Had last TAC Chemo on the 6th. September and am having a Masectomy on Thurs. Surgeon wanted to do full node clearance but as they had earlier said they did not think C had spread have agreed to compromise only removing some nodes to check. I am worried about having to put my three dogs into Kennels tomorrow for ten days for the first time. I have to go into hospital on Wed.
Hi Val I am sorry to hear about your operation on thursday I do know how much you love your dogs. I wish I lived nearer you and I would have looked after them for you. I have got a little Jack Russell called Ben and we love him to bits hes actually very spoiled. He rules the house. One way to look at it is your dogs would be safe in the kennels at least when you come home you know the dogs will be safe. If someone else was looking after them for you they could get knocked over or run off. If I was on my own like you then I definitely wouldnt think twice about putting Ben into the kennels. I wouldnt feel guilty either as you havent got any choice and just think the big welcome you will get when they see you again. I also know how upset you will be leaving them but just keep thinking they are safe . I was home 6 days after my mastectomy and was out walking Ben the next day so I hope you are the same. I only did short walks to start with but it made me feel so much better getting fresh air. Where do you stay I live in Scotland I do wish I could help you. Anyway I hope all goes well for you on Thursday I will be thinking about you Love Linda xxxxx
Hi Val,
I wish you well for your forthcoming op. I had a right mastectomy and total axillary clearance in March, age 34, a week after diagnosis. I found the op and recovery to be nowhere as bad as I had imagined, I thought I’d be in loads of pain post-op but found I was managing quite well on good old paracetamol!
I can totally understand how you are concerned for your dogs, but I’ll bet they’ll have the time of their lives in the kennels! No doubt they’ll be spoilt rotten by the staff that work there, and more so by you, soon as you get out of hosp!!
Take care and I hope all goes well on thurs,
Kelly
-x-
Hi Val,
Good luck for Thursday, I had a mastectomy 10 days ago and although its a little uncomfortable there has been little pain. I took my daughters dog a walk after 8 days. Be very careful not to let your dogs pull you even on your ‘good side’.
Regarding the lymph clearance. Have you asked what they will do if you have cancerous nodes? It will be interesting to see what they advise. I think the advise differs according to where you live but I believe all advise is given with the best interest in mind.
On my first diagnosis I had a lumpectomy and 8 nodes takes, one of which was cancerous. Within a year another lump in my arm pit appeared so I had a total clearance. Luckily only one node was cancerous. I know we are all different but I think you should remain vigilant after you partial clearance, keep examining yourself and don’t wait for the next hospital appointment if you are worried.
Kindest regards to you and your dogs.
Take Care
Carol
I had a lumpectomy in May but had two new lumps within two weeks. My original surgeon was great, he loved dogs especially German Shepherds so was very understanding. If there is any cancer in any of the nodes tested I will have to go back to Hospital to have total clearance which I would like to avoid as it is my right side and I am right handed and living on my own I need to be able to use my arm. I live in Cornwall and though my chemo was at the main hospital ten miles away my op is at a smaller hospital over twenty miles away so hope I dont get a Seroma and need to have it drained.
val
Hi All
Well the moment has come, the dogs went into kennels yesterday and I am off to hospital this afternoon with the op tomorrow. The nerves are just setting in.
Good luck to everyone else.
Val
By now it’s all over. Hope you have returned home feeling ok and the little doggies haven’t missed you too much. Don’t overdo things though, 10 days may not be enough, I’m thinking how you will walk them, do they pull on the lead? Make sure you put you first.
Love irene
Hi Irene
Thanks for your post, just arrived home but my Dogs are staying at the Kennels till Friday. I have someone walk my youngest dog each day and they all play in the garden, so I probably wont walk them myself till after Radiotherapy.
Thanks for you concern.
Val
Hi Val,
Glad you’re home. Make sure you get plenty of rest. Just to say thinking of you.
Big hug
Scottydog
Hi Val I am so glad you are home I bet you cant believe the operation is over with how are you feeling. I bet the dogs will be so glad to see you on Friday You make sure you have a good rest Love Linda xxx
Hi Val
Its good to hear you are at home now, take it easy and do not be tempted to do too much, I did last Friday and I paid for it!.
Enjoy the dogs’ return home.
Best wishes
Carol
Hi Val,
I am so pleased to hear you are now at home and recovering from your op. As Carol says, be sure to take things easy, and listen to your body. Oh, and be sure to keep up with those exercises! Sorry, sound like a real nag don’t I?!
Take care,
Kelly
-x-