Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
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Welcome PinkDiva! Glad you finally found us. We are a great bunch of ladies (and a few men) who are warm, caring and comforting. You certainly have gotten through all the fun stuff (NOT). Terrific that you have only 7 rads left. How is your breast holding up? More importantly, how are YOU doing? You have to be feeling like the end of the tunnel is right around that corner.
I must agree with your signature. When I arrived at my Lx site, I took that Valium the minute it was offered. I've never passed a bathroom that I didn't use. You obviously have a positive attitude which I think is one of the most important things in getting through BC and treatment.
Thank you for offering your knowledge of neo-adjuvant chemo. I'm sure it will help many who are faced with that big decision. Where are you located?
HUGS!!
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Looks like I have a lot to catch up on! Someone (ahem) got me hooked on Collin Firth and "Pride & Prejudice" and I've been watching that in the evenings this week! Recovery is still going well. I've been working from home most days this week but I'm sleeping like a baby at night (usually 10+ hours) I guess that's when my body wants to heal. I can't seem to stop or sleep during the day - I just get really tired. Most days I've been making it on Tylenol and Ibprofen until the evening and then taking my pain meds at night but today I think I may actually make it all the way through - the burning seems to be subsiding, leaving only the sore/bruised feeling. I relate that more to feeling like I just started working out and I'm completely out of shape! I'm still absolutely convinced my decision was the best one for me as I hate the little camis with the puff boobs. I'm wondering if the prosthesis will change anything for me. I've decided that I'm still not going to go back to work this week - even though I probably could. I'm just going to take more time for me to heal through and through. I go back to the BS Tuesday and then the MO Thursday - I guess we'll see then if there's anything left for me to do treatment wise. It seems like an awkward place to be since I was expecting radiation and tamoxifen and now I may be completely done. Hoping I can read and respond to the latest discussions
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Ringelle, glad you are doing well. Of course you're out of shape. Three surgeries in 7 weeks? Your poor body has been assaulted! I'm glad you're staying home next week. It should make a huge difference in your healing and recovery. I think there might be a chance you will still be taking Tamoxifen. That shouldn't be a huge chore.
Are you planning on having reconstruction or going to go au naturel? I'm sure you've said but I don't remember.
Just very happy for you and how well you're doing!
HUGS!!!
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@Tresjoli2 I'm having that issue now too...tears today and feeling down. I was diagnosed 2 weeks ago. And have gotten the best news possible under the circumstances, I think. I held up through testing 'til all results were back.
Mucinous adenocarcinoma, 1 cm tumor near the surface that I found myself. Surgeon says if I have to have cancer, this is the one I "want." Had an MRI and no more showed up. Since learning that, I let down some and seems like the worst thing I could have done (not that I had a choice).
Felt physically awful the next day (3 days ago). I figured it was reaction to the stress. I've felt better each day since, but still feel weak. My GYN said some people get hit after treatment's done, finally realizing the enormity of it all. I'm thinking maybe that's started for me subconsciously?
Feeling sorry for myself today, but allowing it. I decided it's like when a loved one dies...everyone handles it differently. Still doesn't make it better.
Lumpectomy scheduled Sept. 1. Trying to figure out what to do for myself physically (since starting to feel rotten) so I'm strong for it.
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NotDoneLiving, welcome! You've found the right place for your questions and meltdowns (we all have them). We are warm, caring and very supportive. Glad that your diagnosis is so positive. It is all very scary. Most of us start this unwanted journey not knowing a thing and having to learn so much in very little time. There is no right way to respond to a BC diagnosis. Some of us are depressed immediately and have crying jags. Others of us keep it all inside very tightly wrapped and bring out those emotions much later when we are stronger and can cope with them a bit at a time. And I suspect most of us are a combination.
Now that you're here, please fill out your profile and make everything public. That way we can make sure our suggestions fit your and those who have walked in shoes similar to yours can share their experiences. You might consider making your location public, too. We are all over and sometimes we get together.
Please take care of yourself. Other than remaining active prior to your surgery and being mentally prepared, there isn't a whole lot to do to prepare for your surgery. Get soft front closing bras or step-ins like Genie bras and wear a front closing top. You probably will not want to raise your arms for a couple days.
Ask your questions. We're here to try to answer them.
HUGS!!!
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not done-I'm with you sister. I've been upbeat about this whole thing. Really not crazy stressed as they tell me I'm in the lucky category also. I'm mostly stressed about usual back to school, volunteer jobs, paying job all ramping up. But this week I've felt really tired, even though the only medical thing I've had done is MRI with contrast and a pre surgery blood draw. My arm hurts from the contrast, but the exhaustion set in days before that.
I hope feel better. I'm getting myself out for workouts and focusing on the 10k I'm doing after this is all over. I've never run that far before so trying to get to the distance before 9/9 surgery because who knows for after and radiation
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Notdoneliving! Haven't chatted with you yet - welcome to the group. I too have wept and been down during times I didn't expect. I cried more the night I found out I was "cured" than I did the whole 4 months before put together! I think the release valve just blew that night and I couldn't control myself. It was as if it was finally okay to feel something. You will find so many helpful tidbits of advice to prepare yourself for this surgery here and everywhere. I've had 3 surgeries this summer and I'd like to share with you some things I learned that I wish I had heard or known before the first one or even the 2nd. Even though right now you are most likely getting most of your advice from your BS and nurse navigator, make sure you touch base with your primary care or family doctor, especially if you are on any regular medicines or supplements. After Sx #1 I started taking all my meds and supplements way too fast and day #3 of recovery was so sick and tossing my cookies. Out of fear, I waited too long after Sx #2 and ended up fuzzy headed and all out of wack. Sx #2 was a dreadful recovery for me. Before Sx#3, I met with my family dr. and he went over all my meds and supplements and told me when to start taking each one and at what dose. He also gave me a regiment of supplements (probiotic, an herbal pain supplement, ultra potent vit c powder and a meal supplement to reduce inflamation) This plan was amazing! I didn't get sick and I never felt the fuzzy head or out of it feeling - even on the pain meds. I think this plan really helped me to get the anesthesia and inflammation out faster. I also saw someone comment on starting to take a stool softener about a week before surgery! I did this before surgery #3 as well and it helped oh so very much! Really - you don't want to feel like you are having a backside baby so to speak just days after sx. Finally, 2 weeks before my last surgery I started walking the track by my house, stretching and doing light hand weights (just had surgery a week before) My surgery was on Thursday, I was released on Friday and Saturday morning I got back to the track to walk (felt and I'm sure looked like I was 50 years older than I am) I think the walking helped put me in a better place to recover from surgery. I hope some of these things help.
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Thanks PontiacPeggy and everyone for making me welcome. I'm in the steamy South. Cary, NC to be exact and all of me is holding up well. I have disliked rads far more than chemo or surgery but I made it through. My skin is pretty crispy but lanolin has saved me even though it ruined a couple shirts! I highly recommend it for people who aren't allergic.
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Peggy - I'm just curious why you think I might still have to take tamoxifen? BS thinks I won't have to do either but I do know he should be presenting to tumor board on Monday before he sees me and I should know the hospitals suggested plan at that time. BS said to still follow up with MO for a second opinion. From what I've read, it seems both would be unlikely but I've also seen where larger areas of DCIS even with clean margins still recommend rads with mastectomy. Honestly, either way I'm okay with it. I'm not standing in line to do either one but I want to do whatever they determine is the right course of action for me to best keep this stuff at bay. I know statistically there's a 1-2% chance of recurrence or something like that after a bilateral mastectomy but I still have this nagging feeling that I hope subsides with time that says "your body has created cancer once." I think I will always be hyper vigilant from now on. Like for the most part I look at sugar and junk food as "killers" (I still have a treat now and then).
You are so right - I don't give myself enough of a break! When I stop and think - 3 surgeries in 7 weeks - WOW - that's a lot to put your body through - not to mention the mental anguish of it all! I think that's why I'm trying to be kind to myself and take more time off. I so desperately want to be healthy and not fall back into old habits. My biggest issue after the BMX was not necessarily that I didn't have my girls anymore but that I could see my stomach protruding out! I even asked the nurse if my stomach was distended from the anesthesia.
Yes - I am fully planning to do reconstruction - just not right now. My PS was kind, compassionate but direct and told me that for the best results he not only wanted to make sure I didn't need rads but that he wanted me to loose some more weight and get my sugar levels better under control. We talked a long time about this and I want to give him the best canvas to work with to get the best results. My goal is 6-8 months from now. As soon as I know the plan for rads, I want to contact PS and ask him for an appointment once I'm at my half way goal to "window shop" and add more incentive
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Horsegirl - I haven't read those articles yet - it's on my list of things to do but I agree with you about getting the DCIS out. When I was first dx I went through a phase that I didn't want surgery, radiation or tamoxifen. I just wanted to eat healthy and pray. After my first LX I realized I was glad I didn't rely on the mammogram or MRI. By the time I was told I needed a MX I knew I had made the right decision to do whatever it took. We were chasing after so much unseen. I didn't want to leave any of that up to chance for later imaging! No thank you - let's just deal with it now while we know where it is!
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Ringelle, it would seem to make sense to take Tamoxifen since your BC was hormone positive. I don't *know* anything for sure about taking that or AIs after a bmx. Just my gut feeling. I have no clue if radiation would be done either. DCIS in many ways seems neither fish nor fowl, doesn't it? Whatever you decide, it will be right for you and that's all that matters.
I think you are smart to wait for your reconstruction. You have gone through so much already. Your body really needs a rest. How discouraging about the tummy! I have small boobs and they don't hide mine
You seem to have everything under control! Good luck with your BS next week!
HUGS!!!
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PinkDiva, I used Aquaphor about halfway through my rads per my RO's recommendation. My skin was barely pink. Can't use lanolin.
You certainly are in a steamy part of the world! I'll bet it's lovely. My niece just moved to Asheville and loves it (and obviously not real close to you).
Have a wonderful evening!
HUGS!
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Here's my catch up - Whew - I gotta stay on this better!
Plumster - Yay! No Chemo! So happy for you!
Octogirl - I hope work is going better. I'm sending you hugs and sorry to hear you have a high risk of future issues and are heading for Chemo! We'll be here for you to lean on!
MizMimi - I'm sorry to hear about your sister. I found my DCIS because I was showing solidarity to a friend who was having her own cancer scare that thankfully turned out to be nothing. Cancer is not something you want to show solidarity in. Please keep us updated. I totally understand why you are considering a mx. I want to find that study you referred to and take a look. I feel like we tried hard to save my breast but I'm grateful now that we ended up doing the bmx. Even if 10 years from now they have breaking studies that say DCIS doesn't even need to be treated, I will still be at peace with the decision I made with the information I had at this time. I hope you continue researching and asking questions until you are either at peace with your current treatment or the choice to pursue the mx.
BJclaywell - I read back to see that you were the one who got me hooked on Pride & Prejudice! Ah it is so good and you are right - dreamy! I loved watching the "tension" between the characters without seeing the physical "love" I think I may have to watch it again soon! I hope you are healing well. I'm happy to hear the preliminary results were good. I know you will be relieved once the final reports come back.
Mustlovepoodles - I hope you are doing better with your healing. Has the swelling gone down? Did anyone say why you swelled so much? Sounds like you might have pushed yourself too hard right after. After my 2 lx's I think I came home straight away and slept for almost 24 hours straight! I hope you are doing better.
Sweetmamaj - Hugs Hugs Hugs to you! You have been through so much emotional turmoil in such a short period. I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. I hope sometime soon you get a break and are able to emotionally start healing during this time.
Sunflower - keep asking questions! Don't start or stop anything until you are confident with the plan. I completely understand why the Doctors want you off the hormones however - they need to be interested in protecting you. You may even need to find another medical doctor like an internist or a more holistic doctor who can help you navigate the hormone thing. I have had hormonal problems my whole life (pretty sure my extreme excess of estrogen put me where I am today). I had finally gotten on a regiment where I was emotionally and physically stable but I was taking hormone meds. When my doctor told me to stop - I freaked out! Then I was told I would have to start taking Tamoxifen - I freaked out more! I asked all my Cancer Drs about the hormones and Tamoxifen and how my body would handle this because I did not want to relapse or fall apart again. None of the Cancer Drs could adequately answer my questions or put me at ease. My internal medicine doctor was the one who was able to put me on a regiment to get off the hormones and stay off them. He also assured me that if I had to take Tamoxifen he would get me through that as well. If you can find a dr you can work closely with and knows your fears - you may surprise yourself and be confident with the plan. Best wishes to you - I know this is an extremely scary time!
BAT - I hope your wife is continuing to do well. She is blessed to have your support and care. Waiting on results the first time nearly took me to Crazy Town. I had to wait just short of 2 weeks because it all fell over a holiday weekend and my BS was out of town. My advice if you haven't heard anything is to call and ask specifically how they handle delivering news. Once I knew that my BS would call as soon as he had results - that was all I needed to know. It's the not knowing if the call is coming or if you have to wait for the appointment that's part of the hard part. Try to help you and your wife keep your mind busy with things you like to do. I found my crafts keep my head busy. Of everything I've been through - the waiting and the thinking about the "what if's" is the worst part.
DTM - Wow - 3 LX's! I sure hope you get good news this go around! I almost lost it between sx #2 & #3. Recovery between #2 & #3 was the hardest and I think the news of needing #3 hit me the hardest. I hope you are doing well in your recovery. I'm sorry your brother is causing you additional stress. I know family tries to mean well but this is your DX and you have to do what you think is best for you ultimately. At some point when you've gotten your opinions you have to trust your team. I hope your brother can accept this quickly to support you! You need the love and support of family - not their criticism and questioning. Right before my bmx I had to limit talking to some family members because they cried every time I talked to them. I couldn't handle it - it was bringing me down while I was working so hard on staying positive! Protect yourself!
Tresjoli - So glad you scar has the dermatologists approval! Way to go BS! That's how I felt after both my LX's In fact the PS commented after LX #1 that I showed no deformity other than a small scar! (wonder how deformed I was to begin with?) BS after #1 said "Ah yeah! 6 months from now you'd never know anything was done here - to bad we have to go in again" After LX #2 - I was still happy with the cosmetic results - (I think my BS is amazing) Yet - sadly - I'm left with this seemingly hot mess of a bmx. It's not my BS fault - it just is what it is! Too bad he couldn't make this look pretty - Holding my breath for reconstruction! By the way - your children are beautiful! I'm so touched by your daughter's comfort to you! Children have such the purest hearts. After I got the news that sx#2 was an epic fail, I sat with my kids at school for story time. I wasn't crying but two children came to sit next to me and put their arms around me! I love their tenderness. Your pictures encouraged me to put up a profile picture of me and my daughter! I've been sleeping in the recliner and she has been sleeping on the couch. She won't leave my side! She is the best!
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Ringelle- did you recently upload your picture? So Cute!!!0
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Thanks for the welcomes and comments!
PontiacPeggy Thanks for the tips. I've made my info public...had to look around to find it.
I do have a consultation with my surgeon on the 26th, so I will find out more about what to expect.Outrunning Good for you!! I'm not an athlete, so I'm just trying to combat whatever stress has done to my body in the past few days. <eyeroll> Have you started your radiation and hormonal therapies before surgery?
Ringelle Wow, you've had some year! Congrats on being "cured"! I totally get breaking down then. That's pretty much what I do, hold up through the important times, then break down. Although my holding up was only over the one week I went through tests. I really felt like that's all I needed after hearing there wasn't any more found. I feel like all I have to do is get through the lumpectomy, although I know there's more to come after. But I'm impatient and want to feel better emotionally! It's always in the back of my mind. I wake up during the night, and there it is. Thanks for the tips about helpful things to take before/after surgery. Does the stool softener help because of anesthesia? I've never had any surgery before, so this is all new to me. My doc would never prescribe probiotics, etc. He's old school. Any suggestions are most welcome! My surgery will be outpatient, so I'd like to be prepared when I get home.
Thanks to everyone! You rock!
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NotDoneLiving, Hint: Write down all your questions for your visit with the surgeon. Then you won't forget them. I do it in a word processor and name with the doctor's name and visit date. As I think of things I want to ask, I write them down. The night before the appointment, I print it out. I also often enter the answers in that file afterwards. This works for me. I've been keeping a list of questions since my first pregnancy. My doctor laughed at me the first time but he always stopped and took time to answer them and he would always ask if I had anymore questions. Something about a list that gives you the time you need during an appointment.
I didn't use a stool softener and don't use probiotics so can't comment on that. I was given a Dramamine just prior to surgery (as well as that Valium the minute I arrived at the surgery center) and I had no nausea. I was able to eat whatever I wanted. No upset tummy. I was really pleased at that.
Let us know how your appointment goes.
HUGS!!
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notdoneliving...hopefully your lx will be as uneventful as mine was. I just got everything done around the house so I could rest a few days. Be sure to ice the area. I kept the compression bandages on for as long as I could stand them...took them off around the 3rd day. I had no swelling or bruising. Took a Xanax the morning of surgery and I was home resting before I knew it. There's some discomfort that stays with you awhile esp SNB but it's all doable. Waiting is the hardest. Also I took the pain pills the first 2 days mostly so I could rest. Just pamper yourself and don't overdue it. Walking before and after (and during rads) was my godsend. Kept my head clear and my body feeling strong. Best of luck.
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notdoneliving: the stool softener counters the constipating side effect of most/many pain medications. For me, using a stool softener was the best pre-surgery advice I got. Even Advil makes me horribly constipated. So, I just bought the cheapest generic brand stool softener available at my grocery store, took an intermediate dosage (the instructions said 1 - 3 pills per day, I started at two, reduced to 1 as I reduced my pain medication. It worked like a charm for me and made recovery much more pleasant! If you aren't sure, you could start with just a small dosage...but like many medications it works best if you start it before things get too bad.
Hugs!
Octogirl
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PontiacPeggy I actually already have a typed list of questions! I took it to the first surgeon appt, but they were way too specific for that stage because we didn't know enough yet. I'll have more now after reading a bit, i.e., margins, how she'll test the lymph node, etc. Good to hear no upset tummy. Nerves get mine. I don't think I'll need a tranquilizer before. I was fine at my biopsy until she got going. Then a lovely lady put a washcloth on my head and I had apple juice after. I'll check in after my appointment!
Nash54 Thanks for your tips! I still have the mini ice pack I was given after the biopsy, which is really handy! I'm trying to get some yard work done now. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to do any this fall, but looks like I will (so far)! After lx (thx for the abbrev) recovery. I will totally pamper myself. Must get some good food in the kitchen before so it's ready for me! And I'll just read!
I will probably have to do some work, though, just to keep things smooth. I work at home and it's non-strenuous. We'll see what happens.octogirl We actually have generic stool softener (doesn't hurt to have it around!), so I will take one before surgery. Can't hurt! Thank you!
Thank you everyone! ((hugs))
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Notdoneliving - I've started nothing. This began with benign thing on right. Surgeon I saw about that found small lump in left which turned out to be malignant. MRI this past week but don't have results but already have call to return for ultrasound on left. I'm right behind you on the surgery mine is 9/9.
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Tresjoli (and others): wonderful pictures, adorable children! thank you for posting them. And photographing them.
DTM (and others): oh, brother, those articles! My father and sister sent the NYTimes ones to me. Yes, it makes sense to NOT rush in if the woman genuinely has 'a sprinkling of minute clusters" of DCIS....but at some point, you DO want treatment. (My "sprinklings" ranged from .5 to 1.5 centimeters. Hardly minute.)
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Morning ladies - sorry I've been MIA - I've been sleeping - ALOT! Not from pain meds, but just sleeping. I didn't know I could sleep so much...but clearly my body needs it.
I've been trying to catch up on everyone's posts over the last hour and I'm like 6 pages behind...will have to continue reading after a bit as I have to go out and get some groceries today...running out of basics like milk, etc. My poor kid has nothing to pack in her lunches this week. LOL
Ringelle - SO glad you enjoyed P&P - watch Sense and Sensibility next - the one with Hugh Grant - absolutely marvelous - unfortunately, I don't think it's on NetFlix. Also, almost any of the Jane Eyre's, if you like these kinds of films. There are two streaming on Netflix now - the William Hurt one (which is excellent) and the one with Mia Wazowski (no idea how to spell her name...) - both are really, really good versions! Another great series I found on Netflix that I loved which is set during, I think, WWI is Call the MidWife - great fun, wonderful music - hour long episodes - I think I watched the three seasons on Netflix in about two weeks...binge watching at its best!
MLP - how is the swelling going? Mine is just now finally starting to go down some - although the bruising is crazy. I'm very purple, although I bruise easily and a lot due to a blood clotting issue I have (I clot really easily). Did you find some bras or something for comfort? I'm finding I can't go long without a bra or things hurt from the weight. I'm not large (C cup) but man, the support is so very definitely necessary!
SweetMamaJ - Lots of hugs and thoughts - I'm so sorry for your loss - I hope you are able to find time some time for yourself to just heal and reflect. I'll keep sending prayers your way.
SunFlower - keep asking questions - ask everyone you can find - there is a doctor out there who can help with the hormone issues, etc. I don't know who, but I have faith there is someone. I haven't read every single post, but can an OB help in any way?
BAT - Just wanted to say it's wonderful that you are on here and being so supportive - I love it! Keep up the good work!!!
Nash - I think it was you that said you were having beer, pizza and Sense & Sensibility! Seemed sensible to me! LOL I've watched them all over the last few days, along with Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre (two of them), Emma, and a few others.
Peggy - again, thank you so much for all of your thoughts and good wishes! So much love on this Board!!
To everyone else - I'm sorry if I've left you out - I'm still trying to catch up!
As for me - everything is going pretty well - went out for a few yesterday and got a few new bras and some "flowy" tops because I go back to work tomorrow. I'm having a great deal of irritation in my armpit above the lymph node incision - I'm afraid to shave, and everything is feeling raw (although it doesn't look bad). I put some talcum powder on my armpit today, but I'm avoiding the deodorant for now (which is super-awesome when one lives in Phoenix). The incision is still very raw looking under the steri-strips, so I don't want anything on it. I cover it up before I put talcum powder on it. The lumpectomy incisions don't hurt unless I accidentally bump them (which isn't often, but did happen at least once and I yelped like a dog).
My office sent a huge amount of food to my house on Friday - a bunch of sandwiches, a HUGE fruit basket (grapes as big as my thumb!!), some cookies and some pasta salad stuff - they left a card on it that they didn't want me worrying about cooking or anything over the weekend - so I haven't had to do anything in the kitchen. My daughter is cleaning up plates, etc., and has been taking out the trash and running all the laundry chores. She's been so helpful. Mom too has been around doing little things, taking me places if I need to go, or taking my daughter. My brother came and took my kiddo for a night time animal adventure hunt with the Audubon group last night - so that was nice for her, and I slept.
And my boyfriend is over here a lot checking on incisions, making sure I'm comfortable and eating (his parents are both anesthesiologists, so he's very in tune with what things "should" look like - so when I'm panicking about the irritation, he's like "it's fine, it's fine" - he's keeping me sane). Anyway - off to the grocery store - I think my child is starting to have milk withdrawals...she's looking at me like a crazed cat... LOL
Oh, and I got an early morning appointment with my BS on Wednesday for the Path report! 9:15 a.m.!!!
{Hugs} to all of you!
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BJClaywell, glad you are doing so well! And that you found bras that work - that seems to be exceptionally difficult. I find that even now that stupid SLNB site is a royal pain - some of my sleeveless tops (especially) will rub that area and they are ones that I like! Maybe next year. You should wait for a few weeks before shaving that armpit or use an electric when you first start because it can take up to a year for the nerves to settle into what they decide is your new normal. (BTW, I find even my Dove deodorant can hurt that damn underarm at times).
Now get milk for your poor starving daughter! And don't push working all day tomorrow! You are going to need a lot of rest for a few weeks. Listen to your body. Sounds like you have a great company to work for!
HUGS!!!
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Outrunning Wishing you the best! I'll let you know how my surgery goes. 😊
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Hi PinkDiva...Welcome!I'm new here too, although at the beginning of my treatment. Congrats on seeing the light at the end of your radiation!
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Bj- the snlb was the bugger for me too. I didn't do deodorant for awhile too and I live in SoCal. Fun stuff, not! I think it kind of turned the corner for me at 3 weeks post. I still gingerly shave there. But it's more out of my freaking on it than discomfort. What a nice and considerate office! Enjoy the help! 0
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Hi everyone,
I'm scheduled for lumpectomy and intraoperative radiotherapy this Tuesday, August 25th at 7 am.
I'm a recovering alcoholic and though I've never used or abused narcotics, I'm very anxious about the amount of pain I may be in.
I know that this surgery, without question, would be a legitimate reason to take pain medication as prescribed but I'd really rather not if at all possible.
Can you please tell me that the pain was tolerable without narcotic pain medication?
And can you please keep me in your prayers on Tuesday, August 25th from 7 am - 10 am, Pacific Standard Time? I'm in Los Angeles.
Thank you!
xoxo
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You've got it radgirl. Put it in my calendar. So know at 10 in DC/7 in LA prayers from one of your sisters on this journey is thinking of you.
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RadGirl, Welcome! We're very sorry you have to be here but glad you found the most caring, warm, comforting place there is. I can't tell you what pain you might experience. I took the pain pill they offered me in recovery and then took only Tylenol at bedtime. Do not be afraid to take the pain pills. You can't heal as well if you are in pain. Let your BS know your concerns.
Please fill out your profile with everything you know about your diagnosis and treatment plans and make them public. That information makes it easier for us to answer your questions and for others who have a similar diagnosis to respond. Also make your location public.
You'll do just fine. But do plan on resting a lot. That helps your body to heal. As you've probably read here, have a soft, front close bra, sports bra or Genie bra for wearing post-surgery. You may also want to wear a front closing top to surgery. Loose tops are the word especially if you are having a SLNB done. You don't want anything rubbing your incisions.
Ask away - we're here for you! And I'll be in your pocket dancing on surgery day!
HUGS!!
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Thank you outrunning! Are you a runner? I was up until about four months ago. Extreme fatigue let me to get lab tests. My doctor asked me if I wanted a mammogram since I was there. I didn't want one but I did get one and it was a blessing as I am here now with Stage 1. It was only my second mammogram (I'm 53) and it was a God-shot that I said "yes" to getting the mammogram.
PontiacPegg, I posted earlier and you also mentioned I post my history. I have answered the questions that I can -- some will be answered after I have my surgery. : )
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