOVE it and your spirit!! Margie...sorry to hear of your set back but we will be in the 50's club together and hopefully your herceptin will just be a distant memory as we begin the next phase of our "golden years!" LOL
Dukes up...I pm'd you...for facebook.
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I apologize for not posting sooner. Im in a holding pattern right now. We will image again in May to see if anything has grown before we proceed at all. Right now I am dealing with a hernia that popped up after my hyst. If it is not one damn thing, it's another.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY ILUV2KNIT!!!!!!
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Ginger -- I had frozen shoulder a few years back in my right side and I went to PT for 6 weeks to work on it. My orthopedic Dr believes in having a PT work the shoulder to help get mobility back sooner than later. I will tell you the PT hurts but I did regain 95% of mobility back in my shoulder in less than a year. I am now going to a PT for the left shoulder due to a rotator cuff sprain that they are helping me work on so it doesn't become frozen shoulder. Good luck with your shoulder.
Thank you everyone for the kind words about my little set back. I came to terms with it over the weekend and I'm feeling much better about it. what I would do without all you
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Margie- I am working with an OT/LE specialist and she is doing range of motion stuff for my shoulder as well. The dr said not to do anything that hurts,though, and that definitely does so I am not sure how to proceed. Glad you are feeling a little better after the weekend!
Happy Birthday ILuv2knit!
Just realized it was AJ that asked about Facebook and not Kelley...my brain is like a sieve these days!
Eema- seriously, a hernia?Enough is enough!!!
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Ging, I just came from the (not cancer) surgeon. I have a HUGE (not cancer) hernia. People tried to tell me it was just a pooch, but I knew, because, I hate to brag, have always had a flat stomach. It is from the hysterectomy. Flat stomach, huge a$$. That was the trade off. Now I have to have (not cancer) surgery in May, before I have my humpty dumpty boob put back together again.
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Oh Eema- I am so sorry to hear that. Hope you get the flat stomach back soon... I have never had one of those! So sorry you are going to have to face more surgery. Why do you have to wait till May?
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