There and Back Again

Raich

Hi All. 

Swings and Roundabouts. 

The lumpectomy was almost a month ago. Two weeks ago I went back down to Perth for the results. 

Good news - the 2 lymph nodes removed were clear. So no radiation treatment. 

Bad news - The wide margin wasn’t wide enough. There is still a couple of mm of cancerous tissue left. 

I’m small breasted so there is not enough breast tissue left to do a second breast conservation. So I’m booked in for a mastectomy this week. I fly back down Tuesday evening for surgery Wednesday morning. Will stay down there 10 days so I don’t have to travel there and back with the drain. 

On the 2nd of October I see the surgeon to have the drain removed and find out if I require chemo on top of the endocrine treatment. 

I’m sick of travelling. I’m sick of having new things to manage : I’ve developed cording in my left armpit. 

In the short space of 6 weeks I’ve gone from being very fit and  healthy to worrying about getting scratches on my arm. 

I was sick as a dog for 12 hours after surgery. So not looking forward to recovery on Wednesday.  

Very up and down the past week or so waiting for the next surgery. Trying my best not to get too low but grrr. 

Would give anything to smash plates and scream 
xxx. 

FLClover

Sorry to hear you need more surgery @Raich. I know how you feel. I was told I needed more surgery after a double mastectomy. I could’ve shot someone. 

However, pretty soon you’ll be completely cancer free. Something to look forward to. And I strongly advise that you go somewhere and actually scream. In the car, beach at night, in the shower...just scream and punch a pillow, smash plates etc. Let it out - you deserve to. 

All the best for your next surgery and a speedy recovery 🍀. 

Mon Xxx

Sister

@raich - get on to the cording as quickly as you can - a lymphoedema specialist physio will be able to help you with that and give you tips on how to manage it at home.  Also make sure that you tell the anaesthetist that you were sick after surgery as they can tweak the drugs. I was shockingly sick with the first one (and the blue dye is pretty freaky coming out that way) but the second one was okay.

It can be very hard to stay positive...have you got any old plates?

arpie

@Raich  - that's a bummer about the extra surgery - but it is so important to get those clear margins.  Great that you don't need Rads - fingers crossed, no chemo either.

Yep, screaming it all out can help ..... even if into a pillow xx  Smashing plates would be VERY satisfying tho!   

I always throw up after anaesthetics, so can sympathise with you on that - as @sister says - they can change the mix to suit you. 

All the best & we'll be thinking of you xxx  Take care xx  

Zoffiel

Screaming in the car is a great way to vent. Preferably not while you are stopped at the lights in heavy traffic.

Sister

I used to know someone who would go down to the end of the jetty to scream.

Raich

hehehe. We have a jetty... might need a note from my doctor though so I don’t get arrested for disturbing the peace 😂

Locksley

HI @Raich wishing you all the best for Wednesday surgery.  Sending you hugs xxxx

Raich

Thanks everyone, 
I fly down this afternoon. Going to take some boob selfies today, didn’t do it prior to lumpectomy so my boobs resemble Rodney Dangerfield or Marty Feldman! 😂

kmakm

Best of luck @Raich. It'll be so good to have it over and done with. K xox

Jwrenn

@Raich I took photos of where the texta mark is from radiation so I wouldn’t forget it in the future as they didn’t do a tattoo. And a discrete one of the blue dye. Hopefully if anyone were to look at my photos they wouldn’t realise what they were looking at! Good luck with your surgery tomorrow.

Raich

Thanks everyone. Safely bedded down in Cancer Council accommodation in the hospital grounds. 6am check in tomorrow . See you on the other side cxxx

June1952

Hello @Raich
You have probably woken from the land of nod by now, hope all went well for you.
Rest and relax now as that is one box ticked off.
All the best.  

Jennim

hope all went very well with your surgery...xxxxx

arpie

Thinking of you xx  Make haste slowly xx

Raich

The surgery went well. Spent the past couple of days in an opioid fog. 

Trying to get comfortable to sleep tonight but can’t find any position to ease the aches and pressure where the drain is. Even with all the meds. 😕
boys and husband driving down tomorrow to spend the long weekend with me, but I’m not going to be much company. Sluggish during the day. 

Still trying to get  used to dragging the drain everywhere. Hate it. 

I know it will get better but this is probably my low point. 

Xxx I know you understand where I am.