May 2013 surgeries

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  • ckmoss
    ckmoss Member Posts: 613
    edited June 2013
  • ckmoss
    ckmoss Member Posts: 613
    edited June 2013

    LOL..You will do fine!  Come on!  Chin up!  (you are cursing me right now, arent you..lol)...big hug!!!!!

  • sweetpickle
    sweetpickle Member Posts: 749
    edited June 2013

    Ckmoss- Some days your the windshield, and some days you're the bug. Hope your toe feels better!



    Gowihtheflow- Sorry today is a down day for you! I didnt have rads but from what Ive heard, they are the easiest part of treatment. I understand being scared though.

  • GoWithTheFlow
    GoWithTheFlow Member Posts: 727
    edited June 2013

    I'm blasting that song now.  Laughing

    Thanks sweetpickle and ckmoss.  I know I'll feel better once the first one is behind me, but just not feeling good about it now.

  • melmcbee
    melmcbee Member Posts: 1,119
    edited June 2013

    Sweetpickle, I love your bug analogy. However I am sick of beinv the bug. lol.I love it.

    Ck I am so sorry that you arehaving these issues. Every night just tell yourself that you have made it through 1 more day of this hell. Oh and move your chairs out of the way.

    Go with rads is really going to be the easiest crap that you have had to go through until right at the end when you will have some kind of burn. Start now doing whatever they tell you to protect your skin. No sun for a long while. Oh and its quick every day. You are in and out in ten minutes. Most people work during radiation. I didnt cause I had bone pain and neuropathy from the chemo that took a good six months to go away.

    Well ladies I hope all of you have a blessed day. Healing hugs

  • Chinneymae
    Chinneymae Member Posts: 339
    edited June 2013

    Hi ck: I have been doing mega research and lots of praying. I have a call into my Onco to find out what the percentage of recurrence would be with the chemo and then without the chemo. Having to make a decision like this is so taxing on me mentally.



    I've decided that once I do make the decision I am going to let it go and just move on.



    I can sympathize with your outbursts. I've been doing that a lot lately too. It seems I can't control it sometimes.



    Congratulations AnnBr on going back to work. I worked one day last week and it gave me a little feeling of normalcy. I don't work in the summer (I work with the school district) but decided to go in just to get out of the house. My supervisor said anytime I felt I needed to do that to come right on in.



    Welcome Jen, you will find a lot of great friends and supporters here.

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited June 2013

    Go with: I had rads last year. Easy- peasy. Just keep up with your skin lotion: you can't overdo it on the lotion! My doctors loved the pins. Thank you so much! I wore the one you sent "tougher than cancer" the whole time I was in the hospital and gave the others away on the condition that they wear them on surgery day. All my friends were happy, so thanks again!



    I have three drains: one for ea breast, and one for the tummy. The left breast is doing really well. I might be able to get that one out in a day or two. The right breast is putting out more and will take longer. The tummy? I think about 90 cc per day. That one will take awhile.



    Questions: why are you not supposed to use you arms? Is it ok to use them so long as I don't hurt myself? Question 2: I get a giggle out of the 48 hours after chemo thing. My question, though, is WHY? Seriously. :) infection, or what? Question 3: those of you that got chemo: anyone that didn't get a port? Those that did: where is the port located? I guess that's it for now. I'll check in again in a few hours. Hope to take a shower today. Woohoo!

  • GoWithTheFlow
    GoWithTheFlow Member Posts: 727
    edited June 2013

    Thanks Steph.  I'm just rebellng after my 2 hours on the table last Friday.  I'll feel better once the first one is done.

    Glad everyone liked the buttons.  I've had a lot of fun with those.  

    You aren't supposed to use your arms much because of the drains, and lifting anything/stretching too much could maybe open incisions?  After a few days, I would move slowly, but started emptying the dishwasher myself.  Although i made sure to run it when it didn't have a ton of stuff in it because I didn't think I could empty it if it was full.

  • ckmoss
    ckmoss Member Posts: 613
    edited June 2013

    Steph-Answer to YOU MUST USE CONDOMS IF YOU HAVE SEX 48 HOURS AFTER CHEMO!!..lol..Right now, how I feel..plus thinking of more yuck to come with chemo..my husband would not be among the living if he even looked like the thought crossed his mind..lololol/ In my "Breast Cancer Manual"..it was among all the rules for protecting the people you live with and pets. Apparently, the first 48 hours after chemo is when your body secretes it..if it were to get in or on (not sure which or if both) someone else it can mutate their cells or something (ill have to read again..all I know is BAD)..So on top of that, you need to, after using your toilet, close the lid..flush twice..wash your hands with hot soapy water..dry on paper towel..throw away paper towel..tie up trash bad (this I would prob do because of my cocker who loves scot towels from trash)..Don't let anyone drink after you..and plates, glasses, forks, etc you eat..make sure they are washed in very hot water or dishwasher and not with the other persons plates, etc..I've hit Sams and bought paper plates, silverware, cups, even foam cups for my coffee..told husband don't touch and I will throw away after each use..Anyway, my response was WHO THE HELL WOULD WANT SEX RIGHT AFTER CHEMO??...but ...thats just me!..lol.

  • ckmoss
    ckmoss Member Posts: 613
    edited June 2013

    Steph-Oh I forgot..you asked who of us didnt have a port through chemo..that would be the very lucky Sweetpickle.

    Run4-You ok??? 

  • ckmoss
    ckmoss Member Posts: 613
    edited June 2013

    *********Hey sorry about so many post in a row..percocet dulling my brain*****

    chimneymae-Wasn't your decision about a trial..like adding the Red Devil or not?  If so, I believe that with these trials, isn't it like a 50% chance you want get the stuff?  Like some do and some dont?  And, I wonder if this is a trial thats what they are trying to do is get a percentage rate of recurrance.  Or is your whole decision to have chemo or not?

    Steph-Didn't you have onc test year or so back and said you didn't need chemo...but then cancer came back? Or am I remembering this wrong?

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited June 2013

    Ck: thanks for all the info. We all got a hoot about anyone/no one wanting sex within 48 hours of chemo, but we were curious as to why. Now I know.



    It's hard to keep everyone and their personal history straight. Yes, I was dx last year ILC - left breast. Treated with lumpectomy followed by rads. No chemo 'cause my oncotype score was 14. Less than a year later, IDC in right breast. Probably there all along. Should have done chemo! Oh well, you know what they say about hindsight. 😃 I am much more likely to agree to chemo this time, if my MO recommends it.



    I'll check in soon. You all take care of yourself! Thanks for being here!!

  • AMBNH
    AMBNH Member Posts: 119
    edited June 2013

    Ckmoss: glad to hear your chemo got pushed out. After all you've been dealing with, the body needs a rest and recovery period. LOL, am I not the person who wanted to be super woman yesterday???



    Went back to work today for the first time since my surgery and my goal was to work until 1 then pack it up. I did pretty well (1:30) and now I'm home on my couch. Don't want to push my luck 4 days post 1st chemo treatment.



    AnnBR, hope the Skype session went really well for you. :)



    Jenren4: Welcome!



  • ckmoss
    ckmoss Member Posts: 613
    edited June 2013

    AMBNH-So how do you feel? Can you tell that you had chemo?  Also, they day you had it ..did you feel anything from the meds they gave you to help SE

  • AnnBR
    AnnBR Member Posts: 853
    edited June 2013

    Skype session went very well, thanks for asking. All my questions were answered and I decided to switch to a Mayo oncologist. I think the communication will be a LOT better with Mayo having all my records plus they are SO thorough. They check you out from head to toe, take all the time in the world with you and make sure all your questions are answered. The last 2 times I saw my local oncologist I swear she had one foot out the door as she was talking to me. She barely made eye contact - she was too busy typing on the computer. I realize I am not a severe case, but doggone it, I am worth a few minutes of someone's time. I also found out that I may get to go off of Tamoxifen. I would LOVE that.

  • Chinneymae
    Chinneymae Member Posts: 339
    edited June 2013

    Ck: My husband says that when I got a mastectomy, he ended up with a knosexphormy. He also says he isn’t going down without a fight. ;)

  • cateyz2
    cateyz2 Member Posts: 419
    edited June 2013

    So may posts since last time I was on, Im just going to be brief and say i hope everyone keeps going in the right direction and have improvement on a daily basis.

    However Chinneymae who got me rollin with laughter "knosexphomy"!!!!!

    I WILL share that one with my husband!!! LMAO

  • Chinneymae
    Chinneymae Member Posts: 339
    edited June 2013

    He's a hoot, Cateyz2. :)

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited June 2013

    You're all a hoot. Your poor hubby, I almost feel badly for him. I'm so happy for you that he has a sense of humor 😊

  • ckmoss
    ckmoss Member Posts: 613
    edited June 2013

    OMG LMAO!  That was sooo funny!  My husbands watching tv behind me..I read that to him while laughing ..he gave a sympathetic snort for your husband..lol..

  • AnnBR
    AnnBR Member Posts: 853
    edited June 2013

    Going down without a fight...I love it!!

  • ckmoss
    ckmoss Member Posts: 613
    edited June 2013

    Catey=I hope you are doing good as well!

    Ann=Im glad you changed to an oncologist that you like!  It is so very important to have people that are part of your team..TEAM being the key word..I've even had diff with staff not being empathetic..don't need them falling all over me..but a little concern is always nice..I think you are going to be way happier!

    Well going to bed some early tonight..just took ativan and motrin pm (no percocet or lortab past 3pm so should be ok) just really need a good night sleep..and leaning toward depressed today..However, ya'll did a great job making me smile!!!!

  • Chinneymae
    Chinneymae Member Posts: 339
    edited June 2013

    Steph01: You are so right!! It is great that he has a sense of humor. He picks me up when I'm down. He loves to make me laugh.



    AnnBr: It's important to be comfortable with your MO. I'm glad you were able to find one. I know you will be much happier.



    Good night everyone. I hope tomorrow will be much brighter for us all!!!



    Love and hugs,

  • melmcbee
    melmcbee Member Posts: 1,119
    edited June 2013

    Hi ladies.

    Ann,Im so glad that you chose the oncologist that is at the same place everything else is. I work at a hospital and I know that communication isnt good when the team is separated.

    I jjst remembered something stupid about when I was on chemo, I had to eat off of plastic utensils and couldnt drink out of cans. I always had a metal taste in my mouth. Then again I gained a good forty pounds this past year so maybe I should have ussd metal. lol
    Welcome Jen. It has been a huge eye opener being on the other side of patient care. I work in radiology and always thought I was very good with my patients but now I have a new understanding for patients.
    Ladies Im just so thankful to have you here. Its nice to know you arent alone. Thank you and healing hugs to all


  • honeybunny96
    honeybunny96 Member Posts: 120
    edited June 2013

    hello, just wanted to introduce myself.  I had a bilateral mastectomy on May 29.  Almost 3 weeks out and went to work for 3 hours today.  I'm still swollen and still finding myself in pain.  Actually it's the skin that feels on fire is the only way I can describe it.  With pain meds it's controlled so that I can wear a top.  I briefly skimmed the posts, but not all.  Has anyone else felt this? I am also having some swelling around my surgery sites, and drain sites.  I feel like I have "boobs" again, when, well.. they are gone.  Just hoping to connect with someone to tell me.. "your normal" and "it's all O K".  thanks all.

  • ckmoss
    ckmoss Member Posts: 613
    edited June 2013

    Good Morning All!

    Welcome Honeybuneey!! The skin on fire thing..I have felt..I've read if you genty massage this will go away..let me tell you!! No massage gentle or otherwise was going to happen there..my BS said to run your finger lightly back and forth over it..that does help..honestly, I can still feel this.  You and I had surgery the same day.  I can't be 100 % sure we are feeling the same way..but sounds like....As for swelling, I did the skin sparing..so Lord can't tell what's swelling , fluid, and what not.  I have read from someone in his post..or somewhere in this site..that they felt like they had "boobs" again..give them all a chance to get up and maybe someone can help you.

    I am so amazed you are back at work..Well I would have been back..had some setup backs..Port late getting in/veins collapsed..now just got serona in MX site..could probaly deal with that..but got post op infection there..That was a whole ride all together!

    Are you having chemo?

  • AMBNH
    AMBNH Member Posts: 119
    edited June 2013

    Hello Honeybunny96 and welcome. Sorry you have to be here!



    I don't know if you had the TEs put in. I'm a little over 4 weeks post BMX and I feel that burning discomfort 24/7. Putting my surgical stuffed bra over it makes it even worse. The sites where the drains were finally no longer hurt so I think that does go away.



    I am going to bring this up with my PS next week to see if PT can help. My recon won't be until around this time next year due to chemo and rads so I need to figure this out.



    Hang in there!

  • ckmoss
    ckmoss Member Posts: 613
    edited June 2013

    AMBNH-What do you wear when you go out? Like a poof thing in your bra?  They won't let me wear prostetic..said Im still healing..my BS says that some people stuff soft socks etc..and while this does make a right decent breast for me..it hurts pressing into there (I am talking without the infection..which actually doesnt hurt)..the camisole with poofs have been wonderful!  Honeybunnie-what did you use for work?  Is your job phy demanding?

  • honeybunny96
    honeybunny96 Member Posts: 120
    edited June 2013

    Hello and thanks for the welcome.  I work as an office manager in a chiropractic office.  I love my job...ok I take that back.  I don't just love my job, I love my career.  This office means a lot to me.  We are close nit so they will not have me over doing things just to have me back to work sooner - things are falling apart there :(   Anyway.. I did not have any recon at all.  The surgeon did not want to have to wait for me to get in with the PS.  It was really fast, like a WHAM, BAM, thank you! My head is still spinning to be honest.  

    For the fire feeling, I am always massaging it and touching my skin.  The ONLY thing I have found was a tight fitting shirt (and drugs)  Now I found one yesterday in my so called wardrobe, but the only issue was.. the arms were too tight.  I might have to make that into a T-top.  So funny thing is.  I got into the shirt yesterday.  It was ohhh so comfortable for me and my skin and it kind of felt hugging me.  So..ok don't laugh.. ok do because I am too.  I almost had to call someone or cut off the shirt when I had to take it off (due to arms)  OMG I so did not think of this when I put it on.  OOOPS.  won't be doing that again.  But oh I want to wear that shirt!  So I am in the process of finding clothes to wear other than the one or two shirts I wear all the time because they are button up the front and soft feeling. 

    No idea if i am having chemo or not.  I am waiting for the cancer centre to call me to set up an appointment to talk to their onco.  I am basically in limbo is what you can call it.  UGhhh.  Frustrating.  

  • cateyz2
    cateyz2 Member Posts: 419
    edited June 2013

    huneybunny, thanks for the chuckle, I did the same thing :) Ive been wearing stretchy Lyrca/spandex camilsoles since my bmx 5/31 and they are a godsend. The best part at the begining I could step in and out of them if needed.

    Also had a few other additional incidents that I can laugh about now

    1. Been sleeping in recliner since surgery and since Im feeling quite a bit better I thought Id sleep in the spare room with a bed wedge. When I woke up about 1 am I couldnt get out of bed ended up waiting til my husband got up at 4 for work to get me out. Needless to say Im back in the recliner

    2. Again thinking Im feeling better and as stir crazy and trapped I felt, since im no longer taking pain meds the other day I wanted to drive a mile down the road to a girlfriends. Well I got in my jeep pulled out of the garage and it was quite painful trying to turnthe steering wheel. So I pulled back in garage. When my son got home from work he asked who the he** parked my jeep and we both laughed when I told him the story.

    Now its a few days later and Im determined to go to the store this morning, so we will see how it goes, LOL

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