January 2014 Surgery Sisters
Comments
-
Eve,
I know there are days that aren't easy for you too but you are so good about reaching out to others! Thanks for being there!!
0 -
Eve, you're like the foundation of this board... keeping us all rooted in sanity with your caring and humor. Thank God.
I would respond to everyone personally but I'm tired from the six hour drive today. Got my last fill - woohoo!! These girls are as big as they're going to get, at least until after rads. My PS was just going to fill some in the left since that side will be radiated, but I asked to have some in the right, too. So they did 50 in the right and 75 in the left. Wow could I feel that. I feel like I have a cantaloupe on that side. LOL Oh well. He promises I'll have a good result, so I guess I'll just go with what he says.
Here we are having lunch at my son's favorite restaurant in Dallas after my appointment today:
0 -
Mommy - glad to hear you got to PT and hopefully they'll be able to help resolve your pain!
Don't worry...You are not "going behind" your surgeon's backs. The truth is that they as surgeons do not know much if anything about lympheda or cording, which is odd considering it's the direct result of what they do! Isn't your BS the one who gave you the referral?
0 -
Cute pic Michele! What a nice family.
I so enjoyed reading all of your posts on my phone during my lunch at the office. Eve, I so appreciate your humor and candor. It's so important, especially now.
My back has been hurting, but I think it's from all the back sleeping I've had to do. Last night, I actually slept on my side for part of the night. I was only a little sore when I woke up, and it didn't last, so I'm encouraged.
Hey, have any of you been told it's okay to take a hot bath yet? I was going to call my PS today and ask, but got too busy, and then it was too late. It sounds so good to me. I guess I'll color my hair and take the requisite shower instead, since I have to get myself ready for my Oscar gala on Saturday.
Don't be too jealous, but it's supposed to get into the 80's here this weekend. I can hardly wait! I wish I could send it to all of you gals in the cold zones!
I hope everyone sleeps well tonight!
Diane.
0 -
I read no hot baths or even hot showers due to lymphedema risk. There goes my dream of having a sauna at our lake cabin
0 -
Well aren't i in trouble then! I have been taking baths since my drains came out and showers since I came home from the hospital. Mi was given a pouch to put my drains in before I left the hospital. So far so good!
0 -
Baths are okay...just not super duper hot ones, or so they say
Michelle - I missed your post and pic - you all look so happy! Wow, this thread is so busy it's hard to keep up!
0 -
Michelle, I wanted to say thank you again for the information you gave, the thoughts and everything regarding chemo, working etc., it's helped me a lot. I have started chemo two weeks ago (TCH), and it was not as terrible as I thought it might be (bad enough though, it took me about a week to come out of the hole of fatigue, bone pain and night sweats). I am going back to work part time on Monday, and I am excited to be normal. My hair should go this weekend, that scares me a bit, but if the chemo does its job, I don't care so much.
Best wishes to all the ladies, it is amazing what this community does. I was scared and a bit freaked out, but after reading all the contributions, I knew I was not alone.
Thank you, Alexandra
0 -
just popping in to say TGIF!! Just came back from a fish fry and now I'm in for the night. Plan to watch a good movie and massage my lymph node removal scar!! Lol! My life is ever so exciting.
0 -
Found out today CT clear of mets to spine, was having tailbone pain and xray saw something but all clear. Could not handle restarting treatment when DMX was only 3 weeks ago.
0 -
Linda - WOOHOO! All clear on a scan is definitely TGIF for you!
Alexandra - Are you getting a Neulasta shot after chemo? You might try taking Claritin (if you're not already) for the bone pain. I know it sounds odd, but it works. Just take a 24 hour Claritin (not Claritin D) every day. Some people only took it chemo day & a few days after, but I took it every day. It really helps with the bone pain.
If we're not supposed to have hot showers/baths I'm in trouble. That's the only kind I take!! LOL I can't stand a lukewarm shower. I rarely take baths, though.
Happy weekend everyone!
0 -
Yeah, the hot shower/bath thing is one of many things I worry about because they're on the "don't" list. I love hot showers, too, and take one every morning. It's something I will not give up! So, who's to say ... it's one of those things they tell you to avoid, but where's the evidence? The "avoid extreme temperatures, including exposure to extreme cold (I live in Minnesota!), insect bites (I live in Minnesota!), dry skin (ditto!), sunburns, cat scratches, yada yada... These are all things that I'm likely to encounter everyday. So like everything else - it's a crap shoot.
0 -
Hi my January surgery sisters. I had a bilateral mastecomy on jan 29. I am still out of work... I teach grade 6. How long we're you all put of work before you felt strong enough physically and emotionally?? I read posts about people going right back and doing physical things and I feel- I don't know weak I guess. I have limited range of motion and worry about not being able to make it through the whole day. I know eventually I need to go back. This Wednesday will mark 7 weeks out. Thoughts?!?
0 -
Mommy....my BMX was Jan 1....I was supposed to go back to work Apr 1....but last week I told them I'm not ready. So I will try for May 1 instead. Still not sleeping good.
So I mentioned my DH was taking me for a night away. We went to a casino 2 hrs away....my first night away from home. I diligently packed all the meds I thought I might need into one little bottle. I was nervous....but the casino has so much to distract me...lol. But about 8pm I started feeling anxious so I said I wanted to go yo the room and take an anxiety pill....THEY WERE NO WHERE TO BE FOUND!!!!! I figured I left them on the counter....so no tamox....no anxiety pills....no pain pills...no sleep aid. I STARTED TO FREAK OUT! But I tried to calm myself and went back to the slots...lol. I won $1200!!! That helped. Anyway the next day I put on my winter coat....and there was my little bottle of pills! 😊
Michelle I loved to see the pic of your family. Your kids are beautiful!
Showering....well I wasn't allowed a shower for a month and a half after surgery at all....but after that....as hot as I could stand. Lol
Laurie
0 -
Thanks for your reply Levassell! I know, well maybe I shouldn't say that. It's just I thought I'd be fine at 6 weeks and gave myself up to 8 just in case. I don't know that I'll be ready in 8 weeks. My central office told me under contract I have until April 21. However, my husband keeps asking when I'm going back. He's been great I live him to pieces! I know financially this is killing us. I don't qualify for short term disabity- my system doesn't offer it. We are struggling to keep up with bills etc but I'm still do sore, can't sleep, get nauseous if I'm up too long and get a bad back ache... I just can't see myself putting in a full day at work right now. I haven't even attempted to drive yet after surgery. I told my husband the first time I do I want him to come w me do I can make sure I can turn around ok etc.
I just thought this would be different. I have 4 c sections and thought that was bad but at least w that you can heal and move on. I have to go weekly for fills and then in a few months go back for exchange then a few months after that go back for nipple construction then a few months after that go back for nipple tattoos. It just seems never ending!!
I guess I just need to try to think about getting through one day at a time. I get so overwhelmed thinking this is a YEAR process!!!! My kids- 3 out of the 4 play baseball. Spring is so busy I just hope I can keep up.
Right now I'm only taking 800 mg of Motrin and Tylenol daily. At night I've been trying ambien to sleep. Right before and 8 hours after my fill I'm taking Valium. that's the other thing... The fill feels so weird!!! Ugh I don't look forward to doing that weekly either!!! Ok enough bitching lol got to go make my kids lunch!
0 -
I had surgery Jan 29 and head back to work full time tomorrow. Physically, I am ok although I acquired some new pains since my last fill and see the ps on Thursday. Shooting pain near the drain site and alloderm on the left when I reach up or bend over. The right side has me more concerned because i have lost some range of motion and have a piercing pain in the armpit that feels nerve related when I raise my arm. This is the non cancer side and was fine until my last fill. It feels similar to cording I had early one the cancer side but no lymph nodes taken on that side.
Mentally I am having a much tougher time this past week. I was really planning on having a finalized treatment plan I could articulate when I returned to work but the oncotype test delay has made that impossible. I called genomic health on Friday and they have the sample and confirmed it is in he lab for testing with an eta of March 20. Not sure how long before my onco gets it, schedule the appt, yada yada yada.....my patience is lacking and I don't like so much being out of my control!
On the other hand, I am tired of thinking about myself and BC 24/7 so work will be a welcome distraction.
0 -
Laurie, congrats on the big win! And , you survived the night out. Celebrate every success!
0 -
congrats Laurie...$1200 buckaroos....sweet
I don't think anyone here is weak. Sometimes I get a bit pissed off because I don't think we were told what this surgery could entail. It feels as if it is discover as you go and if something comes up we'll deal with it. Not fair.
I don't have the fill issues but do have the anxiety, mostly right when I wake up. I can barely get going before noon. Hate it!
I have a yeast/fungal infection thing going on.....mouth,skin,eyes,scalp ...itchy and the fatigue is incredible. I spent $100 on heavy duty probiotics today. Before BMX I had bronchitis, in the last 2 months I have taken 5 different antibiotics and now everything is messed up. I am with you guys...when will this ever end.
Yeah, mommyathome.. I too had C-sections...piece of cake compared to this...who knew? I feel nauseous also, first thing in the morning.
AND I am getting hot flashes...wth...I went through menopause 10 years ago...is it because a lot of estrogen holding tissue was taken out? It is all overwhelming at times.
Michelle, your family is beautiful. Saw the fries on the table...yum...I'm hungry.
I am going to try and upload a pic or two...but have to submit this first.
love you guys...I do trust we will find our way...but we have to insist that on the way others have to be kind....but even more so WE have to be kind to ourselves....
0 -
These strange looking people are ...lol,love this pic.....
my oldest son, Sean, me, my ab fab brother Jim and my son, Steven the Marine...aren't they great...funny and just the best
Hubby and I on our way to an Alison Krauss and Union Station concert in Ft Lauderdale 2 years ago.......love those boobs. The necklace is Thai rubies and diamonds, a mother's day present from the kid with the hat....gotta love 'em
must be a selfie...DH is 6'1" I am 5'6" don't remember how we got this...but I had a lot of fun looking through a bunch of photos. Hard to find one of my step son....as he always covers his face...silly kid
0 -
Laurie - I love that you won big at the casino! I think you should take that as a very good sign
Also love that you found your pills in your coat, lol! Sounds like something that I would do! Mommyathome - It sounds like you are making some progress - at least you are off the narcotics, right? Baby steps! I can understand your concerns about returning to work, I think. My DH wasn't happy with me when I left my job and I'm sure he's wondering when I'm going to get back out into the workplace. We need the money, but jobs here tend to be very hard to find ... It's a very competitive environment, and most jobs don't pay well. I worry about if, when, and how I'm going to get back into the workplace. I still have the memory of my last job and how that all went down the tubes. Have to get over that... I know there must be nicer people out there. And on top of all that, I feel pretty useless here at home, too.
Ok, enough of that pity party.
Thanks for sharing your pics of the fam, Eve! You all look like you know how to have a good time. You are rocking that hourglass figure
BTW, I LOVE rubies!!Just want to say thank you, ladies, for being here and sharing your stories, good and bad.
G'night!
Oops, wanted to add -- mmtagirl -- you are really going through a tough time. Hang in there! Keep after them for the Oncotype test results - here's hoping for a low score. Good luck at work tomorrow!
0 -
Eve - Great Pics! You guys looks so happy and your boys are adorable.
Beverly - I think we all progress at different paces, both mentally and physically, especially for those that have or will have chemo and radiation. I went back at 6 weeks, because my leave was up and I had to. I did okay, but was exhausted. I do wish I could work part time, but on the other hand, the distraction of work does take my mind off all of this. I can tell you that each week has gotten a little easier if that helps.
Well I had a really good time Saturday. I got dolled up in a long black formal and went to the school Oscar Gala Auction, bought some jewelry (nothing crazy) and a photo of my son (taken by one of the parents who is a professional photographer) and some raffle tickets, but unlike Laurie, did not hit the jackpot. I did stop and pose for the photographer, so when the photos get posted (it usually takes a few days) I'll see what I can do about putting one up on here...although I haven't had much success attaching photos.
I was able to sneak out pretty early (due to the magic of credit cards) and went to an early St. Patrick's party down the street. I ran home, took off my ridiculously uncomfortable heels, and put on my green. We had Guinness and Jamison's and ginger, and a great time. I didn't get home until after 1:30 a.m.! Pretty good for an old lady with foobs!
Here's wishing you all a very Happy St. Patrick's Day! These Irish eyes will be smiling for all of my sisters.
Cheers,
Diane.
0 -
Diane,
Wow, sounds like you had an awesome time - almost a Cinderella (Cancerella?) moment ! What an inspiration for the rest of us
I can't wait to see your pics!0 -
Well crapola! Apparently Femara is not for me either. Horrw, horrible pain in my hips, low BA k and both knees. By this afternoon I could hardly walk and sitting at my desk was excruciating. My MO says stop taking it (duh) and I'll try Aromisin after 3 weeks. I hope i can go to work tomorrow.
on the bright side, my ,corned beef and cabbage was delish!
That's it for my mini-rant. Sorry for any typos...can't sit at the computer, so using my phone with the tiny screen.
Thanks for listening
di
0 -
Michelle, I have taken Claritin and it was still pretty bad after the Neulasta shot. I am seeing my MO tomorrow and will mention this.
I returned to work today, 7 weeks after MX. I am tired, but it was doable, even after chemo No. 1. Everyone was so nice, and my boss was overjoyed to see me back, as I am the only one who does what I am doing at my workplace. I hope that chemo brain does not affect me too badly, I need that part of my body!
Di: I worked at a lawfirm in SF as a paralegal before, I hope they don't work you too hard. I went Inhouse and although I work more, I am less stressed and no billable hours anymore.
Mommyathome: glad you are off the narcotics, small steps in the right direction. C sections were indeed a piece of cake, especially because they were emotionally so very different.
Also I think the fact that I am in sunny and warm Nor Cal sped up my recovery, as I could walk outside anytime and enjoy the parks in the area, go out for coffee and the like. I really believe that I would have done a lot worse in a cold and dark area.
Good night ladies,
Alexandra
0 -
Diane - I hope Aromasin works for you! I've been taking it now since last fall with no problems at all. It might take a few weeks for the pain to go away, though.
Today I am resting at home. I had a busy day yesterday and wore myself out - got my haircut, went to Target, then grocery shopping. Was out for about 4 hours and by the time I got home I was dead tired! I've been nursing a sick cat and right now we're in the middle of yet another major snowstorm. So today I"m going to read, watch movies, rest and pamper myself.
Had a PT appt. this morning - my shoulder is giving me some problems. Other than that, things are going good!
0 -
Thanks Mary,
I hope its the one because I don't think I can go through this again. I took some ativan after my son's dad picked him up for school since I couldn't walk or sit without pain thjs morning. I now have a king size headache from my neck and feel like I was hit by a large truck! Everything hurts. Im going to call and see what my mo recommends since I have to get back to work.
0 -
Hi Diane,
So sorry the AI's are giving you problems...I was super afraid of that for me, so I didn't even go there.
Mary , it is great that they work for you, with very little SE'S.
So do either of you know from your pathology reports your level of er expression? I am very high er and pr...80 to 90%
Just wondering...if the se's are worse if you are highly expressive er.
Michelle, I know you are gearing up for rads.....thinking about you.
Laurie, hope all is well
Alexandra....where in N Cal? I am from Cupertino and San jose. yay for good bosses.
My B'day was yesterday....58 now...I am glad I made it this far....Highlight of my day was my boys called and so did my daughter in law. Okinawa, Japan, Thailand and Rhode island....quite a diverse bunch. DIL is Thai and visiting her family...talked with her mom....such an awesome caring mom. Was invited for a visit....would love to go. On my bucket list for sure.
Pisses me off though that Thailand kept what they knew about flight 370. My DIL said the government there will go on your facebook page and tell you they don't like what you are posting.....scary stuff.
So, felt super great last week and this week....feel awful...fatigue to the max.
oh well,
love and hugs
Eve
0 -
Diane - One thing that helped me with my joint pain when I was taking Arimidex was icing. I used these special ice packs that were sewn into a wrap that you can wear. My brother had some that he borrowed me, but I don't know where he got them. I used them for my knees and it really helped to ease the pain so that I could at least get up and walk around. I would try to avoid the upper body because of your TE's and recent surgery...supposed to avoid extreme temps due to LE and all that, but I think it would be okay to use them for your knees. It's always a good idea to check with your doc first, though. Like you, I was in misery - it was unbearable. I was so glad when the Aromasin worked. Hang in there!
0 -
Happy belated birthday Eve....and many many more!
I've been crazy busy....foob massage....lots of appointments.....and another trip to emerg! My 14 yr old got a concussion snowboarding on Sunday. She seems ok now...bit of a headache and really tired. I got my eye on her!
Sleep still evades me. I mean I get some...but not good sleep....and not enough.
I'm mostly off all meds....an anxiety pill now and then....and of course tamox.
Getting ready for ANOTHER 20 cm of snow! Crap!!!!!
I'll try to contribute more.
Laurie
Laure
0 -
Just missed your post, Eve. My ER/PR levels were 51-100%, noted "strong intensity."
~~ HAPPY belated BIRTHDAY !!! ~~~
.jpg?1395186275)
0
