June 2016 Surgeries!

FBUC,

My guess is that the severity of the effects of the Lupron would depend on the dosage. Mind you, my fibroid was the size of a cantaloupe! I'm wondering if I was on a larger dose, hence the aggressive side effects. My hot flashes made me feel like I was on fire! Ask your doctor to really explain things to you. You don't have to feel intimidated. You have a right to have things explained to you to your understanding.

I'm glad you are getting some relief from the problem with your incision. Hopefully the swelling will go down some.

I've only had one fill (Last week) and it felt just a wee bit tight then, but now I don't even notice it. I'm hoping the rest of my fills are as easy, but I'm not counting on it.

Thanks Specter,

If tomorrow I am fine, (considering I am not taking the arimidex today and tomorrow), chances are that it's not the Lupron giving me all the problems. Maybe switching to Femara will help, I don't know, I need to talk to my MO. However, having a monthly injection of Lupron is scary in itself. I need to find the one hormone therapy that will give me the least SE.

Tsoebbin, I was given the OK to lift small things after my drains were removed. No more than 5 lbs. If I am not mistaken, the 5 lbs rule is lifted after 6-8 weeks.

Maya15- okay, that sounds right. I'm in all the weird pillow tacos trying to angle myself so I at least feel slightly sideways. I keep buying more and more cheap pillows. What will I ever do with all these pillows?! My PS hasn't said anything about massage but that seems super logical- I should start doing that. Along my incision? Where my TEs are sewn in? I'm going to start that right away.

Specter55- I'm so relieved to hear your first fill was not too terrible. I'm so nervous for those to start, I'm 5 weeks out on Tuesday and my first fill is at 6 weeks! Eek! Nerves!

Hopefloatsinyyc- my PS said 5lbs total for 6 weeks, a gallon jug of milk approximately per side- then to take it as easy as possible until exchange because she didn't want scar tissue building up. But- you're straight to implants right? So maybe that's why she's encouraging movement. I can NOT imagine swinging a golf club though :

Specter55- just got home from the Dr with a bottle of gabapentin/neurontin. So I'm crossing all my fingers and toes that it works. He said he'll try nortiptyline next if gabapentin doesn't work and his last ditch effort would be lyrica. He said they have a spinal shot they can administer too with the help of an x-Ray so that's another option. So much to think about!

I have a funny question - has anyone else been able to use a magnet to find the port on their TEs? I saw a silly blog post back before the surgery that said we'd be magnetic but without sounding like a loon- I've spent way too much time trying to get a fridge magnet to stick to me with no luck! Lol!! The things we do when we're bored/stir crazy I guess

Hope everyone is having a good start to their week

FUBC,

I I would love to go through airport security right now and drive them crazy. I would be happy to bear my scarred up mishapen chest and let their hand wand light up over my naked breasts. Your move TSA! I don't remember getting a card validating my TEs for security purposes. All I have is a fill sheet. I'll have to go over my paperwork.

4BoysMama,

I am taking Neurontin right now. I don't notice a big difference yet. It hasn't been a week yet. I'm hoping I'll see an improvement by 2 weeks. I won't go beyond Lyrica. No spinal injections of me. I'll deal with the nerve pain.

FBUC

I am on it twice daily. It hasn't been a week yet. It may take some time before I begin to feel a change. Also, my PS said that the fills may help as the skin stretches, the irritated nerves may settle down. Let's hope

Oh wow Silviah, I am so sorry. I am praying for you. Be strong and remember we'll be here for you when you need us and when you don't.

Gentle hugs

Specter said it perfectly.... Allow us to be your place to vent cry and scream... We are here for you- hugging you from far away and knowwe are walking alongside you

Silviah - I'm sorry that you didn't get the greatest news, but I'm glad you've been doing research that's helpful. I wish you so much luck with whichever treatment you go forward with. I can so relate to over analyzing every pain in your body. When I was waiting for my PET/CT results back in December, I had diagnosed myself with every type of cancer possible. Keeping your mental state in check is half the damn battle. But agree with those above, please vent, complain, scream, or whatever you need to do here. I am rooting for you!

Silviah, everything everyone has already said, I want to say as well. Thinking of you and remember we are with you and all sending positive thoughts and energy to help you. XX

Silviah, big hugs.

Just got back from my PS. I got another fill. I mentioned the nerve pain. She suggested that I use a washcloth and rub the area while I'm in the shower. She said that it helps to desensitize the nerves. I never would have thought of that. So I thought I would pass the information along to you guys in case you have nerve pain also. It's worth trying and it's not a medication.

Mine is almost completely gone. I kept massaging constant;y the areas that I felt the nerve burning/hurting and by constantly I mean the whole time I was sitting in a couch watching TV :-) I tried a hand towel, not in the shower though, and that didn't help me much. Massaging helped with the numbness also.

FUBC,

I never expected immediate relief. Your pharmacist's explanation sounds more realistic to me. My pain is only with touch, even very light touch. I'll manage. Lyrica may be more effective, but it can also be habit forming. I'm trying to reduce my medication, not become dependent. Off to my second fill. I'll let you know how it goes.