SURGERY SEPTEMBER 2018

[Xela]

Oh well can’t admit me until tomorrow. Tomorrow’s big results day too! He’s said he’d admit me a few times and the time I decide to go in, he’s got a full Theatre list and no beds!!

[Rapunzel2018]

Hello Kateday,

I only read this now - that's exactly what I call them 'jelly legs'. They're getting better but are still far away from 'normal'. I'm just taking it into my stride now and do as much as I can. 

Got my results appointment on Wednesday, and the anxiety monster has been rearing its head again ever since the letter arrived. From this forum I know that most of us are familiar with that response. Oh well, it is as it is, anway. Just have to wait and see.

All the best for you (and everyone else who happens to read this),

Rapunzel xxx

[JacqB]

Hi Xela
Sorry you are suffering with an infection, it drives me mad that we get great care Monday to Friday but if we need help at the weekend it’s via a&e. You must be so frustrated. I hope you get some rest tonight and please let us know how you get on tomorrow.
Jacq x

[Xela]

JacqB so pleased about your results!

These forums are a sanity saving safe area. When people are happy for you, you know they genuinely feel your relief.

Unfortunately for me I know I’ll be admitted tomorrow. My swelling and infection is not
Going down. Rang my ward, which my consultant said to do, if it gets any worse. The nurse said she couldn’t admit me and could I wait until tomorrow.
I told her that my consultant said to ring the ward and they’ll admit me. She said no, they have to go through the process and go to A&E. That means a trip to a Completely different hospital. So that hospital will be dealing with every man and his wife,
In East Yorkshire. They will have to get hold of a breast doctor. If it needs draining they would have to get an ultrasound as I have an implant. How long is all the above going to take??? No thanks, i’ll ring my breast clinic at 8am in the morning. Then I couldn’t get the BN off the phone because all she could do was go on about ‘I’ve told you to go to
A&E’ aka covering my arse. She even stated that bascically my consultant didn’t know what he was talking about and you have to go through the process. Mmmm don’t he’d be happy about that!

[JacqB]

Thank you Michelle 😊

[Michelle21]

Really pleased for you JacqB about your results x

[willowherb]

a question about re-excision for you all..

I have (see below) got to have this done, but my BS said some ladies won't do it as the stress of waiting for round 2 results  is too much and go straight for mastectomy.

Anyone here had it done?  I am not sure I could do it a 3rd time and might choose the mx if it's not clear margins this time

I am just (at 5am when I can't sleep) wondering if I have made the righht choice this time

[JacqB]

Hi 👋
Just caught up with everyone’s updates. It seems we are all facing very different outcomes and results but all soldiering on. I don’t know about you all but I’m finding this forum to be an absolute sanity saviour, so thank you all for posting. I’ve forgotten if I posted my surgery results earlier but I had clear margins and micrometastes in 5/9 lymph nodes. Because of this I was booked for a CT scan so spent 10 days chewing my nails in trepidation. I was convinced that my scan would light up like a Christmas tree with secondaries. My wonderful BCN called me on Thursday completely out of the blue to let me know that the scan was clear. If I wasn’t in so much pain from the seroma I would have done cartwheels! Such a relief 😊 I have an oncology appointment on Tuesday to plan four more rounds of chemo, which I’m dreading, but just want to get on with now. The seroma has been horrible. I’m on antibiotics and they tried to aspirate it but could only draw 75mls. It’s huge, red, painful and really making me miserable, but hey! It’s taken my mind off my square boob 🙁 That’s called looking on the bright side, I think they’ve turned the lights off over there but they will surely be back on soon.
Apologies but my mind is too befuddled to write responses to everyone, I would muck it up or forget someone and that would be bad, so I just want to send love and hugs to you all. Onwards and upwards ladies. It’s the only way! 💪💕

[Chocxie7]

Hi All
Hope everyone is doing well. Willow - that's fantastic, JacqB - hope you're feeling better now. Good luck to those getting results soon.

Well, I have my results. One node affected, waiting on test results for chemo, being invited to participate in POSNOC trial.

Still plenty more r&r needed before any of this will happen.

Chocxie

[Kateday]

I was going to be brave and go by myself on Tuesday
All though I’m not really sure what to expect , maybe it’s best I don’t x

[willowherb]

Well results are in...

No nodes - Good!!

Re-exision in a couple of weeks - not so good

[Xela]

KateDay, I couldn’t as I had no-one with me. I
had no-one with me, when they first told me I had cancer because I was so sure, I didn’t have it and it was scar tissue from my previous ops. My partners taken the day off on Tuesday, so we can be together for hopefully the good news. Xx

[Kateday]

You did well
I would have had to say do you have my results yet
I’m glad I have am appointment on Tuesday normally mine are always late afternoon
Hope your all doing as well as can be xx

[Xela]

Yes everyone they were just running late. Consultant said he’d admit me if I wanted. I told him I was off to Worcester and he was fine with that, as I’m not feeling sick. No temperature so I’m back in for my results Tuesday and he’ll admit me the. If I want to. I have antibiotics and I can ring or go to the local Hosp if I feel ill xxx

[MrsLET]

Good luck Alex, I’m sure they’re just running late 😘. Thinking of you Maggiemay xx

[Xela]

KateDay yes the D day is nearly here. I’m actually in the breast clinic now, as I’m waiting for the nurses to check me out. Now having paranoia at they’re late and they’re not usually late. Have they got my
Results? Are they waiting for my consultant to appear? I hope not because I’m not with anyone! Oh there I go again thoughts racing!!!!

[Xela]

All the luck in the world Maggie. At least you’lol know the next step today! Xxx

[Kateday]

Good luck for today Maggie
The waiting is horrendous xx

[Maggiemay]

Hi Ladies,

I’ve got my results tomorrow and so anxious about it. Not only am waiting to find out I have clear margins but i’ll also find out if I had cancer in my right breast - I got an MRI to establish the size of my lump in my left breast as it was reporting at 2 different sizes but the MRI also detected an abnormality in my right breast. I had a wire guided biopsy the same time as surgery and it was taken out - i’ll find out if it was cancer. Also i’ll get told if I need Chemo. I’ve been so upset and emotional today.

I have been recovering really well in the past 2 weeks - I’m walking at least 3-4 miles a day. This has helped me no end. Sitting in plays havoc with my anxiety.

Good luck to everyone awaiting results!

Lots of hugs and support
Maggie
Xxxxxx

[Kateday]

I also go back next Tuesday , the fear of the unknown
The wait is nearly over though it has felt a long few weeks longer for you xela with having the infection too
Repunzal your doing amazing I was knocked of my feet for few days
Every time I tried to do things I just went weak jelly legs I was calling them
X

[MrsLET]

Hi all

Alex I do hope your infection has gone now, that must have been horrible :-(. You seem very positive despite it all.

Rapunzel, take it easy, you need to put your feet up!

Good luck Willowherb and Alex with your results, fingers crossed for you.

Jacq, hope you are starting to improve.

I’m 4 weeks post LD Flap now and struggling with the under arm stuff. It feels like someone is pinching me where the armpit joins the breast and they’ve got flipping sharp nails. Then there’s the tickling under the arm and the feeling of chafing that must be coming from inside. It’s driving me nuts 😞

Let’s hope it all passes soon.

Love to you all xx

[Xela]

Willowherb exactly how I’m feeling. My results are next Tuesday and my mind constantly plays my consultant telling me it’s all gone, to the next load of scenarios, it just doesn’t stop does it? Best of luck and we’re all here to support you xxx

Repunzel sounds like everything went really well. It’s only Wednesday so don’t be too hard on yourself. You’re doing great, getting out for small walks. I’m overdoing it at 3 weeks and my body certainly lets me know the next day. Keep letting us know about your progress. I unfortunately had an infection so been put back a bit. The worse thing is you can do so much damage if you do over push. So keep safe and let everyone else spoil you! Xxxx

[Rapunzel2018]

Hello everyone,

I had my surgery this Monday. It (lumpectomy/sentinel node biopsy) went well - as far as I can tell. My bp was quite high beforehand (due to anxiety), and I felt a little sick afterwards (I'm putting it down to some extra morphine I got after the general anaesthesia but it might also have been a delayed reaction to the latter).

Yesterday I felt very tired most of the day, today is a little better - but I'm still under the weather. I just went out for a very brief walk which felt good but my legs are still surprisingly weak. I guess my body is just forcing me to rest for as long as I need to. I'm also realizing how vulnerable all this has made/makes me feel.

Wishing you all much strength and a good recovery from surgery,

Rapunzel xxx

[willowherb]

Results coming up this week. Can feel the nerves starting up again and the disturbed nights are setting in again.

Was so happy to think it was all gone, maybe it is, but the what if's are coming back with a vengeance!

Fingers crossed and hugs that it's straightforward news for those who are also waiting on results.

[Xela]

Hi KateDay, nice to hear you’re getting on well. Yep hopefully that’s what those pains are, nerves. I get them too xx

[Kateday]

So how is everyone getting on
And can finally say one week and I return for my results it has felt like a year
Had a lot of stinging pains or kind of stabbing pains in both under arm and breast last two days , hoping it’s just the nerves xx

[Xela]

JacqB you do make me smile. Love the extra shot if Canestan. Don’t you just love that chalky pessary with that plastic straw thing!! Can you imagine giving that to a man and saying guess what that is?!!!! 🤣. Glad you got out to Tesco’s. I’ve been doing too much and my arm pit and chest are telling me off now. All my love and to everyone. Take care xx Alexxx

[JacqB]

Infected seroma! Ouch! It’s so painful. Another course of antibiotics with a canesten chaser. I think my gut biome is well and truly shot! On the bright side, I’ve got out of the Tesco shop again 😉
Hope you are all feeling ok and enjoying the lovely October sunshine.
Jacq x

[Xela]

Hi everyone. Hope you’re recovering well or preparing yourselves for surgery.

Just been back to my consultant as he’s keeping a close eye on me ref. My infection. It has gone down quite a bit but he is also thinking that it could be a reaction to the mesh that was placed around my implant. Though he is being cautious and placing me on another 5 day course and seeing me on Friday. Just relieved again he didn’t admit me and put me on a drip. Also very reassured he is ensuring that I’m seen regularly by him and he’s happy with my progress.

Still a bit sore but I think I’ve been walking too much too quickly. Just been told off by sister as I’m crashing out in the afternoon. Never have I been told off, for doing too much exercise! 😳🤷‍♀️😂

[Xela]

Hi All.
At last my infection looks like it’s on it’s way out. Thank goodness I don’t have to go in hospital,
to be put on a drip. Hope everyone is doing great. Xxx Alex xxx

[Chocxie7]

Hi Lootz, good to hear from you. So glad it went well, despite the overnight stay. Although I did make it home on Monday, I got told yesterday at clinic that I did really well to do that and that plenty of ladies don't.
I have also been out today for a lovely gentle walk and can totally relate your comment, I had similar thoughts about the joy of being alive.
Take it easy, we'll get there slowly.
Hugs x

[Lootz28]

Hi Everyone

Had my surgery on Monday and a bad reaction to the morphine and a huge panic attack, meant  I was kept in overnight for observation.

The relief when I was discharged Tuesday morning was quite overwhelming, never have I been so glad to be home and in my own bed!
I was a little surprised to be sent home with just my discharge letter, no pain medication. But tbh I haven't had any pain (as yet) just a little discomfort as the bruises start to show.

I started my exercises yesterday and couldn't believe how hard they were! Today I have found them much easier and have so much more movement. I am conscious that I am 'carrying' my left side as the bruising under my arm is causing some discomfort now. But I'm trying to be 'normal' even went out today, was lovely to have a gentle walk in the sun. Makes you realise how precious life really is.

My support network have been fabulous and I have cards and flowers and chocolates and dragonflies (my spirit insect!) Can't thank everyone enough for all their love and support.

Wishing all the ladies recovering from surgery all the very best for the future, you are all amazing, don't ever give up xxx

[Xela]

Yep we all need to keep going and we all want to beat the horrible “c” but we must also take it easy. Meditation is a great healthy way of not thinking about the negatives. I’m going to go to Yoga as soon as I get the go ahead from my consultant xxx

[Kateday]

Bless you
It’s goid to hear you feel better within yourself, mine is invasive ductal carcicoma and er/pr negative , unsure of her2 status, work is exhausting since my op but I’m determined to try my best, especially knowing that when chemo starts it will be very difficult because of the environment I work in
( lots of bugs)
I have been experiencing pain in my elbow, could this be due to SNR
Xx

[Xela]

Oh that’s nice to have work colleagues like that. I do miss being around nice work colleagues.

Unfortunately I’ve not been working for over a year. I put it down to terrible depression and so did my
Doctors. Though it now turns out that I had the breast cancer for a while. I had an invasive carcinoma but very slow growing and very hormone receptive. Many doctors are now agreeing that it was the cancer that was causing chronic fatigue. I had to give up worl. I’ve had Consultant psychiatrists saying it was severe depression.

I am very tired after my surgery but I also feel different and not depressed, my mind is clearer and strangely I feel I have more energy, even with this infection. I can’t quite describe the illness the cancer gave me.

Anyway fingers crossed we’ve got a hold on this infection xxx

[Kateday]

Glad you got to stay at home Alex
The waiting is like torture , and probably the reason I’m trying to do some hours at work
And the fact I miss them , I am a nursing home manager and they are like family in some sense it helps me to help them and the support from all the staff is amazing too xx

[Xela]

Thanks Linda. Xx

[Linda17]

So pleased that you don't have to go back into hospital Alex and I hope your infection continues to get better xx

[Xela]

KateDay nice to hear from you. It’s fantastic that you’re working. Yep I’m in limbo too 2 weeks on Monday I get my results xx Alex xx

[Xela]

Thanks Chocxie and Hi all. My infection has got better but there was still redness, staying in one area so as instructed, by my consultant, I rang the breast clinic today. Even though my Consultant wasn’t supposed to be seeing anyone, he told me to come in straight away. Well my consultant (who I’m beginning to love) 🤦‍♀️😂 had a look and said there was an improvement and he was happy to leave me until my appointment on Monday. So relieved as I didn’t fancy a stay in hospital for the next few days on a intravenous drip. He also said if anything happens over the weekend then ring the ward and he would come out and see me. My confidence is being restored, as my poor dad who I lost to prostate cancer 18 months ago, was not looked after this well. Hope everyone is okay and love hearing about everyone’s journey xxxx Alex xx

[Chocxie7]

Hi Helenann, so glad you are through the op and now recovering. It sounds like you have a lovely set up at your hospital.
I hope you slept well last night, I had quite a good night, but I was desperate to get up when the rest of the family started moving about. I'm feeling a bit groggy today, but will get dressings off later so hopefully will feel better after that. Another scary hurdle, I hope the scar is doing what it should be doing under there, I don't fancy the prospect of more surgery just yet.
Alex, I hope you're feeling better today but if not, I hope the hospital sorts it out for you soon.
C x

[Kateday]

Hi
Not been on for a little while
It’s good to read everybody seems to be doing well
I’m now over two weeks post op and have been slowly returning to work
For sanity reasons more than anything
Still another two week wait for results and feels like a life time
X

[Thistledown]

Helenann,

Great news that you are over the op and OK !! It all sounds wonderful at your unit, wish we had something like that here, just talking with ladies who've come  through this is helpful, and with a pampering session as well, wow ! 

Like you, I'm sick after anaesthetic, it's really unpleasant when you are already sore, yuk..and unfortunately I can't tolerate morphine either, as that makes me hooch as well...;(   - luckily I was OK with just paracetamol...the nerve block they'd given me during the op was very effective!!

Fingers crossed for your results, and keep on with the recovery !!

Well done..

 xx

[Xela]

Helenann, delighted to hear that it all went really well. Sir Dalglish is an absolute hero of mine but I know Lady Dalglish sounds like she could be one of my hero’s too. It sounds amazing!!!
I’ve got the same awful pathology wait too, 9th of October is my D day.
Also my infection seems to not be going away! It’s gone down a little bit but my GP sister is thinking it’s not enough and I’ll probably be heading into hospital again. I will be having antibiotics intravenously 😔. I’m just hoping it goes overnight ! 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻

[helenann]

Hi Ladies - well my surgery seemed to go well yesterday, i was sick from the anaesthetic, which wasnt good but not unusual and I've been feeling extremely tired today and sleeping quite a lot.

I haven't been able to bring myself to look at it yet - but the BCN had a look and said the reconstruction has given me a breast shape already, so I will have appointments to have it inflated over time. 

Was in some pain through the night but a couple of doses of liquid morphine done the trick.😉.

At the breast cancer unit at our hospital we have a special pamper suite - so I had my hair trimmed and washed and a blow dry and then my nails done - its the Marina Dalglish Centre and all the volunteers are ladies who have had breast cancer and they give up thier time to help the like's of me - it was great and they are all so lovely and positive, and to just be able to talk about it all with a group who have been through it has really helped me - I'm very lucky.

I have just the one drain and the distric nurse will call tomorrow to check the wound and the drain, then one of the BCN's will call the day after - someone will home visit every day until the drain is removed.

Now just the agonising wait for the pathology results - next appointment 10th October.

Looking forward to being back in my own bed tonight.

Hope everone else is doing OK.🎗❤👍

[Xela]

Hi all well infection is going down but my sister has had a look at my infection, it’s better but l it’s still red. 😞. Fingers crossed by tomorrow morning it will have gone, otherwise I’m back in hospital and I’m not prepared for that!!!

[Chocxie7]

Hi JacqB and Xela, sending you both big hugs, I can't work out how to do an actual hug on here, may be it's my phone. Anyway, hoping you're both feeling better today.
I had a fairly good night, slept for some of it and woke up pain free. I'm taking the medication, though, and had a shallow bath, so feeling good today. The sun is shining, which is a plus, I might venture out to the end of the road later, don't fret - I'll have hubby in tow.
I'll get the pressure dressing off tomorrow and then the dreaded results appointment next week.
Hoping Sib, Helena and Lootz (if you've found your way here) are doing okay too xxx

[Xela]

Chocxie sounds like you’ve got a
Good consultant there. They’re very thorough. Great that you’re home too!

JacqB maybe it’s the future we’ll all start
Getting square implants!!! 😂. You’re a phenomenon. I know that you’re very upset about it but I’m glad you’ve started to joke about it. If we don’t we cry! Big hugs again! Alex xxx

[JacqB]

Good to hear that you are home and well Chocxie. Sounds like a sensible choice with regards the recon and rads. I’ve been told I must wait till at least next summer before I can have my weird square boob sorted out. I’ll probably be used to it by then!
Hope you have a comfortable night.
Jacq x

[Chocxie7]

Hi Lovely Ladies, I have had my mx and SNLB today and I'm home - no drains 😊 Don't get too jealous though, as the downside is I have to wait for reconstruction surgery as the possibility of radiotherapy is so high in my case, my surgeon decided not to do it. I did know that in advance though, it wasn't a big shock today or anything, the other way around if anything. He chatted with me and said that even through he knew I was having delayed reconstruction, he was still considering doing it all in one go but, in the end we decided not to

Feeling quite strange from the GA, still not 8 hours post surgery, so will say bye for now. Thanks for all your lovely messages, I hope the other ladies are okay too xxxx