Positive Girls Club

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Anonymous
Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
edited June 2014 in Life After Breast Cancer
Well, I just can't believe this....I had my mastectomy Thursday and came home Saturday. Still doing the drain bag. They took 2 lymph nodes...both negative...it was just so different than the first doc I had...so glad I changed. He was so doom and gloom. I don't want to sound pollyanna, but it was "a piece of cake." The staff, friends, family, docs were all so supportive. I can't express enough how fear and anxiety cause more problems than we need! I wish I could share all my positive attitude with everyone who needs it. Honestly, I did have my primal scream moments, but I think that is important to release all the emotion and energy that bottles up inside.

Keep your hearts filled with love and courage...

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2007
    Lori,
    I had those same feelings after my lumpectomy....everyone kept acting like I was in denial or something....I dont feel that this has been that big of deal....just a bump in my road of life....
    Its nice to meet someone who has had the same feelings as I....
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  • Chattypatti
    Chattypatti Member Posts: 241
    edited February 2007
    I am glad you are doing so well. People with positive attitudes do much better. People thought I was nuts for going home right after my mastectomy. I felt great. Why would I stay? Of course the pain set in a few days later when the pain pump wore off (LOL), but emotionally I needed to be home. People thought I was in denial too. ??
    Patti
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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2007
    Patti,
    It feels good to know that there are others out there that feel the same as I do about all this....my thoughts are "Hey, it could have been alot worse!!"....I also felt I needed to be home after surgery...I live alone so people kept asking if I would like them to stay for a few days with me, but I preferred to stay alone....the morning after my surgery I woke to my youngest brother sleeping on the sofa...he said he wanted to be there just in case...
    I think alot of the time they still think Im in denial but Im really not...I know I have this and I also know that I will be ok and that I can do whatever I need to be ok...Its hard to explain I guess.
    But thank you for letting me know Im not the only one out here that has had the wind taken out of my sails but can keep a positive attitude anyway....
    Jule
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  • Ka-Loni
    Ka-Loni Member Posts: 431
    edited February 2007
    Hello, I think that is wonderful your back home. Now you can get some real rest. Your doing good. Your better than me these days as I struggle from Post traumatic stress disorder from all this treatment I have had. Ha!I guess it is a normal thing to go through as the ladies are telling me. I thank you for your message as well. Yes, I can use alot of your positiveness coming my way. Keep up your wonderful attitude with this. You will get through. Take care.

    Good Luck & God Bless,
    Kaloni
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  • PJF42
    PJF42 Member Posts: 24
    edited February 2007
    Hi Lori,
    I just had my left mastectomy on friday, 2/9, and I too feel exactly as you do!! My family and friends cannot believe how positive I have been since I was dx'd but my saying is, "what else am I supposed to do?" I am not one to wallow in self pity and I also believe that this is a bump in the road of life. I believe that God gives us things, good and bad, for a reason and we just have to go with it!! My surgery went well! I came home the next day because, like you, I felt I would do better at home! I am very sore - it feels like I got punched in the chest and I can't wait to get this drain out but I am doing fine! It was a little sad to look at myself and see 1 boob and the mastectomy side looked alot flatter than I expected (I thought it would look like a man's chest but it's even flatter than that) but I know that it is a temporary situation (I will be having reconstruction) and I know I had to remove it to get the cancer out of my body so I feel I did this to save my life!! I had 3 centinal nodes removed and they were negative. My surgeon says that there is still a 20% chance that they could come back microscopically positive but I'm focusing on the 80%. I go friday for my post-op, hopefully I will know more then!! I hope that we can spread our positive attitude to those who really need it!! This is a journey we did not want but one we will travel and come out the other end and be okay!! One of my first mottos when I was dx'd was -- "this sucks but I am going to be okay"!!
    Thanks for sharing your positive story!
    Pam
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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2007
    Pam,
    Welcome to our Positive Girls Club.....
    I think I will change the heading of this post to that(I hope your ok with that Lori, since it is your post)!!!!!

    I think if we can share our positive outlook and thoughts with others that it might help them in some small way....

    Im so happy to have others that share the positive thoughts....
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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2007

    Yes, the change in subject title is appropriate. I have always noted in my life that positive begets positive, negative begets negative...living in that precious now is easy once you get the hang of it. Being positive doesn't mean that life is a "piece of cake" and that "stuff doesn't happen" it just means that our attitude toward the challenges is simply living in the beautiful moment, the beautiful NOW. If I dwelt on all that has happened to me I would be a neurotic wreck and in a horrible state. The cancer could come back...something else will undoubedtly comne up...we get old, we fall apart, we die and when we wake up and are released from our body there is that beautiful crytal city filled with light and love and we wonder why we wasted all those precious nows while we were in our bodies worrying about...worrying about...what DID we worry about? good grief....it all happened so quickly..so I say, don't stop and smell the roses, go a step forward and BECOME THE ROSE...in all its beauty and glory.

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  • CommandoBarbie
    CommandoBarbie Member Posts: 535
    edited December 2007

    post del by CommandoBarbie

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  • skeetur
    skeetur Member Posts: 65
    edited February 2007
    I'll join in on the PGC.

    While I'm more a realist then an optimist or pessimist... often when folks give me that "poor gal" thing... I can think of so many others dealing with harsher things that my cancer at this point pales by comparison. Yes, it is stressful and not fun and the waiting just plains sucks but I'm able to keep it in it's proper perspective (proper to me, that is).

    Skeetur
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  • QueenSansaStark
    QueenSansaStark Member Posts: 207
    edited February 2007
    I'm gonna join the Positive Girls Club (and not just because I'm ER/PR+++, hahaha!).

    Yes, sometimes I will feel down and throw myself a Pity Party but that's not going to make anything go away. I'm doing my best to take this great big huge lemon life has handed me and make, if not lemonade, then at least a martini with a lemon twist.

    I don't know how many of you believe in the spirit world and afterlife, but I swear I felt the presence of my favorite aunt (actually my great aunt - mom's mother's sister) who died in 2000 in her nineties. She never had any children so my mom became her surrogate "daughter" and I her "granddaughter." She was the toughest of the tough, a descendant of Vikings down to her toes, and I swear I felt her strength encouraging me and her voice saying "Buck up!" in my ear.

    While I will always have my down and doubt moments I am determined to USE THIS to transform my life and come out a better and stronger person than ever before.
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  • Beesie
    Beesie Member Posts: 12,240
    edited February 2007
    Lori,

    Congratulations on getting through your mastectomy so well, and congratulations on the good news about your nodes. I love your post - your attitude is wonderful and by starting this thread, I think you will help a lot of women.

    My experience was very much like yours - I was at a great hospital, the staff and my docs were wonderful and my mastectomy surgery and recovery were much easier than I'd expected. That doesn't take away from the fact that I had breast cancer (which scares the @*#! out of me) and required a mastectomy (which was certainly not something that I would have chosen) but I realize how lucky I am. My BC was caught early and my surgery went well.

    I love the title "Positive Girls Club". Count me in! Like Skeetur, I've always considered myself to be a realist, and certainly not an optimist - by nature, I'm more of a "glass half empty" type of person. But through this experience, an earlier event in my life, and frankly, because I was 'high risk' and have had so many breast problems over the years, I've learned that it's a whole lot better to accept reality and deal with it with a positive attitude and outlook. That's not the same as being in denial - I know all the things that can go wrong once you've been diagnosed with BC; I know the risks that I face in the future; I'm prepared for all of it - but I'm not going to dwell on those possibilities, I'm not going to live my life always waiting for the axe to fall, I'm not going to make decisions based on fear, and I'm not going to be angry.

    Being called back for more diagnostic tests is scary. Having a biopsy is stressful. Being high risk is nerve-racking. Having BC totally stinks. It's impossible not to be scared, but it's so much easier to get through it with a positive attitude, without thinking that the worst is always going to happen, when in truth, it usually doesn't.
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  • beth1225
    beth1225 Member Posts: 1,061
    edited February 2007
    Hi girls and may I become a member too? I am so far bc free and plan on keeping it that way. I am taking positive steps in preventive measures with an ooph, Tamoxifen and a prophy bilat mast (PBM). I am scared at the thought of major surgery (again) and I know the PBM would be what I would do if they do get a bad path report.

    My surgery will be the end of April. Just yesterday I was at my primary because we have strep running rampant at home and it turns out the receptionist had bc. Last year she had a PBM with immediate saline implants. She had it doen Thursday and came home on Sunday and said she was glad to be at home in her own bed. We had a good talk and seeing these wonderful posts just makes me feel good.

    Thanks!! Like I have said before, when you post something, you never know who will read it and get somethng out of it. Heads up and smiles all!!
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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2007
    Ok "Positive Girls"

    Its been pretty quiet on the post this week....whats going on with everyone??? How are things going??? How ya feeling??? Ya know, all that kind of stuff....

    I think each week on Fridays we should all try to meet up here and post at least ONE positive thing that happened during our week....

    I will even start: I woke this morning in one of the best moods Ive been in since this nightmare started in Nov 06 for me....

    The reason why????? because today is my 18th rad and that makes me EXACTLY 1/2 way through!!!!!! 1/2 way to getting my life back to normal....Now that thought makes me a VERY happy girl!!!!!

    Ok, Who's next???? what made your week?

    Jule
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  • fireba
    fireba Member Posts: 59
    edited February 2007
    I'm new to BC, new to this forum, and new to the PGC. And while I might not be able to always keep up the cheer, I'm feeling so inspired by all of you that I'm going to try!

    Here's my positive thing that happened this week. After finding out on Tuesday about my BC, I found this forum, posted all of my worries, and had an immediate rush of support. When I told my DH that I was joining the forum, he was skeptical: "You're not really the rah-rah cheerleader type." But I truly feel like you all have helped me through these first few really difficult days and will get me through the next several months, too. I'm feeling so much better, stronger, and more optimistic today that I think I'm ready to join you other Positive Gals! (And let's hope that my next "positive" post will be about my surgery results - negative nodes!)
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  • skeetur
    skeetur Member Posts: 65
    edited February 2007
    Howdy!

    PGC report. Positive weekly news: saw plastic surgeon and got bilat mastectomies and expander surgery scheduled. My surgery date is 3/2 - two weeks from today!

    Skeetur
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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2007
    Fireba....

    Welcome to our PG Club.....not that any of us wanted to be here, but hey, a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do!!!!!

    Im not really the Rah, Rah girl either, but this forum has been so tremendously helpful to me that I want to participate and be there for others if I can...

    I really truly believe that if we can keep a stiff upper lip and positive attitude about all this BC stuff then we can beat it...

    When do you expect to get your surgery results??? Have you had sugery yet???
    Tell us about you and your situation so that we might help if you need or when you need us...

    Happy Friday
    Jule
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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2007
    Skeetur,
    Wow, you have been a busy girl!!!!!!!
    Congrads on getting your schedule......I will put your date on our PGC calendar (as soon as I figure out how to do that) but anyway....it will be there so we can all be there in thoughts and best wishes on your day ....

    Hope you have a wonderful weekend...
    Jule
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  • fireba
    fireba Member Posts: 59
    edited February 2007
    Skeetur - congrats on your surgery date. (Also, my grandma's nickname is Skeeter, so just seeing your post made me smile.)

    My surgery (re-excision lumpectomy and SNB) is scheduled for 2/26, which happens to be the date of my sister's wedding in Las Vegas (I'm in New York). It was a really hard decision to miss the wedding, but for my own psychological well-being, I just couldn't wait until the next available date, one week later. My family is really supporting my decision, with my sister even offering to fly directly here in her wedding gown after the reception! And I know it is the right thing to do, because as soon as I scheduled it, I felt like a huge weight had lifted. I never thought I could miss my sister's wedding, but then again, I never imagined I'd have BC at age 30...
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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2007
    Fireba,
    Your date goes on my calendar too.....we will all be with you in our hearts on that day...

    Thats is so sweet of your sis....I never had one, just four brothers that I love to dearing, but if I had a sis I imagine she would be like that too....

    Jule
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  • skeetur
    skeetur Member Posts: 65
    edited February 2007
    Fireba,

    I used to drive a PT Cruiser and my ex-hubby used to call it Skeeter so I got personalized license tags and couldn't get Skeeter but could get Skeetur. Unfortunately, I had back issues and surgery and the PT's seats were not adjustable enough to avoid pain for me so Skeetur was retired. Now I have a minvan and personalized tags but they are breast cancer awareness tags. Funny how I could get the tags faster than I could get the surgery over with!!!

    Skeetur
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  • skeetur
    skeetur Member Posts: 65
    edited February 2007
    Fireba,

    I'm from NY... grew up in Queens and still have family there.

    Sorry you are missing the wedding but you need to get this behind you. I was almost going to forego my holiday trip to NY if my first lumpectomy had been before the holiday. It got scheduled for 12/27 so I did get to NY first.

    Skeetur
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  • jasmine
    jasmine Member Posts: 1,286
    edited May 2008
    Hey, I'm an oldie here but I'd like to join this club!
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  • jacksmom5-2006Oct14
    jacksmom5-2006Oct14 Member Posts: 19
    edited February 2007
    Sign me up. It is great to know that others have the same positive attitude that I have had. I think it really helps while going through all of the treatment.
    Fireba - I will keep you in my prayers on your surgery date (negative nodes and clean margins). My positive for this week was I had a fine needle aspiration of a small nodule near my mastectomy incision (on the prophylactic side)and it was a B9 fatty tumor. I thought it would be B9 but the radiologist was not so sure. All you positive girls have a great weekend.

    Sue
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  • QueenSansaStark
    QueenSansaStark Member Posts: 207
    edited February 2007
    My positivity for the week: I have my surgery and SNB scheduled for next Thursday, February 22 (Washington's Birthday)! Today I was supposed to have my pre-op at 3:30 but someone cancelled so I got in at 11 which meant I didn't have to fight traffic and now have the rest of the afternoon to myself (well, to cook, clean and do homework, hehehe).

    Skeetur, best wishes on your surgery and hooray for a surgery date! I have a friend/classmate whose nickname is "Skeeter" (no-one calls her by her real name, even the profs).

    Sending love and light and prayers to all,

    CrystalCat
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  • Chrysalis
    Chrysalis Member Posts: 59
    edited February 2007
    Hey - I want in!! Jule, I think it's a great idea to post positive events that happened during the week. Even if nothing extraordinary happened, at least it gets people thinking about the good that they have experienced!

    My positive news (which I already posted on the Recurrence/Mets forum): Got the results of PET/CT scan to evaluate to bone mets, and my doc says I have close to a complete response! YIPPEE!!! I was 6 years post dx when I was dx'ed with mets last summer. This is the highlight of my week--month--year so far!!!! Hope everyone has a positive weekend. Enjoy!

    Renee
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  • LisaSDCA
    LisaSDCA Member Posts: 2,230
    edited February 2007
    I'm a walking, talking, cockeyed optimist and this d*mned diagnosis isn't going to change that! Positive Girls Club is for me!
    Here's my positive for this week - it was 76 degrees in my backyard this afternoon so I worked in my garden for hours. My armpit is still a little tender from Tuesday's biopsy (only 2 nodes) so I like to think the activity was good stretching therapy. The touch of the warm sun on my shoulders was postively delightful.

    Lisa
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  • skeetur
    skeetur Member Posts: 65
    edited February 2007
    Congrats on your scan, Renee! Great news!

    Skeetur
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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2007
    Alwayshope (what a wonderful name!!!!) Of course you can join our club....no real requirements other than trying to keep a positive attitude and of course the requirement to post here once a week with something positive that has brightened you week....Welcome aboard.....

    Suz56, welcome:) what a wonderful positive for your week......B9 YAAAAAAAAA.

    CrystalCat, your on the calendar too.....we will all be with you on the day of your surgery so they better have plenty of room ....

    Chrysalis, Im not sure you could get a much better positive for your week!!!!!!!! Many, many CONGRADS.

    LisaSDCA, I am having a day like that here today, although I dont think it will be quite that warm...I think I saw that it is suppose to be close to 60 and is very bright and sunny this morning....I have my windows and doors open and enjoyed my coffee listening to the robins sing this morning....

    K, girls cant stand being the house much longer this morning but wanted to wish all of you a wonderful weekend....Heading out to see what havic I can reek in the yard and flower beds today

    Talk with you all again soon....keep up those positive attitudes....
    Jule
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  • PJF42
    PJF42 Member Posts: 24
    edited February 2007
    Hey Jule,
    It's me, Pam, definately one of your PGC members!! I think it would be a great idea to come on fridays and post a positive moment from the week! And I have one!! I went yesterday for my 1 week post-op follow up and pathology report came in and all my nodes were negative and I was down-graded from a grade 2 to a grade 1. I have my first appt next week with my oncologist. I know I will be on tamoxifen, not sure about chemo! I'm eligible for the onco-dx test so I think I might do that! I think the more info you have, the better decisions you can make!! It is absolutely wonderful to see how many of us have positive attitudes!! Let's keep this going and share the wealth!!

    Pam
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  • too_young_momof2
    too_young_momof2 Member Posts: 93
    edited February 2007
    Congrats on your surgery and positive attitudes! I had a bilateral with immediate expanders put in on 02/06/07. I was out of the hospital on Tursday the 8th went shopping for new shirts that had buttons and the went on a road trip on the Sat 10th. I feel a little tight, sometimes it feels like the expander is under my ribs. Other then that I am waiting for drain 2 too come out and then I will be good to go. I am the same as you guys "how eles are you supposed to act" Been there done that and baught the t-shirt!


    Healing hugs
    Michelle
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