January 2014 Surgery Sisters
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Wow Michelle! You must be exhausted! I can't imagine doing that much in one day. You are a superstar!
I'm very lucky. My BS, PS, and MO are all within about 15 minutes of my home and since I'm in CA, no snow to fight. I did live in Kansas for 8 years before moving here, so you ladies in the cold have my empathy. I do have to drive myself to my appointments. Is anyone else driving? It's really painful, not so much the turning, but the vibration that runs down my arms into my chest. I drive my son to school every morning, then come home and sleep for 2 hrs and have a daycare person that picks him up from school. Next Tuesday, I do have a friend taking me, since PS will be opening my incisions. I'm supposed to go back to work on 2/24 and am really wondering how I'll be able to do it. The pain just has to get better by then!
Laurie - sooo glad you are able to sleep on your side! It gives me hope.
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Well tomorrow I will be exactly 2 weeks post op from my BMX. Drains came out on Monday which left didn't hurt but right was a little uncomfortable. For some reason I had some pain that night but better the next day. My situation is a little different from most of you due to the fact that I opted for delayed reconstruction. So no TEs for me yet. Did anyone else choose this as well? I'm guessing that is why my recovery seems to be quicker than most of you. I'll be seeing the MO on Monday to see what the plan is for chemo. Pretty anxious and nervous for this appointment because chemo scares me. Also need to find out if I need more nodes removed since only one was tested. Anyway I love reading everyone's posts it has really helped me to hear all of your stories.
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Ladies, thank you so much for the feedback. Eve, your comment on needing a lawnmower to shave was hilarious!
My lymph nodes were clear, so maybe just Tamoxifin for me. I would rather not take it, but being ER/PR+, there isn't much choice.
I may be going back to work in a few weeks. I guess I need to start thinking about bra shopping... a sports bra just won't cut it.
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Michelle - thanks, I had the MO appointment today: chemo start 2/26, cocktail is TCH, ugh. But after 2 doctors told me in no unclear words how lucky I am that I am here now, not in 6 months, when it could have been too late, I am trying to be grateful for the medical options, ie chemo that I have. My only regret is now that I am living with a ticking time bomb, as I had only an UMX, but I will take care of that later, probably without reconstruction to be able to have scans etc easier. Well, at least I had an easy recovery from the MX , probably a lot harder after chemo. Good night ladies, may we all find a comfy position to sleep ( my butt gets numb when I am lying on my back ...)
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Dtkd...I just started driving yesterday...over four weeks post op. But I have a manual tranny...shifting still bugs me a bit....but I'm sick of being at the mercy of others!
I'm sitting waiting at my (hopefully) last appointment with RO. Can't anticipate any surprises about rads for me!
Laurie
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I've been driving since I got my drains out two weeks ago (3 weeks post-op). Sometimes it's uncomfortable - especially pulling the door shut since that's the side I had nodes out. When my kids are with me they will shut it for me. And I do most of the driving with my right arm. Turning to look over my shoulder to back up or change lanes isn't fun either, but it's getting better!
Summerwheat - I'm sorry about chemo, but if it helps, that is the less "harsh" chemo regimen. I know some people made it through with little side effects. My best advice is find (or start) a chemo group on here. I started on Aug 29 so I ended up posting with the September group and we are all so close now. I had so much help and support from them, and it helped talking with people going through the same thing I was at the same time, you know? Kind of like this surgery stuff.
My kids had another snow day today and I slept until 9am. Woohoo! I needed it after my exhausting day yesterday. Hubby says the roads are still bad so it looks like a lazy day for us.
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Hi all,
Glad you can get some rest today Michelle, wow, what a day for you yesterday. I've lived in Colorado and Iowa, loved the snow. It has been gloomy, rainy and chilly for days here in Florida. It will be 80 one day and 50 the next. Hate it. Bravo for good docs. Mine is the best!
Can't believe I am 3 weeks out today. Feeling pretty good, just get tired very easily. When I was drying off after my shower, the towel got stuck to a steri-strip and I pulled it off....holy crap! it hurt to the point of tears, at least I am not numb there. OUCH!
I am waiting for the dreaded call from the hospital's financial counselor. The hospital bill alone was $49,000. They reduced it to $20,000 and if I can pay $12,000 right now then I am done. Not gonna happen, so I will have to work out a payment plan.
BS's bill was $5400 but she reduced it to $1800 
. Don't know why she reduced it ,but I was speechless and cried when she told me. looking forward to pathologist's and anesthiologist's (sp) bills...NOT! Oh well, it is only money, and I am alive.Laurie...you have to have rads? Did I miss that somewhere.
Summer, sorry about the chemo. I didn't think chemo was necessary for DCIS. Is it due to trip neg and grade? Or did I miss something with you too?
Good luck with your MO Jmenchaca.
Claire, have fun bra shopping, I am going to have to go for training bras, lol
Everyone has such different treatment plans. None of them are easy, hope they all keep the beast at bay.
take care,
love to all,
Eve
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Eve, yes, I had a similar experience to you: path report found little, but aggressive tumor next to DCIS. I had felt too good. ... So, chemo soon.
Michelle, thanks, like you, I have decided to pack the bull by the horns, I found a chemo group on here as well. Not looking forward to it all though.
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Eve - thank you for helping me keep things in perspective. I had a complete meltdown this morning when I realized that I will owe and extra $1500 for my 2 biopsies in Nov/Dec. I have an HMO and took out a loan from my 401K to cover the 2014 out of pocket limit of $3K (which I met with just the hospital stay) and help bridge the gap between disability and my paycheck. I hadn't realized a needle biopsy would be considered an outpatient procedure, so it wasn't in the budget, but you are right, it's only money, and now I'm just thankful that I have insurance at all. I'm pretty sure your BS must have given you the amount that she would be paid by insurance. They have to inflate their bills so that the insurance companies will pay them. For example, my first biopsy was about $14K and the insurance paid $6K and I'll owe $750 for that one, so the hospital gets about half.
Claire - let me know how the bra shopping goes, I'll be going back in a few weeks too!
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no eve...don't need rads. It was just a "close the loop" appointment with him. But he said he hopes he never sees me again! Lol
Laurie
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My yearly out of pocket max is $4000 plus $400 deductible.... so $8800 for last year & this year, but that's just a drop in the bucket of what everything costs! The Neulasta shot I received after each chemo (so 8 in all) costs almost $10K! That's more than the chemo treatment!
I could think of dozens of things I'd rather spend almost $9000 on, but kicking cancer to the curb and being healthy are worth it! LOL
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Dtkd,
Wow, my biopsy was only$1,400. My MRI was $456. I would have gladly paid my surgeon full price....I think she deserves it for a 5 hour surgery that left me in near perfect condition. Plus she calls me personally with all test results. fabulous. On the other hand I think the hospitals charges are insane. $49,000 for 23 hours, plus the OR and recovery room, yes nurses and food, pain meds. I can see $20,000. I just don't understand the discrepancy, oh well, the whole thing is a mess. I am just extremely grateful That I am fortunate to be able to avail myself of the best hospital and doctors.
Oh and the dreaded counselor called, sweet and kind. Will give us some more time to get our loan to pay the $12,000...no problem. Whew.
Incase anyone was wondering why I didn't have insurance, couldn't get it because of pre-existing condition and tried Obamacare....spent 16 hours trying to get on the site and gave up. Plus because I have ins. available through Dh (ummmm not) I really can't get Obamacare anyway....Stuck between a rock and a hard place. Scary stuff......but AGAIN the bad stuff in my boobs is gone and outlook is all that matters.
Laurie, glad to know you don't need rads. So how does health Ins/care work in Canada.? Just wondering.
Has anyone else noticed the brain isn't working as well as it used to. I can spell really difficult medical words, but the easy stuff is alluding me.
Maybe it is the lack of nicotine. lol
love ya
Eve
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Michelle,
is $10000 per shot?
For a lot of reasons including the cost is why I am most likely gonna walk away from chemo and the AI's. I have an almost 11 yo stepson whom I adore and who is my little buddy, we pay a small fortune in child support for him. I'd rather keep him going and contribute to his college fund than spend money on me.
I am not working after losing my job 2 years ago and sold my beloved sports car.....turns out it is cheaper for me not to work. Tax bracket stuff and all.
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Eve - yep...but of course that's the amount billed to insurance (over $9K per shot). I think the "allowable" amount was closer to $3000, but still... for a SHOT! I will say it works though. It's a white blood cell booster and I made it through 20 weeks of chemo without any type of illness or infection. I was in the ER after my first treatment but that was because of a migraine.
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Eve - I have to keep things in perspective. That first biopsy, which was performed at the hospital, most likely saved my life. Given how small the tumor was, I'm very lucky that they found it, since it was IDC. That is probably why it was so pricey. I know it's hard to think about what the money, and really do understand, because I also have an 11 yr. old son, who depends upon me completely. His dad does see him (by choice) only Tuesdays and every other weekend, and did have a heart attach last spring, so I feel even more pressure to take care of myself. The biggest gift you can give him is your love...but you have to stay healthy for that. My insurance would have covered chemo, which thankfully I don't need. If they recommend it, I am certain there are programs available for underinsured women. One of my friends just sponsored a benefit for just that sort of organization last weekend. It's worth looking into.
Diane.
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again- wow! Michelle.....that's insane. Thank goodness you have good insurance. When my former husband had terminal brain cancer the cost was well over $1,000,000. I agree that the drugs work and am thankful for that, but at the same time the drugs that are still under patent protection are very expensive. I am aware of research costs and all but still, $10,000 a shot, a wee bit excessive.
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You only need that Neulasta shot if you do "dose dense" chemo. Most normal treatments are every three weeks. I did every 2 weeks, which doesn't give your body as much time to bounce back.
My son is 12.... our boys are all close to the same age! :-)
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Completely agree Diane.
And kudos to you for having to go through this and be a mom and bread winner. You're awesome.
I have spent the last 3 years trying many different blood pressure medicines to find one that works and doesn't leave me on the couch with no ability to do anything at all. Right now I feel better that I have in years, thinking this cancer stuff has been lurking for a long time. I used to ride my bicycle 40 miles a weekend. Now I can't wait to get back into that routine. I guess I am weighing quality of life into the mix also. I suppose I am terrified of side effects and even more down time.
I just want to say I admire and respect everyone's decisions about treatment protocols. You all are strong and amazing!!!!
Eve
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Eve...Michelle. I'm in shock and embarrassed as I read all your expenses. In canada....I haven't paid a cent out of my pocket....don't even know what ANY of my procedures cost....paid directly thru the Ontario health care. I'm not sure how you come up with this cash randomly. WOW...just WOW. I even get paid to drive to my appointments....cause it's in northern Ontario and more than 40km.
Do you at least get to claim your medical expenses on your taxes? Please say yes or I'll cry!
Laurie
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Laurie,
I'll get to claim what I have paid next year, anything above 8,000, BUT that is only if all of my itemized deductions exceed my standard deductions....which means we will eat it.
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Laurie - I honestly didn't know the answer to your question, so I looked it up. LOL We've never had any major medical expenses before and usually just claim the standard deduction.
The IRS allows you to deduct qualified medical expenses that exceed 10 percent of your adjusted gross income for the year.
I don't think our expenses above 10% of our income would be more than the standard deduction.
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OK then....my tears are coming. It's just NOT right!
You are sick...AND you have to worry about the money side of treatments! Man....that sux!
Laurie
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Hi ladies,
As I read through a bunch of responses I saw a lot of people mention they wee originally diagnosed with DCIS and then through BMx found invasive... Some of you are going on to do chemo, tamoxifen etc. we're your nodes checked in the BMx? We're they clean?? I am sooo nervous to get my pathology report on Monday feb 10!!!! I was told my nodes were clean and all should be ok... Still need those results to be assured! I also had some bleeding from my incision today. My BMx was on jan 29 didn't have any leakage, bleeding etc until today. I am not sure what would've caused that to happen. My nurse comes in the morning and I'm set to have appt on mon feb 10 w breast surgeon so I'll mention it then but it's a bit unsettling. Any info about the dcis and invasive results please sound off...
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Lavassel, Our healthcare system here is in horrible shape! I was diagnosed in Dec. 2013 and ran up thousands in bills just through biopsies and MRI's. We have insurance but have a $5,000 deductible that has to be paid first. Our new deductible starts on Jan. 1st, 2014. So basically I am responsible for all of my 2013 bills and the first $5,000 of my bills for this year. On top of what isn't allowed by our insurance and 20% of what insurance does pay for! I can't even imagine what these amounts are going to add up to. Pretty much ruins our finances!
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Mommyathome: I am surprised it will take so long to get your final pathology back on Feb. 10th. My surgery was Jan. 3rd and my doctor told me he would have them by the following Wed. He called me that day and told me the results over the phone. Two weeks seems very long to wait. WIshing you an excellent report.
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For the ladies who had bmx, I have a question about incisions.
Our original BS said that her and PS would decide in consult with my wife on day of surgery where to make incision.
2nd opinion said would make incision in crease if breast.
Is this another case if different doctors having different protocols?
Thanks
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Art123.... My incisions are horizontal across the centre of each breast. Is your wife having reconstruction? Maybe that makes a difference. All the pics I've seen show it like mine.
Laurie
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art123: my PS and BS talked on the phone prior to surgery. On the day of surgery my PS marked me up with a marker in the areas where he wanted the BS to make incisions. They were both I. The operating room and from what I understand, when the BS was done removing the breast tissue, the PS then took over to reconstruct. Repeat on the opposite side. I have 1 Vertical incision down each breast. Stern strips are still in place. I saw3 different PS for opinions prior to surgery. Some do horizontal and some do vertical. So yes different PS will have different approaches.
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My incisions are vertical also with steri strips. I believe my bs and ps reasoning behind it was I having immediate reconstruction.
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I get my pathology results on Monday and possibly first fill on Tuesday. My BMx was done on jan 29. Bs told my family she did a lot of scraping.... I'm nervous about the results. Beesie I know u said since I was diagnosed w ADH and did lumpectomy and found DCIS that with the BMx even if invasive is now found it shouldn't change my treatment plan, I'm scared. At this point my understanding is that because I did the BMx I wouldn't need radiation, chemo, or tamoxifen. So if they find invasive, what we do nothing? Just assume it was all scraped and removed during BMx??!?!
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