Upcoming Surgery

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  • Lcharmie
    Lcharmie Member Posts: 430
    edited April 2009

    Hi Jaden,

    I am glad for your questions---I am going to write about my experience, while many years ago, we will just roll with the "punches".  I had at that time the Chemo of Adramycin and Cytoxyan (cocktail) 4 treatments--1 every 3 weeks---when that was over I had Chemo of Taxol--4 treatments--1 every 3 weeks.  I would not tell anyone to do this---but I took off days for Chemo--2-3 days and I went to work everyday 8 hours a day---I worked in a Mental Hospital---my thought was if I got up every day and could dress and go to work, I would have to "think about other people and their problems" and I did not have to think about me---well I believe it worked, actually, it was when I got home and took off my wig that I thought "Cancer" and yeah---tired.  After the Chemo--I had to have Radiation--34 treatments---5 days a week--I am of fair complexion so it can burn the skin, but this was taken care of and it healed, otherwise it did not hurt--made me tired and that is an under statement, could have been that I was tired from the Chemo too--I did not work through the Radiation though--and I went back part-time for about a month to get back into the job.  That was Sept. 1999.  Oh I have some History with this journey--that was the start.

    When you want my History--I will share it---- For somone just going through this--I would scare them pretty bad---My thoughts--don't give up!!!!  My Surgeon said, "Linda we will live till we die". I thought--well, that makes sense!!!

    Right now--one day at a time---we hope always not to have CA elsewhere--but try not to give it your energies---need all you got to cope right now.

    patoo is so right--God gives us no more than we can bear--but when we are going through things sometimes that is our last thought!!!   I just say "Lord you said you would never leave me" and I know he has carried me!!!

    I had my experience with the drain tubes--I thought it was one of the worst pains I ever had, that is no lie!!!  One of my friends called them (her Purses)   Wheeeee!!!

    Oh yeah, and I have a port--I never wanted one, but I am Ok with it and they don't have to try to keep finding a vain to do Chemo.  It was not bad to have it put in, Dr. put me to sleep-- Day Surgery and I went home that evening. It was the 3rd day and it itched---BAD--I heard that itching is a form of pain--OK--Benadryl and Motrin shut that down--always check with Dr. and Nurses--I had called the Emergency Room that night, because I did not know what to do---my friend(that had the Purses) told me on the 3rd day it felt like it was (burning) NOT---it ITCHED!!!

    Ok--thats the Linda Story!!!

    Keep your questions coming--everyone of us has a different story or almost same story to tell, and I love to share, because I have been through alot and believe that I am here to help others get through this

    Take care of you.

    Linda C. 

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  • nasharayne
    nasharayne Member Posts: 139
    edited April 2009

    Hi Jaden1,

    I will be doing 6 cycles every three weeks then I do herceptin every three weeks for a year because my her 2 was amplified.  My work schedule is a little tricky because I work from home and generally travel every week.  I plan on travelling during my third week and working at home when I have the energy. My employer is really supportive.  I had my second chemo on tuesday.  I worked monday-wednesday.  I feel like I can work today also.  Still a little tired and a little back pain but no biggie.  If I had to go in to an office I would probably stay home today and start tomorrow.

    Getting additional tests is just a precaution.  I got a CT Scan and bone scan just to make sure.  They saw two areas they weren't sure about on the bone scan but, my doctor suggested we re-scan in 3 months.  He didn't think it was anymore cancer so, I'll wait that out.  Prior to me going my doctor told me not to get worked up about these tests.  They practice defensive medicine and they have to take every precaution to keep you safe and them.

    I got my port placed on March 12th. They gave me medicine to sleep through the entire procedure.  I believe I took some pain medicine later that night and maybe the next day.  I only got the port because my treatment will last a year.  You should wait until you speak with your onc and decide on your treatment.  It may not be necessary depending on your veins.

    Im sorry you had to go through so much pain with the drains.  I didn't have a drain.

    I agree with Patoo.  God will never give you more than you can handle.  I thank God every night for the life he has given me.  Of course I wouldn't have chosen to get BC but, it has brought me closer to God and I am finally ok with this. 

    We can chat anytime.  PM me if you like or I'll find you over here.

     I'll be praying for you.....We will get through this!!!!!!!!!!!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2009

    Hi Jaden,

    Yes, God will take you through and he put the rest of us here to walk with you.  The tests, waiting, results will all put your faith to the test.

    I'm sorry for the pain and anguish you are going through.  Once treatments have started it should get a little better to bear.  The beginning is the worse part because of the unknown.  Hang in there.

    Be blessed.

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  • Indomitable1
    Indomitable1 Member Posts: 253
    edited April 2009

    Hey jaden1 (and everybody else)!

    I had my drain replaced today with ultrasound guidance. My original (3, from surgery 3/27) were removed on Friday-2 were no longer draining but there was definitely a pocket of fluid which was not being touched. Long story short she felt they needed to change the placement. Big accumulation over the weekend (ok grew a new boob and it was sloshing).  It went well. Not much pain at all but I am still very numb-especially in the axillary region (which is probably why it didn't hurt so much when she removed them).

    My port will be placed on Thursday AM. I'll see the oncologist after that. Check out this post about Ports:

    PORT PLACEMENT - DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PROCESS have the port put in that side. I see bs tomorrow and I am going to ask her if its possible could she... In the 'Chemotherapy - Before, During and After' Forum

    I find so much information on these discussion boards and so much support. Don't forget to review your pathology results including your hormone status with your onc. Your treatment regimen will  be based upon the results. The PET scan is to make sure you don't have any other areas of involvement and to document a baseline prior to treatment. 

    Not only is this battle His, He will supply all our needs according to his riches in glory. I need to be Cancer Free/NED!

    You'll see that some people work and some can't. You'll have to be flexible and play it by ear. Remember-you and your recovery come first. You are now PRIORITY number 1-not work, not anything  or anybody else.  Anyone who depends on you will need you to invest in yourself during this time and support you in this fight!

    BTW-patoo- i read your post about your sisterlocks. I just celebrated my 2 year SL-lockaversary. I was glad to know that you won't be losing yours. I am not going to lose mine-I've not retightened since this journey started in mid-March. I'm going to cut them at the bases so I can at least control  that part. Big pix taking time!

    God Bless you all!

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  • Roya
    Roya Member Posts: 346
    edited April 2009

    If you are starting chemo this month, go to the 'Chemo therapy - Before, During & After'  forum.   There is a section for those 'starting chemo in April 09.'  All of these women are sharing their experiences with chemo with one another.  Their questions are being asked and answered.  There is much caring and sharing.  It would be another great place for resource and networking.

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  • nasharayne
    nasharayne Member Posts: 139
    edited April 2009

    Roya is right.  Im on the march 09 thread and I have learned so much from those ladies and gotten so much support on the down days.

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  • jaden1
    jaden1 Member Posts: 15
    edited April 2009
    1. I did go to that sight and you are right ther is abundance of information. thank you all again it is very helpful
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