Just Diagnosed & Brain Numb

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  • IndigoMont11
    IndigoMont11 Member Posts: 1,095
    edited March 2012

    Melrose, consider this message as a welcome home bouquet of well wishes for you.  Looking forward to hearing from you again when you are up to it!

    (gentle) Hugs!!  Indigo

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  • msphil
    msphil Member Posts: 1,536
    edited March 2012

    we are here for you, we have heard those dreaded words and I will pray for you and for all od us, I agree that once u get a treatment plan you will feel better, I wanted to get started ASAP and get on with it, I am a long time survivor and you are in my prayers. (Idc, stage 2, 3 nodes, and L mast, chemp and rads and 5 yrs on Tamoxifen) the way I made it thru is to stay Positive and Always have HOPE.  msphil 

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited March 2012

    UPDATE

    I came home this morning after a 2 night stay at the hospital after my UMX.  I'm feeling okay except for these crazy hives from what no one knows for sure.  Glad to be home so I can get some rest.  So glad I have it this far in my journey.  All of the words of kindess and support helped me get through this part of my journey.  When I went in Wednesday morning, I felt at peace and calm.  The doctors and nurses told my husband that I was smiling when I went into the recovery room  Yes, it is a relief to have the surgery over  Thanks again for all of the positive thoughts, words of kindness and support.  HUGS to all!!!

    As always, trying to find a little peace, a little calm, lots of good conversation, laughter and smiles and moving forward with positive thoughts.

    Melrose 

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  • Galsal
    Galsal Member Posts: 1,886
    edited March 2012

    my hives were from the surgical wash that was on my skin for too many days.  it showed up on my neck, upper chest and upper arms on Day 4.  once the wash finally got off after several days, it slowly got better.

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  • SelenaWolf
    SelenaWolf Member Posts: 1,724
    edited March 2012
    I had a bad allergic reaction to the "hypo-allergenic" tape; hives galore!!  I told them I was allergic to it, but the nurses pooh-poohed the thought.  "... You won't get hives from this ..."  I wish I'd placed money on it.

    Good luck with the rest of your treatment.  There will be good days and bad ones, and so-so ones, but - in the end, when all treatment is done - you will still be you.
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  • zoey1
    zoey1 Member Posts: 42
    edited March 2012

    I got hives all over my back from the moraphine.

    Warmest Regards!! 

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited March 2012

    Thanks for the heads up about where my hives may be coming from!!!

    I loosened some of the bandages off my skin--- oh my that feels so much better.  I seem to be wearing this ace bandage bra that stays closed with velcroe.... what a wonderful look!!! lol

    The hives seem a little more manageable since I've come home.... The nurses were giving me only one tablet and apparently isn't enough.  I am able to take two and don't have flareups as often. 

    SelenaWolf-- You are so right that I will still be me after all the treatments are done.  I told the hospital chaplain that I thought my body was not well but my mind is still the same and well.  He found that rather enlightening that I am able to separate myself from my body.  

    Sending out (((WARM HUGS))) to all and positive thoughts and energy and healing prayers!!!! 

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  • Galsal
    Galsal Member Posts: 1,886
    edited March 2012

    The chaplain came to see you?  How nice!  Never saw one while I was there.  Maybe because it was a weekend.  Glad you're doing so well.

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited March 2012

    I visited with a chaplain in the hospital pre-op area and again post-op.  The one I saw in my hospital room spent about 30 minutes with me.  We talked about my thoughts about my BS and how I was handling the situation and about my attitude about this journey.  The hospital has chaplains there 24/7.  I'm not as religious as some but I do feel the being spiritual helps calm the soul.

    As I  think of everyone today---- sending (((warm hugs))), positive thoughts, energy and prayers.  I hope everyone feels the warm blanket of love and support that we have for each other.  I pray for everyone and myself that we continue on our journeys with hope and love and know that we are blessed. 

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  • FilterLady
    FilterLady Member Posts: 407
    edited March 2012

    Hi Melrose:  When I had my wire localization done right before my excisional biopsy, the radiologist asked if I was allergic to anything other than Albuterol.  I told her "not a thing".

    Imagine my surprise when I started breaking out a couple of days later.  I am now allergic to plastic surgical tape!  It looked like the measles and itched too....so I went to see the surgeon and that's when he said he thought it was the tape.  

    It got better so now I tell them anything I get blood drawn, etc...."No plastic surgical tape".

    I am also praying for everyone and myself.  I am so blessed by having many friends and family praying for me and my family as well as praying for others on this journey.

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited March 2012

    The BS thinks I may be allergic to the iodine surgical wash.  I think the postop paper tape was holding the wash on to my skin making it just plain irritated.  Who knows what it really is but boy has it been fun. (LOL)  Thank goodness for benedryl and being to clean some of my skin.

    Hope you are having a peaceful and relaxing Sunday!!!! Positive thoughts, prayers and hugs to all!!!!

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  • SelenaWolf
    SelenaWolf Member Posts: 1,724
    edited March 2012

    I am not a practicing Christian, but so much of this journey is purely emotional, it just makes sense that spiritual help/guidance can provide added insight into one's feelings and thoughts.  Addressing the cancer is only part of it; dealing with the emotions is also huge.

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited March 2012

    UPDATE- Getting a little better everyday since my UMX.  I have an appt with the BS on Thursday to have him check his work and tell me what the pathology report says about lefty and the 5 nodes he removed.  I'm hoping for positive news. 

    Got out of the house today and took with a walk with my DH.  It was good to get outside for a little while. 

    As always, trying to find a little calm, a litle peace, lots of good conversation, laughter and smiles and moving forward, one day at a time and one step at a time.  Sending lots of hugs, positive thoughts and energy and prayers ........  :)

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  • scaredycatwoman
    scaredycatwoman Member Posts: 77
    edited March 2012

    does mx mean mastectomy--if it was cught early--why would you do that

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  • scaredycatwoman
    scaredycatwoman Member Posts: 77
    edited March 2012

    and what does UMX mean Please

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  • 1openheart
    1openheart Member Posts: 765
    edited March 2012

    Scaredy....UMX stands for unilateral mastectomy....a mast. on one side only.

    MX means mastectomy.

    Melrose....glad you were able to get out some today.  The wind was so strong up my way that I did not get out to walk.  It was blowing all that oak pollen around.  Not good for my asthma.  I, too, am hoping that you will hear positive news on Thursday.  If, by chance it is not the news you want to hear, I know that you will meet it head on with all of the grace and determination that you have exhibited so far.  Sending calming, peaceful energy down to Houston.  We're about to get hit by the bad weather.  I hope it is not too bad for us or for you when it gets to Houston.

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  • SelenaWolf
    SelenaWolf Member Posts: 1,724
    edited March 2012

    @scaredycat... sometimes, even when the breast cancer is caught early, some women feel more comfortable having a mastectomy, which lowers their risk of recurrence of the cancer to about 1%-5%.  For very high-risk women (such as BRCA1/2+ and others), a mastectomy or a bilateral mastectomy takes a huge amount of the risk off-the-table and can give tremendous peace-of-mind going forward.

    A lumpectomy or partial/wedge mastectomy has the same 5-year survival rate as a mastectomy when paired with radiation, but a slightly higher (5%-8%) recurrence rate.  For some women, the higher recurrence rate is simply unacceptable, and they feel safer- and more comfortable with a mastectomy.  Because, believe me, the thought of having to go through diagnosis/treatment more than once is terrifying.

    However, it's a deeply personal choice that only you can make.

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited March 2012

    Rainy weather here so no walk around the block for me until maybe this afternoon.  Feeling okay.... jsut a little sore from the portacath placement but that is to be expected.

    scaredycat---The reason I opted for the UMX is because partial masectomy I had to remove a large mass left such a large space and the MRI I had recently revealed two suspicious areas in the left breast.  I didn't want to go through two more biopsies and find out I would need to have more surgery.  I'm a small busted person so there wouldn't be much left if I had the other two suspcious areas removed.  The oncologist and two breast surgeons told me that in case, UMX was the best option for me and no reconstruction because of an allergic reaction and infection after the MRI.  My right breast seem to be okay and the doctors did not recommend removing it.I am sure you are wondering if and how I got comfortable with my surgery decision.  I had enough information about my breast cancer and good doctors who carefully explained their recommendations to make the decision.  It wasn't easiest decision to make but I know for me, it has been the best decision for me.    

    Sending lots of (((HUGS))), positive thoughts, energy and prayers!!!!!  One day at a time, one step at time and moving forward.  :)

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited March 2012

    UPDATE-  Just got the pathology report from the recent UMX via telephone from the BS .  The two suspicious areas that showed up during the MRI were DCIS and another suspicious area was benign.  Clean margins and the five nodes he took were clean.  Now to continue the healing so I can head off to chemoland.....

    Prayers, positive thoughts and energy to all...... :)

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  • Momine
    Momine Member Posts: 7,859
    edited March 2012

    Melrose, so glad to hear the news, which, on balance, is good news. Onwards and upwards!

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited March 2012

    Thanks---- with the help of family, friends and those on this board, I got to this point of my journey.  There is a little less of me physically but oh so much more mentally!!!!    If you are looking for updates... I joined the March Masectomy 2012 thread and the April/May 2012 Chemo thread.  I continue the journey with others who help me find a little calm, a little peace, lots of good conversation, laughter and smiles as I move forward.  Surrounding all with a giant blanket of love, support, prayers and gratitude!!!!! xoxoxoxo

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited March 2012

    Update-

    As life has it, things happen.  Got out of the hospital yesterday after going to the emergency room this past Sunday afternoon.  Have spring allergies & bronchitis that I've dealing with for the last two weeks.  I must have cough too hard/too much and had to have emergency surgery to fix a vein/blood vessel in the UMX area.  My dear BS came to ER late Sunday night after the ER doctor called him and did the surgery.   A small setback but I'm trying to get back on track which right now isn't easy.  I've been a little emotional but know I've got to stay positive , get healing and move forward.  So today, I'm trying find a little calm, a little peace, lots of good conversation, laughter and smiles and move forward.  I'm saying lots of prayers and praying for inner peace and calm, strength and courage for me, my family, everyone connected to me and all who come by this way. We are surrounded by God's love and support......

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  • FilterLady
    FilterLady Member Posts: 407
    edited March 2012

    Melrose....bless your heart.  I'm praying for a speedy recovery for you from here on out.

    What a great BS you have!  I'm sure you will be back on track soon.

    Gentle (((((((((((hug)))))))))) for you!

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  • 1openheart
    1openheart Member Posts: 765
    edited March 2012

    Melrose....you poor girl.  It sounds like you have been through the ringer this week.  I'm so sorry. As always, your positive attitude and energy is admirable.  I hope they were able to get the allergies and bronchitis under control enough so you won't be pulling anymore stitches.  Ouch!  It sounds like you have a good team....family, friends and doctors.  Hang in there and thanks for the update.  I'm sending you warm thoughts, positive, calming and healing energy. 

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited March 2012

    Filter Lady & 1openheart---Thanks for the words of support and caring!!!  They mean a lot to me and I definitely know your thoughts help me. 

    I'm feeling physically better today and trying to get out of my little funk about the setback and about feeling a little hurried/pushed by the hospital personnel to get a bone scan and CT scan (which were ordered by my oncologist) scheduled.  I have been reminded by my DH, my breast surgeon, his wonderful nurse and one of the oncologist's assistants that I am the one in control here and if I need a little break, I just have to say so.  So I have said so.  So I'm giving myself a a few days break to recover from this latest setback and plan to get back on schedule early next week.  I need to have my mind and body at the point where I feel healthy enough to handle the next phase of my treatment in chemoland.

    As always, trying to find a little calm, a little peace, lots of good conversation, laughter and smiles and moving forward.  Wrapping everyone in warm blanket of love, prayers and support. 

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  • 1openheart
    1openheart Member Posts: 765
    edited March 2012

    Melrose...did you read Peggy Huddleston's book Preparing for Surgery?   She talks about having your friends and loved ones imagine wrapping you in a warm blanket when you are in surgery.  I asked my friends and family to think of doing that for me while I was in surgery, and I am convinced it helped!

    I'm glad that you were able to slow down the process some.  I think you deserve to have a chance to catch your breath and feel more in control of the situation you find yourself in.  Be kind to yourself.  Take care. 

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited March 2012

    1openheart

    I have to admit that once I knew I was on my way to the ER, I somehow became calm and knew it was the right thing to do.  My wonderful BS was hesistant at first to tell me that I needed emergency surgery to fix the problem, but once he told me, I told him that I was okay with all of this and it needed to be done.  I will tell you also that I constantly prayed for some peace and calm and to be wrapped in the God's love and support to guide me through this.  I believe that helped through that setback and continues to help me now.  You have always reminded me to be kind to myself and so with this little break, I am.  HUGS, positive thoughts and prayers to you, my friend.

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  • 1openheart
    1openheart Member Posts: 765
    edited March 2012

    Thank you, Melrose.  Sleep tight.  

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  • jo50
    jo50 Member Posts: 75
    edited March 2012

    what a lot you have been through, as if the cancer itself wasn't enough! Sending supportive thoughts and prayers for rest and recovery. Sounds like a good idea to take a little break and get some strength back before your next steps. Jo

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited March 2012

    Jo- Thanks for the support.  A little rest sounds really good to me right now!!!!! 

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