2012 sisters

For those that can't sleep and can't get a sleep aid from your doctor, have you tried the Tylenol PM? My hubby had sleeping and pain issues and the doctor told him to take that before bed instead of prescribing any type of sleeping pill. My DH was very skeptical but he sleeps like a baby now. Infact if he forgets to take it and wakes up in the middle of the night, he  always looks to see what time it is before taking one for fear his alarm will go off and he'll sleep through it.

Cottontail, that sucks that you are still having so many issues and can't go to the doctors. When I was still undecided about how I wanted to proceed my PS and I had a very similar discussion about revisions along with a lumpectomy.  As far as doing additional breast surgeries at the same time as the lumpectomy though, she said that she won't do any type of breast symmetry surgery, etc at the same time because too often after the lumpectomy the pathology report shows unclean margins  and the bs has to operate again.  She said its very important to make sure that all of the cancer is out of the breast tissue before moving things around to approve the appearance. When I ask why then, they could put tissue expanders/direct implants in immediately following the mastectomy she said because presumabley the BS removes all/most of the breast tissue so from that point if anything further shows up in pathology along the borders it would most likely be treated with radiation rather than additional surgery. It then made sense to me. What really stinks though is that it doesn't sound like your doctor wanted to take the time to make sure you were satisfied with their answer. I hope you get to feeling better soon and if you don't that you can muscle your way into the dang doctors office.

I used to take Tylenol PM plus melatonin every night, which would let me get at least a few hours of sleep. Did that for years, but as Joanne said, I can't take the Tylenol PM anymore because I'm on Tamoxifen.



My MO said it would be ok "every once in a while," but my sleep problems are every night, for many years now.



I'm still taking the melatonin, which helps put me to sleep but I wake up about three hours later. It also gives me nightmares.

Cottontail, I echo what Juneaubug did: fuck that oncologist!  And fuck this living in pain, crap.  I'm sure I sound like some kind of pain evangelist these days, but get a consult with a pain management specialist.  Pain drags you down and down and down.  I learned that when you have chronic pain (whether it is short or long term), you need a strategic approach.  Surely you don't need lip service from an onoclogist who clearly has no clue.  At the very least I'd go see the surgeon.

Didn't mean to sound "lectury" there.  I sure hopeyou get some relief soon!

Scorch

Hi everyone. I am one of the people who had a lumpectomy ,breast reduction and lift. I have been very happy with the results. I had the surgery in April. The breast surgeon and PS worked together  during the surgery. I had 2 lymph nodes removed. I was offered this option along with lumpectomy or mastectomy on one side. I had large DD breast and I thought it would be hard to have one large breast until reconstruction. They were able to take alot of the tissue out of the right breast which did not have the cancer. I have also always had dense breast and mammograms every year. the cancer showed up 2012. My onco score was 7 so I did not have chemo. I finished radiation in July. One of the advantages of the reduction was that smaller breast are less likely to have as many side effects from radiation. I did not have any major problems with radiation. Of course this is just my expierence and might not be the same for others. I go in Monday for first mammogram which makes me a little nervous because I  now have a set of breast that are different from all the other years. Happy new year to all of you. I hope everyone in pain starts to feel better soon.  

Ramols....prayers for your friend....and strength in you to support her.

Ramols tell your friend to wear his big pockets tomorrow. I have a feeling alot of people will be with him!

Cottontail, just dropping in here to share some breast lymphedema information with you.

First off, breast lymphedema can be extremely painful, and for the most part OTC pain meds don't touch it. Doctors are very often ignorant of it and can easily fail to diagnose it or send you to the right person for treatment.

Here's information about breast/chest lymphedema:
http://www.stepup-speakout.org/breast_chest_trunckal_lymphedema.htm

And here's how to find a well-trained lymphedema therapist near you:
http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Finding_a_Qualified_Lymphedema_Therapist.htm
Please note that not every PT is qualified to evaluate or treat lymphedema, and you want one with lots of experience in breast (truncal) lymphedema. So call around. ANY doctor on your team can write you a referral, including your PCP or a Nurse Practitioner.

Because of the extra warmth you're feeling in your breast you really do want to insist on a prompt evaluation by a well-qualified lymphedema therapist. Cellulitis (infection) is a serious risk if lymphedema is present in the breast, and once it gets a foot-hold it constitutes an emergency. You don't want to go there.

Please get help soon. Impress on your insurance chimpanzees the serious nature of this situation, and don't let anyone put you off any longer.

Be well! Gentle hugs,
Binney

Thanks, everyone.

Binney, thanks for the info.  I've read through the LE forum quite a bit.  I saw a PT who specialized in LE treatment after surgery, and I saw her again four times for massage to help with cording.  I've had the base measurements done on my arms; I didn't ask her then what her experience with breast lymphedema were.

Because my insurance plan runs February-January, but the out-of-pocket and co-pays run January-December, anything I do in January goes toward the new calendar year's out-of-pocket expenses.  Then those start over *again* in February, with the new plan year.  I absolutely cannot afford to see a doctor for anything in January.  I know my RO will be happy to write another PT referral for me, but I can't go until February.  

Of course, my FMLA runs out in March, so it will be difficult to get excused time off work after that.

Scorch....good news about your new MO...I hope he/she treats you better.....dealing with constant pain just brings you down so much....I 'm praying this will be short lived . Hang in there.

Cottontail, since you're in waiting mode, here's information to help you monitor yourself, so you'll know when to act quickly:

http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Emergencies_and_Medical_Care_lymphedema.htm

Hoping you get answers and pain relief soon!
Binney

Ramois:  Sending prayers youir friend's way.

CottontailL  

Ramols....he is lucky to have such a caring friend...sorry about all the flu going on in your family...make sure to take care of yourself. My son has just come down with the flu...sort of freakin that I might catch it.....just when I'm starting to feel a bit better...lol

RoulaG- are you on tamoxifen? My MO advised me if I start getting abnormal bleeding to let them know ASAP.

Scottie; your busted you big 💩! 😋 What kind of chocolate. Dark chocolate is good for you. Wow listen to me.... Living procarisly through you! LOL!!

June.....love the new avatar ....I wish I was so computer savvy like you gals, because I do have a good sense of humour (comes from being Scottish) I would give you gals some great avatars to keep you laughing.



Ok...busted....yikes....BUT I only eat dark, VERY dark chocolate....is this ok?????



PS I'm not laughing at this one....you look gorgeous 💃