2012 sisters

kjiberty

Tracy:  Keeping you in my prayers.

Blackcat:  Welcome to a wonderful board!  We are here to help!

Cottontail

Called my RO Monday with an update on my symptoms.  (Slightly less red, still swollen, sensitive, and hot to the touch), but she is out all week.  Her nurse left a message for me to call her back on Wednesday with another update.

cowpower

Tracy, Blackcat, Welcome. Sorry you have to be here with us, but as you know already, we are here to support you. Today is my last rads treatment and I can honestly say this site was a huge help in getting me through. My only regret is that I stayed a "lurker" through chemo



Kjliberty, I found my lump at New Years also. I am feeling like it was actually an ok time to start the journey, if there is one- kind of gave definition to a new phase. I am looking a bit more forward to this year's celebration, however, I must admit. What a ride, huh? BTW, I like your new avatar- I have some serious hair envy!

kjiberty

copower:  Thank you!  Yes, it definitely has been a ride, but it makes me appreciate life and my friends and family so much--every single day I am so grateul!  Plus, I wouldn't have been able to meet such lovely ladies and good friends I have gotten to know on these boards! Happy New Year!

virginiab

This is my first posting on this thread, but I have been active on several other threads since early in my journey. It was such a relief to find this website! I knew such a place must exist, but it took me a few weeks to locate it. I finished radiation on December 12 and started on anastrozole on December 21, so I'm finished with the active phases of treatment and working on resuming our normal programming, but with more exercise and better nutrition!

Cottontail

I guess my RO is out all week, and the earliest appointment I can get next week is Thursday.



Hopefully the irritation and swelling don't get worse before then.

Anonymous

Sigh... Almost 2am and here I lie... Covers on and off thanks to hot flashes, total insomnia, and a desperate desire to sleep on my stomach - thwarted by my overfilled rock hard TEs... Sigh...

momto7

Hope every one had a great Christmas!!

2FriedEggs

kjiberty Your hair is great-you look adorable! I know what you mean about appreciating life and being so grateful; I am the same way.

Kkuziel and blackcat  thinking about you both and wondering how you are. We have all been where you are and like everyone said it all gets a little easier to get thru, especially with the help of these great ladies.

Tracy thinking about you and praying your situation is a simple resolve and not as complex as we usually let our imaginations let us think it is. Did your husband get ahold of the doctor?

Virginiab Thats great that you are finished and I hope the anastrozole is behaving itself and not causing you any SE's

Cottontail Is your doctor taking off for the holidays. If it gets any worse I wouldn't hesitate to call her office and ask to talk to who ever is on call for her or see if she will call you back herself. Hope it settles down.

Juneau that is so interesting about the apple cider vinegar. I used to take it just for the heck of it; now that I think about it I never had hotflashes went I went through the change-thats probably why! Hey who knows it may be helping your hair grow too. You're so smart!

Ramols I feel for you! When I had those TEs couldn't sleep on my stomach or sides because of the rocks, but could lay on my back but would wake up in the middle of the night feeling like they were going to crush my ribs lol My only solution was a pile of pillows to sit up in bed to sleep against. Thank goodness that changes with the implants!

Yep Tazzys group hugs are the best and so is she!

Thinking about all of you and as Ramols has always encouraged us to do "go find your happy for the day." I always found that if I did that and concentrated on that happy thought for the day, my mind didn't travel so quickly to darker thoughts. (Thank you Ramols)

kkuziel

Saga continues. Was to have lumpectomy on December 26. All prepped, taken to surgery, put under, only to wake up 2 hours later to find they could find the tumor so nothing happened. Small hospital and didn't have the equipment to find the titanium marker so they never even cut. My surgeon made an appointment for me with a surgeon in a large hospital 90 miles away, the same hospital that had to do the biopsy because they were unable to do it in my local hospital. So was discharged at 1:30 and made the trip down to see new surgeon. Seemed very nice, spent some time going over my pathology report. He assures me is is a early breast cancer and even though I'm convinced it's growing by the minute I have time and shouldn't rush this whole process. So he's going to schedule me for the week of January 11 for lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node dissection. I'll movers everything down there at this point for all doctors and treatments. It will be a hassle with the drive, but I want everything in one place and think taking it to a large hospital will in the long run be better. I'm hoping something goes well soon, I'm feeling cursed.

luvmygoats

Kkuziel - You may end up with a wire guided biopsy. Under local anesthesia using sonogram a wire is place into the tumor which they can easily see now because of the marker. Procedure is similar to core needle biopsy up to biopsy procedure. I had this done about an hour 1/2 b4 my lumpectomy. Surgeon follows the wire to the site. The radiologist hit my tumor perfectly. This can also done by mammogram/CT same procedure if for some reason it does not show up on sonogram. It is a very common procedure. Sounds like torture but I got up several times while waiting for surg. to go to the bathroom. Mine was done as my tumor was only found on sono and was not palpable. Sounds like you are in good hands at the larger hospital and they sound much better prepared. And you already have what sounds like a good rapport with the surgeon.  (((HUGS)))

kkuziel

He did mention a wire being put in. He was actually surprised they didn't do it because they had had so much trouble with the biopsy to begin with. Strangely enough as creepy as this all seems I haven't minded any of the procedures, even the three and a half hour biopsy, just give me something to relax and I'm good to go. Which if you knew me you'd be shocked because I'm petrified of going to doctors. If nothing else I think I might get over this by end of this deal.



My previous surgeon (who felt absolutely terrible about the non surgery) called today to make sure I was doing okay and to see how I liked the new surgeon. He's been very helpful in this process, just hasn't had much luck in execution.



Thanks for words of encouragement.

Maybe it's all for the good that I'm in a larger facility. I've now had a third doctor tell me they can't feel a mass, and they don't feel anything in the lymph nodes. I've certainly gotten lots of opinions on that. He also agreed there was no reason to do mastectomy for a small tumor. Basically he said things look good on paper, just hopes it looks the same in real life.

luvmygoats

KKuziel - Sounds good. Did you get any pathology report from the biopsy? (Sorry, I reread my first line above, meant to say lumpectomy on that line).  Start a file and get a copy of every report; path, CT, labs, anything.  They belong to you and unlike years ago no one argues when you ask for them. I, too, don't much like doctors and this was my first serious encounter since a C-section 24 years ago. And for gosh sakes I'm a nurse. The 11th will come before you know it. He does sound like he knows what he's doing and good of your other one to call to check on you. Get your support team lined up. Get things put down where you can reach them. Get some button up the front shirts.  I could not raise my arm to get in regular T shirts by myself for a couple of weeks. I bought sports bras front fasten at WalMart. They do smush me but good for support. Check with your surgeon what he wants for you. I was sent home with a bra, DH and nurse measured against the one I wore in. It was huge, laughable. I also got a sheepskin pad for my seatbelt from the auto supply. Shop for anything that will sound good to you to eat.  Make some freezer meals. Be wary of sodas as constipation is a side effect of pain meds and gas added to it is no fun. I had to send DH to get Senokot.  You don't mention if anyone else dependent on you. Get those plans lined up. Considering your 90 minute drive home you might need to spend the night. I would sure make sure I was early!!! on the surgical schedule even if you have to spend the previous night in motel. I'd rather be at home afterwards if I had to choose. Just trying to run interference and let my mind wander to a year ago.

Ask away, this is a great thread if a little quiet this afternoon.

kjiberty

I had a wire-guided biopsy and yes, I had a pathology report.  I think it's wise to have this procedure done at a larger hospital because the probabl are more well-equiped to do the surgery and it may go a lot smoother.  I went through this just 9 months ago.  I am here for you!

virginiab

kkuziel--

The odds are good that you will have very little pain from a lumpectomy. It seems pretty common (and was true in my case) to have pain easily manageable by OTC pain relievers and the local application of some ice. Most folks don't need the RX painkillers, but it's good to have them in case you are bothered in the middle of the night. Your doctor will probably send you home with a prescription and you can have whoever is driving you home pick them up for you.

After all the drama and false starts in your situation, I think you'll find the lumpectomy easy to manage. Now you have a little time to relax and get yourself organized.

kkuziel

Like I've said this whole process has seemed cursed. Not bad enough to get cancer, it just seems like nothing has gone well. I hope this is not a sign of things to come. I need something to go well soon. I'm hoping all these false starts are bringing me to the place I need to be treated and it will all be good in the end.

kkuziel

Thank you all for the suggestions and kind words. I have confidence in the new surgeon, and appreciate the help my other surgeon has made to get me the treatment at this larger facility. There are pluses to going here. I'm from the area the hospital is in and my father, a brother, and several friends still live there. So I would have places to stay in a pinch. The 90 mile drive will prove challenging,but I've been overwhelmed by the offers for rides if I need them that have come from my friends and co-workers in my current town.

Tazzy

kkuziel:  that is great you have confidence in your surgeon - it is so important, after all, they do have our lives in their hands.   Great advice from luvmygoats, especially on the pain meds causing constipation.   Good to see you are getting the positives you can out of this crap.  (((hugs))))

Big healing hugs to the sisters out there. xxxxx

Scorchy

The post-holiday quiet. Hopeall aredoing well.

virginiab, so glad to hear that your procedural odyssey is almost at an end.  But, as you might imagine, sorry to hear you even had an odyssey.

kkuziel, Tazzy is right.  Confidence in your physiciansis key, so it sounds to me like the curse is lifting.  You're not cursed.  It is what it is--and it sounds like things have made a good turn. And your local surgeon seems to be there for support.  That's great.

I am fresh offa lumbar nerve block.  That was a new one for me.  I went from being in the waiting room and wanting to curl up into a ball, to walking out of the building and onto Fifth Avenue smiling from ear to ear.  I love modern medicine!

Happy New Year, all!  I hope 2013 leads you to a little drama as freaking possible!

Scorchy xoxo

virginiab

MrsCich

Im pasting this from my post on my chemo thread so I don't have to type it all over again.



Hi ladies, sorry I've been off the grid lately. Life has been busy. I've had 4 rounds of TC and my MO said she wants 6. I had a fill in my TE's last Monday and on Christmas Eve when I woke up, my right breast was double the size of the left one and had blood blister like bruises all under it (near my port). My PS opened his office that afternoon just to see me and to find out what was going on. He said it looked like I had torn some internal scar tissue and it bleed out. He talked to my MO and she postponed my next TC treatment so he could do surgery to wash out the blood to prevent infection. Since I was where I wanted to be with regards to my expander size (650cc), he went ahead and exchanged my TE's for my squishies. I had the surgery yesterday. I'm pretty sore and my chest looks so much smaller than I anticipated. I was always big busted but didn't want 800cc because I figured they'd be perky and higher so they'd be TOO large. My PS said we can go back in 3 months or so and he can make them bigger if I'm still not happy.



Anyways, there's an update on my happenings. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.

Tazzy

Welcome back MrsCich and sorry to hear you have been going through such a horrible time.   Happy to hear you are coming out the other side.   Sucks about having to have 6 chemo's instead of 4... but each one will kill any cancer off - that's how I'd try to look at it anyway.    Hope you can keep smiling through.

Hugs xxxxxxxx

Cindi74

 cthynsh,  what a nightmare.  I do hope the last A/C goes better.  Taxol is not as bad.  Hugs

juneaubugg

Mrscich; that sucks about the pain but on the bright side; YAY SQUISHIES!!! You would have had a long wait for those with those rocks in you so maybe after you heal up a bit you can see the sunshine.



Also, just FYI my hot flashes are all but GONE!!!!! WOOT WOOT! Screw Effexor. I felt like shit and was sweating like crazy... I am now on Gabepentin. I started a month ago on 300 mg (100x3/day) and that helped immediately. After my MO appointment on Thursday she upped it to 609 mg (200x3/day), and said I can go up to 900 mg if needed. But since I upped it I am barely flashing at all. No real night sweats either. I finally go to cuddle up next my DH last night under the blanket! I HIGHLY recommend trying it if your flashing like I was.



Hey Ramols, are you counting the hours until your squishes yet?!

juneaubugg

Ps- Scorchy... Had gravy last night and thought of you. Glad to hear your walking tall... Here's to 2013!

Tracyc3771

I had my bmx o December 17th and after reading several posts, I didn't expect a lot of pain. I am 13 days out of surgery and still hurt! I had 26 nodes removed and still have 2 drains, one on each side. I read that some women go back to workafter 2 weeks! No way! I am hoping to get my last 2 drains removed on Wednesday buy am still outputting 40-50 ccs a day out of each drain! I did so well with chemo and only missed a handful of days from work and expected to rebound quickly from this as well. so frustrated! I am still taking pain meds but less frequently. Chest is sore, arm where nodes were removed is sore and the sites where my drains are are also sore! Hate to whine but I was just wondering how everybody else's recovery was. Thanks!

Tazzy

Tracyc:  Each and every one of us will recover differently - do not compare yourself to others.   Be patient and gentle with yourself.   I found that once my drains were removed - 14 days after surgery - my pain wasn't anywhere near as bad as when they were in, plus my mobility improved ten fold.  The freedom is unbelievable once the drains are removed.    I too was on pain meds up to and until they removed the drains.   Even now - 4 months later - every now and again I will take something to help me sleep.   Did they give you any post-surgery exercises to do?   hang in there honey - it really does get better.

luvmygoats

Tracy - Dear sister. 26 nodes bless your heart. You've got a reason to hurt sista. Plus drains plus drains putting out fluids. Be kind to yourself and don't beat yourself up. I only had a lumpectomy for gosh sakes almost a year ago and leftie still hurts. I, for one, would be living on WHATEVER the doc wanted to give me with a bilat. You'll get there. I also don't think the time of year helps any with feeling up to snuff. Missing out on holiday things and the grey funk of winter. Spend some time with your face in the sun even in the window. Get some fresh air. Love yourself. Put on some nice smelling cream where you can. Snuggle even with cat/dog/BF/DH/mom/kiddies. Love you sista. Listen to wise momma Tazzy.

Ah, Juneau, what did I miss with Scorchy and gravy??? I had some on my (no faces, please) chicken livers today.

Tracyc3771

Thanks, ladies. It is always good to hear solid words of wisdom from Mommy Tazzy.

Tazzy , yes, they gave me one exercise to do until my drains get pulled. It is a light stretch. I do it several times a day. I know as soon as I get my drains removed, they will give me more to do. Thanks again for the input!

KarenZ0305

Tracy I had a lumpectomy and only 8 nodes removed and am still sore. Momma Tazzy is right time and patience heals all. Look for the good things as a distraction. And if that doesn't help I find that coming here and having a virtual tantrum does!😜

cowpower

Karen I never thought of ranting here as a virtual tantrum before- love the imagery!



Tracy can only echo the above about being kind to yourself and patience. Just to add that those darn drains were truly a "drain" on me both body and soul. I was a new person after they came out. I hope the same goes for you.