Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
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yay and hugs 123JustMe! Agree with the others: Get some rest....advice I'd be well served to listen to myself as someone just a week ahead of you! :-)
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Hi, Pontiac Peggy - r 24
At least as of right now, I have agreed to the colonoscopy to be done 0n September 24th. I was supposed to have my first on performed when I turned 50, but I refused it, My insurance would have made me pay $1ooo usage fee for the obviously - not happening. With my fractured ankles and cancer stuff, last year obviously was not mentioned. Guess it has to happen this year, though. Oh boy.
MarieBernice6234
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MarieBernice (what's the "r 24"? I'm slow tonight).
Glad you've gotten your colonoscopy scheduled. Do you have better insurance now or are you now Medicare age? Fractured ankles and BC in one year is more than enough for anyone. You'll do fine. The prep sucks but the test is okay (I was knocked out). Sometimes ya just gotta pull up those big girl panties
HUGS!!
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PeggyG6020 -
I have at least for now agreed to have the procedure done on Sept. 24th. I never had it done when I turned 50. Last year, I had 2 fractured ankles and then the cancer thing so obviously it wasn't discussed. I guess you can only escape for so long. I will take whatever the easier prep would be. At least I know I can ask you questions about it. At least I don't have to have 2 a year.
MarieBernice6234
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Hi -
I think the R 24 was a typo mistake.
MarieBernice6234
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MarieBernice, that's what I figured but I don't know all the current abbreviations either
HUGS!
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Thank you to everyone for all their sage advice and good thoughts! I felt very prepared with the process...even the nipple shots for the snb. Ugh! Preliminary results, the doctor was very pleased. Node(s) looked negative and margins clean. But as they say, the proof will be in the pudding when the final path comes. I also got negatives on all my remaining genetic testing. ( I had already done BRCAs - neg - this was all the other ones). So a pretty good day. I do feel at this point a huge sense of relief to have this next phase in my journey over with! Go 23rders!
Michelle0 -
Hi Michelle, yay and thumbs up on finishing this first step, and as I told the other 23rder, go get some rest!!! :-)
gentle hugs!
Octo...
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Michelle, very encouraging! Nice to be prepared, isn't it? And even better to be home and have it over with. Now take it easy, let your body heal - it takes longer than you think! Welcome to the 23rder club (and thanks for naming us!).
HUGS!!!!
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Nipple shots? That doesn't sound good. I don't remember getting any, but I know I got some locals for the wire thingamajig... After that, they wheeled me into the operating room and I was out! Woke up back in recovery. Weird that while the basic stuff is similar, so many other things are different...
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Good to hear the surgery went OK on those who just went in! Definitely rest up and take pain pills if you need 'em. I happily rested and slept when I could for the 4, 5 days before my post-op appointment. I didn't feel the need to be totally conscious while I was doing all that healing. Just awake enough to ice my poor little boobie now and then and pop a pill! It passed the time well enough, I thought!
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April, my experience was totally different. (Glad of no nipple shots!) I took one pain pill in recovery and then regular Tylenol at night. I was never uncomfortable. Of course, I found my SLNB incision a royal pain (I think most of us do). Not so much real pain and in the way and annoying.
But 23rder's - don't hesitate to take the pain pills. You should not suffer. That delays healing!
HUGS!!!
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123justme.....so glad this part is over for you!!! Take good care of yourself and rest well.
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ok, can I do a combination of a small vent and request for a bit of validation/information?
Vent first: I am very fortunate to have lots of sick leave built up from 15 plus years with the same employer. So, I decided to take 2 weeks off post surgery. My bs encouraged this: at the 7 day post op visit yesterday she suggested another week off of work to avoid 'over-doing it'.
So, I did. And since I manage a small unit and supervise 5 employees, I worked hard to get stuff off my desk before I left, told everyone that my most senior staff member was in charge of the unit during my absence and that any emergencies should be taken to her and to my boss, and took off (after working till five pm the night before surgery). I should note that most of these folks only know that I am having surgery and will be out two weeks; I've not shared my diagnosis.
With help from my wonderfully supportive hubby, who has been doing all of the housework, dishes, cooking, shopping and driving me the sixty miles each way to and from the post op visit, I've done very little so far: lots of resting, naps, reading, trashy daytime TV, a few short walks, and checking in on this Board of course. Until today, when I made the mistake of starting to read work email: and got two emails from two of my staff complaining about the one I left in charge..... as in, can't they even figure out how to get along for two lousy weeks without my intervention!?! Sigh...
But here's the need for validation: granted, I had a nipple (and sentinal node) removed in addition to the Lx, but still, basically a Lx... and now, a week out, I don't feel like doing much of anything! I could easily nap another week or more! I feel I should be walking, exercising, getting healthy....but really, I just want to laze on the couch. I am not in pain anymore other than a twinge now and then. But I am really tired. And I certainly DON"T want the stress of trying to manage my staff from my 'sick bed'.
I keep telling myself I should get up and do stuff around here, or at least take a walk now and then. Maybe tomorrow. I at least need to go to the store at some point tomorrow: Saturday is hubby's birthday (a big one with a zero after it) and I feel really bad that he doesn't get to have the romantic weekend away we had originally planned, so I want to at least get him a card and small gift. It was on my list to do pre-surgery but went by the way side with working up until the last minute...
Please tell me I am not the only one who just wants a very long vacation!?! Thanks all.
Octogirl
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octogirl-- You are totally NOT the only one wanting a long vacation!
I'm not even working full-time and I want a long vacation!
Don't worry about your work. They just miss you and that's a good thing. I'm sure everything will survive for another week, even if they are griping at work.
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I had to have some pain meds right after I woke up in recovery... It wasn't terrible, but I was definitely feeling it! But they gave me stuff and it was fine. Took some of the pain pills for the 3 days after, even though my pain was very mild. I figured I was just lying about anyway... might as well be mostly asleep for those days. I stopped after that--didn't even take a tylenol. Only felt a slight discomfort if I lay down to sleep and weight shifted around, but that was it. Never felt pain under my arm (although, yes, the stupid incision site there tended to get rubbed and irritated).
Everyone is different, but they give us the pain meds for a reason. As long as we don't take them forever and for no reason, might as well use them if we need them. Or not! It's good to have the choice!
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Octogirl, I think it's completely normal to want/need more time off. Our surgeries have an big emotional component, too. All of this was very taxing to me. How long was your surgery? My surgeon suggested 1 wk of recovery for every 1 hr of surgery. The meds can make you tired, too. The pain meds kept me from getting quality sleep. If you think you need more time, let you doc know. Maybe go back 4-5hrs a day?
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Octogirl....you should take all the time you need. Even though physically I felt fine after my lx, it was about 4 months before I finally started feeling normal again. I can't imagine having to deal with work. Luckily I'm a stay at home. Being diagnosed with BC is emotionally very stressful...of course you're tired.
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Octogirl, just laze away. Your body is working very hard right now trying to heal the assault from your surgery. So listen to it. If you don't feel like doing anything, don't. (Do do the arm exercises though). Ignore the complaining from work. They'll survive (and maybe appreciate you more!).
I was not employed when I had my Lx but 1-1/2 weeks out DH collapsed (literally into my son and my arms) and was hospitalized. No rest for the weary there. So take it easy - you need it. Sit outside and read a book, enjoy DH!
HUGS!!!
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Congrats 123 and plumster for getting this behind you!
Octo...... I went back to work 4 days post op and really felt it. Listen to your body! I should have taken more time off and paid the price. I like the idea of starting 1/2 time to ease in when you are ready.
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Hi Ladies,
I am closely following your updates with my Lx next week. Plumster1 and 123justme glad you both are doing well. I will be working through Tuesday, surgery Wednesday. I'm scheduled for 3 weeks leave but hoping to return the Monday after my post op appointment which will be 12 days post op. I will be working from home as well. The biggest challenge for me is my special needs son who is full care. I am lining up extra nursing care but don't know how long it is before you can lift or do anything at strenuous on the affected side. With snlb how long do you have to worry about the incision and developing LE?
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Octogirl,
I supervise 12 people in a secure lab. I took 2 weeks off after surgery. No one could solve any problems while I was gone. I spent my first day back taking care of that none sense.
The killer was having to badge in and out of my lab. The doors were so f******g heavy I could hardly move when I got home. I ended up following people in so I wouldn't have to open the doors.
Now I am in the midst.of 33 radiation treatments, and have decided to take a month off. I am so tired, and my skin isn't happy. The team will have to fend for themselves.
Take the time you need!!!
~Midgie
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I had surgery on a Monday and went back to work on Friday. That was a mistake...take the time you need...rest, rest, rest.
Midgie glad to hear you are taking some time off
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Molly50, I am at moderate to high risk for LE, and my bs arranged an assessment visit with a LE therapist. Had that visit Wednesday along with my post-op, it was very helpful.
Unfortunately, the LE risk is life long. It can show up a few weeks or months later, or not for years. I was told never to lift more than 20 lbs with one arm. Fortunately, that weight doubles if both arms are used (in other words, if I use both arms together I can lift up to 40) and there is no limit on how much I can lift with just left hand/arm alone (other than my own strength: I am right hand dominant and will need to do some bench pressing :-))
She also told me that the weight restrictions don't apply at all to stuff I carry on my back as long as I don't lift it with the affected arm. In other words, I can feel free to carry a 50 lb backpack (not that I would), or walk into the ocean with 50 lbs of scuba gear on my back (which I might do) as long as someone else picks it up to help me put it on....
So, if your son is more than 40 lbs or so, you will need to think about alternatives, or be at higher risk for LE. Sounds like an assessment from a LE therapist might be helpful for you as well?
She did prescribe a compression sleeve for me (although not all insurance companies cover them, cost is about $85 if insurance doesn't pick it up) mostly to use when I fly more than five hours: I fly east, mostly to Washington DC, for work about four times per year and also have a son who lives on the east coast, so hard to avoid long flights. The good/bad news is that clock starts over with each take off and landing: the good news being that I can apparently avoid a chunk of the risk by taking a flight with connections instead of a non-stop: the bad news being that I can apparently avoid a chunk of the risk by taking a flight with connections instead of a non-stop, as I hate to fly! :-(
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Octogirl,
Thank you so much for the explanation. I will request an assessment from an LE therapist. I think in my case it's vital to avoid anything that can trigger LE so that may require permanent increase in our help at home. DS weighs 85lbs and full care. I do most of the caretaker duty when I am not at work.
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Thanks to all of you for the sound advice to listen to my body and to take the time I need! I know it is good advice and I will follow it! I just resent the team acting, well, a bit childish in my absence and not stepping up to the plate (though as I say, they don't know any details, so maybe they think I am just recovering from knee surgery and can't walk well, who knows what they think....or maybe they've guessed it all and are still being a bit childish).
Midgie, you have my sympathy on the doors! I find even the bathroom door to be difficult, much less a lab door! The worst part is that it is my right/dominant side, and I reach for doors and stuff without thinking. And good for you for taking the time off during rads. I have enough sick leave built up that I could do the same if need be, though hopefully I won't need to do so. My work gets busy in cycles, and unfortunately we have a busy cycle between mid August and end of October. Still, I have great staff....they just need to learn to deal without me sometimes!
So, back to trash TV and novel mode for another week. I can handle it :-) I am thinking that next week I am going to return to walking for exercise, so you may see me hanging out on the exercise thread.
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Molly50: yes, definitely ask...you need that assessment! BTW, if I do get LE, the therapist will be available to do the therapy (basically a very light massage as I understand it) that can help avoid bad flareups. By the way, in my case, the referral was made based on my scale of 7 on a scale that the bs used to measure susceptibility. I believe the scale went to 12 (?) but whatever, I was rated as high end of moderate based on my age, weight and other factors, and that triggered the referral. My sister had a BMX several years ago and never even knew about LE until she got it several months after surgery! She was so impressed that my bs made that referral....so yeah, ask. Sucks that we always need to ask, doesn't it. Thanks goodness for the boards here to help me figure out what to ask (and sucks that my sister is also a good source of information, since of course she got that info the hard way...)
hugs
Octo
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So last night post LX you would have thought I would have slept like a baby but I had terrible insomnia. Pain and nausea were under control..I just could not really fall into that deeper sleep..was awake or dozing. Did this happen to anyone else?0
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BTW, for PoppyK: I had seen your comments earlier on another thread about a week for every hour of surgery, and I think that is a good guide. My surgery was just over two hours, so just over two weeks makes sense, and it will be just over two weeks: I am counting the two weeks from the Monday post surgery, but the surgery was on a Thursday. Thanks again.
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plumster1: I also have had bouts with insomnia, which I am not generally prone to getting...for me, it seemed to be worse until the anesthesia fully wore off, which took a day or two...being woozy is surprisingly not relaxing, at least for me. Just keep resting.
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Molly50, welcome! You will likely need 3 weeks' worth of help for your son. I had total care of my DH (for the previous 4 years). My sons came in covering 3 weeks, doing all the heavy lifting of DH. I was told to not lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk. I still find (after a year) that I don't lift that much weight with my left arm. LE can develop at any time. Do the exercises you are given in your post-surgery instructions. If none are given, the gently "walk" your "bad" arm up a wall until you feel a bit of resistance. Keep stretching it every day. Then continue forever I think.
Your Lx incision will likely heal quickly. So will your SLNB incision but this one will annoy you for weeks, if not months. Not really hurting but always in the way - your bra rubs it, your blouse rubs it, sweat getting in it isn't a happy feeling. Just a pain in the you-know-what!
It takes a long time for your body to heal. You are coping with not only major surgery but a major hit to your psyche having BC.
Please get help for your son for as long as you possibly can. I still had to help my son with DH when he collapsed and my son was bigger than DH and much stronger but it took 2 of us when he collapsed and we had to get him to the hospital. It wasn't good for me.
Good luck and keep us posted. It sounds like you are planning very wisely.
HUGS!!!
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For those of you who are wondering about lifting too much. I had my last surgery Feb 9th, then rads until April 16th. I was lifting too much last week, and I tore a bunch of muscles in my right shoulder. The doctors kept telling me not to over do it, well, I lifted 40 pounds with both arms last week, and had been lifting lots of boxes for the 4 days before that (15-25 pounds). I am sore. I see my MO next week, and I think she will be very unhappy with me. Take it slow, but do start exercising and lifting small weights WHEN the surgeon tells you it's ok. I did not even get any exercises until my post op appointment 2 weeks after my second surgery. I guess I pushed just a little too much. Now I am not able to lift again for 2 weeks. I am 58, and was used to lifting 50 pounds before this. I have a horse, and it makes me very unhappy that I have to ask for help getting the saddle on.
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