Jacqui

Chin up Jacqui!!  You have really had a very hard time but the end is in sight :)  I'm sure once this op is out of the way, things will start to look better.... Good luck,

Louise x

Well it is back in for operation 4...Mastectomy with axillary dissection, apparently not all the cancer is showing up on the films so this is the only way to be sure to nip the little b..... in the bud, started out to be about 2cm now 4.75cm later still not certain of a clear margin, there is a slight 0.6mm but not enough to be sure it is all out. I was so angry and blamed the good dr of course but really not his fault and he did offer a second opinion which was not necessary as I have faith in him, have to blame someone.

Go for it on Wednesday, I am an emotional mess at the moment had so many ups and downs over the last two months but at least I can get back on track after this.

Reconstruction not recommended at this stage in case I have to have further treatment that was another disappointment as I thought I could have started.

Well whinge, moan and trantrum over now to get on with it and see what the next step brings.

Cheerio for now,

Jacqui

Well it is back in for operation 4...Mastectomy with axillary dissection, apparently not all the cancer is showing up on the films so this is the only way to be sure to nip the little b..... in the bud, started out to be about 2cm now 4.75cm later still not certain of a clear margin, there is a slight 0.6mm but not enough to be sure it is all out. I was so angry and blamed the good dr of course but really not his fault and he did offer a second opinion which was not necessary as I have faith in him, have to blame someone.

Go for it on Wednesday, I am an emotional mess at the moment had so many ups and downs over the last two months but at least I can get back on track after this.

Reconstruction not recommended at this stage in case I have to have further treatment that was another disappointment as I thought I could have started.

Well whinge, moan and trantrum over now to get on with it and see what the next step brings.

Cheerio for now,

Jacqui

Well it is back in for operation 4...Mastectomy with axillary dissection, apparently not all the cancer is showing up on the films so this is the only way to be sure to nip the little b..... in the bud, started out to be about 2cm now 4.75cm later still not certain of a clear margin, there is a slight 0.6mm but not enough to be sure it is all out. I was so angry and blamed the good dr of course but really not his fault and he did offer a second opinion which was not necessary as I have faith in him, have to blame someone.

Go for it on Wednesday, I am an emotional mess at the moment had so many ups and downs over the last two months but at least I can get back on track after this.

Reconstruction not recommended at this stage in case I have to have further treatment that was another disappointment as I thought I could have started.

Well whinge, moan and trantrum over now to get on with it and see what the next step brings.

Cheerio for now,

Jacqui

You poor darl,shouldn't have to have 3 ops but it happens-even with the best surgeons.My friend had to go back after a mastectomy would you believe cos there wasn't a clear margin on the suture line.And that was with a top Sydney breast surgeon.Find that breast care nurse and don't let her go because they are a fantastic support. I feel so sorry for you ladies who are out whoop whoop and have to make such long journeys.You are all most welcome to have my spare bed here in Sydney.

                                                               Tonya

Hi Julianne

Fantastic that hubby has finished the pergola, but I wouldnt be rushing into 'your finishing touches' for awhile - you will find that you cant do what you used to do and you do need to rest.

I would say it is absolutely normal for you to be feeling pain, you have just had a big op.  You really do need to take your pain meds, I was like you in the beginning and thought 'no, I'm not taking them, blah,blah, blah...' but I was told by several professionals that they are not habit forming if you have pain, and you MUST take them as prescribed to block the pain receptors in your brain, instead of waiting until you really need the tablets, then they cant do their job as effectively.  (I just re-read this and I havent explained it as well as it was explained to me, but I hope you get the drift).

Thanks for the offer of the helicopter, I have just the paddock where it could land too, haha.  Jacqui and myself are NO different to you Julianne, so please dont say that you wont be sorry for yourself, and that you have it good.  If any of us 'had it good', we wouldnt have this bloody disease.  You have earnt the right to feel sorry for yourself - you have had devasting news and now surgery - of course you are not going to be upbeat 100% of the time.  You may be surprised to find that you can have quite a few 'down days' in the future, but they will pass with time.  As for distance, its nothing really, we get used to it - but just remember we are all suffering and enduring the same illness and can all face it together.

As for the bracelet, cant help you there.  I thought about getting one, but a couple of nurses just told me to carry the pink hospital bracelet in my purse, (suppose thats OK if I have my purse with me everywhere I go).  I'm sure someone else will be able to help you with that one.

Hope you feel better soon.  Take care

Di  xo  :)

Good afternoon everyone,

I hope you are all feeling well today.  Just wanted to touch base with a couple of things.

1.  Darling has finished the pergola it just now needs a womans touch, cant wait to do that.

2.  These last two days I have been feeling only 70% of what I usually feel.  Is this normal 6 days after operation.  I am tyring not to take too many pain killers and wonder is the reason I was so good was the drugs and now that I am trying to cut back I can really feel the effect.  I am telling myself no that I have just had major surgery, its no wonder I dont feel 100% all the time, and has nothing to do with the pain killers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

But after reading that Di and Jacqui have to travel to get help makes me appreciate what I have even more.  If I was rich, I would give you both a helicopter and pilot to take you anywhere you want.  So now I will not feel so sorry for me and realise how good I have it.

Oh one other thing, has anyone purchased a bracelet  with "Restricted Arm" on it.  They are not cheap and was wondering if you could recomend a cheaper version.

bye for now

lotsa luv

julianne

xxoo

 

So true, its nice to see who we are talking too.  I hope all your 'if's' get some answers soon.  Take care

Di  :)

I think I will feel better after meeting the breast care nurse, 3 ops and never had one come and see me??? It will be better talking to some one when you can picture them and have had a bit of a one on one, we are thinking of trying to find a surgeon in the town where the McGrath Nurse is for the next op so I have the support there, depends on if I decide to have reconstruction at the same time if there is a surgeon there able to do it. So many "if's"

You take care,

Jacqui

 

Hi Jacqui

sorry to hear that things aren't looking to good re: another op!  Hoping that they 'get it right' this time!!!!

I also live a long way from where I have treatments, see doc's, tests, etc - I hate to think how many k's we have clocked up since my diagnosis.  I know it is nice to see 'someone' face to face' but there is always someone just a phone call away if you ever feel the need to talk,  I have rung my Breast Care Nurse when I had questions that couldnt wait until I went into town.

It might be good that you are seeing a Locum - sometimes a fresh point of view can help.

Good luck with everything.

Di  :)