June 2017 Surgery Group

My pathology is back and although I already know my stage and treatment plan, I am pleased to have clean margins confirmed. I was surprised to hear that a small amount of DCIS was found in the tissue and that only 3 of my 13 lymph nodes removed were positive, I thought it would be more.

I hope everyone else is recovering well

leatherette, if the incision site looks ok and not infected, is it possible that your pain is due to nerve regeneration? That's where I'm finding most of my pain, sudden/sharp and areas of the skin that feel like a sting or sunburn, which I understand is a good thing.

night crawler surgery for endometriosis is a blessed relief. That stuff is painful. Sounds like you have a good situation

nightcrawler- you can probably get approval to have the uterus removed too with the endometriosis diagnosis. Just totally negate the risk of anymore discomfort and bkeefung

risteadman, I'm 3 weeks out and havent driven yet, I'm interested to hea what others are doing.

Who else is having issues with anything touching their underarm area from the node removal? I've tried cut up tshirts, but much prefer nothing touching me.

We met with the oncologist today and now he is ordering the oncotype test, so again we wait! It's all exhausting but for now I don't think I need chemo which is good. He's recommended Arimidex for hormone therapy. Anyone heard good or bad about it?

Love to all,

Rlsteadman, I drove at 2 weeks post-op... took myself to my appointment to get my drains out. I took my 16 year old daughter just in case.

3 weeks out and drove myself today for my expander fill, which didn't hurt then but I'd annoying me now.

I haven't had any pain where my incision is, but I have experienced the sharp pains here and there. My main source of pain is actually my side near where the drain was. PS said it's probably the expander I'm fe

I started driving 11 days post op, but I am right handed and only my left side had mx. Bmx may take longer

I'm with you guys on the underarm sunburn. Swelling doesn't help either. It might be getting just a smudge better. I almost dare not to say it out loud. In the scheme of things it is a small thing but like a pbble in your shoe

For the sensitive underarm, it hurts more when I walk with the motion of my arm rubbing the fabric of my shirt and surgical bra, I've reduced my activity for now and kept to a pain meds schedule to stay ahead of the pain as best I can.

For those who may have chemo in the future, try icing your fingers and toes, if possible. I didn't and mine lifted, hurt and got infected. My fingers ended up ugly but ok, however, my two big toes were so damaged, I had to have them removed yesterday. I was not at all prepared for the pain and throbbing I had once the numbing wore off and I can barely walk today, it is $&4@?/$& brutal ;(

SBKH - YOU MADE IT!! Started this group, followed us through our surgeries & now, finally are done & at home!! Hope you feel better soon.

lllimae - sorry about the toes. The effect of chemo on the feet is one of my concerns.

Still not driving, but should be soon. Ready to get the next few months of chemo & radiation over & get back to my life. Think I took everyday living for granted, but never again. Miss even the little things. Does anyone know if you can keep a mani-pedi during chemo? Sounds whiny, but no bath, no driving, no bad food, no boobs - please don't take my nails.

I also have the underarm pain. Doctor said it was the nerves trying to regenerate. Said so many nerves were cut in the breast/lymph nodes on that side and it will take awhile. Thought exercise would help, but no such luck.

Have a great day!

legomaster --all very important questions --discerning the node status on that side, deciding about any need for radiation. Woudl a PET scan help with assessing the nodes ? I dont know the answer to that , but maybe a question to ask your doctor. In hindsight was the MRI enhancement prchemo suggestive of the ultimate findings and the lack of enhancement post chemo indicative of response in that area. Regardless, you totally made the right decision and its out of your body ! Its good to know you made the right surgical decisions . Keep us informed of what your BS and MO say.

Ouray17 --i was told mani-pedi was ok but just not to cut cuticles. That said, i just didnt want to take any chances with infection , so i didnt go to the nail salon. Just used coconut oil liberally on my cuticles and nails and my nails were ok except at the end they got discolored and pretty ugly This is well disguised with nail paint --the cuticles remained healthy and i credit coconut oil for that. You can ask for icing of your hands and feet to protect your nails --it seemed like too much work and uncomortble to sit with freezing fingertips , so i didnt do that --but plenty of ladies on these boards have tolerated icing very well .

SBKH --- every mixed emotion is valid ---just say to your self, that "i honor and respect every emotion i feel. I am stronger than i think, i am more resilient that i think , i am braver than i beleive " . Deep inside, beyond the external layers of pain, worry, and bandages and dressing is the core of who you are, your values , your beliefs ---none of that has changed and in fact has become strengthened by what you have faced -and step by step , your inner core of values wisdom strength will carry you through . And we are here to surround you with positive thoughts, wishes

Here are two of my favorite quotes i woudl like to share with you from Mary ann radmacher

"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow."

speak quietly to yourself & promise there will be better days. whisper gently to yourself and provide assurance that you really are extending your best effort. console your bruised and tender spirit with reminders of many other successes. offer comfort in practical and tangible ways - as if you were encouraging your dearest friend. recognize that on certain days the greatest grace is that the day is over and you get to close your eyes. tomorrow comes more brightly..."

SBKH I am so glad that you are home now and the surgery is behind you. Please,please take very good care of yourself. I did not have sternal pain or leg cramps so I can't be of help but your surgeon has a nurse navigator who will help you assess any problems. There is no need to just endure when there is reassurance and even something to alleviate it. I think with a UMX you will have no trouble with the drains. As has been said you are our founder and have supported all of us so we are here for you. Prayers and gentle hugs for you.

Illimae what an awful,issue you had with your nails. That must be so painful. My heart goes out to you.

I had decidedly less pain today and I am so relieved. I really want to get back to driving and won't do it while on hydrocodone. My husband goes back to work on Sunday so I need to be back to normal and I have a million doctor appointments. Fingers crossed.

I hope you all have a restful, painfree weekend. Sending love and support.