January 2014 Surgery Sisters
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Michelle,
Thinking of you and your dad....
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Hi, I am back, had finally my last chemo after many delays due to low bloot platelet count yesterday (TCH #6), now only Herceptin to go!Michelle: best thoughts to your dad and your family - does this crap ever stop? You deserve a break.
Diane: very good luck with the belt testing - you will do it. I envy you a bit about your strength. I used to be a swimmer, not the physical therapist says I am weak like a kitten (a six foot kitten at that ...)
Eve: hoping for a good ultrasound for you, no new s***.
Everybody, have a wonderful weekend! I personally will nurse my hopefully last set of side effects and have a week of vacation afterwards (staycation) - my only event is whalewatching in Monterey Bay, and probably a visit to San Francisco, hiking up the steps to Coit Tower with my kids (my husband has scheduled a number of house projects ..., and I need to get out).
Hugs to all, and sorry to have been MIA so much, I am just not a great writer and communicator and keep most of this stuff to myself.
Summerwheat
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Where do I start?!? I had my physical exam scheduled for Wednesday at 230 and my ps appt for Thursday at 345. Wednesday morning after my shower I noticed the steri strips came off from my LAST excision (I've had 4 on the same spot). I took my temp it was 100.4 and there was a little redness on right breast. I called my ps right away and texted her a picture. She said its ok til tomorrow let's do a 1030 appt. my temp went up to 101.4 as I was headed to drs. As I got to drs my temp was 102.6 and my breast was red and some drainage. My primary was going to send me to hospital by ambulance but it wasn't where my ps was. My ps called me while I was at primary and I told her I had 102.6, red etc. she said go to hospital ER where she affiliated. I had to be put on Iv antibiotics and have it excised again and rinsed with antibiotic. I was in the hospital from Wednesday until about an hour ago. I need to do I'v antibiotics at home and see ps Tuesday. My white cell count was 14, if it didn't go down or breast stayed the way it was she was removing implant Saturday or Sunday. I'm stressed because I need to set up my class. I have a picc line in until god knows when... One dr said 10 days....
Just more freaking stress!!!! I hope my husband and I can figure out the I'V! She said I could stay in hospital again tonight, but my husband wanted me to come home....
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Diane, my friend,
Best wishes tomorrow.
You have trained for this test. you have been to hell and back with BC.
Your 7 year (I think it's 7) quest to reach this point in Tai Kwan Do is an inspiration to us all. Especially to David.
I know you have this. If you feel yourself falter ....KNOW, KNOW in your heart that we all have your back. Think of us if it gets hard or you are tired, think of us, we are all with you in spirit, with love.
That last form, that last brick or plank......Nail it! Nail it for you, you worked and became as perfect as you could. Call upon our spirit to urge you on. Be your best of all time.
love you
carpe diem
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Yay Summer....good job, know you can always vent here...better you vent than have us worried about you. No conditions for pleasing posts here. I was born in San jose and really miss hiking around the hills.As far as my US what will be will be...not dwelling on it....it's Friday and dancing to Fleetwood and then Tom Petty. Crazy ...but good exercise.
Beverly, heal up girl.....man what a trip for you. Be well....thinking of you.
Eve
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Ladies,
Just a question, if I had to have implant removed ( trying to stay positive but don't want to be in complete denial about it being necessary), my ps mentioned taking the implant out and I'd have choice to get prosthetic... And then if I choose put new implant in in 3-4 months.
My question is: What would the recovery be like after having it removed? I know everyone is different but are we talking days, weeks, months?
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sorry no real answer Beverly,
I think if were me at this point I would be asking why so many issues with healing. You have gone through so much . But WHY would be my question.
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Just popping in quick to wish Diane Good luck tomorrow!!! You will nail it!
Thanks for the prayers for my dad. He is holding his own. Still in critical care and having issues with his blood pressure, but he shows tiny improvements. Tonight he had peas and mashed potatoes!
I flew back to TX today because I had my pre-op testing today. I've been awake since 3am NY time and after this past week, I'm just wiped out! Hubby and I are staying in Dallas this weekend in case something happens and I need to fly back up for my dad, so tonight we had a date. Dinner at a new to us restaurant (Cheesecake Factory) and then went to a Tim McGraw concert. It was amazing, and so nice to just ENJOY something and not think for a few hours. Now to get some much needed sleep and hope my dad keeps getting better.
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Hi Ladies! Thank you all for your posts wishing me good luck tomorrow! I will be brief, which is unlike me I know, but after 2 hrs of training tonight, cleaning the studio and making Bulgogi for the first time, I'm in need of sleep! It has been 4 years Eve, but it does FEEL like 7, LOL! I will carry you all out there on the mat with me, and be stronger for it!
Michelle - I'm so happy to hear that your dad is improving, and amazing that you managed to get in a date. Don't forget to get some sleep! You are a dynamo. I think if I had half your energy, tomorrow would be a piece of cake.
Beverly, I hope things get better soon. I have no idea what recovery is like if they have to remove your implant, but hang in there.
Alexandra - I love the image of a 6 foot kitten! Congrats on finishing Chemo! You will get stronger!
Love and hugs to all of you ladies!
Diane.
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Diane, just a quick pop in to wish you well today with testing. Remember to breathe and pace yourself on the sparring. You have the technique or your master wouldn't allow you to test. I am so excited for you! Break a brick!
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Beverly I agree with Eve. I would be asking the question on WHY you are having such a hard time healing from these surgeries. Also you may want to research other types of recon than implants if you need to go that route once you are healthy and healed. Take care!
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mommyathome, I had to have my expander removed becuase I had an infection during chemo. I had finished my expansion. I had to wait. The recovery was less than week. It hurt so much that it felt better to have it out. Once the drain was out, I didn't feel bad. I was upset but I have my expander back and implants scheduled for September. I hope this helps.
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Hi Ladies: I had a very good day yesterday. It was exhausting, but I stayed strong throughout the testing, broke all my boards and the blasted brick, although I biffed the punch and sliced open my finger, so had to break it with my elbow instead. I used my pink bandana, for my blind folded jump back kick specialty break. My partner, a 13 year old boy, had to wear it for his blind folded kick, since he hadn't brought one. This was the moment that he learned I had had BC, when Master Powell told him that I wore it because I was a BC survivor. That same bandana was used by all of the candidates for the brick breaks.
You were all there with me! Master P spoke about all of the candidates, leaving me for last. He spoke about the challenges that I faced this year and said so many nice things about my TKD spirit and said that in life, I was the Master, which was the point at which the tears ran down my cheeks.
When I felt tired throughout the day, I just focused on you ladies and remembered how hard we are all fighting to get our lives back. It was a wonderful day.
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Dtkd- You rock!! Congrats on a wonderful achievement!!! You are a true inspiration to all of us!!
Ally
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Diane, I am so dang proud of you! You look so healthy and strong in your pictures. A blind folded jump back kick, oh my! You are one fierce woman and worked so hard for this achievement. I couldn't be happier for you. Congrats!
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Can't stop crying damn it. My heart is filled with pride in you Diane, you rock. Thanks for bringing us with you.
Good job, well done.love
Eve
Edit.....k I am not sitting here boo hooing. Just tears from a very emotional weekend. Spent Saturday with my son and his friends, whom I've known from their days in Jr. High....lots of water under the bridge in the last 16 years with the "lads". Just an awesome weekend....Diane earning her black belt was the icing on the cake!.
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Diane - YOU ROCK!!!!!!!!!! Amazing accomplishment. Love the pink bandana story, too.
I'm home. And exhausted! Had a good weekend with Hubby and my dad continues to get a little better every day. I got everything unpacked and sort of got my house back in order tonight. I have to work tomorrow and Tuesday mornings, and Wednesday night we head back to Dallas for my surgery Thursday. <yawn>
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Hi all - Happy Monday!
I'm finally back home! I'm feeling much better and am well on my way to a full recovery. DH and I had a great "vacation" - it was wonderful to spend almost 2 whole weeks together up north. It was so relaxing being surrounded by the beauty of nature - there's just something about being at the lake and breathing fresh air, watching the wildlife and just enjoying the peace and quiet. BTW, Eve - I live in Minnesota, not Michigan. I'll have to give you my cell number in case I ever go MIA again. Again, I'm sorry I couldn't keep my BC family informed. I was just in so much pain and then went off the grid. Thanks so much for your love and support!!
At my post op I was told to wear a compression bra. So now I'm wearing compression shorts, bra and sleeve
I'm just glad that the pain has gone away and the rash doesn't itch anymore. The foobs are looking better and feel very comfortable on my chest. I was told not to look for 3 months as there will be a lot of changes. I was glad to hear that because at first one was very "square" shaped and larger than the other one. I was pretty upset at first, but they are changing - for the better. I think wearing the compression bra really helps with swelling, especially after FG. I am so far behind on all your posts! Eve, I wish you all the best in your upcoming US. I'll be thinking of you on Thursday! Sending gentle hugs, girlfriend!
Diane - YOU DID IT! Congratulations! You are one awesome warrior survivor princess!!! Thanks for sharing the pics. I would have loved to have seen you in action. I don't know anything about TKD, but wow, that is amazing and so are you!!
Marissa - beautiful pic! And yes, you are gorgeous - no wig required! Thanks for the PT tips.
Beverly - sorry the s*** continues with healing issues. I hope you can get some answers as to the "why" does this kept happening...?
Michelle - I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. I hope he continues to improve.
There are some new ladies on this thread and others we haven't heard from for awhile. Welcome all!!
It's so nice to be back home and online so I can catch up with all of you!
Mary
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Hi Mary - So glad you are home and feeling better.
Michelle - I hope your dad continues to improve. So glad you are home.
Beverly - Healing thoughts for you. Hang in there!
Eve - You have such a huge heart. Tears of joy are welcome always. I shed my share on Saturday to be sure. Let us know how the US goes. We are all with you.
Thank you all for your kind words. Yesterday we didn't do much. My mom was here until early afternoon helping me with the dishes, since my hand has a nice slice in it that needs to heal before my surgery and the 3 of us folded what seemed like a mountain of laundry, but after that my son and I stayed in our PJ's all day and watched movies. As you might imagine, we were both pretty sore. It will be an interesting class tonight, since the list of things that don't hurt is short, but it is an absolute rule that you show up for class after testing, and truthfully, I can't wait to go.
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Well geeze Mary, here I was looking for you and your VW in Michigan. So funny.
Glad you had a superb time in your MINNESOTA hang out. I envy you.
Inundate all you want Diane, we love pics. Your son is such a cutie.
Michelle, prayers that your dad has a full recovery. And that your surgery spells the end of BC on the brain. When do the kids go back to school? Maybe you can get a little break on non work days, except of course for the sports...you are a dynamo.I am ok about the US, a little nervous but looking forward to getting it over with. then next week I have my pelvic exam.....think the doc will want to do a breast exam...lol Like you all getting really tired of getting poked and prodded. I'd like to keep my clothes on for a change.
laundry calls,
hugs
Eve
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LOL Eve - I said the same thing to Hubby at my appointment Friday. It was just a pre-op consult and I was like, what? no exam room? no gown??
Unfortunately this surgery isn't the end. This week is hysterectomy.... recon surgery isn't until Nov. <sigh>
Work today & tomorrow, softball games every night, football physical for my son on Wednesday and then we head back to Dallas Wed night since I have to be there at 5:30am for surgery Thurs. <yawn> Wake me up at Christmas!
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Diane...your a ROCKSTAR!!!!!!! I am so happy for your fantastic weekend and couldn't help but feel the love when you said you made "memories" with you son. You (we) have come such a long way. Your a survivor in every way. Congratulations !!!!Michelle..so glad your dad is doinig OK. That is a huge thing for him and your family:) So glad your on track with your surgery but no thinking about that when your a busy mama. Right? Your going to do fabulous.
Eve...much love to you as you hug your kids, friends and are enjoying life. We all do have so much to be grateful for despite the big "C".
OH..I got another fill today. I am now expanded to 450cc and the girls look like 2 huge doughnuts on my chest. My PS says at next fill (in a month) well discuss the exchange date or go bigger!!!! Yikes....
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Michelle, Are you having your hyst with the Da Vinci method? Of which I know nothing..it is laparoscopic, correct. Hopefully it will a breeze...you just have too much to do....
Marissa, doughnuts....mine are similar...but with a little tank top they look pretty good. If and I say if, the lumps turn out to be something, I am going to go for new implants, maybe a little bigger. My old implants are part of the old, old lawsuit against Dow Corning, (we think). If I have them out and they prove to be covered under the settlement, I get a bit of money to cover the surgery. Well see. Any how I am sure your foobs will look as beautiful as you do.
So, I checked the calendar, my pelvic isn't until next month....so at least I can keep my clothes on for a bit longer. lol
The "boys" are incredible. Men, really...30 yo...ahhhhhh can't believe it. One's mom had two heart transplants, and passed several years ago, another had to deal with his brothers suicide. They all did, Michael had a disease that caused him to be in excruciating pain 24/7....the docs couldn't help him...sooooo he just couldn't take it any longer. And then my son, seeing the horrors of war in Afghanistan. They are all much wiser than your average Millennial. Kinder and loving and thoughtful. Truly the best. They all, including Michael were there for Rob when he was dying, played Texas hold 'Em and Monopoly just all kinds of support. I know this sounds depressing but it is not, just a tribute to some wonderful young men, who also eat a lot!
I had some success with my retail therapy this weekend also. I won several thins on Ebay....boots, a pretty maxi/peasant dress, a cool belt, a Jones New York suede very feminine jacket and a table loom. I am going to teach my step son how to weave a blanket. he wants to make one for his sister for Christmas. I taught him how to knit last year. I think this will be faster for him. Funny, he is a boy through and through, Boy Scouts...shooting black powder rifles, bow and arrows....but likes needlework also. We are thinking it will be a good survival skill. Plus I get to weave also.....love it!
K, just rambling here,
hugs
Eve
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Just got back from ps. She said it looks like its healing- she said no promises, but we can say we tried everything to keep implant. She is keeping me on vancomycin I'V antibiotic until August 22. Then the picc line will be removed and we will wait to see if infection comes back. I go to breast surgeon next week to be checked and have incision looked at. Then August 26 I go back to ps. I need to set up my class next week and then aug 25 is professional development, August 26 is open house and August 27 is first day of school..... Sounds stressful!!!
Not to mention between now and August 25 I have to buy a car- with no money!!! Ugh we are done to one car which has been fine since I'm home, but come next week not so ok. Need another car
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mommyathome- yikes, you have gone through so much! It is so stressful when you have to make those necessary purchases when it is just not in the budget. Hope some moms can help you get set up (if that is allowed). I know there are many moms who volunteer at the school and do all kinds of things to help the teachers. Wishing you the best as you tackle the next couple of weeks!!
Ally
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Ally thanks and welcome to the squishy side!!
My sister and a few friends are going to go in next week to set up. I just thought after my TAH/BSO on July 1 August would be a good health month and new beginning- didn't turn out that way. I guess there's always September...
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Yesterday I celebrated my 52nd birthday. Today before chemo #11 my MO told me I didn't need to do the last cycle (3 treatments) of taxol leaving me with two treatments left. Hubby went and got us ice cream to celebrate and posted the good news on his fb. Best birthday ever!
Tomorrow is my little speech at the Make Strides against Breast Cancer kick off. I will have all my January sisters with me to help me through it!
Cheers,
Ann
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happy 52nd,
Hooray for ending treatments early and bravo to hubby for ICE CREAM! yum.
You will represent all of us well, my friend. thanks for stepping out of your comfort zone to help others...you are the bomb!!!!!!
love you
Eve
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Happy birthday Ann and great news about the chemo. Enjoy the ice cream and good luck tomorrow with the speech
Mommyathome- you sure have a lot going on. Good luck with the car shopping, and get all the help you can with your classroom.
Anne
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So my ps just called and said stop I'V antibiotic she's switching me to bactrim. She was like wouldn't you rather a pill form? I was like I just want something that's going to work! Lol gotta call her in 2 days
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