Too early for April 2012 mastectomy?

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  • Dianarose
    Dianarose Member Posts: 2,407
    edited April 2012

    Lisa-marie- the shots are to prevent clots.

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

    Dianarose- Hope you get some good rest and have an arsenal of good pain meds!!!!  Feel better soon!!!!

    Mardibra- Good Luck with the surgery tomorrow!!! See you on the other side!!!!!

    Sending to those healing and those waiting---  Lots of gentle (((HUGS))) , positive calming & healing prayers, thoughts and energy.

  • Mardibra
    Mardibra Member Posts: 1,111
    edited April 2012

    I'm starting to freak out.....ugh! If not for this thread I think I would lose it. Thank you thank you thank you!

  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited April 2012
    Mardibra- Take some deep breaths to calm yourself.  You are not travelling on your journey alone and you will not be alone tomorrow!!!!!  Wrapping you in a warm fuzzy blanket of prayer, love and support.  We will be looking to hear from you when you get home.  Peaceful and calming thoughts.  You can do this!!!!
  • rtnyc
    rtnyc Member Posts: 155
    edited April 2012

    Hi everyone, I haven't been on in a few days cause I had to take a break. Hope everyone who is home from surgery is feeling better every day every moment and for all those first going, best of luck, I'll be thinking of you.  Reality is sinking in, my office told me that they hired a person to fill in while I am out to cover the work. I have to say, I felt a little weird. I tihnk because of the reality that surgery is 10 days away and someone else in invading my territory!!!  Oh my god, I'm can't breath between 10 days away and I've never really had a break from work, I'm not so sure I konw how to do that.  How do you cut yourself off?

    longisland mom: are we getting together Monday morning befoe your appt at sloan?

  • VeganGal
    VeganGal Member Posts: 154
    edited April 2012

    Hey rtnyc . . . I feel the same . . . 12 days and counting . . . and I have been handing over files to my team . . . feels very odd to be steping away from some of these ongoing matters I've been managing for a long time . . . (good thing I'm not a control freak at all - I wish) . . . yup . . . so hard. And now . . . between now and my surgery we have to bury my mother in law (was sooo unexpected). And, DH's family had to schedule the viewing, the service and the internment all around my hospital appointments in the next few days. I feel horrible about it. I told them not to . . . but they insisted. An added stress. My DH is sooo upset (he was really close to his mom). Not sure what else we can take right now . . .

  • VeganGal
    VeganGal Member Posts: 154
    edited April 2012

    Oh . . . but what they have done which is so nice is to ask for donations for breast cancer. My MIL had BC many many years ago . . . it is for both her and I. So lovely.

  • longislandmom
    longislandmom Member Posts: 248
    edited April 2012

    RTNYC -- i'll PM you with my phone number-- let's try to make a plan.   Would love to meet and, if that doesn't work-- at least talk.   if i still have a cold (see note below)--i'll spare you the visit since we are both pre-op.  but i definitely want to talk!

    I have been listening to a meditation tape every night that really helps with the stress.  i highly recommend it.  But my NEW stress is that i picked up a cold from my daughter.  i have a headache, low grade fever,  hope it doesn't turn into a sinus infection/cough before surgery.  i am fixated on the thought of a cough with a mastectomy. TORTURE.   i figure with 10 days to go..i can get antibiotics if need be...i cancelled work to stay in bed all day today.  drinking juice and hoping to fight this and be done by the weekend!  ugh.  and my period coming, too. 

  • ppeople
    ppeople Member Posts: 207
    edited April 2012

    Mardibra, I'll be thinking of you tomorrow.

    Shots in stomach are probably lovenox (sp) to prevent blood clots.

    Glad to hearyou are home dianarose (sorry for your pain) and JNS.

  • markat
    markat Member Posts: 909
    edited April 2012

    VeganGal so sorry for your family's loss.



    Mardi you are so close to putting the hard stuff behind you. Just think of when this crappy journey began last year and where you will be be in 6 months! I'm praying that you will have little pain.

  • VeganGal
    VeganGal Member Posts: 154
    edited April 2012

    Mardibra . . . . . sending you the very very best for tomorrow . . . do your best to get through the night . . . as hard as it is. Let us know when you are home safe and sound!

    Hugs.

  • FLislander
    FLislander Member Posts: 243
    edited April 2012

    Mardi

    It's much easier than you think once you get there they take complete care of you then before you know you will be out and at home resting. Really 3 days of uncomfortable, nothing compared to our past 4 months.. All my best going in with you.

    Cindy

    By the way I took complete care of the drains by myself, my DH can't handle that kind of stuff

  • lisamarie68
    lisamarie68 Member Posts: 1,235
    edited April 2012

    Rtnyc, I know how that work thing is . I too was told someone has been hired in my place to do my work while I am out . I do private duty nursing so its probably different and I know my man I take care of needs someone. Last night was his 70th birthday and what a party it was , his wife is the most lovley beautiful person ever and my boss. I cried at dinner stating that I did not want to leave. they all reassured me all was fine . I know it is in a way , but another part of me feels like I will loose my job a wierd feeling . :(:( although I just know I wont .. My mind and my anxiety can really do dirty things to me and make me crazy as hell . I am feeling totally sad and anxious as my day approaches as well. 

    I hope all of my surgery sistas are home and resting well tonight . Luv and hugs ladies xoxox

  • Mardibra
    Mardibra Member Posts: 1,111
    edited April 2012

    Just took a Valium. Wish I could pass them out to everyone!

  • rtnyc
    rtnyc Member Posts: 155
    edited April 2012

    Vegangal:  Glad your not a control freek cause I am and used to be responsible for my own destiny. I hope this fill in doesnt screw up all my hard work and loose biz for me!  But I guess I'll have to figure out how to let go. I am hoping that it comes naturally cause I'll have no other choice anyway over the next month, right?  I am so sorry for your loss, it's hard under normal circumstances I can't even image whats it's like at this time for you and your family.  Try to keep it together, having family around could help.

    Longislandmom:  cold or no cold we can at least get together for coffee. I'm already coughing, promise not to kiss you hello!!!  

    Lisamarie:  I think no matter what type of job we have this situation feels terrible and I know I am feeling what you are too that someone can take our place. I think we just have to focus on us and what happens happens, there's not much we can do about it over the next month anyway.Keep the vision in your head of the birthday party and how happy there were with you...they'll want you back!!  

  • rtnyc
    rtnyc Member Posts: 155
    edited April 2012

    oh....someone said to me today when I was venting about a little anxiety....why don't you do something everyday just for you...get a manicure, talk a walk, watch your favoriate movie, retail therapy, anything just one thing for yourself.  Makes sense huh...just have figure out how to fit that in; something else to think about.

  • Judy6
    Judy6 Member Posts: 54
    edited April 2012

    Vegan, if it is ok can you tell me your dh first name?  I would love to pray for him by name.  It seems to much to bear for him, and for you too!!!  Big huge hugs to you!!!

  • keonghi
    keonghi Member Posts: 111
    edited April 2012

    Hi all,

    This is 3 days post op for me. The swelling and edema are my biggest problems and had to go back to the hospital today to get drain fixed. Pain is still pretty bad but I am staying on top of meds. Somebody from another thread said to take the meds as directed even when you may be feeling ok because if you wait til you have pain it takes longer to get it back under control. Also don't forget to put a pillow in your car to keep the seatbelt from resting directly on your chest. I wish none of us had to go through this, and I hate to say it's worse than I thought it would be, BUT I'm glad to be going through it with all of you!

  • rtnyc
    rtnyc Member Posts: 155
    edited April 2012

    I couldn't donate my own blood today because the iron level was 32 and it had to be 33 to donate.  Does anyone know what amount of iron in terms of iron pills I'll need to take over the weekend to get the level up.  I have a bottle of sogar gentle iron 25mg here but have not clue how many to take, pluse I'll eat green veggies, meat etc etc etc...

  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited April 2012
    keonghi- Sorry you have had it a little rough post-op.  Yes, you do need to stay on a post-op pain medication schedule. When I was still in the hospital after my UMX and emergency surgery, the nurses told me to take the pain meds on schedule when I was discharged whether or not I was feeling any pain.  Never had any pain problems after I came home.  Hope you start feeling better soon!!!!! 
  • markat
    markat Member Posts: 909
    edited April 2012

    Rtnyc you might want to check with your breast surgeon or doctor about the iron.



    Keonghi I hope the pain stays manageable and your swelling goes down.

  • aussie12
    aussie12 Member Posts: 462
    edited April 2012

    Hi all

    Only 2 days until my surgery, I wish it was all over with. I've had a rash all over me the last few days, has nearly gone, the Doctor said I was allergic to something, don't know what? I was worried that my op would have to be delayed.

    It's good to hear that everyone's recovering well from their op's. It will be interisting to compare hospital experiences from Australia an USA as I think I'm the only Aussie on this thread.

  • ndroby
    ndroby Member Posts: 104
    edited April 2012

    Hi All,

    Please know how grateful I am for prayers and know that I am praying for all of you. You are in my thoughts and will continue to be. Vegangal---so sorry for the loss of your Mother in law.

    I am officially on the other side. PBMX with no cancer identified on the frozen sections. Permanents will be back by Monday. 1 node biopsied on each side with clean results. Yeah! LEt's hope that the permanent sections are consistent with the frozen sections.

    This has been an emotional roller coaster for me. April 5th was the 50th anniversary of the death of my mom. 50 years and 5 days later I have the PBMX. All I have been able to think about is my mom and how much I wish there was a doctor like mine for her 52 years ago. It is unfair not knowing your mother.

    The anticipation of surgery is worse than anything. I was treated with much respect and had a deep sense of being cared for by the nurses. Pain has been well-controlled. I was off Morphine after 18 hours and now take hydrocodone. The drains---4 of them--- are a PITA!

    Here are some items that are helping me the most:

    A recliner chair that operates electrically---this is the only way to sleep.

    2 pairs of Satin pajamas, velcro drain belt by Amoena (get 2), Small water bottle (the pitcher provided in the hospital is too heavy!), shower shirt, lip balm, a box of REAL Kleenex or PUFFS  (hospital tissues are like toilet paper from the former Soviet Union!), ear plugs, 2 cylindrical pillows stuffed with little white beads for under each arm, small bottle of hand sanitizer and an Mp3 player with your favorite tunes.

    Buy some stool softener pills and milk of magnesia for home, I weigh about 10 pounds more today than pre-operatively. Lots of fluid on board. I will be peeing a lot these next few days. My DH says I am also full of $%**! (LOL!!!)

    rtnyc---over the counter iron---"Slow Fe" is what I have taken in the past---do not buy the generic form of this as it causes nausea and other tummy trouble---this is what the pharmacist told me, and it proved true for me. Iron is best absorbed with a source of vitamin C---take it with orange juice or other Vitamin C source.

    It's naptime for me. Know that I hold all of us in prayer. If I can get through surgery, anybody can. I am the biggest baby on the planet! I send hugs to all.

  • lisamarie68
    lisamarie68 Member Posts: 1,235
    edited April 2012

    mardibra , I am in ur pocket today hugs darling see u on the other side xoxo

    sony and carol hope u ladies are resting well . lots of hugs to u both ..xoxoxoxo

    Nancy, glad u are back and things are going well . thanks for the advice , I have  been shopping for recliners, I am thinking about a double so my mom can stay close by :) i gotta get me some silky pj's and drain holders as well .. it so much money getting everything ready.

  • FLislander
    FLislander Member Posts: 243
    edited April 2012

    Had umx 4-4 and got drains out today 9 th day yeah!

  • lisamarie68
    lisamarie68 Member Posts: 1,235
    edited April 2012

    congrats FLislander :):) 

  • Dianarose
    Dianarose Member Posts: 2,407
    edited April 2012

    Flislander- I can't wait to get the dam tubes out. They are 95% of my pain.

  • VeganGal
    VeganGal Member Posts: 154
    edited April 2012

    Ladies . . . thank you for the kind words re: my MIL. She was a BC survivor . . . and lived to 80! Judy . . . my DH's first name is Nigel. Thank you for asking . . . and for your very lovely offer:-)

    Flislander - yeah for you getting those out. They are one of my greatest fears in all of this . . .

    ndroby - congrats for being on the other side!!! - and thanks for all the tips . . . I'll be sure to add a few of those items to my surgery bad . . . and yup . . . the anticipation is the worst. Now I wish you lots of rest. Lots of healing. And . . . yeah for your cancer-free body!!! Sooo good.

    keonghi - hang in there . . . I have to believe that the pain will start to subside soon. We are all thinking of you!!

  • longislandmom
    longislandmom Member Posts: 248
    edited April 2012

    Ndroby -- so glad to hear you are doing well!  can't wait to join you on the other side!  and so happy to hear about your good path report.

    Keognhi -- hang in there sister.  Everyone says the first few days are the worst...the upswing should begin for you!  thinking of you!

    Congrats on the tubes FL!Isander. 

    I so want to be done with all of this.  Pre-op appointment on Monday.  my Cold is Feeling a bit better today.  AND got my period today-- so i won't have it during sugery.  wahoo.

  • longislandmom
    longislandmom Member Posts: 248
    edited April 2012

    btw..ndroby-- did you have immediate reconstruction?  TE?  i can't remember?

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