Hello, ladies, this is definitely my group, and I've read some stories very like mine. I'm 62 and had a DCIS two years ago, treated with WLE and rads--not too bad once I got over the shock, and as the op was just before the start of the school year, I worked (Adult Ed) half way through the rads and only took about 2 1/2 weeks off, though I probably should have given myself another week or so.
So this year I had the first mammogram as part of the 'routine' check up and the news seemed to get worse and worse--perhaps another DCIS; no, it was ductal but invasive but very small and no sign in the lymph glands; after the WLE a few cells were discovered in one lymph node. At least the results stopped getting worse with the clearance, as the rest are clear, but I've had a pretty bad seroma and along with the good news, I've had news that I definitely will have chemo. I find out what and when next week.
Does anyone have any good ideas about minimising the discomfort of seroma? I am also hypersensitive under my arm--great in this cold weather, huh?--and have been trying to find a way to pad my armpit or the seams of my clothes to reduce the rubbing. (The BCNs have been draining the seroma every few days, bless them, and I'm fortunate in living fairly close to the hospital.)
The OH has been supportive although it's taken him a while to realise or perhaps to admit to himself that this is a little more serious than the last one. The kids are grown and scattered, though I hope to see 2 of the 3 for a few days over Christmas.
I try to be cheerful and positive, and to count my blessings, but it isn't always easy. I could do with a weepy film and a good blub, I think. I also need to know whether to try to go back to work, whether to extend my sick leave, or whether to take the rest of the year off, and not knowing adds to the stress.
I don't half ramble on, do I? Cheers!
