Forum Discussion
NED and fantastic medical teams 💕
Today I am officially NED 😃🤩🥳🥰.
On the 4 Dec, I finally had my left nipple removed, and today at my post op appointment results came back clear. After my nipple/skin sparing mastectomies in April, it was the last thing that needed removing as it had traces of DCIS. This surgery was supposed to be done in April, but long story short, I had problems with my first surgeon (anxiety and trust issues) and so I sought a second opinion, and consequently changed surgeons. Then, under my new surgeon’s care,I saw a fertility specialist, med onc, had bilateral radiation, and finally two weeks ago the nipple removal, which was done under local anaesthetic at my request. It was in a proper operating theatre, just that I was awake the whole time. And it was one of the most positive and interesting experiences I’ve had. There was no fear as I fully trust my new surgeon. She answered all my questions throughout, and we even had a good laugh about a mole I also had removed. Overall, it went remarkably well and I went home feeling really happy. Sometimes, I feel I have to pinch myself to make sure it wasn’t just a daydream, like I was having back in April and May when I was in my depression, not sleeping well, not eating well, and with heightened anxiety, all caused by my first surgeon in relation to this surgery. The way he wanted it done made no sense, it seemed unnecessarily invasive, I kept being told different things, and I got absolutely no information or support about my cancer in general. Meetings were rushed and there was no empathy or compassion. Also, he refused all other options of treatment I suggested, saying they were not possible.
As soon as I saw my second surgeon, things changed. I immediately started sleeping well
again, anxiety eased considerably and depression lifted completely. I was given loads of info, different treatment options and meetings were long, with detailed and very patient explanations. All my questions were answered thoroughly and there was genuine empathy and care. Polar opposites.
again, anxiety eased considerably and depression lifted completely. I was given loads of info, different treatment options and meetings were long, with detailed and very patient explanations. All my questions were answered thoroughly and there was genuine empathy and care. Polar opposites.
Now, I no longer fear hospitals, and my trauma around surgery has eased considerably. Every time I have an appointment, I actually look forward to it and don’t stress and lose sleep. All my concerns are validated, and decisions respected. I get detailed answers as to why something needs to, or can’t be done. Also, all my suspicions about the things that didn’t make sense with first surgeon were proven right.
I know that this is how it should always be, but unfortunately it’s not. Very definitely not. The treatment I get from my surgeon and her practice manager goes way above anything I could ever have hoped. Seeing them gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling, like the one you get when you hug your favourite teddy bear, or when you’re in front of a beautiful fireplace with a sizzling fire on a cold winter night. The feeling you get when you come ‘home’ 😊. It’s not something you can force, some people just have this gift naturally. I thank the universe that I am lucky enough to have found them (through this forum!) and today to be in this wonderful place emotionally and psychologically, and NED 🥰. And I thank myself that I listened to my intuition, as hard as it was at the time. I have since met many other specialists who are also brilliant.
I know that this is how it should always be, but unfortunately it’s not. Very definitely not. The treatment I get from my surgeon and her practice manager goes way above anything I could ever have hoped. Seeing them gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling, like the one you get when you hug your favourite teddy bear, or when you’re in front of a beautiful fireplace with a sizzling fire on a cold winter night. The feeling you get when you come ‘home’ 😊. It’s not something you can force, some people just have this gift naturally. I thank the universe that I am lucky enough to have found them (through this forum!) and today to be in this wonderful place emotionally and psychologically, and NED 🥰. And I thank myself that I listened to my intuition, as hard as it was at the time. I have since met many other specialists who are also brilliant.
This ride has been difficult to say the least, but considering everything, I really can’t complain right now. I hope the universe continues to look out for me, and to keep beautiful people like these in my life (for prevention of further c, not treatment! 😆). I also wish the same to all you lovely ladies, also on this extremely unwanted ride.
Good luck, don’t rush important decisions, and always listen to your body and intuition, as they know best! 🍀🥰♥️
Mon Xxx
23 Replies
- Thanks for the explanation @AllyJay 😊.I’m just glad I’m clear 😁
- Thanks @Sister! I hope you have a lovely and safe festive season ♥️
- Absolutely @Zoffiel, you are spot on with everything you just wrote 👌🏻👌🏻. I just wish more ladies realised that, especially sooner rather than later. I don’t see why we have to suffer before receiving care we should’ve in the first place. I hope this helps more women in the future who don’t feel confident in their team, as it’s literally a make you or break you situation.Hope you have a good break and enjoy it 😊♥️.
Mon Xx
- @kezmusc @Locksley @averi @PV123
Thanks ladies!! Definitely time for a celebration methinks! 🥳🥂🎉. It IS the best 🎁 ever, considering last year at exactly this time I first found lump1. So this year, to be clear of all that 💩, is absolutely fantastic!!Wishing you all a very safe and happy Xmas and New Year 2021 ♥️♥️♥️♥️ - Thanks @arpie! 😁. I’m very lucky indeed, that I found her and her wonderful practice manager. Those two are the top of the top 🤩😍. Plus my other specialists. Mental is just as important as physical well-being 👌🏻. And it’s def the best present ever! 🥳.
Have a wonderful Xmas and New Year with hubby ♥️P.S. I’m not sure I’m game, I’d prob say I’m a bit of a coward. I hate GA 😆 - Thank you @Afraser! ☺️. It does make a difference, a massive one. I hope we all continue to enjoy NED years 👌🏻😁.Have a lovely festive period ♥️
- The medical term NAD...no abnormality detected is used across the board, not just pertaining to cancer. So a urine test could be NAD...no sugar, protein, blood and so on. A chest X ray could be NAD...no pneumonia or foreign bodies detected. A leg x ray...NAD...ie...no breaks.
- Thank you @Mazbeth! 😊. You’re absolutely right, we do need to be aware of what’s happening and speak up for ourselves. I’m so glad you also have a brilliant medical team 😃. I will definitely celebrate 🥳😄.May you have a safe and wonderful Xmas too 😘
- My surgeon actually called it NAD, ‘no abnormality detected’, I think. Something like that, my memory is not the best 👀.Good enough for me 😊.@Blossom1961 I have to admit, every time I see BS I automatically think... . 😆Takes a second to realise what it actually means. Terminology can be very confusing
- I think NED got more popular in order to distinguish between partial and complete remission. Remission is often used to describe a considerable reduction in the evidence of disease but not all gone. Complete remission may be interpreted as complete cure but unfortunately some cancer cells may still be lurking, undetectable. NED is clearer - no evidence of disease.
