Dis Breast Cancer Survivors - GAGWTA!

[Pixiedust34]

Mini-Brag..... My class and I were on the TV news tonight!

That's really cool! I'll bet the kids loved being on TV.

Linda, I hope you're having a great time!

Tiggerroo, have you heard anything from your dr. yet?

I hope you each have a good evening tonight.

 

[mickeymost]

Good Morning Everyone GAGWTA!!!

They let me out of the hospital late yesterday, but I had no energy to even sit at the computer. Surgery went well, but the plastic surg. changed his mind again and decided the lat. flap was the best. He wanted more muscle and a lat flap gives more muscle coverage than a TRAM. But, I was MAD , no tummy tuck!!! LOL. He said he feels better with a lat flap if they want to radiate me again. Don't know that I'll do the radiation again though, twice was enough for me, it obviously didn't work the first two times, so I'm leaning toward not allowing it again. I'm feeling pretty good, getting around okay. I don't know the results from the tumor yet, won't get them until the 7th of March. I honestly don't care to get them before then anyway. I have a sinking feeling she's going to suggest chemo again, so I don't care to deal with it now. I have more pain in my back from where they removed the muscle than I do in my chest. My flap is actually pretty bruised, but he's happy with it. There seems to be good blood flow, it's warm and changes color when it's pressed, hopefully it stays good. The incision on my back is about 12 inches long and is itching like mad, the itching is driving me . I'll be a much happier camper when the drains come out. I think the drains are always the worst part!!!

I hope everyone is doing well.

I'll keep you posted with the results when I get them.

Kelly

 

[snappy]

Kelly, I am so glad you were up to posting. Glad you are home.
That must have been a shock to come out with a different result. Or had the surgeon changed his mind in advance? From my research it does sound like the lat flap gives good coverage. I agree the drains are a major pain. Hoping you will be able to get them out sooner rather than later so you can take a real shower.

You certainly sound like you are handling it all well.

Do you have anything for the itching? Maybe they can give you something for this, even if it is just OTC benedryl? I think I would check with you doc's office for something for this.

Hope you continue to improve quickly!!

Offering you a big

 

[mickeymost]

Yes, I knew before I went under that the plans had changed. When the nurse asked me to sign consent, it said lat flap and I questioned her on it. When the surgeon got there, we discussed our options and picked one. Lat Flap won!!

I'll have to ask about something for the itching. I have cream for the flap, but it's to help improve blood flow, which probably doesn't help with the itching. I've been good, and am trying to ignore the itching!!

Got to go take a nap now!

Kelly

 

[MinnieM3]

Poor Kelly! I hate drains, too. They are the worst! Hang in there! Take it easy for now and take some pain killers! Glad your flap is getting good blood flow! Hope your recovery continues to go well.

 

[NHAnn]

Happy weekend to all!

Kelly sending my best for speedy recovery.

I have a busy one coming up....chores and errands today, over to see DD and the hockey game at her school tonight....

then tomorrow I head to Massachusetts to get my mom admiited to MAss General, she has neuro/plastic surgery first thing Monday if you could keep her in your prayers. She has an infection at the site of her brain surgery (for an aneurysm) 7 years ago. My dad is a basket case...he's been getting somwhat foretful anyway and is now so stressed he lost his wallet the other day...license, ATM and CCs...as well as his AND mom's Medicare and ins cards....what a nightmare and so heartbreaking to see him struggling so.

Well, if there's a bright side it will keep my mind off my upcoming appts.....I have my first post treatment mammogram 3/3 and see the surgeon on 3/7.

GAGWTA

 

[MerryPoppins]

I'm following all your stories. and gentle headed your way.

I can't remember if I said anything about my mom's appointment on Thursday. Everything starts to sort of run together. It was not for a scope, but to talk about a scope (my misunderstanding). They are going to do one eventually. She should hear in about a week from the office and then they'll schedule the appointment. It'd just figure if they want to do it while I'm in Florida after all this waiting, right? With this procedure they can look at her pancreas, her ducts, her gall bladder, etc. Hopefully they can figure out which surgery to go with then.

I found out one of the doctors had a good friend that had this same sort of problem. They removed the gall bladder and it ended up being pancreatic cancer. He wants to catch it quick if that is the case, and not wait for another flare up. Makes sense, but this is slow, too.

We are going ahead with our vacation. Mom wants us to get to go. They'll knock her out for the scope, but it'll be outpatient so she'll get to go home and at the rate they are moving we could be home before the appointment.

GAGWTA! I'm thinking of you all.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

When doing a self-exam...how can you tell if something is there that shouldn't be?

Googling--not for me...looked and doens't really tell me stuff to answer my question. How do you know you are feeling a lump as opposed to anatomy, KWIM? I finished nursing in October---and am used to what mammary glands feel like from taht---so I'm a bit off on what I should be hopefully not finding on self-exam.

Thanks.

 

[snappy]

Lisa loves Pooh, check this website:http://www.breastcancer.org/dia_detec_exam_5step.html

The breastcancer.org website is a very good one, one that is recommended ofter on this thread. I really like it. It not only has a wealth of info but is updated with breaking stuff on a timely basis.

Hope this helps.

My personal feeling is that if you think you feel something, it might be wise to try and schedule a checkup with your GYN. They are obviously a lot more experienced at this. My experience is that a surgeon especially does a good breast exam. I was surprised how deeply they probe, much more deeply than I ever did. Having a doc exam will also serve to get this off your mind, I think you mightl remain in doubt until it is checked. I am not sure of your age, have you had a mammogram yet?

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Thanks for the link.

No i have not had a mammogram yet. On teh "young" side so none covered by insurance without cause. And previously b/c of nursing--it would have caused more problems b/c all the milk ducts would appear and there was nothing detected on my last clinical exam so everything would look suspect if that makes any sense.

Well woman scheduled in April--but will call Monday to see if I can get in sooner or if they will see me for just a clinical BE. I see a midwife--and would rather keep my visit with her. Not sure what the clinic policy is with my appt so "close".

 

[MerryPoppins]

Did you guys see that Sheryl Crow has been diagnosed with breast cancer? I always hate to see this news. Please don't misunderstand what I'm about to say, I wouldn't wish the beast on anyone. But when well-known people are faced with cancer it does raise awareness and I'm thankful for that. My positive thoughts are with her. Sounds like they caught it early.

 

[snappy]

Thanks for the link.

No i have not had a mammogram yet. On teh "young" side so none covered by insurance without cause. And previously b/c of nursing--it would have caused more problems b/c all the milk ducts would appear and there was nothing detected on my last clinical exam so everything would look suspect if that makes any sense.

Well woman scheduled in April--but will call Monday to see if I can get in sooner or if they will see me for just a clinical BE. I see a midwife--and would rather keep my visit with her. Not sure what the clinic policy is with my appt so "close".

I would definitely call and see if they can move you up. Just be specific why. I have had good luck doing this myself but I guess it depends on the clinic. Around here it's the devil getting in to the endicrinologist or the surgeon, plan on a two month wait. We still have alot of New Orleans folks in town seeing our docs. Statistically, they seem to need more health care.

Please let us know how this turns out Lisa loves Pooh. Please feel free to ask for info here anytime if you need to.

Good luck rescheduling Monday.

 

[snappy]

Did you guys see that Sheryl Crow has been diagnosed with breast cancer? I always hate to see this news. Please don't misunderstand what I'm about to say, I wouldn't wish the beast on anyone. But when well-known people are faced with cancer it does raise awareness and I'm thankful for that. My positive thoughts are with her. Sounds like they caught it early.

I had not heard about Sheryl Crow. Didn't she break up recently with Lance Armstrong?

I know what you mean, Merry. It is amazing how when well known people speak out about their diagnosis people pay attention. I would think initially at least they would want to be incognito, I know I did. Breast cancer especially is such a private thing. Kudos to those who speak out, they surely save lives, not just in their own circle of relatives and friends but all over the world.

 

[MerryPoppins]

Yes. They broke up earlier this month I think. He said something about being sad that cancer had touched a person that he loves deeply or something like that.

I don't know when she found out. She's getting ready to start radiation and has cancelled her tour. So sad.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

GAGWTA! Just a quick note to say hello. Hope everyone's well.

 

[laurabelle]

~~~***GAGWTA sistas***~~~

I had a great time in Denver! It was so awesome to be surrounded by so many sistas! You all were certainly with us in spirit...we had so much fun dancing and hangin out together!
I'm unpacking, doing laundry, ect. I will post some pictures when I get the chance.

 

[Pixiedust34]

GAGWTA!

I saw the breast specialist about my lymph node lump today.

I guess my exam went OK, but now I have more waiting to do.

They saw the lump in my mammogram and felt it today. I had 2 people examine me. Very thoroughly. My lymph node was the only lumpy spot. Everything else was OK.

Anyway, the type of biopsy she does for this is quite painful, and she doesn't like to do it unless it's absolutely necessary. She wants me to get a sonogram so she can see what she's dealing with better before she decides whether or not I need a biopsy. Plus, she said that it could still be an infection and put me on a new round of new antibiotics to see if that'll make a difference. I have to call them on Monday for my sonogram results. If the results are OK (no biopsy needed), I will still have a follow-up appt. sometime with her. If my results are questionable, she will see me and decide the next step, maybe the biospy. My results will probably not be ready until Monday.

My sonogram is scheduled for Wed.

That's about all for now. I hope that the sonogram results are OK.

On a lighter note, I wore my New Ugly Crocs to my appt. and everyone there commented on them and said that they were quite popular with all of the doctors and nurses. I didn't see anyone else wear Crocs while there, but they said that most people in surgery and the ER areas do wear them. : )

I don't post everyday, but my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

 

[MNSusan]

Kelly. Waiting is soooooo hard. Good thoughts and prayers are with you.

 

[snappy]

Hoping the sonogram results turn out clear, Kelly. This does seem to go on and on. I know you are ready to have answers. It does sound like they are being very thorough. Did you like the doc today?

 

[snappy]

Glad you had a good time, Laura. How are you feeling?