April will be my turn, can we share hugs?

Options
1…45679

Comments

  • AmyJax
    AmyJax Member Posts: 43
    edited May 2013

    Keepswimming - I am so happy to hear about your pathology after your surgery!!! I agree with Idesim on taking some time to research and seek more info/opinions. I too have been faced with decisions - e.g., mastectomy vs. lumpectomy (turns out the mastectomy was absolutely the right decision given what came back in my pathology from that surgery). Then I had to decide between chemo regimens.....and while I've yet to start, I decided to be governed by the principle of...."Am I doing everything I can possibly do to kick this thing?" But others might br governed by wanting to minimize toxins and risk of treatment.....so everyone is different in what governs their process. I'll bet when I see the RO there will be another choice because I was only one node positive......which is kind of on the bubble for radiation (from my current understanding but I haven't gotten that far yet).



    We're all behind you!







    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mafe
    mafe Member Posts: 34
    edited May 2013

    Hi Ladies, I haven't been on the computer for days... just trying to take things easy post surgery. It's good to catch up with everyone. I was happy to finally have the drains out last Wednesday, though I still have the ace bandage on. PeggySull, ldesim and ashleigh, it's great to know you're doing regular activities, exercising and gardening. I've been walking every other day but I could feel tightening of my pectoral muscles when I do walk, even slowly. Has anyyone experienced the same?

    keepswimming, I too had chemo before surgery. I'm not able to lift my arm yet. It's been only two weeks going on three, so I just need to be patient. I was told however that I can start seeing a PT this week. My breast surgeon wrote me a script so I'm looking forward to making an appointment with one. Glad to know from you that physical therapy helps.

    Annie2012, you're not alone I'm with you on the pain. I'm still sore on my chest and my armpit a bit numb, and a little swollen too. I can imagine what you had to endure going through all the tests. I have to see my MO and RO sometime this week to hear what they have to say about radiation. I may do 5 weeks if they say I need it. Let's continue to keep our spirits high, though recognizing too that we have our days. Thanks for sharing the Bible verse.

    Take care guys.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PeggySull
    PeggySull Member Posts: 686
    edited May 2013

    Made, hi. Glad you were referred to a PT. They do wonders!



    Part of the reason I'm back to regular activities is that I had my SNB when I had my port put in. I remember how unexpectedly painful that area was.



    I think with the PT you'll recover more quickly and safely.



    Peggy



    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • keepswimming
    keepswimming Member Posts: 62
    edited May 2013

    Hi ladies,

    Hope everyone had a pleasant weekend.



    I consulted 3 drs, and weighed the pros and cons and have decided not to do RADS. All the drs agreed so I feel confident with my decision. It was very difficult, but with my DH supporting me I can get on with this process.



    Thanks for your imput and support! Hugs to all as we continue to fight.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • AmyJax
    AmyJax Member Posts: 43
    edited May 2013

    Keep swimming - I'm sure it feels great to have a decision made on the rads. I'm happy for you. I find that decision making period to be the most difficult, personally.



    Peggy, what does SNB mean?



    Also, does DH stand for dutiful husband?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • keepswimming
    keepswimming Member Posts: 62
    edited May 2013

    I agree AmyJax, making these decisions are tough, hopefully we make the right choices. Good luck with your decision on chemo. I will be praying for guidance and peace in your heart.



    DH stands for Dear Husband...to me anyway. In reality I have the most amazing husband, he has been with me every step of the way.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PeggySull
    PeggySull Member Posts: 686
    edited May 2013

    Hi, AmyJax, SNB = sentinel node biopsy ( removing the nodes closest to the tumor). Most are done during lumpectomy or mastectomy but since I insisted on being knocked out when the port was put in, my BS decided to do it ahead of time. I had a lot of pain then!



    Peggy

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ldesim
    ldesim Member Posts: 1,333
    edited May 2013

    Keepswimming, I'm glad you go that resolved.. you must be so relieved!!

    AmyJax, to me DH is Darling or Dear Husband.. that's what I figured it was over time haha.

    Mafe, glad to hear you are doing better.. love losing the drains!  I'm not sure about the tightening sensation, so it may have something to do with the recon, which i didn't have.  I hope you feel better with the PT.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • AmyJax
    AmyJax Member Posts: 43
    edited May 2013

    Ok, another question. I had my port put in today and it is so sore......I mean not like Tylenol sore, like percoset sore. How long is it going to feel this way...anyone. I was down to a half a percoset to sleep to tap down that dull tissue expander pain to sleep at night.....and hoping to move away from it all together next week. (I'd love to drive again sometime soon!)



    Thoughts? Anyone have any other port pain tips?



    On the lighter side, the D in DH could mean any number of things depending on the day! Most often 'dear' but infrequently something else. :-)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mafe
    mafe Member Posts: 34
    edited May 2013

    ldesim, it does feel great to have the drains out. I guess the tightening of muscles might be from recon. I didn't walk today, thought I'll take it easy. I'm learning to listen to my body which I never did before. PeggySull, I am eager to start with physical therapy either this week or next week. 

    AmyJax, I had my port insertion weeks after I had the sentinel lymph node biopsy. If I knew about it I would've done it all at once. I remember being so uncomfortable, in pain and felt like a robot for days. It took time to get used to. I believe I took tylenol or percocet when the pain was unbearable. I do hope percocet helps to relieve you of pain.

    keepswimming, that's great news that you don't have to do rads. I need to face that decision making as well after I consult with my MO and RO about rads. We are constantly faced with having to make decisions, it's really tough.

    Annie2012, hope you're feeling better.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • AmyIsStrong
    AmyIsStrong Member Posts: 1,755
    edited May 2013

    Amy-Jax- I had my port put in and it HURT. Much more than the lumpectomy. I was frightened, didn't know if I would EVER get used to having it in me. The year stretched out long before me and I was very afraid. (I had it for a year because I was on Heceptin.) Anyway, within a week there were stretches of time when I forgot it was there, and within 2 weeks, I forgot about it for LONG periods of time. And then eventually I forgot about it all together.
    Nonetheless, I was thrilled to have it removed and that was probably the best day of my entire bc experience!

    So please take it from me, it WILL feel better. Mine REALLY hurt (and other people said their's didn't hurt at all, which worried me even more!) but it DID get better.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • AmyJax
    AmyJax Member Posts: 43
    edited May 2013

    Shellshine - I don't think that sounds weird. Rather logical actually.



    Unfortunately, ovary removal alone doesn't stop all estrogen production. There are other glands and fatty areas that produce it even if ovaries don't. This is something my MO explained to me when we discussed hormone therapy, which I will eventually have to do. You might ask your MO about it......



    The whole BRCA gene mutation is a consideration as well.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ldesim
    ldesim Member Posts: 1,333
    edited May 2013

    AmyJax, I didn't have a port, so I can't offer assistance... so sorry to hear you're having trouble with it.. if it's not one thing it's another in this long process... hope you feel better soon.  And yes, I already thought up a few other alternatives for DH myself haha :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • AmyJax
    AmyJax Member Posts: 43
    edited May 2013

    I was cleared to start chemo tomorrow, even with my lingering surgical drain. I'm so glad to get started. I'm going to go lay in bed and read a mindless book and try to get some sleep tonight. Thanks for all the solidarity and goodnight sisters!

    P.S. port pain managed. Thanks for your suggestions and encouragement.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bobogirl
    bobogirl Member Posts: 2,777
    edited May 2013

    Amy, you are a brave and beautiful warrior princess!  And what are you reading?  I want to read what you are reading :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mafe
    mafe Member Posts: 34
    edited May 2013

    AmyJax, how long ago was your surgery? I can't believe they let you start with chemo even with the drains still attached. But I guess it's good to start soon. Rest well and take care.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mcgis
    mcgis Member Posts: 291
    edited May 2013

    Hi All! I'm new here. This is my first post.

    I had a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction on 4/18. BC is not in my family so this whole process (going in for a 2nd mammo, biopsy, MRI, diagnosis...) has rocked my world and those of my family. Tomorrow will be 4 weeks. I'm still tender and am taking it quite easy with chores... I just started to drive a little. I don't like the feeling. How are you all feeling with your expanders? Do yours feel like they shift sometimes? What are you able to do? What can't you do yet? I have a 7 year old and the 2 of us are going nuts not being able to hug! We do a half hug for now. Sometimes I just feel like the expanders are a pain in the tush. They feel like they shift or something. Maybe it's my imagination. I had 60cc put in at surgery and then 100cc put in last Friday. I'm done. I'm not a boob girl. My plastic surgeon of course would like to pump me up a lot more!! I will be starting chemo in the next couple of weeks so I'll take a gander at the the other posts for help in dealing with that.

    I hope you all are recovering well with as little discomfort as possible. Thanks in advance for any suggestions you all might have...

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mcgis
    mcgis Member Posts: 291
    edited May 2013

    AmyIsStrong...

    I'm scheduled to get my port next week and I too will have it for a year for Herceptin. Blah. Did they move it or leave it in the same spot the whole year? Just wondering how they work that.

    It's nice to read that you eventually got used to it that it wasn't bugging you. Good to know.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • AmyIsStrong
    AmyIsStrong Member Posts: 1,755
    edited May 2013

    They do not move it. It stays in the same spot. In fact, your tissue sort of grows around it to settle it in as part of your body (kind of, anyway).  It is SO MUCH easier to use than your veins. You will appreciate it when treatment starts.

    If you can get them to use it for blood draws, or your MUGA scan (if you get those) or any other blood work, even better. My place never would. But the less needle sticks the better!

    Let me know if you have any other questions.

    Well two more things - one - a friend of mine told me she had the port put into her upper arm, she didn't want it on her chest which would show through shirts etc. I never saw it, or anyone else with one in that location, but an interesting thought. Second, the port CAN bother you when you are wearing your seatbelt in the car. The belt can rub against that area and be bothersome. Some women get a soft wrap thing that they sell to pad the seatbelt and say it helps. My seatbelt was somewhat adjustable and I moved it so it didn't bother me, but keep it in mind if yours does.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • AmyJax
    AmyJax Member Posts: 43
    edited May 2013

    Oh the drain saga....... my BMX was 3/28 and I had a subsequent lymph node dissection on 4/9. This drain is from the later.....five weeks and counting. I've literally had a drain in my body since 3/28 (I do get to feel a little sorry for myself with this lingering drain right?). I just need to be extra cautious for infection with the chemo commencing.



    Bobogirl - I'm telling my DH that he has to tell me I'm a brave and beautiful warrior princess every morning. I like the sound of that - for ALL of us.



    Mcgis - I'm seven weeks out from my BMX and reconstruction, and five weeks from the lymph node dissection. The things that are still difficult for me are opening really heavy doors, closing the tailgate on the SUV that I drive. Still some range of motion challenges getting certain clothes over my head and reaching WAY up high. But, it's OK.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bobogirl
    bobogirl Member Posts: 2,777
    edited May 2013

    Welcome Mcgis!

    Amy Jax, if he won't tell you every morning, let us know.  We will do it for you! :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ldesim
    ldesim Member Posts: 1,333
    edited May 2013

    McGis, welcome.  I didn't have expanders, but from everything I've read through the forums, they definitely appear to be a pain in the tush! You will absolutely get a lot of help and suggestions around here :)

    Luckily, I didn't have to have a port either.. that also does not sound like much fun :(

    AmyJax, I can't believe you still have drains, you poor baby.. no wait.. you wonderful brave and beautiful warrior princess.. I sure do hope you get those out soon... and you do deserve to feel sorry for yourself.  Thinking on on your first day of chemo and sending big hugs!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • keepswimming
    keepswimming Member Posts: 62
    edited May 2013

    Mcgis, Welcome! Sounds like you are recovering nicely. I have TE's also. They are quite a pain...literally. I haven't felt like they move, they are so tight. I take a pain pill when I get a fill, hope I get "use to them". Good luck, hope you are hugging your son soon.



    AmyJax, Hope your chemo went ok. Thinking of you during this stage, don't push yourself, take time to feel better. Glad you've got the pain under control on your port. It does eventually blend in, it did bother me with the seatbelt, just used some padding and was fine. So much better than in the arm each time.



    Hugs & Comfort all you brave warrior women!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • AmyJax
    AmyJax Member Posts: 43
    edited May 2013

    For all interested, I found a neat site re: applying makeup. Really interesting - drawing realistic eyebrows, liquid eyeliner, tying scarves, etc.



    See link: http://eyelineher.blogspot.com/



    Amy

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • keepswimming
    keepswimming Member Posts: 62
    edited May 2013

    Thanks AmyJax, now I can have eyebrows again!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ldesim
    ldesim Member Posts: 1,333
    edited May 2013

    Great site AmyJax, thanks for sharing!  Worst for me was losing eyelashes, but eyelashes/eyebrows  have all grown back. i think I was only a month or 6 weeks without them. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • AmyJax
    AmyJax Member Posts: 43
    edited May 2013

    Great news! I finally got my last drain out today! One day short of six weeks..... Hallejuia! I can't wait to wear a normal shirt tomorrow!



    Feeling ok day 6 out from chemo. It wasn't horrible, but it wasn't fun. Fatigue and nausea main side effects.



    Hope everyone had a good weekend, and has a good week.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ldesim
    ldesim Member Posts: 1,333
    edited May 2013

    AmyJax, you must be in heaven now!!  6 weeks with a drain is horrible :(  Hang in there with the chemo.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bobogirl
    bobogirl Member Posts: 2,777
    edited May 2013

    Amy Jax -- hooray!  Hooray Warrior Princess!  You will rock your post-drain shirts :)

    Sending you hugs for chemo.  I want to make you gentle fruit-based frozen yogurt in my Vitamix (and I can do vegan if you like) :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • AmyJax
    AmyJax Member Posts: 43
    edited May 2013

    Thanks Ladies! Hope you both are feeling well!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories