January 2017 Surgery Group
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Goodluck tomorrow Bdagal, and Elem!!
I could use that epidural right now. After that, someone could drive my BMW to get some icecream. Night ladies
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Sending prayers and hugs to everyone going tomorrow! Once you get the Verced in your IV it's all good! Just tell your anesthesiologist if you're nervous. After that the time just flies.
I, too, can't believe this moth is already almost over. I have seen the January 2014 surgery group still having posts so I hope that's us, too. Lots of people heading off to different treatments but I would hate for us to lose contact. Hopefully we can meet in real cabanas in Tahiti or something in 25 years
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Hi ladies! I have a question for you: will the hospital give me a 'bra' or some contraption to wear home after the surgery? I'm thinking I don't want to wear my own bra into the hospital if I won't need it coming home. Little things.
I've got to admit as the day creeps closer, I'm getting a little nervous. Some gal friends of mine took me out for dinner last Friday and really treated me super. They all wore something pink, and brought me little gifts: candles, lotion, lip balm, fingernail polish, Magic Mike XXL (they know me well), checkout magazines, journals, etc. It was so unexpected and so nice! Made me cry.
I've also gone out and bought a stool for the tub, and some de-stressor bath bombs to help this anxiety this week. Did you guys do anything special right before surgery?
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I'm all in for staying right here with all of you! I just didn't know if we were going to start losing people after January. I want to finish this journey with all the amazing ladies I started with!!
Annoyingboob, I can't believe the cancer card doesn't get us ice cream! It's funny because I had a little day dream when you mentioned Oprah earlier...be great if she was still on and doing her surprises and we could write to her and get all of us together!! She would probably throw in the cabanas too!!
I guess we've all made amazing friends right here on our computers and that's something to be really thankful for so if we don't get ice cream too well then so be it!
Love you all and have a good and restful night
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my hospital had a store that sold post mastectomy bras and camisoles. My insurance paid for two camisoles (has pockets that holds the drains) and I think 6 bras (I just got two for now). I was pretty bound up with ace bandage after surgery and just wore the camisole over that. When I went to ps yesterday they took off the ace bandage and I put the bra on and put the camisole back on over it. It's worked out great. Maybe call your hospital or bs and ask if they know of any resources?
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hi all
This is amul79. Got my portfolio placed Monday January 23rd, knowing they can't use both my hands for Iv nurse was back and forth discussing with doctors and finally choose to use right hand wrist as its been 12 years the right lymph nodes were removed. Then fetanayal allergy they decided to go with anesthesia. Finally port was placed.
After coming home it started to hurt in the neck so bad I couldn't even move properly. The left arm is swelling a little, Monday, Tuesday were worst.
Today saw my oncologist/ hematologist to go through my treatment plan and explained my pains. Both neck and arm ultrasound was done.
Said nothing to be worried, in2 weeks port will adjust and numbing cream will be prescribed for chemotherapy.
For lymphadema therapy will be done after chemotherapy.
Don't why something is stabbing in my neck.have to wait and see.
BTW ultrasound was done pretty vigorously on neck leaving me in tears for 2 hrs and arm 1 hour. I thought definitely something wrong with me.
Starting chemotherapy on Feb 1st.
This Friday is some educational lesson with nurse about chemotherapy.
Wish me luck.
Amul79
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Win-chimed, I did a right mastectomy on 30 Nov and ALND on 4 Jan. Just started AC yesterday. My chemo regime is 4AC - once every 3 weeks followed by 12 weekly Taxol. I am still pretty new in the chemo journey but let me know if I can help.
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Was hoping to be ready for surgery by the end of the month, but saw my plastic surgeon yesterday and i got some bad news. He has to go for an eye surgery on 13th of February and needs at least ten days for recovery. He proposed to send me to another collegue but i refused. I feel comfortable with him and dont want to change, but that means i m moving to March now... I m trying to see it in a positive light... I ll have some extra time to enjoy walks and seeing friends and visiting museums and celebrate my birthday on February...
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To all the 26th girlz, Bdagal, Elementary and LisabeKind, wishing you a calm morning before you make your way to the bar at the bungalow. Check in when you can
Figthingirl, Docmama, Annoyingboob, BeachBaby and PugsMama now that you all are post-op and looking in other threads if you could share what threads you found helpful I would appreciate the info. I feel I have become more aware of so many things I wouldn't even think of before surgery. This group has been so important to my journey through BC.
Much love to my BC sisters
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Good morning Ladies
DocMama - until you posted that pic I was not tracking you are from FLL! We cruise several times a year from FLL...I'm jealous! DO you ever cruise? You have such easy access to the port! You could grab a last minute deal so easily! It's so much more complicated when you have to book a flight from a snowy country! Booo!!!
Pyrrh - I totally understand your frustration. Being in the military, I am very active....weight training, running, cross training....any limitations are not well received! My job is to be fit! Of course I have a "pass" for this fiscal year for my fitness test but I feel like I am going to have to work double hard to get back in condition to pass our test for next year. The biggest challenge for me is the "drag". We have to drag 265lbs roughly the length of a basketball court; it has to be one pull...can't stop moving or you fail. I'm 5'1", 112lbs...it is not easy for me lol. I've got no weight to put behind it! I'm very grateful as of yesterday I was cleared to do whatever I feel I can do (within reason of course). I'm 2 weeks post op today...I'm not suggesting I'll be out dragging 265lbs, but when I asked the surgeon about the generic 10lb limit for the next few weeks he was like "pfft...you're nearly 100% healed - do whatever you want/can - you're fit and fine." It was a big relief! I still feel like I have tightness...I can't quite get my arm completely vertical over my head, but it's coming. I hope you're recovery will accelerate and you'll be back full speed soon!
Vargadoll - I know what you mean about your Target run lol. Before surgery I went to Walmart by myself and I must have wandered around for an hour! Like everyone I assume I'm always rushing....always have somewhere to be! It was so nice to not have a schedule!
AnnoyingBoob - good effort with the Moose Tracks lol! I am actually buying an ice-cream maker today - my 3yr old is so excited! We're going to make our own evil concoction this weekend! Muhahahaha!!
Amul79 - welcome! I hope you are feeling better soon!
To all the ladies in surgery today - good luck! Just remember when you wake that evil shit will be gone from your body - that's the best!
I had my post-op yesterday - surgeon was very pleased with how I look. As I've mentioned before, he doesn't use drains...I now think he's on to something. I don't think anyone here "enjoyed" the drains...and I know some people who really struggled with them. His theory is, the less opportunity (holes in the skin) for infection, the better. So, he allows fluid to build up, and then drains it himself. Yesterday it looked like I had had reconstruction there was so much fluid...he drained it (completely painless) and now I'm flat. He said he may have to do it again in few weeks...no big deal. Well, the price we pay for free health care in Canada is the turtle pace. Two weeks post op and still no pathology - grrr!! Surgeon said he will rattle some chains today and see what the hold up is. He wasn't too fussed...my MRI/US all showed clear nodes, but he did say that it's possible to have micro level invasion that cannot be seen on a scan. He said it is very common and really the only difference it makes is in my treatment plan. I'm trying not to get worked up about it. I'm back to work on Monday and very happy about it...I am "over" being at home lol! Never thought I'd hear myself say that! My Hubby and I are planning our first "childless" vacation away in late Feb/March...waiting on his availability from work. It's going to be weird but I think nice. We take our little guy everywhere...he's been on I think 9 cruises with us and he's only 3 lol. It will be nice to be just us though, and if I have to do chemo, we will go before I start - a present to myself.
Hope you all have a good day....sorry for the very long post!
Lydia
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Good morning, everyone. So sorry for the delayed responses. Today is post-op day two, and I feel pretty good. Ended up having both a paravertebral block and general, but was able to come home yesterday morning (I am 29 and otherwise in good health). My primary tumor was multifocal and 1.5cm. One node of six had a 2mm area in it as well. Currently have four JP drains that should be removed on Monday. Much love to all the fellow January ladies. I wish you all speedy recoveries!
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Vargadoll, I have to be honest...I'm sure there are very wonderful ladies that would be helpful all over this board but I truly just love this one...perhaps because we started from the beginning together and have gotten to know one another and I've not given others as much of a chance because I'm constantly drawn to you all and anxious to see how everyone is doing. I am hopeful we'll all stay together through the remainder of this journey though I know some will need to venture out for their own reasons/information and that's okay. I've only had one bad experience with a negative nelly on a different thread...I would say a little strong with her opinion of my upcoming brachytherapy but I forgive because who knows what kind of day she was having and I'd like to believe the best intentions were behind it. This is my home base and you ladies have pulled me through some of the worst times of my life.
DsMom, I'm a cruise lover also! We are trying to plan one with our best friends for their upcoming wedding anniversary. Everybody is waiting on me to figure out what the rest of my treatment plan will be...I hate that and have told them to go ahead and plan their anniversary but they want to wait. I think this will be my 5th cruise so nowhere near the amount you've done but it is my favorite way to vacation. My husband likes them but isn't as fond as me which is why the last few years we haven't done them. I agree the docmama is luck to live so close!! Being in AZ is nice because it's a short flight or drive to LA but not as many exotic locations to go from west coast.
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DCISinAZ: thanks for the info! I will check with the doc's office about what to expect. I did buy one bra from Soma - they have a great resource of mastectomy post-surgery bras, even ones that clasp in the front. Just not sure how many I will need or what kind. Oh and I just HAD to buy a pair of silky button-up pajamas, ya know, while I was in the store. :-) A girl has to feel pretty, right?
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BugChaser: Glad to hear you are home and recuperating! Sending all good energy for speedy healing!!
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I'm with Fightingirl here - I like the idea of forming relationships here in this thread and staying. I'm planting myself. I will venture out to read and post, but you all are my "girls".
Ahhhh, a cruise sounds great. Especially right now. My MO is now out of town and never called me back regarding radiation next week!!!???? I did, however, find that my insurance has a program called "Great Doctors" where I can put in all my info and they have a panel of doctors (supposedly in the top 5-10% of their field) who will do an expert review and give me a 2nd opinion. I filled it out yesterday, wish I had done so a few weeks back so I could have told the MO and have a plan at this point.
Everything I've read corroborates what I thought - my "high" (at 23%, just over the border of 20) KI-67 probably got nullified by the super high ER+ and PR+ numbers (over 98% each) meaning the hormonal therapy will be so effective the chemo doesn't add anything meaningful to the risk. Plus, if we re-run the Oncotype on my surgical specimen, the KI-67 will likely return higher since my body was repairing the core biopsy as well as growing cancer. If anyone here in this thread has read (or been told by their doctors) anything different than this let me know your learnings, I am hardly an expert. Although I hate to say I felt more informed than my MO yesterday, which made me seriously question sticking with her.
DSMom- a few years back I trained TKD with a man who was in the Canadian National Guard (I think that's it) - he had to go home every summer to fulfill his duties, then he would return to us for the fall/winter/spring. I think that's awesome that you serve your country like that! Glad to see that even with a mastectomy your doctor has cleared you for activity. Every time I do stuff with my TKD class I'm thinking "this is probably so not allowed" but I do it anyway. My arm works great, only a bit sore underneath from the armpit seroma and a bit of tingly nerve damage up the underside of the arm.
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On bras - I felt the most comfortable in my regular "street" bra from day one. Normally I wear sports bras (being a martial arts instructor there's a lot of moving involved) but I haven't liked the squishyness - didn't hurt exactly, just felt "off". My street bra feels great! Plus, I am healing up super super well and my breast has a nice shape despite missing a chunk of flesh. Maybe it's because the cup is holding everything in place in a normal shape? I don't know.
I wore the front closing, Fruit of the Loom sports bras (two sizes too big) that I was advised to puchase for brachytherapy and found them to be less comfortable, but doable.
My MO even asked me if I got a crazy post-surgical bra and I said "no, just my normal one" then showed her my breast and she was astonished at how healed it looked.
I tried going bra-less yesterday for an hour or so, but ultimately ended putting the bra back on. I think I'm just nervous about it. Still sleeping in it too. I used to pretty much ditch the bra at the door, found them super uncomfortable. LOL.
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Pyrrh- totally agree with you about good sports bras. When I was diagnosed I went on the hunt for post surgery bras. My personal favorites as far as street bras have been Jockey High Impact sports bras. They have a hook plus a zipper in the front and offer great compression. I found mine on clearance for $10 a piece, so I was a super happy girl. 😁
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Pyrrh...when I spoke with my surgeon yesterday I asked (because honestly I wasn't sure) whether, other than my incision (which at 2 weeks he said is almost healed - incredible!) should I be worried about "hurting" myself and he said no. I asked because certain things I do make my arm feel like a super tight elastic ready to snap. It doesn't "hurt" but it's not 100% comfortable and it made me nervous that something indeed was going to snap. He said his patients are usually overly cautious and that based on how I was healing I was not going to open up my incision or hurt myself and to just do what I can within my limits; I was very pleased. Everyone is different obviously, but I feel very lucky that my recovery has been so quick. I went for a light jog on the treadmill this AM and it felt great! Anything that makes me feel like "me" again is so appreciated!
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DSMom - my surgeon told me (before surgery even) that I should know that it's actually very very hard to mess up the surgery site. I mentioned that I was a martial artist and very active and wanted to teach 4 days after surgery and she said something like "well I wouldn't grapple or anything like that" (LOL). When I told her I wasn't planning contact, but lots of full range motion, she was not worried. That said, I talked to her after teaching two days and told her what I had been doing and she laughed and said "how's that going for you?" (answer - fine).
I am the happiest when teaching, there's no time to think about this other crap. Although with the residual soreness I do get reminded when moving around. I am anxious to start training for myself again and not just teach classes.
Hey Bugchaser - I recently moved from northern Colorado, in fact that's where I had my mammogram and biopsy (since I was back "home" for a long Christmas holiday). Living in Texas now. Wish I could have stayed at the facility in Colorado, they seemed much better and more on top of things. Here I have to pull and press and insist for every step of the way.
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Fightingirl-- I'd like to keep in touch with you girls too. We did this together! I'll remember your names all my life , that's for sure.
I'll find out about chemo on tues the 31st. I sure am praying that I get a super low oncotype dx score. I hope none of us will need it. PugsMama, let us know what you finding out today.
Pyrrh--I don't like being told I can't do things anymore either. It's very disconcerting! I'm going to have to do lymph node massage a few days a week for the rest of my life. I'm glad to not have cancer though.
Vargadoll and Annoyingboob- thanks. Your are right. We all will have bad days . It's a journey that will build character . We will be better on the other side for having gone through this.
Jinmo- the mobility excercises are helping me a lot. I too thought it felt like tape on the outside pulling until I realized it's inside. Keep doing the moves, and gently massage the area as if putting lotion on. This will break up the scar tissue. I do hope the wooden feeling will go away.
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Ann-sg - Thank you for your response.
Fightingirl - I wasnt sure how the process work after surgery, I just assumed that they will start you on a treatment and I haven't seen my Onco yet. I've tried my best to update my profile, just not acronym savvy with all these medical terms.
As for everyone else - Im sure going to miss everyone. I won't know what other forum room to go to until I meet up with the Onco. Mostly other rooms I've went to are not up to date or not active. Bummer....but im still...
~giving shuga~
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I am so happy to read that you girls are happiest in this thread! I am to. I had ventured out to a few of the other threads and didn't find them as helpful. Figthingirl, I also had someone with very strong opinions comment to me and was like....well...ok?? I consider myself a lucky girl to find all of you. I hope that I will be a comfort to any of the girls that might join after I have my surgery. You women are so strong and have so much knowledge. I would not have a clue where to start without this thread. The love, laughter and honest responses have connected us all together!
We have never been on a cruise. We love to travel but have never attempted a cruise. My husband and I are both so over protective of our AFL daughter (like a foster care) that we worry about needing medical care and not being able to get it quick enough. She has seizures (well controlled) and has several gastro issues and she aspirates which can make it tricky to feed her. We travel anywhere by car with her and have flown with her before 911. I wonder if all her medication could be carried on a flight now. No way I would check it in. When I say I work 24/7 I mean it lol.
I love my Victoria Secret high impact sports bra. I have 3 and love them. I wish I could wear them post surgery but they are pull over racer back and TIGHT! The girls do not move while I'm at Zumba and I don't have uni-boob either. I got 2 Danskin zip front bras from Walmart a few days ago. I also got luck and found 2 soft button up tops that have a flannel look but are a warm jersey type material. Not what I would typically wear so glad they were cheap. I will make pj's out of the after this show is over. I imagine I will be living on yoga pants for a few days.
So glad to hear everyone is getting good news and feeling so well. I wish I could hug you all!
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Hello my name is joyfaith, I been following this group since the beginning of January, which has been very helpful to me. Lots of good and helpful information. I had BMX on Thursday January 19, and now in recovery. The drains are the worst but also I have lots of back pain.0
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I am here waiting for my snb . Got the nuclear meds and I am ready . Hoping for good outcome .
💪🏻👍
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Welcome Joyfaith, so glad you found us even though it's not the best of circumstances that bring any of us here. I hope your recovery keeps getting better and the back pain disappears. Back pain is no fun! I did not have drains but I know many of the other ladies here were very happy to get them out so if you come back once those are gone, we will happy dance with you!! Keep in touch with us on how you're doing. You probably have lots of helpful information for us as well.
TO ALL: I think it's decided we all stay right here unless you don't want. We are sticking together ladies! I'm glad I'm not the only one who doesn't want to leave this thread. Sorry Vargadoll about the person who was quite strong with you. I was pretty taken back when that happened to me because I'm so used to how loving and kind all of you are.
Win-chimed, I am not a fan of all the acronyms either...I suppose it's helpful but I don't know how to use any properly so I pretty much just spell it out! Keep us posted on your treatment...we're all learning together and would like to be there for you. I love that you always give us the shuga too...we need lots of shuga these days! Keep it coming.
For all the ladies working...chug, chug, chug...Friday is almost here! I for one am in need of the weekend! I have been since Tuesday though! hahaha!
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Elem! It will go great, and after today it will be OUT of your body for good! Hang tight!
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To all my brave ladies - just had to share this. Will catch up later.
Oh - and I plan to stay out with the lovelies right here!
Much love!!
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good morning ladies - yes, I am in for staying in this group forever. I need you ladies in my life for sure. I want to know how everyone's doing, I want to be a caring hand to hold as each of you you embark on your next treatment path. I met my oncologist yesterday. She was great and very thorough. She asked me if I understood exactly what was going on. I gave her my report and she said, wow you do know what's going on. I said I have my girls for support and to help me understand the many phases of BC. I don't need to go back for 3 months! Now it is just my PS once a week until I reach my desired size then implant replacement surgery. I feel blessed to have such great results. That was my prayer all along and why I choose a double mx over lumpectomy.
Thinking of you all with positive thoughts. I'm off to shower and head into my new office! Going to take my staff to lunch! It is great to feel human again. Those in recovery, for me 3 weeks until I felt well enough to leave the house. Got to watch my son wrestle last night and he had the best match of his high school career. I was so happy that I got to be there to watch! It was my first outing and I had bad anxiety. I was greeted by so many and they all lifted my spirits. It is great to live in a small town. I have had so many praying for me and I know God heard their prayers. I'm giving Him the glory for my positive results after surgery. Amen.
Love you ladies and I will be here checking in daily. I need you all!
Xoxox
Lisa
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elem, good luck! You are a pro now, so hoping this second surgery will be a breeze!
Win chimed- I don't know a thing about chemo, but I'm sending tons of shuga right back at you!!
Pugsmama - is today mamaprint day? Goood luck!!!!
Joy faith- love your name! Congrats on making it through surgery and hang in there for another week with those drains. Fingers crossed they come out next week!
3bears - we are all cheering for a low oncotype. I feel like we are surrounding a table at Vegas where they roll the dice. Low numbers!!!!
Pyrrh and Dsmom - our true asskicking warriors. Cancer doesn't stand a chance with you girls and your taekwando and soldier moves. Be afraid. Be very afraid, bc. These girls don't have time for you!
Vargadoll- my little ninja (my little ninja) - haha. It looks like you fixed the bug where you were double posting. Too bad, I got a good giggle from that. I can't believe you still haven't had surgery yet, but your day is coming up. Sounds like you have you s$@t together, so no worries.
Happy healing to the pistols ( haha I wrote postop but it autocorrected to pistols, and I kinda like that).
May calm and peace of mind bless the preops.
May clean margins, clear nodes, and low test scores rain upon everyone in a torrential downpour of health!!
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It's good to hear that I'm not alone in my "bonding" with this thread. I'd been following several groups/threads here since I was diagnosed last August, and truly this is where I have felt most comfortable. I was following the September chemo group and did find a lot of good advice there. In fact, that's where I met BeachBabyK; we started talking about our January surgeries and she decided to start this thread - the rest is history!
What I'm getting at is that no matter what your question or need the community here at Breastcancer.org is bound to have someone asking the same questions or going through the same treatment as you are. If you can't find the answers you need, just start your own thread and "they will come" - if you build it.
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