January 2014 Surgery Sisters
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Mary, I am starting Aromasin next month. Geese, I hope I don't get hormone brain. That's why I went off tamoxifen!
Eve, we will follow you anywhere....even back to bco:). No worries. Hope Stephen is okay.
I am calling the doc tomorrow. Went in a few weeks ago because I was getting seepage under my reconstructed nipple on the radiated side. It wasn't infected and was told some times it takes longer for a radiated breast to heal. Well, it is worse and now I have constant drainage and I can see a separation. I hVe to change my gauze several times a day. Hoping it's nothing and curious as to how long this will continue. It is always something!
Take care, all!
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couldn't find you eve. Can u try Beverly Johnson Thomaston Connecticut
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Ann - oh no, not the nip! That sucks! Hope it clears up on its own.
Beverly - Eve isn't on Facebook anymore. Can you send a PM (on this site) to me with your email address? I can invite you to the FB group using your email address. You won't want to post it here in the comments section because this is open to the whole wide world. I don't know about you, but I prefer to maintain my anonymity.
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Ann, I so hope that it doesn't turn out to be something serious. Hugs and good thoughts coming your way.
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Well, I saw my PS today on my worsening drainage from my new nipple. Back in the hospital again on heavy duty antibiotics waiting for the culture to come back late tomorrow. Having a PS consult with radiology to figure out how to heal this wounded skin. I really like my foobie. I want her to stay!
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WOW Ann! Let's hope the antibiotics do the trick! Hang I n there!
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Here is the latest.....confirmed staph infection. Staph epi which is a low grade infection but the infection disease doctor said was "sticky" whatever that means. He said the likelihood was high that I would be put on IV antibiotics for a few weeks followed by oral antibiotics but he will confer with the other doctors (PS and radiologist) and have a plan tomorrow. I am off to MRI tonight. Will keep you posted:-(
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oh wow...
thanks guys for posting here...I LOVE YOU ALL!
Ann so sorry for the problems with the nip...Can't we ever get anything to work right anymore? sucks You had to go into the hospital? for infusions? that's pretty serious...hand in there lady.
Went to a very early appointment today...uggh...Doc had to change it because she had a unexpected surgery to perform today.
Sooooooooooooooo NOT happy. I had an MRI a few weeks ago, that according to the radiologist, didn't show any enhancement...
well, YES IT FREAKING DID!! Have to have surgery...the nip is going bye bye. And my doc is already talking radiation.so she didn't come out and say it...but I'm thinking she is anticipating the cancer is BAAAAAACK. Lovely. Not back but left over cells...so if I had the nips taken off would this not have happened.???
I am ok...the surgery is only a day surgery....so not too bad. I have the worst cold I have had in years and I am PO'D at the radiologist....
other than that..life is good lol...the weather is finally going to turn and become cooler in a few days...73 degrees oh yes! I cant wait..
Mary, how is John doing? ou both are in my thoughts.
Steven hasn't made the appointment yet. pfft..he is coming over tomorrow to pick u a dragon I made for his girl friend's b'day present. So I will get on him.
I'll try and post a pic of the dragon....he is pretty cute.
anyhow.thanks all for not leaving me..I may need you again.
love to all
Eve
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forgive me my un- made bed..and my messy house.. been working on this guy for a coupe of weeks. oh well I love him.
do you all know the movies "How to train your dragon" ? This is Toothless from the movie...0 -
Oh my goodness. This thread was revived just in time!
Ann, with good care I know you will heal fast. You're healthy, so you've got that going. Still...if it were me, I'd be crying like a baby at the prospect of losing my Thelma or Louise. Stay brave, sista!
Eve...sending huge cyber hugs, which is soooo very inadequate at a time like this. When is your surgery?? I hope your cold doesn't delay it. You know we remain by your side as always. Wish I could be there to hold your hand, but I know you have some amazing support in Nate. Maybe you need to make a dragon for yourself. A big bad-ass one!
Thanks for asking about John....his swallowing study went well! The SP said it was "remarkable." His mechanical capacity for swallowing is normal - thanks to me. During his treatment, I insisted he take all his meds by mouth. I told him I wasn't going to crush pills for the tube (patting myself on the back). But that said, swallowing food is still painful, so the transition from the tube to food will be sloooooooow. We talked a lot about depression with his MO. I'd like him to try meds, but he's not one to take pills for that sort of thing. We're both depressed and weary of the routine, but I'm trying to stay focused on the positive. On Black Friday we meet with his ENT and RO. Not sure how informative those meetings will be. They aren't doing any scans until the week of Christmas. That's when he finds out if he has to have "salvage surgery" or a neck dissection if the cancer is still in his node(s).
I sure hope we all get good news in all this!
Luv,
Mary
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Geez, Eve. So sorry to here about your nip. Will they take the areola as well? I bet they want to radiate to get rid of all the left over cells that might be cancer. Just like they do with lumpectomies, I guess. Ask about your implants and radiation. I am pretty sure I am in the predicament I am in because I did the radiation and with a compromised immune system the infection took hold when I got my implants. I am sorry. It's never over is it?
Mary, it so good to hear John getting some good news with his swallowing study even though it sounds like he still has a tough road ahead.
I cam back from the hospital on Friday and started daily IV infusions of the toughest antibiotics around for the next three weeks. This will be followed by the toughest oral antibiotics for another three weeks and then we will see. Save the tata, round 2. I have been very happy with my results so I hope I don't have to lose it.
I learned that a cervical spine MRI is easier than a breast MRI. I don't want a repeat of that again! Eve, I don't know how you did it with your claustrophobia! My yoga breathing came in handy!
Oh, almost forgot...love the dragon, Eve😊
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Happy that John got a good report Mary. Such a difficult cancer to deal with You are so good with him...yup the tough love thing can be the best way to go. I can, as I am sure we all can relate to the depression. I have taken anti-depressants in the past..you name it I have tried it. Honestly it came down to facing my "stuff" and learning how to move on. The pills seemed to help but in the end it was up to me to find a way out of the abyss. Wouldn't touch them with a ten foot pole now. Maybe a little Ativan here and there but not a steady regime. JMHO. EDIT...hope I didn't stick my foot in my mouth again....I didn't mean to say one shouldn't take anti depressants...they can really help. Obviously you know John and yourself better that I....I just wish I had faced myself back in the day and realized I was strong without the drugs...is that the second foot I see before me...oh well I hope you know what I mean....if not tell me to stfu....
My surgery is scheduled for the 21st of December. Nate will be home that whole week and my step son will be here. Lots of help
. It is an out patient deal so not too extensive..hate losing my nipple but oh well..we tried. She has to go so she will go. No biggy. I am praying that the tumor is the same pathology as the original ones. Just left over evil cancer cells. Ain't life fun! Another good thing is that the cancer has not gone to my bones.. ALSO made the right decision to not take an AI given my back is all screwed up.
My son Steven brought me a back massager, the kind that fits in a chair, the other day. I tried the shiatsu massage...OMG. The first time in monthsthat I haven't been in pain. Wow! I think the shiatsu rollers shoved everything back in line...AMAZING...
Hope you are feeling better Ann.
How's the knee doing Diane?
love you all,
Eve
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Ann we were posting at the same time!
Doc said she would try to save part of the areola. I just laughed. I told her to take it all. It really doesn't matter to me. She just looked at me straight in the eyes and said "you are steady, we'll be AOK" She also talked about radiation...I know the problems with the implants...She wants me to have them out at some point because they have ruptured although the silicone is still contained...I am afraid of fixing something that aint broke. I think I will pass on rads and wait with the implant stuff. We'll see. Really depends on the path report. If the cancer has changed then we are looking at chemo.
After first breast MRI (cold turkey) I took valium and had someone hold my hand...lol such a baby.
My son's girl friend just called and she loves the dragon....what a pain in the arse to make but he is huge and pretty cool.
Hang in there kid
Eve
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Eve, I'm still shocked and saddened at your recent news. Still can't really process it.... But I wish you the best of all outcomes and am here for you, whatever you decide.
Has your doc walked you through all the scenarios and what ifs? Wow....chemo. You can do it, though - I know you can!! And hey, if they can upgrade to new foobs, maybe think about getting gummy bears. I sure like mine. Just sayin'....
Anyways....please give me a call if you ever need to talk.
Yeah, I think we've talked about the D subject before. No worries. The thing is....he's really been knocked on his butt psychologically since his diagnosis. It was really surprising to me - I thought he'd be a fighter. I'm trying not to judge, though, because all the docs say over and over how this type of cancer is a really tough battle. Everything about his experience is so different than mine. I've been doing some researching and learned that the rate of suicide for H&N cancers is very high. The treatment is just so tough and the long term SE"s can be very debilitating. It's all so overwhelming and just....shitty. He's been saying things that are well, classic depression. I feel like I already have to nag him every day just to get him to stay on track, stay focused, keep eating, etc.
The good thing is that he's thinking about going back to work next week and I think that will help keep his mind off his troubles. His NP suggested starting out at least 2 or 3 days week and then do some work at home, too. We'll see what his other docs say on Friday.
So, Eve, are you getting in shape for your surgery? Eating right? Stocking up? Getting enough zzzz's? Ooops, I'm so used to nagging it's become second nature to me now - sorry!
Luv,
M
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Eve - It'll be easy for me to remember your surgery date. John is getting his PET scan on the 21st. Good luck to US!
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Thanks Mary for absolving me of foot in mouth disease....you are the best!
I hope the 21st is filled with the best of news for all of us. Of course I'll have to wait for the path results but will John get his scan results right away? I sure hope so.
Going back to work for John can be the key to his feeling less depressed. The worst thing after being a bread winner and I would offer for a man is to feel/think one is useless. Hubby Rob after his diagnosis of the brain tumor insisted on going back to work right away...he would go for his radiation treatments and then off to a clients home to do his electrical work...his brother would drive the van and be the helper. I finally, after 6 months, begged him to stop. But those 6 months let him still feel like a man with a purpose and then the next 12 months he was able to live large and in peace. So yes get John back to work!!
As far as doing anything to get ready for the surgery...I washed the dog today.....Her skin has been itchy so we ordered this dynovite stuff that you put into her food...looks like cat nip...but is supposed to be a miracle worker for all kinds of doggy problems. I also got her some desigener shampoo..sheesh I spend more money on the dang dog than on me. The shampoo smells so good and fresh..tons of diferent oils..I think I'll try it.
I would love to get new foobies, but without insurance and the prospect of radiation and or chemo I am kinda freaking out about the money issue. at $800 a month for ins plus a $13000 deductible....sigh...It is so hard..we have saved up for a down payment on land and house...and now we will be back at square one, again. I hate it. I really want nate to have his place..he works so hard...He doesn't care but I DO!
oh well, we'll see what happens.
In the mean time have a fabulous Thanksgiving..Please tell the FB ladies the same..
love
Eve
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IDK, I'm hoping he gets the results right away. I noticed they've setup an appt. for that week with his MO and then another one the following week with his RO again. I read the MO's notes online after this last appt. and it sounds like she can still feel the node, but that it might continue to shrink. I'm trying to brace myself for the worst....
He's going to talk to his boss today about returning to work. It's gonna be tough because of the long commute - just getting there is hard and then there's the problem of eating / feedings with the tube. UGH.
Sorry for going on....You have enough on your mind. I remember back to my BMX and how the doc emphasized self care before surgery. God that was an awful time. But we made it, didn't we? We are some bad ass survivors and we will continue to survive and thrive, come what may.
Hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving!!!
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go on and on and on all you like.....
Its funny, I am very calm this time. I guess the worst , bmx, has been done so this should be a piece of cake. the lump is very small and right next to the papilloma in the nipple so I am anticipating a very small incision unless BS wants to take the whole areola then a bit larger...no biggy. Waiting for the path report is the freaky time for me. But I will have plenty to keep me busy. AND I'll put my tiara on....:) my boys will come over and step son Daniel will be here...lots of men around to answer my every wish lol. I think I'll work it.
Tell John I am thinking of him
peace,
E
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eve,
I am so sorry to hear about your news! I will be praying for you. Good luck on the 21st, my sister.
I've been having excruciating pains in my lower abdomen for over 3 months now. Everyone's been telling me it's nothing, don't worry about it so I have put off going to hospital. In the last 2 weeks I saw my primary dr and she referred me to a gastroenterologist who did a ct scan last week. Well, I wasn't crazy after all, they found a large abdominal wall hernia. So he referred me to a surgeon. I knew it had to be something! I couldn't stand and it felt like labor pains. So I meet with the surgeon on Dec 7. I have had 4 c sections, gallbladder removed and a total hysterectomy so I'm thinking laparoscopic is out. Dr couldn't do laparoscopy for hysterectomy because of the scar tissue so it'll probably be another full open incision. I don't know how I'm going to do this with work I don't have enough days to cover the recovery period but ill cross that bridge when I get to it I guess.
My husband and I are trying to surprise our 4 kids with a trip to Orlando fl for spring break, I can't lose pay right now!!
Well here's to hoping all of us that are still facing surgeries and health scares come out of this stronger and healthier for it! I wish you all a happy thanksgiving and I hope you know that I am thankful for all you in my life!!
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hey there Miss Beverly,
I hope teaching the little ones is going well, such a great profession!
Know all about the scar tissue stuff from 2 c sections, gallbladder , ectopic pregnancy...fun stuff yes?! So sorry you are facing another surgery. Seems as if once it starts it never ends. But you are young and strong...you will weather this next one with flying colors. I just know you will.
I am fine....no worries...I too will weather this next storm with flying colors.
Have a wonderful thanksgiving with your beautiful family.
Eve
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thanks eve! Yes, I guess the saying, what doesn't kill us makes us stronger is true, huh? Sometimes I just feel beat up and then I think wait, I'm ok! Shoot, people say hitting the big 4-0 is tough, that's a complete understatement!! I turned 40 2012 and 2013 was diagnosed w breast cancer, had a double mastectomy, total hysterectomy, diagnosed e fatty liver, osteopenia and now a large abdominal wall hernia!! Wth?!?! They say God doesn't give you more than you can handle... I guess he thinks I'm pretty damn strong lol gotta keep a sense of humor right? I'm wearing that tiara even if at times its crooked it's staying on!! Love ya
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Hi Kiddo,
When are you getting the hernia fixed. Love your post, funny and positive. You go girl!
Went in for the results of blood tests today. irst off my blood pressure was 140/90. Nurse is freaking out..."its soooo high" I just laughed....ummmm no not really......it has been WAY higher and it appears the diuretic I am taking is actually working. The nurse took it 3 freaking times...I just told her I was a bit stressed out due to the fact I have to have another tumor taken out in 3 weeks...she finally let it go....sheesh!!
Of to the PA...another long wait.....K liver enzymes are high....did they go higher I ask....no..just a little high..ok something to worry about...no...not that high...sigh.
AC1. diabetes test, high....did it go higher I ask.....no, just a point higher than normal...ok
Cholesterol is high...that is new.....how high is it I ask....10 points above normal....ok
so the plan is to pretty much quit eating everything. I think broccoli will be my new friend...not lol.
So then we discuss why I have a couple of drinks everyday..YES EVERY day...OMG I feel like a lush now. I told the PA that I enjoyed my 2 drinks because it helped with anxiety.......you know from BC and more BC...
wanted me to go to counseling...no way...spent many, many months and money on counseling...don't need to "talk" about anything anymore. What is a counselor gonna ask anyway? How do you feel about breast cancer? answer IT freaking sucks!!
I just said Ativan helps when I need it....got my Ativan....
Trying to be funny here....just disgusted with the process and the medical profession that doesn't seem to get "it".
The upside today is I had a wonderful few hours with my big brother..I love that man! He upgraded my IPhone for me....and we talked politics....
Spent a few buckaroos on me! Tiara ON!...Amazon will have my jeans that will fit and few other goodies here in a week.. Cut my hair short and dyed it a sexy red. Feeling empowered.
I really miss you guys that are on FB. Hope all is well with everyone.
Love ya
Eve
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Hi Eve,
Sounds like your providers are trying their hardest not to miss something obvious this time around. Mine seem to do their best to get me out of there as quickly as possible.
So, my MRI was negative and I'm a happy camper! It lasted for about an hour. They spend 45 minutes just on the implants. Wow! That's my first one since having implants and what a pain. My stomach was killing me the whole time....probably just nerves. Anyway, at least I know the pain isn't cancer.
It's good you found your lump and went to get it checked out. But I think that since your radiologist missed it, you should be able to have a freebie - surgery on the house - replacements of your choice .... wine with the IV, you know - the works!!! Oh, and a cruise. I think that should be included, too. I know, I know. I'm a dreamer....a girl can dream, can't she?
Glad your getting psyched up and feeling empowered. Whatever it takes. You go, girlfriend!
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Hi mary,
so happy to know your MRI came back negative which is a major positive... MRI'S are awesome...not...lol still hate them but boy oh boy they have certainly saved my life.
My providers are ok...just way too much drama....on all counts I am just one point above normal and they want me to alter my diet dramatically...I eat well to begin with...just would like some REAL concrete suggestions....oh well, I'll figure it out.
I didn't find the lump...my BS did...she didn't tell me, just sent me for the MRI and xrays of my spine....It was the papilloma that led her to feel the lump and it has grown enough that I finally found it...so YES BS is the best!
Heh heh....hmmm an Alaskan cruise is on my bucket list, or that train ride you can take in Colorado or Alaska. I am so not a Florida girl but I believe in blooming where I am planted.
Can't wait for the 21st...get this boob fixed. Then on to better things. I've decided to live well. Put this behind me once and for all.
love you lady,
keeping you and John in my heart
E
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eve,
I meet the surgeon on Monday about the hernia. I got the formal write up in the mail the other day. Have a large abdominal wall hernia on left side with small bowel protruding. A small hernia on right side with bowel protruding and something on my kidney- probably a cyst. PROBABLY?!?! Shouldn't we look at that?!?! Anyways I have my consult on Monday and go from there...
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Just fun times all around, Beverly.
Did the doc tell you how this happened? Result of C-sections?
Keep us informed. hang tough lady.
I am here for you!
hug the kids
love
Eve
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Eve, hang in there my friend! My BP on Sunday getting my antibiotic infusion was 155/104! I was freaking out more than the nurse because my bp is usually on the low side! Could it be related to the excessive wine from the night before? It came down the two days since.
I worry about you and Beverly. Hope the next few weeks go well for you. I will try to keep up on bco to keep in touch. Xox
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Beverly, that sounds just awful! I'm so glad you're finally getting someone to sit up and take notice. Good luck on Monday! Keep at 'em!
Eve - is this new lump in your cancer breast? Is it in the scar area? Sorry, but I can't remember the details. I just remember you talking about the papilloma. Whatever it is....that little sucker is going bye-bye in just a few weeks.
Here's a little something for you ladies...
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love that Mary!
Yup that little sucker is in the areola of cancer boob, right next to the scar and the papilloma. Lit up like a Christmas tree on the MRI. Hoping it is just left over cells from before...that the tumor make up is the same. If it has changed then its chemo time. Oh well, we'll see.
Ann...yes wine can do that...lol. Glad your BP went back down. Thanks for checking in..
Eve
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hey Ann,
I just ate two fried eggs and toast...with butter....bad bad..I am sure my "high" cholesterol just shot up....sorta like wine and BP.
I eat eggs twice a year, when we go out to breakfast for my in-laws Birthdays.
tasted great, I might add.
edit: I did not have bacon......only because I didn't have any bacon
E
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