April & May 2015 Surgery Sisters

frefluterb - you can have lymphedema in the breast only, but I think it is more likely to be a buildup of fluid and swelling - potentially a seroma.  Keep an eye out for any redness or warmth.  Here is some info that describes the differences between a seroma and lymphedema.

http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/side_effects/seroma

http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/lymphedema/when_where

SuzyQ congratulations. That is great news.

Can I be added to the list? My surgery isn't until June 1st, though. It worries me a bit since the wait is so long but scheduling everyone for the same time was difficult!

BMX, SNB (both sides), and TE placement

Thats also my surgery date. Can I ask where you are having it done?

best wishes for tomorrow Hopeful82014 and AudreyB !

Thank you jack birdie. I hadn't packed yet but everything was neatly placed around. All my meds were on dining room table. All my clothes ready to be packed, bathroom and towels all clean. Toiletries. I want to leave everything set so rob can have my stuff ready for when I come home, pillows, blankets etc.

Ive been having bad tummy issues and had to run to McDonald's next door. Just too much for me today.

I took a Xanax and will take another later. It's 2pm and I'm just sitting here with plumber hammering and banging and sauldering. I have so much to do and now a huge clean up. I really wanted to get my hair washed, dried and straightened but running out of time now. I will just do it myself later. I know I'm lucky to have hair but I just wanted it done as I won't be able to do it myself for a week or so.

I just didn't need this today. But it's a lost cause. I don't want to be a complainer. Or a whiner. But I'm scared and feeling very fragile. Thank you all for being here and listening.

DayLily, Katy and Downdog, thank you SO much for your good wishes and support. They mean a LOT to me.

I will admit to some nervousness at this point, which I hope my yoga class this afternoon will help control. I can certainly empathize with Audrey's panic and frustration!

There's so much riding on every aspect of the surgery - and there's also a very strong fear that my body will never again feel as good as it does today - or at least, not for quite some time. (It's not just the surgery - it's also the radiation that follows....) I know I can't dwell on it but my style is to power through injuries, pain, stress and exhaustion and I know that doesn't cut it for this situation. I hate this disease and I hate being put in this situation.

Thanks for letting me vent.

AudreyB and Hopeful82014, best wishes for tomorrow!

Warm wishes to all my surgery sisters in recovery & awaiting surgery. I'm now 11 days post-surgery and am surprised how fast the time has gone. I am blessed with 2 wonderful sisters who have tag-teamed in my care and have waited on me hand & foot. It was difficult to accept that level of help, but once I surrendered, it made me feel grateful instead of guilty. I only spent 1 night in hospital & received excellent care. I had 1st surgery of the day so, even after 5+ hours in OR, I was in my room after lunch with delicious bowl of vegetable soup. No nausea, no loss of appetite -- yay!! The nurses propped me up in bed so I could watch the Bruce Jenner interview (I dozed thru most of it, truth be told). I had a lot of people praying for me & I know that it made all the difference. I was filled with joy, relief & gratitude -- I wish the same for all of you, dear sisters. Pain meds have controlled most of the discomfort & pathology report came back with all good news about my DCIS (very small, wide margins, sentinel node + one other node negative/clear). Had first fill by plastic surgeon yesterday & am beginning to see shape (dare I say voluptuous?) that I never had before. I know everyone's experience is different but I wanted to share mine to hopefully reassure others that miracles happen & prayers are answered. Stay calm and think positive. Remember to thank all the medical staff you come in contact with -- the good feelings will come back to you. Try not to worry -- we've got each others' backs. XOXO

Dear AudreyB, I can tell you that the waiting & anticipation right before surgery was by far the worst part. Amazing how our minds can cause such trauma. I promise you that it won't be even half as bad as you think. Relax, sleep peacefully and put yourself in God's hands. You are in my thoughts & prayers, sweet lady.

I had my surgery the 23rd all went well. At least so far. Got all four drains removed yesterday which was a huge relief!! One of the sites where the drain was removed is really swollen and painful. Hopefully the antibiotics I started today will help that.

It's been an extremely long and painful journey but it's so nice to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Times like this you really see people's true colors. This situation has taught me a lot. The person I have loved for the past three years has been so mean and emotionally abusive. He actually told me that I'm playing the role of a victim. Even though I'm barely able to get around I make sure I bring him food and everything he needs. He moved the recliner into our bedroom. The only place available is his side of the bed. So he moved all the way to the other side of the bed so he doesn't have to be near me. He's just so mean. I'm so devastated. In my darkest hour I should be able to count on the person I love, who claims to love me. If I've learned anything through all this, it's that life is too short and too precious to waste your love and kindness on the wrong people.

Audrey- sorry for the stress from the plumber. Hopefully it's fixed and your all packed. Try to sleep with maybe the assist of something to relax you. Prayers for you tomorrow!! You got this!! Please know we are thinking and praying for you.

Still standing- what a disappointment for you. I am so sorry. You don't need this right now. It is amazing to see how family and friends react to these times of need. You will know the truth during this journey and the people you surround yourself will reveal their true selves. Hang in there and get stronger everyday.

Love to all surgery sisters!

PMR53

Best wishes to Hopeful82014 and AudreyB for a smooth surgery and recovery. AudreyB, so sorry you had to deal with the inconvenience at a time like this. I would need an extra Xanax too. It will be behind you soon. Stillstanding66, that is so unfair. I have a similar situation. We don't live together but have been together for 5 years and I asked him to make one simple lifestyle change through all this and he said he would but didn't. So disappointing when you think you can count on someone to be there and you can't. But try not to focus on all that right now. Just concentrate on healing and positive thoughts. We can open a man bashing thread later lol. All of you with kind, considerate, attentive SO 's just know how lucky you are! I am blessed however to have the best friends and family. My surgery was Thursday and went off as planned, thank God. The pain is under control and I have been going for short walks. I really do feel like this thread has helped me to know what to expect and I love the supportive atmosphere. Thank you down dog for keeping up his thread.