Anyone in Southern Md or vicinity?

bethr · January 2009

Hi All,

I was diagnosed in Sept and am finally having surgery next week with chemo to follow. I was looking for any other comrads in MD/Metro DC who might like to start a group? Or if any of you know if any groups already existing?

Wish you all the best!

Beth

Hood1980 · January 2009

Hi Beth, I'm in Waldorf!

bethr · February 2009

Hi Hood1980.

If you see this please accept my apologies for the late response. I haven't been on the site that much lately.

I finally had my surgery yesterday at Ann Arundel. I had a partial masectomy on my left breast a couple small biopsies on the right, and a sentinal node biopsy on the left lymph area and should have those results on Friday. I'll be starting chemo eventually and will be meeting with my oncologist for the second time on the 13th to go over everything again and get a reference for the port catheter (I don't know if I'm referring to that correctly) implant since they didn't do it as part of the breast surgery. My worst fear about that right now is that I'd like to continue working if possible and I have a hour commute to work right now. But I'll just have to wait and see.

So how's everything going for you? By the look of your pic, you're hopefully at the end of your treatment? I mean it looks like your hair is starting to grow back. Yay for you! Also, do you know of any support groups in the area?

Take care and have a great day.

Beth

encoremom · February 2009

Hi, sorry I didn't see this before. I'm in La Plata. I had a bilat mx in October and DIEP reconstruction in February.

roseg · February 2009

GSG had her surgery at Ann Arundel. Did you go to a breast center there? I think that's where she had her chemo.

Unless you have serious complications you should be able to continue working. I know several people who would try to arrange treatments on a Thursday or Friday and then go back in the following Monday.

If your workplace is at all flexible I'm sure things will work out. Most workplaces will look the other way if you aren't quite up to par if you're showing up regularly. Once your hair falls out they'll all think you're doing great to be coming in at all.

I never had chemo but my husband has had it several times and he's always worked throughout. It gives you something to do besides think about yourself. Plus you get a check.

bethr · February 2009

Hi encore and roseg!

Well, I had my surgery a couple of weeks ago. Unfortunately, my margins weren't clear and I've got some cancer in the lymph nodes.

I'm going to the Anne Arundel breast center and they feel confident that a re-excision and removing all the lymph nodes from the breast along with the chemo and radiation will do the trick. So, my next surgery is this Friday.

I'll be getting my chemo treatments in Clinton, off of Woodyard rd since it's a little closer for me than Anne Arundel. I met with the chemo team for the first time last Friday for a 'meet and greet' and they said life could go on pretty much as it has been barring any major issues. And yes, I will hopefully scheduling the treatments for Fridays. There were just so many unknowns and so many different opinions in my family. I don't want this to be a big deal. I'm hoping for the best so I can just get it over with and hopefully, get on with life.

Have a great day!

Beth

encoremom · February 2009

Hi Beth and roseg,

I don't know of any support groups in the area. So far, my doctors have not recommended chemo as my tumors (2 of them) were very small. I had a bilat masectomy at Hopkins and recently went back for DIEP reconstruction. I'm home recovering now.

Hope all goes well for both of you. Gentle Hugs

Debbie

LKL · March 2009

Encore Mom--

I had bilateral mast. done at Hopkins also, after previous lumpectomy the year before (2nd cancer cropped up.) I'm planning on having DIEP this year--I'm having fills done now. I am anxious about the surgery and recovery. How are you doing?

Anyone in Southern Md or vicinity?

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