MIDDLE-AGED WOMEN 40-60ish

Just to mix things up a bit... my mother is having a hell-of-a-time with lymphadema on the side where only five nodes were removed ; but the side that had a complete axillary node dissestion in the 1960's (for a largely prophylactic mastectomy) has given her no trouble for the last 40 years.  Go figure!

I had only seven nodes removed, as well as axillary radiation and, so far, so good.  My oncology nurse said that regular exercise helps, but - sometimes - lymphadema cannot be predicted.  It has a mind of its own.

E-your last post was sent via mind meld?  Hurry back-ain't no sunshine when you're gone!

Thanks to all of you !!! I am so glad I have you. I worked today and it kicked my butt. Under my arm is more swollen than it was this morning. I reallly want to see if they will drain it tomorrow. It's not warm or red, but definetly filling up. Should I put a warm compress on it or is that something I shouldn't do?

I have the best brothers in the world and wanted to share this with you. When my dad got remarried everything go transfered to his new wife. He passed away just before Christmas. There was one small life insurance policy that never got changed and was left to me and my 2 sisters, and 3 brothers. When I got home to day I had an email from my 3 brothers and they are going to take theirs and pay my mortgage while I go through treatments and said they would not take no for an anwer and that it would be what our dad wanted them to do.

Wow, Dianarose, that IS very special!!! And your Dad probably WOULD have helped you if he was still here....

I had to go to a walk in clinic to get my seroma drained. The doc said it wasn't fluid but I proved him wrong as he emptied 2 huge needles!! You don't feel a thing painwise as you are still numb, but the relief of the ease of pressure is pretty amazing!

Sorry for the late request but I'm wearing some pockets tomorrow AM for my "3 years out from diagnosis" bilateral mammo.  I'm stressing a bit more than I have in the past-have some serious health issues with my mom have cropped up & I MUST HAVE an all clear mammo in order to take care of her & not have any BS going on with me.  So please-feel free to jump in-it's 7:30AM PDT. and any & all prayers are welcome.  Thanks 

luvmygoats, Yes, we are the "cheetos" group, the "chocolate" group, the "vodka" group, in fact I think we are just about the anything group EXCEPT lima beans, brussel sprouts & beef liver and/or tongue (I speak for myself here); oh & pink slime!  Thanks for signing up for my pocket party-how fun---I get a virgin!!! 

All kidding aside, I absolutely have to be available for my mom, no if's ands or buts about it--so the beast just needs to continue to stay far, far away from me!   

If I can figure out the timing, I'll be jumping in BOTH Joni & Sherry's pockets tomorrow morning!!  In case I mess up with my jumping skills, thoughts and prayers will be with you both!!  ((HUGS))

... And Congrats, Joni, on your 3 years!!!  I'll be there myself in a few months! 

oooooo! chocolate old fashioned please

Ooh I want French Cruellers. I'll be there with everyone.

Pocket hopping sounds like a good time. Best of luck to the both of you.

 I do believe what I have going on is a seroma. It's even bigger this morning. I can't put my arm down by my side. I will not leave the MO's office until someone drains it. My appt. is at 10:30. I have all my questions for her written down so I don't forget anything. If anyone thinks of something I might forget to ask her please feel free to let me know. Thanks

Sherry - Pocket party for you, too.  What's your favorite pocket party food?  Know that by now you are at the hospital.

Dianarose - Hope you get some relief today.  And answers to your questions.

MOT - Prayers for your biopsy results today.

Prayers going up for all those unspoken needs or ones that come up during the day.

I've some more wet wipes for the Cheeto's fingers!  I'll be jumping from pocket to pocket to pocket!

Dianarose--while you are gathering info about treatment keep in mind that there are 2 kinds of treatment.  One is local treatment, this is surgery and radiation.  Local treatment only treats the breast and lymphnode area.  The second is systemic treatment, this is chemo and hormonal (estrogen blocking) treatment.  Systemic treatment is aimed at getting at any bc cells that have left the breast area and gone to other parts of the body.  Systemic treatment is always part of the treatment plan when a number of lymph nodes are involved since that is evidence that bc cells could have gotten away from the breast area to other parts of the body.  It might be easier for you to think about local treatment, then think about systemic treatment.  That way you don't have to be looking at so many different types of treatment with all the associated side effects.  

My heart ladies goes to you today. Joni- you will rock today--hope the appt is as boring as it can be!! Dianarose- hope you find relief today and some peace of mind too. Sherryc--by the time you read any of this it will be mostly behind you. Prayers for the start of this leg of your journey. MOT--will be there holding your hand thinking nothing but good thoughts. ((((hugs))))) to all!