May 2013 surgeries

Good Morning all!

Steph-Good tip about the hydrogen per and antibiotic ointment. Was not told that. My surgeons not big on follow up tips. Unless you ask. sigh.

How is it when you lie down ..in a nice warm comfy bed..you get  up feeling like you have been beat all to hell?  Or is that just me?  I'm actually sore.

Heather, here's my trick..no speaking, 2 cups of coffee, stare at tv..1 hour or so.  lol.. *bonus=husband brings you your coffee. ( I can say ..as he is normally getting ready for work..rarely happens, so is BONUS)

Okay ladies, it's Monday and I'm going to start out with true confessions. Did you notice that I did not tell you how old I am, in an earlier post, when we shared our ages?! Well....I turned 60 a few weeks ago and am having issues with it. 30, 40 and even 50 did not bother me, but 60 for crying out loud does. I guess it's because I am feeling it, tired and run down (I can blame it on 2 surgeries and Tamoxifen, right)? I posted a new picture which was taken last September. If anyone is keeping accurate track, I was diagnosed when I was 59. That's about as late in the 50s as you can get! I think 60 is the new 40.

Ann

Ann=You look straight off the set of Designing Women! You look great! Honestly, I believe age is relative to how you feel inside. I still feel like I am in ..uh maybe early 30's ..With all that is going on inside, it would be affecting how you feel..so just keep in mind is temp. I haven't had any issues with age except for 35.  I clearly remember walking out of Home Depot that day, and it dawning on me.  I was so flabbergasted! I was like Seriously???..I actually got in the car and did the math.  That is like my mothers age!! ..Now, I just don't think into it that much. 

Seriously, you look great!  Is that your hair? If not, you have a great wig!!!! Its gorgeous!

Melanie=I am all up for that! I have read about Amelia Island and surrounding areas in Southern Living and always wanted to see!  I love Florida.  Crazy drivers!!! But love the state!!

Lisa=Haven't heard from you...have you melted out there in Arizona!!??

Jerri=Prayers are with you today during your surgery!!!!!

LOLOL ck!  i used to get nitrious at the dentist!  

I have been firming up vacation details this morning.  So excited.  I head to my friends house first, then 2 or 3 days later (depending on if I can do the whole 8 hour drive in one day) we head with her and her twins to my parents for 5 days, then 2 days at the casino, then back to her house for a few days, then back to my moms with just me and my son for the family bbq, then back to ct a few days later, before heading home.  A lot of traveling this year but I'm hoping she'll do some of it.

Question to you guys that have had the PT.  Did it help?  And, was it better than the exercises we have to do at home? Or is it the same? Im thinking about asking surgeon about ordering PT, so I can be ready to go back to work this coming week. Right now, where he did last MX tighter, my reach is very short and typing too long hurts. But, this first week since getting out of hospital, I was on strict orders not to use arm for anything..so don't know if exercises will be enough,.

I leave on July 27th (2 days after my last rad).  PT is good.  They showed me exercises, checked my mobililty, then did some massaging stretches.  I felt really good after I left two weeks ago and go back again tomorrow.

So, I am sitting in patient room, waiting on surgeon with this paper gown thing on..reading from our post gathering strength and trying to get my mind off unpleasantness ahead.

Ann, when you look as good as you do, 60 IS the new 40!!

DRAINS OUT!!!!!!...AGAIN!!!!...LOL 

It didn't hurt at all (2 percocets)..but really what a totally weird freaky feeling! He said the last time it probably hurt so bad as he was ripping that tape off my skin. He didn't use any tape this time at all even where he reopened my MX site...and was wonderful!

He also said that he didn't want me doing any exercises at all or def not PT yet as he has stitches in that need to come out first and he was wanting to "watch me closely". Pushed out my time to go back to work for another 2 weeks.  I think Im going to try to go back in 1 1/2 weeks.  I really don't want to start with a full week.  Wish I could do 4 hour shifts..and probably could but wouldn't get paid for other 4 or have to use my vacation time..which I am holding onto for my chemo days that I can't make it, as I won't be on disability then will be intermittent FLMA.

I was thinking, I need to win lottery..go check myself into one of those Cancer Centers of America..where you stay and they do everything from reg treatments to aromatherapy..anything that might work..then fly us all to Aruba to recoup. I've heard they have wonderful multi colored drinks with umbrellas and fruit in them!  Fruit is healthy!

Steph still has drain I believe.

Jacksonville airport.

Ck glad you got your drains out.

Hunny bunny Happy Canada Day.

Ann you look amazing.

Healing hugs to all

Ck I want you to win the lottery so we can do that too.

AMBNH.... your post was what I needed to read today.  I haven't been on in the last few days reading and your post was the first I saw just now. I have my second chemo Friday and reading what you said reminded me that I'm not alone going through treatments.... you are doing it right along with me.  I took your advice going into my first chemo and it REALLY was spot on.  The water was KEY!!! I drink and drink and drink some more and I think it has really helped.  I also took Claritin and an Aleve before my shot and 3 days after and I also had no pain.  I have been in a funk for a few days... just feeling down.  I'm coming out of it but I think once in awhile it's ok to feel sorry for ourselves.

I'm very thankful for all of you wonderful ladies!!!

I have a question for those of you doing chemo. When you talk about taking Claritin, are you talking about the decongestant? Or something else with a similar name? It just doesn't make sense to me that you would take a decongestant to help you with chemo side effects. ??

Hi Steph. Yes, oncologists recommend Claritin, the over the counter allergy medicine to use in conjunction with the Neulasta shot. For some reason, it reduces or eliminates joint/bone aches that the Neulasta can trigger. I have taken it for the 2 treatments I have had so far and I didn't get the aches. They don't know why it helps but it does.