March 2013 Surgeries
Comments
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not-me, same surgery date for me but I had umx etc. I also had one drain out but probably a few more days for the other. In my brochures it says two weeks for no driving in case T/E gets bumped. I am still on pain killers so don't trust myself anyway. Feeling rather down too and think it is due to being homebound too long. Not raining for first time this week so will walk hopefully before the rain returs. Grey day just like the weather.
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Marianelizabeth--sorry you are having a grey day. I was so thankful for sunny skies here in Buffalo today. What a difference that makes. Also baked cupcakes with my three year old and let her decorate them crazy with sprinkles and sugars. She's so proud of them! Hope you get a walk in. All of you ladies have been so encouraging-- Thank You!
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Pathology report came in today. No signs of malignancies. Surgeon said I made the right move going with bmx. Time to celebrate.
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(((Not-Me))) Welcome to the March 2013 surgery sisters group so sorry you have to face this beast again but sounds like your proactive approach has caught it early and caught it all - thank goodness...a lot of us had BMX and reconstruction...I'll add you to our list and send healing (((hugs))) your way:)
(((Anne11595))) so glad you got that mets question clarified, whew...
(((Marian)))...gray days are tough, especially when our bodies are going thru so much pain and so many changes...hang in there, you know we're with you and we care...I'm sending you healing "sunshine hugs" - here in Michigan we actually had a beautiful sunny day today - I've got spring fever big time and can't wait to get outside and start digging in my flower beds, but, of course it is Michigan...so tomorrow we are due for snow LOL:)))
(((Karrie))) what GREAT news - YAAY, I'm so happy for you...and, YES I'm celebrating with you!!!
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(((ironmagnolia and cat24))) good to see you posting again...we've been thinking of you and hoping your recovery is on track...
Sending (((Hugs))) to Nikstar as she prepares for surgery tomorrow 3/15...we're thinking of you...let us know how you're doing
Here's the latest list for our growing group, please let me know if there are any corrections, additions, etc...
March 1st - Left mastectomy with TE's - jj52
March 1st - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/TE's - Keke
March 4th - Left mastectomy with axillary node dissection - anne11595
March 4th - Bilateral mastectomy with DIEP reconstruction - ironmagnolia
March 4th - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/implants - Maureen
March 5th - Reconstruction: Tissue expander placement (Right) - Cocok
March 5th - Preventive skin and nipple sparing mastectomy with TE's - Jenamae
March 5th - Right mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/TE's and axillary node dissection - Marian
March 5th - Bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction and sentinel node biopsy - Tracey
March 5th - Bilateral mastectomy, with anxillary lymph node dissection on ipsalateral side and sentinal node biopsy on contralateral side - tx_anne
March 5th - Lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy (clear node - YAAY) - LibraryLynn
March 5th - Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders - Not-Me
March 6th - Right mastectomy and axillary node dissection - Linda
March 6th - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/TE's - jrose
March 6th - Left mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/possible TE - 2girls-2spaniels
March 6th - Right lumpectomy - RiverFlows
March 6th - Left lumpectomy - TXWildFlower/Emily
March 7th - Right Mastectomy with Reconstruction/Tissue expander placement (Right) - Denise (dede707)
March 8th - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate DIEP reconstruction - Cuetang
March 8th - Mastectomy with tissue expanders - hunter1105
March 6th - Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders - jk6/Janice
March 8th - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/implants - Karrie
March 8th - Right mastectomy with axillary node dissection - LuvinMyLife
March 8th - Right lumpectomy - whisperwhillow
March 12th - Exchange surgery with scar revisions - cat24
March 12th - Bilateral mastectomy with left axillary node dissection and right sentinel node biopsy and possible TE, plus a port placement. - LKSHER
March 12th - Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders - VeganNicole
March 13th - Latissimu Dorsi flap surgery with implant - Shelley
March 14th - Prophylactic bilateral mastectomy - Kayrem
March 15th - ? procedure - Nikstar
March 18th - Left mastectomy with axillary node dissection - Gardengirl33
March 19th - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction latissimus dorsi flap and implants - Mamasixtaz
March 20th - Left mastectomy with tissue expander - Sharon (Butterflylady)
March 21st - Bilateral mastectomy with Left axillary node dissection - Foreverchanged72612
March 21st - Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders and latissius dorsi flap, axillary node dissection - Leigh
March 21st - Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders - patriciahurtado
March 25th - Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders - 3mom
March 27th - Mastectomy with axillary node dissection - Lou4of7
March 27th - Mastectomy (Right); Prophylactic Mastectomy (Left); Reconstruction: Tissue expander placement (Both) - MauiGirl
March 28th - Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders and sentinal node biopsies - Carrie6466
March 28th - Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders and lymph node dissection - Shari
March 28th - Right skin sparing mastectomy and lymph node dissection - TinaHoff
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Yay for sun in NY and Michigan. Two old friends came over and we walked in the rain. It was good to get out for some fresh air but came home and big time nausea and more vomiting. I still think it is it the Ananstrozole even though I last took it at 8 PM last night. Oh well off the antibiotics now so gradually will see if it either goes away or can blame it on something. I think more Gravol in order though.
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I am home from my surgery. I was there from Tuesday afternoon until this evening. Tuesday ans Wednesday were the hardest days of my life thus far. I am feeling a myriad of emotions today. Some positive and others not so much. My 14 yr old was very relieved to see me and broke down. Poor buddy. My daughter and he kept glancing at my chest. They were just stopping in for clothes, but are now back with friends through the weekend. I had bmx, tissue expanders placed and filled to 200 cc, port placement and node removal on left and 3 removed on the right b/c somehow my dye was never put in for the sentinal node. My husband and I were upset abt that snafu, but have decided to address it at a time when I am more healed and keep focusing on my recovery right now. I am an honest person, so I will say this.... It was very rough for me Tuesday and Wednesday...emotionally and physically painful. I feel soooo much better today (Thursday)....although still struggling on a smaller more tolerable scale. I was on a fentanyl button until late yesterday when they finally were able to switch me to Percocet, which is managing my pain much better (or it just it better) but it makes me itchy all over (a common side effect). I probably had 20 panic attacks while I was in the hospital. They are in part due to the meds I am not used to at all. The month leading up to this was horrible. I am glad to feel that the sickness has been removed and now I will do the additional insurance and do my very best to live my life to the fullest and stay healthy and enjoy my family and my life. Not excited about chemo, less scared of radiation...but I think the surgery was a major step to get out of the way. I can't thank all of you enough for the support I have received here leading up to the surgery. I think the sisterhood here is beautiful.
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Boy there are so many high and lows in our lives.But I do think we all need some of those cupcakes!! WELL sorry not Marianeliza ,sorry you felling sick! But any day we can walk is so good for us!
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(((LKSHER))) welcome back...so good to hear from you:) Must feel good to be home, sounds like your son was worried about mom and was relieved to have you home - God bless him...I think all of us would agree with you this is one tough surgery and it is not easy, no matter how mentally or physically we try to prepare ourselves but as you said...it's out now! Take care, take pain meds and rest...it's rough but you controlling the pain is one of the most important things (and not getting constipated from the pain meds:) (((Healing hugs))) Maureen
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Hi all, I am new this community. I have had a very quick progression from my welcome to your 40 year old mammogram on 1/28/13, a core needle biopsy 2/7/13 to diagnosis of extensive DCIS grade 2 on 2/16/13 to a nipple sparing right masectomy with immediate TEs on March 2nd. MY BS felt due to the extensiveness of the DCIS I should not wait for a later surgery date since he had very small chance of getting clear margins with a lumpectomy because DCIS was all over the top half of my right breast so it was decided
My final path report upgraded my DCIS to stage 3 and also found IDC 0.4 mm to the right of the DCIS but thankfully no invasion of nodes or mets. I am currently 12 days post-op, feeling great (despite some discomfort of my now rock hard chest lump and one JP drain insertion site), my nipple is looking good and it appears it will live to see its new breast. I was mostly pain free for the first 9 days but day 10 started to feel more discomfort when laying down and overall right chest wall achiness that seems increase as my activity increases. I have been trying to stay active, walking for 20-30 mins every other day which I started on day 3. Taking only Advil when needed and waiting somewhat impatiently to get my drain out so I can get back to increasing activity and back to work.
I can relate to the anxiety and fear related to the unknown of surgery. I experienced the worst fear of my life the night before my surgery date but as soon as I met my pre-op nurse I felt instantly relaxed and comfortable and knew I was making the right decision. For those of you who are still waiting for your surgeries, know that you are not alone and you too will get through this next step in this journey. For all of our fellow post surgical sisters, I hope you are all recovering well both physically and emotionally!!
Sending positiveness out to you all!!
Thank you for including me in this discussion.
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Welcome (((ANewDawn))) to the March 2013 surgery group...so very sorry you were blindsided by this beast - wow...what a shock to go for a routine baseline mammogram and end up with a mastectomy just a month later...glad your recovery seems to be going well, you have such a positive attitude...let us know how the oncology consult goes, we're here for you...(((Hugs))) Maureen
As our group continues to grow I think of what a mixed blessing that is...how sad that so many of us are diagnosed with breast cancer each day but what a blessing it is to have so many supportive "sisters"...Here's the latest list ...
March 1st - Left mastectomy with TE's - jj52
March 1st - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/TE's - Keke
March2nd - Right mastectomy, nipple sparing with immediate reconstruction/TE's - ANewDawn
March 4th - Left mastectomy with axillary node dissection - anne11595
March 4th - Bilateral mastectomy with DIEP reconstruction - ironmagnolia
March 4th - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/implants - Maureen
March 5th - Reconstruction: Tissue expander placement (Right) - Cocok
March 5th - Preventive skin and nipple sparing mastectomy with TE's - Jenamae
March 5th - Right mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/TE's and axillary node dissection - Marian
March 5th - Bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction and sentinel node biopsy - Tracey
March 5th - Bilateral mastectomy, with anxillary lymph node dissection on ipsalateral side and sentinal node biopsy on contralateral side - tx_anne
March 5th - Lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy (clear node - YAAY) - LibraryLynn
March 5th - Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders - Not-Me
March 6th - Right mastectomy and axillary node dissection - Linda
March 6th - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/TE's - jrose
March 6th - Left mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/possible TE - 2girls-2spaniels
March 6th - Right lumpectomy - RiverFlows
March 6th - Left lumpectomy - TXWildFlower/Emily
March 7th - Right Mastectomy with Reconstruction/Tissue expander placement (Right) - Denise (dede707)
March 8th - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate DIEP reconstruction - Cuetang
March 8th - Mastectomy with tissue expanders - hunter1105
March 6th - Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders - jk6/Janice
March 8th - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/implants - Karrie
March 8th - Right mastectomy with axillary node dissection - LuvinMyLife
March 8th - Right lumpectomy - whisperwhillow
March 12th - Exchange surgery with scar revisions - cat24
March 12th - Bilateral mastectomy with left axillary node dissection and right sentinel node biopsy and possible TE, plus a port placement. - LKSHER
March 12th - Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders - VeganNicole
March 13th - Latissimu Dorsi flap surgery with implant - Shelley
March 14th - Prophylactic bilateral mastectomy - Kayrem
March 15th - ? procedure - Nikstar
March 18th - Left mastectomy with axillary node dissection - Gardengirl33
March 19th - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction latissimus dorsi flap and implants - Mamasixtaz
March 20th - Left mastectomy with tissue expander - Sharon (Butterflylady)
March 21st - Bilateral mastectomy with Left axillary node dissection - Foreverchanged72612
March 21st - Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders and latissius dorsi flap, axillary node dissection - Leigh
March 21st - Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders - patriciahurtado
March 25th - Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders - 3mom
March 27th - Mastectomy with axillary node dissection - Lou4of7
March 27th - Mastectomy (Right); Prophylactic Mastectomy (Left); Reconstruction: Tissue expander placement (Both) - MauiGirl
March 28th - Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders and sentinal node biopsies - Carrie6466
March 28th - Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders and lymph node dissection - Shari
March 28th - Right skin sparing mastectomy and lymph node dissection - TinaHoff
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Heyy!!! Soo I went to see the oncologist today! Liked him from the start! He seems pretty amazing. Well, he sat down with myself, my boyfriend, and my cousin, and went over my whole pathology report with me to help me understand it..I actually thought the stage of my cancer was stage 1 but he said based on my pathology report he would stage it at a 2..So the plan in 4 rounds of A/C and 4 rounds of Taxol every 2 weeks...after hemp treatments are done he said my chance of recurrence would be 8%...I wish they could tell me 0% but that's not the real world..I'm ok with 8%...my chemo starts on the 25th..hopefully I take to it well and I don't get too sick!
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This has been a roller coaster for me. My surgery was originally scheduled for today 3/14. However I believe the nurse navigator and geneticist "played games" and had me removed from the surgery schedule, saying I said I wanted to await my BRCA results. I NEVER said any such thing,in fact, the geneticist said I should make a point to tell the plastic surgeon I refused to await the BRCA results, so I do, and she didn't seem to have a problem with that. Both the nurse navigator and the geneticist seemed to be pushing me to await genetic results.
Anyhow, my surgery was put off, pending BRCA results. After getting over my dismay at their "miscommunication" I accepted that.
This evening I got a call from the breast surgeon. Apparently my BRCA testing results won't be in by this .friday as there is an issue between the insurance company and the lab. She has no idea when this issue might be resolved, and when it is, it will take at least 10 days to get my results.
So, my surgery is back On for this Monday 3/18. The surgeon feels I am at "low risk" of testing positive for the BRCA gene as there is no family history. I agree. She did not push me into the surgery at this time, she left it up to me. The surgery seems to make the most sense to me at this time. How long am I supposed to wait for insurance and lab to work it out.! Maybe one day I will regret it?
Anyhow, now hoping that when the phone call comes to tell me the time of my surgery it is actually not another cancellation!
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Hi ironmagnolia! I'm in central TX, north of Austin. Hope you are recovering from your surgery. I seem to be okay although everyday I feel a different kind of pain. Today I feel such a deep internal burning itching sensation, very strange. Also the radiation tattoo they put on my chest today really hurts/stings!
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Hey ladies...thanks for making me a part of this group. I felt the emotions as well, but due to three other ongoing family dramas (dad in ICU for five weeks, DS dx with stage 4 just six weeks ago, and Daughter admitted for high risk pregnancy at 23 weeks), I put my feelings off. Until the morning of surgery...let's just say that I feel bad for the nurses on duty that morning. My PS came in and talked to me for a half an hour...I was that out of it. I begged for them to keep my husband and mother from the preop visit, it was hell. I have been fine since, having let my heart feel what it needed to at the moment. We are all different, we handle this is different ways and it is okay. Hugs.
Walking so soon out...love it! I have not even been given the okay to drive yet...but I can not wait.
I heard lots of protein intake for our recovery? I was told I would not gain weight sitting round, but I have packed on five pounds in the last ten days. Anyone else?
Keep positive, we will endure! -
Good morning LKSHER, I am glad surgery went well. I am sorry about those tough days. Yes, I feel them too. I was never on any psycho-tropic meds before my bc diagnosis but I did get a script for Xanax and Atevan(sp). These greatly help. They help to stop the adreniline rush that brings on anxiety. Maybe try this? I have little ones at home and they two were frightened. It is one week out, and they are much more relaxed. It must be hard for your teens, hopefully they have good support or a therapist to talk with. I wish you lots of painless naps and healing. Stay strong, a wish for all of us.
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Hi Keke, I am right behind you. Go to onco next Wed. I think I will be on the same plan as you and almost same timing. So maybe we can check in with each other during chemo. Will you be healed up in time to start? I had a bit of breakdown last night thinking, we all heal from surgery just to get knocked down in chemo. I am trying to stay positive, but yesterday was not. Keke, you are always so positive, Thank you. Did the onc say to do anything to prepare? Have a good weekend.
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(((Pattysmiles))) so glad you got off the roller coaster for surgery and have a new surgery date - tell the surgeon we've added you back to the list for the 18th so she can't change it now:) Your new surgery sister for Monday is Gardengirl33 so we'll be keeping both of you in our thoughts and prayers this weekend as you prepare for Monday...
Keke - I really liked my oncologist too and that makes a difference when you are going thru chemo...I was afraid of the side effects but I trusted her - did what she recommended and I did really well - they have some great drugs for side effects... I had the same dose dense every two week chemo program that you are scheduled to have - AC first for 4 cycles than Taxol for 4 cycles. We're all different when it comes to coping with chemo but there's some things that make it a little easier - those of us who've been thru chemo can help...and you'll find lots of tips on the chemotherapy board too. Reducing your chance of recurrence to 8% is really good news - makes the chemo worth it!!
Riverflows....that deep burning sensation is still my major pain issue - mainly in the arm pit, and some itching too but it's getting a little better each day:)
(((Not-Me))) sorry to hear all the family drama you have going on when you are also facing this recurrence...after 9 years of successfully fighting this beast you sound like you know what you need to do to beat it again but I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers anyway and send you healing (((hugs))) and...yes...that weight gain issue - I have definitely put on about 10 pounds since starting chemo and getting thru surgery - can't wait to get active and get back on my low carb routine!
Okay March surgery sisters...here's the latest list:)
March 1st - Left mastectomy with TE's - jj52
March 1st - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/TE's - Keke
March 2nd - Right mastectomy, nipple sparing with immediate reconstruction/TE's - ANewDawn
March 4th - Left mastectomy with axillary node dissection - anne11595
March 4th - Bilateral mastectomy with DIEP reconstruction - ironmagnolia
March 4th - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/implants - Maureen
March 5th - Reconstruction: Tissue expander placement (Right) - Cocok
March 5th - Preventive skin and nipple sparing mastectomy with TE's - Jenamae
March 5th - Right mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/TE's and axillary node dissection - Marian
March 5th - Bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction and sentinel node biopsy - Tracey
March 5th - Bilateral mastectomy, with anxillary lymph node dissection on ipsalateral side and sentinal node biopsy on contralateral side - tx_anne
March 5th - Lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy (clear node - YAAY) - LibraryLynn
March 5th - Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders - Not-Me
March 6th - Right mastectomy and axillary node dissection - Linda
March 6th - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/TE's - jrose
March 6th - Left mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/possible TE - 2girls-2spaniels
March 6th - Right lumpectomy - RiverFlows
March 6th - Left lumpectomy - TXWildFlower/Emily
March 7th - Right Mastectomy with Reconstruction/Tissue expander placement (Right) - Denise (dede707)
March 8th - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate DIEP reconstruction - Cuetang
March 8th - Mastectomy with tissue expanders - hunter1105
March 6th - Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders - jk6/Janice
March 8th - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/implants - Karrie
March 8th - Right mastectomy with axillary node dissection - LuvinMyLife
March 8th - Right lumpectomy - whisperwhillow
March 12th - Exchange surgery with scar revisions - cat24
March 12th - Bilateral mastectomy with left axillary node dissection and right sentinel node biopsy and possible TE, plus a port placement. - LKSHER
March 12th - Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders - VeganNicole
March 13th - Latissimu Dorsi flap surgery with implant - Shelley
March 14th - Prophylactic bilateral mastectomy - Kayrem
March 15th - ? procedure - Nikstar
March 18th - Right lumpectomy/partial mastectomy with immediate reconstruction - Pattysmiles
March 18th - Left mastectomy with axillary node dissection - Gardengirl33
March 19th - Bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction latissimus dorsi flap and implants - Mamasixtaz
March 20th - Left mastectomy with tissue expander - Sharon (Butterflylady)
March 21st - Bilateral mastectomy with Left axillary node dissection - Foreverchanged72612
March 21st - Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders and latissius dorsi flap, axillary node dissection - Leigh
March 21st - Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders - patriciahurtado
March 25th - Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders - 3mom
March 27th - Mastectomy with axillary node dissection - Lou4of7
March 27th - Mastectomy (Right); Prophylactic Mastectomy (Left); Reconstruction: Tissue expander placement (Both) - MauiGirl
March 28th - Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders and sentinal node biopsies - Carrie6466
March 28th - Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders and lymph node dissection - Shari
March 28th - Right skin sparing mastectomy and lymph node dissection - TinaHoff
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Dede707/Denise...just saw your post about starting chemo too...we're here for you, several of us have already completed chemo and we can share our "tips"...just know that they have some great drugs to prevent and minimize those side effects so it really isn't as bad as it used to be...I certainly wish I didn't have to go thru it but knowing that those chemo drugs were like my own little "hit squad" out there hunting down and killing any tumor cells that had escaped and might be lurking somewhere made it worth it:)
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Dede707...I broke down in the the office yesterday! I knew I was gong to need chemo but when it came
Out of his mouth that I was going to have it, I cried! He
Scheduled me to start in 2 weeks..so I should be close to healed but not completely..he didnt give me any instructions to follow before I start, he just explained the whole process to me so Id know what to expect..
I competey agree with you on getting knocked down constantly..it
Seems like from the start, I'd see
One doctor, leave, come to terms with the news I recieved from them..and then right onto the next dr or next test..then bam I'm right back at the bottom were I started...and now, I just come to terms with the surgery and I get the triple negative news..I just got over and started to understand that part of it and now I'm thrown into chemo..it's never ending!!! It's def puts you In a dark place some days..but it will get better and eventually we'll be looking back at this and thinkin "wow that all went by so fast" -
(((Keke and Dede))) you will get thru this...when I arrived for my first chemo appointment I was just sobbing and wanted to run out of the building...the nurses hugged me and told me "we will get you thru this one treatment at time and we will be here for you whenever you need us" and they were...those chemo nurses are angels and they know just what to do for us...I thought I would never get thru it and wanted to quit so many times but now it's in my rear view mirror, the side effects have faded even though they still pop up every now and then but I would do it again if I had to...In a nutshell...drink water - that's so very important to flush those drugs thru, try Jolly Rogers hard candies to get the "taste" of chemo out of your mouth, and take the all the meds they recommend to fight the side effects, mainly nausea...there are lots more tips and women on the boards will generously share their good ideas but those are the ones that I think of first:) Hang in there, we're with you (((HUGS)))
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The breast cancer emotional rollercoaster really stinks. Unfortunately, it seems that that it is a continual one that happens over and over again through diagnosis, surgery, chemo, scans, check ups. We are all stronger than we think, hang in there everyone, especially through the sucky days. Good luck to those having surgery coming up....the anticipation was worse than the actual surgery I think. I had my first PS post op appointment today and got 3 of 4 drains pulled (yippee!). However, I know after my oncologist appointment and treatment plan coming up, there will be good and bad days and am glad for all of one here sharing their experiences and understanding how awful of a roller coaster ride we are all on now. Hugs to everyone and happy Friday!
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Cuetang - YES! Happy Friday and congratulations on getting 3 of those 4 drains pulled...got my last drains pulled yesterday...ahhhh, it feels so much better to get those things out!!! Let us know how the oncologist visit goes and if you will be doing chemo or an aromatase inhibitor...that's my next step is starting Aromasin so I am reading up on it and waiting for the instructions to start it as soon as they feel I am healed well enough from surgery - should find out today or Monday. I agree with you, thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and thoughts...it has made all the difference to me to have "sisters" on the journey:)
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Going to Monterey shortly for a wonderful getaway before surgery. So happy to be by the ocean I love!
My boyfriend (who is more like a husband because we've been together 10 years) is a wonderful man, but sometimes I need to look at actions more then words. As I am only a few days away from surgery, he doesn't always know what to say (man of few words sometimes), but I've learned to see his actions. Action - this trip which will be good for both of us. We did this before my surgery last year at it was great. Sometimes he doesn't know what to say, but in his heart I know what he feels.
Kayrem, I hope you are doing okay after your surgery and out of hospital already. Please keep us posted! And Nikstar we are thinking of you today. Healing thoughts and best wishes to both of you today. Maureen, yes, I feel very lucky to still have my mother with me, especially now. My mother is 72 and has had her own big health issues over the years (benign brain tumors)...before we had a special bond, but now that bond is a deep understanding.
Prayers to everyone right now as we ride the rollercoaster! Even though I didn't go through Chemo, my heart is with you all right now. One step at a time and embracing you with hugs.
Butterflylady(Sharon)
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Ahhhh, Butterflylady...take a big drink of that sunshine and fresh salt air for the rest of us:) Sounds like you have a great guy by your side...and, glad you have your mom, give her a hug for me:)
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I am back on the roller coaster heading uphill.
I am now slated for surgery this Monday.
I think they need a new geneticist in this office. Apparently she is a lap dog. They need a good fighting Doberman to fight for the patient. The nurse navigator asked the geneticist if she was giving the insurance company hell regarding getting the approvals to the lab, and her response was "I'm not like that". I think she is in the wrong job.
Ugh,
Anyhow, going in Monday for my partial mastectomy and reconstruction. Husband and kids are participating in a St. Baldricks head shaving event Monday night, unrelated to my diagnosis as it was planned prior. I will be missing an exciting night, as my one son is not the type to shave his head! Hopefully there will be video for me. -
My surgery was this past Tuesday (3/12) and all went well. Here are my notes so far:
- Didn't need anything to entertain me while I was in the hospital as I had family with me and if our conversation was in a lull we could stare are the news on TV...
- My mouth was soooo dry before and after the surgery. (I couldn't eat or drink from midnight on.) I was so glad that I'd read about bringing throat lozenges - those were a lifesaver! I drank so much water once I was awake, and then had to pee often, which meant calling in a nurse to unhook me and escort me to the bathroom door.
- The first time I got up to use the bathroom I threw up, but after that I was fine.
- I felt like I was getting a lot of conflicting information about what to do, what not to do, how to empty the drains, etc. so that got to be frustrating. I saw so many different nurses. I wish they would have just given me one set of firm instructions.
- The drains are very, very annoying. I can't WAIT to have them removed!
- My skin has been really itchy, and they said it was from the morphine, but it still bothers me now that I'm home on the Percocet - and I read above that someone else said that's a common side effect of Percocet, too. Benadryl helps with the itching at night and also makes me nice and tired so I can sleep...(During the day I'm just trying to not think about the itching and stay focused on doing other things.)
- I'm nervous that I'm doing too much because I really do feel pretty good up until the last 30 minutes before my next pain pill, so I'm trying to just relax and chill out for a few more days so that I don't accidentally push myself too hard. I can extend my arms out to the sides and to my front, just not towards the back - so I need help putting on a hoodie or my robe.
- Even though I borrowed a recliner from my friend, I decided to try sleeping in my own bed with lots of pillows to prop me up and that's been just fine. The recliner is great during the daytime though.
Thanks to everyone for the tips - this site really helped to prepare me for my surgery and post-op time!! I get my full pathology report back today or Monday (I'm not holding my breath for today; I'm sure it'll be Monday - or even later - I never trust the time lines they give me). Fingers crossed that it's all good news...
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Hello everyone
First off, much courage and support to those that just had their surgeries or will be in the next couple of days. Hang in there, it's going to be alright.
Second - yesterday and today have been much better with the pain. THANK GOD. Constipation is gone. THank you high dose Vit C.
Third- Got my drain out today WHOO HOOO! YES YES YES!
Also got my path report:
Triple negative
5 of 8 nodes positive so that bumps me to Stage 3 instead of Stage 2b - (could use some encouragement here)
I talk to an onacologist in the next week to discuss treatment, which for me may not include chemo because of co-morbid conditions that are contraindicative. I will for sure be doing radiation. Since there aren't any other systemic treatments for triple negatives besides chemo, if I can not take chemo I suppose I'll have to look for other things that help systemically.
Anyway that's the update. I did get some good news, I thought I'd have more nodes than just 5- and I also thought he took more than 8 so...... I know staging is just that, staging. So I need to keep positive after hearing that.
Best of luck and hugs to everyone just out of surgery or getting ready for surgery. The first week passes really quick. Keep on top of your pain meds and before you know it the annoying drain(s) will be gone.
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Welcom back (((VeganNicole))) so good to hear from you...YES, those drains are so irritating - hang in there, I had four of them and just got the last two out yesterday, I feel sooooo much better. I was feeling pretty good when I first got home and did too much which caused alot more swelling in my pec muscles so the nurses told me to slow down, don't use my arms so much and that did help. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed too that the path report is good news, let us know...hope you can rest this weekend and get the drains out early next week:) Take care, (((Hugs))) Maureen
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LuvinMyLife - good news...congratulations on getting that drain out...ahhhh, it feels so much better to get rid of the drain:) And so glad to hear the pain and constipaton have gotten better! I'm sorry to hear that your pathology was not what you hoped for but there are effective treatments for triple negatives and positive nodes...Sounds like we've had several March surgery sisters that are triple negatives this month...I was not triple negative but I had positive nodes too so I know how that news feels...hope you get a treatment plan that you are comfortable with when you meet with your oncologist. Maybe there are systemic chemo options that will not cause complications with your other health issues? Let us know what your oncologist recommends...I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers as you develop your treatment plan (((Hugs))) Maureen
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