January 2017 Surgery Group
Comments
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Good Morning everyone! Just checking in with this thread and it seems like yesterday was quite the rollercoaster! You are all in my thoughts and prayers and since it's just too much for this chemo-addled brain to go back and mention each and every one of you here, just know that we are a strong community here and we will all rise to the occasion - we have no other choice, right? Like the song says, we will Rise Up!
My husband was playing this song yesterday while I was getting my Herceptin infusion, but he was listening because it's become the anthem for his lifetime favorite team, the Atlanta Falcons, who are playing the Patriots tomorrow in the Super Bowl. He's been a die-hard fan since he was 9 years old and has suffered through many losing seasons. Pardon my NCR (not cancer related) post! Fingers crossed for the game!!
So Rise Up ladies! We've all got each other's backs.
And here is the song to inspire everyone's day! Kisses to you all!
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grande, I'm so glad you are doing well and I hope today and going forward is no different on the pain scale!
Annoyingboob and cowboy-up...I hadn't thought of purring anything on scars...I, glad you mentioned! So much on my mind but I will go in search of something today. I'm guessing I won't be able to use it once radiation starts but I'll get a few days before and then afterwards I will have it on hand.
Docmama, Love that song and downloaded it yesterday to my playlist for my catheter placement on Tuesday! My RO will play my playlist while he works! It'll make getting all the needles to the boob more tolerable I think!
Happy Saturday friends! What is everyone doing today? I'm dong some chores and nesting getting ready for the next couple of weeks. Between radiation and physical therapy I don't think I will have a lot of time on my hands. Both places are right across the street from eachother but about 20 minutes from home...itd be nice to have the appointments one right after the other but I don't know how to make that work. The radiation can be minutes or up to an hour because it depends on how long the radiation seed has been stored. The whole fam is going to dinner at my mom she tonight and friends of ours are bringing is dinner tomorrow.
Speaking of that....is anyone else having a hard time accepting help? I really don't want them to bring us dinner! They know how crazy my life is about to get and I'm so appreciative but I just feel weird. All the time people are offering to drive me to appts and bring dinner or whatever and I always turn it down. I've always been so independent and it brings me to happy tears that everyone has been so kind and supportive but I feel strange about accepting help. I'm really not ungrateful
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Hi everyone - gosh there have been so many posts I won't even try to mention everyone but thank you all for your support. 3Bears - let me know how the wig shopping goes. I'm expecting to do the same in a couple weeks. I've had pretty long hair and very short hair so I'm probably going to go for something close to what I have now - sort of a Rose Byrne ala Gone Girl look. (That movie is CRAAAZZZY!) Anyway, I'm doing okay today. Thanks for all your prayers the poop fairy showed up and the shit fairy stayed away. LOL
The only real issue I'm continuing to have is my left non-cancerous foob has a LOT of pain when I strip the drain. I swear it's hitting a nerve because it feels like a hot poker is stabbing me. The right side is just numb under my arm and in my pit. I have some random pain on that side from the nerves waking up but it's nothing compared to the left.
Next week is full of dr. appts, echo, and PET scan. The PET scan really worries me. I just pray this bastard cancer hasn't already spread.
My birthday is tomorrow - Super Bowl Sunday - I'm turning 47. I always wanted to live to be 110 to delay middle age. I never thought I'd be fighting to see 48. My plan for tomorrow is to eat some cake and try not to think about BCBS. I'll watch the game but just of the commercials and Lady Gaga. I love college football - University of Alabama is my team - I'll probably pull for the Falcons because it's Atlanta and former Bama player Julio Jones plays for them. (Wow - that was a non BC digress!)
Have a great Saturday!
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Ok, gals, need your help. What can I do about this pain? I am such a wuss. I have the painkillers now and I take them every 4-6 hrs but my back (behind my shoulder blade on my left side) is just killing me. These tissue expanders are HARD!! The rash is still there but it's not as itchy today, so I'm hoping it is dissipating. I really want to start moving more but I'm finding it very difficult and of course it is depressing. ARRRRGH. Tips?
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I had my post op appointment Friday. 3 positive nodes out of 13. Stage IIA. I have one drain left. I was emotionally drained yesterday. Going Forward!
Whoever it was that their friend was insensitive. I can't stand that!! I've had 2 friends say something, I went off!! It was not good. That is something in the beginning I prayed about, because I knew that would happen. Empathy, humility is key here.
Varadoll- you've been on my mind. God has his eye on you, you are very special. Prayers for your mom.
Shellybeans, you got this! I think you have the beautiful horses. I'm sure that is a stress reliever, being around those beautiful horses. Animals are wonderful. I have 2 dogs and a cat.
I'm gonna play monopoly with my 9 year old girl. My 12 year old son has a terrible cold. I pray I have many more years with my beautiful children.
Love to all!
Shellybeans- forgive me, you are probably not the one with the horses. I bet it's cowboy up, which would make sense. You just ran before surgery, I think?? I need a new prescription for my eyes, spending way too much time on this lovely site. Plus, I can't think straight. Just know. ...you are on my mind, and in my prayers.
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Shellybeans! ROLL TIDE!! My son (and my money - OOS tuition) go to Alabama. He loves it and my husband and I love it too! Yes, please root for the Falcons. We are obsessed here at our house with the game as you can see by my front door:
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Yes Lisabekind, I am the one with the horses. Cowboy-up is a saying in the horse world that when you fall off,you get right back on. Kind of my mantra for dealing with BC. I am a Lisa too!
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docmama: going to root for the Falcons too! I'll be thinking of you & Shelleybeans!
Fightingirl: what made it easier for me to accept help is that I thought about how good I feel when I'm able to help other people & they don't refuse. You're doing more for them accepting help than they're doing for you...think of it that way & it will be easier to accept their outreach to you...
vicwytch: I had little bumps that itched also & they did go away after about a week. I think it was that orange stuff. My PS thought it might be some kind of blanket they had on me during the surgery. Hope the discomfort gets better soon for you..
Lisabekind: sorry to hear about your nodes. You're not alone, as you know & we'll all be here to support each other through treatment.
Shelleybeans: when I had my drains, I would get that feeling you're describing. I would actually pull on the tube a little to readjust its position even though it was under the tape (don't worry, there's no way you can pull it out) & that would help. You're going to be soooo happy when they come out!0 -
Docmama-your Falcons have our support! We are Steelers fans since they didnt make it Falcons it is! I will not be watching the game. My crazy ass got tickets to the circus in a town 1ans 1/2 hours away. Like I have time for that, but when Ringling said no more I had to get the kids tickets. So my minivan will be packed with children, a baby and very pregnant daughter. LOVE THE SONG!
Figthingirl- could not agree with you more! I am cooking today and Monday preparing for aftermath. I am to independent. My Daddy always told me the only helping hand you can count on is the one at the end of your arm. You have two use the other one to help someone in need.
Shellybeans- awesomes to hear from you and your news of the poop fairy and shit fairy. Glad those damn faries got their orders right!
Vicwytch-you are not a wuss! Listen to your body. I am not help because I haven't had surgery yet. Someone will have an answer for you.
lisabekind-you have such a beautiful soul! Thank you for the kind words. Yesterday while shopping at Sams I picked up a book and was flipping through it trying to decide if I would actually read it. While flipping threw it a card fell out and it said "God knows your troubles He has his eye on you! So that is my reassurance that everything will be ok. That is two times now God has told me that.
much love to my crew!
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Fightingirl - I am absolutely awful at accepting help! I am usually the one doing the helping! I told my friends that instead of bringing meals to my house, to meet me for lunch/dinner to get me out of the house (I stopped working during treatment). I think the thing to do is tell friends & family what the CAN do. They really just want to help and have no idea what you really need. It's still hard but it's always nice to know that you have support!
Vicwytch - I wish I had some advice! I hope that you feel better soon!
For the ladies thinking of getting haircuts before chemo..you can save your hair and there is a place that attaches it to a hat (you know sticking out the bottom). I kinda wish I had known about it beforehand. Just a thought!
Enjoy your weekend Ladies and Go Falcons!
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thanks for all the prayers for my Mom. She is doing well and apparently enjoying the rest. She told me she might not come home!
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To all you ladies who have your pathology and need to move forward with Chemo. Please join the chemo boards for Feb if you start this month. Also check out January boards, so you know what to look forward to. You will find that you have the same bond and kinship as you do with your surgery friends.
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fightingirl, I know exactly what you mean. I have some wonderful friends, some who even offered to come clean my house! I had to say no, it just felt too weird. Lol my mother keeps mentioning that she wants to come if I have to do chemo. (She lives in another state). She has wanted to come be here but I keep saying no. Politely of course. I don't think I can handle having someone else in the house right now. Especially if I have to do chemo. I think that would just stress me out even more
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thanks for all the advice and knowing some have the same problem! Vargadoll, your daddy sounds like an amazing man and continued prayers for your mom.
My family has been good about offering help but not pushing because they know me and they don't get their feelings hurt...the friends are hard because it would break my heart to hurt anyone. I will accept the dinner tomorrow night and see how it goes. I'm sure that if I end up needing chemo I may like some help so I'll test it out!
We just took the dog for a walk and getting ready to do a little shopping. I realized I will need some more button down shirts while I have my catheter for radiation. I have my favorite flannel I wore after surgery but I was able to shower then. I will clean up the best I can during radiation but I can't wear that same shirt even with washing it for 8 days! Hoping I can find a couple I like just as well.
Pugsmama, I bought my electric shaver yesterday and used it this morning! How wonderful to get that mostly done...there are some I can't get to since that is my arm with cording so I can't get my arm up and open enough for a totally clean shave.
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oh and docmama...I am not much into football but the hubs and I are rooting for the falcons!!
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Docmama - my son and my OOS tuition goes to Alabama too! How funny!
Vicwytch - I don't know what to say about the pain. It is terrible. I'm on muscle relaxers and taking dilaudid now after I strip the drains it's so painful. I thought I was doing better but it's like a roller coaster. Hoping to taper down tomorrow but today I'm just trying to get through the day. Hugs to you. Ice on my arm has helped a little
Lisabekind - no horses but a doxy and a cat - it's all good. We all have BCbrain - I appreciate you thinking of me. I'm with you in positive nodes land. We will get through this!!
Cowboyup - I'm jealous - I've always loved horses and I love your "handle" - it's what we all need to remember.
Pugsmama - thanks - I am going to try that. That left one is just being such a jerk! I did just drain it and so far no hot pokers...crossing fingers.
Vargadoll - have fun at the circus. You will be like one of those cars with all the clowns pouring out! Love the quote from the book. I think we are all a little stronger than we ever knew and have so many watching over us. Glad to hear your mom is resting well. My mom is staying with me during my recovery and she's a Godsend.
Beachbabyk and DaniCA - I had a few friends want to bring meals and I just couldn't accept. I have had no appetite so it would have gone to waste and I don't want to have to see anyone. I appreciate the gesture but really just have a hard time accepting any help.
Goincrzy8 - I've been lurking on the January chemo boards - always good to know what's coming. Helps so much to prepare and see that we can get through this.
Going to watch some more HGTV - I've become a total addict.
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vicwytch, I think I had the pain you are describing after my lumpectomy and node dissection...any time I moved my lats(muscles on upper back along arms) I had shooting pain across my upper back and shoulder area. Ended up in er and they prescribed Valium... the OxyContin type meds dont,help,with the muscular pain. Mine was related to the node removal. Anyway, the Valium helped until,the area healed...might be worth a call to,surgeon... advocate girl!!!
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Shellybeans - I know what you mean about the stripping the drains. grrrrrr. It is SUCH a roller coaster.
Dcbc - I have a combo of hydrocodone and acetamenaphin called Lortab. I can't take any NSAIDs or muscle relaxers because of my gastric bypass so I'm kinda stuck. Although I should talk to them about Valium and see if that would interfere...
Anyway, I decided to put on a mastectomy bra this afternoon and it has helped immensely. I think going braless was pulling on the drain spot and it was aggravating my side and back. Now I feel bound, but better. Hope it keeps the pain contained.
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I was lurking on the Feb chemo board to start mentally preparing myself just in case & notice there's now a February surgery board too...this board will always be my fav but I will also join the Feb chemo group if that's in the cards for me...this is my process...avoid something I'm fearful of & then dive in & start researching! Great way to spend a Saturday LOL!
To the gals having chemo: I read a few articles today on fasting during chemo. One of the Feb chemo gals is doing that. Just google "fasting during chemo" & you'll find a bunch of info. You fast for 1 or 2 days before & 1 day after. Supposed to help protect the healthy cells & makes the chemo more effective in killing the cancer cells.I'm going to ask the onco about it on Wed if I have to have chemo.
Xoxo.
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As someone that has gone through chemo, I would never recommend fasting. The first couple days of chemo may be the only days for 2 weeks that you actually feel like eating. Once you get 4-5 days into it, especially if you have a platinum-based chemo drug, your taste buds are shot and NOTHING tastes normal, much less appetizing. There were days that I was lucky to get 500 calories in. I was constantly drinking water, but anything with flavor (like the recommended Gatorade or Vitamin water) tasted awful. Also, since I consider chemo poison, the hopes of getting the chemo out of me ASAP was always on my mind. You have to work everything through your system to do that. With less going in, there is less going out.
My recommendation - Exercise, eat, drink. Do what you can when you can, because there will absolutely be days that you can't. I lost over 20 pounds during my 6 rounds of chemo and thankfully I had it to lose (could still afford to lose another 20), but I have known plenty of people that lost weight without being able to afford to lose a pound. Your chemo journey will inevitably include nausea, lack or hunger, lack of taste, and diarrhea - throwing fasting into the mix may exacerbate the situation.
I understand the idea that it would help the chemo work, but the amount of treatments most people receive are more than sufficient/effective to do the job necessary. My tumor completed disappeared after the first few treatments. For most of you, chemo would be a secondary stop-gap to insure a reduced risk of recurrence. If you choose to fast, please check with your MO first and I would highly recommend that you go through your first round "au naturel" so that you can see how you are affected. I am still taking potassium supplements from my chemo treatments and my last one was 12/14 and some of my other counts are still low.
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pugsmama, you are brave! I haven't ventured to the chemo board yet and I just don't know if I can. Maybe once my catheter is in and radiation starts, I'll be brave enough to check it out! Then there is a part of me that is still in denial I guess. Fingers crossed for all of us waiting to find out this week. I may call my onc Monday and see if any possibility to move my appt to Wednesday...that is my day break before radiation starts so it makes sense to spread my appts out if possible.
Vicwytch, glad you found a bit of relief and hope it keeps getting better.
I am bummed... didn't find any button up shirts. I did find a nice robe on clearance but I realized when I got home I might not have much chance to wear it with driving to all my appts!! Oh well
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I agree 100% with BeachbabyK. We had the exact same chemo cocktail and the carboplatin made everything, including water, taste awful. I managed not to lose any weight; I actually gained 5 lbs in part due to the steroids and in part due to my husband's tender loving care and lots of protein shakes. I had heard of the fasting theories out there, but I would definitely run it by your Oncologist before you start anything during chemo, not just fasting.
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BeachBabyK & docmama: thanks for weighing in on the fasting during chemo question...everything you gals say makes sense. You're our trailblazers! I have to try not to get too far ahead of myself & wait & see what the MO says..easier said than done lol.
Fightingirl: i felt the same way when I struck out at Costco a few weeks ago...glad you got the robe, though! I'm sure you'll have plenty of opportunities to wear it!
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Yesterday was a big day - got my last drain out and got my first prosthetic! I have to wait about 4 more weeks before I can get my permanent one, but at least I'll feel like I can go back to work in another week and look half way normal. Pain question - almost 3 weeks out, and I'm still having a lot of pain. I swear I have a bruised rib, my muscle is in a ball under my armpit, I have shooting pain in my arm and the skin on my chest is on fire!!!! I do start PT this week - very limited ROM on the surgical arm. Sorry for the rant, but I
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Hoping this link show up here. It is an article from Prevention Magazine that has the Top 6 things you should say to someone with cancer. Maybe those with insensitive or awkward friends can share it on Facebook so they get the hint. The link ishttp://spr.ly/61898TzGT
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im in the waiting cabana for 2 weeks - a bit of a tease, bc it seems like life is back to normal, and im sure once i get comfy xrt will start and have me reeling again. thanks, cancer, as if 2017 wasn't bad enough already...
fightingirl, i don't know how you are going to manage all your appts this week AND work, too. seems like a lot. good luck.
im totally in with not asking for help - i figure there will be times when i really need it, so im holding out for those days, lol! my 81yo mother just suggested i move in with her when im doing xrt - very sweet, but i think i would kill either her or me - i just don't like being waited on. i told her if and when i get a bmx, she can take care of me, but until then she's off the hook. i think she's sad she didn't get to baby me after 1st surgery. um, im 47 now mom, i got this... interesting in that her mom died of BC at age 66, diagnosed at 62ish. im sure her mom prolly had dcis like me at my age, and then it took that long to grow and become metastatic and kill her. just goes to show how much medicine has advanced in 2 generations. thanks screening mammograms!!
varga, have fun at the circus!! didn't there used to be a circus called circus varga? made me giggle. hope your momma is getting better everyday and pops doesn't miss her too much while she's in the hospital. you are such a good daughter and mom - i hope your family realizes how lucky they are to have you!!
chemogirls, whats the 'cold cap' i keep hearing about and does it really save you from losing your hair? might help some of you embarking on that route.??
i couldn't care less about football, but ill cheer for the falcons, just to support all of you. and i love that rise up song, so im a new fan!! happy saturday ladies,
xx
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annoyingboob, my husband is first generation of his Hungarian family born in the USA so it wouldn't surprise me of there was a Varga Circus. He has always called me Doll Baby so there you have it I'm Varga Doll on everything. It wouldn't be hard for anyone local to figure out who I am. There are only 4 Varga's in our town. My mom would drive me crazy to! I would have to be drugged to stay with her. She tries to wait on everyone! She will not let you do anything for yourself EVER! Guess that's where I get it from. Lol
So today I have been cooking up a storm. 2 Shepard pies (one for my parents ) a big pot of chili, roastes 2 chickens so I can make chicken and dumplings Monday for my house and my parents, made a double batch of sausage balls plus a big batch of waffles. Deep cleaned the guest room (just in case ) and did all the usually house work. I am tired!
Figthingirl, I wanted a few more button up tops to because all the ones I have a pretty fitted and I would need good ROM to put them on. I found 2 'eh ones at Walmart . No luck at other stores. So then I get it in my head I want pink button downs. My MIL suggested the Goodwill and BAM found 4 small men's button down shirts! They are all different shades and some are striped. They are small to! I think I can wear them with leggings and skinny jeans. I know it's different since I do.not have a real job. I could wear my pj's while I'm working and healing .
Good night to you all! This girl is exhausted!
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http://circusvargas.com - i was close - must be long lost relatives of your husband!! you have done more cooking today than i did in all of 2016, lol!!! the countdown is on for you - only a few more days!! its good to wear yourself out so you don't think about surgery too much.you will do great!!!!
xx
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vargadoll, I'll check Walmart tomorrow! I was trying to find cute ones like you that would be useful after all this like you said with leggings or skinny jeans but all the spring stuff is out! If I but at Walmart I guess I can just use then as sleep shirts or something.
Annoyingboob, I am not working with all those appts! I wish I was wonder woman enough but hell no im not! I work Monday but have to leave early for PT. Then I'm off until February 16th and even that was left kind of open... have to see how tired radiation makes me. Once I am done with radiation and have that catheter out, I may just want that 4 day weekend to enjoy myself!
I have to also say no to staying with mom! Love her dearly but NO!!
Did-not-see, I winder if lump in your armpit is a seroma? I had a good six's one after surgery...in fact it's nearly a month later and I still feel it. It's more like a big marble than the golf ball it was. I'm glad you are starting PT. I started last week because I developed cording which sucks!!
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This is my first entry to the group. I found out Tuesday about my impending double mastectomy in 2 weeks. All I can can think of is I wish it was over. 14 more days seems like forever. I have already known about the diagnosis for 5 weeks. I wish I felt like "cooking up a storm" like Vargadoll,or something. I'm thinking of going to a movie tomorrow. Maybe I'll go to one on Monday too. Just to pass the time.
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