October 2014 Surgery Sisters

Hi, Kim, - Thanks for your note.

I don't know many details yet. The tumor on US looked more like damaged tissue and fluid than a tumor, per discussion w/ the radiologist and US tech. (I had the same tech who had done my very 1st US and she had looked at the original for comparison and was really impressed by the changes.). The surgeon went for pretty big margins, so the piece that was removed looks pretty big to me. I haven't seen the scars yet.

I lost 4 nodes, which was more than I was hoping for. I'm pretty bummed about that. I'm ok physically - walked an hour on the treadmill yesterday, but Incredibly down and depressed and unable to sleep, which I think is the anesthesia still making it's way through my system, as I'm not taking narcotic pain medication.

I will jump in with an update when I get some news. How are YOU doing? feeling more human, or not quite there?

Hey, Kim - I can understand the tears. I think we spend so much emotional energy just trying to get through this that we wear holes in our psyches and little, odd things hit us hard. Don't forget that you've been through a LOT and your body, mind and spirit are still recovering from all of it. It takes a LONG time. The TEs really extend the duration of the process, too. And maybe some of it is the ongoing uncertainty as to what it will look and feel like when you're done?

I'm finding it helpful to do some relaxation meditations that my yoga instructor recorded - it's helpful just to turn off my mind (or at least turn down the volume) and give it space to let go for a while. It's a different effect from prayer, where often we are thinking about the needs/concerns of those we love, issues of importance, etc. It's a useful adjunct. Right now, I'm so cranky with everyone that I should be shut up in a room with a yoga mat and my iPod and stay there until I can be pleasant for at least 5 minutes at a time.

Hi All,

Like others, I took a break-but more just trying to keep up with work and home life kept me from writing.

Its wonderful to hear most everyone is moving forward in positive directions. Hopeful, your supportive comments are always great. And of course Sandra, thank-you as always for providing more information and facts that we forget to ask or are not supplied when at the doctor's office. So nice to hear some positive news about your husband as well. Also Sandra-thanks for the link to the arm bands of no BP-they were very helpful on my last surgery. Despite a big sign over my bed-they would start for the unscathed veins on my right arm until reminded by the armband.

Fourminor-a stress about work you don't need. Two weeks before my diagnosis, my husband was laid off. That was crazy panic. But you cannot stress about things you cannot control. Hopefully it is more global than just you. I am protected by the FMLA paperwork I filled out guaranteeing my position will not be in danger due to my medical absences. That is not to say they have given me any slack and the job has been very stressful with a relatively new district admin. shoving more testing down everyone's throat. (without adequate staff training...but that's another story).

Kim-I understand the tears-I actually have a "bad" attitude and dread using all the pink ribbon stuff people have given me. At my school, the have a "Strut for the Cure" fashion show. They have a survivor's walk at the end and wanted me to participate. I would have totally avoided it, but one of my Down's Syndrome students was going to be my escort and he had been looking forward to wearing the tux and would come get me from my office to practice for months. This was his idea as soon as he heard I had cancer. So of course I was there-but not for myself.

So, I was rescheduled for my hysterectomy/oophectomy and had it Thursday. They were able to do it laproscopically and only took 1 1/2 hours because of literally no complications. I love hearing that from a dr when I wake up. They had also given me several things so I was not vomitting from the anesthesia. I loved the anesthesia team I had this time. They were gentle and compassionate, made me feel very safe and relaxed. I'm wondering if I can request them for the next mastectomy/exchange surgery. I came home Friday-but did take some low dose oxi for the first time in my life-they really took the edge off. Trying to avoid them today. So I will be home relaxing all next week. Then, I may go in on a reduced schedule the following week-but we will see-I am not rushing it. I think I needed some time away from the job right now.

I had my annual mammogram on left breast, despite plans to have it removed soon. As anticipated-I got a call back for more images of a previously benign lump that I had biopsied when I had the other breast and lymph node biopsied. They actually offerred to have me do it upon discharge-but radiologist and I did not feel it was the best idea. So, I do want to get hopefully this last surgery in the series done asap. I don't need these worries.

For the good news in my life that I am grateful for: One of my daughters was tested and does not carry the BRCA2 gene!! HOORAY!!!! And other great news is my oldest son and wife are expecting our 1st grandbaby girl at end of Oct.!!!! Unfortunately they are in California, but I plan on making frequent trips.

Wishing everyone the best and a beautiful warm sunny day to enjoy and relax!

PS. While browzing HOUZZ site-saw SCMom- One in the same?

Sue