November 2009 Mastectomy

Hope everything went smoothly after the prep was done! Isn't it nice to know for sure? Good job!

Hi Leslie - Several of us still post occasionally. I've been so busy with my son's graduation and now my folks move to a retirement apartment tomorrow. I'm exhausted today and the big day is still to come!

Saw my onc for the routine follow-up today. Other than my extreme tiredness, the only other symptom I still have is an occasional zinging pain on the back of my left arm. It's rare, takes me by surprise, and by the time I gasp - it's gone! According to him, it may always be there, or may go away. But it's really not a big deal for me. The tiredness - I'm TIRED of being tired!!!!! According to him - it's a combination of all the variables.....which I already knew!

Glad you're making progress with the lymphedema. My onc and surgeon insist that it's so rare with my surgery that I don't need to be concerned with prevention! Yet he asked today if I ever noticed any swelling in my arms.....and to let them know if I did! I really wonder if they are so worried about increasing our stress level that they try to downplay everything??? But I'd rather KNOW, and prevent...... Doubt if I can change them - so I'm glad for these boards so that I can be aware, and still filter some of the information! (A friend just told me that her surgeon made 3 requests when she was diagnosed - one of which was "no internet"! How arrogant is that? Doesn't he think she is smart enough to decide for herself which info is important and which needs filtered? Or at leat to ask if something sounds questionable? Wow!)

Have a good weekend everyone!

I'm the only one who can add to the original post as far as I can understand this system. The change only happened recently and no one new has been added. All those listed are really from the 2009 surgeries. I really doubt if anyone has already been scheduled for a 2010 mastectomy, as it's a little early.

My original post to the Moderators in the forum addressed to them was correct, but when I didn't get an answer, I sent them a PM which is what is listed above. Apparently my brain glitched that night and I made the mistake of saying 2010! Doesn't it seem like it was much more recent that clear back in 2009? Anyway, it's fixed now. Thank-you Moderators!

I'm busy, busy, busy! Still trying to help get my folks settled into their new "Senior" apartment. Youngest son is helping with the organizing of church camp this summer and we are supposed to help with some things also that week. It's always something to keep us busy in addition to the usual routines of cleaning, laundry, tutors, meals, etc! I seem to be fighting something like a chest cold but different from a head cold like I usually get. Tired somewhat more than usual, but seem to have cycles of that anyway and it's not enough to really slow me down much.

How is everyone else doing????? Those of us still following this thread would love to have you check in with an update.....but we understand the routine of moving on with the many aspects of daily living too.

God still has a Plan, and He IS in control - even in the times of trial and stress!

We've been camping this last week near the church camp where our son was assisting with the planning and organization of the week. Really enjoyed the time away - did some small hikes, took lots of pictures, enjoyed the clouds and the rushing river, and r-e-l-a-x-e-d!!! Still tired......but another week is here and need to pick up the pieces of reality and get ready for our 2 week vacation to Ohio!

Interesting enough, I just had 2 friends tell me that they are low in vitamin B - and they have both been so-o-o tired. They are both taking B complex vitamins now. I can't wait to see if their energy levels improve! One had surgery recently and one is still in treatment since Nov. 2008 for CIDP - a form of Guillian Barre. Hmmmmm.......

dmorgan - many friends, and relatives and more friends in Indiana. Sounds like some friends want us to go with them to the Creation Science Museum, and others want us to go with them to the Great Smokey Mountains. We'll also be in St. Louis one day, and up to Holmes Co. Ohio! Sounds fun and interesting - hope I'll not get too tired! It's such a Blessing to have such wonderful friends!!

Edit to add - we'll be around Dayton, Ohio except for these side trips!

Back from a wonderful (but WARM!) 2 week trip to Ohio, Indiana,  and the Smokies! Since starting B complex, I have energy again! Now jumping back into the home routine with 2 feet!

So great to hear an update, and so greatful we've come so far! God is still in control, just like He was last year, next year and forever! There will always be different issues in life.....someday we'll understand it all, and be able to truly rest from all our trials and labors here! The more trials we have, the more we look forward to that Day!

I'm doing well. So much more energy since I started B complex vitamins. It has made an obvious difference! My Oncologist still has me on a schedule, but longer between. I know to watch for re-occurance in the chest wall. Don't really mind the foobs, better than flat or reconstruction FOR ME!

My husband had prostate cancer in 2008, then my 2 surgeries in 2009 - I think we both have a new perspective - some things in life just aren't priority anymore, some things just aren't worth fretting about. We're thankful to be moving forward, giving God the praise and trusting Him for the future.

We leave soon for Los Angeles for a Prostate Cancer Seminar. Just a quick weekend trip with alot of great information and a break from routine! I'll check in when we return! Let's stay in touch!