The Beast & Me: Round Two

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  • gracejon
    gracejon Member Posts: 972
    edited March 2007

    I am so sorry to hear about your recent experience. Hope you are very close to getting things lined up and drains removed.

  • PuppyFive
    PuppyFive Member Posts: 2,808
    edited March 2007

    {{NS}} Praying for you sweetie, hope you got the drains out and you are feeling a little better today! Gods Speed, Sweet Sister! Puppy

  • nosurrender
    nosurrender Member Posts: 2,019
    edited March 2007
    Thank you all so much.
    I had one drain removed yesterday and he wants to see me tomorrow- sunday- to check on the others. They really are giving me problems!
    hopefully tomorrow he will remove another one.
    Our road is a mess here- I was watching the parade on TV and NYC looked like it had no snow- well my little part of long Island did- at least our area. My friend's husband will have to take me to the doctor tomorrow because I still can't drive and as Felicia pointed out my little car won't make it over the ice banks here.
    Next week I will hopefully know more about what is going on with the path and what they plan on doing to me as far as chemo goes...That is if I find a new onc by then! I will be seeing my old onc to discuss everything anyway.

    I wish I knew what was normal with the pain and side effects post op- I have the weirdest swelling and the LE is still affecting both arms. I am hoping that by summer things will be on the tail end instead of just the beginning like now!

    You all are wonderful sisters, thank you so much for helping me.

    love,g
  • AlaskaDeb
    AlaskaDeb Member Posts: 2,601
    edited March 2007
    Glad to hear you got rid of another drain...the faster they are gone the better.

    I had a lot of weird swelling that came and went after my bilat mast. I did not have recon, but my doc said my swelling was "within normal limits" what ever that means! My scar areas would change almost on a daily basis, as did the swelling in my back and underarm areas. It did start to swell less and less as time went on, but still today, 8 months later, I have LE in my arm, and chest that changes a lot from day to day. I don't have pain with my LE unless it gets really bad, but I guess some ladies do.

    Hope you are feeling better as time goes on.

    Hugs
    Deb C
  • AlaskaDeb
    AlaskaDeb Member Posts: 2,601
    edited March 2007
    I just wanted to let you ladies know that I snet off another big batch of NS buttons today. If you sent me a PM...the buttons are winging their way to you as we speak. I had a couple of people worry that I might be out of buttons...don't worry about that. I have a machine and make them, so I can make how ever many we need. If you still want one, send me a PM.

    We are all here for you Gina!

    Hugs
    Deb C
  • nosurrender
    nosurrender Member Posts: 2,019
    edited March 2007
    Deb you are unreal with those buttons... thank you so much!!

    OK-
    I can't believe I am going to write this but-
    I went in to see my PS this morning- SUNDAY- and instead of getting a drain pulled- he put in ANOTHER ONE! AND started me on new antibiotics.

    I kept saying to him "ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? ANOTHER ONE??"

    So maybe on Tuesday one will be removed or another will be added. It is anybody's guess at this point.

    I thought that the swelling I had was funkier than supposed to be. Apparently my radiated side from my first cancer is troublesome because that tissue doesn't absorb as well and the scar where they had to remove the necrotic skin from rads is pretty thick. He also said the LE is not helping.

    But other than that, he said things look great- LOL!

    Sometimes you just get to a point where you just have to laugh-

    Love,g
  • AlaskaDeb
    AlaskaDeb Member Posts: 2,601
    edited March 2007
    Well crap! That is just wrong...drats...

    I sent you a PM

    Hugs
    Deb C
  • Beesie
    Beesie Member Posts: 12,240
    edited March 2007
    Well that stinks!

    Remember, the good thing about drains is that you feel so good when you get them out! Just imagine how great you are going to feel after all this!
  • b445
    b445 Member Posts: 1,325
    edited March 2007

    NO Surrendor! You are in my prayers daily. We LOVE you and pray for a speedy through recovery!

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2007
    Darn, Gina, I don't believe I've heard of drains being put BACK in. LOL That's not funny. I hated those darn drains. I felt so liberated when they came out.

    You are so brave. You are our inspiration. Your name tells it all...NO SURRENDER!

    You will REMAIN in my thoughts and prayers.
    Shirley
  • Erica3681
    Erica3681 Member Posts: 1,916
    edited March 2007
    At the moment, putting the drain back is the pits, BUT in the long run your surgeon may have really helped you out. Like you, I'd had radiation a few years before my bilats to one side. After four days, that side was hardly draining anything, so the drain came out. Slowly, fluid started accumulating. Never amounted to a seroma that needed to be aspirated but it was very noticeable and lasted and lasted and lasted. The drain from the other side was removed at the same time and some fluid accumulated there too, but one day a few weeks later, it was gone. Not the radiated side. Five months later, I can say the fluid is finally gone. Maybe if I'd kept my drain longer it would have helped get rid of the fluid much sooner. Once we've been radiated things don't drain as well, for me at least.

    Glad you have a sense of humor about it--that's the only thing that got me through. Yesterday, I had to fly from Miami (where I've spent several months) back to Boston. All I had was a carry-on bag and all that was in it was my various boobs (silicone, foam) and the bras to match (I haven't had recon)! I had to laugh. Glad they didn't pat me down!!

    Great news that everything else is healing well.
  • lizk37
    lizk37 Member Posts: 31
    edited March 2007
    Gina -

    Sorry to hear that the dr had to put another drain in yesterday. I am praying for you! I hope that the healing process keeps going along well!

    Take care!
  • SheriH
    SheriH Member Posts: 785
    edited March 2007

    Just wanted to tell you that my class at school (8th graders) prayed for you today. I told them how you have been such an inspiration and help to me this past year.

  • nosurrender
    nosurrender Member Posts: 2,019
    edited March 2007
    Thank you so much for the prayers and for everything you girls have done!

    Tomorrow I go to the PS again but I think he will put in another drain... not take one out. I am swelling up a lot.
    I attempted driving today to see how it would feel- not good! But I have to drive myself tomorrow because I really need to get my life back.

    I am also seeing my onc who no longer takes my insurance. He wants to talk to me. But I have to tell him I can't wait around for us to "figure out a way" to do this like I did with my former BS. I lost over a month that way.

    I have only one path report and that is on the lobular tumor. I am still waiting on the path for the IDC tumors. Don't you think they would do them all at the same time?

    There is a lot of mention of metastasis but I believe that they are referring to the positive nodes- however there is a big note on the bottom that reads: Evaluate Patient for Metastatic Disease

    I have been trying to research chemos- but they are confusing and contradictory when it comes to lobular. Some say that lobular doesn't respond to chemo. I, however, being the overachiever I am, have just discovered that I have the "bad" lobular- I didn't know there was a "good" one!

    Well, tomorrow I will have hopefully some answers, a few more drains, a new onc or an old onc--- who knows!

    Love,
    g
  • jdash
    jdash Member Posts: 754
    edited March 2007
    Gina
    I am available whenever you need a ride anywhere- pls call me i had many people help me and it would make me feel really good to help someone else
    xoxoxox
    julia
    516.509.7112
  • danahollis
    danahollis Member Posts: 161
    edited March 2007
    NS,

    Hang in there. Everything will fall into place and soon you'll be in the chemo routine. I always thought that was rather comforting. (Am I nuts?)

    You're strong in spirit and healthy, too and I know you will get through this. Cancer can be like a chronic illness... ya just have to keep beating it back!

    I'm pulling for you and sending you some cyber hugs and well wishes.

    ~Dana
  • Kasey
    Kasey Member Posts: 695
    edited March 2007
    Gina,

    When I was diagnosed with cancer in the other breast my Onc ran scans. He said this was to make sure it was a new cancer and not a spread from the first breast cancer. So maybe that is what the note means?

    Let us know how your appointment goes today!

    Hugs,
    Kasey
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2007
    Big hugs from downstate, NS (and Julia, you are such a sweetie pie to offer rides like you did !).
  • purplemb
    purplemb Member Posts: 1,542
    edited March 2007
    Gina, hugs girl..you know I'm thinking about you
    MB
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2007
    Gina, I'm so sorry you are having to worry about this crap. I'm sure after seeing your onc you will have your questions resolved and will be discussing a treatment plan.
    I just hate that you are having to go through this again.
    Hugs
    Shirley
  • cheryl58
    cheryl58 Member Posts: 182
    edited March 2007
    Gina, I know that I have said this before but I have to say it again. It is because of you that I was able to walk through the doors for my first chemo. I had read your post detailing the steps for the chemo infusion. You are courageous, strong, beautiful and have an incredible way with words. I know you will make it through this and be just fine. When you need a hand to hold, just reach out, okay?

    Hugs,
    Cheryl
  • AlaskaDeb
    AlaskaDeb Member Posts: 2,601
    edited March 2007
    Just sending a hug...i hope your driving and appointments went well.

    Deb C
  • SoCalLisa
    SoCalLisa Member Posts: 13,961
    edited March 2007
    Sending a hug too..I am just back from five days away..
    image
  • gerbie
    gerbie Member Posts: 89
    edited March 2007
    Gina,

    I follow your progress even though I don't post much. I always wish good things for you...you inspire me. Hang in there.

    Love,
    Gerbie
  • cyclegirl
    cyclegirl Member Posts: 7
    edited March 2007

    Gina - I, too, follow your progress and have you in my thoughts daily. Thanks for keeping us posted during your recovery. you have been such an inspiration for all of us and continue to be....may god bless you and heal you quickly and completely. deb

  • nosurrender
    nosurrender Member Posts: 2,019
    edited March 2007
    Oh Julia that was SUCH A KIND OFFER!! Thank you!

    Well, on Tues I went to see the PS and he did not remove any drains and let me know that I may have them for a while...
    then I found out that my onc DEFINITELY cannot take care of me. But we did talk about treatment, and he wants me to start chemo ASAP- but I can't until I am healed, and get a port. AND of course find a NEW onc. This is a very hard thing for me. I had my team and they are all gone. Now I have to break in a new team... and the one thing about my old team was they were all in my comfort zone- I knew what to expect... now with a new onc and a new place to get my chemo it will be the first time all over again. Even the wig place I used the first time is out of business!
    Has anyone ever bought one online?

    I was really hurting for a couple of days. I have some blood clots in the right arm along with the LE. I got them last time in the left arm, but not three at a time. I am back on the Plavix so I hope that helps. I cannot extend the arm though and it hurts like hell.

    SO TODAY i went in to see the PS expecting to get another drain put IN because of the swelling and he surprised me and said he was going to try something else, take two out and give me my first fill up of the expanders. That way the fill up may push some of that excess fluid OUT.

    OK! No one told me how big the needles were for fill ups!!!!
    And it makes you sore! but I am a bit fuller looking. I feel like a preteen again watching myself "develop" as my mother used to call it.

    I want to get the ball rolling here. The sooner I get an onc the sooner I can start my chemo and the sooner it will be done. He said 6 sessions so, if I start in April I will be done in July. But now I have to see what my yet to be named new onc will have to say.

    Then they reminded me that they would also like to do an ooph before chemo. So hot flashes AND chemo side effects....

    Well, at least THAT will be over with too.

    I also told them I want the port taken out the day after my last chemo.

    They though I was kidding.

    I am not.

    Ha!

    One more drain to go.... got to get a wig... and I think a heavy duty fan for the bedroom!

    If anyone knows about online wigs please let me know... and if anyone knows how long fill-ups hurt that would be great too.

    It is time to start killing these cells and get on with it. I refuse to let the Beast ruin my summer!!

    Love,g
  • Biker54
    Biker54 Member Posts: 1,310
    edited March 2007
    Gina, gentle hugs!! You have such a positive attitude. Stay strong and you will get throught this!!

    Love and hugs,
  • Raye99
    Raye99 Member Posts: 1,350
    edited March 2007
    G,

    Just a quick note to let you know I am thinking of you and think of you every day. I am sorry you've been in pain.

    I had my port removed two weeks after my last chemo. Couldn't wait to get rid of the thing, although it wasn't painful or bothering me physically, I just wanted it out for psychological reasons.

    Take care of yourself.

    xoxo
    Raye
  • althea
    althea Member Posts: 1,595
    edited March 2007
    Hi gina,
    I hope things improve real soon for you. I told Alaskadeb that I'd love to have some extra buttons to share with my support group. I just got them today (thank you Deb!). The group meets tonight and there will be even more healing prayers coming your way.

    In regard to the wig, I had some serendipitous good luck with mine. I went to the cancer society to look at wigs. I'm such a blubberbucket I was about to go over the edge. As I was leaving, a woman had left her card and some catalogs for Hearts of Gold brand wigs. I went to her and I ended up with a wonderful wig that had even the chemo nurses wondering when my hair was going to fall out. They were very impressed when I told them it had indeed fallen out and they were looking at a wig. So you might want to look for a local beautician who also sells these wigs. I didn't think it was possible to leave that salon with a smile on my face, but I did.

    It's such a roller coaster, going through treatments and having such staunch supporters behind us. I also had to change oncs midstream. Very stressful, but things worked out. I pray they will for you too.
  • slanderson
    slanderson Member Posts: 152
    edited March 2007
    NS,

    The only thing I can help with is the hot flashes. My worst ones were at night just when I was trying to go to sleep. I bought a chillo pillow. Just google it and you can buy it online from several different places. I never could understand how it works, but it really did for me.

    Shannon

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