Starting Chemo September 2015; join us!
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Edwsmom- he's just too cute!
I was 36 and my surgery went great even though woke up at a later stage than I anticipated. It started off slightly rocky with the iv but the pain meds were good. I loved the cocktail the anesthesiologist gave me. Be sure to get the anti nausea patches that go behind the ear.
The extra appendages, drains, were an inconvenience at first but they were removed fairly fast. The drain where my lympth nodes used to be stayed in for just under 3 wks.
The pain i felt the most was the gravity change from laying down to sitting up. The pain meds management is key. The one thing I thought was strange was I couldn't pee right away. It took half a day. Strange
This was my first hospital operation and stay. I was terrified but everyone there helped me through it. Especailly the plastic surgeon
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My recovery time was 2 nights in the hospital, they tried to get me to go home after one night. I could have really but wanted the extra assurance everything was fine.
I was at home recovering for a week and worked Pt from home the second week. I didn't want to go to work with my drains.
The recovery was not bad at all for me. My hubby was at home the entire time helping and taking care of me.
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edws what surgery are u having? Mx?
I had a left mx and axillary node dissection in august and was fairly uneventful, with the drain being the biggest pain in the neck. Not painful just in the way, and i had it in longer than expected so that didnt help.
I was in hospital just one night and only used extra strength tylenol the first 2 days.
I also had self-dissolving stitches so that was nice to not have to go back to get those out.
Just make sure you give yourself permission to heal, not do too much too soon!
Kim
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Well still hanging out in the hospital. D is still hitting me hard, but the vomiting is under control (knock on wood). Still on the liquid antibiotic, but it seems to be staying down well. Hopefully it will start doing its job so we can kick this infection to the curb.
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Hope you feel better soon Skittlegirl
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Well...labs were done yesterday and all is good. Took the pre-infusion steroids last night and I finally have some energy. Infusion #6 of 8 is scheduled for later this morning. The fevers have subsided and the MO is not concerned, given my lab results.
Keeping fingers crossed that this round isn't the crazy ride the first Taxol round was. If it is, my MO discussed lowering the dosage to finish the last 2 rounds. Getting close to the end ladies.
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We are getting close LindyC ☺☺☺ My first round Docetaxel sucked balls but Ive come good today. Just two more best of luck for your next round.
What a beautiful group of children not a surprise as their mothers are not only beautiful but incredible women who have been dealt this shitty hand of cards and are grinding through treatment and are helping others through it. My wig of to you ladies taking care of little ones at such a difficult time. I think my hair is growing back but why oh why did it have to be chin hair.
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Hi southerncharm I had my lumpectomy prior to chemo it was a breeze it is surgery but seriously I couldn't believe how easy recovery was. Surgeons are absolutely amazing mine cut round my nipple took the cancer put my nipple back on and gave me a little lift while he was there no scar unbelievable. Try not to stress about this.
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i had a lumpectomy before chemo. Its day surgery. It wasn't bad.
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I wish I could post a picture for you Southern☺☺☺☺
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Congrats to those who have finished chemo - Annie, Jabe, and Exercise! Forgive me if I missed anyone, I'm a bit behind on my board reading. I got to ring the "closing" bell yesterday. Yay! But, I was sad to say goodbye to my doc and nurses. They have been amazing! Very blessed to have a great team on my side.
MRI and surgery up next. I don't feel any change in my tumor. MRI will give us a better idea of that and determine best surgery option. Hoping for something that will require reduction and a lift. It'd be a nice "booby" prize for all this cancer uck.
I may not be on much, but you lovely ladies are always in my thoughts and prayers. Love to you all!
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hiya ladies! I had a bilateral with 14 nodes and extra skin removed because thes tumors were so close to the nipple. Easy peasy. I had a Fentanyl patch at home and drains for 3 weeks. I would do it 4 times again over chemo. I already had implants so there was no stretching there.
My son threw up last night and daughter rolled out of her bed (past the guardrail) all at 2 am. Long night. After a 14 hour day that made me feel like I was 80.
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Thanks everybody!
Just had blood drawn, waiting to meet with the doctor before chemo.
My genetic testing came back positive fore an unknown variant so that combined with my younger age (43) and family history, the surgeon I just met with for a second opinion has suggested double mastectomy with reconstruction. I meet with the first surgeon on 12/2 to go over the genetic testing results and discuss what surgery. Initially we were thinking single mastectomy with axial lady dissection. Now likely double with axial lady dissection. A big surgery
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Oh man, sounds like a lot of sleepless nights for everybody. They gave me dexamethasone along with my infusion yesterday.
*hugs* Edwsmom. Welcome to the extra special snowflake tribe you never wanted to be a part of.
Blood drawn yesterday. All my numbers were low. Not low enough for them to stop the infusion, but low enough to order a blood transfusion for next week & possibly cancel my infusion. That'll push my last one out to the first week of February. Bleh. But, in theory, I'll have more energy for Thanksgiving. Most of the family is going to be at my house for Thanksgiving. Everybody is going to be at my house Christmas morning. It'll be fun. And I think the big Santa present for Michael will be a trampoline. I love the ALEX dress-me Monkey; such great ideas Annie!
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edwsmom - I'm almost in the same place as you, I meet with my BS on 11/30 to discuss my options. My genetic tests came back normal but I'm thinking bilateral mx for prevention and symmetry. My tumor was so big I was told I have no choice but to have a single mx but now that it's shrunk so much I want to see what the BS says. Then get names of PS to interview. My surgery should be mid to late January. I'm scared.
DLcygnet - I hope your numbers bounce back! My RBC was low last time but not low enough for an infusion, Your son is at such a great age for Christmas - everything is new and wondrous, enjoy that time!!
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https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00TC6WWQ8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1447955672&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=merax+mini+trampoline&dpPl=1&dpID=41ZKbjzz3EL&ref=plSrchLisa get the trampoline that takes adult weight or its a waste of money. I'll link you the one we have.
We've gone through 3. This is the best one. Super sturdy. Takes 220 pounds.
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edwsmom - I'm so sorry to to welcome you to the mutants club. We offer lifetime membership any the only cost is increased anxiety. I hope they identify mutation and what it means asap.
To those finishing up, congrats!. I hope this group sticks around to continue to support each other through rads, surgery, and beyond. I welcome any questions about my surgery and if you msg me, I will send you a pic of 3 mos post op, with one implant and one fully filled tissue spacer.
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Mom2,
Yes, we're definitely on the same timing. I am also doing TCHP!
I have a "count check in" on January 21st which will clear me for surgery or not. So I'll likely have surgery late January or early February.
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My first surgery was a double Mastectomy. My PS was very supportive and it healed nicely. It did take me longer to heal then they expected so be kind to yourself. I was very grateful to have the extra help from my mom. Also My Sentinel nodes were quite deep and in the back of my arm so I had to contend with some LE. I think the key to healing is have extra help if possible, Take it as easy on yourself as you can, do small walks supervised and do everything your doctor says. Better to take care of yourself and heal quickly than push yourself and have complications.
edited to add: From my experience with the wound center and the dietician I really think it made significatnt difference to get your protein intake up before and after surgery. It really helped speed up my healing once I figured that out. I plan on doing that with my next surgery.
I have my reconstruction (implants, rebuilding the nipple and aerola as well) scheduled along with an open abdominal hysterectomy December 29th. My mom is coming to help but I am more nervous for this one. They say 4-6 weeks to be back on my feet so I plan on following doctors orders. I tried to get them to do the hysterectomy orthoscopically but there were too many other factors. I feel I am making the best decision I can with doctors I trust.
My last TCH I just decided to rest. I am going to try to stay away from the germs my kids are bringing home and get my strength up. My counts dropped again but I managed to avoid a transfusion. Now just to recuiperate. The weekend with the nuelasta is usually the worst and I am sending the kids and husband out for Thanksgiving because I can't taste anything. we will have another thanksgiving the week after when I am on my feet.
I will be here to cheer everyone on for quite awhile. I love everyone posting Hair updates. I plan to do that as well.
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first week of Taxol tomorrow, woo hoo!
On the first week of Taxol my true love gave to me a bell that I'm waiting to ring!!!!!
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cajunqueen - My first weekly low dose Taxol was this past Tuesday.
I know some Taxol SEs will be cumulative. (And 12 weeks will be plenty of time for them to accumulate.) But after my first infusion, zero nausea and no muscle or joint pain. I'll be holding a good thought for you tomorrow!
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Annie - did you ever own this one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JC2ZHA?psc=1&...
It looked less costly, straps instead of springs, and it holds an adult. Thoughts?Go Cajun! Taxol isn't so bad. I'm just a bit tired without the Dex, or all my red blood cells.
P.S. Anybody have the recommended amount of B6 and L-Glutamine to avoid neuropathy?0 -
I am going home!! No more hospital!
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Woo hoo! I had to stay in the hospital Friday night to Sunday afternoon. They were rather overprotective. Grats.
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This is the L-Glutamine I use. The dose is 30 grams divided three times a day. It isn't bad in a protein drink. If you are eating meat and cottage cheese you might get away with just two doses.
For little boys If I remember right. Mine liked to bang on pans a lot, Play a little piano, build and knock down blocks and eat homemade playdough and tub toys. He didn't play with the toys we bought that much but loved to play with whatever was by my feet. He followed me around a lot and got into mischeif.
Ahh the good old days. Tiring but so so fun.
So glad you are out of the hospital. Hope you can get your strength up. Big Hugs
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how do I know whether to push myself to do things like wrap presents, make gingerbread houses, and polish silver, or lay in the bed? I feel like laying in the bed. Had my 4th taxol 11/1
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Hazel I'm laying in bed this week
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Skittle - The guys stopped by to say congrats on your
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skittlegirl - congrats on being home!! I hope you continue to feel better
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@Hazel - After my first Taxol infusion, when my son took a nap, I took a nap. Honestly, I think it's my low red blood cell count that's doing it. I feel pretty good on the dexamethasone. But for the most part, if your body says sleep, you sleep. And let your chemo nurse know the fatigue is keeping you from living your life. Might be steroid or transfusion time.
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