December 2015 Surgery Sisters Part Deux (with list)

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  • NJ-Jen
    NJ-Jen Member Posts: 64
    edited January 2016

    I am so with you Musogirl... I am so wanting to see Star Wars but all the complications are keeping me home.

    I ended up with getting my infected drain removed, getting an abdominal abscess (ugh) and just went this morning to get it drained and get... Dun dun dun... A new drain placed. The abscess was from hip bone to hib bone in some places 10cm thick so it was painful. I hope I get ride if this infection soon.

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  • JerseyGirl22
    JerseyGirl22 Member Posts: 342
    edited January 2016

    NJ-Jen! Girl! You are the epitome of WARRIOR woman! I'm thankful you got it all taken care of and hopefully you're onto better recovery! I can't even imagine! Sending you virtual, gentle hugs and lots of prayers for healing quickly without any other problems.

    Warrior On!


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  • JerseyGirl22
    JerseyGirl22 Member Posts: 342
    edited January 2016

    Hello Warriors!

    I just wanted to pop in and see how everyone is doing.... I also wanted to share a sweet moment with you, that I hope you'll appreciate and not take it as TMI...

    Since surgery, and no reconstruction, I've felt really good! With the exception of my onc causing my anxiety to flare for a bit, it's all been good. My DH has been so amazing through all of this. He's cared for me, nursed me, held me when I cried and carried on...loved me. He's seen my scars, and he's never said a word. I've wondered if he would "mourn" the loss of my breast, or go with it... There was some mourning, but he says he's more than happy to have me without my breasts, than to not have me at all...

    Here's the sweet part... And you'll have different, but sweet moments, too, if you haven't already... I was feeling low, having a bout of anxiety as I approach rads and getting through the next step. My DH snuggled up next to me, held me awhile, and then lifted my shirt and kissed my scars all the way across my chest... I cried! It was so incredibly tender, and beautiful.

    I pray that all of you, in your own way feel loved and cared for during this time...

    Today I'm sending you all gentle, sister hugs and kisses for all of your scars. You are a wonder! You've made it through so much so far, and you will journey on with determination and courage, because you are warriors!

    Warrior On!

    alana




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  • Kiks1
    Kiks1 Member Posts: 254
    edited January 2016

    Jersey,

    You have a incredible DH, definitely a keeper. You must be a wonderful wife as well, for thinking about his trivialities during this time of stress.

    May you have many more years to share these sweet moments.

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  • NJ-Jen
    NJ-Jen Member Posts: 64
    edited January 2016

    That is so sweet Jerseygirl. I am amazed my poor dh has had to do wound cleaning and all sorts of nasty things that I never thought would happen and has held up well.

    I ended up in the emergency room after my right side got super hard and red, and got iv antibiotics. They send me home with yet another set and while it is still red, it is softening up. The new drain is a pigtail, not a jp, and is smaller and keeps clogging so I have to keep working on the tube to get the gunk moving. I really thought I would be be bopping around by now and trying to do things I was now supposed to, but still basically walking like an old woman

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  • JerseyGirl22
    JerseyGirl22 Member Posts: 342
    edited January 2016

    Nj-Jen, sending you HUGS! So sorry you have to deal with all the extra stuff... when you come out on the other side of this, I think you'll amaze yourself! Get some rest!

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  • BethL
    BethL Member Posts: 286
    edited January 2016

    Nice you guys have someone like that. We are all not so fortunate, while I'm happy for you, can't help to feel more sad about being alone after reading your posts- and feeling that now because of this stupid cancer, that's the way it's always gonna be. Sad.

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  • JerseyGirl22
    JerseyGirl22 Member Posts: 342
    edited January 2016

    Oh, BethL, I'm so sorry I made you feel sad... That was not my intention, and please do not think you will always be alone... I've found that this cancer has brought people into my life that I never would have guessed at the relationships I have through it...

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  • BethL
    BethL Member Posts: 286
    edited January 2016

    You are fine, and very fortunate!!! Don't be sorry. It's just a tough place to be emotionally and I'm sure a lot of others can relate. Everyone says the right one will come alone. Honestly, not even sure I want that (pretty happy with my situation right now) but feeling as though I may not have opportunity should I change my mind is hard. I am very fortunate too in my own way.

    Seeing the breast surgeon tomorrow and returning back to work Friday. A little concerned since I can't seem to keep my eyes open from 3pm-8pm without a nap. We'll see what happens!! It will be six weeks since my surgery that day and I feel much better, just still no stamina.

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  • JerseyGirl22
    JerseyGirl22 Member Posts: 342
    edited January 2016

    (((((((((BethL))))))))) hugs to you, sweetie! I'm six weeks out of surgery today and I have the stamina problem, too... not everyday, but it's there... I keep reminding myself that my body is healing inside and out, and that some days I do need to sit down and take a bit of a break.

    Warrior On!


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  • NJ-Jen
    NJ-Jen Member Posts: 64
    edited January 2016

    Hi Beth. My stamina is in the toilet. I don't know how you could go back to work and I hope your boss is sympathetic and goes easy on you. I still can't sleep without pain pills which is annoying me greatly (probably the infection). It is up and down and recovery is just never a straight, easy line

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  • Musosgirl
    Musosgirl Member Posts: 387
    edited January 2016
    I had a post-op today from my "emergency" surgery last Tuesday. I broke down in the office and just cried. I was doing so well with recovery and then had to have that hematoma removed. So now I am back at square one and not doing as well. My range of motion is worse, the pain is worse (the hydrocodone was messing with my head too much so I stopped that--today the nurse suggested I try my leftover percocet from SX #1), the anti-biotics are upsetting my stomach and my fatigue is worse. I am limited in alomst everything--got cleared to shower today--but no lifting, driving, activities. At least the incisions are healing well and there is no sign of bleeding this time. But I feel terrible and I am sad. I am OVER this.
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  • JerseyGirl22
    JerseyGirl22 Member Posts: 342
    edited January 2016

    I'm just popping out here to give all of my surgery sisters a giant hug... know that I think of each of you daily! Things WILL get better! They will! We are all going through so much that our minds can hardly handle it at times, I'm sure. Go easy on yourselves...

    Warrior On, in your own way... breathe deep and heal. breathe deep and cry if you need to. breathe deep and know that all of us out here understand what you are going through and we will be here to offer any solace we can to help you through.

    Alana

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  • LoveMyVizsla
    LoveMyVizsla Member Posts: 813
    edited January 2016

    Musosgirl, breathe in, breathe out. Repeat. You've already done your chemo, which puts you ahead of me. I'm taking things one day at a time, one treatment at a time. Showering is good. Your range of movement should improve, even slightly, each day. Try to find the good in each day...and when you can't, come here and we will listen.

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  • BethL
    BethL Member Posts: 286
    edited January 2016

    Musogirl, hang in there. So sorry you've had complications. As if you weren't already dealing with enough! It will get better. I know it doesn't feel like it, but it will. LIke lovemyvizla said, we are here if you need to vent. Hugs!

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  • Duzy
    Duzy Member Posts: 134
    edited January 2016

    Musogirl so sorry you are having complications. All you can do is take one day at a time and you will get stronger and better.

    LovemyVizla I hope your chemo goes ok for you with out to many side effects. How many treatments do you have to have? I was one that did chemo between my 2 surgeries.

    NJ-Jen I hope the pain starts to go down for you. Each one of us deals with things different and it just takes time.

    BethL good luck with going back to work. Your surgery was more in depth than mine and I am 2 weeks from surgery and I am going to try and go in for a few hours Thursday and Friday. I am with you on the stamina I feel like I could sleep 10 hours in a row and get tired pretty easy. That's why I am going to try and go easy at first going back to work. I can always work from home also which is nice.

    Jerseygirl22 - that is so nice that you have a supportive DH. Good luck with your radiation starting next week.

    To anyone else I have missed or who hasn't posted I hope you are doing good and moving on to the next step. I wish you all well.

    I had my drains removed on Monday and I was pretty sore the last few days. I was surprised when I asked my BS about exercises and she said no to wait a few more weeks. No repetitive motions and gradually try to stretch my arm above my head and out to the sides. So when I was trying to stretch above my head I noticed a line that looked swollen and am wondering if that is what cording is or is that normal and will go away as I continue to stretch my arm. Other than that and numbness I am feeling pretty good so far.

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  • Musosgirl
    Musosgirl Member Posts: 387
    edited January 2016
    I took a shower tonight--first time in over a week. I think it helped. I missed out on several events in the last two days, and it made me sad and frustrated. Completely crazy last night, in fact. If I didn't know better I would say I was PMSing. I guess I COULD be... Over a month out from chemo and couple months until we start OS. I am very weepy. Of course the last thing I want is any kind bleeding! Last week's boob fountain was enough!

    Thank you for all of the supportive comments. I know I am overwhelmed but at the same time frustrated I can't do more.
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  • Musosgirl
    Musosgirl Member Posts: 387
    edited January 2016
    On positive note my balance has greatly improved. My heart was pounding after the shower like I'd run a race, but I no longer feel like a constant fall risk!
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  • LoveMyVizsla
    LoveMyVizsla Member Posts: 813
    edited January 2016

    4AC every three weeks, then 12 T (paclitaxel). Then re-excision, then radiation. Like I said, one treatment at a time. Don't want to think about surgery again. At least no SNB the next time.

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  • NJ-Jen
    NJ-Jen Member Posts: 64
    edited January 2016

    That is how I felt Musogirl! I took a super long shower and stood up this time and even shaved... I had to nap after, but I felt human. My abscess opened, so I have to change dressings constantly bit hoping the thing will resolve without having to be opened and packed. Last drain out tomorrow. Get the oncotyping tomorrow too

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  • NJ-Jen
    NJ-Jen Member Posts: 64
    edited January 2016

    I got my drain out. Oncotyping did not come in (insurance held it up go figure) but the doc said no chemo, no worries. In an amazing twist dun dun dun, no adjunctive therapy either! He started saying it was going to be delayed due to drain and the infection, then the discussion turned to my health history and he decided since I don't have ovaries or adrenals and had the double mastectomy, my risk is so small and the side effects of the med so great, let's skip it. Wow!

    So just dealing with with the infection and I got the wear jeans finally. So tired after the shower dh had to put my socks on lol..

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  • JerseyGirl22
    JerseyGirl22 Member Posts: 342
    edited January 2016

    Oh, NJ-Jen! That's amazing news!!!!!! So happy for you!!!!

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  • BethL
    BethL Member Posts: 286
    edited January 2016

    Jen- good news!! Glad things are getting better. I wish I coukd wear my jeans. Lying around for a month and eating all the good food brought to me....they don't fit! I probably gained 6 or 7 pounds since surgery. Thankfully I wear scrubs to work...with draw strings and sweats at home.

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  • MissV123
    MissV123 Member Posts: 79
    edited January 2016

    Just checking in on all my Girls....Musogirl, you have to take it one day at a time....NJJen, that is wonderful news.....I have had my first visit and tattooing for my radiation....and waiting for a start date...I had to buy mens undershirts...and still found myself crying in Walmart....people must think I didnt like the shirts or something....!!!! I still cant believe all the things WE have all been thru since December God Bless...and stay strong.....

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  • MissV123
    MissV123 Member Posts: 79
    edited January 2016

    Havent seen any posts from anyone in a long time, I hope all are doing well....had my 3rd Rad tx today, and so far so good....

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  • ramprat
    ramprat Member Posts: 12
    edited January 2016

    Hi Ladies,

    Hope everyone is recovering well.

    My PS had me fill in 50 cc's in both the expanders. And he is planning on doing 2 more fills. Also joined work the same day 11th Jan. All is doing well as of now except of mild discomfort while I sleep on my sides.

    How are you all recovering ?

    Hugs to all.



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  • LoveMyVizsla
    LoveMyVizsla Member Posts: 813
    edited January 2016

    I have no complaints.

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  • NJ-Jen
    NJ-Jen Member Posts: 64
    edited January 2016

    I am still battling infection. They cut it open and we have been packing it twice a day. Trying to keep a sense of humor about the "linguine" and my dh is getting better at stuffing the hole. Hope the next surgery goes better than this.

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  • JerseyGirl22
    JerseyGirl22 Member Posts: 342
    edited January 2016

    So sorry I've been MIA... Went to ground when I started rads.... Healing well from surgery, now rads has started... 7 down, 23 to go! Have been feeling under the weather since I started the Herceptin only. The docs can't offer anything. They don't understand why I have cold-flu like symptoms. Hmmm, interesting that it says that's a side effect of the Herceptin. I don't want to feel like this for the next 6 months!

    Other than that, rads is no biggie, in and out, in no time flat... Praying for all of my surgery sisters out here!

    NJ-Jen! You are at the top of my list everyday. So sorry you have to deal with all of this other stuff.

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  • Truffles1968
    Truffles1968 Member Posts: 33
    edited January 2016

    Hi Surgery Sisters! Hope you are continuing to heal. What a time some of us have had, I am so glad we have this board to share and support.

    I haven't posted here in awhile since I was going through the Her2+ or not drama and it was emotionally a roller coaster on top of the BC and surgery roller coaster I was already on. Two different oncologists and two different pathologists with opposing opinions (Mayo and Johns Hopkins). After 4 (!) different tests the consensus is not positive. So I am not doing chemo or Herception now, which in some ways stresses me out, I like to think I am doing everything I can to prevent recurrence or mets. Now my two oncs are split between whether I should do Tamoxifen or AI/OS- I just want to DO SOMETHING! It has been 2 months since my BMX.

    Gentle hugs to all of you and thank you Alana for continuing our thread and for all of you for updating, I think of you and pray for us all every day. Warrior On!

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