Forum Discussion
Final Countdown 3 days to go for Mastectomy and Diep Flap reconstruction....YIKES!!!!!!
Hello My Fellow Courageous Beautiful Friends!!!! Well a few weeks ago I wasn't traveling very well, as we know too well that emotional roller coaster! I have since had an appointment with a Psychologist I saw 3 yrs ago and it was invaluable. It helped incredibly to try and put it all into perspective. She pointed out that our logical thinking comes from the frontal lobe but unfortunately my emotional body hasnt caught up to the logic of whats happening eventhough I know it has to happen because it makes sense. The other thing she pointed out is the attachment I have to my physicality and all my bits and pieces, of course am human this is what we are...but this is not the essence of who I am..I am so much more than that and the irony is when people see me they dont see my physicality they see the depths of the person I am. Somehow separating myself a little in that way has helped with letting go. The other thing was she said I was grieving, grieving the loss of my breast, grieving the struggle the past 6 years all very valid and is important. I feel I turned a corner. I finished work yesterday and the reality hit as I drove home in tears even at my age wishing my MUM was here to wipe them away...OH DEAR LOL So honestly?? I am incredibly nervous!!! and yeah scared of the whole thing, the pain of it, recovery...the end result...but am calm and trying to do one day at a time...just get to Monday and get to surgery thats all!!!! PHEW!!!
136 Replies
- So happy you are feeling a better. And I don't believe your treatment is a public health system issue but a poor ward management issue. Hopefully the issues you have raised will mean the next patient has much better care. Here's hoping for more sleep tonight. X
- Hey Everyone!!! Gosh I wish I could reply to all of you individually,honestly am so overwhelmed how much time you all took to support and encourage me, THANK YOU so very much to you all!! @share I havent had Zofran, nausea has completely gone now. @nikkid I have Nexium in abundance at home as used it through Chemo for reflux/heartburn. I have a massive heatpack and have used it non stop what a Godsend!! @katyjoy and @iserbrown thanks for the push on patientopinion. I actually addressed it all prior to leaving hospital, I had nursing Staff meeting, Head of Nursing came to apologize and I had Pain Management Doctors and the icing on the cake a meeting with one of the Plastics Doctors, Told them all exactly how I felt, which is so not me! but enough was enough, I was appalled at the care, lack of communication between Doctors and Nursing Staff, incapability to get on top of my pain management, the NURSES were more helpful and when they found a pain relief that worked the DUMBASS DOCTORS would change it again. GRRRRRRRRRR from there I got a form from the Hospital in my pain state I took the time to fill it in and leave it with the hospital. I will also be following up what became quite a nightmare! Very possibly the public system? Ive never used it, but am left with zero confidence to be honest.
OK so I managed 4hrs sleep last night the most so far but only 2hrs in my bed, 2hrs in the recliner. The pain started to extend out a little by the time I got up, I showered and got ready for my appointment at the Hospital. I actually managed to walk about 200m which I thought was damn amazing!!!! My wounds were redressed and told looking absolutely great, I have no issues with the Boob or abdominal incision thank GOD!!! I came home and crashed in my recliner for 3hrs!!!! have gotten up and have noticed I am actually improving ever so slightly, the pain is more bearable and manageable on panadol osteo and nurofen now finally!!! I am feeling more confident and turning the corner. I see the Plastic Surgeon in 6 weeks to follow up.
The strangest thing out of all of this?? I had such a trauma leading into it all mentally and emotionally and once doing the surgery I haven't felt upset again over it, almost like an acceptance of its done now. The other thing is with the boob I was left with more than I thought I would, they removed the nipple and about triple the size due to radiotherapy the skin wouldnt have survived and redid the contents with my stomach. I can see in time it is going to look better than I could have thought.
Certainly has been something ive had to dig deep through, and cannot thank all of you enough for your love and support for being there, listening, all your wonderful advice, gosh so many to list so please know Im talking of all of you. I love the idea of hypnotherapy, alternative therapies absolutely have a huge impact in this life! in conjunction with our treatments.
Sorry for the essay, I am so wrapped that I can sit this long and write it, PROGRESS!!! 8 days post! WHOA!!!! Not going to be beaten by this NO WAY!!
So my BC Sisters!!! Dig deep! with GRIT and keep going!!!
Love to you all!! Amazing wonderful ladies that make such a difference to all of us and especially to me through this.
Melinda xooxoxo - Hey my BC sister, hypnotherapy!!!!! No drugs, no side effects. Have used it for migraines and for me it works. Seriously if nothing else is working, you've got nothing to lose trying it. Xx Cath
- Hi Mel,
I have been thinking of you and wishing you the best for your surgery and recovery. I was offline for weeks. I went back to work a month ago, physically and emotionally exhausted. I had mental breakdowns a few times. I am a lot better now with the most difficult decision I ever made in my life.
I am really sorry to hear what you have been through for your surgery. Thank you for sharing your experiences, your frustrations and your honest feelings. I am hoping your pain is under control and able to have better sleep. It made me so angry to hear that the hospital sent you home with panadol and Neurofen. You definitely need something more stronger pain killers to keep comfortable to sleep and move around. Keep it up and looking forward for the cancer free life Mel!
Best wishes and lots and lots of love and hugs for you! Hi @melclarity - sending you love, light & energy.
Are you able to phone your GP and request a script for Ativan ? Whilst doing that - maybe also ask for Nexium as a script (you can at least get a 30-day supply whereas over the counter I think is only 7-14 days ?
Have you been able to take Zofran (either tablet or wafer ?). The wafers dissolve on your tongue (they are pretty expensive) but they are also available in tablet form (cheaper option - just take a wee bit longer).
You are not whinging or venting - it's now "your time" to be supported as you have supported so many of us. That's how it works - swings & roundabouts !
Hugs to you xxx
- Hi Melinda - @KatyJoy suggestion of patientopinion.org.au sounds like an opportunity for you to voice your concerns. I am still at a loss with your predicament and if your BP was up why did they send you home? Is it purely based on wound management and nothing else. Something got lost in translation when you took the public option. I do hope that your appointment today is fruitful and gives the opportunity for follow-up care!
Wishing you a great outcome long term where the surgery gave the best outcome for you and this hospital experience is just a mere memory!
Take care xx - Thinking of you Mel, sending you soothing energy to soothe your body and soul and Cyber hugs that envelope you without any pain inflicted.
You know I am with you today as you walk into that appointment we have your back girl.....
Alice
xoxo - Hope today goes ok Mel xxxxx
- Hi Mel, I'm thinking of you and hope your day has been a little better. I would suggest you write down all the things you are unhappy with so you can let them know and not forget to tell them anything at your appointment tomorrow. Make sure you get a wheelchair to go up to your appointment, they are usually inside the entrances of most hospitals, or ask at reception when you go in to borrow one, and of course have someone push it for you. I also strongly suggest you write your story and the issues you have had on patientopinion.org.au. You can select the hospital (it's Australia wide), and they will have to investigate and respond at the highest level. They need to improve this for future patients, it sounds like your experience has been terrible and could have been so much better. To put you in the too hard basket just because you can't take some things is just not good enough. Sending big hugs to you, as you always send them to others
Kate x What a horrible time you're having Mel, I'm so sorry that you're in so much pain you must be exhausted! I've had ongoing issues with my back prior to my BC diagnosis and suffer constant muscle spasms and nerve pain. Other than the meds the girls have suggested have you tried heat packs, I find they really help. If you have a good physio perhaps they can advise you on some gentle stretches to help getting your movement back. It is disgusting that you were sent home so early and without any after care or contact people to assist you in recovery, just having a point of contact when you are worried about something can help relieve the added stress. You have had major surgery and it is not a cosmetic procedure. Your body has been through the wringer and the hospital needs to be more considerate and offer you solutions and help for the trauma you are enduring. Give em both barrels when you have your appointment tomorrow, you shouldn't have had to go through the last few days and nights of suffering!
Hoping that your pain eases
Kat x
