Too early for April 2012 mastectomy?

annabelle64

Glad to hear from those that have had their surgeries this month already...it helps calm the nerves a bit. FLislander, I can't believe you're home already! That's incredible! Hope you're feeling ok.

So I'm on for tomorrow. I brought my dog to the kennel, laundry is all done, the bathroom is clean and I steam cleaned the carpets. Now I'm just sitting here staring at the walls.

I'm so grateful for all of you. You are making the waiting and worrying a whole lot easier.

Melrosemelrose

Annabelle-- Hoping you feel these (((HUGS))) I'm sending you right now.  I'm sure you have your overnight bag packed with wonderful goodies.  I remember getting a large ziploc bag and putting the clothes I wanted to wear home.  I marked on the outside of the bag "GOING HOME   YAY! & a smiley face)  I still have that bag as it reminds me that I did it and I'm okay!!!!  Always remember as you are on this part of the journey that you are not alone and never will be.  Sending you positive calming & healing prayers, thoughts and energy.

longislandmom

Maybe it's appropriate for all of us April gals that the Easter/Passover season is all about sacrifice, resurrection and freedom.  here's wishing all of us freedom from BC ...and a re-birth into a healty life.  good luck annabelle and beachcomber.  happy holidays to the rest of you.  i have PS appointment tomorrow and then on to family weekend for some joy.

BeachComber2005

Ladies - I am so sorry I have not been able to communicate much this week.  I'm still working, and trying to get things done so I won't worry while I'm gone....  Hope everyone is well....glad to read about the good results.  Mine is tomorrow....thank you all for your prayers and well wishes.  It still seems surreal to me.  I'm sure it will all be very real after tomorrow.  Good luck to Annabelle, and all the upcoming ladies!  See you on the other side!

Melrosemelrose

BeachComber2005-Wrapping you in a blanket of prayers, love & support for your day and recovery days to follow!!!!!  Can't wait for you to join everyone on the other side!!!!

annabelle64

Beachcomber, I'll be holding your hand the whole way through!

Keonghi, I'll be thinking about you Monday through my medication haze...

Thank you, ladies, for all of your kind and amazing support.

FLislander

Hi girls

I'm home, I just had umx without recon, going to rads then recon in 8 months, I'm 1 month PFC. There were about 10 ladies in the section with me and most were getting recon TE staying a bit longer than I was. I did notice that they let us wear our pj's instead of hospital gowns so that was nice. The most important thing is they keep you comfortable.pain wise, Will be ok, let us know how you are doing, it's makes me feel good every time another one of us make it, we will pull each other through!

arenee98

Hi, ladies.  I had my BMX on Tuesday and just got home from the hospital.  I have heard the first 3 days are the worst and in my case that has been true.  I hope it gets better tomorrow!  I have had a lot more pain than I expected (sorry, don't want to scare anyone but it's the truth).  Part of it I think is because I have a compression wrap wrapped tightly around my chest to help control bleeding.  The day or so when they took that off I felt better, so I hope it comes off for good tomorrow.  It's super nice to be home and be able to go to the restroom without having to be disconnected from ivs, leg massagers, etc.  I hope everyone has a better experience than I have!! (In case anyone's wondering, I had tissue expanders put in as well)

ppeople

Welcome home Arenee!  Sorry for your pain, but glad you are done!

How are you Jenny, judy, Elsbeth, raelan? Comfortable and resting I hope.

Thinking about you Anabelle and beachcomber as you go off tomorrow.  

I met w anesthesiologist today, at my request.  He/she is really the most important person in the room, in my opinion, as he/she regulates your hemodynamics which basically allow you to live.  Anyway, it went a long way to lowering my anxiety.  They can prevent post op nausea if they know you are prone to it and she told me how each step would work, did a complete assessment and documented the whole thing in case another anesthesiologist is on for my surgery.  I highly recommend an anesthesia consult if you are a worry-wort like me.

 We should have a party in May.

ppeople

oh, and, congrats on clear PET results dianarose!

spicedlife

Hi all, it's Jenny (the one who had her surgery moved to April 16th.  Question?  How do you guys get in house cleaning mode?  All I do is go to work get on computer, facebook, read about cancer, get to feeling very ill, repeat as needed!  I will have people coming over after my stay in the hospital and I just feel frozen. 

Another question,  do any of you know of any financial help for people who are low middle class wage earners? 

FLislander

Hi Jenny

Sorry you are feeling down, I just wish I was getting paid for all the hours I've spent on the computer also, but it's gotten me through some pretty low times here with our bc sisters. To clean my house before surgery I asked my dad to come vacuum and I did most the rest, just having someone else there gave me the energy to stay at it. Washed all the sheets and towels and laundry that I won't be able to do for a while.

FLislander

I think american cancer society wil at least help with gas for rads and chemo transport

Melrosemelrose

plymouthpeople- Glad you met with your anesthesiologist.  I had a anesthesia consult also before my UMX.  For possible nausea, I was given a patch that was placed behnd my ear.  That patch is the kind to prevent motion sickness when one is on a boat.  I never had any post-op nausea so I am assuming it worked.  At the hospital where I had my surgery, it seems like it is that patch is standard.

ppeople

Yea, melrose, she recommended the patch for me.

Just updated the list for you Jenny, I didnt have you  on the 16th, but now I do.

I know the american cancer society can provide help, can you ask your breast navigator or the nurse who works w your surgeon?  also the hospital social worker may be able to connect you with some services.

I also dont know how some of us are getting things done, I am usually pretty organized, but I am moving in sloooow motion these days.  Feel very tired too.  Using up emotional energy I guess.

Raelan

Hi All- I'm home and resting comfortably. Surgery went really well and they only took out two lymph nodes....both were clean....yeah! Have been on pain pills for the past day, but honestly it hasn't been bad. I'm really surprised how quickly I've bounced back. I didnt have TE's put in....that comes in about six weeks, so that may be part of why I seem to be to be doing pretty well after just one day post surgery. Thinking about all of you who are still awaiting your surgeries. I think the anticipation is actually the worst part. You will feel a great sense of relief once it's over.

sony22

Dianarose  great news about your PET scan. .

Indigo thanks for the info. It can't hurt to have my own panties and pj's with me. FLIander I'm glad that the anxiety is worse than the actural surgery. Mine is through the roof and my head is pounding. It is getting worse the closer to my surgery date. I can't beleive you are home already....yay for you.

Annabelle and Beachcomber i'm praying for both of you and hope that you have a restful night sleep .Wishing you all the best tomorrow.

Arnee so sorry for your pain and discomfort. Raelan glad you and on your way to healing.

Jenny SORRY you are so upset with everything. It sucks we are all having to go through this but look at the alternative.

Lisamaria how r You? I'm thinking of you. For anyone else I mised I hope you are all doing OK. I hope that you all have a wonderful Easter......God Bless you all...p.s. To all the surgeries for next week you will be in my thoughts and prayers....

Melrosemelrose

Jenny--- Asking for help---  I know that isn't always easy since we all are probably used to doing everything for ourselves. When friends/family offer to help, take them up on it.  I realize how difficult it is for some to let their guard down and  let other people do for us what we have been able to do before. When someone asks how they can help you, you tell them you need help cleaning, washing, etc.  These physical everyday chores are how those with less financial means can help you.  Having family/friends to talk to is beneficial so you don't feel isolated.  Just remember that when you come home from the hospital, don't feel like you have to entertain those coming to see you--- you are home to heal.  They are there to help/assist you in your post surgical recovery; they aren't guests.  If you need to chat more, PM me.  Hope you feel better!!!

lisamarie68

Annabelle , and Beachcomber sorry I missed u all my daughter has been here .. I am in your pockets today ,, hope everything goes well and you are feeling okay when u get to the other side .. xoxoxox Hugs and Love to you both .  . 

Gmaniki,Arenee, Judy, Elsbeth, Flislander,Raelan ...hope ua re all resting well with no complications . I have not caiught up on the reading please excuse me if I miss something . I will find time to catch up today.

Sony I miss you girl how are u doing with the smoking , I am still going strong .. Luv ya

Diana rose ... sooo Happy for you .. Doing the happy Dance ...luv and hugs 

AmyH1971

Hi All!

I haven't been around, but I have been reading the posts as they come to my phone.  I have my surgury scheduled for 4/11!  Can I be added to the list?

You are all such an amazing bunch of women.  I have smiled, cried, laughed, and taken notes!  How wonderful that we can all connect here and be free to ask for support or just let off a little steam.

 I am calm at the moment.  Trying to get the house ready for Wednesday.  I am so happy to hear that GmaNiki and others are doing so well after surgery!  My biggest worry right now is just hoping I get good news about my nodes.  I am TERRIFIED of hearing that the cancer is spread.  I am not dwelling on it, because I can't.  I need to just focus on getting myself to surgery and through to "the other side".  Then I will focus on recovery and the battle ahead, whatever that entails.

 I LOVE the term "Boob Voyage Party"!  My friends are kidnapping me on Friday and this is what we will now call it!  

 Also, someone mentioned "Chemompause" and possibly having their period return just in time for surgery.  I thought chemo caused permanent menopause, is that wrong?  Do you go back to normal after chemo?  (I'm not sure if I am going to have chemo yet, but it has been discussed as a possibility.)

Thinking about Annabelle & Beachcomber today!! Lots of healing prayers!!

I hope Arnee, Judy, Elsbeth, FLIslander and Raelan are all healing comfortably!

P.S. Im in CT and would love to meet up with the long island/ NYC group when we are ALL comfortably on the other side of all of this! 

IndigoMont11

Hi Amy - all the best to you preparing for your surgery and further treatment!  

I think as far as chemo and menopause, how permanent it is depends partly on how close you are to menopause anyway.  I am still regularly having periods, so my oncologist said they don't want to rely on the chemo alone - they will use other means to suppress hormones (i.e, tamoxifen) after all my treatments are done.  

markat

Hi Photogamy- I am the one that mentioned my period could return after chemo in time for surgery. I am only 30 so I have a pretty strong chance of my periods returning because I'm so far away from natural menopause. I won't start Tamoxifen until after surgery. I am also Her2 positive and receive Herceptin. I'm not sure if that will keep my periods away for awhile though.

Saw my PS yesterday. I might actually have to wait til the very beginning of May for my surgery. Anyone here getting ADM with their TE? She said it's a tissue used like a sling for the TE and implant.  She also said it would cause the drains to be in longer than if it wasn't used. I'm not really thrilled about that!

Dianarose congrats on your PET.  It is horrible waiting for those results.  I had to have a head CT during chemo because I had horrible headaches and it was so scary waiting to get those results.

Jennyrjd- you should check with the social worker at you hospital about financial assistance.  During my first chemo she came in and explained financial help for those that needed it.  The income cap was fairly high for a family of four.  It might just be for medical bills though.  Maybe one of your family or friends could organize a fundraiser party for you to help also.  In my area that is a very popular thing to do for people going through cancer tx.

Congrats to all of you that have had your surgeries!  You are strong women!  And prayers for those who are coming up!

VeganGal

Hi My SS's . . . I haven't been on in a while . . . I really keep going up and down . . . I spend days "pretending" I don't have cancer, pretending I won't be getting a BMX . . . and then I can't take it anymore and come back here . . . to kind of "home" among all of you.

Photogamy - glad you like the Boob Voyage . . . steal away and enjoy:-)

Arenee - so sorry it was so awful . . . I hope each day gets better . . . Ug. Cancer does SUCK!

Judy, Elsbeth, Flislander, Raelan  . . . and the rest of you on the other side . . . I think of you all daily . . .

AmyH1971

Arnee - I am sorry to hear about your pain!  I hope you start feeling comfortable VERY soon.    

Vegan - I know what you mean about pretending you don't have cancer.  I do the same exact thing.  I much prefer the days where it feels like a bad dream to those where it is all too real…

Jenn70 - I could have written your post myself.  Almost to the letter.  I was diagnosed on March 8th, everything is in my R breast, but I am opting for a BMX.  I am 40 and mine was found during my first routine mammogram and I have no family history.  I am also a planner by nature and had a really hard time until I was assigned my surgery date and finally felt like I could get rolling with organizing and planning my life for the next few weeks and months!

Raelan

Hi Ladies - Just want to give a quick post to let you know I'm still doing well and continue to feel myself healing. Slept pretty well last night and am getting used to sleeping on my back....lots of pillows required. For those of you scheduled to go in for your surgeries in the next day or two just know I am thinking of you. You can do this! It really is a huge relief once it's over. Oh, and I've found the cami with pockets for your bulbs to be a godsend. I've been living in mine the past few days.

VeganGal

Thanks Photogamy  . . . me too by the way. Everything in the left. Found via routine mamo. No family history. Opting for BMX. Every day still feels like a blur . . . .

Raelan . . . glad that you are feeling better . . . thanks for the "cami" tip. I keep hearing ladies post about them . . . what are they exactly? where do you get them?

Raelan

VeganGal - I actually got the cami in the hospital shop that also sells masectomy bras, prothesis, etc.  The cami zips up the front and has detachable pockets that velco on the inside.  It also comes with some fiberfill inserts so you don't look/feel completely flat.  Think it's easier psychologically for me to have my family/kids see me with something that looks like breasts under my clothes since I did have a BMX.  I actually got a script from my Dr. for the cami, however, still trying to figure out how to get reimbursed by my insurance company for it (it was about $65).  Some places will bill direct, but the store I bought it from wasn't yet set up for direct bill to insurance.

   

VeganGal

Thanks Raelan . . . I'm gonna look for one at my hospital . . . I appreciate the "tip" . . .

How are you feeling?

arenee98

Hey, guys, just wanted to update to let you know I am a LOT better today, 3 days out.  I got my compression wrap off and that helped bunches.  I was able to dress myself today and get in/out of car by myself.  I'm loopy on Vicodin and still have some soreness/stiffness but it's so much better.  Just wanted to let ppl know to hang in there.

Raelan

I'm feeling pretty good for being just 2 days post surgery. Still taking pain meds but am going to start to wean myself off them tomorrow. I'm up and about and have to keep reminding myself to take it easy. Just finished taking a 30 minute walk outside in the sunshine, but definitely need to rest now.