October 2018 Surgery Support Group

Thank you star! I'm not asking for perfection from these doctors, just a modicum of responsibility and care. Being pregnant and having this diagnosis would be incredibly traumatic! ((( 🌟)))

I got the oncotype today 😞, Stage 1A, grade 3, Oncotype 54. I will see my Oncologist Monday. I was hoping no chemo for me but with this results, I am very disappointed

So sorry anxiouslady {{hugs}} to you.

I'm very sorry, anxious lady! ((hugs!))

Dwisely-- so sorry you are having a difficult experience

Trish- I am really upset that your doctor was yelling at you before surgery. What in the world?! That is just wrong and I hate it for you!! Glad you're filing a report!!

I had my pathology report/follow-up yesterday And it went great! My margins were clear and no cancer in the lymph nodes!! I still have to wait for my oncotype score.

I had thought I would be starting rads this month, but it looks like they are pushing it back to Dec. That's fine with me--more time to heal.

Lots of love to everyone!

great news, deedeet!

Hi all! I'm in the November surgery group, but thought I would post this here for those who have recently gone through surgery. I'm having BMX with TEs on November 12. Since that is 10 days before Thanksgiving, I'm curious to know if I'll feel like leaving the house to attend a family celebration (not driving, of course). I've never had major surgery before, so this is all new to me. I know everyone is different, but I'd like to hear opinions anyway.

Spiritedcharm. I had a UMX so not as restrictive as the BMX, as I have one good arm! This is the first surgery I have ever had as well. I am on day 8 post op and just feel stronger every day. I did get out today and went out to eat. I would say I tolerated it well but it definitely wore me out. Bookworm has some great advice, just see how you progress through the first week and just play it by ear. Keep up on those pain meds in the beginning (advice I regret not taking Best of luck with your surgery.

Best wishes, Dani. This too will pass. If you have any questions I can answer, let me know

Thanks everyone, I know my MO sent off for a mammoprint rest of my tumor not oncotype. I worry about my job to be honest. I work in a very busy ER, and will they even let me work during chemo? And my surgeon worried about the impact the possible lymphedema would have on my job. I know I am getting ahead of myself but just getting my worries out to those who understand. I am seeing her monday for my surgery follow up so I should know the decision then maybe. Thanks for letting me have my pity party I appreciate all of you.

Dani44, you have to find out what is your company policy on FMLA and medical leave. If your insurance is under your employer, you have to find out if your company will pay your premium while your are out and for how long. My employer will pay my premium or 6 months while I'm im on State Disability. Hopefully it's enough time for me.

Do you work in Emergency Room? You don't want to work there when you're in chemo. Find out about “Reasonable Accommodations" if you have that law in Indiana

Hi everyone! This is my first post. Thank you to everyone who post on a regular as this has been one of my ways of coping as I don't feel understood by anyone else around me. I'm scheduled for BMX in December. I'm writing because I wanted to answer Dani444 question...I work in the hospital on a very busy floor. I took 2 months off for the first part of my chemo (FMLA) because it was considered the “worst" part (AC). I'm glad I did that because it truly was difficult. However, I could have possibly pushed myself to work my “off" week (AC was every 2 weeks) if I really needed too (would have been a lot). I went back to work when I started (TC) but I planned out my schedule meticulously so I could do chemo the beginning of the week and I just worked on the weekends. This allowed me enough time to recover and muster enough energy to work. Talk to your bosses and try to work something out. Keep in mind everything depends on your regimen and how you respond. They have to be willing to be flexible. My only concern for you which was my concern are the germs! If you become neutropenic then at that point it's dangerous for you to work in the ER. I take every precaution possible before going in the rooms but my counts have been great on TC. If they weren't, my MO would not want me to work for good reason.

Anxiouslady- Sorry about your high oncotype score. who knows maybe we will start chemo in the same month too! Thank you for the info. I know I get 12 weeks of FMLA, and I get 70% of my pay while on short term disability. I will have to call and find out more about what happens beyond the 12 weeks. I will also look into that law.

Pawpatrolmom- Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. We do self schedule so that is a good idea about weekends, I am sure I could find a coworker willing to give me their weekend. I will see what my regimen will be and what I can work out. Again, thank you your answer is encouraging to me.

Dani444,

Sorry to hear about the lymph nodes, it sucks to get that news. Just a thought, but it is my understanding that when you have cancer you automatically qualify for disability during your treatment and so forth. I think it is required you get it within 30 days or less so that may be something to check into. I hope you get the results of your test soon and I hope you are doing wel