April & May 2015 Surgery Sisters

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  • Jackbirdie
    Jackbirdie Member Posts: 4,693
    edited May 2015

    Downdog- you really are the best boad/topic leader. You have shown organization, humor, revealed yourself personally, shown compassion for others. A very lucky group indeed. Just wanted to say that.

    Also, love the sistas militia! Can I lift that?

    Katy

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  • SoutherMother
    SoutherMother Member Posts: 111
    edited May 2015

    Hello Surgery Sisters,  I have been recovering very slowly after my surgery.  The pathology results showed cancer in lymph nodes under both arms.  Nine out of thirteen have pleomorphic lobular cancer.  There was evidence of scarring on four of the lymph nodes so the chemo tried its best to knock out this rare, aggressive form of breast cancer.  I had a good pity party, tried to barter with God, and eventually achieved some peace with it.  I am going to see how quickly I can get the radiation treatment started.  It may be a tougher road ahead than I wanted, but it is do-able.  I have gone from feeling quite down to feeling confident and strong just twenty four hours later.  As the saying goes, "Time to pull up the big girl panties and get going." 

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  • AudreyB
    AudreyB Member Posts: 377
    edited May 2015

    Hi everyone. Reporting in. 2 days PO. Still in hospital but going home tomorrow.

    Pain is considerable but meds are controlling it. Sentinel Lymph node area is very tender and I think a drain there is not helping.

    I wanted to give you all a laugh. This morning at 5am I had to pee real bad. It took 2 aids to get me in and out of bed yesterday so I asked for a bed pan. I've never been on one and didn't have the upper body strength to situate myself properly so I peed all over the bed. Sheets, blankets, all soaked. So now I have to get up. 2 nurses aids struggle with me moaning, the movement really upsets my tummy. I'm apologizing like crazy and one nurse says it's ok the only thing I can't stand is if someone throws up. And on cue I throw up.

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  • Hopeful82014
    Hopeful82014 Member Posts: 3,480
    edited May 2015

    MJH - so sorry that you've hit this road block. Katy's SO right about how tough these changes to our plans and expectations are.

    I don't know what your eyes are like now, but will say that the new lenses that are used in cataract surgery are amazing. You honestly can end up with 20/20 vision and the surgery is NOTHING. (For me, 20/20 would be a vast improvement, so the idea of the procedure isn't so daunting to me. I truly understand that your story may be very different.) Still, cataracts at age 48 is something of a stunner, isn't it?

    I hope you can schedule those procedures quickly and then get your revision back on the books a.s.a.p. I totally sympathize, however, with the disappointment and chagrin of the delay.

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  • AudreyB
    AudreyB Member Posts: 377
    edited May 2015

    cataracts are a side sffect of tamoxifan and arimidex. I work for an eye surgeon. I'm a surgical coordinator.

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  • AudreyB
    AudreyB Member Posts: 377
    edited May 2015

    SouthernMother, so sorry for your pathology.

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  • Hopeful82014
    Hopeful82014 Member Posts: 3,480
    edited May 2015
    Audrey, thanks for the info on cataracts. Hope you are feeling better this p.m. ? Southern mother, so sorry about the nodes, etc. You've really been dealt a tough hand.

    Did anyone else find that the anesthetics caused major depression issues along with a totally foul mood? I'm usually such a nice person and I can't stand myself today.
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  • Jackbirdie
    Jackbirdie Member Posts: 4,693
    edited May 2015

    Audrey, I started CT on 3/6/15. My eye appt was in late April. Even though Taxotere can cause cataracts, could they do it in less than 8 weeks???

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  • mjh1
    mjh1 Member Posts: 445
    edited May 2015


    jackiebird - not you too!!  yep, total meltdown yesterday.  I have my left eye for 6/8 and right eye 6/22 which means I couldn't possibly go in for a revision until end of July.  well, there goes the whole summer again.  I'm starting to think I'm never going to be done in this boob journey.  my friends now joke I'm going to be the lolbionic woman since I'm slowly getting my body parts replaced...lol.  I'll PM you so we can commisserate together.

    daylily - well, the good news is that it hasn't gotten worse. what's the PS plans??  Is he going to drain it??

    tangerinequeen and april 25 -  Good luck tomorrow.  I hope you'll have an easy recovery.

     

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  • Jackbirdie
    Jackbirdie Member Posts: 4,693
    edited May 2015

    yes Mjh1- lets do commiserate. Pm at will!

    I feel like apunching bag

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  • mjh1
    mjh1 Member Posts: 445
    edited May 2015


    oops, sorry, didn't realize the thread had a next page.  it must be my eyes...lol

    Audry - sorry you're having such a rough time.  I threw up too the first time I got out of bed.  it's just from the ansesthia and you laying around and not moving.  It will get better once you start moving around.  PM the name of the eye doctor you work for.

    southernmother - so sorry you'e been dealt this blow.  You are strong and you can do this!!!  We'll all be here cheering you on!!

    hopeful - thanks for the words of encouragement.  That will be the only good thing if I get 20/20 but won't know that until I get my eyes measured in two weeks to see what shape they are because the premium lens only fit a certain shape which are $2500 each and insurance won't pay for those. 

    jackiebird - don't know about the chemo causing it but I can tell you that my left eye has progressed so quickly that my dr said i'm legall only driving with one eye and hence the need to fix this ASAP.  My other one is slow forming.  I first started noticing a problem with my left eye a couple of weeks after my TE exchange at the end of September.  I had read on Mentor's website that a small percentage of people complain of blurred vision with implants but they didn't mention anything about cataracts developing.

     

     

     

     

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  • Hopeful82014
    Hopeful82014 Member Posts: 3,480
    edited May 2015
    April and Tangerine Queen, good luck tomorrow. crossing my fingers for you both. MJH, I'm crossing my fingers that your eyes are the right shape. Keep us posted, please.
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  • AudreyB
    AudreyB Member Posts: 377
    edited May 2015

    When booking cataract surgery I have to scan PT files for data and often see breast Cancer listed. Now granted we do have an older PT base but I've booked plenty of surgeries for people late 30 and early 40. Cataracts can develop very quickly or worsen very quickly. jack birdie, I'm not too sure about the quick development but it's safe to say you already had a cataract that was not bothering you yet but something you were treated with caused a development. Surgery is 20 minutes, no real downtime, you do have to go for a medical clearance with EKG only, no blood work, and a 2 hour office apt for measurements, sign consent forms and see the dr. Lots of pre and post op drops.

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  • Hopeful82014
    Hopeful82014 Member Posts: 3,480
    edited May 2015
    It's the eye drops that would be my downfall - I've never mastered that skill. ;).
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  • mazy123
    mazy123 Member Posts: 38
    edited May 2015

    Hi. I just got my surgery date planned for May 21st. Double mastectomy with tissue expanders. Thanks for adding me to the list.

    Mazy

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  • StillStanding66
    StillStanding66 Member Posts: 22
    edited May 2015

    Haha! Thanks for all the support ladies! I think. Bitch slap is definitely in order amongst other things!

    I did go see my PS and I do have an Infection. Have some super powered antibiotics and a gauze stuffing regimen. Yuk! But very fixable and not uncommon according to him..

    As for the boy friend /fiancé / jerk, it's not getting any better. If it weren't for my friend being here and the help from my mom with my six year old son, I'd feel completely alone. Not sure this relationship will weather this illness. In the beginning when I was first diagnosed he was so sweet. Shaved his head when I started chemo and losing my hair. Told me I was pretty when I knew I didn't look pretty at all. The further along we got in the process, the less attentive and more distant he's become. I have carried him financially and emotionally the entire time. I feel so used and beaten down. I just don't know how this is going to end. He has stated how much he hates being here. I can tell he wants to leave but financially he can't. Through all this I've made all his truck payments as well as his son car payments and soooo much more.

    I hate to feel like I'm wallowing in self pity but this place makes me feel safe and loved! Thank you sisters! May God continue to wrap you all on his comforting arms

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  • StillStanding66
    StillStanding66 Member Posts: 22
    edited May 2015

    Congrats and good luck Mazy! You'll do great!!🙏 PRAYERS coming your way

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  • downdog
    downdog Member Posts: 1,432
    edited May 2015

    mjh1, this is an unfortunate setback, but you are going to plough through it.

    Katy dahling, anything for you. Even homemade cookies one of these days, but they will have to wait until the next time I go to the US to ship them, as I don't want them stuck at the border going stale (or sampled!). I was thinking of a Weeble, but didn't like the roly-poly/egg imagery, so instead you are the Energizer bunny…you keep going and going and going. Frustrating, definitely, and just another roadblock you'll detour around. Hope today is a better day for you. xo

    SoutherMother, I am sorry you received a tough break on your path report. May your faith provide you strength and comfort at this difficult time. There aren't any rules here. If you need a pity party or to stay in bed all day with the covers pulled over your head to help you get through what seems like a living nightmare, then you do whatever you need to in order to get yourself through this. Lean on whatever support you need to help you: family and friends, at your church, in your community, virtually. Cancer is a nasty-ass bully, so you kick some of that Florida beach sand in its face to show who's boss. Dig deep within yourself and you will find the wherewithal to fight this. You are going to be on the long right hand side of the tail screwing up the statistics. When you don't think you have the energy, take a day off, but then you come right on back with the boxing gloves on and dig a little deeper. Never underestimate the power of the mind to fuel you forward. Dig deep and you've got this. Lots of hugs.

    PMR53, I hope the antibiotics have tackled the cellulitis and UTI. Thinking of you and hope you get a new surgery date soon.

    Stillstanding66, I am so glad your friend took you to your PS to get the antibiotic Rx to get the infection under control. When you have the strength to evaluate your relationship, do so. He is so taking advantage of you, because you are giving him permission to do so. Stop it. You are his financial security blanket and he doesn't believe you have the emotional or mental strength to change the situation. Quit bailing him out financially. He is totally using you. Kick him out and lighten your load. You will be better off alone than with an a-hole like him. You deserve so much better.

    Hugs to all my sisters!

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  • downdog
    downdog Member Posts: 1,432
    edited May 2015

    Welcome latest May sister, mazy123!

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  • StillStanding66
    StillStanding66 Member Posts: 22
    edited May 2015

    Thank you downdog. I'm trying hard and beginning the painful process of digging deep within. Your encouraging words are so sweet and appreciated !

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  • SoutherMother
    SoutherMother Member Posts: 111
    edited May 2015

    Hello Sistas!  Please know your kindness through your supportive posts is like a bowl of  Grandma's chicken soup. 

    AudreyB, your bedpan and vomit story had me laughing and holding my stitched chest.  Hope your mobility gets easier soon.  

     

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  • SoutherMother
    SoutherMother Member Posts: 111
    edited May 2015

    Hello Sistas!  Please know your kindness through your supportive posts is like a bowl of  Grandma's chicken soup. 

    AudreyB, your bedpan and vomit story had me laughing and holding my stitched chest.  Hope your mobility gets easier soon.  

     

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  • Jackbirdie
    Jackbirdie Member Posts: 4,693
    edited May 2015

    welcome Mazy snd sorry we have to meet this way.

    On the Cookie front. All sistas listen up!

    I was on the lookout ( as s joke initially) to find a healthy cookie that a chemo sister didn't find in her bag when she got home from Whole Foods. Total meltdown.

    Quite by accident, I ended up talking to a woman who owns s company that makes all organic, no GMO, high fiber and protein cookies. Even though she was vacationing, she listened, caringly, and got the laugh too about the cookie meltdown. She has 6-7 flavors. Only the ones with chocolate chips have minimal soy, so being ER+ I elected not. But the oatmeal raisin walnut and cranberry almond pistachio are to die for.

    Use discount count Sweet20 and mention march chemo group. They taste as good as any homemade cookie I've ever done really quite remarkable. Look up her FAQ sheet on her site to see ingredients.

    www.soulfullysweet.com

    Great recovery day sistas!

    Hugs, Katy

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  • justmaximom15
    justmaximom15 Member Posts: 264
    edited May 2015

    Recovery, physical and emotional has been going smoothly but I got the all from my breast surgeon that took me down a notch on the emotional side of things. Margins were clear which was expected since I had quite a bit of tissue removed in the reduction, the cancer itself as 8mm so it was as small as anticipted, however the lymph node showed cancer cells.

    My follow up with BS is already scheduled for Monday and she went ahead and made me an appointment with the MO for the same day to discuss our plan. I had really hoped for no chem so I'm not sure if this will shatter that hope or not. We shall see and fight on.

    Damn Breast Cancer!!

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  • Hopeful82014
    Hopeful82014 Member Posts: 3,480
    edited May 2015

    Maximom, that is so disappointing. Jeez. That takes it all to a different level, doesn't it? I'm SO sorry. (from one node 'carrier' to another'). Sending a hug and a suggestion that this is a good time to allow yourself to vent. It sucks.

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  • Jackbirdie
    Jackbirdie Member Posts: 4,693
    edited May 2015

    Maxi and Hopfeful. Sorry for the unwelcome news.

    You can do this. Anyway.

    We are here.

    Gentle hugs going out. You will feel a bit better once you have your battle plan.

    Katy

    xoxo

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  • Hopeful82014
    Hopeful82014 Member Posts: 3,480
    edited May 2015

    Well, at least there's a chance my node has responded. I'm just not feeling too optimistic right now. I think that's due to the crummy experience at the hospital and the lingering mind rape of the anesthesia. I really HATE feeling this way.

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  • Lmonelli
    Lmonelli Member Posts: 95
    edited May 2015

    Hi Everyone!

    Mysunshine48...you are right about suctioning the drains. My home healthcare nurse showed me how to do that and I had my drains removed the next day.

    I was able to take a shower for the first time this morning and had a chance to look at myself for the first time. Not a pretty site for sure. I cried. It looked so strange. But I know it's a process so I have to trust this process and I believe in my ps. I was told I couldn't drive for three weeks but I'm feeling like I might be able to drive In two. Anyone driving after two weeks? Also, having my pathology sent to oncotype. The caseworker came into my hospital room and said she two had a bilateral mastectomy and the doctors told her she was cancer free. No cancer in lymph nodes and margins clear. However when it came back from oncotype they found cancer cell in one node. So, she needed to go thru chemo. I thought I was out of the woods.

    I wanted to also mention the pink pockets I bought for the drains were a waste. I don't recommend them. They didn't hold my drains and they were completely useless. I also purchased a little heart shaped pillow and that too was a waste of money. 50 dollars down the drain. Just thought those waiting for surgery would like to know that I found them not necessary at all.

    Wishing all waiting for surgery peace and comfort in knowing you will do just fine. If I could do it so can you!!

    Hugs.

    Lori

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  • Cheesequake
    Cheesequake Member Posts: 264
    edited May 2015

    Lmonelli, Kaiser has a volunteer survivor group that make tote bags and pillows (one for sleeping, one to go under the seat belt for the car ride home) for patients. I imagined a group of little old ladies in a sewing circle :D I accepted their gifts graciously, while thinking to myself that there was no chance I'd use them - totally not my style, too small to be of value, but nice nonetheless.

    I found the two pillows to be invaluable my first week, turns out they knew what they were doing. The fabric of my heart shaped pillow was covered in a cheery strawberry vine. I definitely would've preferred something subversive, but I certainly was carrying those cheery strawberry vines with me everywhere! More proof it's different for everyone. So sorry you had to spend money on yours!!

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  • Jackbirdie
    Jackbirdie Member Posts: 4,693
    edited May 2015

    my quilting buddies made me two sizes of pillows with additional exchangeable pillow cases. In the car especially, invaluable.

    When I got around to washing the pillowcases the first time I saw each lady who worked on them had signed them with living notes. Very sweet. Even if they hadn't haloed in the car I would have loved them for their sentiment.

    Lisa- everybody is different and your feedback is valuable. I wish more people had mentioned what NOT to buy. I bought everything. Almost everything will be useful at some point in my life. But not necessarily now.

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