Post Op Surgeon Consult

Hi Robyn,

Thank you for butting in and sharing your experience.  It gives me hope that I can find some pleasure in my daily life, going forward.  I am a walker and have already started walking 20 mins each day since having my mastectomy.  Although today after two long walks yesterday due to parking at hospital being so expensive, I didn't go out this morning.  

Where are you in your treatment Robyn?

 

Joy xxx

Excuse me butting in on your question to Janey;) I'm sure she will reply,but I just thought I would let you know how chemo is for me in my daily life.From day 1 to day 5 I feel quite normal,as you are given Dexamethasone to take,and it keeps you going,so to speak.From day 5 to about day 8 I have felt quite tired and needed to lay down throughout the day.I feel the tiredness just comes on without warning!Its quite bizarre actually.And then from day 9 on I have just felt pretty normal . I have stayed home from day 9 to 14 because of the risk of infection.Before starting chemo,I had this idea that it would affect my daily life in a huge way.I can definitely say for me,that it hasn't.I guess the thing that you have to remember is,that some ladies do have a lot of side effects.We are all so different.Also,I have exercised every single day throughout each chemo cycle.I walk about 2 or 3 K every day.Some faster than others!My oncologist told me that it is the one single thing that you can do to help yourself during chemo.All the best with your experience Joy. XoxoxRobyn.

Hi Hazel

How wonderful that where you work have kept your job open for you.  I can understand your worry about feeling confident about how you will look and going back to work.  I felt like that after I got my diagnosis.  I didn't know if I would be emotionally strong enough to copy with work.  However, once I was there and everyone treated me the same as they always did I somehow found the strength to keep focussed and actually had a good day.  I had two weeks of work before my mastectomy.  

I don't know when or if I can go back to the medical centre now due to risk of infection while doing chemo.  I may get a few days in before I start but right now I am not allowed to drive and am still recovering from surgery.

Do you know when you can return to work?

One day at a time!

Very best wishes

Joy

Thank you Janey for your advice on how you handled your chemo.  Sounds like you have a great attitude and  a lot of strength.   I will  keep you in mind whenever I start to feel sorry for myself and adopt the "going into war" attitude you had. 

Because I don't know what to expect, I just wonder how I go about not making 2014  all about my treatment.  Were you able to get on with enjoying things you used to do prior to your diagnosis?  Or does the treatment take up most of your thoughts and time?

I am asking this because I want to be still be fun or at least pleasant to be around eg, husband, son, elderly parents and of course friends. 

Thank you again for taking the time to talk.

Best wishes

Joy 

I work in a club doing gaming, tab and bar, not a difficult job, but what i miss most is what you mentioned: the interaction with colleagues and the customers. They have assured me i will have a job when i am better. All my customers have sent me 'get well' cards which has been quite touching. Sometimes I find myself worrying about how i will look, will I be confident to face the public down the track? But then I just say my mantra, 'one day at a time'. Joy, I'm glad you have a plan of action and I'm also pleased you feel happier:) Take care,

Hazel xx

I had my appointment with my surgeon this afternoon and he is happy that he removed all the cancer from breast and armpit.  8 of 23 nodes were cancerous and the main tumour in breast was 3 cm and a grade 3.  Very scary!  However, they are stil waiting on HER2 path result and the team will be discussing my case on Thursday.  Next Tuesday I go back again to see the surgeon and find out when my oncology appointment will be.  He did say that I have to wait until I heal before further treatment will commece.  The nurse said I will probably have my first oncology appointment before Christmas and then start Chemo very early in the new year.

I feel happier now as everyone was encouraging and I feel everything is moving along as quickly as possible.

Joy 

Thank you Hazel.  I hope I have a treatment plan too.  My appointment is at 1:00 pm - so not much longer now to wait.  

What work do you do Hazel.  I am a medical receptionist in a big practice.  My doctor works there too and everyone has been very supportive.  They  have kept my job open and like me taking one day at a time in terms of how and when I will return.  I can't image at this stage having the energy to put in a full day but I long for a routine and some intereaction with my colleagues.  It may also not be a good environment while having chemo - this is something I will have to ask.

Thank you for taking the time to chat.

Best wishes

Joy  

Hope you get a treatment plan today, it will put your mind to rest. I find myself still wishing I was back at work and this ordeal was all over. Just keep moving forward, one day at a time, Wishing you all the best,

Hazel xx

Hi Robyn,

Thank you so much for your encouragement.  I know you are right.  It will be over real soon and I will have my plan of action.  I guess this is all part of the roller coaster ride.

Best wishes

Joy  

Joy,I know EXACTLY how you are feeling.The one thing that I would say though,is,after today,you will feel a lot less anxious,because you will now have your plan for treatment.You can then start to organise things that may need changing like work etc.Keep busy all morning until your appointment,and before you know it you will be leaving the docs and on your way home ! Let us know how you go today Joy.All the best.xoxo Robyn.