January 2017 Surgery Group
Comments
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The two naughty boys (brothers) Leo and Charlie on top.... my love, Rascal, on the bottom.. that girl did not leave my side for two weeks after the lumpectomy... she is a true friend.
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Good morning all. Lots going on in here!
win-chimed, I missed your post that said you had to go back for a bit more surgery. Hope you're doing well! I hear you on the numb areas, weird, weird, weird feeling (or non-feeling, I guess)..
I love all the dog and cat pics, no furry friends down here, only feathered. I'll try to post a pic sometime.
DCISinAZ, sorry to hear about your meds reaction. Glad it was while you were inpatient though.
Elem, hang in there.
Cowboyup, hope you're getting some sleep now. Meds are so strange, the way they hit everyone differently. Percocet made me spacey, I'm happier with just the Tylenol.
Bevmomduck, glad you got to go to girls night out!
Thanks to all of you who keep this thread going with general posts and chat, it really makes this feel like a place to hang out: annoyingboob, pugsmama, fightingirl, 3bears, and more.
Pyrrh and vargadoll, thinking of you guys.
All you women coming up to surgery in the next few days, sending calming thoughts to you. jandjmom, you're tomorrow, I know. You can do this.
cwayman650, Rosa and dcbc, good luck to you all on the 24th.
BugChaser, I'm thinking of you particularly since you are a no-recon woman too. I'll be at the bar with a drink for you when you get back. This is scary, but you can do it.
Oh, I found my reference for "mutant uprising"...it is in the sig of a poster named ksusan, elsewhere on the board. Perfect description!
All right everybody, I'm going to go be a good girl and do my neck and shoulder mobility exercises. Take care!
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So...technology can be friend or foe - in this case it was friend! My final pathology report was posted on my health portal, and I decided to look. 5 additional nodes were reviewed besides the sentinel node, and all clear - 0/5!! Everything else was the same as my biopsy, so no surprises 😊 I will have to take the estrogen blocker because I was positive, but I've been menopausal for a few years so I don't imagine I'll notice must change. I'm not having incisionallpain, but my armpit is driving my crazy with the numb/ nerve pain - how's everyone else doing with that? I'm trying to cut off the narcs, but I'm finding I can't make it all day. Ladies from earlier in the month - how long did it take for you to feel pseudo normal after MX?
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I want to look at last path report on my health portal, but am afraid I will start tripping and give myself too many possibilities that may not even happen! Maybe I'll get the nerve after the SNB and just not put anything out there in my mind until I know more! I just don't know why I suddenly am filled with so much anxiety! Duh.. stupid! I know better! But I don't want to medicate unless pure panic sets in . So far I am not there!
Dcbc glad you had a greatvtime and so nice to be around someone who has been there and done that!
Hope all the others who had hard times and other issues with drugs and surgery are ok and starting recover nicely. Take it easy .. "easy like Sunday morning"! Lionel Ritchie .. lo
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Did-not-see, awesome news, so glad your nodes are clean! I have armpit weirdness too, ranging from numb to a strange not quite pins and needles feeling, kind of shivery, to an odd but thankfully mild shooting pain. And my sternum is driving me nuts, absolutely can't stand to have even a bit of fabric touch it. I look pretty funny walking around the house with one hand pulling my cami away from my sternum. I did find a webmd article on nerve pain treatment, here: http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/prescription-medications-treatments-nerve-pain#1, maybe a different med would help?
The only other thing I have is a suggestion I read somewhere on this board to hold your opposite hands on your chest, armpit, wherever things don't seem right, just pressing around lightly. Apparently it has something to do with rewiring your brain to understand where your new body parts are and aren't and how your brain should translate your nerve sensations. I have no idea if it works, but I have been doing it when I remember to.
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Good morning!
Hope everyone woke up to a beautiful day. After a few grey rainy days I was so happy to see some sunshine. Wow at the catching up I needed to do! After my stressful phone call was done I totally bottomed out with a head ache like no other! Head pouding and shoulders tight. Not typical for me so I know it was stress related. I did manage to venture out with my daughter and youngest grandson. It felt good to do a little shopping for the arrival of my new grand daughter even though it was raining the whole time. As soon as I was home it was recliner time with my girl (my foster daughter who has special needs) and watch some mindless tv and wait for my husband to get home. Thanks to everyone who supported me while I pushed myself to make that call!
Healing vibes to everyone! Peace to everyone! Take the time to rejuvenate!
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@Fightngirl, I am so glad you shared that information with me and some of the others here of what to possibly expect. I know I'm getting very nervous about my surgery on the 24th. Lots of things already going through my mind. Lots of sleepless nights and tossing and turning. I keep thinking this is a nightmare and that I will wake up eventually. But if any good can come from this, such as being able to help someone else, it will be worth it. I'm trying to keep a positive and open mind about this and other things that have happened. You take care, and thank you again.
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To all my awesome sisters:
Sorry if I should miss any of your posts or responses. You are all amazing. We are in this together. My surgery is on the 24th, so I may not be able to get back on for a few days. I will try to get on whenever I can. I am trying to get some things packed and ready to go. My sister is going to be accompanying me through this. They are going to let her stay with me through the night.
Take care, ladies.
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Hi everyone! Had 1st lumpectomy on Jan 11th but margins weren't clear so going under again on the 25th just to remove more tissue. Requesting an MRI so depending on results, date and type of surgery may change. Best wishes to all!
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rosa, you are so welcome! I understand the sleepless nights...I still have them. Trying to maintain a positive attitude is like fighting against the current most days but truly all of us are blessed in many ways and we just have to think of those blessings. Nobody wants to deal with this crap but I just keep telling myself that this is my road right now. There is nowhere to turn and if I just keep moving forward, I know there will be beautiful things along the way. I am already meeting such beautiful people like everyone on here. The gifts of this situation will serve us well when we finally get to the turn off this road and decide where we want to go. The road will not always be smooth but we have the strength to take the bumps and we have eachother and those who love us to give an extra push when necessary.
Vargadoll, send me some sunshine!! It's pretty sad when you live in AZ and need to request that! Actually, the sun has been playing hide & seek the past couple days but we've been getting much more rain than normal. I guess it's supposed to rain again tomorrow too.
Didnotsee, yay for clear nodes!! Awesome news!
What is everyone doing this Sunday? I am taking another couch day with Netflix. My husband left on a mountain bike ride and I'm glad. I woke up with no voice and think the germs everyone brought to my office this week are trying to get me. I'm fighting back with my vitamin c, thieves oil and rest. 3 people were sick this week so it's not a huge shock with the stress and all that my immune system is down. It's nice to have the house to myself (well, me and my pup) my husband does much of his work from home so these days alone are rare but very appreciated!!
Elem, now I have that Lionel Ritchie song in my head! 😁
Happy Sunday to all!
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Jinmo - I think is the weirdest thing about the nerve pain. My ps said to stand in front of a mirror and rub lotion into the skin that had the pain. That apparently teaches the brain that the feeling is "light touch" and not pain. It actually worked after a couple of weeks. Keep with it!
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@Fightingirl, what you said is very right. We just have to learn to take one day at a time and go from there and know there is going to be a better road ahead of us.
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jinmo' your "weirdness" around the surgical sites sounds just like mine... and I find myself putting my opposite hand to the sites unconsciously... glad to know there is a reason for it! My nerve pain is still there one month after surgery, but it is slowly getting lighter. Hope second time around is better.
Rosa, we share a surgery date... two days to go!
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wow, this topic is amazing. Full of incredible ladies and inspiring posts! I'm new to the forum so I haven't read them all yet. I'm joining the Jan 24th surgery club. Left lumpectomy with sentinel node biopsy. Wishing my fellow ladies on the 24th GOOD LUCK
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Dani hello! We share a surgery date! Good luck back at ya!
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Fightingirl, so excited to see you post thIeve's oil! I have been wearing my frankincense out!!! I have it in my diffuser to. I just got started in the essential oils a few mon the ago. Crazy how all everything was telling me something wasn't quiet right in my body.
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And today I am still recouping from that nasty headache. I had hoped to get outside but it didn't happen. I did a couple of loads of laundry, usual house work plus scrubbed the grout in the kitchen tile (crazy I know) cuddled with my girl a little while in the recliner while watching a ridiculous lifetime movie. My girl is a cuddle bug so she always up for cuddles. I've been cuddling with her a lot more lately. My husband had a couple of repairs to do today so he left the house about 9. He had a long day yesterday and looks like today will be the same. Got to love property management it keeps his busy.
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Tomorrow is my big day. Friday had an hour long visit with admitting and today had my radioactive injections. I was so worried about these as I had read that they can be quite painful for a few women. It was nothing. A pinch and some burning for a few minutes and all done. Husband and I will head at 8 for the 9 am guide wire and then noon surgery. Should be home before 5. I have never been intubated before so not looking forward to that, but hopefully the whole shubang will be uneventful.
Happy recovery or preparations, Everyone.
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Hello ladies....I took an internet break for a few days so there was a lot to read up on here! As much as I know many of you rely on this page for support, I do highly recommend you take a break no and again and try to just "live" without focusing on this BS. It was a nice break.
Did not see - Regarding the underarm pain...it has been driving me crazy. Even the seam of a shirt "hurts". It almost feels like my skin is being rubbed raw but it obviously isn't. The strange one thing I have found which helps is I put cornstarch based poweder allover my underarm/upper arm several times a day. I find the reduced friction really helps. The minute my skin is a bit moist I can feel it. I took the narcotics for 3 days if you count surgery day and the switched to extra strength Tylenol and I've been good. I'm on day 10 right now and I'm very happy with my mobility and progress. If you go for walks whether outside or the TM, I recommend really getting your arms involved with a good swing...I have found that gets me nice and loose to do my exercises after I'm done.
I'm heading into the tub with my laptop and a silly Netflix show...time to zone out! TTYL and enjoy the rest of your day!
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Rosarosadapinkrose--You can do it! We all did it and you can too. I found it very helpful to take fruit breezers into the hospital for talking after intubation. Lip balm was a neseccity too. We will all be here rooting you on and praying for you. Before you know it, it'll all be over. You will join us on the other side . Then you will begin healing. We are in this together-- all of us
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DsMom-- I agree with your advice about taking a break from BC thoughts sometimes. As wonderful as this thread and group of women is, I think tomorrow I'm going to focus on tv and fiction reading. Don't worry girls I'll be back after that. As far as the excercise, I agree. I feel much more stiff nd sore when I don't move than when I'm up and moving. This is after 11 days post surgery though girls- don't rush any of it. Do only what you can do and take it slow. I think I can drive tomorrow . I'm off the pain meds now
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Agreed 3Bears...do what you can/should but don't rush it - no one wants to compromise their recovery. Another good tip...doing exercises after a nice hot bath. The warmer you are the easier it is.
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yessss! Welcome to all you new beauties!
Continued healing vibes sent to my sisters who have been around the block, knocked down, and still bounce back. Seromas, hematomas, nerve pain, reactions to meds/tape/bandaging, anxiety, panic, suicidal thoughts, ptsd, depression, c dif, blood clots, respiratory problems, infections, delayed surgeries, altered surgeries, family dramas, work hassles, and on and on. You girls are UNSTOPPABLE!!
And to those headed to surgery this week, I can't help but think of the images of all the women in practically every city across the globe who were marching. I think of them as marching next to you and cheering as you head into the operating suite. What solidarity and sisterhood! What power!! (And yes, I second the idea of lip balm and throat lozenges for intubation, and I'd add ice cream at home, because, well, ice cream). The bungalows are waiting for you. The weather is warm and the water is divine. Don't be scared. We are all here for you.
On a personal note, I saw my ps and got cleared for exercise and saunas!!! I jumped online to book my favorite Pilates teachers class for Monday morning and it's booked solid. Aaaaarrrrrgggghhh. When I met with RO he gave me a placard for the parking garage that will give me preferential parking. Now I need a placard to get me into my favorite class - so I'm just sending this out to the universe - all you ladies signed up for 11am Pilates tmro, please find something else to do. I'm 4th on the wait list and really really want to go. I'm going to try to get as strong as possible before they try knocking me down with xrt. 'Weebles wobble but they don't fall down' - remember that?
It's ok to wobble, girls, but we are all helping each other to not fall down.
Xx
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Hey Ladies! I'm 2 and a half weeks post BMX and today for the first time in months I'm feeling pretty good! I even put my wig on and went to mass this morning. I've been going through chemo since September 2, and today for the first time since then I feel almost normal.
I'm also having strange pains in the axilla of the SNB, sharp pains if I make a bad move, but mostly feeling better. Believe it or not, I haven't showered yet , only sponge baths. Still not smelly though (or everyone is being very nice, lol) . Sternal pain too. I drove the other day and had to hold on to the seatbelt because it hurt after a while.
Now we are enjoying the football game. Hubby is a lifelong Atlanta Falcon fan and he is in heaven right now!!!
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Hello dear ladies, I am brand new here, surgery fast approaching Jan 27...This Friday!! I don't have a lot of time to post in various threads, so figured this would be the best thread for me. I also have very little experience on forums.
I had stereotactic biopsy, followed by MRI and ultrasound. Everything confirmed DCIS with foci of microinvasion. ER/PR neg, 3 separate areas in r breast. Going for prophylactic in l breast, even though genetic testing was neg. Ultrasound showed clear nodes, but will have SNB.
I hope no one minds me getting a few things off my chest.... I was told initially I was a candidate for nipple sparing, but during my final consult that was pretty much scrapped because I had prior reduction surgery and they are concerned about the blood supply. I am a little bummed about that, I'm not going to lie. Also It's hard to have to wait for pathology to get my prognosis. My surgeon said the DCIS is grade 3, and coupled with hormone negative it is aggressive. So naturally I am scouring the internet trying to figure it out for myself. And finally, I don't like the way the surgeon and nurse Navigator always look at me so sadly, like they know something I don't.
I am glad I found this forum so I can connect with others who are going through it, as I don't know anyone personally but one lady that has moved to the Netherlands.
Well, this post is long enough, I will be on here these last few days trying to get a feel for what to expect. Good luck and best wishes!!
Let's BEAT THIS!!!!
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Shoregirl, although we would all prefer you wouldn't be here, but since you are, welcome aboard. Start reading, you will find lots of info around here and many "sisters" will chime in.
docmama, so great you are feeling good! You deserve it, we all do
annoyingboob, some times we do fall down, let's be here for helping one another get up again.
didnotsee, hurray for your clear nodes
dcbc, loveee your cats
I'm a cat mom too!To all the rest amazing ladies here, to be honest I can't keep up with you lol!
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this weeks visualization for the girls going in ...
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I hate that sad look as well . What is hidden behind the pity look? I got a stereotactic too , but no ultrasound . Followed by a dx of dcis and a lumpectomy. Then pathology showed something invasive 3mm . So now I am getting SNB . I have to admit , I have not looked at my health app to see exactly what it reads. I am too overwhelmed by the situation at the moment . But damn this is such a confusing situation . It seems from what I read , it is all based on every pathology report as to what you have! Ok I need to calm down again and cook some dinner! But yes Shoregirl , let's beat this ! Docmama good to hear from you . I hope your pain eases up in all those areas . Take it easy!
❤
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I pressed the "submit" button before finishing my post.
This weekend was not a great one, I admit. Friday was out for a cup of coffee with a wonderful and brave lady I met online, a bc sister, we had a great time and she helped me a lot feeling better. She had the same plastic surgeon I'm gonna have so it was so great that she shared how happy she was with him and all.
And as I was returning home, full of hope and lighthearted after a long time, someone stole my wallet from my purse while I was in the subway. I realized it only when I had to change lines and needed my wallet. I don't care so much for the lost money, although I do need them, but it's the mess of all the paper stuff, credit cards and cash cards and ticket cards and my id and so many personal stuff... some photos of beloved relatives I won't be able to find again... a personal note from my husband which I used to read everytime I needed courage.. stuff like that.
I hate the idea that someone had them in his/her hands, touched them, or throw them away in a garbage bin. And I do have to miss at least a week till I get new papers and all. Frack!
I know it seems ridiculous and not that "much" comparing to all the rest happening in our lives now, but this one incident really was a blow and it hurt me, but I realize it's only my fragile emotional state that magnifies all..
Hugs girls!
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Coming to add some Greek beauty to the week's visualization for all the girls going in.
My mom's village. Can't wait till next summer to be there. I promised myself that till then I'll be back on my feet again, enjoying the sea.
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