Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
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Hi Runnermom -
Totally get how tough it is not to run. Just has lumpectomy yesterday and they said I can't run for 2 weeks Hoping it will go by quickly - Maybe your body can enjoy the rest and try other things. While not the same, it can lift your spirits. You'll be back out there end of June, When you get there you will appreciate it all the more.
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Welcome, NCBeachGirl. I don't have any great thoughts to contribute on your rash except it sounds like an allergy to me, too. I'm allergic to latex AND to my own sweat when it's trapped under things like a rubber bracelet, metal watch band and a host of other things. (even 14k gold necklaces if I sweat). Quite annoying. Glad you are doing well after your 1st chemo! BTW, I've never heard of that type of expander. Of course, I'm very small (A-cup) so probably they didn't have one teeny enough
HUGS!
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OMG, I just got word that my son's caregiver unexpectedly passed away this morning. He was only 47, but he had atrial fib, which can caused blood clots and stroke. In fact, he had a stroke 4-6 weeks ago, so it wouldn't surprise me if he had a heart attack or stroke. He was in good physical condition and always looked the picture of health.I don't have any details yet, but we are devastated for the family.
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Poodles, OMG! That IS shocking. So darned young. Awful. Now what does this do regarding your son's care? Another challenge to be met (I'm sure you were looking for one - you don't have enough
HUGS!
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peggy, I don't know. I haven't talked to his wife, but honestly, it's probably too soon to even broach that. For now, her adult children are helping with Christian. I called and left a message offering to take Christian while they get through this initial thing. It will be very hard on us to do that. I cannot do any of Christians walking due to my knee. DH struggles with that also. I called my daughter to see if she can help but she cannot come until Friday Saturday and Sunday. I don't know how we would manage, but it seems the right thing to do.
I'm hoping that they're going to just put him in respite for these next few days. Also today is his last day of school and tomorrow I think he will start his day program five days a week. So he will have some place to be during the day. But he still needs lots of physical care and near constant supervision at home.
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Poodles, I'm sorry if I came off callous but I know how difficult it would be for you to have to care for Christian. And my first thought was for you. I recall you mentioning that Christian does best when he walks and walks. I'm feeling very sorry for you (since I can't help out)
Loads of love and support and many more hugs.HUGS!
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Ladies, As per other test results, I seem to get them a day earlier than expected. Unfortunately, this was not the news my BS was hoping or expecting nor was I. All I know is that my tumor was about 3.6 cm, and she feels she got clear margins. That's good. When she thought she had taken 2 lymph nodes, they were actualyl 7 small - very small ones that appeared like 2. ?? 6/7 tested positive. So, they are getting me in Friday before my post op appt with her for a CT/bone scan to see if this has spread. All I can say is I am stunned. I was hoping for much better news than this. I asked about stage, and she suggested it could be a III but doesn't know quite yet. She has pulled together an interdisciplineary team to discuss my case. I piped DH onto the call when she said the news wasn't as she expected, and he came home. It was dreadful to call my aging parents and break their hearts.
While she says she is not a MO, she did expect chemo would be in my plans. So, looks like Costa Rica is definitely out, as will be my hair...just a thing, right? I am signing off for today, as I need more time to process all this. It feels surreal.
Kim
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So sorry to read your news, Kim. I felt it as a punch to my gut - you ladies on this site have become such friends - your pain is my pain. I'll be thinking good thoughts on Friday and hope the CT/bone scan shows nothing of interest.
Costa Rica may be out for now but it will be there in the future. Hang on to the thoughts of the adventures you'll have. I can, however, understand your disappointment.
Glad your husband was able to come home. Hang on tight to each other and keep us posted.
MJ
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Sending you hugs, Kim. I can't even imagine how devastating those results were. Will keep you in my prayers, especially praying for a clean CT and bone scan.
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Kim, so sorry about the pathology news. Hope that the CT scan shows nothing concerning and the multidisciplinary team offers some good approaches. Don't give up on Costa Rica, which could be a destination after treatment.
Poodles, so sorry about the unexpected death of your son's caregiver.
Sending good wishes to all.
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KimPossible - It just stinks on the sentinel biopsy. Prayers that nothing is on the bone scan. I wanted to share a forum that briefly discussed where you are at right now. Information can be helpful. This process of breast cancer definitely doesn't truly provide an end, we just have to take each step as it comes. I know Friday might feel a long way away . . . don't let the mind get crazy. Positive thoughts, positive results. If it helps, step away from cancer talk (I do that and announce to my hubby, family and friends . . . today is not a cancer day and it works for me) It gives me control. You got this girl!!!
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Kim, definitely a blindsiding report. Hoping the CT and bone scan results are fantastic. Holding you close.
HUGS!
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Kim, so sorry you got unexpected results. My heart is with you. Will be sending positive thoughts and prayers for Friday. Keep us posted.
Poodles, so sorry about your son's caregiver. Hugs!
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((((Kim)))) You will get through this. Many ladies on this thread have chemo experience. Hang in there and keep Costa Rica as your post chemo treat.
Nancy, if you have trouble swallowing pills I take my D3 with K2 in drops. It's so easy and K2 is important to help your body absorb calcium and D3.
Poodles, I am sorry about Christian's caregiver. What a shock. I hope everything works out without too much upset for him.
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Oh, poodles & Kim, I am so sorry! Poodles, is there a temporary rehab center where Christian can get the care (and the walking with a staff member or PT) he needs? And Kim, reading your post knocked the wind out of me just as if you were a longtime offline friend or even sister (feels like we’re all sisters here). Hoping that your scans come up clean and that you can get through chemo and bounce back swiftly. As many here who have traveled (and even rowed dragon boats and climbed mountains) post-chemo can attest, Costa Rica’s not going anywhere and will be there for you when you’re ready. (When I was awaiting my ODX result and told my MO about the Mediterranean cruise I’d already booked, she said that if I needed chemo she could set it up so that the cruise would be during a “good” week in a chemo cycle).
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Been away for a few days - will catch up soon. Having my lumpectomy with SNB tomorrow at 1PM. Thankful for all I have gained from each of you ladies! Please feel free to share any last minute wisdom.
Kimpossible - I just completed 8 cycles of chemo. Please reach out if and when you are ready. I did not start posting here until after I completed chemo.... but I am sure the chemo group will be just as supportive as these amazing ladies. It just seemed overwhelming to me at the time to post etc. You can do this!!! I am so sorry you have to though.
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ML, in your pocket today. Praying for clean margins. Keep us posted.
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Poodles, I am sorry for the loss of someone so needed for your family. I pray that your son's needs can get be met quickly to ease everyone's concerns, and of course peace to the wife of his caregiver.
ML, Prayers for peace today. You've got this!
All Ladies, Thanks for your kind words. Today is a new day. Just felt sucker punched yesterday, but that's how cancer does. I'm really eager to know my next steps. I feel much more "in control...ha" when there is a plan. One week from today, as I meet with MO, I will have that plan. I will know bone/CT scan results and they will know what more we are dealing with. I am trying to trust God's plan in all this. Never dreamed I would be looking at further steps of treatment, but I will do what I must do, and I certainly realize so many women have had to endure what I may. For now, I don't really want to open myself up to too much reading/exploring other threads. I know each of our paths is similar yet different. I don't want unnecessary fear to try and worm its way into my psyche. I will take the advice of my medical team each step, ask questions, prepare, fight and win. Hugs to all.
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Sandy, Kim, and Peggy, it is very hard to get emergency respite for Christian, due to the level of care he requires. I haven't heard from the wife yet. I did talk to the case manager last night and she was going to go over there and assess the situation.
Of course, we have not discussed whether or not Christian can remain in this home. It's too soon. But I fervently hope he can stay there. It's the best possible situation you could ever imagine. They love him and they care for him so well. They take him to birthday parties, block parties, Special Olympics, swimming, even on vacation in Myrtle Beach.
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Poodles, the whole situation is heart-breaking. You find the perfect situation for Christian in a caring, loving home and now it is all in jeopardy. I hope he can stay there, too. Can just the wife take care of him or is it a two person job? Prayers for you, Christian and the family that all is resolved the best possible way.
HUGS!
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Molly50: Thanks for the advice. Haven't heard of K2. I take all my vitamins in gummie form. I know that's adding sugar, but it's so much easier and they taste so good, I tell myself that's my sugary treat for the day.
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Kim, you have such a positive attitude, that is what is going to carry you through this. I know you'll beat the Big C.
I am walking in a local Relay For Life for the ACS next week Friday....I'm going to be thinking of all of you when I walk my laps. I'm going to try and keep it together when I walk my Survivor lap...
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Peggy, Christian is a very low-key individual. He needs a lot of supervision and assistance--he's like a 6'3" 1yr old. Mostly, he wants to play alone with his toys, eat snacks, play in a pool, and go walking with an adult; he will not play ball, watch movies, or play games. Christian requires bathing, shaving, diapering, dressing, and walking assistance. Christian is nonverbal; he communicates by taking you by the arm to show you what he wants. Otherwise, he doesn't really want to interact with people or pets. You can see why it's hard to find a quick respite for him. Most people want someone who is more functional and interactive.
I think his female caregiver can manage him, but it's going to be a lot of work. Thankfully, he is already in a day program, so that will give her about a 6-7hr break 5 days a week. Weekends will be tough because he is a busy bee. The caregiver's adult daughter can help out some, but she has her own life. I'm just not sure what's going to happen.
Not to mention, my mother was transferred to the ER this morning with dehydration, vomiting, and diarrhea. She has been admitted for tests. Mother has been sick for 3-4 days now. A granddaughter is with her and she reports that Mother managed to get some broth and juice down a little bit ago and she has perked up some. Amazing what IV fluids, Zofran, and electrolytes will do for ya~!
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mostlovepoodles- so sorry to read about your sons caregiver. What a blow! Is your son in a AFL? (Alternative family living) That's what I do. I have had my girl for 18 years now. I wasn't always an AFL. For the first 9 years I did her HCS, PC and respite. Plus she was a student in my class. So I have basically been with her 24/7 for years. I rarely go anywhere without her. I am sending good vibes for your family and Christian's caregivers family
It's do hard for me to keep up with all the post! I'm sitting in the car rider line now picking up my 11 y/o grandson. Just delivered Meals on Wheels with my girl, 2 y/o grandson ran home to cook dinner for my parents (mom just got out of the hospital ). Delivered dinner to them now to pick up no#1 grandson, go to the bank, finish the laundry and cook dinner for my house.
All you LL ladies are amazing! I admire those of you who continue to support all us newbies and guide us along this BC journey.
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Yes, Vargadoll, Christian is with a host family. He lives as a boarder and pays room & board. The state pays for the rest of his care. I don't know what we would do without this family. They are the best. Hats off to you for doing it, too. It's a real calling.
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I'm exhausted just reading about your day, Vargadoll! I used to race about that same way but have found since my surgery that I have to limit myself to just a few activities each day. I was invited to a birthday lunch for a woman in my fitness class today but declined. Between the class, my work (I work from home), my radiation treatment this afternoon and handbell choir rehearsal tonight, I'll be very done!
I found my strength training class this morning more difficult than usual. Could it be the warm weather we've been having? Or the fact that I'm tired? Or could it be the two treatments I've had? I'm determined to continue going to my classes as I know they have made me stronger.
MJ
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mustlovepoodles- I would be lost without my girl! I am paid through state funds as well. In NC there is a CAP waiver that pays for services. I could send her to a day program but chose not to. She's nonverbal and I wouldn't trust just just anyone with her. She's a high maintenance kind of girl! She can feed herself but you can't let her due to chokig issies. She requires a "smushy" diet. She is signs when she needs to go to the bathroom and rarely has accidents . She needs constant supervision which isn't a problem with all the grandkids, my DD, SIL and DH.
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Vit. K2 isn’t the same as Vit. K—K helps with clotting, but K2 is more for recurrence prevention (my MO approves). I get mine at Whole Foods or Vitamin Shoppe. (The GNCs near me don’t carry it).
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ChiSandy - I'm taking a K2+D3 tablet. It's 5000 IU of D3 and 90 mcg of K2 (as MK-7). For some reason my Vit. D level dropped from 36 to 30 since January. I've been taking Vit. D3 for years. It took forever to get it above 19. The 50K doses from the doctor did nothing. Taking 5,000 a day was the only thing that worked.
I had my radiation planning appointment yesterday. I was more apprehensive about it than about any other part of this journey so far. Start the first of 20 sessions after Memorial Day. What's kind of funny is, this is the same time I was in that hospital last year for surgery on a broken leg. I think I have to make some kind of big deal, non-cancellable plan for next Memorial Day to ward off this becoming a tradition.
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Kim, keep up the positive attitude. You made right decision to limit your research until you have your plan. Sending positive vibes.
Nancy, I get the gummieswhen I can. I'm glad you can walk in Relay for Life. I couldn't last year, I was in the middle of treatments and knew I would have been an emotional wreck.
Vargadoll, I'm wore out just reading about your day, LOL! Glad you have the energy.
MJ, I kept up Zumba during radiation. There were many times I had to push myself, but I did because I knew it was helping. Stay determined
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