Winter rads 2014-2015

kayfry

Quiggy, life has gotten (more) crazy (husband had an accident and broke his leg, among other things) and I have not been here as much, but I just saw this and want to say how happy I am to hear your news. Hoping all goes well from here on out!

quiggy

Oh my gosh kayfry, sorry about your DH. Hopefully he recovers quickly.

How are you feeling?

The lump was benign, huge relief! Unfortunately I'm not healing and the infection is ongoing. Back to the doc this week to see what happens next. I'm trying to keep hope that it will actually resolve one day.

zjrosenthal

Quiggy, benign is such a lovely word. I am so happy for you. Hopefully they will be able to finally get rid of the infection. Have you considered seeing a lawyer?

Also, do any of you lumpectomy ladies still have lingering breast swelling and tenderness? I finished rads at the end of April and am still swollen and tender. Facing a mamo in less than a month, ouch! Love, Jean

quiggy

Fun Monday morning!!! Started at 3:30 am, trying to get ready for work, got sick then my incision opened. The seroma "let go" and kept up at an alarming rate, finally slowed down about 7 am. It was crazy, disturbing and painful! My poor boob was very swollen, not quite as bad now. (Hey, silver lining!)

My surgeon is off so I ended up with a PA.

She didn't feel this was an infection but due to the large seroma. While she was digging around, she found more sutures that the surgeon missed.

Have to "repack" the open incision every day for 2-3 weeks.

I can't seem to catch a break. Nearly 9 months of this crap.

zjrosenthal

Quiggy are you getting herceptin / perjeta infusions for the her2+ marker?

WheelyGirl

quiggy - hope this new finding helps your breast heal a little faster.

zjrosenthal - I finished rads April 16th and yes my breast is still very tender and swollen.  Especially the nipple area.  I had my mammogram on June 17th and although it did hurt it was not undoable.

CoyoteNV

Geez Quiggy ~ You've had enough - more than enough actually.  I'd be freaking out by now.  Are any of your medical people upset about all of this?

I went to the MO today for a results of the kidney ultrasound and all is well with that.  She asked me all the questions that she always asks and I mentioned that my arm on the bc side has been tender and sore. Not enlarged or swollen at all.  Ends up she wants another ultrasound to check the veins in my upper arm because, after feeling around on it, she thinks there might be a clot on a nerve. At least I don't have to do it tomorrow.  Warm compresses for a week first.   Yup - it keeps on giving. Is anyone really done?

 

PoppyK

Quiggy, That is just awful! It's great that the PA found the sutures that the doctor missed. I would be absolutely crazy after 9 mos of stuff like that!

Parts of my breasts are still sore. I showed the mammo tech where I was sore and she was very careful with me. Even when she used the small paddle to get a better look at an area. Surprisingly, the mammo didn't hurt.

Coyote, I also wonder if we are ever done. Visited the GYN and she has assignments for me. I've also been referred to the lymphedema specialist for a consult due to the limited mobility in my left arm. I have to go to an endocrinologist due to the nodules on my thyroid that the scans turned up. Still have to follow up with the PS. It just keeps going on and on and on.....

WndrWoman

And I too am not done. Something going on in the other breast. MO said to see the BS who is on vacation til next week. So lots of waiting before any imaging and those results.

Beachbum1023

Hey Ladies, we are never done from what I can tell. I still have to go monthly for port flushes, nice chemo reminder. Yuck. But nice to see my nurses. And the scans start again after Labor Day, oh joy. When I finished my DD AC/T they gave me a stuffed Energizer bunny, now I know why.............on and on and on we go just like the dang pink rabbit! It would be so nice to just stop it all for good and move on, but the thought of being adrift in cancerland is pretty scary too. Oh this must be the "new normal" I keep hearing about. It sucks, nothing "normal" about any of this crap. Hang in there ladies! Good thing I still have my butt kicking cancer killing boots to stomp on with.............Cheryl

PoppyK

You are so right, Beachbum! I'm getting better at not being overanxious about doc appts. My blood pressure doesn't go through the roof anymore! With the exception of when I failed my first post-treatment mammo. (I'm fine, US showed b9 results.)

Saw the lymphedema specialist today. No lymphedema or cording at this time! Woohoo! I now know exactly what to watch out for. Because of the limited mobility in my right arm, I now have exercises and therapy with her. She says I should regain full mobility if I do the exercises and work with her. :-)

quiggy

Hi everyone;
I'm going in for surgery this morning. Dr is going to remove the fluid collection and the capsule, putting in a drain this time. He said it's basically the lumpectomy surgery but without the mass being cancer.

Yesterday he probed the opening and extracted an oz of fluid.

Hopefully surgery will resolve the problem this time. So much pain and I'm sick of this!!

quiggy

Any advice on handling the drain? I recall several of you had them on your surgeries.

CoyoteNV

Hi Quiggy ~ I've always wondered why some lumpectomies didn't have drains.  My surgeon believes in them. I even had one the second time with the bad lymph node removal.  The big deal is to be sure that you keep your hands clean when you touch it to avoid more infection.  If they didn't give you a bra with a pocket to hold it, you can make one with part of a sock and pin it to your bra in a spot that will be out of the way. 

I hope all goes well and this ends the problems you have endured.

Thinking about you and sending good healing thoughts.

Jana

 

zjrosenthal

Praying for this surgery to finally allow complete healing. They should give you complete oral and written instructions to care for your drain. It is a nuisance but fairly simple. If you experience any swelling be sure to call their emergency number immediately. I had a visiting nurse come in 3x for the first week to help with the drain. Also please ask about the herceptin / perjeta. Love, Jean

PoppyK

Quiggy, I hope your surgery went well and solves all of those problems that have been plaguing you. Hoping for a smooth, easy recovery.

WndrWoman

PoppyK. I bet the PT will really help. I have been doing chair Yoga and all that stretching is losening my arm.

Quiggy. Let's hope this is the LAST surgery and finally does the trick. You've had a long haul and deserve a pain free summer.

Mqt64 How are things going?

Coyote. Let us know about the arm. But good news on the kidney front.

Beachbum102. Keep those boots walking and stompin.

Artsee Good luck with your surgery.

Beachbum1023

WndrWoman, thanks I am trying, but now I have shingles. WTH! I made an appointment months ago to see my PCP, it's the 23rd. But I got the dang shingles first. The shingles vaccine was on my list. My MO pushed the flu and pneumonia vaccines, but never mentioned the one for shingles, I saw it online. Has anyone had the shingles vaccine? I am burning and itching and look a mess. Maybe I wasn't stomping fast enough?? LOL Another gift without a return receipt.

I hope everyone has a fun and safe 4th! Cheryl

zjrosenthal

Beachbum, I also developed shingles after finishing chemo last January. I understand that this is common when the immune system is compromised by chrmo. I was on an oral med and used OTC Sarna lotion for the itching. Hope your recovery goes quickly. BTW, I had the vaccine but got shingles anyhow. Love, Jean

Beachbum1023

Hi Jean, thanks for the tip on the cream, I hope that helps. Some vaccine huh? Let's hope we stay well! Cheryl

WndrWoman

Ohhhh, my husband had shingles. No fun. The doctor told him to get the shot even though he had had it. Hope it passes quickly. Watch that it does not develop in your eyes. No one needs THAT on top of everything else.

CoyoteNV

Beachbum ~ no fun there. I had shingles 20 years ago and got them again after chemo.  I didn't know that you could get them more than once. Be really kind to yourself.

Hope everyone had a great and safe 4th of July.

 

 

mqt64

Hi all. Have been gone for a while both physically and mentally but the news is good.  This group is amazing with so much happening.  Sorry Kafry about your DH. Hope he is recovering well.  One thing I do believe is that BC and aging are the gifts that keep in giving. If it ain't one thing its another.  So many continuing issues for so many people.

Coyote, glad to know your kidney issues seem to be resolving. Hopefully the soaks resolve the arm issue without surgery??

Wondrwoman, sorry your starting the wait and worry cycle again. Wishing you all the best.

Beachbum, your cancer stomping boots along with everyone's good thoughts and prayers seemed to work for my nephew.  He is home post stem cell transplant and just got the go ahead to do whatever he feels up to doing. Thanks everyone! Keep on stompin'.

My recovery from surgery has been uneventful so far. Pain is decreasing, sutures are holding. Hyperbarics should be done in 4.5 weeks. PS is hoping to leave the sutures in for another week.  It will probably take that long for all the superglue to peel off! I have the only rectangular boob you will ever see. Oh well, it is closed with no infection.  Best of all the path on all that hard tissue (which is now gone!) was benign! That is a wonderful word.

Quiggy, Hope this is your last surgery and your recovery is smooth.  Now off to that pre-hyperbaric treatment shower.

WndrWoman

mqt64. My husband says a rectangular boob could be handy for holding a glass of lemonade(or whatever drink you prefer).

So glad that progress is good and the desired result is in sight. And blown away delighted to hear about your nephew's recovery.

I have been to see the surgeon today and then had mammograms (tomosynthesis) of both breasts and ultrasound for the right one. My left breast was originally not scheduled for the follow-up mammogram until August, but I felt a change in consistency in the right breast and lately the nipple has been going inverted (which happened a year or two before my diagnosis in the other breast). Fortunately they took me right away and all looks well although we will remain vigilant, especially since I have invasive lobular carcinoma. Very relieved.

mqt64

Wondrwoman, so glad your news is positive! My husband said he never thought about it that way!

Went home to my dad's house last Thursday and came home yesterday. It was the annual celebration of my dad's birthday. He is 93 tomorrow. He looked much better than before his pacemaker and feels better too. His stamina puts mine to shame! He was in his glory with 8 of his 9 kids home along with assorted members of the grandchildren and great grandchildren crowd. I got to hold my niece's newborn daughter. They are so tiny! As usual at such gatherings, I found out that my youngest brother needs a cardiac ablation to fix his abnormal heart rhythms and my middle brother is being worked up for respiratory problems. They have ruled out heart so are looking at respiratory now. He was a heavy smoker though he quit almost 20 years ago. Sounds suspicious to me. He may need those cancer stompin' boots. So much for large families! But there was so much love and laughter. We all look forward to this annual celebration.

Saw my PS today.suture removal is moved up to this Thursday. Yeah!

CoyoteNV

mqt64 ~ All that family love sounds wonderful.  Nobody said that life was always easy that is for sure, but it really sounds like your family has a very good grasp on dealing with the realities of it all. It's used a lot, but the idea of making lemonade from lemons certainly comes to mind.  I too am very happy to hear that Danny is doing well.  I'm glad to hear that things are moving in a positive direction for you.  Only 4 1/2 weeks of hyperbarics.  Hmmm. You are one tough cookie!

Wndrwoman ~ Yup. Vigilance.  Sorry that you have something going on that you even have to consider.  I'm glad you have a medical team that will jump on it.  I hope it is "all clear" very quickly.

Quiggy ~ Hoping all is going well. I'm sending good thoughts.

Our 13 year old grand daughter has been with us for a week and we have had a really nice visit - but constantly on the go.  We've been working in the studio where she made an outrageously beautiful necklace.  Tomorrow we are adding a friend from Maryland to our household and he will be here until next Monday.  My son (Dad of grand daughter), his new wife to be, and 2 more grand children (9&2) will be here Saturday and stay until Monday. My son wants me to keep the 9 year old when he picks up the 13 year old. Tomorrow is my birthday and on Saturday night we are having a small (30) party at a restaurant that a bc friend owns, to celebrate that I actually made it to 70. She is closing the restaurant early so we can have the party there. There are some family loyalty issues going on involving weddings and ex's just to add drama to our lives. I have hopes of surviving until Saturday.  It seems like I've not done a lot more than usual, but I am already exhausted.  I wonder how much of that is mental.

Stay well all.

 

 

 

 

zjrosenthal

Coyote, I'm exausted just reading about all you've doing, Love, Jean

kayfry

Thanks to everyone for the well-wishes for my husband (with the broken tibia, for those who didn't read that), and Quiggy, I really, really hope you are now on the mend, for real. My husband is doing well enough with his crutches, it's just a big nuisance, and I'm feeling fine, myself. Just had a busy week-plus with brief trip to New York to do a book signing and also see our son's art show, then a houseful of both of our grown kids and their partners and our grandson and granddog, just put son and DIL on a bus back to NY, from where they'll fly back to L.A. this evening. Now I have just 8 days to finish revisions on my next book, plus catching up with my neglected horse, dogs, and house!

Because I'm feeling so normal and have so many other worries and concerns (family and work, mostly), I haven't thought much at all about BC lately. Except this morning I'm trying to decide if I might try an underwire bra again, or whether I should stay sworn off them for life Not that I care about the underwire but it's just hard to find bras that fit and aren't uncomfortable in any way, plus have cross back or racerback straps to deal with my bad shoulder. I find that even though my skin looks and feels perfectly fine, it's a little more susceptible to irritation from any kind of rough fabric under that arm, especially.

BS follow-up and mammo not until mid-August now, but I'm going through with a consult with PS later this month just to discuss options—though with the proper bras, I'm less inclined to do anything in that dept.

Best to everyone, hope things just continue to get better.

quiggy

Hi dear friends;

Reading and trying to catch up on everything. Common theme.....life is moving along for everyone and "normal" is sliding back to us.

Coyote; pretty long guest list! How cool to have your 13 yo grand daughter hanging with you. Hopefully the other visitors and family drama will be fun. (Yes, fun)

Kayfry; Sorry about your DH's leg but glad he's getting around. I don't know if book signing is exciting but it sounds fun, meeting new people? I'm a ways off in the bra discussion. Still wearing compression garment. I think I would like to wear a pretty bra some day. Hopefully you can too.

mqt64; Yahoo for suture removal!!!! Sucks that you have 4 1/2 weeks of hyperbarics but you're closer then you've been!!I totally agree with Coyote, you are one tough cookie!

Wndrwoman; Clear mammogram is great news. I'm sorry you have to maintain such vigilance but I guess it's part of the ongoing BC normal. Hoping you have a lifetime of clear results!!

I appreciate all the messages, they always help! My staples came out yesterday, steri strips in. The drain should come out on Friday!! They finally identified the bacteria and now they are treating it correctly. My energy isn't "there" yet but it's better each day. I'm hoping to be able to heal this time and move on!!

PoppyK

Coyote and kayfry, There's nothing better than time spent with family! Of course, it's easier when everyone behaves like grown ups are supposed to.

Coyote, Happy Birthday! Woohoo, 70! Congratulations! Your party sounds wonderful. Grandkids must be the best reason in the world for feeling exhausted.

Kayfry, Glad to hear DH is managing well. I had the same questions about underwire bras. My incisions start under my arms and go all of the way around under my breasts. I asked my PS if I could wear underwire bras. He said I could and that discomfort would let me know when it was okay to do so. I started out wearing underwires for a few hours a day, then all day. It took a long time to find ones that fit the way I wanted them to, especially since my breasts are so different now. I would have been content without underwires, but there are so few of them on the market.