January 2017 Surgery Group
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blurgh.
Simulation was fine. You basically lie on the ct table. They get you comfy, which is pretty impossible with your arms above your head. Spend a lot of time positioning you, then take a few scans. 2 breathing normal and the last one with about a 15sec breathold. I kept my eyes closed so not claustrophobic. Then they mark skin and give 'tattoos' which I can barely see and didn't feel at all. Now I'm in the virtual wating room as first treatment isn't until end of feb. Gah. BC is like salt water taffy - it just stretches out time longer and longer. Can we just be done already?! Rude. Breast cancer you are a rude and inconsiderate beast and I can't wait to radiate the hell out of you, you miserable monster.
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Hi ,
Well the appt went well . It was not the simulation . It was more about the RO explaining my situation and that was great because I found out everything from the beginning to now. So I had DCIS and a lumpectomy to remove it . The DCIS was covering a pretty good size area. When pathology came back there was a 3mm invasive component. SNB was recommended and done with no node involvement. Being this small , they did not grade the tumor , but the stage is T1a.
Er+PR+Her2-
So today the RO gave me some stats on with radiation and hormone therapy as well as without tx at all . He also gave me stats on radiation alone and hormone therapy alone.
So now I get to decide. I am very very grateful that my cancer is the absolute best I could hope for , if I have to have it. All the Docs have said this to me . Seeing it on paper brings it home.
I am also 61 with two grown sons and 9 grandkids . It looks favorable for a future with them . So I am uber thankful that I am where I am , but I could not have gotten here without ya'll.
I am going to go to work this weekend . Does radiation make you feel fatigued ? If I start it , can I work 8 hrs a day ? They said it would take longer to drive to the clinic than the treatment itself . My drive there is 10 mins. They said it takes 10 mins for the tx. It will be 5 days a week once a day for 4 weeks . Going to read up on that hormone pill , but don't see the MO re: that for a week or so . Anyone who has been through this , if you have any advice , I would love to hear it
Love you girls ❤💗🌸
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Elem -I have not done radiation (yet), but have spoken with some that have. I've heard that fatigue is definitely a factor, but that it takes a couple of weeks to hit (kind of an accumulation type thing). Most said that work was definitely doable. My only other comment is about the time for radiation. Although the actual treatment may take 10 min, I've heard to give them at least a 1/2 hr as the machine has to be cleared, tested, and then programmed with your info, they have to put you into the machine and get you set up, all before the 10 minutes of treatment. And that's if they work on time. I just want you to give enough time to get to where ever you need to go. I mean with my RO tomorrow (he was MIA at my first appt). I will find out my own course of treatment then and we can compare. :-)
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Elem...that's wonderful news!!!
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Thank You Lizbekind and Beachbabyk ,
I love this ability to share with everyone and get such great tips and responses so readily . So cumulatively , I will bectired. I also heard that hot flashes are a problem on the hormone therapy.But hey, if these are thecworst possibilities, I think I will take it! 🌸💗
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Saw my MO. Looks like chemo now. 4 sessions, 3 weeks apart, then radiation after chemo. Meet my RO tomorrow. Will also have a port put in for the chemo since I have horribke veins
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elem- radiation was totally doable with 8 hr days. I ate lunch at desk and left 1/2 hr early for treatment. My drive was 5 min, waiting with others 5, and zapping 5 min. I didn't get too tired until the end of my 7 weeks. Hope you have the same not-too-bad experience! Now since I had rads before, 2x for meleft no choice but bmx and you have to be mindful that your breast skin has been changed, but rad itself was not traumatic.
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Fightingirl
I was there the other day so im in tears right now, I feel ya shuga pop. Its ok to vent and have a meltdown. And you got this, I know you do. I have a 16 yr old, working a full time job...and I know it can get heavy, but look in that mirror and say to yourself...I CAN DO THIS!
Im so excited to see posts of good recovery. It fuels my soul and keeps me inspired. Love you ladies!!!
*giving a BIG heaping of shuga this go round*
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Good to know Bevmomduck . Did you do the hormone pill as well? Today I finally feel like I can just relax and do a flatline day or two . Since this all began on Dec 13,2016 , I have thought about BC day and night until now. I am so ready to finish this all consuming beast ! I am grateful for fall the new friends I have here and will continue to be here for support and friendship. If anyone is going to start a private group facebook page for us please let me know the name so I can request to be in.
Winchimed Thank You for the much needed shuga.. it always brightens my days.
💗💗💗💗
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hi there,
Just checking in. had my surgery on Monday, released Tuesday. All went well with the surgery but because I am a gastric bypass patient I need liquid painkillers and that is very hard to come by. So i have had nothing to help with pain except tylenol since release yesterday. My script will be filled by thurs afternoon, thank all the gods in existence, cuz I don't know how i am going to deal otherwise. i cannot even imagine those who do a bilateral--the pain in my left arm/underarm area is intense.
Will get pathology report by Friday. All appendages (that I can move) crossed!
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Two more weeks till my surgery and it is good to have you all as guides. It cheers me to see many of you showing up post-surgery and I hope you feel better each day!
So, I am having my surgery 6 days before my 50th birthday. Not according to plan! But at least I am taking care of some important business.
It's a unilateral mastectomy with tissue expander reconstruction. What are my chances of being up to socializing over dinner at home with a few friends? Or lots of friends? I assume i wont be up for a party, but I don't know!
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good evening ladies... so much news... 3bears so sorry to hear about the chemo... but you will rock it I am sure.
Fightingirl, my firs PT appointment she told me I wouldn't be able to row again...this about a sport for which I gladly get up at 430 each morning (and I a not a morning person at all). I need to row.... it keeps me sane Anyway, they are trained to prevent lymphedema, and that is their job... so they tell you things by the book....but don't get ahead of yourself. Get through the PT, get your mobility back and see how it goes. Not everyone has -trouble with lymphedema, and you may need few, it any of the precautions the PT mentioned.d.Stay Positive, and see what comes
and as an aside re; my rowing, it turns out that there are rowing clubs all over the US just for women who have recovered from bc... one must just be knowledgeable and take care. Blanket statements like "For the rest of your life' is what we call at our our house "stinking thinking'.... not helpful
To all those who are now out of surgery; welcome and drinks on me! Shelly so sorry about the vomiting!
I had a weird day today --- my PS scolded me yesterday for not taking y narcotics so took themlast night nad slept like. A baby.. yay! but have been so weak today anyway that I actually passed out in my bed. Really did not think this would be as hard as it is. one week in and still need someone to help e to the bathroom in case I pass outl. cried for the second time I this whole thing because of the blackout in bed... hate being weak.
cowboy those horses are beautiful... I would give a lot to be out on a trail right ow.
Xo
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win-chimed, thank you! Definitely a rough day and even though I knew this was literally going to be a fight that threw my life off course for awhile, this arm thing didn't ever come to mind. I had 2 lymph nodes removed and a chunk taken from my breast...never did I think my arm might never be the same! But you are right...gotta look in that mirror and say I can do this. WE CAN DO THIS!
So many of you are facing things you didn't want to and I know we have eachother. Once again, you guys have helped pull me through this day and knowing we are in it together helps so much.
Elem, I am so happy for you! Incredible! Sounds like you are just doing the traditional external beam radiation? Did they talk to you about brachytherapy at all?
RoseRN1, just from things I've read on this forum, it sounded to me like having the port is the way to go...I'm not super educated in that but I do know that if it turns out chemo is in my future I will also probably need that. Die to the cording/lymphedema I am never allowed to have a needle into my left arm again. I hope it goe by super fast and side effects are not an issue for you. We are here for you.
Annoyingboob, the dreaded virtual waiting room!! Sister, if only that room could be like the bungalows! You are still doing the partial radiation? Why such a long wait?
Well ladies, I've drained myself. Emotionally spent! Thank you so much for lifting me back up today. Xxo
Wishing DennyJ the best of luck tomorrow!
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vcwytych, it isgood to see you checking in! But sorry you have to wait till tomorrow for true relief. Hang in there with the Tylenol, and I hope you can get some sleep or some other distraction.
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Just curious...who is in the waiting room with me waiting to see if you are to have chemo or not? I know there are several of us.
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glad to hear frim you Vicwytch and glad you are doing well . Hope you get to feeling good and your meds get sorted out .
Shellybeans , glad you are doing well and recovering. Goingon75 checked in yesterday I believe and also doing well . You girls rocked the OR.
Fightingirl, Sorry about the rough day . That phrase hurts everytime! I know you are exhausted and I wish you a good nights rest . Brachy therapy was not discussed for me and I forgot to ask why , but he recommended whole breast because the DCIS was extended to a pretty sizable area and pattern . The invasive component was extra small .
Good nightvall you beautiful ladies . I love each and every one of you💪🏻
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cowboy-up, I know for sure that I am! Pugsmama is also and I'm sure more...cancer brain prevents me from recalling and the fact that our group has gotten so big!
Dcbc, thank you! I hope it was all worst case but those words were scary and I know they just want to prevent bad lymphadema and make me take care of that quadrant of my body very well. I already broke the riles drinking wine tonight but I'm going to do my therapy and get my arm back and pray like crazy that None of the rest ever sets in for me. I've got to get back to yoga so I'm in it to beat it
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February 6, 2017, Bilateral mastectomy, reconstruction to follow in a few months
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any time, fightingirl! I predict sun salutations in your future in march... April,latest! 🤗
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dcbc, I LOVE you!!! ❤️💕😘 I'm going for it and can't wait to say you were right
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cowboy-up- I am. I met with RO yesterday and was told his recommendation would be 5 1/2 weeks after my chemo treatment. He was certain my MO would be recommending 3-6 months- and probably 6 months. Glad to be a part of you guys - wishing none of us have to be here
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Fightingirl I too totally get it. The being upset with the rest of your life talk and thinking. For the rest of my life my real breasts will be gone, I'll always feel some kind of numbness from the axillary dissection. For the rest of m life I'll have concerns about lymphedema. They told me that too-- that I'll have to wear a compression sleeve every time I fly or drive through mountains for the rest of my life. I have to do lymph massage every day right now but several days a week for the rest of my life. I also wonder what kind of rest of my life things will be caused by chemo. You know, only one in five women get lymphedema. Many women aren't ever even warned about it. I think we should be cautious but never worry about it. I hope you don't have it Fightingirl. I'm sorry to hear about the cording. Dr appt always upset me too.
Bevmomduck- yes that's grade 3. They will probably do oncotype dx test on you after surgery to determine whether they think you should do chemo.
Elem--naps are the best! And we don't even ever have to feel guilty for taking them! Enjoy
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Cowboy-up, I am.
Last night was rough. I'm a week out of surgery. Well, I could not stand my hair feeling a bit greasy anymore! So I washed it and dried it with a brush. Put a shirt over my head, took a walk. Who do I think I am, bionic women. When I laid down last night, I felt like someone was burning my chest, and I was freezing. I guess I won't be doing that today.
This talk about lymphedema may be going to my head. I'm a cycling instructor. I would like to keep teaching, but may not. I think I'm pushing myself very hard. I guess I'll cross that road when I get there. I hope we all can get back to the things we enjoy.
Prayers for all surgeries today, and anyone getting treatment.
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cowboy-up: I'm waiting too. This coming Wed. is my first oncologist appt. I'm expecting my MammaPrint results to be back by then. It will be 4 weeks - I'm going to blow a gasket if they're not there!
Pamela2016: you might be up for a small get together a week out. Your energy level might be better than mine since you're having a unilateral...I had a BMX. You're also younger! Happy upcoming Birthday!
Fightingirl: hope the shit fairy left you alone last night & you were able to get a good night's sleep...things always look better in the morning when you've slept well...xoxo
Lisabekind: do you still have your drains? exercise makes you drain more...rest up today! It's hard to listen to your body telling you to slow down when you want to move, isn't it
Elem: I can only imagine what a relief you must be feeling....so thrilled for you!
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dcbc and fightingirl - thanks for the talk on lymphedema. Being a martial artist, it is of utmost importance to me to do everything I can to make my arm fully functional. I mentioned it (again) to my MO the last time we talked and she was like "oh, I don't know that I would do that". Grrrr! Of course I'm going to do that, it's my job (literally), my workout, and my social life all rolled into one. I have told them all from minute one that we needed to do everything possible in our power to keep my arms 100% fully functional, period. never was it hinted that the sentinal node biopsy could put me in the world of babying my arm (seriously, not even a blood pressure? geesh)
I have read some articles referencing research that being active and moving the arm alot can potentially avoid or improve lymphedema in bc patients. I am sure it has to be done "right" and with good knowledge and care. Going to ask for a PT to work with me as I ease back into my sport to see what we can accomplish. This arm is very accustomed to being hit and smacking into things hard, it shouldn't really send it into a panic if I go into it slowly over time.
Going to go get cleaned up for day 4/5 of brachytherapy radiation. So far, so good. Got a great night of sleep last night, I hardly even notice the catheter.
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PugsMama, yes drains are in, and hopefully come out tomorrow.
Question for any double mastectomy. Under my arm hurts bad, for the past 2 days. Like someone hit me with a bat. Has anyone felt that, and it is normal?? Maybe I'll call Dr.
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Lots of news on here, sending my support to all you ladies who are going to walk a longer road than you were hoping. You are strong enough to do it, I know.
Lisabekind, my left (node) underarm was definitely more tender than the right, and if I pressed it it felt like a big bad bruise, but it didn't hurt that much if I left it alone, if you know what I mean. So if yours is that painful all the time, one week out, I might consider calling the doc. I had 5 nodes out, don't remember how many you got.
Pyrrh, I certainly have to confess that I would not want somebody to smack me on or under my node arm really hard right now or maybe ever. It's not so much that it "does hurt" as that it's telling me it "could hurt".
Fightingirl, sun salutations, yes, may we all do them very soon!
The blood pressure/needle stick rule, forever on the node side, is what I was told too. I will be using my node arm and if bad things happen to it, oh well. Because not using it because I am afraid of what might happen, seems worse to me. But my use is more lifting, pulling, reaching, not so much contact stuff like pyrrh is maybe describing. I have swelling on that side under the arm and I think some of it is lymph fluid, feels squishy, but I am working the manual lymph flow sheet they gave me to try to move it on out, and I think the other exercises help a lot too with general fluid flow.
I know I've missed new people but saw joyfaith and Pamela, welcome!
Anyway, took so long to finish and post this, there's probably 20 more posts by now!
Wishing a good day for you all.
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Good morning everyone - Wow, lots to digest on all these posts. Congrats to those with good news and hugs and love to those who will have a longer road to travel on this journey to be bc-free. Like just having surgery and all the recovery for that wasn't enough, to find out that more and perhaps more treatment than you anticipated is needed is definitely a blow. Take the time to care for yourself; there is no "right" way to do all of this and if you need a few days of a pity-party-cry-fest, certainly no one here is going to judge that!
I guess at some point we find a "new" normal. But I agree; every time you have to write down your diagnosis on a form, or make *another* doctor appointment, or have to choose which arm to have blood pressure done on, or put on a compression cuff, it's going to be a reminder.
Just know that we are here for all of you. To be a source of encouragement in any way we can. Whether it's those who are farther down the road than you that can offer you a "I made it through this, you can too", or just people to be in your cheering section.
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This group is growing daily! I am thankful for the ladies that are a highway of information for me.
Fightingirl, that just sucks! I do hope that a good nights sleep help process it all. I was told lymphedema would not be something I needed to worry about when I went to my first appointment. NOT what I was told at the last...really guys!?!?
Cowboy-up, chemo was something I wasn't thinking about or even worrying about but apparently now it's been thrown in the mix of we will see. I am scheduled for surgery next Tuesday.
Elem, Always a blessing to read good news on here!
Lisabekind, My NC BC buddy! Rest! Sorry you had a rough night. You are better than a bionic woman to! You kicking cancers ass!
3bears, every time I see your name I will smile now after the beautiful picture annoyingboob shared. I was going yes yes yes to your post about having concerns the rest of your life, Indeed, our world has changed forever by this dreaded diagnosis.
RoseRN1, GT1965 and others are in the waiting for chemo group. Thinking of you all!
Annoyingboob, another wait...it truly is the hardest part. I must say while I wait your post have been the best. You are our biggest cheerleader and we are all cheering for you now.
Win-chimed, your suga is the best!
Thanks to all the girls who have checked on after surgery. We all look for those post. I need to know how all you ladies are. I might not be able to name you all but I honestly do check this thread every couple of hours. I check in and speed read and most of the time am not able to comment, I usually have a kid attached to one arm or both!
My pre-op made me want to puke! (and I typically am not a puker) Was all they really necessary????? I have decided I shall call it FEAR-OP due to the fact that it scared the living hell out of me!
Much love to the warriors of this group!
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Gosh, I am amazed at how many posts there are in just a couple of days. Thanks for the pep talk on my waiting game, guess I just need to be patient!
Fightingirl - my surgeon told me that I did not need to worry about the blood draw thing in my left arm. I still have to keep an eye on the lymphedema, almost 3 weeks after surgery and so far so good! Of course future treatments might change that!
Cowboy-up - I am still in the waiting room with you! I have an appointment on the 10th to see what my oncodx results are! Praying for low numbers! It would be nice to just have radiation and get this over with!
Hang in there ladies! KEEP FIGHITNG - WE CAN DO THIS!
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