Post surgery

2

Comments

  • Keeping_positive1
    Keeping_positive1 Member Posts: 555
    Having mentioned you are a paraplegic, it could also be a good time to seek assistance with any extra help/support with ADLs you may require.  You are probably across that already, but don't hesitate to speak with the breast care nurse, or social worker and they can put in a referral for you for specialised services.  Take care, and rest well.  
  • TonyaM
    TonyaM Member Posts: 2,835
    Hi @Marycipk, I’m so glad you got through surgery and now back home.
    Those dark thoughts are worse at night- a warm drink and a good book for distraction? That’s a good sign that only one node was removed.The waiting is hard for sure- just keep busy or distracted.You are at the scary part of this crap journey. You’ll feel abit better when your pathology is through and a plan is in place.Hang in there hun.xx
  • Marycipk
    Marycipk Member Posts: 17
    What is ADLS? I have ndis.
  • Keeping_positive1
    Keeping_positive1 Member Posts: 555
    Activities of Daily Living.
  • StrongCoffee
    StrongCoffee Member Posts: 128
    That's fantastic that you can still transfer independently after your surgery! I'm not on here all the time, so by the time I'd read your original post you would have already been in surgery. But I did think transfers would be tough if you needed a lot of nodes removed from your armpits. I had an implant recon as well, so I think that made it worse as there is a heap of stitches near my armpit to hold this mesh (that the implant sits in) I place. But it really hurt to have my arm down snd even more to reach behind. Eg. The exact motion you need to use as part of a transfer!

    You may find you need to keep up the pain meds a bit longer than others since "no heavy lifting" isn't really an option when you rely on your arms to support your bodyweight each and every day!

    The waiting for results I found one of the hardest parts. I felt like my whole BC experience was just one wait after another! Hopefully there are no delays and you know what your next steps are very soon.
  • Marycipk
    Marycipk Member Posts: 17
    The drains came out today and I feel good. My range of movement seems to be completely normal and almost no pain. No problems transferring. 
  • Marycipk
    Marycipk Member Posts: 17
    So I'm triple negative with a few bad cells in the sentinel node so back to hospital next week to have level 1 lymph removed.
  • arpie
    arpie Member Posts: 7,521
    So sorry to hear that, @Marycipk .... That's a real bugger.  All the best for the surgery xx    You may like to join the Mets Group xx

    The Aussie/NZ Triple Neg facebook page has been recommended as being good support, if you are on FB?
     https://m.facebook.com/groups/1166665270079659/

    Take care & all the best xx
  • Cath62
    Cath62 Member Posts: 1,266
    Oh @Marycipk are you ok?  Triple negative has a different treatment as it just means no hormone treatment. And a few bad cells in the sentinel node doesn't mean it has spread anywhere either. It is good to remove this next week.  Have they discussed the treatment plan yet and are you to have a pet scan. You have alot on. I hope you have good support around you.
  • Marycipk
    Marycipk Member Posts: 17
    Pet scan Monday surgery Wednesday. I have fantastic support but very worried of course. Read horror story about chemo. I've recovered really well from mastectomy even able to sleep on my side how 8 days post surgery. It's a bad dream. I get weepy at night when I'm tired.
  • Afraser
    Afraser Member Posts: 4,352
    Dear @Marycipk
    The moral is, don’t read horror stories! I learned very quickly that, with a few exceptions such as this website, people write about their treatment experiences when they are angry and upset, but rarely when they are satisfied or getting along OK. It’s human nature. So you can get a very one sided picture. Chemo can be tough, no question. But some of us got through pretty lightly, with little disruption to daily living. You need your energy for the stuff you need to do, not for the stuff that might never happen. One day at a time. Celebrate the good stuff, like sleeping on your side! Best wishes. 
  • Marycipk
    Marycipk Member Posts: 17
    Thankyou for the the last two comments you are right people don't talk about the good things enough. Same with product reviews. This website is very supportive. I have a diabetic cat that has to be injected twice a day. I left the Facebook page it was too awful. He's healthy and happy despite the horror stories. I already came through a spinal injury in my 30s to go on and ride competitively for 20 years in able bodied and disabled events (still ride) raise my family and start a coffee roasting business 17 years ago with my son. I will keep working and looking after my jersey cows and fight this. We have a fast sailing boat that we have just had for one season so mean to sail next year.  And a beautiful grand daughter finally and I can't be sad when she's around 
  • Marycipk
    Marycipk Member Posts: 17
    I will leave the Facebook page now 
  • Cath62
    Cath62 Member Posts: 1,266
    Hi again @Marycipk, agree with @Afraser people write when upset, I did 😉. Look chemo can be hard for some people but I got through ok. Sure lost my hair, felt tired too sometimes however I never got sick  never got mouth ulcers or anything like that. I can recommend good mouth care like flossing after each meal and salt water gargling. Your skin can get a bit dry so plenty moisture too. If you feel unwell talk to your oncologist as they can treat nausea too. Sounds like you have your life set up with plenty to enjoy. Keep focussing on what matters as that helps get you through. Lastly treat yourself to all the things you love. 
  • Marycipk
    Marycipk Member Posts: 17
    I will leave the Facebook page now