Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
Comments
-
Irish, Welcome! Glad you decided to post here. Obviously you are doing well. That is challenging when you change centers.
Re: Margins. As I recall my BS did not state anything about margins until the path report, which came 2 days later. Nor about the nodes she had taken.
HUGS!
0 -
Welcomeany new members. Sorry I can't catch up but tthis is a wonderful group of ladies. I had my surgery last. My tissue expander is still in place. I tore my pectoral muscle and had a lot of blood in my surgical site. They gave me two liters of blood as well. I am much better.
0 -
Molly, OMG! You really did have a huge problem. That's a lot of blood you lost and had replaced. Glad the TEs were still in place. Any idea of how you tore that muscle? Are you home? Feeling decent? Halfway comfortable? Are you restricted in your activities? Take care of yourself!!!!!
HUGS!
0 -
Hi Peggy, right before it tore my pectoral muscle was contracting and spasming wildly. I felt a pop, not long after that I was in so much pain I fainted. Going home later after they check my blood again. My hematocrit was 7 before the transfusion.
0 -
Molly, that's terrible! The pain must have been overwhelming for you to faint. Hopefully you are a lot more comfy now and can go home ASAP!
HUGS!
0 -
Oh, my gosh, Molly... the pain sounds hideous. So sorry you went through that.
0 -
Molly, hope your TE-repair surgery went well and you’re comfy right now. fightergirl, hope those pins & needles are some sort of neuritis or neuralgia unrelated to cancer. Myra, in your pocket for your lumpectomy and hope it goes smoothly. (Don’t overdo after, but don’t be surprised if you don’t feel totally wiped out either). Mfalabella, hope the discharge from your nipple is nothing (reaction to the tracers injected pre-op?).
Fighting jet lag--flew home and returned 1:30 pm yesterday. Didn’t nap except on the plane, and fitfully at that. When we got back to the hotel after a full day of sightseeing Sat. (one circuit of the Big Bus Tour, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain and Pantheon, plus lunch & gelato), my R plantar fascia beneath my heel was so sore that I had to walk on my toe to favor it. We ate free dinner in the exec. lounge while the front desk re-coded our key cards (everyone seemed to have that problem). By yesterday morning, my foot & ankle were swollen too. Painful walking to the terminal with our luggage, but had no choice. When we boarded, I ordered a wheelchair to meet us at O’Hare. Bob wasn’t embarrassed this time, because he could clearly see the swelling. By the time we got home I could barely get my sandal off. Was met with a windowsill full of tomatoes in varying stages of ripeness (some overripe), so I sliced them up and showered them with basil buds (those plants are going crazy, so I’m trying to keep them from going to seed & dying off) for a dinner salad. Bob wanted some of that Chianti Riserva the winery gave us as a lagniappe, so I defrosted a steak, went to CVS for some prescriptions (eye drops for cataract surgery next mo.), and to Whole Foods to restock the fridge. Then while the grill was heating, watered the tomato plants and picked the tomatoes that were showing a tinge of ripeness or were endangered by squirrels (we lost five to the critters while away). Our housekeeper gave the neighbors the ripest ones--and the neighbor who’s headed to Rome this week is having his brother bring us some zucchini & cukes that must be picked while he’s away. (Amazing how over the space of 3 weeks, all three families--three houses in a row--have or had trips to Rome)! Threw the steak on the grill, made a green salad, opened the wine, and we dined al fresco. Then went online and purged some of my TiVO’s hard drive while I iced and elevated my foot. Went to bed around midnight, got up at 10 am. Needed every last second of sleep!
Foot a tad better today, though if it isn’t healed by tomorrow I’m postponing the mani-pedi and going to Urgent Care or the Skokie Hosp. walk-in ortho clinic instead for X-rays (at Bob’s insistence). My nails are a disaster area--over three weeks since last mani, so all except two gels peeled off despite numerous super-gluings. Rummaging around in bags unpacking & repacking didn't help, either. The nails beneath, despite gentle filing with a glass file, still were splitting along the ridges (my MO said from the stress of bc and might be a side effect of letrozole). So I am wearing press-ons for now. Touched up the chips on my pedi polish too. (I did use urea cream & pumice stone on my foot calluses while in Italy, so that’s one thing my nail tech won’t scold me about). Wed. will be my hair touch-up day (roots, keratin, cut). Thurs is “MO-Fest:” labs, MO visit, and (if approved) Prolia shot. If Prolia isn’t approved yet, will NOT take a Zometa infusion, since I have to play an outdoor gig up in Milwaukee all Sat. morning (will bring a chair this time) and then have to make something for my block party’s potluck dinner. (Missing the brunch).
And I thought I could skip the Fox Valley Folk Festival this year, because my first cataract surgery was supposed to be 8/31. But my surgeon had to postpone it till 9/7 because of his own vacation. So now I have to recruit songwriters (and audition some of their sound clips to make sure they’re good enough performers not to embarrass the Collective), schedule them, deal with egos, and "herd cats” again for our showcases Sun. & Mon. of Labor Day weekend. Not to mention our booth & table is set up & staffed both days. And that means a weekend at the local Comfort Inn--my kitties will be really pissed off, because I’d promised them I’d stay home till the FARM music conference in Oct.
0 -
Sandy, how ever did you manage all that shopping when you got home with a foot that was so swollen and painful? I can't imagine. Glad you were pampered at the hotel and wheelchairs are good in airports - pooh on being embarrassed. Good luck with your urgent care visit! Keep us posted. Fingers crossed that Prolia has been approved for you! That would be fantastic. Sounds like rush rush to get ready for that festival you told your kitties you weren't attending. (I get THAT look with the pets when I leave for an hour right now - too much running around).
I have an appointment to meet with my new possible MO next Monday. Had to run over to the clinic to sign releases for all the information I have but is just not as acceptable as that same identical (yup, same thing twice) stuff coming from my docs in Michigan. It would appear that I'll only have an MO here. It's the same group that my DIL used for her colon cancer and following care and still does. Now to find a PCP.
HUGS!
0 -
Good News! The cancer center got me in today, and said that the infection will be gone soon, like in the next week, so it wont push back my chemo. Finally got some decent pain meds after not sleeping all weekend. Thanks all for your concern.
xoxoMichelle
0 -
WooHoo, Michelle! That's great news. And nice that your chemo isn't pushed back. Must be a huge relief to have the pain under control - finally.
HUGS!
0 -
Great to hear Molly! Glad you are officially on the mend.
And excellent news, Michelle!
Had a brain MRI today, my MO also did an exam, and she said physically everything checks out, but feels better about having a scan. Of course I'm trying not to completely freak. I'll get results tomorrow.
We did have our endocrine therapy conversation today, and decided to go for the Lupron/Letrozole combo. I did get my first Lupron shot today. I'm not going to be able to drive to Boston long term, so we are going to see how it goes for a few months before transitioning the shot to be administered closer to home.
0 -
FighterGirl, glad the MRI is over and that you don't have to wait long for the results. Please let us know the results. Fingers crossed that it is nothing. Nice that everything else checks out fine.
HUGS!
0 -
Hello everyone, welcome, and good luck to all of the people who are new to this site. Good luck with your pathology reports and upcoming tx. I concur with what everyone else has said so I am not going to individually post, as I usually do. I am thinking about all of you, however.
I have to go back to work tomorrow so it is a 4:30am wake up call. My summer is over
I didn't know for sure that I had to go back to work tomorrow until 4:45 today. (There was a glitch which caused the uncertainty.) I have so much to do now to prepare. (Teachers don't officially go back until next Tuesday, 8/9/16.) I have to go back before the teachers. Oh well.On Saturday, I drove up to the University of Florida (5 hours due to traffic and heavy rain), cleaned out my daughter's apartment, and drove home (4.5 hours - no traffic). (She is in NYC doing an internship so she couldn't clean out the apartment.) Unfortunately, we are going to be charged $250.00 because I returned the key after 10:00am. I am so bummed.
My son signed up for college classes today for the Fall 2016 semester as an "Early Admission" high school student taking only college classes at the local college (all classes count for both high school credit and college credit). He couldn't sign up for one class because he has to be accepted to the "honors college" to be enrolled in that class. Hopefully it will all work out. He applied to the Honors College today. He needs to take that class so hopefully, he can take the honors rather than the regular version of the course (Statistics). Wish him luck, please.
I just want to say to feel well Molly. That sounds so painful. Dara, the same thing happened to me during my surgery, as happened to you. My doctors had to go back in to get clear margins. It saved me from having to have a second surgery. However, the final pathology is what counts. Hugs to everyone else.
0 -
Wow miss a couple of days and miss so much!
Grazy It's so hard going through your parents things as the next chapter begins. I was grateful we were able to do that while our parents were still with us. It seemed better to sort things out with them.
614 I too am impressed with your ability to acknowledge everyone and keep everything straight!
Sandy your travels sound amazing even with the mishaps!
Prayers fighter girl and all of you waiting for answers!
0 -
614, your summer was awfully short and sorry you have to report back so soon. That's rotten that you owe $250 for being late turning in the key to your daughter's apartment. Any chance of appealing that decision? Fingers crossed that your son gets into the honors program! You must be so proud of your kids!
HUGS!
0 -
DaraB. Your numbers matched mine. When I went for a second opinion at a Cancer teaching hospital the MO there felt the risk out weighed the benefits but I were his patient and I wanted it he would approve it. My local MO disagreed strongly and continued to focus on it every time I saw him. My breast surgeon, medical Dr. and RO supported my decision. After two follow up MO visits, I fired my MO and today I saw a new MO who was much more supportive and positive. It has been a year, I am doing well on anastrzole.
0 -
Brutersmom, I think you did the right thing: firing your MO. I'm glad you have one that is in tune with you and all the recommendations you have received. Makes you wonder what his agenda was, if any. I would tend to believe your teaching cancer center that has vastly more experience. Glad you are doing well!
HUGS!
0 -
Thanks everyone, I am so happy to be pain free! I know there will be some in my future, but am taking it one day at a time.
xoxoMichelle
0 -
Fantastic, Michelle!
HUGS!
0 -
Thanks everyone, will let you know for sure. My sister thinks its anxiety, which it very well may be - driving to rads, PT, kids' camps and trying to work full time every day can wear anyone down. I'm trying not to Google symptoms this evening, it's hard. I'm going to go read my book, and hopefully just fall asleep. And I am taking an Ativan to help, so there.
614 it's sad when summer is over. I'm shocked that they are charging you $250 for a late key!
0 -
614, good luck to your son,
Fightergirl, prayers for good results
Molly, glad it'ss it'getting better,
Michelle glad you reacted quickly & got antibiotic so you won't be delayed in yourplan.
Sandy, hope your foot gets better soon
Sending positive thoughts to all with treatments & surgeries this week.
Trish
0 -
Well, crap! My Prosigna test results came back and I'm in the high risk category. I thought for sure with my lower Onco score (20) I'd at least be in the intermediate again with Prosigna. My MO said that is why the Onco for intermediates is controversial. He has strongly recommended chemo, and since this test is more definitive for post-menopausal early stage, I and my family feel I need to do this. I'll begin chemo infusion next Monday with 4 cycles 3 weeks apart. Will also do the Neulasta injection 24 hrs after the infusion. Will not do a port to begin with but try and see if my veins can handle a straight IV. Really bummed and shocked tonight.
Hi to everyone who posted things, just not up to going through and commenting; but Molly do hope you're recovering. Tomorrow will be a better day! Dara
0 -
Well crap, Dara. That sure was unexpected. That intermediate Oncotype score is a pisser. I'm glad there was a test that is more definitive for you. It's a lot to get your mind around in a short time. You'll manage the chemo and get through it. It WILL kill cancer!
HUGS (and a couple of glasses of wine)!
0 -
sorry you have to have chemo, Dara. I also had an intermediate Oncotype score, 23. The thing that pushed me over into chemo was the ER+/PR- status--apparently that is a more aggressive cancer. So I had 4 rounds of Cytoxan & Taxotere, followed by the Neulasta shot. For the most part, the chemo wasn't terribly awful. I had some issues, had to be admitted to the hospital once and had a couple ER visits for fever. I never threw up, though, and that was the thing that worried me the most (weird, considering all the other stuff that could happen during chemo,) I lost my hair on day 17--well, as it floated down into my cereal bowl I made an appt with the hairdresser to have the rest buzzed off. I had already bought my wig the week before, so I was ready to rock & roll with my hot blonde wig. I was fatigued a lot, but usually by days 14-20 I felt much better. I will have to say, people thought I looked great! I don't know if it was the wig or what, but I have never had so many compliments in my life. I hope your adventure with chemo goes smoothly.
0 -
So sorry you have to go through chemo. But as Peggy said, it will kill the cancer. Sending you a big hug!
0 -
Poodles, hope all is well with you!
HUGS!
0 -
Sorry I've been lying low this week. I cannot possibly catch up, but I wanted to give a warm welcome to the new ladies and tell you we've got your back. You're safe here.
A shout-out to Molly--ye gods, girl! Two units of blood! You were Seriously anemic! Glad you're feeling better now.
This week has been the week from hell. I had a client go sideways on Thursday and she passed away on Sunday, rather unexpectedly. I mean, she was old, but hadn't been really sick or anything. Anyway, there have been multiple phone calls, emails, chart audits, and a death report to submit to the state by 5pm today. Oh, and I have a meeting at 10am tomorrow morning with one of our State Regional DD representatives 5 hours from my home . DH and I came down here this afternoon. Oh, and that 5 hour trip from my home? Make that 7 hours. Prez Obama was in Atlanta today right before rush hour, so they had rolling road closures on I-75 & I-85, the main arteries through Atlanta. It took my almost 2 hours to go what would normally be a 10-15min drive. Glad I wasn't going to the airport! Thankfully, the hotel room is clean & cool, and the bed is comfy. I'll be changing into my comfy jammies any minute now.
Did I mention that my 82 yr old mom, who lives about 600+ miles in the OTHER direction was taken to the ER by EMS at 4am, after suffering with severe abdominal pain and blood in her urine for TWO FRICKING DAYS? She's home now, still passing her kidney stones but at least she's no longer vomiting and the pain is endurable.
I swear, you can't make this stuff up..-
0 -
Dara, so sorry about your newest results. Thinking of you and sending you positive energy.
Molly, glad you are doing a little better. How scary!
Sandy hope your foot heals quickly! Your trip sounded lovely!
Thinking of everyone else and hoping you all have a good week.
Been a very emotional week. A couple local officers were shot in Line of duty and one died while the other has a huge recovery ahead. Both are dads and husbands. Just broke my heart. My husband is in law enforcement and all of this violence against cops has added another Layer of fear to my life. Breast cancer was bad enough on its on. Everything is so sad! I spent most of weekend just sobbing.
0 -
Poodles, what a terrible week you had. Nothing like a Presidential visit to really snarl things. Hope your meeting goes okay. How's DH? When you have 5 minutes, you need to write a book! Glad your mother is improving but that was damned scary. And she waited TWO days? Argh! Isn't she in a senior home and don't they check on her? Shouldn't someone have known sooner?
Beebazboob, it has been a very scary time for law enforcement. I'll keep your hubby in my thoughts. I don't know why it seems necessary to have more than one thing going on when we have BC. It's quite enough but it seems to invite other challenging things.
HUGS!
0 -
Dara, I'm sorry you will have to do the chemo after all. But better that you got a definitive answer. Chemo is better than a recurrence. I have only one more treatment left. The time has passed very quickly and I hope it will for you too.
Beebazboob, sorry it's been such a tough week for you. I hope this week will be easier.
Molly, I hope you are doing better and that your muscle heals quickly!
Poodles, I'm sorry you've had such a tough week, too! I hope you can relax a little tomorrow.
Sherri, I can't believe your summer is over already! Not good about the charge for the late key. It seems a bit excessive.
I had a nice hike yesterday. Today I've been taking it fairly easy and cooking a few things to have later in the week.
I hope everyone has a good day tomorrow!
0
